Most compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love, let these tepid souls who, like corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love, and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: Let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen.
Paix du Christ!
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Friday, April 21, 2006
The souls who are detained in purgatory
Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet, who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded: Manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.
Paix du Christ!
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded: Manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.
Paix du Christ!
Thursday, April 20, 2006
The souls who especially venerate and glorify Jesus' mercy
Well, for anyone wondering how the meeting went last night. It was so frustraing, there are a couple people there that go off on their own ideas with just the slight mention of something and when they do, they are so stubborn that it has to be their way. It would have been so much better if I never said anything and did something on my own. Thankfully, God lightened my day at the end of the meeting. One of the quiet ones who had gone to GA Tech came up to me and told me that he thought I had some great ideas and he understood me, but didn't think the rest of the group got a good grasp. Oh well, I want to have a one-on-one meeting to see if I can't get my idea across, but whatever happens, happens. I tried.
Paix du Christ!
Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident of Your mercy; and united to You, O Jesus, they carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy, and their hearts, overflowing with joy, sing a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God:
Show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless mercy of His, He, Himself, will defend as His glory. Amen.
Paix du Christ!
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
The meek and humble souls and the souls of children
Happy Anniversary Papa! Not only did Benedict XVI celebrate his 79th birthday on Easter Sunday this past weekend, but today is the anniversary of taking office. Congratulations on your first year!
Most Merciful Jesus, You yourself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls, and upon little children who are enfolded in the abode which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Paix du Christ!
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
The souls of separated brethren
The LOCO group (for young adults) at St. John the Baptist is having a planning meeting tomorrow and they want me to attend although I don't typically go to that parish. It sounds like they want to do some jockeying around with people in charge. I know that I want to do something with young adult ministry in order to expand it to some of the other parishes in the area. I don't know how I'm going to go about it, I don't know what I'm going to approach them with, and I don't know what they are going to ask of me. Anyway it turns out, it's in God's hands because it's for His Church. If you feel like you have advice or words of wisdom, feel free ^_^
However, save your prayers for the likes of some students at NKU. Apparently a british lit teacher decides to encourage her students to excercise "free speech" by means of vandalizing a display put up by the pro-life student organization. The teacher decided to join the festivities as well when some of her students took her up on it. Luckily, they were caught on film. Ooops! And they will be prosecuted and could face felony charges. I guess speech isn't all that free when it includes illegal actions. Who would have thunk that people supporting the destruction of life would support the destruction of property?
Paix du Christ!
However, save your prayers for the likes of some students at NKU. Apparently a british lit teacher decides to encourage her students to excercise "free speech" by means of vandalizing a display put up by the pro-life student organization. The teacher decided to join the festivities as well when some of her students took her up on it. Luckily, they were caught on film. Ooops! And they will be prosecuted and could face felony charges. I guess speech isn't all that free when it includes illegal actions. Who would have thunk that people supporting the destruction of life would support the destruction of property?
Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Church. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son's Church, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Paix du Christ!
Monday, April 17, 2006
Those who do not believe in Jesus and those who do not yet know Him
Wow, there is so much wonderful news today! First of all, the bad news. I had to file extensions for my taxes, but preliminary findings look like I'll be getting money back from the Feds and AL, not sure about KY yet.
Now for the best news of all ... Christ is risen! That's right, yesterday Christians across the globe celebrate the resurrection of Christ. The best part about being Christian is that Christ is always risen to us and the best part about being Catholic is that we don't just celebrate special occasions on one day, we've still got 49 days left of Easter! Alleluia!
News bulletin number 2 is a new blog has begun postings. This isn't just another blog. It is the Catholic Catechism Dialogue Blog. That's right, a blog devoted to the teachings of the Church. The CCDB takes a portion of the CCC each day and the writers (a conglomeration of converts, cradle Catholics, seminarians, singles, married, priests, everyday people) give their opinions and insights on the daily readings, and then of course the rest is up to us, the general public to add our 2 cents into the comments box. I encourage everyone to read along and make comments. If you're a Catholic, you should read it to enrich your faith and learn your beliefs; remember, you said you were Catholic, you agreed to ALL of its teachings. The readings are less than 10 paragraphs long, you can't say you don't have time for that. Don't have a personal copy or the money to buy one? No problem, the full version is on sites across the internet and the CCDB has links to some. If you're not Catholic, why not start learning about the largest religion on the globe? I'm not telling you what to believe, but we could all do with understanding each other a little better. Not a Catholic and don't want to read the Catechism passages each day? No problem, just read what the people are saying about it. I'm definitely adding CCDB to the blog roll in the sidebar as well as a button to the top of the sidebar. When they post the daily readings each week, I'll put a copy of that list in a post. So, for the first week ...
