tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21304331179814695492024-03-13T15:33:01.998-04:00Catholic WomanMy simple life as a modern day Catholic woman.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15124924834157134606noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130433117981469549.post-2901843288526388582015-12-04T09:46:00.002-05:002015-12-04T09:46:40.627-05:00New BlogTo anyone who might care, I have obviously stopped writing as Catholic Woman. If you are still interested in following me you can find me at my new blog <a href="http://littlegingerblessings.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Little Ginger Blessings</a>.<br />
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I write about anything and everything that inspires me. You can also follow my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LittleGingerBlessings/" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>.<br />
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Thanks for following my life as a Catholic Woman!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15124924834157134606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130433117981469549.post-58227532465033164022015-03-02T13:31:00.001-05:002015-03-02T13:31:39.336-05:00FarewellI know that I have not written in a very long time. When I started this blog I had every intention of being an active writer, but alas, life sometimes has a way of making things change. <br />
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It is still my intention to become an active writer once more. However, I created this blog to document my thoughts and feelings specifically as an active Catholic woman. My vocation has changed. Now I am a Catholic woman who is also a mother. Motherhood has dramatically changed my life and changed it for the better. <br />
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However, when I started this blog I did not want it to become one of the many Catholic Mommy blogs that are out there. If I start to blog again, and I hope I do, it will be under the guise of a whole new blog. <br />
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I want to thank you all for joining me in my journey. It has been a blessing and I have enjoyed it immensely. It is just time to move on and put my focus elsewhere. <br />
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In closing, I will leave you a picture of my now one year old son who has brought such joy to our lives!<br />
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May God bless you all! Blessed Zelie Martin, pray for us!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15124924834157134606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130433117981469549.post-16989551143179214302014-05-27T13:39:00.002-04:002014-05-27T13:39:21.280-04:00A New NormalI created this blog to share my life as a modern day Catholic woman. Naturally, being a woman who was called to the vocation of marriage, a part of that life is the raising of children. I am now experiencing a new reality that is my life. It is not my intention to turn this into a Catholic Mommy blog, but my son has a huge impact on my everyday routine and he will probably play a heavy influence on my reflections.<br />
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Our son is a little cutie!<br />
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It is so cool watching my husband bond with our son. He is remembering the joys of his own childhood and wants to share those memories. He has picked up a number of car toys from garage sales and I think he enjoys them more than Richard at this point! </div>
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Days are becoming easier for me, both emotionally and spiritually. I think I have overcome the major hurdle of postpartum depression and things are a little less overwhelming. It takes time to realize that a woman does not have as much time for herself once she becomes a mother. That is probably why I did not have any problems or anxiety when I returned to work. It gives me a little sense of 'me time'. </div>
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I have met with my Deacon, who is my spiritual adviser, to assist with my spiritual problems. He did not give me any earth shattering advice. I pretty much already knew what he would say, but it was still a huge help talking with him and getting a different perspective. He encouraged me to go to confession more often (before I got pregnant I was going every 4-6 weeks) and spend more time in adoration. Spending more time in adoration is easier said than done. It's not always easy bringing a newborn into a space that is supposed to be quite and reflective, nor is it easy to find an opportunity to get someone to watch him so that I can sit with Jesus for an hour. </div>
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I have been able to find a few moments of reflective time right before I go to sleep. I know there are some people who will be totally against this, but as of right now Richard co-sleeps with us. He does not like sleeping on his back or in the bassinet and the only solution we've been able to find is to have him sleep in my arms. We will work on breaking him of this as soon as we can, but I do have to say that it makes the midnight feedings so much easier! Anyway, when I look at my sleeping baby in my arms I reflect on what Jesus may have been like as a child. It's hard to imagine God as a helpless child who needs His Mother for EVERYTHING and it kind of blows my mind. But these reflections are helping me with my spiritual crisis.<br />
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Being a mommy is an amazing experience. I just hope that I will have enough emotional strength and courage to enjoy the ride! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15124924834157134606noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130433117981469549.post-32277243908867215462014-04-17T16:50:00.000-04:002014-04-17T16:50:28.766-04:00New LifeI wish to apologize for my long sabbatical from my blog. I did not intend for it to be so long, but the last part of my pregnancy was a bit complicated and once my little one came along I was diagnosed with postpartum depression. There was much that I needed to get used to. <br />
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Now, I am happy to say that God has blessed us with a son, whom we have named Richard Thomas. <br />
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Like I said in previous posts, my pregnancy was nothing like I expected it to be, and delivery was nothing like I hoped it would be either. I had always planned on getting an epidural since I have a rather low tolerance for pain. My doctors were aware of my wishes and were happy to accommodate as best they could. </div>
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Even though I was 3cm dilated for about a month and I had lost my mucus plug 3 weeks before I was due, I still carried past my due date. When my due date came, my blood pressure started to rise and it did not come down. My doctors then feared I was suffering from preeclampsia, so they started to induce me on a Tuesday night. When the pill they gave me did not start active labor, they then gave me Pitocin. 20 minutes later I went from being 4 cm dilated to 8cm dilated. It was too late to administer any drug medication and it just so happened that the guy who did the epidurals was unavailable...therefore I had to deliver my baby with no medication to help with the pain!</div>
