SUNDAY VIDEO ON TAP

On Friday I was speaking with someone about end of life issues and the particular needs that Catholics have. At some point, for practicing, serious Catholics, psychology and new age *stuff* just fails and it fails utterly. “When religion is strong,” says Fr. Groeschel, “it will talk about death.” It is said that although people avoid the topic, the patient generally knows that he is dying. How sad it is then that those closest to him do not even want to talk about it. How lonely. We are on a path and during the dying process we are crossing over to our next destination and as with any trip, there are certain things that we want to talk about. In this case those topics include what is to be expected and am I right with God. (Oh! The comfort of the Sacraments at these times!) Well, this little clip from ER (discovered over at Master of Ceremonies) made this point strongly and had me thinking all day. (About 2 and a half minutes.)

IN OTHER NEWS:

Jay says "You'll get a kick out of Catholic Carnival 166!"

Here is the Holy Father's message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

The Diocese of Cleveland Enewsletter calls our attention to this CNS story stating the the world now has more Muslums than Catholics.

WANTED: LM points out this story: Organizers are trying to enlist one million people to pray the rosary on May third. More information here.

NOTE: I can't seem to get the link below to work for some reason. Here it is so you can try:https://www.publicradio.org/public_insight_network/forms/cij/form_display.php?form_code=1690f4595239

SHARE YOUR STORY! This could a worthwhile project for happy Catholics to engage in! (Lord knows the message from unhappy ones get enough press!) E sent this site in which we are asked to, "Share your personal reflections on the Catholic Church. Pope Benedict XVI will be making his first papal visit to the U.S. in April, to help revitalize and strengthen the U.S. church. He will be stopping in Washington D.C. and New York City to offer mass at Nationals Park and Yankee Stadium, visit the White House, and address the United Nations.

We're using the occasion as an opportunity to start a broad-ranging conversation about the rich tradition of Roman Catholicism -- its history, trajectory, and the contemporary issues Catholics are wrestling with. Although we often hear news stories about the Catholic Church, diverse practitioners of the faith have had little voice in telling their stories.

If you are or were Catholic, we'd like to hear your perspectives on what anchors and unsettles you in this vast tradition. We're also interested in the hopes and concerns you have for the church, now and into the future.

LAST NOTE: Does anybody have an update on the Cleveland Chesterton Society?