In other news, our good friend FD at College Catholic is posting again after his 46 day hiatus in order to keep with his lenten promises.
On Easter Sunday, my grandmother turned 71!
The best news of all is that along with the tens of thousand others across the U.S., we had 2 high schoolers join the Church this past Sat. I went home, so I unfortunately was not present, but our Youth Minister said they were so excited. I did hand-make rosaries for them to be from the our youth group. My source says that they had friends in attendance with them that aren't Catholic. After the newly confirmed opened their rosaries, they were excited to get them blessed by Fr. Joy. After their rosaries were blessed one of their friends pulled a rosary out of her pocket and asked the priest to bless it. Apparently, she had received the rosary from one of the girls being confirmed and carries it around with her all of the time. As they were leaving, the friends were excited and wanting to come to youth group. As I said, the friends aren't Catholic, and we are guessing that they might not even be churched at all. Aren't the youth wonderful? The Church belongs to them. They are out best evangelizers and sometimes it is just the simplest actions that draws them in and then once they are drawn in, they get themselves hooked.
The last news of course is that today is the 4th day in the Divine Mercy Novena. And again, we shall close with a prayer:
Paix du Christ!
Now for the best news of all ... Christ is risen! That's right, yesterday Christians across the globe celebrate the resurrection of Christ. The best part about being Christian is that Christ is always risen to us and the best part about being Catholic is that we don't just celebrate special occasions on one day, we've still got 49 days left of Easter! Alleluia!
News bulletin number 2 is a new blog has begun postings. This isn't just another blog. It is the Catholic Catechism Dialogue Blog. That's right, a blog devoted to the teachings of the Church. The CCDB takes a portion of the CCC each day and the writers (a conglomeration of converts, cradle Catholics, seminarians, singles, married, priests, everyday people) give their opinions and insights on the daily readings, and then of course the rest is up to us, the general public to add our 2 cents into the comments box. I encourage everyone to read along and make comments. If you're a Catholic, you should read it to enrich your faith and learn your beliefs; remember, you said you were Catholic, you agreed to ALL of its teachings. The readings are less than 10 paragraphs long, you can't say you don't have time for that. Don't have a personal copy or the money to buy one? No problem, the full version is on sites across the internet and the CCDB has links to some. If you're not Catholic, why not start learning about the largest religion on the globe? I'm not telling you what to believe, but we could all do with understanding each other a little better. Not a Catholic and don't want to read the Catechism passages each day? No problem, just read what the people are saying about it. I'm definitely adding CCDB to the blog roll in the sidebar as well as a button to the top of the sidebar. When they post the daily readings each week, I'll put a copy of that list in a post. So, for the first week ...
In other news, our good friend FD at College Catholic is posting again after his 46 day hiatus in order to keep with his lenten promises.
On Easter Sunday, my grandmother turned 71!
The best news of all is that along with the tens of thousand others across the U.S., we had 2 high schoolers join the Church this past Sat. I went home, so I unfortunately was not present, but our Youth Minister said they were so excited. I did hand-make rosaries for them to be from the our youth group. My source says that they had friends in attendance with them that aren't Catholic. After the newly confirmed opened their rosaries, they were excited to get them blessed by Fr. Joy. After their rosaries were blessed one of their friends pulled a rosary out of her pocket and asked the priest to bless it. Apparently, she had received the rosary from one of the girls being confirmed and carries it around with her all of the time. As they were leaving, the friends were excited and wanting to come to youth group. As I said, the friends aren't Catholic, and we are guessing that they might not even be churched at all. Aren't the youth wonderful? The Church belongs to them. They are out best evangelizers and sometimes it is just the simplest actions that draws them in and then once they are drawn in, they get themselves hooked.
The last news of course is that today is the 4th day in the Divine Mercy Novena. And again, we shall close with a prayer:
Most compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in You, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Paix du Christ!
Sunday, April 16, 2006
All devout and faithful souls
Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this grace of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Paix du Christ!
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Paix du Christ!
Saturday, April 15, 2006
The souls of priests and religious
Today, Easter draws closer and as our fasting ends we welcome all new commers to the Church. That they maybe clothed in Christ's glory on this wonderous night when His tomb was emptied.
Paix du Christ!
Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service, that they may perform worthy works of mercy; and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard -- upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.
Paix du Christ!
