Who can see through your mask? But when the birthday of my husband, Don, rolled around this year, we were in lockdown like everyone elseand creativity was needed. Please forgive us for giving too much time and attention to other things, for looking to other people before coming to you first. Please note I did add extra ingredients to the cake recipe, which is probably why it came out so dense and wet. Yes there is fear. They came to some interesting conclusions: The rituals associated with birthdayslike giving cards and presents, or sharing cake or mealsimbue them with importance and significance. You went about healing all and bringing comfort to those in pain and need. As you think of the ways we are connected or disconnected to one another, pick a connection (or lack thereof) that seems important, significant, or is manifesting itself the strongest. We reached out. 2020 is behind us. With . Some are happy. Grahams tenure and the beginning of new leadership under Dr. Hanycz here at Xavier. But there does not have to be loneliness. A very small selection of people who suffer from Crohns or Ulcerative Colitis go on to develop a very rare liver disease which affects the bile ducts. As we prepare to walk into the future we pray for the "new normal" to come. Happy birthday, friend. But no less joyous. Hopefully some of them will resonate with you. Thank you for all the love Ive been blessed withand help me in the moments ahead. 50. But it also grants a freedom to be with. Rag-ge-dy! Since we feel most connected when we are in each others presence, its a good idea to have people actually gather in personeven if they need to remain physically distant. You are the Powerful Creator of all people - each one unique, special, precious in your sight, and greatly loved by you. Father please hear us when we tell You of our concerns of sending our children and educators back to school. God, you gave me a life that day I was born, and I hope I will spend all my life and do as much as I can to show you my love and gratitude! Learn more about Jesuit Resource. Show your mercy as you close wounds, cure illness, make broken bodies whole and free downcast spirits. And we step into 2021. Today a young woman I know is busy spreading fliers with her number through the neighborhood so that the elders may have someone to call on. May my anxiety be transformed into love. -Meister Eckhart. For the challenges, the emotions, the struggle. My friends dont see or hear or know; nor do my family; nor my colleagues. Hope all of your wishes come true, and then some. Give them the foresight to act with charity and true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. Spark a smile with a custom birthday card greeting to anyone celebrating a birthday during quarantine, and bring all the joy in the world to them on their special day! -Prayer originated fromhttps://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-03/pope-francis-prayer-our-lady-protection-coronavirus.html. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. . 20. Let us ask for Gods grace and help as we pursue these endings and these beginnings together with patience, perseverance, and trust in what He has planned for us. That was a crazy time. We have finished one academic year and are beginning to prepare for students to return in the fall. Since this was the first time that everyone was out of their house and socializing, it made it special.. Our God is purposeful, setting us in our families, communities, even in our generations. Holding the Crucifix, say the Apostles' Creed. Going old happens. Amen. Think of how much change you've gone through in a year; 2020 was full of ups and downs, and you made it through. Its time to celebrate your special day. And stepped in where needed. Happy Birthday Jesus Prayer Father, today I celebrate the reality of Your presence in my life. Gather a blanket, some of your favorite snacks, a bottle of wine or Champagne, and toast to another year of life. I have also developed this, called Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC). For others its from a deep sense of your true self. Get comfortable. As with weddings and other rituals, birthday parties are bigger than one person. After all, you yourself are a gift to earth, so you deserve the best. Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders. Good-bye! Sorry, we appreciate what you do, but we cannot afford it any more. Keep your friends sense of humor in mind as you compose your fun-filled greeting. Happy birthday, friend. 2020. - ByEllen Hurst, Senior Teaching Professor, Economics. - Written and offered by Phil Chick on 5/17/21 post-pandemic. 6. We asked for courage, and you gave us fears to overcome. Amen. Heal those who are sick with the virus. 43 Best Bible Verses for Birthdays (That Can Work For Anyone) Numbers 6:24-26. A birthday is a day that should be full of joy, so laughter is heavily encouraged. Our New Normal isnt what it was. Heal us from our fear, which prevents nations from working together and neighbors from helping one another. Hope this year is the best. 