TIBER SWIM CLASS OF 2004

REMEMBERING 9/11 TEN YEARS LATER

2011-09-11T20:08:00.000-04:00

This was the best tribute of the day for me. It reminded me of the unity we shared after that terrible day when America was viciously attacked. We all came together as Americans, without personal agendas, and demonstrated love of our great country. We can get back to such unity if we remember that we are all Americans first, with any party affiliation second. We must recognize that Americans are a diverse group of citizens with differing ideas on what's best for the nation, but that we all have the best interests of America at heart. Let's remember that patriotism is not something that any one person or party owns. We are all proud to be Americans.

LEAVE TIGER ALONE

2009-12-04T13:01:00.002-05:00

What is this fascination with all things Tiger Woods? He is a fallible human being, who made a mistake. He paid his fine, he is trying to deal with his personal life within his family, and he didn't use taxpayer dollars to fund his affairs. He didn't betray the public. The public ought to leave him alone!

COP KILLER TIED TO HUCKABEE

2009-11-30T11:15:00.005-05:00

Read all about it--this is a link which will take you to Michelle Malkin's site. She is a conservative author, blogger, and occasional contributor for Fox News. The article details how Huckabee's intervention led to the released of the man who killed the officers in a coffee shop in WA.

THE HEALTHCARE BILL

2009-11-23T12:28:00.002-05:00

How often do we the people watch our Congress attempt to block legislation by keeping it off of the floor for a vote? Too often. Depending on the party in power, the filibuster is either touted as a heroic method to stop Congress from hurting the citizens, or it is a petty method to stop a law the minority party disagrees with. I've watched as both the elephant & the donkey have taken turns at boycotting certain sessions in Washington, DC. This past weekend I watch some of the debate about debating. Yes, the Senate had to take a vote allow debate on the healthcare bill. Whether or not you agree with what the Democrats have put forth, I think we all ought to agree that the bill deserves to be debated. Any attempt to stifle open debate does not sit well with me. I believe the best way to decide who has the best idea is to allow free and open discussion on its merits. Shame on those who tried to stop the debate on the bill!

THE PARENTS

2009-11-03T13:18:00.005-05:00

Wow, I really haven't posted anything on this blog for such a long time.

My dad is in the hospital. This time. It could be my mom. They seem to be taking turns getting admitted.

I talked to my Dad today, but he was so weak he could hardly talk. He has a condition which affects his muscles, including his diaphragm, so it made conversation difficult. My mom's memory is so bad that it's hard to talk to her. She can't remember what she just told you, and she can't remember what the doctors said, either, so you can't get any information about anything with any reliability from her.

I used to have these terrible nightmares when I was a kid. I dreamed my parents died. Now they are both in their early 80s and that possibility is definitely there. Unfortunately, I can't separate what is going on with my parents from what took place with Harry's mom before she died. She constantly got sick, was in and out of the hospital, and lost a little bit of her health bit by bit with each episode.

I am a Christian, and I believe in eternal life. I know my parents will go to heaven and be with God when they die. That being said, DEATH STINKS. They will not be here, and they will miss seeing future births, weddings, job promotions, and the stuff of life as it occurs in my life, my kids' lives, their kids' lives, etc. Eighty years seems so long until it is accomplished. It just doesn't seem possible that my parents have already lived that many years.

So I am walking around with a knot in my stomach. I hope my dad battles through this, comes home and we have him around for more years. I hope the doctors find a way to improve his quality of life. In the meantime, I feel as if I have passed through a door which will be forever shut behind me--the dread of realization that my parents are on borrowed time. I miss Hessie, and I don't want to have be missing my folks.

Death stinks.

So many blogs, so little time.

2009-05-27T04:06:00.004-04:00

My main blog is my xanga blog. You can access it by clicking on the title of this post. I rarely use this one anymore. There are some really good Blogger posts out there, however, and I like to have the opportunity to read and comment on them. If you are visiting this site because of a comment I have left on someone else's entry, be aware that the xanga site is where my updates most often occur.

BYE BYE OBAMA

2009-01-28T00:23:00.001-05:00

Obama Countdown Clock

DOWNSIZED

2009-01-04T13:13:00.003-05:00

My terrific godmother, Charlene, is the latest victim of the economy. She is a lawyer with a large Philadelphia firm. You would never guess she is an attorney. She lives very simply in her small childhood home. Charlene attends Mass every day, prays the Rosary daily, recites the Divine Mercy chaplet, too, and is a regular at Adoration. During the summer her harvest of home grown vegetables defrays the cost of grocery shopping. She cares for her frail mother, who has celiac disease. Anyway, Charlene worked 22 years at her firm, and her area was real estate. I guess this was to be expected with the economic downturn, but it was still a real shock for her. The most traumatic part of it is the loss of daily structure. Charlene is a very precise and organized woman, and her daily routine reflected that. Her last day at work was the 19th, and she is already feeling a bit unraveled. Since her job was in Philadelphia, Charlene has to go online to get her benefits. Except she has no computer, so she is using one at the house of a mutual friend, Sharon. Sharon owns a small Catholic bookstore across the street from my church. With the economic situation, I often worry that the store won't be able to survive. Both Charlene and Sharon were instrumental in my RCIA class and the subsequent continued formation after I was Confirmed in 2004. Please pray for them and for all the faithful workers and practicing Catholics who strive to live a life day to day which glorifies God. It truly is the innocent faithful who suffer when a nation's leaders and power brokers do not follow God's principles.

2009!

2009-01-01T12:25:00.003-05:00

I make my number 8 with two circles, one on top of the other. By the time 2008 came to an end, I was dying for that 8 to disappear. At work anytime I use a needle, a lancet, or a narcotic, I have to sign it out in a special book, with the date, time, inmate name & number, and my signature. Having to write 2008 over and over was taxing my hand. Writing a 9 is sooooo much easier than the pesky number 8.

So, in with number 9, and out with number 8!

MY SON THE AGNOSTIC

2008-12-11T12:47:00.000-05:00

Today my son was mocking my faith--again. He throws all kinds of examples of mythology and beliefs of other religions, and then he pontificates on how ridiculous it is to believe in the Bible. He said that it has been "proven" to be science fiction. What I see as evidence that every person innately realizes that there is a Creator, he sees as evidence that the similarities among religions prove that they are all without merit.

I spoke to him about natural law. There are truths which are applicable to all men in all places at all times. The structure of teaching these natural laws to our children is often through religion.

He tells me he is not an atheist, only that he doesn't know who or what "God" is. Then he tells me that his is the voice of reason in the realm of religion. Science has disproved these myths, says he, and it is his passion to spread the word. So, my son at age 22 has the only right knowledge and understanding of what religion really is, and he alone can communicate it clearly and effectively to those poor folks who continue to believe in what he considers fairy tales.

Yes, that 's right--he is the sole owner of the correct knowledge on the planet. Sigh.

The truth is this: he has experienced some of the worst when it comes to religious intolerance. People who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ, and then turn around and spew hatred toward those who don't believe, has had a profound impact on his life. Unfortunately, he spent his adolescence and early teen years in a youth group at a church which was very rigid in its beliefs, and ready to say anyone who was not in lock step with the doctrines was headed directly to hell.

He is an angry young man. I pray that I can be a better witness to the love of Christ Jesus and that my son's heart and mind will be gently healed by God.

A YEAR LATER

2008-12-07T12:01:00.002-05:00

It's been nearly a year since I posted. We are back in the Advent season. Today is the 2nd Sunday of Advent. I have to work, so I went to the vigil Mass last night. Only one candle was lit. I wonder if the candles are lit on the exact Sunday. I will have to ask my kids to let me know if there are two candles tonight. I am struggling with this schedule. I feel like all I do is work and sleep. No personal or vacation or sick days until April 1. We have a new company and it has us on probation for six months. Every other job I had was a ninety day probation. And, I got moved to second shift. I will miss Christmas Masses altogether this year due to OT requirements. I feel rather disconnected from my Church right now.

