Good Luck and Best Wishes for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston!
One of my fond memories from high school involved a road trip to Houston and Galveston for an academic team meet. The beach was fun even though it resulted in sunburn.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Sunday, February 26, 2006
We were looking kind of dumb...
with our finger and our thumb in the shape of an "L" on our forehead. Yes, the blog jungle has been thrown into a riot of sorts with the news that Catholic Ragemonkey, nominated for a few 2006 Catholic Blog Awards, lost in all nominated categories. Everywhere we look now we seem to see people reminding us that we are LOSERS! Oh well, you can't win them all.
with our finger and our thumb in the shape of an "L" on our forehead. Yes, the blog jungle has been thrown into a riot of sorts with the news that Catholic Ragemonkey, nominated for a few 2006 Catholic Blog Awards, lost in all nominated categories. Everywhere we look now we seem to see people reminding us that we are LOSERS! Oh well, you can't win them all.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Here is the beautiful new ciborium that Sacred Heart's Altar Society purchased to replace the old one. It is from Poland and I think complements nicely many aspects of the parish's decor, namely the gold distribution chalices and my silver principal celebrant's chalice. You can't see it well, but the center node has some sort of opaque material between each of the rings.
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Don't Miss the Easter Egg!
And don't get me started on the fact that Wal-Mart already has Easter candy out!
And don't get me started on the fact that Wal-Mart already has Easter candy out!
This is my Favorite Chair
Today is the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter. It commemorates St. Peter taking pastoral responsibilty in Rome. The feast itself dates from the fourth century which of course is telling too. It is almost like the persecution ended and the first thing the Church thought to do is honor St. Peter. However, many of our Protestant brothers and sisters don't understand why the Catholic Church makes such a fuss about him. Below is an article that I wrote for the Sooner Catholic on the importance of St. Peter. Enjoy!
Dear Father Tharp:
I have been studying Church history. I can’t find anywhere that says there was any sort of “papacy” in the early Church or that Peter was supreme. What gives?
Sincerely Yours,
Jon Longman
Sand Springs, OK
When dealing with issues like this one, you first have to let go of the notion that you are going to find that particular term used. After all, the Bible doesn’t mention things like “Incarnation” or the “Trinity” and yet we would say that those things are being taught. Since your letter had so much in it, I couldn’t reproduce it. Instead, I will try to answer each of the objection you present.
What is Peter’s relationship to the other Apostles? That Peter was first among the Apostles rests upon Scriptural testimony. First, the New Testament mentions a list of the Apostles, Peter heads the list (Mt. 10:2-4; Mk. 3:16-19; Lk. 6:13-16; Acts 1:13-15). Second, before the other Apostles are given in the power of binding and loosing, Peter receives this power in the form of the Keys of the Kingdom (Mt 16:19). In Isaiah 22: 20-23, we see this imagery used to describe how Eliakim, as the Prime Minster in Hezekiah’s kingdom, was to bind and to loose. In this same way, we see how Peter is to be the guardian and protector this new Kingdom that Christ establishes. However, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to appoint a guardian only to have the office fade away as soon as the first office holder is dead. Also, in the Sacred Scriptures, when someone’s name is changed, it designates a unique role in Salvation History being given. A good example of this is Abraham. Another good example is St. Peter. Recall that his given name is Simon. In the same instance that Christ gives him the Keys of the Kingdom, we find his name being changed so that he and his successors would permit the Church to stand rock steady in every age. Third, as to your observation that if Peter were obviously the leader, the other disciples would not argue who is the greatest (e.g. Mark 9:34ff), I don’t find that particularly germane. Even in our enlightened times, people jockey for positions of power precisely because they know they are not the top of the food chain, so to speak. Fourth, if St. Peter’s role is not that important, then why would the Lord single him out as the one who will strengthen his brothers by feeding the sheep (John 21:15-17)?
What’s the difference between being “impeccable” and being “infallible”? The incident you mention from Galatians 2:11-14 where Paul has to correct Peter’s behavior in reference to the Gentile Christians is an ironic selection. St. Paul chastises St. Peter for showing favoritism to the Jewish converts and neglecting and even avoiding contact with the Gentile converts. Of interest though is the origin of this mandate. In the Acts of the Apostles, the person who receives the vision and makes the declaration that the Gentile Christians are equal to the Jewish Christians is St. Peter (Acts 11:4ff). So for St. Paul confront St. Peter over this matter rests upon St. Peter’s authority to teach definitively.
The confusion here has to do with what infallibility entails. Infallibility means that when the Pope teaches concerning faith and morals, whether extraordinarily via ex cathedra statements or the work of an ecumenical council, that the teaching will be free from error. The other bishops share in the office of teaching by remaining in communion with the Pope. This special charism that is attached to the Office of Peter comes from the Holy Spirit. What Paul points to, and the history of the Church sadly records, is that many Popes have not been free from sin, hence they are not impeccable. The Popes, just as any Christian must, listen to the Lord and His Church and seek to be transformed.
I’m sorry that I could not treat more of the things you asked about but I hope this is a good first start. I would ask you to consider one other point. The Pope serves as a visible sign and source of communion amongst the faithful; when things become disputed, he is to restore unity to the Body. If the papacy were really an invention that came about later, then unity should still be able to be achieved. At last count, though, there are more than 20,000 Protestant denominations in the United States alone. That doesn’t sound like unity to me.
Today is the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter. It commemorates St. Peter taking pastoral responsibilty in Rome. The feast itself dates from the fourth century which of course is telling too. It is almost like the persecution ended and the first thing the Church thought to do is honor St. Peter. However, many of our Protestant brothers and sisters don't understand why the Catholic Church makes such a fuss about him. Below is an article that I wrote for the Sooner Catholic on the importance of St. Peter. Enjoy!
Dear Father Tharp:
I have been studying Church history. I can’t find anywhere that says there was any sort of “papacy” in the early Church or that Peter was supreme. What gives?
Sincerely Yours,
Jon Longman
Sand Springs, OK
When dealing with issues like this one, you first have to let go of the notion that you are going to find that particular term used. After all, the Bible doesn’t mention things like “Incarnation” or the “Trinity” and yet we would say that those things are being taught. Since your letter had so much in it, I couldn’t reproduce it. Instead, I will try to answer each of the objection you present.
