We Do Indeed Need to Show Joy as Catholics.

Posted on May 13, 2012 by aljago

My motto “Be happily and uncomplicatedly Catholic.”

Michael J. Sheehan Archbishop of Santa Fe

THANK YOU

(Submitted by Catherine Grant)

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness…you are more blessed than the million who will not survive the week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation—you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death…you are more blessed than three billion people in the world. (In Afghanistan, there are no places for Christian worship.)
If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep…you are richer than 75% of those in this world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish somewhere…you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.
If you parents are still alive and still married…you are very rare, even in the United States.

If you hold up your head with a smile and are truly thankful…you are blessed because the majority of us can, but most do not.
If you can hold someone’s hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder…you are blessed because you can offer healing touch.
If you can read this…you are more blessed than 171 million blind people in the world.
(Send your comments for Catherine, aljagoe@comcast.net)

We do indeed need to show joy as Catholics.

Posted on May 14, 2011 by aljago

We do indeed need to show joy as Catholics. My motto — “Be happily and uncomplicatedly Catholic.”

Michael J. Sheehan, Archbishop ofSanta Fe

- The Joyful Catholic has been added to the select list of Catholic Blogs.

- The British government is planning to end the current ban on religious ceremonies for same-sex marriages, but churches would not be required to perform such ceremonies.

- Regarding where your charity dollars go, Catholic Charities and Salvation Army have the smallest administrative expenses. Those who eat up most of your charitable dollars before they reach recipients are: UNICEF ($1,200,000 for CEO Careel Stern); American Red Cross ($652,000 salary for President Marsha Evans), The United Way ($375,000 for President Brian Gallagher).

- The World Bank reported that surging food prices have pushed 44million people worldwide into extreme poverty. This increases the number of undernourished people to 1 billion.

- In his Easter message, Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, endorsed (though not specifically) us Joyful Catholics when he said, “We are officially told it is good to be happy. Politicians have started talking about happiness rather than prosperity and there is even a research programme on the subject… Let a thousand street parties blossom!”

Today’s Martyrs

Qamar David, a Catholic businessman inPakistan, who was imprisoned for life for blasphemy against the Koran, was tortured and murdered in jail on March 15.

My favorite priest, layperson, breathing saint or organization

Tom Crowe recommends Father Michael Scanlan at the Franciscan University of Steubenville. “In 1974 when he took charge of the failing college, Father Scanlon re-invigorated it with the person of Jesus Christ, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, trying in every way to make the person of Christ the center of College activities. In getting to know the students, to solve the major problem of loneliness he launched the faith household system in which, today, 60 % of the student body participate. Under his guidance, the school grew from a few hundred students to over 2,400.

“He initiated summer youth conferences which last year had 35,000 teens participating in 18 locations across the U. S.and Canada. On the local level, he was a champion of civil rights and personally integrated the local public swimming pool.

“Father Mike, though his devotion to the Holy Spirit and his dedication to education has done as much as any single person in this country over the past 50 years to rebuild this Church. He is moving on to the next phase of his life. We are all better, much better, for his work at the tiny college in this post-industrial rust belt town, because from it emanates a spirit, an energy that can set the world on fire.

(Now, tell me about your favorite Catholic priest, layperson or organization that is making a difference.)

aljagoe@comcast.net

Interesting sayings

As I sit here, the beating of my heart, the ebb and flow of my breathing, the movements of my mind are all signs of God’s ongoing creation of me. I pause for a moment and become aware of the presence of God within me.

Sacred Space: The Prayer Book 2009

Ilia Delio on the cover of America, the Catholic

If the secular, scientific culture behaves like a rabbit, leaping across vast areas of discovery and invention, the Catholic Church too often behaves like a turtle, crawling up from behind, hesitant to accept new scientific discoveries.

Ilia Delio, O.S.F.

In Eugene O’Neill’s play, Lazarus Laughed, a witness standing by the tomb, half dead with fright, tells how Jesus and Lazarus looked at each other for a long time. Then Jesus smiles and Lazarus begins to laugh and cries out, “There is no death! There’s only life!”

Patricia Livingston

Communiqués

- I congratulate your for your blog which fecundates our Catholicism.

Roger Wentworth,Cambridge,MA

- Your continuing to report on today’s Christians martyrs puts a dampener on the concept of respect for other religions.

Rezar Johnson, New York, NY

- How can I suggest a topic for one of your future blogs?

Helen Ellis, Miami, FL

(Please be my guest and send your suggestions to me at aljagoe@comcast.net)

Chuckle time

The bishop went into the church office and handed several pieces of paper to a young volunteer standing next to the shredder, “Please help me,” he said. “I don’t know how to work these different machines.”

After the volunteer inserted the papers and pressed the button, the bishop said, “This is tomorrow’s homily I have been working on for two weeks. I only want one copy.”

Special Intentions List

As you pray with a broad brush, please include these loved ones, who have been submitted by our readers. You, too, are invited to send me names of your special persons who are in need of prayer. My address is aljagoe@comcast.net. They will be on the list for 60 days. At the end of that time, if prayers are still needed, you merely have to renew the name.

Juanita Caldwell, Isola Todd, Jill Todd, David Abbey, Linwood “Skip” Williams, Roseanne Somlock, Nicholas Gallagher, Tom Lewis, Donald Whitcomb, Violeta Zepeda, John Aylor, Rev. Joseph Marini, Enrique Portillo,

Sharon McPike, Tom Ryan, Joseph Normile, Jim Quimby, Russell Edwards,

Rev. Stephen Huffstetter, Hugh Cannon, Eric Moore, Joan Barrett,

8-year-old Michael Fotta and his parents, Lolita Alvarez,

Camilus Musselman, Ed Block, Isobel Milligan, Peter Bartkiewiez and his family, Joe Toles, Camilus Musselman, Ed Cole, Bishop Thomas Olmsted,

Jay Parker, William Stephenson, Roger Stoven, Bob Abbott, Denny Kline, Lois Pinkin, Larry Mannino, Cheryl DeSantis, Lenore Sommers

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, Laura Marsh, Marie Lyons, John Vaughey,

Christian martyrs in the Middle East, those in refugee camps throughout the world, the Japanese victims of their recent calamity.

To Hell With Trivia!

Posted on December 28, 2010 by aljago

We do indeed need to show joy as Catholics. My motto — “Be happily and uncomplicatedly Catholic.”

Michael J. Sheehan Archbishop of Santa Fe

To Hell with trivia that is trying to damage my Catholicism. If my treasure chest, filled with gold, gems and wealth of fantastic value, was covered with scratches, dust and rust, I wouldn’t dump it into the trash bin.

The Church is a treasure chest. During the past 2000 years it has been reshaped and battered, but it is a sturdy strongbox, protecting what is of real essence. During its long history it has been buffeted by heretics, corrupt Popes, schisms and ridiculous decisions and actions. Today, here is a sampling of the blows it is taking:

- Pope Benedict seems to have stumbled with his discussion of condoms. On this slippery slope, he intended to espouse a tradition of Catholic moral reasoning.

- After spending $500,000 to renovate the church in Lorain, Ohio, the bishop ordered it (and 50 other churches) to close. In ignoring the protests of parishioners, he refused to engage them in meaningful dialogue.

- The universal scandal of homoerotic priests gets much publicity, even though it involves less than 2% of the splendid religious who are devoting their lives to the Church.

- The Vatican Bank is accused of money laundering.

- In 1996 Catholic Common Group Initiative warned that without addressing polarization, “the Church would be torn by dissension and weakened in its core structures.”

- To the outside world and many Catholics, the Church is so enamored with and dedicated to the Pro-Life cause that it is viewed as merely an anti Pro-Choice organization.

- “For heaven’s sake, why doesn’t the Church realize we should again have married priests?”

- “When are those old bachelors in clerical garb going to wake up to the times, and ordain women deacons?”

- etc. etc.-etc.-etc.

That enough for the treasure chest — let’s look inside. There we find items, some over 4000 years old that confirm the birth of our religion; these are the revelations from God to the Jewish people. Next, there are 2000 years of documentation of our Faith confirming that (a) there is one God, and (b) as Jesus, God became man. Inside, we find the Holy Spirit and nineteen centuries of devotion to the Virgin Mary. There is a recording of millions of martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for our Faith.

