BIG C CATHOLICS

The new U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, Miguel Diaz, arrived in Rome and said he was eager to help expand the "special relationship" between the United States and the Holy See. Diaz, a 45-year-old Catholic theologian, arrived with his wife and four children at Rome's Fiumicino airport Aug. 27, six days after he was sworn in as ambassador in Washington. He was expected to present his credentials to Pope Benedict XVI at a ceremony later this summer. From the Catholic News Service

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – You and your friends are invited to join EWTN on the First Friday of each month at 3 p.m. ET as we air a special Holy Hour in honor of the Year for Priests. This program, with the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word, will begin airing Sept. 4 and will end in June 2010.

I Introductory Rites The section of the Mass preceding the Liturgy of the Word that confers a quality of preparation and introduction on the Eucharistic Sacrifice. The intent is that the assembled group unite as a community properly prepared to hear God's Word and celebrate the Eucharist. Includes the following: Entrance Antiphon, Greeting Penitential Rite (Rite of Blessing & Sprinkling), Kyrie (Lord, Have Mercy), Gloria (Glory to God), Opening Prayer "'Liturgy' is the participation of the people of God in the work of God. Through the liturgy Christ, our Redeemer and High Priest, continues the work of our redemption in, with, and through the Church." (CCC no. 1069) Since the Mass, the Church's highest form of prayer, is a gathering of the community, it stands to reason that ceremonies/rituals have developed over the years to set our Sunday gatherings apart from other kinds of assemblies.

I believe that at times, God uses pain and suffering to stimulate our spiritual lives - to move us forward - to change us - even bring healing to our lives. Pain and suffering grab our attention and won't let us go until we deal with it and get our spiritual house in order. Without a doubt, through the grace of God suffering can motivate us to change. By it we are transformed, not magically but mysticly, becoming the person God wants us to be. In 1 Peter 4:12-19 it is written: "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the firey trial which is to try you as though some strange thing happened to you: but rejoice to the extent you partake in Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy."

Fr. Phillip Neri Powell The following is an excerpt from the article “Advice from Fr. Philip Neri’s Confessional,” by Fr. Philip Neri Powell, O.P., Ph.D. Visit his website here . I Starting point: 1. Sin . When we sin we abuse a gift from God. Just about every sin we commit can be traced back to a disordered use of some grace we have received from God. Abusing God’s gifts is a dangerous practice b/c it is through the charitable use of our divine gifts for others that God perfects His love us. If you are not using your gifts for the benefit of others then God’s love is not being perfected in you. 2. Forgiveness . When we ask for forgiveness we are not asking God to do something He has not already done. All of our sins are forgiven right now. All of them. Then why go to confession? God gives us forgiveness always, constantly, without ceasing. We go to confession to receive His forgiveness. Let’s say I call you up and tell you that I’ve purchased a nice Easter ham for you at Central Marke

Thought of the Day He who would climb to a lofty height must go by steps, not leaps. -- Pope St. Gregory the Great

Patrick Madrid's 150 Bible Verses Every Catholic Should Know is a tremendous resource for the biblically challenged and the scripturally conversant alike. Sacred Scripture contains a wealth of information, insight and inspiration for daily life. The mined the Bible for one hundred and fifty gems of wisdom that address any and all circumstances we might encounter. This book is a real treasure, especially if you are new to the Bible. I found 150 Bible Verses Every Catholic Should Know to be personally rewarding. One can open it on any page and read something worth while. It is the perfect antidote for difficult moments when life is difficult or we grow weak in our faith. I highly recommend it. To purchase this book go here or visit the Catholic Company for similar items.