Almost done with school!!!

Hey everyone!

I only have one more day left of classes! This Tuesday is my last day of classes at Liberty, and it is a bitter sweet moment. I am so glad to be done, but I can't lie, I am going to miss defending the faith and the Catholic group here at Liberty.

On Monday I got back from the airport from Texas and it wasn't as an event full trip to Texas. But, the highlight of the day was seeing a long time friend in Houston. Then I saw the president of Liberty's seminary in Atlanta (lets just say it was a very interesting conversation). More on the trip back to VA here: http://christopherosgood.blogspot.com/2009/04/back-in-lynchburg.html

On Tuesday I went to speak at Theology on Tap in Farmville for a college out there. Not many people showed up, so we all just sat around and shared about our faith and how we got where we were today.

Thursday I went to VA Tech and Radford to visit some friends from Encounter with Christ! I also took Caitlin out to dinner for her birthday, but she took me out for my graduation (so I paid for her, and she paid for me).

There was another Theology on Tap on Friday, this one was a lot of fun! More here: http://christopherosgood.blogspot.com/2009/04/theology-on-tap.html

Saturday I went to the prison for prison ministry. The one thing I got out of it is that the prisoners very much appreciate people coming out to visit them for the ministry. One man said that he always comes in down, but leaves very happy, and that we give them hope! http://christopherosgood.blogspot.com/2009/04/prison-ministry-6.html

Then on Saturday night, my roommates and I had some fun!!! (I might get kicked out of LU for this) http://christopherosgood.blogspot.com/2009/04/end-of-year-pool-party.html

And now we come to a close of this week on Sunday. Today I was able to see 2 friends (from a near by college) get confirmed! One was baptized and both were confirmed! Then we had a little cookout at Joann's house for the Catholic group at Liberty. This was the 3rd year they did this and it grows every year!

PRAYER REQUESTS:

• I cannot speak to the Roman Catholic class on Tuesday, but good news, Josh Johnson is! Please pray for him as he prepares to speak to this (anti-Catholic class). He will speak at 12:45 on Tuesday, so say a Rosary for him!
• For the prisoners and that they stay true to their faith and find hope!
• Ignite Your Torch Youth Conference!!! YOU BETTER SIGN UP YOUR YOUTH!!!! www.igniteyourtorch.org
• The rest of the school year.

And don't forget the graduation party is Friday May 8, 2009 from 5-8 PM at St. Thomas More. All are welcome! http://www.stmva.com/

In Christ,
Chris Osgood

End of the year pool party?

Ok, so it has been really hot here over the past few days and it is going to stay hot for the rest of this week. So what do you do when it is hot? You go to the pool, right?

Well, what happens if the pool is packed and there is no room? What do you do then?

That's right! You make the pool come to you!

So I leave you with this, "Why yes, there is a swimming pool in my dorm room!"

Prison Ministry #6

Tonight was the sixth time I have gone to the prison for prison ministry. It is sad to think that next Saturday is going to be my last time at the prison.

Deacon Cartwright couldn't make it tonight so the prisoners led the service. The message was great and the one thing that kept sticking out to me was that I can go to confession anytime I want. But these prisoners can't, they can only go when the priest comes and allows them to go to confession. We are so blessed out here, but many times we take it all for granted.

Before the service started however, I was talking to one of the men. And he was telling me how glad the prisoners are when people from the outside come. He said that they are always depressed or upset when they come, but by the time they leave they are happy and upbeat. He said that this is what they need to survive throughout the week.

Man these guys have faith! Please pray for them!

Theology on Tap

Over this past week I have had the honor of speaking at 2 Theology on Taps. One was at Hampden-Sydney (college in Farmville, VA), the other ToT was in Danville, VA last night.

The first one at H-S was a lot of fun. Instead of giving my testimony, we just sat around and shared life stories and talked about our faith. It was a very small turnout, but was very enjoyable!

The one in Danville was the biggest turnout yet for their ToT's. They had 36 people show up (ages ranged from 0-90)! Yes, Josh's twins where there (0 years old) and then there was a man there that was 90 years old.

