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Online This Week Archives 2011


 
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Online This Week

Online This Week is a selection of current Catholic resources, information and opinions available online.  Our purpose is to provide a cross-section of theological opinions which are consistent with Catholic teaching and reflect the legitimate diversity of Catholic thought.  The inclusion of references here does not constitute agreement or endorsement of the publications, authors or content by the pastors or staff of the Catholic Parishes or the Archdiocese of Dubuque.

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Online This Week
December 18, 2011

OBSERVE…Advent
...a video reflection on the fourth Sunday in Advent (Catholic Digest):
http://www.catholicdigest.com/video_detail.html?id=45
…a four day Advent Mission starting Monday (Salt & Light Television):
http://saltandlighttv.org/2011adventmission/
…Fr. Robert Barron on the Advent revolution (Word on Fire):
http://www.wordonfire.org/WOF-TV/Commentaries-New/Fr-Barron-comments-on-The-Advent-Revolution.aspx

CELEBRATEChristmas
…St. Nicholas—the true spirit of Christmas (National Catholic Register):
http://www.ncregister.com/site/article/st.-nicholas-reveals-the-true-spirit-of-giving1/
…what Christmas means to the poor (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=13181
…a history of Christmas (St. Anthony Messenger):
http://www.americancatholic.org/samo/Feature.aspx?articleid=63&IssueID=31
…bishop Fulton Sheen on Mary, “the world’s first love” (Ignatius Insight):
http://insightscoop.typepad.com/2004/2011/12/as-eden-was-the-paradise-of-creation-mary-is-the-paradise-of-the-incarnation.html
…the Star of Bethlehem and our search for the living God (Liguorian):
http://www.liguorian.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=414:the-star-of-bethlehem&catid=15:cover-stories&Itemid=68
…Christmas spirit survival guide (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/features/the-christmas-spirit-survival-guide
…seeing with a child’s eyes wide open (Gratefulness):
http://www.gratefulness.org/readings/dsr_chesterton.htm

VIEW...
…a video presentation of Sunday’s Gospel (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/50-Gospel/224450368-gospel-for-sunday-18-december-2011.html
…why this Episcopal priest thinks it all begins with contemplative prayer (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly):
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/december-16-2011/father-martin-laird/10017/
…the trailer for Mother Teresa of Calcutta (Ignatius Insight):
http://insightscoop.typepad.com/2004/2011/12/watch-the-trailer-for-mother-teresa-of-calcutta-a-personal-portrait.html

...view images of sacred art from Achim Bednorz's Ars Sacra (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/culture.cfm?cultureid=242

REFLECT ON…
…Sunday’s Gospel—Advent for Creation (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/advent-creation
…What Mary knew (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=13185
…how to respond to a fatal prenatal diagnosis (Catholic World Report):
http://www.catholicworldreport.com/Item/995/when_seconds_count.aspx
…Rembrandt’s evolving face of Jesus (Commonweal):
http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/moment-recognition

LEARN MORE ABOUT...
...the origin of the Jesse Tree (Beliefnet):
http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christianity/Christmas/What-is-the-Jesse-Tree.aspx
…how migration challenges theology (PoliticalTheology):
http://www.politicaltheology.com/PT/article/view/11223/10655
…what’s happening among young adult Catholics (CARA):
http://nineteensixty-four.blogspot.com/2011/12/young-adult-catholics-havent-lost-gods.html
…three of Pope Benedict’s favorite theologians (Chiesa):
http://chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/articolo/1350105?eng=y

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Media):
http://productions.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1359
…David Beckman on feeding the hungry (AmericaPodcast):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/podcast/podcast-index.cfm?series_id=1307

CONSIDER...
…Fr. Robert Taft’s perspective on liturgy (Catholic News Service):
http://ncronline.org/news/vatican/liturgy-and-life-jesuit-scholar-reflects-his-46-years-rome
…HuffPost’s top 11 religion books of 2011 (Huffington Post):
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/15/best-religious-books-of-2_n_1151549.html?ref=religion

REGISTER NOW FOR...
...a 30-day online course on the spirituality of the 12 Steps (Spirituality & Practice):
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/ecourses/ecourses.php?id=119&key=spws

IN THE NEWS...
…Hispanic bishops address letter to immigrants in the U.S. (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1104854.htm
…U.S. bishops designate January “Poverty Awareness Month” (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops):
http://www.usccb.org/news/2011/11-242.cfm
…Phoenix Sister’s excommunication lifted (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1104835.htm
…a new book on Pope Benedict XVI (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/all-things-catholic/perils-part-time-pope

OPINIONS...
…Archbishop Martin on why lapsed Catholics should be honest (Catholic News Agency):
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/dublin-archbishop-says-lapsed-catholics-should-admit-their-non-belief/
…Fr. James Martin on the death of Christopher Hitchens (Huffington Post):
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-james-martin-sj/rest-in-peace-christopher-hitchens_b_1153912.html?ref=religion
…Fr. Raymond Schroth on the moral legacy of the Iraq war(America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=2&entry_id=4813
…Christopher Manion on why the bishops are wrong (Crisis):
http://www.crisismagazine.com/2011/is-america-just-a-protestant-botch

THINK MORE ABOUT...
…how social media are changing religion (Religion Dispatches):
http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/culture/5463/five_social_media_trends_that_are_reshaping_religion_
...why Tim Tebow inspires Americans (Beliefnet):
http://www.beliefnet.com/Inspiration/Galleries/Why-Tim-Tebow-Inspires-America.aspx
…Mary’s Magnificat in a broken world (Huffington Post):
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/carolyn-sharp/luke-13956-magnificat-for_b_1146988.html?ref=religion
…receiving Communion under both species (Our Sunday Visitor):
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/8818/Msgr-M-Francis-Mannion-Contested-practice.aspx

READ...
...Pope Benedict's message for the World Day of Justice and Peace (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-34004?l=english
…the Pope’s Wednesday catechesis on Jesus’ prayer (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33985?l=english
…Bishops’ letter to immigrants (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops):
http://usccbmedia.blogspot.com/2011/12/estas-son-las-mananitasof-hispanic_12.html
...Wisconsin bishops' letter on immigration reform (Wisconsin Catholic Conference):
http://www.wisconsincatholic.org/WCC%20Immigration%20Letter--ENGLISH.pdf
…Fr. Cantalamessa on the second great wave of evangelization (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33991?l=english
…an excerpt from Fr. Robert Spitzer’s Ten Universal Principles (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/philosophy/ph0068.htm

WORTH QUOTING…
According to Luke Timothy Johnson, in his commentary on the Gospel of Luke, Mary “is among the most powerless people in her society: she is young in a world that values age; female in a world ruled by men; poor in a stratified economy. Furthermore, she has neither husband nor child to validate her existence. That she should have found ‘favor with God’ and be ‘highly gifted’ shows Luke’s understanding of God’s activity as surprising and often paradoxical, almost always reversing human expectations...."  Indeed, as Johnson notes, Mary represents the people of Israel, and I believe she embodies what the church as the people of God, individually and communally, should be and do.
--Tobias Winright, in a commentary online at:
http://catholicmoraltheology.com/fourth-sunday-of-advent-the-politics-of-mary/

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Online This Week
December 4, 2011

OBSERVE…Advent
…resources from the U.S. Bishops (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops):
http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-resources/advent/index.cfm
…print and video reflections (Salt & Light Television):
http://saltandlighttv.org/advent/
…why we read so much from the prophet Isaiah (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/questionbox/why-do-we-read-so-much-from-the-prophet-isaiah-during-advent-and-christmas
…the most sacramental season of all (The Catholic Thing):
http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/the-most-sacramental-season.html
…daily reflections written by Dorothy Day (The Catholic Worker):
http://www.catholicworker.org/dorothyday/daytext.cfm?TextID=558
…Alfred Delp on Advent as a time to be deeply shaken (Ignatius Insight):
http://insightscoop.typepad.com/2004/2011/12/advent-is-a-time-for-being-deeply-shaken-so-that-man-will-wake-up-to-himself.html
…Elizabeth Donnelly on watching and waiting (Woodstock Theological Center Video):
http://vimeo.com/32269012

VIEW...
…a video presentation of Sunday’s Gospel (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/50-Gospel/224450326-gospel-for-sunday-4-december-2011.html
…an interview with Fr. Edward Foley on the new Missal (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly):
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/may-20-2011/rev-edward-foley-extended-interview/8865/
…Stephen Colbert’s take on the new Mass translation (American Catholic)
[Viewer discretion advised]
http://blog.americancatholic.org/2011/11/30/tweaking-a-1700-year-old-creed/
…what the Big Bang doesn’t explains (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/51-Culture/224450314-from-the-big-bang-to-our-planet-earth.html?cat=&maincat=

REFLECT ON…
…Sunday’s Gospel—Straighten the Path! (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/straighten-path
...how to tame the desire for more (Shambhala Sun):
http://www.sashaloring.com/id68.html

…living with a broken heart (Beliefnet):
http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christianity/galleries/Has-Life-Broken-Your-Heart.aspx
…the difference between joy and banality (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re1110.htm

LEARN MORE ABOUT...
…the Mexican tradition of Las Posada (St. Anthony Messenger):
http://www.americancatholic.org/samo/Feature.aspx?articleid=61&IssueID=31|
…why climate change is a life issue (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=13163
…the women in Jesus’ “family tree” (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/features/the-women-in-jesus-family-tree
…what Catholics should know about Zen (Ignatius Insight):
http://www.ignatiusinsight.com/features2011/ecunningham_zen_dec2011.asp

DISCOVER…
…a website with a Catholic perspective on the Occupy movement (Occupy Catholics):
http://occupycatholic.wordpress.com/

STUDY…
…how Matthew and Luke’s Gospels explain the birth of Jesus (Boston College C21 Online):
http://www.bc.edu/schools/stm/c21online/resources/birthofjesus.html

SUBSCRIBE TO…
…daily meditations from Fr. Richard Rohr OFM (Center for Action & Contemplation)
http://www.cacradicalgrace.org/richard-rohr/dailymeditations

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://productions.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1357
…Dubuque native John Schlegel’s vision for America magazine (AmericaPodcast):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/podcast/podcast-index.cfm?series_id=1306
…Fr. James Martin on holy humor (Interfaith Voices):
http://interfaithradio.org/2011/Show49

PRAY...
...a prayer in honor of the Immaculate Conception (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops):
http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers/prayer-on-the-solemnity-of-the-immaculate-conception.cfm

IN THE NEWS...
…how Catholics are adapting to the new Mass translation (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1104664.htm
...reactions to the new Roman Missal (Commonweal):
http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/blog/?p=16075
…how black Catholics relate to the Church (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1104671.htm
…the New York bishops’ ad limina visit (Catholic News Agency):
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/new-york-bishops-encouraged-and-challenged-by-rome-visit/
…reports from the UN Climate Change Conference in South Africa (Center of Concern):
https://www.coc.org/ed/reports-un-climate-change-conference-durban-sa

OPINIONS...
…Carl Raschke on the logic of “late capitalism” (The Church & Postmodern Society):
http://churchandpomo.typepad.com/conversation/2011/11/hunger-and-love-the-logic-of-late-capitalism-unwinds-into-the-postmodern-apocalypse.html
…Sherif Girgis on HHS regulations covering contraceptives (First Things):
http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2011/12/covering-contraception-protecting-conscience
…Vaughn Koller on scriptural principles for public discussion (National Catholic Register)
http://www.ncregister.com/site/article/engaging-the-public-square-as-a-catholic/
…Greg Erlandson on reclaiming Catholic identity (Our Sunday Visitor):
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/8770/A-new-translation-for-a-Church-thats-reclaiming-i.aspx

THINK MORE ABOUT...
…how Pius XII laid the groundwork for Vatican II (Vatican Insider):
http://vaticaninsider.lastampa.it/en/homepage/news/detail/articolo/pope-pius-xii-10308/
...when is a Catholic “Catholic enough”? (Catholic Moral Theology):
http://catholicmoraltheology.com/catholic-enough/
…whether the Crusades still matter (Huffington Post):
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jay-rubenstein/massacre-at-jerusalem-109_b_1115003.html?ref=religion
…the type of men Rome is choosing to be bishops (Chiesa):
http://chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/articolo/1350096?eng=y

READ...
…Pope Benedict’s address on ecology (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33903?l=english
…an extended interview with Christopher West on the theology of the body (Zenit):
(Part 1)
http://www.zenit.org/article-33900?l=english
(Part 2)
http://www.zenit.org/article-33908?l=english
…a defense of the Second Vatican Council (Osservatore Romano):
http://www.osservatoreromano.va/portal/dt?JSPTabContainer.setSelected=JSPTabContainer%2FDetail&last=false=&path=/news/religione/2011/278q11-Nel-cinquantesimo-anniversario-dell-indizio.html&title=On%20adhesion%20to%20the%20Second%20Vatican%20Council&locale=en

WORTH QUOTING…
"These ancient Christian practices [of night vigils] serve as an interesting point of comparison in looking at the recent trend for retailers to open earlier and earlier in the middle of the night on Black Friday.  The question that Black Friday shopping in the middle of the night raises is: for what are we willing to sacrifice?  Our greatest values and priorities are revealed in recognizing what we are willing to let go of in order to attain our highest ideals.  Monks forgo sleep in order to keep vigil, and we forgo sleep in order to get a good deal.  I’m not claiming that we should all keep a monastic prayer schedule, nor that it is inherently wrong to shop for a good deal in order to buy gifts that express our love for family and friends.  I’m claiming rather that we can pay attention to what we are willing to sacrifice for in order to attain the ideals that we cherish." 
-- Thomas Bushlack, in a post on the Catholic Moral Theology blog, online at:
http://catholicmoraltheology.com/on-keeping-vigil/

•   •   •

Online This Week
November 27, 2011

OBSERVE…Advent
…waiting in joyful hope (The Word Among Us):
http://wau.org/resources/article/re_waiting_in_joyful_hope/
…reflections for the first week in Advent (Pax Christi USA):
http://paxchristiusa.org/2011/11/23/advent-2011-reflection-for-first-sunday-of-advent-nov-27/
...blessing of an Advent wreath (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops):
http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/blessings/objects/blessing-of-an-advent-wreath.cfm
…2011 online Advent Calendar (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/features/advent-calendar-2011
…Advent in Two Minutes (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/video/advent-in-two-minutes
…Fr. Steven Bevans SVD on the art of waiting (Catholics on Call podcast):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/art-waiting-0
…Advent as a dangerous idea (Huffington Post):
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/matthew-l-skinner/mark-13-danger-of-advent_b_1106409.html?ref=religion

PREPARE FORThe New Missal
…Fr. Robert Barron on welcoming the new Mass translation (Catholic News Agency):
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/column.php?n=1928
…James Martin’s elegy for the Sacramentary (Huffington Post):
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-james-martin-sj/goodbye-to-the-old-mass_b_1106423.html
…deficiencies in the “old” translation (The Catholic Thing):
http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/lost-in-translation.html
…making do with what we have (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/news/faith-parish/making-do-faulty-translation

VIEW...
…a video presentation of Sunday’s Gospel (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/50-Gospel/224450289-gospel-for-sunday-27-november-2011.html

REFLECT ON…
…Sunday’s Gospel—the art of waiting (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/art-waiting
…choosing life (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=1&entry_id=4738
…why Catholics love the Mass (CatholicDish):
http://catholichotdish.com/spiritblog/a-vatican-ii-catholic-tells-why-he-loves-mass/
…a radical sense of being thankful (Daily Theology):
http://dailytheology.wordpress.com/2011/11/22/radical-thanksgiving/

LEARN MORE ABOUT...
...why young people leave the Church (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33893?l=english
…what Catholics think about changes in the Church (CARA):
http://nineteensixty-four.blogspot.com/2011/11/catholic-climate-change.html
…the permanent deaconate in the United States (Catholic World Report):
http://www.catholicworldreport.com/Item/976/servants_of_the_lord.aspx
…how Christians should think about the world we live in (Fr. Ron Rolheiser):
http://www.ronrolheiser.com/columnarchive/?id=710
…the context for the Second Vatican Council (Vox Nova):
http://vox-nova.com/2011/11/25/the-second-vatican-council-part-i-one-immediate-context/

DISCOVER…
…how to celebrate the holidays with humor (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=2&entry_id=4767

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Media):
http://productions.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1356
…Dr. David Thomas on Familiaris Consortio (Catholic Church in England and Wales):
http://www.catholicnews.org.uk/Home/Podcasts/Catholic-News/Familiaris-Consortio/Dr-David-Thomas-on-Family-Ministry

IN THE NEWS...
…clarifying the U.S. bishops’ “lobbying” effort (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops):
http://usccbmedia.blogspot.com/2011/11/when-comparing-apples-and-oranges-leads.html
...what the Oakland diocese got for 57.5 million? (U.S. Catholic):
http://www.uscatholic.org/blog/2011/11/just-what-kind-church-did-orange-california-diocese-buy
…15 things about the National Catholic Youth Congress (Roman Catholic Cop):
http://www.romancatholiccop.com/2011/11/fifteen-amazing-things-about-ncyc-2011.html
…a perspective on the Pope’s trip to Africa (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/all-things-catholic/hard-questions-about-pope-benedict-africa

OPINIONS...
…Christopher Dawson on the Papacy in the modern world (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/history/world/wh0171.htm
…Daniel Finn on the morality of self-interest (Commonweal):
http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/when-self-interest-moral
…John Wilkins on what was lost in the new Mass translation (Commonweal):
http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/lost-translation-1

THINK MORE ABOUT...
...the social role of institutions (Faith & Leadership):
http://www.faithandleadership.com/content/david-toole-what-are-institutions-for?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=headline&utm_campaign=FL_feature
…the social implications of marriage (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops):
http://www.usccb.org/about/justice-peace-and-human-development/upload/Marriage-handout.pdf
…priestly formation today (Ignatius Insight):
http://www.ignatiusinsight.com/features2011/jkeating_interview_nov2011.asp
…facing the challenge of the new atheism (Osservatore Romano):
http://www.osservatoreromano.va/portal/dt?JSPTabContainer.setSelected=JSPTabContainer%2FDetail&last=false=&path=/news/editoriali/2011/273q11-La-sfida-dell-ateismo-contemporaneo.html&title=The%20challenge%20of%20contemporary%20atheism&locale=en

READ...
…Pope Benedict’s thoughts on his trip to Africa (Zenit):|
http://www.zenit.org/article-33885?l=english
…remarks of the new Apostolic Nuncio to the United States (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops):
http://www.usccb.org/about/leadership/usccb-general-assembly/november-2011-usccb-general-assembly-address-archbishop-carlo-vigano-apostolic-nuncio.cfm
…a review of Why Priests Are Happy (Catholic Books Review):
http://www.catholicbooksreview.org/2011/rossetti.htm

WORTH QUOTING…
"Waiting is essential to the spiritual life.  But waiting as a disciple of Jesus is not an empty waiting.  It is a waiting with a promise in our hearts that makes already present what we are waiting for.  We wait during Advent for the birth of Jesus.  We wait after Easter for the coming of the Spirit, and after the ascension of Jesus we wait for his coming again in glory.  We are always waiting, but it is a waiting in the conviction that we have already seen God's footsteps.  Waiting for God is an active, alert - yes, joyful - waiting.  As we wait we remember him for whom we are waiting, and as we remember him we create a community ready to welcome him when he comes."
-- from a reflection by Henri Nouwen, posted online by the Nouwen Society.

•   •   •

Online This Week
November 20, 2011

CELEBRATE...Advent
…a season of surprises (St. Anthony Messenger):
http://www.americancatholic.org/samo/Feature.aspx?articleid=58&IssueID=30
…daily reflections (Catholic Update):
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/preview.aspx?id=257
…the best gifts of Advent and Christmas (Our Sunday Visitor):
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/8676/True-gifts-of-Advent-and-Christmas.aspx
…take time for family prayer (TheWord Among Us):
http://wau.org/resources/article/re_take_time_for_advent_family_prayer/
…Joyce Rupp says, open some doors (U.S. Catholic):
http://www.uscatholic.org/church/2008/11/open-some-doors-advent
…prayers, reflections and resources for celebrating Advent (Loyola Press):
http://www.loyolapress.com/liturgical-year-advent.htm
…more Advent prayers, reflections and resources (ExploreFaith):
http://www.explorefaith.org/faith/explore_christianity/holy_days/advent/index.php?ht=

VIEW...
…a video presentation of this week’s Gospel (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/50-Gospel/224450280-gospel-for-sunday-20-november-2011.html
…a video about the sacrament of marriage (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/video/matrimony-why-make-it-catholic
…a comparison of sex abuse in the church and Penn State (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly):
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/november-18-2011/penn-state-and-clergy-sex-abuse-parallels/9947/
…Fr. James Martin SJ on the pathology of sex abuse—in the church or in sports (American Podcast):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/video/video-index.cfm?series_id=1303

REFLECT ON…
…Sunday’s Gospel—Trust and a Trip to Zambia (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/trust-and-trip-zambia
…our naïve ideas about love (Fr. Ron Rolheiser):
http://www.ronrolheiser.com/columnarchive/?id=707
…the contradiction of Christ’s power (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=1&entry_id=4752
…the fifteenth anniversary of Cardinal Bernardine’s death (Daily Theology):
http://dailytheology.wordpress.com/2011/11/13/apostle-of-common-ground-in-memory-of-joseph-cardinal-bernardin/
…keeping a gratitude journal (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/features/taking-inventory-giving-thanks

LEARN MORE ABOUT...
…top five changes in the Mass (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/features/top-five-mass-changes
...why Catholics anoint the sick (U.S. Catholic)
http://www.uscatholic.org/church/2011/09/why-do-we-annoint-sick
…Aidin Ballou, an American apostle of nonviolence (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/road-peace/adin-ballous-vision-nonviolence
…Blessed John Paul II’s theology of the body (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33848?l=english

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Media):
http://productions.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1355
…author Bob Lupton discuss toxic, one-way charity (Interfaith Voices):
http://interfaithradio.org/2011/Show47

REGISTER NOW FOR...
...a six-week Advent/Christmas e-course, "Child of the Light" (Spirituality & Practice):
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/ecourses/ecourses.php?id=117&key=sp

IN THE NEWS...
…the Pope’s second trip to Africa (National Catholic Register):
http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/pope-arrives-in-benin-and-talks-of-gods-friendship-with-humanity/
…summary of the U.S. bishops’ fall assembly (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1104473.htm
...the origin and status of the Vatican's financial reform "Note" (Catholic News Service):
http://cnsblog.wordpress.com/2011/11/11/did-cardinal-bertone-really-disown-the-document-on-economic-reform/
...the U.S. bishops and economic issues (Religion News Service):
http://www.religionnews.com/index.php?/rnstext/25_years_later_bishops_stay_mum_on_economic_turmoil1/
…hating the sinner as well as the sin (First Things):
http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2011/11/hating-the-sinners-at-penn-state

OPINIONS...
…Bishop Serratelli on the Occupy movement—it’s not just about money (Catholic News Agency):
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/column.php?n=1925
…Fr. William Graham on ritual diversity after the Roman Missal III (PrayTell):
http://www.praytellblog.com/index.php/2011/11/15/models-for-the-emerging-church-promises-and-threats/
…Henry Karlson on the danger of theological catchphrases (Vox Nova):
http://vox-nova.com/2011/11/17/more-than-a-sleeve/#more-20237
…an editorial on the challenge of inactive Catholics (The Tablet):
http://www.thetablet.co.uk/article/161998
…Parker Palmer on healing the heart of democracy (On Being):
http://blog.onbeing.org/post/12684422648/parker-palmer-on-healing-the-heart-of-democracy
…Steven Mosher on underpopulation (Catholic World Report):
http://www.catholicworldreport.com/Item/972/underpopulationthe_real_problem.aspx

THINK MORE ABOUT...
...the Church's "clerical culture" (Commonweal):
http://commonwealmagazine.org/verdicts/?p=705|
...the value of learning to fail (Faith & Leadership):
http://www.faithandleadership.com/content/c-kavin-rowe-failure-christ-shaped-leadership?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=headline&utm_campaign=FL_feature
…why we’re going to say “and with your spirit” (Thinking Faith):
http://thinkingfaith.org/articles/20111116_1.htm

…moral issues about “Black Friday” (Catholic Moral Theology):
http://catholicmoraltheology.com/black-friday-injustices/

READ...
…Pope Benedict’s Wednesday catechesis on Psalm 110 (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33840?l=english
…Archbishop Dolan’s address to the U.S. Bishops (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops):
http://www.usccb.org/about/leadership/usccb-general-assembly/usccb-2011-november-general-assembly-presidential-address.cfm
…an interview with author Deirdre Cornell on a cross-cultural appreciation of Mary (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/grace-margins/crossing-borders-virgin-mary

WORTH QUOTING…
"The word 'conversation' comes from the same Latin root as 'convergence.'  If you see conversation as an ascetical discipline -- not just chitchat but a costly entering into and an openness to another who may have a very different and threatening point of view -- then you may find that convergence is not that I agree with you or you with me but that I no longer see you as a threat and alien. Instead, I see you as a brother or sister in the Lord, even though there is this terrible divide between us."
-- Frank Griswold, former presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, in an interview with Faith & Leadership, online at:
http://www.faithandleadership.com/qa/frank-griswold-maybe-the-desert-time?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=headline&utm_campaign=FL_feature

•   •   •

Online This Week
November 13, 2011

CELEBRATE…Thanksgiving
…suggestions for family celebrations (American Catholic):
http://www.americancatholic.org/features/thanksgiving/givethanks_feast.asp
…Thanksgiving Prayer (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops):

http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers/thanksgiving-day-prayer.cfm

...24 ways to practice thanks-giving (Spirituality & Practice):
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/practices/features.php?id=16274
…gratitude to God (Catholic Relief Services):
http://www.crs.org/united-states/grateful-to-god-beyond-obedience/
…how to reclaim Thanksgiving (Our Sunday Visitor):
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/8646/Openers-How-Catholics-can-reclaim-the-American-fe.aspx

VIEW...
…a video on Penance (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/video/penance-why-we-confess
…an interview with Fr. Richard Rohr (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly):
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/november-11-2011/richard-rohr/9902/
…an interview with Cardinal Francis George (Salt & Light Television):
http://saltandlighttv.org/witness/cardinal-francis-george.php

REFLECT ON…
…Sunday’s Gospel—Unrealistic Expectations (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/unrealistic-expectations
…the value and promise of change (Everyday Catholic):
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/EDC/preview.aspx?id=246
…getting personal about homelessness (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=13142
…encountering the “other” (Daily Theology):
http://dailytheology.wordpress.com/2011/11/09/a-story-of-encountering-%E2%80%9Cthe-other%E2%80%9D-with-further-reflections-on-a-theologian%E2%80%99s-role/
…how daVinci portrayed the sacred and divine (The Tablet):
http://www.thetablet.co.uk/article/161970

LEARN MORE ABOUT...
…Paul’s letter to the Colossians (The Liguorian):
http://www.liguorian.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=412:pauls-letter-to-the-colossians-the-body-the-church-the-message&catid=26:church-teaching&Itemid=33
…the Retirement Fund for Religious collection (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops):
http://www.usccb.org/news/2011/11-224.cfm
…Pope John XXIII and the Cuban missile crisis (Crisis):
http://www.crisismagazine.com/2011/preventing-war-pope-john-xxiii-and-the-cuban-missile-crisis
…five popular heresies (National Catholic Register):
http://www.ncregister.com/blog/top-5-heresies-i-wouldve-believed-without-the-authority-of-the-church/

DISCOVER…
…how to read the Bible (Sojourners):
http://www.sojo.net/magazine/2011/11/how-read-bible
…the  “Catholic Dr. Spock” (National Catholic Register):
http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/a-catholic-alternative-to-dr.-spock/

DO SOMETHING…
…about gun smuggling in Mexico (Fellowship of Reconciliation):
http://forusa.org/blogs/john-lindsay-poland/help-stop-gun-violence-mexico/9826

REGISTER FOR...
...Tom Quinlan's Nov. 16 webinar, "Striving to be an Evangelizing Church" (Paulist Evangelization Ministries):
http://www.magnetmail.net/actions/email_web_version.cfm?recipient_id=132256006&message_id=1610640&user_id=PNCEA&group_
id=132680&jobid=7850544

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://productions.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1354
…an interview with Arthur Zajonc, a contemplative physicist (On Being):
http://being.publicradio.org/programs/2011/holding-life-consciously/

