Catholic Tribe's topics - tribe.net

another prayer request

irishred00 — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 04:51:36 GMT

My mom found a lump in her breast about a week and a half ago...she went to the doc who sent her to get a mammogram. She got the news this morning that they found a 'suspicious lesion' and they're sending her to get an ultrasound biopsy on June 13th.

She's had a false alarm before....about 10 years ago, but it was nothing. This, may or may not be....nothing. But it's early. She went to her OB a month ago, and she didn't find anything....

But, please, pray for her. Her name is Cathy. Thank you all. God bless.

posted in Catholic Tribe - 11 replies

I am happy to be here.

ChrisW — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 02:57:16 GMT

Hello Everyone,

I just wanted to say that I am happy, that I found this tribe, and glad to be here. I haven't been to church for so long,but now I have a desire to return to my "Catholic Roots".

God Bless,

Chris

posted in Catholic Tribe - 3 replies

New Moderator

Carol — Wed, 21 May 2008 16:00:34 GMT

I choose TigerLily.

posted in Catholic Tribe - 0 replies

Moderator duties

TigerLily — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:45:58 GMT

Since LLL has left, we have no moderator. Tribe says to choose one, a thread is to be started to choose a moderator and to forward it to tribe.

posted in Catholic Tribe - 0 replies

Travel Prayer Request

April — Fri, 09 May 2008 19:16:07 GMT

I'm mostly a lurker but after listening to the international news I'm starting to feel like I need some big-time prayer for myself & others.

I'm on my way to the Republic of Georgia in a couple of weeks for a singing camp and I'm getting a little nervous about the saber rattling between it and Russia. I'll not be in the disputed territory (I'm pretty sure) and the group I'm going with has been going for 9 years... but still...

Could folks pray that the traveling to and fro as well as all the time I'm there is safe & on time? I'm more worried about causing my sweetie a heart attack from not knowing I'm safely arrived and gotten away than anything bad happening in-country.

thanks

www.SilverSunbeam.etsy.com

posted in Catholic Tribe - 6 replies

Prayer Request

irishred00 — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:18:31 GMT

My dad is going into have major surgery on April 30th on his neck. There are risks....but he's gonna be at the best VA hospital with the best doctors on the west coast...I'm still scared. Please pray for him. He needs to make it out of surgery so he can see his grandson.
thank you

posted in Catholic Tribe - 9 replies

Parish Pride

marcaressica — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 08:56:47 GMT

http://www.ourladymt.org

I am proud of my parish because I live in a liberal town where the Church has to be all things to all people and does a pretty good job.

Anyone else proud of their parish?

posted in Catholic Tribe - 4 replies

Did Jesus Fulfill Prophecy?

Chopper22 — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 23:47:44 GMT

Excerpted from "Who Was Jesus? Fingerprints of The Christ"

"Did Jesus Fulfill Prophecy?"
http://www.stellarhousepublishing.com/jesusprophecy.html

The video - http://www.livevideo.com/video/1FDF3828A6ED4FFA99BCBA6AF9D3710F/who-was-jesus-fingerprints-of.aspx

;

posted in Catholic Tribe - 5 replies

US News & World Report article

irishred00 — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:28:12 GMT

There's a really good article in the April 7-14th issue. It talks about the Catholic church and what the Pope has to do during his visit to the US to improve the relationship between the Vatican and the American Catholics. You should read it. Here's a link to the article: http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/national/2008/03/28/catholics-at-a-crossroads.html

posted in Catholic Tribe - 0 replies

Pope Benedict: Some science shatters human dignity

TigerLily — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:46:38 GMT

By Philip Pullella Thu Jan 31, 9:57 AM ET

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Benedict said on Thursday that embryonic stem cell research, artificial insemination and the prospect of human cloning had "shattered" human dignity.
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In an address to members of the Vatican department on doctrinal matters, Benedict said the Church had a duty to defend the "great values at stake" in the field of bioethics.

The speech was the latest in a series in which the conservative Pope has told his listeners that scientific progress should not be accepted uncritically.

Benedict, who headed the same department for years before his election in 2005, said the Church was not against scientific progress but wanted it based on "ethical-moral principles."

He said this included total respect for the human being as a person "from conception until natural death," and respect for the natural transmission of life through sexual intercourse.

Practices like freezing embryos, suppression of embryos in multiple pregnancies, embryonic stem cell research, the prospect of human cloning and artificial insemination outside the body had "shattered the barriers meant to protect human dignity," he said.

"When human beings in the weakest and most defenseless state of their existence are selected, abandoned, killed or used as pure 'biological material,' how can one deny that they are being treated not as 'someone' but as 'something,"' he said.

Such practices "questioned the very concept of the dignity of man," he said in the speech to the department known as the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

Widespread interest in medicine by the general public, who get most of their information from the media, had made it even more imperative for the Church to take a stand, he said.

Embryonic stem cell research involves the destruction of embryos. Scientists hope to use stem cells to transform medicine, providing regenerative treatments for injuries and seeking new insights into diseases like cancer and AIDS.

Last year scientists reported they had tricked ordinary skin cells into behaving like embryonic stem cells.

The Pope said the Church "appreciates and encourages" research on stem cells that come from other parts of the body and do not involve embryos or their destruction.

He rejected accusations from critics who say the Church is an obstacle to science and human progress, saying growing concern about cloning and other practices showed it was right to raise the alarm.

It was the Pope's latest foray into scientific issues. On Monday he warned against the "seductive" powers of science, saying it was important that science did not become the sole criteria for goodness.

U.S. Cardinal William Levada, Benedict's successor as head of the doctrinal department, said it was mulling the possibility of preparing a new Vatican document on bioethical issues.

(Editing by Michael Winfrey)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080131/sc_nm/pope_science_dc_1

posted in Catholic Tribe - 1 reply

Informal Survey

Carol — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 05:37:08 GMT

Of those that attend their parish church regularly, how often does your church have a visiting church?
How hard is it to get in touch with your Priest is it?

posted in Catholic Tribe - 0 replies

Welcoming Rite

Carol — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 17:21:04 GMT

I had my Welcoming Rite along with another girl yesterday. It was a very emotional event and based on the comments from the congregation it was very meaningful for them as well. I think ceremonies like this lights the fire for God in many who may have become lukewarm about their Catholicism.

posted in Catholic Tribe - 3 replies

Prayer for a departed soul

vbm — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 05:18:07 GMT

Please keep in your prayers the father in law of an online friend who just passed on, and for his family. My friend is broken up about this, they were good friends.

thanks.

posted in Catholic Tribe - 1 reply

Excommunicated Nuns

Carol — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 16:04:45 GMT

I heard about this in Catholic Formation lastnight and looked it up, anyone know more aobut this story?

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-nuns27sep27,1,177428.story?coll=la-headlines-nation
6 Arkansas nuns in sect excommunicated for heresy
From the Associated Press
September 27, 2007

LITTLE ROCK, ARK. -- Six Roman Catholic nuns have been excommunicated for heresy after refusing to give up membership in a Canadian sect whose founder claims to be possessed by the Virgin Mary, the Diocese of Little Rock said Wednesday.

Msgr. J. Gaston Hebert, the diocese administrator, said he notified the nuns Tuesday night after they refused to recant the teachings of the Community of the Lady of All Nations, also known as the Army of Mary.

The Vatican has declared all members of the Army of Mary excommunicated. Hebert said the excommunication was the first in the diocese's 165-year history.

"It is a painfully historic moment for this church," Hebert said.

The six nuns are associated with the Good Shepherd Monastery of Our Lady of Charity and Refuge in Hot Springs. Sister Mary Theresa Dionne, one of the excommunicated nuns, said the six will still live at the convent property, which they own.

"We are at peace, and we know that for us we are doing the right thing," the 82-year-old nun said.

"We pray that the church will open their eyes before it is too late," she said. "This is God's work through Mary, the blessed mother, and we're doing what we're asked to do."

At a news conference, Hebert said the nuns "became entranced and deluded with a doctrine that is heretical." He said church officials removed the Holy Eucharist, which Catholics revere as the body of Christ, from the monastery Tuesday night.

Hebert said the sect's members believed that its 86-year-old founder, Marie Paule Giguere, was the reincarnation of the Virgin Mary and that God spoke directly through her.

Excommunication bars the nuns from participating in the church liturgy and receiving the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, and other sacraments.

The diocese said the action was taken after the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a declaration dated July 11 that the Army of Mary's teachings were heretical and automatically excommunicated any who embraced the doctrine.

According to the Catholic News Service, the Army of Mary was founded in Quebec in 1971 by Giguere, who said she was receiving visions from God.

Dionne said she did not know if Giguere was the reincarnation of the Virgin Mary but said she believed God communicated through the sect's founder.

