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Tuesday, June 7, 2022

When I'm Sitting Inside...

 


When I'm sitting inside the church. Doesn't really matter if it's Christ the Good Shepherd or even Mt. Zion. I find myself with a bit more peace than when I arrived. I am sitting before God (though the Eucharist) and I am able to leave everything behind that is troubling my spirit. It gives me a chance to let go of these worldly issues and put my heart for Christ.

How many times do we go to Mass with our troubles? Do we leave them at the foot of the Cross to allow God to do wonderful things. Or do we try and hold on to them? Trying to control the direction of things that are very much out of our control. These are the kinds of issues that I bring with me when I come to Mass. It is also one of the reasons why I desire to attend Mass as often as I can. Sitting inside the church brings about a small joy to my soul. Even when things are not going according to plan.

At that point, which parish I am at doesn't matter as much as the fact that it is a parish. A place of believers who feel the call of God in their hearts. We come together to give glory and thanks to God for all He does for us and all that He will do. That is one of the desires that all Catholics should have. A desire to make God a priority in our lives instead of the world demanding more of our attention. This was just something that kind of struck me as I was sitting during Mass.

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Friday, June 3, 2022

Reflection June 1, 2022

 At the time of this reflection was written. The United States had seen two major "Mass shooting" events less than a week apart. A scary time for society as a whole. This is the reflection that came from that:

Pentecost is fast approaching, and more violence rocks our country. While we wait on our leaders to take meaningful action. The time for us is now to seek out the Holy Spirit. We really need it right now more than ever. We need the Wisdom of the Holy Spirit to guide our leaders. That they would do what is right and just. Even if that is not going to win people over. Wisdom for everyone to decide that we are going to turn away from this culture of death we constantly live in. To the point that it has become some kind of deep obsession. Praying for those hearts would be changed to move closer to God and to really and honestly move into fully supporting a culture that promotes life. Even if that means giving up some of our society's most prized obsessions.


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Twitter: @kc8wzm

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Wednesday, April 13, 2022

The Old Church: The Agony on the Cross

 


The Old Church is nearly empty on a typical Sunday morning. The only exception is the man. For a little bit of time, he will be the only one present. Completely alone inside this massive building. The time of waiting will not be fully wasted. Given that it is a perfect chance to spend time in deep prayer. 

On this day the man's eyes look up to the massive crucifix that The Old Church has. It is a depiction that has been shared though out the entire history of the church. Of how God became flesh and died on the Cross. No matter how much goes on in the life of the world. The crucifix remains unchanging. It depicts Christ at the worse moment of His life. In one of the most evil and humiliating forms of punishment that existed in that time. The man's eyes look over and sees every detail. The nail marks and the sword wound. The crown of thorns that is on Christ's head. All of it telling of the agony that Christ had to entire for the salvation of the world. 

It reflects a silent agony that some of us share in. Something that we must all face in our lives at some point. Events are always unfolding around us. Sometimes they generate internal struggles. Stuff that most never get to see or will ever fully understand. In his life the man has seen and experienced his fair share. Such times in our lives that can make the strongest of believer question the existence of God. 

Yet, for the man, it seems that no matter what happens and when we feel that God is not around us. The reverse is true. God never leaves our side. Even when things get to the breaking point. The fear and the doubt are also shared in the depiction of Christ on the Cross. It is something that the man takes comfort in. Knowing that Christ Passion was not the end of the story. Rather it was just the start. He spends a few more moments in deep prayer. While looking and watching the old Crucifix that The Old Church has. A silent witness to the challenges and struggles we all face. It isn't much longer before people start to arrive and Mass will begin. Inside The Old Church. 


Important Links!

Twitter: @kc8wzm



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Monday, March 28, 2022

Tribute to a Silent Key (ka8prx)




Note: This post was written about a friend of mine who passed away last Wens. I've posted a link to his obituary for context.

