3 1/2 Time-Outs Tuesday (Vol. III)

Hosted by Acts of the Apostasy

(Just like Conversion Diary’s 7 Quick-Takes Friday, but only half as long, and almost half as good.)

Late again, as usual.

1.
I miss being in school. College and Law school were very "Fun" for me, and I feel like being out of school for a bit (and also not working) has dulled my intellect. Can you tell from my poor writing? I read something that I wrote near the end of law school and was surprised because, while reading it, I didn't know that I had wrote it! It was a comment on a blog post that got re-linked recently. I read this comment and thought, "Woah, that guy is like smart or some junk!" HA! It was me...

2.
I need to spend more time reading. I think this goes to #1 a bit. I tried to make this a goal last year, and did so/so with it throughout the year. I am serious about it in 2012. Maybe I should do a book list for the year... hmm. This 3 1/2 takes really helps!

3.
I wrote a post about Communications/Public Relations and the Catholic Church yesterday, and after receiving a bunch of emails, comments, and in-person comments I realize that I will have to do a follow up post. Most of my posts are "Stream of Consciousness" style writings, and sometimes my main point gets lost in the weeds a bit. For the record - I was not advocating in my post that Dioceses or the Church should participate in "Public Relations" or "Public Opinion Marketing" in such a way to "win hearts and minds." I think quite the opposite. My point was really that; - the Church and its leaders should spend time seeking truth and attacking falsehoods. It shouldn't attempt to maneuver politically trying to engender support for ideas or sway opinion through "marketing", tactics, or strategies. My post was more of a: "don't do this... but if you do, do it right!" Again, I will probably write a clarifying post.

3 1/2.
We are in some pretty dark days right now in Alaska. About 5 hours of daylight: 10ish 'til 4ish.

Thanks LarryD for hosting!

"St. Stephen Savings" at Aquinas and More

A note from our favorite Catholic Book & Goods Seller - Aquinas and More:

Take 40% off all of our in-stock Advent and Christmas items for the next three days! 

Also, take free standard shipping with the coupon "freeshipStephen" today only on all US orders.

December 26^th is the feast of St. Stephen, one of the first deacons and the first Christian martyr.

Dissatisfaction concerning the distribution of alms from the community's fund having arisen in the Church, seven men were selected and specially ordained by the Apostles to take care of the temporal relief of the poorer members. Of these first seven deacons, St. Stephen is the first mentioned and the best known through the ages.

Read more about St. Stephen.

The Importance of Good Archdiocesan "Communications"

A few people have asked my thoughts on the latest "situation" between the Archdiocese of Detroit, Michael Voris, and Real Catholic TV. I wont go into the entire story if you haven't heard it, but if you'd like a quick summary you can read this [Link].

As usual, everyone seems to have a take. I'd love to link to all the folks discussing the matter, but this post would then be full of links, and you would never get back to my blog.

Canon 216

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Can. 216 Since they participate in the mission of the Church, all the Christian faithful have the right to promote or sustain apostolic action even by their own undertakings, according to their own state and condition. Nevertheless, no undertaking is to claim the name Catholic without the consent of competent ecclesiastical authority.

Does Canon 216 apply?

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Yes... and seemingly, maybe not? Regardless of what anyone thinks of Voris, I believe Archbishop Vigneron has a duty to safeguard the word/term/meaning/identity of "Catholic" within his Archdiocese. So, he can and should oversee any 'apostolic action' within the Archdiocese using the name Catholic. That would seemingly be Real Cathoilc TV. Yet, it isn't that simple, and I think most people see the nuanced situation here. Right or wrong, Brammer and RCTV are claiming that the 'competent ecclesiastical authority' in this situation is actually Bishop Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend. In the end, I leave the determination of such a matter up to the Canon Lawyers who are entrusted with it. As are all legal issues, this fact scenario presents a very difficult situation to determine legally.

Archdiocese of Detroit

Prudence Factor

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While I am not competent to make a legal determination, I am competent to give my opinion in another professional manner. Having worked in policy, communications, public relations, and the law - I can more than competently speak about the action the Archdiocese took in the arena of public opinion.

In my opinion, and had I been on that AOD Communications team, I would have NEVER allowed that press release to go out at all. As I stated above, the actual Canonical issue here isn't the point. This isn't about right or wrong (see below), I am making a point about the Press Release and the tactics employed by the AOD Communications office, and seemingly the AOD itself.

While ultimately this is an ecclesiastical matter, Bishops must, must, must understand that the faithful deal with "Church Politics" in the same way they do regular politics. There is a finesse to Communications-PR, and I rarely have seen a Diocese manage their communication efforts well. This isn't to say that the the AOD here isn't ultimately right, but if this was about being Right or Wrong they wouldn't be issuing press releases, but instead would be calling Voris, Brammer, et al into the Chancery offices. This is about public opinion. Here is my litany of reasons as to why this Press Release and strategy is an awful Communications-PR move on the AOD's part :

1. This is 'old news.'
2. This war is being fought in the arena of "Public Opinion" aka the Blogosphere.
3. Communications is a set formula : Message Clarity + Firm Facts + Timing = Success; the AOD did not satisfy the variables here. 
4. The Surrebuttal is almost always more important that than the original claim. 
5. If the "Higher Ground" tactic is going to be employed, you must also remain "Above the Fray."
6. Your "closet" must be empty. 

N.B: Again, this is my analysis from a Communications-PR standpoint, not a Canonical one. Had the Archdiocese not brought this situation to the "arena of public opinion" this analysis would be moot. They fired the first shot here, and therefore must play the situation according to the "rules of the game." As my analysis will show, while each individual point may be rebutted, the collection of them indicts the AOD's decision quite harshly.  

