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
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
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, 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.
