Litany of St Francis de Sales

I have two confirmation saints, coz I'm greedy and stuff...One is St Clare of Assisi, my Dad chose her name for me when I thought I was going to be Confirmed in the Catholic primary school I went to. The other is St Francis de Sales, patron of writers, and I love to write so i wanted him to look over me. My name is Francis Clare, at first it was going to be Clare Francis but I decided against it (I actually rang up my priest less than a week before my baptism to change it lol!). It was funny that night because I was the only one who chose a Confirmation name (all the other candidates were much older and probably didn't see it as necessary). Thankfully I was the first one called up so I probably didn't stick out too much. I chose both saints because my Dad and I had been having a fight just up to a couple of weeks before my baptism, he wasn't even going to come (he lives 700kms away from me anyway), and I decided after we made up I wanted to honour him in some way.

Anyway, I found this litany the other day. St Francis De Sales is a fairly obscure saint (I can't find a metal of him) so I'm really pleased he at least a litany!

Litany of St. Francis de Sales

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
O God, the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
O God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
O God, the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us
O Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us.

St. Francis de Sales, Pray for us.
St. Francis, miracle of the most august Trinity, Pray for us.
St. Francis, faithful imitator of Jesus Christ, Pray for us.
St. Francis, attached to the the service of the Blessed Virgin, Pray for us.
St. Francis, practicing the virtues of the Saints, Pray for us.
St. Francis, most devote to Jesus crucified, Pray for us.
St. Francis, august tabernacle of true religion, Pray for us.
St. Francis, most humble in prosperity, Pray for us.
St. Francis, most patient in adversity, Pray for us.
St. Francis, true portrait of the meekness of Christ, Pray for us.
St. Francis, simple as the dove, Pray for us.
St. Francis, example of angelic modesty, Pray for us.
St. Francis, exact observer of evangelic poverty, Pray for us.
St. Francis, excellent example of the purity of angels, Pray for us.
St. Francis, ever obedient to the Apostolic See, Pray for us.
St. Francis, generously despising the world, Pray for us.
St. Francis, powerful vanquisher of demons, Pray for us.
St. Francis, invincible triumpher over the flesh, Pray for us.
St. Francis, inflamed with the love of God, Pray for us.
St. Francis, abounding in virtues, Pray for us.
St. Francis, all to all for the salvation of souls, Pray for us.
St. Francis, most dear to God, and beloved by men, Pray for us.
St. Francis, unwearied apostle of Geneva and its territory, Pray for us.
which thou didst so laboriously reunite to the one true Church of God, Pray for us.
St. Francis, most fervent pastor, ever careful to lead thy flock to the fold of Jesus the Good Shepherd, Pray for us.
St. Francis, most renowned for thy miracles, Pray for us.
St. Francis, greatest of all thy miracles, Pray for us.
St. Francis, patriarch of the Visitation, Pray for us.
St. Francis, continual martyr to thy love of God, Pray for us.
St. Francis, father of many Saints, by the holy rules which thou hast left for every state, Pray for us.
St. Francis, powerful protector to obtain of God that mildness which preserves the peace of the heart, Pray for us.
St. Francis, amiable patron of those who invoke thee, Pray for us.

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us, O Lord.

O Blessed Francis, like the fruitful olive-tree in the house of God, radiant in miracles, make us partakers of thy sanctity and of the light which thou enjoyest.

V. Pray for us, Blessed Francis of Sales.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:
O God, by whose gracious will the Blessed Francis, thy confessor and bishop, became all things unto all men, for the saving of their souls, mercifully grant that, being filled with the sweetness of thy love, we may, through the guidance of his counsels, and by the aid of his merits, attain unto the joys of life everlasting. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

Singing

As I've mentioned, I'm singing in a couple of choirs at the moment. It's been interesting and challenging because I'm new to both singing and the Catholic Church (I was baptised in 2009), so I'm not very familiar with a lot of even basic hymns. It's especially awkward when everyone knows "Salve Regina" off by heart and you still have your head buried in the sheet music.

I'm involved in two choirs on the same day. The first is for the First Profession of one of our young Carmelite Nuns. We'll be chanting the "Cum Jubilo" setting (as it's the feast of the Immaculate Conception), and the entrance and communion antiphons and then singing "Ubi Cartias" and "O Sanctissima" by Kevin Allen. It's separated into three parts and I'll be in the alto section. My very talented friend/singing teacher is directing it, she's been very helpful, I feel a lot less lost when she's around.

