Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Beware Liberals!

You are a 100% traditional Catholic!

Congratulations! You are more knowlegeable than most modern theologians! You have achieved mastery over the most important doctrines of the Catholic Faith! You should share your incredible understanding with others!

Do You Know Your Baltimore Catechism?
Make Your Own Quiz



Do Statues distract you?


My Catholic parish's oldest building was built around 1906 and used to be extremely beautiful. Our new parish is more modern and well---- a little ugly. Now I don't mean to complain because it still has beauty and is not nearly as bad as some parishes of recent times but there are a few things I complain about. One of those things would be that we only have one statue in the Church sanctuary---The Blessed Mother. However this is one of the ugliest statues of Mary that I have ever seen, and it was created by a non-Catholic. We paid this guy to make this "original" statue a good fortune too. Go figure. Anyway, I don't understand why we did this since we already have a beautiful statue of Mary sitting in our parish hall that used to be displayed with dignity in our old parish. We have the rest of our church's statuary hidden away in class rooms. I have suggested to our priest that we should place these statues in the Church, but he said that they were cheaply made statues and that he only wanted "Sacred Art" in the Church, and according to him this did not fit that. Well, I think those old statues that are "cheap" are a heck of a lot better than our expensive statue of Mary that looks like a 60 year old woman.


Anyway, I was happening to talk to our DRE (Director of Religious Education) and I brought up that I wish we had more statues in our church. She said if we had side altars that would be perfect, but she was concerned that some people would become distracted by statues. For example she brought up that some old ladies might be praying to "their saint" instead of participating in the Mass. It was an interesting point that I had never thought about. I don't think that it's grounds to keep statues out though. I think it beautifies the Church and reminds us of the heroic lives of the Christian Faithful, and can inspire us to do the same. So, what do you think?

Sunday, January 28, 2007

Caption Contest
Today's homily at Mass was about giving money and BDF funds which always seems to be some of a drag. I thought the priest did a fine job with quoting canon law etc., it's just I'd rather hear about topics of the Faith. I know, with our Church being in debt we probably do need to hear about tithing. Nevertheless, I thought some strange humor could be good medicine today. I'm glad my priest didn't hold up this sign at Mass. I have no idea where this picture came from (somewhere off the Internet), but I thought it was a little silly. Any ideas for a caption?

Saturday, January 27, 2007


The Holy Eucharist


Some of you who have been on my blog for a while may have read that I taught at First Reconciliation classes last year, and this year I am glad to say that I am teaching a First Communion class! I am very glad I decided to do this and was able to. Not long ago, after serving Holy Mass as an Altar boy, I was in the vesting room with the other Altar servers when one of them said that he drank a lot of "wine". I told him that actually it was no longer wine but Jesus' Blood. The other Altar server there chimed in and asked: 'So do we really believe that that is Jesus' Body and Blood, or is it just for pretend?' I was able to explain to them that it was actually Jesus' Body and Blood and that we don't pretend it. I also told them the story of the Lanciano miracle. I was happy to be able to witness to my Faith as such, but I was saddened at the same time. Why don't these Altar server's know this already? They have been receiving Communion now for some time, so why don't they already know this? I later told a lady that used to come to our parish (she goes to a different Catholic parish now), about what happened, and she said that when she was teaching at a first Communion class one of the teachers came up to her and asked the same thing: "Do we really believe in the Real Presence of Jesus?'...


We need to have more solid Catholic teaching to the Faithful. I think that people really indeed want to know, but weather they want to or not they must know. Communion is not public snack time! This is the same Jesus that was on Earth two thousand years ago, in flesh and blood! Let's receive Christ with utmost devotion and respect! Please, when the opportunity arises tell people about the Eucharist. Show respect to Christ by genuflecting, making the sign of the cross when passing a church, asking your Pastor to talk to the people about the Eucharist and the Real Presence, etc... If Catholics do not even realize that their Lord is among them, what hope do we have?