Point 1.

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This whole situation is old news. It really is. This past April, when Voris had issues with a presentation in Pennsylvania, this issue circulated in the form of a stock response from the AOD Comms Director, Ned McGrath. This time it comes from "Communications Associate" Joe Kohn. Kohn is a good guy, working a long time on the excellent Michigan Catholic. That being said, he should know that you don't recycle news and try and make it "fresh again." It almost always comes off stale. If it doesn't come off as stale, it is usually because of "new facts" that your side isnt aware of, otherwise you would have used that new angle in the first place. This is exacerbated by other factors, in this scenario points 2-6. The release was too short and didn't explain why they were issuing it again... which leaves that question answered by those who read it. Which leads to Point 2...

Point 2.

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Whether they wanted to fight this battle in the "arena of public opinion" or not, that is exactly where the AOD took the "fight." By issuing a Press Release they essentially made this private matter a public one. Obviously I dont know their mindset, or their intentions, but I can judge their actions. They could have just as easily contacted the involved parties and had a private discussion about this matter. This point is worse for the AOD in light of Point 1. Because this is an "old issue" with nothing that seems to have brought it to the forefront again, it makes it appear that the AOD wanted to wage this battle via public opinion. 

Because the release was issued, it makes people ask the question: "What prompted it?" Because they didn't answer that question in the release, the AOD is at the mercy of those reading the release and then commenting on it. Generally a release goes to news outlets and they follow up on it. The only news outlets that care about this story are Catholic News sites and the Blogs. While Voris is a pretty big "lightning rod" in the Catholic blogosphere, the split on him isn't enough to easily fall in the AOD's favor. That is why this was a huge risk on the AOD's part. Most Catholics dont care or even realize The Vortex exists. Yet, if you know about him, you read blogs and watch the Vortex. Love him or hate him, your mind is made up. This release will do one thing and one thing only: make people discuss the merits of what Voris says, and whether the AOD should be squelching that. In the end, this isn't about Canon law for most people, but about the message and prudence. Which is why the AOD should have paid better attention to Point 3....

Point 3.

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There is a set formula to Communications-PR that is time tested: 

Message Clarity + Firm Facts + Timing = Success

The AOD didn't have a clear message because they failed to answer why they were issuing this release. Again, this is about public opinion and the public is going to want to know why. The facts are shaky. Before you blast something, you better know your ducks are not only in a row, but the name, rank, and serial number of each one. Here, the AOD seems to have thrown out a press release assuming certain things. We all know what happens when we ASSUME. The timing part is just dreadful. Right before Christmas, by the time it makes the blog/news cycle we are on top of Christmas, and once the back and forth begins nobody is around to respond. You can survive a bad variable occasionally, and miraculously you can sometimes survive two, but never all three. Why? Because of Point 4...

Point 4

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When you issue a Press Release, you are not putting it out into the wild to say: "This is our statement, take it, print it, the end." In fact, what you really want to do, is to tease your position enough to have people start asking questions. Similarly, in court when you make a claim, you know that the other side is going to address it. Even if it is a water tight point, you are on firm legal ground, and the facts are in your favor, you still will face a rebuttal from the other side. Therefore, your surrebuttal is sometimes going to be more important than your original claim. It shows that not only were you right in the first place, but that you are so right even the other sides explanation fails. It is being right and right again.

If you have no surrebuttal your original claim often looks desperate, unfounded, or even contrived. At best it brings the question to the forefront and allows the "jury" to decide. Not a real comfortable position to be in. Generally, I want an arbiter of facts to deliberate knowing I am right based on the fact I explained how right I was... twice. Making a claim, and then trying to "take the higher ground" doesn't work, as I explain in Point 5...

Point 5.

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The tactic of "Taking the Higher Ground" in the moral sense of the term only works if you also remain "above the fray." What I mean is this: you can't throw a punch in a fight, and then claim you were hit with a sucker-punch. The AOD made the first move here, they can't expect to sit back, not answer questions, or respond to any rebuttals and all the while think that people will see them on the "high ground" and side with them. 

If you issue a release, you need to be ready to stand and fight. You started it, you have to be ready to finish it. No one forced you to issue that release, therefore you have to know your moves ahead of time. It is like Chess, your job is to know the issue so well, and be on such firm factual and moral ground, that regardless of what moves the other side makes you have a counter. Not only is that not true in this case, but it seems as if the AOD is barking up the wrong tree as I explain in Point 6...

Point 6.

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One of the first issues raised by anyone, aside from Canonical complexities, is that the AOD is going after the wrong group. Certainly if RCTV is in the wrong, it doesnt matter what other groups are doing all that matters is what RCTV is doing. Because this is about opinion, it does matter how the AOD is treating other groups. In the original article, LSN brings up the group Elephants In the Living Room. This is a dissident heterodox (possibly heretical) group that exists within the AOD. While their name doesn't use the word Catholic they do utilize Catholic property, resources, and publicly express their opinions contrary to the teachings of the Church. Oh yeah, and they are mostly priests. 

While many who are supporting Archbishop Vigneron in this battle against RCTV bring up the fact that he has admonished and prohibited any AOD involvement with Call to Action, EILR is allowed to meet on AOD property and has received no publish admonishment. This is something a Comms Director should be begging the Archbishop to address prior to a release going out against Voris. If you want to fight something in the public opinion, double standards will murder your chances. 

