You know, I generally try to be a nice guy and give most people the benefit of the doubt within the Catholic Church. I fully recognize that not all Roman Catholics have been as blessed as I have been to have the kind of spiritual advisors and teachers that I have had. I also recognize that I myself went through different times when I questioned different things that the Holy Roman Catholic Church taught. I used these times as opportunities for learning in the hopes that through prayer and studying I could grow in my understanding of the things I had questions about. I don't claim to have it all figured out (yet) but I like to believe that I work hard at continuing my Catholic education and honestly, having had more than one conversation/argument with adult Catholics who spent their entire school careers in Catholic schools, I realize I know more than many adult Roman Catholics.
However, there does come a time that lines need to be "drawn in the sand". There are certain things that you really must accept as a Roman Catholic. At the end of the day, recognizing, accepting and being obedient to the teaching magisterium of the Catholic Church is probably THE fundamental thing that seperates us from the scattered and un-unified protestants. Failure to accept teaching on "faith and/or morals" as handed on to us from the Pope and the Magisterium, puts one outside the walls of the Roman Church.
I studied for over two years before I became a Catholic. When I came into the Church at Easter in 1999 I professed "to believe all that the Church teaches". As someone who clearly does strive to do this and as someone who recognizes this as one of the pillars of Catholicism, you can imagine how angry I get when I see complete lunatics try to say that they are Catholic but they don't agree with Church teaching. I am not talking about Catholics who have not been educated properly or who don't know or understand the Church teaching. I'm not talking about Catholics who are still learning. I am talking about Catholics who know and understand the Church teaching on Faith or Morals, disregard it and then still claim to be Roman Catholic. I have not gotten on this soapbox in quite some time but recent events lead me to get on it again.
Here is a message for such people.
There is a word for Catholics who disagree with Church teaching. They are called "Protestants". I don't hate you but you are not Catholic. Please get out of my Church. You are giving me and the other faithful Catholics a bad name.
Case in point. Below we have another example of a "Catholic" politician who claims to be someone who "sticks up for the underdog" but yet advocates the killing of unborn babies.
Before I post the article, I have one more thing to say...
To all politicians or people reading this who are in favor of legalized abortion. You are the biggest bullies I know. Apparently nobody ever taught you that bigger things should not pick on little things. You are the perfect example of a true bully because you pick on and kill people weaker and smaller than you. Wow. You're all so tough. It must make you feel so powerful and strong to be able to murder innocent babies. I'm sure your mom's are SOOOOOO proud of you. Oh, and by the way, I am not a republican or a conservative so don't try to turn this into a political issue with me. It is a human rights issue and I think both political parties are morally bankrupt. However, I will say that if you are in favor of abortion then you are not a true liberal. A true liberal would never pick on someone smaller than them.
I'm done trying to be nice when it comes to this subject. I've always been opposed to abortion but I don't think I've been vocal enough about it in recent years.
The winds of change are blowing.....
Here is the article:
The Diocese of Providence announced this morning that a planned meeting tomorrow between Bishop Tobin and Congressman Patrick Kennedy has been "postponed."
It appears clear it was Kennedy who did the postponing, because Bishop Tobin has released another public letter to Kennedy, to be published in the November 12 edition of the Rhode Island Catholic.
And wow. It is really something, sure to shake not only Patrick but the entire Kennedy family to their core. It's too important to excerpt.
Holy cow, the Bishop even invoked John F. Kennedy's book, Profiles in Courage, in a play on words. Am reposting the letter in its entirety, on page 2...
Dear Congressman Kennedy:
"The fact that I disagree with the hierarchy on some issues does not make me any less of a Catholic." (Congressman Patrick Kennedy)
Since our recent correspondence has been rather public, I hope you don't mind if I share a few reflections about your practice of the faith in this public forum. I usually wouldn't do that - that is speak about someone's faith in a public setting - but in our well-documented exchange of letters about health care and abortion, it has emerged as an issue. I also share these words publicly with the thought that they might be instructive to other Catholics, including those in prominent positions of leadership.
For the moment I'd like to set aside the discussion of health care reform, as important and relevant as it is, and focus on one statement contained in your letter of October 29, 2009, in which you write, "The fact that I disagree with the hierarchy on some issues does not make me any less of a Catholic." That sentence certainly caught my attention and deserves a public response, lest it go unchallenged and lead others to believe it's true. And it raises an important question: What does it mean to be a Catholic?
"The fact that I disagree with the hierarchy on some issues does not make me any less of a Catholic." Well, in fact, Congressman, in a way it does. Although I wouldn't choose those particular words, when someone rejects the teachings of the Church, especially on a grave matter, a life-and-death issue like abortion, it certainly does diminish their ecclesial communion, their unity with the Church. This principle is based on the Sacred Scripture and Tradition of the Church and is made more explicit in recent documents.
For example, the "Code of Canon Law" says, "Lay persons are bound by an obligation and possess the right to acquire a knowledge of Christian doctrine adapted to their capacity and condition so that they can live in accord with that doctrine." (Canon 229, #1)
The "Catechism of the Catholic Church" says this: "Mindful of Christ's words to his apostles, 'He who hears you, hears me,' the faithful receive with docility the teaching and directives that their pastors give them in different forms." (#87)
Or consider this statement of the Church: "It would be a mistake to confuse the proper autonomy exercised by Catholics in political life with the claim of a principle that prescinds from the moral and social teaching of the Church." (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, 2002)
There's lots of canonical and theological verbiage there, Congressman, but what it means is that if you don't accept the teachings of the Church your communion with the Church is flawed, or in your own words, makes you "less of a Catholic."
