WORDS TO THE WHYS

The stronger the claim, the calmer the voice.

Saint John Henry Newman, Victoria, August Picnic 2021

Guests start to arrive.

A group of 120+ people signed-up for and attended a most enjoyable catered afternoon of burgers, salads, hot dogs, and parishioner provided desserts. The picnic was held at a farm belonging to a family of the Victoria Ordinariate. Games were provided for children, youth and adults. The weather was beautiful, warm with a light breeze. Families from the Latin Mass community also attended. The event concluded with Compline.

Homemade pie!

'Loosen The Laces' shoe toss. "Look ma... no hands!"

Pre-launch Sequence

Piñata Catechesis

60yrs+ Stride Competition
Competitors were permitted two large steps toward the finish line every time their card was drawn.

Water balloon toss - a successful catch!

Another successful catch!

Getting ready for Sung Compline.

Comments

Post a Comment

Your comments will be appreciated and posted if 1) they are on topic and 2) preserve decorum.

Stand by your word.

Popular Posts

Praise God For Beautiful (New) Churches

Image
Laudate Deum propter aedificia pulchra! Let's draw attention to a couple of projects that are worthy of note. 1. Incarnation Catholic Church, Orlando, Florida. https://www.incarnationcc.org/building/ A project in the works since a couple of fires destroyed the former church, the new building promises to be a fitting temple for the worship of Almighty God. https://cosmatiarchitects.com/ 2. The (New) Cathedral of Our Lady Of Walsingham, Houston, Texas. A very handsome new building will replace the beloved neo-gothic structure that has served for a decade as the cathedral for the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter. - from the Cathedral website: The parish of Our Lady of Walsingham, established in 1984 under the Pastoral Provision of  St. John Paul II, was the first Catholic parish in the United States dedicated to Our Lady under this title and was a parish of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston until 2012. The Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter was established on ...
Read more

Catholic Balance: Freedom, Virtue, and the Common Good

Image
One of the challenges facing many contemporary democracies is the increasing polarization of political life. When public debate becomes dominated by ideological camps that view one another with suspicion or hostility, society loses the capacity for reasoned dialogue and compromise. Citizens are encouraged to choose sides rather than seek truth, and opponents are too often treated as enemies rather than fellow participants in a common political community. Polarized politics can serve society insofar as it highlights important disagreements and brings competing values into public discussion. Vigorous debate is a normal and healthy feature of a free society. However, polarization serves the common good only partially when it hardens into tribalism, reducing complex issues to simplistic slogans and discouraging genuine understanding. A healthier society requires the classical liberal commitment to open inquiry and freedom of expression alongside the conservative appreciation for social coh...
Read more

Standing Firm in Truth: Confronting Lies Without Losing Peace

Image
Against the Empire of Lies When lies spread through a community, workplace, family, or church, the damage extends far beyond the false statements themselves. Lies distort reality, erode trust, and place innocent people in conflict with one another. Confronting lies and liars, therefore, is not merely a matter of defending one's reputation; it is an act of defending truth and preserving healthy relationships. The first principle in confronting dishonesty is to remain anchored in facts. Anger may be understandable, but emotional reactions often create more confusion. A calm statement such as, “That is not what happened,” is usually more effective than a heated accusation. Truth has a quiet strength of its own and does not require exaggeration or retaliation. When possible, it is wise to document important communications and verify information before responding. Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight. At the same time, confronti...
Read more

Living Well Through Worship: Christian Formation

Image
Divine Worship, the liturgical expression of the Ordinariates, is a profound gift to the Church, grounded in the spiritual, literary, and musical heritage of the English Christian tradition. Through its reverent language, scriptural richness, and deeply prayerful ceremonial, it fosters confidence, charity, and wisdom among the faithful, equipping them to live with steadfast faith in a world often marked by uncertainty. The Ordinariate Liturgy complements and enriches the Church’s other liturgical rites, through which Catholics offer worship to God. O put thy trust in God; for I will yet give him thanks, which is the help of my countenance, and my God. Psalm 43 (The Prayers of Preparation / Prayers at the Foot) First, the Ordinariate Liturgy fosters confidence by directing hearts and minds toward the sovereignty of God. Its prayers are marked by a serene certainty that God governs all things according to His providence. The faithful repeatedly hear and pray texts that proclaim divine m...
Read more

Divine Reading and Immersion in Mystery

Image
Becoming more literate in Christian mystery is somewhat different from becoming knowledgeable about a subject. It involves learning, certainly, but also learning how to contemplate. The mysteries of Christianity are not puzzles to be solved so much as realities that can be entered into ever more deeply. A few practices help: Read Scripture slowly and repeatedly Read entire books for context, but also linger over individual passages. Ask not only "What happened?" but "What does this reveal about God?" The ancient practice of lectio divina is particularly valuable: read, meditate, pray, and contemplate. Learn the language of symbol and typology Christian mystery is often expressed through images, patterns, and correspondences. The Passover lamb points toward Christ. The Ark points toward Mary. The Temple points toward Christ and the Church. Learning these connections greatly enriches one's perception of Scripture and Liturgy. Attend closely to the Liturgy The Chu...
Read more

The Public Profile of the Catholic Exorcist

Image
The ministry of exorcism itself inhabits a delicate space within the life of the Church: it deals with extraordinary phenomena that naturally attract public attention, yet it is intended to direct attention away from itself and toward Christ. While formal restrictions on exorcists are relatively uncommon, the Church has intervened when exorcists acquire an unusually high public profile. Fr. Chad Ripperger (United States). In 2026, Archbishop James Golka of Denver requested that Fr. Ripperger undertake a year-long withdrawal from public speaking and interviews. Reports also indicate that restrictions had previously been imposed concerning his public statements on mental health and psychiatry. Whatever the underlying reasons, this is one of the clearest modern examples of a bishop limiting the public profile of a well-known exorcist. Msgr. Stephen Rossetti (Archdiocese of Washington). Cardinal Robert McElroy removed Rossetti from his role as exorcist for the Archdiocese of Washington in ...
Read more

POPE LEO XIV Magnifica Humanitas

Even in the darkest nights, the Lord raises up men and women who refuse to give up, who persevere in doing good, who protect the vulnerable and open pathways to reconciliation. The memory of the saints, righteous people and the oft-forgotten peacemakers, show us that grace does not magically eliminate conflict, but instead it inspires active resistance to evil and an astonishing creativity in doing good (paragraph 211).

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

I doubt not then but innocence shall make false accusation blush, and tyranny tremble at patience.