Calling All Catholics

Extremely Un-Loving

noreply@blogger.com (alemieux3) — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:55:00 +0000

A radical Baptist church from Kansas is planning on protesting at Heath Ledger's funeral. I heard a member on the radio talking about how Heath Ledger is serving his sentence in hell for Brokeback Mountain and the life that he lead.

Even if they are justified in their claims, that have no right to 'protest' anyone's funeral and to spread their mal-content in such a venue. What kind of disrespect to the dead is that? Who made them judge and condemner all of a sudden?

This kind of Christian hate, fire and brimstone, may have its place in moving sinners back to conversion, but I doubt this type of action and message is moving anyone to love Jesus and ask for conversion. I also know that Christ himself would not have gone around condemning everyone who was a sinner. He ate with tax collector's and publican's, he conversed with the Samaritan woman at the well, he dined with the Pharisees. He tried to win them with his love first, not beat them all over the head and tell them they were going to hell!

I think this is despicable and any member of that church should search their hearts before acting so rashly, for one day judgment will come to them.

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Raising the Dead

noreply@blogger.com (alemieux3) — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 19:37:00 +0000

Today's gospel reading (Luke 7:11-17) reveals Jesus' power over death as he raises the widows only son to life on his way to burial. Clearly, this must be from the beginning of Christ's ministry as he does this out in the open among many witness who were so astonished to fear that they thought Jesus was a great prophet.

What's interesting about this is that throughout the gospels, whenever Jesus performs a miracle, usually he does it quietly (other than the raising of Lazarus) and he always tells the person he heals to be silent on the matter. For whatever reason, Jesus chose this moment to reveal the power he posesses, out of emapthy for the widow, but for the belief of those around him.

It's a remarkable passage that comes on the heels of another miracle from yesterday's gospel. How can we even begin to comprehend the amount of times and the undocumented healings that must've occured. It's astounding to even imagine what it must've been like.

Praise God!

Easter Season

noreply@blogger.com (alemieux3) — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 19:56:00 +0000

Now that Easter has come and gone (so quickly), and our lenten fasting is over, this time in the Church calendar is filled with rejoicing. It's no coincidence that this season coincides with spring. The regeneration of life. It's as if the earth itself is rejoicing in the Lord's accomplishments.

Our daily readings now turn from the Old Testament prophets to the New Testament Apostles performing the work that Christ left them to do. Peter healing a man who was lame. His boldness in the temple before his own people, chastising them for crucifying the living God. It's amazing to hear these stories. As the trees begin to blossom, so did the Church begin to grow amidst the suffering and trials of the seasons.

So the Church too is growing. More and more of the faithful who veered away are coming back. It's very encouraging. When we were being persecuted and the inevitable harm that came out of the sex abuse scandal, we couldn't see an end to the daily rhetoric in the newspapers that pointed fingers at the very foundation of our faith. For so long, we were downcast and hung our heads in disbelief at the horrible tales we heard.

But now we are reminded of the work of Christ's redemptive healing. How even through the worst of times He can break through the hardest of hearts and bring them back to himself. He calls all of his children to himself. The Lamb of God slain for us shepherd's His people through the ministry that was given to the Apostles and handed down through generations.

Give praise to the living God! Sing Alleluia!

Holy Week

noreply@blogger.com (alemieux3) — Mon, 10 Apr 2006 17:59:00 +0000

It's hard to believe, but Holy Week is here already! Lent is almost over and Easter is upon us! It's almost time to rejoice and soon we will hear those familiar hymns that we haven't heard before Ash Wednesday.

The readings from the prophets pointing to the coming of the Messiah will be fulfilled in the Triduum this week. I'm amazed and disheartened to hear the stories from the new testament involving the Pharisees and the Saducees. Today's reading from John talks about how they were plotting to kill Lazarus because when Jesus raised him from the dead, they lost many of their brethren to his cause. It's most unsettling to know that even Caiphas himself, the high priest at the time, did not even hear Jesus' preaching or witness any of His miracles, but got all of his facts from witnesses.