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Needless to say I was mentally and emotionally unprepared for such a trauma. I knew that labor was going to be painful, but naturally it was nothing like I had expected. Thankfully, my hubby was there with me the entire time. He said that it broke his heart to see me in such pain, but he did all that he could to assist. I could not be more grateful for all that he did for me. </div>
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After 6 hours of active labor, our son finally arrived. He was 8lbs 1oz and 20 inches long, and came with a full head of red hair! He could not have been more perfect!</div>
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I adored my son the first moment that I saw him and I praised God!</div>
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It has taken many weeks to get adjusted to a newborn at home, and I was greatly overwhelmed. But now, things seem to have settled down into a new routine and I return to work on May 1st. </div>
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My spiritual life is still in disarray. I am working on returning to a life with God at my center, so I ask that you continue to keep me in your prayers. Things are looking up, and I hope to start a new life this Easter. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15124924834157134606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130433117981469549.post-80578109018111812972013-10-11T20:05:00.001-04:002013-10-11T20:05:18.932-04:0021 Weeks PregnantI would like to apologize for not spending more time on my blog. I must admit that being pregnant is a lot different than what I thought it would be. I expected to have the pregnant mommy glow by now and that is not exactly happening. <br />
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Things I wish I knew: </div>
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1) I always thought that morning sickness was when you puke then feel better for the rest of the day. I didn't think it could mean feeling like you're walking around with the flu. </div>
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2) You have weird dreams...like REALLY weird dreams. </div>
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3) Sleeping can be an issue.</div>
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4) You can actually LOSE weight during pregnancy. I lost 10 pounds! However, I quickly gained it back and am now back at my pre-pregnancy weight.</div>
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5) Tastes change. I have lost my taste for fish...but seem to like the taste of beer (very small sips from the hubby's glass, mind you).</div>
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6) I never thought that I would miss alcohol this much. I'm not a big drinker, but I miss my glass of wine at the end of a hectic day.</div>
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7) Baby movements can feel like little bubbles in your tummy.</div>
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8) Maternity clothes are expensive!</div>
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9) You pee in a cup every time you go to the doctor's office for an exam. </div>
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10) Your new best friend is your body pillow.</div>
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Also, I did not think that being pregnant would have such an effect on my emotional and spiritual life. My spiritual and prayer life is still in the tanker. I am just having a difficult time communicating with God and I don't know why. Plus, I am having some severe bouts of depression. </div>
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I am hoping that the more I feel my baby move the more I will bond with him/her. The hubby is insistent that he does not want to know the gender. So, we've nicknamed our baby 'Butterbean'. I think it's a boy, so I refer to the baby as 'him'. I believe it to be natural to almost assign your baby a gender so that you don't refer to the baby as 'it'. It makes the bonding process a little easier. </div>
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I ask everyone to please keep me in your prayers. The hubby has been so wonderful in dealing with my emotional problems and I am thankful for his love and support. I hope to be back on top of the world very soon!</div>
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Saint Gerard Majella, please pray for me!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15124924834157134606noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130433117981469549.post-84080925626014721302013-08-20T17:17:00.002-04:002013-08-20T17:17:59.259-04:0013 Weeks and CountingSo, I am nearing the end of my first trimester. The nausea and fatigue are mostly gone, but I still have my moments of sickness which occur mainly in the evenings. Weird, huh? If any of the old wives tales are correct it would seem that I am carrying a boy. I say this because I am carrying low, I'm craving salt, and I don't think I have burped so much in my life. <br />
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The odd thing is, being pregnant has wreaked havoc on my spiritual life. I am having a hard time praying and connecting with God. I think it may be because I am struggling with the sickness and all I want to do is try to figure out what I can stomach to eat. I've been going to bed insanely early because my sickness is worse in the evenings. </div>
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I can only pray that things will look up as I head into the second trimester, which is supposed to be the 'golden period' of pregnancy. We'll find out soon enough. </div>
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I will be meeting with Deacon within the next few weeks to discuss his plans for a Bible Study class that he wants me to teach. Maybe teaching this class will bring me the spiritual support that I need and bring me closer to God. </div>
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I ask that everyone please keep me in your prayers. I want to dedicate more time to blogging on more important matters and hopefully I will be able to very soon.</div>
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Saint Gerard Majella, pray for me!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15124924834157134606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130433117981469549.post-57617719786039592052013-08-01T19:48:00.000-04:002013-08-01T19:48:25.916-04:00What's Up?You wanna know what's up? Nothing much...other than feeling like crap 24/7. But, from what I understand, that is to be expected during the first trimester. My house is a mess because I have felt like I've been walking around with the flu. It sucks! However, it seems that my nausea is slowly getting better. I may not feel 100% normal, but I'm better than what I was three weeks ago.<br />
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That is why I have not blogged in the past six weeks. I think I will take a couple of more weeks to simply focus on relaxing and trying to get through this first trimester then I will be back.<br />
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Please keep me, my hubby, and our little Butterbean in your prayers!<br />
