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MyCatholicSource.com Newsletter - January, 2016
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IN THIS ISSUE:
* Greetings
* MCS News & Notes
* The Month of January: Dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus
* 'Easy' Ways to Obtain Indulgences in 2016
* Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus
* Liturgical Feasts in January
* 'Catholic Trivia'
* Defending the Faith: "Apologetics Brief" - Do You Condemn Infant Baptism?
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Dear Friend,
"And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we saw his glory, the glory as it were of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth." (Jn. 1:14)
Greetings!
It is good to be back after the unexpected hiatus due to illness. We hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving & Christmas and will have a happy and holy new year.
We send our most sincere thanks to those kind subscribers & other visitors who sent good wishes our way and also prayers over the past few months during this difficult time. We were touched to receive your caring e-mails - which included kind thoughts, offers of prayers, and even included a wonderful offer to remember us at adoration and a generous offer to help out with some e-mailing (which we unfortunately could not accept). We feel blessed by your support & kindness.
Alas, we are still not quite back to 100% and expect that things will not get back to normal for a while here. Therefore we ask your continued patience as we try our best to 'plug along'. The medical issues were unexpected on our end and they turned out to be even more 'complicated' than originally thought. We hope this will not cause any inconvenience for our visitors. If it does, please accept our apologies. In the meantime, please know that we are trying our best to keep up with things as timely as we are able.
We wish you and your loved ones a blessed & holy new year and thank you very much for your support over the past years,
Your Friends at MyCatholicSource.com
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"Now, as all salvation comes from Jesus Christ - for there is no other name under heaven given to men whereby we must be saved - Our ardent desire is that the most holy name of Jesus should rapidly pervade and fill every land." (Pope Leo XIII)
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MCS News & Notes
* Thank you! We send our most sincere thanks to all who have prayed for us and sent us good wishes. They have helped & we really appreciate it! Please know that we pray for the visitors to our site every day.
* Service delays: Due to medical reasons, please continue to expect some sporadic delays in all correspondence & services (including processing of posts) for the foreseeable future. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for any prayers.
* Medical update: We are happy to report that the surgery mentioned previously seems to be a success. The 'life-saving' surgery - which has affected a person who does a significant amount of work on our site & newsletter along with their caregiver - was significantly more complicated than originally thought (it was supposed to take 2 hours, but took 5 hours with three surgeons) and is expected to have a much longer healing process than originally planned (total healing time may take a year a more). For privacy reasons, we will not give too much medical detail. However, we would like to: 1. remind visitors of the value of suffering (see http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_life/cathlife_suffering.htm ), and 2. remind others that God is with you during difficult times (we definitely feel that this has happened in very concrete ways over the last few months in our case). So take heart!
* 'Year of Mercy': Since our last newsletter was sent out, the 'Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy' started. This year brings the chance to gain special indulgences, both for the living and for the dead. For more information on some 'easy' ways to gain indulgences this year, see "'Easy' Ways to Obtain Indulgences in 2016" below.
* 2016 Resolutions: For assistance with spiritual resolutions for the new year, please try the 'Spiritual Growth' Topic Page at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-spiritual_growth.htm
* Reminder: For your free 2016 liturgical calendar-flier (Jan.-Dec.), go to http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-catholic_liturgical_year.htm and click your choice of "fliers" links [Note: Fliers are based on the traditional calendar]
* Pro-Life Resources: January marks another anniversary of the terrible tragedy of 'legalized' abortion in the U.S. For pro-life resources on our site (including: Life is a Gift From God, Scope of Abortion, Abortion Kills, Abortion is a Grave Sin, Risks & Aftermath, The Abortion Procedure, and More...), please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-pro-life.htm
* Site Outage: There was a site-wide outage on 11/25/15. This outage was due to an issue at our host's datacenter. We worked with the host to restore service as soon as possible, but our site was, regrettably, down most of the day. Please note that this outage was NOT related to illness. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
* Rosary Week: Although a little late at this point, we would still like to thank all who participated in our 7th Annual Rosary Week at the end of last October. We regret that we were unable to send out email reminders at that time due to hospitalization (we were only able to sent out an advance message to those who provided an email address to notify them of the lack of reminders). Despite the lack of email notices from us, we hope that the event was still very rewarding to all participants & will be successful in realizing the intentions for the benefit of the Church and for persons everywhere. As mentioned previously, we requested a Traditional Latin ('Tridentine') Mass be said for all Rosary Week participants by the Priestly Fraternity St. Peter as an expression of our appreciation for their participation. Please note that the Priestly Fraternity was erected as an institute of pontifical right by the Holy See in October of 1988 (their twofold mission is "the formation and sanctification of priests in the cadre of the traditional liturgy of the Roman rite, and secondly, the pastoral deployment of the priests in the service of the Church"). We sincerely thank all participants for joining us. We hope you will join us again next year.
