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You are here: Home / Archives for Shawn Rain Chapman

About Shawn Rain Chapman

Carmelite (O.C.D.S.,) x2 widow, Mama, Granny, fiancee, care giver, writer. Laughs at own jokes. Loves roses. Needs ride to Istanbul.
visit: bethanyhangout.com

Processing the truth about Fr. Michael Sullivan and why we should

Published December 28, 2019 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Family, World and News

We Catholics love our priests so much. Without them we could not practice our beautiful Catholic faith. We receive the Eucharist at their hands. They extend the mercy of the Lord to us. They give us spiritual counsel. They represent Jesus to us. They are there for us in the most intense times of our… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published December 28, 2019

Book Review of Abuse of Trust: Healing from Clerical Sexual Abuse

Published July 30, 2019 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog

  In the current wave of the abuse crisis in the Catholic Church, it has been hard to know what to do. I have taken it on faith that the church eventually would survive this crisis and make the necessary changes to protect children and adults from abuse, because I believe the Church is true…. [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published July 30, 2019

Sister Lynn’s “Lectio on Life

Published June 26, 2019 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Prayer

  I had been talking to Sister Lynn D’Souza, OSB about the way people interpret dreams and often feel God is speaking to them in the stories and symbolic situations of their dreams. I had thought that one could also interpret life and its events as messages from God. In some situations, I tend to… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published June 26, 2019

Holy Naps

Published June 6, 2019 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog

via Holy Naps

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published June 6, 2019

The Spirit of Focolare: Unity and Love

Published May 23, 2019 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog

In a bomb shelter in the Italian town of Trent in 1943, a group of young girls talked about how their hopes dreams were being crushed by World War II. Their town was relentlessly bombed. Families who could were leaving as the town literally fell apart. Those left behind were suddenly living in poverty and… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published May 23, 2019

Easter Pilgrimage

Published April 21, 2019 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog

    During Holy Week I was on a special pilgrimage. I went to a mountain in Oregon, almost to the top, and lived with my daughter and her little family off the grid. I took few belongings; only what I could fit in a back pack. At the airport I was so glad to… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published April 21, 2019

A quest to forgive

Published February 6, 2019 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog

Forgiveness is at the very heart of the Gospel, and it is a clear tenet of our faith. Jesus made it clear he expects us to forgive as we have been forgiven. But what about traumatic, destructive wrongs done to us? What about toxic relationships and people who have done us serious harm? Even in… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published February 6, 2019

An Advent Interview with St. Therese of the Child Jesus

Published December 15, 2018 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog

  “The Lord will dawn on you in radiant beauty. You shall see his glory within you.”- Liturgy of the Hours We are sitting in my living room, reflecting silently together in the glow of the blinking lights of the Christmas tree. It looks particularly lovely in the dark. It’s light turns the smooth, gentle… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published December 15, 2018

The Church is true but we are a very sick family right now

Published August 18, 2018 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Family, Social Justice, World and News

I entered the Church officially at the age of 22, in 1990. It took me a long time. I attended daily mass for two years even though almost everything about the Catholic Church freaked me out. I had authority issues. I had spiritual issues. I had sexual abuse issues. I had issues with men. I… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published August 18, 2018

Crowd Funding Hail Marys

Published July 8, 2018 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Family, Social Justice, World and News

After a week of losing sleep over the suffering of little children taken from their parents at the border, many days of speaking out and also of sending what money I could to organizations trying to help these separated families, I texted to one of my sisters in Carmel, still feeling very sad. I asked… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published July 8, 2018

Jesus, give us your Heart, make us strong to love!

Published June 8, 2018 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Social Justice

I have to think, in these dark times, during this epidemic of heartlessness, that we need to look to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, that we need the refuge and the example of His Heart more than ever. Every day I think we are all having to find ways to decompress from all the hatred,… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published June 8, 2018

The Modest Ornaments of the Day: simple routines that re-center

Published May 28, 2018 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Prayer

I have a cup of coffee, and I am listening to jazz (Alice Coltrane today,) because it is 2 o’clock. That’s what I always do this time of day; jazz and coffee. Somehow this makes me feel more present in the day. The loose, open-ended routine of stopping the day, at least a little bit,… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published May 28, 2018

Come, Holy Spirit, renew my life

Published May 15, 2018 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith

  Something that seems to be returning to me as I very slowly recover from the grief and trauma (it’s complicated) of these past few years is a sense of self determination. I had not realized it was gone in the first place. What I did know is that for a long time it was… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published May 15, 2018

Love as presence

Published May 2, 2018 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Family, Young Adult

