“This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”

CATHOLIC LIVING TODAY
Second Sunday in Lent (2LentC), February 28, 2010


BURNING QUESTION: What is Faith?
FEATURED BLOG: A Daily Plan for Being a Man of the Spirit
PRIEST STORIES: Twin Priests
PASTORAL HISPANA: Liberacion de Dioses Falsos

Dear Friends,

This Sunday, the Readings deliver Luke's version of the transfiguration of Jesus, a more personal account than the versions of Mark and Matthew. Our Discussion Questions this week will guide your bible study sessions with your family, friends or church gropup.

“This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”

We come to Jesus at prayer on the Mountain. Even though the Transfiguration is presented in all three of the Synoptic Gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke, only Luke begins the account with the Lord at prayer. This is significant. The Lord is opening Himself to the presence of the Father.

At peace, at prayer, He is transformed, transfigured, into a state that reflects the glory of God. Moses and Elijah appear. And that, according to Fr. Alex McAllister SDS, is the key — prayer.

From Tabor to the Cross

Why does the Lord reveal his glory to the Apostles in this way during the Transfiguration? Father Cusick points to St. Thomas Aquinas who teaches that this grace was given to strengthen the Apostles for the Cross to come. It gives a glimpse of the Resurrection which would be purchased only by the blood shed upon the Cross. Fr. Phil Bloom says by the cross - and only by the cross - do we come to the resurrection.

The transfiguration teaches us that God's brilliant life included death. Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB adds that there is no way around it -- only through it. Jesus, from the cross, is proclaiming what is manifest in the transfiguration: “all the law and the prophets bear witness to me and to what is happening right now.” And Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio points out that this is why Jesus came.

Transforming Ourselves

Fr. Jim Kirstein says the mountaintop experience was given so as to strengthen the apostles in time of trial. The episode reminds us that our being Christians means living in the midst of the ups and downs of daily life. This Jesus who we wish to imitate, points out Fr. James Gilhooley, came not to dominate but to motivate, not to condemn but to forgive, not to oppress but to free, not to compel but to teach.

Following Jesus therefore, according to Fr. Joseph Pellegrino, does not mean merely performing certain external actions like just coming to Church, or showing up to get married, having our children baptized, receive communion or be confirmed. Following God means entering a spiritual, mystical relationship with him, a relationship that is present through our daily duties as well as when we are together at prayer.

Fr. Orly Sapuay tells us that God is not interested in just remodeling our character. Instead, He wants to replace it with His nature. Evangelization requires that we listen to the Lord and allow Him to transform us and our lives and then to be instruments of revelation to the world.

Fr. Demetrius R. Dumm, O.S.B. says when the voice from heaven commands us to "listen to him" (v.35), we are challenged to be transfigured so we become more and more ready to use our freedom so that others also may be free - free from fear and guilt and poverty and pain. These words from heaven are addressed to us. But, says Fr. John Foley, S. J., we have to opt into it. We have let ourselves be joined to Jesus in his fidelity to God. In Baptism we begin this. We continue it in each Mass we attend, each communion we receive. We say “Amen” to it. Jesus gives us the Holy Eucharist, Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio reminds us, so that "we may become what we eat."

Lent, Fasting & Works of Mercy

Required fasting is almost non-existent in the Catholic Church today. Even the two days where fasting is required for those over 18 and under 60, it is really a mitigated fast of two small “snack-like” meals and one regular sized meal. Not really a fast at all. Msgr. Charles Pope blesses us this week with this very insightful reflection: The Key to True Fasting.

Gary Zimak shares "A Lenten 'Weight' Loss Program" and offers five simple steps that you can use during Lent to identify and eliminate some of this excess “poundage” from your life. And in "How to Stay Strong Spiritually During Lent," Fr. John Bartunek, LC offers the three things that tend to make our Lenten resolutions less transforming than we would like them to be. And Maurice Blumberg comes up with "A Daily Plan for Being a Man of the Spirit."

And how about getting less plugged into your iPod for Lenten fasting? The Sacramento, CA bishop urges Catholics to fast from "needless television, video games, Internet use and social entertainment" during Lent.

Confession, Confirmation & Stations of the Cross

In the coming weeks, parishes worldwide will offer Reconciliation services for the season of Lent. Taylor Marshall offers words of encouragement for those who hesitate to avail of this healing Sacrament. Here are his "Seven Reasons Why You Should Go to Confession During Lent." We also offer suggestions on how to make the Lenten devotion of the Stations of the Cross more child-friendly. Check out "Stations of the Cross for Kids."

