Category: Catholic

What are you doing during the COVID-19 virus quarantine?

I'm not a great cook. In fact I don't like it, but I made this and it turned out so good! I'd give you the recipe, but I'm not sure what I did. ;-)
What are you doing during the COVID-19 virus quarantine? Like everyone under a stay at home order, my family and I are trying to keep busy.  Now that the stay at home order has been extended through April, we’re trying to figure out how to change our routine and mix things up a bit. Here’s... Read more »
By Pam Spano,
April 2, 2020 at 8:06 am • 

Be grateful that you're bored during the COVID-19 pandemic

Be grateful that you're bored during the COVID-19 pandemic
The other night, as I began my prayers, I hesitated for a moment.  Then I prayed: Thank you Lord, for my being bored today. The reason I prayed that was because I realized I had the opportunity to be bored.  I woke up that morning, got dressed, walked my daughter’s dog, did the dishes, did... Read more »
By Pam Spano,
March 30, 2020 at 8:00 am • 

A Prayer Service for the Community of Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish

On Sunday, March 22, 2020 a prayer service for the community of Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish was posted. I was pleased to wake up Sunday morning to an email and Facebook postings of this lovely video.  It made me grateful for technology and social media that we can connect in this way during... Read more »
By Pam Spano,
March 23, 2020 at 8:20 am • 
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Fridays during Lent most Catholics attend The Stations of the Cross

Fridays during Lent most Catholics attend The Stations of the Cross
Fridays during Lent most Catholics attend The Stations of the Cross.  This practice started in the 16th century and was known as the Via Dolorosa (Sorrowful Way), or  the Way of the Cross. Since some parishes are closed (like mine), you can still do this.  Here are two photo galleries I have done at two different... Read more »
By Pam Spano,
March 20, 2020 at 8:40 am • 

What can you do if you cannot attend Mass during the Coronavirus pandemic?

Being away from the Eucharist is going to be difficult. This is the prayer of the Act of Spiritual Communion. It can be said when a person is unable to receive Communion.
What can you do if you cannot attend Mass during the Coronavirus pandemic? It was announced on Friday, March 13 that the churches in the Archdiocese of Chicago are closed for Mass starting March 14 and will be indefinitely.  It broke my heart.  When there is a crisis, gathering together to pray is something Catholics... Read more »
By Pam Spano,
March 16, 2020 at 8:13 am • 

How would you survive being quarantined due to Coronavirus?

We have six people currently living in our house, so believe it or not, despite the jokes, I would stock up on toilet paper. Obviously Amazon should address this issue of price gauging. I've already searched the internet and there are better prices than this.
How would you survive being quarantined due to Coronavirus? No, I’m not sick, but I think a lot about what I would do.  It’s scary isn’t it?  That’s why I think a plan is probably a good idea. Here’s what I would do: I am not a worrier, but I know a few people who... Read more »
By Pam Spano,
March 12, 2020 at 7:11 am • 
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Are you having a joyful Lent?

Are you having a joyful Lent?
Are you having a joyful Lent?  I know.  It’s early, but I am!  How is that possible?  Isn’t Lent supposed to be depressing?  Sackcloth and ashes?  Refraining from the sweets we crave?  Moping around on Friday because meat is forbidden?  Looking dour and pious? I’ve been Catholic for over half my life and have mostly... Read more »
By Pam Spano,
March 3, 2020 at 7:02 am • 

California Dreamin' on such a winter's day

All the leaves are brown ...
Chicago has had a long stretch of cloudy days.  We have apparently broken records and the lack of Vitamin D affects everyone. While out walking my daughter’s dog, during this gray and dull period of time, I started to  sing to myself.  I couldn’t help but smile when I realized what I was singing: California Dreamin’... Read more »
By Pam Spano,
February 3, 2020 at 7:58 am • 

Life had gotten noisy for me

Just north of the flamingo residence is a beautiful scenic view that looks back south. Photo by Pam Spano copyright 2019
Recently, Mary Schmich wrote an article for the Chicago Tribune about the passing of Toni Morrison, the poem “Desiderata,” and going to the zoo.  In Mary’s case, that would be the Lincoln Park Zoo.  I smiled when I read the last part because I had just been there a few days before. It’s a 20-25... Read more »
By Pam Spano,
August 13, 2019 at 7:33 am • 
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Thanksgiving hope and change

Thanksgiving hope and change
Recently I gave a speech at St. Therese Chinese Catholic Church.  It was at the last 5 PM Mass ever.  Normally the 5 PM Mass stops for the summer and resumes in the fall.  This year, the 5 PM Mass is being discontinued at St. Therese, resuming at St. Barbara which has been combined with... Read more »
By Pam Spano,
July 2, 2019 at 11:33 am •