Deb Briancesco – Agawam Catholic Network https://blog.sacredheartfeedinghills.org A Blog for the Catholic Community of Agawam/Feeding Hills Tue, 01 Dec 2020 16:51:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://blog.sacredheartfeedinghills.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/cropped-cropped-headimg-32x32.jpg Deb Briancesco – Agawam Catholic Network https://blog.sacredheartfeedinghills.org 32 32 Thanksgiving…….A Time of Reflection https://blog.sacredheartfeedinghills.org/post/thanksgiving-a-time-of-reflection/ https://blog.sacredheartfeedinghills.org/post/thanksgiving-a-time-of-reflection/#comments Mon, 16 Nov 2020 15:18:40 +0000 https://sacredheartfeedinghills.org/blog/?p=397 Thanksgiving……A Time of Reflection
We have lived through a very precarious time since March 2020…..the pandemic, racial tension and our presidential election. We all have so many emotions running through us that for many, we have forgotten how important the big and even the smallest things that God has provided are; family, friends, acquaintances, a new day, shelter, food, a bird singing etc…… We now are asked for the safety of everyone to celebrate Thanksgiving Day in a way that we may be unaccustomed to. Not a single one of us will be celebrating Thanksgiving alone. Jesus says that “were two or three gather in my name, there I am with them”. What does that mean? It means simply that where two or more gather in mind or in person He is there. So this Thanksgiving reflect in all that He has given and give thanks to Jesus Christ our Savior. May God continue to bless you all.

Deb Briancesco RN.

]]> https://blog.sacredheartfeedinghills.org/post/thanksgiving-a-time-of-reflection/feed/ 1 GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH OUR BISHOP ELECT FR. WILLIAM BYRNE https://blog.sacredheartfeedinghills.org/post/getting-acquainted-with-our-bishop-elect-fr-william-byrne/ https://blog.sacredheartfeedinghills.org/post/getting-acquainted-with-our-bishop-elect-fr-william-byrne/#respond Thu, 05 Nov 2020 19:23:17 +0000 https://sacredheartfeedinghills.org/blog/?p=394 Getting Acquainted with our Bishop Elect Fr. William Byrne

If you are a bit curious about our new Bishop Elect Fr. William Byrne, please search on youtube for “5 Things with Fr. William Byrne”. There are several pieces that he has done that speak to many questions that so many of us have in such wonderful down to earth way. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

God bless,

Deb Briancesco RN

Pastoral Minister

 

]]> https://blog.sacredheartfeedinghills.org/post/getting-acquainted-with-our-bishop-elect-fr-william-byrne/feed/ 0 JUST LIFE https://blog.sacredheartfeedinghills.org/post/just-life/ https://blog.sacredheartfeedinghills.org/post/just-life/#respond Thu, 05 Nov 2020 19:20:49 +0000 https://sacredheartfeedinghills.org/blog/?p=390 JUST LIFE!
Deb Briancesco RN; Pastoral Minister
The word “just” is a word that typically gets overused and the word “life” has numerous meanings. By putting the two words together, now that is something! Just Life…..there is nothing minimal about its meaning, nothing simple about it either. God gives us a just life. It is what we do with that life that God gives us, that makes it so very special. How many times do we look back over our time here and reflect, how many times do we as God’s children use what we have learned to be more aligned with God’s teachings. This is a wonderful time to reflect…..most especially because we have so much unrest in our world today, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we felt more at peace with ourselves and embrace a deeper faith in Christ? 1 Corinthians 16:13 ERV Be careful. Hold firmly to your faith. Have courage and be strong.

]]> https://blog.sacredheartfeedinghills.org/post/just-life/feed/ 0 A Great History Lesson! https://blog.sacredheartfeedinghills.org/post/a-great-history-lesson/ https://blog.sacredheartfeedinghills.org/post/a-great-history-lesson/#comments Tue, 15 Sep 2020 15:26:50 +0000 https://sacredheartfeedinghills.org/blog/?p=368 This article was sent to me by my dear Brother in Christ Michael Guertin; When I first read it I knew that this was very special and should be shared.