I Passed the Inquisition!

You scored as Chalcedon compliant. You are Chalcedon compliant. Congratulations, you're not a heretic. You believe that Jesus is truly God and truly man and like us in every respect, apart from sin. Officially approved in 451.

Chalcedon compliant

100%

Pelagianism

67%

Apollanarian

67%

Modalism

33%

Adoptionist

33%

Monophysitism

33%

Nestorianism

33%

Socinianism

0%

Monarchianism

0%

Arianism

0%

Donatism

0%

Gnosticism

0%

Albigensianism

0%

Docetism

0%

Are you a heretic?
created with QuizFarm.com

Thursday, January 25, 2007




Situation in Portugal: Urgent!!!




I ask all of my readers to storm Heaven with prayers for the citizens of Portugal who are having an upcoming election on further legalization of abortion! I have the update as to the different blogs I went on, and it's not a pretty picture. On one blog I responded about eight different times and had a response from about four different people, 3 of 4 (though likely 4 of 4) who I think will likely vote yes to expand abortion. I received a comment from a different Portuguese blogger who will vote No, but he is the only one that has out right said so. On another blog I received a comment (though hard to translate) that I believe was another person voting Yes on abortion. I know that this is not some broad survey, but I am very fearful that thousands of Portuguese babies after February 11th will no longer find protection in seemingly the safest place--their own mother's womb. Pray that Portugal would not allow these babies to be killed through abortion through a majority vote! Our Lady of Fatima pray for us! Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us! Mary help of Christians, pray for us!
1/27/07---Update: Just found 1 comment that says they will vote NO on abortion! Thanks be to God! Keep the prayers comin'!

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

If you don't want to read all that is below it boils down to: What are you kids watching on TV etc., and being influenced by? That little tube will put stuff in their brains, and likely it will come out again. My suggestion is to have your kids watch less TV and do more hands on and educational stuff. TV is one of the worst things your kids can spend their time doing. Physical, mental, and even spiritual health are affected by this big box. It's worth reconsidering what you allow yourself and your children to watch.

CHILDREN AND THE MEDIA: A CHALLENGE FOR EDUCATION

VATICAN CITY, JAN 24, 2007 (VIS) - Made public today, Feast of St. Francis de Sales, patron saint of journalists, was Benedict XVI's Message for the World Day of Social Communications, which this year is due to be celebrated on May 20, on the theme: "Children and the Media: A Challenge for Education."

The Holy Father's Message has been published in Italian, English, French, German, Spanish and Portuguese. Extracts from the English language version are given below:

"The theme of the Forty-first World Communications Day," the Holy Father's Message begins, "invites us to reflect on two related topics of immense importance. The formation of children is one. The other, perhaps less obvious but no less important, is the formation of the media.

"The complex challenges facing education today are often linked to the pervasive influence of the media in our world. ... Indeed, some claim that the formative influence of the media rivals that of the school, the Church, and maybe even the home. 'Reality, for many, is what the media recognize as real.'

"The relationship of children, media, and education can be considered from two perspectives: the formation of children by the media; and the formation of children to respond appropriately to the media. ... Within this framework, training in the proper use of the media is essential for the cultural, moral and spiritual development of children."

"Educating children to be discriminating in their use of the media is a responsibility of parents, Church, and school. The role of parents is of primary importance. They have a right and duty to ensure the prudent use of the media by training the conscience of their children to express sound and objective judgments which will then guide them in choosing or rejecting programs available. In doing so, parents should have the encouragement and assistance of schools and parishes in ensuring that this difficult, though satisfying, aspect of parenting is supported by the wider community.

"Media education should be positive. Children exposed to what is aesthetically and morally excellent are helped to develop appreciation, prudence and the skills of discernment. Here it is important to recognize the fundamental value of parents' example and the benefits of introducing young people to children's classics in literature, to the fine arts and to uplifting music. While popular literature will always have its place in culture, the temptation to sensationalize should not be passively accepted in places of learning."

