Fr. Bob’s Corner

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“For so many, the need to belong is strong but the search can be discouraging and lonely. One may feel isolated, unsure whether there is a place of love and nurturing for them. They do not feel at home anywhere, or with anyone. There is no place at a table for them. Their isolation can be anguishing; their spirit diminished. Every person has a need to belong.” This is a quote from The Downtown Chapel Web Site by one of the priests (Fr. Bob Loughery) who serves this community in Portland Oregon. This Site and ministry certainly deserve a visit, and I especially recommend the Christmas Portrait Slide Show for those of you who are visual. Please visit the site (Downtown Chapel) for more videos, the priest’s blogs, and this very special ministry in the downtown core of Portland, Oregon by the Holy Cross Fathers. It is a very special gift to help one begin the New Year with the blessing of hope.

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A Toronto Man of Muslim faith is inspired by the generosity that Jesus call us all to live. In a recent article in the Canadian Catholic Register he talks of this inspiration and how Mother Teresa more or less transformed his life:

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Christmas Trees have been a part of my Christmas for 65 years. I can’t imagine Christmas without one. Yet, it was only in 1982 that John Paul II recognized the tradition. In that year John Paul II requested that a Christmas tree adorn St Peter’s Square during the Christmas Season, and one has enhanced the square every Christmas since. On December the 4th, 2009 a 100ft tree was put in place in the square. The official lighting ceremony took place on December 18th. Pope Benedict admired the tree and made the following comments:

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Episcopal Priest and Theologian speaks of wishful thinking and the human need for real hope.

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The Vatican is presently researching and reviewing women religious in the U.S.. Many are threatened and even angry for many reasons – why only women religious being a common concern. Be it as it may, many religious orders are in crisis situation (men and women)  with few or no new vocations. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit helps all involved to understand this present crisis, and that it will inspire a hopeful, loving response-answer-solution. One good article on this issue can be found in the Nov. 23, 2009 of America Magazine:  America Magazine - A Visitor’s Guide: How the Vatican Investigation could prove beneficial by Doris Gottemoeller

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Matthew Kelly is coming to Cornwall as part of our Diocesan Speaker Series this fall. Who is Matthew Kelly, you might ask? Well the best way to tell you is to show you. In March of 2009 he gave a mission at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish – Chandler Arizona (Theme: The Genius of Catholicism). Major segments of this mission were filmed and now appear as Videos on the parish website. In The Genius of Catholicism, Matthew Kelly talks about the 7 pillars of Catholic spirituality and challenges us to discover the relevance of Catholicism for modern problems, happiness, and day-to-day living. He challenges his listeners to be the best version of themselves – and to recognize and open their hearts to all their Catholic faith has to offer. The presentation will take place at St. Joe’s – General Vanier Auditorium on December 15th, 2009. For Further details please visit our Diocesan Website.

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I’ve never liked being boxed in -  the black and white mentality that labels you, defines you, and purports to know just how you think, what you like, how you feel, and who you are. It appears that many young Catholics feel exactly as I felt when I was young, and still do today when others label me. If you’ve ever felt frustrated in this way, you should read John Allen’s article: The Next Generation of Catholic Leaders

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New media are not just instruments for communicating, but they are having a huge impact on culture — on the way people interact and think, Pope Benedict XVI said.

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Something like today’s modern day internet began forty years ago. It was Oct. 28, 1969 – the year humans landed on the moon. Want to find out more? Here’s a  link with a short summary and a delightful video: Happy 40th!!!!

