tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90598238860680818072011-08-01T12:20:10.554-06:00No Sin Zone. Choose The Best Good. It's all good! (But, is it the Best Good?) weCatholicDeacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.comBlogger541100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-71124836692255654902009-03-11T08:23:00.004-06:002009-03-11T08:35:28.656-06:00

Eterni-tee.com is the newest venture of weCatholic's Partner Bazaar. It's a monthly limited edition Catholic t-shirt -- and you get to vote on which design wins each month!Church groups can sell t-shirts and share the profit. Check it out! And pass word along to your parish youth leader -- they may be very interested.

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-67660036410470307912009-02-27T14:14:00.000-07:002009-02-27T14:15:09.543-07:00

What does our Catholic faith teach us about these current economic times and the type of government we voted into office as a nation?

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-47793294430280935772009-02-09T09:10:00.005-07:002009-02-09T11:02:44.043-07:00

"Gift Oddly Wrapped: The spiritual journey of seeking sacred, ironic gift rather than dwelling on the pain."Purchase or preview the book.$3, and it's available for your iPhone, Kindle, computer, and other e-book enabled devices, including some cell phones. Also available as a PDF, so it's perfect for everyone!See below for a video excerpt reading from the book. The book makes a great Lenten

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-60494216754265495152008-12-08T15:03:00.007-07:002008-12-08T15:40:52.464-07:00

(cover © Patrick A. Jones, 2008)Coming this Lent, 2009, an illustrated children's story missal that will help your kids enter Mass, and reveal it to you in a whole new way! One previewer (a children's catechist) said:"I'll never experience Mass the same way again!"Please contact Mother's House Publishing for further information.

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-69297760366621661312008-12-08T11:07:00.015-07:002008-12-08T15:03:06.100-07:00

I'm quite excited about this! Project Life is a growing expose of photos celebrating Life and Human Dignity.Contribute your photos!They will join the growing slide show, and help send a positive message of the importance of life and of human dignity. View and join the Flickr group here and upload your photos!Or simply simply email them to our trusty intern.(put "Project Life" in the subject to

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-37591776925819847172008-10-03T09:14:00.003-06:002008-10-03T10:02:41.920-06:00

We want to team up with other strongly Catholic creative folks to rejuvenate and revolutionize Catholic products. Jesus our Christ challenges us to "feed my sheep" and together we strive to respond to that call.Just what is weCatholic Partner Bazaar? It is a pool of Catholic creatives who propose products that will bear the weCatholic name and who collaborate to create them and bring them to the

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-80793074026434449462008-10-03T02:00:00.000-06:002008-10-03T09:42:42.970-06:00

By applying to join weCatholic Partner Bazaar you agree to the following, which is binding should you be accepted into weCatholic Partner Bazaar:Common sense, plain language legal agreement:From now (the date of my email application) forward I agree that should I be accepted into weCatholic's Partner Bazaar:-- I understand that weCatholic will help shape and prepare any products for market, but

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-68137690306908077592008-08-20T14:20:00.005-06:002008-08-20T14:38:44.342-06:00

They are coming soon to a rubber or chrome bumper in your garage. Sure to be the latest rage in Catholic accoutrement, these pithy bumper stickers are a tremendous way to evangelize. Here's a preview... (And keep your eye peeled here -- or just follow us via RSS feed, as more are on the way, along with where you can order them and even some of the theology behind them).Have a sticker you'd like

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-69007980069646396492008-08-19T14:02:00.001-06:002008-08-21T14:09:34.112-06:00

I've decided to launch a new blog -- a personal one where I can explore the various roles and responsibilities common to many people, and particularly to men. This blog/site will continue as the web presence of Faith Incarnate, which as yet is a glimmer in my eye but with numerous exciting things on the horizon.Please see the new blog here (and don't forget to add it to your RSS if you'd like to

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-4506809654829377042008-06-12T12:47:00.002-06:002010-04-01T02:57:22.814-06:00

All is Gift Things didn't go as I'd hoped. Turned out (as it so often does) there is blessing in it not being my plan but God's - even if it takes gale force winds and sand/dirt storms to get me to lift my stubborn head and abandon what I thought I was supposed to be doing. I triked half of the way to Chimayo. That's how life is with disability. I am did-able to do certain things and it takes