IN THE NEWS…
…the U.S. Bishops’ fall general assembly (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops):
http://www.usccb.org/about/leadership/usccb-general-assembly/meetings/index.cfm
…relations between the Church and the Media (Osservatore Romano):
http://www.osservatoreromano.va/portal/dt?JSPTabContainer.setSelected=JSPTabContainer%2FDetail&last=false=&path=/news/cultura/2011/261q11-Bisogna-sapere-essere-antichi-e-moderni.html&title=We%20need%20to%20know%20how%20to%20be%20ancient%20and%20modern&locale=en
…2011 American Values Survey (Faith in Public Life):
http://blog.faithinpubliclife.org/2011/11/poll_of_the_week_2011_american.html
…differences of opinion over John Paul II’s “theology of the body” (Catholic News Agency)
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vatican-official-urges-calm-in-theology-of-the-body-debates/
…summary of the Catholics in America survey (Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good):
http://www.catholicsinalliance.org/thecommongoodforum.html

OPINIONS...
…the Vatican’s banker on the economic crisis (Osservatore Romano):
http://www.osservatoreromano.va/portal/dt?JSPTabContainer.setSelected=JSPTabContainer%2FDetail&last=false=&path=/news/editoriali/2011/254q11-Un-nuovo-modello-di-leadership.html&title=A%20new%20model%20of%20leadership&locale=en
…John Berkman on clergy sexual abuse (Catholic Moral Theology):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/civilization/cc0403.htm
...Brad Miner on crime and punishment at Penn State (The Catholic Thing):
http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/crime-and-punishment-at-penn-state.html
…Maria Riley on hunger and climate change (Center of Concern):
https://www.coc.org/gwp/facing-future-hunger-and-climate-change
…Charles Morris on income disparity (Commonweal):
http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/polls-apart

THINK MORE ABOUT...
…baptism and social justice (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops):
http://www.usccb.org/about/justice-peace-and-human-development/upload/baptism-handout.pdf
…balancing acceptance and trying to change (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/features/what-works-55-between-acceptance-and-thirst
…who’s “Catholic enough” (Catholic Moral Theology):

http://catholicmoraltheology.com/catholic-enough/
…staying human in a media age (Harvard Divinity Bulletin):
http://www.hds.harvard.edu/news-events/harvard-divinity-bulletin/articles/staying-human-in-a-media-age

READ...
…Pope Benedict’s Wednesday catechesis on Psalm 119 (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33795?l=english
…Archbishop Chaput’s address on Catholics and the American future (First Things):
http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2011/11/catholics-and-the-next-america
…an interview with the author of Mother Teresa of Calcutta (Catholic World Report):
http://www.catholicworldreport.com/Item/953/preaching_by_charity.aspx
…an excerpt from Saints at the Dinner Table (American Catholic):
http://www.americancatholic.org/Messenger/Nov2008/Feature2.asp\
…a review of a new edition of Auden’s Age of Anxiety (Commonweal):
http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/dive-third-avenue

WORTH QUOTING…
“Through work, man experiences himself as subject, a participant in the creative plan of God. This explains why the lack of work or precarious work undermines man's dignity, creating not only situations of injustice and poverty, which frequently degenerate into despair, criminality and violence, but also into an identity crisis in persons. Hence, it is urgent that effective measures, serious and accurate approaches should arise everywhere...which will lead to finding ways so that all will have access to fitting, stable and well remunerated work, through which they are sanctified and participate actively in the development of society, combining intense and responsible work with appropriate times for a rich, fruitful and harmonious family life.”
-- Pope Benedict XVI, in a message to a family conference in Ecuador, online at:
http://www.zenit.org/article-33818?l=english

•   •   • 

Online This Week
November 6, 2011

VIEW...
…a video about the Sacrament of Anointing (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/video/anointing-of-the-sick-who-its-for
…a photo essay on evangelization (Maryknoll Magazine):
http://www.maryknollmagazine.org/index.php/photo-essay?gid=29
…a discussion of religious pilgrimages (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly):

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/november-4-2011/religious-pilgrimage/9863/

…Fr. Thomas Kocik’s overview of the New Liturgical Movement (The Way of Beauty):
http://thewayofbeauty.org/2011/10/placing-the-extraordinary-and-the-ordinary-in-context-fr-thomas-kocik-on-the-liturgical-reform-movement/

REFLECT ON…
…Sunday’s Gospel—we are the wise and foolish virgins (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/we-are-wise-and-foolish-virgins
…the difference between celebrities and saints (Daily Theology):
http://dailytheology.wordpress.com/2011/11/02/the-spectacle-of-kim-kardashian-and-and-image-of-the-saint/
…the life of St. Martin de Porres (The Word Among Us):
http://wau.org/resources/article/re_martin_de_porres_saint_of_the_least/
…the virtue of hope, an antidote for despair (The Pastoral Review):
http://www.thepastoralreview.org/cgi-bin/archive_db.cgi?priestsppl-00190
…the connections between love, faith and ritual (Fr. Ron Rolheiser):
http://www.ronrolheiser.com/columnarchive/?id=701
…the essential qualities of prayer (Integrated Catholic Life):
http://www.integratedcatholiclife.org/2011/10/deacon-bickerstaff-the-essential-qualities-of-prayer/

LEARN MORE ABOUT...
…the history of All Saints Day (BeliefNet):
http://www.beliefnet.com/Love-Family/Holidays/Halloween/Why-Do-We-Celebrate-All-Saints-Day.aspx
…what faith is, and what it isn’t (Word on Fire):
http://www.wordonfire.org/Written-Word/articles-commentaries/October-2011/What-Faith-Is-and-What-it-Isn-t.aspx
…how to think about death and Purgatory (Thinking Catholic):
http://thinkingfaith.org/articles/20111028_1.htm
…the translation principles behind the new Roman Missal (National Catholic Register):
http://www.ncregister.com/site/article%20/new-mass-translation-and-gods-long-nose/

DISCOVER…
…the improbable relationship between Thomas Merton and Dorothy Day (U.S. Catholic):
http://www.uscatholic.org/culture/social-justice/2011/09/work-hard-pray-hard-dorthy-day-and-thomas-merton

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1353
…Elaine Heath on the theological insights of the Twilight series (WJK Radio):
http://wjkradio.wjkbooks.com/2011/10/wjk-radio-33-elaine-a-heath-explores-women-sex-and-god-in-twilight.html

IN THE NEWS…
…the first U.S. bishops’ ad limina visit (Whispers in the Loggia):
http://whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com/2011/11/at-long-last-threshold-us-ad-limina.html
…”snarky” reactions to the Vatican Note on financial reform (Our Sunday Visitor):
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/8612/Snarky-attacks-on-Vatican-financial-document.aspx
…another view on “overpopulation” (Osservatore Romano)
http://www.osservatoreromano.va/portal/dt?JSPTabContainer.setSelected=JSPTabContainer%2FDetail&last=false=&path=/news/editoriali/2011/253q11-La-sovrappopolazione-da-un-altro-punto-di-v.html&title=Overpopulation%20from%20another%20point%20of%20view&locale=en
…survey results on shifts in parish life (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/news/catholics-america/how-parish-life-has-changed
…reconciliation with Society of St. Pius unlikely soon (Catholic News Agency):
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pius-x-society-leader-doubtful-of-reconciliation-with-vatican/
…disturbing facts about who gets abortions and why (Catholic Moral Theology):
http://catholicmoraltheology.com/disturbing-new-abortion-demographics/

OPINIONS...
...NCR editors on the task facing U.S. bishops (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/news/politics/uphill-slog-bishops
...Nick Sementelli on income inequality (Faith in Public Life):
http://blog.faithinpubliclife.org/2011/10/why_pope_benedict_disagrees_wi.html
...George Weigel on the decline of progressive Catholics (National Review Online):
http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/281654/desperate-churchmice-george-weigel
…Jamie Manson on the future of women religious (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/grace-margins/future-religious-life-and-plight-young-adult-catholic-women
…Robert Royal on the “Nanny State” (The Catholic Thing):
http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/the-nanny-state-as-mother-church.html

THINK MORE ABOUT...
…the anniversary of Justice in the World (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=13132
…what it means to be “catholic” (One):
http://www.cnewa.org/default.aspx?ID=3573&pagetypeID=4&sitecode=HQ&pageno=1
praying for the dead (Vox Nova):
http://vox-nova.com/2011/11/02/praying-for-the-dead/#more-20041
…the legacy of Steve Jobs (Notre Dame Magazine):
http://magazine.nd.edu/news/27089-where-steve-jobs-left-us/
…making a decision for God and neighbor (Huffington Post):
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/walter-brueggemann/joshua-2413a-1425_b_1070263.html?ref=religion

READ...
…Pope Benedict’s Wednesday catechesis on life and death (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33761?l=english
…the U.S. bishops’ letter in support of the Defense of Marriage Act (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops):
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/marriage-and-family/marriage/promotion-and-defense-of-marriage/upload/Cordileone-to-Senate-Judiciary-Committee-DOMA-Nov-2-2011.pdf
…a review of Matthew Shadle’s The Origins of War (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=13124

WORTH QUOTING…
“My own opinion is that the great majority of church-going Catholics do believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. I can honestly say that I have rarely encountered a church-going Catholic who questioned this doctrine. I think belief in the Real Presence is firmly embedded in the Catholic consciousness.  Verification of this truth may be found, I think very reliably, in talking to children who are making their first Communion….  I have also checked this matter with teenagers….  Now do they fully understand the technical language of transubstantiation, substance and accidents? Probably not. But I would be very hesitant to say that at a basic level Catholics do not believe that Christ is really present under the forms of bread and wine.”
--Msgr. Francis Mannion, in a column for Our Sunday Visitor, online at:
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/8624/Believe-in-Real-Presence.aspx

“You can have a literal translation or you can have a literary translation: you cannot have both … Words are not inanimate things, like coins, that have an exact counterpart in a different currency. They are living things … And the translator must never be afraid of the accusation of having paraphrased. Paraphrase is the bogey-man of the half-educated….”
-- Msgr. Ronald Knox in Trials of a Translator, quoted by Gabe Huck in a column for Celebration magazine, online at:
http://www.praytellblog.com/index.php/2011/11/03/the-martyrdom-of-a-lovely-language/

•   •   • 

Online This Week
October 30, 2011

CELEBRATEthe Feast of All Saints
…the connection between Saints and Halloween (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/features/the-saints-on-halloween
…the saints as patrons and companions (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=13118
…Archbishop Nichols’ 2011 Tablet Lecture—Holiness Today (Catholic Church in England and Wales):
http://www.catholicchurch.org.uk/Catholic-Church/Media-Centre/Press-Releases/Press-Releases-2011/Archbishop-Nichols-delivers-2011-Tablet-Lecture

VIEW...
…a video explanation of Holy Orders (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/video/holy-orders-what-ordination-means
…Fr. Peter Phan’s discussion of culture and religion (Boston College):
http://frontrow.bc.edu/program/phan2/
…the latest study of American Catholics (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly):
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/october-28-2011/survey-on-american-catholics/9841/

REFLECT ON…
…this week’s Gospel—good and bad ministers (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/good-and-bad-ministers
…What works--getting ready for shorter days and longer nights (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/features/what-works-38-sad-that-dst-is-ending
…the need to be honest (American Catholic):
http://blog.americancatholic.org/2011/10/28/the-change-that-changes-everything/
…three kinds of evil: suffering, death and sin (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/philosophy/ph0063.htm

LEARN MORE ABOUT...
…what the Church believes about purgatory and judgment (Thinking Faith):
http://thinkingfaith.org/articles/20111028_1.htm
...the latest survey about American Catholics (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/AmericanCatholics
…the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops)
http://www.usccb.org/about/catholic-campaign-for-human-development/collection/index.cfm
…why faith, like God, is diffusive (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=1&entry_id=4688

DISCOVER…
…frequently asked questions about the new Roman Missal (Center for Liturgy):
http://liturgy.slu.edu/romanmissal/index.html
…a new online guide to Catholic moral teaching (Catholic Moral Theology)
http://catholicmoraltheology.com/commentary/

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1352
…Fr. John O’Malley on the role of theologians at the Council of Trent (America Podcast):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/podcast/podcast-index.cfm?series_id=1294
…more about the Latino festival, Day of the Dead (Interfaith Radio):
http://interfaithradio.org/2011/Show44

PRAY...
...a prayer for the Seven Billion People on Earth (the world's population on Oct. 31) (Spirituality & Practice):
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/practices/features.php?id=21774

REGISTER NOW FOR...
...an online Centering Prayer retreat with Cynthia Bourgeault Nov. 7-Dec. 2. (Spirituality & Practice):
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/ecourses/ecourses.php?id=114&key=sp

IN THE NEWSthe Pontifical Council for Peace and Justice’s note on financial reform
summary (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1104173.htm
…outline of the Council’s Note (Daily Theology):
http://dailytheology.wordpress.com/2011/10/24/global-problems-require-global-governance-the-vatican%E2%80%99s-note-on-financial-reform/
...unofficial English text Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33718?l=english
...Fr. Thomas Reese SJ (NPR):
http://ht.ly/79zgu
…Rev. Robert Christian (Catholic News Agency):
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/expert-downplays-vatican-councils-idea-for-financial-body/
…Vincent Miller (Nati0nal Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/news/politics/idea-global-government-agency-radical
…John Norton (Our Sunday Visitor):
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/8574/The-challenge-for-Americans-to-identify-as-Cathol.aspx
...George Weigel (National Review Online):
http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/281140/pope-chaplain-ows-rubbish-george-weigel
…Steve Schneck (Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good):
http://www.catholicsinalliance.org/cgf102611schneck.php

PERSPECTIVES…
...Fr. Fred Kammer on secret class warfare (Jesuit Social Research Institute):
http://www.loyno.edu/jsri/king-has-no-clothes-class-warfare-ok-long-no-one-mentions-it
…Don Clemmer on believers and unbelievers in the public forum (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops):
http://usccbmedia.blogspot.com/2011/10/people-of-faith-voices-of-reason.html
…Ernest Zampelli on government’s role in market economies (Institute for Policy Research & Catholic Studies):
http://ipr.cua.edu/blogs/post.cfm/whither-the-government-in-a-market-economy
…Fr. Richard O’Brien on three strengths of contemporary Catholicism (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/essays-theology/three-strengths-contemporary-catholicism
...Jeremy Bigby on how to engage with culture (Faith & Leadership):
http://www.faithandleadership.com/multimedia/jeremy-begbie-what-can-we-learn-about-the-gospel-music?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=headline&utm_campaign=FL_feature

THINK MORE ABOUT...
…praying with the new Roman Missal (Liguorian):
http://www.liguorian.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=408:say-what&catid=15:cover-stories&Itemid=68
…what Catholics think about Church authority (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1104193.htm

...the changing face of Catholic social teaching (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33722?l=english
...what parishes can do about domestic violence (U.S. Catholic):
http://www.uscatholic.org/church/2011/08/lets-stop-ignoring-domestic-violence

READ...
…Pope Benedict’s address at the Meeting for Peace in Assisi (Vatican):
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2011/october/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20111027_assisi_en.html
…comments of other religious leaders at Assisi (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/date2011-10-27
...Pope Benedict’s closing remarks at Assisi (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33753?l=english
…Bishops’ response to Sr. Elizabeth Johnson (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops):

http://www.usccb.org/about/doctrine/publications/upload/statement-quest-for-the-living-god-response-2011-10-11.pdf

WORTH QUOTING...
 
“Today’s event is an image of how the spiritual dimension is a key element in the building of peace. Through this unique pilgrimage we have been able to engage in fraternal dialogue, to deepen our friendship, and to come together in silence and prayer.  After renewing our commitment to peace and exchanging with one another a sign of peace, we feel even more profoundly involved, together with all the men and women from the communities that we represent, in our common human journey.  We are not being separated; we will continue to meet, we will continue to be united in this journey, in dialogue, in the daily building of peace and in our commitment to a better world, a world in which every man and woman and every people can live in accordance with their own legitimate aspirations.”
-- Pope Benedict XVI, in his farewell remarks at the Meeting for Peace in Assisi Oct. 27, online at:
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2011/october/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20111027_assisi-congedo_en.html

•   •   •

Online This Week
October 23, 2011

VIEW...
…a video, “Why We’re Confirmed” (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/video/confirmation-why-were-confirmed
...the life of Pope Benedict in photos (Time):
http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1884596,00.html
…a discussion about music and the new Roman Missal (Salt & Light Television):
http://saltandlighttv.org/perspectives/new-roman-missal-music.php
…ethicist Bernard Hammes’ discussion of end-of-life decisions (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly):
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/october-21-2011/bernard-hammes-extended-interview/9750/

REFLECT ON…
…this week’s Gospel—Radical Love (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/radical-love
…how faith leads to joy (Faith & Leadership):
http://www.faithandleadership.com/qa/james-martin-faith-leads-joy?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=headline&utm_campaign=FL_feature
…World Food Day and the Eucharist (Vox Nova):
http://vox-nova.com/2011/10/19/a-eucharistic-reflection-for-world-food-day/#more-19788
…the meaning of the Mass (Our Sunday Visitor):
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/8561/Mass-appreciation-lesson.aspx

LEARN MORE ABOUT...
...Catholics and invitro fertilization (U.S. Catholic):
http://www.uscatholic.org/church/2011/08/where-do-babies-come-church-and-ivf
…what bishops and theologicans can learn from Trent (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=13099
…how to read the Gospel of Luke (Thinking Faith):
http://thinkingfaith.org/articles/20111017_1.htm
…what the Catechism says about passion (Catholic Moral Theology):
http://catholicmoraltheology.com/catechism-post-passions/

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1351

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT…
…how to pray the rosary (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops):
http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/devotionals/rosaries/how-to-pray-the-rosary.cfm
…World Mission Sunday, Oct. 23 (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops):
http://www.usccb.org/about/evangelization-and-catechesis/world-missions/
…how to strengthen your marriage (The Word Among Us):
http://wau.org/resources/article/re_tides_of_marriage/
…latest developments in the controversy over Vatican II (Chiesa):
http://chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/articolo/1349865?eng=y

CONSIDER…
…Fr. Robert Barron on Moneyball and spiritual leadership (Word on Fire):
http://www.wordonfire.org/Written-Word/articles-commentaries/October-2011/Moneyball-and-Spiritual-Leadership.aspx
…Kevin McDonald on the challenges of ecumenism (The Tablet):

http://www.thetablet.co.uk/article/161880

…David Clayton and modern art in the church (The Way of Beauty):

http://thewayofbeauty.org/2011/10/is-there-a-place-for-modern-art-in-our-churches/

…Anthony Esolen on the meaning of progress (Catholic World Report):
http://www.catholicworldreport.com/Item/947/decline_and_fall.aspx
…Peter Leithart on activists and mystics (First Things):|
http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2011/10/of-mystics-and-activists

THINK MORE ABOUT…
…understanding the new translation of Mass prayers (St. Anthony Messenger):
http://www.americancatholic.org/samo/Feature.aspx?articleid=56&IssueID=30
…the virtue of respect (Friar Jack):
http://www.americancatholic.org/e-News/FriarJack/newlayout.asp?id=72
...changing how we think about crime (Faith & Leadership):
http://www.faithandleadership.com/features/articles/interrupting-violence?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=headline&utm_campaign=FL_topstory
...revival of an economic theory called distributism (Washington Post):
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/age-old-distributism-gains-new-traction/2011/10/17/gIQANGBKsL_story.html

READ…
…Pope Benedict’s announcement of a Year of Faith (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33676?l=english
…the Pope’s message for World Food Day (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33674?l=english
…Pope Benedict’s message for World Mission Sunday (Fides Service):
http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=28176&lan=eng
…the Vatican’s statement on the Hindu celebration of  Diwali (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33700?l=english
…an excerpt from Fr. Richard Rohr’s Breathing Under Water (St. Anthony Messenger Press):
http://www.catholicsampler.com/viewer.aspx?id=2066&sample=chapter&page=2
…an interview with Cardinal Wuerl on how the Mass makes us Catholic (Our Sunday Visitor):
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/8569/Cardinal-Wuerl-Mass-is-what-makes-us-Catholic.aspx

WORTH QUOTING...
“For too many of us, sex is a search for something we're missing, a restless quest for an unconditional embrace; and so we go from relationship to relationship, looking for this.  But…[s]ex is not the search for something that's missing. It's the expression of something that's been found. It's designed to be the overflow, the culmination of something that a man and a woman have found in each other. It's a celebration of this living, breathing thing that's happening between the two of them.”
--Fr. Ronald Rolheiser, in his syndicated column, online at:
http://www.ronrolheiser.com/columnarchive/?id=697

•   •   •

Online This Week
October 16, 2011

VIEW…
...Br. David Stendl-Rast's reflection on "a good day" (Gratefulness):
http://www.gratefulness.org/brotherdavid/a-good-day.htm#
…a discussion about the impact of the new Roman Missal (Salt & Light Television):
http://saltandlighttv.org/perspectives/new-roman-missal.php
…Fr. Andrew Greeley since his accident three years ago (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly)
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/october-7-2011/andrew-greeley/9665/
…ethicist Dan Brock’s view on rationing health care (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly)
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/october-14-2011/dan-brock-extended-interview/9707/

REFLECT ON…
…Sunday’s Gospel—to pay or not to pay (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/pay-or-not-pay
…finding “Sabbath moments” in a busy world (Catholic Update):
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/preview.aspx?id=256
…learning how to evangelize (Everyday Catholic):
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/EDC/preview.aspx?id=245
…the power of laughter (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/my-table-spread/we-laugh-because-we-know-who-we-are
…Catholic iconography and the power of the crucifix (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/features/contemplating-the-crucifix

LEARN MORE ABOUT…
…Pope John Paul I, the “forgotten pope” (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=13064
…progress on sainthood for Blessed John Paul II (Vatican Insider):
http://vaticaninsider.lastampa.it/en/homepage/the-vatican/detail/articolo/papa-el-papa-pope-karol-wojtyla-giovanni-paolo-i-john-paul-ii-juan-pablo-ii-9016/
…ten things every Catholic should know (Our Sunday Visitor):
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/8553/10-Things-Catholic-catechists-should-know.aspx
…social justice in the Bible (Thinking Faith):
http://thinkingfaith.org/articles/20111014_1.htm
...how young adults think about religion and morals (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33663?l=english

LISTEN TO…
…Dr. Christine Firer Hinze on listening to the voices of sexual diversity (America Podcast):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/podcast/podcast-index.cfm?series_id=1290
…Violinist Vadim Repin and pianist Nikolai Lugansky perform Arvo Part’s Fratres (Vox Nova):
http://vox-nova.com/2011/10/13/arvo-part-fratres/

REGISTER FOR…
…Fr. Richard Rohr’s Nov. 5 webcast, “Emotional Sobriety” (Center for Action and Contemplation):
http://www.cacradicalgrace.org/about-cac/latest-news-a-events/upcoming-wc-es/

CONSIDER…
…the impact of “gay marriage” on religious liberty (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1104037.htm
…anti-Catholic bias at the department of Health and Human Services (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops):
http://usccbmedia.blogspot.com/2011/10/abc-factor-at-hhs-anybody-but-catholics.html
…a “long view” of Vatican II (The Catholic Thing):
http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/a-long-view-of-vatican-ii.html
…why it’s great to be a young Catholic (Crisis):
http://www.crisismagazine.com/2011/why-its-great-to-be-a-young-catholic

THINK MORE ABOUT…
…stages of growth in marriage (For Your Marriage):
http://foryourmarriage.org/stages-of-growth-in-marriage/
…what’s happening to Catholic seminaries in the U.S. (BC Magazine):
http://bcm.bc.edu/issues/summer_2011/c21_notes/training-grounds.html
…Faithful Citizenship and Catholics in the political process (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1104024.htm
…the cruelty of hedonism (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re1085.htm

READ…
…Pope Benedict’s Wednesday catechesis on Psalm 126 (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33646?l=english
…a new report on the “structures of peace” (Vision of Humanity):
http://www.visionofhumanity.org/info-center/structures-of-peace-2/
...Liturgist Teresa Berger's thoughts about the "dangerous presence" of God (Yale Divinity School):
http://www.yale.edu/divinity/notes/111002/berger.shtml
…an interview with Cardinal Walter Kasper on Pope Benedict’s visit to Germany (Vatican Insider):
http://vaticaninsider.lastampa.it/en/homepage/inquiries-and-interviews/detail/articolo/germania-germany-alemania-papa-pope-el-papa-kasper-8855/

WORTH QUOTING…
“It’s a simple prayer when you think about it, and perhaps the disciples wished for more, but it captures everything the disciples needed then and which we need today. It establishes God as the one to whom we must pray, the one who will care for us now and in the future time of trial, the one who forgives us with great mercy but asks that we act with great mercy towards others, and the one whose perfect kingdom we yearn for even now.”
-- John W. Martens, in a commentary on the Lord’s Prayer in America, online at:
http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=1&entry_id=4633

•   •   •

Online This Week
October 9, 2011

REFLECT ON...
…Sunday’s Gospel—The Wedding Feast (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/wedding-feast
…the secret to forgiving (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/features/is-forgiveness-only-divine
…Martin Sheen’s The Way (St. Anthony Messenger):
http://www.americancatholic.org/samo/Feature.aspx?articleid=50&IssueID=29
…the words of the Lord’s Prayer (ExploreFaith):
http://www.explorefaith.org/prayer/prayer/why_how_and_when_to_pray/the_lords_prayer/index.php

VIEW...

