Fr. Donald Calloway - Amazing talk on Mary

I spent yesterday evening at a small church in Ontario, California, pretty close to the Ontario Airport, in fact it right next to the runway...a safe distance of course. It was there before the airport.

It's an amazing small church that is so faith filled. It's one of those small traditional churches with wooden pews and a Tabernacle right at the center of the sanctuary. It has a lector box that towers above the congregation about 10 feet or so. and more than anything the feeling is one of sacredness when  you enter.

The people that attend this parish are genuine and holy. The talk started about 7pm and I got there maybe 10 minutes till the hour and the place was packed. They had rosary and a prayer service which started at 6pm just to start the meeting. Now if this were held at my massive parish which seats about 2000, you might have seen a handful of attendees to this prayer service.But the place of the talk, while it only hold maybe 250 people only had standing room...and everyone was praying the rosary in unison...everyone. I kind of made my way half way down the center without seeing a spot to sit. So I made my way to the back to stand with the rest of the crowd that was still coming in for the talk. I could see they had that disappointed look that I was wearing..."no seating".

But out of the corner of my eye a little old lady was waving at me to come sit next to her. She was scooting over to make a spot for me.Wow, I as in shock, what a loving gesture. Most get annoyed at church when people are looking for a seat. What an example for me to follow, that elderly lady I mean.

The talk was truly amazing. Father Calloway's description of Our Lady's Motherly role, his insights, points I hadn't heard expressed before.

While most have heard his conversion story on YouTube, or read his book "No Turning Back" are going to love his style of writing in his new book "Under the Mantle"

I recommend it. I'm going to buy a few copies for my kids who have families of their own.

Here's a short clip of a very unique priest...

St Paul the Apostle - Fr. Mitch Pacwa

Mark your calendars, get your tickets early. 

Fr. Mitch Pacwa is coming to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Chino Hills California !

He will be here all day Saturday, June 29th, 8am - 5pm for 3 lectures, meet and greet, and he will be celebrating the 8:00am mass.

Plus plenty of books and tapes...

Pass the Word...

Buy your tickets!

Lost...The Right to Raise the Moral Argument

Yes, if one attempts to argue against, oh lets say Abortion or Gay Marriage, or smoking pot or any issue for that matter affecting our culture today, eventually during the discussion one is faced with more than not the accusation that "you're wrong because your judging, you're a bigot, you're imposing your beliefs on me!"

...and that's where the discussion ends. If it does continue one is faced with defending that you're not all those bad things that you've been accused of and,well the argument goes off track.

With the Devil....yes I said the 'D' word and I'll throw in Satan, making major points in the world convincing many that there IS NO SATAN and there IS NO SIN, it's hard to get past the "everyone is their own guide to what is right and what is wrong".

I've been reading a lot on material of late which centers on how to augment my points against the subjects above not only from Catholic teaching, but from a secular point of view and I wanted to pass one of them on.

Gay Marriage is one subject that is gaining acceptance, especially among the youth, so it's very important first to know where the (Catholic) Church stands and how to explain it, but also augment one's points with the other half of 'Faith and Reason'.

Here's a paper on the 'Reason' portion of the stand against Gay Marriage.I find it very helpful.

WHAT IS MARRIAGE?  

SHERIF GIRGIS, ROBERT P. GEORGE, and RYAN T. ANDERSON are the authors, all scholars.They provide the other book end on the subject, Faith and Reason.

Fr. Barron has a say on the subject of the Moral Argument

Stephen Hawking bashes Pope John Paul II

Stephen Hawking is in the news of late as he visits the Cal Tech campus for a lecture on the Big Bang theory. His over all statement was to say that God was not needed for the creation of the universe.

He had time to outline his M-Theory, which "posits that multiple universes are created out of nothing, Hawking explained, with many possible histories and many possible states of existence. In only a few of these states would life be possible, and in fewer still could something like humanity exist. Hawking mentioned that he felt fortunate to be living in this state of existence."