'position' : 'left', Economic disparity. Losing social rituals can be harmful to our well-being, making us feel less connected to others and less united in purpose. My smiles, my thoughts, my mumbles, though these I know, but they are a greater mystery to others now. Every birthday, every celebration ends with something sweet, a cake, and people remember. If you can hear me, forgive my lack of faith and show me your mercy and strength in my time of need. And always feel your spirit surround me in safety. We asked for patience, and you gave us situations where we were forced to wait. What connections impact you the most? Birthdays are first and foremost a chance to let people know that they are part of a community of caring people, which is what made Ambers party so special. Lord Jesus, you came into the world to heal our infirmities and to endure our sufferings. Day and night, you are my refuge. This ordinary time is marked also by deep economic hardship for many. passthrough : { With love and respect for the past, we as a community face our new beginnings and journeys with anticipation, optimism, enthusiasm and care for each other creating our own New Normal. Enjoy our hand-picked quotes below to share with your friends on their special day. As you think of the ways we are connected or disconnected to one another, pick a connection (or lack thereof) that seems important, significant, or is manifesting itself the strongest. Happy birthday. It just made me feel so joyful.. Thank you that you surround us with favor as with a shield, and we are safe in your care. 2. Social disparity. Just wanted to take this opportunity to let you know I appreciate your friendship so much. I can barely keep up with everyones birthdays these days, but you better believe Id never forget yours. And the courage to reach out. Give him the. Virgin Mary, turn your merciful eyes towards us amid this coronavirus pandemic. You are the Mighty Heavenly Rock. I ask for compassion and love when Im unable to give those to myself. If you are a person of faith, take a moment to pray with it. My faith in God is what's giving me hope in the midst of this pandemic. For others its from a deep sense of your true self. Note the emotions you feel when you think of these individuals without judging or overanalyzing. Now I am relying on you to lead and guide me, to put my anxiety in its place. Funny. Make time to celebrate the new beginning and what we have to look forward to. As we transition through these times, we keep our faith as Bhagwad Gita, the Hindu Holy Scripture written more than 2000 years ago, says: 'Dharmo Rakshito Rakshita'those who keep their faith strong during trying times are blessed with their faith carrying them through these times. Right now though, right now I am feeling an extra sense of pride and purpose as I do my work. When all seems lost. - ByColleen Hanycz, PhD incoming President at Xavier University. Thank you for all. For me, receptivity is the essence. Every day I learn something new from your kindness, your compassion, and your sheer brilliance. It might take a little more organizing effort during lockdown to do something that will resonate with the celebrant and still keep everyone safe from harm. Contain the spread of infection. Dear Lord - Protector, Provider, Comforter, Blessed are you, O Lord our God, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 2020. And as I celebrate, Lord, help me to be "God with skin on" to those in need around me. But not to you, Lord. We ask for protection for the elderly and vulnerableto not succumb to the risks of the virus. Let our spiritsdraw closerto each otherin spite ofthe distancebetween usand march boldlyinto tomorrow. Thank you for always giving me your all. To what really matters. Later, his mom invited six local friends to come by the house and hang out on the front lawn, sit around a bonfire, and make smores. - Author requested to remain anonymous, May we who are merely inconvenienced, remember those whose lives are at stake.May we who have no risk factors remember those most vulnerable.May those who have the luxury of working from home remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent.May those who have the flexibility to care for our children when schools close remember those who have no options.May we who have to cancel a trip remember those who have no safe place to go.May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market remember those who have no margin at all.May those who settle for quarantine at home remember those who have no home.As fear grips our country, let us choose love during this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other, let us find ways to be the loving embrace to God and our neighbor. 