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.

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!

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:

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!

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

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!

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!

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!

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!

Holy Blood, Holy Grail, Holy WHAT?!?!?

Remember this guy, Michael Baigent? Yeah the guy who wrote Holy Blood, Holy Grail. The book that is supposedly started the fact to end all facts that led to the Da Vinci Code. But, wait it gets better. Apparently there's more than just Jesus being married and whatever other nonsense he contrives in the book. That's right. He has another book coming out entitled Jesus Papers. Apparently Jesus survived the crucifixion and other facinatingly absurd claims he makes in order to bring out the "truth" about Jesus. What a nut! Let's see, for anyone that could bore themselves through the excerpt of that book, his conclusive documents are on papyrus and mummy writings kept in 2 wooden boxes in a London bank, these documents are owned by a Jordanian and apparently the Vatican is attempting to purchase for $5.6 million and would then (as the author puts it) vanish into limbo.

Okay, to review. He is in London, a really foggy and rainy city - therefore humid; he's in a bank conference room with frosted windows, no apparent climate control or means by with which to perserve the authenticity of the documents; The people with which he is meeting wants him to take pictures for the sell, but they are planning on just sending the negatives of through Wal-Mart or where ever; he talks them into letting him developing them, I'm sure they wouldn't expect him to make a copy for himself AT ALL; he takes his only set to a museum to find out what they are about and the guy he knows well isn't there, so he just hands them over to some expert there he doesn't know (good job, way to think); the guy with his set of the photos disappears and the museum couldn't give a flip.

Raise your hand if you find something TERRIBLY WRONG with any of this. Yeah, thought so, you can put your hands down now. I have a feeling that I won't be reading it. The only reason I read DVC was so I would know what others are talking about. How can you argue (def. - intelligibly create a series of premises and not just taking up a contrary position). If people really start taking off on this bull, I'll have to suffer through it to be able to talk with them about it. Otherwise, have a great life Mr. Baigent and I'm glad I'm not you when you pass on.

Paix du Christ!

Sad news from home

This past weekend, I found out that a family friend, Andy Zagar died suddenly from a massive heart attack. Andy was only 49, and a middle school teacher. During his years in E-town, he has taught choir at both middle schools and a high school, he directed school and community plays usually all done with students for actors. He was very dedicated to children and teaching them the joys of the arts especially singing. His funeral today is starting in about 1/2 an hour. He will definitely be a missed member of the community. His wife runs a dance school and they have adopted 2 children both under the age of 11. Please keep his family in your prayers as they go through such a hard time to figure out how to piece their lives together in order to carry on in the best possible way.

Paix du Christ!

Bishops in town

Yesterday the parish of St. Joseph celebrated the feast of St. Joseph ^_^ Yes, I keep hearing from everyone that the date is supposed to be the 19th, but since that fell on a Sunday this year the bishops moved the optional celebration to Monday. Well, St. Joseph's parish has had a novena for the past nine days (of course) culminating with a Mass on the 20th with Bishop Emeritus Foley. Although the congregation was a little on the lite side for having the Bishop in town (about 60 people), it was a nice celebration. Granted, there was a combined choir which hadn't practiced all of the songs, which kinda got hairy once or twice. I had two different rythms in my ears once and neither of them were correct, so I just concentrated, belted it out and tried to plough through with anyone else that might have been on the right track. The bishop had quite a few nice things to say about the church's adoptive father. At the end of Mass, before he closed us out he said that he was sure if Joseph was here he would make sure to remember Mary since he was such a humble man and for us all to say a Hail Mary together. Bishop Foley also has a great and strong singing voice during the Eucharistic prayer. He gave us an update on the search for his successor. Basically, they are working on it. We heard how the Nuncio had retired so they had to wait for a new one to be appointed, and how Italian paperwork usually moves pretty slowly in the first place. Hopefully he'll get some reprieve soon, it looked like he was thinking sometime this summer or fall possibly. Just keep the selection in your prayers that Birmingham will receive a strong leader and one who cares about the youth and the future of the church.

Paix du Christ!

Slow posts and heavenly parties

Sorry about the slow posting recently and not getting anything up last week. Alot started happening last week between getting the Youth Group ready to go on their mission trip to Bayou La Batre to do some manual labor to help the hurricane victims, not having power at work for a whole day, trying to catch up after the power outage, my apartment complex loosing water pressure, hearing about some all-of-a-sudden deaths from back home, and playing some of Empire at War (a present) I haven't had much extra time recently. So, I do appologize.

Fortunately, a lot of great things happened this weekend. The youth group actually left for the gulf coast to help out. There's about 12 people (including drivers) on the trip. Keep them in your prayers.

I went to the Ceili Rain concert at Bellarmine University in Louisville. An excellent group as always! Although I've ripped all their CD's to my computer (yes, I have legal copies of them all), I lost one of their CD's during my move. So, I had to buy it to fill the hole in my CD case. Plus the cover makes a great place for signatures. If Ceili Rain is ever within driving distance, I highly suggest dropping everything else and going. I've never seen a concert price higher than $10. They are charged with extremely high energy even if it's just a small turn out like this weekend. It's all great christian music (and some people wouldn't know that if you didn't tell them). They have an awesome sound.

And most importantly, I heard from some old and great friends. After the concert, as I was going to bed, I was shocked to see a text message from a girl that used to be in high school plays with me. I finally was able to call her back on my way down to Huntsville. Since she lives in Nashville now, she told me to stop by. How cool is that. While I was there, my best friend from elementary school calls her cell phone so she surprises us both by having me answer it. Another friend that I have tried to keep in touch with was at church and I actually got to tell her happy birthday on her birthday! We've tried to keep in touch sometimes, but most of our contact information is old, but we actually got to update it this weekend. It really is exceptionally wonderful to hear from those golden friendships and I really hope I can do better to stay in touch with them.

Paix du Christ!

Celebrating

Due to St. Aloysius' and my birthday, I'm postponing the rest of my RVM posts to resume next week.

Paix du Christ!

Most Recent Morning News

There were some updates in the local television news this morning about the arsonists. Apparently the first night of fires with the first five churches were the "prank." The four about a week later were a diversion to cover their tracks. Which makes sense with the students being from Birmingham. Since Bibb county where the first five where is just south and right outside of Birmingham, and the other three counties are further east it would lead the investigation out that way. Hey, I was suspecting students from UA, with the pattern. They aren't saying what leads helped them to the culprits, but the reporters did mention that they were able to match the tire tracks at one of the crime sense to one of the boys' vehicle. Hopefully, the congregations will be able to rebuild and go on with their lives. I know it will be hard as the secretary here said that one of the churches was where her cousin goes and it has helped in causing her cousin to have a stroke. So, there are still huge impacts past the property damage that these people will have to overcome. I also pray for the reconcilliation of these three kids with God.

Paix du Christ!

