Best Practices
An Educated Catholic in Politics
Feb 25th
Catholic Tools
Before the band wagon police cry “Separation of Church and State,” read a little further.
As a Catholic who is most likely involved in Catholic Parish Ministry or Evangelization (Trick question we are all called to evangelize) it is important to stay informed about current political activities.
School Vouchers, Abortion, Same Sex Unions, Health Care…these are just a small list of topics that greatly effect Catholic Parishes.
Where do we start?
Start with Thomas…That’s Saint Thomas.
Google Books has an online copy of The Summa. Very difficult, but search for “Natural Law.”
Kinds of Law (Discussed by St. Thomas in the Summa Theologica): (Also just a primer here)
St. Thomas’s definition of law - an ordinance of reason for the common good promulgated by him who has care of the community
Eternal law -God’s rational plan (Providence) for the good of men and the world and eternal, because it is as an exemplar found in God (not subject to time) promulgated in the person of the Logos, or Word of God (Jesus) Eternal law is the basis for any other true law not directly known by men; it is known by its effects (natural law)
Natural law – participates in the eternal law; an imprint of the eternal law in human nature; it is unchanging in all times and places (yet discovered over time); relates to habit; the virtues are habits of living naturally and rationally
Human law- temporal or civil laws, which are added onto the natural law by men. The state is natural and good; its laws provide restraint and teach virtue. Human (civil) law must reflect the natural law
Divine law- positive laws of revelation (OT and NT) that God adds to the natural law. Divine law (and not just natural law) is needed to direct man to his highest end, which is not a natural, but a supernatural end. The divine law also makes natural law known more clearly. The divine law addresses interior states concerning which the human law can neither legislate nor punish.
Did you understand all of it? Natural Law is the big one.
Why is Natural Law so popular within Catholic circles?
Compared to other ethical systems, the natural law is the only holistic basis for making ethical decisions, because it considers the totality of human nature, focusing on reason, but also including a role for the will, the emotions, pleasure, society, etc.
Interesting Conservative Blogs/Videos/Pope Worth Looking At
Signs of Contradiction
Run by a sophomore at James Madison University, this conservative college blog highlights college students and their conservative remarks. Some of the authors lack experience, but the main author and editor is fantastic.
Guarrentte this will be a big hit in 2010
Campaign for Liberty
The Vatican
I just stumbled upon this one, but was very impressed with their content and information. Very serious, not entirly sure about them.
However, they produce some awesome material that would be worthy of duplication. I especially like their “Talking Points.“ Their Talking Points are fast, and easy to remember.
Real Catholic TV
They have been featured before on CatholicTools, but they deserve another shot out. They are growing ever more popular each day and will dominate the Catholic/Political news arena by the end of the year. They are Glenn Beck Polished.
The Right Scoop
Another Youtube Video Blog, but this is where news is going. They have Glenn Beck Content, but really, I would be at a loss not to mention him because his popularity is so high. He ratings are through the roof. Content is good, but his delivery is AWESOME. Take some tips.
The Laura Ingraham Blog
Catholic, easy to listen to, interesting and on the mark. She host a Radio Show, Podcast, and Blog. If you are looking into getting into Catholic Blogging or Media…Follow her model. And she supports Little Sisters of the Poor.
The Heritage Foundation
This is where all the young people are going to get internship and learn about leadership.
ISI
They produce some of the best philosophical books and articles for those interested in natural law.
Lastly Pope Benedict XVI Caritas in Veritate
It is hard to read off the Vatican website, so just save it as a PDF and read it on your computer. Yes, its long. Save it for a really rainy day.
Where do I go to School for Political Science?
Check out Christendom College. They offer an incredible Political Science Program. Yes, I know I usually support Franciscan University, but wait until you see what Christendom has to offer.
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Loading ...New Priesthood Logo
Feb 24th
Here is a new logo I am building for a vocation website. Click on the image to make it full size to see it.
The priest is in the middle with other men who are busy with their daily lives. I am trying to evoke the emotion that everyday men are called to the priesthood.
Please add a comment with any suggestions.
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(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...How to Become a Better Catholic Speaker
Feb 24th
Catholic
Who has attended a homily that put you to sleep? What about a talk on Metaphysics that made you depressed?