It's also the time when our children are preparing for the Sacrament of confirmation. Some saints are mosre popular than others in being considered as personal confirmation saints by our confirmandis. But Leon Suprenant offers an alternative list: Top Ten Confirmation Saints You Never Considered. Check it out.

Finally, have you ever asked yourself what it really means to believe? Pat Gohn offers an interesting explanation in her ongoing study of the Catechism. Read it and share it with your friends.

Mass in the Combat Zone, etc.

Capt. Carl Subler is a priest. Standing in the dust at an earthen-walled compound near the contested town of Marjah in southern Afghanistan Marjah. he offered Mass and prayed for the safety of those assembled, half a dozen soldiers who are fighting the Taliban. The men kneeled in their faded uniforms and some took communion. Allow us to share with you a reflective Eucharistic moment in a time of war.

And here's some good news. A new report is out and it shows the number of Catholics in the U.S. has increased, while most mainline Protestant denominations lost members. The Vatican also reported a similar upward growth trend in teh number of Catholics worldwide.

From India, we bring you the story of two priests who are going online to net followers. To engage with parishioners in Mumbai suburbs, they scrap on Orkut, run Facebook groups, send parish updates through e-posters and text messages as well as write blogs to engage the youth in discussions about religious, civic, social and political issues.

And finallly from Baltimore, MD Msgr. Charles Pope reflects on the winter weather that has enveloped the region. To get to the plowed street where you can reasonably walk requires you to go through knee high snow. But through all this he found a message. And the message from God says, “Stop.”

Another eventful week in our Catholic world. Have a great and blessd new week.

Keep the Faith. Peace.

Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in chief

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"You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test."

CATHOLIC LIVING TODAY
First Sunday in Lent (1LentC), February 21, 2010


BURNING QUESTION: Must you believe the Church 100% to be Catholic?
FEATURED BLOG: Mass - Sobriety at the Sign of Peace
VOCATION STORIES: From Olympic Skater to Nun
PASTORAL HISPANA: Las tentaciones de Jesús son similares a las nuestras

Dear Friends,

This Sunday’s Readings presents us with the temptations of the Lord as related in the Gospel of Luke. The Gospel of Luke differs in the order of the temptations from the order found in the Gospel of Matthew. Our Discussion Questions will guide your bible study sessions this week
with your family, friends or church group.

The Temptation of Jesus

In Matthew the final temptation is when the devil led Jesus to the mountain and offered Him all the Kingdoms of the world if He worshiped him. In Luke, this temptation is placed second, the final temptation in Luke is the temptation from the parapet of the Temple in Jerusalem. Fr. Joseph Pellegrino explains this in more detail.

However, Fr. Campion P. Gavaler, O.S.B. elaborates, we are confident that we will triumph in our trials of faith, not because of our own strength, but because Jesus has given us His Holy Spirit. And as Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB points out, the Holy Spirit did not lead Jesus into temptation. The Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness. The devil did the tempting, not the Holy Spirit!

Sin and Temptation

Fr. James Gilhooley preaches that we must learn to convince ourselves of the reality of sin. Clearly Jesus in Luke's Gospel accepted sin as sin in His dialogue with the Devil. He was certainly not passing evil off as "alienation, anomie, boredom, rage, ...peer pressure, inequality, or status anxiety" as many of us do today.

We need to recognize that Satan is harassing us all the time. We are all weak and prone to evil. Fr. Jim Kirstein, SMA warns us that it may be a disturbing truth, but it is one which we ignore at our peril. Fr. Orly Sapuay, M.S. reminds us that it is not a sin to be tempted, but it is a sin to invitingly respond to temptation. And so Fr. Ron Rolheiser urges us - like the saints of old - to learn the mantra:“Get behind me, Satan!”

Fr. John Foley, S. J. relates how Jesus answers the devil 's temptation with scripture (Deuteronomy 6:16), “You shall not tempt the Lord your God.” It means God the Father is first and above all. If you can bribe him to save you, then you will seem equal to him! But you aren’t. Do you sometimes think you are God?

Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving

They are the three ways the Church has given us for penance particularly during Lent. Fr. Alex McAllister SDS says if we are really serious about Lent and are prepared to undertake the task of re-conversion to Christ, then we will also take seriously these means the Church gives us. This primer on how and why Catholics observe Lent can be a good guide for you.

