Feast Day: St. Mary Magdelen

Today is the Feast Day of St. Mary Magdelen. I have always been touched by her story because her story can truly be our story. She was a wounded woman, filled with agonies brought on by the seven demons Jesus Christ expelled from her. Can you imagine the peace she felt once those demons were gone? The sense of safety she felt as she realized she was held in the palm of God's hand? No wonder she anointed Jesus with perfume and washed His feet with her hair.

I can only imagine her self-loathing before she met the Messiah. The shame, the guilt - all washed away by His words and the divine power of forgiveness. She is a reminder to us all that no matter how deep we fall, no matter how far away we've gone, we have an Advocate in heaven who implores us to come home, and rest in Him.

St. Mary Magdelen is the patron saint of those who struggle with sexual temptation, for druggists, hairstylists, and reformed prostitutes. And for contemplatives. Quite a group!

Catholic By Choice

I really liked this article by Deacon Keith Fournier from Catholic Online.

I have come to a conclusion, we need to do more than simply report on the dissenters who seek to change the Church rather than change themselves. We need to respond with an informal coalition, perhaps called “Catholics by Choice”; representing Catholic Christians who knowingly choose to embrace the fullness of the Christian faith found within the full communion of the Catholic Church with gratitude, fidelity and evangelistic zeal. I am one of those Catholics and I invite the global readers of Catholic Online who share this desire to consider a response to this newest effort to dissent from the Church.

Deacon Fournier put into words something I've been thinking about ever since my return to the Catholic Church. When I first returned, I was unaware of the deep, dividing lines between the liberal and conservatives. I truly wasn't sure which side I fell into. On one hand, I appreciated the attempts from some liberals to make the Catholic faith more accessible. On the other hand, I was grateful for the conservative approach toward maintaining the integrity of the faith. Deacon Fournier pondered this in his article:

The Church is not some “thing” which we try to “fix” or have our “issues” with or which we try to “change” by remaking it into our image. The Church is a communion with the Trinity in and through Jesus Christ and with one another in Him. Living in that communion we are called to love the world as He does. Through our Baptism the Church became our mother, the privileged place in which we live our lives in Christ. To perceive, receive and live this reality requires a continuing conversion.

I love this. Deacon Fournier placed the emphasis exactly where it should be - on communion with the Trinity. When we are drawn closer to God, we are transformed. When we are transformed, allowing God to remove our fears and self-centered desires; we see the world - and the church, much differently. We start to look around at our brothers and sisters in Christ and realize that there may be differences (which are often no more than preferences), we are still One Body and should endeavor always to love one another within that understanding.

Long ago, I studied the concept of feminine submission and was greatly influenced by the great missionary and teacher, Elisabeth Elliott. Elisabeth wrote a book to her daughter, Let Me Be a Woman, and discussed the issue of submission. This certainly is not an easy topic for women, but one that has fascinated me over the years, especially in light of the sweet fruit that results from obeying it. I remembered discussing it with some other women who responded to the biblical admonition, "Submit to your husband." One woman remarked, "Women have it easy. We're called to submit to our husbands but our husbands have the responsibility to submit to God!" In other words, a woman could fully submit to her husband, even if her husband was making some wrong choices according to God. In the end, the woman is faithful to what was required of her but the man would have to answer to God for his rebellious heart.

We are all called to submit to the will of God. And, we are called to submit to leadership:

Obey your leaders and submit to them; for they are keeping watch over your souls, as men who will have to give account. Let them do this joyfully, and not sadly, for that would be of no advantage to you. (Heb. 13-17 RSV)

Did you catch the last verse? "Let them do this joyfully, and not sadly..." Why joyfully? This would be an account of the Body of Christ being obedient and trusting their leadership. If they were sad, it would be because they were trying to lead an unruly bunch who had nothing but their own stubborn hearts that prevented them from trusting in God. I know which group I want to belong to.

Submission is not easy for anyone. We all have our own thoughts on the way we think things should be. I'm definitely including myself in this assessment. I have strong opinions (As any of you who has read my blog before would know!) and I'm not afraid to voice them. But in the quiet of my heart, after the passion cools, I examine myself in prayer. I know that all too often, my opinions are nothing more than judgements upon others and a frustration that they don't see the world as I do. That is when I offer myself up to God and ask for forgiveness, and ask for His compassion and wisdom to be poured upon me so that I can be a channel of His grace to those both in the world and in His Church.

So, I am a Catholic by choice. I am certain a Catholic who is more liberal would say they also are a Catholic by choice. My hope and prayer is that in the future, we can join together and trust that God knew what He was doing when He gave us His Son, Jesus Christ, initiated His Church through St. Peter and the following lineage of popes, and established the safety of tradition through the Magisterium. It is all for a purpose. May we continue to pursue and maintain the integrity of His Church through and by the Trinity.

The Episcopalian Church's Slide Into Collectivism

I freely admit I am an individualist. In fact, passionately so. Although I enjoy times of fellowship with friends and families, I get pretty cranky if I don't have my "alone time." I was single until I was 39 years old and happily found a man who respects my need to be alone at times.

Artists will understand this need for solace. Indeed, it is necessary as air if we are to create. There must be time spent in solitude so as to hear the muse's call, or at the very least, mull over observations and thoughts that will lead to producing something of value. The United States of America was built by individuals who followed their hearts and created something unique and lasting. They learned to hone their vision into something that would benefit both their immediate families and the surrounding community. To experience success in executing that vision and finding profit was one of the greatest joys known to man.

How does this relate to who we are in Christ? And what does it have to do with the Episcopal church? Quite a bit, actually. Recently, the Episcopal church had their 76th General Conference, presided over by Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori. During her opening speech, she said this:

The overarching connection in all of these crises has to do with the great Western heresy – that we can be saved as individuals, that any of us alone can be in right relationship with God. It’s caricatured in some quarters by insisting that salvation depends on reciting a specific verbal formula about Jesus. That individualist focus is a form of idolatry, for it puts me and my words in the place that only God can occupy, at the center of existence, as the ground of all being. That heresy is one reason for the theme of this Convention.

I understand what she is trying to say but her choice of words were unfortunate. She is giving the impression that I alone cannot be saved by admitting that I am a sinner and surrendering to God for His grace and mercy. Somehow I need "more." How she can justify this Biblically is beyond me.

Scripture says that faith without works is dead. As Christians, we know that coming to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ is only the beginning of a life lived in obedience to God. But only God knows a person's heart. It is not up to Jefferts Schori to say whether a person is truly saved or not. Obviously, within her definition - a person can only be "saved" if they join identity politics and agree to a worldly system of collectivism; where the claims of a group supersede the claims of individuals.

From all the years of studying Scripture, I do not see such a view supported. Nor do I see a success of this approach in the history of our country. It is one thing to say I may need my neighbor. It is quite another to say I must need my neighbor. The former assumes a choice in the matter while the latter removes it. Remove my choice and you've removed my freedom.

Americans have long been accustomed to all sorts of wild opinion, but the common response has been, "It's a free country. She can say what she wants." or "He can believe whatever he wishes." But we have a bit of a dichotomy within the Gospel. We have been freed from the bondage of sin but yet we are required to obey the truth. The truth is that we must love one another, forgive one another, serve one another. In loving God, we are to be generous with the poor, caring for the widows and orphans. We are to reach out to a dying and hurting world with the Good News. In each of those circumstances, Christians are joyfully responding to God's call upon their life.

But within any group or organization's insistence that we must do something; is when collectivism sneaks in and oftentimes leads a nation down a very destructive path. That path only leads to bondage and slavery - not freedom. And for anyone, let alone a Bishop of a main denomination, to boldly proclaim that Christians cannot look at themselves as being "saved" unless they are involved in some type of pseudo-cultural-political-backscratching session - is heresy.

