Posted on October 13, 2011 by aljago

Why they’re leaving the Church

(Part 3 of 4)

(Let’s be aware of these problems and consider how we Joyful Catholics can help in the solution)

A couple, who are my splendid friends, were active Episcopalians for over twenty years. Through the CYO program which the husband was heading, they met a splendid priest. He was a saintly person. Because of his example, the couple realized the Catholic Church offered more depth of meaning in their spiritual lives, and they joined the Church.

When they moved to another parish, they discovered a different type of priest. He was an extreme egotist who wore a toupee, designer jeans and specially tailored suits. His delight was a high Mass with thundering organ, rich vestments and gold vessels on the altar. He crippled the St. Vincent de Paul activity in the church because it encouraged the appearance in the parish area of the poor black people, which would disturb the “right” people.

His meaningless homilies were no delight. He furnished the rectory with expensive oriental rugs, on which he didn’t want parishioners to tread. Finally, with a near revolt on the part of the congregation, the Church authority transferred the priest and inflicted him on another parish.

He was replaced by an attractive younger priest, who was very concerned about the youth. He encouraged the couple to adopt an eleven-year-old boy, who had a father in prison and mother who was a drug addict.Later, it was revealed that the priest was a pedophile. After the Church authority slapped his wrist, the priest was assigned elsewhere.

Another concern of my friends was the folksy approach to the Eucharist following Vatican II. During Mass, they now saw parishioners habitually rising with indifference to receive Communion like bolts on an assembly line.

The exposure to two lousy priests and the “ho hum” appreciation of the Eucharist crumbled the couple’s devotion to Catholicism, and they rejoined the Episcopal Church.

It is interesting that my inquiry to friends who have left the Church was welcomed by those I interviewed. I was the only person who had bothered to ask. That’s not good!

For example, for over twenty years, I enjoyed being a Knight of Malta. During that time, I originated two new successful programs and served on many committees and was a board member. When I became out-of-touch with the organization, I submitted a letter of resignation.

Two years later, I am still awaiting a reply and a peep from the Malta administration or a fellow member. This non-response causes me to consider their reaction to my leaving to be “good riddance”.

Let this be a lesson for us Joyful Catholics. If we know of a friend who is getting shaky about his or her Faith, confirm your interest by asking this person “why?” Odds are that he or she will be pleased with your concern and want to discuss problems of faith. Go for it!

Other recommended Catholic blogs

- Creative Minority Report
- Domine, da mihi hanc aquam!
- Faith and Family Live

Roster of Joyful Catholic Priests

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 (NYC)
Fr. John M. Bauer (MN)
Fr. Edward Gorman, O.P. (DE)
Fr. Andrew Gries (DC)
Msgr. Edward Filardi (MD)
Fr. Raymond Kemp (DC)
Archbishop Jerome Listecki (MN)
Bishop Dennis Madden (MD)
Fr. Joseph Marini (CA)
Fr. John Mericantante (FL)
Msgr. Thomas Modugno (NYC
Fr.. John O’Donoghue (TX)
Fr. James R. Purfield (CO) NEW!
Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi (AL) NEW!
Msg. Paul L. Rohling (AL)
Fr. Matthew Ruhl, S.J. (KS)
Fr. Michael Scanlon (OH)
Fr. Richard Trout (FL)
Fr. Hayden Vaverek (NYC)
Fr. Malcolm Sylvester Willoughby, O.P. (DC)
Canon Stuart Wilson (London, UK)

Posted on September 13, 2011 by aljago

You can’t win’em all

In June, a women’s Catholic Book Club in Hawaii ordered copies of Light Reading for Good and Wayward Catholic for discussion at their next meet. They were to send me their comments. Since then, there has been such resounding silence I feared a tidal wave had swept these Grande Dames of the Islands into the sea.
However, via the grapevine, I learned they survived the rigors of reading the book. However, I hear that two are being treated for shock and another has joined Jehovah’s Witness.