Also, there also are the accumulated thoughts and writings of outstanding theologian, like Augustine and Thomas Aquinas. Of greatest value is the Sacrament of Communion — the Holiest of the Holy.

As Joyful Catholics we think both historically and spatially. We attempt to see things with the lucidity of a child’s eyes. As the French Dominican, Father Bro, stated, “If he so wishes, each of us succeeds perfectly in suffocating the questions that disturb him in anesthetizing them.”

Regarding the endless flow of trivia attacking our Church, we embrace basic truths, We have neither the time or interest in becoming the judge, jury and executioner of our dust-covered treasure chest with its scratches and rust. It will survive ’til the moon is no longer.

In 1481, in Florence, Father Girolamo Savonarola, O.P., wrote: “At the end of the life of reason is the contemplation of divine things. So the more perfect a man abstracts himself from earthly things and devotes himself to the contemplation of that which is divine, the more perfect will be his life.

With our pertinacity to basics, we Joyful Catholics put aside the peripheral and focus on essential truths. We nod in agreement to this statement by Saint Francis de Sales, “My God, what a shame that we are so inconstant! Surely, there is no stability in us and yet this is the most essential quality in the spiritual life.”

And let me have your thoughts. (aljagoe@comcast.net)

Other recommended Catholic blogs

Sacred Space (the Jesuits in Ireland) Saint Louis Catholic

Shepherd of Fort Worth (a new blog by Bishop Kevin W. Vann)

Recommended readings

- “Dead and Back Again”, by Marilyn Prever in the November/December Touchstone.

- “Cash-cowed” by Margaret O’Brien Steinfels in the November 19 Commonweal.

- “Courageous creativity and rigorous fidelity” in the November Homiletic & Pastoral Review.

Last week, the winner of the autographed copy of Light Reading for Good and Wayward Catholic is Sheila Rassmen in Calmar, IA. Here are the answers:

1. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s maiden name was Bayley

2. John was not one of the missionary companions of Paul.

3. Next to Warsaw, Chicago is the city with the largest Polish population.

We Do Indeed Need to Show Joy as Catholics

Posted on December 15, 2010 by aljago

We do indeed need to show joy as Catholics.

My motto — “Be happily and uncomplicatedly Catholic.”

Michael J. Sheehan, Archbishop of Santa Fe

News Flashes

- In his 11/21 New York Times column, Nicholas Kristof blasts charities who have staggering administrative costs, and he praises Catholic Charities as one of our most efficient and effective charities.

- Under the category of “nothing is new”, St. Luke wrote in the first century, As Jesus drew near Jerusalem, he saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If this day you only knew what makes for peace — but now it is hidden from your eyes.”

- There have been massive demonstrations in Brussels, Paris and London about the Iraqi abuse of Christians following the slaughter of those at a Mass in Baghdad. Outside of Cardinal George urging President Obama to come to the aid of Iraqi Christians, we American seem oblivious to this situation. Could it be because of our sense of guilt in unilaterally being the nation that devastated this country?

- In line with my blog about Sing-along Masses, Zenit listed the Pope’s ideas how to improve participation at Mass. Here are a few of his suggestions (Hey, you priests, are you listening?) The word can only be heard in silence, outward and inward. The people must be educated in the value of silence. When called for, silence should be considered a part of the celebration.

My favorite priest, layperson, breathing saint or organization

As my favorite laypersons, I endorse Violet and Allen Large in Nova Scotia, who won $11 million in lottery. They spent it all, and not a cent for themselves. They donated everything to charities. 75-year-old Allen said, “That money that we won was nothing. We have each other.” (I wonder if I would do the same. What about you?)

(Now, tell me about your favorite Catholic priest, layperson or organization that is making a difference

aljagoe@comcast.net

Interesting Sayings

It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.
Thomas Jefferson

I call everyone ‘Darling’ because I can’t remember their names. Zsa Zsa Gabor

If a man wishes to know the deepest ocean of divine understanding, let him first scan the sea, and the less he find himself to understand of those creatures which lurk beneath the waves, the more let him realize that he knows less of the depths of its Creator.

Saint Columban (died 615)

The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

A self-justifying procrastinator

Communiqués

As the lucky winner of Light Reading for Good and Wayward Catholics, I want you to know I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a fresh breeze for our Church.

Dorothy Wilson

It is through the fissiparousness of us Joyful Catholics that the Church will continue to expand.

Dr. Roger Duckworth

I agree with your three reasons to respect the Muslims. But for me, that’s all.

Mildred Richard

Chuckle Time

In a grade school production of the Christmas Story, the youngster playing the role of the stern innkeeper was unhappy with his assignment. The night of the play when Joseph knocked on the door, the kid followed the script and said, “Go away. The inn if filled and there is no room for you and Mary.”

Then he added, “But come in and have a drink.”

Special Intentions List

Juanita Caldwell, Isola Todd, David Abbey, Linwood “Skip” Williams, Roseanne Somlock, Nicholas Gallagher, Tom Lewis, Donald Whitcomb, Violeta Zepeda, John Aylor,

Rev. Joseph Marini, Enrique Portillo, Sharon McPike, Tom Ryan,

Joseph Normile, Jim Quimby, Russell Edwards, Gertrude Goldstein,

Rev. Stephen Huffstetter, Hugh Cannon, Eric Moore, Joan Barrett, 8-year-old Michael Fotta and his parents, Lolita Alvarez, Camilus Musselman,

Ed Block, Isobel Milligan, Peter Bartkiewiez and his family,

Joe Toles, Grace Toomey, Bob Earll, Camilus Musselman, Ed Cole, Bishop Thomas Olmsted, Jay Parker, William Stephenson, Roger Stoven, Bob Abbott, Denny Kline, Lois Pinkin, Larry Mannino, Cheryl DeSantis

The cholera victims in Haiti.

We do indeed need to show joy as Catholics!

Posted on October 2, 2010 by aljago

We do indeed need to show joy as Catholics.

My motto – “Be happily and uncomplicatedly Catholic.”

Michael J. Sheehan Archbishop of Santa Fe

Quiz

In what three countries is there the greatest difference between the rich and the poor?

2. Who was the first native American to be declared “Blessed”?

3. When people wanted to obtain favorable weather, including rain to end a drought, whom did they pray to?

News Flashes

Holy Jocks!

Sister James Dolores, 73, of Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, posed on a surfboard, to promote the 15^th annual Nun’s Beach Surf International on 9/11, The proceeds will go to maintain their Villa Maria by the Sea in Stone Harbor, N.J.

Bishop Thomas Paprocki will run in the October 17 Denver marathon, raising money for the recent restoration of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield, IL.

Auxiliary Bishop of Denver James Conley, Fr. Jim Crisman and two St. John Vianney seminarians will also participate in the Denver event to increase support and awareness of vocations.

Misc.

The August 28th Economist reports that Florida State University has conducted a study on infidelity. They are puzzled why they found that couples who attend religious services are more likely to be satisfied with their marriages than those who do not. (comment: These fellows in academia sometimes don’t have much to do.)

Real estate developer Shariff El-Gama, backer of the Islamic center near Ground Zero, is a true religious cur. He is a New-York-City-born Muslim with an Egyptian father, a Catholic mother, married to a Christian and now is converting to the Jewish faith.

An article in The Catholic Standard points out the problem that many young people have who want to dedicate their lives to the Church are hindered by debt. Elise Maloney wants to become a Little Sister of the Poor but must first pay back $75,000 in student loans. This splendid Order is trying to help her by conducting bake sales. (comment: any of you joyful Catholic who want to contribute, get in touch with me.)

Facit Short Story

Reality

God, the Father, is;

God, the Son, is;

God, the Holy Spirit, is.

That is why

I am.

My favorite priest, layperson, breathing saint or organization

Fr. F. Richard Spencer has served for six years as a military chaplain in Iraq. After one of the many occasions when he had to minister to the injured and dying, he wrote, “In the moment, you do your prayers; then move to the next situation, because it’s continuous chaos. You just offer prayers that they would see the face of God that very day and you trust and hope. We had both Iraqis and Americans die. I didn’t know who was Muslim or who was Christian – but they all got a prayer.”

