SYMBOLIC SATURDAY - LET ME OFF AT THE STATIONS

It’s that time of the year for one of our most revered and popular devotional practices: The Stations of the Cross. It is not an entertaining devotion by any stretch of the imagination and I am surprised that so many people still participate in it in an age when it seems as though if it is not entertaining, our society is not very interested.

I know of few people who actually enjoy making the Stations. Rather than being entertained by the story like a movie (ala The Passion) it is much more a kin to sitting with somebody who is dying. Hardly the thing to do on a Friday night. We stand by Christ as he is condemned, is tortured and suffers, dies, and is laid in the tomb all the while offering our prayer of gratitude that he would do such a thing for us and symbolically we become a person who stands by Him on His death walk when many of His closest followers had scattered. Any joy we might derive from the Stations comes from the fact that we stood by even when it was difficult for us, forsaking yet another television re-run or other busy chore.

The stations represent the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrow) or Jesus’ journey of about a mile from Pilate’s court to Calvary and His tomb. It is a symbolic representation of a pilgrimage that many took in Jerusalem, stopping at each of the actual sites for reflection and prayer. The Franciscans brought the practice to other churches by way of small images for those unable to make the pilgrimage so that people could make the Via Dolorosa and benefit from the lessons and spiritual growth that it offered. From there it spread throughout the whole of the Church so that today it can hardly be thought that a Catholic Church or would be built without the Stations of the Cross. For more in the history look here.

According to the Handbook of Indulgences there is a plenary indulgence “granted to the Christian faithful who devoutly make the Stations of the Cross.” (A plenary indulgence is the remission of the temporal punishment for sins when the mandates for indulgences in general and an indulgence in particular are met.)

Some of the particulars for this indulgence include that the stations must be lawfully erected and those stations are fourteen crosses not pictures! Pictures may be attached to the crosses (and usually are) but pictures without the crosses are like building a church without an altar. Prayers or meditations are made on the Passion of Christ and movement is required. That is, one does not just sit in the pew and think of these things (though prayer is always helpful) but that someone actually symbolically makes the pilgrimage. In cases of large groups praying together it is only necessary that one person actually make the journey.

Yet if someone truly is incapable of the walk, they can spend some time (15 minutes) meditating on the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ.

If attached to your crosses there are pictured representations of the stations and they are not overly abstract or plain, pay close attention because there can be a lot of cool symbolism. See the colors that Christ and Mary are wearing, notice the things in people’s hands, notice what is in the background. All of which can be very intriguing.

If you’ve not made the Stations before (or if you have and really hated it) give it a go. It is a lot like giving blood. You hate going in but you feel so good coming out.

THE 25 YEAR CONFESSION

He came toward me with his head drooping and a shuffle in his step. His hands were shoved in his pockets and there was desperation in his eyes. He looked like he was taking that last walk to the gallows. But continue on he must. He had not been to confession in 30 years and now it was harder not to go than to go.

If you have not been to confession in years (or if you know of someone who has not been to confession in years) fear not! If you (or your friend) have completely forgotten everything about how to go to confession here is help!

DO make a good examination of conscience. That is, before you go in to confession think about what it is that you have to confess, not just the thing that is bothering you, but a well rounded examination. Especially if you go during lent when there may be many people in line it will be a considerable cause of distress if you enter and say, “I have not been to confession for 20 years. I don’t know what to confess.” Having a lot to confess is Okay but thinking those things up on the spot can be trying. To remedy this look up an examination of conscience in a good Catholic prayer book or go on line.

DO tell the priest how long it has been since your last confession (since 5th grade or 10 years, or whatever) and be honest if you do not remember how to go to confession. “Father, it has been 25 years since my last confession and I forget what to do.” If the priest is worth his salt, he will kindly guide you through the process.

DO be honest about your penance. If your confessor gives you something to do that you do not understand or for some reason you cannot complete, inform him and ask for another penance. This is your right.