Pointus Maximus

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If the Archdiocese has failed to meet with RCTV or its representatives, they will come out of this looking awful. Before putting out any release the question: "What will they respond with?" should be asked. This rule is regardless of ANY superior factual or moral ground your side may have. Had that occurred in this situation this release and situation would not sit where it does today. Unfortunately for the AOD the Comms team failed to war game this scenario out properly. Hence, you have the AOD looking foolish if in fact they have asked RCTV to cease using the "name" Catholic but are unwilling to meet or address any questions or concerns that RCTV may have. In fact, the AOD might have a Canonical obligation to do so...

Conclusion

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To reiterate, ultimately this is a Canonical issue. Yet, the right and wrong of the issue is a second fiddle to the issue being played out on the blogosphere. Right now, a seemingly good and orthodox Archbishop is caught in the middle of an awful PR situation. Having recently released reports about Church closures, he has now allowed his Communications staff to create a world of chaos in the blogosphere.

Every Diocese should have a good communications staff. They should be faithful Catholics who also are savvy in dealing with the media, the public, and the digital media world. The blogosphere is not the Church, that is for sure. But members of the Church are part of the blogosphere. In other words, when you enter into that arena, you have to play by its rules. 

Had I been the CommsDir for the AOD last week, I would have made sure the AOD knew the ramifications of this press release, and had a goal in mind. Right now Voris is gaining support in a lot of places he doesn't always get it. Sure, some of the folks that have taken issue with him in the past are calling for him to "heed his Bishop" but a lot of those calls are coming from people who have questionable Canonical entities themselves.

In the end this matter will ultimately be decided Canonically, but the PR battle might be lost by the "winning team." I have said repeatedly on this blog that Dioceses need good Comms/PR people on their staff. Passion is one thing, but this situation is starting to smell very... personal. Voris isn't everyones cup of tea, but his dissenters would be hard-pressed to claim that he says anything contrary to the faith. 

To seemingly make him "Most Wanted #1" seems like a risky move on the AOD's part. I think they are losing this PR battle, and I think they would be well served to start managing this situation ASAP. In the end, they want to be right Canonically. Yet, they must show that their best and only interest is the spiritual and theological well-being of the faithful. Anything else will leave a sour taste... this is exacerbated by PR missteps that have already occurred. You can't always fix past mistakes, but you can certainly stop new ones from happening. 

In the end I pray for all involved. We need a Church united on doctrine and truth... not one divided over personalities and grudges. 

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Christ is born for us!

URBI ET ORBI Message of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI - CHRISTMAS 2011:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Rome and throughout the world!

Christ is born for us! Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth to the men and women whom he loves. May all people hear an echo of the message of Bethlehem which the Catholic Church repeats in every continent, beyond the confines of every nation, language and culture. The Son of the Virgin Mary is born for everyone; he is the Saviour of all.

This is how Christ is invoked in an ancient liturgical antiphon: “O Emmanuel, our king and lawgiver, hope and salvation of the peoples: come to save us, O Lord our God”. Veni ad salvandum nos! Come to save us! This is the cry raised by men and women in every age, who sense that by themselves they cannot prevail over difficulties and dangers. They need to put their hands in a greater and stronger hand, a hand which reaches out to them from on high. Dear brothers and sisters, this hand is Christ, born in Bethlehem of the Virgin Mary. He is the hand that God extends to humanity, to draw us out of the mire of sin and to set us firmly on rock, the secure rock of his Truth and his Love (cf. Ps 40:2).

This is the meaning of the Child’s name, the name which, by God’s will, Mary and Joseph gave him: he is named Jesus, which means “Saviour” (cf. Mt 1:21; Lk 1:31). He was sent by God the Father to save us above all from the evil deeply rooted in man and in history: the evil of separation from God, the prideful presumption of being self-sufficient, of trying to compete with God and to take his place, to decide what is good and evil, to be the master of life and death (cf. Gen 3:1-7). This is the great evil, the great sin, from which we human beings cannot save ourselves unless we rely on God’s help, unless we cry out to him: “Veni ad salvandum nos! – Come to save us!”

The very fact that we cry to heaven in this way already sets us aright; it makes us true to ourselves: we are in fact those who cried out to God and were saved (cf. Esth [LXX] 10:3ff.). God is the Saviour; we are those who are in peril. He is the physician; we are the infirm. To realize this is the first step towards salvation, towards emerging from the maze in which we have been locked by our pride. To lift our eyes to heaven, to stretch out our hands and call for help is our means of escape, provided that there is Someone who hears us and can come to our assistance.

Jesus Christ is the proof that God has heard our cry. And not only this! God’s love for us is so strong that he cannot remain aloof; he comes out of himself to enter into our midst and to share fully in our human condition (cf. Ex 3:7-12). The answer to our cry which God gave in Jesus infinitely transcends our expectations, achieving a solidarity which cannot be human alone, but divine. Only the God who is love, and the love which is God, could choose to save us in this way, which is certainly the lengthiest way, yet the way which respects the truth about him and about us: the way of reconciliation, dialogue and cooperation.

Dear brothers and sisters in Rome and throughout the world, on this Christmas 2011, let us then turn to the Child of Bethlehem, to the Son of the Virgin Mary, and say: “Come to save us!” Let us repeat these words in spiritual union with the many people who experience particularly difficult situations; let us speak out for those who have no voice.

Together let us ask God’s help for the peoples of the Horn of Africa, who suffer from hunger and food shortages, aggravated at times by a persistent state of insecurity. May the international community not fail to offer assistance to the many displaced persons coming from that region and whose dignity has been sorely tried.

May the Lord grant comfort to the peoples of South-East Asia, particularly Thailand and the Philippines, who are still enduring grave hardships as a result of the recent floods.

