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Saturday, December 31, 2011

26 priests, religious, lay pastoral workers slain in 2011 : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

26 priests, religious, lay pastoral workers slain in 2011 : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

Friday, December 30, 2011

POPE BENEDICT XVI'S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR JANUARY 2012



BENEDICT XVI'S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR JANUARY 2012

VATICAN CITY, 30 DEC 2011 (VIS) - Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for January 2012 is: "That the victims of natural disasters may receive the spiritual and material comfort they need to rebuild their lives".

His mission intention is: "That the dedication of Christians to peace may bear witness to the name of Christ before all men and women of good will".
BXVI-PRAYER INTENTIONS/VIS 20111230 (70)



You can find more information at: www.visnews.org

The news items contained in the Vatican Information Service may be used, in part or in their entirety, by quoting the source:
V.I.S. -Vatican Information Service.
Copyright © Vatican Information Service 00120 Vatican City

Thursday, December 29, 2011

FOR Marriage 1 - (Video from the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte)

First in a series of videos by the Bishops of North Carolina explaining the position of the Catholic Church in support FOR the marriage amendment. Bishop Peter Jugis of Charlotte presents this video.

Nun Famous For Kissing Elvis Prays For Miracle | Fox News

The following excerpt is from Fox News:



  • Dolores Hart, who walked away from Hollywood stardom in 1963 to become a nun in rural Bethlehem, Conn., now finds herself back in the spotlight. But this time it's all about serving the King of Kings, not smooching the King of Rock and Roll.
  • The former brass factory that houses Mother Dolores and about 40 other nuns cloistered at the Abbey of Regina Laudis needs millions of dollars in renovations to meet fire and safety codes, add an elevator and make handicap accessibility upgrades.


Read more:



Nun Famous For Kissing Elvis Prays For Miracle | Fox News

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

CNS STORY: N.J. nurses don't have to assist in abortion in new hospital agreement



The following excerpt is from the Catholic News Service:

  • A group of 12 nurses who sued the University Hospital in Newark over a policy requiring them to care for patients before and after abortions can no longer be compelled to assist in these procedures, under an agreement reached in federal court.


Click the link below to read the entire article:


CNS STORY: N.J. nurses don't have to assist in abortion in new hospital agreement

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Christmas Novena-- Day 9





Today is day 9, the last day of The Christmas Novena.


Don't forget to pray for all intentions by clicking here.


A Merry and Blessed Christmas to all!

Friday, December 23, 2011

Christmas Novena-- Day 8





Today is day 8 of The Christmas Novena.


Don't forget to pray for all intentions by clicking here.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Readied To Donate Organs, 21-Year-Old Emerges From Coma - Yahoo! News

Readied To Donate Organs, 21-Year-Old Emerges From Coma - Yahoo! News

Christmas Novena-- Day 7





Today is day 7 of The Christmas Novena.


Don't forget to pray for all intentions by clicking here.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

HOOSIER STATE SENATOR STANDS WITH RICK SANTORUM

HOOSIER STATE SENATOR STANDS WITH RICK SANTORUM

Christmas Novena-- Day 6





Today is day 6 of The Christmas Novena.


Don't forget to post your intentions by clicking here.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Christmas Novena-- Day 5





Today is day 5 of The Christmas Novena.


Don't forget to post your intentions by clicking here.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Christmas Novena-- Day 4





Today is day 4 of The Christmas Novena.


Don't forget to post your intentions by clicking here.

Now You Can Search Faith of the Fathers Blogs


I have started adding a search box on the top of the right hand sidebar of each of the blog pages. It is powered by Google, and will allow readers to search for blog posts, or topics on each page of Faith of the Fathers blogs.

It will search the page you are on for topics related to just that page, such as follows. Let's say you are on "Daily Mass Readings" and you are curious as to what dates Psalms 100 appears in the daily readings. You type in Psalms 100, and you get the results with the dates going back to 2006.

Currently, the search box is here on the main blog page, and is also on : Daily Mass Readings, Pope Benedict XVI, Approved Apparitions, The Early Church Fathers, and Saint Quote of the Day.

I will be adding it to more as time permits.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Christmas Novena-- Day 3





Today is day 3 of The Christmas Novena.


Don't forget to post your intentions by clicking here.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Christmas Novena-- Day Two





Today is day 2 of The Christmas Novena.


Don't forget to post your intentions by clicking here.

WDTPRS POLL: GOP Nominee – Whom would YOU choose? (Round 1) | Fr. Z's Blog – What Does The Prayer Really Say?

WDTPRS POLL: GOP Nominee – Whom would YOU choose? (Round 1) | Fr. Z's Blog – What Does The Prayer Really Say?

