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The Perils of Vocational Life

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 This is great info if you are discerning a vocation:  I would add or highlight a few points here. One is that becoming a priest, deacon,  or religious is not going to magically fix your personal problems. I saw this so much when I was in the Episcopal ordination process. I saw so many who thought becoming ordained was somehow going to make their personal demons go away, and that's sadly not the case.  I would also add that you have to develop a difficult type of worship spirituality as a priest. As a parishioner in the pews, your mind can wander. You can take a few minutes during Mass to meditate on the spiritual mysteries or start pondering some point the preacher made in the homily. You can take time to listen to what God might be saying to you in the liturgy. As a presider, you do not have that option. You are constantly having to be mindful of what the next part of the service is. You can take a moment after the homily, but you have to get ready to lead the Cree...
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A Good Reflection on Josef Stalin and Societal Evil

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Patristic Nectar has an excellent reflection on Josef Stalin:
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Social Justice and the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

     Catholic social teaching is rooted in the belief that every person is created in the image and likeness of God and, therefore, possesses inherent dignity. While that may seem like a very basic concept, today’s readings provide a framework for understanding how this dignity calls us to act in the world, particularly in relation to justice, community, and perseverance in faith.      In Malachi 3:19-20a, we encounter the promise of God’s justice and the distinction between the fate of the righteous and the wicked. The imagery of the “sun of righteousness” rising with healing in its wings speaks to the transformative power of God’s love and justice. This passage invites us to reflect on our responsibility to advocate for justice in our communities. Catholic social teaching emphasizes the importance of standing up for the marginalized and oppressed. Just as God promises healing and restoration, we are called to be instruments of that healing in our world an...
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The dedication of the Lateran Basilica

     The dedication of the Lateran Basilica, known as the Cathedral of Rome, holds profound significance in the Catholic Church. It is not only a celebration of a physical structure. but also a reminder of the spiritual realities that the Church embodies. Today’s Mass readings speak in their own ways to the importance of this dedication, emphasizing themes of divine presence, the Church as a living temple, and the transformative power of faith.      In Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12, we encounter a vision of a river flowing from the temple, bringing life and healing to everything it touches. This imagery is powerful, as it symbolizes the life-giving presence of God that flows through His people. The water represents the grace and mercy of God, which nourishes and sustains us. The Lateran Basilica, as a significant place of worship, is a physical manifestation of this spiritual reality. It is a place where the faithful gather to encounter God, receive His grace, an...
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Ethiopian Orthodox Church

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 In case you are curious about other non-Roman Catholic churches, this video was a very interesting discussion of the Ethiopian Orthodox church. It's pretty fair and balanced. Something to learn about...
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All Souls Day Reflection

     All Souls Day, celebrated on November 2nd, is a day dedicated to remembering and praying for the souls of the deceased,     particularly those who are in purgatory. This observance has deep roots in the Christian tradition, emphasizing the belief in the communion of saints and the hope for eternal life. Today’s Mass readings speak to the significance of this day by offering insights into the nature of life, death, and the promise of resurrection.      Wisdom 3:1-9 discusses the fate of the righteous after death. The passage reassures us that although the dead may seem to have perished, their souls are in the hands of God and are at peace. This scripture highlights the belief that death is not the end, but rather a transition into a new existence with God. The faithful departed are described as being “in the sight of the Lord,” which emphasizes the hope that they are embraced by divine love and mercy. This reading serves as a foundation ...
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The Role of Sponsors and Godparents

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 I had I question posed:  I’m in OCIA right now and was assigned a sponsor. I guess I don’t understand the purpose of the sponsor. Is this a requirement and a normal part of OCIA? (Author's note for Non-Catholics: OCIA used to be called RCIA. It stands for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. It got rebranded and retooled a few years back . It is the process in which adults are brought into the Catholic Church. Usually it follows the pattern of an adult catechism class for a school year, with the goal of bringing in someone to join the Church at Easter through baptism or reception. Exceptions can be made, and local churches have quite a bit of discretion in altering the process to fit the needs of the would-be convert. )     My response to the question:   Think of the role of sponsor or godparent as a form of lay apostolic succession. We often think of this as only for clergy and bishops being ordained by people who were ordained by clerg...
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AI Pornography

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  I don't say "Amen!" out loud to Youtube videos too often, but I did to this video.    
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The History of SOS ...---...

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