May the Lord come to the aid of our world torn by so many conflicts which even today stain the earth with blood. May the Prince of Peace grant peace and stability to that Land where he chose to come into the world, and encourage the resumption of dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. May he bring an end to the violence in Syria, where so much blood has already been shed. May he foster full reconciliation and stability in Iraq and Afghanistan. May he grant renewed vigour to all elements of society in the countries of North Africa and the Middle East as they strive to advance the common good.

May the birth of the Saviour support the prospects of dialogue and cooperation in Myanmar, in the pursuit of shared solutions. May the Nativity of the Redeemer ensure political stability to the countries of the Great Lakes Region of Africa, and assist the people of South Sudan in their commitment to safeguarding the rights of all citizens.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, let us turn our gaze anew to the grotto of Bethlehem. The Child whom we contemplate is our salvation! He has brought to the world a universal message of reconciliation and peace. Let us open our hearts to him; let us receive him into our lives. Once more let us say to him, with joy and confidence: “Veni ad salvandum nos!”

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O', Night Divine...

Midnight Mass 2010: St. Joseph's, Detroit, MI

Midnight Morning Mass

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There will be no 'Midnight Mass' for my family tonight. Unfortunately in our area the two parishes within driving distance both had Mass tonight at 9pm. That time isn't really conducive to our young ones, so we will go in the morning. Quite different from last year, when we attended Mass celebrated according to the usus antiquior with full choir in a beautiful and historic church. Christ is present at every Mass... I am not upset that we don't have 'Midnight Mass' - I am thankful that we have Mass at all. God is good. The Mass is the best present ever given, I should not complain that it doesn't always come in the most preferred manner. 

Christmas Morning...

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The tree has been spruced up a bit. A few more lights, colored ones too! A nice "net" of lights over the window, and  a few presents. Because I have not had employment in quite a long time, presents are very cherished this year. We are so blessed to have friends that were more than generous to our children, as well as my wife and I. You can't buy love in the store or even on Amazon.

I have seen a lot of pictures on Facebook tonight of trees hidden by mountains of gifts. I don't begrudge them. In fact, as we were wrapping the couple of gifts we have for our kids, I wished to keep wrapping. We were thinking up things we could gift them. They wouldn't notice the difference if instead of their 2 or 3 gifts they instead had 20. But I understand wanting to shower your children and friends with gifts.

Christ gave us everything... and we want to be like Him, but we could never give enough gifts to equal what He gave us. Yet, we will try endlessly to imitate that love. It is well that we should. I love looking at these pictures, it helps me to remember, fondly, my childhood. Every Christmas was magical, even the ones with family drama. I would wake up on Christmas and my parents were there waiting for us, with more gifts than we could ever want. Gifts don't equal love... but they are a way for parents, friends, and family to say so in a seemingly tangible way. We aren't perfect... so we do what we can.

Sick Kids

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Our daughter is sick and a good friends daughter is sick. She posted on Facebook how she is staying home from Midnight Mass, while the rest of her family goes. She probably loves Mass more than anyone I know... and so for her I am sure that is a big sacrifice. I think it is probably harder for her to miss, than for us, because it is attainable for her. Yet, this night is quite a familiar place for mothers attending to their child, while the world keeps turning without a glance in their direction. Yet, they are what we should focus on - that is self-sacrificial love. That is how Christ was born - a 'Yes' by a mother, open to life, regardless of the costs.

Priceless

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Yesterday was a blessed day. We spent it with a priest, and I dare say a new friend. There is something about a holy man, who exudes the Sacred. I have met a few priests that are like that, ones that seem to infect others around them with holiness and joy. It is impossible to deny the presence of Christ in the heart. They really are in persona Christi. God bless them.

It is amazing how people of faith gravitate to such men. Priests are sometimes larger than life, their presence is a gift in itself. In fact, yesterday I was able to share that priest with others and felt as if I was giving them a gift that money could never buy. It was a simple day, nothing extravagant, yet I know it has been etched into all of our hearts and will be a lifelong memory. The best part about the day is that it all centered on Christ. Its purpose was Christ and His Church. The gift wasn't any of us... but HIM.

To all, a good night.

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So I will go off to bed. Christ awaits in the morning. So do wonderful children, and an amazing wife. There are so many in this world whose problems far exceed a lack of gifts, Mass at a 'sentimental' time, or even what to 'do' on Christmas. Our Savior was born in a cave. That act meant something. It was on purpose. We must become meek and humble. We must understand that on earth, He was born to a simple family, in a cave. Yet, in Heaven He sits on a throne, consubstantial with the Father! What a divine night... how blessed we are, how blessed we are... o', night, divine!

O! Holy night! The stars, their gleams prolonging,
Watch o'er the eve of our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error, longing
For His appearance, then the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope; the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was Born;
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

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On the Nativity - Pope Leo the Great

From the Sermons of St. Leo the Great; Sermon 21: On the Feast of the Nativity I

I. All share in the joy of Christmas

Our Saviour, dearly-beloved, was born today: let us be glad. For there is no proper place for sadness, when we keep the birthday of the Life, which destroys the fear of mortality and brings to us the joy of promised eternity. No one is kept from sharing in this happiness. There is for all one common measure of joy, because as our Lord the destroyer of sin and death finds none free from charge, so is He come to free us all. Let the saint exult in that he draws near to victory.

