Thursday, April 14, 2011
Terminology - Adoption
Adoption - In Baptism, the Holy Spirit transforms us into children of the Father, thereby making us his adopted sons and daughters in the likeness of his eternal Son (see Eph 1:3-6). In this way, the faithful are made "partakers in the divine nature (cf. 2 Pt 1:4) by uniting them in a living union with the only Son, the Savior" (Cathechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], no. 1129). In the sacraments, we become the sons and daughters of God by adoption through Christ Jesus.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
I'ts not easy to volunteer
I guess it is a sign of our times and the world we currently live in.
I am currently unemployed, therefore I decided I should volunteer. I should volunteer anyway, employed or not. Anyway, so I call a program today to volunteer. I can't come in tomorrow to volunteer, I have to wait for a booklet and application to arrive in the mail. After I fill it all out they have to conduct a background check before I can be approved to volunteer.
I actually understand why, although I believe it is sad that a background check is needed for someone to volunteer.
I am currently unemployed, therefore I decided I should volunteer. I should volunteer anyway, employed or not. Anyway, so I call a program today to volunteer. I can't come in tomorrow to volunteer, I have to wait for a booklet and application to arrive in the mail. After I fill it all out they have to conduct a background check before I can be approved to volunteer.
I actually understand why, although I believe it is sad that a background check is needed for someone to volunteer.
Saint Jude
St. Jude seeps to be one of the most well known saints at least in the United States by Catholic and non-Catholics. Most all of us know or have heard about St. Jude's Hospital. I could easily scrap together information about St. Jude on my own, although I decided to use information I found at AmericanCatholic.org they have a great section on Saint of the Day, they also have a great Ap for Saint of the Day. I really hope they don't mind my excellent copy and paste skills.
So unless you are an excellent scholar of Saints, I hope you will read the following and learn all that you knew and might not have known about St. Jude.
St Jude (Simon and Jude)
Jude is so named by Luke and Acts. Matthew and Mark call him Thaddeus. He is not mentioned elsewhere in the Gospels, except, of course, where all the apostles are referred to. Scholars hold that he is not the author of the Letter of Jude. Actually, Jude had the same name as Judas Iscariot. Evidently because of the disgrace of that name, it was shortened to "Jude" in English.
Simon is mentioned on all four lists of the apostles. On two of them he is called "the Zealot." The Zealots were a Jewish sect that represented an extreme of Jewish nationalism. For them, the messianic promise of the Old Testament meant that the Jews were to be a free and independent nation. God alone was their king, and any payment of taxes to the Romans—the very domination of the Romans—was a blasphemy against God. No doubt some of the Zealots were the spiritual heirs of the Maccabees, carrying on their ideals of religion and independence. But many were the counterparts of modern terrorists. They raided and killed, attacking both foreigners and "collaborating" Jews. They were chiefly responsible for the rebellion against Rome which ended in the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.
So unless you are an excellent scholar of Saints, I hope you will read the following and learn all that you knew and might not have known about St. Jude.
St Jude (Simon and Jude)
Jude is so named by Luke and Acts. Matthew and Mark call him Thaddeus. He is not mentioned elsewhere in the Gospels, except, of course, where all the apostles are referred to. Scholars hold that he is not the author of the Letter of Jude. Actually, Jude had the same name as Judas Iscariot. Evidently because of the disgrace of that name, it was shortened to "Jude" in English.
Simon is mentioned on all four lists of the apostles. On two of them he is called "the Zealot." The Zealots were a Jewish sect that represented an extreme of Jewish nationalism. For them, the messianic promise of the Old Testament meant that the Jews were to be a free and independent nation. God alone was their king, and any payment of taxes to the Romans—the very domination of the Romans—was a blasphemy against God. No doubt some of the Zealots were the spiritual heirs of the Maccabees, carrying on their ideals of religion and independence. But many were the counterparts of modern terrorists. They raided and killed, attacking both foreigners and "collaborating" Jews. They were chiefly responsible for the rebellion against Rome which ended in the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.
