Murray Clan 13!!
Hiking in Tahoe!
Smore's
Here is the Family making smore's in Lake Tahoe during our family vacation.
What a great blessing and a good time for everyone!
What a great blessing and a good time for everyone!
Adventures of Aunt Betsy, Emily and John!!:)
Cousin Emily came to visit the Murray Clan last week and all of us had a great time with her. She and Claire put together a little video of the different things that they did during the week including John singing One Direction!!! Hope this bring a smile to your face, it brought many laughs among the clan:)
A Rome update...
Matthew sent us an email recently to keep us informed about his first week in Rome. I have attached the email as well as some pictures of the places he has visited (These pictures are those that were found on the web to help illustrate what Matthew described. He did not include these pictures in the email, I took the liberty to add them to message).
God has truly blessed Matthew and our family.
Please continue to keep him in your prayers.
Hey everybody, hope all is well
Even though it is about 1 in the morning, I thought I should give you guys a heads up on what it going on in Rome. I have been having a hard time getting to sleep the past few nights. Last night I think I only got about two hours of sleep. Instead of laying in bed, I decided to send you guys an email.
Despite the fact that I have been getting such little sleep, the past two days have been awesome. The day before yesterday my class went to visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Pope's Basilica.
There we were given a wonderful tour by a sister who focused on certain aspects of the basilica that pertained to priestly ministry. We then had Holy Mass in the Baptistery of this Basilica. Later that night, we went on a walk through Rome in search of gelatto, Italy's version of ice cream.
Yesterday, we went and visited the Catacombs of Priscilla, a wealthy early Christian who donated her land in order that Christians might be buried there.
It was in these Catacombs that St. Philomena was buried. You guys were very much in my thoughts and prayers as I asked for her intercession. We had Holy Mass down in these Catacombs. I cannot begin to describe how amazing it was to hear the First Eucharistic Prayer in the midst of the burial places of the early Christians.
Later that afternoon, we visited the church of St. Lawrence. It was here the Americans bombed Rome during World War II, destroying large parts of this Church. A monument was set up near the church in honor of Pope Pius XII, who personally went down to this church to aid and comfort the victims of the bombing.
St. Lawrence, St. Stephen, and a priest named St. Justin are buried here, along with Bl. Pope Pius IX. This church also contains the marble slab that St. Lawrence was laid upon after he was burned to death. One can still see the blood stains upon the slab.
Next to the church is an enormous, eight mile cemetery, which contains house-size monuments to the departed of Rome. It was incredible! It is here that the departed priests and seminarians of the Pontifical North American College are buried, including one young man who died of an illness only three months after he arrived in Rome and whose cause is being considered for canonization.
These have been packed and busy days and I am very grateful to God for all that He has been giving me here in Rome. Please pray that He send me a little more sleep. You are all in my prayers and I miss you very much. I love you all. I would like to skype as soon as you guys think it would be alright.
Matthew
God has truly blessed Matthew and our family.
Please continue to keep him in your prayers.
Hey everybody, hope all is well
Even though it is about 1 in the morning, I thought I should give you guys a heads up on what it going on in Rome. I have been having a hard time getting to sleep the past few nights. Last night I think I only got about two hours of sleep. Instead of laying in bed, I decided to send you guys an email.
Despite the fact that I have been getting such little sleep, the past two days have been awesome. The day before yesterday my class went to visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Pope's Basilica.
There we were given a wonderful tour by a sister who focused on certain aspects of the basilica that pertained to priestly ministry. We then had Holy Mass in the Baptistery of this Basilica. Later that night, we went on a walk through Rome in search of gelatto, Italy's version of ice cream.
Yesterday, we went and visited the Catacombs of Priscilla, a wealthy early Christian who donated her land in order that Christians might be buried there.
It was in these Catacombs that St. Philomena was buried. You guys were very much in my thoughts and prayers as I asked for her intercession. We had Holy Mass down in these Catacombs. I cannot begin to describe how amazing it was to hear the First Eucharistic Prayer in the midst of the burial places of the early Christians.
