The Prayer Corner | The Catholic High School

Daily Prayer & Reflection Intentions Resources

Daily Prayer & Reflection

Our Franciscan Charism focus for this school year is: EXCELLENCE

It has been a while since our last post here and, for that, I am guilty! I have many reasons and explanations, (sometimes called excuses, but) please know that anyone who visits our website is included in our daily prayers and thoughts and the absence of timely thoughts does not indicate anything other than my failure to make time to be in touch. For this, I apologize and hope to do better in the future.

We are in the Season of the Spirit - the Holy Spirit! Especially since the Ascension of Jesus, we have been guided to become more aware of the Spirit in our lives and how to approach recognizing that Voice in our day to day lives. Our world seems bent on an unnaturally fast pace of living and so we often miss hints and indications that the Spirit is trying to get our attention. Often, when we feel God is not present to us, it is because we have missed the need for ourselves to take the time to be present to God. That seems to be the story of the human race for most of its existence and God works around that, not to worry. The Old Testament is filled with book after book of the history of the Chosen People and their treatment of the prophets and Kings of old, and the New Testament continues the same. Look how Jesus, the very Son of God, was treated! We humans are surely a work in progress.

Very soon now we will be moving into 'Ordinary Time' in the church calendar, a lengthly period of time that takes us all the way to Advent! In reality, there is nothing 'ordinary' about it. It is a time to read and delve into Scripture, and with weekly readings at Church or on our own. Look at the parables of Jesus in any one of the Gospels and His efforts to reach the people of His day. Look at the person of Jesus and his treatment of others. Look at His compassion, His patience, His tenderhearted miracles in curing so many. His willingness to forgive even his killers as He is dying and the utterly unexpected Resurrection as proof of His place with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

It is all there but we need to read and sit with the reality that the things in this Holy Book really did happen. Jesus really did come to us in Person, really did share his identity with us, and really did die to save us. We need to think about these things and in the quiet and peace of our hearts, listen for that Spirit to help us understand and guide us on our journey in life. And we can find that peace in our 'ordinary days' and be closer to God than ever before. There is nothing 'ordinary' about that!

Do enjoy a beautiful summer and make it a point to focus on God's work at Church, try to take a thought home from the homily and really think about it a few times and hold on to it. It's all right there for the taking when we reach out and ask for God's help and guidance.

Thank you for your love and support of Catholic High and be safe and sound as you find delight in each day.

Sincerely,

Sr. Ann Dutrow, OSF
Director of Mission

The Catholic High School of Baltimore

Intentions

Email Sister Ann

Prayers have been requested by the family for the repose of the soul of Antoinette Mary "Netta" Campagnoli King. Netta was a proud graduate of The Catholic High School of Baltimore's Class of 1954. Netta earned her nursing degree from St. Joseph's Hospital on Caroline St. and returned to work in the ER there. Her spirit of service to others was always visible. She and her husband, Dan, raised five children as Dan pursued his medical career. Netta was an active and involved member of the Church of the Nativity in Timonium, MD. Her volunteer work was always important to Netta, as was her support of her alma mater, TCHS. Her generosity was always deeply appreciated. May we keep Dan, their children and grandchildren, in our prayers. Netta passed away peacefully on May 12, at the age of 90.

Prayers have been requested for Bettie Pass Debelius '50 who passed away at home, in Annapolis, MD, surrounded by her family, in March. Bettie was a stewardess for American Airlines before her marriage. She and her husband, Chuck, raised four children and enjoyed many great times with their 7 grandchildren. Given her husband's military career, Bettie and Chuck moved to Germany where Bettie worked as an educator. During times that Chuck was sent on 'unaccompanied tours', Bettie filled both roles as mom and dad. During all of those times she was a great volunteer within military groups, school activities, and parish support , 'letting her light shine brightly'. Bettie will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery after a service at the Old Post Chapel in Fort Myer, VA. Please keep the Debelius family in thought and prayer, with gratitude for Bettie and all of her amazing gifts.

Prayers have been requested by Maureen Bevan Finley '72 for an upcoming surgery for herself on April 9 and she has also asked that we remember her sister, Teresa Bevan Savarese '75 in our prayers for improved health and well being. We know the TCHS Community will support them both as they deal with their health issues and we thank you all.

Prayers have been requested for a young man, Nate Lore, the 11 year old son of Kristen Wojciewchowski '94 and nephew of Kerri '96. Nate suffered a serious eye injury that requires surgery on the globe of the eye. This can address the injury and family and friends ask for prayers for a full recovery of vision for Nate. All are relying on the power of prayer and support from our TCHS community. Many thanks for your prayers.

