18 Questions for "Saved" Roman Catholics

If you're not a hermit, you've probably heard the question "are you saved," or one of its derivatives such as "are you born again."

But haven't you ever worried that, in fact, you aren't saved and that you aren't born again? I mean, how can you really know?

You can imagine my absolute delight when I found this list, then! Finally, a sure-fire, 100% proof-positive way to figure out whether I'm saved or not. The Bible doesn't even provide one of these handy-dandy checklists. What an absolutely beautiful invention (please note the dripping sarcasm).

Why Be Catholic? The Four Marks of the Church

Besides taking 18 credit hours, 2 writing intensive courses, working on a 103 page honors thesis, and belonging to 13 organizations, I've also been helping out at St. Mary's RCIA class.

I gave a presentation over the Four Marks of the Church, titled "Why Be Catholic?"

For those that might be scratching their heads and wondering what the Four Marks are, I'll help you out: One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic.


I've added the materials on the right-side bar under Articles, Papers, & Other Writings. Or you can just click here.

First Anglican Ordinariate in U.S.- January 1, 2012

Donald Cardinal Wuerl confirmed today (11/15/11) that an Anglican Ordinariate will be established in the U.S. on January 1st, 2012 (I bet it's just a coincidence, because January 1st is simply the beginning of the year, but it also coincides with the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God).

While you can read the news release here, you might want to check out this website for a more engaged look into what Cardinal Wuerl had to say about the upcoming erection of the ordinariate.

Time for a New Primus Inter Pares?

When the Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church broke apart, the Patriarch of Constantinople (now called the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople) took charge as primus inter pares, or first among equals.

This was a result of the primacy of his see, Constantinople. He enjoyed this honorary status (and the rights, duties, and obligations that come from it) because of the idea that Constantinople was the "Second Rome." It was not the result of any dogmatic reason, like the Pope's primacy, but instead based upon necessity and the antiquity/honor of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

Eternal Rest: Archbishop-emeritus John Francis Donoghue

This evening (11/11/11), Archbishop-emeritus John Francis Donoghue passed away.

You can read about His Excellency's life here.

Here is a press release by the Archdiocese of Atlanta.

Here is an Atlanta Journal-Constitution article on His Excellency.

The motto for his coat-of-arms read "To Live in Christ Jesus."

Please take a moment and pray for His Excellency. You can use one of the prayers below.

Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that the soul of Thy servant Archbishop-emeritus Donoghue, which Thou hast taken from the toilsome conflict of this world, may have fellowship among Thy Saints. Amen.

Requiem Aeternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetuae luceat eis. Requiescant in pace. Amen

Eternal rest, grant unto him and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of G-d, rest in peace. Amen.