Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Holy Spirit Prayer Group

Tonight was an amazing night! I went to the Holy Spirit prayer group at St. Thomas More, and something happened that I have never seen before.

We were in the middle of praying for our good friend Brian, and all of a sudden I heard a noise by the door. With my eyes still shut, I turn my head so that it was facing the door, and I could see a figure standing there. I opened my eyes and nothing was there, then I shut my eyes and I saw an angel.

It was a tall male figure (had to be just under 7 feet tall), dressed in white (with battle attire on). His shoulders where very broad (almost like a football player). He stood strong and just looked straight a head with a spear in his hand. He didn't say anything, but the #7 kept coming to my mind.

Then as soon as we started to pray the "Our Father" he just disappeared through the door.

Before he appeared, I really felt the Holy Spirit come upon me, and as soon as he left, it was as if the Holy Spirit left too. But every time I picture him, the Spirit returns!

Video for March 31

Update with Catholics at Liberty







Hey everyone!

I hope you all have had a great week last week! Mine was a lot of fun (mostly this past weekend)!

There wasn't to much going on throughout the week. I just spent a lot of time with friends and doing homework. The majority of last week was spent on a retreat call "Encounter With Christ".

I have attached a few pictures of the weekend, and if you want to know how the weekend went, you can go to: http://christopherosgood.blogspot.com/2009/03/encounter-with-christ-165.html

And if you wouldn't mind praying for me as I am trying to finish up these last 6 weeks of classes, and for further discernment!

Also, don't forget, if you are in or around the Lynchburg area May 8th, I am having a graduation party at St. Thomas More from 5-8 pm. You are all invited!!!

In Christ,
Chris Osgood

Monday, March 30, 2009

Encounter With Christ 165!!!







Well, I am now on my 4th day!

I have been on a retreat called "Encounter With Christ" from last Thursday-Sunday. And what an experience!

From the time I first got there, you could really feel the presence of the Lord! I made a lot of great Catholic friends (something you really need while attending Liberty).

There were a lot of great talks given, games played, inside jokes, and great friendships made. The first night I was there, I joked around about how I can't sleep unless someone tucks me in, and before I knew it, one of the guys from Radford (Matt) came over and tucked me in. I'm not going to lie, I was a little freaked out at first because I didn't think anyone would do it, but, that became the start of a great friendship!

I became very close with my group (Fr. G's Animal Farm) as we would reflect and talk with each other about what was on our minds.

We performed a few skits, went to Mass, had Morning and Evening Prayer, Confession and time for silent reflection.

There really isn't much more I can say about this, except that I was able to meet Christ through all of these great Catholic Students! I really needed this weekend, and I didn't know how much I needed it, until I got back to Liberty!

What are these extra books in the Bible?

Patrick Madrid does a great job talking about these 7 extra books that Catholics have in their Bibles. Check out the link bellow.

Patrick Madrid: 5 Myths About 7 Books

What a weekend!!!

It is now 5:30 and I have just gotten back to Liberty from what an amazing weekend (that started on Thursday night).

I am going to take a much needed shower (from working on a house last night), and then do some homework.

Sorry for the late update, but it will be up tonight!!!

Monday the 30th

This man is one of the best at getting right to the point of explaining the Scriptures for today.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Saturday, March 28, 2009

What has happened since Lent 09?

This video shows what has happened throughout this season of Lent. Just about all of it is bad. But it really does make us wonder "Where is God?"

OR! Does it make us REPENT because we now know that we NEED God and we can't do it all on our own?

You make the decision:

Is He NOWHERE?

Or NOW HERE?

Friday, March 27, 2009

Tenth Station: Jesus clothes are taken away

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
All: Because by your holy cross You have redeemed the world.

The soldiers notice you have something of value. They remove your cloak and throw dice for it. Your wounds are torn open once again. Some of the people in the crowd make fun of you. They tease you and challenge you to perform a miracle for them to see. They're not aware that you'll perform the greatest miracle of all!

As a child, sometimes I'm tempted to repeat stories I know are unclean and disrespectful. I sometimes try to act grown up by using crude and bad words.

As an adult, sometimes I repeat stories that are disrespectful of others. I can entertain thoughts that are not clean. Sometimes I give the young people around me a bad example to follow.

Help me to keep myself pure and clean. Help me say things that build up the people around me. Help me overcome worldly desires that I may become more like Jesus. Help me set a good example for others to follow.

My Jesus, stripped of Thy garments and drenched with gall, strip me of love for things of earth, and make me loathe all that savors of the world and sin.

Our Father.... Hail Mary.... Glory be to the Father....

Leader: Jesus Christ Crucified.
All: Have mercy on Us.
Leader: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in peace.
All: Amen.

Ninth Station: Jesus falls a third time

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
All: Because by your holy cross You have redeemed the world.

Jesus, your journey has been long. You fall again, beneath your cross. You know your journey is coming to an end. You struggle and struggle. You get up and keep going.

As a child, sometimes I fail time and time again. I find it hard to get along with my sisters and brothers, sometimes I'm not honest, sometimes I'm lazy. I'm tempted to stop trying. It's just too hard sometimes.

