Coming Soon: The Sodality of Our Lady of Fatima

A new Sodality of Our Lady of Fatima, whose purpose will be to promote devotion to Mary, Mother of God, under her title of Our Lady of Fatima. A sodality is a confraternity or association, especially in the Roman Catholic Church, of like-minded individuals. The Sodality will adopt as its mission: spiritual development, service to the Church and community. The Sodality will welcome new members from throughout the Diocese and beyond, and invites all, men, women, and children to attend its functions. If you would like to learn more about the Sodality or are interested in becoming a member, please send me a note. A founding meeting is scheduled soon.

Pray the Rosary. 

Catholic Spiritual Direction

Many of you have been trying to seek proper Catholic spiritual direction.

The following site maybe of some help to you.

Spiritual Direction site provides Catholic spiritual direction training and answers to questions on the Catholic faith based on the wisdom of the Bible, the Church, and the saints.

Check it out:

http://www.catholicspiritualdirection.org/index.html

Feast of Pope Saint Pius V

Saint Pius V, Pope

The pontificate of Pope Pius V (1504 - 1572), born among poor shepherds, Antonio Ghislieri sought religious life at the age of fourteen when he entered the Orders of Preachers (Dominicans). Known for his strict prayer and fasting, he was named a bishop and a member of the Inquisition. As pope, he was known for his extensive charity to the poor. He visited many parishes in Rome. He required bishops to reside in their dioceses, reduced the papal court, and carefully avoided nepotism in his appointments. Pope Saint Pius V was one of the most notable figures of the sixteen century. He enforced the decrees of the Council of Trent, published the Roman Catechism, and revised the Roman Missal and Liturgy of the Hours.

Let us pray:

O God, who in Your providence
raised up Pope Saint Pius the Fifth in Your Church
that the faith might be safeguarded
and more fitting worship be offered to You,
grant, through his intercession,
that we may participate in Your mysteries
with that lively faith and fruitful charity.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

The Decrees of the Council of Trent may be found at the following:

http://documentacatholicaomnia.eu/03d/1545-1545,_Concilium_Tridentinum,_Canons_And_Decrees,_EN.pdf

Saint Catherine of Siena

Although today, April 29, is the Fifth Sunday of Easter, it is also the feast day of one of the great women of the Church.


Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor of the Church

Saint Catherine was born in 1347 and was instrumental in the return of the Pope Gregory X! From Avignon to Rome. In both word and deed, she showed her love of God’s Church and the Roman Pontiff. Her short life is an example of courage. Imprinted with the stigmata, she died in Rome in 1380 at thirty-three. She was proclaimed patroness of Italy on June 18, 1939, and in 1970, Pope Paul VI proclaimed her a Doctor of the Church.

Youth, Liturgy, and the Need for True Worship

This article by Rev. Peter M. Stravinskas  sheds some light on the upcoming Youth Synod to be held in Rome this October.

https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2018/04/27/youth-liturgy-and-the-need-for-true-worship/

Saints of the Day for April 28

Saint Peter Chanel, Priest and Martyr
Saint Peter was born in 1803 in France and martyred on the island of Futuna when, because of his preaching, the chief’s son desired baptism. He is called the Apostle of Oceania and was the first martyr there. He belonged to the Society of Mary (Marists). He died in 1841.
Saint Louis Grignion de Montfort, Priest
Saint Louis was born in 1673 to a poor family at Montfort-La-Cane in Brittany. Ordained at twenty-seven, he was devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, as illustrated by his book, The Secret of the Rosary, the first work to describe a method of praying the rosary. He founded an order of priests (Company of Mary) and a religious institute of women devoted to the poor (Congregation of the Daughters fo Divine Wisdom. He died in 1716.

Saint Gianna Molla, Wife, Mother, Doctor
Born on October 4, 1922
Died on April 28, 1962
Canonized on May 16, 2004

Saint Gianna Beretta Molla made a heroic choice, but it was something her family members and friends testified she prepared for every day of her life. Her heroic virtue, genuine holiness of life, selflessness, and quiet joy remind all of us that God entrusts us with a personal vocation. Each and every day presents us with choices that have the power to prepare us to take heroic action whenever it will be called for. We can do that, however, only if we surrender ourselves and what we desire to God and His will for us. This example of lay sanctity, lived in the Sacrament of Matrimony, as the Vatican Council II teaches, will encourage many Christians to seek God in holy Matrimony. The exemplary fame of Christian conduct, lived by Saint Gianna Beretta Molla is valid proof.
  
