Saturday, December 12, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Sensory Processing Disorder
I didn't even know how to start this post. I was not even sure I was going to write it. A good friend of mine once told me I write my best material with my actual experiences. Well she was right. I thought for weeks how to write this so I am just going to bite the bullet and say it. After many long years, my son was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder. Since Pre-school I knew he something was up with him. A mother knows by instinct, something no doctor or professional can understand. But God is awesome. He prepared me in Little Baby steps. First sending him to a private school. They tried really hard to help him. They couldn't. Their exact words were--they couldn't figure him out. The public school before this school told me it was a behavior issue.
I was in church one day after dropping him off at the school I knew would call me in an hour to come and observe what he is doing. God gently in His kind way told me to home school him. Years before he prepared me by allowing me to go to school and be trained as a special ed teacher. It was time. I had a lot of obstacles to overcome for this to happen, but eventually he came home and he has been home schooled for 4 years to date. He loves homeschooling. it gives him the flexibility for him to learn at his pace and in depth with the subject we are learning, that traditional school could not offer him.
A good friend told me to read the Out of Sync child after seeing him in a drama production. She and I both knew he had sensory issues just by the makeup he had to put on. As I read the book, it explained my son to a t. After talking to his regular doctor she referred me to Children's Hospital in my area. Three months later he was diagnosed. For all of us it was a blessing. God gives us all gifts, his by far is his memory and his loves for history and science, and his art drawings. God has twice gifted him once with a Learning Disability and second with his gifts. He will have to compensate and re-train his brain how to do things, but God will show Him the way. We are all children of God First. All things are possible through Him--through Jesus. When I look at my son, I see the love that Jesus gives us each day. He has shown me the amazing capacity of love for life and his family. Our Blessed Mother has become my constant companion in this new walk with God and Luke. Thank you Jesus for Blessing me with this precious boy for all these years and continue to Bless our walk together toward your light.
I was in church one day after dropping him off at the school I knew would call me in an hour to come and observe what he is doing. God gently in His kind way told me to home school him. Years before he prepared me by allowing me to go to school and be trained as a special ed teacher. It was time. I had a lot of obstacles to overcome for this to happen, but eventually he came home and he has been home schooled for 4 years to date. He loves homeschooling. it gives him the flexibility for him to learn at his pace and in depth with the subject we are learning, that traditional school could not offer him.
A good friend told me to read the Out of Sync child after seeing him in a drama production. She and I both knew he had sensory issues just by the makeup he had to put on. As I read the book, it explained my son to a t. After talking to his regular doctor she referred me to Children's Hospital in my area. Three months later he was diagnosed. For all of us it was a blessing. God gives us all gifts, his by far is his memory and his loves for history and science, and his art drawings. God has twice gifted him once with a Learning Disability and second with his gifts. He will have to compensate and re-train his brain how to do things, but God will show Him the way. We are all children of God First. All things are possible through Him--through Jesus. When I look at my son, I see the love that Jesus gives us each day. He has shown me the amazing capacity of love for life and his family. Our Blessed Mother has become my constant companion in this new walk with God and Luke. Thank you Jesus for Blessing me with this precious boy for all these years and continue to Bless our walk together toward your light.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Holidays with Sensory Kids
Holidays with Sensory Kids from Heart of the Matter:
http://heartofthematteronline.com/holiday-with-sensory-kids?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+heartofthematteronline%2FYoZh+(The+Heart+of+the+Matter)
http://heartofthematteronline.com/holiday-with-sensory-kids?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+heartofthematteronline%2FYoZh+(The+Heart+of+the+Matter)
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Revelations
Revelations? It is amazing how your crosses in life become your biggest strengths. Maybe that is what Jesus wants to teach to us. All my life the one gift I treasured the most was writing and it is the most scary gift. You lay yourself vulnerable out there, because the best writers write from experience. Since 1992, I have been a teacher. I chose this profession because it was a safe profession. I was never the risk taker. Writing as a profession was scary: would have enough money to survive on? All these questions through it all, one thing was missing my Trust in God. I told a good friend yesterday that Trusting in God is easy during the good times. When the bad times comes Trusting in God is truly a cross one bears. Well I have come to that cross and He has shown me the way, either I keep pedaling to it with God or I stop pedaling and fall off the bike. There are so many things going on in our lives right now and I am choosing to pedal it and finally start freelancer again with God's guidance. He will show me the way. I will still be teaching at home(homeschooling), but for now my teaching degree will be taking a back saddle. Homeschooling and writing for God's Divine Grace are my vocations He set me on the path to do. Through this whole struggle we have been going to two of the beatitudes come close to home:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, theirs is the Kingdom of God.
Blessed are the pure in heart, they shall see God.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, theirs is the Kingdom of God.
Blessed are the pure in heart, they shall see God.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Meditation of the Day
Admit it.
Aren’t you annoyed sometimes, when reading the lives of the saints, to find
them deeply grieved over sins or weaknesses that appear incredibly minor?
Teresa of Ávila begged God’s forgiveness for having been fond of parties and
pretty dresses when she was young. Francis of Assisi repented publicly for
having eaten chicken when he was sick. He had one of his followers tie a
rope around his neck and lead him through the villages crying out: “Here is
the great glutton who ate chicken in secret!” And then there is Augustine,
who lamented a “deed of darkness”—stealing pears with some friends when he
was sixteen.
If we could just dismiss such saints as obsessive, it might let us off the
hook—but no such luck. These men and women were moved to repentance because
they were able to recognize outwardly minor failings as shoots from deeply
buried roots of serious issues like vanity and pride. In Augustine’s case,
willful rebellion against God was behind that youthful theft: “The pleasure
I got was not from the pears—it was in the crime itself.” And furthermore,
he explained, it was only by the grace of God, “who illumines my heart and
searches out its dark corners,” that he came to see his sin for what it
really was.
The same is true for us. How easy it is to delude ourselves that it’s other
people who commit the big sins and that we ourselves are pretty good
followers of Jesus. Oh sure, I stumble every now and then—but nobody’s
perfect. Or if we do happen to sin more grievously, how easy to justify
ourselves or to consider the sin a “one off”—something not typical of our
basically holy selves. As today’s two readings point out, this blindness to
our own failings comes accompanied by an exquisite sensitivity to other
people’s!
There is only one remedy for this tendency to misjudge our neighbors and
ourselves. It requires bringing every thought and action to God, asking him
for help to get on course and stay there. Challenging? Yes. But consider
this: Your judge is also your healer, who wants you to know “his priceless
kindness, forbearance, and patience” (Romans 2:4). How will you respond to
his invitation today?
“Probe me, God, and know my heart. Correct whatever is broken and crooked,
so that I can walk in freedom and become the person you created me to be.”
Psalm 62:2-3,6-7,9; Luke 11:42-46
Aren’t you annoyed sometimes, when reading the lives of the saints, to find
them deeply grieved over sins or weaknesses that appear incredibly minor?
Teresa of Ávila begged God’s forgiveness for having been fond of parties and
pretty dresses when she was young. Francis of Assisi repented publicly for
having eaten chicken when he was sick. He had one of his followers tie a
rope around his neck and lead him through the villages crying out: “Here is
the great glutton who ate chicken in secret!” And then there is Augustine,
who lamented a “deed of darkness”—stealing pears with some friends when he
was sixteen.
If we could just dismiss such saints as obsessive, it might let us off the
hook—but no such luck. These men and women were moved to repentance because
they were able to recognize outwardly minor failings as shoots from deeply
buried roots of serious issues like vanity and pride. In Augustine’s case,
willful rebellion against God was behind that youthful theft: “The pleasure
I got was not from the pears—it was in the crime itself.” And furthermore,
he explained, it was only by the grace of God, “who illumines my heart and
searches out its dark corners,” that he came to see his sin for what it
really was.
The same is true for us. How easy it is to delude ourselves that it’s other
people who commit the big sins and that we ourselves are pretty good
followers of Jesus. Oh sure, I stumble every now and then—but nobody’s
perfect. Or if we do happen to sin more grievously, how easy to justify
ourselves or to consider the sin a “one off”—something not typical of our
basically holy selves. As today’s two readings point out, this blindness to
our own failings comes accompanied by an exquisite sensitivity to other
people’s!
There is only one remedy for this tendency to misjudge our neighbors and
ourselves. It requires bringing every thought and action to God, asking him
for help to get on course and stay there. Challenging? Yes. But consider
this: Your judge is also your healer, who wants you to know “his priceless
kindness, forbearance, and patience” (Romans 2:4). How will you respond to
his invitation today?
“Probe me, God, and know my heart. Correct whatever is broken and crooked,
so that I can walk in freedom and become the person you created me to be.”
Psalm 62:2-3,6-7,9; Luke 11:42-46
St. Callistus I
The most reliable information about this saint comes from his enemy St. Hippolytus, an early antipope, later a martyr for the Church. A negative principle is used: If some worse things had happened, Hippolytus would surely have mentioned them.
Callistus was a slave in the imperial Roman household. Put in charge of the bank by his master, he lost the money deposited, fled and was caught. After serving time for a while, he was released to make some attempt to recover the money. Apparently he carried his zeal too far, being arrested for brawling in a Jewish synagogue. This time he was condemned to work in the mines of Sardinia. He was released through the influence of the emperor's mistress and lived at Anzio (site of a famous World War II beachhead).
After winning his freedom, Callistus was made superintendent of the public Christian burial ground in Rome (still called the cemetery of St. Callistus), probably the first land owned by the Church. The pope ordained him a deacon and made him his friend and adviser.
