Reflections from the pastoral ministry of an Evangelical Catholic Priest.
30 April, 2012
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis Comes to the Stage in Norfolk, Virginia - U.s. - Catholic Online
I hope this play become popular and travels widely. I would love to see it.
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis Comes to the Stage in Norfolk, Virginia - U.s. - Catholic Online
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis Comes to the Stage in Norfolk, Virginia - U.s. - Catholic Online
Has the 'real Ratzinger' come out to play? | National Catholic Reporter
Given that the NC Reporter has portrayed B16 in this light from the moment of his election, it's not hard to see that they are taking recent events and are spinning them to fit their agenda. Lets look at some of the points they raised:
1. The Vatican has properly pointed out that the American Conference of Women Religious has been promoting heterodox propositions such as denying the necessity of salvation through Jesus Christ. Was the Vatican supposed to remain silent in the face of such errors being promulgated by a Catholic institution? Is it not proper that the CDF would point out these grievous errors? After all, that is their raison d'ĂȘtre for existing?
2. Same goes for the Irish priests. Note too that they were being sanctioned not for their personal beliefs or even for what they say or do in their parishes. It is because they were priests who had significant media connections as columnists in newspapers and electronic media ostensibly representing what the Church teaches. A priest cannot switch his own opinion to replace official Church teaching.
3. The entire world is being brought closer to the Latin original texts for the liturgy. This is why the English world is now using a new Missal for the past number of months. Are the Germans supposed to be exempt from this obligation to ensure that their vernacular texts also match the Latin original?
I think I've made my point and have no need to deal with other examples from the NCR article. The bottom line is that we are united in belief and practice under the authority of the Pope and the Vatican. This has been the case for almost 2000 years. I suspect it will continue to be so for many years to come.
Has the 'real Ratzinger' come out to play? | National Catholic Reporter
1. The Vatican has properly pointed out that the American Conference of Women Religious has been promoting heterodox propositions such as denying the necessity of salvation through Jesus Christ. Was the Vatican supposed to remain silent in the face of such errors being promulgated by a Catholic institution? Is it not proper that the CDF would point out these grievous errors? After all, that is their raison d'ĂȘtre for existing?
2. Same goes for the Irish priests. Note too that they were being sanctioned not for their personal beliefs or even for what they say or do in their parishes. It is because they were priests who had significant media connections as columnists in newspapers and electronic media ostensibly representing what the Church teaches. A priest cannot switch his own opinion to replace official Church teaching.
3. The entire world is being brought closer to the Latin original texts for the liturgy. This is why the English world is now using a new Missal for the past number of months. Are the Germans supposed to be exempt from this obligation to ensure that their vernacular texts also match the Latin original?
I think I've made my point and have no need to deal with other examples from the NCR article. The bottom line is that we are united in belief and practice under the authority of the Pope and the Vatican. This has been the case for almost 2000 years. I suspect it will continue to be so for many years to come.
Has the 'real Ratzinger' come out to play? | National Catholic Reporter
29 April, 2012
Africa, a Sunday of bloodshed for Christians - Vatican Insider
Here's more evidence of the persecution of the Church. Perhaps the idiots who post stupid comments here denying this process think that their little corner of North America is the entire Church. Of course, they tend not to be interested in facts. They prefer to play in mud and insult instead. It's much easier for such anonymous posters when they don't have to deal with such meddlesome details like facts.
Africa, a Sunday of bloodshed for Christians - Vatican Insider
Africa, a Sunday of bloodshed for Christians - Vatican Insider
28 April, 2012
Anti-Bullying Tzar Bullies Christians During Anti-Bullying Speech | The American Catholic
Here's something interesting. It might enlighten some of the fools who post idiotic comments making light of the fact that the Church is becoming more and more threatened in the public square. It probably won't - they have not even got the courage to put their name behind their foolishness - but I am a hopeful soul. Maybe... just maybe, they might actually be able to see past their bigotry and bile to see that there is truth in the persecution proposition.
Anti-Bullying Tzar Bullies Christians During Anti-Bullying Speech | The American Catholic
Anti-Bullying Tzar Bullies Christians During Anti-Bullying Speech | The American Catholic
UK: Could the Church be forced to celebrate gay weddings? - Vatican Insider
Given that the UK shares the same common law legal tradition as Canada, how can it be that the Church would not be able to give the same guarantees to be able to act in accordance with its teachings as we enjoy here? Something doesn't seem right about this story. Any thoughts?
UK: Could the Church be forced to celebrate gay weddings? - Vatican Insider
UK: Could the Church be forced to celebrate gay weddings? - Vatican Insider
LCWR-Vatican tensions: Fr. James Martin sides with American sisters - Vatican Insider
The 'official chaplain' to the Colbert Report Nation is heard from.
