Cafeteria Catholic

Wasting Valuable Time

2007-11-20T21:48:00.001-08:00

I've found a lot of ways to waste valuable time with my computer.
(Check the archives...they include links to many of them.)
The latest is an ingenious innovation by the good folks at Google.

The Google Image Labeler makes the drudgery of labeling pictures into a game you can play with others.

I can just imagine the meeting in Silicon Valley when someone at Google said, "We have all these images...how will we ever label them all?" And, a co-worker said, "let's put people to work on it...for free." Their conclusion: "Let's make a game."

With a few clicks you can find yourself in competition with a virtual stranger as you race to label pictures of animals, landscapes and snapshots of famous and infamous people.

Sounds crazy, doesn't it?

Well, check it out.

I'll warn you. It's surprisingly addictive.

A (Belated) Saintly Salute

2007-11-19T08:25:00.000-08:00

Today is the Feast of St. Elizabeth of Hungary.

Or, so I thought, for my entire life as a Cafeteria Catholic. Turns out, the Church switched things up almost 40 years ago. Elizabeth's feast day is now Nov. 17th.

Ooops.

So, why does an ordinary, run-of-the-mill Cafeteria Catholic care about what day the anniversary of the death of a 24-year-old nun in 13th century Hungary?

Well, Elizabeth is the middle name my parents gave me years ago on this day. They picked it because I was born on the Feast of St. Elizabeth. And, through my Catholic upbringing, bearing the name of the saint with whom I shared a special day was quite an honor. When it came to sharing patron saint stories in Catholic school, I always felt like I had a winner. Turning a basket of bread into roses is powerful stuff!

Over the years, I've baked a basket of bread or two. And, in that act, I've always felt a bit of a connection to "my saint". In fact, I've set aside this birthday to bake dozens of dinner rolls for our Thanksgiving feast. That's what got me thinking about St. Elizabeth. I did a bit of quick research and was disappointed to discover the "reform" of the Roman Calendar in 1969 meant Elizabeth's feast day moved back two days.

Yep. I missed the memo.

So, which saint IS being honored this day? Actually, there are several. But, have to say, there isn't a good middle name in the bunch.

Wonder how Mom and Dad would've felt about Medana? Or, Mechtildis? Or, Ermenberga?

Elizabeth has such a nice ring to it.

Reciprocating

2007-11-17T21:41:00.000-08:00

I really don't forward those emails that people say they don't usually forward but send to you anyway. (The cynical side of me suspects these massively forwarded emails are fertile ground for spammers.) Of course, that subjects me to all kinds of bad luck, I know. But, I figure it's worth the risk.

One such email landed in my box the other day from someone I care about and pray for. So, instead of forwarding it to five or more of my friends (who wouldn't really want it anyway), I thought I'd post it here. Tell me, there are at least five of you who pass through this place. Right?

The Subject:

RECIPROCATE PLEASE

The Message:

God determines who walks into your life...it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go.

I need this back. If you'll do this for me, I'll do it for you. When there is nothing left but God, that is when you find out that God is all you need.

Take 60 seconds and give this a shot! All you do is simply say the following small prayer for the person who sent you this.

The Prayer:

Father, God bless my friend in whatever it is that You know they may need this day! And may their life be full of your peace, prosperity, and power as he/she seeks to have a closer relationship with you.

Amen.

The Big Finish:

Then send it on to five other people, including the one who sent it to You. Within hours you caused a multitude of people to pray for other people. Then sit back and watch the power of God work in your life.

P.S. Five is good, but more is better.

I'm all over it.

Coming to America

2007-11-12T18:12:00.001-08:00

After months of being away from the Cafeteria, something called me back today. Over breakfast this morning I heard the news that Pope Benedict XVI is planning a trip to the U.S. next Spring.

"High time," was my first thought.

"What will he see when he gets here?" was my second.

His agenda looks pretty heady for a five or six-day trip: meet the President of the United States at the White House on your 81st birthday; celebrate mass at one baseball stadium and attend a game at another; stop by the United Nations for a chat; celebrate your third papal anniversary with mass at St. Patrick's; and pay your respects at Ground Zero. Along the way they'll be visits with Bishops and educational leaders.

No doubt the pontiff will receive a warm welcome from the faithful from New York and Washington and others who make the pilgrimage for such a rare and important visit.

Will he see those of his flock who have suffered abuse from the 5,000 or more of the priests who have been exposed and have cost the Church nearly $3 billion to make restitution for those charges? Will he see those Catholics among us who are deeply divided on many issues including stem cell research, assisted reproductive technology, birth control and homosexuality?

Will his visit inspire those who wrestle with their faith as well as those who stand fervently in it? That, would be one powerful trip.

We shall see.

New Year, New Blogger

2007-02-09T21:58:00.000-08:00

OMG. My first post in 2007 happens well into February.

What's the deal?

Well, I have been busy: work, travel, work, work, work...that sort of thing. And, frankly, there hasn't been much that's inspired me. Where's the Spirit when you really need it?

Tonight, after a frightfully long day that brought to end an unbelievably long week, I took one precious moment to log into my mailbox for the first time in weeks. And, I found this from one Cafeteria patron:

Re: Are You Dead?

Your last posting was some time ago.

Did the GOP do something to you?

Hello? Anybody home?

That post prompted me to act. It also made me laugh. (Thank you!)

I'm pleased to report CafeCath is alive and well. I'm just busy. The GOP has left me alone, as have the Dems. (You see, I don't really fit with either.)

My REAL problem, as it turns out, is Blogger.

You see, it's changed.

It's all new.

I don't know my way around.

I'm not sure I have the time or energy to figure it out.

Not really! It might take some time, but I will - dear patrons - figure it out. You see, I've missed ya. And, I will -- in the words of the Governor of the Great State of California -- be back.

Meanwhile, Happy New Year!

'Tis The Season

2006-11-11T17:00:00.000-08:00

As the holiday season approaches, my thoughts turn to to-do lists, shopping and hearing cheery retail clerks wish me a Happy Chrismukkah.

Not so fast. It looks like things at my neighborhood box store might be a bit different this year.

As you may know, the folks over at the Catholic League take Christmas pretty seriously. They've been pestering Wal-Mart to put Christmas back in the holiday season. And, according to USA Today, it appears the folks at Wal-Mart will be doing more than rolling back prices this holiday season.

New this year:

• A TV ad trumpeting Christmas will air for the first time next week. Wal-Mart also will air TV ads along with the Salvation Army mentioning Christmas.

• The name of the department with Christmas decorating needs will change from The Holiday Shop, which it was for the past several years, to The Christmas Shop.

• Store signs will count down the days until Christmas, and Christmas carols will be piped throughout the season.

• About 60% more merchandise will be labeled "Christmas" rather than "holiday" this year over last.

I suppose that's all good news. But, does it give me any more shopping days?

This Just In -- The Catholic League has launched its 2006 Christmas Watch, a site where you can give a virtual tongue-lashing to any "Christmas Kill-Joys" you meet as you celebrate the spirit of the season. (Does anyone else find that ironic?)

Hey, Kids!

2006-10-17T21:56:00.000-07:00

Coming soon to DVD: A very animated portrait of our former pontiff, as reported by the BBC.

A cartoon version of the life of Pope John Paul II, telling the story of his life and death in animated form, is to be released on DVD by the Vatican. The film, subtitled The Friend of All Humanity, will be the first cartoon account of a Pope's life.

The cartoon traces the history of a man who rose from humble beginnings in Poland to lead millions of Catholics.

The story is narrated by two white doves and animated versions of his personal diary and fountain pen.

This is one of those things that, for me anyway, is equally intriguing and frightening. (An animated diary and fountain pen?) I was somewhat comforted by the closing line of the BBC's report about the film.

It is intended to appeal particularly to children.

You think?

Good News

2006-10-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

You can stir things up in the Catholic Church and still turn out OK. Free Republic provides proof in its report on one of our soon-to-be saints, Blessed Mother Theodore Guerin.

The celebration of a new saint offers a respite from the lawsuits and settlements that have dominated much of the discussion of the U.S. church in recent years, and Guerin's life story can inspire those struggling in their own faith, said members of the religious order she founded, the Sisters of Providence of St. Mary-of-the-Woods.

"The bishop here in Vincennes was impossible to work with, yet she always kept her faith. She held on to it," said Sister Marcia Speth, one of the order's leaders. "In that way, she witnesses to us how to be today in an imperfect, flawed, sinful church."

Guerin led a group of six French nuns who arrived in Indiana on Oct. 22, 1840, to establish a community in the woods outside Terre Haute. She and Vincennes Bishop Celestin de la Hailandiere struggled over control of the fledgling order, and he dismissed Guerin from her vows, threatened her with excommunication and banished her for a time from St. Mary-of-the-Woods. She did not return until after his resignation in 1847.

In that way, she is like many saints who found themselves bucking church authorities while alive, only to be acclaimed as saints after their deaths, said the Rev. Richard McBrien, a theologian at the University of Notre Dame and the author of the 2001 book "Lives of the Saints."

"So many leading figures who had tussles with their bishop or other high-ranking ecclesiastical officials were later rehabilitated. History remembers them, but not the officials who gave them a difficult time," McBrien said. "I dare say that Mother Guerin, as a soon-to-be-canonized saint, will achieve an elevated status that will forever elude the bishop who dismissed her."

Blessed Mother Guerin's canonization is set for tomorrow. Definitely a happy ending.

Had To Do It

2006-10-10T22:25:00.001-07:00

Cruising the blogroll, I must admit I stopped and had a bit too much fun at the Church Sign Generator. Found it at blog roll buddy Upper Canada Catholic.

I Never Knew

2006-10-07T18:17:00.000-07:00

From the "Things I Never Knew About The Catholic Church" file comes this, via the Associated Press.

She stood at the altar in a white gown and veil, but she was there for no earthly man. Lori Rose Cannizzaro was dedicating her virginity to Jesus.

Saturday's rare Catholic ceremony, one her own pastor didn't know existed, turned the 42-year-old into a 'consecrated virgin.' Fewer than 200 women in the United States and 2,000 worldwide have declared their perpetual virginity this way, according to U.S. Association of Consecrated Virgins.

I don't know which I find more surprising: that the 21st Century Catholic Church is consecrating virgins, or that those of them in U.S. have their own Association, with a web site, no less.

I'm going with the latter.

Thank you, St. Cecilia

2006-10-05T22:46:00.000-07:00

With continued gratitude to the dedicated ministers who make music in our Church, here's a shout out to St. Cecilia.

St. Cecilia is the Patron Saint of music ministries and choir directors. She was a young patrician vowed to virginity to God, however, her parents engaged her to Valerian, who converted. They lived a life dedicated to celibacy. Her feastday is November 22nd. During the wedding Cecilia was singing in her heart a hymn of love for Jesus, her true spouse. She was martyred c. 117. She's also Patron Saint of composers, martyrs, poets and singers.

Special thanks to Unapologetic Catholic for the Patron Saints Quiz.

Much Better

2006-10-04T22:01:00.000-07:00

From the AP, via Topix.net: Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday encouraged Christians and Muslims in Iraq to continue their centuries-old brotherly ties as he prayed for peace and harmony in the violence-wracked country.

"I hope that these ties of brotherhood between them do not slacken, while, with sentiments of my spiritual closeness, I invite all to join me in asking Almighty God for the gift of peace and of harmony for that martyred country," Benedict said during his traditional Sunday appearance to give faithful his blessing.

Amen to that.

Say what?

2006-09-16T09:44:00.000-07:00

What he said.

What I'm doing.

Fa la la la la

2006-09-07T21:21:00.000-07:00

More music news. This from the World Entertainment News Network:

Pope Benedict XVI has cancelled the Vatican's traditional Christmas concert this year because he doesn't like pop music.

Acts including Simply Red and Ronan Keating were due to appear at the fundraising gig this December.

But the Pope has deemed the event unsuitable for the surroundings, and the concert will now be held in Monte Carlo.

An insider says, "The officials reasons is that it has run its course but the Pope is not a fan of popular music."

Well, we already knew that. Didn't we?

(Still) Trying To Imagine

2006-08-11T18:37:00.000-07:00

Today in the Cafeteria, we're serving up leftovers.

I encourage you to pay a timely revisit to this post from last July.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

And, I still can't really imagine.

10,292

2006-08-08T21:43:00.000-07:00

That's the number of steps my pedometer has registered today. And, more importantly, it surpasses the goal of 10,000 steps per day printed right below those lcd numbers.

I've mentioned before that I've been working out, in part to get in shape and, in another part, to ward off the effects of too much blogging. Knowing that working out, and finding all the ways I possibly can to make it interesting, is an ongoing feat for me, my husband tucked a pedometer in my stocking last Christmas.

Unfortunately, after a brief period of initial use, the pedometer has been buried in my gym bag ever since. But, after rediscovering amidst dirty ol' socks and gum wrappers, I've resurrected the trusty pedometer and put it to work this week.

