MikeLigalig.com

Pisot diay? Ka ingon pod ko nga gi circumcised ang tanan nga lakeng alleman. Hence the "German" Cut.

Quote from: hubag bohol on November 19, 2012, 09:14:20 PM



Kinsay amahan aning bataa? 

Milyoner sigoro ang amahan ani sa baby.

Dili na ka control ang kaugalingon mao na. Too much sex is not good kai one becomes a slave to it.

Ma manyakis ang tawo ug dili sila kacontrol sa ilang kaugalingon.

Dangerous ni kai if they are not careful, they can contract STDs & HIV , and if they are selfish by not telling their spouses about their dual lifestyle, can infect their husband or wife in the process. Luoy lang pod.

Quote from: TUBAGBOHOL.com on November 17, 2012, 07:52:44 AM
http://www.pbc.org/system/message_files/526/20121111.mp3
Audio Streaming: Where There's Faith, There's Hope
To listen this lecture, just click the play button above.

Quote from: fdaray on November 17, 2012, 09:05:36 AM
Where there's hope there is tomorrow.

Dearest Mike and Mr. Daray,

I would also like to add that Faith, Hope and Virtue are part of the three theological virtues. These three  inform all the moral virtues and give life to them.

The Catechism of the One, Holy, Roman Catholic Church teaches us:


1841 There are three theological virtues: faith, hope, and charity. They inform all the moral virtues and give life to them.

1842 By faith, we believe in God and believe all that he has revealed to us and that Holy Church proposes for our belief.

1843 By hope we desire, and with steadfast trust await from God, eternal life and the graces to merit it.

1844 By charity, we love God above all things and our neighbor as ourselves for love of God. Charity, the form of all the virtues, "binds everything together in perfect harmony" (Colossians 3:14).




Retrieved from: The Catechism of The One, Holy, Roman Catholic Church
http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p3s1c1a7.htm

Today I had Subway's 6 inch 9-grain honey oat sandwich w/ turkey breast and veggies, which was served with cranberry juice.

Quote from: chicogon on November 22, 2012, 12:47:08 AM
... eternal is His mercy!!!

Yes, yes! The Unconditional Love He has for us is  incomparable !

Quote from: chicogon on November 22, 2012, 12:58:48 AM
Readiness to respond to whatever God has in store for you, taking on a risk you never had done before and yet keeping faith that God is in control...

And learning to, day by day, not be overcome by fear in knowing that He is calling you. Letting fear and intimidation go away, and learning to accept His voice in my soul and be comforted and privileged to know that He wants me.

One thing I realize that this act of discernment is not governed by a particular time frame, but rather, governed by one's soul's acceptance of God's Calling to Come and Follow Him.

It is frightening at the same time wonderful. Why? Because it is frightening for one to know that The Lord God of Hosts, the Creator of All Things, would ever consider a person like myself to join the shepherds He has called to His Ministry. It is overwhelming also because of the feeling within oneself that is pushing one to another direction when I am in a totally different field. That's the beauty of this process called discernment. This is the act of Free Will. It is one's response to God's Call.

I will continue to pray and to discern. And no matter what I decide, I know that God loves me and that he considers me , as lowly a sinner that I am, worthy of being called into His Royal Priesthood. Worthy of being able to raise the Blessed Eucharist and to feed the elect with Spiritual and Physical Food....for the salvation of their souls.

It is, overwhelming. And for my brother here who is also considering this call, know that it is alright ...quite alright to feel this calling. For God is good. He will always make a way for us whatever we decide.



Amen.

“Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.”

Psalm 95:1-2

“[Thanksgiving] I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every wayâ€"with all kinds of speech and with all knowledgeâ€"”

1 Corinthians 1:4-5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLi_osYNsOU#

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2loAlaonqQ#

Prayer to Follow the Call of Christ

Lord, I thank you for the gifts you have given me,
Especially for life, love, family and friends.
Help me to know myself better and to know my talents,
As I pray, study and decide on my life’s work.
Help me to see and understand the path you open for me.

Help me choose a life’s work
which will develop all my potential
And enable me to respond fully to your love for me.
In whatever way you are inviting me to follow you
Give me a generous heart to respond to your challenging call
And the strength to follow you wherever you lead me.
Amen.

Order of Saint Augustine

Augustinians are, first and foremost, a community. Saint Augustine believed that God could be best discovered in the company of friends, and that is how we have chosen to serve God.

Our community life is built on the same qualities as friendship: mutual acceptance and respect, a willingness to listen to others and to open oneself to them, kindness and concern, a spirit of forgiveness. It is a way of life that puts far less emphasis on rules and regulations than on personal responsibility and decisions made together.

Part of our life is spent in contemplation and prayer, and part in ministry. We go where the needs of the Church call us-to the inner city, to rural and remote areas, to the campus, to foreign lands-and we serve in many ways: as preachers of the word and presiders at the sacraments, as pastoral ministers and missionaries, as chaplains and social workers, as teachers and scholars, as writers, professional counselors, musicians and artists.

Whatever form our work takes, we bring with us our identity as Augustinians. Among those we serve, we try to create what we seek in our Order's own houses: a community of love and respect, where the presence of God can be recognized in each member. Our hearts strive to be on fire with the experience of God's love, and we desire always to share that fire with others.

The Rule of Saint Augustine

One of Saint Augustine's most important legacies is his Rule: a brief set of principles, fewer than a dozen pages in length, for the guidance of those living in a religious community.

Augustine advised his followers to "See yourselves in this little book, as in a mirror." The oldest of its kind in the Western world, the Rule has been chosen by the Augustinians-and by more than a hundred other religious orders and congregations-as the pattern for their daily lives.

The Rule's most fundamental message is this: Love-love of God, love of neighbor-is the center of Christian life. By their love for one another, by their ability to live together in harmony, a religious community's members embody the truth of Christ's teachings. They make Christ's love visible to others.

The Rule addresses, concisely and in the plainest of language, what Augustine saw as the major elements of monastic daily life: prayer, moderation and self-denial, chastity, the sharing of goods, the care of the sick, obedience to authority and friendship. Though the occasional detail reminds us that Augustine was speaking at a different moment in history, the Rule's lessons are timeless. For Augustinians, this "little book'" is as powerful a model of conduct as it was when Augustine wrote it more than sixteen centuries ago. The challenge for those who wish to follow Augustine is twofold: we seek God not in philosophical speculation alone, but in careful observance of the guiding presence of a loving, personal God always at work in our life's journey. While, at the same time, we strive to be dedicated servants of the Church in the ministries of word, sacrament and justice.

