Lent is first and foremost about growing closer to God. In what ways do you allow the devil to squeeze a wedge between you and Jesus? Positively stated, in what ways can you grow closer to Jesus?
- This reflection can make us think of Luke 11:24-26 where Jesus tells us that when an evil spirit departs from a man he will return with seven other spirits. What might the reflection above and this Scripture passage teach us about spiritual warfare? Especially with keeping in mind that ultimately spiritual warfare is the work of God in us, not something we do alone.
- Jesus tells us that some demons “cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:28). In connection with this verse, the above reflection, and the season of Lent, what are ways we can say ‘Begone, Satan!’ by our prayers and actions?
· The Church begins Lent by reminding us of the reality of evil. How can we engage in spiritual warfare simply by acknowledging that the devil is at work in trying to cause us to sin and lose our salvation?
Anne M: The world, the flesh, and the devil. And we are on a battleship
Feb 22 2015, 7:00 PM
SRSusan (guest): A huge one! I agree- but also one that seems to cover over the good with a camoflage= that the negative or evil is stronger. There’s lots of good
SRSusan (guest): Blessed Louis Brisson seems to say that it is rather easy to see the big devil coming and to send him away, because he asks for such audacious things. When we send him away we are left with what Blessed Louis calls a little devil. By the little devil, I think Blessed Louis means, our sinful nature or our original sin. This evil part of us is taken awayat Baptism, but the faith that we get through grace at Baptism is what we need to keep from reverting to evil deeds. We have to keep our faith on us like a
Feb 22 2015, 7:02 PM
SRSusan (guest): That’s Lisa response above
Feb 22 2015, 7:03 PM
SRSusan (guest): We have to keep our faith on us like armor. This armor keeps our mind on God and His kingdom, and not on the world. If we lose sight of our faith in Jesus we are alone again in the world and will fail. With faith in Jesus, He does it for us. He is our armor. He is our shield. He is our power over anything that comes to try to take us away from Him. If we believe nothing can separate us from Him, nothing can. St. Paul explains this.
Feb 22 2015, 7:03 PM
SRSusan (guest): Also Lisa’s
Feb 22 2015, 7:04 PM
SRSusan (guest): Faith, as Lisa said, but we are people of feeling. How do we fight spiritual battles when we feel drawn to something wrong but our only response is FAITH, not feeling, to this temptation?
7:06 PM
Karen P: I just read that scripture this morning. Nothing can separate us if we are in Christ, and we are through our baptism! I also read in another reading elsewhere that one of the reasons we fall prey to sin after we are baptized is that we forget about what we gained in baptism. We need to be reminded that we acknowledged who Christ is and received that grace when we were baptized and nothing can separate us from this unless we choose to be separated. Even then, God is constantly wanting us to come home to H
Feb 22 2015, 7:06 PM
SRSusan (guest): We can be overpowered by an inclination but the corresponding good response is not felt. Not expressing myself well.
Feb 22 2015, 7:06 PM
Karen P: That is come home to Him and forgives us again and again.
Lisa C: Maybe I understand, I think faith will help tell us that it is wrong to give in to the temptation, but as far as feelings go, I know that if I am conscious of letting God down I will refrain
Feb 22 2015, 7:07 PM
Lisa C: I think I fail when I do not think about God
Feb 22 2015, 7:07 PM
SRSusan (guest): The reminding, Karen, is that then what we ourselves do within, is that what you mean, or do outside influences do the reminding
Feb 22 2015, 7:08 PM
SRSusan (guest): Like perhaps we can help one another to stay on the right track
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Karen P: On one of the CDs I have been listening to, it was pointed out that sin is almost always pleasurable which is very attractive to our human nature. So it can be difficult to step back and remember that our feelings are not what should drive us, but what we know to be right and wrong. M
Lisa C: Sr Susan I guess that would be one reason to have the right kind of friends
Feb 22 2015, 7:10 PM
SRSusan (guest): That helps to answer the question very much. It is reason then that assists us when feelings are dominating us and pointing in the wrong direction. Hi Dawn!
Feb 22 2015, 7:10 PM
Karen P: I think the reminding would be super if it came from within, but I think we are often distracted from the world’s influence. So having a community of fellow believers around us becomes important to helping us remember our baptism and what it means to be part of the body of Christ.
7:11 PM
Judy K: Hi Everyone! I think my Lent got off to a pretty good start. But I had help–I was sick all week. Finally feeling like my old self today. Thank God! 7:12 PM
Karen P: I am sorry you were not feeling well, but happy to hear you feel better!
SRSusan (guest): The Lord actually leads our Lenten practices, and experiences, be they of health or anything else- yet I am always surprised when unexpected things happen
Feb 22 2015, 7:13 PM
Karen P: I spent some time thinking about the idea of the big devil and the little devil types of sin after reading the newsletter you sent. It is easy to see how the little things can seem to be less dangerous, yet really lead us astray.
14 PM
Judy K: You know, talking about the subject of evil is really timely. When I look at all that is happening especially in the Middle East, I have no doubt that Satan is real and that he is at work in the world. And hearing that the Holy 7:15 PM
Anne M: What do you mean “unexpected things”?
Feb 22 2015, 7:15 PM
Judy K: Father has been threatened is really alarming. Perhaps we could all include a special Hail Mary for his protection each day
5 PM
Karen P: This is definitely a time to increase our prayer and especially to pray for a conversion of the spirits of those who are doing this evil.
Feb 22 2015, 7:16 PM
SRSusan (guest): Yes we need to pray more. Anne I mean that we have one plan and God has another and His shows up when we don;t expect it.
Judy K: I think she means things like my getting sick this week. It give me something to offer as part of my Lenten beginning. 7 PM
Karen P: That is very true, Sister Susan. Sometimes it seems like something that we wonder about, but then later we can see why it was a better plan then we had.
Feb 22 2015, 7:17 PM
Anne M: like the flat tire on my car when I wanted to go to Mass. Did not get upset, called to catch a ride with someone. I’ll fix it tomorrow.
