Simply because I don't pray it often enough, and I presume other folks could also benefit spiritually from reciting it, especially with Lent upon us.
O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being honored, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being praised, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being approved, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being despised, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being calumniated, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected, Deliver me, Jesus.
That others may be loved more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be chosen and I set aside, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be praised and I unnoticed, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be preferred to me in everything, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Happy Birthday
Has anybody seen this? Despite the past 2 posts, I don't like rap. But I like this one. Flipsyde-Happy Birthday. A pro-life rap written like a birthday letter from a father to his aborted child.
Watch it on Youtube Here, or find the lyrics here.
I thought it was pretty hauntingly real. Alas, we pray unceasingly for an end to this horror.
Watch it on Youtube Here, or find the lyrics here.
I thought it was pretty hauntingly real. Alas, we pray unceasingly for an end to this horror.
Monday, February 1, 2010
My new favorite Catholic "Rapper!"
We've all heard, presumably, of Fr. Stan Fortuna and Righteous B, but now it's time to introduce ZHULIO!
I highly recommend listening to Fr. Z.'s HILARIOUS rap about liturgy, and if anyone has the wherewithal to reproduce the lyrics, it'd be greatly appreciated. In any case, take a listen and laugh till you cry!
I highly recommend listening to Fr. Z.'s HILARIOUS rap about liturgy, and if anyone has the wherewithal to reproduce the lyrics, it'd be greatly appreciated. In any case, take a listen and laugh till you cry!
Free Needles to drug addicts in Albany Diocese
As reported over at Catholic Culture, H. E. Bp. Hubbard has approved a proposal to give out free syringes to drug addicts, to stop the spread of AIDS.
“I understand there will be questions, but this is common sense,” said Sister Maureen Joyce, CEO of Catholic Charities. “I strongly believe in this. It will save lives.” “From a theological standpoint, we're not being faithful to our mission if we don't reach out to people addicted to drugs, too,” Sister Joyce added.
This is an interesting letter penned by a recovering drug addict to Bishop Hubbard, who is strongly against this idea.
Personally, I think this is an absolutely terrible idea. I think that even IF this saves some lives, it might cost more lives by encouraging and enabling drug addiction, and at the very least, save LESS lives than using these funds in other ways to reach out to our addicted brethren.
Thoughts? I'm not a fan, but I say that with no authority. Regardless, this is a group that should always be in our prayers.
O Divine Physician, for all of the addicts in the world who are suffering, whether or not they know they are addicted, or realize they are suffering, we pray that you may grant them the grace to depend on You alone, and break their dependence on evil vices. For those recovering, we pray that You may grant them the strength to sustain their freedom from enslavement to these vices, and for those who spend their days helping to break addiction and aid recovery, that they may do so with charity and love, and always with Your divine assistance.
“I understand there will be questions, but this is common sense,” said Sister Maureen Joyce, CEO of Catholic Charities. “I strongly believe in this. It will save lives.” “From a theological standpoint, we're not being faithful to our mission if we don't reach out to people addicted to drugs, too,” Sister Joyce added.
This is an interesting letter penned by a recovering drug addict to Bishop Hubbard, who is strongly against this idea.
Personally, I think this is an absolutely terrible idea. I think that even IF this saves some lives, it might cost more lives by encouraging and enabling drug addiction, and at the very least, save LESS lives than using these funds in other ways to reach out to our addicted brethren.
Thoughts? I'm not a fan, but I say that with no authority. Regardless, this is a group that should always be in our prayers.
O Divine Physician, for all of the addicts in the world who are suffering, whether or not they know they are addicted, or realize they are suffering, we pray that you may grant them the grace to depend on You alone, and break their dependence on evil vices. For those recovering, we pray that You may grant them the strength to sustain their freedom from enslavement to these vices, and for those who spend their days helping to break addiction and aid recovery, that they may do so with charity and love, and always with Your divine assistance.
On divorce, annulment, and absent fathers.
As reported by CNS, Pope Benedict XVI has stated that the simple desire for sacraments is not sufficient reason for annulment. Some quotes:
"One must shun pseudo-pastoral claims" that look only at this desire to receive sacraments in the quest to determine annulments.
He also notes that Charity without justice is "only a forgery because charity requires the objectivity that is typical of justice and which must not be confused with inhumane coldness."
