Reminders

Cowboy Cole says, "Welcome, Everybody."

 Welcome: Catholic Mass with coffee and juice and specials on the house served afterwards.

 Time: 9:30; Celebrate with the Community & Stack. 

 Place: Vines High School, 15th between Custer & Independence.

Connie and Cathy (remember Connie's family, her brother just died).

 Readings:

Isaiah 49, 1-2, 14-15,   Even should your mother forget you, I will never forget you.

Psalm 62,  Rest in God alone, my soul.

1 Corinthians 4,  1-5,  Do not make any judgment.

Matthew  6, 24-34,  Why are you anxious?

Sacrament of Life for Tori.

 Community Events:

1.  Ash Wednesday: 7:00, Marlene's house, 2017 Keystone Drive, Plano 75075.  Thanks, Marlene

2.   ROMEO lunch Friday, February 28,  Jason's, 1:00, Welcome all Old Geezers & kids.  Celebrate the last day of February, 2014.  You’ll never see it again, probably.

3.  The Women's Lunch Group on 1st Thursdays,  The Olive Garden, 1:00, Central and Plano Pkwy, northbound service road.    For more info talk with Carol or Bernadette. 

Peace, "Watch out, Mary Ellen."

What's going on in our Catholic World: 

1.     The Prodigal Son by David Brooks, New York Times, February 14, 830 words,     Download Prodigal Sons, 2-27-14

2.    Does this bishop not get it?, National Catholic Reporter, February 20, 680 words,       Download Bishop's retirement home 2-27-14

3.    Losing our religions?, Corpus, Febraury 24, 930 words,       Download Suspicious Minds 2-27-14

4.    Check out Frontline's Secrets of the Vatican, shown Feb. 25th,     

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/secrets-of-the-vatican/        

Communion with David, Donna, Dawson, and Darbianna.

True? 

The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.

Nelson Henderson

Jean and Beth check out The Coffee Shoppe.

See you Sunday, March 2, 2014, 8^th Ordinary Time, Cycle A

J.S., 214-783-0443

The Old Geezaers, Bill, Jerry, and Mike.

JSM Mission-Faith Statement

     Help create a Catholic Community that welcomes all God’s
People, provides for and challenges spiritual and total growth.

    Reaches out to help people who are disadvantaged and make the world we live in a better place to live.

John with Sandra and Geri.

Bird's Eye view.

Nina, Kerry, and Beth, say, "Hi, Everybody, welcome."

Welcome: Catholic Mass with coffee and juice and specials on the house served afterwards.

 Time: 9:30; Celebrate with the Community & Stack. 

 Place: Vines High School, 15th between Custer & Independence.

Zoe says, "So where did this crazy Batman come from?"

Readings:

Leviticus  19, 1-2, 17-18,   You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Psalm 103,  One of the best lines in the Bible, 3^rd stanza, The Lord is gracious and merciful, never gets angry and is abounding in love.

1 Corinthians 2,  6-10,  The spirit of God dwells in you.

Matthew  5, 38-48, When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one as well.

Toy world with Cowboy Cole, Zoe, and Emma.

Community Events:

1.   ROMEO lunch Friday, February 14,   Jason's, 1:00, Welcome all Old Geezers & kids.  This might be a day we take a holiday.  I will be at an all day seminar at A&M, Commerce, and Bill and Ray are out of town. 

2.  The Women's Lunch Group on 1st Thursdays,  The Olive Garden, 1:00, Central and Plano Pkwy, northbound service road.    For more info talk with Carol or Bernadette. 

You got a problem? Judy and Mary will solve it for you.

What's going on in our Catholic World: 

1.     The State of St. Paul-Minniapolis, National Catholic Reporter, February 13, 1100 words,     Download St. Paul-Minn. 2-20-14

2.    The State of Milwaukee, National Catholic Reporter, February 13, 1100 words,      Download Milwaukee 2-20-14

3.    Poll results, Corpus; Washington Post, Febraury 9, 1600 words,     Download Results of Poll 2-20-14  

4.    Poll results in Japan,  National Catholic Reporter, February 15, 1200,   Download Japan poll 2-20-14    

Ye Olde Pastrie Shoppe with Doug wielding the knife, and Connie and Kevin.