Alabama Church fires a thing of the past

Apparently the church fires were all a hoax. No, they did happen, but 3 college students have been arrested and say they just started doing it as a prank. So much for the FBI profilers, remember they said that it was 2 males in their late 20's to 30's. But these kids are only 19. They could face up to 20 years in prison for their actions. I guess the joke's on them. I will mention that my main prediction was that it was probably a couple college kids with nothing better to do. But that guess was just because all of the counties involved seemed to center around Tuscaloosa; however, these kids apparently go to Birmingham-Southern College.

I went around work to show people the story and to ask their opinions. Well, generally people think that there's something more than it just being a prank and think that's the story so they can possibly get out of an hate crime convictions. Their are a few fishy elements to the prank story that will probably have to be worked out. Like why continue to 9 churches over a couple weeks if it was just a "prank?" Also, why were all the churches Baptist churches? I'm sure there are plenty of other rual denominations in central Alabama instead of simply cherry picking Baptist churches.

Paix du Christ!

Terse Verse - Matthew 9:36

At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.

The first part of this verse appears at the top of the lenten message from Benedict XVI. In his message, the Pope says that this Gospel text is his theme for the season of lent.

This verse appears in Matthew after Jesus has performed a series of Miracles and Jesus is going around preaching in the synagogues. The crowd at which he shows pity are those who are coming to hear Jesus speak. These souls are troubled and have either been abandoned by the pharisees and priests, or they themselves had abandoned their religion becase their faith was waning. These people were streaming in to hear Jesus so that he might be able to give them some hope and maybe re-kindle their beliefs. They needed someone to follow as a guide like a shepherd prods his sheep in the right direction. Christ seeing their desire for faith had pity on them included them among the "ripe for harvesting." In today's world, Jesus still has pity on the people longing for faith that come to him no matter how troubled we are. Sheep constantly are straying away from the shepherd looking for food, but that search can always be dangerous when you get away from the flock. But, the shepherd always searches to bring the lost sheep back to the flock and on the right path. We too will continue to stray away from Christ, but Christ always has pity on us so that He goes looking for us to bring us back to the crowd.

Paix du Christ!

Theology Thursday - RVM 9-17

Every follower of Christ delvs into Christian contemplation. What is Christian contemplation? "To look upon the face of Christ, to recognize its mystery amid the daily events and the sufferings of his human life, and then to grasp the divine splendor definitively revealed in the Risen Lord, seated in glory at the right hand of the Father." The best role model for Christian contemplation is his mother Mary. Mary was the first to look upon the face of Christ with so much joy, Mary was the first to recognize and accept His divinity when as she said, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to your word." The rosary is centered on the events in Christ's life and is therefore a Christocentric prayer. When we enter into the christian contemplation upon praying the rosary we are reflecting and contemplating upon any of 20 events in Christ's life, but we try to imagine what it would be like to view His life through the eyes of His mother, the very first and best model of Christianity.

Some people chastise others for saying the rosary because it's just a meaningless repitition. Which, for some people some of the time, is unfortunately true. But, without the contemplation on Christ's life, the rosary is essentially a "body without a soul." St. Louis Grignion de Montfort writes that "one Hail Mary said well is worth more than one-hundred and fifty said badly." (The Secret of the Rosary, 116)

Christ is the supreme Teacher, and we must strive to learn and understand what he taught. As Christians, we strive to be like Christ; in order to be Christ-like, we must learn and understand Christ himself and not just solely his teachings. Spiritually, the Holy Spirit is our guide down this path, but as humans, we typically need something concrete or experiences to learn from. Who better to be our teach on the subject of Christ than Mary? The first miracle performed by Jesus at the wedding in Cana, Mary shows that she is a teacher of Christ as she convinces the servants to do what Jesus commands. Most likely, she continued being a teacher after He died with His apostles. So too, we should go to Mary to learn from her teaching.

Paix du Christ!

Ashes, ashes...

If you haven't already done so, I encourage you to follow the link in the title to view the Holy Father's message for the season of lent 2006. It's only a couple of printed pages long and he has quite a few good points to make.

There are two types of poverty in the world: physical and spiritual. One comes from an inabitlity to meet basic material and social needs and the other is a lack of fulfillment of the profound desires of the hears. It is impossible to seperate the two.

However, evil, espcially poverty, is imposed a divine limit, which is called mercy. Christ has a mercy for each individual person no matter who they are that he defends us at at the cost of his own life. This "gaze" of Christ's compassion continues to fall upon us all today. Lent is a a spiritual pilgrimage towards Christ. As we strive to move closer to Christ, we should also look with compassion upon those around us and show the same mercy of Christ's love.

Paix du Christ!

Terse Verse - John 12:24

As I try to get back on schedule here after having a lot on my plate for the past couple weeks, especially now that the Monk Rock concert is over, I'm going to use a verse that I heard last night. This verse was mentioned by Tom Booth last night before he sang one of his songs, which was inspired by it, called "Slipping." And it just got me thinking, alot, during his singing last night.

Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.

God is calling us each and every day to die. Not necessarily die in a physical way, of course we are all going to die someday. But, God calls us to let go of something, let go of ourselves each day. Only by letting go and letting that part of ourselves die, will we provide fertile ground for God to cultivate us so that we can bear much fruit. What is it that God is calling you to let go of, which part of you do you have to let die?

Paix du Christ!

Monks Rock!

Wow, yesterday I had a wonderful opportunity to join a 76 member, 9 church, ecumenical choir (6 Catholic, 2 Presbyterian, 1 Methodist) when John Michael Talbot brought his Monk Rock Tour band to Huntsville for a concert. Included in this band were 3 other great Contempoaray Christian artists. Tom Booth, John's brother Terry, and Joe Hand. I'd never really heard Terry's songs before, or Joe's. Although John was spiritual, Tom is an excellent artist, and Terry was good and funny, Joe was a great guy. Joe played the bass and was the closest to the choir. As soon as he went up on stage for a sound check, he started chatting and cutting up with us. He was always smiling and very positive. Unfortunately, we weren't blessed with any of the song's he has written, but I did buy a CD to be able to hear his songs ^_^ It was an excellent evening of Christian music and fellowship! Definitely a wonderful way to start looking toward the lenten season.

If you haven't noticed, I've added the Unseen Blog to the list on the right. Also, In lieu of my most recent musical experience, be looking for links to blogs of Christian artists (mainly JMT, Joe Hand, and Ceili Rain).

Paix du Christ!

Theology Thursday - Rosarium Virginis Mariae 1-8

Today, I figured we could start looking at the Apostolic Letter from John Paul the Great entitled Rosarium Virginis Mariae (The Rosary of the Virgin Mary). It's a very reverent and uplifting document of the church and a great reminder of the wonderful gift we have in the rosary and that we should all pray it.

At the beginning, the Pope states that the rosary is "simple yet profound," the hardest part of the rosary is probably the apostles' creed at the beginning. other than that, the rosary is prayed with 3 short prayers and focused on events in the life of Christ. Most people don't realize that although the rosary appears to be totally Marian (and sometimes as worshipping Mary to the non-catholic), the rosary is really a prayer centered on Christ.