"Both justice and charity require love for the truth and essentially lead to a search for the truth."
I think our Holy Father is quite clear on this matter, and I am so glad of this. Too often, it seems that Catholics think that if they are divorced, an annulment is just a fancy way of saying the same thing. THIS IS NOT THE CASE!
On a related note, here are some statistics about those who grow up with no father figure.
It is simply alarming.
85% of all youths sitting in prisons grew up in a fatherless homes
85% of all children that exhibit behavioral disorders come from fatherless homes
90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes
71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes
75% of all adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes
63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes
80% of rapists motivated with displaced anger come from fatherless homes
70% of juveniles in state-operated institutions come from fatherless homes
These statistics translate to mean that children from a fatherless home are:
Why talk about this now? Prior to the March for Life, as I was praying in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, the delegation from Rhode Island (H.E. Bp. Tobin's Diocese of Providence) came in and had a wonderful priest say Mass. He discussed the issue of abortion, through the lens of the importance of family, marriage, and teaching our children the proper order of things. He discussed how few couples who came to him seeking marriage had actually followed the church's regulations on marriage. (which, incidentally, includes 'you shouldn't marry a non-catholic'!)
It's also true that daughters of single parents are:
53% more likely to marry as teenagers,
164% more likely to have a premarital birth,
92% more likely to dissolve their own marriages
2.1 times more likely to have children during their teenage years than are daughters from intact families
FINALLY, 71% of teenage pregnancies are to children of single parents.
Guess what, folks: it's all interconnected.
"One must shun pseudo-pastoral claims" that look only at this desire to receive sacraments in the quest to determine annulments.
He also notes that Charity without justice is "only a forgery because charity requires the objectivity that is typical of justice and which must not be confused with inhumane coldness."
"Both justice and charity require love for the truth and essentially lead to a search for the truth."
I think our Holy Father is quite clear on this matter, and I am so glad of this. Too often, it seems that Catholics think that if they are divorced, an annulment is just a fancy way of saying the same thing. THIS IS NOT THE CASE!
The Roman Catholic Church considers a marriage valid when:
- It is celebrated in a ceremony according to Church law;
- Both parties are free to marry each other;
- Each partner intends, from the beginning of the marriage, to accept God's plan for married life as taught by the Church;
- Each partner has the physical and psychological ability to live out the consent and commitment initially given to the marriage.
If any of these requirements are lacking from the beginning of the marriage, then the Tribunal, acting as the bishop's representative, can declare that marriage invalid.
BUT this tells us something. This tells us that our priests are not properly catechizing regarding marriage, and our congregants are not properly catechized on marriage! Annulments should be RARE (Ideally, they should never happen, and at worst they should be rare.)
On a related note, here are some statistics about those who grow up with no father figure.
It is simply alarming.
85% of all youths sitting in prisons grew up in a fatherless homes
85% of all children that exhibit behavioral disorders come from fatherless homes
90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes
71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes
75% of all adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes
63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes
80% of rapists motivated with displaced anger come from fatherless homes
70% of juveniles in state-operated institutions come from fatherless homes
These statistics translate to mean that children from a fatherless home are:
- 5 times more likely to commit suicide.
- 32 times more likely to run away.
- 20 times more likely to have behavioral disorders.
- 14 times more likely to commit rape
- 9 times more likely to drop out of high school.
- 10 times more likely to abuse chemical substances.
- 9 times more likely to end up in a state-operated institution.
- 20 times more likely to end up in prison.
Why talk about this now? Prior to the March for Life, as I was praying in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, the delegation from Rhode Island (H.E. Bp. Tobin's Diocese of Providence) came in and had a wonderful priest say Mass. He discussed the issue of abortion, through the lens of the importance of family, marriage, and teaching our children the proper order of things. He discussed how few couples who came to him seeking marriage had actually followed the church's regulations on marriage. (which, incidentally, includes 'you shouldn't marry a non-catholic'!)
It's also true that daughters of single parents are:
53% more likely to marry as teenagers,
164% more likely to have a premarital birth,
92% more likely to dissolve their own marriages
2.1 times more likely to have children during their teenage years than are daughters from intact families
FINALLY, 71% of teenage pregnancies are to children of single parents.