But let's get down to a more practical question; let's approach it this way: What does it mean, really, to be a Catholic? After all, being a Catholic has to mean something, right?
Well, in simple terms - and here I refer only to those more visible, structural elements of Church membership - being a Catholic means that you're part of a faith community that possesses a clearly defined authority and doctrine, obligations and expectations. It means that you believe and accept the teachings of the Church, especially on essential matters of faith and morals; that you belong to a local Catholic community, a parish; that you attend Mass on Sundays and receive the sacraments regularly; that you support the Church, personally, publicly, spiritually and financially.
Congressman, I'm not sure whether or not you fulfill the basic requirements of being a Catholic, so let me ask: Do you accept the teachings of the Church on essential matters of faith and morals, including our stance on abortion? Do you belong to a local Catholic community, a parish? Do you attend Mass on Sundays and receive the sacraments regularly? Do you support the Church, personally, publicly, spiritually and financially?
In your letter you say that you "embrace your faith." Terrific. But if you don't fulfill the basic requirements of membership, what is it exactly that makes you a Catholic? Your baptism as an infant? Your family ties? Your cultural heritage?
Your letter also says that your faith "acknowledges the existence of an imperfect humanity." Absolutely true. But in confronting your rejection of the Church's teaching, we're not dealing just with "an imperfect humanity" - as we do when we wrestle with sins such as anger, pride, greed, impurity or dishonesty. We all struggle with those things, and often fail.
Your rejection of the Church's teaching on abortion falls into a different category - it's a deliberate and obstinate act of the will; a conscious decision that you've re-affirmed on many occasions. Sorry, you can't chalk it up to an "imperfect humanity." Your position is unacceptable to the Church and scandalous to many of our members. It absolutely diminishes your communion with the Church.
Congressman Kennedy, I write these words not to embarrass you or to judge the state of your conscience or soul. That's ultimately between you and God. But your description of your relationship with the Church is now a matter of public record, and it needs to be challenged. I invite you, as your bishop and brother in Christ, to enter into a sincere process of discernment, conversion and repentance. It's not too late for you to repair your relationship with the Church, redeem your public image, and emerge as an authentic "profile in courage," especially by defending the sanctity of human life for all people, including unborn children. And if I can ever be of assistance as you travel the road of faith, I would be honored and happy to do so.
Sincerely yours,
Thomas J. Tobin
Bishop of Providence
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Reflections on New Zealand
"The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge"
Proverbs 1:7
"Are there any foolish people who say that the Wisdom of God could not otherwise liberate men than by accepting manhood and being born of a woman, and by suffering all things at the hands of sinners? We reply to them: He could have done anything; but if He had done otherwise, He would still have displeased your stupidity...We have been shown to what fragility man has been reduced by his own fault, and from what fragility he is delivered by divine assistance."
-St. Augustine, 396 A.D.
This is not a blog about all the cool stuff I saw while in New Zealand. Granted, I got to encounter only a fraction of what must be the most breathtaking landscape on Earth; I saw mountains, rolling green hills, rocky beaches, breathtaking foilage and trees and bushes that look like they were created simply to appear in story books. This is also not a blog about the wonderful people I met while in New Zealand; People like Colleen, who heads up Family Life International and the JPII center for life and has been instrumental in saving countless babies from being murdered by abortion; people like Aisha, who was born with her heart outside of her body and was not supposed to live longer than a week and is now 29 years old and a licensed counseler as well as a motivational speaker (and a survivor of brain surgery). The list goes on; John and Celia, Brendan, Brandon, Sean, Lech, Tasi, Malaki, John Paul, Ollie...It would take me a week to write about the amazing people I met while in the most beautiful place I have ever been.
This is more a blog about what God taught me and reminded me of while I was down under in Kiwi land. Here it goes...
1. The Catholic Church needs evangelists
My Church, The Roman Catholic Church is in desperate need of missionaries or evangelists within and without the Church. Catholics have forgotten how to spread the Gospel. In fact, sadly, many of my Catholic brothers and sisters would be hard pressed to even answer the question "what is the gospel" (see 1 Cor. chapt 15) I have been feeling a tug on my heart for some time that I need to be more of a missionary and evangelist and less of an apologist. This trip reaffirmed this call for me. I have always said that I viewed youth ministry as a "battle for souls" and since my conversion I have believed that a very real battle between (for lack of a better, less cheesier cliche) "good and evil" is taking place on this Earth, but I have not been acting like it lately. In fact, I have not been acting like it for several years. That has now changed. To be quite honest, it scares me a little but I have learned through experience that arguing with God doesn't ever result with me winning and so if it's what God wants then it's what He'll get. If you are a friend or acquaitance of mine, you can now tell others that you know a "catholic evangelist".
We as Catholics have done a great job of feeding the hungry, visiting the imprisoned, etc but in the midst of service we have forgotten the great commission to go and teach the gospel to all nations.