…the 14 Christian churches in the Holy Land (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/155-Mary%20of%20Nazareth/224450166-the-14-christian-churches-of-the-holy-land.html#

LEARN MORE ABOUT...
…what the Church considers “prudential judgments” (Catholic Moral Theology):
http://catholicmoraltheology.com/prudential-judgment-101-a-theological-roundtable/
…how economic conditions are affecting U.S. Latinos (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1103949.htm
…St. Francis’ crisis of faith (Commonweal):
http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/suffering-saint
…Pope Benedict’s theological vision (The Liguorian):
http://www.liguorian.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=399:the-vision-of-pope-benedict-xvi&catid=15:cover-stories&Itemid=68

LISTEN TO...
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1349

DISCOVER…
…the Vatican’s new website for migrants (Vatican):
http://www.pcmigrants.org/

CONSIDER...
…social media’s role in the Church (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops):

http://usccbmedia.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2011-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-05%3A00&updated-max=2012-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-05%3A00&max-results=50
…what the Church learned from Steve Jobs (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1103948.htm
…the impact of budget cuts on black Americans (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=13073
…what’s wrong with health care (Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good):
http://www.catholicsinalliance.org/cgf10511furey.php

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT...
…raising just children (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=13075
...when Catholics couldn't eat hot dogs on Friday (Catholic Digest):

http://www.catholicdigest.com/articles/newsletter/no_sub_ministry/2011/10-06/the-lady-and-the-hot-dog
…the Camino de Santiago, called “the Way” (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/features/the-way-a-pilgrimage-worth-taking

THINK MORE ABOUT...
…deciding who’s a “real” Catholic? (Our Sunday Visitor):
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/8535/Who-are-the-real-Catholics.aspx
...U.S. bishops stick to their principles on Faithful Citizenship (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/distinctly-catholic/faithful-citizenship-update
…Pope Benedict’s understanding of the natural law (Ilsussidiario):
http://www.ilsussidiario.net/News/English-Spoken-Here/Culture-Religion-Science/2011/9/27/POPE-Finnis-Notre-Dame-Reason-will-get-us-out-of-this-bunker/209879/
…how families make a difference (Crisis):
http://www.crisismagazine.com/2011/the-familys-not-so-secret-strength

READ…
…Pope Benedict’s catechesis on Psalm 23 (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33601?l=english
…an interview with the secretary of the Pontifical Council for Christian unity (Zenit)
http://www.zenit.org/article-33585?l=english

WORTH QUOTING...
"For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: ‘If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?’ ... Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important."
-- Apple founder Steve Jobs, in a commencement address at Standford University in 2005, online at:
http://globalpublicsquare.blogs.cnn.com/2011/10/09/steve-jobs-2005-stanford-commencement-address/

•   •   •

Online This Week
October 2, 2011

OBSERVERespect Life Month
...the U.S. Bishops' statement for Respect Life Month (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33542?l=english
…what the Church teaches about abortion (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops):
http://www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/respect-life-program/2011/upload/life-matters-abortion-bulletin-insert.pdf
…how the Church’s teaching on the death penalty has evolved (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1103884.htm
…Catholics and the death penalty (CARA):
http://nineteensixty-four.blogspot.com/2011/09/pro-life-america-is-this-spaghetti.html
…the Mother of the Unborn (The Catholic Thing):
http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/mother-of-the-unborn.html

VIEW…
…a interview with Boston’s Cardinal O’Malley (Salt & Light Television):
http://saltandlighttv.org/witness/cardinal-sean-omalley.php
…Fr. Stephen Bevan’s discussion of what it means to be Catholic (Catholic Theological Union):
http://learn.ctu.edu/content/reaching-fidelity-what-it-means-be-catholic-today-0
...Fr. John Shea's reflection on angels (U.S. Catholic):
http://www.uscatholic.org/church/2011/09/angels-we-have-heard-low
…Br. David Steindl-Rast and Fr. Thomas Keating on the relevance of the Church (Gratefulness):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7bwqTY0fCw

REFLECT ON…
…Sunday’s Gospel—Faithful Servants, Rejected Stones (Catholics on Call):}
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/faithful-servants-rejected-stones
…the terrible beauty of the cross (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=1&entry_id=4611
…what counts on the inside (Friar Jack)
http://www.americancatholic.org/e-News/FriarJack/newlayout.asp?id=70
…being present to the present moment (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/features/what-works-54-cultivating-presence
…befriending life’s interruptions (Loyola Press):
http://deepeningfriendship.loyolapress.com/2011/09/28/a-life-interrupted-part-2/

LEARN MORE ABOUT…
…what every Catholic needs to know about funerals (Our Sunday Visitor):
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/8496/What-Every-Catholic-needs-to-know-about-funerals.aspx
…our respect for animals (St. Anthony Messenger):
http://www.americancatholic.org/samo/Feature.aspx?articleid=53&IssueID=29
…how to think and talk about the devil and evil (Commonweal):

http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/powers-principalities

…Jesus after the resurrection (Thinking Faith):
http://thinkingfaith.org/articles/20110929_1.htm
…a Catholic guide to faith and politics (National Catholic Register):
http://www.ncregister.com/site/article/a-catholic-vision-for-faith-and-politics/

EXPRESS YOUR OPINION...
...on how “friendly” the Mass should be (U.S. Catholic):
http://www.uscatholic.org/insiders

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1348

DISCOVER…
…ten things you should know about the new Roman Missal (U.S. Conference of Bishops
http://usccbmedia.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2011-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-05%3A00&updated-max=2012-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-05%3A00&max-results=50
…four traditions of Catholic spirituality (Boston College Magazine):
http://bcm.bc.edu/issues/summer_2011/c21_notes/guideposts.html
...Living Faith, a daily devotional based on the readings from Mass, for Nook or Kindle (Creative Communications):
http://www.livingfaith.com/index.php?k=201109b9&utm_source=CCPcatholic092711&utm_medium=email&utm_
content=eBOOKLF&utm_campaign=201109b9

CONSIDER...
...the "poetry" of the new Roman Missal (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33562?l=english
...the Vatican's support for a two-state solution in Palestine (Catholic News Agency):
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vatican-supports-two-state-solution-in-palestine-israel-conflict/
…George Weigel on Pope Benedict and the future of the West (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/civilization/cc0398.htm
…Linda Chavez on what we could learn from Ronald Reagan about immigration (Crisis Magazine):
http://www.crisismagazine.com/2011/gop-can-learn-from-reagan-on-immigration
…Fr. Giovanni Franzoni on the betrayal of Vatican II (Association of Catholic Priests):
http://www.associationofcatholicpriests.ie/2011/09/vatican-ii-lost-and-betrayed-giovanni-franzoni/

THINK MORE ABOUT…
...how higher education affects a person's faith (Faith & Leadership):
http://www.faithandleadership.com/features/articles/david-briggs-the-effect-faith-being-smarter-fifth-grader?page=full&print=true
...the Catholic Worker (U.S. Catholic):
http://www.uscatholic.org/culture/social-justice/2011/09/house-work-catholic-worker-houses-today
…Catholic values and The Jersey Shore (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/features/life-at-%E2%80%9Cthe-jersey-shore%E2%80%9D
...the liturgical season called autumn (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/bulletins-human-side/liturgical-season-autumn

READ...
...Pope Benedict's reflection on his recent trip to Germany (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33553?l=english
…John Allen’s analysis of the Pope’s visit to Germany (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/all-things-catholic/three-things-we-learned-benedicts-germany-trip
…a review of the first English edition of Congar’s True and False Reform in the Church
(The Tablet):
http://www.thetablet.co.uk/issue/1000278/booksandart

WORTH QUOTING...
"By following Jesus’ new Commandment of unselfish love, our lives can be richly fulfilling, and marked by joy and peace. In contrast, treating others as either means or obstacles to one’s self-serving goals, while never learning to love generously, is an impoverished way to live.  Viewing life as a 'zero sum' game, in which advancing one’s interests requires putting aside the needs of others, can lead to callous unconcern for anyone who is especially weak, defenseless, and in need of our help. The unborn child, the aging parent who some call a 'burden' on our medical system, the allegedly 'excess' embryo in the fertility clinic, the person with a disability, the cognitively impaired accident victim who needs assistance in receiving food and water to live—each today is at risk of being dismissed as a 'life unworthy of life.'"
-- Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, in the U.S. Bishops' Annual Statement for Respect Life Sunday, online at:
http://www.zenit.org/article-33542?l=english

"Coadjutors are very intent
Lest their bishops whose lives are far spent
In a moment neurotic
Take an antibiotic
Without their advice or consent."

-- From a series of Vatican limericks posted by Fr. Joseph Komanchak on his blog at:
http://jakomonchak.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/limericks-and-humor.pdf

•   •   •

Online This Week
September 25, 2011

VIEW…
…how churches are responding to Alabama’s tough immigration law (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly):
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/september-23-2011/alabama-immigration-law/9579/
…Fr. Robert Imbelli’s discussion of the Catholic intellectual tradition (Church21 webcast):
http://www.bc.edu/church21/webcast.html
…drawing the line on porn (Salt & Light Television/Viewer Discretion Advised):
http://saltandlighttv.org/perspectives/impurity.php

REFLECT ON…
…this week’s Gospel—talking the talk (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/talking-talk-walking-walk
…how Catholics are called to be sent (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/eucharist-and-life-part-6
…the mystery of grace (The Word Among Us):
http://wau.org/archives/article/exploring_the_mystery_of_grace/
…the role of angels as messengers of God (Our Sunday Visitor):
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/8452/Angels-Messengers-from-Heaven.aspx

LEARN MORE ABOUT…
…Christian parenting (Everyday Catholic):
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/EDC/preview.aspx?id=244
…one hundred years of Maryknoll (St. Anthony Messenger):
http://www.americancatholic.org/samo/Feature.aspx?articleid=52&IssueID=29
…why churches alone can’t meet the nation's social needs (CARA):
http://nineteensixty-four.blogspot.com/2011/09/could-parishes-fill-social-welfare-gap.html
…the universality of the natural law (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops):
http://usccb.org/about/doctrine/upload/intellectual-tasks-of-the-new-evangelization-smith.pdf

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):

http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1347
…author Mary Karr on her conversion to Catholicism (America Podcast):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/podcast/podcast-index.cfm?series_id=1287
…author Wendy Farley on reaching out to the marginalized (WJK Radio):
http://wjkradio.wjkbooks.com/2011/08/wjk-radio-31-wendy-farley-gathers-those-driven-away.html

PRAY…
…a prayer for difficult economic times (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops):
http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers/prayer-during-difficult-economic-times.cfm

DISCOVER…
…how to improve your prayer life (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re1080.htm
…the new television series, Catholicism (National Catholic Register):
http://www.ncregister.com/site/article%20/groundbreaking-series-on-catholicism-to-hit-pbs/
...how grace (and bourbon) shape our lives (First Things):
http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2011/09/walker-percy-bourbon-and-the-holy-ghost

CONSIDER…
…Sr. Mary Ann Walsh on the inconsistency of the death penality (U.S. Conference of
Catholic Bishops):
http://usccbmedia.blogspot.com/2011/09/inconsistency-of-death-penalty.html
…Tim Reidy on “God’s economy” (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=1&entry_id=4591
…Matthew Green on why Congress won’t address poverty (Institute for Policy Research and Catholic Studies):
http://ipr.cua.edu/blogs/post.cfm/poverty-rates-climb-and-congress-is-silent-why
…Susan Brooks Thistlewaite on “class warfare” and the Gospel (The Washington Post):
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-faith/post/its-not-class-warfare-its-christianity/2011/09/19/gIQAkoMxfK_blog.html
...Christian Smith on the rise of "whateverism" (Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christian-smith/religious-tolerance-karma-christ-whatever_b_965072.html

THINK MORE ABOUT…
…building peace in the post-9/11 world (America):}
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=13035
…the need for bridges, not walls (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33489?l=english
…a young person’s struggle with doubt (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/features/when-in-doubt-it%E2%80%99s-usually-a-lot-more-complicated-than-leaving-it-out

... the balance between subsidiarity and solidarity in Catholic Social Teaching (Catholic Moral Theology):
http://catholicmoraltheology.com/how-to-do-subsidiarity/

READ...
...Pope Benedict's reflection on the foundation of law (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33495?l=english
…Cardinal Piacenza on the vocations crisis (Zenit)
http://www.zenit.org/article-33476?l=english
…Archbishop Dolan on the need to preach about poverty (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops):
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/economic-justice-economy/letter-to-bishops-on-economic-situation.cfm
…an excerpt from Fr. James Martin’s Between Heaven and Mirth (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=13046
…Fr. Robert Barron on lessons from The Rise of the Planet of the Apes (Word on Fire):
http://www.wordonfire.org/Written-Word/articles-commentaries/September-2011/Rise-of-the-Planet-of-the-Apes-and-the-Dangers.aspx

WORTH QUOTING…
" Very often, people present mercy and justice as polar opposites, as things that temper one another or replace one another.  But the whole Catholic tradition insists that God’s mercy and justice are, in fact, the same thing.  God’s various attributes are not really 'various' at all.  It is simply the case that God’s love is perceived in different ways depending upon one’s vantage point.  It is from within this tradition that [Josef] Pieper can write that, in an unjust world, the just man cannot restrict himself to merely giving each his due.  An eye for eye makes the world blind."
-- Brett Salkeld on the Vox Nova blog at:
http://vox-nova.com/2011/09/23/the-limits-of-justice/#more-19398

•   •   •

Online This Week
September 18, 2011

REFLECT ON...
…Sunday’s Gospel—An Unfair Love (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/%E2%80%9Cunfair%E2%80%9D-love
…a walk through the Mass (Catholic Update):
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU.aspx
...the sound of God's voice (Ignatian Spirituality):
http://ignatianspirituality.com/10716/not-what-you-expect/?utm_campaign=e-magis-Sept-2011&utm_medium=email&utm_source=emagis&utm_content=not_what_you_expect&utm_term=
…life lessons from women in the Bible (Beliefnet):
http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christianity/Bible/Life-Lessons-from-Women-of-the-Bible.aspx
…how a new Catholic discovered Mary (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/features/buoyed-up-by-the-rosary
…what a difference a windmill makes (Catholic Relief Services):
http://www.crs.org/kenya/windmill-brings-life-to-kenyan-village/

LEARN MORE ABOUT…
…Revelation, Tradition and the Magisterium (The Catholic Thing):
http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/revelation-sacred-tradition-and-the-magisterium.html
…why we bless animals (Catholic Update):
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/preview.aspx?id=255
…natural family planning (For Your Marriage):
http://foryourmarriage.org/what-is-natural-family-planning/
…the relationship between church and state (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1103680.htm

GET INVOLVED…
…in the U.S. bishops’ “First Fridays for Food Security” (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops):
http://www.usccb.org/about/justice-peace-and-human-development/first-fridays-for-food-security.cfm

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1346
…how faith will make a difference in the 2012 election (Interfaith Voices):
http://interfaithradio.org/node/1789

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT...
...Catechetical Sunday, Sept. 18 (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops):
http://new.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/catechetical-ministry/catechetical-sunday/index.cfm
…the new evangelization (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=13033
…the connection between Franciscans and Muslims (St. Anthony Messenger):
http://www.americancatholic.org/samo/Feature.aspx?articleid=46&IssueID=28

CONSIDER…
…reflections on World Youth Day (First Things):
http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2011/09/world-youth-day-2011-insights-on-young-catholicism
…Carl Olson’s 10 books that make us human (The Imaginative Conservative):
http://www.imaginativeconservative.org/2011/09/books-that-make-us-human-carl-olson.html
…the “Parent’s Sleep Index” (National Catholic Register):
http://www.ncregister.com/blog/jennifer-fulwiler/the-parents-sleep-index-how-tired-do-you-feel

THINK MORE ABOUT…
…the paradox of the cross (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=1&entry_id=4578
…the dignity of the human person (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/philosophy/ph0058.htm
…what a difference privilege makes (Catholic Moral Theology):
http://catholicmoraltheology.com/privilege-inequality-hard-work-isnt-the-whole-story/
…college football and “touchdown Jesus” (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/features/college-football-a-new-religion
…the future of interfaith relations (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33463?l=english

READ…
…the text of Pope Benedict’s Wednesday catechesis on Psalm 22 (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33432?l=english
…the Pope’s address on charisms in the Church (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33449?l=english

WORTH QUOTING…
“So, how do you develop that sense of humor? First of all, by laughing at yourself. Catholics have a tendency to take themselves far too seriously, and to see Catholicism as something that is always and everywhere serious, even gloomy….  Reminding ourselves to laugh at our own foibles brings us down to earth, grounds us in our common humanity, and reminds us who’s in charge: God. As G.K. Chesterton said, ‘The angels can fly because they take themselves lightly.”’
-- Fr. James Martin SJ in Our Sunday Visitor, online at:
 http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/8410/How-you-can-develop-a-Catholic-sense-of-humor.aspx

•   •   •

Online This Week
September 11, 2011

VIEW…
…the legacy of 9/11 (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly):
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/september-9-2011/911-then-and-now/9480/
…an artist’s reflection on the connection between art and grief (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/video/video-index.cfm?series_id=1283
…a Catholic Focus feature on
Caravaggio (Salt & Light Television):
http://saltandlighttv.org/catholicfocus/caravaggio.php

REFLECT ON…
…this week’s Gospel—Forgiveness from the Heart (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/forgiveness-heart
…Blessed John Paul II’s reaction to 9/11 (National Catholic Register):
http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/john-paul-iis-reaction-to-9-11/
…the “Cosmic Christ” (Fr. Ron Rolheiser):
http://www.ronrolheiser.com/columnarchive/?id=672
…why what we do matters (Word on Fire):
http://www.wordonfire.org/Written-Word/articles-commentaries/August-2011/The-Acts-We-Perform;-the-People-We-Become.aspx

LEARN MORE ABOUT...
...Fr. Mychal Judge, the first official casualty of 9/11 (The Tablet):
http://www.thetablet.co.uk/article/161694
…what the Church believes about brain death (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/medical_ethics/me0173.htm
...why traditionalists won't accept Vatican II (Vatican Insider):
http://vaticaninsider.lastampa.it/en/homepage/world-news/detail/articolo/fellay-vaticano-vatican-lefevbriani-7767/
…what we mean when we talk about “social justice” (Catholic World Report):
http://www.catholicworldreport.com/Item/899/only_part_of_the_story.aspx

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1345
…a discussion of The Blood of the Lamb (America Podcast):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/podcast/podcast-index.cfm?series_id=1282

CONSIDER...
…what kind of man was Jesus? (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=1&entry_id=4552
...why applauding the death penalty is not Christian (Patheos):
http://ht.ly/6pRrb
…what happened to the “Catholic moment” (The Catholic Thing):
http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/the-anti-catholic-moment.html
…why torture is always wrong (Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good)
http://www.catholicsinalliance.org/cgf9711vonbehren.php
…high praise for the author of “functional equivalence” (Osservatore Romano):
http://www.osservatoreromano.va/portal/dt?JSPTabContainer.setSelected=JSPTabContainer%2FDetail&last=false=&path=/news/editoriali/2011/201q11-Un-nuovo-Girolamo.html&title=A%20new%20Jerome&locale=en

FIND OUT MORE…
…about young Catholics and the new media (CARA):
http://nineteensixty-four.blogspot.com/2011/09/new-catholics-new-media-more-bread-and.html
…why relics are important (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1103566.htm
…why it’s so hard to understand Who God Is (Catholica):
http://www.catholica.com.au/gc0/pd/005_pd_030911.php
…religion in public life, ten years after 9/11 (Thinking Catholic):
http://thinkingfaith.org/articles/20110909_1.htm

THINK MORE ABOUT…
…the difference between beatitudes and platitudes (American Catholic):
http://blog.americancatholic.org/2011/09/07/beatitudes-not-platitudes/
…the connection between wealth and holiness (Catholic Moral Theology):
http://catholicmoraltheology.com/the-overwhelming-desire-to-connect-wealth-and-holiness-primordial-social-sin/
… how we talk about sex (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/blogs/rethinking-sex
…reviving an appreciation for the gothic (The Way of Beauty):
http://thewayofbeauty.org/2011/08/how-do-we-revive-the-gothic/

READ...
…the U.S. Bishops’ statement for 9/11 (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops):
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/september-11/9-11-tenth-anniversary-statement.cfm
…Cardinal Taurin’s message for the close of Ramadan (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33228?l=english
...Archbishop Chaput's homily at his installation in Philadelphia (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33400?l=english

WORTH QUOTING…
"In suffering, in danger, in the bitterness of misunderstanding and offense, the psalmist's words open our hearts to the comforting certainty of faith. God is always near -- even in difficulties, in problems, in the darkness of life -- He listens, He responds and He saves according to His ways. But we need to know how to recognize His presence and to accept His ways, like David in his crushing escape from Absalom his son; like the just man who is persecuted in the Book of Wisdom; and finally and fully, like the Lord Jesus on Golgotha. And, when to the eyes of the impious, God seems not to intervene and the Son dies, precisely then are true glory and salvation's definitive realization manifested to all who believe."
-- Pope Benedict XVI, in a commentary on Psalm 3, Sept. 7, 2011, online at:
 http://www.zenit.org/article-33377?l=english

•   •   •

Online This Week
September 4, 2011

VIEW…
…Fr. James Martin’s video tour of 9/11 (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/video/video-index.cfm?series_id=1096
…a photo meditation on 9/11 (Maryknoll Magazine):
http://www.maryknollmagazine.org/index.php/photo-essay?gid=28
…an interview with Scott Applebee on interfaith relations since 9/11 (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly):
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/september-2-2011/scott-appleby-extended-interview/9411/

REFLECT ON…
…Sunday’s Gospel—God’s Law of Love (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/gods-law-love
…the communal nature of forgiveness (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33316?l=english
…a prayer for Labor Day (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/features/in-difficult-times-2
…Bruce Springsteen’s The Rising (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=12994
…how the Mass changes us (National Catholic Register):
http://www.ncregister.com/site/article%20/mass-changes-us/

LEARN MORE ABOUT...
...why the Creed doesn't mention transubstantiation (U.S. Catholic):
http://www.uscatholic.org/church/2011/07/why-there-no-mention-transubstantiation-creed
…how Catholics understand the Bible (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=13002
…the history behind the new Roman Missal (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1103487.htm
…St. Augustine’s legacy (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/catholic_stories/cs0524.htm

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1344
…the need to shape technology to human purposes (Krista Tippett on Being):
http://being.publicradio.org/programs/2011/ccp-turkle/

REGISTER FOR…
…a four-week online course, “What Makes Us Catholic (I) (Boston College C-21):
http://www.bc.edu/schools/stm/c21online/courses/whatmakes-catholicpt1.html

CONSIDER...
...a litmus test for the common good (Ethics Daily):
http://www.ethicsdaily.com/four-political-litmus-tests-for-the-common-good-cms-18448
...who pays the most for the debt deal (Jesuit Social Research Institute):
http://www.loyno.edu/jsri/debt-deal-heaps-heavier-burdens-most-vulnerable-americans
…what’s wrong with agreeing to disagree (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=1&entry_id=4536
…new way to describe our differences in the Church (Daily Theology):
http://dailytheology.wordpress.com/2011/08/28/sectarianism-and-relativism-the-challenge-of-common-ground-today/
…what’s happened to “the commons” (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/news/justice/tough-times-remember-values-commons

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT...
...the "retro" trend among 20-something Catholics (U.S. Catholic):
http://www.uscatholic.org/life/2011/08/retro-actives-religious-practices-millennial-catholics
…how to forgive an affair (Beliefnet)
http://www.beliefnet.com/Love-Family/Relationships/Galleries/How-to-Forgive-After-an-Affair.aspx
…making moral investments (The Liguorian):
http://www.liguorian.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=398:responsible-investing&catid=15:cover-stories&Itemid=68

THINK ABOUT…
…what Catholics should know about Muslims (St. Anthony Messenger):
http://www.americancatholic.org/samo/Feature.aspx?articleid=44&IssueID=28
…how priests responded on 9/11 (USCCB):
http://usccbmedia.blogspot.com/2011/09/churchs-noblest-at-ground-zero.html
...the “sacred fire” that fuels life (Fr. Ronald Rolheiser):
http://www.ronrolheiser.com/columnarchive/?id=669
…the downside of Facebook (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/features/facebook-i-need-to-see-other-people

READ...
…Pope Benedict’s comments on the beauty as a way to God (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33326?l=english
…and the beauty of music (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33330?l=english
...Pope's homily at the closing of World Youth Day (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33252?l=english
…the U.S. bishops’ letter to the Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/economic-justice-economy/upload/letter-to-supercommittee-budget-deficit-2011-08-31.pdf
…Fr. Michael Ryan’s article, “Time to Say ‘Yes’” (The Tablet):
http://www.thetablet.co.uk/article/161662

…an interview with Fr. Richard Rohr on his book, Falling Upward (Evolutionary Christianity
http://evolutionarychristianity.com/blog/general/richard-rohr-falling-upward-a-spirituality-for-the-two-halves-of-life/

WORTH QUOTING...
"In a climate of widespread secularism, the shrine continues to be, even to our day, a privileged place in which the human person, a pilgrim here on earth, experiences the loving and saving presence of God. He finds there a fruitful space, away from daily distractions, where he can recollect himself, gather his thoughts and reacquire the spiritual health to re-embark upon the journey of faith with greater ardour. It is there too that he can find space to seek, find and love Christ in his ordinary life, in the midst of the world."
-- Congregation for the Clergy in an August 15 letter to the rectors of shrines, online at:
http://www.zenit.org/article-33264?l=english

•   •   •

Online This Week
August 28, 2011

VIEW…
…a video presentation of Sunday’s Gospel (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/50-Gospel/224450105-gospel-for-sunday-august-28-2011.html
…Fr. Robert Barron’s commentary on World Youth Day (Word on Fire):
http://www.wordonfire.org/WOF-TV/Commentaries-New/Fr-Barron-comments-on-World-Youth-Day.aspx
…a discussion of the ethics of drones (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly)
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/august-26-2011/the-ethics-of-drones/9350/

REFLECT ON…
…Sunday’s Gospel—Offer, Suffer, Live (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/offer-suffer-live
…three perspectives on 9/11 ten years later (St. Anthony Messenger):
http://www.americancatholic.org/samo/Feature.aspx?articleid=47&IssueID=28
…learning to wait patiently (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/features/what-works-52-waiting-patiently
…how to sustain a regular prayer life (Fr. Ronald Rolheiser):
http://www.ronrolheiser.com/columnarchive/?id=666

LEARN MORE ABOUT…
…the meaning of the Mass (Catholic Update):
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/preview.aspx?id=254
…what the Church teaches about abortion (US Conference of Catholic Bishops):
http://www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/respect-life-program/2011/upload/life-matters-abortion-bulletin-insert.pdf
…ambiguities about how we understand Scripture (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=1&entry_id=4516
…ten things to know about Islam (St. Anthony Messenger):
http://www.americancatholic.org/samo/Feature.aspx?articleid=44&IssueID=28

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1343
…a discussion of 9/11 by a historian and a priest (America Podcast):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/podcast/podcast-index.cfm?series_id=1279

DISCOVER...
…resources for Respect Life Month (US Conference of Catholic Bishops):
http://www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/respect-life-program/2011/2011-respect-life-program-pamphlets.cfm
…resources about Mother Teresa (American Catholic):}
http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/default.aspx?id=19
…a new online source for Catholic Worker news (Catholic Worker Journal):
http://www.catholicworkerjournal.com/

CONSIDER…
…Meghan Clark on the criminalization of poverty (Catholic Moral Theology):
http://catholicmoraltheology.com/american-scandal-disgrace-the-criminalization-of-poverty/
…a young pilgrim’s conclusions about World Youth Day (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/video/world-youth-day-wrap-up
…Jose Alvia on a summer of  “ideological downgrades” (MercatorNet):
http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/the_summer_of_ideological_downgrades/

FIND OUT MORE…
… faith and doubt (Explore Faith):
http://www.explorefaith.org/faith/explore_your_journey/index.php
… growing interest in Mary’s role in faith (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1103343.htm
… what Catholics believe about stewardship (Our Sunday Visitor):
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/8307/Caretakers-of-Gods-gifts.aspx

READ…
…the U.S. Bishops’ annual Labor Day Message (Zenit):
http://www.usccb.org/about/domestic-social-development/upload/Labor-Day-2011.pdf
…Pope Benedict’s speeches, messages and homilies at World Youth Day (Vatican):
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/travels/2011/index_madrid_en.htm

...Robert Ellsberg's memories of Dorothy Day (Huffington Post):
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-ellsberg/dorothy-day_b_904964.html
…a review of All the Way to Heaven—Selected Letters of Dorothy Day (Catholic Worker Journal):
http://catholicworkerreviews.blogspot.com/2011/08/day-by-day.html

WORTH QUOTING...
“This is an important, difficult, grace-filled moment.  From my perspective, Catholics need to engage and acknowledge this new Missal in all of its “terrible beauty” (to quote the Irish Poet Yeates).  If we are honest and open, this new translation can help us be more actively engaged in the liturgy of the church, and maybe more actively engaged in the ongoing reform of the church’s liturgy. Perhaps this is also a time in which all of us, no matter what our faith tradition may be, can be more aware of the words we use during our rituals – especially those that are very familiar – so that these words take on a deeper and richer meaning for us.”
-- Fr. Edward Foley Capuchin, online at:
http://learn.ctu.edu/content/and-your-spirit-new-english-translation-roman-missal

•   •   •

Online This Week
August 21, 2011

FOCUS ON…World Youth Day
…scenes from the Way of the Cross at the World Youth Day in Madrid (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/192-JMJ2011/224450048-madrid-wyd-2011-friday-august-19.html
…many unforgettable moments (Huffington Post):
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-rossmann-sj/world-youth-day-unforgettable-moments_b_930135.html
…reports from Rachel Howell (National Catholic Register):
http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/day-5-in-madrid-the-way-of-the-cross-and-a-blessing-by-the-pope/
…news from the Love and Life Center (Knights of Columbus):
http://www.wydenglishsite.org/wyd/news/index.html
…World Youth Day in perspective (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/all-things-catholic/big-picture-world-youth-day-it%E2%80%99s-evangelicals-stupid
…the Pope’s news conference enroute to WYD (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33219?l=english
…texts of Pope Benedict’s addresses (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/moredocs-0?l=english
…continuing coverage (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/wyd/
…World Youth Day Central
http://wydcentral.org/

VIEW...
…a video presentation of this week’s Gospel (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/50-Gospel/224450060-gospel-for-sunday-august-21-2011.html
...the Pontifical Council for Social Communication's "Living World Faces" webpage for youth (Pope2You):
http://www.pope2you.net/livingworldfaces/

REFLECT ON…
…this week’s Gospel—Who Do You Say That You Are? (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/who-do-you-say-you-are

…a volunteer’s lesson in love (St. Anthony Messenger):
http://www.americancatholic.org/samo/Feature.aspx?articleid=41&IssueID=27
…the life of Somalian refugees in East Africa (Catholic Relief Service):
http://www.crs.org/kenya/interactive.cfm

LEARN MORE ABOUT...
…the Catholic Church in Spain (CARA):
http://nineteensixty-four.blogspot.com/2011/08/catholicism-in-spain.html
...the central focus of the Mass (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33194?l=english
...environmental issues related to dying (U.S. Catholic):
http://www.uscatholic.org/greenburials

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT...
YouCat, the new youth catechism (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/features/youcat-a-compelling-new-way-of-approaching-the-catechism
...a new assessment process for Church leaders (Faith & Leadership):
http://www.faithandleadership.com/features/articles/leadership-360?page=0,0&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=headline&utm_campaign=FL_topstory

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1342
…author James Carroll on Jewish guilt for Jesus’ death (Interfaith Radio):
http://interfaithradio.org/node/1766
…Frances Kissling on bridging the divide between life and choice (Krista Tippet on Being):
http://being.publicradio.org/programs/2011/ccp-kissling/

DISCOVER...
Give Us This Day, new daily prayer book discount code
TDPTB (The Liturgical Press):
http://emarketing.litpress.org/public/vwS0/Fgk/subscribe?utm_source=PrayTell&utm_medium=Post&utm_campaign=Give%2BUs%2BThis%2BDay
...articles about the new Roman Missal by Joe Paprocki (Loyola Press):
http://www.loyolapress.com/articles-about-the-roman-missal-changes.htm
…the Spanish shrine, Santiago-de-Compostela (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/blogs/santiago-de-compostela-2