A spokesman for the Army of Mary called the excommunication of the nuns and the other members of the sect an injustice.

Father Eric Roy said Giguere had not claimed to be the reincarnation of the Virgin Mary, and the Quebec woman, he said, "receives graces" from the Virgin Mary and God.

posted in Catholic Tribe - 2 replies

Wow, 139 people! Post something, anything, about yourself

vbm — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 08:02:41 GMT

Hello, and welcome to the new members. Wow, has this group grown! I would like to meet you all. Please post something about yourself, your faith, and why you joined this tribe.

I'll start. I'm a cradle Catholic (born Catholic) and almost made the biggest mistake of my life several years ago--I was going to leave the Church, except I remembered the vows of my confirmation and promise I made to God. So, I sought a Catholic church and began learning about it, fell in love with it and realized that these dudes with the funny hats had something going on. They're lots smarter than me, and I should listen to them because I'm not that well educated. I started this tribe because a few years back, there were no Catholic tribes for people who were really serious about the faith, learning and growing and sharing their faith.

That's why we're here-to fulfill the Churchs' call to evangelize. We all need evangelization, even those of us who are hardcore Catholics. We need to be uplifted, encouraged, refreshed and renewed in our faith so we can do the work of our Father in the world.

God bless you!

posted in Catholic Tribe - 9 replies

In regards to Catholic men.....

♪♪Catmeow♪♪ — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 17:39:28 GMT

I don't mind if the women post their opinions here as well, but I was wondering how Catholic men hold to their beliefs with all the temptation in our society?

To put it bluntly, I was on date sites a few years ago, even Christian ones, and discovered most men tried to portray themself as having good morals and ethics. However, I would later discover they view porn, etc....

I'm not sure I understand why men have to view women as objects, when I don't view men as objects?? And pardon me being a bit graphic here, but I do have a high sex drive. Yet, it is and always will be for my future husband, no one else. I can look at a handsome man and never fantasize about him or have a sexual thought. Why? Because I view people as spirit and so much MORE than physical body parts. I'm beginning to think I'm the only person like this. :o( I've heard other men on message boards say that males are just naturally programmed to think in sexual terms. I don't believe anyone is born that way, although there is that "pro-create" urge. I think you develop that way of thinking according to your environment, possibly what you learn from others' examples, etc... the media.....

Am I naive to think that there could males out there who are Catholic and pure in thought? What I mean is..... temptation might occur, but they don't give in to it. I'm not saying those thoughts never enter their minds. But I would like to think they don't dwell on them.

I think this issue really bothers me because I feel it's a lack of respect for a person if you are viewing them in an animalistic way. It's different to just acknowledge someone is beautiful or handsome. I don't have a problem with that.

What are others' opinions on this?

posted in Catholic Tribe - 3 replies

Immaculate Conception

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 21:11:43 GMT

Because I have grown up in Catholic schools and have contemplated the Catholic religion all my life, I have become very curious and filled with questions about the Catholic faith. Lately I have been wondering a lot about Mary, the mother of Jesus. The Catholic religion is the main Christian religion that honors Mary, which is why I have remained involved in the Catholic church long after I became Hindu.

The first question I would like to discuss about Mary, if anyone is interested in talking, is whether Mary actually did have an immaculate conception, conceived the baby Jesus without "knowing man". Or is this just a metaphor?

posted in Catholic Tribe - 37 replies

newbe to the catholicism and this tribe

Samnomenal — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 22:46:58 GMT

hi to all i am not a catholic but i want to convert due to events in my life but im not sure how to go about it. do i have to attend lessons or what?

advice please
MGWOY
Sam :-)

posted in Catholic Tribe - 3 replies

No Response Priest

Carol — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 18:32:48 GMT

Just wondering if I have something wrong about Priests.
My husband and I were having an urgent family problem yesterday and needed some moral guidance on the issue.
Our Parish Priest is a very friendly fellow that we have gotten to know well in the last few months but it seems that every time we need to talk to him about something he is ignores us.
After leaving him numerous messages yesterday as well as checking with the secretary and being told that he was aware that we were calling but he had a late meeting and would call when he was done.... to sending him an email late last night asking if we could schedule an appointment and still hearing nothing yet today.
We are new Catholics so do we have it wrong, this is not what he does? It is rather hurtful that we can not get a response at all.
We understand that he is busy but a quick phone call or email saying that he is busy would be all that is needed at this point, it is starting to feel personal.

I have my Rite of Welcoming soon and I am wondering, do I really want to go through with it with this Priest who does not seem welcoming at all.

posted in Catholic Tribe - 6 replies

Need Help

Carol — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 16:08:53 GMT

This is a Bible study tribe
http://tribes.tribe.net/tbst/thread/042c4108-f4cc-4ef8-acfa-ab150224ecba
The moderator insists on posting a Christian writing that is extremely anti-Catholic.... I am not schooled enough to defend our Faith properly, could someone join this tribe and help me? The mod says he is interested in the Catholic viewpoint but if you read some of what is said sabout the Catholic religon by posting it he is saying the opposite.

posted in Catholic Tribe - 5 replies

RCIA Sponsor's Journey

News-cab — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 02:47:57 GMT

The lady and I go to RCIA as we have for the past seven Wednesdays, and I go as a sponsor. I got the _Sponsor Book_ last week, and I have learned that I represent the church, and the Catechumen person has to have faith in Jesus prior to baptism.

posted in Catholic Tribe - 11 replies

Could you please participate in my survey on masculinity?

Michael — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 18:27:51 GMT

I am a doctoral student seeking participants to complete a survey that explores the psychological experiences of being a man and how it influences your life. You must be a male who is 18 years of age or older

The survey will take approximately 30 minutes to complete and your participation is anonymous.

If you are interested in contributing to knowledge about how being a man impacts how you view yourself and others, please go to the following website: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=218103339703

Thank you for your help.
Michael Franco
831.480.5180
masculinitystudy@yahoo.com

posted in Catholic Tribe - 0 replies

easy way to spread JC's message of peace

feliciamaria — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 19:26:36 GMT

If you have a second, check out my "Peace Be With You!" bumper sticker at http://www.cafepress.com/mustardseedshop (only 5 clams!). I'm trying to think of simple ways to help people spread Jesus' message in a friendly, non-judgmental way, and this is my first idea. Order a few, or just let me know what you think of the design. Thanks!

posted in Catholic Tribe - 4 replies

God the Father and Divine Grace

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:00:05 GMT

There is knowledge of God revealed in the Bible. But if one takes a look without prejudice one will find more information in the Fifth Canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam, "The beautiful story of the supreme personality of godhead".
His names are given, His transcendental form and activities. His glories. What goes on in the spiritual world.
We are recipients of His Divine Grace, His Causeless Mercy. We may not deserve it, in my case I know I don't. But He is giving it out freely.
It is said that God has ten hands and we have two, how much can we take with our two hands? (This is just an analogy, He doesn't really have ten hands) and how much can we hang on to when He wants to take away our material attachments?
This information is available at www.krishna.com. If we look at God with an unbiased and open mind, we will see all of His unlimited qualities in full are there in the personality of Krishna. Krishna's form is not material, it is spiritual. The paintings of Krishna are windows to the spiritual world. They are based on scriptures. Not mental speculation. They are not man made or made up ideas.
There is no conflict between Krishna Conscious ideology and Catholicism. Keep what you have, just add Krishna to your lives.

posted in Catholic Tribe - 4 replies

Off Topic--Intergeneration Day

News-cab — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 02:17:30 GMT

Many Catholic places which celebrate family have a de facto Intergeneration day.

From the secular website of Intergeneration Day:

Quote:

The mission of Intergeneration Day, celebrated worldwide the first Sunday in October, is to connect generations through communication, celebration, and education.
[end quote]

I can imagine a Catholic idea that goes analogous to Intergeneration Day to respect friendships and family in Intergeneration situations.
What do you think of Intergeneration?

posted in Catholic Tribe - 10 replies

Motu Proprio due 7 July

Josh — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 16:27:43 GMT

Finally!

Forthcoming papal decree authorizes expanded use of Tridentine Mass, Vatican says
By Gerard O'Connell
6/29/2007
UCANews (www.ucanews.com)

VATICAN CITY (UCAN) – According to the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI will, in a few days, authorize wider use of the Tridentine Mass as an "extraordinary" form of the Latin Rite.

Advertisement
A Vatican statement released on June 28 says the forthcoming Motu Proprio, a decree the pope issues "on his own initiative," will expand "the use of the Missal promulgated by Blessed John XXIII in 1962."

In 1969, Pope Paul VI suppressed that missal, which was issued on the eve of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), by promulgating a radically revised one that reflects Council-inspired changes, including the use of the vernacular.

