A Catholics Perspective

Showing newest 16 of 32 posts from March 2008. Show older posts

Monday, March 31, 2008

Glory to Our Eucharistic Lord

Being able to kneel before our Eucharistic Lord in a Catholic Church is the highlight of my week. I am able to show my respect to the creator and also am able to commune with those Catholics around me who are praying to our Lord.

I was astounded by the fealty I felt towards the Lord this past Saturday night when 600 young adults from the Boston area joined together to adore the Eucharistic Lord at St. Stephens Church in the North End. It is a splendid achievement for anyone to get 600 young adults to do anything, but these young people prostrate themselves before something much greater than themselves and truly adored the Lord.

Following the Eucharistic Adoration was a Candle procession through the North End which allowed us to show our love for Christ to the people around us. Now I am personally against of vast public displays of faith, but With the Lord leading the processional it felt wrong not to follow. I want to be there. I wanted everyone to know that I was catholic and I was humbly following my Lord.

Fr. Matt Williams was able to along with many others, to organize an event that was nothing less than spectacular. We were able to join together in one voice and say "Glory to God" and really mean it. I only wish we could have been 6,000 instead of 600. The Eucharistic Lord and the Father and Holy Spirit truly deserve our adoration for all they have done for us.

It is upon each and everyone of us to share the gift of our Lord with our friends, family and neighbors. It is our imperative. The Good Shepherd and Eucharistic Lord Jesus Christ has died and Risen for us and our Salvation and it is important for all to know it.

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Walking with Love

During my reading of Catholic blogs today I ran across a great article on helping women before and after an abortion on MisterBerns. It is highlighting a program in Australia called Walking with Love, which is an educational symposium on how to help women make the choice of life.

I am not the most overtly pro-life activist their is, but I am Pro-Life. I believe in the Catholic Church's views on the matter. I believe it is not a political message as much as an ethical one. Just like Pope John Paul II had said "I don't believe we need a state where abortion is illegal, I believe we need a state where abortion is unthinkable." The poor women who are in the midst of this decision need to feel like there are options and help to having their child. I believe this country needs to take more time to helping these young mothers and spending more money on education and counseling instead of wasting money of Pro-Life rallies and legislation. People had abortions before it was legal and they will have them if it becomes illegal again. What we need is for their to be options to help these women and not to condemn their decisions. Jesus would never condemn them, he would convince them of the beauty of the gift they have received from God. God is good and He will show us the way. It is not through politically backhands and cultural hate. It is through Love and it is through Salvation.

Eucharistic Congress Recap

Having been able to spend the past weekend at the Boston Eucharistic Congress for College Students and Young Adult's hosted at St. Stephens and St. Leonard parishes in the North End of Boston I am struck with and overwhelming joy. I have seen the youngs adults kneel before the Eucharist and praise Jesus' name with such joy, it brings me hopeful that our Archdiocese will be able to overcome the trials of these days with a vibrance that we have not seen in some years. Boston is a Catholic town and we are just starting to find our way back into the light of Christ through the Catholic Church and it is exciting. You can view photos from this great event and also find out more events and groups like this you can join in the Boston Area.

I want to thank Fr. Daniel Hennessey, Fr. Michael Harrington, Fr. Richard Clancy, and Fr. Matthew Williams for all their hard work and service to the Young Adults of the Boston Archdiocese this past weekend and the months leading up to this event. I also want to personally thank Fr. M and TL for telling me about the event and helping me to attend it.

The Mass celebrated by Cardinal Sean was truly wonderful and probably for most of the Catholic's in attendance the first time they were able to see an Archbishop and Cardinal celebrate the Eucharist. It is truly a great moment when we can enjoy Christ with his shepard for the Archdiocese. Cardinal Sean has been able to do many great things for the people hurting in the Archdiocese and I wish to thank him for his help in getting me back in the doors of the Church.

