Lectors; A Serious Call to Service

The word lector is Latin for "one who reads". However, in the liturgical sense of the word, "reader" is lacking at best. Being a lector is a serious call to service, a call to serve God and the people of God. It is not to be taken lightly or without some understanding of what the Church prescribes for such service.

I will avoid a prolonged accounting of the history of the lector as a minor order, but will point out that the Catholic Church still considers the lector to be "instituted" for service.(1)

In the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, I find this particular instruction speaks to the care with which this service is to be attended to:

In the absence of an instituted lector, other lay people may be deputed to proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture, people who are truly suited to carrying out this function and carefully prepared, so that by their hearing the readings from the sacred texts the faithful may conceive in their hearts a sweet and living affection for Sacred Scripture (GIRM 101)

Wow! There is much to process there:

• "deputed" - as in being given a responsibility
• "proclaim" - as in declaring insistently, praising and glorifying publicly
• "carefully" prepared - as in not waiting to the last minute, as in praying before practicing, as in arriving to Mass early, as in wearing the appropriate attire, etc.

and that

• "the faithful may conceive in their hearts a sweet and living affection for Sacred Scripture" - as in the lector has a great responsibility to cooperate with God's Grace and the Holy Spirit in being so effective that the people of God are moved to also cooperate with God's Grace and the Holy Spirit, preparing them more efficaciously to receive the Word of God in their hearts and subsequently the Eucharistic feast as well.

In the readings, the table of God's word is laid for the faithful and the riches of the Bible are opened to them. (+)

When the Scriptures are read in the Church, God himself is speaking to his people, and Christ, present in his own word, is proclaiming the gospel. (+)

---------------

(1) based upon GIRM 99

(+) From Roman Missal Formational Materials provided by the Secretariat for the Liturgy of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2010.

Click here and save a baby

My youngest kiddos from a previous Hike

I got a late start, but you can help me save the life of at least one baby. The estimated costs of saving a baby in North Texas is $625, which is my goal. Every and any amount helps.

Please help me support Crisis Pregnancy Centers by donating to my pro-life cause with Hike for Life.

Hike for Life is a pro-life walk held once a year in various locations around Texas that raises money for area Crisis Pregnancy Centers and raises awareness of the dignity of all human life, from conception to natural death. The funds raised by Hike for Life are distributed to Crisis Pregnancy Centers in the area where the Hike is held.

Thank you for your help!

Are Your Children Hearing You?

Have you ever wondered if what you tell your children really makes a difference or if they even remember the lessons that you teach them? Well sometimes I wonder if I am being an effective parent, and I think that pretty much goes hand in hand with this question.

This morning, I told Brandon (7) to brush his teeth before leaving for school. "Yes, Daddy." Then he skirted around the corner and disappeared....for about 30 seconds! "Ok, Daddy, I'm ready", provoked one of my favorite expressions,

"Brandon, you have GOT to be kidding me!"

I saw a "teachable moment" so I asked him if he wanted me and other people to be able to trust him with big things. When he affirmed that he did I told him,

"Brandon, if you want people to trust you with big things, you have to show that you can be trusted with little things first." 

I could tell just from the expression on his face that he got it, and then without another word, he was off to complete the task for real this time.

There's really no doubt in my mind that this will stick with Brandon. We try to instill the proper values in the boy, and even when it seems as though it's not all sinking in, I know that when it really counts, these things will return to him. Case in point; last year among other achievements   Brandon won "The Honesty Award". This was my favorite.

Why? Because it was not only a proud moment for me as a father, I knew that it was a "handing-down" of lessons I learned as a boy from my own father. One of my very first memories is of my dad telling me

"The three things I ask of you are to treat your mother with respect, always try your best, and never lie." - George Vogt, III (Dad)

Even today, I remember that he wrote these words (that he had already written upon my heart) in my Kindergarten signature book.

Now, I know that there have been times in my life when I have failed these principles, but they are always there in my mind and heart, prompting me to be a better person, a better man. Little things that my parents said and did, that they may not even remember, have helped me countless times to choose to do right, and sometimes to choose to do the better thing even though I had already lost my way or chosen the wrong thing first.

This is assurance for me, not only with Brandon, but with all of my children, that some of these little lessons have helped them and will continue to guide them in the future.

Please help me save babies

Please help me support Crisis Pregnancy Centers in saving unborn babies by donating to my pro-life cause with Hike for Life.

