Dinner with Father Leo

On January 26, we all enjoyed a wonderful meal and talk with the noted blogger, author and celebrity priest Fr. Leo Patalinghug. There were alost 200 women present for his talk and the dinner. It was a great opportunity to meet some new people in the parish.




It looks like Charlotte Gioffre and Shirley Clement will be treating us to a home cooked meal from Fr. Leo's popular cookbook sometime soon and Cecilia Cortes-Peck will be serenading us. What date should we reserve on our calendars???

A number of door prizes were awarded. Among other things, Father Dan generously regifted some of the many black socks he received for Christmas to a lucky recipient. Tony Esser headed up the kitchen and served up a wonderful meal with the help of many other men in the parish.

And as they say, "A wonderful time was had by all."

Posted by Sue Ballmann

Isn't It Strange???

I found this on the web site of St. Nicholas of Tolentine in Philadelphia, PA, the home parish of the famous Catholic blogger Rocco Palmo:

1. Isn't it strange how a 20 dollar bill seems like such a large amount when
you donate it to church, but such a small amount when you go shopping?

2. Isn't it strange how 2 hours seem so long when you're at church, and how
short they seem when you're watching a good movie?

3. Isn't it strange that you can't find a word to say when you're praying,
but you have no trouble thinking what to talk about with a friend?

4. Isn't it strange how difficult and boring it is to read one chapter of the Bible,
but how easy it is to read 100 pages of a popular novel or Zane Grey book?

5. Isn't it strange how everyone wants front row tickets to concerts or games,
but they do whatever is possible to sit in the last row in church?

6. Isn't it strange how we need to know about an event for church 2-3 weeks
before the day so we can include it in our agenda, but we can
adjust it for other events at the last minute?

7. Isn't it strange how difficult it is to learn a fact about God to share it with others, but how easy it is to learn, understand, extend and repeat gossip?

8. Isn't it strange how we believe everything that magazines and newspapers say, but we question the words in the Bible?

9. Isn't it strange how everyone wants a place in Heaven, but they don't want to believe,do, or say anything to get there?

10. Isn't it strange how we send jokes in e-mails and they are forwarded right away,
but when we are going to send messages about God, we think about it twice before
we share it with others?

Posted by Sue Ballmann

Grace Before Meals With Father Leo, Saturday, January 26, 2008

Between his other speaking engagements, Fr. Leo Patalinghug from Mount Saint Mary's will be gracing us with his presence on Saturday evening, January 26, 2008. The ever popular priest, TV star, speaker, blogger and cookbook author will be saying the 5:00 PM Mass on Saturday. After Mass, Fr. Leo will be speaking to the women of the parish about devotion to Mary.

Then we will all be served dinner by the men of the parish. The evening will be a great chance to hear a very entertaining speaker. As Father Dan has said, this will be a wonderful opportunity to meet some of your fellow parishioners. We have a lot of new parishioners, so this is a good time to mix and mingle whether you have been in our parish for a long time or you are new to the area.

The Sodality is in the process of putting together some exciting door prizes. As the list becomes available, more information will be posted on the blog. The theme will be somewhat of a Mardi Gras theme.

The cost for the evening will be $10.00 per person. Please call Sharon Stallings at 410-414-7543 or the parish office at 410-414-8304. Please register as soon as possible so the men know how much food to order.



YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS OUT ON THIS NIGHT OF FUN!!!!

Here is a recent article written by Gail Bradshaw in "The Frederick News-Post"

"Grace Before Meals; Recipes for Family Life," written by Father Leo Patalinghug with Stella Snyder is more than just a cookbook. It is also a book that includes spiritual guidance as well as recipes.


Father Leo, 37, is the Director of Pastoral Field Education at Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg. He works with men in the internship program there to find them placements to do service as priests.


Each chapter of "Grace Before Meals" begins with a Bible verse and discussion, followed by a "Let's Talk" section with suggested questions for family discussion, a "Let's Listen" section with suggested related Bible verses, and a "Let's Cook" section with meal suggestions and recipes. The book starts with New Year's Day and continues throughout the calendar year. Although it follows the holidays most of us are familiar with, there is room for families to create their own holidays or celebrations.


Father Leo has always enjoyed cooking. "I started cooking as a young child, because it was a way to keep me occupied." He confesses to being a very busy child. Whenever friends and/or family get together, he tries out new recipes.


He began "to realize a Godly purpose for food: that the simple act of creating and sharing a meal could strengthen all kinds of relationships. After all, Jesus used the meal to teach His most powerful lessons and invites each of us to share in His feast."


