Showing posts with label Noteworthy Blogs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Noteworthy Blogs. Show all posts

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Cool #Catholic Site: Why I'm Catholic



So this is how Twitter can work...

My blog posts are automatically "tweeted" on Twitter with an auto-feed I set up, which is why I usually am adding the hashtag #Catholic to my titles. (Just in case you were wondering.) Whenever I can improve a process or automate it, I'll do it. Since there are times when I schedule the publishing of a post, having an auto-feed do it for me while I'm off driving to work or doing something else is of great value. I use Twitterfeed for this purpose.

Yesterday, CathTechTalk "re-tweeted" my blog post tweet, which caused me to check out their Twitter account and read through some of their recent tweets. That's how I found out about the excellent site, "Why I'm Catholic."


It is so hard to keep up with all of the wonderful, powerful, beautiful Catholic websites and blogs, but when I find them, I try to highlight them. At this site are stories from all types of people who converted to Catholicism as well as some revert stories. I also saw The Curt Jester's Jeff Miller featured, which should be a good interview for anyone unfamiliar with Jeff's story. (Even if you are familiar, it's still a good read.)

This is a roundabout way of saying why I still love Twitter although I'm not on it as often as I used to be. (Which may change. Or not. I have several Twitter accounts I work on.) Twitter is still a great tool that allows me to reach out to others with my message and also, discover fantastic resources such as the "Why I'm Catholic" site.

So check it out! I'll be adding it to my blogroll on the side. And if you'd like to follow me on Twitter, please do. I'm CathPrdDaughter. :-)

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Noteworthy Blogs: Seraphic Singles and Love the Tradition, Loathe the Traddies #Catholic


I came across two more interesting blogs, both grabbing me by my heart for different reasons.

Seraphic Singles is a delightful blog for singles that I found through visiting The Crescat's site. Most of us will spend all of our lives single. I've only been married for nine years. Before that, I was single until I was 39. Finding a lovely young woman who not only has embraced being single, but is passing the joy on to others was indeed a treasure. If you're single, especially a single woman, I highly recommend visiting her blog to experience encouragement and smiles. Oh, and she also wrote a book about being single. Very nice!

The second blog, Love the Tradition, Loathe the Traddies, may surprise those of you who know I'm a Traditional Latin Mass lover. But it's a blog written by a priest who has wise counsel for those of us who are "traddies." I don't think of myself as a "baddie traddie," but still, it's always good to be reminded of how not to act. He also has a recent post about how we as Catholic bloggers should be careful of using our blogs for good, and not fall into the trap of just regurgitating drama for the sake of traffic or thinking that is the only worthwhile purpose of keeping a blog.

Mantilla nod to my friend, Tom, for letting me know about Fr. Raven's blog and of course, to Carolina Cannonball at The Crescat for always having interesting things posted.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Noteworthy Blog: Orwell's Picnic and Her Dead-On Pieces on Feminism #Catholic

A friend of mine recommended the blog "Orwell's Picnic." I remember reading it and instantly liking the opinions of its author, Hilary Jane Margaret White. Recently, a blog post of hers was featured on Pew Sitter and I loved it. The post, "A Hateful Ideology," showcased a video where a U.K. psychologist and Men's Rights activist said, "There's no way I would regard feminism as anything but an evil in our society."

Hilary Jane may categorize her post under the title "Why I don't like women," but she is one woman I do like. And there are many others who share the same opinion: that radical feminism has brought destruction and misery in to society.

I'm a very strong, independent woman, myself. But in my early days of being drawn to feminism, I quickly sensed something wasn't completely right. I didn't want to see men as the "enemy" but simply wanted my talents and expertise compensated fairly. I also am not the kind of personality that welcomed a full tank of anger and as I started to visit feminist events, I saw first-hand several patterns: women were either angry, frustrated, or depressed. None of these traits were attractive to me. Years later, as I've watched feminists gain more and more "rights" (sometimes at the expense of men's rights), I thought I'd finally see some satisfaction from their ranks. Not a chance.