We are called to be the salt and light to this world. Many times, it means enduring criticism and hatred in order to fulfill the Great Commission. But it does not mean capitulating to a culture that demands allegiance only to man's capability to earn his own salvation by placing a group's needs above his own. It is ludicrous to claim the Gospel is only a social justice mandate, effectively neutralizing its power to transform an individual into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

Jesus taught groups but discipled individuals. He continuously asked individuals what they wanted and then met their needs. He challenged individuals to step out in faith, to believe and trust in their heavenly Father. He certainly did not say to His disciples, "Only by working together will you all be saved." As I said, it is a dichotomy. We are the "Body of Christ," working together to be His witnesses upon earth. But yet there is something not right about using it to justify catering to groups who hate God.

A slippery slope has occurred with the ordination of Gene Robinson, a practicing gay. Now the door is being pushed wide open by the Episcopalian church to embrace any type of sexuality. Radical groups that promote the gay agenda are the types of groups Jefferts Schori has in mind when she talks against individualism.

I know that living my life as a Christian requires me to be in fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I will always struggle with the balance for my individual (almost hermit-like) nature and being available to serve within the Body of Christ. But sin is sin. Darkness has no fellowship with the light. What the Episcopal church is attempting, is to embrace sin and heresy in order to please the world.

Extremely dangerous. God help the faithful in this church and may He give grace to His servants to know when it's time to leave.

Not Everything Is Art: The Blurring of the Priesthood

When I led an artists group years ago, I remember having lively discussions with a few of the members about the definition of art. Some said that anything could be seen as art. My reply was, and still is, that there is good art and bad art, but the moment one tries to call "everything" art is the moment true art loses its identity.

We live in extraordinary times. More than ever, the world does not like clarity. Being "flexible" or fluid in one's views and choices has dominated both culture and public policy. Religion continues to be a thorn in the side of leftist politics precisely because it presents qualifications, standards, definition, and clear consequences. Such concepts do not square well with a world that rejects absolute truth. In the mind of the sinner, there is no such thing as truth, for with truth comes judgment. Either something is right or it is wrong. The idea that there is a "black or white" is highly repugnant to those who want to blur the lines in order to continue to live as they please. They want nothing to do with an accountability to a God they cannot see and worse - expects a sacrificial pursuit of selfish desires.

It is no surprise that some within the Catholic Church would like to "remove" a barrier within the church, which is between the ordained and non-ordained. From a recent article published by California Catholic Daily:

“’The way the Church is now is not the way it was meant to be,’ says John Hushon, a VOTF board member who serves as council’s co-chair. ‘The Gospels make it abundantly clear that Jesus envisioned a community that welcomes and encourages the gifts of all. The two-tiered clerical system that separates the ordained from the non-ordained was never meant to be, and it has caused enormous harm. Vatican II attempted to recapture the universal call to ministry, but this promise has not been fulfilled.’”

Read entire article: A New Church

I almost don't know where to start. "The two-tiered clerical system... was never meant to be?" Has this man read Scripture? Studied history? Or even studied corporate business structures? I'm no Ph.D., but his ignorance is breathtaking. Every structure - from football teams, to study groups, to large corporations, to church entities - all have distinct levels of leadership. Not everyone is the captain of the ship and hierarchies - whether Mr. Hushon likes it or not, exist for a reason. Put simply, leadership helps the group reach its goals.

I've been a member of churches where this distinction between the ordained and laity has been blurred. All the church was "the priesthood" and the pastor just happened to be chosen as the guy who stood up in front of the congregation each week. But he wasn't special. In fact, many times other staff members would give the Sunday teaching. Some called it the "leadership team" or "senior staff" - but the meaning was essentially the same. The people in those positions were there because they either fit the management profile or somehow caught the attention of other leaders. And, those faces changed on a regular basis. Some were "sent" to plant a church, some left on bad terms, some were pushed out when it was evident they weren't supporting the party line any longer.

Only within mainline denominations were the leaders carefully groomed for their positions. It isn't unusual for a non-denominational church to place immature people into positions of leadership. It also isn't unusual for this to occur with the "leader" having either little or no formal Biblical training.

I believe in distinctions. In fact, I believe they are necessary in order to avoid diluting the purpose of that which is defined. The priesthood is a prime example of this. Not everyone is called to the priesthood. Just St. Paul said in his letter to the Corinthians, If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? (1 Cor. 12:17 RSV) Even our own bodies testify to the truth that each part has a specific purpose, and within the Body of Christ; there can only be one head. Not many. One. We know this is Jesus Christ. But the head has one mouth and that mouth, in my estimation, is the priesthood.

When there are too many voices, there is confusion. Again, I experienced it and sadly, the consequences. I don't claim to have all the answers when it comes to exercising our spiritual gifts within the Body of Christ, but I am rather sure that all gifts are to fall under the headship of Christ and His chosen representatives. Of course we have spiritual gifts - but those gifts are to be used within the Body of Christ and within the world for His purposes; not our own. Too often, Christians have used their spiritual gifts as a way to empower themselves and gain influence over others. This runs completely counter to what the gifts are meant to bring to the church and society.

The priesthood helps guide and strengthen the church. There needs to be agreement within an authoritative structure in order to help the church reach its goals - which is why the Magisterium is so important. Healthy debate is expected and part of the process, but sooner or later, agreement needs to occur in order to proceed. Territorial skirmishes, grievances, and unforgiveness are just a few issues that arise when churches fail to clarify leadership's role.

Within the Catholic Church, we also have the Sacraments to consider, which can only be administered by the priest. Thoughts about what would happen if everyone could administer the Sacraments could perhaps be another blog entry. I suspect though, that if "everyone" could do it, it would cause a number of problems.

During this "Year For Priests," I think Pope Benedict XVI wanted us to realize that there is a distinction between the priesthood and the laity. And perhaps encourage us all to not only examine what it takes to be a priest, but what it takes to be the laity.

What I Love About Catholicism: Catholic Children

I know there have been many a discussion about children acting up in Mass or older ones wearing the equivalent of beachwear to church. But yesterday, I witnessed something that is a common sight when I attend our Traditional Latin Mass.

It seems as though the children are a little more on their best behavior during this rite. I suspect it's because they are surrounded by adults who are focused and engaged. Most children follow by example. What they see is usually what they imitate. At yesterday's Mass, I had a lovely family in front of me, five children and their parents. The father sat at one end and the mother on the other. The two youngest, who were the boys, were nearest the father.

I couldn't help but smile as I watched the father demonstrate certain acts to his son and nudged him if he wasn't following. As the father bowed during the part of the prayer, he gently pulled on his son's shirt sleeve to pay attention and do the same. His son, who looked to be around 8 years old, followed suit. All of the children were attentive and respectful, not fidgeting in their seat or otherwise show their boredom.

In our parish, we have a coffee & doughnuts time after Mass and it's a great time to catch up with everyone. Although the children run around together, playing and chattering as little ones do - there is a quick respectful, response if an adult tells them to quiet down.

It caused me to remember the last non-denominational ministry I was involved with and a few unpleasant experiences with some of the children. There is a unique, and in my opinion, unhealthy emphasis on elevating children as "special" because they are the future "Army of God." I support encouraging children, but yet I feel there is a line crossed when children are praised for their yet-to-be-seen potential without first teaching them the basics of discipline and respect. In other words, these children are spiritually spoiled.

They are raised to focus on "holding power" over the enemy but aren't trained on how to handle difficult circumstances. Not everything is "of the devil." Many times, God allows us to experience trials and sufferings so that we may be made more perfect in Christ. Catholic children are taught this. (At least within traditionally Catholic schools.) Catholic children are also taught how to respect the Holy Sacrifice of Mass. Even within the "New Mass," most parents try to train their children to be silent and pay attention to what is occurring at the altar.

When I worked as a church secretary at the non-denominational church, one of the pastors came by for a visit (we had two locations at that time) and brought his two young sons. I love children and took a small break from my work to walk outside to where they were sitting in the car with the windows rolled down. I conversed with them a bit until the older one (who was around six years old) suddenly demanded, "Don't you have some work to do?" I was slightly shocked, but realized his father was pretty demanding himself, so it was understandable he probably overheard those types of questions. However, I was also saddened as I realized there was no way I could share with this pastor what his son said because he would see nothing wrong with it. In fact, children in that ministry were often praised for such boldness.