 True? 

"There are moments when everything goes well;

    don't be frightened, it won't last." 

-         Jules Renard

Sacrament of Healing for John.

See you Sunday, February 23, 2014, 7^th Ordinary Time, Cycle A

J.S., 214-783-0443

Rosemary cannot believe what Judy is saying.

 JSM Mission-Faith Statement

     Help create a Catholic Community that welcomes all God’s
People, provides for and challenges spiritual and total growth.

    Reaches out to help people who are disadvantaged and make the world we live in a better place to live.

Communion with Monica and Rick receiving cups from Denni.

Peace, Fred and Barb.

 Welcome: Catholic Mass with coffee and juice and specials on the house served afterwards.

 Time: 9:30; Celebrate with the Community & Stack. 

 Place: Vines High School, 15th between Custer & Independence.

A Light, Sienna.

Readings:

Sirach  15, 15-20,  Before man are life and death, good and evil.

Psalm 119,  Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 2,  6-10,  We speak a wisdom to those who are mature.

Matthew  5, 17-37, If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away.

Leo, "Where's that Cupcake?"

 Community Events:

1.   ROMEO lunch Friday, February 14,   Jason's, 1:00, Welcome all Old Geezers & kids.  Don’t get in the way.  The old geezer is coming from having a colonoscopy Friday morning, coming hungry.

2.  The Women's Lunch Group on 1st Thursdays,  The Olive Garden, 1:00, Central and Plano Pkwy, northbound service road.    For more info talk with Carol or Bernadette. 

Who let these guys in?, Jim, Tom, and John.

What's going on in our Catholic World: 

1.     Veterans' Suicides, Corpus; Observer, February 2, 600 words,     Download Veterans' Suicides 2-12-14

2.    U.N. on the pedophile crisis, Corpus, February 5, 1150 words,     Download U.N. on pedophile crisis 212-14   

3.    Francis the Troublemaker, Corpus;Catholic Sun, Febraury 5, 1000 words,      Download Francis Troublemaker, 2-12-14

4.    Francis, a Harley man?,  Bonhams, February 6, 300 words plus pix,    Download Francis' Harley 2-12-14

A Light, Tori.

True? 

Kindness is a language the blind can see and the deaf can hear.

 - Mark Twain 

Healing, for Mabel.

 See you Sunday, February 16, 2014, 6^th Ordinary Time, Cycle A

J.S., 214-783-0443

Fred with Martha and Maureen.

 JSM Mission-Faith Statement

     Help create a Catholic Community that welcomes all God’s
People, provides for and challenges spiritual and total growth.

    Reaches out to help people who are disadvantaged and make the world we live in a better place to live.

Coffee Shoppe with decor by Mike in honor of Valentine's Day, Hue, Jerry, John, and Mike.

A Light, Harper.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Readings:

Isaiah  58, 7-10,  Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless.

Psalm 112,  The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.

1 Corinthians 2,  13-16,  I came to you in weakness and fear.

Matthew  5, 13-16, You are the light of the world.

Harper says, "I am so happy to be back. Time for cupcakes yet?"

Isaiah reminders, again—

 Author: This is Isaiah #3, the composer of chapters 56-66.  Isaiah #3 lives after the Israelites have returned to the ruined city of Jerusalem.  It is a very depressing experience after the exuberance of being allowed to depart from slavery in Babylon.  Like returning to your shattered home after a tornado, hurricane, or forest fire.

 Date:  Ca. 555 before Christ, the composition.  The Jewish people of Jerusalem are home again.

Subject:  A great day will come for you Jews.  You will be a bright light at dawn and your wound will be healed (of your defeat and slavery), if you take care of your neighbor, providing food, clothing, and shelter.  The corporal works of mercy.