I was in Barnes and Noble this past weekend and came across a book entitled "I Don't Have Enough Faith To be an Atheist" which is how I understand this M-Theory.

Let's see, multiple universes created out of nothing.We can't explain just one universe made by itself from nothing so we have a theory that says multiple universes created out of nothing "makes more sense" according to Hawking.

And this more acceptable than a creator, God that created the universe, the unmoved mover.

Okay, I'm not smart enough to go through the mathematical equations that suggest this but I'm listening. I find it interesting.

I guess I don't have enough faith to be an atheist.

Then, Hawking takes a swipe at Pope John Paul II, accusing the Holy Father of criticizing the scientist establishment.

In another observation of modern religion, Hawking noted that in the 1980s, around the time he released a paper discussing the moment the universe was born, Pope John Paul II admonished the scientific establishment against studying the moment of creation, as it was holy. 

Now he doesn't specify where or when the Holy Father leveled this criticism, naturally. Maybe we can call it a theory since he offers no solid evidence.

I did a little investigation and all I came up with JPII, FIDES ET RATIO (Faith and Reason), paragraph 106:

106...Finally, I cannot fail to address a word to scientists, whose research offers an ever greater knowledge of the universe as a whole and of the incredibly rich array of its component parts, animate and inanimate, with their complex atomic and molecular structures. So far has science come, especially in this century, that its achievements never cease to amaze us. In expressing my admiration and in offering encouragement to these brave pioneers of scientific research, to whom humanity owes so much of its current development, I would urge them to continue their efforts without ever abandoning the sapiential horizon within which scientific and technological achievements are wedded to the philosophical and ethical values which are the distinctive and indelible mark of the human person. Scientists are well aware that "the search for truth, even when it concerns a finite reality of the world or of man, is never-ending, but always points beyond to something higher than the immediate object of study, to the questions which give access to Mystery". 

It sure doesn't sound like a put down to me. In fact it shows admiration and offers encouragement "to these brave pioneers of scientific research..." 

 And certainly no mention of any "Inquisition". How disappointing from a scientist who people stood in 1/2 mile long line to hear his thoughts. Now I don't know if this is the instance that Hawking had in mind but I does show JPII and the Catholic Church's high regard to the scientific community.


Oh and by the way it was a Catholic Priest who first came up with the theory of the Big Bang, Father Georges Lemaître and I don't think he was invited to any inquisition either.

Faith and Reason, the receipt for Truth. Hope one day Stephen Hawking will utilize the two to get what he is hopefully after...the Truth.

Oh and I almost agree with his most resent thought that “I don’t think we will survive another thousand years without escaping our fragile planet.”...I agree....I call it Heaven.

New Shroud Book...New Evidence

There's a new book out on the Holy Shroud.

Yah I know about the previous Carbon-14 testing, and most would think that's the end of that. At least that's what most people I encounter on the subject of the Shroud say, "...it's a fake!"

But, this new book reveals new testing, not just one, but three different tests that according to the book bring out the errors of the Carbon-14 test and claim a 1st century shroud.

Unfortunately the book, just released in late March is in Italian so I'm going to have to wait for the English translation.

But it's one I have on my "Books to Read" list.

Here's an article on the findings of this new testing.

Vatican Insider: New experiments on Shroud show it’s not medieval         


and a blog on the subject: The Shroud of Turin    

Morning After Pill ...Available for Every Girl 16yrs or Younger!

Today we hear a Federal Judge declare it's legal to sell the Morning After Pill, also known as the Plan B-One Step pill be made available over the counter for every girl 16 years of age or younger, without parental or physician consent.

I just heard a debate between two proponents of this on Fox News with Megan Kelly. Maybe I'll post it later if I can.The arguments were voiced as "hey kids are having sex, thats a reality and this will help them out of a situation (pregnancy) they don't want."

So I'm I to believe that this will prevent teen age pregnancy? The way I look at it this encourages promiscuity not prevent it.