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-11111381089713098312008-06-11T05:55:00.002-06:002010-04-01T02:56:57.901-06:00

World Wide Conspiricy Continues Warning: this post borders on griping, perhaps going well past the border. I post it anyway in the hope it may help increase understanding of the effects of brain injury. Ever since my disability began at the end of 2002 I've suspected and experienced a world-wide conspiricy against folks with brain injury. I doubt it's intentional or coordinated, but it sure

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-53366577581647280172008-06-10T13:47:00.002-06:002010-04-01T02:56:39.371-06:00

Dignity at the Dunes Chimayo Pilgrimage Day 5 Sand Dunes National Park offers fantastic balloon tire wheel chairs for folks with mobility issues on the dunes. Their only drawback is they are cumbersome to push and it gave my wife quite a workout pushing me across the creek. They make the dunes more accessable than I would have thought and made for a grand morning at the Colorado "beach." Thank

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-18515332401783438632008-06-09T19:29:00.001-06:002010-04-01T02:56:13.369-06:00

Roadside Memorials Chimayo Pilgrimage Day 4 Assending Poncha Pass there are several roadside memorials. Though I often pay them little mind passing by car, figuring them to be personal memorials, I found myself both praying for them and asking for their intercessions on my journey. There is a timeless bond between people who struggle in a specific place. For some it was their final

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-73667086298226383882008-06-08T11:17:00.001-06:002010-04-01T02:55:54.565-06:00

Chimayo Pilgrimage Day 2 & 3 50 miles up Big Horn Cañon to half way up Poncha Pass. Truely amazing how much cooler 8,500 ft. is vs. 6,000. After today I take a day to rest (appropriate it's Sunday!). Brain recovering nicely. Blessings, Patrick It's all good, but is it the best good? www.BrainInjuryChaplain.com

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-29480818472357602702008-06-06T15:18:00.002-06:002010-04-01T02:55:37.681-06:00

Prayer Breathing Chimayo Pilgrimage Pt. 2 Day 1: 70 miles; 4000ft. Climb, 5500ft. Decent. Trikes through snow (June 6!) Not much, but fun. Grin. Its comicaly interaguing how the physical journey intimately shapes the spiritual. Up the many steep assents my breathing prayer/ meditation began as the Jesus Prayer: Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom. Of course the heavy breathing of

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-22986266108665674142008-06-05T12:10:00.002-06:002010-04-01T02:55:17.609-06:00

What is a Pilgrimage? Chimayo Pilgrimage Pt 1 A pilgrimage is a journey of faith. While healing and hope of healing may be a prayer intention for a pilgrimage, I personally believe the goal of any pilgrimage should be to deepen our relationship with God. I'll be triking (cycling) 350 miles to Chimato. Why triking? Sacrifice is often an interional part of a pilgrimage. Traveling by human power

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-82779282217801422352008-02-02T16:28:00.000-07:002008-02-02T16:32:08.652-07:00

Hello!If you know anyone who has a brain injury, please encourage them to make a brain crane and send it into the Brain Injury Association (BIA). Full instructions, video, and where to send it are here.Blessings,Patrick

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-14705161273873089482008-01-16T06:53:00.000-07:002008-01-16T06:56:25.762-07:00

A Catholic day of repentance to mark the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion on January 22, 1973. How are we blinded by the culture of death?

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-50649909853232388222007-12-22T10:24:00.000-07:002007-12-22T10:26:12.990-07:00

Merry Christ's Mass!

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-82137508752532384872007-12-14T05:28:00.000-07:002007-12-14T05:30:31.224-07:00

Here's Christ Amidst the Chaos via LoveToBeCatholic.com -- I'll be switching to posting my videos from them, but needed to keep the YouTube posts up as others have linked to them.

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-15530562977642818432007-12-14T05:06:00.000-07:002007-12-14T05:12:32.978-07:00

I'm reposting this first video, as shown on LoveToBeCatholic.comTom and I are working on some exciting possibilities. To get an inkling of what, see here.

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-7862510540215374802007-12-12T08:26:00.000-07:002007-12-13T09:09:57.595-07:00

The Best Good Life. We learn it by living it. We live it better by sharing it. Share your comments, reflections, thoughts, feelings, and experiences of the Best Good Life here!

