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Do you know John Challis?  John is an 18-year-old student at Freedom High School in Beaver County, PA.  He's a faithful Catholic and a member of his school's baseball team.

Do you know John Challis?  Two weeks ago, he hit an RBI single against section opponent Aliquippa.

Do you know John Challis?  John has cancer - the kind of cancer that measures the remainder of life in months. However, he has been bravely battling cancer for almost two years. He realizes that being around this long is an accomplishment in itself.

Do you know John Challis?  Thanks to one of my former high school teammates in baseball, I do. 

I live in Louisville, KY now, but I try to browse my hometown paper's website (The Beaver County Times) each morning.  A few weeks ago, I actually read about John's single against Aliquippa.    I have to admit that I just glanced over the story and thought, "That's nice he got to do that."  What I didn't know was how influencial John Challis is to everyone who knows him. 

Last night, one of my co-workers sent me a link to an article about John on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette website.  It tells his story and describes how communities and students from other schools have been touched by John's story.  More importantly, the story shows John's strength and conviction to make his life really mean something.

After reading the article, I felt something inside of me leap.  I was being urged to get in touch with John some way.  John's coach, Steve Wetzel, happened to be a graduate of Blackhawk High School and one of my high school and American Legion baseball teammates.  I was able to track him down through some old friends back home.


Picture From Pittsburgh Post-Gazette taken by Matt Freed

The things Steve told me about John were amazing.  John's story has created interest from all three major sports teams in Pittsburgh - Steelers, Penguins and Pirates.  Rival high schools have honored him by raising money for cancer research.  Scholar-athletes from Freedom High School and opposing teams gather with John in prayer following games.  Entire faith communities extend their love and prayers to John and his family. 

Also, I'm not the first ex-teammate of Steve's to offer support.  Guys I used to refer to by nicknames like "Bones", "Smitty", and "ErK" have all been in touch with him because of John.  Many of Steve's (and mine as well) former teachers and coaches from Blackhawk like Bob Amalia, Jim Wilson and the legendary Joe Hamilton, have been involved too. 

John's story is so moving and emotional for so many people.  For me, John's love of baseball and his deep rooted Catholic faith were the most poignant. 

Ever since I was 7-years-old, baseball has been a focal point of my life.  I've played or coached every year for the past 26 years.  I love the game and I love the way it can shape the character of young players.  Being one of Steve's players makes John a descendant of a coaching lineage that includes Coach Amalia, Coach Wilson and Coach Hamilton.  Those three along with countless other Blackhawk coaches and faculty create a tree of knowledge and support from some of the greatest motivators I've had the pleasure of knowing.

I've been a Catholic my entire life, but really came into a deeper appreciation of my faith when I was in college.  I currently serve as a music minister in my own parish.  Since our church also supports its own school, I have seen first-hand the faith crises that many of the students (as well as their parents) endure especially in their teen years. To hear how John really connected with God through all of this reassures me that people his age really do seek God in their lives.  He is a glorious example of the gifts of love and strength given to all of us by the Holy Spirit.  I really experienced true joy when Steve spoke of the faith that John shares with everyone.  It's also a credit to his parents and his faith community for being a shining example for John to follow.

I ask anyone reading this to pray for John and his family and friends.  Also, I urge you -- in any way you can -- get to know John Challis.


Lord, thank you for allowing me to learn more about you through one of my own Brothers in Christ. Through Baptism and the Eucharist, we are connected on earth.  I pray that we unite again in your kingdom when our time here is through.

In case you missed it, Pope Benedict was in town this weekend.  I was delighted to catch the Papal Mass on TV as well as the Mass at St. Patrick on Thursday.  The best talk that the Holy Father gave had to be during his visit to the Dunwoodie Seminary in Yonkers, NY.  If anything, this had to be a ratings boost for cable network EWTN.

One interesting side note ... My friend Dennis went up to New York for the mass and some "R&R" as well.  He was one of the people I looked for on the EWTN broadcasts, but I didn't see him.  I saw Fr. Chuck from St. Pius (formerly), the priest who is also a real clown and retired Archbishop Kelly, but no one else that I knew.  Dennis told me that he was going to go to Rockefeller Plaza to see the live broadcast of the Today Show this morning.  Here's a transcript of the text message exchange we had today ....