Prayer of Saint Gianna Beretta Molla
Jesus, I promise You to submit myself to all that You permit to befall me,
make me only know Your will.
My most sweet Jesus, infinitely merciful God, most tender Father of souls,
and in a particular way of the most weak, most miserable, most infirm
which You carry with special tenderness between Your divine arms,
I come to You to ask You, through the love and merits of Your Sacred Heart,
the grace to comprehend and to do always Your holy will,
the grace to confide in You,
the grace to rest securely through time and eternity in Your loving divine arms.

Catholic Bioethics Information

Looking for some resources on Catholic Bioethics, check out ...

https://www.ncbcenter.org/

Tips For Making A Good Confession

Fr. Z’s 20 Tips For Making A Good Confession

We should… 

1) …examine our consciences regularly and thoroughly;
2) …wait our turn in line patiently;
3) …come at the time confessions are scheduled, not a few minutes before they are to end;
4) …speak distinctly but never so loudly that we might be overheard;
5) …state our sins clearly and briefly without rambling;
6) …confess all mortal sins in number and kind;
7) …listen carefully to the advice the priest gives;
8) …confess our own sins and not someone else’s;
9) …carefully listen to and remember the penance and be sure to understand it;
10) …use a regular formula for confession so that it is familiar and comfortable;
11) …never be afraid to say something “embarrassing”… just say it;
12) …never worry that the priest thinks we are jerks…. he is usually impressed by our courage;
13) …never fear that the priest will not keep our confession secret… he is bound by the Seal;
14) …never confess “tendencies” or “struggles”… just sins;
15) …never leave the confessional before the priest has finished giving absolution;
16) …memorize an Act of Contrition;
17) …answer the priest’s questions briefly if he asks for a clarification;
18) …ask questions if we can’t understand what he means when he tells us something;
19) …keep in mind that sometimes priests can have bad days just like we do;
20) …remember that priests must go to confession too … they know what we are going through.
Please share!

The Last Supper Teaches Us Three Foundational Truths

Pope Francis' remarks at Holy Mass.

https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2018/04/26/pope-francis-the-last-supper-teaches-us-three-foundational-truths/

Further Thoughts of Female Ordination

Found this earlier in the day.

 https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2018/04/26/female-ordination-advocates-ignore-theological-truth-focus-on-power/

The Call: Helping Young People to Discern Their Vocation

You may find this little article of some value.

The Call: Helping Young People to Discern Their Vocation

April 26: Our Lady of Good Counsel

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel.

Pray the rosary!

In the Alban Hills, not far from the city of Rome, lies the little town of Genazzano, where the miraculous image of Our Lady of Good Counsel is venerated. The story of the picture dates back to 1467. Pilgrims assembled on the feast of St. Mark were startled by a mysterious rustling sound and strains of sweet music. Looking toward the sky, they beheld what seemed a soft cloud. Slowly it descended and rested in front of the unfinished wall of the church dedicated to the Mother of God under the title of Good Counsel. The picture rests suspended in the air without any visible means of support to maintain its stable condition, and this for five centuries! Although painted on a piece of plaster no thicker than an ordinary visiting card, the image has withstood the ravages of time. The artist of the painting is unknown.

It is said that the figures themselves represent Mother and Child after they had returned from the temple where Mary heard the sad prophesies of Simeon. Mary's eyes are half-veiled as though she were lost in contemplation, taking counsel with her God. The little Child does not return the gaze of the beholder, as happens in so many pictures, rather He draws our eyes upward to Mary as if to tell us to look for Counsel there, in the very Seat of Wisdom. It is a picture to be loved, a plain and common picture [hence our unframed treatment], a pious image to be copied and hung in the homes of the poor. That is all the sweet Mother of Good Counsel asks for her picture: a home in our midst, by our firesides, a family to guard and watch over, hearts that will love and venerate her.

