Mercy Day.
Around 800 girls are sitting in their goregous auditorium in Farmington Hills right around now, holding a special Mass in honor of Mercy Day. It's also their Spirit Week, so most of them are probably pre-occupied with Homecoming excitement to really understand Mercy Day.
Only a few years ago, I was one of those girls. I knew the story of Catherine McAuley and had the sucipe memorized, but really didn't understand how amazing it is that 182 years ago, a woman lived her dream and opened a home in Ireland to help the poor women and children. The brave and inspiring act opened doors for so many amazing opportunities that still exist today. She is a true hero in my mind.
As I sat in that auditorum a few years ago, I was in love with Mercy and the atmosphere. You can ask any one of my classmates, they would have told you that I'd be re-connected with Mercy somehow later in life. I always imagined being the pastoral minister or counselor there. Maybe someday I will, but right now, I am giving back to Mercy in a way I never imagined.
Being a member of the Mercy Volunteer Corps has deepened my love and appreciation for Mercy- not just the single high school I attended, but for Catherine McAuley, the Sisters of Mercy, the four tenants, etc. I am happy to be committing myself to a year of service with them, to be able to give back what they have given me. While I am not in the halls of Mercy High just yet, I am constantly reminded of their support. I am using the tools that they gave me to live out some of my dreams.
Last night we celebrated Mercy Day with some of the Sister's at Christ the King Church. Those women are amazing, not only are they so compassionate toward us but to all they come in contact with. They live each day devoted to God, their ministry, and each other. Each of them greeted us with a smile and a hug, squeezed our hands as they chatted with us about how our service sites were doing. I met Sr. Marie Henderson, who graduated from Mercy with my mom, and another Mercy associate who is best friends with a St. Hugo family. Small world!
To sum it all up, the circle of Mercy really is timeless, and I am just blessed to be one person in the circle. Thanks Catherine McAuley, I owe it all to you.
Enjoy a comfy cup of tea.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
If you’re not a fan of American Idol, you probably won’t care about this blog…unless you want to hear me get snarky. If that’s the case, grab a snack.
NOTE: I was in the process of copying/pasting this when I checked the comments on his blog. He commented in response to several angry comments saying that the response were from typical dumb Idol fans, sticking up for their favorite. Serioulsy? SERIOUSLY. Okay. Moving on.
I recently read a blog by a former American Idol contestant in which he made risky claims that he is among the most successful of all the contestants over the past few seasons, which he attributes to the fact that he works harder.
I’m sorry…what?
First of all, it’s completely unfair to claim that he is working hardest. You can’t tell me that the rest of these people aren’t working their butts off. It doesn’t really matter album sales and numbers, heck it doesn’t even matter if they have an album out yet, each and every single one of the former Idol contestants work hard to get where THEY want to be. It’s not everyone’s dream to sell millions of records and sell out shows. Not everyone can be a Kelly or a Carrie. They are unique in their own way and have people supporting them.
Second, if you measure success by the number of people whom you inspire, touch, change….then every one of these people is successful. I know I may be biased…but in this blog I read the sentence “Melinda doesn’t do much” and literally almost threw up. Are you kidding me? Melinda doesn’t do much? I was unaware that traveling to Africa with the First Lady, that being a spokesperson for Malaria No More, that having two-three events every week, that having jaws drop when you sing qualified as “not doing much”. I personally know that Melinda Marie Doolittle works extremely hard in her profession. Her goal is to get out there, meet people, and sing for them. She does just that but it doesn’t stop there…she is involved in a numerous amount of charity work and inspires people with her sweet, selfless personality. I’ve never met anyone who cares so much about people the way Melinda does. So yes, sir, she DOES DO MUCH. Much more than she will ever get the credit for in the media. Maybe you should ask her about it, I’m sure she’ll tell you many stories.
Also? I’m going to stick up for Gina Glocksen. First of all, this person is supposed to be one of her best friends, so the fact that he said that she is two years late getting on the music train makes me want to slap him. Secondly, Gina was a little busy…you know…settling into a MARRIAGE. For crying out loud the girl is only twenty five years old…let her live a little. She still made a variety of appearances during this time.