DON’T freak about not remembering your Act of Contrition. You may make up your own – or he may have a cheat sheet in the confessional for you. Or you can bring one. Or you can just say, “God, be merciful to me a sinner.” If you do make up your own try to express your regret of your sin and your present desire not to sin again. And maybe end with an “Amen” so that the priest knows that you are through.

If for any reason the priest gives you a hard time (and the vast, vast majority would not dream of doing so) let him know it. We are to be dispensers of God’s mercy not judges. Judging is God’s role. (Though you might receive a jot of advice.)

Here’s a little trick. If there is more than one priest hearing confessions and one line is VERY long and the other VERY short. That should tell you something.

By and large priests are touched at someone coming back to the sacrament. A good priest does not focus on your absence but rather rejoices that you are there now. It is not about being scandalized at a debauched life but rejoicing that you are turning a corner in your life for the future. That is something to celebrate, not get “hot under the collar” (sorry) about! So fear not!

“All men thirst to confess their crimes more than tired beasts thirst for water.” Illustrated London News 1908

IN OTHER NEWS: I know today is not a “In Other News” day but Adoro wrote this morning and asked that this be posted for your information. Today at noon nominations are being accepted for the Catholic Blog Awards. If you would like to know more or participate, go here.

HELP FIGHT MAD CHURCH DISEASE

You will be disappointed in the Church.

If you have not already, you will be.

Well, maybe not so much the Church, but by something associated with the Church that risks turning you sour on her.

I was reminded of that last night. A lady (a nun actually) that I had not seen in maybe ten years was at a parish I was visiting. She saved my vocation. Before I was ordained I went through a fairly rough patch with a couple of priests. All exaggerations aside, it was one of the worst periods I have ever gone through. (Nothing sordid mind you, just rough.) I had every intention of dropping out of the seminary. My shelves were cleared off, my bags packed, and phone calls were made to my spiritual director and my parents. Two things stopped that from happening. One was my spiritual director who gave this advice, “Make them kick you out.” The other was this nun who had unflagging confidence in me and provided a bottomless pit of support and prayer.

After this difficult time passed there was time to see that something very good had come out of it. It was the realization that some things that I erroneously equated with Church, namely the personality of an individual within her, was not in fact “Church.” Factoring that out the question I asked myself if I still loved the priesthood and ministering to people. The answer was unequivocally, “Yes!” So I was able to let go of this situation and not hold it against the Church. And with some bandages offered by the seminary I was able to continue on to priesthood. (For me, leaving the Church was never an option. Once one accepts the teaching on the Eucharist, like Peter I would ask, “Where else would we go?”)

As it turned out the priests came to be a couple of pretty capitol guys. Whatever was going on at that point was a passing affliction. (I can't even believe now almost having left the priesthood over something some limited and passing!) But things like this do and will happen (“should” or “shouldn’t” notwithstanding.) You will encounter something similar; a bad reaction, a scandal, a conflict of personalities or points of view. You may BE that person or cause to someone else. (I have been – those of you who remember the post on the woman and confirmation. Ugh.) The question to ask oneself is, “Is that about which I am upset concerning the Church proper, or am I upset with something extraneous but connected?” Even bishops are known to speak opinions that are at times not in mind with the Church or are at least not an official teaching of the Church.

Do not let such things separate you from the sacraments! It is not worth it. Besides, where else do you receive to Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ? Where else do you receive the unambiguous forgiveness of sin? Where else would you be connected to the chair of Peter? To throw this away over a squabble with a brother or sister in Christ is like throwing away the winnings of the million-dollar lottery because one of the bills is wrinkled.

Keep your eye on the prize.

AND HAPPY STS. CYRIL AND METHODIUS DAY!

GOOD INTENTIONS

Well live and learn.

