The Wedding Dinner (Part 3 of 4)

Megan made sure all the reception details were charming. The "Boo Cat Club" at the renovated Artists Guild Building has Art Deco features, a loft, two fireplaces, and glass ceilings. First, the cocktail hour began in the lower level, where jazz music from an instrumental duo gave it an even cozier feeling. 
Butlered hors d'oeuvres made their way around: brie cheese and cranberries in phyllo triangles, petite grilled asiago cheese and pear sandwiches, and mini lamb chops with panko coating. The guest book was a signable album of engagement photos. On display were three wedding gowns (Gr Judy's, Gr. Elizabeth's, and mine) as well as a dozen wedding photos from both family's ancestors.
Next, guests found their table assignments from a tall mirror in the foyer. The plated dinner was served in three courses: spinach salad with bleu cheese and walnuts, beef tenderloin with bacon-wrapped shrimp on a "MRS" skewer alongside roasted asparagus and potatoes, and of course, the red velvet cake with blush ruffled frosting.
I sat by Alison, who was Megan's confirmation sponsor. She did the second reading at mass and her two boys were altar servers. Megan began babysitting for the Schiebers when Edmund was born, and he always promised to marry Megan, so it was cute that he was here that day. Dale sat by Kenny, who was best man at our wedding just 25 years ago.
Dale gave a welcome speech and advised the newlyweds to remember that God gave us two ears and one mouth so we should listen more than we talk. Reid gave a bridal toast saying how he was close to Megan since the twins had each other, and how she always set a fine example for him and everyone around her. Spencer's older brother and best man Jason gave a salute to his boyhood buddy. The prayer was led by Father Chuck, who reiterated the earlier homily and emphasized the strong bonds of family life.

With three years in the wedding business, Megan knew the right vendors who would go above and beyond. We adored the place cards hand-lettered in gold ink, black hemstitched napkins on gold-edged china, gold chargers on burgundy tablecloths, and gold-embossed bottles of Coppola wine next to the table numbers in gold vintage frames. But we were utterly amazed at the flowers: dark-wine peonies plus red and blush roses topped each and every candle stick with an overflowing cascade of soft greenery. The head table featured an enormous eucalyptus garland dotted with gold mercury glass votives. Sweet elegance filled the room!



Sweet elegance filled the room!

The Wedding Ceremony (Part 2 of 4)

The morning rain turned into snow as we watched through the window from the Seven Gables Inn, where all the bridesmaids had their hair and make-up done. When the veil was finally added to Megan’s updo, we both got a little teary eyed! The first look was for Dale—meeting her at the bottom of the stairway. 

Then Spencer got his “First Look” on the patio, with all the bridal party peeking through the windows to see them exchange gifts (a hockey jersey is sentimental?! she wanted a Kate Spade "Mrs." bracelet?!).
The wedding began inside the chapel of Sts. Mary and Joseph with beautiful prelude music by a violin and cello duo. The four bridesmaids (AGD sisters) wore long black gowns, and the ushers (her brothers) and groomsmen (Spencer’s childhood buddies) didn’t miss a cue. The interns from "Mr. and Mrs. Wedding Events" brought programs with velvet ribbons, gold pew bows, and a basket of vintage handkerchiefs for tears of joy.

Here comes the Bride! Her dress by Vera Wang was complimented perfectly by a custom-made lace top and cathedral length veil. The readings and homily seemed especially meaningful for the couple, given the challenges of the past year. Their vows were sealed with a kiss and confirmed in the Eucharist with many Catholic relatives and friends.

Instead of rice or confetti, the exit was an exhilarating send-off with “Team Rusch” rally towels.

The Wedding Rehearsal (Part 1 of 4)

From last year's engagement on Nov. 21 until this year's wedding on Nov. 21, we have watched Megan's excitement and Pinterest boards expand. Her vision was classically styled and sophisticated in every detail. 

