"Tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you."

This Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014 (26A), we read the Parable of the Two Sons. It is unique to the Gospel of Matthew is probably one of the most easily understandable of all the parables of Jesus. It describes a situation we can all identify with and one that we surely all have experienced. Some call this four verse parable the Better of Two Bad Sons. Our Discussion Questions will guide your Sunday Bible Study sessions with family, friends and church groups.

The parable was one of three parables Christ spoke in His last days. They are known in history as the Parables of Rejection. This day's Gospel was the first and shortest of the melancholy three. This Sunday we are also treated to one of the most beautiful passages about Jesus in the entire Bible. It is found in the Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians.

Obedience and Disobedience

The two sons in the parable this weekend have some promise. Their father has a vineyard of his own, something for them to inherit. The vineyard needs some work, and the father tells both to go and do it. One says no, but then eventually goes. The other says he'll go work, but never shows up. Number one son, who said no to his father but who went and did what his father wanted, is a type for sinners. Number two son, who says yes to the father but does not deliver, is a stand-in for the religious authorities of the day who were long on words but short on deeds.

Father Cusick explains to us that Jesus Christ came to fulfill the law, and commanded the people to do as the Pharisees taught according to the law. But he also warned against following their example. We should be like the first son and say "yes" just as he did, but we must also be as the second son who obeyed the father, though at first he refused. Talk is cheap, Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio tells us. It’s easy to make a promise. But keeping a promise is an entirely different matter, as this Sunday’s gospel makes abundantly clear.

It is about obedience and disobedience, says Fr. Alex McAllister SDS. It is about compliance and rebellion, about changing one’s mind in a positive way and changing one’s mind in a negative way. It is fundamentally about the choices we make in life. And it is about conversion and repentance, as Fr. John J. Ludvik explains.

A Warning Against Self-deception

Certainly in the parable, the father wants the best for both his sons. But the one never does the will of the father. Jesus uses the parable to describe human relations with God. Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB says it offers a lesson for those who claim to be Christian, but do not worship as Christians or live the Christian life; compared to those who come to Christ later but never claimed to be righteous.

It is clearly a warning against self-deception. Fr. Orly Sapuay, M.S. reminds us how easy it is for the spiritual person to build up for themselves over the years the firm belief that they are doing God's will. They have an interior sense of this due to their prayer life, their personal spiritual activities, spiritual readings and so forth. Yet Fr. Demetrius R. Dumm, O.S.B. says all these become problematic when one's relationship with God is reduced primarily to observing rituals and keeping rules. It is a problem when we fail to see that we haven't changed the way we deal with our fellow men. When we remain judgmental, merciless, impatient gossips who look down on others as less than ourselves.

A Call To Work the Vineyard

We are called to work in the Father's vineyard. Fr. Joseph Pellegrino says the vineyard is your house and my house. The vineyard is your life and my life. The vineyard is that place where others are reaching out to us, seeking the love of Christ in us. And if we want motivation, as well as encouragement, solace in love, participation in the Spirit, compassion, and mercy, St. Paul says to look at what Christ did (Second Reading). Then you will not act out of selfishness, but will serve others humbly, as he did. Fr. John Foley, S. J.  says this is the ultimate motivation in Christianity.

In the final roundup, Fr. James Gilhooley points out that it is only by deeds that we prove what we are. It is only by actions that we establish whether we are genuine or faux. Fr. Phil Bloom says what counts is not the image that others perceive. What counts is our final state before God. So we turn to Sunday's Psalm for hope that we may grow in the true faith that Jesus speaks about in the Gospel because, as James Starke concludes, God remembers us not for our sins but in kindness.

Mass, Prayer, Sin & Guilt

A reader asks a very serious question from a reader: "What's the point of going to Mass if we’re in the state of sin?" And Fr. John Zuhlsdorf offers a great pastoral response you all must see. Meanwhile, related to this, Msgr. Charles Pope tries to navigate one of the trickier terrains in the moral world - the experience of guilt. It is understood here as a kind of sorrow for sin. On the one hand there is an appropriate sorrow for sin we ought to experience. Yet there are also types of guilt that can set up, either from our flesh or from the devil which are self destructive and inauthentic. Which bring us to the sin of Gossip. Here's a reflection on one of the more under-rated categories of sin: the sins of speech.

