Katholicos

2009-01-22T01:45:00.002-06:00

Is Christianity Intolerant?

This is a claim that is thrown at Christianity a great deal. The claim goes somewhere along these lines: we are intolerant of other faiths because we believe in the Words of our Lord that He is the Way the Truth and the Life. Some how we are expected to be apologetic over our beliefs, that this whole Jesus or nothing stance is intolerant. That Christianity is not accepting of who people are. Here is what the great Bishop Fulton Sheen had to say about the intolerance claim:

Christian love bears evil, but it does not tolerate it.

It does penance for the sins of others, but it is not broadminded about sin.

The cry for tolerance never induces it to quench its hatred of the evil philosophies that have entered into contest with the Truth.

It forgives the sinner, and it hates the sin; it is unmerciful to the error in his mind.

The sinner it will always take back into the bosom of the Mystical Body;
but his lie will never be taken into the treasury of His Wisdom.

Real love involves real hatred:
whoever has lost the power of moral indignation and the urge to drive the buyers and sellers from the temples
has also lost a living, fervent love of Truth.

Charity, then, is not a mild philosophy of "live and let live";
it is not a species of sloppy sentiment.

Charity is the infusion of the Spirit of God,
which makes us love the beautiful and hate the morally ugly.

So in a way Christianity is intolerant. It is a faith that is intolerant of sin because our Lord was. However, one of the great mysteries of Christianity is that while it is indeed intolerant of sin it is the only religion that is truly tolerant of the sinner. It is the only faith that really accepts people for who they really are, sinners. It does not sugar coat or place false masks on who people are. Because"...all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God..."

God bless

2009-01-18T14:28:00.003-06:00

Which Church Father are you?

You are St. Justin Martyr!

You have a positive and hopeful attitude toward the world. You think that nature, history, and even the pagan philosophers were often guided by God in preparation for the Advent of the Christ. You find “seeds of the Word” in unexpected places. You’re patient and willing to explain the faith to unbelievers.

I am not sure about that nor am I sure if this shows the accuracy of the test or not but it is all in fun.

Take the quiz:

http://www.fathersofthechurch.com/quiz

Pax tecum!

2009-01-18T14:14:00.002-06:00

We are back!

Wow it has been over two years since our last post. A lot has gone on since our last post and keeping up with a blog was difficult. We finished college, got married, moved and bought a home and most importantly we welcomed a new member into our family who was Baptized in our new Parish.

Anyways to get things started again we think we will post today's Gospel reading from our most Holy Church:

Mark 2: 18 - 22
18	Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and people came and said to him, "Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?"
19	And Jesus said to them, "Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.
20	The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day.
21	No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; if he does, the patch tears away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made.
22	And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; if he does, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but new wine is for fresh skins."

God bless you all!

2007-01-12T13:22:00.000-06:00

Abba

I want to surrender daily to Your plans for my life. I know that when You call, You equip. I acknowledge that if You should call me to the most remote places on earth, You will move Your people to help send me.

Strengthen my conviction that Jesus is the only Savior for the world and fortify my resolve to proclaim that truth even when the enemy would oppose me. Holy Spirit, embolden me to live the gospel at home, at work, and everywhere I go in this world so that Your salvation may reach the ends of the earth. Amen

Pax Tecum

2007-01-11T17:47:00.000-06:00

G.K. Chesterton:

Reason is itself a matter of faith. It is an act of faith to assert that our thoughts have any relation to reality at all. If you are merely a sceptic, you must sooner or later ask yourself the question, "Why should anything go right; even observation and deduction? Why should not good logic be as misleading as bad logic? They are both movements in the mind of a bewildered ape?" The young sceptic says, "I have a right to think for myself." But the old sceptic, the complete sceptic, says, "I have no right to think for myself. I have no right to think at all. -G.K. Chesterton's Orthodoxy

2007-01-03T18:39:00.000-06:00

Hebrews 4:11-16:

Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, that no one fall by the same sort of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden, but all are open and laid bare to the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

2006-12-29T10:39:00.000-06:00

Saint of the Day:

St. Thomas Becket (1118-1170)

A strong man who wavered for a moment, but then learned one cannot come to terms with evil and so became a strong churchman, a martyr and a saint—that was Thomas Becket, archbishop of Canterbury, murdered in his cathedral on December 29, 1170.

His career had been a stormy one. While archdeacon of Canterbury, he was made chancellor of England at the age of 36 by his friend King Henry II. When Henry felt it advantageous to make his chancellor the archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas gave him fair warning: he might not accept all of Henry’s intrusions into Church affairs. Nevertheless, he was made archbishop (1162), resigned his chancellorship and reformed his whole way of life!

