Traditional Baptism Photos

I have posted before on the Sacrament of Baptism (see list below) and today I came across these beautiful photos taken by Joseph Shaw of a Traditional Baptism.  Please see his photostream for more of these photos.













Posts on Baptism:

• Baptism: New v Old Rite
• Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ
• Sacrament of Baptism
• Council of Trent, Part I
• Lessons on the Sacrament of Baptism

Share |

Saints Calendar and Daily Planner for 2011

Don't forget to purchase your new calendar for 2011! I have decided to go with this one. I ordered it a few weeks ago and I am actually quite pleased. It looks nice and serves the function that I need, namely providing me both the Novus Ordo and TLM feastdays.

2011 Saints Daily Calendar

Description:

2011 Saints Calendar and Daily A great aid to sanctify each day! Covers 16 months beginning September 2010. 71 fascinating illustrations and mini biographies - one for every week. Contains both the Ordinary (Novus Ordo) and the Extraordinary (Tridentine) liturgical year,feastdays and Sundays, and historical feasts (such as Our Lady of the Angels, St Philomena, St Dismas the Good Thief). Includes Catholic information such as the days of fast and abstinence, Ember Days and vigils. Alphabetical list of over 700 Patron Saints. With more room to write, monthly planner pages and the same easy to use 51 2" x 81 2" size. The perfect Calendar for Catholic students, the home and business Planner

Order here:

Share |

Cyber Monday: Catholic Books to Buy

In order to help promote and spread Catholicism this Christmas Season, and keep Christ in Christmas, please consider purchasing items that will help you and your loved ones grow closer to our Lord.

Share |

First Sunday of Advent

Traditional Propers:

INTROIT
Psalms 24: 1-3
To Thee, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul: in Thee, O my God, I put my trust; let me not be ashamed. Neither let my enemies laugh at me: for none of them that wait on Thee shall be confounded. Ps. Show, O Lord, Thy ways to me, and teach me Thy paths. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. To Thee...

COLLECT - Bestir, O Lord, Thy might, we pray Thee and come; That, defended by Thee, we may deserve rescue from approaching dangers brought on by our sins, and being set free by Thee, obtain our salvation. Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.

EPISTLE
Romans 13:11-14
Brethren, knowing the time, that it is now the hour for us to rise from sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we believed. The night is past, and the day is at hand; let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and impurities, not in contention and envy; but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Gradual
Psalms. 24: 3-4
None of them that wait on Thee shall be confounded. Show, O Lord, Thy ways to me, and teach me Thy paths.

LESSER ALLELUIA - ALLELUIA, alleluia. V. Ps. 84, 8. Show us, O Lord, Thy mercy: and grant us Thy salvation. Alleluia.




GOSPEL
Luke 21:25-33

At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, by reason of the confusion of the roaring of the sea and of the waves: men withering away for fear and expectation of what shall come upon the whole world. For the powers of heaven shall be moved; and then they shall see the Son of man coming in a cloud with great power and majesty. But when these things begin to come to pass, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is at hand. And He spoke to them a similitude: See the fig tree, and all the trees; when they now shoot forth their fruit, you know that summer is nigh; so you also, when you shall see these things come to pass, know that the kingdom of God is at hand. Amen I say to you, this generation shall not pass away till all things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away.

OFFERTORY
Psalms 24:1,-3
To Thee have I lifted up my soul: in Thee, O my God, I put my trust, let me not be ashamed: neither let my enemies laugh at me: for none of them that wait for Thee shall be confounded.

SECRET - May, O Lord, these Sacred Rites enable us, whom by Thy mighty power Thou hast cleansed from sin, to come pure in heart before Thee who art their author. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.. .

