Disqus - Latest Comments for CatholicDads

Re: The First Words of Pope Francis

CatholicDadsHQ.com — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 08:24:22 -0000

Deeply moved...

Re: Make Your Commute Count

CatholicDadsHQ.com — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 00:28:08 -0000

Given the recent changes in the world of politics, more than any time in recent history, faithful citizenship necessitates being informed on current issues and U.S. history. As parents are the first teachers of the faith, so too are they the teachers who show their children the relevance of faith in the world of politics, where decisions are made about their country, their future and how they will live their faith.

Re: EWTN sues US government over contraception mandate :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

CatholicDadsHQ.com — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:51:56 -0000

This matter reaches beyond the service provider into every home of faith, requiring parents to teach that government dictates the framing of our faith and conscience and not our Lord, the scriptures or our tradition. It is a matter by which the government has found a path to expose its contempt for faith and anything but the secular, reaching far beyond its purpose to quash the very notion we are free people to follow our conscience. To do nothing relinquishes one’s own will and inspiration to live in fellowship with one’s faith in a free country and instead accepts the dictates of a government on a path to extinguish freedom, not just in the communities in which we live, but in the spirit of our hearts and self-concept, to assert its own secular purposes to design from within who we are individually as people and collectively as a nation.

In Washington's 1796 farewell address, we are reminded, "Of all the dispositions and habits which led to political prosperity, Religion and morality are indispensable supports....And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of particular structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that National morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle" (Ingram, L., 2007, p. 289). Ingram, L. 2007. Power to the People [Digital version].

Re: Unbalanced diet: Global poverty and obesity | USCatholic.org

CatholicDadsHQ.com — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:19:55 -0000

This
matter has been on my mind, and has challenged me after reading of
scripture. I have learned through the Lord’s
teaching to look at my own failing in overconsumption. This experience is followed by teaching my
oldest, who is now nearly eight of our responsibility to care for the less
fortunate by delivering bread to the homeless.
At that time, she simply asked a question to the effect of, “Papa, why
doesn’t everyone just share?” I had no
reason for others, but knew I had to do something different. Especially since I have had recently had numerous
contacts with people unable to have the most basic of their needs met and have witnessed
parishioners rush past a man asking for a handout, on their way into Mass to receive
the greatest gift to mankind. These
events have moved me deeply to face what the Lord is making apparent in my own
life.

You are
correct, the matter is grotesquely disproportionate. Yes, something is wrong. One factor maybe a general discontent with not
truly knowing the peace of God that we may normally find in at contemplative moments,
that require time and attention to our spiritual lives in reading scripture and
adoration. Another factor maybe we are
too distant from what it means to be self-sacrificing. Moreover, there may be ties to the persistent
mantra from counselors asking those seeking counsel on how to live, “How do you
feel about that? What must you do to
take care of yourself?” rather than asking, “What can you do for others, as
your faith teaches you, to extend charity?”
Surely, an important element is that we may need more attention to
learning our faith and what means to live it out in all that we do and avoid vice
that leads to gluttony (Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1866) in
all its forms.

This
matter has been on my mind, and personally, I am making changes, for example by
increasing my commitment to reconciliation so as to be accountable for the way
I live; prayer to listen to God’s prompting; reading the Catechism to re-learn
what I have forgotten; and increasing my commitment to give (Catholic Relief
Services: CRS.org) and help others. It
is by these acts I hope to find improved fellowship with my Lord and neighbor
and contribute in some small way to helping others.

Re: New Catholic iPhone app 'ignites' prayer communities :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

CatholicDadsHQ.com — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 11:17:03 -0000

Many years ago, I would have objected to technological advancements to share the faith. Similar to those who have objected to advancements of previous generations.

As I progress with my peers in making use of these tools, there will be costs and benefits. However, if we stay focused on the message of Christ and his service, tools such as Ignio increase the number of those sharing the Gospel, inform participants and witnesses to The New Evangelization and "ignite" the hearts of those I share the faith with close to home.

Re: Klout Star: Michael Brandvold

CatholicDadsHQ.com — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:41:42 -0000

Things sure have changed from the days of hanging posts on telephone poll, or posting notices at the market to get the word out. Now, the word is out and replicated at nearly the speed of thought.

I agree with Michael, in identifying usable content; in my case, I look for content that builds and edifies the person...for an eternity. Thanks, Klout for the interview and your application, which is so useful to us all. (:D)+

Re: Pope Benedict: modern life needs silence :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

CatholicDadsHQ.com — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 19:54:57 -0000

A delightful reminder of the peace found in faith, if one is able to find him-/herself able to sit, be still and know God.