She designed a vintage-looking monogram, which ironically spells "MRS". The monogram appeared prominently on her cream-colored invitation suite, which was tied up with a black velvet ribbon. 
We regret that we couldn't invite all our friends, nor could they all travel to St. Louis (Rusch's home parish), but we cherish the prayers and email messages which arrived from far and near.
Megan came to the rehearsal on Thursday in a stylish cocktail dress--its sparkles picked up the happiness in Spencer's eyes! Father Benjamin arrived to "run the show," but infected all of us with his holy sense of humor. Both grandmothers from the bride's side were guests of honor at the delicious dinner at LoRusso's on the Hill.
Joe Rusch gave a moving toast and Michelle Rusch read a poem that touched our hearts. A slide show of family memories reminded us of the blessings since 1990 & 1992.

Easter Traditions

I am happy to continue the Easter tradition of a family photo and a big meal after mass. Our family has been extremely fortunate to find a humble priest in our new city. We all admire Fr. Anthony for his excellent homilies, and we "understand" his love of the Philadelphia Flyers hockey club. He is well respected by all my boys, including our two exchange students: Yichen "Johnson" on the left by Sniper Ben, and Tianqi "Terry" on the right by Playmaker David.

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Captain and I are trying to look on the bright side

 

Here Comes the ....

With great joy, we announce the engagement of our only daughter!

Megan and Spencer

(Few titles will ever make me feel as special as this one: Mother of the Bride)

End of October

Each Sunday in October, it hit me. I saw the crosses and lingered over many memories from my former life (before Delaware). This was the first year that I didn't "do" anything for Respect Life month. For the past 14 years, my family and I have installed crosses at one (or more) Catholic churches.

Displays like this one and others I see around Wilmington.
Before that, I organized long processionals with all ages bearing a red rose up to the altar.
Before that, I walked my pregnant belly and toddler Meggar up to the front for a pro-life voting announcement at the end of mass.
Before that, I prayed the rosary for the first time at a PP clinic all four Saturdays.
Before that, I volunteered at Birthright in Manhattan.
Before that, I read Judie Brown's newsletters detailing the Roe v. Wade decision.
(From what I remember, that was the beginning of Respect Life month by the USCCB 40 years ago.)
I am not sure what God is doing at this stage of my life, but I guess He wanted someone else to "do" this work.

The Circle of Life

Meggar's new life in St. Louis seems to be going in fits and starts. This week brought the sad news of the death of Spencer's grandfather, Ollie Rusch, after just one day in Hospice Care. His 94-year's presence among a close-knit family was evidenced at the wake and rosary today. Funeral services will be held tomorrow at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on the feast day of St. Louis (seems appropriate).

The True Meaning of Easter

We didn't get a family Easter photo yesterday.
But we prayed together over the phone.
And we are striving for unity though separated by great distance.
I still made Easter eggs (just four) and set a pretty table--staying flexible for the meal time to work into the meshed schedules. Ham and potatoes, spring peas, bread, and strawberry shortcake for dessert.
Meggar was in St. Louis for client interviews, apartment hunting, and a business event.
Dorito spent most of his weekend studying.

He attended Easter Vigil in Kansas City at Ascension parish, where his pledge brother, Daniel, was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic Church. I heard that Daniel was pleased to have so many Phi Kaps there for support and was grinning the whole time! His parents, however, did not attend. I don't think they are against religion, but were not interested enough to attend. I sent up extra prayers for Daniel.

Sniper and Playmaker got home mid-day from playing hockey in Chicago, that makes them tired but happy. (Oops-leaving so early they forgot their suits in the hotel closet.)

Captain went to a sunrise service and later ate dinner with a homeschool family in Delaware.
Luckily, I talked to a few friends on the phone and that reminded me of God's blessings.

