Reporting from World Youth Day (although not live)...

One of my Vice-Presidents for the Catholic Student Association at my college is over at World Youth Day. Stephanie Prisland is blogging about her experience:

August 17, 2011: That biological clock is starting to malfunction

Reporting from World Youth Day (although not live)...

One of my Vice-Presidents for the Catholic Student Association at my college is over at World Youth Day. Stephanie Prisland is blogging about her experience:

 

August 16, 2011: A rough start to a great beginning

In Defense of My Mother- Assumption 4 of 4

Here we go, the last wave of attacks against Mary (for now, at lest). This time, the attacks are leveled against her assumption. I'm not going to prove that Mary was assumed into Heaven (I've attempted that here). Instead, I just want to defend the doctrine against these objections/attacks. These objections/attacks were posted on a Fundamentalist's blog, and illustrate the regular 'talking points' of Fundamentalists. The result is bad logic, bad theology, and a lack of Scriptural knowledge. Quotes are in bold and orange, my defense is in regular print.

Reporting From World Youth Day (although not live)...

One of my Vice-Presidents for the Catholic Student Association at my college is over at World Youth Day. Stephanie Prisland is blogging about her experience:

August 15, 2011: The long and treacherous road

Mass and September 11

General Instruction of the Roman Missal 374 states that "In cases of serious need or pastoral advantage, at the direction of the diocesan Bishop or with his permission, an appropriate Mass may be celebrated."

That said, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has provided some liturgical resources, such as intercessions that could be said during the Prayer of the Faithful, as well as homily notes, on their website. Also worth a read are some suggestions for celebrating Mass, such as celebrating the "Mass for Peace and Justice (with white vestments) or the Mass in Time of War or Civil Disturbance (with purple vestments)."

Also on the USCCB website are a collection of reflections and remembrances of 9/11; there is also a collection bishops' statements on 9/11.

In Defense of My Mother- Mother of God 3 of 4

Alright, put up your shields and prepare for another pathetic attempt to attack Mary. Today's attack consists of the doctrine of the Mother of G-d (more properly, the Theotokos). I will rarely refer to Mary as Mother of G-d, and will usually use the term Theotokos. Theotokos, or G-d-bearer, more properly expresses the doctrine, and its more constant use would help avoid some of the attacks we're about to look at. Again, these were all found on a Fundamentalist's website. Also, I'm not seeking to prove that Mary is the Theotokos, but rather defend against the attacks levied against the doctrine. I've already attempted, somewhat, to prove the Theotokos here. Quotes are in bold and orange, my defense is in regular print.

Reporting from World Youth Day...

One of my Vice-Presidents for the Catholic Student Association at my college is over at World Youth Day. Stephanie Prisland is blogging about her experience:

August 14, 2011: The Holy Water at Lourdes

Reporting from World Youth Day...

One of my Vice-Presidents for the Catholic Student Association at my college is over at World Youth Day. Stephanie Prisland is blogging about her experience:

August 13, 2011: Three planes and a bus ride later…

In Defense of My Mother- Perpetual Virginity 2 of 4

Continuing on in this series 'In Defense of My Mother', we take a look at the Perpetual Virginity of Mary. As a recap, I found these attacks on a Fundamentalist's blog. I'm going to go through each of them answering the objections raised and defending against the attacks made. I'm not seeking to prove Mary's perpetual virginity (I've already done that here) . Instead, I just want to defend the doctrine against these attacks, and show why these attacks are false. Charges are in bold and orange, and my answer is in regular print.

Technology and the Mass of the Future

How will technology change the way in which we celebrate Mass? Are there ways now in which technology can be utilized at Mass? These questions can lead the imagination to some wonderful speculation and, maybe one day, innovation. I really want to know what ideas you might have, so drop some ideas in the comments section.

In Defense of My Mother- Immaculate Conception. Part 1 of 4

There was a blog post on a Fundamentalist's website. Normally I'd link to it, but the objections that are raised against the Catholic Church are so elementary and ridiculous that it'd be a waste of your time and would give unnecessary attention to the blogger that posted it.

Anyway, the post was a 'Biblical' (read: bad interpretation) attack on Mary. It was categorized into sections specific to the 4 Marian Dogmas (Theotokos, Perpetual Virginity, Immaculate Conception, and Assumption), and I'll deal with them in those sections. It should be understood what the very core of her argument is: "If modern Catholic teachings and doctrines about Mary are true, then they will not be contrary to Scripture, the writings of the Early Fathers, or the decrees of past popes. For a devout Catholic to question these issues and put them to the test can be painful. It certainly was for me. However, it would be far more painful to have God correct us when we face Him on Judgment Day." I totally agree, but I think that doing so will lead to a much different conclusion than the Fundamentalist might think.

Requirement to go to Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption in 2011?

This year, the Feast of the Assumption of Mary falls on Monday, August 15. Because it falls on a Monday this year, the precept to attend Mass on this day is abrogated (waived, repealed). This means that you are not required to attend Mass on that date.

Good Video on the Forthcoming New Translation

I'm not a parent, but this is still a good video. It's geared towards parents, but only for about 20 seconds. The rest of it is a good, quick summary of the reasons for the new translation and the process it took to bring it about.

Again, it's geared towards parents but only for a short period. The rest of it is a good video that everyone can enjoy.


Word for Word [Parents] from Life Teen on Vimeo.

Why Pray Out Loud?

A friend asked me recently why one should pray out loud? The question was specific to the Prayer of the Faithful. Why pray out loud, my friend asked, when G-d knows everything we want and are going to pray for? At first I was a little stumped; after all, I didn't want to give just a 'because it's good for you' answer, and it's not something that I've really thought about to a large extent. I decided to answer not just about the Prayer of the Faithful, but also about praying out loud generally.