St. Andrew

Today is the Feast of St. Andrew. This is the first feast day of the new year which is fitting to St. Andrew as the Greek Church calls him "the first called".
The account of St. Andrew's call to discipleship is in the same sequence as the invitation to Peter, James and John. All were fishermen (Mt 16:7).
What the Gospels do not tell us is how Andrew died. Legends tell that he was crucified in Greece on a cross called a "saltire". It is debated on why this particular cross was used. One legend has Andrew, like Peter, requesting not to be crucified in the same manner of Christ out of humility to the Lord. Another account tells that an "inverted" cross was an insult to the Christian sensibilities.
Regardless, due to traditions that tell of Andrew evangelizing Greece, Scotland and other regions. The Scottish flag, as well as other nations said to have connections to Andrew, even includes the "Cross of Andrew" in it's design.

The Scottish Flag

Now for the Mississippi connection. The Cross of St. Andrew also has been rumored to be part of the "confederate flag" which is still included in the Mississippi State Flag. However, the designer of the flag, William Porcher Miles, is said to not have been aware of St. Andrew or his flag. He was more interested in something ceremonial to represent the Confederate States, especially during battle.

The "Rebel" flag

The Rubber Ban Man

"Gott in Himmel!"

I've said it before and I stand by it: "Not a week goes by without the press saying something about the Catholic Church". Say what you will about us fish-eaters but there is no other Christian body that gets as much attention as we do. It's not always accurate or sometimes it is painfully accurate but you can't say we don't get the attention of the media.

The Pope and author, Peter Seewald.

 Last week, Pope Benedict's interview with journalist Peter Seewald got the ink for the pope supposedly giving an ecclesial okey-dokey to the using condoms. The pope's comments from the just released book: "Light of the World" comes from this exchange:
Pope Benedict: As a matter of fact, you know, people can get condoms when they want them anyway. But this just goes to show that condoms alone do not resolve the question itself. More needs to happen. Meanwhile, the secular realm itself has developed the so-called ABC Theory: Abstinence-Be Faithful-Condom, where the condom is understood only as a last resort, when the other two points fail to work. This means that the sheer fixation on the condom implies a banalization of sexuality, which, after all, is precisely the dangerous source of the attitude of no longer seeing sexuality as the expression of love, but only a sort of drug that people administer to themselves. This is why the fight against the banalization of sexuality is also a part of the struggle to ensure that sexuality is treated as a positive value and to enable it to have a positive effect on the whole of man’s being.
There may be a basis in the case of some individuals, as perhaps when a male prostitute uses a condom, where this can be a first step in the direction of a moralization, a first assumption of responsibility, on the way toward discovering an awareness that not everything is allowed and that one cannot do whatever one wants. But it is not really the way to deal with the evil of HIV infection. That can really lie only in a humanization of sexuality.
Seewald: Are you saying, then, that the Catholic Church is actually not opposed in principle to the use of condoms?
Pope Benedict: She of course does not regard it as a real or moral solution,  but, in this or that case, there can be nonetheless, in the intention of reducing the risk of infection, a first step toward a different way, a more human way, of living sexuality.

The companion costume "Air Hand Dryer" is featured elsewhere in the Truck Stop Bathroom costume department.

 Nothing to see here, folks. Seriously? This particular line of thinking, at least as I understand it, has always been the teaching of the Catholic Church.
First: It's not about condoms. Condoms are not evil in and of themselves. They have no will and no intent. They are morally neutral. And sometimes brightly colored.
Second: What the argument is about is another ABC: "Artificial Birth Control". Artificial Birth Control is the intentional use of some device for the express purpose to avoid pregnancy during sexual activity. Artificial Birth Control (condoms, IUD's, THE PILL, etc) use is considered a sin in the CONTEXT OF MARRIAGE. Yes, when you are married, you are not to hinder or suppress the openess to having babies. Ever. Sex=possibly baby making. It's all here in the much maligned Humanae Vitae. Read it all before you judge!

Artificial Bert Control?

 Third: So what does the church believe about condoms and ABC outside of marriage? My understanding is that sex outside of marriage is already wrong and not condoned by the Church as moral. So the Church won't tell you how to have safe immorality. It's like you know murder is wrong but ask me, your priest, if you were to kill your roommate, would it be better to use a gun or a knife. I have no opinion! Murder is wrong. I can't make it "right-er"!
So, what's the fuss?
The Pope had made some comment concerning the distribution of condoms in parts of Africa as a non-solution to the AIDS crisis. He basically stated that passing out condoms is giving up on the human ability to make positive sexual choices. He believes that people, no matter where they come from, are capable of ABSTINENCE and/or BEING FAITHFUL (ie: married).