Before becoming pope, Benedict XVI harbored serious reservations about that suppression. In the interview-book Salt of the Earth (1997), he says: "A community is calling its very being into question when it suddenly declares that what was its holiest and highest possession is strictly forbidden and when it makes the longing for it seem downright indecent." In his view, "the old rite should be granted much more generously to all who desire it."

He moved decisively in that direction late June 27 afternoon when he spoke to cardinals and bishops from 14 countries and seven bishops' conferences at a meeting held sub secreto (under secrecy) in the Vatican. He told them that his Motu Proprio will allow broader use of the missal promulgated by Pope John XXIII, which actually is a revised version of the Pius V Missal of 1570.

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the secretary of state, convened the gathering aware that several episcopal conferences strongly oppose reinstating the Tridentine Mass on a wider scale. The cardinal invited representatives of some bishops' conferences and a small number of other bishops who favor the return of the old rite to attend.

Almost half the participants came from Europe: two each from Italy and France, and one each from Germany, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Also attending were two from the United States, two from Africa and one from Asia. The Asian participant was Cardinal Telesphore Toppo of Ranchi, India, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India.

Though nearly half the world's Catholics live in Latin American, the only representative from that region at the meeting was Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos, 77, president of the Pontifical Commission "Ecclesia Dei."

The commission, which Pope John Paul II set up in 1988 to reconcile members of the Saint Pius X Society and the pope, strongly advocates reinstating the Pius V Missal, as John XXIII updated and revised it, to foster reconciliation.

The society's founder, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, went into schism in 1988 by ordaining four members of his society as bishops without papal approval.

Besides getting a copy of the Motu Proprio, participants received a letter Pope Benedict wrote to explain why he is issuing the decree. Some participants admitted it was hard to understand the Motu Proprio because it is in Latin.

Cardinal Bertone refuted media reports intimating that the papal decree will remove power from bishops in this matter. As the pope had done in his letter, the cardinal outlined three key reasons for issuing the document.

The first and main one is to ease the full communion and reconciliation of the St. Pius X Society with the pope. Suppression of the Tridentine Mass was a major reason for Archbishop Lefebvre and his followers to break with the pope.

The "Lefebvrites" also disagreed with much of what the Second Vatican Council taught about ecumenism and interfaith dialogue. The meeting's participants were given updated statistics on the Saint Pius X Society.

A second reason for the Motu Proprio is to enable "wider use" of the Tridentine Mass. Unlike the "ordinary form" approved by Paul VI in 1969, in the Motu Proprio, the Tridentine Mass is considered an "extraordinary" expression of the Latin Rite.

John Paul II authorized bishops to approve requests of people for the Tridentine Mass, but many bishops have refused to do so. Benedict, lobbied by traditionalists and basically sympathetic to them, devised the "extraordinary" form as a way to unblock the situation and accommodate those people.

The third reason for the Motu Proprio is to preserve "the treasures" of the Church's older culture, including Latin in the liturgy, and to integrate them into the contemporary culture.

Pope Benedict suggested in his nearly one-hour meeting with participants that if five or six Sunday Masses are offered in a diocesan cathedral, the bishop could designate one of them for celebration according to the John XXIII missal, if a sizable number of people ask for it.

All participants expressed their views at the meeting. Some saw the Motu Proprio as an expression of "pastoral charity," or a strong affirmation of "diversity in unity." By the end of the meeting, most indicated their basic acceptance of the text, but a few, like the French, still had reservations.

The Motu Proprio provides for a review of the situation in three years.

http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=24566

posted in Catholic Tribe - 1 reply

Divine Mercy

vbm — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 00:22:11 GMT

O, what a glorious ceremony! It was over 2 hrs long, but filled with much grace, I hardly knew so much time had passed.

There was mass at 3, which I was soo grateful for because trying to make the morning masses can be so very difficult for me, and it turns out I was up until 4 am working on some homework. Had this not been such a feast day, I would have missed mass because I didn't even hear my alarms go off.

The Divine Mercy is my most favorite feast day. It's the one thing in this world I know I can count on--the Mercy of God. After confession and mass, I feel brand-new, like the parable of the wineskins. God recreates your wineskin, brand new, and pours fresh wine into it. New and forever changed; one is never the same after such mercy is poured forth.

What did you do for Divine Mercy Sunday?

posted in Catholic Tribe - 4 replies

Palm Sunday

News-cab — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 17:38:18 GMT

Today's enactment, at Mass, of the passion of Christ touched me as never before this.

posted in Catholic Tribe - 14 replies

Pope's goal is Reclaiming Christian identity

princessdare — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 02:08:02 GMT

(I came across this today on Catholic Online, and thought I'd post it.)

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – In the first two years of his pontificate, Pope Benedict XVI has focused on strengthening Christian values in a world disoriented by indifference, relativism and increasing secularism, said a top Vatican official.

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state, made the comments in Milan, Italy, March 20 in a speech to Ethics and Finance, an Italian association of business people.

The cardinal said Pope Benedict's overall goal is to reclaim the authentic Christian identity as understood by the faithful and practiced in the world.

In the pope's view, he said, a fundamental problem for faith is relativism, which holds that there is no undeniable truth and that no one can claim to have the right answer.

In today's context of widespread secularism, Pope Benedict recognizes that faith needs to be explained in a way that appeals to human intelligence, said Cardinal Bertone. This recognition has brought the pope into dialogue with experts in the fields of science, philosophy and theology, he said.

Renewing Catholic identity also means trying to change the indifference of wealthy nations toward Third World nations suffering from poverty, Cardinal Bertone said.

For example, in mid-March Pope Benedict sent a letter to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, asking her to remember that the African continent needs help from wealthy nations in order to pull itself out of poverty.

Cardinal Bertone said the pope also has begun to direct more attention to the sanctity of human life by opposing war and violence, genetic-modification research and euthanasia, and by promoting the Christian model of the family.

Two key words have reappeared frequently in the pope's speeches -- joy and friendship -- both of which refer to God, said Cardinal Bertone. The pope has reminded his audiences frequently that God is with them, accompanying them, teaching and guiding them through life, he said.

posted in Catholic Tribe - 3 replies

A Party?

Carol — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 14:53:22 GMT

So, hubby is going to be confirmed April 15th (he is so excited) and a few people we know are going to be at the Church. One couple is coming from out of town (not far out but making the trip for him) and then there are his sponsers... so what is the tradition for after an RCIA confirmation? Should we have a little gathering at our house after?

Is it also tradition to give your sponser a gift?

Thanks.

posted in Catholic Tribe - 4 replies

Spring Break

vbm — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 03:32:05 GMT

I just got back from South Carolina, where I spent the very short yet fruitful spring break. We painted and repaired homes and tutored children, and had a blast playing games with them. The nuns we stayed with were terrific; they love the people and the work they do. These 2 women have so much courage and faith to have gone to the bible belt and begin a ministry. It took several years to be accepted; the Catholic population of SC is so small that the whole state is one single Diocese. There are only 54 families in St. Anne's church.

The area we were at is so very poor, in the middle of a ghetto. The homes are in sad need of repairs, and many need to be torn down. The ordinances are not enforced, and the poorest families live in section 8 housing that is unfit for animals. Some have cinderblock chimneys, wooden ceilings (fibreboard or plywood). In most communities, homes like that would be torn down and the owners fined monthly until they were either brought up to code or demolished. There is so much poverty in the state, especially since the tobacco farms have closed. They relied on farming primarily, and jobs are scarce, good and sustainable jobs even more sparse. There is little opportunity in the state, especially in the area I was at for people to advance.

May God bless the nuns who do this work, may God bless the benefactors who help the ministry, and may God bless the volunteers who dedicate their resources to make the world a better place. Most of all, I ask you. Lord, to bring opportunity to this community, that they would be able to thrive and be nourished in every way, physically, emotionally and especially spiritually.

posted in Catholic Tribe - 5 replies

Sainthood Exam for John Paul II Ends

Sat, 10 Mar 2007 17:14:48 GMT

The Associated Press

March 10, 2007

The Rome diocese has wrapped up its examination of Pope John Paul II's virtues and life, an important step in the Catholic Church's process that could lead to sainthood for the late pontiff.

Rome Cardinal Camillo Ruini said Saturday he had been informed that completion of work by the diocese on the cause for beatification and sainthood will be marked with a ceremony in St. John's Lateran Basilica on April 2 in the capital. The date is the second anniversary of John Paul's death.

All pontiffs serve as bishop of Rome, and so the diocese examined 'the life, virtues and reputation for holiness' of the late pope.

Now the Vatican must take up its own examination of the same characteristics, a process which can take years.