The other choir is for the Cathedral and we'll be singing for the ordinations of three men into the priesthood that night. I can't wait! We're going to par-tay! But the music for it is beautiful also, a lot of Marian hymns, like "Immaculate Mary" and "Sing to Mary" (my favourite) and the usual ordination hymns, such as "Tu Es Sacredos" and "O God of All Creation". It's funny because I recognised "O God of all Creation" from Holst's Planets Suite, rather than as a hymn.The only I really don't like about it is the choir loft politics. You've got a couple of people who have been there for decades and can't really sing properly anyway, but then they turn into divas (loud divas!) just because they've been there for ages. Then there's the old ladies who who all sing like opera-singers, therefore you can't hear the words of sacred prayers, properly. Even worse, there's the people who bad-mouth the bishop loudly, that annoys me the most because he does the best liturgy and I think they resent having to actually work harder, which is essentially working for the worship of God.

Other than all that I've been having a great time and learning so much. I can't wait for the big night!

Nerd Alert!

Okay, I'm a super big nerd, the most defining reason is because I watch Star Trek and love it! I'm slowly working my way through Star Trek: The Next Generation, which I seriously think is the best series of the lot (although I haven't seen the original series).

Today, while I was procrastinating an assignment, I watched the first episode of Season 2. I was amazed how much it had inproved, the camera work is a lot better, and especially the special effect. There was one scene where Wesley and Guiana (played by the awesome Whoopie Goldberg!) were standing in ten-forward (the bar) and looked out down onto a planet. as the scene progresses the Enterprise turns and the planet moves out of view, then they head into Warp. It was really beautiful, and really added an element of realism, or as real as space travel can get.

As much as I love Star Trek, some of the morality is a bit off, particularly regarding sexuality, thankfully the gay agenda isn't brought in as far as I see, I suppose because it was before the homosexual movement gained the momentum it has today. Today they also touched on abortion, as Councilor Troi was pregnant with an unknown entity who's intent they didn't know. Thankfully she looked at the ultrasound images and changed her mind (how else would the story progress if she had just killed it, I suppose >.>).

I think the thing I find most suspicious is the fact that Earth has apparently found world-peace and everyone has given up the pursuit of material goods and all other forms of greed and oppression. This of course means that all of mankind has found a common philosophy. Seemingly atheistic, as there is no mention of a God as seen through the current world's religions.

I wonder where the Catholic Church stands at this time...

There seemed to have been collapse of society during the 21st century as during one episode you see the cretion of Warp technology, which seems to help humanity rise of the ashes and into exploration of the universe. It would be interesting to se where the universe of Star Trek places the Church and other religions in this. I have a feeling however it's probably along the lines of humanity "out-growing" religion, which was "primitive".

But despite the subtle anti-God/organised religion, Star Trek has a basic concept of good and evil, or the secular view of it, a kind of positivism, I suppose. But it really is a fun program and the writing is excellent, very few cringe worthy lines and as the actors developed (particularly Troi) they have just gotten better and better.

Also, the women are actually noteworthy characters. Often women just turn out to be unrelatable in movies and television shows, but in Star Trek they are each really individual, but all very likable. Troi is so feminine and loving, Dr Crusher is very heroic in a still feminine way, and is very serious about the Hippocratic Oath. Tasha Yar with her troubled pass was more masculine, but still distinctly female, even if hesitant about showing it. Best of all, they make mistakes like real women! That's what I want to see in these stories. Not this perfect version of a woman who is always in the right and is a complete smart-aleck about it, but one who feels, makes the wrong decision, even while aiming for the good, true and beautiful!

Just look at the cutness!

My favorite character is Data, the android who wants desperately to be human. He's so cute!! Just look at him! Today, he was trying to be the daddy in the delivery room and he was just so cute about how he went about it! Asking too many questions about the birthing process from the mother, getting worried as the baby started to come and so awestruck after the birth finished.

So you'll probably see some more updates about it. I'm just warning you now!

Defending the Faith

I think I know why God let me pass my driving test.

I got into a discussion with a friend tonight about gay marriage and a few other related issues. Thankfully I had a champagne cocktail about a half-an-hour earlier, so I was pretty relaxed and able to answer questions without getting too stressed. Like most people ,I really feel uncomfortable discussing this stuff, I get a pickling under my skin because of the social awkwardness and also the fact that I'm disagreeing with a friend on a deep belief, which Society tells us is wrong because everyone is allowed to do whatever they like *sigh*. It was interesting the misconceptions she had about the Church, particularly about annulments, even though she's grown up in it, in Poland of all places!

