Of course this doesn't stop those with an agenda from trying to debunk it, as I have written about before.Barbara Frale, a researcher at the Vatican archives, says in a new book that she used computer-enhanced images of the shroud to decipher faintly written words in Greek, Latin and Aramaic scattered across the cloth.
She asserts that the words include the name "(J)esu(s) Nazarene" — or Jesus of Nazareth — in Greek. That, she said, proves the text could not be of medieval origin because no Christian at the time, even a forger, would have mentioned Jesus without referring to his divinity. Failing to do so would risk being branded a heretic.
"Even someone intent on forging a relic would have had all the reasons to place the signs of divinity on this object," Frale said Friday. "Had we found 'Christ' or the 'Son of God' we could have considered it a hoax, or a devotional inscription."
The shroud bears the figure of a crucified man, complete with blood seeping from his hands and feet, and believers say Christ's image was recorded on the linen's fibers at the time of his resurrection.
The fragile artifact, owned by the Vatican, is kept locked in a protective chamber in a Turin cathedral and is rarely shown. Measuring 13 feet (four meters) long and three feet (one meter) wide, the shroud has suffered severe damage through the centuries, including from fire.
The Catholic Church makes no claims about the cloth's authenticity, but says it is a powerful symbol of Christ's suffering.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Shroud of Turin - Fake or Real?
I don't have much of an opinion about the Shroud of Turin, and for that matter, the Catholic Church doesn't definitively say whether it is genuine or not. But, there is some interesting research that just came out about it.
Catholic Unity vs Protestantism?
Q - Aren't there a bunch of different Catholic rites? I mean, you have the Roman, Byzantine, Carmelite, Dominican, and a whole bunch of other different titles. What happened? Why the split? What makes us different, and what makes us all Catholic? What makes our church the 'right one'/the one to be in? Can we recieve their communion and can they recieve ours?
And what makes this split different than the one Luther made? What makes the difference between one rite and another different than the difference between the catholics and the lutherans or the catholics and the baptists? Is the catholic church just as screwed up and separated as all of the protestant churches?
A - Thanks for the questions, I hope I can help straighten some of this out for you. I will break up the questions below to see if I can answer them all for you. Also, I have provided links that can answer the questions with more depth.
1 - Aren't there a bunch of different Catholic rites?
Yes there are. Most Catholics are ignorant of this fact. There are more than just Latin-rite Catholics, which 99% of us are. In fact, there are dozens of other rites, you can read about all of them here.
A Rite = A way to pray liturgy and worship God which comes from a certain ecclesiastical (church) tradition.
2 - I mean, you have the Roman, Byzantine, Carmelite, Dominican, and a whole bunch of other different titles. What happened?
What happened is that each of the prayers and ways of worshiping God developed in different places in different ways over many years. The Church has never believed that every catholic rite has to have the exact same prayers or ways of having the liturgy, as long as the essential elements of each liturgy are there.
3 - Why the split?
There is no split. There is still unity. A different Catholic rite is still Catholic. They are still in union with Rome. It might be the Eastern Orthodox you are thinking of here. They are not Catholic, but this is a different story that you can read about here.
4 - What makes our church the 'right one'/the one to be in?
There is no "right" rite, but there is a "right" Church - which is the one true Church Jesus established = the Catholic Church. You can read more about it here and here.
5 - And what makes this split different than the one Luther made? What makes the difference between one rite and another different than the difference between the catholics and the lutherans or the catholics and the baptists?
Again, between the differing Catholic rites there is unity in diversity, not disunity. Between Catholics and Protestants we have much bigger doctrinal issues, the preeminent issue being authority. Luther rejected the Catholic Church's authority and set himself up as an authority of one. This opened the door to the doctrinal chaos we see in Christianity today.
The different Catholic rites developed different ways of praying, different doctrinal emphases, etc. But, there is always unity.
6 - Is the catholic church just as screwed up and separated as all of the protestant churches?
No. We can see this because we have the Pope who is the visible sign of unity for all Catholics. To illustrate my point, a prominent Protestant theologian, Stanley Hauerwas, recently preached about Reformation Sunday (celebrated in some Protestant churches) about how that particular celebration was scandalous and what Protestants can learn from Catholic unity. I recommend you read all of the article, but here is a snip:
And what makes this split different than the one Luther made? What makes the difference between one rite and another different than the difference between the catholics and the lutherans or the catholics and the baptists? Is the catholic church just as screwed up and separated as all of the protestant churches?
A - Thanks for the questions, I hope I can help straighten some of this out for you. I will break up the questions below to see if I can answer them all for you. Also, I have provided links that can answer the questions with more depth.
1 - Aren't there a bunch of different Catholic rites?
Yes there are. Most Catholics are ignorant of this fact. There are more than just Latin-rite Catholics, which 99% of us are. In fact, there are dozens of other rites, you can read about all of them here.
A Rite = A way to pray liturgy and worship God which comes from a certain ecclesiastical (church) tradition.
2 - I mean, you have the Roman, Byzantine, Carmelite, Dominican, and a whole bunch of other different titles. What happened?
What happened is that each of the prayers and ways of worshiping God developed in different places in different ways over many years. The Church has never believed that every catholic rite has to have the exact same prayers or ways of having the liturgy, as long as the essential elements of each liturgy are there.
3 - Why the split?
There is no split. There is still unity. A different Catholic rite is still Catholic. They are still in union with Rome. It might be the Eastern Orthodox you are thinking of here. They are not Catholic, but this is a different story that you can read about here.
4 - What makes our church the 'right one'/the one to be in?
There is no "right" rite, but there is a "right" Church - which is the one true Church Jesus established = the Catholic Church. You can read more about it here and here.
5 - And what makes this split different than the one Luther made? What makes the difference between one rite and another different than the difference between the catholics and the lutherans or the catholics and the baptists?
Again, between the differing Catholic rites there is unity in diversity, not disunity. Between Catholics and Protestants we have much bigger doctrinal issues, the preeminent issue being authority. Luther rejected the Catholic Church's authority and set himself up as an authority of one. This opened the door to the doctrinal chaos we see in Christianity today.
The different Catholic rites developed different ways of praying, different doctrinal emphases, etc. But, there is always unity.