Later that afternoon, we visited the church of St. Lawrence. It was here the Americans bombed Rome during World War II, destroying large parts of this Church. A monument was set up near the church in honor of Pope Pius XII, who personally went down to this church to aid and comfort the victims of the bombing.
St. Lawrence, St. Stephen, and a priest named St. Justin are buried here, along with Bl. Pope Pius IX. This church also contains the marble slab that St. Lawrence was laid upon after he was burned to death. One can still see the blood stains upon the slab.
Next to the church is an enormous, eight mile cemetery, which contains house-size monuments to the departed of Rome. It was incredible! It is here that the departed priests and seminarians of the Pontifical North American College are buried, including one young man who died of an illness only three months after he arrived in Rome and whose cause is being considered for canonization.
These have been packed and busy days and I am very grateful to God for all that He has been giving me here in Rome. Please pray that He send me a little more sleep. You are all in my prayers and I miss you very much. I love you all. I would like to skype as soon as you guys think it would be alright.
Matthew
Matthew's Candidacy Mass
July 10, 2012 Matthew had his candidacy mass with Bishop Cordileone of the Oakland Diocese. During this special rite Matthew had the opportunity to affirm his desire to serve our Lord in His bride the Church.
We were blessed to have Fr. James Moore, Matthew's Confirmation Sponsor, concelebrate at the mass.
The Bishop has requested that Matthew continue his studies at the North American College in Rome. He will be studying at the Gregoriam. He will leave July 15th and fly to Rome and then travel to Sienna to learn Italian for the remainder of the summer. Please continue to keep Matthew in your prayers. May Matthew continue to serve our Lord in whatever may be His will.
We were blessed to have Fr. James Moore, Matthew's Confirmation Sponsor, concelebrate at the mass.
The Bishop has requested that Matthew continue his studies at the North American College in Rome. He will be studying at the Gregoriam. He will leave July 15th and fly to Rome and then travel to Sienna to learn Italian for the remainder of the summer. Please continue to keep Matthew in your prayers. May Matthew continue to serve our Lord in whatever may be His will.
4th of July trip to Mt. Tamalpais....
We enjoyed the views and walking together and spending time with each other for one of our last times as a family.
The trip back was an adventure with lots of winding roads and some car sickness.
Still, it was a wonderful memory of our time together thanking God for the many freedoms we enjoy and often take for granted in our country. May God bless America!
Our trip to Tilden Park
During summer break we have been trying to find fun things for the boys to do that are resonably priced. We went to Tilden park in orinda and road the Train and the Merry go round.
This was John's first time on the train and he enjoyed himself very much.
The exception would be when we entered the tunnel and everyone chose to start screaming.
We did enjoy our day and each others company.
It was a great day!
June Birthdays!
Happy Birthday to Stephen who turned 9 yrs. old this year!
Happy Birthday to Kieran who turned 15 this year!
Where did the time go!
Belt Promotion!!
It was a geat moment for Stephen to be a part of the group advancing. He was attentive and focussed. it was very beneficial for all of the boys to work toward a goal and achieve it with dedication and hard work.
Belt Testing!
This was pretty exciting for both Stephen and Michael. It was their first belt test. Stephen was glad to be a white belt, he was so excitied to have a belt and a gi. So, it did take some convincing to have him go to get tested and try to advance to a higher belt. They were both promoted and we are so proud of them. It has been very beneficial for Stephen. The martial arts classes help him focus, practice self-control, and set goals. I am very glad that the school helps to pay for the classes. It has been such a blessing to have them participate.
Karen Edmisten: Dear First-Year Homeschooling Mom (Yes, You -- the...
Karen Edmisten: Dear First-Year Homeschooling Mom (Yes, You -- the...: I'm writing this to you from my vantage point of twelve years of homeschooling (26, really, if you count the individual years of schooling...