For the first time in a long time I actuallly felt like I was on an equal footing with the person I was debating though. I think that's what really put me off it in the past (since I usually just change the subject), I have a feeling that I either got into a debate where I couldn't answer some question, or I've feared being into that position. It always helps when you say a quick "Help me!!!" prayer to the Holy Spirit, which is what I try to do.

The worst thing I think it walking away thinking about all the things I could have said. However, as I've been reflected I think God has only put the words on my mouth that I need to say, and the other stuff was either irrelevant, would have backfired or possibly would have fallen on deaf ears. So I trust that God has gotten me the say what I needed to. I also walked away really wishing I'd had a boyfriend at the time to back me up. The friends I was with tonight form two couples, and this particular friend's husband backed her up, a little. I felt a little sad that I was by myself in the debate and I have no one to debrief with afterwards and give me some reassurance. But I suppose that's part of my little martyrdom tonight.

Thanks St Martin

I thought in order to thank St Martin properly I'd pray a litany to him.

Lord, have mercy. Christ have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us,
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, Pray for us.
St. Martin, ever in the presence of God, Pray for us.
St. Martin, faithful servant of Christ, Pray for us.
St. Martin, lover of the Holy Eucharist, Pray for us.
St. Martin, devoted to our Blessed Mother, Pray for us.
St. Martin, spiritual patron of Americans, Pray for us.
St. Martin, raised from the depths to a heavenly mansion, Pray for us.
St. Martin, honored son of Saint Dominic, Pray for us.
St. Martin, lover of the Most Holy Rosary, Pray for us.
St. Martin, apostle of mercy, Pray for us.
St. Martin, winged minister of charity, Pray for us.
St. Martin, miraculously conveyed to far-distant lands, Pray for us.
St. Martin, freed from the barriers of time and space, Pray for us.
St. Martin, seeking the conversion of sinners, Pray for us.
St. Martin, protector of the tempted and repentant, Pray for us.
St. Martin, helper of souls in doubt and darkness, Pray for us.
St. Martin, compassionate to the sorrowful and afflicted, Pray for us.
St. Martin, consoler of the discouraged and unfortunate, Pray for us.
St. Martin, peacemaker in all discords, Pray for us.
St. Martin, touched by all suffering, Pray for us.
St. Martin, comforter of the sick and dying, Pray for us.
St. Martin, angel to hospitals and prisons, Pray for us.
St. Martin, worker of miraculous cures, Pray for us.
St. Martin, guardian of the homeless child, Pray for us.
St. Martin, humbly hiding God-given powers, Pray for us.
St. Martin, devoted to holy poverty, Pray for us.
St. Martin, model of obedience, Pray for us.
St. Martin, lover of heroic penance, Pray for us.
St. Martin, strong in self-denial, Pray for us.
St. Martin, performing menial tasks with holy ardor, Pray for us.
St. Martin, gifted with prophecy, Pray for us.
St. Martin, symbol of interracial brotherhood, Pray for us.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

V. Pray for us, Saint Martin, R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let Us Pray: O God, the exalter of the humble, Who didst make Saint Martin, Thy confessor, to enter the heavenly Kingdom, grant through his merits and intercession that we may so follow the example of his humility on earth as to deserve to be exalted with him in Heaven, through Christ Our Lord. Amen. 

Found here.

Passed!

Yeah, I can't believe it either!

I'm SO glad I read the handbook (or a least the summaries) and a lot of the computer test (where you have to touch the screen when you turn right or slow down) was from my P2 test.It was funny because computer test actually won't pass you if you were over-cautious. There was one practice question where there was a truck in front, and another on the side and I know that in real life I would slow down because it made me nervous. I'm glad they at least have those practice tests, and the multiple-choice was fairly easy, if you study a little.

I'm so happy, now I can have a glass of wine while I'm out tonight with my friends and teach my other friends to drive.

Praise God, and thank you St Martin!

DQT

Yup, off for my license today. Not exactly looking forward to it especially since I haven't studied much (stupid friends and awesome weekends + assignments).

Found a really great prayer actually I'll be saying:

Prayer to Saint Martin for a Driving Test

Saint Martin, I come to you for help and blessing as I prepare to be tested for fitness to drive. Help me to know thoroughly the rules of the road so that no one will ever suffer from my negligence or incompetence. May I be ready for the test prescribed by law. By your prayers may I deserve to be granted a license and may I never abuse the trust that is placed in me. May all of us so behave that deaths and injuries on our roads will no longer sadden our daily lives. We make our prayer through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Sewing My Dress

The pattern I'm using.