He was elected pope by a majority vote of the clergy and laity of Rome, and thereafter was bitterly attacked by the losing candidate, St. Hippolytus, who let himself be set up as the first antipope in the history of the Church. The schism lasted about 18 years.
Hippolytus is venerated as a saint. He was banished during the persecution of 235 and was reconciled to the Church. He died from his sufferings in Sardinia. He attacked Callistus on two fronts—doctrine and discipline. Hippolytus seems to have exaggerated the distinction between Father and Son (almost making two gods) possibly because theological language had not yet been refined. He also accused Callistus of being too lenient, for reasons we may find surprising: (1) Callistus admitted to Holy Communion those who had already done public penance for murder, adultery, fornication; (2) he held marriages between free women and slaves to be valid—contrary to Roman law; (3) he authorized the ordination of men who had been married two or three times; (4) he held that mortal sin was not a sufficient reason to depose a bishop; (5) he held to a policy of leniency toward those who had temporarily denied their faith during persecution.
Callistus was martyred during a local disturbance in Trastevere, Rome, and is the first pope (except for Peter) to be commemorated as a martyr in the earliest martyrology of the Church.
Catholic Product Reviewer program
Catholic Product Reviewer Program
Calling all Catholic bloggers, podcasters, vidcasters, and webmasters!
Are you interested in receiving free Catholic books, DVDs, and gifts to review on your site?
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Your review could be as simple or as complex as you'd like. We expect you to be more interested in some products you receive, so it's natural for some reviews to be better than others. Sometimes, you may get a product you don't care for at all. That's alright, we still want your honest review!
Program Details:
Reviewers must have an existing blog, podcast, vidcast, or web site that shows signs of active readership. The content must not contain anything contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church. The author must not spam or promote their site in any unacceptable way. You may choose a product to review from the available review products once every 45 days. There is no deadline to complete a review, however we prefer that reviews be posted within 2 months of receiving the item. You will not be able to choose a new product until your previous review is completed. Each review must include a link to our home page and a link to the product page on our site; no affiliate links allowed in the review. There is no length requirement, but each review needs to be unique content created by the reviewer.
Apply for Membership Now:
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Tuesday, October 13, 2009
In Memoriam of Chris Klicka--you will be missed
A longtime champion of homeschooling rights around the globe, Home School Legal Defense Association Senior Counsel and Director of State and International Relations Christopher J. Klicka was called home by his Lord on October 12, 2009, at age 48, following a 15-year battle with multiple sclerosis. An attorney, spokesman, lobbyist, and homeschooling husband and father, Chris is survived by his wife, Tracy, their seven children (ages 11–21), and his parents, Ardath and George Klicka.
“Chris was both a people person and a goal person. He cared deeply about people, but was also driven to always do more!” says HSLDA President J. Michael Smith. “He was the most determined person I ever met in my life. Even with all the things he accomplished every day at HSLDA, he continually wanted to tackle new challenges and serve homeschoolers in more and better ways. He was so focused on the homeschooling world, but he was also very much focused on his family and dedicated to raising his children.”
An integral part of Home School Legal Defense Association’s staff for 24 years, Chris was HSLDA’s first full-time employee, first executive director, and first full-time attorney. He believed passionately that homeschooling was the best educational method for children and demonstrated that passion in every area of his life.
Chris and Tracy homeschooled all seven of their children. He traveled across the United States (and around the world) defending families’ right to homeschool and advocating homeschooling. He participated in countless radio interviews on homeschooling issues. He wrote five books on homeschooling, penned numerous articles, and had two more books in progress when he passed away. He lobbied state legislators, U.S. senators, and foreign diplomats to support homeschooling. He sought greater freedom for homeschooling parents and students in every area—from local school districts to sports associations, college admissions departments, and military recruitment requirements. He sought to educate the educators, truant officers, policemen, judges, and even social workers about the benefits and legality of homeschooling.
Even deeper than his passion for homeschooling was his deep love for his Lord. We may never know how many people Chris inspired to homeschool or continue homeschooling, or how many people he inspired to draw near to his Lord.
“Chris’s accomplishments as a lawyer for homeschooling are clear and of value that cannot be overstated. He was one of the most important pioneers of our movement,” says HSLDA Chairman Mike Farris. “He believed that this truly is God’s way to teach children to love God. He believed it deeply. His conviction was infectious. He was a man of single-hearted devotion that I have never, ever seen equaled. The passion that Chris felt for the mission to which God called him never, ever, ever, ever dimmed, even slightly.”
HSLDA deeply appreciates and honors Chris’s life and his dedicated contribution to our organization and to homeschooling. Our staff will miss him more than we can express, and we are praying with and for his family. The homeschooling movement has lost one of its greatest advocates and friends, but Chris leaves an incredible legacy of freedom and awareness of homeschooling to the thousands of homeschooled students whose parents have made The Right Choice.
”I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.“ II Timothy 4:7-8
”Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.“ Revelation 2:10
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Saint Francis of Assissi
October 4, 2009
St. Francis of Assisi
(1182-1226)
Francis of Assisi was a poor little man who astounded and inspired the Church by taking the gospel literally—not in a narrow fundamentalist sense, but by actually following all that Jesus said and did, joyfully, without limit and without a mite of self-importance.Serious illness brought the young Francis to see the emptiness of his frolicking life as leader of Assisi's youth. Prayer—lengthy and difficult—led him to a self-emptying like that of Christ, climaxed by embracing a leper he met on the road. It symbolized his complete obedience to what he had heard in prayer: "Francis! Everything you have loved and desired in the flesh it is your duty to despise and hate, if you wish to know my will. And when you have begun this, all that now seems sweet and lovely to you will become intolerable and bitter, but all that you used to avoid will turn itself to great sweetness and exceeding joy."From the cross in the neglected field-chapel of San Damiano, Christ told him, "Francis, go out and build up my house, for it is nearly falling down." Francis became the totally poor and humble workman.He must have suspected a deeper meaning to "build up my house." But he would have been content to be for the rest of his life the poor "nothing" man actually putting brick on brick in abandoned chapels. He gave up every material thing he had, piling even his clothes before his earthly father (who was demanding restitution for Francis' "gifts" to the poor) so that he would be totally free to say, "Our Father in heaven." He was, for a time, considered to be a religious "nut," begging from door to door when he could not get money for his work, bringing sadness or disgust to the hearts of his former friends, ridicule from the unthinking.But genuineness will tell. A few people began to realize that this man was actually trying to be Christian. He really believed what Jesus said: "Announce the kingdom! Possess no gold or silver or copper in your purses, no traveling bag, no sandals, no staff" (see Luke 9:1-3).Francis' first rule for his followers was a collection of texts from the Gospels. He had no idea of founding an order, but once it began he protected it and accepted all the legal structures needed to support it. His devotion and loyalty to the Church were absolute and highly exemplary at a time when various movements of reform tended to break the Church's unity.He was torn between a life devoted entirely to prayer and a life of active preaching of the Good News. He decided in favor of the latter, but always returned to solitude when he could. He wanted to be a missionary in Syria or in Africa, but was prevented by shipwreck and illness in both cases. He did try to convert the sultan of Egypt during the Fifth Crusade.During the last years of his relatively short life (he died at 44) he was half blind and seriously ill. Two years before his death, he received the stigmata, the real and painful wounds of Christ in his hands, feet and side.On his deathbed, he said over and over again the last addition to his Canticle of the Sun, "Be praised, O Lord, for our Sister Death." He sang Psalm 141, and at the end asked his superior to have his clothes removed when the last hour came and for permission to expire lying naked on the earth, in imitation of his Lord.
St. Francis of Assisi
(1182-1226)
Francis of Assisi was a poor little man who astounded and inspired the Church by taking the gospel literally—not in a narrow fundamentalist sense, but by actually following all that Jesus said and did, joyfully, without limit and without a mite of self-importance.Serious illness brought the young Francis to see the emptiness of his frolicking life as leader of Assisi's youth. Prayer—lengthy and difficult—led him to a self-emptying like that of Christ, climaxed by embracing a leper he met on the road. It symbolized his complete obedience to what he had heard in prayer: "Francis! Everything you have loved and desired in the flesh it is your duty to despise and hate, if you wish to know my will. And when you have begun this, all that now seems sweet and lovely to you will become intolerable and bitter, but all that you used to avoid will turn itself to great sweetness and exceeding joy."From the cross in the neglected field-chapel of San Damiano, Christ told him, "Francis, go out and build up my house, for it is nearly falling down." Francis became the totally poor and humble workman.He must have suspected a deeper meaning to "build up my house." But he would have been content to be for the rest of his life the poor "nothing" man actually putting brick on brick in abandoned chapels. He gave up every material thing he had, piling even his clothes before his earthly father (who was demanding restitution for Francis' "gifts" to the poor) so that he would be totally free to say, "Our Father in heaven." He was, for a time, considered to be a religious "nut," begging from door to door when he could not get money for his work, bringing sadness or disgust to the hearts of his former friends, ridicule from the unthinking.But genuineness will tell. A few people began to realize that this man was actually trying to be Christian. He really believed what Jesus said: "Announce the kingdom! Possess no gold or silver or copper in your purses, no traveling bag, no sandals, no staff" (see Luke 9:1-3).Francis' first rule for his followers was a collection of texts from the Gospels. He had no idea of founding an order, but once it began he protected it and accepted all the legal structures needed to support it. His devotion and loyalty to the Church were absolute and highly exemplary at a time when various movements of reform tended to break the Church's unity.He was torn between a life devoted entirely to prayer and a life of active preaching of the Good News. He decided in favor of the latter, but always returned to solitude when he could. He wanted to be a missionary in Syria or in Africa, but was prevented by shipwreck and illness in both cases. He did try to convert the sultan of Egypt during the Fifth Crusade.During the last years of his relatively short life (he died at 44) he was half blind and seriously ill. Two years before his death, he received the stigmata, the real and painful wounds of Christ in his hands, feet and side.On his deathbed, he said over and over again the last addition to his Canticle of the Sun, "Be praised, O Lord, for our Sister Death." He sang Psalm 141, and at the end asked his superior to have his clothes removed when the last hour came and for permission to expire lying naked on the earth, in imitation of his Lord.