Feb 22 2015, 7:17 PM
SRSusan (guest): Exactly!
PM
Lisa C: Sister Susan, maybe you can explain how dedicating yourself to a cloistered order where you spend most of your time in prayer is different from living in the world and praying as you do things
Feb 22 2015, 7:17 PM
Dawn L: sr susan said :It is reason then that assists us when feelings are dominating us and pointing in the wrong direction…..yes, our emotions are not trustworthly
Judy K: Now that’s the kind of thing that could cause one to allow the devil to put a wedge between oneself and the Lord. To have given to anger would have done just that.
Feb 22 2015, 7:18 PM
SRSusan (guest): Lisa I think the big difference is that a nun LIVES WITH Jesus under the same roof. He has called us to live with Him
Feb 22 2015, 7:18 PM
Lisa C: Yes, God’s plans always wind up working better than our own
Lisa C: Sr. Susan Jesus lives under my roof with me too, but the idea of joining the VHM keeps popping back into my mind
Feb 22 2015, 7:19 PM
Dawn L: Hi everyone!
Feb 22 2015, 7:19 PM
Karen P: That is one of the things that I think draws me to look at monastic life. Living in the world, it is more like I am with Jesus when other things don’t get in the way. I want to spend more time with him, but it is hard to keep the focus at times.
Feb 22 2015, 7:20 PM
SRSusan (guest): That’s a blessing Lisa!To live with Him. Also the particular spirituality of an Order may be what makes the distinction, plus community and God’s secret plan for a person
Feb 22 2015, 7:20 PM
Anne M: I want to live under Jesus’ roof!
Feb 22 2015, 7:20 PM
Karen P: I also feel a definite call to be able to pray more for the world, and I think being able to devote more time to that would be a wonderful thing.
1 PM
Judy K: Yes, keeping the focus in hard. But I did one thing that I think that will help me. I made a schedule for the day. Setting aside special time for prayer and meditation is a big help. I have nothing else scheduled at that time so that I can truly focus on the Lord.
Feb 22 2015, 7:21 PM
SRSusan (guest): Spiritual warfare might be more graphic in the world esp today but we have a share of it here
Karen P: I gave up some of the things that can be a distraction to prayer time for lent as we discussed last week. I have already found that I have been able to pray and read more around my full time job.
Feb 22 2015, 7:22 PM
Jim I: St Teresa of Avila says that if we don’t pray daily we don’t need the devil to send us to hell. That we send ourselves there.
Feb 22 2015, 7:22 PM
SRSusan (guest): The balance is so necessary- Christians in the world need to be holy. No one seems to think that way anymore. Yes, God will forgive sins but is anyone striving for holiness?
Feb 22 2015, 7:23 PM
SRSusan (guest): That’s an interesting statement Jim
PM
Judy K: And I think that that might also help me to keep from putting that wedge between the Lord and myself. One of those wedges could be failing to keep resolutions that one has made (not just Lenten or New Year’s resolutions). 3 PM
Judy K: And I think that that might also help me to keep from putting that wedge between the Lord and myself. One of those wedges could be failing to keep resolutions that one has made (not just Lenten or New Year’s resolutions).
Feb 22 2015, 7:23 PM
Karen P: Sister Susan, I would think that being in close community could lead to evil sneaking in in small seemingly innocent ways. Jealousy, or petty differences. So monasteries would not be safe from sin.
Feb 22 2015, 7:24 PM
SRSusan (guest): Oh definitely not safe from sin! Its got lots of “little devils” as the newsletter mentioned
4 PM
Judy K: But they also have the help of deeper prayer life and support from the community to help them in overcoming faults.
Karen P: Jim, I think that is a very true statement. If we are not staying close to God through prayer, then we are on our way elsewhere without any help from the devil needed!
Feb 22 2015, 7:25 PM
SRSusan (guest): So many get disappointed re community life
Feb 22 2015, 7:25 PM
Dawn L: at Mass today, Fr was talking about just that, striving for holiness. In the Gospel, Jesus, in striving for more holiness in the desert, he was tempted by Satan. somehow I think this is what happens as we strive
Feb 22 2015, 7:25 PM
Judy K: And those little devils can be something as stupid as stubbing a toe.
, 7:25 PM
Lisa C: How do you mean that Sr
Feb 22 2015, 7:26 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Hi everyone!
Feb 22 2015, 7:26 PM
Dawn L: Hi Alice!
Feb 22 2015, 7:26 PM
SRSusan (guest): Idealizing what community life is. Then being didappointed when each Sister’s human side pops out.
Feb 22 2015, 7:26 PM
Judy K: One can actually be alone even while living in community.
Feb 22 2015, 7:26 PM
Karen P: I have found it interesting in watching some of the productions about Saint Therese and Saint Bernadette and their lives in the convent that there were definitely some difficult personalities who didn’t seem very intent on being nice to their fellow sisters.
Feb 22 2015, 7:26 PM
Jim I: Yes Karen..that is what she meant…we open ourselves up to everything that can kiss us spiritually when we don’t pray daily.
, 7:27 PM
Lisa C: Oh I would find it a relief if their humanity popped out…so mine would not seem so bad
Feb 22 2015, 7:27 PM
Lisa C: LOL
, 7:27 PM
Lisa C: I think everyone would want to sing how do you solve a problem like Maria
Feb 22 2015, 7:27 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Haha Lisa
M
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Haha Lisa
Feb 22 2015, 7:27 PM
Jim I: kill that is not kiss haha
Feb 22 2015, 7:28 PM
Judy K: Karen, did you watch “Therese” last night? I never cease to be amazed by the uppity attitude of that one sister.
Feb 22 2015, 7:28 PM
Jim I: love Sound of Music…50 year anniversary this year
Feb 22 2015, 7:28 PM
Karen P: I got it Jim. I kind of liked the idea of being kissed spiritually. As if God was reaching down to kiss me personally as his bride.
SRSusan (guest): Might be appropriate here to look at this one: • Jesus tells us that some demons “cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:28). In connection with this verse, the above reflection, and the season of Lent, what are ways we can say ‘Begone, Satan!’ by our prayers and actions?