We have come so far, but we are not there yet. We are moving in the right direction, but when I was a boy the Church would have been standing room only if the Cardinal had been celebrating Mass and there were plenty of seats there yesterday. I have decided in the past few months to step up my own personal works with the Church. This blog is one of several endeavors I have started to help find the lost sheep and bring them back to the flock. Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd and Eucharistic Lord, calls us to Himself (Mark 3:14), and sends us forth to accomplish His mission of salvation to the world, so it would be foolhardy and selfish of me not to try with my whole heart to answer that call.

The events of this past weekend are entirely encouraging and make me hopeful. I will however not leave it for others to accomplish this work alone. I will join with them and help in any way I can.

Boston Eucharistic Congress was Great

I will post more on this tomorrow. I just wanted to put this down in writing before I forgot. I am so excited to have been part of the Boston Eucharistic Congress for College Students and Young Adults tonight. It was uplifting to see so many younger adults showing their love for Jesus and His Church and it was exciting to hear Cardinal Sean O'Malley celebrate Mass.

I will post more on this subject. Until then Remember Jesus Loves You and He will be waiting for you to share in the truth.

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Bl5H0P's Life is Good Catholic Fun

I ran across this young person video's on Youtube.com the other day and thought I would share some. I haven't seen all of his videos but the ones I have seen seem to have a great and relevant message for young catholics. It is the idea that Catholicism doesn't have to be old and crunchy. It is a faith in God and Jesus Christ that we are proclaiming to the world and there isn't just one way to do it.

I hope he keeps the good work up and hopefully all his videos are of the quality of Catholic worship that I have seen so far.

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com

Friday, March 28, 2008

Catholic Musings and readings

I am many things. I am a Man. I am a Son, I am a Fiance, I am a Bostonian, I am a brother, I am an American. Most importantly I am a Catholic.

On this day I am able to sit back and read the many great writings of great Catholics whom are sharing electronically the great news that is Jesus Christ. I was especially lucky to read Cardinal Sean's blog featuring his homily from last Saturday's Easter Vigil. His words on the great duties we have to Jesus Christ are inspiring and should be read by Catholics everywhere. I am truly blessed to have such a great man to be the leader of my Archdiocese.

I have recently been delving into the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which is an enlightening read for the Catholic believer. It is a great document that helps us understand the bible and how the Catholic faith is meant to be. I am truly humbled by the godly men who wrote and led the church throughout the years. It is a must read.

Tomorrow I am going to be attending the Boston Eucharistic Congress for young adults and truly look forward to a great day of Service and Eucharistic Adoration that will allow me to connect with like minded Catholics from around the Archdiocese. You should consider coming by if you are in the area.

A personal thanks to all the Catholic bloggers from around the country and the world who have been kind enough to mention my blog in some way in the recent days. I am truly blessed that so many great writers have seen fit to endorse this blog with their recommendation. We are truly a tight community of Catholics sharing the truth of Christ who was the Truth made Flesh.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Imagine and Believe

Imagine your friend whom you loved and trusted told you that soon he would be hurt badly. Imagine this friend said not to worry because it has to be this way. Instinctively you would tell him that he must not go where he knows that he will be hurt, for you love your friend. But in defiance of this advice he goes to the place where he knows all will end. You being a good friend go with him because of your love and wanting to protect him.

When you arrive at the place all looks calm and you rejoice, not because your friend was wrong, but because he is safe. Then very quickly another friend comes and shows the hooligans where your friend is. You try to protect him but your friend says he will be fine, this exactly how it must be. So you step back and watch as they beat him. Then when all seems lost you notice that your friend is smiling and he says I am doing that which I must and then dies.

You gather with your other friends and go to the local pub. You are saddened by the death of this great friend and you all show obvious sorrow. The funeral is over and the body has been laid to rest. Someone in the group makes a comment about how the dead friend saw all this coming and had said he would be okay. So everyone toasts him and remembers the good deeds he has done. You all loved him so much.

Now imagine in the middle of the meal a man comes in, whom you can't quite recognize and he asks why everyone is sad. You all recount the tales of the dead friend whom you loved. The stranger than says it is foolish to mourn someone whom said he was going to be okay, that is the way it had to be. Some of the group is mad at this strangers lack of comfort for the deceased and some here the words and understand.

