tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126866362012-02-16T12:15:03.752-05:00<img src="http://www.holyradio.org/images/eagleold3.jpg" align="left"> In 1962, Irv Kloska and Bonnie Kowrach stood in St. Adalbert's Basilica in Grand Rapids and pledged their lives to each other. More than 40 years and 13 children later, their family has grown to more than 70 members... and counting. With this blog we keep in touch and share our thoughts - much like we have always done around our kitchen table. But like our table, friends are always invited. Welcome! <br> <br> BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03224106033062442571noreply@blogger.comBlogger21991100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-78370891191097001812012-02-04T09:34:00.001-05:002012-02-04T09:36:15.892-05:00

South Bend family of 11 celebrates mom's 46th birthday at Super Bowl XLVIIndianapolis, Ind.Hundreds of thousands of fans have invaded Indianapolis for Super Bowl XLVI, including plenty from Michiana. Friday night, a South Bend family of 11 reunited for a super evening.Click on link to see full story...

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-63990445025725761902012-01-26T21:40:00.001-05:002012-01-26T21:42:41.563-05:00

No, I'm not kidding. This girl is awesome... because she lives Jesus' words fully. How beautiful... if you can only watch the first 20 minutes -it will change your life.

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-46661775177986051132012-01-22T23:25:00.006-05:002012-01-22T23:37:33.860-05:00

(Thanks to Brendan who passed it on...click on headline for full story) Palm-sized baby, 2nd smallest in US, is growing This undated photo provided by Melinda Guido's family shows Melinda, with her mother's fingers in the scene, in the neonatal intensive care unit at the Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center. Melinda was born premature at 24 weeks weighing 9.5 ounces. She's believed to be the

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-90089728394641892202012-01-16T08:36:00.005-05:002012-01-16T18:21:07.420-05:00

The families who came over to Mom and Dad's last night were able to partake in Aunt Mary's yearly birthday party -including pizza, the 'Cross cake' and the yearly debut of the guitar (with 'praise and worship' in Polish and Russian). As anyone with a musical ear can hear -the guitar had not been tuned in quite a while and the kids were not going to wait for me to try to remember how to do that.

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-66797808351114622092012-01-13T00:07:00.000-05:002012-01-12T23:26:18.205-05:00

I wonder if Dad had a clue at what he was creating when he called me the 'sunshine child'... over the years I'm sure he wished I had a little less 'fire'. Thankfully, God can use all things for His Own good purposes. And so with that, I'll take this opportunity to share a prayer I love by Cardinal Newman:RADIATING CHRISTBy Venerable John Henry Cardinal Newman Dear Jesus, Help me to spread Your

marynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-77797745081743046962011-12-28T00:00:00.002-05:002011-12-27T19:52:22.159-05:00

Love and miss you, Johnny. +And thanks for all the help from up there... :)You keep heaven close and real.

marynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-46097590253435821092011-12-24T10:52:00.005-05:002011-12-24T11:02:48.542-05:00

And Flesh Was Made 'Fiat'...Mary lived Jesus' 'Fiat' -their Fiats in the Incarnation and on the Cross were somehow intertwined...We all feel like Mary and Jesus (and Joseph) at some point in time in our lives as we struggle and strive to fulfill God's plan for our life in surrender, joy and love in the midst of a sometimes dark, confusing world.May Mary's Fiat of total trust and surrender -that

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-44305406207651440072011-12-23T20:40:00.001-05:002011-12-23T20:42:04.803-05:00

And adore Him with true gratitude.

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-53966931409074589942011-12-20T09:14:00.001-05:002011-12-20T09:18:05.858-05:00

...and Trust. +

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-86796019219592607992011-11-22T09:53:00.004-05:002011-11-22T10:13:55.798-05:00

Dad asked me to share this... it is a very touching and powerful, personal witness of a father's love and a lesson he learned from his baby daughter!

marynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-46624540983106297462011-11-17T06:18:00.007-05:002011-11-17T07:17:54.580-05:00

"When one finds a worthy wife, her value is far beyond pearls. Her husband, entrusting his heart to her, as an unfailing prize."(Proverbs 31:10-11)These were the opening words of our First Reading on Sunday. Yesterday the Church celebrated two such women, both of whom would be powerful models for modern-day wives and mothers. The first of these is the mother from Maccabees -this holy woman truly

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-45639621809674016382011-11-03T10:06:00.003-04:002011-11-03T10:20:42.699-04:00

