"It's not about Jesus, its' about who Jesus is!"

Dear Editor:

You know what? I hate to say this, but Father Cantalamessa's sermon about "Who do you say that I am?" is the same old stuff that you hear in the Catholic Church all the time. It all comes from the left, logical lobe and frankly, is beginning to annoy me.

I never thought that I would catch myself saying that, but it is true. When I saw this on the front page of the magazine to which I am related, I was plugged in and rattled.

We Catholics never hear a true testimony of personal faith from the pulpit. This part of the Gospel should have been the trigger for personal witness to the relationship between the spiritual leader of the flock and Jesus.

Instead what we got, and not just from Father Cantalamessa, but from the rest of the clergy, was a bunch of direction from what appears to be the intellectual leader of the Sunday School Assembly.

I am not so sure that any of these preachers know Jesus. I am quite convinced that they can talk about Jesus all day. After all, that's what they studied in school for all those years of seminary. But it's getting more and more evident to me that none of them ever shook His hand, looked Him in the eye, and said what Peter said, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God" and I am very glad to know you.

The pulpit leaders of the Catholic Church rarely reach into their own hearts to throw spiritual love out over the congregation. Catholics themselves imitate this and never talk about their personal relationship with Jesus. We know that if we do, we will be ridiculed by our hearers and more than likely be accused of boasting about our intimate relationship with "the Lord."

Why are we ashamed of being emotional about our relationship with Jesus? We hold hands with our children. We hold hands with our wives. We are not even shy about wrapping our arms around one another and even slipping a hand into our loved one's back pocket in public. I want to know what is so shameful about patting Jesus on the back(side!) in public?

I think that after I finish with this diatribe, I'm going to polish off my rusty Italian and give a piece of the right side of my brain to Father Cantalamessa. When I get done with him, he won't cry at my funeral. As they say in Italy, "Finalmente, non c'è più!"

~Paul Dion, STL

She wants to get a copy of the GIRM

I read your article "Gestures At Mass". I found this article informative and interesting. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) was used as reference. Please, where can I purchase this book?

I really enjoy receiving "Parish World" by email. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Tricia Coscione

(I suggest you check out the US catholic Conference of Bishops and get the information you need from there. Click here for the link. ~Editor)

Looking for a parish in San Diego

I have recently moved to Carmel Valley in San Diego and haven't been able to find a parish in the area. Can you help me please?
~ Anonymous

(There are several Catholic parishes in your area. Check out the Diocese of San Diego web site by clicking here. ~ Editor )

Their family is in a financial bind

My family is in financial need and I wanted to know if you know of any organizations that can help us. As of right now we are 3 months behind with our mortgage and I am fearing that we will lose our house. Can you please guide me in the direction where we can get help. Thank you.
~ Julie D.

(Have you tried Catholic Charities? Or maybe your local parish? We really have no ready information to give you. We pray you survive this crisis. And please know that God is with you every step of the way. If anyone would like to help Julie's family, please contact us at editor@parishwprld.net and we will get you hooked up with her. - Editor)

He doesn't believe in Catholicism but wants his son in Catholic school

By Wally Arida, Publisher of ParishWorld.net

We ran across this article dated Sept. 9, 2006 in the Toronto Star. Columnist Ken Gallinger responded to it. We thought it would be interesting to share it with you and ask you what your thoughts are about it.

Here is the article in its entirety:

----------------------------
Q.: I'm Roman Catholic and my partner is Protestant. We never got married because of all the hoops my church wanted us to jump through. I haven't gone to church since.

We have a 4-year-old and want to start him in a Catholic school next fall; they have a nicer building than the public school, and it's right down the street. But now the church is setting up more hoops.

Our Catholic friends have told us he can't go to a Catholic school unless he has a baptism certificate. We never had him baptized, and don't want to as we believe the Church's positions on marriage, birth control and abortion are outdated and offensive.

Still I've been a separate school taxpayer all my life and it's not fair that our child is kept out of a publicly funded system because of a Church rule.

A.: Your Catholic friends were likely asked to show their children's baptismal certificates when they registered their kids. That's normal practice at Roman Catholic schools and establishes that the kids are Catholic. But the policy of the Toronto Catholic District School Board is that, as long as one parent can "prove their Catholicity," their kids can attend the school, even if the kids themselves are not Catholic. Proving you are Catholic usually means producing a baptism certificate or letter from the parish where you were baptized. So as long as you have your baptismal certificate stored away somewhere, presumably with other documents you consider outdated, you should be okay.

Please don't have your son baptized. There are promises and commitments associated with that sacrament, and they are clearly not commitments you want or intend to honour. If your local principal insists, refer him to Catholic school board for clarification.

You raised the word "fair" so let me ask you this: if you find the Catholic Church's positions on marriage and family life so troublesome, why enrol your child in a school where those positions are going to be taught and reinforced? Catholic education is a package designed to reflect the values and ethical standards of the Roman Catholic Church. If those standards offend you, are you really being fair — either to the system or to your son?

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Well, now what do you think? Share your comments with us. You can sign it anonymous if you so wish.

Will you help undocumented people even if it means breaking the law?

This post was placed in one of the local ParishWorld blogs for St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Rialto, CA. The sentiment of this anonymous writer seemed so genuine, it prompted us to place it as a question that we would like all of you to reflect upon.