As an adult, I often feel I should have conquered my weaknesses by now. I become discouraged when I'm confronted by the same problems over and over again. Sometimes I get weary. When I have health problems, I can become discouraged and depressed.

Help me think of the cross you carried. Help me continue to hope that I can make the changes in my life I need to. You didn't give up. I can have the strength to get up again as well.

My Jesus, by all the bitter woes Thou didst endure when for the third time the heavy cross bowed Thee to the earth, never, I beseech Thee, let me fall again into sin. Ah, my Jesus, rather let me die than ever offend Thee again.

Our Father.... Hail Mary.... Glory be to the Father....

Leader: Jesus Christ Crucified.
All: Have mercy on Us.
Leader: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in Peace.

All: Amen.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Gone for the weekend!

Well, I am off to a retreat for the Campus Ministries in the Richmond Diocese. It is called Encounter with Christ. I have never been, but everyone I talk to says that it is really good. So I am looking forward to it!

Pray for us!

A video for Lent

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Feast of Annunciation!!!

Today is the Feast of Annunciation!!! What a great day to celebrate during this time of Lent.


The real video for the 9 steps to be financially free!!!

If you do these 9 steps, you will be financially free! It isn't going to be easy, but in these times, it could really help everyone!!!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Video for Lent

Today's video shows how Jesus wants to help us and give us life, but do we want it?


Monday, March 23, 2009

I almost forgot

I am really upset that I almost missed today's Lent reflection. This is a great video!!!


Working Out

What a work-out. I am trying to get in shape with my friends for our upcoming beach trip (May 23-30).

We are all really pushing each other and it is proving to be very tough. But, in the end, we will all be in the best shapes of our lives for the beach!!!

Charleston, SC, HERE WE COME!!!

Sunday, March 22, 2009

A week at Liberty University




Greetings from Liberty!

Well, I have finally managed to make it back to Liberty after being away for two Sundays. But I feel like I am on another Spring Break!

On Tuesday (St. Patrick's Day), I went to my classes and it seemed as if it was anti-Catholic day. All of my professors were really putting me on the spot in my classes and putting down the Catholic Church (they knew I am Catholic). https://webmail.liberty.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=e7eef3caff304020b4aadefa53dc998a&URL=http%3a%2f%2fchristopherosgood.blogspot.com%2f2009%2f03%2fis-today-anti-catholic-day.html

Then on Wed. night I went to the dinner we have (we moved it to the Church) but only three students showed up.

On Thursday I found out I was in the middle of a second spring break!!! https://webmail.liberty.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=e7eef3caff304020b4aadefa53dc998a&URL=http%3a%2f%2fchristopherosgood.blogspot.com%2f2009%2f03%2fspring-break-2.html

Friday I went on a retreat with the Catholic group from Lynchburg College and had a great time with them! We had a big bon-fire and told some scary stories (I had the scariest, but I can't tell what it is. In fact, I think I have to go to confession because of it). (Pictures are attached).

Then on Saturday I went with Deacon Cartwright to the prison again. This time was one of the most moving times I have seen yet (one of the men told us a little bit about him). https://webmail.liberty.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=e7eef3caff304020b4aadefa53dc998a&URL=http%3a%2f%2fchristopherosgood.blogspot.com%2f2009%2f03%2fprison-ministry-4.html

PRAYER REQUESTS/PRAISES:

  • PRAISE: My Great Aunt is doing better! For those of you who don't know, she had a big part in my conversion!
  • Pray for the students here and for the new leadership.
  • Pray for the man that shared with us at the prison and for his mother.

In Him through Mary,
Chris Osgood

Prison Ministry #4

I know I say this every time I go, but it really does get better and better each time!

Deacon Cartwright gave an excellent homily on how we must come out of darkness and our sin and come into the light and do great things for Christ! From there he went on to explain to us that when he started the prison ministry (I think he said 15 years ago) there were only three men that came. But, because of the life they lived in prison, other men started to come and it has really grown.

After his homily there was a man from Mexico who said a few things. It was really touching because he told us how his mother is really sick and is still in Mexico. He hasn't seen her in 12 or 15 years (I believe). He asked for us to pray that his mother will still be alive when he gets out of prison in 2017.

It was really an emotional night and we could just feel the spirit move!

Today's Gospel Reading

Today's Gospel is from Jn 3:14-21:

When I was a Baptist, we would not really look at John 3:14-15 or 17-21. We would only look at John 3:16.

But what about the rest of these verses? Are they not as important than the 16th one? Of course not! In fact, John 3:16 is nothing without the rest of these.

Throughout this passage, we see why Christ has come to earth. We see that He died for ALL of mankind. We also can see that we must believe in Christ to have this eternal life (this is all great for a Baptist).

But is that all that is said here? Not at all. It goes on to say that we as Christians must leave this darkness that we are living in and step into the light! We cannot only believe, but we must also live it out so that others can see what God is doing through us!

When I went to the seminary last weekend, there were 11 guys (including myself) who came for Welcome Weekend. Before the weekend started, many of us thought that we were pretty good guys and would make alright priests. Well, at the end of the weekend we all thought that were no-body and that we are unworthy to become a priest. Why would God choose us?

What happened was that we have been living in darkness and then when we went to the seminary, we came into the light!