"With a few simple ingredients and a few hours of time, your kitchen can become the perfect setting for honest, engaging and memorable conversations." "Grace Before Meals can help strengthen your relationships with your family and with God's family. Research shows that frequent family dinners can reduce risks facing teens like teen pregnancy, smoking, drug use and depression. And you don't have to be a traditional family nor have kids to reap these benefits."


Father Leo was born in the Philippines and raised in the Baltimore area. He developed his love for cooking while attending the seminary at the North American College in Rome. While there he traded cooking secrets with several Italian restaurant owners in the student kitchen. He "loves the process of making a meal as much as sharing it at a table full of friends."
His style of cooking is "cooking fusion."


He is not trained in any particular style. His cooking is a "blend of different styles." He was home trained and studied at culinary institutes in Europe.


He was ordained in 1999 and served as a parish priest for five years at St. John's Church in Westminster. There he was often invited to dinner at the homes of parishioners. When he arrived he would cook for them instead of them cooking for him. He used these opportunities to build friendships and engage in relaxed conversations in the kitchen. "These unstructured times spent making a meal together provided the inspiration for Grace Before Meals."


Before becoming a priest, Father Leo pursued degrees in writing and political science. He taught high school speech, debate, and drama. With his brother, he founded a martial arts school in 1988. He holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and won a national competition in Arniz, a form of full-contact stick fighting. He uses martial arts when working and speaking to youth groups and on college campuses. His hobbies include writing, singing, jogging, and traveling.


"Grace Before Meals" has also been made into a PBS pilot with Father Leo cooking. With financing from corporate sponsors, the pilot can become a regular PBS series. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of his book will go to help fund the PBS show.


For more information, go to www.gracebeforemeals.com. Father Leo has a free on-line newsletter. His book "Grace Before Meals" is available through the website, upon request at bookstores, and through amazon.com. It is also available at Mount St. Mary's bookstore.

AFTER READING THE ABOVE ARTICLE, I am wondering, does this mean that Fr. Leo will be teaching Fr. Dan how to cook when he goes out to visit his parishioners for dinner???????

Mark Your Calendar to Visit the World Famous Mummers on 2/23/08

On Saturday morning, February 23, 2008, the Sodality is headed to Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey to sing along and dance with the Mummers. For the past 107 years, the Mummers have performed their world famous strut down the streets of Philadelphia in a 12 hour parade on New Years Day.

They are known for their colorful costumes and string bands. Many of the costumes are made out of colorful feathers. They work on their costumes and practice their routines all year long. When most people think of the Mummers, they think of the string bands. They play unamplified instruments consisting of banjos, saxophones, accordions, drums, glockenspiels and violins. Their spirit is contagious. Years ago, I saw a Mummers parade on the boardwalk in Ocean City, New Jersey, and everyone lined up behind them and danced down the boardwalk.

The bus will be leaving the parking lot at Jesus the Divine Word at 6:30 AM on Saturday morning February 23, 2008. We anticipate that the ride will be about 4 hours. The show starts at Noon and lasts for 3 hours. We will be departing Atlantic City at 4:30 PM to return home.

The cost of the trip will be $55.00. Because the bus will be parking at Trump Plaza, they have agreed to give each person who registers with them $20.00 in coin to spend as they please. In order to register, you must be 21 or older and present a valid picture ID.

Please make all checks payable to Jesus the Divine Word. Please put the word Sodality in the memo section. The deadline for registration is Sunday, January 27, 2008. We must have your check in hand by that date in order to finalize the reservations. All participants must be 21 or older. Spouses and friends are welcome.

For additional information, please contact one of the following people:

Sue Ballmann at 301-908-7002 or sballmann@aol.com (please use 2 n's or it goes someplace else)

Robin Pilkerton at 301-502-1278 cell or 410-535-2787 or marylandm@aol.com

Lill Caplins at 410-535-3280 or cell at 443-624-0128 or lcaplins@comcast.net

Please join us for a day of fun, friends and great memories!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Sue Ballmann

A Fond Farewell for Margaret and Robert Cross

Jesus the Divine Word is already missing two long time members as they recently moved to North Carolina. We will miss their big, friendly smiles and all of the many contributions they have made to the parish over the years. Among her many other accomplishments, Margaret played a tremendous role in getting our Sodality up and going, and we are forever indebted to her for that feat. There is an empty spot in the pew at morning Mass where Robert prayed every day for all of those with HIV and for the canonization of Father Flannigan. Perhaps they will put together a reunion for us in Rome when Father Flannigan makes the list of saints!!!! (Hmmmmm - sounds like a good Sodality field trip here????)