REGISTER FOR...
...Joe Paprocki's free webinars, "Getting Started As a Catechist" (Loyola Press):
http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/

CONSIDER…
…the relationship between the Church and money (Catholic World Report):
http://www.catholicworldreport.com/Item/896/the_church_and_capitalism.aspx
…why sexual wisdom is more important than sexual information (The Integrated Catholic Life):
http://www.integratedcatholiclife.org/2011/08/buonafede-the-philosophy-of-sex/
…Margaret Steinfels on President Obama’s gamble (Commonweal):
http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/obama-gamble
…Bryan Wandel on Christian neurosis (First Things):
http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2011/08/the-christian-neurotic

THINK MORE ABOUT…
…Christian anthropology and the sexual revolution (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/philosophy/ph0033.htm
…what’s happening to marriage in the United States (MercatorNet):
http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/the_marriage_gap_thats_destroying_middle_america/
…the need for charity and respect in public discourse (Fr. Ron Rolheiser):
http://www.ronrolheiser.com/columnarchive/?id=665

READ...
...Pope Benedict's homily on the Assumption  (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33198?l=english
…the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue’s statement for the end of Ramadan (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33228?l=english
…Pope Benedict’s comments on suffering (National Catholic Register):
http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/pope-jesus-mary-and-the-saints-show-us-how-to-experience-suffering/
…the Pope’s remarks on the definition of a university (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33232?l=english
...an excerpt from Jean Corbin’s The Wellspring of Worship (Ignatius Insight):
http://www.ignatiusinsight.com/features2005/jcorbon_divinization_oct05.asp

WORTH QUOTING...
"We must be honest and admit that World Youth Days offer no panacea or quick fix to the problems of our times, nor to the challenges facing the Church today as we reach out to younger generations. Instead, these events offer a new lens through which we look at the Church and the world, and build our common future. …  Addressing a visibly moved and aging Pope John Paul II, Cardinal Stafford said, 'Holy Father, as you walked in the 1960s to the [Second Vatican] Council' s sessions to express again the mystery of the always youthful Church, you experienced the embrace of these great colonnades many times.  …[T]hese youthful multitudes, now embraced by the arms of St. Peter also, are living witnesses to the council' s hope and to yours.'  In this way, the cardinal beautifully expressed the mission and purpose of World Youth Days, which are a snapshot of the joy, hope and unity to which the Church is called."
-- Fr. Thomas Rosica CSB in a commentary on World Youth Day,  online at:
http://www.zenit.org/article-33208?l=englis

•   •   •

Online This Week
August 14, 2011

FOCUS ON…World Youth Day
…World Youth Day in 2 Minutes (BustedHalo Video):
http://bustedhalo.com/video/world-youth-day-in-two-minutes
…preview of what’s coming up (National Catholic Register):
http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/madrid-preps-for-world-youth-day1/
…profile of the average participant (WYD):
http://www.madrid11.com/en/noticias/1546-joven-de-la-jmj
…youth just want to be heard (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1103210.htm
…Madrid’s Catholic heritage (National Catholic Register):
http://www.ncregister.com/site/article/catholic-madrid-will-awe-world-youth-day-pilgrims/
…take a “virtual pilgrimage” to Madrid (USCCB):
http://www.facebook.com/VirtualWorldYouthDay
…relive moments from previous Youth Days (Salt & Light Television):
http://wydcentral.org/all-world-youth-days
…live coverage from Madrid (EWTN):
http://www.ewtn.com/wyd2011/
…more coverage (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/wyd/

VIEW…
…a firsthand account of the famine in East Africa (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly):
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/august-12-2011/africa-famine-firsthand-report/9290/

REFLECT ON...
…Sunday’s Gospel—Mercy without boundaries (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/mercy-without-boundaries

...the clutter and chaos of family life (Catholic Digest):
http://www.catholicdigest.com/articles/family/family/2011/08-02/momrsquos-kitchen
…the witness of Blessed Franz Jägerstätter (Walk the Way):
http://walktheway.wordpress.com/2011/08/09/what-can-one-person-do/
…reading the Psalms through the eyes of the homeless (Huffington Post):
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-peter-m-wallace/cries-in-the-street-liste_b_921038.html

LEARN MORE ABOUT…
…the connection between Eucharist and life (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/eucharist-and-life-part-1
…what St. Francis teaches us about religious differences (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=2&entry_id=4484
…latest trends in lay ministry (CARA):
http://nineteensixty-four.blogspot.com/2011/08/who-will-be-behind-parish-door-number.html
…why Christian anthropology makes a difference (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/philosophy/ph0032.htm
…the Church as communion (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/essays-theology/vatican-ii-themes-church-communion

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio)
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1341
…a healing prayer (ExploreFaith):
http://www.explorefaith.org/prayer/prayer/guided_prayer/healing_prayer.php

DISCOVER...
...the St. Francis Pledge to care for creation and the poor (Catholic Climate Covenant):
http://catholicclimatecovenant.org/the-st-francis-pledge/
…the KC’s Lady of Guadelupe Prayer Program (Knights of Columbus):
http://www.kofc.org/un/en/service/church/marian/index.html
…a 40-day e-course, “Practicing Spirituality with Richard Rohr” (Spirituality & Practice):
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/ecourses/ecourses.php?id=112&key=spws
...IBreviary, an app with morning, evening and night prayers (Cult of Mac):
http://www.cultofmac.com/ibreviary-prayers-for-iphone-ipod-touch/4936

CONSIDER…
…author Matthew Kelly on faith and fatherhood (St. Anthony Messenger Press):
http://www.americancatholic.org/samo/Feature.aspx?articleid=38&IssueID=27
…what we can learn about reading Scripture from John Martens’ wife (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=1&entry_id=4460
…George Marlin on the never-ending culture war (The Catholic Thing):
http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/the-never-ending-culture-wars.html
…Stephen McKenna on why things are different now (Institute for Policy Research & Catholic Studies):
http://ipr.cua.edu/blogs/post.cfm/what-goes-ha-ha-ha-thump|
…Jeffrey Tucker on the benefits of a free market (Crisis):
http://www.crisismagazine.com/2011/cooperation-how-a-free-market-benefits-everyone
…G.K. Chesterton’s economic theory, distributism (The Distributist Review):
http://distributistreview.com/mag/2011/08/g-k-chestertons-distributism/

THINK MORE ABOUT…
…why it’s good to be Catholic (Everyday Catholic):
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/EDC/preview.aspx?id=243
…the food crisis in East Africa (Caritas):
http://www.caritas.org/activities/emergencies/food_crisis_in_east_africa.html
…the natural language of the body (MercatorNet):
http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/body_language/
…how we should dress for Mass (Our Sunday Visitor):
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/8280/Church-dress-codes-call-for-more-modesty-at-Mass.aspx

READ…
...analysis of the debt ceiling deal from the U.S. Conference of Bishops (USCCB):
http://new.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/economy/upload/Report-on-the-Debt-Ceiling-Debate-2011-08-03.pdf
…Archbishop Gomez’s address on immigration (Osservatore Romano):
http://www.osservatoreromano.va/portal/dt?JSPTabContainer.setSelected=JSPTabContainer%2FDetail&last=false=&path=/news/religione/2011/184q11-L-immigrazione-e-l-America-che-verr-.html&title=Immigration%20and%20the%20%E2%80%98Next%20America%E2%80%99%20perspectives%20from%20our%20history&locale=en
…the introduction to Vatican II and the Ecclesiology of Joseph Ratzinger (Ignatius Insight):
http://www.ignatiusinsight.com/features2008/mhheim_introjr_jan08.asp

WORTH QUOTING…
“The church is in dialogue with the world, which is loved by God.  So to set yourself a priori against the world as such is not consistent with the mission of the church….  The term is really used, I think, to say we’re against certain trends and tendencies in our culture or society, and in that sense, that’s always true. The gospel is a criticism of any society, so there are dimensions of our culture…which are not consistent with the gospel. But to criticize doesn’t mean that you’re ‘counter.’   It means that you criticize from within; it’s our culture, after all, and it’s a good culture—with some demonic tendencies, like all cultures."
-- Cardinal Francis George, in response to a question about the Church being "counter-cultural," online at:
http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/george

•   •   •

Online This Week
August 7, 2011

VIEW…
…Fr. Robert Barron on morality, character and relationships (Word on Fire):
http://www.wordonfire.org/WOF-TV/Commentaries-New/Fr-Barron-comments-on-Morality,-Character-and.aspx
…more on the anniversary of the King James Bible (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly):
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/by-topic/the-king-james-bible-%E2%80%9Cmasterpiece-by-committee%E2%80%9D/8673/

REFLECT ON…living the faith in the real world
…Mother Teresa’s dark night of the soul (Catholic Update):
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/preview.aspx?id=253
…the heart of Jesus’ teaching (Friar Jack):
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/preview.aspx?id=253
…the Gospel of Matthew (The Pastoral Review):

http://www.thepastoralreview.org/cgi-bin/archive_db.cgi?priestsppl-00186

…coping with chronic illness (Everyday Catholic):
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/EDC/preview.aspx?id=242
…exercising with St. Ignatius (BustedHalo):
http://bustedhalo.com/features/exercising-with-ignatius-part-1
…Stephen Colecchi’s pilgrimage to Hiroshima (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=12956

LEARN MORE ABOUT…what the Catholic Church believes and teaches
…the Sacrament of the Sick (USCCB Blog):
http://usccbmedia.blogspot.com/2011/07/not-just-emergency-sacrament_28.html
…how the liturgy has changed over the years (Catholic Digest):
http://www.catholicdigest.com/articles/newsletter/no_sub_ministry/2011/08-03/a-walk-down-liturgy-street
…the church as servant (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/essays-theology/vatican-ii-themes-church-servant
…how the sun and moon affect our prayer (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1103118.htm
…what difference heaven makes (Ignatius Insight):
http://insightscoop.typepad.com/2004/2011/08/what-difference-does-heaven-make-.html

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1340
…a review of Jennifer Haigh’s novel Faith (America Podcast):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/podcast/podcast-index.cfm?series_id=1274

DISCOVER…resources and opportunities for practicing the faith
…seven tips for spiritually healthy children (St. Anthony Messenger):
http://www.americancatholic.org/samo/Feature.aspx?articleid=40&IssueID=27
...why one Catholic family "adopted" Harry Potter (Catholic Digest):
http://www.catholicdigest.com/articles/food_fun/books/2007/07-01/why-my-family-adopted-harry-potter
…seven ways to stay inspired (Beliefnet):
http://www.beliefnet.com/Inspiration/Galleries/Seasonal/7-Ways-to-Stay-Inspired-This-Summer.aspx
…a new series on Benedictine spirituality for lay people (American Catholic):
http://blog.americancatholic.org/2011/08/04/benedictine-spirituality-from-a-lay-person-introduction-part-1-of-7/
…St. Anthony Messenger’s “Saint of the Day” phone app (American Catholic):
http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/iPhone-App/default.aspx?utm_content=Saint%20of%20the%20Day%20iPhone%20App&utm_medium=email&utm_term=site&utm_campaign=FJ7/27/2011&utm_source=imgLink

CONSIDER...various Catholic perspectives on contemporary issues
…Fr. Edward Foley on the new Roman Missal (Catholic Theological Union):
http://www.ctu.edu/word-ctu/article/and-your-spirit
…Loras College’s David Cochran on voter ID laws (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=12966
…Thomas Fox on the debt ceiling agreement (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/fairness-conspicuously-missing-deficit-reduction-legislation
...Mary Gail Frawley ODea's analysis of the John Jay Report on sexual abuse (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/news/accountability/john-jay-study-what-it-and-what-it-isnt
…George Weigel on the rise of “evangelical” bishops (National Review):
http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/272258/rise-evangelical-catholic-bishops-george-weigel

THINK MORE ABOUT…issues and challenges facing people of faith
…witnessing to faith in the workplace (Our Sunday Visitor):
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/8261/What-every-Catholic-needs-to-know-about-witnessing.aspx
…Catholic women on the margins (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=12951
…getting beyond the impasse over natural family planning (Catholic Moral Theology):
http://catholicmoraltheology.com/oooo-%E2%80%93-an-nfp-post%E2%80%A6-part-i/
…sending your freshman off to college (Busted Halo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/freshmansurvivalguide/online
…what a “grand theory” in physics will – and won’t – tell us (Thinking Faith):
http://thinkingfaith.org/articles/20110727_1.htm

READ...official and unofficial resources worth noting
…the Pope’s appeal for the starving in Africa (Osservatore Romano):
http://www.osservatoreromano.va/portal/dt?JSPTabContainer.setSelected=JSPTabContainer%2FDetail&last=false=&path=/news/vaticano/2011/176q11-No-all-indifferenza-davanti-agli-affamati.html&title=%27No%27%20to%20indifference%20%20to%20the%20starving&locale=en
…the U.S. bishops’ response to proposed foreign aid cuts (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/poverty/poverty-focused-assistance-letter-to-House-2011-07-29.pdf
…the U.S. bishops’ response to the Institute of Medicine’s recommendations on “preventive services” (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/religious-liberty/upload/respect-for-rights-of-conscience-act-cardinal-dinardo-letter-to-congress-hr1179-07-22-11.pdf
…Cardinal Burke’s address to the KC’s national convention (Knights of Columbus):
http://www.kofc.org/un/en/conv/2011/addresses/index.html
…a new study on “The Changing Face of U.S. Catholic Parishes” (Georgetown University):
www.emergingmodels.org

WORTH QUOTING...
"Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a field of wheat, to make us understand that within us is sown something small and hidden, which, nevertheless, has an unrestrainable vital force. Despite all the obstacles, the seed will develop and the fruit will mature....  Commenting on this parable, St. Augustine observed that 'many at first are weeds and then become good seed' and he added: 'if the former, when they were evil, were not endured with patience, they would not have attained the praiseworthy change.'"
-- Pope Benedict XVI in his Angeles message on July 17, online at:
http://www.zenit.org/article-33087?l=english

•   •   •

Online This Week
July 17, 2011

VIEW…
...a video presentation of Sunday's Gospel (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/50-Gospel/224449830-gospel-for-sunday-july-17-2011.html
…Fr. Robert Barron’s explanation of the Real Presence (Word on Fire):
http://www.wordonfire.org/WOF-TV/Commentaries-New/Fr-Barron-comments-on-the-Real-Presence-of-Christ.aspx

REFLECT ON…
…this week’s Gospel—The Field is the World (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/field-world
…the beatitudes which open us to God’s love (Friar Jack):
http://www.americancatholic.org/e-News/FriarJack/newlayout.asp?id=65
…how to prepare for an outrageous God (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=1&entry_id=4372
…being Catholic—active, lapsed or “collapsed” (US Conference of Bishops):
http://usccbmedia.blogspot.com/2011/07/catholic-by-any-other-name.html

LEARN MORE ABOUT…
…laughing with the saints (Catholic Update):
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/preview.aspx?id=251
…the language of beauty (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/arts/al0435.htm
…the drought in East Africa (Catholic Relief Services):
http://crs.org/kenya/east-africa-drought-fact-sheet/
…Catholic devotion to devotions (Georgetown Center for Liturgy):
http://www1.georgetown.edu/centers/liturgy/envisionchurch/liturgy/devotions/68070.html

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://usccbmedia.blogspot.com/2011/07/catholic-by-any-other-name.html
…Justin Martyr’s description of the Mass (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/features/description-mass-from-justin-martyr
…challenges facing Christians in the Holy Land (Catholic Church in England and Wales):
http://www.catholicchurch.org.uk/Catholic-Church/Media-Centre/Press-Releases/Press-Releases-2011/Special-podcast-discussing-the-plight-of-Christians-in-the-Holy-Land
…what autism taught these parents about being human (Krista Tippett on Being):
http://being.publicradio.org/programs/2011/autism-and-humanity/

DISCOVER…
…the best spiritual books of 2011 (so far) (Spirituality & Practice):
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/books/features.php?id=21324
…how ancient societies balanced individualism and community (Moral Landscapes):
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/moral-landscapes/201106/are-individualism-and-collectivism-compatible
…God’s human face (The Word Among Us):
http://wau.org/resources/article/re_god_has_a_human_face/

CONSIDER...
...David Haas' advice for the new Roman Missal (Ministry & Liturgy):
http://rpinet.com/ministry/3805f1.html
...radical individualism and the common good (U.S. Catholic):
http://www.uscatholic.org/culture/social-justice/2011/07/gospel-ayn-rand-whats-informing-budget-policy
…how Christian is Harry Potter? (BustedHalo)
http://www.bustedhalo.com/features/is-harry-potter-christian
…four myths about government spending (Commonweal):
http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/truth-deficit

THINK MORE ABOUT...
...justice or mercy in the Caylee Anthony case (EthicsDaily):
http://www.ethicsdaily.com/in-caylee-anthony-case-where-is-justice--cms-18214
…the importance of civic virtue (Catholic Moral Theology):
http://catholicmoraltheology.com/phillip-blond-and-christian-civic-virtue-thinking-beyond-left-and-right/
…why truth is sterile without image (The Catholic Thing):
http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/in-search-of-christian-humanism.html
…is the single life a vocation (Our Sunday Visitor):
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/8196/Is-the-unconsecrated-single-life-a-vocation.aspx

READ…
...Pope Benedict on Jesus' use of parables (Zenit)
http://www.zenit.org/article-33038?l=english
…a review of Life is Hard But God is Good (Catholic Books Review):
http://www.catholicbooksreview.org/2011/gonzalez.htm

WORTH QUOTING...
"Poverty, underdevelopment and hence, hunger, are often the result of egoistic behavior that, coming from man's heart, is manifested in social action, in economic exchanges, in the market conditions, in the lack of access to food, and is translated in the negation of the primary right of all persons to nourish themselves and, therefore, to be free from hunger. How can we be silent about the fact that even food has become an object of speculations or is linked to changes in a financial market that, deprived of certain laws and poor in moral principles, seems anchored only in the goal of profit? Food is a condition that concerns the fundamental right to life. To guarantee it means also to act directly and without delay on the factors that, in the agricultural sector, weigh negatively on the capacity to produce, the mechanisms of distribution and the international market."

-- Pope Benedict XVI, in an address to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization July 1, online at:
http://www.zenit.org/article-32993?l=english

•   •   •

Online This Week
July 10, 2011

VIEW…
…this week’s Vatican Report—patrons of art (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/54-Interviews/224449783-vatican-report-07-07.html
…stained glass images of faith in real life (Daily Theology):
http://dailytheology.wordpress.com/2011/07/05/re-imagining-in-stained-glass/
…John Allen on the Church 50 years from now (Salt & Light Television):
http://saltandlighttv.org/perspectives/the-future-church.php
…Fr. Robert Barron on why the Ascension matters (Word on Fire):
http://www.wordonfire.org/WOF-TV/Commentaries-New/Fr-Barron-comments-on-Why-the-Ascension-of-the.aspx

REFLECT ON…
…this week’s Gospel—Not yet, but already (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/%E2%80%9Cnot-yet%E2%80%9D-%E2%80%93-%E2%80%9Calready%E2%80%9D
…12 favorite prayers by Catholic saints (Beliefnet):
http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Prayer/2009/07/Prayers-of-the-Saints.aspx
…how to stop being afraid to show people you love them (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/blogs/scared-by-too-much-love
...when words fail us in prayer (Vox Nova):
http://vox-nova.com/2011/07/06/staining-the-silence/

LEARN MORE ABOUT...
...this fall's inter-religious gathering in Assisi (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33014?l=english
...the Vatican's position on nuclear weapons (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-33013?l=english
…the moral distinction between contraception and natural planning (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/medical_ethics/me0171.htm
…the Church’s role in Southern Sudan (Catholic Relief Services):
http://www.crs.org/sudan/church-for-the-people-in-southern-sudan/

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1336
…an interview with Nicholas Cafardi on “holy voting” (American podcast):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/podcast/podcast-index.cfm?series_id=1267

DISCOVER...
…how to take a “virtual pilgrimage” to World Youth Day in August (USCCB):
http://virtualworldyouthday.org/
...IgnatiusFest, a month-long celebration of Ignatian spirituality (E-Magis):
http://ignatianspirituality.com/wp-content/uploads/Seasonal/31Days-2011-is-com.pdf
...a resource for daily prayer and reflection (StayGreat):
http://www.staygreat.com/default.aspx
…your spiritual type (Explore Faith):
http://www.explorefaith.org/tools/my_spiritual_profile/index.php

CONSIDER...
…a Catholic mother’s concern about NFP (Crisis Magazine):
http://www.crisismagazine.com/2011/five-ways-i-dont-love-natural-family-planning
…a pastor’s perspective on parish liturgy (Liturgical Ministry):
http://centerforliturgy.georgetown.edu/parish%20liturgy.pdf
...Catholic social teaching and the current budget crisis (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/news/politics/catholic-social-teaching-vs-cult-individualism
...the debt ceiling debate as a morality play (God's Politics):
http://blog.sojo.net/2011/07/07/the-debt-ceiling-play-my-cliffsnotes-version/

THINK MORE ABOUT...
…the tension between “spirit” and “flesh” (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=1&entry_id=4359
...how the 60s changed the Church (U.S. Catholic):
http://www.uscatholic.org/church/2011/05/times-they-were-achanging-mark-massa-catholic-60s
…what’s wrong with the nation’s “wack-a-mole” immigration policy (USCCB):
http://usccbmedia.blogspot.com/2011/07/whac-mole-immigration-policy.html
…the hidden rules of poverty (Catholic Moral Theology):
http://catholicmoraltheology.com/uncovering-the-hidden-rules-of-poverty/

READ...
…Pope Benedict's address on faith, reason and truth (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32987?l=english
...an interview with Colleen McDannell, author of The Spirit of Vatican II--A History of Catholic Reform in America (Religion Dispatches):
http://www.religiondispatches.org/books/4728/beyond_the_miniskirt-wearing_nun%3A_what_catholic_reform_looks_like/
…Peter Phan’s review of Wake Up Lazarus! (Catholic Books Review):
http://www.catholicbooksreview.org/2011/hegy.htm
…what Catholics can do about marriage (Our Sunday Visitor):
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/8154/How-Catholics-can-support-institution-of-marriage.aspx

WORTH QUOTING...
"Not long ago I took my older daughter to a talk given by a nutritionist, sponsored by the local girls’ running group.  She said something that has stuck with me as I’ve been planning our meals: if you don’t get the food your body needs, you’ll crave the wrong things like sugar and salt and fat.  Eat right, she said, and the cravings will disappear....  In light of all this, I have approached the Solemnity of Corpus Christi with new eyes. The Eucharist is our food for eternal life.  I think of this not as something out there in the distant future, but rather as a way of living in the here and now.  Lacking this food, our spirit reaches out for wrong cravings: power and wealth and honors and all the rest.  With this food, we become more and more capable of living eternal life.  We become what we eat, though in the way opposite to eating.  Instead of the food becoming part of us, we become part of the Body of Christ.  We become what we eat."
-- Tim Muldoon on the dotMagis blog, at
http://ignatianspirituality.com/10154/you-are-what-you-eat/

•   •   •

Online This Week
July , 2011

VIEW…
…a visual presentation of Sunday’s Gospel (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/50-Gospel/224449725-gospel-of-sunday-3rd-july-2011.html
…this week’s Vatican Report –Time for Celebration (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/47-Events/224449707-vatican-report.html
…a report on new religious communities (Salt & Light):
http://saltandlighttv.org/perspectives/religious-communities.php
…Fr. Robert Barron on “one nation under God” (Word on Fire):
http://www.wordonfire.org/WOF-TV/Commentaries-New/Fr-Barron-comments-on-A-Nation-Under-God.aspx

REFLECT ON…
…this week’s Gospel—Come to Me (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/come-me-all-you-who-are-burned-out-and-exhausted
…the feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul (Beliefnet):
http://blog.beliefnet.com/catholicbychoice/2011/06/the-feast-of-the-apostles-peter-and-paul-and-an-adult-faith.html
…learning to listen along the sea shore (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re1074.htm
…Amanda Osheim’s essay on holy order(s) (Daily Theology):
http://dailytheology.wordpress.com/2011/06/21/holy-orders/

LEARN MORE ABOUT…
…Jesus’ extraordinary treatment of women (St. Anthony Messenger):
http://www.americancatholic.org/samo/Feature.aspx?articleid=33&IssueID=26
…Jerusalem’s Dome of the Rock (Beliefnet):
http://www.beliefnet.com/Inspiration/Galleries/dome-of-the-rock.aspx
…devotion to the Sacred Heart (Ignatius Insight):
http://www.ignatiusinsight.com/features2007/todonnell_sacredheart_jun07.asp
…getting more out of the Mass (Our Sunday Visitor):
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/8112/What-every-Catholic-needs-to-know-about-getting-mo.aspx
…new strategies for marriage preparation (National Catholic Register):
http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/marriage-preparation-2.0/

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1335
…a debate about the moral issues involved in the federal budget (Interfaith Voices):
http://interfaithradio.org/node/1713
…Jacob Needleman on what it takes to be a democracy (Krista Tippet on Being):
http://being.publicradio.org/programs/2011/inward-work-of-democracy/

DISCOVER…
…six key ideas about liturgy (EnvisionChurch):
http://www1.georgetown.edu/centers/liturgy/envisionchurch/liturgy/catechesis/28019.html
…what the Church teaches about immigration (Catholic Update):
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/preview.aspx?id=250
…the legacy of Catholic women’s colleges (Washington Monthly):
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/magazine/julyaugust_2011/features/the_trinity_sisters030380.php
…what Joseph teaches us about healing broken relationships (The Word Among Us):
http://wau.org/archives/article/healing_our_relationships/

CONSIDER…
…how to stop economic “madness” (Institute for Policy Research & Catholic Studies):
http://ipr.cua.edu/blogs/post.cfm/time-to-stop-the-economic-policy-madness
…the real issue about gay “marriage” (Catholic Moral Theology):
http://catholicmoraltheology.com/gay-marriage-whats-the-real-issue/
…what would constitute “Catholic farming” (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1102612.htm
…why we need to let be and let see (Patheos):
http://www.patheos.com/Resources/Additional-Resources/Resist-Change-Let-Be-and-Let-See.html

THINK MORE ABOUT…
…the Church in the digital age (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=12931
…the Supreme Court’s decision on violent video games (First Things):
http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2011/07/violent-video-games-and-the-rights-of-parents
…how our immigration system works (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/news/immigration-and-church/maddening-system-courtrooms-shelters
…the history and future of Vatican II (Huffington Post):
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/thomas-worcester/vatican-ii_b_886757.html

READ...
...Bishop Zavala's comments on new union election regulations (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/news/justice/victory-dignity-work
…the Canadian bishops’ instruction on ministry to people with same-sex attraction (CCCB):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/education/ed0464.htm
...a chapter from The Emergent Christ by Sr. Ilia Delio (Orbis Books):
http://www.maryknollsociety.org/images/pdf/emergentchristsample.pdf
…Richard Gula’s review of The Social Mission of the U.S. Catholic Church (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=12925

WORTH QUOTING...
"In a culture that is ever more individualistic -- like that in which Western societies are immersed and which is spreading throughout the world -- the Eucharist constitutes a kind of 'antidote,' which operates in the minds and hearts of believers and continually sows in them the logic of communion, of service, of sharing, in a word, the logic of the Gospel. The first Christians, in Jerusalem, were an evident sign of this new way of life because they lived in fraternity and held all of their goods in common so that no one should be indigent (cf. Acts 2:42-47). Where did all of this come from?  From the Eucharist, that is, the risen Christ, really present with his disciples and working with the power of the Holy Spirit."
-- Pope Benedict XVI, in his Angeles message for the Feast of Corpus Christi, online at:
http://www.zenit.org/article-32941?l=english

   •   •

Online This Week
June 26, 2011

VIEW…
…a video presentation of Sunday’s Gospel (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/50-Gospel/224449607-gospel-of-sunday-26th-june-2011.html
…this week’s Vatican Report—Vatican diplomacy (H20News):
http://www1.georgetown.edu/centers/liturgy/envisionchurch/158549.html
…a “video pilgrimage” to the shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=2&entry_id=4335
…faith in action on South Dakota’s Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/video/faithworks.shtml#winds
…an interview with Cardinal Wuerl on the new evangelization (Salt & Light):
http://saltandlighttv.org/witness/cardinal-donald-wuerl.php

REFLECT ON…
…this week’s Gospel—Come to the Feast (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/come-feast
…the feast of Corpus Christi (First Things):
http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2011/06/larkinrsquos-heavenly-body
…how to rid the world of evil (American Catholic):
http://blog.americancatholic.org/2011/06/24/how-do-we-rid-the-world-of-evil/
…the spiritual value of physical activity (St. Anthony Messenger):
http://www.americancatholic.org/samo/Feature.aspx?articleid=35&IssueID=26