What is Peter’s relationship to the other Apostles? That Peter was first among the Apostles rests upon Scriptural testimony. First, the New Testament mentions a list of the Apostles, Peter heads the list (Mt. 10:2-4; Mk. 3:16-19; Lk. 6:13-16; Acts 1:13-15). Second, before the other Apostles are given in the power of binding and loosing, Peter receives this power in the form of the Keys of the Kingdom (Mt 16:19). In Isaiah 22: 20-23, we see this imagery used to describe how Eliakim, as the Prime Minster in Hezekiah’s kingdom, was to bind and to loose. In this same way, we see how Peter is to be the guardian and protector this new Kingdom that Christ establishes. However, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to appoint a guardian only to have the office fade away as soon as the first office holder is dead. Also, in the Sacred Scriptures, when someone’s name is changed, it designates a unique role in Salvation History being given. A good example of this is Abraham. Another good example is St. Peter. Recall that his given name is Simon. In the same instance that Christ gives him the Keys of the Kingdom, we find his name being changed so that he and his successors would permit the Church to stand rock steady in every age. Third, as to your observation that if Peter were obviously the leader, the other disciples would not argue who is the greatest (e.g. Mark 9:34ff), I don’t find that particularly germane. Even in our enlightened times, people jockey for positions of power precisely because they know they are not the top of the food chain, so to speak. Fourth, if St. Peter’s role is not that important, then why would the Lord single him out as the one who will strengthen his brothers by feeding the sheep (John 21:15-17)?
What’s the difference between being “impeccable” and being “infallible”? The incident you mention from Galatians 2:11-14 where Paul has to correct Peter’s behavior in reference to the Gentile Christians is an ironic selection. St. Paul chastises St. Peter for showing favoritism to the Jewish converts and neglecting and even avoiding contact with the Gentile converts. Of interest though is the origin of this mandate. In the Acts of the Apostles, the person who receives the vision and makes the declaration that the Gentile Christians are equal to the Jewish Christians is St. Peter (Acts 11:4ff). So for St. Paul confront St. Peter over this matter rests upon St. Peter’s authority to teach definitively.
The confusion here has to do with what infallibility entails. Infallibility means that when the Pope teaches concerning faith and morals, whether extraordinarily via ex cathedra statements or the work of an ecumenical council, that the teaching will be free from error. The other bishops share in the office of teaching by remaining in communion with the Pope. This special charism that is attached to the Office of Peter comes from the Holy Spirit. What Paul points to, and the history of the Church sadly records, is that many Popes have not been free from sin, hence they are not impeccable. The Popes, just as any Christian must, listen to the Lord and His Church and seek to be transformed.
I’m sorry that I could not treat more of the things you asked about but I hope this is a good first start. I would ask you to consider one other point. The Pope serves as a visible sign and source of communion amongst the faithful; when things become disputed, he is to restore unity to the Body. If the papacy were really an invention that came about later, then unity should still be able to be achieved. At last count, though, there are more than 20,000 Protestant denominations in the United States alone. That doesn’t sound like unity to me.
New Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church
Pope Benedict announced today a Consistory for the Creation of New Cardinals to be held on March 24th. Among the new cardinals (15) are two Americans and one Pole of note. The Americans are Cardinal-designate William Levada, formerly of San Francisco, now heading Pope Benedict's old job as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith; and, Cardinal-designate Sean O'Malley, Archbishop of Boston. The Pole is Cardinal-designate Stanislau Dziwiz, formerly long-time personal secretary to Pope John Paul II and currently the Archbishop of Krakow. Auguri nuovi Cardinali!
Pope Benedict announced today a Consistory for the Creation of New Cardinals to be held on March 24th. Among the new cardinals (15) are two Americans and one Pole of note. The Americans are Cardinal-designate William Levada, formerly of San Francisco, now heading Pope Benedict's old job as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith; and, Cardinal-designate Sean O'Malley, Archbishop of Boston. The Pole is Cardinal-designate Stanislau Dziwiz, formerly long-time personal secretary to Pope John Paul II and currently the Archbishop of Krakow. Auguri nuovi Cardinali!
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
This is a shot of Oklahoma from said airplane. You can clearly see the contours of a dried up river bed. All in all, it was fun and only a little scary, sorta like having a compact car with wings.
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Here is a sample of the things I do for ministry. This is a photo of the plane I had to fly in so that I could both cover my weekend mass and cover a wedding for someone. The things I will do for Christ.
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Have you checked your calendar lately?
If you haven't, the Holy Season of Lent is almost upon you. What follows is my letter to my parishes concerning the Season and what we will be doing. Take it for what it is worth.
February 21, 2006
Memorial of St. Peter Damian
Dear Parishioners of Sacred Heart, St. Cornelius, and Our Mother of Mercy Parishes:
Greetings in the Lord Jesus Christ! I pray that this letter finds you in good health and in good spirits. As you have been hearing at the Sunday Masses, Lent is soon upon us. As of this writing, it is less than 9 days away. Have you given any thought to what you are going to do to observe this Holy Season?
The fare in Lent should be austere. / No cakes and ale, no kraut and beer; / No fatted goose, with heavy wines, / That Croesus fancies when he dines – They’re all taboo this time o’ year. T.A. Daly
Here are the basic obligations that the Church imposes upon all Catholics. Because Lent is a time of repentance and conversion, there are certain regulations we must observe.
1. Abstinence from Meat: Catholics 14 years of age or older must abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all Fridays of Lent unless dispensed.
2. Fasting: Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 (inclusive) are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fasting means that you eat only one full meal and no more than two small meals with no food between meals on those days. For those unable to fast, some other suitable act of penitence should be substituted on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Other days of Lent are not fast days but self-imposed times of fasting or abstinence are recommended.
3. Catholics who have received their first Holy Communion are required to make a worthy reception of Holy Communion at least once during the year. Worthy reception assumes that the person a) professes the Church’s Faith concerning our Lord’s presence in the Blessed Sacrament and b) is not conscious of having committed mortal sin. If someone has committed mortal sin, they must first go to Confession BEFORE receiving Holy Communion lest they commit sacrilege against our Lord’s True Presence.