PREFACE (Preface of the Most Holy Trinity) - It it truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God; Who, together with Thine only-begotten Son, and the Holy Ghost, art one God, one Lord: not in the oneness of a single Person, but in the Trinity of one substance. For what we believe by Thy revelation of Thy glory, the same do we believe of Thy Son, the same of the Holy Ghost, without difference or separation. So that in confessing the true and everlasting Godhead, distinction in persons, unity in essence, and equality in majesty may be adored. Which the Angels and Archangels, the Cherubim also and Seraphim do praise: who cease not daily to cry out, with one voice saying:

COMMUNION
Psalms 84: 13
The Lord will give goodness: and our earth shall yield her fruit.

POST COMMUNION - May we in the midst of Thy holy temple, O Lord, receive of Thy mercy, who seek with fitting honour to welcome the coming festival of our Redemption. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.

Share |

Thanksgiving Day (USA)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Let us remember to thank God today for the many blessings we have received. Remember to say a special Blessing before your Thanksgiving meal today.

Catholic Culture suggests the following things to do today:

• Invite someone to dinner who has no place to go for Thanksgiving.
• If you have no other commitments volunteer to help serve Thanksgiving dinner at a place which is serving the poor.

Mass of Thanksgiving (1962):

Collect:

O God of Whose mercies there is no number, and of Whose goodness the treasure is infinite: we render thanks to Thy most gracious Majesty for the gifts Thou hast bestowed upon us, always beseeching Thy clemeny; that as Thou grantest the petitions of them that ask Thee, Thou wilt prepare them for the greater rewards that still await them.

Secret:

Receive as a sweet savor, O Lord, this sacrifice of thanksgiving: do Thou in the future shield from all harm those whom until now Thou hast been pleased to hear and to save: and grant that they may serve Thee better and love Thee more. Through our Lord.

PostCommunion:

O God, Who sufferest not that any who hope in Thee should e over afflicted, but listenest kindly to their prayers: we thank Thee for having heard our requests and granted our desires, and devoutly entreat Thee that what we have received may make us worthy to be delivered from all adversities. Through our Lord.

Image Source: Believed to be in the Public Domain, Title Unknown

Share |

Building a Mass-Going Community

I have on many occasions heard and noticed that it can be rather difficult to bring together Catholics before or after Mass into a community. The main problems with the situation stem first and foremost from the current situation in the Church. We have seen in the past forty years after Vatican II, an abandonment in many respects of traditional and authentic Catholic teachings. In so doing, they have disregarded and cast aside dogmas and revealed truths on the Sacraments, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the primacy of the Holy Father, the teachings of Trent and Vatican I, etc. As certain sects have destroyed authentic teachings, they have replaced Mass-going with nothing more than "community time" - a time to come together and talk, eat, gossip, and at least subconsciously spread heresy.

However, despite these problems, the Church can not ignore the important aspects of community. For me, after I attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass according to the 1962 Roman Catholic Daily Missal, as said by traditional Catholic priests, I gladly attend events after Mass and on Saturdays with other members of the Faithful. What are some suggestions?

1. Food

One easy way to assemble people together into a community after Mass is food. Each week a different family should be encouraged to bring food, or for larger groups, each family can bring a different dish each week. People should be encouraged to come together and share their mutual Faith (its struggles and triumphs) with others.

2. Devotions

I commonly write on various devotions and have discussed Eucharistic Adoration, the Rosary, various novenas to the saints, chaplets, and dozens and dozens of other devotions. Encourage others to come together and pray these devotions so as to strength others in the devotional life of the Church

3. Bingo/Games

And no one should look past the value in games such as bingo. Having time together with others in a relaxed game can be highly beneficial to strength the community. Some of you may have played online bingo before and some of you may have even played church bingo. Church bingo is not only an enjoyable activity but also a great way to bring together the community and even conduct a fundraiser. With budget deficits commonplace and many Faithful unable to donate regularly to the collection plate, it can be highly beneficial to the parish for members of the parish to organize a church bingo game in which members of the neighboring community can participate. Through means such as church bingo, non-Catholics may have their first experience with the Church. Many of them may have heard that Catholics are not open to building long-term relationships with others and through a simple game, such as bingo, community may be built.