On September 8 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., Fr. Spencer was installed as the next auxiliary bishop of Archdiocese for U. S. Military Services. He now is the first man in this position who will be able to enter war zones and have unprecedented access to military personnel serving in most difficult circumstances.

Now, tell me about your favorite Catholic priest, layperson or organization that is making a difference

joyfulcatholic@comcast.net

Interesting sayings

No one created the first cause, precisely because it is the first. And there is no real reason why we should establish limits to it, for it has no limits, no borders. Since it was not made, it has no beginning: that is, it has always been and there is no reaon why it should cease to exist at any given time. And this means it is eternal. This cause is God.

Saint Maximilian Kolbe, the Polish Conventual Franciscan who was martyred in Auschwitz.

I’ve learned that everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

Andy Rooney

I do not know what God wants to do with me. I am always more content. Everyone is suffering, and I ,who should do rigorous penances, experience such continual profound joys that I have trouble keeping them under control.

Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection (1691)

Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.

Daniel Patrick Moynihan

There are two things I like about politicians. They never are bothered with facts and they are the best people on earth that money can buy.

A cab driver in Washington, D..C.

Chuckle time

The scene when God let St. Francis, St. Benedict and St. Ignatius of Loyola be present at the birth ot Christ:

St. Francis and St. Benedict dropped to their knees and prayed quietly. St. Ignatius took Joseph aside and said, “Have you thought about the boy’s education?”

Juanita Caldwell, Isola Todd, David Abbey, Amie Ellis,

Linwood “Skip” Williams, Tom Medved, Eileen Grotsky, Roseanne Somlock, Nicholas Gallagher, Tom Lewis, Donald Whitcomb, Violeta Zepeda, John Aylor, Rev. Joseph Marini, Enrique Portillo, Sharon McPike, Tom Ryan, Joseph Normile, Jim Quimby, Russell Edwards, Gertrude Goldstein,

Rev. Stephen Huffstetter, Hugh Cannon, Eric Moore, Joan Barrett, 8-year-old Michael Fotta and his parents, Lolita Alvarez, Camilus Musselman, Jack Conner, Ed Block, Isobel Milligan, Peter Bartkiewiez and his family,

Joe Toles, Grace Toomey, Bob Earll, Camilus Musselman, Bob Kehlhofer, Ed Cole, Bishop Thomas Olmsted, Jay Parker, the flood victims in Pakistan, the trapped miners in Chile.

We do indeed need to show joy as Catholics. My motto — “Be happily and uncomplicatedly Catholic.”

Posted on August 9, 2010 by aljago

Michael J. SheehanArchbishop of Santa Fe

My favorite priest, layperson, breathing saint or organization

As the Executive Director of the Religious Formation Conference, Sister Violet Grennan of the Missionary Franciscan Sisters is a dynamo of energy and enthusiasm. The purpose of the Conference is to enrich Catholic religious women and men by helping them to gain new knowledge and skills in their pastoral ministries. She is benefiting us Joyful Catholic by endowing our spiritual guides with fresh and effective tools. Sister Violet, we love you!

Now, tell me about your favorite Catholic priest, layperson or organization that is making a difference.

joyfulcatholic@comcast.net

Quiz

Last week, the winner of the autographed copy of Light Reading for Good and Wayward Catholic is Susan Fox in New Orleans. Here are the answers:

The sons of Jebedee whom Jesus nicknamed “Sons of Thunder” were James and John.
130 is the maximum number of Cardinals permitted to elect a

(Comment, I wish the maximum age were 50.)

The patron saints of farmers is Isidore.

News flashes

- Bishop Felipe Arizmendi in Mexico lit a blaze when he blamed child abuse by priests on eroticism on television.

- Commenting on the U.S, Conference of Catholic Bishops publication of “Setting the Record Straight,” Commonweal magazine said, “If the authors of this publication wish to seize a ‘new opportunity for the Catholic community to come together in defense of human life,’ they can start by not questioning the motives of those Catholics who disagree with them about how best to interpret the provisions of the new health-insurance law. On questions such as this, disagreement should not be understood as a threat to unity, but as a sign of the church’s intellectual vitality.

“American bishops too often seem to fear that any acknowledgement of the complexity of the issue of the church’s teaching on abortion would weaken their own position.”

(Comment – AMEN!)

- Even though half of Catholic schools have closed since 1965, with a 20% drop in enrollment in the past ten years, Timothy Dolan, New York’s archbishop is working on a strategic initiative to save the Catholic schools in his archdiocese by co-operating closely with Catholic universities. This is in opposition to converting the schools into charter status (as in Washington, DC) and they no longer operate as religious establishments.

(Comment – Congratulations, Bishop Dolan, may other Catholic educators follow your lead.)

- A sign outside the Church of God in Phoenix: HONK IF YOU LOVE JESUS; TEXT WHILE DRIVING IF YOU WANT TO MEET HIM.

Interesting sayings

Once I was at vespers and was gazing at the cross. And while I was thus gazing at the cross with the eyes of the body, suddenly my soul was set ablaze with love; and every member of my body felt it with the greatest joy. The joy which seized my soul in this moment can in no way be spoken of. And in no way whatever can I be sad concerning the passion; on the contrary, my joy is in seeing this man, and to come to him. All my joy now is in this suffering God-man.

Blessed Angela of Foligno, who died in 1309, was a wife and mother, and later a Franciscan tertiary and mystical writer.

When you are going through hell, keep going.

A waitress in Atlantis, FL

It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers.

James Thurber

Communiqués

The avalanche of messages from “The Pope is Pregnant” blog deserves a whole blog of its own. They were both favorable and unfavorable, including a few threats. So, be patient until I put it together.

Chuckle time

In the book. How to Become a Bishop Without Being Religious, the author said there were two major requirements to be a bishop:

(a) grey hair

(b) hemorrhoids to give you a sorrowful look.

Special Intentions List

As you pray with a broad brush, please include these loved ones, who have been submitted by our readers. You, too, are invited to send me names of your special persons who are in need of prayer. My address is joyfulcatholic@comcast.net. They will be on the list for 60 days. At the end of that time, if prayers are still needed, you merely have to renew the name.

Juanita Caldwell, Isola Todd, David Abbey, Amie Ellis,

Linwood “Skip” Williams, Gerry Paradiso, Tom Medved, Eileen Grotsky, Roseanne Somlock, Nicholas Gallagher, Tom Lewis, Donald Whitcomb, Violeta Zepeda, John Aylor, Rev. Joseph Marini, Enrique Portillo,

Sharon McPike, Tom Ryan, Joseph Normile, Jim Quimby, Russell Edwards,

Gertrude Goldstein, Rev. Stephen Huffstetter, Hugh Cannon, Eric Moore, Joan Barrett, 8-year-old Michael Fotta and his parents, Lolita Alvarez, Camilus Musselman, Jack Conner, Ed Block, Isobel Milligan,

Peter Bartkiewiez and his family, Joe Toles, Grace Toomey,

Camilus Musselman, Bob Kehlhofer, Ed Cole,Bishop Thomas Olmsted,

Rev. David Granfield, Mort Barron, Jay Parker

As you note, because of miraculous healings, several names have been deleted and added to our Deo Gratias list.

“Be happily and uncomplicatedly Catholic.”

Posted on April 30, 2010 by aljago

We do indeed need to show joy as Catholics. My motto — “Be happily and uncomplicatedly Catholic.”

Michael J Sheehan

Archbishop of Santa Fe

Quiz

The first to send the right answers to joyfulcatholic@comcast.net will receive a gift copy of Light Reading for Good and Wayward Catholics.

1. Who was the Church official Henry VIII sent to Rome to try and get Papal approval of annulment so he could marry the already pregnant Anne Boleyn?

2. In what year did Pope Pius IX define the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception?

3. What was the name of the tax collector who left his customs post to follow Jesus and later gave a great banquet for him?

News flashes

As I predicted in my “Cheap Shooting” column, The Washington Post, a true master in the art of cheap shooting, confirmed it is going to milk the pedophilia subject to the fullest. In the April 21 paper, they put it on the front page.

The British House of Lords voted down the requirement that churches had to hire non-believers and those “whose private conduct is inconsistent with their teachings”. (comment: Hurrah!)

The Pope is encouraging priests to use the Internet which can help “create deeper forms of relationship across great distances, opening up enormous new possibilities of evangelization.”