What would happen to you if you came into the light? Let's live this life for Christ!

Saturday, March 21, 2009

He spends $450 of $700 paycheck feeding hungry

JACKSON HEIGHTS, New York (CNN) -- Every day, unemployed men gather under the elevated 7 train in Jackson Heights, Queens. Many of them are homeless. All of them are hungry.

Jorge Munoz estimates he has served more than 70,000 free meals since 2004.

At around 9:30 each night, relief comes in the form of Jorge Munoz's white pickup truck, filled with hot food, coffee and hot chocolate.

The men eagerly accept containers of chicken and rice from Munoz, devouring the food on the spot. Quiet gratitude radiates from the crowd.

For many, this is their only hot meal of the day; for some, it's the first food they've eaten since last night.

"I thank God for touching that man's heart," says Eduardo, one of the regulars.

Watching Munoz, 44, distribute meals and offer extra cups of coffee, it's clear he's passionate about bringing food to hungry people. For more than four years, Munoz and his family have been feeding those in need seven nights a week, 365 days a year. To date, he estimates he's served more than 70,000 meals. Watch Munoz describe how his work is a family affair »

Word of his mobile soup kitchen has spread, and people of all backgrounds and status now join the largely-Hispanic crowd surrounding his truck -- Egyptians, Chinese, Ethiopians, South Asians, white and black Americans and a British man who lost his job.

"I'll help anyone who needs to eat. Just line up," Munoz says.

And at a time when food banks are struggling to keep up with skyrocketing demand, he's never been needed more. But for Munoz, a school bus driver by day, this work is a labor of love.
Don't Miss

"When I see these guys on the street," he says, "it's like seeing me, 20-something years ago when I came to this country."

Munoz was born in Colombia and his father died in an accident when he was young. When his mother found it difficult to support Munoz and his sister, she made her way to New York, finding work in Brooklyn as a nanny. At her urging, Munoz followed in her footsteps, coming to the United States in the 1980s.

"She said this was a better future for us," he says.

Munoz obtained legal residency in 1987 and later became a citizen, along with his mother and sister. He never stood on a street corner to find work, but as an immigrant, he identifies with many of the men he feeds.

Munoz began his unorthodox meal program -- now his nonprofit, An Angel in Queens -- in the summer of 2004. Friends told him about large amounts of food being thrown away at their jobs. At first, he collected leftovers from local businesses and handed out brown bag lunches to underprivileged men three nights a week. Within a few months, Munoz and his mother were preparing 20 home-cooked meals daily.

Numbers gradually increased over the years to 35 per night, then 60. In recent months, that number has jumped to as many as 140 meals a night.

Sustaining this endeavor consumes most of his life. To his mother's dismay, his family's Woodhaven home is bursting with goods related to this work. An oversize freezer takes up most of the dining room, and the porch is lined with canned food and paper products.

Daily operations now run like a well-oiled machine. Munoz gets up around 5:00 a.m. to drive his bus route, and he calls home on his breaks to see how the cooking is going. When he gets home around 5:30 p.m. -- often stopping to pick up food donations -- he helps pack up meals before heading out to "his corner" in Jackson Heights.

"He comes here without fail," says one of the men. "It could be cold, it could be really hot, but he's here." Watch Munoz in action in Queens, New York »

On Saturdays he takes the men breakfast, and on Sundays -- his "day off" -- he brings them
ham-and-cheese sandwiches. It's a relentless schedule, but either Munoz or his sister does it every night of the year.

"If I don't go, I'm going to feel bad," he says. "I know they're going to be waiting for me."
With the economic downturn, donations have slowed as the crowds awaiting Munoz's arrival have grown. But he is determined to do all he can to meet their needs.

Munoz estimates that food and gas cost approximately $400 to 450 a week; he and his family are funding the operation through their savings and his weekly $700 paycheck.

Asked why he spends so much time to help people he doesn't know, he answers, "I have a stable job, my mom, my family, a house... everything I want, I have. And these guys [don't]. So I just think, 'OK, I have the food.' At least for today they're going to have a meal to eat."

Great song for Lent!

This is a great song with an awesome message to help us throughout the rest of this Lenten season.


Lent

Friday, March 20, 2009

FREE CARS!!!

How would you like to get a new car every 5 years for free? It sounds like a scam but just watch this video. You will only have to pay for one car and then free cars FOREVER!!! As long as you do it right.


VOTE FOR ME!!!

You should all vote for me in the Blogger's Choice Awards!!!

I have been nominated for Best Blog About Stuff.


My site was nominated for Best Blog About Stuff!

PRAISE!!!

Thank you everyone who has been praying for my Great Aunt Mary, she is back home now and is recovering. Her son Jon is there with her, and she is doing great!

This really means a lot to me, because she had a HUGE part in my coming into the Catholic Church.

Thank you again!!!

It should be a fun weekend!

It is already turning out to be a great 2nd Spring Break!

I stayed the night at my friend's house last night and watched the Office (while I wrote a paper). Then we watched some movie (can't say cause the rating is higher than PG-13, so I don't want to get kicked out of school lol).