Here is the original post:

I have a concern that tugs at my heart. Am I willing to go to jail for helping an undocumented person by giving them food, clothing or spiritual nurishment? As a Catholic I know it is what I am called to do, but will I accept the consequences if this pending legislation goes into effect?
- Anonymous

Here is our question to you:

As Catholics, you know what you are called to do. But if this pending legislation becomes law, will you still help all our undocumented brothers and sisters? Are you willing to accept the consequences of such actions?

Let us know what you think. You can sign your comment anonymous if you so wish.

God bless.

Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in chief

Great Idea!

Thanks for all you are doing for Wordnet on ParishWorld. Great idea! I am happy that you keep me on the list! Gratefully,
--Pat Phillips, sHCJChair, Wordnet Board of Directors

She says "WOW!" from Germany

WOW!! My husband and I came to Loerrach, Germany, from Australia to plant an English speaking Church for non Christians. We have been here 6 months and are just beginning the process. May your youth be excited about being followers of Jesus. If you want a good read "Just walk across the room" by Bill Hybels. Released this year. Practical way of doing evangelism - and we can ALL do it. Advancing the Invisible,
--Gaynor

He loves our Blogs!

I LOVE YOUR BLOGS! What a great idea and a terrific place to pick up nice thoughts and exchange ideas. And your selection of topics is just great. Keep up the good work.
-- Matt Khan in Cleveland, OH

(Click here to view the many wonderful articles that await you in www.ParishWorld.net, America's Catholic Lifestyle Magazine. Be informed, be inspired, be blessed. )

Fr. likes Generation Connexion!

I like this week topic because it is very updated with the situation of youth in the church. How to dress reflects a lot how you live.
-- Fr. Roberto Mena, ST

(Click here to view the many wonderful articles that await you in www.ParishWorld.net, America's Catholic Lifestyle Magazine. Be informed, be inspired, be blessed. )

On WordNet TV and FR. Mike Manning

Great shows! How can we get others to watch? Happy that Fr. Mike is on the blog! Way to go....
-- Anonymous

(Click here to view the many wonderful articles that await you in www.ParishWorld.net, America's Catholic Lifestyle Magazine. Be informed, be inspired, be blessed. )

A Burning Question Fan

That burning question thing is interesting. I answered quickly without that much thought and then I was thinking about the question the rest of the day. After several hours later, I felt like changing my answer a bit. If this is typical with blogging, it will be good for ParishWorld.
-- Alex

(Click here to view the many wonderful articles that await you in www.ParishWorld.net, America's Catholic Lifestyle Magazine. Be informed, be inspired, be blessed. )

Keep up the good fight!

I enjoy reading your articles.Fight the good fight of faith...
-- Efren from Manila, Philippines

(Click here to view the many wonderful articles that await you in www.ParishWorld.net, America's Catholic Lifestyle Magazine. Be informed, be inspired, be blessed. )

She will begin spreading the word about us!

...I really like your site and so happy I found it.... I have been reading a lot of stories on your site and they are wonderful. What you have done is really good. I will began today spreading the word about you. Thank you so much
--Judy Harkness

(Click here to view the many wonderful articles that await you in www.ParishWorld.net, America's Catholic Lifestyle Magazine. Be informed, be inspired, be blessed. )

Catholic Singles Group

I would like to know if there are any type of gatherings for Adult Cathloic singles. I am very interested, I've been widowed for four years now and would like to meet a practicing Catholic single. Thank you.
-- Norma M., Moreno Valley
(Singles for Christ may be a good group for you. It is a very active group with members in many parishes all over the world. I know there is a chapter at St. Catherine in Temecula and another at St. Catherine in Riverside. You may like to check them out. They also have Couples for Christ and Youth for Christ as part of their ministry. Good luck. - Editor)


(Click here to view the many wonderful articles that await you in www.ParishWorld.net, America's Catholic Lifestyle Magazine. Be informed, be inspired, be blessed. )

Internet can be a blessing

Excellent. It is so evident that the Internet can be a blessing to help people grow spiritually.
-- Sister Rose, FCP

Re: Medjugorje

Re: Top Story - Stop Medjugorje Marian apparition claims, bishop tells visionaries (07/14/2006) All of the skeptics at Fatima were proven false.....too bad the Bishop that included Medjugorje has a closed mind. And the "good" bishop will be proven wrong also. Millions of people who have visited Medjugorje have come away convinced that Our Lady is appearing.
-- Al Powers

Many are called.....

It must give you so much satisfaction and joy to be of service to your parish and community. I am sincerely very happy for you that you heard your true calling from the Lord. Many of us are called upon but are so busy doing other things to even hear it. Keep up the good work. Your community is very blessed to have you among them.
-- Victoria

His heart beams with joy

Congratulations! The magazine is well done! Keep up the wonderful work... Whenever Filipinos rise to the occasion to become proactive leaders in parishes, my heart beams with joy. It suggests that we have something meaningful to share in our Churches and not only spectators. Again, my congratulations to you...
-- Fr. Romy, MS

The Lord is good!

Hi Wally, I'm happy to know that you are doing something for the Lord now. It's excellent work that you have done. As you said, nothing to lose and everything to gain! My wife and I joined Couples For Christ, a catholic based community serving the Lord in all levels of society. It's now a worldwide community serving our Lord. We hooked up with the CFC group here in Long Island, New York. The Lord is truly good when we serve Him. He really takes care of all of us. So, keep up the good work. Take care, and God Bless.
-- RMV