Guess what, folks: it's all interconnected.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
March for Life, the Mainstream media, and hateful pro-aborts
As we all know, the March for Life is already the annual protest march on DC. Or maybe you don't know that. Maybe you also don't know that the crowd there was mostly young people, under 30. Maybe you don't know that young women were everywhere, supporting the right to life. Perhaps you also didn't know that it's been growing every year, and the past two years have been the two largest marches to date.
But I'll tell you something, all of that is true. Furthermore, the NMM (National Mainstream Media) IGNORES this at best, and LIES about it at worst. I saw (count 'em) ZERO counterprotesters this year. I'm told there were roughly 100.
300,000 to 100. 300-1. That's the ratio. AND THE MEDIA DOES NOT SEE FIT TO REPORT THIS?
I will give the WaPo credit for this article, which told at least part of the story.
I will note a few of the ignorant comments on the story here. I apologize in advance for the crudeness and hateful language the commenters take.
"blah blah blah ... To me, these animals lost the right to the "pro-life" title when they decided that killing abortion doctors is OK (This was IMMEDIATELY denounced by every reputable pro-life activist. In fact, the topic was HUGE on Catholic radio stations throughout the country, noting precisely that the killing of George Tiller was NOT what we stood for.) They are nothing but "anti-choice", falling in line with such American concepts as communism and nazism. (Might I note that he is backwards here? Communist China forces abortion on women. Please, please, please tell anyone who survived a concentration camp, or lost loved ones in the Holocaust whether this is a reasonable argument. It's not.) If you don't like abortions, don't get one. (also, if you don't like slavery, don't get a slave. See how stupid this argument is? I know 50,000,000 pro-life Americans who couldn't be in Washington. They were all aborted in the past 37 years) I have to wonder how many of these teenage anti-choice folks have had secret abortions so their parents wouldn't find out what sluts they really are." (Clearly, this commenter is just chock-full of hate. Why don't we classify things like this as hate speech, Mr. President? He touches on a point, though. This happens. It's reprehensible. I doubt those folks march on Washington--I suppose some do. SILENT NO MORE is a WONDERFUL organization
"How dare you equate this march by the Right to Life Mob as anything related to the issues which MLK stood for, or slavery for that matter. (I'm actually going to go a bit further. This one's worse. Separate but equal still meant "alive." So did slavery. Yes, they were terrible human rights offenses, but at least the enslaved and those discriminated against were alive.)Ignorance is just that ignorance. (you're a genius) At least MLK had a realistic agenda and was an informed member of our society. He had a truly legitimate cause, to bring legitimacy to the issues of race which palgued our nation when he was alive, and even now. " (and...incidentally, MLK's niece Alveda has linked abortion to slavery, and is a pro-life activist. She also believes that her uncle felt the same way. Just saying!)
"In the 21st Century it is imperative that children growing up in our world today aren't taught that the discussion of sex is a SIN.(It's not. Sex is great. It's just that it goes hand-in-hand with marriage. The Church teaches that sexual intercourse is a blessing. It just needs to be done correctly within the marital covenant.) Also, issues such as palying (sic) with oneself will neither put hair on one's palms or cause one to go blind. (uh...way to go, Einstone) Way too many Americnas (sic) still haven't come to terms with the reality that their children are growing at a much faster rate knowledge-wise than in the mid-20th Century. (Let me rephrase that, folks: Way too many Americnas (as it were) still haven't come to terms with the reality that their children NEED PARENTING MORE THAN EVER!) It is the parents of these children, myself included who must be conscientious of this reality, and not punish our children by threatening with going to Hell should they do something wrong realted (sic) to sex. (This reminds me of hide-and-seek when I was a toddler. I'd close my eyes and insist that "I can't see you, so you can't see me." In a similar fashion, I'm fairly certain that pretending Hell doesn't exist doesn't make Hell cease to exist.) There's nothing wrong with teaching one's children how to live responsible lives. It's another parents ignore the fact that teenagers still haven't developed the capacity to make all the responsible judgment calls for living." (so, here's your teachable moment, folks: When you screw up, there's a way to get out of it without consequences.)