For the last few weeks I've been sewing a dress on and off. Well, more off than on. I've just started back on it today. I was a bit put off because have two days of hard work I ruined the bodice by stitching the hem the wrong way. I kept missing the tiny hem in little places and the material (which is actually very pretty and falls really beautifully) was very frayed by this time. I was so frustrated because I'm learning all of this at the same time from Mum.

She's been so helpful. I have a really basic background for a term of textiles I did in school, so some of how to use the sewing machine is coming back. I wish I had continued it in high school, but, like my drawing, it was an interest I only developed later when I was ready to start taking my hobbies more seriously, and if I had, I would have never been able to learn off my own mother and spend lots of quality time with her!

The material, Rayon.

Today, we're back at it. Mum's decided to interlock the bodice and it's lining so it's less likely to fray. I think it's also taken us a long time to get back to because Mum has a "bad relationship" with her inter-locker lol! Also, sewing is one of those things you need to sit down and spend half your day doing and, because Mum is teaching me, we need to both be available. It's actually really relaxing, like drawing, you get back to basics, away from the media and it's something you have to focus on, so I find it really clears my mind.

I'm hoping to finish the dress by the 8th, when we have the Profession of one of the Carmelite Nuns and the Ordinations of three of our seminarians. I'm singing in the choir for both so it would be cool to sing and party afterwards in my pretty new dress ^_^

Driving Test

I've booked in on Tuesday for my final test, the DQT (Driver's Qualification Test, or black license). I'm not exactly looking forward to dealing with the always painful RTA and taking another one their redundant tests (where a 2D computer screen supposedly displays a real life driving situation accurately), but I'm going to read the handbook properly and really try to pass this one the first go (it took me three goes for Ls and two for Ps, not including the RTA screwing me around the first time over incomplete paperwork). Afterall, I've put my own money into this for the first time and if I pass it that day I can have a drink that night at trivia with my friends, two great sources of motivation!

Driver's focus at each speed

The handbook has been actually kind of interesting so far. There's some interesting little facts such as:

"Sitting in the driving seat of a stationary car, most drivers have about a 180 degree field of vision. However, once you start moving, this field narrows. The faster you drive, the narrower it gets. At 100 km/h it has narrowed to only 50 degrees – less than one third of what you could see when you were stationary!"

Also the stuff on alcohol is useful...except they use a 63kg woman as an example, let's just say I'm not exactly 63kgs >.>

Hopefully I'll actually pass. I wonder who the patron saint of driving tests is...?

Litany of St. Cecilia

Super cool! (from the Chant Cafe)

Litany of St. Cecilia
 
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, wise virgin, Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, whose heart burned with the fire of Divine love, Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, apostle by thy zeal and charity, Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, who converted thy spouse and procured for him the crown of Martyrdom, Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, who by thy pleadings moved the hearts of pagans, and brought them into the true Church,
Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, who didst unceasingly see thy guardian Angel by thy side, Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, who didst mingle thy voice with the celestial harmonies of the virgins, Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, who by thy melodious accents celebrated the praises of Jesus, Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, illustrious Martyr of Jesus Christ, Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, who during three days dist suffer most excruciating torments, Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, consolation of the afflicted, Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, protectress of all who invoke thee, Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, patroness of holy canticles, Pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, special patroness and advocate of all singers, musicians, authors, and students, Pray for us.

We salute thee, O Virgin, who didst give thy blood for the defense and faith of Jesus Christ.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

God glorified Saint Cecilia,
And He crowned her virtues.

Let us pray: O Eternal God, Who didst give us, in the person of Saint Cecilia, a powerful protectress, grant that after having faithfully passed our days, like herself, in innocence and holiness, we may one day attain the land of beatitude, where in concert with her, we may praise Thee and bless Thee forevermore in eternity. Amen.

Adoration and the Scriptures

We had Adoration focused on praying for the Holy Souls in Purgatory last night for youth group. It was good to get away from the world for a little while, it always centres me. Unfortunately, we were a little unorganised...well I was. My friend (and fellow youth group leader) brought and organised the songs, despite being busy with end-of-year assignments, and our priest organised a couple of prayers, even though the Parish Administrator is away and he'd be ridiculously busy...I was supposed to bring more...but that didn't happen >.> I need to be more organised!

Ignatius Bible (my bible)

At Adoration I read the first 15 chapters of Isiah. It was so fascinating. It seemed to ramble, but I reminded myself that it has a literary style, so it tends to go on and on. But imaginary was beautiful and that really kept my attention. I need to read the rest of it soon.