Obituary For Dennis Poletti (ka8prx)  

Denny was in so many ways a character in a half. Yet you could see in his face. His love of his family. Especially his wife Sue. His fellow Knights. His fellow community members. Both at St Roberts and at Mt. Zion. The love of the faith came through in how he loved and cared for others. Even me. Denny also had a love of storms and a love of chasing them. I recall one time when we had both of our radios and went after a few storms rolling though Mt. Morris. One of those rare times in life when you were both fascinated by what God has given. Along with being extremely terrified.

I recall spending many an hour inside his small Ham Shack. Which is pretty much a room that has a lot of radios. All kind of fun stuff and setups I clearly would never have the space for. It was during this time that helped to give me the encouragement needed to follow and become a Ham myself. Denny was the one who took me to Midland back in 2003. After helping me study for nearly two weeks so I could pass my test. Once I got my license. It was Denny who helped me to get confidence to get on the air.

Though the Amateur Radio I have learned a lot of things. I have met a lot of amazing people. All of that thanks to Denny. To me he was a true mentor. He will be greatly missed.
73's my friend. You are now at peace. Your memory will remain with those who love you.



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Saturday, March 19, 2022

Taking this on the road?

 


One of the challenges with the project outside of the build is the ability to take this on the road for public displays. Part of that challenge is finding places willing to host and can help with the transportation for me and the project. I don't drive. Nor do I always have access to rides to take me to locations.

The reason why I love doing displays is that God has given me this amazing talent. It should be shared with as many people. The pictures I post don't always do this justice. It really is better to see this in person. More so if you've been following my work for more than a few years. You get to see the changes that I make each season.

This pandemic really did a number on this ability to take my work public. Back in 2017 (Season 18) I did almost eight displays. For Season 22? I only did two displays.  I'm really praying that I can take this on the road this season. That way people can see what I'm doing and why I'm doing it.

If you know of a parish and/or event that might be interested in hosting my work for the coming season. Have them reach out and I can provide the info on what it would take. Please keep in mind that I am based in Saginaw Township, Michigan. My e-mail: kc8wzm@gmail.com. If you have any further questions let me know.

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Monday, January 31, 2022

Displays (Revised)



One of the things I enjoy about the Lego Church Project is the chance to take this on the road for public displays. My feeling is that this project is from God. He is using my talents to share the faith creatively. This isn't something that should be hidden. Rather it should be shared with everyone. To show people that even if you have a disability or other challenge that God can and will use your talents in amazing and very creative ways.

The biggest challenge in finding locations is that I do not drive. Nor do I always have easy access to transportation. This means that any site that is interested in hosting me would need to take that into consideration and help provide it if able. Not only for the Project but for myself as well so I can be present. 

Types of Displays

My project displays (most times) fall into two types: 

Single event: These can be anything from special events, holiday bazaars or social gatherings. These are at most a single day or an entire weekend depending. Set up is usually the night before and Project goes home after the conclusion of the event. I am always present for these events. Mainly to keep an eye on things and answer any questions people have. 

Multi week/weekend run: These often include my parish displays. These are either single weekends or several weekend in a row. My displays at All Saints parish in Bay City and display I do at Christ the Good Shepherd in Saginaw are good examples. These are often multi-weekend displays. This is where I set up the project up and then check it out once a week. Usually before and after the Mass(es) at the parish. How many weeks/weekends the project stays at the location is at the site's request. Personally, I find that two weekends are a decent run. Though it can be longer if needed.

 Setup needs

 For the displays I need a folding/card table and access to an electrical outlet. Table needs to be medium sized but something that can support something that is about 47x25x25 inches. In most cases I will have my own extension cord. 

 Transportation needs

 The hardest part of any project season is not the build. It's finding locations to display my work and figuring out how to get the project and me out to the site. Mainly because of the issues related to transportation. 
Project needs: The project sits on a 48x26in plywood board. Height is about 25 inches give or take. In most cases the project will fit in a normal SUV/minivan/small pickup truck. 

 As far as moving the project. This project weighs about 40lbs to 80lbs or so. Because of its size it does require two people to move it. If you have a cart that would also make things easier.
For the builder: Single event displays I will need to be picked up before the event starts and taken to the site. After the event is finished, we will need to take the project back to my home location. 