EASTER

2008-03-25T12:45:00.003-04:00

Spring finally arrived and brought Easter to us so much earlier than in times past. I've been a bit stressed the last few months, since the wedding, anyway, and so having Easter come so soon was good for me. The best part for me is the Easter Vigil Mass. After having to endure a dark and lifeless Church beginning on Holy Thursday with the removal of the Blessed Sacrament, it is so joyous to see the flowers. The senses are literally assaulted with beauty: the smells and colors of the flowers, the return of holy water to trace on the forehead, the sound of the living waterfall, the candles, incense, and music.....it is nearly sensory overload. I live for that first sweet "Gloria" following Lent, singing it out with gusto while the Church bells peal for joy that our Lord has Risen. This year I truly savored the hope. I love my faith. It's why I am still alive.

NANCY PELOSI

2008-03-13T15:17:00.002-04:00

Nancy Pelosi tried to score some kind of political points when she criticized John McCain accepting an endorsement from Protestant evangelical John Hagee. The Rev Hagee views Catholicism as a cult, and somehow that offended the sensibilties of Speaker Pelosi.

WHO IS SHE KIDDING? No one offends the Church more than a so-called Catholic who tries to claim a love for the faith while promoting the killing of pre-born humans as some kind of valid "choice".

I don't care about anything Ms Pelosi has to say about the McCain/Hagee controversy. She has zero credibility with practicing Catholics who remain faithful to the Church's position on life.

2008-03-03T20:38:00.000-05:00

Emily and Bill were married at Sacred Heart Church on December 29, 2007.

CULTURAL FUN'N'GAMES

2007-12-31T19:37:00.000-05:00

Don't send a lame Holiday eCard. Try JibJab Sendables!

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

2007-12-10T11:19:00.000-05:00

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Usually I try to review the readings prior to going to Mass, but since I worked a double shift on Saturday, I didn't get the chance.
[Aside here: thank God for Vigil Masses: I made it to Mass Friday evening for the Immaculate
Conception! We had a half hour of Adoration and a Rosary after the Mass. Way cool!]

Anyway, as I listened to the readings on this Second Sunday of Advent, I was struck by the richness of the prophecies about the Church. The reading from Isaiah, with the promises of the Gentiles participating in the worship of God, coupled with John the Baptist's proclamation that God can raise up stones if He so chooses in order to create sons of Abraham, just gave me chills. One of the Eucharistic prayers includes the phrase "from East to West a perfect offering made be made to the glory of Your name". That, of course, is a prophecy right out of the Old Testament (which book escapes me at the moment). The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is that perfect offering.

Fr Robert focused on the repentance needed during Advent, which was the heart of John the Baptist's proclamation. I, however, am still living in the wonder of being called by Jesus Christ into His Church, and I tend to see the prophesies which foretell the inclusion of the Gentiles through the work of redemption right away. I lived over four decades of my life outside of the Ark of Salvation, and now that I am safely home, I thank God every day for His rich gift to me.

Happy second week of Advent!

STILL THINK WE WORSHIP THE SAME GOD?

2007-11-27T17:51:00.001-05:00

This picture illustrates why it is that many Islamic leaders are a threat to Christianity. A picture being worth a thousand words, these few words of mine will suffice for now. Decide for yourselves.

IMMIGRATION IS A WONDERFUL THING

2007-11-26T11:56:00.000-05:00

Last night I went to one of my favorite take out Chinese restaurants. My order got mixed up, and the usual "ten minute" turned into about 45. There was an Hispanic family there, and friends of theirs came in as well. They had a laptop computer on the table (the family had chosen to eat on site), with a slideshow of family pictures going on it. Spanish music was playing on the computer, which made an interesting adjunct to the overhead music the Chinese were playing. The overhead music was a mixture of genres: pop, country, rock--but all being sung in Chinese. Then a black couple came in to order, and it was cute to hear their unique way of pronunciation wrapping itself around the menu items. "Shrimp with Chinese vegetable" was ordered. Did you ever notice how so many Chinese can't distinguish when a noun is supposed to be plural, and when it is not? The menu offered the ubiquitous "Chinese vegetable" side by side with various styles of "shrimps". My favorite special last night was the newest item being touted on the menu board "Bour boun Chicken" soooo very fun! The blending of Chinese, African American, and Hispanic ways of speaking, along with the varying types of music competing for my ears, made it a very entertaining wait.

In America, we like to be able to choose our style of eating. We go out for Chinese, or Italian, or sushi, etc.. Have you ever thought what it is like to actually live in Spain, China, Italy, or Japan? Do the citizens think about "let's go out for some American food?" Of course, corporations have built American fast food chain restaurants all over the world, but what about the average restaurant owned and run by locals? They serve the national dishes, right? I wonder if other countries have the large number of local and varying ethnic choices in every town the way we do in America.

Immigration has enriched my life. Not just because of the wonder varieties of cuisine, but because the cultures are also seen in art, books, retail stores, and in the everyday conversations which swirl around us.

Give me more immigrants any day of the week. It makes for an interesting and colorful climate in which to live.

What's New, World?

2007-11-20T08:13:00.000-05:00

The wedding is getting closer....just over a month away. I'm not sure most days whether or not I'll survive. Who would have thought that wedding plans could turn into powder kegs? When this is all over, "The Father of the Bride" will be in my DVD player, and I can laugh with a new wisdom. Right now, I think I'd look for a tall roof and a short rope if I tried to watch it today!

RCIA, again

2007-09-05T16:30:00.000-04:00

Our first RCIA class was held last night. We had four candidates. The first night is always full of promise. Last night was no different. We have an engaged couple, a young man searching for God, and a middle aged woman feeling compelled to move from Protestantism into Catholicism. I think this will be a good group and a good year. Easter is in March, and we don't have much time. Only 37 weeks.

DOES JESUS LOOK LIKE UNCLE SAM?

2007-07-05T13:45:00.000-04:00

One of the more nauseating pictures I have seen lately is this one to the left. Somehow being a good Christian includes this notion that we must be a conservative patriot. The religious right has pretty much dominated much of the Protestant world in which I grew up. Questioning the President's decision to go to war in Iraq in 2003 was viewed as nearly treasonous. And now that our President's foolishness in making that decision has become apparent, the same folks who brought you the picture want you to believe that if you do not suppor the troops, you are unAmerican. Furthermore, that support is defined by staying the present course in Iraq without questioning our President. It amazes me that people do not remember how our nation came into existence. The citizens, having been unlawfully oppressed by tyranny, overthrew it. We are a mere 231 years old; that is not very old compared to many other nations. If we expect to stick around as a free society, we must be vigilant and fight against those who would change the government as one of, by and for the people, to one that exists to further the power of those who govern. Our goverment long ago stopped being one which looks out for the common good.

POPE'S NEW BOOK

2007-05-23T12:17:00.001-04:00

I highly recommend this book. I believe that Pope Benedict XVI will go down in history as one of the great theologians of our time.

OUR PAPA IN ACTION!

2007-05-22T14:49:00.001-04:00

During his recent flight to Brazil, our Papa, Pope Benedict XVI, demonstrates beautifully why he has been chosen by God to be our Holy Father at this critical time. A father defends his family, most especially his children. Our Holy Father is defending the most vulnerable of God's little ones--babies as yet unborn.

clipped from www.catholicnewsagency.com

"Selfishness and fear are at the root of (pro-abortion) legislation," he said. "We in the Church have a great struggle to defend life...life is a gift not a threat."
"The Church says life is beautiful, it is not something to doubt but it is a gift even when it is lived in difficult circumstances. It is always a gift," the Pope concluded.

TTYL, JERRY FALWELL

2007-05-16T12:35:00.000-04:00

Here's a man whose influence shadowed my life for many years. I used to watch Jerry Falwell's Old Time Gospel Hour with my folks. BBC News broadcast a report which featured Mr Falwell, the day before he died. In it, Mr Falwell is seen stating his opinion that global warming is a liberal hoax, made up by those who want to undermine the economic and political identity of the U.S.A. If you are scratching your head, then you are not alone. The key to understanding some of the more outrageous comments by Mr Falwell is finding out how he views America. In Mr Falwell's world, America is a nation under God. Not just a nation, but THE nation. He points to the wealth and prosperity of the United States as proof that God is blessing the nation because she follows His laws. Mr Falwell believes that if America joins with other nations to curtail pollution, most especially the greenhouse gas emissions, then she will lose her identity. Capitalism will no longer exist, and we will cede America's sovereignty in economic matters to other nations who do not acknowledge God. We will have to change our driving habits, our purchasing habits, and our manufacturing habits. Can you see how this type of thinking enables Mr Falwell to proudly state that he planned to buy a Suburban?