Our Charism

Charism, a word and a concept of special importance to Augustinians, means gift-the gift, or gifts, that are given to us through the power of the Spirit.

In a religious community, charism is the particular contribution that each religious order, congregation or family and its individual members embody. Normally, such a charism originates with the community's founder, or with its founding document or rule. While charisms differ among religious groups, there is a sameness to all, for all follow the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The charism of Augustinians is love of God and love of neighbor, which are the foundation of the gospel of Christ and which Saint Augustine enunciates time and again in his writings, especially in his Rule. For Augustine and Augustinians, the interior manifestation of this charism is the life that his followers lead in common and the bonds of friendship that hold them together. It is externalized by the hospitality that Augustinians extend to others, our service to the world, recognizing that each member of our community and each person with whom we come in contact is a temple of God. Dii estis, "You are gods," (Pslam 82:6) is Augustine's famous phrase.

And so the gospel imperative of love of God and neighbor-which Augustine sees as one, since we love our neighbor in God and our God in our neighbor-becomes for the followers of Augustine their particular charism in friendship and hospitality. No human being is a stranger to an Augustinian.



Augustinian Priests in the Philippines


Augustinians



http://www.augustinian.org/who-we-are/the-augustinians

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales

The Congregation of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales was founded to spread the spirit and teaching of its patron saint, one of the foremost Christian humanists of his day.

St. Francis de Sales' fascinating and engaging view of man lies at the basis of his teaching and spirit. "Man" he stated, "is the perfection of the universe, the mind is the perfection of man, love is the perfection of the mind, and charity is the perfection of love."

This unique conjunction, interpenetration and interaction of intellectual and affective elements sees man in his totality. In the Salesian conception of man, with its attempt to harmonize and integrate the divine and human aspects, anthropology becomes inseparable from theology. Everything truly human comes under the study, care, and concern of man. That is why Christian humanism engenders a universal openness and awareness.

A nun from the Order of the Visitation, which was founded by St. Francis de Sales, prevailed upon Father Louis Brisson to form a congregation of men committed to living and transmitting this ideal of Salesian humanism.
In 1876, a small band of six men, headed by Father Brisson, pronounced their first vows as Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, and began to live the religious life in Troyes, France.

Despite humble beginnings, the order experienced a rapid growth. Oblate communities now exist in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, South America, South Africa, Namibia, Switzerland, and the United States.

The first foundation in the United States was a high school for boys in Wilmington, Delaware, founded in 1903. Although the principal undertaking of the Oblates in the United States is the Christian education of youth, members devote themselves to many other varied apostolates to serve human needs.


Silesian Priests

Order of Saint Benedict

The international Benedictine monastic order of sisters and brothers was founded by Saint Benedict of Nursia, Italy (480-547), the Patriarch of Western Monasticism. In the sixth century A.D., he wrote what we know as the Rule of Benedict or Regula Benedicti.
Benedictines carry on a monastic tradition that stems from the origins of the Christian monastic movement in the late third century. They regard Saint Benedict as their founder and guide even though he did not establish a Benedictine Order as such.

He wrote a Rule for his monastery at Monte Cassino in Italy and he foresaw that it could be used elsewhere. Monte Cassino was destroyed by the Lombards about A.D. 577 and was not reestablished until the middle of the eighth century. Meanwhile the Rule found its way to monasteries in England, Gaul, and elsewhere. At first it was one of a number of rules accepted by a particular monastery but later, especially through the promotional efforts of Charlemagne and his son Louis, it became the rule of choice for monasteries of Europe from the ninth century onwards.


These three elements: community, rule, abbot, are for Benedict the three elements which constitute the cenobitic life, and the order in which they are expressed is very important. The history of monastic life shows us that each time the balance between these three elements, or the order of their subordination was modified, there was a deviation from the charism. In certain centuries the Rule was given such prominence that legalism resulted, at other times community was stressed to the point of arriving at a kind of parliamentary democracy, while at other times again, the role of the abbot was accentuated to the point of transforming it into a monarchy. And, whether we like it or not, the conception of community and the role of the abbot are always conditioned by the sociological situation of each epoch.
Features of the OSB Website: Rule of Benedict (Latin and modern translations). Geographic database of houses. Advanced search. What's New, election results, academic and international institutions, general information, texts and articles, habit, saints, etc.


Benedictine Sister



Benedictine Brothers





http://directory.ic.org/878/Order_of_Saint_Benedict

Thank You, Isles, for the direct reference from Sacred Scripture. God Bless!

A community, a Gift to our Church:

So much more can be said about religious congregations, institutes, orders, or societies. But these are basic elements you can begin to use in your search. Just remember that each community was founded during challenging times, the members embraced Christ and set forth to fill the need of the time. The women and men who set forth to build the Kingdom of God, even with smaller numbers, continue to address the needs of the world by being an example in community, a people of prayer, committed by a vowed life and immersed in bringing forth Christ for all.



Retrieved from:
http://www.ecatholic2000.com/vocations/voc4.shtml

Components of a Religious Order:

There are three important components of religious orders that make them unique and distinct from each other: history, spirituality and mission of the community.

The history will tell you when they were founded and why. Perhaps the community you are looking at was founded during a time where there was a great need for medical service, so the community began helping the sick. Or perhaps there was a need for education, the members dedicate themselves to work in educational ministries today. Each religious order was born out of a need during that particular era.

The spirituality of the community will tell you what aspect of Christ do they make emphasis on in their daily lives. Take the Franciscans for instance, they follow the suffering Christ, the poor Christ, even though they are guided by the life of Francis, the members look to how Francis related to Christ. The title of a community many time can point out to you what the community’s spirituality is, for instance: Sisters of the Sacred Heart, the Redemptorist Fathers, Mercy Sisters, etc. All communities follow the life and example of Christ; it is their founders who showed them the way to follow our Lord.