I guess my point to this person is…why does your opinion of success have to put down your fellow contestants? What makes you a harder worker than them? You got what you wanted, congratulations. You SHOULD be proud…but not too proud that you have to drag everyone else down around you. You should be encouraging the support of these amazing people.
PS: I’m watching the Vh1 Diva’s special again right now…I love that three of them were on American Idol. Just saying.
NOTE: I was in the process of copying/pasting this when I checked the comments on his blog. He commented in response to several angry comments saying that the response were from typical dumb Idol fans, sticking up for their favorite. Serioulsy? SERIOUSLY. Okay. Moving on.
I recently read a blog by a former American Idol contestant in which he made risky claims that he is among the most successful of all the contestants over the past few seasons, which he attributes to the fact that he works harder.
I’m sorry…what?
First of all, it’s completely unfair to claim that he is working hardest. You can’t tell me that the rest of these people aren’t working their butts off. It doesn’t really matter album sales and numbers, heck it doesn’t even matter if they have an album out yet, each and every single one of the former Idol contestants work hard to get where THEY want to be. It’s not everyone’s dream to sell millions of records and sell out shows. Not everyone can be a Kelly or a Carrie. They are unique in their own way and have people supporting them.
Second, if you measure success by the number of people whom you inspire, touch, change….then every one of these people is successful. I know I may be biased…but in this blog I read the sentence “Melinda doesn’t do much” and literally almost threw up. Are you kidding me? Melinda doesn’t do much? I was unaware that traveling to Africa with the First Lady, that being a spokesperson for Malaria No More, that having two-three events every week, that having jaws drop when you sing qualified as “not doing much”. I personally know that Melinda Marie Doolittle works extremely hard in her profession. Her goal is to get out there, meet people, and sing for them. She does just that but it doesn’t stop there…she is involved in a numerous amount of charity work and inspires people with her sweet, selfless personality. I’ve never met anyone who cares so much about people the way Melinda does. So yes, sir, she DOES DO MUCH. Much more than she will ever get the credit for in the media. Maybe you should ask her about it, I’m sure she’ll tell you many stories.
Also? I’m going to stick up for Gina Glocksen. First of all, this person is supposed to be one of her best friends, so the fact that he said that she is two years late getting on the music train makes me want to slap him. Secondly, Gina was a little busy…you know…settling into a MARRIAGE. For crying out loud the girl is only twenty five years old…let her live a little. She still made a variety of appearances during this time.
I guess my point to this person is…why does your opinion of success have to put down your fellow contestants? What makes you a harder worker than them? You got what you wanted, congratulations. You SHOULD be proud…but not too proud that you have to drag everyone else down around you. You should be encouraging the support of these amazing people.
PS: I’m watching the Vh1 Diva’s special again right now…I love that three of them were on American Idol. Just saying.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Today was just one of those perfect days, you know? Nothing went wrong, nothing annoyed me. I felt completely at peace all day.
I woke up early on a Saturday to head out to Bishop Foley for my girls’ volleyball game. They’ve been asking me all week if I could come to another game soon, so I promised I’d go on Saturday. As soon as I walked in I hear “HI MISS CAROLIN”. Their faces lit up. I was so glad to go out and support them. It was a mini tournament; I stayed for two games and then left. Dropped off a box of leftover loaves of bread at a soup kitchen and grabbed some Starbucks (care of April…MDL). On the way, I heard Melinda’s remix. Luckily I was stopped at a light…heard the music and started singing along before I really realized what was happening. Oh my goodness, I got SO excited. I’ve never heard Melinda on the radio before. So proud of that lil gal.
Afterwards I came home, showered, and then headed out with Katie and Dave to the Mercy Campus for an open house with the Sisters of Mercy. We arrived and were greeted by many familiar faces…including Sr. Margaret, our liaisons to the Sisters of Mercy, Sr. Mary Jo, our regional coordinator, Sr. Catherine, our link to University of Detroit Mercy College, and Sr. Regina, president of Mercy High School. They were celebrating the 25th anniversary of the center, so we watched a slideshow and enjoyed refreshments. I chatted with Sr. Regina for a tiny bit and we’re going to set up a day for me to come back, visit Mercy, and talk to classes about the Mercy Volunteer Corps. I can’t wait; you all know how much that place means to me! We were also able to talk to Sr. Mary Jo quite a bit. Her job is to take care of us, so we checked in and let her know how things were going.
