Why is it okay to poke fun at Catholics?

Seriously! I was at a concert the other evening, and the band, who I  know to be Christians, playing in a "faith community" sponsored venue poked fun at the fact that a group of Fransiscan asked to use one of their songs. It wasn't so much what they said, but how they said it and the way the crowd responded that bugged me. It was all so funny to them, that they had a song that was "catholic". I really did not see what was so funny. I was with a group of Catholics, and we were all left looking at each other somewhat confused. 

If this was an isolated incident in my life, I think I would have more patience, but almost daily I hear small little jabs at the Church. Sure, many of the things come from lack of understanding, but if I made fun of Muslims, or Hindus, or even worse, Evangelicals, I'd be brandished intolerant or worse. I do not get it. Sure, our faith has "quirks", and plenty of history to look at for humor, but still, why is it okay? I think it is time for Catholics to stand up and stop being the butt of jokes, better off yet, let's not make fun of ourselves!

The Simple Joy of Service

Today my daughter and I , along with her pre-teen girls club, visited Feed My Starving Children. Together, we made 28 boxes of food to be sent to missions in developing countries. That food is enough to feed 16 children for 1 year. I cannot say enough good things about our experience. We spent a mere 2 hours at the facility, and we are feeding 16 kids for 1 year.

FMSC is an organization that makes high vitamin, high protein meals to be sent to missionaries in Haiti, Sudan, Bolivia and to the Mississippi Delta of the US. 18,000 children under die each day from starvation world wide. FMSC provides 15 million meals a year. They are firmly based on Christian principles, and by partnering with missionaries, they ensure the children not only get food but medical care, education and spiritual food.

We are very fortunate to live very very close to their new facility. We will be visiting them again, regularly I hope. Why? Not just because we are helping people, but we had a blast. 23 kids made meals, they packaged rice, soy and veggies to feed other kids, and they had so much fun. The kids got competitive, and were trying to fill more boxes at one table than another. Most of the kids want to go back, most didn't want to leave. According to FMSC, most of the food is packaged by children. You can see from the photo our group was mostly pre-teen girls, with a few older male siblings. That is so incredibly awesome to me. I'm so glad we were able to take part in this. If FMSC is in your area, consider volunteering, if they are not, pray about a donation, 95% of the money donated goes directly for food.

Politics

You will not find me talking about politics much. I believe in voting in the best way to follow Church teaching across the board. I also realize that that can be done in several ways, depending on who you are, formation, etc.. So usually my friends and I can get into rather heated discussions about politics, therefore, I avoid the subject.

It is important to know if those we are voting for mean what they say. It is easy to say, "I'm for/against XYZ" and but never do anything about it. It is easy for them to "change" their beliefs, based on what people want to hear. I heard about a website, www.issues2000.org, that you can look up candidates, or current office holder and how they vote, or what they have said on "issues". I love this site, it is not based on party, or one issue, but is easy to use and very concise.

It is worth looking into what all of the candidates support, and how their view may have changed as the election draws nearer. Thank you to Sheila Liaugminas, fellow Illinois-ian for responding so quickly to my email asking for this website.

Fasting and Advent

After a day of excessive eating, I am thinking about Advent and particularly fasting. This is the first year in many I am not nursing or pregnant, and can really give thought to it. In my early days as an adult Catholic (ie high school), I fasted often, and grew in faith greatly, but old age (ie 30), has made me lazy. Sure, I can fast from coffee, and sweets, but I know there is more to be gained from a greater sacrifice.

Fasting is not for everyone, but if you are able, there was a great story on NPR (yes, I listen to NPR!) on All Things Considered about fasting and the health benefits. Sometimes, just hearing that it is not just good for your soul, but your body is that extra motivation to do it. Advent is a great time to make lots of little sacrifices, fasting is just one way to do this.

More on Advent is the days to come.....

Eternal Rest Grant unto Them O, Lord...

..And let perpetual light shine upon them.

It is the eve of All Souls day, which has become one of my favorite feasts recently. This year, my husband lost his grandma. I loved Sophie, she made me laugh, she had a quick wit,even if she forgot my kids names. She was 93, and lived a hard, but good life. When she was dying, her daughter, my mother in law, decided it was silly to call a priest for final sacraments, after all, she was a good person, and God is merciful. Both are true, but it broke my heart and made me quite mad that she did not receive the final sacraments. This month especially we are praying for her, hoping she can receive all the graces of our prayers.

Many people presume that heaven is a sure thing, as soon as you die. I was not raised knowing about purgatory, I was even told it did not exist. Woe to all those who have not learned otherwise. It is vital to pray for the dead. Why? Well, they can pray for us in return, and Lord knows, I need all the prayers I can get. A priest reminded me to ask the souls in Purgatory that had the same defects I have to pray for me, and I will pray for them. Someday, I hope to see those souls and thank them. But there are greater reasons, like getting the souls of those we love. The more the merrier, right? What joy there will be the day I see all of my relatives and friends who have gone before me. Our purpose in life is to get people to heaven, and praying for the Holy Souls is part of that. In fact, it is easier than praying for the souls still on earth. The Souls in purgatory are going to go to heaven, after their time of purification, souls on earth, still can end up not making it.

In this month of the Holy Souls, remember them, have your children pray for them, visit a cemetery between November 1-8, for an indulgence. There are only benefits to praying for them, they are helpless on their own, they need us. I also recommend the book Father Philip tells a Ghost Story to help teach children about the souls in purgatory. I wish I had learned more sooner, but it is never too late.

The Bishop Joins the Fight

Please read Bishop Sartain's letter on the day of prayer against abortion. We are so blessed to have him as our Shepherd.

The Storm!

I love the rain, but this is getting ridiculous! We've had violent storms every day this week. I've even gotten jumpy at the sound of the thunder.

My husband has committed to the 40 day vigil at Planned Parenthood, Aurora at 10pm. It will STILL be storming then. It is his first time there, pray for him, please, this is not the kind of thing he usually does, his mom would discourage him, but despite the weather, he will be there. I usually do not speak like this, but the forces of darkness are really giving us all a challenge, So many people have been out there praying, so many visions, dreams, and other unusual occurrences have taken place, many think the "clinic" will not open. Let's hope and pray they are right.

More on Planned Parenthood clinic

The Daily Herald wrote an article on the Vigil. I have rarely gone to pray at abortion clinics, but I guess this is the time to begin. I went at 7am today, earlier than I would have liked, but then it was more of a sacrifice. Please pray for those out praying. Most people are nice, but the few that are not are really ugly in their choice of words.