A Reflection on the Catholic Church

The Following is an excerpt from Catholic Apologetics: God, Christianity, and the Church by Fr. John Laux, M. A.  He is quoting writer John L. Stoddard from the book Rebuilding a Lost Faith. 

"When I am asked what I have found within the Catholic Church superior to all that Protestantism  gave me, I find that language is inadequate to express it.  One thinks of the familiar metaphor of the stained-glass window in a vast cathedral.  Seen from without by day, this seems to be an unintelligible mass of dusky glass.  Viewed from within, however, it reveals a beautiful design, where sacred story glows resplendently in form and color.  So it is with the Church of Rome.  One must enter it to understand its sanctity and charm.  When I reflect upon that Church's long, unbroken continuity extending back to the very days of the Apostles; when I recall her grand, inspiring traditions, her blessed Sacraments, her immemorial language, her changeless creed, her noble ritual, her stately ceremonies, her priceless works of art, her wondrous unity of doctrine, her ancient prayers, her matchless organization, her Apostolic authority, her splendid roll of Saints and Martyrs reaching up like Jacob's ladder, and uniting earth and Heaven; when I reflect upon the intercession for us of those Saints and Martyrs enhanced by the petitions of the Blessed Mother of Our Lord; and, last but not least, when I consider the abiding Presence of the Savior on her altars; - I feel that this One, Holy, Apostolic Church has given me certainty for doubt, order for confusion, sunlight for darkness, and substance for shadow.  It is the Bread of Life and the Wine  of the Soul, instead of the unsatisfying husks; the father's welcome, with the ring and the robe, instead of the weary exile in the wilderness of doubt.  It is true, the prodigal must retrace the homeward road, and even enter the doorway of the mansion on his knees; but,

within, what a recompense!"

Today is the Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael (Right to Left).

Here three suggestions of things to do today from Catholic Culture.org.  Read more at their website: http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2011-09-29

The Prayer of St. Michael and the Angelus are below.

Memorize the prayer to St. Michael the Archangel. Although no longer formally recited after Mass, Pope John Paul II encouraged us to recite this prayer daily.  

In honor of St. Gabriel, Learn the Angelus and recite it daily. Traditionally, the prayer is prayed at the 6:00 and 12:00 hours (am and pm). There is a partial indulgence attached to those who pray this prayer.

Read the Book of Tobit for the story of St. Raphael helping Tobit and Tobias.

* * * * *

St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

* * * * *

The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary: And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. 

Hail Mary...

Holy Mary...

Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word. 

Hail Mary...

Holy Mary...

And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us. 

Hail Mary...

Holy Mary...Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray: Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen. 

 Find more prayers at: http://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/prayers/index.htm



Fulfilling Our Mission as Parishioners

(As a followup to the recent article in Saint Cecelia and All Martyrs Press September-October Issue)

There are many ways in which we can serve God through our parish.  It is very important that we are aware of these opportunities.  God created us to be communal beings.  This means that we are made to interact with one another.  Each person is made differently with their own personality.  However, this does not hinder our purpose of communing with others.  This does not mean that you have to be the social butterfly or the rambunctious star.  Rather, it means that we have an obligation to be active in the world according to our own means.  Communing or communicating does not require words or show, but witness and loving kindness.

Communal life is primarily seen in our relationship with God.  He made us in His image and likeness because of His great love.  Since we already know that He is all-present in our lives, it should not surprise us that He wants us to be near Him.  In this way, our primary communal responsibility is to God.  We fulfill this obligation by going to Mass and Adoration, and by praying daily such as at meals and before bed.  We can take great comfort in the words of Jesus when He told us that "when you do these things to the least of My people, you do it unto Me."  By these words, we know that communing with our fellow people is very important.  It should make us very happy to do things with and for others because we are always doing it for Christ.  This is why participation in the parish is so important.

Here are some examples for different situations:

Children (including elementary):

• attend CCD programs
• participate in a play group
• plan play days with friends that include daily Mass
• organize a Stations of the Cross night with games to follow

Middle School:

• attend CCD programs
• plan a sports day that includes daily Mass
• have a movie night
• learn to lector at Mass by planning a youth Mass during the week
• learn to serve on the altar
• join/start a Boy Scout/YCCW program at your parish

High School:

• help teach CCD
• participate in a youth group
• join/start a Legion of Mary or some such charitable program
• lector for Mass
• sing in the choir
• volunteer to clean the church
• plan a movie night/sports day/game night that includes daily Mass
• learn to pray the Hours (Divine Office)
• organize a high school retreat to a shrine or monastery
• request a lecture night for topics such as Theology, Philosophy, Apologetics, etc...
• organize a youth Mass where your pastor can explain the parts of the Mass in detail

Adult:

• volunteer to help with CCD or RCIA
• help organize a youth group/Boy Scout/YCCW program
• help supervise a Legion of Mary (or similar program)
• lector at Mass
• sing in the choir
• join/start a Knights of Columbus Council/CCW/Women's Guild
• volunteer to clean the church
• join/start a Bible study group
• volunteer to fix the lawn/grounds
• request for your pastor to say a Mass where he can explain the parts of the Mass in detail
• organize adult activities such as picnics, game nights, debate nights, lecture nights, movie nights, sports days, and similar events.