"Abortion is wrong, and shouldn't be used in place of contraception. ("Life begins a conception, and abortion begins at contraception")But, too(sic) bring children into our world who are being put up for adoption or who are simply abandoned, because their single parent can't afford to take care of them is just as wrong."(actually, adoption is a wonderful thing. And I think we all agree that the abandonment of children is reprehensible and illegal So, no, giving a child up for adoption is not "just as wrong" as killing him.)
"The marchers themselves are the strongest arguement(sic) FOR abortion. Their arrogance trying to force their prejudiced bias (unlike the women seeking abortions who...force their "prejudiced bias" on their children to the point that...they...die? I say, ask the kid. Hey, kid, how'd you like to be aborted? No, that doesn't sound appealing? Huh, because your mother really seems to like the idea) onto a human being so far has only been exceeded by the Roman catholics insisting the Sun went around the Earth, the Earth was the center of every celestial object, and that Gallileo was wrong. (alright, honestly? We're pulling the Galileo card? This was the dominant worldview at the time of Galileo. It's not like the church came up with it and was obsessed therewith. But fine, in 2000 years, the church has wronged one dude. Give me another example and i'll listen to you)The combination of ignorance, prejudice, arrogance, and political power is a precurser to another Dark Age. Margaret Sanger had it right. The child-raping Priests do not have a clue, about anything at all.(riiight. can I just leave this one alone? See how hateful these folks are?)"
Well, folks, there's just a couple of the more obscene comments. Don't be an idiot
But I'll tell you something, all of that is true. Furthermore, the NMM (National Mainstream Media) IGNORES this at best, and LIES about it at worst. I saw (count 'em) ZERO counterprotesters this year. I'm told there were roughly 100.
300,000 to 100. 300-1. That's the ratio. AND THE MEDIA DOES NOT SEE FIT TO REPORT THIS?
I will give the WaPo credit for this article, which told at least part of the story.
I will note a few of the ignorant comments on the story here. I apologize in advance for the crudeness and hateful language the commenters take.
"blah blah blah ... To me, these animals lost the right to the "pro-life" title when they decided that killing abortion doctors is OK (This was IMMEDIATELY denounced by every reputable pro-life activist. In fact, the topic was HUGE on Catholic radio stations throughout the country, noting precisely that the killing of George Tiller was NOT what we stood for.) They are nothing but "anti-choice", falling in line with such American concepts as communism and nazism. (Might I note that he is backwards here? Communist China forces abortion on women. Please, please, please tell anyone who survived a concentration camp, or lost loved ones in the Holocaust whether this is a reasonable argument. It's not.) If you don't like abortions, don't get one. (also, if you don't like slavery, don't get a slave. See how stupid this argument is? I know 50,000,000 pro-life Americans who couldn't be in Washington. They were all aborted in the past 37 years) I have to wonder how many of these teenage anti-choice folks have had secret abortions so their parents wouldn't find out what sluts they really are." (Clearly, this commenter is just chock-full of hate. Why don't we classify things like this as hate speech, Mr. President? He touches on a point, though. This happens. It's reprehensible. I doubt those folks march on Washington--I suppose some do. SILENT NO MORE is a WONDERFUL organization
"How dare you equate this march by the Right to Life Mob as anything related to the issues which MLK stood for, or slavery for that matter. (I'm actually going to go a bit further. This one's worse. Separate but equal still meant "alive." So did slavery. Yes, they were terrible human rights offenses, but at least the enslaved and those discriminated against were alive.)Ignorance is just that ignorance. (you're a genius) At least MLK had a realistic agenda and was an informed member of our society. He had a truly legitimate cause, to bring legitimacy to the issues of race which palgued our nation when he was alive, and even now. " (and...incidentally, MLK's niece Alveda has linked abortion to slavery, and is a pro-life activist. She also believes that her uncle felt the same way. Just saying!)