Now, do you remember that talk that made you feel like “Wow! I understand, I got it, and I am charged up ready to go.”
Practice Makes Perfect
As a Catholic involved in ministry it is important to be a good speaker. The Holy Spirit will give you the words (as often stated in Scripture), but as laborers in the vineyard we have our own responsibility, too.
That is what is so amazing about the Lord’s will. He allows us to enter into it and He uses our talents to carry out His message of Salvation.
Point made, don’t be mediocre, be Amazing.
3 Steps to Becoming a Better Speaker
1. Pray, Pray, Pray
Pray with the scriptures and spend plenty of time with the Lord. Once you have done that, just do some more. Yes, it’s that simple, but often overlooked.
2. Watch and Learn
There are so many excellent speakers who practice what they preach. Look at the way the stand, talk, use their hands, use notes, dress, tone of their voice, and material.
Glenn Beck does a great job at all of this. He has mixed WWF Wrestling with politics and come out with a great drink.
Watch his talk at C-PAC and follow along with pen and paper.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nz2u-xC1FMM
3. Read and Prepare
Books, articles, blogs, and writing. Make sure your material is solid and worthwhile. If your audience isn’t gaining anything, thinking about why they should pay attention.
Practice in front of your kids, family, or mirror.
Know Who You Are
Remember we can’t all be stellar like movie star, but when become the best in our area of expertise. If you young, talk about young topics and don’t expect to be as good as a polished professional.
If we are older, remember, you are weird to young people, but there are ways to use the “weird” for your benefit.
A good Example of “Old” speaking to “Young” is George Will at the 2010 CPAC Conference.
I first hear this talk on a podcast and thought, “Wow, he has a great ability to mix humor, politics, and figures, and he makes sense.”
His video might not be as good as his plain audio, however, listen to his jokes and delivery. Excellent.
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(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...The Liturgy of the Hours
Feb 20th
Pray
Catholics often stop their daily devotions on Sunday.
Make sure you get to Sunday Mass and hopefully stay until after the final blessing, but before the song is over. But has this left many Catholics unsatisfied? What do our Protestant and Evanglical brothers have that we are missing?
They always carry the bible around and are talking about the Word? Maybe the Word is what we as Catholics are missing?
The Problem with Prayer
For some reasons many cradle Catholics have been left to believe that Sunday mass is all that they have for prayer. Sunday Mass is very important and spiritually filling, but many are missing out on the daily prayer that Jesus has called us to.
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is available daily at many parishes, however, many parishioners due to their work schedule or family life can’t make the one mass offered a day.
Maybe us Catholics would become more Holy if we prayed more. Listened to God. Made ourselves available to all the riches the Catholic Church has to offer.
It seems that Catholic don’t know what to do in between mass?
Opening up scripture for Christian denominations offers spiritual food. I believe they learn at a young age to pray throughout the day. Maybe it’s just the simple move of breaking open scriptures with friends and family.
Simplicity from Mary
Our Lady of Medjugorje gave a simple practice for daily prayer life.
- Eucharist
- Scripture
- Frequent Confession
- Fasting
- Rosary
I like and promote this simple little prayer exercise because of it’s simplicity. Just as Jesus said love God and neighbor as yourself when asked what the greatest commandment was.
Even this simple little 5 step plan can be expanded upon, but it gives a little structure and guidelines for daily living.
PS. You could take this little plan and turn it into a teaching on prayer for your Parish.
The Liturgy of the Hours
The Liturgy of the Hours provides a good opportunity to pray throughout the day. The structure is easy to learn, it can be like a bookend to start and end the day, it is personal, but also communal. Everything is contained in 4 books and over time because a beautiful rhythm.
Public and private pray are is considered one of the primary duties of the Church. The early Christians “devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the community, to the breaking of the bread, and to prayer” (Acts 2:42)
The Liturgy of the Hours is a prayer of praise and petition which sanctifies the hours of the day. This wonderful pray has been consistent since the 11th century combining Psalms, prayers, canticles and readings.