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Saint Gerard Majella, pray for us!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15124924834157134606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130433117981469549.post-62214996169472696252013-06-22T16:20:00.000-04:002013-06-22T16:20:09.649-04:00Never the SamePhew! I have just finished teaching a week of Adult Vacation Bible School at my church. It seems to have gone over very well. The people seemed to have enjoyed it and I have gotten many compliments. <br />
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This whole month...well, more like month and a half, has been very hectic. My grandparents are moving in and we've been assisting with them, then I had to do AVBS. But something during all of this has happened that will change my life forever.<br />
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RQlNGFxAO7kdcBECCFFuNFYChcQAFuFwYBS3C4gMBQEABQAQAYtgEAWwlgQqASwaRQFBrgN9miQCUtoXSQyVBcPT1/8Ah0A0TUtzPDIilhEdoE1XZXywSIpYBFmFhquymnlq2IKmVrYvmhrRJxXZmqmUrY5amTLY1kooilFE1W2Oq5L0OOrknQ284LYgnTWwGEq5L0OWplD2N7UpLY5KtJbDaU1iWDqZa9hiozj9VyXg3+Rs61KOxxVqMdi7yzpDOxxVVd9/GK/YC3nRjsINo6Wp7f/Z" 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That's right! After 15 months of trying, the hubby and I are pregnant! God has decided to grace us with a child!</div>
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I am about 5 weeks along. The hubby and I, as well as the rest of the family and friends, are very happy. It seems that we can't be any more excited. </div>
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So, while I was teaching AVBS this week, I was fighting very hard to stay awake because I have been suffering from very severe fatigue. </div>
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I am so thankful! Now comes the part of 9 months preparation. I'll keep you all updated! Right now, I'm going for another nap! :) </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15124924834157134606noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130433117981469549.post-61056215181635784142013-06-08T16:05:00.002-04:002013-06-08T16:11:05.282-04:00Why I Dislike BravoFirst off, I want to apologize that I have not updated my blog in a while. I am still preparing for the Adult Vacation Bible Study course that I will be teaching next week. My Deacon came up to me and asked if I was looking forward to teaching AVBS. I replied that I was 'excited yet scared as heck'. Deacon replied in good Deacon fashion by saying "Great!" <o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKwoXnL9cAGa4ACSGreZDEwc6AXtsZ3f5PhMc02pd240YcNHlUDjXFOAPF3ns3EywcegIKDgMUk0PVuvnpesh72XQc6V_Hcte_s7dkYfinq8DUmL3r-RjCSdBKJidkMwFmGKOUssfp0o/s1600/women+studying+bible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKwoXnL9cAGa4ACSGreZDEwc6AXtsZ3f5PhMc02pd240YcNHlUDjXFOAPF3ns3EywcegIKDgMUk0PVuvnpesh72XQc6V_Hcte_s7dkYfinq8DUmL3r-RjCSdBKJidkMwFmGKOUssfp0o/s1600/women+studying+bible.jpg" yya="true" /></a></div>
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So, while I was taking a break from reading, I was flipping through the channels, like I always do, and I came across a show on Bravo called 'Princess Long Island'. <br />
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Ugh, oh my gosh, this show is such a degradation to women. Let me give you an example: There is this one woman who is 29 years old (my age, BTW), she still lives at home with her rich daddy, who still spoils her, and all she does is party and shop...with her daddy's credit card. Her mother apparently loves to shop for string bikinis and get Botox shots. <br />
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Don't even get my started on the whole 'Housewives' series who depict wealthy women as being nothing but vain and gossip obsessed drama queens. <br />
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It is shows like these that put forth an image that wrapping your world around material possessions and being concerned about nothing except your appearance is perfectly acceptable and something that we should all strive for. This is what our young girls are growing up with. They are being fed an image that womanhood is nothing but being wrapped up in yourself and using sexuality to manipulate men. <br />
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But, there is hope! I was very excited to come across a magazine called <a href="http://verilymag.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple;">Verily Magazine</span></a>. This is a magazine dedicated to the dignity of woman and how we can be beautiful and successful without jeopardizing our self-worth. They publish articles about relationships, recipes, fashion, just like the other magazines do, but they do it with grace and taste. <br />
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While the main media is pushing a negative image of women, there is also a culture that is pushing against the mainstream. This culture seems small because it is not the image that is being promoted in popular culture, but it exists and it is growing exponentially. People want something that is wholesome and pure. By nature I think we long to be treated with dignity, and there is a whole group of people who are being treated like a sub-culture, but we are not a sub-culture. We are the ones pushing against an image that is holding society back. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15124924834157134606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130433117981469549.post-74416429453437597332013-04-30T13:45:00.001-04:002013-04-30T13:45:27.252-04:00Summer Fun!School is out. You know what that means? More work for me. Summer is the busiest time for those who work in the financial aid industry so my days are busier than ever. <br />
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It also means that summer is approaching. My church has all kinds of youth summer camps available for all of our children, and those activities keep the parishioners on their toes. Last year, my Deacon had the idea to do something for the adults as well, and we had a lecture series where a number of our parish leaders spoke on various topics. <br />
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This year, we'll be doing a Bible Study. Guess who is leading it...YUP! That would be me!<br />
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I will be teaching a week long series on Salvation History 101. And I am nervous as heck. Granted, Deacon sent me and the hubby to the Bible Study conference about two months ago where we got to learn all about it, but I am not a Bible Scholar...I just read a lot. I'll be doing a lot more reading to make sure I am well versed in this topic. </div>
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When I met with Deacon yesterday to discuss some of the logistics, we naturally discussed the hot topic of the day: Homosexual 'Marriage'. I've told him my struggles with trying to stand up with the faith on this topic, and he reassured me in my efforts. All we can do is stand up for what God has placed forth. We will probably lose this fight, but in the end we will receive our reward. </div>
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I will be doing a lot of studying during the next few weeks, so please do not be suprised if I don't write another post for a while. </div>
