9-11-07
Greetings!
I like to always have something to read handy—that way there's always something to do when I'm waiting. I happened to grab an old issue of the National Catholic Register (8-12-07) and "stumbled" onto a really encouraging story.
Fr. Richard Heilman, pastor of 2 rural parishes in the Diocese of Madison, WI has founded the Knights of Divine Mercy. As the article states "The Knights is a movement of Catholic men who explore masculine spirituality and are submissive to God's will, committed to growing in heroic virtue, empowered by prayer and the sacraments and engaged in bringing back souls to the faith."
The initial group of more then 80 (yes 80!) men were knighted on Divine Mercy Sunday this past year. Keep in mind these are 2 small, rural parishes. They were knighted with an authentic Scottish Claymore (big sword for the uninitiated) while stating their Latin slogan Deo Submissus, in Deo Potens (The one who has submitted to God is powerful in God"). [Editor's note: Where can I sign up?]
The men meet every 1st Friday for Adoration, confession, a teaching from Fr. Heilman, and a social.
In addition, Fr. Heilman equips each of the knights with a "battle pack" containing a steel-beaded rosary, holy water, blessed salt, a scapular, and 6 miraculous medals(to be handed out).
Bishop Morlino of Madison heartily endorses the effort, and in fact ordered 35 "battle packs"—one for each of the diocese's seminarians.
--In conjunction with the Blue Knights Program, we do a knighting ceremony with young boys that is well received, although I don't have a Scottish Claymore! The above is exciting to see!
Source: "Knights Unafraid to Fight" by Barb Ernster. National Catholic Register
8-12-07
A friend sent me this link—a take off of the PC vs. Mac commercials. They contrast NFP & Contraception.
There are 3 of them available for viewing, and I have to admit they're pretty humorous, while getting across the point. Take a look and enjoy!
http://nfpworks.wordpress.com/
There looks to be an impressive fall conference focused on the Theology on the Body coming up in the Appleton, WI area. (Full disclosure, I was asked to be a speaker---and although I had to decline due to another commitment—it means the conference can't be that bad….right? J
"Reclaiming Eden" is a conference for ages 20-49 to explore the Theology of
the Body, Pope John Paul II's teachings on relationships. The conference will
be held at Elizabeth Ministry in Kaukauna October 12-14, 2007. Hear energizing
speakers and experience the sacraments. Learn the whys of the Church's teaching
on human sexuality, love and marriage. Appreciate the gift of femininity and
masculinity. For more information visit foxvalleycatholic.com or call
920-766-9380.
Although this happened last Friday, it's content and significance carries on. Besides, our prayers are still needed:
Please join Bishop Sartain and Joliet (IL) Diocese Catholics in a Day of Prayer and Penance, September 7, 2007
9/6/2007 12:13:00 PM
CCI NOTES: Please join Bishop Sartain and Joliet (IL) Diocese Catholics in a day of prayer and penance, September 7, 2007 . As many CCI readers are already aware, Planned Parenthood is opening a massive abortion mill in Aurora IL. Bishop Sartain has asked that Catholics everywhere join us in prayer for the promotion of a Culture of Life and an end to abortion. Thanks
-They rightly note the spiritual nature of this battle. Recall St. Paul's exhortation to the Ephesians "for our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits…." (Eph 6:12) Recall as well the Apostles being disheartened at not being able to drive out certain demons---and Jesus' response, these can only be driven out with much prayer and fasting… cf. Mt. 17:21 and Mark 9:29
Will Goodman of the Servants of Our Lady of Guadalupe and a good friend, is careful to emphasize these things whenever leading prayer in front of a clinic. He always distinguishes that our battle is not against the doctors or clinic workers—who we need to pray for---but against the powers of darkness. God bless Bishop Sartain and all the pro-life warriors in Joliet and around the country!
This is a disturbing article passed on by a friend. This pregnant woman in England has been informed that her child will be taken from her upon birth due to the "possibility" that she might eventually harm it. This diagnosis came from a doctor who never met her, yet was accepted by a court. The link to the full article can be found below:
England
-
A pregnant woman has been told that her baby will be taken from her at
birth because she is deemed capable of "emotional abuse", even though
psychiatrists treating her say there is no evidence to suggest that she
will harm her child in any way.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/08/26/nbaby126.xml
God bless you! Phil Lawson For the latest info on St. Peter's, check out the parish website: www.saintpetercatholic.com (You can also find old editions of the Areopagus here)
The Areopagus is a regular email for adults that includes various reflections, tidbits, news and events. Hope you find it fruitful!
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