The faculty of the Weston Jesuit School of Theology, now part of the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry, has produced a Catechetical series which is now available on CatholicTV. The series, which is named “A Living Faith”, discusses essential Roman Catholic themes which are listed below. The teachings come from the newest version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
The show themes along with the names of the speakers for each episode are:
God, The Creator of Heaven and Earth- Rev. Richard J. Clifford, S.J.
Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus- Rev. Thomas D. Stegman, S..J.
The Church: Communion of New Life in the Spirit- Rev.Kevin S. Burke, S.J.
The Sacramental Life of the Church: Initiation- Rev. John J. Baldovin, S.J.
The Sacramental Life of the Church: Healing- Rev. Peter E. Fink, S.J.
Foundations of Morality- Rev. Edward V. Vacek, S.J.
Catholic Social Ethics-Rev. Thomas J. Massaro, S.J.
Missionary Dynamics of the Church- Sister Margaret Eletta Guider, OSF,
Prayer: Finding God in Our Lives- Rev. John Randall Sachs, S.J.
The show can be seen on Tuesdays at 8:30 A.M., Thursdays at 12 P.M., and Fridays at 1:30 A.M. “A Living Faith” can be seen on CatholicTV where available. The show is also streamed live at www.CatholicTV.com and is viewable full-screen.
NCEA: Catholic Schools Contribute $19.8 Billion
While auto manufacturers, secondary mortgage lenders and investment bankers are reaping billions of dollars in federal funds, one entity is saving the nation billions – the network of almost 7,400 Catholic schools across the country.
According to Dr. Karen Ristau, president of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), Catholic schools provide $19.8 billion in savings each year for the nation. The figure is based on the average public school per pupil cost of $8,701 and the total Catholic school enrollment of more than 2.2 million students.
“Catholic schools are a gift to the church – and to the nation,” said Ristau. “The enormity of this gift is more striking during these challenging economic times.”
In addition to the monetary rewards, the nation gains in other ways. Catholic school students excel academically on standardized tests, 99.1% graduate and 94% attend college. Studies show that graduates of Catholic schools are reliable workers, good citizens and more likely to attend church.
“Our graduates have a strong commitment to community service because that is a foundation of our schools,” added Ristau. “Just this past year Catholic school students performed 2.2 million hours of public service in honor of Pope Benedict’s visit. That kind of involvement is a gift to the country that cannot be measured in dollars alone.”
Research on school effectiveness in the last 10 years has focused on academic outcomes, including standardized test scores, graduation rates, post-secondary aspirations and college attendance. Catholic schools, while they aspire to academic success, include among their primary objectives an understanding of the Catholic faith, a commitment to the practice of religion and a strong set of values. These goals, along with academic achievement, are the key components of the Catholic school’s effectiveness.
Catholic schools provide faith formation and values. Teachers view the formation of Christian character as a non-negotiable, which is Gospel centered, environmental, cross-curricular and essential in a society where values are often ignored.
The NCEA, founded in 1904, is a professional membership organization that provides leadership, direction and service to fulfill the evangelizing, catechizing and teaching mission of the church. NCEA members include elementary schools, high schools, parish religious education programs and seminaries.
According to Dr. Karen Ristau, president of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), Catholic schools provide $19.8 billion in savings each year for the nation. The figure is based on the average public school per pupil cost of $8,701 and the total Catholic school enrollment of more than 2.2 million students.
“Catholic schools are a gift to the church – and to the nation,” said Ristau. “The enormity of this gift is more striking during these challenging economic times.”
In addition to the monetary rewards, the nation gains in other ways. Catholic school students excel academically on standardized tests, 99.1% graduate and 94% attend college. Studies show that graduates of Catholic schools are reliable workers, good citizens and more likely to attend church.
“Our graduates have a strong commitment to community service because that is a foundation of our schools,” added Ristau. “Just this past year Catholic school students performed 2.2 million hours of public service in honor of Pope Benedict’s visit. That kind of involvement is a gift to the country that cannot be measured in dollars alone.”
Research on school effectiveness in the last 10 years has focused on academic outcomes, including standardized test scores, graduation rates, post-secondary aspirations and college attendance. Catholic schools, while they aspire to academic success, include among their primary objectives an understanding of the Catholic faith, a commitment to the practice of religion and a strong set of values. These goals, along with academic achievement, are the key components of the Catholic school’s effectiveness.
Catholic schools provide faith formation and values. Teachers view the formation of Christian character as a non-negotiable, which is Gospel centered, environmental, cross-curricular and essential in a society where values are often ignored.
The NCEA, founded in 1904, is a professional membership organization that provides leadership, direction and service to fulfill the evangelizing, catechizing and teaching mission of the church. NCEA members include elementary schools, high schools, parish religious education programs and seminaries.
EWTN Christmas Specials
Christmas specials on EWTN Global Catholic Network this year include a new documentary proving the existence of the Star of Bethlehem from the producer of “The Passion of the Christ”) as well as classics with stars such as Loretta Young, Christopher Plummer, Frankie Avalon, Snooky Larson, June Valli, Mario Lanza, and Rosalind Russell. There is literally something for everyone. Highlights include: (All times below are U.S. Eastern Time.)
The Star of Bethlehem
From “The Passion of the Christ” Producer Stephen McEveety comes a documentary that proves the existence of the Star of Bethlehem, whose existence has been debated for centuries by historians, scientists and scholars. “Either they believe the Star is true or they think it was made up by the early Church,” says Texas A&”M Professor Rick Larson. “I took a different approach in my research and treated the Star as a mystery or puzzle, looking at the Bible and comparing the facts of Scripture with facts from science and history.” (10 a.m. Dec. 21, 11 p.m. Dec. 25, 8 p.m. Dec. 27, 3 a.m. Dec. 28, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 29, 10:30 a.m. Dec. 31)
The San Juan Children’s Choir Presents: Siempre Navidad (Always Christmas)
This festive concert, with music from around the world, displays the joyful spirit of Christmas in Puerto Rico. (30-minute version: 9 a.m. Dec. 20. 60-minute version: 6 p.m. Dec. 22 and 4 p.m. Dec. 27)
The Story of the Selfish Giant
A grandfather uses Oscar Wilde's timeless tale to unlock the true meaning of Christmas for his granddaughter. This is a charming story with a strong Christian message about the meaning of love and sacrifice. It is bound to become one of your Christmas favorites. (10:30 a.m. Dec. 20 and 4 p.m. Dec. 26).
The Chimes
Written by Charles Dickens and narrated by Derek Jacobi, this is the story of a poor and discouraged 19th Century porter. Chiming church bells magically transport him to the future where his hope is renewed. (4 p.m. Dec. 23 and 6 a.m. Dec. 27)
Loretta Young: 3 & 2 Please
Academy Awarding Winning Actress Loretta Young starts as “Sister Ann,” a nun who brightens the lives of patients in a Catholic hospital at Christmas. (6:30 p.m. Dec. 21, 11 a.m. Dec. 23, 2:30 a.m. Dec. 26, and 2:30 a.m. Dec. 27)
The First Christmas
Narrated by Christopher Plummer, this colorful animated production tells the traditional story of the birth of Jesus. (4:30 p.m. Dec. 24, 11 a.m. Dec. 25, and 10:30 a.m. Dec. 27)
The Promise
A 1967 dramatization of the Annunciation and Nativity, followed by a brief discussion of the film by Father Patrick Peyton and Frankie Avalon. (2:30 p.m. Dec. 22, 3:30 a.m. Dec. 24, 5:30 a.m. Dec. 27, 3 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 29)
Christopher Close-Up: Christopher Classic Christmas
Christopher Founder Father James Keller, M.M. celebrates Christmas with stars of yesteryear, including Snooky Larson, June Valli, Mario Lanza, Rosalind Russell and more. (6:30 a.m. Dec. 21, 9 p.m. Dec. 22, and 3 a.m. Dec. 24)
Catholic University of America Christmas Concert
This annual concert presents a brilliant blend of angelic voices and the wonderful sounds of the Christmas season. (11 p.m. Dec. 23 and 2 p.m. Dec. 25)
The World is Born: Christmas with the Louisville Chorus
The Louisville Chorus celebrates the sounds of the season in this special presentation of Christmas favorites. The choir performs in the historic St. Martin of Tours Church in Louisville, Kentucky. (10 p.m. Dec. 23, 2 p.m. Dec. 27, and 11 a.m. Jan. 1)
Dana: Our Family Christmas
Join Dana, her family and friends as they present an old-fashioned family Christmas. Hear the meaning of many traditional customs, and gather new ideas for you and your family. (9 a.m. Dec. 24 and 4:30 a.m. Dec. 27)
Solemn Mass at Midnight with Pope Benedict XVI (Live from Rome)
Solemnity of the Birth of Our Lord: Midnight Mass with the Holy Father from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. (6 p.m. Dec. 24 (live), 8 a.m. Dec. 25, and 4 p.m. Dec. 25)
Choral Meditations and Solemn Mass of Christmas Eve from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (Live from Washington, D.C.)
From the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, USA. (10 p.m. Dec. 24 (live))
Urbi et Orbi from Rome: Pope Benedict's Christmas Message to the World (Live)
From St. Peter's Square. Join the Holy Father for his inspiring Christmas Day message to the world on the celebration of Christ’s birth. (6 a.m. (live) Dec. 25, 10 p.m. Dec. 25, 3 a.m. Dec. 26, and 5 p.m. Dec. 26)
For a complete listing, go to www.ewtn.com and click on the “EWTN’s Christmas Specials” Calendar on the home page.
The Star of Bethlehem
From “The Passion of the Christ” Producer Stephen McEveety comes a documentary that proves the existence of the Star of Bethlehem, whose existence has been debated for centuries by historians, scientists and scholars. “Either they believe the Star is true or they think it was made up by the early Church,” says Texas A&”M Professor Rick Larson. “I took a different approach in my research and treated the Star as a mystery or puzzle, looking at the Bible and comparing the facts of Scripture with facts from science and history.” (10 a.m. Dec. 21, 11 p.m. Dec. 25, 8 p.m. Dec. 27, 3 a.m. Dec. 28, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 29, 10:30 a.m. Dec. 31)
The San Juan Children’s Choir Presents: Siempre Navidad (Always Christmas)
This festive concert, with music from around the world, displays the joyful spirit of Christmas in Puerto Rico. (30-minute version: 9 a.m. Dec. 20. 60-minute version: 6 p.m. Dec. 22 and 4 p.m. Dec. 27)
The Story of the Selfish Giant
A grandfather uses Oscar Wilde's timeless tale to unlock the true meaning of Christmas for his granddaughter. This is a charming story with a strong Christian message about the meaning of love and sacrifice. It is bound to become one of your Christmas favorites. (10:30 a.m. Dec. 20 and 4 p.m. Dec. 26).
The Chimes
Written by Charles Dickens and narrated by Derek Jacobi, this is the story of a poor and discouraged 19th Century porter. Chiming church bells magically transport him to the future where his hope is renewed. (4 p.m. Dec. 23 and 6 a.m. Dec. 27)
Loretta Young: 3 & 2 Please
Academy Awarding Winning Actress Loretta Young starts as “Sister Ann,” a nun who brightens the lives of patients in a Catholic hospital at Christmas. (6:30 p.m. Dec. 21, 11 a.m. Dec. 23, 2:30 a.m. Dec. 26, and 2:30 a.m. Dec. 27)
The First Christmas
Narrated by Christopher Plummer, this colorful animated production tells the traditional story of the birth of Jesus. (4:30 p.m. Dec. 24, 11 a.m. Dec. 25, and 10:30 a.m. Dec. 27)
The Promise
A 1967 dramatization of the Annunciation and Nativity, followed by a brief discussion of the film by Father Patrick Peyton and Frankie Avalon. (2:30 p.m. Dec. 22, 3:30 a.m. Dec. 24, 5:30 a.m. Dec. 27, 3 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 29)
Christopher Close-Up: Christopher Classic Christmas
Christopher Founder Father James Keller, M.M. celebrates Christmas with stars of yesteryear, including Snooky Larson, June Valli, Mario Lanza, Rosalind Russell and more. (6:30 a.m. Dec. 21, 9 p.m. Dec. 22, and 3 a.m. Dec. 24)
Catholic University of America Christmas Concert
This annual concert presents a brilliant blend of angelic voices and the wonderful sounds of the Christmas season. (11 p.m. Dec. 23 and 2 p.m. Dec. 25)
The World is Born: Christmas with the Louisville Chorus
The Louisville Chorus celebrates the sounds of the season in this special presentation of Christmas favorites. The choir performs in the historic St. Martin of Tours Church in Louisville, Kentucky. (10 p.m. Dec. 23, 2 p.m. Dec. 27, and 11 a.m. Jan. 1)
Dana: Our Family Christmas
Join Dana, her family and friends as they present an old-fashioned family Christmas. Hear the meaning of many traditional customs, and gather new ideas for you and your family. (9 a.m. Dec. 24 and 4:30 a.m. Dec. 27)
Solemn Mass at Midnight with Pope Benedict XVI (Live from Rome)
Solemnity of the Birth of Our Lord: Midnight Mass with the Holy Father from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. (6 p.m. Dec. 24 (live), 8 a.m. Dec. 25, and 4 p.m. Dec. 25)
Choral Meditations and Solemn Mass of Christmas Eve from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (Live from Washington, D.C.)
From the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, USA. (10 p.m. Dec. 24 (live))
Urbi et Orbi from Rome: Pope Benedict's Christmas Message to the World (Live)
From St. Peter's Square. Join the Holy Father for his inspiring Christmas Day message to the world on the celebration of Christ’s birth. (6 a.m. (live) Dec. 25, 10 p.m. Dec. 25, 3 a.m. Dec. 26, and 5 p.m. Dec. 26)
For a complete listing, go to www.ewtn.com and click on the “EWTN’s Christmas Specials” Calendar on the home page.
Animated Divine Mercy Chaplet
Starting the 3rd week of December, CatholicTV will begin airing a new animated version of the Divine Mercy Chaplet. The new chaplet includes meditations from the Bible between each prayer.
The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy is a prayer which has five decades similar to the Rosary. The devotion originates from the diary of St. Faustina Kowalksa. This video of the Chaplet was written and produced by Dr. Vincent Baratta, of Windham, NY. �The chaplet repeats the words for the sake of his sorrorwful passion, and so I wanted to present meditations on the Jesus� passion in the chaplet video.� said Dr. Baratta. With regards to the Chaplet, Dr Baratta also says that �repetition enhances retention of knowledge of our faith�.
Dr. Baratta has written a book entitled The-Rosary-is-Alive and The Message of The Divine Mercy and the role of St. Maria Faustina.. The Message of the Divine Mercy�. book was authored with the assistance of Reverend Seraphim Michalenko, of the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Dr. Baratta continues his dedication to the faith with this new Divine Chaplet
which will air each week on CatholicTV. CatholicTV airs the Divine Mercy Chaplet each day of the week at 3P.M. It is viewable on demand and now in full-screen at www.CatholicTV.com.
The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy is a prayer which has five decades similar to the Rosary. The devotion originates from the diary of St. Faustina Kowalksa. This video of the Chaplet was written and produced by Dr. Vincent Baratta, of Windham, NY. �The chaplet repeats the words for the sake of his sorrorwful passion, and so I wanted to present meditations on the Jesus� passion in the chaplet video.� said Dr. Baratta. With regards to the Chaplet, Dr Baratta also says that �repetition enhances retention of knowledge of our faith�.
Dr. Baratta has written a book entitled The-Rosary-is-Alive and The Message of The Divine Mercy and the role of St. Maria Faustina.. The Message of the Divine Mercy�. book was authored with the assistance of Reverend Seraphim Michalenko, of the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Dr. Baratta continues his dedication to the faith with this new Divine Chaplet
which will air each week on CatholicTV. CatholicTV airs the Divine Mercy Chaplet each day of the week at 3P.M. It is viewable on demand and now in full-screen at www.CatholicTV.com.
Planned Parenthood's Irredeemable Act
Atlanta, GA – Dr. Alveda King, Pastoral Associate of Priests for Life and niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., today criticized Planned Parenthood of Indiana for selling Christmas gift certificates that can be used for goods or services, including abortions.
“The word inappropriate hardly describes Planned Parenthood’s scheme,” said Dr. King. “To give someone a gift card from the nation’s largest abortion business is to give death for Christmas. Planned Parenthood really should call these ‘King Herod certificates’ after the Roman ruler who slaughtered tiny babies in his vain attempt to kill the baby Jesus. Better yet, it should just leave Christmas, a celebration of birth, hope, and life, completely alone.”
