Saint Jude's Chapel of Hope

Not too many miles from where I live in western North Carolina, there is a tiny chapel called Saint Jude's Chapel of Hope.

In 1981, a lady by the name of Beverly Barutio was diagnosed with advanced cancer. She underwent several rounds of chemotherapry. The cancer continued to advance, and the side effects from the chemotherapy were so bad, that Mrs. Barutio stopped the treatments.

She prayed to God, and to Saint Jude, the patron of hopeless, desperate, and impossible causes. Her prayers were answered, and later checkups revealed no signs of the cancer.

For a number of years, she had wanted to build a chapel to thank God and Saint Jude for her miracle, a place where others could pray and hope for their own miracles. So, some years later, she and her husband moved to Trust, a small mountain community in the mountains of western North Carolina. 

There in 1991, at the intersections of Highway 63 and Highway 209 in Madison County, she and her husband built Saint Jude's Chapel of Hope. A little 12 foot by 14 foot cedar chapel that is always open for anyone to go in to pray, mediate, and hope. At the front of the chapel there is a cross, an open Bible, and a shrine to Saint Jude.

If you are ever in western North Carolina, and would like to visit Saint Jude's Chapel of Hope, it is located between Hot Springs, and Waynesville, N.C. From Waynesville of Hot Springs you can follow Highway 209 to Trust, NC. From Asheville, you can follow Highway 63 (New Leicester Highway) to Trust. It's a beautiful drive

Also, if you go, be sure to stop and eat at the cafe of the Trust General Store. If you leave there hungry, it's your own fault!

PRAYERS FOR THE UNEMPLOYED

O Saint Joseph, we pray to you for those who are out of work, for those who want to earn their living or support their families.

You who are the patron of workers; grant that unemployment may vanish from our ranks; that all those who are ready to work may put their strength and abilities in serving their fellowmen and earn a just salary.

You are the patron of families; do not let those who have children to support and raise lack the necessary means. Have pity on our brothers and sisters held down in unemployment and poverty because of sickness or social disorders. Help our political leaders and captains of industry find new and just solutions. May each and every one have the joy of contributing, according to his abilities, to the common prosperity by an honorable livelihood. Grant that we may all share together in the abundant goods God has given us and that we may help underprivileged countries. Amen.

* * * * * * *

Dear Lord Jesus Christ,

You wanted all who are weary

To come to You for support.

Lord, I am worn out

By my inability to find work.

Guide my steps to a righteous path;

Give me the patience

To find opportunities with a future.

Calm my worries and fears

As my financial responsibilities mount.

Strengthen my resolve;

Embolden my heart to open doors;

Open my eyes to see life beyond rejections.

Help me believe in me.

Let me realize other ways

To bring about Your kingdom on earth.

Let me grow as a person

That I may be worthy

For Your greater glory.

In the name of the Father.

Amen.

* * * * * * *

God, our Father, I turn to you seeking your divine help and guidance as I look for suitable employment. I need your wisdom to guide my footsteps along the right path, and to lead me to find the proper things to say and do in this quest. I wish to use the gifts and talents you have given me, but I need the opportunity to do so with gainful employment. Do not abandon me, dear Father, in this search, but rather grant me this favor I seek so that I may return to you with praise and thanksgiving for your gracious assistance. Grant this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Vote For Marriage #4

In the final installment of this series of videos Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Raleigh talks about the importance of traditional marriage and of the proper attitude toward people of different viewpoints.

North Carolina bishops criticize Obama statement on marriage amendment : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

The following is an excerpt from Catholic Culture News Headlines:

• “Last week, President Barack Obama took the unusual step of commenting on a state ballot initiative,” Bishops Michael Burbidge of Raleigh and Peter Jugis of Charlotte said in response. “His stated opposition to the referendum on the marriage amendment in North Carolina is a grave disappointment, as it is reported to be the first time that the President has entered into this issue on the state level, further escalating the increasing confusion on the part of some in our society to the very nature of marriage itself … While we are respectful of the Office of the President, we strongly disagree with [his] assessment.”

Click the link below to read the entire article:

North Carolina bishops criticize Obama statement on marriage amendment : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

Catholic Bishops of North Carolina: Vote FOR Marriage Part 3

Third in a series of videos by the Bishops of North Carolina explaining the position of the Catholic Church in support FOR the marriage amendment. Bishop Peter Jugis of the Diocese of Charlotte, NC explains additional Church Teaching about the institution of marriage. Both Bishop Jugis and Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Raleigh urge all North Carolina residents to vote FOR marriage on May 8, 2012.

Vote FOR Marriage - 2 - Bishop Burbidge

Second in a series of videos by the Bishops of North Carolina explaining the position of the Catholic Church in support FOR the marriage amendment. Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Raleigh explains four important points of Church Teaching about marriage. He also urges all North Carolinians to vote FOR Marriage on May 8, 2012.