Also from Quincy

Eric, another student from Quincy, wrote the following about his time in New Orleans:

We as Catholics and as good people of this earth are called to serve and to help one another. What better way to do this than to partake in a mission trip to New Orleans, Louisiana and serve those whose lives have been ruined by Hurricane Katrina. Thanks to the generous donations from friends of Brother Ed, a few of us from Quincy University were able to do just that. With no costs keeping us from serving, we were able to help in what little ways we could. As with most mission trips, we were able to help with gardening, cleaning of windows, and other tasks that are hard for others to accomplish. However, we were serving in more than one way. We were able to serve not only the ministry of labor but also the ministry of presence. On this trip in particular, we spent time hearing the stories from the residents of Lazarus House, a home for those suffering from HIV. Many were delighted to share their stories with us and to make connections with us. One man, an immigrant from Cuba, felt so comfortable with us that he decided to play matchmaker with a few of us and some girls that were working on a different mission trip. Getting to know the residents was, for me, the most important part. That is where the real relationships are developed. I learned so much and will be forever changed. Thanks to Brother Ed and those who help to support his cause, New Orleans is no longer just a city on a map, but a city with great culture and a city made up of actual faces. I hope that in our efforts, we can help to be a face for them from elsewhere in the country showing that they are cared for. Thanks so much!

 

Eric Steitz

From Fr. Bob

This note from Bob Pawell was hidden away in one of the comments...

Friends I want you to know that I shall be visiting New Orleans from March 20- 27th. I hope to see you at that time.

Fr. Bob

The Quincy Connection

I just received a note from Bro. Ed. Two of the guys who came down with him from Quincy wrote short reflections on their experience in New Orleans. They are a reminder that part of the Tau House tradition is that we are a place that allows for growth.

My New Orleans experience was great. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my time off from school and work but to do service. This trip was a retreat and a service project because it was filled with helping others and self-reflection. When I wasn’t doing direct service, I was learning things about life and myself as we would spend time just talking with people and listening to their stories. This took me by surprise as I originally thought the trip would be service followed by recreation. Little did I know that the trip constantly offers something to be learned granted that one is open enough to let it do so. I found out that this whole experience is something well worth having because it taught me to truly listen to people and it opened my eyes to things bigger than myself even more.

Mike Varrone

Going to New Orleans with Brother Ed is a life changing experience. It does not matter how many times you go down, you will always learn something new. I always go down with the intention of learning something and becoming a better person. It is tough for a person to change but I would have to say that this trip makes it easy. When I return I always feel like a better person and that is because of the people I meet in NO. The feeling can last anywhere from a brief second to many months. It does not matter how long it lasts, because even with the shortest amount of time you can say the trip was a success. This is all due to Bro Ed. Without him many people would not be who they are today. He changes people for the better. He is unbelievable. He truly is my hero.

Brian Silverstein

Southern Hospitality

Tau House has been host to all kinds of people lately.  Back at Mardi Gras time, we had 3 visitors from Germany -  Christophe, Mathias, and Carina.  They are currently fulfilling their country’s requirement of doing either a year of military or community service for a year.  They work in a shelter and soup kitchen in Chicago 

called "House of Mary and Joseph." It’s part of the Franciscan Outreach Program.  Fr. Manuel Borg ofm made the connection with Tau House.   They said not many young people realize that they can actually do this service in a foreign country.  Mathias wrote me:  “The only thing I would like to mention is that we really had a great time and that we were really lucky that we to got to know all of you.”

Brother Ed recently brought three students down from the Franciscan University in Quincy, IL.  Ed has been unceasing in his support of Tau House even though he no longer resides there.  They spent time with the Poor Clare Sisters uptown, at Project Lazarus and at Tau.  Window washing and gardening were on the agenda with us.  A big thanks is in order.

And finally, we hosted another Listening Circle with students and leaders from Mount Mary University in Milwaukee..  What struck me as different about this group was their concern with the “Big Picture”.   Learning about Katrina was important.  But discovering the inter-connectedness of all justice issues was a goal. Kevin led the animated prayer group and he and Chris spoke of their recent ministry in Kenya.  This group of young women deserves some kind of award for their intense interest, yearning for justice, and liveliness!  You will make the world a place where it is easier to be good.  Thank you for being with us.

Holy Week begins April 5th with Palm Sunday celebrations. From Holy Thursday through the Easter Vigil Fr. Ralph will be with us again for those liturgies.  Stay tuned. 

 

 

A Dazzling White...

I get tired of religious language.  “God’s calling you to do this or that…”  or some other line we hear over and over again.   I don’t necessarily mean that I get tired of the truth behind the words.  But I do get tired of the way we say it time and time again.  Words can become meaningless.

This Sunday it’s all about Abraham getting ready to sacrifice Isaac and he gets a call from God saying he doesn’t have to do it, because God’s seen enough and knows he’s a faithful person. 

What happens, once we hear the names of the main characters, is that our brains go on auto-play and tell us the rest as we remember it, no matter what words are read aloud to us.  And then we miss maybe what are the most important words.  

And those words are that all of you descendants of Sarah and Abraham have to be a blessing yourselves.  You have inside your little sweet selves the awesome power to make the mystery of God known and present wherever you are.  In the end, isn’t that what blessing is all about?  A moment, a dazzling spark of energy that lights the way and allows someone to say: “It is good to be here.” 

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Don’t forget about the Wednesdays in Lent at Tau House  -  simple prayer and supper.  A few moments out of the week to refuel the blessing.  6:00 p.m.

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Community Meeting following the liturgy NEXT Sunday March 15th.

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Songs for Sunday

GC2-398 | Hold Us in Your Mercy

GC2-798 | Covenant Hymn

GC2-771 | 'Tis Good, Lord, to Be Here

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Missing : If found please return to 1029 Gov Nicholl's Street