By Wally Arida
Published June 28, 2007
Dear Friends:
What a busy week it has been for us. We've been working diligently on many new things to further improve your favorite Catholic lifestyle magazine. And thanks to your support, we are today the fastest growing Catholic lifestyle magazine in the United States.
Every week through ParishWorld.net more and more people are discovering that evangelization and Catechization indeed happens via the internet. We've learned that Catholics everywhere really hunger for things Catholic and - in our own little way - we've been blessed to be in the position to provide it . Please CLICK HERE to see our mission at ParishWorld.net and to view our editorial policy.
And we've also been busy adding more new parishes to our ParishWorld family. This week we welcome to our fold St. Denis in Diamond Bar, CA; St. Madeleine in Pomona, CA; St. Lorenzo Ruiz in Walnut, CA; St. Thomas Korean Catholic Community in Anaheim, CA; and St. Anthony in San Jacinto, CA. We will announce even more parish additions in the coming weeks.
The Tridentine Mass, Marriage and internet evangelization are our top three story clusters this week. We kick things off with the announcement today from the Vatican that Pope Benedict has relaxed the restrictions for the celebration of the the Latin Mass. This has been a very sensitive and polarizing topic among many Catholics so we feel it necessary to clarify that the Pope did not decree that the Tridentine Mass will replace the current liturgical rite. CLICK HERE to see exactly what he said. There is a deeper issue here. And "Benedict and the Mass" offers an in-depth look at all the attention this topic has generated.
The Internet and its role in Christian evangelization continues to be discussed widely as we lead off with this story, "The Internet as a Source of Grace." We also bring you "God’sSpace," the story of how the Marist Brothers - a religious order struggling to fill its dwindling ranks - turned to the internet for answers. And if like most people you handle email on a daily basis, we bring you "Seven steps to better e-mail management," helpful hints to help you whip your in-box into shape.
This being the tail end of the month of June, we continue with our series on weddings, marriages and relationships with our burning question: "Can a Catholic marry a non-Catholic in a Catholic ceremony?" In the state of Massachussetts, the Catholic Church announced this week a state-wide iniitiative to promote Marriage. Also, "What Have You Done for Your Marriage Today" is the question the US Bishops ask everyday Catholics in a series of radio and TV spots aimed to promote the sacramental element of Marriage. And we talk about "The In-Laws" and why an essential part of being married is working out a healthy relationship with them.
There is an undeniable resurgence of the Catholic faith in the United States as more and more faithful flock to our Sunday Masses. But why are some churches more filled than others? In "We are still faithful," is is opined that Relevance keeps the church pews filled today. It's about Gospel living, meaningful worship and challenging parishioners to think about "why we do what we do." Want another indication that faith is really surging in the U.S.? Recent studies show that the Pro-Life position is showing a steady rise among U.S. voters.
Every Sunday we recite the Apostles' Creed, “He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.” But what does this really mean in our faith? Read the complete explanation here. We also bring you "You are my God," a powerful video on Eucharistic Adoration, featuring Fr. Stan Fortuna.
Last week, we preached about it. Well, the issue seems to be quite universal as Philippine bishops this week also decided to address the issue of wearing modest attires during Sunday Masses in all of their parishes. And, if you are a Christian soldier, or know one who is, you might like to know that MTV is doing a documentary on the lives of Christian servicemen in our armed forces and are looking to feature people like yourselves. CLICK HERE to see how you can be a part of the documentary.
"Arms and spirits high," announces that this week marks the 40th anniversary of charismatic Catholic praise. Check out the story. We also have word from the 2008 World Youth Day in Sidney that participant numbers are surging. And if you're an aspiring young filmmaker, The 2007 Outside da Box Youth Ministry Video Challenge may be just for you. CLICK HERE to see how you can join the contest.
