http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/catholic/ en-us Mon, 6 Jul 2009 06:08:40 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2286326/posts July 6, 2009                                     Monday of the Fourteenth Week                                 in Ordinary Time     Reading 1Responsorial PsalmGospel Reading 1Gn 28:10-22a Jacob departed from Beer-sheba and proceeded toward Haran.When he came upon a certain shrine, as the sun had already set,he stopped there for the night.Taking one of the stones at the shrine, he put it under his headand lay down to sleep at that spot.Then he had a dream: a stairway rested on the ground,with its top reaching to the heavens;and God's messengers were... USCCB.org/New American Bible http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2286326/posts#comment Mon, 6 Jul 2009 06:08:40 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2286300/posts Many Catholics just don’t know what to say when someone asks them whether they are saved. As Catholics, we're vaguely familiar with "saved" language. We don't usually ask someone, "Are you saved?" and when someone asks us this question, we often stutter and fumble for an answer. So how should we answer: "Are you saved?" Constantly. We are constantly being saved by the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Why? Because salvation is dynamic, ongoing. It's a past, present, and future reality. Let me explain. Salvation is a past reality: We have been saved by the death of... Catholic Education Resource Center http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2286300/posts#comment Mon, 6 Jul 2009 04:42:29 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2286288/posts Several Hawaii churches are uniting to register tens of thousands of new voters in hopes of influencing 2010 elections for the Legislature and governor's office. Hawaii Family Forum is leading the effort, which also includes several Protestant Churches, the Catholic Diocese of Honolulu, and the Mormon Church.... Even in the 2nd most unionized US state (NY is #1), churches are 64% larger than unions. Hawaii Free Press http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2286288/posts#comment Mon, 6 Jul 2009 04:19:26 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2286242/posts After years of discussion, the Baptist and Roman Catholic bodies in Italy signed an agreement on “interchurch” marriage this week. The agreement, called “A Common Document for a Pastoral Approach to Marriages between Catholics and Baptists in Italy,” addresses issues encountered by such mixed church couples. In Italy, there are only about 6,400 Baptists who are members of one of the 116 churches of the Christian Evangelical Baptist Union of Italy (UCEBI). By comparison, more than 87 percent of Italy’s 60 million population identify themselves as Roman Catholic. “As the number of Baptists in Italy is very small, only in... Christian Post http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2286242/posts#comment Mon, 6 Jul 2009 02:14:34 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2285832/posts VATICAN CITY (AFP) – Pope Benedict XVI has not escaped the economic downturn, with donations hit by the global financial storm, official figures showed Saturday. The Vatican City ended 2008 with a deficit of 15 million euros (21 million dollars) and had been affected "like other states, by the economic and financial crisis", a statement said. Gifts from churches to the head of the Roman Catholic Church had gone down, particularly at the festivals of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, and came to around 54 million euros (76 million dollars), the Vatican said This represented "a small drop due to... afp http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2285832/posts#comment Sun, 5 Jul 2009 11:18:23 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2286086/posts 7 hours ago VATICAN CITY (AP) — Russia's president says Moscow plans to improve its ties with the Vatican. Tensions between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches over property disputes and other issues have so far made it impossible for any pope to visit Moscow. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev told Italian reporters in an interview ahead of the G-8 summit in Italy this week that relations between his country and the Vatican will "in all likelihood be developed further." He also said the possibility of diplomatic ties is under discussion. He declined to say if Pope Benedict XVI will... AP http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2286086/posts#comment Sun, 5 Jul 2009 20:36:39 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2286074/posts A Timeline of Catholic Church history1-500 A.D. This timeline is researched and prepared by Suzanne Fortin Copyright 2003. All rights reserved. Other Timelines: Timeline of  how the Bible came to us  All Popes back to PeterTimeline of Catholic/Orthodox Church relations  AD Event 20s *c. 29 AD Our Lord's Resurrection. The First Pentecost. St. Peter preaches in Jerusalem and converts three thousand people, creating the first Christian community. 30s *c. 35 Saul of Tarsus has an apparition of Jesus Christ and is converted to Christianity. *c. 39 St. Peter baptizes Cornelius. This event marks the beginning of the missionizing to the... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2286074/posts#comment Sun, 5 Jul 2009 20:21:16 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2286056/posts When Pope Benedict XVI greets U.S. President Barack Obama at the Vatican on July 10, the symbolism and sheer star power of the encounter will keep the pundits chattering away. The photo op alone is worth a thousand words: The 82-year-old man in white, the world's most recognizable religious leader and head of its largest single denomination comes face-to-face with the charismatic first black President of the world's last superpower. And the scheduling efforts of both the Vatican and the White House suggest a shared appreciation of the symbolic weight the first encounter between Obama and Benedict could carry. It... Time http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2286056/posts#comment Sun, 5 Jul 2009 19:30:31 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2285836/posts Father Ly on trial in 2007 Hanoi, Vietnam, Jul 3, 2009 / 07:33 pm (CNA).