No. We can see this because we have the Pope who is the visible sign of unity for all Catholics. To illustrate my point, a prominent Protestant theologian, Stanley Hauerwas, recently preached about Reformation Sunday (celebrated in some Protestant churches) about how that particular celebration was scandalous and what Protestants can learn from Catholic unity. I recommend you read all of the article, but here is a snip:
Catholics do not begin with the question of “How much do we need to believe?” but with the attitude “Look at all the wonderful stuff we get to believe!” Isn’t it wonderful to know that Mary was immaculately conceived in order to be the faithful servant of God’s new creation in Jesus Christ! She therefore becomes the firstborn of God’s new creation, our mother, the first member of God’s new community we call church. Isn’t it wonderful that God continued to act in the world through the appearances of Mary at Guadalupe! Mary must know something because she seems to always appear to peasants and, in particular, to peasant women who have the ability to see her. Most of us would not have the ability to see Mary because we’d be far too embarrassed by our vision.I hope this helps. Peace to you. Pray for Christian unity.
Therefore Catholics understand the church’s unity as grounded in reality more determinative than our good feelings for one another. The office of Rome matters. For at least that office is a judgment on the church for our disunity. Surely it is the clear indication of the sin of the Reformation that we Protestants have not been able to resist nationalistic identifications. So we become German Lutherans, American Lutherans, Norwegian Lutherans. You are Dutch Calvinist, American Presbyterians, Church of Scotland. I am an American Methodist, which has precious little to do with my sisters and brothers in English Methodism. And so we Protestant Christians go to war killing one another in the name of being American, German, Japanese, and so on.
At least it becomes the sin of Rome when Italian Catholics think they can kill Irish Catholics in the name of being Italian. Such divisions distort the unity of the Gospel found in the Eucharist and, thus, become judgments against the church of Rome. Of course, the Papacy has often been unfaithful and corrupt, but at least Catholics preserved an office God can use to remind us that we have been and may yet prove unfaithful. In contrast, Protestants don’t even know we’re being judged for our disunity.
John Paul II Lectures
The three sessions already completed are entitled:
*Session I: Pope John Paul II on Vatican II and the New Evangelization
*Session II: Pope John Paul II on the Meaning of Life in Christ
*Session III: Pope John Paul II on Man in the Image and Likeness of God
You can listen to all of them here.
Upcoming lectures will include these topics:
*(12/15/09) Session IV: Pope John Paul II on God the Father, Rich in Mercy
*(1/19/10) Session V: Pope John Paul II on the Holy Spirit and the Renewal of the Inner Man
*(2/16/10) Session VI: Pope John Paul II on the Vocation to Love and Suffering
*(3/16/10) Session VII: Pope John Paul II on the Vocation to Work
*(4/20/10) Session VIII: Pope John Paul II on the Faith of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Screwtape Letters Come Alive
One of the greatest works of CS Lewis is his book of fictional letters from one demon to another - The Screwtape Letters. It is now brought to life, and it sounds amazing. This is one will soon be in St. Mary's library.
Check out the actor who played Gollum voicing the lead character.
Tip O' the hat to CMR.
Check out the actor who played Gollum voicing the lead character.
Tip O' the hat to CMR.
The Manhattan Declaration
A new document will be issued at noon today in an unprecedented show of solidarity between Christian leaders about moral issues our country is currently facing. The full statement, entitled the Manhattan Declaration, will be officially released the press conference at noon. Stay tuned for more. Here is the first news on it.
UPDATE: here is the full statement. Sign the declaration here.
Today a group of prominent Christian clergy, ministry leaders and scholars will release the Manhattan Declaration, which addresses the sanctity of life, traditional marriage and religious liberty. The 4,700-word declaration issues a clarion call to Christians to adhere to their convictions and informs civil authorities that the signers will not - under any circumstance - abandon their Christian consciences. Drafted by Dr. Robert George, Dr. Timothy George and Chuck Colson and signed by more than 125 Orthodox, Catholic and evangelical Christian leaders, the Manhattan Declaration will be made public at a noon ET press conference held in the Lisagor Room at the National Press Club.
Among the signers of the Manhattan Declaration scheduled to appear at the press conference are:
- Robert George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence, Princeton University
- Donald William Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, Diocese of Washington, D.C.
- Harry Jackson Jr., Bishop, Hope Christian Church
- Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, Diocese of Philadelphia
- Timothy George, Professor, Beeson Divinity School at Samford University
- Chuck Colson, Founder, The Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview
- Ron Sider, Professor, Palmer Theological Seminary and Director of the Seminary’s Sider Center on Ministry & Public Policy
- George Weigel, Distinguished Senior Fellow, Ethics and Public Policy Center and Founding President of the James Madison Foundation
- Tony Perkins, President, Family Research Council
- Jim Daly, President and CEO, Focus on the Family
Excerpts from the declaration include:
- "We are Christians who have joined together across historic lines of ecclesial differences to affirm our right - and, more importantly, to embrace our obligation - to speak and act in defense of these truths. We pledge to each other, and to our fellow believers, that no power on earth, be it cultural or political, will intimidate us into silence or acquiescence."
- "We recognize the duty to comply with laws whether we happen to like them or not, unless the laws are gravely unjust or require those subject to them to do something unjust or otherwise immoral."
- ". . . We will not comply with any edict that purports to compel our institutions to participate in abortions, embryo-destructive research, assisted suicide and euthanasia or any other anti-life act; nor will we bend to any rule purporting to force us to bless immoral sexual partnerships, treat them as marriage or the equivalent or refrain from proclaiming the truth, as we know it, about morality and immorality and marriage and the family."
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Fulton Sheen Quote
If you have never read anything from Archbishop Fulton Sheen, you should. Here is a sample:
I would have said - "we worship creation and not the creator." What a word-smith Archbishop sheen was.Sin was the act by which man refused to see created things for what they were -- stepping stones to God, a means to an end -- and began instead to clutch at them as ends in themselves. That is what sin is, still. As a man loves his sense of humor when he cannnot see the point of a pun, so he loses his humor in its entirety when he ceases to see the point of the universe, which is that all things are revelations, symbols, reminders of God who made them. To take things as ends in themselves is to overrate them, treating them with a solemnity which is not warranted.
Busy...