Karen P: I did watch Therese last night. And imagine that in a cloistered community, you couldn’t leave the area to step away from someone’s attitude as easily. But I think it would cause us to pray more for others.
Feb 22 2015, 7:30 PM
Judy K: I think that we must really focus on our prayer. it is so easy to give in to distractions and that is when demons can wriggle their ways into our minds and hearts. Keeping the proverbial nose to the grindstone might be a way to express it.
Feb 22 2015, 7:30 PM
Lisa C: Sometimes I am afraid to address Satan directly, I ask Jesus to protect me
Feb 22 2015, 7:30 PM
Dawn L: by our prayers….by claiming authority given to us. actions…by hesitating and reflecting to see where motive is coming from?
Feb 22 2015, 7:30 PM
Lisa C: I think Satan is so powerful that all I can do is stay with Jesus
Feb 22 2015, 7:30 PM
Lisa C: Then I feel safe
Feb 22 2015, 7:31 PM
Karen P: I have always found that verse interesting also. Since many demons were driven out by the apostles simply by telling them to go, it makes me think that some are stronger than others and need the additional spiritual growth that fasting and prayer would lead to.
Feb 22 2015, 7:31 PM
Dawn L: yes, me too Karen
Feb 22 2015, 7:31 PM
Lisa C: I ask Jesus and Mary to hold me
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Jim I: As Sr Susan taught me some time ago…constantly be putting yourself in activities that stir up God’s grace and keep you in His presence. When I sense God’s presence I can’t even imagine sinning at those times. It is when I get lazy that I fall. 32 PM
Judy K: We can actually say Begone Satan. I was taught to tell Satan to go, and at the same time to ask the Lord to cover me in the power and protection of His Precious Blood. Like you, Lisa, I stay close to Jesus.
Feb 22 2015, 7:32 PM
Karen P: I have found that if I say “get behind me, Satan”and then also state out loud that I belong to Christ and there is nothing that Satan can do to separate me from that love, I think that does protect me.
SRSusan (guest): Ah yes, His Precious Blood. Pour His Blood mystically over all that is troubling
Feb 22 2015, 7:33 PM
Dawn L: Didn’t Therese speak about Satan, how cowardly he was to go after a child..she did not seem to be worried by him, and like Lisa says, asking Mary and Jesus to hold her
Feb 22 2015, 7:33 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: How About praying to st michael the archangel
Feb 22 2015, 7:33 PM
SRSusan (guest): Yes!
Feb 22 2015, 7:34 PM
Judy K: It is also necessary to tell Satan to leave “in the Name of Jesus, the Son of God.” There is power in His name.
7:34 PM
Karen P: Actually, I think that was the verse that was being discussed when I came in tonight. Romans 8:31-39PM
SRSusan (guest): What about the fasting? That’s harder, isn’t it?
Feb 22 2015, 7:35 PM
Karen P: I also try to remember to ask my guardian angel to guide and protect me.
Feb 22 2015, 7:35 PM
SRSusan (guest): Hi Amy!
PM
Lisa C: Sr Susan, it is very difficult to fast and be able to think while working
Feb 22 2015, 7:35 PM
Judy K: Therese was truly childlike. She had absolute trust in Jesus. Not even her illness and her final agony could shake that trust.
Feb 22 2015, 7:35 PM
Dawn L: Hi amy
Feb 22 2015, 7:35 PM
SRSusan (guest): Either from food or some other delightful event or thing
7:36 PM
Karen P: I have not done much fasting, yet. Just when it is required. I still work full time and I have to be sure I have my wits about me. But I do see how fasting from a particular item might be done to help strengthen us spiritually.
Feb 22 2015, 7:36 PM
SRSusan (guest): Yes fasting does not have to be from food.
Karen P: I marvel also at Therese’s truly childlike trust, Judy. I admire that and think about how I might imitate that myself.
Feb 22 2015, 7:37 PM
Amy Cochran: Rend your hearts, not your garments
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SRSusan (guest): Yes Amy and that’s what the Holy Father asked us all to do this Lent- form our hearts anew
Karen P: I think just finding that I could fast from something that I have come to want more than I should would show me that I can survive with my needs being met more than my wants. I have no doubt that I would need to pray to get along without some things.
7:40 PM
SRSusan (guest): The element of suffering, renunciation if you prefer, sort of gives a “proof” that we are serious
Feb 22 2015, 7:40 PM
Guest6648 (guest): Hi, everyone
Feb 22 2015, 7:40 PM
SRSusan (guest): Welcome guest 6648
1 PM
Karen P: Wouldn’t that element of suffering also lead us deeper into prayer?
Feb 22 2015, 7:41 PM
Dawn L: hi guest, hi ruth
Feb 22 2015, 7:41 PM
SRSusan (guest): The saints were so accostumed to do battle that even the smallest trials loomed large in their eyes. True purity of heart is a challenge
Feb 22 2015, 7:41 PM
Lisa C: Sr. Susan, can you explain the good that would come from inflicting suffering on ourselves vs. accepting suffering that is sent to us and offering that kind to God
Feb 22 2015, 7:41 PM
Amy Cochran: I would think so, Karen, especially if that suffering is united with Christ’s suffering, as small as ours may seem in the big picture
Feb 22 2015, 7:42 PM
Jim I: True suffering would be to watch the Academy Awards tonight
Feb 22 2015, 7:42 PM
SRSusan (guest): We should always be within the Will of God Lisa in all we do so any “self-infliction” would ultimately be because we discerned it as His Will or indeed God sent it
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SRSusan (guest): We should always be within the Will of God Lisa in all we do so any “self-infliction” would ultimately be because we discerned it as His Will or indeed God sent it
Feb 22 2015, 7:43 PM
SRSusan (guest): Jim did not even know they were on tonite!
Feb 22 2015, 7:43 PM
Lisa C: Sr. Susan you said that the element of suffering shows we are serious….but why would it be good for us to make ourself suffer? Why would God will that?