"Like education in general, media education requires formation in the exercise of freedom. This is a demanding task. So often freedom is presented as a relentless search for pleasure or new experiences. Yet this is a condemnation not a liberation! True freedom could never condemn the individual - especially a child - to an insatiable quest for novelty. In the light of truth, authentic freedom is experienced as a definitive response to God's 'yes' to humanity, calling us to choose, not indiscriminately but deliberately, all that is good, true and beautiful. Parents, then, as the guardians of that freedom, while gradually giving their children greater freedom, introduce them to the profound joy of life.

"This heartfelt wish of parents and teachers to educate children in the ways of beauty, truth and goodness can be supported by the media industry only to the extent that it promotes fundamental human dignity, the true value of marriage and family life, and the positive achievements and goals of humanity. Thus, the need for the media to be committed to effective formation and ethical standards is viewed with particular interest and even urgency not only by parents and teachers but by all who have a sense of civic responsibility.

"While affirming the belief that many people involved in social communications want to do what is right, we must also recognize that those who work in this field confront 'special psychological pressures and ethical dilemmas' which at times see commercial competitiveness compelling communicators to lower standards.

"Any trend to produce programs and products - including animated films and video games - which in the name of entertainment exalt violence and portray anti-social behavior or the trivialization of human sexuality is a perversion, all the more repulsive when these programs are directed at children and adolescents. How could one explain this 'entertainment' to the countless innocent young people who actually suffer violence, exploitation and abuse?"

"Again I appeal to the leaders of the media industry to educate and encourage producers to safeguard the common good, to uphold the truth, to protect individual human dignity and promote respect for the needs of the family.

"The Church herself, in the light of the message of salvation entrusted to her, is also a teacher of humanity and welcomes the opportunity to offer assistance to parents, educators, communicators, and young people. Her own parish and school programs should be in the forefront of media education today."
MESS/WORLD DAY COMMUNICATIONS/... VIS 070124 (820)

Sunday, January 21, 2007


Sanctity of Life


Today is sanctity of life Sunday, so I thought that I should publish some facts about life and abortion. I am copying sections of the below material from a brochure entitled "Milestones of Early Life." from Life Issues Institute . 919 S. Main St. Snowflake, AZ 85937 Ph. 1-800-858-3040 item no. 9438 MS reprints and quantity discounts available at http://www.hh76.com/


Milestones of Life


Day 1. Conception--- Sperm and egg unite and at that very moment a new an unique individual is formed. All the inherited features of this new person are already set. Whether it's a boy or girl, the color the eyes, the color of the hair, the dimples of the cheeks and the cleft of the chin. He or she is smaller than a grain of sugar, but the instructions are present for all that this person will ever become.


Day 6-14. Sensitive pregnancy tests can now show positive, but this depends on the level of hormone produced by the new life. By the end of the second week, the mother's menstrual period is suppressed by this hormone (hCG) which is produced by her child.


Day 17. Blood vessels begin to form. Remarkably, the future sex cells that will give rise to sperm or eggs for a new generation begin to group together- only 17 days after this new life is alive itself.


Day 18-20. The foundations of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system are laid.


Day 21. The heart begins to beat. A day later the eyes begin to develop. The earliest stages of the ears are now present.


Day 26-27. The lungs begin to form.


Day 28-32. Two tiny arms make their appearance and budding legs follow two days later. The beginnings of the mouth take shape. The nose start to develop. The thyroid gland begins to grow. Blood flows in the baby's veins but stays separate from the mother's blood. The tongue now begins to form. The face now makes its first appearance.


Day 36. The baby's eyes develop their first color in the retina.


Day 40. The baby makes her first reflex movements.


Day 41. The fingers begin to form, followed by the toes a few days later.


Day 42. The baby develops nerve connections that will lead to a sense of smell. The brain is now divided into 3 parts- one to experience emotion and understand language one for hearing and one for seeing. Joints being to form. Mother now misses second period.