We need to teach our kids, pray with our kids, talk with our kids. We need to keep track of our kids, look at their Facebook pages, see what they are tweeting. We need to guide them, that's what parents do.

So much of society has an attitude that the parents are not allowing their kids to grow by putting "too many rules" or not allowing them to make mistakes on their own. 

We can't be afraid to be parents!

Check this article out.and let me know what you think.

Federal judge rules morning -after pill must be available to all women

The Miracle of Father Kapaun - New Book

I've got to get this book...

Bill O'Reilly Sticks by His "Bible Thumping"

So most have already heard the out cry mostly from the Left, of Bill O'Reilly's comment of "Bible Thumpers..." to describe opponents of gay marriage.

Now, I understand Mr. O'Reilly's point of not arguing points from the bible with those that don't take the worth of the bible for the paper it's printed on, namely non-believers.

I'm just not use to those that claim to be believers, using that rhetoric against their own. It's not right for non-believer to use that rhetoric during a legit debate so why does Bill defend it. "...because it's a truthful description.." is his claim.

Well golly gee willikers, that makes sense. Ya-right.

Okay so for the past two days I've plugged in to Mr.O'Reilly just to see where he would take this and I'm not surprised to see that once Laura Ingram didn't play nice and nod her head in full agreement with him, that he would have to bring in additional guests that would rally to his side of the argument.

 Bill O'Reilly may hold his own on all things political and while I agree on many of his points (not all) regarding government policy I find his claims of knowledge concerning religion, specifically Catholicism very lacking. Now just to set the record straight, I'm not saying he's not Catholic enough for me, no that's not what I'm saying. I'm saying that his knowledge of the teachings of the Catholic faith seem to be very thin. His constant description of the bible as "Allegorical" lead me to believe that he thinks all the bible is allegorical, which is not catholic teaching at all or at least not fully. (SEE CCC 114, The Senses of Scripture)

Anyway, he's sticking to his guns, right or wrong which is Bill's trade mark.While he uses the term "Humble correspondant" it always leaves me with a chuckle, almost like a comedians punch line.

I've seen Laura, a new convert to the Catholic faith and Bill born and raise Catholic go at it a few times on points of religion whether it be marriage or homosexuality or abortion and I kind of think it's true what they say.

New converts seem to have a better appreciation for their faith.

As far as this argument goes (Gay Marriage) I found this article (On Gay Marriage think Natural Law) that spells out my thoughts. Yes Bill we need to approach proponents of gay marriage with a better argument and that would be "Natural Law". That is universal regardless of faith.

Here's a great book to start your study on Natural Law and it's very inexpensive. I've down loaded it to my NOOK.
  
50 Questions on the Natural Law: What It Is and why We Need It

10 Great Reasons to be Catholic...Lots more than 10

I read this last night and I thought I'd share it.

It seems, as the article puts it, that through the fog of materialism, human sinfulness, and down right anti-Catholicism, the truthfulness and beauty of the Catholic Church can be hidden.

The 10 points on the "great things about Catholicism" article can remind us of this truthfulness and beauty, in essence, lift the fog bank around us to see what truly is in front of us.

Article: Ten Great Things About Catholicism  

The author H.W. Crooker also has a great book on the history of the Catholic Church,

Triumph: The Power and the Glory of the Catholic Church, a 2,000-Year History

 

Finally, Fr. Roderick Now being Recognized

I read this article in the Catholic World Report on Father Roderick, the Podcasting Priest. Now I've been listening to Fr. Roderick's SQPN Podcasting Website since the passing of Pope John Paul II.

He gave a vivid audio report that reminded me of some of the 1940-1950's radio presentations like "The Six Gun" or "Gun Smoke", "The Shadow" just to name a few. He added a very personal touch to this very historical event at the Vatican. Listening to his moment by moment report of the people around him as they stood outside the Papal apartment, praying together during the last moments of the holy pontiff made me feel like I was there.