The remarks above from the Pope show that he realizes that it is much easier to use condoms than trust the will of the person. The easy way out is not the Catholic way. It's not the way of salvation and it dehumanizes us. It's a shortcut as if to say, "Those people are not able to discipline themselves or have good marriages. Throw them condoms since they are going to do it anyway." This isn't our way as Catholics.

Only rabbits are accused of not controlling their desires. Silly rabbits..all that cereal eating.

The Pope stepped out just a bit and gave the interviewer probably more than most pastors will. He entered the discussion by going in the murky waters of discerning a morality in the context of sinful act. The Pope again was seeing only the best in human nature by saying that if a male prostitute (I humbly ask the Pope not to bring the alemay rostitutepays up again) uses a condom he may be showing a movement toward charity by not inflicting a disease on the ...umm... partner. He is showing responsibility in some sense.

No. The pope never said Rob Schneider films are good. Ever.

 To be clear, however, the Pope is still super-Catholic here. Sex outside of marriage is wrong. Gay sex, I presume, is wrong. Prostitution, as far as I remember, is wrong. But the human person is not wrong through and through. We are still given grace through Christ to transcend the wrongness and perhaps someday come to full righteousness.
I, personally, am proud of the Pope's comments. This can be a good moment to allow Catholics, especially, pastors to embrace the discussion of sexuality again like adults. Conceivably (pun intended) this is a very good thing.

Hopefully, we can also not hear about male prostitutes...or the overuse of the word banalization. It's just a me thing.

Father Scott makes an appearance

We welcomed Father Scott at our Mass last night. He heard confessions and helped distribute Holy Communion during the Mass. He even did a pretty good job of not bringing up the Egg Bowl, despite his, shall we say, maroon leanings.Oh, and he was busy in the confessional. Advent is a great time to make a good confession. For those of you who will still be in town, St. John's will have a reconciliation service on Monday, December 6th starting at 5:00pm and ending at 7:00pm. Father Joe and at least 2 other guest priests will be hearing confessions. Mark it on your calendar and enter into this new liturgical year ready, in fullness, to receive God's grace!

Thanksgiving Before Thanksgiving

If you're hanging around and want to have a place to be for Thanksgiving, join St. John's tomorrow for our 3rd Annual International Thanksgiving Dinner!
We will have Mass at 5:30 (come and give "thanks"!) and then the dinner begins at 6:00pm!
Thanks to the Knights of Columbus for sponsoring this event.
If you want you can bring a dish or a side (even if you pick it up from Kroger!). All are welcome!

And in the international T'key Day spirit:

'Stache for Cash recap

Thanks to all who participated in our first 'Stache for Cash! We wrapped up on Wednesday night, crowned Richard Martindale as "King 'Stache" (with Antonio Quintanilla coming in 2nd as Prince 'Stache) and netted about $270 for Interfaith Compassion Ministry (ICM). Suzanne Wilkin, a St. John's parishioner who is on the ICM board, was on hand to accept the donation. No word yet on whether "King Richard" will permanently adopt his award-winning lip blanket.

Thanks again for helping out a great cause!

To be or USCCB....

Archbishop Timothy Dolan, USCCB President

 The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops elected it's new president today. The USCCB is not a formal "ecclesial" governing body but rather an assembly of United States bishops who implement policies for the spiritual and moral leadership of the dioceses of the United States. Therefore, when it comes to the traditions and teachings of the Church, the USCCB cannot oppose or re-define what Catholic tradition has always held as true or orthodox. However, the USCCB can determine or at least suggest how to communicate such truths to the Catholics of the USA.

Mets? Well, he's not the coach...just the Archbishop!

The president of the USCCB, elected today, is Archbishop Timothy Dolan. He's the archbishop of New York (and will continue to be) but he has the added responsibility to set the tone and preside over the assembly of bishops.
How does that affect us in Mississippi? In the Jackson Diocese? In most cases, each bishop makes decisions for their own particular area employing varied methods. For instance, Bishop Latino of Jackson allows for delegation in his governance. He often relies on special task forces and focus groups created by lay people and missionaries to help form policies. Some bishops take a more direct approach or consult with diocesan clergy  while others have auxiliary bishops or co-adjutors to assist them. However, when it comes to issues such as liturgy, priest personnel and sacraments, the USCCB after direction from the Vatican keep the diocese in compliance with the rest of the Universal Church.

Bishop Latino is assisted by Mary Woodward, director of Evangelization.