Day 44. Eyelids begin to form, protecting the developing eyes. Elbows take shape. Internal organs are present, but immature. 99% of muscles are present; each with its own nerve supply. Electrical activity is detectable in brain.


Day 52. The baby then develops a whole collection of moves over the next 4 weeks including hiccuping, frowning, squinting, furrowing the brow, pursing the lips, moving individual arms and legs, head turning, touching the face, breathing (without air), stretching, opening the mouth, yawning, and sucking.


8 weeks. The baby is now well proportioned, and about the size of an adult thumb. Every organ is present. The liver is making blood, the kidneys function, and the heart beats steadily. The skull, elbows, and knees are forming.


9 weeks. Early muscular movements begin. The thyroid gland turns on.


10 weeks. Fingerprints begin their 7 week long formation. The fingernails begin to develop. The number of connections between nerves and muscles has tripled since last week.


11 weeks. The baby now "practices" breathing, since she will have to breathe air immediately after birth. The baby urinates. Her stomach muscles can now contract. Vocal chords and taste buds form. She can make complex facial expressions and even smile.


12 weeks. Fine hair begins to grow on the upper lip and chin and eyebrows. The baby swallows and responds to skin stimulation.


13 weeks. The face is prettier, and facial expressions may resemble the parents'. The baby is active.


15 weeks. A wild production of nerve cells begins and continues for a month. A second surge will occur at 25 weeks.


4 months. Nostrils and toenails become visible. They baby may suck her thumb, turn somersaults and has a firm grip.


5 months. Mom may feel the baby kick, turn or hiccup and may be able to identify a bulge as an elbow or head. Each side of the brain has a billion nerve cells now.


6 months. The baby will be able to hear by next week. The child sleeps and wakes, nestling in her favorite positions to sleep, and stretches upon waking up.


7 months. The eyelids begin to reopen, preparing to see the outside world. Eyelashes have now become will developed.


8 months. Skin becomes pink and smooth. The pupils of the eye respond to light. Fingernails reach to the tip of the finger. The baby is really getting cramped now.


9 1/2 months. The child triggers labor and birth occurs, an average of 264-270 days after conception. And not until the baby has gone through all these events on the inside do we see the new child on the outside.
Statistics of Abortion
1. Over 47 million unborn babies have been killed by abortion since 1973.
2. Abortion is legal until the moment of birth
3. 43% of women obtaining abortions identify themselves as Protestant; 27% identify themselves as Catholic; and 13% of all abortions are performed on women identify themselves as "Born-again/Evangelical".
4. 52% of women obtaining abortions in the US are younger than 25.
5. 1% of abortions occur because of rape or incest; 6% because of potential health problems of mother or baby; and 93% occur because the child is inconvenient.
6. There are between one and two million couples waiting to love and care for an adopted child.
What we can do:
1. Write letters to the editor defending life.
2. Volunteer at a local pregnancy centers.
3. PRAY that our country will respect life.
4. Participate in Pro-Life events.
5. Become a financial partner with a local life group.
6. Share your convictions with your children and grandchildren.
7. Buy pro-life license plates which give financial and outward support to the life movement.
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:5)

Saturday, January 20, 2007

Catholic Meme
I was tagged by Esther from A Catholic Mom in Hawaii , so here I go:

1. Name a Catholic book that you want to share so much that you keep giving away copies: Don Bosco and Dominic Savio


2 Name a work of religious art you'd like to live with: The Pieta


3. Name your favorite Catholic artist: Raphael Sanzio


4. Name a work of Catholic fiction which has penetrated your real life: Come Rack! Come Rope! by Mgr. Robert Hugh Benson


5. Name your favorite Catholic Musicians - male & female: Antonio Vivaldi & Lerelei McDermott


6. Name your favorite musical: The Sound of Music


7. Name a punch line that always makes you laugh: (Well, I guess not exactly a punch line) Jack Sparrow: "Gentlemen, what do keys do?" Leech: "Keys... unlock... *things*?" Gibbs: "So, we're setting out to find whatever this key unlocks." Jack Sparrow: "No. If we don't have the key, we can't open whatever we don't have that it unlocks. So what purpose would be served in finding whatever need be unlocked, which we don't have, without first having found the key what unlocks it?" ---Pirates of the Caribbean II