And, of course, no farewell for Margaret and Robert would be complete without a poem by Lill Caplins:

God Be With You

Years ago, Margaret and Robert came,
to our church, it has never been the same
A couple who were so easy to love,
all the qualities of a peaceful dove.
They became at once, well thought of.

Margaret spotted as an executive type.
Took on our Sodality without a gripe.
Organized and set up the by-laws,
as we watched in unbelievable awe.
Recognized in her officiating skills.
Worked on the Council with a will.
Wisdom and knowledge from her does flow.
In addition as a lector, reads with a glow.

Robert, other member of this incredible pair,
Took on a task requiring thought and care
Ministered to the sick, a call he loves.
In the Knights, he serves his God above.
Busy in community activities galore,
The homeless, special needs and many more.

This is a marriage God meant to be,
Devoted to their children all can see.
It is with sorrow that we bid farewell.
In our hearts, there is a hollow well.
Though miles may keep us apart,
Your memory will remain in our hearts.

We wish you both the best of luck, and don't forget to visit!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Sue Ballmann

Wedding Bells for Nancy Cioffi and Charles McCleary

Congratulations to Nancy Cioffi and Charles McCleary who were married on Saturday, November 24, 2007. Father Dan performed the ceremony at Jesus the Divine Word, and a reception followed in Doran Hall. Congratulations to the newlyweds!!!!!!!!!! We all wish you many happy years together.

Posted by Sue Ballmann

Be Careful What You Ask For!!!!!

A friend sent me this e-mail.


An atheist was walking through the woods.
"What majestic trees!"
"What powerful rivers!"
"What beautiful animals!"
He said to himself.

As he was walking alongside the river, he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him. He turned to look. He saw a 7-foot grizzly bear charging towards him.

He ran as fast as he could up the path. He looked over his shoulder & saw that the bear was closing in on him. He looked over his shoulder again, & the bear was even closer. He tripped & fell on the ground. He rolled over to pick himself up but saw that the bear was right on top of him, reaching for him with his left paw & raising his right paw to strike him.

At that instant the atheist cried out, "Oh my God!"
Time stopped.
The bear froze.
The forest was silent

As a bright light shone upon the man, a voice came out of the sky. "You deny my existence for all these years, teach others I don't exist and even credit creation to cosmic accident."

"Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer?"

The atheist looked directly into the light, "It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to treat me as a Christian now, but perhaps you could make the BEAR a Christian?"

"Very well," said the voice. The light went out. The sounds of the forest resumed.

And the bear dropped his right paw, brought both paws together, bowed his head & spoke:
"Lord bless this food, which I am about to receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord, Amen."

Posted by Sue Ballmann

Today's Daily Word - Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Prosperity

I live in a world of abundance and gratefully receive the blessings of God.
With deep gratitude, I acknowledge that I live in a world of abundance. The abundance in nature inspires and enlivens me. Each creature, large and small, has its own role to play. The plants and trees, oceans and rivers—even rock formations—are a celebration of beauty, bounty, and diversity.

Sometimes exactly what I need seems to come from nowhere. The book I pull off the shelf opens to just the information I need. A career opportunity appears out of the blue. As if by chance, I meet someone special who enriches my life.

Such blessings do not happen by chance; they come from God. My physical, material, emotional, and spiritual needs are fulfilled by God, the source of all good.

"Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." —James 1:17

From Sharon Stallings and posted by Sue Ballmann

Update on the Purvis Family

Please continue to remember the Purvis family in your prayers. They lost two teenage children in a tragic auto accident last week.



PLEASE NOTE THAT FR. DAN WILL BE OFFERING THE 8:00 AM MASS ON THURSDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 15, 2007 FOR ALYSON AND RYAN PURVIS.



The following is the death notice from the Washington Post:




PURVIS ALYSON MICHELLE PURVIS "Aly" (17) RYAN JESSE PURVIS "Purple" (14) On Monday, November 5, 2007 and Friday, November 9, 2007 of Chesapeake Beach, MD. Beloved children of Robert and Susan Purvis; loving sister and brother of Emma Margaret; grandchildren of Lorna J. and the late George Nicholas Purvis, Jr. and Gail Jones and Joseph Jones, Jr. Family will receive friends at the LEE FUNERAL HOME, CALVERT, P.A., 8125 Southern Maryland Blvd. (Rte 4 & Fowler Rd.) Owings, MD on Wednesday from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 9 p.m. Service will be held at Chesapeake Church, 6201 Solomons Island Rd., Huntingtown, MD on Thursday, November 15 at 11 a.m. Interment Chesapeake Highlands Memorial Gardens, Port Republic, MD. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the “Stommel Enterprises, Inc. Memorial Account for the Purvis Family”, 10130 Southern Maryland Blvd., Dunkirk, Maryland 20754.

