Newman Fire Updates

First, an update with good news about some Newman history from Katie (Boettcher) Jones.

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Dear Friends~

The first thought that occured to me this morning when I read the fire e-mail: "I knew there was a reason I still had all of Newman's pics from 1975-2003 including the negatives." What's more, I have all the alumni memories that were typed up as well and the Newman box was one of the few things that didn't get waterlogged in my basement flood a month ago.

Ironic or providence? You decide.

~Katie

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Now an update from the Newman Facebook group via Mary Niehaus

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On Wednesday, May 30, the Catholic Newman Center was struck by lightning. The bolt struck the middle of the roof, setting Newman on fire and causing it to completely burn down during the early hours of Thursday morning. Little was salvageable, but the tabernacle was recovered by the Fire Chief and placed in Mary Immaculate. Nobody was in the building or injured.

We have been receiving calls from students, alumni, and community members inquiring about the state of Newman and the Newman community. As of right now, the best thing that anyone can do is send up some prayers for this summer and this semester. We are determined to rebuild, both the building and our community. Financial donations are also needed and appreciated to cover the impending costs of the next few weeks (buying new vestments for Fr. Bill, office supplies, computers, etc). All donations can be sent to the Cornerstone address at:

801 S. Davis
Kirksville, MO 63501

Newman Fire Pictures

Pictures

There are more on Megan Lesczynski's profile on Facebook

Nothing Good...

It is said that nothing good ever comes from a middle of the night phone call. Unfortunately in this case they were definitely right. I just got off the phone with who informed me that earlier in the night the Catholic Newman Center in Kirksville, MO was hit by lightening and burned to the ground. Newman was my home away from home for my years in Kirksville while attending Truman State. To think of all the memories that that building held for so many of us brings me to tears.

While I know that the building will rise again and that the good news was that no one was hurt, I can't help but mourn. Perhaps it was fitting that the ring tone that awoke me to this news was Seasons of Love from Rent because that's how I would measure the Newman Center's impact on my life.... in Love.


May God support us all day long
till the shadows lengthen
and the evening comes
and the busy world is hushed
and the fever of life is over
and our work is done -
then in this mercy -
may God give us a
safe lodging
and a holy rest
and peace at the last.

-John Henry Cardinal Newman

In light of the Russian's latest sabre rattling, perhaps it's time to dust off this famous quip from the Gipper.

My fellow Americans, I am pleased to tell you I just signed legislation which outlaws Russia forever. The bombing begins in five minutes.
- Ronald Reagan

Echo Taps

Today I had the honor along with five others to honor our country's Veterans by playing Taps as part of the Echo Taps Ceremony at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, IL. You can see photos of the event here.

My Firsts

1.Who was your first homecoming date?
Lisa Holmes

2.Who was your first roommate?
Justin Sponougle

3. What was your first job?
Eddie's Ice Cream

4. What was your first car?
1989 Chevy Cavalier

5. Who was the first person you texted today?
no one

6. Who is the first person you thought of this morning?
?

7. Who was your first grade teacher?
Mrs. Gaither

8. Where did you go on your first ride on an airplane?
Washington DC

9. When you snuck out of your house for the first time, who was it with?
I never snuck out.

10. Who was your first best friend and are you still friends with them?
Josh Pfieffer

11. Where was your first sleep over?
Jeremy Holcomb's

12. Who was the first person you talked to this morning?
Angie at work.

13. What was the first concert you ever went to?
Beach Boys

14. First tattoo or piercing?
None

15. First foreign country you went to?
UK

16. First crush?
Tiffany Tibbs

17. When was your first detention?
Never, but I got close with Mr. Denk in 7th Grade

18. What was the first state you lived in?
Illinois

19. Who is the first person you kissed?
Katie Boettcher

20. Who will be the first to repost this?
Matt

Community

Community, it's a word that we often don't think about, but to me it's become very important. Since college I have realized the importance of community in my life. During college I was blessed with being part of the Catholic Newman Center community. Newman became my place of refuge from the stresses of college. I had a group of friends that were sharing like experiences as well as our faith. Whether it be for Mass, organized activities like Choir and CSA or just random social activities in the lounge, it was a grounded place for me to go. Some of my best friends today are people that I met through this community.

Since college however I've noticed that there has been something lacking in my life and now I think I've figured it out. It's community. As much as I would like to say that I'm self reliant and independent, I still need community in my life as well. The problem is that I haven't found anything even remotely like my college community. It seems that nothing I have tried has fit me well. Most of the communities that I've tried being a part of have not worked for one simple reason, the people involved aren't at the same point in life as I am. Even the local Parish community hasn't really filled the niche. I have trouble understanding why people don't want to give more than an hour to the Parish during the week. I also don't understand where the young adult Catholics are hiding. Surely I can't be the only one in Jacksonville that is younger than 45. Surely there are others out there that are seekers too.

Ok so I know that this little blurb isn't going to change much, but it feels good to write it out and ponder it. Maybe someone will give me a hint of where I should be looking. Maybe my community that I'm seeking is desperately looking for me... or maybe it's hiding under a rock or something.

Movie Quote

Sally: Well I went bed at seven thirty last night. I haven't don't that since
the third grade.

Harry: Well that's the good thing about depression, gets you rest.

A When Harry Met Sally Reflection

Jess:I don't understand this relationship.

Harry: What do you mean?

Jess: You enjoy being with her?

Harry: Yeah

Jess: You find her attractive?

Harry: Yeah

Jess: And you're not sleeping with her. [ok so it's more like and you haven't asked her out for me]

Harry: No

Jess: You're afraid to let yourself be happy.


This dialog hit me different this time. I've seen this movie dozens of times over the years. I guess it's just the intersection of the scene and the moment I'm in right now. I have a good friend that I've known for almost a decade. She's one of those people that unless someone says something you would never think of outside of the friendship you're in because she's your friend. This past New Years I spent time with her and another friend. The other friend actually asked if we were dating. We weren't and still aren't, but that planted a seed that has sent me down that path of thought. I'm just so worried about saying anything to her and possibly making things weird between us if she's not interested. I wish there was a way to read a woman's mind because they sure don't send clear signals.

Quote of the Moment

Dear Lord, give me the truths which are veiled by the doctrines and
articles of faith, which are masked by the pious words of sermons and
books. Let my eyes penetrate the veil, and tear off the mask, that I can
see your truth face to face.

St. John of the Cross

Cubs Tickets!!!!

I got a fedex package today and it had two tickets for tomorrow's game! Apparently I won a contest off of www.cubs.com that I had entered at the beginning of March. Oh and for those that don't know, last year I won an iPod Nano from a similar contest. Man I should buy a lotto ticket.