R.I.P. Curtis Miner

Two years ago, I went on a mission trip with the Wesley. It was my first time to really get to know those guys. What really appealed to me was I didn't spend $1,000 to go do mission work in Cancun, but instead, I could go right in my backyard, similar to Glenmary's mission. We went to Shiprock, N.M.

The pastor of Shiprock United Methodist Church was the Rev. Curtis Miner. He hosted us. He was a celibate. Not necessarily by choice... but in another respect, yes, by choice. He was devoted to his mission to the Navajo and those who lived on his Reservation. This parish was his wife. He told me that he wouldn't mind being married and if the right woman came along, he'd marry her, but his life was his mission.

I remember I was with the Aerie at the time, and I had to get these stories in before it was too late. I felt like a jerk, because I borrowed James's computer so I could finish writing the stories, then I used Curtis's internet connection to send it. My cell phone definitely did not work out there. I sent my stories on time.

I was the only Catholic out there. The mission we worked at, the dorms for future missionaries to come and live in so they could make a greater impact, was walking distance from the Catholic Church. I forgot the name, but the priest was Fr. Jean Paul Sauter, and he looked like a bear. I told him about the group I was with, and I got dispensation for missing communion that week. He also heard my confession.

That week, I felt bummed, because I wanted to work with the people. But when I had finished with my work for the Aerie, I went to play with the kindergarteners. I just wanted to help. So the daycare ladies told Curtis. He pulled me aside. "You know, I heard something about you today..." That was the mission. Loving each other. The Great Commission. He told me I was being called, fully knowing I'm a Catholic.

I also maintained the Liturgy of the Hours that week. A lot of people got sick. Apparently Trevor and Shelby had a virus and it just went around. By the end of the weekend, only Cindy, Daniel and myself didn't get sick. Even Cammy got sick. James woke up, and I prayed my rosary for the group. Somehow it all worked out.

It was a very special group, and a very special trip, that I will always remember. I remember that pastor. He lived in a parsonage next-door to the church, very similar to a rectory. The church's chapel was used by the local Anglican Church. And the Indian mission was just cool in general. I remember this jovial pastor reminded me of Huff'N'Puff, the way he was so big and had a huge smile, and even his voice.

Today at the Wesley, Cammy told me he had passed away in January. He was in a car accident while on his way taking care of his mission. His parents sent out an e-mail thanking everyone who had helped, and they sent one to Joe, Daniel's father (who came with us, also) and he forwarded the message to Cammy. Please pray for Pastor Miner, for the Mission of Shiprock, N.M., for my Christian brothers and sisters at the Wesley, and in thanksgiving for this man's wonderful life.

Soul of Christ sanctify me. Body of Christ save me. Blood of Christ inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ wash me. Passion of Christ strengthen me. O Good Jesus hear me. Within your wounds hide me. Never let me be separated from you. From the evil one protect me. When I die call me near to you that with your angels and saints I may praise and worship and glorify your Heavenly name forevermore.

Currently Reading Martin Luther : Selections From His Writings By Martin Luther see related

Reading this book for my "Age of Reformation" class. Not too bad. Luther does bring up some valid points. I mean, I still disagree with him, but at that time, the Medici's really weren't so great of people.

So here's the schedule for Thursday: We went to mass, Kyle blessed my holy oil (which I keep in a shotgun shell) and my fish hook (the one from the May entry where I hooked myself in the face) because it didn't kill me. Kyle asked God to help it remind us to be fishers of men and that we are hooked by Christ. After mass, we commeneced to drone to the bars.

That night at Cool Beans first, Me, Mat, Kyle, John and Wally. I had a Cool Beans burger and we played cards. Mainly "21" for the occasion. Some Cuervo ladies came in handing out free shots. I was unsure whether or not to hit it because midnight had not passed yet. Then they gave one to Kyle after John said, "Come on, Father!" So Kyle pours salt on his hand and we all raise our glasses. My last illegal drink, ever.

Gabe came by, then Loni, Andrea and Megan. Keep in mind, we arrived at like 8:30, before the bar opened, so I could get in, so it was quite a wait. We got a really good game of "Hold'em" going on. Midnight hits. Gabe gets me my first legal drink: 252 (half a shot of 151 and another half of 101). Loni tells me to drink because I'm 21 now. I tell her, "I'm not drinking without my roommate, my brother and my priest!" Gabe yells to Wally, "Wally, water!" So he brings the water. I take that shot and wow! Then the water. John bought me a shot of Wild Turkey. Then the free shot, because every bar on Fry St. gives you a free shot on your birthday. Kyle leaves after that, because he's gotta celebrate mass in the morning or something.

After that, we went down towards Oak on Fry. Gabe says, "From now on, only beer, no shots." So I show the next bartender my ID and she says she has to pick it. So she gets me a shot of 252 AGAIN! Gabe's rule changes. "From now on, have a water in your hand at all times." Then we go to the Tavern or the Inferno, I can't remember which one, where I get another free shot and they wouldn't let me take the water out, so I finish it there. The one I didn't go to had a cover charge so we didn't go there. The other one had a huge line.

By this point, I'm a bit sick, so I go to the side of the school. I thought I was going to throw up, but I didn't. We went a little slower now. Thank God Gabe was with me. I called Zach, my editor-in-chief. I knew since I was a freshman, I wanted him to be at my 21st. "Tony, I'm putting the paper to bed." We go on to Hickory. Riprock's shot has to be inside. Then Texas Jive. I tell the bartender that we're all brothers, we're all in the same fraternity. Which is true, because with the exception of Gabe, we were all Knights, and Gabe is my blood brother. The girls are waiting for us at Lou's at this point. One of these shots I had, the bartender was a dude and just invented it on the spot, like Strawberry vodka mixed with whatever.