Sienna says, "Welcome, Everybody."

Do-ers and Be-ers

I would like to propose this morning that all the world is divided into two groups.  Group one is the doers.  Group two is the beers.  I know, a bunch of you guys are ready to sign up for the beers.  Me, too.  I’ll get you in cheap if you are nice to me.  I know, dream on.

I would further suggest that both of these types of persons are okay.  In fact, both are lights to the world.  The readings today say that you are a light to the world if you feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and shelter the homeless.  Excellent, I buy that.  We try to do that as a community.

Brookyn sharing her charm with everyone.

In fact, I have an example of a person who wants to remain nameless because she is embarrassed.  However, if you marry a priest, all bets are off.  No respect, no refuge.

This nameless person and her girl friend, Barbara, take Meals on Wheels to about a dozen poor people in North Dallas every Thursday.  Heat, cold, or snow, as was the case last week, they bring food to these people, some of whom are home bound.   They know each person by name and there is a mutual caring love.

Erin, Momma to Sienna and Brooklyn, waits to receive her Cupcake of The Week about 3 weeks late.

They are doing what Isaiah and Matthew are exhorting us to do.  And they are lights to my world.

The second group brings light to our world just by their being here, by their very presence.   Three examples of what I mean.

Monday evenings Rosemary & I go dancing at the Farmers’ Branch Senior Center.  Last Monday there were about 50 pairs of people, despite the cold and crazy weather.  The folks are mostly singles with a few couple mixed in  These people are lights.  They are lights to me just by being there.

Zoe sharing her charm with everyone.

There is even one lady who comes all the time.  She is blind.  I hope to dance with her one evening.  She is a light perhaps to the whole room.

Secondly, last week Rosemary & I were honored to have the chance to coordinate  the wedding at TCU of a charming couple.   Just their presence, their joy and their enchantment were lights to me and to a large group of people in that chapel.

Georgie preparing to suit up.

Yesterday I sat down with another couple, in fact, our Rebecca Senter and her fiancé Rob Scott.  We are planning their April wedding.  I am so touched just by their presence.   

Finally, look around this community.  You have to go no further than to Leo and Cowboy Cole, Emma and Zoe, Buddy and Tori, Chloe and Charlotte, to say nothing of Harper and Sienna and Brooklyn when they are here.  Lights to the world?  Absolutely.  Totally, lights to me.

So what makes for a light to the world?  Two things, not just one.  First of all, obviously, we are invited and challenged to care for our neighbor.  Excellent.

Leo says, "Hi, Everybody, Welcome in."

However, I would include people just as they are.  You, I, all of us are lights.  How so?  Ever come away from an encounter with a person feeling happier, more peaceful, even delighted?  The light has struck.

So how does it feel to be a light just by being here? 

And again, who gives you light?

Emma, The Thinker, seriously at work here.  Remember the sculpture?

Cupcakes of The Week to Dana, Geri, Gil, Rick, and Megan.

 Welcome: Catholic Mass with coffee and juice and specials on the house served afterwards.

 Time: 9:30; Celebrate with the Community & Stack & Mike homilizing. 

 Place: Vines High School, 15th between Custer & Independence.

Dana at 22 with her treasure, and with David, her dad, and Dawson and Darbianna.

 Readings:

Isaiah  58, 7-10,  Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless.

Psalm 112,  The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.

1 Corinthians 2,  13-16,  I came to you in weakness and fear.

Matthew  5, 13-16, You are the light of the world.

Want to know why poor Denver last? Try Fred. With Carol and Rick.

Community Events:

1.   ROMEO lunch Friday, February 7,   Jason's, 1:00, Welcome all Old Geezers & kids.  The Old Geezer will miss to attend a seminar on psychology.

2.  The Women's Lunch Group on 1st Thursdays,  The Olive Garden, 1:00, Central and Plano Pkwy, northbound service road.    For more info talk with Carol or Bernadette. 

Leo checking out the scene.