Friday, April 14, 2006
All mankind, especially sinners
Yesterday's post grew to extremely long proportions, and I imagine that anyone brave enough to read the whole thing is still trying to muddle through it. Yesterday I decided not to go to Mass at noon as I like to in the later half of the week. I figured that I'd be going at night, and also I've been going to eucharistic adoration everyday during Holy Week, and since the chapel was going to close at 17:00, I decided to go head there instead. It is always wonderful to talk face-to-face with God ^_^
Mass was wonderful, of course there was feet washing and then the 12 people who had their feet washed by the priest then washed the hands of the congregation. The biggest dissapointment is that I didn't get to sing my favorite song of all time that usually is only pulled out on Holy Thursday: Ubi Caritas. The words are so simple and wonderful and its fun to sing in parts. Ubi caritas et amour, ubi caritas Deus ibi est. Where there is charity and love, God is there.
I went to OLQU which meant a homily by Fr. Joy. He's such a wonderful priest. He started off by talking about how we as humans are always in search of someone to love us and someone to make us feel special and have been searching since the beginning of time. And of course it led into Jesus coming to prove that we are all special and that someone, He, always loves us. That first part got my attention, not only have I been pondering females in general and trying to figure them out lately, but I'm definitely a people who needs people; however, I'm not the luckiest people in the world, yet. Recently, it's been hard finding someone's ear to bend, which creates a void of not feeling especially special. But I know God has something special down the line, I just gotta keep reminding myself. Right now, I think God's leading me down the path to get some YAM stuff going better around here and I've been gathering contacts and ideas lately, just not exactly sure how to go about it.
Fr. Joy also went into how many Catholics don't believe in the real presence, which is a complete travesty. And he kept going with how important the Eucharist is and Christ in the Eucharist for him to show us his love and have that special connection over and over. He challenged those who might not think much about the real presence to start thinking about it that night and hopefully start believing. Of course my version is abbreviated, and the Holy Spirit spoke better through him. But it was great; good for you Fr. Joy for confronting people with this real issue.
Today is Good Friday, the only day out of the whole year that there are obsolutely no Catholic Masses across the whole world. We take this time to remember what Christ went through for us because of our sins which makes the resurrection on Easter so much more real and meaningful. Don't forget to go to a service today. No, it isn't required, but the Triduum is my favorite time of year in the liturgical calendar. Today's services normally include a line for veneration of the cross and then a line to partake in communion. Be aware, Jesus isn't in the tabernacle. He is absent as a reminder of his death and burial. I for one have many personal traditions that I will be upholding this Good Friday in preparing myself to celebrate Christ's victory over sin and death.
As you might, or might not, know, today begins the Divine Mercy Novena, which precedes Divine Mercy Sunday (the first Sunday after Easter). So, I'll close with a prayer:
Paix du Christ!
Mass was wonderful, of course there was feet washing and then the 12 people who had their feet washed by the priest then washed the hands of the congregation. The biggest dissapointment is that I didn't get to sing my favorite song of all time that usually is only pulled out on Holy Thursday: Ubi Caritas. The words are so simple and wonderful and its fun to sing in parts. Ubi caritas et amour, ubi caritas Deus ibi est. Where there is charity and love, God is there.
I went to OLQU which meant a homily by Fr. Joy. He's such a wonderful priest. He started off by talking about how we as humans are always in search of someone to love us and someone to make us feel special and have been searching since the beginning of time. And of course it led into Jesus coming to prove that we are all special and that someone, He, always loves us. That first part got my attention, not only have I been pondering females in general and trying to figure them out lately, but I'm definitely a people who needs people; however, I'm not the luckiest people in the world, yet. Recently, it's been hard finding someone's ear to bend, which creates a void of not feeling especially special. But I know God has something special down the line, I just gotta keep reminding myself. Right now, I think God's leading me down the path to get some YAM stuff going better around here and I've been gathering contacts and ideas lately, just not exactly sure how to go about it.
Fr. Joy also went into how many Catholics don't believe in the real presence, which is a complete travesty. And he kept going with how important the Eucharist is and Christ in the Eucharist for him to show us his love and have that special connection over and over. He challenged those who might not think much about the real presence to start thinking about it that night and hopefully start believing. Of course my version is abbreviated, and the Holy Spirit spoke better through him. But it was great; good for you Fr. Joy for confronting people with this real issue.
Today is Good Friday, the only day out of the whole year that there are obsolutely no Catholic Masses across the whole world. We take this time to remember what Christ went through for us because of our sins which makes the resurrection on Easter so much more real and meaningful. Don't forget to go to a service today. No, it isn't required, but the Triduum is my favorite time of year in the liturgical calendar. Today's services normally include a line for veneration of the cross and then a line to partake in communion. Be aware, Jesus isn't in the tabernacle. He is absent as a reminder of his death and burial. I for one have many personal traditions that I will be upholding this Good Friday in preparing myself to celebrate Christ's victory over sin and death.