Hike for Life is a pro-life walk held once a year in various locations around Texas that raises money for area Crisis Pregnancy Centers and raises awareness of the dignity of all human life, from conception to natural death. The funds raised by Hike for Life are distributed to Crisis Pregnancy Centers in the area where the Hike is held.

Thank you for your help!

Failing at Family, Working at Perfect

Did you ever feel as though no matter how hard you were working to be perfect, that you just keep failing your family? Honestly, I feel like that a lot.

In general, there are many people in my extended family that I wish I had better relationships with. Heck, I think I could do better in this area with every single member of my extended family most if not all of the time. But it is with my immediate family that my struggles overtake me the most. 

I think the urge these days is to think that we are so flawed that we can't ever be perfect, so we blow off the idea that we should even try.  But his inclination to lower the bar so to speak is why I think God always raises it.

In Leviticus, God says

For I, the LORD, am your God. You shall make and keep yourselves holy, because I am holy. Leviticus 11:44

And Jesus tells us

So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:48

It's always easy to pick and choose who I want to measure myself up to, but Christ reminds me that it is He that I am to be measured to. When doing so, it's always evident just how little I truly "measure up" and just how much I really need Him.

Why oh why does it seem as though the more time I set aside for prayer, the more time I examine myself in the light of Christ, that something always "comes up" and that "old me", the short-tempered, impatient, rush-to judgement me comes blaring out like a raving lunatic?

Yesterday there seemed to be a lot of "pressure" to get the children dressed, get Brandon to school, and to get the van to the dealership (with Monica tagging along of course). There was a moment there, like so many others, that I could see so clearly what Kendra and the children were all doing so wrong, thwarting my plans at making a productive day out of a potentially boring and futile one.

Of course, I lost my cool. Of course I had to let them all know that I knew what a conspiracy they were all a part of in hindering my wonderful plan. Of course I had to, once again, set a bad example for my family.

Accused or Convicted

Of course I began to feel accused of what a worthless husband and father I can be so much of the time. Of course I heard a voice telling me "You're trying to be perfect, but you're always failing your own family."

Well, while the facts about my reactions and their lack of Christian example are correct, I thank God that I am learning to sift through those accusatory voices, remembering that accusation of itself is not from God, while true conviction surely is. .

And this is the entire point of this post. That the voice of God is usually a "whisper" of conviction just beneath the "noise" of the accusation.

Brushing aside the accusation, I was able to hear the voice of true conviction, telling me that while it's true that I fell again, falling is not the same as failing. Falling is an opportunity to stay down or to get up. Failing is choosing to give up, to stay down, to quit trying.

Jesus loves Rocky Balboa

We have the greatest example in Jesus falling, but continuing his torturous journey to Calvary. Or if you're goofy like me, you might even have a flashback to the Rocky movies with Mick telling Rocky, "I didn't hear no bell!" Hey, the Lord works in mysterious ways.

I see so many great things in my family, and I know that God is working in all of our lives. I know that his enemy hates us and wants to keep us distracted from God. But I thank God, that even in all of my FALLings, He is there to remind me to keep working at perfect.

Reflection and what's on tap this week 09.24.12

Reflecting on the past week and what's coming on A Talking Donkey

What a week it's been, eh? My wife, youngest son, and I started a new year of Faith Formation, I tried to be honest about my propensity to take control when I should let God do His stuff, Jesus was almost married, President Obama's Campaign violates United States Code, and the State Department continues its failed foreign policies.

This past weekend, my 7 year old son played his fourth football game of the season. He plays for the Lobos, who played the Steelers. When Brandon found out that one of his classmates plays for the Steelers, he told my wife that no matter who wins they will still be friends. Good thing, because the Steelers had their way with the Lobos. When I was dropping Brandon off at school this morning, he saw his friend. There was no hesitation from him. He jumped out of the car in excitement, calling to his friend to "Wait up!" so they could have breakfast together. If only we adults could reflect that attitude with each other.

Yesterday, our Faith Formation class was about the Sacraments and the need for Baptism. I feel like it was another successful class, and it's really a joy for me the way this group responds to what we are doing.

Well, it's time to move forward, and I feel like God has given me a refreshed spirit this morning.

I think I am going to try to steer away from direct political issues as best I can. That's not really the purpose of this blog, and frankly I don't really have the passion for that as I did years ago. I will continue to blog about the responsibilities we have as Christians to vote with a formed conscience and such, but just don't want to get dragged down by the "who's worse than who" thing.