(Since no one seems to post here very often anymore, I might as well share my long thoughts… if nothing else, speaking Jesus’ Truth in Love can sanctify cyberspace. J) People in this world aspire to be lots of things –the best doctor, the best salesman, the best fireman, the best banker, the best football player, the best movie star, the best chemist. Heroism was programmed into the human heart

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-53411123859685969772011-10-18T19:00:00.000-04:002011-10-18T19:00:03.855-04:00

Pope Warns of 'Virtuality' Overtaking 'Reality' Encourages Silence and Solitude so as to Experience God LAMEZIA TERME, Italy, OCT. 11, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Human beings need to "expose themselves to reality," says Benedict XVI. And he encouraged silence and solitude as a way to do this. The Pope spoke Sunday of the need for silence when he addressed a group of Carthusian monks during a one-day

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-15451943766915020472011-10-17T18:28:00.006-04:002011-10-17T18:33:29.175-04:00

"The only real tragedy in life, is not to become a saint." -Leon Bloy If only the whole world truly lived this way -seeking humility, gentleness, kindness, good will and real Love above all else... the world truly needs real Christians. Just do it. +

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-51818285316283331462011-10-06T17:53:00.004-04:002011-10-06T17:58:26.766-04:00

Kevin was gone when Kathy found a snake on her garage step leading into the house... she freaked, of course. Then the snake went to hide in her bag of dirty diapers -thankfully BJ was at Mom's and so rushed over overcoming all fears and truly did a job on the little guy. I thought you'd enjoy the picture...

marynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-55923262927460086062011-09-28T21:42:00.006-04:002011-09-28T22:08:34.595-04:00

Part of K-9 training for police work includes training dogs to perform 'building searches' for burglars, bombs, disaster victims, etc. When a dog locates a hidden or trapped person, it alerts the handler by pointing to the location of the person or barks and becomes aggressive. In 1995, Pope John Paul II was in the United States. He was scheduled to visit some seminarians. To accommodate the Pope

marynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-73578690533129612942011-09-24T16:18:00.001-04:002011-09-24T16:18:11.601-04:00

Holy Cross College: A New Chapter from Nich Perez CSC on Vimeo.

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03224106033062442571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-15518055986499364762011-09-07T17:56:00.007-04:002011-09-07T19:15:30.355-04:00

As of August 27th, I am now officially a 'diocesan hermit of crucified love'. I'm just not sure what else to say... you can click on the title for Theresa's article about it. And here are some pictures, upon request. I should get some better ones soon, which I will post (if people will still want to see them). Blessings in Jesus! +

marynoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-44894116699131282202011-08-26T20:03:00.006-04:002011-08-26T20:34:22.396-04:00

Ok... so Fr. Matthew was there with us too! Brendan eating... DUCK! A random Polish guy we met -who happens to edit a magazine I used in the parish we served in Siberia... Beautiful Cathedral built on top of the grotto: Our awesome 'travel group' -these girls pulled off the best flash-mob act in the metro I've ever witnessed... Did anyone put that all in YouTube?

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-8072106758914739052011-08-19T09:09:00.001-04:002011-08-19T09:09:13.197-04:00

Word for Word [Edge] from Life Teen on Vimeo.

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03224106033062442571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-12653319999063385452011-08-07T09:08:00.002-04:002011-08-07T09:18:03.044-04:00

Brendan, Lucy and Nathan Swick and I leave on Wednesday with the Bishop, priests and youth of the Diocese for a retreat in Lourdes, France and then on to Spain for World Youth Day with Pope Benedict. The numbers signed up for this event are truly amazing -they expect 2.5 -3 million young people at the Papal Mass on Sunday, August 21st. The Bishop had Today's Catholic set up a Blog so that family

marynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-42543445009855168152011-08-06T19:04:00.007-04:002011-08-06T20:07:50.405-04:00

How much do we really trust Him -day in and day out, with every detail of our lives? How much do we surrender before Him in true littleness, weakness, vulnerbility? How much do we really choose to drink from the fountain of His healing mercy, strength and hope? He waits hanging on the Cross -but we must move our wills to walk to Him (especially in the Sacraments and prayer) and drink. He can

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-44779528618609253802011-08-02T21:14:00.005-04:002011-08-02T21:19:38.695-04:00

"We cultivate a very small field for Christ, but we love it, knowing that God does not require great acheivements but a heart that holds nothing for self."-Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-45266935733213990822011-07-28T22:03:00.006-04:002011-07-28T22:34:27.677-04:00

Ali and the kids spent the day at Mom and Dad's today -because four fevers and no air conditioning in 95 degree weather is neither healing, nor fun! Dad got to wear many hats... Luke was the 100% healthy one -and he followed Dad around like a chattering shadow. He even got to help paint the new backboard for the driveway... Olivia and Isabel won the 'sickest' awards -nothing comforts an aching

marynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-37110340594542542662011-07-28T21:56:00.001-04:002011-07-28T22:27:28.235-04:00

Kathy's kids saw these pictures of me in Tanzania when they were over at Mom's the other day:And so they decided to gather up all the dolls in the house and play African orphanage. Here they are trying to imitate the above picture (note the babies tied to them):Even Joey had a ball playing 'African Mama' (I mean, 'African Daddy' ):)So much fun, and a great lesson in missionary life!

