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Cacao

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    Cacao reacted to Pompeii in Article 7 - Second Series - January 30th, 2023 by Fr. Ben Daghir   
    One Thing, Jesus Christ.
    Fr. Ben Daghir Will Post Weekly Articles HERE Every Monday!
    Article 7 - Second Series - January 30th, 2023 by Fr. Ben Daghir
    Article:

    I graduated from Elk County Catholic High School in 2011. Eleven years later, I was ordained to the Roman Catholic priesthood for the Diocese of Erie by Bishop Lawrence T. Persico on May 27, 2022. I have often asked myself, “Why am I on this path as opposed to another?” With that question in mind, I will now share part of my vocation story.

    I do not have a Saint Paul type of story in which my whole world was instantly turned upside down and my worldview was radically changed. Instead, my vocation story is much more even keel and is filled with thousands of moments which gently directed me to the priesthood.

    It took me a while to notice the trajectory of my life, but once I did - I never looked back. 

    I grew up playing sports, hunting, fishing, and doing various other activities. I dated in high school and, as a result, had my eyes set on being a husband and a father as I walked out of Elk County Catholic High School and dreamed of the future. I then went to college and found myself interested in academics (such as the field of education, philosophy, theology, languages, and various other disciplines). Most importantly, I found myself talking with Christ in a very honest, real, and personal way. Sometimes, I thought about sainthood, especially the virtues of the saints. 

    I also found myself incredibly happy as a single man which somewhat startled me once I realized the obvious. 

    There is a spiritual principle that is worth sharing at this moment: the obvious is always most important. Most people, when discerning their respective vocations (or considering a serious life decision) look for the complex and even mysterious while trying to connect the dots that are not always visible. Instead, we should always state the obvious even if it startles us. 

    Here was the obvious for me toward the end of my four years at Saint Vincent College: I was happy being a single man, I fell in love with the core disciplines which one finds in seminary, nothing interested me more than the field of education, I knew that I loved people, and I found myself actually thinking about the priesthood. I also was intellectually introduced to Pope St. John Paul II who helped to form my worldview. Again, these were “obvious things” that I had to recognize and accept. 

    My whole life was pointing toward the priesthood which became even more obvious once I entered the seminary. I was able to reflect back and see the gentle and consistent call to be a priest throughout various aspects of my life: family, friendships, hobbies, experiences, passions, failures, setbacks, fears, academics, interests, goals, and much more. 

    Of course, the journey has not been perfect. 

    I am a sinner. My worldview needs to constantly be improved and renewed with the Gospel. I have often missed the obvious and even ignored it in my life (sin always seeks to have us confuse, ignore, and avoid the obvious). Also, the priesthood, although widely accepted in St. Marys, Pennsylvania, is not as enthusiastically received within other circles. As a result, there were several moments while on the journey to the priesthood in which I had to step back and pray, “God, please help me to come to know the Cross and to accept it.” 

    I am also well aware of the mass exodus of individuals leaving the Catholic Church in our Pennsylvania region. While many people are walking away from the Church, I find myself walking into it as a priest. It occurred to me several years ago that I was heading in a direction that was (and still is) against the cultural grain. In many ways, my priesthood is oriented toward the obvious within our part of the world - people are leaving the Church and something must be done about it. 

    The most important thing is that we need to connect with people in a profound, compelling, and authentic manner. I couldn’t think of a more challenging and obvious mission for our time. 

    Again, the obvious is always the most important. 

    Fr. Ben Daghir
    ========================
    Fr. Ben Daghir is a priest for the Diocese of Erie. He is a graduate of Elk County Catholic High School in Saint Marys, Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, and St. Mary's Seminary & University in Baltimore, Maryland. He considers writing one of his favorite hobbies.

     
  2. AGREE
    Cacao reacted to buschpounder in nasty out   
    The bottom two generators could do that.  Not sure about the top one.  The simplest  way is to to  pull it outside when electric goes out and plug things into it with extension cord.  Not sure if you can plug in your furnace though.   The bottom two can start with a key fob and a battery.  You could put one in a shed or garage by your house and exhaust it outside. Run it by gas or propane.   An electrician to wire in a transfer switch to your house and it would feed electric into your house and you wouldn't have to plug things into it with extension cord.  A generac 7000 watt generator at lowes like the one I showed costs $2100 and it includes a transfer switch in the price so its cheaper than the middle one you have.  You also don't need to keep it in a shed.  A relative has had one for 8 or 9 years no problems so far, just routine maintenance.  It starts up once a week and runs a 10 minute test and lets you know if somethings wrong.
  3. SAD
    Cacao reacted to Pompeii in Luanne Varacallo (age 64)   
    Luanne Varacallo, age 64 of DuBois, PA died Sunday, March 13, 2022 at Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital surrounded by her loving family.
     
