• lifestyles,  spirituality

    Altar Bells

    Altar Bells
    Altar Bells

    An altar or sanctus bell is rung during the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church, Lutheranism, in Methodism, and in the Anglican Communion. After a little research I found the reasons for ringing bell; first, to create a joyful noise to the Lord; second, the Church bells ringing signaled those not able to attend Mass that something supernatural was taking place. And, they have been a part of the Mass for about 800 years. If you look closely you will notice the bells are different sizes and therefore give different tones when rung. The gentle ringing of these bells is really not disturbing but I suppose could be startling to those who are not expecting it.

    My roots are from a Protestant childhood. I converted to Catholicism in my mid thirties, at a time when the church provided much needed support and growth. I call myself a Christian but with reservations with the actions of some professed Christians. I seldom attend Mass anymore for personal reasons, yet I do search out churches where quiet can be found. Just as in nature it is here that I can read, write, spend time in pray, meditation and contemplation. Finding these places helps keep me connected to the Divine and sometimes learn about sanctus bells.

  • architecture,  Church

    Don’t Stop

    Prayer Time
    Prayer Time

    I saw a sign yesterday posted out in front of a church, it read “If you’ve been praying for snow, please stop.” But, because of our need for moisture in Colorado, I say keep it going. We had about 5-6 inches of snow through the night, that works for me. Anymore than that I’ll be complaining.  The temperatures are not bad at 16 degrees (F). Stay warm for those caught in frigid weather and enjoy this last Friday of January 2014!

  • architecture,  Church,  Fujifilm X-E1,  quotes

    The Three Variables

    Arches and Cross
    Arches and Cross

    “After 40 years of ingesting every aspect of photographic science and composition, I still find the camera to be an endlessly intriguing partner that challenges my imagination and knowledge. All that with only 3 variables of shutter speed, aperture and focal length.” – Ralph Auletta

  • architecture,  Candid Portraits,  Church,  quotes

    Caring

    A Time of Prayer
    A Time of Prayer

    “Church will always be renewed when our attention shifts from ourselves to those who need our care.” – Henri Nouwen

    As I’ve mentioned previously I have a couple of churches I use for quiet time during the weekdays. I’ve seen this lady in the above  image several times. On one occasion she had a young girl in a wheelchair with her. At first the sounds the young girl made was disturbing but after a few minutes they no longer bothered me. In fact I was glad she was there. It also helped me realize how good my life is. I have three healthy children and four healthy grandchildren. At the moment I have a daughter and two grandchildren living with me because of poor choices. Yet, this woman has burdens in her life far greater than mine. I do not know her name but I believe Church is not the building she prays in but her willingness to car for her daughter.

  • lifestyles,  spirituality,  winter scenes

    Quiet Time

    Prayer Time
    Prayer Time

    The clouds moved into the area late yesterday afternoon. Rain started falling around 8:00 last night and continued throughout the night. Temperature this morning was just above freezing. By midmorning the rain stopped and the skies began to clear. As I look west I can see a dusting of snow along our Colorado Front Range. Winter has made it’s presence known. It’s a quiet sort of day. Hope everyone has a good weekend.

     

  • architecture,  Church

    The Prayer Book

    The Prayer Book
    The Prayer Book

    Wikipedia says prayer is an invocation or act that seeks to activate a rapport with a deity, an object of worship, or a spiritual entity through deliberate communication. Some form of prayer is found in most major religions. In contrast with Western religion, Eastern religion for the most part discards worship and places devotional emphasis on the practice of meditation alongside scriptural study. Consequently, prayer is seen as a form of meditation or an adjunct practice to meditation.

    Prayer and meditation have become important to me over the past thirty years. Prior to that any prayer life I had consisted of short burst of frustration or fear, “Oh my God!” There has been a move within me to for more quiet contemplation and meditation. So I find places where I can have those quiet moments. I use a couple of churches with in walking distance. I use a nearby park and a couple nature areas for more quiet. A quiet corner of my condo can make for a nice place also.

    All three monotheistic Religions have a variety of prayer books: The Muslim Prayer Book – for praying five times a day; The Book of Common Prayer -which has prayers for seven times a day; Liturgy of the Hours – used by monastic communities to pray seven times a day; Siddur – the Jewish prayer book for praying three times a day. I could be wrong on these prayer books but it gives us some idea of the importance for prayer within these religions.