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-84837998353103890952011-07-26T19:26:00.003-04:002011-07-26T19:31:47.432-04:00

Believe it or not, this picture was unplanned -I think Mike simply thinks likes his father-in-law!

marynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-80219969558482452412011-07-26T06:13:00.004-04:002011-07-26T06:26:28.577-04:00

The drought hitting Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia right now is horrifying -it especially pierces our hearts to think of the MILLIONS of people dying of hunger when we consider all the food daily wasted in the US. Yet, we can help in two ways.First, by prayer -asking God to give 'Manna in the Desert' to these dying brothers and sisters of ours. Secondly, by sending some sort of donation (

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-64023311556412940932011-07-16T21:29:00.003-04:002011-07-16T21:36:20.121-04:00

Baby Gracie was born last night (Friday, July 15th) at 6:44pm, weighing in at 7.5 lbs. Her siblings couldn't be more excited. We love you, baby Grace, and we pray God blesses you all the days of your life! +

marynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-62256930220214736622011-06-28T22:35:00.003-04:002011-06-28T23:12:28.385-04:00

It was the Fall of 2001 or the Spring of 2002 -all time runs together when I think back to those two years I spent smack in the center of Eastern Siberia. I had been put on a bus for the first time alone -shipped off 150 miles or so to the Sisters in Achinsk to help out on some sort of retreat they were having. I don't remember which specific event in Achinsk this bus ride correlates with -but I

marynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-86810991053839535432011-06-24T15:55:00.003-04:002011-06-24T15:55:42.106-04:00

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03224106033062442571noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-37253335346164360992011-06-23T21:37:00.001-04:002011-06-23T21:38:52.082-04:00

marynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-10978058564563830542011-06-23T17:43:00.000-04:002011-06-23T17:43:00.937-04:00

The Carolina Kloska's welcomed their first daughter to the world this afternoon. Lucia Elizabeth Kloska was 8.6 lbs, 21 inches long and is absolutely beautiful! Congratulations, Joey and Jen!We love you and may God bless your new little family of 3!

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-78803186890825869412011-06-22T16:33:00.005-04:002011-06-22T17:02:38.095-04:00

If you never felt pain, how would you know that I am your Healer? If you never had to pray, how would you know that I am your Deliverer? If you never had a trial, how could I help you become an overcomer? If you never felt sadness, how would you know that I am your Comforter? If you never made a mistake, how would you know that I am the Merciful Forgiver? If you knew everything, how would you

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-57682166774437104072011-06-19T23:41:00.010-04:002011-06-20T21:58:41.471-04:00

...because its a war out there in this world -a 'war for souls' -and they are our generals on the battlefield.In today's world, to be a Christian is a call to be a martyr in many ways -and yet, how much more difficult is it to be the leader and shepherd of martyrs -how much greater of an example does one have to be to guide others? Our poor priests are called to not only serve, preach and give

marynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-43080850356446941032011-06-17T16:22:00.008-04:002011-06-17T17:40:51.096-04:00

Sister Irmgard (the German sister working at Upendo in Tanzania) sent me these updated pictures of Polycarp saying, 'I think he growed a bit!' :) Thank you for your prayers for this little guy -and please keep him and all their 50+ babies in your prayers. Its been months and they still don't have water -although the money some of you VERY generously gave should be enough to finish their well once

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-9715018848763785902011-06-16T12:55:00.000-04:002011-06-16T12:55:21.620-04:00

Click on the headline to read it.

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03224106033062442571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-36577892491196299852011-06-14T01:38:00.001-04:002011-06-14T01:39:29.949-04:00

Click the headline to read all about it. Big Wave Dave alerted me to this many moons ago. I just came across the article again and thought I'd post it. Dave and I agree that Light Beer is an offense against the Natural Law. Seriously, why even bother drinking beer if you're going to water it down to that extent? I hope it dies altogether.