* Please invite your friends to visit MyCatholicSource.com. For our "easy to use" invite-a-friend page, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/fdb/invite_a_friend.htm . Please invite some friends today! Your support helps keep us going!
* We love to hear from you! Please submit comments at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/fdb/newsletter_feedback.htm
* Have friends or family that might benefit from our newsletter? Please invite them to subscribe at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/fdb/mail_list.htm . Thank you!
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MyCatholicSource.com App News...
* Have a new (or old) Android™ device, iPad®, iPhone®, or iPod touch®? Please consider purchasing Catholic apps in support of our site. Please note that we really count on app sales to stay online (the cost of our server alone is over $2,000/year). Please consider supporting us by purchasing one or more of our great apps. We really appreciate it! For more information concerning currently available apps, please visit www.MyCatholicSource.com/AndroidApps [Note: For iOS versions, please visit www.MyCatholicSource.com/Apps ]
* Prepare early for Lent! Our 'most beautiful' app, iStations, is a convenient devotional aid for privately praying the Stations of the Cross (Way of the Cross). It features beautiful images, two traditional methods, a handy audio option with optional auto-advance, selected prayers in English & Latin, easy navigation, and in-app help. It's great for Fridays, Lent, penitential times, family devotions, and daily meditation - any time you can't make it to your parish. Users of the app (both platforms) have called it "penetrating and profound", "excellent", "great", "simply beautiful", "wonderful", and "beautifully sublime". At least three reviewers have referred to a version of the app as the "best" stations app. Download it today at https://market.android.com/details?id=com.bfsnet.istations or http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007014CYM [an iOS version is presently available at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/istations/id457131446?ls=1&mt=8 ].
* Reviews: If you've purchased any of our apps, we encourage you to please leave a review at your place of purchase. Favorable reviews really help us out! To view selected reviews, please visit http://www.bfsnet.com/bfsapps/selected_reviews.htm
* If you have any thoughts to share regarding our apps, please contact us using the e-mail address provided in the app or online at http://www.bfsnet.com/bfsapps/bfsapps-feedback.htm
* For more information concerning currently available apps, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/comrc/apps.htm (shortcut: www.MyCatholicSource.com/Apps )
Note: Any prices included herein are in U.S. dollars, excluding any applicable tax.
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* Please see our Notices page at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/notices.htm for dates of anticipated service delays through May 2016
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* Do you drink coffee? Did you know we can earn a percentage on coffee sales made via the Mystic Monk Coffee website ("Coffee Roasted by Real Monks")? If you are interested in ordering Mystic Monk Coffee to benefit our site, please use this link - http://www.mysticmonkcoffee.com/store/?aid=169 . Thank you for your support of our site!
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* Please visit our Notices page for timely news and other important information regarding MyCatholicSource.com - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/notices.htm
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The Month of January: Dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus
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"And she shall bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name Jesus. For he shall save his people from their sins." (Mt. 1:21)
"And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Col. 3:17)
"...at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Phil. 2:10-11)
"[W]hatsoever you shall ask the Father in my name, that will I do: that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you shall ask me any thing in my name, that I will do." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Jn. 14:13-14)
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Related Resources...