Instead, it seems that many of these women are caught in a relentless wheel of dissatisfaction and that any victory they achieve is only celebrated for moments before cranking out more demands to be seen as equal. Equality, in my eyes, has been reached. Discrimination is not nearly as much of a problem as it was, say, in the sixties. I am grateful for this but yet am amazed that many of these radical feminists cannot rest and enjoy what has happened. Instead there is this joyless trudging through life as though a battle-ready existence is much more preferable to relishing peace-time.

Women do have the ability to influence society for the good. (Instead of embracing oppressive philosophies such as socialism.) But more women who reject feminism need to start becoming involved by sharing their views with their own families, friends, and within their churches. I continue to think of our Blessed Mother when I think of feminism. She was truly feminine, not weak at all but full of God's grace, bestowed upon her through humility. She didn't insist on her own way but instead surrendered to God everything. She trusted Him above all things and was used as His instrument in bringing salvation to the world. There are so many lessons women can learn from her that can enrich our lives.

Hilary Jane has more posts under the category "why I don't like women" but I fully understand her reasoning. Over the past sixty years in the U.S., there has been a systematic attack on the traditional family, in which women played a core role. Once you get a woman confused and dissatisfied, the structure of the family unit is weakened. It is, in my mind, evil -- and straight from the pit of hell. The devil sought to destroy the birth of Jesus and it has been the same ever since. The devil seeks death and destruction. Feminism is his tool.

If you find yourself in agreement, I heartily recommend visiting Orwell's Picnic. Hilary Jane has some very interesting thoughts on the topic.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

"Clerical Whispers" Blogger Outed #Catholic

I just received an email today and am reprinting it below. I did remove the "Clerical Whispers" blog from my blogroll because believe me -- the only time liberal Catholicism will be on my blog is when I'm ranting about it. I have no interest whatsoever in linking to any liberal Catholic blogs or bloggers.

****

Dear fellow Catholic bloggers,

I'm writing this because I noticed that your blog has a link to the "Clerical Whispers" blog.

Its author was believed to be a Roman Catholic priest in Ireland. However, I found out this week that he has been identified as a clergyman in a tiny denomination.

Someone has even set up a blog dedicated to exposing him, at the URL
http://thetruthaboutsottovoce.blogspot.com/

According to the information on that site, the blogger "Sotto Voce" was Joseph Ryan, a priest of the very liberal "Reformed Catholic" church until it dissolved a few months ago. Perhaps this is why he identified himself on "Clerical Whispers" as "an RC priest".

I'm writing merely to pass along this information and correct misunderstandings. If "Sotto Voce" meant to fool people and pass himself off as a member of the Roman Catholic clergy, it really is wrong, and the imposture should be exposed. Let us pray for his return to the true faith and the authentic Church.

As a point of disclosure: I'm relying on the information on that web site and do not have independent confirmation about it.

Independently, at least one other blogger has noticed the pro-gay opinions of "Sotto Voce" and dropped him for that reason in 2007:
http://cosmos-liturgy-sex.com/2007/07/16/clerical-whispers-had-to-go/

Thanks for your work in sharing the Catholic faith through your writings on the
Internet!

God bless--

--Richard
(writing at the "Catholic Light" team blog, http://catholiclight.stblogs.org/)

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Friday, July 16, 2010

Dear Robert Stacy McCain: You Need to Become "The Old Spice Guy" to Get @Alyssa_Milano to Notice You

I've been reading Robert Stacy McCain's blog, The Other McCain, for awhile now. If you are a regular reader, also, you'll notice that he has been doing everything possible (well, almost) in order to be noticed by the Real Celebrity Queen of Tweets, Alyssa Milano.

