CYM Vallejo

Cast for This Year's Passion Play

2012-02-01T02:23:00.000-08:00

Jesus – David Doria
Mary – Adrienne “Dri” Hernaez
Judas – Allen Mendoza
Dismas – Daniel “Dano” Cortez (RJ Guba)
Gestas – Chris Alvarez (Jace Guerreo)
Barrabas – Jace Guerreo
Veronica – Meg Arguelles
Magdelene – Tess Singzon
Lazarus – Jace Guerreo
John – RJ Guba
Peter – Ian A.
James – William Del Torre
Nathanael – Ethan Alvarez
Philip – Froilan Cervania
Soldiers – Justin, (need 5 more)
Caiphas – Neil Rayos
Jewish Leader – Rachelle Yambao
Pharisee 1 – Open
Pharisee 2 – Open
Pontius Pilate – Robert Cortez
Joseph - Open
Male Narrator – Ian Arguelles
Female Narrator – Rachelle Yambao
Via Dolorosa – Rochelle Arcega
Were You There? – Rochelle & Rachelle
5 Additional Apostles –
Hand Dancers – Tess Singzon (2-3 More)

To all Cast Members: CLICK HERE FOR THE SCRIPT

Intro Retreat Forms 2011

2011-06-14T22:24:00.000-07:00

For all of you who have been waiting for the the Intro Retreat forms, here they are!

Click Here!

EDIT: For also don't forget to get the Med Forms here!

Medical Form Link

The Mystery of Holy Saturday

2011-04-23T21:02:00.000-07:00

On May 2, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI visited the Shroud of Turin, the traditional cloths which Joseph of Arimathea used to wrap Jesus body before laying it in the tomb. During this visit, the Holy Father gave an address which included a reflection on Holy Saturday. Besides his Address to Artists in 2009, to me this speech is one of the most profound things that Pope Benedict has ever said. Please take a few minutes to slowly read the text below (with my emphasis in bold).

Dear Friends,

This is a moment that I have been waiting for for quite some time. I have found myself before the sacred Shroud on another occasion but this time I am experiencing this pilgrimage and this pause with particular intensity: perhaps because the years make me more sensitive to the message of this extraordinary icon; perhaps, and I would say above all, because I am here as Successor of Peter, and I carry in my heart the whole Church, indeed, all of humanity. I thank God for the gift of this pilgrimage, and also for the opportunity to share with you a brief meditation, which was suggested to me by the title of this solemn exhibition: “The Mystery of Holy Saturday.” One could say that the Shroud is the icon of this mystery, the icon of Holy Saturday. It is in fact a winding sheet, which covered the corpse of a man who was crucified, corresponding to everything that the Gospels say of Jesus, who was crucified about noon and died at about 3 in the afternoon.

Once evening came, since it was Parasceve, the eve of the solemn Sabbath of Passover, Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy and influential member of the Sanhedrin, courageously asked Pontius Pilate to be able to bury Jesus in his new tomb, that he had made in the rock not far from Golgotha. Having received the permission, he bought linen and, taking the body of Jesus down from the cross, wrapped him in the linen and put him in that tomb (cf. Mark 15:42-46). This is what is related by the Gospel of St. Matthew and the other evangelists. From that moment, Jesus remained in the sepulcher until the dawn of the day after the Sabbath, and the Shroud of Turin offers us the image of how his body was stretched out in the tomb during that time, which was brief chronologically (about a day and a half), but was immense, infinite in its value and its meaning.

Holy Saturday is the day of God’s concealment, as one reads in an ancient homily: “What happened? Today there is great silence upon the earth, great silence and solitude. Great silence because the King sleeps … God died in the flesh and descended to make the kingdom of hell (‘gli inferi’) tremble” (“Homily on Holy Saturday,” PG 43, 439). In the Creed we confess that Jesus Christ “was crucified under Pontius Pilate, died and was buried; he descended into hell (‘negli inferi’), and the third day he rose again from the dead.”

Dear brothers and sisters, in our time, especially after having passed through the last century, humanity has become especially sensitive to the mystery of Holy Saturday. God’s concealment is part of the spirituality of contemporary man, in an existential manner, almost unconscious, as an emptiness that continues to expand in the heart. At the end of the 18th century, Nietzsche wrote: “God is dead! And we have killed him!” This celebrated expression, if we consider it carefully, is taken almost word for word from the Christian tradition, we often repeat it in the Via Crucis, perhaps not fully realizing what we are saying. After the two World Wars, the concentration camps, the gulags, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, our epoch has become in ever great measure a Holy Saturday: the darkness of this day questions all those who ask about life, it questions us believers in a special way. We too have something to do with this darkness.

And nevertheless, the death of the Son of God, of Jesus of Nazareth, has an opposite aspect, totally positive; it is a font of consolation and hope. And this makes me think that the sacred Shroud acts as a “photographic” document, with a “positive” and a “negative.” And in effect, this is exactly how it is: The most obscure mystery of faith is at the same time the most luminous sign of a hope without limits. Holy Saturday is the “no man’s land” between death and resurrection, but into this “no man’s land” has entered the One, the Only One, who has crossed it with the signs of his passion for man: “Passio Christi. Passio hominis” ["Passion of Christ. Passion of man"]. And the Shroud speaks to us precisely of that moment; it witnesses precisely to the unique and unrepeatable interval in the history of humanity and the universe, in which God, in Jesus Christ, shared not only our dying, but also our remaining in death. The most radical solidarity. In that “time-beyond-time” Jesus Christ “descended into hell” (“agli inferi”) What does this expression mean? It means that God, made man, went to the point of entering into the extreme and absolute solitude of man, where no ray of love enters, where there is total abandonment without any word of comfort: “hell” (“gli inferi”). Jesus Christ, remaining in death, has gone beyond the gates of this ultimate solitude to lead us too to go beyond it with him.

We have all at times felt a frightening sensation of abandonment, and that which makes us most afraid of death is precisely this [abandonment]; just as when as children we were afraid to be alone in the dark and only the presence of a person who loves us could reassure us. So, it is exactly this that happened in Holy Saturday: In the kingdom of death there resounded the voice of God. The unthinkable happened: that Love penetrated “into hell” (“negli inferi”): that in the most extreme darkness of the most absolute human solitude we can hear a voice that calls us and find a hand that takes us and leads us out. The human being lives by the fact that he is loved and can love; and if love even has penetrated into the realm of death, then life has also arrived there. In the hour of extreme solitude we will never be alone: “Passio Christi. Passio hominis.”

This is the mystery of Holy Saturday! It is from there, from the darkness of the death of the Son of God, that the light of a new hope has shone: the light of the Resurrection. And it seems to me that looking upon this cloth with the eyes of faith one perceives something of this light. In effect, the Shroud was immersed in that profound darkness, but it is luminous at the same time; and I think that if thousands and thousands of people come to see it -- without counting those who contemplate copies of it -- it is because in it they do not see only darkness, but also light; not so much the defeat of life and love but rather victory, victory of life over death, of love over hatred; they indeed see the death of Jesus, but glimpse his resurrection [too]; in the heart of death there now beats life, inasmuch as love lives there. This is the power of the Shroud: from the countenance of this “Man of sorrows,” who takes upon himself man’s passion of every time and every place, even our passion, our suffering, our difficulties, our sins -- “Passio Christi. Passio hominis” -- from this moment there emanates a solemn majesty, a paradoxical lordship. This face, these hands and these feet, this side, this whole body speaks, it is itself a word that we can hear in silence. How does the Shroud speak? It speaks with blood, and blood is life! The Shroud is an icon written in blood; the blood of a man who has been scourged, crowned with thorns, crucified and wounded in his right side. Every trace of blood speaks of love and of life. Especially that large mark near the side, made by blood and water that poured copiously from a great wound caused by a Roman spear, that blood and that water speak of life. It is like a spring that speaks in silence, and we can hear it, we can listen to it, in the silence of Holy Saturday.

Dear friends, let us praise the Lord always for his faithful and merciful love. Departing from this holy place, we carry in our eyes the image of the Shroud, we carry in our heart this word of love, and we praise God with a life full of faith, of love and of charity.

Thank you.

The Hour of Darkness

2011-04-23T20:28:00.000-07:00

To all the cast and crew of Passion Play 2011, Remember Him, I would like to offer my most heartfelt congratulations and thanks! You did a wonderful job of proclaiming Christ Crucified to a very forgetful world.

At our final prayer service, I mentioned Pope Benedict's prayer at the Via Crucis in Rome's Coliseum. Here it is with my emphasis in bold.

Lord Jesus,

you invite us to follow you

in this, your final hour.

In you, each one of us is present

and we, though many, are one in you.

In your final hour is our life’s hour of testing,

in all its harshness and brutality;

it is the hour of the passion of your Church

and of all humanity.

It is the hour of darkness:

when “the foundations of the earth tremble”

and man, “a tiny part of your creation”,

groans and suffers with it;

an hour when the various masks of falsehood

mock the truth

and the allure of success stifles the deep call to honesty;

when utter lack of meaning and values

brings good training to nought

and the disordered heart disfigures the innocence

of the small and weak;

an hour when man strays from the way leading to the Father

and no longer recognizes in you

the bright face of his own humanity.

This hour brings the temptation to flee,

the sense of bewilderment and anguish,

as the worm of doubt eats away at the mind

and the curtain of darkness falls on the heart.

And you, Lord,

who read the open book of our frail hearts,

ask us this evening,

as once you asked the Twelve:

“Do you also wish to leave me?”

No, Lord, we cannot and would not leave you,

for you alone “have the words of eternal life”,

you alone are “the word of truth”

and your cross alone

is the “key that opens to us the secrets

of truth and life”.

“We will follow you wherever you go!”

Following you is itself our act of worship,

as from the horizon of the not yet

a ray of joy

caresses the already of our journey.

Holy Thursday and Night Watch

2011-04-20T12:46:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Holy Thursday (according to Sean it's the most romantic night of the year.)

Come out to Holy Thursday Mass and Night Watch afterward. The Holy Thursday Mass includes the washing of the feet (which is totally optional). The youth and young adults are in charge of the first hour of Night Watch right after the mass, so come on out and spend an hour with our Lord.

Passion Play Poster

2011-04-14T00:09:00.000-07:00

Come on out and Watch!!!

Passion Play Practice for the Week

2011-04-12T11:42:00.000-07:00

It's Purgatory Week! 4 days until our first performance, Time to put it into high gear and come ready to work.

Tues, April 12: 5-7pm at La Petite and 8-10pm at the Church
Wed, April 13: 5-7pm at La Petite and 8-10pm at the Church
Thurs, April 14: 4-530pm and 8-10pm at the Church
Fri, April 15: 4-530pm at the Church. 7-8pm at La Petite for make-up
and costume ready. Then 8-11pm at the Church.

Novena to St. Genesius

2011-04-09T18:41:00.000-07:00

Attention all Passion Play Cast members!!

Click here for the Novena to St. Genesius.

Remember to pray everyday at 7pm!.

Passion Play Practice Thursday

2011-04-06T00:33:00.000-07:00

This is this week’s Passion Play Practice Schedule.