We did record it, and as soon as I have time and figure out how to post it up on the blog, then everyone can listen to it. Otherwise you can email me your address at cosgood09@gmail.com and I can send you a copy.

Man do I love traveling!

I am on my way to VA Tech to visit some friends from Encounter With Christ, then we are going to Radford to visit some others from EWC!

I think I am going to sign out tonight cause idk if I will be back before curfew!

Upcoming Speaking Events

Now that I am back from Texas, I have a busy week a head of me.

On Tuesday April 21, 2009, I will be speaking in Farmville, VA at Hapmden-Sydney for their Theology on Tap at 5:30 pm. I will be giving my testimony.

On Friday April 24, 2009, I will be speaking in Danville, VA at Bogies Burgers for their Theology on Tap at 7:00 pm. I will be talking about how I have grown closer to Christ in the Catholic Church.

Then on Tuesday April 28, 2009, I will be speaking to the Roman Catholicism class here at Liberty University at 2:00 pm. I will be giving a talk on the benefits of being Catholic and why I converted. (This class is at Liberty, so we know that it isn't pro-Catholic).

Please pray for me!

Back in Lynchburg!

Well, today was and still is a very long day.

I got to the airport in Houston a little late and missed my first flight. So by the time I got to Houston, I only had about an hour with a friend (Ali) that I haven't seen in a long time.

We went to breakfast and spent some time catching up. It was a great time seeing her and I already miss her.

On the plane ride to Atlanta I ended up sitting next to a girl that just lost her dad. She was on the way to the funeral. Please pray for her dad's soul.

At the airport in Atlanta I saw the president of our seminary at LU. We had a very interesting convo about the Catholics at Liberty. We'll just leave it at that :)

Then on the ride back to Lynchburg I just sat next to myself and got some sleep. My friends Jon and Jess ended up picking me up from the airport and then we went out to eat.

Overall, it was a long day, and I wish I was still in Houston spending time with Ali!

Update from April 13-19, 2009

Greetings from the great state of Texas!

I know I said that this update would come late, but I didn't know that I would have Internet here.

What a great week/weekend!

On Sunday night (Easter) I went to my 2nd cousins' house and spent some time with them. I haven't been to their house in probably a year (even though they live 20 min. from me). It was really a great time!

Monday I did some homework and then went down to Josh and Katie's in Danville. Katie's family was there and it was really nice meeting them, her mom is a GREAT cook! After that, I came back to Liberty and finished my homework.

The most important day in my college career thus far was on Tuesday. http://christopherosgood.blogspot.com/2009/04/theres-not-much-time-left.html After class, I went to Longwood University to visit some friends (it is on the blog too).

Then on Wednesday, I just did a little bit of homework, then went over to my friend's house and spent about 4 hours in his hot tub (no joke, I didn't feel good after I got out). But it was fun!

And now we come to the weekend. I went to my classes on Thursday and then right after class, I flew out to Austin. I am still here until tomorrow morning. I don't think I have ever had so much fun at an airport before (http://christopherosgood.blogspot.com/2009/04/im-in-texas.html). The only bad thing about the airport was my batteries didn't work for my camera so I didn't get a picture with the University of Tennessee's softball team (they had some pretty girls).

Most of the trip is written on this post (although there is a little one before it): http://christopherosgood.blogspot.com/2009/04/texas.html. There are pictures on the blog of the Church.

Prayer requests:

• Theo (who is in charge of Ignite Your Torch) she is sick.
• Brian's grandmother who passed away this week.
• Terri who is having surgery.
• Ignite Your Torch Youth Conference.
• And for a safe trip back to Lynchburg.

--
In Christ,
Chris Osgood

Texas

Well, my trip is coming to a close, but it has been very relaxing and fun!

I have been here since Thursday night and I leave tomorrow (Monday) at 5:45 AM.

I feel like I have been on a retreat the entire weekend. I have spent some time in Adoration (they have it 24/7)! Other than that, I have done some homework, watched TV, ate food (I hope Fr. John doesn't get mad), then just hung out in the rectory.