LEARN MORE ABOUT...
…the state of Catholic schools in the U.S. (Catholic World Report):
http://www.catholicworldreport.com/Item/795/the_state_of_catholic_schools_in_the_us.aspx
...world day to pray for priests July 1 (World Priest Day):
http://www.worldpriestday.com/
...Pope Benedict's prayer for priests (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32923?l=english
…a growing trend of homeless families (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1102537.htm

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2011/11-130.shtml
…a Catholic explanation of salvation (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/videoandaudio/286-how-do-i-explain-a-catholic-view-of-salvation-to-a-lutheran

TAKE ACTION…
…to stop expansion of electronic-verification of U.S. workers (Justice for Immigrants):
http://www.justiceforimmigrants.org/index.shtml

DISCOVER…
...the Vatican's Matisse collection (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32920?l=english
…seven keys to marriage (Catholic Update):
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/preview.aspx?id=239
…five good books about the Mass (Our Sunday Visitor):
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/8051/Delving-into-the-Mass-books-about-its-history-and.aspx
…how rice farmers in Madagascar are revolutionizing rice production (Catholic Relief Services):
http://www.crs.org/madagascar/madagascar-rice-same-fields-bigger-yields/

CONSIDER...
…how Catholics can disagree on the government’s role (The Tidings):
http://www.the-tidings.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1397:californias-budget-and-the-common-good&catid=101:viewpoints&Itemid=389
…why we need to adjust our expectations about the liturgy (Notre Dame Center for Liturgy)
http://blogs.nd.edu/oblation/2011/06/08/adjusting-expectations-ressourcement-and-the-renewal-of-the-liturgy/
...the Founding Fathers and the Common Good (Catholic in Alliance for the Common Good):
http://catholicsinalliance.org/cgf062211rotondaro.php
…how the John Jay report on sex abuse is being misread (The Crime Report):
http://www.thecrimereport.org/news/inside-criminal-justice/2011-06-the-report-on-us-catholic-priests-sex-abuse-what-the

THINK MORE ABOUT...
...the continuing debate over Vatican II (Chiesa):
http://chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/articolo/1348361?eng=y
…Flannery O’Connor’s “ontological splendor” (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.thinkandactanew.org/think-and-act-anew/2011/05/tools-for-fashioning-the-future.html
...a theological perspective on the business of business (Faith & Leadership):
http://www.faithandleadership.com/multimedia/jeffrey-van-duzer-another-way-doing-business?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=headline&utm_campaign=FL_feature

READ...
...Pope Benedict's Wednesday catechesis on praying with the Psalms (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32912?l=english
…the Pope’s homily for the feast of Corpus Christi (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32931?l=english
…response of the U.S. bishops and Catholic Health Association to proposed air quality standards (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2011/11-130.shtml
…an analysis of the Fr. Corapi affair (National Catholic Register):
http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/father-corapis-bombshell/
…an excerpt from J.  
Budziszewski's What We Can’t Not Know (Ignatius Insight):
http://www.ignatiusinsight.com/features2011/jbudziszewski_wwcnk_feb2011.asp

   •   •

Online This Week
June 18, 2011

VIEW...
…a video presentation of this week’s Gospel (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/50-Gospel/224449558-gospel-of-sunday-19th-june-2011.html
…this week’s Vatican Report—outreach to Gypsies (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/47-Events/224449543-vatican-report.html
…the U.S. Bishops’ new video on marriage, Made for Life (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/marriageuniqueforareason/index.shtml
…Daniel Harrington’s lecture on prophets and apostles in Scripture (Boston College):
http://www.bc.edu/church21/webcast.html
...Brother David's "A Good Day" meditation (Gratefulness):
http://www.gratefulness.org/brotherdavid/a-good-day.htm

REFLECT ON…
…Sunday’s Gospel—A Dance of Love (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/dance-love
…the nature of the crucifix (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/arts/al0430.htm
…a survivor’s story (Catholic Relief Services):
http://crs-blog.org/human-trafficking-in-india-one-womans-story/
…lightning (Explore Faith):
http://www.explorefaith.org/livingspiritually/honoring_creation/lightning.php

LEARN MORE ABOUT...
…changes in the U.S. Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2011/11-124.shtml
…the role of pilgrimages in the life of the Church (Zenit):

http://www.zenit.org/article-32828?l=english

…the spiritual dimension of clutter (Catholic Digest):
http://www.catholicdigest.com/articles/people/q_and_a/2011/06-13/a-qa-with-abby-sasscer-mom-and-professional-organizer
…what the Church teaches about the Holy Spirit (EWTN):
http://www.ewtn.com/faith/teachings/spirmenu.htm

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1333

DISCOVER...
…a new guide to daily prayer, “Give Us This Day” (Liturgical Press):
http://www.giveusthisday.org/
...the spiritual value of doing nothing (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/features/what-works-9-how-sweet-to-do-nothing
...11 steps for making a good decision (Ignatian Spirituality):
http://ignatianspirituality.com/making-good-decisions/an-approach-to-good-choices/an-ignatian-framework-for-making-a-decision/?utm_campaign=e-magis-June-2011&utm_medium=email&utm_source=emagis&utm_content=11-steps&utm_term=
…the connection between meaning and happiness (Fr. Ronald Rolheiser):
http://www.ronrolheiser.com/columnarchive/?id=646

CONSIDER...
…when a choice is not a choice (USCCB):
http://usccbmedia.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2011-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-05%3A00&updated-max=2012-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-05%3A00&max-results=35
…homosexuals as the “necessary other” (First Things):
http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2011/06/homosexuality-a-call-to-otherness
…a conversation about Catholic social principles (Catholic Moral Theology):
http://catholicmoraltheology.com/keeping-it-in-the-family-part-2/
…and a dissenting viewpoint (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/social_justice/sj0245.htm

THINK MORE ABOUT…
…the declining number of Catholic marriages (Our Sunday Visitor):
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/8053/Exclusive-analysis-National-Catholic-marriage-rat.aspx
…painting the face of Christ (Osservatore Romano):
http://www.osservatoreromano.va/portal/dt?JSPTabContainer.setSelected=JSPTabContainer%2FDetail&last=false=&path=/news/cultura/2011/138q11-All-inseguimento-del-Volto.html&title=In%20pursuit%20of%20the%20Face&locale=en
...what's going to happen when you die? (Gratefulness):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GukuKL0DYCw
…the Trinity from a missionary’s perspective (Maryknoll):
http://www.maryknollogc.org/about/Scripture-reflection-archive/06-19-11-Holy-Trinity-Sunday.pdf

READ...
...Pope Benedict's homily for Pentecost Sunday (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32832?l=english
…the Pope’s Wednesday catechesis on prayer (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32866?l=english
…the U.S. Bishops’ statement on physician-assisted suicide (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/toliveeachday/bishops-statement-physician-assisted-suicide.pdf
…John Coleman’s review of A Faith of Their Own (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=12911

WORTH QUOTING
"
On Trinity Sunday, rather than try to solve the mystery, let us ask how open we are to it: the mystery of why God created us to begin with; the mystery of God loving us, desiring to be part of our lives, to live in our hearts; to be one with us; the mystery of God inviting us to share in the life of the Trinity: Father, Son and Spirit; the mystery of a God who cares for us like a loving parent, who lays down his life for us like a best friend, who fills our hearts like a lover who will not be refused.”
-- Fr. Thomas Rossica, in a commentary on the readings for Trinity Sunday, online at:
http://www.zenit.org/article-32849?l=english

   •   •

Online This Week
June 12-18, 2011

CELEBRATE PENTECOST…
…”Pentecost in Two Minutes” (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/features/pentecost-in-two-minutes
…an historical narrative (American Catholic):
http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Easter/0-86716-246-5.asp
...viewing the Church through the lens of the Holy Spirit (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32781?l=english
…the “cold fire” of the Spirit (First Things):
http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2011/06/the-cold-fire-of-the-holy-spirit
…praying for renewal (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/peace-pulpit/praying-spirit-renew-church

VIEW...
…a video presentation of Sunday’s Gospel (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/50-Gospel/224449494-gospel-of-sunday-12th-june-2011.html
…this week’s Vatican Report – the Pope in Croatia (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/47-Events/224449493-vatican-report.html
...Catholic devotion to Mary (Salt & Light Television):
http://saltandlighttv.org/perspectives/devotion-to-mary.php
…Br. David
Steindl-Rast on meditation (Gratefulness):
http://www.youtube.com/user/meditativemoments#p/u/4/MPIFJ0_GQOc

REFLECT ON...
…Sunday’s Gospel—A Great Mosaic (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/part-great-mosaic
…virtues for fathers (Everyday Catholic):
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/EDC/preview.aspx?id=241
…a convert’s experience of confession (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/features/a-newbies-guide-to-confession
…taking one day at a time (Christopher News Notes):
http://www.christophers.org/Page.aspx?pid=1301
…getting “unstuck”  from spiritual inertia (dotMagis):
http://ignatianspirituality.com/10046/how-to-get-unstuck/

LEARN MORE ABOUT...
…our “friends in high places”--the saints (Our Sunday Visitor):
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/8042/What-every-Catholic-needs-to-know-about-saints--O.aspx
...why young Catholics don't confess (U.S. Catholic):
http://www.uscatholic.org/church/2011/03/our-lips-are-sealed
…what it means to say we believe (Beliefnet):
http://blog.beliefnet.com/thebloggingmonk/
...the morality of organ transplants (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32797?l=english
…the discernment of Spirits (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re1069.htm

DISCOVER…
…how you can help end slavery in Brazil (Catholic Relief Services):
http://www.crs.org/brazil/how-you-can-help-free-slaves-in-brazil/
…the condition of the Church in China (Catholic World Report):
http://www.catholicworldreport.com/Item/783/new_crosses_in_the_21st_century.aspx
…the connection between poverty and marriage rates (Headline Bistro):
http://headlinebistro.typepad.com/headlinebistro/2011/06/the-shame-of-poverty-a-new-challenge-to-marriage-.html

…why faith needs images (This Rock):
http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2010/1007fea1.asp

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1332
…a summary of Catholic social teaching (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/campus/media-podcasts.shtml
…a discussion of Render Unto Rome (America Podcast):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/podcast/podcast-index.cfm?series_id=1261|
…the sacramental power of words (Beyond the Words):
http://beyondthewords.libsyn.com/the-sacramental-power-of-words-part-ii

REGISTER FOR...
...a 40-day online retreat, "Practicing Spirituality with Kent Nerburn (Spirituality & Practice):
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/ecourses/ecourses.php?id=108

CONSIDER...
…top ten reasons to be Catholic (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=2&entry_id=4296
...the rise of the global church (Faith & Leadership):
http://www.faithandleadership.com/multimedia/andrew-walls-exciting-period-christian-history?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=headline&utm_campaign=FL_feature
…a middle-of-the-road approach to the church’s role in public affairs (Catholic Moral Theology):
http://catholicmoraltheology.com/review-of-behaving-in-public-how-to-do-christian-ethics-nigel-biggar/
…how and why money matters (Crisis):
http://www.crisismagazine.com/2011/money-matters-but-not-the-way-you-think

THINK MORE ABOUT...
...the balance between subsidiarity and solidarity (Vox Nova):
http://vox-nova.com/2011/05/31/practical-subsidiarity/
...how "prudential judgment" applies to the budget (Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good):
http://catholicsinalliance.org/thecommongoodforum.php
...the danger of big government (Faith in Public Life):
http://blog.faithinpubliclife.org/2011/06/george_weigels_big_goverment_b.html
...the principles and pitfalls of translating the Missal (The Tablet):
http://www.thetablet.co.uk/article/161313

READ...
...Pope Benedict remarks on the need for a “human ecology” (Osservatore Romano):
http://www.osservatoreromano.va/portal/dt?JSPTabContainer.setSelected=JSPTabContainer%2FDetail&last=false=&path=/news/vaticano/2011/133q11-Discorso-generale-del-Papa-agli-ambasciator.html&title=Human%20ecology%20%20is%20an%20imperative%20need&locale=en
…Fr. Richard Rohr on the sacred character of gender (Radical Grace):
http://74.220.23.143/images/RG/2011/rg_2011_winter.pdf
...Gavin D'Costa's review of an important new book about Vatican II (The Tablet):
http://www.thetablet.co.uk/issue/1000262/booksandart

WORTH QUOTING...
"
In our own day, while we unfortunately see an increase in separations and divorces, the fidelity of spouses has itself become a meaningful witness to the love of Christ, which permits marriage to be lived out for what it truly is: the union of one man and one woman who, with the grace of God, love one another and help one another for a lifetime, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health.  The first education in the faith consists precisely in the witness of this fidelity to the spousal covenant: through it, children learn without words that God is faithful, patient, respectful and generous love."
-- Pope Benedict XVI, in his Wednesday catechesis for June 8, online at
http://www.zenit.org/article-32794?l=english

   •   •

Online This Week
June 5-11, 2011

VIEW…
…a video presentation of Sunday’s Gospel (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/50-Gospel/224449407-gospel-of-sunday-5th-june-2011.html
…this week’s Vatican Report—A conference on AIDS (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/47-Events/224449406-vatican-report.html
…Jim Forrest’s lecture on Dorothy Day (Marquette University):
http://www.marquette.edu/differencenetwork/jim-forest.php
…a five-part presentation on the new Roman Missal (Jesuit.org)
http://www.jesuit.org/index.php/2011/05/31/video-series-offers-insight-and-assistance-in-transition-to-new-translation-of-roman-missal/
…the Jewish feast of Shauvot (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly):
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/june-3-2011/shavuot/8933/

REFLECT ON...
…this week’s Gospel—Do It My Way (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/do-it-my-way
…what the world is praying for this week (Catholic Relief Services):
http://www.crs.org/weekly-prayers/index.cfm
…the significance of the Ascension (Catholic  Moral Theology):
http://catholicmoraltheology.com/eschatology-empowerment-and-ethics/
…the Sacrament of Real Presence (Osservatore Romano):
http://www.osservatoreromano.va/portal/dt?JSPTabContainer.setSelected=JSPTabContainer%2FDetail&last=false=&path=/news/religione/2011/100q11-Una-presenza-che-salva-il-mondo.html&title=The%20Sacrament%20of%20Real%20Presence&locale=en

DISCOVER...
...what Catholics believe about the end of the world (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32748?l=english
...the social significance of the Gospel (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32700?l=english
…the story of the Ugandan martyrs (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=2&entry_id=4269
…what constitutes human intelligence (The Catholic Thing):
http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/intelligence.html
 

LEARN MORE ABOUT…
…St. Anthony of Padua (Friar Jack):
http://www.americancatholic.org/e-News/FriarJack/newlayout.asp?id=62
…coping with mental disorders and depression (St. Anthony Messenger):
http://www.americancatholic.org/samo/Feature.aspx?articleid=28&IssueID=24
…how victims of sexual abuse found healing (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1102214.htm
…what Catholics mean by the principle of subsidiarity (Institute for Policy Research & Catholic Studies):
http://ipr.cua.edu/blogs/post.cfm/what-is-subsidiarity

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1331
…Peter Steinfels on the bishops’ voice (America Podcast):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/podcast/podcast-index.cfm?series_id=1258

CONSIDER…
…the moral ambiguity of tornadoes (Commonweal):
http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/clouds-unknowing
…finding common ground between liberals and conservatives (Beliefnet):
http://blog.beliefnet.com/more_christianity/2011/03/fr-dwight-longenecker-on-liberal-or-conservative.html
…reviving the tradition of Friday abstinence (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/features/what-works-48-meat-free-fridays
…the resurrection as a “evolutionary leap” (Commonweal):
http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/blog/?p=13845

THINK MORE ABOUT...
…what the John Jay report teaches us (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=12884
…and why it’s more complicated than we think (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1102163.htm
...the debate over brain death (Our Sunday Visitor):
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/7993/Debate-continues-on-whether-brain-death-signifies.aspx
…becoming a person of peace (Catholics on Call):
http://catholicsoncall.org/we-are-all-recovery-reflection-becoming-person-peace
…getting to know the homeless (Huffington Post):
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-peter-m-wallace/homelessness-getting-to-know_b_870399.html

READ...
...Pope Benedict's Wednesday catechesis--praying like Moses (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32730?l=english

WORTH QUOTING...
"S
o the first thing to do in relation to the poor is to break through the double glazing, to overcome our indifference and insensitivity. We need to let our defences down and be overwhelmed by a healthy anxiety in face of the fearful misery there is in the world. As Pope Paul VI wrote in Evangelica testificatio, 'The persistence of poverty-stricken masses and individuals is a pressing call for conversion of minds and attitudes'. The cry of the poor obliges us 'to awaken consciences to the drama of misery and to the demands of social justice made by the Gospel and the Church.'"
-- Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, preacher of the Pontifical Household, in an address to the general assembly of Caritas International, May 27; online at:
http://www.zenit.org/article-32700?l=english

   •   •

Online This Week
May 28-June 4, 2011

VIEW…
…a video presentation of Sunday’s Gospel (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/50-Gospel/224449306-gospel-of-sunday-29th-may-2011.html
…this week’s Vatican Report—International Charity (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/47-Events/224449307-vatican-report.html
…”This Is What Solidarity Looks Like” (Catholic Relief Services):
http://www.youtube.com/catholicrelief#p/c/0/VZW3hl8wiME
…Fr. James Martin’s tips for summer spirituality (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/features/tips-for-summer-spirituality

REFLECT ON...
…this week’s Gospel—People of Love (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/called-be-people-love
…fire, symbol of the spirit (St. Anthony Messenger):
http://www.americancatholic.org/samo/Feature.aspx?articleid=32&IssueID=24
...God's presence in the forest (Catholic Digest):
http://www.catholicdigest.com/blog/mary_breiner/131
…the importance of being present to the present (ExploreFaith):
http://www.explorefaith.org/livingspiritually/spirituality_every_day/simply_satisfied/simplicity_of_time.php

LEARN MORE ABOUT...
…what Catholics believe about the Trinity (Ignatius Insight):
http://www.ignatiusinsight.com/features2011/fsheed_trinityts_may2011.asp
…the resurrection of the dead (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/essays-theology/resurrection-dead

...Cardinal Cardijn's method for social action (Cardijn Info):
http://cardijn.info/2011/05/20/see-judge-act-%E2%80%93-fifty-years-of-catholic-social-practice/
…how Americans feel about abortion (CatholicVote):
http://www.catholicvote.org/discuss/index.php?p=17350

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1329
…a discussion with Sr. Joyce Rupp about her new book (America Podcast):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/podcast/podcast-index.cfm?series_id=1257
…the spiritual meaning of old age (Interfaith Radio):
http://interfaithradio.org/node/1681

DISCOVER...
...the five most spiritual places in Europe (U.S. Catholic):
http://www.uscatholic.org/life/everyday-spirituality/2011/05/rick-steves-5-most-spiritual-places-europe
...the Network lobby's Mind-the-Gap website (Network):
http://www.networklobby.org/campaign/mind-the-gap
...what we can learn from Mother Teresa (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32655?l=english

CONSIDER...
…how sex abuse still haunts the church (Our Sunday Visitor):
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/7964/Clergy-sex-crisis-A-historical-problem-that-sti.aspx
…conservative Catholics and the common good (The Catholic Thing):
http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/catholic-conservatives-and-the-common-good.html
...the three great lessons of the sex abuse scandal (This Rock):
http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2010/1007fea5.asp
…the advantages of a mega-parish (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/news/megaparish-more-boon-bane

THINK MORE ABOUT...
...obstacles to universal health care (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32665?l=english
…balancing subsidiarity and solidarity (Gospel in the Digital Age):
http://blog.archny.org/?p=1210
…marriage and the economy (MercatorNet):
http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/as_the_family_goes_so_goes_the_economy/
…what rapture theology tells us about ourselves (Religion Dispatches):
http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/atheologies/4679/rapture_theology_as_cultural_critique%3A_what_camping%E2%80%99s_prediction_tells_us_about_ourselves

READ...
...Pope Benedict's Wednesday catechesis on prayer (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32676?l=english
…proposed changes in the U.S. bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2011/11-111.shtml

WORTH QUOTING...
"Catholic social teaching on minimum wages is summarized in the following passage from the Australian Catholic Bishops' 1991 Pastoral Letter, A Century of Catholic Social Teaching: 'When a person is employed to work full-time for wages, the employer, in strict justice, will pay for an honest day's work a wage sufficient to enable the worker, even if unskilled, to have the benefits of survival, good health, security and modest comfort. The wage must also allow the worker to provide for the future and acquire the personal property needed for the support of a family. To pressure or trick the worker into taking less is, therefore, unjust.'"
-- The Catholic Bishops of Australia in a pastoral letter marking the 120th anniversary of Rerum Novarum, online at:
http://www.zenit.org/article-32637?l=english

   •   •

Online This Week
May 22-27, 2011

IN THE NEWS...Causes and Context of Sexual Abuse
...summary (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1101940.htm
...text, timeline and comments (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/mr/causes-and-context.shtml
...Kathleen McChesney's analysis (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=12884
…George Weigel’s analysis (National Review):
http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/print/267600
…why the social context (read Woodstock) matters (CARA):
http://nineteensixty-four.blogspot.com
…becoming accountable for the abuse (Our Sunday Visitor):
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/7925/Editorial-Being-accountable-for-abuse.aspx
…looking ahead to what comes next (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1101953.htm

VIEW...
…a video presentation of Sunday’s Gospel (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/50-Gospel/224449236-gospel-of-sunday-22nd-may-2011.html
…this week’s Vatican Report—the end times (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/47-Events/224449237-vatican-report.html
…an interview with Fr. Edward Foley on the new Roman Missal (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly):
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/may-20-2011/rev-edward-foley-extended-interview/8865/
...a slide presentation on finding God in all things (Ignatian Spirituality):
http://ignatianspirituality.com/what-is-ignatian-spirituality/the-ignatian-way/finding-god-in-all-things/?utm_campaign=e-magis-MAY-2011&utm_medium=email&utm_source=emagis&utm_content=Ignatian-way+&utm_term=

REFLECT ON...
…Sunday’s Gospel—Are All Welcome?  (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/all-are-welcome
…getting outdoors—it works (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/features/what-works-27-get-outdoors
…St. Bernardine of Siena (Eternal Word Network):
http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/B/stbernadineofsiena.asp
…how to share the Good News (Ignatius Insight):
http://www.ignatiusinsight.com/features2005/colson_evang_july05.asp

PRAY...
...the Jerusalem Prayer for peace in the Middle East (Palestine/Israel Ecumenical Forum):
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/programmes/public-witness-addressing-power-affirming-peace/churches-in-the-middle-east/pief/world-week/the-jerusalem-prayer.html

LEARN MORE ABOUT...
...the Church in rural America (Faith & Leadership):
http://www.faithandleadership.com/features/articles/quiz-the-church-rural-america?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=headline&utm_campaign=FL_feature
…St. Anthony’s art and miracles (St. Anthony Messenger):
http://www.americancatholic.org/samo/Feature.aspx?articleid=29&IssueID=24
…the Albigensian heresy (American Catholic):
http://www.americancatholic.org/samo/Feature.aspx?articleid=29&IssueID=24
…faith and the future of social conservatism (Patheos):
http://www.patheos.com/Resources/Additional-Resources/For-Life-and-Family-Faith-and-the-Future-of-Social-Conservatism-05-11-2011.html

FIND OUT...
...where to make an Ignatian Retreat (Ignatian Spirituality):
http://ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/retreats/

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1329

CONSIDER...
...why holy people need to lighten up (Huffington Post):
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-james-martin-sj/lighten-up-spiritual-advi_b_862959.html
...the spiritual cost of war (U.S. Catholic):
http://www.uscatholic.org/culture/war-and-peace/2011/05/morally-wounded-spiritual-costs-war
…a church big enough for everyone (Catholic  Moral Theology):
http://catholicmoraltheology.com/a-church-big-enough-for-all-types-of-catholics/
…a broader version of the preferential option for the poor (First Things):
http://www.firstthings.com/article/2011/05/the-preferential-option-for-the-poor

THINK MORE ABOUT...
...rising interest in demonic possession (U.S. Catholic)
http://www.uscatholic.org/church/2011/05/theyre-baaack-whats-behind-return-exorcist
...the connection between faith and art (Faith & Leadership):
http://www.faithandleadership.com/qa/makoto-fujimura-the-function-art?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=headline&utm_campaign=FL_feature
...the value of spiritual direction (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32618?l=english
...confusion in the pews (American Catholic):
http://blog.americancatholic.org/2011/05/20/confusion-in-the-pews/
…defining the boundaries of orthodoxy (Fr. Ronald Rolheiser):
http://www.ronrolheiser.com/columnarchive/?id=639

READ...
...the Pope's Wednesday catechesis on prayer (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32610?l=english

...Pope Benedict's address on the theology of the body (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32577?l=english
...the preparatory document for next fall's synod on evangelization (Vatican):
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/synod/documents/rc_synod_doc_20110202_lineamenta-xiii-assembly_en.html
...Vatican statement on educating youth for peace and justice (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32614?l=english

WORTH QUOTING…
"Jesus is concerned not only with the afterlife but with the here and now. When Jesus spoke to his disciples at the last supper about 'many dwelling places,' he was also speaking to them about the present moment….  The Lord has gone ahead of us to prepare many places, even for those who are 'outside' the Church community. In his day, Jesus went out of his way to prepare a room for all, especially for those for whom no one else would make room. The master building project of Jesus is one that makes a home of many rooms for the variety of God's people. And this dwelling of many rooms is built with living stones."
-- Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB in a commentary on the Gospel for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, online at:
http://www.zenit.org/article-32603?l=english

   •   •

Online This Week
May 15-21, 2011

VIEW…
…a video presentation of Sunday’s Gospel (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/50-Gospel/224449172-gospel-of-sunday-15th-may-2011.html
…this week’s Vatican Report—global warming (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/47-Events/224449165-vatican-report.htm
…a discussion of the virtue of fortitude (Catholic University of America):
http://president.cua.edu/inauguration/videos-embed.cfm#Fortitude
…author James Carroll on Jerusalem as a symbol of unity (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly):
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/may-13-2011/james-carroll-extended-interview/8809/

REFLECT ON...
…this week’s Gospel—Encouraged by Christ’s Presence (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/encouraged-christ%E2%80%99s-presence
…May 21 and the end of the world (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=1&entry_id=4048
…four ways to overcome polarization (Catholic Moral Theology):
http://catholicmoraltheology.com/overcoming-extremes-%E2%80%93-four-practices/
…the juxtaposition of beatification and assassination (Catholic Theological Union):
http://www.ctu.edu/category/news-type/word-ctu

LEARN MORE ABOUT…
…the national day of prayer for mariners (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2011/11-098.shtml
…what went wrong in Philadephia (Commonweal):
http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/fog-scandal-1
…the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching (Ignatius Insight):
http://www.ignatiusinsight.com/features2011/blanari_rerumnovarum_may2011.asp
…Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (The Liguorian):
http://www.liguorian.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=386:pauls-call-to-unity-the-letter-to-the-ephesians&catid=26:church-teaching&Itemid=33

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1328
… Fr. Larry Rice explains the Infant of Prague (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/videoandaudio/infant-of-prague

CONSIDER...
...the role of Catholics in politics (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32512?l=english
…the catholicity of jazz (Ignatius Insight):
http://insightscoop.typepad.com/2004/
…Phil Fox Rose’s take on Lady Gaga’s latest video (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/features/gaga-and-judas
…David Bentley Hart on Ayn Rand (First Things):
http://www.firstthings.com/article/2011/05/the-trouble-with-ayn-rand

CHECK OUT…
…resources about Mary (Loyola Press):
http://www.loyolapress.com/marian-resources.htm
…resources for Torture Awareness Month (National Religious Campaign Against Torture):
http://www.nrcat.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=298&Itemid=219

THINK MORE ABOUT…
…fitting prayer into a busy life (St. Anthony Messenger):
http://www.americancatholic.org/samo/Feature.aspx?articleid=25&IssueID=23
…how specific to be in confession (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/blogs/bad-at-confessing
…the difference between travelers and pilgrims (Gratefulness.org):
http://www.gratefulness.org/readings/dsr_merton_asian_2.htm
… the importance of of how we arrange worship space (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/culture.cfm?cultureid=200
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=12874

READ...
…the Vatican’s Instruction on use of the Latin Mass (Vatican):
http://press.catholica.va/news_services/bulletin/news/27407.php?index=27407&lang=en#TRADUZIONE%20IN%20LINGUA%20INGLESE
...the Pontifical Academy of Sciences' report on climate change (Catholic Climate Covenant):
http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5256/t/0/blastContent.jsp?email_blast_KEY=1163273
…Pope Benedict’s Wednesday catechesis on the universal desire for God (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32544?l=english
…a review of The Mass—The Glory, the Mystery, the Tradition (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=12865
…a defense of Vatican II’s renewal in continuity”(Chiesa):
http://chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/articolo/1347864?eng=y
…an assessment of the attempted assassination of Blessed John Paul II (Osservatore Romano):
http://www.osservatoreromano.va/portal/dt?JSPTabContainer.setSelected=JSPTabContainer%2FDetail&last=false=&path=/news/editoriali/2011/110q11-Molto-di-pi--di-ci--che-appare.html&title=Much%20more%20than%20meets%20the%20eye&locale=en