 For parish displays I would like to be around for the Saturday and Sunday Morning Mass. So, I would need a ride there and back. If your parish has more than one Sunday Mass, need to be there for the earliest service and then be taken home after the last Mass. If your parish has a Sunday evening Mass. I don't need to be present for that. 

Please keep in mind that I do live in Saginaw Township, MI. If I am visiting a location that is farther out. Some extra accommodations will need to be considered. 
If anyone is interested in hosting or can help with transport, just drop me an e-mail to kc8wzm@gmail.com and we can work out the finer details.

 -
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Friday, January 21, 2022

A challenge every season



The Lego Church Project that I do every year is an epic undertaking. In the span of about two months, I take and assemble free hand a massive Catholic parish of my own design and creation. By massive I mean a project that measures about 47 inches long. 25 inches wide. With a height to the tip of the bell tower around 23 inches. I have inside a full interior full of lights, flooring, and over two-hundred mini-figures. This is all built by one person. With no extra help. 

It is a challenge to build this. Not only am I testing the limits of the medium, in this case, LEGO. Creating a building using several thousand inter-locking plastic bricks. I am also challenging myself to come up with a new and creative design each year. Something that I've been doing for well over twenty-two years so far. I am also running headfirst into every single fear and insecurity I have ever had. Learning what each year brings me and the strength that I gain from each completed season. Sometimes this can be a great internal struggle. Yet it is one that I look forward to. It is also a time of a lot of prayer for me. As I spend nearly the entire build process in prayer. Either with words or just with my hands as I'm working on each section. Everything I do with my work is connected to prayer in some form. Such as praying for every aspect of our lives. Disability and its related issues. Along with our parishes. 

The next challenge I face every season is being able to take my project on the road to locations for public displays. The displays allow people to see my work in person and see the creative side of what someone with a disability (or challenge) can do. What makes things difficult is being able to find the needed transportation to make these displays happen. As I do not drive, nor do I always have easy access to transportation. I am always thankful when God works things out. My project is built for everyone and is meant to be shared not hidden inside my apartment for no one to see. Without the kindness of others this would not even happen. 

One of the often-unasked questions is why I do this year after year. I have a mild form of cerebral palsy. The challenges I face are not easily seen or noticed unless you get to know me. I have struggles that impact me daily. Often in ways most do not realize. I also have a deep love for Christ and the Catholic faith. God has blessed me with this very unique talent. To allow me to build and display these massive creations of mine year after year. I use The Project to show that no matter what challenge or disability that you face. God can still use your talents in amazing and creative ways. That is more than just a mission statement as it is something that I am living in my interactions with others. I desire to give hope to those who face these challenges and to remind people that God does have a purpose for everyone. 

Within the last few years, I have been able to take the project father than I could ever hope or dream. Given the disability advocacy that is starting to develop thanks to the recent print interviews and various podcasts I've been on. I am slowly starting to use my work to open the doors to conversations that are needed. Reminding people that those with disabilities often face an uphill road when it comes to the life of the Church. More so if that disability isn't easily seen or noticed. That everyone should feel welcome, no matter what challenge they face, when they step inside our parishes. I am praying that this advocacy is something that I can do more of in the coming seasons. 

I close this out with a final though: I don't do this for myself. I do this out of a deep love and passion for Christ. This has always been about the work God is doing though me and my efforts. Without HIM. This would not even be happening. This above all else is God's project. I'm just the humble and unlikely builder. -


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Sunday, January 16, 2022

Prayers for Season 23

 

The Project has always been about prayer. Now I could use some prayers myself. 

I have found over the last few seasons that I have a neat ministry that can open doors to important conversations on the issues of disability and how we relate to the church. I do this by blog posts and various interviews that I've given. Along with sharing my work. Either in person with my displays or via social media. 

Because of the focus on issues related to disability. I want to do more in that area and expand the ministry. Ideally, I would like to get in contact with either Priests and/or groups within the church that have a focus on disability. If you know of anyone, please send them my way. 