The mission of a congregation, society, institute or order can be very focused or have more variety to it. For instance, the Sisters of the Good Shepherd were instructed by their founderess, Saint Mary Euphasia to only serve women and girls in need. If they ever strayed from this work they would lose the essence of who they were. Today, the Sisters of the Good Shepherd continue to do exactly what their founderess directed them to do. Other communities work in a variety of services as long as it is in line with the purpose and mission of the order, whether it be teaching, doing medical work or in the case of my religious congregation, doing any work that will allow us to bring the goodness and kindness of the Savior to all people. How focused you need to be in terms of ministry? How much room do you need to have to find a ministry that is comfortable for you ?

The Different kinds:


Dividing these groups into categories could turn into a very long list. Those who have a passion for math know that this could draw up some fun endless possibilities. Our purpose is to give some examples, shed light on the subject, as well as introducing some vocabulary. By no means would we want to walk you down into the deep forest of religious categories.

Let us begin with an apostolic community verses contemplative. Apostolic orders are those who are active outside of their monasteries, convents or houses. The members hold jobs such as teaching, social work, counseling, administrators, attorneys, nurses, doctors…well you get the idea. They work for an organization and build a balance between their “ministry” and their life in community. The salary they earn most of the time goes into the common financial “pot” for the needs all the members of the congregation, society or institute. Each religious community handles their finances slightly different and could be set up as a whole separate topic. But most times the salary is turned over to the community, institute or society. The group in turn supports the member financially, assisting him or her with the basic needs of life.

Contemplative orders, also known as cloisters, are those who have as a priority to pray for the needs of others, the world and the entire Church. This group can be divided into two, semi-contemplative and contemplative (semi-cloistered or cloistered). Semi-contemplative orders also have some kind of employment, they usually have part time jobs outside of their living arrangements or they have a job within the monastery / convent/ house part of the time. This helps them to be self sufficient and safe guard their mission of prayer.
The other group of course is the contemplative order. For the most part they do not leave their living arrangements, if there is a need they assign someone to do the day-to-day errands in order for the rest of the house to remain focused on the daily prayer schedule. This group however, will also have some kind of light ministry to sustain themselves financially; this would be supplemented with outside donations. Some of these works could be making candles, candy, vestments for Priests or ornaments for churches.
There is one cloistered type, which could be important to mention here. Following the same needs and structures, there is a type of cloistration called Papal Cloistration. That is a strict cloistration of its members and it is a commitment of the order to be steeped in prayer for the needs of the Church alone. The members never leave their convents or monasteries. If there were extreme circumstances, such as urgent doctor visit, death of a family member, the Pope himself or a person assigned by the Pope would have to give the dispensation for that member to temporarily leave the convent or monastery. That is one reason it is called Papal Cloistration.

Even though there are other categories we could look at, I will only add canonical verses non-canonical and international verses local communities. When an order is canonical it means that, the Vatican has approved the group. When they are not canonical, it can mean

    1- They are approved by a diocese
    2- Will remain only diocesan or
    3- They have just begun as an order and are not ready to be approved as an official, functioning congregation / order.

Once you have received that strong and burning call to dedicate your life to God, the search can be confusing. If you decided that a religious order might be a fit for you, here are some basic facts that could help you in your journey towards finding God’s will for you. The Catholic Church is big and wide and holds a variety of orders, institutes, societies and congregations, but each is unique and a precious gift to the Church.

Religious life is a practiced life style with in the Church that is almost as old as the Church itself. Tradition, spiritualities, history and a sense of mission are deeply ingrained in these groups. We will not cover the history of them here, but know that it is a rich and deep treasure within the Church that our Lord holds in the palm of his hand.

Some basic characteristics of religious orders, institutes, societies and congregations are that they live in community (unless they are hermits), they pronounce vows/promises and they are committed to specific works within society and the Church.

What are the different Religious Orders? What are they about?

As legal guardian, foster father, the lineage would have been accepted as through Joseph. Some Church Fathers believed that Mary was also of the line of David, and it was common to marry within the same tribal/family lines. Even if not, the lineage was through Joseph. By the way, someone will probably email me that modern Judaism traces through the mother, but that is modern Judaism.

Father Echert



Retrieved from:
http://www.ewtn.com/vexperts/showmessage.asp?Pgnu=2&Pg=Forum7&recnu=50&number=620648

How Is Jesus Christ linked to the Line of David?

God created everything good and perfect, so we should not directly attribute death to God as a created reality, but as a privation of some good (namely, life), as punishment upon Adam and Eve and all offspring. In other words, if Adam had not sinned (a mortal personal sin for him but the Original Sin for all of us), there never would have been the absense of life, which is death. And God did give them a second chance, because he did not immediately condemn them to hell, which they deserved. It is likely that Adam and Eve are among the saints of Heaven, having worked through their punishment on Earth

Thanks, Sabrina

Father Echert



Retrieved from:
http://www.ewtn.com/vexperts/showmessage.asp?Pgnu=1&Pg=Forum7&recnu=9&number=623757

Why did God create death?

There are reasons for which the saints on Earth could will for a chastisement upon the Earth, first of which would be because the sins of our nation--abortion, fornication, rejection of God--are an afront against God, which offends God and therefore us as well. We could also will it with the hope for the conversion of sinners and for the sake of justice. At the same time, since we will suffer along with the wicked, be sure of what you hope and pray for...

Thanks, Dan

Father Echert




Retrieved from:
http://www.ewtn.com/vexperts/showmessage.asp?Pgnu=1&Pg=Forum7&recnu=3&number=623752

Do you think it's wrong to pray FOR a big-time chastisement for the USA - in light of the reelection of the most pro-abortion, pro-homosexual marriage president in history?

We must distinguish between the active will of God and the permissive will of God. By his active will, God wills what is good; by his permissive will, God permits evil but for some greater good. In the case of a radical pro-abortion president like Obama, God allowed the exercise of free will among American voters, even though God would not actively will a pro-abortion leader for anyone. But somehow this president will fit into the divine plan, not necessarily for his own good but for some purpose, which could include our own chastisement, for such an abominable choice...