I was surprised at the number of people who said they did not quite grasp the idea of having a mass said for someone. So I thought that I would just go to one of the books on my shelf, take some notes, and write you a little post on it. There was barely anything in any of my books save for some guidelines in Canon Law. So no wonder it might start becoming a lost aid to faith unless you are very aware of it being practiced by your parents.

So what is going on here? First of all it is not that a mass is being purchased, it rather a request of the priest that he include in his specific intention that for which you wish to be prayed. That does not mean that no other intentions may be offered as the benefits of the mass are endless and include the prayers of all present, but by giving something of yourself, most commonly a small amount of money, you are sacrificially uniting yourself to the mass (even if you are not present) and having an intention particularly prayed for. (A priest may only accept one a day. Period. Though he may remember other intentions for which he does not receive a stipend.) I think for most Catholics this description is sufficient, but if you have deeper questions here is site that you might want to check out. It is a very in depth explanation.

But how do you go about doing it? You might want to call your parish office before heading out to arrange for a mass. The books that record masses and for whom they are being said sometimes fill up quickly and they may not have any vacant spots until they open next year’s books. They should be able to tell you when that happens. Others might have openings and invite you over at your convenience to make the arrangements. Sometimes there are limits on the amount of masses they allow for any one individual.

First a choice is made from the available dates. Then they will ask you for what intention do want the mass said. The vast majority of these masses are for the reparation of the soul of a loved one. As it says in Pope Benedict’s “Spe Salve”, “The lives of others continually spill over into mine: in what I think, say, do, and achieve. And conversely, my life spills over into that of others: for better and for worse. So my prayer for another is not extraneous to that person, something external, not even after death. In the interconnectedness of Being, my gratitude for the other – my prayer for him – can play a small part in his purification. . . It is never to late to touch the soul of another, nor is it in vain.”

Occasionally masses are offered up for other purposes but these, by their nature, are more rare. One might be in the case of a significant wedding anniversary (such as the 50th.) Also the ritual for the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick states, “Sick persons who regain their health after being anointed should be encouraged to give thanks for the favor received by participating in a Mass of thanksgiving or by some other suitable means.” This might be taken care of by way of having a mass said for this intention.

A suitable donation determined by the local ordinary is given. No more than the amount stipulated (depending on the diocese may be $5 or $10) may be accepted as part of the stipend.

You should receive a “mass card.” It will state the mass intention and the date when the mass will be said.

And that is pretty much it. Hope it helps.

TUESDAY QUOTE OF THE WEEK LI

FINDING TRUTH WHEREVER IT MAY BE FOUND: "In fact, not forgiving is like drinking rat poison then waiting for the rat to die." Ann Lamott

IN OTHER NEWS:

What happened? Have standards dropped so dramatically? I saw this again over at A Second Chance and thought to see how it might rate Adam's Ale. You might remember last time I did this A.A. was rated Jr. High School. Guess I graduated.

G. K. Chesterton update from Matthew Lewis: "GKCleveland now has 11 G.K. Chesterton audio-essay readings up on the net. They can be downloaded for FREE here. Nine of these same essays can be found at this site."

I'd like to tell you about a friend of mine, Frank. I was going to do a post on him and found this one at Cantlicle of Chiara and thought why double the efforts of a good post? For the longest time the only thing I knew about him was what I got off his prayer card. He seemed like a likable and worthy chap and so I've been praying the prayer found on that card and find it quite powerful. Here goes: "Loving Father, your servant Frank Parater sought perfection as a seminarian, student, and scout. He dedicated himself to you through the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Grant that through his intercession more young people may dedicate themselves to the priestly and religious life, and (insert you own petition here). We ask this through Christ our Lord."

I've been putting off getting around to these things, but as we were supposed to have a big Eucharistic procession and Benediction and rosary at the school today for Our Lady of Lourdes (I'm writing this on Monday) and the weather turned nasty so that there is no school, I have some extra time and so here we go.

