Officially moved site

If you have come to this site in the last couple of days you would have noticed the posting that said I have a new address, yet you wouldn't have been able to enjoy said address. Well if you are on the site now, you will notice we have officially moved. I would like to thank the people at google and godaddy.com you have been so helpful.

We are now acatholicsperspective.com and loving it.

Updates and New Address

Well kiddos, I have spent the majority of my day trying to set up a unique domain name for this site. I have finally done it, I think atleast we will see in the next few hours. It is going to be acatholicsperspective.com, dropping the .blogspot from the title. If you have a link to the original it will still work, but the new title will also work.

I have had an exciting week. I have been able to spend some great quality time with the family and am really starting to enjoy life. I am very engaged at this point and the finacee and I have been spending a great deal of time, wedidng planning. We are trying to only deal with the more superficial things, flowers, invitations and such. We are signed up for Pre-Cana and I am looking forward to it. I think it really will help us prepare for married life.

Well anyways, I am going to be going on my way. SO hopefully more of you will be able to see this site, once the blogspot address is dropped.

Thank You Pope Benedict XVI

I have spent the last few days catching up on Pope Benedict XVI's visit to America. I have been going over everything the Holy Father has said and done in the trip. I am truly in awe of this great man.

I don't fully understand everything that I can do to follow the Pope's example, but I do certainly feel the hope that the Holy Father was trying to return to us American Catholics. I also feel the need to follow his wisdom and example.

Not the longest post today, hopefully I will get more ideas and write more later.

Sean Patrick Cardinal O'Malley

There are no words worthy of describing my gratitude to our Holy Father, and his wisdom and guiding hands in helping to heal our Church through the guiding Holy Spirit and through Christ Jesus. His words of Hope and actions of healing are truly helping to heal the wounds of our Church.

I read an accounting of the meeting between Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Sean O'Malley and several victims of Priest Abuse on Boston.com today. I have deeply moved by the sincerity of the Holy Father's words and actions since arriving in America, not once shying away from the hurt the Crisis in our church has caused. He has done many things that truly show why he is the leader of our Church and why with his help we will heal.

I can't begin to imagine the horrors of that sort of Physical, Sexual and Spiritual Abuse can cause on one so young. I can only know how I felt towards Priests as an altar boy and how much I trusted them. I can only think of what I would have done and what pain I would have known had I been one of the victims.

Cardinal Sean O'Malley, who organized this meeting with the pontiff, due to the inability of the Holy Father to extend his trip to include Boston, is our Shepherd in the Archdiocese of Boston. He has done many great things to help heal the wounds caused by so many years of pain. Cardinal O'Malley has met with several hundreds of victims of the abuse. The Cardinal has also given hope to those of us, who though weren't directly victimized, lost faith in the Archdiocese and were sent walking through our personal deserts to find our way. Cardinal O'Malley has become a beacon of Hope in the Archdiocese.

The Cardinal had these words to say after the meeting with the Pope. "I think the Holy Father has been horrified at the thought of priests abusing their ministry and harming these children, and he said he came to the US with sorrow in his heart over this, and has been praying for all of those who have suffered this abuse," O'Malley said later in an interview. "In the morning, in his homily, he said the American church must be about pastoral care and solicitude for those who have been abused, and I think that by this meeting he was giving us an example."

I love the Holy Father and thank Christ Jesus for giving us Pope Benedict XVI as our leader, but I disagree with the Cardinal. I feel personally as one who has lived through these hard times, that Sean Cardinal O'Malley has given us the example that we should look towards. I believe it was Cardinal O'Malley example that the Holy Father saw and was moved by. Cardinal O'Malley has been helping us heal for years now and I am grateful for every moment he has spent in the Archdiocese of Boston.

I am glad Cardinal O'Malley has a great leader to find help from and that our Pope has come to help heal with the hope of Christ.

I leave us with the eight Beatitudes as spoken by Christ Jesus, written in the text of St. Matthew-

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall posses the land.
Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher, Theology on Tap

When I walked into Bad Abbot's in Quincy, MA for Theology on Tap last night, I entered a familiar place. Theology on Tap has become a great outlet for me personally in clarifying my faith amongst like persons, with an ability to hear a varied messages and intellectual discourse on a multitude of Catholic topics. I was yet again impressed by the incredible speaker that the Theology on Tap council had brought for us to hear. Fr Timothy Gallagher, OMV, is an expert on St. Ignatius of Loyola's Rules for Discernment and how their insights are invaluable for our spiritual growth today.

I do have to say, walking into Theology on Tap last night, I was a newbie in the realm of St. Ignatius of Loyola and his Rules for the Discernment of Spirit. I will admit, I knew two things about St. Ignatius. One he was a Saint. Two he had a unique name. So needless to say just about everything Fr. Gallagher said last night was enlightening.

Fr. Gallagher, who is an expert with many literary works on the subject, is a highly requested international speaker and leader of retreats on the subject that we were blessed to hear. And those of us attending Theology on Tap in Quincy, were able to do so for free. He began his discussion on the background of St. Ignatius and spoke from St. Ignatius' Autobiography. Fr. read a passage on how St. Ignatius was enlighten by God and the moment when he put his, what could at best be called, dotty past behind him and started a pilgrimage for Jesus and began his saintly life. The passage describes how St. Ignatius was bed-ridden, due to a broken leg, and was reading about Jesus and the Saints.

St. Ignatius was essentially the first real Catholic Scholar and came to God not through singular way. His transformation wasn't only spiritual, but intellectual as well. St. Ignatius' Rules for Discernment essential is an intellectual practice of dividing ones feelings from one mind. It allows us to understand ourselves better and in doing, understand what God wants for and from each of us.

It is a topic that was just broached during an hour and half lecture and would take years to truly understand, but as a Catholic and man who believes in God, I find myself wishing to start the journey.

For more information on Fr. Timothy Gallagher and to order his books, please go here.