Feb 22 2015, 7:43 PM
SRSusan (guest): Karen, suffering may also lead us into deeper love as well as prayer
Feb 22 2015, 7:43 PM
Karen P: I know that there are things I could give up that would make me uncomfortable so I would be self inflicting that, but in the long run, they are things that probably stand between me and prayer. So good would also come from the suffering.
Feb 22 2015, 7:43 PM
Jim I: Oh wait…it’s the Grammy awards? haha..I don’t even know
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Lisa C: Sr. Susan suffering that comes on its own has always brought me closer to God, but I would not know how to discern that God wanted me to make myself suffer
Feb 22 2015, 7:45 PM
SRSusan (guest): Hi Ruth. Lisa It’s not making oneself suffer that is the point, really. A sacrifice joined to Christ’s sacrifice may be closer to what I am trying to say. For most of us, as just said, it’s best to simply accept what comes from God;s hand
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Lisa C: I guess I could envision a situation where helping someone might be uncomfortable for me and I would accept that difficulty hapily
Feb 22 2015, 7:46 PM
Jim I: denying yourself something that you know is hurting you might make you suffer Lisa? Knowingly doing it.
7 PM
Dawn L: Sr,would you comment on scripture where one spirit leaves and upon returning, sees it is clean and empty and brings 7 more? this is the devil? does this happen to us?
Dawn L: sorry… I am going off topic
Feb 22 2015, 7:47 PM
Dawn L: but that would be suffering, right?
Feb 22 2015, 7:48 PM
Lisa C: Yes a sacrifice is a more clear explination
Feb 22 2015, 7:48 PM
SRSusan (guest): I always have had trouble with that Scripture myself and it was explained to me in a powerful way
Feb 22 2015, 7:48 PM
SRSusan (guest): I am trying to recall
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Karen P: If I suffer as I give up something that was hurting me, then I think God was probably encouraging me to give it up all along.
Feb 22 2015, 7:49 PM
SRSusan (guest): It’s like cancer- chemo brought my friend into “remission” and then it came back even stronger
7:49 PM
Jim I: yes Karen…the discerning Sr Susan mentioned:50 PM
Karen P: I have always thought that verse was saying that if we didn’t fill up the void with something positive like God’s love, then we would be filled with something worse.
Feb 22 2015, 7:50 PM
Anne M: I thought that scripture was about backsliding, being spiritually lax… the state is worse than before. ??
Feb 22 2015, 7:50 PM
SRSusan (guest): Those are both good understandings
0 PM
Anne M: Yes, Karen
Feb 22 2015, 7:51 PM
Karen P: Simply being rid of the demon is not enough. So just stopping one sin isn’t enough. We need to continue to grow and try to become holy.
Feb 22 2015, 7:51 PM
Anne M: Let the Lord take up all the space, so there’s none left to the devil
Feb 22 2015, 7:51 PM
Jim I: If ole’ Stan can’t beat you by himself he goes and gets his homies to help out. We must be even stronger in Christ.
52 PM
Amy Cochran: I’ve never heard it put that way, Jim lol
Feb 22 2015, 7:52 PM
Karen P: But that is a good analogy!
7:52 PM
Judy K: That is why we must be vigilant at all times. Satan is sneeky! We have to be on the lookout for him always. And we must try to eliminate even venial sins from our lives because they create cracks through he might enter. Jim, I like the way you put that. 3 PM
Dawn L: or yes, one might believe they are healed following chemo, become lax, stop praying unceasingly…Jim…easy analogy
Feb 22 2015, 7:53 PM
Dawn L: lol
4 PM
Karen P: It is easy to excuse little sins as not being so bad. But all those little things draw us off track from prayer and trying to grow in that holiness that we are called to strive for.
Feb 22 2015, 7:54 PM
SRSusan (guest): It seems to me God never rests from His loving us and the evil one never rests from his tempting us. Only we rest from the battle
Feb 22 2015, 7:54 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: I find all this fighting satan and growing in the Lord lonely! Sure could use a good ole fashion prayer group
7:55 PM
Judy K: Prayer and self examination are so important. We really do need to check up on ourselves daily to be sure we keeping to the road.
Feb 22 2015, 7:55 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Strangely no
Feb 22 2015, 7:55 PM
Ruth (guest): I like your analogy, too, Jim
56 PM
Dawn L: me neither Alice…
Feb 22 2015, 7:56 PM
SRSusan (guest): That is a drawback Alice. Any retreat houses nearby?
Feb 22 2015, 7:56 PM
Karen P: I am finding that there are friends I have that also feel like having someone to discuss prayer and scripture are a desirable thing, so we are developing our own little groups.
Feb 22 2015, 7:56 PM
Ruth (guest): And old-fashioned or “modern” it is always good to have prayer partners, Alice, even if just one or two.
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SRSusan (guest): Even over the phone one can pray together
Feb 22 2015, 7:56 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Going it alone is ok but I would like the input of others
Feb 22 2015, 7:56 PM
Amy Cochran: St. Thomas Aquinas said that the devil is more likely to attack those who are alone and have no support. It is good to have someone to pray with
2 2015, 7:57 PM
Guest6648 (guest): We used to have a group, but everyone had a lot going on, so it broke up5, 7:57 PM
Karen P: We are a bit impromptu, but having someone to talk prayer and scripture with has made a big difference in my life.
Feb 22 2015, 7:57 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: I agree amy
Amy Cochran: I think this chatroom is very helpful
Feb 22 2015, 7:57 PM
Judy K: Is there a Scripture study group in the area? Perhaps you might find someone there who might be helpful.
Feb 22 2015, 7:58 PM
Guest6648 (guest): Me, too
Feb 22 2015, 7:58 PM
SRSusan (guest): Maybe someone here is willing to do phone prayer too Alice.
Feb 22 2015, 7:58 PM
Karen P: Agreed, Amy! I look forward to this time!