As you might, or might not, know, today begins the Divine Mercy Novena, which precedes Divine Mercy Sunday (the first Sunday after Easter). So, I'll close with a prayer:
Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.
Paix du Christ!
Thursday, April 13, 2006
God Strikes at Wendy's
Today, I walked in to Wendy's to get a salad at lunch. As I was going to sit down, someone had parts of USA Today on a table, rifling through the sections available, The life section had an article titled "Rite of baptism trickles away." (The article is, of course, linked in the title.)
The story contends that less and less people are being baptized in Christian churches of all denominations. What is happening? Apparently, there is a decline in birthrate, not surprising with our culture of death and contraception, which accounts for less people to be baptized as well as less infants to be baptized in faiths (predominately Catholic, Episcopalian, Lutheran, and Methodist) that have always used infant baptisms. The Catholic Church is kind of peridoxical because although infant baptisms are down, the Church has more than doubled in size over the past 50 years.But, apparently infant baptisms are declining even faster than than the birth rate. But, even evangelical churches who do not baptize infants are experiencing trouble even at the same rates.
So what is causing the disturbing trend? "Experts" cite not only fewer babies, but also an increase in secularization, interfaith mariages, and churches down playing tradition, especially "seeker churches." (For more on seeker churches check out The Unseen Blogger's article)
According to sociologists, another reason for dwindling infant baptisms is due to the fact that more people are getting into mixed marriages (the cannonical term for 2 baptized people marrying, one Catholic and one baptized into another christian faith, although the newspaper uses the term intermarriage). These mixed marriages for some reason are causing less people to be attached to the sacrements? Well, that's their claim. But according to USA Today, if you are in a mixed marriage, you don't have to promise to baptize your children due to a change in cannon law in 1983. WRONG, WRONG, WRONG! Here is proof that you can't trust everything in print. I pulled out the 1983 Code of Cannon Law (okay, so not literally, it was online, but you can too by going here) to look it up. Here is the section on commitments
For anyone that missed it: (Local Ordinary) is not to grant (a mixed marriage) unless the following conditions are fulfilled: the catholic party ..., and is to make a sincere promise to do all in his or her power in order that all the children be baptized and brought up in the catholic Church.... Good job USA Today, way to do your research.
Although, less infants are being baptized, the Catholic Church is still growing and accepting new members. In 2005, the Catholic Church in the US has almost 68 million members (my fantasy is that they are all devout and practicing) where as its membership was almost 32 million in 1954. Where are they coming from? Some from immigration (probably not all legal), but every year during Easter Vigil Mass across the country (and world for that matter) tens of thousands of catechumens and candidates over the age of 8 will be joyfully brought into the faith. Lets look at the reasons for less baptisms other than infants increased secularization, the Catholic Church isn't budging to go with the flow of accepting worldly practices; interfaith marriages, well we already disproved USA Today's reasonings behind that one; churches downplaying tradition, well not the Catholic Church over all, we still hold fast to our traditions with sacraments, and even some churches having Mass in Latin. The article ends that some churches are trying non-traditional paths to God in order to baptize more people, by trying to put the "hip in discipleship." Maybe these churches need to take a look further up the article as the reasons "experts" are using, and then look at the Church that seems to have been growing steadily for the past 50 years. Maybe non-tradional isn't the way?
In searching for this article online so I could link, I also found this article in the same edition. Sadly enough, 2 people growing up in Catholic families that will not baptize their children because they are now just Scientologists and not anything else. Well, there is hope when their children grow up that they will be brought into the Church during an Easter Vigil Mass. So sad to see that happen to such a beautiful young Catholic girl like herself. Now, why couldn't she have found someone like me to treat her better ^_- Oh well, I'm looking for greener pastures. If anyone know a good Chrisian (preferably Catholic or otherwise informed of above cannon law) lady with her morals in the right place looking for the same in a man, send her my way ^_^
Paix du Christ!
The story contends that less and less people are being baptized in Christian churches of all denominations. What is happening? Apparently, there is a decline in birthrate, not surprising with our culture of death and contraception, which accounts for less people to be baptized as well as less infants to be baptized in faiths (predominately Catholic, Episcopalian, Lutheran, and Methodist) that have always used infant baptisms. The Catholic Church is kind of peridoxical because although infant baptisms are down, the Church has more than doubled in size over the past 50 years.But, apparently infant baptisms are declining even faster than than the birth rate. But, even evangelical churches who do not baptize infants are experiencing trouble even at the same rates.