"I am busy." The mantra of modern man. I know I have said it too many times.
Are you busy? Maybe a better question would be “why are you busy”?
I think in our modern day, being “busy” has become a badge of honor. A badge that many are more than happy to wear because it allows them to say “no” to entering into a deeper relationship with God or others.
An example might be a conversation that goes this way:
-How are you?
-Busy.
-Everything okay?
-Just too much to do.
At this point the inquirer feels that they too are taking time from the other person and the desire to continue in the conversation quickly dissolves.
Yes, in modern society we have a lot of things that pull us in different directions. But, the human in front of us is more important than most of those tasks keeping us busy. We quickly forget that the human in front of us is how we encounter God in daily life:
When we start to say we are too busy for others, it hurts us even more than the other person. We need the “other” in our lives in order to have our lives rightly ordered. Even more so, we need God.
If you are a student, I have a message for you - life doesn’t slow down after school. Most of you will be married and St. Paul says this about marriage.
Bearing all of this in mind, let us remember that:
-Work can’t be first (no, I am not saying to quit)
-School can’t be first (no, I am not saying to skip class or not to study hard)
-Family and boyfriend/girlfriend can’t be first (no, I am not saying to end a relationship)
-EVEN CHURCH can’t be first. (no, I am definitely not saying to skip Mass, but you can be too busy with other "churchy" activities.)
-God must be first
Once He is, we are able to see the vast dignity and importance of the “other” and we time stops when they are in front of us.
In order to properly order our lives and therefore make God and the “other” a priority, we must each ask these questions:
1 - What do I need to do in order to have a better relationship with God?
2 - What time do I need to devote to God?
3 – What are some concrete ways I can prioritize God and others.
4 - How can I not be too “busy” for the most important things in life?
A few suggestions:
*Schedule prayer if necessary.
*Be prudent in how you spend your time.
*Make relationships a priority.
*But, at the same time, don’t neglect your obligations.
Pray for me and I will pray for you that we can all find God and others today as we use our time wisely.
Are you busy? Maybe a better question would be “why are you busy”?
I think in our modern day, being “busy” has become a badge of honor. A badge that many are more than happy to wear because it allows them to say “no” to entering into a deeper relationship with God or others.An example might be a conversation that goes this way:
-How are you?
-Busy.
-Everything okay?
-Just too much to do.
At this point the inquirer feels that they too are taking time from the other person and the desire to continue in the conversation quickly dissolves.
Yes, in modern society we have a lot of things that pull us in different directions. But, the human in front of us is more important than most of those tasks keeping us busy. We quickly forget that the human in front of us is how we encounter God in daily life:
“I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matt 25:40)Really though, how does this work in our daily lives? It is the same way it has been done since the beginning of time - prioritize God and others in our lives.
When we start to say we are too busy for others, it hurts us even more than the other person. We need the “other” in our lives in order to have our lives rightly ordered. Even more so, we need God.
If you are a student, I have a message for you - life doesn’t slow down after school. Most of you will be married and St. Paul says this about marriage.
“I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife” (1 Cor. 7:32-33)Once you are married and have children, it becomes even more difficult to manage time and be present to God and others.
Bearing all of this in mind, let us remember that:
-Work can’t be first (no, I am not saying to quit)
-School can’t be first (no, I am not saying to skip class or not to study hard)
-Family and boyfriend/girlfriend can’t be first (no, I am not saying to end a relationship)
-EVEN CHURCH can’t be first. (no, I am definitely not saying to skip Mass, but you can be too busy with other "churchy" activities.)
-God must be first
Once He is, we are able to see the vast dignity and importance of the “other” and we time stops when they are in front of us.
In order to properly order our lives and therefore make God and the “other” a priority, we must each ask these questions:
1 - What do I need to do in order to have a better relationship with God?
2 - What time do I need to devote to God?
3 – What are some concrete ways I can prioritize God and others.
4 - How can I not be too “busy” for the most important things in life?
A few suggestions:
*Schedule prayer if necessary.
*Be prudent in how you spend your time.
*Make relationships a priority.
*But, at the same time, don’t neglect your obligations.
Pray for me and I will pray for you that we can all find God and others today as we use our time wisely.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Portraits
Apparently a certain student, who will remain unnamed, has a bit too much time on their hands. This is the result.
It is quite a flattering rendition, even if my head is a bit too round and my body a bit too small.
I find it a nice match for other portraits, such as the holy card Marcel (done by another student last year):
Lastly, we have the sketched Marcel (done a few years ago by a young girl at a talk I gave):
Must be the forehead - easier to draw than hair...
It is quite a flattering rendition, even if my head is a bit too round and my body a bit too small.
I find it a nice match for other portraits, such as the holy card Marcel (done by another student last year):
Why Do We Bow During the Creed?
Q - I was talking to my younger sister the other day and she asked me why we bow our heads during the Nicene Creed when we say, "By the Power of the Holy Spirit He was born of the Virgin Mary and became A - Thanks for the question. We are honoring that which is greater than Mary - Jesus and His Incarnation. There are several times in Mass that we are asked to bow as well as make other signs of honoring our Lord. In fact, there are two kinds of bows we make during Mass. A simple bow of the head and a more profound bow of the body, then there is the act of adoration of our God - genuflection.
We bow our heads during any mentioning of the name of Jesus, Mary, a saint if we are celebrating their feast day, or the names of the Blessed Trinity all together. We also bow our head before receiving Communion.
We make a more profound bow of the body during the Creed, as you pointed out, in order to honor the most important act in human history - God becoming man. Also, this is the kind of bow we make toward the altar, when passing in front of it or entering the sanctuary. If the tabernacle is not in the main sanctuary of a Church, then the priests and servers will bow before and after entering the Sanctuary.
We genuflect toward the Eucharist at all times as well as the cross during Good Friday. We should genuflect upon entering and leaving Church toward the Tabernacle. The priests and servers will also do this upon entering and leaving, but not during Mass. On Annunciation and Christmas we also genuflect during the creed instead of bowing.
I hope this helps.
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. - Phil 2: 9-11
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Get Ready...