I'm done making that mistake. You will see service and the gospel meet in St. Rose youth programming over the next year.
2. St. Rose is doing one hell of a job at youth ministry
I have always believed this but seeing how little youth ministry is happening in NZ and in America simply reaffirms this for me. I am disgusted with the Catholic Church as a whole for not doing a better job at youth ministry. I have always been disgusted about this. However, my trip to NZ reminded me of how important it is to view youth ministry as a process that happens one person at a time. No amount of anger or frustration can change everything all at once. Change happens slowly; one opportunity at a time and one person at a time. I was reminded of this when I was praying with teens in Wellington, New Zealand. We had just finished up the all day retreat and were having a "sausage sizzle" for dinner (they called it "evening tea"). I told the teens that I would be in the back room and available to talk with them and pray with them if they needed it. During that time I spoke with several teens who all needed prayer for different things. Several of them told me that today (that day) was the first time that they had been taught the gospel and been told that Jesus loves them. I was furious. I instantly had a million thoughts go through my mind. What the hell are priests preaching on? Why aren't parishioners starting youth groups? But then I took a breath and calmed down while I waited for God to speak. He said "Pete, that doesn't matter right now. You can't change it. What you can do is minister to this person that I have brought here to you."
Talk about a humbling experience.
The sad thing is that this isn't a New Zealand problem, it is a world wide problem. If you are a priest and are reading this, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A YOUTH MINISTRY PROGRAM IN YOUR PARISH! and STOP WASTING EVERYBODY'S TIME AT MASS BY READING MOTIVATIONAL EMAILS AND TELLING PERSONAL STORIES AND START PREACHING THE GOSPEL!
Luckily at St. Rose we have two Priests (Fr. Mark and Fr. Jacob) who are not afraid to preach the gospel and who both see the value in youth ministry. We just lost Fr. James who also saw the importance of youth ministry.
The bottom line is, St. Rose is doing well with youth ministry but the world wide church has a long way to go.
3. Those who care about ministering to teens cannot afford to wait for parents to do it.
I have been fortunate at St. Rose to meet some great parents. We have many parents on our youth ministry team. And I am SO PROUD TO SEE SO MANY DADS INVOLVED IN OUR PROGRAMS. Unfortunately, not all parents are as awesome as those we have at St. Rose.
However, in the grand scheme of things parents are doing a lousy job at teaching their kids the Catholic Faith. For too long have they expected others to take on this responsibility. In fact, parents have passed this responsibility off for so long that we are now at a point where many of today's parents don't know anything about being a Catholic,let alone how to teach their kids about being catholic. That is why many Catholic missionaries, evangelists and even many religious and priests are converts. Converts are on fire for the Catholic Faith because they searched for truth on their own, found it and now aren't afraid to share it. Parents, if you don't know the faith, LEARN IT. You can't give what you don't have. After you have learned it, TEACH IT TO YOUR CHILDREN. I am going to start giving some classes at St. Rose for Parents. I invite you all to attend if you are reading this. WHAT COULD POSSIBLY BE MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE ETERNAL SALVATION OF YOUR CHILDREN! If you think hell is "old fashioned" then WHY ARE YOU CATHOLIC?
4. Teens need to be taught how to be missionaries
Just like it is important for adult Catholics to spread the gospel, it is all the more important that teens are taught how to do this as well. Be looking for an evangelization retreat for teens to happen at St. Rose this year. If you come, I will teach you how to be a missionary.
5. I'm proud to be Catholic
I have struggled the last couple of years with understanding what ecumenism is. This internal struggle has revealed itself in many ways. For a while I was so outspoken on everything that I offended. Then I became so cautious that I was afraid to say anything. While in New Zealand I learned through experience and prayer that all I need to focus on is my intentions. If I am doing the right thing, for the right reason and doing it with love and justice as my guides, then I don't need to worry about someone taking offense. If they take offense to something I say, and what I say is true, just and said with love then they can be offended. Life goes on. I can't please everyone and as a ROMAN CATHOLIC I believe I will be judged by God as a ROMAN CATHOLIC. I'm more worried about what God thinks than what people who don't even know me think.
6. You have to surrender to God's will in order to do His work
This is a hard one for me. I like to do things my way. My way is not always God's way. I hate this. It sucks. This trip reminded me in MANY WAYS that I AM NOT THE ONE IN CONTROL. I can't have it MY WAY and still do GOD'S WORK. I'm cool with that...I guess.
7. The World needs a savior
I cannot believe how far down so many aspects of our society have fallen. I guess that is what happens when you try to make decisions without God in the mix. The sad thing is that so many people fail to see it.
8. Jesus Christ established the Catholic Church
Sorry if you don't agree but this is my blog. History, The Bible and logic proves this simple fact. Yet again, so many people fail to see it. In my opinion it all goes back to selfishness. Humankind wants things THEIR WAY. The Church says it is GOD'S WAY. I myself am guilty of this from time to time. Welcome to being a sinner. I am proud to say though that my talks in NZ may net the Catholic Church 5 or 6 converts. I'll keep you posted.
Other random thoughts in no particular order.