Troubles began. Henry insisted upon usurping Church rights. At one time, supposing some conciliatory action possible, Thomas came close to compromise. He momentarily approved the Constitutions of Clarendon, which would have denied the clergy the right of trial by a Church court and prevented them from making direct appeal to Rome. But Thomas rejected the Constitutions, fled to France for safety and remained in exile for seven years. When he returned to England, he suspected it would mean certain death. Because Thomas refused to remit censures he had placed upon bishops favored by the king, Henry cried out in a rage, “Will no one rid me of this troublesome priest!” Four knights, taking his words as his wish, slew Thomas in the Canterbury cathedral.

Thomas Becket remains a hero-saint down to our own times.

http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintOfDay/default.asp?id=1244

Pax Tecum

2006-12-08T00:56:00.000-06:00

The Immaculate Conception:

December 8th is a Holy day of obligation for Catholics. The Immaculate Conception is often misunderstood by non-Catholics and Catholics alike. The Immaculate Conception is not the same as the Virgin Birth, rather it is the doctrine of the Church that Mary, the Mother of God was conceived without the stain of original sin. A lot of people take exception to this doctrine thinking that this equates Mary to some level of divinity. This is not so. Mary was preserved from the stain of original sin by the Grace of God, not by her own doing. Since it is a Holy day of obligation I invite everyone to take the time to read up on the Immacute Conception.

For further reading on the Immaculate Conception:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07674d.htm

Pax Tecum

2006-12-04T22:41:00.000-06:00

What's your theological worldview?

Here is how I scored:

You are Roman Catholic. Church tradition and ecclesial authority are hugely important, and the most important part of worship for you is mass. As the Mother of God, Mary is important in your theology, and as the communion of saints includes the living and the dead, you can also ask the saints to intercede for you.

Roman Catholic 100%

Neo orthodox 82%

Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan 79%

Fundamentalist 43%

Reformed Evangelical 36%

Charismatic/Pentecostal 29%

Emergent/Postmodern 25%

Classical Liberal 21%

Modern Liberal 4%

No suprise here!

Take the quiz and find out where you fall: http://quizfarm.com/test.php?q_id=43870

Pax Tecum

2006-11-29T20:03:00.000-06:00

"Christian is my name, and Catholic my surname. The one designates me, while the other makes me specific. Thus am I attested and set apart... When we are called Catholics it is by this appellation that our people are kept apart from any heretical name."Saint Pacian of Barcelona, Letter to Sympronian, 375 A.D..

2006-11-27T11:10:00.000-06:00

Family Becoming Catholic:

One of the goals I had when I became Catholic was to get my mother to convert as well. She married into a Catholic family almost 35 years ago and no one has been able to get her to join the church. I have been talking to her for about three months now and finally she told me last night that she has decided to become Catholic! She will go through RCIA, and later down the road take the initiation 'grand slam' where she will be Baptized, confirmed and take her first communion. This was very exciting news, the months of praying work.

Now not only is my mother going to join the Church, my niece who is expected any moment now will be baptized Catholic and also my sister in law who once said she would never become Catholic is even considering joining the Church along with her daughter and my mother. It is great to know that the Lord used me as an instrument to introduce the peace and the joy of that Catholic Church that they will no doubt find.

Pax Tecum

2006-11-12T21:51:00.000-06:00

Bible Alone?

From time to time I like to check out Protestant web-sites in order to get the most up to date challenges against the Church. Never surprises me the things they will come up with. Anyways one thing that stood out to me was all their statements of faith had this as their number one doctrine:

The Bible is the inspired and only infallible and authoritative Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16).

Most of these websites did not mention any Scripture to back this man made tradition up, however some did and the ones that did all quoted 2 Timothy 3:16. Have Protestants even looked at what this verse actually says? Well lets look:

2 Timothy 3:16

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (NIV)
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness (NASB)
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (KJV)
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (NKJV)

Here are four examples from four different very popular Protestant translations..... Notice what is missing, the word, "alone". These Christian websites indicate that the Bible is the ONLY authority however their scripture verse used to back this up does not show that. The Bible says, and I agree with the Bible, is that it is USEFUL or PROFITABLE depending on your version of the Bible.

It is rather ironic that it is the Catholic Church that gets criticized because Protestants think that we have beliefs that contradict scripture, yet the fundamental belief, the doctrine of "the Bible alone" is not scriptural. They can offer no scriptural proof for this doctrine, only verses that allude to that the Bible is God breathed, inerrant, and valuable for teaching, reproof and instruction in righteousness, all things Catholics believe.

Further puzzling is all this quote says is that "scripture" is useful and profitable. How do we know what scripture is profitable? The Bible does not tell us what books should and should not be in the Bible, therefore how is one to tell what the author here is trying to indicate?