I also went down to Austin with Fr. John to look at where he might live next school year. So we checked out the discernment house. There I got to meet one priest and three out of the fifty seminarians they have here! All of the people I have met over this weekend are very Holy people and I just love it here!

The place here is beautiful! Just look at the pictures:

Expelled?

Well, I just got done watching the movie "Expelled" and it was very interesting. I really enjoyed watching it.

Ben Stein starts off the movie almost like he is against Intelligent Design, but then ends it with a remarkable interview with Richard Dawkins.

All I can say is that after watching all the different interviews he does with evolutionists and intelligent designests, the evolutionists are the ones who look dumb.

Very good movie, and I would have to say the same thing Ben Stein says about it: "I love this film!"

I can't wait to hear Ben Stein speak at Liberty's graduation!!!

An amazing trip thus far!

So I am really hating myself for my dead batteries. I just found a charger for them, so hopefully I will start taking pictures. I already missed some great pictures at the airport, and even today of the University of Texas!

If I get it working, I will take some of the church I am staying at. It is beautiful! 48 acres and they have a school, retirement center for priests and EVERYTHING!!!

ITS GREAT!!!

I'm in Texas!!!

So today was an absolute great day! I went to my 2 classes, then had lunch with my roommates (from years past), then went to the airport.

I flew out of Lynchburg around 2:30 and sat next to this man named Gary. We ended up spending the next 4 hours with each other. His next flight left Charlotte at 6:10 and mine left at 6:20.

So what do you do when you have 3 hours to spare in an airport? You go get food and drinks! We ended up finding out that he is really into aviation (and I am too) so we talked about that most of the time. We also talked about church and he shared some of his old college stories.

After we parted ways, we gave each other our contact info, and then got on our next flights.

Well, the next flight I was on, was from Charlotte to Austin. On this flight I sat next to a really nice older lady who was flying from NJ to Austin for her sister's funeral (please pray for Mary's soul, that it may rest in peace). I could tell she was really upset, so I tried cheering her up with my dumb jokes (it worked!).

After we landed, I met her son and daughter-in-law and they were very grateful for me trying to cheer up their mother.

After all of that, I am now here in Georgetown, TX and love it! I am staying at the rectory at St. Helen's and man is it nice!

Well, I g2g and hit the sack. Night!!!

PS: I almost got a picture of the women's softball team of University of Tennessee, but my camera died :(

Busy week ahead

After my classes today, I am flying out to Austin, TX (until Monday).

On Monday I will be back at Liberty and go to my classes on Tuesday. However, right after my classes on Tuesday, I am going to Farmville, VA to speak at a Theology on Tap for Longwood and Hampden-Sydney (I will stay the night there afterwords).

Wednesday I will probably head back to school, do my homework for Thursday, then go to classes on Thursday.

Then I will end up leaving on Friday to go down to Danville, VA to speak at a Theology on Tap.

It is going to be a busy week, but I am going to enjoy it! Only 3 weeks left! (I think somewhere in there, I may end up going to VA Beach).

There's not much time left

I have so much to do and so little time to do it all.

Yesterday was probably the most important day in my college career thus far. It was the day that graduation was on the line. But good news, I got through it all!!!

I had 2 papers due yesterday (life of Christ paper worth 40%, and NT Backgrounds worth 20%), then I had a test in my computer class (which I am really struggling in), but I got a high enough score on the test to stay a live in the class.

After class yesterday I went to Longwood University to visit some friends from Encounter with Christ. It was great to see them! In fact, I will be going out there next Tuesday to do a Theology on Tap with their Catholic group on campus!

Man, this week is busy, and next week may even be more hectic...

Update from Holy Week.

HE IS RISEN!!!

I hope everyone had a great Easter. This week has been very busy for me, and if I can get through this upcoming week, then we are in good shape for graduation.

