From the Heart of Latrobe...
Greetings, Readers. I am blogging from the main foyer at St. Vincent's College in Latrobe, PA. The conference, she is over, and my what a week. It was simply amazing and it couldn't have gone better. I will blog in more detail later when I get home and process what I have heard and seen.
I have to confess that for many years, I wasn't sure what to do with the work of Scott Hahn. It's a long story that I don't care to get into here, but I think that after a few conversations with him and the rest of my team, I will need to bring my monkey-brain to bear on the corpus thus far. He strikes me as one who seeks to do what every Catholic ought to strive for: to seek Christ by thinking with the mind of the Church and loving from the Heart of the Church. Dr. Hahn and his fellow presenters, Dr. Pitre and Dr. Bales, really refreshed my desire to read and understand the Sacred Scriptures better. The goal remains the same -- to live in union with Christ.
Also, I was most impressed with monks of St. Vincent's. In particular, I would like to single out Fr. Tom Acklin. His homilies and presence and erudition were top-notch. He has a book out called "The Unchanging Heart of the Priesthood," which I think just based on a light persual will be recommended here as the optimal priest gift for Christmas.
Now, I am off to NYC in the morning. West 142nd St. better be ready for one swinging ragemonkey...
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Just when you thought I was back, I am gone again. I am headed out to some much needed expanding of my mindframe. For the next week I will be in Latrobe, PA in which I will take part in a seminar on reading the Bible with the heart of the Church. The important bit is that the seminar is being run by Scott Hahn. That's right; more rubbinng elbows with the well-known.
Then the next week, I will be in NYC helping with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. That's right. More work at a time which should be vacation. But there is more to the story than I am ready to tell here.
Please remember to pray for me and for the travel industry as they must keep me apeased lest they be destroyed.
Then the next week, I will be in NYC helping with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. That's right. More work at a time which should be vacation. But there is more to the story than I am ready to tell here.
Please remember to pray for me and for the travel industry as they must keep me apeased lest they be destroyed.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Don't mind that creaking, cracking sound...
Yes, Fr. Tharp and I are in day two of our RCIA Summit. We had a very productive day yesterday covering much material and coming to some new understandings about the goal and direction of the RCIA process. We have continued work today. We are reading Church documents on RCIA and trying to make a plan for arranging our own RCIA classes accordingly. So, if you hear that creaking, cracking sound ... don't worry. It is probably the sound of the "structures" of relativism, secularism, and religious apathy already beginning to crumble in anticipation of the fruits of our new and improved RCIA program!
Yes, Fr. Tharp and I are in day two of our RCIA Summit. We had a very productive day yesterday covering much material and coming to some new understandings about the goal and direction of the RCIA process. We have continued work today. We are reading Church documents on RCIA and trying to make a plan for arranging our own RCIA classes accordingly. So, if you hear that creaking, cracking sound ... don't worry. It is probably the sound of the "structures" of relativism, secularism, and religious apathy already beginning to crumble in anticipation of the fruits of our new and improved RCIA program!
Monday, June 12, 2006
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Rottweiller in slow motion?
For those who expected immediate changes by Benedict XVI, they were pretty disappointed by the first few months of Benedict's pontificate. However, a year later we are beginning to see the movement many suspected was on the way. There have been some substantive Curial changes. There was the matter concerning Fr. Maciel which apparently had been pending for some time.
I don't really find this tactic surprising. Before moving forward, it is best to know where you are. So, to take a pace and look at the lay of the land before deciding how to act. It does reintroduce the question of what the actual pattern of the Pontificate will be but we are early in the discussion.
For those who expected immediate changes by Benedict XVI, they were pretty disappointed by the first few months of Benedict's pontificate. However, a year later we are beginning to see the movement many suspected was on the way. There have been some substantive Curial changes. There was the matter concerning Fr. Maciel which apparently had been pending for some time.
I don't really find this tactic surprising. Before moving forward, it is best to know where you are. So, to take a pace and look at the lay of the land before deciding how to act. It does reintroduce the question of what the actual pattern of the Pontificate will be but we are early in the discussion.
Once again, addiction has its privileges...
My Star Trek addiction has netted me an earlier alert on a movie that will both intrique me and possibly make me nuts. Alexander Siddig (Dr. Bashir of DS9) will feature prominently in an upcoming movie version of the Nativity. Yep, he's playing Gabriel. Given that this is a studio flick, I am not expecting much but I might get surprised. I will watch for more on this as it develops.