I'm also considering putting some type of organization to the postings as well. Perhaps certain repeating categories on certain days with "open topics" on others. We'll see where that goes.

Thanks to those who read regularly. There are a handful of you, and I appreciate that. I want to encourage you to leave comments here as well. It would be nice to get a "feel" for what's important to you too.

Blessings.

U.S. State Dept. Spends $70k of Your Money to Apologize in Pakistan

The U.S. State Dept has spent $70,000 of your money to apologize in Pakistan for a "movie" which the Obama Administration tried to blame for the terrorists attacks on the 11 year anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorists attacks which claimed thousands of lives.

With several Americans murdered, including United States Ambassador Chris Stevens, the Obama Administration originally blamed the attacks on the aforementioned movie and maintained that position for days. While it has now distanced itself from that position given the amount of evidence to the contrary, the Administration continues its' efforts to distance itself from the movie anyway.

I believe President Obama believes this is in the interest of the United States. And that is exactly why he is not fit to serve as Commander in Chief. It shows he is clueless to what that region is all about. It shows he's clueless to what terrorists understand. It shows he's clueless to what is seen as weakness in the region. It shows that he is clueless to what "peaceful" people in the region want and need to hear from the President of the United States.

Mr. President, I am tired of you apologizing for what has made the United States great. Stand up and be a man.

Obama; It's Not Just God: Nothing is "Sacred"

When it comes to President Obama, it would seem that nothing is sacred. While he talks about religious "tolerance", his actions seem to indicate, "Christians shut your mouths!"  But it's not just God.

If he doesn't like a law, he just instructs the Department of Justice to ignore it. If he doesn't like some rule that Congress has implemented, he just issues an Executive Order to override it. If he "evolves" in his thinking, well, you get the point.

I've always been turned off by what appears to me to be his arrogance, raising his chin above whoever he is disagreeing to, pointing his finger, or giving that "glare".

It looks like there's a new low in the "nothing-sacred, I'm going to do what I want cause I'm that arrogant" Obama campaign.

(g) The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature.(i) The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown

- United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10: § 173

Jesus Married Already Yesterday's News

(Getty/AFP photo / September 20, 2012) 

Yesterday's news of the finding and translation of some "ancient papyrus" supposedly transcribed to read that Jesus was married is already being classified a dupe. I have to wonder if any of that will matter to historian Karen King who got her five minutes of fame yesterday.

Oh the secular press had their field day reporting this, among them Reuters who quotes King as saying;

"Christian tradition has long held that Jesus was not married, even though no reliable historical evidence exists to support that claim." 

Ah yes, because there is such a need to prove what does not exist rather than what does.

And I had plans to discuss this in great detail with references to just a few popular Catholic blog posts like Fr. Z's "A note about the Mrs. Christ papyrus fragment", and Jimmy Akin's "Does New Document Prove That Jesus Had a Wife?", which took on the issue in completely different ways.

But alas, my plan was foiled! While going through this morning's reading list, I saw Susan Brinkmann's post on Women of Grace "Ancient Papyrus Proving Jesus was Married Declared a Fake".

Well, I guess we Christians don't have to go out burning buildings down in protest after all.

On another positive note though, the local news interviewed several non-Catholic Christians last night. A couple of them actually refereed to:

"Scripture and Church history" and what has been "handed down to us".

How about that? Scripture and Tradition and a vague reference to the Magisterium!

MY Will Be Done!!!

"You shall have no other gods before me." Deuteronomy 5:7

"Thy kingdom come, Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Matthew 6:10

I have often felt as though God could have stopped after the 1st Commandment. It seems to me that when we break any of His laws, we are really saying, "God, I am in control. I know better than you do about what is needed in this situation. I am my own god, and may my will be done!"

Of course, we humans need everything spelled out for us, and we often even manipulate that, so maybe there could have been 16 trillion commandments. Ho hum, another day for that.

Throughout my life, there have been countless times where I have said, "My will be done" to this or to that or for me or for that one, etc. I can be the consummate control freak at times. Even recognizing this and struggling against it, I often have trouble letting go of things and letting God do His stuff.

Why? I mean, really, WHY? God has been doing this a long time. He "went pro" before any of us or even this world was a reality. I know this; I believe this; I accept this; I am miserable at acting in accord with this.