Milano has made herself a Twitter favorite because 1) it's obviously her who is doing the "tweeting" 2) she's a huge baseball fan, which pretty much makes her just about every guy's fantasy: a gorgeous woman who can tell the difference between a forkball and a slider and 3) she actually talks to her fans and recommends them.

So R.S. McCain has been on an ever-intensifying mission to get Alyssa Milano to notice him. Except someone else finally beat him to it. And the dude's only wearing a towel.

Introducing... "The Old Spice Guy"



Old Spice has hit a Grand Slam with their "Old Spice Guy" whose videos have gone viral on the Internet. Not only are the commercials funny, The Old Spice Guy has even responded personally to those who've tweeted about him. Including Alyssa Milano, who actually received a bouquet of flowers and declaration of love from the sensual shower stud.

So, the lesson? Perhaps you best be setting up a video cam in your bathroom, Stacy; and don a nice white towel. Maybe that can increase your traffic and help you pay off your daughter's wedding. You never know... it could happen!

Rearranged My Little Blog-house

I moved up the links to other blogs and also my archive. If you like this blog, you may like some of those I've linked. I just got a referral for a funny one and added it: Orwell's Picnic (Gotta love the subtitle of it. Visit and laugh!)

I am completely jealous of anyone who gets to live in Rome.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

KKollwitz's Delightful Lessons for Children Regarding #Catholic Identity

I wasn't sure what to title this post, but KKollwitz, who has visited this blog on occasion, teaches children at his parish. (CCD?) His latest response to my post about the upcoming new translation had me chuckling. (I wish I had a teacher like him when I was a kid!)

One of the more challenging responses in the TLM is the one he is speaking about:

Dómine non sum dignus ut íntres sub tectum meum: sed tantum dic verbo, et sanábitur ánima mea/ Lord, I am not worthy that thou should enter under my roof; but only say the word, and my soul shall be healed.

I have to really rip through that one because everyone says it so fast! But I always loved the phrase and remembered where it came from in the Bible.

If you've not read KKollwitz's blog yet, check out this post. Then read more. If you're a parent, you may just want to read it aloud with your little ones!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Need Encouragement to Fulfill Your Dreams? New Blog: Get Happy! #positivethinking


Yes, this is shameless self-promotion for my dear husband, who revamped his blog, Get Happy, and is now posting more regularly.

He wrote an eBook (and I contributed) about happiness and how to distinguish between "happiness" and "success." The two do not automatically go hand-in-hand. Many times, a person will look successful from the world's perspective but yet will be miserable on the inside.

Years ago, I had a very well-paying job. I was earning the highest salary I ever had in my life. However, I was miserable. My boss was often impatient, rushed, and barely had time to spend with me so I could do the job properly. It was a pressure-cooker environment with a constant flow of meetings. I lasted nine months before deciding the paycheck wasn't worth the stress.

I ended up getting a job that was less stress, and yes, less pay. But I was happier. I had enough mental energy to focus on my own projects after work instead of arriving home drained and falling into a quivering heap.

The eBook helps people focus on working within their comfort zone to achieve their goals. Often, people say, "get outside of your comfort zone." My husband had a different take on it. Why not find your comfort zone and expand it?


My part of the book deals with relationships. I was a relationship coach for single women over 40 for three years. One lesson I emphasized constantly was this: Find what you love to do. Do it. And keep your eyes open for those who love to do it, too. Many times a woman would place a personal ad with "Loves music, loves to dance." But did she really love to dance? If that was true, I reasoned, then join a dance club. Take dance lessons. Hang out with dancing groups. There would be a much better chance of finding a single man who also loved to dance within those settings.

So. Check out my husband's blog if you need that shot of encouragement and buy the book for more. Plus, if you do so and said you were recommended by me, I get bragging rights. ;-)

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

New #Catholic Blog: Orkney Catholic (Scotland)

Scots lady, "Coffee Catholic" just started a new blog and I wanted to invite my readers to check it out. If anything brings a smile to my face, it's a proud Catholic who wants to share their joy of Catholicism with others. Precisely the type of "new media use" our Holy Father would endorse!