LAUS DEO

One detail that is seldom mentioned is that in Washington, D.C. there can never be a building of greater height than the Washington Monument.
With all the uproar about removing the Ten Commandments, etc., this is worth a moment or two of your time.
I was not aware of this amazing historical information.
On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., are displayed two words: Laus Deo.
No one can see these words.
In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably couldn’t care less.
Once you know Laus Deo’s history, you will want to share this with everyone you know.
These words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high, perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.
Laus Deo! Two seemingly, insignificant, unnoticed words.
Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world.
So, what do those two words, in Latin, composed of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean?
Very simply, they say ‘Praise be to God!’
Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was President of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public.
It took twenty-five years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our nation, Laus Deo, ‘Praise be to God!’
From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with its division into four major segments.
From that vantage point, one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles L’Enfant…..a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the north, The Jefferson Memorial is to the south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west.
A cross you ask? Why a cross?
What about separation of church and state?
Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was NOT, is NOT, in the Constitution.
So, read on.
How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning for those who bother to notice.
When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848 deposited within it were many items
including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique democracy ‘One Nation, Under God.’
I am awed by George Washington’s prayer for America … Have you ever read it? Well, now is your unique opportunity, so read on!
“Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large.
And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love MERCY, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation.
Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Laus Deo!
It is hoped you will send this to every sister, brother, father, mother, or friend.
They will not take offense, because you have given them a lesson in history that they probably never learned in school.
With that, be not ashamed, or afraid, but have pity on those who will never see this because someone failed to send it on.


]]> https://blog.sacredheartfeedinghills.org/post/a-great-history-lesson/feed/ 1 Strength in God https://blog.sacredheartfeedinghills.org/post/strength-in-god/ https://blog.sacredheartfeedinghills.org/post/strength-in-god/#respond Tue, 08 Sep 2020 15:52:05 +0000 https://sacredheartfeedinghills.org/blog/?p=370 Strength in God

Deb Briancesco RN

Everyday that goes by my gratefulness of the gifts from our Lord and Savior multiplies tenfold.  In my gratefulness is where I find my strength, always from God. I am grateful that I can still be here among you my brothers and sisters, I can see a new day begin, I can reach out to where God has called me to be and I can see the glory of all that God has made. Where do you find your strength? I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me. Psalm 120:1(NIV). Prayer is something everyone can do, it can be as simple as a conversation with Him, pray the Rosary or pray the Chaplet of Devine Mercy. Doing some type of prayer daily is very powerful and can fill you with a strength that may surprise you.

Prayer: Dear Lord my God, thank you for this day, thank you for always loving me, thank you for holding me and thank you for all that you do for me, even though I come to you a sinner. Amen.

]]> https://blog.sacredheartfeedinghills.org/post/strength-in-god/feed/ 0 Season in Life https://blog.sacredheartfeedinghills.org/post/season-in-life/ https://blog.sacredheartfeedinghills.org/post/season-in-life/#respond Tue, 08 Sep 2020 15:47:51 +0000 https://sacredheartfeedinghills.org/blog/?p=366
I don’t think that there is one person who may be reading this who doesn’t have something to share about a season of their life; good, bad or indifferent. Now, may I ask you this? How many of you would share a season of your life that was impacted by God in a powerful way with the general public? You may be wondering why I am asking you this very question…..Every single one of us is asked to evangelize by our God, our Pope and our Priests and Deacons. That means every single person of every walk of life, no exceptions. What does evangelize mean, it is pretty simple really. It is to share your beliefs through the readings in the gospel. Jesus did it through parables. You could do it through witnessing as to how God has impacted your life. When Covid-19 hit our area of the country, life seemed to come to a frightening screeching halt. But through the Grace of God most of us saw it through. Those who did not, I continue to pray for their souls. Right now we are in a sweet spot; this is a time when we can come together….at a distance and with masks (outside is even better) but at least we can lays eyes on one another, this is a Grace from God. It gives us an opportunity to do what God may have layed on our heart. Sharing with one another is a very powerful witness and a means of evangelization. God has a plan, stay strong in your faith in Jesus Christ and be open to the workings of the Holy Spirit. You are never alone.
Prayer: Thank you Jesus for always being close, Thank you for holding me when I was scared, Thank you for every day you give to me, Thank you for the opportunity to spread your word and love, I do this in your most Holy Name. Amen