Shortly after John Paul's death, with faithful clamoring for quick canonization, Pope Benedict XVI, the pontiff's successor, waived the customary five-year waiting period to open the case for possible sainthood.

Beatification is the last formal step in the process before possible sainthood, and as part of the process, church officials must certify that a miracle attributed to John Paul's intercession has occurred. After beatification, another miracle is required for sainthood.

Diocesan level work was also being conducted in Krakow, Poland, where John Paul served as cardinal before becoming pope in 1978.

During the diocesan inquiry, church officials interviewed those who knew the pope and examined documentation.

Benedict will preside at a Mass in memory of John Paul in the late afternoon of April 2 in St. Peter's Basilica.

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

posted in Catholic Tribe - 4 replies

American Life League: We Insist Bishops Must Deny Pro-Abortion Politicians Communion, Here's Why

Sun, 04 Mar 2007 18:49:11 GMT

American Life League: We Insist Bishops Must Deny Pro-Abortion Politicians Communion, Here's Why

Special to LifeSiteNews.com by American Life League President Judie Brown

Over the last four years American Life League has sought, through advertising, public commentary, personal communications, and other means to invite the Catholic bishops of our nation to enforce a particular Church law that deals with the protection of Christ who is truly present in the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

This Church law, Canon 915, is quite specific and states:

Those who have been excommunicated or interdicted after the imposition or the declaration of a penalty as well as others who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to communion.

It is our position that this canon should apply to any public figure, whether a television personality, a politician, a Hollywood star or an otherwise well-known individual who claims to be Catholic while at the same time supporting abortion either by vote, public statement or financial support. Thus we have simply asked each bishop, priest, deacon and Eucharistic minister to enforce this church law.

During the process of our campaign, which is ongoing as I write, some have claimed that our actions are disrespectful of the office of bishop. But these very commentators have not been able to bring to our attention a single statement or phrase that in any way attacks either the office of bishop or a particular bishop by name. In fact, it is my contention that if we were to sink to that level, our entire effort would be derailed and despicable, because first and foremost, we as Catholics are called to respect the office of bishop and the tremendous honor that the office brings to those who have received it.

Therefore I am simply incredulous when I witness such fiascos as the most recent events surrounding House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who flaunted her Catholicism publicly while pandering to every single pro-abortion leader within view. It didn't seem out of line for us to ask Archbishop Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C. to act in a way that made it clear to Ms. Pelosi that as long as her public support for abortion continued, she could not honestly identify herself as a Catholic in good standing, nor would she be permitted to receive the body and blood of Christ in Holy Communion.

Though our pleas went unanswered, the dilemma remains. On the one hand we have a Church law that is quite specific and on the other hand we have men in authority, capable of enforcing the law and yet hesitant to do so. But as one Catholic World News commentator recently wrote,

Bishops ought to think carefully before handing over Holy Communion to "manifest grave sinners," like civil authorities who publicly promote contraception, abortion and same sex marriage. Jesus was surely referring to the "chief priests" when he said to Pilate, "he who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin." (John 18:35; 19:11)

If I were to compare a bishop to a different kind of law enforcement officer, I might be able to make a better case, perhaps, to the bishops. For example, in the United States we have the "Bald Eagle Protection Act." This law, 16 USC 668-668d, was originally entered on the books in 1940 and was amended most recently in 1978. The law imposes criminal and civil penalties on anyone in the United States who takes, possesses, sells, purchases, or barters a bald or golden eagle, alive or dead or any part, nest or egg of these eagles. The maximum penalty is $5,000 and/or a one-year imprisonment.

If the mere act of taking a bald eagle egg can result in such a criminal conviction, how much more grievous is it to insult the body and blood of Christ by receiving Him in the most holy of Sacraments after publicly advocating the murder of His innocent preborn children?

Why wouldn't anyone empowered by grace and authority to hand over to someone else the sacred body and blood of Christ in Holy Communion be compelled to protect Christ from sacrilege, even unto death if necessary? There is precedent for this.

Saint Tarcisius was a 12-year-old altar boy. He lived in Rome during the third century. On a particular day when no deacon could be found, Tarcisius was sent to carry the Blessed Sacrament to those in prison. On his way he was stopped by a large group of non-Christian boys his own age and was invited to join them at play. He refused and his friends noticed that he was carrying something. Out of curiosity or out of disdain for Tarcisius' faith, the boys turned on him and stoned him until a fellow Christian happened upon the scene and took the badly wounded boy back to the catacombs where he subsequently died.

Tarcisius died protecting Christ from the assault of the mob. And while I am not asking any bishop to put his life on the line, I am convinced that if every bishop, priest, deacon and Eucharistic minister were filled with the zeal of this 12-year-old boy, nobody who publicly favors evil would ever be given the body of Christ in Holy Communion.

And never would we read a comment like this one published in the Catholic World Report : "What would once have been considered an inconceivable parody has now become a stunning reality: the most powerful enemy of the Church's moral teachings in Washington D.C. is a self pro-claimed 'practicing Catholic.'"

Let us pray that each bishop is imbued with the great grace of courage possessed by that 12-year old boy, Tarcisius. Let us pray for each of those courageous bishops, priests, deacons and Eucharistic ministers who have taken steps to make sure that no enemy of the Church's moral teaching is ever handed the body and blood of Christ. Let us never give up the struggle to protect Christ, the Church and the preborn from the tentacles of iniquity that have, in too many quarters, facilitated the elevation of bald eagle eggs to a higher status than the body of Christ.

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2007/mar/07030207.html

posted in Catholic Tribe - 2 replies

Papal document on Eucharist due March 13

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 16:37:53 GMT

Vatican, Mar. 6, 2007 (CWNews.com) - Pope Benedict’s apostolic exhortation on the Eucharist will be released on Tuesday, March 13, the Vatican has announced.

The new papal document, entitled Sacramentum Caritatis, summarizes and concludes the deliberations of the Synod of Bishops, which met in October 2005 to discuss the Eucharist.

The apostolic exhortation will be introduced to the press at a briefing hosted by Cardinal Angelo Scola of Venice, who was the relator general for the Synod assembly; and Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, the secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops.

The Synod of Bishops met in October 2005 to discuss the theme, “The Eucharist: Living Bread for Peace in the World,” with 256 bishops from 118 countries participating in the discussions. In a break from the usual practice, the Synod fathers made public an “unofficial” list of the 50 propositions approved at the conclusion of their deliberations. Ordinarily the propositions remain confidential, to be used by the Pope in preparing an apostolic exhortation on the topic of the Synod's deliberations. But Pope Benedict approved the public release of the conclusions from this assembly.

During a February 22 meeting with priests in Rome, Pope Benedict had said that the release of his apostolic exhortation was imminent.

Some Vatican sources have suggested that the unveiling of the apostolic exhortation could clear the way for another long-awaited papal document: a motu proprio allowing wider use of the pre-conciliar liturgy. In announcing the release of Sacramentum Caritatis, the Vatican press office made no mention of that other document.

posted in Catholic Tribe - 0 replies

Prayer a question of “life or death,” Pope Benedict says

Sun, 04 Mar 2007 18:50:55 GMT

Vatican City, Mar 4, 2007 / 12:37 pm (CNA).- Speaking from his window overlooking St. Peter’s Square this Sunday. Pope Benedict XVI reflected on the tremendous importance of prayer in the life of Christians, especially in light of today's Gospel readings.

"The evangelist Luke underlines that Jesus went up the mountain 'to pray' (9,28) with the Apostles Peter, James and John." According to Benedict, "For the three Apostles, going up the mountain means being involved in the prayer of Jesus."

Unlike the other times Jesus goes away to pray, "only this time, on the mountain, does He manifest His interior light to his friends."

The Pope drew attention to another important detail in the account, something "that deserves to be underlined: the indication of the topic of the conversation between Jesus, Moses and Elias." According to the Gospel, "They were speaking about his ‘exodus,’ that would take place in Jerusalem" (9,31).

"Thus," continued His Holiness, "Jesus is listening to the Law and the Prophets speaking about His death and resurrection." By embracing the Father's Will "with His entire person," Jesus shows us that "true prayer consists of the union of our will with God's Will." As a result, "for a Christian, praying is not avoiding reality and responsibility."

The Pope then drew the conclusion that "the transfiguration, paradoxically, is truly verified in the agony in Gethsemane." This is because "in His immense passion, Jesus experienced anguish and entrusted Himself to the Divine Will."

The Pope concluded his address, emphasizing that "prayer is not an accessory, an optional [thing], but a question of life and death." Moreover, he continued, "only those who pray - that is - those who trust themselves to God with a filial love, can enter into eternal life."

Following his address the Holy Father greeted the thousands of pilgrims in their diverse languages.