He continues in the next section by describing how many Popes have exaulted the wonders of the rosary. John Paul even said that the rosary is his favorite prayer. Do to the many graces he received from the rosary, he dedicated most of his papacy to the rosary. In our experiences, we can all relate to the joy and sorrow expressed in Christ's life through the rosary. "Thus the simple prayer of the Rosary marks the rythm of human life."

In the fouth section, we see where people, even within the Church that might have problems with the rosary. The first objections is that the only prayer they should be concerned with is the Liturgy. However, Paul VI tells us that the rosary doesn't take anything away from the Mass, but sustains it as it brings the Liturgy into our daily lives by meditating on the events in Christ's life. Others think that the rosary may turn off people from other religions because it is praying to Mary. But, the rosary is Christological to its core. The 20 mysteries are based on Christ's life. Also when we honor someone's mother, we honor them, and so it is with Mary and Jesus. The relationship a son has to his mother even comes up in modern culture. Remember Yo' Momma jokes? They were started as a way to really insult someone by slandering their mother. So, with the rosary, the reverse is true, by saying good things about Christ's mother we are raising him up. Also, I've noticed more and more non-catholics taking a liking to the rosary. Many of my co-workers here ask me if I'm currently making a rosary and if they can see it, some of them (non-catholic) even want me to make one for them. I knew an agnostic at my last job who said that he likes and respects the rosary. My friend's wife is a Baptist and prays and even makes rosaries on her own. The Anglicans are even trying to get in on the act, I've heard more people saying they have an "Anglican rosary." I don't have a problem with other religions having prayer beads, but personally I don't like calling it a rosary. I'll stick with Anglican chaplet. So, I see many people outside of the Catholic faith that are drawn towards the rosary.

The most important reason to encourage the rosary is that of self-discipline and spirituality. Both of which seem to be harder and harder to find in today's world. As the rosary is a simple prayer made up of only a few small prayers it is easily taken up on a regular basis and can be prayed anywhere. I believe that God made humans, living rosaries. As long as you can remember which mystery on which you are supposed to be meditating ^_- all you need to do is to use 10 things to keep track of your prayers. Now, how many fingers do you have? In a pinch, you can just count on your fingers.

Historically, the rosary has been used to pray for peace locally and throughout the world. With terrorists attacks, rebels in Iraq trying to start a civil war, Muslim extremists rioting over cartoons in totally other parts of the world, Hamas being elected into national government to increase tensions in the holy lands, the rosary can be a very powerful tool for peace. Also, with traditional family being threatened with homosexual marriages, sexual molestations, high divorce rates, abortions, pre-marital sex, the rosary can be a powerful prayer where remember the familial relationship between Christ and His mother.

Christ himself asked his apostles to treat Mary as their own mother as he stated "Woman, behold your son!" and "Behold, your Mother" in John 19:26-27. Many Christians since then have followed in these footsteps by calling on Mary, their spiritual Mother, in times of need just as they would call on their own mother as a child.

Paix du Christ!

More on fires

This past weekend, more news about fires in Alabama cropped up. There was another attempt at setting fire to a church, but not by the same people as before.

Sunday morning the pastor arrived early in the morning at Chapman Chapel in near Glencoe in southeast Etowah County. What he found was a small blackened burn mark on the outside siding of the church. This incident was reported about 7:30 Sunday morning. Although it drew the attention of the church arson task force here in AL, they are pretty sure this attempt was not by the same perpetrators as the string of 9 (and a possible 10th) linked fires in west-central AL.
Why does it not appear to be linked? First of all, by looking at a map, one finds that Etowah Co. is is in north-east AL (approximately 80 miles south of Huntsville off US Hwy 431). It is in a different part of the state. Also, the other 10 fires were started inside the church around the pulpit area and the churches that were not destroyed had knocked-in back doors (again showing that the fires would have been started inside). This church had a burn mark on the outside and apparently a broken bottle had been found. This bottle would have been filled with a cocktail of flammable liquids and usually tossed at a distance or from a moving car in an attempt to start a fire. Definitely a different approch to setting the fire.

Although the damage was only cosmetic and easily fixable, we should still pray for people who would try to disrespect the property of others, especially when the attempt is to destroy property. We can't let the mind set that arson (especially on churches) is a crime you can get away without punishment.

Paix du Christ!

The bright side of fire

While there's been no news about more church fires or capturing the culprit(s), there have been related stories. One story, which was considered copy-cat (I don't really consider it so), is a boy who set fire to an abandoned church fires, with the supposed motive of simply watching his brother put out the fire. They know who the boy is and have him, apparently he has previously started brushfires. To me that's more of a pyromaniac with issues rather than a copy-cat.

However, a more interesting and brighter story comes from around 150 miles away from the church fires, right here in Madison Co. Apparently, a church congregation which had recently moved to a new location had left the pews in the old building. The new owner of the property, which I believe is become a storage building, doesn't have any use of the pews and decided to donate them to an unfortunate congregation that was a victim of the fires in central AL.

Paix du Christ!

Stranger and stranger

Sorry, for this link you might have to either put in your zip code and gender, or click the link at the bottom to skip it.

I'm not so sure about these people down south in central AL anymore. Shooting cats and cows with crossbows and a dog with a bow and arrow? These shot animals were found in Bibb and Shelby counties. To jog your memory, you might remember that Bibb county is where the first 5 churches burned down and Shelby is adjacent to the northeast. Does anyone else find it a little strange that these two weird acts happen in the same area within the same month?

Paix du Christ!

Dark-sided spouses

I was browsing around the Google Video of the Day blog and found this video. I don't know if anyone watches the FOX show Trading Spouses and might have seen this episode to know exactly what's going on, but did she say "I had to make them go to a Catholic Church?" Does that mean that she's Catholic. I can understand about being wigged out to find out there is a pagan living for a couple weeks with your family where they have to listen and usually do what she tells them to do. But, first pray that God will take care of the situation, and then lets use a little rationale to find out exactly what happened first. I hope this video isn't out there representing Catholics as looneys.

Paix du Christ!

Alabama Church News

Hullo to Name Hidden, and Former Alter Boy. It's great to see some familier faces around here ^_^

I have been keeping my ears open and searching the news (and their websites) for any updates on the hate crime committed at a Catholic church in Decatur AL last Oct. Unfortunately, it seems recently that hate crimes against churches in this area isn't contained.

You all may have heard of the recent church fires in western AL. These hate crimes are heinous, because they not only terrorize, but are quite destructive. I've been trying to do a little extra news investigating this weekend so that I can better inform you. However, this weekend, another church burned up.

Friday, Feb. 3: Early Friday morning (overnight) 5 churches caught on fire and in Bibb Co., just south of Birmingham. Rehobeth Baptist, Ashby Baptist, Old Union Baptist, Pleasant Sabine Baptist, and Antioch Baptist. All 5 churches were rual off-the-road churches, not far from US 82. Most churches were old, some pre-civil war. 4 churches are predominantly white congregations and 1 predominantly black congregation. 3 of the churches burned to the ground and reduced to rubble. 2 are being reported as damaged, but not destroyed. Not being counted from Chilton Co. is a retired church now being used as a thrift store that was set ablaze Thurs. afternoon.