In those days, therefore, let us add something beyond the wonted measure of our service, such as private prayers and abstinence in food and drink. Let each one, over and above the measure prescribed for him, offer God something of his own freewill in the joy of the Holy Spirit. St. Benedict.
In our three parishes, we will hold the following spiritual exercises. First, on Wednesday evenings, beginning on March 8, we will celebrate a Eucharistic Holy Hour with Evening Prayer. We are holding a Holy Hour because we all need to grow in our love and appreciation of the Real Presence of Christ in the Most Blessed Sacrament. By exposing the Host on the Monstrance, we are invited to engage the mystery of the Real Presence in a most profound way. However, I, as your pastor, recognize my responsibility to fill out the parish’s experience of the Church’s life of prayer. Therefore, within the Holy Hour, we will pray together Evening Prayer of the Divine Office. Through the Divine Office, the Church consecrates the whole day and extends the fruits of the Holy Mass throughout the day. If you have ever wanted to learn how to pray the Office, this is a wonderful opportunity for a “first taste.” Second, on Friday evenings, beginning March 10, we will pray the Stations of the Cross at 6:00 p.m. New this year, before the Stations, at 5:00 p.m., we will hold a parish soup supper. This simple meal will enhance the sobriety of the season and build community within the parish. Because we don’t have a good idea on the number planning on attending, the first soup supper will be a potluck. Remember, no meat on Fridays in Lent! Third, on the First Fridays during Lent we are changing our usual practice. For the First Fridays, March 3 and April 7, the Holy Mass will be celebrated at Noon with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament to follow from 12:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. It is my hope that this will enable more people to make a gift of their time by spending part of the lunch hours and afternoons adoring Christ the Lord. However, for this to work we will need 17 dedicated volunteers willing to give a half an hour. Sign up lists will be available the week before each First Friday. Also, a series of special devotions will be observed on First Fridays. Lastly, in order to grow in the love of God and neighbor, there will be additional opportunities for the celebration of the Sacrament of Penance. On Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m., Wednesdays at noon, and Fridays immediately following Stations, the Sacrament of Penance will be offered. Also, if you wish, you make an appointment to see me. On March 15, the parish will host its annual Lenten Penance Rite. The rite begins at 7:00 p.m. and there will be several additional priests to hear your confession at that time.
O sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! / Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Psalm 96:1-2
Lent is an especially privileged season in the life of the Church. “Lent” comes from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning springtime. What do we associate spring with? We associate it with newness: new life, new hope, new joy. While I would applaud the notion that we all need to give up something for Lent, we can easily tire of doing such a good work if we don’t understand why we are doing this. Just as a gardener rips out what is old and dead from the garden beds so that something new may be planted, the Christian must rip out the old, corrupt ways of sin to make way for the new life of grace. If you are having trouble getting excited about Lent, think of it not so much as “giving up” something as finding a new gift to give to God, the giver of all good gifts.
May the Lord bless and strengthen you in Lent so that you may rejoice with Him this Easter.
In Christ, Our True Savior,
Fr. Shane Tharp
Pastor
If you haven't, the Holy Season of Lent is almost upon you. What follows is my letter to my parishes concerning the Season and what we will be doing. Take it for what it is worth.
February 21, 2006
Memorial of St. Peter Damian
Dear Parishioners of Sacred Heart, St. Cornelius, and Our Mother of Mercy Parishes:
Greetings in the Lord Jesus Christ! I pray that this letter finds you in good health and in good spirits. As you have been hearing at the Sunday Masses, Lent is soon upon us. As of this writing, it is less than 9 days away. Have you given any thought to what you are going to do to observe this Holy Season?
The fare in Lent should be austere. / No cakes and ale, no kraut and beer; / No fatted goose, with heavy wines, / That Croesus fancies when he dines – They’re all taboo this time o’ year. T.A. Daly
Here are the basic obligations that the Church imposes upon all Catholics. Because Lent is a time of repentance and conversion, there are certain regulations we must observe.
1. Abstinence from Meat: Catholics 14 years of age or older must abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all Fridays of Lent unless dispensed.
2. Fasting: Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 (inclusive) are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fasting means that you eat only one full meal and no more than two small meals with no food between meals on those days. For those unable to fast, some other suitable act of penitence should be substituted on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Other days of Lent are not fast days but self-imposed times of fasting or abstinence are recommended.
3. Catholics who have received their first Holy Communion are required to make a worthy reception of Holy Communion at least once during the year. Worthy reception assumes that the person a) professes the Church’s Faith concerning our Lord’s presence in the Blessed Sacrament and b) is not conscious of having committed mortal sin. If someone has committed mortal sin, they must first go to Confession BEFORE receiving Holy Communion lest they commit sacrilege against our Lord’s True Presence.
In those days, therefore, let us add something beyond the wonted measure of our service, such as private prayers and abstinence in food and drink. Let each one, over and above the measure prescribed for him, offer God something of his own freewill in the joy of the Holy Spirit. St. Benedict.