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Just Google Sister Louise Akers and see the uproar. Sister is a believer in women’s ordination in the Catholic Church, as many men and women are in this time of complex, ongoing, fast paced change. I guess there is one way of dealing with these confusing and difficult times, and that is forbidding and punishing people who disagree with you. It doesn’t usually seem the responsible and compassionate way, and it is likely to result in backlash and demoralization. There are no easy answers when one is in leadership, but when one is confronted with one of the key issues in our modern church, it would appear that this method should only be used as a last resort for very serious situations. I really don’t think this situation qualifies, and if it does, I think millions of Catholics at nearly every level of leadership in the Church would need to be banned, removed, silenced. Here are the headlines in Lebanon Ohio’s  Western Star:

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It is sometimes difficult in our day and age for many to understand or appreciate how a young man could be called to the priesthood. It is a very special call to serve, and it also can be very difficult to resist. God always lets a person decide how to respond, but the call can be extraordinarily persistent. Take a look at this video from Paris, France. I think it might help. God calls and hopes we will respond with love, faith, and generosity of heart.

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Sometimes when I surf the various Catholic blogging sites, I am dismayed (even saddened) by the harsh critical words that Catholics use on one another. Living in a pluralistic society requires vigilance, if one hopes to remain true to one’s faith. But it seems that the pressure is just too much for some, and they turn to name calling, insults, and all types of derogation, as they strive for faithfulness. If we can’t be respectful of one another, what chance have we of witnessing to the world the Love of Christ? The planet we live on is very small, and the challenge we all face today is living together in love, forgiveness, and respect. This month America Magazine tackles this very issue. Although the article is written for and about the American Church, it still has relevancy in our Canadian context. The concluding paragraph is particularly relevant: 

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Years ago I was a huge fan of Marshall McLuhan (Media is the Message), and Theilard DeChardin who wrote about Cosmic Consciousness (Noosphere). As I watched this Video by Professor Michael Wesch from Kansas State Univ., I couldn’t help but think of these two men. If you have High Speed and an hour of time,  and are interested in exploring the Digital Age, specifically You Tube, then here is the video for you.

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This past little while hasn’t been very uplifting. Problems abound in politics, economics, religion, and everywhere one looks. Pretty upsetting, confusing, and even depressing, if one keeps focusing and listening to the gloom and doom.

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The New Liturgical Year begins next Sunday. As we Light the the first candle on the advent wreath, we will know that Christmas is almost here. Yikes, many will think - so much to do to get ready!! Here is a little video to remind ourselves what we are getting ready for, and some suggestions on how to do it. Enjoy!

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Think back to the good old days when most Catholics and Protestants went to church each Sunday? These are often touted as the ‘golden days’ when few doubted God’s existence, and our churches were filled with generous contributors, and everyone, or almost everyone, professed to be Christian. Now think, was the world any more loving, honest, merciful, forgiving, than it is today. Maybe, but in my humble experience, I remember little evidence. When all were Christian, most felt quite satisfied with the status quo, and felt little challenge to explore and deepen faith.

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Here is an excerpt from an article in Jewish Magazine on five cultural forces that challenge us today. It was written by Stephen Bertman a professor at the University of Windsor.

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Thanksgiving is a time to take the time to explore and count. our blessings, so look around and I am sure that you will find more things to be thankful for than you ever thought possible. Life is such a glorious gift, and when it is lived with the love of God in our hearts all that we see and do in life is transformed. Bishop Fulton Sheen said something many years ago that will help me explain:

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Stephen Harper, Conservative Government, Canada, Election, October 2008, Sunday,

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Religion is a bad word in certain quarters of our society, and the world at large. Some people say: “Religion causes too much pain and tragedy. I’ll have nothing to do with it. It should be eradicated.” Here’s a response from a religious sister to this very question. I think it proves helpful in forming our own personal response to those that write religion off. How do you respond to those that believe that religion is a bad thing for the world?

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Facebook, My Space etc. have some new competition.

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View a video on her life.

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My view of the world constantly vacillates between the extremes of optimism and pessimism, as I journey through the modern world. On the one hand there seems to be a new effort on the part of many to live together on this small planet. Human rights, cultural diversity and respect, new avenues of communication fostered by technology, and the new ‘green thinking’ give me great hope.