Fr Gallagher at Theology on Tap

Another Theology on Tap session at Bad Abbots in Qunicy, MA featuring Father Tim Gallagher, OMV. The discussion will be on Navigating the Soul through the Storms of the Spirit: Practical Counsels of St. Ignatius of Loyola

A Little about Fr. Gallagher

Fr. Tim is one of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, resident at St. Clement’s Eucharistic Shrine in Boston , and an expert on the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits. Fr. Tim has published several books on Ignatian Spirituality, including one on the Discernment of Spirits—Ignatius’ s way of knowing his own soul to grow in the spiritual life. We are very fortunate to have Fr. Tim with us this week, as he is highly sought-after across the continent to offer seminars on this very topic. Fr. Tim will help us understand our own ups and downs in the spiritual life, and how to become attuned to the different influences on our spirits. He will be joining us between a trip to speak in Montreal , and another to Michigan . To learn more about Fr. Tim and his ministry, check out: FrTimothygallagher.org

The Date- Wednesday, April 16 2008
The Time- 7-8:30 PM
The Place- Bad Abbot's Pub, Quincy Center

Quincy Theology on Tap is hosted by St. Ann's Parish in Wollaston, which is part of Quincy, MA.
Masses are Weekly at the following times
Saturday 4PM Vigil Mass Sunday 7, 9, 11:30 AM with the Children's Liturgy of the Word at the 9 AM Weekdays 9 AM Rosary 8:35 AM Weekdays

President Greets Holy Father

Jesus' new Covenant with man was truly a remarkable thing. He cam to save, not to judge. He came to show us the way and open our eyes. He came as a man so that we might believe. He was here for us, for our sake and our salvation.

This the second day of Pope Benedict XVI trip to the United States, starts with the Pope saying Mass in the chapel of the nuncios and then visiting the American President. It is the Holy Father's birthday and truly a special day for Americans. This trip to the White House marks the first by a pontiff in 29 years.

I believe President Bush has truly shown diligent respect to the Holy Father, and though this Catholic doesn't always respect the President's decisions, I believe the show of respect yesterday was truly inspiring. President Bush had never met a foreigner at Andrews Air Force Base before. The President went with his wife, Laura and their daughter, Jenna to meet the Holy Father. Even though this is more a publicity stunt, it is truly significant. The Pope, whether or not you are Catholic, is a magnificent man, whom preaches Love and patience. The Holy Father is truly a man of God and our Shepherd.

I was thankful for the pontiff's words on the plane coming to America on the Sexual Abuse Crisis facing our shores and am deeply moved by his statement.

Again to stay up to date on these events and all the Popes trip to America watch CBS and go to CBSNews.com.

CBS stands above the rest

In this day and age of 24 hour media that is so often focused on the worst that our society offers, it is great news for those of us who are looking for inspiration that CBS has decided to focus on the Holy Father's trip to the U.S.

We who seek the truth and also wish to be informed of the happenings in our American society can relish in the fact that News media such as CBS has decided that a Papal visit is indeed highly news worthy.

You can read their coverage schedule Here.

Remember the Holy Father

On this Tuesday as the preparations set into actions, as the Holy Father travels to the Country of my Birth, I am watching and waiting. I am waiting for the message of Hope that our Holy Father brings. I am waiting for the New Evangelization that has been spoke of. I am waiting for Salvation and and guidance.

As I write this message, I am contemplating the daily readings. I am thinking on what I can possibly say on a day so historic and to be worth writing.

I think about the men in my country who do not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, nor His Father, nor the Holy Spirit. I am thinking on what Christ said about those who saw and didn't believe. They had a chance and didn't accept the Son of Man.

I am thinking about the millions of people who have no knowledge of God. These poor people who haven't rejected the Lord, because they know Him not. It is these men we should pray for. These persons whom if only shown the way, would believe and be saved.

I hope that in the coming days, weeks, months and years, I will be able to reach even one of them, so that they may be saved and I may be able to do some true good in this world. I pray to Jesus that I might be able to reach some of these men and women and help.

Remember our Holy Father in your Prayers this week. Ask Jesus to aid him in his Journey to help and preach the truth of the Lord Jesus Christ.

CBS Coverage of Pope Benedict XVI

CBS News Plans Comprehensive Coverage of Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the U.S., including Live Coverage of his White House arrival. and reports on the 'CBS Evening News With Katie Couric' and 'The Early Show' Throughout the Week.

CBSNews.com and CBS Radio News to Carry Live Coverage of the Pope's Public Events, From Arrival to Departure.

CBS News will offer comprehensive coverage of Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the United States from his arrival in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday (15), through his departure from New York City on Sunday (20). CBS News' coverage will include carrying the Pontiff's arrival at the White House on Wednesday (16) live, along with reports on the CBS EVENING NEWS WITH KATIE COURIC (6:30-7:00 PM, ET/PT) and THE EARLY SHOW (7:00-9:00 AM, ET/PT). CBSNews.com and CBS Radio News will add to the coverage, providing live reports on public events during the Pope's trip.

National Correspondent Byron Pitts will travel with the Pope through the duration of his U.S. visit and will report for the CBS EVENING NEWS on the state of the Catholic Church, the Pope's role in U.S. politics, religious tolerance and any breaking news regarding the Pontiff's daily activities. Tonight, Correspondent Bob Orr will report on preparations by U.S. law enforcement and Secret Service to protect the Pope as he moves throughout the Northeast, often in large open venues.

Coverage on The Early Show will include live reports and live West Coast updates of many of the historic events taking place during the Pope's visit. On Tuesday (15), correspondent Jeff Glor will be live from Andrews Air Force Base awaiting the arrival of Pope Benedict. On Wednesday (16), co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez will be live at the White House to cover the Pope's arrival ceremony with President Bush live for the West coast. On Thursday (17), Rodriguez will co-anchor from Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., before the Pope celebrates Mass there later in the day. Glor and Rodriguez will continue to cover the Pope's arrival in New York City for The Early Show on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

CBSNews.com will provide live Webcast coverage of all public events during the Pope's visit and an online library of on-demand video clips from the trip and from Benedict's papacy as a whole. The site will also have a number of interactive elements, including a timeline of the Pope's itinerary in the U.S. and his life in pictures, his thoughts on major world issues and a timeline of milestones in his life, which can be viewed here: Pope Benedict in America

CBS Radio News will provide reports on the Papal trip, including those from National Correspondent Dan Raviv, White House Correspondent Peter Maer and Correspondents Cami McCormick and Steve Kathan. CBS News Radio plans to air live coverage and special reports of the major public events in the Pope's schedule.

Coverage of Pope Benedict's arrival began with a SUNDAY MORNING piece on April 13 by Martha Teichner exploring how many U.S. citizens know who he is and how everyone from children to adults are preparing for the Pontiff's arrival, which can be seen here: Who Is Benedict XVI?

God is Love

Until Jesus Christ came I would be considered a gentile. Not that I am uncircumcised but that I would not have been accepted by the Jews. But as Jesus says in today's Gospel reading:

He is "the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father.”

This is a truly important Gospel reading for those of us Catholics who don't descend from the house of Abraham. We are only taken into the fold by the Grace of Lord Jesus Christ. He decided we were worthy. He placed our salvation at the same importance as the people of Israel. We are accepted by the Lord God, through the Son. We only need to believe and be true to God's Commands and the Jesus's Commands and we will be able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

God didn't say the Jews weren't worthy, they were and are. He just decided that because of the great example that the Jews had given that all men could be worthy.