My retreat
Yes, I know I haven't written that much lately. I have had alot of crosses to bear lately and homeschooling is just alot more this year with a 7th grader and 5th grader. I went to an awesome retreat this weekend and I almost didn't make it. If it was not for a good friend of mine telling me she would miss me at the retreat, I would have missed one of the best retreats in awhile. God was working through her. The theme Fear Not! was so appropriate for me this year. Sr. Nancy Kelleher was awesome how she relates God in our everyday life and how to live with your crosses. I know God has many more crosses for us to bear in the coming months and many didn't changes, but somehwhere in there, there will be a set of pearls from God. I had so much time to be with God just him and I and I finally surrendered last night what I needed to surrender for some time. I will be writing more in the next couple of weeks and let you know about the adventure God will be sending us on, many mini adventures. You guys know how much I love change! Well say a prayer for us for tomorrow. God Bless!
Praising Him,
Noelle:)
Praising Him,
Noelle:)
Saint Francis Feast Day!
Sanctify yourself and you will sanctify society.- Saint Francis of Assisi (1181-1226)
Monday, September 28, 2009
Pope Leo the Great
You should be aware that the word "angel" denotes a function rather than a nature. Those holy spirits of heaven have indeed always been spirits. They can only be called angels when they deliver some message. Moreover, those who deliver messages of lesser importance are called angels; and those who proclaim messages of supreme importance are called archangels. Raphael means God's remedy, Michael is sent whenever some act of wondrous power must be performed, and Gabriel is called God's strength because he was sent to Mary.
- St. Leo the Great, Pope
St. Wenceslaus (907?-929)
 | |
He was born in 907 near Prague, son of the Duke of Bohemia. His saintly grandmother, Ludmilla, raised him and sought to promote him as ruler of Bohemia in place of his mother, who favored the anti-Christian factions. Ludmilla was eventually murdered, but rival Christian forces were victorious, and Wenceslaus was able to assume leadership of the government.
His rule was marked by efforts toward unification within Bohemia, support of the Church and peace-making negotiations with Germany, a policy which caused him trouble with the anti-Christian opposition. His brother Boleslav joined in the plotting, and in September of 929 invited Wenceslaus to Alt Bunglou for the celebration of the feast of Sts. Cosmas and Damian. On the way to Mass, Boleslav attacked his brother, and in the struggle, Wenceslaus was killed by supporters of Boleslav.
Although his death resulted primarily from political upheaval, Wenceslaus was hailed as a martyr for the faith, and his tomb became a pilgrimage shrine. He is hailed as the patron of the Bohemian people and of former Czechoslovakia.
Zechariah 8:1-8
Devastation. Desolation. No Temple. No altars.
No place to worship the Lord. Such was the state of Jerusalem in the second year of the reign of Darius the Mede (529 b.c.). Had God abandoned his people? Had their sin finally provoked him to give up on them and leave them to the cruelty of their captors?
No. Through the prophet Zechariah God spoke. He told Zechariah to cry out to the remnant of Jerusalem and tell them to return to him, and he would return to them. He would take pity on them and make Jerusalem his own once again. He promised that his Temple would be rebuilt, and that when other nations witnessed his work, they would all come, seeking his mercy and favor.
God had not abandoned his people. In fact, no matter how far Jerusalem had fallen, no matter how grave her sin, Yahweh would remain faithful to his covenant with them. Forgiveness, healing, peace, and security would once more cover the land, and the people would once more be exalted in his eyes.
But it would not be all one-sided. Through Zechariah, God also gave instruction and guidance to the people. They were to speak the truth to one another. They were to put away plotting against each other and swearing false oaths. They were to treat one another with the integrity and respect due to members of God’s special, chosen people.
We can take great solace from the words of Zechariah. He teaches us that there is no such thing as an unpardonable sin. Neither is there any situation or challenge that is too big for God to handle if we turn to him. Even if we have experienced our own kind of exile by ignoring the many promptings of the Spirit, God is still with us, waiting for us to seek him once more. He is right beside us, ready to pour out his healing power. God’s love truly does endure forever. Have you experienced it yet today?
“Father, you are truly a God of compassion and mercy, slow to anger and abounding in love. Do not treat us as our sins deserve. You are a merciful God, and we are your people redeemed by the blood of your beloved Son. Father, we thank you and praise you for everything you have done in our lives!”
Psalm 102:16-23,29; Luke 9:46-50
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Meat and Potatoes Catholicism
In Father Classen's second book, "Meat& Potatoes Catholicism", he gets down literally to the Meat and Potatoes of our Faith. He used references from the Catechism, and experiences in his parish life as a priest, along with his unfailing humor to explain the sacraments, traditions, and many other questions. He uses day to day language to explain answers to questions, along with practical examples in everyday life. He puts all the confusion, errors and myths that people believe and still believe to this day to rest in this book. He also uses himself as instrument through his struggles to get to the heart of the matter in our Faith. After reading this book, I would highly recommend this books for a Bible Study or just to read to get more educated about our Catholic Faith. I am a hug fan of Father Classen's after reading two of his books. I am looking forward to reading more and hope he writes more.
Here is a link to this book at The Catholic Company:
http://www.catholiccompany.com/catholic-books/1111216/Meat-Potatoes-Catholicism?sli=1111216
Go out and get it!!!
Praising Him Joyfully,
Noelle:)
Here is a link to this book at The Catholic Company:
http://www.catholiccompany.com/catholic-books/1111216/Meat-Potatoes-Catholicism?sli=1111216
Go out and get it!!!
Praising Him Joyfully,
Noelle:)
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Time flies!
School started for us on August 21st. Chloe is now in 7th grade and Luke is 5th. Time Flies! I remember the day I brought them both home from the hospital. I cried that day.
I look at Chloe becoming the young, bright, spiritual young lady she has become. As I look back, I remember the 5 year old playing hide and seek with me. The angel dressed up and an Angel for the Christmas Play. She now has become a very confident young lady, whom I am so proud to call my daughter.
I look at Luke the young, bright, soon to be architect or cartoonist, spiritual young man he has become. I remember him playing Thomas the tank engine with me and I always got stuck being Percy. Watching The Thomas movies for hours, as he made the distinct sounds of every different train. He looked so cute being a Shepherd in the Christmas Play. He now knows more than I do at times and teaches me. Learning is an ongoing process, we should all try to learn something each day. He has become a very confident, sure of himself young man, whom I am so proud to call my son.
Times flies,
you turn around and the fleeting of the clock has spun,
once a child,
now has become a man or a woman,
Time Flies,
Mothers cry,
Dads are so proud,
Time Flies,
so take every moment and make it last,
before you know it,
they are on their own.
Praising Him Joyfully,
Noelle:)
I look at Chloe becoming the young, bright, spiritual young lady she has become. As I look back, I remember the 5 year old playing hide and seek with me. The angel dressed up and an Angel for the Christmas Play. She now has become a very confident young lady, whom I am so proud to call my daughter.
I look at Luke the young, bright, soon to be architect or cartoonist, spiritual young man he has become. I remember him playing Thomas the tank engine with me and I always got stuck being Percy. Watching The Thomas movies for hours, as he made the distinct sounds of every different train. He looked so cute being a Shepherd in the Christmas Play. He now knows more than I do at times and teaches me. Learning is an ongoing process, we should all try to learn something each day. He has become a very confident, sure of himself young man, whom I am so proud to call my son.
Times flies,
you turn around and the fleeting of the clock has spun,
once a child,
now has become a man or a woman,
Time Flies,
Mothers cry,
Dads are so proud,
Time Flies,
so take every moment and make it last,
before you know it,
they are on their own.
Praising Him Joyfully,
Noelle:)
Monday, August 31, 2009
Venerable Gregory Lopez
If I were to die within a few hours, I would do nothing more than I do now. For now I am actually giving to God all that I have. I cannot give more unless God in his mercy bestows it on me.
- Venerable Gregory Lopez (1542-1596)
Welcome Back!
Well, welcome back to another school year. I took off from blogging this summer except to post links and videos. God has worked in my life so much lately, I'll save that for another blog. Spiritually, I grew this summer. This fall I decided to take a Bible Study with Homeschool Connections Online. I want to congratulate my two miracles, who are in the 5th and 7th grade to be inspired to become a lifelong learner and to constantly challenge themselves. The School year for us started a week ago. They adjusted fine. Mom on the other hand had a tough time adjusting. Now that the weather is getting cooler, I will adjust better. This year will be more challenging, since we chose to follow Mater Amabilis, with a Latin centered education concentration. I learned many things this summer. First, being financially strapped should never keep you from having a good time. Second, that God created humor for you to see love in everything. Third, children teach you the most valuable lessons in life. They teach you to take time to smell the flowers and that the things most important in life are right under your nose, the love for your family. No amount of money can make you happy without that. I learned that I am doing awesome job homeschooling my children from their mouths themselves.