Now lets take this verse into context and see what the author is trying to say. One verse directly behind this states:

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15)

Scripture that you have known from childhood? What scripture has Timothy known since Childhood? Certainly not the NT, seeing as it wasn't canonized until the 4th century, the scripture that is being refered to here was the OT, so if this verse is saying anything at all it is saying to much for these Protestants. If we are to read how these Protestants are reading it, we would be commanded to take the OT as our final and only authority, which of course is silly.

There of course is much more to reveal this man made tradition, but this was just an answer to the 2 Timothy 3:16 verse which does not, no matter how much protestants want it to be, a proof for their Bible alone doctrine.

Pax Tecum

2006-11-03T12:26:00.000-06:00

Justin Martyr on the Real Presence:

"We call this food Eucharist, and no one else is permitted to partake of it, except one who believes our teaching to be true and who has been washed in the washing which is for the remission of sins and for regeneration [i.e., has received baptism] and is thereby living as Christ enjoined. For not as common bread nor common drink do we receive these, but since Jesus Christ our Savior was made incarnate by the word of God and had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so too, as we have been taught, the food which has been made into the Eucharist by the Eucharistic prayer set down by him, and by the change of which our blood and flesh is nurtured, is both the flesh and the blood of that incarnated Jesus" (First Apology 66 [A.D. 151]).

Another Early Church father describing the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. It is comforting to know that the Catholic Church's interpretation of the Gospel of John regarding communion is in line with that of the early Church fathers, seeing as these men were taught by the Apostles, or people who the Apostles taught directly. The Early Church was indeed Catholic, reading the early Church fathers will vanquish all thought that it was protestant.

Pax Tecum

2006-11-02T12:30:00.000-06:00

Ignatius of Antioch on the Real Presence:

"Take note of those who hold heterodox opinions on the grace of Jesus Christ which has come to us, and see how contrary their opinions are to the mind of God. . . . They abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ, flesh which suffered for our sins and which that Father, in his goodness, raised up again. They who deny the gift of God are perishing in their disputes" (Letter to the Smyrnaeans 6:2-7:1 [A.D. 110]).

". . . and are now ready to obey your bishop and clergy with undivided
minds and to share in the one common breaking of bread – the medicine of immortality, and the sovereign remedy by which we escape death and live in Jesus Christ for evermore" (Letter to the Ephesians 20 [A.D. 110]).

Notice here the date at which Ignatius said this. 110, only 80 years after Christ lived. Ignatius even states it as if it had been a very common and old belief, and in fact it is. All early Christians believe, as the Bible teaches it, in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Communion as a pure symbol is the child of the reformation. Its ironic that Protestants during the Reformation claimed to want to get back to the basics of Christianity, wanted to worship Christ how the earliest Christians did. Yet they go to the Bible, something no Christian had until the 4th Century, and deny the Real Presence, something which every early Christian confessed. So which church is more similar to the early Christians? The Catholic Church of course, but this is because it is the same church.

Pax Tecum

2006-10-30T14:29:00.000-06:00

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And may perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithfully departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

Rest in peace Chester Day.

Your loving Grandson.

2006-10-27T11:34:00.000-05:00

Marian Apparition

I found this gem on someones blog who will remain nameless. May God break this letter writers heart of stone. He is obviously a very anti-Catholic Protestant. He speaks of a town, not far from where I grew up, that is having a Marian Apparition. He claims that people of all denominational lines are coming to see it and that Mass has been held at an abandoned barn where she appears. He attacks their beliefs offering only his opinion and nothing more. In the end he claims these people are having apparition of the devil trying to trick them. He leads on to believe that Catholics must believe in apparitions of Mary, but surely this guy knows that Catholics are not bound to believe in apparitions of Mary? Anyways lets break this letter down!

Her commands are to pray the Rosary, read the Bible, go to Mass, and tell others that she is present to bring answers and peace to a troubled world.

Warning sarcasim allert: How dare this apparition command those people to attend church and read their Bible! God knows how much it pains the Devil to see people not attending Church and reading their Bibles. Of course I am finding humor at this man's expense but all sarcasim aside, why is an apparition of the Devil, which this letter writer claims it is, telling them to go to Church and read their Bibles? Interesting?

After her firstborn Jesus, the Son of God, she had four other sons and daughters also. Please read Mark 6:3.

Just so everyone knows what Mark 6:3 is saying: "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him."