Tuesday, Feb. 7: Early Tuesday morning (again overnight) 4 churches caught on fire in 3 counties on the Mississippi boundary. Spring Valley Baptist Church and Galilee Baptist Church in Sumter Co. , Morning Star Baptist Church in Greene, and Dancy Baptist Church in Pickens Co. This time all within 25 miles of each other, all rual, all baptist, all old buildings, and all predominantly black.

At this point, there are plenty of ATF and FBI federal investigators around these areas. Although, copycat is on the radar, they are pretty sure that all 9 fires are linked and probably the same people. The leads that they have released to the news are a supposed sighting of 2 white males in a dark SUV, probably a Pathfinder at one of the churches. The investigators also said they have lifted a shoe print at one of the sites.

Saturday, Feb. 11: Beaverton Freewill Baptist Church in Lamar Co. is set on fire. This time, the fire is set a little after 4 in the afternoon in the daylight unlike the others that occured under the cover of night. This church is on the MS border just north of the previous 3 counties, predominantly white, baptist, rual, and an older building. Investigators have definitely ruled this church fire caused by arson, but cannot, yet, conclusively link it to the other 9 churches, but are very suspicious.

For everyone keeping count here is a recap. Within 8 days of each other, 10 churches have been set on fire in 5 different counties. All are baptist. All are older and rual buildings. 5 are predominantly white, 5 are predominantly black. A thrift store which used to be a church was set on fire in an adjacent county.

Who are these people? Who knows. People that hate established religion? Some one and his friend who have been estranged/abused/ostrisized by a baptist church? A satan worshiper? Someone who likes fires? College kids with nothing to do but play nasty pranks? No one really knows, these are just some speculations off the top of my head. The FBI profilers believe these are 2 white men in there 20 or early 30's who know what they are doing and how to do it quickly. However, to shine some good light on the subject, at least these people are choosing churches at times most likely not to have anyone in them, instead of apartment buildings where people could definitely be injured or killed. But, these acts are definitely horrible. Police all across Northern Alabama have been building in more frequent stops past churches, especially more rual ones. Let's all keep these Baptist brethren in our prayers that they may have fortitude and find forgiveness in their hearts, the law agents that they have the strength and wisdom to carry out their jobs, and especially the perpetrators that they may have the repentance to stop these fires. On Thursday, mobile units had started moving into the area to aid some of the congregations find a temporary home. It's nice to see communities bonding together to help each other. Currently, the reward money for help in capturing the ciminals is upto $77,000. If I have time today, I hope to find some pictures of locations on the map to give you a better idea. Here is a page for Rehobeth, one of the first 5 churches that was totally destroyed. I like the header on the front page, "God is Love" (which of course is Deus Caritas Est), you can click on the photos link at the top to see a picure of the church, the devastation, and the room they have found nearby to use for worship. I will also keep you informed if any more information comes across in the news.

Paix du Christ!

Stop Hatin' on Catholics

Once I got back to watch the Super Bowl, it was already half time. Most of the commercials weren't very good this year, so I flipped from the game to Crossing Jordan during commercials. It's only 2 channels away since I don't care to pay for cable. In the middle of a change, I noticed a picture of JP, of course I had to stop. As soon as I did, I remembered what the channel was between ABC and NBC - 3ABN. That's right, the Seventh Day Adventist channel. I groaned, and then as they started talking, I painfully watched part of it until I figured the timeout was over.

These vultures have to attck the Church by attacking a man when he's dead. What morons. JP's funeral was acclaimed to be the largest attend in history, President Bush as well as most former presidents attended the funeral, many national and religious leaders from all over the world attended, and were the premise for their argument that the Catholic Church is the beast in revelation, will force it's power on the United States, and take over the world to become the great anti-christ. They also noted that JP appeared on the cover of Time a record 16 times, and said how horrible that was. Apparently we Catholics have a goal of converting a majority of voters in all precincts according to the Glenmary website. The program was also date since they said that if Roberts was confirmed that there would be 4 Catholics on the Supreme Court (can you really count Kennedy?).

You know why so many people attended the Pope's funeral, you know he was on the cover of Time so many times, you know why none of the SDA leaders will ever see these things happen to them? Because the Pope (JP, as well as Benedict) is a man of peace and kindness. JP was the most world-wide influence on the fall of communism and he did all of his work through peace and love. The SDA message on the other hand is all about hate and division. Make people hate the Catholic Church with their lies so they leave the Church. Divide all christians so the SDA can further spread their falsehoods. When I turn on 3ABN, I continually hear hatred, mostly towards Catholics, but towards anyone who isn't SDA. No one's gonna attend a funeral of anyone with that attitude. I have a hard time believing that a church that vommits all that hatred is Christ's Church. Although they are considered christian, I am having a hard time calling them christian, because true Christians wouldn't say the things they do about everyone else.

I'll keep watching 3ABN off and on. Not too listen to the messages, you want me to listen, then you at least have to act christian. But, to improve my appologetics. Watching this channel, I can at least hear attacks and have time to polish any responses with out being in the middle of a personal fire fight.

Paix du Christ!

Where's the Reverence?

This past weekend I attended 3 Masses (singing at all 3), 2 different priests presided. An older, retired priest presided at the first Mass. He had an absolutely outstanding homily. He said he was standing there noticing how wonderful the Gloria sounded in the church and then he looked up and noticed that many people were just there and not singing (not participating in Mass). He also mentioned that sometimes he wonders how many people walk into a church and notice Jesus. He's always present and visible in the tabernacle, but how many people stop to think and recoginze that it is actually Christ, how many people think to say a prayer or thank the Lord for his gifts in life and his presence. Some may have noticed that this past weekend was Scout Sunday (always the first Sun. in Feb.) where any troops, packs, etc. are recognized and thank their charter organizations (usually churches) and typically participate as ushers, greeting people, breakfast afterwards, or other ministries. At the end of the second Mass, the pack and troop were both recognized and came forward to present the charters to the church. The priest preceded to place the framed charters on the altar. Now, I love all of the priests here (even the handful of retired ones who help out), I think they all have great personalities and are great people. But sometimes I can't say that they are all reverent. Some priests refuse to have announcements at the end of Mass as they believe it would disrupt the solemn setting that had just been set by the Mass. But one priest always insists on telling a story or two with a comic punchline at the end of Mass. The third Mass was a Youth Mass that typically only has 10-20 people present (held once a month for the high schoolers in Youth Ministry). The same priest presided at this small Mass. It seems that in this small setting people tend to forget how to be Catholic and no one wants to correct anyone else. People sometimes don't kneel and stand. In fact, this last time, when people started to shuffle to kneel, the priest said "Oh, that's okay you don't have to stand...(people are starting kneel)...but if you want to kneel, I guess you can." So, people are just supposed to sit during the Eucharistic prayer. While eating some of the adults mentioned how they wish Father could be at every Mass because he's so welcoming and how he's still reverent while doing it. Sure, I like some of the things he does differently, but full of reverence is not something I would use to describe the whole of his Masses. Buy condoning priests that don't follow the rules, what are we telling kids these days. Priests should be shepherds and set examples for the people. Maybe people today are being less reverent because of the examples they happen to see in front of them at the altar.

