Catholics

sas-schatzi · April 2011

If we believe what we believe then we all should go to the Garden created by Meece . It will add too our peace and our belief.

lovemyfamilysomuch · April 2011

May I add a private intention. Thank you so much for your beautiful prayers, sisters. Amen xo

theresap60 · April 2011

Laura - thank you for your kind words. *I* am in the one who feels honored to be here and you all allow me to ramble on.

Ellie - I will add your private intention today.

Sheila - what garden created by Meece?

So, sisters, here is my latest dilemna regarding my interview coming up. Health insurance. Someone at work, who doesn't know about my upcoming interview, was telling me that she had a friend who had health insurance with her company, went to another company and the new company's health insurance didn't cover her pre-existing condition for XX amount of months. I read up on Obama Care and it says you have to be uninsured for 6 months before they cover a pre-existing condition. Her new company's health insurance didn't cover her daily meds that she needed. I'm on 2 daily meds - one for high blood pressure and tamoxifen for you know what. Will this interview be a waste of my and their time? How can I go without insurance for 6 to 12 months?? I am always at the doctor for either my cancer or checking my HBP. Has anyone here had a similar situation?

theresap60 · April 2011

St. Joseph Novena

Third Day
MAN CHOSEN BY THE BLESSED TRINITY

Saint Joseph, you were the man chosen by God the Father. He selected you to be His representative on earth, hence He granted you all the graces and blessings you needed to be His worthy representative.

You were the man chosen by God the Son. Desirous of a worthy foster-father, He added His own riches and gifts, and above all, His love. The true measure of your sanctity is to be judged by your imitation of Jesus. You were entirely consecrated to Jesus, working always near Him, offering Him your virtues, your work, your sufferings, your very life. Jesus lived in you perfectly so that you were transformed into Him. In this lies your special glory, and the keynote of your sanctity. Hence, after Mary, you are the holiest of the saints.

You were chosen by the Holy Spirit. He is the mutual Love of the Father and the Son -- the heart of the Holy Trinity. In His wisdom He draws forth all creatures from nothing, guides them to their end in showing them their destiny and giving them the means to reach it. Every vocation and every fulfillment of a vocation proceeds from the Holy Spirit. As a foster-father of Jesus and head of the Holy Family, you had an exalted and most responsible vocation -- to open the way for the redemption of the world and to prepare for it by the education and guidance of the youth of the God-Man. In this work you cooperated as the instrument of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was the guide; you obeyed and carried out the works. How perfectly you obeyed the guidance of the God of Love!

The words of the Old Testament which Pharaoh spoke concerning Joseph of Egypt can well be applied to you: "Can we find such another man, that is full of the spirit of God, or a wise man like to him?" (Gen. 41:38). No less is your share in the divine work of God than was that of Egypt. You now reign with your foster-Son and see reflected in the mirror of God's Wisdom the Divine Will and what is of benefit to our souls.

Saint Joseph, I thank God for having made you the man specially chosen by Him. As a token of your own gratitude to God, obtain for me the grace to imitate your virtues so that I too may be pleasing to the Heart of God. Help me to give myself entirely to His service and to the accomplishment of His Holy Will, that one day I may reach heaven and be eternally united to God as you are.

*NOVENA PRAYER

Saint Joseph, I, your unworthy child, greet you. You are the faithful protector and intercessor of all who love and venerate you. You know that I have special confidence in you and that, after Jesus and Mary, I place all my hope of salvation in you, for you are especially powerful with God and will never abandon your faithful servants. Therefore I humbly invoke you and commend myself, with all who are dear to me and all that belong to me, to your intercession. I beg of you, by your love for Jesus and Mary, not to abandon me during life and to assist me at the hour of my death.

Glorious Saint Joseph, spouse of the Immaculate Virgin, obtain for me a pure, humble, charitable mind, and perfect resignation to the divine Will. Be my guide, my father, and my model through life that I may merit to die as you did in the arms of Jesus and Mary.

Loving Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, I raise my heart to you to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the Divine Heart of Jesus all the graces necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special grace we now implore:

Theresa:
To know God's will with my upcoming job interview.
Bring all our children back to the Church.
Successful sale of NJ house.

Michelle:
Help for the needs of her 13 year old son and her husband.
Peace and healing for her friend Katrina.
10 year old son who is a Juvenile Diabetic and is struggling with regulating blood sugars.
For success at transitioning full time into my hearts desire for a career.

