50 Beautiful Blog Posts on Answered Prayers

Sometimes, people wonder whether God actually answers prayers. Here is a compilation that was sent to me with a whole bunch of evidence that He does.

http://theologydegreesonline.com/50-beautiful-blog-posts-on-answered-prayers/

Catholic Q & A

Our Sunday Visitor has some interesting Questions and Answers up for this week on the creed, excommunication due to an abortion, and the difference between mortal and venial sin. The Catholic Answer

The only caution I would offer is on the mortal sin question. Yes, the Catechism states that a serious sin is a violation of the Ten Commandments, which of course it is. However, as with anything else, there are degrees. I read an article once about a 2nd grader all stressed out and feeling like she couldn't receive communion because she had disobeyed her parents (a violation of the 4th commandment) and believed that she had committed a mortal sin because she had violated the commandments. The average disobedience of a child, while not desirable and something for the child to confess, is certainly in the "venial" sin category. So, when speaking to children about venial and mortal sin, it is important to emphasize the nature of a "serious" sin.

Book Review: The Sacraments We Celebrate

The Sacraments We Celebrate: A Catholic Guide to the Seven Mysteries of Faith
by Msgr. Peter J. Vaghi
Notre Dame: Ave Maria Press, 2010

Reviewed by Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur

In the introduction to “The Sacraments We Celebrate: A Catholic Guide to the Seven Mysteries of Faith,” Archbishop Timothy Dolan writes that Msgr. Peter J. Vaghi “has baptized hundreds of babies, heard thousands of confessions, celebrated Mass daily, married countless couples, and anointed thousands of infirm and elderly. In other words, he’s been on the front lines of the battle for souls, armed with water, bread, wine, oil stock, purple stole, words, and gesture.” The sacraments are “the front lines of the battle for souls,” yet we Catholics often take them for granted. Msgr. Vaghi’s book is designed both to educate readers about the mysteries of the sacraments and their role in our spiritual lives, as well as to encourage Catholics to make greater use of them.

The book is the second of a four part series examining the four pillars of the “Catechism of the Catholic Church.” As such, Msgr. Vaghi quotes heavily from the recently published “United States Catholic Catechism for Adults.” This is designed as a companion volume to that Catechism, but it functions equally well as a stand-alone study.

“In the sacraments, each of us encounters God.” Msgr. Vaghi explores in great detail how we encounter God in Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, the Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. Each chapter includes questions for personal or group reflection as well as a prayer. There is so much to learn about the mystery and gift that is the seven sacraments. Readers of “The Sacraments We Celebrate” will come away with a much greater appreciation for the sacraments and will hopefully seek to integrate them more fully in their lives.

Spiritual Direction in Western Massachusetts

If you live in Western Massachusetts and have been considering meeting with a spiritual director, or if you simply want to know more about spiritual direction, please check out Jo Ann Bourquard's new website at http://www.spiritualdirectioninwesternmass.com

Upcoming changes to the Mass

It is still a year away, but starting in Advent 2011 there will be a new translation of the Mass. The following are .pdfs with side by side comparisons of the old and new texts.

The People's Parts

The Priest's Parts

All Souls Day

November 2nd is All Souls Day - a day to remember all those who have died, especially those in Purgatory.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; And let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen

O Lord, who art ever merciful and bounteous with Thy gifts, look down upon the suffering souls in purgatory. Remember not their offenses and negligences, but be mindful of Thy loving mercy, which is from all eternity. Cleanse them of their sins and fulfill their ardent desires that they may be made worthy to behold Thee face to face in Thy glory. May they soon be united with Thee and hear those blessed words which will call them to their heavenly home: "Come, blessed of My Father, take possession of the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."

Writers Wanted!

I am pleased to announce that I am the new assistant editor for the "Love" channel on Catholic Exchange (CatholicExchange.com)I am very excited about this opportunity. I'm also searching for new writers to contribute to the site. The Love Channel focuses on all aspects of human relationships - dating, marriage, parenting, education, suffering, etc. If you blog or have always wanted to write about these topics from a Catholic perspective, I'd be happy to consider your work. You can send it to me at pfmacarthur at comcast.net.