1. I love Samoans and Tongans. Just don't ever challenge them to a wrestling contest or an eating contest. I may be visiting these Islands soon. The Samoans adopted me. I love it. They gave me a hat that says "Samoan" on it. Groovy. If you are reading this. Hi Tasi and Malaki!
2. Prayer doesn't just change things; it changes everything.
3. I love Benedictines. (I know I have said this before because of Fr. Simeon but, yeah, after this trip I'm saying it again. Stand by for pictures)
4. Watching the Lord of the Rings movies is even more fun after you have seen where they filmed them.
5. I love my wife more than anything except God. We don't spend very much time together because she travels alot but after being with her nonstop for two weeks it is killing me to be away from her now.
6. The two most important issues in our world today are abortion and poverty.
7. 12 hour flights aren't too bad when you get to watch cool movies like the new Star Trek.
8. I can't believe how much I missed the St. Rose Youth while I was gone.
9. I can't believe they have McDonalds, KFC, Burger King and Wendy's in New Zealand...but I am glad that they had Starbucks because DAMN lattes and caps were expensive and SMALL at other cafes.
10. I thought it was pretty cool that I found someone else who spoke spanish while in New Zealand (see #3).
11. Grandparents who think they are too old to be involved in active ministry need to talk to Colleen Bayer. She is accomplishing more than most people could accomplish in 5 lifetimes.
12. Sausage sizzles are kind of like having a cookout. They are not a euphemism for something else that I promised my wife I wouldn't say again.
13. "Nackered" when said fast and with an accent sounds like "Naked" but means "tired". Jaime learned that the hard way.
14. Singers that are sick and jet lagged can hit REALLY hard, even if they are girls. Pete learned that the hard way.
15. I had forgotten how much fun it is to make new friends. I now have friends from Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand and Poland. Friends are cool.
Be Proud to Be Catholic
and
LET IT SHOW
Pete
Proverbs 1:7
"Are there any foolish people who say that the Wisdom of God could not otherwise liberate men than by accepting manhood and being born of a woman, and by suffering all things at the hands of sinners? We reply to them: He could have done anything; but if He had done otherwise, He would still have displeased your stupidity...We have been shown to what fragility man has been reduced by his own fault, and from what fragility he is delivered by divine assistance."
-St. Augustine, 396 A.D.
This is not a blog about all the cool stuff I saw while in New Zealand. Granted, I got to encounter only a fraction of what must be the most breathtaking landscape on Earth; I saw mountains, rolling green hills, rocky beaches, breathtaking foilage and trees and bushes that look like they were created simply to appear in story books. This is also not a blog about the wonderful people I met while in New Zealand; People like Colleen, who heads up Family Life International and the JPII center for life and has been instrumental in saving countless babies from being murdered by abortion; people like Aisha, who was born with her heart outside of her body and was not supposed to live longer than a week and is now 29 years old and a licensed counseler as well as a motivational speaker (and a survivor of brain surgery). The list goes on; John and Celia, Brendan, Brandon, Sean, Lech, Tasi, Malaki, John Paul, Ollie...It would take me a week to write about the amazing people I met while in the most beautiful place I have ever been.
This is more a blog about what God taught me and reminded me of while I was down under in Kiwi land. Here it goes...
1. The Catholic Church needs evangelists
My Church, The Roman Catholic Church is in desperate need of missionaries or evangelists within and without the Church. Catholics have forgotten how to spread the Gospel. In fact, sadly, many of my Catholic brothers and sisters would be hard pressed to even answer the question "what is the gospel" (see 1 Cor. chapt 15) I have been feeling a tug on my heart for some time that I need to be more of a missionary and evangelist and less of an apologist. This trip reaffirmed this call for me. I have always said that I viewed youth ministry as a "battle for souls" and since my conversion I have believed that a very real battle between (for lack of a better, less cheesier cliche) "good and evil" is taking place on this Earth, but I have not been acting like it lately. In fact, I have not been acting like it for several years. That has now changed. To be quite honest, it scares me a little but I have learned through experience that arguing with God doesn't ever result with me winning and so if it's what God wants then it's what He'll get. If you are a friend or acquaitance of mine, you can now tell others that you know a "catholic evangelist".
We as Catholics have done a great job of feeding the hungry, visiting the imprisoned, etc but in the midst of service we have forgotten the great commission to go and teach the gospel to all nations.
I'm done making that mistake. You will see service and the gospel meet in St. Rose youth programming over the next year.
2. St. Rose is doing one hell of a job at youth ministry
I have always believed this but seeing how little youth ministry is happening in NZ and in America simply reaffirms this for me. I am disgusted with the Catholic Church as a whole for not doing a better job at youth ministry. I have always been disgusted about this. However, my trip to NZ reminded me of how important it is to view youth ministry as a process that happens one person at a time. No amount of anger or frustration can change everything all at once. Change happens slowly; one opportunity at a time and one person at a time. I was reminded of this when I was praying with teens in Wellington, New Zealand. We had just finished up the all day retreat and were having a "sausage sizzle" for dinner (they called it "evening tea"). I told the teens that I would be in the back room and available to talk with them and pray with them if they needed it. During that time I spoke with several teens who all needed prayer for different things. Several of them told me that today (that day) was the first time that they had been taught the gospel and been told that Jesus loves them. I was furious. I instantly had a million thoughts go through my mind. What the hell are priests preaching on? Why aren't parishioners starting youth groups? But then I took a breath and calmed down while I waited for God to speak. He said "Pete, that doesn't matter right now. You can't change it. What you can do is minister to this person that I have brought here to you."