I tag Christina Martin from Confessions of a Hot Carmel Sundae

Thursday, January 18, 2007


Please Don't Vote to Kill Me!


I have just gone around to different blogs from Portugal asking that they vote NO on the upcoming election there to legalize abortion. I wrote my message in English but then also published a translated version in Portuguese from the Google translating tool. I hope that it will do some good. I will update you if I get any response from any of the blogs I left comments on, for either yea or nae.

Monday, January 15, 2007

Are you Scrupulous?
I would like to share with my readers, something that used to be very personal in my life, but that I am now more open to sharing because I believe that God wants me to help other people that are going through what I used to have---Scrupulosity (though thanks be to God, I am now 98% healed!). Scrupulosity is a condition very often linked with a mental disorder called Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD can be expressed in many ways (most of which are not spiritual) such as fear of germs (Obsessive cleaning), doing things by numbers (doing everyday tasks by a certain number), and many other things. However, sometimes OCD can effect someone that is religious and turn them into a case of OCD scrupulosity. Many times these people will become obsessively afraid of "bad" thoughts, and exaggerate the gravity of smaller sins. So let's take of a look at what scrupulosity is and what we should do about it.
First of all, it is common that people will think that they should be scrupulous because they think that the saints were or that 'it's better to be scrupulous than lax'. Well, yes, some saints were scrupulous but that was never encouraged, or a sign of holiness. The saints were not canonized because of scrupulosity. Also, although yes it may not be as much of a problem to be scrupulous than to be lax, it is still not a good thing but rather an obstacle in the pathway to holiness, and can sometimes lead to other sins such as pride or despair which I will talk about later (but scrupulosity itself is not a sin.). Scrupulosity is the condition in which one constantly thinks that they have sinned where there was no sin, or thinks that a smaller sin is actually a bigger sin. The saints have spoken out against scruples numerous times.
So, if you are scrupulous here a few tips:
1. Pray! This is always the first step to healing in any spiritual problem. Spend five minutes a day asking God and His mother, Mary's intercession for healing. Remember that God loves you and does not want you to suffer this, as it is an obstacle to your spiritual growth.
2. Get a good spiritual director! Find (preferably a holy priest or religious) someone who is an orthodox Catholic who you can trust to help you. If you already have a spiritual director, that is great! Tell your spiritual director your difficulties and listen to him! It is important that once you have selected your spiritual director that you trust him, (unless of course he was telling you something DIRECTLY against the Catholic Church's teaching, which you should have solid proof of.) and it is vital that you listen to and obey his instructions. God has provided him to help you overcome your problem, so listen and obey humbly. Scrupulous people can tend to become prideful if not careful, because they sometimes want to only listen to themselves and not what God is telling them through their spiritual director.
3. Socialize! If you have friends (best if Catholic of course, but not necessary) spend some time with them. It is always good to get out and think about others which will distract you from your own problems. Being around mentally and hopefully spiritually healthy people is contagious.
4. Don't despair! Don't give up! One of the greatest temptations when scrupulosity is at its worst is the temptation to despair--- don't give in! Remember that there is always hope, and many times when things are at their worst is when healing and hope is just around the corner. Remember that many other people have gone through or are going through what you are. Remember that God loves you more than you love yourself. You are God's child and He will not abandon you, but he may have a lesson for you to learn through this experience. Trust in Jesus!
6. If needed seek counseling! If you have been suffering now for some time from scrupulosity, or have slipped into depression and cannot do everyday activities without anxiety, it may be wise to seek some counseling from a therapist. Do not feel ashamed or embarrassed, but humbly go to seek help so you can once again live your life normally. You have not failed if you need help in this way, but remember it may be necessary for healing and healing is a good thing indeed!
Tips to avoid scrupulosity:
1. Don't become perfectionistic in your mind. What do I mean? It's kind of hard to explain, but for example, don't pray the same prayer over and over again until you have said it with no distractions, or don't make examination of conscience go extremely long when you do them often. (Although you should examine your conscience once a day.)
2. Be careful when reading certain books. I remember reading a book about Purgatory once from Tan (BTW, Tan is a great Catholic publishing house) and it had many stories that have not been approved to my knowledge by the Church but were more of legends and traditions that may have or may not have been entirely true. The stories evoked fear in me that I let grow too much. God does not intend that we live in fear, but in His Love, and that we serve Him out of love. So be discerning in your reading and double check on things you are not sure of with what the Church really teaches. Don't entertain scrupulous ideas, but have a well formed conscience.
3. Have a well formed conscience! This is vital weather you are scrupulous or not. You must learn what the Church teaches so that you can live your life accordingly. You should follow what the Church teaches, but without adding more rules to yourself.
I hope some information has been helpful here, and I intend to have more articles coming in the future on the subject of scrupulosity. Please feel free to comment and ask questions about scrupulosity that you may have, (feel free to remain anonymous)---I would be more than happy to help in any way! God Bless you Always!