In our three parishes, we will hold the following spiritual exercises. First, on Wednesday evenings, beginning on March 8, we will celebrate a Eucharistic Holy Hour with Evening Prayer. We are holding a Holy Hour because we all need to grow in our love and appreciation of the Real Presence of Christ in the Most Blessed Sacrament. By exposing the Host on the Monstrance, we are invited to engage the mystery of the Real Presence in a most profound way. However, I, as your pastor, recognize my responsibility to fill out the parish’s experience of the Church’s life of prayer. Therefore, within the Holy Hour, we will pray together Evening Prayer of the Divine Office. Through the Divine Office, the Church consecrates the whole day and extends the fruits of the Holy Mass throughout the day. If you have ever wanted to learn how to pray the Office, this is a wonderful opportunity for a “first taste.” Second, on Friday evenings, beginning March 10, we will pray the Stations of the Cross at 6:00 p.m. New this year, before the Stations, at 5:00 p.m., we will hold a parish soup supper. This simple meal will enhance the sobriety of the season and build community within the parish. Because we don’t have a good idea on the number planning on attending, the first soup supper will be a potluck. Remember, no meat on Fridays in Lent! Third, on the First Fridays during Lent we are changing our usual practice. For the First Fridays, March 3 and April 7, the Holy Mass will be celebrated at Noon with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament to follow from 12:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. It is my hope that this will enable more people to make a gift of their time by spending part of the lunch hours and afternoons adoring Christ the Lord. However, for this to work we will need 17 dedicated volunteers willing to give a half an hour. Sign up lists will be available the week before each First Friday. Also, a series of special devotions will be observed on First Fridays. Lastly, in order to grow in the love of God and neighbor, there will be additional opportunities for the celebration of the Sacrament of Penance. On Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m., Wednesdays at noon, and Fridays immediately following Stations, the Sacrament of Penance will be offered. Also, if you wish, you make an appointment to see me. On March 15, the parish will host its annual Lenten Penance Rite. The rite begins at 7:00 p.m. and there will be several additional priests to hear your confession at that time.
O sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! / Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Psalm 96:1-2
Lent is an especially privileged season in the life of the Church. “Lent” comes from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning springtime. What do we associate spring with? We associate it with newness: new life, new hope, new joy. While I would applaud the notion that we all need to give up something for Lent, we can easily tire of doing such a good work if we don’t understand why we are doing this. Just as a gardener rips out what is old and dead from the garden beds so that something new may be planted, the Christian must rip out the old, corrupt ways of sin to make way for the new life of grace. If you are having trouble getting excited about Lent, think of it not so much as “giving up” something as finding a new gift to give to God, the giver of all good gifts.
May the Lord bless and strengthen you in Lent so that you may rejoice with Him this Easter.
In Christ, Our True Savior,
Fr. Shane Tharp
Pastor
Monday, February 20, 2006
Email Clearance Update Post: #91850285734A
If you search through your collective brain stems you may recall a book search that I initiated on behalf of one of the Western Province Dominicans. He was looking for a book on the life of St. Maximilian Kolbe but couldn't remember many details. I took what I had but didn't get anywhere really.
Well, said brother, just emailed me and said that he had found the book. The email is a couple of weeks old but I wanted to pass along the reference for those building a library.
The book is called The Death Camp Proved Him Real and it had been given to this brother by an older priest. Just looking at the cover doesn't tell me a reading level but I would bet it was late high school. Our Dominican friend found this on Ebay, so it sounds like it is out of print and difficult to find. If you are interested, all I can say is "Happy Searching."
If you search through your collective brain stems you may recall a book search that I initiated on behalf of one of the Western Province Dominicans. He was looking for a book on the life of St. Maximilian Kolbe but couldn't remember many details. I took what I had but didn't get anywhere really.
Well, said brother, just emailed me and said that he had found the book. The email is a couple of weeks old but I wanted to pass along the reference for those building a library.
The book is called The Death Camp Proved Him Real and it had been given to this brother by an older priest. Just looking at the cover doesn't tell me a reading level but I would bet it was late high school. Our Dominican friend found this on Ebay, so it sounds like it is out of print and difficult to find. If you are interested, all I can say is "Happy Searching."
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Being coy with political figures
For the record, I mean "coy" in the sense of "artful playfulness". Recently I was asked to lead the opening invocation and concluding blessing at a fundraising dinner for a political party in a nearby county. For the record, I was not asked because I am active in local political parties. I am not. In a roundabout way, the event organizer came across my name and gave me a call. I am not going to mention which party made the invitation, though you will probably be able to figure that out from the theme woven throughout the prayer. I am trying to stay away from mentioning the party for two reasons: (1) I don't want people to get sidelined into political party battles when that is not the purpose of this post; and, (2) To be honest, I probably would have accepted an invitation from either major party to lead them in prayer and I would have used the same prayer. My own political affiliation is not the point of this post. When I accepted this particular party's invitation to lead them in prayer, I did so not to broadcast my own political affiliation, but to broadcast Christ, precisely in a venue where he needs to be invoked and heard. There is the disclaimer. If you want to comment on the prayer I wrote, please do so, but please do not begin a diatribe about political parties.
Here is the prayer I wrote for the opening invocation:
"Almighty God and Father of us all,
We gather at this annual recollection of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, a good man and a great President. He became President at a time of great division and national turmoil. But his faith, his skill, and his effort brought healing, decency, and a better Republic.
Help each of us here to aspire to greatness in this life and the life to come. May we remember that greatness comes first from a basic goodness.
A goodness that protects, promotes, and defends the inalienable right to life of every human being;
A goodness that recognizes the economy should serve the dignity of the human person and not the other way around;
A goodness that seeks Truth, Beauty, and Peace.
Bless each of us present and graciously bestow your blessing on this meal. Like Abraham Lincoln may our faith, our skill, and our effort bring about a unified, more decent, and better Republic. May we have the courage to allow our faith and authentic human values to be visible in our public lives. And may our life here prepare us for the Kingdom that has no end.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, your only Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen."
In the crafting of that prayer, there were a couple of points where I was giggling with puckish glee as I thought about political figures hearing those words. Fr. Tharp thought it was a good prayer and that it dumped good issues in the laps of the hearers. [Monkey screeching inserted here!]
For the closing blessing, I was introduced by our State's Lt. Governor. As I drove home I thought, "I was introduced to a crowd by the Lt. Governor. Not bad for a day's priestly work!"
For the record, I mean "coy" in the sense of "artful playfulness". Recently I was asked to lead the opening invocation and concluding blessing at a fundraising dinner for a political party in a nearby county. For the record, I was not asked because I am active in local political parties. I am not. In a roundabout way, the event organizer came across my name and gave me a call. I am not going to mention which party made the invitation, though you will probably be able to figure that out from the theme woven throughout the prayer. I am trying to stay away from mentioning the party for two reasons: (1) I don't want people to get sidelined into political party battles when that is not the purpose of this post; and, (2) To be honest, I probably would have accepted an invitation from either major party to lead them in prayer and I would have used the same prayer. My own political affiliation is not the point of this post. When I accepted this particular party's invitation to lead them in prayer, I did so not to broadcast my own political affiliation, but to broadcast Christ, precisely in a venue where he needs to be invoked and heard. There is the disclaimer. If you want to comment on the prayer I wrote, please do so, but please do not begin a diatribe about political parties.