WORTH QUOTING…
“The problem of evil, sorrow and suffering, the problem of injustice and abuse, fear of others, of strangers and foreigners who come to our lands and seem to attack what we are, prompt Christians today to say sadly: we
hoped that the Lord would deliver us from evil, from sorrow, from suffering, from fear, from injustice.  It is thus necessary for each and every one of us to let ourselves be taught by Jesus, as the two disciples of Emmaus were: first of all by listening to and loving the word of God read in the light of the Paschal Mystery….. Then it is necessary to sit at table with the Lord, to share the banquet with him, so that his humble presence in the Sacrament … may restore to us the gaze of faith, in order to see everything and everyone with God’s eyes, in the light of his love.”
-- Pope Benedict XVI, in a homily in Venice, May 8, 2011, online at:
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/homilies/2011/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20110508_mestre_en.html

   •   •

Online This Week
May 8-14, 2011

SIGNS OF THE TIMES ... The death of Osama bin Laden
…why it raises moral issues (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1101784.htm
...Vatican's response (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32455?l=english
...James L. Martin SJ (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=2&entry_id=4174
…Phil Fox Rose (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/features/what-works-47-in-the-face-of-a-mans-death-a-christian-never-rejoices
…Matt St. John (KC’s Headline Bistro):
http://headlinebistro.typepad.com/headlinebistro/2011/05/party-in-the-usa.html
…editorial (Our Sunday Visitor):
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/7861/Editorial-Catholic-response-to-bin-Ladens-death.aspx
…a turning point (Pax Christi International):
http://www.paxchristi.net/international/eng/news.php?id=827&wat=show 

VIEW…
…this week’s Vatican Report –Vatican and the bloggers (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/47-Events/224449068-vatican-report.html
…an interview with monk and poet Paul Quenon (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly):
http://www.paxchristi.net/international/eng/news.php?id=827&wat=show

REFLECT ON...
…Sunday’s Gospel—encouraged by Christ’s presence (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/encouraged-christ%E2%80%99s-presence
…what the world is praying for this week (Catholic Relief Services):
http://www.crs.org/weekly-prayers/index.cfm
…a mother’s love (Friar Jack):
http://www.americancatholic.org/e-News/FriarJack/newlayout.asp?id=60
…the other mother’s day (St. Anthony Messenger):
http://www.americancatholic.org/samo/Feature.aspx?articleid=24&IssueID=23
...prayers that aren't answered (Catholic Digest):
http://www.catholicdigest.com/articles/newsletter/no_sub_ministry/2011/05-02/does-prayer-work

LEARN MORE ABOUT…
…why the Church considers torture a moral issue (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/stoptorture/
…what the Church teaches about immigration (Catholic Update):
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/preview.aspx?id=250
…the “emancipation” of a traditional vice, avarice (First Things):
http://www.firstthings.com/article/2011/05/the-emancipation-of-avarice
…the gift of Henri Nouwen (Fr. Ron Rolheiser):
http://www.ronrolheiser.com/columnarchive/?id=635

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT...
...the U.S. Bishops' First Friday for Food Security campaign (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2011/11-087.shtml
...a summer conference for young adults ages 18-30 August 9-13 in Chicago (Catholics on Call):
http://catholicsoncall.org/apply

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1327
…Fr. Dave Dwyer’s homily on the breaking of the bread (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/videoandaudio/breaking-of-the-bread

CONSIDER…
…ten short prayers that work (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re1063.htm
…George Weigel’s perspective on Blessed John Paul II (National Review Online):
http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/266383/beatification-john-paul-ii-george-weigel?page=1
…a clarification about Catholic teaching and the budget (Catholic Moral Theology):
http://catholicmoraltheology.com/clarifying-catholic-social-teaching-the-budget/
…signs of grace in the sex abuse crisis (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1101796.htm
…what would happen if the Catholic Church stopped (National Catholic Register):
http://www.ncregister.com/blog/what-if-the-church-went-galt/

THINK MORE ABOUT...
...Blessed John Paul II's legacy (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/news/vatican/beatification-stirs-ferment-over-john-paul%E2%80%99s-legacy
…why we believe in something as bizarre as resurrection (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=1&entry_id=4175
…real presence at the center of faith (Osservatore Romano):
http://distributistreview.com/mag/2011/05/distributism-and-the-modern-economy-part-two/
…the genius of black worship (ThinkingFaith):
http://thinkingfaith.org/articles/20110421_1.htm

READ...
...Pope Benedict's homily at the beatification of John Paul II (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32440?l=english
...the first in Pope Benedict's new series of Wednesday talks on prayer (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32482?l=english
…Susan Moore’s review of The Abbess of Andalusia (Mercat0rNet):
http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/the_abbess_of_andalusia/

WORTH QUOTING...
"Indeed, the church’s saints and blesseds—Pope John Paul II among them—are a reminder that holiness is not the same as perfection. It is not always a sure defense against egotism, nor is it a guarantee of moral or intellectual rectitude. Saints make mistakes, sometimes terrible ones, but we honor them because we also see in them a heroic response to God’s offer of grace, even if that grace did not overcome whatever fatal flaw every hero seems to have."
-- Bryan Cones, in the May 2011 issue of U.S. Catholic, online at:
http://www.uscatholic.org/church/2011/03/blessed-are-you

   •   •

Online This Week
May 1-7, 2011

CELEBRATE THE BEATIFICATION...
Articles and Commentary on Blessed Pope John Paul II
…biographical sketch from Loyola Press:
http://www.loyolapress.com/pope-john-paul-ii-a-biographical-sketch.htm
…Cardinal Dziwisz, the Pope’s personal secretary, on Salt & Light Television:
http://saltandlighttv.org/witness/dziwisz.php

…John Carr on the U.S. Bishops’ blog:
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/messages/vocations/documents/hf_ben-xvi_mes_20101115_xlviii-vocations_en.html
...Fr. James Martin SJ in America:
http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=2&entry_id=4161
…Fr. James V. Schall in Catholic World Report:
http://insightscoop.typepad.com/2004/2011/04/not-in-my-lifetime-fr-schall-on-pope-john-paul-iis-legacy-of-love.html
...John L. Allen in the National Catholic Reporter:
http://ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/death-life-john-paul-sign-contradiction
...Bryan Cones in U.S. Catholic:
http://www.uscatholic.org/church/2011/03/blessed-are-you
…Fr. Pat McCloskey in St. Anthony Messenger:
http://www.americancatholic.org/samo/Feature.aspx?articleid=23&IssueID=23
…Thomas Craughwell in Our Sunday Visitor:
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/7813/Why-newly-minted-blessed-is-the-pope-of-Divine-Mer.aspx
…Joseph Pronechin in the National Catholic Register:
http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/mercy-messenger1/
...Fr. Fergus Kerr OP in The Tablet:
http://www.thetablet.co.uk/article/161140
…Tony McCaffrey in Thinking Faith:
http://thinkingfaith.org/articles/20110428_1.htm
…Our Sunday Visitor’s special section:
http://www.osv.com/Portals/0/images/pdf/JPII_Tribute_Web.pdf

VIEW…
…this week’s Vatican Report—how saints are made (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/47-Events/224448968-vatican-report.html
…a report on the path to sainthood (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly):
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/april-29-2011/path-to-sainthood/8712/

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT…
…living the mystery of Easter (Beliefnet):
http://blog.beliefnet.com/catholicbychoice/2011/04/walking-the-easter-way-by-living-our-lives-in-the-risen-lord-now.html
…how American Catholics feel about vocations (CARA):
http://nineteensixty-four.blogspot.com/2011/04/spotlight-on-vocations-interested-and.html
There be Dragons (Catholic News Service):
http://www.americancatholic.org/entertainment/entertainment.aspx?id=12948
…why the Gospels make us uncomfortable (Everyday Catholic):
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/EDC/preview.aspx?id=240

REFLECT ON...
…this week’s Gospel—Called to faith and community (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/called-faith-and-community
…what the world is praying for this week (Catholic Relief Services):
http://www.crs.org/weekly-prayers/index.cfm
…believing when we don’t see (Catholic Theological Union):
http://www.ctu.edu/scripture-reflections/article/second-sunday-easter
…a prayer for dementia (Catholic Bishops of England and Wales):
http://dayofprayerfordementia.org.uk/resources/In%20Memory%20Of%20-%20Prayer%20for%20Dementia.pdf
…8 ways to let go (Beliefnet):
http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/Emotional-Health/Depression/8-Ways-to-Let-Go-of-a-person-place-or-thing.aspx
...a month's worth of sacred poems (Spirituality & Practice):
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/blogs/maps.php?id=20950
…fitting prayer into a busy life (St. Anthony Messenger):
http://www.americancatholic.org/samo/Feature.aspx?articleid=25&IssueID=23
…the integrity of creation (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/features/the-integrity-of-creation

REGISTER FOR...
...Joe Popracki's May 11 webinar "Practice Makes Catholic" (Loyola Press):
http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2011/04/20/practice-makes-catholic-free-webinar/

LISTEN TO…
…Fordham students and faculty on eloquentia perfecta (America podcast):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/podcast/podcast-index.cfm?series_id=1255
…a discussion on the popularity of the Mormon church (Interfaith Voices)
http://interfaithradio.org/node/1658

CONSIDER...
...a moral framework for the U.S. budget (Jesuit Social Research Institute):
http://www.loyno.edu/jsri/e-newsletter/April-2011/0411-BudgetMoralFramework-jse.htm

...another viewpoint on U.S. taxes (Jesuit Social Research Institute):
http://www.loyno.edu/jsri/documents/Spring2011-final-jsq.pdf
…thoughts about the “casino economy” (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=12848
…Anne Burke on the bishops and the sexual abuse crisis (Chicago Tribune):
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/ct-oped-0429-burke-20110429,0,4821972.story

ENDORSE…
…the “Circle of Protection” to save programs for the poor (Circle of Protection Coalition):
http://www.circleofprotection.us/index.html

THINK MORE ABOUT...
…”John Paul II Priests” (Headline Bistro):
http://www.headlinebistro.com/hb/en/columnists/jpii/dolan.html
…the connection between ethics and liturgy (Catholic Moral Theology):
http://catholicmoraltheology.com/ethics-after-easter/
…those times when you can’t take much more (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/blogs/dejection-what-are-you-trying-to-teach-me-god
...Vatican II and the hermeneutic of "renewal in continuity" (Chiesa):
http://chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/articolo/1347670?eng=y

READ...
...Fr. Cantalamessa's Good Friday homily (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32396?l=english
…the “Circle of Protection” statement endorsed by the U.S. bishops (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2011/11-085.shtml
…Pope Benedict’s statement for World Day of Prayer for Vocations (Vatican):
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/messages/vocations/documents/hf_ben-xvi_mes_20101115_xlviii-vocations_en.html
…an excerpt from Jennifer Haigh’s Faith—A Novel (Commonweal):
http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/outside-gravity

WORTH QUOTING...
"The resurrection of Christ is not the fruit of speculation or mystical experience: it is an event which, while it surpasses history, nevertheless happens at a precise moment in history and leaves an indelible mark on it.  The light which dazzled the guards keeping watch over Jesus' tomb has traversed time and space.  It is a different kind of light, a divine light, that has rent asunder the darkness of death and has brought to the world the splendor of God, the splendor of Truth and Goodness."
-- Pope Benedict XVI, in his "Urbi et Orbi" Easter message, online at:
http://www.zenit.org/article-32408?l=english

   •   •

Online This Week
April 24-30, 2011

THE MEANING OF EASTER…
 …”Peace be with you” (America):
 http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=12833
 …an Easter Vigil reflection (Pax Christi USA):
http://paxchristiusa.org/2011/04/22/holy-week-reflection-for-holy-saturday/
…does resurrection contradict science? (The Huffington Post)
 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/matt-j-rossano/does-resurrection-contrad_b_848577.html
...the "historical footprint" of the resurrection (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32371?l=english
…suffering does not have  the last word (National Catholic Register):
http://www.ncregister.com/site/article/hope-in-the-resurrection/
…seeing the world through resurrection eyes (Patheos):
http://www.patheos.com/Resources/Additional-Resources/Seeing-the-World-through-Resurrection-Eyes-Greg-Garrett-04-21-2011.html

VIEW…
…this week’s Vatican Report—a week of milestones for Pope Benedict (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=224448897
…Fr. Robert Barron on Jesus of Nazareth and Catholic biblical scholarship (Ignatius Insight):
http://insightscoop.typepad.com/2004/2011/04/fr-robert-barron-on-benedict-xvis-jesus-of-nazareth-and-the-historical-critical-method.html
…the history of the King James Bible (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly):
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/by-topic/the-king-james-bible-%E2%80%9Cmasterpiece-by-committee%E2%80%9D/8673/
…an interview with the president of the Focolare Movement (Salt & Light):
http://saltandlighttv.org/witness/maria-voce.php

REFLECT ON…
…Sunday’s Gospel (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/resurrection-lord-joy-and-fear-doubt-and-wonder
…what the world is praying for this week (Catholic Relief Services):
http://www.crs.org/weekly-prayers/index.cfm
… the Pope’s answers about suffering (Catholic News Service):
http://cnsblog.wordpress.com/2011/04/22/seven-questions-for-the-pope/
…Rembrandt’s portraits of Christ (The Tablet):
http://www.thetablet.co.uk/article/161107

LEARN MORE ABOUT…
…the mystery of the cross (Ignatius Insight):
http://insightscoop.typepad.com/2004/2011/04/the-mystery-at-the-center-of-our-faith.html
…Blessed Pope John Paul II (St. Anthony Messenger):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/podcast/podcast-index.cfm?series_id=1251
…Catholics and the Civil War (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/history/us/ah0029.htm
...the life of Mary (Opus Dei):
http://www.opusdei.us/ssec.php?a=4509

VISIT...
Osservatore Romano's new website (click on English in the upper right hand corner):
http://www.osservatoreromano.va/portal/dt?locale=it

REGISTER FOR…
…a one month e-course with Sr. Joan Chittister OSB (Spirituality & Practice):
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/ecourses/ecourses.php?id=106

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1325
…a discussion of Fr. Richard Rohr’s Falling Upward (America podcast):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/podcast/podcast-index.cfm?series_id=1251
…an Orthodox sense of sacramentality (Krista Tippet on Being):
http://being.publicradio.org/programs/2011/restoring-the-senses/
…America’s roots as a Christian nation (WJK Radio)
http://wjkradio.wjkbooks.com/2011/03/wjk-radio-26-john-fea-responds-was-america-founded-as-a-christian-nation.html

CONSIDER...
…John Paul II, the “feminist pope” (USCCB):
http://usccbmedia.blogspot.com/2011/04/pope-john-paul-ii-feminist-pope.html
…making prudential choices about the economy (Commonweal):
http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/blog/?p=13048
...the Gospel according to Ayn Rand (The Washington Post):
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-faith/post/the-gospel-according-to-ayn-rand/2011/04/18/AFEorXzD_blog.html
…why hell matters (Religion Dispatches):
http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/atheologies/4426/why_the_hell_does_hell_still_matter_

THINK MORE ABOUT...
...the challenges of adult faith formation (Commonweal):
http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/blog/?p=13028
…the Ordinariate for Anglicans and the future of Christian unity (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=2&entry_id=4147
…the 150th anniversary of Rerum Novarum (Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good):
http://www.catholicsinalliance.org/cgf041311schneck.php
…who killed Jesus (Huffington Post):
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-james-martin-sj/who-killed-jesus-an-excer_b_848812.html

READ...
...Pope Benedict's Wednesday catechesis on the Triduum (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32378?l=english
…the U.S. bishops’ rationale for Quest for the Living God (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2011/11-078.shtml

WORTH QUOTING...
“The joyous truth of Easter is that Christ embraced the many contradictions that sin has brought into our lives. On the cross he died for all of us and for all that has died within us – our many hidden deaths, brought about by our own weakness and the disappointed hopes of a broken world. Those hidden deaths, when they remain alone, lead only to despair. When they become one with Christ’s death they become life itself. Christ, lifted up on the cross, raised to new life, has the power to transform the contradictions of our lives.”
-- Fr. Peter Knott SJ, in a reflection for Thinking Faith, online at:
http://thinkingfaith.org/articles/20110420_1.htm

   •   •

Online This Week
April 17-23, 2011

VIEW…
...a video presentation of Sunday's Gospel (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/50-gospel/224448837-gospel-of-sunday-17th-april-2011.html

… Holy Week in two minutes (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/features/holy-week-in-two-minutes
Palm Sunday reflection (Catholic Digest):
http://www.catholicdigest.com/video_detail.html?id=33
…holy week in a Benedictine monastery in British Columbia (Salt & Light Television):
http://saltandlighttv.org/thissideofeden/
…a slide-view tour of Jerusalem (Beliefnet):
http://www.beliefnet.com/Entertainment/Travel/Galleries/Sacred-Places-to-Visit.aspx
…the centrality of the Passover in the Jewish tradition (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly):
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/april-15-2011/rabbi-sharon-brous-extended-interview/8591/

REFLECT ON…
…a daily meditation for Holy Week (Loyola Press):
http://www.loyolapress.com/living-lent-daily.htm?cId=402433
Ecce homo, the suffering Christ (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/culture.cfm?cultureid=189
…Fr. Benedict Groeschel’s holy week reflections (EWTN):
http://www.ewtn.com/faith/lent/

…an examination of conscience based on the Beatitudes (Pax Christi USA):
http://paxchristiusa1.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/eoc.pdf

LEARN MORE ABOUT…
... the Lord’s Supper (Catholic Update):
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/preview.aspx?id=249
…the history of the way of the cross (Liguorian):
http://www.liguorian.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=364:walking-the-way-to-the-way-of-the-cross&catid=20:spirituality&Itemid=27

... "The Language of the Cross" (Ignatian Spirituality):
http://ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-spiritual-exercises/the-language-of-the-cross/?utm_campaign=e-magis-APR-2011&utm_medium=email&utm_source=emagis&utm_content=Language-of-+the-cross&utm_term=
…the meaning of Holy Week—remain steady through the storm (Catholic Morality):
http://catholicmoraltheology.com/steady-as-she-goes-reflections-on-the-palm-sunday-readings/

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1324
…Karl Richter’s performance of the resurrection from the dead from the Credo in Bach’s Mass in B Minor (Commonweal):
http://www.youtube.com/embed/udW9nk92Ims
…Fr. Robert Barron’s reflections on the Passion (Word on Fire):
http://www.wordonfire.org/WOF-Radio/Sermons/Sermon-Archive-for-2011/Sermon-536-The-Passion-of-the-Christ-Palm.aspx
…the story of Exodus retold through Jewish midrash (Krista Tippett on Being):
http://being.publicradio.org/programs/2011/exodus/

THINK MORE ABOUT…
…how to get the most out of Holy Week (National Catholic Register):
http://www.ncregister.com/info/making_the_most_of_holy_week/
…listening to the Passion Story at Mass (American Catholic):
http://blog.americancatholic.org/2011/04/13/listening-to-the-passion-story-at-mass/
…the gifts of Good Friday (Spirituality & Practice):
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/days/features.php?id=10962

ALSO THIS WEEK…
…Sunday’s Gospel—“At the Foot of the Cross” (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/foot-cross
...this week's Vatican Report--beatification of John Paul II (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/1-Events/224448836-vatican-report.html
...John Allen's thoughts on "post-tribal Catholicism" (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/all-things-catholic/thoughts-post-tribal-catholicism
...a new website dedicated to Pope John Paul II's legacy (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/popejohnpaulii/
...thoughts on the morality of the budget (Washington Post):
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/catholic-america/post/is-a-balanced-budget-a-moral-issue/2011/04/14/AFRe9EgD_blog.html
...Pope Benedict's Wednesday catechesis on holiness (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32316?l=english
...Fr. Cantalamessa's Lenten homily on the Church's social mission (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32329?l=english

WORTH QUOTING…
"Our faith is not in popes, cardinals, bishops, priests, or even in monsignors.  Nope: our faith is only in Jesus.  He and He alone will never let us down; He will never sin; He and He alone will never break a promise; He and He alone deserves our absolute trust and confidence.  That’s why it’s especially tragic when someone leaves Jesus and His Church because of a sin, scandal, or slight from a priest or bishop.  If your faith depended on us, it was misplaced to begin with.  We priests and bishops might represent Jesus and shepherd His Church, however awkwardly — but we are not Jesus and His Church."
-- Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York, in his April 13 blog, online at:
http://blog.archny.org/?p=1144

Disclaimer
The purpose of Online This Week is to provide a representative selection of legitimate theological opinions which are consistent with the official teachings of the Catholic Church
.  The inclusion of references here does not constitute agreement or endorsement of the publications, authors or content by the pastors or staff of the Catholic Parishes in Waterloo or the Archdiocese of Dubuque.

   •   •

Online This Week
April 10-16, 2011

VIEW...
…a video presentation of this week’s Gospel (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/1-Gospel/224448744-gospel-of-sunday-10th-april-2011.html
…this week’s Vatican Report – World Day of Prayer at Assisi (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/1-Events/224448742-vatican-report.html
…videos from a conference on the Church and immigration issues (Institute for Policy Research):
http://ipr.cua.edu/events/multimedia-recent.cfm
…William Mattison’s discussion of the cardinal virtues (Catholic University of America):
http://president.cua.edu/inauguration/videos-embed.cfm#Good_Life
...photos depicting the birth of new stars (Christian Science Monitor/NASA)
http://www.csmonitor.com/CSM-Photo-Galleries/In-Pictures/Space-Photos-of-the-Day/Space-photos-of-the-day-Celestial-nurseries

REFLECT ON...
…this week’s Gospel—A Patient Faith (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/patient-faith
…ten radical sayings of Jesus (Beliefnet):
http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christianity/2011/10-Radical-Sayings-of-Jesus.aspx
…the beauty of spring (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/eco-catholic/long-loving-look-where-you-are
…conflict with Church teaching (Catholic Digest):
http://www.catholicdigest.com/Whatloyaltydoweowethepope.html

LEARN MORE ABOUT…
…the Gospel of John (The Liguorian):
http://www.liguorian.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=362%3Acoming-to-a-parish-near-you-the-gospel-of-john&catid=26%3Achurch-teaching&Itemid=33
…what’s wrong in Southern Sudan (Catholic Relief Services):
http://www.crs.org/sudan/beating-the-disease-odds-in-southern-sudan/
…the rights of migrants (Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good):
http://www.catholicsinalliance.org/cgf032311.php
…how to be Christian in the digital world (Our Sunday Visitor):
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/7776/How-to-be-Christian-in-the-digital-world.aspx

REGISTER NOW...
...for the University of Notre Dame's spring online STEP courses (Satelite Theological Education Program):
https://shop.nd.edu/C21688_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=19&SINGLESTORE=true

ASK YOURSELF...
...do I need all this stuff? (U.S. Catholic):
http://www.uscatholic.org/life/everyday-spirituality/2011/03/boxed

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1323
…John L. Allen on the Church’s PR problem (America podcast):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/podcast/podcast-index.cfm?series_id=1246

CHECK OUT…
…Michael Leach’s blog, Why Stay Catholic (Loyola Press):
http://www.loyolapress.com/why-stay-catholic-blog.htm

CONSIDER...
…Fr. Kenneth Himes on the morality of torture (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=12820
...Fr. John Dear on the struggle in Palestine (Maryknoll):
http://www.maryknollogc.org/regional/MiddleEast/john_dear_palestinian_struggle_for_justice.html
...a biblical perspective on what's happening in the world (Catholic Theological Union):
http://www.ctu.edu/word-ctu/article/rain-fell-floods-came-wind-blew
…G.K. Chesterton on “why I am Catholic” (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://catholiceducation.org/articles/apologetics/ap0075.html
…the theology of political conservatives (Religion Dispatches):
http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/politics/4407/original_spin%3A_progressives_dismiss_conservative_theology_at_their_peril

THINK MORE ABOUT...
...spirituality as common sense (Gratefulness.org):
http://www.gratefulness.org/readings/dsr_CommonSense.htm#
…making time for the ones we love (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/features/making-time-for-love
…opening our eyes and seeing the hungry (Catholic Charities USA):
http://www.thinkandactanew.org/think-and-act-anew/2011/04/eyes-wide-shut.html
…the banality of evil (Catholic Moral Theology):
http://catholicmoraltheology.com/the-banality-of-evil-again/
…Catholics and the death penalty (First Things):
http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2011/04/the-power-of-the-sword

READ...
...Pope Benedict's Wednesday catechesis on St. Therese of Lisieux (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32249?l=english
...Archbishop Diarmuid Martin's address on clergy sexual abuse (Archdiocese of Dublin):
http://www.dublindiocese.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2367&Itemid=1166

WORTH QUOTING…
“With Jesus there is a move from a two-person relationship: ‘What the other person does to you, do the same to him,’ to a three-person relationship: ‘What God has done to you, do the same to the other person’.…  [T]he main question still remains to be answered: why this singular diversion of love from God to one's neighbor?…  Here is the difference between love that is purely eros and love which is eros and agape together. Purely erotic love is a closed circle: … I love you, you love me. The love of agape is an open circle: it comes from God and returns to Him, but passes through one’s neighbor.”

--  Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa in his third Lenten homily April 8, online at:
http://www.zenit.org/article-32264?l=english

   •   •

Online This Week
April 3-9, 2011

VIEW...
…the video presentation of this week’s Gospel (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/1-Gospel/224448680-gospel-of-sunday-3rd-april-2011.html
…this week’s Vatican Report—changes in the Pope’s Masses (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/47-events/224448571-vatican-report.html
...a video reflection for the fourth week of Lent (Catholic Digest):
http://www.catholicdigest.com/video_detail.html?id=31
…Fr. Robert Barron’s commentary on God, the tsunami and evil (Word on Fire):
http://www.wordonfire.org/WOF-TV/Commentaries-New/Fr--Barron-comments-on-God,-the-Tsunami,-and-the-P.aspx

REFLECT ON...
…Sunday’s Gospel—Coloring Outside the Lines (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/coloring-outside-lines
…what the world is praying for this week (Catholic Relief Services):
http://www.crs.org/weekly-prayers/index.cfm
...the two faces of love: eros and agape (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32122?l=english
...learning to be more open (Spirituality & Practice):
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/practices/features.php?id=16915
…being unmarried and unashamed (Everyday Catholic):
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/EDC/preview.aspx?id=239
…a baby-boomer’s conversion experience (The Word Among Us):
http://wau.org/archives/article/divine_mercy_at_every_turn/

LEARN MORE ABOUT...
…why the Mass is changing (St. Anthony Messenger):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/podcast/podcast-index.cfm?series_id=1243
...what Catholics believe about hell (Evangelization Exchange):
http://www.pemdc.org/ee0311-barron/
…Catholics and “left-behind” theology (Ignatius Insight):
http://www.ignatiusinsight.com/features2011/ceolson_leftbehindhistory_mar2011.asp
…top ten myths about annulments (Our Sunday Visitor):
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/7742/Top-10-annulment-myths.aspx

REGISTER NOW...
...for a two-part webinar on Mission Spirituality (Paulist Evangelization Ministries):
http://www.pemdc.org/missionspirituality.aspx

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1322
…author Michael Leach on being Catholic (America Podcast):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/podcast/podcast-index.cfm?series_id=1243
…Fr. James Marten SJ on “Of Gods and Men” (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly):
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/by-topic/father-james-martin-on-of-gods-and-men/8533/

CONSIDER...