Friday, December 16, 2011

Faith of the Fathers Blogs Posts For 12/16/2011



On Daily Mass Readings

Readings for December 16, 2011

Isaiah 56: 1 - 3, 6 - 8
Psalms 67: 2 - 3, 5, 7 - 8
John 5: 33 - 36

On Saint Quote of the Day

Saint Francis of Paola

On Favorite Prayers And Scripture

PRAYERS FOR A NOVENA FROM THE 16TH TO THE 24TH OF DECEMBER

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Prayer For The United States



Almighty God, 
bless our nation
and make it true 
to the ideas of freedom and justice
and brotherhood for all who make it great.

Guard us from war,
from fire and wind,
from compromise, fear, confusion.

Be close to our president and our statesmen; 
give them vision and courage, 
as they ponder decisions affecting peace 
and the future of the world.

Make me more deeply aware of my heritage; 
realizing not only my rights 
but also my duties 
and responsibilities as a citizen.

Make this great land 
and all its people 
know clearly Your will,
that they may fulfill 
the destiny ordained for us 
in the salvation of the nations, 
and the restoring of all things in Christ. 

Amen 

Monday, December 12, 2011

The American Spectator : The Spectacle Blog : Santorum Understands Something the Other Republicans Don't

Just read the excerpt from The American Spectator article on Rick Santorum to see one of the many reasons I support Rick Santorum for President of the United States:


  • More or less alone among the Republican candidates, Santorum has consistently highlighted the ways in which government policies make it harder for families to navigate the economy. Most of the others have focused solely on the ways that, for instance, the tax code makes it harder for corporations to find success and remain internationally competitive. Taxes, regulations, and other policies, though, don't just shape the business climate. They also affect households in countless ways.

Click on the link below to read the whole article at The American Spectator:

The American Spectator : The Spectacle Blog : Santorum Understands Something the Other Republicans Don't

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Santorum ‘Fact-Checks’ CNN on Obama’s ‘Appeasement’

The following excerpt is from Big Peace. You can go there to read the entire article and watch the video of Rick Santorum standing up to another Obama Apologist. Here is the excerpt:


This Sunday morning, on CNN’s State of the Union, Candy Crowley attempted to “fact-check” Sen. Rick Santorum for his statement to the Republican Jewish Coalition on Dec. 7 that President Barack Obama had pursued a foreign policy of “appeasement.”

Her apparent intent–as with other so-called “fact-checking” efforts–was to attack what has been, and remains, an accurate and effective summary of Obama’s approach to hostile regimes.

Crowley must have thought she had Santorum cornered. After all, President Obama’s stern response to Santorum on Dec. 8 had provided a frisson of delight to liberals like Chris Matthews of MSNBC, who declared: “President Obama’s fierce defense against Republican charges of appeasement proves once again that if you underestimate this president, you may do so at your peril.”

But Santorum stood his ground–and then some.


Santorum ‘Fact-Checks’ CNN on Obama’s ‘Appeasement’

Thursday, December 08, 2011

Suggested Reading



The following post is an excerpt from "Too Smart For The Church?" which originally appearred on our blog "Spiritual Warfare" on February 7, 2006.

There are many traps, dangers, and pitfalls that we as Christians must face in our daily lives. Events happen to us that are often out of our control. Sickness, accidents, natural catastrophes, even financial difficulties or hardship are often beyond our control, or not due to a self-inflicted cause. Yet, there is one trap that we must be on guard for, and that we must not allow ourselves to fall into our spiritual growth. That trap is, when we begin to think that we have all the answers regarding our faith, and that there is nothing more that we can learn.

To read more click here.

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Easy Gift Buying...Gift Cards!


Everyone knows someone (or several someone's), whom you just can't seem to find the right gift for. Whether it's the boss, junior's teacher, or a friend or relative, there are some people who are difficult to buy for, or you are not sure what to get them.

The best and easiest way to handle this dilemma, is to simply buy a gift card or gift certificate. They can be purchased in amounts from $10 to $100 or more. That way, the person receiving the gift card can then redeem it for whatever he or she wants. Problem solved, and everybody is happy.

Some of the companies and organizations who's ads I have here, offer gift cards. I will list them below:

First, from Mystic Monk Coffee. are gift cards available in amounts from $15 to $100. The recipient can choose some outstanding coffees and teas from the Carmelite Monks of Wyoming, and you can help the monks in raising the money they need to build their monastery.

If you know someone who loves books...or music...or movies....or anything else Barnes and Noble offers, then their gift card is just what the doctor ordered.

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There are also some great books, movies, gifts and more available at The Catholic Company . They have 2 available, The Catholic Company Gift Card [$25.00 Gift Card] and  The Catholic Company Gift Card [$50.00 Gift Card] .

You can also send by email a gift certificate to Zazzle in amounts from $25 to $100.

And, last but not least, you can also send by email E-Gift Cards to The History Channel web store, in amounts from $10 - $100.

Immaculate Conception Novena -- Day 9

iImmaculate Conception Novena

Today is the last day of the of the Immaculate Conception Novena.

If you have had any prayers answered, you can click here to post your experiences.

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Immaculate Conception Novena -- Day 8

iImmaculate Conception Novena


Today is day 8 of the Immaculate Conception Novena.