I understand that every parish is different and offers different opportunities for its parishioners.  This is the case because we are each different.  The parish is the people.  We are the people - we are the parish.  Our communal life within the parish is our basis for our life universally in the world.  So, look at the opportunities within your parish and see what is possible for your family.  You might even be able to start a program that will thrive in your parish community.  God Bless!

First Friday

Today is First Friday and consequently one of the Feasts of the Sacred Heart.  Try to make it to Mass today or Adoration.  It is very important that we venerate the Sacred Heart on First Fridays.  Many graces can be received by devoted prayer to Jesus today, especially if you can go to Confession today or this weekend. 

Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have Mercy on Us!

Sunday July 17th

Go to Jesus. He loves you and is waiting for you to give you many graces. He is on the altar surrounded by angels adoring and praying. Let them make some room for you and join them in doing what they do.

-- St. Mary Joseph Rossello

Read more: http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/inspiration.htm#17#ixzz1SMpexUoA

Sunday July 10th

The liturgy then is rightly seen as an exercise of the priestly office of Jesus Christ. It involves the presentation of man's sanctification under the guise of signs perceptible by the senses and its accomplishment in ways appropriate to each of these signs. In it full public worship is performed by the Mystical Body of Jesus Christ, that is, by the Head and his members. From this it follows that every liturgical celebration, because it is an action of Christ the priest and of his Body which is the Church, is a sacred action surpassing all others. No other action of the Church can equal its efficacy by the same title and to the same degree.

                                 -- Sacrosanctum concilium

Read more: http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/inspiration.htm#10#ixzz1RhnZP1Ot

The Luminous Mysteries

The Wedding Feast at Cana

Our Lady appears only twice in the Bible: once at the Feast of Cana and once at the Cross.  Thus, she was present at the beginning of His Earthly ministry and at the end of His earthly ministry.

Marriage, which was created by God, was sanctified by Jesus at the Feast of Cana.

The wedding feast is symbolic of Christ's marriage to the Church.

Jesus was humble in coming to the marriage feast because He created and sanctified marriage. 

By His presence and His miracle, Jesus defied the attacks on marriage.

Marriage is not just a contract; it is a sacrament that unites a man to a woman, as well as humankind to God.

Jesus manifested Himself by turning water into wine at the request of His Mother.

Ponder Point

How do we see Jesus and Mary as models of humility at the Wedding Feast of Cana?  How can we immitate that humility in our daily lives?

The Luminous Mysteries

The Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist

St. John said, "Behold the Lamb of God."  Jesus was foreshadowed by the Passover Lamb. 

The lamb was given as a sacrifice and eaten so that death would pass over.  Jesus was sacrificed on the Cross to save us from eternal death, and as such we must consume Him in the Holy Eucharist. 

St. Ephrem created hymns to put the Doctrines of the Faith in popular songs so that they could be easily learned by the common people.

How often do Christian return to their old sins even after Confession?

When we give up things of this world, we shall have them in Heaven. 

Is the earth's garment of rags any comparrison to the glorious robes of Heaven?

If we give a bad example to others, why would they want to become Catholic?

Ponder Point:

What is most important to me in life?  What are my treasures?  Are my goals of Heaven or of earth?

The Luminous Mysteries

Dear Friends, I apologize for my delay in continuing the Luminous Mysteries discussion.  Here is the next part, I hope you enjoy:

The Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist

Perseverence in small things is better than fluxuation in large things.

We must daily repentent  of our sins.

If we fall in sin, we should not be discouraged; we must keep getting up.

The Mercy of Christ is an abyss.

Our true model is Jesus Christ.

If St. John the Baptist, the greatest of all prophets, was unworthy of Christ, who are we to think highly of ourselves?

Jesus is infinitely humble; He went to His servant to be baptised.

Jesus entered the waters of Baptism to sanctify them, giving us Baptism. 

Thus, when we were baptised, we became saints: those free of sin.  We must regain our sainthood in Baptism.

We are travelling through earth on our way to Heaven, our home.

Ponder Point:

If daily repentence is important, what should I be doing to repent?

- I found this one difficult to understand at first.  The question just asks you to examine your everyday faults, ask God for forgiveness, and resolve to end your bad habits.  You could do more, such as going to Confession more often.  But, this ponder point justs asks you to find out how you can make up for your faults in your personal life. 