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Saint Jerome, pray for us!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15124924834157134606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130433117981469549.post-27344094971357407022013-04-12T20:43:00.001-04:002013-04-12T20:55:58.430-04:00Worn DownI'm sitting at home watching The Five Year Engagement, and I am finding it somewhat funny and disturbing at the same time. Definitely not going to be on my watch again list.<br />
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I am getting thoroughly annoyed with this homosexual marriage debate. It is literally wearing me down. I am having a difficult time with the debates and people I know (not really sure if you can call them friends) and fellow parishioners calling me a judgemental bigot. <br />
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Ugh. I just want to withdraw from the world and try to re-center myself with God. If I write a long blog post complaining about society and how we're going to hell in a handwoven reed basket, you'll know that I drank too much Arbor Mist and am taking out my angst out on the computer. <br />
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Is there a patron saint for people who are feeling disillusioned with the world? Ah, I got one...Saint John of the Cross...the Carmelite who was best buds with Saint Theresa of Avila. He was imprisoned and beaten up by his fellow brothers. If that doesn't make one compelled to become disillusioned, then I don't know what does. <br />
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Saint John of the Cross, pray for me!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15124924834157134606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130433117981469549.post-56743215547044601742013-03-30T14:19:00.000-04:002013-03-30T14:19:18.038-04:00Easter Vigil ConundrumSo, about a week ago, I get an e-mail from the person in charge of religious education at my parish. Apparently, the sponsor of one of the young men entering the Church during the Easter Vigil was unable to make it to the service, and she asked if I could be a stand-in. <br />
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For those of you who may not know, if a chosen godparent or sponsor is unable to attend the Rite, someone can stand in their place as a proxy. </div>
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I get up early this morning to attend morning prayer and practice for the Rite this evening. I have never met the young man who I was standing for, but I had met his mother who is also coming into the Church. I thought that I was just going to stand in as a Confirmation sponsor. However, this young man has not been baptised, so I will also be witnessing his Baptism. </div>
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When time came to go over the Rite for Confirmation, I asked him what his Confirmation name would be, since I would be the one announcing it. He did not know, and had to ask his mother. RED FLAG! Um...you don't know who you have chosen to be your patron saint? This is supposed to be a personal decision. Patron saints are not assigned, they are chosen. </div>
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I was confused. First off, while I was under the impression that I was just going to be a proxy, I was not certain that was the situation, it was not fully explained to me. So, I cornered Deacon at the end of practice and asked what was going on. Was I a proxy, or was I really going to be the godparent for this kid. Deacon was also not fully aware of the situation, and as we were walking to his office to go over some things, we ran into the woman in charge of it all. </div>
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She told us that there was someone who was supposed to be his godparent, but no paperwork was ever submitted and he had never shown up to any of the classes. Also, this kid never did work on his patron saint (apparently everyone is supposed to do a presentation on their saint and why they were chosen). Therefore, I am not just a proxy, I will become his godmother tonight during the Vigil. </div>
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Ugh. Deacon rubbed his head in frustration and said, "I just gave this lengthy talk about how godparents and sponsors are responsible for their catechumens. Amelia is not a cupcake. She takes this role seriously and it is difficult for her to take this on if she doesn't know him." </div>
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Then he turned to me and said, "Ultimately, it is my responsibility. I am the one who will answer for this when the time comes, but I will get you their contact information so that you can try your best to make sure he is practicing the faith."</div>
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Talk about a conundrum. I see a kid who is really just doing what his mother is telling him to do, and doesn't care. But, his mother is a sweetheart, and I feel she is sincere about the faith. If I didn't know that, I would be way more concerned about the whole thing than I am now. </div>
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Tonight, he will be Baptized, Confirmed, and will receive his First Holy Communion. The only thing that I can do is pray that the graces that will be bestowed upon him tonight will lead him into a deep relationship with Christ and His Church. </div>
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But, I was certainly not expecting this going in...</div>
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Saint Cecilia and Saint Bernardine, pray for us!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15124924834157134606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130433117981469549.post-28435444921570736042013-03-27T19:15:00.001-04:002013-03-27T19:15:57.945-04:00Defend Marriage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you are on Facebook, I am sure that you have seen the plethora of equal signs that are popping up everywhere. Those who wish to redefine the definition of marriage are out in full force. <br />
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Honestly, those of us who support the traditional definition of marriage should not be surprised. Society has already redefined marriage years ago. It started with the Council of Lambeth in 1930 when the Anglican church approved birth control in 'limited circumstances'. Gradually, the acceptance of birth control would grow until is became perfectly acceptable for married couples to use contraceptives to space or avoid children. Slowly, marriage stopped being the building block of life. <br />
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Also, in an age where people change spouses almost as much as they change their underwear, the permanence of marriage has also diminished. Over 50% of marriages end in divorce. The most common reason? Irreconcilable differences. My spouse and I no longer have the same feelings for each other when we got married, so I can go find someone else. <br />
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Well, when I got married, I promised to stay true to my husband no matter what. I vowed this before God. What good is a vow if you don't follow through? I guess one's word doesn't have the same weight as it did before. <br />
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So, if marriage is no longer permanent or the building block of life, then it is no wonder that people want to expand the definition even further. Marriage has lost all of its meaning within the last 100 years. <br />