LCWR-Vatican tensions: Fr. James Martin sides with American sisters - Vatican Insider
LCWR-Vatican tensions: Fr. James Martin sides with American sisters - Vatican Insider
27 April, 2012
26 April, 2012
25 April, 2012
We find Jesus in the most unexpected places....
Roy Payne, the performer who wrote and sings this song is a Canadian Country Music star from the 1970's and 1980's. He toured extensively with Waylan Jennings and Willie Nelson and was recently inducted in the East Coast Music Association Hall of Fame as a composer and performer. Among his platinum and gold hits one can find this little gem called 'Drinking Beer With Jesus.
I asked him what his inspiration was for this song and he shared with me that throughout his long career he had battled the demon of alcohol abuse. One day he found himself sitting along in a bar and noticed that in his stupor, he was actually having a conversation with God. He told me that this was who most drunks sitting alone at a bar were in fact talking to as they attempted to drown their pain and sorrows with alcohol.
With Roy's permission, I put together this little video to accompany his words and music. I intend to use it as part of a parish mission that I'll be offering in Elliot Lake, Ontario at the end of May. I'd be most interested in hearing your comments, especially as to whether or not you believe that the images I have chosen fit the message of the song.
I asked him what his inspiration was for this song and he shared with me that throughout his long career he had battled the demon of alcohol abuse. One day he found himself sitting along in a bar and noticed that in his stupor, he was actually having a conversation with God. He told me that this was who most drunks sitting alone at a bar were in fact talking to as they attempted to drown their pain and sorrows with alcohol.
With Roy's permission, I put together this little video to accompany his words and music. I intend to use it as part of a parish mission that I'll be offering in Elliot Lake, Ontario at the end of May. I'd be most interested in hearing your comments, especially as to whether or not you believe that the images I have chosen fit the message of the song.
24 April, 2012
Science Will Never Explain Why There’s Something Rather Than Nothing | Cross-Check, Scientific American Blog Network
This author may indeed be wrong. Advances in scientific understanding (especially in the field of quantum mechanics) seems to be groping its way to providing a scientific explanation for how God works in the universe. Michio Kaku, a noted physicists, author, a regular presenter in NOVA presentations on cosmology and physics recently wrote this in his latest book, 'Physics of the Impossible':
Check out the article yourself by clicking on the link below to be taken to the Scientific American website.
Science Will Never Explain Why There’s Something Rather Than Nothing | Cross-Check, Scientific American Blog Network
Christian theologians, at a loss to explain where heaven might be located, have often speculated that perhaps God lives in a higher dimensional plane. Surprisingly, if higher dimensions did exist, many of the properties ascribed to the gods might become possible. A being in a higher dimension might be able to disappear and reappear at will or walk through walls—powers usually ascribed to deities.
Check out the article yourself by clicking on the link below to be taken to the Scientific American website.
Science Will Never Explain Why There’s Something Rather Than Nothing | Cross-Check, Scientific American Blog Network
23 April, 2012
22 April, 2012
21 April, 2012
Benedict Doesn’t Make Headlines | First Things
A fellow poster in the threads of the Holy Post blog (Nostromo) made reference to this article in a discussion over there regarding whether or not B16 is revealing himself at last to be 'God's Rottweiler' in the Vatican's recent declaration regarding the American Woman's Religious Conference. Like him, I believe that this First Things article gives a far better perspective from which to situate the Pope's recent decision.
If B16 has proven anything, it's that he is intent on bringing as many souls as possible under the Catholic tent - granting rights and privileges to diverse groups as the Anglicans and the Lefrevites which allow them to celebrate the sacraments according to their own rites under the authority of the Chair of Peter. Remember too that his first act as Pontiff was to meet with Hans Kung to start discussions to find a way to bring him back into good standing with the Church. That's far from being a Rottweiler... he's far more like the gentle Beardie I live with: intelligent and friendly.
Benedict Doesn’t Make Headlines | First Things
Benedict Doesn’t Make Headlines | First Things
Te Deum laudamus!: VIDEO: Christendom's Donna Bethell vs. Fordham's J...
Te Deum laudamus!: VIDEO: Christendom's Donna Bethell vs. Fordham's J...: Video Snapshot : Christendom's Donna Bethell is unable to contain her laughter as the segment ends with Jeannine Hill Fletcher of Fordh...
20 April, 2012
19 April, 2012
18 April, 2012
17 April, 2012
16 April, 2012
My Take: Catholic bishops against the common good – CNN Belief Blog - CNN.com Blogs
I do not agree with this writer's take on this issue, but if this blog is to really be a place 'where the rubber hits the road', it's an appropriate article to post here. What's your 'take'?