This crazy notion of America being the apple of God's eye led me to once observe that I believe most fundamentalists think that Jesus looks like Uncle Sam. Indeed, this whole national identity tied to fundamentalist Christianity was what I cut my teeth on. I was raised to believe this. Another convoluted theological idea which Mr Falwell espoused was the so-called "Left Behind" interpretation of prophecy. Jesus will come back at some point and will take His followers to Heaven with Him. Then there will be seven years of great tribulation, and then Jesus will return to reign on the earth for a thousand years. Finally, after the thousand years, the nonbelievers will be cast into Hell, God will remake the earth, and all the righteous will live with God forever in perfection. So, we know that the earth must last for at least a millenium, and therefore the nay-sayers of the global warming crowd can't be correct in how they apply science.

And there you have it, ladies and gentlemen: the Christian version of the jihad. Competing denominations and factions within our nation are duking it out. This is a high-stakes power play in which the very soul and identity of our nation is seen as the prize. Are we truly a nation under God? If so, which version of God? Do we really have the moral high ground in world affairs? Is our nation serving her citizens well? Like him or loathe him, Jerry Falwell and all the others like him are having a major impact on how these questions are eventually answered. Make sure that your voices are heard as well.

DOUBLETHINK WORTHY OF ORWELL

2007-05-09T18:55:00.001-04:00

This excerpt from the LA Times article (worth reading the whole thing!) begins with the chilling statement that they walked in with four thriving fetuses, and walked out with two. "Thriving". Healthy developing baby boys killed in the womb. The justification for this travesty boggles the mind. No one put a gun to the head of this couple when they first embarked on this venture. They knew full well what "selective reduction" meant--it is disingenous for Mr Neil to say otherwise. How can a mother watch the advance of a weapon poised to kill her as yet unborn offspring and not do anything to stop it? I just don't get it.

clipped from www.latimes.com

The abortion debate brought home

He and his wife have always been pro-choice; recently, they were forced to make the Choice.

By Dan Neil
May 6, 2007

MY WIFE AND I just had an abortion. Two, actually. We walked into a doctor's office in downtown Los Angeles with four thriving fetuses — two girls and two boys — and walked out an hour later with just the girls, whom we will name, if we're lucky enough to keep them, Rosalind and Vivian. Rosalind is my mother's name.

We didn't want to. We didn't mean to. We didn't do anything wrong, which is to say, we did everything right. Four years ago, when Tina and I set out on this journey to have children, such a circumstance was unimaginable. And yet there I was, holding her hand, watching the ultrasound as a needle with potassium chloride found its mark, stopping the heart of one male fetus, then the other, hidden in my wife's suffering belly.

Virginia Tech Aftermath

2007-05-06T19:20:00.001-04:00

A&E did a show on the VA Tech massacre, examining the psychology behind not only the killer at VA Tech, but nationwide as well. Mistreatment of these future killers was the common denonminator in the outcomes. It matters how we treat each other. It truly does take a village to raise a child--for good or for ill.

clipped from www.aetv.com

“”

Rated: TV14 V-L-D

Running Time: 60 Minutes

Genre:

Closed Captions:
Yes

Past Airings:

Saturday, May 05 @ 11pm/10C

Sunday, May 06 @ 3am/2C

Sunday, May 06 @ 3pm/2C

Search for other upcoming episodes
On Monday April 16th, 32 people were gunned down at Virginia Tech -- another two dozen injured -- with the gunman ending the rampage by shooting himself. It was the deadliest killing spree in U.S. history. Why did this happen? What brings someone to commit such senseless murders? And how do we put an end to the epidemic of school shootings in our country? Respected investigative journalist Bill Kurtis, will explore this tragic story from every angle, providing context through interviews with students, faculty and witnesses, as well as experts in forensic psychology, criminal profiling, and school shootings profiling, to help place this shattering incident into perspective.

APT CARTOON

2007-05-03T21:52:00.001-04:00

Once Congress gives the President the authority to wage war, how does it then stop him when he demonstrates incompetence?

clipped from cagle.msnbc.com

WHAT? ONLY 35 YEARS?

2007-04-26T11:12:00.001-04:00

If this isn't a case that cries out for life in prison without parole, then I am dumbstruck here. The teenaged victim is also looking at prison time. No wonder people still support the death penalty. This man should never have a chance to get out of jail.

clipped from www.wtopnews.com

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AP) - A father who raped his teenage daughter over several years and ordered her to throw two newborns he had fathered with her down an air shaft was sentenced to 35 years in prison.

The 45-year-old West New York man pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter, aggravated assault and two counts of aggravated sexual assault. The Associated Press is not identifying him to protect the identity of his daughter, the victim of a sex crime.

One of the babies survived and is in foster care. The other one died after being thrown down the shaft.

CONTINUED MADNESS

2007-04-24T13:57:00.001-04:00

This is a civil war and no amount of "surging" will fix that. The U.S. is no longer fighting against Saddam or his followers. The entire nation has been engulfed in sectarian violence the likes of which we haven't seen since Bosnia. The U.S. needs to get out of there, and the rest of the world needs to step up and try to facilitate some kind of resolution to this national crisis.

clipped from www.jpost.com

An al-Qaida-linked group claimed responsibility Tuesday for a suicide truck bombing that killed nine US paratroopers in the worst attack on American ground forces in Iraq in more than a year, saying it sent "two knights" for the attack.

The Islamic State of Iraq, an umbrella group of Sunni insurgents that includes al-Qaida in Iraq, said it was behind Monday's double attack on a US patrol base in Diyala province northeast of Baghdad - an area that has seen violence spike since American troops surged into the capital to halt violence there. The US military only confirmed one truck bombing.

NO ANSWERS

2007-04-19T11:37:00.000-04:00

It is so heartbreaking to see what happened at Virginia Tech. Worse still is viewing the video of the madman wo perpetrated this horrible massacre. There is no "why" which can be fathomed even after seeing and hearing what he was thinking.

May God comfort those who mourn, send healing to those injured, and may all of the souls of the dead rest in peace in God's mercy.

I Am A Voice (Crying for Mercy)

2007-04-16T10:35:00.001-04:00

A beautiful song depicting our world and its need for Jesus' mercy.

DIVNE MERCY SUNDAY

2007-04-16T10:25:00.000-04:00

St Faustina is my patron saint, and of course since I work every weekend, I missed the Divine Mercy celebration in my city. I had to choose Easter or DM due to my job, so DM remains a spiritual celebration for me.

I don't think it is coincidental that the whole Imus/hate speech thing happened just before this Feast Day of Divine Mercy. The message of mercy flows out from that first promise in the garden of Eden: "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel."

We need the message of God's mercy through our Lord Jesus more than ever. Our world teeters on annihilation as one nation rises against another. Within our own nation, families are broken apart by divorce, children are abandoned & abused, diversity sparks suspicion & anger, and the people suffer.

Lord may we be witnesses to You in how we love and forgive others. Jesus, I trust in You!

WHAT'S IMUS GOT TO DO WITH IT?

2007-04-13T20:27:00.001-04:00

Poor Imus is everywhere, even as part of the report on Jon Corzine's MVA!

clipped from www.marketwatch.com

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- It may take up to six months for New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine to walk again following an accident Thursday in which he was critically injured, according to media reports.

Corzine suffered broken bones and underwent surgery late Thursday after his motorcade crashed en route from Atlantic City to a meeting between ousted radio personality Don Imus and the Rutgers University women's basketball team.