Call, Text, Tweet, Retweet, Reblog this message to your fellow cast and crew.

Every practice is very important. Come early and ready to work we only have 10 days until our first performance.

Thurs. : 4-6pm at the Church. Full Act 2

Also, your character bio’s are due
a paragraph for every character you’re playing
for example if you’re playing a party member and a homeless person you should right a paragraph about each character.
have fun with it
Traditional characters: do some light research of the character you’re portraying (i.e. Jesus, Pilate, Peter, Etc.)

Fri. : TGIF 6-10p at the Church All Cast

Sat. : 12:30-4:30 at the Church All Cast and Crew

If you haven’t been doing so, please pray for all us involved with Passion Play.

Passion Practices for the Week

2011-04-03T21:50:00.000-07:00

Tues. : 5-7pm at La petite: Full Act 1

Thurs. : 4-6pm at the Church. Full Act 2

Fri. : TGIF 6-10p All Cast

Sat. : 12:30-4:30 at the Church All Cast and Crew

On Fire NorCal Jam 2011

2011-03-31T22:50:00.000-07:00

Mark your calender CYMmers for On Fire 2011 September 24th.

Matt Maher, Jason Everet, and Paul Kim in Vallejo @ Discovery Kingdom.

Passion Play Practice Saturday

2011-03-31T22:31:00.000-07:00

April 2: 12:30-4:30pm at the Church. Full Run Through

2 weeks left until our first show. Get to practice on time and come ready to work. Also, Call or Text each other to make sure that all cast and crew know about Saturday.

Passion Practice Thursday

2011-03-29T23:54:00.000-07:00

Passion Play Practice:

Thursday, March 31: 4-6pm at the Church. Trial Scene.

Cast and Crew, let each other know what's up. We have less than 2 1/2 weeks left.

Come Ready to work.

Practice Today

2011-03-29T01:31:00.000-07:00

March 29: 5-7pm at La Petite. Via-ending

Come ready to work, y'all!

Passion Practice for the Week

2011-03-27T22:16:00.000-07:00

Here is the practice schedule for this week.

March 29: 5-7pm at La Petite. Via-ending

March 31: 4-6pm at the Church. Trial

April 2: 12:30-4:30pm at the Church. Full Run Through

If you're not in any of the scenes we are practicing, you don't need to come to practice. It's 3 weeks until our first show, come ready to work.

For more on the latest, add us on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/#!/scsCYMvallejo

CYM has a Twitter?!

2011-03-27T02:33:00.001-07:00

You read right. CYM has a Twitter now. If you have a Twitter, Please sure to add http://twitter.com/#!/scsCYMvallejo to your follow lists for updates on upcoming CYM Events.

CYMmers Perform at Hogan High School

2011-03-25T15:30:00.000-07:00

Justin wanted to bring one of our skits to The Art of Noise performing arts show for awhile now and on March 23, 2011 CYM had the opportunity to perform at The Art of Noise at Hogan High School.

Being that it was a non-faith based event, I was a little worried about how those involved with the skit would be feeling and those watching the skit would receive the skit. The original cast was gathered and was told about the opportunity to perform at The Art of Noise. Any one of them could have backed out but, they were all for it.

Fortunately for us, everyone remembered their choreography so we didn’t need to practice much. Even if everyone wasn’t there, we practiced for a little bit at Passion Play practice the day before just to refresh ourselves with choreography. However, we hit a roadblock when during one of the run throughs Justin sprained his ankle due to the speed of the fall and grip of his shoe working against each other. We were worried because he was one of the main characters in the skit.

The day of the performance Justin was able to walk but there was still pain in his ankle from the day before. The hours leading up to our meet up at Hogan I was praying for the kids, the skit, and the show every chance I got. We met up at Hogan and had to run through the order of the show. We waited for the run through to be over and we met in the band room to practice.

We gathered together in prayer and we ran through the skit about 3 to 4 times. However, during our practices our music would skip and the cast was getting a little banged up. I’m pretty sure it was little bit of the devil’s handy work and I’m sure he didn’t want us to perform this skit at this show. After our practices, we gathered together to center ourselves and to pray.

I told the kids about a group of performers who had performed the “My Everything” skit at a club in LA and that they were in the same boat as them. I also told them “They were given a great opportunity, an opportunity for evangelization. To the production staff, it was an expression of art but, to us it was much more than that. It was an expression of our Faith. Whatever fear we may have, our love for God drive it away.” We prayed and left the room to enjoy the show until our performances.

A few performances before theirs, Justin had introduced to me to sound man and I chilled at the sound booth until after the performance. I saw the cast leave their seats to get ready for their performance. One of the instructions I had given them was to pray before their performance and they did so. I set up the camera and started recording when Justin started giving a short introduction.

As you can tell in the video, I was giving the sound guy instructions when to play the song because usually I was the guy to press play and let the music go. After the introduction, I started to pray for them as I watched them do their thing. You can hear me singing in the video but, I don’t care because it was part of my prayer. Also, after the introduction the crowd went silent. Justin and Rachelle started doing their monologue and the music started to play.

The cast’s performance was leaps and bounds better than their performance at Praise Party one month ago. I could tell by their actions during the performance that they were much more into it. They showed up ready to do God’s work and God’s work they did. The cast had executed the skit wonderfully, awesomely, and epically, all the while giving glory to God.

When the skit was said and done, we were surprised by the audience’s reaction. People were applauding, cheering, and we even had several people giving us a standing ovation. We didn’t expect that big of a reaction. The reaction from the video on Tumblr and on Facebook was also surprising, people commented about how touched and inspired they were because of it.

Maybe that was the reason God brought us to Hogan, to awaken the bored in Spirit. Well whatever the reason, we did God’s work. God gave us the opportunity to evangelize and whatever we were feeling, may it be fear or doubt, we showed up. God gave us the strength to do what was needed.

Like Criscilla Crossland doing the “My Everything” skit at a Club in LA, we were given the opportunity to perform one of our skits at a non-faith based event. To them it was an expression of art but, to us it was an expression of faith. Even though the devil was trying to break us down, we knew that if God is for us, who could be against us. No matter how afraid or doubtful we were, our love for God drove it away. For what we do, we do for the glory of God. And the Glory of God shined that day through the cast to the audience at the show to be touched and inspired.

May God’s grace and mercy awaken the bored in Spirit.

CYM Announcements

2011-03-24T14:45:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow there will be TGIF at La Petite from 6p to 10p. Bring some food and come on out for Fun, Fellowship and Faith.

Also, if you're interested in helping out with or are already in Passion Play, here's the schedule of practices from now until our first performance.

March 24: 4-6pm at the Church. Agony

March 26: 12:30-430pm at the Church. Full Run Through

March 29: 5-7pm at La Petite. Via-ending

March 31: 4-6pm at the Church. Trial

April 2: 1230-430pm at the Church. Full Run Through

April 5: 5-7pm at La petite: Full Act 1

April 7: 4-6pm at the Church. Full Act 2

April 8: Passion Play TGIF 6p-10p (TBA)

Purgatory Week:

April 12: 5-7pm at La Petite

April 13: TBA

April 14: 4-6pm at the Church. We can go after mass around 8ish pm

April 15: TBA

Performances:

April 16: After the 5:30 Mass (Approx. 6:30p)

April 19: After Tuesday Evening Mass (Approx. 8p)

April 22: After the Good Friday Service (Approx. 9p)

The Way #3

2011-03-11T19:24:00.000-08:00

“Maturity. Stop making faces and acting up like a child! Your bearing ought to reflect the peace and order in your soul.”

I remember in 8th grade we did a skit based on a reading. It talked about people who are fasting and how they act (Mt 6: 1-6,16-18). Don't be the people who show it in their faces and complain about it. We shouldn't be showing our hungriness or pain. If we are old enough to fast we should be old enough to take it.

In this season of Lent we are fasting. Fasting is a way of prayer. We are supposed to fast every Friday during Lent...well for those who are old enough(18 - 59yrs old). Also when it comes to our burdens and when we are down, don't show it to attract attention. It doesn't become a prayerful suffering when you complain to people. Take up your Cross and follow Me.

The Way #107

2011-03-10T15:00:00.000-08:00

"Sanctity without prayer? I don't believe in such sanctity."

I believe I was thinking of reflecting on this one last year, but I didn't pray enough. HAHA.....I know bad joke. But that's just it. How can we be faithful without prayer?

We talk to people. Why can't we talk to God? Pray is our communication with God. You can't know someone unless you talk to them. It's the same way with God. Talk with God though prayer. It's something that I have to work on.

I tend to chat with God. Throughout my day I notice things and I just talk to God about it. Yesterday I saw some broken glass on the side of the freeway and then I just asked God to protect the people who were involved in that accident. Or when I felt tired while I was driving I would ask God to wake me up. Another time I was staring at the stars and I would thank God for the beautiful sight. When the day is over and I'm lying down on my bed, I would just talk with God and tell Him my day and what I was feeling.

Don't underestimate the power of prayer. Without prayer we are nothing. It is a gift from God.

The Way #290

2011-03-09T16:50:00.000-08:00

What's up everyone!

I've decided that for Lent i'll continue my reflections from the book "The Way" by St. Josemaria Escriva. I'll try to do my best for a daily reflection (Seriously, I'll try!). I will post here and on my tumblr (haha plug).

Anyways here we go.

The Way #290

"To reform. Everyday a little. This has to be your constant task if you really want to become a saint."

I find this one fitting for today. It's the beginning of Lent and we all give stuff up for Lent. I gave up meat and secular music. I am also praying the Chaplet everyday and doing this reflection. We use Lent sometimes as another New Year's resolution. I hear that people are starting to work out or giving up fast food. Don't get me wrong, those are all good things to do or give up, but we shouldn't take it as a way to make ourselves look better. This is a time to remember what Jesus did before He gave up Himself for us. It's a way for us to pray more.

"What if you fail on your Lenten promises?" Well for one, I already failed with the secular music. I ended up singing a Metallica song @ 12:15am today (Thanks Ian -____-). But just because I sang that song, dosen't mean I should stop giving it up. Take Lent one day at a time. "Everyday a little." A little goes a long way. So stay strong for Lent. It's a going to be a long tough road.

We want to become saints. We have to if we want to be in heaven. Make Lent a time for you to see what is going on in your life and changing things to be saints...to be God's. And if that means not eating fast food and making dinner for your family or working out and inspiring others to lose weight...do it! What did Aaliyah (who is Catholic) say: "When you first don't succeed? Pick yourself up and Try Again."

The Imposition of Christ

2011-03-09T09:15:00.000-08:00

Reposting a reflection on Ash Wednesday that I wrote last year: The Imposition of Christ.

At some point today, if you make it to mass, you will have had the mark of Christ imposed on you - the imposition of ashes. With the ash of palms once used to hail the coming of a king, you and I are marked - marked for martyrdom, labeled for love, smudged for service.

Some Lenten practices to consider.

