I CHOOSE

We'd like to share this inspirational poem written by an amazing lady named Clara Morabito - when she was 86 years young!!!  She wrote this poem after seeing a presentation titled "I choose to be happy".  She has since shared it with many others, and it has been proudly displayed in her doctor's office, among other places.  At 88, Clara is indomitable as ever.  She notes that studies have shown a boost in the immune system when affirmations are used. She practices what she preaches - since composing this poem she has recited it several times a day, and enjoys excellent health!  We hope you will be uplifted and inspired by this beautiful poem:

I CHOOSE

I choose to be happy,

I choose to be grateful,

I choose to be caring

And always be thoughtful.

I choose to be well.

I choose to be fine.

I choose to be healthy

All of the time

I choose to be patient,

I choose to be strong,

I choose to be calm

All the day long.

By Clara Morabito

Holy Week - Beautiful Stations of the Cross With Mary

There is a beautiful Stations of the Cross as seen through the eyes of Mary - then and now.  Creighton University offers it in a printable form and an audio version for free.  It is the most unique version I have seen - focusing on Jesus' solidarity with each of us as we undergo every type of  suffering and rejection on our journey through life.  I encourage you to pray it during Holy Week - it is moving, powerful and of course quite beautiful.


Four Page printable pamphlet of Stations with Mary - http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Lent/Stations-with-Mary.pdf

Audio Stations with Mary - http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Lent/Stations-with-Mary.MP3

Read along online version of Station with Mary - http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/stations-with-Mary.html

Ethical Eating - You Can Help Make the World Sweeter - One Candy Bar or Cup of Coffee at a Time!

What if could indulge that chocolate craving or enjoy your next cup of coffee, while helping to lift our brothers and sisters around the world out of poverty?  You can - When you purchase handcrafts, Divine Chocolate, or coffee through the CRS Fair Trade Program.

 Fair Trade = Fair Prices for the farmers and artisans who make the products.  Cutting out the middlemen who exploit these workers allows more of a product's value to be shared with those who make it.  Fair Trade is also about being good to the planet God gave us.  Better trading conditions, plus financial and technical assistance all help to improve farming and harvesting techniques, which contribute to sustainable development. 

You can help make the world a sweeter place by purchasing these Fair Trade Products:

Divine Chocolate and Equal Exchange Chocolate (trust me, I've tried this, it is to die for) - no guilt when you eat this heavenly chocolate! Flavors like dark chocolate ( from many different locations around the globe), milk chocolate with hazelnuts, chocolate caramel with sea salt, dark chocolate with almonds, chocolate raspberry and silky white chocolate, just to name a few. If you're looking for some fabulous chocolate for Easter (oh my goodness, they have praline chocolate eggs!), this is the place, but hurry and order soon to make sure it arrives in time!

A great cup of Joe - It tastes so good, and you will be doing good!  CRS has over a dozen partners who provide Fair Trade coffee in the U.S, located throughout every region, so you can choose the one most convenient for you.

Handcrafts and Gourmet Food - from disadvantaged producers all over the world.  Great gift ideas - they offer jewelry, handcrafted pottery and baskets, candles,  all sorts of gift baskets, handmade toys and instruments, and lots more!

  CRS Fair Trade - find out more about Fair Trade