* Jesus (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-Jesus.htm
* Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_litanies.htm
* More Prayers to Jesus - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_Jesus.htm
* Jesus (Reflections) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/catholic_basics_reflections_Jesus_Christ.htm
* Jesus (Papal Writings) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pd/classic_encyclicals_by_category.htm
* Jesus' Teachings (A-Z) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/jesus_teachings.htm
* Jesus' Emphasized Statements - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/jesus_emphasized_statements.htm
* Jesus' Parables - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/parables.htm
* Jesus' Miracles & Signs - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/jesus_miracles_and_signs.htm
* Who Jesus is and Why You Should Believe - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/who_jesus_is_and_why_you_should_believe.htm
* Fulfilled Biblical Prophecies Concerning Jesus - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/biblical_prophecies.htm
* Who Jesus Is / The Divinity of Christ (Apologetics) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/nc/non_catholics__Divinity_of_Christ.htm
* Jesus Christ, Our Lord (Crossword Puzzle) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/crossword_puzzle_Jesus.html
* Jesus Christ, Our Lord (Word Search) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/word_search_Jesus.htm
* Jesus (Coloring Pages) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_activities/catholic_fun_coloring_activities.htm
Looking For Something Else? Try Our Various Indexes For 15,000+ Entries - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/help.htm
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"I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, (rise and) walk." (St. Peter, Acts 3:6)
"With the Name of Jesus we shall overthrow the demons; we shall put them to flight." (Catechism of the Cure de Ars)
"No voice can sing, nor heart can frame, nor can the memory find a sweeter sound than Thy blest name, O Savior of mankind." (St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Doctor of the Church)
"Think upon the Name of Jesus, and it will break up thine enemies plans, conquer them, and put them to flight. This is the Name deserving of all honor, at which the wicked spirits ever tremble. This is the Name of salvation, and the wonderful consolation which comforts the sorrowful." (Bernardine de Bustis, as quoted by Dom Gueranger)
"Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said to them: Ye princes of the people and ancients, hear. If we this day are examined concerning the good deed done to the infirm man, by what means he hath been made whole: Be it known to you all and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God hath raised from the dead, even by him, this man standeth here before you, whole. This is the stone which was rejected by you the builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other. For there is no other name under heaven given to men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:8-12)
"It is during the first shedding of thy Blood, by the Circumcision, that thou didst receive this Name of Jesus, dear Lord! And it was fitting that it should be so, for this Name signifies Savior, and we could not be saved but by thy Blood. Our immortal life is to be purchased at the price of thy Death! This truth is expressed to us by thy Name, O Jesus! Savior! Thou art the Vine, and thou invitest us to drink of thy delicious Wine; but the heavenly Fruit must be first unsparingly pressed in the winepress of thy Eternal Father's justice; we cannot drink of its juice, until it shall have been torn from the branch and bruised for our sakes. May thy sacred Name ever remind us of this sublime Mystery, and may the remembrance keep us from sin, and make us always faithful." (Dom Gueranger)
"There is nothing which so restrains the impulse of anger, calms the swelling of pride, heals the wound of envy, represses the insatiability of luxury, smothers the flame of lust, quenches the thirst of avarice, and dispels the fever of uncleanness - as the name of Jesus. For when I pronounce this Name, I bring before my mind the Man, who, by excellence is meek and humble of heart, benign, sober, chaste, merciful, and filled with everything that is good and holy, nay who is the very God Almighty - whose example heals me, and whose assistance strengthens me. I say all this, when I say Jesus. Here have I my model for he is Man; and my help for he is God...believe me, it is wholesome, and good for every ailment thou canst possibly have. Ever have it with thee, in thy bosom and in thy hand; so that all thy affections and actions may be directed to Jesus." (St. Bernard, Doctor of the Church)
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'Easy' Ways to Obtain Indulgences in 2016
Catholics looking for an 'easy' way to obtain an indulgence during this 'Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy' (which began on 12/8/15) may want to take special note of the following from the 9/1/15 'Letter of His Holiness Pope Francis According to Which an Indulgence is Granted to the Faithful on the Occasion of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy'...
"I have asked the Church in this Jubilee Year to rediscover the richness encompassed by the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. The experience of mercy, indeed, becomes visible in the witness of concrete signs as Jesus himself taught us. Each time that one of the faithful personally performs one or more of these actions, he or she shall surely obtain the Jubilee Indulgence."
Below is a refresher on these works of mercy...
