Sunday, December 19, 2010
We have only our High School students left on campus, and Fr. Anthony had a special mass just for them this morning.I find it easier to connect with students when they’re in smaller groups, and you can gear your words to their age level. It’s very different preaching to a 7-year-old versus an 18-year-old.
My new home testing equipment to measure the INR/protime level of my blood came in and the home health care nurse called to set up my training. I have to prick my finger, then get the blood quickly and safely onto the test strip for the machine to do a readying. It’s a relatively new machine, about the size of a hand-held calculator, and only the 2nd one in our area that the trainer had introduced. Even with her there, it took us 6 pin pricks and the whole batch of strips we had on hand before we got it right. Thankfully, the reading was within the range the doctors want it to be. Once I get a new batch of test strips, I can check it on my own instead of making trips to the hospital.
The event that really got me in the holiday spirit was tonight’s Christmas Cantata held in Our Lady of the Sioux Chapel. It was an ecumenical effort, put on by several churches in town. Holiday music, especially the religious music of Christmas, is so uplifting and inspiring. I was tickled watching the conductor, who teaches music at Chamberlain High School, because she was so animated and kept the harmonies and timing just right. It reminded my of choirs I sang in long ago. Some singers just look inspiring when they sing, like the music itself is transformative.
How blessed we are tol have sung in choirs we remember and love to remember !
I learned the best Latin in the world in the choir loft of the “Little French Church on the corner” in St. Paul , Minnesota, when I was a child..! (St. Louis Church).
Hugs and Blessings..
Mia and Bob
Having been both a singer, an accompanist and a choral conductor, I can personally testify that Christmas music is transformative. Actually any sacred music, in particular, is transformative. Some of the strongest connections I’ve ever experienced with God have occured during musical performances. Many have been as profound as prayer.
Fr. Steve, it sounds like your Pro-Time/INR monitor is very similar to a glucose monitor. It should make things much simpler for you, not having to go to a medical facility to have your Pro-Time/INR checked regularly. “Ain’t technology grand?”
Merry Christmas to all.