My Star Trek addiction has netted me an earlier alert on a movie that will both intrique me and possibly make me nuts. Alexander Siddig (Dr. Bashir of DS9) will feature prominently in an upcoming movie version of the Nativity. Yep, he's playing Gabriel. Given that this is a studio flick, I am not expecting much but I might get surprised. I will watch for more on this as it develops.
In other Episcopal Related News...
I found out that in the same bulletin announcing Bishop-Elect Thomas's appointment, there was a piece of news that was close to home as well. The former rector of Saint Charles, Bishop Michael Burbidge, was appointed as Bishop of Raleigh, NC. This is good news for the diocese as I was pleased and impressed with the good bishop while under his direction at St. Charles. I will be praying for him as he takes on his first diocesan flock.
This of course leads to a question. Given that Bishop Burbidge, while still Msgr. Burbidge, preached my Mass of Thanksgiving, and anyone who was there can tell you of the funniest joke ever told at my expense, does this mean I have a post waiting for me in North Carolina? Probably not. Once I disappeared into the prairie folds of Oklahoma, he probably forgot about my existence. Nah...just kidding.
I found out that in the same bulletin announcing Bishop-Elect Thomas's appointment, there was a piece of news that was close to home as well. The former rector of Saint Charles, Bishop Michael Burbidge, was appointed as Bishop of Raleigh, NC. This is good news for the diocese as I was pleased and impressed with the good bishop while under his direction at St. Charles. I will be praying for him as he takes on his first diocesan flock.
This of course leads to a question. Given that Bishop Burbidge, while still Msgr. Burbidge, preached my Mass of Thanksgiving, and anyone who was there can tell you of the funniest joke ever told at my expense, does this mean I have a post waiting for me in North Carolina? Probably not. Once I disappeared into the prairie folds of Oklahoma, he probably forgot about my existence. Nah...just kidding.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Where Have I Been the Last Week?
Unlike Fr. Hamilton, due to other stuff happening this month, I did not attend the clergy gathering. It was kinda sad not to be there with my brother priests but as I am going to be out of the parish for the next three weeks effectively, I couldn't arrange another week away. But if I have been home, why haven't I been blogging? Well, let's run that down.
Last week, I had two funerals. The first funeral was for a onetime resident of the parish who many years ago had moved away. The second funeral was for a longtime parishioner who was part of a very large and noteworthy family in the community. To compound matters, the two funerals were back-to-back. So, I had to miss the ordination this year. I had been faithful in attending the ordinations but this year it was not to be. That is the nature of priestly ministry; sometimes you have to choose between the needs of the parish and the events of the diocese. The first funeral was a Thursday-Friday event and the second funeral, Friday-Saturday.
Then on Saturday, I started the first of my classes at one of my mission parishes. I think we have talked about "Catholicism from Scratch" here. The idea is to present the essentials of the Faith in a way that is easily assimilated and encourages people to move forward and to mature in their apprehension of the Faith. I had to remember to bring my laptop and the DVD and to prepare for the possible questions which might come up. This was in addition to the usual weekend Masses and sacraments.
On Sunday, we had the roller coaster. Sunday Mass at Alva and then at Cherokee I received someone into the Catholic Church. This ought to have happened at the Easter Vigil but there were some other issues to be worked out. Celebrating Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion in the mission parish will lead to the regular parishioners to make a more full commitment to their own Faith. Then I had double duty RCIA: mystagogy at 6:00 p.m. and Inquiry at 7:30 p.m. I have to admit how satisfying and exciting RCIA is, but it takes energy and excitement, not to mention a sharp mind to answer and address questions and concerns.
From Monday to today, I have been dragging and pooped beyond mentioning. Hopefully I can catch some extra zzz's next week. But then again, I will be in Kingfisher discussing RCIA strategies so don't count on it.
Unlike Fr. Hamilton, due to other stuff happening this month, I did not attend the clergy gathering. It was kinda sad not to be there with my brother priests but as I am going to be out of the parish for the next three weeks effectively, I couldn't arrange another week away. But if I have been home, why haven't I been blogging? Well, let's run that down.
Last week, I had two funerals. The first funeral was for a onetime resident of the parish who many years ago had moved away. The second funeral was for a longtime parishioner who was part of a very large and noteworthy family in the community. To compound matters, the two funerals were back-to-back. So, I had to miss the ordination this year. I had been faithful in attending the ordinations but this year it was not to be. That is the nature of priestly ministry; sometimes you have to choose between the needs of the parish and the events of the diocese. The first funeral was a Thursday-Friday event and the second funeral, Friday-Saturday.