I learned that The Blessed Mother has become closer to my heart the closer I got to the pending school year. "The Almighty has done great things for me." Our Yes, like Mary's yes brings us closer to the Light of God. Through her, God has shown me all things are possible. I started writing my articles and continued my book, which I will leave for another blog entry. Thank you, Father Corapi, for the summer of Faith formation that I incurred on EWTN.
Most of all , I want to thank my husband and my beautiful miracles from God for walking this walk with me. For God to to give me the faith to trust in the walk. Thank you showing me the Light of the Path. God Bless you all!! Have a Blessed school year!
Praising Him joyfully,
Noelle:)
I learned that The Blessed Mother has become closer to my heart the closer I got to the pending school year. "The Almighty has done great things for me." Our Yes, like Mary's yes brings us closer to the Light of God. Through her, God has shown me all things are possible. I started writing my articles and continued my book, which I will leave for another blog entry. Thank you, Father Corapi, for the summer of Faith formation that I incurred on EWTN.
Most of all , I want to thank my husband and my beautiful miracles from God for walking this walk with me. For God to to give me the faith to trust in the walk. Thank you showing me the Light of the Path. God Bless you all!! Have a Blessed school year!
Praising Him joyfully,
Noelle:)
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Meditation of the Day
The disciples struggled to cross the stormy sea, straining at the oars all
night long until Jesus finally came to them in the fourth watch-which would
have been between three and six o'clock in the morning!
That's a long time to be fighting such violent seas. You would think that,
after having seen Jesus multiply the loaves and fishes, they might have
called out to him-or at least to God-for help. But instead, they kept on
trying to make the crossing on their own. Then, when Jesus did appear, they
were so scared that they didn't recognize him. Even Peter, the chief
apostle, wavered in his faith and sank into the raging waters!
What a contrast when Jesus and the disciples landed in Gennesaret! The
people recognized him and immediately sent out word so that people far and
wide could come and hear him. There was excitement in the air, as many were
healed by doing nothing more than touching Jesus' cloak!
Isn't it funny that the disciples showed this lack of faith? Among all the
other lessons in this story is a warning: Some situations can come upon us
with all the force of an unexpected and violent storm. These storms can be
so powerful that we panic and forget who Jesus is. Even when he is right
there with us, we may not recognize him, because we are so caught up in
everything else around us.
How can we keep this from happening? One strategy is to get used to turning
to Jesus frequently during the day, even when everything is going along just
fine. As we learn how to find him in our everyday lives, we will know-almost
by instinct-to look for him when the storms come.
Every day, the world tries to tell us to be self-sufficient. And every day,
the Holy Spirit wants to teach us to fix our eyes on Jesus. In the end, it
comes down to our decision. We can learn how to be prepared for any
situation by walking with the Lord, or we can try to go it alone and be at
the mercy of every storm that blows our way. Which way sounds better to you?
"Holy Spirit, help me to be filled with wonder and expectancy as I approach
every new day walking with Jesus!"
__
Friday, July 31, 2009
Good Literature for Girls
I have been searching for great literature for girls. I found some:
http://www.littlehousebooks.com/
http://www.scholastic.com/dearamerica/books/checklists.htm
http://home.earthlink.net/~bcavert/id5.html
Even great for teens, especially Anne of Green Gables series.
http://www.littlehousebooks.com/
http://www.scholastic.com/dearamerica/books/checklists.htm
http://home.earthlink.net/~bcavert/id5.html
Even great for teens, especially Anne of Green Gables series.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Prayer
There are three things, my brethren, which causes faith to stand firm, devotion to remain constant and virtue to endure. They are prayer, fasting and mercy. Prayer knocks at the door, fasting obtains and mercy receives. Prayer, mercy and fasting are one. They give life to each other.
- St. Peter Chrysologus (Bishop, 400-450)
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Other sites
http://family-centered.com/life/
http://www.goodsportsusa.com/sports/other/homeschoolprograms.cfm
http://donnayoung.org/index.htm
http://www.love2learn.net/
http://www.acbooks.net/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=ACB
http://www.enochnj.org/
http://materamabilis.org/
http://lphrc.org/
http://simplycharlottemason.com/basics/started/
http://www.goodsportsusa.com/sports/other/homeschoolprograms.cfm
http://donnayoung.org/index.htm
http://www.love2learn.net/
http://www.acbooks.net/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=ACB
http://www.enochnj.org/
http://materamabilis.org/
http://lphrc.org/
http://simplycharlottemason.com/basics/started/
Monday, July 27, 2009
Curriculum providers
http://www.chcweb.com/catalog/index.html
http://cathswap.heavenforum.com/index.htm
http://www.catholictextbookproject.com/purchase/purchase-main.html
http://www.kolbe.org/
http://www.setonhome.org/
http://www.motherofdivinegrace.org/
http://ourfathershouse.biz/shopsite_sc/store/html/index.html
http://www.stgeorgebooks.com/index.cfm?hs=0
http://www.emmanuelbooks.com/
http://hillsideeducation.com/
http://www.adoremusbooks.com/
http://www.bywayofthefamily.com/default.asp
http://www.sacredheartbooksandgifts.com/
http://hillsideeducation.com/
http://cathswap.heavenforum.com/index.htm
http://www.catholictextbookproject.com/purchase/purchase-main.html
http://www.kolbe.org/
http://www.setonhome.org/
http://www.motherofdivinegrace.org/
http://ourfathershouse.biz/shopsite_sc/store/html/index.html
http://www.stgeorgebooks.com/index.cfm?hs=0
http://www.emmanuelbooks.com/
http://hillsideeducation.com/
http://www.adoremusbooks.com/
http://www.bywayofthefamily.com/default.asp
http://www.sacredheartbooksandgifts.com/
http://hillsideeducation.com/
Organization time for the New School Year
Time to organize my computer as well as start long-term planning for the school year. I would classify myself an ecclectic homeschooler, who uses Charlotte Mason. Below are some links I really like:
Great Blogs:
http://daniellebean.com/
http://www.elizabethfoss.com/
http://maureenwittmann.blogspot.com/
http://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/
http://saacademy.blogspot.com/search/label/In%20His%20Image
http://athomescience.blogspot.com/
http://heartofamother.blogspot.com/
Great Blogs:
http://daniellebean.com/
http://www.elizabethfoss.com/
http://maureenwittmann.blogspot.com/
http://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/
http://saacademy.blogspot.com/search/label/In%20His%20Image
http://athomescience.blogspot.com/
http://heartofamother.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Catholic teen series
http://revolutionoflove.stblogs.org/archives/2008/09/new-catholic-te.html
I found this and though how cool is this?
Monday, July 20, 2009
Tracking Virtue, Conquering Vice: A Guide for Spiritual Survival
Rev. Joseph's Classen's book , Tracking Virtue,Conquering Vice, is a book everyone should read. It is a book you can't put down. Wherever you are in your faith journey with God, this book applies to you. Through storytelling techniques, Father Classen discusses topics by getting straight to the point. He writes about the seven deadly sins and their counterpart virtue, and shows us how to recognize them in our daily lives through his many hunting stories. As a master tracker and outdoorsmen,who are very observant, he relates everything to the outdoors and hunting. He states that we should have our eyes fully open and be very observant to what we see as Christians. God has left us "God-signs" everywhere to know he is fully present. I highly recommend this book, I absolutely loved it.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Meditation of the Day
When Jesus says, "Come to me . and I will give you rest," he is inviting us
to relax in his presence.
He's saying, "Come to me, and be undisturbed for a few minutes. Let me
relieve you for a time of the heavy loads you carry. Bask in the stillness
and quiet you find in me. Allow me to free you from the things that bind you
or weigh you down. Come, experience the peace I want to give you." It's an
invitation to unwind and be refreshed in ways that surpass any human means.
Jesus promises to give you rest: rest from the never-ending juggling act of
nurturing a family and holding down a job; rest from the demands of school
and community service; rest from the burden of addiction; rest from the pain
of sickness or caring for a ailing child or parent. Sitting with Jesus is
not a burden, a duty that wastes valuable time, or a restrictive yoke to a
loving-but-distant God. Jesus' "burden" is light: It's the burden of
carrying his love around.
So come into his presence today. Find a quiet, comfortable place to sit. Fix
your attention on Jesus. Spend some time worshipping him-maybe by playing
some prayerful music on your stereo-and talk quietly with him. Ask
questions, surrender the difficult things to him, and give him time and
space to speak to you about what's on his heart. Receive the rest he offers
you. Even if the only time you can find is in the car on your way to work in
the morning, that's all right. Just don't close your eyes!
Jesus' yoke is not an uncomfortable harness that shackles us into hard
labor. It's a bond that unites us with him in love. Learn to hear and
recognize his voice as he speaks to you. He will teach you how. God knows
your situation. He is as concerned for you as he was for the Israelites in
Egypt (Exodus 3:16)! Let him direct your steps. Trust his intentions and his
love for you.
"Jesus, I want to experience the rest you offer today. I give you the
problems I can't solve, the pain I can't heal, the desires and urges I can't
control. Teach me to relax in the quiet of your presence and hear your
voice."
to relax in his presence.
He's saying, "Come to me, and be undisturbed for a few minutes. Let me
relieve you for a time of the heavy loads you carry. Bask in the stillness
and quiet you find in me. Allow me to free you from the things that bind you
or weigh you down. Come, experience the peace I want to give you." It's an
invitation to unwind and be refreshed in ways that surpass any human means.
Jesus promises to give you rest: rest from the never-ending juggling act of
nurturing a family and holding down a job; rest from the demands of school
and community service; rest from the burden of addiction; rest from the pain
of sickness or caring for a ailing child or parent. Sitting with Jesus is
not a burden, a duty that wastes valuable time, or a restrictive yoke to a
loving-but-distant God. Jesus' "burden" is light: It's the burden of
carrying his love around.