The Carmelite sisters are known as the Navy SEALs of spiritual warfare. Sister Laus Gloriae, O.C.D. offers tips for improving your prayer experiences. And she starts by suggesting we not use the expression “prayer experiences” at all. Hit the delete button on that one. Prayer isn’t just “an experience.” It is so much more. The good sister explains in more detail.

Why Virginity Matters

Jennifer Fulwiler was glancing at a list of saints’ feast days that fall during this week, when she this listed for September 23: St. Thecla, Virgin and Martyr. As she reflected on virginity and what it means in today's world, she began to realize that it is possible to live a fulfilling life without having sex. She also deduced that denying this fact alone is responsible for some of the worst scourges that plague the modern world: abortion, contraception, even homosexual acts. 

And speaking of the topic of homosexuality, Bishop James D. Conley introduces Courage, an apostolate that was founded in 1980 in New York and is now serving the Church in about 100 U.S. dioceses and in many countries overseas. “Speaking the truth in love” (Eph 4:15) about homosexuality is the work of Courage. And it begins by acknowledging that the truth of human sexuality can be known and lived. It trusts that the Church, which assures us that Christ has risen from the dead, also guides us in understanding the complex and controversial question of homosexuality.

Meanwhile, Kevin Lowry tackles Catholicism in the workplace and how tough it can be at times. However, with hardship always comes opportunity. He offers "3 Ways to Shock Your Co-Workers" using stealth workplace evangelization. They won't even know what hit them.

Life, Married Love and Becoming a Dad

Breast cancer survivor Pat Gohn touches on the exquisite and excruciating Life of Married Love. She notes how loving someone until death is as hard as it is beautiful. It is sacrifice, but also a well of deep, refreshing joy.

Matthew Archbold talks about how miserable men can be when their wives are pregnant because present for the conception, they're then faced with nine months of absolutely no specific responsibility. And then it happens. He describes the experience in "How I Became a Dad."

Someone’s out to get your teens — and Barbara Curtis say they mean business. A special PBS Frontline report named them “The Merchants of Cool” in their in-depth look at the aggressive marketing used to control how American teens spend their money. We look at how to "Consumer-proof your kids."

Finally, here's something for those who have lost their jobs. It's "10 things to do if you have just lost your job."

Another eventful week in our Catholic World. A blessed and happy new week to all.
Keep the Faith. Peace.

Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in chief
BURNING QUESTION: Why Don't you Read the Bible?
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"Upon this rock I will build my church."

This Sunday, Aug. 24, 2014 (21A), we consider a Gospel text that is crucial to the Church’s understanding of itself. The words of Jesus addressed to Peter, “You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church." Our Discussion Questions will guide your Sunday Bible Study sessions with family, friends and church groups.

"But who do you say that I am?"

This Sunday's gospel story places Jesus in Caesarea Philippi and the disciples are just back from their mission of preaching. Jesus asks them who the people think he is. He is measuring the faith-status in the regions around him. The disciples laugh boyishly, and give the answers they have heard, and obviously they regard such guesses as absurd.

All of us at some stage must come to ourn own Caesarea Philippi. Just as he challenged the disciples, to each of us who are baptized Jesus leans over and whispers, "But YOU...who do YOU say I am?" Fr. James Gilhooley tells us that it is the one question that will never go away. Fr. Orlando Sapuay, M.S. explains that the question asked of Peter is an invitation to receive the on-going self-revelation of God through a personal experience of the person of Jesus. Where are the Caesarea Philippi places in our lives where we have been challenged to identify Christ for whom he really is for me, for the Church and for the world?

On previous Sundays we saw Jesus many curing people. In each case He tells them, “Your faith has saved you.” This Sunday’s Gospel explains that it is in fact their faith that has saved them. The cures are love being given and love being received. Fr. John Foley, S. J. affrims that the name of that openness to God’s love on the part of the people is “faith.”