Father Echert




Retrieved from:
http://www.ewtn.com/vexperts/showmessage.asp?Pgnu=1&Pg=Forum7&recnu=5&number=623746

Does scripture say that God chooses the head of each country? If so, why would God choose a pro-abortion leader like Obama?

he he he. Mike's response, coupled with Bai Piks' and then amplified by Isles' articulate addition is quite profound. Sige, dili na lang ko mo tan-aw ani.

Fourth Station: Jesus meets his mother



Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
All: Because by your holy cross You have redeemed the world.

Jesus, you feel so alone with all those people yelling and screaming at you. You don't like the words they are saying about you, and you look for a friendly face in the crowd. You see your mother. She can't make the hurting stop, but it helps to see that she is on your side, that she is suffering with you. She does understand and care.

As a child, sometimes I feel like too many things are going on. Sometimes other kids pick on me and call me names. I need to look around me for a friendly face, and for the help I need. I need to share my troubles with those who truly care about me.

As an adult I sometimes feel overwhelmed by many things. Life is so competitive, and I worry so much about my future and those who have some control over it. I need to remember that being an adult does not mean having to solve every problem all by myself. I need to look around me for a friendly face, for the help I need.

Jesus most suffering, Mary Mother most sorrowful, if, by my sins, I caused you pain and anguish in the past, by God's assisting grace it shall be so no more; rather be you my love henceforth till death.

Our Father.... Hail Mary.... Glory be to the Father....

Leader: Jesus Christ Crucified.
All: Have mercy on Us.
Leader: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in peace.
All: Amen.

Opening Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,
take me along that holy way
you once took to your death,
Take my mind, my memory,
above all my reluctant heart,
and let me see what once you did
for love of me and all the world.


Note:  After each station you may say an Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you,
because by your holy cross,
you have redeemed the world.

Quote from: Lollapalooza on November 20, 2012, 04:44:20 PM
deactivated LRN of 300+ students (one by one) just this day..ugma another batch na pod.... weeee hanap ug doble na pod akong panan-aw....

Busy busy diay ka karon, Jen!

That said, we are reminded, all of us, to observe the Sacrament of Reconciliation and do penance. In doing so, Mr. Daray, one receives ablation. The total remission of sin is a wonderful gift the Lord gives to us.

We are encouraged by Holy Mother Church to receive this Blessed Sacrament!

Quote from: fdaray on November 20, 2012, 07:59:46 PM
yes, there is no such small sin, mortal sin on venial sin in the eyes of God.

There are three types of sins, Mr. Daray.

Venial, mortal and original

A venial (forgivable) sin meets at least one of the following criteria:

It does not concern a "grave matter",

It is not committed with full knowledge, or

It is not committed with both deliberate and complete consent.

This means that the sin can be committed accidentally, or without intent to sin.

In order for a sin to be mortal, it must meet three conditions:

Mortal sin is a sin of grave matter

Mortal sin is committed with full knowledge of the sinner

Mortal sin is committed with deliberate consent of the sinner

This means that mortal sins cannot be done "accidentally." A person who commits a mortal sin is one who knows that their sin is wrong, but still deliberately commits the sin anyway. This means that mortal sins are "premeditated" by the sinner and thus are truly a rejection of God’s law and love.

Original sin is what humans inherit from Adam and Eve.

Mr. Akin provides an awesome answer !

Truly, a remarkable apologist !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=271I0gb0Ns4#ws

Does Excommunication Send You To Hell?

Third Station: Jesus falls the first time




Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
All: Because by your holy cross You have redeemed the world.

Jesus, the cross you have been carrying is very heavy. You are becoming weak and almost ready to faint, and you fall down. Nobody seems to want to help you. The soldiers are interested in getting home, so they yell at you and try to get you up and moving again.

As a child, sometimes I start to do something, but then get tired of it. I hurry to get finished and sometimes don't do my work well. Sometimes I don't pay attention to what I should be doing. When things get hard for me, sometimes I give up.

As an adult, I sometimes put things off. I give up too easily, and sometimes don't do my work as well as I know I can.

My Jesus, the heavy burden of my sins is on Thee, and bears Thee down beneath the cross. I loathe them, I detest them; I call on Thee to pardon them; may Thy grace aid me never more to commit them.

Our Father.... Hail Mary.... Glory Be to the Father....

Leader: Jesus Christ Crucified.
All: Have mercy on Us.
Leader: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in peace.
All: Amen.

Second Station: Jesus carries His cross




Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
All: Because by your holy cross You have redeemed the world.

Jesus, as you accepted your cross, you knew you would carry it to your death on Calvary. You knew it wouldn't be easy, but you accepted it and carried it just the same.

As a child, sometimes I don't like the problems that come my way. Sometimes I try to get others to take care of them or solve them for me. Sometimes I become upset and crabby when I'm asked to do even the smallest thing to help others.

As an adult I sometimes feel like I'm not appreciated. Sometimes I feel as if I accept more responsibility that I need to. I can feel sorry for myself, even though the crosses others carry are much larger than my own. In my self-pity, I don't reach out to help.

My Jesus, Who by Thine own will didst take on Thee the most heavy cross I made for Thee by my sins, oh, make me feel their heavy weight, and weep for them ever while I live.

Our Father.... Hail Mary.... Glory Be to the Father....

Leader: Jesus Christ Crucified.
All: Have mercy on Us.
Leader: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in peace.
All: Amen.

First Station: Jesus is condemned to death




Leader: We adore Thee, O Christ, and bless Thee.
All: Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.

Jesus, you stand all alone before Pilate. Nobody speaks up for you. Nobody helps defend you. You devoted your entire life to helping others, listening to the smallest ones, caring for those who were ignored by others. They don't seem to remember that as they prepare to put you to death.

As a child, sometimes I feel alone. Sometimes I feel that others don't stand up for me and defend me when I am afraid. Sometimes I don't feel like I am treated fairly, especially if I am scolded or corrected.

As an adult, sometimes I feel abandoned and afraid as well. Sometimes I too, feel like I am treated unfairly or blamed for things unfairly. I have a hard time when people criticize me at home or at work.

Help me be grateful for what you did for me. Help me to accept criticism and unfairness as you did, and not complain. Help me pray for those who have hurt me.


My Jesus, often have I signed the death warrant by my sins; save me by Thy death from that eternal death which I have so often deserved.

Our Father.... Hail Mary.... Glory Be to the Father....