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-18783312871600202022007-12-11T19:03:00.000-07:002007-12-11T21:02:05.695-07:00

Here's the thing: I can play with concepts all day long, creating and linking vast intricate systems of theology that are amazingly cool to a no one but me. Before my brain injury, I could take this and make them semi-intelligible and useful to others. Since my brain injury? Nope. I try. But God's forced me to focus on other gifts, in part by removing my capacity to do most other things. That's

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-54636790635959384042007-12-11T17:49:00.000-07:002007-12-12T10:33:26.030-07:00

We have an exciting opportunity to create new and innovative Catholic TV that helps those of us living family life in the work-a-day world know, love, and live our faith in the midst of the chaos. We have been offered a channel on the "Catholic YouTube" LoveToBeCatholic.comOur Goal:to create a pilot episode or two of a faith magazine (sort of like a news magazine, but faith oriented) and get

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-49346156953988322942007-12-11T11:19:00.000-07:002007-12-12T10:33:51.320-07:00

We're looking for an actively Catholic videographer who can work with us to create a pilot or two of an expanded version of the Best Good Life. Applicants should be able to write, shoot and edit video "articles", integrate with Quicktime files, and then save as a web viewable format and upload.We will be using this pilot series to seek funding for further episodes, so the winning applicant could

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-63520386373769672122007-12-09T15:34:00.000-07:002007-12-09T19:31:13.939-07:00

Our hearts and prayers go out to all at Youth with a Mission in Arvada, CO and New Life Church in Colorado Springs, especially to those murdered, injured, their families, and the shooter(s). Lord Jesus, you are might God and Prince of peace:Lord have mercy.Lord have mercy.Lord Jesus, you are the Son of God and Son of Mary:Christ, have mercy.Christ, have mercy.Lord Jesus, you are Word made flesh

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-19095482684718019782007-12-09T11:49:00.000-07:002007-12-09T11:51:18.833-07:00

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-66055602816762982922007-12-05T02:10:00.000-07:002007-12-08T12:10:10.169-07:00

The first in a planned series of videos exploring The Best Good Life!

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-48217256604550795552007-11-29T15:20:00.000-07:002007-12-23T05:54:45.448-07:00

Position Opening:Project Management Disciple/InternApplications accepted through December 22, 2007Interviews of finalists to be done by video chat after Epiphany.Update (12-23-07):We have stopped receiving applications for this position. Thank you to all who have participated!Position Description:Perfect for an older high school student (homeschool, Catholic, or public) or university student,

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-64349146152899381342007-11-18T09:14:00.000-07:002007-11-18T09:51:14.113-07:00

Articles like this one illustrate perfectly just how important it is to choose the best good rather than settle for any ol' good.Boiled down to it's essence, the article says this: "Former Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's husband, suffering from Alzheimer's disease, has a romance with another woman, and the former justice is thrilled — even visits with the new couple while they hold hands on the

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-58513939343094172562007-10-28T10:32:00.000-06:002007-12-08T10:33:23.573-07:00

In various places I mention 'we' as if there is more than one person involved in weCatholic so far. Well, in addition to the communion of saints, to whom I turn daily for advice, and who, in return, receive endless entertainment at my foolery, I work with two flesh and blood lads who are generous and daft enough to give liberally of their time toward this endeavor to transform the

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-14221812448477997872007-10-08T10:09:00.000-06:002007-12-08T10:13:53.499-07:00

Homilies now appear at my parish's site, both as audio and (when I remember) as text. I preach once a month, so you'll get to hear from the rest of the lads for the balance.

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-2443711193748850402007-10-08T08:21:00.000-06:002007-12-08T10:31:13.429-07:00

weCatholic's Vision:Empower people to know and love our Catholic faith amidst the chaos of daily life.Sounds simple enough. And with all things truly simple, amazingly deep, broad, and transcendent. How can I help?- Strive to live the Best Good Life yourself -- people will notice a vigor and purpose to you and inquire.- Email this blog to your friends, Catholic or not!- Subscribe to our RSS feed

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-51238344924667634212007-09-11T11:14:00.001-06:002007-12-08T12:21:46.061-07:00

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-42580044752710351262007-09-08T11:18:00.000-06:002007-12-08T11:33:34.222-07:00