From Rob comes the 123 page book Meme (again). Perhaps you remember the rules:

1. Pick up the nearest book ( of at least 123 pages).
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people.

First of all I am going to cheat. The books closest to me are all liturgical books so I look to the shelf of non-lirtugical books that are close and here is what popped up: ""The Truth of Catholicism" by George Wegel.

"And here, the question 'why suffer?' is reframed. With Mary, we silently ask, 'Why?' to the one on the cross, the one who is already suffering. And as Pope John Paul writes, 'Christ does not answer directly and he does not answer in the abstract.'"

I tag anyone who wants to and those from the list below who do not want to do the second meme.

Domini Sumus was kind enough to send an "E for Excellence" award to Adam's Ale. As part of accepting the award 10 other persons must be nominated. Here we will see that I have been very negligent in adding names to the Blog Squad. But here are ten that are checked out from this computer at least from time to time: The Dawn Patrol, The Curt Jester, Roman Catholic Vocations, For God Country and Yale, Fiction Blog, Adoro Te Devote, and Uncle Jim is getting the hang of this over at A Second Chance, Servant and Steward, and The Recovering Dissident Catholic, just to name a few.

Adrienne (another good blog) sends the middle name Meme.

Rules:
1. You have to post the rules before you give your answers. (Well, duh!)
2. You must list one fact about yourself beginning with each letter of your middle name. (If you don't have a middle name, use your maiden name or your mother's maiden name).
3. At the end of your blog post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name.

My middle name is Anthony. That's seven people. Everyone listed above consider yourself tagged.

A - My middle name is Anthony.
N - The Name comes from my paternal grandfather.
T - I have Terrible handwritting.
H - I miss Hair.
O - As the Only son I am the Only priest in the family.
N - I Never eat at McDonalds.
Y - Yes, I am stingy with information about myself.

WHEN FAITH COUNTS

So what happens when you want to start taking your faith very seriously and those around you do not? What happens when co-workers or fellow students, or even family just isn’t up to or is even hostile to your faith journey? This is particularly hard when you are newly energized and those around you are wet blankets. It can be quite dispiriting.

It is a little different for a priest. A priest will at least have a home court advantage. People will expect him to stick up for the faith and not take him out for a couple of beers and the have the gang try to persuade him to leave “that bologna” behind. Then again, even if they do, he can go home and surround himself with people of a supportive mindset.

There is the story about the priest who goes to visit a monk and says to him, “I don’t know how you can do it! Staying behind these doors all day doing nothing but work and prayer. I would never be able to do it!” And the monk in turn says, “I don’t know how you can stay close to God out there with all that temptation! I would never be able to do it!”

I suppose that is how I look at many of you out there. Some of you are in very hostile environments. No matter how in love you are with Jesus and the Church it must be excruciating at times keeping the fire enough alive in your heart to keep being a witness to others who don’t seem to take what is important to you seriously.

But even intertwined in the most disparaging of tales I very often find a kernel of hope that the hard pressed Christian, feeling so down, has a hard time seeing. It is the very real possibility that those who seem most antagonistic have some kind of spiritual battle going on within that you are effecting. You will of course be the last to made aware of it. But that is the case with battlefields. And battlefields are rarely nice places.

You may think that priestly and religious vocations as difficult lifestyles. But in all truth I think that of the average, serious, practicing Catholic out there every day encountering every obstacle faith imaginable; the seminarian whose parents do not approve of his decision, the worker who came to work with ashes on his forehead of whom fun was made, the person who has started to take the faith seriously and has no support, all those who feel absolutely alone in belief. There are the heroes of the faith for you.

“Blessed are you when you when they insult you.”

You do more good than you know. You are the ones in the trenches. You are the ones who love despite the odds. Please do not be discouraged. Be true to God and to yourself and may He bless you abundantly in return for the sacrificial love you show Him.

SUNDAY VIDEO ON TAP LI

Here is how to teach bad theology. I don't necessarily recommend the resources at the end, but the message is great for a Lenten reflection. (5:40 seconds)


IN OTHER NEWS:

Jay announces that Catholic Carnival 158 is up and running!

