The statistics are staggering: U.S. adults spend more than $3,000 per second on Internet pornography; 25 million U.S. adults spend 1-10 hours per week engaged with Internet pornography; 10 percent of U.S. adults admit to an Internet sex addiction.
Addiction to Internet pornography is so pervasive that seminaries are searching for ways to provide future priests with the tools to aid those struggling with the addiction.
Achieving this goal was brought one step closer as almost 100 formation directors and seminarians gathered at St. Paul’s College in Washington, D.C., Jan. 18 for a workshop titled, “Caught in the Web: Internet Pornography Addiction and Resources for Healing.”
“The more we know, the more compassionate we can be when people come to us with these issues,” said seminar leader Kathleen Gallaher, Ph.D. “There are moral and religious issues regarding the use of money that goes into Internet pornography and the amount of time spent on it. … It can stack up to years of a person’s life and destroy relationships.”
Internet pornography goes far beyond the inquisitive adolescent male getting his first glimpse of a racy magazine, Ms. Gallaher said.
“The level of hard core exposure at such a young age without someone to process it with can really affect that person into adulthood,” she said.
Internet pornography is so compelling, said Ms. Gallaher, because of the anonymity (you don’t have to show yourself at a public place to obtain it), the accessibility (the Internet does not close), and the affordability (some sites are even free), and the instant gratification.
“You never get to the end of the Internet like you do a magazine,” she said. “There is no natural stopping point.”
Some of the tools Ms. Gallaher suggested to help those struggling with Internet sex addiction include:
• Using e-mail accounts with effective spam blockers (such as Yahoo)
• Installing filtering and tracking software
• Placing the computer in a public are in the home
• Placing a photo of a loved one near the computer
• Try an Internet fast: only log on when there is a specific goal to achieve
• Create a “first aid kit” for when you are struggling with your addiction: people to call who know your struggle; a list of 10 things you hate about being addicted to Internet porn; a favorite poem
• Keep a list of online and other resources for recovery to sex addiction, such as Sex Addicts Anonymous (sexaa.org).
Father Dave Pivonka, T.O.R., brought 10 seminarians to the workshop because “they are going to be in ministry where people are struggling” with Internet sex addiction.
“The exposure to the issue and the tools to help others will help them be more effective ministers,” he said. “The issue is all pervasive. Someone they encounter will be affected by it.”
* Statistics gathered from MSNBC.com, toptenreview.com and alexa.com.
New CatholicTV Show: Dynamics of the Local Parish
Starting in March, CatholicTV will air a new television series called “parishFamily” which looks at the local parish. Father Robert Reed, who co-hosts the show says that, “On a very basic level, a parish is a family. It’s a family of families. If you are Catholic, then you belong to a parish, either by active participation or by geography.”
CatholicTV, is a nationally-broadcasted television station headquartered near Boston.
“parishFamily” is about the culture that exists in a parish and how Catholics must work to build a bright Catholic future. Dr. Melanie Morey and Father Reed spend some time sitting in the pews and discussing the parish as the place where Catholic culture is nurtured, sustained and transmitted.
“parishFamily” is hosted by Dr. Melanie Morey and Fr. Robert Reed. Dr. Morey has worked for thirty-five years in the areas of education and administration. Her main areas of expertise are Catholic culture, leadership, institutional identity, and governance. Dr. Morey is the co-founder of Substantially Catholic Summer Seminars Integrating the Catholic Intellectual Tradition and co-author of the book, Renewing Parish Culture: Building for a Catholic Future. Fr. Robert Reed was once a Pastor of a parish and understands very well the challenges of managing a parish.
Topics discussed on the show include: Mass attendance, reconciliation, religious education of children, the priest shortage and pastors, lay leadership, finances, and politics.
“parishFamily” will begin airing in March at the following times (EST). Monday-8PM; Tuesday- 11AM; Wednesday- 4AM; Thursday- 12:30PM & 9PM; Saturday- 3:30PM; Sunday 4:00AM.
The show is viewable on CatholicTV where available and is also streamed live (simultaneously) at www.CatholicTV.com. The show will also be offered in the archives and will be viewable full-screen now for free. CatholicTV is a non-profit corporation.
CatholicTV, is a nationally-broadcasted television station headquartered near Boston.
“parishFamily” is about the culture that exists in a parish and how Catholics must work to build a bright Catholic future. Dr. Melanie Morey and Father Reed spend some time sitting in the pews and discussing the parish as the place where Catholic culture is nurtured, sustained and transmitted.
“parishFamily” is hosted by Dr. Melanie Morey and Fr. Robert Reed. Dr. Morey has worked for thirty-five years in the areas of education and administration. Her main areas of expertise are Catholic culture, leadership, institutional identity, and governance. Dr. Morey is the co-founder of Substantially Catholic Summer Seminars Integrating the Catholic Intellectual Tradition and co-author of the book, Renewing Parish Culture: Building for a Catholic Future. Fr. Robert Reed was once a Pastor of a parish and understands very well the challenges of managing a parish.
Topics discussed on the show include: Mass attendance, reconciliation, religious education of children, the priest shortage and pastors, lay leadership, finances, and politics.