Feb 22 2015, 7:58 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: It is helpful
8 PM
Jim I: it really is Amy…You girls are my homies right now helping me…haha
Feb 22 2015, 7:58 PM
Ruth (guest): At St. Agnes Church in Lake Placid, we started today the Oremus program. After each Sunday Mass.
22 2015, 7:58 PM
Dawn L: living in very rural area, no one to pray with. I did not think about phone calls …..this chat is doing much goodPM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Thank you for the idea Sister. I really need to meet people face to face I think
Feb 22 2015, 7:59 PM
Karen P: We are also doing the Oremus study. It is a great way to get prayer groups going. After the study ends, get a few together who want to keep going!
Feb 22 2015, 7:59 PM
Guest6648 (guest): My friend and I do a Bible reading on the phone sometimes
7:59 PM
Jim I: what is Oremus?
Feb 22 2015, 7:59 PM
Ruth (guest): It’s rural here, too. Wilderness, in fact, by law, forever.
, 8:00 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Where are you ruth?
Feb 22 2015, 8:00 PM
Dawn L: here too Ruth.
00 PM
Ruth (guest): Now I know you are not me, 6648
Feb 22 2015, 8:00 PM
Karen P: Oremus is a prayer study that is scripture based. It is written by Fr. Mark Toups. Oremus means “let us pray” and it goes through lectio divina, and some other forms of prayer in an 8 week program.
15, 8:00 PM
Jim I: ahhh…thanks Karen
Feb 22 2015, 8:01 PM
Ruth (guest): Dawn, I”m in the Adirondack Park. You?
1 PM
Guest6648 (guest): No, Ruth, I live in a suburb
Feb 22 2015, 8:01 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: You would think in more populated areas there would be something- like here on long island
Feb 22 2015, 8:01 PM
Amy Cochran: the cold this winter has made us all living sort of isolated
8:01 PM
Karen P: You are welcome. I went through it last year, and now I am one of the facilitators this time through. We are doing it as a lenten prayer opportunity.
Feb 22 2015, 8:01 PM
Jim I: I have been doing Lectio Divina lately…great way to pray
Feb 22 2015, 8:02 PM
Dawn L: Sierra Nev, Caribou, Ishi.
Feb 22 2015, 8:02 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Reading the bible jim?
Feb 22 2015, 8:02 PM
SRSusan (guest): Here: http://ascensionpress.com/products/oremus-guide-catholic-prayer-dvd
Oremus: A Guide to Catholic Prayer, DVD Set – Ascension Press
8:02 PM
Jim I: Yes Alice..read scripture until something hits me and then meditate on it…affective prayer on it etc
Feb 22 2015, 8:02 PM
Judy K: Alice, you might contact the diocese of Rockville Centre to see if they know of any prayer groups in the diocese. They usually have an office dedicated to Charismatic Renewal.
Feb 22 2015, 8:03 PM
Dawn L: Ruth, I think we are due east and west of one another
Feb 22 2015, 8:03 PM
Karen P: I am finding it easier this time through. I was trying to read and study the scripture more than pray it the first time through. The scripture is speaking to me so much more this time.
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Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Hi Sister
Feb 22 2015, 8:04 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: We’ve been gathered around our Sr. Mary Immaculata Janz, who is dying.
Jim I: Hi Sr Roberta
Feb 22 2015, 8:04 PM
Lisa C: Sorry to hear that Sr Mary Roberta
Feb 22 2015, 8:04 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: Please pray for her.
Feb 22 2015, 8:04 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: How old is Sister?
Feb 22 2015, 8:04 PM
SRSusan (guest): Is she at peace?
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Karen P: Sorry to hear that, but how wonderful that she is surrounded by all her sisters and their prayers.
Feb 22 2015, 8:05 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: She’s 82 and has been sickly for a long time.
Feb 22 2015, 8:05 PM
Guest6648 (guest): I will pray, too
Feb 22 2015, 8:05 PM
Ruth (guest): Alice, Where on LI? I used to live there and drove in to Jamaica, Queens to participate in a prayer group at the Passionist Monastery.
5, 8:06 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: Can’t tell how at peace she is. She still seems somewhat conscious, so there are signs of distress now and then.
Feb 22 2015, 8:06 PM
SRSusan (guest): Here’s an online prayer group source Alice. Never tried it tho http://www.prayerharmony.com/
Online Prayer Requests – Online Prayer Groups – Prayer Online Request – Group Prayer
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Alice Lewis-Eckardt: I hope she doesn’t suffer long
Feb 22 2015, 8:07 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: That’s what we hope, too, Alice.
Feb 22 2015, 8:07 PM
Lisa C: It is so difficult to watch someone whom you love die
Feb 22 2015, 8:07 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Thank you Sister Susan
Feb 22 2015, 8:07 PM
Judy K: I think that there is a retreat house on Shelter Island. They might have a prayer group. Also, there is a retreat house in Sag Harbor. I hear that it is wonderful.
Feb 22 2015, 8:07 PM
Amy Cochran: oh, but you keep telling them how happy they will be
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Judy K: I think that there is a retreat house on Shelter Island. They might have a prayer group. Also, there is a retreat house in Sag Harbor. I hear that it is wonderful.
Mary Roberta Viano: Has Lent started well for everyone?
Feb 22 2015, 8:08 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Oh that would be wonderful! I did hear of shelter islands a while back,
Feb 22 2015, 8:08 PM
Jim I: really nice site Sr Susan
:09 PM
Karen P: It has for me. I have increased in my prayer time and am already feeling the benefit of this in my daily attitude! 0 PM
Judy K: I think that I have gotten off to a good start also. I am getting back to reading Scripture and reflecting on it. It’s about time!!!
Feb 22 2015, 8:10 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: I am looking for something different to do..
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Mary Roberta Viano: Our priest-celebrant this morning suggested we choose a book of the Bible to study/read in more depth during Lent.