Let the sinner be glad in that he is invited to pardon. Let the gentile take courage in that he is called to life. For the Son of God in the fullness of time which the inscrutable depth of the Divine counsel has determined, has taken on him the nature of man, thereby to reconcile it to its Author: in order that the inventor of death, the devil, might be conquered through that (nature) which he had conquered. And in this conflict undertaken for us, the fight was fought on great and wondrous principles of fairness; for the Almighty Lord enters the lists with His savage foe not in His own majesty but in our humility, opposing him with the same form and the same nature, which shares indeed our mortality, though it is free from all sin.

Truly foreign to this nativity is that which we read of all others, no one is clean from stain, not even the infant who has lived but one day upon earth Job 19:4 . Nothing therefore of the lust of the flesh has passed into that peerless nativity, nothing of the law of sin has entered. A royal Virgin of the stem of David is chosen, to be impregnated with the sacred seed and to conceive the Divinely-human offspring in mind first and then in body. And lest in ignorance of the heavenly counsel she should tremble at so strange a result , she learns from converse with the angel that what is to be wrought in her is of the Holy Ghost. Nor does she believe it loss of honour that she is soon to be the Mother of God.

For why should she be in despair over the novelty of such conception, to whom the power of the most High has promised to effect it. Her implicit faith is confirmed also by the attestation of a precursory miracle, and Elizabeth receives unexpected fertility: in order that there might be no doubt that He who had given conception to the barren, would give it even to a virgin.

Image: R. León

II. The mystery of the Incarnation is a fitting theme for joy both to angels and to men

Therefore the Word of God, Himself God, the Son of God who in the beginning was with God, through whom all things were made and without whom was nothing made John 1:1-3, with the purpose of delivering man from eternal death, became man: so bending Himself to take on Him our humility without decrease in His own majesty, that remaining what He was and assuming what He was not, He might unite the true form of a slave to that form in which He is equal to God the Father, and join both natures together by such a compact that the lower should not be swallowed up in its exaltation nor the higher impaired by its new associate.

Without detriment therefore to the properties of either substance which then came together in one person, majesty took on humility, strength weakness, eternity mortality: and for the paying off of the debt, belonging to our condition, inviolable nature was united with possible nature, and true God and true man were combined to form one Lord, so that, as suited the needs of our case, one and the same Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, could both die with the one and rise again with the other.
Rightly therefore did the birth of our Salvation impart no corruption to the Virgin's purity, because the bearing of the Truth was the keeping of honour. Such then beloved was the nativity which became the Power of God and the Wisdom of God even Christ, whereby He might be one with us in manhood and surpass us in Godhead. For unless He were true God, He would not bring us a remedy, unless He were true Man, He would not give us an example.

Therefore the exulting angel's song when the Lord was born is this, Glory to God in the Highest, and their message, peace on earth to men of good will Luke 2:14 . For they see that the heavenly Jerusalem is being built up out of all the nations of the world: and over that indescribable work of the Divine love how ought the humbleness of men to rejoice, when the joy of the lofty angels is so great?

III. Christians then must live worthily of Christ their Head

Let us then, dearly beloved, give thanks to God the Father, through His Son, in the Holy Spirit , Who for His great mercy, wherewith He has loved us, has had pity on us: and when we were dead in sins, has quickened us together in Christ Ephesians 2:4-5, that we might be in Him a new creation and a new production.

Let us put off then the old man with his deeds: and having obtained a share in the birth of Christ let us renounce the works of the flesh. Christian, acknowledge your dignity, and becoming a partner in the Divine nature, refuse to return to the old baseness by degenerate conduct. Remember the Head and the Body of which you are a member. Recollect that you were rescued from the power of darkness and brought out into God's light and kingdom. By the mystery of Baptism you were made the temple of the Holy Ghost: do not put such a denizen to flight from you by base acts, and subject yourself once more to the devil's thraldom: because your purchase money is the blood of Christ, because He shall judge you in truth Who ransomed you in mercy, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit reigns for ever and ever. Amen.


h/t: Y.E.C.

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That's not a tank...

Kat, over at The Crescat... tried to pander to her male readers. I guess she was going on about skirts and hats, or something.

From her blog:

Umm... ok so, maybe LarryD was on to something... 

The T-34 was a Soviet tank used mostly by the soviets and other commies. A few "good guys," such as Poland, got their hands on some, but for the most part it was a war machine of the evil empire. 

This really makes you wonder about the rumors that they coughPatheoscough want to assimilate us all... doesn't it?

BTW -

If I were to do that post, this is what I would have used:

Sherman Tank

Now, that's a tank!

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Domestic Society

"Domestic society acquires that firmness and solidity so needful to it, from the holiness of marriage, one and indissoluble, wherein the rights and duties of husband and wife are controlled with wise justice and equity; due honor is assured to the woman; the authority of the husband is conformed to the pattern afforded by the authority of God; the power of the father is tempered by a due regard for the dignity of the mother and her offspring; and the best possible provision is made for the guardianship, welfare, and education of the children."


-Pope Leo XIII




h/t: JP Sonnen

Fearsome!

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"Desire and Fear" - [IGNITUM TODAY]

For those that don't know, VirtuousPla.Net had to change its name. It is now:

IGNITUM TODAY

I post over there as a featured writer once a month, and occasionally at other times. My recent effort discusses "Litany of Humility."

A preview:

Desire to be despised, rebuked, calumniated, forgotten, ridiculed, wronged, and suspected. Fear being esteemed, loved, extolled, honored, praised, preferred to others, consulted, and approved. There are no typos. You should desire some and fear others – this is quite opposite of what the world tells you, and frankly what many Catholic blogs tell you.

Go read the rest at IGNITUM TODAY. 