So today I am finishing up my info packet for working at the pool this summer. Then I will be leading Stations of the Cross tonight at Lynchburg College and after that, the Catholic students from LC and I are going on an overnight retreat!

Then tomorrow night I will be going to the prison for prison ministry. I am really looking forward to this because I haven't been there the last two times.

Eighth Station: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
All: Because by your holy cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus, as you carry your cross you see a group of women along the road. As you pass by you see they are sad. You stop to spend a moment with them, to offer them some encouragement. Although you are have been abandoned by your friends and are in pain, you stop and try to help them.
As a child, sometimes I think a lot about myself. I think about what I want and would like people to spend their lives pleasing me.
As an adult, sometimes I act like a child. I become so absorbed in myself and what I'd like that I forget about the needs of others. I take them for granted, and often ignore their needs.
Help me think more about others. Help me remembers that others have problems, too.Help me respond to them even when I'm busy or preoccupied with my own problems.
My Jesus, Who didst comfort the pious women of Jerusalem who wept to see Thee bruised and torn, comfort my soul with Thy tender pity, for in Thy pity lies my trust. May my heart ever answer Thine.
Our Father.... Hail Mary.... Glory be to the Father....
Leader: Jesus Christ Crucified.
All: Have Mercy on Us.
Leader: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in peace.
All: Amen.

Seventh Station: Jesus falls the second time


Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.

All: Because by your holy cross You have redeemed the world.

This is the second time you have fallen on the road. As the cross grows heavier and heavier it becomes more difficult to get up. But you continue to struggle and try until you're up and walking again. You don't give up.

As a child, sometimes things get me down. Others seem to find things easier to do or to learn. Each time I fail, I find it harder to keep trying.

As an adult, sometimes I think I should know more than I do. I become impatient with myself and find it hard to believe in myself when I fail. It is easy to despair over small things, and sometimes I do.

Help me when things seem difficult for me. Even when it's hard, help me get up and keep trying as you did. Help me do my best without comparing myself with others.

My Jesus, often have I sinned and often, by sin, beaten Thee to the ground beneath the cross. Help me to use the efficacious means of grace that I may never fall again.

Our Father.... Hail Mary.... Glory be to the Father....

Leader: Jesus Christ Crucified.
All: Have Mercy on Us.
Leader: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in peace.

All: Amen.

Spring break #2?

You have got to be kidding me! I only have Tuesday and Thursday classes and so I come back from Spring break on Monday. Then go to my three Tuesday classes and do the homework. But then today, I find out my classes were canceled!

Well, since I don't have any classes today, then that means I am on another week of Spring Break!!! No classes till next Tuesday!

PS: How do you start off Spring Break #2? By renting a condo/apartment on the beach for the summer!

I was having lunch after class on Tuesday with my friend Jon, and I told him I thought it would be cool to go to the beach this summer as one last get together. And well, his girlfriend made a phone call to her parents, and we have a condo right on the beach in SC!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Lent Prayer

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, as we celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph, we ask that you grace us with his patience and his persistence this Lenten season.

Written by:
Patrick Snyder

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

The Deacon's Bench: 48 days without food: one priest's Lenten fast

The Deacon's Bench: 48 days without food: one priest's Lenten fast

Vocation ad!!!

So there actually is an ad for vocations. We need more!!!


Prayer for Lent #4

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your goodness and glory in our lives. As we travel through this journey of Lent, allow us to use our knowledge and wisdom to listen to Your words. Help guide our actions and help us to remember the ways You taught the one's who have taught us. May we follow in Your footsteps to the ways You have set before us, and to help teach others about Your wisdom and love. Let us keep Your commandments in mind and allow us to act according to the person You made us to be. We ask this in Your name.

Amen.

Written by:
Jessica Pellgrino

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

St. Patrick Prayer for Lent

St. Patrick's Prayer

I bind to myself this day the power of God to guide me, the might of God to uphold me, the wisdom of God to teach me, the eye of God to watch over me, the ear of God to hear me, the word of God to give me speech, the hand of God to protect me, the shield of God to shelter me, the host of God to defend me against evil, against the lust of nature, against every person who meditates injury to me, whether far or near, whether alone or with many.

I have invoked all these virtues against every hostile, savage power warring upon my body and soul, against the evil laws of paganism, against the false laws of heresy, against the false promises of idolatry and against all knowledge which blinds the soul of humanity.

Amen

Is today anti-Catholic day?

So I am at the computer lab right now waiting for my last class of the day to start (computer class). But already in my Life of Christ class and New Testament Backgrounds, they were really bashing the Catholic Church.

Life of Christ: was talking about John 6 and communion. I didn't say much because I know they don't believe it is the Body and Blood, but I did defend the Catholic view point when I was asked to.

NT Backgrounds: was putting down the idea of Bishops and saying that the Catholic Church made it up and that it is way out there. I just kept my mouth shut on this one, but I did ask, "What then were the Apostles?" And the response I got was, "They are Apostles, which is different from the Bishops and Elders."

I think they are just upset because it is a great Catholic day and they can't celebrate the fullness of it.

Monday, March 16, 2009

I'm sorry

There may not be any posts up for the next few days.  I am back at school and have left my laptop cable back at home.  So until they mail it to me, I may not be able to post anything.  I will do my best to keep up the lent posts from the computer lab, but we'll see.