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It has been difficult to see my friends come out in support of redefining marriage. Some go as far to say that those of us who support traditional marriage are full of hate. <br />
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I love those who identify as homosexual. I have many friends and mentors who identify as homosexual, and I love and respect them. EVERYONE was made in the image and likeness of God, no matter what sin they struggle with, and we all struggle with sin. <br />
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But I have to stand for what marriage really is...a permanent union between a man and a woman that has the potential to create life. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15124924834157134606noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130433117981469549.post-55982388984764368582013-03-18T21:11:00.003-04:002013-03-18T21:12:16.480-04:00One Year LaterMy husband and I have been trying to have a baby. We've been trying for a year. It's kinda strange. All of the women in my family have been very fertile. My mom got pregnant at the drop of a hat. I just assumed it would be the same for me. <br />
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Now my monthly cycles bring more than just the usual discomfort. It also brings a hint of sadness. One more month without getting pregnant. <br />
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I am trying to figure out what to do. There is a pro-life doctor about an hour away from where I live. Many of the women in my church go to him and he comes highly recommended...but he does not take my insurance. I've been thinking about saving some money and making an appointment to see if there is anything wrong with me. <br />
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Tonight, since it marks the one year mark of trying to conceive, I looked up the patron saint of those striving for motherhood. I came across Saint Gerard Majella. <br />
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Naturally, women ask Saint Gerard to pray for them in hopes that they will conceive. As I was getting ready to say my first prayer to him, I paused. <br />
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I remembered what Christ said about vain repetitious prayer. It's one of those things that many Protestants hold against us, but only because they don't understand. Christ warned against repetitious prayer because it was a tactic the pagans used to conform a god's will towards their own. Instead, we need to turn our will to God's. <br />
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What if God does not intend for my hubby and I to have a child? Or what if it takes us 5 years to conceive? Instead of asking that Saint Gerard pray for me to get pregnant, I am going to ask that he prays that I submit myself wholly to God's Will for us. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15124924834157134606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130433117981469549.post-44148969538303185702013-03-15T19:44:00.003-04:002013-03-15T19:44:46.210-04:00God Bless Pope Francis!I was sitting in front of a computer in the library while on my lunch break. I was keeping an eye on the smoke stacks on top of the Sistine Chapel, waiting for some smoke to come out...and I was praying for white smoke. The anticipation of who was going to be elected the new leader of the Holy Roman Catholic Church was just killing me! Granted, I was hoping that Cardinal Dolan would be elected, but I knew he was a long shot. I figured that Cardinal Scola would be the next Pope since he was apparently best buddies with B16. <br />
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When my hour was up, I went to my Facebook page and posted, "I wants to see some white smoke!". Then I went back to my office. 10 minutes later, PopeAlarm sent a text message saying, "Habemus Papam!" I immediately sent up a prayer of thanksgiving and kept an eye on CNN.com to see who the lucky man was. <br />
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After an hour, it was announced that Cardinal Bergoglio has accepted the position and has taken the name Francis. My first thought? Who the heck is Cardinal Bergoglio? Was he even in the top ten? <br />
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When I got home, I watched the rerun of the announcement on EWTN. You could definitely see the excitement of the people in the Vatican. When Pope Francis finally made his debut, he was very reserved...almost like he could not believe what was happening. <br />
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Oh my gosh, he was so adorable! His humility touched my heart and I've been praying for this man every since! </div>
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After doing a little research and find out how simple this man is, I think that he will have some great things in store for us in the very near future. What do I think about Pope Francis? I think he is exactly what we need. </div>
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Blessed Pope John Paul II, please pray for Pope Francis and for all of the members of the Church as he leads us into a new era! Thanks be to God!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15124924834157134606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130433117981469549.post-86466797729655592052013-03-08T20:50:00.002-05:002013-03-08T20:50:27.418-05:00Call the MidwifeI have just finished one of the best books that I have ever read called <em>Call the Midwife</em> by Jennifer Worth. It was recently turned into a mini-series by the BBC and is a huge hit over in the UK. It is quickly gaining momentum here in the US and is occasionally shown on PBS. <br />
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The book and series tell the story of a very young woman who becomes a midwife and works in a hospital run by Anglican nuns in the East Side of London. Her tales will make you laugh and cry all at the same time. If you are looking for a good read that is both funny and inspiring, you will definitely want to read this book.<br />
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I am looking forward to the next season!<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15124924834157134606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130433117981469549.post-19982228267663519182013-02-27T13:42:00.001-05:002013-02-27T13:42:18.325-05:00Flipping ChannelsI was flipping through the channels the other day and I came across a British drama/light comedy show on PBS called 'Call the Midwife'. <br />
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It is apparently based off of an autobiographical book of the same title and it is about a young woman in post-WW2 England who works at a convent/hospital for expectant mothers. It is an Anglican establishment and the sisters have a day to day lifestyle very similar to their Catholic counter-parts. </div>
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Naturally, when I watched the first episode, I thought they were Catholic nuns...but when they said their Liturgy of the Hours in English, I realized they must have been Anglican, and after a quick search on the internet, I found I was right. Anglican religious (I mean monks/nuns) started to spring up around the middle of the 19th century. They quickly grew and reached a high point in the 1950's. There are still a number of them around. </div>