- On Wednesday 37 members of the U.S. Senate called on President Nguyen Minh Triet to release Fr. Thadeus Nguyen Van Ly, a longtime human rights advocate.The bipartisan group of Senators, led by Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Sam Brownback (R-KS) cited “serious flaws” concerning the priest’s arrest, trial and imprisonment. They asked the Vietnamese president to facilitate Father Ly’s “immediate and unconditional release from prison” and to allow him to return home and work without restrictions on his “internationally guaranteed” freedom of expression, association... cna http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2285836/posts#comment Sun, 5 Jul 2009 11:32:01 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2285813/posts DON'T LOOK BACK AT 'SODOM' ONCE WHAT YOU'VE DONE HAS BEEN CONFESSED, CLEARED When we convert -- when we actively go to Jesus -- we leave worldliness.  We leave transgressions. The spiritual blinders lift. We see "backstage" in the dynamics of life and there is no going back -- or shouldn't be. Too often, however, a part of us remains stuck in history. Are you hung up on the past? Do you spend time hovering over what you once did (before conversion) -- past mistakes? Do you have trouble forgiving yourself (even after correcting the impulse that led to... Spirit Daily .Com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2285813/posts#comment Sun, 5 Jul 2009 09:35:25 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2285811/posts CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE THE MANNER IN WHICH WE MAY EXERCISE THE SAME VIRTUE ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS IN A PRECEDING CHAPTER it was said that application to a particular virtue is preferable to embracing the practice of many at the same time; and it was said that the particular virtue upon which we have concentrated our energies must be cultivated on all occasions. Next to be presented is the manner in which this may be done with great facility. It is possible that on the same day, perhaps in the same hour, you are reprimanded severely for some action, in itself commendable,... Catholictradition.org http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2285811/posts#comment Sun, 5 Jul 2009 09:10:03 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2285809/posts Indefectibility 530. You have often hinted that the Catholic Church is indefectible, and that she will last forever. Is she not rather in her death-throes? No. She has scarcely ever been in a stronger position, and she will last till the end of the world. Even then, instead of going into oblivion, she will merge into the Church-Triumphant in Heaven. 531. You cannot know that the Church will last till the end of time! If I relied solely upon my finite intelligence as you do, I would not know. But I know precisely because the Eternal and Omniscient God who... Celledoor.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2285809/posts#comment Sun, 5 Jul 2009 09:03:19 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2285720/posts July 5, 2009                                 Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time       Reading 1Responsorial PsalmReading 2Gospel Reading 1Ez 2:2-5 As the LORD spoke to me, the spirit entered into meand set me on my feet,and I heard the one who was speaking say to me:Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites,rebels who have rebelled against me;they and their ancestors have revolted against me to this very day.Hard of face and obstinate of heartare they to whom I am sending you. But you shall say to them: Thus says the LORD... USCCB.org/New American Bible http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2285720/posts#comment Sun, 5 Jul 2009 02:00:13 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2285163/posts Pope Benedict clears way for Cardinal John Newman to become first English saint in 40 years By SIMON CALDWELL 03rd July 2009 Cardinal Newman, pictured in his study chapel at the Birmingham Oratory in 1889, will be given the title 'Blessed' Cardinal Newman, the Anglican vicar who shocked Victorian Britain by converting to Roman Catholicism, is a step closer to becoming the first English saint for 40 years. Pope Benedict XVI yesterday announced the beatification of John Henry Newman, meaning he will be given the title 'Blessed'. It follows the recognition by the Vatican of the healing of an American... Daily Mail (UK) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2285163/posts#comment Sat, 4 Jul 2009 00:04:32 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2285577/posts Featured Term (selected at random):SOLEMN VOWS Public vows pronounced in a religious order and recognized as such by the Church. The term has become technical since the recognition of simple but public vows in religious congregations and societies of common life. In practice, a solemn vow of poverty means the actual renunciation of ownership and not merely the independent use of material possessions; and a solemn vow of chastity invalidates attempted marriage. All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission. CatholicReference.net http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2285577/posts#comment Sat, 4 Jul 2009 19:43:37 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2285476/posts "And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubilee unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family." (Leviticus 25:10)This verse is especially significant in American history as the verse from which the great exhortation was taken on the first Independence Day: "Proclaim liberty throughout the land to all the inhabitants thereof!" It has ever since been associated with the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, as Americans each year thank God for "the land... ICR http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2285476/posts#comment Sat, 4 Jul 2009 16:22:14 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2285291/posts July 4, 2009                                Saturday of the Thirteenth Week                                 in Ordinary Time       Reading 1Responsorial PsalmGospel Reading 1Gn 27:1-5, 15-29 When Isaac was so old that his eyesight had failed him,he called his older son Esau and said to him, "Son!""Yes father!" he replied.Isaac then said, "As you can see, I am so