We Catholics owe so much to the Israelites, for if not by their steadfast belief in the Lord God, we might never have had the chance of knowing Jesus and being accepted by Him.

I feel too many Christians place blame on the Jews of Jesus's time for His murder. Jesus was the only one who was capable of allowing His death. He did so freely for us, and to lay blame upon men for His death is to take away the Glory of God. We should consider, even Judas was playing the role God set out for him. What choice did he truly have in any of it. I honestly believe Judas is in Heaven and is loved by God. The pains would have been excruciating for him to turn his back on the Lord, whom he loved. But what choice did he have when it was all by God's design.

Primacy of Peter and Papal Visit

The issues discuss in the bible reading of this Mass of the Good Shepherd have greatly to do with trusting the Lord. Jesus is constantly speaking to us, but do we hear Him?

He is the Good Shepherd and it is our needs He is speaking to. Jesus knows all of us, our good and our bad, yet He still loves us entirely. He doesn't just love the good in us, He also loves that which makes us sin. He is the way and the Light. It is through Him all things are made whole again.

When you look at the first Reading from the Acts of the Apostles, you can see the good works that Simon whom Christ named Peter, is doing. He, whom denied the Lord on the day of His execution, is the Rock that Jesus picked to lead us. He is the man whom Christ gave the keys to the kingdom, to bind us to Christ.

I think on the Primacy of Peter heavily this day. For in only a few days the Holy Father will arrive on these shores. He will be coming, not as a Rock star or as a Celebrity, but as the Shepherd of our Church. He is coming to help revitalize our spirits, Through the Holy Spirit. He is coming to give us a new Hope in the Old Truth that is Jesus.

I look forward to reading the speeches and watching the Masses. I look forward with an open heart to the words of the Holy Father. I don't think it will be easy to heal our Church in America, but I do know it will begin this week, with the Pope and the message of Christ, through whom all Good things happen.

Missing Masses

I am getting married on December 27, 2008 to a wonderful Catholic woman I have known for over twelve years. I couldn't be happier. We have just figured out the readings for the Wedding Mass and are now in the process of deciding on the music.

That is where I start my story. We went to a Wedding Music Seminar at the Church where we attend mass and also where we are being married. There were quite a few couples there all getting married in the next year. The problem is, I have never seen a single one of them at the church prior to this day. I go to several Masses a week and usually at least two on the weekends. I would have figured I would have seen at least some of them before.

I don't want to say that this is a problem with these couples, but it does sadden me. To think that a person is ready to enter Holy Matrimony without a good solid religious background, seems a little foolish to me. I think that my religious life and that of my fiancee is the most important part of us as a couple. I think it is important to follow the teaching of the church and also that it is important to remain close to God. Not just on High Holy days, but on a daily basis.

God is a great forgiver but I think He asks more of us than we are sometimes willing to give. So much gets in the ways of our following the Lord. I hope you all are blessed by the Grace of God and walk through your days knowing He loves you.

The rules are Simple, but not always Easy

Today's readings fill me with a saying, "You are what you eat." This is essentially what we are partaking, in a spiritual sense, when we accept the Eucharistic Lord through the Eucharist. We are taking the body and blood of Christ into our bodies in order to live through His grace.

This is such a simple act, but that doesn't mean that it is easy to accomplish. The shear simplicity of the religion Jesus ordered set up is mind boggling. All we have to do is follow a short list of instruction and we will live forever with God.

The list isn't easy to follow but if you think about it, it is a list that each and everyone of us would try to follow even if God didn't decree it.

Don't Lie, Steal or Murder. Be honorable and faithful. Don't lust. And pay homage to the Creator. These are all simple, but not easy things to do.

Why do I say simple, well it could be more complex, there could be a million parts to each, but God has made it simple for us.

Why do I say not easy, because even though some of them are easier that others, it is in our very nature to sin. God knows this, so He has set up ways for us to be forgiven. True repentance is all that is required. We need to know that we have sinned and ask for God to forgive that sin. Sometimes we sin without our express knowledge or perhaps we committed a sin, prior to knowing what we did was sin. These too can be forgiven.

God knows our nature, and has made it simple to repent.

But even though it is simple, that doesn't make it easy.

The Only Way to the Father...

Jesus is the bread of life and all who know Him know God, for one can only know God through the Son. This is a unique idea that is altogether bothersome and altogether glorious.

At times to believe and not be able to know is a burdensome idea. We who seek the One God have been troubled throughout time to know Him. We are trying to comprehend that which is incomprehensible and therefor become frustrated. It is in each and every one of us a desire to the know the Lord God, but to do so is impossible without the intervention of the three in one.

Jesus Christ is Lord God and to know Jesus is to know God. Jesus has been given to us mortals as a means to understand the Father. Salvation reigns through the word and Jesus is the word.

In other words, consider God the father is a distant leader, whom country is grand. Then suppose you are a peasant living in a land that has nothing. If someone comes and tells you of this great land far away, you would have no means to truly understand the wonder of it. It all you have ever seen have been shacks, how could you understand a Skyscraper? But then one comes who has with him a picture book that explains the lands faraway not with words but with pictures. You are able to see the greatness of the land faraway and understand better what it is.

You still can't totally understand the scope of the land, but you understand better because of the Word made flesh. Jesus is our guide in the knowing of God, and the men of the Church whom help us to understand the book.

Now it is possible to know Jesus without knowing the Church, but once you begin to understand what Jesus is saying to you, you know that he wishes for you to worship and glorify the Father in Church. He also tells you to do certain things to remember Him and His great works, which need a holy man to perform the blessings in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Why do we need the Catholic Church? Because Jesus told us to build it and worship at it. He told us the only way to God is through the Son and also how to please the Son. He told us to worship Him and remember Him through the Eucharist and that is what we Catholics do.

Tertullian, an African from Carthage

I have been fortunate to spend some time today reading some of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI speeches found at Papal Wednesday Address which is a great site for things relating to our Holy Father. I have been reading more and more in preparation of our Holy Father's visit to the United States next week.

The thoughts that Pope Benedict XVI describes about Tertullian as being a great writer for the Christian faith in the late second century are truly telling of the Holy Father's plethora of Christian knowledge and really have opened my eyes.