 Some of the terms such as "liberal" or "conservative" are touted about in discussing bishops and dioceses. However, the goal of a bishop is to hold to the traditions that have been passed on to them. In a sense, one has to be "conservative" in that not one shred of our Faith be lost but "liberal" in handling the souls of all.

On another note, Bishop Gerald Kicanas (the rector of my seminary and LEBANESE!), was the runner-up in the USCCB presidency. He has ties to the state as he recently visited to discuss the implementation of the Roman Missal in parishes. He currently is the bishop of Tucson, Az.

'Stache for Cash: PAYOUT!

It's PAYOUT Time for 'Stache for Cash! If you can, bring your envelopes to GOOD CHEER this Wednesday and turn them in to Brad.  Prizes are awarded and KING 'STACHE will be announced!
(7pm at the Library).

  All participants are to be applauded for their hirsute heroics!

Today is Veterans Day

Thank a veteran for their sacrifices. Pray for those you cannot thank. And let us not forget the brave priests who serve and have served as chaplains on the battlefields of history.

Take a moment to look at the pictures below, taken from throughout U.S. military history, of scenes of grace in the midst of battle. And let us never forget.

Union soldiers and their priest before a battlefield Mass during the Civil War.

Mass after the Battle of Saipan, World War II.

Mass after the liberation of Strasbourg, France. World War II.

Mass on the battlefield of Iwo Jima. World War II.

U.S. soldiers attending Mass during the Korean War.

Mass after the Battle of Coral, Vietnam.

Mass at Camp Victory in Iraq.

Mass aboard a U.S. Navy ship during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Mass at a U.S. combat outpost in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Good Cheer at 7PM: Soul check, 'stache check

Come to GOOD CHEER tonight and hear Prof. Buddy Arrington speak on Archbishop Fulton Sheen. This famous Catholic public speaker was noted for his warmth, intelligence and humor (he notably said that hearing the Confessions of nuns was like being stoned to death with popcorn).
The Library at 7PM.

Also, it's 'Stache Check! We're at the half-way mark with 'Stache for Cash. Show us what you've got so far...facial-hair and donations!

Today's Saint

Today is the feast day of Pope St. Leo the Great (d. 461). This guy did it all. Elected to the papacy on August 11, in the year 440, Leo defended the role of the papacy as being one of universal pastor for the Church, as would befit the successor to Peter, the head of the Apostles. When the bishops of the Church met together at the Fourth Ecumenical Council (better known as the Council of Chalcedon) in 451, Leo's absence did not dilute his influence as "chief shepherd of the flock." He sent a statement to the participants of the Council which, when read aloud during the proceedings, caused the bishops gathered to declare: "This is the faith of the Fathers ... Peter has spoken thus through Leo..." This famous statement of faith, composed by the pope himself and now known as the "Tome of Leo" was endorsed by the Council. Leo served the Church as pope for over twenty-one years, making him one of the longest-serving popes in history. He is, perhaps, most famous for meeting the infamous Attila the Hun at the gates of Rome in 452 and persuading the feared ruler not to sack the Eternal City. Leo died in 461 and rests underneath this altar in a chapel dedicated to him in St. Peter's Basilica.

And speaking of St. Peter's, Leo is but one of many, many notable leaders of the Church who are buried within this architectural treasure. Leo is called "the Great" because he was a great leader for the Church -- arguably "the greatest." But he exercised this leadership but for one goal: unity. The office of the pope, the "first among equals" among the Church's bishops, is derived not from an idea but from a promise -- a promise of Christ. When asked why we insist on recognizing the successor to Peter as the leader of the Church, we can take solace in the fact that we do this not for any frivolous reason nor because of any man-made invention or innovation; we do so solely because Christ willed it to maintain the visible unity of his Church throughout the ages. Never forget the promise of our Lord in Matthew 16:18-19: "And I tell you," said Jesus to the disciple that he was about to re-name Peter, "you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall by loosed in heaven." This entrustment of Jesus' pastoral care of the flock to Peter was later reiterated in the exchange between Jesus and Peter recorded in John 21:15-17. And if you'd like to read more about Peter's place in the New Testament, here is a great article on the subject.

The point is, Leo was the successor to Peter just as our current pope, Benedict, is the successor to Leo and, ultimately, to Peter. The papacy is a wonderful gift from Christ to his Church and, nearly 2,000 years later, it still bears fruit in allowing the constant, visible leadership of the Church in a world that is increasingly hostile to her message of love, reconciliation and salvation. And union with Peter's successor is a sure sign of that unity for which Christ fervently prayed (John 17:11). May we continue to seek this unity for all who follow Christ.

Pope St. Leo, pray for us! 

Tomorrow's session of Good Cheer...