He is Risen Indeed

Everyone loves to sing "Alleluia" and "Jesus Christ is Risen Today."
I played the old organ at St. Mary's for early mass this Easter morning, since they needed a substitute musician. I also was eager to see their newly painted church interior. It's a beautiful update from the 70s foam green and accentuates the statues, dome, and side altars more appropriately. On Easter, I appreciate the extra chanted parts of the mass, especially with a priest who has a good voice like Fr. Haake!
The best homily, however, was when I went with the twins to a later service. Fr. Jambon talked about the historical facts of the resurrection. There are writings from Caesar and Jewish historians that a figure named Jesus was killed and laid in the tomb, and later his tomb was found empty. This is substantiated by the customs of the day. Romans were great conquerers, but also superstitious of the 'gods.' Therefore it was entirely forbidden to touch, move, or open any gravesite (even of your enemies). And the Jews and Pharisees were not going to steal the body, not on the Sabbath, not after they asked for the crucifixion. Furthermore, the apostles were not going to steal Jesus' body since they were still in shock from having denied the Lord and watching his death put an end to their expectations for the future. Doubtless, they could not have conjured a "Mission Impossible" in just 70 hours. Frankly there were too many guards at the tomb. Then Mary Magdalen comes before dawn and discovers the empty tomb. I can imagine the chaos afterward.
"For they did not yet understand the Scripture 
that he had to rise from the dead."(John 20:9)
God's plan is not always what we expect.

Surrounded by Divine Mercy on Good Friday

The origin of "Divine Mercy" comes from Good Friday the centurion who peirced Our Lord's side with a lance. And immediately blood and water gushed forth. An eye witness has testified to this fact so you will know that it is true. He knows he is telling the truth, and he testifies so that you may also believe.
"O blood and water 
which poured forth 
from the Heart of Jesus
as a fount of mercy for us,
I trust in Thee."

Holy Thursday

This day became my favorite one of the Church calendar when I was in a London bookshop and found a paperback called "Maundy Thursday." I just liked the antique-sounding word. The definition most nearly means "mandate," which I only learned this year. It is a French word, mandé, and it relates to John 13:14 and the words spoken by Jesus to his disciples after washing their feet at the Last Supper:
" If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him."
Many churches continue the tradition today. The dictionary states: "There will be washing of the feet of the poor or distributing alms to the poor in connection with the maundy ceremony."
The Catholic Church used the long version of this Gospel passage tonight, and I'm always shocked each year at Our Lord's humility. Even slaves were not made to wash another man's fee. Truly we must all take a servant's heart and be willing to meet the needs of others whom the Holy Spirit guides onto our path.

Sebelius Resigns

Last week, Kathleen Sebelius resigned from ObamaCare. I was a little surprised, but I shouldn't have been. The Secretary of Health and Human Services stepped down the day after the enrollment period ended (which had been pushed back so many times in order to reach a respectable number) some three-and-a-half-years into the project. Sebelius was overdue for walking away from the whole disaster. I have covered the native Kansan before, since she is one of the figures left from my political days in Topeka in the early 90s. We are glad to be making our last COBRA payment of $1700 and joining the group medical insurance provided at Captain's new job.

This is Holy Week

Palm Sunday
I must keep my eyes fixed on the passion of Jesus
and his Passion.
Then Jesus said to His disciples,
"If anyone wishes to come after Me,
he must deny his very self,
take up his cross,
and follow Me."
(Matthew 16:24)

Inviting the Pope to Philly

Archbishop Chaput and his delegation went to Rome this week (on the Feast of the Annunciation). They have begun planning for the 8th World Meeting of Families, to be held in Philadelphia in September of 2015. The City of Brotherly Love sent its mayor and governor (who are also Catholic)

along with Chaput to encourage Pope Francis to join their important event in person. You can help by Tweeting an invite to @Pontifex and mentioning #PopeinPhilly.