Pope Benedict XVI states "In our catechesis on the Fathers and teachers of the early Church, we now turn to Tertullian, an African from Carthage and the first great Christian author to write in Latin. A convert to Christianity, Tertullian became an eloquent apologist for the faith, not only defending it from its detractors but striving to present positively the Gospel message in dialogue with the pagan intellectual tradition. He emphasized the unity of God while affirming the divinity of Christ and the Holy Spirit. Tertullian’s terminology of three “persons” in one divine “substance” marked a significant advance in the development of the dogma of the Trinity. His works also bear witness to the emerging understanding of the dignity of Our Lady, the nature of the Church, the Petrine Primacy, and the sacraments. Tertullian grounds the Christian life in prayer and in hope based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Converted by the sufferings of the martyrs, whose blood he called the seed of the Church (cf. Ap., 50.13), Tertullian grew increasingly rigoristic, and eventually left the Church’s communion. Yet he remains an influential witness to the Church’s rule of faith and an important figure in the perennial dialogue between the Gospel and the world of culture."

This is a great passage on the man whom gave us so much, and even though he proved himself fallible, our Holy Father judges him not. It is a great lesson of humility that we can take. Even though Tertullian was a devote man and great writer, he still thought himself better than the Church of God and couldn't accept man's fallibility.

The Pope goes on to say "When you evaluate your thought in terms of your greatness, in the end it is this greatness that is lost. The essential characteristic of a great theologian is the humility to stay with the Church, to accept her and one’s own faults, because only God is all holy. We, on the other hand, are always in need of forgiveness."

I love reading our Holy Father's thoughts and will continue to go back to Papal Wednesday Address in order to grasp more of his wisdom.

Is Divine Mercy Enough

What an extraordinary reading from the Acts of the Apostles today. We reconnect with St. Stephen as he is confronting the masses. He is simply speaking the truth as Lord Jesus Christ has shown it to him. And instead of embracing the truth these men run from it. They close their ears and hearts and then murder the messenger from speaking the message.

How often do we hear the truth and run from it? How often do we decide that even though we know the right way, we deviate and go our way instead. I am not comparing my sins or those of my fellow man to the sins committed against God's messenger, St. Stephen, I am merely saying we are not innocent of sin.

How many times have we closed our ears to the truth? Sometimes it is easier to walk the road of our society instead of standing against it and helping to change. We need to become the Change if we are to better ourselves or our culture.

It isn't about speaking to groups of people and telling them the wrong they are doing, it is about taking a hard look at our own lives and deciding to live more fully for the Lord. It is about committing oneself to the divine truth that is Jesus Christ and helping the people around you to see that truth for themselves. Not with speech, but with deeds and actions. We must live better lives.

It is easy to sit back and say we are righteous, but how many of us truly are. I know I sin everyday, that is why God have made it so easy to be forgiven, I simply need to ask and truly feel penitent and God will grant forgiveness. God knows it is inherent in our nature to commit sins, the work upon us is to limit that sin, not to get rid of it entirely.

I know not one person who has been on this human plane of existence that did not sin, Even Christ Jesus was somewhat fallible in the human state. God knew even this would happen. It is man's nature.

Perhaps it is upon us today to recommit ourselves to God's teachings as come through the Prophets and Jesus Christ. Perhaps we should consider what St. Stephen was willing to do, when we are confronted with our own failings. Perhaps we should consider what greatness God have truly given us and be thankful instead of looking for more.

Work for Food that Endures

In today's Gospel reading Jesus says “Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.”

What does that mean?

Well it would be silly of me to tell you exactly what the Son of God was saying, so I will rather tell you the thoughts I have that I feel relate to this Gospel reading.

When the disciples followed Jesus across the water and asked Him how He arrived there, the previous was His response. I feel it means that we are striving for answers to the questions we have not because we know, but because we know not.

Why do we toil and work so hard in this life. We concern ourselves with the material possessions, the baseball game, the music concert we wish to see. But do we take enough time to consider the lasting work of the Lord.

We all make the extra time to do some work at our jobs, we can easily convince ourselves that it is for our families, or our career. But when we die, will God say to us, You did a good project at work so you may enter the Gates, or do you think He is more likely to say, Why did you not take more time to praise me or help your fellow man in my name.

Do we volunteer enough to help the sick or elderly? Do we give enough money to good viable charities or just to the ones that give us a tax break? Do you give the man on the side of the road a dollar to find food or do you just give him a sneer or a retort or do you just pass him by as if he wasn't their?

I think God expects more of us. I believe that when Jesus talked to His disciples at the water, he was telling them to seek more sustenance for their eternal souls and take less time for their worldly wants and desires.

I guess the question I ask myself all the time is, Is this my desire or God's will? Sometimes their is no way to find the true answer to the question, or times it is obvious that I am doing what I want with little regard to God. Is it enough to be Christian on Sunday or should we consider that we must be Christians everyday? I think we must strive to find God will in all things, whether it is at work or at play. I know God wants us to be happy, that is why He gave us the greatest gift, Jesus Christ and the Joy of the Truth.

Passage from Stewardship and Teenagers

The following exert is about how Teenagers specifically, but could work for all, can help revitalize our Catholic Church. This is taken from the paper Stewardship and Teenagers: The Challenge of Being a Disciple, the full text can be viewed at the Archdiocese of Boston's Office for Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

Stewardship and Teenagers: The Challenge of Being a Disciple...

• Share Your Time—Visit people who are alone, especially those who are isolated due to age or sickness. Teach what you know to a neighbor or younger sibling. Be present with the people in your life, especially your family. Offer to help. Practice saying “yes.”

• Share Your Talents—No one else can do exactly what you do. Whether singing, cooking, drawing, or playing sports, your talents are for sharing with others. When used generously, the good they provide is immeasurable! Seek opportunities to participate in your parish or faith community as a greeter, altar server, lector, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, or assistant in the religious education program.

• Share Your Treasure—The cost of a movie ticket or a pizza can help to prevent a childhood disease or build a house for someone with nowhere to live. Part of your allowance or paycheck can help your parish provide more services for its community. Decide to give a certain percentage of money at your parish each week. As you live with this decision, you will grow into a lifelong habit of generosity.

• Share Your Tradition—Embrace the rites and sacraments of the Church as beautiful gifts of God, to be appreciated, loved, and shared. Invite a friend to come to Mass or Divine Liturgy with you. Pray for others, both people in your life and those in need throughout the world. Consider what plans God has for you. Whatever his call, it will require the ultimate gift of yourself—through marriage and family, or through the priesthood or consecrated life.

It is possible to live in imitation of Christ. Young and old alike, we all struggle daily to be true to who God calls us to be. The Church, especially through her sacraments, is there to nourish and guide you. It is a day-by-day journey, and the way may not always be clear. Daily prayer and weekly attendance at the Eucharist will be a tremendous help in enabling you to find your way.