Part of my goals for this coming season is to try and develop two talks. One with a focus on using our talents for God. The other on is how I live my faith even with the challenges. While I am decent at writing. This is a little bit out of my comfort zone without some guidance. Which is why I need the help.

The other issue is prayers for wisdom on the displays themselves. Including timing on a few of them. There is a decent chance that we might move the Christ the Good Shepherd display earlier than Christmas. Along with trying to fill the season up with a few other locations and the transportation to work things out. I spend countless hours build this work and I have a deep desire for people to see it. However, I must also take into consideration the timing of things. 

As I start preparing for the Season 23 build in Feb. I will be taking everything in prayer and hoping that some good things can develop for my work overall. 

I once again ask that you join me in asking for the intercession of Blessed Solanus Casey. That wisdom for direction and help can be given. 

To those who support my work. You have my deepest thanks. 


Important Links!

Twitter: @kc8wzm


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Monday, November 8, 2021

Living Examples of the faith.

 


Catholics and Christians have something that is rather unique. The fact is we learn not only from what is taught in the Bible and in the case of Catholics, the Catechism of the Catholic Church. We also tend to learn by the example set by others around us. Friends, family, other people that we look up to and admire. We follow the lessons that they teach us. Even when they may not always realize it.

Over the years of my life I have learned much about what it means to be Catholic. One of those people who I have learned a lot from is my own mom. I have learned about the faith though her eyes and though the challenges she has face. Over the last twenty years or so. My mom has had to face some difficult health issues. With the road being way more difficult than most would ever realize or understand. It is the kind of up hill climbs that give someone more questions to life than answers.

I have found in my mom a deeper level of faith most do not see easily. A witness to what God has done for her though out her life. A understanding that God's will be done and that sometimes it is just a matter of riding out the storm. Even when that is challenging itself. Sometimes the road takes us down a path of endless frustration and bitter sadness. Yet my mom has always held out a strong faith that never seems to waver. She knows that she is a child of God and that He is always with her.

It is the kind of lessons that I hope I can take to heart in my own walk with Christ. To follow the examples of what I have seen in this life. In ways most may not even realize. The people around us teach much about our walk in the path of Christ. I pray every day that I can put those lessons into practice. To never give up hope in the time of challenge. To embrace God's will. Even if we cannot always see the path in front of us.

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Thursday, October 28, 2021

Gifts and Christmas: a better focus.

 


Recently I've seen a lot of postings with the message of "due to supply issues, Christmas may be a little different". Personally I'm wondering if it should be different. We have gone out of our way to turn the holiday into a festival of over spending and shopping and not enough time on what should be important in our lives. We would rather spend our days rushing from store to store trying to find the most expensive gifts we can. Instead of reflecting on the gifts we already have. Putting more effort into prayer and making every effort to take a more active role in the life of the church. If we have not been to Mass in a while. Advent would be the perfect time to make a deeper commitment to follow Christ. To come back to our parishes that have been neglected for far too long. 

Coming to Mass can be a challenge for many of us. Either due to the pandemic or news that keeps troubling our hearts. Yet I am constantly reminded of why I make that effort. I follow the teachings of the church. My faith is in Christ and I truly believe fully that Christ is present in Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity in the Eucharist. I understand that humans are capable of doing great good in the world. Yet I also understand that we are just as easily able to commit acts that words cannot fully express how evil they are. Making Christ a priority is path that we can take to bring light to the darkness that we see. We cannot combat the evil from the outside. Rather we must make more of an effort to go to Mass and combat any evil we see from within. We are at a point now where running is not the answer to the problems at hand. 

As Advent starts and we are on the way to Christmas. Let us make our faith in Christ first and foremost. It is a prefect time to reflect on the blessings that we have and share those blessing with others. -

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Friday, August 27, 2021

The Empty Church: Unrealized Need


This post highlights an issue I see with in the church. While for the most part my own needs have been taken care of. Not everyone has those same connections.