Sunday, I registered 6,000 steps. Monday, which included an early morning workout at the gym, took me to 7,500. Tonight, after another early morning workout and taking advantage of every opportunity I could find to walk during the day, I was looking at 9,500 steps after dinner. Way too close to call it a day. So, I headed out for an after dinner stroll down the street. Gratefully, I passed the 10,000 milestone with ease.

I've come to the conclusion that 10,000 steps takes effort. It does, indeed, far exceed the number of steps the average adult human would take on their own in an average day working at an average job at an average office as an average business professional.

While I'm committed to working out in the early morning hours three or four days a week, I'm not ready to make this an everyday ingredient to achieving my goal of 10,000 steps every day.

Got any ideas? I'm all ears...well, actually, feet.

Shortfall

2006-08-06T17:21:00.000-07:00

I attended a college alumni reception last week and caught up with one of my former professors and got updates on a few others. I was pleased to discover that a couple of old professors who were old when I was sitting in their classrooms are now enjoying retirement in good health.

That got me thinking about my pre-collegiate days in Catholic school, and the nuns. There were a lot of them back then. Those who are still living must be really old.

This AP Story I spotted in the Daily News of Longview, WA, confirms just that. It reports that the majority of nuns living today are over the age of 70. These aging nuns, priests and brothers are a growing population. Apparently funding religious retirements is creating a looming financial crisis that dwarfs the $1 billion plus the Catholic church has paid out in sex abuse settlements.

Though billions of dollars have been salted away, there still remains an unfunded future liability of $8.7 billion for current nuns, priests and brothers in religious orders. The financial hole is projected by a consulting firm to exceed $20 billion by 2023.

A June survey by the church's National Religious Retirement Office, not yet released to the public, puts spending for retiree care at $926 million last year alone. That compares with a total of $499 million received over the last 18 years from annual special parish collections to aid retirees.

The majority of retired religious are nuns. So, the sisters are set to feel the biggest blow.

Between 1965 and 2005, their numbers plummeted from 179,954 to 68,634, according to the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University. With far fewer younger novices being recruited, the majority of sisters are now more than 70 years old, the retirement office's new survey said. Even though sisters usually work until age 75, caring for the retired population is a huge task.

Susan is doing her part, joining the ranks of the Groovy Sisters. For the rest of us, financial contributions are always welcome. According to the NRRO, 172 of the nation's 195 dioceses participate in its annual appeal, which is in its 20th year. For more info, you can email retirement@nrro.org.

Summer Reading

2006-07-27T18:19:00.000-07:00

I'm watching my mailbox for the arrival of this soon-to-be released title. It's the first of its kind since the old Baltimore version, which I fondly, though a bit vaguely, remember from my plaid jumper wearing days of third grade.

Let's see, it went something like this:

Q: Who made us?
A: God made us.

Q: Who is God?
A: God is the Supreme Being...

According to the authors, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, the 21st Century version is designed to facilitate more than mere memorization.

Each chapter in the Catechism for Adults includes stories, doctrine, reflection, quotations, discussion questions, and prayer to lead the reader to a deepening faith. The Catechism for Adults is an excellent resource for preparation of catechumens in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and for ongoing catechesis of adults.

At 600-and-some pages, it'll take awhile to get through this one. I'm interested to see how different this new version reads through these presbyopian eyes, compared to the old memorized version of my youth. I look forward to replacing memorization with reflection and perhaps a bit of inspiration.

While I wait for my delivery, I have a feeling I have unleashed a shower of repressed memories from those early religion classes:

Sister Irene: Class, What is Grace?

A Chorus of 25 Identically Dressed Third Graders: Grace is a supernatural gift of God bestowed on us through the merits of Jesus Christ for our salvation.

Like we had a clue then. Yet, I remember it now.

Weekend Humor

2006-07-21T19:08:00.000-07:00

What with all that's going on in the world these days, seems a good time for a little levity.

From my dear friend who sent me a papal puzzler many posts back:

A Catholic man is struck by a bus on a busy street. He is lying near death on the sidewalk as a crowd gathers.

"A priest, somebody get me a priest!" the man gasps.

Minutes drag on and no one steps out of the crowd. A policeman checks the crowd and finally yells, "A PRIEST, PLEASE! Isn't there a priest in this crowd to give this man his last rites?"

Finally, out of the crowd steps a little old Jewish man of at least 80 years of age.

"Mr. Policeman," says the man, "I'm not a priest. I'm not even a Christian. But for 50 years now I'm living behind the Catholic Church on First Avenue, and every night I'm overhearing their services. I can recall a lot of it, and maybe I can be of some comfort to this poor man."

The policeman agrees, and clears the crowd sothe man can get through to where the injured man lay. The old man kneels down, leans over the prostrate man and says in a solemn voice:

"B-4. I-19. N-38. G-54. O-72"

Happy weekend!

Songs That Make A Difference

2006-07-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

While I was thinking about pastoral musicians, I came across an interesting piece at the National Association of Pastoral Musician's site.

In September 2005, the NPM conducted an online survey that invited Catholics to name a liturgical song "that has made a lasting impact on their own lives of faith". According to the NPM, more than 3,000 people responded to the survey.

Here are the "Top 25".
Read 'em and feel free to click and sing along!

1. On Eagle's Wings
2. Here I Am, Lord
3. Be Not Afraid
4. You Are Mine
5. How Great Thou Art
6. Holy God, We Praise Thy Name
7. Amazing Grace
8. All Are Welcome
9. Prayer of St. Francis
10. Ave Maria
11. We Are Called
12. Let There Be Peace On Earth
13. I Am The Bread Of Life
14. The Summons
15. Panis Angelicus
16. The Servant Song - Gillard
17. Pescador de Hombres
18. The Servant Song - McGargill
19. Shepherd Me, O God
20. Ave Verum Corpus
21. Lord of the Dance
22. One Bread, One Body
23. Tantum Ergo
24. Hosea
25. Pange Lingua

Lovely list. It definitely includes a toe tapper or two!

A Parent's Wish

2006-07-11T22:33:00.000-07:00

Got this via email from mom and dad today. Get your kleenex ready. You'll need it.

Go here.

Mom & Dad, Got it. And, thanks for sharing!

Much love,
Your daughter

Say "Thank You"

2006-07-08T13:21:00.000-07:00

I'm just a little ol' Cafeteria Catholic reminiscing about songs I like to hear and sing at Mass -- and, one reaction I get is that I best stop tapping my toes and clapping my feet for fear of being tagged a sinner.

That got me thinking. Imagine what life must be like for our Pastoral Musicians and Liturgical Composers! I can see a parish music director putting his/her heart and soul into the perfect blend of chants and toe-tapping tunes to create a spirit-lifting, sacred Sunday celebration. As the doors to the church swing open to the tune of the closing hymn, I imagine 99.8% of the congregation leaving for life in the real world feeling inspired and strengthened.

But, odds are there are one or two who leave church with a chip on their shoulder. They may have the courage to tell the music director what they think. More likely, they'll tell the parish priest, or call the bishop's office and declare that the parishioners at their church are doomed to Hell because they tapped a toe at Mass. Sigh.

God bless all of the talented people who bring life to our liturgy through music. Please join me in thanking your parish musicians, singers and music directors for sharing the gift of music with you and your fellow parishioners. And, if you have a favorite liturgical composer, look them up and let them know you love their music.

Thank you!

Speak Up

2006-07-05T21:16:00.000-07:00

I'm stepping away from the music for just a moment (and my toe, for the record, is still tapping the tune of sweet liturgical music) to address something new on the net that may be of interest to patrons of the Cafeteria.

The National Catholic Reporter has just launched ncrcafe.org, a new community site that's designed to uncover the truth, "one voice at a time".

Check it out. There are places to chime in on a number of "conversations", from "Spirituality and Culture" to "Ecological Sustainability", and many points in between.

Speak up, now!

Sweet Music

2006-07-02T21:42:00.000-07:00

Between the Pope and Kermit, it seems to be quite the musical week. You know how it is when you get something into your mind and can't seem to let it go? That's how it's been for me and liturgical music this week. Please bear with me.

I'm the first to confess I'm not a fan of Gregorian Chants. That said, I do own one CD full of them, and - in the right context - that music can fill my soul.

Maybe it's that I was a child of the 60s, or played too many guitar masses as a young girl. But, for me, at Sunday mass, I prefer something a little more 20th century...preferably with an edge.

Here are some of my favorites:

Open My Eyes. (Sample it here)
Go Make a Difference. (Sample it here.)
Tryin' To Get Ready. (Sample it here.)
One Bread, One Body. (Sample it here.)
In This Place. (Sample it here.)
Canticle of the Free. (Sample it here.)
Springs of Water. (Sample it here.)
What Wondrous Love. (Sample it here and imagine the lyrics.)

My, my. I feel a hear a new playlist in the works.

Do you have links to your favorite liturgical music?
Share them here!

It's Not Easy

2006-06-30T22:00:00.000-07:00

I (almost) didn't have to take this quiz to know the result. Kermit is my Muppet soulmate...no doubt about it. Perhaps I was a frog in a previous life?

Here's my official result to the Muppet Personality Test:

You are Kermit
Hi, ho! Lovable and friendly, you get along well with everyone you know.
You're a big thinker, and sometimes you over think life's problems.
Don't worry - everyone know's it's not easy being green.
Just remember, time's fun when you're having flies!

Someday you'll find it, the rainbow connection...

Old and New

2006-06-28T20:45:00.000-07:00

One of the things I have loved about attending Mass over the years is the music.

Catholic Report has this interesting story about our Holy Father's read on liturgical music new and old.

It seems Pope Benedict wants to encourage good Catholics to keep the old in mind with the new when appreciating liturical music. Context is especially important here. "Old stuff" is the hit parade of 16th century composers such as Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. "New stuff", as viewed by the pontiff includes the latest hits of the 89-year-old former director of the Sistine Chapel Choir, Monsignor Domenico Bartolucci.

(Give me a minute here. I'm checking my ipod. Nope. Nothin'.)

The Holy Father says that this mix of Palestrina and Bartolucci is music to his ears, and so shall it be for us, too.

...having Palestrina's music and Msgr. Bartolucci's music on the same program "confirms the conviction that sacred polyphony, particularly that of the so-called Roman school, is a heritage to preserve with care, to keep alive and to be made known."

The entire church should be able to hear that type of music, he said, because it is part of the church's "invaluable spiritual, artistic and cultural patrimony."

If the Holy Father's intent is to encourage the music of past while welcoming the liturigal music of the present, I'm all ears. That said, I did a bit of on-line research on "modern day" composer Bartolucci. Most of it was in Italian, which is far from my native tounge. But, I was hard pressed to find anything that we here in the Cafeteria would consider "modern".

At amazon.com, I found a sample of "Ex Omibus Terroribus", a very Gregorian Chant-like tune from the Monsignor. Go here, and click on track #7. "Christus Est Qui Natus Hodie" (that's track #11 here) could be tagged as slighty-more-modern-than-Gregorian chant.

With all due respect to the Monsignor, let's shed some light on some much more modern liturgical favorites. What's the song you most love to sing on Sunday?

Cleaning Up

2006-06-22T20:58:00.000-07:00

I was long overdue for a little housekeeping here in the Cafeteria. I finally tended to the list of blogs over there on the right. I added a few new blogs, took away a few inactive blogs and finally changed the link to Talmida's new place.

My "Outside Reading" list still includes my favorite places to stop by. Just added to the list are Nate Nelson's latest entry in the blogosphere, The Gadfly of Thought. It's great to see that Nate's back. I loved his recent entry capturing the spectrum of reaction (including mine) to Bishop Katharine's appointment. (Apparently not everyone is as excited about it as I am!) Welcome newly ordained Father Pat Mulcahy and his blog, Caritas Christi Urget Nos. Between Fr. Pat and groovy-sister-in-training Susan, it's inspiring to witness the vocation journeys of these two buddies in blog-land.

The "Fill-In-The-Blank Catholics" list has some entertaining new entries. Amateur Catholic is fun. (I aspire to some day join the ranks of the B Team!) Ironic Catholic delivers a healthy dose of humor (an essential side-dish here in the Cafeteria!). I added Lapped Catholic because I would have put any blog named Damned Catholic at the top of my list.

A newcomer to the "City Catholics" list is Kansas City Catholic. Add that to the things Kansas City is known for: BBQ, tornadoes, friendly folks and now a fine Catholic blog.

A warm welcome to all. Happy surfing!

Score!

2006-06-19T19:25:00.000-07:00

If I wasn't (or am ever not) a Catholic, I'm convinced I'd be(come) an Episcopalian. (Of course, first I'd have to make sure I know how to spell that.) There's just a lot about that religion that speaks to me. ("And, vice versa," my Episcopalian friends say to me about the Catholic Church.)

