Grab Bag at it's best

Midnight confessions

Last night we had Paraklesis and Young Adult group meeting. Father typically uses the time after YAG to hear confessions, which is awesome! Well, because Father just returned from a two week vacation with his family, we were ALL in sore need of confession… I said to a few of my friends who were waiting in line, “It’s been a long two weeks without Father, huh?” They nodded in agreement, wearing the same sheepish grin I had on my face. Well, due to politeness (“oh, you go first… no really, go ahead”) and procrastination—*ahem* I mean preparation—I didn’t get to have confession until midnight… yes… midnight. Father, having had a restful vacation, was seemingly rejuvenated by it all and didn’t mind staying light. Walking into the nave towards Fr., I sang that old song in my head “In my midnight confession, when I tell all the world that I love you… In my midnight confession when I say all the things that I want to.” Then I thought about that other old rock song, “After midnight… we’re gonna let it all hang out.” Now, I’m pretty sure this last song has nothing to do with confession (in fact, it’s probably about what needs to be confessed), but in a way I was “letting everything out.”

Travelers, near and far

My sister left for Guatemala today. She’s going with three others from our parish to the Hogar Rafael Ayau orphanage! She’ll be there for 10 days, and I’m sure she’s going to have a hard time coming back. She absolutely LOVES children and would be content kissing their chubby cheeks all day long. Her vibrant spirit and bright smile will be missed, but they will be put to good use, no doubt, at the orphanage! She will also get to visit the relics of her patron saint, Elisabeth the New Martyr, which are located at the orphanage! Glory to God—double bonus!

My younger brother leaves for Atlanta tomorrow! He’s going on a trip with our cousin… sort of a “coming-of-age” venture J Please, please pray for their safety and protection! I’m glad it’s the Dormition fast--extra praying time each evening!

Reed’s Ginger Brew

By the way, I’ve found a new favorite beverage (well, not counting water and coffee)… Reed’s Extra Ginger Brew. Oh my… Try it out! It can be found at Trader Joe’s, Fred Meyer’s natural foods section, Wild Oats, 5 Seasons, from what I know. I’m not a beer-drinker (although I’m not opposed to it… I just had a rather abnormal upbringing/high school/college experience that didn’t allow for this exploration, and I figure the window of opportunity has passed), but drinking Reed’s Ginger Brew makes me feel pretty cool… as if I were “almost” a beer drinker. Hahaha.