Your Pastoral Coach

El Dia de los Muertos

El Dia de los Muertos is more of a Mexican tradition, I did not celebrate it in Puerto Rico. We do, however, share a more vivid sense of the communion of saints than the one I sense in America. Where I grew up, the relationship with and prayers for the dead, are an on-going interaction, not just right after death or during All Souls Day. Although not Mexican, I wanted to share some information about this colorful observance.

Pray for the Souls in Purgatory

This is something we should always do, but during November we make the point to honor and pray for the souls in the Purgatory. On Wednesday we will be celebrating All Souls Day. A Catholic Life has excellent information about the Purgatory and many good prayers.

"Eternal Father,I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus,in union with the Masses said throughout the world today,for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory,for sinners everywhere,for sinners in the Universal Church,those in my own home and within my family.Amen."

St. Gertrude

Technorati Tags: All Souls Day, Catholic

A Glorious Saturday

I had such a glorious Saturday at the cabin! I woke up 2.5 hours earlier than anyone else, so I was able to enjoy some solitude. I woke up to the great smell of cabin fireplace from the night before. I put my sweater on and went outside in the back to take a closer look at the woods and the pond... in my pajamas... Then I came back to freshly brewed coffee and sat on a comfy chair by a big window overlooking the woods.

I'll See You Sunday Night!

Dear friends of Your Pastoral Coach, I'll "see" you Sunday night! We are off to spend the weekend at a rustic Cabin in the woods. No TV, radio, computers, or work. Simply a time for reading, conversation, prayer, good food, and beautiful fall foliage. I leave you with this quote...

"The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature."

-- Anne Frank

Technorati Tags: Fall, Quotes

Visualizing a Great Life

"What would you attempt to do if you knew you would not fail?"

~ Robert Schuller
American TV evangelist, founder, Crystal Palace, Garden Grove, CA, author

Technorati Tags: Accomplish Goals, Passion, Quotes

Accomplish Goals & Realize Dreams: Visualize the Future (Part 3)

This is part 3 in a series dedicated to how we can accomplish our goals & realize our dreams (also see part 1 and part 2). By now we have a good understanding of our character strengths, the needs in the world that move us most, the values and principles that guide our lives and we have a mission statement expressing our life's purpose. Now we get to have some fun, now we get to dream, now we listen to God's whispers about our future.

Accomplish Goals & Realize Dreams: Living on Purpose (Part 2)

In Part 1 of this series we went over the seven steps of a process that can help us accomplish our goals and realize our dreams. In part 2 we'll talk about living our life on purpose. There is nothing more important in life than to live with a sense of purpose. There is nothing more exhilarating than to see how God has given us the gifts and experiences to live our calling. Only when we tie our goals and activities to our purpose and values do we have a chance to make a profound impact. Let's explore what is involved in discovering our purpose.

Notre Dame Stepping Up to Help After Katrina

I received the following e-mail today from Fr. Jenkins, President of the University of Notre Dame, talking about his recent trip to Louisiana, his observations on the current state of affairs, and what the university is doing to help local parishes and Xavier University of New Orleans get back on their feet. After reading it, I was very proud of the university and of how Catholic institutions are helping each other in this time of great need. You may want to read it...

The Purpose of Life

This is the true joy in life — being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy."
~ George Bernard Shaw

"Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself and know that everything in this life has a purpose. There are no mistakes, no coincidences, all events are blessings given to us to learn from."
~ Dr. Elizabeth Kebler-Ross

Technorati Tags: Purpose, Quotes

Honoring Rosa Parks

Today died Rosa Parks.  I'd like to honor and celebrate her life in gratitude.  I'm thankful for her example of living with integrity and for being a catalyst for change.  There's a great post in La Shawn Barber's Corner.