O Felix Culpa
Two weeks ago, in anticipation of Halloween, I wrote about the devil. It sparked a lot of interest from parishioners. Maybe it’s the month of October that stirs interest in the paranormal, because a few people followed up their thoughts on the issue with the question, “Can a Catholic believe in ghosts?” Can you? I suppose you could. Should you? It’s not necessary. The Church has generally been neutral on the question of ghosts. As Catholics, we can take them or leave them. Personally, I’ve always had a tough time theologically squaring the circle on the idea of a disembodied soul. Is God so indecisive with a deceased person that He allows them to wander aimlessly looking for rest? But if they have a purpose for their roaming, well, that may be different.
Two weeks ago, in anticipation of Halloween, I wrote about the devil. It sparked a lot of interest from parishioners. Maybe it’s the month of October that stirs interest in the paranormal, because a few people followed up their thoughts on the issue with the question, “Can a Catholic believe in ghosts?” Can you? I suppose you could. Should you? It’s not necessary. The Church has generally been neutral on the question of ghosts. As Catholics, we can take them or leave them. Personally, I’ve always had a tough time theologically squaring the circle on the idea of a disembodied soul. Is God so indecisive with a deceased person that He allows them to wander aimlessly looking for rest? But if they have a purpose for their roaming, well, that may be different.
Read Fr. O'Toole's article here.
Eucharistic Adoration
A Testimony from an Adorer
I was a regular in the Adoration chapel years ago and (perhaps selfishly) loved the quiet time in my weekly schedule. Then life got even busier and I let my time slot go.
I have now recommitted to spending time alone with Jesus. As you have heard, you can pray to Jesus, chat with Jesus, journal, read. Just simply ask Jesus to be present with you.
I am reading a book about his Blessed Mother. The book provides daily words to ponder. My word one day was diligence. My question to ponder that day was, “take a moment to ask Jesus if He is pleased with how you are setting aside time every day to pray”.
I have now recommitted to spending time alone with Jesus. As you have heard, you can pray to Jesus, chat with Jesus, journal, read. Just simply ask Jesus to be present with you.
I am reading a book about his Blessed Mother. The book provides daily words to ponder. My word one day was diligence. My question to ponder that day was, “take a moment to ask Jesus if He is pleased with how you are setting aside time every day to pray”.
Well, ha, I laughed in front of Jesus. My answer was a resounding NO!
I chatted with Jesus for a moment. He knows it, I know it. Even as I sit in Adoration, believing I am doing good, I know I am sleepy. Or my mind wanders. And this is just one morning a week. I know I can do better!
But the longer I sit there Jesus makes me smile. He gives me a little break from my self flagellation. I almost feel him wink. “You’re doing alright”, he says. He forgives me for being tired, he forgives me for letting my mind race. He forgives, because that is the kind of fella he is.
Ask yourself the question. “Is Jesus pleased with how you are setting aside time every day to pray?”
He will meet you wherever you are, however you choose to spend the time in His presence.
All you need to do is sign up.
- Lynn Abeln Meyer
I chatted with Jesus for a moment. He knows it, I know it. Even as I sit in Adoration, believing I am doing good, I know I am sleepy. Or my mind wanders. And this is just one morning a week. I know I can do better!
But the longer I sit there Jesus makes me smile. He gives me a little break from my self flagellation. I almost feel him wink. “You’re doing alright”, he says. He forgives me for being tired, he forgives me for letting my mind race. He forgives, because that is the kind of fella he is.
Ask yourself the question. “Is Jesus pleased with how you are setting aside time every day to pray?”
He will meet you wherever you are, however you choose to spend the time in His presence.
All you need to do is sign up.
- Lynn Abeln Meyer
How can I continue to support St. Peter Parish?
God bless you for your generous giving! There are a few options you can choose:
- Mail your weekly offertory to St. Peter, 243 West Argonne, Kirkwood, MO 63122.
- Drop off your donation envelope in the mail slot at 243 West Argonne Drive.
- Make donations online through the Online Giving link here:
Getting Together Again – Parishioners have been itching for some big socializing since the pandemic put limits on our activities. I think that itch got scratched last Saturday!
The PTO-sponsored Dash began at 7:30 a.m. with a 5K circuit through the streets of Kirkwood. A record number 533 children and adults participated! Thanks go to Maria Jokerst and Rita Schumann for organizing this fund-raiser for the school.