I've gotten into reading the Old Testament lately, I've read Jonah and Ruth so far. I found Jonah a little difficult to understand, particularly the last bit where he's sitting under the gourd. However, I looked it up at the Catholic Encyclopedia, which really cleared it up. It's also interesting that the Church regards it as historically accurate. I loved Ruth, it was such a beautiful story! She is such an example of a good woman too, especially since she followed her mother-in-law and looked after her out of duty but also love.

It's interesting how many Catholic haven't read the whole Bible. But I suppose it's because we have Tradition too (here's an interesting article by the epic Jimmy Akin). But it's a good leaping off point. I want to read the entire bible, just to get a more holistic idea of God, in particular Our Lord, and God's relationship with the human race... New Years resolution anyone?

WoW!

Had my first WoW session today. It was so much fun. My friend took me through several different worlds and we battled all these different creatures. Because we have a linked account we've been upgrading our xp at triple the rate, so we update our weapons and spells a lot quicker. Here's me at the inn waiting for my friend to make lunch in real life!

It was pretty awesome, but my brain feel like it's been sucked out through my eye-sockets! I need a break from the computer I think.

Why Homosexuality Is So Widely Accepted

Found this article by Mark Shea over at the National Catholic Register. Really interesting...

http://www.ncregister.com/blog/a-question-from-a-reader

Meme Your Feelings

Another frustrating experience a certain government agency. I got angry, so I made a meme.

I feel so much better now ^_^

By the way...

Here's the 1st episode to get you hooked.

I blame my brother...

I've been a brony for a while, but I only just relapsed the other day and started watching Season 2 the other day. My brother introduced it to me before he'd even watched it himself, he'd just seen the brony community explode on the internet.

For further info on bronies click here.

Amazing how you don't remember how much you loved something until you experience it again! Each episode is such a cute little, rather unique story and ends with a nice little lesson about friendship like you should take a friend's worries seriously even if they may appear trivial at the time and everyone has hidden talents that they can find with patience and diligence. The animation is so pretty too. It's creator Lauren Faust is responsible for The Powerpuff Girls and Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, which are both just awesome!

Because of the bronies the show has become really participative too. So whenever fans have an issue on the internet the show responds. Like clearing up Princess Celestia's name, because she's done some seemingly stupid things, for example

Click for episode!

I love the universe too. Like how the ponies each have a 'cutie mark' on their flank which shows their special talent. Twilight Sparkle has a magic symbol because she studies it and Rarity has diamonds because when she's not making dresses she collects gems. They aren't born with a cutie mark either, it comes later in life, like puberty I suppose. Those little rules of a world can really make a story.

I also loooove the memes.

No more iPod (fetal position pending)

I had to send my baby off for repairs today. I already miss it! D:

At least I had a nice walk through town today. It was 30 minutes of incidental walking (my nutritionist will be proud) and I ran into a couple who want to know where my awesome Angry Birds shirt came from (free advertising for Jay Jays). Then I ran into Tom (my hairdresser) on the way back to my car. I was so surprised he remember my name...or I wonder if he just assigns them to the hairstyles he does...but he looked me over, and checked the back of it. "So, you did the right thing?" He asked. I assured him that trusting him was a really good idea.

Today I also checked out World of Warcraft battle chests at a few different stores ($48 on averge 0_0). My friend has decided to start up a little troop to go into the world. He called me yeaterday (which was surprising because he hates phones...A LOT) just to confirm that my internet is as slow as I said (0.24 mbps download lol!). So, in order to play I'll have to go over to his, which is fine, he makes good food.

Now I just have to decide if I want to be a Blood Elf, Tauren or Troll...hmmm...

Portable Blogging

Just found the Blogger app! Now I just blog anywhere (where they have wi-fi). Hooray!

Last Sunday Night Serving

Yup, I'm a female altar server. However, I'm about to quit. I came back from the Christus Rex pilgrimage and just felt so out of place in the sanctuary. I hate to think I'm getting in the way of fostering vocations in young men, and an all-male sanctuary is the perfect place for this. Also, so often female altar servers and really poor liturgy go hand-in-hand. I don't want to add to that, or even worse, be used as a pawn by the sections of the Church who female priests *spew*

So, tonight should be my last Sunday night Mass. I'm a little sad, and especially as I rang the sanctus bells I felt a little sad. However, I do feel relieved that I don't have to go to another Sunday evening Mass. Sunday nights seem to be when the local church stops caring, you know, despite the fact that it's the same, equally sacred re-presentation of the Sacrifice. So, once I quit I'll be going to the Sunday morning Mass exclusively, thankfully where the Bishop is, the best liturgy is, no "Come As You Are" or anything ^.^

Latin Mass :D

 We had our once-a-month Latin Mass today!

