Prayer Against Storms

'Tis the season, here in the midwest, for nasty storms which may include heavy rain, hail, high winds, severe thunderstorms, and tornadoes. They can be pretty unnerving to watch and listen to. This year, more than in years past, our boys get particularly worried when the skies darken and the storm moves in. A trip to the basement, 'just in case', signals a level of danger that they dread.

The other day, in the wake of losing power for 24 hours after a severe storm, I was talking to a very good friend of mine about this. She suggested the following prayer, noting that she and her family pray it faithfully as storms approach. We have since used it and, besides that storm turning out not nearly as severe as anticipated, it gave us all the confidence that comes in knowing God is in control of these tempests. The boys are greatly comforted in praying this prayer.

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The Prayer or Blessing Against Storms
(found on page 28 Pieta Prayer Book)

At each '†', make the Sign of The Cross

Jesus Christ a King of Glory has come in Peace.† God became man,† and the Word was made flesh.† Christ was born of a Virgin.† Christ suffered.† Christ was crucified.† Christ died.† Christ rose from the dead.† Christ ascended into Heaven.† Christ conquers.† Christ reigns.† Christ orders.† May Christ protect us from all storms and lightning† Christ went through their midst in Peace,† and the word was made flesh.† Christ is with us with Mary.† Flee you enemy spirits because the Lion of the Generation of Juda, the Root David, has won.† Holy God!† Holy Powerful God!† Holy Immortal God!† Have mercy on us. Amen!

God bless you and keep you safe!

Ascension Thursday Mass at St. Elizabeth of Hungary

For all who wish to attend Mass for Ascension Thursday on, well, Thursday:

Father Gregory Lockwood, assisted by seminarians from Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, will offer a Solemn High (Traditional Latin) Mass at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in Crestwood, this Thursday, May 13 at 7:00 pm.

God bless you!

My Name is 'Mom'

My name is ‘Mom’ to my two little boys,
In all of my life I’ve known no greater joys.

By Our Dear Lord I have surely been blest,
Of all of my ‘jobs’, this one's no doubt the best!

My hours are long, my breaks are few,
My paycheck is non-existent, it’s true.

But oh, the rewards, they come everyday,
In every form, in every way.

The kiss from my son with spaghetti-stained lips,
The constant boy-chatter on family trips.

The nondescript rock: ‘Mom, look at my treasure!’
Their gleaming blue eyes, a reward beyond measure.

The hugs, the I-love-you’s, the ‘Mom, don’t go’ plea,
The sleepy-time sweetness, oh how they love me.

My eyes fill with tears and my heart overflows,
How thankful I am, Our Loving Lord knows.

Indeed, I am blest, for God to me came,
He gave me these boys and He made ‘Mom’ my name.

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A lovely Mother's Day to all Moms!