Talk about a humbling experience.
The sad thing is that this isn't a New Zealand problem, it is a world wide problem. If you are a priest and are reading this, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A YOUTH MINISTRY PROGRAM IN YOUR PARISH! and STOP WASTING EVERYBODY'S TIME AT MASS BY READING MOTIVATIONAL EMAILS AND TELLING PERSONAL STORIES AND START PREACHING THE GOSPEL!
Luckily at St. Rose we have two Priests (Fr. Mark and Fr. Jacob) who are not afraid to preach the gospel and who both see the value in youth ministry. We just lost Fr. James who also saw the importance of youth ministry.
The bottom line is, St. Rose is doing well with youth ministry but the world wide church has a long way to go.
3. Those who care about ministering to teens cannot afford to wait for parents to do it.
I have been fortunate at St. Rose to meet some great parents. We have many parents on our youth ministry team. And I am SO PROUD TO SEE SO MANY DADS INVOLVED IN OUR PROGRAMS. Unfortunately, not all parents are as awesome as those we have at St. Rose.
However, in the grand scheme of things parents are doing a lousy job at teaching their kids the Catholic Faith. For too long have they expected others to take on this responsibility. In fact, parents have passed this responsibility off for so long that we are now at a point where many of today's parents don't know anything about being a Catholic,let alone how to teach their kids about being catholic. That is why many Catholic missionaries, evangelists and even many religious and priests are converts. Converts are on fire for the Catholic Faith because they searched for truth on their own, found it and now aren't afraid to share it. Parents, if you don't know the faith, LEARN IT. You can't give what you don't have. After you have learned it, TEACH IT TO YOUR CHILDREN. I am going to start giving some classes at St. Rose for Parents. I invite you all to attend if you are reading this. WHAT COULD POSSIBLY BE MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE ETERNAL SALVATION OF YOUR CHILDREN! If you think hell is "old fashioned" then WHY ARE YOU CATHOLIC?
4. Teens need to be taught how to be missionaries
Just like it is important for adult Catholics to spread the gospel, it is all the more important that teens are taught how to do this as well. Be looking for an evangelization retreat for teens to happen at St. Rose this year. If you come, I will teach you how to be a missionary.
5. I'm proud to be Catholic
I have struggled the last couple of years with understanding what ecumenism is. This internal struggle has revealed itself in many ways. For a while I was so outspoken on everything that I offended. Then I became so cautious that I was afraid to say anything. While in New Zealand I learned through experience and prayer that all I need to focus on is my intentions. If I am doing the right thing, for the right reason and doing it with love and justice as my guides, then I don't need to worry about someone taking offense. If they take offense to something I say, and what I say is true, just and said with love then they can be offended. Life goes on. I can't please everyone and as a ROMAN CATHOLIC I believe I will be judged by God as a ROMAN CATHOLIC. I'm more worried about what God thinks than what people who don't even know me think.
6. You have to surrender to God's will in order to do His work
This is a hard one for me. I like to do things my way. My way is not always God's way. I hate this. It sucks. This trip reminded me in MANY WAYS that I AM NOT THE ONE IN CONTROL. I can't have it MY WAY and still do GOD'S WORK. I'm cool with that...I guess.
7. The World needs a savior
I cannot believe how far down so many aspects of our society have fallen. I guess that is what happens when you try to make decisions without God in the mix. The sad thing is that so many people fail to see it.
8. Jesus Christ established the Catholic Church
Sorry if you don't agree but this is my blog. History, The Bible and logic proves this simple fact. Yet again, so many people fail to see it. In my opinion it all goes back to selfishness. Humankind wants things THEIR WAY. The Church says it is GOD'S WAY. I myself am guilty of this from time to time. Welcome to being a sinner. I am proud to say though that my talks in NZ may net the Catholic Church 5 or 6 converts. I'll keep you posted.
Other random thoughts in no particular order.
1. I love Samoans and Tongans. Just don't ever challenge them to a wrestling contest or an eating contest. I may be visiting these Islands soon. The Samoans adopted me. I love it. They gave me a hat that says "Samoan" on it. Groovy. If you are reading this. Hi Tasi and Malaki!
2. Prayer doesn't just change things; it changes everything.
3. I love Benedictines. (I know I have said this before because of Fr. Simeon but, yeah, after this trip I'm saying it again. Stand by for pictures)
4. Watching the Lord of the Rings movies is even more fun after you have seen where they filmed them.
5. I love my wife more than anything except God. We don't spend very much time together because she travels alot but after being with her nonstop for two weeks it is killing me to be away from her now.
6. The two most important issues in our world today are abortion and poverty.
7. 12 hour flights aren't too bad when you get to watch cool movies like the new Star Trek.
8. I can't believe how much I missed the St. Rose Youth while I was gone.
9. I can't believe they have McDonalds, KFC, Burger King and Wendy's in New Zealand...but I am glad that they had Starbucks because DAMN lattes and caps were expensive and SMALL at other cafes.