"In the 21st Century it is imperative that children growing up in our world today aren't taught that the discussion of sex is a SIN.(It's not. Sex is great. It's just that it goes hand-in-hand with marriage. The Church teaches that sexual intercourse is a blessing. It just needs to be done correctly within the marital covenant.) Also, issues such as palying (sic) with oneself will neither put hair on one's palms or cause one to go blind. (uh...way to go, Einstone) Way too many Americnas (sic) still haven't come to terms with the reality that their children are growing at a much faster rate knowledge-wise than in the mid-20th Century. (Let me rephrase that, folks: Way too many Americnas (as it were) still haven't come to terms with the reality that their children NEED PARENTING MORE THAN EVER!) It is the parents of these children, myself included who must be conscientious of this reality, and not punish our children by threatening with going to Hell should they do something wrong realted (sic) to sex. (This reminds me of hide-and-seek when I was a toddler. I'd close my eyes and insist that "I can't see you, so you can't see me." In a similar fashion, I'm fairly certain that pretending Hell doesn't exist doesn't make Hell cease to exist.) There's nothing wrong with teaching one's children how to live responsible lives. It's another parents ignore the fact that teenagers still haven't developed the capacity to make all the responsible judgment calls for living." (so, here's your teachable moment, folks: When you screw up, there's a way to get out of it without consequences.)
"Abortion is wrong, and shouldn't be used in place of contraception. ("Life begins a conception, and abortion begins at contraception")But, too(sic) bring children into our world who are being put up for adoption or who are simply abandoned, because their single parent can't afford to take care of them is just as wrong."(actually, adoption is a wonderful thing. And I think we all agree that the abandonment of children is reprehensible and illegal So, no, giving a child up for adoption is not "just as wrong" as killing him.)
"The marchers themselves are the strongest arguement(sic) FOR abortion. Their arrogance trying to force their prejudiced bias (unlike the women seeking abortions who...force their "prejudiced bias" on their children to the point that...they...die? I say, ask the kid. Hey, kid, how'd you like to be aborted? No, that doesn't sound appealing? Huh, because your mother really seems to like the idea) onto a human being so far has only been exceeded by the Roman catholics insisting the Sun went around the Earth, the Earth was the center of every celestial object, and that Gallileo was wrong. (alright, honestly? We're pulling the Galileo card? This was the dominant worldview at the time of Galileo. It's not like the church came up with it and was obsessed therewith. But fine, in 2000 years, the church has wronged one dude. Give me another example and i'll listen to you)The combination of ignorance, prejudice, arrogance, and political power is a precurser to another Dark Age. Margaret Sanger had it right. The child-raping Priests do not have a clue, about anything at all.(riiight. can I just leave this one alone? See how hateful these folks are?)"
Well, folks, there's just a couple of the more obscene comments. Don't be an idiot
Soul Food Retreat
As publicized in the Peace of Christ bulletin this week, there will be a young adult retreat (ages 18-35ish) occurring at Camp Stella Maris on the weekend of February 19-21, beginning Friday at 6:30 PM and ending Sunday at 1:30 PM.
Now in its fifth year, Soul Food will offer an opportunity to begin your Lent on retreat. Confessions will be heard by Fr. Brian Carpenter and perhaps a couple of other priests, and Sunday Mass will be said by Fr. Mickey McGrath. Eucharistic Adoration will also be available.
Registration form and more information can be found here. This is a great opportunity for faith, fellowship, and prayer. Hope to see you there!
Now in its fifth year, Soul Food will offer an opportunity to begin your Lent on retreat. Confessions will be heard by Fr. Brian Carpenter and perhaps a couple of other priests, and Sunday Mass will be said by Fr. Mickey McGrath. Eucharistic Adoration will also be available.
Registration form and more information can be found here. This is a great opportunity for faith, fellowship, and prayer. Hope to see you there!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
On Eucharistic Adoration
To make something of a connection from the last post: Our Lady of Peace is one of only two parishes within our diocese that has a perpetual adoration chapel. the other, of course, is St John of Rochester (confusingly located in Fairport!) Adoring our Lord in the Eucharist is such a wonderful blessing, and one that should certainly be more widespread...Spend an hour in silence adoring Jesus Christ truly present in the Eucharist, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity!
For info, contact:
Judy Shanahan: 585 425 1396 (St John of Rochester)
Anna M Giardino 315 789 1239 (Our Lady of Peace)
Dorothy Kalina 315 789 8099 (Our Lady of Peace)
Mary Ann Lawson 315 789 7629 (Our Lady of Peace)
For info, contact:
Judy Shanahan: 585 425 1396 (St John of Rochester)
Anna M Giardino 315 789 1239 (Our Lady of Peace)
Dorothy Kalina 315 789 8099 (Our Lady of Peace)
Mary Ann Lawson 315 789 7629 (Our Lady of Peace)
Retreat, new LifeTeen Mass in Geneva
I spent the weekend on retreat with the youth leaders of Our Lady of Peace in Geneva this weekend. As always, I wonder how I wind up so lucky as to chaperone these things. For some absurd reason, these young people seem to think they get more out of my presence than I get from theirs. If that is true, they are a truly blessed bunch! There is nothing quite like working with youth!