Friday, January 12, 2007

You Have the Right to Remain Silent!!! (But I wish you wouldn't)
Hi, welcome to the Catholic Warrior, and thank you for taking your time to visit this blog. I hope you find the information here valuable and to your enjoyment. However there are a few rules I ask all of my readers to follow so as to keep this site wholesome and Godly. I love receiving comments from anyone from any religion or there lack of! But comments should follow these rules (not guidelines!).
1. Although it's okay to express any religious view in the comments and to ask questions, comments are not allowed to bash my or other people's religion or religious views. Disagreement must be done without disrespect.
2. Comments shall not bash either myself or anyone in any way.
3. Profane and vulgar language is prohibited.
4. Obscene images posted (including a Blogger photo ID) are prohibited
5. Sorry, no advertising!
6. No links to other Internet sites that may be anti-Catholic or inappropriate.
7. Don't worry, no more than 6 rules right now until I have to make more---Please don't make me! Enjoy my blog and please feel free to comment as long as you follow these rules!

Thursday, January 11, 2007

The Catholic ABC's Meme
I was tagged by Mysterium-Fidei Blog

[A is for apparitions - your favorite]: Our Lady of Fatima
[B is for Bible - the one you read most often]: Revised Standard Version and the New American Bible
[C is for Charism - the one you would most like to have]: Teaching
[D is for Doctor of the Church - your favorite]: St. Therese of the Little Flower
[E is for Essential Prayer - What's yours?]: The Rosary
[F is for Favorite Hymn]: Holy God we Praise Thy Name
[G is for Gospel - your favorite author?]: St. John
[H is for Holy Communion - How would you describe it, using one word?]: AWESOME
[I is for Inspiration - When do you feel most inspired by God?]: In Eucharistic Adoration
[J is for Jesus - When did you first meet Him?]: In Baptism
[K is for Kindness - Which saint or person has most inspired you by their kindness?] Mother Theresa
[L is for liturgical year - your favorite time in the liturgical cycle?]: Lent
[M is for Mary, the Mother of God - Your favorite term of endearment for her]: Mary Help of Christians
[N is for New Testament - Your favorite passage]: John 15:12-14
[O is for Old Testament - Your favorite Book here]: Proverbs
[P is for Psalms - your favorite]: Psalm 146
[Q is for quote - saint quote]: "Pray, hope and don't worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer... Prayer is the best weapon we have; it is the key to God's heart. You must speak to Jesus not only with your lips but with your heart."---St. Pio of Pietrelcina
[R is for rosary - your favorite mysteries]: Sorrowful Mysteries
[S is for Saint - the one you turn to in time of need - not including the Blessed Virgin Mary]: St. Francis of Assisi
[T is for Tradition - your favorite Catholic tradition]: Eucharistic Benediction and processions
[U is for university - Which Catholic University have you attended or are currently attending?]: Sorry, not that smart yet!
[V is for Virtue - the one you wish you had]: Dilligence
[W is for Way of the Cross - Which station can you most relate to?]: #9 Jesus falls a third time.
[X is for Xaverian Brothers - Do you know who they are?]: No. Anyone?
[Y is for your favorite Catholic musician]: Myself ;-) (Hey, I never said I excelled in humility, but for another thing, I sure don't know many Catholic musicians that I like)
[Z is for Zeal for the faith]: Obviously whoever started this meme has some zeal! Thanks, this was fun!

