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MyCatholicSource.com Newsletter - January, 2009
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IN THIS ISSUE:
* New Year's Greetings
* 'Fun Catholic Trivia'
* A Pro-Life Reminder
* Prayer Resources
* MCS News & Notes
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Dear Friend,
We send our best wishes for a blessed and holy new year!
Whether or not you made resolutions for this year, might we suggest making some resolutions for the spiritual life? Given the political and economic climate, it seems especially important to focus on what is truly important this year - the life and health of the soul.
Rather than repeat the many good tips & suggestions submitted by visitors, please allow us to direct you to the Increase Holiness Section at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/increase_holiness.htm. We warmly invite you to view the many good ideas from other visitors and also to submit your own good ideas. (Note: Select "View Tips" to view user posts and "Share Your Tips" to submit your ideas.)
Also, if you have already made 'spiritual resolutions', perhaps the following resources may be of assistance...
* Learn more about the faith - Try the Catholic Basics Section at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/catholic_basics.htm and the Sacraments Section at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/sacraments.htm
* Deepen your prayer life - Please see "Prayer Resources" below
* Do more spiritual reading - Try the Catholic Book Review & Exchange Section at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/book_review_and_exchange.htm
* Help a loved one convert - Try the Coming Home Section at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/coming_home.htm and the Non-Catholics Section at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/non-catholics.htm (great for Catholics too!)
* Live as a more faithful Catholic - Try the Catholic Life Section at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/catholic_life.htm
* Defend the sanctity of life - Try Catholic Life / The Gift of Life at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_life/the_gift_of_life.htm [Note: Topics include abortion, contraception, euthanasia, the myth of overpopulation]
* Strengthen your faith - Try the 'Feed Your Faith' Section at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/feed_your_faith.htm
* Defend your faith - Try the Non-Catholics (apologetics) Section at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/non-catholics.htm
* Develop a holy fear - Try "Tough Love in the New Testament" at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/nt_tough_love.htm, Topical Scripture: Fear of the Lord at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/pcst/topical_scripture_F7.htm, and Hell / Eternal Damnation Reflections at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/catholic_basics_reflections_hell.htm
* Prepare in advance for a happy, holy death - Try "Suffering & Death" Article at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_life/cathlife_suffering.htm, Suffering/Death Reflections at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/catholic_life_reflections_suffering_death.htm, Prayers For Final Perseverance / Happy Death at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_final_perseverance_happy_death.htm
* Increase Marian devotion - Try the Mary, Our Mother Section at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/mary_our_mother.htm
* Learn from Popes / Saints - Try Reflections at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/reflections_categorized.htm
* Engage in Catholic recreational activities - Try the Catholic Fun & Activities Section at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/catholic_fun_and_activities.htm and the Catholic Life Section at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/catholic_life.htm
Please also share your ideas / suggestions / tips / stories / experiences / etc. with others by adding your own post in the various sections at MyCatholicSource.com (look for "Add post" link in each applicable section). Your advice might be able to help others.
Thanks for all your efforts this year to build up the reign of Christ, our King.
May God bless you always.
Prayer to Be Faithful to One's Resolutions
Grant, O Lord, that I may be faithful to my resolutions. Alas! I cannot depend upon myself, incapable as I am of fulfilling the least commitment. But I confide in Thee alone, Who art Goodness and infinite Mercy and Who cannot fail in Thy promises. O Supreme Goodness, when I failed, the failure was on my side! Henceforth, I desire Thee to act in me. Grant, O Lord, that I may keep my resolutions exactly and without fault. I firmly hope this from Thee, O Thou inexhaustible Treasure! (St. Gerard Majella)
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'Fun Catholic Trivia'
We hope you enjoy the following Catholic trivia questions...
Who said the following...? (Note: Answers below)
1. "Moderation is always good in all exercises, except in that of loving God."
2. "When the bad are punished, others become better."
3. "Not to oppose error is to approve it; and not to defend truth is to suppress it."
4. "We must remember that all incapacity and distress is sent to us by God. Life and death, health and sickness, are all ordered by Him; and in whatever form they come, it is always to help us and for our good."