Here is the prayer I wrote for the opening invocation:
"Almighty God and Father of us all,
We gather at this annual recollection of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, a good man and a great President. He became President at a time of great division and national turmoil. But his faith, his skill, and his effort brought healing, decency, and a better Republic.
Help each of us here to aspire to greatness in this life and the life to come. May we remember that greatness comes first from a basic goodness.
A goodness that protects, promotes, and defends the inalienable right to life of every human being;
A goodness that recognizes the economy should serve the dignity of the human person and not the other way around;
A goodness that seeks Truth, Beauty, and Peace.
Bless each of us present and graciously bestow your blessing on this meal. Like Abraham Lincoln may our faith, our skill, and our effort bring about a unified, more decent, and better Republic. May we have the courage to allow our faith and authentic human values to be visible in our public lives. And may our life here prepare us for the Kingdom that has no end.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, your only Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen."
In the crafting of that prayer, there were a couple of points where I was giggling with puckish glee as I thought about political figures hearing those words. Fr. Tharp thought it was a good prayer and that it dumped good issues in the laps of the hearers. [Monkey screeching inserted here!]
For the closing blessing, I was introduced by our State's Lt. Governor. As I drove home I thought, "I was introduced to a crowd by the Lt. Governor. Not bad for a day's priestly work!"
Friday, February 17, 2006
Here's an potentially interesting question for your consideration
What determines dominance in the Olympics? Is it the most medals or the most Golds? Discuss.
What determines dominance in the Olympics? Is it the most medals or the most Golds? Discuss.
Clearly, this is all a vast left-wing conspiracy
I just hope I don't hear those words come out of the mouth of El Presidente.
I just hope I don't hear those words come out of the mouth of El Presidente.
Third Time's The Charm
Well, it's happened again. You have frittered away another perfectly good hour listening to Car Talk...
On Saturday mornings in Philadelphia, I would plan my personal business around catching Car Talk on National Proletariat Radio. (The NPR jab is a bon mot to friends back on the East Coast who used to give me a hard time about listening to the aforementioned news outlet. But that's another story for another time.) At the end of the hour, Tom and Ray would give us the rundown of staff at the show (personal favorite: Statician Marge N. O'Verra. Say it out loud if you don't understand.) Of course, as a faithful listener, I hadn't wasted my hour; I had spent the time being entertained and informed.
As the third year of Catholic Ragemonkey dawns, I would hope you feel the same. Sure, I suffer from writer's block and leave you without comments for a week or more. Sure, I don't answer emails with the greatest swiftness. But in the end, I just want you to walk away from your computer thinking. The goal here at CRM is the same as it ever was (hit your forearm while you say that), to connect the culture, the Catholic Faith, my life, and your life. This little outpost on the information superhighway is meant as a respite from the funky crud that lurks in our rest stops, if you catch my drift.
As I sit here, waiting for dinner to arrive, I wonder what the next year's comments and stories will be about. I know that I am preparing a post on getting priorities straight for Lent. I have to: it's going in the bulletin next week. And like the Car Talk guys, I hope you don't feel as though the time spent here is a waste, although the Blog Awards Voting suggests otherwise. Be that as it may I didn't get into blogging for the awards. I thought I had something worthwhile to share, and for the time being, I will be here to share it. So come back next year and see what there is to see. Hopefully, some of it will be free of typos...but don't hold your breath.
Lastly, I would like to thank my co-blogger, Fr. Steven Hamilton. Fr. H is not only my fellow writer; he is a faithful friend who on many occasions has helped me not lose my mind as I navigate the turns and pivots of my life as a priest. Also, the newlywed won't see this until he gets back, but Techmonkey Dave gets a tip of the biretta for all the silly requests from my office to post pictures and the like. By the way, if you hate this blog and everything it stands for, don't send me the emails. It's all his fault. He convinced me to start it. Techmonkey Buddy Steph gets a nod as well for being the original Ragemonkey Groupie, but without the go-go boots. Finally, thanks to all you wonderful people out there, sitting in front of monitors making sense out of the scribbles that electronically come to you via the internet. This blog wouldn't be what it is without you people.
Well, it's happened again. You have frittered away another perfectly good hour listening to Car Talk...
On Saturday mornings in Philadelphia, I would plan my personal business around catching Car Talk on National Proletariat Radio. (The NPR jab is a bon mot to friends back on the East Coast who used to give me a hard time about listening to the aforementioned news outlet. But that's another story for another time.) At the end of the hour, Tom and Ray would give us the rundown of staff at the show (personal favorite: Statician Marge N. O'Verra. Say it out loud if you don't understand.) Of course, as a faithful listener, I hadn't wasted my hour; I had spent the time being entertained and informed.
As the third year of Catholic Ragemonkey dawns, I would hope you feel the same. Sure, I suffer from writer's block and leave you without comments for a week or more. Sure, I don't answer emails with the greatest swiftness. But in the end, I just want you to walk away from your computer thinking. The goal here at CRM is the same as it ever was (hit your forearm while you say that), to connect the culture, the Catholic Faith, my life, and your life. This little outpost on the information superhighway is meant as a respite from the funky crud that lurks in our rest stops, if you catch my drift.
As I sit here, waiting for dinner to arrive, I wonder what the next year's comments and stories will be about. I know that I am preparing a post on getting priorities straight for Lent. I have to: it's going in the bulletin next week. And like the Car Talk guys, I hope you don't feel as though the time spent here is a waste, although the Blog Awards Voting suggests otherwise. Be that as it may I didn't get into blogging for the awards. I thought I had something worthwhile to share, and for the time being, I will be here to share it. So come back next year and see what there is to see. Hopefully, some of it will be free of typos...but don't hold your breath.