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=8779

posted in Catholic Tribe - 0 replies

Virgin Mary

Carol — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 15:47:05 GMT

I am not sure I can have believe in the "Perpetual Virginity" of Mary.
The last little while I have heard Catholics say about parts of the Bible....
"you can't take what is written in the Bible literally, it is meant to be a metaphor."
I get that but then the Mary issue comes up and they not only believe literally they believe literally an apocryphal text - so which is it, literal believe in some stories and wishy washy belief in others?

posted in Catholic Tribe - 8 replies

Blessings and peace! Hellloooooooo............

vbm — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 00:49:04 GMT

Anyone out there?

posted in Catholic Tribe - 5 replies

Conditional Committment to Catholicism?

News-cab — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 05:08:54 GMT

Now my friend wants to get baptised in the Roman Catholic Church.
However, she doesn't want to go through RCIA.
I told her that maybe she can get an express baptism. However, I don't know.
I can agree that it can seem onerous to submit to some of the egos of the teachers of RCIA.
Also, the manner by which the RCIA candidates get paraded through Church at Mass causes some trepidation.
If my friend donates to the Church, could she perhaps get private counseling from a priest?

posted in Catholic Tribe - 2 replies

Pope Pius X Society

News-cab — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 02:47:39 GMT

The following may be off topic. You can decide.
A friend took me to a service at a church that is out of town. It is what is called a Latin rite church.
I'm not sure; I think they aren't in communion with Rome.
Anyway, it seemed as an eye opener for me. I thought that I was conservative by going to Mass at the Cathedral, and by trying to live as a Catholic.
The Latin rite people seem more strict than does the Cathedral. The Latin rite church requires lady like dress and denounces sodomites in their literature.
The people of the Latin rite seemed so beautiful in their modesty. Children seemed extremely numerous.
Leaving, I felt like a complete space and time traveler. I haven't felt more worldly or modern after that.

posted in Catholic Tribe - 2 replies

Vatican reaffirms celibacy for priests

Fri, 17 Nov 2006 00:27:14 GMT

By FRANCES D'EMILIO Associated Press Writer
© 2006 The Associated Press
VATICAN CITY — A Vatican summit led by Pope Benedict XVI reaffirmed mandatory celibacy for priests Thursday, rebuffing a high-profile crusade by a married African archbishop who has been excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church.

In a statement after the three-hour meeting, the Vatican said: "The value of the choice of priestly celibacy, according to Catholic tradition, has been reaffirmed."

In announcing the summit earlier this week, the Vatican said it would examine "the situation created by the disobedience of Monsignor Emmanuel Milingo."

Milingo, of Zambia, incurred automatic excommunication in September when he ordained four married American men as bishops in defiance of the Vatican. He already had drawn the Vatican's ire in 2001, when he took a South Korean woman as his wife in a group wedding ceremony of the Unification Church of the Rev. Sun Myung Moon.

As he steps up his campaign, Milingo is hoping hundreds of married priests will join him in celebrating Mass in a hotel near Newark, N.J., in early December, said one of the married men he ordained, the Rev. George Augustus Stallings Jr., of Washington.

Priests' spouses are also invited to the gathering, Stallings said.

"Unfortunately our prayers were not answered in that our hopes that (the Vatican) would begin to see the way to allow for a married priesthood," Stallings said in a telephone interview.

"We're more determined than ever," Stalling said, insisting that Milingo did not want to "rupture the unity of the church."

When Milingo was excommunicated, several Vatican watchers said the Holy See was worried about the possibility the charismatic archbishop, with the power to ordain bishops and priests, could start a schism.

Milingo sent a letter to Benedict two weeks ago to appeal for openness from the Vatican on married priests, Stallings said.

The Vatican said summit participants were briefed "on the requests to receive dispensation from the obligation of celibacy that have been made in recent years and on the possibility of being readmitted to the exercise of the ministry of priests who now meet the conditions required by the church."

The Vatican's spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, said that those "conditions" could refer to such situations as a married priest who is now a widower and wants to be readmitted to the exercise of his priestly functions.

The summit yielded "no change in the current discipline" of the church on the celibacy requirement, Lombardi said.

The Vatican did not cite any figures, but there are estimated to be at least 100,000 married priests worldwide, with about 25,000 of them in the United States.

The summit statement also stressed "the need for solid human and Christian training for seminarians as well as already ordained priests."

The Rev. Joseph Fessio, provost of Ave Maria University in Naples, Fla., and editor of Ignatius Press, Benedict's U.S. publisher, said it was to be expected that the summit would reaffirm the celibacy requirement.

Asked if the Vatican's use of the word "value" of celibacy instead of "requirement" in the statement meant a shift on its stance, Fessio said: "I think there is some ambiguity which is probably intended so that the Church's position, which is firm and not going to change, will not appear to be simply an authoritarian response."

Fessio said the statement's style was "characteristic" of Benedict.

"He is very clear, and he is very firm, and he's very gentle and very sensitive," Fessio said.

Proponents of easing the celibacy requirement say it could help ease the shortage of clergy in many parts of the world.

The Vatican requires celibacy of priests ordained under the Latin rite, although married men can become priests in the Eastern rite. The Vatican has also accepted some married Anglican priests who came over to the Catholic fold.

A Vatican meeting of bishops from around the world last year rejected suggestions that the celibacy requirement be dropped for priests.

posted in Catholic Tribe - 1 reply

Friday Meal Question

Carol — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 20:26:58 GMT

You guys sick of me yet?
Is fish on Friday required or tradition?

posted in Catholic Tribe - 5 replies

Confession Question

Carol — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 16:43:36 GMT

Trying to understand what Catholics believe and clear on how things work in the Church.
When you go to confession, is it God forgiving you with the Priest as His guide or does the
Priest forgive you in God's stead?

Lets imagine that you are somewhere cut off from any chance of seeing a Priest and you fear you
are about to die..... and you know you have some sins, can you Pray to God directly and get forgiveness
directly?

My husband wants to convert to Catholicism and we have a bit of an argument about how confession works.

posted in Catholic Tribe - 10 replies

Cardinal Medina says Pope set to restore Mass of St. Pius V

Fri, 15 Dec 2006 14:27:01 GMT

Thursday, December 14, 2006

(Catholic News Association, Vatican City, Dec. 14, 2006) - At the conclusion of the Ecclesia Dei commission this week, which is responsible for maintaining dialogue with the Lefevbrist movement, the former head of the Congregation for Divine Worship, Cardinal Jorge Medina, said it was "very probable" that Pope Benedict XVI would issue an indult for the celebration of the Mass of St. Pius V.

The Mass of St. Pius V, which was celebrated universally before Vatican II, can currently be celebrated only with the permission of the local bishop. According to Cardinal Medina, the Pontiff may issue a “Motu Propio”—a document released on the Pope’s own authority—that would authorize the universal use of the missal without the need for diocesan approval.

"The publication of a Motu Propio by the Pope allowing for widespread celebration of the Mass in Latin according to the missal of St. Pius V is very near," the cardinal said.

"The matter has been calmly studied and it was discussed for more than four hours, resulting in some corrections to the text of the Motu Propio," he added.

The next step for it to be definitively published will be taken by Cardinal Dario Castrillon, president of the commission "Ecclesia Dei," who will present the text to the Pope for his final approval.

posted in Catholic Tribe - 0 replies

Confession help

vbm — Sat, 30 Sep 2006 23:57:34 GMT

Went to confession today. God has this thing with me: hard to study, concentrate, talk, walk upright, etc whenever I need to go. Seeing as there is an exam next week in a very difficult subject, and because I can't think, concentrate, walk upright, etc., I went. The priest I went to I thought was kinda liberal. Somehow in the course of my confession I mentioned that God told me to quit smoking, but I'm not ready yet. Well, he told me to quit! How was I to know until he told me that he's an ex-smoker of 20 years. And, I got penance on top of that, like that wasn't enough to carry me through until the next century.

Help me find a loophole, please. I'm thinkin, since he's not my regular confessor I can get out of this. Maybe I can go to my regular confessor and have him undo this? Will that work?

posted in Catholic Tribe - 7 replies

Excommunicated Catholic archbishop says Rev. Moon behind his fight for married priests

Sun, 10 Dec 2006 16:19:18 GMT

PARSIPPANY, N.J. -- The renegade Roman Catholic archbishop who was excommunicated by the Vatican after he installed married priests as bishops acknowledged Saturday that the Rev. Sun Myung Moon was supporting his crusade against mandatory celibacy.

At a weekend conference of married priests, Zambian Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo distributed a statement to participants headlined "Thanks," crediting the Korean evangelist for his backing for the meeting and for Milingo's Married Priests Now! advocacy group.