...will introduce you to Archbishop Fulton Sheen. If you're not familiar with him, you should be. He was one of the most important figures in Catholicism in the 20th century. Throughout most of the 1950s, at the dawn of television, he hosted an Emmy Award-winning weekly TV show on ABC which did something earth-shattering: gave easy-to-understand explanations of morals and Church teachings. His show, which was basically a sermon in front of a blackboard, was folksy, it was simple, at times it was funny and, above all, it was a huge hit.

Archbishop Sheen died in 1979. He is currently being considered for sainthood. Here is a small taste of his famed television show, "Life is Worth Living":



Remember to come out for Good Cheer and bring your friends. Wednesday night, 7pm at The Library. See you there!

How's your 'stache coming?

Day three of 'Stache for Cash is upon us. Most of you got to see my awesomely bad 'stache on Sunday. And it has done my bidding.... netting dollar by dollar for Interfaith Compassion Ministry (ICM) from people who just have to ask "what's with the mustache?"

Turns out, I'm not the first in my family with some rocking face hair. I've found old family photos that prove my point.

Here's my great grandfather, Benjamin Edgar Noel with a 'stache to die for back in the 1890s:

And here's his dad, my great-great-grandfather, George Washington Noell (he was the last in my family with two "L"s at the end of our name). A man who farmed the land, chased the famed Newt Knight with the Confederate cavalry in the Civil War, and still managed to groom the coolest whisp of chin hair you'll ever see back around 1880:

So, it seems that I was destined by genetics to grow this enviable mustache. And all for a great cause! I hope you'll not be shy this week in asking for donations for ICM. They need it worse than your lip needs a hair blanket in the November breeze!

Awwwwwwwwwwwww babies!

This weekend, Nikki and Marc Bourgeois brought their son, Lucas in town for a wedding. That's his picture up there. What an awesome, laid-back shot! Not a care in the world. Got his Rebel cap on, a smile on his face, a clean diaper..life is good.
Lucas was born in Oxford and baptized at St. John's. Both parents were Catholic so we had his Baptism during Mass. However, his case was a bit unusual for the parish. Most couples are what the Church has called "mixed" (Catholic and non-Catholic) marriages. Although this may be WAY in advance for college students, some of you may be interested in finding out what the Church teaches concerning marrying a non-Catholic and raising children.
In the Southeast United States, it's not uncommon for "mixed" marriages to occur. In the Diocese of Jackson, Catholics barely make up 3 percent of the religious population. It stands to reason that a good Catholic boy/girl is hard to find.
When a Catholic intends on marrying a non-Catholic, they have to go through the normal procedures that any couple have in preparation for the marriage. When the instructions are completed, the Catholic party (not the non-Catholic) is asked to sign a statement verifying that they are 1. Going to continue to practice the faith and 2. they will do all they can to baptize and raise their children in the Church.
Why? Because marriage is a Catholic institution. It's a sacrament. Catholics come from Catholic homes. Most strong and growing religions insist on passing the faith on to the next generation. Look at the sheer volume of Islamic practitioners worldwide! Those aren't due to conversion alone. It's due to child-birth.
Catholics have always held marriage in high esteem because in marriage a couple have the possibility of bringing more Catholics into the world. Sadly, this isn't taught that much anymore or has been diluted to the point of having children baptized without any relation to the Church.
As you go through your college years, you will be making decisions about your future. The Church asks that you think of your future spouse and future children as well. If you're practicing your faith and living it, then why wouldn't you want to share it? Additionally, those who are happy about their faith usually inspire...INSPIRE...their spouse to also take on the Faith.
So, amigos and amigas, while you're working on resumes and internships, think about working on those spouses and babies! A church without babies is a church without a future. It's up to you. No pressure!

By the way, little Lucas is actually a "mixed" baby. He was born in Rebel country but his parents are Ragin' Cajuns. He wore the right cap for this weekend!

'Stache for Cash begins today!

if you want to participate! Click here for details. Get your 'stache sticker and envelope!
Grow a 'stache..raise some cash! Grow that facial hair because you care. And it's not facial hair it's FAITHful HAIR!
Enough of that...grow it and help ICM!

Moustache rendered by Microsoft Paint.

Good Cheer returns tonight!

...7pm at The Library... tonight's speaker is Scott Leary, an assistant federal prosecutor and the topic is "The Church or The Bible... both or neither?". Can't wait...

Vote Today!

If you haven't voted today, do so. If you didn't register to vote, then DO SO! Here's a little pep talk from Bishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans concerning Catholics voting:

Click here for the information concerning Catholic Social Teaching.

All Soul's Day- Why so serious?