oldthat I may now die at any time.Take your gear, therefore–your quiver and bow–and go out into the country to hunt some game for me.With your catch prepare an appetizing dish... USCCB.org/New American Bible http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2285291/posts#comment Sat, 4 Jul 2009 06:07:06 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2285191/posts The Five First Saturdays Devotion How to Precisely fulfill the Five First Saturdays Devotionas Requested by Our Lady of Fatima Our Lady of Fatima Promises all the Graces Necessary for Heavenif a Catholic Finishes the Five First Saturdays Devotion "Whether the world has war or peace depends on the practice of this devotion, along with the consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This is why I desire its propagation so ardently, especially because this is also the will of our dear Mother in Heaven." -Sr. Lucy (March 19, 1939) During her July apparition at Fatima, Our Lady said to... TheMostHolyRosary.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2285191/posts#comment Sat, 4 Jul 2009 00:46:14 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2285188/posts SAN ANSELMO, CA — Elizabeth Liebert will become the first Roman Catholic sister named as dean of a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) seminary this summer when she takes over the position at San Francisco Theological Seminary (SFTS). With more than two decades of teaching experience at the 138-year-old seminary, Liebert will replace the Rev. Jana Childers, who will step down June 30 after nearly eight years as dean. “We are particularly pleased to be attaining a historic ecumenical milestone,” SFTS President Phil Butin said. “Dr. Liebert's deanship is a sterling example of SFTS's thoroughgoing commitment to ecumenical theological education.” “This seems... Presbyterian News Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2285188/posts#comment Sat, 4 Jul 2009 00:41:53 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2285173/posts Featured Term (selected at random):DEDICATION OF THE MONTHS Traditionally each month of the liturgical year is dedicated to some mystery of the faith or special saint, as follows: January, the Holy Name of Jesus; February, the Passion; March, St. Joseph; April, the Resurrection; May, the Blessed Virgin; June, the Sacred Heart; July, the Precious Blood; August, the Assumption; September, the Holy Cross; October, the Rosary; November, the Poor Souls; December, Advent, or the Coming of Christ. All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission. CatholicReference.net http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2285173/posts#comment Sat, 4 Jul 2009 00:20:19 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2285139/posts We reported earlier on the president’s meeting with the Catholic press and his promise regarding conscience-clause protection. For his exact words on the subject, read on. “I think that the only reason that my position may appear unclear is because it came in the wake of a last-minute, 11th-hour change in conscience clause provisions that were pushed forward by the previous administration that we chose to reverse,” said President Obama. “But my underlying position has always been consistent, which is I’m a believer in conscience clauses. I was a supporter of a robust conscience clause in Illinois for Catholic hospitals... ncr http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2285139/posts#comment Fri, 3 Jul 2009 23:34:39 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2285131/posts The buzz on the Internet seems to be interested in what questions were asked of the president at his meeting with members of the Catholic press, and who asked them. Given the press’ recent grilling of White House spokesman Robert Gibbs, it should be known that the questions were not pre-packaged. HereÂ’s a rundown on who asked what… Joe Feuerherd, of the National Catholic Reporter, who was sitting on the president’s right, asked the first question. He asked, “Outside of your partisan political opponents – the Republicans – thereÂ’s one group that has also been critical of you in perhaps... ncr http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2285131/posts#comment Fri, 3 Jul 2009 23:26:07 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2285122/posts At the Roman Synod on the Bible in October 2008, which I covered for HPR, the most common topic mentioned was the need to recommend “Lectio Divina” as a pious practice among the faithful. You have probably seen the phrase mentioned in recent articles about the synod.“Lectio Divina” (LD) literally translated means “divine reading.” What it really means is praying with the Bible by selecting a passage and meditating on it. It can be done alone by an individual and it can also be done in a small prayer group. LD has a long history of being practiced in... homiletic & pastoral review http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2285122/posts#comment Fri, 3 Jul 2009 23:12:49 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2284867/posts Pope Benedict XVI today announced the beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman. The declaration means that the Anglican vicar, who shocked Victorian England by converting to Catholicism, will be given the title 'Blessed'. It also puts Newman just one stage away from becoming the first English saint in about 40 years. Daily Mail http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2284867/posts#comment Fri, 3 Jul 2009 15:10:11 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2285025/posts Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- In a Thursday afternoon interview with members of various Catholic publications, President Barack Obama defended himself from criticism over his pro-abortion record. He said he supports a conscience clause on abortion but gave a joking response to a question about Notre Dame.According to a National Catholic Register report, Obama talked about his upcoming visit with Pope Benedict XVI and said he looked forward to taking with him about unrelated political issues.Father Owen Kearns, editor in chief and publisher of the Register, said each member of the Catholic press was allowed to ask one question and... Life News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2285025/posts#comment Fri, 3 Jul 2009 19:38:30 GMT