“To loose and to bind”

The phrase, “to loose and to bind” was a common Jewish phrase in Jesus’ day. The rabbis of the day had that power to “loose and bind.” To “loose and to bind” was to allow and forbid, to declare something allowed and to declare something forbidden.

Jesus identifies Simon Peter as the Rock upon which his church will be built so that Peter's binding and loosing on earth simultaneously binds and looses in heaven. Peter and his successors, the Vicars of Christ on earth, have alone been given the authority that so many claim for themselves today. The Church with its visible structure of authority through Christ's power, explains Fr. Campion P. Gavaler, O.S.B., is an extension of Christ as the sacrament of His presence in history.

Fr. John J. Ludvik explains that in the kingdom of God there are two keys: the key of forgiveness and the key of withholding forgiveness. Those keys are not the same but both are important to use. Similarly, Fr. Phil Bloom adds that we need two keys for salvation: the golden key of God's forgiveness won by Christ and the silver key of repentance which includes sorrow for sin, confession, satisfaction and absolution.

Keys were given to Peter. Jesus gave him these keys. Fr Joseph Pellegrino points out that the Church opens the gates of eternity to all people of good will. We are the Church. We are the Body of the Christ. We are Catholic.

Peter the Rock

Matthew is the only evangelist to use the word "church" (Greek ekklesia) here in Verse 17. In fact, Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB tells us, the word is used twice in Sunday's Gospel text. Jesus' church means the community that he will gather and that, like a building, will have Peter as its solid foundation. So yes, the Papacy is quintessentially Catholic, but that’s because it is thoroughly biblical. We should be proud of the Papacy and recognize that it is one of Christ’s great gifts to the Church.

But also we should also not be surprised that there are some difficulties on this great pilgrimage of faith that the People of God is engaged in. Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio isolates one of the most difficult things to swallow about Catholic teaching: the dogma of papal infallibility. Jesus, in making Simon “Peter,” made sure that the jaws of death wouldn’t in fact prevail over the Church. And despite 2000 years of persecution from without and enemies from within, they haven’t.

From St. Peter to today, the man we reverently call the "Holy Father" humbly wears the mantle that Christ himself has placed on his shoulders, as our teacher in matters of faith and morals. His power is not based on wealth or weapons because, according to Fr. Alex McAllister SDS, the authority that they wield is not of the worldly kind. Jesus Christ and His Church, and the man who is his representative on earth, are not what we make of them. Father Cusick says they are and always will be precisely what Christ has taught in today's Gospel: the irrevocable, unchangeable creation of God and essential for the man or woman who claims the title "Christian."

So we are proud of the Papacy, glad to be Catholic, and inspired to be faithful to Christ and His Church.

Marriage, Family, Faith and Immigrants

For fatherhood in America, Colleen Carroll Campbell says these are the best of times and the worst of times. Today’s fathers are more active in their children’s daily lives to a degree not seen in nearly half a century. But alongside this rising level of involvement among live-in fathers is a rise in absent fathers. Matthew Warner adds the warning that kids today are not getting taught a very important lesson in life. At least not many of the kids here in the United States. Their school teachers, youth ministers, pastors, coaches and, most especially, their parents are dropping the ball on this one. Find out what she means.

It's an imperfect world filled with imperfect parent, imperfect familes, imperfect people. Simcha Fisher emhasizes to us however that despite this, marriage isn't really just for perfect people. She is quick to point out that she does know many happily married, perfectly matched couples who have been married for decades—but who were kind of a mess when they first said Yes.

And it's a changing world, populated by immigrants. America, from its beginnings, has been a nation of faith and a nation of immigrants. Its laws and institutions depend not on where her people came from, explains Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, but, on what they are willing to sacrifice to keep the experiment alive.

