Life Lately

Hello friends,

Since I last wrote a real blog post, a lot has happened in my life. Since April I have:

• Led my last Confirmation Retreat at CYFM
• Finished my year of service at CYFM
• Participated/Led two Outreach programs
  • one local
  • one in Kentucky
• Drove a very large cargo van to and from Kentucky
• Said “See you later” to many wonderful, faith filled men and women
• Traveled as a Pilgrim to World Youth Day in Poland
• Moved back home
• transferred Graduate Schools (maybe one day i’ll write about that journey, maybe)
• Got a Job!
• had a cold (boo)
• been to the beach
• found a cute coffee shop 15 minutes from my house
• ordered many books for the upcoming fall semester

My August is nothing like what I thought it would be back in April. A lot has changed since then. Since my last real post, I have posted a total six reflections and talks from my year working with CYFM and from previous mission trips. Some of them are a little more lengthy than my regular posts, but if you’re curious about the ministry that I did this year, these talks below are a good example of the work that I did this year, and the heart and soul that I put into my ministry.

The Emmaus Witness
The Jesus Difference
Embarking on your faith journey
A Reflection on Mercy

These posts were talks that I gave throughout this year. While the Emmaus Witness, Embarking on your faith journey, and the Reflection on Mercy all speak to the same encounter they are each catered to a different retreat or program. The Jesus Difference was geared towards a Middle School audience.

Adjusting to life back home, out of the red house is interesting. Perhaps I’ll write to that soon. Thanks for reading some of my ramblings. Expect more posts soon since I have more time on my hands (at least for the next two weeks) 🙂

Life Lately in Pictures

Winter has finally arrived in the Hudson Valley, and it seems as though it is on its way out already!

We enjoyed our stay at the Esopus retreat center!

One of my professors sent me a copy of her book! I’m excited to dive into it and feel like I’m back in her class!

Visited Chelsea Market for a quick bite to eat and was intrigued by this cup! How crazy is that?!

Ran a retreat in Dorchester, MA and found this beautiful image of JPII and Our Lady. Boston is a fun place for the CCVs to visit and work with the different parishes.

Mount Beacon looked beautiful with just a bit of snow on it. This was a few weeks ago, now it’s almost 50 degrees and sunny!

This isn’t the best picture but I recently noticed this cross in the kitchen at CYFM

The three of us had the opportunity to see the Rachel Ray show in the city. This is us waiting on line.

Lent is upon us.

And the Chapel is still beautiful.

Until next time!

Life Lately

Life lately has been filled with retreats, trips to see Jason Evert, free Pizza, and trips home.

Our girls senior retreat was one that I really enjoyed. I loved seeing the senior girls share their dreams with one another.

Last minute we were able to go to see Jason Evert speak about chastity. This was really great for us, because it was a moment for the CCVs to relax, but also a moment to learn how to better explain chastity for our ministry. The parish also gave us two free pizzas!

Also, one of the reasons why I fell in love with CYFM was its location. We’re located in the Hudson Valley, so there are beautiful hills and mountains all around us. The fog in the mornings has started, and I am in love.

Also, I was able to go home and I sent pictures of my kitty cats to my community members. 🙂

Catholic Underground on Saturday night was awesome!

This past Monday we attended “Fraternity Day” with the Friars.

Fr. Fred was being honored for his jubilee year as a priest. The parish was beautiful!

Love and prayers,
Mary