Don Imus on Al Sharpton's Radio Show

2007-04-12T19:04:00.001-04:00

Okay, so just why shouldn't a minister, having rebuked the sin, then not forgive the sinner?

EASTER SUNDAY 2007

2007-04-08T13:00:00.000-04:00

Good Friday

2007-04-06T16:01:00.001-04:00

As we meditate this day on the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, may we review our Lenten goals and ready our hearts and minds for the great Feast of the Resurrection.

News from Baku

2007-04-05T10:58:00.001-04:00

Visit the link for details. I have a friend who is a Protestant, and who lived in Baku for several years on a work visa while attempting to establish a church underground. The entire article from which I clipped this snippet states that there are only 250 Catholics there. I found it interesting that the government allowed a Catholic parish to be established, when my friend had to hide his missionary activity.

clipped from news.trendaz.com

Azerbaijan, Baku / Trend corr S. Aghayeva / Apostolic Nuncio of the Sacred Throne, Claudio Gujeretty, reported on April 3rd that the parishioners of the Catholic Church will be offered the opportunity to attend the first mass in the new Catholic church in Baku on April 29th.

Oh, by the way, today is my birthday.

HERE TO STAY

2007-04-03T16:38:00.000-04:00

Well, the really good blogs seem to be in blog spot. I am giving up my xanga, I think. I have xanga premium, so it seems a shame to shut it down, but I like this forum better.

So, hopefully my fellow xanga folks will find me here. I'll probably sign on with a free account, just so I can keep in touch with them.

St John Neumann

2007-01-04T17:29:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is the Feast of St John Neumann. I was introduced to him by dear friends who took me to his shrine when I converted to Catholicism in 2004. I was privileged to attend Mass in the upper church, at the end of 40 Hours devotion. I didn't know St John Neumann was the person who started 40 hours until that night. He has been a favorite of mine ever since.

His feast day takes on significance for me now because one year ago tomorrow my sister in law Doris passed away. What a blessing to know that because of Christ's propitiation, I can pray for Doris' soul. St John Neumann's feast day falling on First Friday--How cool is that????

PICKPOCKET

2007-01-03T11:54:00.000-05:00

It feels like I have been spritually pickpocketed. It's not Ordinary time, it's not Christmas either. It's [insert weekday] before Epiphany week. Yuk. I missed the whole celebration because of my work schedule and the fact that my husband hasn't worked for six months.

Does anybody know what color we are?????

Better Blogger

2006-12-31T22:56:00.000-05:00

Well, I haven't been here for awhile. My friend Matthew asked me to delete all of his posts, because it is considered "publishing", and he is currently not permitted to do so. He is in his first year at Our Lady of Guadalupe seminary. He is discerning a vocation to the priesthood as a member of the FSSP. The FSSP is in union with Rome, and the priests celebrate Mass according to the pre-Vatican II Tridentine Rite. First year men are not allowed to use the Internet, either. I believe it is all about formation. Keeping the influences of the world to a minimum must certainly make it less distracting for them.

Anyway, I arrived here at blogger.com to discover that it is much more user-friendly than when I first signed last year. New year, new blog, new challenges ahead.

Happy New Year to anyone who happens by!

AWAKENED

2006-05-24T10:15:00.000-04:00

This is one of my favorite pictures of Jason, my beloved son. He's now 19, and at 1 am he knocked on my bedroom door. Jason lives with a group of guys across town in a bad neighborhood. He, of course, stilll has his key to the house. I found it strange that it seemed to me to be the most natural thing in the world, to have him standing there at that hour. Then Jason asked me to "come look at his cut". I could see a mark on his forehead, and I followed him to the kitchen Two of his friends were there. Dragged from the depths of sleep, I looked like--well, we won't go there--how would YOU look at 1 in the morning? The friends were very worried, and as the fog of sleep lifted, I cuold understand why. Jason was absolutely smashed: drunk beyond belief. Apparently he tripped into the edge of a wall in the apartment when he stumbled home drunk, and split the skin on his forehead. Jason had a long deep cut running vertically between his eyes. It had to be two inches long. The edges of the wound were not approximated (medical term there), and the blood just kept oozing out. The developing bruise would only cause the edges of that wound to spread farther apart. I cleansed it with half strength peroxide, gave him a bag of frozen veggies to put on his head, and confirmed what his friends believed: it needed stitches. So, I gave the insurance card to the sober one, the one with a license, and they drove off to the ER. Of course, I couldn't go back to sleep, so I stayed up another hour watching "Mother Angelica Live".
I am often quite strident in my defense of the Catholic faith, and strongly favor Catholic evangelism. My son is out of the Church, with no access to the Sacraments. I don't want him to hear some watered down platitude about all paths leading to God. He doesn't need to hear that "we're all children of God, and it doesn't matter how or where you worship." I want Jason to know that the Church is the Ark of his salvation, and I'd like him to come on board before that first raindrop falls. I respect where Jason is right now as far as his thinking. He knows I love him. But, the best thing I can do for him is to let him know there is still plenty of room in the Ark.
Motherhood is a funny thing; the joy cannot be described. However, motherhood can take your heart and shatter it into little pieces. Of all the situations that leave a woman vulnerable in life, motherhood is at the top of the list. Motherhood is permanent. To watch with awe and wonder as the personality of your child unfolds is the experience of a lifetime. You hold this tiny new life in your hands, and then see this unique design of God blossom as he grows. When that precious person, the one you literally grew inside you, ends up making poor choices or otherwise ends up in a bad place, the heartbreak is nearly unbearable.
I hope that whoever else crosses his path will point Jason to the Ark of salvation, the Church where Jesus lives: the Holy Catholic Church.

EVANGELIZATION QUESTION

2006-05-23T13:10:00.000-04:00

I caught a rerun of a Life On The Rock program featuring Mike Sweeney. He is a member of the Kansas City Royals baseball team. Sweeney recounted his personal deep conversion at his pre-Confirmation retreat. His priest asked Sweeney what Jesus meant to him personally. Sweeney gave a very evangelical Protestant description of what happened next. He stated that he asked Jesus into his heart to be his personal Lord and Saviour. Sweeney knows his Bible front and back. It was so interesting to see a Catholic experiencing the fullness of the Catholic faith in an extrovated manner. I don't see that too often. Sweeney describes how receiving Christ in the Eucharist at each Mass renews that conversion he experienced as a youth, and how much the Sacraments allow him to keep living out the Catholic faith. A question via email was presented to him to answer; it was the exact question that I had been formulating in my mind. How does Sweeney handle his evangelizing of the Protestants in his life? Does he find it challenging. At that point, Sweeney said something that made my jaw drop. Sweeney said that he desires to break down the division of denomination, lock arms with all of his Christian brothers and sisters, and be warriors together for Christ. I was stunned. Here is a man who beautifully articulates why the Catholic Church, with Her sacraments and Biblical teachings can result in a life of fulfillment and service to Jesus, yet fails to see the need to impart that reality to his Protestant friends. Sometimes I really wonder how a Catholic can keep quiet about such things as the Eucharist, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Liturgy of the Mass, etc.. Protestants do not have the fullness of what Christ instituted. To call that situation merely a denominational wall to be dismissed as divisive, and to rally around only the portion of the faith that the Protestants have was disappointing to me. I am often accused of being too militant in my Catholicism. I am a convert from Protestantism, and I am so grateful for having found the truth of the Catholic faith. I believe that Protestants are being shortchanged because they do not have access to the Sacraments that Catholics do. The Protestants are very aggressive in evangelizing Catholics--why is it that Catholics do not attempt to evangelize Protestants?

VINE & BRANCHES

2006-05-15T10:39:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday's Gospel was from St John Chapter 15. Jesus is describing Himself as the True Vine. I found an interesting article on how a grapevine is maintained when I visited a horticulture website. The amount of pruning is based on the amount of fruit produced the year before. There is a scientific method involved in matching the number of buds to the yield of fruit desired. Wood that cannot support new growth is removed. Vines which produce the correct number of buds will remain. What really interested me is that there must be a balance on the vine. If the yield is too heavy, the vine cannot support the grapes, which will then be inferior. The grapes must be both abundant and of the best quality. Buds which are producing grapes of poor quality are cut. The vine will actually bleed as this is done. Discipleship is a life long process. Often there is pain involved, but by remaining on the Vine, and yielding to the tools of the Gardener, the result is fruit which brings glory to the Father, and life to the branch. I thought about the branches that willingly disconnected from the Vine. The Protestants left the true Vine. They set up vines to themselves, and the fruit is evident. The truth was gradually lost, heresy spread, and the seamless garment of Christ has been rent asunder. If Jesus is the True Vine, then why would we leave His vineyard, the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church?