Prayer, Angels & Finding God

In "Praying as a Christian," Fr. Scott Hurd suggests that when we pray, we need to present ourselves as part of the answer. In the words of St. Augustine, “Pray as if everything depends on God, and act as if everything depends on you.” While Jennifer Fulwiller reports that she has received a lot of feedback in response to her post called Finding God in 5 Steps. But a reader reminds her that she's missing a step, one that is perhaps the most important: First, you must be willing to lose lose it all. And Finally, Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum university, answers this question: During the celebration of the Mass, where, who or what is the center of focus? Is it the altar or the tabernacle or the celebrant?

Let's talk about angels. They really exist. Not just in our minds, or our myths, or our symbols, or our culture. They are as real as your dog, or your sister, or electricity. Dr. Peter Kreeft explains the twelve most important things to know about angels.

And as we close this week's issue, let's talk about money. J.D. Roth explains that one of the best ways to improve your personal economy is to increase your income. Yes, frugality is an important part of personal finance; cutting costs will help your dollars last longer. But there’s only so much you can trim from your budget. Eventually you’ll have to look for other ways to make ends meet. He tells us in "How to Boost Your Income."

Another eventful week in our Catholic World. A blessed and happy new week to all.

Keep the Faith. Peace.

Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in chief

BURNING QUESTION: How does the Pope influence your personal life?
FEATURED BLOG: World Youth Day and Religious Freedom
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"Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies"

In this Sunday's Readings for Mar. 25, 2012, the Fifth Sunday in Lent, some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover feast say to Philip, "Sir, we would like to see Jesus." Jesus responds, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." Our Discussion Questions will guide your Sunday Bible Study with family, friends and church groups.

Jesus did many good things for us during his 3 year ministry – but to bear all the fruit he was destined to bear according to the Father’s plan, the seed of his life had to fall into the ground and die. This Sunday’s gospel tells us that He would not settle for less. The question, Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio asks, is -- will you?

"Sir, we would like to see Jesus."

No other Gospel contains the story of the Greek travelers who approach the Apostle Philip asking to see Jesus. That is not surprising according to Fr. James Gilhooley. John's work was written to present Christ to the Greeks and Gentiles. His Jesus was designed for export.

Fr. Campion P. Gavaler, OSB explains further that the incident of the Greeks asking to see Jesus marks a turning point in the fourth gospel. Before, as at the wedding feast at Cana, Jesus had always said that his "hour" had not yet come. Now through the symbolic presence of the Greeks, Jesus will be able to draw everyone to himself -- Gentiles as well as Jews, people today as well as people of the first century. We, too, would like to see Jesus.

And how do we know the Lord? Not only know about him, but actually know him? The Greeks in this Sunday's Gospel showed how it begins with this request, "Sir, we would like to see Jesus." To see Jesus, that is the key to knowing God. To see Jesus, explains Fr. John Foley, is to enter the "new covenant."

The Crucial Hour

Fr. Joseph Pellegrino explains that through the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, His hour has become our hour, His death has become our life, our deaths have become His life, His love.

And why is all this necessary? Fr. Ron Rolheiser tells us that we will find the answer precisely when we ponder in the biblical sense, namely, when we stand helpless, muted, and frustrated, but listening, before a pain, an illness, or an injustice that so overwhelms us that we are unable to rely on any power -- save that of God. What is taught us there holds the key to everything.

The crucial "hour" when one must choose either to love one's life in this world above everything else, or to love one's life in God, of course, will come in the particular circumstances of one's own world. And that is why we are here. God believes in us enough to love us. Fr. Charles Irvin says God has given Himself to us in Jesus Christ. God offers Himself to us and then waits for our response. Is not that what receiving Him in Holy Communion is all about?

"Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies"

All food has to die first. The grain is plucked from the ground, dies, is crushed, mixed and baked to make bread. The fresh fruit and vegetables we eat were all yanked off their life support and are in the process of death when we eat them. In order for us to sustain life, we live off the dead and the dying.