Bang case closed, Jesus had brothers so Mary had other children. Or so the the protestants think. Surely this letter writer knows that the Greek word used for brother is (adelphoi). This word in Greek has a much broader beaning then this man is trying to indicate. Adelphoi could mean cousins, step brothers, uncles or even non-related people such as neighbors and close friends. Using this letter writer's logic we would have to believe that the 120 "brothers" in Acts 1:15 had the same mother. Well neither did they have the same mother nor did Lot and his uncle Abraham, who were called "brothers" (Gen. 11:26-28, 29:15). Why such a broad word? Because in Hebrew there was no word for cousin, uncle or nephew. So the fact that Jesus had "adelphios" does not prove that Mary had other children.

We know from the Bible Mary....lived and died in Israel.

Really? Your bible says she died? Where? My Bible doesn't say this. Wait a second are you adding to the Bible? I would be careful with that, we know what Revelation says about that, "I warn every one who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if any one adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if any one takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book." (Rev 22:18-19) Wow! Be careful with that letter writer, you are walking on slippery ground.

You must understand that spiritually, Jesus to the Roman Catholic is not the Almighty Lord and Savior God.

Really? Well this is defiantly news to me. It seems that us Catholics need to get our creed, OUR PROFESSION OF FAITH, changed to match this guys misunderstanding of Catholicism. "We believe (I believe) in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all that is seen and unseen." Catholics say this every time they go to mass, but I guess we don't believe in the Father Almighty. Weird I guess. My heart hurt when I saw this. It truly did. This man is telling me what Jesus means to me. He doesn't know me, he has never talked to me, but because I am Catholic he thinks he knows what Jesus means to me and what He has done in my life.

Jesus is always seen as a helpless being. He is seen as a helpless Baby in His mother’s arms.

It is Intellectual dishonesty to claim that something is "always" a certain way especially when it isn't, "always" the case. This guys evidence is for this comment is weak, we know this because he doesn't offer any. I am sorry Mr. letter writer but was Jesus divine His whole life, or just when He hit a certain age. Is it correct Protestant doctrine to teach that Jesus was only divine after a certain age? It certainly wasn't when I was Protestant. Or was He divine always as He still is, child or other wise? By the way Mr. Letter writer what description are we given in Rev. 12? "And a great portent appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars; 2: she was with child and she cried out in her pangs of birth, in anguish for delivery." (Rev 12:1-2) A woman, with child? Hmmmmm. How dare John describe Jesus as a "helpless" child in the arms of a woman. How dare him in deed.

Or, He is still hanging dead on a crucifix. Still dead!

Surely he knows that Paul preached Chirst Crucified? Surely he knows that there is no Easter Sunday without the Crucifixion? Yea of course he does know this, but when dealing with Catholics its always best for a Protestant to turn the other way on facts. Sorry, but Catholics don't believe He is still on the cross just because we wear crucifixes. This claim is almost funny. Back to our profession of faith: "On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father" He rose again! Tell me Mr. letter writer, how is that Catholics believe He is still dead, yet profess that He rose again and is seated at the right hand of the Father? You have some explaining to do.

He is sacrificed all over again in a helpless piece of dough in the wafer.

Ahhhh yes the famous "Jesus is sacrificed over and over again in the Mass". Well this is a basic misunderstanding of Mass, but why should he correct this misunderstanding I mean that would involve research, and time and well this guy would obviously rather believe what some other anti-Catholic told him than look this up himself. besides, Jesus would only be being sacrificed over and over again if He was truly present in the Eucharist. So which is it? Is He not present in the Eucharist, and therefore cannot be resacrificed over and over again? Or is He in fact present? And just because he is present does not mean He is being resacrifice. This letter writer's misunderstanding that there is a repeated crucifixion of Christ in the Mass (there isnt by the way) demonstrates his earthbound view of heavenly reality. You cannot repeat a sacrifice that exists perpetually in the eternal present of heaven. Of course he knew this right?

It is “Mary” that is the mighty one to come to.

What does this even mean? Mary is the one to come? I am not going to touch that with a ten foot pole because I have never even heard it. But Mary is not the Almighty one (See the Nicene Creed). There is one God, Jesus Christ. Surely this man knows this too right? Lets go back to our profession of faith to see what we really believe. "He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end." He will come again? Who will come again? He? Who is He? Surely we should be sayin she right? No, we say He. Here again you have been found wanting. You cannot make a strong case against Catholicism so you resort to lies.

“For there is One God and One Mediator between God and man, the Man Christ Jesus. Who gave Himself a ransom for all to be testified in its own due times.” 1 Timothy 2:5,6

Wait a second in an earlier line you said, "May you and I be stirred up by the Holy Spirit to begin to pray and intercede for the millions being deceived.." So which is it? Is Jesus the only intercesor, or is Jesus plus you the only mediators? Hmmmmmm. Interesting. You are allowed other intercesors?