2011-03-06T23:20:00.000-08:00

Ahhhhhhhhhhh Lent begins in 3 days and you haven't figured out what you are going to do yet. Well, here are some different Lenten practices that might be out of your normal scope of Lenten practices, some things beyond giving up chocolate and facebook.

Remember, Lent is fundamentally about preparation and conversion, so it might be worthwhile to find something more to do during Lent than a sacrifice that you will just binge on come Easter*.

Prayer Calendar. I've been doing this on and off for several years. Basically you have someone or something (or multiple someones/somethings) that you pray for each day of Lent. It is a beautiful way to get you in a habit of prayer, and connect you with people you care about. You can even invite your friends and family to pick a day.

Lenten Letters. Write a different thank you note to a different person every day of Lent. It is amazing what God can do with our lives when we slow down, and meditate on all the blessings, especially the people, in our lives that we are grateful for. Spend Sundays praying for and thanking God for the people you wrote letters/notes to during the week.

Lent in a Tent. 40 days living in a tent. I first heard about someone doing this in 2004, when I read that Matt Smith, formerly of MTV's Real World and now part of Lifeteen, did this. Recently I read an article from Fr. Dwight Longenecker about a child doing this. It might be a way to put into perspective what it means to have a home, and to unite with our brethren who aren't so blessed to have a roof over their head.

40 day giveaway. This one is inspired by this guy, Flip Caderao. We are a society that just needs and loves things. Take this Lent to meditate on being not of this world, by giving away things - yes, things that you like a lot. Flip gave away his dog!!! "We were meant to use things and love people, not love things and use people."

Get To Mass. As simple as making an effort to get to Daily Mass as often as possible. I can say nothing more than the fact that this practice is life changing.

Get more out of mass. Dedicate this Lent to learning more about the Mass. There are plenty of internet resources out there like this one and this one. I would also recommend Father Jeremy Driscoll, OSB's book, "What happens at Mass." Just work your way through it slowly every day, focusing on different parts of the mass each time. This works well with the "Get to Mass" practice.

Spiritual Reading. We don't read enough as a society. And as faithful Catholics we don't read enough things that fulfill us spiritually. We fill ourselves with unfulfilling - even draining - things we find on TV or the internet. Read something that will get you closer to God this Lent. Here is a list of books that are so short that you can get by with reading less than 5 pages a day.

Piggy Bank. A lot of times people give stuff up and don't really see the benefits of it. Although spiritual benefit may abound, this Lenten practice can show a visible benefit, and it ties in with the practice of Almsgiving. Basically, whenever you crave whatever it is you are giving up like soda, or chocolate, put the money that you would've spent on it in a piggy bank. (Or every time you break your fast, make a double-donation). At the end of Lent, donate the money in the piggy bank to a good cause.

Well those are a few options, but that doesn't mean you have to pick one of those. Find something that is important to you and that you really can see assisting you in your journey to God. Pray about it. Seek spiritual direction. Find people to keep you accountable. Be joyful doing it.

Have a great Lent.

Be God's.

*Lenten sacrifice is important. I'm not trying to minimize that. Even if all you do is give up Chocolate, there is power in that sacrifice.

Bless some throats

2011-02-03T14:43:00.000-08:00

Today is the feast of St. Blaise.

Just in case you want to get another person to bless your throats, or you want to go around blessing other peoples' throats, here is the blessing from the Book of Blessings (and yes a lay person can do it):

1634. A lay minister, touching the throat of each person with the crossed candles and, WITHOUT making the sign of the cross, says the prayer of blessing.

Through the intercession of Saint Blaise, bishop and
martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat
and from every other illness:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Each person responds:
R. Amen.

Enjoy.

VAW Day 6: Why do you want to become a priest?

2011-01-14T16:57:00.000-08:00

We made this video at the seminary last year:

It was inspired by this video:

Enjoy.

VAW Day 5: Do You Need Prayers for Your Vocation?

2011-01-13T22:22:00.000-08:00

So one of the best decisions I ever made for my vocation was to begin mentioning to people that I was discerning a call to the priesthood.

I wasn't even close to being sure, but it was important because more than anything people responded with, "I will pray for your discernment."

I can wholeheartedly say that I have felt the effect of those prayers.

So, today, I share with you a couple things.

One, I share with you an encouragement to share your own vocation discernment with people so that they can pray for you. You don't have to be sure, and you can ask them to not share it with anyone, but having people pray for you makes a huge difference.

Secondly, there are a lot of groups out there praying for vocations, and a lot of groups willing to take on prayer requests. So I share with you this group. They are sponsored by vocation.com and their group is called Adoration For Vocations [such a cool name]. Send in your prayer requests, now.

VAW Day 4: Women of Mystery, Women of Hope Vocation Video

2011-01-12T22:48:00.000-08:00

Just a great video, that is all:

VAW Day 3: Media Day

2011-01-11T09:34:00.000-08:00

"What is capable of restoring enthusiasm and confidence, what can encourage the human spirit to rediscover its path, to raise its eyes to the horizon, to dream of a life worthy of its vocation – if not beauty? Dear friends, as artists you know well that the experience of beauty, beauty that is authentic, not merely transient or artificial, is by no means a supplementary or secondary factor in our search for meaning and happiness; the experience of beauty does not remove us from reality, on the contrary, it leads to a direct encounter with the daily reality of our lives, liberating it from darkness, transfiguring it, making it radiant and beautiful."
- Pope Benedict XVI in his address to artists

So I've been an amateur graphic designer pretty much since I assembled my first computer.

Given my amateur status, I appreciate the work that real designers put into a lot of what they do. And as we read from Pope Benedict, these artists have the ability to encourage the human spirit to "dream of a life worthy of its vocation." Fitting for Vocations Awareness Week.

So now I present to you a few different visual pieces to enjoy that promote vocations:

VAW Day 1 & 2: 2 days, 2 videos.

2011-01-10T17:04:00.000-08:00

So it's Monday.

Vocations Awareness week started yesterday, Sunday.

Given that, you are getting not one, not three, but two, yes, two vocation videos today.

They are both about religious vocations. One video is made by the Washington Post, and although I am not always a fan of the WaPo, this video is quite endearing. Plus it is a religious sister happy in a habit. How could I not like that?

The other video is for the Dominicans of the St. Joseph province, and revolves around the 21 men who were invested in their habits and the 8 men who made their simple professions. Powerful and moving.

Check them out, they might just ignite something in you.

Leaving All Things Behind from Province of Saint Joseph on Vimeo.

And at the very least the videos may change your view on some misconceptions you may have about religious life or you might learn something new about religious orders.

Be God's, brothers and sisters.

It's Vocations Awareness Week

2011-01-10T08:52:00.001-08:00

As has been the tradition for the site for the last few years, I will be posting one vocation themed post a day (maybe more).

Keep an eye out.

Final Script

2010-12-04T19:27:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to everyone who auditioned for Passion Play. Here's the link to the final draft of the script. Please download it and start reviewing your lines for your character. If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to ask.

Download the Script Here.

Passion Play Cast

2010-12-02T15:12:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who auditioned. We had a difficult time choosing this years cast. Unfortunately everyone cannot get the exact part that they wanted, but remember this play is bigger than any of us. Remember why we do this, we do it for his glory and to spread his word!

Before i announce the cast i would like to remind everyone that our first rehersal will be at Auntie Trini's house (the same place where callbacks were) from 4pm-6pm. Everyone who has a speaking role will be required to print out their own scripts for tomorrow's rehersal. Also please bring a pencil to take notes with.

So onto the cast...drumroll please...........................

Traditional Cast

Jesus: Ian Arguelles

Peter: Aldren Egenias

Andrew: Eric Nicolas

John: Edmund Reduta

Judas: Paolo Diaz

Apostles: Kris Chan, ___________, ___________, ___________, ___________, ___________, ___________, ___________

Mary Magdalene: Marny San Jose/Tess Singzon

Mama Mary: Marny San Jose/Tess Singzon

Pilate: Arianna Cabebe

Ciaphas: Matt Meneses

Pharissee: Miguel Zulueta, Arthur Mendoza/RJ Guba, JP Maypa

Soldiers: TB, ___________, ___________, ___________,

Blind Man: Rachel Sebero

Servant Girl: Anjel Falcon

Commoner: Juanna Falcon

Bystander: Meg Arguelles

Reader: Ann Marie Soto/Rachel Sebero

Weeping Women: Avegail Culannay, Carmina Culannay, Rochelle Arcega, Rachelle Yambao, Raucha Mae Fuentes, Ann Marie Soto, Jamie Naval, Marny San Jose

Modern Cast

Josh: Alex Abinales

Drew: Neil Rayos

Chris: RJ Guba/Arthur Mendoza

Mark: Justin Reyes

Janelle: Regina Velarde

Hannah: Joi Umbao

Fr. Dave: Aldren Egenias

Drunk Guy: Arthur Mendoza/RJ Guba

Sleazeballs: Miguel Zulueta, Arthur Mendoza/RJ Guba, JP Maypa

Mrs. Emperador: Kristin Mitra

Waiters: Mary Falcon, Jamie Naval

Benediction Reader: Juan Danganan/Joi Umbao

Singers

Were You There: Rachelle Yambao, Rochelle Arcega

Via Dolorosa: Raucha Mae Fuentes

I Will Follow Him: Avegail Culannay, Rochelle Arcega, Rachelle Yambao, Raucha Mae Fuentes, Ann Marie Soto, Jamie Naval, Marny San Jose

Congratulations to everyone who got a role! We will see you all tomorrow at Auntie Trinis house! Please be on time! Bring a script and a pencil! Be excited because we all are!

PASSION PLAY - FIRST REHEARSAL!

2010-12-01T00:10:00.000-08:00

YO.

The first rehearsal for Passion Play 2011 will be this Friday, December 3rd from 4pm-6pm. The venue will be announced, but everyone should be there, whether or not you've been called by phone to fulfill a certain role by now. That's right, everyone. We need all the people we can!

RECAP:
-Rehearsal this Friday
-When? 4-6pm
-Who? You. Everyone.

Thank you!

A few Advent Meditations

2010-11-29T00:40:00.000-08:00

A little bit late here, but I said i'd get this up. So here goes. Listed below are a few Advent meditations that I have either used in the past or I have heard as suggestions for Advent.
You could use these, or make your own.

Hit the link for details, enjoy.

The Incarnation of Christ
Involves: Lots of bowing and genuflecting, the Angelus, slugs.

The Return of the King
Involves: Lord of the Rings, Narnia, Chess,

Being Busy
Involves: the Devil, good things vs. great things, chocolate, bells

Preparedness
Includes: recipes, piggy banks, Confession.

Alright so this isn't going to be a full-blown out description of what you should do for these meditations, just some ideas. I personally believe your Advent will be more fruitful if you cater it to your own life, so this is just maybe to get you jumpstarted or a healthy reminder that Advent has begun. =]

Hope it helps.

The Incarnation of Christ
Involves: Lots of bowing and genuflecting, the Angelus, slugs.

So the point of this meditation is to really focus this Advent on what it means that Christ became flesh. Focus on how amazing a gift it is that the all-powerful God slaved himself, became a man, for each of us. I heard a priest once compare it to us giving up all the freedoms we enjoyed, and the beauty of our lives, just to become a slimy, disgusting slug out of love for our beloved. To be ignored, despised, unappreciated - all out of love.

