February 2012
1 post
It's better to give than to receive
Excerpt from Men, Women, and the Mystery of Sex: Practical Insights from John Paull II’s Love and Responsibility by Edward Sri
The Italians have a beautiful expression for love: ti voglio bene. Though commonly translated as “I love you,” ti voglio bene more literally means “I wish you good” or “I want what is good for you.”
This phrase reminds us that...
January 2012
5 posts
Plain Sailing
This year has been amazing already! I’ve met two of my role models (Chris Stefanick and Brian Butler), and I obtained my Theology of the Body for Teens/Theology of the Body for Teens: Middle School Edition training certificates! I also received the best pre-birthday gift ever: a flight to Philadelphia to attend The Theology of the Body Institute’s TOB I course taught by Christopher...
Send a signal
We need crosses in order to reach heaven. St. Marguerite d’Youville
Just listened to: God’s Plan for Sexuality w/ Jason Evert Currently listening to: How to Defend Marriage w/ Bill May
True blue
An excerpt from Absolute Relativism by Chris Stefanick
Become Saint (your name here). A world that is dominated by relativism has a hard time grasping logical presentations about relativism - or about anything at all, for that matter. Personal holiness is the ultimate argument that a spiritual reality exists that is as solid as the ground under our feet, and that because of it, life is worth...
A man after my own heart
Excerpt from The Story of a Soul by Saint Therese of Lisieux
I realised too that on her wedding day a bride would not be pleasing to her husband unless she was richly and beautifully dressed, and I knew that I had not yet worked to be attired like such a bride. So I told Our Lord: … I’ll wait as long as You wish … and I am going to put all my energy into making myself a gown...
December 2011
2 posts
Keep body and soul together
During adoration yesterday, I closed my eyes as I felt the cushion underneath my knees. I suddenly envisioned all the places my knees touched in the past, especially in Italy. Fr. Martin Connor, the priest who led our pilgrimage, said in the beginning that we each have an annunciation — something we can respond with a “yes” to God. Italy is the place I gave Him my ultimate...
Know which way the wind blows
I watched two shows on t.v. about Italy today, so I’m taking that as a sign to blog about my trip. Stay tuned! Oh and big thanks to my NJ/NY family for hosting me before and after Italy. Love you!
If we will walk humbly with our God, He will lead us by the hand to exactly who and what we need, to those people, things, and experiences he has designed and intended for us, and this alone will...
October 2011
10 posts
Countdown: Due
Most people have no idea what God would make of them if they would only place themselves at his disposal. St. Ignatius Loyola
Tomorrow I leave for Chicago, and Friday the Live Pure Retreat begins. This is only happening because 8 people said “yes” to the Lord to be the paint brushes used to create His painting. What more would happen if we all gave Him our own “yes”?
...
Countdown: Tre
I hope you all had a good day today! This evening I started my journey in becoming a certified catechist. Tonight’s class was on Jesus and how He is the fullness of revelation. I would get more into it now, but I’m kind of sleepy… let’s just say we have a humble God who shared in our humanity (Jesus) so that we may one day share in His divinity (heaven)! Amazed once again.
...
Countdown: Quattro
A couple of weeks ago I was reading my parish’s bulletin and it said, “Family Faith Formation desperately needs your help! We are in urgent need of a teacher and aid for our 6th grade class”. I read it and thought about it, however; I brushed the thought aside quickly since I knew I’d be gone for three weekends in a row for my trips.
A couple days later my boss called me...
Countdown: Cinque
Today’s SFL NorCal Core meeting theme was “Empowered”. We were empowered to seek the truth, to pray, to plan and to act so that we may be not just baptized Catholic Christians, but true disciples of Christ. I have multiple roles of service, but I have no doubt the reason why they feel so natural is because I have received and acted upon His grace and His calling for me.
...
Countdown: Sei
Just finished: Called to Knighthood: The Sacrament of Confirmation in the Kingdom Family of God by Thomas K. Sullivan
I bought this booklet today and read it this afternoon! It was such an easy and interesting read. It helped me better understand the sacrament of confirmation and I am amazed once again at how much God loves us. I pray I can deliver the meaning of the sacrament to the teens at...
Countdown: Sette
I grabbed coffee with John Rinaldo, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of San Jose, and he gave me some great advice on how to build up the youth ministry at my church. I never did foresee being a Director of Youth Ministry, but God knows us and our desires better than we do!
John asked me what my mission and vision is as a youth minister. I told him that through prayer,...
Countdown: Otto
Earlier today, I went a couple houses down to do a one hour trial run to see how well I can take care of Arisaya and my neighbor’s 2 month old named Owen (for the past month or so I have been taking care of my 5 month old niece while my brother and sister-in-law transition back to work. I will do so until probably December).
First, Arisaya sat in her bumbo chair as I carried Owen. When she...