Of course this guy will probably claim to be an ex-Catholic. Of course any ex-Catholic automatically becomes the know all and end all of Catholicism. Well I am an ex-protestant, so does that mean I am an expert on protestantism? No, it doesnt, just like being ex-Catholic doesnt mean that you actually took the time to learn your faith. Which apperantly is what happened with this individual.

I don't understand Protestants, why the need to lie? Surely if the case against Catholicism is so strong and "obvious" you wouldn't need to resort to lies right? Or is it maybe the truth that the Catholic Church is the one Church Christ established? Well in this case then I can understand the need to lie.

I will pray a Rosary for you Mr. Letter Writer, may God, THE ALMIGHTY, break your heart of stone.

Pax Tecum

2006-10-27T00:11:00.000-05:00

Ephesians 3:14-21

For this reason I bow my knees before the father from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with might through his Spirit in the inner man, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have power to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.

Pax Tecum

2006-10-25T11:14:00.000-05:00

Pictures!

We uploaded some of the pictures we took of St. Anthonys in Renton WA where we will be married. Also there are a few of our parish out here in Minot, St. Teresa. Both are beautiful Churches

We are going to to be God parents to Aaron's niece who is due within the next two weeks. When we make it home for Christmas we will take some pictures of Josie and also make sure to get some pictures at her baptism and upload them. Anyways be sure to check out our pictures from time to time

Pax Tecum

2006-10-23T01:36:00.001-05:00

Can Devout Roman Catholics and Evangelical Protestants Co-exist?

Two months ago I would have said that this was not possible. Since I had become Catholic and up until about the beginning of September I had not met one Evangelical Protestant that considered me a Christian. There wasn't one Evangelical Protestant who didn't take the opportunity to "witness" to me because they felt I hadn't accepted Christ, for no other reason than because I was Catholic. Apparently all testimonies about how one is led to Christ are accepted, except for the ones that the person is led to Catholicism. However the last couple of weeks have led me to believe that we can co-exist and win great victories for our Lord. First I met, for the first time, an Evangelical couple who actually accepted my testimony and considered me a Christian and also my father (who has probably been as hard on me as anyone could about my conversion) and I are actually talking civilly to each other again.

It is not my purpose in writing this to sweep our differences between Catholics and Protestants under the rug, because our differences are real and they exist. However we don't need to compromise our differences in order for Catholics and Protestants to work together. As long as we are true in our worship of Jesus Christ as the one true God, we can be true to our differences. But differences don't exist between just Catholics and Protestants, they exist within Protestantism as well. There are those Protestants that believe in the Real Presence and there are those that don't. Those that believe in the 'Once Saved Always Saved' doctrine and those that don't. Some believe in predestination, some don't. Many Protestants believe in the Baptism of infants, and again, there are many that don't. But it seems Protestants are able to put aside their differences and have fellowship, so why cant we?

So what do devout Roman Catholics and Evangelical Protestants have in common? We both believe in the God of the Bible. Adhere to the Trinity and to the divinity of Christ. Confess Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Consider the Bible to be the Word of God and to be without error. We believe in the once and for all Sacrifice of Christ upon Calvary, whose blood paid for both of our debt's. Hold to the concepts of Heaven and Hell, sin, dying to ourselves and the absolute necessity of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Both sides take their worship, surrender and love of Christ seriously. Both Catholics and Protestants work to get the Gospel out to the world and both adhere to the belief that there is no salvation outside of Jesus Christ. There is no other name which salvation flows through.

Devout Roman Catholics and Evangelicals need to find their common ground because together we could become powerful allies against the prince of this world. God prayed that the Christian community would be one: "..that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that thou hast loved me" (John 17:23). The devil takes great joy in our disunity. I can hear him laughing every time a Protestants attacks a Catholic for their beliefs and vice-versa. This is what the Devil wants, Christians divided and attacking each other.

It's frustrating to see ministries that have adopted witnessing to Catholics as their main goal when their time would be better served spreading the promises of Christ to those who have never heard it and to other unbelievers. Its saddening to see anti-Catholics spreading lies to push their agendas and it's further saddening to see good Christians believing their lies.

Devout Roman Catholics and Evangelical Protestants can co-exist, and they need to not only co-exist but also to unit and work together to get the Word out and to get all nations to accept the Gospel of Christ and His promises. Maybe I am dreaming. I am sure there are fundamentalist Protestants out there, who hate nothing more than Catholicism, will never accept a Catholic as a Christian, but hopefully those fundamentalist will some day find themselves in the minority of Protestants, if they are not already.