Comment:
As in the case of all the apostles except for Peter, James and John, we are faced with men who are really unknown, and we are struck by the fact that their holiness is simply taken to be a gift of Christ. He chose some unlikely people: a former Zealot, a former (crooked) tax collector, an impetuous fisherman, two "sons of thunder" and a man named Judas Iscariot. It is a reminder that we cannot receive too often. Holiness does not depend on human merit, culture, personality, effort or achievement. It is entirely God's creation and gift. God needs no Zealots to bring about the kingdom by force. Jude, like all the saints, is the saint of the impossible: only God can create his divine life in human beings. And God wills to do so, for all of us.
As in the case of all the apostles except for Peter, James and John, we are faced with men who are really unknown, and we are struck by the fact that their holiness is simply taken to be a gift of Christ. He chose some unlikely people: a former Zealot, a former (crooked) tax collector, an impetuous fisherman, two "sons of thunder" and a man named Judas Iscariot. It is a reminder that we cannot receive too often. Holiness does not depend on human merit, culture, personality, effort or achievement. It is entirely God's creation and gift. God needs no Zealots to bring about the kingdom by force. Jude, like all the saints, is the saint of the impossible: only God can create his divine life in human beings. And God wills to do so, for all of us.
Quote:
"Just as Christ was sent by the Father, so also he sent the apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit. This he did so that, by preaching the gospel to every creature (cf. Mark 16:15), they might proclaim that the Son of God, by his death and resurrection, had freed us from the power of Satan (cf. Acts 26:18) and from death, and brought us into the kingdom of his Father" (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy).
"Just as Christ was sent by the Father, so also he sent the apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit. This he did so that, by preaching the gospel to every creature (cf. Mark 16:15), they might proclaim that the Son of God, by his death and resurrection, had freed us from the power of Satan (cf. Acts 26:18) and from death, and brought us into the kingdom of his Father" (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy).
Patron Saint of:
Desperate causes
Desperate causes
Spiritual Direction
Back a bit ago I decided that I needed to seek a Spiritual Director. I was going to get on it the following week, although let a week or two pass before picking up the phone.
So, how does one find a Spiritual Director?
Step 1, I heard of a website/blog Roman Catholic Spiritual Direction, I went there and browsed around. I can't remember if I read it on there or heard it on the Catholic radio station I listen to, although they said the first step was to call your parish and ask if they could refer you to a religious community that provided spiritual direction.
That was probably my block. I get jitters whenever I have to call my parish. I never know who to ask for and for some reason I am always worried about bothering someone. Well today I finally got over myself and picked up the phone.
Step 2, call your local parish. In my instance I don't think a real person ever picks up the phone. I listened to the whole message and hung up. I really had no idea who any of the people in the directory were. For some reason I had kind of decided to leave a message for a Deacon, I don't know why. Well they didn't list an extension for a Deacon thus the reason I hung up. I thought for a minute and then decided to just pick one of the Priest. So I call back and pick the Priest listed after the Monsignor. Thankfully he didn't answer his phone so I left a message with what I was looking for. Honestly, why do I feel this is so hard?
Step 3, Priest calls you back with appropriate information :-). Guess what we have a local Spiritual Direction office in Denver, he provides me all the information.
Step 4, without delay call the local Spiritual Direction office. I think I was hoping to leave another message. Well, they had a LIVE person that answered their phone and when I spilled out my request for a spiritual director I was transferred to another live person. Apparently these people don't understand that I get the jitters when talking to "church" people. By the Grace of God, I made it through the conversation and I have a Non-Committal appointment for next week! How this goes is I meet with the priest for this Non-Committal appointment. After the appointment I go away to think and pray about what we discuss and then I contact him a week later if I wish to proceed. Or something like that.
So stay tuned for the rest of the process.
So, how does one find a Spiritual Director?