So why bowing and genuflecting? Well, to highlight the importance of the incarnation, maybe you could take up the devotion of the Angelus, paying special attention to the genuflection or bow at the line "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us."

Also, if you didn't know, whenever we pray the Credo at mass ("We believe in God...") there is a particular line that everyone - yes, everyone - is supposed to bow. The line in the current translation is: "by the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man." Maybe, during Advent, you would pay particular attention to that moment during Mass.

It could even be in understanding the beauty in the simple act of genuflecting when you enter a church, or making a sign of the cross as you pass a church.

The Return of the King
Involves: Lord of the Rings, Narnia, Chess,
I think it is really cool that Voyage of the Dawn Treader is coming out in the middle of Advent this year. There's a verse that Reepicheep recounts in the beginning of the book that goes like this:

Where sky and water meet,

Where the waves grow sweet,

Doubt not, Reepicheep,

To find all you seek,

There is the utter East.

So what does this have to do with Advent? Well the East is the direction the sun rises - and the direction that the Son rises - the direction of the King's return. I think the kingship of Christ is a beautiful thing to focus on during the Advent season. Read the Narnia stories, read LOTR, meditate on what it means that Christ is King. Meditate on what it means that he came once, and that he will also return again. If you are struggling with a lot of things this Advent, explore what it means that you can rely on your King for help.

Play some chess, meditate on what it means that the King is the most important piece. Sometimes we think other pieces are more important, but ultimately the game ends when we lose the King.

And remember these words of King Aslan in the Voyage of the Dawn Treader: "Do not look so sad, we shall soon meet again."

Maybe this song would be a good song to meditate on, too: Amazing Love

Being Busy
Involves: the Devil, good things vs. great things, chocolate, bells

The other day I blogged about something my spiritual director said: "the Devil rejoices when we are busy with simply good things." It is very true; sometimes we get caught up doing so many things we lose focus on Christ. This is the meditation I am trying to focus on this Advent.

It's a lesson that has been tough for me to learn. Just because something is good, it doesn't mean that is what God wants from me. Often he demands more, he desires more from me, and for me, and those good things might actually be distracting me from what he really wants for me. So, this Advent, although I know I am going to be super busy, I am going to try and really focus on slowing down at times. Set aside time specifically for prayer. Spend time in silence. Find silence amidst all the noise.

Why Chocolate? Advent Calendars are a good daily reminder that we are in the Season of Advent, and that even though each day we get a good thing, the chocolate, it isn't as important as the best thing, Christ.

Why bells? Bells ringing are a call to step away from the world, and spend time with God - that's why we have Church bells. So this Advent wherever/whenever I hear bells - in front of stores, at Mass, at school, on the radio - I will try and take a moment to reflect on God.

Preparedness
Includes: Cooking and baking, piggy banks, Confession.

Next Sunday, the Second Sunday of Advent, you will hear this line from Scripture:"Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths."

Maybe this Advent, it is a time to meditate on how prepared we are for the Lord in our lives. Maybe this means looking at the plans we make and whether or not we are preparing just for ourselves, or are we preparing for God. Maybe this means going to Confession again. Maybe this means re-evaluating our lives and seeing if what we are doing is preparing the way of the Lord.

I think a good way to enter into this meditation is to cook or bake. When cooking or baking it is important to plan ahead. We can't expect to cook or bake something properly without preparing - buying ingredients, prepping ingredients, having a culinary vision. What happens when things aren't prepared properly.

Another way you might reflect on preparedness is to start a piggy bank. Think of something you desire for yourself or someone else - maybe you really want to travel this summer, or you really want to donate to this charity. Start a piggy bank. Make sacrifices during Advent - don't go out to eat this one time, or sell this video game you don't play anymore - in order to save/prepare for something better in the future... For more on preparedness, Msgr. Charles Pope recently wrote a good article.

--------------------
So there you go, a few meditations for your Advent, use one, use 'em all, modify them, share them. Whatevs. Whatever you do, may you have a fruitful and blessed Advent.
Maranatha.

Passion Play updates

2010-11-25T12:55:00.001-08:00

Thank your to all of you who have auditioned! If you haven't auditioned for passion play, why!?!?!

We are having another day of auditions. It will be held on Sunday from 12pm-5pm @ Rachel Sebero's house.

Please bring a pen and the script. You can also prepare a monolouge if you would like to. Also if you want to sing, prepare a song.

Any questions about auditions please ask Juan. If you need directions to Rachel's house, ask one of the youth leaders!

That is all. Happy Turkey Day to you!

Passion Play Auditions update!!

2010-11-22T18:38:00.001-08:00

So there will be no auditions tomorrow. We will be having auditions on wedenesday. It will takes place at Auntie Trini's house. The auditions will be from 3pm-6pm. Make sure you bring a pen and the script. To get the address please ask a youth leader. See you guys there!

Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus, Christ the King

2010-11-21T01:52:00.000-08:00

Howdy.

Today is the The Solemnity of Christ the King.

Here's a link to a reflection on Christ the King I wrote a few years back.

Be kings.

Be The King's.

Trouble Downloading the Script?

2010-11-17T19:16:00.000-08:00

It's come to my attention that people have been having trouble viewing and downloading the script. I have provided a new link from where you can download the script. If you're having further trouble, please contact Ruben.

Passion Play 2011: Remember Him Script

Passion Play Audition and Script

2010-11-15T23:48:00.000-08:00

Good evening everyone! Here it is! The Passion Play Script.

Auditions will be held on November 22 from 3pm to 6pm and November 23 and 24 from 3pm to 7pm @ La Petite.

If you're planning on auditioning for a role, please ensure that you make it to one of these auditions. Please familiarize yourself with the character(s) you will be auditioning for. The script is available through the link at the end of this post. Please bring your own copy the script if you plan on auditioning. A monologue would be nice but, isn't necessary.

Also, we are looking for singers for some of the songs in the script. If you would like to audition for a singing role, please familiarize yourself with the song your auditioning for. Also, please have another song ready for your audition.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please feel free to ask Ruben, Miguel, Juan, Lisa, or AJ.

So without further adieu, if you would like the script click this link Passion Play 2011: Remember Him Script

Sun. Nov 7th

2010-11-06T00:29:00.001-07:00

There will be another read through for Passion Play on Nov. 7th from 3 to 5 at La Petite. If you're considering a role for Passion Play, I suggest you be there. If you would like the script so you can print your own copy, please message Ruben.

TGIF Nov. 5th

2010-11-03T00:33:00.000-07:00

TGIF is at La Petite this Friday, Nov. 5th. If you're thinking about being a part of Passion Play this year, we'll be doing our first read through at TGIF starting at 5pm. If you would like the script, please contact Ruben and he'll get it to you. Hope to see you there and Please spread the word to your fellow CYMmers.

Teenage Saint, Blessed Chiara Badano, Pray For Us.

2010-09-29T10:31:00.000-07:00

I meant to post this before Saturday, but things happen. Enjoy.

Often times when we think about saints we think about people who lived a long time ago who might have no relation to our lives today. Or we think that saints did these marvelous, grand things that we could never accomplish. Or we think that we are too young to strive for sainthood. This past Saturday, Pope Benedict XVI beatified Chiara Badano, someone who flips the script on these preconceived images.

Chiara Badano was born after most of our parents, she lived in our age. She died at the age of 18 in 1990 to a form of bone cancer. To many people it might seem that she lived an unextraordinary life, that in her 18 years she accomplished little. But ah, she did accomplish much. She was the model of joy in suffering, and she was faithful to God even through her pain. She suffered much, but loved more - and because of that love she was extraordinary.

Excerpt from the Denver Catholic Register:

"At a glance, the story of Chiara Badano—an only child conceived after 11 years of marriage, who died at 18 after a bout with a painful form of bone cancer—looks like an empty tragedy, but not from the perspective of the Divine Author.
        Chiara seemed to have everything going for her as a teen. She had a loving, holy family and a rock solid faith that was nurtured by retreats and youth ministry programs. She was popular amongst her friends and was liked by boys. It’s not hard to see why. She was beautiful. Chiara loved to hang out in coffee shops. She was great at tennis, swimming and mountain climbing. Her outgoing personality and adventurous spirit made her dream of becoming a flight attendant. Chiara had a bright life ahead of her.
One day while playing tennis, Chiara experienced excruciating pain in her shoulder. Shortly afterwards she was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma. She watched her bright future slip away. But it’s here that the real story of her life begins—the story of heroic virtue.
        Chiara’s joy was explosive and it only increased with her suffering. After one very pain-filled night she said, “I suffered a lot, but my soul was singing.”

...

Chiara had a profound sense of redemptive suffering. She often repeated the phrase, “If this is what you want, Jesus, so do I.” Like any teenage girl, she loved her hair, but with each lock that fell out she’d pray, “For you, Jesus.” She frequently refused morphine, saying, “I want to share as much as possible in His suffering on the cross.”

Read more about Chiara Luce Badano.

Blessed Chiara Badano, Pray For Us.

This is my King: Do you know him?

2010-09-29T09:54:00.000-07:00

This is my King: Do you know him?

Want Heaven’s Area Code? 5 Ways to Talk to God.

2010-09-14T19:08:00.000-07:00

Via (Lifeteen)

"If my customers cannot live one day without their cell phones that connect them to the people they love, why can some Catholics live without praying daily?"

Follow the Link @ Lifeteen

On Fire

2010-09-04T15:57:00.000-07:00

New CYM Gear?

2010-09-03T11:26:00.000-07:00

CYM and YAM, new T-Shirts for us to wear at On Fire at Marine World? Again, this is a rough draft. I'm still in the process of taking the kinks out of the design.

2010-08-31T00:09:00.000-07:00

"If we are to better ourselves for God and each other, we need to be Holy. In order to be Holy, We need to readjust our sails and set our inner compass to our Spiritual North Star, Jesus. We need to work on the defects of our character and become faithful, virtuous people. We need to start being better foundations and building each other up instead of breaking each other down under the guise of amusement. We need each other to thrive spiritually rather than survive in a fleeting world."
- Yours Truly

World Youth Day Promo Video

2010-08-16T22:21:00.000-07:00

H/t to Fr. Avram Brown

WYD Meeting This Saturday!!!

2010-08-16T22:20:00.000-07:00

We are now sitting at just under a year for WYD Madrid!!!!

For all those interested we will be having a WYD Meeting this Saturday Morning.

The meeting will be mostly informational, with a bit of fundraiser brainstorming. If you are at all interested in attending World Youth Day in Madrid, Spain next summer please attend this meeting:

Saturday, August 21, 2010
10 am
7th Grade Classroom

For more info check out the CYM WYD Madrid blog: worldyouthdaymadrid.blogspot.com

Bring all your questions and ideas. See you there.

P.S. some of us will be going to Mass and praying Vespers beginning at 9am if you want to join us.

Back To School! Yeah.