On Monday, we found out who our graduation speaker is. It is Ben Stein: http://christopherosgood.blogspot.com/2009/04/ben-stein-to-speak-at-may-commencement.html

On Wednesday Liberty canceled classes (but it wasn't a free day off). We had to do testing all day: http://christopherosgood.blogspot.com/2009/04/is-liberty-doing-ok.html

My aunt and uncle picked me up on Thursday to drive me back home for Easter. It was very nice to see them and spend some time with them. We listened to a really good story on the way home (book on tape, now that's how you read books!) "Bud not Buddy" was the name of it. I would recommend it! When I got home, I went to Holy Thursday Mass and then went and spent some time with my cousin at the University of Dayton.

Friday, I went to Mass with my grandparents and aunt and uncle. Then I went to my other uncle's house and spent some time with my cousins (also with one of their girl friends). Then my one cousin and I went to UD for a small birthday party for one of his friends.

The big day was Saturday! I started out in the morning by being the Easter Bunny for the City of Moraine! They then let me keep the costume for our cookout at my grandparents. It was a nice cookout and it was great seeing my cousin and his wife there! http://christopherosgood.blogspot.com/2009/04/who-was-easter-bunny.html

After the cookout, I then went to the Easter Vigil, and all I can say is, AMAZING!!! http://christopherosgood.blogspot.com/2009/04/easter-vigil-2009.html

Overall the weekend was very nice and relaxing! We left to come back to VA around 8:30 on Easter, and it worked out because I was able to have dinner with my other cousins down here. It was a great break!

PRAYER REQUESTS:

Pray for me this upcoming week. There is a lot of work that I need to do and it will be a rough week.

Also, the update will be late on Monday night next week instead of Sunday. I am going to Austin, TX for the weekend.

In Christ,
Chris Osgood

Who was the Easter Bunny?

What did you do for Easter weekend?

I was the Easter Bunny for my home town back in Ohio!

After the Easter Egg Hunt, they let me borrow the costume for our family cookout later on that day.

EASTER!!!

He is risen!!!

On this greatest day of the year, all fasting and somber thoughts are banished. As St. John Chrysostom announces in this famous Easter sermon, all are invited to the feast: "Let all then enter the joy of Our Lord! Both the first and the last, and those who come after, enjoy your reward!Rich and poor, dance with one another, sober and slothful, celebrate the day. Those who have kept the fast and those who have not, rejoice today, for the table is richly spread.Fare royally upon it-the calf is a fatted one.Let no one go away hungry. All of you, enjoy the banquet of faith!All enjoy the riches of His goodness.Let no one cry over his poverty, for the universal Kingdom has appeared!Let no one mourn that he has fallen again and again, for forgiveness has risen from the grave.Let none fear death, for the death of our Savior has set us free.He has destroyed it by enduring it.He spoiled the power of hell when he descended thereto.Isaiah foretold this when he cried, 'Death has been frustrated in meeting him below!'It is frustrated, for it is destroyed.It is frustrated, for it is annihilated.It is frustrated, for now it is made captive.For it grabbed a body and discovered God.It took earth and behold! It encountered Heaven.It took what was visible, and was overcome by what was invisible.O Death, where is your sting?O Death, where is your victory?Christ is risen, and the demons are cast down.Christ is risen, and life is set free.Christ is risen, and the tomb is emptied of the dead.For Christ, having risen from the dead, is become the first-fruits for those who sleep.to Him be glory and power forever and ever!

Amen. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!"

Back at school!

I am now back at Liberty and heading over to my cousin's house for some Easter dinner!!!

Easter Vigil 2009!

All I can say is AWESOME!!!

4 Baptisms
10 Confirmations!

Over 1,100 people have been received into full communion tonight just within the Arch-diocese of Cincinnati alone!!!

Along with them, there were many of my friends who were either baptised or confirmed today!

Some from Encounter with Christ, some from Liberty University, and two children of close friends of mine!!!

PRAISE GOD FOR ANOTHER PENTECOST!!!

HE IS RISEN!!!