The US Bishops just approved the new translation for the Roman Missal, despite furious opposition led by Bishop Trautman. What does this mean? It means that after the Vatican puts the stamp of approval on it, we will see new Mass parts in a few years rolled out. Here are some of the changes coming soon.Currently:
Celebrant - "The Lord be with you"
Congregation - "And also with you"
Change:
Celebrant - "The Lord be with you"
Congregation - "And with your spirit"
Currently:
"This is the Lamb of God"
Change:
"Behold the Lamb of God"
Aggie Bonfire Collapse Anniversary
We are now at the 10th anniversary of the Bonfire Collapse (Nov 18 - 2:42 AM). Please keep all who were part of this tragedy in your prayers.
12 lives were lost and 27 were injured.
We Aggies are a proud lot, but we don't forget our own. There are two ceremonies that are planned on campus. The first in Reed Arena tonight at 8pm. The second will be a candlelight vigil at the bonfire memorial at 2:42 am.
God have mercy on Texas A&M.
Co-Ed Dorms a Bad Idea?
A recent study says so. But, did we need a study to tell us this?
On the other hand, it isn't nearly as bad as co-ed rooms.
Have some Ramen noodles.
A new study finds university students in coed housing are 2.5 times more likely to binge drink every week. And no surprise, they're also likely to have more sexual partners, the study found. Also, pornography use was higher among students in coed dorms.Can someone live in a co-ed dorm and not have sex or get drunk? Of course. But, it is just increasing the temptations and the occasion of sin. Maybe we need a study on studies that point out common sense.
On the other hand, it isn't nearly as bad as co-ed rooms. Have some Ramen noodles.
Why Can't Non-Catholics Receive Communion?
Q - Why can't non-Catholics receive Holy Communion? What if they say that they believe that it is the Body and Blood of Jesus like we do? What should we say to them?
A - Thanks for the question. There are several reasons that non-Catholics cannot receive Communion in the Catholic Church. I can tell you there are some myths out there about this topic. It isn't a judgment about anyone's salvation nor is it about how sincere someone may believe in Christ.
First, we must give a quick explanation of what the Catholic Church teaches about The Eucharist and why it is so important. From John 6:53-56.
Then we have the last supper accounts in Matthew, Mark and Luke. Here Christ clearly teaches that the bread and wine are transformed into his body and blood ("this IS my body" & "this IS my blood"). Taken along with Paul's admonition in 1 Corinthians 11:27-30,
Therefore, to receive him in Communion is an outward statement of unity of faith. It says, in the action of the congregation, that we are united (communion) to one another in believing in all the Catholic church believes, teaches, and confesses. Those who are not Catholic cannot make such a statement, because they are not fully in communion with us. So, for a non-Catholic to receive Communion is a counter-sign to the truth. It says outwardly "we are one", when we are not. It is a lie, spoken with our bodies.
To receive the Eucharist does not only mean we believe in it, but in all that the Catholic Church holds to be true. It says with the body "I am Catholic and hold all that the Church teaches to be true as truth."
A non-Catholic should be told exactly what we believe. Most do not share our belief in the Eucharist. If they don't, then they probably won't want to receive if explained as I did above. But, what if a non-Catholic says they share a belief in the Eucharist? I suggest you invite them to join us at Communion - but only after they enter the Church through Confirmation (and baptism if necessary). If one truly believes in the Eucharist, then the only place to receive it is in the Catholic Church or the Eastern Orthodox Churches. Why wouldn't you join if you truly believe we have the Eucharist?
Furthermore, the Church limits communion to Catholics out of concern for their spiritual well-being. Paul tells us why in the 1 Cor. verse quoted above. To receive without discerning the body and blood, is to receive condemnation.
Lastly, the Church has no right to change the clear teaching of Christ. We must always be faithful to his teaching, even when others are offended (even when we are not trying to offend, sometimes it happens). We are not trying to be exclusive, but honest and faithful to Christ.
Remember this, not all Catholics can receive Communion, but only those in full communion with the Church and those in the state of grace (no un-confessed mortal sins).
Here is the US Bishops statement on the issue that you can find on the back of most missalettes.
A - Thanks for the question. There are several reasons that non-Catholics cannot receive Communion in the Catholic Church. I can tell you there are some myths out there about this topic. It isn't a judgment about anyone's salvation nor is it about how sincere someone may believe in Christ.
First, we must give a quick explanation of what the Catholic Church teaches about The Eucharist and why it is so important. From John 6:53-56.
So Jesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.This is the first teaching of Christ on the Eucharist. He clearly states (again and again in John 6) that the Eucharist is not just a symbol of his Body and Blood, but truly becomes his body and blood. Otherwise it would make no sense for his followers to understand him literally (John 6: 41 & 52) and then walk away from him (John 6:66) withouth Jesus clearly explaining that he was speaking figuratively.
Then we have the last supper accounts in Matthew, Mark and Luke. Here Christ clearly teaches that the bread and wine are transformed into his body and blood ("this IS my body" & "this IS my blood"). Taken along with Paul's admonition in 1 Corinthians 11:27-30,
Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For any one who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill and some have died.It all adds up. The Catholic Church has consistently taught, through 2,000 years, that Christ is truly present - body, blood, soul, and divinity - in the Eucharist. For more on the Church's teaching on the Eucharist, read a previous post here.
Therefore, to receive him in Communion is an outward statement of unity of faith. It says, in the action of the congregation, that we are united (communion) to one another in believing in all the Catholic church believes, teaches, and confesses. Those who are not Catholic cannot make such a statement, because they are not fully in communion with us. So, for a non-Catholic to receive Communion is a counter-sign to the truth. It says outwardly "we are one", when we are not. It is a lie, spoken with our bodies.
To receive the Eucharist does not only mean we believe in it, but in all that the Catholic Church holds to be true. It says with the body "I am Catholic and hold all that the Church teaches to be true as truth."
A non-Catholic should be told exactly what we believe. Most do not share our belief in the Eucharist. If they don't, then they probably won't want to receive if explained as I did above. But, what if a non-Catholic says they share a belief in the Eucharist? I suggest you invite them to join us at Communion - but only after they enter the Church through Confirmation (and baptism if necessary). If one truly believes in the Eucharist, then the only place to receive it is in the Catholic Church or the Eastern Orthodox Churches. Why wouldn't you join if you truly believe we have the Eucharist?