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As the Benedict XVI processed into the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington on Wednesday evening for evening prayer, he wore an ermine trimmed half-cape. Why does he want to dress like this, I wondered? Isn’t this the Pope that reminds us that liturgy should de-focus the person, and draw us into the worship of a God we cannot see? Yet, here he was definitely drawing my attention to his attire, and thus the man.

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The fourth commandment tell us that we should honor our father and mother. It is good to be lovingly reminded of what this means, as a parent ages. Here is a little video that is sure to touch your heart: http://parentswish.com/site01/big.html

Strange as this title may be, it does not condone sin, but points to moments of conversion. The following is an excerpt from an email sent by Sr. Joan Chittister to subscribers to Benetvision.

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HOMILY - FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY
2007

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First Sunday of Advent

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 Gospel: Luke 21:5-19 [show]Luke 21:5-19 Jesus Foretells Destruction of the Temple [5]And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, [6]"As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down." [7]And they asked him, "Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?" [8]And he said, "See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. [9]And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once." Jesus Foretells Wars and Persecution [10]Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. [11]There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. [12]But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. [13]This will be your opportunity to bear witness. [14]Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, [15]for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. [16]You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers(1) and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. [17]You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. [18]But not a hair of your head will perish. [19]By your endurance you will gain your lives. (ESV) Footnotes 1. [21:16] Or ‘parents and brothers and sisters’

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The National Catholic Register did a story on video as a means of evangelization:

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Turkey has a new President, Abdullah Gul, and many fear that he will allow Islam to role back the hands of time and create another Islamic state in the Middle East. “The selection of Mr. Gul,” says the New York Times, “ended four months of political standoff that began when Turkey’s secular establishment and military, vehemently opposed to his candidacy, blocked it in May, forcing a national election last month.”

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When the same is not the same National Catholic Reporter Conversation Cafe

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It’s hard to figure out why so many are drifting away from the church at such an alarming rate. Again, another survey indicates that France has lost millions of Catholics in the last 20 years. It seems, as if the west has lost interest in religion, and even God, if we believe the results of this recent survey. Is the west trying to be it’s own God? Maybe our wealth and prosperity since the Second World war has gone to our heads!

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The Secular world is beginning to recognize the need for ethical principles. Read Full Article

Religion does more harm than good - poll | Special reports | Guardian Unlimited

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As atheists assault religion, Catholic experts say faith, reason tie a must - Catholic Online

Catholic World News (CWN)

Fr. Andrew Greely the novelist-sociologist reflects on Christmas and ‘North American Secularism’. He has more hope and optimism than many! Below is a link to full article, and a short excerpt.

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Hope

Advent is the season of hope. We count down the weeks and the days until Christmas. We read scriptures that announce the arrival of the Messiah, the one who will be God Among Us. It’s all focused on how the ages have looked forward to – have hoped for – the coming of Christ, the Incarnation.And what do we really have at all, if not hope?Looking around, I can see all the human-ness of drudgery, expectations, duty, routine, weariness, brokenness, healing, triumph and persistence. We go through these things every day, and we keep coming back for more - even when it’s painful, when we are fairly sure we will be disappointed, again. There are times when we feel like giving up, when we just don’t want to try any more, but most people, most of the time, keep on going. And I blame that on hope.

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TIME.com: TIME Magazine — October 23, 2006 Vol. 168 No. 17

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Hectic, anxious times right time to celebrate Christmas, priest says - Catholic Online

While Sunnis were fighting Shi’as and Arab Palestinians were fighting Jewish Israelis and U.S. Christians were fighting Iraqi Muslims, I was sitting in a Buddhist monastery on the top of a mountain in Taiwan. From the mountain top, the city in the distant valley below was barely a memory, a phantom of another kind of life. Noise and tumult, smoke and car horns had yet to touch this place.

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Catholic Blog Directory

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Sr. Joan: Reflective thoughts on the world we live in.

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