Leader: Jesus Christ Crucified.
All: Have mercy on Us.
Leader: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in peace.
All: Amen.

Let us begin with this study by reiterating the ACT OF CONTRITION:

O my God, my Redeemer, behold me here at Thy feet. From the bottom of my heart I am sorry for all my sins, because by them I have offended Thee, Who art infinitely good. I will die rather than offend thee again.

Brothers and Sisters,

Let us open our hearts , our minds, and our soul to the meaning of the different stations of the Cross.

Let us read, study, and pray together. May the Holy Spirit inspire us!

Guides for Discernment


1. For someone ‘discerning’ whether he has been called to the priesthood, it is imperative that the decision not be taken at either a low point (I’m out of a job) or a high point (this retreat changed my life).  If it is truly a call from God then it will have ‘staying power’ as St. Ignatius found out.  You should feel the excitement in you about the thought of Priesthood when you are on a high and on a low and more importantly in the flat plateaus where we spend most of our lives.

2. A second guide for discernment is the opinion of our family and friends, taken on the whole; not simply those who may be pushing you to say yes or those who think the priesthood is a waste of time and talent.  Trusted advisors who see you soberly and have a positive faith perspective are needed.

3. Thirdly, one must remember that the Church must also discern whether you have a vocation.  There have been some who were convinced that God was calling them, but they got one ‘no’ after another ‘no’ from orders and dioceses.  An aspirant to the priesthood must always remember that the Church is also called to a discernment process regarding an individual and that the approach of anyone to this great vocation needs to be both humble and obedient.

4. When one continues to feel the call, and trusted people encourage them they should submit themselves humbly to the judgment of the Church.  It is only through this process that one can adequately discern one’s future in the Lord.




http://www.brooklynpriests.org/isgodcallingme.html

The Wisdom of the Saints


The saints provide us with some ways of understanding this process that are important.  St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits has some specific advice on this.  When he was laid up in bed nursing his war wounds he trained his mind to be sensitive to his internal feelings.  He read books on soldiering and also lives of the saints.  He noticed that both types of book held his interest and got him excited.  But the feelings generated by the soldiering books left him immediately after he read them.  But the feelings he got from the lives of the saints intensified even after he put down the book.

Discerning Signs of a Vocation to the Priesthood

Discernment is one of those ‘churchy’ words that often does not have exact equivalence in the day-to-day experience of most 21st century people. But it is an important one because one’s whole life and future ride on it. It is different from the more worldly ‘figuring out what I should do”.

Discernment involves trying to ‘figure out’ what is on the mind of God and His Church.  Discernment is trying to hear the whisper of God’s calling for you in life.  One does not decide that they want to be a priest; rather one accepts the invitation of the Lord to be a Priest of Jesus Christ.

Fr. Joseph Fonti



When I was in the seventh grade I told my parish priest (Msgr. Gerry Langelier), “I want to be like you.” Like many of the boys at IHM I admired him - he was a positive, prayerful and joyful priest who generously served the families of our neighborhood. Being one of his “altar boys” (he was Moderator) I had the privilege of seeing him “up close.” His reverence and love for the Eucharist as well as his attentiveness to the people of the parish made a great impression on me so much so that I heard in and through his priesthood the voice of Jesus say to me: “Joseph, Come and Follow me.”

Taking my early interest in the priesthood seriously he told me about Cathedral Prep Seminary (then in Brooklyn) â€" eager to visit he brought me to an Open House  a few weeks later â€" I enrolled the following year.

While I would do it all over again, entering a formation program at a young age was no easier path to the altar…I still had to grow and develop. Facing the challenges and difficulties of adolescence is never easy â€" handling them as a seminarian brought me added pressure. Cathedral taught me the importance and power of prayer. I also learned during my time of youthful formation how to openly and honestly share my feelings and experiences in life with a Spiritual Director. My happiness and success in the seminary and in the priesthood has been because of prayer and spiritual direction.

I owe a great deal of debt to those who encouraged my vocation at a young age: my parents (especially the faith witness of my mother) and siblings; my friends who never made me feel awkward about wanting to be a priest and my parish who from day one spiritually adopted me. It has been said, “It takes a village.” I am a firm believer that for men to be formed as healthy, happy and holy priests, “It takes a parish.”

Living the priesthood these past sixteen years has been like having “box seats” in the stadium of life. As each day brings us a new challenge, opportunity and experience with life the priest is there “front and center” to help us, guide us and remind us that “with God all things are possible.”

Fr. Joseph Fonti ’92 is the director of the Sts. Peter and Paul Spirituality Center and the Director of the Office of Ministry and Life of Priests.


http://www.brooklynpriests.org/priests/fonti.html

Questions and answers retrieved from:
http://www.madisondiocese.org/Vocations/DiscerningaVocation.aspx

Since many clergy in Protestant churches are married, why can't priests be married?

There are many different Protestant denominations, many of which allow married men (and women) to be clergy.  A complete answer embracing all forms of Protestant belief is not possible here.  The Catholic Church, with its unique emphasis on the sacramental nature of priesthood, upholds a priestly life modeled after Christ himself.  For Catholics, the priest must be "another Christ".  Most Protestants would not view their clergy in the same way.  Since they don't see their clergy as sacramentally "another Christ", celibacy is not seen as an important value in their ministers.

I think I'm falling in love.  Does that mean I shouldn't be a priest?

Falling in love is natural and human.  We wouldn't have very many priests if we only ordained people who have never fallen in love.  If a man feels called to priesthood and finds himself falling in love, this does not necessarily mean he is no longer called to priesthood.  It could very well be an opportunity to look at the deeper aspects of love and commitment and ask the question, "In  what way is God asking me to love others?"

Does living as a celibate mean you don't love anyone?

Absolutely not!  We would be terrible celibates and priests if the reason we were priests was because we decided we didn't love anyone, and we were celibate because we couldn't find anyone to marry.  True celibacy as Jesus lived it requires a great capacity and desire to love.

Is celibacy better than marriage?

Celibacy does not make anyone "better" than anyone else.  Neither does marriage make a person better than a single person.  Every person is called to share himself or herself in a commitment to love, whether that is through the vows of marriage or celibacy or as a single person.

What does it mean to be celibate, and how do I live it?