News flashes

-So far this year, in Indonesia there have been 17 attacks on churches by the Islamists.
- In Nigeria, Muslim extremists have caused 300 deaths, destroyed 300 homes and driven 14,000 people from their homes.
- Zhen, a 17-year-old Catholic in Shenzhen, China, sold one of his kidneys for $4,000 so he could buy an Apple iPad 2.

- In less than two weeks, car bomb attacks have hit three churches in the northern Iraq city of Kirkuk. Also, there were coordinated bombing in 17 other cities, killing 63 people and injuring 250.
(Comment: We Americans can take little pride in having devastated this country with a cost that could have modernized our rail system, built new bridges, improved our educational system, etc.)

Today’s Martyrs

After Muslim militants in Nigeria had killed two of their children, Pastor Jams Musa Rike held the hand of his dying wife who had been shot and slashed with a machete. Before attacking her, the extremists told her, “We are going to kill you – now see how your Jesus will save you.”
Pastor Rike’s comforting words to his wife were, “Hold on to your faith in Jesus, and we shall meet and never part again.”

My favorite priest, layperson, breathing saint or organization

Joseph M. Sullivan, Retired Auxiliary Bishop of Brooklyn, has made (and continues to make) a great contribution to our Church. He is a renowned and much respected national leader in Catholic social services. For the 62 parishes of the Brooklyn West Vicariate he was Vicar for Human Services.

Early this summer, in the Buffalo News he wrote, “For most Catholics there can be no sacrament that better summarizes an attitude of welcoming our LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) brothers and sisters than those of Jesus, ‘Love one another as I have loved you’” What a gutsy statement! As stated in America magazine, “There is nothing wrong with telling people that they are loved and lovable. And that all are, indeed, welcome.”
If Saint Basil were around today, he would enjoy Bishop Sullivan. Back in the year 360, the saint wrote, “The Christian directs every action, small and great, according to the will of God, performing the action at the same time with care and exactitude, and keeping his thoughts fixed upon the One who gave him the work to do.”
(Now, tell me about your favorite Catholic priest, layperson or organization that is making a difference aljagoe@comcast.net)

Interesting sayings

Believe me, don’t wait until tomorrow to begin becoming a saint.
Saint Theresa of Lisieux (1897)

Come, let us rejoice in the Lord. The one, who by word, action or deed rejoices not in himself but in his Creator, rejoices in the Lord. Come, let us rejoice in the Lord. The one for whom God is always his only and complete happiness rejoices in the Lord.
Saint Peter Chrysologus (died 450)

People who fly into a rage always make a bad landing.
Will Rogers

All things dull and ugly
All creatures short and squat
All things rude and nasty
The Lord God made the lot.

Each nasty little hornet
Each beasty little squid
Who made the spiky urchin
Who made the sharks? He did!
Monty Python

Communiqués

- To be a Joyful Catholic, one cannot believe in solipsism.
Reginald Smithson, Berkeley, CA

- Thanks you for reminding us of the suffering Christians. This is the case of any Christian in Muslim, Marxist, Communist countries – when will people pay attention?
Latino GOPVOTER

- The New York Times (10/9) The Pew Research Center Poll showed that one-half of the Catholics don’t understand Communion.
NYTtweets

- Thank you for the gift of joy in our hearts, even in not so good times.
RKNIGHT RT

Chuckle time

A priest parked his car in a no-parking zone because he was short of time and couldn’t find a space with a meter. He put this note under the windshield: “I have circled this block 10 times. If I don’t park here, I’ll miss my appointment. Forgive us our trespasses.”
When he returned, he found a citation from the police officer with this note: “I’ve circled this block for 10 years. If I don’t give you a ticket, I’ll lose my job. Lead us not into temptation.”

Why They’re Leaving The Church

Posted on August 19, 2011 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

____________________________________________________________

Why they’re leaving the Church- (Part 1 of 4)

(Let’s be aware of these problems and consider how we Joyful Catholics can help in the solution)

This has been a rough time for me because some people who are special in my life have given up on Catholicism. A relative, who for her 40-plus years on this planet has been an active and happy Catholic, has now joined the Episcopal Church. Her comment was, “I suddenly realized how lonesome I was as a woman in the Catholic Church. Also, I wanted to quit a lifetime of playing a minor role – a second-rate citizen in a male dominated organization.”