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Anyway, I quickly fell in love with the show because it tells of the struggles of the young women who work there and the struggles of the nuns who have taken vows. </div>
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I am actually thinking about reading the book since the show seems so fascinating. </div>
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If you come across this show, I highly recommend it. </div>
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Finally, with the Conclave fast approaching, I ask everyone to keep the Cardinals, and the retiring Holy Father in their prayers!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15124924834157134606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130433117981469549.post-49841327816537349112013-02-21T13:52:00.001-05:002013-02-21T19:05:49.420-05:00Give Up What for Lent?So, I go to confession the other day to confess my usual sins. It seems that no matter how hard I try I seem to be committing the same ones over and over. I think my confessor has my whole speech memorized by now. Anyway, when I am done rattling away my sins he asks me "What did you give up for Lent?"<br />
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Now, I am feeling somewhat confident that he will approve of my chosen sacrifices. I proudly tell him that I have given up all drink (except tea and water...and for someone who loves coffee and wine, that is a BIG sacrifice) and all processed snacks (chips, chocolate, crackers, etc...). He then says "Why have you not given up sin?"<br />
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Talk about being speechless. Sin? Who gives up sin for Lent? HOW can one give up sin for Lent? It seems that sin (whether it be mortal or venial) is so ingrained in our lives, we do it without even thinking. Literally, that is one of my biggest problems...the sin of thinking bad or unjust things about other people. I have not seemed to master the art of controlling my thoughts...they just seem to pop out of no where.<br />
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But none the less...with that one statement he took what pride I had over my Lenten sacrifices and taught me that we need to look past the material and look more spiritual. Giving up sin for Lent just seems to be setting myself up to lose... but it's worth a try. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15124924834157134606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130433117981469549.post-30460052454109339922013-02-11T13:04:00.001-05:002013-02-11T13:04:53.729-05:00Abdication and Conclave<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My reaction? Utter shock. <br />
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My husband has been very sick for the past two days, so I call off of work to take care of him, then I promptly return to bed. Now, my husband likes to cuddle when he is sick (he's like a child in that regard), so when I finally get up and pour a can of broth into a pan, which was his first meal in two days, I turn on my computer to check my Facebook account, like I always do. The first status I see is Raymond Arroyo, the news guy on EWTN, announcing the abdication of the Pope! My status was- Whoa, whoa, wait...WHAT!!!<br />
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Granted, we all knew B16's stance on Papal Abdications, but I don't think any of us thought he would actually go through with it! I mean, this has not happened in 600 years, we don't even have a protocol for this. <br />
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I am sure there are all kinds of questions going on in the Vatican right now. What will we call him? The Former Holy Father? Where will he live? Will he have any kind of responsibilities? Or will he just reside in a special home and write books for the rest of his life? Honestly, we don't know.<br />
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So now, speculations begin. Who will be the new Pope? I think that many of us are hoping that Cardinal Dolan will be elected the fist American Pope, but that is highly unlikely. <br />
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But, let's face it, any Cardinal who is willing to flap his cape like a bat deserves to be Pope!<br />
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Please keep B16 and Holy Mother Church in your prayers during this confusing time. The Holy Spirit will guide us into the future!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15124924834157134606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130433117981469549.post-28905801187661324572013-01-31T18:13:00.000-05:002013-01-31T18:13:14.898-05:00Right to Life March 2013Yup, you guessed right, I endured the freezing cold and snow to join the other 500,000+ people in demanding that our country respect the dignity of women and ALL human life last week. It was the second Right to Life March that I had the unfortunate honor to attend. <br />
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But, despite the fact that we are all there to protest this travesty called legalized abortion, there is still a sense of unity among everyone who marches. We are all united for this one cause, and in the end you come away with at least a small feeling of accomplishment. <br />
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Like last year, I chaperoned a group of teenagers from my church. We drove down on Thursday night and attended the Mass at the Basilica. Let me tell you, it was a LONG Mass. The procession alone was like 45 minutes! But it is such a beautiful Mass and totally worth it! Then we spent the night sleeping on the gym floor of Catholic University...this means that I only got about an hour of sleep before I had to wake up all of the girls at 4:30am. <br />
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Why do we get up at 4:30am? To attend the Youth Rally, of course!<br />
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That's Deacon Dave and Msgr. Hudock you see pictured there. Deacon Dave is my spiritual director and he is vehemently Pro-Life and not afraid to shout about it! The Youth Rally hosts thousands of young Catholics. They sing songs and celebrate Mass before hitting the streets. It's a lot of fun and very inspiring. <br />
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One thing that I have discovered about myself is that I have this strange emotional reaction to this one song that seems to be very popular. I remember singing it when I was in middle school and high school, but it did not have the same effect on me as it does now.<br />
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Here I am, Lord...I know we all have heard it. For some reason, every time I hear this song, I literally cannot stop the tears streaming down my face. So, here I am, surrounded by teenagers, trying to be the 'cool chaperone' (and failing miserably), and I am bawling during the processional at a Youth Rally. Yup, my coolness went out the window. </div>
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Not that I was cool to begin with. One thing I realized during this who experience is how out of touch I am with the current generation. I'm not even 30 and I'm feeling like an old fuddy-duddy. All of us chaperons were trying hard to allow them to have a certain amount of fun, but not forget that we were pilgrims and there had to be a prayerful and educational aspect as well. </div>