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03224106033062442571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-61033014005119709082011-06-13T21:19:00.001-04:002011-06-13T21:20:53.083-04:00

What a beautiful Mass for our family! Click on the picture to see it larger - it looks even better larger.

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03224106033062442571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-75810795912866798242011-06-13T21:00:00.000-04:002011-06-13T21:37:57.131-04:00

A big thanks to Fr. Bob for using our backyard altar (and for all the blessings of people, items and the house!) We prayed for all the family who could not make it -I know that some of you really were sad to miss it because of sickness, work or conflicting sports schedules. Thank you to those who were able to come. Prayers (and coffee and donuts) together is always a gift! +

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-38888238901635893592011-06-12T09:53:00.008-04:002011-06-12T10:20:41.602-04:00

Pentecost June 12, 2011 - Pentecost June 8, 2014Please join our family in praying for a 'New Pentecost' in our own lives, in our Diocese of Fort Wayne -South Bend, in the United States and throughout the entire world. Come Holy Spirit, fill our hearts -renew Your Life, Love, Peace, Wisdom and Truth in the world! We consecrate to you our lives and ask You to do 'big miracles' -to stop wars, heal

marynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-83002567694904242702011-06-09T17:18:00.000-04:002011-06-09T17:18:38.650-04:00

Deacons Tink (left) and Matt (right) Coonan will be ordained to the Holy Priesthood this Saturday, June 11, at 11:00 am at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Fort Wayne.  Several of us in the family know one or both of the Coonan brothers and several of us are planning on attending this awesome ordination.  If you are not planning on attending, please consider joining our diocese

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02075802530657353938noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-34311482978277435802011-06-03T17:52:00.002-04:002011-06-03T17:52:34.442-04:00

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03224106033062442571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-28921721720454481012011-06-01T22:17:00.008-04:002011-06-01T22:59:10.741-04:00

...and so I post it here for prayer.I have a whole lot I could say on it -but really what can words do to change it all? We need prayer. I've worked firsthand with kids (some of whom are now adults) wounded in these ways -it is real and so evil. Please pray for an end to such abuse against these innocents in the world -and for real HEALING for those who have been victimized.for those wanting

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-84184638188722200472011-05-31T22:27:00.000-04:002011-05-31T22:27:53.726-04:00

Our old, beloved home on Arcade Avenue in Elkhart is for sale, and we would love to see someone buy it who will love and enjoy it as much as we did.  The current owners contacted us to let us know and to ask our assistance is spreading the word.  They've done a lovely job adding some updates (like a new sliding door in the dining room and patio in the back - and even a playset!).  Click on the

Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02075802530657353938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-26813576978984286652011-05-29T21:39:00.005-04:002011-05-29T22:25:43.121-04:00

It has been a burning fire on my heart to do a three year Consecration to the Holy Spirit for my own individual vocation, for my family, for Bishop Rhoades and the Diocese, for our country (including President), Pope and all Cardinals, Bishops and world leaders and for everyone in the world. When Dad found out, he asked me to share with him some of the prayers I will be doing in this

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-61230392597573163712011-05-27T14:34:00.004-04:002011-05-27T15:30:56.414-04:00

The video below is their response. Grand Rapids - 1 Newsweek - 0

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03224106033062442571noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-16768491638496735482011-05-26T20:34:00.004-04:002011-05-26T21:00:35.778-04:00

Often I hear misunderstandings on the Church's teaching about the use of NFP in families. These misunderstandings range between thinking of NFP as 'morally mandatory' to keep families small in our heavily populated world, to the idea that it can be used for ANY reason (and not restricted to the 'serious reasons' that Pope Paul IVth referred to in Humane Vitae). I have discussed this topic with

marynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-29901860374654216242011-05-25T18:40:00.006-04:002011-05-25T19:11:03.608-04:00

"Jesus says; 'My daughter, I want to instruct you on how you are to rescue souls through sacrifice and prayer. You will save more souls through prayer and suffering than will a missionary through his teachings and sermons alone. I want to see you as a sacrifice of living love, which only then carries weight before Me. You must be annihilated, destroyed, living as if you were dead in the most

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-19325734371903150572011-05-19T16:07:00.006-04:002011-05-19T22:11:53.276-04:00

BJ and Luke are getting ready for the May Crowning at Kloska Headquarters...So is Joey Downey!Girl cousins galore lining up...Katie Kloska gets to do itsince she made her First Communion this Spring...Grandpa and Katie... The following weekend was her 'big day'...Just a great family picture of Michael Jeffery's Confirmation(BJ -godfather, Ben Swick -sponser, Nicholas, Bobby, Margy, Margy's Dad

