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MyCatholicSource.com Newsletter - March, 2018
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IN THIS ISSUE:
* Greetings
* MCS News & Notes
* The Month of March: Dedicated to St. Joseph
* Resources for Holy Week
* New: The iStations Book - Stations of the Cross
* Liturgical Feasts in March
* 'Catholic Trivia' (Themed)
* Defending the Faith: "Apologetics Brief" - Do You Reject the Concept of an Eternal Hell?
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Dear Friend,
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God." (Heb. 12:1-2)
We hope your Lent is going well and that you will be given the grace to persevere in your worthy resolutions over the upcoming weeks. As we know, the Tempter may expend great effort to encourage us to abandon our good efforts, but remember that "Blessed is the man who perseveres in temptation, for when he has been proved he will receive the crown of life that he promised to those who love him." (Jms. 1:12) A few more encouraging thoughts for Lent...
"Let them not, however, lose heart; to face bitter (spiritual) combats is a mark of Christians, and to endure grave labors to the end is a mark of them who, as good soldiers of Christ, follow Him closely." (Pope Pius XI, "Quadragesimo Anno", 1931 A.D.)
"I tell you that you have less to suffer in following the Cross than in serving the world and its pleasures." (St. John Vianney)
"Indeed however many trials and persecutions we undergo, they all contribute to our greater gain, so long as we bear them without offending the Lord, but rejoice that we are suffering for His sake." (St. Teresa of Avila, Doctor of the Church)
"You are children of eternity. Your immortal crown awaits you, to reward your duty and love. You may indeed sow here in tears, but you may be sure there to reap in joy." (St. Elizabeth Ann Seton)
For additional Lenten reflections & resources, please see link below.
We thank you very much for your support of our newsletter and wish you God's blessings,
Your Friends at MyCatholicSource.com
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Reminder: Easter falls this year on April 1.
"And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem: and Jesus went before them. And they were astonished and following were afraid. And taking again the twelve, he began to tell them the things that should befall him. Saying: Behold we go up to Jerusalem, and the Son of man shall be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes and ancients. And they shall condemn him to death and shall deliver him to the Gentiles. And they shall mock him and spit on him and scourge him and kill him: and the third day he shall rise again." (Mk. 10:32-34)
"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.'" (Mt. 16:24)
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MCS News & Notes
* New Books: We released 3 versions of our latest book last month (Kindle ebook, full-color paperback, and black & white paperback). The publication entitled 'The iStations Book - Stations of the Cross' is based on our 'best selling' iStations app. See below for details or visit here - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/comrc/media.htm
* 'Exclusive New Content': The two new 'exclusive articles' penned by an experienced journalist that we mentioned previously are now available. For a list of 'exclusive' articles, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/mcse/mcs_exclusives_index.htm
* Big Thank You: We send a big thank you to all who responded to our 'urgent appeal' last month. We are very grateful to all those who have helped & supported us in the wake of the false/defamatory review on Amazon. We really appreciate the 5 star review, the 'up-votes', and the supportive feedback we received - the kind subscriber who said they "really love [our] books" made our day :-). All of your support - both past and future - means so much. Thank you!
* New User-Submitted Articles: Some new user-submitted articles have been added to the site. To view a list of currently available user-submitted articles, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/ua/user_articles_index.htm
* Lent Resources: For resources for Lent, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-lent.htm
* Easter Resources: For resources for Easter, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-easter.htm
* Reminder: A plenary indulgence may be available for Fridays in Lent. For more information on indulgences, please see http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/indulgences.htm
* Some St. Patrick's Day (3/17) Resources: Breastplate of St. Patrick - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_of_saints_pp3803.htm | Shamrock Coloring Page - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/coloring_book_shamrock.htm
* Great for Lent! Please consider purchasing some - or all! - of the following items to support our site & newsletter...
iStations (Stations of the Cross) - A handy devotional app for Android (or for the iPad® / iPhone® / iPod touch®) which is perfect for those times when you can't make it to your parish. Download it 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 ]. Note: See below for 'The iStations Book', which is based on this app.
My Crucifix For the iPad®, iPhone®, and iPod touch® - A quick & easy (but powerful!) devotion to grow closer to Christ. Download at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-crucifix/id1173426983?mt=8 (iPad® version available at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-crucifix-for-ipad/id1181900071?mt=8 )
Catholic Annual Prayer Book - A great tradition-minded prayer resource containing 365+ daily prayers (Jan.-Dec.), holiday/seasonal prayers, daily prayers (e.g. morning/evening, mealtime, etc.), hundreds of prayers indexed by title, nearly 200 aspirations/short prayers, over 100 Latin prayers & aspirations, 500+ topics for meditation, hundreds of prayer tips & insights, and more... Includes prayers drawn from Holy Scripture, the liturgy, writings of popes & saints, the Raccolta, the Roman Breviary, the Roman Missal, etc. Publication is well over 500 pages in length. Available in both Kindle and paperback formats. Available here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078JCF2SF/?tag=mycathcom-20
Thank you for your support. Your purchase helps us to remain online!