When he asks Jesus if he is who he claims to be, the Messiah, the Son of God, and Jesus replies, 'I am,' the reaction is justified, it seems, but begs no further questioning. Although Joseph of Arimethea and Nicodemus were for Jesus' cause, when he spoke these words, they had no defense left in them. The 'blasphemy' was spoken. But what else could Jesus have done or said? It appears that nothing would move the Sanhedrin towards the realization that Jesus was in fact the savior. As it was prophesied, so it was.

O happy fault, that the fall of Adam brought about God sending his only son that we should be saved. Will we be able to recognize Christ in his second coming? Or will we be blind and inflexible towards him? God, open our hearts and minds to the divine witness of your son Jesus Christ. Grant us the grace to understand the true meaning of his supreme sacrifice.

Amen.

Long Lines at Confession

noreply@blogger.com (alemieux3) — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 17:06:00 +0000

I can't remember the last time I had to wait in line for confession. But this past weekend at St. Joseph's Shrine in Lowell, there was a good number of people waiting for confession. Perhaps with all of the Catholic events going on recently, including the Boston Catholic Men's Conference, Catholics are getting back to basics? What are your thoughts?

Should Women Stay Home or Stay at Work?

noreply@blogger.com (alemieux3) — Tue, 28 Mar 2006 17:30:00 +0000

I'm incensed at the recent turmoil called Mommy Wars, a piece that ran recently on ABC. A law professor and 'working mom' Linda Hirshman says it's a mistake for college educated women to give up their jobs and return to their homes.

It is precisely because women choose to advance themselves in professional careers that the family in this country has been damaged. So what if a mother realizes that THE MOST IMPORTANT thing for her to do is to MOTHER her children! That is the penultimate role of a woman. I know of some new mother's who shove their newborns in daycare because they are too busy at work! I know mom's who wonder why their kids are so misbehaved, yet they hardly see their children and when they do, they'd rather not.

On the other hand, I've heard countless stories of women who got degrees in various fields and immediately knew when they had their first child, that being with that child was more important than advancing the corporate ladder.

And why wouldn't a woman want her husband to support her? Take any day during the week and go to a mall. 99% of the shoppers are women with big fat diamond rings, makeup galor, and too many bags to carry. While their husbands toil away at work, they are spending all the money! What a life!

If all women, working or not, would just look to the life of Mary and see in her the service and sacrifices she made and the example that she is as a mother herself.

Internet Piracy and the Sixth Commandment

noreply@blogger.com (alemieux3) — Thu, 09 Mar 2006 14:59:00 +0000

While watching Fr. Corapi the other night with my wife, he made an impression on me when talking about the sixth commandment, thou shalt not steal. Now I'm not a thief, I don't plan bank robberies or steal credit cards, that's no the case. But upon examination of conscience, I realized quickly that those songs I downloaded from the internet and some application programs, pretty much amount to stealing.

The thought vexed me so that the next day I didn't go to communion. I tried to rationalize the ideas in my head about the reasons why I did it: everyone else does it, the programs I'm downloading cost way too much money, the songs I've downloaded are ancient 80's hits, etc. A whole flood of excuses clouded my mind, but when I got down to the heart of it those actions were against the sixth commandment, no matter how much I could justify my claims.

If I had to make restitution for these downloads, I'm sure I'd end up broke. The next day, I went to confession and I wasn't sure if the priest I was confessing to would even know the ramifications for such actions, let alone the technology behind them. So I'm deleting all those songs and programs that I didn't pay for and will purchase the things I need in the future.

May God have mercy on me.

Catholic Men's Conference

noreply@blogger.com (alemieux3) — Fri, 03 Mar 2006 19:19:00 +0000

I'm all hyped and ready to go to the Men's Conference tomorrow. I think Fr. Corapi will be on fire. I can't wait! I'm looking forward to the other speakers too and I'll catch up with lot's of guys from churches that I've been to or am involved with. All the women are going now to the women's side of things. I'm sure they'll get an earful too.

Hope to see you there!

Ash Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (alemieux3) — Wed, 01 Mar 2006 19:57:00 +0000

So Ash Wednesday is here and lent has begun. I can already feel a pit in my stomach, but I don't mind it much now. Every time I have a hunger pang, I try to remind myself of the Lord's suffering. I also keep thinking that I should be doing more. How is your lenten season beginning?