Now this is a great question

For all the priests out there, think about asking this question in your Easter Homily (for the people who only come on Easter).




If you aren't coming to Mass, and not fully practicing your faith, then what do you get out of giving something up for Lent?

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Spring break is over

Greetings from Dayton still,

I am lucky not to have any Monday classes, so I get to spend a little more time at home (with my niece who is in bed right now).

It has been an eventful week. With some very great news!

On Monday I got the results of my psychological exam for the seminary: http://christopherosgood.blogspot.com/2009/03/my-psychological-testing-results.html If you are interested in seeing how crazy I am.

Then I was blessed to help out Fr. Ron at St. Henry's Parish with their Stations of the Cross (for vocations).

On Wednesday, I went with Fr. Ron to a nursing home to help/watch him with the Mass. It was very nice to see the people there, and I could tell that they greatly appreciated it.

Thursday night I found out that my Great Aunt was in the hospital (she is doing much better now, but still keep her in your prayers).

Friday was the BIG DAY!!! I had my final interview at the seminary and then attended Welcome Weekend with around 11 other men who are either discerning or in the application process. We also had a chance to meet with Arch-bishop Schnurr (I didn't have a chance to take any pictures this week, sorry). But also on Friday I was approved to enter the seminary!!! For more on this weekend: http://christopherosgood.blogspot.com/2009/03/welcome-weekend.html

Other than all of that, I have just spent time with my family (mostly my niece).

In Christ,
Chris Osgood

Welcome Weekend

What a weekend! On Friday I had my final interview at the seminary with the Rector, Academic Dean and the Formation Director. After the interview I was informed that I was accepted for this fall (as long as I graduate from Liberty).

After the interview, Fr. Kyle showed me around the old (former) seminary. It was beautiful, but I enjoy the new seminary (Mt. St. Mary's of the West) a lot better. After the trip, we came back to the seminary and did stations of the cross and evening prayer. We then waited for the rest of the men to arrive for Welcome Weekend. We had around 11 guys come for the weekend!

On Friday night we met with Fr. Smith (the Rector) and Fr. Kyle (Vocation Director). We also had a Holy Hour and then had a chance to meet with some of the seminarians and then with the Arch-bishop (Schnurr). It was great to meet him and be see some friends from the past times I have gone to visit the seminary.

On Saturday we had a lot of meetings with the staff and seminarians. We also spent a lot of time in prayer, along with attending Mass.

Overall it was a great weekend, and it was very nice to meet some of my potential classmates!

Please pray for us!

Sorry it's late

Sorry for the late post today for the Lent reflection. It has been a very busy weekend at the seminary!


Saturday, March 14, 2009

We need Christ!!!

Let us be reminded that we need Christ all day every day. Especially during this great season of Lent!

It is Him that we have hope in! It is He whom we believe in! It is Him that has saved us!

Let us draw and become closer to Christ our Savior during this time, and prepare for the Crucifixion and Resurrection.


Friday, March 13, 2009

Sixth Station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
All: Because by your holy cross You have redeemed the world.

Jesus, suddenly a woman comes out of the crowd. Her name is Veronica. You can see how she cares for you as she takes a cloth and begins to wipe the blood and sweat from your face. She can't do much, but she offers what little help she can.

As a child, sometimes I know someone could use a little help and understanding. They may be picked on or teased by others, or just sad or lonely. Sometimes I feel bad that others don't step in to help, but I don't help either.

As an adult, I notice the needs around me. Sometimes my own family members crave my attention, and I don't even seem to notice. Sometimes a co-worker, friend, or family member could use help or understanding, but I don't reach out to help lest I be criticized, or that they demand more of me than I'd like to give.

My tender Jesus, Who didst deign to print Thy sacred face upon the cloth with which Veronica wiped the sweat from off Thy brow, print in my soul deep, I pray Thee, the lasting memory of Thy bitter pains.

Our Father.... Hail Mary.... Glory be to the Father....

Leader: Jesus Christ Crucified.
All: Have mercy on Us.
Leader: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in peace.
All: Amen.

Fifth Station: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry his cross


Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.

All: Because by your holy cross You have redeemed the world.

Jesus, the soldiers are becoming impatient. This is taking longer than they wanted it to. They are afraid you won't make it to the hill where you will be crucified. As you grow weaker, they grab a man out of the crowd and make him help carry your cross. He was just watching what was happening, but all of a sudden he is helping you carry your cross.

As a child, sometimes I see people who need my help. Sometimes I pretend not to hear when my parents call me. I disappear when I know others could use my help.

As an adult, sometimes I try to do as little as I can and still get by. Others might need my help, but I ignore their needs. Even when I'm asked to help, I sometimes claim to be too busy.

My Jesus, blest, thrice blest was he who aided Thee to bear the cross. Blest too shall I be if I aid Thee to bear the cross, by patiently bowing my neck to the crosses Thou shalt send me during life. My Jesus, give me grace to do so.
Our Father.... Hail Mary.... Glory be to the Father....

Leader: Jesus Christ Crucified.
All: Have mercy on Us.
Leader: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in peace.
All: Amen.