Not that I'm keeping score, but if I was (or ever do), this would be a big week for the Episcopal Church. This from Episcopal News Service:

The Episcopal Church, 30 years after it allowed women to become priests and bishops, has elected a woman as its Presiding Bishop. Katharine Jefferts Schori, 52, bishop of Nevada, was elected from a slate of seven nominees, on the fifth ballot June 18, as the 26th Presiding Bishop. She is the first woman to hold the top post in the church's nearly 400-year history.

Is that cool, or what? Congratulations Bishop Katharine!

Is anyone in Rome listening? Because, guess what? Millions of American Catholics (and perhaps soon-to-be Episcopalians) are.

Much Ado About Da Vinci

2006-05-18T19:02:00.000-07:00

A few of my friends have asked: "Are you going to see THE movie?" (THE movie...like I'm supposed to know which one.) Turns out they mean The Da Vinci Code. And, the reason they ask is because I'm Catholic, and they're curious to know on which side of the fence I'm on regarding "The Da Vinci Issue".

I suppose I shouldn't be surprised at all the hub-bub. There's talk of boycotts and protests. Apparently, even the Vatican has expressed its disdain.

I read the book and loved it. I think Ron Howard is a talented director. While Tom Hanks isn't who I had in my mind's eye as Robert Langdon, he's a fine actor who can be counted on to turn in a solid performance. I do plan on seeing THE movie. I'll have a big bucket of popcorn and an icy cold soft drink, and I'll surely love it.

Reflecting on all of this talk about THE movie, I pulled the novel that started it all from my bookshelf and turned to an opening page that, for me, says it all:

FACT:
The Priory of Sion -- a European secret society founded in 1099 -- is a real organization. In 1975 Paris's Bibliotheque Nationale discovered parchments known as Les Dossiers Secrets, identifying numerous members of the Priory of Sion, including Sir Isaac Newton, Botticelli, Victor Hugo and Leonardo da Vinci.

The Vatican prelature known as Opus Dei is a deeply devout Catholic sect that has been the topic of recent controversy due to reports of brainwashing, coercion and a dangerous practice known as "corporal mortification." Opus Dei has just completed construction of a $47 million National Headquarters at 243 Lexington Avenue in New York City.

All descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate.

The rest, ladies and gentlemen, is FICTION.

A Prayer for Mothers

2006-05-14T09:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Lord, we pray for mothers and give thanks for all that they do for each of us…
Nurture
Care
Teach
Love
Help
Direct
Correct
Nurse
Forgive
Cook
Laundry
Drive
Worry
And watch over us
For no matter how old we are,we are still kids in their eyes. We ask the Blessed Mother to watch over all mothers and give them the wisdom and strength to do what moms do.

Amen.

Found at Elder High School, Cincinatti, OH.

I'm new!

2006-05-08T22:47:00.000-07:00

Remember the scene from the movie "The Jerk" when Steve Martin finds great delight in seeing his name in a phone book for the first time? "The new phone book is here! The new phone book is here!" he loudly and proudly proclaims. He feels like he has arrived. At last, he is somebody.

I'm feeling a little like Navis Johnson myself.

The Cafeteria was recently listed in the Catholic Blog Directory. It's the equivalent of the phone book for Catholic blogs. Currently, there are 775 blogs included in the directory. Right there in the "C" listings, the Cafeteria Catholic is listed between Cafe Susanna and The Cafeteria is Closed. (Of course, this Cafeteria is always open!) What I find particularly fun is that this barely year-old blog is listed as "NEW".

There's something refreshingly official about it all. A grateful tip of the hat to the good folks at the CBD.

Maybe, I'm not a jerk after all. Rather, I've arrived.

One

2006-05-01T22:38:00.000-07:00

Here we are in the merry month of May already. Before we get too far into this month I want to take a moment to mark a milestone that happened a few days ago. The Cafeteria Catholic passed the first anniversary of blogdom recently.

It's been a year since that night when I was inspired by a cup to create a blog about my particular brand of Catholicism. At the time, I felt compelled to write everyday. I was particularly pissed off at the time that Cafeteria Catholics like myself were being silenced as we welcomed a new pope. I had a lot to say. I needed to write about how being a Catholic (even a cafeteria-style version) is just part of who I am. I felt compelled to speak up for those who had the courage to speak out against what they were experiencing in our church. And, I was the first to admit I didn't have a clue about what it was to be a Catholic blogger.

More than 365 days have passed, and I'm the first to admit I still don't have a clue. And, that same spirit that inspired me to write every day a year ago now prompts me to check in about once a week. I'm grateful to the small, but loyal following that has taken a moment or two out of their lives to check in here from time to time. I hope you'll keep visiting. And, I hope I'm inspired to keep writing a bit from time to time.

Meanwhile, here we are once again celebrating the month of Mary.

Happy May Day!

Hand It Over

2006-04-23T12:14:00.000-07:00

News from the Vatican about yet another problem. According to the Washington Post, the Catholic Church has launched a battle against gum and graffiti as it launches a year-long celebration of the 500th anniversary of St. Peter's. Apparently, many of the 30,000 or so basilica visitors each year leave their mark.

Visitor numbers have swelled further since the death of Pope John Paul II last April and thousands daily queue for hours to visit his tomb deep in the bowels of the church -- some of them dropping gum and scribbling on the marble as they wait.

I can't imagine what would inspire someone to scribble on the walls of a sacred space created by Michelangelo, Donato Bramante, Raphael and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Of course, it's hard enough for me to imagine chewing gum in any church. Thanks to my fine Catholic education, I learned that life-long lesson at a young age. If there was an 11th commandment, this would be it: You never chew gum in church.

Maybe the vatican should have retired Catholic school teachers stand outside the gates of the basilica with an outstretched palm and that "look" that says "Hand it over. Ditch the gum (and graffiti tools) right now!"

Problem solved.

Holy Week Prayers

2006-04-10T21:56:00.000-07:00

Found this at devotionalprayers.com:

Dearest Son, where will You be on Holy Monday:
Dearest Mother, on Holy Monday
I will be the son of a meek cavalier.

Dearest Son, where will You be on Holy Tuesday:
Dearest Mother, on Holy Tuesday I will be the son of a
meek Prophet.

Dearest Son, where will You be on Holy
Wednesday:
Dearest Mother, on Holy Wednesday I will be the son of a meek
Pilgrim.

Dearest Son, where will You be on Holy
Thursday:
Dearest Mother, on Holy Thursday I will be in the Garden of Olives
to pray and to sweat Blood.

Dearest Son, where will You be on Holy
Friday:
Dearest Mother, on Holy Friday I will be tied up on the
Cross.

Dearest Son, where will You be on Holy Saturday:
Dearest
Mother, on Holy Saturday I will be the King of the whole
world.

Amen.

The on-site instructions are to say this prayer 3 times a day on Holy Monday through Holy Friday, and nine times on Holy Saturday.

I'm there.

Uh-Huh

2006-04-05T21:51:00.000-07:00

I have no doubt that Mother Teresa was an absolutely beautiful, saintly woman who, in her day, may well have been a head-turner. That said, this is a bit too much. (Where do I find this stuff?)

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Paris Hilton is being considered to play the part of the prospective saint, Mother Teresa, in an upcoming movie to be directed by T. Rajeevnath.

"Her features resemble Mother Teresa," he said, explaining that a computer generated image showed a close facial match between Hilton and the Albanian-born nun.

Uh-huh. I don't see it. How about you?

Seize the Daylight

2006-04-02T16:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Daylight Saving Sunday. For most Americans, this is one day when we deposit an hour of our lives in return for five months of defying Mother Nature and Father Time to make the afternoon sun stretch into the evening. The good news is, we get that hour back on a chilly Fall weekend when an extra hour of sleep seems like a great idea.

For me, these two "Spring Forward/Fall Back" days really mess me up. Now, I can hop on a plane, cross several time zones and wake up the next day with the sun. But, when time changes in the comfort of my own home, that's something else. Today, that "lost hour" has seemed to multiply! 7:00 am became 8:00 am before I got out of bed. Thinking I'd have lunch around noon, I looked at the clock and it was 1:00 pm. Hoping I could get a little blogging done this afternoon, I sat down to the computer only to see it's already past 4:00 pm! It feels like I've lost three hours already today.

Things change next year, as DST starts earlier (in March 2007) and last longer ('til November), all in the hopes of saving more energy, preventing more traffic injuries and stopping more crimes. There's even a book on the history of DST: Seize the Daylight: The Curious and Contentious Story of Daylight Saving Time. Check it out.

The book reminded me of one grammatical "pet peeve" of mine: It's Daylight Saving Time. No "S". And, the calendar reminded me of another: Today the first anniversary of Pope John Paul II's death. Not -- as we'll see and hear countless times today -- the one-year anniversary.

Now, it's almost 5:00 p.m....already! Time to go enjoy this extra hour of daylight.

Re-Membering

2006-04-01T16:23:00.000-08:00

There's something very nice about this story of two Nevada Catholic Church programs that are designed to help "fallen away" Catholics find their way back to the church.

Re-Membering Church is offered by St. Teresa of Avila in Carson City. Landings is a similar program at Immaculate Conception in Sparks. Words like "non-judgmental" and "understanding" describe the programs, which are referred by one lay program leader as a "listening ministry."

The happy ending is somewhere in the middle of the story, with a report of a Catholic woman who stepped away from the church after her divorce. After going through the Re-Membering program, she celebrated her "second First Communion".

Three cheers to this wonderful ministry.

Party Shuffle

2006-03-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

Susan has a great post, inspired by Sister Christer.

Instructions: Go to your music player of choice and put it on shuffle. Say the following questions aloud, and press play. Use the song title as the answer to the question. NO CHEATING.

I fired up the nano, and here are the results.

How does the world see you?
Higher Ground (UB40)
"The less I know the more I want to look around."

Will I have a happy life?
Walk On (U2)
"You're packing your suitcase for a place none of us has been."

What do my friends really think of me?
Heart of Mine (Ricky Van Shelton)
"Shame ain't gonna let you walk back, and pride won't let you crawl."

What do people secretly think of me?
Piece of Work (Jimmy Buffett)
"I'm a sweatheart, genius, restless jerk. Lord have mercy, I'm a piece of work."

How can I make myself happy?
When it Rains (Gretchen Wilson)
"I turn out the light, I turn up Dwight, and I lock my door."

What should I do with my life?
Days Go By (Keith Urban)
"It's all we've been given so you better start livin' right now."

Will I ever have children?
Move It On Over (George Thorogood)
"I come in last night about half past ten. That baby of mine wouldn't let me in."

What is some good advice for me?
Run-Around (Blues Traveler)
"As we seek so shall we find."

How will I be remembered?
Beautiful Life (Ace of Base)
"You can do what you want, just seize the day."

What is my signature dancing song?
Three Little Birds (Bob Marley)
"Don't worry about a thing cuz every little thing is gonna be alright."

What do I think my current theme song is?
It's Getting Late (Buckwheat Zydeco)
It's an instrumental!

What does everyone else think my current theme song is?
Rock and Roll, Part 2 (Gary Glitter) Oh my, I have to admit this!
HEY!
(Isn't that inspiring?)

What song will play at my funeral?
No One Needs To Know (Shania Twain)
"I want bells to ring, choirs to sing, the white dress, the guests, the cake, the car, the whole darn thing."

What type of men/women do you like?
Learn to be Still (The Eagles)
"Learn to be still."
(Hey, I like the strong, quiet type!)

What is my day going to be like?
Simply Complicated (Jimmy Buffett)
"It's alright to be crazy, just don't let it drive you nuts."

My! That, was fun.

Now, I'm off to enjoy my simply complicated day.

Remember. No cheating!

Distracted

2006-03-21T20:58:00.000-08:00

I know it's Lent and all. But, it's also March Madness.

I'll admit, when it comes to NCAA basketball, I'm addicted. So, it comes as no surprise I've been distracted by all the hoopla.

I received the worst news today, though.

My bracket sucks.

Through some freak of nature I'm near the midpoint of the pack. I won enough games early on, and still - amazingly - have 10 or so teams out of the Sweet 16.

But, here on out, folks, it isn't pretty!

The teams I had pegged for the championship are out. I have only 1 team in "my" final four remaining. And, my alma mater is long gone.

Face it. For me, March Madness has turned into March Sadness.

Just Like Mine

2006-03-13T22:01:00.000-08:00

A few months back I was gifted a sleek 2GB white nano ipod. Today, it travels with me everywhere -- the gym, the car, airplanes and all points in between. I even have a nifty clock radio on my bedside where my friendly little nano can rest and recharge, then supply me with my favorite music to wake to in the morning.

Truth is, I love my nano.

Recently, our Holy Father received a similar gift from the good folks at Vatican Radio. According to this story from Catholic News Service, Pope Benedict received a nano just like mine to mark Vatican Radio's 75th anniversary.

The pope's new 2-gigabyte digital audio player already was loaded with a sampling of the radio's programming in English, Italian and German and musical compositions by Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Frederic Chopin, Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky and Igor Stravinsky. The stainless steel back was engraved with the words "To His Holiness, Benedict XVI" in Italian.