Jerome: R u at the 2day sho?
Dennis: Ya. Im in the plaza
Jerome: Im watching 4 u! Wat color is ur shirt?
Dennis: Im wearing a mitre

...

Family and friends were abundant this Christmas.  Many happy wishes to all who weren't able to join us this year!

The truth is a very dangerous thing -- VERY dangerous.  It can destroy.  I fear that it will destroy something very fragile.  If that gets destroyed, it will be tumultuous.  We would recover, but the price is a bit high.  Now enter into the age of Faerie Tale Theatre. 

Sir Galahad ventured into the depths of the kingdom.  A young squire stopped Galahad asking for help.  His knight, Sir Reginald of Wethington, had been given the title of champion at tournament.  Galahad did not know Sir Reginald, but he did know that Reginald was a loyal subject of King Arthur.  Despite Reginald's victory, the knight's armor was damaged and his horse was injured and unable to walk.  The knight was soon returning from the tournament and expected his armor to shine and his steed to gallop triumphantly.  The squire did not know what to do and begged Galahad to help.

Galahad was able to patch the armor rather quickly.  He gave the coat of arms a sheen like a mirror.  Unfortunately, he was not an accomplished horse caregiver.  He sent word to Sir Percival who was also at the tournament that another knight loyal to the throne needed aid.  Percival rushed to where Galahad kept watch over Sir Reginald's horse and squire.  It is said that Percival was gifted by Merlin's Beard to have the ability to speak to horses. That eve, Galahad learned this to be true as Percival tended to the horse's wounds.  In a short time, the mighty steed joyfully marched around while the grateful young squire thanked Galahad and Percival. 

On his return to the kingdom, Galahad happened upon a distraught knight training in a stable.  Sir Tristan was a knight held dear by King Arthur.  Tristan was a servant faithful to the king and saw to every one of the king's needs.  Those in the kingdom, though, did not seem to appreciate the deeds of Sir Tristan.  The lords and ladies of the kingdom spoke often of the difficulties that Sir Tristan brought upon them in the name of the king. 

In the early Spring one year, a fountain was commissioned to be placed in a small town square to provide drink and relief for the townsfolk and travelers.  Tristan was tasked with bringing about the fountain to fruition.  However with him in charge, it became an elaborate sculpture showing the king and queen raining down their blessings on the city in the form of water as well as a monument to knights who did not return from a crusade.  The people of the town were grateful for the water brought to them and celebrated Sir Tristan.  But soon after Tristan took his leave, the people of the town realized that they were the ones who now needed to care for the intricate sculptures.  They needed to keep the faces of Arthur and Guenevere in immaculate condition for the rest of time.  Should the royal couple visit their town, it would be quite embarrassing if any tribute to them was defaced in some manner.  Additionally, Sir Tristan left room for the townspeople to add names of other fallen knights to the crusade memorial - unfortunately, none of them was the stone artist that Tristan was.  Ever since, the townsfolk were cordial to Sir Tristan but not as embracing as they were before. 

Tristan's work was appreciated by the king, but it seemed to him that the king held the knights who protected thekingdom's village in higher regard.  Sir Tristan, wanting nothing more than the approval of King Arthur,  was now training very hard to be the knight that he thought Arthur wanted him to be.  Sir Tristan trained very, very hard.  He would ask Sir Percival to as many fighting techniques as he could.  But each time he asked, Percival would tell him, "Tristan.  There is nothing left for you that I can teach to you.  You know all that I know about fighting and defending the crown.  You have to apply your skills to get good at them.  Keep training and learn what the world is trying to teach you.  Even Lancelot, the greatest of all our knights, learns by having the adventures of our kingdom be his instructor. 

Tristan heard the words, but he did not listen.  He continued to train without the experience of worldly adventure.  He would pester Sir Percival for the so-called "secrets" that he possessed and get discouraged each time Percival said there were no secrets - only faith and vigilance. 