The Luminous Mysteries

I recently went to a retreat by Fr. Ben Cameron on the Luminous Mysteries at Casa Maria.  For the next few days, I will post some of my notes on the retreat for you to meditate on.  Father also gave of "ponder points" at the end of each conference for us to meditate on in our personal lives.  Here is the first:

The Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist

Jesus told us, "Do not be hesitant; do not be afraid," in the things you know are right.

St. John called everyone to repentance so that they would be ready for the coming of Christ. 

Repentance means to do something positive.

To rid ourselves of a bad habit we must create a good habit.

It is not possible to live in penance and luxury at the same time.

"The greatest sin of modern time is the loss of the awareness of sin." - Pope Paul VI

Ponder Point:

If we are going to overcome bad habits with good habits, what are two specifically in our lives?

June 12th, Pentecost Sunday

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.

V. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created.
R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray.  O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations. Through Christ Our Lord.  Amen.

Today is Pentecost Sunday when we celebrate the coming of the Holy Advocate that Christ prophesied.  The Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity, descended upon the disciples in the upper room and appeared as tongues of fire.  The disciples were ordinary people, frightened at the coming persecutions of the Followers of Christ.  But they were set on fire with the Love of God in the Holy Spirit.  Their tongues were blessed with undying speech of Christ and their hearts were strengthened despite their fears.  They went out and preached to all nations, "Proclaiming the Glory of God!"

So to, my friends, we are called to preach the Good News.  This Feast of Pentecost reminds us that we are the Children of God, and as such, have the responsibility to carry on the work of our ancestors, the disciples in the upper room.  As God descended on them with tongues of fire, so he sends us out, inflamed with His Infinite Love, to serve Him in our daily lives.

What does this mean?  It means that we must constantly, untiringly be an advocate to the Heavenly Father.  We must remain always conscience that who we are and what we do is perceived by others.  By wearing the sacred garment of our Faith constantly, we show others our love for God.  If we take our spiritual clothes off on Friday, and put them on again Sunday, we are not fulfilling our purpose.  Many say that the reason for an individual's life is to make the world a better place before we die.  But the true accomplishment would be to gain one soul for Christ.  We do not have to preach eloquent words or do great deeds because the Spirit, alive in our souls, asks only that we be an example of the zeal of Christians.  Transform your life to goodness and your example will draw others to Christ.  Therefore, follow the inspiration of Pentecost and live with that unwavering mission to be the perfect advocate of Jesus Christ!

I highly recommend that you purchase this retreat by Fr. Roger Landry.  He speaks on the New Evangelization and how we can serve Christ in the modern world based on the teachings of Bl. Pope John Paul II 

Sunday, June 5th The Ascension of the Lord

Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.

-- Simeon at the presentation of Jesus (Lk 2:29-32)


Read more: http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/inspiration.htm#5#ixzz1ODq57ZHf

Sunday, May 15th

Yes, my dear bretheren, we shall see at the Judgement that the largest section of Christians practiced a religion of whim or caprice only---that is to say, the greatest number of them practiced their religion merely from motives of routine, and very few sought God alone in what they did.

-- St. John Vianney

http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/inspiration.htm#15#ixzz1MNicVL9p

Considering Lent

  The season of Lent is upon us. This is a special time of year when Christian souls, accustomed to the "feast of faith", stop to consider the cost of our salvation. We recognize that because of our sinfulness, our turning away from God, God Himself came to make right the order of creation. Christ, in His salvific suffering and death, is the object of our 40 days devotion. For 40 years the people of Israel wandered in the desert because of their idolatry. During our 40 day sojourn we resolve to cast away the false gods in our life and we resolve to serve the One True God. Jesus Christ Himself was tempted by the evil one in the desert for 40 days. So too our tendency towards sin is tested that we might know the sacrifice required to remain faithful to the life promised in the Resurrection. This is the reason we commit ourselves to fasting, abstinence, and self-denial. But remember while Lent is 40 days, the Easter celebration we await lasts for 50! The suffering never outshines the rejoicing and happiness of the Risen Christ.

By Fr. David Carter, submitted February, 2010.

Palm Sunday

Some pages to print and color:
HERE
HERE
and HERE.
Someone asked yesterday why we rush straight into reading the account of the Passion during today’s Mass—Good Friday is still almost a week away!  Sadly, one of the reasons we read the Gospel account of the Passion on Palm Sunday is that many people will not return to Mass until next Sunday.  If they don’t hear the Passion today, they’ll simply go from “Palm Sunday” to “Easter Sunday” without hearing about the dramatic story in between.
The second reason is that the entrance into Jerusalem, which we read on the church steps this morning before processing inside, is not an event that stands alone.  It is the first moment of the Passion, an ongoing series of events that will continue all week until the death of Jesus on Friday afternoon.  Looking at the triumphal entrance into Jerusalem, without connecting it to the coming sacrifice and death, robs it of meaning.
Pay close attention to the Old Testament readings this week!  They will chronicle the prophets’ experiences of suffering and betrayal, all of which prefigure the suffering of Christ.