Deb Briancesco RN
Pastoral Minister
Sacred Heart Parish
Feeding Hills

]]> https://blog.sacredheartfeedinghills.org/post/season-in-life/feed/ 0 Roadblocks………… https://blog.sacredheartfeedinghills.org/post/roadblocks/ https://blog.sacredheartfeedinghills.org/post/roadblocks/#respond Thu, 13 Aug 2020 18:46:17 +0000 https://sacredheartfeedinghills.org/blog/?p=353
Over that last several weeks I have noticed that there are many roadblocks in our lives aside from Covid-19 if that was not enough to knock us all off kilter. I say this after talking with several friends, family and people in general. The general consensus seems to be about the same, conflicting information on life with Covid-19, employers who are sending mixed messages, the media who are doing the same thing as employers; people in general have varied opinions on all of it. The one thing I am absolutely sure of is that the one and only thing I can count on is God. Looking to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ gives me my strength. I was talking with Fr. Kisito who is a dear friend of mine from Africa. He shared this short prayer with me and I am feeling called to share it with you.

Jesus I love you.
All I have is Yours.
Yours I am.
Yours I want to be.
Do with me whatever you wish. Amen.

Blessings,
Deb Briancesco RN

]]> https://blog.sacredheartfeedinghills.org/post/roadblocks/feed/ 0 New Normal….Where do I go now……. https://blog.sacredheartfeedinghills.org/post/new-normal-where-do-i-go-now/ https://blog.sacredheartfeedinghills.org/post/new-normal-where-do-i-go-now/#comments Mon, 29 Jun 2020 14:35:56 +0000 https://sacredheartfeedinghills.org/blog/?p=343 The New Normal……Where do I go now……

I am as frustrated and still scared about what our future looks like and what we potentially may be facing as you may be. I have prayed and meditated a lot and this is what hit me like a ton of bricks. We are not in control or in charge of any of this. What we can do is use our brain that God gave us to use good judgement and reach out to our brothers and sisters. God gave us Free Will and it is up to us to follow His teachings. I like many of you are taking it slow as we begin our journey with the New Normal. I am back to work in the Parish Center instead of working from home; it is different and yet the same. We have all had to be a bit more creative as we try to reach out to our families, friends and our community.

Try to pick a time and just sit with God; talk to Him as if He is sitting next to you…be patient and see what He has for you. He may prompt you to call a family member, write a note to someone or someone may come to your mind to pray for even if you don’t know the reason. Remember that He is in charge and He loves each and every one of you so much…You are never forgotten.

I lean on God to lead me where I need to go, to do what He is asking of me. Since Covid-19 hit us I was lead to write small articles in hopes of reaching out to all of you. His message to me was very clear and persistent; these were His words to me….talk to your brothers and sisters…my children. Help them to know they are not alone. I am…..I am ever present; I am here when you wake; I shower you with love always; I am by your side when you stumble; I will hold you in your sadness and fear; I am your ever present healing Father.

God bless,
Deb Briancesco RN

]]> https://blog.sacredheartfeedinghills.org/post/new-normal-where-do-i-go-now/feed/ 1 Joy and Sadness…………. https://blog.sacredheartfeedinghills.org/post/joy-and-sadness/ https://blog.sacredheartfeedinghills.org/post/joy-and-sadness/#comments Tue, 09 Jun 2020 14:47:12 +0000 https://sacredheartfeedinghills.org/blog/?p=340 You may be wondering why I gave this small article the title of Joy and Sadness. The news of our parishes becoming open brings us great joy even though we may only gather in very limited numbers and some who are still not able to join in person due to their health etc. But there is a sense of sadness that is subtly threaded through our joy. We are still carrying sadness in our hearts for all that we have missed or that has happened because of Covid-19, we are human.

God, grant me serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference.

Psalm 23 – The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing that I lack. In green pastures He makes me lay down; to still waters He leads me; He restores my soul. He guides me along right paths for the sake of His name. Even though I walk through the valley of tears of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.

You are the Church, with each and every one of you we will gather our strength, courage and peace to go forward at our own pace as we begin to join together in community. We are a strong faith family that is there for each of us in many different ways. We have begun to join together as we celebrate the Lord’s Masses in person and via live stream. We have been blessed to begin to receive the Holy Eucharist at the end of Mass. These are all steps toward our new normal with threads of our past woven together.

I will leave you this week to meditate on Psalm 23 as to how it may speak to you.
May God continue to bless you all;

Deb Briancesco RN

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