Then on Saturday, I started the first of my classes at one of my mission parishes. I think we have talked about "Catholicism from Scratch" here. The idea is to present the essentials of the Faith in a way that is easily assimilated and encourages people to move forward and to mature in their apprehension of the Faith. I had to remember to bring my laptop and the DVD and to prepare for the possible questions which might come up. This was in addition to the usual weekend Masses and sacraments.
On Sunday, we had the roller coaster. Sunday Mass at Alva and then at Cherokee I received someone into the Catholic Church. This ought to have happened at the Easter Vigil but there were some other issues to be worked out. Celebrating Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion in the mission parish will lead to the regular parishioners to make a more full commitment to their own Faith. Then I had double duty RCIA: mystagogy at 6:00 p.m. and Inquiry at 7:30 p.m. I have to admit how satisfying and exciting RCIA is, but it takes energy and excitement, not to mention a sharp mind to answer and address questions and concerns.
From Monday to today, I have been dragging and pooped beyond mentioning. Hopefully I can catch some extra zzz's next week. But then again, I will be in Kingfisher discussing RCIA strategies so don't count on it.
Bishop-elect Daniel Thomas, Auxiliary of Philadelphia
I just returned from our summer continuing education event for the priests of both Oklahoma City and the Tulsa diocese. This summer's theme was not theological (as is the normal routine) but what you might call professional development: It was a presentation of the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People to the life and ministry of the priest. It was an excellent seminar and I look forward to develop some better habits in my own life and work. As I am checking the Vatican news from the past few days, it is with particular joy that I want to give attention to the nomination of Msgr. Daniel Thomas as the new Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Msgr. Thomas was on the faculty of my seminary in Rome while he worked at the Congregation for Bishops in the Vatican. I must say, this announcement is no real surprise at all. The students of the seminary who knew him have long suspected this day would come. He is a great priest and it was always a joy to hear him teach about spirituality, Church teaching, and, especially liturgical matters. Congratulations Bishop-elect Thomas!
I just returned from our summer continuing education event for the priests of both Oklahoma City and the Tulsa diocese. This summer's theme was not theological (as is the normal routine) but what you might call professional development: It was a presentation of the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People to the life and ministry of the priest. It was an excellent seminar and I look forward to develop some better habits in my own life and work. As I am checking the Vatican news from the past few days, it is with particular joy that I want to give attention to the nomination of Msgr. Daniel Thomas as the new Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Msgr. Thomas was on the faculty of my seminary in Rome while he worked at the Congregation for Bishops in the Vatican. I must say, this announcement is no real surprise at all. The students of the seminary who knew him have long suspected this day would come. He is a great priest and it was always a joy to hear him teach about spirituality, Church teaching, and, especially liturgical matters. Congratulations Bishop-elect Thomas!
Thursday, June 01, 2006
The Future of Star Trek: Revising an Old Medium (No, I am not referring to Patricia Arquette)
Even the casual readers of the blog know that I score very high on the overall nerd index. This index is different from the standardized nerd index which measures nerdiness relative to one or two criterion. Hence you have a math geek who is somewhat different from a science nerd which differs again from a sci-fi fan (hardcore or otherwise: this can be broken into a subset between hard science fiction and soft sci-fi but that is really a subject for another post.) At any rate, I score high on several factors and therefore am an overall nerd. Trust me; if you were to ask those who went to college or high school (or seminary for that matter) with me, the evaluation hovers between massively ackward socially to crushing bore. At any rate, all of this is preface for making a point about one of my many hobbies: Star Trek.
Many folks have made the case that Star Trek has tapped out all the possible story ideas. I would disagree, but would admit that new ideas would require a wholesale, go for broke attitude toward characters and situations. Personally, I have made the argument for a series in which a massive civil war breaks out in the Federation after the Klingon Empire enters the Federation. The series would be one long story arc per season culminating in the fourth season called "Open Warfare." The series would conclude without resolution except for knowing how everything started. I followed this strain of ideas from the last several Star Trek novels I read in which there was a sense that the Federation has lost its purpose and needs to get back to its roots. Those who have read the Titan series know what I am referring to. But this isn't the only way in which Star Trek could be revitalized.