Feb 22 2015, 8:11 PM
SRSusan (guest): I’m trying to “form my heart” as Holy Father suggested. Watching the impatience and trying to respond to others more spontaneeously
Feb 22 2015, 8:11 PM
Ruth (guest): I have a friend who is praying a thousand times per day: “Immaculate Heart of Mary, I place all my trust in you.” I pray that often, too; but I do not count the prayers. S
Feb 22 2015, 8:11 PM
Dawn L: the Bible Study class I am attending is over Skype video call , maybe another option Alice
1 PM
Karen P: I followed the lead of someone last week who suggested limiting computer time. I limited the time I will spend on face book dramatically, and gave up all face book games. So instead of being distracted time wise, I am spending that time in prayer or reading the scripture or spiritual books. PM
Mary Roberta Viano: Father kept insisting we read more of and more on the Book of Psalms, which we pray 5 times a day. 12 PM
Guest6648 (guest): I am reading spiritual books
Feb 22 2015, 8:12 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Thank you Dawn
Feb 22 2015, 8:12 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: He said that would be the best book of the Bible to read for Lent.
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Mary Roberta Viano: Nice idea, Dawn. Is the Skype Bible study from your parish?
Feb 22 2015, 8:13 PM
Jim I: Curious about that also Dawn
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Karen P: It was one of the Psalms that really spoke to me this week – Psalm 139:1-17. I could almost feel God gazing on me! 8:14 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Psalms? That’s interesting as usually its the gospels. How is it so far? PM
Ruth (guest): divineoffice.org makes it easy to pray the office — sort of with others, remotely. I did the first 3 offices (incl. Office of the Readings) in the wee hours of the morning, but have not gotten back to the daytime offices.
Feb 22 2015, 8:14 PM
Judy K: Alice, something just popped into my head. How about taking something in nature, birds, the ocean, a farm, a babbling brook, baby animals, for example and reflect on what we might learn about God from studying them. Just a thought.
15 PM
Dawn L: Yes, from our parish. It is Jeff Calvins , the Bible Timeline. really enjoying it! 5 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: I think we know who put that in your head for me! Thank you
Feb 22 2015, 8:15 PM
Karen P: It seems to me as long as I am focused on something that is scriptural, or something that inspires me to meditate on Goad, as Judy suggested, that I am also less likely to be tempted to sin. So it is a double blessing!
, 8:16 PM
Judy K: I have seen Jeff on EWTN doing the Bible Timeline. It’s good.
Feb 22 2015, 8:16 PM
Karen P: That was meditate on God – my fingers got in too big a hurry!
Feb 22 2015, 8:16 PM
Ruth (guest): I have a friend — met her through FB — then in person – who got a master’s degree in theology on line, while raising the 5 younger of her seven children.
Holy moley!
Feb 22 2015, 8:17 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: Right,Karen. As SFdS wrote about today’s Gospel: “Let us fear neither the temptation nor the tempter, for if we make use of the shield of faith and the armor of truth, they will nave no power whatsoever over us.”
Feb 22 2015, 8:17 PM
Judy K: Has anybody subscribed to Fr. Robert Barron’s Lenten Series? You can check it out on Wordonfire.com.
Feb 22 2015, 8:17 PM
Ruth (guest): Dawn, is that “A quick trip through the Bible” or something like that? My parish did it. Would love to do it again. Our then Pastor had taught it several times. Wonderful!
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Mary Roberta Viano: Yes, Judy, I’m following Fr. Barron’s Lenten reflections online daily. PM
Judy K: I kind of wish they were videos. I think that would add something to them. But the content is good.
Feb 22 2015, 8:19 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Our church in maine watched a dvd each week
elpful.
Feb 22 2015, 8:19 PM
SRSusan (guest): I am doing the Salesian on line Lenten series on “Time for Prayer” Good content
Feb 22 2015, 8:20 PM
Dawn L: yes, it does feel like a quick trip, but still helpful. and we can go as deep as we like. kind of academic feeling. yes, Fr Barron lent reflections.
Feb 22 2015, 8:20 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Father is on youtube too- the series
0 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: Fr. Barron has a whole CATHOLICISM series of dvds that are good.
Feb 22 2015, 8:20 PM
Karen P: I did Fr.Barron’s last year and thought it was good. I am getting daily emails and video from a site called the Dynamic Catholic this year that is good. It is very good if time is limited. Then someone sent me one called The Call for the next 40 days by a group known as the People of the Cross that is really focused to what is going on with the beheadings and serious evil in the world. It was verbally graphic, but really made an impact on the need for constant prayer.
Feb 22 2015, 8:20 PM
Judy K: Alice, one other thing, you might go on a retreat. You might connect with someone there who might be helpful to you.
Feb 22 2015, 8:20 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Yes that’s the ones
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Judy K: Alice, one other thing, you might go on a retreat. You might connect with someone there who might be helpful to you.
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: I need something Judy! Feeling not encouraged
Feb 22 2015, 8:21 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: There are Ignatian Reflections for Lent and online courses for Lent from DeSales U./Salesian Center.
Dawn L: Sr Susan, thank you for links on side of page. StFdS lent sermons are good
Feb 22 2015, 8:22 PM
Karen P: I also get a Salesian one that comes weekly with the week’s days contained within the first one.
Feb 22 2015, 8:22 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: Thank goodness for the Net since going out in the ice has been impossible this month!
Feb 22 2015, 8:23 PM
SRSusan (guest): Is this People of Cross?http://www.aholyexperience.com/2015/02/the-call-for-the-next-40-days-to-the-nations-people-of-the-cross/
The Call for the Next 40 Days: To the Nations & People of The Cross | A Holy Experience
Feb 22 2015, 8:24 PM
SRSusan (guest): You are welcome Daw
:24 PM
Ruth (guest): And you, Sr. Mary Roberta, have the Blessed Sacrament in your home/monastery — and others there who are also trying to live a life of prayer. I think I am jealous. Is that a sin? , 8:25 PM
Karen P: Yes, but be forewarned it does make for a lot to reflect on and not in pretty words.
Feb 22 2015, 8:25 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: No, Ruth, I think it’s “holy envy!”