The complimentarity of the Sexes
I saw this video recently and really appreciated this young man's desire to love. It really made me think, however, what kind of a masochist would want to love like that? Who wants to have a "Crucifixion type love?" I know that type of beating and suffering would frighten me, I am not afraid of suffering for my husband or my children or those that I love. I do want to give everything for my beloved and would endure all things for him, but being crucified? It frightens me and I am not sure I could endure it. Then I began to think further of how men and women love. Joe and i have been taking Theology of the Body classes through the Diocese of Oakland as well as marriage preparation courses to help engaged couples who will be married in the Church. We have been learning alot about love and what it means to love. We knew that it was willing the good of the other, and a choice to be made even when you don't feel like it. Yet, when we, as women, want to love do we want to give it all in such a violent and demanding way? I realized that men have that ability. A majority of men in service to their country are in combat positions. Not only because they are the stronger gender, but also because of the ability the male has to protect and defend. And, as a result aren't we all grateful for that? Men have the capacity to give of themselves so completely and women have the God given ability to be the receivers of such a precious gift of love. Now, please don't misunderstand me, I am not saying that women are not capable of giving love in such a complete and selfless manner as this poet describes. No, not at all women's love for men, husbands, children, family is also life-giving and overwhelming, look at childbirth for example. Yet, I would characterize the love that I want to have for him, my husband, as the love that the Blessed Mother demonstrated through Calvary and at the foot of the cross. She had the love that could called her to withstand all suffering she witnessed. She had the "kinda love" that would not abandon her son, would pray and support Him in His agonizing journey to Calvary. Our Lady demonstrated the type of love that does not recoil when threatened or become overly dramatic when danger is eminent. The Blessed Virgin Mary was silent at the foot of the cross and listened to the words of giving when her son Jesus entrusted her care to his beloved disciple John. She received His gift love, enduring her own painful trials in watching her only son be tortured and die. She received His love and loved others in a more complete way because of that gift. That love is what I want to be for my husband, my lover, my friend. Not only because it is a more perfect love, not thinking of myself but of what he needs. But most importantly it is the love that does not have expectations, because those "expectations" can be predetermined hatred. Rather, in our differences so perfectly created by God, I need to demonstrate my respect and admiration for my spouse. My total gift of self in love. We as women, don't we really want someone who will love us with that kind of perseverance and total commitment? Of course we do. Therefore, we as a society, men and women, need to make a conscious effort to appreciate more fully the differences of men and women, especially when it comes to loving our spouses. We need to embrace it, celebrate it, but most importantly perfect that kind of love that Our Lord and Our Lady demonstrated at the cross and try to live that out in the crosses of our daily lives. Thank you for letting me preach a bit about love and I ask for your prayers for young people learning how to love today in a confusing and dark period of time as well as for couples preparing for marriage and life-long love. May God continue to Bless you and keep you!
Update on the Murray Family...
I know it has been a long time since I have written anything about the family, and it has been awhile since I have written anything on the blog. So many things are going on with the family it is very difficult to find any time to do anything other than meals, school, activities and prayer. Not in that order of course.
The family is doing very well. The boys ( Michael, Stephen, Joseph, and Thomas) are very busy with school, martial arts and church activities. It seems we always have somewhere to go and we are rushing to get all it all in. They are happy, and growing and maturing every day. Fulton and John Mary are the busy boys who get into all kinds of mayhem. They enjoy each others company and love to play together. Unless one or the other has a toy they cannot share. Kieran, Thomas, and Joseph are working hard in school and looking forward to it's completion in just a few weeks. They are all Squires with the Knights of Columbus, busy with Martial, altar serving and Kieran is involved with Youth group at the Parish. There is so much socialization happening at times it is very hard to squeeze school in between the driving around.