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-10990100255089137742011-05-17T02:04:00.001-04:002011-05-17T02:04:44.554-04:00

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03224106033062442571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-67947743689065639342011-05-15T21:56:00.006-04:002011-05-15T22:37:11.851-04:00

Tomorrow (May 16th) starts our Novena of Family Healing Masses -May His blood cleanse and protect us, His Eucharistic Heart transform and unite us, and His Holy Spirit consume us with the Gifts God knows we each need most.Please remember to pray along as is possible... “Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said: "Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you,

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-18002238081444973392011-05-09T18:42:00.007-04:002011-05-09T21:27:31.750-04:00

Do you ever hear a song and it throws you back to a feeling you had when you were little? That happened to me tonight, although I had to chuckle when I realized that 'little' meant half my lifetime ago -when I was 17 (young, but I guess not really 'little') and for the first time stepped into the barren land of Russia. I had no idea at the time what deep lines the Lord was carving in my soul

marynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-44836591638611665712011-05-06T14:43:00.000-04:002011-05-06T14:43:50.455-04:00

We received a clean report from my PET/CT scan yesterday. The "red flags" of last month have inexplicably disappeared. This is the first time in eight years that we have been braced for bad news and did not get it. Good surprises are a new experience for us. It was gratifying to see Margy so happy. Thanks for your care and concern.

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03224106033062442571noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-66196856143739644482011-05-05T09:02:00.013-04:002011-05-05T13:28:00.907-04:00

(Pictured at left: Our son Joseph with his sisters on the day of his First Holy Communion - a day when his friendship with Jesus could begin to really grow and be strengthened, a day of significance for the rest of his life. Click on the photo, look carefully, and you will see Jesus in his eyes.)...Monday was the 36th anniversary of my First Holy Communion, an event that ranks up there in

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03224106033062442571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-37980450109513105062011-05-01T05:53:00.003-04:002011-05-01T06:18:18.962-04:00

'Be not afraid! Open wide the doors to Christ!'I just spent the night watching his Beatification -This man's holiness truly leaves one speechless. How blessed we are to have lived in a time when Jesus gave our dark world such a bright light in this man, in this priest, in this Pope. +

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-33197686531705418272011-04-28T16:54:00.004-04:002011-04-28T17:34:23.530-04:00

by: Cardinal Giovanni Coppa"John Paul II's love for the Virgin knew no bounds. He never missed an opportunity to speak of Mary. He dedicated the Encyclical Redemptoris Mater to her. Redemption was in fact the guideline of his Petrine Magisterium. Furthermore, he not only honoured her with his ministry as Supreme Pontiff but also in many other ways.From the outset he wanted to recite the Rosary

marynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-6158918258626272252011-04-26T04:03:00.003-04:002011-04-26T15:55:16.286-04:00

“I am the bread of life.”"In the year 2009, I was distributing communion to the faithful when a young woman approached and extended her hands to receive the Eucharist. Almost as soon as I had placed the Host in her hands, she began moving away and in the process she dropped the host. Standing over the fallen Host lying on the ground, a slight giggle, shrug of the shoulders, and re-extended hands,

marynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-89083754669222831762011-04-25T15:05:00.000-04:002011-04-25T15:05:14.661-04:00

Click the headline for the story... and happy Dyngus Day!

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03224106033062442571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-9955834780610462272011-04-23T09:19:00.004-04:002011-04-23T10:43:46.804-04:00

Mike Murphy's sister Mary died suddenly yesterday (Good Friday) in Paraguay -where she was visiting for her daughter's wedding. We ask for prayers for her, as well for her husband Mike, her children, and the entire extended Murphy family. May Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who opened the gates of heaven through His death and resurrection, lead Mary into His heavenly kingdom and reward her for her

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-73829169403666063932011-04-21T21:15:00.000-04:002011-04-21T21:15:00.420-04:00

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-77928089257864243342011-04-19T06:00:00.007-04:002011-04-19T08:51:23.114-04:00

Six years ago tonight -Tuesday, April 19th, 2005 -changed the Kloskas more than any other event in our family history. The youngest of the 'Kloska Clan' was the first to meet Jesus face to Face. (Johnny actually died early Wednesday morning, April 20th -just after midnight.) Talk about a true living out of Jesus' words, 'The first shall be last, and the last shall be first.' Johnny was the last

marynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-67520078720964578742011-04-15T00:08:00.002-04:002011-04-15T06:00:08.924-04:00