It's going to be a big day!

Today is going to be a big day. I will be at the seminary all day going through my final interviews for the priesthood! After the interviews, I will be staying the night there with other men who are discerning the priesthood and possible will be entering this fall. The weekend is called Welcome Weekend http://www.cincinnativocations.org/frm032709.php.

Please pray for me and the other men that will be attending Welcome Weekend!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Why do we fast during Lent?

This video is by Father Mark Brummel, Director of the National Shrine of St. Jude.


Wednesday, March 11, 2009

My psychological testing results

For the Arch-diocese of Cincinnati, they require all of the men who apply for the priesthood to take a psychological evaluation.

I took mine during Thanksgiving break of last year, and because I have been away at school, I have not been able to get my results till this past Monday. And it was somewhat surprising to me, but at the same time it made a lot of since.

These are just the highlights:

The positives:
  1. I like to help/nurture others
  2. I love children
  3. I am very smart
  4. I am in the process of changing to a better side of me
  5. I am honest
  6. I get a long with almost everyone
  7. I am a leader

The negatives:

  1. I don't like authority
  2. I am immature
  3. I am angry
  4. I am an underachiever
  5. I could be an alcoholic
  6. I am paranoid (I care what people think of me)
  7. I have issues with my past

The ones that surprised me:

  1. I am smart (I thought I was at an 8 grade level. No excuses now.)
  2. I could be an alcoholic (I don't drink that much, only a few when I am home on breaks.)
  3. I am angry (I guess I can see this, but I never noticed it, because I am a happy guy.)

So these are just the highlights of my test results. They also said that I would be somewhat happy as a minister, but very happy as a politician (which is interesting because I have always wanted to run for President in 2028).

Repent for Lent

Don't forget to go to confession during this season of Lent!


Tuesday, March 10, 2009

What Lent is all about

This Franciscan Priest helps explain to us what Lent is about and why we celebrate it!


Monday, March 9, 2009

40 Days of Fasting

This is one reason why we fast during 40 days of Lent:


Update for Catholics at Liberty


Greetings from Dayton, OH!!!

I am now back home and on spring break! It has already been a great few days being at home (watching my 15 month old niece).

This past week there hasn't been much going on. I went down to Danville to help Josh get his new house ready so his family could move into it yesterday.

Other than that I have done a lot of homework so I can enjoy my spring break and spend time with the family.

On Friday afternoon I went with Fr. Ron to shadow him at the hospital (this way I could get an incite on this particular ministry) https://webmail.liberty.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=a9eb2b4b895e4cfb95cfdb0ce9a4dc2e&URL=http%3a%2f%2fchristopherosgood.blogspot.com%2f2009%2f03%2fhospital-ministry.html. Then last night my family and I went to dinner and celebrated my dad's birthday. Pictures are attached.

Other than that not to much has happened. During this upcoming week I will be spending most of my time in the final steps of the application process with the Arch-diocese of Cincinnati, so please continue to pray for me!

Prayer requests:

Eric who is the grandson of friend's of mine. He passed out while playing basketball and was rushed to the hospital and they found 4 blood clots and it is very serious.

For our Church, we are in the beginning stages of facing some really hard persecution.

For me as I am finishing up the application process for the seminary.

PS: I will be graduating on Saturday May 9th. And if anyone is in Lynchburg, VA or around the area on Friday May 8th, I would love for you to come to my graduation party!

In Christ,
Chris Osgood

Sunday, March 8, 2009

A video from the USCCB

This is a video from the USCCB for the readings today.


Saturday, March 7, 2009

Vocation Commercial!!!

I found this video on http://salesianity.blogspot.com/

And I wanted to share it with you, because this would be a great Vocation Commercial!!!

Today's Gospel reading March 7

Gospel
Mt 5:43-48

Jesus said to his disciples: "You have heard that it was said,You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers and sisters only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect."
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In today's Gospel we see that Jesus tells us to love our enemy's. It is very interesting that Jesus would tell us to do such a thing. Many of us would probably think that this is impossible. But is it really?

We can see that Christ loved His enemy's all throughout His life. He had dinner with them, He was crucified by them (yet still prayed for them and forgave them). Not once, did He hate them.

Now many people will say that He was God so He was unable to hate anyone. Ok, but then, why would He tell us to love our enemy's? Would He tell us to do something that we know is impossible?

Throughout this season of Lent, this is one area that I know many of us can work on. We should pray for our enemy's and show love to them. It is our job to share Christ's love with the rest of the world and we can't do that if we are hating the rest of the world.

God sent His Son for ALL!!! And it is up to us to relay the message to them. Yes, that even means the person whom we don't like.

But always start by praying for that person, and also for God to change your heart toward that person.

Hospital Ministry

On Friday afternoon, I went to the hospital with Fr. Ron and shadowed him with hospital ministry. I will say that it was quite the experience.

I had just a small glimpse of the different types of emotions a priest can go through in a day.

We visited a number of different people (some in for surgery and others who will be dying).

All of the visits went well today, but out of all of them, there were two that stood out to me.

1. There is a lady who will not make it past tomorrow, she will be taken off of life-support. This visit was very hard for me because I have never been in this situation. It was sad, but at the same time really cool to know that the Church is there for you in your last hours of life.