The Church is grateful for your presence, our young Church, and we thank you for the gifts of energy, idealism and zeal that you share with us. As always, we encourage you to search your heart and discover ways in which you can make a difference. We thank you for your honesty as you call us to do more! This call to living out the Gospel value of stewardship is the call for all of us to do more, to be more, to love more!

Both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI have called us to be a Church for young people . . . a Church that is not afraid to require much, after having given much; that does not fear asking from young people the effort of a noble and authentic adventure, such as that of following Christ. We, your bishops, are asking: Come join us in the adventure!

Famous Catholics

So in the recent past Adam Sandler wrote the famous "Chanukah song" which highlights famous Jewish peoples, I have decided to post a list of some of the more famous Catholic persons in our day. Though not all are alive at the present, they do all have some hold on the Pop culture world we live in. It is nice to think that even in the society which seems to have abandoned faith as a center, we have some stars we can look to as sharing the beliefs and faith in our Risen Lord. I have included links so you can enjoy some of their works, where available.

Jim Caviezel – actor
Word of Promise from Jesus: Dramatic Passages from the Gospels
I Am David (2003), Jim Caviezel, Ben Tibber, Joan Plowright
The Passion of the Christ (Widescreen Edition)

Sean Connery – actor, movie star
The Name of the Rose
First Knight [Blu-ray]

Bing Crosby – actor, singer
All Hail The Power Of Jesus' Name
What A Friend We Have In Jesus

Salvador Dali – Surrealist painter
Salvador Dali 2v
Christ of St. John of the Cross ,1951, Art Poster by Salvador Dali

Clark Gable – Academy Award-Winning actor
Clark Gable: Tormented Star
Gone with the Wind (Two-Disc Edition)

Alfred Hitchcock – film director
Hitchcock (Revised Edition)
To Catch a Thief (Special Collector's Edition)

Bob Hope – movie star, comedian
On the Road With Bob Hope and Bing Crosby Collection (Road to Singapore/Road to Zanzibar/Road to Morocco/Road to Utopia)

Casey Kasem – Media personality, radio DJ
Here Comes Peter Cottontail

Grace Kelly – Academy Award-Winning actress
Grace Kelly: A Life in Pictures

John F. Kennedy – 35th President of the United States
God in the White House: A History: How Faith Shaped the Presidency from John F. Kennedy to George W. Bush
Profiles in Courage

Rachael Lampa – singer
Blessed: The Best of Rachael Lampa

Vivien Leigh – Academy Award-Winning actress
Vivien: The Life of Vivien Leigh
Gone with the Wind (Two-Disc Edition)

J.R.R. Tolkien – Fantasy writer
J.R.R. Tolkien Boxed Set (The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings)

And the two men who should be the most famous catholics of our time

Pope John Paul II
Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology Of The Body
Crossing the Threshold of Hope
Pope John Paul II Celebrates Solemn High Mass in St. Peters

Pope Benedict XVI
Jesus of Nazareth
Saved in Hope: Spe Salvi
Concert in Honour of Pope Benedict XVI

Conversations with Cardinal Sean

I was just watching Conversations with Cardinal Sean on CatholicTV and I was struck with a need to share some of his message with you. The premise of the show is truly simple, a moderator, Jay Fadden, sits with the Archbishop of Boston, Cardinal Sean O'Malley and asks random question concerning all realms of the faith and our Church. Episodes are available for viewing at CatholicTV.

The segment I was watching was concerning itself with New Arrivals (immigrants to our region) and the New Evangelization (which concerns people who already have a belief in Jesus). It was inspiring to hear my Cardinal speaking on these topics.

Cardinal Sean went into depth on how our world church has over a billion Catholics in it, and they come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Boston has had a blessing of so many new immigrants who come to our churches and are a vibrant part of our Parishes.

Cardinal Sean then went into detail about the need for a New Evangelization of current Catholics and those who have left the Church for one reason or another.

I am sitting here thinking about how we as a Catholic Community can welcome these people into our lives and Parishes. It is a distinct quality amongst most people to shy away from persons of different colors and races, but as Catholics we need to reach out and welcome these new Arrivals into our dioceses across the country. Jesus gave us marching orders to make disciples of all nations and it is our duty as Catholics to welcome all fellow Catholics.

It is also important that we seek opportunities to reveal the mysteries of our faith to non-believers and those who have left even though they believe. It is important to remember that Jesus told the disciples "to do this in memory of me." This means that even though we can talk to God directly we are summoned to share in the celebration of the Eucharist and join together as brethren of the same cause, which is Jesus Christ, and hold hands and worship our Lord.

It is hard to go door to door converting the masses, you don't have to do that. Just find logical moments when you can show why you enjoy your life so much, as part of the fulfillment that Christ Jesus has given you. When you mention Jesus at a party and the room goes silent, it might not be comfortable but you are with Jesus and consider what he went through for you. Also consider the pains of certain Catholics in the world, Chinese Catholics can be killed for speaking about Christ.

We Americans can find it harder to realize how much Christ Jesus really has done for us. It is easier to see the divine mercy of the Lord when you are living in a desert and every meal your receive in a blessing from God. People who have next to nothing don't put conditions on their faith in God, they simply show thanksgiving for all they receive. There are so many different variations in American and Europe of Christianity in part because of the society of choice we are blessed to have. It is easy to say, Well I talk to God every day so I don't need to attend Mass or I like how the Protestants do it better. Jesus created the Catholic Church and therefor it is only right that we follow Christ through the teaching he laid down for us.

As an American I don't want to put down anyone beliefs. However as a Catholic I must tell those whom are following a misguided path of the truth that is Christ. If you don't like how the Catholics do it, help change it, don't abandon the truth for a more comfortable life. Jesus didn't abandon us for a comfortable life, he died brutally for us. Just because you don't understand God doesn't mean He is fallible, it simply means you need to listen more.

Archbishop Sambi on Papal Visit

In preparation of the upcoming Papal Visit to Washington, DC and New York I have been delving the blogosphere for any references to the visit. I happily happened across an article on National Catholic Reporter, its an interview of Vatican Ambassador, Archbishop Pietro Sambi. Sambi was the herald of Pope Benedict XVI visit to America at the plenary of US Bishops last November and even though there are a great deal of other comments online, his words should be taken to be worth considerably more than everything else you have read. He is no amateur having orchestrated to previous papal visit, John Paul II stop in Burundi in 1990 and the Pope's 2000 pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Archbishop Sambi

(Photo by CNS/Nancy Wiechec)

Here follows some exerts from the interview, but you should really read the whole text here.