I can't tell you how many times this week I have heard people pity our family for all the great Crosses that we seem to have been clobbered with these past 6-8 years -all Bobby's cancers, Johnny's death, Theresa's cancer, little Cecilia's stroke and seizures, now Karen's cancer -not to mention Mom and Dad's numerous surgeries, as well as many other personal crosses each 'family' in our bigger

marynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-27233541162421566692011-04-14T19:26:00.004-04:002011-04-14T19:35:47.920-04:00

I received this in an e-mail this morning: "I wanted to let you know about the wonderful thing that happened this afternoon outside the Women's Pavilion. The clinic was busy judging from the number of cars. I saw a woman come out of the clinic and walk toward the cars. Then more 40 Days for Lifers came - a group I had prayed with last Wednesday - from Holy Cross College - and a gal from St. Pius.

marynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-50592896658303667272011-04-04T09:22:00.001-04:002011-04-04T09:24:31.948-04:00

Karen has been diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocyctic Leukemia. Please pray for her. The clearest explanation I have found is from the National Cancer Institute website. Please click the headline above to read a brief description of it. On Saturday, Fr. Kevin came to Kloska HQ and we had a communal celebration of the Sacrament of the Annointing of the Sick. The Swick family will need love and

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03224106033062442571noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-48716030001134488592011-03-27T22:17:00.006-04:002011-03-27T22:48:45.877-04:00

Sorry this took so long to get up here! But on March 14th we welcomed the 75th little Kloska offshoot to life out of the womb (there are two more due here this summer). BJ and Ali gave birth to Veronica Mary Kloska -7lbs, 7 ounces -and she seemed quite happy to join the everlasting party that ensues in that household. Congratualtions, guys! And thanks for being such a powerful witness in the

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-48695008097888053382011-03-26T13:43:00.005-04:002011-03-26T13:54:48.825-04:00

I was reading the South Carolina diocesan newspaper last night and I ran across an article that I thought was interesting. It was about a woman who started her own blog specializing in Catholic arts & crafts for kids! Anyone who has children and is looking for new ideas might find some looking at this woman's blog. Check it out if you are so inclined... I looked around briefly and thought it

Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13557385170675980670noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-30523465012121732912011-03-09T15:48:00.003-05:002011-03-09T15:52:29.042-05:00

Kloskas -this looks so cool! I bet the kids would absolutely love doing it, or at least a portion of it (for the younger ones), especially if the weather holds up. I just wanted to pass it on to anyone who may not have heard of it yet. Time: Sunday, April 17 · 12:00pm - 5:00pmLocation: South Bend, IndianaCreated By: Youth Ministry FWSBMore Info:Begin at 12:00pm at St. Joseph Church and process

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-26358107897274671332011-03-08T22:57:00.003-05:002011-03-08T23:08:14.151-05:00

I put this up on facebook, but some of you don't use it. If nothing else, please pray some generous people step up to help these holy sisters -they have sacrificed more to live the Gospel radically than any of us will ever be able to conceive of... real charitable love is supposed to 'hurt' -and its the 'suffering' of the sacrifice that doubly blesses those who receive the 'gift' (the money for

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-35784181704045185982011-03-06T16:41:00.008-05:002011-03-06T22:48:37.030-05:00

With all of my travels during this time of year, I thought I would share just one of the many places I go during my "show season". New Brunswick in the summer is a land of complete beauty. With the ocean just a short drive away, Moncton New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island is a tourist attraction that usually leave a jaw dropping impression of crystal clear lakes and ocean front a plenty.

Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497955748473010294noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-34067572127503360522011-03-02T06:15:00.001-05:002011-03-02T06:16:30.561-05:00

I've always known that Holy Cross College is a special place. Why else would I devote nearly 14 years of my life to the school? I've also known that our highly personal way of delivering Catholic education was unique. Located in Notre Dame, Indiana, our geographical location gives us the best of both worlds. We are right here close to all the action with 20,000 students located within a five mile

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03224106033062442571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-37250816778229914412011-02-24T06:01:00.002-05:002011-02-24T06:04:13.521-05:00

Blaise is the daughter of some friends of ours from our days in Arizona. She has been in and out of the hospital her entire life. Her parents are exhausted. Below is a message I received from her mom Lisa this morning. Please remember the entire Voita family in your prayers.Hello Everyone. Could use some heavy-duty prayer for Blaise and our whole family. She never bounced back from her last

Margyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11188317069384812894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-65561517095224290572011-02-23T12:55:00.003-05:002011-02-23T13:03:04.079-05:00