Pax Tecum

2006-10-22T02:52:00.000-05:00

Free Apologetic Downloads:

These are probably the best Catholic apologetic downloads offered anywhere and they are completely free. The Bible Christian Society covers all the attacks on the Catholic Church, from Mary and the Saints to Sola Scriptura and the Rapture. If you have ever been asked a question about your Catholic faith that you just didn't have an answer to, chances are, that question is covered in these free downloads.

Enjoy!

http://www.biblechristiansociety.com/download

Pax Tecum

2006-10-18T15:28:00.000-05:00

Book Review: Where we got the Bible: Our Debt to the Catholic Church by Henry Graham

This was a quick read, only 170 pages. Henry Graham answers the most often accusations about the Catholic Church which state she prohibited Bible reading, burnt Bibles and tried to keep the Bible from the people. This of course is none sense and Graham explains why. In it he describes that the Catholic Church doesn't hate the bible but that the reverse is actually true. We love and venerate Sacred Scripture. This can be proven by our careful preservation of it for the first 1500 years of Christianity. Also he details the process behind the canonization of the Bible. Why do Catholics have 73 books and not 66? He describes the making of the Old and New testament. Over all, although short, it is a great over view of where we got the Bible that we have today.

The book is actually a two parter. The first 100 pages is about where we got the Bible and the rest is Graham's conversion story, From the Kirk to the Catholic Church. In it he describes how he fell in love with Catholic worship and although growing up in Scotland in the late 19th century he knew nothing about Catholicism, he felt himself pulled in by its beautiful worship and love of Christ. He describes hurdles he had to get over first and how and why in the end he choose the Church.

The book is worth getting for no other reason than Graham's conversion story which is awesome but also the 100 pages that describe where we got the Bible is use full if you have ever wondered the Catholic side of the story.

Next Book Review: The Fathers of the Church by Mike Aquilina

Pax Tecum

2006-10-16T12:38:00.000-05:00

SSPX Back in Communion with Rome?

PARIS (Reuters) - After almost two decades of schism, Catholic traditionalists hope the Vatican will soon take them back into the fold by granting two key concessions and leaving unresolved the main issue that drove them away....

Getting an agreement now would mean the Swiss-based SSPX and its 470 priests could return to the Roman fold without resolving a dispute over its opposition to the modernising reforms of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). Claiming a million followers, the SSPX is the vanguard of traditionalists among 1.1 billion Catholics worldwide. Its return would have no direct effect on most parishes but high symbolic value for arch-conservatives in the Church.

Rest of Article: http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=1531512006

The SSPX is asking for two concessions from the Pope. One was already discussed on this blog. First The SSPX wants the Latin Tridentine Mass back, which is currently being discussed by Pope Benedict as a possibility. Secondly the SSPX wants the excommunication of their founder, Bishop Marcel Lefebvre lifted.

Anytime the church can solve a schism and bring back 470 priest and over 1 million followers is a good thing. Lets pray that this can work. Also the pope has been meeting with Eastern Orthodox representatives, but an agreement with them is far less likely at this point.

Pax Tecum

2006-10-16T02:06:00.000-05:00

Book Review: Theology for Beginners by Frank Sheed

Frank Sheed tackles the hard to grasp doctrines of the Trinity, the nature of man, the fall, redemption and the divinity of Christ to just name a few. Doctrines such as the Trinity and the divinity of Christ can be such a difficult concept to grasp that many life long Christian find it difficult to explain. However Sheed does a great job of discussing and explaining these doctrines in a way that anyone can understand and within the tradition of the Catholic Church. Karl Keating (Wrote the forward) stated that, "Frank Sheed never composed an incoherent sentence." No truer words have ever been spoken of an author about his work. I highly recommend to any Catholic (and non Catholic) seriously interested in understanding these doctrines to pick up Sheed's book.

Frank Sheed had a distinguished career as an evangelist, publisher, lecturer and writer. He and his wife Maisie Ward founded the publishing house Sheed & Ward. His many books include A Map of Life, Theology and Sanity, To Know Christ and the Holy Spirit in Action.

Next Review: Where We Got the Bible: Our Debt to the Catholic Church

Pax Tecum

Shaudin

2006-10-15T18:26:00.000-05:00

Why Catholic:

Today was our first class of the 12 week 'Why Catholic' program. We have a small group but a large variety of people coming from different religious backgrounds. We have a few cradle Catholics, one revert and also two converts to the Catholic faith. One lady is a former Pentecostal who just four months ago joined the church. She said she went from thinking the Catholic Church was a cult and the Pope was the Anti-Christ, to believing in everything the Church teaches. This 'Why Catholic' program should be exciting, this is the second 12 week section of 4 planed sections and it is on the Liturgy and the Sacraments.

