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
Good for people to know.
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