Galahad listened to Tristan's story and tried to help Tristan understand what Percival was doing for him.  Tristan heard every word from Galahad, but did not seem to listen.  Tristan wanted only to please the king.  Tristan wanted to be the one held in highest regard in the kingdom.  So he trained.  Galahad pitied Tristan's lack of vision and blindness to what was already in front of him.

Galahad returned to the castle and made his way to his quarters.  He was met by Guenevere's trusted handmaiden, Miranda.  She said that the king and queen wanted to speak with Galahad immediately.  Miranda said the king had gotten word that the city of Wethington held a newly crowned champion who pledged a new covenant of loyalty to the throne.  Guenevere and Arthur did not know what brought it about, but they were told that Galahad would offer his account.  Galahad was surprised to learn that the news had traveled so fast.  Galahad asked Miranda to return to him later the next morning.  At that time, he would bring his story to the king and queen.

The next day, Miranda went to Sir Galahad's quarters only to find Galahad's steward holding a scroll.  The steward said that Galahad and his squire needed to travel to Gaul with haste and send their deepest apologies to his and her highness.  However, Galahad wrote his account of the events on the scroll which Miranda was to bring to King Arthur and Guenevere.  Miranda faithfully returned to the king and queen with scroll in hand.  She handed the scroll to the queen who read the story with the king. 

The king was very pleased to hear about the generous deeds of his knights and wanted to reward them.  A few days later, all the knights gathered at the round table. Arthur bestowed upon two of the knights the Honor of the Scarlet Guard in recognition of their service to the kingdom.  Said Arthur, "Arise, Sir Percival.  And arise -- Sir Tristan."   All the knights, including Sir Galahad, stood and rejoiced for their brothers.

During the festivites, Percival brought Galahad to the king.  Percival told the king that they needed to meet privately on an urgent issue. Arthur led them to his antechamber, closed the door and asked that all be seated.  "Sir Percival," Galahad began to protest, "I know what you're trying to do and I assure you the matter has been handled and resolved."

"Your highness," said Percival trying to interrupt Galahad.  "Please your highness, do not honor Sir Tristan for deeds not done.  I don't know what you have been told but --"  Arthur raised his palm in a ceasing gesture and immediately, Percival silenced himself. 

"Percival, it is quite alright.  I know.  When my knights serve my kingdom, it is not just the townsfolk and the lords and ladies who need our benevolence.  You knights need to look after each other as well."  Arthur stood and walked toward Galahad.  "Not only do I know the truth of what happened with Sir Reginald, but I know each of you knights as well.  I see into your hearts.

"For instance, Sir Percival, I know of your loyalty to those who have honorably shared the field of battle with you.  It could not have been Sir Tristan whom you rushed to aid so quickly.  While you have shared the field of battle, Tristan has not been a trusted confidante.

"Sir Tristan is very loyal to this kingdom as well and is an avid proponent for peace.  He willfully goes on any quest given him and always returns with news of success.  He is a most able lieutenant.  However, his deeds are inspired by the rewards that come with them rather than the deeds themselves. 

"When Galahad's scroll was read, I knew what needed to be done for the good of our round table.  Sir Galahad has no desire for accolades or honors.  As I said before -- like all of knights, I know his heart.  Galahad's heart is the heart of a servant. 

"The day Galahad returned was the day Sir Tristan had mistakenly destroyed one of the royal monuments while training with mace and chain.  He was punished.  He came to us later, a very penitent man.  Now, most people would have apologized for being careless.  But Tristan's words were, 'I'm sorry and will work harder to become a more honored knight.'"

Arthur returned to his seat.  "You and your brother knight here hold no higher place at the table than any other knight.  But know this - I am eternally thankful for your desire to help those in need and that you do so with no expectation for medal or trophy.  Your deeds do not ever go unnoticed."

Percival and Galahad looked humbly toward their king.  Arthur rose and walked toward the door. "Gentleman, please.  Let us return to our festivities and speak no more of fame and glory."

Being the assistant coach for a 1st/2nd grade flag football coach has been one of the most fun things ever in life.  Couple the short attention span of kids between the ages of 6 and 8 with the discipline needed for success on the football field and you get this wonderful mix of chaos and total chaos.  Oh yeah, RIGHT UP MY ALLEY!