In the 1970's Star Trek was featured as a cartoon. (As a funny aside, Paramount doesn't consider the animated series as "canon" for the continuity of the show although they have broken that a few times. There is a vote going on a StarTrek.com as to whether the animated series should be considered canon. What amuses me is even a show like Star Trek needs a canon. If a TV show needs an authority to say what does and doesn't belong in that fantasy universe why wouldn't the Church need a final authority to decide disputed matters.) Animation is the way to go. Animation would free up the writers to envision and to realize all new species and situations that normal flesh and blood film making couldn't do. Now, this doesn't allow the writers to get lazy coming up with all kinds of flash without substance behind it. It calls the writers, I think, to aim higher because now more than ever the words on the page are affecting every aspect of the production. Again, anyone who has read the first three books of the Titan series can catch my vibe.
Of course, this always comes down to the one force more powerful than Q: money. It's always about the money and I can sympathize with this when it comes to animation. Given the generally poor quality of computer animation when it comes to realism (with due exception to the work of Pixar), you are generally stuck hand drawing or computer framing or some ghastly combination of these effects for each and every frame. Working that out is hard. For action to appear seamless, you must have twenty-four frames per second rolling past the eye. Most half-hour shows are 24 minutes in length. So that would be 24 frames * 60 seconds in a minute * 24 minutes or 34,560 frames per show. Double that figure if you are talking an hour long feature. Given that it took Pixar almost four years to make "Cars" you can see why animation, even when computer rendered, is not an easy or cheap process.
But that's what it takes if you want to head in a new direction. You have invest resources and effort and time to make something which you think is valuable valued by others.
Even the casual readers of the blog know that I score very high on the overall nerd index. This index is different from the standardized nerd index which measures nerdiness relative to one or two criterion. Hence you have a math geek who is somewhat different from a science nerd which differs again from a sci-fi fan (hardcore or otherwise: this can be broken into a subset between hard science fiction and soft sci-fi but that is really a subject for another post.) At any rate, I score high on several factors and therefore am an overall nerd. Trust me; if you were to ask those who went to college or high school (or seminary for that matter) with me, the evaluation hovers between massively ackward socially to crushing bore. At any rate, all of this is preface for making a point about one of my many hobbies: Star Trek.
Many folks have made the case that Star Trek has tapped out all the possible story ideas. I would disagree, but would admit that new ideas would require a wholesale, go for broke attitude toward characters and situations. Personally, I have made the argument for a series in which a massive civil war breaks out in the Federation after the Klingon Empire enters the Federation. The series would be one long story arc per season culminating in the fourth season called "Open Warfare." The series would conclude without resolution except for knowing how everything started. I followed this strain of ideas from the last several Star Trek novels I read in which there was a sense that the Federation has lost its purpose and needs to get back to its roots. Those who have read the Titan series know what I am referring to. But this isn't the only way in which Star Trek could be revitalized.
In the 1970's Star Trek was featured as a cartoon. (As a funny aside, Paramount doesn't consider the animated series as "canon" for the continuity of the show although they have broken that a few times. There is a vote going on a StarTrek.com as to whether the animated series should be considered canon. What amuses me is even a show like Star Trek needs a canon. If a TV show needs an authority to say what does and doesn't belong in that fantasy universe why wouldn't the Church need a final authority to decide disputed matters.) Animation is the way to go. Animation would free up the writers to envision and to realize all new species and situations that normal flesh and blood film making couldn't do. Now, this doesn't allow the writers to get lazy coming up with all kinds of flash without substance behind it. It calls the writers, I think, to aim higher because now more than ever the words on the page are affecting every aspect of the production. Again, anyone who has read the first three books of the Titan series can catch my vibe.
Of course, this always comes down to the one force more powerful than Q: money. It's always about the money and I can sympathize with this when it comes to animation. Given the generally poor quality of computer animation when it comes to realism (with due exception to the work of Pixar), you are generally stuck hand drawing or computer framing or some ghastly combination of these effects for each and every frame. Working that out is hard. For action to appear seamless, you must have twenty-four frames per second rolling past the eye. Most half-hour shows are 24 minutes in length. So that would be 24 frames * 60 seconds in a minute * 24 minutes or 34,560 frames per show. Double that figure if you are talking an hour long feature. Given that it took Pixar almost four years to make "Cars" you can see why animation, even when computer rendered, is not an easy or cheap process.
But that's what it takes if you want to head in a new direction. You have invest resources and effort and time to make something which you think is valuable valued by others.
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