My wife and I were married following our freshmen year at the University of Denver in 1990. We have 5 children, two of whom are living, 3 of whom are cheering us on from the Communion of Saints. I was ordained a deacon February, 2007.I am disabled due to 8+ concussions since I was 12 (see www.BrainInjuryChaplain.com to learn more). My ministry is primarily to the brain injured community via the

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-9326912758685686082007-07-22T10:01:00.000-06:002007-08-05T10:03:31.594-06:00

“There is need of only one thing,” Jesus tells us. “One thing.” Sounds like Curly the trail boss in “City Slickers”. And like Curly, Jesus doesn’t tell us what the one thing is. Only that Mary has chosen it and Martha somehow missed it. One thing. Sometimes we need a little mystery and intrigue to be open to the simplest of truths. Our readings today focus on the burdens and chaos of hosting VIP’

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-82837146959318088682007-06-03T09:52:00.000-06:002007-08-05T10:06:43.981-06:00

Good morning! My wife, Barbara and I are delighted to be joining you and Our Lady of the Woods! As you may have gathered from hearing the introductions — I’m a bit of an odd bird. On top of that, I have my brain injury. For those of you who haven’t seen the introduction bulletin insert, I received my 8th concussion at the end of 2002 and have a variety of deficits because of it. Aside from my

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-36813947260196463672007-02-25T09:49:00.000-07:002007-08-05T10:07:43.844-06:00

“When Life, like the Egyptians, maltreated and oppressed us, imposing hard labor upon us, we cried to the Lord, the God of our fathers, and he heard our cry and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. ”Good Morning! I’m Deacon Patrick. I’m going to explore a bit what it means to be disabled, the clarity recognizing our disabilities can bring to our lives, our yearning to be healed, and

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-77276028043862149562007-01-05T01:56:00.000-07:002007-01-05T01:57:46.709-07:00

January 5Realization of self leads to the choice to be taken, blessed, broken and shared – by our Beloved spouse, our family, our work, our ministry, ourselves. This is the eleventh gift of Christmas – the penetrating mirror that shows us ourselves as only a harrowing journey can upon reflection from the warm safety of a welcoming inn. Having lost ourselves, we find ourselves and realize there is

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-79400728803086299672007-01-05T01:55:00.000-07:002007-01-05T01:56:01.167-07:00

January 4Having entered the land of despair, embraced it, placed it at the foot of the cross, witnessed it and ourselves transformed so that we see others as God intended them to be, set our priorities through right relationship discovered through grit and sabbath we become more and more capable of experiencing delight in the world around us. The everyday ordinary somehow becomes the holy

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-10118471151087158652007-01-05T01:54:00.000-07:002007-01-05T01:55:18.636-07:00

January 3Sabbath. A day of rest. The key to creating and maintaining right relationship. One day a week set aside for nothing other than entering into relationship with those closest to us. It makes no difference that we’re busy and have no time for a whole day without anything scheduled – we don’t have time not to. Here’s why. When one day is set aside with nothing planned, the purpose and

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-25312708095027351672007-01-05T01:52:00.001-07:002007-01-05T01:52:57.991-07:00

January 2Having emerged from the depths of despair, we yearn to help others. Yet afore we can minister outward we must first and always see to our primary vocation – marriage. Our first responsibility is always to our Beloved spouse and our children. Our Beloved spouse and the love we share (children, in part) are the eighth gift of Christmas. Our work and ministry mean nothing if they create

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-2290328713120615462007-01-05T01:49:00.000-07:002007-01-05T01:54:36.757-07:00

January 1I’m not convinced we ever truly leave the land of despair once we’ve been there. But the very fact that we’ve been there prepares us to minister to others. For it was someone else who showed us the way out. We couldn’t find it on our own. They found us and just by being with us they gave us hope. They walked with us through the carnage, acknowledged the horror of it all and yet still had

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-7270920632570240652006-12-31T05:10:00.001-07:002007-01-05T01:53:42.626-07:00

December 31Whatever caused us to enter despair, the specific circumstances which gave us our ticket beyond the comfortable and known, something is certain – we feel helpless, and rightly so, in the face of such atrocity. How can we possibly go on? How can we ever see beauty in the world again? What we have seen has revealed to us just how tainted the world really is. We are right. We cannot stand

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-45396197763085853482006-12-31T05:08:00.000-07:002006-12-31T05:09:44.036-07:00