Overshadowed by the Holy Spirit, Mary became the Mother of God. His gifts of Wisdom, Understanding, and Counsel belong to her. She is Our Mother of Good Counsel because she is the Spouse of God the Holy Ghost. If to her was granted the wisdom to counsel her Son, surely she has the wisdom to counsel poor humanity. In her there is the wisdom of ages. For 2000 years, she has been watching the children of men upon this earth. Our Lady of Good Counsel knows how to help us. She can help us. She wants to aid and counsel us! Once she sees upon a soul the sign of the Cross of her Son, that soul may count upon all her assistance. She loves with an undying love all those for whom her Son died. God trusted her with His own Son, Who clung to her till life was done. Through sorrow none can comprehend She mothered Jesus to the end. And if you think her love may fail, You thrust within her heart a nail!

Our Lady of Good Counsel has been called the Madonna of the Popes. Pope Leo XIII deserves to be ranked among the great lovers of this devotion. He established the white scapular worn by her servants, and his motto is like a watchword to the clients of Mary: "Children," he told the faithful, "follow her counsels!" To all she gives what is most needed to help us in this vale of tears; she gives us her Good Counsel.

What Brings About Good, Solid Vocations

Since last Sunday was Vocation Sunday, I thought is article could be hopeful to us.

Bringing About Good, Solid Vocations

Something you might be interested in reading about

Dominican Priest: Lack of Belief Within the Church Enables the Diabolical spirit.

Since there is a lot of talk about diabolical possession by evil spirits these days, please try to get the proper information and not the movie versions.

Dominican Priest Speaks About Lack of Faith

The Christian Life is a Battle Against Evil

Pope Francis, in his weekly audience in Saint Peter's Square speaks of the Christian life as being a battle against evil.

Pope Francis April 25 Audience

Arpil 25: Feast of Saint Mark, Evangelist

Much of what we know about St. Mark, the author of the Second Gospel, comes largely from the New Testament and early Christian traditions. Mark the Evangelist is believed to be the 'John Mark' referred to in the Acts of the Apostles, the history of the early Church found in the Canon of the New Testament.

He was the son of Mary of Jerusalem (Acts 12:12) whose home became a meeting place for the apostles. He is also the cousin of St. Barnabas (Colossians 4:10), a Levite and a Cypriot.
Mark joined St. Paul and St. Barnabas on their first missionary journey to Antioch in 44 A.D. When the group reached Cyprus, Christian tradition holds that Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem, possibly because he was missing his home (Acts 13:13). This incident may have caused Paul to question whether Mark could be a reliable missionary. This created a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas and led Paul to refuse Mark's accompaniment on their second journey to the churches of Cilicia and the rest of Asia Minor. However, it can be assumed the troubles between Paul and Mark did not last long, because when Paul was first imprisoned, Mark, who was at the time in Rome with plans of visiting Asia Minor, visited him as one of his trusted companions (Col 4:10).

Mark's hopes to visit Asia Minor were most likely carried out, because during Paul's second captivity and just before his martyrdom, Paul wrote to Timothy at Ephesus advising him to "take Mark and bring him with you [to Rome], for he is profitable to me for the ministry" (2 Timothy 4:11). If Mark returned to Rome at this time, he was probably there when Paul was martyred.


According to Christian tradition, Mark also held a close relationship with St. Peter, who referred to Mark has 'his son' in his letter addressed to a number of churches in Asia Minor (1 Peter 5:13). Clement of Alexandria, Irenaeus and Papias all indicate that Mark was an interpreter for Peter.
Although Papias states Mark had not personally heard the Lord speak firsthand and, like Luke, Mark was not one of the twelve apostles, some believe Mark was likely speaking of himself when he wrote the description of Jesus' arrest in Gethsemani. "Now a young man followed him wearing nothing but a linen cloth about his body. They seized him, but he left the cloth behind and ran off naked" (Mark 14:51-52).

St. Mark lived for years in Alexandria, where he died as a martyr while being dragged through the streets. Mark's Gospel was probably written between 60 and 70 A.D., and was based upon the teachings of St. Peter. It is believed Mark provided both Luke and Matthew with basic sources for their Gospel's. He was probably the first bishop of Alexandria, Egypt and the founder of the Church of Alexandria, although he is not mentioned in connection to the city by either Clement of Alexandria nor by Origen. In 828, relics of St. Mark were stolen from Alexandria and taken to Venice, Italy. There they are enshrined in a beautiful cathedral dedicated to the saint. St. Mark's symbol is a winged lion. This is believed to be derived from his description of St. John the Baptist, as "a voice of one crying out in the desert" (Mark 1:3). The wings come from Ezekiel's vision of four winged creatures as the evangelists. He is often depicted as writing or holding his Gospel. He is sometimes shown as a bishop on a throne or as a man helping Venetian sailors. St. Mark is the patron saint of Venice.