I can't imagine a Catholic child saying such a thing. And if they did, I feel fairly confident that their parent would be mortified if they heard of it and promptly chasten the child. There is just something about a Catholic child that makes him stand apart. Perhaps its the sacraments, or maybe Catholic schooling. But I believe a large part of it is due to those Catholic parents nudging and prodding their little ones to straighten up and fly right.

This training has many benefits. As I grew older, I could tell when an adult had a good upbringing. They weren't spoiled or self-centered. And very often, they were from Catholic families.

So if you're a parent and you wrestle with your children each week, or even if your children are well-behaved but you wonder if anything is sinking in - trust in the Lord. He is blessing your children in ways you do not know and it will be a legacy they themselves give to their children when they become parents.

God bless you for going to church as a family and God bless our Catholic families!

Introducing #FrFriday on Twitter!

Okay. I'm a little late getting this out but I've been brainstorming ways to keep focused on "The Year For Priests." I created my Ning site called "The Catholic Priest Appreciation Network (and if you're not a member, why not?!! Let's help create a grateful environment for the priesthood!). But I really want to brainstorm with more people, which is why I'm hoping more will join the site, plus take advantage of the hashtag #FrFriday on Twitter.

What is the purpose of this hashtag? To celebrate a priest, or even a seminary, if you'd like. Whoever it may be. So my first #FrFriday tag will be for my parish priest, Fr. Kevin Lutz of Holy Family. He is faithful to the Magisterium, constantly encourages his flock to place their trust in God, is funny, warm, and so lovable. After being away for so many years, I could not have asked for a finer priest. In fact, many who leave Holy Family to move out of state often say how they miss Holy Family and Fr. Lutz.

Fr. Lutz has truly created a very special community at Holy Family. He is a very busy priest, but finds time to teach Bible studies and especially helped me through the annulment process, making sure I was able to receive the Eucharist on Easter Sunday this year.

Fr. Lutz, God bless you richly!

Pope Benedict XVI Encyclical

I've never been one to read papal encyclicals, but I want to start doing so. I really like Pope Benedict XVI on many levels and when he makes a point, I want to get it. It seems this one is about the world's economic state. I love how Pope Benedict continues to emphasize the human component of making decisions. Although I'm a capitalist at heart, it has deeply concerned me how many major corporations are eager to offshore their business in order to give the stockholders a few more thousand dollars. Meanwhile, real Americans with real families lose their jobs to some factory in Malaysia, thus taking away their income which could have been spent in our country's economy.

I'll probably add more later as I sift through the encyclical. (It's long!) Feel free to add your thoughts in the combox.

Caritas In Veritate

The Pope's Encyclical and the Foundation of the Economy

Carol Marin: You're Wrong

I just read this morning an astonishing piece from The Chicago Times about the Vatican's investigations of American convents. Written by Carol Marin, it drips with superiority toward Catholicism, as though this age is the first that has directly collided with truth.

An excerpt:

Rome, according to the New York Times, is "quietly conducting two sweeping investigations of American nuns, a development that has startled and dismayed nuns who fear they are the targets of a doctrinal inquisition."

Just when you thought Catholic bishops couldn't find another way to infuriate the flock, darn it, they've done it again.

Both probes were reportedly initiated by Conservative prelates unhappy that American nuns are not sufficiently toeing the line of Catholic orthodoxy, not wearing habits, not living in convents and not keeping their mouths shut about the concerns of women in a modern world.

Don't these sisters know their place?

Carol Marin is only one of many who erroneously believe that the life of a woman religious is primarily about bringing "peace and justice" to the world. It's not. It's about a woman hearing the call of God upon her life to separate herself even more from the world in order to serve Him. Serving their Spouse, Jesus Christ, requires trust and obedience. But what are they to obey? The ever-changing whims of the world, determined to live in darkness while denying God? Or are women religious to obey the call to a higher spiritual life, continuing to extend the light that will draw the world to Him?

The snark of Marin with her smug "don't they know their place" only exposes her outdated style of feminism. In her world, it's evident that women who follow the Magisterium are nothing more than dumb cows, lumbering toward whatever direction they're herded. Conversely, with that short judgement she also presumes that if you are a "thinking women," then of course you must dissent with the Magisterium. To which I say, baloney.

Marin doesn't realize that Christians are called to a life of sacrifice and self-denial. In case she missed it, I'll make it clear: It isn't about 'my' needs, Carol Marin. It isn't about whether I should be ordained as a priest, have the 'right' to have an abortion if I want, or pursue a deviant life of sexuality. It's. Not. About. Me. In fact, the day I committed my life to Christ was the day when I handed over the keys to Him and said, "You drive." My job from then on was to trust that God knew the best routes to take me to the destinations He planned for me.

I get so weary of these types of articles because they deliberately obfuscate the true meaning of being a Christian. Feminists, and God help us, "Christian" feminists - continue to get it wrong again and again but yet rarely are they engaged in the public arena. And when they are, the media delights in painting a woman's opposing view as being "backward" and ignorant of today's societal needs.

Marin goes on. (My responses are in red):

There can be good reasons for the church to conduct a study of its nuns. Their numbers are declining fast. Their communities are shrinking. And we all could, in whatever work we do, profit from studying how well we're performing. (Marin failed to do due diligence. Convents such as Our Lady of the Angels Monastery, showed 36 in the picture, 8 of them looked to be novices. Why is it the more orthodox orders don't seem to be struggling as much with their communities? Ever ask that question, Carol?)

But frankly, these investigations are really about dissent in the Catholic Church and how to stop it. You know, women's ordination, homosexuality, birth control, abortion and celibacy. (So what if it is? If someone is a Catholic, let alone a religious, and not only do they not agree with the Magisterium but seek to lead others into dissension - you don't think the Vatican should be concerned? The Vatican has the responsibility for teaching the truth. If these nuns who are in such dissent do not or cannot agree with the Magisterium, they're in the wrong place. They should have left the Catholic Church long ago and joined the Unitarians.)

And this process is nothing more than an assertion of control. (Wrong. It's the promotion and fidelity to truth. Only someone who is hardheaded and unrepentant would mistakenly believe this is an issue of control. It is an attempt to reconcile those who are in error with the Church.) Because the conclusions of the studies will stay confidential, the sisters may never know the outcome. But just by conducting the probes, the bishops are warning the sisters to sit a little straighter in their chairs. (Poke, poke.)

Am I missing something here? Were the recent, awful church scandals about nuns? Don't think so. (Sigh. Now Marin completes a neat twist with her rusty pen and stabs it into a completely different topic. By comparing a justifiable examination by the Vatican into the lives of convents with the sexual abuse cases of the past, Marin childishly tries to shift blame. Which is ridiculous. Pope Benedict XVI has continuously addressed the tragic situation and the Catholic Church is working to remedy the situation. And again - do due diligence, Marin. Ever heard of sexual abuse of women by nuns? Didn't think so.)

Too bad that Marin only had an 84-year old nun to consult for this story. Maybe she was running behind on her deadline but I suspect she went into the story with her mind made up. Little things like centuries of tradition and the Scripture don't fit her narrative. Only by framing the conversation by placing women (once again) as victims of the Big Bad Church in Rome would she be able to vent her misplaced irritations. Sad.

Update:

Last night, I came across John Powers' article "She's At It Again: Ms. Marin at the Ministry of Media Manipulaton." Powers is the President of the Chicago Daily Observer. I think he nailed it by noting the commenters were better informed than a journalist working for a major newspaper.

An added thought:

Carol Marin presumes much when she says:

Just when you thought Catholic bishops couldn't find another way to infuriate the flock, darn it, they've done it again.

In this instance, she believes her own press. Assuming that Catholics are "irritated" by their bishops, she again shows her bias toward church leadership. (And this, yet, during the "Year For Priests" which was recently announced by Pope Benedict XVI.) Perhaps from Marin's view she thinks Catholics are "infuriated," but from my vantage point - they are relieved. From the conversations at my parish and Catholic communities online, I continue to hear "Thank God the Vatican is finally stepping in." These Catholics for many years have seen their faith continue to be ridiculed, minimized, and mocked at times by those who supposedly took vows to uphold the continuity of it. Mixing Eastern Mysticism with Christianity doesn't work. The two do not dance well together and unfortunately, it is taking the strong arm of the Vatican to separate them.