...seven "R's" for the Lenten Journey (Evangelization Exchange):
http://www.pemdc.org/ee0311-fernandez/
…what technology is doing to us (Beliefnet):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/blogs/technology-ten-things-i-hate-about-you
…the latest trends in the U.S. Catholic population (CARA):
http://nineteensixty-four.blogspot.com/2011/03/emerging-us-catholic-trends-gss-2010.html
…fifteen criteria of Catholic theology (The Catholic Thing):
http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/2011/fifteen-criteria-of-authentic-catholic-thought.html

THINK MORE ABOUT...
…what Pope John Paul II taught about the church’s social mission (USCCB):
http://usccbmedia.blogspot.com/2011/03/john-paul-ii-catholic-social-mission.html
...the savior of the universe (U.S. Catholic):
http://www.uscatholic.org/church/2011/03/universal-savior-ilia-delio-reimagines-christ
…the ethics of a just wage (Catholic Moral Theology):
http://catholicmoraltheology.com/economically-recovering-or-falling-behind-more-on-wages/
…the connection between faith and reason (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/apologetics/ap0382.htm

READ...
...Pope Benedict's Wednesday catechesis on St. Alphonsus Ligouri (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32175?l=english
...the Vatican's statement on the Buddhist celebration of Vesakha (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32181?l=english
...the Holy See's statement to the UN on sexual orientation (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32108?l=english
…the U.S. Bishops’ statement on Quest for the Living God (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/doctrine/statement-quest-for-the-living-god-2011-03-24.pdf

WORTH QUOTING...
"Those of you who are nonbelievers challenge believers in a particular way to live in a way consistent with the faith they profess and by your rejection of any distortion of religion which would make it unworthy of man. Those of you who are believers long to tell your friends that the treasure dwelling within you is meant to be shared, it raises questions, it calls for reflection....  ...[I]t is up to you, in your own countries and in Europe as a whole, to help believers and nonbelievers to rediscover the path of dialogue. Religions have nothing to fear from a just secularity, one that is open and allows individuals to live in accordance with what they believe in their own consciences."
-- Pope Benedict XVI, in a video message to the "Court of the Gentiles" March 26 in Paris, online at:
http://www.zenit.org/article-32135?l=english

   •   •

Online This Week
March 27-April 3, 2011

VIEW…
…a new processional cross at St. Thomas in Ames (Catholic Sensibility):
http://catholicsensibility.wordpress.com/2011/03/07/processional-crucifix-arrives/

REFLECT ON...
…this week’s Gospel (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/come-water-0
…what the world is praying for this week (Catholic Relief Services):

http://www.crs.org/weekly-prayers/index.cfm

…an examination of conscience for Lent (The Word Among Us):
http://wau.org/archives/article/think_about_these_things/
…why we believe in Jesus Christ (The Word Among Us):

http://wau.org/archives/article/reason_to_believe/

...what Celtic spirituality can teach us during Lent (U.S. Catholic):
http://www.uscatholic.org/church/2011/02/celtic-crossovers-may-lent-irish-be-you

PRAY…
…a novena for victims in Japan (Jesuit Conference):
http://www.jesuit.org/index.php/2011/03/17/japanese-jesuit-offers-novena-for-disaster-victims-of-japan/

LEARN MORE ABOUT…
…how we count the days of Lent (U.S. Catholic):
http://www.uscatholic.org/church/2008/07/if-lent-40-days-why-are-there-46-days-between-ash-wednesday-and-easter
…Mass attendance in the 50s compared to now (CARA):
http://nineteensixty-four.blogspot.com/2011/03/sunday-morning-deconstructing-catholic.html
…how just war principles apply in Libya (Commonweal):
http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/just-war-libya
…the hidden cost of our affluence (Archdiocese of Washington):
http://blog.adw.org/2011/03/remembering-the-hidden-costs-of-our-affluence/

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1321
…this week’s World Report—Operation Rice Bowl in Indonesia (Catholic Relief Services):
http://crs-blog.org/crs-world-report-operation-rice-bowl-part-2/
…Fr. Francis Hezel’s lessons of a lifetime (America podcast):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/podcast/podcast-index.cfm?series_id=1241
…how we can learn from the woman at the well (Word on Fire):
http://www.wordonfire.org/WOF-Radio/Sermons/Sermon-Archive-for-2011/Sermon-533-One-who-is-greater-than-our-father.aspx

CONSIDER…
…whether Jesus was a political activist (Jesus of Nazareth Official Website):
http://jesusofnazarethvolume2.blogspot.com/2011/03/was-jesus-political-activist.html
…why immigration is a pro-life issue (USCCB):
http://usccbmedia.blogspot.com/2011/03/immigration-front-and-center.html
…the connections between theology, cosmology and ecology (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=12793
…seven ways to discover joy (Beliefnet):
http://www.beliefnet.com/Inspiration/2008/10/7-Ways-to-Discover-Joy.aspx
…budget choices and concern for the vulnerable (Catholic Charities):
http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=2314

THINK MORE ABOUT...
…what works—being human and imperfect (Busted Halo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/features/what-works-45-go-easy-on-yourself
...the relationship between church and state (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-32011?l=english
…how to make parishes more welcoming (U.S. Catholic):
http://www.uscatholic.org/church/2011/02/when-i-was-stranger
…the iconographic fiction of Flannery O’Connor (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/arts/al0421.htm
…what “March Madness” can teach married couples (American Catholic):
http://www.americancatholic.org/community/editorial.aspx?id=134

READ…
…the U.S. bishops’ concerns about military intervention in Libya (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2011/11-059.shtml
…Archbishop Dolan's statement on the sexual abuse of children (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2011/11-058.shtml
…Pope Benedict’s address to young adults attending the Court of the Gentiles in Paris (Chiesa):
http://chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/articolo/1347271?eng=y
…Fr. Daniel Harrington’s review of Jesus of Nazareth/II (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=12786
...a review of William May’s Theology of the Body (National Catholic Register):
http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/integrated-thought1/

and Something a Little Less Serious…
…a Vatican take on Elizabeth Taylor (Religion News Service):
http://ncronline.org/news/vatican/vatican-mourns-taylor-last-diva-cinema

WORTH QUOTING...
"...[T]hose of us who claim to be Christian are constantly asked to look at whether we are disciples of Jesus, prepared to walk with Him to Calvary -- or happy to be a holy huddle who see faults and challenges only elsewhere.  Lent is really Lent only if it challenges any sense of smugness and cosiness among those who will wear the cross of ashes today, and carry the cross with Jesus into the future. And if we can model that honesty, then we can perhaps encourage others to learn from that Gospel wisdom."
-- From an Ash Wednesday homily by Auxiliary Bishop Donal McKeown of Down and Connor Ireland, online at:
http://www.zenit.org/article-32000?l=english

   •   •

Online This Week
March 13-19, 2011

VIEW…
…a video presentation of this week’s Gospel (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/1-Gospel/224448393-gospel-of-sunday-13th-march-2011.html
…this week’s Vatican ReportJesus of Nazareth, book 2 (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/1-Events/224448389-vatican-report.html
…some thoughts about Ash Wednesday from young adults (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/features/whats-with-the-ash
…the moral burden of war (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly):
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/may-28-2010/nancy-sherman-extended-interview/6386/
…a Lenten reflection (Catholic Bishops of Australia):
http://thereflection.vividas.com/ 

REFLECT ON…
…Sunday’s Gospel (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/seed-doubt
…what the world is praying for this week (Catholic Relief Services):
http://www.crs.org/weekly-prayers/index.cfm
…the faces of homelessness across America (Our Sunday Visitor):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/bulletins-human-side/church-knew-sex-abuse-scandal-was-coming
...the Incarnation (Huffington Post):
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/fr-richard-rohr/creation-as-the-body-of-g_b_829257.html

MORE ABOUT LENT…
…giving something up for Lent (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/features/what-works-44-what-are-you-giving-up-for-lent
…doing nothing for Lent (Commonweal):
http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/blog/?p=12414

…the spiritual and physical benefits of fasting (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1100864.htm
...fasting from technology (Religion Dispatches):
http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/culture/4306/turn_off%2C_slow_down%2C_drop_in%3A_the_digital_generation_reinvents_the_sabbath
…the deeper meaning of Lenten ascenticism (Thinking Faith):
http://thinkingfaith.org/articles/20110308_1.htm

LEARN MORE ABOUT...
…the life of St. Patrick (ExploreFaith):
http://www.explorefaith.org/faces/saints_prophets_and_spiritual_guides/saint_patrick.php
...what Catholic families can do about bullying (RCL/Benzinger):
http://www.faithfirst.com/pdfs/TH-CatholicParenting-Bullying-R1.pdf
…”lapsed Catholics” and their connection to the Church (CARA):
http://nineteensixty-four.blogspot.com/2011/03/is-there-any-catholic-left-in-lapsed.html
…five key issues addressed in the Pope’s new book (Ignatius Insight):
http://insightscoop.typepad.com/2004/2011/03/the-five-key-questionsproblems-addressed-in-jesus-of-nazareth-holy-week.html

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1319

CONSIDER...
…Lent as a renewal of Catholic identity (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/facts/fm0147.htm
...Fr. John Dear's description of a "spirituality of resistance" (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/road-peace/lent-practice-spirituality-resistance

…America’s spiritual deficit (SojoNet):
http://blog.sojo.net/2011/03/10/americas-greatest-deficit-is-spiritual-not-merely-financial/
…John Paul II’s theology of the body (National Catholic Register):
http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/a-matter-of-communio/

THINK MORE ABOUT...
...what's wrong with our economy (Commonweal):
http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/great-reversal
…the touch of God’s grace (American Catholic):
http://www.americancatholic.org/e-News/FriarJack/newlayout.asp?id=56
…Iowa’s Faith and Freedom Coalition (Georgetown on Faith):
http://onfaith.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/georgetown/2011/03/republicans
_fight_for_god_at_the_iowa_faith_and_freedom.html

…the value of having four Gospels (Huffington Post):
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/matthew-l-skinner/the-gospels-its-good-to-l_b_832906.html
…what Christians believe about marriage (MercatorNet):
http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/marriage_101/

READ...
...Pope Benedict's Wednesday catechesis on the Lenten journey (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-31972?l=english
…the U.S. bishops’ statement on budget priorities (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/Final-2011-CR-letter-Domestic-Senate.pdf

...John Allen's review of Jesus of Nazareth (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/new-book-confirms-benedict-xvi-his-own-best-spokesperson

WORTH QUOTING...
"On the one hand we are told that self-interest and greed are the sole drivers of human behavior, and that 'free markets' are all that is needed to turn 'private vice into public virtue.' On the other hand we are told that human nature is what society makes it....  But humanity cannot be reduced to either selfish egos or social constructs. A full understanding of what it means to be human must also include the basic solidarity that is a necessary part of our humanity, that comports to the fundamental dignity of each person and that demands justice. Just as we need to improve the functioning of markets and the effectiveness of government policy, we must also work to promote solidarity and social justice."
-- Dr. Charles Clark, speaking for the Vatican's Permanent UN Observer, in an address to the Second Preparatory Committee for the Conference on Sustainable Development, March 9, 2011, online at:
http://www.zenit.org/article-31967?l=english

   •   •

Online This Week
March 6-12, 2011

 PREPARE...for Lent
…download a Fast-Pray-Give Lenten calendar (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/features/fast-pray-give
...sign up for a lenten journey with an Afghan refugee and her family (Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service):
http://www.lirs.org/site/c.nhLPJ0PMKuG/b.6561049/k.220/A_Feast_of_Grace_Observe_Lent_with_LIRS.htm?msource=sa110302&auid=7815614
...read a lenten reflection on courage (Catholic Digest):
http://www.catholicdigest.com/articles/newsletter/no_sub_ministry/2011/03-01/the-soldiers-vs-the-tomboy
…discover eight ways to pray during Lent (Loyola Press):
http://www.loyolapress.com/8-ways-to-pray-during-lent.htm?ftm=ocf
…resources from Operation Rice Bowl (Catholic Relief Services):
http://orb.crs.org/
…resources from the Beatitudes Society (Beatitudes Society):
http://www.beatitudessociety.org/seasonal-resources?utm_source=WCR%2BMarch%2B1&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Seasonal%2BResources&utm_campaign=WCR%2BMarch%2B1%2BSeasonal

VIEW…
…a video presentation of Sunday’s Gospel (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/1-Gospel/224448327-gospel-of-sunday-6-march-2011.html
…this week’s Vatican Report—ethics for business (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/1-Events/224448310-vatican-report.html
…a panel discussion about the history of lay people in the church (Boston College):
http://www.bc.edu/church21/webcast.html?11.04.10_The_Way_We_Were_Md.mp4#feature-area
…the wonder of God’s creation (The Branch):
http://www.thebranch.org/index.php/theBranch/resources/video_downloads/

REFLECT ON...
…this week’s Gospel (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/home-god
…what the world is praying for this week (Catholic Relief Services):
http://www.crs.org/weekly-prayers/index.cfm
...suggestions on how to be more grateful (Gratefulness Society):
http://www.gratefulness.org/qbox/item.cfm?qbox_id=234
…praying the Divine Office, the Liturgy of the Cosmos (The Way of Beauty):
http://thewayofbeauty.org/2011/02/23/praying-with-the-cosmos-%E2%80%93-the-divine-office/

LEARN MORE ABOUT...
…the new Roman Missal (Catholic Update):
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/preview.aspx?id=248
...how Americans view God (Faith & Leadership):
http://www.faithandleadership.com/features/articles/how-americans-view-god?page=full&print=true
…how personal values shape who we are (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/wtf_busted_halo.pdf
…what millennial Catholics think about Lent (CARA):
http://nineteensixty-four.blogspot.com/2011/03/in-season-millennials-and-lent.html=
…a  Catholic view of marriage (Liguorian):
http://www.liguorian.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=366:belonging-and-being-for-others&catid=21:sacraments&Itemid=28

CONSIDER...
…the link between vocations and contraception (National Catholic Register):
http://www.ncregister.com/blog/most-parents-discourage-religious-vocations-but-why
...Fr. Bryan Massingale's perspective on the conflict in Wisconsin (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal):
http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/117107323.html
...what role the churches should play (LaCrosse Tribune):
http://lacrossetribune.com/news/local/state-and-regional/article_987bc61a-4228-11e0-bfb9-001cc4c002e0.html
...Sr. Simone Campbell's perspective on "pro-life" budgets (The Hill):
http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/economy-a-budget/147047-when-budgets-are-not-pro-life
…Archbishop’s Chaput’s ideas about the American Experience (First Things):
http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2011/03/subject-to-the-governor-of-the-universe-the-american-experience-and-global-religious-liberty
…another take on the revised Roman Missal (Celebrate!)
http://www.celebrate-liturgy.ca/index.php?id=200

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1318
…Fr. Ronald Rolheiser’s thoughts on secularity (Everyday Faith):
http://www.everydayfaith.net/EF/Home/Entries/2011/2/28_Secularity_is_Our_Child_%28Ron_Rolheiser%29.html
…author Peter Quinn’s discussion of the historical novel (America Podcast):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/podcast/podcast-index.cfm?series_id=1237

THINK MORE ABOUT...
...the nature of truth, from Pope Benedict's new book (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-31894?l=english
…conscience protections for Catholic health care workers (Catholics in Alliance):
http://www.catholicsinalliance.org/cgf022211schneck.php
…moral issues and financial reform (Center of Concern):
http://www.coc.org/node/6658
…why the transformative effect of Vatican II is so elusive (Fordham University):
http://www.fordham.edu/images/Undergraduate/CenterOnReligionCulture//Sept_14_VatII_transcript.pdf
…a Thomistic environmentalism (Homiletic & Pastoral Review):
http://hprweb.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=256:from-conservation-to-consecration-towards-a-green-thomism&catid=34:current-issue

READ...
...Pope Benedict's address to the Pontifical Academy for Life (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-31870?l=english
...the Pope's Wednesday catechesis on St. Francis de Sales (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-31903?l=english
…Richard Gaillardetz’s “state of the church, 2011” (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/news/faith-parish/every-day-chruch-should-give-birth-church

WORTH QUOTING...
“Gracious God, today begins a period of inner reflection and examination.  The days stretch before me and invite me inward to that silent, holy space that holds your Spirit. This special time beckons me to see my life through Christ's eyes and the truth and reality of your love incarnate.  Give me the grace to enter the space of these days with anticipation of our meeting.  And, when I open my soul to your presence, let your loving kindness flow over me and seep into the pockets of my heart.  I ask this for the sake of your love.”
-- From Explore Faith, online at:
http://www.explorefaith.org/prayer/prayer/prayers_for_living/ash_wednesday.php

   •   •

Online This Week
February 27-March 5, 2011

 PREPARE...for Lent
…read Pope Benedict’s Lenten Message (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-31816?l=english
...sign up for a weekly "Noontime Examen" (Ignatian Spirituality):
http://ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen/lunchtime-examen/
...view a video about getting ready for Lent (Twenty-Third Publications):
http://www.pastoralplanning.com/Podcasts/Zannoni-Lent-11.html
...view a video about fasting and abstinence (Loyola Press):
http://www.loyolapress.com/fasting-and-abstinence-during-lent.htm
...check out resources provided by Ignatian Spirituality (Loyola Press):
http://ignatianspirituality.com/lent/?utm_campaign=e-magis-FEB-2011&utm_medium=email&utm_source=emagis&utm_content=Lenten-resources+&utm_term=

VIEW…
…a video presentation of this week’s Gospel (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/1-Gospel/224448228-gospel-of-sunday-27th-february-2011.html
…this week’s Vatican Report—missionary work and evangelization (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/1-Events/224448219-vatican-report.html
…perspectives on faith and worker justice (Religion and Ethics Newsweekly):
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/february-25-2011/religion-and-worker-justice/8233/
…a lecture on the development of icons in the Orthodox tradition (Boston College):
http://www.bc.edu/church21/webcast.html?10.18.10_Anatolios_Md.mp4#feature-area

REFLECT ON…
…this Sunday’s Gospel (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/seek-first-kingdom-god
…Sunday’s Gospel from a peace and justice perspective (Maryknoll Peace & Justice Office):
http://www.maryknollogc.org/about/Scripture-reflection-archive/02-27-11-8th-Sunday-Ordinary.pdf
…how focused you are (Beliefnet):
http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/Quiz/Are-You-Centered.aspx
…the Oscar-nominated Of Gods and Men (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/features/frances-oscar-selection-for-best-foreign-language-film-of-gods-and-men

LEARN MORE ABOUT…
…seven things Catholics should know about divorce (St. Anthony Messenger):
http://www.americancatholic.org/samo/Feature.aspx?articleid=13&IssueID=20
...how to really "hear" the Word of God (Evangelization Exchange):
http://www.pemdc.org/ee0211-conversation/
…how to recognize intrinsic value or beauty (Friar Jack):
http://www.americancatholic.org/e-News/FriarJack/newlayout.asp?id=55
…what the Church teaches about workers and workers’ rights (Diocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis):
http://www.osjspm.org/work_and_workers_rights.aspx

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1317
…Elizabeth Lev on what’s happened to Christian art (America podcast):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/podcast/podcast-index.cfm?series_id=1235
…author David Hazony on the Ten Commandments (Interfaith Radio):
http://interfaithradio.org/node/1614
…civil rights activist Vincent Harding on civility and hope (Krista Tippet on Being):
http://being.publicradio.org/programs/2011/civility-history-hope/

PLAN NOW…
…for Boston College’s C21 online course, “The Creed” beginning March 3 (Boston College C21)
http://www.bc.edu/schools/stm/c21online/courses/thecreed.html

CONSIDER…
…Fr. Anthony Ruff’s perspective on Pope Benedict’s liturgy (GIA Quarterly):
http://www.praytellblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Liturgy-Under-Benedict-XVI-Ruff.pdf
…why no one’s listening to what religious leaders are saying in Wisconsin (Beliefnet):
http://blog.beliefnet.com/christianityfortherestofus/
…if and when lying is always wrong (National Catholic Register):
http://www.ncregister.com/blog/last-comments-on-lying-for-jesus/
…Sister Rose Pacate’s Oscar picks (Pauline Center for Media):
http://sisterrose.wordpress.com/2011/02/25/my-oscar-picks-and-hopes-a-few-good-men-lead-the-pack/

THINK MORE ABOUT...
...how Catholics understand the Book of Genesis (Evangelization Exchange):
http://www.pemdc.org/ee0211-barron/
…why personal religious experiences need to be grounded in the community (Beliefnet):
http://blog.beliefnet.com/more_christianity/2011/02/the-holy-spirit-me-and-the-church.html
…what Catholics don’t know (Patheos):
http://www.patheos.com/Resources/Additional-Resources/What-Catholics-Dont-Know-Greg-Kandra-02-23-2011.html
…what makes a business school “Catholic” (U.S. Catholic):
http://www.uscatholic.org/church/2011/01/value-added-catholic-professional-schools

READ...
...Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecke's statement on unions (Archdiocese of Milwaukee):
http://www.archmil.org/News/StatementRegardingtheRightsofW.htm
…Bishop Stephen Blaire’s support for Wisconsin workers (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2011/11-038.shtml
…USCCB Pro-Life Secretariat’s support for the Protect Life Act (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/healthcare/cardinal-dinardo-HR358-ltr.pdf
…Pope Benedict’s Wednesday catechesis on St. Robert Bellarmine (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-31835?l=english

WORTH QUOTING…
If you can keep giving others respect when all about you this is seen as weakness, and disrespect is held as strength and passion for truth… if you can remain courteous and retain your manners when all about you courtesy is seen as quaint, and crassness and crudity are paraded as sophistication… if you can live in tension when all about you there is compromise because it is judged that it is better to let the devil take tomorrow than to live in tension today… and if you can bear down even more in charity and forgiveness, loving and forgiving those who hate you, when all about you they are advocating hate for hate… then, just as surely as Noah, you will have built an Ark!”
--
Fr. Richard Rolheiser, in his February 20, 2011 syndicated column, online at:
http://www.ronrolheiser.com/columnarchive/?id=620

   •   •

Online This Week
February 20-26, 2011

PREPARE…for Lent
…resources from the U.S. Bishops’ website (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/lent/
…resources from Loyola Press (Loyola Press):
http://www.loyolapress.com/liturgical-year-lent.htm
…”Wondrous Encounters—Day-by-Day Through Lent” (Catholic Update):
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/preview.aspx?id=247
…”Have You Given Up on Giving Up?” (Everyday Catholic):
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/EDC/preview.aspx?id=237
…”The Spirituality of the Gospels with Thomas Moore” e-course (Spirituality & Practice):
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/ecourses/ecourses.php?id=104&key=sp

VIEW…
…a video presentation of this week’s Gospel (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/1-Gospel/224448158-gospel-of-sunday-20th-february-2011.html
…this week’s Vatican Report—the priest shortage (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/1-Events/224448155-vatican-report.html
…a segment from Out of Darkness, a documentary on the Church in Eastern Europe (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/aee/darkness.html
…Fr. Robert Barron’s discussion, “Who Is God?” (Ignatius Insight):
http://insightscoop.typepad.com/2004/2011/02/fr-robert-barron-answers-three-basic-questions-about-god.html
…Joe Paprocki’s webinar on the revised Roman Missal (Loyola Press):
http://www.loyolapress.com/roman-missal-webinar-explains-changes-in-catholic-mass.htm

REFLECT ON…
…what the world is praying for this week (Catholic Relief Services):
http://www.crs.org/weekly-prayers/index.cfm
…Sunday’s Gospel (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/key-holiness
…being patient and persistent in prayer (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/spiritual-reflections/patient-and-persistent-prayer-0
…a pilgrim’s journey through grief (ExploreFaith):
http://www.explorefaith.org/lifeissues/sorrow_and_grief/landscapes_of_grief/index.php

LEARN MORE ABOUT…
…how sacraments works (Spirituality for Today):
http://www.spirituality.org/is/187/02.asp
…the challenges of Catholic feminism (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=12724
…the Orthodox Patriarchal Church in Egypt (Christian Near East Welfare Assn.):
http://www.cnewa.org/default.aspx?ID=3525&pagetypeID=4&sitecode=HQ&pageno=1
…Avery Dulles’ impact on the future of theology (Fordham University):
http://www.fordham.edu/images/undergraduate/centeronreligionculture/transcripts/dec%2014%20dulles_transcript.pdf

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1316
…a faith-based critique of the Oscar nominations (America podcast):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/podcast/podcast-index.cfm?series_id=1230

CONSIDER…
…the possibility of hope at the brothel door (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/marriage/mf0142.htm
…Fr. Richard Rohr’s explanation of mysticism (Huffington Post):
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/fr-richard-rohr/three-ways-to-view-the-su_b_822092.html
…Stratford Caldecott’s view of what children need (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/education/ed0443.htm
…how Facebook destroyed the church (Experimental Theology):

http://experimentaltheology.blogspot.com/2010/03/how-facebook-killed-church.html

DISCOVER…
…Beliefnet’s new “Catholic Corner” blog (Beliefnet):
http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Catholic/Catholic-Corner.aspx
…the danger of women’s magazines (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/blogs/why-womens-magazines-may-be-harmful-to-your-relationship
…composer Josh Ritter’s sense of faith and doubt (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/culture.cfm?cultureid=176

THINK MORE ABOUT…
…dealing with Catholic frustrations (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/blogs/catholic-frustration-within-the-ranks
…the connection between faith and music (Catholic University of America):
http://president.cua.edu/inauguration/hilarion-alfeyev.cfm#Full_text
…what’s wrong with the West (MercatorNet):
http://www.loyolapress.com/liturgical-year-lent.htm
…one family’s experience of Mexican violence (Fellowship of Reconciliation):
http://forusa.org/blogs/john-lindsay-poland/one-mexican-familys-story/8552

READ…
…Pope Benedict’s Wednesday catechesis on St. John of the Cross (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-31761?l=english
…the U.S. Bishops’ letters on budget priorities (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2011/11-032.shtml

WORTH QUOTING…
“…[W]hat is needed today is a strategic approach towards poverty eradication based on true social justice in order to help reduce the suffering of millions of our brothers and sisters. Authentic social development policies must address not only the economic and political needs, but also the spiritual and ethical dimension of each human person. In this manner, every individual in the society can be free from all forms of poverty, both material and spiritual.”
-- Archbishop Francis Chullikatt, the Holy See’s Permanent Observer, in an address to the UN’s Commission for Social Development Feb. 11, online at:
http://www.zenit.org/article-31749?l=english

   •   •

Online This Week
February 13-19, 2011

VIEW…
…a video presentation of this week’s Gospel (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/1-Gospel/224448096-gospel-of-sunday-13th-february-2011.html
…this week’s Vatican Report – World Day for the Sick (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/1-Events/224448094-vatican-report.html
…a documentary about the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage (Salt & Light Television):
http://saltandlighttv.org/catholicfocus/el-camino.php
…an interview with Catholic apologist Fr. Peter Stravinskas (Salt & Light Television):
http://www.saltandlighttv.org/witness/stravinskas.php
…Fr. Robert Barron’s commentary on exorcism films (Word on Fire):
http://www.wordonfire.org/WOF-TV/Commentaries-New/Fr-Barron-comments-on-Why-Exorcism-Films-Still.aspx

REFLECT ON…
…this Sunday’s Gospel (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/people-different-age
…becoming faithful servants (Friar Jack):
http://www.americancatholic.org/e-News/FriarJack/newlayout.asp?id=54
…struggling with doubt (National Catholic Register):
http://www.ncregister.com/site/article/grappling-with-uncertainty/
...Jesus and the homeless (Thinking Faith):
http://thinkingfaith.org/articles/20110203_1.htm
…a prayer for the beginning of a new day (Canadian Jesuits):
http://www.jesuits.ca/orientations/begin.html

LEARN MORE ABOUT…
…the Church’s understanding of marriage (USCCB Blog):
http://usccbmedia.blogspot.com/2011/02/is-your-parish-marriage-building.html
…changes in the new Roman Missal (Our Sunday Visitor):
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/7529/Revised-Roman-Missal-Understanding-the-reasons-fo.aspx
…how relativism clouds ethical thinking (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://catholiceducation.org/articles/medical_ethics/me0163.htm
…how the Tucson shooting has revived the gun debate (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1100555.htm

LISTEN TO...
…to this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://usccbmedia.blogspot.com/2011/02/is-your-parish-marriage-building.html

CONSIDER…
…how  much God loves us (ExploreFaith):
 http://www.explorefaith.org/faith/explore_gods_love/you_are_loved.php
…Bishop McElroy’s view of the war in Afghanistan (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=12708
…is Justin Bieber a modern evangelist? (Beliefnet/Religion News Service):
http://www.beliefnet.com/Entertainment/Celebrities/Justin-Bieber-Tween-Evangelist.aspx
…could professional golf be absolutely evil? (First Things):
http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2011/02/golf-and-the-metaphysics-of-morals

THINK MORE ABOUT…
…the laity’s role in the Church (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=12707
…those statistics about Catholic trends (National  Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/all-things-catholic/americas-religious-marketplace-real-catholic-problem-new-sales
…how to practice perseverance (Spirituality & Practice):
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/practices/features.php?id=20730
…how Jewish-Christian relations have evolved (Koinonia):
http://www.paulist.org/unity/koinonia/11_winter/improving-attitudes.php
…what freedom means (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/blogs/freedom

READ…
…the U.S. bishops’ testimony opposing public funding of abortion (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/prolife/HR3-testimony-2011-02-08.pdf
...Pope Benedict's  Wednesday catechesis on St. Peter Canisius (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-31703?l=english
...Cardinal Mahoney's plea for immigration reform (The Tidings):
http://www.the-tidings.com/2011/021111/cardnc.htm
…an excerpt from Fr. Alfred McBride’s new book, Staying Faithful Today (St. Anthony Messenger):
http://www.catholicsampler.com/viewer.aspx?id=1546&sample=chapter
…how Egypt’s Coptic Christians are responding to events there (Los Angeles Times):
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-egypt-coptics-20110204,0,7327517.story