ANOTHER SOURCE!

2006-05-04T11:13:00.000-04:00

I am grateful for the comment left on my post entitled 'DISAPPOINTED'. His blogspot led me to some helpful links regarding this ongoing quest of mine to discern what in the world happened to the Missals, and which one is the 'right' one to use. I especially was struck by Stephen's comment: I wish our Lady would just come down and fix everything. This morning, before I prayed the Rosary, I asked her for just that! I asked her to talk to someone, and give us a message! I have asked her to intercede for the Church. The divisions must cease, the sins weeded out, and the truths of our Lord Jesus Christ restored. Modernism with its ecumenical gobbledygook must be done away with. I find it amazing that there are so many people who believe that there is more than one way to be saved. That is a thinking which is strongly condemned by the fundamentalist protestants of which I was once a member. If protestants see the danger of ecumenicalism, how did the Church's leaders miss it?

Outside the Church, no salvation. There can only be one way to salvation. Otherwise, how can one be sure he has the proper path? Did Jesus, our Good Shepherd, mean it when He said that we are to strive to enter by the narrow gate? Was He serious when He warned us that the road to heaven is narrow and difficult, and 'few there be that find it'? Isn't the promotion of the broad road, which leads to destruction, actually putting souls in peril?

QUO PRIMUM DECREE

2006-05-03T14:39:00.000-04:00

I finally got around to reading Pope St Pius V's Quo Primum Decree on the Roman Missal. I had read an article which pointed out the portion of the decree in which the Holy Father permits Missals which have been in use for over 200 years to continue being utilitized during Mass. The author postulates that because there is an exception made for one portion of the Church, the decree is not binding on all the faithful, and therefore lacks that element which will make the decree ex cathedra. This is all confusing to me. God is not the Author of confusion. Therefore, I recognize that I have more to learn regarding the issue of which Missal is the 'real' Missal of Rome. The current Tridentine Mass uses the 1962 Missal, which I recall has been modified from the St Pius V Missal. What is most interesting to me regarding Quo Primum Decree is the De Defectibus Decree, found in the Roman Missal. It states that if any changes are made to the words of consecration, involving a change in meaning, the consecration is invalid. This has caused a hotly debated question as to whether or not the consecration of the Novus Ordo is valid. The Latin 'Qui pro vobis et pro multis Effendetus in remissionem peccatorum' has been translated into English thusly: 'It [the Blood] will be shed for you and for all, so that sins may be forgiven.' The correct translation? 'which [Blood] shall be shed for you and for many unto the remission of sins.' There is a different meaning between shed for 'all' vs for 'many.' But is the meaning of the consecration itself changed? 'This is my Body', and 'This is my Blood' remain the same, and the meaning is unchanged--the bread and wine are now the actual Body and Blood of our Lord. The intention of the priest at the consecration is to bring about, through the authority of Holy Orders, the transubstantiation of the elements. Is the transubstantiation nullified if the priest says 'for all' instead of 'for many'? I suppose that is the main point of contention. In keeping with the context of the decree, since the Holy Father allowed other Missals to be used, it would make sense to find out what was in those Missals. Were the words of consecration different in those? Is the consecration valid if the intent of the priest is to transubstantiate, using the precise words of our Lord, 'this is My Body', 'this is My Blood'?

Fr Nestor, my associate priest, told us that the power of Jesus' words is the only means by which the elements can change. It is the authority of the Word Himself, given via Apostolic succession to the priesthood, which can allow the priest to give us the Eucharist. Fr Nestor went on to say that 'no other words' can ever effect the change. However, as he is a Novus Ordo priest, Fr Nestor usese the phrase 'for all.'

It seems like splitting hairs to me. No one disputes the necessity of relying on the power of Christ Himself, using His words, to cause the bread and the wine to be changed. Does the phrase 'for all' negate the intent of the priest, or the power of Christ?

Here how the De Defectibus Decree reads: 'If any omission or alteration is made in the formula of consecration of the Body and Blood, involving a change in meaning, the consecration is invalid. Any addition made without altering the meaning does not invalidate the consecration but the celebrant commits a mortal sin.'

Does this mean that all of the Novus Ordo priests are in mortal sin? Is this papal decree binding today?

I will be researching this.

DISAPPOINTED

2006-05-02T17:12:00.000-04:00

I haven't been able to track down the entire news article, but the headline alone was disappointing. The SSPX leaders continue to shoot themselves in the foot, and in so doing, endanger the reconciliation process with Rome. And, the rhetoric does not help incardinated groups such as the FSSP in the ongoing quest by Traditionalists to have the universal indult for the Tridentine Rite! I am so frustrated! The Vatican holds out an olive branch, and the SSPX ratches up the level of criticism. Sigh. I cannot for the life of me understand why the leaders of the SSPX seem to be determined to bring about the demise of the Latin Mass. I know they do not see it that way. But the truth of the matter is that many Catholics are desirous of returning to the Tridentine Rite, and are praying for Pope Benedict XVI as he contemplates the best course of action to meet the needs of all Traditional Catholics. Meanwhile, we keep hearing what is becoming increasingly more like a fishwife's shrill ranting emanating from the SSPX. Certainly the SSPX leadership ought to show respect and courtesy to our Pope; if only to demonstrate respect for the Papacy. They continue to lose credibility with Catholics who are on the fence regarding the Traditional Mass and the theology which accompanies it. I am not nearly as hopeful as I was a month ago.

SO MANY ISSUES!

2006-05-01T14:59:00.000-04:00

Here's an interesting quote from Archbishop William Levada (San Francisco) "In today's season of cultural relativism and religious pluralism, the number of non-baptized babies is increasing considerably."

Okay. Now, based on this fact, the assumption is flying around that the Church is going to 'drop' the teaching of Limbo. Since when does the truth depend on what society is doing? Truth is objective. Truth is applicable to all men in all places and at all times. There are Protestant churches which ordain women. The numbers are increasing. Does that mean the Church ought to do the same, since the number of priests has declined alarmingly? Does the Church guide society, or does society guide the Church?

The other issue which does not go away is the doctrine of Extra Ecclesium Nulla Savation Est. I've been working my brain by reading the various Council documents in Denzinger. I can't find anything so far that contradicts this teaching. The possibility of salvation for those who are not Catholic always ends with the assumption that such persons repent and are joined to the Church prior to death. I'll post more on this later. I am still digesting it all.

Where is the announcement of the indult for the Latin Mass? That's what I am looking for day after day!

IS DOCTRINE DETRIMENTAL?

2006-04-27T10:49:00.000-04:00

I've been seeing these kinds of statements lately, regarding evangelism and Christian charity--'it is important to focus on what binds us, and not on what divides us.' 'I live my life just loving God and not adhering rigidly to some doctrine.' 'If you focus only on doctrine instead of charity, then you will only be a rules follower, and be unable to win people over to the truth.'

Somehow the ideas of doctrine and dogma of the Catholic Church, have been characterized as distasteful. It kind of reminds me of how the word 'intercourse' was profaned. Originally the word meant communication, exchanging of information and ideas between parties. In the Old Testament, the word for physical intercourse between husband and wife is translated 'to know'. Adam knew his wife, and she conceived. The concept is that intimate knowing brings forth life. In the general sense, intercourse ties people together in a constructive exchange of dialogue.

Back to doctrine. Specifically, Catholic Doctrine. The definition of doctrine includes a collection of teaching/beliefs which is authorized by a religion. Inherent in that definition is the concept that these are trustworthy. They have been studied and tested by the promoters, and are worthy of following by the individuals.