Re: Pope calls on all to participate in new evangelization :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

CatholicDadsHQ.com — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 03:16:16 -0000

Through the use of technology, the message of Christ's love can reach people in numbers unlike any time in history. With a unified effort and prayer, many, many individuals and families can be catalysts for positive change to God's glory.

Re: Pope tells new bishops lay movements are gift to Church :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

CatholicDadsHQ.com — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:07:20 -0000

There are many talents among the faithful. When sufficiently guided and provided an avenue to express those talents, many are touched by the love of Christ.

Re: Santa Cruz Media on Fr. Corapi

CatholicDadsHQ.com — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 20:35:23 -0000

Thank you, for the reply Margo. I do try to keep up on the issues that impact the body of Christ via the news globally, nationally and locally.

For me there is a distinction between drawing a conclusion about a person, and remarks on a preferred course of action in a given situation. My intention was for the later in a spirit of what friends might share with friends.

In any case, I acknowledge in my life what is reflected in scripture, "It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all" (1 Timothy 1:15).

Thank goodness, the apostles did not wait for their own perfection before being positive change agents within the body of Christ. They serve as an example to the human struggle to continue to God's work, while dealing with personal failing. So I do appreciate your reminder to be mindful of the perpetual need for the grace and guidance provided by God.

Re: Santa Cruz Media on Fr. Corapi

CatholicDadsHQ.com — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 13:36:29 -0000

I suspect time spent in conjecture is better spent in prayer, self-examination of one's own life, short comings and needed skills to offer charity when it is most difficult when we ourselves face challenges of various degrees.

As with any person or company in public view, there will be appropriate attention given to mitigating losses, restoration, recovery, rebuilding and forgiveness where needed. Information will come in the time deemed by those at the helm navigating the seas where media, spiritual goals and business merge.

In the mean time, our prayers for the Lord's guidance in our own lives, the lives of those seeking to do his will and the lives of those undermining his will is sufficient to occupy one's time and attention.

Re: 5 Surefire S’s of Successful Parenting

CatholicDadsHQ.com — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 09:00:09 -0000

I like your summary, Mark. When I read your suggestions, the image that comes up for me is a parent / caregiver who is consistently present, predictable, open, affectionate and affirming. As parents our responsibility is to help them feel capable, while learning skills, in an atmosphere of love.

One of the things my children enjoy when getting ready for school is getting "The Daily Five". After we get their teeth brushed, hair combed, and face washed, I look at them with joy and say, "Okay, here is 'The Daily Five'!" and they get an kiss on the forehead, chin, left and right cheek, concluding with a kiss to the nose." Now, the kids have expanded "The Daily Five" to, "Papa, now to infinity!", where they get snuggles and hugs after "The Daily Five."

If we slow down, take the time and create the environment and disposition for them and ourselves as you suggest, then no matter the challenges we face as parents, the overriding theme of an "affectionate us" as a family will always prevail (and result in happy kids and parents).

God bless, your work!

Re: CNA launches new 'Catholic Men' column to affirm men in lay vocations :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

CatholicDadsHQ.com — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 13:48:56 -0000

What a fantastic ministry! It will surely invigorate and inspire Catholic men everywhere to take a more active role in their respective communities, in the service of Christ and to result in the restoration of much needed fellowship.

Re: Catholic psychotherapy conference in Denver to draw 200 participants :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

CatholicDadsHQ.com — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 14:30:23 -0000

Catholics everywhere, from all walks of life, are invited after the priest to extend the sign of peace. Yet, how many times do we shake the hands of our brothers and sisters and know little about their families, accomplishments and needs. In a fast paced world, it is easy to remain disconnected.

Catholic counselors everywhere have a talent and calling to employ their skills to help nourish prayerfully the churches where they fellowship. In a rapidly changing world, it is not difficult to see the benefits of what their skills can bring to our respective communities. Together, they can share and enable one another and help many, many people overcome the day-to-day challenges to the human mind, soul and body. Catholic therapist everywhere have the skill to blend a faith-filled practice with what is necessary to anchor those who struggle in more than the technical principles that govern therapy and the "treatment plan". When techniques, psychotropics, "group", bibliotherapy and attention to the spiritual are pieced together, and education is given to the benefits of faith, more than the mind is healed. The end result is a healthy, congruent and empowered soul that influences the family, community and generations to follow, directed toward a creator that leaves them awe inspired to live a "life beyond self". Together, with the support of their pastors and local diocese, they can help make more real the words "Peace be with you".