Feb 22 2015, 8:25 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Haha Karen
5 PM
Jim I: Like Jesus told Martha…Mary (Sister Mary Roberta/Sr Susan) has chosen the better way…something like thatPM
Karen P: Yes, but be forewarned it does make for a lot to reflect on and not in pretty words.
Mary Roberta Viano: No, Ruth, I think it’s “holy envy!”
Feb 22 2015, 8:25 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Haha Karen
Feb 22 2015, 8:25 PM
Jim I: Like Jesus told Martha…Mary (Sister Mary Roberta/Sr Susan) has chosen the better way…something like that
Feb 22 2015, 8:26 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Thanks for the laughs all!
Feb 22 2015, 8:26 PM
Lisa C: Oh, I see what you meant Sr. Susan about Jesus being under the same roof, you mean that you have a tabernacle at home
Feb 22 2015, 8:26 PM
Karen P: Sisters, do you do pray study and scripture discussion or just do the office of the hours together with the other sisters?
Feb 22 2015, 8:26 PM
Karen P: That was prayer study – my fingers did it againl
Feb 22 2015, 8:26 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: It is definitely good to be able to go before Our Lord in the Tabernacle so often in any given day!
Feb 22 2015, 8:26 PM
SRSusan (guest): Thanks Karen. Yes we are in serious times and we have been called to live at this time of the world- baptized and with grace. Our mission expands in this era. I will look at the site more carefully
Feb 22 2015, 8:27 PM
SRSusan (guest): Yes Lisa with His Real Presence
Feb 22 2015, 8:27 PM
Ruth (guest): Years ago, when trying to decide whether or not he wanted me to continue spending an hour a day with the Eucharist once medical school classes resumed, he gave me that scripture verse, Jim,
Feb 22 2015, 8:27 PM
Judy K: Alice, be careful, discouragement can be a tool of the evil one to sidetrack us from our journey. Look to the Lord for your encouragement. He will never fail you. He said in the Old Testament “I will never leave you or forsake you.” And note that it says the same thing backwards, “You leave, or you forsake, never will I.” So we know we can depend on Him. I think that it is Peter who says that we should cast our cares upon the Lord because He cares for us.
Feb 22 2015, 8:27 PM
Ruth (guest): “and it will not be taken from her.”
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Thank you so much for that thought Sister Susan!
Feb 22 2015, 8:28 PM
Judy K: And Jesus invites to “Come to Me all who are weary and burdened and I will refresh you.”
Feb 22 2015, 8:28 PM
Jim I: nice Ruth
Feb 22 2015, 8:28 PM
Karen P: I tried to find a link that would identify who was originating the site but other than the People of the Cross was not sure who it was. Thankfully, there were not pictures, but the message is strong. They make quite a case for prayer being needed.
Feb 22 2015, 8:28 PM
Lisa C: Jesus is with me here… but it is better to have His Real Presence
Feb 22 2015, 8:28 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: We don’t study Scripture together as a community, but we’re immersed in it together all day long, so we discuss it among ourselves.
Feb 22 2015, 8:28 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: That is what I have been concerned about- the Churches persecution now
Feb 22 2015, 8:28 PM
SRSusan (guest): Karen in novitiate Scripture study is prominent. Shared prayer and discussion in Brooklyn was inserted for a while. It is not part of our horarium by Constitutions
Feb 22 2015, 8:29 PM
Lisa C: Sr. Mary Roberta which Visitation are you from
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Mary Roberta Viano: Yes, Alice, when you think of the 21 Copt-Christians who were beheaded for serving Christ… PM
Mary Roberta Viano: I’m in Georgetown, DC, Lisa.
Feb 22 2015, 8:30 PM
Ruth (guest): Ruth here there have been times when this Wilderness Forever has been a desert, confused because church doors were locked, and very distant. The snow and ice, that hardly bothers me. We have about 30 inches now.
Feb 22 2015, 8:30 PM
Lisa C: I live right by you currently in Silver Spring and I went to the school that Sr. Susan is at ….small world
Feb 22 2015, 8:30 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: We go to the Scripture Institute at G’town University to study Scripture every summer.
Mary Roberta Viano: Interesting, Lisa!
Feb 22 2015, 8:30 PM
Karen P: Alice, when I was in the Holy Land this past December with Fr Pacwa (EWTN), he made a strong case for the idea that we can only overcome this type of persecution through prayer for the conversion of spirits. St. Pope John Paul II did the same thing when he was in Poland and it was being overrun by the Nazis. Love will be what conquers and that takes prayer and lots of it!
Feb 22 2015, 8:31 PM
SRSusan (guest): Lisa did I know you?
Feb 22 2015, 8:31 PM
Lisa C: Sr. Susan I do not think you did,
Feb 22 2015, 8:31 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Briefly- there’s a new popular song on the radio- take me to the church, bashing catholic church
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Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Briefly- there’s a new popular song on the radio- take me to the church, bashing catholic church
Feb 22 2015, 8:31 PM
Lisa C: I graduated in 1970
Feb 22 2015, 8:31 PM
Jim I: Awesome Karen…hanging with Fr Mitch in Holy land
Feb 22 2015, 8:32 PM
Lisa C: Sr. Susan there must be sisters there who know me
Feb 22 2015, 8:32 PM
SRSusan (guest): I entered here in 1988. I graduated high school in 1970
Feb 22 2015, 8:32 PM
SRSusan (guest): Sr Anne Marie, Sr Antonia?
Feb 22 2015, 8:32 PM
Lisa C: YES
Feb 22 2015, 8:32 PM
Karen P: I would like to go back at least one more time. It really was amazing, Jim. Thank you, Sisters for the answer about studying scripture.
Feb 22 2015, 8:32 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Wow guys! Thank you for all your kind words and help
Feb 22 2015, 8:33 PM
Lisa C: Sr. Antonia taught me to write and Sr. Anne Marie was my 4th grade teacher
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Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Wow guys! Thank you for all your kind words and help
Feb 22 2015, 8:33 PM
Lisa C: Sr. Antonia taught me to write and Sr. Anne Marie was my 4th grade teacher
Feb 22 2015, 8:33 PM
Judy K: It is a small world, isn’t it!