At last count, my non-engraved nano had 165 songs, including such artists as Black Eyed Peas, u2, Chris Isaak, Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson and a few podcasts.

Do you suppose the Holy Father would swap mixes with a Cafeteria Catholic?

No Fried Foods

2006-03-02T21:20:00.000-08:00

This most reverent season of Lent began with a bit of a giggle for me yesterday as I received a call from a far away friend who is a cafeteria-style Muslim. Like me, she's proud of her religious heritage, but is -- also like me -- not the most practicing type.

In her call, she announced that she was giving up fried foods.

"Why?" I asked.

"Lent" was her reply.

I burst into laughter. The thought of my lovely Muslim friend giving up her favorite foods for forty days, while I -- the Cafeteria Catholic -- was doubtful that I could make it through Ash Wednesday without consuming meat, was too much to handle.

Apparently, my friend, who recently moved into a quite predominantly Catholic city, is inspired by those around her to observe this season of sacrifice.

"You know what this means, don't you?" I declared. "You're a Cafeteria Catholic, too!"

With that, we both got a big laugh.

Make your vote count!

2006-02-15T22:12:00.000-08:00

At last, voting has opened at the Catholic Blog Awards.

Here at the cafeteria, we are actively campaigning for our friends. (Don't you see those campaign posters on the walls?)

Vote now for Susan for Best Blog by a Woman (It is!) and for Steve for Most Devotional Blog (It is!) and for Lee for Most Bizarre Blog Post (I don't know if it is, but I love his blog!)

A nod to Julie D. at the Happy Catholic and Kathy at Relapsed Catholic (both listed over there on the blog roll) who are nominated for a category or two. One I'm not so sure about is The Cafeteria is Closed? (What's that about?)

You can vote once per day, if you're so inclined. (Imagine if our national or state elections worked that way?) Just do so by Feb. 21st. Hats off to my bloggy friends, and happy voting!

I Think I Love You

2006-02-14T19:55:00.000-08:00

St. Valentine, whose feast we celebrate this day, is widely misunderstood. Found this Catholic News Service report at The Catholic Report. Apparently, the patron saint of lovers has had a historical rough go.

These days, the saint is a nearly forgotten aspect of the feast day. A fact that's most noticed in St. Valentine's old hometown.

Such little significance is attached to the memory of St. Valentine that even in the Spanish capital of Madrid in 2005 only a handful of people visited the Church of St. Anton, where what is believed to be his skeleton is kept on a side altar in a glass-fronted baroque case.

Tough call. It's February 14th and you want to express your feelings for your true love. Whatcha' gonna do? Buy a dozen roses or visit a saintly skeleton in Spain?

Though he may be fading from our collective consciousness, St. Valentine is one to remember. History recalls the saint as a "brave, righteous and wise man and a kind and conscientious friend to those in need."

According to tradition, St. Valentine also cared deeply for the young: He taught lovers to read and write letters to one another, presented flowers to newlyweds and helped married couples in difficulties.

Here's to the life, and memory, of St. Valentine. May he never be forgotten.

Forecast: Cloudy

2006-02-13T22:10:00.000-08:00

Nothing too newsy out there today. So, I stopped by Susan's place and followed the links to Snap Shirts to create the Cafeteria's "Word Cloud". Next, I'll follow Susan's lead and find out which winter sport I am. (Thanks, Susan!)

Now, what's a word cloud? Glad you asked!

A visual depiction of content (words) used in a body of text. The word clouds we use at snapshirts.com are arranged alphabetically and depict more frequently used words in progressively larger fonts.

I had fun playing with the words. And, I hope you do to. I stopped short at ordering a Cafeteria Catholic Word Cloud t-shirt. If you want one, just let me know.

Holy Real Estate

2006-02-06T22:39:00.000-08:00

Real estate, in most parts of the country these days, is hot. Around the cafeteria, property is, to say the least, high dollar.

So, when some friends stopped by the other day to tell me they'd purchased a new home and were preparing to put their future former home on the market, they had one thing to say.

Time to bring out St. Joseph.

Ah, yes. St. Joseph. What? The patron saint of real estate?

You see, a few years back when I was inspired to put my own homestead on the market, these same friends showed up with a small plastic figurine of good St. Joe in tow.

"Bury him in the front yard," they said. "For good luck."

I did as they told, burying San Jose in the front yard, along with a holy card for good measure. Weeks passed. My property didn't sell. No harm done. I didn't really want to move, anyway.

Well, now, these friends want their holy statue back.

I went to the spot in my front yard where I'd buried the small piece of plastic. I dug, and dug. I found the holy card, and kept digging. Nothing. More digging. Nothing. The petit Joseph de saint was nowhere to be found.

Wow. Apparently I'd discovered a dicey piece of data about this saintly real estate deal. If you don't sell your property, St. Joe takes a hike!

Check the web. There's a site that sings the praises of the power of the St. Joseph Statute. As for me, a local religious artifacts store sells little holy real estate kits designed just for the purpose of burying in your yard, and hoping and praying for a high bid. I'll run down there and purchase one to reimburse my friends.

Meanwhile, I just have to know. What's the deal with St. Joseph and real estate deals?

Vote Today!

2006-02-01T19:59:00.000-08:00

I take great pride in my "very Catholic" blog roll over there to the right. It makes for some nice reading material in -- and out -- of the cafeteria.

Now's the time to peruse the list and let the blogosphere know what you think.

Nominations for the Catholic Blog Awards are now being accepted through this Friday, February 3rd, at 3PM Central Time. The event is sponsored by Cyber Catholics. (Yep, they're over there on the roll.) I've already nominated a few of my friends on the list. I encourage you to let your voice be heard, too.

Of course, there is space here on the walls of the Cafeteria for an award. If you feel so inclined, feel free to include this humble little establishment on your nomination form.

Thank you, kindly.

I'm a Presbyopian!

2006-01-28T19:33:00.000-08:00

It's been a challenge to spend much time in the cafeteria this week. My world, you see, looks a lot like that eye chart. I got new specs this week.

They're bifocals. (Gasp!)

Truth be told, they're tri-focals. (Triple Gasp!) These new little lenses are designed to bring things -- near, far and in-between -- into focus.

Uh huh. So far, they're mostly making me nauseous. As my eyes move from one line on the screen to the next, the bottom of my monitor appears to make quite a dizzying move. (Whoah!)

Ugh.

Give it time, my optician says. My aging eyes, he assures me, will adjust.

Such is the life of a Presbyopian. (And, I thought I was a Cafeteria Catholic!) And, as a baby boomer presbyopian, I am enjoying the benefits of my generation's demands to stave off old age, and appear as youthful as possible for as long as possible.

Unlike generations before me, my over-40 corrective lenses have no lines, are apparently quite high-tech, and are packaged in a pair of nifty Australian frames that will have my colleagues mistaking me for a 20-something executive, I'm sure.

While visiting the optician earlier this week, I was reminded how we baby boomers have been reinventing everything we're up to. And, adapting to our aging eyes is no exception.

You see, these nauseau-inducing things on my face are no longer called "bi-focals" or "tri-focals." These days, they're called "Progressives".

Gotta love it. But, first I need something to settle my stomach.

Catholic Casts

2006-01-21T12:32:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how some posts come together. At the risk of creating one giant shaggy dog story, here's a quick look at the path of origination for this one.

After reading that Pope Benedict is preparing an encyclical that clarifies the difference between love and lust (as if I needed help there), I wandered over to the Catholic Report to see if Dave was onto the story. Cruising through his site, I read that the St. Louis Jesuits have reunited and released a new CD. (As a guitar-strumming, folk-mass-song-leading teen in the 70s, the St. Louis Jesuits dominated my religious repertoire.) Eager to hear what the SLJs were dishing out, I traveled over to OCP Publications, their publisher, and took a gander at some of the latest liturgical composers. Wanting to give some of these works a listen, I landed at iTunes. There I heard the music of Dan Schutte (one of the SLJs) and others. It was a nice little step back in time.

iTunes is still relatively new to me. As one of the 14 million people who purchased or were gifted an iPod in the 4th quarter of last year, I'm just beginning to explore this haven of audio creations. My most recent discovery is the podcast. At iTunes you can click on more podcasts than you could listen to in a lifetime. Most are free. Yes, they can be quite addictive.

As a curious cafeteria catholic podophile, I was ever-so-intrigued to see how Catholicism is showing up in the podosphere. I entered "Catholic" into the search box, then clicked on the podcasts tab. About 100 titles appeared, ready for me to subcribe...all for free.

It'll take awhile to check out these titles. I'm called to check out those with the most intriguing descriptions, like the Catholic Bar Fight Podcast:

Two faithful Catholics (one Vatican II and the other Traditionalist) have at it with each other. We have a seriously good time.

I'm also eager to check out the Catholic Mormon Podcast by Sarah and Rob:

The CMP looks at the trials of a Mormon girl and a Catholic guy as they evaluated both churches and ended up turning to Rome.

Some of these catholic casters are long-time bloggers, like the guys at BustedHalo. For me, I'll remain a loyal podcast listener, but not a producer. Maintaining this blog on a very irregular basis is enough for me. (Though, I could pull out my guitar, St. Louis Jesuits sheet music and digital audio recorder...Imagine!)

Interested in checking out these Catholic podcasts? Go to iTunes and see for yourself. Hear something that speaks to you, or doesn't? Please report back here and let us know. I'd love to hear your reviews!

What? No Limbo?

2006-01-17T21:36:00.000-08:00

Of all of the changes I've hoped to see as a Catholic adult, this was not one of them.

The Vatican's recent announcement that Limbo is, well, in limbo has been well documented on the web and in the blogosphere. Lee at From the Back Pew provided fun coverage. I know I'm a little late to this party, but I'm telling you, this hits me particularly hard.

Over the course of my Catholic schoolgirl life, I paid a lot of time and attention to limbo. I prayed hours for the lost souls in purgatory. I collected more nickels and dimes than I could ever count to collect Holy Childhood stamps to save pagan babies. I personally saved a lot of pagan babies!

And, where, I ask, are they now that limbo is no longer?

Were they actually hanging out in heaven all along? To which department were my lost souls prayers redirected? Where, exactly, were my nickels and dimes and Holy Childhood stamps deposited?

While I will (eventually) recover from this lost part of my Catholic childhood, now my attention turns to my limbo-less life as a Catholic adult.

Today, while chatting with a friend on the phone, I made a metaphorical reference to a situation being "in limbo". I instantly corrected myself, saying, "Actually, I take that back, as limbo is no longer."

Upon hearing the news, my friend made a most powerful observation, which I had not yet considered.

"What do you suppose that means for us?" she said. "Is this good news or bad?"

The two of us realized that, over the years, we had found a great deal of comfort knowing that if we screwed up our earthly lives, a waystation on the road to heaven was there waiting for us.

How low can you go?

Hear Ye, Hear Ye

2006-01-08T21:53:00.000-08:00

I thought all of the business about creationism vs. evolution was interesting. This takes the cake.
CNN is among those reporting that the age old question: Did Jesus exist? will be answered by the world's foremost authorities -- an Italian court.

Two men -- Enrico Righi and Luigi Cascioli -- both in their 70s,are battling it out. Both went to the same seminary school. However, along the way Cascioli became an athiest. Apparently, he has a bone to pick.

Cascioli says Righi, and by extension the whole Church, broke two Italian laws. The first is "Abuso di Credulita Popolare" (Abuse of Popular Belief) meant to protect people against being swindled or conned. The second crime, he says, is "Sostituzione di Persona," or impersonation.

Righi reports he has no idea why he has been singled out for this fight. Both men admit the odds are against Cascioli, who says:

"It would take a miracle to win."

Don't you just wonder what a court in Roman Catholic Italy has to say about this one?

Not The One And Only

2006-01-06T09:19:00.000-08:00

If I were to give up the biggest "time hog" in my life (next to blogging), it would be taking quizzes on the web. I don't know why I do it.

My latest endeavor is The Birth Order Predictor Quiz. It's sad that I have resorted to taking quizzes where I know the answers in advance. (I do actually know my my place in the birth order of my family.) But, it's fun because the answer that popped up recalled a long-held fantasy from my Catholic childhood in a big family: That I am an only child.

You Are Likely an Only Child
At your darkest moments, you feel frustrated.
At work and school, you do best when you're organizing.
When you love someone, you tend to worry about them.

In friendship, you are emotional and sympathetic.
Your ideal careers are: radio announcer, finance, teaching, ministry, and management.
You will leave your mark on the world with organizational leadership, maybe as the author of self-help books.

As I mentioned early on in my blogging career, I come from a rather large family. So, the "only child" status is wrong. The rest of it, though, is spot on. Frustration, organizing and worry are steady companions of mine. My friends call me emotional (and they mean that it a nice way) and sympathetic.