HOLY SATURDAY 09

Fourteenth Station: Jesus is laid in the tomb

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

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

Jesus, your body is prepared for burial. Joseph gave you his own tomb. He laid your body there and rolled a large stone in front of it, then went home. What a sad day it has been for so many people.

As a child, sometimes I try to keep everything for myself. I find it hard to share my things with my brothers or sisters and with my friends.

As an adult, I can be selfish too. I can accumulate things and keep them for myself. I try to make sure I have what I want before I share what I have with anybody else.

Help me think of Joseph of Arimathea, who risked his own life as he accepted Jesus' body for burial. Help me think of how Joseph loved Jesus so much that he gave him his own tomb.

My Jesus, beside Thy body in the tomb I, too, would lie dead; but if I live, let it be for Thee, so as one day to enjoy with Thee in heaven the fruits of Thy passion and Thy bitter 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.

Thirteenth Station: The body of Jesus is taken down from the cross

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

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

Jesus, how brutally you were put to death. How gently your are taken from the cross. Your suffering and pain are ended, and you are put in the lap of your mother. The dirt and blood are wiped away. You are treated with love.

As a child, sometimes I treat others better when they're sad or in pain. When somebody dies, I become very gentle and kind. I notice the good and kind things people say about those who have died.

As an adult, I seem to be kinder when someone dies. If only I could learn to see the good things about them while they were alive. If only I would tell those around me how much I love them, while I still have the opportunity to do so.

Help me look for the good in those around me, especially those I love the most. Help me live this day as if it were the last. Help me become a more gentle and loving person through my greater appreciation for those around me.

O Mary, Mother most sorrowful, the sword of grief pierced thy soul when thou didst see Jesus lying lifeless on thy bosom; obtain for me hatred of sin because sin slew thy Son and wounded thine own heart, and grace to live a Christian life and save my soul.

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.

This is what it's all about!

The last supper

Today until Sunday is what our whole faith is based one. These next three days are the most powerful days in the year for us. It is what makes us who we are, it is the reason why we do what we do and believe what we believe!

On my way home!

Well, I am going to take a quick shower, and then drive up to Charlottesville to meet my aunt and uncle. Then I am on my way home for Easter!!!

Prayer Request

Greetings my brothers and sisters from Liberty University!

I am writing because I have a few prayer requests.

It seems as if this week (Holy Week) is going to be very tough for the Catholic Church here at Liberty. I have already found it very hostile here and getting worse. For example, today in one of my Bible classes, the prof. along with students were making fun of the Catholic Church for believing Mary is a Perpetual Virgin. And they wouldn't give me a chance to answer. Now this is not uncommon, in fact, it is very common here. But I am asking you to please pray for the students and faculty here, especially on Holy Thursday. Every time I miss class, I am told that it becomes anti-Catholic day (from my friends who are in the class). This Thursday I am missing my classes to go home for Easter. So please pray for them!

Second, pray for the Catholics here at Liberty and the Catholic group here on campus. Although I am about to graduate, I know that there is still one more thing I must do for the group before I leave. I can't say what this thing is because it is a surprise, but I need to do it. It will only work however, with your prayers! And please ask for the intercessions of Dr. Jerry Falwell (I know he used to be a Baptist, but he is either in Purgatory (RCIA) or Heaven and is Catholic :)

And finally, please keep me in your prayers as I am trying to figure out what I am supposed to be doing after graduation. And also keep all of the seniors from EWC in your prayers, as we are all prob. in the same boat.

Thank you so much for the prayers! And if you ever need prayers, forward them on to me! I have a great prayer team that would be more than happy to take them on!

Happy Holy Week and 4th DAY!!!

In Christ,
Chris Osgood

Is Liberty doing ok?

So today they have canceled ALL classes and chapel today for Assessment Tests. Every student here at Liberty must take these tests. The seniors have to take 2 tests.

They started today at 9 am (for seniors) and went over each major. Since I am a religion major I had to take a Religion test and then another one for my specialization (Biblical Studies).

I know that I did horrible on the Religion test, which is horrible to say, but nothing on that test had anything to do with what I have learned here at Liberty. Now the Biblical Studies test, I think I did pretty well on.

