Grandparents’ example, interest enrich the lives of us all

My paternal grandmother

Mitzi Ackerman never knew how to throw a pity party.

Instead, with her at the head of the table, our family gatherings in her dining room were marked by laughter and song, yodeling and storytelling, home-cooked food and ice-cold German beer. There was never any want of fun!

Born in 1896 in Vienna, my grandmother emigrated to the United States in her early 20s at the end of World War I, shortly after the death of her parents. Her father died of pneumonia and her mother, as Grandma described it, succumbed

Set Apart

of whom was my father. With my grandfather’s sudden death, Grandma became a widow and sole breadwinner of the family.

part time in the advancement office.

their loved ones in a “sea of gray.”

Sister

and confident one, not allowing herself to be so overwhelmed by life’s challenges as to surrender her trust and joy.

a year later to a broken heart. From that point on, she was determined to have a new outlook on life, an optimistic

Arriving in the United States, she settled in Galveston, Texas, where she met and married my Swiss chef grandfather, Louis. Together, they had five children, the youngest

Working in the homes of wealthy families and planting a garden at home, she provided for the many needs of her family, including sending my dad to a Catholic high school. It was her courage, determination, faith-filled perseverance — and sense of humor — that she passed on to the generations of Ackermans to come.

Recently, I was reminded of my remarkable grandmother during the Dec. 8 Grandparents Day at St. James Academy in Lenexa where I work

My task that day was to welcome those grandmas and grandpas at the door of the gym where their grandchildren would come and escort them to the Immaculate Conception holy day Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

As I greeted them, I thought about the great influence those men and women must have in the formation of their children’s children. Surely joy pervaded their family gatherings and oneon-one encounters between the generations.

I witnessed the excitement of the grandchildren who went into the gym and searched for

Most beautiful of all was their participation in the holy sacrifice of the Mass on the beautiful Marian solemnity.

As Pope Benedict once wrote, “Look with love on grandparents the world over. . . .

May they continue to be for their families strong pillars of Gospel faith, guardians of noble domestic ideals, living treasuries of sound religious traditions. Make them teachers of wisdom and courage, so that they may pass on to future generations the fruits of their mature human and spiritual experience.”

Athlete’s injury provoked an outpouring of public prayer

My pastor shared his thoughts during a homily about a recent professional football game that was marked by a serious injury of a player, Damar Hamlin.

Hamlin’s heart stopped beating after a tackle he made. CPR had to be administered to him on the field for his heart to start beating again. Players from both teams knelt and prayed together for this young athlete.

Television viewers around the country began to pray for Hamlin as he laid lifeless on the field. He was rushed by ambulance

Cef Centered

alive and is gratefully thanking everyone for their prayers.

The NFL’s initial message stated “our thoughts are with Damar and the Buffalo Bills.” They left out “prayer” in their message, much like many secular organizations do in crisis situations.

Vincent Anch

to a nearby hospital for life-saving treatment.

I watched this game and, like others, prayed for Hamlin. I stayed up late that night hoping to hear good news but nothing was reported for a few days.

Our almighty Father heard all these prayers. Hamlin is

However, after 32 NFL teams, including hundreds of players, held prayer sessions and asked others to pray, the NFL changed their statement to “our thoughts and prayers are with Damar.”

It was inspiring for me to see so many NFL players and coaches pray and send messages about God’s love and healing power.

These acts of faith, along with the prayers of millions of people, changed the mindset of a multibillion dollar organization. Prayer also brought millions of people together in a spiritual bond that might have lifelong benefits for many souls. The Lord used this crisis to bring us together and closer to him.

Although many people have become reluctant about expressing their faith, students at our Catholic schools pray every day and do so confidently and enthusiastically. We are teaching our youth about the power of prayer and to shine their light on top of a hill for all to see.

Perhaps a crisis from a football game will be an inspiration for Catholics to be more confident in sharing their faith like our children do. A simple gesture like making the sign of the cross while at a restaurant is a great way to express one’s faith.

The power of prayer has no limits. God is ready and willing to answer our prayers. All we have to do is ask.