Sheila:
That our minds heal, as we pray for our bodies to heal.

Mary:
For Olga's husband in his new sorrow and pray for all my sisters

Skip:
Fr. deRosa's mother who was just diagnosed with bc, she is 80 years old.
Health and well being of Immaculata SFO, especially Sharon who is battling double pneumonia and lymphoma.

Kay:
For good news for me and for my bil.

Maria: For my daughter with her "growing pains" and is a facilatator on a Confirmation retreat... I pray she finds some inner peace and is able to reach out to the Conformandi and guide them as well.

Ellie: For her private intention

Guardian of the Word Incarnate, I feel confident that your prayers in our behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God. Amen.

MEMORARE
Remember, most pure spouse of Mary, ever Virgin, my loving protector, Saint Joseph, that no one ever had recourse to your protection or asked for your aid without obtaining relief. Confiding, therefore, in your goodness, I come before you and humbly implore you. Despise not my petitions, foster-father of the Redeemer, but graciously receive them. Amen.

theresap60 · April 2011

A Woman, Veronica, Wipes Jesus' Face

Sixth Station: Look at Jesus
Jesus is hot, tired, and sweating. His hair is all tangled, and he is covered in dust from the long walk.

Suddenly, a woman pushes her way out of the crowd and stands in front of Jesus. She takes a clean cloth and gently wipes Jesus' face. Jesus is so thankful that he leaves a picture of his face on her cloth.

Look at Your Heart
Have you ever helped someone? Have you ever done something that helped someone feel better? Sometimes you may have done something that you thought was very small or unimportant: bringing a glass of water or juice to someone, or even giving someone a helping hand with a chore. Maybe you just smiled at someone who looked sad!

As you think of the times you helped, show Jesus your heart. As you picture Jesus loving you, maybe you can also picture Jesus leaving a picture of his face on your heart. What a wonderful heart you have!

janet in virginia · April 2011

Theresa - health insurance can be complex and companies are so different. And, they usually have multiple employee health insurance choices too - each of which may have different policies, ie HMO, BC/BS, etc. So it;s good you're thinking about this! I would doubt the interview will go into much depth about benefits the first time around -- more likely job responsibilities, etc. & maybe some salary negotiations. (Plus the person doing the interviewing probably doesn't know the ins and outs.) When they offer you the job, say you want couple days to think about it -- that's the time to ask for a benefits package to review so you can read in detail about health insurance coverage/choices as well as other benefits (401K, etc) and can call their HR to ask specifically about potential lapse in coverage -- don't give them an answer about the job until you're satisfied.

squidwitch42 · April 2011

Huh...where did my post go?

Nurts!

mmm5 · April 2011

Theresa

Thanks for sharing the Novena each day, it makes it so easy to recite. Prayers to St Josepth, Mary and the holy trinity today for Ellie, Theresa, Kay, Sheila, Mary and Maria's intentions. And prayers for all of you ladies and your health, peace, and financial healing!

Theresa, I don't think with HIPPA they can know your past medical history and I believe it is against the law for them if you have never had a break in coverage to preclude your condition. I left my company and went on Cobra as did my son and we both had preexisting conditions. We both are covered on my new companies plan-

I like Janets advice and I would suggest the same, you don't need to discuss this with your interviewer this is a secondary discussion with human resources after job offer comes in.

janet in virginia · April 2011

Michelle - I was going to say that also, but wasn't sure (about proof of continuous coverage). Theresa, I believe somewhere in your current health plan you should find a 'certificate of coverage' or something to that effect. I know I was told to keep those as proof of continuous coverage for this reason. So that's another thing to look up in your records.

Also Michelle - have been meaning to respond to your earlier post. Yes, difficult decision to go the mastec. route and I know there is no guarantee no matter what you do. But all the sign posts pointed that direction for me too. I pray one day medicine will advance such that no woman will ever have to make these kinds of decisions.

Novena is beautiful and keeping everyone's intentions in mind.

theresap60 · April 2011

Michelle - you're welcome. :-)

Janet & Michelle - thank you for your sage advice on health insurance. I received their benefits brochure and it basically only said:

Medical plan choices include a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Point-of-Service (POS), or Health Maintenance Organization (HMO).

I will sit through the 2.5 hour interview, answer questions, ask questions, try not to have too much chemo fog or too many hot flashes, and if offered the position, will request a couple of days before making my decision. So you're saying I can call their HR department after being offered a job and ask about their health insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions? I'll also look into my employers COBRA benefit. I think I remember doing that once before.

