7 Quick Takes (Vol. VI)

•·°1°·•

My goal is to live up to this post...actually doing a quick blog post, well 7 quick little ones all combined. Usually it takes me forever and I put a lot of thought and effort into it. What should be my fastest written post, turns into an all evening affair. That being said, Mindyleigh over at The Devout Life  has me thinking about doing this is trying to trick me into doing NABLOPOMO. There is a theme this month, Saved, I don't even know what that means..? So we shall see.

•·°2°·•

Have you heard about this Labyrinth stuff that some folks do in the aims of spirituality? Ok... so I didn't know what this was all about until Larry at Acts of the Apostasy learned me some stuff about it. It is really creepy, humanist, quasi  full-blown-pagan, stuff. Here is Catholic Culture's take on the whole thing. It all stems from Grace Cathedral, and some woman there... I am sorry if I am being harsh or rude, but this creeps me out, A TON! In case you don't know... I believe in the Devil, I believe that "spirituality" is dangerous if it is messed with in ways that aren't in line with Catholic teaching, and I don't think the Devil plans on knocking at the front door, and announcing he is about to do some evil... he will be subversive. A Labyrinth, really? I saw that a couple of local parishes advertise about this in my area... never knew what it was... this is bad stuff people. I plan on doing more research.

•·°3°·•

The most recent Alaskan Catholic Youth Conference recently occurred up in Anchorage. I am a huge fan of youth conferences. But after spending more than 8 years working with teens in leadership positions I know there are some things you have to be careful of, one being "fads." This is especially true when the fads are things that are done solely because they are a fad, and the kids don't understand the real serious implications of it all. For the record, I didn't go, but after being alerted to something, I had to mention it... the facebook page for the event has some pretty interesting wall posts. Now please don't go check it out, I dont want folks harassing unsuspecting kids, but the just of it is this: One person would post:

"Who is the Church?!"

Response: "We are, WE ARE THE CHURCH!"

I want to go on the record right now... WE AREN'T CHURCH!!! (ie We Are Church) In fact, Fr. Cory says it best: "We are Church?" NO!"

This is important stuff... again the Devil is a DECEIVER... the whole "it is no big deal, kids being harmless, didn't mean that." Well, when some unsuspecting kid Googles We Are Church, and reads that heresy... and starts believing it, tell me it is no big deal. Now I don't want to indict these kids, because I know quite a few who went, I just want to know why such a thing was allowed to be perpetuated without some directional Catechesis?

I am still looking into this a bit more, so if you have more info either to clarify or solidify my point please email me: angelsdefendus@gmail.com

•·°4°·•

I need a picture or logo in my title bar at the top of the blog. I have zero artistic ability... in fact I can't draw a straight line with a ruler. If you want to help... I would appreciate it.

•·°5°·•

More importantly, I need a job. The wife and I are trying to figure out what God wants us to do... either stay in Alaska or go back to Michigan. My position is up in the middle/end of August and so I need some real employ. I am willing to consider non-legal careers, but it would have to be really great. Obviously, if I could get some religious gig like writing a book, or getting paid to blog professionally, I would jump on it... other positions would have to have some really sweet benefits. Oh, anything with a Gun is a plus. As for location... in Michigan I'd love to be in the Marquette or Gaylord Diocese, especially somewhere near Holy Rosary Parish in Cedar, Mi - that place is ON FIRE! We'd go to another state, if it meant a good job, but legal careers are limited because of State Bar Admissions. So if anyone has pull with a Bishop, and a Diocese is in need of a Canon Lawyer, I am willing to go back to school and get my Canon Law degree if some Bishop & Diocese wants to sponsor me. It can be like the military... they put me through training and then I owe them 4+ years of service. I think it all works out grand in the end.

•·°6°·•

Please tell me about your hidden gem blogs that you read. I have been weeding out some of the blogs I read, either literally or at least mentally. I use an RSS reader program, it operates a lot like my email program so I end up just skipping over a bunch. There are a lot of news sites I follow, and they get pretty repetitive. So if you have a blog or two that you read, and it is one that you think I might not know about... please let me know. One of my favorite online pleasures is finding hidden gem blogs.

•·°7°·•

These quick takes once again took quite a while... at least I gave it the ole' college try.

This post is linked to 7 Quick Takes Friday at Conversion Diary where Jennifer encourages us to share seven small bits that wouldn’t quite make full blog posts by themselves.