Claire is doing phenomenal - Praise God! - she just had her feeding tube removed because she is eating better and maintaining weight. Although she should weigh much more, it was time to have it removed and she is so glad to have it gone. She works weekly on her blog about the Giants and would love to have more readers so please let her know you are following her insights. Sheila has been working many hours lately, she has been able to purchase a car with the help of her grandparents and uncle, she is taking a class and will continue through the summer. She wants to be able to pay for school herself rather than rely on school debt. Joe and I are so proud of her initiative, hard work and perseverance. Finally, Matthew has completed his second year at seminary and has graduated with a BA in Philosophy. We are the parents of a College graduate. Boy, do we feel old, it truly is amazing to realize our oldest is now moving on to post graduate work as he prepares to become a Catholic priest. Proud and blessed are just a few of the words to describe how we feel about Matthew and his vocation. They do not accurately reveal however the grace that his presence has had on the Murray clan and everyone that he comes in contact with, Thanks be to God. Joe is plugging along at work. He has been there for over two years and like most of his employers they love him there. Truly, what is not to love!
Currently Joe and I have been blessed to be a part of the Diocesan program for Marriage Preparation. The wonderful Desimone couple has been patiently working with us and we are so grateful to them for their leadership; as well as their gift to marriage to those they instruct as well as those who come into their presence. I love being a part of their class because I gain so much insight on how to be a better wife to my husband, the Desimone's have graced us with so much valuable information I could never adequately thank them for all of the blessings they have given us.
I hope to have more updates about Matthew and his plans in future posts. But I ask for your continued prayers and thank God for his Blessings! God Bless you.
The family is doing very well. The boys ( Michael, Stephen, Joseph, and Thomas) are very busy with school, martial arts and church activities. It seems we always have somewhere to go and we are rushing to get all it all in. They are happy, and growing and maturing every day. Fulton and John Mary are the busy boys who get into all kinds of mayhem. They enjoy each others company and love to play together. Unless one or the other has a toy they cannot share. Kieran, Thomas, and Joseph are working hard in school and looking forward to it's completion in just a few weeks. They are all Squires with the Knights of Columbus, busy with Martial, altar serving and Kieran is involved with Youth group at the Parish. There is so much socialization happening at times it is very hard to squeeze school in between the driving around.
Claire is doing phenomenal - Praise God! - she just had her feeding tube removed because she is eating better and maintaining weight. Although she should weigh much more, it was time to have it removed and she is so glad to have it gone. She works weekly on her blog about the Giants and would love to have more readers so please let her know you are following her insights. Sheila has been working many hours lately, she has been able to purchase a car with the help of her grandparents and uncle, she is taking a class and will continue through the summer. She wants to be able to pay for school herself rather than rely on school debt. Joe and I are so proud of her initiative, hard work and perseverance. Finally, Matthew has completed his second year at seminary and has graduated with a BA in Philosophy. We are the parents of a College graduate. Boy, do we feel old, it truly is amazing to realize our oldest is now moving on to post graduate work as he prepares to become a Catholic priest. Proud and blessed are just a few of the words to describe how we feel about Matthew and his vocation. They do not accurately reveal however the grace that his presence has had on the Murray clan and everyone that he comes in contact with, Thanks be to God. Joe is plugging along at work. He has been there for over two years and like most of his employers they love him there. Truly, what is not to love!
Currently Joe and I have been blessed to be a part of the Diocesan program for Marriage Preparation. The wonderful Desimone couple has been patiently working with us and we are so grateful to them for their leadership; as well as their gift to marriage to those they instruct as well as those who come into their presence. I love being a part of their class because I gain so much insight on how to be a better wife to my husband, the Desimone's have graced us with so much valuable information I could never adequately thank them for all of the blessings they have given us.
I hope to have more updates about Matthew and his plans in future posts. But I ask for your continued prayers and thank God for his Blessings! God Bless you.
Happy Birthday Matthew!!
Life on the Rock - 3-29-12 - Youth 2000 (aka Pan de Vida Retreat in California)
This is so exciting!! YOUTH 2000/ Pan de Vida Retreat was on Life on the Rock. Father Mark, Suzie Fusco, Father Conrad, and Brother Crispin do an incredible job describing the retreat and the benefits the young people experience from participating.
I know the benefits of this retreat, I see it so often, yet to watch it on television and witness the hope that all the adults on that panel experience as result of the future Church's participation on the weekend is indescribable. I am so grateful to God for the EWTN program and the great work they do.
Praise be Jesus Christ, Now and forever!!!
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