New Link: A Kickin' Outreach for College Students
Just something to consider if you are looking for something in reaching college students for the Catholic Faith. I met these folks a couple of years back and I am gratified to see them grow well.
Friday, March 31, 2006
It's on its way
After sending in a covert strike team to eliminate all opposition in Wilmington, OH, my Compendium has been liberated from the clutches of well-meaning folks who wanted to be formed. It is Oklahoma City and out for delivery. Oooooh, I can't wait. I think the RCIA and Confirmation kids next year are going to be surprised!
After sending in a covert strike team to eliminate all opposition in Wilmington, OH, my Compendium has been liberated from the clutches of well-meaning folks who wanted to be formed. It is Oklahoma City and out for delivery. Oooooh, I can't wait. I think the RCIA and Confirmation kids next year are going to be surprised!
I know that I am early, but the listeners will not be appeased!
This morning, I read on air the prayer I composed for the canonization of John Paul II. That's right; Relevant Radio still hasn't tired of my usual schtick. So for all RR listeners who wanted the text of the prayer here it is:
Prayer for the Canonization of John Paul the Great.
God of Mercy and of Justice,
you graciously deigned to give to your Church
a firm foundation stone as she travels
her pilgrim way in the world.
Your Son called Simon the Apostle, Peter, making him the rock
upon which the Church would be founded.
In the successors of St. Peter, we hear you speaking,
strengthening the faith of your children,
demonstrating that you have not left us orphans.
We praise you for your generous care for our souls.
You have, in every age and in every place, led the people claimed
by your Son through the visible shepherd of our unity.
In our own time,
you have blessed the Church with an outstanding example
of truth and virtue in the person of John Paul II.
He made of himself a gift, freely and totally given, to your Son
through His Blessed Mother.
Despite sorrow in his life, he has called us, in your name,
to be not afraid, to set out into deep water, to not settle for mediocrity.
We praise you and thank you for your generosity.
If it be in accordance with your will,
raise this holy man to the glories of the altar.
Manifest in our times signs and wonders
which demonstrate that he rests now in the glory of Heaven.
By his intercession, I bring my petition to you. (Mention your petition here.)
Glory and honor to you, through your Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit,
now and until the ages of man run dry.
We ask these things through Christ our Lord. Amen.
This morning, I read on air the prayer I composed for the canonization of John Paul II. That's right; Relevant Radio still hasn't tired of my usual schtick. So for all RR listeners who wanted the text of the prayer here it is:
Prayer for the Canonization of John Paul the Great.
God of Mercy and of Justice,
you graciously deigned to give to your Church
a firm foundation stone as she travels
her pilgrim way in the world.
Your Son called Simon the Apostle, Peter, making him the rock
upon which the Church would be founded.
In the successors of St. Peter, we hear you speaking,
strengthening the faith of your children,
demonstrating that you have not left us orphans.
We praise you for your generous care for our souls.
You have, in every age and in every place, led the people claimed
by your Son through the visible shepherd of our unity.
In our own time,
you have blessed the Church with an outstanding example
of truth and virtue in the person of John Paul II.
He made of himself a gift, freely and totally given, to your Son
through His Blessed Mother.
Despite sorrow in his life, he has called us, in your name,
to be not afraid, to set out into deep water, to not settle for mediocrity.
We praise you and thank you for your generosity.
If it be in accordance with your will,
raise this holy man to the glories of the altar.
Manifest in our times signs and wonders
which demonstrate that he rests now in the glory of Heaven.
By his intercession, I bring my petition to you. (Mention your petition here.)
Glory and honor to you, through your Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit,
now and until the ages of man run dry.
We ask these things through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Where in the World is Fr.'s Copy of the Compendium?