There are over 7,000 people who are praying the Immaculate Conception Novena.

Don't forget to read and pray for the intentions of the whole community by clicking here.

Monday, December 05, 2011

Immaculate Conception Novena -- Day 7

iImmaculate Conception Novena


Today is day 7 of the Immaculate Conception Novena.

There are over 7,000 people who are praying the Immaculate Conception Novena.

Don't forget to read and pray for the intentions of the whole community by clicking here.

Sunday, December 04, 2011

Merry Xmas To You And Yours!



Yes, you read that right. Merry Xmas to you and yours.

“What is with this guy” you're wondering. “Does he realize what he is doing? Here he has a bunch of Catholic blogs and is saying 'Xmas'! Doesn't he realize what he is saying?”

Yes, I sure do!

A lot of people...most people in fact... tend to get very upset when they see the term "Xmas".

Xmas? How dare they take Christ out of Christmas, and call it Xmas. After all, Christmas is derived from Christ's Mass, and calling it Xmas is just a blatant attempt to demean what Christmas means. They already want to say “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas”...and now they want to make their attack complete by writing “Merry Xmas”? Well, I for one am not standing idly by while these secular humanists and their anti-Christian cohorts....

Whoa there....slow down and take a couple of deep breaths. While you're taking your deep breaths I'll give you a little information so you can get your drawers (that means underwear to you people not from the country) out of a wad....so to speak.

The term Xmas is virtually as old as Christianity itself, and actually comes from classical Greek. The Roman letter “X” in our alphabet is similar to the Greek letter Chi, which is the first letter of the Greek word Χριστός, “Christos”, which translates as "Christ". The "mas" part is from the Latin-derived Old English word for "Mass". So, the word “Christmas” is actually derived from the Old English “Cristes mæsse”, literally meaning Mass of Christ.

“Xmas” (sometimes pronounced éksməss) is, and was a very common abbreviation of the word “Christmas”. So there is a very common misconception that the word “Xmas” is a secular attempt to remove the religious tradition of Christmas by taking Christ out of Christmas. This is just not the case for the term historically speaking.

According to the “Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of English Usage” the early use of Xmas dates back to 1551. Further, it (Merriam-Webster) states that X, Xp, and Xt, all derived from the Greek name, have all been used to stand for Christ- in other words besides Xmas. "Xpen" (1485), "Xpian" (1598), and "Xtian" (1845, 1915, 1940), all meaning "Christian", "Xstened" (1685-86) "christened" and "Xtianity" (1634, 1811, 1966) "Christianity".


Also, you can find the “X” being used in the ancient Christian fish symbol, or “Icthys”, as “ΙΧΘΥΣ”, which is an acronym for “Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior”.  


The labarum, more often called the Chi-Rho, was rendered by taking the first 2 Greek letters of the name Christ (Χριστός), the "X" (Chi) the "P" (Rho), and is a symbol used in Catholic, Orthodox, and many Protestant Christian churches as a symbol for Christ. 

In a good deal of ancient Christian art, “x” and “xp” are used as abbreviations for Christ's name, as well as in many icons and ancient manuscripts of the New Testament.

The use of the term “Xmas” in place of Christmas was also used in letters from Lord Byron (1811), Lewis Carroll (1864) and Oliver Wendell Holmes (1923), in which Merriam-Webster's opines was indicative of “well-educated Englishmen who knew their Greek”.

So, I hope this helps.

I am not going to try to tell you that “Xmas” is not used by those who are trying to offend, as I am sure in some cases that it is intended so. Just remember the next time you see “Xmas”, they are still saying Christmas...and still honoring the name of Christ, even though they may not realize it.

Now, you do know it.

So, Merry Xmas to you and yours!


Immaculate Conception Novena -- Day 6

iImmaculate Conception Novena


Today is day 6 of the Immaculate Conception Novena.

There are over 7,000 people who are praying the Immaculate Conception Novena.

Don't forget to read and pray for the intentions of the whole community by clicking here.

Saturday, December 03, 2011

Immaculate Conception Novena -- Day 5

Immaculate Conception Novena


Today is day 5 of the Immaculate Conception Novena.

There are about 7,000 people who are joining us in praying the Immaculate Conception Novena.

Don't forget to read and pray for the intentions of the whole community by clicking here.

Friday, December 02, 2011

Immaculate Conception Novena -- Day 4

Immaculate Conception Novena


Today is day 4 of the Immaculate Conception Novena.

There are about 7,000 people who are joining us in praying the Immaculate Conception Novena.

Don't forget to read and pray for the intentions of the whole community by clicking here.

Thursday, December 01, 2011

Immaculate Conception Novena -- Day 3

Immaculate Conception Novena


Today is day 3 of the Immaculate Conception Novena.

There are about 7,000 people who are joining us in praying the Immaculate Conception Novena.

Don't forget to post your intentions and read and pray for the intentions of the whole community by clicking here.