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The summer vacation may be perceived as a midway point in the calendar year, a time when we have paused to take stock of the five or so months that whizzed by. Why, perhaps it may have even been a time to renew some New Year resolutions that may have suffered neglect.
Working too hard for too long could have caused us to lose focus or we may have stopped turning out some really good work. If what we were doing didn't provide any joy or became unbearable, having taken some time off during these days of holiday may have been a wise decision. Consider this: a refreshing holiday might help you come back in fighting shape. We're so proficient at pushing ourselves; it's common among overachiever types. That's why we sometimes are just able to get from point A to B; or we create the illusion of change when in reality all we're really doing is just spinning our wheels.
Sadly we simply avoid standing still and do not accept the moment as it is. And all that pushing can feel so smart and productive until we're exhausted, dehydrated, overextended, overwhelmed, or otherwise ready to snap. (cf GC 27 #27) We've been in all those spots-and not just way back when, at a time when we were some completely different person.
There are still days when our instinct is to push ourselves to the limits for reasons we may or may not fully understand at the moment. I suspect we all do this from time to time: spread ourselves way too thin while trying to expand our world only to realize there's only so far we can stretch. I've got to admit that there's only so much my body, mind, and spirit can take.
And so, when we are done with summer, with retreats, and get back to a new ministerial year and work, I do hope that most of us return refreshed in mind, soul and body. Being out of community for a while also helps us to take stock and to realize the value and the worth of each community member and whom we could sometimes take for granted. (cf GC 27 # 42) We thank God for each one!
God bless you.
In Mary Help of Christians,
I remain,
Fr. Jim McKenna SDB
Director
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'Walking' is the best exercise!
'Walk Away' from arguments that lead you to nowhere but anger.
'Walk Away' from people who deliberately put you down.
'Walk Away' from any thought that reduces your worth.
'Walk Away' from failures and fears that stifle your dreams.
The more you
'Walk Away' from things that poison your soul, the happier your life will be.
"Gift Yourself A Walk Towards Happiness"
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 A short story
There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind. She hated everyone except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She told her boyfriend 'If I could only see the world, I will marry you.' One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages came off, she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend. He asked her,' Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?' The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind. The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected that. The thought of looking at them the rest of her life led her to refuse to marry him. Her boyfriend left her in tears and days later wrote a note to her saying: 'Take good care of your eyes, my dear for before they were yours, they were mine.' |
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 Laughter the best medicine
A bookseller conducting a market survey asked a woman - "Which book has helped you most in your life?"
The woman replied - "My husband's check book !!"
A prospective husband in a book store "Do you have a book called, 'Husband - the Master of the House'? Sales Girl : "Sir, Fiction and Comics are on the 1st floor!".
Someone asked an old man : "Even after 70 years, you still call your wife - Darling, Honey, Luv. What's the secret ?
Old man : I forgot her name and I'm scared to ask her.
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 The Devotion of 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.
My sincere thanks to Our Blessed Mother and Don Bosco for the many blessings and favors received. S. Fernandez, NY Grateful thanks to Our Lady and Don Bosco for a quick recovery from a problem of kidney stones and for many other favors granted to me. Hilda Antao, NY My thanks to Our Lady and Don Bosco for curing my father of a continuous cough that has persisted for more than 3 months. P. Alvarez, GA My sincere thanks to Jesus and Mother Mary for guiding us in our efforts to own a house. Solomen and Susan Concessio, Wellington, New Zealand |
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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 MaryShrine@aol.com.
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: Day Retreats, Weekend retreats, Don Bosco Summer Camp, Eucharistic Adoration, Friday night Lenten Dinners, 50/50 raffle, 350 club, Rosary Madonna Statue. Rent Lomagno Hall, Rent our Banquet Hall.
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
mckennasdb@yahoo.com.
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