A typical practice features things like fake injuries, water play and the ever popular "can I play quarterback/runningback" debate.  This week's activities will feature blocking drills, flag pulling drills, special teams drills and the 7-on-6 scrimmage.  There are two more games left to go in the season and things are really clicking. 

This weekend's game will be a bit of a challenge.  The head coach will be out-of-town so I've gotta take the reins.  The biggest challenge - I know jack squat about calling plays on offense.  Usually, I'm running the players in and out or positioning guys on defense.  Time to step up, I guess.

Last night would have been an entire waste had it not been for the kick ass baseball game last night!!  Padres/Rockies play in was EPIC and I'm actually going to watch the ALDS and NLDS games.  DirecTV came through with TBS-HD and life is good!

Well, not really.  August has been very difficult for me this year.  It's all been about dealing with transition: Wife going back to work full time, boy back in school, girl starting new school, playing baseball, coaching football, learning piano, preparing for handbells, learning about liturgical music, meeting Filipinos, reaching out to the community.  All of it is a step in the right direction, but it definitely takes a great deal of adjustment. 

Then, the loss of a loved one put me into a glazed-over state.  I really miss Nana, but I know she is happier now than any of us can imagine.  Still, the transition to life without being able to speak with her on the phone or spend time with her is one for which I never really prepared. 

She did give me one great gift though - her passing allowed me to spend some time with my own thoughts and gave me a chance to reflect on the things that are really important.  Every thing I do has a purpose whether I know it or not.  I just need to stay the path with my eyes and ears open.

The excitement just grows!  I got a road bike a little over a week ago and I've been riding.  I really enjoy it too!  Miles can be ridden without even realizing it.  Thanks to the employer for making this happen ...

Wanna see?
http://www.speedgoat.com/gallery.asp?p=1124

Concert day ... nerves ... excitement.  This was the BEST day of the conference for me.  The morning started off with a pop tart and some water and then off to my first morning prayer service.  As expected, it was a musically moving experience that I enjoyed thoroughly.  But everyone was waiting excitedly for the day's plenum speaker.

Hey, it's the "On Eagle's Wings" Guy
Father J. Michael Joncas came out to a spirit-filled standing ovation.  His appreciation and humility was more than evident with his smile that seemed to welcome personally each of the three-thousand-plus in attendance.  The subject of the day was way above my head -- The Pastoral Musician: Hermeneut, Catechist, and Mystagogue.  Still, my full attention was his.  A review of his talk would not do justice to its power and message.  I took away from his talk a better understanding of my role and liturgical responsibilities as a music minister.  I can't wait until Judy gets the DVD of his talk so others can experience this enlightening.

Following the talk, I couldn't believe my eyes - WHY?  Because sitting two sections away from me were Pat, Marlene, Mary Lou and Mary!  They are some folks from my college days, but I need to elaborate a bit more on Mary.  Who's Mary?  She's the one who started this all for me.  She's the one that helped open my eyes to the call of music ministry.  In college, I was a member of the Catholic Newman Center where I sang in the choir and later became a cantor.  In my final year of school, I was chosen as the music ministry intern.  That year, I learned so many things about handbells, guitars,  keyboards, winds, brass, strings, percussion, musicianship, conducting, soundboards, microphones, pick-ups and choirs.  But more importantly, I also learned about faith, leadership, musicianship, liturgy, commitment, and pastoral care.  Needless to say, seeing Mary and the others put a huge hanger-in-the-mouth smile on my face.

Operation Adobo
I experienced another "NPM first" with my first breakout session.  It was more time spent with getting in touch with my roots.  In my mind, I had given this whole thing the codename "Operation Adobo."  This session succeeded in giving me more direction in learning how to get more in touch with the history involved with the faith that goes along with my heritage.  It is more than just different ways of doing things.  There are stories behind the rituals and cultural differences that could add so much to our liturgies.  The working bibliography alone will keep me occupied for months.