Published in The Washington Post on 11/12/2007.


Friends may want to go online to the Washington Post and sign the guestbook.


Also received in a related e-mail:

Donations are being accepted via a Memorial account that has been set up with SunTrust Bank by Exit 1 Stop Reality. The family faces enormous expenses due to this tragedy. No donation is too small and will be greatly appreciated. Please pass this along to whomever you think might
be interested. Please make checks payable to: 'Stommel Enterprises Inc, Memorial Account for the Purvis Family', Lee Funeral Home or the Purvis Family directly.

Donations can be mailed to:

Exit 1 Stop Realty
10130 Southern Maryland Blvd
Dunkirk, MD 20754


Receive their souls , O holy ones; present them now to God, Most High. Lord graciously hear us!

Postd by Sue Ballmann

Adventures in Late Nite Catechism

And we all thought Sunday was a day of rest??????? Our Sodality spent this Sunday afternoon in a 1960’s classroom complete with the JMJ on the top center of the chalkboard and the picture of President John F. Kennedy (“our best Catholic president ever”) taped to the board. Sister quizzed us RELENTLESSLY on the old days in Catholic school and such topics as Easter Duty and Stigmata. We discussed heaven, limbo, purgatory and H-E-double hockey sticks as part of our lesson.

It was interesting to see how much fear she brought out in everyone as she walked up and down that aisle with her ruler. Sister informed us that she prefers the rulers with the metal edges. The “students” were even raising their hands to use the bathroom. The really funny part was that when “students” were called upon to give answers in front of the class is that their friends all tried to whisper the answers in their ears as they stood up in the “classroom” with their knees knocking to answer Sister’s questions in very timid voices. This, of course, also got their friends in trouble. Complete sentences were required for all answers beginning with, “Sister, the answer is …” We all laughed so hard that our muscles still ache.

Fortunately, no one in our class earned a seat in the chair in the corner of the classroom for bad behavior. Sister brought out one of the little chairs she had made over the years. It was small step stool, and the back of the chair was made from some of the many broken rulers that had snapped over the years as she whipped her students into shape. She informed us that she will be raising funds by selling some of these chairs on e-Bay.

She reminded us the priest used to have his back to the people to say Mass in Latin before Vatican II. Now he is turned around facing the people so that Mass looks like a cooking show. She quickly put those students who were dressed inappropriately in their place. She even made one student cover herself up with a tissue (like a bib) because was revealing too much skin.

Pursuant to a request from the Vatican, we voted on which saints should retain their status as saints (since there are way too many saints now) or whether they would join St. Christopher in – I was going to say limbo – but she reminded us that got abolished not once, but twice, so I am not sure what happened to him. St. Anthony was apparently kept on the list as his help was successfully invoked by a prayer to find a jacket lost by an audience member.

We also discussed the proper use of a St. Joseph statue. It has long been a custom to bury a St. Joseph statue in your yard when you are selling your home. (There have even been two very large stories about this practice in the Washington Post over the years.) When you are selling your house, it must be placed upside down in your front yard facing YOUR house. Otherwise you may suffer the plight of one of the audience members who accidentally turned the statue towards his neighbor’s house. The neighbor’s house sold instead of his own home.

At the conclusion of class, Sister told us that she has been doing this show for seven years. In that time, this theatre group has raised millions of dollars by collecting money after each show for different orders of local nuns, After all, it is not a true Catholic gathering without a collection!!!!!!!!!!! She stood outside with a large basket to collect money for the Holy Cross Sisters, the Sisters of Mercy and a third group that I can’t remember. One hundred percent of that money goes to the directly nuns themselves.

After the show, we raced across the street to secure some seats at The Olney Ale House a long tradition in Olney. We continued to reminisce and laugh there over a wonderful meal.

Check back here shortly for some pictures we took. I am having a hard time getting them up.