“Planned Parenthood’s selling of Christmas gift certificates that can be redeemed for abortion is an irredeemable act,” added Dr. King. “No amount of spin can turn this promotion into anything other than an abomination. Congress gave Planned Parenthood $300 million last year and now a chapter of this group is defiling the celebration of our Savior’s birth. As one of America’s taxpayers, I want my money back.”
Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro-life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.
“The word inappropriate hardly describes Planned Parenthood’s scheme,” said Dr. King. “To give someone a gift card from the nation’s largest abortion business is to give death for Christmas. Planned Parenthood really should call these ‘King Herod certificates’ after the Roman ruler who slaughtered tiny babies in his vain attempt to kill the baby Jesus. Better yet, it should just leave Christmas, a celebration of birth, hope, and life, completely alone.”
“Planned Parenthood’s selling of Christmas gift certificates that can be redeemed for abortion is an irredeemable act,” added Dr. King. “No amount of spin can turn this promotion into anything other than an abomination. Congress gave Planned Parenthood $300 million last year and now a chapter of this group is defiling the celebration of our Savior’s birth. As one of America’s taxpayers, I want my money back.”
Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro-life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.
Catholic Writers to Hold Online Conference
Writers, editors, agents, and other publishing professionals from around the world are gearing up for the second annual Catholic Writers’ Conference Online, which will be held February 2-9, 2009.
Sponsored by the Catholic Writer’s Guild and the Extraordinary Moms Network, the online conference is free of charge and open to writers of all levels who register by January 15.
Last year’s conference drew over 300 participants and had more than 30 editors and writing professionals from all over the country presenting. Here's what attendees had to say:
"Gas prices are high. Writers' conferences are out of reach. CWC met my need! Write ON!" Jewel Sample, author of Flying Hugs and Kisses, and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book (jewelsamples.blogspot.com).
"This conference … moved beyond practical concerns of writers and revealed the creative union between writing and faith, establishing it as a source of endless inspiration. As writers, we all want to feel good about what we write. The CWCO helped to show us how." Kate Wicker, “Momopoly” (www.katewicker.com).
"If ever a newbie writer on the scene needed an added boost of confidence, input, and tips, the Catholic Writer's Conference Online was the place for them to camp out for the week. I learned so much and enjoyed being in an arena that was friendly for all who want to share the Catholic faith. Thanks for the great week of advice, information, and meeting new people." Elizabeth Weidner, “A Catholic Mum Climbing the Pillars”
“We were very happy with the caliber of publishing professionals who volunteered to participate in the last conference,” says event co-chair Heidi Hess Saxton, author and founder of Extraordinary Moms Network. “There was a nice mix of fiction and non-fiction as well as book and magazine publishing represented. Something for everyone … and you can’t beat the price!”
"On-line conferences cross economic and political boundaries. We can reach Catholic writers who normally wouldn't have a chance to meet, much less learn from, successful writers, editors and publishers. Plus, the faith-sharing is phenomenal," said Karina Fabian, author of the Catholic science fiction anthology Infinite Space, Infinite God and President of the Catholic Writers' Guild.
Early registration is recommended. Although the conference is offered free of charge, donations are accepted; proceeds will go toward future conferences. To register or for more information, go to http://www.catholicwritersconference.com.
Sponsored by the Catholic Writer’s Guild and the Extraordinary Moms Network, the online conference is free of charge and open to writers of all levels who register by January 15.
Last year’s conference drew over 300 participants and had more than 30 editors and writing professionals from all over the country presenting. Here's what attendees had to say:
"Gas prices are high. Writers' conferences are out of reach. CWC met my need! Write ON!" Jewel Sample, author of Flying Hugs and Kisses, and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book (jewelsamples.blogspot.com).
"This conference … moved beyond practical concerns of writers and revealed the creative union between writing and faith, establishing it as a source of endless inspiration. As writers, we all want to feel good about what we write. The CWCO helped to show us how." Kate Wicker, “Momopoly” (www.katewicker.com).
"If ever a newbie writer on the scene needed an added boost of confidence, input, and tips, the Catholic Writer's Conference Online was the place for them to camp out for the week. I learned so much and enjoyed being in an arena that was friendly for all who want to share the Catholic faith. Thanks for the great week of advice, information, and meeting new people." Elizabeth Weidner, “A Catholic Mum Climbing the Pillars”
“We were very happy with the caliber of publishing professionals who volunteered to participate in the last conference,” says event co-chair Heidi Hess Saxton, author and founder of Extraordinary Moms Network. “There was a nice mix of fiction and non-fiction as well as book and magazine publishing represented. Something for everyone … and you can’t beat the price!”
"On-line conferences cross economic and political boundaries. We can reach Catholic writers who normally wouldn't have a chance to meet, much less learn from, successful writers, editors and publishers. Plus, the faith-sharing is phenomenal," said Karina Fabian, author of the Catholic science fiction anthology Infinite Space, Infinite God and President of the Catholic Writers' Guild.
Early registration is recommended. Although the conference is offered free of charge, donations are accepted; proceeds will go toward future conferences. To register or for more information, go to http://www.catholicwritersconference.com.
The Catholic Truth Accepting Prayer Requests
The Catholic Truth lay apostolate is encouraging all those interested to submit their prayer requests for inclusion in a Christmas Novena of Masses. The Masses will be said at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Intentions can be submitted by visiting the Catholic Truth website (www.thecatholictruth.info) and entering the requests on the home page. All submissions are completely anonymous and there is no obligation or fee.
Founder Gary Zimak states, “This Christmas, we wanted to do something for all of those people that are in need of prayer. It’s our gift to all of our brothers and sisters.” Zimak was inspired to make this offer after looking through some literature from the National Shrine. He thought it fitting to make the announcement on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. “I can’t think of a more appropriate day to extend this offer and a more appropriate place for the Masses to be said than the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception”, says Zimak. “The motto of our apostolate is Ad Jesum Per Mariam (To Jesus Through Mary) and we completely trust in her intercessory power.”
The intentions will be forwarded to the National Shrine in time for the Christmas Novena. Even though the Catholic Truth is not accepting donations for these Masses, they encourage everyone to visit the website of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (www.nationalshrine.com) and make a donation if possible.
The Catholic Truth lay apostolate was founded to help Catholics learn more about their Faith. Their services are provided totally free of charge over the Internet. A daily blog, monthly newsletter and their 10-step plan to bring you closer to Christ are all accessible from their website (www.thecatholictruth.info). They can also be reached via email at thecatholictruth@yahoo.com.
Founder Gary Zimak states, “This Christmas, we wanted to do something for all of those people that are in need of prayer. It’s our gift to all of our brothers and sisters.” Zimak was inspired to make this offer after looking through some literature from the National Shrine. He thought it fitting to make the announcement on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. “I can’t think of a more appropriate day to extend this offer and a more appropriate place for the Masses to be said than the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception”, says Zimak. “The motto of our apostolate is Ad Jesum Per Mariam (To Jesus Through Mary) and we completely trust in her intercessory power.”
The intentions will be forwarded to the National Shrine in time for the Christmas Novena. Even though the Catholic Truth is not accepting donations for these Masses, they encourage everyone to visit the website of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (www.nationalshrine.com) and make a donation if possible.
The Catholic Truth lay apostolate was founded to help Catholics learn more about their Faith. Their services are provided totally free of charge over the Internet. A daily blog, monthly newsletter and their 10-step plan to bring you closer to Christ are all accessible from their website (www.thecatholictruth.info). They can also be reached via email at thecatholictruth@yahoo.com.
Audio Bible Ministry Shares "The Christmas Story"
This exciting announcement is part of “The Christmas Story,” a free Audio Bible program about the birth of Jesus Christ.
“The Christmas Story” is an audio drama, word-for-word reading from the New Testament books Matthew and Luke and is produced by Faith Comes By Hearing, the world’s foremost Audio Bible ministry. This realistic audio recording was produced using multiple character voices, musical backgrounds and sound effects.
You can get this free holiday program:
• By downloading or listening free from www.FaithComesByHearing.com. (Available in .mp3 or .WAV file formats)
• By texting “CHRISTMAS” to 80672.
• At the iTunes store.
Faith Comes By Hearing produced this short, family-friendly program, which runs about 12 minutes, to help people engage in the Bible this holiday season and hear the Christmas story in a dramatic, audio format.
“This is part of the greatest story ever told,” said Jon D. Wilke, organizational spokesperson. “Everyday we need to engage in the Bible through reading or listening, and this is the time of the year we need to remember and give thanks for God’s greatest gift to humanity.”
“Gathering around and listening to this Bible story is an easy, yet powerful way to share God’s love with your family and start a memorable Christmas tradition,” he said.
Founded in 1972 as a non-profit ministry, Faith Comes By Hearing records and uses Audio Bible programs to reach Americans as well as the world’s poor and illiterate with God’s Word.
“The Christmas Story” is an audio drama, word-for-word reading from the New Testament books Matthew and Luke and is produced by Faith Comes By Hearing, the world’s foremost Audio Bible ministry. This realistic audio recording was produced using multiple character voices, musical backgrounds and sound effects.
You can get this free holiday program:
• By downloading or listening free from www.FaithComesByHearing.com. (Available in .mp3 or .WAV file formats)
• By texting “CHRISTMAS” to 80672.
• At the iTunes store.
Faith Comes By Hearing produced this short, family-friendly program, which runs about 12 minutes, to help people engage in the Bible this holiday season and hear the Christmas story in a dramatic, audio format.
“This is part of the greatest story ever told,” said Jon D. Wilke, organizational spokesperson. “Everyday we need to engage in the Bible through reading or listening, and this is the time of the year we need to remember and give thanks for God’s greatest gift to humanity.”
“Gathering around and listening to this Bible story is an easy, yet powerful way to share God’s love with your family and start a memorable Christmas tradition,” he said.
Founded in 1972 as a non-profit ministry, Faith Comes By Hearing records and uses Audio Bible programs to reach Americans as well as the world’s poor and illiterate with God’s Word.
CatholicTV: How to Keep Advent in Your Heart
CatholicTV’s talk show “This is the Day” will feature Father Paul Turner, a priest from Missouri this Friday, December 5th. He will discuss Advent themes from scripture as well as how we can celebrate the entire Advent season. Father Turner is the pastor of St. Munchin parish-St. Aloysius parish in Cameron, Missouri. More information about Father Turner may be found on his website: www.PaulTurner.org
Also featured on the show will be Heather King, author of the book Redeemed. Ms. King writes candidly about how challenging and rewarding it can be to live out the faith as an American woman. In her interview, she speaks openly about her many struggles including difficulties with alcohol abuse and even abortion. She talks about how she stays centered on God and open to his help despite being a sinner. She mentions her unique idea that addiction is a sign of spiritual thirst which addictions aim to quench but cannot. Additional references about Heather’s writings and faith journey is available on her website: http://heather-king.com/
You can see Heather’s interview as well as Father Paul Turner’s at www.CatholicTV.com. The interview is on live at 10:30AM Eastern and rebroadcast at 8PM on Friday, December 5th. The interview will be available in the video archives at http://www.CatholicTV.com.
Friday's “This Is The Day” is rebroadcast throughout the weekend (Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 6:30 p.m.). A new live show airs Tuesday at 10:30AM. The show can also be seen on demand at www.CatholicTV.com or downloaded via iTunes and SQPN. The hosts discuss various topics of the week and respond to viewer mail (you may email the show at thisistheday@CatholicTV.org.
Also featured on the show will be Heather King, author of the book Redeemed. Ms. King writes candidly about how challenging and rewarding it can be to live out the faith as an American woman. In her interview, she speaks openly about her many struggles including difficulties with alcohol abuse and even abortion. She talks about how she stays centered on God and open to his help despite being a sinner. She mentions her unique idea that addiction is a sign of spiritual thirst which addictions aim to quench but cannot. Additional references about Heather’s writings and faith journey is available on her website: http://heather-king.com/
You can see Heather’s interview as well as Father Paul Turner’s at www.CatholicTV.com. The interview is on live at 10:30AM Eastern and rebroadcast at 8PM on Friday, December 5th. The interview will be available in the video archives at http://www.CatholicTV.com.
Friday's “This Is The Day” is rebroadcast throughout the weekend (Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 6:30 p.m.). A new live show airs Tuesday at 10:30AM. The show can also be seen on demand at www.CatholicTV.com or downloaded via iTunes and SQPN. The hosts discuss various topics of the week and respond to viewer mail (you may email the show at thisistheday@CatholicTV.org.
Flocknote.com: Catholic Leaders Go Web 2.0
A new Catholic website was launched this month, providing diocesan, parish and lay organization leaders with an innovative way to share information with their groups.
On Flocknote.com, Catholic leaders can create “feeds” for every group that they lead. Group members are then invited to subscribe to feeds of interest and choose to receive notes by email, text message, Facebook – or on the website itself.
Up until now, many Catholic groups have used email mailing lists and church bulletins to communicate with interested members.
“The power of this site is that it aligns perfectly with the structure of The Church,” says Matt Warner, Flocknote creator, “Never before has it been easier for bishops to communicate with their entire diocese, pastors to share info with their entire parish – and parishioners to plug into their parish community.”
Flocknote is attracting more than Church leaders. Catholic musicians, bloggers, speakers and other laymen have also found the site to be instrumental in sharing their ministry.
Not to be confused as just another social networking site, Flocknote had created a unique niche, serving as both a high-tech mailing list – and a supplement to popular sites like Facebook.
“At the end of the day,” Warner continued, “people truly want to be plugged in to their Catholic community – we just don’t always have the time to do it. Flocknote changes that. Now everyone can get the information they need in the most convenient way possible.”
On Flocknote.com, Catholic leaders can create “feeds” for every group that they lead. Group members are then invited to subscribe to feeds of interest and choose to receive notes by email, text message, Facebook – or on the website itself.
Up until now, many Catholic groups have used email mailing lists and church bulletins to communicate with interested members.
“The power of this site is that it aligns perfectly with the structure of The Church,” says Matt Warner, Flocknote creator, “Never before has it been easier for bishops to communicate with their entire diocese, pastors to share info with their entire parish – and parishioners to plug into their parish community.”
Flocknote is attracting more than Church leaders. Catholic musicians, bloggers, speakers and other laymen have also found the site to be instrumental in sharing their ministry.
Not to be confused as just another social networking site, Flocknote had created a unique niche, serving as both a high-tech mailing list – and a supplement to popular sites like Facebook.
“At the end of the day,” Warner continued, “people truly want to be plugged in to their Catholic community – we just don’t always have the time to do it. Flocknote changes that. Now everyone can get the information they need in the most convenient way possible.”
CatholicTV's "Your Catholic Broadband Network"
CatholicTV launched a new website today, appropriately dubbed “Your Catholic Broadband Network.” The site is an amazing collection of the video archives of the station along with a live Flash video stream powered by Internap and an array of the best of Catholic blog, podcasts and ‘viewer-generated” video..
In addition, a new monthly schedule will be provided in the station’s free magazine, “The CatholicTV Monthly” with frequent updates and new programmatic additions. Some of those additions are a collection of sixteen Rosaries recorded around the nation. From the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame to the glory of a New England autumn, these new HD Rosaries will greatly enhance the prayer life of the CatholicTV audience.
Beginning on the first Sunday of Advent the Mass from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame will be televised live weekly on CatholicTV at 10 a.m. Sundays (ET) beginning November 30, 2008. The Mass from Notre Dame is also streamed live and archived online at CatholicTV.com.
“We are pleased to partner with CatholicTV to provide the 10:00 a.m. Mass from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame each Sunday morning. CatholicTV has strong East coast distribution and a strategy for growing its cable audience on a nationwide scale. We are firmly committed to bringing quality Catholic liturgies to a national and global audience,” said Rev. Richard V. Warner, C.S.C., director of Campus Ministry.
Notre Dame broadcasted Mass from the Basilica on the Hallmark Channel from 2002 until June 2008, and also on DIRECTV in 2007. The Basilica staff has received thousands of enthusiastic and appreciative letters and messages from viewers across the country since June requesting that television carriage continue for the Mass. Many viewers are unable to attend Mass at their local parish for physical reasons and others tell of how Notre Dame’s Mass enriches the experience of their local parish liturgy.