As a long-time manager and leader, I'm glad to see I've chosen an ideal career. Perhaps I'll refer the the Cafeteria as my ministry. And, maybe all this writing will make a nice self-help book one day.

Are you an only child from a big family, too? Take the quiz. (Go ahead. What's one little quiz gonna' hurt? You won't waste that much time....)

Happy Weekend!

Unmasked

2006-01-05T18:54:00.000-08:00

What if you discovered that your parish priest -- the trusted soul with whom you celebrated Sunday mass, the baptism of your children or your own wedding -- wasn't a priest at all?

Such is the case in one Austrian village, where the community's friendly Father Axel is actually Gerhard the carpenter. Apparently, the priestly masquerade continued for some 25 years.

The Independent is on the story, which chronicles the carpenter's priestly journey through parishes in Germany and Austria. Early in his "career", Gerhard Vilsmeier impressed many parishioners with his works, and caused a few to call his credentials into question.

A popular figure, worshippers recalled how good he was with children. But when one parishioner watched him "blessing trees in a highly theatrical manner", she became suspicious. On a visit to the Vatican, she asked to check Fr Axel's records. There were none.

No charges have been filed.

I Forget

2006-01-04T19:41:00.000-08:00

In the year 2006 I resolve to:
Forget my New Year's Resolution.

Now that we're four days into the New Year, I decided to give some thought to my resolutions. Susan recently posted a link that inspired me to trust fate and provided some powerful insight.

This one sounds good to me!

Get your randomly generated resolution here.

Baby Jesus(es) Found

2006-01-03T22:09:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all. After a couple of weeks of holiday merriment, I found it tough to get back into the swing of things today. How about you?

An early morning call today from one colleague summed it up for me: "Now that the cards are out, the shopping is done and the guests have come and gone, I'm finally ready to celebrate the holidays."

Me, too.

For those of us who are up for a bit more celebrating, the Feast of the Epiphany is just a few days away. As we approach this last gasp of the Christmas season, this little ditty at beliefnet.com made me pause.

It seems that in one New Jersey community, the Baby Jesus has had a rough go this season. Apparently, a group of teenagers have been charged with stealing several statues of the Christ child in and around Sayreville, NJ. New Jersey police uncovered the statue stash in a parked car outside the home of an 18-year-old who was among those arrested for the crimes against the nativity.

The father of the alleged statue stealer had this to say.

"Michael has been hanging around the wrong people. He goes to college. He's an outstanding young kid."

Uh-huh. A perfect kid...until one day he decides to swipe a couple dozen Jesus statues.

One positive lesson comes from this caper. As Rev. Ken Murphy, pastor of St. Stanislaus Church -- which was victimized from the crime -- told his flock, we don't need to see Baby Jesus in the Nativity to be reminded of the true celebration of Christmas.

"As I told people ..., the most important thing is, we celebrated the birth of Jesus. Jesus is in many different places. If they saw the display and saw he wasn't there, they would be reminded that he is in them."

Amen.

I'm Rudolph!

2005-12-16T21:41:00.000-08:00

He's always been my favorite, so I suppose this comes as no surprise. Thanks Susan (aka "Donner") for the link to this very festive quiz.

According to these very scientific findings, I am:

Sweet and shy, you tend to be happiest when you're making someone else happy.

Why You're Naughty: You sometimes stick that nose where it doesn't belong

Why You're Nice: Christmas would be a sad affair without you!

Hey, Santa! Are you paying attention?

Merry Mish-Mash

2005-12-13T20:06:00.000-08:00

I've heard all the hullaboo about retailers requiring sales clerks to replace "Merry Christmas" with "Happy Holidays" or "Seasons Greetings." Heck, it seems even America's First Family avoided the hub-bub by sending a White House "Holiday" Card.

All good fodder for debate, I suppose. But, this takes secularization of the upcoming holidays to a new level.

Happy Chrismukkah! That's the wish for us all from a faithless religious movement called Universism. Before you learn more about this mish-mash holiday, you might want to know a bit about the Universist Movement.

The Universist Movement is an international nonprofit organization focused on individual wellbeing, social progress, personal responsibility and the promotion of existential questioning.

I just love existential questioning! I spent hours practicing it in college. Then, one day, I had to get a job.

Now, more about this faithless holiday, from it's very own site.

Chrismukkah is the way millions of people experience the December holidays together... with elements of both Christmas and Hanukkah. While you won't find Chrismukkah on the calendar, it's as real as you make it. Chrismukkah is Santa Claus and Hanukkah Harry sitting down at the bar together after a long night's schlep with a Christmas ale and a He'Brew beer. Chrismukkah is a celebration of what we have in common, not what makes us different. Chrismukkah is a state of mind for the season... a multi-cultural, mish-mash of the cherished holiday rituals we grew up with. Chrismukkah is a way intermarried families of Christians and Jews can share the holidays. Chrismukkah has no dogma or rules. It's customizable to suit the individual celebrant and their extended family. Chrismukkah is a global gumbo of flavors from all the December holidays: Christmas, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, Shabe Yalda, Bodhi Day... even Festivus.

Uh huh... I have just one question. If it's not on the calendar, exactly how many shopping days 'til Chrismukkah?

Timely Topic

2005-12-12T13:00:00.000-08:00

Lots of airtime is being dedicated to the death penalty today. It's a topic I wrestle with, I must admit. I was curious to know the Catholic Church's most recent thoughts on the topic. Thanks to Boston Globe Columnist Jeff Jacoby, my thirst for knowledge has been quenched.

Last month, by a vote of 237-4, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops adopted a pastoral statement calling for an end to the death penalty. The 11-page document makes a number of claims. Among them: that the execution of murderers ''violates respect for human life and dignity," that it fuels a ''cycle of violence [that] diminishes us all," and that ''we have other ways to punish criminals and protect society." The bishops acknowledge in passing that Catholic teaching has never banned the death penalty outright or declared it ''intrinsically evil." Nevertheless, they insist, since the modern state ''has other nonlethal means to protect its citizens, the state should not use the death penalty."

Now, I know.

Puzzled

2005-12-06T20:22:00.000-08:00

I've been busy, but that doesn't mean I haven't been paying attention.

This news from Rome a couple of weeks ago has me puzzled. It was well-covered at The Pope Blog. and the New York Times.

A new Vatican document excludes from the priesthood most gay men, with few exceptions, banning in strong and specific language candidates ''who are actively homosexual, have deep-seated homosexual tendencies, or support the so-called 'gay culture.' ''

O.K. Wait just a minute. Isn't the priesthood supposed to be for men who are celibate? And, if you're celibate, does your sexual orientation really matter?

Just wondering.

Who Ya' Gonna Call?

2005-11-01T08:23:00.000-08:00

In Britain, apparently, it's ghosts over God. Found this AP story at CBS2 in Chicago.

More Britons believe in ghosts than in God, according to an informal survey published Monday. Of 2,012 people who completed a questionnaire, 68 percent said they believed in the existence of ghosts and spirits, while 55 percent said they believed in the existence of a god.

Some 26 percent said they believed in the existence of unidentified flying objects, or UFOs, while 19 percent believed in reincarnation. Just 4 percent admitted believing that the Loch Ness Monster was more than a myth.

Of those who believed in ghosts, 12 percent said they had actually seen an apparition and 76 percent said that TV reality shows about the supernatural and films like the spooky "Blair Witch Project" had played a part in convincing them that ghouls exist.

My favorite part of this story is the disclaimer.

The Halloween survey was carried out by retailer ChoicesUK. But since it was not a random sample, its findings do not represent a statistically valid barometer of British opinion.

While I'm curious to know what is a statistically valid barometer of British opinion, I'm more intrigued to know how this non-random sample came together.

I can see it now: A researcher walks into a London pub a few days before Halloween and asks, "Who here has seen a ghost?"

Happy Day After Halloween.

Where's Dorothy?

2005-10-31T21:42:00.000-08:00

I take pride in the fact that I'm a moderate. Apparently, when it comes to states, I'm smack dab in the middle.

You're Kansas!
You like big sunflowers, wide open spaces, and your little dog too. Whether in black and white or in color, you take life a little slower than the rest of the world, and that works just fine. You get up early, go to bed early, and would really prefer it if the Late Show were on at about 6:30 in the evening. Just when you think that this all makes life a little boring, houses might start falling from the sky.

Take the State Quiz at the Blue Pyramid.
I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried.

Thanks, Susan!
She's Alaska. Now, that's some kind of state.

Interview With God

2005-10-30T22:20:00.000-08:00

From my inbox. This is cool.
Enjoy!

By George!

2005-10-25T22:21:00.000-07:00

My blog is worth $4,516.32.
How much is your blog worth?

Combine my "A" in 8th grade math with the "worth" of this blog and, well, I'd be set...for about a week and a half.

Spotted this at Talmida's place, which is worth much more! Very fun. And, I'm glad to say my blog is not funding my retirement.

I got an A!

2005-10-24T22:27:00.000-07:00

Fellow math whiz Susan turned me on to this quiz which asks the question: Could you pass 8th grade math? Two factors weighed heavily on me as I took this one: (1) Math has NEVER been a strong subject for me. Never; and (2) 8th grade was a LONG, LONG time ago.

In the end, courage conquered fear and I took the test.

Alert the media! This could be the first (and last) "A" I've ever had on a math test.

The result: 90%

Woo hoo!

For the record, I will not be taking any "Could you pass 9th grade math?" quizzes.

E-mail Confession

2005-10-14T18:15:00.000-07:00

In the world of snail mail, it's pretty simple. The postal carrier drops cards, letters, bills and holiday catalogs (already!) through my mail slot. I can't miss them. And, if I do, they just stack up until I trip over them.

Email is a lot more complicated. First of all, while I only have one mail slot in my life, I have a bunch of electronic in-boxes: work, home (mine), home (ours), and a yahoo! mail box that I set up a billion years ago and still use from time to time. Each one requires me to log in and see what's arrived. I can't just walk by and see what's come through the slot. Once I'm there, I do more deleting of spam than reading actual mail. Bottom line: It can be a headache.

So, it's easy to see how I could forget another in-box of mine: The Cafeteria Catholic! As much as I love it, somedays it's enough for me to remember I have a blog, much less a blog with an in-box.

Today, I remembered I had forgotten this little blog-related mailbox of mine. I logged on. I had mail! Some of it, I'm ashamed to say, is very old.

My apologies to frequent cafeteria diner MA01432 who sent me (long ago) some very interesting links about the priest shortage and some online course offerings that look amazing, and inquired about my reaction to World Youth Day. (Yes, it was that long ago.) Well, MA01432, I'm on it. Watch this space. I'll post something here soon!

Dave at Catholic Report sent a note of thanks for highlighting his new blog. My pleasure, Dave! You have a great blog there. (I thought I put it on my blogroll, but I didn't. I will!)

I see that Nathan has reclaimed administration of the Alliance for Moderate, Liberal and Progressive Blogs Webring. Many thanks, Nathan!

Steve's reminder of the start of the Online Retreat reminds me to get back to the online retreat, which I haven't tended to this week.

A more recent message comes from a cafeteria visitor who is considering converting to Cafeteria Catholicism. (The more the merrier!) Now that I've finally received your message, I'll provide a prompt personal response. Welcome!

Keep those email messages coming. I'll check in much more frequently.
I promise.

Am I forgiven?

Pictured In Plastic

2005-10-11T21:53:00.000-07:00

Susan brought you Mr. Picassohead. I'm pleased to provide the opportunity to create your likeness in Legos. Yep, that's me. (And, yes, I look exactly like that!)

Reasonably Clever lived up to its name when it created the Mini-Mizer. Check it out here. Just a few clicks and an image capture and you're in business. There's even a Kid-Safe Mini-Mizer, which features "20% fewer objectionable parts."

I love the "mission" of Reasonably Clever:

Wasting your on-line working day in one form or another for over a decade.

Somebody has to do it. Besides, who says making virtual plastic toys is a waste?

Theology on Tap

2005-10-10T21:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's Washington Post had an interesting column about how today's churches are helping people find faith outside the confines of the walls of a church. The article featured examples of church ministry that ranged from aviation to golf -- whatever it takes to integrate the church into members' (and potential members') lives.

Of course, the Catholic church is doing its thing. The column highlighted an activity that made me smile:

To reach twenty-somethings, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington sends clergy into bars. The program, called "Theology on Tap," was started several years ago by the Archdiocese of Chicago. Washington Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick is sometimes the featured guest and typically draws a standing-room-only crowd of more than 500 as he delivers a light sermon and fields questions, said archdiocese spokeswoman Susan Gibbs.

Where was this ministry when I was in college?

Cafe Picasso

2005-10-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

I've spent more time reading other blogs lately than I have been writing in this one. I've especially enjoyed Susan's musings during a very exciting (and inspiring) time in her life.

One of her recent posts sent me off to create my own Mr. Picassohead. Pretty fun, mindless, and perhaps someday: priceless.