 Finding a ride to Mass can be a struggle for someone who does not drive. We get told all the time by those around us that we should make every effort to attend Mass only to find, that because of a lack of transportation, our options are limited at best. Bus service in many areas do not run on the weekends. More so in smaller cities or rural areas. While commercial ride sharing or cabs do exist. It may not be practical or could be cost prohibitive due to someone being on a fixed income such as SSI or Social Security. Many of us have reasons why we do not drive or own a car. Some of that is related to the daily challenges or disabilities that we content with. Which only adds to that frustration. Many of us who struggle to find rides have a deep desire to take part in the Mass. Yet we keep finding roadblocks in our path. 

If you do not have friends or family in the parish already. Attempting to establish the right kind of connections can be difficult. Just the simple act of asking someone for help can generate a high level of fear and anxiety. Those fears exist because many times in our lives we have to content with that out right rejection that sometimes comes. Or, even worse, total silence as the reply. It adds to that frustration because it fuels the feelings of being a burden or inconvenience on someone. We just simply do not know who we can ask that would be willing to offer us a ride so we can take part in the Mass. 

This issue of transportation is one that is often overlooked. Most don't even realize such a need exists in our parishes. Often times we are left fending for ourselves in trying to find that ride. Since in most parishes no real options exist. This is a combination of factors such as lack of over all funding, a lack of volunteers, or insurance issues that seem to make a basic spiritual need out of reach for some. A truly untapped way to evangelize that is really is needed. Even if that need does not seem out right apparent. While it may not be the intended result it does send the wrong message. That while the church is welcoming. It is not friendly to those who have no easy way to get to Mass. If we, as a parish community, want to be a truly welcoming place. Then every effort should be made to help those who have limited resources be able to attend Mass in person. So that way those who do not drive know who they can rely on. -JM


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Monday, June 14, 2021

May 10th Reflection

 This bit of writing was originally posted to my personal FB feed on May 10th. Decided today that I wanted to add this to my collection of writing.

Our faith in Christ should not be based on our faith in humans. Or what they do or don't do in our eyes. God gave us free will and we make some major missteps in judgement. Leaders tend to fail us. They often make choices that at times we question. If we belong to the faith on the understanding of what humans do. Then we will never be happy in our walk. We will become discouraged and disillusioned. We will always see the flaws and mistakes that we feel are being made. Never seeing the good going on around us. Instead we become bitter and angry. To the point that at every Priest, Bishop, or Pope that sneezes wrong we will spend our days grumbling about it.

We have to have a deeper faith than that. It has to be about Christ and the Eucharist. Which for all who say they are Catholic should be the source and summit of our faith. We should know in our hearts what God has done for us. Even in our own missteps. Which for some can feel like an epic mountain to move past. God gave us this amazing gift of free will. Some times we abuse it in ways that are purely evil. You look though out history and you see what has taken place. In each generation we have had great leaders and then we've also had our share of rotten trees. The church has had to content with many scandals, heresies, and even a schism or two. Some of them recent. We've seen in our history great leaders. We've also seen some vile ones. But our faith in Christ should not be based on that. If it is then we are going to be broken and hurt.

The challenge is riding out these storms and remaining faithful to God. It is not always easy, even for me, when it seems that news keeps getting worse and we feel that leadership isn't doing anything. More so with some of the more recent controversies. For me, personally, I've follow the path of Pause, Reflect, and Pray.

By stepping back from social media (Pause) for a bit. So that my anxiety and anger is not being fueled. So that I can have a better handle of what it is that I am seeing. Which then leads me into reflecting on God's blessings in my own life. That no matter what evil or injustice that we see. Christ has already won the victory. To open my heart deeply as to why I remain Catholic. Then lastly to spend time in deep spiritual prayer. Praying that our leaders would be guided by the Holy Spirit. That they would uphold the teachings of the faith with Mercy and compassion. That we ourselves would also uphold those same teachings. More so in this current world.

History can teach us a lot of things. We know the kinds of crisis we see with in the church are not anything new. It is how we chose to deal with them that makes the difference. Do we stand with Christ. Or do we turn our backs. The choice has always been ours to make. For me, I have trust in God. Even when things look bad.