Thanks to the power of the Internet (yeah, Internet!), I can track my bundle of theological fun as it wends its way to me. Today, those of you living in Wilmington, OH, have the privilege of knowing that you are living in radioactive proximity to my copy of the Compendium of the Catholic Church. Do you suddenly feel like St. Augustine after his baptism by St. Ambrose, ready to rise up and teach the Faith to others? It's that groovy power of Faith. Faith, since it is a virtue and is a positive act, allows one to build up the Body, so tonight, I am praying night prayer for the people of Wilmington, that they would take seriously our Lord's call to evangelize all the nations.
Tomorrow, I will update you as to where my Compendium is, but it will be light as I have sick calls, marriage prep, and an elegy on John Paul II to write. Hint: it will have several quotes from the Dream of Gerontius.
Thanks to the power of the Internet (yeah, Internet!), I can track my bundle of theological fun as it wends its way to me. Today, those of you living in Wilmington, OH, have the privilege of knowing that you are living in radioactive proximity to my copy of the Compendium of the Catholic Church. Do you suddenly feel like St. Augustine after his baptism by St. Ambrose, ready to rise up and teach the Faith to others? It's that groovy power of Faith. Faith, since it is a virtue and is a positive act, allows one to build up the Body, so tonight, I am praying night prayer for the people of Wilmington, that they would take seriously our Lord's call to evangelize all the nations.
Tomorrow, I will update you as to where my Compendium is, but it will be light as I have sick calls, marriage prep, and an elegy on John Paul II to write. Hint: it will have several quotes from the Dream of Gerontius.
A Point of Clarification
In a recent post, I made reference to enemies in the title of my post and the linked article mentioned non-Christians. Does Fr. Tharp think that non-Christians are enemies?
Well, no. It was a momentarily lapse of verbage.
The word I wanted was "opponents." Not that I make a blanket assertion that everyone who is not a Catholic is an opponent of mine. I certainly have Catholic people who get up in my face on a regular basis. However, this may not satisfy some readers: does Fr. Tharp think of non-Catholics as opponents and is that right?
Well, the short answer is a yes with qualifications.
You have to concede that when you read a Jack Chick tract which refers to the Most Blessed Sacrament as "The Death Cookie," this guy is not on your side. And when a religion 'respects' Jesus as a prophet but openly speaks against Him as God, then that person too is not exactly on your side. It doesn't mean that you can't be cordial or friendly or even charitible to the other person. You are simply acknowleding differences between people. And quite frankly, that is a step in the right direction.
Like it or not, we all don't see eye to eye. There is nothing more dangerous to healthy, religious and philosophical dialogue than ignoring that there are real, substantive differences between peoples and groups. However, and this was the point in making this link, when even those who don't agree with you see the value of the life and legacy of someone whose own co-religionist often derided and mocked as "that old man in Rome," claiming that "once he's dead, the new Pope will change things," that says an awful lot for the person in question. In other words, we all loved you, John Paul. Please pray for us.
So, to everyone who was shocked and/or offended, my apologies for a hasty post.
In a recent post, I made reference to enemies in the title of my post and the linked article mentioned non-Christians. Does Fr. Tharp think that non-Christians are enemies?
Well, no. It was a momentarily lapse of verbage.
The word I wanted was "opponents." Not that I make a blanket assertion that everyone who is not a Catholic is an opponent of mine. I certainly have Catholic people who get up in my face on a regular basis. However, this may not satisfy some readers: does Fr. Tharp think of non-Catholics as opponents and is that right?
Well, the short answer is a yes with qualifications.
You have to concede that when you read a Jack Chick tract which refers to the Most Blessed Sacrament as "The Death Cookie," this guy is not on your side. And when a religion 'respects' Jesus as a prophet but openly speaks against Him as God, then that person too is not exactly on your side. It doesn't mean that you can't be cordial or friendly or even charitible to the other person. You are simply acknowleding differences between people. And quite frankly, that is a step in the right direction.
