Fr. Bob's Corner

The Pope’s Lenten Message this year stresses the grace of baptism. Archbishop Mancini of Halifax has been doing brief reflections on YouTube, and elaborating on this grace in light of the Lenten Gospels. We often identify ourselves as Catholics, but neglect to appreciate that our Catholic Identity is one of discipleship, he says. Each Sunday of Lent, he elaborates on a particular feature of what it means and what it implies to be a baptized disciple. The  link to the video reflections is available on the Archdiocese of Halifax’s website. I will also make the individual links available below, as the link might change or be removed over time.

First Sunday of Lent

Second Sunday of Lent

Third Sunday of Lent

Fourth Sunday of Lent

These are the four he as released so far. I’m sure you will find the rest on YouTube as they are released.

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

“The latest innovation on the Internet is the rise of Catholic video podcasts, otherwise known as vodcasts. Through YouTube and other media, Catholics have been able to spread the faith, provide historical footage and draw attention to liturgical abuses.”

Here is an example on ‘You Tube’ of a video on why we sit, stand, and kneel at Mass. Do you know why? If you don’t, this little video will solve the problem.[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/8NFuu6W392k" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]

BISHOP’S PUBLIC CONFERENCE

Theme: “Is the Catholic Church the one true church? “

If you were unable to attend this open and frank conference on the Catholic understanding of church, you will still be able to listen to the presentation by downloading an mp3 of the bishop’s talk. He explores a recent Vatican statement on the One true Church of Jesus Christ and how the Church of Christ subsists in the Catholic Church. Towards the end of his presentation he makes the point that, as Catholics, we must be clear about what we mean and say, if we truly wish to enter into dialogue with other people of faith. He also answers questions from the audience participating in this evening at Marguerite Bourgeoy’s Centre. (Presentation was given on Oct. 7th, 2007 at Marguerite Bourgeoy Centre, Cornwall, Ontario, Canada).

Download File

(You will need high speed internet)

http://audio.ccrso.org/durocher.html

In November Bishop Paul Andre will give a talk on the Eucharistic Congress,and what a Congress is all about.

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THE Catholic Church is still not serious about confronting sexual abuse, only “managing” it, according to the Sydney bishop who headed Australian efforts to tackle abuse.

Bishop Geoffrey Robinson says the Catholic Church needs to reverse 2000 years of teaching on sex and power as part of radical reforms from the Pope down.

While it (Catholic Church) refuses to look at some fundamental teachings — including sex outside marriage, women priests, homosexuality and papal power — the culture that produced and protected abusers will continue, he says.

These explosive claims — unprecedented for a bishop — are in a book he wrote  (just published): Confronting Power and Sex in the Catholic Church.

Bishop Robinson, age 70, who himself was abused as a child, spoke about his  life and beliefs on Australian Broadcasting Corporation at the end of August.  Some say he is a heretic, others think he is a radical mis-content, and others consider him a prophet. If you would like to read or hear his account of the book and why he wrote it, go to this link for Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

Bishop Robinson Mp3

VATICAN RADIO – OFFICIAL WEB SITE: “Pope Benedict XVI expresses hope new document on Eucharist would revitalize piety “