Welcome to the Catholic blogosphere, Orkney Catholic!

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

From "Chris & Company", Another Fine Catholic Blogger

This post is so wonderful that I'd like to share it with you. Written by Chris (who now has a new blog, Sub Tuum Praesidium, which means, "We fly to thy patronage" and is the beginning of the oldest hymn found to the Blessed Virgin Mary.), it is the description of her growing dissatisfaction with what seems to be the majority of Catholic parishes and her surprised delight in finding that a church that offers the novus ordo Mass in Latin made a huge difference in her spiritual life.

The post: treatise time: how did I get this way anyway?!?!?! Inquiring minds want to know!

(Note: Chris decided to close her first blog to 'members only' but started her second blog for the Catholic audience. Below is her post. I didn't realize the snag others would hit while trying to follow the link. So, here it is. I found it inspiring and interesting. I hope you do, too. Enjoy!

----

So, I went ahead and joined St. Agnes parish up in Saint Paul.

This in spite of the fact that I do not even live in the archdiocese (normal Catholics go to whatever church is closest- I think we've already established my lack of normalcy here!) I talked to the pastor on the phone today and he was happy to take my name and address.

So, happily, I will no longer be subjected to the following practices- all of which I have observed in one local parish or another:

*hideous projection screens at the front of the church, despite the fact that all they are putting up there is the music that is in the book which is sitting right in front of you

*lack of visible (or altered) crucifix in the church (we're Catholic- by golly, let's look like it!)---lack of kneelers or a visible Tabernacle often goes along with it!

*drum sets which need to be played during EVERY song of the Mass (I love Christian rock music- but there is a time and a place....Holy Mass is neither!)

*hand-holding while praying the Our Father (who started this anyway? I could see within your own family maybe....but everyone????)

*priests who infuse the entire liturgy (including the not-to-be-messed-with Eucharistic Prayer) with their own little tidbits, opinions, campaigns, thoughts, prayers...instead of following the book like they should be

*the saccharine 1970's "Gather"-hymnal-fest of such songs as "Rain Down", "Jesus Come to Us" and "Open My Eyes Lord" (wonderful sentiments in and of themselves...but the lyrics are just pathetic and always made me feel like I was in 2nd grade again....) OK fine, they might sing these at St Agnes at some time, but I doubt I will hear them at the Latin Mass!

*the ultra-distracting communion where I am required to participate in singing no less than 2 songs while traipsing up to receive our Lord and Savior from the unconsecrated hands of a random person instead of a priest

*clapping (for any reason whatsoever) during Mass (tack-Y!)

*priests who turn their back to the Lord and "face the people" (see Fr Z's latest post on ad orientem worship- it's very good)

*someone going up before Mass to read off the lists of people who are "doing things" in the Mass today (hint- "active participation" does not mean you need to be up on the altar doing something...unless you are in fact the priest)

*woefully inaccurate ICEL translations of the actual prayers of the Mass (I didn't take a day's worth of Latin in high school, but even I can see that et cum spiritu tuo does not translate into "and also with you"!)

*altar servers schlepping up to do their duties with their jeans and sneakers showing

I could go on.....

Believe me, even *I* can't believe what a hard-nose I have become. How did this happen?

Well, I think it was because I prayed for some type of conversion experience this Lent. I believe I got it.

Here's the deal.

I believe I have always been on the fairly conservative side of things, religiously and politically. A lot of the things I mention above are things that have bothered my over the years, but I never knew there WAS any other way.

Until I started going to the Traditional Latin Mass (abbreviated TLM because it's too long to type out every time). A couple years ago I went for the first time, purely out of curiosity. I didn't knew the TLM even existed anymore.

