Book of Jotham by Arthur Powers

The Book of Jotham by Arthur Powers is a powerfully written little book which I recommend with enthusiasm. I found it deeply moving, intense, and even jolting.  I cried off and on as I read it, want to read it again, and am recommending that EVERYONE who knows me, and anyone who reads this post run right out and get a copy and read it that same day! Historical fiction is rarely this alive, present, full of energy.  Do read it! The title character, Jotham, is a special needs person. There isn’t any sickly sweet idealization here. The physical realities … Continue reading

First Causes of a Catholic/Orthodox Crisis

Today, over at LifesiteNews, I read a very very good post by a priest who sadly had to close their elementary school. It is an excellent article about how most parishes have contracepted themselves nearly out of existence and then people object to schools and parishes closing. This good man has written an article for discussion that is worthy of discussion. Here is a bit from the article: In my January 2010 letter to my bishop asking his permission to close our school, I wrote: Bishop, it is with a heavy heart that I request this of you. As you … Continue reading

June 26 Feastday of St. Josemaria Escriva

Drew Mariani show with Fr. Rocky talking about St. Josemaria Escriva on his feast day, June 26. Just look down the calendar to June 26th and click on the first hour of the show.  It is a wonderful conversation about this marvelous and beloved Saint. All are called to be saints.  There is no room in the Church for slackers. People underestimate their vocation, they think they must do famously great things, but the truth is sanctity can be found anywhere and in any task.  You become a saint exactly where you happen to be. (paraphrase from the audio). I … Continue reading

Baptism on the Feast of St. Josemaria Escriva

St. Josemaria Escriva is a favorite of many people I know, especially me.  So it is a wonderful joy to me that we are celebrating the Baptism of our newest family member on June 26th, Feast of St. Josemaria Escriva, who passed into the hands of God on this day in 1975. The prelate of Opus Dei writes a letter each month to the members of Opus Dei, and I find it highly edifying.  Bishop Javier Echevarría is eloquent: The whole month of June is filled with significant dates, for the history of Opus Dei as well: the ordination of … Continue reading

Choosing Godparents

Choosing Godparents is a serious process for a Catholic.  The persons you choose will be responsible for helping you raise your child in the Faith and few Catholics these days take that responsibility seriously. I was very blessed that a good friend and her husband were willing to take on the responsibility for our young daughter.  I considered asking them to also be Godparents to our little son, but I didn’t want to ask my friends to take on the responsibility of two. I have therefore, asked a friend from graduate school in theology if she will be godmother and … Continue reading

Back to Lent and Planning Baptisms

I’ve been unwell and this has messed with my goal of perfect attendance on my prayers for this season.  I’m catching up now that I feel a bit better, and accepting that being miserably ill is a good penance for me.  We should give thanks in all things and so being miserably ill is a good time to practice being thankful even in the midst of being miserable with a head-ache that just would not quit. Meanwhile, my older daughter is planning the baptism of her first child and our first grandchild and asked if I wanted to have her … Continue reading

Baptism of the Lord and St. Josemaria Escriva

Baptism of the Lord: Feast of the Baptism of the Lord Catholic Culture has a wonderful post about celebrating activities for the Baptism of the Lord. One of the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, this feast day is the perfect time to reflect on our baptisms into the death and resurrection of Christ.  I particularly liked the link above from Catholic Culture’s article on one way to celebrate the baptisms of your children so that they become familiar with the reasons why they were baptized and what it means as a sacrament. Christ did not need remission from sin.  WE … Continue reading

Restoring the Ancient Order of the Sacraments of Initiation

Bishop Aquila of Fargo wants to see the Sacraments of Initiation restored to their historic order.  I am very excited by this move because the main thing that has bothered me about the modern separation and re-ordering of the Sacraments of Initiation is that the historical reason for permitting the change no longer exists. Originally the Pope permitted Eucharist to be received even if Confirmation had not been because Confirmation required the presence of the Bishop and due to problems traveling some parishes might not see the Bishop except once in a decade or longer.  Rather than force people to … Continue reading