Remembering or Just a Day Off?

As a child Memorial Day weekend was always a special time for my family. I grew up in Calumet, MI but both sides of Grandparents lived in the Iron Mt/Norway area. Most Memorial Day Weekends were spent at my Grandma/pa Calcaterra's in Norway. It wasn't Memorial Day without spending the morning at the cemetery; listening to the speeches, the prayers and then going around to the different graves of relatives and listening to the retelling of stories from years ago. Then of course, in true Italian form we would spend the rest of the day having a nice meal (maybe some mock chicken legs, a roast, pollenta and of course a yummy dessert). It was a day that focused on family, our country, sacrifice and prayer.

I have to admit that in my young adult life I have lost that focus during Memorial Day. It has become for me a "paid day off". It even has been thought of as the start of summer for myself. With the parish loosing a handful of active parishioners lately, it has got me thinking. We need to keep telling the stories, we need to remember those who we have lost. We need to set aside a day where we gather to tell, listen, and celebrate the lives of those from our past.

Most importantly, we must thank God for the men and women who have given their lives for us and for our children so that we may have freedom. If I and many others could all just do one thing to remember and honor our deceased loved ones, our past soldiers and all those who fight today for freedom - then I think that Memorial Day would take on a whole new meaning. There would be less movie tickets sold and more flowers, there would be less time for sleeping in and more time for attending a prayer service at the cemetery. More importantly, I would not take my freedom for granted.

Blessings upon our great country. May we also hold up in prayer all our brothers and sisters around the world who live among war, injustice, fear, poverty and lack of basic necessities. May our Blessed Mother protect them and hold them in her care.

A Different View - An Idea.

As I was sitting in my office this afternoon, pouring over my notes from this week's Stewardship meeting I had an idea. What if I created a blog that shared my view of St. Michael parish and CCM? It would be a perfect way to talk about things that are going on in the parish, my thoughts/perspective and also just my journey with this faith community.

Every week we hear from Msgr. Jed. We have an opportunity to hear what is going on in his life and about different things that are happening in the parish. However, it's his perspective! I think seeing things from someone else's eyes can be interesting and shed new light on things. So - this is my attempt.

I hope to update it at least weekly. You may find a story about a parish event, I may talk about how parishioners give of their time, talent and treasure (being stewards) to our parish, you may find a story about a Saint of the Day or about something that happened to me that was funny, touching, upsetting or just plain comforting.

Stay tuned - and let me know what you think!!!