Although I know my stubborn self will probably slip up on this again real soon, I am going to release something to God right now. I gave it to Him, and I quickly snatched it back. But now;

God, I know that it is you Who knows what's best for all of us in your perfect plan of salvation. It is your plan of salvation for us that I am interfering with every time I say, "let my will be done". So I release to you this intention which you knew before I spoke it and were acting upon before I knew it needed to be acted upon. Help me to leave this in your control for good, and help me to accept that I do not see as you do or understand as you do or even care as much as you do about this intention.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and do not subject us to the final test, but deliver us from the evil one. Matthew 6: 9-13

Catechist: A New Year Begins

This will be my 10th year as a Catechist, although not consecutively. Previously, I have taught 9th, 10th, and 11th Grade youth in Louisiana. At the time, Catholic youth prepared to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in their Junior year of high school, and we referred to the 3 year program as the "High School of Religion". On a larger scale, religious education in Louisiana was (and I believe still is) referred to as CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine).

In North Texas, we refer to such religious education as "Faith Formation". I like this term better. This will be my 4th year teaching Faith Formation in my parish, and the second that I teach the 2nd Grade, preparing them for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion.

A Year of "Firsts"

There are 2 very important "firsts" for me though. It will be the first year that my youngest son Brandon is in my class. It will also be the first year that my wife Kendra assists me. We teach on Sunday mornings at 10am.

Two weeks ago, we met our class and our parents. This past Sunday, we had our first full-length class. The lesson was "Who is God?" and covered the story of creation along with a "nature walk", Jesus as God's greatest gift to us, the Holy Trinity, and practicing the Sign of the Cross!

Seriously, that's a lot to cover, but I am thankful that having a little experience has taught me that at this age, keeping it simple is most effective. I am very pleased with the response from the children and especially considering this is all such a new experience for them.

Please keep us all in prayer as we continue through the year.

Rookie Blogger; I Keep Learning

Not long ago I started this blog for a few personal reasons and with little expectations for anyone else. Yes, I know that sounds selfish, but the truth is that I learned some time ago, that when I write stuff, especially stuff that I make public, I am holding myself more accountable. It reminds me to pay closer attention to what I do and say in light of who I say I (and you too sometimes) should be. Of course I fail miserably many times, but it still helps me.

Admittedly, I had not and have not done too much "studying" of blog layouts and what's necessary or not, etc. As I posted 2 weeks ago, I did attend the bloggers' summit of the Catholic New Media Conference, and did give the blog a new look afterward, but what I took away from the conference was more about content than appearance (and I like that) so I still have much to learn.

Laura Nelson at Green 4 God, e-mailed me to say that she could not subscribe to my blog; could I help? Well, I think (and now I am not sure) that I had this option on the old format, but sure enough, it was not there when I looked this morning. What a rookie mistake.

Is anybody out there?

So now the Donkey has added options for you the reader to subscribe by e-mail, to posts, to comments, and the ability to search the blog for particular topics or links. I hope you will.

Thanks Laura!

Crux Spes Unica; The Cross, Our Only Hope

Crux Spes Unica; the motto of my high school alma mater (Holy Cross) means "The Cross, Our Only Hope". Indeed, we Christians embrace the paradox of all paradoxes in the Holy Cross of Jesus Christ.

What was a terrible instrument of death has become the glorious instrument of salvation. What was reserved for the lowest of the low has revealed the meaning of Christ's kingship. What once was an example of enmity and hatred has become an example of solidarity and charity. Reversing the failure in the Garden, in which Adam took for himself of the tree of life thus bringing death, Jesus the new Adam offers Himself on a tree of death thus bringing everlasting life. What once brought despair, has become our only hope.

Glory to you O Lord! For so far above our ways are your ways! So far above our thoughts are your thoughts.

Today is the Feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross.

The Council of Trent emphasizes the unique character of Christ's sacrifice as "the source of eternal salvation" and teaches that "his most holy Passion on the wood of the cross merited justification for us." And the Church venerates his cross as she sings: "Hail, O Cross, our only hope." (Catechism 616)

Looking for love in all the wrong places

So on September 11, I asked, "Did the world learn from the terrorists attacks on September 11, 2001?" I more than insinuated that the answer is, "No!"

I think the the events that have unfolded since and actually are continuing to unfold further make the point of my post. Oh, didn't you hear?

• Islamist protesters scale U.S. embassy walls in Egypt
• West shocked by US envoy death, Muslims condemn film
• Protesters storm US Embassy in Yemen in new attack
• Iran Protests Outside Swiss Embassy Show Anti-U.S. Reactions To 'Innocence Of Muslims'
• Egyptian protesters, police continue to clash near U.S. Embassy 
• US embassies boost security in Pakistan, other Asian countries after deadly unrest

.And yet....blinders on eyes and fingers in ears, we march on.

