Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Hope in shared community

Hi -

I saw this video posted on the Asian and Pacific Islander Catholic page recently and wanted to write a response.

I'm a campus minister who lives in the Midwest and loves connecting via technology.

Share your own thoughts - joy and hope in church today?

The hope I feel and express is often in the shared community I turn to each Sunday for my own renewal as a college campus minister. Each Sunday I gather in a diverse community of worshipers in Chicago's South Side to break bread and to listen to the Word of God but also how it moves my heart in new ways.

I found that my own spiritual journey is as integral to my ministry along with those whom I serve. They walk alongside me but in a different way. My own hope is renewed in prayer with my parish community, which is intentionally a place far away from my place of ministry each weekend.

Clarissa Aljentera

Saturday, June 16, 2012

inspirational songs

Hey Diana,

I'd love to share with you my favorite songs that inspire me and keep me going through tough personal times - maybe it would be good content for your new blog?

I'm in love with Alison Krauss' versions of hymns, especially A Living Prayer:

http://youtu.be/5gmVzbjxwl4 and In the Palm of Your Hand: http://youtu.be/P4qAhKoKQhw

Pandora suggested I might like The Spares, which turned out to be very true! http://www.thespares.com/listen/

Kristin Chenoweth did a whole album of old-timey hymns that she sang growing up: http://youtu.be/pLWe8dXDPwA

Catholic inspiration is always available from Danielle Rose: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTWvH51MhYU

I could go on for ages, but I think this is a good place to start!

Cheers,