The Easter Triduum: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil

 

Meditations on the Triduum by Victor Hoagland, C.P.
The Easter triduum, marking the days of Jesus’ passion and resurrection, is the most important time of the church year. It begins with the evening Mass of Holy Thursday, reaches its high point in the Easter Vigil, and closes on Easter Sunday evening.
Prepared by the days of Lent, Christians celebrate on these holiest of days the saving work God has accomplished in Christ.
From the events remembered these days, so sorrowful and so joyful, the church learns the deepest lessons. In rites and words the mysteries of Jesus’ final hours are with us again, his passion, his cruel suffering, his rising from the dead. And we discover the answer to age old questions: Does God love us? Is God merciful? Does God care for us?
We have only to look and learn from Jesus Christ.
These are days for fixing our eyes on the holy mystery of his cross and filling our ears with the words of his gospel. Nowhere else does God’s love appear so vividly. In the love Christ showed for a sinful world we find the beginning of our church, the source of our sacraments, the key to understanding the human story, and our hope for eternal life.

Holy Thursday

The Easter Triduum begins with Mass on Holy Thursday evening, when Jesus sacramentally anticipated the gift he would make of himself on the cross.His command to serve others is dramatically recalled this night in the ceremony of the washing of the feet, which he performed in the supper room for his disciples. Like the Paschal lamb, killed and eaten by the people, according to the Old Testament account read from Exodus this evening, he is a sign of God’s salvation.

Good Friday

The Good Friday rites center around the reading of the Passion of Jesus. With simple dignity that story is retold, followed by prayers for the entire world, for this powerful mystery brings blessings to the world. According to ancient tradition, an image or relic of the cross is venerated this day, and the sacrament of Christ’s love for his church is received. It is a day of fasting and quiet mourning.

The Easter Vigil

The Easter Vigil is the high point of the Easter triduum celebrating the passion and resurrection of Jesus. With a rich display of symbols, rites and readings, the church in worship expresses her faith in the mystery that brings her into being.

Light conquers darkness

The vigil opens with a service of light. Like the Jewish Passover, our Easter celebration coincides with the beginning of spring, when the sun offers new warmth and earth is ready to flower again. Our words “lent” (from the Middle-English word for spring, “lengthening days”) and “Easter” (possibly Germanic or Anglo-Saxon in origin, signifying “the east”, “the rising sun”) point to the long tradition of seeing this holy mystery through signs of the natural world.
The lighting of the fire and the Easter candle go back to rites that long preceded Christianity. The candle, carried with loving reverence and lyrically praised in word and song, is a sign of Christ, “the light of the world,” and celebrates the victory of light over darkness that humanity has ever longed for.

God’s love endures forever

A series of readings recalls the great interventions of God in history, from creation to the the redemption of Israel from Egypt, and ends with the story of Jesus’ resurrection. The great “alleluia” proclaims with quiet joy the triumph of God’s Son. Those preparing for Batpism then receive the sacraments of initiation. The blessed water sprinkled over others signifies the blessing of new life.
Rejoice! This night says as it brings before us the deepest symbols of our hopes and fears. The darkness, sign of evil and death, has been overcome by light. A lamp, a candle has been lit; a fire is enkindled in our hearts; a nourishing water flows through our lives; a baptism destroys what is unclean and brings to life again.
Rejoice! this night says to all creation. The Word who made all things, as a new Adam, freshly proclaims God’s promise of life. All creation celebrates God’s love.
(Only one more week until the Triduum begins!  Start paying attention to the Gospels at daily Mass, as they being to tell the real, historical story of Christ’s last week on Earth before the Passion.  --SCP)

Sunday, April 10th

First Reading:Ezekiel 37:12-14

Psalm:Psalm 130:1-8
Second Reading:Romans 8:8-11
Gospel:John 11:1-45 or John 11:3-7, 17, 20-27, 33-45It is better for a man to be silent and be [a Christian], than to talk and not to be one. It is good to teach, if he who speaks also acts. There is then one Teacher, who spake and it was done; while even those things which He did in silence are worthy of the Father. He who possesses the word of Jesus, is truly able to hear even His very silence, that he may be perfect, and may both act as he speaks, and be recognised by his silence.

-- St. Ignatius

Read more: http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/inspiration.htm#9#ixzz1InKdy9yO