October 20, 2014
Marian Shrine E-Newsletter
Volume 3, Issue 12
Fr. Jim McKenna


The other day I had enough energy to take a short walk so I could get some sun and a little movement. Vitamin D is huge for the immune system, and fresh air and a little movement are good for both the body and spirit.

During this walk, I was reflecting on my gratitude for many things.


I noticed I was feeling grateful for many things, and one of them was my gratitude for not being as ill as people who can't get out of bed or can't even appreciate the sun and fresh air that I had.

Then the moment hit me hard...

The aha that surprised me...

I realized I was actually being grateful for what I *didn't* have.

I was grateful that I didn't have the experience that others, less healthy, had. I wasn't being grateful for what I actually was experiencing and already had in my life.

I was stunned and immediately shifted my perspective to simply be grateful for what I have...

With no comparisons.

It's so easy to do that. Many of our parents taught us to be grateful for what we have "because other people aren't as fortunate." While well-intended, that approach doesn't foster a true sense of gratitude for what is. It's almost a guilt / shame approach to try and force gratitude where it might not exist.

And that doesn't feel so good.

So next time you find yourself grateful for what you have that somebody else doesn't, be it health or objects or relationships, take a few deep breaths and just ask yourself this simple question:

"What am I grateful for in this Present moment?"

See what you notice! 

 

God Bless you,

In Mary Help of Christians,

I remain,

Fr. Jim McKenna SDB

Director

Marian Shrine, Stony Point, NY


 

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Billy Graham Story

  Billy Graham is now 92 years-old with Parkinson's disease. In January, leaders in Charlotte, North Carolina, invited their favorite son, Billy Graham, to a luncheon in his honor. Billy initially hesitated to accept the invitation because he struggles with
Parkinson's disease.

But the Charlotte leaders said, 'We don't expect a major address. Just come and let us honor you.' So he agreed.


After wonderful things were said about him, Dr. Graham stepped to the rostrum, looked at the crowd, and said, "I'm reminded today of Albert Einstein, the great physicist who this month has been honored by Time magazine as the Man of the Century. Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He couldn't find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets. It wasn't there. He looked in his briefcase but couldn't find it. Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn't find it. "The conductor said, 'Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I'm sure you bought a ticket. Don't worry about it.'

"Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket.

"The conductor rushed back and said, 'Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don't worry, I know who you are; no problem. You don't need a ticket. I'm sure you bought one.'

Einstein looked at him and said, "Young man, I too, know who I am.

What I don't know is where I'm going.

Having said that Billy Graham continued, "See the suit I'm wearing? It's a brand new suit. My children, and my grandchildren are telling me I've gotten a little slovenly in my old age. I used to be a bit more fastidious.

So I went out and bought a new suit for this luncheon and one more occasion. You know what that occasion is? This is the suit in which I'll be buried. But when you hear I'm dead, I don't want you to immediately remember the suit I'm wearing. I want you to remember
this: I not only know who I am. I also know where I'm going."   

May your troubles be less, your blessings more, and may nothing but happiness, come through your door. "Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil - it has no point.".


Laughter the best Medicine

Catholic Dictionary

AMEN.............The only part of a prayer that everyone knows.

BULLETIN.....Your receipt for attending Mass.

CHOIR............A group of people whose singing allows the rest of the Parish to lip-sync.

HOLY  WATER....A liquid whose chemical formula is H2OLY.

INCENSE..............Holy Smoke!

JESUITS...............An order of priests known for their ability to find colleges with good basketball teams.

JONAH..................The original 'Jaws' story.

JUSTICE................When kids have kids of their own.

KYRIE ELEISON..................The only Greek words that most Catholics can recognize besides gyros and baklava.

MAGI..............The most famous trio to attend a baby shower.

PROCESSION.........The ceremonial formation at the beginning of Mass consisting of altar servers, the celebrant, and late parishioners looking for seats.

RECESSIONAL.......The ceremonial procession at the conclusion of Mass led by parishioners trying to beat the crowd to the parking lot.

RELICS...........People who have been going to Mass for so long, they actually know when to sit, kneel, and stand.

STABLE..........Where Mary gave birth to Jesus because Joseph wasn't covered by an  HMO.


Little known facts about the Catholic Church in Las Vegas :

There are more churches in Las Vegas than casinos. During Sunday services at the offertory, some worshippers contribute casino chips as opposed to cash. Some are sharing their winnings - some are hoping to win. Since they get chips from so many different casinos, and they are worth money, the Catholic churches are required to send all the chips into the diocese for sorting. Once sorted into the respective casino chips, one junior priest takes the chips and makes the rounds to the casinos turning chips into cash. And he, of course, is known as The Chip Monk

 


Devotion to the THREE HAIL MARY'S

The devotion of the THREE HAIL MARYS is a very simple yet most efficacious devotion.

Everyday, recite Three Hail Marys, adding the invocation: "O Mary, My Mother, keep me from mortal sin." Many people recite the Three Hail Marys as part of their morning and night prayers. To practice this devotion in time of danger, stress, special need or temptation, is a sure means to obtain Our Lady's help.


Thank you Mother Mary, through the faithful recitation of the 3 Hail Marys I have received numerous favors and blessings. S. DaSilva, NY 

 

My sincere and heartfelt thanks to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mother Mary Help of Christians. Through the faithful recitation of the 3 Hail Marys my son was cured of a cyst on his head without any operation. Roselle, NY 

 

I had a fish bone stuck in my throat and it was going deeper. I was beginning to panic. I continuously prayed the 3 Hail Marys. I was relieved from this anxiety. I am most grateful to Our Lady for protecting me from any complication. Mrs. Anna, MA 


In Closing

 

Dear devotees of Our Lady and Don Bosco,

If you have received a miracle through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, we would like to hear from you. Email us at [email protected].

 

Bookstore hours: Monday - Saturday - 10 am to 5 pm, Sundays: 12 - 4 pm

 

Weekday Masses: 12 noon. Confessions on weekdays begin at 11.30 am.

Sunday Masses: 11 am and 12.30 pm

 

Other activities: Weekend retreats, Don Bosco Summer Camp, Rent Lomagno Hall, Eucharistic Adoration, Friday night Lenten Dinners, 50/50 raffle, 350 club, Rosary Madonna Statue.

 

MEMORIES

Remember a Loved One: Engrave plaques on Wall of Memories, adopt a Tree, Engrave blocks on Walk of Honor, All Souls, All year Candle lighting, Holiday (Christmas and Easter), Flowers, Schedule a Mass, Bell Chimes.

 

MASS INTENTIONS

To offer a mass intention, please write to

Fr. Jim McKenna SDB

174 Filors Lane,

Stony Point, NY 10980

[email protected].


 

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