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

Bible vs. Cell Phone

From an e-mail sent by Sharon Stallings:


I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?

What if we flipped through it several times a day?

What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?

What if we used it to receive messages from the text?

What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?

What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?

What if we used it when we traveled?

What if we used it in case of emergency?

This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible? Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.Makes you stop and think "where are my priorities"?And no dropped calls!

Minutes of Meeting on Thursday, October 11. 2007

October 11, 2007

Minutes

ATTENDEES:

Sharon Stallings
Shirley Clement
Charlotte Rank
Ella Mae Raysinger
Rose Lee Jackson
Joan Voss
Charlotte Whidden
Debbie O’Brien
A. Margaret Cross
Charlotte Gioffre
Lil Caplins
Peggy Arnold
Marianne Roberts

Members met in the Chapel before meeting and said the Rosary.

The meeting was called to order by our Prefect Sharon Stallings following the Rosary.

The September meeting was a pilgrimage to Mt. St. Mary’s in Pennsylvania. Our Vice Prefect Charlotte Rank was installed at Mt. St. Mary’s Grotto.

New members Charlotte Whidden and Debbie O’Brien were welcomed into Sodality.

The Treasurer reported that we have a balance of $1,010.53. Dues ($15.00) will be collected from members at the November meeting.

Other Issues/Reports:

Thanksgiving boxes were discussed. Some of the boxes being prepared by the church will be used for local families. It was agreed that twenty (20) $25.00 Giant gift cards will be purchased by the Sodality for the local boxes.

Our Christmas social was discussed. Tentative date is Thursday, December 13. It was suggested that we have Mass and then maybe pot luck with gifts for Birthright. Peggy Arnold with discuss the Mass with Father Leary and report back in November.

There was much discussion about recruiting new members and new activities for the Sodality. The need to show our devotion to the Blessed Mother was discussed. The need to publicize our Sodality in the Bulletin and possibly having someone available to discuss what we do with people interested in joining. Margaret Cross said she had copies of the brochure and information we used to publicize before and would send them to Sharon. Peggy Arnold will prepare a new brochure for us.

Charlotte Whidden volunteered to contact other Sodality’s to see what their activities are and how they recruit new members.

It was also suggested that we expand our activities by becoming Good Samaritans. Activities such as taking people to the doctor, sitting with the sick, running errands, etc; may create interest in our group.

Peggy Arnold passed out a sign up sheet for attendance of the “Our Catholic Faith” series of videos beginning October 15.

Margaret Cross announced that she will be moving in November and thanked the members of the support she received while she was a member of the Sodality. She requested prayers for her and Robert in their new venture to North Carolina.

The meeting was closed with prayer.



SHIRLEY CLEMENT
Recording Secretary