So what is causing the disturbing trend? "Experts" cite not only fewer babies, but also an increase in secularization, interfaith mariages, and churches down playing tradition, especially "seeker churches." (For more on seeker churches check out The Unseen Blogger's article)
According to sociologists, another reason for dwindling infant baptisms is due to the fact that more people are getting into mixed marriages (the cannonical term for 2 baptized people marrying, one Catholic and one baptized into another christian faith, although the newspaper uses the term intermarriage). These mixed marriages for some reason are causing less people to be attached to the sacrements? Well, that's their claim. But according to USA Today, if you are in a mixed marriage, you don't have to promise to baptize your children due to a change in cannon law in 1983. WRONG, WRONG, WRONG! Here is proof that you can't trust everything in print. I pulled out the 1983 Code of Cannon Law (okay, so not literally, it was online, but you can too by going here) to look it up. Here is the section on commitments
Can. 1124 Without the express permission of the competent authority, marriage is prohibited between two baptized persons, one of whom was baptized in the catholic Church or received into it after baptism and has not defected from it by a formal act, the other of whom belongs to a Church or ecclesial community not in full communion with the catholic Church.
Can. 1125 The local Ordinary can grant this permission if there is a just and reasonable cause. He is not to grant it unless the following conditions are fulfilled:
1ƒ the catholic party is to declare that he or she is prepared to remove dangers of defecting from the faith, and is to make a sincere promise to do all in his or her power in order that all the children be baptized and brought up in the catholic Church;
2ƒ the other party is to be informed in good time of these promises to be made by the catholic party, so that it is certain that he or she is truly aware of the promise and of the obligation of the catholic party
3ƒ both parties are to be instructed about the purposes and essential properties of marriage, which are not to be excluded by either contractant.
Can. 1126 It is for the Episcopal Conference to prescribe the manner in which these declarations and promises, which are always required, are to be made, and to determine how they are to be established in the external forum, and how the non-Catholic party is to be informed of them.
Can. 1127 ß1 The provisions of can. 1108 are to be observed in regard to the form to be used in a mixed marriage. If, however, the catholic party contracts marriage with a non-Catholic party of oriental rite, the canonical form of celebration is to be observed for lawfulness only; for validity, however, the intervention of a sacred minister is required, while observing the other requirements of law.
ß2 If there are grave difficulties in the way of observing the canonical form, the local Ordinary of the catholic party has the right to dispense from it in individual cases, having however consulted the Ordinary of the place of the celebration of the marriage; for validity, however, some public form of celebration is required. It is for the Episcopal Conference to establish norms whereby this dispensation may be granted in a uniform manner.
ß3 It is forbidden to have, either before or after the canonical celebration in accordance with ß1, another religious celebration of the same marriage for the purpose of giving or renewing matrimonial consent. Likewise, there is not to be a religious celebration in which the catholic assistant and a non-Catholic minister, each performing his own rite, ask for the consent of the parties.
Can. 1128 Local Ordinaries and other pastors of souls are to see to it that the catholic spouse and the children born of a mixed marriage are not without the spiritual help needed to fulfill their obligations; they are also to assist the spouses to foster the unity of conjugal and family life.
Can. 1129 The provisions of canon 1127 and 1128 are to be applied also to marriages which are impeded by the impediment of disparity of worship mentioned in can. 1086 ß1
(emphasis added)
For anyone that missed it: (Local Ordinary) is not to grant (a mixed marriage) unless the following conditions are fulfilled: the catholic party ..., and is to make a sincere promise to do all in his or her power in order that all the children be baptized and brought up in the catholic Church.... Good job USA Today, way to do your research.
Although, less infants are being baptized, the Catholic Church is still growing and accepting new members. In 2005, the Catholic Church in the US has almost 68 million members (my fantasy is that they are all devout and practicing) where as its membership was almost 32 million in 1954. Where are they coming from? Some from immigration (probably not all legal), but every year during Easter Vigil Mass across the country (and world for that matter) tens of thousands of catechumens and candidates over the age of 8 will be joyfully brought into the faith. Lets look at the reasons for less baptisms other than infants increased secularization, the Catholic Church isn't budging to go with the flow of accepting worldly practices; interfaith marriages, well we already disproved USA Today's reasonings behind that one; churches downplaying tradition, well not the Catholic Church over all, we still hold fast to our traditions with sacraments, and even some churches having Mass in Latin. The article ends that some churches are trying non-traditional paths to God in order to baptize more people, by trying to put the "hip in discipleship." Maybe these churches need to take a look further up the article as the reasons "experts" are using, and then look at the Church that seems to have been growing steadily for the past 50 years. Maybe non-tradional isn't the way?