This afternoon, I, along with the rest of the student body here at Liberty has to do an assessment on the University overall. This is all for Liberty to keep its accreditation and to show them where they need to improve.

I think this is great that the school is doing this, but it really makes me worried about them possibly losing their accreditation.

Please pray for me, as they are giving out a laptop today (along with other prizes). I REALLY NEED A NEW COMPUTER!!!

Holy Week Reflection!

This is a nice reflection for Holy Week.

Tuesday Holy Week!!!

Ben Stein to speak at May commencement

Liberty University’s Class of 2009 will be ushered into life after graduation with words of wisdom by well-known scholar, attorney, writer, film and television star Ben Stein.

Stein, a Columbia University valedictorian and Yale School of Law graduate, has taught courses ranging from mass media communications to libel and United States securities law at American University in Washington, D.C., the University of California, Santa Cruz and Pepperdine University Law School.

An accomplished author of several books, Stein also writes a regular column in the conservative magazine “The American Spectator,” the Sunday “New York Times” Business Section and Yahoo! Finance online. He has also contributed to “The Wall Street Journal,” “New York Magazine,” “Los Angeles Magazine” and “Barron’s Magazine.”

Liberty University Chancellor Jerry Falwell, Jr. worked from a list of about 20 possible commencement speakers over the last several months to select the May 9th speaker, he said during Monday’s convocation.

“This list was compiled after input from seniors, faculty, staff, consultants and board members,” Falwell said. “Student Justin Scott was especially helpful as was online student Jill Hannity, wife of radio talk show host, Sean Hannity. Dr. Elmer Towns, Law School Dean Mat Staver and LU Provost, Dr. Boyd Rist, both vice chancellors, along with board members Mark DeMoss and Jerry Thorpe all played important roles in helping us reach a final decision.”

After the list of 20 speakers was narrowed to three, Falwell polled a group of seniors using text messages to ask which of the three finalists they preferred.

Stein, 64, began his career as a speechwriter and lawyer for President Richard Nixon, and later for President Gerald Ford.

“He has served as a college professor, attorney, author, speechwriter, and even an actor but the most compelling reason for Liberty University’s choice this year is this man’s work
in exposing the evils and dangers of Darwinism through the documentary Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed,” Falwell said. “This year is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin and a fitting time to have Mr. Ben Stein bring our commencement address.”
Stein has publicly denounced the theory of evolution, which he and other intelligent design advocates term “Darwinism.”

Stein co-wrote and stars in Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, a film that is powerful in persuading viewers that the theory of evolution is partially responsible for the eugenics movement, the rise of Nazi Germany and the Holocaust and portrays advocates of intelligent design as victims of religious discrimination by the scientific community.

During Monday’s convocation students cheered during a promotional video clip from Stein’s documentary film, Expelled, featuring an LU student.

“Mr. Stein has also been a champion of the pro-life movement, but his work as the nation’s most prominent advocate for bringing integrity and academic freedom back to the American scientific community has been legendary,” Falwell said.

Due in part to the notoriety he received for a talk he gave on economics, Stein was invited to be the commencement speaker at the University of Vermont this year. After the announcement the university president notified Stein that a number of people had complained about him speaking at the commencement.

The complaints were because his views of science were “offensive to the University of Vermont’s evolutionary beliefs.” Due to the furor, Stein “immediately and most graciously declined his commencement invitation.”

Falwell said Liberty’s Class of 2009 needs to be prepared to recognize the fraudulent use of science whether it is the use of global warming theories to advance environmental extremism, the use of medical science to advance the idea that not all human lives are worth protecting or the misuse of biology to give bureaucrats the power to decide what can and cannot be done with private property.

“Like the University of Vermont, the Liberty University community does not share some of Mr. Stein’s theological and political views but, unlike the University of Vermont, I believe Liberty University will welcome Mr. Stein despite of those differences,” Falwell said. “His work in exposing how fraudulent science is being used in this country to destroy freedom and advance tyrannical social and political agendas deserves our attention and respect.”