Traci - I'm sorry you lost your post! :-( You have surgery coming up soon, right? Can we add that as a St. Joe intention?

Kay_G · April 2011

Saying Novena for everyone's intentions. Really enjoying the stations of the cross too. Thanks for posting.

I do know that you have to be offered COBRA when you leave your job. The company cannot charge you more than 2% more than they pay. That is if you voluntarily leave. If you're laid off, you only have to pay 35% of the normal COBRA amount. As others stated, if you do leave and your new coverage doesn't start immediately, make sure you pay for the COBRA for the interim because you want to make sure you don't have any breaks in coverage. I believe your company can give you the certificates of coverage if you need it. Good luck and I'm sure whatever happens it will be for the best.

squidwitch42 · April 2011

Theresa,

My post was about Cobra I did add a little ditty about long term disability and short term disability. Can you see if this is something you can pay for if you have to wait the standard one year with a new company to qualify for LTD? I fell into a big rabbit whole with teeth once, becoming injured (non work related,) at a new job, and luckly had signed up for STD benefits. I did not qualify for LTD, and those years have changed me to the depth of my core. I think that is why I sympathise so much with my clients. Before the Grace of God go I.

Yes, you do NOT have to disclose anything medical to a future employer. This is for HR only. I was curious if Cobra would cover you for pre-existing until you got over the hump at the new job? I have no idea what happens with Cobra when you become employed again, but I honestly feel that if the insurance is offered by a new Employer, there is no such thing as pre-existing. You are offered their coverage and they take you on "as is." Of course make sure...

and that aside...if you feel a hot flash, take a deep breath and "bear down" in your gut. Or take a sip of cool water if you can. I fight this stuff every day....and since the last med fiasco, am one and a half weeks in to my old friend Effexor. It did wonders for me a decade before, so fingers crossed. I am also back on neurontin as my pain is booooooooooooooo without it. Every muscle fiber feels crampy. I am so loathe to say fibromyalgia, but whatever I had before chemo, is ten times worse after. Funny, the neurontin for me works very well, and it is one of the older in it's class.

and yes April 6th. Planned for 11:00, but it may be moved up to earlier. I had my pre-op appointment on Friday. Blood work and chest X ray pending. I didn't know that since one of my TE's is "breech" it has not stretched the skin as it should have on the cancer side. My PS wasn't concerned as she had planned on doing a Lat flap. Now, I am looking at a more extensive surgery as far as scar tissue, stretch etc... I am pretty much guaranteed drains on that side, and we discussed lipo as there is a deep "step off," below clavicle and above top of expander. Like a Scoop. So she plans on lipo around the belly to plop the fat up there. It sounds great on paper (I have always had extra belly to grab, so would love to see less.) But everything adds risks, and adds to the recovery time etc...I have to admit, I have been very anxious these past few weeks, and I am just trying to center myself. Well, thanks for listening. It's never easy to gear up for surgery, and it brings on a lot of memories. My dear friend from childhood will be coming up for 2 days to help me. I am trying to get my list of clients etc....all set up for while I am out (2.5 weeks,) as no one replaces me in my role when I am not there.

So there is my story...I would love to be added to intentions, and my greatest wish is to have excellent wound healing and to be free of infection or complications.

Many Blessings to All.

squidwitch42 · April 2011

oh, and ....I had another question! What does the Stations of the Cross mean? How is this broken down into "Stations?"

janet in virginia · April 2011

(((Traci))) - that's coming up fast. As you know pre-surgery jitters are worse than the surgery. Glad you're keeping busy and most definitely you're on the prayer list for perfect surgery - no infections, complications allowed!

tinkertude · April 2011

Traci will be thinking and praying for you. I agree pre surgery jitters are so hard. Will be praying for a smooth surgery and very smooth recovery!!!.. I just got my date for surgery and it is not until July and even just having the date written down does bring a certain sense of uneasyness... all will be good for you for God is good!!!

Hugs to you!!!!

