The Alcove - July 19 26
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God planting among the weeds.
Video reflection for this Sunday;
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Updates
Thank you for all the loving comments sent our way! I’m feeling very encouraged. Starting afresh, we are currently at 100 subscribers. If you want to share The Alcove with friends and family, please have them email me at: [email protected]
Yesterday was simply beautiful with my great-nephew Karl Sheedy, being wed to another homeschool gal, Emily Lapa. The Sacrament was officiated by the groom’s brother, newly ordained Deacon Andrew Sheedy. For me it was a reunion with so many dear people from the past. There is nothing like renewing contact and memories with friends and family who have contributed to my joy over the years.
Our PODS are coming out of storage and returning back to Chesterton House on July 23rd. Of course this is not the easiest, but I look forward to getting some furniture back in the place and having some familiar belongings. Do we distain the outcome of two house deals collapsing? No. In all of this we are certain without doubt that it will all come to some amazing good that has yet to be fully revealed. Our listing is at: https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/29963410/165016-twp-rd-534-mundare if you wish to share it. We’ve requested some updates to listing from our realtor. Stay tuned for additional descriptors!
We have to replace our stolen tractor mower. If anybody has a lead, we would be grateful. Thank you to the Barters who have been so kindly coming around to mow, especially my friend Marty. Thank you to Stephen, Luke, and Glen for doing enormous weed-whacking work (love that onomatopoeia!)
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Lord Hear Our Prayer
I found out last night from Sheila S. that her sister Maria is seriously ill. Please, pray that the healing hand of Jesus be upon her.
We lift up K. B. who has been downhearted and afraid of decision-making. May this young person take advantage of a fresh go at moving forward.
For two couples who pray they can have a family. May they receive the miracle of fertility.
For a woman experiencing terrible pain.
For a man who has IBS, may he receive total healing in Christ.
Please join in community prayer and do send me any requests for prayer.
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O My Soul
Have a Jane Austen Summer, One Prayer at a Time
The pace of these months prompts me to pray these lovely petitions.
Have a Jane Austen Summer, One Prayer at a Time| National Catholic Register
The pace of these months prompts me to pray these lovely petitions.
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News that Matters
Video
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Open Mic - What is on Your Mind
Therese,
A group of us is looking at finding land for sale. We see that there is a need for a gathering place for RV’ers and tenting folks who want to come together for camping, prayer, speakers, family fun, activities and events. We want level ground, an out-and-away location, privacy, freedom, and to get away from Politically Correct restrictions. We envision this as a place of holiness.
If you have a lead on such available land, I’ll get the message to the inquirer. [email protected]
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Skills Saturday - Remedies, building, gardening, repairs, instruction, mentorship - the sky is the limit!
Please send your submissions in for Skills Saturday. I’m looking for items for the community that will grow our skills and knowledge in self-sufficiency which will in turn, grow us in community strength. Tips, steps, insights, and information - what do you know? I’ll publish next Saturday. Send to [email protected]
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Book Nook
Book feature for youth:
https://www.catholiccompany.com/products/answers-apologetics-for-catholic-youth
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Going Deep - Youth Apologetics and Formation
Q: We call our priests, "Father." But Jesus teaches in the Bible that we must call no man on earth "father" (Matt 23:9). How can I explain why we Catholics use this term for priests? (name withheld)
A. If the purpose of Jesus were to banish the use of the word “father” in reference to human males, then it would seem the other New Testament authors, never got the memo.
In the New Testament alone there are 195 uses of the word "father(s)" to refer to earthly human males. Hence, it seems clear that to understand our Lord's word as an absolute banishment of the term for any but God is not supported by the practice evident in Scripture itself.
The Catholic practice of calling priests “Father” has several meanings. In one sense it is meant as an affectionate family term. Parishes are like a family and use family terms such as "brother," and "sister" for men and women religious, "mother" for the superior of a group of religious sisters, and "father" for priests.
Priests imitate biological fathers in a spiritual way. Just as fathers give life, food, encouragement and instruction, so priests give us these things in the spiritual order. They confer spiritual life by God's power at the baptismal font give food through the Eucharist and meet other spiritual needs through the other sacraments and by instruction and encouragement. Thus, by analogy, we call priests "father."
St. Paul referred to himself as a father: "...you have many guides but not many fathers, for I became your father in Christ Jesus through the Gospel (1 Cor 4:15). For you know how, like a father with his children we exhorted and charged each one of you to lead a life worthy of God (1 Thess 2:10). Timothy...as a son with a father has served me in the gospel. (Phil 2:22)
We can see how calling priests "father," in this sense, is not against Biblical principles. St. Paul himself makes use of the term in this way. In saying “Call no one on earth your Father” Jesus is emphasizing that God is pre-‐eminent.
No earthly father, biological or spiritual, can ever over-‐rule or take the place of the heavenly Father. God is ultimately the Father of all fathers, and we can never call any man "father" like we call God, "Father."
Teens and young adults - share your thoughts on this using the “comments” link at the end of this newsletter.
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Catholic Culture is Cool
One of my heroes!
In Speech to European Parliament Cardinal Sarah Warns “Gender Ideology and Islamic Fundamentalism” Are “Apocalyptic Beasts” Seeking to Destroy Humanity
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/07/speech-european-parliament-cardinal-sarah-warns-gender-ideology/Video:
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The Neighbourhood - Community Businesses and Services
If you wish to advertise your business or service, send me your ad or business card. This is free promotion to the members of this newsletter. You may also share other businesses or services of those you’ve come to know as fellow Christians and freedom lovers.
Send to [email protected].
Lets build a directory!
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Chuckles and Chortles