Posted by Sue Ballmann

Prayers URGENTLY Needed for the Purvis Family

Sharon Stallings received this message in an e-mail from a friend earlier today:

Mary Eldridge is at the hospital with Rob and Sue Purvis. She is requesting we begin a prayer chain for Ryan Purvis who is in critical condition in Baltimore as well as The Purvis Family. He and his sister, Allison were driving to Northern High School this morning, November 5th, 2007 and were involved in a horrific car accident. For additional details, please see this link: http://www.nbc4.com/slideshow/news/14510971/detail.html

Sadly Allison passed away. Please pray for the Purvis family that God will comfort them in their time of sorrow, for Allison, that she is in God's kingdom of heaven with God's loving arms around her and for Ryan that God will be with him and will restore him back to his perfect health, and for the doctors who are treating them that God's hands will be with their hands to restore their child and for all of us who are grieving with Rob and Sue and their families.

Sharon also suggested praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for the family.

Posted by Sue Ballmann

Meeting on Thursday, November 8, 2007

Just a reminder that our monthly meeting will be Thursday, November 8, 2007 at the church. We will start with some prayers in the Chapel at 7:00 pm, and then we will move to Doran Hall for the balance of the meeting.

We will be having a guest speaker Eileen O'Steen to discuss a charitable project she is involved with. Eileen lost her son Ryan to a rare genetic disorder in 2001. Since that time, her family has been involved in building a state of the art playground for special needs children in Calvert County. Her family is now working with Hospice House as they build a new 10,000 square foot facility on Sixes Road. They are helping to fund a children's play/therapy room in the building. I am sure her talk will be fascinating. This will be an outstanding opportunity to hear more about issues which impact all of us.

We will also be discussing our upcoming events - of which there will be many. Please come and bring your calendars so our exciting activities will be the first on your books.

If you are going to see Late Nite Catechism with us, please bring your money to the meeting. We need to have it collected before the day of the event. There are still a few remaining seats, so please invite any of your friends for a great time and a barrel of laughs. We will be convening at a local restaurant in Olney after the show to exchange stories and laugh about the play.

We are also encouraging you to bring any of your friends in the parish. This might be a good opportunity to reach out to someone who is new that you do not know yet. See you there!!!!!

Posted by Sue Ballmann

Update on Father Jordan

I have been informed that Fr. Jordan has made substantial progress in his recovery in the last few days. He has been resting quietly. I understand he is expected to leave the hospital soon so that he can go into hibernation for a few months to speed his full recovery. Since he is never one to stay idle, sources say that he is currently working on another doctorate degree - this one in soap operas!!! HA, HA!!!!! Please continue to remember him in your prayers.

"Lord Graciously Hear Us"

One of the things that immediately impressed me about Jesus the Divine Word Parish is the strong faith of the people in this parish. I especially like the prayer used in the petitions of the Mass where the response is "Lord graciously hear us." I have never heard that response in any other parish. There is just something about this particular prayer that always gives you the feeling that these petitions will make it to the front of the line and be answered immediately. The parishioners practice this faith each and every day by looking out for one another. This is especially apparent in the daily gatherings after morning Mass where they all meet to catch up on the latest news. Normally a large part of the conversation revolves around making sure that any parishioner in the hospital is visited and the family is cared for. Often, they are tripping over each other to see who can get in the door first to bring Holy Communion to the patient.

In the event you have not heard, our former pastor Fr. Milt Jordan is in need of a few prayers himself right now. He had emergency by pass surgery yesterday morning. I understand from a family member that he sailed through it with his normal blue ribbon performance. He is expected to make a full recovery. He is resting UNcomfortably now (which is VERY normal as a result of the procedures used in this particular type of surgery - just check it out on the internet if you don't believe me!). Please note that the doctors have restricted his visitors to the immediate family only in order to facilitate his complete rest and recovery. This will also substantially reduce the risk from infection for him. Since we would like to keep him around for a while, please do not rush up there to be the first in line to see him. Tickets will go on sale as soon as he recovers!!!!!!!!!!!!

It sounds like he will be out of commission for at least 7 weeks or so. Can you even imagine this guy taking it easy for that long????? I am sure the hospital will release him as soon as possible - otherwise the staff will never get any work done as they will be gathered around his bed listening to his spellbinding sermons and laughing at his jokes.

Just think - can you even imagine how powerful his sermons will be when he gets back on his feet and has all of this personal experience to share with us????????? They were outstanding before, but I am sure there will be some real insight there in the days ahead. He is probably writing them in his sleep right now!!!! Since he founded our Sodality, maybe we can get on the list for a speaking engagement here before he goes on a worldwide tour to discuss his experiences.