So come into his presence today. Find a quiet, comfortable place to sit. Fix
your attention on Jesus. Spend some time worshipping him-maybe by playing
some prayerful music on your stereo-and talk quietly with him. Ask
questions, surrender the difficult things to him, and give him time and
space to speak to you about what's on his heart. Receive the rest he offers
you. Even if the only time you can find is in the car on your way to work in
the morning, that's all right. Just don't close your eyes!
Jesus' yoke is not an uncomfortable harness that shackles us into hard
labor. It's a bond that unites us with him in love. Learn to hear and
recognize his voice as he speaks to you. He will teach you how. God knows
your situation. He is as concerned for you as he was for the Israelites in
Egypt (Exodus 3:16)! Let him direct your steps. Trust his intentions and his
love for you.
"Jesus, I want to experience the rest you offer today. I give you the
problems I can't solve, the pain I can't heal, the desires and urges I can't
control. Teach me to relax in the quiet of your presence and hear your
voice."
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
JULY 16
> OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL
>
> Mount Carmel is a mountain overlooking the plain of Galilee. It became
> famous when the prophet Elijah, who lived before Our Lord, was born. Elijah
> worked a miracle there. Chapter 18 of the Bible's First Book of Kings tells
> how Elijah stood up to the 450 prophets of the false god Baal. Through his
> prayers, Elijah obtained a miracle from God to prove that Elijah's God was
> the true God.
> Centuries later, in the 1200s, a group of European monks began to live on
> Mount Carmel. They honored Mary the Mother of God as Our Lady of Mount
> Carmel. For this reason the people began to call them friars of the Blessed
> Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel. This was the way the Carmelite order began.
> Pope Honorius III approved the order's rule in 1226. Simon Stock, an
> Englishman, became the superior of all the Carmelites in 1247. He helped
> the
> order expand and adapt to the times. He patterned the order on the
> Dominicans and Franciscans.
> On July 16, 1251, Mary appeared to St. Simon and gave him the brown
> scapular. She promised her protection to all those who would wear the
> blessed habit. Many miracles proved her words. St. Pius X was pope from
> 1903
> until 1914. He said that people could have the same blessings if they would
> wear the scapular medal. This medal has a picture of Our Lady of the
> Scapular on one side and the Sacred Heart on the other. Simon Stock died in
> Bordeaux, France, in 1265.
>
> "Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart." (Luke 2:19)
> OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL
>
> Mount Carmel is a mountain overlooking the plain of Galilee. It became
> famous when the prophet Elijah, who lived before Our Lord, was born. Elijah
> worked a miracle there. Chapter 18 of the Bible's First Book of Kings tells
> how Elijah stood up to the 450 prophets of the false god Baal. Through his
> prayers, Elijah obtained a miracle from God to prove that Elijah's God was
> the true God.
> Centuries later, in the 1200s, a group of European monks began to live on
> Mount Carmel. They honored Mary the Mother of God as Our Lady of Mount
> Carmel. For this reason the people began to call them friars of the Blessed
> Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel. This was the way the Carmelite order began.
> Pope Honorius III approved the order's rule in 1226. Simon Stock, an
> Englishman, became the superior of all the Carmelites in 1247. He helped
> the
> order expand and adapt to the times. He patterned the order on the
> Dominicans and Franciscans.
> On July 16, 1251, Mary appeared to St. Simon and gave him the brown
> scapular. She promised her protection to all those who would wear the
> blessed habit. Many miracles proved her words. St. Pius X was pope from
> 1903
> until 1914. He said that people could have the same blessings if they would
> wear the scapular medal. This medal has a picture of Our Lady of the
> Scapular on one side and the Sacred Heart on the other. Simon Stock died in
> Bordeaux, France, in 1265.
>
> "Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart." (Luke 2:19)
Homeschool Connections Online
http://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/
A great homeschooling resource for classes and homeschooling webinars for homeschooling moms
A great homeschooling resource for classes and homeschooling webinars for homeschooling moms
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Good News Message of the Day
Those who want to work for moral reform in the world must seek the glory of God before all else. Because he is the source of all good, they must wait for his help, and pray for it in this difficult and necessary understanding.
- St. John Leonardi (Priest, 1542-1609)
Holy Heroes VBS Week
We are all excited about doing our Holy Heroes VBS Week at home this year. Danielle Bean had this on her blog and I was excited about it. Instead of doing VBS on my daughter's birthday, the week the parish has it every year, we chose to do it home this year and have fun!!! I will keep you up to date on our VBS Week.
Praising Him Joyfully,
Noelle:)
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Cross of Christ
Under the influence of fear, we bear the Cross of Christ with patience. Under the more inspiring influence of hope, we carry the Cross with a firm and valiant heart. But under the consuming power of love, we embrace the Cross with ardour.
- St. Bernard of Clairvaux (Cistercian priest, Doctor of the Church, 1090-1153)
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Happy Birthday, Chloe!
Happy Birthday, Chloe. God has truly blessed us these 12 years with you. I am very proud to call you my daughter. I remember 12 years ago, brining you home from the hospital. Happy Birthday, princess!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Meditation of the Day
The sequence in this chapter of Matthew's Gospel is clear and powerful.
The evangelist shows us the Messiah in action, not only preaching the
kingdom of heaven but bringing it about by healing those who are paralyzed,
hemorrhaging, mute, or blind (Matthew 9:1-8,20-22, 27-33). He even raises a
dead child (9:18-26).
Then, near the end of the chapter, Matthew gives us an important insight
into Jesus' heart. Jesus sees the crowds as harassed and helpless, and his
compassion is deeply stirred. He knows that his Father longs to gather these
wandering sheep close to himself. Moved by this compassion, Jesus sends out
his disciples as fellow shepherds (Matthew 10:1). In his preaching and
teaching, he had begun to attune their hearts to his. Now he moves to equip
them with the power they need to carry out his mission.
St. Anthony Zaccaria, a sixteenth-century doctor in Italy, followed a path
similar to the one Jesus laid out for the twelve. He began by ministering to
people's medical needs, only to become keenly aware of their spiritual
needs. As Anthony began to pray for his patients, God invited him to become
a priest in order to be a channel for his own prayer to be answered. He
eventually founded a small religious order that brought a breath of fresh
air to a corrupt and wounded church, calling people back to a more
life-giving experience of the Lord through the liturgy.
As you look out at the world, what issues do you find pressing on your heart
the most? Don't discount these feelings! God may well be inviting you to
become part of his answer to the cry of the poor, the lonely, the
unchurched, or whatever else is on your heart. You'll never know until you
take a step or two in faith and evaluate the results. The question isn't
whether you are adequate to the task. The only real question is whether you
are able to draw near to Jesus and let him equip you. Think about how much
grace he gave to his disciples, and know that you are no different from
them. If they can demonstrate the good news, so can you!
"Lord Jesus, your heart is full of compassion. Help me to be attentive as
you fill my heart with concern for those you long to touch through me."
The evangelist shows us the Messiah in action, not only preaching the
kingdom of heaven but bringing it about by healing those who are paralyzed,
hemorrhaging, mute, or blind (Matthew 9:1-8,20-22, 27-33). He even raises a
dead child (9:18-26).
Then, near the end of the chapter, Matthew gives us an important insight
into Jesus' heart. Jesus sees the crowds as harassed and helpless, and his
compassion is deeply stirred. He knows that his Father longs to gather these
wandering sheep close to himself. Moved by this compassion, Jesus sends out
his disciples as fellow shepherds (Matthew 10:1). In his preaching and
teaching, he had begun to attune their hearts to his. Now he moves to equip
them with the power they need to carry out his mission.
St. Anthony Zaccaria, a sixteenth-century doctor in Italy, followed a path
similar to the one Jesus laid out for the twelve. He began by ministering to
people's medical needs, only to become keenly aware of their spiritual
needs. As Anthony began to pray for his patients, God invited him to become
a priest in order to be a channel for his own prayer to be answered. He
eventually founded a small religious order that brought a breath of fresh
air to a corrupt and wounded church, calling people back to a more
life-giving experience of the Lord through the liturgy.
As you look out at the world, what issues do you find pressing on your heart
the most? Don't discount these feelings! God may well be inviting you to
become part of his answer to the cry of the poor, the lonely, the
unchurched, or whatever else is on your heart. You'll never know until you
take a step or two in faith and evaluate the results. The question isn't
whether you are adequate to the task. The only real question is whether you
are able to draw near to Jesus and let him equip you. Think about how much
grace he gave to his disciples, and know that you are no different from
them. If they can demonstrate the good news, so can you!
"Lord Jesus, your heart is full of compassion. Help me to be attentive as
you fill my heart with concern for those you long to touch through me."
Saint of the Day
JULY 7
BLESSED ROGER DICKENSON, BLESSED RALPH MILNER AND BLESSEDLAWRENCE HUMPHREY
These three martyrs lived in England during the time of Church persecution
by Queen Elizabeth I. "Mr." Roger Dickenson was an undercover diocesan
priest. Ralph Milner was a husband and father. He worked as a farm laborer
and was brought into the Church through the good example of his neighbors.
The day he made his First Communion he was put into prison for being a
Catholic. The jailer liked Mr. Milner so his prison confinement was not
strict at first. For several years, he went on "parole" to find supplies of
food and whatever the other prisoners needed. While on parole, he was of
great help to "Mr." Dickenson and Father Stanney, a Jesuit. The day came
when Father Dickenson, too, was caught. He and Mr. Milner were brought to
trial together. Father Dickenson was tried for the crime of being a Catholic
priest. Mr. Milner was tried for helping Father Dickenson perform his
ministry. The judge looked at the crowd in the courtroom. He thought of Mrs.