So how is it that 'doctrine' is so often perceived as a negative? Could it be that our human nature, marred by original sin and concupiscence; that nature, opposed to being controlled by any authority, rejects the notion of any doctrine which inhibits its fleshly desires? In our culture, the value of the individual takes precedence over society--individual rights are revered. Laws are often enacted which coddles the person at the expense of society at large. Abortion, euthanasia, free speech--theses are but a few examples of 'rights' which often pits an individual against a greater morality.

The irony in all of this is seen when the so-called 'rigid' doctrines of the Catholic Church are examined. All are designed to bring mankind to a state of sanctifying grace with God, and a state of unity and charity with each other. Consider the Sacraments--Baptism results in regeneration and remission of original sin; Penance restores that state of grace by absolution of sins committed after Baptism; Matrimony seals the marital relationship in union with the Body of Christ, and grants graces to that bond which results in new life; Holy Orders give us the Eucharist; Confirmation gives us the gifts of the Holy Spirit; the Eucharist gives us eternal life as Christ Himself becomes our food and drink; and finally, Extreme Unction, which cleanses the soul just prior to its journey back to Almighty God. Within each of these Sacraments are the means by which we please God, make reparation for sins, and maintain the health and unity of the Body of Christ. By them we obtain salvation.

The Sacraments are the heart and soul of the doctrine of our Faith. Holy Mother Church is our fortress. She gives us the way to walk through life in a way that will save us and those around us.

So--what is so awful about doctrine?

I HAVE RETURNED

2006-04-25T21:39:00.000-04:00

I decided to stay off of this blog during Holy Week and the Octave of Easter because it was too hectic keeping up with both blogs and also juggling Church, job, family, etc. You get the idea. So, I will beging putting my more pointed discussions here. There is so much going on in the Church and in the world today, that I still feel the need to have this private area in which I can be more more, let's say....outspoken?

FAMILY FEUD

2006-03-28T12:42:00.000-05:00

We're still having this discussion regarding the theology of 'outside the Church no salvation'. I find it remarkable how much passion this subject brings forth.

From catholicism.org:

"There is but one universal Church of the faithful, outside which no one at all is saved." (Pope Innocent III, Fourth Lateran Council, 1215.)
"We declare, say, define, and pronounce that it is absolutely necessary for the salvation of every human creature to be subject to the Roman Pontiff." (Pope Boniface VIII, the Bull Unam Sanctam, 1302.)
"The most Holy Roman Church firmly believes, professes and preaches that none of those existing outside the Catholic Church, not only pagans, but also Jews and heretics and schismatics, can have a share in life eternal; but that they will go into the eternal fire which was prepared for the devil and his angels, unless before death they are joined with Her; and that so important is the unity of this ecclesiastical body that only those remaining within this unity can profit by the sacraments of the Church unto salvation, and they alone can receive an eternal recompense for their fasts, their almsgivings, their other works of Christian piety and the duties of a Christian soldier. No one, let his almsgiving be as great as it may, no one, even if he pour out his blood for the Name of Christ, can be saved, unless he remain within the bosom and the unity of the Catholic Church." (Pope Eugene IV, the Bull Cantate Domino, 1441.)

MORE NEWS FROM ROME

2006-03-26T19:59:00.000-05:00

Pope to hold meeting with Roman Curia to discuss reforms and SSPX schism
Vatican City, Mar. 17, 2006 (CNA) - According to Vatican sources, Pope Benedict XVI has scheduled an unplanned meeting with the presidents of the different Vatican dicasteries, at which he will discuss reforms of the Curia and relations with the Saint Pius X, Lefebvrist schism.The extraordinary April 7th meeting announcement comes after an ordinary meeting which took place last month, at which the Holy Father asked the dicastery heads about universal approval of the Missal of St. Pius V, the rite which was in force prior to Vatican II.During this unusual second meeting, the Pontiff is expected to solicit opinions about what to do with the Missal of St. Pius V and about a possible canonical formula for re-incorporating the followers of the schismatic Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre into the Church.The reorganization of the Roman Curia, which has already begun with the folding of four dicasteries into two, announced last weekend, is also expected to be discussed.According to Vatican sources, the issue of reorganization of the Curia might also be discussed during the consistory that Pope has convened for March 23 and 24.

ANOTHER ATTEMPT

2006-03-25T15:48:00.000-05:00

Today's news from the Vatican included the topics of discussion currently before the College of Cardinals. One of the topics was the resolution of the SSPX. It seems as if the need for canonical establishment of the Latin Mass is being seriously considered. It is ridiculous that the Mass is in an 'indult' status, as if there is something inherently inferior about it. I find myself increasingly saddened when I contemplate the state of the Church. I had a discussion after Thursday's evening Mass with a man who has reconciled with the church following years of being a non praticing Catholic. He goes to another parish, but attends our evening Masses during the week. He told me how happy he is that the Mass is no longer in Latin; he can't understand why I want to learn Latin. Also, he talked about how mean the nuns were. He is divorced--his wife left him and got remarried. He cannot understand why he needs an annulment if he wishes to remarry. His priest told him that there was no explanation that would satisfy him, and to just 'go with the flow'. I was so upset--a chance to catechise one who has come home, and all this man heard was 'go with the flow'. I wonder if the priest himself understands?

This morning I was praying for the reconciliation of SSPX and the Vatican. Our leaders are fallible men, and are prone, as men are, to be territorial. Men who are strong leaders dislike having to admit they might be wrong, or yield anything to another. Sometimes I wonder if there isn't a fair bit of pride on both sides, which keeps the conversation from making process. Meanwhile the Church is holding her breath, hurting from the damage, praying that someone somewhere will somehow move in the right direction.

SCANDAL

2006-03-23T17:09:00.000-05:00

I got an email from my god-mother Charlene yesterday, about something another parishioner told her. It was concerning quite a serious matter. The way it was described to me, I thought that someone was spreading stories around. Thankfully Charlene went to our pastor, but in between the time she heard the tale until she got to talk to Fr Pat, she was scandalized. Pure and simple. In the interest of putting out a fire, and especially since she misunderstood what happened, I am leaving out the details.

The reason I am writing this is because the subject of the Novus Ordo came up. Charlene and I had a serious discussion about N.O. vs Tridentine a while back. I wrote a brief entry about that earlier on this blog. Anyway, Charlene and I are both bothered by what has transpired during the Mass since our associate pastor, Fr Nestor, has come. I love Fr Nestor--he is a very bright, energentic, and funny person. But he changes the words in the prayers, and that makes me nuts. The words of consecration are never altered, but Fr Nestor likes to add things. There's a portion where Jesus gives his peace, and Fr Nestor adds 'and your friends' to the mix. When the Eucharistic prayer gets to the part where the Church prays for the Pope, the Bishop, et al, Fr Nestor adds 'and the religious'.

We haven't had a priest on staff who has done this, so it is a bit disconcerting for us. What's really sad is that even our Bishop will change things at times. An otherwise holy and gody man, exemplary in his conduct--but he likes to say 'this is Jesus, the lamb of God who takes away', etc.. I told Charlene that it has gotten to the point where I am going to talk to Fr Nestor and ask him why he doesn't think the prayers in the sacramentary are correctly written. What really surprises me is that Fr Nestor was educated in Rome.

Charlene said well, if the Mass was still in Latin, it couldn't be changed, because the meaning is clear. There can be no 'watering down' of the Mass in the Tridentine Rite. BINGO! I reminded her that is the precise reason I am learning Latin and am planning on leaving the Novus Ordo. She understood where I am coming from a bit better.

I actually referred to the Novus Ordo as a 'lousy' Mass, which was going too far, I think. After all, millions of Catholics are very devout, and attendance at Novus Ordo allows them to grow spiritually. Jesus Christ, truly Present in the Eucharist, strengthens all of us, whether in the Novus Ordo, the Byzantine, or the Tridentine, etc. But the Novus Ordo just lends itself to abuse, because our Bishops are not enforcing the correct application of the rubrics.

I was very sorry to see Charlene so distressed, but on the other hand, it did open her eyes to what it is that I am trying to communicate.