Lillian Marie suggests a couple of sites for you listening pleasure and educational edification. The Reason for Our Hope Foundation provides many good things to listen to. She says, "The Mass Explained & Confession can both be received through Catholic City (you already have this listed on your links) for a small donation. The others can be purchased through Fr. Larry's website. The Mass Explained is also very powerful."

On the free side is Cardinal Arinze teaching on the Catechism. L.M. says, "I can definitely see families talking about this & using this as a guide. The Cardinal is a bit difficult to understand with his accent, but has good insights."

More free Catholic stuff to listen to! Matthew Lewis of our newly formed Cleveland Chesterton Club reports that there are free downloads of Chesterton matrial here. He says, "Please be patient for the first 5 seconds of the reading. The recording quality of the introduction Libri Vox blurb is not so great, but the readings themselves are fine."

SERVING HAPPY CATHOLICS SINCE 9 FEBRUARY 2007

ADAM'S ALE IS ONE YEAR OLD!

A great big thank you to all who have made this such an exciting adventure! A little over a year ago Dawn Eden challenged me to stop being afraid of the computer and start a blog. It was a very rough and rudimentary beginning and it was exciting that 10 or 20 people might stop by and give a quick look. Those were the days when only Cyber Sis Adoro, the ever supportive Uncle Jim, and always good for a clever witticism Rob would leave a comment. Since then many of you have added some real spice to the site by aiding with graphics (I still love the header, thank you very much), with imput on content, guest bloging (Fr. O, Habemus Papem, C.K. and others), and great comments that have also added to my ministry in the parish. Now as of yesterday after 380 posts there have been 42,041 visits to the site, modest by some standards, but I appreciate you stopping by (even Stavicwarrior) and I want you to know that I am very serious when I say that you are included in my prayers and in my intentions at mass.

I promised myself to give blogging one year and the evaluate if I still enjoy it, if it does not interfere with my parish ministry, and if I think I still have something to share with you without just repeating myself. I think for now I will keep plugging along but I may eventually drop a day or two from the week. We'll see. For now, THANK YOU for stopping by and GOD BLESS! I hope you found an insight, a moment of reflection, or a good laugh here as we shared the joy of being Catholic

My blog is worth $33,307.86.
How much is your blog worth?

Well that's good news! On 16 September 2007 this site was only worth $26,533.38

IN OTHER GOOD NEWS!" What a wonderful anniversary present! (Although I fear this may be a sign of the parousea.) This morning our local newspaper, "The Plain Dealer" has two decent articles about the Catholic faith. One is on "Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine" and another accurate piece on indulgences. My universe has just shifted.

And finally the answers to yesterday's quiz. Good job guys! I thought this would be harder.
1. Cassok

2. Simar

3. Roman Collar

4. Surplus

5. Alb

6. Chasabule

7. Cope

8. Dalmatic

9. Stole

BEWEARING!

It has been a while since we have had a quiz and it seemed about time. Name the piece of clothing described in each of the paragraphs. Answers tomorrow.

1. I’ve been around since the fifth century. Originally I was worn by anybody to keep them warm, but remained popular with the clergy because churches were largely unheated. Worldwide I’m most commonly known as a soutane, which translates “beneath”. I have large cuffs on my sleeves in which you might store your notes or program. I am to be worn ankle length. In general I am black though other colors may be added depending on the cleric’s rank. In the U.S. I’m not to be worn off of church property and sadly, you have never seen the pope wear me. What am I?

2. I am the most familiar ecclesial dress of the hierarchy, though I was not officially recognized until 1872. I am worn only by those of episcopal dignity because I am identified with jurisdiction, not the clerical state. I am very similar to the garment above, but I have an elbow length cape attached to me. Incidentally I am worn by the pope. What am I?