Step 1, I heard of a website/blog Roman Catholic Spiritual Direction, I went there and browsed around. I can't remember if I read it on there or heard it on the Catholic radio station I listen to, although they said the first step was to call your parish and ask if they could refer you to a religious community that provided spiritual direction.
That was probably my block. I get jitters whenever I have to call my parish. I never know who to ask for and for some reason I am always worried about bothering someone. Well today I finally got over myself and picked up the phone.
Step 2, call your local parish. In my instance I don't think a real person ever picks up the phone. I listened to the whole message and hung up. I really had no idea who any of the people in the directory were. For some reason I had kind of decided to leave a message for a Deacon, I don't know why. Well they didn't list an extension for a Deacon thus the reason I hung up. I thought for a minute and then decided to just pick one of the Priest. So I call back and pick the Priest listed after the Monsignor. Thankfully he didn't answer his phone so I left a message with what I was looking for. Honestly, why do I feel this is so hard?
Step 3, Priest calls you back with appropriate information :-). Guess what we have a local Spiritual Direction office in Denver, he provides me all the information.
Step 4, without delay call the local Spiritual Direction office. I think I was hoping to leave another message. Well, they had a LIVE person that answered their phone and when I spilled out my request for a spiritual director I was transferred to another live person. Apparently these people don't understand that I get the jitters when talking to "church" people. By the Grace of God, I made it through the conversation and I have a Non-Committal appointment for next week! How this goes is I meet with the priest for this Non-Committal appointment. After the appointment I go away to think and pray about what we discuss and then I contact him a week later if I wish to proceed. Or something like that.
So stay tuned for the rest of the process.
An Airport Encounter
My second favorite Archbishop (I only know 2 of them and neither personally), Timothy Dolan published the following on his blog and I would like to share it with everyone.
An Airport Encounter
I am saddened that our priests are viewed in this manner. I am saddened that the horrible and unacceptable actions of a few diminish the great works of many. I pray for all of our Priest.
An Airport Encounter
I am saddened that our priests are viewed in this manner. I am saddened that the horrible and unacceptable actions of a few diminish the great works of many. I pray for all of our Priest.
Reverance
I have seen a lot of discussion about reverence in the sense of what or who is more reverent.
Some examples:
One note: Every priest I have observed chews the Holy Eucharist. I don't know where or how to find it although I heard somewhere that when Jesus said "Eat this in remembrance of me" the translation of eat is chew. If you are chewing or dissolving I am just grateful that you are receiving the Most Holy Eucharist!
Some examples:
- Is receiving the Holy Eucharist on the tongue more reverent than receiving in the hand?
- Is letting the Holy Eucharist dissolve in ones mouth more reverent than chewing?
- Is genuflecting more reverent than bowing?
- Is singing during mass more reverent than humming?
One note: Every priest I have observed chews the Holy Eucharist. I don't know where or how to find it although I heard somewhere that when Jesus said "Eat this in remembrance of me" the translation of eat is chew. If you are chewing or dissolving I am just grateful that you are receiving the Most Holy Eucharist!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Praying
I sat down this morning thinking about what I could write about prayer. Prayer is so unique and individual to all of us. I was asked recently if I pray daily. I do. Although, the more I thought of it I realize how I need to improve my prayer life. At this point in time I would say that the majority of my prayer life is short simple prayers. "God please give me patience." "St. Christopher watch over us." "Thank you God." etc. I am not as good at sitting down and meditating or saying a prayer more than 10 words unless we are at mass. I am working on it. Currently I am saying a Our Lady Novena.
I have been heard many times throughout my life that I need to extend my prayer life. And I agree. My struggle is, sometimes I don't know how to pray. I know that there is really not a good vs. bad way to pray, we all need to adapt what is best for us. It is just difficult for me to read a prayer (other than mass prayers) that was written by someone else. Then when I try to sit down and pray in my own words I feel like I am making things up as I go (which I am). I never thought I was unhappy with my prayer life. I never really thought about it. I do sit back now and know that I deserve more of a prayer life.