December 30Despair comes when the mind can no longer martial into order and sense the absurd grotesqueness about it. When the mind does thus feel, as it is doomed to, for it was never designed to grasp the infinite, it is the heart that must come to our aid. While the mind’s gift is the ordering of chaos, collecting of knowledge and setting into expression and memory our experiences, it is the

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-37751944345289544572006-12-29T02:24:00.001-07:002006-12-29T02:24:56.294-07:00

Fourth Day of Christmas – December 29At some point in our journey we each enter into the depths of despair because of humanity’s lack of humanity. We’ve only to briefly examine our history as a Church or a nation to see the hypocrisy. Or perhaps we find it closer to home. If we are to become fully human we have to enter into this despair. Not just see it intellectually, not merely acknowledge our

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-51933449641391228722006-12-29T02:22:00.000-07:002006-12-29T02:23:49.544-07:00

December 28If everyone is due the same core dignity I am, why don’t others treat them with dignity? Why don’t they treat themselves with dignity? Why don’t I? Do I even treat myself with the dignity I deserve as a unique expression of God? No. Jesus and Mary are the only people who treated themselves and every person they met with the dignity they deserved. This is how we are to act if we wish to

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-16556168610915661122006-12-27T04:30:00.000-07:002006-12-27T04:33:00.987-07:00

December 27The reality that I am a unique expression of God means I have an irremovable holiness – dignity. I am irreplaceable and because of this I deserve to be treated in certain ways. So does everyone else. It is not easy to realize the depth of my value, but when I do there is an incredible “A-ha!” Now I have to expand my view to see that every person I meet has the same depth of value for

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-39703234330175762832006-12-26T04:07:00.000-07:002006-12-26T04:46:17.173-07:00

December 26Did God really need to enter the world? Clearly not. Omnipotence leaves all options open. So why take the hardest road to redemption? Why not the scrap heap for humanity followed by the drawing board? A second edition would seem the way to go. But it wasn’t. Each of us is a unique expression of God – not expressed again ever or anywhere. Each of us contains a piece of God unique and

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-16890204888102076852006-12-25T05:24:00.001-07:002006-12-26T04:47:27.070-07:00

Christmas Day – December 25Today begins the Christmas Tide. Tomorrow is the first of the Twelve Days of Christmas. You might think it was today. Not so I say. Today is Christmas – all twelve days in one go. Beginning tomorrow, we get to unwrap them, savor them, and be challenged by them. The gift of this series is exactly that, we get to celebrate the whole season of Christmas, which goes through

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-57131186976498453802006-12-21T09:01:00.000-07:002006-12-21T09:32:24.699-07:00

What? Christmas lasts more than one day? You mean there really are 12 days of Christmas? All the way through Epiphany? Wow! It sure is grand to be Catholic! Grin.Our family, and many of those we know, struggle with how to live Advent as real preparation for Christmas, and Christmas as a time of celebration and feasting for 12 whole days. The purpose of this post is to share ideas about how to

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-14885765517703177392006-12-21T08:46:00.000-07:002006-12-21T09:34:43.872-07:00

Advent is an odd season. We want it to be a time of quiet reflection, but I think at its best it is a hurried season of upheaval preparations. We are, after all, pregnant with Jesus, who when born among us, is miraculously both human and divine -- exactly what we were intended to be when God created us. Oh, how short of our potential we fall! I think we sense this, and know that Jesus' birth will

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-37324949358628654942006-12-20T16:06:00.000-07:002007-12-08T09:13:03.273-07:00

RSS Feeds simply let you know when an update is posted to a weblog. They are wonderfully handy for keeping up with sites you like without having to remember to visit them regularly.For Mac users, RSS is built into your Safari browser. Simply follow the link to the RSS feed, add a bookmark and you're done. I find it helpful to keep my RSS feeds together in an folder labeled "RSS" in my Bookmarks

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059823886068081807.post-2145132735414846642006-12-20T13:55:00.000-07:002006-12-20T14:14:59.113-07:00

Disability and strifealong withCapability and delight.Some wrapped gloriously,easily opened.Some wait in the shadowsuntil I am ready.Some wrapped in armor,laborious to shed.Some down right ugly to behold,painful to touch,impossible to openunless placed on the altar,opened as they aretransformedat the foot of the cross.Amen.--Patrick A. JonesThrough 4 years of diaconal formation we experienced one

Deacon Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.com0