Fr. Orlando Sapuay, M.S. tells us that in order to follow Jesus, we need to be like a kernel of wheat and die. We have to die to self in order to bear much fruit. But, Father Cusick points out to us, we are not alone in our temptation to reject the crosses by which we are born into life if we will only bear them with patience and courage. Our sharing in baptism is the gift of grace so that we can desire a share in Christ's redemptive passion as the focus and purpose of our lives.

As we live through hard times, struggle with questions about faith, and as we love people we don’t like, God continues to call us closer. Fr. John Foley, S. J. assures us how Jesus continually to tell us, do not worry, child, trust me. “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit” Jesus tells us. And so may we have eyes to see and ears to hear what the God of love has in store for us.

The Assault on Religion Freedom

Today, March 23, more than 120 cities and towns across the U.S. will hear a demand to stop the Obama administration's contraception mandate and restore the freedom of religious institutions and believers. Click here to find a location near you and join the freedom rallies.

The political conversation from the left continue to try to paint this issue as an affront to women instead of the real assault on religious freedom that it really is. "Where are the women?" they ask mockingly as if women in the Catholic Church are oppressed minions of the heirarchy. Kathryn Jean Lopez replies for the majority of Catholic women when she says, "I am a woman and I’m offended." She adds, " I am offended that, once again, parties in positions of power have decided to pretend that all women are cut from the same political cloth. I am alarmed that religion is increasingly seen not as a vibrant good in our democracy but as a mere sideshow for nostalgic people or citizens in need of a crutch."

The discussion from the left also paints the Catholic Church as out of teach with reality. They say Catholics are weak-minded and brainwashed into their beliefs. So how can we claim that the Catholic explanation of reality is the true one? Anna Williams offers a great answer: because no other explanation suffices.

One of the favorite bats the anti-Catholics like to hit us with is the idea that Catholicism, because it is a dogmatic religion--must therefore stifle free thought and free speech. "How nice for you" the condescending Anglican will say to the convert, "Now you're a Catholic you won't have to think anymore." Or, "It must be nice to be a Catholic and have such 'certainty.'" This is said with a snuffling, cynical laugh because by 'certainty' they mean that you have become a mindless moron. Fr. Dwight Longenecker joins the discussion and offers a sweeping explanantion why dogma is so important in espousing free thought.

And remember Fr. Guarnizo from Washington, DC? He’s the one who withheld communion from a Buddhist lesbian activist. Judith Costello offers her take on this riveting story, drawing tangents on her own personal and family life to make her point. Paul Dion offers a very enlightening preface to this article.

Marriage, Adoption & Porn

Lent seems to be the ideal time to look at marriage. Fr. Jesus Richie Santos, SDB advises all married couples that this season is an ideal time for the renewal of their marriages. So, how does your Lent journey shape what you are called to do in marriage? The good priest offers sage words for married couples.

Brianna Heldt and her husband have three biological children. Then they adopted a child. And something she's regularly asked as an adoptive parent is, "How did you decide to adopt?" She offers ten great reasons that will make you take a second look on your own thoughts on adoption.

An unmarried sixteen year old explains how he somehow thought the “don’t commit adultery” commandment had little to do with him. Now he realizes he couldn’t have been more wrong. The truth is that this commandment isn’t only for married people. It’s violated by all ages – including teenagers – almost daily. Everything’s about sex. Check out this very enlightening article about Porn and The Sixth Commandment.

Born Again? Are You Saved?

Why don't Catholics go around saying ‘we are saved?’ In his parish's bulletin last Sunday, a San Francisco priest explains the age-old theological dispute over salvation. Catholicism holds that we are justified by grace and that grace is caused by faith and good works. Meanwhile Protestantism believes that we are justified by grace and that grace comes through faith alone. This article is one of the best explanations we've seen on this topic. I urge all Catholics, fallen-away Catholics and Protestants to read this and be enlightened.

Which brings us to our Burning Question this week: Do Catholics believe our salvation is a sure thing? Paul Dion, STL leads the discussion and he invites you to jump in.