3. Believe it or not, I did not take the exact for we accustomed to seeing today until the middle of the 1800s. I was originally a protective band of cloth, which kept my predecessor, which was worn around the neck, from becoming soiled. When my predecessor was abolished, I remained. Was stiffened, and ever since became associated with priesthood. What am I?

4. I’ve been in continual use in the Church for a thousand years. I can be used by the clergy as well as the laity. I am always white or off white and come in varying lengths. I am usually worn by Masters of Ceremonies and interestingly enough, there is an indulgence for priest and seminarians who wear me and say the proper prayers which were never abrogated. What am I?

5. Officially anyway I am to be worn with the cassock. I can be traced back as clothing for the early Roman citizen. Since 1207 I’ve only been white in color. I’ve been jokingly referred to as “liturgical underwear” but I am supposed to cover all of your street clothes or I am not doing my job. Symbolically I represent the purity of the priesthood. What am I?

6. I too can be traced back to the early Roman Empire, but I was used by common workers to protect them from the elements. In the third century it was forbidden for men and women to wear me in sacred spaces, as I became the dress for priests. Over the centuries I could be found in all kinds of shapes and sizes. I come in any of the liturgical colors and must be worn by the priest at mass. I represent the charity of Christ. What am I?

7. I was originally worn by clerics only out of doors to protect them from the elements. Later on I developed liturgical uses outside of the mass such as benediction and was allowed indoors. I used to have a hood, but many designs just render it as fanciful piece of material now. What am I?

8. In the early Christian era, only people of rank and wealth wore me. Later on, perhaps as early as 332, I became the garment used by deacons. I do my best to match the celebrant’s garb in color and make, am open on the sides with wise sleeves. What am I?

9. Originally used as a scarf to keep the neck warm and then later as a sign of the dignity similar to public honors I am the symbol of priestly dignity and jurisdiction as well as service and am to be worn whenever the priest is vested or performing the sacraments. What am I?

THE INS AND OUTS OF CATHOLIC LIFE

So what seems to be working and what does not?

It was an odd but pleasant occurrence at our masses for Ash Wednesday. There was a preponderance of young men in college to post collage age, unaccompanied, who showed up yesterday. Why? Something about this mass works for them.

What does not seem to work anymore? (I am speaking only from my limited experience. I would like to hear what you think.) Oddly enough, mass intentions do not seem to be carrying over to the younger generations. A mass intention is a mass requested by you to be said for the repose of a loved one’s soul, thanksgiving for a prayer answered such as recovering from a serious illness, or on the occasion of a significant anniversary (such as a 50th wedding anniversary.) It usually requires five to ten dollars depending on the diocese. This money is given directly to the priest as part of his pay. This does not seem to register with younger Catholics.

Devotional confessions do not seem to have wide spread appeal. Confession is used more like a trauma room in a hospital. That is, it may not be used for the constant improvement in the spiritual life but when someone has really messed up, then they come to the confessional. Wonderful things happen then though.

A thing that does seem to work (surprisingly to me) is Eucharistic Devotions. They must, however, be heavily directed. Inviting younger people to sit in the church with our Lord quietly for an hour seems above many people’s comfort zone.

Trusting the Roman Ritual seems to have great appeal. It must be done well (and have a good homilist) but the more we trust the ritual (and trust God) the more attractive the mass seems to become. Though going to a good mass is “In”, weekly attendance does not seem to be “In” across the board.

“In” is redefining and reinstating some of the older traditions of the Church. “Out” is Catholic grade school education (mostly due to cost) but the quality of faith formation in general is vastly improving. Being positive about the pope is “In,” being Okay with liturgical dancers is “Out.” Interestingly so called inclusive language seems to be waning (at least in my corner of the world.) Incense is in for anybody who does not have asthma. “God is love” is out and “God loves you and here’s what you need to do to respond to that love,” is in.

I think being Catholic is becoming more “In” but cafeteriaism is also unfortunately still “In” but losing credibility among serious practitioners. Recognizing venial sin is “Out” but recognizing mortal sin is “In.”