NCR: In a few words, what is the significance of this visit?
Sambi: The purpose is to go back to the roots of the church in the United States. We celebrate this year the 200th anniversary of the foundation of four very important dioceses: New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and what is now Louisville. We also mark the anniversary of the promotion of Baltimore as the first metropolitan archdiocese in the United States. To return to your roots means to go back to the sources of your identity, and by doing so, to find a path to the future.

There is another fundamental reason for the trip, which is found in the Gospel. One of the main duties of the Successor of Peter is to confirm his brothers and sisters in the faith.

A third important element is that the United States is a superpower, with a great influence on almost everything in the world. To be a real superpower, however, brute strength is not enough. Of course, great military, economic and political strength is very important. But you must also have solid and consistent values -- human, moral and spiritual values.

America has had many of these values, such as freedom, democracy, respect for human beings and fundamental human rights. Today, the United States exports many things around the world. What it could export more, however, are the great values that a superpower should have.

In broad terms, what do you expect the pope's message will be?
There have been many failed prophets who have tried to anticipate what the pope will say here and there. I can tell you only that what the pope will say, the pope himself knows, and nobody else.

How would you analyze the situation facing the Catholic church in the United States?
When you are a minority, as Catholics are in this culture, you need three strong principles. The first is a clear identity, a clear sense of what you are and what you want to be. As a minority, if you lack a clear identity, you're like a drop of wine in a glass of water … you'll disappear. The second thing is a strong sense of belonging. I would express it in this way: you need a community, and the community needs you. Whoever walks alone sooner or later will be lost in the desert. Third, when you are a minority, you need a deep commitment to excellence. You must excel in human qualities, in family qualities, in professional qualities, in the qualities of Christian life, in order to be a light for others. If you don't have a sense of excellence, you will be submerged by the majority.

Of Particular interest to Boston Catholics

The sex abuse crisis has been a deep trauma for the Catholic church in America. What do you expect from the Holy Father on that subject?
I expect him to say that we have to move forward from this situation, which has so humiliated the church in the United States. To move forward, we have to go back to the basic ministry of the church, which is to be representatives of Jesus Christ. Jesus asked, "Do you love me?" When the disciples said "Yes," his reply was: "Feed my sheep, take care of my lambs." Our attitude towards the faithful must be one of service -- love of God and service to our brothers and sisters. We must have the same respect for the faithful that Jesus had, who sacrificed his life for each of them.

Will the pope express sorrow or regret?
I don't know what he will express. But when he's talked about this subject before, also in talks with bishops from other parts of the world, he has put a strong emphasis on the need to go out from such situations, to move forward.

Why is he not going to Boston?
Look, he's 80 years old. While he's here, he'll celebrate his 81st birthday. You ask why he's not going to Boston, but you could also ask why he's not going to San Francisco or some other place. He just can't go everywhere. He will speak to Boston, and to San Francisco … from New York and Washington. He will speak to all the people of the United States, including all the Catholics of the United States.

Boston was the epicenter of the crisis. Some might argue that he's avoiding the sex abuse crisis by not going there.
No, he's not avoiding it. I can assure you that he's not avoiding it. Be patient, and you will see that he's not avoiding the problem. He's not the kind of man who hides from difficulties. He's too sincere, both before God and before his brothers and sisters.

Why isn't the pope meeting with victims?
How do you know that he won't?

It's not part of the official program?
Yes, that's right. It's not part of the official program.

Do you think there might be a moment for such a meeting unofficially?
It's not important what I think. It's important what will happen.

So it's possible?
It's within the field of possibility, but I cannot confirm anything.

So let me rephrase: Why isn't a meeting with victims part of the official program?
Because the feeling was that at this moment, it would not be the best way to heal their wounds. Our primary goal with the victims is to help them heal from this very deep hurt that has been imposed on them.

Reading About Natural Family Planning

Now I have to admit that I am not an expert when it comes to natural family planning. I do however understand the basic concepts, which leads me to high recommend this method of Sexual planning. You are basically able to determine whether or not you (or your wife) is in the part of her cycle that will allow for being able to get pregnant.

Now I will assuredly post more on this subject, but today's post was mainly for recommending some reading on the subject. I like not only to read articles by doctors but also to read personal accounts of any new subject matter. Today I recommend you read A Third Way post Natural Family Planning: Too Good and So True, Part 2 for a personal accounting of how this method has helped in the life of a good Catholic Couple.

This is a great blog of personal conviction which I have recently become a regular reader of. I enjoy her deep love of Christ and how He has given His gifts to her and her family. Great Job Melissa and keep on blogging. Her example is helping to show the way for my own personal life and I thank her for that.

Boston Catholic Men's and Women's Conferences 2008

The Boston Men's Conference started with an idea brought up in a Men's group at Cambridge's Saint Paul Parish in 2004. The guys were sitting around and trying to figure out how to help the Cardinal revitalize the Archdiocese because of an appeal he made at his Installation Mass. They first tried to figure out what helped them in the trying days of the Archdiocese and then concluded that if a Men's Group worked for them, perhaps a Men's Conference could help many others.

When they started the planning process, they were really trying to make a difference and instead of trying to get whomever was available at the time to come and speak. They decided to invite unlikely speakers who would in fact be great for the conference. They were amazed that Jim Caviezel (Passion of the Christ), Jim Towey (Office of Faith Based Initiatives, Counsel to Mother Teresa), Tom Monaghan (Domino’s Pizza, Legatus, Ave Maria University), Fr. Larry Richards (National expert on Men’s Ministry and Confession) and Fr. Philip Merdinger (Chaplain to National Fellowship of Catholic Men and Spiritual Director at St. John’s Seminary) were not only available but excited to come and speak but were genuinely enthused. While planning the first conference these men figured they would get maybe 500 attendees, but were pleasantly surprised by the 2,200 that attendants.

The Boston Women's Conference was started in Mid-January 2006 because of an outpouring of requests to the Men's Conference by Catholic Women wanting to experience their own conference. A number of Boston Women were contact and told of the need. They eagerly jumped on board and in only a few weeks were able to setup a conference for over 3,300 women who were able to share their faith with each other.

Since that time both Conference have grown and helped many local Catholics on their journey with God and Christ Jesus. This year is expected to be the largest showing of both Men and Women.

For more information on the Boston Men's Conference 2008.

For more information on the Boston Women's Conference 2008.

Boston Catholic Women's Conference 2008

The following is the current list of Speakers for the Boston Catholics Women's Conference, which will be held this year at Conte Center at Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA on Friday April 18, 2008. For more information on the event as well as a schedule of these speakers and how to attend please go to Boston Catholic.