So how do you pray?
What do you pray?
Where do you pray?
When do you pray?
Why do you pray?
I have been heard many times throughout my life that I need to extend my prayer life. And I agree. My struggle is, sometimes I don't know how to pray. I know that there is really not a good vs. bad way to pray, we all need to adapt what is best for us. It is just difficult for me to read a prayer (other than mass prayers) that was written by someone else. Then when I try to sit down and pray in my own words I feel like I am making things up as I go (which I am). I never thought I was unhappy with my prayer life. I never really thought about it. I do sit back now and know that I deserve more of a prayer life.
So how do you pray?
What do you pray?
Where do you pray?
When do you pray?
Why do you pray?
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Terminology - Abasement
God has been watching over me :-) I came up with a calendar of what I would blog about on specific days. I chose Terminology for Wednesday. I came up with this sometime last week. To my relief and surprise in our bulletin this weekend was an insert "Words in the Roman Missal, Third Edition". Talk about something being dropped in my lap, Thanks be to God!
So the word of the day today is Abasement
I guess I have never thought about the word abasement before, so this is a good one from me to start with (plus it is at the top of the list).
Abasement: The lowering of one of higher rank. Jesus abased himself in that, though he was God, he lowered himself and became a human being so that he might save us from our sins (see Phil 2:6-11).
I have to say I believe that this is the first time I have read Philippians 2 (Phil 2:1-11). What stood out to me is actually Phil 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interest, but [also] everyone for those of others.
This is something I struggle with often. I am quick to see fault in others and unfortunately even point it out to others (mostly my husband). My biggest struggle with this is check out clerks at stores. While I am not specifically stating they are less important than myself, I approach them with distain and annoyance. Who am I to treat anyone else in this manner? Jesus abased himself for me. I should use his example in the manner that I treat others.
So the word of the day today is Abasement
I guess I have never thought about the word abasement before, so this is a good one from me to start with (plus it is at the top of the list).
Abasement: The lowering of one of higher rank. Jesus abased himself in that, though he was God, he lowered himself and became a human being so that he might save us from our sins (see Phil 2:6-11).
I have to say I believe that this is the first time I have read Philippians 2 (Phil 2:1-11). What stood out to me is actually Phil 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interest, but [also] everyone for those of others.
This is something I struggle with often. I am quick to see fault in others and unfortunately even point it out to others (mostly my husband). My biggest struggle with this is check out clerks at stores. While I am not specifically stating they are less important than myself, I approach them with distain and annoyance. Who am I to treat anyone else in this manner? Jesus abased himself for me. I should use his example in the manner that I treat others.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Saint Catherine of Siena
Saint Catherine of Siena has been with me for as long as I can remember. My Catholic faith was formed in St. Catherine of Siena Church in Burlington, CO.
Saint Catherine of Siena is the Patron Saint of Italy. She was born Catherine Benincasa in Siena in 1347. At an early age she joined the Third Order of Saint Dominic in which she gained a reputation for great sanctity. Recognizing her holiness and wisdom many followed her leadership in her devotion to the poor. She labored incessantly and with fiery zeal for the unity of the Church and was a devoted champion of the Papacy.
She died in Rome in 1380 after a remarkable life, leaving a legacy of outstanding spiritual treatises. Saint Catherine was canonized in 1461; her Feast occurs on April 29.
*Information obtained from one of my many saint cards. 800-204
Saint Catherine of Siena is the Patron Saint of Italy. She was born Catherine Benincasa in Siena in 1347. At an early age she joined the Third Order of Saint Dominic in which she gained a reputation for great sanctity. Recognizing her holiness and wisdom many followed her leadership in her devotion to the poor. She labored incessantly and with fiery zeal for the unity of the Church and was a devoted champion of the Papacy.
She died in Rome in 1380 after a remarkable life, leaving a legacy of outstanding spiritual treatises. Saint Catherine was canonized in 1461; her Feast occurs on April 29.