Like it or not, we all don't see eye to eye. There is nothing more dangerous to healthy, religious and philosophical dialogue than ignoring that there are real, substantive differences between peoples and groups. However, and this was the point in making this link, when even those who don't agree with you see the value of the life and legacy of someone whose own co-religionist often derided and mocked as "that old man in Rome," claiming that "once he's dead, the new Pope will change things," that says an awful lot for the person in question. In other words, we all loved you, John Paul. Please pray for us.
So, to everyone who was shocked and/or offended, my apologies for a hasty post.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
I guess Nixon isn't the only one.
I'll get it on my Rosary Intentions. Wouldn't be funny if Benedict breaks down the Communists of China as John Paul broke down the Russian edition?
I'll get it on my Rosary Intentions. Wouldn't be funny if Benedict breaks down the Communists of China as John Paul broke down the Russian edition?
Friday, March 24, 2006
Okay, so help me. I am supposed to feel badly for him or what?
I mean if he went into a movie, not expecting to make money, then if he cut himself out of any money, isn't that his fault?
I mean if he went into a movie, not expecting to make money, then if he cut himself out of any money, isn't that his fault?
Thursday, March 23, 2006
A Miracle in My Back Yard?
Well, sorta. Apparently, a consecrated Host at one of the parish's in the Diocese of Dallas has miraculously started bleeding. I can only find sketchy reports from other bloggers with no direct news reports. Anybody else seen this one?
If it is authenticated, this would be a really powerful tool for evangelization in the area. It might even spark a new series of conversions in the area, not to mention on the larger scene too.
Well, sorta. Apparently, a consecrated Host at one of the parish's in the Diocese of Dallas has miraculously started bleeding. I can only find sketchy reports from other bloggers with no direct news reports. Anybody else seen this one?
If it is authenticated, this would be a really powerful tool for evangelization in the area. It might even spark a new series of conversions in the area, not to mention on the larger scene too.
What His Behavior Reminds Me Of
Remember in the 80's all the buzz about the shocking new sci-fi miniseries about aliens coming to earth only to discover that they weren't all that benevolent. No, I am not referring to "Diantics"; I am referring to "V".
In this excellent, for the time, miniseries, we encounter valient humans racing to save humanity from evil lizard aliens who want us for dinner. After seeing Tom Cruise's wacked out behavior, I keep expecting to see Tom Cruise having his face pulled off, revealing the handsome face is a plastic mask and the lizardy mouse-eater lurking underneath.
Tom, stop jumping on the furniture. Your baby's momma needs you.
Remember in the 80's all the buzz about the shocking new sci-fi miniseries about aliens coming to earth only to discover that they weren't all that benevolent. No, I am not referring to "Diantics"; I am referring to "V".
In this excellent, for the time, miniseries, we encounter valient humans racing to save humanity from evil lizard aliens who want us for dinner. After seeing Tom Cruise's wacked out behavior, I keep expecting to see Tom Cruise having his face pulled off, revealing the handsome face is a plastic mask and the lizardy mouse-eater lurking underneath.
Tom, stop jumping on the furniture. Your baby's momma needs you.
Well, I guess this guy seeks to put the "sin" in syncretism"
I love it when the email filter misses something and lands a lovely website into my hands. Once again, tolerance rears up as the obliterator of truth or at least, one form of tolerance. Certainly, tolerance in the form of loving respect for another human being should be encouraged, but let's just call it "charitable respect" and be done with it. Tolerance unfortunately now is used as a code word for "all hail relativism."
Take for instance the website author's comment that he "embrace[s] the principle of Divine Love for all human beings irrespective of religion, creed or color." Sounds good, right? Love is not a principle; it is not an abstract ideal to be pursued. Love exists in the gift of one person to another who make reciprocate that love. Therefore, it would follow that in this statement, the author conceives of God as a principle or perhaps as non-personal. This of course will not jibe with orthodox Christianity and Judaism or even Islam for that matter.