Before we left, I took Katie and Dave on a walk around the Mercy grounds- a beautiful campus. There’s the high school (which I attended), the McCauley Center (Chapel and living quarters for many of the sisters), and the Mercy Center (where many older sisters who need care stay). The outside is absolutely beautiful. We walked to the labyrinth and then to a bench facing the pond, where we sat for quite a while…and fell asleep. Looking out at the campus, being in the presence of Mercy and the sisters just made me feel so much at peace and proud of what I am doing and where I am now. I think it’s especially neat that just a few years ago, that was the place that was molding me into who I am, influencing me and showing me the way.
Now we’re all sitting in our house and I’m starting to feel the beginning of fall. Fall is my favorite season, there’s nothing I love more than sitting in a hoodie and flannel pants, drinking hot cider. Can you guys believe it’s this close to October? How crazy is that? It’s going to be Christmas before we know it.
Oh, about the Starbucks thing. Yesterday April twittered me and said she sent me something and it should be getting there. She sent it to my home address, so I called up my momma and asked if it was there. My parents took turns reading me the card and then said that April had sent a Starbucks gift card for my early mornings. How thoughtful is that? April, thank you so much. I received your sweet gift on a day I really needed it.
As always, please continue to pray for Laurence. He’s been on my heart and mind very much today, more than usual. Not sure what that means but it’s telling me to pray.
Love yourself. Be yourself. Show yourself.
Song- Colbie Cailliat, Fearless
I woke up early on a Saturday to head out to Bishop Foley for my girls’ volleyball game. They’ve been asking me all week if I could come to another game soon, so I promised I’d go on Saturday. As soon as I walked in I hear “HI MISS CAROLIN”. Their faces lit up. I was so glad to go out and support them. It was a mini tournament; I stayed for two games and then left. Dropped off a box of leftover loaves of bread at a soup kitchen and grabbed some Starbucks (care of April…MDL). On the way, I heard Melinda’s remix. Luckily I was stopped at a light…heard the music and started singing along before I really realized what was happening. Oh my goodness, I got SO excited. I’ve never heard Melinda on the radio before. So proud of that lil gal.
Afterwards I came home, showered, and then headed out with Katie and Dave to the Mercy Campus for an open house with the Sisters of Mercy. We arrived and were greeted by many familiar faces…including Sr. Margaret, our liaisons to the Sisters of Mercy, Sr. Mary Jo, our regional coordinator, Sr. Catherine, our link to University of Detroit Mercy College, and Sr. Regina, president of Mercy High School. They were celebrating the 25th anniversary of the center, so we watched a slideshow and enjoyed refreshments. I chatted with Sr. Regina for a tiny bit and we’re going to set up a day for me to come back, visit Mercy, and talk to classes about the Mercy Volunteer Corps. I can’t wait; you all know how much that place means to me! We were also able to talk to Sr. Mary Jo quite a bit. Her job is to take care of us, so we checked in and let her know how things were going.
Before we left, I took Katie and Dave on a walk around the Mercy grounds- a beautiful campus. There’s the high school (which I attended), the McCauley Center (Chapel and living quarters for many of the sisters), and the Mercy Center (where many older sisters who need care stay). The outside is absolutely beautiful. We walked to the labyrinth and then to a bench facing the pond, where we sat for quite a while…and fell asleep. Looking out at the campus, being in the presence of Mercy and the sisters just made me feel so much at peace and proud of what I am doing and where I am now. I think it’s especially neat that just a few years ago, that was the place that was molding me into who I am, influencing me and showing me the way.
Now we’re all sitting in our house and I’m starting to feel the beginning of fall. Fall is my favorite season, there’s nothing I love more than sitting in a hoodie and flannel pants, drinking hot cider. Can you guys believe it’s this close to October? How crazy is that? It’s going to be Christmas before we know it.