If I ever spoke to Carol Marin, I would gladly explain why I feel so strongly on this subject. My weak spiritual formation was the direct result of Nuns Gone Wild. I know they meant well at the time, but the effects of their experimentation with pop-psychology, wrongheaded attempts at ecumenism, and dabbling with Eastern mysticism (and for some - a sympathy toward witchcraft) - together failed to educate at least two generations of Catholics about their Catholic identity. Many left the Catholic Church as a result. As for me, I couldn't toss a peanut in a non-denominational church without hitting at least three "ex-Catholics." So, yes. I feel very strongly about this topic.

Today I will deliberately stop any nun who is wearing her habit and thank her for her service. The wearing of the habit is now a sign to me that a nun understands her vows. To me, it is a beautiful sign and one the world sorely needs. Enough with the frustrated nuns who have turned sweet wine into vinegar. For all of their insistence that the Vatican allow them their games, they have ended up with the smaller team and quite frankly, fewer want to play in their league.

Meanwhile, those who are faithful to the Magisterium are realizing that at the bottom of the ninth, with all bases loaded - they've got a major player at the plate who will rock the house for them. Plus, there is a small but growing number of women waiting to join the team with their eyes on the prize - Jesus Christ.

I couldn't have returned to the Church at a better time.

Light Happy Thoughts

I've nothing heavy-duty for today. Both my husband and I had the day off and we've been relaxing, for the most part. A good chunk of my morning was taken with computer "catch-up" with Windows updates. (I hadn't updated in quite a while and the process took about three hours to complete.)

Then I played around with doing a screencast, which I'll be working on over the next few days. I love audio/visual stuff!

Tomorrow we have a family picnic, which I'm looking forward to. I need to cut up lots of strawberries and some angel food cake for a trifle I'll be bringing for dessert tomorrow. I'll try to remember to take some photos. I love trifles! They're a perfect summertime treat with all of their cakey-creamy-fruity goodness.

I wish you a wonderful Fourth of July and hope you and your family share good food, fun, and enjoy the freedom that was won by our forefathers. :-)

Catholicism and Confession: The Perfect Antidote to Narcissism

Yesterday I caught part of the Catholic radio show, "Open Line," hosted by Barbara McGuigan on Tuesdays. She was interviewing a doctor about narcissism. Barbara rightly lamented how tragic it was for a narcissist to be unable to truly give or receive love. I also agreed with her that with the grace of God, anyone can change.

She mentioned that she was going to have Dr. Keith Campbell on her show soon, co-author of The Narcissism Epidemic: Living In the Age of Entitlement. I am well aware of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), classified by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as part of a cluster that includes borderline, histrionic, and antisocial personality disorders. (You often run into these types of personailities at the top level of organizations.) Those who are narcissistic really do act as though the world revolves around them. They have no empathy for anyone else and require excessive admiration. It is often called "the god complex" because the person believes they have unlimited power. Wikipedia even said it was closely linked to self-centeredness, which made me laugh. (Ya think?!!)

Since the Sacrament of Confession is still on my mind, I've been mulling over its spiritual treasures. I was thrilled yesterday when I was able to get an appointment to have my confession heard before attending a special weekly Low Mass in the morning. I really didn't want to wait another week. That's how awful I felt and remorseful that I had missed Sunday's opportunity to go. I don't particularly 'love' confession. But I love what it does. I love the fact that God gives me this opportunity to repent and get it out in the open. It is truly a grace the Holy Spirit imparts to us to feel genuine sorrow and regret over our sins - and the only remedy is God's forgiveness.

But going even deeper, it is a gift to be released from our self-centeredness. I don't think it is coincidental that our society's focus on self (which has led to a sense of entitlement and narcissism), has seeped its way into the church. It is perfectly understandable why there are usually no lines for confession or why in many Catholic parishes, this sacrament has been relegated to a therapy session.

Quite simply, we don't want know we've sinned. We don't want to admit that what we did was wrong.

We don't want to be judged. We are ashamed and embarrassed. "How could I have done that, and call myself a good Catholic?" We know deep down inside that we messed up and believe me, I am probably the world's greatest escape artist when it comes to avoiding taking responsibility for my own sin. It is so easy to justify it, rationalize it - call it anything but what it truly is - an abomination in God's eyes.

Contrasting this to the culture of narcissism, I once again thanked God for my Catholic faith. Who else is going to hold you accountable and tell you the truth? Believe me, there are very, very few non-Catholic churches who do this. Last night, I discussed it again with my husband. I related a conversation I had with my brother, who grumbled, "Who does the priest think he is? Forgiving sin? God forgives my sin!" I told my husband, as I told my brother, that of course God forgives sin, but we are instructed in the Bible to confess our sins to one another. This hardly ever occurs within the framework of a non-denominational church. And if it does, too often it becomes grist for the rumor mill as others pass along a person's sin under the guise of "sharing a prayer request."

Something breaks in us when we admit that we made a mistake. Our pride, of course, and the illusion that we are gods. The world doesn't revolve around us and our nice, plumped-up "Oprah-cized" egos are suddenly pierced as we recognize how far we can be from God's purpose for our lives. It is the mother of all "reality checks" and I know I need it more and more.

I recently purchased the "iConfession" application from the iTunes store for my iPhone. (Funny how many "I's" are in there, isn't it?) I really love this application. It has the explanation for confession, prayers, a fair "Examination of Conscience" (I think the one my 1962 Roman Missal is better), and the Act of Contrition. I have been asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to me my sins more and He has been faithful. My confessions are starting to improve and I am becoming more aware of sin.

This, to me, is the point of confession. It isn't enough to simply ask for forgiveness, but to seek a complete 180 degree turn from it. Again, only by God's grace do we have the strength and wisdom to turn away from sin and toward Him. But first, we need to be focused on Him. Focusing on God and not on self is a pretty big challenge as we live in an increasingly narcissistic society. I believe going regularly to confession helps.

I admit there is a part of me that enjoys throttling my fleshly desires. And do you know why? Because those desires is what the devil wants. The devil wanted to be God and tried to place himself about Him. When I nail that squirmy, whiny, part of myself that tries to scurry into darkness, I know I am in essence identifying the evil -yes, evil - the part of me that wants to rebel against God. I then say, "Oh, no you don't. You're coming with me to confession. We're going to have it out and by the end, you're leaving. You've overstayed your welcome, anyway and besides, you're taking too much of my time."

At least I'm getting to the point where I want this sin gone. Before I used to coddle it and plead with it to leave. Not with the Sacrament of Confession. Admit it. Repent. Rinse. Repeat.

When Was the Last Time You Had a Long Line for Confession?

And missed being able to receive the Eucharist as a result?

That's what happened to me yesterday. I knew on Saturday that I needed to go to Confession but missed a nearby parish opportunity at 4:00 PM. As I drove to church yesterday morning, I thought I would be arriving early enough to go to Confession before Mass. Confession starts at 8:30 AM and continues until 8:55 AM.

When I walked in at 8:40 AM, I saw ten people standing in line for one priest. Egads. I realized I probably wouldn't make it. I spent the rest of the time in prayer and repentance. However, on the other hand, I thought, "What a fantastic 'problem' to have at a parish! Too many people in a confession line!"

I think the Sacrament of Reconciliation is going to experience an increase of participation. I believe the Holy Spirit is going to pour onto us conviction in great measure, so much that we will truly feel sorrow in our hearts for our sins. Repentance is such a gift. Only those with hardened hearts fail to recognize sin in their own lives. Only by the grace of God are we given eyes to see how far we have fallen from God's desires for our lives. Without this grace, we continue along our merry way, thinking our sin is "no big deal."

What will we, as a church, look like when we start taking this Sacrament seriously? I think of how going to confession transforms us, absolves us, and how we agree to keep from sinning again. As we are transformed, so then we transform those around us. Jesus Christ affected everyone around Him. Whether they fell at His feet in adoration or hurled insults and crucified Him - people were affected. When we pursue God more deeply, we become increasingly aware of our sin and how this affects our relationship with Him. And so, going to confession on a regular basis is not only desirable but absolutely necessary in order to retain a healthy, maturing spiritual life with our Heavenly Father.