Growing Your Parish & Tithing

What if your pastor stood up next Sunday and said he wanted to double the size of the parish within one year? That's exactly what happened at Holy Comforter-St. Cyprian Catholic parish in Washington DC, a predominantly African-American parish. Monsignor Charles Pope made that bold challenge last September and then got to work. In a year he not only doubled the size of his parish, he also created a community of fervent faith and heightened spiriituality. Watch this video interview and see how you can do the same for your own parish.

Bo Sanchez tells us about this Old Testament verse that’s, uh, how should I put it… a bit bothersome. In this controversial verse, God said, “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings.” Bo pokes our hearts with this challenging question, "Why is not giving your tithe stealing from God?" Chew on that for a minute.

Finally, if you think your iPhone is something, wait until you see this. This video is simply amazing! It shows how glass will radically change our lives sooner rather than later. If you're ever wondering why HP and others are dropping desktops, the answers are in this video and the ideas are mind-boggling. Watch the clip and step into the near future -- "A Day Made of Glass... Made possible by Corning."

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

Keep the Faith. Peace.

Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in chief
Burning Question: Do Catholics believe our salvation is a sure thing?
Featured Blog: Blogging, Preaching, and Doubling the Size of Your Parish
Pastoral Hispana: La hora de Jesus se acerca y podemos vivirla con El


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"Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men."

This Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012 , 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, we have the call of the first Apostles. Mark gets down to business fast, here in only verse sixteen of his Gospel we find Jesus calling Simon and his brother Andrew and then having gone on a little further He calls the sons of Zebedee, James and John. Our Discussion Questions will guide your Sunday Bible Study with family, friends and church groups.

"This is the time of fulfillment."

Mark wastes no time in pointing out the implications of the public mission of Jesus in Galilee. All the hopes and dreams of Israel are about to be realized. Jesus proclaims: "This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand."

To live in the expectation of that fulfillment is to live in the bittersweet world of promise. What we hope for is still awaited, and that is painful. But, Fr. Demetrius R. Dumm, O.S.B. assures us, we also live in joyful expectation of what will be, and that is comforting beyond words. When it comes to the kingdom of God, “Now is the time”, Jesus tells us. Fr. Orly Sapuay, MS says that means Discipleship, the following of Jesus, and reconciliation is here and now.

A Call to Repentance

This Sunday's readings speak about repentance, explains Fr. Phil Bloom. We hear Jonah calling the Assyrians to repentance. And Jesus begins his public ministry with similar urgency.

So what does Jesus Christ demand of us today? Repentance, conversion. Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB says our Saviour demands a turning away from our own ideas about how God's Kingdom should operate and a turning toward belief in Christ's teaching and example about God's Kingdom that is among us here and now. And Father Cusick says it is in His Church where we meet Christ as Redeemer.

A Call to Discipleship

In both the First Reading and the Gospel, people are given a direct invitation to do God’s will. Fr. John Foley, S. J. points out that when Jesus called Simon and Andrew, James and John, he also calls you and me. He did not call us to do something. He called us to be something. He called us to be disciples. God wants us to go on a further journey. And just like those first Apostles, Fr. Alex McAllister, SDS says we want to respond and immediately follow the Lord on this new deeper journey even though we might not know where it will lead.

Fr. Ron Rolheiser reminds us how we often struggle to have a personal relationship with Jesus, to pray to him, and to have him as our confidant. Do do we run away from Jesus or towards Him? Either way you will have suffering, explains Fr. John Foley, S. J.. But he assures us that either way God will keep after us, pulling us out from fishy entrails, pushing us, pulling us over and over, to learn in our flesh what love is really about.

Thus like diamonds, we are transformed from being children of darkness to children of the light. And this, Fr. John J. Ludvik says, is the reality of every human journey. We need to be transformed to radiate the light of Christ to others. This way, God’s call will have a profound effect not just upon us, but upon others.

It's March For Life Monday

On January 22, 1974, the first March for Life was held on the West Steps of the U.S. Capitol. An estimated 20,000 committed pro-life Americans rallied that day on behalf of our preborn brothers and sisters. Thirty years later, abortion remains a scourge in our society. Planned Parenthood reports that its operations alone was responsible for 329,455 abortions in the last 12 months. They received $487.4 million in tax dollars over the same twelve-month period.