I have empathy for her because I appreciate the splendid accomplishment and acceptance of women in the past seven decades. In the 1950s when I worked for the Hartford Insurance Company (then the largest USA insurer), it was company policy that women could only be typists and secretaries. The excuse for this restriction was because “Our agents would not feel at ease talking with a female underwriter.” Twenty years later, I had a battle to get the bank board on which I was serving to add a woman director. They finally resented and the next year my woman board member was so popular they made her chairman of the important audit committee. Today, 15 of the Fortune 500 companies have women CEOs, and this number is increasing.

A Christian Brother friend, who counsels those who are shaky in their faith, told me that most women agree that at some point we should return to being a church of the
people, but few of them believe it will be anytime soon. They understand that the aged bachelors who are calling the shots in the Vatican
move with a speed that would make a snail pace seem like an Olympic racer.

As a sign of the times, last month 300 Austrian priests have signed a “Call to Disobedience”, which calls for a parish to have an individual leader – whither man or woman, and for admission of women to the priesthood.

In her book There Is a Season, Joan Chittister, O.S.B., writes about the need for spiritual re-builders—those who take what other people only talk about and make it the next generation’s reality. She is right in that we should join together in our effort to make sense of relationships within our Church. We have made improvement in that the conservative priests who refused to let little girls serve on the altar are now in their dotage or have passed on to the next life. And although most of us can’t wait until 2111 when I predict the Vatican will accept female deacons, we should now take positive steps to profess our admiration and appreciation for our woman church members. Mother Teresa said, “Holiness is not a luxury for the few; it is not for some people. It is meant for you and me, for all of us. It is a simple duty because if we learn to love, we learn to be holy.”

How do you think this can be done? (aljagoe@comcast.net)

Other recommended Catholic blogs

Catholic Cuisine

The Shrine of the Holy Whapping

Testosterhome

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.

Posted on February 3, 2011 by aljago

News flashes

Paddy Power, the popular Irish bookmaker gives 2 to 1 odds that the next Pope will be Cardinal Arinze of Nigeria.

- Music Monk Coffee advertises its produce as being “Faithfully Catholic.” (comment: strong? keeps you awake? healthy?)

- Keith Nelson, also known as Kinko the Clown, said, “Before you call anyone in Washington a clown, consider how hard a clown works, and that clowns make people happy, and at the very least, do no harm.”

- The University of Kentucky removed The Holocaust from the school curriculum “because it offended the Muslim population.”

Today’s Martyrs

- In Alexandria, Egypt, al-Qaida militants exploded a powerful bomb in a Coptic Church during a New Year Mass, killing 21 and wounding 80 parishioners. One of the survivors said, “All I could see were body parts scattered all over—legs and bits of flesh.” Angry Christians chanted, “With our blood and soul, we redeem the cross.”

- On Christmas Day, Muslim extremists exploded a bomb at the Evangelical Chapel in Manila, Philippines, wounding a 9-year-old girl and 11 parishioners.

My favorite priest, layperson, breathing saint or organization

Joyful Catholics deserves a Joyful Pastor. And at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Bethesda, MD, that is what we have with Msgr. Edward Filardi. In addition to his executive ability in managing a large religious institution, with ease he demonstrates his love and concern for all parishioners. He radiates the joyfulness of Catholicism.

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

aljagoe@comcast.net

Interesting sayings

Intelligence is the ability to take in information from the world and to find patterns in that information that allows you to organize your perception and understand the eternal world.

Brian Greene, author of “The Hidden Reality”

Sarah Palen is an effective cheer leader, but don’t throw her the ball.

Regimra

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world’s going to hell. Funny how you can send ‘jokes’ through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Ben Stein

Communiqués

To give controversy (which sells books) to her sorry Nickel and Dimed, Barbara Elrenreich calls Jesus “a wine-guzzling vagrant and precocious socialist.” If she had said this about Mohammad, she would have put her life in danger and the publishing house would be fire-bombed. What wimps we Christians are!