I tag the Paul Molina from Da Fidei Quae Fidei Sunt , Moneybags from A Catholic Life Blog, and Esther from A Catholic Mom in Hawaii to continue this great game. All others are invited to do the same. May God bless you!

Tuesday, January 09, 2007


Alternative to Embryonic Stem Cell Research


Wake and Harvard Universities have come out with a new study saying that it is possible that the amniotic fluid surrounding an unborn baby will have the so called "same results" as with the embryonic stem cells. Therefore, scientist would be doing practically the same research they wanted to do before, but without having to use embryonic cells which result in the murder of the unborn child. This is good news. Scientist (even among those who deny it's murder) now have no excuse for killing unborn children for "research purposes" (Seemingly very similar to what the Nazi's used to do). Also, I said "seemingly same" results because I would like to know if there has been any REAL findings that have helped the medical world because of Embryonic Stem Cell Research. I have not heard of anything, but I don't keep up with those things.

I would like to remind people that the Church teaches that Embryonic Stem Cell Research (ESCR) is morally and seriously wrong. It is wrong, NOT because of some agenda to make more rules, to suppress the medical world, or to make money, but because it is murder. Both the Bible (Jeremiah 1:5) and the Church (CCC #2270) clearly teach that a person is a person from natural conception until natural death. Pray for an end to the culture of death!

Saturday, January 06, 2007


Do you know the Donut Man?


No, I don't think he lives on Drury Lane, but you still might know him. Rob Evans, or better known as the "Donut Man" has recently entered into full communion into the Catholic Faith. The Donut Man has been known for his unique and dynamic way of entertaining yet teaching children about God through his shows. You have likely seen him at one of his concerts or in one of his tapes. I am very excited that he has found the Catholic Faith. Rob Evans says that he is still going to continue his ministry knowing that all children still need to hear about God.

I hope his conversion will influence many others, especially Evangelicals to consider the Catholic Faith perhaps for the first time. Congratulations Donut Man, and welcome home!

Friday, January 05, 2007


Prayer Against Mortal Sin.


O Mary, Immaculate Mother of Jesus, we beseech thee, offer to the Eternal Father the Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, to prevent at least one mortal sin from being committed somewhere in the world today. Amen.


I suggest saying this every morning.

Special thanks to A Catholic Life

Thursday, January 04, 2007

New Blog Look
I would be very appreciative if I could receive ANY feedback as to what you think of the new blog design. If you think it looks dumb, please tell me. Also if you like it better or don't care, please tell me. Thanks! God Bless!
IN MEMORIAM

Please pray for the following prelates who have died recently. V/ Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord

R/ and let perpetual light shine upon them

V/ May they rest in peace.

R/ AMEN.



VATICAN CITY, JAN 4, 2007 (VIS) - The following prelates died in recent weeks:

- Bishop Auguste Delisle S.S.Sp., emeritus of Lokoja, Nigeria, on November 13, at the age of 98.