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Gracieland - Cute, Catholic, and Witty

My wife brought my attention to "Greetings from Gracieland", a web-comic by Ellen Toole Austin and Jimmy Gownley. She found it while reading Faith and Family Live!

Here are a few strips that I really liked [click to make larger]:

Go check it out!

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"Parting the Red Sea..."

How long before Ole' Mass-e-chew-...sits... bans this as some sort of "Religious Expression?"

Love it though.

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3 1/2 Time-Outs Tuesday (Vol. II)

Hosted by Acts of the Apostasy

(Just like Conversion Diary’s 7 Quick-Takes Friday, but only half as long, and almost half as good.)

1.
Why aren't there any big and famous Catholic Men's blog sites? Women have Faith and Family Live, CatholicMom.com, #BrightMaidens, etc... Why cant us men have something? There is CatholicDadsOnline.org, that is great, but that is it? Some of these women have Podcasts and now, even TV SHOWS! "For Women, by Women"??? What about equality? Equal pay for equal work! I could totally see a TV show with LarryD, Terry, and Badger Catholic... Sports, Star Trek, and Poodles. Ok, maybe we need to refine that concept a bit, but you get the gist  point of my example. Ugh, even the Archbolds are being invaded by the women! Seriously... we need to stick together guys, let's figure this out and take back the blogosphere!

2.
I have this thought rolling around in my head, and I can't quite get it to come out right. (What's new right?) Bishop Sample recently talked about "Lost Generations" of Catholics.  So roughly speaking, the Boomers changed the American Church in the wake of Vatican II to meet their moral (or should I say amoral or immoral values?) system. The Catholic faith became "lost" and they passed on, well, nothing really... Bishop Sample is the generation ahead of me, so I am what? What is the descendant of a "Lost" person? I am just trying to get my head around why we see this resurgence of traditional and orthodox practices with people in the 40-14 age range. They have never seen "that faith before" because their parents never really saw it. So where does it come from? I have some of these answers, I just cant quite put it all together in a cohesive picture. Once I do... expect something of a post about it.

3.
If you want to support this blog, buy some books, coffee, or a nice hatchet. I mean, you could buy me those things, but I do try and limit the "begging" on this blog. The last thing I want is to be the subject of any blog posts.

3.5.
Tebow. Tebow. Tebow.


Thanks LarryD for hosting!

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True Magnificence of The Mass

The above video is from my former parish in Michigan, Our Lady of Good Counsel. The video is from a series that they have produced regarding the Mass called: True Magnificence. This first video is the cornerstone of the series and is an overview of what the Mass is and should be for Catholics.

The awesome part about the scenes from Mass are that the priest celebrant is none other than DUIB favorite Fr. Lee Acervo.

While you are at it, take a look around their website. That is a parish on FIRE. They are not a Church where Catholics go on Sunday, they are Parish where Catholics live their life - they are a true community.

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Saint Lucy - "Light"

Saint Lucy

Ora Pro Nobis

St. Lucy (Santa Lucia) was a young Sicilian girl who vowed to live as a virgin in devotion to Christ. Her mother, however, arranged a marriage for her to a pagan suitor. To dissuade her mom by proof of a miracle, Lucy prayed at the tomb of St. Agatha that her mother's hemmhorage would stop. When the miracle happened, her mother agreed to leave aside the topic of marriage.

Lucy's suitor, however, had other plans, and revealed Lucy as a Christian. Authorities went to collect her, planning on forcing her into prostitution -- but they were unable to budge her, even after tying her to a team of oxen. She was then tortured by having her eyes torn out. They'd planned on torturing her by fire, too, but the fires kept going out. She was then killed by being stabbed in the throat with a dagger.

Because of the above, St. Lucy is the patron of those with eye problems, and is often depicted carrying her eyes (often on a plate), being tied to a team of oxen, with St. Agatha, or before her judges. Her relics lay in Syracuse for hundreds of years, were translated to Constantinople, and then to Venice where they may be venerated at the Church of San Geremia. Her head was sent to Louis XII of France, and reposes in the cathedral of Bourges.

Her name, "Lucia," means "Light," and light plays a role in the customs of her Feast Day. In Italy, torchlight processions andbonfires mark her day, and bowls of a cooked wheat porridge known as cuccia is eaten because, during a famine, the people of Syracuse invoked St. Lucy, who interceded by sending a ship laden with grain (much as St. Joseph also did for the people of Sicily). [Link]

•••

To every Lucy out there that is a "light" in the lives of all those that know them...

Happy Feast Day. 

May your "light" always be a shining guide in our lives and in our faith.

Saint Lucy, you did not hide your light under a basket, but let it shine for the whole world, for all the centuries to see. We may not suffer torture in our lives the way you did, but we are still called to let the light of our Christianity illumine our daily lives. Please help us to have the courage to bring our Christianity into our work, our recreation, our relationships, our conversation -- every corner of our day. Amen

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A Wifely Question...

*Not actually my wife.
Photo: MonkRock

"Do you ever wonder what life would be like if you hadn't married me?"

Oh no! That is the question my wife asked me on the way home last night after spending an afternoon with friends. This concerned me a little because my wife doesn't ask "what if?" questions. In fact, she hates them.

Nervously, I bit. "What do you mean? Of course I don't." Figured I would play it safe.

"Well, I just wonder if I would have known about the Mass changes if I wasn't married to you; and if I didn't have you telling me about them for the last six months..."

I laughed, on the inside. "Oh, well, I am sure you would have, you are a pretty observant person."

"Yeah, you are right. I guess I just wonder, because some people didn't know about them."