The University's Liturgical Choir, under the direction of Dr. Gail Walton, provides music for the 10 a.m. Sunday Mass during the academic year, while the Basilica Community Collegium Choir, under the direction of Dr. Andrew McShane, provides the music for the liturgy when academic year classes are not in session. Special technical effort has been made to capture the voices as they are heard by the congregation in the Basilica. Masses at Notre Dame are marked by the full participation of the assembly in the liturgy. Each Sunday the Basilica is usually filled to capacity for its regularly scheduled liturgies.
The audio and video equipment installed in the Basilica has been designed to be architecturally sensitive to the beauty of the Basilica and to ensure that the broadcasts capture the beauty of the liturgy without disrupting the sanctity of prayer. Technical production of the Mass is provided by Pentavision Communications Inc., which operates the broadcast equipment from a specially designed control room located in the basement of the Basilica. WNDU-TV sends the broadcast via fiber optics to CatholicTV’s master control.
More information on the Basilica of the Sacred Heart is available at http://basilica.nd.edu/, including the ability to download Mass on the Internet, view readings and music texts online, learn about the many Basilica choirs, take a virtual tour of the Basilica, and much more.
In addition, a new monthly schedule will be provided in the station’s free magazine, “The CatholicTV Monthly” with frequent updates and new programmatic additions. Some of those additions are a collection of sixteen Rosaries recorded around the nation. From the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame to the glory of a New England autumn, these new HD Rosaries will greatly enhance the prayer life of the CatholicTV audience.
Beginning on the first Sunday of Advent the Mass from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame will be televised live weekly on CatholicTV at 10 a.m. Sundays (ET) beginning November 30, 2008. The Mass from Notre Dame is also streamed live and archived online at CatholicTV.com.
“We are pleased to partner with CatholicTV to provide the 10:00 a.m. Mass from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame each Sunday morning. CatholicTV has strong East coast distribution and a strategy for growing its cable audience on a nationwide scale. We are firmly committed to bringing quality Catholic liturgies to a national and global audience,” said Rev. Richard V. Warner, C.S.C., director of Campus Ministry.
Notre Dame broadcasted Mass from the Basilica on the Hallmark Channel from 2002 until June 2008, and also on DIRECTV in 2007. The Basilica staff has received thousands of enthusiastic and appreciative letters and messages from viewers across the country since June requesting that television carriage continue for the Mass. Many viewers are unable to attend Mass at their local parish for physical reasons and others tell of how Notre Dame’s Mass enriches the experience of their local parish liturgy.
The University's Liturgical Choir, under the direction of Dr. Gail Walton, provides music for the 10 a.m. Sunday Mass during the academic year, while the Basilica Community Collegium Choir, under the direction of Dr. Andrew McShane, provides the music for the liturgy when academic year classes are not in session. Special technical effort has been made to capture the voices as they are heard by the congregation in the Basilica. Masses at Notre Dame are marked by the full participation of the assembly in the liturgy. Each Sunday the Basilica is usually filled to capacity for its regularly scheduled liturgies.
The audio and video equipment installed in the Basilica has been designed to be architecturally sensitive to the beauty of the Basilica and to ensure that the broadcasts capture the beauty of the liturgy without disrupting the sanctity of prayer. Technical production of the Mass is provided by Pentavision Communications Inc., which operates the broadcast equipment from a specially designed control room located in the basement of the Basilica. WNDU-TV sends the broadcast via fiber optics to CatholicTV’s master control.
More information on the Basilica of the Sacred Heart is available at http://basilica.nd.edu/, including the ability to download Mass on the Internet, view readings and music texts online, learn about the many Basilica choirs, take a virtual tour of the Basilica, and much more.
CloisteredLife.com Attracts Visitors
After only three weeks since its launch, a redesigned website on Catholic religious communities has nearly tripled its number of web visitors from the previous month.
CloisteredLife.com, which focuses on religious communities whose main focus is prayer, rather than outside work, has seen more than 1,300 unique page visits in November since its launch Nov. 5.
“Much of the interest came in the website’s treatment of Pro Orantibus Day, Nov. 21, a day of prayer for those in cloistered communities, since the site carried resources to celebrate that day,” stated Kevin Banet, president of TreeFrogClick, Inc., which expanded the website from 12 to 20 pages.
“This shows how much interest there is in not only religious life, but in the life of those in monasteries and hermitages who are totally dedicated to God in prayer, silence and hiddenness,” he said.
The website features new pages of testimonies of sisters who found their vocation, as well as literature and other resources on the contemplative and cloistered life. It can be seen at www.cloisteredlife.com.
CloisteredLife.com, which focuses on religious communities whose main focus is prayer, rather than outside work, has seen more than 1,300 unique page visits in November since its launch Nov. 5.
“Much of the interest came in the website’s treatment of Pro Orantibus Day, Nov. 21, a day of prayer for those in cloistered communities, since the site carried resources to celebrate that day,” stated Kevin Banet, president of TreeFrogClick, Inc., which expanded the website from 12 to 20 pages.
“This shows how much interest there is in not only religious life, but in the life of those in monasteries and hermitages who are totally dedicated to God in prayer, silence and hiddenness,” he said.
The website features new pages of testimonies of sisters who found their vocation, as well as literature and other resources on the contemplative and cloistered life. It can be seen at www.cloisteredlife.com.
HLI Website to Help Clergy Preach Humanae Vitae
FRONT ROYAL, VA — The Rev. Thomas J. Euteneuer, STL, president of Human Life International, (HLI) has announced the launching of a new email newsletter and website to assist priests, deacons and seminarians to be well informed and able to preach on Humanae Vitae.
The move is part of HLI’s Humanae Vitae Initiative celebrating 40 years since Pope Paul VI released the landmark papal encyclical on birth control.
In the first installment of the newsletter, sent March 6, Father Euteneuer said, “HLI was founded thirty-five years ago—even before Roe v. Wade—primarily to defend the sanctity of marriage from the degradation of birth control. HLI’s Founder, Fr. Paul Marx, OSB, studied contraception carefully and saw the abortion plague coming as an inevitable wave of death that follows in the train of the promiscuity generated by birth control. He predicted with deadly accuracy that the fruit of birth control would be legalized abortion.”
Father Euteneuer has placed the project under the direction of John Mallon, HLI’s PR Director and long-time champion of Humanae Vitae. In 1994, then-editor of the Sooner Catholic, the archdiocesan newspaper of Oklahoma City, Mallon put out an issue of the paper on the 26th anniversary featuring the document on the front page and a special pull-out supplement within. At the direction of Archbishop Eusebius J. Beltran the issue was sent to all American bishops. In 1998 Mallon was responsible for producing a special supplement for Inside the Vatican magazine for the 30th anniversary of the document.
Mallon will write many of the installments and invite world-renowned experts to contribute. Mallon said, “The widespread rejection of this encyclical is perhaps the most tragic error in the Church’s history, an error to which many still cling to this day. We hope to demonstrate how this error launched the culture of death, opening the gate to abortion and myriad other social ills. We also hope to show how, like all of Christ’s teachings, Humanae Vitae is a message of hope, which, once applied in an admittedly hostile culture, can heal our society. But it must be preached in a positive and hopeful way.”
The website and newsletter may be accessed at http://humanaevitaepriests.org.
The move is part of HLI’s Humanae Vitae Initiative celebrating 40 years since Pope Paul VI released the landmark papal encyclical on birth control.
In the first installment of the newsletter, sent March 6, Father Euteneuer said, “HLI was founded thirty-five years ago—even before Roe v. Wade—primarily to defend the sanctity of marriage from the degradation of birth control. HLI’s Founder, Fr. Paul Marx, OSB, studied contraception carefully and saw the abortion plague coming as an inevitable wave of death that follows in the train of the promiscuity generated by birth control. He predicted with deadly accuracy that the fruit of birth control would be legalized abortion.”
Father Euteneuer has placed the project under the direction of John Mallon, HLI’s PR Director and long-time champion of Humanae Vitae. In 1994, then-editor of the Sooner Catholic, the archdiocesan newspaper of Oklahoma City, Mallon put out an issue of the paper on the 26th anniversary featuring the document on the front page and a special pull-out supplement within. At the direction of Archbishop Eusebius J. Beltran the issue was sent to all American bishops. In 1998 Mallon was responsible for producing a special supplement for Inside the Vatican magazine for the 30th anniversary of the document.
Mallon will write many of the installments and invite world-renowned experts to contribute. Mallon said, “The widespread rejection of this encyclical is perhaps the most tragic error in the Church’s history, an error to which many still cling to this day. We hope to demonstrate how this error launched the culture of death, opening the gate to abortion and myriad other social ills. We also hope to show how, like all of Christ’s teachings, Humanae Vitae is a message of hope, which, once applied in an admittedly hostile culture, can heal our society. But it must be preached in a positive and hopeful way.”
The website and newsletter may be accessed at http://humanaevitaepriests.org.
Gregorian Chant on CatholicTV
Father Jerome Molokie is a Norbertine priest who lives at St. Michael’s Abbey in Silverado, California. 2 small groups of Norbertine priests fled communist persecution in Hungary about 50 years ago and sought refuge in America. They now have a beautiful Abbey in the mountains of California. The religious order is named after their founder St. Norbert, who was born in the year 1080. A.D. They have been chanting for hundreds of years, but for the first time ever, they are releasing a Christmas CD featuring their beautiful chanting.
This will be the main topic of Fr. Molokie’s interview on CatholicTV’s talk show “This is the Day”. It will be viewable on Tuesday, Nov. 25th live at 10:30AM at www.catholictv.org. Also featured, will be video footage of the monastery and its priests.
Also featured on the show will be Bishop Richard Malone, who is bishop of Portland Maine. Bishop Malone will be discussing how he and the other bishops plan to draw churchgoers closer to Christ through education and the sacraments.
Friday's “This Is The Day” is rebroadcast throughout the weekend (Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 6:30 p.m.). A new live show airs Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. The show can also be seen on demand at www.CatholicTV.com or downloaded via itunes.com. The hosts discuss various topics of the week and respond to viewer mail (you may email the show at thisistheday@catholictv.org.
About CatholicTV:
CatholicTV provides family-friendly, religious, news, and educational programming 24 hours daily. Founded over 50 years ago, CatholicTV is available in selected areas on cable in the United States and Canada, via Sky Angel IPTV and online via a live stream anytime, everywhere at the station's web site. Father Robert Reed, a priest of the Archdiocese of Boston, is the Executive Director of CatholicTV.
This will be the main topic of Fr. Molokie’s interview on CatholicTV’s talk show “This is the Day”. It will be viewable on Tuesday, Nov. 25th live at 10:30AM at www.catholictv.org. Also featured, will be video footage of the monastery and its priests.
Also featured on the show will be Bishop Richard Malone, who is bishop of Portland Maine. Bishop Malone will be discussing how he and the other bishops plan to draw churchgoers closer to Christ through education and the sacraments.
Friday's “This Is The Day” is rebroadcast throughout the weekend (Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 6:30 p.m.). A new live show airs Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. The show can also be seen on demand at www.CatholicTV.com or downloaded via itunes.com. The hosts discuss various topics of the week and respond to viewer mail (you may email the show at thisistheday@catholictv.org.
About CatholicTV:
CatholicTV provides family-friendly, religious, news, and educational programming 24 hours daily. Founded over 50 years ago, CatholicTV is available in selected areas on cable in the United States and Canada, via Sky Angel IPTV and online via a live stream anytime, everywhere at the station's web site. Father Robert Reed, a priest of the Archdiocese of Boston, is the Executive Director of CatholicTV.
EWTN Priests Learn the Latin Mass
The Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word, based in the Diocese of Birmingham, Alabama, recently sent two of their priests to the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius in Chicago to learn to celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass.
The Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word were founded in 1987, by Mother Mary Angelica, PCPA, who also founded the Eternal Word Television Network.
Fr. Joseph who serves in Irondale, AL, at the EWTN studios, and Fr. Miguel, who is stationed at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama, where Mother Angelica and the Poor Clare Nuns are cloistered, came to St. John Cantius ready to work intensely on the rubrics and ceremonies of the Traditional Latin Mass, referred to by Benedict as the "Extraordinary Form."
Each day Fr. Joseph and Fr. Miguel took the opportunity to study and observe the various forms of the Traditional Latin Mass with the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius.
They attended Low Mass, High Mass, High Mass with Incense, Requiem High Mass with Incesnse and the Absolution over the Catafalque, Nuptial High Mass, Baptisms as well as Solemn High Mass and Solemn High Requiem Mass.
Since the Summer of 2007 the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius have trained almost 175 priests to celebrate the Extraordinary Form of the Mass through the "Sancta Missa Latin Mass Workshops."
Future workshops are planned for the Winter and Spring of 2009 to be held on the campus of Mundelein Seminary at the Cardinal Stritch Retreat House. See: http://www.sanctamissa.org/workshops/for-priests/
After one week of intense instruction with the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius these priests began to offer Low Mass in the Extraordinary Form. In a short time they were able to offer the High Mass.
They studied certain variations in the celebration of Mass, such as the differences that pertain to the Requiem Mass, Ember days, Rogation days, and Passiontide, and they have each offered Requiem Low Mass.
Priests who are interested to learn Low Mass or High Mass should enroll in the SANCTAMISSA WORKSHOPS offered periodically by the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius. Visit this link for details: http://www.sanctamissa.org/workshops/for-priests/
The next Priest-Seminarian Training Workshop is offered at the Cardinal Stritch Retreat House on the campus of Chicago’s Mundelein Seminary from February 9 – 13 , 2009.
In the final week of training for the priests from the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word ending November 21st, Fr. Miguel offered his first Solemn High Mass according to the 1962 Missale Romanum. Fr. Scott Haynes, SJC, served as Deacon and Fr. Joseph served as Subdeacon. The brothers of the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius served and sang for the special Mass.
Rev. C. Frank Phillips, Founder of the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius delivered the homily at Fr. Miguel’s First Solemn Mass on the Feast of St. Elizabeth of Hungary.
Also in attendance was Fr. David McLeod of the Military Archdiocese of Canada, who sat in choir for the Solemn Mass. Fr. McLeod arrived recently to study the celebration of the Extraordinary Form under the tutelage of Fr. Bartholomew Juncer, S.J.C.
On Friday, November 21, 2008, Fr. Joseph offered his first Solemn Mass according to the 1962 Missale Romanum. Fr. Miguel served as Subdeacon and Fr. Scott served as Deacon.
To thank the Blessed Mother, who is the mother of all priests, for the rich graces bestowed upon these priests learning the Traditional Latin Mass, Solemn Vespers in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary was chanted in Latin from the 1962 Liber Usualis. Fr. Scott Haynes, S.J.C. was the celebrant and Fr. Joseph and Fr. Miguel served as coped assistants.
For photos of these events go to:
http://www.canons-regular.org/go/news/read/final-week-of-training-for-ewtn-priests/
http://www.canons-regular.org/go/news/read/priests-from-ewtn-continue-latin-mass-training-at-st-john-cantius/
http://www.canons-regular.org/go/news/read/latin-mass-training-for-the-franciscan-missionaries-of-the-eternal-word/
To learn more about the SANCTAMISSA WORKSHOPS FOR PRIESTS in the Extraordinary Form go to:
http://www.sanctamissa.org/workshops/for-priests/
The Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word were founded in 1987, by Mother Mary Angelica, PCPA, who also founded the Eternal Word Television Network.
Fr. Joseph who serves in Irondale, AL, at the EWTN studios, and Fr. Miguel, who is stationed at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama, where Mother Angelica and the Poor Clare Nuns are cloistered, came to St. John Cantius ready to work intensely on the rubrics and ceremonies of the Traditional Latin Mass, referred to by Benedict as the "Extraordinary Form."
Each day Fr. Joseph and Fr. Miguel took the opportunity to study and observe the various forms of the Traditional Latin Mass with the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius.
They attended Low Mass, High Mass, High Mass with Incense, Requiem High Mass with Incesnse and the Absolution over the Catafalque, Nuptial High Mass, Baptisms as well as Solemn High Mass and Solemn High Requiem Mass.
Since the Summer of 2007 the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius have trained almost 175 priests to celebrate the Extraordinary Form of the Mass through the "Sancta Missa Latin Mass Workshops."
Future workshops are planned for the Winter and Spring of 2009 to be held on the campus of Mundelein Seminary at the Cardinal Stritch Retreat House. See: http://www.sanctamissa.org/workshops/for-priests/
After one week of intense instruction with the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius these priests began to offer Low Mass in the Extraordinary Form. In a short time they were able to offer the High Mass.