 What's going on in our Catholic World: 

1.     The Francis Revolution, National Catholic Reporter, January 29, 1000 words,     Download Francis revolution 2-6-14

2.    Francis taps a reformer, National Catholic Reporter, January 30, 400 words,     Download Francis taps reformer 2-6-14

3.    Family Survey in Germany & Switzerland, National Catholic Reporter, Febraury 4, 830 words,    Download Family Surveys 2-6-14

Recharge time.

True? 

If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk?

Albert Einstein 

Sir Charlie trying to fool Geri and Gil.

See you Sunday, February 9, 2014, 5^th Ordinary Time, Cycle A

J.S., 214-783-0443

Got problems? Ken & Cindy got solutions.

 JSM Mission-Faith Statement

     Help create a Catholic Community that welcomes all God’s
People, provides for and challenges spiritual and total growth.

    Reaches out to help people who are disadvantaged and make the world we live in a better place to live.

Somebody say, 'Old Geezers?'

Zoe says, "Goodbye for now."

Georgie ready to act as a server.

Welcome: Catholic Mass with coffee and juice and specials on the house served afterwards.

 Time: 9:30; Celebrate with the Community & Stack & Mike homilizing. 

 Place: Vines High School, 15th between Custer & Independence.

Tori following her big sister.

 Readings:

Malachi  3, 1-4,  Yes, he is coming, says the Lord.

Psalm 24,  Who is this kind of glory?  It is the Lord.

Hebrews,  2, 14-18,  That he might be a merciful and faithful high priest.

Luke  2, 22-40, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to the temple to present him to the Lord.

Cupcakes of The Week, Sir Charlie, Mike, Randolph, and Sara with her momma, Tracy, and Tori racing by.

 Community Events:

1.   ROMEO lunch Friday, January 31,   Jason's, 1:00, Welcome all Old Geezers & kids.  

2.  The Women's Lunch Group on 1st Thursdays,  The Olive Garden, 1:00, Central and Plano Pkwy, northbound service road.    For more info talk with Carol or Bernadette. 

Hawaii dreaming in winter in Dallas. I want a shirt like that.

What's going on in our Catholic World: 

1.     Criminal investigation of the Legion of Christ?, National Catholic Reporter, January 24, 900 words,    Download Criminal investigation of Legio 1-30-14

Offertory, Judy, Mary Jane, John, and Mike.

True? 

“I have never looked upon ease and happiness as ends in themselves – such an ethical basis I call the ideal of a pigsty.  The ideals which have lighted my way, and time after time have given me new courage to face life cheerfully, have been Kindness, Beauty, and Truth.”

Albert Einstein

Brunch with Geri, Kathy, Sandra, and an old geezer.

See you Sunday, February 2, 2014, The Presentation

J.S., 214-783-0443

Tom and Jim offering Free Advice.

JSM Mission-Faith Statement

     Help create a Catholic Community that welcomes all God’s
People, provides for and challenges spiritual and total growth.

    Reaches out to help people who are disadvantaged and make the world we live in a better place to live.

Birthday abuse from Romeos Ray and John with others hiding, at Jason's Deli.  The girl with the broom is trying to sweep everyone out.

Kaliope says, "Welcome, Everybody," in Greek while John translates for the illiterates.

Welcome: Catholic Mass with coffee and juice and specials on the house served afterwards.

 Time: 9:30; Celebrate with the Community & Stack. 

 Place: Vines High School, 15th between Custer & Independence.

Mikela and Kiera also say, "Welcome, Everybody," in English.

 Readings:

Isaiah  49, 3, 5-6,  I will make you a light to the nations.

Psalm 40,  Here I am, Lord, I come to do your will.

1 Corinthians 1,  1-3,  Grace to you and peace.

John  1, 29-34, I saw the spirit come down. Like a dove.

Chloe says, Hi, Everybody, meet my new little sister, Charlotte."

Community Events:

1.   Brunch Sunday, January 26, the Sunday after this one.  Rumor: an old geezer is celebrating a birthday.

2.    Anybody have any ideas of how we might celebrate Lent again this year?  We will have a penitential service, and are looking for other helpful activities.