Paix du Christ!

Super Sister Update

GMA reported on Sister's trip to the Super Bowl this morning. Although most of her weekend was filled with a schedule of Super Bowl event, Sister still started off Sunday morning with Mass. She enjoyed just being at the Super Bowl even though her Colts weren't playing. Most people treated her like a celebrity, wanting to shake her hand and get pictures with her, what a great time it must have been for her. Although most people recognized her from the news show, there was someone that tried to buy her ticket for $5,000 (guess he didn't recognize her). Guess a Sister just has more moral values than to scalp her ticket (even if that money could have been used for a good cause). You go, Sister.

Paix du Christ!

Super Sister Mary John

We've all heard of flyin' nuns, but ever heard of a bowlin' nun? This morning on GMA, the winner of the Greatest Football Fan in America Challenge was announced. And the winner is Sister Mary John. Sister is the chaplain at St. Vincent's Hospital in Indianapolis and a dedicated Colts fan. This old nun LOVES football. Her friends at the hospital submitted her entry video on her behalf because she's such a kind and loving person. When Mike Barr showed up to surprise her, he couldn't hardly get a word in becasue Sister had to hug and thank everyone there. Finally, he got to tell her that her prizes were a limo to the airport, a plane trip, dinner with Peyton Manning, a hotel, 2 tickets to Super Bowl XL, and backstage passes to an ESPN show. And who says nuns don't know how to have fun? While your watching Pitt play Seatle, look for Sisters Mary John and Catherine in the 11th row, what great seats. If you missed the story, I strongly suggest going to their page and watch her segment as well as her entry video. Sister predicts the Steelers will win by the width of a safety (27-25), don't call your bookie just yet. Sister ended with some great words of advice for fans (especially Ville fans, they are so unpredictable, but it's great when they are ontop like last year, this year not so hot), she says she doesn't pray to win a game she just asks to be able to accept the outcome whatever it is.

Paix du Christ!

The best feast day

Today is the feast of St. Blaise. This was definitely my favorite feast day growing up. In elementary school, we would go to church and during Mass our throats would be blessed. It's not any normal blessing, you walk up (like a communion or ash wednesday line) and the priest has two candle sticks and would cross them like an X with the ends on either side of your neck as he said the blessing. Why use candle's? Well, why not? As I said yesterday it was Candlemas, which traditionally was the end of the Christmas season and the candles in the church were blessed (hence the name candle mass = candlemas). Since you just blessed the candles the day before, why not use them in a blessing on St. Blaise Day? And then we have the coolest blessing on any feast day. May all of your throats stay healthy!

Paix du Christ!

Happy Candlemas

...or Presentation of the Lord, which ever you prefer.

Well, today I finally did it. I finally bought a Sirius receiver and activated it. No, I'm not a Stern junkie at all (don't even like the show). The whole reason I settled on Sirius is because I'm an Catholic Answers junkie. That's right, after moving from Kentucky to northern Alabama, I miss being able to switch my radio over to the local EWTN station and seeing what's on. I got Sirius solely for the Catholic Radio station; Stern, OutQ, and a few other off-color channels will definitely be locked with a code, so if I'm on youth group events, the kids can't get to them and listen to things they shouldn't (especially on a church trip). EWTN is great to listen to in the car, and you can find out a lot of information about being Catholic, or even other people's faiths just by tuning it on. If you can't get Catholic radio in your area, check out Sirius.

Paix du Christ!

One small step for life

Today, Judge Alito was confirmed by a senate vote of 58-42. One Republican from Rhode Island, Lincoln Chafee, voted no, but four democrats (Robert Byrd of West Virginia, Kent Conrad of North Dakota, Tim Johnson of South Dakota and Ben Nelson of Nebraska) gave a yes vote. Alito will be installed on Wednesday as Justice Alito and hopefully will move this country in the right direction to be re-born into a culture of life.

Paix du Christ!

Terse Verse - 1 John 4:16

We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.

If this verse sounds fairly familiar from recent events, it should. This verse is the very first line of Deus Caritas Est. As christians, we should take this verse to heart. Christians believe that God can be found in all of creation, especially the perfect creation of man. If God resides in all of us and we say that we love God, then we should only love others. However, sin exists and seduces us with jealousy, greed, etc. that makes people hate one another. If we find ourselves in that situation, then we must stop and remind ourselves, that we would be saying we hate God himself. "Whoever remains in love remains in God." Without God there is no room in one's heart for love, which only leads us to emptiness and evil. The writer in 1 John is responding to people who feel betrayed, he tells them to respond with love instead of anger. We should definitely take heed of his words when it's hard to see God's love around us.

Paix du Christ!

Theology Thursday - CCC Abortion

Continuing the theme of pro-life that has filled this week as the 33rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, The Catechism covers abortion in paragraphs 2270-2275.

2270
Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person - among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.

My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately wrought in the depths of the earth.

Here, spelled out in black and white, is stated that ALL human life must be respected. We are all created in God's image and the human body is a temple of God and we must realize and respect that God resides inside each one of us. If there is any question as to if the first moment of existence is at birth or before, we are even provided with scriptural references which state that God knew us as human beings while being created in the womb.

2271
Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law:

You shall not kill the embryo by abortion and shall not cause the newborn to perish.

God, the Lord of life, has entrusted to men the noble mission of safeguarding life, and men must carry it out in a manner worthy of themselves. Life must be protected with the utmost care from the moment of conception: abortion and infanticide are abominable crimes.

Unlike other churches which change their stance about truh to stay more "modern," the Church upholds that the Truth is constant and unchanging which should always be defended. This paragraph even states that abortion cannot be either an end or a means to an end. What to these two philosophical terms describe? Abortion as an end in itself would be to use abortion as a measure of birth control simply that the intent is to end an unplanned pregnancy or an intent solely to end the baby's life. Abortion as a means to an end would be using abortion to "undo" the effects of a rape, to keep the couple financially stable until better times, to not bring shame upon them. Basically there is no excuse for having an abortion; there are plenty of viable and moral alternatives to having an abortion.

2272
Formal cooperation in an abortion constitutes a grave offense. The Church attaches the canonical penalty of excommunication to this crime against human life. "A person who procures a completed abortion incurs excommunication latae sententiae," "by the very commission of the offense," and subject to the conditions provided by Canon Law. The Church does not thereby intend to restrict the scope of mercy. Rather, she makes clear the gravity of the crime committed, the irreparable harm done to the innocent who is put to death, as well as to the parents and the whole of society.