Share |

Pope Benedict XVI: Recent Comments on Condom Usage

In the past few days, the Internet and much of the media has been focusing on the recent comments of Pope Benedict XVI, when he said that condom usage may be appropriate for male prostitutes (not female prostitutes) as a means to reduce the spread of H.I.V, the virus responsible for AIDS.  His comments were not issued in support for contraception by females and was not intended under any circumstance to be used for the purpose of birth control.

I wish to direct your attention to these previous posts of mine on the topic:

• Why not contraception?
• The Church will never recommend condoms
• Uganda's Abstinence Program will Work
  

Image Source: AP Photo/Andrew Medichini

Share |

Consistory for the creation of new cardinals

As I had mentioned several weeks ago, the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, has chosen 24 new cardinals, including 4 new Americans.  Included among these 24 are Archbishop Raymond Burke, Archbishop Donald Wuerl, Archbishop Kurt Koch, and others.

Share |

Published My First Book: New Translation of the English Roman Missal: A Comprehensive Guide and Explanation

I am the President and CEO of CatechismClass.com, and I would like to point out that CatechismClass.com has recently unveiled a new lesson on our website to help explain the New Translation of the Roman Missal. We have developed a 60-page document outlining the changes in the Liturgy from the perspective of the priest as well as the congregation. The text goes through the changes in the Liturgy over the past 2,000 years to best explain the reasons for the changes in this New Translation.

• Chapter 1: The Source and Summit of the Christian Life
• Chapter 2: A Brief History of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
• Chapter 3: The Need for a New Translation of the Roman Missal
• Chapter 4: What We Will Say (Changes for the Participants)
• Chapter 5: What We Will Hear (Changes for the Celebrant)

This report is intended for the average Catholic to read and is a great tool for pastors to purchase and share with their congregations, CCD classes, RCIA students, etc, etc.

Here is a link for more information on the resource: http://catechismclass.com/lesson/400




You can also purchase physical copies of the book here: http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/new-translation-of-the-english-roman-missal-a-comprehensive-guide-and-explanation/13653323

Share |

St Mary Magdalen Wandsworth: Solemn Mass

Below are a few of the recent images uploaded by Joseph Shaw of a Solemn Mass at St. Mary Magadalene in Wandsworth.  Fr Martin Edwards, parish priest of St Mary Magdalen's, Wandsworth, arranged for the recently ordained Fr Ian McDole to celebrate a Solemn Mass in his Church. Fr John Zuhlsdorf was deacon for this Mass.

Share |

Pope: Church Needs Creativity to Reach Digital Age

If the Church is going to fulfill its mission to proclaim the truth of Christ to all peoples, it must use its "creative intelligence" to overcome certain challenges of the digital age, says Benedict XVI.

The Pope reflected on the Church's constant search for better means to proclaim the Gospel on Saturday upon receiving in audience participants in the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council of Culture, which took place last week in Rome. The theme considered at the plenary was "Culture of Communication and New Languages."

"A profound cultural transformation is under way," the Pontiff affirmed, "with new languages and new forms of communication" being developed.

"In this context," he added, "pastors and the faithful notice with concern certain difficulties in the communication of the evangelical message and the transmission of the faith within the ecclesial community itself."

The Holy Father acknowledged that it can be difficult to address men and women who are "distant from or indifferent to an experience of faith," and to whom the message of the Gospel arrives "in a way that has little effectiveness or attractiveness."

But, he recalled, the Church is the "recipient of the mission to communicate to all the nations the Gospel of salvation," and it "does not remain indifferent."

Source: Zenit

I am sure that our Holy Father would be rather pleased if he began to look through the wealth if information available through Catholic blogs and faithful Catholic websites. This blog in particular has been around since 2004 and has seen an influx not only in Catholic blogs but also an influx in quality Catholic blogs.