Kimberly Hahn
• Renowned author, lecturer and Bible study leader, in addition to homeschooling her six children with her husband, Dr. Scott Hahn.
• Research Fellow and Secretary/Treasurer of The St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. Has advanced degree in Theology.
• Her most recent book is Life Giving Love: Embracing God's Beautiful Design for Marriage (Servant, 2002). She is also the co-author with Scott Hahn of the best-selling Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism (Ignatius, 1994) and Catholic Education - Homeward Bound: A Guide to Home Schooling, written with Mary Hasson (Ignatius, 1996).
• In addition to her contributions to numerous books, dozens of her talks and Bible studies have been issued as popular audio cassettes, including "Dating and Courtship: A Catholic Perspective," and "Children: A Model for Family Growth."
• Has been the #1 requested speaker by attendees of the Boston Catholic Women’s Conference for the previous 2 years. We are grateful that this year’s Friday evening schedule allowed Mrs. Hahn on short notice to accept our invitation!

Patti Mansfield
• Patti Gallagher Mansfield was a participant in the February 1967 "Duquesne Weekend" which marked the beginning of the Charismatic Renewal in the Catholic Church. From the earliest days of the Renewal she has served as a leader through teaching, writing and pastoral ministry. Patti’s testimony has been widely published and she has been a speaker at conferences and retreats for laity and priests in the United States and around the world. She is a frequent guest on Ralph Martin’s television program, The Choices We Face.
• Patti has authored several books including: Proclaim His Marvelous Deeds, As By A New Pentecost: The Dramatic Beginning of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal with a Foreword by Cardinal Suenens and Magnificat: A Mother's Reflections on Mary. All are available through her ministry office.
• Patti is married to Al Mansfield, Coordinator of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of New Orleans, Louisiana, and is the mother of four children. She and Al serve together in pastoral leadership of two weekly prayer meetings, the Holy Spirit Retreats and an annual Catholic Charismatic Conference. The Mansfields are Liaisons to the Archbishop of New Orleans for the Charismatic Renewal and are recipients of the Papal Medal, Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (For the Church and the Pope).
• Patti addressed Pope Benedict XVI on behalf of all ecclesial movements and new communities before a crowd of 400,000 people in St. Peter’s Square on the vigil of Pentecost, June 3, 2006.

Cardinal Sean O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap.
• Mass celebrant and homilist at 2008 Boston Catholic Men’s Conference.
• Archbishop of Boston since July 2003. Previously the Bishop of the dioceses of Fall River, Palm Beach and St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands.
• 1st Cardinal to have a weekly blog: www.CardinalSeansBlog.org.
• Inspired and encouraged the founding of the Boston Catholic Men’s and Women’s Conferences.

Stacy McGovern
• Stacey McGovern was born and raised in Massachusetts and was graduated from Montrose School and Framingham State College. After graduation, she worked as an elementary school teacher, teaching third grade. Her career blossomed, as was evident when she was nominated twice for Massachusetts Teacher of the Year. Stacey soon married husband Jim McGovern. Returning from her honeymoon, she began to experience progressive hearing loss at 25. Doctors could not find any reason for the rapid deterioration of her hearing nor stop its progression.
• Just after her twenty-sixth birthday, her medical charts read “profoundly deafened adult.” Her journey through this tragic experience did not cause her to lose faith or turn away from God. In fact, quite the opposite occurred. Incredibly, she clung to God, through Jesus and Mary, and endured this painful time, which caused her many physical and emotional trials.• After five years of silence, Stacey opted for cochlear implant surgery and she soon returned to a world of sound. She successfully learned to hear via the implant through rehabilitation. Tragically, the next year found this mother learning to walk again after she and her young children survived a horrific accident.
• Stacey will share her experiences with sudden deafness, the comfort God brought to her through strangers, the strength she gained through her struggles, and the blessings He promised and delivered. Her story will demonstrate the power of prayer and patience and the importance of having faith in God’s plan, even when things seem impossible. Her deep faith serves as a model for women everywhere.
• Stacey has shared her experiences with others throughout New England and New Jersey and has written her story for several magazines. Stacey has been a guest speaker at many schools, churches, and conferences. She is also a Bionic Ear Association Volunteer for Advanced Bionics where she councils others who are considering cochlear implant surgery.
• Stacey, age 34, and her husband and three children reside in Holliston, where they are members of St. Mary’s Parish.

Boston Catholic Men's Conference 2008

The following is the current list of Speakers for the Boston Catholics Men's Conference, which will be held this year at Conte Center at Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA on Saturday April 19, 2008. For more information on the event as well as a schedule of these speakers and how to attend please go to Boston Catholic.

Tarek Saab
• Candidate on The Apprentice (season 5) – the “Mensa” candidate.
• Cofounder of Lionheart Apparel, a clothing company dedicated to outfitting Christian men in quality apparel that is subtle, symbolic and stylish. 10% of profits are donated to pro-life causes.
• Author of Gut Check: Confronting Love, Work and Manhood in Your Twenties (releasing on 3/1/08)
• As a devout Catholic and a newlywed, his speeches cover topics such as chastity, modesty, business ethics, pornography, abortion, prayer, and other moral issues.
• Born and raised in New Bedford, MA, living at times in public housing. In 7th grade, he tested at a collegiate level, won a scholarship to high school. Later earned degrees from Saint Anselm’s and Catholic University and began work at Texas Instruments before the opportunity on the Apprentice changed his path.

Fr. Peter Grover, OMV
• Director, Saint Clement’s Eucharistic Shrine Boston
• Vocation Director for the Oblates of the Virgin Mary
• Lecturer on Sacred Scripture and teaches Greek at Saint John’s Seminary
• Popular homilist whose podcasts are available at www.stclementshrine.org.
• More information about Father Grover to be shared later.

Jack Shaughnessy, Sr.
• Successful Catholic businessman (Shaughnessy & Ahern, Co.) and “cheerful giver” (philanthropist).
• As part of our Bicentennial celebration, will share reflections on the Church over the past 80 years and his hopes for the future.
• He’ll also share his powerful story of how God helped him through difficult days as a Catholic business owner.
• Raised in Quincy, attended Boston College High School and Tufts University. Served in the Navy before returning to help lead family business.
• Jack and his wife Mary have been married for 52 years. They have 7 children and 17 grandchildren.

Cardinal Sean O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap.
• Mass celebrant and homilist at 2008 Boston Catholic Men’s Conference.
• Archbishop of Boston since July 2003. Previously the Bishop of the dioceses of Fall River, Palm Beach and St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands.
• 1st Cardinal to have a weekly blog: www.CardinalSeansBlog.org.
• Inspired and encouraged the founding of the Boston Catholic Men’s and Women’s Conferences.