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. V)

---== 1 ==---

"It is as if you are standing on a battlefield, during a war, asking 'Why are they shooting at me?'" This is the statement a friend of mine throws at me every time I speak about any "shocking" situation in the world regarding the Faith, culture, or society. He is right. This doesn't mean that we should ACCEPT these things, it just means, that we waste a lot of time and energy complaining about what the "other side" is doing, rather than acknowledging it and stepping up and trying to do SOMETHING ABOUT IT. The recent situation with Planned Parenthood is a prime example. Why are these parents SHOCKED that P.P. came in and talked about this? C'mon... it is Planned Parenthood. Why is a group like Planned Parenthood allowed in a school system? I haven't found a lot of solid answers in this case, but I'll be honest and tell you I didn't spend a lot of time on it. This story isn't exactly: "Alien life forms found on Mars." Rather then spending a lot of energy and information space on the shock that parents have over the content of this class, why don't we talk about how our schools strip morals, faith, and principles out of the schools and then wonder why are children have the problems they do? Why aren't we shocked that no one has seen the correlation between cause and effect? I am shocked that people continue to view public schooling (in most places) as a safe environment.

---==2==---

There are 14 "works of mercy. 7 Corporal and 7 Spiritual, which is convenient especially for camps, retreats, and missions. I haven't done a lot with the Works of Mercy, but it occurred to me, that if one were in need of a "daily theme" for Catholic programming, the works of mercy would be a great source of content. I am especially drawn to the Spiritual Works of Mercy: To instruct the ignorant; To counsel the doubtful; To admonish sinners; To bear wrongs patiently; To forgive offences willingly; To comfort the afflicted; To pray for the living and the dead. It also occurs to me that these concepts are easily teachable at all levels... our faith is so full of wonderful treasures.

---==3==---

Archbishop Chaput is a SUPERSTAR! If you haven't read his most recent piece about Evangelization and the Renewal of the Liturgy you need to read it. I plan on doing a bigger post about it later... but since so many folks are blogging about this, it would serve us all quite well to go read the piece.

---==4==---

What would you do if a Vuvuzela is used at a Mass you are attending? I would probably grab my family, get up, and find another Mass. I don't know though. This is a tough question... I have always wondered where the line is between "offering it up" and deciding that what I am witnessing has stopped being a Mass and instead has turned into a "Production." I know that the consecration and Eucharist should be the central focus... but don't cultural "fads" like the Vuvuzela announce that the Eucharist is no longer the central focus and instead culture and entertainment have taken over that spot?

---==5==---

I would really love to continue my education and get a Canon law degree. Yet, I also want a MA in Theology, and DRE degree. I would love to find a way to work in the faith, which I know many "Catholic Junkies" would like as well... but I also know it is expensive and the market is somewhat "flooded." As a husband, father, and lawyer, I know that a lot of this is desire and not necessarily calling. I do pray consistently for God to direct me in HIS will and down HIS path, and should an opportunity arise where further education, especially in the faith, were to come up - that I would be brave enough to take advantage of it. Hmm, I wonder if I could find a Diocese in need of a Canon Lawyer willing to put me through a program? I would love that... I wonder if Dioceses do that?

---==6==---

On a similar note, I would love to learn about different Catechesis curricula and methods. I know the programs used in my area are questionable, and have come under quite a bit of scrutiny in Catholic circles. I went through a rather watered down RCIA program, and had to self-learn, and utilize others who are quite strong in the Faith. I know how difficult it was for me... and I know a lot of Adults in my parish and others biggest "desire" in regards to their Faith is wanting to be "fed." They want to learn and grow in the faith and Catechesis is the best way to do that... but the remaining question is: "In what form?" I think the best approach is a Bible Study mixed with Catechism training is a good approach. I think you need both the tenants of Catholicism mixed with a little "Faith in Action."

---==7==---

Aquinas and More is having a 50% sale... go buy some stuff, it'll help your soul.

This post is linked to 7 Quick Takes Friday at Conversion Diary where Jennifer encourages us to share seven small bits that wouldn’t quite make full blog posts by themselves

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. IV)

-----1-----

I love the vast expanse that is our Faith. It is amazing how there are so many different ways in which we can worship, adore, and praise our God. There are also millions of ways in which our God can relate to us through Sacred and sometimes simple means. Whether it be at Mass, Adoration, or during a quiet session of prayer before bedtime, I find myself constantly in awe of the way in which God speaks to us... individually as a person. He knows us by name, and he speaks to our heart. This Quick Take was originally about something else... but I think this is more appropriate.