Being dogmatic is not a sin, people. It means having a core set of beliefs at heart. And if this webmaster is so concerned about "imposing beliefs", then why is his book targeting Christians? If I didn't know better, I would think that he was suggesting that Christians need his special understanding of how to take the "shortcut to Heaven." But he couldn't be doing that; that would be intolerant.
And that's another thing. The only way you can assume that God has no religion is to dogmatically assume that all religions are the constructs of men. For Jews and Christians, we don't believe that. To suggest that there is a definitive religion which comes from God doesn't contradict the idea that God loves everyone. If anything, a universal religion which corrects the errors of all previous works of men would actually be a big boon to most folks. Ask the kids of central America how they felt about Christianity when it appeared and said, "You don't have to offered up on a stone altar to a flying serpent to appease God." I would bet they would be a mite grateful.
So, once again, the groovy Gnostics are back. I will take my religion of Christ who dies for all, offers salvation to all, and reveals Himself to all equally. That seems more tolerant, if you ask me.
I love it when the email filter misses something and lands a lovely website into my hands. Once again, tolerance rears up as the obliterator of truth or at least, one form of tolerance. Certainly, tolerance in the form of loving respect for another human being should be encouraged, but let's just call it "charitable respect" and be done with it. Tolerance unfortunately now is used as a code word for "all hail relativism."
Take for instance the website author's comment that he "embrace[s] the principle of Divine Love for all human beings irrespective of religion, creed or color." Sounds good, right? Love is not a principle; it is not an abstract ideal to be pursued. Love exists in the gift of one person to another who make reciprocate that love. Therefore, it would follow that in this statement, the author conceives of God as a principle or perhaps as non-personal. This of course will not jibe with orthodox Christianity and Judaism or even Islam for that matter.
Being dogmatic is not a sin, people. It means having a core set of beliefs at heart. And if this webmaster is so concerned about "imposing beliefs", then why is his book targeting Christians? If I didn't know better, I would think that he was suggesting that Christians need his special understanding of how to take the "shortcut to Heaven." But he couldn't be doing that; that would be intolerant.
And that's another thing. The only way you can assume that God has no religion is to dogmatically assume that all religions are the constructs of men. For Jews and Christians, we don't believe that. To suggest that there is a definitive religion which comes from God doesn't contradict the idea that God loves everyone. If anything, a universal religion which corrects the errors of all previous works of men would actually be a big boon to most folks. Ask the kids of central America how they felt about Christianity when it appeared and said, "You don't have to offered up on a stone altar to a flying serpent to appease God." I would bet they would be a mite grateful.
So, once again, the groovy Gnostics are back. I will take my religion of Christ who dies for all, offers salvation to all, and reveals Himself to all equally. That seems more tolerant, if you ask me.
You ask; I blog
The public affairs officer with the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast pinged me and wanted me to let you, our faithful reader base, know what's happening. So, rather than re-type everything, I thought I would reproduce the attachment sent to me.
It reads:
3rd Annual National Catholic
Prayer Breakfast Announced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Anne Tyrrell
March 7, 2006 703-739-5920 or 800-536-5920
atyrrell@sbpublicaffairs.com
WASHINGTON— The National Catholic Prayer Breakfast Board of Directors today announced the 3rd annual breakfast will take place in Washington, D.C. on Friday, April 7, guest speakers and the schedule of events.
“We were blessed with tremendous success last year, with more than 1,600 people in attendance,” National Catholic Prayer Breakfast President Joseph Cella stated. “We were especially pleased to host the President of the United States and a number of prominent leaders. Based on the growing interest, we have expanded the activities around the prayer breakfast to maximize opportunities for those who plan to attend, especially many who are traveling from various parts of the country.”
Mass will be held Thursday evening, April 6 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Cathedral with His Eminence Theodore Cardinal McCarrick serving as principal celebrant and homilist. Mass will be followed by an evening reception.
