James Derkits

Seven sacraments of the Coronavirus with prayers for each. 1. Give Blood             I dwell in Christ, this is my blood given for you.   2. Wear Mask/Social Distance/Wash Hands           May this be a sign of my love for others.   3. Stay Home           Lord, let me be still and know that you are God.   4. Practice Compassion           Jesus, teach me to love as you love.   5. Create/Learn Something New           I open my heart to you, please work through me, O God.   6. Communicate           May my conversation be laced with your Holy Spirit.   7. Manage your Health           O God, I thank you for my health, guide me to be a good steward of my body. PDF of Printable Bookmark...may take some creative folding. This is my blood, given for you.   The Church looks to the life of Jesus Christ as a model for our sacramental life. Our seven Sacraments, the foremost being Baptism and Eucharist, are the outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace. Participating in the Sacraments

Originally Published in the South Jetty Newspaper During this new reality, when new things come at us seemingly every day, I sometimes I forget what day, or even what season it is. Then I step outside and get hit in the face by the wind from Poseidon's hair dryer, and remember this is still summer in the Coastal Bend! Years ago, when life seemed simpler, I read in a book of reflections, "Summer is the least religious season, when rituals give way to recreation and leisure." Summer is a time of abundance, from the harvest of crops to our bountiful waters. Maybe the deer freezer starts to run low, but even that bounty may be enjoyed as the fall approaches.  It's those cooler months lead me more inward; to a more contemplative place perhaps. The long season after Pentecost draws to an end; Advent starts a new year and tips us toward Christmas. That is the time when our religious practices really draw me in. My prayer practices tend to be renewed in that time, and I follo