There has been and is on-going much study and meditation on my part to digest the true meaning of catholicism in this life. Credit must be given to involvment with Our Savior Church, the daily mass participants and our enthusiastic teacher-pastor. Possibly because retirement, since 2000, offers a different time frame for philosophical pursuits. In the past, beginning with elementary school, Sacred Heart Parish, West Reading, Pa., the learning of catechism prevailed. Working in the world in many jobs -- white collar work - university-based jobs - graduation as a licensed Occupational Therapist; marriage and family formation (3 sons); on-going course work; Masters degree in Liberal Studies- these were the mental pursuits. Activity in the Church of the Assumption, Centereach, L.I., N.Y. encompassed teaching of religion to learning-impaired along with full-time services with nursing homes and Cerebral Palsy rehab. center.

Later, working for Sachem School District with children with varied learning problems. My home was a short distance from The Cenacle of Ronkonkoma where I met my spiritual director, Sister Alice McConville and where I enrolled in various spiritual programs to assist my faith walk. Thus, the years unfolded until the year 2006, when my husband and I re-located to Mobile, Al.

Much time has elapsed since I first decided to have a blog - this year is the 4th year of our move to Mobile. Our granddaughters are now 7 years and soon to be 9 years: Lauren & Jessica. Their talents are emerging. As a grandma, I have taken on the role of piano teacher with a most promising student in Lauren. Jessica is so involved in sports. Swimming meets & gymnastics are her forte; she has accumulated many trophies. Jessica has also been learning things of the spiritual life, receiving her first Holy Communion this past May.

The Easter Season

RCIA: The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. I attended a seminar in October which clued me in the salient points of this spiritual look at one's life. It is set up for those individuals who have a nudge to look more deeply at their life's path - in this instance, following a Roman Catholic theology. I found that not only does the role of sponsor contribute to the seeker (candidate or ecumenin) but also can act as a guide to the sponsor in enlarging his/her spiritual journey.

The Family Gathers....

We are all scattered now. And since Oz and I re-located to the Gulf Coast from L.I., NY, get-togethers tend to be annual events. All at different life stages. The youngest of our little group is 6 years, the oldest is 80 years. Economic times also have created confusion to lifestyles. Optimism runs high, however. Our philosophies vary - spiritually set within a well-established ritual to a hesitancy of choice and a reluctance to embrace a spiritual format. Love is there always and makes 'coming home' a comfort.