“The whole life of the faithful, hour by hour, during day and night, is a kind of leitourgia or public service, in which the faithful give them-selves over to the ministry of love toward God and men…For this reason the Hours are recommended to all Christ’s faithful members.” Pope Paul VI
The Liturgy of the Hours allows one to begin and end their day in prayer in union with the whole Church. It is easy, quick, and extremely fulfilling.
Just imagine yourself praying alongside of the entire clergy of the Church, united in petition and praise to God.
If you read nothing, read THIS
The Classical Liberal Arts Academy has a wonderful article written about the LOH and family prayer.
Another Resource for Learning the Liturgy of the Hours
And you can also ask a priest!
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(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Going Green or Going to Heaven – Smoke and Mirror Tricks
Feb 19th
California’s bishops suggest: “Reduce your carbon footprint.” I say, “How about Reduce your footprint in sin?”
Not a “Best Practice”
In a newsletter published on February 16, 2009 the Catholic Legislative Network suggested the Lenten practice of reducing your Carbon footprint as a practical Lenten sacrifice. Check out the Calendar Here.
It was released through the California Catholic Bishops lobbying arm. A 40 day carbon-fasting calendar published by the Archdiocese of Washington’s Environmental Outreach Committee.
“Show reverence for life and for the Earth today by obeying the speed limit…”
This is what the newsletter had to say:
“As the Lenten season arrives, the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change has provided Catholics, schools and organizations with more tools and resources for its annual Catholic Climate Covenant. The Coalition was formed three and a half years ago to help implement the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) 2001 initiative ‘Global Climate Change: A Plea for Dialogue, Prudence and the Common Good.’ Launched last year, the Covenant revolves around the St. Francis Pledge, which correlates five key actions — pray, learn, assess, act and advocate — to the issues of the environment and poverty.”
The Catholic Coalition on Climate Changed is funded primarily by National Religious Partnership for the Environment as stated on their website. Also the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development.
One of the founders of the National Religious Partnership for the Environment was John Carr who’s actions and decision are coming under heavy fire from Catholics across the country. NRPE is also the ones who released the DECLARATION OF THE ‘MISSION TO WASHINGTON signed by many including John Carr. In the lengthy statement, one part hints to and maybe even advocates population control.
We believe there is a need for concerted efforts to stabilize world population by humane, responsible and voluntary means consistent with our differing values. Declaration of the Mission to Washington May 12, 1992 National Religious Partnership for the Environment
Good for these Bishops and interns for protecting the earth. There genuine concern is noteworthy.
However, where is their concern with the salvation of their flock?
Get off the magical mystery tour green station wagon and get back to Preaching, Hearing Confessions, and Offering the Holy Mass.
A Better Way to Save the Earth
Celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Preach the Gospel. Hear Confessions. Do what only a priest can do.
Here are a few quotes on the benefits of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
“The celebration of Holy Mass is as valuable as the death of Jesus on the cross.” St. Thomas Aquinas
“It is most true that he who attends holy Mass shall be freed from many evils and from many dangers, both seen and unseen.” St. Gregory
“A single Mass offered for oneself during life may be worth more than a thousand celebrated for the same intention after death.” St. Anselm
For More Great Reasons for Mass Read Power of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
The Bigger Problem
Our Lady of La Salette said the two things that weigh our Lord Jesus down so much are: not keeping holy the Sabbath and taking the Lord’s name in vain.
Read this short excerpt from the approved apparition.
“I have suffered all of the time for the rest of you! If I do not wish my Son to abandon you, I must take it upon myself to pray for this continually. And the rest of you think little of this. In vain you will pray, in vain you will act, and you will never be able to make up for the trouble I have taken over for the rest of you.
“I gave you six days to work; I kept the seventh for myself, and no one wishes to grant it to me. This is what weighs down the arm of my Son so much.
“Those who drive carts cannot speak without putting the name of my Son in the middle.
“These are the two things which weigh down the arm of my Son so much.
The Agenda
Unfortunately this “green” agenda does not bring people back to Jesus Christ. So where is this agenda coming from? Has smoke entered the Church?
If you want to do something for Lenten fast, pray, and give alms to the poor. It’s been working for a number of years. I guess someone wanted to distract us.
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