Finally, Lucky Lou's. Mat buys the first shot. Rum. I raise my glass, set it back down, and accidentally knock it over. The bartender was very unsympathetic. Zach showed up. I'm so glad he made it. We talked a bit about theology and philosophy. Zach is without a doubt, my best secular friend at UNT. Loni and Mat buy whatever the free shot they gave me. More water. Zach told me Mason was waiting for me at Cool Beans to get me a shot. He goes over there. Wally and John depart. We say buy to the girls and Cory. So Gabe, Mat and I walk to Cool Beans. Can't find Mason. For the better, because, I really don't need anymore.

Gabe, he's an experienced drinker. He's been in Omega Delta Phi, and he told me they always went to IHOP after drinking. So he took me to IHOP. He told the waitress to make sure I always had water. I use the bathroom. Next thing I know. There's four glasses of water in front of me. I'm drinking them as fast as I can, but she keeps showing up with more water to fill up. We order the endless pancakes. So I had potatoes, sausage, eggs and five pancakes. We go home and Gabe and I fight over who gets the bed and who gets the air mattress. I think he won, because I ended up on the floor. then we rock it out. I lost, then 2 out of 3, then 3 out of 5, then 4 out of 7. I won the fourth, but lost the fifth. So I finally conceded. When I woke up, I had no hangover. In other words, my brother is a wise man and I am so glad I could celebrate with him.

Coming up next: Friday's Party, Saturday with the trio, movies.

Quote of the Day: "Nothing is more nonsensical than to treat serious matters triflingly; but nothing is more entertaining than to treat of frivolous matters in such a way that you appear to have been nothing less than trifling yourself." ~Desiderius Erasmus, in The Praise of Folly with his dedication to St. Thomas More.

Soul of Christ sanctify me. Body of Christ save me. Blood of Christ wash me. Water from the side of Christ inebriate me. Passion of Christ strengthen me. Within your wounds hide me. O good Jesus hear me. Never let me be separated from you. From the evil one defend me. At the hour of my death call me near to you that I may praise you with your angels and saints forever and ever. Amen.

Currently Reading The Essential Erasmus (Essentials) By Desiderius Erasmus, John P. Dolan see related

In addition to that last entry, also, one of the girls had a horribly horribly botched nose job. It really was pretty disgusting.

Mr. Phillips was really instrumental in me getting my Eagle. He was also my den leader in Webelos. I realized something. I'd always rememberd him as this huge larger-than-life character. Almost a father-figure. When I was in Scouts, my dad was to busy with work and, well, I just never spent time with him. Both of Mr. Phillips's sons were in our troop. He was in Scouts when he was our age but he got kicked out and never got Eagle. I think it hit me, the most important thing isn't about getting Eagle. It's about fellowship, friendship, leadership. Bond-building and teamwork. Overcoming obstacles. Being open to new ideas. He instilled that in us. He helped shape a whole generation of boys in my troop to become men.

All the Eagle alumni were at the reception. We all spoke favorably. The one thing he said that really got to me was the greatest part was being with his sons. I want my son to be in Scouts. Not so he can be an Eagle Scout or work at camp like his old man. But so I can spend time with him. I thanked David Phillips for always being there for us. He simply thanked me back and said we were the ones that made it worth it.

Scouting isn’t about the awards or badges. It’s not about OA or camp, as much as I love both. It’s about those boys. That kid that I used to be. And soon, it’ll be my turn to be Mr. Phillips. I don’t know when. But I’ll be there for those kids. I’ll be there for my son.

I wrote a long profile on Fr. Justin. Unfortunately, the design editors forgot to mention that it was a 2-part feature, and it just kind of ended. Other than that, though, it was pretty good. I also had an almot 45-minute exclusive interview with Kinky Friedman. That guy is pretty insane. I don't know whether or not I'll vote for him yet. He's got some great ideas, but others are a little off. Either way, that's all I can technically say about him. I'm not allowed to publicly support any of the candidates because it would be a conflict of interest.

Oh, and my 21st birthday is next week. Yeah, I'm pretty positive I'm not going to get the Pius XII, but like I said, Scouting isn't about awards. It's about what you can take from it. I know that it helped lead me to faith in God. I don't need a purple patch with a white knot to tell me that.

Bob's tumor is officially benign. We can now commence making fun of him for having a growth on his penis.

I'm having a party to celebrate 21 years next Friday. It's really great how my birthday falls right on a Friday. I don't have to round or anything. Everyone is invited. If you bring a gift, I request your favorite form of alcohol and enough to share with me. Like it says on my facebook, "Minors, Mormons and Muslims should not feel obligated to bring alcohol," (but can if they so choose ;)).Honestly, I would just like y'all to be there to celebrate with me.

The night before, Mat, Fr. Kyle, Gabe, my dad, Wally and a few others are going to wait around until midnight and I'll hit the bars then. That way I can devote Friday to the apartment. Hope to see y'all there. For more details on the fiesta, call my roommate Mat (903.312.5413) or my brother Gabe (817.791.4798).

Coming up next: Movie reviews, year in review, and Dr. Wells being an international badass.

Quote of the day: "What happens when you break the Ten Commandments? God sends Chuck Norris!"~Fr. Kyle joining in on all the Chuck Norris jokes.

Soul of Christ, sanctify me; body of Christ, save me; blood of Christ, inebreate me; water from the side of Christ, wash me; passion of Christ, strengthen me; good Jesus, hear me; within your wounds, hide me, never let me be separated from you; protect me from the evil one; at the moment of my death, call me near to you that I may praise you with your angels and saints forevermore. Amen.