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When I got home, and I looked at my Facebook account, I saw so many pictures of all of my friends who attended. Again, this is such a great feeling. We were united in a common cause. Yet, it is unfortunate that we have to fight for such a fundamental human right. </div>
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I've already volunteered to chaperon again next year...I think I'll start praying for unseasonably warm weather now...marching in snow was very...penitential...</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15124924834157134606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130433117981469549.post-73979701058473781842013-01-16T11:17:00.000-05:002013-01-16T11:17:47.060-05:00I Need Chicken SoupSo, I have been sick the past four days, and it sucks really badly. The coughing, sneezing, stuffiness, headache, body ache, and just plain crapiness of if all is really getting to me. Plus, being sick is not really helping my already struggling spiritual life.<br />
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Back in the beginning of Advent I made a resolution to say a Chaplet of Divine Mercy every day. Have been keeping up with that resolution? Not really. I forget it more than I actually do it and on the days I do it it feels more like a chore than a chance for spiritual growth. I need something to jump start a fire within me. <br />
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I could use a great big pot of chicken soup...both literally and spiritually. <br />
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Saint Jerome, please pray for me!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15124924834157134606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130433117981469549.post-29598117309445461292013-01-06T15:13:00.001-05:002013-01-06T16:29:04.104-05:00Seriously???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you wanna see something that is almost disturbingly funny, then you will want to watch this video put out by the Women Ordination Conference. The thing is, if they wanted to produce a video to help their cause, this one certainly did not do it's job. In fact, it proves that even though these women claim to be Catholic, they have a heretical view on Her Teachings. <br />
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First off, they say that they are using Saint Therese of Lisieux as a role model. <br />
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If they actually had READ <em>The Story of a Soul, </em>they would have learned that Therese wanted to be a lot of things, including a martyr. Since she only wanted to serve God, I am sure that a part of her wished that she was born a male so that she could become priest. However, she knew that there were many ways to serve Him and the priesthood was only one of many vocations to follow. The Little Flower was OBEDIENT to the Magesterium in every way. I have no doubt that if she walked on the earth today that she would rebuke these women for their heresy. </div>
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But that is not all. The lyrics to this poorly written jingle include the phrase, "Don't listen to Saint Paul". You know, they guy who letters take up the majority of the New Testament. If the Church teaches that the Bible is the infallible word of God, and since the letters of Saint Paul are in the Bible, I guess that means that the Bible IS NOT the infallible word of God after all. Well then, what is? If we can't trust the Bible, what can we trust?</div>
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Also, the ladies in this video freely admit that they have been excommunicated...which means that any sacraments they perform (save perhaps baptism) are automatically invalid. </div>
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I am sure these ladies would call me a traitor to my sex, but as a woman I stand with the Magesterium of the Church that Jesus founded and sent the Paraclete to lead. Ordination has been reserved to men since the VERY BEGINNING of the Church. Not even the sinless Holy Mother was given the power to forgive sins, only the apostles. The early Church Fathers maintained that ordination a vocation that only men are called to. Examples of this can be found in the book <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fathers-Know-Best-Jimmy-Akin/dp/1933919345/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357501818&sr=8-1&keywords=the+fathers+know+best" target="_blank">The Fathers Know Best</a></em> by Jimmy Akin. This is a great resource book and I highly recommend it. </div>
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Some women argue that there were deaconesses in the early Christian days. This is true. Paul makes reference to Pheobe, an early deaconess. Yet, these deaconesses were never ordained. Instead they more like nuns or consecrated religious women. The First Council of Nicea states "Similarly, in regard to the deaconesses, as with all who are enrolled in the register, the same procedure is to be observed. We have made mention os the deaconesses, who have been enrolled in this position, although, not having been in any way ordained, they are certainly to be numbered among the laity (Canon 19, 325 AD). </div>
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Blessed John Paul the Great also emphasized this in his Apostolic Letter <em>Ordinatio Sacerdotalis </em>which says</div>
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Wherefore, in order that all doubt may be removed regarding a matter of great importance, a matter which pertains to the Church's divine constitution itself, in virtue of Our ministry of confirming the brethren.<b>We declare that the Church has no authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordination on women and that this judgment is to be definitively held by all the Church's faithful.</b> (<i>Declaramus Ecclesiam facultatem nullatenus habere ordinationem sacerdotalem mulieribus conferendi, hancque sententiam ab omnibus Ecclesiae fidelibus esse definitive tenendam.</i>)</blockquote>
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BOOM! The Pope has spoken. No Ifs, ands, or buts. If you believe that the Church and her Teachings are being guided by the Paraclete as Jesus promised, then I believe in Her wisdom. </div>
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This is one of the reasons that the League of Catholic Women Religious (LCWR) has been under investigation and called to return to the teachings of the Church. Many leaders of the LCWR have spoken out publicly in favor of ordination for women. But, last time I looked, nuns took vows of obedience...</div>
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The Catholic blogosphere has been having a field day making light of this video put out by the WOC. Truly, it is poorly written and acted...and if I walked into my Catholic high school wearing skirts that short I would have been suspended. Seriously! <br />
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Ordination of women is never ever gonna happen. Bitch and complain all you want, your faux feminism is not going to alter 2000 years of solid tradition.</div>