Growing up, all I remember hearing of pre-Vatican II Mass was that it was all in Latin, the priest "had his back to the people" (a gross misunderstanding of why he faced East), women wore veils....um, yep, that sounded pretty weird to me for a long time. Good thing Vatican II got rid of that. (clue- it didn't!)

Anyway, after going to a few TLM's here locally I started to realize that there was something BIG happening...this Mass was different. The priest was facing the altar because he was leading us in prayer to God -who cares if his back was to me, what does he need to look at me for- he's certainly not praying to me! And there were all kinds of gestures, the candles, the incense--- that made you realize something very important was going on. It was suddenly much more easy to see why it is called the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, not just a "meal to be shared".

As I learned more about the history and liturgy of the Latin Mass, I began to look at the Masses I went to in a very different light. Having been born after the changes of Vatican II, I had never known anything but the modern "novus ordo" Mass. I started to think that I was missing a lot...

Then over Lent I started reading a lot of Catholic blogs- a lot of people that are fired up about the faith, who are working to expand the use of the TLM, to bring back treasures of the faith that have been lost over the last 40 years (post-Vatican II). And it was in my search to find a weekly Latin Mass in the area that I found St. Agnes parish. I was a little hesitant at first because they do not celebrate the old Tridentine Mass, they celebrate the novus ordo Mass in Latin (there is a difference- it may not make a difference to you, but it is a big difference). But they do it right- they don't make up their own stuff, they don't put in stuff that doesn't belong there.

Ah, big deal, you say. So they're old-fashioned.
So, why drive all that way just to go to church? Isn't that a little odd? A Catholic church is a Catholic church, right?
Well, one would hope....
The word "catholic" actually means "universal". Back in the day (pre-Reformation) there WAS only one Church- it was universal (catholic). So one would think that going to any Catholic church anywhere, the experience of the Mass would be (you guessed it) universal.

This is far from the truth.

I know there are lots of Protestant churches etc. that aren't used to having "rules" that as a church, they need to follow. But (in case you haven't noticed) Catholics do. There is a "how to" book for how Mass is to be done- and a great many Catholic churches have thrown it out the window.

WHY, you ask, does this matter.

Why do I have a little logo on the side of my blog (thanks to the Closed Cafeteria) that says "Save the Liturgy, Save the World" - other than the fact that it sounds cool? Could anyone possibly believe that how a bunch of Catholics celebrate the Mass has any effect on anything outside of the church walls?

I actually do.

The title above that logo to the right says "lex orandi, lex credendi": the law of prayer is the law of belief. Basically- it means that how we pray affects what we believe.

Have you ever thought of it this way? It should be the other way around shouldn't it?

Well, for those who are Catholic...picture your typical Sunday Mass that you go to:

What indications are there that something sacred is happening?
What reverent positions or gestures do you see which show our respect and worship of the Almighty?
Does the music inspire you to prayer, or is it there to fill the time?
Does the Eucharistic Prayer reflect the fact that at this moment, the sacrifice of our Lord on Calvary is being made present?
Does the priest's handling of the consecrated bread and wine reflect that this is the true and literal body and blood of God Himself?

Because if your average Joe and Jane Catholic don't SEE and experience this at Sunday Mass....how are they to know that it is truly our Lord and Savior that they are receiving in the Eucharist? How are they supposed to believe that anything miraculous has happened? What is going to "give that fact away"?

Ever seen a poll on how many Catholics don't believe in the Real Presence? Can you imagine now why that might be the case?

Skits and hand-holding and sappy music Masses don't tell us what is really going on at Mass. The Eucharist is the "source and summit of the Christian life" - THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. How many treat it as a 45-minute social engagement?

If we REALLY believed we were receiving Jesus....would we be so casual about it?

How we pray DOES affect what we believe. If your parish is of the "Mass is a community meal, let's all gather round the table and sing folk songs" mindset, you may have a tough time recognizing the Mass for the Sacrifice that it is. And in turn, the fact that it is your Lord that you are receiving could too easily be sidelined. And if you miss that boat, you've missed EVERYTHING.