WORTH QUOTING…
"We live with constant pressure, from without and from within, to see more, consume more, buy more, and drink in more of life. The pressure to increase the dosage is constant and unrelenting. But this is precisely where a deliberate, willful, and hard asceticism is demanded of us. To quote Mary Jo Leddy, we must, at some point say this, mean it, and live it: It's enough. I have enough. I am enough. Life is enough. I need to gratefully enjoy what I have."
-- Fr. Ron Rolheiser in his syndicated column, online at:
http://www.ronrolheiser.com/columnarchive/?id=618

   •   •

Online This Week
February 6-12, 2011

VIEW…
…a video presentation of this week’s Gospel (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/1-Gospel/224448033-gospel-of-sunday-6th-february-2011.html
…this week’s Vatican Report—What’s happening in Egypt (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/1-Events/224448022-vatican-report.html
…the ethical challenge of medical care (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly):
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/february-4-2011/medical-cost-benefit-ethics/8092/

REFLECT ON…
…this week’s Gospel (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/you-are-salt-earth
…the back path for inactive Catholics (Huffington Post):
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-james-martin-sj/six-paths-to-god-the-path_3_b_810355.html
…favorite prayers from famous African-Americans (Beliefnet):
http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Prayer/2009/01/Prayers-from-African-Americans-in-History.aspx
…learning how to pray, “not my will…” (BustedHalo):
http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Prayer/2009/01/Prayers-from-African-Americans-in-History.aspx

LEARN MORE ABOUT...
...six steps to forgiveness (Faith & Leadership):
http://www.faithandleadership.com/features/articles/the-dance-forgiveness?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=headline&utm_campaign=FL_feature
…who’s joining religious orders these days (USCCB):
http://www.americancatholic.org/features/special/default.aspx?id=11
…how faith can help ease the pain of depression (The Liguorian):
http://www.liguorian.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=356:what-faith-can-do-to-ease-depressions-pain&catid=22:christian-living-life-application&Itemid=29

FOCUS ON…
…Christians in the Middle East (American Catholic):
http://www.americancatholic.org/features/special/default.aspx?id=11
…Catholics at work (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=12694
…the relationship between bishops and Catholic hospitals  (USCCB):
http://www.americancatholic.org/features/special/default.aspx?id=11
…the challenge which young adults pose to the church (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/grace-margins/twenty-something-catholics-lost-generation

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1314
…more Facts of Faith—St. Blaise and throat blessings (BustedHalo podcast):
http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Prayer/2009/01/Prayers-from-African-Americans-in-History.aspx
…Richard Gaillardetz on marriage and faith (Everyday Faith):
http://www.everydayfaith.net/EF/Home/Entries/2011/2/3_Marriage__A_Daring_Promise_%28Rick_Gaillardetz%29.html
…getting beyond the divide between life and choice (Krista Tippet on Being):
http://being.publicradio.org/programs/2011/listening-beyond/

REGISTER FOR…
…Joe Praprocki’s webinar on the new Roman Missal (Loyola Press):
http://www.loyolapress.com/roman-missal-webinar-explains-changes-in-catholic-mass.htm

CONSIDER...
…the connection between money and values (BustedHalo):
http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Prayer/2009/01/Prayers-from-African-Americans-in-History.aspx
…what folks are saying about The Rite (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/arts/al0418.htm
…the egalitarian elitism of the Super Bowl (First Things):
http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2011/02/our-egalitarian-elitism
…why the drug problem is a God problem (Ignatius Insight):
http://www.ignatiusinsight.com/features2011/schall_drugs_feb2011.asp

THINK MORE ABOUT...
...making a monthly contribution to help the poor (Catholic Relief Services):
http://crs.org/donate/monthly-giving.cfm
...why families need to make time for important things (U.S. Catholic):
http://www.uscatholic.org/life/2011/01/dont-focus-family?page=0,0
…young adults and the Catholic Church (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/young-adults-and-catholic-church
…why vocation programs don’t work (Homiletic & Pastoral Review):
http://hprweb.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid=1

READ...
...Pope Benedict's Angeles reflection on the Beatitudes (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-31605?l=english
...the Pope's Wednesday catechesis on St. Teresa of Avila (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-31644?l=english

…what you can do to help Sudan (Catholic Relief Services):
http://peaceinsudan.crs.org/
…Joseph Weiler’s antidote to withdrawal from the public forum (MercatorNet):
http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/ways_out_of_the_christian_ghetto/

WORTH QUOTING...
“No longer can the church rely on the need for a refuge, or on the desire for conformity, or the fear of damnation to ensure lay participation. The church suddenly finds itself having to make an effort at being not only welcoming, but intellectually stimulating and liturgically meaningful to new generations of Catholics who were not formed in its tradition. It has to develop a catechesis that challenges the mind, feeds the spirit, and engages the inquisitive nature of young people.”
--Jamie L. Manson, in her “Grace on the Margins” column in the National Catholic Reporter, online at: http://ncronline.org/blogs/grace-margins/twenty-something-catholics-lost-generation

 

   •   •

Online This Week
January 30-February 6, 2011

VIEW…
...a video presentation of Sunday's Gospel (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/1-Gospel/224447960-gospel-of-sunday-30th-january-2011.html
…this week’s Vatican Report—World Communications Day (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/47-events/224447942-vatican-report.html

REFLECT ON…
…this week's Gospel (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/considerthis/bible-call/4scripture-reflection-january-30-my-god-and-my-all
…the lesson of the loaves and fish (Fr. Ron Rolheiser):
http://www.ronrolheiser.com/columnarchive/?id=610
…Jesus the nice guy, or Jesus the radical (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/blogs/what-would-jesus-discourse
…the value of volunteering (Christopher News Notes):
http://www.christophers.org/Page.aspx?pid=1199

LEARN MORE ABOUT…
…Catholic Schools Week (Cath0lic News Service):
http://www.americancatholic.org/community/editorial.aspx?id=130
...the Pope's push for Christian unity (Zenit)
http://www.zenit.org/article-31558?l=english
…the story behind The Rite (St. Anthony Messenger):
http://www.americancatholic.org/samo/Feature.aspx?articleid=11&IssueID=19
…the seven myths of servant leadership (Sojourners):
http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=magazine.article&issue=soj1102&article=on-becoming-a-servant-leader
…the challenge of world hunger (The Tablet):
http://www.thetablet.co.uk/article/15824

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1313
…a discussion of the theology of migration (America podcast):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/podcast/podcast-index.cfm?series_id=1227
…Fr. James Keenan on the university of the 21st century (Boston College):
http://frontrow.bc.edu/program/keenan2/
…Fr. Richard Rohr’s thoughts on spiritual restlessness (EverydayFaith):
http://www.everydayfaith.net/EF/Home/Home.html

CONSIDER...
…Friar Jack’s ideas about contemplative prayer (American Catholic):
http://www.americancatholic.org/e-News/FriarJack/newlayout.asp?id=53
…what it means to be “in agreement” (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=1&entry_id=3822
...a return to "confessional states" (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-31584?l=english
…one family’s experience of health care reform (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/blogs/an-uninsured-pregnancy-health-care-part-1
…the Gospel according to Oprah (Commonweal):
http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/blog/?p=11911

THINK MORE ABOUT...
…the theology of the State of the Union/I (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly):
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/by-topic/robert-h-nelson-sin-sacrifice-and-the-state-of-the-union/8002/
…the theology of the State of the Union/II (Religion Dispatches):
http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/politics/4115/state_of_the_union_stuck_in_that_olde-time_semi-niebuhrianism
…tomorrow’s theologians (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=12681
…the connection between morality and happiness (New York Review of Books):
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/2011/feb/10/what-good-life/?pagination=false
…knowing by faith (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re1041.htm
…the moral imperative of Christian unity (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1100308.htm

READ...
...Pope Benedict's Wednesday catechesis on Joan of Arc (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-31576?l=english
…Reviews of  The Rite:
--Sr. Rose Pacatte (American Catholic):
http://www.americancatholic.org/features/special/default.aspx?id=37
--Fr. Jake Martin (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/features/not-quite-rite
--John Mulderig (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1100268.htm
…a chapter from Josef Pieper’s St. Thomas Aquinas (Ignatius Insight):
http://www.ignatiusinsight.com/features2011/jpieper_aquinas_jan2011.asp

WORTH QUOTING...
“I cannot stress this enough--we must never forget our objective and that is ‘to build that kind of society where it is easier for people to be good.’ This is what Peter Maurin taught us. To follow the gospel teaching of the works of mercy. If your brother is hungry, feed him, shelter him. How can you show your love for God except by love for your brother and sister? The one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he hasn’t seen? This is a beginning.”
-- Dorothy Day in a 1969 letter, quoted by Fr. John Deer in his blog “On the Road to Peace” online at:
http://ncronline.org/blogs/road-peace/dorothy-days-letters-show-heartache-faith

Online This Week
January 23-29, 2011

CELEBRATE…the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity
…official prayer and information (Vatican):
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/weeks-prayer-doc/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_20100526_week-prayer-2011_en.html
…resources and background information (American Catholic):
http://www.americancatholic.org/features/default.aspx?id=7
…history of how the Octave developed (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-31529?l=english
…perspectives on Christian unity (Salt & Light Television):
http://saltandlighttv.org/perspectives/ecumenism-gods-plan.php

VIEW…
…a video presentation of this week’s Gospel (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/1-Gospel/224447889-gospel-of-sunday-23rd-january-2011.html
…this week’s Vatican Report – beautification of Pope John Paul II (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/1-Events/224447876-vatican-report.html
…a video report on progress in Haiti (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/video/video-index.cfm?series_id=1220
…a report on the recent referendum in Southern Sudan (Catholic Relief Services):
http://www.crs.org/sudan/southern-sudan-at-the-polls-gallery/

REFLECT ON…
…this week’s Gospel (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/considerthis/bible-call/4scripture-reflection-january-23-light-darkness
…the distinction between faith and “whooshing” (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=12659
…12 keys to a sacramental marriage (St. Anthony Messenger Press):
http://www.americancatholic.org/samo/Feature.aspx?articleid=10&IssueID=19
…the late Sargent Shriver and Catholic principles (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/stories_of_faith_and_character/cs0492.html

LEARN MORE ABOUT…
..the U.S. bishops’ commitment to universal health care (USCCB):
http://usccbmedia.blogspot.com/2011/01/bishops-seek-health-care-thats.html
…the names Catholic parents choose for their children (CARA):
http://nineteensixty-four.blogspot.com/2011/01/something-about-mary.html
…how the Church evaluates Marian apparitions (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1100252.htm
…why the pro-life movement is hopeful (Politics Daily):
http://www.politicsdaily.com/2011/01/21/abortion-foes-have-high-hopes-for-new-congress-and-for-2012/

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1312
…Karen Armstrong’s 12 steps to compassion (Interfaith Radio):
http://interfaithradio.org/node/1591

REGISTER FOR…
…a webcast of “Creativity for Creation” (Franciscan Action Network):
http://www.franciscanaction.org/

CONSIDER…
…whether being single is really a vocation (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/features/pure-sex-pure-love-123-catholic-singles-revisited
…the end of the “Bernardine era” in the U.S. Church (First Things):
http://www.firstthings.com/article/2011/01/the-end-of-the-bernardin-era
…the injustice of the war on drugs (Sojourners):
http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=magazine.article&issue=soj1102&article=cruel-and-unequal
…whether artists have the right to offend (Georgetown on Faith):
http://onfaith.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/georgetown/2011/01/art_and_community.html#more

THINK MORE ABOUT…
…the six paths to God (Huffington Post):
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-james-martin-sj/six-paths-to-god-the-path_b_805953.html
…the challenges facing Catholic hospitals (Commonweal):
http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/fatal-conflict
…what we could learn from “primitive” societies (Moral Landscape):
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/moral-landscapes/201101/have-westerners-fallen-the-evolved-human-cycle
…C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia (ExploreFaith):
http://www.explorefaith.org/resources/books/c.s._lewis/chronicles_of_narnia/index.php

STAND IN SOLIDARITY…
…with a fast and prayer to end violence in Cuidad Juarez (Fellowship of Reconciliation):
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2507/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=5594

READ…
…Pope Benedict’s Wednesday catechesis on St. Catherine of Bologna (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-31465?l=english
…the U.S. bishops’ legislative agenda for 2011 (USCCB):

http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2011/11-014.shtml

… interviews with the real exorcist whose story is told in The Rite
--
(Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-31515?l=english
-- (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/videoandaudio/interview-father-gary-thomas-vatican-certified-exorcist
…G.K. Chesterton’s thoughts on modern liberty (Ignatius Insight):
http://insightscoop.typepad.com/2004/2011/01/modern-liberty-means-that-nobody-is-allowed-to-discuss-religion.html
…Fr. John Deer’s thoughts on political hate speech (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/road-peace/looking-through-crosshairs
…George Weigel’s thoughts on the beatification of Pope John Paul II (The Tablet):
http://www.thetablet.co.uk/article/15794

WORTH QUOTING…
"'One single human family:' this is the theme of the message that I composed for today's observance. It is a theme that indicates the end, the goal of the great journey of humanity across the centuries: forming one family, naturally with all the differences that enrich it, but without walls, recognizing all as brothers. Thus says the Second Vatican Council: ...'[The Church] is in Christ as a sacrament, that is, sign and instrument of intimate union with God and the unity of the whole human race.'  For this reason it is fundamental for Christians, although they are spread throughout the world and, therefore, different by culture and tradition, to be one, as the Lord wishes."
-- Pope Benedict XVI, in remarks before the Angelus, Jan. 16, 2011, online at
http://www.zenit.org/article-31474?l=english

   •   •

Online This Week
January 16-22, 2011

REMEMBER... the Shooting in Tucson
…Archbishop Timothy Dolan (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2011/11-006.shtml
…Sister Mary Ann Walsh (USCCB):
http://usccbmedia.blogspot.com/2011/01/tucson-time-to-wake-up-and-tone-down.html
…Bishop Thomas Gumbleton (National Catholic Reporter)
http://ncronline.org/blogs/peace-pulpit/return-love-hate-jesus-baptism-teaches-us
…roundup of responses from various religious leaders (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1100110.htm
Fred Rotondaro (Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good):
http://www.catholicsinalliance.org/thecommongoodforum.php
…Pax Christi USA:
http://www.paxchristiusa.org/news_statements_more.asp?id=2091
…E.J. Dionne (Commonweal):
http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/tragic-prophet
...Stephen Prothero (CNN):
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/01/12/my-take-it-takes-a-village-to-make-a-killer/
...Jim Wallis (God's Politics):
http://blog.sojo.net/2011/01/10/an-attack-on-the-soul-of-the-nation/#
…Stephen Kent (Catholic News Service):
http://www.americancatholic.org/community/editorial.aspx?id=129
…Diana Butler Bass (Beliefnet):
http://blog.beliefnet.com/christianityfortherestofus/2011/01/congresswoman-gabrielle-giffords-speaking-for-the-soul.html

VIEW…
…a video presentation of this week’s Gospel (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/1-Gospel/224447792-gospel-of-sunday-16th-january-2011.html
…this week’s Vatican Report – religious freedom (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/1-Events/224447783-vatican-report.html
…an interview with Rev. Robert Graetz on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly)
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/january-14-2011/rev-robert-graetz-extended-interview/7887/

REFLECT ON...
…this Sunday’s Gospel (Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns):
http://www.maryknollogc.org/about/Scripture-reflection-archive/1-16-11-2nd-Sunday-Ordinary.pdf
…getting out of a spiritual rut (American Catholic):
http://www.americancatholic.org/community/editorial.aspx?id=128
...Thomas Merton'sdefense of Christian nonviolence (Fellowship of Reconciliation):
http://forusa.org/nonviolence/40merton.html
…the tension between faith and humor (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/features/faith-and-corn-chips

LEARN MORE ABOUT…
…the new translation of the Roman Missal (PrayTell):
http://www.praytellblog.com/index.php/2011/01/10/conceiving-the-translating-task/
…what Catholic believe about purgatory (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=1&entry_id=3795
…how Christ’s death makes a difference (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re1038.htm
…the Church’s position on gun control (Catholic News Service):
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1100159.htm

TAKE TIME TO…
…produce your advanced medical directives (Friar Jack):
http://www.americancatholic.org/e-News/FriarJack/newlayout.asp?id=52

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1311
…”Brother Mickey’s” perspective on the vocation of an artist (America podcast):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/podcast/podcast-index.cfm?series_id=1225
…how a Benedictine monk did—or didn’t—discover champaigne (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/videoandaudio/dom-perignon
…theologian and physicist John Pokinghorne on reconciling science and faith (Krista Tippet on Being):
http://being.publicradio.org/programs/2011/quarks-creation/

CONSIDER…
…why we can’t give up on Haiti (USCCB):
http://usccbmedia.blogspot.com/2011/01/why-we-must-not-give-up-on-haiti.html
…Matthew’s view of authority in the Church(America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=1&entry_id=3791
…how science is changing how we view human nature (The New Yorker):
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2011/01/17/110117fa_fact_brooks?currentPage=all
…why science can’t cheat death (The Guardian):
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/jan/08/john-gray-immortality

THINK MORE ABOUT…
…the challenges to religious freedom (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=12661
…what parents can do about bullying (American Catholic):
http://www.americancatholic.org/community/editorial.aspx?id=127
…steps for inactive or alienated Catholics (Catholic Church in England & Wales):
http://www.comehomeforchristmas.co.uk/what-next.htm

READ…
...the decree for the beautification of Pope John Paul II (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-31460?l=english
...Pope Benedict's catechesis on St. Catherine of Genoa (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-31434?l=english
...an interview with Fr. Timothy Radcliffe (U.S. Catholic):
http://www.uscatholic.org/church/contemporary-issues/2010/10/worth-getting-timothy-radcliffe-why-go-church
…Dorothy Day’s autobiographical novel, The Eleventh Virgin (Catholic Worker):
http://catholicworker.org/dorothyday/daytext.cfm?TextID=1

WORTH QUOTING…

“Our children are not ours, they are God's children. In the end, we are only their guardians, all of us. God is the real parent and God's love, care, and anxiety for them will always be in excess of our own. You are never a single parent, even if you are doing the parenting alone. God is alongside, loving, caring, cajoling, worrying, trying to instill values, trying to awaken love, worrying about what company they are keeping, concerned about what they are watching on the internet, and spending the same sleepless nights that you are. God's worry exceeds our own.”
-- Fr. Ron Rolheiser, in his weekly syndicated column Jan. 9, 2011, online at:
http://www.ronrolheiser.com/columnarchive/?id=547

   •   •

Online This Week
January 9-15, 2011

VIEW…
…a video presentation of this week’s Gospel (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/1-Gospel/224447728-gospel-of-sunday-9-january-2011.html
…this week’s Vatican Report—religious freedom (H20News):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/1-Events/224447706-vatican-report.html
…a new video about marriage, Made for Each Other (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/marriageuniqueforareason/

REFLECT ON...
…this Sunday’s Gospel (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/considerthis/bible-call/4scripture-reflection-january-9-baptism-lord
…why the parable of the Good Samaritan shocked Jesus’ audience (American Catholic):
http://www.americancatholic.org/e-News/FriarJack/newlayout.asp?id=50
…nine ways to connect prayer and justice (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/campus/prayer-ipj.shtml
…staying quietly in God’s presence (Canadian Jesuits):
http://www.jesuits.ca/orientations/westeast2.html
…the anniversary of the Haitian earthquake (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly):
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/january-7-2011/haiti-earthquake-anniversary/7766/

LEARN  MORE ABOUT…
…what the Pope did and didn’t say about using condoms (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=12649
…how Matthew’s Gospel addresses discipleship (Catholic Update):
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/preview.aspx?id=246
…how Christian anthropology transforms human sexuality (Catholic Education Resource Center):
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/philosophy/ph0033.htm
…how women in ministry keep the faith (U.S. Catholic):
http://www.uscatholic.org/church/2010/11/femme-fidele-how-women-who-work-church-keep-faith?page=3

TAKE ACTION…
…boost your spiritual energy (Spirituality & Practice):
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/galleries/12energyboosters.html
…urge Congress to reform U.S. immigration policy (Justice for Immigrants):
http://www.justiceforimmigrants.org/index.shtml

DOWNLOAD…
…a scriptural rosary which focuses on “The Stranger Among Us” (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/mrs/nmw/2011/scriptural-rosary-en-m5960.pdf

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1310
…Fr. Larry Rice’s explanation of  “epiphany” (BustedHalo Podcast):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/videoandaudio/the-word-epiphany
…reflections on Dr. Martin Luther King (Expl0reFaith):
http://www.explorefaith.org/faces/saints_prophets_and_spiritual_guides/martin_luther_king/index.php
…a discussion about the year’s best religion books (Interfaith Radio):
http://interfaithradio.org/node/1572

THINK MORE ABOUT…
…your purpose in life (Christopher News Notes):
http://www.christophers.org/Page.aspx?pid=1199
…the star of Bethlehem (Thinking Faith):
http://thinkingfaith.org/articles/20101231_1.htm
…the heart of the Mass, transubstantiation (Homiletic & Pastoral Review):
http://www.hprweb.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=264&Itemid=63
…balancing success and salvation (The Liguorian)
http://www.liguorian.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=350:what-makes-us-happy-balancing-success-and-salvation&catid=22:christian-living-life-application&Itemid=29

CONSIDER…
...giving to anyone who asks (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/considerthis/outside-box/4give-all-who-ask
…the connection between grace and sobriety (St. Anthony Messenger):
http://www.americancatholic.org/samo/Feature.aspx?articleid=7&IssueID=18
…what “peace on earth” means (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/road-peace/celebrating-birth-nonviolent-jesus
…why we still need natural philosophy (First Things):
http://www.firstthings.com/article/2010/12/philosophy-lives

READ...
...Pope Benedict's message for World Day of the Sick (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-31286?l=english
…John Allen’s interview with Cardinal George (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/all-things-catholic/picking-brain-us-bishops-thinker-chief
…an interview with the new head of the Vatican’s Congregation for Religious Life (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/news/women-religious/new-vatican-official-want-learn-walk-us-women-religious

WORTH QUOTING... 
“In modern thinking, the word ‘conscience’ signifies that for moral and religious questions, it is the subjective dimension, the individual, that constitutes the final authority for decision….  [Saint John Henry] Newman’s understanding of conscience is diametrically opposed to this. For him, ‘conscience’ means man’s capacity for truth: the capacity to recognize precisely in the decision-making areas of his life – religion and morals – a truth, the truth. At the same time, conscience… imposes on him the obligation to set out along the path towards truth, to seek it and to submit to it wherever he finds it. Conscience is both capacity for truth and obedience to the truth which manifests itself to anyone who seeks it with an open heart.”
-- Pope Benedict XVI, in an address to the Roman Curia Dec. 20, 2010; online at:
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2010/december/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20101220_curia-auguri_en.html

   •   •

Online This Week
January 2-8, 2011

REVIEW…the year just past
…a video review of religion in 2010 (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly):
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/december-24-2010/look-back-2010/7718/
...the year in review from Rome (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-31355?l=english
…five most under-reported religion stories of 2010 (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/all-things-catholic/most-under-reported-vatican-stories-2010
…J.D. Salinger, Eunice Shriver, Michael Jackson -- the faithful who departed in 2010 (BustedHalo):
http://www.bustedhalo.com/category/faithful_departed

CELEBRATE…the new year
...a spiritual view of new years resolutions (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=2&entry_id=3745
…the whole coulda, woulda, shoulda business (American Catholic):
http://blog.americancatholic.org/2010/12/31/new-years-repri-eve/
…restarting your prayer life (Life4Seekers):
http://www.life4seekers.co.uk/spirituality-prayer/gettingstarted.html
…a video preview of the year ahead (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly):
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/december-31-2010/look-ahead-2011/7719/

VIEW...
…this week’s Vatican Report—the Church in China (H2oNews):
http://www.h2onews.org/english/1-Events/224447647-vatican-report.html
...Karl Hoffman's video, "Living on the Border" (U.S. Catholic):
http://www.uscatholic.org/video/living-border
…a preview for Fr. Robert Barron’s new video series, “Catholicism” (Word on Fire):
http://www.wordonfire.org/The-Catholicism-Project/Trailer-New.aspx

REFLECT ON...
…Sunday’s Gospel (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/considerthis/bible-call/4scripture-reflection-january-2-magis-gifts
…what the world is praying for this week (Catholic Relief Services):
http://www.crs.org/weekly-prayers/index.cfm
…the Holy Family’s flight to Egypt (Commonweal):
http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/fugitives

…the deeper meaning of Christmas card images (ThinkingFaith):
http://thinkingfaith.org/articles/20101223_2.htm
...practicing spirituality in Winter (Spirituality & Practice):
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/practices/features.php?id=20549

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT...
…how Catholics understand the liturgical year (Catholic Update):
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/preview.aspx?id=245
…the role of the laity in the Church today (American Catholic):
http://www.americancatholic.org/community/editorial.aspx?id=122
...how Catholicism shaped the Third Reich (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-31164?l=english
…what Americans really believe (Religion Dispatches):
http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/atheologies/3889/2010%3A_what_did_we_believe_in

LISTEN TO…
…this week’s edition of American Catholic Radio (Franciscan Radio):
http://www.franciscanmedia.org/sections/acr/program.aspx?id=1309
…Pope Benedict’s “Thought for the Day” (BBC Radio 4):
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/features/today/pope-thought-for-the-day/
…Fr. Drew Christiansen’s reflections on why matter matters (America Podcast):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/podcast/podcast-index.cfm?series_id=1222
…four talks by David Clayton on sacred art (The Way of Beauty):
http://thewayofbeauty.org/2010/12/22/four-talks-on-sacred-art-at-kenrick-seminary-st-louis/#more-1424

CONNECT WITH...
…a four-week online retreat about discerning God’s call (Catholics on Call):
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/4discerning-life-service-church-week-one
... an 8-week self-directed course on non-violence (San Antonio Peace Center):
http://1.salsa.net/peace/conv/

PLAN AHEAD...
…for a two-week online workshop on spiritual practices (C21 Online):
http://www.bc.edu/schools/stm/c21online/courses/spiritual-practices.html
…for webcast participation in Fr. Richard Rohr’s conference, “Loving the Two Halves of Life” Jan. 20-23 (Center for Contemplation and Action):
http://www.cacradicalgrace.org/conferences/2011/two-halves/webcast.php
...for a 40-day e-course, "
Practicing Spirituality with Brother David Steindl-Rast" (Spirituality & Practice):
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/ecourses/ecourses.php?id=101&key=sp

DISCOVER…
…a new website dedicated to Catholic Social Teaching (LiveSimply Network):
http://www.catholicsocialteaching.org.uk/
...Jonathan Montaldo's new website (Monksworks)
http://monksworks.com/

SHARE YOUR OPINION...
...about parish hospitality (U.S. Catholic):
http://www.uscatholic.org/hospitality

CONSIDER...
...two perspectives on the Church's sexual abuse crisis (National Catholic Reporter):
http://ncronline.org/blogs/all-things-catholic/benedict-xvi-and-tom-doyle-crisis
…why the Church needs a theology of birthing (Church and Postmodern Culture):
http://churchandpomo.typepad.com/conversation/2010/12/the-liturgical-turn-toward-a-theology-of-birth-an-advent-mediation.html
…the next stage in America's the culture wars (Georgetown on Faith):
http://onfaith.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/georgetown/2010/12/end_of_the_culture_war.html#more
…the Pope’s “farsighted vision” on sexual morality (Chiesa News):
http://chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/articolo/1346021?eng=y

THINK MORE ABOUT...
…why Catholics are leaving the Church (America):
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=12642
…where they go when they leave (CARA):
http://nineteensixty-four.blogspot.com/2010/12/recipe-for-none-life-seen-bit-less.html
...why taxes are a moral issue (The Washington Post):
http://onfaith.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/panelists/jennifer_butler/2010/12/why_taxes_are_a_moral_issue.html
…what the Internet is doing to human nature (Commonweal):
http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/changing-our-minds

READ...
…Pope Benedict’s Christmas message, “Urbi et Orbi” (Vatican):
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/messages/urbi/documents/hf_ben-xvi_mes_20101225_urbi_en.html
...the Pope's message for the World Day of Peace Jan. 1 (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-31261?l=english
…the U.S. Bishops’ response to ratification of the New Start treaty (USCCB):
http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2010/10-245.shtml
...Pope Benedict's message for World Day of the Sick (Zenit):
http://www.zenit.org/article-31286?l=english

WORTH QUOTING... 

"The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes. Unless a particular man made New Year resolutions, he would make no resolutions. Unless a man starts afresh about things, he will certainly do nothing effective."
- G.K.Chesterton, quoted on Beliefnet at
http://www.beliefnet.com/Love-Family/Holidays/New-Year/New-Year-Quotes.aspx?p=8


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