Just to explain briefly what the 'Why Catholic' program is, I will post the short overview from their web-site:

RENEW International presents Why Catholic? Journey through the Catechism. Solidly based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Why Catholic? is a unique adult faith formation program that is supported by leader formation, rich resources, and ongoing pastoral support. Why Catholic? offers a concrete
approach to help adults deepen their Catholic faith and connect its teachings to their everyday lives. With its thorough exploration of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, this process encourages learning in a prayerful small community
setting. The faith-sharing materials offer 48 sessions on Catholic beliefs, sacraments, morality, and prayer, with direct Catechism quotes, scriptural references, and reflection questions.
Here is the website to the 'Why Catholic' Parish kit if you are interested in
bringing it to your parish:

http://www.whycatholic.org/parishKit.htm

Pax Tecum

2006-10-14T04:30:00.000-05:00

"Do you have a personal relationship with Christ?":

This question has a way of sneaking up on us Catholics. Maybe it is something we just don't think about? Maybe it is something we take for granted? It shouldn't be. For whatever reason it appears that Catholics are taken aback by this question. However as Curtis Martin (a popular Catholic Evangelist) has said, "a personal relationship with Christ is every bit as much a Catholic issue as it is a Protestant issue, because it is a profoundly human issue." *

What all Catholics need to understand is that every follower of Christ is called to have a deep and personal relationship with our Lord and Savior. As was posted in an earlier blog, you cannot live your faith if you do not know it and also you cannot share with others what you do not know.

Mr. Martin finished his statement: "Yes, as Catholics we do have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ - He is our first-born brother, His Father is our Father and His brother and sisters become our brothers and sisters. And His mother is also our mother." *

So how do we grow in our relationship with Christ?

Read Scripture daily! The Bible is the Word of God and remains an occasion of God's continues Grace and enlightenment to those who take it upon themselves to become familar with its riches.* Scripture should be the center of every Catholics devotion, if it's not, your faith is defiecent and like a body that is not fed suffers, your relationship with God will suffer.

Pray, pray and pray some more. A relationship is a fragile and unfulfilling one (if one at all) if there is no communication.

Partake in the Church's sacraments that were established by Christ for us.

Lastly learn your Catholic faith. There is nothing more fulfilling and rewarding than the study of, and becoming familar with your Catholic faith. Get books written by Catholic authors. We recommend Karl Keating and Scott Hahn as a starting point and they will open you up to an abundance of great Catholic theologians and authors. Of course reading of the Early Church Fathers is a must.

God Bless

*Catholic For a Reason II et. Scott Hahn & Leon Suprenant 2004

2006-10-14T03:09:00.000-05:00

12 Ways to Evangelize:

I know sometimes its hard talking to people about Christ and His Church but it is something that we are all called by God to do. You see our Protestant brothers and sisters generally having no problem evangelizing others. They are not born with a special gene that makes evangelizing easier for them, its on us Catholics, more particular us lay Catholics to spread our Christian faith to others. So here you go Catholics if street preaching is not your thing, here are twelve other ways to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the truth about His Church.

1. Stuff bill payment envelopes with Catholic tracts.
2.Volunteer to take charge of your parish's literature rack.
3. Play a video or audio tape for door-to-door missionaries.
4. Place tracts or booklets in the pews at your parish.
5. Write and answer messages on your online service.
6. Go door to door, hanging leaflets from doorknobs.
7. Write to the editor when the press misrepresents the faith.
8. Place Catholic literature on windshields.
9.Give away photocopies of articles from periodicals.
10. Send a friend (or a stranger) a book or a tape.
11. Call radio talk shows.
12. Leave Catholic tracts and flyers in conspicuous places.

Catholic Answers, “12 Painless Ways to Evangelize" San Diego: Catholic Answers, 2001)

2006-10-13T11:12:00.000-05:00

Pope Set to Bring Back Latin Tridentine Mass:

THE Pope is taking steps to revive the ancient tradition of
the Latin Tridentine Mass in Catholic churches worldwide, according to sources
in Rome.

Use of the Tridentine Mass, parts of which
date from the time of St Gregory in the 6th century and which takes its name
from the 16th-century Council of Trent, was restricted by most bishops after the
reforms of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65).

This led to the introduction of the new Mass in the vernacular to make it
more accessible to contemporary audiences. By bringing back Mass in Latin, Pope
Benedict is signalling that his sympathies lie with conservatives in the
Catholic Church.

Latin Tridentine Mass:

-Celebrated entirely in Latin, except for a few words and phrases in Greek and Hebrew. There are long periods of silence and the priest has his back to the congregation

-Since the Second Vatican Council, the Tridentine Mass has been almost entirely superseded by the Mass of Pope Paul VI

-The advantages of the Mass are in its uniformity and the fact that movements and gestures are prescribed.