* Will you be traveling for Easter? Need to locate a parish or Mass time? Don't forget our 'locate a Mass' links page at www.MyCatholicSource.com/Churches (or alternately at www.MyCatholicSource.com/Masses ) [Note: These URL shortcuts both redirect to http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/lk/links-churches_masses.asp ]
* Do you follow the 'Divine Mercy' devotion? How much do you really know about it? Those who follow this devotion (and others) may be interested in the 'eye-opening' "What's Up With Faustina's Divine Mercy Devotion? Unanswered Questions & Things You May Not Know" book based on the user-submitted article. Available in Kindle and paperback formats. For more information and to purchase, please see here - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073DX8NX1/?tag=mycathcom-20
* Schedule Change: After our newsletter was sent out last month, we shifted around our schedule to enable us to get 'The iStations Book' (see below) out in time for the start of Lent. We are still working on the title mentioned last month, but it will now be released as title '3' (or later) instead of title '2' in the series. We are actually working on three titles simultaneously and are now hoping (if possible) to get one of them out next month, depending on our workload and other factors. However, we often have to shift our schedule and we, unfortunately, cannot be very current in our newsletter since it is typically sent only once per month. Since new titles (and other items) can be completed at any time, please check our site for new releases. Also, in your kindness, please pray for the success of these projects as they are needed for us to remain online.
* Our Apologies: We apologize that post processing has been somewhat slow lately. We are swamped with tasks & projects. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
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The Month of March: Dedicated to St. Joseph
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"Would that I could persuade all men to be devoted to this glorious Saint [St. Joseph], for I know by long experience what blessings he can obtain for us from God." (St. Therese of Avila, Doctor of the Church)
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Related Resources...
* St. Joseph (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-Saint_Joseph.htm
* St. Joseph (Reflections) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/saints_reflections_saints_st_joseph.htm
* Prayers to St. Joseph - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_St_Joseph.htm
* 'Quamquam Pluries' (Pope Leo XIII, On Devotion to St. Joseph) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pd/quamquam_pluries.htm
* The Holy Family (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-Holy_Family.htm
* St. Joseph (Coloring Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/coloring_book_saint_joseph.htm
=> Note: The Novena to St. Joseph, said daily from 3/11 through 3/19, may be found here - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_novenas.htm
Looking For Something Else? Try Our Various Indexes For 15,000+ Entries - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/help.htm
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"Foster-father of the Son of God, pray for us. Watchful defender of Christ, pray for us. Head of the Holy Family, pray for us." (From the Litany of St. Joseph)
"There is no doubt then that this Joseph to whom the mother of the Savior was espoused, was a man good and preeminently faithful. A prudent and faithful servant he was, I say, whom the Lord placed beside Mary to be her protector, the nourisher of His human body, and the single and most trusty assistant on the earth in His great design." (St. Bernard, Doctor of the Church)
"The reasons why St. Joseph must be considered the special patron of the Church, and the Church in turn draws exceeding hope from his care and patronage, chiefly arise from his having been the husband of Mary and the presumed father of Jesus... Joseph was in his day the lawful and natural guardian, head and defender of the Holy Family... It is thus fitting and most worthy of Joseph's dignity that, in the same way that he once kept unceasing holy watch over the family of Nazareth, so now does he protect and defend with his heavenly patronage the Church of Christ." (Pope Leo XIII)
"Jesus deigned to be subject to Joseph here below; now that he is in heaven, he would glorify the creature to whom he consigned the guardianship of his own childhood and the honor of his Mother. He has given him a power which is above our calculations... [The Church invites us] to have recourse, with unreserved confidence, to this all-powerful protector. The world we live in is filled with miseries which would make stronger hearts than ours quake with fear; but let us invoke St. Joseph with faith, and we shall be protected. In all our necessities, whether of soul or body - in all the trials and anxieties we may have to go through - let us have recourse to St. Joseph, and we shall not be disappointed. The king of Egypt said to his people when they were suffering from famine: Go to Joseph! (Gen. xli 55) The King of Heaven says the same to us: the faithful guardian of Mary has greater influence with God than Jacob's son had with Pharaoh." (Dom Gueranger)
"You well understand, Venerable Brethren, that these considerations are confirmed by the opinion held by a large number of the Fathers, to which the sacred liturgy gives its sanction, that the Joseph of ancient times, son of the patriarch Jacob, was the type of St. Joseph, and the former by his glory prefigured the greatness of the future guardian of the Holy Family. And in truth, beyond the fact that the same name - a point the significance of which has never been denied - was given to each, you well know the points of likeness that exist between them; namely, that the first Joseph won the favor and especial goodwill of his master, and that through Joseph's administration his household came to prosperity and wealth; that (still more important) he presided over the kingdom with great power, and, in a time when the harvests failed, he provided for all the needs of the Egyptians with so much wisdom that the King decreed to him the title 'Savior of the world.' Thus it is that We may prefigure the new in the old patriarch. And as the first caused the prosperity of his master's domestic interests and at the same time rendered great services to the whole kingdom, so the second, destined to be the guardian of the Christian religion, should be regarded as the protector and defender of the Church, which is truly the house of the Lord and the kingdom of God on earth. These are the reasons why men of every rank and country should fly to the trust and guard of the blessed Joseph." (Pope Leo XIII, "Quamquam Pluries", 1889 A.D.)