MY PURSUIT OF LATIN

2006-03-20T14:47:00.000-05:00

The link above is to the Rosary in Latin. Matthew suggested that I learn the Hail Mary and the Our Father in Latin. With the link above, I can also learn the Glory Be, Fatima Prayer, as well as the Salve Regina. I asked my friend Sharon, owner of 'The Littlest Angel' Catholic bookstore, to poke around and see if she can order a recording of the Rosary in Latin, so I can hear what it is supposed to sound like. The Latin Rite church has Mass on Wednesday evenings, I found out, and they pray the Rosary afterwards. I am planning on going Wednesday evening, assuming that I don't get lost again. I figure if I can learn the Latin prayers of the Church, without stumbling around with the pronunciation, I might have a shot at actually learning the language of the Saints. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis!

TODAY'S READINGS

2006-03-18T18:44:00.000-05:00

The prodigal son is one of my favorite parables. Not just because the story shows the mercy of God who is always willing to extend pardon to the contrite, but because of the aftermath. The faithful son is upset because the rogue son is rewarded (in his mind, anyway) for bringing scandal on the family. Why, complains this son, have you never done anything like that for me? I never did anything wrong. What a beautiful picture of the endless love of God in the exchange: of course the faithful son is affirmed! He is heir to all that is in his father's possesion, and has not lost his place in his father's heart. However, there is always plenty of love left to lavish on the 'one who was dead, and now lives.' There are times when I feel unworthy to be a child of God, safe on the Ark of the Church. After all, I was a rogue, devouring the love of God with harlotry, in love with the world. How incredible that God even bothered with me. Just as the loaves of bread multiplied with each one in need of food, so the mercy of God mulitiplies with each soul which turns to him in true contrition and repentance.

ROLLING IN HIS GRAVE?

2006-03-17T05:15:00.000-05:00

Last night Emily and I were discussing the fact that St Patrick's Day falls on a Friday this year. Emily said the Bishop (that would be Justin Cardinal Rigali) of Philadelphia granted an indult so that people will be permitted to eat meat. I replied that the meatless requirement should stay. If people had to consider that they will need to go to Confesssion, then perhaps they would not indulge. Alas, we ruminated, people will eat meat and NOT go to Confession, thereby putting their souls in peril.

I decided that St Patrick is rolling in his grave. St Patrick, pray for us!

AWESOME LINK

2006-03-16T20:03:00.000-05:00

Someone had the foresight to record the consecration of the St Francis de Sales Latin Rite Church in Atlanta, GA. The entire process was described, photographs taken, and all of the prayers and ceremonies written out. Everyone who loves the Latin Mass needs to check this one out. Many thanks to Matthew and Adam for guiding me to the xanga site on which their photograph is displayed. Following the link to the church led me to the link on the church's web page to see this magnficent ceremony. I must admit that I am having the time of my life exploring the beauty and majesty of the Mass of the Saints. Matthew asked me if I am aware that Angelus Press is the publisher of SSPX. Yes, I know it is. I found Angelus Press via a link on the SSPX web page. I pray fervently for the restoration of SSPX in full union with Rome. If not for the courage of the SSPX, we might not have access to the Tridentine Mass today. The Scriptures consistently exhort us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Surely we ought to pray for the peace of Rome as well. Go visit the link and drink deeply from the well.

THE CHAIR

2006-03-15T14:09:00.000-05:00

The Gospel from last night's Mass illustrates the always present tension between the infallible teachings of the Holy Spirit and the fallible men to whom that teaching is instructed. In St Mark's Gospel, Jesus warned the people: 'The scribes and the Pharisees have sitten on the chair of Moses. All things therefore they shall say to you, observe and do; but according to their works do ye not. For they bind heavy and insupportable burdens and lay them on men's shoulders; but with a finger of their own they will not move them. And all their works they do for to be seen of men; for they make their phylacteries broad, and enlarge their fringes. And they love the first places at feasts, and the first chairs in the synagogues, and salutations in the marketplace, and to be called by men Rabbi." Jesus clearly sets forth the principle that even though the man may be corrupt, the authority of the teaching given to him is not. Of course, the chair of Moses is now the Chair of St Peter, the Holy See, the Vicar of Christ--the Pope. The man who is the Pope is a fallible and weak human being who may even be corrupt. But the infallible teachings given to him and to the Magesterium (the fulfillment of the Chief Priest and the Sanhedrin) are to be observed and obeyed by the Church. Thus is the delicate balance put in place by our Lord. There have been times past when the Pope has proven to be the enemy of the Church--an anti-Pope. It is the duty of the faithful to obey the infallible teachings of the Church, to pray for the Pope and the Bishops, and to remain united with Christ in the Sacraments of the Church. Pope Benedict XVI alluded to this tension when he stated in his audience today that it is impossible to say 'Jesus Christ, but not the Church'. That is the slogan for one particular dissident Catholic organization in America, which is advocating the ordination of women. I think the Pope's remarks are a warning shot across the bow of the ship, so to speak, in which the dissenter are rowing. We need to be very careful when we present our concerns about the abuses we see in the Catholic hierarchy. Our allegiance to the Chair of Peter ought never to waver. God the Holy Spirit will make the necessary corrections, and the truth must always be spoken in charity and filial terms. Exhort your elders as fathers. The often contentious sparring between the Vatican and the dissidents, and the Vatican with Traditionalists, can cause scandal to the faithful, as well as cast aspersion on the Body of Christ. The Pope can indeed err in word and deed, and as such we are morally obligated to pray for him. Those of us who are yearning for the restoration of the SSPX need to keep this in mind. Sometimes the rhetoric which flows out of the SSPX appears disrespectful. On the other hand, the Lord reminds the leaders who occupy the Chair that their conduct must be above reproach. Pride and hypocrisy is strongly condemned. We must, as devout Catholics, always arm ourselves with prayer, and esteem the office of the Vicar of Christ.

BAPTISM

2006-03-14T11:51:00.000-05:00

The subject of Baptism has exploded over on xanga. Many of us moms who lost babies to miscarriage or other tragedy, naturally assume our children are at peace with God. The doctrine of Limbo isn't one that I heard discussed during RCIA. It seems as though this is an area where emotion tends to drive the conversations. In St Matthew 18:10, Jesus said this about children: "See that you despise not one of these little one: for I say to you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father who is in Heaven." What does that mean? I don't know. It seems as if angels are entrusted to stand before the face of God on their behalf, but since angels are spirits and have no power in salvation of souls, the passage is a mystery to me. We know that Jesus held children in high esteem. The issue of what happens to the soul of a child deprived of Baptism is best left to the theologians.

ON MY WAY

2006-03-13T19:06:00.000-05:00

I'm sooooo excited! I got my 1962 Latin-English Missal in the mail today! I also got the beginner Latin lessons which will hopefully get me started so that I can make sense of the Latin Grammar set which I purchased two weeks ago from Angelus Press. How's THAT for a run-on sentence? ha ha ha I remember one English grammatical term! Seriously, I really want to be able to do this. My husband Harry is dumbstruck. Not just because I am setting about learning Latin, but because I am now desirous of joining the Tridentine Rite. He remembers the discussions (ummm, fights) that I had just after I was confirmed. Harry doesn't talk Catholic theology very often with me. He has been unaware of the gradual shifting of my spirituality. I told him a little bit about it, and his comment was that I am on a journey, and sometimes that means arriving in a round about way. My husband got it! It was so nice to be affirmed. Then again, he knows me well, after nearly 25 years of marriage. Hopefully my godmother and my close circle of Catholic friends will come to understand as well.