Also announced this weekend is a major change for students at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Previously, Mass on campus was a 4:00 PM affair on Sunday afternoons. Now, however, the Mass will take place at 6:30 PM (Still in St. John's chapel on Main Street, Geneva). This will also now become a LifeTeen Mass. I have mixed feelings on this. It could help bring about the conversion or reversion of many to the Catholic faith. On the other hand, LifeTeen Masses threaten to diminish the purpose of the liturgy. To quote Pope Benedict XVI, "The real "action" in the liturgy in which we are all supposed to participate is the action of God himself. This is what is new and distinctive about the Christian liturgy: God himself acts and does what is essential." Or perhaps another B16 thought: "When liturgy is self-made, then it can no longer give us what its proper gift should be: the encounter with the mystery that is not our own product but rather our origin and the source of our life."
LifeTeen, founded in 1985 in Mesa, AZ, is somewhat notorious for its willingness to ignore the GIRM, and play fast and loose with the liturgy. In 2004, the USCCB instructed LifeTeen that this was unacceptable, though liturgical abuse certainly still occurs in some places. It is available elsewhere in the diocese at St Leo the Great in Hilton, and the Church of the Assumption in Fairport, both at 6 PM.
Another major concern with LifeTeen involves the behavior of its founder, Fr Dale Fushek. Lawsuits are pending with Fr Fushek over both sexual harassment and sexual misconduct, and he is currently considered to be in schism and was formally excommunicated in 2008. LifeTeen president Randy Raus, however, notes that "LifeTeen continues to faithfully and enthusiastically serve the Roman Catholic Church in complete obedience to the Magisterium and strict fidelity to Church teachings."
I had an opportunity to visit Assumption and attend their LifeTeen Mass. It wasn't exactly my favorite Mass, to say the least. Local blogger Ink had a chance to get to the LifeTeen in Hilton, which she criticized heavily. That said, Fr. Cantinese in Hilton is a wonderful, orthodox priest, and he speaks glowingly of LifeTeen, and I have certainly seen LifeTeen-like masses (NCYC, the youth Mass at the March for Life) that were done very well.
So, folks:
If any of you have thoughts, experiences, suggestions, etc. I know the folks at Our Lady of Peace would like to make this a POSITIVE change, with the goal being increased Mass attendance among young people and increased love of their Catholic faith. This will definitely be in my prayers
Also announced this weekend is a major change for students at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Previously, Mass on campus was a 4:00 PM affair on Sunday afternoons. Now, however, the Mass will take place at 6:30 PM (Still in St. John's chapel on Main Street, Geneva). This will also now become a LifeTeen Mass. I have mixed feelings on this. It could help bring about the conversion or reversion of many to the Catholic faith. On the other hand, LifeTeen Masses threaten to diminish the purpose of the liturgy. To quote Pope Benedict XVI, "The real "action" in the liturgy in which we are all supposed to participate is the action of God himself. This is what is new and distinctive about the Christian liturgy: God himself acts and does what is essential." Or perhaps another B16 thought: "When liturgy is self-made, then it can no longer give us what its proper gift should be: the encounter with the mystery that is not our own product but rather our origin and the source of our life."
LifeTeen, founded in 1985 in Mesa, AZ, is somewhat notorious for its willingness to ignore the GIRM, and play fast and loose with the liturgy. In 2004, the USCCB instructed LifeTeen that this was unacceptable, though liturgical abuse certainly still occurs in some places. It is available elsewhere in the diocese at St Leo the Great in Hilton, and the Church of the Assumption in Fairport, both at 6 PM.
Another major concern with LifeTeen involves the behavior of its founder, Fr Dale Fushek. Lawsuits are pending with Fr Fushek over both sexual harassment and sexual misconduct, and he is currently considered to be in schism and was formally excommunicated in 2008. LifeTeen president Randy Raus, however, notes that "LifeTeen continues to faithfully and enthusiastically serve the Roman Catholic Church in complete obedience to the Magisterium and strict fidelity to Church teachings."