Today is the feast of St. Polycarp -three years ago today little 'Polycarp' landed on the doorstop of the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood in Moshi, Tanzania (they tend to name their abandoned children after the saint who is celebrating their feast the day the child arrives). He had been found abandoned in a bus with wierd, tribal things tied all over him (equivalent with satanism/curses, etc

marynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-41627676363530515292011-02-11T19:34:00.002-05:002011-02-11T19:36:49.223-05:00

Theresa's book is up for an award. But we need you to get out and vote! Please click on the headline above and vote for 'Stories from the Homeschool Heart." It's quite an accomplishment to even write a book, let alone be nominated as one of the best Catholic books of the year. So like they do in Chicago politics, Vote Early and Vote Often!

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03224106033062442571noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-71265645217792551322011-02-10T20:39:00.003-05:002011-02-10T20:40:10.329-05:00

Wow! Thanks Chuck!

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03224106033062442571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-2800416515416537182011-02-03T10:40:00.013-05:002011-02-03T11:55:36.324-05:00

"Satan may appear in many disguises like Christ -but Satan never has and never will appear with scars...There are only two philosophies of life: one is first the feast, then the headache; the other is first the fast and then the feast. Deferred joys purchased by sacrifice are always sweetest and most enduring... Christianity, unlike any other religion in the world, begins with catastrophe and

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-51095891242060904762011-02-02T14:31:00.002-05:002011-02-02T14:38:52.459-05:00

Listen to what this sister says about the children she serves (3 minutes, 10 seconds into it)... it is just so beautiful!

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-23924790676290028022011-02-02T10:25:00.001-05:002011-02-02T10:27:36.177-05:00

St. Matthew's celebrates "Countries Day" - Fox 28: South Bend, Elkhart IN News, Weather, SportsWatch closely and you'll see Joseph with his passport!

Margyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11188317069384812894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-49765943567821268922011-02-02T00:41:00.003-05:002011-02-02T00:42:12.254-05:00

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03224106033062442571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-82080353909640453832011-02-01T19:55:00.003-05:002011-02-01T20:34:22.834-05:00

Isabel Rose is definitely a 'Mama's or Daddy's Girl' -but Grand-pa-pa sure had the touch the other night. He had to work a little, but in the end, he got the full-out smile!

marynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-63146744429519167782011-01-31T13:40:00.006-05:002011-01-31T14:13:28.505-05:00

This might look like just any nice piece of furniture in any random home -yet this sofa is special. This sofa has a history. This sofa was MADE by a dedicated husband for his wife, since they could not afford to buy one. Just a beautiful, practical way for a husband to show his wife sacrificial love (plus, pretty amazing talent).Janek and Hania recently moved from sharing an apartment with Mama

marynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-57640886148419722442011-01-28T11:07:00.001-05:002011-01-28T11:07:36.755-05:00

God, Sex and the Meaning of Life:An Evening of Reflection on Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the BodyChristopher West with Mike Mangione & The Union The world is sated with sex, but remains starved for love. Maybe it's because we've kicked God out of the bedroom ... On Friday February 18th 2011, renowned "theologian of the body" Christopher West will help demonstrate that the Church's teaching

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03224106033062442571noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-14354798818471659832011-01-25T09:56:00.001-05:002011-01-25T09:58:50.811-05:00

Lankford spent the last 16 years running Falls Creek Baptist Church Camp in the Arbuckle Mountains of southern Oklahoma (The largest church camp in the nation.) He resigned when he felt called to run for a vacated House seat. With zero political experience, he won in a landslide. Now in D.C., listen to what is probably his first speech on the House floor.

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-59171020386531577232011-01-19T15:43:00.000-05:002011-01-19T15:43:00.774-05:00

Janek, Hania, (Tato) and the kids (Adas, Dominik, Tomek and Helenka) send their greetings and great love to all our family!

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-67416171123284486042011-01-18T03:28:00.001-05:002011-01-18T14:12:32.044-05:00

Thanks, to all who were able to make it! Its always a joy to share pizza, good cake and lots of smiles, hugs and kisses!

marynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-25790887138022381492011-01-17T11:57:00.000-05:002011-01-17T11:57:25.326-05:00

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03224106033062442571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-15635259484693990902011-01-14T17:05:00.003-05:002011-01-14T18:44:51.168-05:00

Pope John Paul II moves a step closer to sainthoodVATICAN CITY – During his 2005 funeral, crowds at the Vatican shouted for Pope John Paul II to be made a saint immediately. "Santo subito!" they chanted for one of the most important and beloved pontiffs in history.His successor heard their call. On Friday, in the fastest process on record, Pope Benedict XVI set May 1 as the date for John Paul's