• September 11, 2012—and Obama Apologizes
• Cardinal Dolan Says Events In Libya, Egypt Show Urgent Need For Respect For All Religions
• Vatican, Israeli rabbi condemn anti-Muslim film

Now, I admit that I don't really think that President Obama, Cardinal Dolan, or the Vatican really think that the Muslim terrorists who are behind all of this violence are justified in all of this. Also, headlines can always be manipulated to stir the reader to a conclusion that he/she may not have come to without such "promptings".

However, the truth is that along with "condemnations" for the terrorists, there were "condemnations" for a stupid movie. A movie! Can't they see that whether they intend to do so or not, they acknowledge that the terrorists have some sort of right to be mad enough to act in such ways. Ridiculous! 

As I asked/stated on my facebook:

If "radical" Catholics had killed US citizens and diplomats over Dan Brown's movies, would the response of many be to apologize for the movie being made? - Before lecturing me, I am prolife (probably more than most if not all reading this) all around, so am not suggesting at all that this would be acceptable behavior-just thinking "this is crazy this is crazy this is crazy"

I try to embrace the "Love your enemies" command by Jesus, and admit that it is often a struggle to do so. But trying to rationalize violence or by giving any sort of credibility to it is not about love, it is blind stupidity.

Look, what I am saying is that if you believe that Islam is a "religion of peace", then stop acting so scared that if you don't put a disclaimer on everything you do, then you in effect create more terrorists. Because seriously, I suspect that Muslims who embrace Islam as a religion of peace must actually be offended by such insecurities.

I suspect such because one of the better responses I read was from the Islamic Circle of North America. While the response did mention the movie, there was absolutely no attempt to condone violence, and also there was absolutely no attempt to condemn the movie or those who made it. In fact, the movie and those associated with it were somewhat "blown off" by the group. I commend them for that. As a Catholic, I also "blow off" Dan Brown.

I think it's good to dialogue, and we all need to do that to better understand each other. But equalizing the making of a movie with motivations for terrorism does not promote "love", it promotes more violence. It's looking for love in all the wrong places. Perhaps our government and Church leaders should check to see what organizations like ICNA think before they speak themselves.

Did the world learn from the terrorists attacks on September 11, 2001

The terrorists attacks on September 11, 2001 changed the world forever. But I have to wonder if the world really learned what is screaming to be learned and understood. That is that no matter what you think, no matter how politically correct you are, no matter how much you love your neighbor, there are those who are actively seeking to end your life and the lives of your family simply because you do not submit to Islam.

It is NOT what it is NOT

I do not hate Muslims. I do not hate anyone, and I even do my best not to dislike anyone, trying to empathize with other people and their particular circumstances in life. However, I have noticed that when anyone takes a stand for something these days, other people misinterpret that stand. Some misinterpret it honestly while others misinterpret it intentionally, purposefully distorting others' statements or actions in order to manipulate other people and to "recruit" them to a cause or idea which they themselves espouse.

Notice that in the opening paragraph, I did not state that all Muslims are seeking to end your life and the lives of your family simply because you do not submit to Islam. I guarantee though, that some people read that line and misinterpreted that to be anti-Muslim.

Why?

If you are one of those, then I ask you to ask yourself, "Why?" If I had said there are those that seek to steal from you simply because of the neighborhood you live in, would that suggest to you that I am against anyone who does not live in your neighborhood, or that all others who do not live in your neighborhood seek to steal from you? Of course not!

What really made me think about all of this is that last night I posted this picture on facebook:

A friend of mine and good man took exception, stating among many other things:

I guess it just doesn't come across as very loving/respectful of the "religion" of Islam et al.

I began defending my post of the picture and of the statement. Then I realized that there really is nothing to defend about this. I love my friend, and really I am sorry that he misinterpreted what I meant, but I just can't be responsible for everyone's misinterpretations. For me, this is a positive statement of my conviction to Christianity which just happens to be contrary to what is deemed acceptable to some, and specifically warranting death by many (again, did not say all) who embrace Islam.

These truths are in the evidence

All one has to do is look at the evidence around the world, the latest in Nigeria, to understand that I have said nothing that is untruthful here. In fact, when I look at said evidence, I feel somewhat convicted for not doing more to expose the plight of Christians, namely those being brutalized and massacred for their refusal to "submit to Islam".