From a Prophet of Our Times

Upcoming Synod in October 2018.

You may find this inspiring from Most Rev. Charles Caput, OFM (Cap). Archbishop of Philadelphia.

From Archbishop Charles Caput

Encouragement a Strong Factor

I just read an article entitled, "Encouragement a Strong Factor in Priesthood Discernment."

Certainly we all need to do more to encourage vocations to the priesthood and to religious life.

Encouragement a Strong Factor


Tomorrow, April 24 is the Feast of Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Priest and Martyr

Saint Fidelis was born in the town of Sigmaringen, Germany in 1578. He entered the Order of Friars Minor Capuchins and led an austere life of penance, vigils, and prayer. Continuously engaged in preaching, he was commissioned by the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith to preach in the canton of the Grisons. In 1622, he was attacked by a band of heretics and suffered martyrdom at Seewis in Switzerland. As an evangelist and catechist, he was known as an advocate of the poor. He is called the Apostle of Switzerland.

O God, who were please to award

the palm of martyrdom to Saint Fidelis

as, burning with love for You, he propagated the faith,

grant, we pray, through his intercession,

that, grounded in charity,

we may merit to know with him

the power of the Resurrection of Christ.

Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Pope Francis Ordains 16 New Priests

On the Fourth Sunday of Easter (Vocation Sunday), Pope Francis ordained 16 new priests from various parts of the world. You can read all about it.

Pope Ordains New Priests

Feast of St. George

The veneration if Saint George began as early as the fourth century at Lydda in Palestine, where a church was built in his honour. From antiquity this veneration has spread throughout both the East and the West. Popular symbolism presents Saint John as a knight killing a dragon: the triumph of faith over the forces of evil. Born into an illustrious family in Cappadocia, at a young age he ministered during Emperor Diocletian's reign. When the emperor promulgated an edict against Christians, Saint George professed his faith publicly, for which he was martyred. He is the patron saint of England, Portugal, Germany, Aragon, Genoa, and Venice. He died in 303.

Extolling your might, O Lord,

we humbly implore You,

that, as Saint George imitated the Passion of the Lord,

so he may lead us ready help in our weakness.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,

who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Announcement on Realignment of the Diocese of Saint John

Just appeared on CBC for all to now see.

Realignment

Good Shepherd Sunday: World Day of Prayer for Vocations

Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year B

Good Shepherd Sunday/ Vocation Sunday

As the Good Shepherd, Jesus Reveals His Care (John 10)

- He speaks of His sheep

- He calls His sheep by name

- He leads His sheep

-The Good Shepherd goes before His sheep

-He protects His sheep

- He stays with His sheep

- He gives eternal life to His sheep

The purpose of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations is to publically fulfill the Lord's instruction to, "Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest" (Mt 9:38; Lk 10:2). As a climax to a prayer that is continually offered throughout the Church, it affirms the primacy of faith and grace in all that concerns vocations to the priesthood and to the consecrated life.  While appreciating all vocations, the Church concentrates its attention this day on vocations to the ordained ministries (priesthood and diaconate), to the Religious life in all its forms (male and female, contemplative and apostolic), to societies of apostolic life, to secular institutes in their diversity of services and membership, and to the missionary life, in the particular sense of mission "ad gentes".

2018 marks the 55th Anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations

Read the Message from Pope Francis on Vocations

Message of Pope Francis

Pope Francis: Without the Eucharist

Every Catholic needs to read this.

Without the Eucharist

Feast of Saint Anselm, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Born in 1033 in Aosta, Italy, Saint Anselm entered the Benedictine Order at 27. An outstanding philosopher and theologian, he became abbot at Bec in Normandy and then Archbishop of Canterbury. He fought vigorously for the freedom of the Church, and for this he was twice exiled. He achieved fame for his writings, especially those on mystical theology. Anselm died in1109, and in 1720 was declared a Doctor of the Church

O God, who led the Bishop Saint Anselm

to seek out and teach the depths of Your wisdom,

grant, we pray,

that our faith in You may so aid our understanding,

that what we believe by Your command

may give delight to our hearts.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,

who lives and reigns with You in the unity

of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Charism of a Diocesan Priest

I want to address an earlier response about the charism of a diocesan priest.