In searching for this article online so I could link, I also found this article in the same edition. Sadly enough, 2 people growing up in Catholic families that will not baptize their children because they are now just Scientologists and not anything else. Well, there is hope when their children grow up that they will be brought into the Church during an Easter Vigil Mass. So sad to see that happen to such a beautiful young Catholic girl like herself. Now, why couldn't she have found someone like me to treat her better ^_- Oh well, I'm looking for greener pastures. If anyone know a good Chrisian (preferably Catholic or otherwise informed of above cannon law) lady with her morals in the right place looking for the same in a man, send her my way ^_^
Paix du Christ!
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
You choose!
There's been a lot of wacky religious news coming out recently with the release of the movie The Da Vinci Code, a new book The Jesus Papers, and the supposedly found gnostic writing of the Book of Judas. At times, it could seem there is an attack going on aimed at Christianity, and the time with Easter around the corner seems impeccable. Not all things are bad. A&E will be having a short series of 5 episodes called God or the Girl. The series tracks some young men's discernments on whether to enter the priesthood. I've seen/heard the subjects appear on morning TV and EWTN radio, they expressed concerns that there was no say on the editing and were afraid that too many liberties could have been taken to skew the reality. But in the end, they were all pretty pleased with how the show has turned out. These young men aren't spilling the beans whether they chose the girl or God, I guess your going to have to watch to find out. When should you watch? Well, Easter Sunday, of course is the first airing of the first episode. As I don't have cable, Easter is the only day I'll be able to watch. Follow the link in the title for a schedule in order to check it out for yourself to see what kind of spin they put on people, especially young men, devoting themselves to Christianity and then report back here since I won't be able to watch. Afterwards, embark on your own journey to decide whether you should be devoted to God or a girl ^_^
Paix du Christ!
Paix du Christ!
Monday, April 10, 2006
Terse Verse - Ruth 1:16
But Ruth said, "Do not ask me to abandon or forsake you! for wherever you go I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge, your people shall be my people, and your God my God.
Today's verse came from the TEC retreat, of course. There was a song based on Ruth 1:16-17 that we would sing as we followed the Paschal candle where we were going; dinner, talk room, etc. Here are the words to the song (as I can remember them):
Wherever you go, I shall go. Wherever you live, I shall live. Your people will be my people. Your God will be my God too.
Wherever you die, I shall die. There will I be burried beside you, And we will be together forever, And your love will be the gift of our lives.
Ruth is a short book it only has 4 chapters and the chapters average only 21 verses. I'm starting to like this book of the bible. I strongly suggest reading through the whole things since it is short, although you really only need to read the first chapter to get the gist of why Ruth is saying these words here. Ruth's family was slighted, even before Ruth was a part of it. Ruth maried into a family that had moved to Moab from Judah because of a family. The family started to head back for Judah since the famine had passed. On the way, her husband, his brother, and father all died. So, the women married to the brothers and their mother-in-law were all widows. Naomi, the mother-in-law told the women they no longer needed to go back to Judah and could go back to their own lands. But they both cried because the custom was that the family (assuming there were other men) the women married into are supposed to take care of them. She explained to them that she had lost 2 husbands and both of her sons and there was no way she could take care of them. She shows that she wants the women to be treated well and she knew that she couldn't do that, she also seemed to not want to drag them into the cursed life that she seemed to have. One of the women left and went back to her people, but Ruth insisted on staying with her and recites this passage. You'll have to read the rest of the book to find out if Ruth's piety pays off.
In the story, Naomi tells the women they can go back to their own people and their own god. Which lets us know that Ruth is not Jewish by birth. However, she seems to accepted this new God she found by marrying into this family as she says "your God will be my God." Her words prove her loyalty to her new family and her faithfulness to her new God. This verse and song title sure do ring true in my life right now, as I have trusted God in his calling me to move to a new city. Not knowing anyone, not knowing anything about the area, I have had to truly rely on Christ to lead me on right paths. Church was the only constant from my previous life to now, the place where I could find comfort. In my experience, the statements are pretty commutative. It's as if I could be telling Christ that I will follow Him wherever He leads me in life and that I will do my best to accept the people I find as His people. It could also be Christ speaking the words to let me know that there is no where I can go to hide, and wherever I live, He will also be there and have His people embrace me, and whenever I die He will be with me all the way to the grave. This verse is just so wonderful that the subject or object can be referring to me or to Christ and still mean something at any time in life.
You don't have to move to a new city to fully rely on Christ; just remember, that wherever you go in life, whatever you are doing Christ is there and be ready and willing to go wherever Christ leads you life.
Paix du Christ!