Retreat Treats

2005-10-02T12:57:00.000-07:00

Keeping with the "retreat" theme for a moment -- I discovered I don't have to go far to enjoy the benefits of a retreat. Creighton University's Online Retreat is as close as my keyboard. Many thanks to Steve for enrolling a group of 30 or so to go through the process together. We started a few weeks ago, but you can start anytime!

One of the most pleasant treats of this retreat are the stunning photographs by Father Don Doll. The photo above is the "view" for week 3 of the retreat. Following a retreat suggestion, I've set is as wallpaper on my desktop this week. A bottle of wine for two by candelight in front of this sweeping vista -- Ahhh! -- that's a powerful reminder of our Creator.

To see more of Fr. Doll's amazing visual storytelling, visit Magis Productions, where his photos are available for purchase. Thank you, Father!

Ah! Spa.

2005-09-24T21:16:00.000-07:00

Things have been pretty tense lately. Everywhere you look, so it seems, there's plenty of stress and strain.

What's a good Cafeteria Catholic to do?

Head for a spiritual spa.

Just such a place exists, according to a recent article in the Palm Beach Post.

For more than 40 years, the Cenacle Retreat House in Lantana, FL has offered a place of solace and renewal for more than 10,000 visitors every year.

The article recants the stories of three retreat visitors -- each more enrolling than the next. Patti Mulhall frequently makes the trek from her home in Boca Raton.

"You don't get distracted at the Cenacle," she says. "It's like a spiritual spa. When I leave, I'm refreshed. I'm uplifted."

For Robert Patterson, the Cenacle has provided a spiritual catalyst for a life of recovery.

"The setting is so tranquil. It's filled with peace," Patterson says. "It's absolutely a beautiful place to just have some free time. There have been quite a few times when I just pulled in, walked around, sat down, had a little prayer, a little talk with God.

Patterson describes the place as "just a nice little oasis."

Sounds perfect, doesn't it?

Where do you head when you're in need of a retreat? What do you to to recharge your spiritual batteries?

Paving The Way

2005-09-10T17:52:00.000-07:00

An organization called Pave the Way Foundation has designated this weekend as one of unity and prayer. The group is inviting people around the world to spend these days before the fourth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America in prayer.

Please join us in this symbolic cause to bring an end to murder and suicide in religion’s name. These prayers should be offered Friday for the followers of Islam, Saturday for the followers of Judaism, and Sunday for Christians. Followers of all other religions as well as peace-loving Agnostics and Atheists, are encouraged to come together on September 11th to acknowledge the laws of human behavior common to all of the religions as embodied in the Ten Commandments.

In a release issued by PTWF on PRWeb, the group's president, Gary Krupp, issued a call to people of all religions and no religion to participate.

When religion is used as a tool to commit horrific acts of violence, all the world’s religions are desecrated and all people of the world are victimized. It is obvious that governments cannot respond to religious extremists; only the religions themselves can. Only the silent majority of good people, in a unified voice, can bring an end to the terror and death being used as an evil tool in almost every conflict on this planet.

The goal of PTWF is simple: " to enhance the relations between the world’s religions through gestures of good will and thereby embracing their similarities and savoring their differences."

Amen.

Meditative Relief

2005-09-01T19:51:00.000-07:00

It's taken me a few days to begin to comprehend the devastation on the Gulf Coast. And, I'm only just beginning. My eyes see images that my brain just can't quite absorb. I hear stories that I simply cannot believe. I can't find the words to describe it all. Perhaps there aren't any. The staggering (and increasing) number of victims and their worried families are in my prayers.

Last night, I decided to sit in on a meditation class at my new gym. And, there, in this very public, busy, bustling place, something very spiritual happened. After the dozen or so participants settled onto our mats, the class instructor (who just happens to be the director of this very corporate health club) calmly called our attention. She gave a lovely introduction to the practice we were about to begin, which was steeped in Buddhist tradition. At the end of the intro, she asked the group if we would dedicate this "sitting" to the victims of Katrina. We all nodded. So, we began.

Within moments, I remembered how delightful it can be to get still. With our bodies finally relaxed, we were invited to get "connected to the earth" and become "aware of the present". Deep in the meditation, our lovely instructor asked us to set an intention for the people of the Gulf Coast. I did. We did. And, in that moment, I just know that what this group of people sitting on the floor in a swanky urban gym did somehow, somewhere made a difference to someone. I just know.

As we say prayers, and write checks and give blood and whatever else we're called to do to provide much needed relief, I invite you to get still, get connected to the earth, become aware of the present, and set your intention for these people. You will provide relief. I just know.

Working Out

2005-08-30T21:50:00.000-07:00

So, like I've said, I haven't been around the Cafeteria much lately.

Some have asked: "Where ya been, Cath?"

My answer: "Work, stuff, and I just haven't been inspired."

That's all true. But, wanna know the "real" truth?

I've been working out.

After a few months of blogging, I've realized one of the disadvantages of this interesting hobby. I call it TMTSOMA. (Too Much Time Sitting On My Ass.) As a result, I've felt slothful, uncomfortable and sluggish. My weight has headed, shall we say, the wrong way.

The good news is, I've done something about that: joined a gym steps away from work, met with a trainer who's designed an aggressive (read "HARD") program for me, and I've hit the cardio machines or weights just about every day.

While I feel better, I'm realizing something has had to give with my newfound commitment to fitness. And, that "something" is blogging. It's tough to find time to post now and then, much less make the rounds and comment amongst my friends in the blogosphere.

I'll do my best to stop by the Cafeteria as often as I can to serve up some Catholic food for thought. And, I'll spend much less time sitting on my ass.

Meanwhile, your tips to "fitness success" are welcome!

Show and Tell

2005-08-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite "Faith Columnists" is the Kansas City Star's Bill Tammeus. This week's column (Registration may be required, but it's free.) has a "back to school" theme, and encourages us grownups who challenge our faith to show and tell.

Like eager students, members of faith communities should collect their hardest questions and throw them on the table. Keeping them secret won’t resolve them. Rather it will almost guarantee they won’t get resolved. That’s because if we don’t share our doubts and questions, they won’t get exposed to people who may have found a way through them.

Tammeus reminds us that a personal crisis in faith (Been there. Done that. Will most likely do it again.) is a great gift, and nothing to be ashamed of. As a big believer in the virtue of questioning, I especially loved a comment that welcomed such exploration, saying "that spending a life just defending one's beliefs means not growing intellectually or spiritually."

Many serious theological writers encourage people to share their doubts openly. Perhaps my favorite of these people in Christianity is Frederick Buechner, who says that any faith that doesn’t have room for doubts doesn’t have room for him.

I'm far from a serious theological writer, but I join these wise minds in encouraging you to share. This is a big cafeteria, with lots of room. What's your most curious question or deepest doubt about your faith?

Just Clicking Through

2005-08-22T21:50:00.000-07:00

I'll admit I just haven't been tending to the Cafeteria much these days. Besides being busy, I just haven't been inspired to write much.

Without my muse, I've found myself perusing the "stats" here at the Cafeteria. Didn't you see that lady with the hairnet and the clicker in her hand as you came in? She's watching you! Actually, she's quite harmless. She just reports where you (or your ISP server) is located and how you got here. Nothing more.

The most entertaining info in the Cafeteria stats is what innocent passers-by type into their favorite search engine to get here.

Here is some of the most recent activity:

Cafeteria Catholics

I'm proud to pop up as #2 on that frequent search.

Catholic Seminarians

I can't figure out where that search leads!

archbishop san francisco subpeona

That's one way to find your way to a story about no ordinary Sunday

newsletter tears "Connie Morris"

I'm glad to see others are following the latest on the education debate in Kansas

This one takes the cake.

I'd like to know what school cafeteria workers do in a cafeteria.

Me, too!

He's Only Human

2005-08-18T19:14:00.000-07:00

I ran across this story on Yahoo News and smiled. It's so "human".

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (AFP) - Pope Benedict XVI acknowledged that he was absent-minded after forgetting to bless the hundreds of pilgrims who attended his weekly audience at his Castel Gandolfo summer residence.
He said his mind was already in Cologne, where he was to travel Thursday to participate in the 20th World Youth jamboree.

The crowd gathered in the palace courtyard was surprised to see the Pope return to his window several moments after leaving after greeting pilgrims in several languages.

"I ask for your forgiveness, but I have forgotten the most important greeting, the greeting to the pilgrims in the Italian language," he told them.

He went back inside the palace, only to return again shortly.

"Today, I have forgotten the most important things. One can see that I am already in Cologne. I omitted the most important thing: the benediction," he said while smiling before giving his blessing.

The 78-year-old pontiff's voyage to his native Germany will be his first journey abroad since his election in April.

You know how it is....you're getting ready to make a big trip....so many to-dos...It's so easy to forget something.

To err is human -- even if you're the Holy Father.

Holy Noodle!

2005-08-16T08:36:00.000-07:00

As promised, no more posts about the evolution vs. creationism debate. This isn't about that, really. Plus, it's funny.

I was catching up on the latest news from the Kansas Board of Education, when I discovered yet another school of thought: The universe was created by the Flying Spaghetti Monster!

Concerned citizen Bobby Henderson has crafted an open letter to the Kansas School Board to present his view on Intelligent Design. A good laugh, definitely worth a read.

Check out his site. It's a popular spot, with a reported 4 million hits so far. While you're there, you can buy t-shirts and mugs to promote his theory, including the depiction of His Holy Noodleness above.

Also featured on the site are email responses from two members of the Kansas School Board. They intend to vote against the proposed standards, and state that they are in the minority. Both thanked Mr. Henderson for the laugh.

At least they have a sense of humor.

Catholic Current Events

2005-08-14T11:27:00.000-07:00

I just love the Sunday paper. Always have. Even though I get most of my news electronically during the week these days, I still love to linger over all the Sunday news that's fit to print. It's been a habit since I can remember. Mom and Dad always made reading the paper a priority, which encouraged me to do the same. And, my Catholic high school experience included a current events quiz every Monday. So, reading the Sunday paper was, for a time, homework.

Well, I see that Catholics have made the headlines quite a bit this week. So, class, it's time for a quiz.

Check out BeliefNet's current events quiz for the week. Report in with your score, if you'd like.

Me? I scored a 90% Big help that I've been reading the paper. Plus, while I think teaching creationism in schools has serious flaws, apparently Judge Roberts doesn't share my opinion.

Enjoy your Sunday.

Heavenly Brew

2005-08-12T18:30:00.000-07:00

It's Friday! So, we're serving up suds here in the Cafeteria. Here's a good TGIF happy hour story with a Catholic bent, from Yahoo News:

Monks at a Belgian abbey have been forced to stop selling their famous beer after it was voted the best in the world and was promptly sold out.

The abbey of Saint Sixtus of Westvleteren in western Belgium is home to some 30 Cistercian and Trappist monks who lead a life of seclusion, prayer, manual labor -- and beer-brewing.

A survey of thousands of beer enthusiasts from 65 countries on the RateBeer Web site (www.ratebeer.com) in June rated the Westvleteren 12 beer as the world's best.

But the abbey only has a limited brewing capacity, and was not able to cope with the beer's sudden popularity.

"Our shop is closed because all our beer has been sold out," said a message on the abbey's answering machine, which it calls the "beer phone."

And the abbey has no intention of boosting its capacity to satisfy market demand.

"We are not brewers, we are monks. We brew beer to be able to afford being monks," the father abbot said on the abbey's Web site.

Monk Mark Bode told De Morgen daily: "Outsiders don't understand why we are not raising production. But for us life in the abbey comes first, not the brewery."

Curious about this holy sold out brew, I checked out a few reviews. This one, from the Oxford Bottled Beer Database ,was my favorite:

The nose is chiefly of dark fruit, with rich spirit notes giving a fair idea of the strength. The richness continues onto the palate, with dark chocolate and raisiny, puddingy flavours, and hints of cheese, in the manner of a doppelbock. Despite its smoothness, it has a spirit-like mouthfeel and is almost reminiscent of a fortified wine. Finish is extended, warm and malty, fading into a rich caramel and vanilla aftertaste. A beer worth trying, if you can find it; rich and fruity. An ideal way to idle away a cold winter's evening.

Sounds heavenly, doesn't it?

Cheers!

No Ordinary Sunday

2005-08-10T19:20:00.000-07:00

Adventures called me out of the cafeteria for a bit. It’s nice to be back.

Through the twists and turns of my most recent adventures, I found myself in the City of San Francisco on Sunday. So, I checked out the Mass Times site to see where and when I could attend Mass in the city by the bay. San Francisco’s stunning cathedral, Saint Mary of the Assumption, was nearby, with an 11:00 a.m. mass. Perfect, I thought. I would combine my weekly obligation with a bit of sightseeing!

