Why I am Catholic

Julie over at Happy Catholic is always good for a quote. Today, she posted one that I think pretty much sums up the difference between Protestants and Catholics:

I should still say that nothing a pope (or a priest) could do or say would make me wish to leave the Church although I might well wish that they would leave.

- Frank Sheed

It brings to mind another quote:

Community is that place where the person you least want to live with always lives... When that person moves away, someone else arises immediately to take his or her place.

- Peter J. Palmer

Makes you wonder if Satan is searching for a cardigan...

Father Jay observed that today's selection from the Office of Readings is particularly apropos:

The cold north wind blows, and ice freezes on the water; it settles on every pool of water, and the water puts it on like a breastplate.
- Sirach 43:20

Bundle up, folks, and say a special prayer for those who do not have the clothing and shelter to stay warm!

I have personally been asked at least 6 of these...

H/T to Jen F. over at Conversion Diary.



Of course, Katie and I would add a question about the method of conception (always something you love discussing with a perfect stranger - or a friend, for that matter).

"She means the world to me"

A week before Christmas - children who "get it":

Children have the ability to inspire the best in all of us. The students at Normandy Elementary School in Littleton have taken their love for a teacher to a new level, inspiring their parents, educators and members of the community.

Two students who happen to be sisters, started "The True Gift Fund" to help fourth grade teacher Jewely Del Duca.

Del Duca is fighting stage 4 colon cancer. She is 35 years old.

While undergoing chemotherapy she has remained in the classroom. Del Duca says her students keep her mind off cancer and provide her with encouragement and support.

This experience has provided students many other important lessons too. Del Duca is hoping to qualify for HIPEC treatment (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) which involves a surgical procedure where a heated form of chemotherapy is delivered to the abdominal cavity.

Three times, Del Duca's insurance company denied her request for the expensive treatment.

Take a look here to find out what Ms. Del Duca's class did about it. You may have to watch a commercial before the video begins, but trust me. It is well worth the wait! Trust me. It will be tough to find a Christmas story that will top this one!!!!

Avery Cardinal Dulles, SJ (1918-2008)

Rocco over at Whispers has reported that Avery Cardinal Dulles, SJ, passed away this morning at 6:30 am.

Lord, hear our prayers.

By raising your Son from the dead, you have given us faith.

Strengthen our hope that Avery, our brother,

will share in his resurrection.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

Sha Na Na Revival

I heard about this the other day on Good Morning America, and it put a smile on my face. If only it were this easy with children!



Now, I am not sure if it holds a candle to talking dogs, but I will let you be the judge!

Quote of the Day

"The peace promised by Jesus Christ is not bovine placidity, but rather the highest level of tension that is still creative."
- Unknown

John Williams IS the man!

H/T to Andie:

Quote of the Day

"Community is that place where the person you least want to live with always lives... When that person moves away, someone else arises immediately to take his or her place."

-- Peter J. Palmer in Community, Conflict and Ways of Knowing

Forever love: Couple wed 76 years die on same day

From the Richmond Times Dispatch:

LAKESIDE, Va. - Floyd Schooles often vowed, “I do not want to live one day longer than my wife.”

Virginia Harris Schooles died peacefully Thursday at 12:20 a.m., in bed at their Lakeside home. Floyd followed about 10:15 p.m. in the room he shared with his wife of 76 years.

Both were 99.

...

“The night before Nannie died, Granddaddy asked when her funeral was,” said Kennedy, who was with both at the end. “I said, ‘She’s still alive.’ He said, ‘No. No, she’s not.’ Less than two hours later, she died in her sleep. He knew.”

Floyd’s reaction to her death was predictable, Kennedy said. “He said, ‘Why, oh why, couldn’t I go first?’ “

The obituary can be found here. To read the whole article, including a link to a slideshow where you can hear a touching lesson on how to stay married for 76 years, in their own words, click here. Be sure you have a box or two of Kleenex.

Lord Jesus, grant that I and my spouse may have a true and understanding love for each other. Grant that we may both be filled with faith and trust. Give us the grace to live with each other in peace and harmony.

May we always bear with one another’s weaknesses and grow from each other’s strengths. Help us to forgive one another’s failings and grant us patience, kindness, cheerfulness and the spirit of placing the well-being of one another ahead of self.

May the love that brought us together grow and mature with each passing year. Bring us both ever closer to You through our love for each other. Let our love grow to perfection.

Amen.

- Wedding Prayer of the Bride and the Groom for Each Other