Countdown: Nove
To better prepare myself for my series of trips, I have decided to fast watching Real World: San Diego. Surprising, right? I really wanted to continue watching it honestly because I miss living in San Diego so much!
Fasting is a form of prayer that allows us to empty ourselves of the things that are not of God. It doesn’t stop there though, for fasting allows God to fill our emptiness with...
Countdown: Dieci
So the 10 day countdown begins until my ultimate adventure!
Chicago, IL > New York, NY > Assisi, Italy > Rome, Italy
In Chicago, IL we will be having our first U.S. Live Pure Movement Retreat entitled, “The Banquet”. No worries if you are unable to attend, your representatives will bring it home! Promise!
Afterward, I will be flying to Italy from New York, NY for a tour put...
My better half
A woman with the courage to step out into the unknown, risking temporary loneliness for a shot at lasting joy, is more than a “single.” She’s singular. Instead of defining herself by what she lacks - a relationship with a man - she defines herself by what she has: a relationship with God. Dawn Eden
September 2011
1 post
Dash to pieces
Each grain, each tiniest particle of matter, each infinitesimal impulse of light, declares, ‘I am at the center; for me all things were made.’ Behold the glint of the firefly in the twilight, behold the Milky Way of a billion stars; each is as nothing to God, and each is great enough to hold him in the fullness of his glory. All the ancient universe was made, so that the firefly could...
August 2011
5 posts
The bread of life
Excerpt from The Lamb’s Supper by Dr. Scott Hahn
As heaven descends to earth, we lift up our earth to meet it halfway. That’s the splendor of the ordinary: the workaday world becomes our Mass. That’s how we bring about the Kingdom of God. When we begin to see that heaven awaits us in the Mass, we begin already to bring our home to heaven. And we begin already to bring heaven...
A no-brainer
Excerpt from Humane Vitae by Pope Paul VI
If they further reflect, they must also recognize that an act of mutual love which impairs the capacity to transmit life which God the Creator, through specific laws, has built into it, frustrates His design which consitutes the norm of marriage, and contradicts the will of the Author of life. Hence to use this divine gift while depriving it, even if only...
Let there be light
Excerpt from How To Find Your Soulmate Without Losing Your Soul by Jason & Crystalina Evert
God has not only called you into existence, but has chosen for you to live during this moment in history… because you are needed for such a time as this in His kingdom. Therefore, no matter how pure or impure your past may be, never underestimate the power of your testimony. If you are united to...
Give no quarter
God, when he is invoked, often does not answer at first in order that he who is praying may continue and intensify his prayers and supplications, so that he might receive with even greater thanks the favor that he is asking for, since the desire for it was increased and the asking protracted” (Father Cornelius a Lapide, S.J.). “The more humble a person is, the more receptive and full...
Aide-memoire
Hi friends! What a busy couple months it has been! Praise God for a spirit filled SFL Identified in Fresno, YFL Regional Pre-Conference in Rosemead, and YFL/SFL National Conference in Dallas, TX!
I was reflecting on the plane ride home from Dallas, and was pleasantly surprised with how peaceful I felt about coming back to California (usually the withdrawals kick in with my first step into the...
July 2011
3 posts
ronald jan bigornia: "Gay, Catholic, and Doing... →
rhinoceronald:
Steve Gershom (a pseudonym) is a gay Catholic man in his late twenties. His blog, stevegershom.com, has been around for some months, but he has just decided to make it public. It’s original, funny, poignant — and culturally important. You can also find him on Twitter as …
It’s better to light the candle than curse the darkness
All in all
In this holy abandonment springs up that beautiful freedom of spirit which the perfect possess, and in which there is found all the happiness that can be desired in this life; for in fearing nothing, and seeking and desiring nothing of all things of the world, they possess all. St. Teresa of Avila
Win hands down
6:00am One of us touches the forehead, the lower chest, and both shoulders 6:30am We do push ups and other exercises with weights at boot camp 7:15am One of us steers the car, the other touches the rosary beads 12:00pm One of us holds an orange, the other holds a chocolate candy — then puts the latter down (most of the time) 5:00pm One of us steers the car, the other changes the radio...
May 2011
1 post
Between you, me and the bed-post
Hi friends! It has been quite a while, but I’ve been praying for all of you!
Praise God for the quietness and peacefulness of Lent, for I was able to reflect on Jesus Christ’s passion and understand more deeply how much God really loves us.
Praise God for the festivities and celebrations of Easter, for I am able to rejoice in Jesus Christ’s resurrection and understand even more...
March 2011
3 posts
Becoming
As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. 1 Peter 4:10 The priest at mass on Sunday asked us, “What are you going to do with your life?” I reflected on this question, and the answer I kept reaching was that with my life I wish to love, love, and love. It sounds cliche and we hear it all the time from others, but how many of...