Here's a kick in the head. Anyone who formally cooperates in an abortion is excommunicated upon the act itself. Notice it says cooperates and not participates. This page from EWTN gives more detail about who can be excommunicated. Essentially, you have to be over 16 and know that it is an excommunicating offense to be excommunicated. Which, if you just read this article, then you probably aren't exempt since you are now informed ^_^ Cooperation includes working at a clinic, financially supporting an abortion, walking (including clinic escorts) or driving someone to the clinic, friends or family who know they are trying to make this decision and encourage or even if they don't try to talk the person out of an abortion. Participating in any of these activities, is a mortal sin as well as excommunication if you know that is the penalty.

2273
The inalienable right to life of every innocent human individual is a constitutive element of a civil society and its legislation:

"The inalienable rights of the person must be recognized and respected by civil society and the political authority. These human rights depend neither on single individuals nor on parents; nor do they represent a concession made by society and the state; they belong to human nature and are inherent in the person by virtue of the creative act from which the person took his origin. Among such fundamental rights one should mention in this regard every human being's right to life and physical integrity from the moment of conception until death."

"The moment a positive law deprives a category of human beings of the protection which civil legislation ought to accord them, the state is denying the equality of all before the law. When the state does not place its power at the service of the rights of each citizen, and in particular of the more vulnerable, the very foundations of a state based on law are undermined. . . . As a consequence of the respect and protection which must be ensured for the unborn child from the moment of conception, the law must provide appropriate penal sanctions for every deliberate violation of the child's rights."

Any of this paragrph sound familier? It should. Remember the declaration of independence? We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. The Catechism even uses the same language as the document on which our country was founded over 225 years ago. Inalienable rights and to deny these rights would be inequality. It's all right there and the same. To be American is to be anti-abortion.

2274
Since it must be treated from conception as a person, the embryo must be defended in its integrity, cared for, and healed, as far as possible, like any other human being.

Prenatal diagnosis is morally licit, "if it respects the life and integrity of the embryo and the human fetus and is directed toward its safe guarding or healing as an individual. . . . It is gravely opposed to the moral law when this is done with the thought of possibly inducing an abortion, depending upon the results: a diagnosis must not be the equivalent of a death sentence."

2275
"One must hold as licit procedures carried out on the human embryo which respect the life and integrity of the embryo and do not involve disproportionate risks for it, but are directed toward its healing the improvement of its condition of health, or its individual survival."

"It is immoral to produce human embryos intended for exploitation as disposable biological material."

"Certain attempts to influence chromosomic or genetic inheritance are not therapeutic but are aimed at producing human beings selected according to sex or other predetermined qualities. Such manipulations are contrary to the personal dignity of the human being and his integrity and identity" which are unique and unrepeatable.

In the last paragraphs, we see the Church stating that embryonic stem cell research or any other scientific or medical research on a human fetus is no different than an abortion. The Church also teaches that producing or manipulation in the creation of humans is morally wrong.

The Church takes a very stong and foward stance on abortion and the taking of a human life. It is just not morally possible. There are stiff penalties incurred by just the act of cooperating in an abortion, you don't have to wait for a bishop to excommunicate you, you have already done so yourself by committing the act. God states that abortion is wrong and so do our forefathers who signed the Declaration of Independence. There must be an end to abortion and we must all continue to fight for the equality of ALL.

Paix du Christ!

Message for you, Sir

Wow, an interesting thing happened today. I got a letter in the mail! Not just any letter. Let me back up a little. Last year, December 1, I wondered onto the National Right to Life website and found a rating of my new Senators and Representatives from Alabama. I noticed the Congressman who represented me had a low score and voted on some morally questionable bills. So, I wrote a lengthy email and sent it through the page (unfortunately, I didn't send myself a copy). I decided not to make it a personal, moral issue as that tends to not make people listen. I decided to defend my views some other way, and why not play on his own grounds. To me, abortion is unconstitutional and I used my points in there. I also brought up bills for which he voted and of which I approved, and those of which I did not. Don't forget if you want a politician to listen to you, make sure to nicely remind him that you will have to decide who to vote next election and he has to win your vote. His auto response says he replies by snail mail to all letters. I figured I would eventually get a general response saying thanks and I'll take what you said in consideration. Time went by and though I know he probably gets plenty of mail and would take some time, I figured I wouldn't hear from him and actually started to forget about it. But, today I got his response in the mail. And he personalized it too, impressive. So, I'll post his response, but first, I'll remind you that I do not affiliate with any party, but he is a democrat.

December 22, 2005

(Address with-held)

Dear Mr. McKinley:

I have received your e-mail regarding the sanctity of pre-born life. I would like to welcome you to North Alabama. I hope you will feel free to contact my office in the future regarding issues of importance to you.

I want to make it clear that I do not believe that abortion should be used as a means of birth control. In 2003, I voted in favor of H.R. 760, the Partial Birth Abortion Ban. This legislation, which passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 282 to 139, makes it a federal crime to perform a partial birth abortion unless the procedure is necessary to save the life of the mother. This legislation banning partial birth abortions was signed into law by the President in November of 2003.

Also, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act passed the House of Representatives in February of 2004. I voted for this legislation which passed by a vote of 254-163. This bill makes it a federal crime to harm or cause the death of an unborn child. Specifically, the bill requires that separate charges be brought against an individual who harms a fetus in the womb while committing any one of more than 60 specified violent crimes against a pregnant woman, regardless of whether or not the perpetrator intended to harm the fetus or even knew if the woman involved was pregnant. The Unborn Victims of Violene Act was signed into law by President Bush on April 1, 2004.

In your e-mail, you also mention your concerns regarding embryonic stem cell research. In May of this year, the House pased H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005. Currently, only human embryonic stem cell lines derived before August 9, 2001 are eligible for federally funded research. H.R. 810 would lift that restriction, making stem cell lines eligible for federally funded research regardless of the date on which they were derived. Under the provisions of the bill, only embryonic stem cells that would never have otherwise been implanted in a woman and would otherwise be discarded would be eligible, and no financial or other inducements could be made available to the donors.

As you may know, I voted in favor of H.R. 810. I understand that this is a controversial issue, and I respect the views of my colleagues who opposed this bill. However, embryonic stem cell research has incredible potential to generate cures and treatments for an enormous range of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's Disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. I voted for this bill because I believe we must to do all that we can to provide assistance to the millions of Americans who suffer daily with these afflictions.

I thank you for contacting my office. For updates on current events and issues in Washington and North Alabama, please visit my website as http://cramer.house.gov and sign up for my monthly E-Newsletter.

Sincerely,
(signed as Bud)
Bud Cramer
Member of Congress

BC:mh

So, let's see, he supports abortion, but not partial birth abortion, and he supports considering it murder if the fetus is killed in any other matter. Okay, is it or is it not murder? That's like saying if a doctor shots you in the head its not murder, but if anyone else does it its not murder. He also supports ripping embryos out of the womb to kill them for scientific medicine when there are viable and "just as good" options. So, I guess this way, we can make the person having an abortion feel good because they are donating their baby to science. Anybody know where I can find credible sources to inform this goon that adult stem cells are just as good, if not bettern than embryonic stem cells? This is the only one of my 3 reps in the national government that seems to be confused. The 2 senators have all green marks on the NRL site. And one of them, Jeff Sessions, was on the committe to approve Alito.