2. The last person we visited was in the emergency room and I did not hear what was wrong with her, but the reason why this stuck out to me was because when we started to pray the "Our Father" the lady along with her daughters started to cry. It was very moving, and once again, very cool to know that the Church and the Sacraments are there for her people!

It was really hard for me to wittiness throughout the day, but I am really glad I went. It showed me a different side of the ministry that I haven't seen yet.

Please pray for all of the sick and for the people who will leave this world today.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Life of Christ Class almost got it right!

I couldn't believe it! Yesterday, I was in my Life of Christ class, and it was actually the best class I have been in my entire time at Liberty. The only problem...I had to keep my mouth shut.

You see, we were talking about the "Kingdom is at hand". And the professor kept asking what is the kingdom? Everyone was saying that Christ was the King (but that didn't answer the question). Then some students said, heaven, the millennial kingdom and a few other things.

The whole time I was thinking THE CHURCH!!! But, I kept my mouth shut because I didn't want to start anything. But then, out of no-where the professor said, the church is the kingdom.

WHAT?! You have to be kidding me! Ok, so now I am just wanting to ask who is leading the Church? (But once again, I had to keep my mouth shut).

They went on to talk about how Christ would sit on the throne of David and that it would become the Church. At this point I was just really wanting to say that Peter was put in charge till Christ returns and this is how we got the Pope, but we didn't have enough time in class.

Plus, I don't think it would have been the smart thing to do. This was the best class I have been in at Liberty (just that day in this class), but I had to keep my mouth shut. We have to ease them in, not just blow them away all at once.

Fourth Station: Jesus meets his mother


Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
All: Because by your holy cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus, you feel so alone with all those people yelling and screaming at you. You don't like the words they are saying about you, and you look for a friendly face in the crowd. You see your mother. She can't make the hurting stop, but it helps to see that she is on your side, that she is suffering with you. She does understand and care.
As a child, sometimes I feel like too many things are going on. Sometimes other kids pick on me and call me names. I need to look around me for a friendly face, and for the help I need. I need to share my troubles with those who truly care about me.
As an adult I sometimes feel overwhelmed by many things. Life is so competitive, and I worry so much about my future and those who have some control over it. I need to remember that being an adult does not mean having to solve every problem all by myself. I need to look around me for a friendly face, for the help I need.
Jesus most suffering, Mary Mother most sorrowful, if, by my sins, I caused you pain and anguish in the past, by God's assisting grace it shall be so no more; rather be you my love henceforth till death.
Our Father.... Hail Mary.... Glory be to the Father....
Leader: Jesus Christ Crucified.All: Have mercy on Us.
Leader: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in peace.
All: Amen.

Third Station: Jesus falls the first time

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.

All: Because by your holy cross You have redeemed the world.

Jesus, the cross you have been carrying is very heavy. You are becoming weak and almost ready to faint, and you fall down. Nobody seems to want to help you. The soldiers are interested in getting home, so they yell at you and try to get you up and moving again.

As a child, sometimes I start to do something, but then get tired of it. I hurry to get finished and sometimes don't do my work well. Sometimes I don't pay attention to what I should be doing. When things get hard for me, sometimes I give up.

As an adult, I sometimes put things off. I give up too easily, and sometimes don't do my work as well as I know I can.

My Jesus, the heavy burden of my sins is on Thee, and bears Thee down beneath the cross. I loathe them, I detest them; I call on Thee to pardon them; may Thy grace aid me never more to commit them.

Our Father.... Hail Mary.... Glory Be to the Father....

Leader: Jesus Christ Crucified.

All: Have mercy on Us.

Leader: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in peace.

All: Amen.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Spring Break in 3 hours!

Well, I am off to my two classes for the day, then I head out to go home!

A long 7 or 8 hour drive, but I usually make it fun somehow.

Some tips on praying during Lent

As our Lenten season begins I would like to share one way of prayerful reading of the Bible, called Lectio Divina or holy reading

I have posted the Lectio Divina for lent on our website at: http://www.carmelites.net/prayer/lent.html

Below are some suggestions for your prayer time using the Lectio Divina:
  1. Say an opening prayer, invoking the Holy Spirit.
  2. Slowly and attentively read the text.
  3. Take a moment of interior silence, to recall what you have read.
  4. Look at the meaning of each phrase.
  5. Bring the word into the present, ponder it, in relation to your life.
  6. Broaden your vision by relating this text to other biblical texts.
  7. Read the text again as a prayer, giving a response to God.
  8. Formulate a commitment in your life based on the text.
  9. Pray a suitable Psalm.

May you find comfort in the word of God and know that He is present to you every day. Pray for his guidance in helping you to determine his special path for you.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Spring Break!!!

Spring break is only 2 days away! I leave Thursday right after class and will be home that night for my dad's birthday!

Prayer for Lent #2

Let us not only pray this prayer, but live it out throughout this wonderful season of Lent:

Let us Pray:

Lord Jesus, teach us how to pray. Help us to be agents of bringing about your will in our world, and to be open to recognizing your unexpected actions in our lives and world. Help us to learn not to stockpile yesterday's stale bread, but to rely on the strength you give us each day. Help us to dig deep into our hearts to find forgiveness for those who have hurt us, and to feel the weight of nursed grudges and indulgent self-pity lifted from us. We acknowledge that the kingdom, the power and the glory truly are yours, now and forever. Amen.