"Today we are present as beneficiaries of Rev. Moon," Milingo wrote. "In order to ensure the success of our convocation he dedicated his key organizations to give their utmost support in every way needed to the Married Priests Now!"

Milingo was married to a Korean acupuncturist chosen for him by Moon in a mass Unification Church wedding in 2001. The archbishop appeared to drop those ties when he heeded pleas from Vatican officials and Pope John Paul II to renounce the marriage and return to Rome.

When Milingo disappeared from Italy this year, resurfacing in the United States in July, he and his aides denied any link with Moon. They said they were fighting on their own to save the church from its clergy shortage and sex abuse crises that they blamed on celibacy.

"He got his wife and now it's over," a Milingo aide, the Rev. Dairo Ferrabolli, told The Associated Press in September.

However, at this weekend's meeting, Milingo overflowed with praise for Moon.

"I have witnessed the zeal of Rev. Sun Myung Moon for the realization of the Kingdom for God," Milingo wrote. "His concern for the welfare of the whole world makes him not only a world benefactor, but more importantly a person whose vision, humility and saintly life has awakened our own courage and determination to organize and do what we ourselves know is right from God."

Vatican officials have been scandalized by Milingo, trying to privately persuade him to drop his campaign, then openly censuring him when that effort failed.

After the church excommunicated Milingo, Pope Benedict XVI convened a summit last month that the Vatican said examined "the situation created by the disobedience of Monsignor Emmanuel Milingo." The gathering ended with a reaffirmation of mandatory celibacy for clergy.

Archbishop Peter Paul Brennan, a married priest who was made a bishop by Milingo, acknowledged that the tie to Moon would provide more fodder for discrediting Married Priests Now!

Moon's doctrines are considered well beyond the bounds of traditional Christianity.

His followers regard him as "Lord of the Second Advent" who is providing the "physical salvation" that Jesus was unable to accomplish because he was executed and didn't marry. Jesus gave only "spiritual salvation," Moon says.

Brennan and others insisted Moon was not directing their movement, which they said remained wholly Catholic.

"He's not involved," Brennan said. "He shows an interest because of the family aspect."

Asked why Milingo was acknowledging the link now, Brennan said it doesn't harm the movement to work with people "who may be controversial in their faith."

Moon's American Clergy Leadership Conference paid for much of the weekend assembly with about 150 priests and their wives, along with leaders of other denominations who were invited as observers. Events included a renewal of vows by married priests and their spouses, who donned veils for the procession alongside their husbands, who were wearing clerical vestments.

The morning session Saturday included a lecture by Margaret Starbird, an author who says Jesus was married to Mary Magdelene and that the two had a child. Author Dan Brown cited Starbird's writing as a source for "The Da Vinci Code."

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

posted in Catholic Tribe - 0 replies

Prayer needed

vbm — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 03:36:35 GMT

My dear friend has been hospitalized with a heart attack. Fortunately it was mild. However, it was found she has had more than just that one heart attack, and they are doing testing on her. Please pray for her and her husband. Her husband has lost many family members in the last 5 years including 2 brothers and his father, he took all the deaths pretty hard. Seeing his wife like this is pretty difficult, though he's a trooper and isn't showing anything.

Thanks!

posted in Catholic Tribe - 5 replies

help needed--please speak out

Margot — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 10:50:00 GMT

“The thought of Jesus being stripped, beaten and derided until his final agony on the cross should always prompt a Christian to protest against similar treatment of their fellow beings. Of their own accord, disciples of Christ will reject torture, which nothing can justify, which causes humiliation and suffering to the victim and degrades the tormentor.”
--Pope John Paul II

You are invited to join a new tribe dedicated to completely ending the United States of America's unconstitutional and immoral practice of and collusion in torture.

http://tribes.tribe.net/stopalltorture

posted in Catholic Tribe - 0 replies

Pope invoked as Australian Muslims fight back

Fri, 03 Nov 2006 00:31:21 GMT

Pope invoked as Australian Muslims fight back
AFP November 2, 2006

SYDNEY, Australia -- Australian Muslims fought back Thursday against what they called a hysterical attack on their community over remarks by the country's top Islamic cleric on women and rape.

They received support from former prime minister Malcolm Fraser, who accused the government of deliberately whipping up anti-Muslim sentiment as tactic ahead of elections due next year.

Both Fraser and the Muslims contrasted the fierce condemnation of the cleric to the mild response to Pope Benedict's use last month of a text criticizing some teachings of the Prophet Mohammed as "evil and inhuman."

A group of 34 Muslim organizations issued a statement condemning the reaction by media and politicians to the cleric's description of scantily-clad women as "uncovered meat" inviting rape. The cleric, Sheik Taj Aldin Al Hilali, apologized for his comment after collapsing and being rushed to hospital October 30 as he came under relentless pressure to resign as Mufti of Australia.

"We believe that the public scrutiny of this matter should have ended with the sheik's apology," the statement said. "Instead, it is clear that certain sections of the media and political establishment have used this incident as an opportunity to vilify the Australian Muslim community."

"What we have witnessed over the last week is nothing more than hysteria and sensationalism." The statement was signed by groups including the United Muslim Women's Association and the Federation of Australian Muslim Students and Youth, but not by any of the state or national Islamic councils.

It compared the continued criticism of the cleric to the subdued mainstream response to the quotation by Pope Benedict XVI in a lecture in Germany last month. "Prime Minister John Howard said that the Pope had 'expressed his regrets and we should really move on'," the statement said.

"It is unfortunate that the prime minister's advice was not heeded in this case." Howard, however, returned to the fray Thursday, urging Muslims to act against the mufti, who was released from hospital Wednesday.

"The failure of the [Islamic] community to resolve this issue is daily doing damage," Howard told Australian television. "Unless this matter is resolved, and time is running out to resolve it, there will be left a sadly diminished view of the willingness of the Islamic community to integrate into the broader Australian community."

Former prime minister Fraser, who headed Howard's Liberal party until 1983, said the government was deliberately marginalizing Muslims as an election tactic in the way it used anti-refugee sentiment to win votes in 2001.

"I'm concerned that the government believes that it can win the next election best by following the same tactics and trying to make the majority of Australians believe that Muslims are different and don't really fit in," Fraser told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

"I believe that it's divisive, dangerous and false." Fraser also noted that the government's reaction to the Pope's comments on the Islamic religion was in stark contrast to its response to the cleric's comments. Supporters of the mufti have planned a rally outside his Lakemba mosque in Sydney Saturday, but Hilali has asked them to call it off.

posted in Catholic Tribe - 0 replies

OK to do Two Novenas At A Time?

Solange — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 17:03:51 GMT

OK maybe a silly question, but I'm about to make my first attempt at praying a Novena for a very special circumstance. There are Novenas that appeal to me; one to St. Jude, and another that is a triple Hail Mary. Do you suppose it's OK to do them both on the same days, or to let them overlap? Just curious what your thought might be. Thanks, All.

posted in Catholic Tribe - 2 replies

Vatican tells UN: 'anti-terrorism measures must not jeopardise human rights'

Wed, 18 Oct 2006 14:03:47 GMT

[The Vatican opposed the Iraq War and that didn't do any good; this may not either. Still, it's good to hear a voice without a political axe to grind speak out for fundamental human rights.]

Vatican tells UN: 'anti-terrorism measures must not jeopardise human rights'

Archbishop Celestino Migliore, permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York, yesterday addressed the sixth committee of the 61st UN General Assembly, which is discussing measures to eliminate international terrorism.

The Archbishop said: "Terrorism has developed into a sophisticated network of political, economic and technical collusion which crosses national borders to embrace the whole world." This illustrates, he continued, "the importance of an internationally binding Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism."

"It is fundamental to affirm from the very outset that effective counter-terrorism measures and the protection of human rights are not conflicting goals," said the archbishop. "The absolute unacceptability of terrorism lies precisely in the fact that it uses innocent people as means to obtain its ends. However, counter-terrorism strategy must not sacrifice fundamental human rights in the name of security. Rather, it must refrain from selective implementation of measures; otherwise, it would corrode the very values that it intends to protect."

"Terrorists must never be allowed to point to this kind of deficiency on the part of States for their actions. ... On the other hand, not even the terrorists' contempt for human life and dignity can justify denying them treatment according to international humanitarian and human rights norms."

"The Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism should make clear that no cause, no matter how just, can excuse or legitimize the deliberate killing or maiming of civilian populations. Even the legitimate right to resist unjust authorities and the right to self-determination and national liberation, must not threaten social fabric and domestic public order."

"Terrorism," Archbishop Migliore went on, "is a cultural manifestation ... of warped perceptions of reality, of xenophobic complexes, of contempt for the other, ... of cynical abuse of religion," and must be faced with "cultural instruments," and with "a courageous and resolute political, diplomatic and economic commitment to relieve situations of oppression and marginalization which facilitate the designs of terrorists."