Patrick Donovan

Your “The hell with trivia” is right on the target. We Catholics get too fixated by the shadows to see the light.

Regina Lichbach

Chuckle time

The Santa Claus in a department store was surprised to see a young woman in line.

“And, my dear,” he said, “what do you want for Christmas?”
“It’s something for my mother,” she said quickly.

“That’s very thoughtful. And what is it you want for her?”

She replied, “A son-in-law.”

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, 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, Lenore Sommers

The cholera victims in Haiti, those in refugee camps throughout the world.

Be happily and uncomplicatedly Catholic.

Posted on October 14, 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

The Age of Apathy and Ignorance

Realizing that we are the last of the Catholics in our family, last week my wife and I donated our massive family Bible to our church library. Our splendid four children, two sons-in-laws and two daughter-in-laws have no interest in Catholicism, and our ten remarkable grandkids have little (if any) knowledge of Christianity.

Several years ago, our adorable six-year-old granddaughter was visiting us. At breakfast one morning when I mentioned I had trouble understanding the Buddhist religion, she told me all about when Buddha was under a tree he had this revelation that he taught to his followers, etc., etc. I then asked her what she knew about the 5,000 year history of the Jews and about Jesus Christ. With the truth of youth, she said, “I haven’t the foggiest.”

Our two generations following us are all admirable individuals—intelligent, well-educated, loving one another and their neighbors, thoughtful, sensitive, good and popular citizens in their communities and enjoyable company. They have made themselves healthy and financially successful. They are all good kids, of whom I am busting with pride. Yet I am concerned about their satisfied two-dimensional lives, devoid of religion.

St. Augustine compared religion as a bridge to a higher location. To me, I relate it to an experience I had years ago when I would take early morning swims in the clear sea at the Costa Brava. I enjoyed it as a refreshing way of starting the day. Then one morning I had my initial experience with a snorkeling mask. I was stunned to see clearly the beauty of the under-water world. Before, I had been content with skimming along the surface, ignorant of the sea treasures below me. Now, thanks to my mask, like magic an entire new world opened for me.

I feel that way about my Faith. There are boundless spiritual treasures that Catholicism makes available for me every minute of the day. It gives me the opportunity to view all with new and fresh sight—though the eyes of others, of Christ, of Blessed Mary, and of thousands of saints. This gives meaning, purpose and enjoyment to the hum-drum of life. As the theologian Ewert Cousins wrote, “Theology is concerned with the ultimate level of religious mystery which is even less accessible than the mystery of the physical universe.”

I have the uncomfortable feeling of being a frustrated billionaire who hasn’t figured out how to share his wealth. Without intent, I am a hoarder of spiritual blessings I want to share. My failure to pass my appreciation of religion on to my children is a puzzlement, and I don’t know the answer. As one who has experienced this feeling, Kenda Creasy Dean, professor at Princeton Theological Seminary, said she has spend the most depressing summers of her life, interviewing teens about their faith.

As an interesting tid-bit, I read this in the North American Almanac 1929: “He who fights religion and its institutions kicks at the stars. He who incurs religion’s enmity must be a brave fighter for he may have 1,000 hands of logic, yet cannot lay low the one hand of religious prejudice.”

You readers, give me your thoughts and advice. I welcome it!

thejoyfulcatholic@comcast.net.

Recommended readings

- “Twelve instant ways of beautifying the Novus Ordo” by Monica Miller. PhD., in the August/September issue of Homiletic & Pastoral Review.

- “What’s Extraordinary?” by Gerald Coleman, S.S., in America, August 30 – September 6.

- “The Traditional Sources of Thomas Merton’s Environmental Spirituality” by Patrick O’Connell PhD in Spiritual Life, fall 2010.