"39 Ways to Live, and Not Merely Exist" is a great litany of things that let you live a bountiful and blessed life. You have to read it. And if you haven't seen "Evan Almighty," Sr. Rose Pacatte of the Pauline Sisters offers you an "Evan Almighty Study Guide for Catholic Christians" to share with your family and friends. This is a wonderful family movie and it debuted last week at number one. Watch it with your entire family.
And how was your week? Have a great and blessed new week.
Keep the faith. Peace.
Wally Arida
Publisher and Editor-in-chief
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Friday, June 22, 2007
Marrriages, Baptisms and St. John the Baptist
By Wally Arida E-Mailed June 22, 2007
Dear Friends,
June is traditionally the month when many among our friends and family choose, or have chosen, to get married. And this Sunday is the feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. So we thought we should focus this week's edition of your ParishWorld.net on these two things: Marriages and Baptisms.
So who is this man we call St. John the Baptist and what role did he play in our salvation? Find out all about him by clicking here. We also bring you a homily by Fr. Romy Seleccion, MS, on "The Nativity of St. John the Baptist." Read it here.
Baptisms - we've witnessed them at our parishes many weekends. You've probably even participated in them many times over the past few years. First comes the church ceremony, then comes the big party. But do you really understand what goes on when children - or adults - are baptized?
Check out "Celebrating the Embrace of God" and be enlightened why Baptism is a Sacrament of the Catholic Church and not just a happy social event. And what about those godparents? Why is it that only a select few are actively involved in their godchildren's lives and most disappear after the baptism? Read this eye-opening article and find out what is expected of you when you agree to stand as godparents at someone's Baptism. It's really more than just handing over your gift at the event.
And we bring you this week's burning question, "Why do you believe Catholic parents are obliged to baptize their children as babies?" Let us know your thoughts as we prepare to bring you what the Church teaches about infant baptism.
Now we go to Weddings! We begin with a light, but spiritual, story that highlights our Theology editor's experience at the wedding of someone really close to him. It's aptly called called "CHURCH WEDDINGS: Spiritual experience or just the same ol' Bling?" And ever wondered why the Catholic Church won't allow you to get married at Disneyland? In "A Fairy Beautiful Wedding," we explain why a Disney matrimony can be a most fabulous fantasy event but not a sacrament.
Weddings are more than just social events. They are life events that require a lot of love, understanding and patience through the years. Whether you've been married for several years or are just planning to tie the knot, you have to read "Hints for a Happy Marriage." It will change the way you look at your relationship and your life partner.
If you've been afraid of the thought of Marriage, "Partners and Marriage" will help you understand that it is a beautiful thing to commit your life forever to someone you truly love. Finally we bring you "Five Non-religious Arguments for Marriage over Living Together." The title is self-explanatory and the story is a must read.
Here's a bit of interesting trivia: "Churchgoers Live Longer." We have the scientific study that proves it and it really makes total sense. Check it out.
GET INSPIRED! We bring you two powerful and inspiring slideshows that were shared by our readers this week - "The Seven Wonders of the World" and "Ten things God won't ask you on that day." View them and get really inspired. And ever worry about your future, about ending up unhappy? Cast your fate upon the Lord and let Him take charge!
Many of you have been reading ParishWorld.net for some time now, but did you know we give you the Readings and Homily for the daily Mass? The section is called "Breakfast with God" and it's front and center in http://www.parishworld.net/ every day. Check it out. Make sure you are blessed everyday with the daily Mass readings and reflections.
I'm struggling majorly with bringing you this week's edition of ParishWorld.net because my laptop decided to take a dive on me yesterday. My techie says it might be a bad hard drive - ouch! And so I'm forced to build this week's issue on our home PC which unfortunaltely does not have any of my personal work files. So please bear with me for a few days as I wait to get my laptop back. I could surely use all your prayers for divine intervention right about now. And if you have a favorite saint, please say an encouraging word or two to him or her for me. :-)
And how was your week? May you have a blessed coming week.
Keep the faith. Peace.
Wally Arida
Publisher and Editor in chief
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