Today, Michelle Malkin writes

Remembrance is worthless without resolve. Resolve is useless without action.

So, did we really learn? Or as with so many other issues these days, are we walking with blinders on our eyes and fingers in our ears? Those who wish to practice Islam are free to do so without fear of me, but that does not mean that I will not keep my eyes and ears open and attentive.

Breast Beat Down? Not Quite What You Think

Some Catholic practices may seem odd to non-Catholics, but have become foreign for some Catholics as well.  Take the breast striking for instance. Striking the breast is not some form of self-flagellation or breast beat down.

Our parish is blessed to have a very young, newly ordained priest assigned to us for a couple of months now.

Yesterday at Mass, he reminded the congregation that during the Confiteor, the rubrics in The Order of Mass state we strike out breast during the words "through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault" (mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa").

The USCCB commentary on The Order of Mass states

"During the Confiteor, the faithful should “strike their breast” while saying, “through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault.” This prescribed “striking” is a symbolic tapping of the chest with a clenched fist over one’s heart, signifying remorse. This is part of the beauty of our Catholic liturgy – sacramental words are complemented by sacramental actions. This action also recalls the penitent tax collector in Luke, chapter 18, who “beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’”

I actually like an older explanation even better. St. Augustine, speaking of striking the breast said

"What does this mean except that you wish to bring to light what is concealed in the breast, and by this act to cleanse your hidden sins?"

Possible first miracle for St. Nagatha

There is a reported possible first miracle for St. Nagatha! Yesterday, I blogged about St. Nagatha the Patron Saint of Nagging Wives.  In case you missed it, it was a piece about the beatification and canonization process for the fictional character Saint Nagatha. I intended it to be fun and only slightly educational, although I do stand by the general process and terms used.

Now I'm not the sharpest guy out there, but I did know enough to make sure that post was "cleared" by my wife. Just kidding. No, I'm not. I really did make sure I would not get in "trouble" first. Besides, she was the inspiration for the post. Well, I mean she gave me the idea by a question she asked.

Anyway, she doesn't always "play along", but yesterday she certainly did, and it's only fair that I share her retaliation with you.

After posting, I thought it would be a good idea for me to take my four year old daughter Monica out on some errands. I figured it would be a good way to get out and spend some quality daddy-daughter time.

First stop, Target, to exchange a backpack for my seven year old son Brandon. Brandon had picked out the backpack with his aunt on a special day they shared a few weeks ago.  He literally used it once, and he broke the zipper. Target had no problem with me making the exchange without a receipt. They just needed to see my driver's license.

Oh oh! I could not find it in my wallet. It was not in my van. I went back home and searched the other car, then the house. Nowhere! My wife Kendra told me to pray to St. Anthony, which I did. I remembered that I used it when I closed a bank account at Chase last Tuesday. They had it. Relief!

I sent a text to Kendra to say:

"Glad to have my license. NOT happy that Chase did not have the courtesy to call me for over a week."

She simply sent a picture in a reply text:

I replied:

"Made me smile."

Kendra replied again:

"I guess that's the first miracle for St. Nagatha."

Touche Kendra! I love it! Thanks for playing along.

St. Nagatha the Patron Saint of Nagging Wives

Is Saint Nagatha the patron saint of nagging wives? Before you head to New Advent, Google, or (eek) Wikipedia, this whole thing started with a question from my wife,

"Who is the patron saint of nagging wives?"

The past week had been quite draining on me as there were concerns about family in the path of Hurricane Isaac, and some even bigger spiritual and emotional storms. I have a bad habit of not eating well during such times, which is not really good for someone with a history of diabetes, and she was "lovingly nagging" (not my description) at me to take better care of myself. I guess I had that "husband mode" look on my face, provoking the question.

Saints and Silliness

Since I could not find a patron saint of nagging wives (shocker), I thought it would be fun to come up with one on my own, perhaps learning a little about the Catholic process of canonization along the way. I warn you though, that this is purely for fun and not intended to be real catechesis or anything like that. Thus, I present to you, Nagatha.

Virgin, Confessor, or Martyr?

First, we will have to distinguish whether Nagatha was a virgin, confessor or martyr since the process varies in the causes of each.

Assuming that Nagatha was a nagging wife herself, and having a consummated, Sacramental Marriage, let's eliminate the examination of her cause as a virgin.