Milner and the couple's eight children. He wanted to free Milner at all
costs. "All you have to do," he said, "is visit a Protestant church, just
for a few minutes, to say you have been there. I'll let you go free to be
with your family." Mr. Milner quietly and firmly refused. He and Father
Dickenson went bravely to their deaths. It was July 7, 1591.
The third martyr, Lawrence Humphrey, had been brought into the Church by
Father Stanney, S.J. He would not give up the faith he had so recently
acquired. Lawrence was just twenty-one years old when he was martyred.
Am I deeply rooted in my faith and relationship with God?
BLESSED ROGER DICKENSON, BLESSED RALPH MILNER AND BLESSEDLAWRENCE HUMPHREY
These three martyrs lived in England during the time of Church persecution
by Queen Elizabeth I. "Mr." Roger Dickenson was an undercover diocesan
priest. Ralph Milner was a husband and father. He worked as a farm laborer
and was brought into the Church through the good example of his neighbors.
The day he made his First Communion he was put into prison for being a
Catholic. The jailer liked Mr. Milner so his prison confinement was not
strict at first. For several years, he went on "parole" to find supplies of
food and whatever the other prisoners needed. While on parole, he was of
great help to "Mr." Dickenson and Father Stanney, a Jesuit. The day came
when Father Dickenson, too, was caught. He and Mr. Milner were brought to
trial together. Father Dickenson was tried for the crime of being a Catholic
priest. Mr. Milner was tried for helping Father Dickenson perform his
ministry. The judge looked at the crowd in the courtroom. He thought of Mrs.
Milner and the couple's eight children. He wanted to free Milner at all
costs. "All you have to do," he said, "is visit a Protestant church, just
for a few minutes, to say you have been there. I'll let you go free to be
with your family." Mr. Milner quietly and firmly refused. He and Father
Dickenson went bravely to their deaths. It was July 7, 1591.
The third martyr, Lawrence Humphrey, had been brought into the Church by
Father Stanney, S.J. He would not give up the faith he had so recently
acquired. Lawrence was just twenty-one years old when he was martyred.
Am I deeply rooted in my faith and relationship with God?
Monday, July 6, 2009
Message for the Day
We do not have to talk very much in order to pray well. We know that God is there in His holy tabernacle; let us open our hearts to Him; let us rejoice in His Presence: This is the best prayer.
- St. John Vianney, Patron Saint of Priests
Meditation of the Day
I will never leave you. (Genesis 28:15)
As Jacob journeyed through Mesopotamia, he surely encountered large shrines
built to honor the local deities. These shrines were dedicated to pagan gods
who were bound to certain lands or places. When Yahweh, appearing to Jacob
in a dream, identifies himself as "the God of your forefather Abraham and
the God of Isaac" (Genesis 28:13), he reveals that he is bound not to a
place but to a specific family.
And now it is to Isaac's son, Jacob, that God extends his covenant-a free
gift given by a generous God. Jacob, who has recently engaged in a deception
that will cause a long-lasting rift in his family, has done nothing
honorable to merit God's favor. It is simply out of love and faithfulness
that God offers a promise of exclusive friendship.
Strengthened by this vision and moved by God's love, Jacob takes up his part
in the covenant. He makes a vow to return a tenth of all God's gifts given
to him. This imperfect yet chosen man longs to receive all God has for him.
God's promises are to Jacob and his descendants until the end of time! And
now, in Christ, God has extended his covenant offer to each one of us,
whether we are children of Jacob or not. Just as he told Nathanael, Jesus
tells us too that he is the stairway of Jacob's vision (John 1:51).
Extending his arms on the cross, he bridged the gap between heaven and
earth. Because of Jesus' obedience to his Father, and because of his
faithfulness to us, we have been offered a new covenant, a full completion
of the covenant made with Jacob.
How can we, like Jacob, take up our part in this covenant? By seeking to
encounter the Lord as Jacob did. By fixing our eyes on Jesus and following
where he leads. By offering God our obedience out of love and gratitude, not
duty and obligation. It is not enough to rest on Jacob's faith. We are
Jacob's offspring when we move through our days with a personal faith in
God's covenant promises to us.
"Father, you call out with your covenant love a thousand times each day.
Help me to hear your voice, return your love, and do your will."
As Jacob journeyed through Mesopotamia, he surely encountered large shrines
built to honor the local deities. These shrines were dedicated to pagan gods
who were bound to certain lands or places. When Yahweh, appearing to Jacob
in a dream, identifies himself as "the God of your forefather Abraham and
the God of Isaac" (Genesis 28:13), he reveals that he is bound not to a
place but to a specific family.
And now it is to Isaac's son, Jacob, that God extends his covenant-a free
gift given by a generous God. Jacob, who has recently engaged in a deception
that will cause a long-lasting rift in his family, has done nothing
honorable to merit God's favor. It is simply out of love and faithfulness
that God offers a promise of exclusive friendship.
Strengthened by this vision and moved by God's love, Jacob takes up his part
in the covenant. He makes a vow to return a tenth of all God's gifts given
to him. This imperfect yet chosen man longs to receive all God has for him.
God's promises are to Jacob and his descendants until the end of time! And
now, in Christ, God has extended his covenant offer to each one of us,
whether we are children of Jacob or not. Just as he told Nathanael, Jesus
tells us too that he is the stairway of Jacob's vision (John 1:51).
Extending his arms on the cross, he bridged the gap between heaven and
earth. Because of Jesus' obedience to his Father, and because of his
faithfulness to us, we have been offered a new covenant, a full completion
of the covenant made with Jacob.
How can we, like Jacob, take up our part in this covenant? By seeking to
encounter the Lord as Jacob did. By fixing our eyes on Jesus and following
where he leads. By offering God our obedience out of love and gratitude, not
duty and obligation. It is not enough to rest on Jacob's faith. We are
Jacob's offspring when we move through our days with a personal faith in
God's covenant promises to us.
"Father, you call out with your covenant love a thousand times each day.
Help me to hear your voice, return your love, and do your will."
Saint of the Day
JULY 6
ST. MARIA GORETTI
Maria was born in 1890. Her father died when she and the other five children
in her family were small. At twelve, Maria was already very pretty. She
helped her mother on the farm, in the house and with the care of the other
children. She never complained because they were so poor. In fact, she
cheered up her poor mother and was a great comfort to her. She went to Mass
regularly even though it meant a two-hour walk. Maria also received the
sacrament of Reconciliation as often as she could.
A young neighbor, Alexander, tried a few times to make Maria sin. She
absolutely refused. She did her best to avoid him. July 5, 1902, was a hot
summer day. Maria was alone in the cottage mending clothes. Alexander came
again to try to make her sin. He dragged her into a room. When she tried to
scream, he stuffed a handkerchief into her mouth. Yet Maria managed to keep
saying, "No, no! It is a mortal sin. God doesn't want it. If you commit it,
you will go to hell." And she struggled as much as she could. Alexander
panicked. He stabbed her furiously with a dagger. Then he ran away.
Maria was taken to a hospital, where she died about twenty-four hours later.
During her last hours, she forgave her murderer. Her only worry was for her
mother. With great joy, the girl received Jesus in Holy Communion. Then she
went to heaven. Alexander was sent to prison. For a long time, he did not
repent of his horrible crime. Then one night he had a dream or vision of
Maria offering him flowers. From that moment on, he was a changed man. When
he was freed from prison after twenty-seven years, his first visit was to
the Goretti home. He asked Maria's mother for forgiveness. Then Alexander
spent the rest of his life as the gardener in a nearby monastery.
Maria was declared "blessed" by Pope Pius XII on April 27, 1947. He appeared
on the balcony of St. Peter's with Maria's eighty-two-year- old mother,
Assunta. Three years later, on July 25, 1950, the same pope declared Maria a
saint. He called her "a martyr of holy purity."
Today we may want to pray for women who have suffered abuse.
ST. MARIA GORETTI
Maria was born in 1890. Her father died when she and the other five children
in her family were small. At twelve, Maria was already very pretty. She
helped her mother on the farm, in the house and with the care of the other
children. She never complained because they were so poor. In fact, she
cheered up her poor mother and was a great comfort to her. She went to Mass
regularly even though it meant a two-hour walk. Maria also received the
sacrament of Reconciliation as often as she could.
A young neighbor, Alexander, tried a few times to make Maria sin. She
absolutely refused. She did her best to avoid him. July 5, 1902, was a hot
summer day. Maria was alone in the cottage mending clothes. Alexander came
again to try to make her sin. He dragged her into a room. When she tried to
scream, he stuffed a handkerchief into her mouth. Yet Maria managed to keep
saying, "No, no! It is a mortal sin. God doesn't want it. If you commit it,
you will go to hell." And she struggled as much as she could. Alexander
panicked. He stabbed her furiously with a dagger. Then he ran away.
Maria was taken to a hospital, where she died about twenty-four hours later.
During her last hours, she forgave her murderer. Her only worry was for her
mother. With great joy, the girl received Jesus in Holy Communion. Then she
went to heaven. Alexander was sent to prison. For a long time, he did not
repent of his horrible crime. Then one night he had a dream or vision of
Maria offering him flowers. From that moment on, he was a changed man. When
he was freed from prison after twenty-seven years, his first visit was to
the Goretti home. He asked Maria's mother for forgiveness. Then Alexander
spent the rest of his life as the gardener in a nearby monastery.