Lastly, I would like to thank my co-blogger, Fr. Steven Hamilton. Fr. H is not only my fellow writer; he is a faithful friend who on many occasions has helped me not lose my mind as I navigate the turns and pivots of my life as a priest. Also, the newlywed won't see this until he gets back, but Techmonkey Dave gets a tip of the biretta for all the silly requests from my office to post pictures and the like. By the way, if you hate this blog and everything it stands for, don't send me the emails. It's all his fault. He convinced me to start it. Techmonkey Buddy Steph gets a nod as well for being the original Ragemonkey Groupie, but without the go-go boots. Finally, thanks to all you wonderful people out there, sitting in front of monitors making sense out of the scribbles that electronically come to you via the internet. This blog wouldn't be what it is without you people.
The Sole Reason to Watch the Olympics...
...that and watching icy Nordic women slide massive blocks of stone down at a target. You gotta love that!
UPDATE: Another story of faith from the Olympics that is sure to warm the heart like my piping hot cup of coffee. Oh and remind me somebody to talk about "Sweeney Todd"...
...that and watching icy Nordic women slide massive blocks of stone down at a target. You gotta love that!
UPDATE: Another story of faith from the Olympics that is sure to warm the heart like my piping hot cup of coffee. Oh and remind me somebody to talk about "Sweeney Todd"...
Now, if the U.S. Supreme Court Could Think Like This
In one sense, they have. The Italian court, like similar rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court over things like 10 Commandment Monuments, tries to have it both ways. In essence, they try to say, yes, we know it is a religious symbol, but that doesn't mean you have to take it religiously. You could look for some other good in it. Here's the problem with that line of reasoning in my mind. Where do the goods expressed by the symbol come from except the religious meaning and import the symbol conveys? If you were to ask a first century B.C. or first half of the first century A.D. Roman citizen what the meaning of crucifixion is, I am willing to wager that they would give you a very different response than the one you think of when I mention "crucifixion."
However, the Italian court deserves some praise. For instance, as the article reports, they recognize the culture's roots are Christian. In American society, we act as though the entire American way of life sprung full-formed from the head of Geo. Washington, like a governmental Athena. Further, the Italian court recognizes that tolerance cuts both ways - majority is tolerant of minority and vice versa.
Lastly, I would add something that does bother me even when the outcome is something I like. I am very concerned though with the idea that protesting a decision can result in its reversal. The last line of the article notes such a situation. Personally, I am pleased the decision got overturned, but next time, could we follow the law and run this case past, I don't know, the folks who are responsible for it, namely the appealate division? Fair play means that EVERYONE plays by the same rules.
All in all, I think that this might bode well for the future of Europe. Not everyone is sleepy-eyed and forgetful.
In one sense, they have. The Italian court, like similar rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court over things like 10 Commandment Monuments, tries to have it both ways. In essence, they try to say, yes, we know it is a religious symbol, but that doesn't mean you have to take it religiously. You could look for some other good in it. Here's the problem with that line of reasoning in my mind. Where do the goods expressed by the symbol come from except the religious meaning and import the symbol conveys? If you were to ask a first century B.C. or first half of the first century A.D. Roman citizen what the meaning of crucifixion is, I am willing to wager that they would give you a very different response than the one you think of when I mention "crucifixion."
However, the Italian court deserves some praise. For instance, as the article reports, they recognize the culture's roots are Christian. In American society, we act as though the entire American way of life sprung full-formed from the head of Geo. Washington, like a governmental Athena. Further, the Italian court recognizes that tolerance cuts both ways - majority is tolerant of minority and vice versa.
Lastly, I would add something that does bother me even when the outcome is something I like. I am very concerned though with the idea that protesting a decision can result in its reversal. The last line of the article notes such a situation. Personally, I am pleased the decision got overturned, but next time, could we follow the law and run this case past, I don't know, the folks who are responsible for it, namely the appealate division? Fair play means that EVERYONE plays by the same rules.
All in all, I think that this might bode well for the future of Europe. Not everyone is sleepy-eyed and forgetful.
By Jove, I Think They Got It...
The headline is not meant to be overly snarky; just a little soupcon of snark. I recall a conversation with Fr. H some years ago in which we were commisserating over some ridonkulous event in the parish (his or mine I can't remember). At any rate, Fr. H, I think, said, something like, "Don't they know better?," asking in essence why doesn't this just instinctual occur to Catholics. I followed up with a line that I have used in many different situations and many different places. I responded, "Well, that's the problem. If the pastor doesn't work toward forming people, it doesn't mean they won't be formed. It just means someone else will do it for you."
We can bemoan modern sexual practice, for instance, but if you leave your children to learn about mature relationships from MTV or The O.C., then it isn't a question of your son or daughter not being formed; they are being malformed. And the examples abound.
In short, the hardest message that the Second Vatican Council has and had for the world is this: Everyone is called to holiness of life and to evangelize the culture in which they live. No one gets a free pass. Some might have more to do; some might have less, but everyone has got something on their plate when it comes to this.
The headline is not meant to be overly snarky; just a little soupcon of snark. I recall a conversation with Fr. H some years ago in which we were commisserating over some ridonkulous event in the parish (his or mine I can't remember). At any rate, Fr. H, I think, said, something like, "Don't they know better?," asking in essence why doesn't this just instinctual occur to Catholics. I followed up with a line that I have used in many different situations and many different places. I responded, "Well, that's the problem. If the pastor doesn't work toward forming people, it doesn't mean they won't be formed. It just means someone else will do it for you."
We can bemoan modern sexual practice, for instance, but if you leave your children to learn about mature relationships from MTV or The O.C., then it isn't a question of your son or daughter not being formed; they are being malformed. And the examples abound.
In short, the hardest message that the Second Vatican Council has and had for the world is this: Everyone is called to holiness of life and to evangelize the culture in which they live. No one gets a free pass. Some might have more to do; some might have less, but everyone has got something on their plate when it comes to this.
Dang! Overlooked again...
I mean, first we are losing in the Blog Awards, now this...It is a very difficult set back.