3.   ROMEO lunch Friday, January 17,   Jason's, 1:00, Welcome all Old Geezers & kids.  

4.  The Women's Lunch Group on 1st Thursdays,  The Olive Garden, 1:00, Central and Plano Pkwy, northbound service road.    For more info talk with Carol or Bernadette. 

The Pastry Shoppe is open, "Take a number."

What's going on in our Catholic World: 

1.     Who is Peter Faber?, National Catholic Reporter,  January 11, 1000 words,    Download Peter Faber 1-16-14  

2.     Francis' advice to us, National Catholic Reporter, January 14, 700 words,      Download Francis' Advice 1-16-14

A Pastry Shoppe regular, Tori, blowing bubbles in her grape juice, while Buddy wonders what is going on.

 True? 

All societies are evil, sorrowful, inequitable; and so they will always be. So if you really want to help this world, what you will have to teach is how to live in it. And that no one can do who has not himself learned how to live in it in the joyful sorrow and sorrowful joy of the knowledge of life as it is.

Joseph Campbell, Myths To Live By

The girls solving the problems of the world, Sandra, Denni, Carol, and Geri.

See you Sunday, January 19, 2014, 2^nd Ordinary Time

J.S., 214-783-0443

Another regular of the Pastry Shoppe, Georgie, relaxing after working all morning.

JSM Mission-Faith Statement

     Help create a Catholic Community that welcomes all God’s
People, provides for and challenges spiritual and total growth.

    Reaches out to help people who are disadvantaged and make the world we live in a better place to live.

Communion Helpers ready.

Does it get any better than this? CC arrives in style.

 

Welcome: Catholic Mass with coffee and juice and specials on the house served afterwards.

 Time: 9:30; Celebrate with the Community & Stack. 

 Place: Vines High School, 15th between Custer & Independence.

Leo explains the mysteries of life to Emma who is really interested as Zoe listens in.

Readings:

Isaiah  42, 1-4, 6-7  I have formed you to open the eyes of the blind.

Psalm 29,  The Lord will bless his people with peace.

Acts  10, 34-38,  God shows no partiality.

Matthew 3, 13-17, After Jesus was baptised, he came up from the water.

Offertory with Joe and Marsha, John and Connie.

 

Community Events:

1.   ROMEO lunch Friday, January 10,   Jason's, 1:00, Welcome all Old Geezers & kids.  

2.  The Women's Lunch Group on 1st Thursdays,  The Olive Garden, 1:00, Central and Plano Pkwy, northbound service road.    For more info talk with Carol or Bernadette. 

Life at its best, Leo, Cowboy Cole, and Zoe.

 What's going on in our Catholic World: 

1.     A nice Letter to the Ed. about our DARCC, Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center, Dallas Morning, News, December 23, 270 words,     Download By Letters to the Editor 1-9-14

2.     Top 5 Underreported Church stories, National Catholic Reporter,  January 3, 1000 words,      Download The top five stories 1-9-14

3.     Francis' new cardinals, National Catholic Reporter, January 6, 888 words,     Download New Cardinals 1-9-14

Celeste being her charming self for everyone.

True? 

 Whenever I'm disappointed with my spot in life, I stop and think about little Jamie Scott. Jamie was trying out for a part in the school play. His mother told me that he'd set his heart on being in it, though she feared he would not be chosen.

On the day the parts were awarded, I went with her to collect him after school. Jamie rushed up to her, eyes shining with pride and excitement. 'Guess what, Mom,' he shouted, and then said those words that will remain a lesson to me. ‘I've been chosen to clap and cheer.'

Sacrament of Healing with Mike and Dee.

J.S., 214-783-0443

What a sight: Le Patisserie with Gil, Fred, and other crazies in the background.

JSM Mission-Faith Statement

     Help create a Catholic Community that welcomes all God’s
People, provides for and challenges spiritual and total growth.