Jesus journeyed to Jerusalem to radically transform the world. Fr. Pellegrino adds that our Lord invites us to join Him on the journey during this Lent. And Fr. Phil Bloom offers more spiritual advice - when temptations come, Jesus shows us what to do: Exalt God.

Why Forty Days?

Ash Wednesday this week marked the start of forty days of our Lenten season. Fr. James Martin, S.J offers an Ash Wednesday reflection he calls "A Sorrowful Joy." While Msgr. Charles Pope of the Diocese of Baltimore asks us what really do ashes signify? He offers a brief tour of Scripture to explain its origins..

Catholic blogger Rachel Balducci relates how after receiving their ashes, she fondly watched as her young boys quietly compared the marks on their foreheads - as generations have done before them, all part of our rich heritage.

OK, we do penance for 40 days, Jesus fasted 40 days in the wilderness. Noah watched rain fall for 40 days and 40 nights. Moses was up on Sinai receiving the 10 commandments for 40 days. The Israelites wandered around the desert for 40 years. So why all these forties? Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio explains it here.

Justice, Suffering, Hope & The Magisterium

Saying Man must learn to accept his reliance on God, Pope Benedict has taken up Justice as the Church's theme for Lent. And reflecting on Ash Wednesday, he also said that human beings are fragile creatures destined to return to the earth -- dust, yes, but dust that is loved and molded by the love of God.

Also from Rome, a Vatican spokesman said suffering reveals God's love. Underlining the Pope's Message for World Day of the Sick, he explaind that the objective of miracles, as well as suffering and sickness, is to help man discover the love of God. And as several Catholic relics make their way to the many faithful around the world, a Vatican theologian said today that veneration of relics run the risk of replacing authentic faith with irrational superstition.

In an interview, Fr. Fabio Di Martino of the Tabor Community, said young people need to discover that Christianity is not a set of rules to be followed or broken. This as Pope Benedict urged prelates to call Catholics to complete fidelity to the magisterium, presenting Church teaching as a message of hope rather than a series of prohibitions.

While Patrick Madrid, Catholic author and father of 11 kids, offers great parenting advice: "You Can Keep Your Kids Catholic. Here’s How . . ."

The Mass in Slow Motion: More on the Eucharist

This week, Mark Shea explains how the book of Revelation reflects the shape of the Mass. It begins with a penitential rite, moves on to the Liturgy of the Word and is filled with thanksgiving. The final thing he notes is that it climaxes in exactly the same way that our worship on earth climaxes as described in Revelation 19:9. Reality, like the Mass, is consummated with the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

From the Diocese of Baltimore, discusses "Sobriety at the Sign of Peace." Some see it as a very gregarious moment and leave their pew and move through the Church. Others stay put and just nod at others. What of this disputed moment, the sign of “peace?” And Holy Cross College's Robert Kloska offers his "15 Reasons Why I'm a Huge Believer in Eucharistic Adoration."

From Olympic Skater to Nun

A U.S. speedskater has chosen to take a leap of faith. Twelve years ago at the Winter Olympics in Nagano, a 17-year-old speedskating prodigy named Kirstin Holum was tapped for future greatness.She gave it all up to become a nun.

From Hollywood, CA, the 17th Annual CIMA (Catholics in Media) Awards will honor "The Hurt Locker" and Fox Television's "Glee" at ceremonies in Beverly Hills on February 28, 2010. Also being honored is the Pauline Media Center's Sr. Rose Pacatte, FSP who will receive the CIMA Board of Directors Award. Golden Globe Award-winner Samantha Eggar will host the event.

And Deacon Greg Kandra asks you to check out the latest ditty by a Catholic comedian Nick Alexander -- dubbed by the National Catholic Register the "Catholic Weird Al." His music video is clever , pretty funny and it's called "There's a little black spot on your head..." Enjoy.

Finally, we pray that our Lent may be for each of us a journey of discovery, the discovery of the Life of Christ.

Another eventful day in our Catholic world. Have a great and blessed new week.

Keep the Faith. Peace.

Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in chief

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"Blessed are you who are poor"

CATHOLIC LIVING TODAY
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary time (6C), February 14, 2010


BURNING QUESTION: Does God want you to be rich?
FEATURED BLOG: What Catholic women want for Valentines Day
VOCATION STORIES: Dominican Sisters go primetime on Oprah
PASTORAL HISPANA: Jesús nos explica en que consiste la verdadera felicidad

Dear Friends,

This Sunday's Readings present the Beatitudes as they are found in the Gospel of Luke. Matthew has nine beatitudes and no woes, Luke has four of each. Find out why they differ. Our Discussion Questions will guide your Bible Study sessions with your friends, family or church groups.

Why the difference?

The Gospel of Matthew is written for Jewish Christians. It speaks about the new attitudes, the new mind set necessary for the Kingdom of the Lord. The heart must be pure, the Spirit must be poor. Matthew presents some of the fundamental changes that the ancient Jews must make to become Christians. In Matthew Jesus gives the Beatitudes from a mountain, just as Moses gave the Law of God from Mount Sinai.

The Gospel of Luke is quite different from Matthew. It was written by a gentile convert, Luke, and addressed primarily to gentile converts to Christianity. Luke’s audience was poor. Many were slaves or low born. Their choice of Christianity only exacerbated their situation. They were persecuted, suffering.

Fr. Joseph Pellegrino explains that in presenting the Lord’s words to them, Luke places Jesus on a plain. He was on a level with them. He was poor, suffering and persecuted. And Fr. James Gilhooley points out that Jesus was willing to descend to their level. Would you and I be so willing also to put ourselves out?

A Blueprint to Life's Purpose

Fr. Jim Kirstein, SMA says Jesus does not intend for us to make a law of these Beatitudes. He is asking us to go beyond the surface to understand God’s unpredictable ways. Fr. Orly Sapuay, M.S. explains further that in them Jesus reveals a new kind of richness and a new kind of poverty. Jesus did not accept the designations of “rich” and “poor.” He seems to have reversed them.

Fr. John Foley, S. J. says if we want to love and be loved we need to have space at the center of who we are. A person has to be open and empty in order to let God and others come in. And Jesus is the poor in spirit, the meek, the persecuted, and the peacemaker. Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB points out that He is the new "code of holiness" that must be imprinted on hearts, and that must be contemplated through the action of the Holy Spirit.

Is It Wrong to be Happy?

Marcellino D’Ambrosio, Ph.D. thinks otherwise. He explains that the beatitudes do not demand a morose Christianity. They are all about laying the foundations of an unshakable joy and a peace that passes understanding.

In a 2007 Lenten homily, Pontifical Household Preacher Father Cantalamessa dealt with the practical application of what the Gospel beatitudes relate about the poor and the hungry. He said indifference is a sin against the poor. And as a followup, now we ask you to try and address our Burning Question with all honesty: Do you think God wants you to be rich?

Valentines Day Sunday

This Sunday is also Valentines Day. Fr. Phil Bloom offers "Trust in the Lord" as a theme for married couples as we celebrate this special day - and also for all o f us as we enter the season of Lent.

An so as our thoughts this weekend turn to red and pink hearts, chocolates, and romance, we say “I love you” with more freedom and enthusiasm. However, it is essential that couples remind themselves that truly loving on Valentine’s Day is making your partner know he or she is a blessing to you.

And as more marriages and families these days become affected by control and trust issues, we bring you some thoughts from a Catholic psyciatrist who says through the sacraments and practice of virtue these problems can be overcome. Know that Trust is a very important factor for all relationships. Learn to enhance your relationships today and make make every day Valentines Day.

For you Men, this is an inside scoop by a woman blogger who asked women from across the country, about their plans and hopes for Sunday. Here's "What Catholic Women Want for Valentine's Day." And for you Women, understand that Valentines Day goes both ways. Here are some surefire tips to make sure your man doesn't forget the special day.

And here's a situation we hear about more frequently these days: "My Husband Doesn't Share My Passion for My Faith." Fr. John Bartunek, LC helps you deal with it with concrete suggestions.

Lent begins next week with Ash Wednesday

I can't believe it's upon us already. Lent starts next Wednesday - Ash Wednesday - and our Church embarks on forty days of reflection on the pain and suffering our Lord endured to save us from our sins.

But before Wednesday comes Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras. Although the drinking, revelry and debauchery associated with the festival may not seem to have any association with religion, the truth is that without one of the holiest of Catholic holidays, this highly festive celebration would not exist at all. Here's the true story of Mardi Gras.