I want to talk about a great part of my life, Mac, who has Cerebral Palsey, and about what it’s like to spend my days with “his Eminent Lovableness. ” Mac and I don’t actually “do” much. I mean, not really. We mostly just hang out together. We mostly just “are.” Fortunately, we are really… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published May 2, 2018

A traditional St. Joseph altar in the Brazos Valley

Published March 18, 2018 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Family

He is sweating in the morning sun, easily turning a huge table top over in a cloud of wood shavings. I cough but he doesn’t break his concentration, only smiles as he measures an edge with his hands, squinting, nodding to himself as he stands up. “You still do this kind of thing in Heaven?”… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published March 18, 2018

The Presentation of the Lord; a story

Published February 2, 2018 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Family, Marriage and Love

I woke up early, long before my usual time. I could feel morning coming on as Yeshi slept deeply; still and warm between Joseph and me. He was on my arm, making it numb, but I didn’t mind. I enjoyed these moments of silence and warmth listening to Joseph’s and the baby’s breathing. I moved… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published February 2, 2018

Juan the stranger

Published December 5, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Prayer

As my son-in-law swept up the toddler for her evening nap, I stepped silently out the front door for an evening walk, rosary in hand. It was dusk, and the sky was alight with rose colored clouds. Everything looked pink. As I walked, the beads slipping quietly between my fingers, I alternately poured out my… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published December 5, 2017

Thoughts on the “thoughts and prayers”

Published November 8, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Prayer, Social Justice, World and News

Some people are upset about the “thoughts and prayers” response to mass shootings. I understand. I am tired of hearing that myself. It seems such a fill in the blank response; even glib and inappropriate when we all feel sickened by this cycle of seemingly endless gun violence followed by the same responses and counter… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published November 8, 2017

Note to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament

Published October 24, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Prayer

  I run to the place we always meet, all the way crying angry tears. In the candle light, I kneel. I cross myself.  I breathe. Breathe.  In this quiet room is my refuge, the nearness of the One I love. I know I have come close to Jesus.  I know the Eucharist is truly a beating… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published October 24, 2017

Carmelized Fatima Clips

Published October 10, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Prayer

During the final apparition of Fatima Mary appeared briefly in the brown habit of Carmel, or as “Our Lady of Mt. Carmel,” a silent witness to Carmelite spirituality and the order’s special and unique relationship with her. Carmel is a Marian order. Our devotion to Mary is intimate and deep. We have long considered ourselves… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published October 10, 2017

St. Therese Day Family Traditions

Published September 26, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Family, Prayer, Youth

Here is how my daughters and I celebrated St. Therese day, (October 1) when they were growing up, and we still do!   After dinner on the evening of St. Therese day, we read the book God’s Little Flower, the story of St. Therese. Even after the girls were “too old” for this book, we… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published September 26, 2017

Holy Name of Mary (Miriam)

Published September 12, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Family

[Jewish parents,] choosing a name is a big deal. A person’s name is not a mere label; it expresses the essence of its bearer. The letters that make up your name, its sound and its meaning are descriptions of your soul. Only a prophet has the vision and foresight to know which name fits the… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published September 12, 2017

Breath of God: an intercessory prayer for Houston

Published August 29, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog

We are sitting across from one another on the floor, legs criss-crossed, knees touching. I had been worried about so many things, and though I feel peaceful now, looking at the sweetness of His face, and being strengthened by His warm, strong presence, I still hold in my lap, wrapped in my bandana, all of… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published August 29, 2017

“I am Crowned” the Assumption and Coronation of Mary

Published August 15, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog

  To me a cup was given Myrrh and mara, burning my hands Deeply I drank, losing myself in love I am the Rose of Sharon and the Lilly of the Valley From my Sun-filled body came a river of grace Tying my feet I have grown wings Radiant and chanting, I will go to… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published August 15, 2017

Speaking ill of the dead and why we should

Published August 1, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Family, Prayer

As we walked out of my mom’s funeral, my brother said, “Let’s talk about how Mom used to cheat at scrabble.” We chuckled. “Really,” he said. There’s a tendency to make people perfect after they die. But if we talk about their faults it keeps them human and real to us.” “Well,” I said, “She… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published August 1, 2017

A visit to St.Mary Magdalene

Published July 18, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Prayer

I have come to the top of the mountain to a place we now call, St. Baume (Holy Balm) * to visit my patroness, St.Mary Magdalene. I am not in as good a shape as I used to be. Getting myself up this mountain was not that much fun for me, plus I’m very banged… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published July 18, 2017

July 4th is Love

Published July 4, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Social Justice

I know that today we’re supposed to think about the history of winning our independence. I do. I think that is OK. We think about freedom and the Constitution too. We are glad we don’t live somewhere there isn’t freedom. We are grateful to be Americans. We are proud of ourselves. That is cool. But… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published July 4, 2017