-----2-----

There is an unspoken crisis in the Church, and I think it is a silent problem, because it isn't evident in every parish. The crisis is that of Altar Boys, or as many parishes have it... Altar Servers. Now before you even think about bringing up the abuse situation, I don't believe it to be part of this problem because the logic doesn't fit. Why would we subject our daughters to a "problem" that we don't believe is about homosexuality? We wouldn't. The crisis is that Altar Servers are poorly trained, have no unity, and the once strong fraternity is now co-ed. This really should be part of a bigger post, and probably will be, but when we debase something like the Servership... it is no wonder we have a vocations problem.

------3------

It has been raining for about 5 straight days here in Alaska. The Mama Bear of the family has informed me she is not pleased. She does not think that June should be, cold and rainy. I don't know if I should pray for better weather or not... I am confused on how that works? I have heard so many different theories about the weather, prayer, and who controls it. I think that I will just leave it be.

-----4-----

The World Cup is starting to get exciting. I guess it is fairly exciting as it is, but with some of the wins and losses that are occurring, things are really getting interesting. At this point it looks as if the USA holds their fate in their own hands, good for them. Hopefully they can keep us tuned.

-----5-----

I don't understand why people don't like conflict and confrontation. Sure it is awkward and uncomfortable to think about, but honestly it is the only way things get done when two or more sides disagree about things. Not only that, I think that often it is the only morally acceptable way to go about change. In the end, people usually have vented their ideas and feelings, come to an understanding of the other perspectives involved, and have gained a sense of respect for the other sides if for no other reasons than the realization that they have more in common than they originally thought.

-----6-----

I am a very upfront and honest person. I just want that on the record. I am the type of person that will tell you EXACTLY how I feel, especially if you come up and ask me. Don't assume anything about me, don't infer anything, instead just come up and ask me. Trust me, this will save you time, effort, and confrontation down the road especially if you attribute something to me that is incorrect.

-----7-----

I have a ton of thoughts that I want to put for number 7... but instead i'll leave it with this: although I am not a huge fan of secular holidays, this is the first year I will not have my father alive during father's day. It is weird... to think that he just isn't there. It is also the first year where I will be a father on father's day. The syncronicity of the situation with my father, daughter, and myself as a father is so mind-bottling. (nb: anyone?) I know God gives us only what we can handle... and so I will take these situations and learn and appreciate everything I can from them.

Réquiem ætérnam dona eis Dómine;

et lux perpétua lúceat eis.

Requiéscant in pace.

Amen.

This post is linked to 7 Quick Takes Friday at Conversion Diary where Jennifer encourages us to share seven small bits that wouldn’t quite make full blog posts by themselves

7 Quick Takes (Vol. III)

-----1-----

There is a new books coming out this fall that I really, really want. It is called: "The Old Mass and the New": Explaining the Motu Proprio: Summorum Pontificum of Pope Benedict XVI. It looks like it is right up my alley, and I think it will serve a lot of Catholics quite well to read it. As I have said many times, even if the traditional form of the Mass (the Extraordinary Form) isn't "for you," Catholics should still understand the purpose and meaning for it. It is part of the full picture of our faith, and just like not everyone partakes in various devotions, novenas, and prayers, there is still a place and a need for understanding for those things in all of us. It is due out in September.

-----2-----

I think it would be awesome to start and Altar Boy's Club or Group at our Parish, sort of like the St. Andrew's Task Force at Holy Rosary Parish in the Diocese of Gaylord. The purpose of their group is: 

"The St. Andrews Task Force will be meeting every 1st Sunday of the month for 15 minutes after the 8:30am Mass. All boys of the parish are asked to come we will meet in the sacristy. The St. Andrew Task Force Organization (SATF) is a joint parish/diocesan program started by Bishop Patrick Cooney in the Gaylord Diocese in 2006. The SATF brings together young men (grades 7-12) from around the diocese to encounter Jesus, find support in their faith commitment and to have fun!"

Sounds like a vocation directors dream! Not only that, but with the fledgling participation of men in our parishes, if nothing else this is a good way to foster fraternity amongst the younger males in the parish. Ideally this would be lead by a priest or young seminarian but I think there would be a benefit to even lay run groups.

-----3-----

An update on our little monkey: she is learning to use her vocal chords. She is only 4 months old, but she is already talking away as if it were her job. You can tell that it is communication, because she looks at us as if we are ignoring her obvious attempt to tell us something. Also, when we mimmic her, she smiles back as if to say, "Finally, you all get what I am telling you!" She really is the most fun ever!