My new blog friend

George Torres is a poet and the editor of Sofrito for Your Soul, a splendid website for the Latino-Hispanic communities worldwide. He has succeeded in establishing an invigorating center for cultural information. Welcome, George, to the pack!

Regarding fasting for Lent

Posted on March 1, 2010 by aljago

This, rather, is the fasting that I seek;

Releasing those bound unjustly…

Sharing your bread with the hungry…

Clothing the naked when you see them.

Isaiah 58:6-7

A man who fasts for his sins, and then goes and commits them again—who will hear his prayer, and what has he gained by his mortification?

Sirach 34:26-

Suggested Assignment for Lent

In attempting to personalize your religion during this special season of Lent, you may want to try what I’m going to do. Believe me; it’s harder than merely giving up something I enjoy. It is writing the answer to these four questions.

In your own words, describe God, the Father. For the past two thousand years, brilliant theologians have pondered this and written their views. But, as a simple layman, responsible for my own being, what do I visualize when I say, ‘God the Father, Creator of Heaven and Earth?”
Just as Jesus said to his apostles, “But what do you say I am?” In your own words, record who you think Jesus is, in his role as the second party of the Holy Trinity. Elaborate on why you think he became man. How have his teachings affected your life? Do you picture Jesus as the portrayed handsome young Mediterranean with the silky brown beard?
Then, defining the Holy Spirit may require much thought. In conversation with a non-believer, without using staple expressions such as “Giver of Life”, etc., how would you describe the Holy Spirit?

Think of examples when you think the Holy Spirit has been an important factor is your life.

Lastly, in your own words, answer: “Why the Cross?” One time, an elderly Spaniard who had been an active Catholic throughout his life, confessed to me that, for the first time, he questioned why Jesus died on the Cross. He felt lost in trying to find an answer. On this subject, record only your thoughts.

(And let me know your suggestions in making the best of Lent.)

joyfulcatholic@comcast.net

Interesting sayings

How am I working to build a more just world—starting in my own home, workplace, parish and neighborhood? With whom am I sharing my “bread”—whether that bread is food, money, time, talents or attention? Who am I helping to free from bondage—the bondage of addiction, ignorance, poverty, sickness, loneliness, poor self-esteem?

Sister. Melannie Svoboda, S.N.D.

Thus never delay inner purification for a single moment, as soon as you are conscious of something wrong in you.

Father Lorenzo Scupoli (died 1610)

The good Physician comes himself to heal me, but always find me engaged in acts that prevent his remedies from rendering their healing power. O Lord, enlighten and sober me. Cure me and I will be cured!

Saint Ephrem the Syrian (died 373)

(And what are a few of our favorite sayings?)

joyfulcatholic@comcast.net

News flashes

Karl Rabeder, the 47-year-old Austrian millionaire is giving away his 5 million dollar fortune to be poor and spend his life in a wooden hut in the mountains. He said, “I was just listening to the voice in my heart and head.”

Citizens Against Government Waste published the Senate’s biggest porkers of the month. They are (all Republicans) Thad Cochran (MS) Susan Collins (ME), Richard Shelby (AL).

NBC’s poll on the question of whether to keep “In God We Trust” on our currency and 86% voted “yes”.

Historians (who sometimes have little to do) in Egypt declared that King Tut had a club foot and died of pneumonia. And an Italian scientist maintains that the reason Mona Lisa is smiling is because da Vinci was gay and this is a self-portrait with him cross-dressed.

Contributions

This week I sent donations to:

Population Research Institute, which seem to be taking a practical approach to the Pro Life cause.

The Catholic League, which is our B-nai B-rith organization, monitoring and defending our Catholic image in the massive communication world.

Other recommended Catholic Blogs

Adams Ale

Man With Black Hat

Communiqués received

Many thanks for your thoughts about the “Blessed are the poor” Beatitude which has puzzled me for years.

“Poor in spirit” Ames Woodward, Sacramento, CA

I think you are taking too much liberty in your interpretation of this first Beatitude. Jesus said what he meant!

Inez Goodall, West Point, ME

My favorite religious priest, layperson or organization

Father Stephen Huffstetter, S.C.J.. (submitted by Mary Wiley, Richardson, TX)

“Father Steve is a wonderful person, a man of faith who practices Jesus’ admonitions about the “little children” and the “least among us” every day of his life as director of St. Joseph’ Indian School on a Sioux reservation.

Two other facts, please add Father Steve to our Special Intentions List as he has cancer. Also, his school is desperate for donations for their winter fuel bill! (saintjosephs@stjo.org.)

Nearly 200 Native American children call St. Joseph’s Indian School home (another 100 are on our waiting list).

Your tax-deductible online donation provides Native American children in need with a stable home and an education. Thank you for your generosity!

Please let me know about your favorite Catholic priest, layperson or organization that is making a difference. Share this with our many Joyful Catholic members.

joyfulcatholic@comcast.net)

Quiz

The winner of a gift copy of Light Reading for Good and Wayward Catholics, who clocked in at 1:32PM on February 18 is Gretchen Williams in Meridian, MS.

1. The least Catholic area of the United States is the north-central part of my native state of Mississippi, which is part of the Diocese of Jackson (2.4% Catholic).

2. The last word spoken by Mary in the Bible was at the Feast of Cana, when she said, “Do whatever he tells you.”

3. The seven sacraments of the Church are Baptism, Penance, Holy Eucharist, Confirmation, Matrimony, Holy Orders and the Anointing of the Sick.

Chuckle time

An Irishman goes into the confessional box after years of being away from the Church. Inside, there’s a fully equipped bar with Guinness on tap. On the other wall is a dazzling array of the chocolates and tasty snacks. Then the priest comes in.

“Father, forgive me, for it’s been a very long time since I’ve been to confession, but I admit the confessional box is more inviting that it used to be.”

The priest replied, “Get out. You’re on my side.”

Special Intentions List

As you pray with a broad brush, please include these loved ones, who have been submitted by our readers. You, too, are invited to send me names of your special persons who are in need of prayer. My address is joyfulcatholic@comcast.net. They will be on the list for 60 days. At the end of that time, if prayers are still needed, you merely have to renew the name.

Juanita Caldwell, David Abbey, Amie Ellis, Linwood “Skip” Williams, Gerry Paradiso, Nick DeCarlo, Tom Medved, Eileen Grotsky, Roseanne Somlock, Nicholas Gallagher, Tom Lewis, Donald Whitcomb, Violeta Zepeda, Rev. Joseph Healy, John Aylor, Rev. Joseph Marini, Enrique Portillo, Sharon McPike, Tom Ryan, Joseph Normile, Jim Quimby, Russell Edwards, Mary Darwish, Msg. Louis Quinn, Rev. Lawrence Boedt, Gertrude Goldstein,

Rev. Stephen Huffstetter.

As you note, because of miraculous healings, several names have been deleted and added to our Deo Gratias list.

Don’t Fight With a Duck!

Posted on December 9, 2009 by aljago

Favorite Quote

The Church involves a tension between the human and the divine. It does so because it stems from the Incarnation, which is the primary tension involving the fully divine in the person of Jesus
Rev. William P. Clark, O.M.I.

Don’t Fight With a Duck!

When I returned home from a week’s stay in my place in Florida, I wanted to tell friends my torn-up left hand was from a fight with an alligator. But the embarrassing truth is that I had a losing round with a duck. (“A what!?” is the response I get when I tell of this event.)

The last day of my visit, I went over to meet a new neighbor who had recently moved in next door. As I was walking on the lawn, I was shocked to realize something had grabbed hold of the back of my left leg and wouldn’t let go. I turned around and found that a large Muscovy* duck had attacked me.

As I tried to kick it off, I slowly fell on the ground. At age 72 (At 80 I started counting backward and will be 71 next year), my balance ain’t what it used to be. The man-eating duck keep biting me, and when I got up, I grabbed it by the neck and it became limp. I started taking the critter down to dump in the lake when it suddenly became a violent flapping volcano. In a flash, it reached up with its webbed foot and took off the top of my left hand. I released it and the damned duck waddled off, claiming victory.

Mary, the new neighbor, heard the commotion and came to my rescue. Inside her house, she used her entire supply of band aides to stop the bleeding. She is a 6’2” blonde with a heart in proportion to her size. After her first aid treatment, she came back with me to meet my wife and began our new lifetime friendship.