Pray with me: the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary

Published June 19, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Prayer

  Opening Prayers for the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary “In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen. Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Thy well beloved spouse, and Queen of the Holy Rosary. Help us to… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published June 19, 2017

A little shisha, a little Nostra Aetate, a slice of real life

Published June 6, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Church Documents, Faith

We are sitting on cushions at a low table, enjoying shisha from a shared hookah in the corner of a light, airy building in a shopping center in Central Texas. There is country music on the radio, and a minty, fruity smoke rising around us in the late afternoon sun. Frank, (or as I call… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published June 6, 2017

Tiny Dynamine: a reflection on my mom, Delphia

Published May 23, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Family

Today is my mom’s birthday. She would have been 68 today. And I feel like talking about her. She was a warrior for love, justice, and for her children. I want you to know her. I want everyone to know her. She had several names but the one she liked best, and that suited her… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published May 23, 2017

“Do you want to live?”

Published April 8, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Family, Youth

I had had a big fight with my mom and brother. I was walking super fast across town. It was cold and I had forgotten a jacket. A car full of girls from school drove by, rolling their windows down to jeer and shout insults. I picked up a few rocks and bottles to throw… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published April 8, 2017

A Lent of Luminous Darkness and Wild Seeds

Published February 21, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog

I love Lent. I am always happy to hear that I am dust, and that to dust I shall return. When I close my eyes to pray, I can really tell I am dust. In here where I live, it’s quiet and dark. Simple. Nothing to it.  Who am I? Dust. Clay. Nothing. Everything. Inwardly… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published February 21, 2017

Sunshine rain: a day of caring for Mom

Published February 7, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Family

The rain sounds so good. I hope it is still raining when I go to sleep. That is the best music to sleep to: rain. It has rained on and off all day. I have had the window open behind Mom’s bed so she can listen to it too. I talk to her about all… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published February 7, 2017

Most Holy Name of Jesus

Published January 3, 2017 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith, Prayer

It is said that one night, St. Teresa of Avila met the Child Jesus on the stairs of her convent. The little One asked her name. She said, “I am Teresa of Jesus.” He said, “Then I am Jesus of Teresa.” What would Jesus say to you? Is your name attached to His? Of course… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published January 3, 2017

Merry Tolerance

Published December 20, 2016 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith

While my bread is rising I feel like talking about what I was thinking about while I was kneading. I was thinking about the “Keep Christ In Christmas” thing. I think that as a friendly reminder to fellow Christians not to get caught up in the shopping, social obligations, travel and food to the point… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published December 20, 2016

Resist like a Catholic II: protesting Neo Nazi-ism with the Aggies

Published December 8, 2016 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Social Justice

There has been shock and outrage at Texas A & M and in my community over an unwanted visit from Neo Nazi Richard Spencer, engaged to speak on campus by another Neo Nazi, Preston Wiginton. Both men are white supremacists who advocate for a “peaceful ethnic cleansing.” Though everyone was appalled, it became apparent that… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published December 8, 2016

Jesus, King of Mercy: a reflection as the Year of Mercy Ends

Published November 22, 2016 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog

At this writing, I am in Corpus Christi for one of my favorite feasts of the Church year, Christ the King, and also for my birthday weekend, since I was born here. It was growing dark, raining and then storming when I got into town.  The bay was black, the water choppy; growing more restless… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published November 22, 2016

Keeping the (inner) peace on election day

Published November 8, 2016 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog

I messaged a friend the other day, “How ARE we going to keep calm on election day?” She wrote back: “I’m going to be drinking! You don’t drink, so you shall have to pray, I suppose. :P” I do plan to pray a lot, in whatever way I can, but most of all, I plan to pray in ways… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published November 8, 2016

Five Minute Guided Meditation with St. Elizabeth of the Trinity

Published October 26, 2016 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Prayer

  Join me and my daughter, Roise, in this five minute, guided prayer break with the newly canonized St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, feast day November 8. (see below)   “May nothing distract me from You, neither noise nor diversions. O my Master, I would so love to live with You in silence. But what… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published October 26, 2016

How a St. Francis statue changed my life

Published October 4, 2016 • Written by Shawn Rain Chapman Filed Under: Blog, Faith

I was 19, and living back home with my family for a while, when, coming in one evening, I found everyone very bemused with me. “We got a call from the Christian book store that the book you ordered is in…….?” My mom queried. “OK.” “We thought it might be a wrong number……?” “No, that’s… [Read More]

Written by Shawn Rain Chapman • Published October 4, 2016

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