Paschal Mystery – living, loving and dying

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Today we had Archbishop Miller as the celebrant at our 11AM mass, it’s only 2 weeks before Easter. He is quite an eloquent speaker. He joked that his homily was quite long but it didn’t really seem that long. He’s very passionate and his voice rose several times during the homily as he emphasized some key points.

Archbishop Miller talked about the Paschal Mystery. What is the Paschal Mystery? Jesus takes on our suffering, bears it, and moves through it to resurrection. This is “the paschal mystery.” He encouraged us to draw deeper into ourselves as we approach Easter and really appreciate the journey of discovery.

I thought a lot about my own Lenten journey. My parents are on the last pages of their book of life.

I’ve been privileged to spend time with them. I’ve witnessed very intimate conversation between them as they share a room in a care facility. Neither are mobile, neither are able to dress themselves or do the simplest of things without assistance. They sometimes still go to the dining room to join the community of residents but more and more they stay in bed. They wonder where they are sometimes and now often ask to “go home”. They are tired and depressed.

As the Archbishop speaks I think of one of those intimate moments I witnessed. My mom says she is scared to die. My father responds to her that he is dying too, and it’s ok. My mom says that 64 years is a long time to be married to which my father responds “64 years is good. It’s enough”.

In that, I know they are resigned to the fact their days are coming to a close and they are ready. As Jesus accepted His fate, they acknowledge the beauty of the life they have lived and are ready to move through it to eternity.

I’ve really struggled this Lent to adhere to commitments like fasting or no meat on Fridays, and unlike so many other years did not give any consideration to what I was “giving up” for 40 days. None.

HOWEVER, I can honestly say I have had one of my most profound, prayer-filled, thoughtful Lenten Season experiences ever. And I’m grateful for every heart-breaking, beautiful, joyful, love-filled moment.

As 2023 closes…

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We are so grateful to be able to continue to make this music together. It brings us great joy and we can only hope it brings the same to others!
Elijah Music Ministry is, and has been, blessed by many talented friends and as we continue to journey into our 24th (whaaat?) year, we think of them all.
Most of all we give thanks to God and ask that He continues to bless our efforts, musical and other, every day, in every way.

🙏🏼❤️🎶

We Are The Church

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As much as I love our parish of St. Clare and love, love, love the Praise & Worship we bring to the parish…I don’t know how long we will be there and I need to be okay with that.

Yes, we are very blessed to live on the Westcoast and belong to the wonderful community of St. Clare of Assisi in Coquitlam. It’s a beautiful parish and the people are equally so! We’ve been there for 23 years now.

And, as we travel we’ve had opportunity to worship in many different settings, countries and churches. Most recently providing Praise & Worship on the open ocean on a Cruise Ship! Although most of us knew each other we did have cruise ship passengers and even crew join us for one of the masses. What a huge blessing, it was very special.

When we sang and prayed and recited the creed during this incredible cruise ship mass in the middle of the ocean as “one holy, catholic and apostolic church” with people from all over the world, I really felt at home in the moment because

WE are the church and my home is wherever God wants me to serve, not where I want to be. I pray I am always open to do what He wants and to not be so comfortable as to not go where He wants me to be. For I AM THE CHURCH, YOU ARE THE CHURCH, WE ARE THE CHURCH.

There are Seven Days in a Week…and “Someday” is not one of them.

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I think I speak for each band member when I say…I cannot believe almost 20 years has gone by since we’ve been doing this together.

So many band members have come and gone in that time, all greatly appreciated as they came into our lives in God’s time. Not our time. They shaped and molded and contributed to the Music Ministry to make it what it is. We’re thankful for them all.

Still hard to believe that all of these years have just flown by. Or is it? When you’re doing what you love time passes so quickly. Don’t wait for “someday”, it may not come.

Don’t You Dare!

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Each month I post line-ups and each month I look at this home page and think about updating the blog. And then “life” happens…over…and over…and over again.

The last post was August when Rob & Cath moved away….that was 9 months ago. A gestation period (hmm) and so much has happened.

Some our favourite people moved away, some of our loved ones (too many) passed away, some people got married and had babies!….some people changed jobs, some people lost jobs, some people took ill, their lives changed forever…but everyone certainly has a different perspective today than when that post was written.

So, don’t you dare wait to do whatever it is you are putting off. And don’t you dare let another day pass without telling people how important they are to you. And don’t you dare think you’ve got all the time in the world to do these things…you’re a damn fool if you do.

Fear does not prevent death…but it does prevent life.

So, don’t you dare…

Goodbyes and Family

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After 21 years of making music together Rob is retiring from the workforce and Rob & Cath are living their dream and moving to the island this weekend. They found a lovely home in Chemainus. We’ll miss them!

Many things have, and will, change. Unfortunately, that’s life. And in the last few years our little family has said goodbye to;

  • Marilyn & Earl
  • Frannie
  • Fr. Scott
  • Clare-Anne
  • Catherine
  • Effie & Eduardo
  • …and now Rob & Cath

We love and miss them all but we know that God will shape our musical family according to His plan.

Rob – we are so grateful for all of the years you’ve shared your gift of music, laughter, prayer and friendship. We’ve laughed together, made music together, shared sorrows together as we said goodbye to your mom and then your dad. We’ve travelled together (BEST trips ever), partied together and made memories that will last from this lifetime to the next.

Please know that you will always be a part of our family and that this is by no means goodbye, just that we won’t see you as often.

I told Cath that the only thing that makes all of this change bearable, is that it’s been quite surreal and we haven’t really seen many people for the last year and half! Who knew that could be a bonus?!?

Anyway gang, please lift Rob & Cath up in prayer. That God will reveal many wonderful blessings for them in the years to come on their island paradise.

WE LOVE YOU GUYS.