They studied certain variations in the celebration of Mass, such as the differences that pertain to the Requiem Mass, Ember days, Rogation days, and Passiontide, and they have each offered Requiem Low Mass.
Priests who are interested to learn Low Mass or High Mass should enroll in the SANCTAMISSA WORKSHOPS offered periodically by the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius. Visit this link for details: http://www.sanctamissa.org/workshops/for-priests/
The next Priest-Seminarian Training Workshop is offered at the Cardinal Stritch Retreat House on the campus of Chicago’s Mundelein Seminary from February 9 – 13 , 2009.
In the final week of training for the priests from the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word ending November 21st, Fr. Miguel offered his first Solemn High Mass according to the 1962 Missale Romanum. Fr. Scott Haynes, SJC, served as Deacon and Fr. Joseph served as Subdeacon. The brothers of the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius served and sang for the special Mass.
Rev. C. Frank Phillips, Founder of the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius delivered the homily at Fr. Miguel’s First Solemn Mass on the Feast of St. Elizabeth of Hungary.
Also in attendance was Fr. David McLeod of the Military Archdiocese of Canada, who sat in choir for the Solemn Mass. Fr. McLeod arrived recently to study the celebration of the Extraordinary Form under the tutelage of Fr. Bartholomew Juncer, S.J.C.
On Friday, November 21, 2008, Fr. Joseph offered his first Solemn Mass according to the 1962 Missale Romanum. Fr. Miguel served as Subdeacon and Fr. Scott served as Deacon.
To thank the Blessed Mother, who is the mother of all priests, for the rich graces bestowed upon these priests learning the Traditional Latin Mass, Solemn Vespers in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary was chanted in Latin from the 1962 Liber Usualis. Fr. Scott Haynes, S.J.C. was the celebrant and Fr. Joseph and Fr. Miguel served as coped assistants.
For photos of these events go to:
http://www.canons-regular.org/go/news/read/final-week-of-training-for-ewtn-priests/
http://www.canons-regular.org/go/news/read/priests-from-ewtn-continue-latin-mass-training-at-st-john-cantius/
http://www.canons-regular.org/go/news/read/latin-mass-training-for-the-franciscan-missionaries-of-the-eternal-word/
To learn more about the SANCTAMISSA WORKSHOPS FOR PRIESTS in the Extraordinary Form go to:
http://www.sanctamissa.org/workshops/for-priests/
The Catholic Truth: Reaching out to Catholics over the Internet
For many years, Gary Zimak of Cinnaminson, NJ attended Sunday Mass, but knew very little about his Catholic faith. Five years ago he felt the need to learn more about what the Church teaches and began exploring the Internet for answers. “What I found was a lot of information, but much of it didn’t represent the true teaching of the Catholic Church. Some websites were radically conservative and some terribly liberal”, says Zimak. He continues, “After much research I was able to discover several websites that accurately stated the Magisterial teaching of the Church. These websites opened the door to Catholic books, magazines, newspapers and radio/tv programs, all of which assisted me in learning more about what the Church teaches”.
This quest inspired him to found the Catholic Truth lay apostolate, a group dedicated to helping Catholics learn about their faith. The mission of the apostolate is carried out over the Internet, using their website (www.thecatholictruth.info) as the main vehicle of evangelization. Contained on their website is a simple 10-step plan that is “guaranteed to bring you closer to Christ”, according to Zimak. These steps involve traditional Church practices such as the Mass, Confession, the Rosary, Catholic reading, prayer and Bible reading. Recommendations are also made for reading material and Internet sites. Additionally a daily blog is provided that features inspirational thoughts and news. All of their services are provided free of charge.
“The techniques that we present are based on methods that have worked in my life and in the lives of other Catholics that I’ve known. It’s a great tragedy that many Catholics are not aware of the great treasure that they have in their Faith. We want to reach out to those folks and let them know that Jesus Christ is still alive in His Church today. Knowing more about your faith will allow you to get closer to Him and bring you greater peace.” says Zimak.
For further information visit the Catholic Truth website (www.thecatholictruth.info) or e-mail them at (thecatholictruth@yahoo.com).
This quest inspired him to found the Catholic Truth lay apostolate, a group dedicated to helping Catholics learn about their faith. The mission of the apostolate is carried out over the Internet, using their website (www.thecatholictruth.info) as the main vehicle of evangelization. Contained on their website is a simple 10-step plan that is “guaranteed to bring you closer to Christ”, according to Zimak. These steps involve traditional Church practices such as the Mass, Confession, the Rosary, Catholic reading, prayer and Bible reading. Recommendations are also made for reading material and Internet sites. Additionally a daily blog is provided that features inspirational thoughts and news. All of their services are provided free of charge.
“The techniques that we present are based on methods that have worked in my life and in the lives of other Catholics that I’ve known. It’s a great tragedy that many Catholics are not aware of the great treasure that they have in their Faith. We want to reach out to those folks and let them know that Jesus Christ is still alive in His Church today. Knowing more about your faith will allow you to get closer to Him and bring you greater peace.” says Zimak.
For further information visit the Catholic Truth website (www.thecatholictruth.info) or e-mail them at (thecatholictruth@yahoo.com).
New Audio Bibles Released
Faith Comes By Hearing, the world’s foremost Audio Bible ministry, recently released 12 Audio New Testament recordings.
Audio Bibles in the following languages are now available for ministry efforts around the world and online:
• Arabic, Egyptian Spoken – Egypt
• Burmese – Myanmar (Burma)
• Chin, Cho – Myanmar (Burma)
• Kachin – Myanmar (Burma)
• Karen S’Gaw – Myanmar (Burma)
• Higgi – Nigeria
• Awadhi – India
• Kashmiri – India
• Koreguaje - Colombia
• Kekchí– Guatemala
• Khmer – Cambodia
• Hiligaynon – Philippines
These new offerings, which represent more than 126.4 million people on three continents, bring the total number of Audio New Testaments available to 330 languages.
These recordings wouldn’t be possible without Bible translations, said Morgan Jackson, international director for Faith Comes By Hearing.
“One of the greatest honors and joys for our ministry is working alongside Bible translators,” he said. “We can’t do what we do without the Bible translation organizations.”
“Wycliffe Bible Translators, The Seed Company, and the Bible Societies send translators who dedicate years of their lives to complete a New Testament translation. Then Faith Comes By Hearing sends in a team, equipped with digital audio equipment, and they’ll go into the village areas and turn even a mud hut into a recording studio.”
“The recording teams are all nationals who work with their own people,” said Jackson. “They’ll recruit the voice talent to record the speaking parts for the Audio New Testaments. In about three months, we’ll have all the voices done and begin working on adding the sound effects and music.”
The recordings undergo a thorough quality screening, and before being mastered, the Faith Comes By Hearing audio technology team prepares the recordings for different ministry tools, such as the BibleStick and the Proclaimer. The end result is the same – a heart language Audio Bible in a format people can use and understand.
The Proclaimer is a self-powered audio player that can be used in the most remote and rugged locations. The Proclaimer’s embedded microchip is pre-loaded with the New Testament in the heart languages of the world. Indigenous believers take these Audio Bibles into their own villages and begin Faith Comes By Hearing listening groups. Villagers gather to listen and then discuss what they’ve heard. By interacting with the pure Word of God, people come to know and follow the God of the Bible.
The ministry also produces an MP3 version of the Audio New Testament recordings for web download. From www.FaithComesByHearing.com, visitors can download these new recordings or any of the ministry’s other Audio Bibles.
Faith Comes By Hearing’s goal is to record Audio Bibles in 2,000 languages by 2016, reaching 97 percent of the world’s population.
Currently, New Testament recordings are being used in Bible listening programs in over 100 countries. Faith Comes By Hearing’s free Audio Bibles are also being used by many well-known ministries (see list below) for evangelism, discipleship, church planting and leadership development in villages, slums, shanty towns, hospitals, orphanages, house churches and mega-churches.
To learn more about what God is doing through Audio Bible ministry efforts, visit www.FaithComesByHearing.com.
Audio Bibles in the following languages are now available for ministry efforts around the world and online:
• Arabic, Egyptian Spoken – Egypt
• Burmese – Myanmar (Burma)
• Chin, Cho – Myanmar (Burma)
• Kachin – Myanmar (Burma)
• Karen S’Gaw – Myanmar (Burma)
• Higgi – Nigeria
• Awadhi – India
• Kashmiri – India
• Koreguaje - Colombia
• Kekchí– Guatemala
• Khmer – Cambodia
• Hiligaynon – Philippines
These new offerings, which represent more than 126.4 million people on three continents, bring the total number of Audio New Testaments available to 330 languages.
These recordings wouldn’t be possible without Bible translations, said Morgan Jackson, international director for Faith Comes By Hearing.
“One of the greatest honors and joys for our ministry is working alongside Bible translators,” he said. “We can’t do what we do without the Bible translation organizations.”
“Wycliffe Bible Translators, The Seed Company, and the Bible Societies send translators who dedicate years of their lives to complete a New Testament translation. Then Faith Comes By Hearing sends in a team, equipped with digital audio equipment, and they’ll go into the village areas and turn even a mud hut into a recording studio.”
“The recording teams are all nationals who work with their own people,” said Jackson. “They’ll recruit the voice talent to record the speaking parts for the Audio New Testaments. In about three months, we’ll have all the voices done and begin working on adding the sound effects and music.”
The recordings undergo a thorough quality screening, and before being mastered, the Faith Comes By Hearing audio technology team prepares the recordings for different ministry tools, such as the BibleStick and the Proclaimer. The end result is the same – a heart language Audio Bible in a format people can use and understand.
The Proclaimer is a self-powered audio player that can be used in the most remote and rugged locations. The Proclaimer’s embedded microchip is pre-loaded with the New Testament in the heart languages of the world. Indigenous believers take these Audio Bibles into their own villages and begin Faith Comes By Hearing listening groups. Villagers gather to listen and then discuss what they’ve heard. By interacting with the pure Word of God, people come to know and follow the God of the Bible.
The ministry also produces an MP3 version of the Audio New Testament recordings for web download. From www.FaithComesByHearing.com, visitors can download these new recordings or any of the ministry’s other Audio Bibles.
Faith Comes By Hearing’s goal is to record Audio Bibles in 2,000 languages by 2016, reaching 97 percent of the world’s population.
Currently, New Testament recordings are being used in Bible listening programs in over 100 countries. Faith Comes By Hearing’s free Audio Bibles are also being used by many well-known ministries (see list below) for evangelism, discipleship, church planting and leadership development in villages, slums, shanty towns, hospitals, orphanages, house churches and mega-churches.
To learn more about what God is doing through Audio Bible ministry efforts, visit www.FaithComesByHearing.com.
SQPN.com Wins Four Podcast Awards
The Catholic new media network SQPN.com has won four awards in the 2008 People’s Choice Podcast Awards.
Food, music, health and religion
- The video series ‘Grace Before Meals’, hosted by the Catholic priest and chef Fr. Leo Patalinghug won the award in the Food and Drink category.
- George Leite won the award in the Music category for his show ‘Catholic Rockers’.
- Dutch priest Fr. Roderick Vonhogen won the Health/Fitness award for his show ‘Healthy Catholic’, a weekly show about physical and spiritual health.
- Fr. Roderick also won the Religion/Inspiration award for his morning show ‘Daily Breakfast’, a mix of catechesis and popular culture.
The awards will be presented during an international online Awards Ceremony early December.
Evangelization
"This is the fourth year in a row that our Catholic shows have won awards in this predominantly secular contest," says Fr. Roderick Vonhogen, CEO of SQPN. "It is a strong sign that our programs reach a broad audience, not just Catholics. And that is exactly why we started SQPN: to reach out and evangelize the world through new media".
SQPN has a unique approach to new evangelization. By looking for connections between the secular culture and the rich tradition and culture of the Catholic Church, the organization builds communities around certain popular themes like cooking, entertainment, music, health and fitness.
"These communities are like online mini-parishes where people share their faith and their lives," says Fr. Vonhogen. "We see a constant stream of new people joining these communities, many of whom are not Catholic".
Impact
Meeting place for these communities is the forum on the SQPN website (www.sqpn.com), where podcast fans share their experiences. "I have been listening since Januari of this year," says Jon, "I am returning to the Church after 22 years."
"I have been a lapsed Catholic for the past 9 or 10 years," says Eliana, "listening to the Daily Breakfast was has really helped me in my decision to return to the Church."
Another listener recently decided to to lose 200 lbs, and 'Healthy Catholic' helps him to keep on track: "I am continuing to work on eating healthy and exercising, and am motivated by the SQPN community and their support and prayers."
Migli writes how the SQPN podcasts broke negative stereotypes: "I found out how much these Catholic people are just like me. It's been a good ride. Hopefully I will officially be one of them someday."
About SQPN:
SQPN, the Star Quest Production Network, is a non-profit Catholic apostolate dedicated to evangelization and formation through the use of new media.
Just as the star of Bethlehem emerged within the foreign culture of the three magi, and invited them to start an adventurous journey to the newborn Savior, the programs of SQPN tap into popular culture to invite people on a journey of discovery towards an encounter with Christ.
SQPN produces on-demand audio and video programs, also known as podcasts, and offers a portal for a select number of affiliated Catholic podcasters that share the vision and media strategy of SQPN.
More information about SQPN and the Podcast Awards on the following websites:
www.sqpn.com
www.podcastawards.com
Food, music, health and religion
- The video series ‘Grace Before Meals’, hosted by the Catholic priest and chef Fr. Leo Patalinghug won the award in the Food and Drink category.
- George Leite won the award in the Music category for his show ‘Catholic Rockers’.
- Dutch priest Fr. Roderick Vonhogen won the Health/Fitness award for his show ‘Healthy Catholic’, a weekly show about physical and spiritual health.
- Fr. Roderick also won the Religion/Inspiration award for his morning show ‘Daily Breakfast’, a mix of catechesis and popular culture.
The awards will be presented during an international online Awards Ceremony early December.
Evangelization
"This is the fourth year in a row that our Catholic shows have won awards in this predominantly secular contest," says Fr. Roderick Vonhogen, CEO of SQPN. "It is a strong sign that our programs reach a broad audience, not just Catholics. And that is exactly why we started SQPN: to reach out and evangelize the world through new media".
SQPN has a unique approach to new evangelization. By looking for connections between the secular culture and the rich tradition and culture of the Catholic Church, the organization builds communities around certain popular themes like cooking, entertainment, music, health and fitness.
"These communities are like online mini-parishes where people share their faith and their lives," says Fr. Vonhogen. "We see a constant stream of new people joining these communities, many of whom are not Catholic".
Impact
Meeting place for these communities is the forum on the SQPN website (www.sqpn.com), where podcast fans share their experiences. "I have been listening since Januari of this year," says Jon, "I am returning to the Church after 22 years."
"I have been a lapsed Catholic for the past 9 or 10 years," says Eliana, "listening to the Daily Breakfast was has really helped me in my decision to return to the Church."
Another listener recently decided to to lose 200 lbs, and 'Healthy Catholic' helps him to keep on track: "I am continuing to work on eating healthy and exercising, and am motivated by the SQPN community and their support and prayers."
Migli writes how the SQPN podcasts broke negative stereotypes: "I found out how much these Catholic people are just like me. It's been a good ride. Hopefully I will officially be one of them someday."
About SQPN:
SQPN, the Star Quest Production Network, is a non-profit Catholic apostolate dedicated to evangelization and formation through the use of new media.
Just as the star of Bethlehem emerged within the foreign culture of the three magi, and invited them to start an adventurous journey to the newborn Savior, the programs of SQPN tap into popular culture to invite people on a journey of discovery towards an encounter with Christ.
SQPN produces on-demand audio and video programs, also known as podcasts, and offers a portal for a select number of affiliated Catholic podcasters that share the vision and media strategy of SQPN.
More information about SQPN and the Podcast Awards on the following websites:
www.sqpn.com
www.podcastawards.com
Bishops Bring Concerns about Same-Sex Unions to YouTube
WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops have taken their concerns about same-sex unions to YouTube, the popular video-sharing Web site.
Both videos are available on YouTube at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lh_81zsW6U8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwCAXQhqd-Q
http://www.usccb.org/bishops/marriagedefense.shtml
The English-language video features Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Ad Hoc Committee for the Defense of Marriage. Archbishop José Gomez of San Antonio, chair of the bishops' Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church, speaks on the Spanish-language video.