Apparently seminary is “In” as the numbers keep rising (though not nearly enough yet.) The Rosary is making a strong comeback, but Liturgy of the Hours is still the neglected stepchild. Dance is “Out.” Latin is no longer despised, but I don’t know if I am comfortable giving it a firm “In.” Dressing up for mass is still “Out” and Cheerios, books, and Matchbox cars are still “In In In.” Retreat centers are “Out” as are wimpy retreats that are more spiritual emphasis periods rather than anything challenging.

These are my general impressions and granted they are limited in their scope of observance. On a whole I am very encouraged and look forward to developing some of these areas of Catholic life. Some will provide great challenges such as where we will head in the education department and in confessions.

I would be interested (and perhaps others reading this site might also) in your observances. Is this close to the mark where you are? Would add/subtract things from the list? Where are we going?

I DARE YOU

Today is a day to be bold. It is a season to take risks. "He who dares magnificently can expect magnificent rewards." This is no time for half hearted responses to the call. The ashes on your forehead tell the complete tale of the fate of this world. They remind us if we are to have life it is only in God. Live this reality. Be daring. Do you believe the Church is becoming holier every moment? Do you beleieve that we still have a way to go? The next step is renewing the faith from within. The only thing that works to bring about the holiness of the Church is for men and women to grow in the holiness that He offers. And the holiness that He offers is radical, powerful, transforming, renewing, awesome, and terrible in its greatness and we need to meet it back with the same power.

That is what these ashes are about. That is what your Lenten practices are supposed to do for you. So be daring. Engage it. And don't settle for whining over not having pepperoni on you pizza! Be a sign to others as these ashes are a sign to you.

QUOTE TUESDAY L

(I think I'll not have access to a computer to post in the morning so this one is early.)

FINDING TRUTH WHEREVER IT MAY BE FOUND: “If you want to love God prepare for the seven cardinal sins to show themselves.” Fr. Gene Fulton.

QUOTE II – “We are not slaves of the universe and of its laws. We are free.” From “Spe Salve” Pope Benedict XVI

IN OTHER NEWS:

Domini Sumus was kind enough to send information along about who the singers were in the first video from this past Sunday Video on Tap. Here is their description of their mission; "We offer the finest recordings of traditional and contemporary Catholic music plus original music by David Phillips. We welcome your comments and suggestions." You can hear samples of their music here.

My sister sent this along. Supposedly the Air Force uses this as a test for Fighter Pilots. It is reported that they can do this for two minutes. The wire said that if you can go 18 seconds you are phenominal. My best time was just over 11 seconds. Go here, click on the center object and avoid being hit by the moving objects and don't touch the black boarders. DANGER: ADDICTION ALERT!

From the sound of it, optimism in the Church is running rampant than I thought. Agree? There's a one day poll on the side panel.

GOD BLESS YOU

I can’t shake this image.

I was sitting in my place in the unused choir loft during mass a few months back at which was celebrated the Rite of Acceptance for RCIA. This is when the catechumens express their desire to enter into more fully the process of becoming one with Christ’s Church. As part of the ritual the sponsors make the sign of the cross on their person’s forehead, ears, eyes, lips heart, shoulders, hands, and feet. During this time the pastor is reading such things as, “Receive the sign of the cross on your forehead. It is Christ himself who now strengthens you with this sign of His love. Learn to follow Him. Receive the sign of the cross on your ears that you may hear the voice of the Lord. . . .”

Now, in RCIA there is a young couple who is preparing for marriage. He is coming into the Church and she is his sponsor. How moving it was to see her signing and blessing the man she intended to vow her life to and make the father of her children. The priest may have been saying, “Receive the sign of the cross on your lips that you may respond to the word of God,” but it seemed she was saying, “bless these lips with which you show me love, may they be chaste and may the bless our children.” When she blessed his shoulder the priest may have read, “Receive the sign of the cross on your shoulders, that you may bear the gentle yoke of Christ,” but it was as if she were blessing “the shoulders that will bear the labor of man to support the new home we establish in Godly order.”