To prepare us for Lent, we tought it timely to share the following 2010 Lenten Regulations and Admonitions issued by Sacramento Bishop Jaime Soto. Quite simply, it's the Rules for Lent and the good bishop spells it our clearly. It's also the season when parishes will be holding Reconciliation Services. So we thought we should share a timely article from Msgr. Charles Pope: From Perfunctory Penitence to Compelling Confession In Four Easy Steps. And for good measure, we thought we'd also throw in this quote from one of J.R.R. Tolkien's letters. Many of you may have seen it before but it doesn't hurt to read it again: "The only cure for sagging of fainting faith is Communion." His full quote will give you a fuller appreciation of our most Holy Sacramaent.

And from Los Angeles, California, Cardinal Roger Mahony penned a blog about the new Roman Missal which will be implemented nationwide sometime in 2011. “More theologically correct,” he says about the new Missal.

Oprah, Dominican Sisters, & More

The Dominican Sisters of Mary went primetime on Oprah last Tuesday. And they did not disappoint. The sisters were well-spoken, intelligent, funny, good-natured and extremely forthright about their lives, and both Lisa Ling and Winfrey seemed to genuinely appreciate their comments on life, materialism, vows, sexuality, and so forth. We have the videos and transcripts here.

From Manhattan, we bring you the story of a Starbucks sidewalk musician and how a bystander who accomodated him with an impromptu hymn silenced everyone even the capuccino machines. While from the Philippines, the youth there have overwhelmingly made their voices heard. With the onset of the official presidential campaign season, Catholic Filipino youths are one in saying that they want a God-fearing President to be elected come May 10.

Finally, here's more Valentines Day ideas to make Sunday really special. If you have a honey, but not a lot of money, try these economical ideas. 10 tips for a fun — but frugal — Valentine's Day.

Another eventful week in our Catholic world. Have a great and blessed new week. Happy Valentines Day to all.

Keep the Faith. Peace.

Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in chief

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"From now on you will be catching men."

CATHOLIC LIVING TODAY
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary time (5C), February 7, 2010

BURNING QUESTION: Why don't we evangelize door to door?
FEATURED BLOG: Who Does God Use?
PRIESTS STORY: Good Priests Have to Hit the Books, Says Pope
PASTORAL HISPANA: Purifica Mis Labios

Dear Friends,

Sunday's Readings contain a surprise development. We will find three of the greatest witnesses in the Bible - Isaiah, Paul and Peter — each expressing their own worthlessness. Our Discussion Questions will guide your Bible Study sessions with your friends, family or church groups.

Pressed by a growing crowd, Jesus got into the boat of a fisherman named Simon and preached to them a short distance from the shore. He then told Simon to go out into deep water and lower his nets for a catch. Simon had aught nothing all night but did as Jesus asked. They caught so many fish that their nets were about to break.

When Simon Peter saw this he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, "Depart from me, Lord, I am a sinful man." Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be fraid; from now on you will be catching men."

Worked all night and caught nothing

However, the hinge point in the story comes when Jesus tells Peter to “Launch out into the deep.” Father Cusick explains that, like Peter, we also sometimes respond with weariness when our Lord reminds us to keep all the things that He has commanded. Fr. Orly Sapuay, MS says this story points out the spectacular contrast between emptiness and fullness.

There is some sense in that we have to be empty if we are to receive. So, Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB asks us to to identify with the disciples at sea. Is it possible to be a committed disciple of Jesus, yet still experience weakness and failure?

Am I Worthy?

Fr. Alex McAllister can recall how many times he as heard people say that they don’t feel worthy of this or that ministry or service in the Church. In response to this, Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio, Ph.D. suggests that we look at the cases of Peter, Paul and Isaiah in this Sunday's readings. None of them would have been voted most likely to succeed. And Fr. Jim Kirstein, SMA chimes in to remind us all that God is not looking for perfection but rather the willingness to try to do better.

The message can't be clearer. Fr. Joseph Pellegrino says all of us have a role to play in the transformation of the world into the Kingdom of God. We are called to to touch people. And some of these very people might be sitting in the pew next to us suffering silently due to situations beyond their control.

But we struggle to trust, which Fr. Ron Rolheiser says is perhaps the most important thing we ever need to learn. We must move towards trust, from the house of fear to the house of love. And the good news, according to Fr. Campion P. Gavaler, OSB, is that Jesus has not departed and has promised never to depart from the Church.