    Born on November 21, 1957 in DuBois, PA, she was the daughter of the late Lucian and Elizabeth “Betty” (Fitzpatrick) Cavalier.
     
    On June 20, 1981, she married Dr. Albert L. Varacallo, Jr.  He preceded her in death on July 8, 2010.
     
    Luanne was a graduate of DuBois Central Catholic High School, Class of 1975, and a 1979 graduate of Muskingum University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science. Following her graduation from college, she worked as a paralegal and a claims adjustor before taking on her most rewarding role as a mother to 6 children.
     
    Luanne was a Certified Lifestyle Coach. Fitness and nutrition were always a passion. She was a spin instructor at the YMCA for many years and taught Silver Sneakers. Luanne was constantly giving of her time and talent as a volunteer and leader for many organizations in our community. She was the president of the Dr. Albert Varacallo Foundation, a Free Medical Clinic volunteer and was a longtime staple at many DuBois Central Catholic functions. Above all, family and faith were the foundation of her life.
     
    She was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church where she was active in church ministries and was a religious education instructor for over 20 years at St. Michael and St. Marys in Reynoldsville. She also loved to travel.
     
    Luanne is survived by six children (Natalie Milliron & her husband Michael of Sarasota, FL; Dr. Christopher Varacallo & his wife Elissa; Dr. Matthew Varacallo; Albert Varacallo III, Dominic Varacallo & his wife Andrea; and Dr. Patricia Varacallo, all of DuBois, PA), eight grandchildren (Cecelia, Leah, Reese, AJ, Dominic, Michael, Lucia,(with whom she shared a birthday), Natalia and one grandchild on the way), siblings; (Mary Segerberg and her husband Mark and Paul Cavalier and his wife Charlotte both of DuBois, PA) and numerous nieces and nephews.
     
    She was preceded in death by one sister (Betty Lou Cavalier) and two brothers (David Cavalier and infant Gary Cavalier).
     
    Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 from 12 PM – 4 PM and 6 PM -8 PM at the Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc.
     
    A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 17, 2022 at 10 a.m. from St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church with Msgr. Richard Siefer, Msgr. Charles Kaza, & Fr. David Whiteford con celebrating.
     
    Burial will follow in St. Michael Cemetery.
     
    Although flowers are appreciated, in lieu of flowers, “Sweet Lu” would want nothing more than for you to make a donation to the Doc V Foundation, established in memory of her beloved husband Dr. Albert Varacallo, Jr. The foundation was established by Luanne & her children after Doc V was tragically taken from us much too soon.  The mission of the foundation is to continue to touch the lives of those in our community just as Dr. Varacallo did. You can donate by going to docvfoundation.com or by sending a contribution to the Doc V Foundation, PO Box 487, DuBois, PA 15801.
     
    Online condolences can be made to http://baronickfuneralhome.com/obituaries
  4. SAD
    Cacao reacted to Pompeii in Aaliyah Nikole Williams (age 18)   
    Aaliyah Nikole Williams of DuBois, PA passed away suddenly on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital.  She was 18 years old.
    On May 11, 2003 Aaliyah was born in DuBois to the parents of Laura Wascovich of DuBois and David Williams of Johnston, SC, both survive.
     
    Aaliyah graduated with honors with the class of 2021 at DuBois Area High School.  While at DuBois Area High School, she was a 3-year member of the National Honor Society and a varsity cheerleader.  Aaliyah was a bright, goal-oriented, young girl who worked very hard to excel in the classroom and always took the time to help others improve their grades. 
     
    Aaliyah’s hard work and determination earned an academic scholarship to her “dream school”, the University of Pittsburgh, where she majored in Forensic Psychology.   In her first and only semester at Pitt, it was no surprise to learn that Aaliyah achieved Dean’s List.  Aaliyah was also a Pitt football superfan, attended every home game and never missed away games on tv.  While at Pitt she quickly made many friends, who supported each other and enjoyed making memories on adventures around Pittsburgh.  Besides Heinz Field, her favorite spot was the PPG ice rink.  
     
    Aaliyah made friends everywhere she went.  She welcomed everyone with her giant smile and followed it up with a big heart filled with kindness and compassion.  She was a reliable ear to anyone who needed to talk, a true friend to many.  Aaliyah loved spending time with her family and would do anything for them at a moment’s notice.  Babysitting her younger cousins and visiting her aunts & uncles was the highlight of most weekends.  In her short life, Aaliyah made her family proud, especially her mother.  Aaliyah took a motherly role with her siblings and held high expectations for them.  Aaliyah touched the lives of many, she will be dearly missed.
     