The USCCB seeks "to promote and protect marriage for the gift that it is and for the blessings that only it can bring to the world. For this reason," the bishops state, "we come forward in defense of marriage."
"Certain groups and individuals are trying to make same-sex unions the equivalent of marriage," they state also. "This is a false idea being proposed and, in some cases, imposed by a minority. This is nothing less than the radical redefinition marriage -- denying the truth that it is exclusively the union of a man and a woman."
The bishops warn that if successful, "this effort of redefining marriage to include same-sex unions will bring confusion to what marriage actually means. This confusion could spread and have enormous legal consequences for the rearing of children, public education, employment, and religious freedom. Children would be forced to learn that marriage is merely one kind of loving relationship among many. Churches would be prevented from witnessing to and teaching about the necessary and singular role of love between a man and a woman."
"Same-sex unions and marriage are completely different realities," they state also. "Reaffirming the traditional understanding of marriage is neither discrimination nor the denial of rights. Like all people, homosexual persons have the right to be treated with respect and to live in peace with the support of their loved ones. But it is to the benefit of all members of society that the institution of marriage be preserved as the relationship of a man and a woman that serves the common good in a distinct way. Society needs marriage in order to establish and sustain that basic unit of society in which men and women love each other and transmit life to their children who are the fruit of that love."
The video is the latest in a series of activities to emerge from the Defense of Marriage Ad Hoc Committee. The Committee assists the bishops and State Catholic Conferences in education, catechesis, public policy advocacy and communications strategies and their implications for society and the culture.
Both videos are available on YouTube at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lh_81zsW6U8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwCAXQhqd-Q
http://www.usccb.org/bishops/marriagedefense.shtml
The English-language video features Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Ad Hoc Committee for the Defense of Marriage. Archbishop José Gomez of San Antonio, chair of the bishops' Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church, speaks on the Spanish-language video.
The USCCB seeks "to promote and protect marriage for the gift that it is and for the blessings that only it can bring to the world. For this reason," the bishops state, "we come forward in defense of marriage."
"Certain groups and individuals are trying to make same-sex unions the equivalent of marriage," they state also. "This is a false idea being proposed and, in some cases, imposed by a minority. This is nothing less than the radical redefinition marriage -- denying the truth that it is exclusively the union of a man and a woman."
The bishops warn that if successful, "this effort of redefining marriage to include same-sex unions will bring confusion to what marriage actually means. This confusion could spread and have enormous legal consequences for the rearing of children, public education, employment, and religious freedom. Children would be forced to learn that marriage is merely one kind of loving relationship among many. Churches would be prevented from witnessing to and teaching about the necessary and singular role of love between a man and a woman."
"Same-sex unions and marriage are completely different realities," they state also. "Reaffirming the traditional understanding of marriage is neither discrimination nor the denial of rights. Like all people, homosexual persons have the right to be treated with respect and to live in peace with the support of their loved ones. But it is to the benefit of all members of society that the institution of marriage be preserved as the relationship of a man and a woman that serves the common good in a distinct way. Society needs marriage in order to establish and sustain that basic unit of society in which men and women love each other and transmit life to their children who are the fruit of that love."
The video is the latest in a series of activities to emerge from the Defense of Marriage Ad Hoc Committee. The Committee assists the bishops and State Catholic Conferences in education, catechesis, public policy advocacy and communications strategies and their implications for society and the culture.
Text BIBLE (80672) for Daily Audio Gospel
Look around …everywhere you go, people are on their cell phones, chatting with others, playing video games and texting their friends.
In fact, texting is now one of the most common ways to communicate. In the U.S. alone, people send around 530 million text messages every single day.
Faith Comes By Hearing, the world's foremost Audio Bible ministry, is now using text messaging to deliver God's Word in audio.
By texting "BIBLE" to 80672, people can have the encouraging Word of God sent directly to their mobile phone. Once subscribed, people will receive a chapter a day of the Audio Drama Bible. In less than a year, people can listen through the entire New Testament.
"The cell phone is a perfect way to deliver God's Word," said Troy Carl, national director for Faith Comes By Hearing. "What do you do with a phone? You put it to your ear and listen. Phones are inherently made for listening, so it just makes sense."
Carl said people can easily get into God's Word wherever they are.
"Now you can listen to God's Word while getting ready for your day, while commuting to work or walking to class," Carl said. "Every day you get a text message containing a link that contains a chapter of the Audio Drama New Testament."
Faith Comes By Hearing launched this outreach effort because of the potential number of people that can only be reached through mobile devices.
"Mobile phone distribution is a critical element to spreading the gospel," said Carl. "Here in the U.S., and worldwide, cell phones are actually growing at a more rapid rate than internet access and capability."
"Research shows more than 298 million people in the U.S. own cell phones," he said. "That's not the future; that's right now. We can reach millions of people with the Word of God right now."
In 2009, the ministry will add over 300 languages to this new text messaging outreach.
Standard text messaging and data transfer rates apply as provided in your wireless plan (contact your carrier for pricing plans and details). For more information, please contact Faith Comes By Hearing at 800-545-6552 or info@fcbhmail.org
New Website Promotes Vocations through the Internet
BERWYN, IL (NOVEMBER 6, 2008) - Carrying out Vatican II’s request that the Church use the modern means of communication, a website has been launched that helps religious communities and dioceses use the internet to promote vocations.
“My information covers the importance of blogs, newsletters and search engine ranking without sounding too technical,” states Kevin Banet, president of TreeFrogClick, Inc., which built the website. “I find that many religious communities are intimidated by the technology, and I want to change that.”
Banet, who founded TreeFrogClick in 2003 mainly to put religious communities on the web, says that there is a tremendous opportunity for those promoting vocations to the priesthood, religious and consecrated life to use the internet to their benefit. “Rather than shy away from it, religious should know that youth grow up with the web and are heavily influenced by it,” Banet said.
“A community’s website is very important — second in importance behind personal contact,” Banet said, citing a recent study by a vocation organization. “Many religious communities are stuck in a print mode and spend thousands on brochures and print ads, but what do they get for it?”
Pope John Paul II urged Catholics to use the internet in 2002, when he issued a Church document, “Internet: A New Forum for Proclaiming the Gospel.” He said, “We must enter into this modern and ever more replete communications network with realism and confidence.”
The new vocation website, at www.vocationpromotion.com, contains regular entries and covers topics such as blogs, enewsletters, tips on search engine ranking, and videos.
TreeFrogClick, at www.treefrogclick.com, located in the Chicago area, offers web-building and search-ranking services to religious communities, dioceses and small businesses.
“My information covers the importance of blogs, newsletters and search engine ranking without sounding too technical,” states Kevin Banet, president of TreeFrogClick, Inc., which built the website. “I find that many religious communities are intimidated by the technology, and I want to change that.”
Banet, who founded TreeFrogClick in 2003 mainly to put religious communities on the web, says that there is a tremendous opportunity for those promoting vocations to the priesthood, religious and consecrated life to use the internet to their benefit. “Rather than shy away from it, religious should know that youth grow up with the web and are heavily influenced by it,” Banet said.
“A community’s website is very important — second in importance behind personal contact,” Banet said, citing a recent study by a vocation organization. “Many religious communities are stuck in a print mode and spend thousands on brochures and print ads, but what do they get for it?”
Pope John Paul II urged Catholics to use the internet in 2002, when he issued a Church document, “Internet: A New Forum for Proclaiming the Gospel.” He said, “We must enter into this modern and ever more replete communications network with realism and confidence.”
The new vocation website, at www.vocationpromotion.com, contains regular entries and covers topics such as blogs, enewsletters, tips on search engine ranking, and videos.
TreeFrogClick, at www.treefrogclick.com, located in the Chicago area, offers web-building and search-ranking services to religious communities, dioceses and small businesses.
Bishops Congratulate Barack Obama on Historic Election
Urge Him to Defend the Weak, Heal Divisions
WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops congratulated President-elect Barack Obama, the first African-American elected President of the United States, and called the event "historic" and coming at a difficult time.
"Our country is confronting many uncertainties," the bishops said. "We pray that you will use the powers of your office to meet them with a special concern to defend the most vulnerable among us and heal the divisions in our country and our world. We stand ready to work with you in defense and support of the life and dignity of every human person."
The bishops offered their remarks in a November 4 letter to President-elect Obama from Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The letter follows.
Dear President-elect Obama,
I write to you, in my capacity as President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, to express our congratulations on your historic election as President of the United States. The people of our country have entrusted you with a great responsibility. As Catholic Bishops, we offer our prayers that God give you strength and wisdom to meet the coming challenges.
Our country is confronting many uncertainties. We pray that you will use the powers of your office to meet them with a special concern to defend the most vulnerable among us and heal the divisions in our country and our world. We stand ready to work with you in defense and support of the life and dignity of every human person.
May God bless you and Vice President-elect Biden as you prepare to assume your duties in service to our country and its citizens.
Sincerely yours,
Francis Cardinal George, OMI
Archbishop of Chicago
President
WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops congratulated President-elect Barack Obama, the first African-American elected President of the United States, and called the event "historic" and coming at a difficult time.
"Our country is confronting many uncertainties," the bishops said. "We pray that you will use the powers of your office to meet them with a special concern to defend the most vulnerable among us and heal the divisions in our country and our world. We stand ready to work with you in defense and support of the life and dignity of every human person."
The bishops offered their remarks in a November 4 letter to President-elect Obama from Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The letter follows.
Dear President-elect Obama,
I write to you, in my capacity as President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, to express our congratulations on your historic election as President of the United States. The people of our country have entrusted you with a great responsibility. As Catholic Bishops, we offer our prayers that God give you strength and wisdom to meet the coming challenges.
Our country is confronting many uncertainties. We pray that you will use the powers of your office to meet them with a special concern to defend the most vulnerable among us and heal the divisions in our country and our world. We stand ready to work with you in defense and support of the life and dignity of every human person.
May God bless you and Vice President-elect Biden as you prepare to assume your duties in service to our country and its citizens.
Sincerely yours,
Francis Cardinal George, OMI
Archbishop of Chicago
President
EWTN Presents “Catholic Canvas”: Inside the Vatican Museums
EWTN Presents “Catholic Canvas”: Inside the Vatican Museums
Irondale, AL (EWTN) – EWTN Global Catholic Network, with the support of the Primavera Fine Art Foundation, was given unprecedented access to the Vatican Museums to film a 10-episode original series called “Catholic Canvas.”
“We were granted four days of filming inside the Sistine Chapel – a privilege that has never been granted to any other network,” said EWTN President Michael Warsaw. “The Sistine Chapel is the backbone for the series because it conveys so beautifully in art the stories of our salvation.”
Rome Producer Mary Shovlain explains the concept behind the series.
“Catholic Canvas is a journey through salvation history as seen in the art of the Vatican Museums,” she said. “We begin with the Angels – the first to be created, the first to fall – which sets the stage for a journey through the Old Testament, from the creation to the fall of man, to our need for redemption and the promise of a redeemer, Christ.”
Entire episodes are dedicated to Mary, to the Epiphany, to Christ’s earthly ministry, His Passion, death and resurrection, St. Peter, and the Saints. “Of course, our journey ends, as will all of our journeys, with a look at the Last Judgment,” Shovlain said.
Primavera Chairman and Co-founder Earnest Bentley is thrilled with the program that resulted with the help of his Foundation’s support.
“Primavera Fine Art Foundation is committed to creating a renaissance of fine theological art in the Church,” Bentley said. “As our Art Advisor has said, ‘Every great work of art is a window between time and eternity. When we learn to contemplate art or come in contact with it, we actually come in contact with God, a little piece of His glory.’
“For this reason, the Foundation believes bringing the treasures of the Vatican Museums into the viewers’ living room is both a privilege and an opportunity to share with EWTN in this work for the Church.”
Episode 1, a visual feast called “The Angels,” will be hosted by Elisabeth Lev, Professor of Christian Art and Architecture at Duquesne University’s Italian campus. Lev’s expert commentary provides viewers with an in-depth explanation of the artistic genius behind the representation of the Cherubim and Seraphim as represented in Costanza’s Sarcophagus, Rafael’s Madonna of Foligno, and many other masterpieces.
At the conclusion of each show, viewers also have the opportunity to see Father Mark Haydu, L.C., International Director of the Vatican Museums’ Patrons of the Arts who gives a short presentation about one of the many gorgeous restoration projects being financed by the Patrons.
Episode 1 of “Catholic Canvas” will air 6:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, Nov. 6 and 11 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Nov. 11.
Irondale, AL (EWTN) – EWTN Global Catholic Network, with the support of the Primavera Fine Art Foundation, was given unprecedented access to the Vatican Museums to film a 10-episode original series called “Catholic Canvas.”
“We were granted four days of filming inside the Sistine Chapel – a privilege that has never been granted to any other network,” said EWTN President Michael Warsaw. “The Sistine Chapel is the backbone for the series because it conveys so beautifully in art the stories of our salvation.”
Rome Producer Mary Shovlain explains the concept behind the series.
“Catholic Canvas is a journey through salvation history as seen in the art of the Vatican Museums,” she said. “We begin with the Angels – the first to be created, the first to fall – which sets the stage for a journey through the Old Testament, from the creation to the fall of man, to our need for redemption and the promise of a redeemer, Christ.”
Entire episodes are dedicated to Mary, to the Epiphany, to Christ’s earthly ministry, His Passion, death and resurrection, St. Peter, and the Saints. “Of course, our journey ends, as will all of our journeys, with a look at the Last Judgment,” Shovlain said.
Primavera Chairman and Co-founder Earnest Bentley is thrilled with the program that resulted with the help of his Foundation’s support.
“Primavera Fine Art Foundation is committed to creating a renaissance of fine theological art in the Church,” Bentley said. “As our Art Advisor has said, ‘Every great work of art is a window between time and eternity. When we learn to contemplate art or come in contact with it, we actually come in contact with God, a little piece of His glory.’
“For this reason, the Foundation believes bringing the treasures of the Vatican Museums into the viewers’ living room is both a privilege and an opportunity to share with EWTN in this work for the Church.”
Episode 1, a visual feast called “The Angels,” will be hosted by Elisabeth Lev, Professor of Christian Art and Architecture at Duquesne University’s Italian campus. Lev’s expert commentary provides viewers with an in-depth explanation of the artistic genius behind the representation of the Cherubim and Seraphim as represented in Costanza’s Sarcophagus, Rafael’s Madonna of Foligno, and many other masterpieces.
At the conclusion of each show, viewers also have the opportunity to see Father Mark Haydu, L.C., International Director of the Vatican Museums’ Patrons of the Arts who gives a short presentation about one of the many gorgeous restoration projects being financed by the Patrons.
Episode 1 of “Catholic Canvas” will air 6:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, Nov. 6 and 11 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Nov. 11.
The Best Teen TV Producers are Teens
WATERTOWN, MA (OCTOBER 31, 2008) - According to the U.S. Department of Education Website, teenagers watch an average of 22 hours of television per week. “Roughly 90 percent of the time children watch programs that are not specifically designed for them.”
The point is, young people watch a lot of television and often times, parents and even the viewers themselves agree that the quality of television is poor or immoral.
A group of over 100 teenagers, mostly from the New Jersey area, produce a faith-friendly show called Real Faith TV. Unlike many faith-based shows, the cast consists of all young people and teenagers do most of the talking. The music is upbeat and issues are real-world including, drugs, voting, driving, the internet, and partying and how to be faithful young Catholic.
CatholicTV, at television station from Boston airs Real Faith TV every week on Verizon channel 296, RCN 85, Comcast 268 and live at CatholicTV.org. Watching online is free.
Show times are Saturday at 4:30 PM, Sunday at 9:00 PM, Monday at 3:30 PM, Wednesday at 3:30 PM
Many teenagers and parents consider Real Faith TV amongst the best television shows available to young people. For this, Real Faith TV has received 2 Gabriel Awards.
About CatholicTV:
CatholicTV provides family-friendly, religious, news, and educational programming 24 hours daily. Founded over 50 years ago, CatholicTV is available in selected areas on cable in the United States and Canada, via Sky Angel IPTV and online via a live stream anytime, everywhere at the station's web site. Father Robert Reed, a priest of the Archdiocese of Boston, is the Executive Director of CatholicTV.
The point is, young people watch a lot of television and often times, parents and even the viewers themselves agree that the quality of television is poor or immoral.
A group of over 100 teenagers, mostly from the New Jersey area, produce a faith-friendly show called Real Faith TV. Unlike many faith-based shows, the cast consists of all young people and teenagers do most of the talking. The music is upbeat and issues are real-world including, drugs, voting, driving, the internet, and partying and how to be faithful young Catholic.