Furthermore, the Church limits communion to Catholics out of concern for their spiritual well-being. Paul tells us why in the 1 Cor. verse quoted above. To receive without discerning the body and blood, is to receive condemnation.
Lastly, the Church has no right to change the clear teaching of Christ. We must always be faithful to his teaching, even when others are offended (even when we are not trying to offend, sometimes it happens). We are not trying to be exclusive, but honest and faithful to Christ.
Remember this, not all Catholics can receive Communion, but only those in full communion with the Church and those in the state of grace (no un-confessed mortal sins).
Here is the US Bishops statement on the issue that you can find on the back of most missalettes.
For CatholicsI hope this helps.
As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion. We are encouraged to receive Communion devoutly and frequently. In order to be properly disposed to receive Communion, participants should not be conscious of grave sin and normally should have fasted for one hour. A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord without prior sacramental confession except for a grave reason where there is no opportunity for confession. In this case, the person is to be mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, including the intention of confessing as soon as possible (canon 916). A frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance is encouraged for all.
For our fellow Christians
We welcome our fellow Christians to this celebration of the Eucharist as our brothers and sisters. We pray that our common baptism and the action of the Holy Spirit in this Eucharist will draw us closer to one another and begin to dispel the sad divisions which separate us. We pray that these will lessen and finally disappear, in keeping with Christ's prayer for us "that they may all be one" (Jn 17:21).
Because Catholics believe that the celebration of the Eucharist is a sign of the reality of the oneness of faith, life, and worship, members of those churches with whom we are not yet fully united are ordinarily not admitted to Holy Communion. Eucharistic sharing in exceptional circumstances by other Christians requires permission according to the directives of the diocesan bishop and the provisions of canon law (canon 844 § 4). Members of the Orthodox Churches, the Assyrian Church of the East, and the Polish National Catholic Church are urged to respect the discipline of their own Churches. According to Roman Catholic discipline, the Code of Canon Law does not object to the reception of communion by Christians of these Churches (canon 844 § 3).
For those not receiving Holy Communion
All who are not receiving Holy Communion are encouraged to express in their hearts a prayerful desire for unity with the Lord Jesus and with one another.
For non-Christians
We also welcome to this celebration those who do not share our faith in Jesus Christ. While we cannot admit them to Holy Communion, we ask them to offer their prayers for the peace and the unity of the human family.
Vatican To Rule on Medjugorje
Interesting development on the purported apparitions of Mary at Medjugorje.
Cardinal Vinko Puljic of Sarajevo recently said that the Vatican will officially comment on the supposed apparitions of the Virgin in Medjugorje.Watch the video for the full story and details on the process of the investigation.
Smoked Pot Lately?
An elderly man is escorted to the body, he crouches down close, a police officer pulls back the blue coat and the man holds his face in his hands and weeps.Some say that smoking pot or doing other drugs is a victim-less crime. If you agree, watch the video below or read the article above. There are millions of direct victims and billions of indirect victims of drug-trade.
He has just identified the body of his seven-year-old grandson, Jaciel Ramirez. The man in car is his 28-year-old son, Raul.
The elderly man then calmly crosses the street, where he is greeted by his wife. She cries out loudly after her husbands tells her the news. Read the article.
There are more videos in this series by the Washington Post here.
This doesn't even go on to mention the other issues of the drug-trade - addiction, broken families, trillions spent every year, slavery, environmental damage, etc.
To top it all off, intentionally getting high is gravely immoral, for the same reasons getting drunk is.
Mexico = 6 hours from College Station.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Big Events at St. Mary's
Some Dates you want to mark on your calendar.
1 - John Martignoni, the host of a popular Bible apologetics call-in show on EWTN radio, will be here this Wed in the church at 7:30pm. The event is free. RSVP is not required, but appreciated.
John is also the Founder and President of the Bible Christian Society. John's talk is entitled "Apologetics for the Scripturally-Challenged."
2 - Dr. Ted Sri (an author, theologian, and popular speaker) will be here on Feb 2. Dr. Sri currently serves as a Provost and Professor of Scripture and Theology at the Augustine Institute in Denver. Dr. Sri will be speaking on "The New Sexual Revolution: Men, Women and the Mystery of Love in John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and Love and Responsibility."
3 - Fr. Mitch Pacwa, the host of EWTN LIVE (and other EWTN programs), will be speaking at St. Mary's on Friday, Apr 23. Fr. Mitch is an expert Biblical scholars and is fluent in 12 languages. Time TBD.
Don't miss any of these opportunities to learn more about the Catholic Church. In the past few years St. Mary's Institute of Catholic Studies - Distinguished Speakers Series - has hosted a number of speakers, including:
-Cardinal DiNardo
-George Weigel
-Christopher West (twice)
-Archbishop Gregory Aymond
-Others
1 - John Martignoni, the host of a popular Bible apologetics call-in show on EWTN radio, will be here this Wed in the church at 7:30pm. The event is free. RSVP is not required, but appreciated.
John is also the Founder and President of the Bible Christian Society. John's talk is entitled "Apologetics for the Scripturally-Challenged."
2 - Dr. Ted Sri (an author, theologian, and popular speaker) will be here on Feb 2. Dr. Sri currently serves as a Provost and Professor of Scripture and Theology at the Augustine Institute in Denver. Dr. Sri will be speaking on "The New Sexual Revolution: Men, Women and the Mystery of Love in John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and Love and Responsibility."
3 - Fr. Mitch Pacwa, the host of EWTN LIVE (and other EWTN programs), will be speaking at St. Mary's on Friday, Apr 23. Fr. Mitch is an expert Biblical scholars and is fluent in 12 languages. Time TBD.
Don't miss any of these opportunities to learn more about the Catholic Church. In the past few years St. Mary's Institute of Catholic Studies - Distinguished Speakers Series - has hosted a number of speakers, including:
-Cardinal DiNardo
-George Weigel
-Christopher West (twice)
-Archbishop Gregory Aymond
-Others
The Vatican Believes in Aliens???
Is Lying Always Wrong?
Q - I have a question about lying. We all know lying is a sin, I think even an intrinsically evil one. CCC 2485. What about the police sting operations? Specifically the ones used to catch child predators. Often times a police agent will pose as a child in order to entice the criminal. Sinful?