Maria was declared "blessed" by Pope Pius XII on April 27, 1947. He appeared
on the balcony of St. Peter's with Maria's eighty-two-year- old mother,
Assunta. Three years later, on July 25, 1950, the same pope declared Maria a
saint. He called her "a martyr of holy purity."
Today we may want to pray for women who have suffered abuse.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Saint John Vianney
God speaks to us, without ceasing, by His good inspirations; He sends us good thoughts, good desires. In youth, in old age, in all the misfortunes of life, He exhorts us to receive His grace, and what use do we make of His warnings? At this moment, even, are we cooperating rightly with grace?
- Saint John Vianney, Patron Saint of Priests
Meditation of the Day
Have you ever noticed how easy it can be to take your view of the world and
impose it on Scripture?
Take today's Gospel reading. It's not very fashionable to talk about demons.
Many people feel uncomfortable with such "primitive" concepts, so they try
to find other ways to explain this story. Maybe these two people were
mentally disturbed, or maybe they suffered from a severe form of
epilepsy-anything that can be explained, and therefore controlled, in
scientific, human terms.
But if we find that our view of reality is different from the biblical
approach, our safest response is to compare our view with what we read in
biblical commentaries or the Catechism. We should always approach the word
of God with an attitude of respect, trust, and a willingness to be taught by
the Lord. We should always be willing to examine our thoughts and attitudes
to see if they conform to the way God wants us to think and live.
Today's reading is a case in point. There is much we can learn if we accept
the fact that there really is a demonic realm and that demons really do have
the ability to influence people. It doesn't mean that we have to accept
every depiction of demonic activity in books or movies. But it does mean
that the devil may well have had a hand in shaping some of the attitudes in
our hearts. He is not above meddling in our lives, even to the point of
introducing thoughts into our minds-temptations that seek to lead us away
from Jesus.
So how can we discern where our thoughts come from? By making sure that the
Holy Spirit is ministering to our consciences as we pray and celebrate the
sacraments. If that is happening, then the thoughts that have an evil origin
will unsettle us and make us anxious. By contrast, the thoughts that come
from the Spirit will fill us with peace and assurance. God wants to form us.
He wants to open our eyes. All he needs is our cooperation.
"Come, Holy Spirit, and fill me with the mind of Christ."
impose it on Scripture?
Take today's Gospel reading. It's not very fashionable to talk about demons.
Many people feel uncomfortable with such "primitive" concepts, so they try
to find other ways to explain this story. Maybe these two people were
mentally disturbed, or maybe they suffered from a severe form of
epilepsy-anything that can be explained, and therefore controlled, in
scientific, human terms.
But if we find that our view of reality is different from the biblical
approach, our safest response is to compare our view with what we read in
biblical commentaries or the Catechism. We should always approach the word
of God with an attitude of respect, trust, and a willingness to be taught by
the Lord. We should always be willing to examine our thoughts and attitudes
to see if they conform to the way God wants us to think and live.
Today's reading is a case in point. There is much we can learn if we accept
the fact that there really is a demonic realm and that demons really do have
the ability to influence people. It doesn't mean that we have to accept
every depiction of demonic activity in books or movies. But it does mean
that the devil may well have had a hand in shaping some of the attitudes in
our hearts. He is not above meddling in our lives, even to the point of
introducing thoughts into our minds-temptations that seek to lead us away
from Jesus.
So how can we discern where our thoughts come from? By making sure that the
Holy Spirit is ministering to our consciences as we pray and celebrate the
sacraments. If that is happening, then the thoughts that have an evil origin
will unsettle us and make us anxious. By contrast, the thoughts that come
from the Spirit will fill us with peace and assurance. God wants to form us.
He wants to open our eyes. All he needs is our cooperation.
"Come, Holy Spirit, and fill me with the mind of Christ."
Saint of the Day
JULY 1
BLESSED JUNIPERO SERRA
Junipero Serra was born in Petra, Spain, on November 24, 1713. The boy
became a student at the Franciscan school in Palma, twenty-five miles away.
He joined the Franciscan order on September 14, 1730, a few months before
his seventeenth birthday. During the novitiate, Junipero read a biography of
Franciscan saints. The saint whose life captivated him most was St. Francis
Solano, who had lived from 1549 until 1610. This missionary priest to South
America had just been declared a saint in 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII. The
young novice decided that, if it was God's will, he too would be a
missionary.
Junipero was ordained a priest in 1736. He became a professor of philosophy.
After he had been in the order twenty years, he was given a wonderful
opportunity. Franciscan friars were asked to volunteer for the mission
territories called "New Spain" (Mexico and California). Junipero and his
close friend, Friar Francisco Palou, joined the missionary band at Cadiz,
Spain, a seaport city. From there they sailed the Atlantic Ocean to Vera
Cruz, Mexico. They landed on December 6, 1749. Junipero and another friar
walked the next part of the journey from Vera Cruz to Mexico City, a
distance of 240 miles. They began on December 15, 1749, and arrived on
January 1, 1750. From Mexico City, Junipero and Friar Francisco Palou were
sent to work among the Pame Indians at the Franciscan Mission of the Sierra
Gorda.
Several of the friars were then assigned to missions in Lower California.
Junipero, Francisco and a handful of other Franciscans were asked to bring
the Gospel to the native peoples in Upper California. Junipero started
Mission San Diego on July 16, 1769, when he was fifty-six years old. The
mission was an open invitation to his beloved people to come and meet Jesus.
Gradually, they trusted the friars. Some people were baptized and began to
live the Christian faith. Father Serra and the friars loved and protected
their people. The golden chain of new missions grew: Mission San Carlos in
Monterey on June 1, 1770; Mission San Antonio de Padua on July 14, 1771;
Mission San Gabriel Archangel, September 8, 1771; Mission San Luis Obispo,
September 1, 1772; Mission San Francisco de Asis, October 9, 1776; Mission
San Juan Capistrano, November 1, 1776; Mission Santa Clara de Asis, January
12, 1777; Mission San Buenaventura, March 31, 1782. Eventually, six thousand
native peoples were baptized.
Blessed Junipero made his final tour of the missions in Upper California
from the last part of 1783 until July of 1784. He died peacefully at Mission
San Carlos on August 28, 1784, and is buried there. In 1988, Pope John Paul
II declared Father Junipero Serra "blessed."
"All my life I have wanted to be a missionary. I have wanted to carry the
gospel message to those who have never heard of God and the kingdom he has
prepared for them."-Bl. Junipero
BLESSED JUNIPERO SERRA
Junipero Serra was born in Petra, Spain, on November 24, 1713. The boy
became a student at the Franciscan school in Palma, twenty-five miles away.
He joined the Franciscan order on September 14, 1730, a few months before
his seventeenth birthday. During the novitiate, Junipero read a biography of
Franciscan saints. The saint whose life captivated him most was St. Francis
Solano, who had lived from 1549 until 1610. This missionary priest to South
America had just been declared a saint in 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII. The
young novice decided that, if it was God's will, he too would be a
missionary.
Junipero was ordained a priest in 1736. He became a professor of philosophy.
After he had been in the order twenty years, he was given a wonderful
opportunity. Franciscan friars were asked to volunteer for the mission
territories called "New Spain" (Mexico and California). Junipero and his
close friend, Friar Francisco Palou, joined the missionary band at Cadiz,
Spain, a seaport city. From there they sailed the Atlantic Ocean to Vera
Cruz, Mexico. They landed on December 6, 1749. Junipero and another friar
walked the next part of the journey from Vera Cruz to Mexico City, a
distance of 240 miles. They began on December 15, 1749, and arrived on
January 1, 1750. From Mexico City, Junipero and Friar Francisco Palou were
sent to work among the Pame Indians at the Franciscan Mission of the Sierra
Gorda.
Several of the friars were then assigned to missions in Lower California.
Junipero, Francisco and a handful of other Franciscans were asked to bring
the Gospel to the native peoples in Upper California. Junipero started
Mission San Diego on July 16, 1769, when he was fifty-six years old. The
mission was an open invitation to his beloved people to come and meet Jesus.
Gradually, they trusted the friars. Some people were baptized and began to
live the Christian faith. Father Serra and the friars loved and protected
their people. The golden chain of new missions grew: Mission San Carlos in
Monterey on June 1, 1770; Mission San Antonio de Padua on July 14, 1771;
Mission San Gabriel Archangel, September 8, 1771; Mission San Luis Obispo,
September 1, 1772; Mission San Francisco de Asis, October 9, 1776; Mission
San Juan Capistrano, November 1, 1776; Mission Santa Clara de Asis, January
12, 1777; Mission San Buenaventura, March 31, 1782. Eventually, six thousand
native peoples were baptized.
Blessed Junipero made his final tour of the missions in Upper California
from the last part of 1783 until July of 1784. He died peacefully at Mission
San Carlos on August 28, 1784, and is buried there. In 1988, Pope John Paul
II declared Father Junipero Serra "blessed."
"All my life I have wanted to be a missionary. I have wanted to carry the
gospel message to those who have never heard of God and the kingdom he has
prepared for them."-Bl. Junipero
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Parental Rights
HOME-SCHOOLING: U.N. treaty might weaken families
Michael Smith
One of the issues American families could face this year is the ramifications from a treaty called the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
You may ask, "How could a treaty directly affect internal decision-making by American families?" We generally think of treaties as agreements affecting international relations between countries. The U.N., however, has initiated treaties that not only affect international relations, but also thedomestic relations of member nations as well. These treaties, sometimes called "conventions, " require member nations that ratify the treaty to implement the requirements as binding law or rules.