Now, I know you're thinking I'm going to go for the martyr's cause since it's conceivable that Nagatha met an untimely demise due to her excessive nagging, but I'm leaning towards her husband being a good Catholic man who understands that Nagatha's irritability is truly the result of a caring heart, thus he calls on the Holy Spirit for the gift of Fortitude whenever violent images are aroused in his mind. (Love you Honey.)

So we will take up the cause for Nagatha as that of a confessor, not as in the confessor we visit in Reconciliation, but as in one whose life's example has shown heroic virtue in confessing the Christian Faith before the world.

I guess Nagatha's husband would either have been someone very influential wherein Nagatha would have had an exponential influence upon "the world" or Nagatha's nagging itself would have had to have been world-renown.

Nagatha's Cause Begins

We'll have to speed things up a bit, and you'll have to fill in some of the names and places and other particulars in your own head.

Ok, we'll need a Vice-Postulator to get things rolling with the Processus, handling the Informative Inquiries, instituting the Processes de Non Cultu (no public prayer), and Processiculi Diligentiarum, which is the examination of writings. I hope her husband kept all of those sticky notes and "honey do" lists.

The vice-postulator will get all of that to the Congregation of Rites, where it will see a portitor, some judges, maybe get translated, copied, given to a cardinal as relator of the cause (not to be confused with a Realtor) deputed by the pope. Somewhere along the way, Nagatha is declared "Servant of God" (bells, harps, and angelic voices singing, "Ahhhhhhh" please).

Some theologians get involved with re-working those sticky notes and lists, questions have to be answered, the cardinals of the CoR receive the positio 40 days (hmm) before the official review. If everything's ok, they issue a decree of or to (I'm confused) quod in causâ procedi possit ad ulteriora.

To Veneration and Beyond!

They do some debating and stuff and then if all goes well, they issue another decree and ask the pope to sign it. Very interesting to me is that the pope signs this decree in his baptismal name and not his pontifical name. It is at this point that Nagatha is given the title "Venerable" (more bells, harps, and angelic voices singing, "Ahhhhhhh" please).

They start looking for miracles, asking for the help of bishops in partibus, and an inchoative process is started to protect the ne pereant probationes.

While all of this is going on there are debates and discussions behind the scenes. At this point, I'm thinking I would have had less writing to do if Nagatha was a martyr. Only miracles which are attributed to Nagatha after she is declared venearble may be considered.

Super Virtutibus beats a holy cow any day

They continue looking at the miracles, proceeding with things such as more paperwork (super miraculis) to determine super virtutibus, employing the help of 2 physicians along the way, etc.  There "class" of proven miracles will determine how many are actually required.  After a single "first class" miracle is proven, or the correct formula needed for second, third, or fourth class miracles is reached (along with the corresponding processes of course), the pope will announce such.

There will be another meeting of the CoR where they will again debate, but thankfully "only once" to proceed with the solemnities of beatification.  The pope then issues a pontifical brief and our Nagatha is now Beatus or Blessed (even more bells, harps, and angelic voices singing, "Ahhhhhhh" please).

Fire the cannon...I mean Canon!

Nagatha's cause for sainthood now rests upon the proof and processes for the second miracle (or whatever the correct formula dependent upon class). Of course the CoR meet about all of this three more times, and if they're all "good with that" then they hold a super tuto. The pope then issues a Bull of Canonization and Nagatha officially becomes St. Nagatha!!!! (ultimate amount of bells, harps, and angelic voices singing, "Ahhhhhhh" please).

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Another and final disclaimer:  This post is intended to be fun and only slightly educational. I used a few sources of information but based the post mainly on information at New Advent. Blessings.

Reviewing the Revised Roman Missal

And with your Spirit

Blessed Pope John Paul II announced a revised version of the Roman Missal during the Jubilee Year 2000. The English translation of the Roman Missal includes updated translations of existing prayers, including some of the well-known responses and acclamations of the people.

All English speaking countries around the world began using these texts on the First Sunday of Advent, 2011.

I had the pleasure of working on my parish's Roman Missal team to help prepare our parishioners, staff, and volunteers for the implementation of the revised Missal.

Below, I have included some of the tools we used. If you are still not familiar with the revisions, or if you are just interested in some additional background, I hope you will find these useful.