Speaking of that, Fr. Jordan has always been one to take good care of himself. In fact, pictures taken of him this year show him looking even younger than he looked 10 years ago. We have all heard him talk about the importance of eating well. I know that he will certainly have something to say on this topic in the weeks ahead. I am sure that any discussion that any one of us has with him will include some insights to the yet to be published "Fr. Milt's Holy Healthy Heart Cookbook." I am also sure that Dr. Milt will be dispensing quite a bit of healthy living advice to all of us. If I know him, I suspect that he has already worked out a deal with his doctor that for every one one of us he catches not eating a healthy diet whom he refers over to the heart doctor, a large contribution will go into that collection basket!!!!!!!

There is that old saying that, "Laughter is the best medicine." If there is one thing we all know and love about Fr. Milt, it is that he loves to laugh, and he has a great sense of humor. So, in addition to all of the prayers and holy cards that y'all send his way, please send him something to keep him laughing so he will heal even more quickly.

Let's see if we can keep his secretary busy working overtime just to keep track of his correspondence from Divine Word. I am guessing that he will not need any more statues here (but I could be wrong.) I am ordering three (3) nine foot statues to be delivered to him - one of Mary, one of St. Joseph, and one of St. Expedite. I have arranged for the construction crews to deliver and install them in his room before he returns home. I will also see if the pink flamingo choir has an opening in their schedule to welcome him home.

Father Jordan's mailing address is Our Lady of Victory Parish, 4835 MacArthur Boulevard, Washington, DC 20007. I would suggest sending a message to him via snail mail rather than by e-mail. Given the large amount of e-mail he receives on a daily basis anyway, he will probably never catch up at this point, especially with get well wishes coming from all over the world. And think about this - since he is under the weather and has no access to a computer, who is reading those e-mails???????????

I know this has been very serious news here, but for a laugh, check out his most recent blog post at http://www.dcolvhappenings.blogspot.com/ As you read this post, just picture a little cartoon character of Fr. Milty chasing the marathoners with his collection basket. Is that him or what??????? While you are at it, check out some of his other postings there. It contains many of his daily and Sunday sermons.

For a more complete tribute to Fr. Milt, check out the blog posts written by his good friend Rocco Palmo on his distinguished Catholic blog "Whispers in the Loggia" read world over by Cardinals and commoners alike which can be found at http://www.whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com/ Rocco did a wonderful job here. There are two posts on October 30, 2007, plus a link to another one. Enjoy.

From Lill Caplins' daily Mass petition, "Dear Lord, please watch over Fr. Jordan and keep him in the palm of your hand. Please give him a painless (as possible) and quick recovery. May he continue to retain his jovial and lovable nature and his positive attitude, so that he can continue to teach us how to follow in Jesus' footsteps."

Lord graciously hear us!!!!!!!!!!




Posted by Sue Ballmann with a SUBSTANTIAL collaboration from Lill Caplins

Late Nite Catechism - Sister is Expecting You in Your Seat, or You WILL Suffer the Consequences!!!!

It’s time to dig out those old Baltimore Catechism books and brush up on your Latin!!!!

Sister requests the honor of your presence at a performance of Late Nite Catechism. Attendance is mandatory!!! Any no shows or non-responders will be spending extra time on their knees in the confessional with Fr. Dan, where he will be handing out an extra penance. The show is at the Olney Theatre on Sunday, November 11, 2007 at 1:30 pm. Tardiness will NOT be tolerated. All attendees must behave appropriately during the performance or risk sitting in the corner on the stage of Sister’s classroom.

The Sodality has reserved a block of tickets. All the women in the parish are welcome to join the group and invite their friends. We will be carpooling from the parish and leaving at approximately 11:30. Please contact either Robin Pilkerton at 410-535-2787 or Sue Ballmann at 301-908-7002 or Sharon Stallings at 410-414-7543 for additional information.

The cost of the play $29.00 per person. After the show, we will be going to dinner at a local restaurant in Olney. We are still working on those details. This will give us all a chance to laugh about the play together and exchange our memories of Catholic school. You will find this experience hilarious whether or not you went to Catholic school. This will be a great chance to meet some new friends and for some of those old timers to tell us how it was in the “good old days.”

We would like to increase the size of our group, so everyone is encouraged to invite potential new members. Please try and let us know that you are coming ASAP so that we can easily reserve more tickets, if necessary. Also, please pass any of this information on to members of the parish who may not have internet access. We will update this blog with any additional information as soon as it becomes available.

Posted by Sue Ballmann