Sometimes, in our human hunger for sexuality, we forget the spiritual harm that we cause unto ourselves, and the physical harm we cause to our unborn children!

Every life that is conceived is precious life. As every human life comes from God. The soul enters the body upon conception. Through the Grace of the Lord God.

For our temporal weaknesses, for our spiritual weaknesses, we beg your forgiveness , O Lord God Father of our Savior Jesus Christ. Have mercy on the souls of our unborn children who were silenced without our knowledge through our use of contraceptives.

Forgive me, Lord, but not only myself, but forgive my brothers and sisters who are guilty of this sin, Lord. We offer to you our prayers today with all the masses offered today in the world. Lord have Mercy. Mary, Mother of God, have mercy! Christ Have Mercy!

Quote from: taga tigbao on November 15, 2012, 09:28:11 AM

Very deep message, Brod Vince.

May God forgive us our sins!

How do I know if my vocation is to the Priesthood or Religious Life?

Growing Faith - A person experiences an increased awareness of God in his or her life and a developing appreciation of Jesus, His way of life, His mission, His holy people the Church, His Body and Blood in the Eucharist, and His Sacraments.

Growing Zeal - A person's developing friendship with Jesus will lead him or her to desire more and more to share in His mission of saving the world, saving people and saving souls.

Growing Desire to be Consumed - A person's increasing desire to give himself or herself completely to the Lord.

Growing Interest in the Life and Work of a Priest or Religious - A person's growing wonderment at what it would be like to give themselves completely to the Lord and the works of the Lord - being Jesus for others, gathering all people into God's family, preaching the Word, celebrating the Holy Eucharist and Sacraments, and organizing people for service.

Growing Desire to Lead People - A man or woman exhibiting leadership skills in school, community and church.

Growing Sensitivity to the Needs of People - A man or woman who enjoys being around people and has a caring attitude toward all.

Growing Sense That God Has Something Great Planned for You - A man or woman with the sense that there are more important things in life, and that God is calling him or her to be part of these deeper mysteries.



Retrieved from:
http://www.madisondiocese.org/Vocations/DiscerningaVocation.aspx

Discernment: Answering a Call to Priesthood or Religious Life


Discernment can be described as a process of spiritual exploration - a time in which a man or woman acknowledges God's call to serve Him in a particular vocation.  Discernment reaches beyond the realm of a religious vocation.  Oftentimes, people will spend some serious time with our Lord when a new job opportunity or the possibly of a promotion becomes available.  The process of discernment is needed in order to make a spiritually sound, morally certain decision.  The grace of the Holy Spirit is paramount to this process, and we look for signs from our Lord which will help guide us in our decision.

     Discernment can be thought of as a building project.  We don't leap into a project - buying supplies and materials, hiring extra help and beginning work, on the very first day of the project.  We must first take measurements, think about different ideas and decide what will work best before we can even begin to think about the actual work that the project entails.  When we discern a vocation to priesthood or religious life, we examine God's call from all perspectives - we spend time in prayer before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, we consult family members and close friends and invite them to offer feedback on our urgings, we may talk with our parish priest or a member of a religious community to help us in our quest for the truth.

     Discernment is a natural process, and everyone considering a call from our Lord experiences, to some degree, a time of discernment.  It's good to ask questions, to observe, to listen, and to dialogue with those whom you love - most importantly, our Lord!  If you are considering the possibility of priesthood or religious life, please allow us to aid you in your process of discernment - our office would be very happy to answer any questions or concerns that you might have.

     We've provided some helpful resources below which will aid you in your discernment.  Review these suggestions, and spend time in prayer while you are actively discerning our Lord's call.  Jesus says, "The harvest is plenty; the laborers are few."  Is our Lord calling you to reap a rich and bountiful harvest?  YES, He IS!  It is our job through discernment, to discover how best we will answer the Lord's call.



Retrieved from:
http://www.madisondiocese.org/Vocations/DiscerningaVocation.aspx

A Roman Catholic male in my same age group testifies the same feeling, this sense of "the calling":



I felt the call for the very first time when I was at grade 6, and that was about 10 years ago. That time, I was touched by a homily given by diocesan priest on a retreat. But, I kept telling myself that it's an amazement, no more than that. Furthermore, I thought a priest life won't be easy. 'Pray, pray, pray', that was on my mind.. and I'm terrible at prayers.. So I thought that it's kind of creepy life.. Hahaha.. Well, that time I didn't know any other things that a priest supposed to do.

On grade 7-9, I even went to the church not as often as before, and I didn't go to church at all eventually. Cause at that time, I have a bad experience involving a priest. Thus, made me avoiding going to the church. I'm a shy guy and tends to spent a lot of my spare time in the library when I was on grade 10-12. Interestingly, I'm attracted to religious books. I don't know why.. And by reading a lot of books, I came to an understanding that a priest is also a human, who has weaknesses.

Thank God on my college days, on my first semester, I met a friend who was also happened to have a vocation to religious life (he'd like to be a Carmelite). He knew that I was also "discerning to be a priest" from his junior high school friend who is my senior high school friend. That time, I'm not pretty sure about it myself (thus, I add those brackets.. ).

[[That girl, who is both my and his friend, was on the same class with me on grade 10 and rather close to me until the high school days ended. So, she also happened to know that I love to read those religious books. I have never explicitly said anything to anyone about becoming a priest or things like that, but I don't know, my friends got the same impression: that I want to be a priest.]]

It's very nice I think to have a friend who has the same aspiration like us. Since he become my close friend, I'm aspired to be a priest once more. From books, I knew the Jesuits and got fascinated by their writings. And about 2.5 years ago, I contacted a Dominican priest by e-mail. That time, I thought that Dominican habit is so cool and it would be nice to know a Dominican, at least one in my life.. To make the story short, I was shocked when he said that he will stay in my town for a pretty long time due to the request of the Bishop to introduce Dominicans in the diocese and he was asked to teach at the newly founded seminary. And guess what, he stayed at my parish. Well, from him I got to know Dominicans better, and undoubtedly that his homilies was so great -- that's what aspired me to be a Dominican like him.



Retrieved from:
http://forums.catholic.com/group.php?groupid=54

Quote from: jorgeanna on November 20, 2012, 12:41:32 PM
true gyud ni

That's good to hear, Anna!