Links

USCCB website for Roman Missal
Comparison of present and revised language used by the priest
Video resource for Parents and Adults
Video resource for Middle School Youth
Video resource for High School Youth.
A New Translation For A New Roman Missal

Videos / Presentations

People's Parts with Commentary (Video 1 of 3)


 


People's Parts with Commentary (Video 2 of 3)





  People's Parts with Commentary (Video 3 of 3)





People's Parts without Commentary (Power Point)

The Body of Christ. Amen!

I love the Mass. In fact, I love Liturgy in general. I serve in various liturgical ministries in my parish, and love serving at Mass as often as possible.

One of those ministries is as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.  I've seen enough on social media outlets to know that some Catholics just stopped reading. That's a post for another day, maybe. However, there is a need in my very large parish, I was asked several times, and I finally gave in, serving as a substitute when there is a shortage of ministers.

I am marked but don't label me

I was born in 1967, post Vatican II, so my childhood saw remnants of the past being replaced, changed, or removed.  (Just lost a few more I think.)  But please don't stick any labels on me.

I remember going to Mass as a very young boy and watching my parents receive Holy Communion at the altar rail. By the time I received Holy Communion for the first time, the altar rail had been removed, and we were taught to receive on the tongue or in the hand. I have always preferred to receive on the tongue, and truth be known, I would love for the Communion rail to come back. I embrace the few times we get to respond or sing in Latin. I love that connection to Church history. That doesn't mean that I think something's wrong with you if you think otherwise.

Steam-punk Sacred

However, there is a serious reason that I long for a past that I really never experienced. It's called reverence. For quite some time I have noticed a lack of reverence for the Eucharist, and I'm sorry to say that it does not appear to be improving very much.

The Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ present in the Eucharist should make us tremble with awe and Holy Fear of the Lord. Too often, though, it is evident that for many it is just another "altar call" or that time when we get to get up out of our seats and walk around a bit.

“The faithful should receive Communion kneeling or standing, as the Conference of Bishops will have determined”, with its acts having received the recognitio of the Apostolic See. “However, if they receive Communion standing, it is recommended that they give due reverence before the reception of the Sacrament, as set forth in the same norms” (Redemptionis Sacramentum)

Residential Reverence

Don't get me wrong, my pastor (and his predecessors) and our Liturgy Commission have spent quite a bit of time and effort trying to educate people about properly receiving Communion. More than one priest has reminded people that Judas was the first to leave the table. It seems as though some do not listen, or worse, do not care.

Let's face it. Children are going to learn to show reverence (or not) for the Eucharist in the example of their parents first and then that of those who they regularly observe at Mass. No matter what our priests and catechists teach, they will watch closely and emulate. As if approaching Christ is not enough in and of itself, let us all be mindful of the children, the future of the Church.

Begin With Basics

This is a video which was approved by my pastor for our parish. It is not all-inclusive but it at least touches on some of the very basics. Norms outside of our parish may differ. If you are ready for something beyond the basics, read Redemptionis Sacramentum.

A Talking Donkey and the Catholic New Media Conference

International Catholic Bloggers' Summit 

After wondering if I would even have a place at the Catholic New Media Conference (CNMC12) and the "International Catholic Bloggers' Summit" on Friday, I was more than glad that I went.

New Look for A Talking Donkey

For starters, A Talking Donkey is young enough (just more than a month old) that the valuable lessons and tips that I learned will not meet with my stubbornness. Yes, while the Scripture verse that I refer to in the header is one of my favorites, it does hold multiple meanings for me. I am sure that I will share many of them along the way, but one of those is that I can at times be just a wee tad stubborn.

I learned that I should make a few changes to the appearance of the blog, and if you are one of the very few regular readers, you've probably noticed some. It's more than possible that I will change the look and feel of the blog several times, so your suggestions are welcome.

It's All About You...And Me Too

There were many great presentations that really made me think about the future content of A Talking Donkey as well as new ways to present the content and ways to potentially keep you interested and involved too.

Hopefully, tapping into those things that I'm really passionate about will not only be of interest to you, but will spark some conversations that will help us learn from (and about) each other. I really appreciate those of you who have had conversations (online and off) with me about my postings.  Keep them coming.

More Than Educational, Challenging

I believe that one of my favorite surprises at CNMC12 was the way that I felt my Catholic faith and identity were challenged by the presenters. I've been to other non-related Catholic conferences, seminars, retreats, training sessions, classes, etc.  I have been very heavily involved (and still am) in and outside of my parish. The inspired challenge that I received from attending Friday's sessions to just be Catholic, a better Catholic, ranks as high as any of the aforementioned activities.

That's always a good thing. Hope you stick around. Blessings.