Oh, about the Starbucks thing. Yesterday April twittered me and said she sent me something and it should be getting there. She sent it to my home address, so I called up my momma and asked if it was there. My parents took turns reading me the card and then said that April had sent a Starbucks gift card for my early mornings. How thoughtful is that? April, thank you so much. I received your sweet gift on a day I really needed it.
As always, please continue to pray for Laurence. He’s been on my heart and mind very much today, more than usual. Not sure what that means but it’s telling me to pray.
Love yourself. Be yourself. Show yourself.
Song- Colbie Cailliat, Fearless
Friday, September 18, 2009
First of all...I'm sitting here drinking my coffee and watching video's of the Vh1 Diva's special last night. How amazing is Miss Kelly Clarkson? She looked beautiful and her stripped down version of "Already Gone" is outstanding. I get so angry when people try to categorize Kelly as an "Idol Popstar" this girl has got PIPES. I want to be her. Seriously. If I could be anyone in this world, I'd say Kelly Clarkson. I don't care if that's sad. I feel like we're already pretty much the same person. Every story she's told about her personal struggles are an echo of mine. Her songs match the poems/lyrics I've written. We need to best friends. I entered to win a meet and greet for her concert in Detroit...as I do for EVERY TOUR she does. I need to win, it's long overdue.
The rest of the performers were also amazing. Adele blows me away every time, as does Jennifer Hudson. Jordin and Martina made me cry, mainly because it reminded me so much of my friends. Jordin's solo performance...well...she's really grown up. That's all I'll say about that.
I know I talked some yesterday about my mommy and her birthday but I was half asleep and totally forgot to mention that she got the sweetest gift from my daddy.
A little background: The music teacher , Kelly, at St. Hugo (same school my mom works) also sang at my parents wedding when she was only 17 years old. She has an absolutley GOREGOUS voice, and when she was hired at St. Hugo my mom made the connection. They've become pretty good friends since then, and my mom has already booked her for all our weddings AND for her own funeral (as morbid as that sounds, all my mom wants is for this woman to sing at her funeral). My dad knows all of this, and he too loves Kelly's voice. So, a few weeks ago he called her up and asked for her to sing "Perhaps Love" by John Denver, a favorite song of my parents. On Wednesday, my dad came to St. Hugo and Kelly sang the song for my mom and her entire classroom. HOW SWEET IS THAT? Seriously. My parents are the greatest.
Also, I was reading my mom's facebook page of birthday wishes and found one that really touched my heart:
"Happy Birthday to the greatest 2nd mommy in the world"- Christine
Christine has been one of my best friends since we were five years old. She is a part of our family and everyone loves her, she's such a sweetheart. It just meant a lot to me that she said that and could recognize how amazing my mom is. I miss Christine, too.
Hope everyone has a FABULOUS weekend!
The rest of the performers were also amazing. Adele blows me away every time, as does Jennifer Hudson. Jordin and Martina made me cry, mainly because it reminded me so much of my friends. Jordin's solo performance...well...she's really grown up. That's all I'll say about that.
I know I talked some yesterday about my mommy and her birthday but I was half asleep and totally forgot to mention that she got the sweetest gift from my daddy.
A little background: The music teacher , Kelly, at St. Hugo (same school my mom works) also sang at my parents wedding when she was only 17 years old. She has an absolutley GOREGOUS voice, and when she was hired at St. Hugo my mom made the connection. They've become pretty good friends since then, and my mom has already booked her for all our weddings AND for her own funeral (as morbid as that sounds, all my mom wants is for this woman to sing at her funeral). My dad knows all of this, and he too loves Kelly's voice. So, a few weeks ago he called her up and asked for her to sing "Perhaps Love" by John Denver, a favorite song of my parents. On Wednesday, my dad came to St. Hugo and Kelly sang the song for my mom and her entire classroom. HOW SWEET IS THAT? Seriously. My parents are the greatest.
Also, I was reading my mom's facebook page of birthday wishes and found one that really touched my heart:
"Happy Birthday to the greatest 2nd mommy in the world"- Christine
Christine has been one of my best friends since we were five years old. She is a part of our family and everyone loves her, she's such a sweetheart. It just meant a lot to me that she said that and could recognize how amazing my mom is. I miss Christine, too.
Hope everyone has a FABULOUS weekend!
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