2010-08-16T12:52:00.000-07:00

Hey there, it's that time of year again, the time to head back to school, I thought I'd scrounge up some back to school resources for y'all beautiful people out there.

* Lifeteen: Back to School Survival Guide
* Lifeteen: Why you need to Pray Through School.
* Lifeteen: Dealing with the Fear of Rejection, a teen guide
* Catholicity: Prayer for students
* Prayers for school, students, teachers

Relay for Life 2010

2010-08-08T18:36:00.001-07:00

Here's a link for photos from Relay for Life 2010. -courtesy of uncle Jong Arcega.

Lifeteen: God made SEX (and he made it sacred

2010-07-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

"Human sexuality is not about what we receive, but what we give. In other words, when we reduce sex merely to an act that elicits pleasure, sex has been stripped of its dignity – the end result is use."

Say what?! Daily Mass at 7pm now.

2010-07-27T13:29:00.000-07:00

Yup, that's right.

St. Catherine of Siena parish now has a daily mass every weekday at 7pm.

Check it out and journey to the Source and Summit of the faith DAILY.

Summer Summer Summer Fun Fun Fun!

2010-07-12T15:48:00.000-07:00

It's the middle of summer (WOOOOOT!) and CYM has lots of stuff going on.

ABC's - Wednesdays from 12-2ish

Join us at noon for an hour of Adoration, Buy Some Lunch afterwards, and then listen in (and participate) in some Chit-Chat/Catechesis.

TGIF - Friday at 6 PM @ Jazo's House

Wow, that was weird referring to myself in the 3rd person. Anyways, Friday is TGIF! Join us as we jump deeper into our Faith, have some Fellowship, and eat some Food. Also...

Relay for Life Meeting - Friday at 5 PM @ Jazo's House

There will be a Relay for Life meeting before TGIF. Please be here before 5 so we can start right at 5. We will be talking about themes, fundraisers, and money. This brings me to...

Relay for Life - August 7 & 8, 9 AM to 9 AM

Support the fight against cancer at the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life! This is a 24-hour overnight event where walk around the track supporting those who have cancer, to raise funds to support the ACS, and to educate ourselves on ways for us to prevent cancer. CYM has a team this year. Information for signing up is here. Also, if you are under 18, you must raise $100 before the event to stay overnight!

Also, keep a look out for the following events:

July 18 - Car Wash

July 23 - Give UP

August 21 - BBQ

ConsiderPriesthood.com: Made in China

2010-07-12T03:01:00.000-07:00

Check out this video from the great guys at ConsiderPriesthood.com about one of our new priests in Vallejo, Fr. Avram from St. Vincent Ferrer:

Made In China - Fr. Avram Brown's Vocation Story.

Good stuff. Great & interesting story.

ABC This Wednesday

2010-07-12T02:59:00.000-07:00

Join us on Wednesday:

12pm - Adoration
1pm - Buy some lunch
1:15ish - Chit Chat/Catechesis

Come spend some time w/ our Lord, then eat and chill with some good folks and bring any questions about God, the Faith, life, whatevs. We are probably going to talk about God's love, but you never know what else we might talk about.

Feast of St. Maria Goretti

2010-07-06T14:16:00.000-07:00

It's the feast of St. Maria Goretti who died defending her love for God by defending her chastity. For her story click here.

In the words of Pope St. Pius XII:

"...Why does this story move you even to tears? Why has Maria Goretti so quickly conquered your hearts, and taken first place in your affections? The reason is because there is still in this world, apparently sunk and immersed in the worship of pleasure, not only a meager little band of chosen souls who thirst for heaven and its pure air—but a crowd, nay, an immense multitude on whom the supernatural fragrance of Christian purity exercise an irresistible and reassuring fascination."

St. Maria Goretti, patron of youth, pray for us.
St. Maria Goretti, patron of young women, pray for us.
St. Maria Goretti, patron of purity, pray for us.

CYM's Upcoming Events! - June 30, 2010

2010-06-30T22:37:00.001-07:00

Alright folks, we have a lot of good stuff this summer - here's some information of what we have goin' on!

Word of Mouth - Tomorrow, July 1 @ St. Catherine Parish Hall
Tomorrow is Word of Mouth, an event sponsored by St. Catherine's Young Adult ministry. Come out and support those who are displaying their talents, like spoken word, poetry, dance, and song. There is an admission donation of $2 or 2 canned goods, and food will be sold inside. More info? Check the Word Made Fresh tumblr.

TGIF - Friday, July 2 @ Neil's House (call a leader for information)

TGIF! Together Gathered In Faith/Fellowship. Join us for some faith, fun, food, and fellowship as we gather together!

ABCs - Wednesdays at 12 PM @ St. Catherine Church

Wednesdays are for nourishment. Nourish your soul and join us during Adoration at 12 PM, nourish your body with food and become Busog (full in Tagalog, I probably spelt it wrong), and nourish your faith with some Catechesis.

Relay for Life - August 7-8 @ SPSV Track/Field

Also, watch out for these events:

July 9 - Pizza on the Piazza

July 16 - TGIF

July 18 - Car Wash

July 23 - Give UP

July 30 - TGIF

Catholic Tumbl..ers

2010-06-28T16:25:00.000-07:00

Do you have a Tumblr? I do. And just looking around Tumblr it can get kinda crazy. I found some blogs that are Catholic.

fearlesswriter.tumblr.com

He is a peer minister in the Diocese of Orlando. He answers a lot of questions that are sent to him and his answers are detailed. He is incredibly Catholic. A lot of good posts are on that blog. Check him out and add him!

phatmass.tumblr.com

Phatmass.com is a website that talks about Catholic culture. The "Phorum" is a nice place to ask questions and just have interesting conversations with other Christians. Also you can buy t-shirts and cds from the website. And they have a bunch of Resources to help you learn more about the Catholic Church and its teachings.

classic-catholic-artwork.tumblr.com

merecath.tumblr.com

These sites provide Catholic art. I just found them so I don't have that much information about them.

I will post more as I find them. Til then, check these out!

Relay for Life Team Sign Up Information

2010-06-27T14:31:00.000-07:00

For those of you who want to join CYM in the Relay for Life here are the links to sign up for a team.

To join the Black Rangers (Team Captain is Daniel) click here.

To join the Blue Rangers (Team Captain is Jon) click here.

To join the Yellow Rangers (Team Captain is Allen) click here.

To join the White Rangers (Team Captain is Chris) click here.

When you join and it asks for registration fee click Team Member Registration (My Team Captain Pays).

Everything else should be self explanatory.

The next meeting is going to be on TGIF this friday.

Any questions hold them for TGIF!

Intro Retreat: Invitation 2010 Evaluation

2010-06-25T12:46:00.000-07:00

For those of you who went on the Invitation Retreat this year, please fill out this brief evaluation survey. It doesn't take that long.

It will help us out a great deal.

Thank you.

Intro Retreat Evaluation Survey

Orientation Retreat 2010

2010-06-25T12:44:00.000-07:00

Tell your older brothers and sisters. Tell your friends. Tell yourself (if you graduated high school)

From scsyam.blogspot.com:

Register today.

When: Friday 7.30.10
Gathering @ 4pm – St. Catherine of Siena Parish Hall
Dismissal around 12am

Saturday 7.31.10
Day 2 Begins with Mass @ 9am – St. Catherine of Siena Church
Dismissal around 12am

What:
A two day retreat where College age young adults can reflect on the lives God has given them. Find ways to stay spiritual in this secular world. Know yourself before you leave home. Learn college survival tips Think college is gonna be tough? Easy? Spent a year or a couple in college, and need to strengthen your faith? Gain resources to defend your faith on your college campus or workplace. Meet new people your age. Explore the meaning of TRUE Freedom. Strengthen your relationship with God. Fun and Games. Come, join us, (re)ORIENT yourself to CHRIST.

Cost:
$15 Pre-Registration by 7.11.10
$20 Registration after 7.11.10
$25 Registration @ The Door

"Christ offers more! Indeed he offers everything! Only he who is the Truth can be the Way and hence also the Life. Thus the "way" which the Apostles brought to the ends of the earth is life in Christ. This is the life of the Church."
--Benedict XVI, July 16, 2008 - WYD Papal Arrival Address

Register today.

Word of Mouth Open Mic

2010-06-16T13:24:00.000-07:00

July 1st, 2010 - 7pm
St. Catherine of Siena Parish

$2 or 2 canned goods or equivalent non-perishable items.
Interested in sharing your poetry? Send an e-mail to wordmadefreshpoetry@gmail.com and we will put you on the list.

More info to come.

More info @ wordmadefresh.tumblr.com

What to bring on Intro Retreat

2010-06-15T23:11:00.000-07:00

What it do do!?!? As you know the Intro Retreat is this weekend and you might be wondering "What do I bring on this Retreat?" Well lucky you! I have the list of things to bring!

Here is what you bring:

Bible
Toiletries and Towel
Sleeping Bag and Pillow
Change of Clothes (For two days and clothes that you don't mind being dirty in)
Comfortable Shoes
A Rosary
Notebook & Pen
Allergy Medicine or Prescribed Medicine (You will give the medicine to the adults upon arrival)
An Open Heart
Open Mind
And a smile :]

See you guys on Friday at 8am!!

Med Forms

2010-06-13T23:38:00.000-07:00

UPDATE:
USE THIS FORM
Diocesan Youth Permission Form [PDF]
or

Diocesan Youth Permission Form [Doc]

These are the new diocesan med forms. Good for a year.

If you already filled out the old forms I linked earlier, that's okay. You can turn those in. But the new ones are the recommended forms, and are a bit clearer.

Okay. Comment any questions or concerns.

---------------------------------

Phone Tree Update

2010-06-11T23:28:00.000-07:00

Okay guys. We're going to try to make this one work. But we're going to need everyone to get your info back in again! Yes, this means EVERYONE. So if you've done it in the past, please take some time and do it again =)

You can fill out the form HERE

Intro Retreat Forms (Bumped)

2010-06-11T22:43:00.000-07:00

For all of you who are interested in going to the Intro Retreat this year for CYM, this is the place to be if you need to forms! Please get them in ASAP!!!

Welcome Letter
Code of Behavior
Participant Questionnaire

Please print and fill these forms out and return them to any of the leaders.

Intro Retreat details:
Date: June 18-19
Place: Marrello Youth Center @ Loomis, CA
Price: $40
Age Requirement: Current 7th Grader / Incoming 8th Grader and up

On Fire: Nor-Cal Youth Jam

2010-06-10T13:13:00.000-07:00

Excited for this? You should be. Registration starts in 5 days. Get on it.

Featuring: Matt Maher, Tenth Avenue North, Addison Road and Sarah Hart

Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo
9am – 10pm ∙ $35 General Admission ∙ $55 Deluxe Admission

SPECIAL CATHOLIC EVENT SCHEDULE:
9am Morning Concert w/ Matt Maher & Sarah Hart, Mass with the Bishops, Keynote Talk

Noon Park Opens (Unlimited Rides)

1:30pm All-You-Can-Eat Lunch Buffet

3:30pm Parent/Chaperone Hour of Prayer Featuring Sarah Hart

4:30pm Exclusive Meet and Greet with all three Bands (Deluxe Admission ONLY)

6pm THE LIGHT MEETS THE DARK TOUR
TENTH AVENUE NORTH with special guests ADDISON ROAD and MATT MAHER

For High School Youth & Young Adults. This Special package is for Catholic Youth & Young Adult groups ONLY.