'numPreferredServices' : 5 Thank you for always providing me with hope, encouragement, joy, and support. Dear God. Though the girls stood six feet apart and wore gloves and masks much of the time, being together let the celebrant know she mattered. Our University rose to the many challenges. Editor's note: This essay is one in a series of first-person narratives by members of the Duke community reflecting on a year living with COVID-19. The Coronavirus pandemic has rapidly transformed life as we know it for millions of people all over the world. Yes there is panic buying. Take a deep breath. We ache for ourselves and our neighbors, standing before an uncertain future. I am grateful for my health and for the health of my family. Science Center May these special people find lasting health and deliverance, and so join us in thanking you for all your gifts. Help us to remember that the gift of Christ, Immanuel, is our greatest treasure, not just at Christmas, but for the whole year through. I don't even know if you exist or if I'm just talking to myself, but I know I need help to face my fears right now. Our templates work for personal greetings, formal wishes, or even for group signing. So to celebrate his big day, Dave Laden, a director repped out of Hungry Man, did the next best . And recently in this ordinary time we have seen our fellow citizens rise up in anger and violence, destroying, injuring, even killing others to push their narrow agendas. addthis.layers({ 3. And then we collected ourselves. For some that light may come in the form of a sense of the Divine. Another birthday, another year older. Happy birthday. and celebrate Thanksgiving as weve done in the past. Three years ago, the Covid-19 pandemic began here in our city, killing thousands of New Yorkers, and eventually . We pray for those who are suffering with sicknessand all who are caring for them. Love you. So glad I can celebrate with you on this special day. New ways of learning and working were created. Thank you for your reminder that both in seasons of celebration and in seasons of brokenness, youre still with us. Throughout my life, you have showered me with love, laughter, and support. Theyre scared, were scared. By noon, most of us have already faced challenges, and we may think we can handle these things alone; but the Lord says otherwisewe must look to and depend on Him. Take a deep breath and moment of quiet. Promise this world your lovefor better or for worse,in sickness and in health,so long as we all shall live. How to Help Teens Handle the Loss of Proms and Graduations, Why Experiencing Joy and Pain in a Group Is So Powerful. As humans, we need to betogether, says An-lin. For those who are lonely.For those who have no one to check on them.For families that are separated. To how little control we really have. Gracious and Loving God,You are our comforter and our hope.Hear our prayers as we come before you.Strengthen us in this time of need.Inspire us to acts of solidarity and generosityand give us hope of a brighter future. It is scientifically proven that people who have more birthdays live longer. Still, somehow, this time does not seem ordinary; it is anything but that. Even as we are being asked to distance ourselves from one another socially, ask yourself what connections you find yourself grateful for?Who makes you feel grounded and connected to God? Birthdays remind us of who we are and what weve done thanks for being an amazing role model to myself and for many others. It isnt what it will be. 21. As we embrace this changed world for our students, our employees and our communities, some of us here today are entering our own New Normal with new and different roles, responsibilities, adventures and dreams for our future. In Action For in all this, I grow closer to you. An amazing friend deserves an amazing day. When the disease that moves us to mask our faces for safety fades away, will our eyes and our ears be stronger, better able to see and to hear the smiles and the frowns, the cries and the whispers of those who fill our lives? Helpless and confused,. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick. Films, photographs, and edits video and photos for clients seeking professional work. As religious leaders of diverse faiths, prayer helps reveal answers to questions that weigh on us. Yes there is sickness. Yes there is even death. Others are planned and come more gradually. A general prayer You see past my mask, you hear through it, you know. Happy birthday. 1There is a season for everything, a time for every occupation under heaven. We pray for your love and compassion to aboundas we walk through this challenging season. Research shows that shared rituals make us feel a part of a larger social identity, suggesting that losing those rituals can be hard on us. Familiarize yourself and/or your group with the prayers of the rosary. On the first bead, say an Our Father. Father of goodness and love, hear our prayers for the sick members of our community and for all who are in need. Prayers for Birthdays, Graduates, and Grieving during the COVID-19 Crisis Bill Delvaux Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer 2020 6 May No one has been left untouched by the COVID-19 crisis.. - Reflection by Aarti Jaisinghani- Offered by Rashmi Assudani. Can we know, Lord, that we put on many masks so we can cope, avoid, pretend, be acceptable? Order a personalized puzzle. For social justice. I cannot hear if you whisper an answer to my prayer or brush off my curse. The pandemic itself deserves its own "loving look." Prayer always begins and ends with a recognition of God's presence, and it disposes us toward receptivity. Collaboration, innovation and cura personalis were our touchstones. Who was that masked man?). 