A - Thanks for the question! Let us look at the paragraph from the Catechism of the Catholic Church that you cited.
One example I might give to illustrate this definition is the following:
-During World War II a Christian family helps their Jewish neighbors by hiding them in their house. Nazi soldiers come knocking on the door and ask if there are Jews inside. The Christians say there are not Jews inside. Did they lie? Not by the definition above, because the Nazis have no right to the truth.
In the same way, if someone is trolling the internet looking for minors to prey upon, they have no right to know if they are talking to a police officer or not. Therefore the officer is not lying and no sin is committed.
Other situations that may keep us from giving out information (when we might say nothing at all) include protecting another person's privacy, company secrets, government intelligence, personal reputation, etc.
I hope this helps.
A - Thanks for the question! Let us look at the paragraph from the Catechism of the Catholic Church that you cited.
We can see that a lie is when we consciously withhold the truth from someone. It can be a grave sin, depending on the situation. But, what about these situations where someone is lied to in order to bring justice? The Catechism says this:2485 By its very nature, lying is to be condemned. It is a profanation of speech, whereas the purpose of speech is to communicate known truth to others. The deliberate intention of leading a neighbor into error by saying things contrary to the truth constitutes a failure in justice and charity. The culpability is greater when the intention of deceiving entails the risk of deadly consequences for those who are led astray.
2489 Charity and respect for the truth should dictate the response to every request for information or communication. The good and safety of others, respect for privacy, and the common good are sufficient reasons for being silent about what ought not be known or for making use of a discreet LANGUAGE. The duty to avoid scandal often commands strict discretion. No one is bound to reveal the truth to someone who does not have the right to know it.Notice the last line - we are not bound to give someone the truth, if they do not have a right to know it. So, building on these two paragraphs we can define a lie as = deliberately withholding the truth from someone who has a right to it.
One example I might give to illustrate this definition is the following:
-During World War II a Christian family helps their Jewish neighbors by hiding them in their house. Nazi soldiers come knocking on the door and ask if there are Jews inside. The Christians say there are not Jews inside. Did they lie? Not by the definition above, because the Nazis have no right to the truth.
In the same way, if someone is trolling the internet looking for minors to prey upon, they have no right to know if they are talking to a police officer or not. Therefore the officer is not lying and no sin is committed.
Other situations that may keep us from giving out information (when we might say nothing at all) include protecting another person's privacy, company secrets, government intelligence, personal reputation, etc.
I hope this helps.
USCCB Sends Out Urgent Email About Health Care Reform
From the email from the USCCB:
The Bulletin Insert contains the following:
In an October 28 memorandum, diocesan and parish leaders were asked by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to distribute a nationwide bulletin insert on health care reform.
Thank you for your great work. Our efforts made a difference.
On November 7, the U.S. House of Representatives passed significant health care reform that reaffirmed longstanding and widely supported policy that no federal funds will be used to pay for elective abortions (the Stupak Amendment).
It is critical that the Senate adopt the House-approved Stupak Amendment language that restricts federal funding for elective abortions, and for plans which include elective abortions. This language, approved by the House by a large majority, ensures that Americans are not forced to pay for the destruction of unborn children as a part of needed health care reform.
The Senate must address other essential moral priorities: protecting conscience rights, making health care more affordable and accessible for those without coverage, and ensuring that immigrants do not lose or will not be denied needed health care coverage.
Given upcoming Senate action, the U.S. bishops have asked that the UPDATED Nationwide Bulletin Insert on health care reform be printed or hand-stuffed in every parish bulletin and/or distributed in pews or at church entrances as soon as possible. The insert is also available in Spanish.
Please encourage parishioners to pray for this effort as well. More information can be found at www.usccb.org/healthcare.
Announcement--Weekend Bulletin Insert is Distributed
To be announced at all Masses on the weekend when the Bulletin Insert is distributed.
Congress continues to debate health care reform legislation. While the U.S. House passed a health care bill that prevents the federal government from funding elective abortions, the U.S. bishops remain deeply concerned about Senate action, especially as it will affect abortion funding, conscience rights, affordability for the poor and vulnerable, and accessibility for immigrants.
In your pews/bulletins today, you'll find a newly updated flier/bulletin insert from the U.S. Bishops Conference asking you to please contact your Senators immediately and urge them to address these moral issues. The flier/bulletin insert includes a web address that allows you to send an email message to Congress with a click of a button. The bishops have asked for our swift action and our prayers.
Thank you for your help. We can help make sure that health care reform will be about saving lives, not destroying them.
En Español
Announcement--Weekend After Bulletin Insert Is Distributed
To be announced at all Masses on the weekend following the Bulletin Insert distribution.
Congress continues to debate health care reform legislation. While the U.S. House passed a health care bill that prevents the federal government from funding elective abortions, the U.S. bishops remain deeply concerned about Senate action, especially as it will affect abortion funding, conscience rights, affordability for the poor and vulnerable, and accessibility for immigrants.
Last weekend you received a special flier/bulletin insert from the U.S. Bishops Conference asking you to please contact your Senators immediately and urge them to address these moral issues. The flier/bulletin insert included a web address that allows you to send an email message to Congress with a click of a button. Additional fliers/bulletin inserts can be found at_________(back of church, etc.).
The bishops have asked for our swift action and our prayers. Thank you for your help. We can help make sure that health care reform will be about saving lives, not destroying them.
En Español
That Congress will act to ensure that needed health care reform will truly protect the life, dignity and health care of all and that we will raise our voices to protect the unborn and the most vulnerable and to preserve our freedom of conscience. We pray to the Lord.
ACTION: Contact Senate and House Members through e-mail, phone calls or FAX letters.
To send a pre-written, instant e-mail to Congress go to www.usccb.org/action.
Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at: 202-224-3121, or call your Members’ local offices. Full contact info can be found on Members’ web sites at www.house.gov & www.senate.gov.
MESSAGE—SENATE:
“Please adopt the House-approved Stupak Amendment that upholds longstanding policies against abortion funding, and please protect conscience rights in health care reform. Health care must be made more affordable and accessible to those in need, and immigrants must not lose or be denied health care coverage.”
MESSAGE—HOUSE:
“I am pleased that the House-passed health care reform bill maintains the longstanding policy against federal funding of abortion. Please work to ensure that this essential provision is included in any final bill sent to the President.”