In light of that, the latest Pew Forum report on the decline of religion in America- particularly Catholicism- isn't as surprising. Very sad. If all the ex-Catholics had truly believed in the Real Presence and understood Whom they were receiving at Mass- I would like to think that they would never left it.


If you've actually read this far you deserve a cookie, so go and get one for yourself, I'll wait here.

....................................

So those are my thoughts and the basic story of how I became a hard-nosed, mantilla-wearing, rosary-toting, Latin-chanting traditional(ist) Catholic. Other than that, I haven't changed. I am still a nice (and downright hilarious) person. And my faithful Lutheran husband and children have yet to disown me despite the fact that I am spending all our money on gas to drive to St Paul every weekend. (Not only that- but he actually DOESN'T think I'm crazy, if you can believe that.)

Thanks for reading. Enjoy your cookie. :)

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Noteworthy Blogs: Amy Wellborn is on Beliefnet

One month ago to the day, the husband of Amy Wellborn passed away. I am beginning to know Amy through her online writing, having noticed a year ago that the people I was interested in, were interested in her. I admit I've never read any of her books.

However, there is something about her that touches me. Perhaps it is the spirit of another wanderer, a questioner, someone who tries to look at the working of God's hand from another angle and reaches for Him always - whether in confusion or partial understanding. When her husband suddenly collapsed from a heart attack, I immediately felt the shock and pain as though it happened to me. When I feel these sort of connections, I pay attention. God is usually at work.

I have often thought about Amy and her family. I know how the sudden loss of someone very important to you can turn your world inside-out. We are defined, to some extent, by our relationships. We don't understand the underpinnings of these complex connections until that connection disappears. Suddenly, you feel a bit lost. Not sure how to act or where to turn. Sometimes you feel silly, knowing you live in a world that doesn't know how to handle grief. And then thinking about grief, not sure if it's something to be handled or simply endured; like a raging tsunami, threatening to crush you with the weight of sorrow.

I truly don't know how anyone lives through grief without the grace of God. Who else could know the deep pain but God, who sacrificed His only Son so that we could live? It is a mystery, enormous and bottomless, even on the surface.

Amy is now writing for Beliefnet.com. Her blog there is called Via Media. She desires solid, mature commenting and I don't blame her. On a website that is filled with everything from New Agers to atheists, I can only imagine the type of trolls it attracts. Still, I plan on following her there and commenting when I'm able.

Please continue to keep Amy and her family in prayer.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

The "I'm Charmed By Your Blog" Award!


Angela M. at Where Angels Go has given me an award. Thanks, Angela! Angela was my first online Catholic friend. We 'met' on a Catholic message board (was that Catholic Online Forum, Angela?) and she immediately "charmed" me by welcoming me to the Catholic online community and commenting on my blog. (First commenter, too!) Plus, she is the one who prays for the patron saints of folks. I was so fascinated with it and very grateful when she prayed for a patron saint for me. It opened the door toward learning more about the saints, so I am truly grateful to her.

As for the award, here’s the rules:

“These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.”

I am awarding:

Infused Knowledge

Catholic Family Vignettes

The Simple Woman

Adrienne's Catholic Corner

Daily Donna-Marie

Chris & Co.

The Recovering Dissident Catholic

One Woman's Thoughts: Laura Lowder

I'm fixing dinner now but will let these folks know, soon!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Noteworthy Blog: Don't Be Discouraged

I realized I had found this very sweet blog by a priest who is celebrating "21 Happy Years of Priesthood." It was really refreshing to read Fr. James Farfaglia's entry. You can sense the strong passion he still has for his vocation. Hope you enjoy it and also his blog.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Noteworthy Blog: Another New Blogger -The Heresy of Progress

Doug at The Heresy of Progress has a fascinating story of how he ended up "at Rome." I cannot tell you how much these stories mean to me. I am in awe when a Protestant brother or sister in Christ decides to "swim the Tiber" and convert to Catholicism.