5. "[F]or it is one of the most painful and grievous sights to see so many souls, redeemed by the blood of Christ, snatched from salvation by the whirlwind of an age of error, precipitated into the abyss of eternal death."
6. "You have the Eucharist. What more do you want?"
7. "Fly from bad companions as from the bite of a poisonous snake."
8. "And it is vain to hope that the blessing of heaven will descend abundantly upon us, when our homage to the Most High, instead of ascending in the odor of sweetness, puts into the hand of the Lord the scourges wherewith of old the Divine Redeemer drove the unworthy profaners from the Temple."
9. "The cross is a sure sign that he loves you."
10. "It is by battles against hell and by resistance to temptations that we give God proofs of our love."
11. "All who wish to reach salvation outside the Church are mistaken as to the way and are engaged in a futile effort."
12. "Let nothing disturb you, nothing frighten you; all things are passing; God never changes."
13. "[W]e know from experience that, in the dispensation of Divine Providence, when evils reach their limit, deliverance is not far distant."
14. "The love of God is fostered by good works."
15. "If you want to stay close to God, you must not be sullied by any of the vices of this world."
Answers:
1. St. Francis de Sales, Doctor of the Church
2. St. John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church
3. Pope St. Felix III
4. St. Vincent de Paul
5. Pope Leo XIII, "Supremi Apostolatus Officio", 1883 A.D.
6. St. Peter Julian Eymard
7. St. John Bosco
8. Pope St. Pius X, "Inter Sollicitudines", 1905 A.D.
9. St. Louis de Montfort
10. St. John Vianney
11. Pope Leo XIII
12. St. Teresa of Avila, Doctor of the Church
13. Pope St. Pius X, "Ad Diem Illum Laetissimum", 1904 A.D.
14. Pope St. Leo the Great, Doctor of the Church
15. St. Basil the Great, Doctor of the Church
Note: For thousands more quotations from popes / saints / Scripture / councils / etc. - conveniently arranged alphabetically & by section - visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/reflections.htm
Which Pope...? (Note: Answers found online - see http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/vatican.htm)
1. Introduced blessing with holy water combined with salt
2. Is credited with convincing Constantine IV to give up the privilege of confirming a newly elected pope
3. Is credited with instituting the feast of the Holy Trinity on the Sunday after Pentecost
4. Publicly burned anathema of antipope Dioscorus
5. Is credited with prescribing standing for Gospel readings
Can You Define the Following Terms? (Note: Answers found online - see http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_basics/catholic_basics_definitions.htm)
1. Kalends
2. Consistory
3. Vespers
4. Apologetics
5. Doxology
Note: For Catholic Fun & Activities, visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/catholic_fun_and_activities.htm
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A Pro-Life Reminder
The month of January marks another anniversary in the terrible tragedy of so-called 'legalized' abortion. Please pray for an end to this horrible scourge on our nation which has taken the lives of so many of our brothers and sisters.
We hope you may find the following resources helpful. Please be warned, however, that some may be (necessarily) graphic.
* The Scope of Abortion - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_life/the_scope_of_abortion.htm
* Is Abortion Really a 'Right' or a 'Choice'? - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_life/is_abortion_really_a_right_or_a_choice.htm
* Calling Abortion By Its True Name - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_life/calling_abortion_by_its_true_name.htm
* Abortion Kills - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_life/abortion_kills.htm
* The Unborn Baby - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_life/the_unborn_baby.htm
* Abortion is a Grave Sin - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_life/abortion_is_a_grave_sin.htm
* Abortion: Its Risks & Aftermath - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_life/abortion_risks_and_aftermath.htm
* Abortion Misinformation - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_life/abortion_misinformation.htm
* The Abortion Procedure - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_life/the_abortion_procedure.htm
* Abortion & Child Abuse - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_life/abortion_and_child_abuse.htm
* Abortion & Rape - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_life/abortion_and_rape.htm
* Other Thoughts on Abortion - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_life/other_thoughts_on_abortion.htm
* There is Help for Women Considering Abortion - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_life/help_for_women_considering_abortion.htm
* Adoption: The Loving Choice - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_life/adoption.htm
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Prayer Resources
According to the saints, it seems impossible to overstate the importance of prayer...