+ SPIRITUAL WORKS OF MERCY +
The Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy Are:
1. To admonish the sinner
2. To instruct the ignorant
3. To counsel the doubtful
4. To comfort the sorrowful
5. To bear wrongs patiently
6. To forgive all injuries
7. To pray for the living and the dead
Ref.: Baltimore Catechism
+ CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY +
The Seven Corporal Works of Mercy Are:
1. To feed the hungry
2. To give drink to the thirsty
3. To clothe the naked
4. To harbor the harborless
5. To visit the sick
6. To visit the imprisoned
7. To bury the dead
Ref.: A Catechism of Christian Doctrine ("Penny Catechism")
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Ref.: http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_basics/catholic_basics_works_of_mercy.htm
Note: For more information on indulgences (including requirements for gaining an indulgence), please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/indulgences.htm . For additional indulgence information, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-indulgences.htm
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Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus
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Ref. http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_litanies.htm
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Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear us. Jesus, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, Son of the living God, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, splendor of the Father, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, brightness of eternal light, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, King of glory, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, Sun of justice, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, most amiable, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, most admirable, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, mighty God, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, Father of the world to come, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, Angel of the great counsel, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, most powerful, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, most patient, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, most obedient, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, Lover of chastity, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, Lover of us, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, God of peace, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, Author of life, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, Model of virtues, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, zealous for souls, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, our God, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, our Refuge, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, Father of the poor, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, Treasure of the faithful, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, Good Shepherd, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, true Light, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, eternal Wisdom, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, infinite Goodness, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, our Way, and our Life, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, Joy of Angels, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, King of Patriarchs, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, Master of Apostles, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, Teacher of Evangelists, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, Strength of Martyrs, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, Light of Confessors, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, Purity of Virgins, Have mercy on us.
Jesus, Crown of all Saints, Have mercy on us.
Be merciful, Spare us, O Jesus.
Be merciful, Graciously hear us, O Jesus.
From all evil, Jesus, deliver us.
From all sin, Jesus, deliver us.
From Thy wrath, Jesus, deliver us.
From the snares of the devil, Jesus, deliver us.
From the spirit of fornication, Jesus, deliver us.
From everlasting death, Jesus, deliver us.
From the neglect of Thine inspirations, Jesus, deliver us.
Through the mystery of Thy holy Incarnation, Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy Nativity, Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thine Infancy, Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy most divine life, Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy labors, Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thine Agony and Passion, Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy Cross and dereliction, Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy faintness and weariness, Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy death and burial, Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy Resurrection, Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thine Ascension, Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thine institution of the Most Holy Eucharist, Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy joys, Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy glory, Jesus, deliver us.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Jesus.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Jesus.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us, O Jesus.
V. Jesus, hear us.
R. Jesus, graciously hear us.
Let us pray.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast said: "Ask and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you"; grant, we beseech Thee, to us who ask, the gift of Thy most divine love, that we may ever love Thee with all our heart, and in all our words and actions, and never cease from praising Thee. Make us, O Lord, to have both a perpetual fear and love of Thy holy name, for Thou never failest to govern those whom Thou foundest upon the strength of Thy love, Who livest and reignest, world without end.
R. Amen.
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For more prayers, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-catholic_prayers.htm
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Liturgical Feasts in January
The following is a listing of all liturgical feast dates for January as they appear at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/saints/feasts.htm
Note: (T) = Traditional, (N) = New (Novus Ordo)
Reminder: Feasts may be superseded / transferred / etc.