He has now come "full circle" as the good Father puts it, as he recorded his sights and sounds of the election of Pope Francis. Since his start he has added a few more shows to his team of podcasters.One of my favorites is called 'The Break', almost a daily show which he uses to cover point of interest that attract Catholic, non-Catholic and even non-believers. He talks about his favorite movies, music, video games and adds a touch of Catholicism to invite evangelization.

Those of you with either SIRIUS or XM on your car radio who listen to the Radio Classics channel with Greg Bell will know what I mean. It's a way to exercise that not so used muscle called imagination. Fr. Roderick added a talk show entertainment aspect but makes it very personal.

Some of the other shows he sponsor with a team of hosts are 'Catholic Foodie, Catholic moments, The Secrets of Middle Earth just to name a few.

To some its an older type of media but it actually works. Again, its working that unused portion of our minds called imagination. When he describes the events around him whether its his bike ride down the cobble stone streets of his 500 year old town or the crowds outside the Vatican waiting for the white smoke to come out of the Sistine Chapel chimney, one can picture the sights and sounds in your head as if you were right there with him.

Anyway, go to his website and sample some of his shows. Download and load them on your iPad or Nook, Kindle or whatever device and listen to them on your drive home of between classes at college or whatever.

Give them a try, you'll be hooked!

Pope Francis Stops Popemobile!

This is a very touching moment with Pope Benedict.

It shows his compassion and love for the people he leads.....

Pope Francis! - Where Were You When it was Announced?

I tell you from the moment the white smoke went up until the curtain opened seemed so long. I really couldn't track the early balloting very well. I'm kind of restricted at work in my access to radios and internet, so when someone in the hall told me "White smoke was seen coming out of the Chapel Chimney", the timing seemed perfect. I was headed out the door to lunch!

That's right 12:00pm Pacific time. Now by the time I turned on the car radio the white smoke had happened well before my break, so I made a dash to the nearest Barnes and Noble (which is right down the block, walking distance) to long into their WI-Fi with my NOOK HD. I thought for sure I wouldn't make the moment the new pope would appear on the Balcony. Frustration was added when my NOOK couldn't connect as quickly as it normally would. I take my NOOK to work with me to do some reading and or view a few saved videos or audios during my lunch time.

"Great!" I thought. "I'm not going to share that moment with the folks in the Vatican audience." With the first morning votes taking place at 3:00am California time it seemed like a really big tease that the new pope would be selected within a time window of my lunch....AND I'M STILL GOING TO MISS IT!

Well finally the store provided connection was made and with my fast Puffin Browser I was able to log into EWTN. Hey where else are you going to go for truly faithful coverage....Not CNN or MSNBC that's for sure.

There I was with my purchased Mocha Frappuccino grande watching LIVE, with sunny 79degree weather from Manhattan Beach, Southern California. Now I'd really would have preferred to be at the Vatican, rain and all but this location is a close second.

So now I'm ticking down the minutes for the new Holy Father to come out and finally the lights go on in the chamber behind the curtains on the balcony.

Still the waiting goes on...this is getting nuts! Now I'm running out of lunch time and a meeting at 1:00pm to go to. It's now 12:30pm. So he gets announced and now it's time to start heading back. Wow, I've come this close and I'm going to miss it.

He's announced by his new name "POPE FRANCIS"....and still waiting.

Okay, maybe if I'm a little late to the 1pm meeting...but how late?

Okay wait...wait ...there he is!!!!

He's not smiling?

He has to be kind of helped to the balcony.

He seems a little overwhelmed...

He has his hand up but not in an actual wave....

And then he speaks.....I haven't the faintest idea what he's saying but the EWTN commentators are translating.

Then he does something I haven't seen before, he asked for the people to pray for him.
Wow, he is actually asking for our prayers. What humility.

And now something really special, its being announced that those in the Vatican audience AND those listening on the radio or viewing on TV or any other device...EVEN WITH MY NOOK HD will be able to gain a PLENARY INDULGENCE with his first papal blessing!