*Information obtained from one of my many saint cards. 800-204
Monday, March 28, 2011
What I heard at Mass on Sunday! 3/28/11
My husband and I attend mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Immaculate Conception in Denver, CO. We typically attend the 6:30 pm mass. Often our celebrant is Archbishop Chaput. You can find his homilies on the Archdiocese of Denver website at http://www.archden.org/index.cfm/ID/280/Homilies-/
For the past few weeks the Cathedral has been going through renovations. Since the Cathedral is a prime location for weddings, apparently Lent is the best time to schedule renovations. Currently the confessionals are undergoing renovations. To the surprise of this C- Catholic, confessions are now being held front and center of the church, yes around the alter. This past week there were 3 or 4 privacy screens set up along the front of the church and two chairs behind the alter. Now for a C- Catholic confession always stressful, this C- Catholic can't remember the Act of Contrition. And now they expect me to do this 30 minutes before mass in front of everyone that arrives early. The 6:30pm mass at the Cathedral is well attended as are confessions at this time. Anyway, I chickened out and will schedule to go to confession sometime during the day this week.
Our readings this Sunday were:
Reading 1: Ex 17:3-7
Responsorial Psalm: PS 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9
Reading 2: Rom 5:1-2, 5-8
Gospel: Jn 4:5-42 or 4:5-15, 19b-26, 39a, 40-42
You can always find the readings at: http://www.usccb.org/nab/
So what did I get out of this Sunday's readings:
Jesus is our rock so we don't thirst. We have fulfillment of hope through Christ. We are able to love God because God loves us.
Even a C- Catholic can quench their thirst through Christ.
For the past few weeks the Cathedral has been going through renovations. Since the Cathedral is a prime location for weddings, apparently Lent is the best time to schedule renovations. Currently the confessionals are undergoing renovations. To the surprise of this C- Catholic, confessions are now being held front and center of the church, yes around the alter. This past week there were 3 or 4 privacy screens set up along the front of the church and two chairs behind the alter. Now for a C- Catholic confession always stressful, this C- Catholic can't remember the Act of Contrition. And now they expect me to do this 30 minutes before mass in front of everyone that arrives early. The 6:30pm mass at the Cathedral is well attended as are confessions at this time. Anyway, I chickened out and will schedule to go to confession sometime during the day this week.
Our readings this Sunday were:
Reading 1: Ex 17:3-7
Responsorial Psalm: PS 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9
Reading 2: Rom 5:1-2, 5-8
Gospel: Jn 4:5-42 or 4:5-15, 19b-26, 39a, 40-42
You can always find the readings at: http://www.usccb.org/nab/
So what did I get out of this Sunday's readings:
Jesus is our rock so we don't thirst. We have fulfillment of hope through Christ. We are able to love God because God loves us.
Even a C- Catholic can quench their thirst through Christ.
Friday, March 25, 2011
So where does one start?
I want to boost my "grade", where to start? I hear a lot of people saying they have spiritual advisor, I have no idea how to find a spiritual advisor. I would say I definitely am in need of one! I would also be very cautious of whom I choose. I have come across some very faithful catholics that appear to be A+ only to find out they have some misinterpretations of our faith also. I am not speaking ill of anyone, there is a lot to learn and know about our faith, it is the oldest Christian religion.
So, I found this blog, http://rcspiritualdirection.com/blog/ . I have to admit I heard about them a week or so ago on Catholic Radio, I believe it was The Catholic's Next Door show. So apparently, I need to call my Diocese (Archdiocese) and ask around about how I find a spiritual director. On the top of my TO DO list for next week!!
There is an interesting pool on the http://rcspiritualdirection.com/blog/ blog. It asks:
So, I found this blog, http://rcspiritualdirection.com/blog/ . I have to admit I heard about them a week or so ago on Catholic Radio, I believe it was The Catholic's Next Door show. So apparently, I need to call my Diocese (Archdiocese) and ask around about how I find a spiritual director. On the top of my TO DO list for next week!!