I mean, first we are losing in the Blog Awards, now this...It is a very difficult set back.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
2006 Catholic Blog Awards: Rock the Vote!!!
Voting has begun for this year's Catholic Blog Awards. Your blogging apes have been nominated for Best Group Blog and for Best Blog by a Priest/Religious. We are currently lagging behind in both nominations. Make sure to visit the voting site and cast your vote. Each person gets one vote every 24 hrs. Voting will close at 12:00 p.m. Noon (CST) on Tuesday, February 21. Let your vote prove that we here at Catholic Ragemonkey have finally made a monkey out of you!
Voting has begun for this year's Catholic Blog Awards. Your blogging apes have been nominated for Best Group Blog and for Best Blog by a Priest/Religious. We are currently lagging behind in both nominations. Make sure to visit the voting site and cast your vote. Each person gets one vote every 24 hrs. Voting will close at 12:00 p.m. Noon (CST) on Tuesday, February 21. Let your vote prove that we here at Catholic Ragemonkey have finally made a monkey out of you!
When Jesuits won't suit as your co-conspirator du jour...
...of course, nothing in the DUH Vinci Code changes my machination to see if we can get an Opus Dei Center established in the diocese. And before I get angry comments, the Jesuit reference plys on the Jack Chick-esque fantasy of clandestine wall scaling Jesuit Vatican Operatives out to destroy all "Bible Believing Christians."
...of course, nothing in the DUH Vinci Code changes my machination to see if we can get an Opus Dei Center established in the diocese. And before I get angry comments, the Jesuit reference plys on the Jack Chick-esque fantasy of clandestine wall scaling Jesuit Vatican Operatives out to destroy all "Bible Believing Christians."
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Congratulations are in order
Since he hasn't mentioned it elsewhere, I think I will mention it here. Congratulations are in order to our resident Techmonkey Dave. Tomorrow, he celebrates his blessed nuptial vows with his betrothed, Cindy. I wish them the very best as they take on themselves the joy of embodying the love of the Holy Trinity and the love of Christ and His Church. Please remember them in your prayers.
Sadly, I can't be there tomorrow but I am pondering an appropriate wedding gift. Perhaps a 8.5X11" glossy of myself? No. That's too scary.
Since he hasn't mentioned it elsewhere, I think I will mention it here. Congratulations are in order to our resident Techmonkey Dave. Tomorrow, he celebrates his blessed nuptial vows with his betrothed, Cindy. I wish them the very best as they take on themselves the joy of embodying the love of the Holy Trinity and the love of Christ and His Church. Please remember them in your prayers.
Sadly, I can't be there tomorrow but I am pondering an appropriate wedding gift. Perhaps a 8.5X11" glossy of myself? No. That's too scary.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Signs of Cultural Demise # ... Oh, who's counting anymore?
Be forewarned: This post treats a topic which I wouldn't want younger children reading. Teenagers and adults may proceed with caution. If you have smaller kids who can read, please exercise good judgment.
I want to relay something that happened recently. I want to make clear that the other two people to whom I refer in this story are NOT former or current parishioners. In fact, the other two persons in this story do NOT live in any town I have served in or currently serve in as a priest. Though the event took place in Kingfisher, it involves people who were visiting from out of town.
I made a trip to Wal-Mart to pick up some allergy medicine, dental floss, and shampoo. As I was walking in from the parking lot, I could hear quite a commotion as two teenage boys were running across the parking lot into the Wal-Mart, just steps ahead of me. They were in town or passing through town for a basketball game and their team bus had stopped at a fast food restaurant near the Wal-Mart. Since the boys were discussing that they had to hurry, I got the impression they had snuck away from the group to come to Wal-Mart and had to get back before the bus departed.
I went directly to the pharmacy aisle to get my allergy medicine and some Advil. Soon the boys were approaching the pharmacy section too, unaware of my presence, and making comments about probably needing extra, extra large of the product they were seeking out. As they rounded a corner and saw me, the lead boy immediately made an embarrassed laugh and quickly turned around pushing his friend back. They walked away but I could hear one of them saying, "I want to talk to a guy about this. I wonder if he works here." [I think they were referring to a different man, and not to me.] Not being totally clueless, I figured the boys were probably there to buy condoms and so, what did this Pastor do? I intentionally hung around the pharmacy section longer than I needed to, pretending to look at various vitamins. I figured if they had to hurry to get back to their bus and if they were embarrassed by my presence, then I would hang around to prevent the purchase. As I was one aisle over from the condoms, looking at Advil, the boys returned, this time not turning away even though I was still nearby. This is the conversation I heard:
Boy #1: Oh, my gosh, $7 something dollars! Dang! These ones are only $4 something.
Boy #2: Hey, look, "ribbed for her pleasure."
Boy #1: I don't care about HER.
This is where I rounded the corner. By the way, my jacket was zipped up, so I am not sure they even saw my priest collar. As I was moving past the boys, I said: Guys, you don't need those ... especially if you "don't care about her."
Boy #1: Well, I'm just trying to be responsible.
Me: (Turning back to face the boys) "Responsible" would be waiting until you are married.
Boy #1: Well, yeah, you're right.
Now, the boy still purchased the condoms. And oddly enough, though he could have chosen another check-out lane, he stepped in line directly behind me. I would have thought he would prefer any line except the one I was standing in. So, though he still made the purchase, I hope and I pray that his last response to me is an indication that his conscience may eventually win out and he may even opt not to use what he has purchased (meaning, that he will opt not to have sexual intercourse as an unmarried young man). That may be unlikely, but one never knows. I hope my prayers to this effect may even aid in bringing about what might seem improbable.
But the story doesn't end there. I am going to call the principal of the school these boys attend (one advantage of basketball jerseys and letter jackets, which the boys were wearing, is that I can identify the school) to inform him of the incident. I am going to tell him that sexual education which makes use of condoms as a central lesson is clearly not working. Whether he agrees with me or not, I hope that he will at least agree that society is better off with stable sexual partners and not risky behavior for disease or unwed pregnancy. I also hope he will be alarmed at the one boy's comment that he doesn't care about the girl. Now, I am not going to call the principal in order to identify the boys involved, but to encourage the principal to have a frank discussion with all of his students. In fact, and get this, I am going to offer to come and speak to the school, the athletic teams, or the FCA. We'll see if he bites. I guess I will have to update you on what transpires here.