Similarly, it is fantastic to see the Church continue to spread the Faith through online catechism lessons. CatechismClass.com operates with the singular goal of being nothing short of the best online Catholic catechesis program in the world.  All actions of the company are ultimately directed to the purpose of saving souls.  In the words of the holy apostle Paul, “And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard?”  (Romans 10:14).  

Let us pray for a continued influx of evangelization using new technologies.

Share |

Diaconate Ordination at Clear Creek Monastery

The New Liturgical Movement blog featured some stunning photographs of a recent (October 3, 2010) diaconate ordination at Clear Creek Monastery.  I wish to share some of these outstanding photos.  Remember - pray for vocations.

Source: NLM

Share |

Zenit: Pope Points to Liturgy as Education on the Gospel

Benedict XVI is urging a greater appreciation of the liturgy as a source of education about the "good life of the Gospel."

The Pope made these statements in a letter sent to Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, president of the Italian Episcopal Conference, on the occasion of the Plenary Assembly being held through Thursday in Assisi.

One focus of the assembly is the review of the Italian translation of the newest edition of the Roman Missal.

"The rites speak through their intrinsic rationality," the Pontiff noted, "and educate to a conscious, active and fruitful participation."

He continued, "The correspondence of the prayer of the Church (lex orandi) with the rule of the faith (lex credendi) molds the thought and the feelings of the Christian community, giving shape to the Church, Body of Christ and Temple of the Spirit."

"No human word can do without time, even when, as in the case of the liturgy, it constitutes a window that open beyond time," the Holy Father affirmed. "Hence, to give voice to a perennially valid reality calls for the wise balance of continuity and novelty, of tradition and actualization."

"The Missal itself is placed within this process," he added.

Continue Reading on Zenit

Image Source: A Missa Cantata in the Ancient Form of the Roman Liturgy, offered in the parish church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, by Fr. Ervin Kovács

Share |

Catechismclass.com 15% Sale

November 1, 2010, marks the 400th Anniversary of the Canonization of St. Charles Borromeo. Four hundred years ago he was canonized by Pope Paul V. For more information on the saint, please read this linked blog post dedicated to St. Charles Borromeo, patron saint of seminarians. Let us pray for his intercession this month.

As We have already mentioned, We are of the opinion that the shining example of Christ's soldiers has far greater value in the winning and sanctifying of souls than the words of profound treatises. We therefore gladly take this present opportunity to teach some very useful lessons from the consideration of the life of another holy pastor whom God raised up in more recent times and in the midst of trials very similar to those We are experiencing today. We refer to Saint Charles Borromeo, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church and Archbishop of Milan, whom Paul V, of holy memory, raised to the altar of the saints less than thirty years after his death. The words of Our Predecessor are to the point: "The Lord alone performs great wonders and in recent times He has accomplished marvelous things among Us. In His wonderful dispensation He has set a great light on the Apostolic rock when He singled Charles out of the heart of the Roman Church as the faithful priest and good servant to be a model for the pastors and their flock. He enlightened the whole Church from the light diffused by his holy works.

Encyclical of Pope Pius X promulgated on May 26, 1910.

Sale:

In honor of Saint Charles Borromeo, the patron saint of CatechismClass.com, we are offering a special 15% off during the month of November 2010.  Enter discount code StCharlesBorromeo400 as your discount code and receive 15% off any product!

• Here is a link to see the children's programs that we have 
• Here is a link to our Sacramental Preparation Programs 
• Here is a link to our marriage preparation program 
• Here is a link to our Catholic Book Summaries 
• Here is a link to our Adult Program (which functions as both the RCIA program as well as the Teacher's Edition for catechists and parents to use with a child's series)

Prayer:

Ever keep Thy Church, O Lord, we beseech Thee, under the abiding protection of St. Charles, Thy Confessor and Bishop: that as his watchful care over his flock won him glory, so his intercession may always make us fervent in Thy love. Through our Lord.