I had an opportunity to visit Assumption and attend their LifeTeen Mass. It wasn't exactly my favorite Mass, to say the least. Local blogger Ink had a chance to get to the LifeTeen in Hilton, which she criticized heavily. That said, Fr. Cantinese in Hilton is a wonderful, orthodox priest, and he speaks glowingly of LifeTeen, and I have certainly seen LifeTeen-like masses (NCYC, the youth Mass at the March for Life) that were done very well.
So, folks:
If any of you have thoughts, experiences, suggestions, etc. I know the folks at Our Lady of Peace would like to make this a POSITIVE change, with the goal being increased Mass attendance among young people and increased love of their Catholic faith. This will definitely be in my prayers
Thursday, January 14, 2010
A lighter note
Well, folks, there you have it...
Incidentally, Pope Benedict XVI's favorite beer: Franziskaner Weissbier, a delicious hefeweisse. President Obama's preferred brew: Bud Light, an impressive imitation of melted yellow snow. I think we can easily tell who the intelligent one of the two is!
Also, did you know that in the Rituale Romanum (Roman Ritual), there is an official blessing for beer?
5. BLESSING OF BEER
P: Our help is in the name of the Lord.
All: Who made heaven and earth.
P: The Lord be with you.
All: May He also be with you.
Let us pray.
Lord, bless
this creature, beer, which by your kindness and power has been produced from kernels of grain, and let it be a healthful drink for mankind. Grant that whoever drinks it with thanksgiving to your holy name may find it a help in body and in soul; through Christ our Lord. All: Amen.It is sprinkled with holy water.
Just saying...
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
St Lawrence, St Joseph's, St. Rita's, and St. Louis Schools to become parish-run?
Well, folks, you've probably heard the news already
St Lawrence, and three other schools are likely set to become financially independent from the Diocese of Rochester, yet the DoR would maintain the right to hire, fire, and set curriculum.
This has sparked no shortage of outrage already, stemming largely from either
1) The DoR retaining control over the school, despite not funding it
2) The refusal of the DoR to postpone this decision, despite parish desires (Note: The DoR also refused to allow the postponement of the closings of schools last year, and is trying to close St Thomas the Apostle Church without much waiting, as well. They've developed something of a gung-ho tendency here)
3) The fact that multiple schools which were closed against the will of the people, and the refusal of the DoR to allow these schools to become parish-run!
(or some combination of the above.)
But I'm ever the optimist, folks:! Recall that Fr. Frank Falletta, and Fr. Kevin Murphy, pastors of St Lawrence and St Louis, respectively are not exactly known for their orthodoxy.
Also, recall that St Joseph is planning a renovation that isn't exactly traditional.
As for St Rita's, I have never been there, nor do I know anything about Fr Chuck Latus.
My point, however, is this: Maybe it's a good thing that the DoR is keeping control of curriculum and staffing. Why? As much as the Diocese can lack Catholic orthodoxy and frown on tradition (and Tradition), individuals and parishes can, theoretically be worse. Secondly, I presume that the DoR will not always have this theological bend-perhaps it is good that our next bishop will have control over the curriculum taught in our schools, and won't have to jump through hoops to get it.
For the concerned folks of the four affected parishes, just pray that this is a positive change for the future of your children and your parish.
I'm curious to see how the forcibly already-closed schools are allowed to react. Could, say, Holy Cross now reopen its school? What about parishes that have lacked schools for years? It is at least a possibility for growth in the future.
In the interim, we need to do our best to support Catholic education, by donating time, money, goods, and above all, prayer.
St Lawrence, and three other schools are likely set to become financially independent from the Diocese of Rochester, yet the DoR would maintain the right to hire, fire, and set curriculum.
This has sparked no shortage of outrage already, stemming largely from either
1) The DoR retaining control over the school, despite not funding it
2) The refusal of the DoR to postpone this decision, despite parish desires (Note: The DoR also refused to allow the postponement of the closings of schools last year, and is trying to close St Thomas the Apostle Church without much waiting, as well. They've developed something of a gung-ho tendency here)
3) The fact that multiple schools which were closed against the will of the people, and the refusal of the DoR to allow these schools to become parish-run!