There is an interesting pool on the http://rcspiritualdirection.com/blog/ blog. It asks:
What best describes your spiritual direction situation?
Results so far (counting mine :-) )
Thursday, March 24, 2011
C- Catholic?
I have labeled myself a C- Catholic since my childhood. I was blessed that CCD classes didn't give out grades. I would have received a C-, that is if they gave points for attendance!
A bit about me and my Catholic life:
I was born and raised Catholic. My parents regularly attended mass each week with us children up until they divorced. After their divorce, mom would drop my sister, brother and I off at the church and pick us up an hour later. When with dad, grandma and grandpa would pick us up about 45 minutes before mass to insure we were all there in time for them to lead the Rosary. Sadly, my sister and brother are no longer Catholic.
In my later college years and a few years following college I went on a sabbatical, only attending mass a few times a year.
In general I would gage that I have a C- understanding of Catholicism. I have to admit that I have never sat down and read the bible cover to cover. I often get stuck in Genesis around the Patriarchs Isaac and Jacob. My mind worries that I have to memorize all of this stuff, it gets scared and forgets to move forward. I thought I was off the hook when I once "heard" if you attend mass every Sunday for 3 years, the Bible has been read to you. I thought I won the Jackpot!!! Then my husband tells me it is if you attend mass every day for 3 years. I really need to look into if any of this is right!
So I know the basic bible stories, even a few odd ones. I defiantly can't tell you where to find anything in the Bible. So where does that leave me? I am hoping at least C-, that is still passing right?
I am happily married to a convert. My husband and I often have discussions on what is Catholic and what isn't. We do have a Bible (actually 5 or 6 ) and a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. We muddle through trying to figure it out on our own. We attend mass almost every Sunday at The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver, CO. We really enjoy Archbishop Chaput's homilies so you will hear a lot about them in this blog.
I listen to a lot of Catholic Radio; EWTN and The Catholic Channel on Sirius Satellite Radio. You will probably observe me borrowing topic ideas or referring to various shows.
I want to improve my understanding of my faith and have the confidence in explaining it to others. I decided to document my process and hopefully enlighten others.
A bit about me and my Catholic life:
I was born and raised Catholic. My parents regularly attended mass each week with us children up until they divorced. After their divorce, mom would drop my sister, brother and I off at the church and pick us up an hour later. When with dad, grandma and grandpa would pick us up about 45 minutes before mass to insure we were all there in time for them to lead the Rosary. Sadly, my sister and brother are no longer Catholic.
In my later college years and a few years following college I went on a sabbatical, only attending mass a few times a year.
In general I would gage that I have a C- understanding of Catholicism. I have to admit that I have never sat down and read the bible cover to cover. I often get stuck in Genesis around the Patriarchs Isaac and Jacob. My mind worries that I have to memorize all of this stuff, it gets scared and forgets to move forward. I thought I was off the hook when I once "heard" if you attend mass every Sunday for 3 years, the Bible has been read to you. I thought I won the Jackpot!!! Then my husband tells me it is if you attend mass every day for 3 years. I really need to look into if any of this is right!
So I know the basic bible stories, even a few odd ones. I defiantly can't tell you where to find anything in the Bible. So where does that leave me? I am hoping at least C-, that is still passing right?
I am happily married to a convert. My husband and I often have discussions on what is Catholic and what isn't. We do have a Bible (actually 5 or 6 ) and a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. We muddle through trying to figure it out on our own. We attend mass almost every Sunday at The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver, CO. We really enjoy Archbishop Chaput's homilies so you will hear a lot about them in this blog.
I listen to a lot of Catholic Radio; EWTN and The Catholic Channel on Sirius Satellite Radio. You will probably observe me borrowing topic ideas or referring to various shows.
I want to improve my understanding of my faith and have the confidence in explaining it to others. I decided to document my process and hopefully enlighten others.
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