The prayer breakfast will be held the following morning at the Hilton Washington Hotel beginning at 7:00 a.m. on April 7. The keynote speaker at the breakfast will be His Excellency Robert Morlino, Bishop of the Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin. EWTN’s Raymond Arroyo and Fr. Paul McDermott, O.P., who is responsible for reconstruction of Catholic schools in the New Orleans area, will also speak. Catholic Theologian Scott Hahn and Fr. Benedict Groeschel, will give a talk following the breakfast
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Thursday, April 6 6:30 p.m. Mass at St. Matthew’s Cathedral
1725 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington
Followed by reception
Friday, April 7 7:00 a.m. Breakfast at Hilton Washington
1919 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Followed by educational program
The annual event was created in 2004 in response to beloved Pope John Paul II’s appeal for a “New Evangelization,” and is a way to spread the Word of the Gospel. For more information, log onto www.catholicprayerbreakfast.com. To schedule an interview, please call Diana Banister at (703)739-5920.
Now, I would love to go, but that is merely days before Holy Week, the maddest time of the year for a priest. To schlep it out to the east coast and then blaze back for the weekend, I would be exhausted. This should not stop those interested in seeing me and Fr. Hamilton (after all, if only one goes, it isn't the real Ragemonkey experience) in plying us with promises and gifts. =ahem= Be that as it may, this is a good thing I think something worth pursuing if you can. And think, if you go, you might bump into Paris while you are there. (To understand reference, look where it will be held. That's hot.)
The public affairs officer with the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast pinged me and wanted me to let you, our faithful reader base, know what's happening. So, rather than re-type everything, I thought I would reproduce the attachment sent to me.
It reads:
3rd Annual National Catholic
Prayer Breakfast Announced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Anne Tyrrell
March 7, 2006 703-739-5920 or 800-536-5920
atyrrell@sbpublicaffairs.com
WASHINGTON— The National Catholic Prayer Breakfast Board of Directors today announced the 3rd annual breakfast will take place in Washington, D.C. on Friday, April 7, guest speakers and the schedule of events.
“We were blessed with tremendous success last year, with more than 1,600 people in attendance,” National Catholic Prayer Breakfast President Joseph Cella stated. “We were especially pleased to host the President of the United States and a number of prominent leaders. Based on the growing interest, we have expanded the activities around the prayer breakfast to maximize opportunities for those who plan to attend, especially many who are traveling from various parts of the country.”
Mass will be held Thursday evening, April 6 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Cathedral with His Eminence Theodore Cardinal McCarrick serving as principal celebrant and homilist. Mass will be followed by an evening reception.
The prayer breakfast will be held the following morning at the Hilton Washington Hotel beginning at 7:00 a.m. on April 7. The keynote speaker at the breakfast will be His Excellency Robert Morlino, Bishop of the Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin. EWTN’s Raymond Arroyo and Fr. Paul McDermott, O.P., who is responsible for reconstruction of Catholic schools in the New Orleans area, will also speak. Catholic Theologian Scott Hahn and Fr. Benedict Groeschel, will give a talk following the breakfast
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Thursday, April 6 6:30 p.m. Mass at St. Matthew’s Cathedral
1725 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington
Followed by reception
Friday, April 7 7:00 a.m. Breakfast at Hilton Washington
1919 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Followed by educational program
The annual event was created in 2004 in response to beloved Pope John Paul II’s appeal for a “New Evangelization,” and is a way to spread the Word of the Gospel. For more information, log onto www.catholicprayerbreakfast.com. To schedule an interview, please call Diana Banister at (703)739-5920.
Now, I would love to go, but that is merely days before Holy Week, the maddest time of the year for a priest. To schlep it out to the east coast and then blaze back for the weekend, I would be exhausted. This should not stop those interested in seeing me and Fr. Hamilton (after all, if only one goes, it isn't the real Ragemonkey experience) in plying us with promises and gifts. =ahem= Be that as it may, this is a good thing I think something worth pursuing if you can. And think, if you go, you might bump into Paris while you are there. (To understand reference, look where it will be held. That's hot.)
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