Tickets go on sale June 15th at: http://norcalcatholicyouth.com

Sponsored by the Catholic Dioceses of Northern California:

Sacramento, Stockton, Oakland, San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Fresno, Monterey & Reno

Dinner/Dance on August 21, 2010

2010-06-10T13:01:00.000-07:00

Dinner/Dance on August 21, 2010

Inviting all to SCS Summer Fun Dinner/Dance
on Saturday, August 21st to be held at the Gym
sponsored by the Angelic choir of St. Catherine
- Registration at 5:30 – 6:30
- Dinner at 7pm

Bake Sale.

2010-05-16T01:20:00.000-07:00

Yea... I'm pretty much late on this... but just in case you catch this early in the morning and are looking for some delicious treats on a beautiful Sunday, come check out the bake sale at St. Cat's.

From the stcatherinevallejo.org website:

Sunday, May 16th
9:00am – until the goodies are gone!
Proceeds for the Building Fund
Sponsored and baked by the Saturday, 5:30pm Choir

Go. Treat yourself. It's still the Easter Season - Celebrate!

USCCB launches new vocation site

2010-04-25T23:01:00.000-07:00

It is still the national day for Prayer for Vocations.
Check out this new site the USCCB just launched:

http://www.foryourvocation.org/

Hey. Are you doing anything? Pray for vocations.

2010-04-23T10:01:00.000-07:00

Take a second and pray for vocations.

10 New Novices for the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal.

The Postulants of The Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist

CYM has a tumblr. Diocese launches two new websites.

2010-04-21T13:30:00.000-07:00

So CYMvallejo has a tumblr. It actually has had one for awhile now - just never publicized.

The link is simply: http://cymvallejo.tumblr.com

For the moment it just reblogs articles posted on cymvallejo.com

------------------

The Diocese of Sacramento has launched 2 new websites. Fresh new look and great Catholic content relevant to youth and young adults respectively:

Young Adult Ministry Site:
http://yacatholic.org

Youth Ministry Site:
http://icatholicyouth.com

------------------
Confirming rumors from Santissimo Sacramento, I have had a sneak preview of the new Vocation website for the Diocese. It looks good, you may want to consider looking into it once it launches.

Quote of the Moment: God rejects no one.

2010-04-20T09:18:00.000-07:00

"God rejects no one. And the Church rejects no one. Yet in his great love, God challenges all of us to change and to become more perfect."

- Pope Benedict XVI, message to the youth of Malta

Lifeteen: Finding Christ in a Secular Easter

2010-04-12T11:13:00.000-07:00

Link's a little late, but it is still the Easter season so enjoy:

Finding Christ in a Secular Easter by Mark Hart the Bible Geek

"Many people want to be seen as attractive, pleasing and alluring. They want to be the center of attention, the goal of others' pursuits and the most sought after of all. They are a lot like those chocolate bunnies that people love so much. Of course, we all know that too much of those makes you sick, gives you acne, clog your arteries, can induce a sugar coma and ruin your diet and appetite. Not to mention, most of them are hollow. Christ did not come for us to be more attractive on the outside, for God cares more about our "insides" (1 Sam 16:7). It ain't about the wrapper or the sugar, it's about the substance. You are not a hollow shell if Christ is at the center of your life. Only God's life will fill you (and others) up – that's an Easter message."

Alleluia! He is Risen!

2010-04-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

Indeed, the cure for death does exist. Christ is the tree of life, once more within our reach. If we remain close to him, then we have life.
-- His Holiness Benedict XVI, Easter Vigil 2010

Read the rest my friends.

O come and mourn with me awhile

2010-04-02T13:05:00.000-07:00

O come and mourn with me awhile;
And tarry here the cross beside;
O come, together let us mourn;
Jesus, our Lord, is crucified.

Have we no tears to shed for Him,
While soldiers scoff and foes deride?
Ah! look how patiently He hangs;
Jesus, our Lord, is crucified.

How fast His hands and feet are nailed;
His blessed tongue with thirst is tied,
His failing eyes are blind with blood:
Jesus, our Lord, is crucified.

His mother cannot reach His face;
She stands in helplessness beside;
Her heart is martyred with her Son’s:
Jesus, our Lord, is Crucified.

Seven times He spoke, seven words of love;
And all three hours His silence cried
For mercy on the souls of men;
Jesus, our Lord, is crucified.

Come, let us stand beneath the cross;
So may the blood from out His side
Fall gently on us drop by drop;
Jesus, our Lord, is crucified.

O break, O break, hard heart of mine!
Thy weak self-love and guilty pride
His Pilate and His Judas were:
Jesus, our Lord, is crucified.

A broken heart, a fount of tears,
Ask, and they will not be denied;
A broken heart love’s cradle is:
Jesus, our Lord, is crucified.

O love of God! O sin of man!
In this dread act Your strength is tried;
And victory remains with love;
For Thou our Lord, art crucified!

Stabat Mater

2010-04-02T12:53:00.000-07:00

At the Cross her station keeping,
stood the mournful Mother weeping,
close to Jesus to the last.

Through her heart, His sorrow sharing,
all His bitter anguish bearing,
now at length the sword has passed.

O how sad and sore distressed
was that Mother, highly blest,
of the sole-begotten One.

Christ above in torment hangs,
she beneath beholds the pangs
of her dying glorious Son.

Is there one who would not weep,
whelmed in miseries so deep,
Christ's dear Mother to behold?

Can the human heart refrain
from partaking in her pain,
in that Mother's pain untold?

For the sins of His own nation,
She saw Jesus wracked with torment,
All with scourges rent:

She beheld her tender Child,
Saw Him hang in desolation,
Till His spirit forth He sent.

O thou Mother! fount of love!
Touch my spirit from above,
make my heart with thine accord:

Make me feel as thou hast felt;
make my soul to glow and melt
with the love of Christ my Lord.

Holy Mother! pierce me through,
in my heart each wound renew
of my Savior crucified:

Let me share with thee His pain,
who for all my sins was slain,
who for me in torments died.

Let me mingle tears with thee,
mourning Him who mourned for me,
all the days that I may live:

By the Cross with thee to stay,
there with thee to weep and pray,
is all I ask of thee to give.

Virgin of all virgins blest!,
Listen to my fond request:
let me share thy grief divine;

Let me, to my latest breath,
in my body bear the death
of that dying Son of thine.

Wounded with His every wound,
steep my soul till it hath swooned,
in His very Blood away;

Be to me, O Virgin, nigh,
lest in flames I burn and die,
in His awful Judgment Day.

Christ, when Thou shalt call me hence,
by Thy Mother my defense,
by Thy Cross my victory;

When my body dies,
let my soul be granted
the glory of Paradise. Amen.

Billionaire fulfills promise to God, donates fortune to charity

2010-03-30T23:53:00.000-07:00

Read The Article [via CNA]

More Lifeteen Goodies

2010-03-30T23:31:00.000-07:00

Lifeteen has more Holy Week goodies to offer. 2 of them to be exact.

"Are you willing to give until it hurts? Are you willing to give until it hurts? Are you willing to sacrifice for them? Are you willing to love? Holy Thursday is about giving your body as a sacrifice for other people..."

They have their Holy Thursday Sunday Sunday Sunday Podcast by Mark Hart up.

[Hahah. that probably makes no sense whatsoever. see, their scripture reflection podcast is usually called "Sunday Sunday Sunday" but they are doing special ones for Holy Week. So that should make sense now.]

"We have three days of absolute majesty; don't miss them."

And Greg Iwinski posted his article: So, you ruined your Lent.

It's beautiful stuff, brothers and sisters.

Holy Week Stuff @ Lifeteen

2010-03-30T09:57:00.000-07:00

Lifeteen has some great resources for Holy Week at their site.

Here is one of them:
|| Finishing Lent Strong: How to Crush it All Holy Week Long

Check out their site as they add more this week including podcast reflections for the 3 days of the triduum.

This is the week of Love, brothers and sisters. Live it out.

“Faith is worthy also of suffering.
Faith is worthy of a commitment of life until death.
To believe means to stake one’s life on the Word of God,
to unite one’s life and fate to that Word,
to be prepared to sacrifice one’s standing,
to deny oneself any right over oneself and one’s time
for the Word of God.”

- Pope Benedict XVI, Journey to Easter

"Ego absolvo te..."

2010-03-28T17:44:00.000-07:00

"EGO ABSOLVO TE..."
"I ABSOLVE YOU..."

To me, these are the sweetest words that anyone can hear, next to "I love you" and "Behold the Lamb of God", for as the priest pronounces these words, the guilt of your sins is removed, you are washed in the Blood of Christ and made "whiter than snow" (Psalm 51). The chains which made you a slave to the Devil are broken, you are once again free, and fortified with grace to strengthen you in resisting temptation. *ahhhhh* Oh what great bliss of the penitent after Confession! Claim the victory of the Cross, and return to the Lord who paid your ransom with His Blood!

Holy Week is quite extraordinary for many reasons, but especially because of the many opportunities our parish gives for us to be reconciled with God and made ready to rejoice in His triumphant Resurrection at Easter. Take advantage of these opportunities for confession.

HOLY MONDAY, March 29

10:00am - 12:00pm @ St. Basil's
6:00pm - 7:00pm @ St. Catherine's
6:00pm - 8:00pm @ St. Basil's

HOLY TUESDAY, March 30

10:00am - 12:00pm @ St. Basil's
6:00pm - 7:00pm @ St. Catherine's

HOLY WEDNESDAY, March 31

10:00am - 12:00pm @ St. Basil's
6:00pm - 7:00pm @ St. Catherine's
6:00pm - 8:00pm @ St. Basil's

HOLY THURSDAY, April 1 (The MOST ROMANTIC day in the entire year!!!)

6:00pm - 7:00pm @ St. Catherine's
9:30pm - 11:00pm @ St. Catherine's

*** CYM is once again sponsoring the first hour of the Night Watch which immediately follows the 7:30pm Mass of the Lord's Supper. Don't forget to bring your rosaries to pray the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy. ***

GOOD FRIDAY, April 2

10:45am - 11:45am @ St. Catherine's
3:00pm - 4:30pm @ St. Catherine's

HOLY SATURDAY, April 3

11:00am - 12:00pm @ St. Catherine's

"What joy to be forgiven! What joy to come away from the conversation with our father confessor, to whom we presented ourselves humbly and trustfully, and to have heard him say, 'Go, my child, take heart, go on your way with a good will, I absolve you from your sins. Christ is before you. Christ who died for you; go and receive the precious drops of His Blood in the Sacrament of His love, and then, in your private life as in your social, professional, and domestic activity, wherever you go and whoever you are with, do honor to our Lord Jesus Christ, who has brought down pardon to this earth.' Forgiveness is a great joy, a great treasure; the man who has humbled himself to obtain it has understood that he must become a better man, that he must set a good example, sanctifying himself and all around him."