"Lord, I am a sinful man."

So this Sunday - like Isaiah, like Peter - Fr. Phil Bloom says why don't we acknowledge our sins? Fr. James Gilhooley asks why not examine our conscience against this benchmark: In the home Christianity is kindness. In business it's honesty. In society it's courtesy. In work it's fairness. To the unfortunate it's sympathy. To the weak it's help. To the evil it's resistance.

This enables us to hear Jesus' voice - to receive his forgiveness, his healing - and through the
Eucharist, to allow him to touch and heal us. So that at each Mass, we can echo the Roman
centurion when he says, “Lord I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof. Only say the word and I shall be healed.”

And when we react with shame like this during Mass, Fr. John Foley, S. J. says God does not say in return, “I reject you,” but “I love you dearly. Come be with me.”

Who Does God Use?

Shane Kapler says all of us can become powerhouses. We must live who we are, share what we are excited about with our co-workers and friends. But it all comes back to spending time with Jesus — gazing upon Him in the Eucharist, in Scripture, in His Church.

In Webster Bull's "Why I am Catholic" blog, Frank points out an unlikely evangelist who was responsible for his conversion - a US Marine colonel in charge of Justice and Peace. Phoenix archbishop Thomas J. Olmsted uses St. John Neumann as a great example of a wise teacher and holy priest who continually fostered in those he served a hunger and thirst for the word of God.

God on the the Internet

It is possible to meet God even in the tangled maze of cyberspace. Father John Flynn, LC points out that in Benedict XVI's recent message for World Communications Day, he urges priests and all Christians to communicate through the digital media. The goal, even of the Web, is encountering God. And we are reminded that priestly bloggers should be welcomed for what they are: a great gift to the Church.

The Church continues to reach out to the youth on the heels of a study which reports that new media use by Teens has shot up at an even astronomical pace than previously thought.

Marriage, Abstinence & a Moral compass

Grand Knight Carl Anderson writes this week that Americans are looking for real political and economic change. And he offers to the markets' business leaders the Papal Encyclical as a roadmap with a moral compass.

From Phoenix, the diocese has adopted a new policy to help reverse the ‘Marital Breakdown.’ Couples seeking a church wedding are now to undergo a full course in Natural Family Planning and more comprehensive courses on the theology of marriage, sanctity of life, divorce and same-sex “marriage.”

From the Vatican, Benedict XVI this week pointed to the testimony of martyrs and invited youth to open their hearts to the "heroism of sanctity." This is consistent with a recent US study that shows the effectiveness of teen abstinence. The Family Research Council explained that the study "tells us clearly that abstinence education, not the promotion of high-risk sexual behavior among teens, is needed."

Celebrating the Eucharist

The Mass is the incarnation of God's remembering us even when we forget God. This latest installment in our ParishWorld Series on Understanding the Mass is titled: "Eucharist: The Incarnation of the Memory of God."

We also encourage you to watch this very educational video: "The Holy Mass .... Revealed," Understanding each section of the Mass. And read this article on understanding how the Fathers of Vatican II intended for us to celebrate the Mass.

Stories of Hope

In the drug war in Juarez, Mexico, even the untouchable aura of clerics in the world's second-biggest Catholic country is being challenged. We bring you this story of a Catholic priest on the front lines of the conflict.

And from Flushing, New York, meet an amazing sixth grader who turned her distraught feelings about the human suffering in Haiti into concrete help for the earthquake victims there. This is an unusually generous, self-sacrificing gift for a girl her age, but if you watch the video here, you’ll see that this young Catholic is no ordinary girl.

Super Bowl Frenzy

It's happenning this Sunday, Super Bowl Sunday is upon us and the world stops for an afternoon of girdiron fun and food. But we bet you didn't know that the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints each include a Catholic priest on their chaplaincy rosters to help them prepare for the big game. And don't forget to watch out for the historic Pro-Life Super Bowl ad featuring the Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow.

Finally, for the 10% of Americans who are still struggling to find a job in this economy, here's something interesting: 20 jobs -- no degree, but big salaries. If higher education isn't for you, this article offers 20 career paths straight out of high school.

Another eventful week in our Catholic world. Have a great and blessed new week.

Keep the Faith. Peace.

Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in chief

Follow us on Twitter
Click Here to view any of our previous weeks' issues
Click Here to receive a FREE SUBSCRIPTION to this weekly email