Saying, "I'm sorry, I messed up." is never easy for any of us. I can speak for myself by saying I can turn and twist anything into justifying my sinful actions. This is why I need confession. It keeps me honest and on the right path.

Pope Benedict XVI opened the "Year for Priests" in this way:

In opening the Year for Priests that he personally conceived and orchestrated, Benedict XVI has said that his aim is that of demonstrating "how important the holiness of priests is for the life and mission of the Church." And as a model of this sanctity, he offered the Curé of Ars and Padre Pio.

...Prayer, the Eucharist, the sacrament of penance: these were the three shining lights of their sanctity. The third of these is especially striking, in an age like the present when the sacrament of penance is hardly received at all, having fallen into neglect partly through the carelessness of many priests.Benedict XVI has particularly insisted on the necessity of revitalizing this sacrament, in opening the Year for Priests.

Reviving Confession: Curé of Ars and Padre Pio

It's a good article and I hope you read it. Where are those priests who challenge us to lead a holier life? And where are the people who will respond? Let us together answer that call.

Pilgrimage to Chartres: Tradition Blooms

I just discovered this very fine video that captures the spirit and dedication of Catholics from around the world as they make the annual pilgrimage from Notre Dame in Paris, France to the cathedral in Chartres. I cried during part of it because I was so touched, so moved by so many Catholics who set aside their lives in order to make this very special pilgrimage.

To be with 10,000 - 15,000 Catholics who are committed to the Traditional Latin Mass would be amazing.

And yet most of the pilgrims were young people. Young people in their twenties made up about 70% of the group. My heart is lifted by this. It tells me that young people hunger for something beyond their reach, that they somehow understand that focus on self is not the path to true spirituality, but instead embracing the sacred unknown holds the key.

Chartres is considered one of the most beautiful cathedral in the world, dedication to the Virgin Mary. It's history is impressive, with Charlemagne presenting the chemise or veil of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a relic for preservation to be kept within it. During this video, Dr. John Rao, Associate Professor of History, St. John’s University, New York, narrates the story of this past year's pilgrimage. A three day, 72-mile pilgrimage from Paris to Chartres, Dr. Rao talks about the essence of a pilgrimage, and the people who participated. It is amazing.

Here is the story, with the video and transcript on PBS's site. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

My Crazy Day Yesterday: And A Word on Finding Your Passion

Yesterday was crazy.

I realized as I was ready to log off the computer last night that I had forgotten to post a Wednesday blog entry. Too tired to even think, I collapsed in bed, my mind filled with the events of the day.

I got up and took my shower a little earlier than usual because I was meeting someone at 6:45 AM for a "mentoring session." I met this man through a networking event and enjoyed his direct style of communication. Last week he called and wondered if I'd consider allowing him to use me as a "guinea pig"for his coaching ideas. I agreed. His three stipulations: 1) He got to pick the location 2) I pay for the coffee and 3) I agree to be on time.

Since he lives halfway across the city from me, I realized I'd be in for a drive. So I agreed to drive 35 minutes to meet him. We agreed on a Starbuck's location and I had my map ready, printed the day before. I meant to leave the house at 6 AM but forgot something, headed back inside and then took off. It was 6:09 AM. I still figured I had enough time to get to where I needed to be.

Long story short, I got confused with the location since the Starbuck's we agreed upon was inside of a Kroger's and I thought I was looking for an independent address. I ended up driving an extra mile or so down the road, putting me perilously close to our agreed meeting time. I finally called him at 6:45 AM to let him know what had happened. We agreed upon a McDonald's and after I turned around, was there within 5 minutes.

"Bob" is charismatic and a stellar salesman. He is out on his own and desires to help coach small businesses on the art of salesmanship. His communication style is very direct to the point of almost being intimidating, but I'm the sort who appreciates that type of approach. (I know it's not for everyone.) Bob spent most of the time, though, talking about himself so I knew more "about him." I agree that the person being coached needs to know the perspective of the coach, but a few minutes will suffice. Not almost 20 minutes. But still, I like Bob and understood that it was important to him that he shared the information.

After reflecting upon the morning's "mentoring session," I made the decision that I wasn't going to be his guinea pig, after all. There are a few reasons for this. First, I have a day job that I need to focus upon and simply enjoy. God gave me a great job that allows me to use my creativity. It's an answer to prayers I have prayed for years. Yes, I want to be on my own and be self-employed, but I still have lots of work to do to prepare myself for it.

Second, I am already engaged in preparation. I am "doing" it. I borrowed books from the library on graphic design, I have found websites that talk about being a freelance graphic designer and reading their content, and I even found a podcast for graphic designers that I will be listening to on a regular basis. In other words, I'm gleaning from those already in the industry I hope to eventually work within.

Third, and it goes along with the second point - I'm in the stage where I need mentoring first on honing my craft, not selling it. I don't really have anything to "sell" yet. This is Bob's specialty. In his view, everyone is a salesperson. I agree to a point. If you want to make money doing what you love, eventually you're going to have to get someone who is willing to either buy your product or hire you. My father was an outstanding salesman for many years and I learned many excellent sales techniques from him, but he sold products that he knew inside and out. He understood his target market. He did his homework and then connected with the decision makers.

I'm still at the drafting table, figuring out what my "product" will be, let alone my target market.

So. I say all this to tell you this: If you are seeking to be self-employed yourself, understand where you are in the process and get the right kind of help. If you're in the beginning, like me, gather as many resources as you can to guide you. I was elated, for instance, when I discovered that an online graphic design article I was reading was written by none other than a good friend's husband! I had brunch with her that very weekend and happened to see him. I mentioned that I enjoyed his article and wondered if I could "ping" him with questions sometime. He said he'd be happy to help. Believe me, he's a valuable resource.

Sometimes when we want something so badly, we can switch into panic mode, which isn't tough to do in these trying economic times. I network extensively for my job and I can't tell you how many "social media experts" I meet. There are trends and fads and those who would like to call themselves "Rockstars." But after all the glitter comes off, are they really making money doing what they love to do? Or did they rush through the process of getting to where they'd like to be by taking shortcuts, which didn't help?

A spoke to a colleague who told me that a recent event featured a panel of "experts" on social media. Two, he said, were unemployed. I had to laugh. If I'm to take advice from anyone who is an "expert," you better darn well be successful at it and to me, this includes having clients.

Bob isn't a graphic artist. He's a salesman. For me, I need to become the best graphic artist I can be first - before I sell anything. Otherwise, I'll be just like those empty suits sitting on a panel, calling myself an "expert" when in fact, it's all just smoke and mirrors.

Priests, Spiritual Authority, and Culture

When I was a younger girl, my father would often critique television shows, complaining about their subtle (and not so subtle) attacks on authority figures. At first I thought he was exaggerating. Now I know he wasn't. He was right. During the 60's and 70's, Hollywood jumped on the bandwagon of the "Woodstock Generation" to mock or belittle authoritative figures. Police officers, priests, and even the role of a husband were often castigated as being too domineering or totalitarian. If the young people were rebelling against any type of authority, why not bring the whole country along with them?

Feminism played no small part. As children, I remember watching cartoon Wilma constantly berate Fred for being stupid on "The Flintstones." Darin, the hapless husband was a dope on "Bewitched." Ralph was going to send Alice "to the moon" in "The Honeymooners." The television sitcoms were slowing showing women who were smarter and stronger than men. It was a relentless erosion of the roles of men and women in our society until today, where we often have female heroines kicking a bad guy's rear end from here to eternity, and saving the clueless man.

This wacky pop-psychology soup has brought about two interesting things: 1) The traditional role of men as having any authority was attacked and crushed wherever and whenever possible and 2) Authority was seized by feminism.

So it seemed that if authority was bad or misused, then it was to be rejected. But this didn't happen. Authority, once wrested from the stereotypes, was then claimed by those who supposedly "didn't believe in authority." In other words, the godless declared themselves God. (This kind of behavior has always baffled me. We see it in the militant atheists of today. If a person 'hates' or rejects a certain belief system or trait - then why pursue it? If one doesn't believe in God, why attack those who do? If one rejects the Bible and the institution of the church, why is it so important to be recognized by it? Strange.)