That night before getting to sleep, as a joyful Catholic, I used my “thank You!” mantra to recount this event and its aftermath. First was receiving the treasure of our new friend Mary. If the duck had attacked my wife instead of me, we would be looking forward to a Christmas meal of roasted duck instead of turkey. At the medical clinic I met many splendid young and dedicated people, especially the efficient doctor, who looked like he had just finished high school. While he was stitching up my hand and I was lying, saying it didn’t hurt, I thought of what real pain must be like. I remembered that, as I was doing, Christ had stretched out His hand, but He did this to get a spike pounded through His wrist. And He did this for you and me — Wow! Thank You, Christ.

Another benefit is that it has made an amusing story for the wonderful people I visit in the nursing homes I visit. All-in-all, I’m glad it happened because it woke me up to the wonders and benefit of being a joyful Catholic. Amen!

*Muscovites are a South American duck species which reach over 20 pounds and can take two people to restrain. Their feet have strong sharp claws. (You betta believe it!)

Admired saying

The Christian faith is this: encounter with Christ, the living Person who gives life a new horizon and thereby a definitive direction.

Jeff Ziegler, in The Catholic World Report

News flashes

– (Church in crisis) Detroit archdiocese is losing $42,000 a day and laying off 1/3 of staff. The Catholic World Report

–(for Catholics who have nothing better to do) Michelle Obama is criticized for having worn a black veil when she met Pope Benedict XVI. U.S.Catholic, Org.

– Be aware of the dissenters, calling themselves “the American Catholic Council” who are trying “to create a new Church”. The Catholic World Report

Haiku time

(Submitted by Susan Keller in Omaha, Nebraska)

Rejoice!

When God became Man

This renewed all creation.

Yes, God became man!

(send me yours: joyfulcatholic@comcast.net

Recommended reading

- “More ‘Access’ Means Less Care” in November issue of

The Catholic World Report www.catholicworldreport.org

- http://www.zenit.com/ (daily news from the Vatican)

Last Week’s Quiz Results

The first winner of a gift copy of Light Reading for Good and Wayward Catholics, who clocked in at 3:32 PM on November 26, is Jim Beckingham in Tucson, AZ.

1. What were the names of the two future disciples whom Jesus found casting their nets into the sea, and he told them, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men”?

Simon and his brother Andrew

2. Who was the saint, born in Assisi in 1193, who established an order of women devoted to the poor?

Saint Claire

3. The Vatican Library originated in which time?

(a) 13^th Century

(b) <15^th Century>

Chuckle time

Internal Revenue Agent: Father Kincaid, is it true that your parishioner, John Jones donated $10,000 to your church last year?”

Father Kincaid: He will.

My favorite priest

(Submit your favorite priest to joyfulcatholic@comcast.net)

As there is no current recommendation (shame on you!), I submit a very special person: Brian Burnie, an English self-made millionaire who sold his 16 million pound country hotel and gave the proceeds to cancer charities. He said, “We live in a me, me, me society, and it has always been important for me to think of others. My ambition is to die penniless. We came into the world with nothing and we should leave with nothing.”

London Telegraph 5/20/2009

Special Intentions List

As you pray with a broad brush, please include these loved ones, who have been submitted by our readers. You, too, are invited to send me names of your special persons who are in need of prayer. My address is joyfulcatholic@comcast.net. They will be on the list for 60 days. At the end of that time, if prayers are still needed, you merely have to renew the name.

Juanita Caldwell, David Abbey, Amie Ellis, Linwood “Skip” Williams, Gerry Paradiso, Nick DeCarlo, Tom Medved, Bob Haines, Eileen Grotsky,

Rebecca Matthews, Roseanne Somlock, Nicholas Gallagher, Tom Lewis,

Violeta Zepeda, Rev. Joseph Healy, John Aylor,

Rev. Joseph Marini, Enrique Portillo, Sharon McPike, Joe Berger, Tom Ryan.

Note that Susan McGahee has now entered Eternal Paradise. We still keep her in our prayers.

The Cana Happening

Posted on November 25, 2009 by aljago

A Favorite Quote

For if true friendship is exchanged between God and us, between human
beings and angels, between human beings and human beings, true friendship is love. Blessed Simon Fidati of Cascia
An Augustinian friar 1348

The Cana Happening

It is understandable that, in 2002, when Church Fathers added the five additional Luminous Mysteries to the Rosary they included the Cana Wedding Party. This was an event of spiritual importance. For me, it provokes many thoughts.

First, I think it important to know that Mary and Jesus were invited as guests to this prominent social event in their town. They accepted, and I bet Mary was one of the most liked persons there. Like Mary, my own mother was popular at parties merely because, forgetful of self, she was genuinely interested in others and made them feel they were of value. At a cocktail party, I usually couldn’t see her because she was surrounded by other guests.

I am also certain that Jesus was having a good time taking part in the joyful event. When Mary wanted to get his attention, I picture him across the room, laughing at jokes with his friends. What great company he must have been!

It is interesting that Mary noticed the wine had run out. At that moment, she could have called Jesus and said, “The party is winding down, so let’s go home.”

Although others must also have known of the wine problem, Mary was the one who acted out of compassion for the parents of the wedding pair and for their guests. This thought sparks my daily reminder that I should be aware of the concerns of others.

I am fascinated by what Mary did next. She merely made Jesus aware of the problem. With faith, she knew he would know how to solve it. She didn’t tell him what to do and how to do it. With my weak faith, when I make a prayer request, I make known the goal with a suggested blueprint of how to get there.

By inviting Jesus to perform a miracle that would keep the wine flowing, Mary was doing much more than saving a social event. She was catapulting Jesus into his ministry — of removing his Man mask to expose his Divine Nature. From that moment on, he would be acknowledged not merely as a village carpenter but a miracle worker with divine power.

As joyful Catholics, we should always enjoy the Cana Happening. Like Mary, let us be aware of the needs of others. And let us invite Jesus to work within us in demonstrating our concern and love for others.

Admired saying

In other words, given what’s actually on offer in today’s religious market place, Catholicism often seems a balanced, moderate, and sophisticated option. For the record, this is how most people on the planet right now actually see the Catholic Church, in light of what else they see around them. That realization ought to have consequences not only for our missionary and pastoral strategies, but also for our own attitudes about the church.

John Allen in National Catholic Reports (www.catholicreport.org)

Hurrah for Bishop Michael Sheehan of Santa Fe for criticizing his fellow bishops who objected to President Obama’s commencement address at Notre Dame last May. He also said that withholding Holy Communion from pro-abortion politicians is a hysterical reaction.

I have long been an admirer of this outstanding Church leader, who’s motto is “Be happily and uncomplicatedly Catholics!”

Haiku time

(Submitted by Eric Thompson, Cleveland, OH)

Like a weaning babe

In my Mother Mary’s lap

I bask in her love.

(send me yours: joyfulcatholic@comcast.net

Recommended reading

www.zenit.com (daily news from the Vatican)

In the November 16 issue of America, Maryann Cusimano Love has her splendid article, “A Surge in Clarity”, about our losing war in Afghanistan.

Quiz

(The first to send the right answers to joyfulcatholic@comcast.net will receive a gift copy of Light Reading for Good and Wayward Catholics)

1. What were the names of the two future disciples whom Jesus found casting their nets into the sea, and he told them, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men”?

2. Who was the saint, born in Assisi in 1193, who established an order of women devoted to the poor?

3. The Vatican Library originated in which time?

(a) 13^th Century

(b) 15^th Century

Chuckle Time

Parishioner: Father Smyth, I will better enjoy your homilies because I am wearing a new expensive hearing device, and I can hear like a teenager.

Father Smyth: Your new hearing aid — what kind is it?Parishioner (looking at his wrist): It’s two-thirty.

My favorite priest

(Submit your favorite priest to joyfulcatholic@comcast.net)

Special Intentions List

As you pray with a broad brush, please include these loved ones, who have been submitted by our readers. You, too, are invited to send me names of your special persons who are in need of prayer. My address is joyfulcatholic@comcast.net. They will be on the list for 60 days. At the end of that time, if prayers are still needed, you merely have to renew the name.