- Blessed John XXIII

And so it begins...

2010-03-28T17:22:00.000-07:00

I love Holy Week. I look forward to these next 7 days more than another week in the year. Of course, I love the drama, the romance, the intensity, and the sensory experience that this week of all weeks contain. But more so, in each Holy Week, the Church remembers and celebrates Our Lord who showed us how much He so passionately loves us. Although "passion" is modernly defined as "powerful or compelling emotion or feeling" it is derived from the word "passio" which means "suffering" or "submission". May you love Him passionately who gave His back to those who beat Him, His cheeks to those who pluck His beard, who did not shield His face from buffets and spitting, He who became obedient unto the point of death, even death on a cross.

(I love this picture of Pope Benedict...I guess being the Vicar of Christ means that you get the biggest palm frond in Italy! Viva il Papa!)

The Power Ranger of Modesty.

2010-03-27T16:45:00.000-07:00

This is Jessica Rey.

She used to be the White Ranger.
She is Filipino.
She is passionately Catholic.

And she believes modesty is beautiful.

" Audrey Hepburn was a woman whose classic style has transcended time and continues to influence fashion today. She lived during an era when women dressed and acted like ladies- when women didn't feel they had to 'bare it all' to be attractive." -- Jessica Rey

While still contuing to act - you may have seen her in "Rules of Engagement" or "General Hospital" - former Power Ranger Jessica Rey actively gives talks on modesty and chastity throughout the country. Not only does she talk about it, she has put her beliefs into action creating a line of beautiful, but still modest swimwear as a healthy alternative for young women today. Jessica also participates in a modest fashion show for young ladies entitled Decent Exposure, and is working on a book coincidentally of the same title.

Listen to this Christopher Closeup Jessica Rey interview: She talks about various topics including chastity, bikinis, marriage, stealing vocations, the crisis of manhood, God as a part of your relationship, being a funny Catholic, the Love of the Cross, and the importance of friends who love God.

Checkout Jessica Rey's Modest Swimwear line: Reyswimwear.com

Beautiful stuff.

Sisters, do not be afraid to be true women of God.
Brothers, do not be afraid to be true men of God.

In the line of fire...

2010-03-21T10:46:00.000-07:00

“The safest place for me to be is in the center of God’s will, and if that is in the line of fire, that is where I will be.”
— Fr. Tim Vakoc, first military chaplain wounded in the Iraq war [2004]. He passed away in 2009 as a result of injuries sustained from a roadside bomb.

I can has cheezburger... on a Friday of Lent?

2010-03-18T16:39:00.000-07:00

Lol... Never before have I had the opportunity to use this picture in such a perfect way.

I think I might cry.

Someone shot me an email yesterday asking me about whether or not we can eat meat tomorrow. It is a Friday of Lent, buuuuuut it is also the Solemnity of St. Joseph. Therefore, vis-a-vis, ergo, concordantly, the universal church is relinquished from the obligation to eat meat tomorrow.

If someone questions you about it, or you would like to drop some knowledge on your Catholic friends, just pull out your handy pocket sized Code of Canon Law (hahah I wish this existed, however, a Nexus One would suffice), and just direct them to C. 1251:

Can. 1251 Abstinence from meat, or from some other food as determined by the Episcopal Conference, is to be observed on all Fridays, unless a solemnity should fall on a Friday. Abstinence and fasting are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

So in response: Yez, U can has cheezburger!

On a related note, my brothers, while you chomp down on your manly burger tomorrow, consider meditating on the model St. Joseph provides for us all - a model of chastity, a model of manliness.

St. Joseph, Pray for us.

(Please feel free to email or comment if you have questions about the faith. I enjoy answering them.)

Communal Penance Service: Tomorrow!

2010-03-17T21:07:00.000-07:00

From the Parish Website:

Lenten Communal Penance Service

This year’s Lenten Communal Penance service will be on Thursday, March 18, 2010 at 7:00pm

A Gentle Guide for Penance
The basic requirement for a good confession is to have the intention of returning to God like the “prodigal son” and to acknowledge our sins with true sorrow before the priest. Remember, if you need help–especially if you have been away for some time–simply ask the priest and he will help you by “walking” you through the steps to make a good confession.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is an integral part of Lenten and Easter seasons. If we, as a community, celebrate the loving presence of Christ in the Eucharist, it would be beautiful if we can also celebrate the forgiving presence of Christ in a Communal Penance service. We beg for God’s forgiveness and we receive the grace to forgive one another. If God accepts us as we are, we also accept one another as brothers and sisters.

We are inviting and encouraging all parishioners to make time for this penance service.

Looking for a little more encouragement to go? Take this for a reflection (I found it in the comments section of an article entitled "Because We Don't Celebrate Sin").

My 8 year-old made her First Penance yesterday. She chose 'face-to-face' because she said "I wanted to look into the the priest's eyes, have a conversation with him about some things I had done wrong." She added that while she was bit "scared", she felt "really good" after talking to him and receiving absolution. She literally left the confessional skipping. It was a beautiful day for our family yesterday. Her penance: to walk to the front of the church and stand before the main crucifix and say "I love you Jesus with all my heart."

Beautiful Stuff.

A little humor for this Solemnity

2010-03-17T20:26:00.000-07:00

(found on tumblr)

St. Patty's Day: I bind to myself today the power of Heaven

2010-03-16T19:16:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the Feast of St. Patrick, and besides wearing green you could take the opportunity to share a part of St. Patrick's Breastplate with someone else.

The commonly known section goes like this: Christ with me, Christ before me/Christ behind me, Christ within me/

However, this is my personal fave part... It reminds me of Captain Planet or some other cartoon like that:

I bind to myself today
The power of Heaven,
The light of the sun,
The brightness of the moon,
The splendour of fire,
The flashing of lightning,
The swiftness of wind,
The depth of sea,
The stability of earth,
The compactness of rocks.

"The beautiful prayer of St. Patrick, popularly known as 'St. Patrick's Breast-Plate,' is supposed to have been composed by him in preparation for this victory over paganism. The following is a literal translation from the old Irish text . . ."

I bind to myself today
The strong virtue of the Invocation of the Trinity:
I believe the Trinity in the Unity
The Creator of the Universe.

I bind to myself today
The virtue of the Incarnation of Christ with His Baptism,
The virtue of His crucifixion with His burial,
The virtue of His Resurrection with His Ascension,
The virtue of His coming on the Judgement Day.

I bind to myself today
The virtue of the love of seraphim,
In the obedience of angels,
In the hope of resurrection unto reward,
In prayers of Patriarchs,
In predictions of Prophets,
In preaching of Apostles,
In faith of Confessors,
In purity of holy Virgins,
In deeds of righteous men.

I bind to myself today
The power of Heaven,
The light of the sun,
The brightness of the moon,
The splendour of fire,
The flashing of lightning,
The swiftness of wind,
The depth of sea,
The stability of earth,
The compactness of rocks.

I bind to myself today
God's Power to guide me,
God's Might to uphold me,
God's Wisdom to teach me,
God's Eye to watch over me,
God's Ear to hear me,
God's Word to give me speech,
God's Hand to guide me,
God's Way to lie before me,
God's Shield to shelter me,
God's Host to secure me,
Against the snares of demons,
Against the seductions of vices,
Against the lusts of nature,
Against everyone who meditates injury to me,
Whether far or near,
Whether few or with many.

I invoke today all these virtues
Against every hostile merciless power
Which may assail my body and my soul,
Against the incantations of false prophets,
Against the black laws of heathenism,
Against the false laws of heresy,
Against the deceits of idolatry,
Against the spells of women, and smiths, and druids,
Against every knowledge that binds the soul of man.

Christ, protect me today
Against every poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against death-wound,
That I may receive abundant reward.

Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ within me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ at my right, Christ at my left,
Christ in the fort,
Christ in the chariot seat,
Christ in the poop [deck],
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

I bind to myself today
The strong virtue of an invocation of the Trinity,
I believe the Trinity in the Unity
The Creator of the Universe.

Enjoy... wear green, and spread God's love.

Hit the jump for the entire prayer/song.

FTR: We are still "one nation under God"

2010-03-14T12:37:00.000-07:00

For the record, we are still "one nation under God." Say it loud and proud brethren. Ruling: "under God" is constitutional via Deacon Greg. Oh... they also ruled that still "in God we trust."

Abstinence from Meat = still delicious!

2010-03-11T23:55:00.000-08:00

Raj put a really good post on meatless recipes a little while back. Check it out!

This one will focus on one of my favorite foods, which comes in really handy during Fridays of the Lenten season: grilled cheese sandwiches.

Now, I totally agree with the Italian way that simplicity is beauty, and I still enjoy the classic grilled cheese consisting of Kraft sliced cheese and buttered white sandwich bread. But so many culinary possibilities exist, and what better time to try it out? Actually, I'd try anytime... even before/after Lent... but hey. This can be useful for people who are abstaining from meat for the entire Lenten season, too!

Where do I even start??? You can change up the bread: sourdough, focaccia, the bread from Joy of Eating in Vallejo on Springs Rd, some sort of herbed cheese bread, ciabatta, even garlic bread!

Cheese: havarti, swiss, good ol' Kraft 'merican, sharp cheddar, pepper jack, habanero jack, monterey jack, mozzarella, colby jack, any good melting cheese, or a blend of any of these! Hey, you can even sprinkle a little bit of parmesan and/or romano on the buttered side of the bread before you grill it. Adds a nice salty, nutty crunch to the finished sandwich. Not to mention it smells amazing.

And who says it has to be just cheese? I like adding non-cheese, non-meat things to the sandwich sometimes. Avocado, fresh tomatoes, a fried egg, caramelized onions, fresh spinach, mushroom duxelle (think diced mushrooms, sometimes herbs, onions, or shallots, all sautéed together), or maybe a whole grilled portabello mushroom... just imagine and try it out! Trust me on the spinach though. It adds a nice crisp and lots of nutrition without overpowering the cheese!

Can't think of how to put these together? A bunch of fancy combinations can be found here (just skip the black forest ham, lol):

http://www.chow.com/stories/10785

Some that I've tried, or want to try: pepper jack+avocado+sliced tomato, sharp cheddar+pepper jack+fresh spinach, swiss+mushroom duxelle+sautéed onions, mozzarella+sun-dried tomatoes+fresh spinach+parmesan crust... all with some Tapatio on the side.

Some people enjoy their grilled cheese with a small bowl of tomato soup. Try salsa, sour cream, a legitimate guacamole, or even just hot sauce! Some people have even put mac & cheese in the middle instead of just cheese! Just remember, moderation is key.

Passion Play 2010 "Thy Will Be Done" Script

2010-03-11T22:25:00.000-08:00

Alright here is the script for this year's Passion Play.
This is for all of the people who don't have a copy yet.
Please don't look if you are not apart of this year's Passion Play.
Because there are major spoilers!!

Click here to see the script.

