Pastors Help Us Become Saints
- Reverent liturgy, including well-prepared homilies firmly rooted in biblical wisdom made accessible. We really and truly meet Jesus and the saints in the sacred Liturgy. Rendered beautifully, mindful of the connection between the earthly and the heavenly Liturgy, we are formed by the Eucharistic Jesus for an eternity with him.
- Confession: supply formation to assist the examination of conscience, refinement of judgement, clarity of purpose, development of virtue, and dependence on God's grace. God provides the medicine of mercy through Holy Mother Church to help us grow in holiness. We need what the Holy Ghost provides: perspective. Without the grace of God, we can flounder in scrupulosity or wander in indifference. The Light of God is necessary for us to remain vigilant and ready to repent of our sins. If we become full of ourselves, there is no room for God in our lives.
- Fellowship and a rich devotional life: study and discussion groups that support formation for mission, evangelization, and works of mercy; Rosary; Divine Office; Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Jesus drew around himself his apostles and disciples, witnesses to his life, death, and resurrection. Before Scripture was the community of the redeemed, the Church, with Peter as the visible head of Christ's Church, that handed on the Faith undefiled.
- Publish bulletins and other modes of communication that explain liturgical worship and propose authentic leadership for mission. Social media can be used to great effect to "get the word out," to support evangelization, and to build community by inviting people to "come and see." Social media, beyond pitching bits and pieces of upcoming events, can be used to establish a conversation among parishioners that, with the right guidance from pastors (e.g., homiletic content, Advent and Lenten lectures), can intensify commitment and foster the realization of spiritual and corporal works of mercy that bring Christ to those in most need of his mercy.
Popular Posts
Does the weakening of Catholics' testimony to Christ stem solely from the Second Vatican Council? Council teaching was susceptible to manipulation by rival groups, each keen to assert their claim to magisterial power, given that it was established during a period of revolt. Easy scapegoat. Three tales concerning Annibale Bugnini, the president of the consilium tasked with revitalizing the holy liturgy and the poster child for conspiracy theories, are frequently shared by opponents of the liturgical reform. Some versions even claim that Paul VI was a Freemason or that an impostor took his place. Archbishop Bugnini was a Freemason who attempted to deceive Pope St. Paul VI and compromise the Liturgy. In order to appease Protestants, Bugnini purportedly changed the Catholic liturgy by deleting aspects that were essential to Catholic identity. This assertion is sometimes connected to a comment that Bugnini is said to have made about getting rid of everything that Protestants would find ...
A whale of a time? Well, what do you know? The Ordinary Form of the Mass is under attack once more. By now, word has probably spread far and wide about recent unusual acts, to put it mildly. Sword swallowing priest. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkLmfuuV6pA&t=75s Whale sculpture in church. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVKcE3FCC6b/ XANTEN, Germany — Serious concern has emerged after a life-size sculpture of a dead humpback whale was placed inside Xanten Cathedral, one of the country’s historic Catholic churches. The artwork, known as the Cast Whale Project and created by Gil Shachar, now lies prominently in the nave of the cathedral. Church officials say it is meant to symbolize the “vulnerability of creation” during Lent. However, many faithful Catholics view the installation as deeply inappropriate. Critics argue that placing the image of a dead animal inside a consecrated church undermines the sacred character of the sanctuary and shifts the focus away from Christ and t...
Are you thirsty for solid Catholic content? Do you seek to raise your children in a vibrant Catholic culture that helps them become faithful adults? Are your hungry for truth, goodness and beauty? Are you tired of parish programs that waste resources and do little to feed the soul? Are you seeking to learn how you can help build up the Body of Christ? Introducing Brian Holdsworth. If you haven't watched this articulate, insightful and faithful fellow share a thoroughly Catholic understanding of the Faith, then you are invited to start by watching one of his videos. Visit Mr. Holdsworth's main site at: https://www.brianholdsworth.ca/ Brian Holdsworth, a Catholic convert, resides in Edmonton, Alberta, with his wife and seven children. His videos are rich with genuine Catholic content, revealing a deep faith. Far from being just another "influencer" or social media personality, he is a true man of God, passionately advocating for truth, goodness, and beauty within the C...
Ever wonder what the curious pointed oval shape in religious art is called, the shape that is also used in various designs adopted by guilds and religious groups? That almond shape is called the mandorla, the Italian word for almond. The mandorla is a significant symbol in Christian art and theology, characterized by its almond shape, which is formed by the intersection of two circles. This shape has deep theological implications and is often used to represent the divine presence, particularly in relation to Christ and the Virgin Mary. Symbolic Meanings Divine Presence. The mandorla is frequently depicted as a radiant shape surrounding Christ in His glory, particularly in scenes of the Transfiguration or the Ascension. It symbolizes the divine light and glory that emanates from Christ, emphasizing His dual nature as both God and man. The use of the mandorla in art serves to highlight the sacredness of the figure it surrounds, marking a clear distinction between the divine and the eart...
The Love of God Tactical retreats are necessary to attend to one's spiritual well being in the midst of the workaday world to better cooperate with God in the ongoing mission to share the Good News for the salvation of souls. Right Way The Way of Jesus is to take up one's cross and know that Jesus is wed to our lives, sharing our journey as the lover of our souls. Are we faithful to our spouse, the Lord? Asking of God the grace to enter into our wounds in order to grow closer to Christ makes a place in us for God, to grow in holiness and the love of God and neighbour. Without the mercy of God's grace, we might as well make of ourselves a hell in which we are never touched by love nor know the blessing of authentic freedom. As the saying goes: know Jesus, know peace; no Jesus, no peace. Likewise: know Jesus, know truth; etc. Saint John Henry Newman, Doctor of the Church, offers wise counsel for making the most of Lenten practices. The earnest disciple would do well to take i...
A PENITENTIAL OFFICE for the BLESSING of ASHES EXAUDI NOS Psalm 69.17, 1 HEAR me, O Lord, for thy loving-kindness is comfortable: turn thee unto me according to the multitude of thy mercies. Ps. Save me, O God, for the waters are come in even unto my soul. Glory be… Hear me… The Celebrant now turns to the people and says: BRETHREN, it has been the custom in the Church from ancient times to observe with great devotion the days of our Lord’s Passion and Resurrection, and to prepare for the same by a season of penitence and fasting. This season of Lent provided also a time in which converts to the faith were prepared for holy Baptism. It was also a time when such persons as had, by reason of notorious sins, been separated from the body of the faithful, were reconciled and restored to the fellowship of the Church by penitence and forgiveness. Thereby the whole Church was put in mind of the message of pardon and absolution contained in the Gospel of our Saviour, and ...
ST AUGUSTINE
The truth is like a lion; you don’t have to defend it. Let it loose; it will defend itself.
POPE LEO XIV
The right to freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, religious freedom, and even the right to life are being restricted in the name of other so-called new rights, with the result that the very framework of human rights is losing its vitality and creating space for force and oppression. This occurs when each right becomes self-referential, and especially when it becomes disconnected from reality, nature, and truth.
MARCUS AURELIUS
There is but one thing of real value - to cultivate truth and justice, and to live without anger in the midst of lying and unjust men.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom.
MARK TWAIN
If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.
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.