Re: ‘Catholics Come Home’ campaign won’t bring him back

CatholicDadsHQ.com — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 18:10:29 -0000

Thank you, Paul for sharing your thoughts. They are meaningful to be sure. Similar to you, I was born a Catholic, however my path took me through being an atheist and agnostic and eventually I returned to the Catholic faith. On my path, I had concerns, like you. And I have experienced firsthand the pain of those who have called upon the church for aid after dedicating their lives, only to be pained further by rejection.
However, for every priest that has failed due to personal shortcomings or sin, I have met countless Catholic parishioners providing aid to those in pain, lead by many more priests and nuns doing what they can as well. To be sure, our Catholic family, like any is flawed. If you can point to one institution where there isn't some failure accompanied by human weakness, I would like to know about it.

The Churche’s tradition can seem perplexing and unnecessary at times, however along my path I have found when I have put forth a critique to a “rule”, I have previously been guilty of holding to an uninformed and un-researched opinion, and have opted for simple quips to explain a contrary belief. For example, your critique of celibacy may be supported or not by a review of the history (http://www.newadvent.org/ca... it is no easy read, but how many take the time to do so? Quite frankly, I have found the burden quite heavy, but necessary, to take the time to research in depth my opinions of the faith. And quite frankly, I still have so much to learn. Books like How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization by Thomas E. Woods; In the Presence of Our Lord: The History, Theology, and Psychology of Eucharistic Devotion, by Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel; the Enchiridion on the Family: A Compendium of Church Teaching on Family Life Issues from Vatican II to the Present, by the Pontifical Council for the Family; the Modern Catholic Encyclopedia, etc., etc. take up space in my library and have shown me that my former opinions were so misinformed and lead to unnecessary pain and my spiritual poverty, resulting in the ability to point to where there were obvious needs in the body of Christ.

You are right to critique the Church and so are our friends who are skeptics, because it points to the necessity of every faithful Catholic to give an account for the faith we shelter in our hearts. To be knowledgeable is responsible and in keeping with “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).
In my own walk, I have found the very tradition I once critiqued and rejected, is the very tradition I now embrace. And it is the work of many, such as G.K. Chesterton, Marcus Grodi - The Journey Home, B. Groeschel, S. Hawn, Fr. Robert Barron – The Catholic Project and believe it or not the learned teaching of their critics, I am still faced with echoing Simon Peter, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life” (John 6:68), under the banner of the Catholic Church.

The loss and pain you have personally experienced (like others), and those dear to you, is no small matter. And I appreciate your openness. I have been with many people, both Catholic and non-Catholic, faithful and atheist, who have called to someone at the end of life and that someone was not there. It is a painful moment to be sure, only in some small way soothed (if possible) by those who are present to provide comfort.

No matter our faith orientation, we are all on a journey that has a clear beginning and end. No one is exempt. May each of us take the time to reach out and aid our brothers and sisters, no matter the “orientation”, to do the best we can to further greater understanding and openness to reveal the truth and love that God calls us to share.

Re: Japanese quake's epicenter located near Marian apparition site :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

CatholicDadsHQ.com — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 16:54:46 -0000

We are always called to repentance and to be reconciled to the Lord during any time between our great blessings and times of great tragedy. Times of tragedy however seem to grab our attention. During periods of loss we are remind of the finite time we have here on earth and of the brief moment we have to contribute to the spiritual well being of our children, and those within our scope of influence. This responsibility ripples past our life's span and is a responsibility for all parents everywhere. Why? Because our children will bear the responsibility of what we have imparted to them, and the implications are eternal. It matters not by what means our life ends; what matters, is if we have chosen a life that begins....with our Lord and savior. If we have, then we can be about the Lord's will and care through our actions and prayer for those with all manner of burden, like those that are homeless down the street or those currently suffering great loss in Japan.

"Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come" (Mark 13:33).

Re: http://msmr.tumblr.com/post/3450876656

CatholicDadsHQ.com — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 13:42:43 -0000

A child's homework, when appreciated, teaches us dads what is important! :D

Re: Mom & Dad Kid Themselves Over the Joy of Parenting

CatholicDadsHQ.com — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 20:56:21 -0000

The Association for Psychological Science (psychologicalscience[dot]org), makes a curious leap to "the myth of parental joy is a modern psychological phenomenon", based on assessing 80 parents, which seems like quite a small sample size for such a grand statement. I don' think there is any parent who is not to some degree or another distressed about the economic impact experienced when raising children. (Nor, do I think these same parents are not concerned about the economic impact of aging in general.) This is not new information, and fluctuates over time and circumstance.