Now imagine a close friend of all here and the deceased came in the door and said that someone have taken the body of your friend right from his grave. You all are mad at this desecration of your friend whom you all love. Imagine starting to head for the grave site to figure out what had happened.

Now the strangers stands before you and tells you it is okay, that your friend is safe and has come back just as he had said he would. The stranger tells the close friends that this is how is had to be. He had to suffer to save them eternal pain. Then the Stranger reveals himself as the friend who has died.

This is a great revelation for most of the friends and they accept him, because they love him and trust him, remembering that he had said he would return. It was only there grief that made them forget.

This is basically what happened two thousand years ago. When Jesus was killed as He said He would be. Then three days barely passed and He greeted His disciples. Some doubted this, Men always doubt what they don't understand, but most embraced their teacher.

Jesus had died for our us. He took the sins of the world on His back and died on the Cross so that God would forgive us. He said he came for fulfill the scripture and He had to. God gave up His Son for us and we repent for His sake.

When I think about the story above I try to figure out what I would have thought if my dead friend came back to life. I would probably have doubted, but I know that God is forgiving and Jesus would have helped me see the truth. Jesus is our passover and the His word is Truth. Through Him all things are possible and in His name all things are granted.

Catholic and Christian Rock Music That I Like

Here is a list of Great Rock Music all with Christian themes. I own most of these albums and the others I will be buying soon. You can preview the songs on each album through the link provided and if you wish you can purchase individual songs or the entire album safely and securely.

"All That is Within Me" from MercyMe
Preview These Christian Rock Songs Here

"Opposite Way" from Leeland
Preview These Christian Rock Songs Here

"The Altar and the Door" from Casting Crowns
Preview These Christian Rock Songs Here

"Top 25 Praise and Worship Songs 2007" from Various
Preview These Christian Rock Songs Here

"Expect the Impossible" from Stellar Kart
Preview These Christian Rock Songs Here

"How Can We Be Silent" from BarlowGirl
Preview These Christian Rock Songs Here

"Saviour King" from Hillsong
Preview These Christian Rock Songs Here

Great Classical Catholic Songs

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Theology on Tap in Quincy, MA

Tonight's Theology on Tap at Bad Abbots in Quincy, MA was riveting. The speaker was Fr. Bob Reed, Director of Boston Catholic TV speaking on the subject "Communicating in a Struggling Church." I highly enjoyed his monologue about how we as Catholics are responsible for bringing the message of the Church into the world. He highlighted how Catholic Television is moving into the forefront expanding there programming and now being offered as a 24-7 outlet on Comcast Cable (as of April 9th, 2008).

I was excited to hear him speak having seen the great work he has been doing for the Archdiocese of Boston, but more importantly being a man in the field of Communications. I found his genuine enthusiasm to be refreshing in this age of cynicism.

After the talk, he answered some questions and moved back to the enjoyable evening amongst Catholic friends. I was able to have a few great conversations with Father M. on getting more involved with the parish and more directly involved with helping expand the youth and young adult ministries. I look forward to speaking more with Father M. on these subjects. TL was there as always, and I was able to have a great conversation with him on some ideas of expanding the programs to include young adults into the Catholic Church. I am very excited about the Boston Eucharistic Congress 2008 that will take place this Friday and Saturday.

I will post more on the next Theology on Tap at Bad Abbots in Quincy, MA which is on April 16 later.

There Were Snakes Even in the Garden of Eden

Today readings have to do with things granted to men through the glory of Jesus Christ. The two men whom could not see were astounded by the fact that the Lord was walking and talking to them. The beggar was made whole by the power of Jesus Christ through His Apostles.

Jesus has blessed this world with His divine might and made us all whole again. Why do we not join Him in Glory and speak His words more clearly? Are we blinded by the decadence of the days? Are we not the chosen people whom have found the light of the world, Jesus Christ?

I like to remember that all things are possible through the intervention of Jesus Christ, but also I need to keep in mind that it is God's Divine will that Jesus is carrying out, not my mortal wants and desires. God has a plan.