What a special moment. I thought for sure I'd be reading about this moment or watching a taped replay of this on Cable tonight when I got home from work.

But no, what a gift! It all worked out perfect. I got to witness the announcement of the new Pope Francis and got a plenary indulgence as well! I'm so happy.

I admit, I don't know much about Pope Francis, his background or what kind of priest and Cardinal he was/is.

But I'll be reading up on him and praying for him and his ability to lead the church.

What a day, so much to look forward to.

Let's see we have JPII, B16....somehow F1 doesn't sound right

How did you hear the news?

Pre-Conclave and Vatican Rumors

It's no surprise that the media is enjoying taking swipes at Pope Benedict Emeritus. Articles in the New Yorker, the New York Times and various news agencies, Cable, TV self-described celebrities are out to make a name of themselves.

Ranting and raving with advise on how the new Pope has got to be one willing to change the church's teaching to conform with the modernism of today. They claim that the church is alienating it's own follows with it's teachings on Gay Marriage, Abortion and contraception, women priest and the regular gantlet of issues paraded out when they feel the need to re-create the Catholic Church in their own images.

I picture one image which coincides with Lent. The image of the devil tempting our Lord in the desert. Fame and fortune, praise and recognition, power and glory ..if only you do this or that. 

Sadly, even some Catholic blogs of those I admire and read regularly seem to be adding to the "rumors" of the pre-conclave. Oh the Cardinals are battling each other and this secrete report "may say this" or "hold this bomb shell of news"....even though no one but maybe Pope Benedict and the three constructors of the report have read.

All speculation and yes, rumors.

The Vatican has had to declare a news blackout of sort to clamp down on the pieces and tid-bits of "Cardinal so-and so said this or that" or "hinted of this and that".

Cartoonist are having a field day with their so called Art.

Yes, it's only natural to want to know the latest news to see who the contenders are. All fine and good, but the news tone that I've been reading is not this at all.

By all means, be apart of this great event. EWTN has some good coverage. Try to stay away from those dirt articles which are circulating around...you won't find any truth there.

Remind ourselves that the HOLY SPIRIT is guiding this process and offer your prayers. This Lenten season in my opinion is a perfect time for this to happen. The sense of penance, self sacrifice and prayer, the Passion all culminating in the Easter Resurrection is a perfect setting of the strength of the church and it's over 2000 year history.

A new Pope will be elected and he will be lead our church into the future. the New Evangelization and the Year of Faith will continue through the year.

I'm excited, let's keep our focus on the positive. Yes, reform is needed but our new pope will tackle that in due time...or better, in God's time.

Vatican II - A 10 Part series

I just read about this new series at Catholic Lane Blog (Vatican II: 10 part series). There's also a link to the Vatican II website with information on where and what time to watch.
This looks pretty good.

Check out the first episode

The New Evangelization - New Series from Fr. Barron

Father Barron's 'Catholicism' was awesome. This one looks just as good....
Take a peek at the trailer.

No Place On Earth - New Film

This looks interesting. I'd like to see this one...

The New Pope Analysis - Enough Already!

You know , sometimes I'm about ready to throw a shoe at the TV screen, with all the experts analysis.  Priest X and Monsignor Y and News Correspondent Z and Journalist so-and-so says the next pope should be more politician or the next pope should be more liberal or conservative or younger or older or more receptive toward change in church teaching...etc....etc...etc..

Okay, it's interesting to a point then, I hear the secular end of it and it's like the presidential elections again.

I haven't heard the fact from anyone's lips on the news channels whether from clergy or journalist that the Holy Spirit is guiding this whole event and that's the only opinion that counts.

I see more and more scrutinizing of Pope Benedict's health...he has a pace maker...he is blind in one eye, and my heart goes out to him. We should keep in our daily prayers.

One of my thoughts is "if the Catholic Church is so irrelevant, why so much attention?" I mean, when was the last time you heard of the who will be the next leader of Calvary Chapel or whatever church. In one breath the argument is that the Roman Catholic Church is meaningless, irrelevant, out of touch. "They need to change"

I have to laugh to myself...  