Time to Eat!
Actually, for me it was time to shop.  I had to go to the mall.  You see, that night I was participating in the "Harmony in Faith" concert with a Filipino choir that I met the day before.  I went to the mall to find 2 things: dark pants and a barong-esque shirt (I'll explain later).  I found them after much searching.  I was running short on time though so I just grabbed a protein bar from my bag and ... well, that was my lunch.

Showcase: WLP
World Library Publications is one of the larger music publishers here and this showcase of their music was a crowd pleaser.  We were each presented with a copy of their hymnal and the choral octavos for the pieces presented.  I arrived late, but quickly found the best way for me to enjoy these showcases - I spread out over two or three chairs and played along quietly with my ukulele as I sang.  It was fantastic.

Breakout Session B
On my way to the next session, I saw another familiar face from my college days -- Father Dan!!  I couldn't contain my excitement when I saw him.  He was the presider at our wedding.  I got someone to take our picture and I spoke with him for several minutes trying to catch up.  I couldn't believe what a great day I was having.  I went on to my session which was a talk on taking your handbell choir to the next level.  For me, this was worth the price of admission.  David Weck went over rehearsal techniques, musicianship, and emphasis on dynamics.  It was refreshing also to be one of the people selected to play bells at the session. We played music of higher difficulty that reminded me of the music we played in college. 

Quartet Concerts
That evening, there were 7 different concerts scheduled.  Four concerts at 7:30 and three more concerts at 9:30. My schedule was already planned the day before however.   If you recall, I got invited to sing with a Filipino choir at the 9:30 "Harmony in Faith" concert (I really don't get tired of saying that).  We were to met in the lobby at 4:45 and went over to the church where the concert would be.  We had to get organized as far as where do we stand, when do we sing, what order will we sing - all the fun stuff.  We were able to get through most of that stuff, but many of us were very hungry.  One of my new friends, Marlon, had ordered Filipino meals for all of us.  Additionally, a parishoner of the church opened her home to us so we could eat there prior to the concert.  It was a wonderful gift from both of them. 

Marlon also provided a barong for me.  A barong is Filipino formal wear for men.  They come in various designs and colors.  The evening before, Marlon had brought one to rehearsal.  Unfortunately, the one he brought didn't fit.  He said he would check to see if he another that would fit better.  Just in case, I bought a shirt that kind of looked like one - it wasn't perfect, but it would've been passable.  Marlon, however, came through big time.  The shirt he brought for me to wear was beautifully made of the pineapple cloth fabric (or something close to it) and dyed with a tropical design. 

The concert itself was an event like I'd never experienced before.  The other cultures represented in the different choirs and performers were Hmong, Vietnamese and Korean.  Each group performed liturgical pieces whose roots were from their respective heritages.  Our choir had 3 selections that were written by Father Manoling Francisco, a Jesuit priest in Manila.  Our first song, Sa'yo Lamang, was sung entirely in Tagalog and translates to "For You Alone."  The next was song called "Face of God" which was in English and sung in canon with 4 separate musical themes.  Additionally, we performed it with descriptive hand motions.  It worked very well for audience participation.  Our final selection was a composition of the Magnificat written in Tagalog and English.  Again, the audience was invited to sing along with the English ... incidentally, I played ukulele on this one -- woohoo!  To close the evening, all the musicians collaborated on the song "Springtime is Blossoming" which was written by Father Ricky Manalo.  Again, I played the ukulele and sang.  It was an evening I'll never forget.

Taize
To end the evening there would have been fitting.  But for me, it didn't end there.  Maria and Jojo said they were going to attend the Taize prayer service later that evening.  Taize is a very meditative form of song and prayer that I had gotten some exposure to in college, but very little since then.  I arrived a bit late for the service, but was able to find a seat with Maria and Jojo.  The entire space was dimly lit with candles adorning the altar area.  The music completed the meditative ambience and I just let the moment take me along for the ride.  It was both invigorating and frightening to let go of everything and truly live in just that time and space.  What happened to me there that evening was something so wonderful, so awe-inspiring and so intense that I still sense the shadows of that experience now.  At the same time, it was also very personal and intimate which is why I don't want to elaborate on the details here.  Those with whom I did speak about it understand why.  I thank those few for caring and helping me try to make sense of it all.

This works to brighten my own day.