WHEN: The Senate schedule is uncertain. Act today! Thank you!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Is the Movie "2012" Anti-Catholic?
Matthew at Creative Minority Report details some interesting points about the trailer for this movie. Read them after you watch the trailer.
I know one movie to skip...
At the 20 second mark we've got the arms of the Jesus the Redeemer statue in Rio De Janiero falling off and then the whole thing falling over completely.Well, it could be that the director just wanted to use the iconic nature of the Catholic Church to emphasis something. But, then you get this info:
34 seconds in you see like fifty thousand people with candles standing in St. Peter's Square looking up at the Pope who's looking down at them.
36 seconds in you've got a crowd of people all making the sign of the cross.
Then you get about 12 or so seconds of regular old fireballs from the sky type mayhem.
50 seconds there's an image of St. Peter's Basilica toppling.
52 seconds cut to Cardinals inside praying only to look up at the art on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel to see it breaking apart and presumably crushing them.
54 seconds Those people who were praying with candles outside are now screaming and running. Why? Because the dome of St. Peter's is crashing down on top of them and then rolling over them crushing a few thousand people as it rolls essentially on top of the camera blacking everything out.
I don't like to jump to conclusions so I Googled Roland Emmerich, the director, who, according to numerous sources is openly gay and an activist liberal. But hey, it's Hollywood, who isn't?That is in addition to the crucified Jesus wearing a Wham t-shirt.
I wondered if this guy has some sort of distaste for things Catholic. And darn it but what do I find? I warn you this is kinda weird.
In a closet in his house, Mr. Emmerich has a statue of Pope John Paul II laughing while reading his own obituary. That's right. Pope John Paul II. In a closet. Laughing while reading his own obituary.
I know one movie to skip...
Friday, November 13, 2009
Religion In the USA
The Pew Research Center has released the latest data on religion in America. I find much of this very intriguing.
Some stats that jumped out at me and what they might mean.
There are several reactions faithful Catholics might have to such statistics. One is to toss the cultural Catholics under the bus. I have heard a number of Catholics say that such people aren't really Catholic. In one sense this might be true, because they aren't living out the faith. But, in another sense it isn't, because we don't disown family because they act a certain way. It just shouldn't be done, even if they are off the reservation.
I think the best reaction to such statistics is to double our efforts. We need to do several things.
God make it so.
Some stats that jumped out at me and what they might mean.
- Catholics divorce at a lower rate, but live with an unmarried partner at a higher rate than other Christians.
- 72% of Catholics have a certain belief in God. 1% do not believe in God. How someone can still be Catholic and not believe in God is beyond me.
- Only 56% of Catholics say that religion is important in their lives. Compare to Evangelical Protestants at 79%.
- Less than half of Catholics (42%) go to Church one or more times a week.
- 20% of Catholics pray once a month or less.
- 48% of Catholics believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases.
- 58% of Catholics believe homosexuality is "a way of life that should be accepted by society".
There are several reactions faithful Catholics might have to such statistics. One is to toss the cultural Catholics under the bus. I have heard a number of Catholics say that such people aren't really Catholic. In one sense this might be true, because they aren't living out the faith. But, in another sense it isn't, because we don't disown family because they act a certain way. It just shouldn't be done, even if they are off the reservation.
I think the best reaction to such statistics is to double our efforts. We need to do several things.
- We need to really work hard at re-evangelizing Catholics and then forming them. Our parishes need to start to become welcoming communities that form adults with life-giving catechesis. It starts first with evangelizing the adults by engaging them in the basics of the message of the Gospel. Then we need to take them deeper. Too many parishes have catechesis upside-down. It isn't primarily for kids, it is primarily for adults - every document from the Church on catechesis teaches this. We need to engage them in Bible studies, classes on doctrine, presentations on the faith, etc.
- We need to really get out of our own comfort zones. Before we start to throw blame around, look in the mirror. How many opportunities to evangelize someone have we let slip by? How many of our own family or friends who are fallen-away Catholics need to be evangelized? How many cafeteria Catholics do we let slide by without really engaging them in dialogue, inviting to a church event, buying them a book, etc?
- We also need to support our bishops and clergy when they do something courageous. Look at the number of Bishops in the past few years that have stood up for life issues or against the cultural tide that is sweeping against the Church. We need to support them and thank them when they do such things.
- We need to pray. A lot more.
- We need to do a much better job of forming Catholics when they come into our doors. Better homilies. Better Sacramental formation (with an emphasis on evangelization and not just hoop-jumping). Better outreach.
- We need to live more integrated lives. Root out the places where we are not living out the faith.
- Campus ministry is one of the most important and forgotten ministries in the Church. This is where the future leaders of our Catholic Church are lost or made. With more than 80% of students who stop going to church by the time they graduate college, we are failing miserably here on a national scale. We need a major initiative to drive these numbers into retreat.
God make it so.
Newman on Truth
A few of my favorite John Henry Cardinal Newman quotes
"We can believe what we choose. We are answerable for what we choose to believe."
"Let us take things as we find them: let us not attempt to distort them into what they are not... We cannot make facts. All our wishing cannot change them. We must use them."
"It is often said that second thoughts are best. So they are in matters of judgment but not in matters of conscience."
"To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often."
Hunger Strike vs Fasting
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization is calling for a hunger strike. I think a fast for those who are hungry would do a lot more good, both objectively and subjectively.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Pics From The Longing
Oct 23rd we had over 2,000 students in our big auditorium on A&M's campus hear Christopher West talk about the Theology of the Body and listen to Mike Mangione and His Band. It was a great time. Here are some pics of the event.
Christopher West talks to about 2,200 people.
Texas A&M is home to over 12,500 Catholic students
Mike Mangione and His Band
Rudder Auditorium at Texas A&M University
A regular scene at St. Mary's events - tons of religious
100 Catholic Ways to Pray
In one of my classes this week I discussed prayer. I challenged my students to try a new way to pray and several of them asked me to write up a list of different ways Catholics pray. This post is my response to that request.