“parishFamily” will begin airing in March at the following times (EST). Monday-8PM; Tuesday- 11AM; Wednesday- 4AM; Thursday- 12:30PM & 9PM; Saturday- 3:30PM; Sunday 4:00AM.
The show is viewable on CatholicTV where available and is also streamed live (simultaneously) at www.CatholicTV.com. The show will also be offered in the archives and will be viewable full-screen now for free. CatholicTV is a non-profit corporation.
Aaron Thompson CD released: "10,000 Angels"
Musical artist, husband, and father Aaron Thompson has released his newest recording “10,000 Angels” with World Library Publications (www.wlpmusic.com). This project has been long in the making as Aaron has reflected over the years as a church music director, composer, and family man, mixing the complexities of ministry and family life.
As a music minister, Thompson has personally witnessed the power of music in the lives of spiritual seekers working through concepts of redemption and mercy, humility and courage. He hopes that this new CD will reach out especially to all those who have wandered away from the Church and wish to find a way home. His heartfelt themes and upbeat praise tunes all point to the glory of God and the warmth of forgiveness, healing, and redemption that God offers.
As an African-American father of four, ages 15, 9, 4, and 3, Aaron has been inspired by his experiences of raising children with his wife Marian in this age of media, fast-paced lifestyles, soccer, and Barbie dolls. “Juggling work in the Church and family responsibilities is a challenge,” says Aaron “…and I can really relate to what families are dealing with in their lives.” He wrote a special song for his daughter titled “Wings” that will bring a tear to the eye of every daddy who has experienced the joy of his little girl. He hopes that his music will bring families together to celebrate the goodness of God in their lives.
Aaron grew up in Glencoe,Illinois, as a member of the few black families living in the area. His father was a lawyer and his mother a teacher. His early Catholic formation was at Sacred Heart Church where his mom also sang in the choir. He excelled in music as a trumpet player and was granted a full performance scholarship at Northern Arizona University. He lived in Phoenix directing parish music ministry for several years and recently moved to Madison,WI, to work as the Director of Music at St.Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.
Aaron’s music is published by World Library Publications and is found in hymnals across the country. This new CD also includes some of his top pieces including, “Rise Up in Splendor,” “Blessed One,” and “Tree of Life.” Aaron also does a stupendous cover of “Indescribable” written by Chris Tomlin.
10,000 Angels,WLP product #008163, ISBN #978-158459-4246 is now available through World Library Publications (www.wlpmusic.com) or call toll-free at 1.800.566.6150. Soundclips are available on the product page. In digital format, it can be downloaded from iTunes, Amazon, eMusic, and several other digital stores. The CD is also available to the trade through Ingram/Spring Arbor Distributors.
As a music minister, Thompson has personally witnessed the power of music in the lives of spiritual seekers working through concepts of redemption and mercy, humility and courage. He hopes that this new CD will reach out especially to all those who have wandered away from the Church and wish to find a way home. His heartfelt themes and upbeat praise tunes all point to the glory of God and the warmth of forgiveness, healing, and redemption that God offers.
As an African-American father of four, ages 15, 9, 4, and 3, Aaron has been inspired by his experiences of raising children with his wife Marian in this age of media, fast-paced lifestyles, soccer, and Barbie dolls. “Juggling work in the Church and family responsibilities is a challenge,” says Aaron “…and I can really relate to what families are dealing with in their lives.” He wrote a special song for his daughter titled “Wings” that will bring a tear to the eye of every daddy who has experienced the joy of his little girl. He hopes that his music will bring families together to celebrate the goodness of God in their lives.
Aaron grew up in Glencoe,Illinois, as a member of the few black families living in the area. His father was a lawyer and his mother a teacher. His early Catholic formation was at Sacred Heart Church where his mom also sang in the choir. He excelled in music as a trumpet player and was granted a full performance scholarship at Northern Arizona University. He lived in Phoenix directing parish music ministry for several years and recently moved to Madison,WI, to work as the Director of Music at St.Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.
Aaron’s music is published by World Library Publications and is found in hymnals across the country. This new CD also includes some of his top pieces including, “Rise Up in Splendor,” “Blessed One,” and “Tree of Life.” Aaron also does a stupendous cover of “Indescribable” written by Chris Tomlin.
10,000 Angels,WLP product #008163, ISBN #978-158459-4246 is now available through World Library Publications (www.wlpmusic.com) or call toll-free at 1.800.566.6150. Soundclips are available on the product page. In digital format, it can be downloaded from iTunes, Amazon, eMusic, and several other digital stores. The CD is also available to the trade through Ingram/Spring Arbor Distributors.
Boston College Places Crucifixes and Icons in Classrooms
Students and faculty returned to Boston College (BC), a Jesuit Catholic institution, for the Spring 2009 semester to find that crucifixes and icons had been placed in many classrooms that had been long bereft of sacred art. This move, which helps strengthen the university’s Catholic identity, came by direct request of President Rev. William P. Leahy, S.J., according to a campus newspaper editor.