The funniest part about this conversation... this is coming from a woman who recently decided to veil at Church, which for a "non-confrontational" person like herself is a HUGE, BIG CHANGE.

Funny, the things we think about in regards to our spiritual life.

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The Weather

This post isn't about the weather.
I can't say much, but what I can is that today I felt some warm winds... one might even say that a Chinook is blowing through.

I saw this coming a while back, and I even posted about it. But that doesn't matter, what matters is that it is happening.

God listens, and He answers prayers. He doesn't always answer them quite the way we asked... but He answers them nonetheless.

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Hand Missal - Midwest Theological Forum

MTF Daily Missal

Someone I know recently purchased a hand Missal (Daily Roman Missal) to help them follow along at Mass, now that the new corrected translation of the Roman Missal is in use. The version they bought is the Daily Roman Missal from the Midwest Theological Forum. They lent it to me so that I could "try it out" and to help them learn to use it. I have to say I really, really like it. I have always thought hand Missals were a good idea, but after looking through this one I am fully supportive of owning and using them.

Hand Missals

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For those that don't know what a Daily Missal, or hand Missal, is - let me explain. As you know, the priest has prayers that he reads from the Roman Missal, which is often held by Altar servers. Each Mass, based on the day or the feast, has various readings and prayers designated for it. Certain parts of the Mass are repeated each time it is said, while others change. A Daily Missal (hand Missal) is a smaller version which allows you to follow along each Mass. (Ordinary, Propers, Eucharistic Prayers, Presidential, etc...) In other words, it is not only the Biblical readings, but most the prayers, rubrics, postures et al.

Generally there are two types of hand Missals. A "Daily Missal" which has Sunday Masses as well as Weekday Masses, and the "Sunday Missal" which is, well for Sundays. Both Missals generally also have Wedding Masses, Baptisms, etc... included, but not always. 

Midwest Theological Forum

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Currently, from what I understand, the only Daily Missal you can purchase prior to Christmas is, the MTF Daily Missal. Yet, in my opinion, it might be the only one you want to buy. After looking through this Missal, I want one myself. 

It not only has the Order of the Mass  and the Propers, but it also has Ritual Masses, Special Masses for Needs and Occasions, Votive Masses, etc... On top of that there are Devotions, Prayers, Examinations of Conscience etc... Honestly, if you purchased one of these Daily Missals, and committed yourself to learning how to use it and reading it Daily, I bet within a weeks time, your understanding of the Mass and the Catholic faith would grow exponentially. For those that understand this reference, it really is a modern day version of the old Missals. 

The care and publication value on this Missal is very high. The materials are great, the one I am looking at (the Bonded Leather Version) has nice ribbons, golden edges, and nice paper and printing. It is a bit thick, but its dimensions are very true to traditional size, and it seems to be a good compromise all things considered. They did a very good job on font style, size, and border margins. My only criticism is that I wish the Red/Burgundy would be one more "shade" on the RED side, but other than that I think it is excellent. 

In terms of use, this Missal is really pretty straight forward to use for the readings of each Mass. If you want to follow the main parts of the Mass, that too is fairly straight forward, and can easily be done by a quick flip, via ribbon, to the Order of the Mass. Now, if you want to follow every prayer and action by the congregation and the priest, there is a bit of learning you must do but it is very straight-forward and explained at the beginning of the Missal. If you are concerned about complexity - don't be. 

Why Own a Missal?

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 My best answer is, "Because if you use it, you will become a better Catholic." There isn't anything magical about Missals, but instead, the commitment to reading the Mass readings and prayers ahead of time, learning about the structure of the Mass and its prayers, and understanding why we say what we say at Mass is what will make you a better Catholic. I know there are some that don't like the idea of having their nose in a book during Mass, but honestly, with a little practice it becomes a guide and point of reference and will enhance your understanding of the Mass.

Bringing a Missal to every Mass might not appeal to everyone. I get that. Yet, just owning a Missal is important. Using it at home, and it as a guide prior to Mass, or after, will give you amazing benefits. Plus, on days when you can't attend Mass but want to pray and reflect on Christ - it is a perfect tool. There are all sorts of reasons to own a Missal, and I think every family should have one. I am thinking this might become a Wedding/Confirmation gift in the future for my family. It really is something that I think every Catholic should have. So much so, I have written an entire post about it. 

Let me know your thoughts, and please email me or post questions in the comment box. I wrote this post not as an advertisement for the MTF Missal, or Missals in general, I really just felt compelled after looking through this one. I really do think it is a Sacred tool that can add a dimension of understanding to your faith life.

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"The dragon sought in vain..."

A while back I wrote a post, and it was about a comment I wrote over at Mark Shea's blog. In the end everyone pretty much agreed that I was wrong in my analysis, including myself.

Yet, in light of what the Pope said on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, I wonder if maybe I was on to something:

This dragon sought in vain to devour Jesus – the “male child destined to govern all the nations” (12:5). The dragon tries in vain because Jesus, through his death and resurrection, has ascended to God and he has taken his seat upon his throne. This is why the dragon, defeated once and for all in heaven, turns his attacks toward to the woman – the Church – in the wilderness of the world. But in every age the Church is sustained by the light and by the power of God, which nourishes her in the wilderness with the bread of his Word and the Holy Eucharist. And so in every tribulation, through all of the trials that she meets in the course time and in different parts of the world, the Church suffers persecution but is always victorious in the end. And precisely in this way the Christian community is the presence, the guarantee of God’s love against every ideology of hatred and [selfishness].

