Pretty Happy Funny Real Haircuts & Stuff

Pretty & Happy- We haven't been that happy with the ballet situation around here, and I've reduced their classes to a tech class and a pointe class. The silver lining? They (the 2 big girls) will begin a three-hour contemporary class with their first ballet teacher from ten years ago. It is through parks and rec. It is so affordable- I am giddy. Also, Baby Girl will actually get to do an outside activity  She will be in a pre-ballet class with the same teacher while the big girls are at Shakespeare. I'm also giddy about the proximity of the classes. 

Funny- I didn't get a photo. I was too angry. I'm sure that years from now, I'll laugh. Three-year old girl + scissors = Mia Farrow-esque look. Then, add Mama who tries to even out the Gollum-style wisps and said baby girl starts weeping and blaming Mama for cutting her hair, conveniently forgetting that she, baby girl, started it all.

this is LONG...she cut it shorter (sob)

Real- Of course, the 'Real' this week was all about processing the issue of continence for (rare, usually former Anglican) married priests in the Roman-rite- read my post from Monday to get acquainted.  But it is interesting- even in the old country and in the Byzantine rite, the 'party line' is still 'Celibacy is superior.' 

The Deacon's Bench posted a beautiful article from the CNEWA about the day to day life of a married Ukrainian Byzantine Catholic priest and how he makes it work with his family. It isn't easy. He seems very devoted and hard-working, along with his wife and extended family. But it states that in Ukraine, the Basilian Fathers encourage celibacy. Of course they do, they are monks and would love vocations to the monastic life. The article finishes by stating "despite the challenges of balancing his vocation with the needs of his family, Father Havrylenko expresses no regrets- “A celibate priest can devote his life more to the church, but marriage has helped me change and improve myself.”

This I don't understand. The entire article shows that he is devoted completely to the Church.  So, being 'completely devoted to the Church' means there can be no outside attachments or friendships? Then I believe that every priest should be a monk, devoted to life as an ascetic.  As much as I love and respect the celibate priests in my life, I can conclude that one is 'married' to his Netflix queue, one is 'married' to his private plane, one is 'married' to his thrice weekly golf game. They spend as much time with their various 'wives' as my husband does with me- well...I'm sure they don't text their golf clubs occasionally during the work day- so there's that. Now, I understand that there are theological reasons to encourage celibacy. In the Eastern rites, celibate men are encouraged to be monastic. But for practical reasons, how does marriage limit a man's devotion to the Church? Just as with each child being born, the love can grow (if the vocation is there along with God's grace). -click on the link for a perspective for the 'Father Father' blog

My husband works about 50 hours a week as director of spiritual care at a hospital. This is part of his priestly ministry and what financially supports himself and his dependents. He celebrates three daily Masses a week along with three Sunday masses (one is a Sunday vigil). There are other prayer services and Bible studies weekly. He spends at least two hours in confessions plus more if people call and make an appointment. Because our church is so small, we do not have a church office. The office is his cellphone. So, there is no gate-keeper. Call and leave a message (he might be in Mass or confession) and he will get back to you right away. And yes, he makes time for the people in his life- mostly his family. Surgeons spend less time with their families and their families can't be a part of the surgeries like we can be a part of his ministry...

My husband definitely puts in the hours and heart to show his devotion to the Church. In some cases, it can be a case of 'if you want something done, ask a busy person.' He will come to anoint you at 2 AM in the hospital even though you refused the sacrament during his official work hours. And yes, he will wait until the 'normal' priest doesn't show up at the homeschooling event and will bless the food for you.

oops- that 'real' got a bit long-winded 

for more {phfr} go to Like Mother, Like Daughter