The study indicates, the parents were "primed to focus on the financial costs of parenting: They read a government document estimating that the costs." Who isn't distressed just at the thought of reading government documents reporting anything.

As does doctors Eibach and Mock know, nothing is perfect, not even being a researcher or psychologist. While the article I read did not indicate where the sample size was obtained, here is a curious fact to put things in perspective:

"Ontarians worry about costs of post-secondary education" (TheRecord.com), followed by concern for quality of healthcare

No new news there, which isn't common everywhere.

Given the cost of education, divorce rate, challenges to receive quality education, political representatives that don't represent the will of the people, I'd say parents do a very darn good job of keeping it together rose colored glasses or not, and while having the ability and opportunity to experience moments of joy that keep everything in perspective, when considering the totality of one's life that extends beyond the economics.

I don't know if the researches are dads, but I'd say, if you are, "Put your rose colored glasses on, get in your car and go home and hug your kids and have fun before you balance the checkbook. Then when you get to the checkbook, you will see it is all worthwhile."

CatholicDadsHQ[dot]com

Re: Catholic Board hosts forum on youth mental health - News - By Steph Willems Ottawa East Local Community News

CatholicDadsHQ.com — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 13:09:16 -0000

The issue of managing and improving mental health in children has its solution first in the ability, i.e., the mental health of the parents or primary caregivers to (1) identify problems, (2) identify possible sources of aid (providers of support), (3) the capacity to access providers, and (4) the ability carry forward recommendations. Then, to (5) monitor and follow-up with providers and to (6) report accurately progress or lack thereof. Moreover, since we are speaking of our Catholic brothers and sisters, a much needed social support requires greater attention in our respective parishes. All one needs to do is look to our neighbors of a different faith to see a greater degree of program implementation, opportunities for socialization among teens, singles, divorced and elderly, to see we for some reason are not as active in meeting the needs of our own Catholic parish family. If given greater attention, local outreach and coordination supported by the Bishops, the combined effort of parents, providers and parish leaders strengthening the needs of the Catholic community members of all ages will likely yield a positive outcome, with greater focus on healthy approaches to mental health, thereby reducing the stigma associated with pursuing help.

Re: http://www.tweetdeck.com/twitter/rgavriela/~rIbIz

CatholicDadsHQ.com — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 12:02:56 -0000

Glad to connect! God bless, from www.CatholicDadsHQ.com - "Faith formation is job #1"

Re: RealClearPolitics - Video - Mark Levin: Obama Destroying The Future Of This Country

CatholicDadsHQ.com — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 09:38:19 -0000

‎"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's. Render to incompetent Caesar the boot."

Re: How do you use your Klout for Good? 2nd Edition

CatholicDadsHQ.com — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 13:56:40 -0000

You go, guy! Tweet-2-Run 4 Mom!

Re: After Egypt, Will U.S. Get 'Internet Kill Switch'?

CatholicDadsHQ.com — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 15:21:09 -0000

"Catholics and all people of faith should be very concerned whenever a government seeks the authority to regulate speech, regardless of the stated justification..." (Catholic Culture : Library : Will the Government Tell Christians to Shut Up? - http://www.catholicculture..... Unopposed, we will likely see someday: FATAL ERROR - Please see System Administrator on a national level.

Re: Advent from Dad’s Seat, by Jeff Hite

CatholicDadsHQ.com — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 13:37:13 -0000

You got it so right! "Real dads are not afraid of candle wax, glue and scissors..." The treasures that come from little minds, hands and smiles fill my heart beyond belief. Every dad who knows this experience is blessed and every gift that comes from our children is better than any can purchased in a busy store.

Our preparation this year included gathering change from my change box, rolling the coins and talking about children in other countries (Catholic World Mission) that have so much less) and our responsibility to not just pray for them, but to help them. My six year old took the message to my four year old daughter and proceeded to explain to her sister, why this was important. Now, we have a picture of a child on their dresser, whom we are praying for and saving money for.

As we prepare for our own hearts, we model for our children our faith in action; you are right, it is so much more than a once a week commitment.

Blessings to you and your family, Ed.