    In addition to her parents, she is survived by her brother, Tyrese Williams, DuBois; sister, Kadence Krach, DuBois; Maternal grandmother, Mary Wascovich, DuBois; aunt Mary (Matthew) Lewandowski, Manassas, VA; aunt Catherine Wascovich, Pittsburgh; aunt Clare (John) Hook, DuBois; uncle John (Jennifer) Wascovich, Tunkannock; uncle Daniel (Carisa) Wascovich, Reynoldsville; aunt Madonna (John) Schwentner, DuBois; uncle Michael (Glenn) Wascovich, York. 
     
    Aaliyah was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, William Wascovich.
     
    Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, from   4pm – 7 pm at the Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc.
     
     A funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at 11 am from the funeral home with Msgr. Richard Siefer officiating. Interment will take place at Beulah Cemetery in Reynoldsville. 

    Online condolences can be sent to http://baronickfuneralhome.com/obituaries
  5. AGREE
    Cacao reacted to 1977er in Looking for old Juniata Elem. School yearbooks   
    As a happy ending to this old thread:  Mr. Vitello, one of my former 5th and 6th grade teachers, kindly supplied the last two Juniata yearbooks, so I now have all the years/yearbooks I looked for for so long.  Thank you all.   
  6. LIKE
    Cacao got a reaction from Pompeii in Who's got chickens?   
    My wife has 7 chickens.  Couldn't tell you what kind of chickens, but they're free range.  They produce more eggs than I know what to do with and the neighbors like that.  I've been informed that we're getting milk goats later this Spring.  I'm fine with all the animals as long as it's not a cat.  I hate cats!
  7. LIKE
    Cacao got a reaction from LFG in Who's got chickens?   
    That didn't go very well in "Meet the Falkers".
  8. LIKE
    Cacao got a reaction from Dobby in Who's got chickens?   
    My wife has 7 chickens.  Couldn't tell you what kind of chickens, but they're free range.  They produce more eggs than I know what to do with and the neighbors like that.  I've been informed that we're getting milk goats later this Spring.  I'm fine with all the animals as long as it's not a cat.  I hate cats!
  9. LIKE
    Cacao got a reaction from LFG in Who's got chickens?   
    My wife has 7 chickens.  Couldn't tell you what kind of chickens, but they're free range.  They produce more eggs than I know what to do with and the neighbors like that.  I've been informed that we're getting milk goats later this Spring.  I'm fine with all the animals as long as it's not a cat.  I hate cats!
  10. LIKE
    Cacao got a reaction from Bon in World Naked Gardening Day May 2, Mark Your Calendar Now   
    Now wait a minute, several publications list World Naked Gardening Day as Saturday May 7th.  As does the most reliable Wikipedia.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Naked_Gardening_Day
     
    It better be Saturday because I already made plans to be naked in the garden...just me and my hoe.
  11. LIKE
    Cacao got a reaction from WMJ77 in World Naked Gardening Day May 2, Mark Your Calendar Now   
    Now wait a minute, several publications list World Naked Gardening Day as Saturday May 7th.  As does the most reliable Wikipedia.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Naked_Gardening_Day
     
    It better be Saturday because I already made plans to be naked in the garden...just me and my hoe.
  12. LIKE
    Cacao reacted to 1977er in Looking for old Juniata Elem. School yearbooks   
    Hello--
     
    I'm hoping to find the old Juniata Elementary School yearbooks listed below.  My family didn't buy them every year, so I'm missing four books.  If you have any you're willing to sell (or could pass this message along to anyone you know who might)--or even loan me long enough that I can scan or photocopy the pages and then return them to you--please contact me here or at dubois95grad@yahoo.com 
     
    'Am specifically looking for:
    1982-83 (kindergarten with Mrs. Raybuck for me ) 1985-86 (3rd grade with Mrs. McNaughton and Mrs. Dodd for me) 1986-87 (4th grade with Mrs. Zappia and Mr. West for me) 1987-88 (5th grade with Mrs. Johnston, Mr. Vitello, and Mr. Morelli for me) (I would love to see the 1981-82 yearbook too, but the other four are more important to me.)  
    Thank you for your help.   
  13. LIKE
    Cacao reacted to NikonSniper in Pork And Sauerkraut On New Year's Day   
    I love me some pork and kraut!! I could eat it a couple times a month!!
    Was unable to make my homemade kraut this year so I have been getting the next best thing.
    Ted Palumbo's fresh made kraut and I always have to get his Knockwurst to add in it.
    My wife thought I was nuts yesterday as I was eating the kraut right out of the bag as I was getting ready to put it in the oven. Glad I bought a couple extra bags!
    My trick to good pork and kraut. Cook it in beef broth.
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