Keep calm, the Holy Spirit is in charge. We are in good hands... 

Fr. Mitch Pacwa has a good episode on 'The Threshold of Hope" program on EWTN that addresses the things that Pope Benedict can and can not do.

Here's the link, have a view  

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a ....it ...a.....ROCK!

Asteroid to be exact!
This ones coming close too, closer than our Geosynchronous satellites. As a designer of satellites at an Aerospace company, this kind of stuff intrigues me.

Check out the animated video HERE 
And here's the article:

Asteroid 2012 DA14's Friday Flyby: A Stargazer's Guide 

Dorner - Finally coming to an end here in So Cal

Living here in So Cal is like a roller coaster at times.

Today ex-LAPD Officer and murderer, was finally caught in a shootout in Big Bear, but not before shooting two more law enforcement officers. One has died and the other is in critical condition.

I first heard the news of his re-sighting while going between buildings for a meeting. I couldn't keep my mind on business the remainder of the day, catching tid-bits of what was going on from fellow workers and colleagues.

Someone mentioned the shootout and another two officers down. then the news of the death of one of them. Two law enforcement officers killed and two more seriously wounded in a span of six days. A very bad week here in the South Land. And all by an ex-law enforcement officer. Very bizarre.

I followed the news all the home from work. A lengthy drive on the crowded freeway during traffic hour. It gave me some time to think about my recent complaints about how hard my commute is and how long the hours I put in everyday.

Shameful, now that I say a rosary for the fallen. I have a lot to be thankful  for.

It has been reported that the officer who died and a new born baby in his family. Very tragic.
It's even been reported that he was hold up in a cabin only a few yards away from the Sheriff Command Center.

I gave the wife a big kill an hug, told her how much I missed her today....so much to be thankful for.

Prayers for the lose of families involved. I'll dedicate my Divine Office, Night Prayer to those affected by this tragedy.

Thank You B16

There are many expressing their thoughts on the decision of Pope Benedict XVI to step down form the papacy. Some who have insights worth reading and contemplating, however others who don't know what they're talking about.

The latter have expressed their vile thoughts in a very disrespectful manner showing their hostility of the church itself by their criticisms of B16 upholding of the teachings of Christ's church. Those I can readily ignore.

It's others with unknowledegable opinions of what they describe as a failed Papacy due to some kind of mistake in the selection process. One such article I read today came from an unlikely source, Fox News by John Moody entitled As Vatican leader Pope Benedict never had a chance which told of a papacy doom to failure from the outset.

Mr. Moody says "Benedict XVI faced an insurmountable problem: He was not John Paul II". Mr. Moody obviously doesn't know the accomplishments of B16.

Mr. Moody a writer of a Bio on the late Great John Paul II, obviously has a soft spot for the predecessor of Pope Benedict and rightfully so.As one of the longest papacy's JPII had much time to tend to his flock and he did it very well with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. No argument there.

However, to doom the reign of Pope Benedict as "never had a chance" is ignorance of the last past 7 years of church history.

First, 7 years of B16 compared to 26 years of JPII isn't exactly a fair comparison. JPII began his Papacy at the young age of 58. He was the youngest pope to be elected in 132 years. B16 was 78 years old when he was elected and he's 85 now. JPII was 84 when he died.

While JPII was a prolific writer  with many encyclicals from his pen, one can't deny the deep intellect portrayed in the writings of B16. I just finished Jesus the Infancy Narratives this past advent. His other two books entitled Jesus are so packed with information I'm still going thru them. 

Though not as numerous, the encyclicals penned by B16 are a treasure. One of my favorites is Caritas en Veritate (charity in truth). Here's a site with his writings.

Yes I'm saddened by his decision to step down and trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit at this time is what we need to look to. We must not overlook the contributions of Pope Benedict in these trying times. He's sense of orthodoxy has kept the church from sailing against the rocks. With the push of the secular world to have the church change it's course by tossing overboard its teachings on life at conception, marriage between one man and one woman, a return to the sacredness of the mass to name a few, without the acknowledgement of just a few of the successes of this papacy is true ignorance of of this great leader.