This is surrender
To a war-torn life I've lived.
Scars and stripes forever
In need of change I can't resist.

No need to hide anything anymore.
Can't return to who I was before.

I can finally breathe.
Suddenly alive.
I can finally move.
The world feels revived.

This long of a struggle
Finally opened up my eyes.
Revolution's not easy
With a Civil War on the inside.

No need to hide anything anymore.
Can't return to who I was before.

I can finally breathe.
Suddenly alive.
I can finally move.
'Cause I realize.

I can finally breathe.
Suddenly alive.
I can finally move.
The world feels revived.

I can finally breathe.
Suddenly alive.
I can finally move.
'Cause I realize.

I can finally breathe.
Suddenly alive.
I can finally move.
The world feels revived.

I can finally breathe.
Suddenly alive.
I can finally move.
The world feels revived.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqGoM91rySM#

he he he, I don't but I know a lot of Bisaya who say this.

Let's rephrase this statement to be more open to the female sensibilities:

"You cannot seduce a happy wife."

Quote from: Votives on November 19, 2012, 02:55:51 PM
seduce man gani ang priest... ang happy husband bah hinuon...

I say, leave to God what is God's.

Thank You Fr. Roel. Lisod kaayo because kanang feeling sa sulud sa ahoang kasingkasing maka feel gayod nako unsa gusto Nija. Pero hadlok ko. I am so scared to abandon all my work , all of my family's expectations on me. I look at my friends who are now 4th year seminarians and who will be ordained priests by the end of 2013. I cannot help but wish I was in their ranks. This year, my good and dear friend, J.R, will be ordained a Priest in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I am so happy for him. I want to attend his ordination ceremony.

He always jokes around with me sa phone, "When are you going to finally answer, brother?"

Mo katawa lang ko sa iyang hisgut. I wish I had his strength. I am weak and I hate that I am weak.

I do. I have been feeling this for over 7 years, Fr. Roel. Since I was 20.

Fr. Roel, I don't know what to do.

Pleas pray for me.

Quote from: vhinz08 on November 19, 2012, 10:45:21 PM
Like you Doc Lorenz

He he, kuan ahoang situwasyon, Bai Vhinz, a more internal challenge. A priestly vocation or continuation of my medical profession. Honestly.

I still feel being called. And I am scared to answer..

Do you feel you are being called to the Priesthood?

Yes, Bai Piks, through the Mercy of Father God, they enjoy His abounding Love in heaven....

Quote from: jorgeanna on November 19, 2012, 07:56:44 PM
para nako, love should be the basis for marriage and not religion although maging issue gyud sa marriage ang religion in the long run

That is true, Anna. Whatever the case , I believe it is important one keep an open mind despite the differences, and pray for reconciliation. The beauty of the power of the Holy Spirit is that He provides ample Grace for those whom we pray for. Prayer for the conversion of a loved one -- is a noble goal.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:

1261 As regards children who have died without Baptism, the Church can only entrust them to the mercy of God, as she does in her funeral rites for them. Indeed, the great mercy of God who desires that all men should be saved, and Jesus' tenderness toward children which caused him to say: "Let the children come to me, do not hinder them," allow us to hope that there is a way of salvation for children who have died without Baptism. All the more urgent is the Church's call not to prevent little children coming to Christ through the gift of holy Baptism.




Retrieved from:
http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=710492

What happens to the soul of an aborted baby?

Answer:



The Church teaches that “Faith is an entirely free gift that God makes to man. We can lose this priceless gift, as St. Paul indicated to St. Timothy: "Wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting conscience, certain persons have made shipwreck of their faith” (1 Tim 1:18-19). To live, grow and persevere in the faith until the end we must nourish it with the word of God; we must beg the Lord to increase our faith; (Cf. Mk 9:24; Lk 17:5; 22:32) it must be "working through charity," abounding in hope, and rooted in the faith of the Church.” (Gal 5:6; Rom 15:13; cf. Jas 2:14-26)
(CCC 162)

We can therefore hope in the glory of heaven promised by God to those who love him and do his will” (Cf. Rom 8:28-30; Mt. 7:21). In every circumstance, each one of us should hope, with the grace of God, to persevere "to the end” (Mt 10:22) and to obtain the joy of heaven, as God's eternal reward for the good works accomplished with the grace of Christ. In hope, the Church prays for "all men to be saved.” (1 Tim 2:4) She longs to be united with Christ, her Bridegroom, in the glory of heaven (CCC 1821).

Those who die in God's grace and friendship and are perfectly purified live for ever with Christ. They are like God for ever, for they "see him as he is," face to face.” (CCC 1023)

The teaching of the Church affirms the existence of hell and its eternity. Immediately after death the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell, where they suffer the punishments of hell, "eternal fire." The chief punishment of hell is eternal separation from God, in whom alone man can possess the life and happiness for which he was created and for which he longs. (CCC 1035)

When he comes at the end of time to judge the living and the dead, the glorious Christ will reveal the secret disposition of hearts and will render to each man according to his works, and according to his acceptance or refusal of grace. “ (CCC 682)




Retrieved from:
http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=25346&highlight=saved+hell

Can one lose salvation?

Answer:


Imagine someone rebels against their family and refuses to ever see them. The family calls them, invites them home, sends them messages telling them how much they are loved. Yet despite it all, the individual refuses to come home. Who is at fault?

God does not send anyone to hell. We choose hell when we reject God's offer of love and forgiveness. God always calls us back to Him but we have the free will to refuse. Those in hell were not refused God's forgiveness, they refused it.

To die in mortal sin without repenting and accepting God's merciful love means remaining separated from him for ever by our own free choice. This state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed is called "hell." (CCC 1033)

Those in hell have made an eternal choice through which they experience its eternal ramifications.


http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=711927

Does God forgive those in hell?

“All forms of divination are to be rejected: recourse to Satan or demons, conjuring up the dead or other practices falsely supposed to "unveil" the future. Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone” (CCC 2116).

While mediums are often frauds, the Church in her wisdom, knows that such spiritistic phenomena can be used as a deceptive tool of the evil one to draw people to diabolical influences, which is why she “…opposes any participation whatsoever in spiritistic performances on account of their superstitious character and the dangers to which the faithful may be exposed as regards faith and morals.