The only threat the Church can and must fear is the sin of her members. While, in fact, Mary is the Immaculate, free from every stain of sin, the Church is holy, but at the same time she is stained by our sins. This is why the People of God, in pilgrimage through time, turns to its heavenly Mother and implores her help; it asks this so that she might accompany us on the journey of faith, that she might encourage the undertaking of a Christian life and support our hope. We need her above all in this very difficult moment for Italy, for Europe, for various parts of the world. Mary helps us to see that there is a light beyond the dark clouds that seems to envelop reality. For this reason we too, especially on this occasion, do not cease ask for her help with filial confidence: “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” Ora pro nobis, intercede pro nobis ad Dominum Iesum Christum!

Probably not.
I should sleep, tomorrow 'comes early' and I can't wait to see some Rose Vestments... oh, to dream.

NB: My priests do not use Rose or Black Vestments.

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Rejoice!

R. León

Gaudéte in Dómino semper!

Rejoice in the Lord Always!

• Clip Art:  Link

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Bishop Sample's Christmas Gift to His Priests

Just the other day I wrote about Bishop Sample from the Diocese of Marquette (Upper Peninsula of Michigan), and how he seems to be doing all the right things and saying that which needs to be said.

Then, while reading the blog of Father John Boyle: Caritas in Veritas, a priest who serves in that Diocese (on loan from England) I found another reason to praise Bishop Sample. This time, it is for his Christmas gift to the priests in his
Diocese.

As I mentioned in my previous post, this is a Bishop to watch. It seems every time we read about him, he is doing something to better his Diocese, Catechize his flock, or instruct his priests towards the Heart of the Church. This is one of those times, where he has done the latter. Ultimately, it will accomplish all three of those goals.

From Caritas in Veritas:

Bishop Sample's Christmas Message to His Priests

Buy it at Aquinas and More

Yep, that's it. With his Christmas card to priests, the Bishop enclosed this gift. I think it tells all the clergy very clearly where he wants to lead us and where he wants us to lead our parisioners: right behind our Holy Father, Pope Benedict.

Wow! All I can say is, Deo Gratias! This book was given to me by my best friend Brian, who used to write here. It was a gift that was meant to help guide me in my faith, and all I can say is that it had a very profound affect on me. I pray that it does the same for the priests in that diocese.

Hopefully other Bishops will join in this, and do something similar. This book is magnificent, and it will change the way you worship at Mass and your understanding of our Liturgical life. My wife, once asked me, "Of all of your books, if you could have me read just one, it would be The Spirit of the Liturgy, wouldn't it?"

Yes. So please, go buy it for yourself, and for someone else this Christmas! You won't be disappointed, and your faith will be better for it!

Also, maybe drop Bishop Sample a quick "Thank You"email for acting so boldly and clearly as a Bishop. Even if you aren't from his Diocese, it will still be a warm and welcomed gesture.
Tell them I sent you!

Bishop Sample: Email [Sent to his assistant]

Links: 
Caritas in Veritas - Father John Boyle, Gwinn, MI
The Spirit of the Liturgy - Pope Benedict XVI
Bishop of Marquette, MI - His Excellency Alexander Sample

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Immaculate Conception

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3 1/2 Time-Outs Tuesday? (Vol. I)

Hosted at: Acts of the Apostasy

(Just like Conversion Diary‘s 7 Quick-Takes Friday, but only half as long, and almost half as good.)

So, the ever-clever™ LarryD has come up with something that I can get on board with. "3 1/2 Time-Outs Tuesday." Except, I will be starting on a Tuesday Wednesday, because my OCD/ADD-ness, as it relates to blogging, is in OVER-DRIVE!

I will jump right in...

1.

I have a new child, a son. He is awesome. We went with a name that is less common, but very Strong and meaningful. It is also very Catholic. Very. Especially the middle name. People hear it and don't react. There is such a lack of reaction, that their non-reaction is actually a reaction, due to how little reaction there is. Think Moose in the headlights. (Moose dont really freeze like deer do... but I need a cultural reference.) Let's put it this way, when we told my In-Laws via Skype, there was silence. For a minute. So long that we thought the feed had locked up. I think that it was a combination of the fact that everyone assumed that my first boy would be named after my father or me, that it is a shock to hear anything else. Then, the name itself is different enough, and old fashioned enough that it catches people off guard. Add the middle name, and BAM! Frozen. Hopefully it will guide him, and shape his spirituality. That was the point - the name is for him, and not anyone else. (I don't like posting tons about my kids on the blog out of respect for their privacy... if you would like to know the name, as I know this post is a tease, please email me, Tweet me, or send a carrier pigeon.)

2. 

Reading and Blogging have been frustrating for me lately. I do both, in an effort to spiritually grow. Yet, recently, I feel like I am stuck on one book, that isn't really interesting me anymore, and blogging has become more of a task. When I say blogging... I mean reading blogs, updating social networks, etc... I think I do more time prepping to blog... than I do actually writing. Doesnt make sense does it? Similarly, the book I am reading... just isn't compelling, but I am so close to finishing it that I cant give up now.

3. 

I have started thinking about theology/philosophy again. I know that this bores the heck outta people, but it really is at the heart of our faith. It is amazing how our faith in modern times ignores the theological and philosophical underpinnings so often. Why has the Catholic faith become about feelings and not ideas? Why have we abandoned reason for emotion? Maybe it is just my interaction with it, but I see this quite often.

3 1/2.
I wish more people would pledge to support the SSS. This month we are featuring the Dominican Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. Please click on the SSS link on the menu bar just below the blog header image up top... and fill in the linky thing. Thanks.

I don't think was as funny as it should have been... but I am new at this, let me grow into it a bit!

Thanks Larry for hosting!

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