Liberty University Graduation Speaker is...

None other than Ben Stein!

Benjamin Jeremy Stein (born November 25, 1944) is an American actor, writer, conservative political and economic commentator, and attorney. He gained early success as a speechwriter for American presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. Later he entered the entertainment field and became an actor, comedian, and Emmy Award-winning game show host. He is famous for his monotonous yet humorous voice in acting.

Stein has frequently written commentaries on economic, political, and social issues, along with financial advice to individual investors. He is the son of noted economist and writer Herbert Stein, who worked at the White House under President Nixon. His sister, Rachel, is also a writer.

Along with all of his great accomplishments he also made the movie "Expelled" which tries to disprove evolution.

MONDAY HOLY WEEK!!!

Catholics at Liberty University (update)

HAPPY HOLY WEEK!

I hope everyone has had a great Palm Sunday, and is getting ready for the greatest time of the year!

This past week has been such a relaxing but yet fun week. It started by ending such a great week last weekend at Encounter with Christ. After the retreat, I went down to Danville and stayed the night with Josh and Katie (and the twins). They are all doing great!

On Tuesday I went to the Holy Spirit Prayer Group. And the Spirit was really moving! I wrote about it in my blog: http://christopherosgood.blogspot.com/2009/03/holy-spirit-prayer-group.html.

On Friday we had a little party for one of my friends who teaches aviation here at Liberty. He is from Canada and is being deported at the end of the month. So we threw him a surprise good-bye party. It was a lot of fun and a lot of students showed up.

Yesterday I got to finally got to catch up on some much needed sleep! Then I went to the prison for Prison Ministry: http://christopherosgood.blogspot.com/2009/04/prison-ministry-5.html. It was the smallest turnout we had, but a great service.

After the prison I went to a birthday party for one of my friend's who is celebrating her 22 next Saturday! I only stayed a little while (because of curfew), but it was a good time.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. I have changed my address bellow. I am now having everything sent to my home address because it is the end of the school year.
2. I am going to start sending out emails from a different email: cosgood09@gmail.com because this email will no longer be good after this semester. I am going to send out an email from it tomorrow, if you don't get one, please let me know and I will put you on the list.
3. What Holy Week Means to me: http://christopherosgood.blogspot.com/2009/04/what-holy-week-means-to-me.html
4. MAY 8th FROM 5-8 IS THE GRADUATION PARTY. Please send me your addresses if you would like an invitation.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1. For the Catholics at Liberty.
2. That I win a new Laptop in the raffle on Wed. (for all students who take the assessment for Liberty).
3. That my car will make it through this year (it's making some weird noises).

In Christ,
Chris Osgood

Palm Sunday

On Palm Sunday, we celebrate the first joy of the season, as we celebrate Our Lord's triumphant entrance into Jerusalem where he was welcomed by crowds worshiping him and laying down palm leaves before him. It also marks the beginning of Holy Week, with the greatest tragedy and sorrow of the year.

Jesus' triumphant return to Jerusalem is only one side of the story.

By now many of the Jews are filled with hate for Our Lord. They want to see him stoned, calling Him a blasphemer, especially after offering proof of His Divinity during a winter visit to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Dedication.

After this, Jesus went to Perea, where he was summoned to Bethany. There he raised Lazarus from the dead, a miracle which wins Him such renown among certain Pharisees that they decided finally to end His life.

Jesus took refuge at Ephrem returning six days before Passover to Bethany, triumphantly entering Jerusalem. That evening, He leaves Jerusalem and returns Monday. He spent time with Gentiles in the Temple, and on Wednesday left for the Mount of Olives. Here he foretold the apostles the events of the next several days, including His impending death.

He returned to Jerusalem on Thursday, to share the Last Supper with His apostles. He was subsequently arrested and tried. He was crucified at Calvary on Friday, outside the gates of Jerusalem.

He was buried the same day, and arose three days later, on Easter Sunday.

All of this is done by our Lord for forgiveness of our sins, and for life everlasting with Him.