CatholicTV, at television station from Boston airs Real Faith TV every week on Verizon channel 296, RCN 85, Comcast 268 and live at CatholicTV.org. Watching online is free.
Show times are Saturday at 4:30 PM, Sunday at 9:00 PM, Monday at 3:30 PM, Wednesday at 3:30 PM
Many teenagers and parents consider Real Faith TV amongst the best television shows available to young people. For this, Real Faith TV has received 2 Gabriel Awards.
About CatholicTV:
CatholicTV provides family-friendly, religious, news, and educational programming 24 hours daily. Founded over 50 years ago, CatholicTV is available in selected areas on cable in the United States and Canada, via Sky Angel IPTV and online via a live stream anytime, everywhere at the station's web site. Father Robert Reed, a priest of the Archdiocese of Boston, is the Executive Director of CatholicTV.
Roman Catholics for Obama/Biden '08: Catholic Voters?
Catholics who support Obama have presented voters with websites that
cite compelling reasons why we as Catholics should vote for Obabma. Secular interpretations of the election issues present us with economic and social challenges that appear to take primacy over the life issue.
From the homepage of the website Roman Catholics for Obama/Biden '08, members of this site declare:
We are real, honest-to-goodness, practicing Catholics who embrace and call
attention to Catholic Social Teaching, which the U.S. Conference of
Catholic Bishops describes as "wisdom about building a just society and
living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society."
Click the link Life and Dignity of the Human Person
a principle of Catholic Social Teaching, though, and you will find only two references to abortion, both of them videos.
Can we as Catholics vote for Obama in good conscience? Will a candidate who
promises the Planned Parenthood Action Fund that the first thing he'll
do is sign the Freedom of Choice Act--an act which would remove limits
to abortions--a candidate who can protect the most innocent of human
life?
Please feel free to comment. More resources at Faithful Citizenship.
cite compelling reasons why we as Catholics should vote for Obabma. Secular interpretations of the election issues present us with economic and social challenges that appear to take primacy over the life issue.
From the homepage of the website Roman Catholics for Obama/Biden '08, members of this site declare:
We are real, honest-to-goodness, practicing Catholics who embrace and call
attention to Catholic Social Teaching, which the U.S. Conference of
Catholic Bishops describes as "wisdom about building a just society and
living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society."
Click the link Life and Dignity of the Human Person
a principle of Catholic Social Teaching, though, and you will find only two references to abortion, both of them videos.
Can we as Catholics vote for Obama in good conscience? Will a candidate who
promises the Planned Parenthood Action Fund that the first thing he'll
do is sign the Freedom of Choice Act--an act which would remove limits
to abortions--a candidate who can protect the most innocent of human
life?
Please feel free to comment. More resources at Faithful Citizenship.
Baker Academic Publishes Catholic Commentary on Scripture
Grand Rapids, Michigan — The Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture (CCSS), published by Baker Academic, has officially launched.
The CCSS responds to the desire of Catholics to study the Bible in depth in a way that integrates Scripture with Catholic doctrine, worship, and daily life. Each volume draws on the best of contemporary Catholic biblical scholarship and are written from a standpoint of lively faith. The authors implement the theological principles for interpreting Scripture taught by Vatican II, reading Scripture in its canonical context and interpreting it in the light of Catholic tradition.
Accessibly written yet substantive, the CCSS fills a gap in the available literature by offering commentaries that provide more than brief study guides but are less daunting than academic works. The seventeen-volume series will appeal to lay and ordained Catholics involved in pastoral ministry as well as lay Catholics interested in serious Bible study, professors and students wanting an accessible theological and pastoral commentary from a Catholic perspective, and libraries.
The CCSS is supplemented by features designed to help readers use the Bible more effectively in teaching, preaching, evangelization, and other forms of ministry. Each volume provides exegesis as well as “Reflection and Application” sections to help readers apply Scripture to Christian life today. Interspersed throughout the commentary are sidebars that present information on the background of the text and on how the text has been interpreted by the Church. Abundant quotations from saints and Church Fathers enable readers to glimpse the continuity of the Catholic tradition. An Index of Pastoral Topics at the end of each volume allows readers to quickly locate passages that are relevant to Christian life and ministry. Their rich content and engaging style makes these commentaries desirable not merely for reference but also as books to be relished for personal study or spiritual reading.
The inaugural volume, "The Gospel of Mark" by Mary Healy and "First and Second Timothy, Titus" by George T. Montague SM are now available.
Visit the official website at www.catholicscripturecommentary.com
The CCSS responds to the desire of Catholics to study the Bible in depth in a way that integrates Scripture with Catholic doctrine, worship, and daily life. Each volume draws on the best of contemporary Catholic biblical scholarship and are written from a standpoint of lively faith. The authors implement the theological principles for interpreting Scripture taught by Vatican II, reading Scripture in its canonical context and interpreting it in the light of Catholic tradition.
Accessibly written yet substantive, the CCSS fills a gap in the available literature by offering commentaries that provide more than brief study guides but are less daunting than academic works. The seventeen-volume series will appeal to lay and ordained Catholics involved in pastoral ministry as well as lay Catholics interested in serious Bible study, professors and students wanting an accessible theological and pastoral commentary from a Catholic perspective, and libraries.
The CCSS is supplemented by features designed to help readers use the Bible more effectively in teaching, preaching, evangelization, and other forms of ministry. Each volume provides exegesis as well as “Reflection and Application” sections to help readers apply Scripture to Christian life today. Interspersed throughout the commentary are sidebars that present information on the background of the text and on how the text has been interpreted by the Church. Abundant quotations from saints and Church Fathers enable readers to glimpse the continuity of the Catholic tradition. An Index of Pastoral Topics at the end of each volume allows readers to quickly locate passages that are relevant to Christian life and ministry. Their rich content and engaging style makes these commentaries desirable not merely for reference but also as books to be relished for personal study or spiritual reading.
The inaugural volume, "The Gospel of Mark" by Mary Healy and "First and Second Timothy, Titus" by George T. Montague SM are now available.
Visit the official website at www.catholicscripturecommentary.com
Visitors to New Jersey Shrine Witness Miracle of the Sun
DENVILLE, NJ (OCTOBER 23, 2008) - On October 13, 2008, I would estimate over a thousand visitors attended the National Blue Army Shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary to celebrate the 91st anniversary of the Fatima apparitions. The Catholic shrine is located in scenic Warren County on 674 Mountain View Road, Washington, NJ. The shrine has the distinction of being known as the World Apostolate of Fatima, USA.
In 1917, the Blessed Mother appeared in Fatima, Portugal to three shepherd children and conveyed God�s message for salvation and conversion. The Blessed Mother also disclosed that an era of peace would eventually be granted to the world through prayer. For additional information about the Fatima message, please visit the website of the National Blue Army Shrine at the following link: http://www.wafusa.org/fatima_message/fatima_message.html
The anniversary celebration included a lovely rosary procession with display of the Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima. A speech was given by Reverend Lawrence Joseph Schroedel while Father Andrew Apostoli spoke on the sanctity of life for the unborn. Other events included Holy Mass with Father Anthony M. Sirianni as well as Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament with farewell prayers and brown scapular enrollment.
A short time after the celebration, I walked into the parking area and observed numerous people appearing in awe as they looked directly at the sun. Margie Penkala of Hopatcong, NJ, said she was �watching the sun dance and change colors.� The time was somewhere between 3:00 and 4:00 PM. Margie also took an interesting photograph of the Cross of Reconciliation. She was kind enough to provide me with a copy of the image. To view photographs, please visit the following link: http://www.christian-miracles.com/njvisitorswitnessmiracle.htm
Although I did not observe the solar phenomena, I decided to walk over and introduced myself to two priests standing nearby, and recognized Father Frederick Otieno Nyanguf, AJ of the Blue Army Shrine. I brought the matter to their attention and gave them some details on what people were seeing. Both did not observe any sun phenomena but agreed to look into it.
I am reminded of John 20: 29, when Jesus said, �Blessed are those who believe without seeing.� On a personal level, I witnessed the Miracle of the Sun on September 8, 1991 in northern New Jersey. Recalling my own experience, faith does not necessitate seeing the same sign over again. However, for many people a sign from Jesus and the Blessed Mother is an affirmation of God�s continued love for humanity. Moreover, I have seen other signs and wonders from our Lord Jesus Christ. For information regarding my personal testimony on the matter, please visit my website at the following link: http://lenarpoetry.com/MiracleoftheSun.html
In order to corroborate the recent sun phenomena, I called Fran Zucchetto of the Immaculate Conception Rosary Society. She helped organize a pilgrimage to the shrine from the parishes of the Immaculate Conception and Assumption Church, both located in Tuckahoe, NY. Unavailable at the time; however, her Husband Vincent allowed me to speak to Tina, their 20 year old daughter. Tina Zucchetto confirmed that she attended the shrine with her sister and mother, part of a group of 30 from both churches. She said the group all observed �the sun dancing and changing colors.� She described the colors as �changing from pink to yellow and blue to green.� Without question, the Lord provides a special grace in order to allow people to observe the solar event without creating eye injury. However, eye contact with the sun should be avoided otherwise.
I also contacted Betty DeFusco; she coordinated a trip to the shrine through Saint Anne Church, Fairlawn, NJ. She indicated that no one in her group noticed any solar phenomena.
However, my telephone conversation with Lina Sumanga of Our Lady of Fatima Holy Rosary Crusade confirmed that she saw a visual phenomenon. She conveyed that a group of 40 came to the shrine on October 13, 2008 from the Sacred Heart Church, Mount Holly, NJ. Lina said her entire group saw the �sun dancing or spinning while changing colors.� She also gave details about her daughter Roxanne using a cell phone camera to photograph the sun and described the subsequent image appearing as the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
I called Judi Ritchie, a supervisor at the National Blue Army Shrine; she confirmed "sporadic" reports of some visitors observing a solar phenomena.
The following scripture is conveyed in Luke 8: 16-17, �No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lamp stand so that those who enter may see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light.�
We are witnessing signs, wonders, and miracles in order for God to create a reaction in our society for constructive change and hence prepare the world for an era of peace.
By Loci B. Lenar
In 1917, the Blessed Mother appeared in Fatima, Portugal to three shepherd children and conveyed God�s message for salvation and conversion. The Blessed Mother also disclosed that an era of peace would eventually be granted to the world through prayer. For additional information about the Fatima message, please visit the website of the National Blue Army Shrine at the following link: http://www.wafusa.org/fatima_message/fatima_message.html
The anniversary celebration included a lovely rosary procession with display of the Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima. A speech was given by Reverend Lawrence Joseph Schroedel while Father Andrew Apostoli spoke on the sanctity of life for the unborn. Other events included Holy Mass with Father Anthony M. Sirianni as well as Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament with farewell prayers and brown scapular enrollment.
A short time after the celebration, I walked into the parking area and observed numerous people appearing in awe as they looked directly at the sun. Margie Penkala of Hopatcong, NJ, said she was �watching the sun dance and change colors.� The time was somewhere between 3:00 and 4:00 PM. Margie also took an interesting photograph of the Cross of Reconciliation. She was kind enough to provide me with a copy of the image. To view photographs, please visit the following link: http://www.christian-miracles.com/njvisitorswitnessmiracle.htm
Although I did not observe the solar phenomena, I decided to walk over and introduced myself to two priests standing nearby, and recognized Father Frederick Otieno Nyanguf, AJ of the Blue Army Shrine. I brought the matter to their attention and gave them some details on what people were seeing. Both did not observe any sun phenomena but agreed to look into it.
I am reminded of John 20: 29, when Jesus said, �Blessed are those who believe without seeing.� On a personal level, I witnessed the Miracle of the Sun on September 8, 1991 in northern New Jersey. Recalling my own experience, faith does not necessitate seeing the same sign over again. However, for many people a sign from Jesus and the Blessed Mother is an affirmation of God�s continued love for humanity. Moreover, I have seen other signs and wonders from our Lord Jesus Christ. For information regarding my personal testimony on the matter, please visit my website at the following link: http://lenarpoetry.com/MiracleoftheSun.html
In order to corroborate the recent sun phenomena, I called Fran Zucchetto of the Immaculate Conception Rosary Society. She helped organize a pilgrimage to the shrine from the parishes of the Immaculate Conception and Assumption Church, both located in Tuckahoe, NY. Unavailable at the time; however, her Husband Vincent allowed me to speak to Tina, their 20 year old daughter. Tina Zucchetto confirmed that she attended the shrine with her sister and mother, part of a group of 30 from both churches. She said the group all observed �the sun dancing and changing colors.� She described the colors as �changing from pink to yellow and blue to green.� Without question, the Lord provides a special grace in order to allow people to observe the solar event without creating eye injury. However, eye contact with the sun should be avoided otherwise.
I also contacted Betty DeFusco; she coordinated a trip to the shrine through Saint Anne Church, Fairlawn, NJ. She indicated that no one in her group noticed any solar phenomena.
However, my telephone conversation with Lina Sumanga of Our Lady of Fatima Holy Rosary Crusade confirmed that she saw a visual phenomenon. She conveyed that a group of 40 came to the shrine on October 13, 2008 from the Sacred Heart Church, Mount Holly, NJ. Lina said her entire group saw the �sun dancing or spinning while changing colors.� She also gave details about her daughter Roxanne using a cell phone camera to photograph the sun and described the subsequent image appearing as the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
I called Judi Ritchie, a supervisor at the National Blue Army Shrine; she confirmed "sporadic" reports of some visitors observing a solar phenomena.
The following scripture is conveyed in Luke 8: 16-17, �No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lamp stand so that those who enter may see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light.�
We are witnessing signs, wonders, and miracles in order for God to create a reaction in our society for constructive change and hence prepare the world for an era of peace.
By Loci B. Lenar
Daily Mass Broadcast Now on Catholic.net
Catholics who cannot attend Mass daily are encouraged to watch online
New Haven, CT (OCTOBER 15, 2008) – The Office of Communications/TV Ministry of the Diocese of Worcester, MA, has teamed up with Catholic.net for broadcasting the Daily Mass over the internet in an effort to broaden Catholics’ access to the daily liturgy.
The Daily Mass is broadcast each weekday morning from the Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Chapel in the Cathedral of St. Paul, Worcester, Massachusetts. The Mass began primarily as a way for homebound, elderly and shut-in viewers to be able to participate in the celebration of the Mass by watching from their homes.
In October 2006 the Mass was offered on the internet to viewers all over the world. Since its internet debut, there have been over 25,000 viewers from all over the world including England, Dubai, and New Zealand. Now the expectation is that over 10 thousand viewers are reached daily through www.catholic.net/mass.
“Now we are able to impact significantly the number of viewers that we can reach by offering the Daily Mass on Catholic.net as well as WorcesterDiocese.org” said Steve Kaufman, manager of productions and programming for TV Ministry for the Diocese of Worcester .
The Diocese of Worcester’s Mass is unique because the celebrant is different each day, the homily is very well prepared often directing the preaching to the viewers and making mention of them during the prayers of petition. In addition, the TV ministry of the Diocese does a state of the art postproduction.” Rosalia Tenorio, Director of Catholic.net said that “Offering the daily Mass on our portal is a wonderful addition to our users. We are very thankful to the Diocese of Worcester for extending their service to the Catholic.net Community.”
The Daily Mass and Catholic.net, both non-profit, are funded by contributions from viewers and visitors.
About Catholic.net
Catholic.net is a web based apostolate, directed by the Legionaries of Christ and Regnum Christi Movement, intended to form an online Catholic community committed to evangelize the social world by building up the Kingdom of Christ through their Families, Parishes, Dioceses, and general communities. To foster this commitment Catholic.net promotes interaction among Catholics worldwide through information sharing and online interactive tools. Fundamentally Catholic.net serves as an online platform to build synergies among the various apostolic initiatives.
New Haven, CT (OCTOBER 15, 2008) – The Office of Communications/TV Ministry of the Diocese of Worcester, MA, has teamed up with Catholic.net for broadcasting the Daily Mass over the internet in an effort to broaden Catholics’ access to the daily liturgy.
The Daily Mass is broadcast each weekday morning from the Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Chapel in the Cathedral of St. Paul, Worcester, Massachusetts. The Mass began primarily as a way for homebound, elderly and shut-in viewers to be able to participate in the celebration of the Mass by watching from their homes.