My Take: Catholic bishops against the common good – CNN Belief Blog - CNN.com Blogs
My Take: Catholic bishops against the common good – CNN Belief Blog - CNN.com Blogs
Date set as Ex-priest takes case to top court
"A former priest ordered to be retried for a decades-old sexual offence is taking his case to the Supreme Court.
Charles Picot was acquitted last year on a 1975 charge of indecent assault on a 13-year-old boy. Picot was parish priest at St-Jean Baptiste Roman Catholic Church in Dalhousie, N.B., at the time.
But the Crown appealed the decision, and the province's Court of Appeal earlier this year ordered a new trial in a split decision: Judges Richard Bell and Kathleen A. Quigg ruled in favour, but Judge J.C. Marc Richard dissented, indicating that he would have let the acquittal stand.
Picot has now filed notice to take the matter to the Supreme Court of Canada.
Earlier this year, Picot was found guilty on another indecent assault charge, this one dating back to 1978, and sentenced to eight months in jail. He also served seven months in jail after a 1993 conviction on charges of sexual assault and indecent assault." (Source: Toronto Sun)
The SCC has set October 19, 2012 to hear arguments in the case.
A 'tip of the hat' to Sylvia MacEacheran of Sylvia's Site for this update.
Ex-priest takes case to top court | Canada | News | Toronto Sun
Charles Picot was acquitted last year on a 1975 charge of indecent assault on a 13-year-old boy. Picot was parish priest at St-Jean Baptiste Roman Catholic Church in Dalhousie, N.B., at the time.
But the Crown appealed the decision, and the province's Court of Appeal earlier this year ordered a new trial in a split decision: Judges Richard Bell and Kathleen A. Quigg ruled in favour, but Judge J.C. Marc Richard dissented, indicating that he would have let the acquittal stand.
Picot has now filed notice to take the matter to the Supreme Court of Canada.
Earlier this year, Picot was found guilty on another indecent assault charge, this one dating back to 1978, and sentenced to eight months in jail. He also served seven months in jail after a 1993 conviction on charges of sexual assault and indecent assault." (Source: Toronto Sun)
The SCC has set October 19, 2012 to hear arguments in the case.
A 'tip of the hat' to Sylvia MacEacheran of Sylvia's Site for this update.
Ex-priest takes case to top court | Canada | News | Toronto Sun
15 April, 2012
14 April, 2012
13 April, 2012
12 April, 2012
11 April, 2012
Silenced priest told to reflect on situation
Never a bad idea at any time... But if you're going to publicly criticize your boss and company policy, you had most assuredly better have reflected long and hard before expressing yourself. I appreciate that the comparison is crass and commercial, but if you're working for Coke you should know better than to publicly express your preference for Pepsi. This priest knew what the Church's doctrine was before ordination. If he so strongly objects to these doctrines, why did he proceed to accepting to be ordained as a Catholic priest?
10 April, 2012
09 April, 2012
08 April, 2012
07 April, 2012
Holy Saturday: The Thanksgiving
Holy Saturday: The Thanksgiving: Fr. Bevil Bramwell on Holy Saturday: Human nature has been transformed in Jesus’ death and resurrection.
06 April, 2012
05 April, 2012
04 April, 2012
03 April, 2012
QUAERITUR: Too many people for confession. Priest gives General Absolution. | Fr. Z's Blog – What Does The Prayer Really Say?
AMEN! I've experienced this closing example that Fr. Z offers at the end of this well written exposition of the orthodox teaching regarding confessions in general and general absolution in specific. Perhaps you will relate to it or another. Click below to read the source article.
QUAERITUR: Too many people for confession. Priest gives General Absolution. | Fr. Z's Blog – What Does The Prayer Really Say?
QUAERITUR: Too many people for confession. Priest gives General Absolution. | Fr. Z's Blog – What Does The Prayer Really Say?
02 April, 2012
Bishop Geoffrey Robinson: Total Re-examination Of Catholic Faith, Culture Needed
While I do not share the same conclusions as the Bishop has, his argument calling for a re-examination of Catholic doctrine does have some merit. Much has changed in the world since the 1960's. An argument can be made that both Church and society would benefit from the exchange.
Bishop Geoffrey Robinson: Total Re-examination Of Catholic Faith, Culture Needed
Bishop Geoffrey Robinson: Total Re-examination Of Catholic Faith, Culture Needed
01 April, 2012
Friends at the Martyn Funeral Home shared this obituary, originally posted by the London Free Press.
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
- Why the early bird gets the worm;
- Life isn't always fair;
- and maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend
more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children,
are in charge).
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when
well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports
of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a
classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch;
and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened
his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked
teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in
disciplining their unruly children.
It declined even further
when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun
lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a
student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common
Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and
criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common
Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in
your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to
realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in
her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common
Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his
wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son,
Reason.
He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;
I Know My Rights
I Want It Now
Someone Else Is To Blame
I'm A Victim
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.
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