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January 1 - Circumcision of Our Lord Jesus Christ (T) *
January 1 - Octave Day of Christmas (T)
January 1 - Octave of Christmas (N)
January 1 - Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God (N) *
January 2 - St. Basil the Great (N)
January 2 - St. Gregory Nazianzen (N)
January 3 - The Most Holy Name of Jesus (N)
January 4 - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (N)
January 5 - St. Telesphorus, pope (T)
January 5 - Vigil of the Epiphany (T)
January 5 - St. John Neumann (N)
January 6 - Epiphany of Our Lord (T)
January 6 - Epiphany [Note: Epiphany is celebrated on 1/6 in the universal calendar, but in the U.S. it may be transferred to the Sunday after the first Saturday in January] (N)
January 7 - St. Raymond of Penyafort (N)
January 11 - St. Hyginus, pope (T)
January 13 - St. Hilary of Poitiers (N)
January 14 - St. Felix of Nola (T)
January 14 - St. Hilary of Poitiers (T)
January 15 - St. Maurus (T)
January 15 - St. Paul the First Hermit (in Thebaide) (T)
January 16 - St. Marcellus I, pope (T)
January 17 - St. Anthony the Abbot (T)
January 17 - St. Anthony the Abbot (N)
January 18 - Chair of St. Peter the Apostle at Rome (T)
January 18 - St. Paul (T)
January 18 - St. Prisca (T)
January 19 - St. Canute (T)
January 19 - Sts. Marius, Martha, Audifax & Abachum (T)
January 20 - St. Fabian, pope (T)
January 20 - St. Sebastian (T)
January 20 - St. Fabian, pope (N)
January 20 - St. Sebastian (N)
January 21 - St. Agnes (T)
January 21 - St. Agnes (N)
January 22 - St. Anastasius (T)
January 22 - St. Vincent (T)
January 22 - St. Vincent (N)
January 23 - St. Emerentiana (T)
January 23 - St. Raymund of Pennafort (T)
January 24 - St. Timothy (T)
January 24 - St. Francis de Sales (N)
January 25 - Conversion of St. Paul (T)
January 25 - St. Peter (T)
January 25 - Conversion of St. Paul, apostle (N)
January 26 - St. Polycarp (T)
January 26 - Sts. Timothy & Titus (N)
January 27 - St. John Chrysostom (T)
January 27 - St. Angela Merici (N)
January 28 - St. Agnes (T)
January 28 - St. Peter Nolasco (T)
January 28 - St. Thomas Aquinas (N)
January 29 - St. Francis de Sales (T)
January 30 - St. Martina (T)
January 31 - St. John Bosco (T)
January 31 - St. John Bosco (N)
* Holy Day of Obligation
Please Note: Above may exclude moveable feasts. For moveable feasts, see below and try here: http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/latin_mass_and_tradition/traditional_liturgical_calendar.htm . For other feasts, try the MCS Daily Digest each day at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/mcs_daily_digest.asp
Also...
1/3/16 - Holy Name of Jesus (T) | Epiphany (N) [U.S.]
1/10/16 - Feast of the Holy Family (T) | Baptism of the Lord (N)
1/24/16 - Septuagesima Sunday (T)
1/31/16 - Sxagesima* Sunday (T) [* Note: Term has been abbreviated to avoid mailing issues]
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'Catholic Trivia'
1. What is a votive offering?
2. Complete the sentence: "If any one saith that baptism is optional, that is, not necessary to salvation; ___." (Council of Trent)
3. Where in Scripture does Jesus say "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me"?
4. Who said...? "A system of morality based exclusively on human reason robs man of his highest dignity and lowers him from the supernatural to the merely natural life. Not but that man is able by the right use of reason to know and to obey certain principles of the natural law. But though he should know them all and keep them inviolate through life - and even this is impossible without the aid of the grace of our Redeemer - still it is vain for anyone without faith to promise himself eternal salvation. 'If anyone abide not in Me, he shall be cast forth as a branch, and shall wither, and they shall gather him up and cast him into the fire, and he burneth' (Jn. xv., 6). 'He that believeth not shall be condemned'" (Mk. xvi., 16)."
5. What do Mt. 12:30 and Lk. 11:23 have in common?
6. Where in Scripture does Jesus say "[W]hoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me"?
7. Who said...? "To be born means to be in the arms of the demon rather than the arms of God. Baptism ransoms us from this slavery and makes us free, children of God."
8. Complete the passage: "If we accept human testimony, the testimony of God is surely greater. Now the testimony of God is this, that he has testified on behalf of his Son. Whoever believes in the Son of God has this testimony within himself. Whoever does not believe God ___. And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever possesses the Son has life; whoever does not possess the Son of God ___." (1 Jn. 5:9-12)
9. Who said each of the following...? [Tip: The first three items below are papal quotes. The fourth item below is from a Creed.]
a. "[E]nsure that the faithful are deeply and thoroughly convinced of the truth of the doctrine that the Catholic faith is necessary for attaining salvation."
b. "The holy universal Church proclaims that God cannot truly be worshiped save within herself and asserts that all they who are without her pale shall never be saved."
c. "All who wish to reach salvation outside the Church are mistaken as to the way and are engaged in a futile effort."
d. "Whoever wishes to be saved must, above all, keep the Catholic faith; for unless a person keeps this faith whole and entire he will undoubtedly be lost forever."