I believe it is to speak God's Word and make Jesus present.

Pope St. John Paul's Prayer for Vocations

Lord Jesus, once you called the first disciples in order to make them fishers of men. Continue to let resound today Your sweet invitation: "Come and follow me." Grant to young men and young women the grace of responding promptly to Your voice. Sustain our bishops, priests and consecrated souls in their apostolic work. Give perseverance to our seminarians and to all those who are fulfilling an ideal of a life of total consecration to Your service. Enkindle in our communities a missionary zeal. Send Lord, workers into Your fields and do not let mankind be lost because of a lack of pastors, missionaries and people dedicated to the cause of the Gospel.

Mary, Mother of the Church, Model of Vocations, help us say "Yes to the Lord Who calls us to collaborate in the Divine Design of Salvation." Amen.

Please pray this prayer every day

Vocation Sunday: April 22, 2018

Sunday, April 22 is the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. As stated in the Ordo (i.e. The Liturgical Calendar 2017-2018 for Canada):

The Fourth Sunday of Easter, Christians are invited to reflect on the meaning of God's call and to pray for vocations. Christ, the Good Shepherd, continues to lead His people through His Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, and calls many to follow Him in this way. Priestly, diaconal, and religious vocations should be a constant concern in the heart's of God's people.

Do we still need good and holy priests today? Do monks, contemplatives and other religious men and women still play an important role in the Church?  I think you know the answer. So do not just pray. Encourage young men and women to respond generously to God's call. That is what a vocation is - a calling. God still calls. Is anyone listening?

I want to share an interesting article that I found the other day. This is something I have been saying for years: "The Goal of the Priesthood is to Get People to Heaven."

The Goal of Priesthood

Coming to a parish near you

For nearly two years now, the Diocese of Saint John has been in a revitalization and realignment mode.

The wait is nearly over.

The "Plan" will be revealed on the diocesan website on Monday, April 23.

You can access this by visiting:

Diocese of Saint John

New Evengelization: What Does That Mean to Mr. and Mrs. Average Catholic?

There is much talk about the new evangelization these days throughout the Catholic world.

What exactly does that mean to us?

We really need to pay close attention to the mandate of Jesus: "Go out into the whole world ..." Mark 14:16.

Jesus is not an idea, a concept. He is a person. He is risen and alive!

We are called to enter into a relationship/an encounter with him, especially through Word and Sacrament.

Once that happens, we will truly want others to encounter the same joy we have, just as Pope Francis states in his first Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel)
Evangelii Gaudium

Evangelization is not a new concept (although unfortunately, Catholics seem to think it belongs to others besides us). Not at all! Evangelization is part of the Gospel mandate given to all of us.

The Sacred Scriptures and the constant magisterium (i.e., official teaching office of the Church) continually charge the whole Church to make Jesus known. This is especially true of the Second Vatican Council.

There is no "one-size-fits-all" in the work of evangelization. We all accomplish this in the small, ordinary situations of human life and interaction. 

Many opportunities have been missed!

We should not make the mandate of evangelization the agenda of a few. It is the work of us all in our own small ways, and always will be.

Stay tuned. This is just the trailer.

More posts on this important topic to follow.

Something to Think About

God's way is the way of humility.
"Although in the form of God, Jesus humbled himself..." Philippians 2:9

Jesus was humbled, but not humiliated. God humbles us, but never humiliates us.

Never forget that!

Mission

Mission

This new and dynamic Catholic blogsite is for the passing on and sharing of crucial information about Roman Catholic Church official teaching on doctrine, liturgy, history, canon law, and other pastoral concerns facing 21st century Catholics.

User Beware

This blogsite is established to present a faithful and authentic presentation of the Catholic faith. I am a pastor and teacher, so my goal is to teach. Everyone is free to use this site, respond to the issues and discussions, and ask important questions regarding Catholicism. If you are looking for somewhere to "rant and rave" this is not the site.  Respect is the key in order for the site to be beneficial and inspiring. My goal is to assist in the continuing evangelization of the Church, sharing my experience and expertise.

Welcome!