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Now, I think we have to remember to keep these misguided ladies in our prayers. Maybe they just don't know any better. But we cannot allow them to think that their heretical views are acceptable. Maybe with a little love they will ask for forgiveness and return to the Church. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15124924834157134606noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130433117981469549.post-20310334052477258242013-01-03T13:46:00.001-05:002013-01-03T13:46:43.679-05:00My Patron Saint for 2013 Is...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcukq8cDWry0jIlVA6u91zo8wZSIHvKzvozO71iMVoJm1zxBTGJmSd5VmkPAMGD725E6AlfFYZwOM2dEji0Fd5xO9n6X0XZMyXtSV9fms2mHipiYWAmSJF-X_K00DupsUvdZb0cVMimI/s1600/Jerome+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcukq8cDWry0jIlVA6u91zo8wZSIHvKzvozO71iMVoJm1zxBTGJmSd5VmkPAMGD725E6AlfFYZwOM2dEji0Fd5xO9n6X0XZMyXtSV9fms2mHipiYWAmSJF-X_K00DupsUvdZb0cVMimI/s1600/Jerome+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Saint Jerome!</div>
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I received word that my Patron Saint for 2013 is Saint Jerome. (For those who want to learn more about this awesome devotion, please click <a href="http://acatholiclife.blogspot.com/2012/12/2013-patron-saint-for-year-devotion.html?showComment=1356963236765#c1037308656474321510" target="_blank">here</a>.)</div>
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I admit that I was surprised that Saint Jerome chose to be my spiritual friend for this year. I knew little about him, except the fact that he wrote the Vulgate. The first thing I did was look him up on the Internet and download a few of his works to my Kindle (Again, the greatest invention since the printing press). I am excited to learn more about him and develop a relationship that will hopefully jump start a new phase in my spiritual life, which seems to be lacking in many areas. </div>
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One thing that I have learned is that Saint Jerome had many friends who were women within his inner circle. One of his closest friends, Saint Paula, assisted him with the his work on the Vulgate. I am looking forward to learn more about his life and his works. </div>
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Saint Jerome, pray for us!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15124924834157134606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130433117981469549.post-29461417020216112272012-12-31T09:26:00.000-05:002012-12-31T09:26:38.986-05:00Patron Saint For A Year?Ok, I came across something new today and I am pretty excited about it. I was scrolling through Facebook, like I do every morning, and I saw a link posted by Catechism Class. It was about signing up for a Patron Saint for a Year Devotion. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFt1fSGo3yod-cMInKtYkATh9JNx5B6gOOO-q3FuwzSEnH40lTCShKnwQrYN88m4ToLOicrVksBE_sfUaNSRcGBGiuLXLX8-9oK2DYR5sVV8aaVyFe5jLptmWvt7bsPUatYgl-UNvdT4/s1600/saints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFt1fSGo3yod-cMInKtYkATh9JNx5B6gOOO-q3FuwzSEnH40lTCShKnwQrYN88m4ToLOicrVksBE_sfUaNSRcGBGiuLXLX8-9oK2DYR5sVV8aaVyFe5jLptmWvt7bsPUatYgl-UNvdT4/s1600/saints.jpg" eea="true" /></a></div>
This is a practice that I have never heard of before, but it sounds awesome!<br />
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Basically, what you do, is you give them your e-mail address, and they will randomly assign you a patron saint for a year. The reason I like this is because it gives a great opportunity to develop a new relationship with a friend in heaven. I already have a devotion to many saints in heaven, like Zelie Martin, Margaret Clitherow, Thomas More, Cecilia, Maximilian Kolbe...really, too many to name. Having a patron specifically for 2013 to add to my little personal litany will add something very special. PLUS, I will have the opportunity to possibly learn about a saint that I may not have heard of before. <br />
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I highly recommend that you visit <a href="http://acatholiclife.blogspot.com/2012/12/2013-patron-saint-for-year-devotion.html?showComment=1356963236765#c1037308656474321510" target="_blank">A Catholic Life</a> and sign up to receive a special patron saint for 2013. Also, you can learn a little history about this practice. I am so excited to learn who mine will be! <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15124924834157134606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130433117981469549.post-55266661832016238902012-12-26T09:26:00.001-05:002012-12-26T09:26:49.120-05:00The Joy of Christmas!I love Christmas! I don't love it because of the gifts, though giving things is fun, I love it because it is time with the family. <br />
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It's been a hectic week for us. My cat, Mr. Darcy, gave the hubby and I a scare. We found him under our bed unable to walk, move his head, and his eyes were bouncing around. We thought he had a stroke (but he's only 3 years old). When we took him to the vet the next morning, the vet old us it was Idiopathic Ventribular Disorder and he would be fine in about 10 days. PHEW! Mr. Darcy is almost 100% recovered, but when he shakes his head he still falls over. <br />
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So, after that little scare, we had to focus on preparing for our guests for Christmas. Yup, on Christmas and Thanksgiving I play Suzie Homemaker and I make dinner. Our new Christmas tradition is to have Turducken.<br />
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Have you ever had turducken? It is AWESOME! It's already prepped so you don't need to prepare anything. You just take it out of the box, put it in the roaster, and you're good to go! I highly recommend it!</div>
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It was so much fun having my grandparents and my two friends over for Christmas. My friends are actually Jewish, so we celebrated Christmakah at my house this year! </div>
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I've been trying to keep up with my Advent resolution this liturgical year, which is saying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy every day. I've forgotten it four times so far, but I've made them up by saying it twice the next day. However, it has already come to the point where it feels like a chore to do everyday. I don't want this to feel like something I just have to get through. I think I need to rethink my method and maybe introduce some kind of Lectio with it. </div>
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The next thing I need to do is drag my hubby to see Les Miserables. I am so excited to see this movie! When I was a kid, I would play the 10th Anniversary Show over and over again and sing along. This musical really kindled a love of music inside of me. So, this show means a lot to me. The hubby, on the other hand, hates musicals. I am hoping that maybe the movie edition will show him what the story is all about in a manner he can connect with. </div>
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Alfie Boe did the greatest rendition of Bring Him Home during the 25th Anniversary Concert. It still brings a tear to my eye! I know Hugh Jackman won't be able to top it, but I'm still excited!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15124924834157134606noreply@blogger.com2