The theme is "The Gospel of the Family, Resource of Humanity," and the logo has quite an interntaional color-scheme with its Liberty Bell and cross. #WMOF2015

Feast of the Annunciation

Nine months from now, we will celebrate the birth of our Savior. Therefore, today we celebrate his actual incarnation with the whole Church. The Feast of the Annunciation is a cheerful message of new life and hope. The warmer, spring days are proof that the world will go on producing life and food for all creatures. What a blessing that there is this feast day in the midst of Lent. Right in the middle of chilly and frosty weather, we can think happier thoughts. There are pictures of the Virgin Mary and Angel Gabriel surrounding the altar and adorning our breakfast table at home.
This is also the day that Captain departs for his new job. It is a 2-day drive to Delaware, so he left early to get a good start. We have packed some small comforts along with the luggage into the back of his vehicle. He has several small bags--since we wanted him to be careful and abide by the weight restrictions for his left arm during the next two weeks. He called to admit that he said a few choice words as he drove by "that office" for the last time. He has remained charitable throughout his ordeal of unemployment. It is sad to let go and move on, even when you want to leave. Lent is about detachment. But the Redeemer is about the bigger picture.

Working at the Mission

Frat Group: Playmaker (far left) and Sniper (far right).

Sniper hanging sheetrock.

Playmaker painting.

Singing and Socializing with Residents.

Daily Mass.

Daily Mass and a Sense of Peace

Playmaker announced on Ash Wednesday that he was going to daily mass for Lent. Plus he has been adding weekly confession to his schedule. His decision was reinforced by Father Haake issuing the daily mass challenge to his parishioners. What a bonus that daily mass is part of the activities this week at the Father Beiting Appalachian Mission Center. The Fraternus boys are volunteering as painters for poor families in Louisa, Kentucky. We are thrilled that they are listening to the Word of God and seeing the face of God, too.
Captain and I visited Our Lady of Guadalupe parish this morning, where Fr. Christian has moved daily mass into the main sanctuary. And the attendance has doubled. What a great message he gave today. The first reading was part of the story of Joseph from the Old Testament. It reminded us that life is part of a bigger picture, and jealous emotions can fuel brothers to seek revenge. By reflecting on the courage of Joseph, our own family can swallow hard and move forward by choosing forgiveness instead of revenge or anger over the events of October and December. Spending so much quality time together has brought greater peace to my husband and I. Even though our faith is a large part of our philosophy and it remains seemingly strong, we are grateful to have been given this time to heal the hurt feelings.

Time Spent in Prayer

One of the better aspects of being back in Missouri is the continuation of our Holy Hour at Mir House of Prayer. This Tuesday, I was joined by my husband. We prayed the rosary together, and we prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet separately. It is comforting to lean on the tradition and the words. I am realizing that trusting the Lord is a DEEP expression of love. Or vice versa. 

A few cards came in the mail, and a few meals have been delivered to our door. 

C.S. Lewis says: "When pain is to be borne... a little human sympathy helps more than much courage, and the least tincture of the love of God more than all."

Readings for Lent

In addition to the St Joseph Novena (March 10-19) and the Father Barron Reflections (40 Days), I am also reading a book with the twins: Rome, Sweet Home. Together we are studying the conversion story of Dr. Scott and Kimberly Hahn from Presbyterian ministry to Franciscan University professorship in an exciting and cerebral way. This has led to important discussions with Polar Bear and Winger. They are excellent young men of faith, and growing leaps and bounds in reason. In the modern world, Catholics have to be prepared for evangelization and apologetics. And the foundation of this is learning to put your faith into reasonable words. (This wonderful book is now available in a Lighthouse Catholic Media edition at various parishes.)

Lenten Theology is Family Project

Our family is doing "The Great Adventure: A Journey Through the Bible" with Jeff Cavins as a theology project. I did this series with Meggar (maybe in junior high) so I knew it was worthwhile. As a convert, Jeff Cavins is excited to explain the chronology of all the books of the Bible and I think that is a valuable lesson for Catholics too. He leads students to create their own 4-page timeline along the way. It is a stunning example of God's working all things together for good. And it visually shows the importance of each character in the story of salvation history. I'm happy that Captain is here for these lessons!