Encountering Christ
WOW! What a great weekend! As I stated, I went on a retreat this past weekend in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. The TEC retreat is originally a "Teens Encounter Christ" retreat (No, you're right, I'm not a teen); however, Atlanta and a few other places across the country have adapted it for young adults to stand for "To Encounter Christ." TEC apparently has been around for 41 years, and has branched out to a total of 4 movements; also including "Troops Encounter Christ" and REC - "Residents Encounter Christ" (apparently for inmates).
Now, I'm supposing that all of the afforementioned retreats are basically the same. I understand there are probably differences, but my experience is solely with the young adult version, of course. I'll share some of my experiences, but don't expect a schedule or detail of events. I prefer not to ruin retreat experiences for others.
The basic overview of the retreat is the Paschal Mystery, which makes it a woderful retreat, for the most part, for Palm Sunday as a reflection to open Holy Week. The retreat takes place over 3 days and each day has it's own theme. "Die Day" is the first day that goes over self-sacrifice in our lives that are an outward sign of love, just as Christ showed on the cross at the beginning of His Paschal Mystery. "Rise Day" is the second day where you come to realize that you really are commited to Christ, just as He rose from His death on Easter Sunday. The last day is "Go Day" where you get to be one with the community and go forth with Christ in the Holy Spirit into the world, just as His apostles did on the first pentecost. The only reservations I had with the retreat being on Palm Sunday is the alleluia songs that came mostly on this last day including prior to the Gospel reading during the closing Mass. So, I didn't sing any of the songs with alleluia in them, problem solved ^_^
The weekend was VERY long, busy, and physically draining (our retreat was 3 days, Fri. 11:00 to Sun. 17:00 and beside eating breaks, 15 min bathroom break, and if you stayed up late at night, the only substantial break was for 3/2 hours). But very, very good. It is by far the best retreat I have been on or probably led since I've been in High School. If anyone knows someone trying to discern if they should go on a TEC retreat, don't suggest them to go ... MAKE them go. There's a few similarities to the Chrisian Awakening retreat experience, one of them is the similarity to the "4th Day"and "Go Day," others you may be able to figure out (especially if you go ^_- ), but like I said, I'm not going into lots of details. However, the best part was all the sacrements. All of the sacrements that most Catholics have experienced that this point in their life is represented (Reconcilliation, Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist), either by participating in the sacrament or renewing vows and being blessed with water and anoited with oil. Still there is something more amazing than the sacrements, taking to the lord. That's right adoration. When I applied, I was hoping there would be reconcilliation as there were (woohoo not anymore ^_^ ) somethings I was finally ready to get off my chest and I was hoping to get an opportunity before Easter. On the way out, I thought it would be cool if there was adoration. I even thought about asking the priest before Sundy Mass if he could just consecrate some extra Jesus so I could have my own prayer time if there wasn't. Well, needless to say, I didn't have to wory about it. There is adoration upon adoration at the retreat.
Paix du Christ!
Now, I'm supposing that all of the afforementioned retreats are basically the same. I understand there are probably differences, but my experience is solely with the young adult version, of course. I'll share some of my experiences, but don't expect a schedule or detail of events. I prefer not to ruin retreat experiences for others.
The basic overview of the retreat is the Paschal Mystery, which makes it a woderful retreat, for the most part, for Palm Sunday as a reflection to open Holy Week. The retreat takes place over 3 days and each day has it's own theme. "Die Day" is the first day that goes over self-sacrifice in our lives that are an outward sign of love, just as Christ showed on the cross at the beginning of His Paschal Mystery. "Rise Day" is the second day where you come to realize that you really are commited to Christ, just as He rose from His death on Easter Sunday. The last day is "Go Day" where you get to be one with the community and go forth with Christ in the Holy Spirit into the world, just as His apostles did on the first pentecost. The only reservations I had with the retreat being on Palm Sunday is the alleluia songs that came mostly on this last day including prior to the Gospel reading during the closing Mass. So, I didn't sing any of the songs with alleluia in them, problem solved ^_^
The weekend was VERY long, busy, and physically draining (our retreat was 3 days, Fri. 11:00 to Sun. 17:00 and beside eating breaks, 15 min bathroom break, and if you stayed up late at night, the only substantial break was for 3/2 hours). But very, very good. It is by far the best retreat I have been on or probably led since I've been in High School. If anyone knows someone trying to discern if they should go on a TEC retreat, don't suggest them to go ... MAKE them go. There's a few similarities to the Chrisian Awakening retreat experience, one of them is the similarity to the "4th Day"and "Go Day," others you may be able to figure out (especially if you go ^_- ), but like I said, I'm not going into lots of details. However, the best part was all the sacrements. All of the sacrements that most Catholics have experienced that this point in their life is represented (Reconcilliation, Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist), either by participating in the sacrament or renewing vows and being blessed with water and anoited with oil. Still there is something more amazing than the sacrements, taking to the lord. That's right adoration. When I applied, I was hoping there would be reconcilliation as there were (woohoo not anymore ^_^ ) somethings I was finally ready to get off my chest and I was hoping to get an opportunity before Easter. On the way out, I thought it would be cool if there was adoration. I even thought about asking the priest before Sundy Mass if he could just consecrate some extra Jesus so I could have my own prayer time if there wasn't. Well, needless to say, I didn't have to wory about it. There is adoration upon adoration at the retreat.