I encourge you to communicate with your senators and representative. They are supposed to be representing you, so let them know what to do. Let them know if you aren't happy with them and they need to do something to win your vote. If enough people convince them that their position is in jeopardy, they have to change or they won't stay in office. The NRL site gives you contact infor for national, state, and local officials. They let you know bills on which they have voted, and bills that are coming up and a great resource to use to follow up on your pro-life views. It doesn't take any longer to write an email than it does to write a blog entry or read one. Maybe one person can't change the world, but you can make a dent.

Paix du Christ!

God is Love

Today Benedict XVI released his first Encyclical to the Church entitled Deus Caritas Est (God is Love). The letter was released around noon Rome time which would be about 6:00 Eastern. The news actually made it on GMA this morning, it was brief, but it was mentioned. The link in the title takes you to the Encyclical on the Vatican site (English version). Since the document is brand new, and I couldn't find it in PDF anywhere, I copied it to MS Word and made some slight formatting changes to make it more printer/reading friendly. Click to view the printable/downloadable version, or right-click save-as if you want to save it to your computer of course. The Word document comes out to 21 pages long with the last page solely containing the footnote references. I haven't had time to read anything but the introduction yet, but it looks like it has all the essential elements of writing: sex, violence, and religion. No, not any nude and violent nuns here. ^_- But the Pope does talk about sex! Hopefully that will get your attention and peak your intrest to pick it up.

Paix du Christ!

Terse Verse - Jeremiah 1:5

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.

Yesterday was the 33rd anniversary of the infamous Roe v. Wade decision and today was the 33rd March for Life in DC. God formed and created everyone of us from the beginning, God is the only one who has the right to take that life away. Even the Constitution protects these rights. It states that all humans have inalienable (no one can take them away) rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It doesn't say only Americans, or only those outside of the womb, or only the fittest, but ALL humans. God dedicated us all to a special and unique way of life to be a prophet of God in our own way. By denying the essential right of life, the right of liberty, happiness, or the rest afforded in the amendments are meaningless; there is no right to privacy or right to choose when the right to life is taken away. Today should be a call to prayer for all in the cause for the culture of life. Take some extra time out of your day, even a few minutes to ask God's forgiveness to those who support the culture of death and to ask God to change people's hearts so that they may know Him better and protect all life, especially innocent life. I know I'll be visiting a local adoration chapel armed with a rosary.

Paix du Christ

Theology Thursday - CCC Euthanasia

In lieu of the recent topics, the Catechism gives Catholics direct teachings about Euthanasia.

2276
Those whose lives are diminished or weakened deserve special respect. Sick or handicapped persons should be helped to lead lives as normal as possible.

2277
Whatever its motives and means, direct euthanasia consists in putting an end to the lives of handicapped, sick, or dying persons. It is morally unacceptable.

Thus an act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes death in order to eliminate suffering constitutes a murder gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the respect due to the living God, his Creator. The error of judgment into which one can fall in good faith does not change the nature of this murderous act, which must always be forbidden and excluded.

2278
Discontinuing medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary, or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be legitimate; it is the refusal of "over-zealous" treatment. Here one does not will to cause death; one's inability to impede it is merely accepted. The decisions should be made by the patient if he is competent and able or, if not, by those legally entitled to act for the patient, whose reasonable will and legitimate interests must always be respected.

2279
Even if death is thought imminent, the ordinary care owed to a sick person cannot be legitimately interrupted. The use of painkillers to alleviate the sufferings of the dying, even at the risk of shortening their days, can be morally in conformity with human dignity if death is not willed as either an end or a means, but only foreseen and tolerated as inevitable Palliative care is a special form of disinterested charity. As such it should be encouraged.

The Catechism gives us pretty clear instructions as to what constitutes Euthanasia. Euthanasia can be an act or omission which causes death in order to eliminate human suffering. This description could include using a gun, using medicine, or starving someone to "put them out of their misery." We have a duty to attend to sick people, God even wants us to care for people in the hour of their death to ease their passing (but not cause it). Remember the soldier who offers Jesus a drink even when he is on the cross? We also have to be aware of the needs of those who are dying. The Catechism summarizes this whole section into two sentences:

2324
Intentional euthanasia, whatever its forms or motives, is murder. It is gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the respect due to the living God, his Creator.

The intentional act of causing someones death or an intentional omission of basic needs which causes someone's death is murder and a mortal sin based on the fifth commandment. Something not to be taken lightly and we should definitely bring up when the topic arises.

Paix du Christ!

To be or not to be

The most current news in the fight of life vs. death is assisted suicide. Anyone see Law and Order last night? It kind of makes you wonder whether it was coincidental for an episode on assisted suicide comes out in the same week that the Supreme Court rules 6-3 not to stop Oregon's unique law permitting assisted suicide. In law and order, the person took drugs intending to OD in the bathtub with the fail-safe of water in the tub to make sure everything goes according to plan. His brother was in the room making sure things went as planned; however, it comes out that he held the man under the water not allowing him a possible last minute choice, so the incident becomes a murder and the writers don't have to make a statement on the morality of assisted suicide. Why should they make a statement on assisted suicide? The supreme court has yet to make a decision. Sure at first it looks like a loss for life, but we have to look deeper, and not what the media and pro-death people want us to see.

Oregon has a law which permits physicians to help people end the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune so they don't have to take arms against a sea of troubles supposedly in specific terms. The President decided to try to usurp the state's law using the legislature approved Controlled Substances Act. It was used to end a California law permitting medicinal uses of marijuana and that use upheld by the supreme court. But apparently, the supreme court decided that the Controlled Substances Act does not apply this state law. Is this a victory for the culture of death? Not really, make sure you point that out to anyone trying to claim otherwise, its just a ruling on the extent of the Controlled Substances Act. The supreme court still has yet to determine if state laws permitting assisted suicide is constitutional so, there is no precedence to worry about upholding on this issue if it ever does face the court.

That being said, were do states stand on what 'tis nobler in the mind? We'll start from the bottom up. The looser on this front in the fight for life is of course Oregon as they have a law explicitly permitting assisted suicide. 5 states: NC, UT, WY, OH, and VA; all do not have code law or common law (yet) criminalizing assisted suicide. 9 states: AL, ID, MD, MA, MI, NV, SC, VT, WV; all have common laws (law decided in court). If your state isn't listed above that means you are one of the 35 states that criminalizes assisted suicide by means of code law (decided by legislature). So the count is currently 35-6 on states that have assisted suicide illegal. Don't rejoice yet, there have been states attempt to pass laws on the contrary before and currently, there are 2 states (CA, VT) who have bills on the books this year. If you live or know someone who lives in one of these states, please contact and encourage others to contact the representatives so that we can win a victory for life.