Benedict didn't accept the papacy with competition in mind, to out do he's predecessors, he entered it begrudgingly, realizing the need for his leadership and willing to sacrifice of himself to the need of the church. He clearly stated at the beginning of his papacy that he fully expected to retire his previous Vatican post and spend his remaining time writing and studying.

He is sacrificing once again, fully knowledgeable of the fact that this decision may not be what others may want but what, through much prayer and contemplation as he put it, for the better of the church.

Thank you Pope Benedict for your service. Well done most faithful servant..

Impossible - Great Movie!

Saw this movie with the wife today. An excellent movie about the tsunami that hit the Asian island in 2004. 

It's a story of selflessness, of giving even when one is suffering as well.

A movie filled with Catholic values...go see it.

Your wife will need ample tissues...

 

Catholic Church a Hate Group?

The persecution of the Catholic Church by the present Administration goes on.
Bring it!

White House Petitioned to Label Catholic   Church a ‘Hate Group’   

Good Bye 2012 - Final Thoughts

Well that year just flew by. 

Don't get me wrong there were some days I thought would never end and some crosses that were quite heavy but, through the grace from above the year as a whole was filled with good memories and I thank God for every day of it.

Some final thoughts as we (in Los Angeles) tick down the final hours of 2012.

1) I am so thankful for my family. They are my life and God has been most generous in helping me provide for them and keeping my inner circle so close. He has blessed us many times over this year.

2) Thank you for friends and acquaintances...yes I get by with a little help from my friends.....

3) I haven't been able to blog as I want to and well I'll probably never have the complete amount of time I need to. However, I do enjoy sharing my thoughts. I promise to post more positive than negative post, but I'll still be honest in my post of what I believe and welcoming to different opinions that I both agree with and disagree with. Please share your thoughts with me?

4) Well, Oh, Oh right. I'll make it a point to get back to the gym. I'm not over weight or completely out of shape. Thank God for a good gene pool but I do need to exercise more than I have this past year.

5) I plan to be more vocal about my faith.Not to be 'in your face' however it seems to be the trend of today, to silence the voice of faith in the public forum. I plan to be a counter weight to that in my actions as well as  what I say.

6) Patience, I noticed a slip in my level of patience. Call it age in regards to stubbornness, but I must be more aware of my short comings here and exercise more patience.

7) It's hard to admit this but as some Catholic scholars and bloggers have pointed out, we now are living in a post Christian nation. ....very sad.

But that could mean a stronger church with those of stronger faith. The Catholic Church has always become stronger making its way through tough times. In it's long history of ups and downs, this fact has been quite evident.

When Rome persecuted Christians, Rome became a Christian nation. When the Renaissance produced faults with individuals in the Church which eventually lead to the 1500's and the birth of the Reformation, the Catholic Church corrected its wrongs and once again flourished. The recent Church scandal set the church in a bad light but now it seems to be coming around again.

Now though, the public forum seems to be excluding the voice of the Church and many self proclaimed faithful seem to agree with this exclusion.

Now is the time to double down on our faith. We know what the final out come is and we have nothing to fear. The Catholic Church will prevail as promised by Jesus.

So lets be bold together and "Not be afraid!"

This is the year of Faith as proclaimed by Pope Benedict. Let's make this next year a growth year for our Church by bringing back those in our families that have fallen away. Let's correct those who proclaim what the church is Not. Let's increase our prayer life daily.

God Bless all who have shared in this small unimportant blog. I thank you for your visits and what comments I get

Happy New Years!

WestCoastCatholic    

School Tragedy Loss of the Innocent - What About Abortion

The tragedy of this past week has left the nation on bended knee. There's not a channel on TV, not a News show in the past few days, not a politician raising his or her voice in anger over the loss of  the 20 precious innocent lives in the school shooting as well as the adults.