Today is the Feast of All Soul's. In contrast to the Feast of All Saints (Nov 1), this feast day remembers the dead, in particular the "faithful departed". Where the Church celebrates those men and women "outstanding in holiness" and are with God "in" Heaven on All Saints, we are asked to pray for our dead who are left in the mercy and care of God.
There are two very controversial themes at play in today's feast; purgatory and praying for the dead. Bible-based Christian sects will revolt at the very mention of these concepts and sometimes make a Catholic feel stupid when neither term is "in the Bible". (The term "Bible" is not in the Bible either, but I digress).

Anima Sola: The Lost Soul in Purgatory

Purgatory: This is what the Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us about Purgatory.
1030 All who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. When some people try to attack the idea of Purgatory, they usually say that a Catholic can do all sorts of nasty stuff but before they die they can make a quick confession or be assured that they can tell God "I'm sorry" in Purgatory and they are off to Heaven. Not true. That's just as silly as someone thinking that they can profess Jesus as their Lord and Savior and be Baptized, then do nasty things in life, die and go to Heaven because they were saved. But, again, I digress.
What Purgatory is for is for the "faithful" departed. Those who were "faithful" (in friendship with God by following the directions of the Church) are given the opportunity for this cleansing. Those who weren't faithful. Well, it's up to God's mercy. So what is Purgatory exactly? A place? A big waiting room in the afterlife? The Catechism again:
1031 The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned. The Church formulated her doctrine of faith on Purgatory especially at the Councils of Florence and Trent. The tradition of the Church, by reference to certain texts of Scripture, speaks of a cleansing fire: As for certain lesser faults, we must believe that, before the Final Judgment, there is a purifying fire. He who is truth says that whoever utters blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will be pardoned neither in this age nor in the age to come. From this sentence we understand that certain offenses can be forgiven in this age, but certain others in the age to come.
A Catholic may understand "fire" to be either metaphorical (Zech 13:9) or a physical fire. Either way, it is not a punishment nor a damnation.

Mexican Day of the Dead: All Soul's Day

 Praying for the Dead: The Cathechism again:
1032 This teaching is also based on the practice of prayer for the dead, already mentioned in Sacred Scripture: "Therefore Judas Maccabeus] made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin." From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God. The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead: Let us help and commemorate them. If Job's sons were purified by their father's sacrifice, why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation? Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them.
The book of Maccabees is one of the books not included in most Protestant Bibles. It is an important text to Jews, however and therefore important to us. In the above reference, you can see that prayers for the dead were being performed before Jesus was born. There is no evidence that Jesus condemned nor condoned praying for the dead. He was in favor of prayer, however.
All cultures have some device to acknowledge the dead from ancestor worship to the Mexican quasi-Catholic "Dia De Los Muertos" (Day of the Dead). Somehow, we know we just don't die and fertilize the earth. There's something more after death and something more to the dead.

Catholic Funeral Mass with clergy in black chausibles

Today, I chose to wear a black chausible to celebrate All Soul's. The chausible is the outer garment a priest wears when he celebrates Mass. The recommendation for today was either violet (for "longing"), white (for "joy") or black (the color of mourning). Why would I wear black when I could be "longing" or "joyful"?
The church recommends black for funerals as well. Most priests wear white at funeral Masses. While this is acceptable, in my opinion it also facilitates an understanding that we have to be happy about death. We should rejoice and be glad. The Mass for Christian Burial is even called the Mass of Resurrection now. It's not that I'm against the hope of everlasting life but I am opposed to anything that robs people of knowing they can grieve and mourn. The Church intentionally allows us to embrace and acknowledge loss and suffering with respect. Sometimes the "Don't worry, be happy" theologies of people "shooting straight to heaven" can be confused with liturgies that can be construed as ignoring the fact that someone died. This is the something "more".

The Lady Gaga Vestment of Joyful Resurrection?

The Church grieves with you in black instead of chiding the participants to be happy and get over it. It enters the mystery of what happens to the soul which can only deepen one's faith instead of quick FAQ answers to one of the most penetrating questions of humanity. Instead of cute "Papaw's in Heaven now drinking a beer watching the Rebs" or "God is happy that she's in heaven! Now he can get some flowers up there!" It's cute and emotionally touching. But it doesn't touch our soul.

In Heaven, Barbie Angels will decorate you with Moon Glitter!

This is a day for the soul. The souls of the dead and your soul. Proper care of the soul is to allow us to perceive God's mystery in mind, body and spirit. Our bodies will pass away. Our mind should reflect often that we are dust and unto dust we will return ("memento mori") and our spirits, well, they are left to the tender mercy of God.

Memento Mori