Tag: Catholic

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Last mass with two “working” ears

Unbeknownst to me (but not that he was keeping it a secret,) Jake reached out to friends of ours at our church prior to our last mass there before leaving for San Diego with this message:

“As you may know, Veronica and I are leaving for San Diego on Sunday afternoon. In this blog post, Veronica mentioned the music at St. Paul’s. We have discussed our last pre-op Mass as a family a few times. If your schedule allows, would you please sit near us during the celebration of Mass at St. Paul’s at 8:30 this Sunday? Being literally surrounded by our Parish Family during Mass will help Veronica greatly. I don’t intend for this to be a surprise but a simple show of support for her.”

There is something about the physical presence of someone who you know cares about you that can bring a sense of peace – even for a short amount of time.  I experienced that peace this morning.  Yes, there were tears, but also a true understanding that God is in control and I have an army of prayer warriors supporting me as I face surgery and the start of recovery in the coming days.

ETA: The following post was written by a friend on Facebook on 1/22/18.

Yesterday after Mass, I had the privilege of witnessing an amazing outpouring of love and support for a beautiful young wife and mother of four who will be undergoing brain surgery tomorrow. Her husband, Jake had arraigned for people to sit around or near Veronica during Mass as a sign of love to her. What happened after Mass will forever be etched in my heart and soul. After the final song, 15+ women surrounded Veronica and gently, lovingly placed their hands over her and prayed as she wept and released her suffering at the Foot of Christ’s Alter. When I lifted my head, I saw Jake sitting at the end of the pew surrounded by 15+ men with their hands outstretched in prayer beseeching God Almighty for strength, wisdom and peace for Jake and Veronica. Several of the men were holding their young children as they prayed. I can’t fully describe this beautiful outpouring of love and support from The Body of Christ, but I’m confident the Lord heard our prayers and will shower them with grace to follow this path placed before them. Please pray for Veronica tomorrow at 7:00 a.m. Central time as she takes the next step in faith and love. God bless you, Veronica Cimperman Sheck.

P.S. I might add that we are praying for a miracle that Veronica will NOT lose her hearing in one ear when the tumor is removed. Like my husband said, “Praying that Norman (the tumor’s name) will just peel off and leave everything else in tact.” Doesn’t hurt to ask.

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T minus 1 month

I had a tearful realization this afternoon that carried over to mass this evening.  I’m one month from my surgery date.  The flood of emotions was overwhelming and unfortunately, I didn’t bring enough tissues with me to church.  The girls were so sweet and tried to comfort me.

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Saints Yes!

Tonight is the craft and cookie event for Saints Yes! at our church. (Saints Yes! is the social/activity group for 4th-6th graders that Jake and I are leading. Prep for this month’s event is more substantial than the other months. I ended up making over 60 sugar cookies and just about as many rice krispy bars. Here’s hoping the kids have fun crafting and decorating the treats.

  

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Celebrating another milestone

I’m turning another year older in a few days – and it’s a “special” birthday.

My friend, Michelle, planned a get together at a local restaurant and a great group of friends showed up to help me celebrate! I wish I had had our server take a group picture of everyone, but one of my friends did capture these pictures for me. (The lone color one is of the ladies I know from our old parish – several who have known me since before we had kids.)

In the invite, Michelle offered to put together a spiritual bouquet for me. On the vase that held 40 roses are the prayers she collected. I can’t tell you how much the love, support, and friendship of the ladies who came tonight (and many others,) means to me – especially as I close in on the “T-2 months til surgery” mark, which coincidentally is my actual birthday. I am truly blessed to have so many beautiful women supporting me in the rough times and celebrating with me in the joyful times. ❤️

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Through it

A friend of mine in my women’s group at church was recently telling me about how there have been times in her life when she has known she needs to go THROUGH something to get to the other side. There’s no going around the circumstances that have come my way or my family’s way lately. We can only go THROUGH them.

It’s been an extremely difficult week and a half. Probably one of the hardest to date. But I’ve clung to my faith (even if it was by a thread at times,) and have caught a glimpse of what my friend was talking about regarding going THROUGH our challenges. Then I saw this in the restroom at church today. Coincidence? I don’t think so.

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Jesus, I trust in You

I came home from picking up Shecklet #4 from preschool and someone had hung a red bag on the front door handle. (Going off a hunch, I did figure out who left me the thoughtful gift. She’s a sneaky one!)  Inside the bag was a little box containing the Divine Mercy image. I have been repeating the phrase, “Jesus, I trust in You,” these past two weeks when my nerves or mind are spinning out of control. Now I also have the visual of Jesus’ mercy on my kitchen window sill. I am grateful for the way I have been able to see God’s comfort and consoling during this time of waiting and pray it continues.

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Standing on the Word of God – 2017

When our parish was first built, parishioners were given the opportunity to write scripture passages on the floor of the sanctuary before the carpet was laid. It was a tangible example of how the people of COSP stand firm on God’s word. The carpet in the church is being replaced again – I heard this is the 3rd time since the church was built. And once again parishioners were invited to write a scripture verse on the floor before the new carpet is installed. Our family took advantage of this awesome opportunity tonight.

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Xmas Eve 2016

Our Christmas Eve tradition of having my parents join us for mass and then soup supper continued another year. Shecklet #2 and I went to the church early enough to get enough pew space for us to sit in this year. (He selected our spot and sat on the end so he could see 🙂.)

After mass, we were able to get a few family photos, which are always so fun to look back on.


Tomorrow afternoon we will head to my parents’ house to celebrate with Tony and Kristin and their kids. It will be fun to have all of the Cimperman cousins together.

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Advent 2016

I’m putting away fall decor today and pulling out Advent and Xmas decorations. Shecklet #4 is enjoying playing with the nativity set.

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Thanksgiving visitors 2016

Thanks to the crazy contagious/illness fall we had, our KS friends stopped to visit a couple of times during their trip to MN in lieu of staying with us. We always pick right back up where we left off – not something every friendship is able to do. This crazy bunch of kids (plus one from another friend’s family) just keeps growing! Love how they all enjoy one another’s company – just like their parents do.


And of course, here is Shecklet #4 with her godparents.