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Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
Two years ago, April 15, 2008 – The Cause for the Beatification and Canonization of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen officially opened in Rome with a ceremony at the offices of the Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints. If the congregation makes a declaration that Archbishop Sheen lived a life of heroic virtue, he will be accorded the title venerable. The next step is beatification, after which he would be called blessed. Certification of a miracle attributed to his intercession is required for beatification.
I haven’t read much about him, but my favorite quote, so far, is this . . .
“There are not more than 100 people in the world who truly hate the Catholic Church, but there are millions who hate what they perceive to be the Catholic Church.” — Archbishop Fulton Sheen
I also found another famous quote on Quote Catholic that he made as a preface to radio replies that begins:
Archbishop Fulton Sheen exemplified what it truly means to be a priest; his love for Jesus & deep devotion to the Eucharist is well known.
Check out some links to audio (some free), video and books about and by him at Is Anybody There? blog.
CCD 7th: Hats + 3 Birthdays + Vocations (day 5)
Today, in our 7th grade pre-Confirmation class, we discussed our unique identities, our stages in life, vocations, marriage and closed with the story of St Agatha. Lots of interaction and discussion, full of the Lord’s blessings!
—3 BIRTHDAYS … each begins a new life
- —Physical B-day … start earthly life
- —Baptism B-day … start Christian spiritual life
- —Death B-day … start our heavenly life
Who Am I? (back page of journal)
- –Birth name, Nick names, “Hats” (our roles)
- —Spiritual names? What does God call you?
- (we’ll find out as we try different prayers)
VOCATION = “a call” by God to holiness
- ”Primary” Vocation …
- –“to be a beloved child to our heavenly Father”
- “State of Life” Vocation … which one?
- —Single, Consecrated Single
- —Married (husband/father, wife/mother)
- —Religious sister or brother
- —Priesthood (clergy, deacon)
- “Service” Vocation … career, ministry, etc.
Sacrament of Marriage … purpose is …
- —Pro-create (open to children),
- —Educate (evangelize your Catholic children)
- —Holy Mate (get your spouse to heaven!)
St Agatha (3rd century virgin martyr) a beautiful young girl who consecrated herself to Jesus and resisted the advances of a nobleman. He imprisoned & tortured her (even cut off her breasts), but she stayed faithful to God. Died in prison. Feast on Feb 5. Patron of breast, nurses, (bell-makers & bakers – due to statue plater).
CCD hs: Catholic pop quiz + Saints assignments (day 2)
In our high school Confirmation class (at St Mark’s), Jose & I gave a POP Quiz with 23 questions to see what our kids know to better gauge how much to review. I didn’t expect much, and wasn’t disappointed. After introductions and time to fill it out, we went over the first 10 questions in large group discussion. Here are some of the questions:
- How many Catholic friends do you have? (ranged from none to 12 to 1,000 to many)
- What Catholic tradition do you like? (sign of the cross, Eucharist, Holy Week, Lent, Christmas, Christmas Novena readings, )
- What Catholic tradition do you not understand? (Ash Wed, Halloween)
- What is the name of the Pastor here? (only 4 of 24 got it right … not good)
- Name 3 ministries in this parish.
- What prayers do we pray in the Rosary?
- What is the name of the current Pope? (who’s George III?)
- What is the Eucharist?
- Why do we have confession?
- What do we celebrate on Good Friday?
After some discussion about the questions, we paired up kids and assigned a Saint to present, one per day, with a schedule of presentation. Great class, quiet but very insightful discussions. Definitely a great year of catechesis ahead! Praise God!
ASSIGNMENTS: handouts + write 5 questions you have about your Catholic faith
evil love of money
A friend wanted to name his new son Maximus (& mom wouldn’t have it). Was there a saint named Maximus? Indeed there was. St. Maximus is an Eastern Orthodox saint and had some thoughful words on passions. Keeping in mind 1Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is the root of all evils …,” St. Maximus says …
“There are three reasons for the love of money: pleasure-seeking, vainglory, and lack of faith. And more serious than the other two is lack of faith.
“The hedonist loves money because with it he lives in luxury; the vain person because with it he can be praised; the person who lacks faith because he can hide it and keep it while in fear of hunger, or old age, or illness, or exile. He lays his hope on it rather than on God the Maker and Provider of the whole creation, even of the last and least of living things.”
“There are found kinds of people who acquire money, the three just mentioned and the financial administrator. Obviously only he acquires it for the right reason: so that he might never run short in relieving each one’s need.” 400 Chapters on Love, 3.16-19
Putting these quotes together makes me stop, think and pray over my own intentions.
SJVCS Seminary Life Album
July '09 -- hospital chaplains @ IPF
Easter '09 -- Miami SJVCS friends
the Son always finds a break in let the clouds
Feb '09 -- school vocation talks @ AMHS
Feb '09 -- cold breakfast with brothers (Matias, Fenly & Randy), now at SVDP and Imad (at SJVCS)
Superbowl '09 -- eating great @ SJVCS
Sept '08 -- Worklist Coordinators?
St Raphael Chapel mural @ SJVCS
Sept '08 -- retreats @ SJVCS
"It's not easy being green"
Catholic Kermit 
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