All of the cultural upheavals of the 60's and 70's have left their mark upon the Catholic Church. We've already witnessed the damages done in the name of Vatican II. But what has been truly regrettable has been the minimization of a priest's spiritual authority. The philosophy of egalitarianism has infiltrated the church, where proponents of it want "everyone on a level playing field," asserting that in the church, "we are all priests."

This is totally un-Biblical. There was a pattern of authority in the Old Testament which was continued in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, there was the Levitical priesthood, which was the bridge between God and man. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is our High Priest, going before His Father and offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, to atone for the sin of Adam. The priesthood was continued in the New Testament and clear definitions for who could be a priest and who couldn't followed.

Today we see a lack of distinction and respect for the spiritual authority of a Catholic priest. The lackadaisical, laid-back attitude of the 60's and 70's now permeates our churches, both Catholic and Protestant. High standards have been replaced by "feel good" theology. The understanding of suffering and sacrifice has been replaced by a focus on "saving" others from suffering; instead of encouraging them to view their situation as an opportunity for God's purification to complete its purpose.

An ongoing process has been taking place over these past 40 years to recreate a priest into a therapist instead of acknowledging his role for what it truly is, in persona Christi: Acting in place of Christ to distribute the Sacraments, and to guide and challenge us to become saints.

The sexual abuse, women ordained as priests, acceptance and celebration of homosexuality, an elevation of laity over the priesthood - all have been attacks of the enemy to destroy the Church of Jesus Christ. If you can weaken the understanding of authority within a structure, then half the battle is won.

I am greatly encouraged, though, by some of our younger people. They have been raised in the squishy 'feel good' era and know that something greater exists. They are now exploring orthodoxy and finding it surprisingly satisfying. They understand that in order to reach the level of spiritual excellence God asks of all of His children, they need a strong teacher. A liberal priest isn't going to cut it. Many of us already know the enemy plays for keeps and is intent upon eradicating Christianity any way he can. This is no time for unnecessary coddling. We need to be 'toughened up.'

Babies love to be held close and nuzzled by their mothers. But they also seem to enjoy being thrown into the air by their fathers. I've likened this to the church. We need our "spiritual mothers" to nurture us, but we also need our "spiritual fathers," priests - to help us embrace uncertainty and risk. A healthy child needs the love and guidance of both parents. Emphasis on one or the other can result in a child that ends up being spoiled by an indulgent mother or a child who becomes harsh by a demanding father.

One of the things that surprised me when I returned to the Catholic Church was a feeling of balance. For years, I had been a member of a non-denominational church that was extremely nurturing. Then I transferred to a more demanding non-denominational church that I called more "fatherly." But when I returned to Catholicism, I realized it had the best of both: nurturing and discipline.

I am hoping that this "Year for Priests" will remind us to honor and respect our priests for who God called them to be. I anticipate the enemy's attacks and unfortunately, they will come from within the Catholic Church from our more "progressive" brothers and sisters. I pray the Holy Spirit will guide them, as well as I, into truth.

My New Ning Site: The Catholic Priest Appreciation Network

Well, today is the kick-off for "The Year for Priests" as ordained by our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. How exciting!

I've had many thoughts about what I'd like to do for this upcoming year to honor priests. I decided to do something rather unplanned, and I'm releasing it pronto. It will be a community devoted to celebrating this very special year. I would like to build a community of Catholics who are faithful to the Magisterium and interested in encouraging priests around the world.

Last Sunday, a Vietnamese priest spoke about missions. This young Vietnamese priest had gone through much suffering and sacrifice in his country, but still, managed to hear the call of God upon his life. He spoke broken English, but yet was so filled with awe that God was using him to complete His purposes on earth. It was simply wonderful and humbling to witness.

I'd like for people to share stories about how priests affected their life in a positive way. I am hoping these stories will encourage priests that yes, they are making a difference. And in the midst of criticism, mockery, ingratiation, attempts to blur the line between the laity and the priesthood - may God give strength and comfort to our priests, for we do indeed need them. The life of a priest is very demanding and he has sacrificed much in order to serve God. This is my very small way of thanking them.

If you want to be a member of this community, you must send me an email address so I can invite you. It is a private community because I have no intention of seeing "trolls" come in and badmouth our priests. I'll moderate slightly, but will be looking for others to eventually do so. I'm hoping all can be respectful and that we will all rejoice in finding like-minded and "like-hearted" Catholics who love their priests.

My email is on the side. Sorry for not having a direct link but I'm trying to avoid getting nailed by the spam-bots. Thanks!

Thoughts on Priests and Spiritual Authority

If you read the Bible enough, you start to pick up on certain patterns. One major pattern is how God chose His representatives on earth. Often, the most unlikely candidate would be set aside and tasked to do major things such as leading Israel out of Egyptian captivity or building a temple. I've been humbled to realize that God uses at times the most frail human beings to accomplish the most fantastic things for His Kingdom.

If you look at the apostles of Jesus Christ, you couldn't have been blamed for thinking, "They are going to change the world?" We're talking very normal, and if you will, "blue-collar" types, here. They were fishermen. A bunch of smelly, sweaty men who probably felt more comfortable puttering around a boat than standing up in front of a bunch of strangers and preaching the Gospel. They were not Harvard grads. They were hard workers, laboring with their hands, being faithful in their daily duties, never imagining, I'm sure, that they would be the first in the line of a multitude of "fishermen." The same could be said for tax collectors, who were considered the scum of the earth. All of them had been transformed from an earthly role into a heavenly one - God's representatives on earth.

I've been examining my understanding of the priesthood more thoroughly since my return to the Catholic Church. I cannot help but compare the definition of spiritual authority from my non-denominational days with that of the Catholic Church. I will freely admit I still have a long way to go, but will share a few thoughts I've had so far.

Spiritual hierarchy and church government are Biblical. This may sound like a "duh" moment for those of you who have been in the Catholic Church all your lives, but for those of us who have experienced other types of churches, it isn't a given. But what was interesting to me was all the ways a non-denominational church tried to implement hierarchy and government. Many churches have tried to imitate Rome but if you told them that, would vehemently deny it. Yet many non-Catholic churches have their own Bishops and Reverends, some even designing their own catechism.

Stepping away from Protestant denominations (which often have a direct correlation of Catholic practices), the non-denominational church struggles to put their understanding of Biblical government and spiritual authority into practice. Unfortunately, there are many immature Christians who are given authority that they are either unwilling or unable to handle. And who gives this authority? Larger "mega-churches" rely on delegating authority, which often means that the senior pastor has no idea who is suddenly being tapped for leadership.

Many churches have a training program, which is to discipline a person who is being groomed for leadership. However, a non-denominational church's understanding of "leadership" is often anyone willing to take the time to do a job no one else either wants to do. The understanding of spiritual responsibility is rarely emphasized, but instead, a "facilitator" approach is embraced. Small groups may have a leader but too often, that leader is really just a facilitator. The training programs often last a year, not years.

Since returning to the Catholic Church, I've noticed so many things, especially anything having to do with church government. Good brothers and sisters of Christ who aren't Catholic or aware of Catholicism, may not understand the differences. I used to think the hierarchy of Catholic church government was unnecessarily mired in the past, cumbersome and unrealistic. When I was younger, I enjoyed the feeling of "freedom" from attending a church without the complex, internal structure of the Catholic Church. I thought such freedom allowed the Holy Spirit to work more broadly, as though having consistently enforced doctrine was hampering Him.

How different everything seems, now. As much as "organized religion" is bashed, I now appreciate it. I've seen the chaos. I've witnessed the hurt and disillusionment that comes with sloppy leadership. Yes, the Catholic Church has its failings, but the failings have been of a few priests who have fallen - not an overall failing of church government. If we were all touched by God's Spirit to accept Jesus Christ as His Son, and then automatically lived the life of a saint, perhaps government wouldn't be an issue. But God is a God of order (1 Cor. 14:40). If we look at how God ordained worship for the Israelites, we realize there is purpose and intent in everything He has created. The Church is the Body of Christ and we know our physical bodies operate in an orderly fashion. Our church should be no different.