It is a collection of prayers, kinds of prayer, ways to pray, devotions, sacramentals, etc. It is by no means an exhaustive list, nor is the numbering in any way more than a simple way of listing them. You will probably find most of the list familiar, but I have tried to give a link to all of them in order to explain the content, method, or kind of prayer in some way. I recommend your feedback or additions to the list. I hope you will find this helpful.
Below are a few sites that have tons of prayers:
-EWTN devotionals.
-Catholic.org
-Catholic Doors
-Awaken To Prayer
It is a collection of prayers, kinds of prayer, ways to pray, devotions, sacramentals, etc. It is by no means an exhaustive list, nor is the numbering in any way more than a simple way of listing them. You will probably find most of the list familiar, but I have tried to give a link to all of them in order to explain the content, method, or kind of prayer in some way. I recommend your feedback or additions to the list. I hope you will find this helpful.
- Mass
- Baptism
- Confession / Reconciliation / Penance
- Confirmation
- Matrimony
- Anointing of the Sick
- Ordination
- Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
- The Holy Rosary
- Sign of the Cross
- Liturgy of the Hours
- Our Father (The Lord's Prayer)
- Hail Mary
- Glory Be
- The Apostle's Creed
- The Nicene Creed
- The Angelus
- Guardian Angel Prayer
- St. Michael The
- Lectio Divina
- Meal Blessing (Grace)
- Divine Mercy Chaplet
- Bible study
- The Beatitudes
- Indulgences
- Novenas (There are many different ones)
- Litanies (There are many different ones)
- Act of Spiritual Communion
- Consecration to Mary (this is a sample of one way to do it)
- Blessings (There are many different ones)
- Hail Holy Queen
- Fatima Prayer (for reparation)
- Examination of Conscience (There are many different ones)
- Fasting
- Act of Contrition (There are several different ones)
- Act of Faith (There are several different ones)
- Act of Hope (There are several different ones)
- Act of Love (There are several different ones)
- Prayer of Abandonment (There are several different ones)
- Prayer for a Happy Death (There are several different ones)
- Morning Offering (There are many different ones)
- The Divine Praises
- Blessing and Adoration to God
- Meditation
- Vocal Prayer
- Petition
- Intercession
- Thanksgiving
- Praise
- Contemplation
- Repentance
- Memorare
- Singing hymns
- Chant
- Praise and Worship
- Lorica of St. Patrick
- Prayer for Travelers
- Anima Christi
- Renewal of Baptismal Promises
- Prayer for Vocations (There are many different ones)
- Prayer After Mass (There are many different ones)
- Prayer Before Mass (There are many different ones)
- Offering Suffering for Others / "Offering it up" (There are many different ones)
- Prayers for Souls in Purgatory (There are many different ones)
- Prayer to the Holy Spirit (There are many different ones)
- Come, Holy Spirit
- Prayers of
- Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
- Holy reading / Spiritual reading
- St. Alphonsus method of mental prayer
- St. Theresa of
- Canticle of Zechariah
- Canticle of Simeon
- Prayer before Confession (There are several different ones)
- Blessing of a house
- Praying with the Psalms
- Devotion of the Scapular (There are different kinds of scapular devotions)
- Prayer as a couple (There are many different ones)
- Family prayer (There are many different ones)
- Spiritual Bouquets
- Spiritual journaling
- Sacred Heart devotion
- Confiteor
- Benediction
- Devotion to the Miraculous Medal
- Praying with Holy cards
- Agnus Dei
- Prayer before a crucifix (There are many different ones)
- Votive Offerings - Prayer while lighting a candle
- The Holy Face
- Devotion to the Child Jesus
- Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
- Devotion to the Five Wounds
- Pilgrimages
- Charismatic prayer (speaking in tongues, slain in the Spirit, etc.)
- Prayer for peace (There are many different ones)
- Prayer for healing (There are many different ones)
- Prayer for the unborn (There are many different ones)
Below are a few sites that have tons of prayers:
-EWTN devotionals.
-Catholic.org
-Catholic Doors
-Awaken To Prayer
My Next Vehicle
I don't think my wife will let me get it (and there isn't anyway I could afford it), but if I could, this would be my next vehicle.
This sucker makes my truck look like a Tonka Toy.
Tip O' the hat to my friend Mark, who sends me crazy emails with such things.
This sucker makes my truck look like a Tonka Toy.
Tip O' the hat to my friend Mark, who sends me crazy emails with such things.
We Support Catholic Speakers
St. Mary's is blessed to be able to host a number of Catholic speakers every year. Here are some of the national speakers we have hosted in the past few years:
-George Weigel
-Christopher West (twice)
-Cardinal DiNardo
-Archbishop Aymond
-Monica Ashour
-Sr. Margaret Michael , F.S.P.
-Sr. Joseph Andrew, O.P.
In the near future we already have these speakers scheduled:
-John Martignoni - Nov 18
-Dr. Ted Sri - Feb 2
-Fr. Mitch Pacwa - Apr 24
We are already starting to work on fall of 2010 speakers. In addition, our staff has several people that speak nationally, including myself. With this in mind, we fully support the initiative of Fallible Blogma to highlight good Catholic speakers. I encourage you to visit their list of the 100 best Catholic speakers of 2009. This isn't a complete list of Catholic speakers, but it is a good start. Matthew has also put up links to all of the speakers and all the blogs that wrote articles on each speaker.
I came in at #40 on the list and was honored to have Sherry at Chocolate for Your Brain write an article about me. Thanks Sherry!
-George Weigel
-Christopher West (twice)
-Cardinal DiNardo
-Archbishop Aymond
-Monica Ashour
-Sr. Margaret Michael , F.S.P.
-Sr. Joseph Andrew, O.P.
In the near future we already have these speakers scheduled:
-John Martignoni - Nov 18-Dr. Ted Sri - Feb 2
-Fr. Mitch Pacwa - Apr 24
We are already starting to work on fall of 2010 speakers. In addition, our staff has several people that speak nationally, including myself. With this in mind, we fully support the initiative of Fallible Blogma to highlight good Catholic speakers. I encourage you to visit their list of the 100 best Catholic speakers of 2009. This isn't a complete list of Catholic speakers, but it is a good start. Matthew has also put up links to all of the speakers and all the blogs that wrote articles on each speaker.
I came in at #40 on the list and was honored to have Sherry at Chocolate for Your Brain write an article about me. Thanks Sherry!
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