- Archbishop Nerses Der Nersessian C.A.M., ordinary emeritus for Armenian Catholics of Eastern Europe, on December 24, at the age of 86.

- Archbishop Ettore Di Filippo, emeritus of Campobasso-Boiano, Italy, on December 18, at the age of 84.

- Bishop Daniele Ferrari, emeritus of Chiavari, Italy, on December 20, at the age of 86.

- Bishop Jacinto Guerrero Torres of Tlaxcala, Mexico, on December 27, at the age of 72.

- Archbishop Jorge Manuel Lopez, emeritus of Rosario, Argentina, on December 22, at the age of 88.
.../DEATHS/... VIS 070104 (130)
Prayer for a Happy Death
God our Father, You made us in Your image and handed over Your Son to die for us; grant us the grace to remain watchful in prayer, so we will be free from sin when we leave this world, and find eternal rest and joy in the depths of Your mercy. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Wednesday, January 03, 2007


Created in God's Image


In today's world, everyone is concerned about outward appearance. Commercials constantly advertise beauty products, pornography is made pretty much public, and pressure to look like the "Cool crowd" is constantly pushed. But as Christians, what are we called to do? How do we respond to this worldly attitude? An important point I believe is that God has made us in His image. (Genesis 1:26) He has made us different than the animals. It is, in a sense, a very animal characteristic to focus on outward appearance. But God has made us not only physical creatures but spiritual creatures. In 1 Samuel 16:7 it says: "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'" As you can see, God looks at the "who" of a person verses the "what" of a person. Think about someone you really love. Maybe your dad or mom, husband or wife, son or daughter, or good friend. Picture them in your mind. Do you think about how beautiful or ugly they are? Or do you think about what they've done, what their like, and what their personality is like? We must get beyond the superficialness of looking at people as sex objects, and start looking at them as humans created in God's image. True love will look at who someone is, no matter what they look like on the outside. Does that mean we should not care what so ever we look like? No. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 it says: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." We should present our bodies is a pure way, not showing them off so as to present ourselves as objects, but to glorify God. Try to look at yourself and those around you as real humans who are God's children, and not as objects. Through doing this, the virtues of Purity and Chastity will come along much easier.

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Was it Necessary?

EXECUTION OF SADDAM HUSSEIN: TRAGIC NEWS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 30, 2006 (VIS) - Holy See Press Office Director Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J., made the following declaration at midday today on the execution of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, which took place at dawn in Baghdad.

"The execution of a capital sentence is always tragic news, a cause of sadness, even when the person is guilty of terrible crimes.

"The position of the Catholic Church against the death penalty has often been reiterated.

"The killing of the guilty is not the way to rebuild justice and reconcile society, rather there is a risk of nourishing the spirit of revenge and inciting fresh violence.

"At this dark time in the life of the Iraqi people, we cannot but hope that all those in charge truly make every effort to ensure that, in such a dramatic situation, hopes for reconciliation and peace are finally opened."
OP/EXECUTION SADDAM HUSSEIN/LOMBARDI VIS 070102 (160)

Everyone has been in hot debate as to weather it was right or wrong to have killed the previous evil dictator Saddam Hussein. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says in #2267: "Assuming that the guilty party's identity and responsibility have been fully determined, the traditional teaching of the Church does not exclude recourse to the death penalty, if this is the only possible way of effectively defending human lives against the unjust aggressor...... the cases in which the execution of the offender is an absolute necessity 'are very rare, if not practically non-existent.'*"(*Quote of John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae 56.)
The Church is saying that today it is usually possible to detain criminals without having to execute them to protect the people. However, some people are saying that Saddam's execution was necessary due to the instability in Iraq, and there was danger of him being possibly one day released by force and brought to rule again. I ask that whatever position you are on, that you pray for God's mercy on Saddam's soul, and for the conversion of all sinners, in the knowledge that although in various degrees, we are all sinners.