"It must be firmly stated that the injustices existing in the world can never be used to excuse acts of terrorism, and it should be noted that the victims of the radical breakdown of order which terrorism seeks to achieve include above all the countless millions of men and women who are least able to withstand a collapse of international solidarity. The terrorist's claim to be acting on behalf of the poor is a patent falsehood."

"Religions and inter-religious dialogue," he concluded, "have a fundamental role to play in contrasting the terrorists' preaching of hate and violence as antithetical to authentic religion."

Source: VIS

© Independent Catholic News 2006
http://www.indcatholicnews.com/anter327.html

posted in Catholic Tribe - 0 replies

Can Not Commit to Catholicism

News-cab — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 23:15:30 GMT

My friend enjoys Catholic people. The religion interests her insofar as Dante related it in _The Divine Comedy_
However, she thinks that she will come to Catholicism on her own terms. How do you explain that a convert must accept the teachings of the Church?

posted in Catholic Tribe - 28 replies

Volunteering

News-cab — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 17:32:54 GMT

I worked in the kitchen which got started by some communism Catholics.
It got too crowded. Now I just make sandwiches at home and bring them to Church for the men's shelter.
Do you volunteer? Have you benefitted by your Church's outreach? Do share.

posted in Catholic Tribe - 4 replies

Hanging on by a thread...

VictorianGoverness — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 22:41:15 GMT

I've been struggling with my faith for a few years now, but now I'm really doubting everything. I just found out my mom has had a recurrence of metastatic breast cancer--to boot, I'm pregnant with her first grandchild. My world right now is really crashing around me, as my mom is my best friend and she is so looking forward to this baby. I'm both excited and terrifed for what the next 6 months will bring and that is an awful feeling.

To make a long story short, I'm really hanging onto my Catholic faith by a thread. I pray and pray and it seems like God isn't listening. I started a novena this week but am really wondering if it makes any difference at all. I've never doubted the power of prayer, Ever. And now I feel like my faith is slowly slipping away. I had planned on raising my child Catholic, but now I can barely hold on to it myself let alone for someone else. On top of that, none of my friends nor my husband are Catholic, so I'm very alone in this and trying to keep the faith.

Any advice? Will this feeling ever change?

posted in Catholic Tribe - 12 replies

Archbishop Milingo excommunicated

Wed, 27 Sep 2006 13:29:25 GMT

He is married and ordained four married men Sunday as Roman Catholic bishops.. (The Church does not recognize their ordination.)

For a fuller accout:

http://home.newadvent.org/2006/09/archbishop_mili.html

posted in Catholic Tribe - 10 replies

Taize Mass?

Solange — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 21:43:19 GMT

I think Dare can elaborate on this, since our parish has a Taize Mass every week (Sundays, 9pm), but I'm curious if any of you have ever attended this type of Mass, what it was like, and what the experience of it was like as compared to a 'regular' Mass, which admittedly varies a lot.

One of the great things about our parish is the variety of Masses - quiet, family, solemn/Latin (my favorite, if I'm not headachey, cause the incense sends me into fits when I am), Spanish, Contemporary, and candlelight/Taize, and that's just on Sundays!

I'm very curious about Taize and would like to hear firsthand commentary, if there's any available! Thanks!

posted in Catholic Tribe - 2 replies

A Recovering Catholic

News-cab — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 04:07:03 GMT

I lapsed for about twenty years in my exploits. However, in the past few years, I have found the Church again.
I find that I enjoy daily Mass now. I can not participate as I would like to in the Mass. However,
The Church becomes my solace.

posted in Catholic Tribe - 15 replies

Tell About A Religious Medal

News-cab — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 05:19:10 GMT

I feel curiosity about a sign of faith. Do you know about a religious medal? Please tell about your experience.

posted in Catholic Tribe - 8 replies

"The God Box"

Solange — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 18:22:48 GMT

I have this thing that I do, and I wish I take credit for it, but the idea came from the hilarous leftist Christian writer Anne Lamott.

I created a God Box - mine is an antique mailbox given to me by a friend who was headed off to rehab. Appropriate.

I write letters to God - pleas for something, thanks for something, a problem I need some help with, prayers for protection while traveling, apologies for mice I had to kill, just to say hi, whatever. Then I fold it up and put it in the box. And I swear, I think it 'works,' whatever that means!

I first read about it years ago in one of Lamott's books and always had wanted to do it, then when my friend went away and gave me her box I thought it was perfect. It's just a really nice practice that I enjoy and I thought I might pass along to you all.

posted in Catholic Tribe - 1 reply

Anti Catholic Bigotry

News-cab — Sat, 05 Aug 2006 18:26:04 GMT

Sometimes people will express an attitude about the Church.
Should I "turn the other cheek" to my enemy?
How should I respond?

posted in Catholic Tribe - 7 replies

Pope prepares to embrace theory of intelligent design: U K Guardian

Mon, 28 Aug 2006 18:05:59 GMT

Pope prepares to embrace theory of intelligent design

John Hooper in Rome
Monday August 28, 2006
The Guardian
Philosophers, scientists and other intellectuals close to Pope Benedict will gather at his summer palace outside Rome this week for intensive discussions that could herald a fundamental shift in the Vatican's view of evolution.
There have been growing signs the Pope is considering aligning his church more closely with the theory of "intelligent design" taught in some US states. Advocates of the theory argue that some features of the universe and nature are so complex that they must have been designed by a higher intelligence. Critics say it is a disguise for creationism.
A prominent anti-evolutionist and Roman Catholic scientist, Dominique Tassot, told the US National Catholic Reporter that this week's meeting was "to give a broader extension to the debate. Even if [the Pope] knows where he wants to go, and I believe he does, it will take time. Most Catholic intellectuals today are convinced that evolution is obviously true because most scientists say so." In 1996, in what was seen as a capitulation to scientific orthodoxy, John Paul II said Darwin's theories were "more than a hypothesis".
Last week, at a conference in Rimini, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn of Austria revealed that evolution and creation had been chosen as the subjects for this year's meeting of the Pope's Schülerkreis - a group consisting mainly of his former doctoral students that has been gathering annually since the late 1970s. Apart from Cardinal Schönborn, participants at the closed-door meeting will include the president of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Peter Schuster; the conservative ethical philosopher Robert Spaemann; and Paul Elbrich, professor of philosophy at Munich University.
Last December, a US court sparked controversy when it ruled that intelligent design should not be taught alongside evolution theory. Cardinal Schönborn said: "The debate of recent months has undoubtedly motivated the Holy Father's choice." But he added that in the 1960s the then-Joseph Ratzinger had "underlined emphatically the need to return to the topic of creation".
The Pope also raised the issue in the inaugural sermon of his pontificate, saying: "We are not the accidental product, without meaning, of evolution."
A few months later, Cardinal Schönborn, who is regarded as being close to Benedict, wrote an article for the New York Times backing moves to teach ID. He was attacked by Father George Coyne, director of the Vatican Observatory. On August 19, Fr Coyne was replaced without explanation. Vatican sources said the Pope's former astronomer, who has cancer, had asked to be replaced.

posted in Catholic Tribe - 1 reply

New Tribe: Church History: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Tue, 29 Aug 2006 15:49:27 GMT

I've been Protestant, agnostic, and Roman Catholic. Now I'm looking anew at church history from a more (I hope) detached perspective. I'm interested in its influence (for good and ill) on Western culture. All perspectives welcome. Hope to talk with informed, thoughtful people from several perspectives.

http://tribes.tribe.net/churchhistory

posted in Catholic Tribe - 0 replies

Is August 15 a HDoO

News-cab — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 06:14:59 GMT

At Sunday Mass, the priest made no mention of
a Holy Day of Obligation for the Assumption of Mary on the 15th.
Of course, many services and events got planned.
What do you think?

Link this article on About.com for some support http://catholicism.about.com/od/holidaysfeastdays/a/cathliturg0511.htm

posted in Catholic Tribe - 7 replies

Thoughts on Vocations

News-cab — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 04:19:05 GMT

Maybe I missed out long ago by eschewing a religious life.
Do religious people have a good idea by devoting their lives to a spiritual pursuit?
I consolation for us who missed out, what about the Legion of Mary? Did I spell that correctly?

posted in Catholic Tribe - 0 replies

Bishops to vote on new Order of Mass

princessdare — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 17:14:37 GMT

http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=19967

Here's an update:
http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=20219

posted in Catholic Tribe - 5 replies

New member from Baltimore area

Ed — Wed, 14 Jun 2006 13:03:01 GMT

Hi! My name is Ed, and I am a gay white Catholic male, age 53, the father of two and grandfather of six!