On Nov. 20, 1989, the U.N. adopted the CRC and submitted it for ratification to the member nations. It has been ratified by 193 nations - the United States is one of the few countries that has not ratified it.
The ratification process requires a two-thirds vote by the U.S. Senate. On Feb. 16, 1995, Madeleine Albright, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N., signed the CRC on behalf of the United States. The CRC, however, has never been sent to the Senate for ratification because there is insufficient support to pass it.
Due to the recent election, however, there are rumblings from Capitol Hill that there will be an effort to seek ratification of the CRC during the next congressional cycle. Hillary Rodham Clinton is a strong supporter of the treaty, and as secretary of state, would have direct control over the submission of treaties to the Senate.
Why should passage of the CRC be of concern? It likely would have a negative impact on domestic law and practice in the United States. Article VI of our Constitution makes treaties - and remember, conventions are viewed as treaties - "the supreme law of the land." The CRC would be treated as superior to laws in every state regarding the parent-child relationship. This would include issues regarding education, health care, family discipline, the child's role in family decision-making, and a host of other subjects.
Article 43 of the CRC establishes an international committee on the rights of the child to examine compliance by member nations. This committee, which sits in Geneva, has final authority concerning interpretation of the language contained in the CRC.
Two central principles of the CRC clearly are contrary to current U.S. laws related to parent-child relationships. The CRC provides that in all matters relating to children, whether private or public, or in courts, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration. Additionally, nations should ensure that children are capable of expressing their views freely in all matters affecting them, giving due weight to the age and maturity of the child.
This is contrary to traditional American law, which provides that absent proof of harm, courts and social workers simply do not have the authority to intervene in parent-child relationships and decision-making. The importance of this tradition and practice is that the government may not substitute its judgment for that of the parent until there is proof of harm to the child sufficient to justify governmental intervention. It is clear that in two very important areas of the parent-child relationship, religion and education, there will be potential for tremendous conflict.
The international committee in Geneva has expressed its concern that parents could home-school without the view of the child being considered; that parents could remove their children from sex-education classes without the view of the child being considered; that parents were legally permitted to use corporal punishment; and that children didn't have access to reproductive health information without parental knowledge.
The bottom line is the CRC would drastically weaken the United States' sovereignty over family life, which would have a substantial impact on every American family.
Michael Smith
One of the issues American families could face this year is the ramifications from a treaty called the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
You may ask, "How could a treaty directly affect internal decision-making by American families?" We generally think of treaties as agreements affecting international relations between countries. The U.N., however, has initiated treaties that not only affect international relations, but also thedomestic relations of member nations as well. These treaties, sometimes called "conventions, " require member nations that ratify the treaty to implement the requirements as binding law or rules.
On Nov. 20, 1989, the U.N. adopted the CRC and submitted it for ratification to the member nations. It has been ratified by 193 nations - the United States is one of the few countries that has not ratified it.
The ratification process requires a two-thirds vote by the U.S. Senate. On Feb. 16, 1995, Madeleine Albright, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N., signed the CRC on behalf of the United States. The CRC, however, has never been sent to the Senate for ratification because there is insufficient support to pass it.
Due to the recent election, however, there are rumblings from Capitol Hill that there will be an effort to seek ratification of the CRC during the next congressional cycle. Hillary Rodham Clinton is a strong supporter of the treaty, and as secretary of state, would have direct control over the submission of treaties to the Senate.
Why should passage of the CRC be of concern? It likely would have a negative impact on domestic law and practice in the United States. Article VI of our Constitution makes treaties - and remember, conventions are viewed as treaties - "the supreme law of the land." The CRC would be treated as superior to laws in every state regarding the parent-child relationship. This would include issues regarding education, health care, family discipline, the child's role in family decision-making, and a host of other subjects.
Article 43 of the CRC establishes an international committee on the rights of the child to examine compliance by member nations. This committee, which sits in Geneva, has final authority concerning interpretation of the language contained in the CRC.
Two central principles of the CRC clearly are contrary to current U.S. laws related to parent-child relationships. The CRC provides that in all matters relating to children, whether private or public, or in courts, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration. Additionally, nations should ensure that children are capable of expressing their views freely in all matters affecting them, giving due weight to the age and maturity of the child.
This is contrary to traditional American law, which provides that absent proof of harm, courts and social workers simply do not have the authority to intervene in parent-child relationships and decision-making. The importance of this tradition and practice is that the government may not substitute its judgment for that of the parent until there is proof of harm to the child sufficient to justify governmental intervention. It is clear that in two very important areas of the parent-child relationship, religion and education, there will be potential for tremendous conflict.
The international committee in Geneva has expressed its concern that parents could home-school without the view of the child being considered; that parents could remove their children from sex-education classes without the view of the child being considered; that parents were legally permitted to use corporal punishment; and that children didn't have access to reproductive health information without parental knowledge.
The bottom line is the CRC would drastically weaken the United States' sovereignty over family life, which would have a substantial impact on every American family.
President Pushes CRC Ratification
Obama Administration Pushes CRC Ratification
-- 24 June 2009
Dear Friend of Parental Rights,
Monday in a Harlem middle school, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice told a group of 120 students that administration officials are actively discussing “when and how it might be possible to join” (that is, ratify) the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). As before, she also communicated what a disgrace it is that the U.S. would stand with only Somalia against such a widely-accepted treaty.
This is the first direct public statement by the Obama administration that it will seek ratification of the UN CRC.
In my 30 years of political involvement, I have learned to recognize this as what is called a “trial balloon.” Like in World War I trench warfare, our opponents have “sent up a balloon” to see if it will draw fire. If things remain quiet, they will proceed with their plans to push for ratification of the CRC in the U.S. Senate.
To discourage them from doing so, we need to make sure that our voices are heard with unmistakable clarity. We must let the Obama administration know that we oppose this anti-family, anti-American treaty.
Here’s what we need you all to do:
1. Call the White House comments line at 202-456-1111. Tell them you heard the administration wants to ratify the CRC, and you strongly oppose this giving away of U.S. sovereignty to the UN. Also keep in mind that this treaty gives the government jurisdiction to override any decision made by any parent if the government thinks that a better decision can be made—even if there is no proof of any harm.
2. Call Ambassador Susan Rice’s office at the United Nations. Tell her that you want her to represent the United States to the world rather than trying to get the United States to go along with international law initiated by the UN. The US Mission at the United Nations can be reached at 212-415-4000 (press 6 to leave your message). This number has been disconnected through our efforts. You can also contact the Public Diplomacy Office at 212-415-4050. We are no longer urging calls to the U.S. office at the United Nations.
3. Contact your Senators and urge them to oppose ratification of this treaty. (Find your Senators’ contact information by typing your zip code into the box here.) Ask them also to defeat it once and for all by cosponsoring SJRes 16 – the Parental Rights Amendment.
It is very important that we speak up right now. Please call before you close this email!
Sincerely,
Michael Farris
UN Convention on the Rights of a Child
20 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE UN CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
Ten things you need to know about the structure of the CRC:
- It is a treaty which creates binding rules of law. It is no mere statement of altruism.1.
- Its effect would be binding on American families, courts, and policy-makers.2.
- Children of other nations would not be impacted or helped in any direct way by our ratification.3.
- The CRC would automatically override almost all American laws on children and families because of the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause in Article VI.4.
- The CRC has some elements that are self-executing, while others would require implementing legislation. Federal courts would have the power to determine which provisions were self-executing.5.
- The courts would have the power to directly enforce the provisions that are self-executing.6.
- Congress would have the power to directly legislate on all subjects necessary to comply with the treaty. This would constitute the most massive shift of power from the states to the federal government in American history.7.
- A committee of 18 experts from other nations, sitting in Geneva, has the authority to issue official interpretations of the treaty which are entitled to binding weight in American courts and legislatures. This effectively transfers ultimate authority for all policies in this area to this foreign committee.8.
- Under international law, the treaty overrides even our Constitution.9.
- Reservations, declarations, or understandings intended to modify our duty to comply with this treaty will be void if they are determined to be inconsistent with the object and purpose of the treaty.10.
Ten things you need to know about the substance of the CRC:
- Parents would no longer be able to administer reasonable spankings to their children.11.
- A murderer aged 17 years and 11 months and 29 days at the time of his crime could no longer be sentenced to life in prison.12.
- Children would have the ability to choose their own religion while parents would only have the authority to give their children advice about religion.13.
- The best interest of the child principle would give the government the ability to override every decision made by every parent if a government worker disagreed with the parent’s decision.14.
- A child’s “right to be heard” would allow him (or her) to seek governmental review of every parental decision with which the child disagreed.15.
- According to existing interpretation, it would be illegal for a nation to spend more on national defense than it does on children’s welfare.16.
- Children would acquire a legally enforceable right to leisure.17.
- Christian schools that refuse to teach "alternative worldviews" and teach that Christianity is the only true religion "fly in the face of article 29" of the treaty.18.
- Allowing parents to opt their children out of sex education has been held to be out of compliance with the CRC.19.
- Children would have the right to reproductive health information and services, including abortions, without parental knowledge or consent.20.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Paulist Messages of the Day
It is the will of God that each one of us should strive to find his vocation and should follow it with fidelity.
Can the purposes of God, in the case of particular individuals, be so clearly discovered as that each Christian may be matched, so to say, with the state, whether higher or lower, to which God has called him? The Church answers this question in the affirmative….
Sunday, June 21, 2009
The armor of God
The armor of God.
Draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Jesus Sacred Heart
Jesus' Sacred Heart is full of love. For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. |
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