10. What does St. Augustine say are the three unions in this world?
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Answers:
1. A votive offering is "Anything offered to God or a saint, as a sign of gratitude or act of veneration, sometimes in discharge of a vow or promise. Such an offering is usually set up in or offered at a shrine or before an image and may be any object from a valuable jewel to a penny candle... So to make offerings is one of the universal natural religious instincts of mankind and therefore has its place in the worship of the Catholic Church." (Catholic Dictionary)
2. "If any one saith that baptism is optional, that is, not necessary to salvation; let him be anathema." (Council of Trent)
3. Jn. 14:6
4. Pope Leo XIII ("Tametsi Futura Prospicientibus", 1900 A.D.)
5. They are the same...
"Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." (Mt. 12:30)
"Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." (Lk. 11:23)
6. Lk. 10:16
7. Pope Paul VI, 1972 A.D.
8. "If we accept human testimony, the testimony of God is surely greater. Now the testimony of God is this, that he has testified on behalf of his Son. Whoever believes in the Son of God has this testimony within himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar by not believing the testimony God has given about his Son. And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever possesses the Son has life; whoever does not possess the Son of God does not have life." (1 Jn. 5:9-12)
9. a. Bl. Pope Pius IX ("Nostis et Nobiscum", 1849 A.D.)
b. Pope St. Gregory the Great, Doctor of the Church, 6th century A.D.
c. Pope Leo XIII
d. Athanasian Creed
10. "There are three unions in this world: Christ and the Church, husband and wife, spirit and flesh." (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church)
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Defending the Faith: "Apologetics Brief" - Do You Condemn Infant Baptism?
It is good for Catholics to be able to defend their faith against attacks (or even simple questions) from those outside the Church. We therefore hope you may find the following "apologetics brief" helpful.
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Note: Text below is taken from http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/nc/non_catholics__baptism.htm
The following may be used as discussion points when discoursing with those outside the Church (or even among Catholics).
Topic: Do You Condemn Infant Baptism? (Note: Topic is directed at certain Protestants)
Consider:
* If a person inherits original sin without their consent, why should their consent be required to remove it? [Note: For more on original sin, please see http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-original_sin.htm ]
* If it is wrong to baptize infants, why were whole households baptized in Scripture (Acts 16:15, Acts 16:33, 1 Cor. 1:16)?
* If you condemn infant baptism because a person cannot consent to it, you must also condemn adult baptism of insane persons as they also cannot consent to it.
* If you reject infant baptism because the child cannot consent to it, do you also condemn the ancient Jews for circumcising infants without their permission?
* If it is wrong to baptize infants, why did the earliest Christians baptize infants? Did you know that early Church records indicate that children were baptized just days after their birth?
* "You didn't ask to be born, you didn't ask to have original sin... If you were born with a physical birth defect, would you expect your parents to wait until you were older to correct it?"
* If you condemn infant baptism, how do you suppose that infants can be saved when Jesus clearly says that "Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit" (Jn. 3:5)? Do you condemn all children even though Jesus says "Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Mt. 19:14)?
* If you reject infant baptism, you are essentially rejecting Original Sin - the very reason the Messiah was promised in Gen. 3:15! [Note: For more on original sin, please see http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-original_sin.htm ]
* If it is wrong to baptize infants, why did the Church receive this tradition from the apostles? "The Church received from the Apostles the tradition of giving Baptism even to infants. For the Apostles, to whom were committed the secrets of divine mysteries, knew that there is in everyone the innate stains of sin, which must be washed away through water and the Spirit." [Origen ("the greatest scholar of Christian antiquity" - although he would eventually be excommunicated and be regarded as a heretic), c. 245 A.D.)]
* If you would not refuse baptism to the most grievous of sinners who repent, why would you withhold it from infants who have no personal sins to repent of? "If, in the case of the worst sinners and of those who formerly sinned much against God, when afterwards they believe, the remission of their sins is granted and no one is held back from Baptism and grace, how much more, then, should an infant not be held back, who, having but recently been born, has done no sin, except that, born of the flesh according to Adam, he has contracted the contagion of that old death from his first being born. For this very reason does he approach more easily to receive the remission of sins: because the sins forgiven him are not his own but those of another." (St. Cyprian of Carthage, c. 251 A.D.)
