Update 1: BIG HUGE THANK YOU!!!
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A big, huge thank you to all of those who have been sending over photos, letters, cartoons and drawings to help support and CELEBRATE this family's decision to live out their faith! I've over-nighted the first set of well-wishes so they arrive in time for Sunday. However, I'm still getting lots of responses, and I can't thank all of you enough! You are ALL absolutely SO WONDERFUL that my heart is beyond full to bursting!!!
You're all amazing. Bless you all a thousand-fold for your spiritual generosity. Plus, you're all so fun and creative! I've loved seeing all of these little notes of love and encouragement. Your gift to Michael and his family has truly been a gift to me as well. We are the Church, and I absolutely LOVE counting you all among my family. <3
You're all amazing. Bless you all a thousand-fold for your spiritual generosity. Plus, you're all so fun and creative! I've loved seeing all of these little notes of love and encouragement. Your gift to Michael and his family has truly been a gift to me as well. We are the Church, and I absolutely LOVE counting you all among my family. <3
Super Top Secret Surprise - Thanks for Your Help!!!
If you've clicked the link and made it to this point, thank you. I'm hoping to entice you just a little further to wrap a little boy and his family in your prayers and joy!
This is Michael. He is a wonderful young man who is going to be celebrating his First Holy Communion this Sunday - YAY!
This is Michael. He is a wonderful young man who is going to be celebrating his First Holy Communion this Sunday - YAY!
He comes from an incredible family whom I love very much. They're pictured here!
Michael's mom, Catherine, is a dear friend of mine from high school. She has absolutely no idea that I'm doing this, so SHHHH! She reads this blog now and again, but I don't want to spoil the surprise (hence the secret page that isn't accessible without the link).
Anyway, Catherine sent me a message this morning regarding her celebration plans for Michael's 1st Communion. Several years ago, her husband's job took her out of state which means this family-oriented woman is far away from her family and friends. Also, it's just a very secular world out there. It's incredibly difficult to find like-minded individuals who value our Catholic faith and traditions, so she feels a bit sad that Michael's big celebration won't be so "big" after all.
I was heartbroken for her. Given the incredibly joyous celebration 1st Communion is, I can understand why she wants to pull out all the stops to celebrate the blessing of this special day! I e-mailed her that though her home might not look full, Jesus has invited the entire Church Triumphant / Penitent there for the Heavenly celebration that will take place alongside her earthly one. No doubt she already knows this, but I can truly understand the heartache that comes from feeling distanced and alone in your desire to celebrate such spiritual milestones for your children.
So as I was praying on this en route home, I was given the idea of soliciting you fine readers for help. I'd like to collect pictures and well wishes into a card to send to Michael and his family. Here are some samples of what I'm looking for. Group shots, "Congrats Michael" banners, etc are most welcome!
In fact, I'll be going in to work tomorrow with a "Yay, Michael!" banner for my office to hold for my photo contribution. Ha ha!
Anyway, Catherine sent me a message this morning regarding her celebration plans for Michael's 1st Communion. Several years ago, her husband's job took her out of state which means this family-oriented woman is far away from her family and friends. Also, it's just a very secular world out there. It's incredibly difficult to find like-minded individuals who value our Catholic faith and traditions, so she feels a bit sad that Michael's big celebration won't be so "big" after all.
I was heartbroken for her. Given the incredibly joyous celebration 1st Communion is, I can understand why she wants to pull out all the stops to celebrate the blessing of this special day! I e-mailed her that though her home might not look full, Jesus has invited the entire Church Triumphant / Penitent there for the Heavenly celebration that will take place alongside her earthly one. No doubt she already knows this, but I can truly understand the heartache that comes from feeling distanced and alone in your desire to celebrate such spiritual milestones for your children.
So as I was praying on this en route home, I was given the idea of soliciting you fine readers for help. I'd like to collect pictures and well wishes into a card to send to Michael and his family. Here are some samples of what I'm looking for. Group shots, "Congrats Michael" banners, etc are most welcome!
In fact, I'll be going in to work tomorrow with a "Yay, Michael!" banner for my office to hold for my photo contribution. Ha ha!
May as well add Mary and his patron saint, right?
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My husband's way to say "Peace" Ha.
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Thumbs up, man! Congrats!
My goal here is simple - even though she might not see the united Church celebrating this incredible event with her, we're all blessed and elated because it. Even though we don't necessarily know one another, the Eucharist binds us to each other in a mystical way that profoundly blesses us in ways we will never understand. A collage of strangers united in sending their well-wishes is a great reminder, right? And it will support their decision to remain staunchly Catholic even in the face of the secularism that sometimes seems too much to bear.
Plus, it'd be a great lesson for Michael that his special day reaches out beyond himself... it is a day in which the entire Church is embraced again by the Spirit!
So again, thank you so much for any prayers, well-wishes or photos that you'd be kind enough to toss my way. I'll amass everything in a physical card that I'll overnight to them in time for Sunday. You may e-mail me directly ([email protected]). I'm hoping to have this whole thing completed and sent off by Friday at 10am. I realize this is super short notice, but a photo, some words of encouragement / love doesn't take long to do if shot over by e-mail. So if you've got five minutes to spare, I know they'd be greatly appreciated!!!
Also, if you'd be so kind as to spread the word (using THIS LINK) so we can get as many people in on the fun as possible, I'd appreciate it. What a fabulous thing to be a part of!!! May the Lord be blessed for planting the seed in my ear. He's always got such great ideas!
Plus, it'd be a great lesson for Michael that his special day reaches out beyond himself... it is a day in which the entire Church is embraced again by the Spirit!
So again, thank you so much for any prayers, well-wishes or photos that you'd be kind enough to toss my way. I'll amass everything in a physical card that I'll overnight to them in time for Sunday. You may e-mail me directly ([email protected]). I'm hoping to have this whole thing completed and sent off by Friday at 10am. I realize this is super short notice, but a photo, some words of encouragement / love doesn't take long to do if shot over by e-mail. So if you've got five minutes to spare, I know they'd be greatly appreciated!!!
Also, if you'd be so kind as to spread the word (using THIS LINK) so we can get as many people in on the fun as possible, I'd appreciate it. What a fabulous thing to be a part of!!! May the Lord be blessed for planting the seed in my ear. He's always got such great ideas!