Mardis Gras: Lent

noreply@blogger.com (alemieux3) — Tue, 28 Feb 2006 16:36:00 +0000

Today is the last day before lent begins and my children keep asking "what do I give up?" Even I am not sure what I'm going to give up. My mantra for lent over the last 10 years is not necessarily what I'm going to give up, but what I'm going to do extra for the Lord.

Our Church will be having mass at 6pm and on Friday's, after mass, they will have the stations of the cross, one of my favorite lenten devotions. There are a lot more opportunities to focus on Christ during the lenten season, there's so much spiritual reading I need to get done, more time in prayer and adoration.

Instead of asking yourself, "What can I give up?" Try asking yourself, "What more can I do for the Lord?"

Interesting Population Statistics

noreply@blogger.com (alemieux3) — Tue, 21 Feb 2006 16:13:00 +0000

In this Wired magazine article, the earth's population is slowing at a "phenomenal decline." Even though the total population is growing, it's growing at a much slower rate. For every 4.1 births, there are 1.8 deaths, give or take. The major centers for population growth are in the poorest areas of the world.

On St. John Bosco

noreply@blogger.com (alemieux3) — Wed, 01 Feb 2006 15:16:00 +0000

Yesterday marked the feast of St. John (Don) Bosco. He spent much of his life working with school boys and forming their Catholic sensibilities through his wit. A remarkable work entitled Forty Dreams of St. John Bosco has some remarkable and relevant stories that frighten the unfaithful and bolster those who believe. On the death of Pope John Paul II, some recalled the last dream in this book which prophesied to the enth, the coming of Joseph Ratzinger as the new Pope.

One of the more horrifying dreams is when he visualizes the demise of several of the boys in his own care, due to their carelessness with their souls. He describes the path to hell being smooth and beautiful and many souls falling that way, sliding to their doom and his frustration in not being able to save them. Then he describes the thorny path towards heaven.

What remarkable lessons can we learn from St. John Bosco today. As with St. Alphonsus de Liguori and others, St. John reminds us, through the love of Christ, the importance of our souls. He urges us to be faithful stewards of it in this earthly life. He cautions us against laxity that could result in our eternal damnation. St. John Bosco, pray for us!

St. Francis De Sales

noreply@blogger.com (alemieux3) — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 13:38:00 +0000

Today the Church honors St. Francis De Sales, a French born aristocrat who decided against his fathers wishes for the 'glory' of secular life and pursued religious life. St. Francis is most noted for his trials and tribulations in his attempts to bring the swiss protestant reformists back to the Church. After months of having the door slammed on him, he resorted to writing 'tracts' or articles defending the Catholic position on many a topic, which is recorded in the book Catholic Controversy. A remarkable work that is bold and forthright. St. Francis, in examining the common stance of the reformists, questions their ability to even call themselves christian in light of their refusal to accept Christ's true presence in the Eucharist.

How much is a teacher like St. Francis needed in the Church today! With many Catholics falling away from the Church with poor excuses for leaving, blaming the sex-abuse scandal and other political reasons. Priests and Bishops are men and men make mistakes! They should never be a reason to leave Christ! "Though the gates of hell shall prevail, my Church will never fall" says Christ. We are the body of Christ.

Catholic Quest Announces New Event "Is This The Face of Jesus?"

noreply@blogger.com (alemieux3) — Fri, 20 Jan 2006 16:16:00 +0000

Catholic Quest announces a new event scheduled for March and April entitled "Is This The Face of Jesus?" The talk, given at local parishes, will be given by Al Righini, who has rigorously studied the Shroud of Turin. The presentation begins with a general discussion of crucifixion, a brief known history, a detailed description of the cloth, results of the 1978 testing and most important, the circumstantial evidence which he claims shows us emphatically that the Shroud of Turin is indeed the authentic burial cloth of Jesus.

Details can be found here

Mystical Body

noreply@blogger.com (alemieux3) — Tue, 17 Jan 2006 18:45:00 +0000

Mystical body, veiled as bread and wine, reveal yourself to my heart. I gaze upon you lifted high by Holy hands. The mystery before me is overwhelming and though I cannot comprehend, I believe with all that I am. Come into my heart, mystical body, and enter therein. Dwell within me and drive out all that is not of you.