Spiritual authority was given from Jesus Christ to His disciples. His disciples were able to confirm a God-ordained authority upon their successors. This process was not taken lightly, but prayed upon and seriously considered.

At my the last non-denominational church I attended, the service was filled with young people. Now I have nothing against young people, in fact, I love them. I love their energy and zeal. However, many are still immature and few are ready for spiritual leadership, at least on a larger scale. I remember one young man in particular, who was chosen by the "second-in-command" pastor to lead a prayer team. He may have been seen as having "spiritual gifting" but he lacked wisdom. He would often admonish people just to prove he was in charge. This is not leadership and I wondered how wise it was to place young people in charge of older believers.

Spiritual authority is serious because anyone in authority realizes they are responsible. Responsible for leading a spiritual life of excellence and responsible for helping others attain salvation. It's not to be taken lightly and finally, I can appreciate all that the Catholic Church does to ensure we have solid leaders.

We are very, very blessed.

What I Love About Catholicism: Gregorian Chant

Some of you already know that I have a thing for Gregorian Chant. Part of the reason is its enduring ability to touch the hearts of worshipers throughout the world. Another reason is that Latin is a very, very old language and I tend to like very old things. And finally, it just sounds cool.

I found this description online at a site called Music-For-Church-Choirs.com:

The history of Gregorian Chant begins before the birth of Christ. Chant is based upon the songs sung in the synagogues and Middle Eastern countries. It’s fascinating to know that some of today’s chants are based upon the actual songs which Jesus sang when he was living in Jerusalem.

Gregorian Chant was adopted by the Christian Church in about the 6th Century and it quickly became an essential part of Christian worship. It was named after Pope Gregory the Great who unified all the chants into one collection. This soon became an essential part of monastic worship and monks would write new chants and take them from monastery to monastery.

Eventually there was sufficient Gregorian Chant for all the services – approximately nine a day, seven days a week and even more on great feast days. In the early days the chant wasn't copied into books. It had to be memorised and it would take monks many years to learn all the different songs. Eventually they worked out a way to write music down, and words and notes were copied into one large book which all the choir monks would gather round and sing from.

After many centuries plainchant became very complex, and people would even sing bawdy lyrics to the chants. By the way, the name "plainchant" doesn't mean the music is boring! Quite the reverse - it's from the old French "plein chant" meaning "full singing".

Many different styles of performance came into being and it wasn't until the 19th century that the monks, like Gregory the Great, began to seek a single method of performance which reflected what was known about early methods of chant singing.

There's a famous monastery in France at Solesmes, and its monks became responsible for the restoration of Gregorian Chant as you hear it today - on CDs and radio. They worked out a very artistic method of singing it and a new method of writing it down. They then produced books which contained the fruits of their scholarship. Their theories were adopted by monasteries throughout the world.

Gregorian Chant was a perfect fit for the monastic life. Chant is unhurried, serene, and full of intent. It brings a sense of peace and encourages meditation. In our present age of over-the-top musical productions, it especially stands out for its simplicity. There is nothing "trendy" about it. It has been around for a long time and I suspect will be around for many more years.

There are few solos in Gregorian Chant. And when there are, the worshiper gets the distinct impression that what they are hearing is not only worship, but Holy Scriptures sung aloud. There is no focus on self, only on God. There is a holiness about Chant because we know that its only purpose is to worship God. Chant never became a pub drinking song in Medieval times. No one had to "reclaim" Chant from worldly use because the world never knew what to do with it. Even a few monks singing popular tunes does not take away from the Gregorian Chant, because having a schola sing something in the style of Chant does not even come close to the true purpose of it.

Gregorian Chant transcends the earthly realm. It immediately places us above the cares of the world and focuses us on the eternal. It is beautiful and transformative in its power to connect. It is timeless, as our Heavenly Father is timeless.

In an hour, I'll be getting ready to retire for the night. Meanwhile, I am listening to Gregorian Chant, as my day comes to an end. It reminds me that my life begins and ends, with Him.

Welcome! I'm Glad You're Here!

This post will be for new visitors (and old ones, if you'd like to add more information about yourself). During the past year that I've kept this blog, I've been deeply touched by my visitors. Many have introduced me to new ideas, websites, blogs, etc. that has helped me in my journey. Some have prayed for me and I really appreciate it. We all can use prayer!

So introduce yourself if you'd like. What do you love about Catholicism? Are you a "reclaimer" who has been away for awhile? I enjoy hearing other people's experiences and our stories encourage one another. I hope you enjoy the blog. Also, if you have a blog of your own, let me know so we can all visit. :-)

Adrienne of Adrienne's Catholic Corner and Angela of Where Angels Go were two of my early online Catholic friends who helped make me feel welcome. I highly recommend reading both blogs. They are full of warmth, encouragement, and many times just plain silly fun. Who said Catholics are stuffy?!!

What I Love About Catholicism: It's Not Based On Feelings

Recently, Archbishop Jose Guadalupe Martin Rabago of Leon, Mexico had this to say about the priesthood (emphasis mine):

“It is not easy to appreciate the true meaning of the priesthood in a cultural context that only exalts whatever is based on feelings or emotions, that tells us to do only what we like and not what we should, that exalts what is fleeting and not what is eternal.”

“How much we need this year of priestly grace in a time in which we are experiencing the brunt of a culture that has no sensibility or appreciation for what is definitive, for what appeals to the truths that are founded upon divine plans,” he exclaimed.

Mexican Archbishop: Priesthood Not Based On Feelings

As I read those words, it occurred to me that the same could be said of Catholicism as a whole. Catholicism is definitive, it does not exalt what is fleeting but what is eternal. The obligation to attend weekly Mass confronts a self-absorbed culture that says "If it feels good, do it." I don't attend Mass just when I "feel like it." I attend because I know as a Christian I am called to worship my God and to encourage and comfort the Body of Christ. But I don't even worship God because I think or feel a certain way - I worship God because He deserves all the worship I can give. The point of Mass isn't to make me feel good for attending but to fulfill the call upon my life as one who has died to the flesh, to remember what God's Son did for me and partake of His Body and Blood.

This is definitive. This is a truth founded upon a divine plan. The liturgy, when embraced, runs counter to the whole "feel-good" movement. It is a battle that now rages in many parishes, between those who want to follow the soft, self-indulgent ways of many non-denominational churches and those who know we are called to a higher place.

I continue to think upon all the different types of Masses I've attended over a year's time. Like a stranger in a foreign land, I visited everything from the most liberal Mass to the most orthodox. I observed the responses of the congregations, the tone, and yes, the "feel" of liturgy. I noticed if people were engaged or not. I suspected many were there out of obligation, which is not a bad thing in and of itself, but yet felt a twinge of sadness when I realized so much more was available to them if they only put forth some effort to understand what they were doing.

When I was a younger girl, before I left the Catholic Church, I would say I was in that exact same place. I attended out of obligation but I really didn't "own" my experience. Now I do. When I attend Mass, I know what is going on and why. I am studying the liturgy, loving its rich tapestry of meaning that wraps around me each week but yet is different. I love the liturgical season, celebrating the various points of our Lord Jesus' life, and remembering His followers.

During the years I was attending non-Catholic churches, I was in a different place emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. Combined with a culture that emphasizes the indulgent "feel-good" mentality, I was hungry to find meaning, which I erroneously thought was missing from the Mass. It wasn't that the Mass had no meaning. It was my perspective that didn't allow me to discover the meaning and purpose of Mass. It was a perspective that, not surprisingly, was focused on my feelings.

I don't know who said this, but I think it was a priest. He said it didn't matter if a priest celebrating Mass was a great homilist or even if his personal life was a mess - what mattered was what the priest was engaged in doing during the liturgy and how the focus drew us to the One who saves us, sanctifies us, and nourishes us. I thought that was very profound.