It's just about the middle of Lent, remind yourself:

2010-03-11T01:20:00.000-08:00

It might seem rough right now, but remember Jesus loves you! =)

And like JP said in his latest reflection,

"There is nothing that God will give us that we can't handle."

"The Way " #263

2010-03-10T23:41:00.000-08:00

"Don't be discouraged. I have seen your struggle. Today's defeat is training for the final victory."

Life is full of hard times. We may think that life is too hard. Remember God gave us these struggles knowing that we can handle them. There is nothing that God will give us that we can't handle. They were given so that we can become stronger. And whatever doesn't kill us, makes us stronger.

"Why do we fall, sir? So that we might learn to pick ourselves up."
- Alfred from "Batman Begins"

It's You I Crave...

2010-03-09T10:00:00.000-08:00

If you are anything like me - and let's hope it's not because you are a corny-joke-telling chubby seminarian - than your Lenten cravings are hitting you pretty hard right now. We are in our 3rd week of Lent, and it might seem like Easter and the fulfillment of cravings is sooooo far away. For me, the cold and wet of Oregon seem to be so much colder and wetter than ever before, and I have never craved wearing a jacket more in my life. Yea, it snowed today. Likewise, it seems the cafeteria has decided to up their culinary style, and they believe serving succulent pork chops and juicy ribs would be a savvy move during Lent. But hey, peanut butter sandwiches are always delicious.

Whether you are craving meat or jackets or coffee or chocolate, I bet you are being tempted all over the place. In fact, some of us may have even given in to some of our cravings (I gave up on one of my Lenten promises under the guidance of spiritual direction).

It's rough... but press on brothers and sisters.

But, my real point for this reflection is not to encourage you to fight through your cravings, but I would like us to reflect on our cravings in another way.

One of my all-time favorite slow jams is "Crave" by Marc Dorsey. After I experienced "heartbreak" several years ago, this song was one of those that I would have on constant replay - while I exercised, while I studied, while I drove, while I lay in bed bawling like a little boy who had just been kicked in the shin with steel-toe boots (maybe you have had a similar feeling... No? eh, me neither). Anyway, at the time, I felt that this song represented my hearts true desire, and expressed what [I thought] I truly craved - the love of my ex. Here is the chorus and the bridge:

I crave your touch
I crave your lips
I miss so much
the excitement of your kiss
But since you're gone my heart won't behave
It's your love that I still crave.

I should have known
I should have seen
Because you were always there inside my every dream

Now to the big moment of reflection. Imagine. Just imagine for a second that this was the way we felt about our relationship with Christ. Imagine that we all had a passionate craving for Christ in this way - that we craved His touch; that we missed His kiss; that we craved His love.

Imagine how different our world would be.
Imagine how different our lives would be.
Imagine how amazingly different YOUR life would be - if you craved Christ as much as you craved meat. or chocolate. or a cigarette. or whatever it is you gave up for Lent.

Maybe some of you already crave Christ this way. Beautiful. Maybe you have in the past, and you wish you could again. I hope you and pray you find a way. Maybe this is the first time you have ever imagined desiring your Lord and Savior in this way. Let go and let God.

I had some time between classes the other day, and I happened upon this reflection on Tumblr from a CYM Alumni currently in college. Even in this beautifully rough season that Lent has been for me so far, it put a smile on my face, and it helped to put things into perspective. Here it goes:

I’m being completely honest when I say that I haven’t willingly gone to Mass in a while.

But when I did go today, it amazed me. It took 17 years, 5 months, and 14 days for me to realize how much of a celebration Mass is. It’s a learning experience. Even more, it’s a learning (and worshiping) experience with those who want to learn the same as well.

For the first time in a long time, I was craving for the Eucharist. I was craving to consume Christ’s body & blood and to be consumed by God.

Beautiful.

Part of the reason I craved my ex, was because I was around her so much. I spent every bit of free time either in her presence, or thinking about her. I included her in all my life decisions, and I tried to know as much as I could about her. When I wasn't around her, I would make it a point to find time to talk to her. I was in an intimate, personal relationship with her. She was my everything, and I could not imagine a life without her.

Now ask me why I crave Christ.

Tomorrow is Wednesday, go spend sometime with Jesus, and have your cravings satisfied. Hungry? Why wait.

"The Way" #544

2010-03-08T14:05:00.000-08:00

"The communion of the saints. How shall I explain it to you? You know what blood transfusions can do for the body?" Well, that's what the communion of the saints does for the soul." Again we may think that we are alone. On a previous post I talked about how our guardian angels are around us all the time. But we also have the communion of saints with us. Imagine a whole army of people praying for you. THAT'S THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS. Everyday people are praying for you and they also ask for the intercessions of the saints. There are an insane amount of saints. According to Catholic.org, there are over 10,000 saints. But that only includes the saints who are publicly known. There could me hundreds thousands or millions of saints that we don't know about. Pray to them! They will pray for you no matter what!

Father Vincent Lyons Memorial Scholarships and Outstanding High School Senior Awards

2010-03-08T13:15:00.000-08:00

"Being Catholic, a teenager in high school, in this day in age is not easy, but the examples set by my peers and knowing them has been a huge helping factor in staying true to my spirituality."
-- Samantha Xia, (from her St. Catherine's 2008 Baccalaureate Address)

Parishioners of St. Catherine of Siena announces the open application and nomination for the Father Vincent Lyons Memorial Scholarships and Outstanding High School Senior Awards to all 2010 High School Seniors from our parish community.

Father Vincent Lyons Memorial Scholarships
Eligibility Requirements:

* Must be a 2010 graduating high school senior.
* Must be a registered parishioner.
* Must have proof of admission to an accredited college or university, or community college or technical school.
* Must demonstrate academic promise and leadership qualities through parish or community involvement.

Outstanding High School Senior Awards
Eligibility Requirements:

* Must be a 2010 graduating high school senior.
* Must be a registered parishioner.
* Must have proof of admission to an accredited college or university, or community college or technical school.
* Must demonstrate parish or community involvement.

To acquire application packets or question on required documents or application process, please contact Parish School Office at 553-1355, or the Scholarship Selection Committee – Deacon Pete Lobo (643-0867), Chris Bolko (522-4804), Frances Dela Cruz (642-8822), Gene Leoncio (554-0264).

Deadline for submission of completed application with required documents to the Parish Office is Monday, April 19, 2010.

Meatless Recipes

2010-03-04T22:15:00.000-08:00

I was just surfing the Catholic intarwebs, and I came across a few meatless recipes that I thought sounded pretty good.

Put these into your files for later use, or better yet since tomorrow is Friday (or for any Friday of Lent) why don't you offer to make dinner for your family. Or better yet, make it a family event and cook together. Wouldn't that be a beautiful Lenten act?

[This is great stuff for us who gave up meat for the entire Lent, too.]

Alright, here we go:
-- Char-Grilled Oysters via Catholic Foodie
-- Fish Tacos via Lifeteen
-- Sweet Pea Rissotto with Cornflake Encrusted Scallops via GraceBeforeMeals
-- Oven Baked Chips with Garlic and Rosemary via CatholicMom

Enjoy... mmmm.

"The Way " #880

2010-03-04T21:57:00.000-08:00

"Don't let your defects and imperfections nor even your more serious falls, take you away from God. A weak child, if he is wise, tries to keep near his Father."

When we were young and somebody made fun of us, who did we turn to? When we got hurt, who did we turn to? Our parents. They were there no matter what. They helped us when we fell and encouraged us when we got up.

But that doesn't seem the same why when we interact with God. When something wrong has happened the first thing we usual do is blame it on God. And our relationship gets weaker. We shouldn't do that. When we see our weaknesses we should embrace them. God gave us our abilities. He gave them for a reason. We might not see the reason now, but we will later. Ask God for help instead of blaming it on Him. Try it for once. I did and my relationship with God has gotten better.

The Call - My Prayer For All Those Who Have Left The Faith...

2010-03-04T01:10:00.000-08:00

Do you ever have one of those moments where things just remind you of other things and after thinking about it everything just falls into place and it ends up being just a beautiful moment of grace?

This happened to me yesterday. JP posted about Fr. Barron's reflections about Lord Of The Rings... Good stuff. That lead me to think about JRR Tolkien. And then, that led me to think about the fact that for Lent I am reading The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis. See, CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien were good friends. Really good friends, actually. Yes, there was a bit of bitterness and competitiveness... But Tolkien was a good enough friend to Lewis that he played a critical part in converting him from atheism to Christianity.

That's love. That's friendship. Tolkien wanted more for his friend. He desired something for his friend that this world could not provide. True Joy.

So I was meditating on this notion of friendship, and taking it to prayer... and I thought about all of my friends. More specifically I started thinking about all my friends who have left the Church, or those who have given up on God altogether. Many of these people are former confirmation students, CYM alumni, and people I would consider genuine friends - people who I cried with, some I even bled with, some who inspired my faith, some whose faith I saw blossom - and many who had a passion for God I thought could never be extinguished. And now they don't.

So where does this all fall into place? Where does it click?

Youtube.

After praying, I went on youtube, and with CS Lewis still on my mind, I was blessed to have stumbled upon a particular Narnia video, The Call, by Regina Spektor from the Prince Caspian soundtrack. Now I had heard the song before, but after my meditation on friendship, and my friends who have left the faith, the words echoed eerily and hopefully true. The lyrics painted a picture familiar to the feelings I was going through. I watch a friend grow in the faith, from a whisper to a battle cry. Then for whatever reason they must head off to the "real world" in battle, and all I can do is trust in the hope that they will come back.

"You'll come back
When they call you
No need to say goodbye"

Honestly, one of my biggest struggles is watching friends walk away trading God for things that lead to death. It is painful. I wish I could do more, that I could somehow save them. But I can't. They already have a savior. It has been and continues to be a lesson in trusting in God - knowing that He loves them more than I do, and that He has a plan for them that I will never understand in this life. And "just because everything's changing" or some friends seemingly "head off to war," it does not mean that all hope is lost.

Hopefully they "Pick a star on the dark horizon, and follow the light," or they recall the joy they felt serving and praising God and those "memories grow stronger and stronger."

This is my hope. This is my hope, and my prayer for all of you who have left the faith: that in God's time, when they call you - when The Father, Son and Spirit call you - you will come back.

And in that hope... there is no need to say goodbye.

The Call - Regina Spektor
It started out as a feeling
Which then grew into a hope
Which then turned into a quiet thought
Which then turned into a quiet word

And then that word grew louder and louder
'Til it was a battle cry

I'll come back
When you call me
No need to say goodbye

Just because everything's changing
Doesn't mean it's never
Been this way before

All you can do is try to know
Who your friends are
As you head off to the war

Pick a star on the dark horizon
And follow the light

You'll come back
When it's over
No need to say good bye

You'll come back
When it's over
No need to say goodbye

Now we're back to the beginning
It's just a feeling and no one knows yet
But just because they can't feel it too
Doesn't mean that you have to forget

Let your memories grow stronger and stronger
'Til they're before your eyes

You'll come back
When they call you
No need to say goodbye

You'll come back
When they call you
No need to say goodbye
Hit the Jump for the entire lyrics