Pax Domini

Blessed Andre Bessette

noreply@blogger.com (alemieux3) — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 15:19:00 +0000

Blessed Andre gave credit to St. Joseph every time a miracle was worked because of his intercession. Perhaps this is why he is still a Blessed and not a Saint. The little doorman of Notre Dame College dreamed of an Oratory built in honor of St. Joseph and worked towards that dream never seeing its fulfillment.

I have been to the Oratory and to Notre Dame. Blessed Andre's work came to its fruition and many can come and view the spectacular landscape of Montreal from the top of the Oratory. The most interesting part of the Oratory is in the cellar where Blessed Andre's tomb is. Such an amazing devotion he had to St. Joseph, whom we know so little about. I'd imagine that St. Joseph is reflected in the humility of Blessed Andre.

Blessed Andre, pray for us!

This Week's Readings

noreply@blogger.com (alemieux3) — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 14:53:00 +0000

In the rite of Christian initiation, we have Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. Listening to this week's readings we've been hearing about John the Baptist's mission to baptize those willing to convert and prepare themselves for the coming messiah. Eight days after Christ was born to Mary and Joseph, they brought him to the temple in Jerusalem, which wasn't far from Bethlehem and presented him for circumcision, the Jewish rite of initiation which comes from the days of Moses. Baptism washes us in the grace of God cleansing our soul of the stain of original sin and brings us into the spiritual life. Administered by a Priest, Deacon, or even a lay person in times of imminent danger, baptism gives us our first meeting with the Holy Spirit.

Christ, baptized in the Jordan by John did not receive baptism out of necessity, but so that the prophecies may be fulfilled and that other's would follow his example. Just as Mary, born without sin, didn't need to purify herself before approaching the temple, but did anyway. John's mission was different than Christ's as mentioned in today's Gospel. John saw himself as "not fit to loose the thongs on his sandals." He told his followers "I baptize with water, but he will come who will baptize with the spirit and fire." Although Christ never baptized the way John did his actions in the upper room at the last supper give us a clue as to what John was foretelling. Culminating in the action of the Holy Spirit resting on the Apostles' heads as tongue's of fire at Pentecost, Christ, being the third person of the Holy Trinity, gave the disciples that 'paraclete', the Holy Spirit, who empowered the Apostles with his gifts of fortitude, wisdom, counsel, understanding, piety, knowledge, and fear of the Lord.

St. Paul remind's tells the Jewish converts to be 'uncircumcised.' That God regarded the empty rituals of the Jews as vile and repulsive to him for they had no love of God even though they practiced what he asked of them. Christ is the new covenant that fulfills all of the previous covenantal claims on man and brings man closer to God through the new covenant. Instituting the Eucharist, Baptism, and Confirmation as the new rites of initiation. We recall what Jesus told Nicodemus, who couldn't understand Christ's analogy "Unless a man be born again..." then he couldn't be saved or live eternally with the Father, therefore requiring baptism in the spirit as preparation for everlasting life.

Let us empty ourselves of all that we are and let Christ reveal himself to us this Christmas season. Let us recall our baptism. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will strengthen us and assure us of the salvation we long for. Sing Alleluia!

St. John Neumann

noreply@blogger.com (alemieux3) — Thu, 05 Jan 2006 13:07:00 +0000

Although serving as a priest in America, St. John Neumann was a Bohemian first (just like our current Pope), and studied in the seminaries in Prague, but the Bishop there halted the ordination of priests because there were too many. Neumann wrote to the Catholic Bishops in New York and became a priest there in a church that had no steeple or floor! He was able to speak multiple languages which allowed him to hear confessions in the native tongue of the confessor.

Let us pray to St. John Neumann for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

noreply@blogger.com (alemieux3) — Wed, 04 Jan 2006 14:36:00 +0000

Today the Church recongnizes the life and work of Elizabeth Ann Seton founder of the Sisters of Charity, the first American religious society. We find in Elizabeth great joy in the beginning of her life and marriage. A protestant (Anglican) at first being converted in Pisa, Italy after the untimely death of her husband.

As a homeschooling family, as many other homeschooling families in our group, the Seton homeschooling program, and the teachings and discipline of that program, have been a source of great encouragement and hope for us. It is with great respect and honor that we pay tribute to this remarkable woman today.

