Today I just realized something - you know, whenever you see something in the news about stuff going on "over there", it really seems far away. Weirdly enough, it seemed the same way for me too. I turned on the computer to see news of stuff going on over here... and realized, hey wait a minute! That's happening RIGHT HERE!
I went to the Chapel today to speak to one of the priests, and to go to Daily Mass. It was weird - you know, this must be the only Chapel I know of that has weapons racks at the back of the church! It's surreal. Anyhow, I asked the priest if there were any projects I could help out with. I was horrified when he led me out to the garden of the chapel where there were poor dehydrated, dusty plants trying to make a living amongst Afghan weeds. He went and told me that the plants needed watering and de-weeding. I thought to myself, okay - I'm not above that - sure, I'll gladly help out with the plants, but what I was hoping to do was a little more different. I then asked him if there was anything apostolic I could help out with (you know RCIA, Catechism, etc.). Unfortunately, I don't think anything is going on from the impression I got. The good priest asked me to draft up a plan and present it to him. The priests here are quite busy taking care of everyone. So - I'll be drafting up the plan I had in my head. We all have to be apostolic - no matter where we are. For those students of mine, remember that we are responsible to take care of each other and to live the Gospel - preaching it through deeds and words. The best apostolate is one on one, but there is a need here for other ways of apostolate too. Anyhow - any suggestions of what I should do? Remember - there's not alot of time, and people here are really busy (we are where we are, after all). I have ideas, but I want to hear from you, so please comment me!
Also, for my DLSCC-ers, how was the Ex? Please keep me informed. Don't forget - the Catholic dimension of the organization is what makes us unique. I am proud of you all.
More later. God Bless!
4 comments:
Hey Joe!
Trish and I just got back from the Eucharistic Congress in Quebec - It was amazing. However, I got really sick this week! It rained every single day, including yesterday's closing Mass on the Plains of Abraham, where we just got pelted.
We prayed for you every day, that you would be sustained by eating that divine fish, if ya know what I mean!
As far as what to do at the chapel, why not start a bible Study group for soldiers? Who knows, maybe even some protestants might show.
Praying for you,
Cale
I remember when I was in cadets, and in University even, no one would even KNOW that mass was offered. And if they did know that mass was offered, they didn't know what time mass was, so they just forgot about it. Now I know that these are grown men and women here, and I'm talking about teenagers being away from home for the first time. But I'm sure if you get the word out there more, it'll be easier for people to find comfort at Casa del Manny. That's apostolate too, right?
Orrrrrr, you can always try teaching them about the theology of the body through MAN Enterprises/Rock Recording CDs, titled Theology of the Body. 30 dollars for the complete set of 4, or 10 bucks a CD. Just throwing that out there! haha
But seriously, make sure people know about mass! some people don't have the balls to even ask, so you gotta tell 'em!
Mike
Hey Sir,
Boots here. The EX was amazing. Unfortunately the Jrs and DiBat could not come so it was only the Cmdt, Stone, Myself,Nacho, Bubbles and, Dolan. First we had field lectures until dinner. After dinner we had a stalking exercise. That morning we had a few Map and compass lectures and held a Nav exercise. After a well earned 30 min break we started our Rcce patrols. The Cmndt came up with an amazing story line for the PTLs. Stone's PTL was rained out unfortunately. Due to the nearing thunderstorms we spent the night in the cabin. Bubbles Ptl was done the next morning. After Lunch it started to rain again. We brought the DLS3 rifles to run a range but it got rained out also. We then extracted and went to Harvey's on the way back for burgers. I caught a late mass then passed out at home at about 2200.
Bubbles is diligent as spiritual director about keeping the Catholicity of the Corps.
We Miss you.
We are praying for you,
--Boots
Hey sir, it's Mena here. I though I would add on to Boots' comment for a sec. While we were in the shack, we set up a Commandant's chair for you, just like in the Mess.
We're keeping you close and in our prayers. Stay sharp out there - you're doing God and Country proud.
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