Juanita Caldwell, David Abbey, Amie Ellis, Linwood “Skip” Williams, Gerry Paradiso, Nick DeCarlo, Tom Medved, Bob Haines, Eileen Grotsky,

Rebecca Matthews, Roseanne Somlock, Nicholas Gallagher, Tom Lewis,

Susan McGahee, Violeta Zepeda, Rev. Joseph Healy, John Aylor,

Rev. Joseph Marini, Enrique Portillo, Sharon McPike, Joe Berger, Tom Ryan.

Pray with a Broad Brush

Posted on November 16, 2009 by aljago

Open letter to Bishop Thomas Tobin

If you had been the priest instructing me during my conversion to the Church, which happened before you were born, I would still be a Protestant. At that time I learned that being a Catholic was committing oneself to Christ and his teachings. It meant devoting one’s life to love of God and love of all others. Joining the Church would entitle me to receive the Eucharist and benefit from the other Sacraments.

In your letter to Congressman Patrick Kennedy, you imply that when one becomes a Catholic, this person relinquishes freedom of thought and action. As demanded by the four most prominent dictators of the last century, all must conform to the dictates of authority. Back then, citizens who did not commit to ordered thinking, talking and acting were considered traitors. Your requirement for membership in the Church calls for mandated conscience. And in your opinion, Catholic laypeople should be like robots, which nod in unison when Church leaders press the button. I have never studied theology, but I doubt if that is what Christ had in mind when he initiated the Church.

You would like for Catholics to act as do pawn Congresspersons who vote as instructed by their Party, regarding of what they think of the merits of pending legislature. Although this is effective in cramming through legislation, I don’t think it should have a role in our Catholic religion.

I pray for you.

When Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, the whole group of disciples joyfully began to praise God at the top of their voices for the miracles they had seen.

Luke 19:37

Pray with a Broad Brush

Never underestimate the effectiveness of your prayer. In this world of unseen magical mystery, no one knows by what means one’s thoughts can affect another person. But it can and often does. So, recognize this fact and put it to good use. In my six-man prayer group which has been meeting for over a dozen years, we have had so many healings for those on our Special Intentions List that we refer to it as our Miracle List.

One summer, I was at a “Salvador Dali Happening” in a town in the Costa Brava region of Spain. The event was staged in the large market center where a string of bed sheets had been strung from wires. When the great maestro appeared with his perfected waxed moustache, he took hoses filled with different colored waters and playfully sprayed designs on the hanging sheets and also splattered some of us in the crowd. Then he laughed and shouted, “Now you can tell your grandchildren you were painted by Dali!”

That day, rather than painting on a small canvas, this artist created large patterns on the sheets. In the same way, I find it invigorating to expand a secret prayer for many people. It can be done anywhere. Often when I am on a plane or bus, I will pray for all the passengers. While waiting in a crowded bustling airport, I might pray for everyone there. I can imagine an anxious soul seated at the other end of the building, suddenly getting a tingle of comfort from my prayer, never knowing where it came from. This makes me feel like a generous and anonymous billionaire.

So throughout the day, test your power of prayer by using it generously for all within your area of being. Be aware of your prayer-power and don’t be stingy. Also, realize that out-going prayers have a boomerang effect.

In 1550, Blosius the Venerable, abbot of a Benediction abbey in Liessies, France, wrote, “Each man, without any exception whatever, must sincerely love as himself all others spiritually, desiring for them the grace of God and everlasting happiness. He should look upon all as bothers and sisters, called to the same happiness as himself.”

Admired sayings

“A church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.”

Abigail “Dear Abby” Van Buren

Haiku time

A joyful Catholic

gives joy and love to all, so

joyful Catholic be!

(Send me yours: joyfulcatholic@comcast.net)

Current news

In response to an atheist appealing to a Florida judge for an Atheist Holy Day, the judge told his attorney, “The calendar says April 1 is April Fools Day. Psalm 14.1 states, ‘The fool says in his heart, there is no God.’ Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that, if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1 is his day. Court is adjourned!”

Joyful Catholic Quiz

The first winner of a gift copy of Light Reading for Good and Wayward Catholics, who clocked in at 8:40AM on November 10^th, is Luella Margarita in Key West, FL.

1. Saint Luke died by hanging in Greece as a result of his tremendous preaching to the non-believers.

2. At the Vatican, Saint Peter’s Basilica was built in the 16^th century as a replacement of the original structure.

3. Saint Jane Frances de Chantal is the saint who was married, had seven children; she established the order of Visitation nuns and eight-five monasteries before her death in 1641.

Chuckle time

Elderly parishioner: Oh, Father Moran, you have had such an interesting life, you should write your autobiography.

Father Moran: As a matter of fact, I have been recording my life story. But I am so busy, it probably will be published postmortem.

Elderly parishioner: Well, the sooner the better.

My favorite priest

Father John Mericantante,

Pastor of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pahokee, Florida.

Pahokee is a small agricultural community on the shores of Lake Okeechobee in central Florida. The earth is rich and black, and from December to June it brings forth wonderful crops of vegetables and sugar cane. Later in the year an occasional September hurricane or a freeze in January/February can destroy those wonderful crops. The people doing the back-breaking work to raise these crops are mostly poor migrants who came from Central and Latin America and are trying to eke out a meager living for themselves and their families. The majority of them are Catholics.

Father John was sent to St. Mary’s 10 years ago, without speaking Spanish, and he has submerged himself totally in their culture and needs, helping in every way possible. For example, the water in Pahokee is very often not drinkable and he shares the clean water from the rectory’s filtering system with whoever needed it. He has assisted in completing paperwork, obtaining housing etc. for his parishioners whenever asked.

St. Mary’s Church is tiny and behind it there are two small wooden sheds, one for food and one for clothing and appliances. People from other communities, members of the Knights of Columbus and unaffiliated private citizens bring the above-mentioned items to St. Mary’s. Some are given away, some are sold at very low prices and any “profits” are then used to pay such things as electric bills for the needy. When we bring a van full of items, Father helps unload the bags and boxes. He has also arranged to have a clinic on the premises where doctors give their time without charge to give medical aid to the poor people in the area.

He was recently offered a transfer to another parish but he chose to remain in Pahokee with the community that needs him so much. In the midst of all this poverty a very special thing occurred last year: an anonymous donor gave $750,000 to St. Mary’s Church so that a new, larger Church can be built. Hopefully, there will be a ground-breaking soon. Fr. John is a very special person and a very special priest.

Submitted by Anita and Bob Kehlhofer in Atlantis, Florida

(Submit your favorite priest to joyfulcatholic@comcast.net)

Special Intentions

As you pray with a broad brush, please include these loved ones, who have been submitted by our readers. You, too, are invited to send me names of your special persons who are in need of prayer. My address is joyfulcatholic@comcast.net. They will be on the list for 60 days. At the end of that time, if prayers are still needed, you merely have to renew the name.

Juanita Caldwell, David Abbey, Amie Ellis, Linwood “Skip” Williams, Gerry Paradiso, Nick DeCarlo, Tom Medved, Bob Haines, Eileen Grotsky,

Rebecca Matthews, Roseanne Somlock, Nicholas Gallagher, Tom Lewis,

Susan McGahee, Violeta Zepeda, Rev. Joseph Healy, John Aylor,

Rev. Joseph Marini, Enrique Portillo, Sharon McPike, Joe Berger, Tom Ryan

How Long, Oh, Lord, How Long?

Posted on October 25, 2009 by aljago

How Long, Oh, Lord, How Long?

Joyful quote- “No matter what activity you are engaged in, perform it with awareness and joy”

I realize the Church moves slowly and cautiously, but how long it is going to take it to correct some of the goofs of Vatican II? Two generations have passed and the Church has its head in the sand regarding very serious problems created by Vatican II.

Through the centuries, the Mass was developed as a fitting vehicle for the deserved reverence and awe of the holy sacrament of the Eucharist. The guts of Catholicism can be summed up in three words: God became Man The Mass service in which the reenactment of this event and of parishioners physically receiving Christ, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, was one of deep reverence with a sense of awe at what was taking place. The Eucharist and the act of Communion have limitless spiritual depth — an ocean in which man with his limited human mind can only wade. But wade he should!.