I made my way to the cathedral only to find a group of protesters at the curb. I had seen headlines in the local paper of another Bay Area diocese’s settlement in a sex abuse case, so I suspected the protest might be related. And, it was. Here – in peaceful protest – were representatives from SNAP and Voice of the Faithful – wearing t-shirts with messages like “No More Silent Catholics.” My heart went out to these victims. They simply want to be heard. Filled with empathy and determined to help spread their word in my own little way, I snapped a photo for the blog, and proceeded toward the church.

It was 30 minutes or so before mass was scheduled to begin, and people were already streaming into the church. Back home, most of my fellow parishioners arrive within a minute or two of the start time. This was impressive! As I stepped inside, a red-coated greeter gave me a smile and a beautiful embossed program – much more impressive than the goldenrod photocopied song sheet we pass out at home.

The tourist in me immediately took in the amazing architecture of the place. It is beautiful! As I wandered toward a pew, I realized how many of the 3,000 or so seats were already filled. Several pews were reserved for deacons and concelebrating priests.

Concelebrating priests?

I knew then this was no ordinary Sunday mass. I opened my program. There, in beautiful script, were these words:

Mass of Thanksgiving
For
The Pastoral Ministry
Of
Most Reverend William J. Levada
Prefect of the Congregation
for the Doctrine of the Faith
Archbishop Emeritus of San Francisco

I had quite accidentally wandered into the farewell mass of the man who was taking our new Pope’s old job. I hadn’t given it much thought since the "lucky day" I heard the news of his appointment on the radio. Suddenly, I was one of 3,000 or so faithful who were sending him off to the Vatican.

It was one of the most memorable masses I have ever attended.The pageantry was spectacular. I felt like I was participating in something very significant. Sitting in this magnificent building in this beautiful city, listening to the highest ranking American at the Vatican, I was so proud to be a Catholic. And, in the next breath, I thought of the victims standing outside who had suffered at the hands of priests, and I felt betrayed by my church. Scanning the crowd of 30 or so celebrants and servers at the altar and finding only two women made me feel like I didn’t belong. There, in that beautiful 90-minute ceremony, I experienced the range of joy and conflict I know as a Cafeteria Catholic.

Archbishop Levada asked for our prayers. He can count on mine. He has an important job ahead of him. It was an honor to be a part of his sendoff.

Puzzled

2005-08-06T17:32:00.000-07:00

Reading about our new Supreme Court nominee, it takes about a nanosecond to learn he's Catholic. Do a minute or two of research and you'll be treated to someone's opinion of what "kind" of Catholic he is. (I've yet to see him referred to as a cafeteria Catholic!) Many, from Barbara Walters to the Boston Globe, seem to think the fact that John Roberts is Catholic is an important fact. I find myself scratching my head, asking "Why does it matter?"

"Catholics and The Court", a piece in the New York Times by Robin Toner takes a closer look at that question. I especially appreciated a quote by Lisa Cahill, a professor of theology at Boston College.

Just as with any candidate, his track record is the key thing. People have a lot of communal identities and roles that go into their public stance - maybe a political party, maybe a religious tradition, maybe the Elks Club - and I don't think it's fair to pick out the religious tradition and suggest that will determine his views.

Does it matter? Maybe. Should it? I don't think so.

We'll see.

Thank You, Claire

2005-08-04T06:43:00.000-07:00

I received a Thank You card in the mail yesterday from my goddaughter, who was recently confirmed. The note came in a package that contained a beautifully framed photo of the two of us on her confirmation day. There we stand proudly, flanked by a bishop and a couple of priests. Her handwritten words were simple.

Thank you for being my sponsor at confirmation. I am very blessed to have you as my godmother so that you may lead me down the path to heaven.

My first thought was, "is that what I signed up for?" My second: Does she know who her godmother is?

Kidding aside, it was a touching note. And, while leading anyone down the path to heaven is a weighty responsibility, this is one I'll gladly take on. With her, it'll be easy.

A Messy Church

2005-08-03T18:40:00.000-07:00

My mom is paying me a visit soon. And, it'll be time to return the book she loaned me a while back. So, I'm taking an opportunity to leaf through the pages once again for some of the passages I've really enjoyed.

Here's one.

The Church's DNA is all over the place.

Being Catholic is a way of looking at the world. It isn't simply church. It's music and art and architecture and literature and philosophy. It's a language all its own. Good God, it's even food and drink.

It's also community. I go to Mass to be with people. I never tire of watching them go to the altar to receive the Eucharist.

It's a messy church. Filled with faults because it's filled with people. It's a church that often puts barbed wire around its own charisms. But, as James Joyce said, being Catholic means "Here comes everybody!"

I love that.

- R. Timothy Unsworth,
columnist and author
Chicago, Illinois.

Me, too.

Just Stir

2005-08-02T19:00:00.000-07:00

I hear it all the time, from friends, family, co-workers and acquaintances: "Cath, you sure do know how to stir things up."

We're not talking about my ability to wield a whisk. I'm one of those people who -- when things are just a little too quiet or comfortable -- will get people to speak up and get out of their comfort zone. Yep, when God was handing out special gifts, this was in my pile of packages. And, I'll admit, I love it!

My little ol' "Rockin' the Boat" post has sparked quite a discussion over at From The Back Pew, thanks to Lee Strong, who stops by the cafeteria regularly. I haven't had time to post a comment myself. And, although many of the commenters are frequent visitors here, I just didn't want anyone to miss out on the fun. It's a great discussion!

Meanwhile, I'll just keep stirring!

Drop In A Bucket

2005-07-31T19:41:00.000-07:00

At least, that's how I'm looking at American Catholics today. Previously, my view was that -- with a 67 million of us -- we represented a promising voice (and a critical mass) that could have a positive impact on the future of the Church.

Today, it feels like 67 million may be a tiny drop in the bucket. Why the change in perspective? Check out this article at WorldWide Religious News about the Pope's observation that mainstream churches (including Catholic ones) are dying in the West. Yeah. Church attendance across the North America and Europe is down. That's no surprise.

What's a Church to do? First, look for someone to blame.

The Pope blamed a change in social attitudes in the 1960s for the Church's decline in the West, referring to what he termed a "second enlightenment" of 1968, the year of the so-called 'summer of love' and student and worker protests.

Second, look for opportunity.

Benedict said many developing countries were, by contrast, enjoying a "a springtime for faith."

Imagining the Vatican's "strategic business plan", I could see a focus on building a presence in South America, Africa and Asia. U.S., Canada and Europe might fall under a "milk the cash cow" initiative. (I can see a note in the margins: "Who needs 'em.")

With 67 million Catholics in the U.S. -- maybe double that if you include Canada and Europe, the "Catholic Cash Cow" represents almost 15% of the whole. While some may see that as a tidy sum, as the Holy See shifts its focus to developing countries, that 15% may be just a drop in the bucket.

A Question of "How?"

2005-07-30T17:21:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about excommunication.

No, I don't expect to be excommunicated. (I certainly hope no one has any plans to excommunicate me!) But, reflecting on last week's post about the recently ordained women priests, I recalled that the women "expect to be excommunicated."

That got me thinking.

Truth is, I don't know much about excommunication. So, I looked it up. This, from Wikipedia.

Excommunication is the most serious ecclesiastical penalty for Roman Catholics. While a person excommunicated is not "damned" by the Church, the person is barred from participating in its communal life. The outward sign of this loss of community involves barring the person from participating in liturgy, i.e., receiving the Eucharist or the other Sacraments. Certain other rights and privileges normally resulting from membership in the church are revoked, such as holding ecclesiastical office. Excommunication is intended to be only temporary, a "medicinal" procedure intended to guide the offender toward repentance. In the Roman Catholic Church excommunication is usually terminated by repentance, confession, and absolution. Excommunication offences must be absolved by a more senior official or a priest that has permission from a senior official.

That helpful explanation of the "what" of excommunication also included the "why" -- a list of offenses that would constitute excommunication. My question is really about the "how".

For these newly ordained priests who are expecting to be excommunicated, how will they know they are? Do they get a call from the Vatican, or a letter from a bishop?

How does excommunication work?

Just curious.

Are We Done Yet?

2005-07-29T18:40:00.000-07:00

Evolution, it seems, remains a hot topic in some circles these days. Personally, after not one or two but three posts on the topic, I'm nearing the end of my mental food chain on this one. But, Catholic Online featured an interesting Q&A on the topic this week. Father Edward Oakes provided some refreshing (and mathematically mind-bending) insight. Worth a read.

He addressed the question I wanted answered:

Q: What type of evolution is acceptable for Catholic doctrine, and up to what point can a Catholic follow evolution?

Father Oakes: Well, as I said, if evolution means "descent with modification," then evolution is quite acceptable, since that's just the way things are. Anaxagoras said that "the seed of everything is in everything else," a teaching that dovetails very nicely, in my opinion, not just with evolution but also with the patristic teaching of the "logoi spermatikoi" found in all rational beings -- and, according to St. Augustine, in every identifiable being.

My real worry would be rather about the more amateurish attempts to reconcile evolution and the Christian religion -- which, in my opinion, aren't in conflict to begin with. In other words, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Sounds fine to me.

Done.

My, How Time Flies

2005-07-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

It seems like only yesterday I was posting about Pope Benedict's first 55 days in office. Today marks Day 101.

As the Pope celebrates his first day back to work after his vacation, the folks at Pope-Watch.org have issued their report on the pontiff's early progress (or lack therof).

The site is a project of Catholics For A Free Choice, who admit the didn't expect the Pope to address everything on its wishlist for his first 100 days. But, they had hoped for a better start.

Back on Day 1, the group outlined 8 items it believed the Pope "could and should do" in his first 100 days. The site has monitored the status of each daily. (Sadly, their daily monitoring has come to an end.) The report provides details, but the bottom line is a simple statement that appears eight times on the site today:

As of July 28, 2005, Pope Benedict XVI has not done this.

What has the Pope done? According to a CFFC memo, here's a quick summary:

Made 117 individual appointments

Released more than 90 prayers, letters and speeches

Published a book

Participated in 150 formal meetings

And there was that month-long vacation in the Italian Alps.

Let's Be Friends

2005-07-27T21:17:00.000-07:00

This week's National Catholic Reporter has an article that caught my eye -- about the Buddhist and Christian communities exploring how their differences can create solidarity among faiths. More specifically, it reports on a seventh international gathering of the Society of Buddhist-Christian Studies.

It's all fascinating, and inspiring. My favorite part of the story is at the end.

A disciple once told the Buddha that he suspected friendship was half of the spiritual life. Correcting the young monk, the Buddha told him it was the whole of spiritual life.

In that spirit, Laurence Freeman. one of the conference speakers shared a most encouraging word.

He encouraged the audience to work at discovering a global spirituality, in which different spiritual practices make up the spokes of a wheel and meet at its hub. “After that experience of unity,” he said, “comes something of immense importance for the modern world, which is friendship between religions.”

Here's to friendship!

Rockin' the Boat

2005-07-26T20:15:00.000-07:00

For change to occur, sometimes you need a few brave souls who are willing to rock the boat. Such was the case yesterday as a small group of women literally rocked a boat in Ontario when they were ordained as priests and deacons in the Catholic Church as they sailed the St. Lawrence River.

BeliefNet follows the story of the ordination of four priests and five deacons.

The event was organized by RC Women priests, an international group of Catholics who advocate women's ordination. Participants and many of the witnesses at the ordination said they are willing to risk excommunication because they envision a church in which women can fully participate.

The ceremony was presided over by three female bishops, two of which have been excommunicated. Bishop Susan Fresen of South Africa spoke of her hope to "break this unjust law and therefore change the system."

The newly ordained women called their ordinations a spiritual and political act they hope will bring about change. "We are one step forward to being the kind of church Jesus envisioned," Fresen said.

Here's hoping it's a big step.

Ministering Managers

2005-07-25T11:00:00.000-07:00

The shortage of priests presents lots of problems. But, here's one I hadn't really thought about.

With fewer and fewer priests, many new priests are being handed the keys to parishes within a year of entering the priesthood. These "newbies" are walking into multi-million dollar organizations that face increasing debt, shrinking revenues and a host of organizational challenges. It's doubtful that it's what most of them imagined when they answered the Lord's call.

This AP story at Spokane's SpokesmanReview.com highlights how some dioceses are training their young pastors to be skilled leaders and parish CEOs. In Toledo, "priests meet with local corporate executives to glean their business savvy." In Cincinnati, seminarians study parish finances. In Chicago, newly ordained priests attend workshops on management and personnel issues.

Sister Christine Schenk, executive director of FutureChurch, a Cleveland-based group of liberal Catholic reformers, would like to see every seminary require courses in human resources, management and community organizing.

"Most priests want to be a priest because they want to be ministering to people, not because they want to be a manager," Schenk said. "Most do management badly."

The article highlights one priest who brought his experience as a corporate leader in Silicon Valley to his pastoral role.

The Rev. Brendan McGuire, 39, of Holy Spirit Parish in San Jose, Calif., was the executive director of the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association before becoming a priest. That job took him around the world as he worked with computer giants such as Microsoft and Fujitsu.

