Marriage and Family...

picture from www.worcesterdiocese.org

Marriage and family... gifts from God above! I read a blog post today from Bishop Paul Etienne of the Diocese of Cheyenne, WY. His words were right on when it comes to what God has created in marriage and the family. You can read the post in its entirety by clicking here.

Also, the United States Council of Catholic Bishops have two very good websites on the subject. Enjoy those provided below. 

God bless you, especially all who are married, getting ready for marriage, struggling in marriage and everyone else who is part of a family, which would include everybody. 

Father Joshua

http://foryourmarriage.org/

http://www.usccb.org/marriageuniqueforareason/

Mission for Vocations Accomplished!

Well, I did it! My 2010 "Race for Vocations" is over. I can finally consider myself a marathoner after having completed the ING New York City Marathon in 4 hours 43 minutes. Honestly, that was one of the most difficult races I have ever run because it covered so many miles and I was on my feet for so long. My plan for this marathon was to complete the race. Period. Thank you God and thank you everyone who prayed for me.

prior to the marathon... stretching and praying

I will admit that I felt good enough to run a faster time, but something more important was necessary. I ran the race with a friend named Boo. Her real name is Elizabeth, but everyone calls her Boo. Well, Boo and I had trained for the marathon for many months. She trained in New York where she and her family live. I trained in Indiana where I live. We both battled different injuries at various times, but when race day finally arrived last weekend, we were ready. Unfortunately, Boo started to have some challenges with her hip injury at about mile 10. I was sore for most of the race, but just kept plugging along. I was tempted to speed up my pace but it seemed to me that Boo needed me to support and encourage her. So, I made the right decision and hung with my friend for the rest of the race. It was an awesome feeling to cross the finish line in Central Park. We were numbered with over 44,000 other marathon finishers this year. It was a proud and joyful moment. 

the evening before the marathon... Saint Patrick's Cathedral getting ready to bless other runners

So, from what I have been told, after you complete your first marathon, you either end up never running one again or you decide to run another one in the future. I believe I will run another marathon. It is a great challenge, yet provided me with so many benefits. I was able to keep in better shape, set a goal for myself and spiritually support vocations. I am thankful I ran in my first marathon. I am glad I could support a friend. I am grateful to all who supported me and this event for vocations. Anyone interested in running the 2011 ING New York City Marathon? Drop me a line and let me know... I will never forget the experience.

the medal I received for finishing the race

UPDATE: If you would like to see more pictures from 2010 ING New York City Marathon, please visit the following website... I even posed for a few of them! -->

http://www2.brightroom.com/browser.aspx?eid=62039&bib=3499