Paix du Christ!
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Movin' Around
Sorry about the slow posts lately. We've been moving into a new office building at work, so that took some time getting packed up and then starting to get settled here at the new place.
This past weekend, a group from MI came through on their way to help on the coast. They contacted our church looking for a place to spend the night. Instead of putting them on floors, we decided to find homes for them to sleep in. Well having my own apartment to myself, I offered what I could. They paired me up with one of the guys.
Their idea was to arrive for the fish fry around 6:00 and watch the wonderful slide show I helped our youth minister put together with pictures of our kids on the coast (which you can view at the web site) and music, and then to stations of the cross. Apparently they got stuck in traffic in Nashville (who doesn't?); so, they didn't arrive until 9:30. A few of us hung around, while we were in the back of church, the tornado sirens start going off while there is adoration going on in the sanctuary. I guess if I had to choose a place to be during a torando, I guess church with adoration would probably be about as good as you'd get. Fortunately, the sirens went off after about 15 minutes since the trouble area started heading more north.
The MI crew was definitely a great group of people. there were about 5 cars/vans full of them and their was a mixture of teens, young adults, middle aged, older people, and a couple of 2 year olds. Its wonderful to be helping those helping others when you don't have to really go out of the way. Well, Gene decided to get some sleep when he got in, since he had to get right back up and start another full day of driving in less than 12 hours. Unfortunately, I had to stay up since my mom and brother informed me that they would be coming down that night, and yes, they also had to go through Nashville and got held up in traffic. So, by 2:00 in the morning, it was a full house with 4 very tired people knocked out. Gene and I got up and I cooked him a hearty southern breakfast (can you believe there are still people out there that have never had grits ?!?). The rest of the weekend was a blast having visitors and being able to hang out with the family. And the best way to end the weekend of course is Mass with the youth!
I'm headed out my office door on the way to a young adult retreat in Atlanta. Hopefully, after wards I will be able to recomend it to all of you ^_- This weekend, don't please keep the retreat in your prayers, also don't forget that some spring breaks are ending and others are beginning, so keep the safety of all those travelers, especially the kids in your prayers.
Paix du Christ!
This past weekend, a group from MI came through on their way to help on the coast. They contacted our church looking for a place to spend the night. Instead of putting them on floors, we decided to find homes for them to sleep in. Well having my own apartment to myself, I offered what I could. They paired me up with one of the guys.
Their idea was to arrive for the fish fry around 6:00 and watch the wonderful slide show I helped our youth minister put together with pictures of our kids on the coast (which you can view at the web site) and music, and then to stations of the cross. Apparently they got stuck in traffic in Nashville (who doesn't?); so, they didn't arrive until 9:30. A few of us hung around, while we were in the back of church, the tornado sirens start going off while there is adoration going on in the sanctuary. I guess if I had to choose a place to be during a torando, I guess church with adoration would probably be about as good as you'd get. Fortunately, the sirens went off after about 15 minutes since the trouble area started heading more north.
The MI crew was definitely a great group of people. there were about 5 cars/vans full of them and their was a mixture of teens, young adults, middle aged, older people, and a couple of 2 year olds. Its wonderful to be helping those helping others when you don't have to really go out of the way. Well, Gene decided to get some sleep when he got in, since he had to get right back up and start another full day of driving in less than 12 hours. Unfortunately, I had to stay up since my mom and brother informed me that they would be coming down that night, and yes, they also had to go through Nashville and got held up in traffic. So, by 2:00 in the morning, it was a full house with 4 very tired people knocked out. Gene and I got up and I cooked him a hearty southern breakfast (can you believe there are still people out there that have never had grits ?!?). The rest of the weekend was a blast having visitors and being able to hang out with the family. And the best way to end the weekend of course is Mass with the youth!
I'm headed out my office door on the way to a young adult retreat in Atlanta. Hopefully, after wards I will be able to recomend it to all of you ^_- This weekend, don't please keep the retreat in your prayers, also don't forget that some spring breaks are ending and others are beginning, so keep the safety of all those travelers, especially the kids in your prayers.
Paix du Christ!
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