10. I thought it was pretty cool that I found someone else who spoke spanish while in New Zealand (see #3).
11. Grandparents who think they are too old to be involved in active ministry need to talk to Colleen Bayer. She is accomplishing more than most people could accomplish in 5 lifetimes.
12. Sausage sizzles are kind of like having a cookout. They are not a euphemism for something else that I promised my wife I wouldn't say again.
13. "Nackered" when said fast and with an accent sounds like "Naked" but means "tired". Jaime learned that the hard way.
14. Singers that are sick and jet lagged can hit REALLY hard, even if they are girls. Pete learned that the hard way.
15. I had forgotten how much fun it is to make new friends. I now have friends from Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand and Poland. Friends are cool.
Be Proud to Be Catholic
and
LET IT SHOW
Pete
Monday, August 24, 2009
Why Do Catholics...#2
Why do Catholics...Have a Pope?
After Jesus rose from the dead He ascended into heaven with the promise that he would return one day. While He was here on Earth He did many amazing things. He performed miracles. He taught people about how to live. And, at the end of His ministry, He died on a cross so that we could be forgiven for our sins and go to heaven. However, one of the most important things He did was he established a church that had the authority to speak and act in His name. Because Jesus is God, He knew that He would not be with us on the Earth forever and He didn’t want to leave us without a leader. Many times in Jesus’ teaching He refers to Himself as the “good shepherd” and He calls His followers His “sheep”. So before He returned to Heaven He left His Church (people) with a shepherd to guide them until He returns again.
Our First Pope was St. Peter. In Matthew 16:18 Jesus calls Peter “rock” and says that He will build His Church on Peter. He then tells Peter that He will give to him the “Keys” to the “Kingdom of Heaven”. This was a symbolic way of letting Peter know that he would be left as the first Chief Shepherd of the Church. Jesus confirms this in the Gospel of John when He approaches Peter after the Resurrection and asks Peter 3 times, “Peter do you love me?” Each time Peter replies “Yes” and each time Jesus says “Feed my sheep”. The sheep are the people of the Church, the followers of Jesus. The sheep still belong to Jesus but since He is not here, He leaves Peter in charge until He returns. The office of the Papacy has continued since the time of Peter. We can trace the line of Popes all the way back to St. Peter, the very first Pope and Bishop of Rome. As Catholics we do not believe that the Pope is God, but we do believe He is Jesus’ representative here on Earth, to guide us to a better understanding of our Catholic Faith.
After Jesus rose from the dead He ascended into heaven with the promise that he would return one day. While He was here on Earth He did many amazing things. He performed miracles. He taught people about how to live. And, at the end of His ministry, He died on a cross so that we could be forgiven for our sins and go to heaven. However, one of the most important things He did was he established a church that had the authority to speak and act in His name. Because Jesus is God, He knew that He would not be with us on the Earth forever and He didn’t want to leave us without a leader. Many times in Jesus’ teaching He refers to Himself as the “good shepherd” and He calls His followers His “sheep”. So before He returned to Heaven He left His Church (people) with a shepherd to guide them until He returns again.
Our First Pope was St. Peter. In Matthew 16:18 Jesus calls Peter “rock” and says that He will build His Church on Peter. He then tells Peter that He will give to him the “Keys” to the “Kingdom of Heaven”. This was a symbolic way of letting Peter know that he would be left as the first Chief Shepherd of the Church. Jesus confirms this in the Gospel of John when He approaches Peter after the Resurrection and asks Peter 3 times, “Peter do you love me?” Each time Peter replies “Yes” and each time Jesus says “Feed my sheep”. The sheep are the people of the Church, the followers of Jesus. The sheep still belong to Jesus but since He is not here, He leaves Peter in charge until He returns. The office of the Papacy has continued since the time of Peter. We can trace the line of Popes all the way back to St. Peter, the very first Pope and Bishop of Rome. As Catholics we do not believe that the Pope is God, but we do believe He is Jesus’ representative here on Earth, to guide us to a better understanding of our Catholic Faith.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Why do Catholics #1
Why do Catholics.....Recite Creeds?
First, Catholics recite creeds in order to confess what we believe. That is why creeds like The Apostles Creed and The Nicene Creed begin with “I Believe”. If you are ever asked what Catholics believe, a good thing to do is simply recite the Apostle’s or Nicene Creed because they are both a brief summary of our beliefs as Catholic Christians.
Second, we recite creeds as a form of prayer. Notice that each creed starts with “I believe” and ends with “amen”. Reciting creeds is a form of prayer for us as Catholics.
Third, we recite creeds to increase our own faith. Paul taught in is letter to the Romans that confessing something out loud has the effect of committing us to what it says (Romans 10:8-10). So when we recite them out loud, it is a way of committing ourselves to the beliefs stated in the creed.
Until Next Time...
Be Proud to Be Catholic!
JPE
First, Catholics recite creeds in order to confess what we believe. That is why creeds like The Apostles Creed and The Nicene Creed begin with “I Believe”. If you are ever asked what Catholics believe, a good thing to do is simply recite the Apostle’s or Nicene Creed because they are both a brief summary of our beliefs as Catholic Christians.
Second, we recite creeds as a form of prayer. Notice that each creed starts with “I believe” and ends with “amen”. Reciting creeds is a form of prayer for us as Catholics.