We have received a prayer request from Mrs. Pat Reusing Mank '62 for her godson, John Reed. John has suffered from Crohn's Disease since childhood and now, in his 30s, is in need of a kidney transplant. Please remember John, his godmother, Pat, and all the family, as they struggle during this most difficult time. All support is deeply appreciated.

A very good friend has requested prayers of healing for her friend, Michelle Burford, a transplant recipient with many health issues. Michelle had surgery in late November and is not healing well from that so we have been asked for our prayers and good thoughts and will think of her daily.

Prayers have been requested for Mrs. Sadie Matarazzo, mother of Mrs. Linda DeRemigis '74. Mrs. Matarazzo is in recovery from an illness and is in her 90's. She is struggling and would appreciate any prayerful support that could be offered through our Prayer Corner. The family is most appreciative.

Brandy Sine has requested prayers from our TCHS community for Angelina Sine for a return to good health and wellness. We join together for both Brandy, Angelina, and the entire Sine family and prayer for good health to return.

Tricia Bodnar '09 has requested prayers for her niece, Kayla, who is 28 years old, but has suffered a medical incident that seems to indicate she has suffered a stroke. We will keep Kayla in our prayers as her condition is further assessed and hold all of the family in our thoughts and prayers as well.

Diana Stitz '64 has informed us of the sudden death of her beloved husband, Roy, this past May. We have been asked to keep him in our prayers as well as prayers for the health of all family members.

Mrs. Deborah Zerhusen Cusick '70 has been in touch with us to ask for prayers during this major medical crisis she is facing. At this time, she has been diagnosed with stage 4 Kidney disease and will be seeking a donor early in the new year. She has asked for prayers for her current condition as well as for the possibility of finding a compatible donor soon.

Prayers have been requested by Lynnora Collins Sims, Class of '78, who lost her husband, John G. Sims, Jr., just last month after a short battle with leukemia. Family and friends are devastated but find strength and consolation in their faith and in asking for our prayers to help them through this experience. Lynnora is also facing some health issues in the coming months and requests your prayers for her treatment and recovery. All of the family extends deep gratitude to our network of prayerful supporters.

Prayers from the TCHS community have been requested for Christine Anello, sister of Mary Kappas Connors '68. We will remember Christine and the Kappas, Anello, and Connors families as well in our thoughts and prayers.

Prayers have been requested for Mary Jane Biancucci Thomas '61 and her husband, Ron, who are both dealing with various health issues at this time. We thank the TCHS community for their thoughts and prayers during this time.

A request has been made by Renata Durra Vance '67 for prayers for her husband, Michael, her loving spouse of 54 years, who went home to God this past May. We also include members of the Vance family and friends of Michael's who mourn his loss.

Prayers have been requested by Nance Waudby Hood '67 for her daughter, Melissa Belsinger, who suffered a stroke recently. We will also keep Melissa's family and friends in our prayers .

Brandy Sine has requested prayers for a special intention on behalf of the Sine and Dinisio families. We would like to ask the support of all who visit our Prayer Corner and include all of those in need of our prayers. We hope that our prayers may give strength and hope to our families mentioned above and we thank you.

Please keep in your prayers, Ms. Cindy Peacher, a cancer survivor, for continued good health and well being. Cindy thanks you for your thoughtfulness.

Prayers have been requested for Anthony Makres, a friend and dance instructor to many, who is currently recovering from serious surgery and now facing a very difficult recovery and adjustment in life. Please keep Anthony in your prayers and thank you from all who are praying for him.

A TCHS graduate has requested prayers for all first responders to catastrophic events each day. Their heroism and dedication too often goes without any THANK YOUs at all. God bless and keep them safe.

Prayers have been requested for Jimmy McFadden who died recently and was buried late last week. May the good Lord comfort and bless all of his family and friends.

Resources

Center for Action and Contemplation - author Richard Rohr, Franciscan priest, several options, of the most popular is daily reflections with weekly themes, several books available and other subtopics

Gratefulness.org - thoughts for the day, various sources

On Being Project - several options including poetry, essay, photos, Krista Tippett shares weekly

Laudate - broad, general resource/reference for all kinds of religious needs, information bank

The God Minute - daily ten-minute prayer/reflection each day

National Catholic Reporter - daily Catholic press articles, including Earthbeat, other topical sources

Take 5 For Faith - brief, prayerful reflection each day

Daily Readings - liturgical references to daily masses

Missio.org - Pope Francis' COVID-19 Emergency Solidarity Fund

The Word Among Us - daily meditations, reflections, and print materials

Insight Timer - free, daily meditation app

CatholicMom.com - daily prayer reflections

Heart of the Nation - Catholic Mass online, prayers