In October 2006 the Mass was offered on the internet to viewers all over the world. Since its internet debut, there have been over 25,000 viewers from all over the world including England, Dubai, and New Zealand. Now the expectation is that over 10 thousand viewers are reached daily through www.catholic.net/mass.
“Now we are able to impact significantly the number of viewers that we can reach by offering the Daily Mass on Catholic.net as well as WorcesterDiocese.org” said Steve Kaufman, manager of productions and programming for TV Ministry for the Diocese of Worcester .
The Diocese of Worcester’s Mass is unique because the celebrant is different each day, the homily is very well prepared often directing the preaching to the viewers and making mention of them during the prayers of petition. In addition, the TV ministry of the Diocese does a state of the art postproduction.” Rosalia Tenorio, Director of Catholic.net said that “Offering the daily Mass on our portal is a wonderful addition to our users. We are very thankful to the Diocese of Worcester for extending their service to the Catholic.net Community.”
The Daily Mass and Catholic.net, both non-profit, are funded by contributions from viewers and visitors.
About Catholic.net
Catholic.net is a web based apostolate, directed by the Legionaries of Christ and Regnum Christi Movement, intended to form an online Catholic community committed to evangelize the social world by building up the Kingdom of Christ through their Families, Parishes, Dioceses, and general communities. To foster this commitment Catholic.net promotes interaction among Catholics worldwide through information sharing and online interactive tools. Fundamentally Catholic.net serves as an online platform to build synergies among the various apostolic initiatives.
Catholic-New-Media Feature: Faithful Citizenship on Innocent Human Life
“Behold the Lamb of God!” Even in Jesus’ time, when John the Baptist spoke these words, referring to Christ, this seems a strange thing to say. Yet I cannot help thinking these words also apply to the souls of children in the womb—those who have yet to be born and those whose lives ended before birth. Behold the Lamb of God! The sacrificial lamb of the Old Testament becomes the Sacrificial Lamb of the New Covenant, shedding blood for the salvation of all souls.
These words take on more urgent meaning at the threshold of the presidential election. What should we behold if we do not behold the Lamb of God? The elite media bombard voters with the candidates’ critique of social, economic, and political issues that confront us locally and globally. In turn, conveying the proposals of the candidates, they present us with messages of hope, pervasive change, and programs that promise to vastly improve the well-being of the masses.
These ideas, while ostensibly promoting the common good, must carefully be examined in relation to other foundational principles on which all others are built—the inviolability of innocent human life and the moral obligation to preserve it.
And innocent lives in the womb, the children who have no voice, no way of crying out for their right simply to exist, how can we not cry out for them? How can we keep from speaking for them by giving them disproportionate attention and assistance, due justice, as we cast our vote? In Living the Gospel of Life, a United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) publication, the authors declare, “Abortion and euthanasia have become preeminent threats to human life and dignity because they directly attack life itself, the most fundamental good and the condition for all others.” If life itself is the most fundamental good, then life itself should be given disproportionate attention over all other social, economic, and political agendas.
An extended quotation from Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility (USCCB), merits special consideration:
As you prayerfully consider candidates in the days ahead, examine their values, policies, voting records—their very words and deeds—in light of your Catholic identity and in steadfastness to your faith. Behold the Lamb of God! The immeasurable sanctity of innocent human life hangs in the balance this fall.
I encourage you to pass this along to Catholic acquaintances or refer them to the faithful citizenship website at www.faithfulcitizenship.org.
These words take on more urgent meaning at the threshold of the presidential election. What should we behold if we do not behold the Lamb of God? The elite media bombard voters with the candidates’ critique of social, economic, and political issues that confront us locally and globally. In turn, conveying the proposals of the candidates, they present us with messages of hope, pervasive change, and programs that promise to vastly improve the well-being of the masses.
These ideas, while ostensibly promoting the common good, must carefully be examined in relation to other foundational principles on which all others are built—the inviolability of innocent human life and the moral obligation to preserve it.
And innocent lives in the womb, the children who have no voice, no way of crying out for their right simply to exist, how can we not cry out for them? How can we keep from speaking for them by giving them disproportionate attention and assistance, due justice, as we cast our vote? In Living the Gospel of Life, a United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) publication, the authors declare, “Abortion and euthanasia have become preeminent threats to human life and dignity because they directly attack life itself, the most fundamental good and the condition for all others.” If life itself is the most fundamental good, then life itself should be given disproportionate attention over all other social, economic, and political agendas.
An extended quotation from Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility (USCCB), merits special consideration:
There are some things we must never do, as individuals or as a society, because they are always incompatible with love of God and neighbor. Such actions are so deeply flawed that they are always opposed to the authentic good of persons. These are called “intrinsically evil” actions. They must always be rejected and opposed and must never be supported or condoned. A prime example is the intentional taking of innocent human life, as in abortion and euthanasia. In our nation, “abortion and euthanasia have become preeminent threats to human dignity because they directly attack life itself, the most fundamental human good and the condition for all others” (Living the Gospel of Life, no. 5).
As you prayerfully consider candidates in the days ahead, examine their values, policies, voting records—their very words and deeds—in light of your Catholic identity and in steadfastness to your faith. Behold the Lamb of God! The immeasurable sanctity of innocent human life hangs in the balance this fall.
I encourage you to pass this along to Catholic acquaintances or refer them to the faithful citizenship website at www.faithfulcitizenship.org.
RealCatholicTV.com: Premium Access Free Offer
RealCatholicTV.com and DFW Catholic, a daily Catholic media service, have partnered to bring viewers one free month of premium Catholic TV programming.RealCatholicTV.com also offers free programming with simple registration, including videos such as Today's Saint, This Day in History, and Catholic News Roundup.
From RealCatholicTV.com's mission page, the organization's aim is "to provide everyone with means to increase their personal holiness through catechesis and evangelization about the truth of the Christian faith."
To obtain the free premium service, users subscribe by e-mail to DFW Catholic’s daily news updates.
I would like to hear comments from users who have the premium service. What kind of programming does RealCatholicTV.com offer that you find valuable? Please comment below.
DALLAS,
TX (OCTOBER 9, 2008) – Internet users worldwide can now access solid
Catholic news and programming thanks to the partnership ofDFW Catholic and RealCatholicTV.com. By subscribing to receive DFW Catholic’s daily news updates via email, users will receive one free month of Premium Access service from RealCatholicTV.com. The relationship, while still in its infancy, is certain to draw more users to both sites and inform viewers about Catholic news and promote orthodox Church teaching.
DFW Catholic, a MetroCatholic
publication, is a one-of-a-kind website which provides daily Catholic
news occurring around the world from the Vatican to the local parish.
The site, which supplements the periodic print publications offered by
the diocesan newspapers, will soon be followed by other regional sites
in Texas and subsequent sites in major markets across the U.S.
RealCatholicTV.com is an internet-based
Catholic television station that offers episodes on morality, movie
reviews, news and political commentary, entertainment, apologetics, and
much more. The group aims to provide viewers with a means to increase
their personal holiness throughcatechesis and evangelization about the truth of the Christian faith.
"As I see it, the promotion is entirely open-ended,” said Simon Rafe, Senior Platform Administrator for RealCatholicTV.com.
“We want as many people as possible to benefit from this." Both groups
share the objective of informing the public about current events, while
at the same time spreading the truth about the teachings of the
Catholic Church.
“We are both young lay organizations and feel
this partnership will help us achieve our common goal of utilizing
top-notch Catholic media to evangelize to as many people as possible,"
said Chad Simpson, CEO ofMetroCatholic, Inc. “We are excited to be working with RealCatholicTV.com and are eager to see the fruit of both ministries.”
For news and more information, visit www.DFWCatholic.org.
From RealCatholicTV.com's mission page, the organization's aim is "to provide everyone with means to increase their personal holiness through catechesis and evangelization about the truth of the Christian faith."
To obtain the free premium service, users subscribe by e-mail to DFW Catholic’s daily news updates.
I would like to hear comments from users who have the premium service. What kind of programming does RealCatholicTV.com offer that you find valuable? Please comment below.
DALLAS,
TX (OCTOBER 9, 2008) – Internet users worldwide can now access solid
Catholic news and programming thanks to the partnership ofDFW Catholic and RealCatholicTV.com. By subscribing to receive DFW Catholic’s daily news updates via email, users will receive one free month of Premium Access service from RealCatholicTV.com. The relationship, while still in its infancy, is certain to draw more users to both sites and inform viewers about Catholic news and promote orthodox Church teaching.
DFW Catholic, a MetroCatholic
publication, is a one-of-a-kind website which provides daily Catholic
news occurring around the world from the Vatican to the local parish.
The site, which supplements the periodic print publications offered by
the diocesan newspapers, will soon be followed by other regional sites
in Texas and subsequent sites in major markets across the U.S.
RealCatholicTV.com is an internet-based
Catholic television station that offers episodes on morality, movie
reviews, news and political commentary, entertainment, apologetics, and
much more. The group aims to provide viewers with a means to increase
their personal holiness throughcatechesis and evangelization about the truth of the Christian faith.
"As I see it, the promotion is entirely open-ended,” said Simon Rafe, Senior Platform Administrator for RealCatholicTV.com.
“We want as many people as possible to benefit from this." Both groups
share the objective of informing the public about current events, while
at the same time spreading the truth about the teachings of the
Catholic Church.
“We are both young lay organizations and feel
this partnership will help us achieve our common goal of utilizing
top-notch Catholic media to evangelize to as many people as possible,"
said Chad Simpson, CEO ofMetroCatholic, Inc. “We are excited to be working with RealCatholicTV.com and are eager to see the fruit of both ministries.”
For news and more information, visit www.DFWCatholic.org.
Great Catholic-New-Media Tool: Liturgy of the Hours on Your iPhone
This ancient form of prayer, formerly the Divine Office, consists of
Psalms, scripture readings, antiphons, hymns, intercessions, and Marian
prayers. An obligation to members of ordained religious communities, it
is a form of liturgy the Church also exhorts the faithful to pray.
Available on the Web and in mobile format, Catholics can participate in
this prayer wherever they are.
The Liturgy of the Hours is prayed five times during the day and corresponds to the former seven canonical hours:
Office of Readings (Matins)
Morning Prayer (Lauds)
Daytime Prayer (Middle Hour)
Evening Prayer (Vespers)
Night Prayer
The Catechism of the Catholic Church presents the Liturgy of the Hours as a
prayer of the entire church, and it encourages the common celebration
of the principal hours, such as matins and vespers.
At Universalis, the Liturgy of the hours is available in mobile
phone format as well as iPhone.
I'd like to hear whether you have ever prayed this way and how you use your
cell phone—if at all—to pray. Please feel free to comment.
Psalms, scripture readings, antiphons, hymns, intercessions, and Marian
prayers. An obligation to members of ordained religious communities, it
is a form of liturgy the Church also exhorts the faithful to pray.
Available on the Web and in mobile format, Catholics can participate in
this prayer wherever they are.
The Liturgy of the Hours is prayed five times during the day and corresponds to the former seven canonical hours:
Office of Readings (Matins)
Morning Prayer (Lauds)
Daytime Prayer (Middle Hour)
Evening Prayer (Vespers)
Night Prayer
The Catechism of the Catholic Church presents the Liturgy of the Hours as a
prayer of the entire church, and it encourages the common celebration
of the principal hours, such as matins and vespers.
At Universalis, the Liturgy of the hours is available in mobile
phone format as well as iPhone.
I'd like to hear whether you have ever prayed this way and how you use your
cell phone—if at all—to pray. Please feel free to comment.
Catholicvote.com Video: Catholic Voters and American History
Before you cast your Catholic vote this November, watch this video. Whether or not you support its message, it will prompt you to examine who you are and to respond to your faith in relation to citizenship.
catholicvote.com
Where have we come from and where are we going? Does this video accurately portray the the role and potential that American Catholic voters have in shaping our nation? Are we being true to the moral teachings of our faith by voting for one candidate over another?
catholicvote.com
Where have we come from and where are we going? Does this video accurately portray the the role and potential that American Catholic voters have in shaping our nation? Are we being true to the moral teachings of our faith by voting for one candidate over another?
Daily News for Catholics At New, Improved Website
NORTH HAVEN, CONN., (Oct 1, 2008) — The National Catholic Register is already known for the depth, quality and Catholicity of its print journalism. Now it can add “online indispensability” to its calling card.
That’s thanks to a thorough retooling of its website, www.NCRegister.com.
With full access to all the weekly newspaper’s news, features and commentary — along with a searchable archive of virtually everything the paper has published in the 2000s, plus a growing collection of faith-formative resources — the website now offers Register subscribers arguably the richest library of news-oriented Catholic content on the Internet.
Non-subscribers will continue to enjoy free access to select stories and features.
One of the site’s most dynamic additions is a daily weblog providing incisive, up-to-the-minute analysis of breaking news as it happens.
“The world is moving too fast not to dedicate resources to follow daily developments as they happen,” says the Register’s executive editor, Tom Hoopes. “Our readers have told us they want help viewing events in the world through the eyes of the Church. That’s the need our Daily Blog — and, in fact, all our content — hopes to meet.”
Along with exclusive coverage of national, world and Vatican news, each issue of the National Catholic Register provides commentary from leading Catholic thinkers. Feature beats include higher education, the arts, travel and books. A family-friendly section, “Culture of Life,” promotes marriage, family life and pro-life organizations.
All this content is updated on NCRegister.com when the paper goes to press.
The website’s “Resources” page offers a guide to Catholic colleges, a calendar of upcoming Catholic conferences and other events, a series of devotional guides, and many other useful reading materials.
“We believe our media apostolate is incisive when it comes to providing news and views with journalistic accuracy, doctrinal soundness and confident fidelity to the Gospel and the Church’s teaching,” says the Register’s publisher and editor-in-chief, Father Owen Kearns, LC. “Our readers are some of the most demanding, discerning and ‘tuned in’ Catholics in the country. They’re confident in their grasp of the facts when they go out and engage the secular culture.”
Register readers will now be equipped with greater timeliness and more immediate relevance, thanks to the revamped NCRegister.com and its Daily Blog.
To arrange an interview with Father Kearns or Tom Hoopes about the new NCRegister.com, call Debra Denhart at (800) 356-9916 ext. 3808 or e-mail her at DDenhart@CircleMedia.com.
That’s thanks to a thorough retooling of its website, www.NCRegister.com.
With full access to all the weekly newspaper’s news, features and commentary — along with a searchable archive of virtually everything the paper has published in the 2000s, plus a growing collection of faith-formative resources — the website now offers Register subscribers arguably the richest library of news-oriented Catholic content on the Internet.
Non-subscribers will continue to enjoy free access to select stories and features.
One of the site’s most dynamic additions is a daily weblog providing incisive, up-to-the-minute analysis of breaking news as it happens.
“The world is moving too fast not to dedicate resources to follow daily developments as they happen,” says the Register’s executive editor, Tom Hoopes. “Our readers have told us they want help viewing events in the world through the eyes of the Church. That’s the need our Daily Blog — and, in fact, all our content — hopes to meet.”
Along with exclusive coverage of national, world and Vatican news, each issue of the National Catholic Register provides commentary from leading Catholic thinkers. Feature beats include higher education, the arts, travel and books. A family-friendly section, “Culture of Life,” promotes marriage, family life and pro-life organizations.
All this content is updated on NCRegister.com when the paper goes to press.
The website’s “Resources” page offers a guide to Catholic colleges, a calendar of upcoming Catholic conferences and other events, a series of devotional guides, and many other useful reading materials.
“We believe our media apostolate is incisive when it comes to providing news and views with journalistic accuracy, doctrinal soundness and confident fidelity to the Gospel and the Church’s teaching,” says the Register’s publisher and editor-in-chief, Father Owen Kearns, LC. “Our readers are some of the most demanding, discerning and ‘tuned in’ Catholics in the country. They’re confident in their grasp of the facts when they go out and engage the secular culture.”
Register readers will now be equipped with greater timeliness and more immediate relevance, thanks to the revamped NCRegister.com and its Daily Blog.
To arrange an interview with Father Kearns or Tom Hoopes about the new NCRegister.com, call Debra Denhart at (800) 356-9916 ext. 3808 or e-mail her at DDenhart@CircleMedia.com.
Voting by Conscience
By Father Brian Bransfield
The only difference between the voting booth and the conscience is we usually have to wait in line to get into one of them. Apart from that, the same thing is supposed to happen in each place as that small cubicle reveals me to myself.