Prayer Source: 1962 Roman Catholic Daily Missal

More Information:
We recommend the book The Life of St. Charles Borromeo by Giovanni Pietro Giussano

Share |

Rorate Coeli

Rorate caeli desuper, et nubes pluant iustum.
Rorate caeli desuper, et nubes pluant iustum.
Ne irascaris Domine, ne ultra memineris iniquitatis: ecce civitas Sancti facta est deserta: Sion deserta facta est: Jerusalem desolata est: domus sanctificationis tuae et gloriae tuae, ubi laudaverunt te patres nostri.
Rorate caeli desuper, et nubes pluant iustum.
Peccavimus, et facti sumus tamquam immundus nos, et cecidimus quasi folium universi: et iniquitates nostrae quasi ventus abstulerunt nos: abscondisti faciem tuam a nobis, et allisisti nos in manu iniquitatis nostrae.
Rorate caeli desuper, et nubes pluant iustum.
Vide Domine afflictionem populi tui, et mitte quem missurus es: emitte Agnum dominatorem terrae, de Petra deserti ad montem filiae Sion: ut auferat ipse iugum captivitatis nostrae.
Rorate caeli desuper, et nubes pluant iustum.
Consolamini, consolamini, popule meus: cito veniet salus tua: quare maerore consumeris, quia innovavit te dolor? Salvabo te, noli timere, ego enim sum Dominus Deus tuus, Sanctus Israel, Redemptor tuus.
Rorate caeli desuper, et nubes pluant iustum.

Note: Rorate Coeli is an Advent Hymn

Share |

Posts for November: Devotions for the Dead

In honor of the month of November being devoted to the poor souls in Purgatory, please see these posts for more information and devotions for this month. 

• Doctrine of Purgatory
• Prayer for Souls in Purgatory
• Susan Tassone on Purgatory
• Traditional Funeral Rites of the Supreme Pontiffs
• Catholic Devotions for the Dead
• Requiem Mass for a Deceased Pontiff
• Anglican Use Requiem Mass
• Requiem for His Royal Highness, King Louis XVI
• Prayer for the Holy Souls

Share |

A Perfect Gift: The Pope's Cologne

A Perfect Gift 

The Pope’s Cologne

Private formula of Pope Pius IX

…historic, refreshing aftershave

order by clicking here:

www.thepopescologne.com

or toll free 888-357-3957

 $25.95         FREE SHIPPING

Share |

400th Anniversary of the Canonization of St. Charles Borromeo

Today is the 400th Anniversary of the Canonization of St. Charles Borromeo. Four hundred years ago he was canonized by Pope Paul V. Read my prior post on St. Charles Borromeo, patron saint of seminarians. Let us pray for his intercession this day.

As We have already mentioned,[10] We are of the opinion that the shining example of Christ's soldiers has far greater value in the winning and sanctifying of souls than the words of profound treatises. We therefore gladly take this present opportunity to teach some very useful lessons from the consideration of the life of another holy pastor whom God raised up in more recent times and in the midst of trials very similar to those We are experiencing today. We refer to Saint Charles Borromeo, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church and Archbishop of Milan, whom Paul V, of holy memory, raised to the altar of the saints less than thirty years after his death. The words of Our Predecessor are to the point: "The Lord alone performs great wonders and in recent times He has accomplished marvelous things among Us. In His wonderful dispensation He has set a great light on the Apostolic rock when He singled Charles out of the heart of the Roman Church as the faithful priest and good servant to be a model for the pastors and their flock. He enlightened the whole Church from the light diffused by his holy works.

Encyclical of Pope Pius X promulgated on May 26, 1910.

Prayer:

Ever keep Thy Church, O Lord, we beseech Thee, under the abiding protection of St. Charles, Thy Confessor and Bishop: that as his watchful care over his flock won him glory, so his intercession may always make us fervent in Thy love. Through our Lord.

Prayer Source: 1962 Roman Catholic Daily Missal

Share |