Imbrication
Suffering, pain, sorrow, humilitation, feelings of loneliness, are nothing but the kiss of Jesus, a sign that you have come so close that He can kiss you. Mother Teresa Because suffering is present in this world, many people don’t believe in a higher power, i.e. “If God exists, why do bad things happen?” However, those who genuinely believe in Jesus have a sense of purpose rather...
New kid on the block
Brand new website in the works: loveklarissa.weebly.com
February 2011
3 posts
The road less traveled
Excerpt from Good News About Sex & Marriage by Christopher West
Borrowing words from my own archbishop, Charles Chaput: “Suffering can bend and break us. But it can also break us open to become the persons God intended us to be. It depends on what we do with the pain. If we offer it back to God, he will use it to do great things in us and through us, because suffering is fertile.”
Lo and behold
Excerpt from No Greater Love by Mother Teresa
If you are humble, nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are. If you are blamed, you won’t be discouraged; if anyone calls you a saint, you won’t put yourself on a pedestal. If you are a saint, thank God; if you are a sinner, don’t remain one. Christ tells us to aim very high, not to be like...
January 2011
4 posts
The game is afoot
Be patient toward all that is unresolved in your heart. And try to love the questions themselves. Do not seek the answers that cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer. Rainer Maria Rilke
Truth, Proclamation and Authenticity of Life in... →
My cup of tea
Another think coming
God answers prayers with one of two answers: “Yes!” or “I have something better for you.”
Recently the Lord has been saying “Yes!” to many of my prayers, and of course I absolutely praise Him for those blessings. Recap: conference band, my dad’s transplant, my niece-on-the-way, my job, etc. However, like many of us, I got lost in the mindset that God is...
December 2010
7 posts
Picture perfect pt. 3
Excerpts from Theology of His/Her Body by Jason Evert (for my brothers)
We are called to make sacrifices for the good of others, and not to sacrifice others selfishly for our own good.
When a man gazes upon a woman’s body, does he see his invitation to truly love her, or is he immediately tempted to use her? Does he see her as a reflection of heaven or a distraction from it? His problem is...
Picture perfect pt. 2
Sisters, did you know that we are the most beautiful creation ever made? Think about it, the top searches on the internet are not clouds-rainbows-butterflies-waterfalls-etc. They’re women! Do most men share pictures of cute puppies with each other? Not too much. Are most men addicted to looking up pictures of oceans? Probably not. Nothing on earth compares to the beauty of a woman.
Think...
Know the ropes
Currently reading: Good News About Sex & Marriage by Christopher West Recently received: Courageous Women & Courageous Love by Stacy Mitch; Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology of the Body by Pope John Paul II Recently purchased: Catechism of the Catholic Church by Pope John Paul II Recently arrived: Theology of His/Her Body by Jason Evert On the way: The Seven Levels of Intimacy by...
Act of God
Whoever gives himself to work for Christ cannot expect to have a free moment, for even to rest is not to do nothing: it is to relax with activities that require less effort. St. Jose Maria Escriva
If we wish to make any progress in the service of God we must begin every day of our life with new eagerness. We must keep ourselves in the presence of God as much as possible and have no other view...
Truth will out
Excerpt from Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
The biological purpose of sex is children, just as the biological purpose of eating is to repair the body. Now if we eat whenever we feel inclined and just as much as we want, it is quite true most of us will eat too much: but not terrifically too much. One man may eat enough for two, but he does not eat enough for ten. The appetite goes a little...
A penny saved is a penny earned
We can buy a house, but we can’t buy a home. We can buy a watch, but we can’t buy time. We can buy a book, but we can’t buy knowledge. We can buy a toy, but we can’t buy love. This Christmas, let’s reflect on our gift giving. If our gifts are high in monetary value, does that mean it’s equally as high in life value? Instead of (or in addition to) buying our...
Augur well
Ad majorem dei gloriam. To the greater glory of God. Fides quaerens intellectum. Faith seeking understanding. Mysterium tremendum et fascinans. The tremendous and fascinating mystery that both attracts and frightens us.
Desiderio domini. I dearly long to be with my Lord.
November 2010
5 posts
Think outside the box
It’s 7:24pm and I’m already in bed! I thought I should blog as I listen to my boyband playlist on Pandora and before I finish Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows.
I was getting to know a new friend the other day, mister Thomas Aquinas, and I thought I should share one of his famous proofs for the existence of God in the Summa Theologica. It’s pretty amazing!
The fifth way is...
Live long and prosper
Lyrics from “By the Power of Your Name” by Lincoln Brewster
And I will live To carry on compassion To love a world that’s broken To be Your hands and feet And I will give With the life that I’ve been given And go beyond religion To see your world be changed By the power of Your name Lord, remind me always that it is not I who live, but YOU who lives in me.
Many are called but few are chosen
Excerpt from My Life With The Saints by James Martin, SJ
When he called his first disciples on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus of Nazareth probably had a good idea of what he was getting. In his commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, the Scripture scholar William Barclay says of the apostles: “They were not men of great scholarship, or influence, or wealth, or social background. They...