+ "Those who pray are certainly saved; those who do not pray are certainly damned." (St. Alphonsus, Doctor of the Church)
+ "There is, in fact, such a necessary link between holiness and prayer that the one cannot exist without the other." (Pope St. Pius X, "Haerent Animo", 1908)
+ "All the damned are in hell because they have stopped praying!... They would not be there had they not stopped praying. " (St. Alphonsus, Doctor of the Church)
+ "All the saints are in heaven because they have prayed much. They would be less holy if they had prayed less, and they would not have been there at all, if they had not prayed " (St. Alphonsus, Doctor of the Church)
+ "As our body cannot live without nourishment, so our soul cannot spiritually be kept alive without prayer." (St. Alphonsus, Doctor of the Church)
+ "There is no duty which Christ and His Apostles more emphatically urged by both precept and example than that of prayer and supplication to Almighty God. The Fathers and Doctors in subsequent times have taught that this is a matter of such grave necessity, that if men neglect it they hope in vain for eternal salvation." (Pope Leo XIII, "Fidentem Piumque Animum", 1896)
Therefore, we hope the following resources may help you in your efforts to deepen your prayer life this year...
* 1,000+ Prayers - Categorized alphabetically & by topic - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns.htm
* Prayer Tips & Insights - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/prayers_and_devotions/prayer_tips_and_insights.htm
* Prayers & the Bible (Includes: Prayers From the Bible, The Bible On Prayer, Jesus in Prayer) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/prayers_and_devotions/prayers_and_the_bible.htm
* Prayers of the Saints - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_of_saints.htm
* Daily Prayers - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/prayers_and_devotions/daily_prayers.htm
* Reflections From Popes / Saints / Councils / Etc. on Prayer - Including: How to Pray, Benefits of Prayer, Necessity of Prayer, Contemplation / Meditation, Problems / Difficulties in Prayer, and More - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/prayers_and_devotions_reflections.htm
* Prayer Commitments / Prayer Counters (Catholic Fun & Activities Section) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_activities/catholic_activities_prayer_counters.htm
* Defense of Prayer / Indulgences - Includes Topics: Lengthy / Repetitive Prayers, Praying For the Dead, Praying to Saints, Indulgences [Non-Catholics Section (apologetics)] - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/nc/non_catholics__prayers_indulgences.htm
* Aspirations / Short Prayers - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_aspirations.htm
* Prayers for Certain Occasions / Times - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_for_certain_occasions_times.htm
* Holy Eucharist / Mass Prayers - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_Mass_Holy_Eucharist.htm
* Prayers in Latin - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_latin.htm
* Prayers & Devotions Section (Includes: Prayer Exchange, Daily / Monthly Devotions, Sacramentals, Pious Practices, Indulgence Information, and More... - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/prayers_and_devotions.htm
* Prayer Requests Section (Request Prayers / Pray For Others) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/prayer_requests.htm
* Answered Prayers Section (Includes User Posts, Answered Prayers From the Bible) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/answered_prayers.htm
* Holy Rosary Section (Includes: History, Tips, Promises, Facts, and More...) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/holy_rosary.htm
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MCS News & Notes
* Although we have taken "great pains" to make the wealth of information on MyCatholicSource.com easy to use and easy to find, we know that with 10,000+ items in just one of the various MyCatholicSource.com indexes, it can initially seem daunting to find the information you are looking for. But we now have some exciting news! We are planning to add a new 'volunteer live chat' feature to MyCatholicSource.com on a trial basis to help visitors find the information they seek! For more details on this exciting new feature - and to participate in 'live chat' yourself when it becomes available, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/ch/mcs_vol_live_chat.htm. We hope you enjoy it!
* We have made our user post submission forms even easier to use. Please add a post today - it's 'fun, easy and free!' Post on hundreds of topics - including Announcements, Answered Prayers, Current Issues, Catholic Life, Catholic Seniors, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Priests, Saints, Tips / Suggestions, Latin Mass, Volunteering, Catholic Crafts / Hobbies, Parenting, etc. Let other Catholics benefit from your tips & wisdom! For more information on where to post, visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/where_to_contribute_posts.htm. [Note: Scroll down and click link to add your post in any of the hundreds of categories listed.]