Today, If you're still around pondering what this recent ruling means for you and your state, I'll let you ponder with Shakespeare:

To be, or not to be: that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them? To die: to sleep;
No more; and by a sleep to say we end
The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to, 'tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep;
To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub;
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause: there's the respect
That makes calamity of so long life;
For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,
The oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely,
The pangs of despised love, the law's delay,
The insolence of office and the spurns
That patient merit of the unworthy takes,
When he himself might his quietus make
With a bare bodkin? who would fardels bear,
To grunt and sweat under a weary life,
But that the dread of something after death,
The undiscover'd country from whose bourn
No traveller returns, puzzles the will
And makes us rather bear those ills we have
Than fly to others that we know not of?
Thus conscience does make cowards of us all;
And thus the native hue of resolution
Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought,
And enterprises of great pitch and moment
With this regard their currents turn awry,
And lose the name of action.-- Soft you now!
The fair Ophelia! Nymph, in thy orisons
Be all my sins remember'd.

Paix du Christ!

Learning to be Catholic

What a great time to be a young Catholic, or possibly thinking about starting a Catholic family. Last year, Southern Catholic College opened its doors in Georgia. It's curriculum is pretty general Business and A&S degrees. However, one that interests me is John Paul the Great University. Not only because it takes it's name from the person I look up to the most, but also because its focus is on technology as well as business and media. It's openning this fall and is in San Diego, CA. Anyone with kids growing up in the Catholic faith should definitely consider these wonderful opportunities for your kids to continue to grow in their education as well as their faith. You can also visit Catholic Answers and listen to the last hour of today's show to find out more about the new JP Catholic University.

Paix du Christ!

Terse Verse - John 6:53

Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.

This verse kept appearing last week. From Paul's sidebar, to 3ABN (the Seventh Day Adventist Channel), to Catholic answers, to spots on EWTN. It just seemed to be everywhere. This verse is one of the things that makes Catholics differ from protestants. "Unless you eat the flesh...and drink his blood." Nowhere does it mention the word SYMBOL, there's nothing symbolic about it, it's all REAL. John Martignoni on EWTN Radio reminds us when Jesus says that he will give his flesh for the sins of the world that no one claims that it's a symbol, but that Jesus would actually die on the cross for the sins of the world. If he uses the same word for flesh in both of these passages, why then would one really mean flesh while the other was just a symbol? Don't forget, if you continue to read through verse 66, some find it hard to believe, leave, and don't follow Jesus anymore. Jesus doesn't run after them and apologize. He said what he meant and if people can't handle it then let them go. They aren't the ones called to him by the Father. In the bible, no where does it ever say or elude to a symbol.

Paix du Christ!

Last day to delay

First, I want to thank Fidei. I'm streaming internet audio from a co-workers XM account while I work. A few minutes ago Gloria Estefan's "Conga" came on, and I couldn't help but chuckle as I thought of his post and picture a couple days ago. Thanks, I think you've permanently ruined that song for me ^_-

Today is the last day of the Alito questioning. Supposedly, the second part should be about FBI background checks and whatnot so hopefully he will get a break from painfully having to do the PC dance. I don't know if it would be more damaging for a candidate to openly admit to being pro-life or being homosexual.

Paix du Christ!

Praying for babies

This week, as everyone probably knows by now, Alito is on the hot seat in a bid for the US Supreme Court. The biggest issue in the Senate's eyes is trying to find out where he stand on abortion. I decided this week that I would pray the rosary each night that the outcome would further the cause of restricting abortions. Last night was kinda hairy, it was late and I dozed off a couple of times, but I think I got the whole thing in ^_- I'm not praying that Alito be confirmed, or that he not be confirmed. Honestly, I'm not sure what would be better, because I don't know him. I'm just asking God to make that decision, and that hopefully someone who would rule sympathetic to the pro-life cause will be chosen.

Yesterday was a little uneasy. When asked about a position he took in 1985 he stated that those were his views then and if confronted today he would keep an open mind. He didn't state what his views are today, but he didn't deny those views. He also said that he'd keep an open mind, which I figure is his part of the minuet in trying to say the least possible to be confirmed.

I doubt we will be able to rid our culture of death of abortion anytime soon, especially in one fell swoop. I do believe that the best battle plan is to chip away at abortion as Alito has stated before. The issues that I would put at the front lines are partial birth abortion, and parental permission such as the recent Proposition 73 in CA this past year. I believe if we have to win this war by smaller issues, these are the easiest to win. I'm also for every state having laws saying that killing a pregnant woman brings two murder convictions and not just one. Kind of taking an issue from the movie "I, Robot" and flipping it around. In "I, Robot," by law a murder is one human killing another and if a robot is the killer then there is no murder. Once the state defines killing the unborn child as a murder, then that defines the child as a human being. How can we allow the selective killing of human beings to continue. God will win this battle for life over death, we must be patient and continue to pray. I will leave you with a quote from the AMA back in 1871 that I found from Paul over at Thoughts of a Regular Guy.

Resolved, That we repudiate and denounce the conduct of abortionists, and that we hold no intercourse with them professionally or otherwise and that we will, whenever an opportunity presents, guard and protect the public against the machinations of these characters by pointing out the physical and moral ruin which follows in their wake.

Paix du Christ!

Terse Verse

Over Christmas, Zak asked me to post a short bible verse to think about kinda often. I believe his intentions were just a one-line verse (let me know if that's what you meant, Zak) which I find a bit of a challenge, but will try my best to adhere. Since it's a verse from the bible and it's short I find it only fitting to call this segment Terse Verse. So, let's begin.

Mark 1:11
And a voice came from the heavens, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."

Today is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord; therefore, the verse comes from today's Gospel reading (it was really hard to choose just one of the 5). These words are spoken by God in approval of Jesus taking up his ministry. Although, the heavans probably don't open and we may not hear a booming voice, I believe that in our spiritual selves, God says these words at our own baptism and confirmation as we take on the mantle of our own ministry, seeking to do God's will.

Paix du Christ!

Welcome back everyone

Well, I took an unintended break for the whole of the Christmas season. Upon arriving home, the internet connection was down most of the time until Alltel could come and fix it. This season was very busy and wonderful. I don't believe there was a single day that went by during the first week of Christmas that we didn't spend with extended family my cousins from NY flew down and we spent quite a bit of time with them as well. There was always a huge meal to eat at someone's house and lots of people there. The best part of this Christmas by far was that I got to spend it with my only sister. Sol from Korea lived with my parents for the majority of the year and all got to celebrate Christmas and have fun together before she left on the 30th. This year has definitely been the best Christmas (ALL 12 days of it).

Speaking of family, I think most of them got word of my blog; so, I'd like to welcome you. Feel free to leave comments on any of the posts if you're visiting. I got a long standing project out of the way today and wanted to get on here and put out a message as I start my lunch break. It's good to have something finished and to be back.

Paix du Christ!