Welcome Message

Welcome to my blog about Catholic life and family values.
This blog will center around the beauty of Catholicism and how to raise families, evangelize our faith, and fight the ongoing spritual battles that challenge us daily.

You are invited to share your wisdom on these pages with all the readers. Together we will address important life and faith issues and how to enhance our Catholic identity.

Key areas that you will find me addressing regularly will be about important Catholic doctrine and beliefs and how they help us raise strong Catholic Christian families. My hope is that you will learn, enjoy, and be challenged by my posts. You may be informed, amused, or even annoyed, but I hope it will in some way improve your Catholic faith.



Saturday, May 31, 2008

Mass in Canada

I'm writing to you tonight from Parksville, Canada where I'm at for our Rotary District Conference. One of the cool things about being Catholic is how you can be anywhere in the world and celebrate the Mass the same way. I visited a very nice parish called the Church of the Ascension for Saturday evening Mass. It was packed. As I was noticing how everything was basically the same, a few differences popped up along the liturgy way.

Obviously, these are Diocese rules and every Diocese is a bit different. These two were ones I have never seen. First, the second half of the Eucharistic Prayer was performed with the congregation standing. We all stood at the acclamation and stayed that way. Second, right after the final prayer before Communion, everyone sat down - not kneeled - but sat down. That was weird. I couldn't do it so I stayed kneeling.

One final welcoming thing - the priest asked if there were any visitors and we all stood. Not too uncommon except then he led a Hail Mary for the intentions of the visitors. Very cool.

It goes to show you that although we all believe the same, our methods can be slightly different. In a way, sort of a metaphor for life. It's always good to learn from different cultures. Understanding and peace would be great by-products of that! Maybe we can take a cue from the priest and say a Hail Mary for all our visitors. That would be a start!

Vivat Jesus,

Dan

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

True Confessions

OK - I have to confess. It's been a BAD month for posting. May was a time I really wanted to be good at it and I wasn't. My bad. So, as the month of our Blessed Mother ends, you get my confession...


  • I wanted to post a minimum of twice a week. Closer to twice a month. Ugh! June will be better!

  • I wanted to have my Word Press web site for The Catholic Dad up. Whoops. Let's move that to June.

  • I wanted to recite the Rosary every day...not quite there.

  • I'm supposed to be reading the Bible every day for my 12 month goal. Right now I'm playing catch up.

  • I finally made it to confession this past weekend - the first time since February. My monthly goal was extended...that will need to improve.

  • I had high hopes of making Daily Mass - either in person, by radio or TV (EWTN for those of you who don't know). Aaargh! Better luck next month.

Well, I feel better. Never a bad time for an examination of conscience. And, never a bad time for confession, either. When was the last time you did an examination of conscience. As we head towards the midway point of the year, maybe it's a good time.


I'll check back during the next month to see how my inadequacies in May shape up in June. Pray for me...and I will for you. Next game!


Vivat Jesus,



Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Podcast for Interview with Aaron Stockton

Here is my interview from last month with Aaron Stockton. Aaron is one of the founders of the Seattle 40 Days for Life campaign. I hope you enjoy...








Vivat Jesus,




Friday, May 2, 2008

The Podcast for Doug Strauss


Here's podcast number two! My interview with Doug Strauss on February 19, 2008. His touching and inspirational story about his daughter Gloria who passed away last September from cancer is one you must hear. Doug and his wife Kristen have founded a new ministry called Gloria's Angels and Doug announces it here.

Vivat Jesus,

Dan