"Fundamentally, it's exactly what I do now," McGuire said. "You deal with lots of different people who have their own agendas, and you have to keep everyone unified on the same standard. And this standard is Jesus Christ."

McGuire has brought business practices, including employee evaluations, to Holy Spirit, a parish of more than 4,000.

Parish priests thinking like CEOs. Is it a good thing?
And, what if CEOs started thinking like parish priests?

No (More) Excuses

2005-07-24T08:35:00.000-07:00

Now, I'll confess. I didn't make it to mass while on vacation. (Gasp!)
Maybe next time, though, thanks to this online mass schedule.

Designed with traveling Catholics in mind, you simply enter the country, state, city, zip code or phone number of the locale you're visiting. Up pops a list of names, addresses and phone numbers of nearby Catholic churches and the mass schedule for each. There are links to maps to help you get to the selection of your choice.

If your vacation plans have taken you to Disneyland today, it looks like St. Boniface is nearby. The last mass is at 7PM!

Bookmark it on your laptop, and you'll be all set. Unless, of course, you just happen to leave your laptop at home....

Thanks to Dave at Catholic Report for the helpful link.

Benvenuto!

2005-07-23T14:30:00.000-07:00

I'm back!

With vacation behind me, my first order of business is to catch up with what's new in the blogosphere.

Let's see...what did I miss last week?

Oh, yes. There's a new nominee to the Supreme Court. And, he just happens to be Catholic. (Yippee! Fresh blogging material!) Lee Strong reflects on the news From The Back Pew with his Supreme Court Limerick. Very fun. Chris at Infinite Wisdom found that the candidate bears a striking resemblence to "Otto" from the movie "Airplane". (And, he does!)

At Lesser of Two Weevils, Talmida has a delightful fresh take on a very human way to view Adam. She's also making me realize how much crap I have on my bedside table!

Back at the Back Pew, Lee celebrated his first daughter's marriage, (Congrats to the father of the bride!) and reminds me that after I clean off my nightstand, I really need to clean out my wallet.

Discerning Susan is fascinated with our fascination of her discernment journey, which is fascinating!

Todd at Catholic Sensibility actually blogged during his vacation (I'm impressed!) at home in the sizzling summer heat.

I see there's a new blog or two on the block. The Catholic Report is a compendium of all news Catholic. And, Joy and Hope, a monthly weblog that's "coming soon" lists Catholicism, Holiness and Spirituality's Steve Bogner as a contributor. I look forward to getting to know both.

Meanwhile, at CH&S, Steve is seeing the good in the world. That's definitely a good thing.

Great to be back in the neighborhood. Time for me to flip on the heat lamps, fire up the steam tables, and get back to the business of serving up cafeteria food for thought daily.

Order up!

Vacanza!

2005-07-14T20:30:00.000-07:00

Taking a cue from Pope Benedict, who is taking a break this month in the Italian Alps, the Cafeteria Catholic is also heading out for a well-deserved week of (a much more domestic) vacation.

This Cafeteria Catholic looks forward to coming back in a week rested, refreshed and ready to blog!

Meanwhile, the Cafeteria remains open! (This one is never closed!)
Feel free to visit the archives for the "best of" the Cafeteria Catholic, the blogging buddies on my blog roll, (There's some good stuff there!) or just talk amongst yourselves!

Here's something to think about (and comment on) while I'm away.
What would you like to see on the post-vacation Cafeteria Catholic? Please, let me know!

Arrivederci!

A New "Voice"?

2005-07-13T21:22:00.000-07:00

The Voice of the Faithful just wrapped up its first national meeting in three years -- and, I believe, the first meeting outside it's own Boston. VOTF branched out to Indianapolis for the three-day "Convocation of Catholic Laity" entitled "The Laity Speak: Accountability Now."

A growing recap of the event is available on the VOTF site. But, the essence of the news from Indy is that while VOTF still has a hand in fighting the clergy sexual abuse crisis, it's reminding itself that its mission is about bringing about structural change in the Church.

From the official VOTF word about the conference:

Hundreds of VOTF leaders from 33 states pledged a renewed commitment to a healthier Church at the VOTF Indianapolis Convocation. Actions for change were identified, detailed training was provided, a new Representative Council was commissioned and awards presented, all within a framework of liturgical communion that brought our growing community closer and even more determined to stay the course toward a healthier Church. The weekend spoke clearly for the long term place of VOTF on the horizon.

In pre-meeting coverage by VOTF's hometown news station WVCB-TV, VOTF sounded as if it was prepared to move beyond the group's "anger" toward the Church to a more lasting strategy.

"Anger gets you part way, but it does not sustain you," said Jim Post, the group's president. "What sustains them (members) is love of the church, the belief that the church is worth fighting for, an institution with a moral mission. That's why we're called to repair it -- out of a love."

It sounds like VOTF has a shot of new energy. And, that's good. This is an organization I have actively sought out. But, local meetings have been cancelled. I'm a long way from Boston, but from where I sit, this group looked like it was out of gas. I look forward to hearing more, and would love to participate somehow.

Here's to a new Voice!

Elevating The Debate

2005-07-12T19:39:00.000-07:00

Never mind about what bishops and priests in Kansas have to say about evolution and creationism. It seems a group of scientists has some questions on the subject for the Pope.

From the New York Times:

Three scientists, two of them Roman Catholic biologists, have asked Pope Benedict XVI to clarify the church's position on evolution in light of recent statements by Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, an influential theologian, that the modern theory of evolution may be incompatible with Catholic faith.

The scientists asked the pope to reaffirm earlier statements on the subject by Pope John Paul II and others "that scientific rationality and the church's commitment to divine purpose and meaning in the universe were not incompatible." It is crucial, their letter says, "that in these difficult and contentious times the Catholic Church not build a new divide, long ago eradicated, between the scientific method and religious belief."

Lawrence M. Krauss, a physicist at Case Western Reserve University, wrote the letter on behalf of himself and the two biologists, Dr. Francisco J. Ayala of the University of California, Irvine, a former Dominican priest, and Kenneth R. Miller of Brown University, a Roman Catholic who has written on the reconciliation of science and faith.

Cardinal Schönborn's remarks, which appeared Thursday in an essay on the Op-Ed page of The New York Times, were prompted in part by an essay Dr. Krauss wrote in Science Times in May on the compatibility of religion and evolution. The Vatican press office, contacted Tuesday, had no comment on Cardinal Schönborn's article.

Dr. Krauss, who is not Catholic, said yesterday that the letter was en route to Cardinal Schönborn.

In his essay, Cardinal Schönborn said the theory of evolution, as it is understood by scientists today, is not true. He dismissed Pope John Paul's comments on the subject in 1996 as "rather vague and unimportant."

This could be very interesting...

United Leaders

2005-07-11T09:44:00.000-07:00

Following the horror of last week, here's a bit of good news from London's Guardian.

Leaders of five of the main faith groups in Britain yesterday issued a joint statement of condemnation of the terrorist bombings in London.

In a day of prayers for the victims of the explosions, with clergy across the country and beyond, including the Pope, continuing to express their horror and sorrow, the unequivocal statement issued by Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders at Lambeth Palace indicated their public determination to stand together.

Each of the five read a paragraph of the statement in turn, starting with the Chief Rabbi, Sir Jonathan Sacks, followed by Dr Zaki Badawi, chairman of the Council of Mosques and Imams, then Dr David Coffey, the Free Churches' Moderator, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor for the Catholic Church and finally Dr Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The five leaders are pictured in the AP photo above. The article takes a brief look at what their joint statement included.

The section read by Dr Badawi expressed "our shared commitment to resisting and overcoming the evil of terrorism, which the events of recent days here in London have brought home to us afresh and with such devastating clarity. It is an evil that cannot be justified and that we utterly condemn and reject"

Speaking with reporters, Dr. Badawi added a powerful comment:

"People do things in the name of Islam which are totally contrary to Islam. We will go out to these groups with good scholars to explain to them the true nature of Islam and to argue to them about the theological basis for their hatred and anger."

The article also excerpted a statement from Pope Benedict aimed at the terrorists.

"To those who foment feelings of hatred and to those who carry out such repugnant terrorist actions, I say to you: 'God loves life, which He created, not death. Stop in the name of God'."

There's something very powerful in seeing these five faces of good speaking out against evil. It's comforting, too. To see and hear united leaders of his Church and mine, along with three others, I feel like a voice has been given to my Muslim friend's frustrations. Mine, too.

Hurricane Sunday

2005-07-10T10:38:00.000-07:00

Thoughts and prayers are with the people of the Gulf Coast today. I found this Hurricane Prayer among a list of Prayers for Powering Purpose:

Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, King of Kings:

Show us this day your awesome power and authority as this monstrous storm, this hurricane, sets itself to ravage any way it can, our land, our homes, our lives. We acknowledge the Word of God which says that "all power and authority" has been given to Jesus Christ who sits at the right hand of God, who has been given authority over all things in heaven and in earth, under the earth, and in the sea, to the glory of the Most High God.

Father, we pray in this Name which is above every Name, even Jesus the Christ, to show us the glory of Thy grace and mercy. For you have said you would have mercy, not sacrifice. So let it be with this storm of turmoil and savagery that has marked this area of the earth for its retribution for hatred and deception, whether perceived or real, and let the awesome power and presence of the Christ, in which are found the perfect balance of the earth elements, dissipate and quell, this storm that threatens our shores this day. Father, I pray that you will be with all those who are moving to escape the storm's ravages, its rage, and protect them, their lives, their homes, and their property, as you dispense your merciful grace and peace.

Let us not be deceived by our mental imaginings that your arm is shortened; for it is absolute, and available if we but call on the name of the Lord. We Praise Thee! We give Thee all the Glory! We fall on our knees in Thanksgiving for your boundless Mercy and Grace. We honor Thee with our lips and voices, and we give Thanks that Thou Art Our God! Hallelujah! Amen.

Amen.

Comic Relief

2005-07-09T10:42:00.000-07:00

We all need a laugh right about now. Don't we?

My dear "fallen away Catholic" friend who sent me the purple joke a while back sent me this fun little number yesterday.

Pope John Paul II gets to heaven.

St. Peter says, "Frankly, you're lucky to be here."

Pope says, "Why? What did I do wrong on earth?"

St. Peter says, "God was very angry with your stance on women becoming priests."

Pope says, "He's mad about THAT?"

St. Peter says, "She's furious."

Keep smiling.

Trying To Imagine

2005-07-08T10:12:00.000-07:00

I'll admit, I know very little about Islam, or what it is to be a Muslim.

That said, I've been trying to imagine how it would feel to be a Muslim (or even a "Cafeteria Muslim") today.

If some radical faction of Catholics engaged in terrorist acts in the name of God and my religion, how would I feel? What would I do?

I would be angry, no doubt. I'd be embarrassed, too. I'd be frightened that others would think that I am "one of them", or that others in my religious community are terrorists, too. Mostly, though, I think I'd be really, really pissed.

What would I do? My natural inclination would be to turn to my church.
I'd look to my community: fellow parishoners, my priest, my bishop. There I'd ask what I/we could/would do. And, I would want so much to do something. I would look to the Pope, as the leader of the Catholic Church, to speak to the world to condemn these acts and to defend the beliefs of the followers of Catholicism.

If my community and church leaders did not respond, I would feel so helpless. I simply couldn't stick around long. I'd be asking myself what my religion is really about. I'd wonder if the actions of the terrorists were being accepted by my church. I'd look deep in my heart and ask if I wanted to be a part of such a faith any longer. The answer would be No. As hard as it would be, I would leave the church I have loved and been a part of all my life.

That's the way my imagination sees it. If it is anything like that for any of the 1 billion Muslims in the world today, my heart breaks for them.

Wondering who is Islam's equivalent to the Pope, I asked that very question to a friend of mine who is a Muslim. His answer was that there isn't really one leader. That's too bad. In times like this, every group needs a leader.

As much as I may agree and disagree with the Pope, I am so grateful that in moments of crisis everyone in the world can point their attention to Vatican City. There the world will hear the official word from my church. I can count on that.

My friend said he is frustrated, embarrassed and angry about what these criminals are doing in the name of his faith. He feels helpless, too. My heart breaks for him.

I really can't imagine.

Prayers for London

2005-07-07T19:32:00.000-07:00

For those who suffer,
and those who cry this night,
give them repose, Lord;
a pause in their burdens.
Let there be minutes
where they experience peace,
not of man but of angels.
Love them, Lord,
when others cannot.
Hold them, Lord,
when we fail with human arms.
Hear their prayers
and give them the ability
to hear You back
in whatever language
they best understand.

Found it at Wolf Running With Spirit Wind's Prayer Circle. It's a lovely site with Native American, Celtic, Buddist and Catholic prayers.

This one is a Catholic prayer I'd never heard of called "For Those Who Suffer".

Amen.