I remembered telling my dad not too long ago: "I used to watch during Easter services, the new converts to the faith walk up the altar to be formally received and I'd think, 'why?'" Catholicism at that point didn't seem particularly interesting. It was just something I grew up with and for a variety of reasons, took for granted. I had never seen any attraction that Catholicism would have for someone not raised as a Catholic.

Oh, what a difference 25 years away from the Catholic church makes.

Now I get it. Now I completely understand and am both humbled and elated by my Catholic faith. We have such a precious gift but yet often, it is either overlooked or ridiculed by others. Tis fine. We "get it" and our prayers should be that others, like Doug, "get it" too. I am so thrilled to be alive at this time in history. I believe more are going to be "coming back home" and I am looking for opportunities everywhere to welcome them with as much love that has been extended to me.

So, welcome to the wonderful Catholic blogosphere, Doug!

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Excellent Post: Where Are Our Priorities?

So often, we will shell out money for things we want but balk when the church asks us for help. Fr. Jay Toborowsky has an excellent post on his blog, Young Fogeys, on getting our priorities straight. (nod of the mantilla to Laura Lowder. Thank you!)

  • If a football coach tells parents their son needs to memorize plays to be on the team, the parents agree. If a priest tells parents their child needs to memorize prayers or facts about their faith to be a better Catholic, the parents argue.
  • If a soccer coach tells parents they need to get their child to team practices three times a week, the parents change work schedules and arrange carpools. If a priest tells parents they need to get their child to a practice before a big liturgy, the parents complain.
  • If a cheerleading coach tells parents that they need to raise money so the team can go to a competition at Disney World, the parents sell candy bars and wash cars. If a priest tells parents that they need to raise money so the altar servers can get new robes, the parents remark that "It's always about money".
  • If a school teacher isn't pushing his/her students to read and do math beyond their grade level, then he/she isn't thought to be doing their job. If a religious education program pushes students to know and understand their faith beyond their grade level, then the program is thought to be "unrealistic".
How true...

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Welcome New Blogger: Karinann of "Daughter of the King"

We have a new Catholic blogger on the block - Karinann of Daughter of the King. She's pretty new and still trying to figure out this "blogging stuff" but seems like she's doing pretty well, so far! Why not give her a visit and welcome her to the Catholic blogosphere?

She also was my first taker for "The Perfect Daybook" entries I'm going to be making sometime over the weekends. My goal is to have at least one perfect day a week. (ha!) Thanks, Karinann for your participation and I'm going to add you on my blogroll. :-)

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Great Article by Father Dwight Longenecker: American Anti-Catholicism

Fr. Longenecker has an interesting history. Brought up in an evangelical home and attending Bob Jones University, he is in a unique position to write about the new American anti-Catholicism that is on the rise. His latest article featured on Inside Catholic, summarizes what he foresees as tougher times ahead for Catholics. A snippet:

In this ecumenical age, such traditional Protestant bigotry is dying out. More and more, Evangelical Christians are coming to realize that the "old old story" of God's love for a dying world and the saving work of Christ on the cross is now most fully and vigorously told by the modern Catholic Church, as so many of their own churches are buying into the secular, morally indifferent agenda of the world around them. Marcus Grodi's Coming Home Network reports an increasing number of Evangelical pastors coming into the Catholic Church; it might not be long before Bob Jones University itself issues a statement apologizing for its anti-Catholicism.

Does this mean that anti-Catholicism is dead? I fear not. While the old-fashioned Protestant variety is dying out, a new and equally virulent form is rising up, evident in three different manifestations.