In the Bible and in Christian hagiography we come across cases of deceased persons, of angels, and of demons appearing to the living to warn, help, tempt, or punish them. Such communications, however, always take place in a sober atmosphere, in which rules the will of God who arranges or permits them. In spiritism, on the contrary, we find a spectacle of exhibitionism, often grotesque, which is repugnant to the sanctity of God and to the dignity of the angels and the disincarnate spirits." (Dictionary of Dogmatic Theology by Msgr. Pietro Parente pg. 266).

At the moment of death, man’s soul is judged in a particular judgment: either entrance into the blessedness of heaven-through purification or immediately, --or immediate and everlasting damnation (CCC 1022).


Retrieved from:
http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=30478&highlight=palm+reading

We are encouraged by Holy Mother Church to preserve our Catholic faith and if one is blessed with the Grace of Parenthood, to raise one's child in the Roman Catholic Faith. Through the Grace of the Holy Spirit and with ample prayers,...this is possible!

Quote from: Chongki on November 19, 2012, 02:49:07 PM
he/she can marry .... non-christian, non-muslim, non-alcholic, non-gender, non-fiction, non-existent, etc...

Bwahahaha! kuyawa pod uy!

Love covers a multitude of sins, my dear brod piks, that's right. I believe that the wisdom of the Church in this regard should be taken as wise counsel. Tho there have been instances of mixed marriages that were successful. If it is the will of God, then the non-Catholic spouse will embrace the Roman Catholic faith through the Grace of Conversion.

All you need to do is go to Confession. The U.S. bishops have given the priests in our country permission to remove the excommunication when they give absolution to those who have had abortions. If you would feel better going to Confession anonymously at another parish, feel free to do so. Then you may receive Holy Communion. You are not obliged to tell anyone (other the the confessor) about your abortion . Welcome back. You are in our prayers.

-Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.


Retrieved from:
http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=345652&highlight=abortion+confession

Can a priest forgive a woman for having an abortion?

Answer:

The Catholic Church calls this situation “disparity of cult”. Here is what the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) teaches about disparity of cult and mixed marriage (marriage between a Catholic and a baptized non-Catholic):

“Difference of confession between the spouses does not constitute an insurmountable obstacle for marriage, when they succeed in placing in common what they have received from their respective communities, and learn from each other the way in which each lives in fidelity to Christ. But the difficulties of mixed marriages must not be underestimated. They arise from the fact that the separation of Christians has not yet been overcome. The spouses risk experiencing the tragedy of Christian disunity even in the heart of their own home. Disparity of cult can further aggravate these difficulties. Differences about faith and the very notion of marriage, but also different religious mentalities, can become sources of tension in marriage, especially as regards the education of children. The temptation to religious indifference can then arise.

“According to the law in force in the Latin Church, a mixed marriage needs for liceity the express permission of ecclesiastical authority. In case of disparity of cult an express dispensation from this impediment is required for the validity of the marriage. This permission or dispensation presupposes that both parties know and do not exclude the essential ends and properties of marriage; and furthermore that the Catholic party confirms the obligations, which have been made known to the non-Catholic party, of preserving his or her own faith and ensuring the baptism and education of the children in the Catholic Church.

“Through ecumenical dialogue Christian communities in many regions have been able to put into effect a common pastoral practice for mixed marriages. Its task is to help such couples live out their particular situation in the light of faith, overcome the tensions between the couple's obligations to each other and towards their ecclesial communities, and encourage the flowering of what is common to them in faith and respect for what separates them.

“In marriages with disparity of cult the Catholic spouse has a particular task: "For the unbelieving husband is consecrated through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is consecrated through her husband." It is a great joy for the Christian spouse and for the Church if this "consecration" should lead to the free conversion of the other spouse to the Christian faith. Sincere married love, the humble and patient practice of the family virtues, and perseverance in prayer can prepare the non-believing spouse to accept the grace of conversion” (CCC 1633-1637).

The Church’s Code of Canon Law (CIC) states, “A marriage between two persons, one of whom has been baptized in the Catholic Church or received into it and has not defected from it by a formal act and the other of whom is not baptized, is invalid. A person is not to be dispensed from this impediment unless the conditions mentioned in canons 1125 and 1126 have been fulfilled” (CIC 1086 §1-2).

Canon 1125 and 1126 state, “The local ordinary can grant a permission of this kind if there is a just and reasonable cause. He is not to grant it unless the following conditions have been fulfilled:

1/ the Catholic party is to declare that he or she is prepared to remove dangers of defecting from the faith and is to make a sincere promise to do all in his or her power so that all offspring are baptized and brought up in the Catholic Church;

2/ the other party is to be informed at an appropriate time about the promises which the Catholic party is to make, in such a way that it is certain that he or she is truly aware of the promise and obligation of the Catholic party;

3/ both parties are to be instructed about the purposes and essential properties of marriage which neither of the contracting parties is to exclude.

“It is for the conference of bishops to establish the method in which these declarations and promises, which are always required, must be made and to define the manner in which they are to be established in the external forum and the non-Catholic party informed about them.”


Retrieved from:
http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=28095

Can a Catholic marry a Non-Christian?

Answer:


Freemasonry has a history of anti-Catholicism. Because of this, the 1917 Code of Canon Law provided for the automatic excommunication of members of masonic sects: “Those giving their name to masonic sects or other associations of this sort that machinate the Church or legitimate civil powers contract by that fact excommunication simply reserved to the Apostolic See” (1917 CIC 2335).

The current (1983) Code does not explicitly mention masonic sects, however, Church teaching concerning membership in such organizations has not changed: “A person who joins an association which plots against the Church is to be punished with a just penalty; however, a person who promotes or directs an association of this kind is to be punished with an interdict” (CIC 1374).


Retrieved from:
http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=13786&highlight=Freemasons

Is freemasonry against the Catholic Church?

Good Evening , Jenneth! May Our Lord Jesus Christ bless you ! Have a productive and blessed week, Jenneth.

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 1:2-4

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith ...

Philippians 3:7-9

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

Flowers before the Majesty of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.

Psalm 27:4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU9OWdIDGL4#ws

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQLlBDy_PXA#