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

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

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

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

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!

Christmas Novena-- Day 8

Today is day 8 of The Christmas Novena.


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

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.

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.

Christmas Novena-- Day 5

Today is day 5 of The Christmas Novena.


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

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.

Christmas Novena-- Day 3

Today is day 3 of The Christmas Novena.


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

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?

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

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 

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

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’

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.

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.

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

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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.

Immaculate Conception Novena -- Day 8

i

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.

Immaculate Conception Novena -- Day 7

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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.

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

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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.

Immaculate Conception Novena -- Day 5

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.

Immaculate Conception Novena -- Day 4

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.

Immaculate Conception Novena -- Day 3

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.

POPE BENEDICT XVI'S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR DECEMBER 2011

VATICAN CITY, 30 NOV 2011 (VIS) - Benedict's general prayer intention for December is: "That all peoples may grow in harmony and peace through mutual understanding and respect".

  His mission intention is: "That children and young people may be messengers of the Gospel and that they may be respected and preserved from all violence and exploitation".

BXVI-PRAYER INTENTIONS/                 VIS 20111130 (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

Immaculate Conception Novena -- Day 2

Today is day 2 of The Immaculate Conception Novena.

John-Paul from Pray More Novena's reports that since yesterday, another 452 people have joined in praying the Immaculate Conception Novena. That is over 7,000 people now participating!

Immaculate Conception Novena -- Day 1

Today is the first day of the Immaculate Conception Novena.

There are about 6,800 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.

Immaculate Conception Novena Starts November 29, 2011

Starting November 29th, I am joining over 6,000 Catholics to pray the Immaculate Conception Novena.

With so many faithful Catholics around the world praying this novena, I thought you’d like to join too.

Do you have any special petitions to bring to Mary?

You can sign up for handy email reminders to get the the novena prayers here: Immaculate Conception Novena.

Let’s get all the Catholics we know to pray this novena together for the Immaculate Conception!

From The Vatican Website

Thanks to Lisa Graas for sharing this. I had never seen this, but you can go to the website of The Holy See and take a virtual tour of the Sistine Chapel.

Click here to go to the page, and enjoy the music as well.

Times Are Tough

Yes, times are tough. As if that's something we didn't all know already.  

It has especially hit home with me recently, as my hours at work are a long way from being full time now. I barely get 32-33 hours a week at my job, and my pay rate is not as much as it was.

I know that this is a dilemma being faced by many families and individuals around the country and around the world. I have cut back expenses everywhere I can, and don't know where else I can cut back. It's a good thing my internet is free... thanks to my landlady allowing me wireless access to her internet connection. That's all that allows me to continue these blogs.

So I am asking for your prayers for myself, and for the economic difficulties faced by so many others in these difficult times.

Thank you in advance.

May God Bless you and Our Lady keep you in her care!

More than 25,000 youths and their chaperones descend on Indianapolis to celebrate faith, friendship, community « CNS Blog

More than 25,000 youths and their chaperones descend on Indianapolis to celebrate faith, friendship, community « CNS Blog

Missal Moment #7

This is the final video about the new english language translation of the Roman Missal from the Diocese of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Blog | Marriage Unique for a Reason

Blog | Marriage Unique for a Reason

Catholic News Herald - Archbishop Donoghue, former Charlotte bishop, dies at 83; funeral plans set - Local Catholic News from the Diocese of Charlotte

Archbishop Emeritus John Francis Donoghue, the fifth archbishop of the Archdiocese of Atlanta until retirement in 2004 and the second bishop of Charlotte from 1984 to 1993, passed into eternal glory Nov. 11, 2011. He was 83.

Catholic News Herald - Archbishop Donoghue, former Charlotte bishop, dies at 83; funeral plans set - Local Catholic News from the Diocese of Charlotte

Georgia Supreme Court Hearing Assisted Suicide Law Challenge | LifeNews.com

Georgia Supreme Court Hearing Assisted Suicide Law Challenge | LifeNews.com

Court orders New York to allow ‘Choose Life’ license plates | LifeSiteNews.com

• "A federal court ruled Tuesday that the state of New York violated the First Amendment when it rejected a pro-adoption group’s application to sponsor a “Choose Life” specialty license plate as part of a state program."

Read more by clicking below:

Court orders New York to allow ‘Choose Life’ license plates | LifeSiteNews.com

Bishops blast Catholic governor's role in abortion award ceremony :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

The following are excerpts from the Catholic News Agency article by Benjamin Mann:

• The Illinois bishops, including Chicago's Cardinal Archbishop Francis E. George and Springfield's Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki, quoted a 1994 statement of Blessed John Paul II in their reaction to Governor Quinn's involvement.

• The late Pope, they recalled, “asked in his 'Letter to Families,' 'How can one morally accept laws that permit the killing of a human being not yet born, but already alive in the mother's womb?'”

• “Governor Quinn not only accepts these laws,” the bishops stated, “he promotes them and publicly presents awards to their advocates.”

• “This approach is irreconcilable with any honest profession of the Catholic faith.”

Click the link below to read the entire article:

Bishops blast Catholic governor's role in abortion award ceremony :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

POPE BENEDICT XVI'S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR NOVEMBER

VATICAN CITY, 31 OCT 2011 (VIS) - Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for November is: "That the Eastern Catholic Churches and their venerable traditions may be known and esteemed as a spiritual treasure for the whole Church".

His mission intention is: "That the African continent may find strength in Christ to pursue justice and reconciliation as set forth by the second Synod of African Bishops".

BXVI-PRAYER INTENTIONS/ VIS 20111031 (80)

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

Muslims Attack Catholics Attending A Celebration In France | Lisa Graas

Muslims Attack Catholics Attending A Celebration In France | Lisa Graas

Blessed Chiara “Luce” Badano (1971-1990)

Read this wonderful story about this young lady. An excerpt follows:

• Pope Benedict XVI beatified Chiara “Luce” Badano on Sept. 25, 2010, just 20 years after her death. That should not surprise us, for she modeled a joyful, down-to-earth holiness much like that of Blessed Pier-Giorgio Frassati, another young saint.

Please click the link below to read the entire article:

Blessed Chiara “Luce” Badano (1971-1990)

The National Shrine of Saint Jude

As most of you know from following this blog, today is day nine of our novena to Saint Jude, my patron saint.

Some may not be aware however, that there is The National Shrine of Saint Jude in Chicago, Illinois. The National Shrine of Saint Jude was founded in 1929 by the Claretian Missionaries. The Shrine along with the Saint Jude League has the purpose of bringing together devotees to Saint Jude.

You can visit the website of The National Shrine of Saint Jude by clicking here. You can also post a prayer petition at the Shrine by clicking here or by posting it on The National Shrine of Saint Jude Facebook page by clicking here.

Thank you Saint Jude for prayers answered.

Day 9 -- Saint Jude Novena

Today is the 9th and final day of our Novena to Saint Jude.

Please go to "Pray More Novenas" where you can get the daily prayers for this novena as well as find the intentions of others praying this novena with us.

Day 8 -- Saint Jude Novena

Today is the 8th day of the Novena to Saint Jude.

Please go to "Pray More Novenas" where you can get the daily prayers for this novena as well as find the intentions of others praying this novena with us.