* Where does Scripture say infants shouldn't be baptized?
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Did You Know...?
The Catholic Church has always practiced infant baptism. There have been some abuses, however, which were not condoned by the Church. For example, some persons delayed baptism until their death - not because this is what the Church taught, but because these persons wanted to live a "morally lax" life and then be cleansed immediately before they died. This allowed them to live as they wanted and forgo tough penances that they otherwise would have had to complete. Not only was this practice not condoned by the Church - and contrary to the proper Christian spirit - but it actually endangered their souls since they may have died without receiving baptism.
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What the Catholic Church Teaches...
"That this law [regarding Baptism] extends not only to adults but also to infants and children, and that the Church has received this from Apostolic tradition, is confirmed by the unanimous teaching and authority of the Fathers. Besides, it is not to be supposed that Christ the Lord would have withheld the Sacrament and grace of Baptism from children, of whom He said: Suffer the little children, and forbid them not to come to me; for the kingdom of heaven is for such; whom also He embraced, upon whom He imposed hands, to whom He gave His blessing. Moreover, when we read that an entire family was baptized by Paul, it is sufficiently obvious that the children of the family must also have been cleansed in the saving font. Circumcision, too, which was a figure of Baptism, affords a strong argument in proof of this practice. That children were circumcised on the eighth day is universally known. If then circumcision, made by hand, in despoiling the body of the flesh, was profitable to children, it is clear that Baptism, which is the circumcision of Christ, not made by hand, it is also profitable to them. Finally, as the Apostle teaches, if by one man's offense death reigned through one, much more they who receive abundance of grace, and of the gift, and of justice, shall reign in life through one, Jesus Christ. If then, through the transgression of Adam, children inherit original sin, with still stronger reason can they attain through Christ our Lord grace and justice that they may reign in life. This, however, cannot be effected otherwise than by Baptism." (Catechism of the Council of Trent)
"(For) they assert that baptism is conferred uselessly on children... We respond that baptism has taken the place of circumcision... Therefore as 'the soul of the circumcised did not perish from the people' [Gen. 17:4], so 'he who has been reborn from water and the Holy Spirit will obtain entrance to the kingdom of heaven' [John 3:5]... Although original sin was remitted by the mystery of circumcision, and the danger of damnation was avoided, nevertheless there was no arriving at the kingdom of heaven, which up to the death of Christ was barred to all. But through the sacrament of baptism the guilt of one made red by the blood of Christ is remitted, and to the kingdom of heaven one also arrives, whose gate the blood of Christ has mercifully opened for His faithful. For God forbid that all children of whom daily so great a multitude die, would perish, but that also for these the merciful God who wishes no one to perish has procured some remedy unto salvation... As to what opponents say, (namely), that faith or love or other virtues are not infused in children, inasmuch as they do not consent, is absolutely not granted by most... some asserting that by the power of baptism guilt indeed is remitted to little ones but grace is not conferred; and some indeed saying both that sin is forgiven and that virtues are infused in them as they hold virtues as a possession not as a function, until they arrive at adult age... We say that a distinction must be made, that sin is twofold: namely, original and actual: original, which is contracted without consent; and actual which is committed with consent. Original, therefore, which is committed without consent, is remitted without consent through the power of the sacrament; but actual, which is contracted with consent, is not mitigated in the slightest without consent... The punishment of original sin is deprivation of the vision of God, but the punishment of actual sin is the torments of everlasting hell..." (Pope Innocent III, 1198-1216 A.D.)
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For more apologetics resources, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/non-catholics.htm
For more on the sacrament of baptism, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-baptism.htm
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In Closing...
"Rejoice in the Lord, you just, and praise his holy name." (Ps. 97:12)
"[The New Year is] a gift fresh from the hand of God, like a parchment rolled, unsullied, unmarked by good or bad." (Manual of the Catholic Church, 1906 A.D.)
"...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)
"Blessed be the Name of Jesus. (Benedictum Nomen Iesu.)" (From the Divine Praises) [English / Latin]
"God gave men only ten commandments and one of the ten has for its sole object the reverence due to His Name." (St. John Vianney)
"Praise be to Thy holy name, O Lord Jesus Christ, and adoration to Thy majesty, always and for ever. Amen." (Sts. Adaeus & Maris)
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