During Vatican II, the key players used six Protestant leaders to advise them on means of modernizing and popularizing the Mass. Unfortunately, they heeded their suggestions, and the baby went out with the wash. It was decided that superimposed music should be the most prominent factor in a busy Mass. Parishioners would be requested to sing more than a dozen times during an hour-long service, when every minute would be filled with sound or activity. Silence and meditation were eliminated. Music would be written for the “Our Father” and the Gloria would be modified into a zippy song. One music director suggested re-writing the Apostle’s Creed into folk music. To water down the awesome fact that the Church members were to receive the Body of Christ, they were asked to sing before and after receiving Communion, without a moment to realize the awesomeness of what was taking place. The solemnity and mystique of the Mass were to be a thing of the past as the Church Fathers attempted to bring the Mass to the people rather than bringing the people to the Mass. This misguided act was like painting a moustache on the Mona Lisa.

As a awake-up call, every clergyman (from bishops on down) should sit in

the back of a church and observe what now takes place during a busy Mass.

He would find that during this sing-a-long service, only one out of twenty parishioners is singing. So, the hymns are a distracting solo performance. After forty years of trying to get Catholic to blast out hymns like the Protestants do, accept the fact that it ain’t going to happen.

While sitting in the rear of the church, the clergy-person would also observe the ho-hum attitude of the parishioners going up to received Communion. Monkey see and monkey do. With rare exception, each follows another in a disciplined manner to proceed to the front of the church to accept the wafer. Why not? It’s a free entitlement and is included in the package of attending Mass.

It would be an eye-opener if the observing clergy-person would ask parishioners what is to take place when they receive Communion. A minute number would reply, “I am going to take part in one of the most important acts of my life. Christ, who is both God and Man, has become the bread and wine. When I receive Communion, God is actually becoming one with me.” Instead, because of the current watered-down concept of Communion, 92% of parishioners could reply that receiving Communion is like swallowing a spiritual vitamin pill. Why not take it — it can’t hurt and it might help.

Vatican2

With these findings, the observing clergy-person might ask himself, “Could Vatican II changes in the Mass have caused the fact that today one out of ten Americans are now former Catholics? Is it possible that the modernized Mass is a factor for the Church now being in crisis?” Only by first acknowledging facts with self-scrutiny can our religious leaders consider and take corrective action.

Pray that they do!

Current News

Big deal! The Liberty Counsel, a conservative Christian group, has told its members that it is OK for them to pray for President Obama. Personally, I think it is the obligation for every American to pray each day for our President of the United States. For eight long, long, long years, each morning I even prayed for George W. Bush.

Recommended Reading

For an inspiring account of a modern day saint, read “A Life Freely Given” on page 22 in the October 5^th issue of America

Quiz Time

quiz

The winner is Inez Thomson, Bronx, NY, who chimed in at 8:41AM on October 18.

1. The states with the highest number of church goers are Georgia and Mississippi. (Being a Southerner, I’m proud of this!)

And the states with the smallest number of church goers are New Hampshire and Vermont.

2. The European political leader who didn’t follow his grandmother’s advice of “Do whatever you want, but don’t marry a Catholic” is

Tony Blair.

3. There are over 10,000 saints, with 1,500 in the waiting room (and that doesn’t, but should, include 72% of you Joyful Catholic blog readers)

Chuckle Time

One morning, Father O’Reilly, an Irish priest recently assigned to the parish is a small Texas town, called the sheriff’s office to report there was a dead donkey on the church lawn. When he answered, the sheriff chuckled and said, “Well, you Catholics should know what to do. Just give the poor critter the last rite.”

“That I have done,” Father O’Reilly said, “and my second chore is to notify the next of kin.”

My favorite priest

For this issue, as there has been no submission for one’s favorite priest, I want to present one of my favorite Catholic laypersons. He is Joe Difato, publisher of The Word Among Us, which for a decade has been one of my morning readings, and I strongly recommend this monthly publication.

After many years of observing business and non-profit organizations, I found that greatness doesn’t seep upward. Every outstanding operation has an outstanding person at the head. Joe Difato proves this is true. Being one who has had his faith tested by personal tragedy, he is an admirable Catholic. Today, he and his splendid editorial staff are making a strong impact on the future of our Church. In addition to their many subscribers who benefit from The Word Among Us, his organization makes this publication available each month to 48,000 prisoners and 15,500 military persons. You can contribute to help finance this splendid action via joe@wau.org.

Thank you, Joe, for being such an outstanding example of a joyful Catholic!

Thich Nhat Hanh, Buddhist priest and author

Love without Provisos

Posted on October 16, 2009 by aljago

I’m worn out by worries, night and day. Stop. Everything is secondary to God. Give in to reason. God didn’t make me in vain. I am turning my back upon this song. Now when the beloved mind has sung for me these things, I headed home, now laughing at this self-estrangement.

Saint Gregory Nazianzen (died 390)

Love without provisos

Love is love and it comes in many flavors. As joyful Catholics, we know that this broad expanse includes the love of humans for fellow humans, for pets, possessions, geographic location, nationality, religion, etc. “Love” is the only verb Jesus used in his advice to us — to love one another as He loves us, and to love God. He didn’t add a “however” for those whom some might consider not qualified. What instruction could be clearer?

With the Church in crisis, I’m getting tired of the flurry about same sex marriage. Why should we spend so much time fighting pro-and-con about this? I can name five other national problems of extreme importance that better merit our concern. Is there a need for national dispute about legalizing a lifetime loving relationship between two people of the same sex?

No one is protesting the deteriorating importance of marriage between a woman and a man, yet 50% of marriages today end in divorce. If we want to raise a rumpus about social behavior, let’s do something about our annual record of 30,000 abused children and even greater number of battered spouses.

Love in any form should be encouraged. This includes love of husband and wife, parents and offspring, young and old, rich and poor, resident and alien, those of different religions and the intimate relationship between persons of the same sex. If one loves a person of the same sex, it is understandable for one to want legal and financial protection for the person he or she loves. The hurdle they face in achieving these goals is the word “marriage.”

We can solve the problem by changing our laws to have “Confirmed Relationship” be given the same legal rights as “Marriage.” Then, by means of this innovative law, lovers of the same sex could have their relationship legalized and each receive the same social and legal benefits as if they were “married.” After executing a legal Confirmed Relationship document, same-sex couples could celebrate their togetherness with a Confirmed Relationship celebration. Let’s restrict “marriage” for a male and a female, and “confirmed relationship” for two of the same sex. And hopefully we’ll all live peacefully from then on.

(And what are your thoughts?)

Admired saying

Hans Urs van Balthasar, the Swiss theologian writes, “Christianity is a joyful message. Its essential note must therefore incontestably be joy. Christian joy retains such a particular burning, devouring element.”

Recommended reading

Via the New Advent blog and YouTube, enjoy Father Barron’s talk on “The danger of turning religion into a toy.” He’s an effective spokesman for our Church. I like him.

Joyful Catholic Quiz

(The first to send the right answers will receive a gift copy of

Light Reading for Good and Wayward Catholics)

1. In a 2006 Gallup survey, which states had the highest and the lowest number of church goers?

2. Who the European political leader who didn’t follow his grandmother’s advice of “Do whatever you want, but don’t marry a Catholic”?

3. Which is correct? Our number of saints are:

(a) over 1,000

(b) over 5,000

Chuckle time

Nine-year-old Michael wrote about angels:

angel

“It’s not easy to become an angel. First, you die. Then you go to Heaven, and then there’s flight training to go through. And then you got to agree to wear those angel clothes.

My Favorite Priest

priest drinking

(Submit your recommendation for your favorite priest by clicking here)

Busy Work!

Posted on October 3, 2009 by aljago

Just because I am God’s own, totally unique, God’s very own possession, what else can I do but sing of God’s goodness. My whole being sings
Sr. Charleen Hug, S.N.D
(She teaches theology at Notre Dame Academy in Toledo, OH)

Busy Work

With the Church in crisis, I was puzzled by our bishops devoting so much time and effort to change words in the Mass. They remind me of two of my women relatives. The first was my Mississippi great-grand-mother who raised prize chickens. Back in the early 1900s, house parties were popular social events in the South. One would invite four or five couple to come for a several day visit, when they would be constantly entertained with fancy dinners, parties, dances, picnics and games. My mother told me that the few days before she had a house party, the place was in constant turmoil with the family and servants preparing food, getting the house in order and planning for every hour of the event. During this time, her grandmother would devote her time to cleaning out her chicken house.