-----4-----

I still haven't figured out why the lay leaders in our parishes try and "make the faith relevant" for our youth. Is this something unique to this generation? Is it because the folks in charge at our parishes grew up in the distorted world that came out of the Vatican II changes? It is really annoying and condescending. I remember as a youth being ENTRANCED by the mystery, tradition, and Sacredness of the Catholic faith. What ultimately brought me to full communion were those things I found in the Catholic Church, and the "production style" worship services that the protestant church I attended actually drove me away - it felt contrived. Why don't our leaders understand this?

-----5-----

I want to start a website where nuns, priests, seminarians, monks, and other religious submit their name for lay Catholics to become their Pen Pal. Please don't steal my idea, but if you want to help, contact me. This idea came from the fact that I have an odd obsession with women religious. (Please don't take that in a scandalous way.) There is something about their submission and devotion to Christ, knowing that they aren't clergy, and can't be clergy, but commit themselves to prayer and service. Something about that makes me want to write them, with actual pen and ink, and just have a spiritual friendship with them. I think a lot of souls would benefit from this. Who wants to help?

-----6-----

I want to learn how to sew. :I know that sounds odd coming from a guy, but a lot of the Catholic moms that I know talk about their sewing projects and it makes me jealous. Having a young child makes this even more true. I see the clothes and cloth diapers in our house and think: "That can't be that tough to make right?" I think it would be really awesome to make a majority of the clothing and fabric items around our house. Don't worry, I still like guns, sports, and the outdoors... it is just my weird secret desire.

-----7-----

Bear Hunting Update: The baiting seasons is almost over, which will make hunting a little more difficult. Since I am still learning, I am dependent upon someone to take me and show me how things are done. As I now will have to shift "methods" it will be interesting to see how things will go. I am willing to put in the time and work, as long as it at least gives me some opportunity and experience. If nothing else I am learning what I like and dont like about different styles of hunting.

This post is linked to 7 Quick Takes Friday at Conversion Diary where Jennifer encourages us to share seven small bits that wouldn’t quite make full blog posts by themselves.

7 Quick Takes (Vol. II)

Here is another set of 7 Quick Takes.

See the bottom of the post for a link to the Original 7 Quick Takes - Friday.

Here we go...

-----1-----

The whole Cathol-og-osphere was abuzz today, over a list that Eric Simmons put together through some programming black-magic -wizardry (which explains why we, DUIB, didn't make the list. If you care about the Top 200 Catholic Blogs (based on Google Reader followers - does that count feedburner?or something else, does it matter... it is a cool thing regardless.) Check out his website: Divine Life. Based on our Feedburner stats, we were just shy of the Top 200... so don't forget to sign up to get our RSS feed, if you haven't alread: Defend Us In Battle - Feed

-----2-----

Jennifer over at Conversion Diary wants to know what we are reading which is a scary thing when you ask me that question. Here is my current list:

• Talking to You Children About Being Catholic by Kreeft, Ghezzi, Libersat, et al.
• My Thirty Day Catechisms - Based on the Baltimore Catechism; Rich Leonardi (Ten Reasons)
• Adventures in Orthodoxy by Fr. Longenecker
• A Short Treatise on The Virgin Mary by Rene Laurentin

-----3-----

A bunch of people at boycotting something but they aren't sure what, or at least that is how it seems. It has been reported that all the folks protesting BP Gas stations due to the Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico are hurting small businesses and not the "Corporate Giant" they were hoping to... but that isn't stopping anyone. ABC News has the story... and if this whole situation wasn't so frustrating and sad, it might actually make me laugh. 

-----4-----

Yes Virgina, Heroes do exist. At least in baseball. If you don't know what I am referring just Google: Armando Galarraga. The story got better today, and I can honestly say this, when people are good, they make good things from bad situations. I have never seen a bad call or "crappy" sports situation turn out quite so... well, good. Two heroes rose from the ashes in this situation and in the end, we all have a great story and a great lesson to teach our children. Although, we don't always end up with a corvette in the end.

-----5-----

I told Mindyleigh from The Devout Life that I would follow up on Kneeling. So here are a few select quotes from: The Spirit of the Liturgy by then,  Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger.

"There are groups, of no small influence, who are trying to talk us out of kneeling"

"The Christian Liturgy is a cosmic liturgy precisely because it bends the knee before the crucified and exalted Lord."

"The huble gesture by which we fall at the feet of the Lord inserts us into the true path of life of the cosmos."

...

I won't post the last quote here, instead I will do a full post about it... but just incase it takes me a while, I wanted to fulfill my promise.