A desire burned in me then. It was a passionate desire that all couples would love each other to such a degree that not only would they want holiness for each other but that they would take the initiative to manifest that prayer in such a fashion. I don’t have a lot of confidence in many of the things that we do in marriage prep but I do emphasize prayer and especially praying together. But this is even a step further.

I make this plea particularly to men (probably because they can be the least comfortable with it.) As spiritual head of the household do you pray daily for yourself as husband and father, and your family that they may be close to the Lord? Do you fathers bless your children? Unsure of how to do it? Get a copy of the Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers. An example can be as easy as tracing the sign of the cross on your child’s forehead and saying, “May God bless you and protect you.”

If you are not with someone and hope to be, start praying for that person now. Pray that God may bless them and that He may prepare you to be a good partner. And if you are single and plan on staying that way (like me) pray for those who enrich your life, especially your friends. How precious they are.

And finally may God bless you.

SUNDAY VIDEO ON TAP L

Today's video was stolen from Uncle Jim over at A Second Chance. What a great take on this piece. Who are these ladies anyway and can we clone them?


Fr. D sent this in with the note, "Fr. Robert Barron, a seminary professor and priest ofthe archdiocese of Chicago, is working on afascinating new evangelization project. Check it out."

Lastly, the infamous Fr. Schnippel was interviewed on T.V. It is posted here. Sorry, but you'll have to see a commercial first.

IN OTHER NEWS:


Jay reports the Catholic Carnival 157 is up and running!


Lillian Marie sent this in for your edification. "Keep the Faith" proclaims itself the most powerful Catholic audio on the web.

The Diocese of Cleveland Enewsletter wants you to know that the following parishes will be displaying an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lourdes between February 2 and February 11 in conjunction with the Plenary Indulgence for the 150th Anniversary of the apparition at Lourdes. This information may be of assistance to the faithful who desire to participate in the plenary indulgence.

Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist
East 9th Street and Superior Ave NE,
Cleveland, OH 44114, 216.771.6666


Conversion of St. Paul Shrine
4120 Euclid Ave.,
Cleveland, OH 44103, 216.431.8854
Open daily 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Free parking available next to St. Paul Friary on Euclid Ave.


Our Lady of Lourdes
3395 East 53rd Street, Cleveland,
Ohio 44127, 216.641.2829

St. Michael the Archangel/Iglesia San Miguel Arcángel
3114 Scranton Road,
Cleveland, OH 44109, 216.621.3847

St. Christine Parish
840 East 222nd St.,
Euclid, OH 44123, 216.261.1410

St. Anthony of Padua
316 Fifth St., Fairport,
OH 44077, 440.354.4525

SYMBOLIC SATURDAY - NOW THAT TAKES THE CAKE

Every wonder WHY a wedding cake looks like a wedding cake? Sure it's tradition, but from where did the tradition come? Here is another case in which even people who scorn the Church enjoy the traditions that flow from her gentle influence over our culture without even realizing it.

The story goes like this; a baker wanted to create a spectacular cake for a newly married couple's wedding celebration. He looked at the spire of St. Bride's Church in Barcelona and thought to recreate it in the form of the cake. As you can see from the picture below that I took about seven years ago, the tower is assembled in a number of layers that somewhat resemble the traditional form of a wedding cake today. First there is the base cake, then a raised level and a smaller cake, then a raised level and a smaller cake . . .

Of course it was hit and quickly spread through the cullenary world. Besides being elegant and impressive, it is also very pracitcal.

Now, won't it be interesting next time you go to a wedding reception and the see the bride and groom, dressed to the nines, acting so mature and serious just hours before, now dancing the worm before a cake designed to remind them of the Church in which they took solemn vows?