4. Be with us, Lord, in . Pope's Prayer for Protection from Coronavirus, episcopalrelief.org/what-we-do/us-disaster-program/faith-based-response-to-epidemics/, https://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=1822, https://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=229, https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2020/03/02/coronavirus-prayer, https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-03/pope-francis-prayer-our-lady-protection-coronavirus.html, Multi Faith Calendar of Religious Holy Days, Foundational Documents on Jesuit Catholic Education, Xavier University's Center for Mission and Identity. For those who are unemployed.For those suffering financial hardships.For those who face an uncertain future. . Every day, I am grateful to have you in my life. All over the world people are waking up to a new reality To how big we really are. Let today be another reminder that youre the best. [CDATA[ Youve earned it, and you deserve it. "We find ourselves afraid and lost . Heres to another year of invaluable life lessons. May 2020 - Dec 20222 years 8 months. I pause (breathe in and out) and thank you for this day. Part of ordinary time is the dedication of health care workers. This is the cake and this is the buttercream.Also there is a thin brownie layer on the bottom, so here is the recipe I used for that as well (only used 1/3 to 1/2 the batter, made the rest into two-bite brownies).. Amber's friends joined in a birthday car parade. In the meantime, we've been given a time of retreat to meditate upon what Holy Communion means to us all and we've been given new opportunities and new pastoral strategies. (Book 6:57) Like a rock settling on the bottom of a lake after its thrown in, let yourself settle. - By Susan Haarman, Loyola University Chicago, It seems that I return to you most easily when I need comfort, O God. And most important of all, happy birthday. 71. Bring them courage to endure what cannot be avoided,for your will is health and wholeness;you are God, and we need you. Ask for light and insight as you prepare to review your day. Birthday Prayer Thank you, God, for giving me another year of life. If being calm is hard, acknowledge it. Take a moment to think about how COVID-19 has impacted your life. Prayer Emphasis for the day: Global Relations. For job losses. These birthday prayers and blessings should be the first things you say on that particular day. At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus pain, with steadfast faith.You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need. Nor are we. Act on what we can control, but recognize and move on from what we cant control. And finally, take time to remember that God is with us through all the events of our lives, and that these endings and beginnings are no different. Avon Lake, Ohio, United States. Well, I know exactly what youll say. Why go to all the trouble? May we who have no risk factors remember those most vulnerable. Another year around the sun. The Christian 'Asbury Revival' event gained viral attention on . Happy birthday Jesus! - ByAshley Henkes, Hall Director, Residence Life. Have friends and family drive by the birthday honoree's house, honking . We give our hearts to You, now and forever. For patience and perseverance.For calm in the midst of fear.For the grace to overcome adversity. The parade was filmed and posted on Facebook, which meant she could watch it in the months that followed whenever she felt the pandemic bringing her down. Jesus Christ, you traveled through towns and villages curing every disease and illness. At your command, the sick were made well. Who do you avoid or refuse to see? Who do you avoid or refuse to see? She also asked her oldest daughter to put it together in a fun slideshow with music to share with him on his actual birthday. I love that were so much alike. Birthdays apparently help us to put our "old self" behind us in favor of a future, evolving self, which aids us in moving forward on our life path. 7. Will we see, Lord, that what we think of as your mask is really also our own, our inability to find you in the rush of our lives, our failure to see you in all the wonders you show us, our incapacity to hear your gentle voice in the tumult that surrounds us. Yes, we have finished this holy season. Put them away? Those in my community who are suffering need care. If being calm is hard, acknowledge it. Thanks for being my friend over the years through it all. Who will show ushow to press on? May we join ourselves more closely to you on the cross and in your suffering that through them we may draw our patience and hope. We asked for wisdom, and you gave us problems to solve.