Rest of Article: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-2397919,00.html

Both of us are extremely excited for this announcement. Neither of us have ever experienced a Latin Tridentine Mass but have heard all about it from Catholics who lived prior to Vatican II.

2006-10-13T03:55:00.001-05:00

Setting the Record Straight:

Whether its family, friends or strangers from the street, lets face it Catholics we all have been hit with a ton of misinformed people. Some out of ignorance, some out of hatred and others because they truly think they are trying to help you (God bless them for their concern). If someone has a legitament gripe against the Church, fine, but it is very frustrating when you meet someone who is fighting a church that just doesn't exsist. These are some common misconception that I have been hit with and I will try to set the record straight however further research can be done by checking my favorite links. Scripture Catholic and Catholic Answers are my favorite. This will probably be a work in progress as I am hit with a new argument everyday:

We Don't:

-Hold Mary up as a God. Let me repeat that. Mary is not divine. She does not save people and she is not on the same level as our Lord and Savior. Jesus is "the way, and the truth and the life" (John 14:6). Salvation is through Jesus Christ alone and His saving work on the Cross.

- Believe that Jesus Christ is re-sacrificed at Mass. Nor do we believe He needs to be. Jesus Died once for our sins.

-Prohibit private Bible reading. The Church has always venerated Sacred Scripture and to be a faithful Catholic is to be knee deep in Scripture.

-Worship statues. Neither of us own any statues, but even if we did we would be condemned by the Church if we worshipped them.

-Purgatory is not a middle ground were those not good enough for heaven and those not bad enough for hell go. It is not a second chance.

-The Catholic Church does not teach salvation by good works. Salvation for all Christians is by the Grace of God alone through faith in Jesus Christ.

-We do not believe someone is saved by virtue of being Catholic.

-Infallible does not equal impeccability. The Pope is human and is capable of sinning like anyother man. He is not Christ on earth and he too is not divine.

-Us wearing a Crucifix does not mean that we believe He hasnt risen. Like the Aposotle Paul, we preach Christ crucified.

This is it for now. I will add to the list later.

2006-10-13T03:16:00.002-05:00

Your Task as a Catholic:

Know your Catholic faith:
You cannot live your faith if you do not know it, and you cannot share with others what you do not first make your own (CCC 429). Learning your Catholic faith takes some effort, but it is effort well spent because the study is, quite literally, infinitely rewarding.

Live your Catholic faith:
Your Catholic faith is a public thing. It is not meant to be left behind when you leave home (CCC 2472). But be forewarned: Being a public Catholic involves risk and loss. You will find some doors closed to you. You will lose some friends. You will be considered an outsider. But, as a consolation, remember our Lord’s words to the persecuted: "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven" (Matt. 5:12).

Spread your Catholic faith:
Jesus Christ wants us to bring the whole world into captivity to the truth, and the truth is Jesus himself, who is "the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). Spreading the faith is a task not only for bishops, priests, and religious—it is a task for all Catholics (CCC 905).

If we want to observe all that Jesus commanded, if we want to believe all he taught, we must follow him through his Church. This is our great challenge—and our great privilege.

Catholic Answers, “Pillar of Fire, Pillar of Truth” (San Diego: Catholic Answers, 2001)

2006-10-13T02:30:00.000-05:00

Daily Bible Readings:

-Galatians 3:7-14 "So you see that it is men of faith who are the sons of Abraham......"

-Psalm 111:1-6 "Praise the LORD. I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation...."

-Luke 11:15-26 "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls..."

Avoid evil practices; indeed, preach against them. Hear your bishop, that God may hear you. Work together in harmony,: struggle together, run together, suffer together, rest together, rise together, as stewards, advisors and servants of God. So be patient and gentle with one another, as God is with you.
-- St. Ignatius of Antioch

2006-10-11T19:35:00.000-05:00

Why we are Catholic:

Truth - We are Catholic Because we believe it is the one true Church that Jesus Christ established on earth.

Jesus - Need we say more? We have so much faith in Him and love Him so much that we joined His Church.

Eucharist - As Catholics we believe in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. We feast on all that He is, blood, body, soul and divinity

The Saints - Where else do you find a community of Saints? Aaron's saint - St. Augustine, Shaudin's - St. Teresa

Mary - Jesus' mother is also our Mother. God created the perfect family. He didnt just give us a Father, brothers and sisters, He also gave us a mother. We use Mary as an example of a life spent serving Christ.

Liturgy - if you have never experience the love of our Lord in a Catholic Liturgy, you need to.