Feb 22 2015, 8:33 PM
SRSusan (guest): Wow! Can I say hello to them from you?
Feb 22 2015, 8:33 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: Time for you to go back for a visit then, Lisa!
Feb 22 2015, 8:33 PM
Lisa C: yesssss
Feb 22 2015, 8:33 PM
Lisa C: Yes Sr. Mary
Feb 22 2015, 8:33 PM
SRSusan (guest): Will do! How about visiting DC and Brooklyn?
Feb 22 2015, 8:34 PM
Jim I: No better memories than those from Catholic grade school
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Ruth (guest): Interesting! Yes, it is the people we meet who help us to become who we are.
Feb 22 2015, 8:34 PM
Lisa C: The last time I was back was to get a mass card when my Gran died….wanted special prayers from The Sacred Heart
Feb 22 2015, 8:34 PM
Lisa C: Sr. Susan I would love to visit
Feb 22 2015, 8:34 PM
Ruth (guest): I recently visited my hs biology club moderator.
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Lisa C: Sr. Susan I would love to visit
Feb 22 2015, 8:34 PM
Ruth (guest): I recently visited my hs biology club moderator.
Feb 22 2015, 8:34 PM
Lisa C: Sr. Susan I loved Sr. Margaret Mary
Feb 22 2015, 8:35 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: Yes, I went to public grade school but had good friends, whom I admired,at the Catholic school across town – in Bel Air, MD.
Feb 22 2015, 8:35 PM
SRSusan (guest): She was a saint. I’ll tell you a story when you come here about her! Holy.. and FUNNY!
Feb 22 2015, 8:35 PM
SRSusan (guest): Or I’ll e mail it.
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Alice Lewis-Eckardt: I attended saint agnes catholic school8:35 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: I attended saint agnes catholic school
Feb 22 2015, 8:36 PM
Jim I: Our Lady of Mount Carmel..most wonderful days of my life
Feb 22 2015, 8:36 PM
Ruth (guest): Alice, in Rockville Center?
5, 8:36 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: No greenport8:36 PM
Lisa C: I wonder if Sr. Marie Philemon, Sr. Joseph deSales, Sr. Jean Margaret, Sr. Marie Terese, Sr. Mary Agness, Sr. Mary Ulelia are around
Feb 22 2015, 8:36 PM
Lisa C: Sr. Mary Mercedes
Feb 22 2015, 8:37 PM
Lisa C: Oh and Kris Kerns was a lay teacher who entered
Feb 22 2015, 8:37 PM
Ruth (guest): Jim, where is OL of Mt Carmel?
Feb 22 2015, 8:37 PM
SRSusan (guest): Sr Marie Therese died in 1996. Sr Joseph De Sales is here as Monica The others went to Srs of Charity or out to Utah
Feb 22 2015, 8:37 PM
SRSusan (guest): Sr Mercedes passed in 2004
Feb 22 2015, 8:37 PM
Judy K: I have heard so many people say that they have suchnegative feelings about God. I can honestly say that I can thank the Sisters of Mercy from Dallas, Pa. for my God image. I have never known Him as any thing other than a loving, caring God. Thanks Sisters of Mercy! I am deeply indebted to you.
Feb 22 2015, 8:37 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: That’s why many parents send their daughters here – the presence of the Sisters.
Feb 22 2015, 8:37 PM
Jim I: so funny Lisa..I cant’ remember my own name sometimes but always remember the Sisters’ names that I had in grade school
Feb 22 2015, 8:37 PM
SRSusan (guest): Kris was here to play music for us about 10 yrs ago
Feb 22 2015, 8:37 PM
Karen P: You must have wonderful memories and probably know all the prayers! I wasn’t Catholic growing up, so I am playing catch up in many of the prayers that others know so well!
Feb 22 2015, 8:38 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Haha jim!
Feb 22 2015, 8:38 PM
Jim I: Ruth…it is in Niles Ohio…I still walk and jog there…call it the temple of memories
Feb 22 2015, 8:38 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: Me, too, Karen1
Feb 22 2015, 8:38 PM
Lisa C: Sr. Susan what do you mean went to Utah?
8 PM
Jim I: Ruth…it is in Niles Ohio…I still walk and jog there…call it the temple of memories
Feb 22 2015, 8:38 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: Me, too, Karen1
Feb 22 2015, 8:38 PM
Lisa C: Sr. Susan what do you mean went to Utah?
Feb 22 2015, 8:38 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: I have such vivid memories of the Sisters in my school
Feb 22 2015, 8:38 PM
Lisa C: Why did people go to Srs of Charity
Feb 22 2015, 8:39 PM
SRSusan (guest): They left the Visitation Order to start their own community or something- before I entered in the 70
Feb 22 2015, 8:39 PM
SRSusan (guest): s sometime
Feb 22 2015, 8:39 PM
Jim I: so true Judy…those Sisters planted the seeds of God back then that are still blooming
Feb 22 2015, 8:39 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: time to see how Sr. Immaculata is…g’night to all – stay warm in the icy weather!
Feb 22 2015, 8:39 PM
SRSusan (guest): 8 Srs left in the 70’s
Feb 22 2015, 8:39 PM
Lisa C: Sr Susan how many sisters do you have now
Feb 22 2015, 8:39 PM
SRSusan (guest): Idon’t know why- probably after Vatican 11-
Feb 22 2015, 8:39 PM
Lisa C: Sr. Mary Roberta I will pray for her
Feb 22 2015, 8:39 PM
SRSusan (guest): 15 Sisters
Feb 22 2015, 8:39 PM
Karen P: Prayers for a peaceful passing for Sr. Immaculata.
Feb 22 2015, 8:39 PM
Guest6648 (guest): Goodnight, Sister
Feb 22 2015, 8:39 PM
Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Good night! Praying!
Feb 22 2015, 8:40 PM
SRSusan (guest): Good night!
Feb 22 2015, 8:40 PM
Dawn L: Good night all, God be with us.