Third, we recite creeds to increase our own faith. Paul taught in is letter to the Romans that confessing something out loud has the effect of committing us to what it says (Romans 10:8-10). So when we recite them out loud, it is a way of committing ourselves to the beliefs stated in the creed.
Until Next Time...
Be Proud to Be Catholic!
JPE
Saturday, December 6, 2008
TO MY SAINT ROSE FAMILY
My St. Rose Family
Hello All,
Jaime's concert last night was a huge success. If you missed it, you missed more than just a little Christmas music. There were over 300 people there and it was a great night of music and fellowship with our St. Rose Family. Jaime was wonderful (as always). We also showed her new music video (which drew tears from more than one person). In addition to those things, Jaime's Producer Roger Ryan (who is also an amazing pianist) performed a spectacular piano number. Also joining us was the very talented Kaleb Collins. He is a friend from Idaho who moved to Nashville 4 years ago. He is an amazing singer/songwriter who has written several songs for Jaime. He performed two of his songs last night including his own rendition of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" done "james Bond" style. Yes, you read that right. He sang "God rest ye merry Gentlemen" to the tune of the James Bond theme. I think one of the highlights of the night was when I got onstage in my "Reindeer Pants" that I borrowed from Kevin Wilcox. If you are wondering how crazy that was, just think for a moment about who I borrowed them from (Kevin Wilcox).
We had alot of youth and adult volunteers to help with set up and tear down and the Ladies guild provided refreshments. Fr. Mark said the opening prayer and Deacon Pete said the closing prayer. It was a wonderful night.
Jaime and were talking when we got home about how lucky we are to have such a great St. Rose Family. At other parishes I have been at, I was lucky if I could get 10 adults to help with youth programs. Here at St. Rose we have nearly 50. At previous parishes when Jaime would do a Christmas concert we were lucky if 100 showed up. Last night we had over 300. I love the people everywhere I have been, but I have to admit that St. Rose has blown me away.
I know I can be pretty INTENSE when it comes to youth ministry. In the midst of my "instensity" I often forget to sit back and relax, spend time with people and let them know how much I love them and appreciate them. So I guess the point of this email is to do just that.
Thank you so much for being who you are and for the support you give Jaime and I. And a BIG THANK YOU to those of you who help with or support our youth ministry programs. It is the most important ministry in the church.
Finally, to the youth who are reading this,
I LOVE you!
Finally,
If you missed the concert this year, make sure that you come next year. I have a feeling it is going to become a pretty strong traditon at St. Rose.
Merry Christmas!
J.P. "Pete" Espil
Hello All,
Jaime's concert last night was a huge success. If you missed it, you missed more than just a little Christmas music. There were over 300 people there and it was a great night of music and fellowship with our St. Rose Family. Jaime was wonderful (as always). We also showed her new music video (which drew tears from more than one person). In addition to those things, Jaime's Producer Roger Ryan (who is also an amazing pianist) performed a spectacular piano number. Also joining us was the very talented Kaleb Collins. He is a friend from Idaho who moved to Nashville 4 years ago. He is an amazing singer/songwriter who has written several songs for Jaime. He performed two of his songs last night including his own rendition of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" done "james Bond" style. Yes, you read that right. He sang "God rest ye merry Gentlemen" to the tune of the James Bond theme. I think one of the highlights of the night was when I got onstage in my "Reindeer Pants" that I borrowed from Kevin Wilcox. If you are wondering how crazy that was, just think for a moment about who I borrowed them from (Kevin Wilcox).
We had alot of youth and adult volunteers to help with set up and tear down and the Ladies guild provided refreshments. Fr. Mark said the opening prayer and Deacon Pete said the closing prayer. It was a wonderful night.
Jaime and were talking when we got home about how lucky we are to have such a great St. Rose Family. At other parishes I have been at, I was lucky if I could get 10 adults to help with youth programs. Here at St. Rose we have nearly 50. At previous parishes when Jaime would do a Christmas concert we were lucky if 100 showed up. Last night we had over 300. I love the people everywhere I have been, but I have to admit that St. Rose has blown me away.
I know I can be pretty INTENSE when it comes to youth ministry. In the midst of my "instensity" I often forget to sit back and relax, spend time with people and let them know how much I love them and appreciate them. So I guess the point of this email is to do just that.
Thank you so much for being who you are and for the support you give Jaime and I. And a BIG THANK YOU to those of you who help with or support our youth ministry programs. It is the most important ministry in the church.
Finally, to the youth who are reading this,
I LOVE you!
Finally,
If you missed the concert this year, make sure that you come next year. I have a feeling it is going to become a pretty strong traditon at St. Rose.
Merry Christmas!
J.P. "Pete" Espil
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The 8th beatitude
This fits perfectly into place as the final be-attitude. Remember that righteousness is defined as “moral conduct in conformity with God’s will”. If we embrace and live the teachings of the first seven beatitudes, we can’t help but end up in God’s will. This means that our behavior, words and decisions will be in line with what God wants but it is important to remember that sometimes when we do what God wants it will make others unhappy. In fact, when we do what God wants it will make some people very angry and at times it will cause us to be unpopular. Our actions may cause others to make fun of us or to even try and harm us. When we do what God asks of us and others poke fun at us or try to hurt us with their words or actions, it is then that we are being persecuted for the sake of righteousness. It is never easy to stand for what is right and sometimes it can even be dangerous. The history of the Church is filled with stories of martyrs who died because they did what was right. Everyday around the world Christians are persecuted for their beliefs. But remember that Jesus never said it would be otherwise. He told us that we must “take up our cross daily” and “follow Him.” The first seven beatitudes have helped prepare you so that you can stay strong when you are persecuted for doing what is right. When you strive to do what is right, you become a Christian "hero".