The other person was my splendid Spanish mother-in-law. Whenever she observed someone doing something which she thought was not of importance, she would say, “Ah, they must not have much to do.”

One aspect of the bishops’ changes puzzles me. At the beginning of the Mass, the priest faces the congregation and offers his blessing: “The Lord be with you.” When he says “you”, I assume he is blessing each body and spirit. We used to answer, “And also with you.”

But now, in reply, we are to say only “And with your spirit.” What gives? Why shouldn’t we also want a blessing on the priest’s physical being?

One reason they made this change might have been because of an event which happened one day at the beginning of a Mass when the priest was having trouble with his microphone. At the start of the service he was fumbling with his mike speaker attached to his robe, and the sound came on just as the priest said to the deacon, “There is something wrong with this mike,” and the congregation said with one voice, “And also with you.”

Admired sayings

“Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.”

Henry James

Shame on me

(A letter to me from Rita S., in Portland, Oregon)

“Armiger, I read your book, Light Reading for Good and Wayward Catholics, and if I were the Pope, I would excommunicate you!”

Returned serve

(I wrote back)

“Dear Rita, I thank you for your frank comment about my book, and I thank God that you aren’t the Pope.”

Current news

Former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum is considering a run for the presidency in 2012. (God, please save America)

Recommended reading

If have an interest in teenagers, don’t miss the article, “Faulty Guidance”, by Father William J. O’Malley, S.J. in the September 14-21 issue of America magazine. It’s an excellent no-holds-barred article.

Also, check out the “Pray” article by Zev Chafets in the magazine section of the Sunday New York Times on September 20. In discussing how we Catholic pray, there is an interesting interview with Sister Janet Ruffing, director of Fordham’s program on spiritual direction.

Joyful Catholic Quiz

(Answers to last week’s quiz)

The winner of the gift copy of Light Reading for Good and Wayward Catholics is Jacob Rodriguez in Chicago in New Orleans who logged in at 8:27 AM on September 23.

1. Because of the stain on her garment, St. Veronica is the saint patroness of laundresses

2. Papal Elections take place in the Sistine Chapel.

3. The first USA bishop was John Carroll, Archbishop of Baltimore, consecrated on August 25, 1790.

Chuckle time

From the book, How to Become a Bishop without Being Religious, by Charles Merrill Smith

“Two requirements to be a bishop: gray hair and hemorrhoids to give you that sorrowful look.”

My Favorite Priest

Rev. Andrew Gries, O.C.S.O.

While visiting at Carroll Manor, a nursing home in Washington, DC, I met Father Andrew Griest, a wonderful Trappist monk whose life has been dedicated to prayer and silence. While confined in this facility for the rest of his life, he continues his priestly mission by attending daily Mass in the chapel and sharing his time with fellow Trappist patients, Father Edmund and Brother James. He welcomes, listens and counsels both Catholics and non-Catholics who come to him for advice. He is a true priest—a good representative of God. I look forward to each visit with him and always leave peaceful and happy.

Submitted by Margaret Headley in Washington, DC

(Click here to submit your recommendation for your favorite priest)

	http://google.com on I Could Have Baby-Sat the…
	Michel on …
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	DEBORAH TROMBETTA on Your Favorite Priest!
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My motto “Be happily and uncomplicatedly Catholic.”

Michael J. Sheehan Archbishop of Santa Fe

Recommended readings

The media loves to publicize bad priests, and we should give recognition to our Joyful Catholic Priests. Send me your recommendation for ones you think merit membership in this splendid group. (aljagoe@comcast.net)

Fr. Robert Aufieri (New York, NY)

Fr. John M. Bauer (Minneapolis, MN)

Fr. Edmund Connors, Katonah, NY

Fr. Paul Duchsch(Fargo,ND)

Fr. Edward Gorman, O.P. (Providence, RI)

Fr. Andrew Gries (Washington, DC)

Msgr. Edward Filardi (Bethesda, MD)

Fr. Raymond Kemp (Washington, DC)

Bishop Joseph N. Latino (Jackson, MS)

Archbishop Jerome Listecki (Milwaukee, MN)

Bishop Dennis Madden (Baltimore, MD)

Fr. Joseph Marini (San Mateo, CA)

Msgr. Joseph Mayo (Salt Lake City, UT)

Fr. John Mericantante (Pahokee, FL)

Msgr. Thomas Modugno (New York,NY)

Fr. Kevin Nelson, (Lantana, FL)

Fr. John O’Donoghue (San Antonio,TX)

Fr. Antony Pulikal (Lntana, FL)

Fr. James R. Purfield (Denver,CO)

Fr. Paul S. Quinter (Pittsburg, Pa)

Msg. David Robichcaux, V.F. (New Orleans, LA)

Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi (Mobile, AL)

Msg. Paul L. Rohling (Birmingham, AL)

Fr. David Ross (Lima. OH)

Fr. Matthew Ruhl, S.J. (Kansas City, KS)

Fr. Michael Scanlon (Steubenville, OH)

Fr. Walter J. Szezesny (Buffalo, NY)

Fr. Richard Trout (Sanford, FL)

Fr. Hayden Vaverek (New York, NY)

Fr. Malcolm Sylvester Willoughby, O.P. (Washington, DC)

Canon Stuart Wilson (London, UK)

Fr. Michael Radermache, (Vancouver, WA)

Fr. Paul D.Counce (BatonRouge, LA

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We do indeed need to show joy as Catholics. My motto- “Be happily and uncomplicatedly Catholic.”

Michael J. Sheehan, Archbishop of Santa Fe

News Flashes

-10,000 Christian families fled home in Ethiopia when Muslim extremists burned down 69 Protestant churches, thirty homes, a school and orphanage. Only 1% of the 79 million people in Ethiopia are Catholic. (comment: Pray for them!)

-A recent study proved that 40% of pregnancies in New York City end in abortion.

A study of 1,000 Israeli parole decisions found that considerably more applications succeeded after the judge had eaten lunch.

My favorite priest, layperson, breathing saint or organization

(Now, tell me about your favorite Catholic priest, layperson or organization that is making a difference )

Interesting sayings

I trust there is not a young man now living in the United States who will not die a Unitarian.

-Thomas Jefferson, letter to Waterhouse, June 26, 1822

It is with awe that we should conduct all our dealings with one another. There are no ordinary people. You have never talked with a mere mortal. - C. S. Lewis

According to a recent study, close to 50% of Catholics in the United States do not know the Church teaching that the bread and wine used in Holy Communion actually become the body and blood of Christ.

-Peter John Cameron, O. P

Handle every stressful situation like a dog. Piss on it and walk away.

-Anonymous Veterinarian

Communiqués

In regard to your “The Devil was Right”, you are on target because we must superimpose love on the polyrhythm of life. - Cyrus Eagleton,Amsterdam,Holland

I still haven’t forgiven you for you writing about the Pope being pregnant. This was the most irreverent thing I have ever read. You should be ashamed of yourself. - Madeline Smithson, Phoenix.AZ

(comment: Mia culpa, mia culpa, mia maxima culpa)

Your blog is a vector for reminding us Catholics of the role we must play

-Edward Stern,Miami,FL

I have read your Light Reading for Good and Wayward Catholics, and if I were the Pope, I would excommunicate you.

-Mary Redman,New York,NY

(Reply: I thank you, Mary, for your honesty, and I thank God that you’re not the Pope.)

Chuckle time

God replied, “Who is he going to tell?”

Special Intentions List

As you pray with a broad brush, please include these loved ones, who have been submitted by our readers. You, too, are invited to send me names of your special persons who are in need of prayer.

My address is aljagoe@comcast.net. They will be on the list for 60 days. At the end of that time, if prayers are still needed, you merely have to renew the name.

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We do indeed need to show joy as Catholics. My motto-
“Be happily and uncomplicatedly
Catholic.”

I still haven’t forgiven you for you writing about the Pope being pregnant. This was the most
irreverent thing I have ever read. You should be ashamed of yourself. - Madeline Smithson, Phoenix.AZ

(Reply: I thank you, Mary, for your honesty, and I
thank God that you’re not the Pope.)