- “A Tree Full of Monkeys – Why The Soul Needs Silence” by John Garvey, in Commonweal, July 16

Lightning Bug Catholics

Posted on August 29, 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

Lightning Bug Catholics

Recently, my wife and I enjoyed an evening cookout in the park. At dusk as we sat looking over a grassy area towards the woods, we had a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Suddenly the area became alive with hundreds of lightning bugs. They put on a show like quiet fireworks on the 4th of July. One of the little fellows landed on the top of my hand and stayed long enough for me to observe his orange head. Then he lighted up his lower abdomen and took off.
Return home, still tingling from the awe of having witnessed this phenomena of nature, I did some research. I learned that “the bug’s light production (bioluminescence) is caused by enzyme luciferase acting on luciferin in the presence of magnesium ions, ATP, and oxygen to produce light with wavelengths from 510 to 70 nanometers.” Wow!
During the week I realized that we Joyful Catholics are the lightning bugs in the Church. Those other staid, conservative and me-only Catholics are the non-lightning bugs who go about doing their own thing, unnoticed and unnoticing. By contrast, we Joyful Catholics brighten the world around us by demonstrating our concern and love for others—perhaps with a warm smile for a stranger, a call to the lonely, an act of kindness or a note of thanks and appreciation.
As I have said before, a complacent Catholic is third rate. What great joy there is in being a Joyful Catholic!

Recommended readings

- “No Third Reading” in Homiletic & Pastoral Review
- “Saint Teresa of Avila: Prayer-Centered Reformer” in Spiritual Life
- “A Reckoning- the Price Tag for America’s Wars” in Commonweal 7/16
- “The Jesus Controversy” in America 8/2-9 (Comment: I get annoyed at us Catholics who enjoy debating “the historical Jesus”. Why can’t we just accept that he was God-Made-Man, and ponder that forever.)

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.

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.

The Perplexing Beatitude

Posted on February 17, 2010 by aljago

This is of value in our sorrow for the victims of the Haiti earthquake.

God does nothing without cause and truth. But, believe me, a person cannot completely grasp the meaning of God’s locutions and deeds, nor can he determine this by appearances without extreme error and bewilderment. Since the duration of these causes is uncertain, the fulfillment of the promise is too. One should seek assurance, therefore, not in understanding but in faith.

Saint John of the Cross, written 1585

The Perplexing Beatitude

Aaron Weiss, the popular mod singer, composer and head of the MeWithoutYou Band, has it tattooed on his wrist. I have read many writing which were unsuccessful in convincing me of its meaning. Then the light finally came by something said by a man who is in no way a theologian.

In the Southern town where I grew up, when you spoke of someone who was greatly distressed and burden down with worries, you would say, “Poor soul, he sure is poor in spirit.” And when you asked this person how he was feeling, he might say, “Mighty poorly.”

For that reason, I have long been disturbed by the first of Jesus’ beatitudes, when he said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” It didn’t make sense to consider yourself blessed if you were a mealy-mouth person, all down and out.

One evening when Donald Trump had again hit the skids and was head-over-head in debt, he and his current wife were walking down a street in New York. When they passed a street person with his hand out, Trump said in truth, “See that fellow? He is richer than I.”

Since that moment of revelation, I have accepted “poor in spirit” as meaning one who acknowledges the tremendous debt he owes to the Supreme Being who continuously allows the debt to increase each day. God is like a banker, who out of compassion rather than good business sense, keeps extended one’s line of credit. He knows that only in a minute way can the creditor repay what he has been given freely.

The value of something is what you would let it go for. So, the gift of my eyes, ears and other senses would have a price tag of over a million. Each family member and friend would each be worth a staggering sum. In appreciation, if I valued $1 for each bodily cell which performs so perfectly, I’d add a billion to my debt. For example, how could I establish a value for my Catholicism? My life would have less meaning if I were ignorant of the fact that God became Man with of His message of love. When I put a total price tag on God’s gifts to me, the 000s go out the window.

May I tattoo on my memory slate each morning, “Please bless me, one of the poorest of the poor!”

(And give me your thoughts about this Beatitude, joyfulcatholic@comcast.net)

Interesting sayings

In order to desire to be saved, we must know we are lost.

Servant of God Madeleine Delbrel 1958

Surprising God, keep my mind and heart open to the unexpected ways you manifest in my life.

Sister Joyce Rupp, O.S.M.