-----6-----

Wow, I finally found the secret to a better marriage, and it is a blanket. No seriously, the Better Marriage Blanket must have been brought down by the Angel Gabriel himself. I now have birthday and Christmas presents secured for most everyone I know for the next year. Who needs Theology of the Body when you can get a blanket that: 

• Completely & Quickly Absorbs The Odor Of Flatulence
• Contains the same type of fabric used by the military to protect against chemical weapons
• Even works on top of bed sheets
• The blanket will not smell bad after use
• Odor absorption will last for the life of the Blanket

-----7-----

A cute little comment that turns culture on its head; if you are a reader of Catholic blogs you have probably run across a parent of a "big" family that has written a post at some point about the comments they receive about how many children they have. The story usually involves a comment such as: "Are they ALL yours?" Well, yesterday, we went to a baby shower for a family that is expecting #9. One of their kids, a 5 year old made the comment to their mom about my family: "Mommy, is their family only  Mom, Dad, and just one baby? That isn't a very big family." When I heard this I laughed... it really is all about perspective isn't in. Life... without out, nothing else matters.

This post is linked to 7 Quick Takes Friday at Conversion Diary where Jennifer encourages us to share seven small bits that wouldn’t quite make full blog posts by themselves.

7 Quick Takes (Vol. I)

So over at Conversion Diary, they do this thing called Quick Takes. They do it every Friday, and it is a pretty cool thing. So I am going to try it... and see if I can keep up with it :) You essentially link 7 things from the week... and then post on the bottom of their blog... pretty cool eh?


All right, hold on....... HERE WE GO.....

-----1-----

I found these two pictures that were just really beautiful and made me want to post them. But since they were already on other blogs I couldn't think of a reason to post them... until now:

(Found at: Overheard at the Sacristy)

Best Habit's I have ever seen...

(Found at: NLM)

New Vatican Edition of 1962 MR - I need want need one!

-----2-----

A Mother's Day video worth watching even a few days late...My wife reads blogs too. She doesn't blog... well not officially, but that is a touchy subject. Anywhose... she showed me this video: Biologist's Mother's Day Song. She was all excited because it was both funny and she "scooped" me on it. It came from a Catholic Blog... and I guess she felt as if that is "my territory" even though it was from a Catholic "Moms" blog. Anywhats... my domestic rivalry aside, you should watch it... it is worth a chuckle.

-----3-----

I have been sitting on this link for a while and just didn't know what to do with it. So I will post it here. If you need something to read... and don't mind doing that reading from a .PDF, the Vivificat! has a gold-mine for you, from their Lent reading list. Go check it out.

-----4-----

The Montreal Canadiens are going to the Eastern Conference Finals as an #8 Seed. Most Americans don't care about hockey outside of a few select areas. Those that do, hardly care about Montreal. I grew up loving the "Habs" and with the Wings out, this is the only team I really ever root for. They beat the #1 seeded Washington Capitals in 7 games, and then took out the #5 seed, defending Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins in 7 games. This is a magical run... let's see what happens next round.

-----5-----

Elena Kagan really might be Obama's Harriet Miers. Between her socialist undergraduate thesis, her pretentious law clerk memo for Justice Marshall, or her alleged distaste for the SCOTUS she reminds us a lot of Ms. Miers, and that might be a good thing. If I am right, we can only hope for a Bork-Kennedy situation. Is crossing one's fingers anti-Catholic?

-----6-----

An Alaskan Supreme Court Judge removes herself from a Parental Notification case, that will be heard by the Court next week. The judge used to be on the Board of Directors for Alaska Planned Parenthood, one of the parties in the case. The ADN has the story.

-----7-----

I am leading an Apostolate tomorrow and going Bear hunting on Saturday, I dont think you can get much more Alaskan Catholic than that. Too bad there isn't some "Bad Art" that combines the ferocity of bears and the grace of the Blessed Virgin. At least the Jesus & Eagle angle is covered, The Crescat is on top of that.

-----Bonus: 7.5-----
Today is the last day to vote in the Cannonball Catholic Awards and I need your help, because I am in second place. You can visit the category I am nominated for by clicking here: "Best New Kid on the Block" scroll about half-way down, select "Defend Us In Battle" and then on vote. It is that easy! The blog in the lead has been rubbing it in how well they are doing, and took to using OBAMA-esque rhetoric today... so that should be reason enough. If not... check a few posts back of mine to Battle Cry... Is there such a thing as sore winners?

This post is linked to 7 Quick Takes Friday at Conversion Diary where Jennifer encourages us to share seven small bits that wouldn’t quite make full blog posts by themselves.