Sometimes I get scared in this world when I see all the suffering, all the pain. I have to remember at those times that God's plan can be interrupted by the Devil's Games. God's plan isn't absolute, He leaves room for temptation and sin. This is important to know because God expects us to glorify His name through our righteous deeds. God expects fidelity to Him and His divine might, but God makes it possible for us to reject Him.

Why would he allow us to reject Him? It is simple, God knows that a man who comes to Him through free will is more devote, more deserving of His majesty. God wants each and everyone of His children to come to Him, but he knows that if we choose not to that it is only us who will be hurt. Faith in the Lord is important and obedience to His will, but it is not impossible to reject Him.

Many people of the world reject the teachings of Jesus Christ. The teachings of Love and Faith. Some openly choose to dismiss the truth and some know the truth and feel unworthy. Some men choose to show to the world that they believe in Christ and behind closed doors allow the devil to tempt them. It is important to remember when we find these individuals that there were Snakes even in the Garden of Eden.

There are trying times for the Church, times when all seems like it can be lost. There are men certainly not of God, but deceivers in our midst, corrupt men whom hurt the innocent and do some with the garbs of god on. It is important to remember that the truth is in Jesus and we are seeking that truth.

The Archdiocese of Boston has seen these trying times and are trying to recover. It is important to remember there are men with the Light of God, still in the midst of the church. We must pay attention to the innocent and watch out for deceivers in our midst, but we also must trust in the divine will of God and His servants, whom though some are just men, some certainly have greatness in them.

I want to personally thank Cardinal Sean O'Malley-Archbishop of Boston, for his daily struggles to heal a hurting church. Cardinal Sean is a man whom greatness has been thrust upon and is doing a fantastic job. The sins of the Archdiocese aren't easy to heal, but with men of God like Cardinal Sean at the helm and through Jesus Christ we may yet see the days when the churches are over flowing again and that will be a great day for God.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Theology on Tap Quincy

Well this is a reminder for those of you in the Quincy, MA area, Theology on Tap at Bad Abbots tomorrow Wednesday, March 26 featuring Fr. Bob Reed, Director of Boston Catholic TV on the subject "Communicating in a Struggling Church"

If you’re not already familiar with Fr. Reed, get to know him via streaming video on catholictv.org You can watch live or select one of the programs he hosts, such as the Rosary or This is the Day. Also try this quick intro video with Fr. Reed.

Fr. Bob Reed – Director of Catholic Television
Fr. Reed was raised in Swampscott and graduated from St. John’s Prep. After high school, Fr. Reed enrolled in St. John’s Seminary College and following graduation he pursued graduate seminary studies at the Pontifical North American College in Rome . He has also pursed studies in broadcast administration at Boston University . Fr. Reed was ordained in 1985 and has served parishes in Quincy , Malden , Norwood , Dorchester, Haverhill and Whitman. He brings a creative enthusiasm and insight to the Catholic airwaves since his appointment as director of Catholic Television.

As always, spread the word, and bring a friend! Arrive early and have a well-prepared meal and a finely-pulled pint—one of 10 on tap—all at a great price.

For Our Mothers, Daughters and Wives

Today's Gospel reading is really hitting me hard. I am struck with a greater respect for the women whom loved Jesus. These women, His mother and the other Mary's were the ones who stayed the longest at His execution and were the first to see Him upon the resurrection. I find it telling that God places Women in such important roles in our History.

This might still be a world where men have more authority, but it is all for the women we love. Some men are cruel and disdain women. Some violently attack them. What is it about women that confuses men so much that we need to rape and murder them? This is truly something I don't understand. I believe the love I have for the women in my life to be a divine gift. I simply want to protect them and make sure they are safe. I know that through Our Lord Jesus Christ it is possible.

In this day and age, when the Men in the Darfur region are killing all men outside refugee camps and raping the women who leave, in order to "cleanse" the nation, I am saddened. When a woman is rape or sexually assaulted every seven seconds, I am saddened. I truly don't understand this hate some men have for women. I pray that Jesus Christ will show His divine will and put an end to this needless suffering. I pray that all those around me will allow the dignity and purity of women to remain and untouched.