Yay!

That photo is just me taking a sneak-shot during the Offertory hehe. I've been going for over a year now, and I've really gotten into the flow of it. I remember how much I struggled at the beginning, I was completely lost. But now I know what's going on (99% of the time), and I even have a really cool little app called the iPieta which has all the prayers of the Traditional Mass. Coming back from the Christus Rex pilgrimage (where we had Latin Mass every day for 4 days) I'm even more in touch with it. Oh and it's a Missa Cantata!

Click for official iPieta website!

Speaking of Christus Rex, we strangely followed the Novus Ordo calender today. So it's Christ the King, but in the Traditional calender 21st Sunday after Pentecost. I have a feeling our Bishop just thought we probably wouldn't be going to the usual Sunday Mass and wanted us to celebrate such a great feast. So I've celebrated this feast day twice this year (not that I mind!)

The Latin Mass is at the local Carmelite Convent, the most beautiful nuns live there, I've been able to meet a couple on their major feast. We even have two young ones! I saw one of them today behind the grate and I had to resist a severe temptation to wave.

 Mum came today too. She's not a Catholic but she did go to a Marist Sister's boarding college in the 60s, so she remembers bits and pieces. She even kept up well. Although at one point I had my iPod Touch in one hand showing my friend the Gregorian for the Gloria and with the other I had to lean over and put her on the right page. She was only a couple behind anyway.

In the parlor.

Afterward, we always have biscuits and tea that the Carmelites leave out. I had the amazing ginger nut cookies (labeled: Ginger Nut - Crunchy). Sometimes we have St Martha ones, with M&Ms. They are always so delicious. Usually the Bishop even joins us (rose cassock and all!), however he had to disappear today because the Bishop's Conference is this week. I must remember to pray for him!


I also love these Masses because of all the little kids running around. I'd love to have a big family one day (at least 12!), and I find it so encouraging because they seem so happy. It also teaches me how to deal with the naughty ones. I tend to be a little awkward around them, I mean, how do you talk to kids? I love watching my friend though. As eldest of five she knows exactly what to do. One of the little boys told her how much he loved salted peanuts while shoving them in her mouth, and she just says "Gee, you'll end up a chipmunk!".

So cute!

 Praise God for the Carmelites! I think they're the only thing keeping our town from completely
 falling off the side the Earth. Without them I'd never experienced the Latin Mass too. How blessed am I?!

End of a big week

I've had two big things happen this week.

First, I've become an officially recognised unemployed bum, soaking up the tax dollars of my dearly beloved friends and family >:)

Secondly, I got a hair cut...an extreme hair-cut.

Before

After

(I know what you're thinking, and yes, that is a new Angry Birds shirt!)

I got it done at a great little hairdresser that's new to our town, he's been run off his feet since he opened his store. You can kinda see why.

I was excited when he said in his European accent "This will be a make-over." But that quickly turned to a terror that froze me right...
down...
to...
my...
stomach when he told me just how short it would be.

"Okay, he's like a doctor, he's a professional, he know what he's doing!" that soothing voice told me. I added a prayer (yes, a prayer of vanity >,>) and watched as he started lopping it off from the back.

Thirty minutes later I walked away a new woman.

I'm still trying to get used to it, it gets in my face a fair bit, and I keep running my hand through the back of it where he actually took a razor to it, but I really like it. It reminds me of those flapper girls from the 1920s, just need to get a beaded necklace and a feather...

Open for Business

Okay, first real entry! I suppose I should tell you why I started this blog.

I’m a 20-something Catholic, Australian university student and I’m starting to make some big changes in my life. In a month and a half I’ll be moving to Sydney to start looking for work, and hopefully by the middle of next year I’ll finish my Bachelor of Business and start my career. I’ll be leaving my home, my Mum and a lot of friends, my parish, my country lifestyle for the big smoke. I’m excited and a little scared!

This blog is really just for myself, and I suppose anyone else who’s interested ;) I just want a little memento for this stage of my life and somewhere to put my random thoughts.

So I hope you enjoy all my randomness ^_^

Hello world!!!

I'm just constructing the page at the moment so we'll be open business soon ^_^