Martin Doman
• Music and worship leader at 2008 Conferences.
• Martin has been working as a Catholic musician, liturgical music minister, songwriter and worship leader for the past 15 years. He has released several recordings of Catholic praise and worship and led music for many conferences and retreats.
• 2007 Boston Catholic Men’s Conference Theme Saint Patrick’s Breastplate, recorded by Martin and included on album “God’s Goodness Thus Far.”
• Coordinator of Laudatio ministry for the Diocese of Harrisburg. Laudatio was formed out of a desire that Martin had to bring renewal to the Church through the power of music and the Eucharist.
• Martin is married and he and his wife Charlene have six children. He is a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville.

Catholics Must Re-Dedicate Themselves

When the apostles were arrested for preaching the words of Jesus and the way to Salvation for all mankind, they were questioned. The High Priests asked why the Apostles were going against the orders of the Council. They replied simply, that there orders came from above and therefor superseded the orders of men.

This faith in the truth is why Jesus chose his disciples. He knew even though they would start as doubters, that they would succeed in bringing the news of the messiah to the world. He knew all that would happen and went on His mission.

Does God think any less of us? I believe that we are each called to speak the good news of Christ to the world. There are many ways we can go about this. But it is indeed important that we try.

Some people, especially in the Boston area, are searching for a way to join with Christ. It is our mission to remind them of the Catholic Church and tell them it is okay to return home. It is important for us not to be afraid to tell people who are seeking, about the truth and how to receive it through Christ's Church. We are here waiting.

Now some people feel that the Church will be fine even if we don't go out and help people find Christ. The Catholic Church is after all protected by Christ Jesus and what force on earth could destroy her. Well the church will survive. But consider this, there are many parts of the world, which once held strong Catholic beliefs that the Catholic Church's presence is non-existent now. North Africa being one region. Protestant Faiths and Un-Godly bible thumpers have taken so many loyal Catholics and turned them to similar but false truths.

Christ Jesus is Salvation. The only way to Christ is through the Church He commanded be built. It is our place to make sure that Catholic Church is run by Godly men. There is no place more appealing to the devil than to be amongst the ranks of Catholic Priests. It is our job to make sure the Church remains safe and secure. It is our mission to ensure her survival through prayer and a re-dedication to her.

Christ loves us and wants us to remain loyal to God. There are great Holy men in the Church who if they receive the help from us parishioners can succeed. The Church is hurting but it will Survive.

I ask that each and everyone of you reading this attend Mass this weekend and try to re-pledge yourselves to Christ and His Church.

Modern Martyr's A Way to the Lord

How do we get more people to attend parish events and masses? It is important to pray, but prayer alone won't solve these issues. It is important to show your neighbors and friends how Christ has led you to salvation. It is possible for all to join, some are afraid because of the hurt man has caused on the church. Some though just need to learn the great gift that Jesus is for us.

It is important for you to share your personal narrative with friends, family and even strangers. Now it isn't important for you to become like Jehovah's Witnesses and walk door to door. But if asked about your weekend you can share how beautiful Mass was. Or if you attend youth group's or Parish functions, you can tell people how you enjoyed them.

Pope Benedict XVI has told us there needs to be greater martyrdom for the church. He also says that in our society the only martyrdom we need fear is that of Humiliation. It is not popular to talk about the church these days. It is something that comedians mock and entertainers make light of. It is something that if you tell to people you will probably see some scorn or mockery. Be brave.

It is only humiliation if you consider it so. I like to think, when I tell non-believers about my gift from Jesus, that they are merely ignorant to the truth. If they only understood the great gift they can receive then they would not mock or laugh. It is hard sometimes. Be Strong.

God has commanded us to love only Him as our God. God will give you strength if you ask. He wants you to succeed. So how is it possible for you to fail. Be Knowing.

You don't have to go around telling everyone you encounter about Jesus and what he did for you. You can simply set a good example. Show people your happiness and show them that you are loved by your God. Show them the path. People will ask why you are happy, and then you can tell them. Be True.

There are some people who used to belong to the church and have gone astray. These men and women are just looking for a sign that it is safe to return. Tell them, Show them. God loves them. It was sinners that have been dealt with that hurt them, not Jesus. It is safe for them to come home.

God will help you. You only have to show some courage and start the journey.

The Lord's Prayer or Our Father...

I have spent much of the last day considering prayer. I have been thinking a great deal about the "Lord's Prayer" as the means that Jesus showed us how to pray to His Father. Jesus stated the Lord's Prayer to His disciples when asked How do we pray.

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen

This is a deep and knowing prayer, yet it is simply presented and easily memorized.

I believe Jesus showed us this way to pray because He knew how simple it would be to learn and how effective it would be to us and our salvation.

Contemplate it sometime. I have spent many hours doing just that and I am firmly aware of my love for Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

A Modern Parable: A Man was Walking...

A Man was walking down the street. He didn't have much in the way of money and things, but he was happy. When he would meet another on the road he would say "Amen, Amen to you and to the glory of our mutual benefactor."

Most men he would come across would look at him with distain, for he was raggedly dressed and lacked cleanliness. Others would simply return a "hello" or "how do you do?" Some would violently yell at him and tell him to get on his way. He would continue his walk and continue his greetings.

Every now and then another person would not just thank him but offer him something to eat or some money for his journey. Mostly out of pity but every nor and then as a thank you to him for his kind message.

One day on the outskirts of the town he met a man sitting. He said to this man "Amen, Amen to you and to the glory of our mutual benefactor." Now this man on the side of the road said "why do you offer me this greeting, I now not of whom you speak." So on this day the man sat down next to this seeming stranger and said "You might not know this but we are children on the same path. I am so glad I have met you on this day." The stranger was dress more raggedly and didn't even have a coat to dampen the cold. He said to the new man "I have no path, I am merely sitting here waiting for the day to end."

So the man said "Well perhaps you don't know of whom I speak but our mutual benefactor has given you a great gift this day." So the stranger looked around and being quite sure no one had given him a gift in a long time said "Away with you for I have been given no gift and no one is likely to help a broken man like me." The man said "well I see you have no coat, so here take this and be happy." He took off his coat and gave it to the man. The stranger didn't even say thank you.

The man got up and continued to walk with the biggest smile on his face. For you see the man knew that he had done as was required of him. He had given another who had much greater needs them himself a coat and he was comforted.

He knew he had given a gift to Christ when he helped a poor man. For Jesus said "Come Oh blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, and I was in prison and you came to me... Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethen, you did it to me."