American Anti-Catholicism, Inside Catholic.com

The three manifestations are 1) Those who claim to be Catholic but are CINO's. (Catholic In Name Only) These are the types who will go from polite disagreement with the Pope to more extreme defiance. 2) Those who are what I call, The New Protestants. They come from both denomination and non-denominational churches who have sold out to the pervasive "culture of death" and promote gay marriage, feminism, and the whole liberal agenda. And 3) In Fr. Longenecker's words, "the secular hedonistic population in the United States."

Quite a trifecta. But if you're a believer in Christ, I would think you know something is up. We're seeing an increase of hatred toward Christianity like I've never seen before. It will come from all sides - both from the world (which we expect) and from within churches (which we usually don't expect).

Read his article prayerfully. I have a feeling it will be a good reminder to us all to prepare ourselves spiritually. No matter what, God is in charge and we are called to remain obedient to Him always. We are not alone.

Friday, November 28, 2008

A Month for the Souls in Purgatory

Owen (onionboy), is doing a special devotion this month called A Month For The Souls In Purgatory.

Owen is a special "online" blogger friend I met while visiting other Catholic blogs. He is a convert and sacrificed much by becoming a Catholic. He was a Protestant minister. When Protestant ministers convert, they truly are giving up their livelihood. However, Owen is also a wonderful artist. (You can see his work here along with his charming observations about life.) He is selling his artwork but also will be in search of a job after recuperating from major surgery. Please keep him in your prayers for employment that will use his talents.

It touched me to learn about this devotion. Since I'm still learning about All Things Catholic, I realized the doctrine of Purgatory was an area I needed to learn about. Even as a young girl, I can't remember learning much about it.

So, check out the blog and add the names of your own dearly departed. God is merciful.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

The True 'Nameless, Faceless' People

I used to hear the phrase, "nameless, faceless generation" often within the prophetic circles. The idea was that God was raising up a generation who would be "nameless and faceless" as they went about, performing miracles and preaching the Gospel. It captured the imagination of the younger people as they pursued a deeper commitment to God.

But I had to wonder how realistic such a proclamation could be, since the very leaders of the prophetic movement were so prominent. Stoking the fires of fame, I saw men and women jockey for positions of greater exposure. Not exactly the poster kids for a "nameless, faceless" generation.

Here's a real example of "nameless, faceless." A group of dedicated Catholic laymen got together to collect and catalogue audio recordings of homilies, available on the site, Audio Sancto. This is good stuff. Really good. It is pure meat and believe me, you'll be chewing on some of the teachings days after hearing them.

But, no names are given. None. The reason? Here is what the website says:
The priests you hear in the recordings on this website are Catholic Priests, in good standing with their local ordinaries and Rome, incardinated with normal faculties and jurisdiction, and serving in North America.

Because they have duties and responsibilities as priests to care for the souls of the Faithful entrusted to them. By remaining unidentified, their attention for their flock won't be divided by folks outside of their parish who might seek them out for questions rather than going to their local priests. (Wow. That is the most excellent reason for remaining anonymous than anything I've ever seen.) Moreover, the message they happen to be preaching -- the Catholic Faith -- is what is important, not the human beings who are preaching it. (!!!)


Some of you may have no idea how utterly radical this is - to have these teachings available for free! Most Evangelicals and Charismatic types would be chomping at the bit to figure out how to make a buck from such recordings. My former ministry is charging for podcasts and many well-known radio personalities do the same, allowing "members" access to their files online for a specific amount of money. And of course there are tantalizing bits strewn throughout a website's home page blaring, "Become a Member Now! Get Access to the Exclusive Babblings of This Person! Only $199 per Year! Whatta Deal!"

As some younger people are into expecting "free" music online, I gravitate toward free teaching. I'm an information junkie but one type of information should not be for sale when it is so easily obtainable online - and that is Christian audio recordings. I don't have a problem with a donation button, but don't make anyone pay to hear the Word of God. I can only imagine what St. Paul would be saying to some of these practices.

So, check out Audio Sancto. And I'm even going to 'brand' them:

Audio Sancto: Real Spiritual Nourishment for Tough Times.

Amen!