ARTICLE IN LATIN MASS MAGAZINE

2006-03-11T19:12:00.000-05:00

"Lost Habits" is the story of a cradle Catholic who takes his son to a 'Catholic' prep school for an admission test. He spots an Augustinian priest in full habit, and begins to reminisce about how religious orders could be identified by their habits. He describes viewing Norbertines' habits as 'emblems of purity to which every man ought to aspire'. Sadly, the Augustinian priest proves to be a modern ecumenical when he describes the positive mix of faiths in the classroom, and how he respects them, and promotes the acceptance of them by his students. I loved this portion of the article: 'So my son lives in a world where there is almost no visible or attractive presence of the consecrated life. What was commonplace to me is unknown to him. I grew up in a Catholic world, surrounded by nuns and priests and religious whose very dress reflected their faith--our faith--the reality of eternity. My son is growing up in a world hostile to all that is Catholic, even within the Church's own precincts. For me, Catholicism was expressed in all that I saw and heard; I breathed the air of my faith. For my son, Catholicism is an embattled idea that keeps barely a toehold on its own fortifications, pressed by enemies without and within, unable to take at face value a simple profession of loyalty, but forced to test everyone and everything.'

Wow. 'I breathed the air of my faith.' I haven't read anything quite so beautiful in a very long time.

PARISH COUNCIL

2006-03-10T19:20:00.000-05:00

Last month one of the women on the Parish Council chewed out Fr Pat about asking the people for money for repairs--she kept contradicting what Fr Pat said about the dire need of the people to increase their giving. He did the math, and if each person gives just $5 more a month, the church will be able to pay its bills. Right now our offerings average $2000 below what we need just for bills. And, we have many major repairs facing us. Well, this month Fr Pat was ready. He brought in the figures. How much we are in debt. What the finances were in the last five years. How much it will cost to repair everything. People sat in stunned silence. But, alas, the conversation turned to finding blame for the current state, instead of the council unifying behind our pastor to enlighten the people. Jesus said 'where your heart is, there your treasure will be.' People do not treasure their church. It's very sad.

WHAT MY GODMOTHER SAID

2006-03-09T12:37:00.000-05:00

This morning I talked to my godmother Charlene. She is the one who introduced me to Divine Mercy. The year I was Confirmed, Divine Mercy Sunday fell on her birthday, our church hosted the Divine Mercy celebration, and it was a wonderful day. Charlene and I had hoped to get together for tea this afternoon, but I was up late, and she had to take her mom to the dentist, so we talked on the phone a bit. I shared with her what has been going on in my spirituality. She doesn't understand, either. Charlene's first reaction was 'don't get fixed on what is done the wrong way in the Mass.' I explained that it isn't so much what is happening in the new Mass, but what is happening in the Tridentine Mass, that has me in this struggle right now. Even Charlene still thinks it is about the Latin! I told her how disappointed I am in the American Bishops for not being firm in enforcing the rubrics of the current Mass, and I shared some statistics with her about the growing priest shortage. When I was done, she said "ah, the good old days." Then I replied--"but Charlene, that's the point-it ISN'T the 'good old days'. The Church hasn't changed. Her teachings on faith and morality are even more necessary today.'

I have no idea where that came from. But after I said that, Charlene said "well, pray, pray, pray". Then I said that the Latin Rite adherents pray for the Pope and the Church every day. That they are the candles flickering the light of Christ throught the nation. She was pretty unsettled when we hung up. I was quite surprised, because she is the one who laments the most about the current state of the Church.

Why is it that the cradle Catholics, who actually attended the Latin Mass, are the ones who seem to be the most resistant to its re-establishment?

DINNER WITH EMILY & BILL

2006-03-09T01:05:00.000-05:00

It's after 1 am. I've been home for about an hour. I went with Emily and Bill to meet her Aunt Pat for dinner in Atlantic City. The subject of blogging came up, and I commented that my primary network of support and conversation comes from the Catholics I know on the internet. Emily still thinks I am too sensitive about how others view my Catholicism. She repeated that view tonight. She also said that it's no wonder that my Protestant friends and family don't talk to me often--"being Catholic is all you talk about." She did not say it in an unkind manner--it was a matter of fact observation. I suppose in a way it was a compliment, although she didn't mean it that way. Let's face it, you will talk about whatever is most important to you. Part of my struggle right now is my strong desire to learn as much about the Tridentine Rite as I can. There aren't people in my immediate circle who can help me with that. I realize that I do not have a complete catechism. The Liturgical Calendar is completely different from the Novus Ordo, the rubrics of the Mass are different, and the approach to spirituality is different. It's like I need RCIA all over again. I've been thinking about contacting the pastor of Mater Ecclesiae, the Tridentine Rite church which is only about 25 miles from my house. If I'm going to make the leap from Novus Ordo to the Latin Mass, I must find a way to grow spiritually within that Rite. Since my Confirmation in 2004, I have spent much time learning as much as I can about what the Church teaches, the Saints, the history of the Church, shrines, Feast Days, etc.. I listen intently to the homilies, and watch how the Mass unfolds week after week. The Catholic Church is like a mansion with hundreds of rooms, and I am exploring them one by one. I wonder how to go about obtaining the knowledge I desire to fully understand the pre-Vatican II Church? I need a Tridentine spiritual director.

LENTEN REFLECTIONS

2006-03-08T12:10:00.000-05:00

For some reason, Lent this year already is an uphill process. It has only been one full week since Ash Wednesday. I feel as if I am in the grip of something out of my control. I am struggling to get a handle on what I believe will be a major change in my life. Not a matter of if, but when. I shared this with a friend. My heart is being captivated in a way that hasn't happened in this way since I first attended Mass. It is a growing sense of destiny, such as guided me through RCIA and into the Catholic Church. I actually know what I need to do, but the actual doing will be amazingly difficult.

THE FIRST SERMON

2006-02-15T15:31:00.000-05:00

" 'Therefore let all the house of Israel know most certainly that God hath made both Lord and Christ, this same Jesus, whom you crucified.' Now when they had heard these things, they had compunction in their heart and said to Peter and to the rest of the Apostles: 'What shall we do, men and brethren?' But Peter said to them: 'Do penance: and be baptized in the hame of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins. And you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children and to all that are far off, whomsoever the Lord our God shall call.'...They therefore that received his word were baptized: and there were added in that day about 3000 souls, and they were persevering in the doctrine of the Apostles and in the communication of the breaking of bread and in prayers...And continuing daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house, they took theri meat with gladness and simplicity of heart: Praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord increased daily together such as should be saved." (Acts 2:36-39,41-42,46-47) [emphasis mine]

We're having a discussion over on xanga regarding the issue of salvation. It began with the question of what the encyclical "no salvation outside the Church" means. Is the Church Catholic? Also, how do we accurately interpret that statement in light of Lumen Gentium? The bottom line seems to come down to this: was the Church that Christ established Catholic? What is a Catholic?

I believe that the early Church was indeed Catholic. Christ gave the keys of His kingdom to Peter. Peter is the leader of the now only minutes old Church. His homily clearly establishes that the nation of Israel has been replaced by the Lordship of Christ. God blesses Peter's preaching with repentance, baptism, and entry into the new Church of 3000 souls. The newly baptized immediately begin their journey of salvation by following the infallible teaching of the Apostles. There it is; the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. The Eucharist is the centerpoint of the gatherings of the people, and those who could not attend the public liturgy had the Eucharist brought to them. For further details of the early worship, contained in this passage, read the testimony of Justin Martyr, by clicking on the title's link above.

MOVING IN

2006-02-08T17:54:00.000-05:00

Well, I decided that out of all my blogs (FOUR!), I will keep only two. This one, and my xanga blog. I'm keeping xanga because a) I paid for it, b) it's user friendly, and c) I have many xanga friends. I hope to get this one up and running as well. This will be a place for serious discussions about Catholicism, society, politics, life, etc.. If you are easily offended, stay away. If you are mean-spirited, stay away. If you use profanity, stay away. If you are not afraid of civil give and take, and like to dig deeper into things, then stick around.

Balkan Reflections

2006-02-01T23:31:00.000-05:00

Balkan Reflections

I definitely have too many blogs! Check out the nice blog linked above. Very stylish!

My Initial Post

2005-11-16T20:11:00.000-05:00

Funny thing, I was posting on a blog here because I am a xanga member. I saw this guy's comments on a xanga post, went to his xanga, saw that he only has xanga to post on other xangas, and when I tried to post on his blog, I had to join Blogger. So, does the world need another blog? NO WAY, JOSE!