“Bravo for Boston College!” said Patrick J. Reilly, President of The Cardinal Newman Society. “For Catholics, outward signs, symbols and practices of our faith are an important part of relating to God in a material world.”
Over Christmas break, Father Leahy had employees hang the images in classrooms around campus, according to Donato Infante, executive editor of The Observer at Boston College. He told The Cardinal Newman Society that during a “State of the Heights” address two weeks ago, Father Leahy, responding to faculty and student complaints about the move, asserted that the administration did not need to consult professors about this decision and that the crucifixes and icons will not be taken back down.
Crucifixes and sacred art have had a scattered presence on campus since the 1970s. Two years ago, a new statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), was erected on campus.
Now with the addition of several crucifixes and icons, many are reacting strongly. The Observer reports that some professors and students were upset by the administration’s action, with at least one professor “refusing to teach in classrooms adorned by a crucifix even if he should have to move his class to a different room at his own expense.”
Professors have cited examples of even Christian students taking offense to the crucifixes and icons.
The Observer quotes the BC chemistry chairperson on the placing of the crucifixes, “I can hardly imagine a more effective way to denigrate the faculty of an educational institution. If that has been the purpose of the administration of Boston College, I congratulate them, as they have succeeded brilliantly.”
Reilly said that Father Leahy should ignore naysayers. “By what logic would someone expect a Catholic college or university to be non-Catholic?” Reilly asked. “The complaints are a sad consequence of the mixed signals from Boston College over several years. At times Catholic teaching and tradition are celebrated, other times they are scorned and undermined. But the crucifixes are a very happy movement forward!”
Others are pleased with the new classroom additions. “Some classrooms always had crucifixes in them,” Infante said. “I always found it nice to be able to look up at our Lord during class and to take moments during the day to call to mind God's presence. Now, at the request of our president, Father Leahy, we have such reminders in every room…. Father Leahy, please keep the beauty coming.”
“As for the… professors who are opposed, I ask them to understand what these symbols mean to us,” continued Infante. “The hanging of the sacred art had nothing to do with asserting power. It had everything to do with honoring our God and being constantly reminded of His love.”
The Observer quotes sophomore student Billy Cody arguing that having a crucifix or icon in the classroom “fits perfectly with the Jesuit motto ‘Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam’ (For the Greater Glory of God) because its presence reminds us that even in the classroom, we act for His greater glory.”
Junior student Michael Williams said, “Although seemingly a small gesture, rest assured that these symbols give great joy and confidence to me and many of my friends for the direction the school is taking as becoming, as Father Leahy has put it, the nation's leading Catholic university.”
“Bravo for Boston College!” said Patrick J. Reilly, President of The Cardinal Newman Society. “For Catholics, outward signs, symbols and practices of our faith are an important part of relating to God in a material world.”
Over Christmas break, Father Leahy had employees hang the images in classrooms around campus, according to Donato Infante, executive editor of The Observer at Boston College. He told The Cardinal Newman Society that during a “State of the Heights” address two weeks ago, Father Leahy, responding to faculty and student complaints about the move, asserted that the administration did not need to consult professors about this decision and that the crucifixes and icons will not be taken back down.
Crucifixes and sacred art have had a scattered presence on campus since the 1970s. Two years ago, a new statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), was erected on campus.
Now with the addition of several crucifixes and icons, many are reacting strongly. The Observer reports that some professors and students were upset by the administration’s action, with at least one professor “refusing to teach in classrooms adorned by a crucifix even if he should have to move his class to a different room at his own expense.”
Professors have cited examples of even Christian students taking offense to the crucifixes and icons.
The Observer quotes the BC chemistry chairperson on the placing of the crucifixes, “I can hardly imagine a more effective way to denigrate the faculty of an educational institution. If that has been the purpose of the administration of Boston College, I congratulate them, as they have succeeded brilliantly.”
Reilly said that Father Leahy should ignore naysayers. “By what logic would someone expect a Catholic college or university to be non-Catholic?” Reilly asked. “The complaints are a sad consequence of the mixed signals from Boston College over several years. At times Catholic teaching and tradition are celebrated, other times they are scorned and undermined. But the crucifixes are a very happy movement forward!”
Others are pleased with the new classroom additions. “Some classrooms always had crucifixes in them,” Infante said. “I always found it nice to be able to look up at our Lord during class and to take moments during the day to call to mind God's presence. Now, at the request of our president, Father Leahy, we have such reminders in every room…. Father Leahy, please keep the beauty coming.”
“As for the… professors who are opposed, I ask them to understand what these symbols mean to us,” continued Infante. “The hanging of the sacred art had nothing to do with asserting power. It had everything to do with honoring our God and being constantly reminded of His love.”
The Observer quotes sophomore student Billy Cody arguing that having a crucifix or icon in the classroom “fits perfectly with the Jesuit motto ‘Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam’ (For the Greater Glory of God) because its presence reminds us that even in the classroom, we act for His greater glory.”
Junior student Michael Williams said, “Although seemingly a small gesture, rest assured that these symbols give great joy and confidence to me and many of my friends for the direction the school is taking as becoming, as Father Leahy has put it, the nation's leading Catholic university.”
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