I am very "into" my Catholic Faith and am delighted to have found this tribe. Should anyone have any "doubts" about my sincerity, let me assure you that my life has always been, and always shall be, MUCH MORE about my Faith than my sexuality. Just why God asked me to bear that particular cross, I may never know, but, bear it I shall to the very best of my ability and with His help.

Just wanted to introduce myself! God bless you all!...................ed!

posted in Catholic Tribe - 2 replies

Pope Joan?

rummani — Fri, 30 Dec 2005 06:33:38 GMT

There'sa big thing on the telly tonight about the "Pope Joan" legend, with tons of "facts" and "evidence" that she she existed, using period documents and artwork and such. Thoughts on this? My other half says its all bullshit.

It seems to be the "in" thing these days to mock the Church and talk about all these secrets we have. Well, um, we ARE the one true Church, begun in the time of Christ, there's gonna BE some "secrets" over almost 2,000 years... Anyway. Just find it irritating that everyone has to do this bullshit about how the Church is hiding this and that, yadda yadda...

~ Cat (who is disgruntled this evening, pay no mind)

posted in Catholic Tribe - 33 replies

Officially A Nice Catholic Girl As Of Last Night!

Solange — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 16:16:14 GMT

Last night 22 of my cohorts and I were baptized & recieved (& more than a dozen more received as well) into the RCC at an AMAZING Easter Vigil Mass. While I was (obviously!) extremely happy for myself, the real joy of it more than anything was seeing the happiness of those who have been on this RCIA journey with me all of these months. We go to quite a large church and last night it was filled to capacity & I must tell you, I've never felt a room so full of love. It was SO unbelievably cool! Happy happy happy to finally have this piece put back in place. Just had to share!

posted in Catholic Tribe - 5 replies

Prayer petition

Gurl — Mon, 17 Apr 2006 08:56:05 GMT

Happy Easter to you! It's been a long while since I tribed...crazily busy lately @ home and work but with thoughts of you on the catholic tribe and the only tribe i tribe..time to refresh my tribal list too!

Hope you are well at your end, wherever you are.

If I may petition for a prayer through tribal mates in here, of late my dearest grandpa Kong's condition from old age has deteriorated tremendously in the last 11 months. I was back home over the Easter weekend and spent quality time with him. I arrived at grandpa's house on Good Friday afternoon, it was a great afternoon and comforting to see him. Fed his favourite chocolate, Ferrero Rocher but to my dismay he couldn't really eat it..but he still ate the chocolate filling whilst I fed him. Just seconds after I fed him, he couldn't breathe properly. I was scared for a moment, however, my aunty had already made a House Call for the doctor. Doctor arrived, checked him...and his prognosis was that my grandpa had fluid in his lungs which caused the water retention in his feet and bloated stomach resulting in stomach cavity. Doctor gave us 2 choices; to let him enjoy his last moments or to go for further check up..We went for the latter. Brought him to the hospital on Holy Saturday for further kidney diagnosis ~ result was fair followed by blood test for further probing of underlying cause of the water retention..Home bound thereafter and played a game or two of 'mahjong' (the chinese card game:)
Easter Sunday was slow for him. Went to see him but he was asleep...hung out by his bedside for few moments and he woke up. Grandpa Kong had lunch when his 88 year old brother visited..followed by a few puffs of his favourite Blend 11 tobacco! I was like...WOW grandpa...You really know how to enjoy LIFE! After having a few puffs, we took him back to his room for physio therapy..At that time my boyfriend and I had to leave to take a flight..I kissed him repeatedly and helo his hand tight. He asked when I will be back next, I replied as soon as possible..but deep down in my heart I felt that it may be the last time I will see him.

I was upset deep within me but our GREAT LORD gave me the serenity to accept things I cannot change.

To my surprise a few hours ago I received a text message from my brother in Hong Kong that my grandpa has been hospitalised last nite around 1+am.

Then I called my mom to ask what had happened..My grandpa had difficulty breathing. He's oxygen mask on and a tube in his nose to drain blood fluid apparently emitting from his stomach. Sounds to me, it's truly the last few moments of his life.

I pray that God have mercy on my grandpa and if HE should take him HOME soon, let it be a PEACEFUL one. Also to grant him the comfort and will to live on a few more days for the arrival of his grandson and daughter from Hong Kong to bid him adieu.

Dear friends in the Catholic tribe ~ please pray for our family and the PEACEFUL passing of my grandpa Kong in God's time.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart and May God bless you abundantly.

:PEACE:
Tricia

posted in Catholic Tribe - 3 replies

Catholicism in the Philippines..

Gurl — Thu, 12 Jan 2006 04:32:27 GMT

Happy New Year all! Wishing you God's blessings, PEACE, LOVE, JOY and good health whole year round!

Anyways, wanted to share with one and all on my recent trip to the Philippines, Boracay. Amazing country ~ 7,107 islands on low tide.
Was in Manila Dec 31, it was a breath of fresh air to see Mass being conducted in a shopping malls, gardens, everywhere. One of the only countries in the world which has no divorces. They practise annullment only and that takes years..Highly recommended to visit if you wish to visit the East some day! hand made and original designs of rosaries are sold everywhere..
and Filipinas are very spiritual and religious too.

I felt at home..

I've also posted a picture of a mini island where a Grotto is placed there.
It's amazing! Tricycle number plates had "Jesus" and "God give us a safe ride"...

I felt different..

Hats off to Gloria Aroyo...not easy to manage the Philippines given the 7,107 islands and areas..

God Bless.

posted in Catholic Tribe - 8 replies

Lenten practices

Tue, 28 Feb 2006 01:39:17 GMT

sent to me by a Benedictine friend...
pax et bonum.

The Lenten discipline consists of three separate parts:

1. Corporal or External Fast, including the abstinence from certain foods, drinks, and amusements, i.e. music, and parties during Lent. These points of fast should be stressed especially today with the mania of entertainment besetting our society;

2. Spiritual or Internal fast which consists of abstinence from "all evil" --- sin. Saint John Chrysostom taught that the "value of fasting consists no so much in abstinence from food but rather in withdrawl from sinful practices." And Saint Basil the Great explains: "Turning away from all wickedness means keeping our tongue in check, restraining our anger, suppressing evil desires, and avoiding all gossip, lying and swearing. To abstain from these things --- herein lies the true act of fast!"

3. Spiritual Change achieved by the practice of virtues and good works must be the main objective of our fasting. The Fathers of the Church insisted that during Lent the faithful attend the Lenten church services and daily Mass.

In the course of the centuries, our fasting dicpline has undergone numerous and radical changes. Today, unfortunately, the observance of Lent is but mere formalism, reduced to abstinence on certain days and without any stress on one's spiritual growth or the amending of one's life style.

It is urgent that we return to the pristine spirit of the Great Fast which is so badly needed in our materialistic world.

Listed below are suggested practices that may be used along with your usual Lenten family tradtions of sacrifices and penances.

Corporal or External Practices
a. Take less of what you like and more of what you dislike at meals today.
b. Take nothing to drink between meals.
c. Do not use seasoning on your food today.
d. Do not use any sweeteners with your food and drink today.
e. Avoid listening to the radio/music at all today.
f. Take nothing to eat between meals today.
g. Avoid any t.v. or videos; instead reas the Passion of Christ in your Bible or missal.
h. Take only one helping of each item at meals today.
i. Say an extra Rosary today.

Spiritual or Internal Fast Practices
a. Don't do any unnecessary talking; instead say little ejaculations throughout the day.
b. Exercise your patience today in all things.
c. Don't make any complaints today.
d. Restrain any anger, and go out of your way to be kind to the person who caused your anger.
e. Don't be distracted with someone else's business.
f. Avoid any gossip today, instead say an extra Rosary to overcome this great fault.
g. When asked to do something extra do so with a joyful and pleasant attitude today.
h. Speak in a pleasant tone to everyone today.
i. Avoid using the phone today.
j. Tell the truth in all your dealings today.
k. Avoid and vanity or self-seeking today.

Spiritual Practices (virtues and good works)
a. Practice humility today in all your actions.
b. Be generous today; help someone in need.
c. Look for ways to be helpful throughout the day.
d. Do a job that needs to be done without being asked.
e. Be courageous; walk away from any impure situations today.
f. Don't be idle at all today. Always be doing something for others or for your spiritual growth.
g. Go out of your way today to help or talk to someone who is usually difficult.
h. Volunteer for an extra job today.
i. Say an extra Rosary for the conversion of a sinner.
j. Visit someone who is sick or lonesome today. Offer to say the Rosary with them.

posted in Catholic Tribe - 1 reply