As Catholics, we have a faith that tells us to do what we should, not just what we like. Jesus Christ preached hard truths to His disciples and followers. He didn't cater to the whims of man but to the will of His Father. It is a tough road to follow, but the most exhilarating, fulfilling one we could ever find. We were built for this tough road, to pursue relationship with our Holy Creator, His Son, and His Holy Spirit. Nothing else will satisfy and nothing else will redeem.

Prodigal Sons and Daughters

Recently, I met @mcProdigal (Richard) on Twitter who also is a prodigal. One of his comments:

@CathPrdDaughter What Catholics have on most others: Understanding the mystery of God

He then asked what I thought were the "pluses" and "minuses" of non-denominational churches vs. Catholicism. Oy veh, right?! Yes, I've seen a few (and posted many of them on this blog), but it made me realize that I'm going to need God's grace more than ever to walk this fine line between pointing out the differences in love while gently challenging ex-Catholics who are now involved in non-denominational churches to reconsider and return home. And my brother is just one of them.

I'm not sure if anyone will ever "understand" the mystery of God. Perhaps more accurate would be that Catholics pursue the mystery of God and embrace this pursuit in many ways. Our Mass is a huge part of this. A Catholic Mass differs from Protestant churches in this way: Catholics believe the Eucharist becomes the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. It is not symbolic.

I think many non-Catholic Christians would be surprised to see how much of the Bible Catholics do know. Not only is the Mass filled with Scripture from beginning to end, but there has been a growing number of Bible studies and resources. This has brought me great joy.

However, I do see one area that non-denominational churches are more successful than Catholic churches. Relationship. Many parishes will see familiar faces, but there are few that provide small groups for connecting. I happen to attend a wonderful parish that has a "Coffee and Doughnuts" after Mass and it's a great way to meet other parishioners. We also have an informal "Ladies Group" that meets once a month. But I don't think most parishes are like this. I hear bits and pieces about small groups forming, and it's good, but definitely not the norm.

Meanwhile, I'm currently reading Where Is That In the Bible? by Patrick Madrid, a well-known apologist. I am trying to learn more apologetics because many of the questions a non-Catholic (or poorly catechized Catholic) has, I have had. Pray for me, if you think of it, that I'll walk in the ways of the Lord.

Congratulations, Dad & Janie!

Well, today is a special day. My father has remarried a lovely Catholic woman and most likely they're both trying to keep dry in the humidity of Southern Florida. Both are a widower and widow respectively and found love through CatholicMatch.com. There are many changes ahead for both of them, but it is proof that one is never too old for love. My father is 72 years old.

May God grant both of you many days filled with loving Him first, and each other second. Congratulations!

Vatican: Confession Is Not Therapy

Hooray for the Vatican! Today they warned how this precious sacrament has been misinterpreted for Catholics:

Confessing in the Catholic church has long provided material for Hollywood screen-writers, with a dark wooden booth, a priest's stern silhouette glimpsed through a screen and the uttered phrase "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned."

But, according to the Vatican, real life confessions are in danger of turning into cosy counselling sessions, which is why priests are to be issued with a handbook instructing them to give their flocks a sharp reminder of what sin is all about.

Catholic Confession Is Not Therapy, Vatican Warns

Last year, when I discussed with my brother the various reasons for why I was returning to the Catholic Church, he brought up confession. "I see no reason why I should have to confess my sins to a priest. Who's he, anyway?!" He fumed.

Unfortunately, my brother is away from the Catholic Church due to a series of missteps by a local parish and the stonewalling of a Boston Bishop regarding a sexual abuse case. He, like me, did not receive a solid catechesis and so does not understand the authority that has been given by Jesus Christ to His apostles throughout the ages.

I asked him, "So. In your church [non-denominational], how often do you confess your sins to anyone?" He didn't see the value in it. He, like many, think that confessing is between oneself and God. Of course we confess to God, but something profound happens when we name our sins aloud and confess them to someone. It is a humbling experience and one that should bring us to full repentance.

Sadly, many Catholic churches have relegated this sacrament to a "feel good therapy session" where a person is facing the priest in a comfortable chair, pouring out their woes. This is not what confession is meant to be.

A thorough examination of conscience is strongly recommended. It is a time to evaluate how far we have fallen from the life Christ has called us to live. Too often, I think some view confession as a time to be mollified instead of convicted. If a good Catholic priest isn't going to knock me upside the head and say, "Straighten up!" Who will?

I pointed out to my brother that the Bible says we are to confess our sins to one another but rarely does this happen. I've been a member of countless Bible study groups and even in those with consistent prayer time (where the group prays for a member's needs), I never saw consistent confession. And I humbly submit a big reason for this was because of fear.

What are we, as Christians, afraid of? Judgement. We know we did something wrong. We would like to maintain the flimsy sense of "I'm Okay, You're Okay" in our fragile psyche. Our egos like to live in this comfy world where someone would pat us on the shoulder and say, "Now, now. It's all good. So you coveted your neighbor's new car. It's understandable given that you have a lousy job and just took out a second mortgage to pay for your kid's college tuition."

Worse, when we confess to someone who is not living under a vow of secrecy, we know there's a chance of it becoming grist for the rumor mill. Unfortunately, I've been a part of this myself. By listening to someone share a personal part of a brother or sister's struggle with sin, I assured myself it was "a prayer concern" and then passed it on to someone else. This is why I love it when a Catholic asks prayer for "a personal intention." I truly don't need to know the details. If someone is struggling with a sin, I'd rather have them say just that and I'll pray accordingly.

And that type of prayer is only part of the equation. If a person has sinned, they need to be forgiven. Jesus Christ forgives us, but who did He choose to be representative of Him while on earth? His apostles. So not only do we need prayer from our fellow brothers and sisters to help keep us from the temptation of sin, once we've fallen into sin - we then need forgiveness. The Bible is clear on the authority that Jesus Christ gave to His disciples to do this.

Sin is ugly, evil, and deadly to our soul. I praise God for our priests who have the authority to bestow this sacrament. And I can't help but wonder if the attempt to make the Sacrament of Reconciliation more of a "therapy session" was initiated by those who promote a blurred line of distinction between the laity and the priesthood. After all, if this sacrament is nothing more than a time to pour out your woes, anyone could listen.

But only the priest has the Biblical authority to forgive sin. Confidentially. Good for the Vatican for reminding us.

Pope2You Web Portal

Well, what do you know. We have a Pope who is embracing Web 2.0 with the web portal, Pope2You! For those who may be unfamiliar with the term, "Web 2.0" is a phrase to describe all the web application advancements that many have come to love - such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr, just to name a few.

I've admired our Holy Father for many reasons, but now I admire him for being open to new technology. Some Catholics may be either unaware or uncaring about the internet, but for those of us who enter into the "Catholic Cybersphere," we understand its potential. Personally, I have grown tremendously in my return to the Catholic Church by visiting a variety of blogs, Catholic online TV and radio shows, and message boards. To have so much information at my fingertips is a huge blessing.

I've been busy this past weekend tweaking my newly redesigned digital scrapbooking site. (ScrapShot Magazine & Designs) I'm also in the beginning stages of "screencasting" a tutorial for my digital scrapbooking website. Screencasting is when you record what you do on the screen and include audio, which is often a explanation of what you're doing on the screen. It's a perfect approach to help people learn a software tip or trick. I love doing this stuff!

On another note (and not a very smooth segue), I was saddened by yesterday's murder of the notorious late-term abortion doctor, George Tiller. If anyone believes in the sanctity of life for the unborn, it must be extended beyond to everyone. It becomes a difficult moral choice to decide who should live and who shouldn't. The Holocaust and other "ethnic cleansings" around the world proved that to systematically annihilate anyone according to their beliefs or race is abhorrent and at its core, evil.

My concern, which I'm sure is any pro-lifer's concern, is how this will affect the movement and the backlash that already has begun. Then again, it would seem the pro-abortion folks will find anything they can to attack the pro-life movement. So, I'm going to stand strong today. If anyone mentions the story, I will say it is wrong, period. We still don't know who did it, so I won't speculate. But I'll stick to the basics. Taking a life, whether it is murdering a defenseless unborn baby in the womb or murdering a defenseless man in broad daylight - is wrong.