Maria

theresap60 · April 2011

Traci - Stations of the Cross is a very moving devotion we have during Lent when the Priest leads us to each of the 14 "stations" of Christ's passion. From when Jesus was condemned to death to His burial in the tomb. At each station, a scripture passage is read, we say a prayer as community, genuflect, then the priest moves on to the next "station" and does the next scripture passage. I cannot get through stations without tearing up. Especially last year when I was going through the whole cancer thing fresh. Oh, and each station in the church is represented by something as simple as an artwork plaque to elaborate statues. Last year, when I was getting my radiation in Philadelphia, I went to their Cathedral (Peter & Paul) for Mass and they had the most beautiful representations of the stations I've ever seen. I just walked to each one and gazed upon it in awe.

Here are some pictures:

http://www.stjudeliturgicalarts.com/stations-of-the-cross-for-the-cathedral-basilica-of-sts-peter-and-paul-philadelphia-pa/

Station 6: Christ's face is wiped by Veronica

Here is a good website that explains it better than I can and lists each of the 14 stations. Women for Faith and Family:

http://www.wf-f.org/Stations-Cross.html

Thank you for your advice too. (And everyone else who offered their wise advice!) I'll look into all avenues. And I'll put your intention in our St. Joseph prayers. Yes, like Janet said, the nervie-dervies before surgery are worse than the surgery! I'm happy to hear that your friend is coming up to help you. What a blessing!!

Ok Sheila, what show back in the 60s used the "word" nervie-dervie .... he was taking nervie dervie pills for his anxiety. I've been using that term ever since!

Mary - I meant to respond to your post about attending a meeting about the new Mass this coming Advent. Skip attended our parish's meeting, but it was too late in the evening for me. The priest giving the talk said that the regular parishioners will grumble a little to have to learn something new (the priest is actually the one who has to do all the new learning!), but in a month or so of church going, will be very comfortable with the Mass. He said he wagers that the biggest complainers will be the ones who only attend Mass on Christmas and Easter and will come to church expecting the current Mass, but will be surprised to find the new Mass! :-)

theresap60 · April 2011

I just realized... Traci, you'll be in surgery and I'll be on the grill for the interview on the same day! St. Joseph, pray for us!

theresap60 · April 2011

St. Joseph Novena

Fourth Day
FAITHFUL SERVANT

Saint Joseph, you lived for one purpose -- to be the personal servant of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. Your noble birth and ancestry, the graces and gifts, so generously poured out on you by God -- all this was yours to serve our Lord better. Every thought, word, and action of yours was a homage to the love and glory of the Incarnate Word. You fulfilled most faithfully the role of a good and faithful servant who cared for the House of God.

How perfect was your obedience! Your position in the Holy Family obliged you to command, but besides being the foster-father of Jesus, you were also His disciple. For almost thirty years, you watched the God-Man display a simple and prompt obedience, and you grew to love and practice it very perfectly yourself. Without exception you submitted to God, to the civil rulers, and to the voice of your conscience.

When God sent an angel to tell you to care for Mary, you obeyed in spite of the mystery which surrounded her motherhood. When you were told to flee into Egypt under painful conditions, you obeyed without the slightest word of complaint. When God advised you in a dream to return to Nazareth, you obeyed. In every situation your obedience was as simple as your faith, as humble as your heart, as prompt as your love. It neglected nothing; it took in every command.

You had the virtue of perfect devotedness, which marks a good servant. Every moment of your life was consecrated to the service of our Lord: sleep, rest, work, pain. Faithful to your duties, you sacrificed everything unselfishly, even cheerfully. You would have sacrificed even the happiness of being with Mary. The rest and quiet of Nazareth was sacrificed at the call of duty. Your entire life was one generous giving, even to the point of being ready to die in proof of your love for Jesus and Mary. With true unselfish devotedness you worked without praise or reward.

But God wanted you to be in a certain sense a cooperator in the Redemption of the world. He confided to you the care of nourishing and defending the Divine Child. He wanted you to be poor and to suffer because He destined you to be the foster-father of His Son, who came into the world to save men by His sufferings and death, and you were to share in His suffering. In all of these important tasks, the Heavenly Father always found you a faithful servant!

Saint Joseph, I thank God for your privilege of being God's faithful servant. As a token of your own gratitude to God, obtain for me the grace to be a faithful servant of God as you were. Help me to share, as you did, the perfect obedience of Jesus, who came not to do His Will, but the Will of His Father; to trust in the Providence of God, knowing that if I do His Will, He will provide for all my needs of soul and body; to be calm in my trials and to leave it to our Lord to free me from them when it pleases Him to do so. And help me to imitate your generosity, for there can be no greater reward here on earth than the joy and honor of being a faithful servant of God.