Christmas Reflections

noreply@blogger.com (alemieux3) — Tue, 03 Jan 2006 20:25:00 +0000

Christmas has come and gone again, although me and my family continue celebrating through the Epiphany. We had contemplated on celebrating Christmas solo this year - without family. In the past, some conversations turned sour and our kids were exposed to things we didn't want them to be exposed to. We figured a more focused, somber observation of the 'true' meaning of Christmas somewhere apart from everyone else would be a true reversal of things past.

But this Christmas came off without a hitch. Perhaps our prayers were answered! No matter what anyone said or did, I had the true spirit of joy in my heart that only Christmas can bring. Nothing happened that would have set me off and nothing took away from the holiday. It was truly enjoyable! Praise be Jesus!

Feast of the Holy Family

noreply@blogger.com (alemieux3) — Fri, 30 Dec 2005 19:54:00 +0000

It's amazing to reflect on the Holy Family, even for a moment, this day, when the Church recognizes the mission of the Holy Family. In the temple, Mary and Joseph offer two turtledoves or pigeons showing their poverty. Mary purifies herself in the pool outside the temple in the tradition, even though she doesn't need to. After the circumcision, all the Bible tells us is that they went down to Nazareth and raised Jesus.
What a remarkable life it must have been to be in the presence of God every day literally! How humbling it must've been for Joseph. How daunting it must've been for Mary. Christ put away his divinity to live the humanity we all live. To truly understand the human condition, he took upon himself human nature. The God of all creation submits himself to the daily trials of humanity.
How amazing to be Joseph teaching him who created all things, how to build something with his bare hands. How incredible it is that Mary taught him the faith that he himself authored and handed down to us. The incarnation is ironic and telling of the way God chose to be with his people, amongst them. For his love surpasses all love and his mercy endures forever.

Men of St. Joseph's: Ste. Marie's Manchester, NH

noreply@blogger.com (alemieux3) — Wed, 28 Dec 2005 14:49:00 +0000

The Men of St. Joseph's group, comprised of over 100 men or more, meet every 1st Friday of the month at Ste. Marie's Parish in Manchester, NH at 133 WAYNE STREET, MANCHESTER N.H. O3102. Call the rectory for more information at: PHONE: (603) 622-4615.

Monk For A Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (alemieux3) — Wed, 28 Dec 2005 14:45:00 +0000

The Benedictine Monastery in Still River, MA is pursuing candidates for the monastic life in its campaign called Monk For A Weekend. The Monastery has a community of brothers and priests who live a reverent and prayerful life. If you are interested in finding out more about the event, contact Br. Matthew at monkforaweekend@aol.com.

Boston Catholic Men's Conference

noreply@blogger.com (alemieux3) — Wed, 28 Dec 2005 14:35:00 +0000

Mark your calendars for March 4, 2006. The Boston Catholic Men's Conference (second annual) will be held at the New Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in South Boston, 415 Summer Street Boston, MA 02210. Last year there was a great line up of speakers including Jim Caviezel from the Passion of the Christ. This year, Scott Hahn, Fr. John Corapi, Fr. Roniero Cantalamessa, and Archbishop Sean O'Malley, will be speaking. There were over 2,000 men in attendance last year, they are expecting over 4,000 this year. By your tickets before December 31st to get a discount. There are group discounts available as well.

Feast of the Holy Innocents

noreply@blogger.com (alemieux3) — Wed, 28 Dec 2005 14:01:00 +0000

Today the Church recalls the lives of the boys 2 and under, fetted out and killed by Herods men. Herod, believing the prophecies sought to kill Christ, who is in the Davidic line. No one had claimed to be from the Davidic line since the last king was put to death. If any man stepped out and claimed kingship, he would be hunted down and killed by the occupying government.

St. Joseph, having in a dream been told by an Angel, rose up and brought Jesus and Mary to Egypt. Recall that Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, who also posessed the power of dreams, was made powerful in Egypt and brought his people there to settle in Goshen. Joseph therefore fulfilled the prophecy: "Out of Egypt have I called my son." (Matt. 2: 13 - 18)

In this day we recall the agony and suffering of those innocent children. The terror their mothers went through as their children were torn away from them and killed in front of them. The mad fury of Herod. But it reminds me of the considerable offenses this country and the world has made against God in committing the most heinous acts of abortion, infanticide, euthansia, stem cell research, and others. We pray for God's mercy.