(And what are a few of your favorite sayings?) joyfulcatholic@comcast.net)

News flashes

- In the 2/5 Wall Street Journal, Sarah Pulliam Bailey wrote an interesting article, jabbing sports reporters for not giving attention to the faith of the sports champion about whom they write. Her examples included Tim Tebow, Kurt Warner, and Joe Gibbs.

- In the February issue of U.S. Catholic, Phyllis Zagano wrote “The case for Deacon Pam” encouraging us having women deacons. I’ve got bad news for you, Phyllis, because I don’t think the first woman deacon has yet been born. Last month with pressure from the Vatican, Bishop Joseph Grech (not “Grench”!) in Australia stopped a parish church from lending its facility to an Anglican church that is under repair. The reason—the fellow Christians were going to have an ordination service for seven deacons, four of them women. The Bishop said that the ordination of women would be a potential source of confusion and conflict. (What do you think about this. joyfulcatholic@comcast.net)

- A good economical sign! The editorial board of America magazine selected Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury for its 2009 Campaign Award Recipient. “Gifted with a creative mind and poetic spirit, Archbishop Williams writes eloquently about many things: theology, prayer, church history, icons, religion and literature. His body of work nourishes the mind and the spirit.”

Joyful experiences

– With the snow storms of the century in the Washington, DC, area, the community has responded with admirable help and compassion for those in need. Everyone with whom I have talked has an account of being either the benefactor or recipient of sincere caring. It’s interesting that it sometimes takes a catastrophe to bring out the best in us. But, it’s there!

(And what joyful experience do you want to share?)

joyfulcatholic@comcast.net)

Examples from martyrs

As a young man who’s wife was expecting their second child, Blessed Luis Magana Servin told the Mexican judge during the anti-Catholic persecution, ”If you accuse me of being a Christian, yes, I am, and if I must be executed for that reason, I welcome it.”

The next day, February 14, 1928, when he was being shot in the vestibule of his parish church, he told his executioners, “I want to tell you that from this moment I pardon you, and I promise that on arrival in the presence of God you are the first ones for whom I will intercede.” Wow!

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 is the least Catholic area of the United States?

2. In the Bible, what were the last words spoken by Mary?

3. What are the seven sacraments of the Church?

Recommended reading:

Conversing with God in Lent by Stephen J. Binz

Communiqués received

Many thanks for telling about your Prayer Group. I intend to give it a try with four of my friends.

Rebecca Robbins, Birmingham, AL

I find it hard to believe that you fellows in your Prayer Group have been meeting so long. I discussed this with my priest who wants to start a group in our parish, using your guidelines.

Erick Tims, Erie, NY

(Let me hear from you via joyfulcatholic@comcast.net)

Other recommended Catholic Blogs

www. Zenith.com (daily news from the Vatican

Rumor has it that after seeing the wide approval of our Joyful Catholic blog, the Pope is encouraging priest to start their own blogs in order to communicate better with their congregations. I am glad the Pope didn’t ask me to relinquish the title of this blog. If he had, since he is younger than I, I would have given in.

Chuckle time

(Via Bob Kehlhofer in Atlantis, FL

If you also have a favorite chuckler, send it to me. joyfulcatholic@comcast.net

A nun in a Catholic hospital was quizzing a penniless man without insurance about who would pay his bill and she asked if there were concerned relatives. When he said he had only a spinster sister who was a nun, the inquiring nun shot back, “A nun is not a spinster, because she is married to God!’

The old man said, “Well then, send the bill to my brother-in-law.”

My favorite religious priest, layperson or organization

The fifth grade students in the school at St. Anthony’s Parish in Columbus, NE, recommended Father Del Lape by listing 14 (!) things they like about him. A few of these are:

“Father Del is a great priest and teacher, a person who tries to teach about God and has a fun time when he’s doing it/ he eats lunch with the kids and makes them laugh/ he is trustful and kind/ he is the best preacher ever/ he is always ready to hear our thoughts. Father Del, you are terrific and the best priest ever!”

And 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)

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.

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

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

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The Joyful Catholic

Armiger Jagoe, author of Light Reading for Good and Wayward Catholics

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