Written by:
Jonathan Goertz

Monday, March 2, 2009

Lent Called a Time to Strip Away Masks

From Zenit:

Vatican Spokesman Says It Is a Season for TruthVATICAN CITY, MARCH 1, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Lent is a good time for self-discovery -- a season to live "without masks," says a Vatican spokesman.

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press office, made this proposal during the most recent edition of Vatican Television's "Octava Dies." He was drawing from a reflection made by Benedict XVI during his meeting with the clergy of Rome last week.

On that occasion, the Pope considered how a pastor of souls has a special role, since people come to him "without masks," in their truth, without hiding behind the role they have in society.

"[The Holy Father] insisted on the fact that the faith can be effectively proclaimed to men and women if it passes through the lived experience of the one who proclaims it, and if it is proclaimed in its essential simplicity, without weighing it down too much with erudite considerations," Father Lombardi explained.

"Lent should be lived in this spirit," he stressed. "It is a time for presenting ourselves to God without masks, to try to put our relationship with him back at the center of each of our lives and to simplify our interests and words, returning them to what is truly important."

The spokesman recalled how on Ash Wednesday, the Pontiff said that "Jesus is in the depths of our heart. Our relationship with him is present even when we speak and act in our professional duties. ... This relationship sometimes becomes explicit prayer."

And in his Lenten message, Father Lombardi added, the Bishop of Rome recalled the value of fasting, inviting the faithful to find appropriate forms for it in daily life, as an exercise of freeing ourselves from attachment to ourselves to open ourselves to the love of God and charity in solidarity with others.

"Thus," Father Lombardi concluded, "this is a time to rediscover the right place for God and attention to others with the help of simple concrete and daily gestures: prayer, fasting, almsgiving. It is a time to rediscover ourselves too and our truth, without masks. Let us not miss these opportunities!"

Sunday, March 1, 2009

This past week at Liberty University

Greetings during this wonderful season of Lent!

I hope all is well with everyone and rest assured that you all are in my prayers.

This past week has been very rough (physically and spiritual) for me. Obviously spiritual because of the temptations already occurring from the things I am fasting from during Lent. But, it is helping me grow deeper in my faith with Christ! Physically because I have been very ill for most of the week. I am doing much better now!

I did not get the job at Chick-fil-A because they have enough college students. I don't see myself being able to get a job this semester because there isn't enough time left in this semester for anyone to want to hire someone.

On Saturday, a group of us went to help Habitat for Humanity fix a house (more here: http://christopherosgood.blogspot.com/2009/02/day-is-only-half-over.html). And then after that, I went to the prison for prison ministry again! For more on that, you can read here: http://christopherosgood.blogspot.com/2009/02/great-end-to-long-day.html.

Well, I have to get going. I have a lot to do this week so please pray for me!

In Christ,
Chris Osgood

Catholic priest numbers increase

From BBC News:

The number of priests in the Catholic Church around the world is slowly rising, the Vatican says.

The Holy See presented a statistical yearbook to Pope Benedict XVI, showing an increase of several hundred priests a year since 2000.

Thanks to large increases in Africa and Asia, the number of Catholic priests rose from 405,178 in 2000 to 408,024 in 2007, the report said.

In the previous two decades, the number of priests dropped markedly.

Stable congregation

Numbers in Africa had risen by 27.6% and in Asia by 21%, the report said.

The figures were "a continuing trend of moderate growth in the number of priests in the world which began in 2000 after over two decades of disappointing results", it added.

The percentage of Catholics worldwide remains stable, at about 17.3% of the global population, the report found. Some 1.147 billion people around the world identified themselves as Catholic, it said.

Worldwide, the number of candidates for the priesthood increased by just under half a percentage point, despite small declines in figures for Europe and North and South America.

The Catholic Church has recently been rocked by several scandals involving sexual abuse carried out by priests, which has prompted a crackdown on standards for potential priests.

Today's Gospel reading

Mark 1:12-15:

"The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and He remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to Him.

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: 'This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.'"

There is a lot said in just these few verses. We see that Jesus was lead by the Spirit to fast (just as we are during this time of Lent). If we are not fasting because we are lead by the spirit, then it is not a true fast and one is waisting their time.

During the fast, Satan tried to tempt Jesus three times (we don't see it in today's Gospel, but we do in the others). This is just like us being tempted throughout this Lent season, Satan and his demons are wanting and trying to make us fall.

So whats the good news? The angels ministered to Christ, and they will and are for us! They are here to help us throughout our lives, but especially here during this time of Lent, so that we can grow closer to Christ. (If you don't believe in angels then check this out: http://salesianity.blogspot.com/2009/02/arhbishop-sheen-on-guardian-angels.html)

And finally, Christ is calling all of us to change our heart and repent! It is the only way we will be able to grow closer to Him! It is our job and goal in life to live as the Saints did and become Saint-like, but we can only do that if we turn our back on sin and repent!