I find the only thing worse than the violations men does to women is the Honor killing that families commit. These killings have nothing to do with honor and certainly are too common in our world. I pray Jesus will show these families that women who are raped are victims of evil, not of their own doing. Rape isn't something any woman wants to have happen to them and certainly is never the victims fault. Why people can't understand that the innocent victim is hurt way worse by their own families who accuse them of wrongdoings is beyond me.

I pray for all the victims of violent assaults and the families to be a comfort to them. I pray for all the abusers to find the light of God and atone for their atrocities. I pray for all mankind to be more knowledgeable and understanding with these innocent victims and to comfort and help them. I pray for a day when these prayers will no longer be needed. I ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior.

Monday, March 24, 2008

Boston Eucharistic Congress 2008

Now this is just for those of you who can make it to the Boston area.

The Boston Eucharistic Congress for College Students and Young Adults will take place on the evening of Friday, March 28 and all day Saturday, March 29, 2008. This free event will be held in the historic North End of Boston, MA.

Those who pre-register and volunteer to help with the Eucharistic Congress or participate in Service Projects will also receive a free meal ticket to Saturday's dinner.

Speakers:

Fr. Matthew Williams
Director of the Office for the New Evangelization of Youth and Young Adults for the Archdiocese of Boston

Topic: Eucharist and Confession, Reconciliation, conversion and change in our lives. Read more from Fr. Matt and this new Office on Cardinal Sean's blog.

Fr. Peter Cameron O.P.
Editor-in-Chief Magnificat Magazine

You can see videos of Fr. Peter speaking at the web site for Holy Ghost Parish in Tiverton RI - just go to www.holyghostcc.org and click on the links for Faith, Hope, and Love.

Paul George
Co-Founder of Adore Ministries

Paul George has been in the trenches of ministry for the past 13 years. He has run parish youth ministry programs in both Louisiana and Arizona. He is the former Director of Parish Programs/Southern Regional Director for Life Teen International.

Kerri Marmol
Witness to the Power of the Eucharist

Kerri Marmol is a member of the Community of Sant�Egidio, an international lay association, and participates in their semi-weekly prayer services. She also founded the School of Peace in Jamaica Plain, a Saturday program to help students with their schoolwork, and the School of the Gospel in Allston, a Bible discussion for adults.

Cardinal Sean O'Malley
Archbishop of Boston

Cardinal Se�n is an active member of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops. He was elected to serve as Chairman of the Bishop's Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations.

For more information or to Register go to Boston Eucharistic Congress 2008.

Reflection on a Great Easter

I really feel blessed to have been able to participate in the Easter festivities this year. I feel blessed to have had my family close to me and been able to include the family of my Fiancee is the celebrations. I am truly blessed.

God has given me a gift that is greater than anything I could have asked for, He has given His only Son to me and my family. We are able to celebrate our Passover, Jesus once a year and live through His example daily. We are lucky beyond belief.

Catholic Books for Your Collection

The the following books are listed directly out of my Collection. I am suggesting them to all my readers as great books for Catholics and must reads for the Catholic enthusiast. You can find more details and order safely and securely through the links provided.

Great Catholic Books by Clergy

Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light by Mother Teresa
Read More or Purchase Safely

Jesus of Nazareth by Pope Benedict XVI
Read More or Purchase Safely

Saved in Hope by Pope Benedict XVI
Read More or Purchase Safely

Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church by Pope Benedict XVI
Read More or Purchase Safely

The God of Jesus Christ: Meditations on the Triune God by Cardinal Ratzinger
Read More or Purchase Safely

Creation and Evolution by Cardinal Schonborn
Read More or Purchase Safely

God is Love by Pope Benedict XVI
Read More or Purchase Safely

Great Catholic Children Books

The Mass Book for Children by Rosemarie Gortler and Donna Piscitelli
Ages 9-12
Read More or Purchase Safely

The Princess and the Kiss by Jennie Bishop
Ages 4-8
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The Catholic Prayer Book for Children by Julianne M. Will
All Ages
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The Big Bool of Catholic Customs... by Beth McNamara Branigan
All Ages
Read More or Purchase Safely