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-88046435933189335522011-01-12T06:51:00.001-05:002011-01-12T06:51:00.433-05:00

Just a moment of silence with God:

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-55104992653210172142011-01-11T16:31:00.000-05:002011-01-11T16:31:00.538-05:00

My one great desire for these kids was that they would somehow come to know the depths of Jesus love -especially in the Catholic Faith. My 'secret way' of getting this accomplished while I was there was using the Christmas Season to teach them about Mary... I figured if I could make them fall in love with Her, She'd get them as close to Jesus and His Church/Sacraments someday as possible. I found

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-58710952387927180622011-01-10T11:11:00.000-05:002011-01-10T11:11:00.378-05:00

I never could figure out what all the lights were in this picture -maybe the angels joining me for coffee, prayer and sunrise:After sunrise at 5am I headed for the 'white house' -my secret chapel -for my morning with Jesus. I tried to ignore the fact that we killed two big spiders in there (the size of my hand) the first day I arrived...At 8am was breakfast followed by all sorts of activities

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-3616765788054067092011-01-08T01:57:00.000-05:002011-01-08T01:58:37.585-05:00

The stockings were hung by the TV with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there (these stockings reminded me of ours growing up -they were made and donated by a religious sister in East London)...Christmas morning we were blessed with Mass at Open Arms -the priest who arranged for me to have the Blessed Sacrament offered to drive out to say Mass for us all. After Mass, the fun ensued:

marynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-79616212202346744192011-01-07T04:28:00.003-05:002011-01-07T04:28:00.216-05:00

The Kids (you will notice in some of the pictures the great designs Pat the ND volunteer carved in the kids' hair for Christmas -they were so excited about it!)They nicknamed Atule (below) 'Auntie Mary's Shadow' -no matter how quietly I entered the house he somehow knew I was there and would come running from the other room following me everywhere until I picked him up...Some of the 15 'Mama's'

marynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-76490187152539731692011-01-06T02:26:00.006-05:002011-01-06T04:21:55.653-05:00

Instead of doing a ridiculously long post, I'll break this second part of my time in South Africa up into several small posts. First -the place... Open Arms is a children's home located outside the small city/village of Komga -about an hour from East London and the sea where penguins and whales frequent (imagine that I'm looking across towards the South Pole here):It is located on the top of a

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-81272128157457760292011-01-05T08:41:00.004-05:002011-01-05T08:47:03.977-05:00

A whole new definition to 'Saturday Morning Babysitting' :I hope to get some real pictures and a post up here soon!

marynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-52550484573380311552011-01-03T01:44:00.002-05:002011-01-03T01:44:42.610-05:00

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03224106033062442571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-43039849831106005442010-12-28T11:00:00.001-05:002010-12-28T11:00:15.404-05:00

Blogging will resume after the Holidays or whenever Mary gets internet access in South Africa.

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03224106033062442571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-15657206323760756152010-12-15T21:14:00.003-05:002010-12-16T07:55:27.423-05:00

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03224106033062442571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-24508706783690450082010-12-15T04:19:00.002-05:002010-12-15T04:19:00.347-05:00

Thanks to my brother-in-law, Big Wave Dave The excerpts below provide me the wake up call I need, and the challenge to approach each day with this mindset (no matter how often I fail). Have a blessed Advent and Christmas! Dave God, we have seen, was not content to love us with a charitable love but he loved us also with a suffering love. The day arrives for everyone when it is no longer

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03224106033062442571noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-59258910666704160602010-12-10T04:56:00.004-05:002010-12-10T04:58:31.213-05:00

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03224106033062442571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-56860968942691847052010-12-04T01:39:00.002-05:002010-12-04T01:43:36.401-05:00

I leave today from Capetown on to my last mission before I return home. I fly to East London, South Africa where I will be picked up by a slew of kids and a Domer, we will attend a soccer game and then drive an hour 'home' to 'Open Arms' (located on 70 acres of land -I'm really looking forward to 'nature') . This is a beautiful mission if you want to take a peek at their website: http://

marynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12686636.post-11256760280136006542010-12-03T09:59:00.005-05:002010-12-03T10:16:57.834-05:00

Waiting, obedient Love is sometimes the hardest...But it also bears the greatest fruit at times...Give Jesus the gift He and His Father and the Spirit truly desire this Advent...Give Them the gift of your waiting, open heart.

marynoreply@blogger.com1