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Thursday, May 13, 2021

Help needed for Season 22!

I have the project currently set up in the commons area of my apartment complex where I live in Saginaw. Given the current nature of the pandemic and the slow return to normal I am working out the details for this current season. If their is enough interest I can either do an indoor display or I can bring the project outside for a mini-display. Either way I would still need some major help to make this happen. Mainly with helping to move the project and/or providing transportation.  So if your in the Saginaw, MI area drop me a an email.

One of the other plans for Season 22 is to attempt to get on a few more radio programs/podcasts. I've had people reach out and suggest a few good ones. This is where you come in. If you know of a show let them know about my work. The main issues I talk about are related to the Catholic faith, disability, and of course The Project. Would really like to branch out and expand my over all ministry. I was able to do a lot of that last year and it is something that I enjoy. Just need a hand in making it happen.

Support for what we do is not always about money donations. It is helping to share the talents of others. It is also about prayer. Which for me is even more important. Prayers for wisdom and direction are very much needed as I'm trying to navigate a difficult road with this pandemic. -JM

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Friday, April 30, 2021

Reflection 4/29



 The Catholic church has an impressive rich history and teachings that are rooted in Christ. Dived into deeper with the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). We also have the advantage of the communion of Saints. Many of whom wrote on the matters of life within Christ.

We are called to live holy lives. Those lives emulated by the Saints. The road is not an easy one to follow. Many of the teachings of the church are harsh and unforgiving. At times we as Catholics struggle with those teachings. Challenges to our very faith and at times our very identity. More so when we feel that leaders have abandoned us in that walk with Christ. 

It is easy to be discouraged when we see this unfold in front of us. Leaders that seem to have no regard for our faith while they push an agenda that clearly is not of Christ. A deep sadness and anger over takes us when we see this play out. Because of our love for Christ and our love of the Church. We feel that it is some how tainted and stained with what we see.

Yet this is not the first time we have seen this kind of stuff play out. Though out the history of the church. Many who considered themselves Catholic went down paths that were very far removed from what we hold to be truth. Yet even with all that the church has remained firm. Even as we struggle within this current world that has made a greater push to reject God in all areas of public life. Leaders will come and they will go. Still the Catholic church remains like the tree with it's roots deep into the Earth.

The greatest sadness that we have is when Catholics openly support things that go directly against Christ. While it would be easy to lash out with anger. It would be far more worth the effort to pray for them. That the Holy Spirit would guide them and that we would be more encouraging so that more would be drawn to Christ. While are living in troubling times and have leaders who are less than ideal. God has shown us many times how strong the church truly is. Perhaps now is the time to remember an important saying: "Jesus I trust in you." -
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Sunday, April 25, 2021

Of Prayer and Bricks


 One of the aspects of the Lego Church Project build is the large amount of prayer that goes into my work. Often times is though my work that I am praying. With each brick I place and each section I build. I am praying with my hands. I pray for the hopes and dreams that we all have. I am taking all that is on my heart and putting it into the bricks that I am working with. It really isn't unlike when we come to the church and we carry with us our own struggles and personal conflicts as we sit down readying our hearts for the Mass.

As I'm working on the build my thoughts are constantly traveling around the various issues that I see. I see the weariness in our eyes as we contend with the chaos of the world. The challenges of getting a loved one to Mass. The desire of all of us to see our parishes grow. Not just in the number of people who make the Mass a priority. But also growing deeper in our faith. I'm also praying for those who face challenges daily that we never know about. Or those, like myself, who deal with some kind of disability. Lastly I'm also praying for vocations. Since we need more people to answer God's call. 

The prayerful aspect is something that I don't always get to talk about in great detail. However it is also extremely important aspect of what I do with the Project. It is a prayer for our future. As the challenges of the world often become more extreme. It is a desire that everyone should be welcome in our parishes. That no one should be looked down on or judged for their level of faith, personal struggles, or disability and challenges. These are the things that I pray for when I'm working on the project build. That we would all desire to draw closer to God and to live our lives as Saints. -



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