* We have improved the "Where to Contribute Posts" and "Where to Find Posts" pages. You may now simply click the "Try" link to jump right to the applicable add, view or search page. We think you'll find these pages are now much more convenient. Please give them a try! Visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/where_to_contribute_posts.htm to add a post and http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/where_to_find_posts.htm to find posts.
* We really want your posts! To increase user posting on the site, we have tripled posting limits. Please post today.
* We've also improved the A-Z Prayers Index so it's easier than ever to find the prayer you're looking for. For example, if you are looking for the prayer "Our Father", click the 'O-P' link on the A-Z Prayers Index and scroll to "Our Father". Then simply click the "Our Father" link to view the prayer. With as many as 1,000+ prayers, you'll appreciate how easy & convenient it is to find just the prayer you want! Please give it a try - visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns.htm
* Have something to sell? Looking for something? Want your ad to appear on MyCatholicSource.com for FREE? For a limited time, were offering free ads - for individuals OR businesses - in the following sections: MCS Directory, 'Sales & Specials', Classified Ads (including 'For Sale' & Wanted Ads!) -- 'No Strings Attached!' Request your free ad today! Don't have anything to sell? Tell your friends! For more information, visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/fdb/free_ad_request-special_offer.htm
* Do you own a blog? Link to us and we'll send you five (5) MyCatholicSource.com pencils and one (1) MyCatholicSource.com bumper sticker at no charge. Visit here for more details: http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/notices.htm
* Also visit "Notices" page for "most popular" pages as well as timely news and other important information regarding MyCatholicSource.com - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/notices.htm
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Closing Question...
What do Fritz, Princess, Patrick & Chewy have in common? Answer: They have all been listed as "Special Pets" in the St. Francis section.
Is there a special pet in your life? Add your special pet to the list! Visit the St. Francis Section at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/saint_francis_page.htm
Note: To view 'special pet' listings visit. http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/udi/vi/saint_francis_view_pet_names.asp
Love animals? Don't miss these Catholic 'animal lovers' resources...
* Patron Saints / Animals - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/dusub/animals_in_church_history_patron_saints.htm
* Animals in Church History: Saints & Animals - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/dusub/animals_in_church_history_saints_and_animals.htm
* 'Scripture for animal lovers' - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/scripture_for_animal_lovers.htm
* Animals / Creation Reflections - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/saint_francis_reflections_animals.htm
Why dedicate part of a Catholic site to animals? See http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/saint_francis_section_info.htm
"God loves all things that He has made" (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church)
"Whosoever loves God aright loves all God's creatures." (St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Doctor of the Church)
"...all that does exist, insofar as it exists, and all that does not yet exist, insofar as it is able to exist, is from God." (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church, circa 390 A.D.)
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Closing Quotations...
"The world would have peace if only the men of politics would follow the Gospels." (St. Bridget of Sweden)
"...it is for sinners that he came, that he might save them: it was with sinners that he so humbly conversed, and at least gave himself to sinners, that he might be their food." (St. Bonaventure, Doctor of the Church)
"God cannot be loved from the heart and above all things else, unless we prefer His honor and glory to all things created." (Catechism of the Council of Trent)
"What heart so cold as not to be inflamed with love by the kindness and good will exercised toward us by so great a Lord, who, though holding us in His power and dominion as slaves ransomed by His blood, yet embraces us with such ardent love as to call us not servants, but friends and brethren? This, assuredly, supplies the most just, and perhaps the strongest, claim to induce us always to acknowledge, venerate, and adore Him as or Lord." (Catechism of the Council of Trent)
"Neither is there any other cause of the Incarnation except this alone: He saw us bowed down to the ground, perishing, tyrannized by death; and He had mercy." (St. John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church)
"Our Lord Himself speaks of it, when He relates there is a Hell, but we live as if there were not; we sell our souls for a few pieces of money." (Catechism of the Cure de Ars)
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