    Reaches out to help people who are disadvantaged and make the world we live in a better place to live.

Want to know what the Queen Mother is saying? You don't really want to know.  The body language.

Zoe says, "Happy 2014 New Year, Everybody."

Welcome: Catholic Mass with coffee and juice and specials on the house served afterwards.

 Time: 9:30; Celebrate with the Community & Stack. 

 Place: Vines High School, 15th between Custer & Independence.

Cupcakes of The Week for Zoe and Leo.

 Readings:

Isaiah  60, 1-6,  Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem.

Psalm 72,  Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

Ephesians  3, 2-3, 5-6,  You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace.

Matthew 2, 1-12, Behold, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem.

Leo, the Candle Man, at work.

Community Events:

1.   ROMEO lunch Friday, January 3,   Jason's, 1:00, Welcome all Old Geezers  

2.  The Women's Lunch Group on 1st Thursdays,  The Olive Garden, 1:00, Central and Plano Pkwy, northbound service road.    For more info talk with Carol or Bernadette. 

Leo, The Candle Man, on top of his work.

 What's going on in our Catholic World: 

1.      A pope without down time?, National Catholic Reporter, December 20, 735 words,    Download A pope with no down time 1-3-14

2.     Philadelphia judge releases monsignor, National Catholic Reporter,  Decmeber 30, 100 words,   Download Judge sets bail for monsignor 1-3-14

3.     N.C.R. Person of the Year, National Catholic Reporter, December 30, 600 words,    Download Person of the Year 1-3-14

Georgie ready for her work.

True? 

Once upon a time a man whose axe was missing  suspected his neighbor's son. The boy walked like a thief, looked like a thief, and spoke like a thief. But the man found his axe while digging in his garden, and the next time he saw his neighbor's son, the boy walked, looked and spoke like any other child.

Lao-Tzu

Cathy healing up from rotator cuff surgery.

See you Sunday, January 5, 2014, Epiphany

J.S., 214-783-0443

The Offertory Family, Marlene, Mabel, Zaile, and Billy.

JSM Mission-Faith Statement

     Help create a Catholic Community that welcomes all God’s
People, provides for and challenges spiritual and total growth.

    Reaches out to help people who are disadvantaged and make the world we live in a better place to live.

Our beautiful Zoe ready for 2014.

Jesus (Jake) says, "Hi, Folks, Happy Christmas."

Welcome: Catholic Mass with coffee and juice and specials on the house served afterwards.

 Time: 9:30; Celebrate with the Community & Stack. 

 Place: Vines High School, 15th between Custer & Independence.

"Happy Christmas from all of us."

Readings:

Sirach 3, 2-6, 12-14, My son, take care of your father when he is old.

Psalm 128,  Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.

Colossians 3, 12-21,  Overall, put on love, the bond of perfection.

Matthew 2, 13-15, 19-23, Take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt and stay there until I tell you.

Two angels, Sienna and Brooklyn.

 Community Events:

1.   ROMEO lunch Friday, December 20,   Jason's, 1:00, Welcome all Old Geezers  

2.  The Women's Lunch Group on 1st Thursdays,  The Olive Garden, 1:00, Central and Plano Pkwy, northbound service road.    For more info talk with Carol or Bernadette. 

Bernadette coordinating our Nativity.

 What's going on in our Catholic World: 

1.      Francis' Bishops, National Catholic Reporter, December 17, 1000 words,   Download Francis' bishops 12-27-13

Sabrina home from college helping Bernadette with the kids.

True? 

“Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed.”

-Dwight D. Eisenhower

Kara and James ready for Santa.

 See you Sunday, December 29, 2013, Holy Family

 J.S., 214-783-0443

CC, one of our angels.

JSM Mission-Faith Statement

     Help create a Catholic Community that welcomes all God’s
People, provides for and challenges spiritual and total growth.

    Reaches out to help people who are disadvantaged and make the world we live in a better place to live.

Emmett, Jesus' big brother this year and who was Jesus the year before last, Emmett, with his grandmother, Lisa.