You and I can only vote once in the election this fall. But before we do, hopefully we have repeatedly visited our own conscience. My conscience is what separates the voting machine from a slot machine, and only the human conscience can ensure that the ballot lever is not pulled on a gamble.
The U.S. bishops emphasize the role of conscience in Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, a guide for Catholics as they prepare for the 2008 elections.
What does conscience look like? It is that part of me that is bigger than me. Many issues volley for attention: immigration; affordable education; war; neighborhood violence; health care; abortion; the hungry and homeless; the environment; human embryonic stem cell research; the dignity of marriage between one man and one woman as the most commonly recognized institution in history; economic inequality; gas prices; and the beat goes on.
The common misunderstanding is that conscience amounts to “what I think” on an issue. Conscience is not just “what I think,” but it is me “thinking about what is just” and true. It is not a partial appraisal based on the words of a preacher, politician or passions. The inner moral sense is not built on a sum total of what I think, but is a manifestation linked with truth itself regardless of my preferences.
Conscience does not allow a citizen to forget he is first a person. It tells me I am a person, and, as such, I must look at a quandary according to a certain order: How does this act here and now, in and of itself, fit with being human, and not simply lower prices? Conscience insists that human dilemmas are moral concerns long before they are political points of view. Conscience tells me that to be free I must admit the truth that some acts are inescapably evil and no manner of circumstances or intentions can make them somehow good. Conscience bursts all other bubbles: It tells me the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, based not on the truth of circumstances or best intentions, but first and foremost on the truth of things in themselves.
Conscience must be formed, and, as such, it looks in three directions at once: It looks at me, looks at the moral dilemma at hand, and it sees the truth of both without favor. So often the voter makes appeal to only to the first two categories, me and the dilemma. Mere opinion then substitutes for conscience. To make a decision in conscience is to consult the truth of the nature of things in themselves. Conscience begins “outside-in.” The objective reality summons accountability from me and forms the central coordinate of conscience. Conscience must begin with the true good. This starting point ensures that freedom and truth are not enemies.
There is a faculty deep within that I do not create. It is not programmed. This region is more than super ego or social convention. It is however, formed. The moral sense of conscience must be molded, not developed simply by feelings, opinions, circumstance, intentions or movements, but by the deep moral sense in which we participate by being human and capable of reason. Conscience does not simply decide for happy or sad, but for good or evil. Conscience lines up the quandaries in size order and sees the resemblance. Marriage, racism, the environment, hunger, and abortion are not competing events. They are cousins, if not siblings. Conscience refuses to let one of these become an “issue.”
Conscience winces when it hears a candidate claim that he can fix health care, but still agree that a child in the womb can be killed. Conscience knows that if a candidate favors human embryonic stem cell research, which always includes the killing of a human person, then our neighborhoods can never be free of violence – because we just voted for violence. The moral sense knows that if you treat the environment any way you like, sooner or later you will need treatment because of the environment. Conscience realizes that if you support torture you have just paid the deposit for a war twenty years from now.
Conscience sees broadly. It breaks the bubble, brushes back the curtain, pries down the lever, and by the leverage of honest truth can not simply change, but can transform, the world.
from United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (http://www.faithfulcitizenship.org)
- - -
Father Brian Bransfield is in the Secretariat for Evangelization and Catechesis of the United Sates Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Relevant Radio—A Catholic New Media Resource
Relevant Radio (www.relevantradio.com) is a new media resource that no Catholic should be without. Not a form of new media per se, Relevant Radio casts its net wide by reaching local and global audiences. Its connection to many other Catholic resources keeps Catholics aware of their resources and pervasive reach in modern American culture.
Relevant Radio exemplifies Catholic witness that is faithful to the Roman Catholic Magesterium. Approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Relevant Radio is an essential media outlet to American bishops, serving the church both by helping Catholics integrate their faith into everyday life—part of the New Evangelization promoted by John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.
Relevant Radio presents fundamental aspects of the Catholic faith and presents its diverse listeners with information and guidance they can use every day of their lives. In the Chicago area, for example, Relevant Radio offers these programs (Relevant Radio Chicago area programming). Here are links to other resources that Relevant Radio guests recently discussed on morning and afternoon programming.
Archbishop Charles Chaput
Catholics and the Public Square
website: www.archden.org
Jennie Bishop
Talking to Your Kids About Purity
website: www.jenniebishop.com and www.purityworks.org
Bob Atwell
State of the Economy
website: www.nicoletbank.com
Fr. Donald Calloway
Story of Conversion
website: www.marian.org
Don Dendginger
Faithful Citizenship Conference
USCCB website: www.faithfulcitizenship.org
Why not listen to Relevant Radio now online?
Any other Relevant Radio programs you'd like to tell us more about? Please comment.
Relevant Radio exemplifies Catholic witness that is faithful to the Roman Catholic Magesterium. Approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Relevant Radio is an essential media outlet to American bishops, serving the church both by helping Catholics integrate their faith into everyday life—part of the New Evangelization promoted by John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.
Relevant Radio presents fundamental aspects of the Catholic faith and presents its diverse listeners with information and guidance they can use every day of their lives. In the Chicago area, for example, Relevant Radio offers these programs (Relevant Radio Chicago area programming). Here are links to other resources that Relevant Radio guests recently discussed on morning and afternoon programming.
Archbishop Charles Chaput
Catholics and the Public Square
website: www.archden.org
Jennie Bishop
Talking to Your Kids About Purity
website: www.jenniebishop.com and www.purityworks.org
Bob Atwell
State of the Economy
website: www.nicoletbank.com
Fr. Donald Calloway
Story of Conversion
website: www.marian.org
Don Dendginger
Faithful Citizenship Conference
USCCB website: www.faithfulcitizenship.org
Why not listen to Relevant Radio now online?
Any other Relevant Radio programs you'd like to tell us more about? Please comment.
Sacrifices for Life
10/1/2008 - PST
ELECTION PREP: PROLIFE SACRIFICE AND PRAYER
Young adult Catholics invite Americans to pray and offer up sacrifices in support of pro-life and family values this election
Washington, DC (OCTOBER 1, 2008) - Sacrifices for Life, a young adult Catholic organization in support of the sanctity of life, invites others for a call to action to uphold family values through sacrifice and prayer from now until Election Day.
“The upcoming election is crucial for the pro-life movement in this country,” said Diana Roccograndi, Sacrifices for Life founder. “Many of us are praying and working to elect pro-life candidates who will fight to uphold our family values – our prayers and works will be more powerful when united with sacrifice.”
The effort is growing exponentially as Election Day approaches with members joining across the country.
Sacrifices for Life is a pro-life effort to rally Christians to make daily sacrifices for the cause of restoring a culture of life in America -- to help turn the tide against abortion and other anti-life practices that are threatening to destroy the family, and ultimately, society itself.
There are numerous examples in the Old and New Testaments and the lives of the saints which prove that prayer and action combined with sacrifice can bring God’s mercy and healing to our land. We are asking that individuals pledge to generously offer sacrifices from now until the elections on November 4th.
For more information and to participate in this effort go to www.sacrificesforlife.org. We ask everyone to join us in this effort by distributing the flyer widely to others.
ELECTION PREP: PROLIFE SACRIFICE AND PRAYER
Young adult Catholics invite Americans to pray and offer up sacrifices in support of pro-life and family values this election
Washington, DC (OCTOBER 1, 2008) - Sacrifices for Life, a young adult Catholic organization in support of the sanctity of life, invites others for a call to action to uphold family values through sacrifice and prayer from now until Election Day.
“The upcoming election is crucial for the pro-life movement in this country,” said Diana Roccograndi, Sacrifices for Life founder. “Many of us are praying and working to elect pro-life candidates who will fight to uphold our family values – our prayers and works will be more powerful when united with sacrifice.”
The effort is growing exponentially as Election Day approaches with members joining across the country.
Sacrifices for Life is a pro-life effort to rally Christians to make daily sacrifices for the cause of restoring a culture of life in America -- to help turn the tide against abortion and other anti-life practices that are threatening to destroy the family, and ultimately, society itself.
There are numerous examples in the Old and New Testaments and the lives of the saints which prove that prayer and action combined with sacrifice can bring God’s mercy and healing to our land. We are asking that individuals pledge to generously offer sacrifices from now until the elections on November 4th.
For more information and to participate in this effort go to www.sacrificesforlife.org. We ask everyone to join us in this effort by distributing the flyer widely to others.
Squeezed by Sluggish Economy, Many Find Charity Begins at Home -- On the Computer
(ARA) - The downturn in the economy and rising food and gas prices are taking a toll on charities and non-profit organizations.Soup kitchens, churches, international aid organizations and schools report donations of all kinds are down as folks struggle to make their own ends meet. For the majority of Americans, giving cash to their favorite cause will be a hardship this year, and charity officials say they are seeing people in higher-income brackets needing food and supplies.
That doesn’t mean, however, that there aren’t ways you can make a difference. One simple thing you can do to support your favorite charity or non-profit organization is log onto one of several charitable search engines that will donate money for every search you conduct, such as www.SearchandGive.com. Using Microsoft’s “Search and Give” is free and easy. Simply select the charity you’d like to support then use the site every time you need to search the Web.
Each time you type a search query into the search box, a penny will be donated to the charity you have selected. Charities you can contribute to include non-profits, local churches, schools, orphanages and foreign aid programs. Microsoft tracks your earnings and makes an annual collective donation to your selected organization.
Nina Gaw, who is both a teacher and the parent of twins who attend St. Gregory the Catholic School in Virginia Beach, Va., received an e-mail through her Hotmail account letting her know about the Search and Give fundraising program last year. “I checked it out, liked what I read and decided to give it a try,” says Gaw.
Since she was the first person at the school to learn about the site, Gaw signed up to be the school’s program coordinator, and as such took on the task of spreading the word about Search and Give to everyone at the school. “To kick off the program, I put up posters around the school, passed out fliers and sent e-mails to everyone I know,” she says.
And her effort paid off. The school raised $3,700 through the program last year. They plan to use the money to upgrade technology at the school. “We’re going to buy three or four Smart Boards this summer, items that weren’t in the budget for the 2008 – 2009 school year due to budget cuts,” she says. “Hopefully we’ll be able to purchase even more next year. Our goal is to double, or maybe even triple our earnings in ’08 – ’09.”
Log on to www.SearchandGive.com to learn more about the program and start earning money for your favorite charity today.
Here are some other ways you can donate to your favorite cause without spending money:
1. Volunteer Your Time.
What better way is there to connect with your community than to give a little back? By volunteering to work a few hours a week at a soup kitchen or as a tutor for underprivileged kids, you’re providing a much needed service the charity doesn’t have to pay to receive.
2. Organize or participate in a fundraising garage sale.
If you have a cause near and dear to your heart, hand out fliers and ask your neighbors to drop off items they no longer need that you can sell at a garage sale for your favorite charity. It’s likely someone in the community would be willing to pay $15 for that dinner table, or $5 for the table lamp your next door neighbor was just going to throw away. A three-day sale in the church function hall -- a place you won’t have to pay to rent -- could easily net thousands of dollars.
3. Donate gently used goods to your local Goodwill, United Way or Salvation Army shelter.
When you drop off said goods, you’re making more of an impact than you may think. Not only will proceeds from the sale of the items you drop off go towards programs these organizations run, you’re providing work for someone in need of a job.
4. Organize, host or dedicate an event.
While this tends toward a greater time commitment that may span a few months, any charitable organization can benefit immensely from fundraising or awareness events hosted in its name. If you don’t have time to put on a full-fledged event, perhaps you can ask the guests who come to your next dinner party to bring along some canned food to donate to the local food shelf.
5. Share information with the charity.
Sharing crucial information with a charity can be extremely valuable. Whether it's sending along news about events, legislation, research, technology, trends, fundraising/marketing techniques, or complementary organizations, passing information is a time- and cost-saver that any charity would be glad to have.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Catholic Style Home Schooling
Are you Catholic? Have you thought about home schooling your children? What is Catholic Style home schooling.
What is Catholic homeschooling? With a little thought, it's not so difficult to put together. As you may now have guessed, it is homeschooling by those with the Catholic devotion structure ingrained into their teaching. It's not extremely different from Christianly homeschooling or Secular Homeschooling in that each one of these has a doctrine program, commonly doctrinal, tied to their instructing. There are a few different plans for homeschooling using a Catholic technique. Here's a succinct overview of some of them:
*Charlotte Mason Homeschooling: Charlotte Mason was a British educator who presumed in "affairs" handbooks by choice over textbooks. This avenue to homeschooling centers on books written by humans and individuals, not book houses. She deems that little kids attend classes more engaged with these course books because they are more tantalized and realistic to everyday life. To boot, this manner of educating heavily relies on little kids narrating or telling back what they have learned in the particular lesson of the day. Applying knowledge is not our job; it's the girl's. In any event, acquiring young people to retell back to you verbally or written, supports the youngling in applying this learning.
*Classical Schooling: The important theory behind classical schooling is this: the instructing and knowledge avenue must alter with the cognitive gain of the juvenile. The proponents of the classical technique of schooling believe that one sole technique of schooling cannot be important for a seven year old as well as used to teach a teenager. Accordingly, there are three programs of schooling that are tackled throughout the juvenile's knowledge journey: Trivium, Analytical, and Abstract.
*Montessori Avenue: Established from the work of Dr. Maria Montessori, this idea of education looks at duplicating innate laws that a kid faces in everyday dealings. Thus the ambition of the educationist is captivity of the conditions and not the babe. It was recognized that kids who are left alone to mesh with their setting committed an inherent self-discipline and took pleasure in basic enthusiasm.
These are just a few of the programs to us if you are interested in Catholic homeschooling. If this type of homeschooling catches your eye, it would be a good idea to look deeper into a few of these approaches to see if there are any that you feel will work for you and your homeschooled youth.
About the Author
Carol is involved in Catholic Home Schools and resources for Catholic Home Schooling. She has written ebooks on Catholic Home School resources.
What is Catholic homeschooling? With a little thought, it's not so difficult to put together. As you may now have guessed, it is homeschooling by those with the Catholic devotion structure ingrained into their teaching. It's not extremely different from Christianly homeschooling or Secular Homeschooling in that each one of these has a doctrine program, commonly doctrinal, tied to their instructing. There are a few different plans for homeschooling using a Catholic technique. Here's a succinct overview of some of them:
*Charlotte Mason Homeschooling: Charlotte Mason was a British educator who presumed in "affairs" handbooks by choice over textbooks. This avenue to homeschooling centers on books written by humans and individuals, not book houses. She deems that little kids attend classes more engaged with these course books because they are more tantalized and realistic to everyday life. To boot, this manner of educating heavily relies on little kids narrating or telling back what they have learned in the particular lesson of the day. Applying knowledge is not our job; it's the girl's. In any event, acquiring young people to retell back to you verbally or written, supports the youngling in applying this learning.
*Classical Schooling: The important theory behind classical schooling is this: the instructing and knowledge avenue must alter with the cognitive gain of the juvenile. The proponents of the classical technique of schooling believe that one sole technique of schooling cannot be important for a seven year old as well as used to teach a teenager. Accordingly, there are three programs of schooling that are tackled throughout the juvenile's knowledge journey: Trivium, Analytical, and Abstract.
*Montessori Avenue: Established from the work of Dr. Maria Montessori, this idea of education looks at duplicating innate laws that a kid faces in everyday dealings. Thus the ambition of the educationist is captivity of the conditions and not the babe. It was recognized that kids who are left alone to mesh with their setting committed an inherent self-discipline and took pleasure in basic enthusiasm.
These are just a few of the programs to us if you are interested in Catholic homeschooling. If this type of homeschooling catches your eye, it would be a good idea to look deeper into a few of these approaches to see if there are any that you feel will work for you and your homeschooled youth.
About the Author
Carol is involved in Catholic Home Schools and resources for Catholic Home Schooling. She has written ebooks on Catholic Home School resources.
Support Priests for Life
Priests for Life is dedicated to defending modern culture's powerful assaults against human life. From the Prayer to End Abortion: "A great prayer for life is urgently needed, a prayer which will rise up throughout the world. Through special initiatives and in daily prayer, may an impassioned plea rise to God, the Creator and lover of life, from every Christian community, from every group and association, from every family and from the heart of every believer.”
– Pope John Paul II, The Gospel of Life
(Evangelium Vitae), n. 100.
Priests for Life: http://www.priestsforlife.org/welcome/index.htm
– Pope John Paul II, The Gospel of Life
(Evangelium Vitae), n. 100.
Priests for Life: http://www.priestsforlife.org/welcome/index.htm
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