(or some combination of the above.)
But I'm ever the optimist, folks:! Recall that Fr. Frank Falletta, and Fr. Kevin Murphy, pastors of St Lawrence and St Louis, respectively are not exactly known for their orthodoxy.
Also, recall that St Joseph is planning a renovation that isn't exactly traditional.
As for St Rita's, I have never been there, nor do I know anything about Fr Chuck Latus.
My point, however, is this: Maybe it's a good thing that the DoR is keeping control of curriculum and staffing. Why? As much as the Diocese can lack Catholic orthodoxy and frown on tradition (and Tradition), individuals and parishes can, theoretically be worse. Secondly, I presume that the DoR will not always have this theological bend-perhaps it is good that our next bishop will have control over the curriculum taught in our schools, and won't have to jump through hoops to get it.
For the concerned folks of the four affected parishes, just pray that this is a positive change for the future of your children and your parish.
I'm curious to see how the forcibly already-closed schools are allowed to react. Could, say, Holy Cross now reopen its school? What about parishes that have lacked schools for years? It is at least a possibility for growth in the future.
In the interim, we need to do our best to support Catholic education, by donating time, money, goods, and above all, prayer.
Learn to read music in Medieval notaion
Ever see music written like this:
and wind up confused?
If you're interested in understanding it, click on either of the links below
Here
Here
Either one is quite handy. I've been trying to understand my Liber Usualis, an absolutely AWESOME book.
The online version of the 1961 edition can be found here.
If you're interested in understanding it, click on either of the links below
Here
Here
Either one is quite handy. I've been trying to understand my Liber Usualis, an absolutely AWESOME book.
The online version of the 1961 edition can be found here.
Learn your Rosary in Latin!
Just came across this site:
http://rickmk.com/rmk/Rosary/index.html
which contains all the prayers of the rosary in Latin, with scroll over translations and audio pronunciations.
Note: lacks the luminous mysteries
Because, as we all know:
http://rickmk.com/rmk/Rosary/index.html
which contains all the prayers of the rosary in Latin, with scroll over translations and audio pronunciations.
Note: lacks the luminous mysteries
Because, as we all know:
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
March for Life 2010 Transportation
Hey folks, passing this along
Friday, January 22. March for Life in Washington DC.
In the evening of Thursday, January 21 buses will be leaving from various locations.
Church of the Holy Spirit in Webster, NY will have a bus going to the 2010 March for Life in Washington, DC . They will leave Thurs. evening, Jan.21st, and return late on Friday, Jan. 22nd. Cost is still being determined. Contact person: Cara McLaughlin- 585-872-0772.
St. Christophers in North Chili. Details are still being finalized. Call Joan Reilly at 1-315-690-6455 or e-mail her at jreilly1896@yahoo.com.
St. Thomas the Apostle in Irondequoit will have a bus leaving at 10 pm the 21st from the St. Thomas the Apostle parking lot. The cost will be $50 for adults and $25 for youth (all youth must be accompanied by an adult). The ticket prices don't cover the cost of the bus so donations are always welcome. For information or reservations call Mary Jo at 342-3216.
St. John of Rochester in Fairport. Prayer service at 9:30 PM in the chapel. Bus leaves at 10 PM going to Basilica for morning Mass. Call Debbie Demarco 248-2647 for information or reservations.
Canadaigua bus leaves at 10 PM Thursday night from the St. Mary’s parking lot. Makes one stop in Cohocton, then goes straight to DC. Tickets $50 for adults, $25 for students. Call Fran Flugel at 924-7051 to make a reservation.
I'll be going, and you should too! For more details visit http://www.marchforlife.org/
Welcome, Welcome!
I've been meaning to start a blog up for quite a while, and well, here it is! This will focus on matters pertaining largely to the Catholic faith, as the blog's title indicates.
It will include:
Details about upcoming events
Discussions of Church teaching
Liturgical experiences, opinions, and tidbits
Write-ups of current events
Discussion of Life issues and the Sanctity of Marriage
Who knows what else
It will include:
Details about upcoming events
Discussions of Church teaching
Liturgical experiences, opinions, and tidbits
Write-ups of current events
Discussion of Life issues and the Sanctity of Marriage
Who knows what else
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