The world needs heroes. Are you willing to be someone’s hero? “How can I be a hero?” you might ask. The answer is simple. At home you can be a hero by making time for your little brothers and sisters instead of trying to get rid of them all the time. In school you can be a hero by making friends with someone who has no friends. You can speak a kind word to the person that everyone else teases. You can refuse to judge your fellow man (or woman) by labeling them with the stereotypes used by so many people today and you can recognize that they are all children of God. In your city, state and country you can be a hero by following the teachings of Jesus to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless and visit the imprisoned. You can be a hero in the world by speaking up for those who cannot speak up for themselves by fighting for the rights of the unborn, the alien (immigrant) and the prisoner. Being a hero is never easy. You will be persecuted by people outside and inside the Church if you are in God’s will. But it is worth it. Everybody needs a hero, and your reward is Heaven.
Until Next time...
Peace.
Pete
The world needs heroes. Are you willing to be someone’s hero? “How can I be a hero?” you might ask. The answer is simple. At home you can be a hero by making time for your little brothers and sisters instead of trying to get rid of them all the time. In school you can be a hero by making friends with someone who has no friends. You can speak a kind word to the person that everyone else teases. You can refuse to judge your fellow man (or woman) by labeling them with the stereotypes used by so many people today and you can recognize that they are all children of God. In your city, state and country you can be a hero by following the teachings of Jesus to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless and visit the imprisoned. You can be a hero in the world by speaking up for those who cannot speak up for themselves by fighting for the rights of the unborn, the alien (immigrant) and the prisoner. Being a hero is never easy. You will be persecuted by people outside and inside the Church if you are in God’s will. But it is worth it. Everybody needs a hero, and your reward is Heaven.
Until Next time...
Peace.
Pete
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
The 7th Beatitude
Blessed are the Peacemakers for they will be called children of God.
Children act like their parents because our parents are our most influential role models. I’m sure you can remember times when you were a child and you saw your parents doing things that you wanted to do. At some point as a child you probably thought to yourself, “I want to grow up and be just like my Dad/Mom”. We are all children of earthly parents but we are also children of God. Jesus should be our role model. If we want to be a disciple of Christ we should be telling ourselves that we want to “grow up and be just like Jesus.” Jesus was the ultimate peacemaker and if we are going to follow Him, we too must be peacemakers.
However we can only be effective peacemakers if we are working hard to live the way that God wants us to live. In other words, we must be in His will. The first six beatitudes have helped us to get our lives, thoughts and actions in line with God’s will. Once we are truly in God’s will we are able to be a person that carries His peace to others. However, if any of the previous six be-attitudes are not in place, then what we have done is set up a roadblock that prevents God’s peace from being able to work through us. Think of yourself as a bucket full of God’s peace. If you are missing or ignoring any of the previous be-attitudes, then you have put a hole in your bucket that is allowing God’s peace to drain out of you unused.
God’s peace is powerful. It is beyond our human understanding. He wants us to bring this peace to others. Sometimes we do this through our actions. Sometimes we can do this by praying for others and sometimes we can do it through our words. One of the simplest things we can say to remind a friend who is hurting or sad of the peace God can give them, is to tell them those simple words; Jesus loves you and everything else will be ok.
Until Next Time,
Be Proud to be Catholic!
Pete
Children act like their parents because our parents are our most influential role models. I’m sure you can remember times when you were a child and you saw your parents doing things that you wanted to do. At some point as a child you probably thought to yourself, “I want to grow up and be just like my Dad/Mom”. We are all children of earthly parents but we are also children of God. Jesus should be our role model. If we want to be a disciple of Christ we should be telling ourselves that we want to “grow up and be just like Jesus.” Jesus was the ultimate peacemaker and if we are going to follow Him, we too must be peacemakers.
However we can only be effective peacemakers if we are working hard to live the way that God wants us to live. In other words, we must be in His will. The first six beatitudes have helped us to get our lives, thoughts and actions in line with God’s will. Once we are truly in God’s will we are able to be a person that carries His peace to others. However, if any of the previous six be-attitudes are not in place, then what we have done is set up a roadblock that prevents God’s peace from being able to work through us. Think of yourself as a bucket full of God’s peace. If you are missing or ignoring any of the previous be-attitudes, then you have put a hole in your bucket that is allowing God’s peace to drain out of you unused.
God’s peace is powerful. It is beyond our human understanding. He wants us to bring this peace to others. Sometimes we do this through our actions. Sometimes we can do this by praying for others and sometimes we can do it through our words. One of the simplest things we can say to remind a friend who is hurting or sad of the peace God can give them, is to tell them those simple words; Jesus loves you and everything else will be ok.
Until Next Time,
Be Proud to be Catholic!
Pete
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