God so loved us, that He sent His only begotten Son to die for us, so that our sins maybe forgiven.

Prison Ministry #5

I just got back from my fifth prison ministry visit. Tonight we celebrated Palm Sunday and Passion Sunday. There were only three of us that went and about eight of the prisoners who came.

Although this was the smallest service I have been to there, it was very well done. We had no palm leaves for the service so one of the men made some out of paper. On the leaf it says, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" Mark 11:9.

Since Deacon Cartwright couldn't be there tonight one of the men did the service and gave a reflection. It was very well done!

Please continue to pray for these men, especially during this Holy Week. As they will be away from their families during this season.

What Holy Week means to me:

Holy Week is coming up. In fact, it starts tomorrow with Palm Sunday! This is a very special time in the Church and arguably the most important time in the Church (along with Christmas).

This week makes us who we are! Because of this week we are able to call ourselves Christians! It is the last week of our Lord and Savior before He is put to death.

This week also has another meaning (at least for me). It is my 2nd year anniversary of being Catholic!!! It was only 2 years ago that I came into the Catholic Church. It was a week that I almost (and I was very close) to giving up on school, my faith and especially the Catholic Church. Not because of any Catholics though, but mostly because of the people here at Liberty.

But thanks be to God for all of the prayers that people prayed for me. I can say that throughout Holy Week, I actually felt the prayers that people where offering up for me. Because of that, I am where I am today.

Holy Week 2007 for me was my persecution and trials. Now I know that our Lord went through so much more, but it is just one small way that I can relate to His suffering.

Let us truly thank God for what this week, and what it means to us. This week makes us who we are, and none of us would be here if it wasn't for this week! (I would not be at Liberty, this blog wouldn't be here, there would be no churches, all of the ministers would be doing something else), this week made all of this happen. If this week never happened, there would be no Christianity today.

PRAISE GOD FOR HOLY WEEK!!!

I just woke up

So it is almost noon and I just woke up. Now many of you are probably thinking, "That's ok, he probably went to bed late." No, I went to bed at midnight.

I am just now catching up on all of my sleep from last weekend and this week. Last weekend I didn't get much sleep because of the retreat, and then throughout the week I have been doing homework and going to church events.

So last night I just went to bed and got almost 12 hours of sleep, and man do I feel great!

Well, I g2g, it's a big day today. Going to the prison and then a birthday party!!!

Twelfth Station: Jesus dies on the cross

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

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

As Jesus hung on the cross, he forgave the soldiers who had crucified him, and prayed for his mother and friends. Jesus wanted all of us to be able to live forever with God, so he gave all he had for us.

Jesus, let me take a few moments now to consider your love for me. Help me thank you for your willingness to go to your death for me. Help me express my love for you!

My Jesus, three hours didst Thou hang in agony, and then die for me; let me die before I sin, and if I live, live for Thy love and faithful service.

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.

Eleventh Station: Jesus is nailed to the cross

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

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

You are stretched out on the cross you have carried so far. The soldiers take big nails and drive them into your hands and feet. You feel abandoned by the people you loved so much. People seem to have gone mad. You have done nothing but good, yet they drive nails through your hands and feet.

As a child, sometimes I hurt others. Sometimes I join with friends and decide not to like another. We gang up against another and cause them hurt and pain. Sometimes I say or do hurtful things to my brothers and sisters. I can wonder what they'd think about themselves if they believed everything I told them about themselves.

As and adult, sometimes I discriminate against others. Even without thinking, I judge others because of their color, intelligence, income level or name. I forget that I am to live as a brother or sister to all people. Sometimes I use harsh words when I speak to my children and family members. I can find it easy to look for something that isn't very important and make it very important.

Help me look again at the people around me. Help me see the hurt and pain I have caused in others. Be with me to help me make amends for the harm I have done.

My Jesus, by Thine agony when the cruel nails pierced Thy tender hands and feet and fixed them to the cross, make me crucify my flesh by Christian penance.

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.

Coming up on Holy Week!!!

Lenten Video for April 1, 2009