Catholic Carnival #97

Here it is

Saint of the Year

Visit Moneybags at A Catholic Life to learn more about this devotion.

Catholic Carnival is up

Catholic Carnival

Update on Luukas and Rosa

Baby Luukas is going for a vision exam on December 12th.

From Luukas' mom:

On 13 December Luukas has an appointment in the eye clinic in Helsinki. It is the day of St Lucy, the patroness of people with seeing difficulties. I hope this is not a coincidence. Please, join us and pray the following novena from 4 to 12 December, preceding the appointment day. On 6 December, I ask you to say a little prayer to St. Nicolas on his day, too. He is the saint I have been praying to for Luukas' vision the most.

NOVENA TO SAINT LUCY
(For Perfect Vision)

Relying on Your goodness, O God,
we humbly ask You,
through the intercession of Saint Lucy,
virgin and martyr,
to give perfect vision to our eyes,
that they may serve for Your greater honour and glory.

Saint Lucy,
hear our prayers
and obtain our petitions.

Amen

Also, Rosa has been diagnosed with epilepsy. Please keep her in your prayers.

Luukas has a blog! Luukas' Story

Possible 2nd miracle attributed to John Paul II

Miracle attributed to John Paul II

Extraordinary ministers of Eucharist barred from purifying vessels

I saw this when it was originally posted over a week ago. I didn't get around to putting it up then.

From Catholic News Service:

At the direction of Pope Benedict XVI, extraordinary ministers of holy Communion will no longer be permitted to assist in the purification of the sacred vessels at Masses in the United States. Read Entire Article

UK Docs: "Active Euthanasia" on Disabled Newborns Will Cut Abortion Rates

From LifeSite.net:

Britain's Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecology has put forth a proposal calling for the active euthanasia of babies born with serious health problems, the Times reported Sunday. One argument the doctors are using is that the possibility of killing newborns after birth will reduce "late abortions".

The college is arguing that medical advances which allow severely disabled babies to survive more often and with longer life spans make the option of "active euthanasia" necessary for the wellbeing of families.

"A very disabled child can mean a disabled family," the proposal said. "If life-shortening and deliberate interventions to kill infants were available, they might have an impact on obstetric decision-making, even preventing some late abortions, as some parents would be more confident about continuing a pregnancy and taking a risk on outcome."Read Entire Article

Are they really making this arguement? What person in their right mind proposes killing newborns as a way to stop late term abortions? Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't doctors supposed to help preserve life? To many in the medical profession have become power manic monsters with a god complex. As we pray for all children, both born and unborn, let us also pray for those doctors who recognize the sanctity of life and thier duty to protect it and pray that more who share thier convictions will join their ranks.

I'm back and I'm an uncle!

I was away all last week. I spent the week at home seeing my new nephew. Andrew Luke was born at 11:21 pm on October 31st and weighed 7 lbs. 13 ozs. and was 19.5 inches long.

US Bishops Set to Tell Catholics Opposed to Teaching on Abortion or Homosexuality not to Receive Communion

From LifeSite News:

The U.S. bishops will vote on a proposed document, "Happy Are Those Who Are Called To His Supper: On Preparing To Receive Christ Worthily in the Eucharist" during their annual November meeting in Baltimore, Nov. 13-16.

The document, addressed to all the faithful, points out that Catholics may not receive communion if they do not accept Church teaching on matters such as abortion and homosexuality. Catholics should refrain from Holy Communion, says the document, "when they lack adherence to what the Church authoritatively teaches on matters of faith and morals."

The document is designed to help Catholics properly prepare to receive Holy Communion. It is organized as a series of questions and answers, and explores topics such as what the Catholic Church believes about the Eucharist, who may receive Holy Communion, and how Catholics can prepare to receive the sacrament more worthily. Read Entire Article

It will be interesting to see what comes of this. I think that the Church's teaching on the reception of the Eucharist needs to be highlighted much more. We need more priests and bishops like the one's I've found in the parish that I've been attending since my recent move.

I had a priest specifically ask me if I had received the Eucharist while in a state of sin during a recent visit to the confessional. There's no getting off the hook in this parish! Thankfully, I was able to tell him that no I had not received while being conscious of grave sin. It would be nice to see more priests and bishops step up with some tough spiritual directing.

Pray the Rosary for Pope Benedict XVI

Join in praying the rosary for Pope Benedict XVI as he prepares for his trip to Turkey on Nov. 28-Dec. 1.

Thanks to Moneybags at A Catholic Life

Feel free to copy this image and post it on your blog.

Luukas and Betuska

Luukas has had test ran on his hearing and eyesight. His parents are awaiting the results. Early indications point to some problems but their severity is not yet known.

I'm also adding Baby Betuska to the "Babies of the World" prayer list. Betuska is being treated in a hospital in Prague. At first it seemed that she was developing allergies to almost every food they tried to give her. Now it seems that she is actually suffering from some type of disease. Her doctors are searching for similar cases to try to figure out treatment. Please add her to your prayers.

I'm still here

I apologize for not updating the blog much recently. I have lost focus lately. With a new job, living in a new state, meeting new people, etc. I have lost sight of what is important. It seems like I've been put to a spiritual test. One, that to this point, I have been failing miserably. Today's gospel and homily seemed to be a well timed reminder that we have to shrug off the baggage that is weighing us down and follow Christ will all of our being. I think it's a real sign of God's love and power that just when you need a swift kick there is Christ speaking TO YOU through the Gospel and others such as the priest delivering today's homily.

Catholic Carnival is up

Catholic Carnival #88

Luukas updates

Luukas is battling a virus in his throat. He will be having neurological tests this week. Keep him in your prayers.

Catholic Carnival is up

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