Rightfully so, many have wondered why this has happened and many more are wondering how we can prevent such a tragedy from happening again.

Huckabee of Foxnews expressed it as having a nation that pushes out God at every opportunity and then, we're surprised when un-Godly things happen. Well that's a view point that won't get express much.

With all this outrage about this loss, the cry for Gun laws is the primary call for remedy and it seems the solve all for this kind of event. Stronger gun laws ...no one gets shot right?

I don't think so. Evil exist and will always find a way to raise it's ugly head.

The only remedy for evilness is Godliness.

We can be outraged and again rightfully so, with the loss of the 20 innocent lives but we can kill 1 Million babies through abortion every year and that's okay.

Where's the outrage to that?

"Lets get rid of all guns to stop the killing of our children!"

Okay, lets stop Abortion and the murder of innocent babies.

Seems like on one hand killing children is unacceptable and on the other it's a right.

Doesn't make sense to me. You can't have it both ways

My heart was breaking looking at the faces of those lost in the shooting. These young lives that were just beginning with futures ahead of them that could have benefited our society, that could have enriched everyone around them were cut short and not allowed to flower.

This is the same thing with those innocent children who get aborted everyday without fan fare or community outrage as their live are cut short, never given a chance to benefit our society or enrich everyone around them. I wonder what their faces would have looked like, the smiles, the eyes with life shining from them.

Yes we need to address the present tragedy and yes lets look at gun laws without violating our constitutional rights and lets look at mental illness and school safety. Let look at all of that.

...AND lets look at a real stopper to killing children...ABORTION !

Got Bless the innocent children.

The Hobbit Movie - What is the Author's Intent?

The well advertised movie "The Hobbit" will hit the theaters shortly. Before you see it read the enclosed article to get the author's perspective...its a lot more than number of movie frames, 3D effects and great New Zealand 

The Hobbit and Virtue 

...then view the trailer
    

Friday Relaxing ...with Alfred Hitchcock

So, I'm recovering from over stuffing myself yesterday. Good company and lots of good conversation with family.
Now I'm just relaxing with TCM on the tube as they play some of my favorite Alfred Hitchcock movies.

Can't go wrong with these thrillers. Set the TiVo if you can't enjoy now. Maybe your in one of those Black Friday lines....not me, I'm staying away from that madness

Anyways, here's a clip that may entice you....

North by Northwest

Remembering Andy Williams and Christmas

Ever since I can remember Any Williams has heralded in the Christmas season with this holiday song

I'll still think of him and this song every Christmas to come.

Rembering Squanto the, Catholic Indian of Thanksgiving

Here's a tribute to the Indian Squanto. A major part of the Pilgrim's story not told.

...he kind of saved the day for the pilgrims.

Squanto the Catholic Hero of Thanksgiving   

WCC - Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all!
May God Bless your Day

WestCoastCatholic

Fr. Barron: Skyfall...007, Ian Fleming Catholic Connection

Fr. Barron reviews Skyfall...I thought it was awesome. Some interesting facts about 007 and Ian Fleming his creator and the Catholic Connection.

I can relate to the "...not too old" message.

Went to see Lincoln (the movie) yesterday...a must see movie!

 

Elections + 2 Weeks

After the elections I just had to steer away from the news altogether. I went through an number of stages, most, who were disappointed with the election results, went through.

Anger, disgust, sadness, prayerful, contemplation, realization, and now while I'm not at the "at peace" stage, I'm more accepting of the state of life we're in today in our communities and a nation as a whole.

Accepting but not disengaged, and not without a path to follow. I came across this article by Fr. McCloskey that outlines much of my feelings.

Have a read and here's a thought ....how about a comment or two.

...hello is anybody out there?

The Recent Unpleasantness by Fr. McCloskey

Hey I'm still here....!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will be posting soon. Life's challenges have been keeping me very busy, however I'm missing keeping in up with blogging.

Stay tuned

WestCoastCatholic