As sad as these staggering numbers portray, America's sentiment today is markedly more pro-life than the generation that came before. The March For Life event scheduled for Monday, Jan. 23, 2012, in every major city across the country is expected to draw millions. Liberal mainstream media is spinning this event as a non-event. By reporting that events like Walk For Life don’t change minds, columnist Gibbons J. Cooney say the mainstream media is ignoring the history of pro-life converts. One who such marcher will be housewife Barbara Curtis. She explains in her blog post how she's "grown up and changed".

A new study reports that younger voters, especially women, are embracing a pro-life position in surprising numbers and in sharp contrast to attitudes that held sway just 15 years ago. Opinion polls likewise show a shift in the views of Generation Y. This group -- the 60 million people born between the late ’70s and the late ’90s -- affirms that our country has become more pro-life than “pro-choice.” And what could be fueling this turn-around? The internet and the new media has been playing a key role in turning the tide against the culture of death. Even the Vatican says the presence of Catholics online is ‘essential’ to the Church.

"Respect Life" Challenges for Catholic Families

Sexting, drugs, alcohol, cyber-bullying, teen suicide, rampant materialism, technology addiction, and me-first mindsets – the list of challenges to young people today can seem overwhelming. How do you raise independent Catholic kids in an age of conformity? Randy Hain and his wife are on the front lines of a never-ending war for the very souls of their children. They share their story.

The challenges to the traditional family are just as daunting. Fathers are specifically being challenged by the Church to lead their families in Godly Fatherhood. Especially in the face of recent news that only 51% of people over the age of 18 in the United States are married. Single parenthood, single households and cohabitation have become more popular.

Catholic blogger Crescat is one such single parent. Her advise to women who may find themselves debating abortion? Being a single mother is not the worst thing out there. God's love is for everyone. Fr. John Zuhlsdorf says even for those couples living together ‘married’ without an annulment of a previous marriage. He explains why the Pope says they are “not excluded from the love of the Church or from the love of Christ.”

Spiritual But Not Religious

Many Catholics think that provided they aren’t going against the 10 Commandments that they are in the clear. But there are a number of ways to participate in someone else’s sin. In fact, there are nine ways that a person can participate in another’s sin. We list them and relate them to Abortion for more emphasis.

Which brings us to a viral video that has been circulating on YouTube called “I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus Christ.” Spiritual but not Religious. Father Longenecker calls this "claptrap." He writes that saying you're spiritual but not religious is like saying you love food, but hate cooking. Taking itake it further, he says, "You love food but hate cooking? That means you can't be bothered to learn to cook." Can a person really be one and not the other? Sr. Margaret J. Obrovac, FSP offers her thoughts as welll in her blog.

Here's one from a reader asking about a neighbor's Bible Study. He writes: "Our 8 year old daughter has been invited to a Bible Study (non denomination; ie., non Catholic) put on by a neighbor (husband & wife team) every Thursday. Should I let my daugfhter go?" Mark Shea offers sound advice may of you will find very enlightening and useful.

And this one could be the "Don't Miss Video of the Year." Seriously. We tend to forget that others are broken, in need of love, vulnerable, and searching. The pain, fear, and experiences that the people in this video share, is perfectly put together, in the midst of walking down a school hall and forgetting that all of us are human. We need one another and I for one take others for granted too often. It was created by a class of Alabama middle school students.

In closing, we ask you to help our ministry. Please support our Help-A-Parish Catholic Appeal. We are giving away 100 free Catholic websites to financially-strapped parishes in the U.S. But we can make this happen only if you, our readers, help us. Please prayerfully consider a donation to our charity drive.

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

Keep the Faith. Peace.

Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in chief
BURNING QUESTION: Sanctity of Life - "Protection of Life or Celebration of Life?"
FEATURED BLOG: Spiritual but Not Religious
PASTORAL HISPANA: Cuando Dios nos llama implica compromiso


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