Now, for my own reflections on this incident. The boys' own behavior clearly demonstrates lack of maturity and unreadiness for sexual intercourse and what it truly means. That our society tells them it is okay and natural to engage in sexual intercourse at their age is disturbing. That they have learned the false lesson that contraceptive use is being "responsible" indicates they have been betrayed by adults who have the duty to look out for the best interests of children and youth. They have been misled and misinformed by adults. Now, I really don't want to believe that the boy truly doesn't care for the girl he is probably dating or seeing, or thinks he might be able to bed. The worst case scenario is that the boy was being absolutely honest and that he really doesn't care for the girl. What I hope is more likely, though still disturbing, is that his comment reveals that he has received and accepted the unfortunate message, the societal lie, that sexual intercourse is all and only about pleasure. In that sense, I hope his comment only means that he is only concerned about his pleasure and not hers. Again, let me state clearly, that is still highly problematic and very disturbing. It is not good. What I am trying to state is that I really hope that the boy has at least some care for the girl with whom he is hoping to sleep, even as I recognize how misguided his intentions are.
Be forewarned: This post treats a topic which I wouldn't want younger children reading. Teenagers and adults may proceed with caution. If you have smaller kids who can read, please exercise good judgment.
I want to relay something that happened recently. I want to make clear that the other two people to whom I refer in this story are NOT former or current parishioners. In fact, the other two persons in this story do NOT live in any town I have served in or currently serve in as a priest. Though the event took place in Kingfisher, it involves people who were visiting from out of town.
I made a trip to Wal-Mart to pick up some allergy medicine, dental floss, and shampoo. As I was walking in from the parking lot, I could hear quite a commotion as two teenage boys were running across the parking lot into the Wal-Mart, just steps ahead of me. They were in town or passing through town for a basketball game and their team bus had stopped at a fast food restaurant near the Wal-Mart. Since the boys were discussing that they had to hurry, I got the impression they had snuck away from the group to come to Wal-Mart and had to get back before the bus departed.
I went directly to the pharmacy aisle to get my allergy medicine and some Advil. Soon the boys were approaching the pharmacy section too, unaware of my presence, and making comments about probably needing extra, extra large of the product they were seeking out. As they rounded a corner and saw me, the lead boy immediately made an embarrassed laugh and quickly turned around pushing his friend back. They walked away but I could hear one of them saying, "I want to talk to a guy about this. I wonder if he works here." [I think they were referring to a different man, and not to me.] Not being totally clueless, I figured the boys were probably there to buy condoms and so, what did this Pastor do? I intentionally hung around the pharmacy section longer than I needed to, pretending to look at various vitamins. I figured if they had to hurry to get back to their bus and if they were embarrassed by my presence, then I would hang around to prevent the purchase. As I was one aisle over from the condoms, looking at Advil, the boys returned, this time not turning away even though I was still nearby. This is the conversation I heard:
Boy #1: Oh, my gosh, $7 something dollars! Dang! These ones are only $4 something.
Boy #2: Hey, look, "ribbed for her pleasure."
Boy #1: I don't care about HER.
This is where I rounded the corner. By the way, my jacket was zipped up, so I am not sure they even saw my priest collar. As I was moving past the boys, I said: Guys, you don't need those ... especially if you "don't care about her."
Boy #1: Well, I'm just trying to be responsible.
Me: (Turning back to face the boys) "Responsible" would be waiting until you are married.
Boy #1: Well, yeah, you're right.
Now, the boy still purchased the condoms. And oddly enough, though he could have chosen another check-out lane, he stepped in line directly behind me. I would have thought he would prefer any line except the one I was standing in. So, though he still made the purchase, I hope and I pray that his last response to me is an indication that his conscience may eventually win out and he may even opt not to use what he has purchased (meaning, that he will opt not to have sexual intercourse as an unmarried young man). That may be unlikely, but one never knows. I hope my prayers to this effect may even aid in bringing about what might seem improbable.
But the story doesn't end there. I am going to call the principal of the school these boys attend (one advantage of basketball jerseys and letter jackets, which the boys were wearing, is that I can identify the school) to inform him of the incident. I am going to tell him that sexual education which makes use of condoms as a central lesson is clearly not working. Whether he agrees with me or not, I hope that he will at least agree that society is better off with stable sexual partners and not risky behavior for disease or unwed pregnancy. I also hope he will be alarmed at the one boy's comment that he doesn't care about the girl. Now, I am not going to call the principal in order to identify the boys involved, but to encourage the principal to have a frank discussion with all of his students. In fact, and get this, I am going to offer to come and speak to the school, the athletic teams, or the FCA. We'll see if he bites. I guess I will have to update you on what transpires here.
Now, for my own reflections on this incident. The boys' own behavior clearly demonstrates lack of maturity and unreadiness for sexual intercourse and what it truly means. That our society tells them it is okay and natural to engage in sexual intercourse at their age is disturbing. That they have learned the false lesson that contraceptive use is being "responsible" indicates they have been betrayed by adults who have the duty to look out for the best interests of children and youth. They have been misled and misinformed by adults. Now, I really don't want to believe that the boy truly doesn't care for the girl he is probably dating or seeing, or thinks he might be able to bed. The worst case scenario is that the boy was being absolutely honest and that he really doesn't care for the girl. What I hope is more likely, though still disturbing, is that his comment reveals that he has received and accepted the unfortunate message, the societal lie, that sexual intercourse is all and only about pleasure. In that sense, I hope his comment only means that he is only concerned about his pleasure and not hers. Again, let me state clearly, that is still highly problematic and very disturbing. It is not good. What I am trying to state is that I really hope that the boy has at least some care for the girl with whom he is hoping to sleep, even as I recognize how misguided his intentions are.
Friday, February 03, 2006
2006 Catholic Blog Awards: Nominations End Today at 3 PM CST!!!
Folks, just a reminder that the nomination phase of the 2006 Catholic Blog Awards ends today, February 3, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. (CST). Make sure to visit the linked site above and make your nominations.
Folks, just a reminder that the nomination phase of the 2006 Catholic Blog Awards ends today, February 3, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. (CST). Make sure to visit the linked site above and make your nominations.
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