Prayer of St. Bernadine of Siena to St. Joseph: "Be mindful of us, O blessed Joseph, and intercede for us with thy foster-Son by the pleading of thy prayer: do thou, in like manner, render the blessed Virgin Mary thy Spouse, gracious unto us, for she is the Mother of Him, who with the Father and the Holy Ghost liveth and reignest world without end. Amen."
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Resources for Holy Week
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"O Jesus, most glorious in your magnificence: I praise and bless your incomprehensible omnipotence, weak and helpless for us in the Passion. I adore and glorify your unsearchable wisdom, accounted foolishness for us. I praise and magnify your unutterable love, which submitted to hatred of all people for the sake of your elect. I praise and extol your meek and gentle mercy, sentenced to so fearful a death for humankind. I praise and I adore your ravishing sweetness, embittered for us by your most bitter death. Amen." (St. Mechtilde)
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Related Resources...
* Good Friday (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-Good_Friday.htm
* Lenten Prayers (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-lenten_prayers.htm
* Stations of the Cross / Way of the Cross - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/prayers_and_devotions/stations_of_the_cross.htm
* The Passion of Jesus (from the Gospels) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/pcst/topical_scripture_J.htm
Note: Scroll down page to view (about 1/3 way down page...contains selections on the Passion from all four Gospel accounts)
* Jesus' Last Words From The Cross - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/jesus_last_words.htm
* Trials & Sorrows of Jesus - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/sorrows_of_jesus.htm
* The Passion / Cross Reflections - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/catholic_basics_reflections_The_Passion.htm
* Holy Week / Indulgence Information - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/indulgences.htm
* Stabat Mater (Sequence) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_hymns_sequences.htm
* Prayers to Jesus (Prayer in Honor of the Five Wounds, Prayer in Honor of the Precious Blood, etc.) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_Jesus.htm
* Fulfilled Prophecies in Scripture: Abandonment & Betrayal of Jesus - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/biblical_prophecies_betrayal.htm
* Fulfilled Prophecies in Scripture: Jesus' Passion, Death, & Resurrection - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/biblical_prophecies_passion_death_resurrection.htm
* Definitions (e.g. for terms such as Passiontide, Spy Wednesday, Triduum / Easter Triduum, etc.) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_basics/catholic_basics_definitions.htm
* Coloring Page: Jesus Washing Apostle's Feet - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/coloring_book_jesus_washing_feet.htm
* Coloring Page: Last Supper - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/coloring_book_last_supper.htm
Looking For Something Else? Try Our Various Indexes For 15,000+ Entries - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/help.htm
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"Pilate saith to them: What shall I do then with Jesus that is called Christ? They say all: Let him be crucified. The governor said to them: Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying: Let him be crucified. And Pilate seeing that he prevailed nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, taking water washed his hands before the people, saying: I am innocent of the blood of this just man. Look you to it. And the whole people answering, said: His blood be upon us and upon our children. Then he released to them Barabbas: and having scourged Jesus, delivered him unto them to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor, taking Jesus into the hall, gathered together unto him the whole band. And stripping him, they put a scarlet cloak about him. And platting a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand. And bowing the knee before him, they mocked him, saying: Hail, King of the Jews. And spitting upon him, they took the reed and struck his head. And after they had mocked him, they took off the cloak from him and put on him his own garments and led him away to crucify him." (Mt. 27:22-31)
"He did endure every human suffering... First of all, on the part of men: for He endured something from Gentiles and from Jews; from men and from women, as is clear from the women servants who accused Peter. He suffered from the rulers, from their servants and from the mob, according to Psalm 2:1,2: 'Why have the Gentiles raged, and the people devised vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the princes met together, against the Lord and against His Christ.' He suffered from friends and acquaintances, as is manifest from Judas betraying and Peter denying Him... Christ suffered from friends abandoning Him; in His reputation, from the blasphemies hurled at Him; in His honor and glory, from the mockeries and the insults heaped upon Him; in things, for He was despoiled of His garments; in His soul, from sadness, weariness, and fear; in His body, from wounds and scourgings... In His head He suffered from the crown of piercing thorns; in His hands and feet, from the fastening of the nails; on His face from the blows and spittle; and from the lashes over His entire body. Moreover, He suffered in all His bodily senses: in touch, by being scourged and nailed; in taste, by being given vinegar and gall to drink; in smell, by being fastened to the gibbet in a place reeking with the stench of corpses, 'which is called Calvary'; in hearing, by being tormented with the cries of blasphemers and scorners; in sight, by beholding the tears of His Mother and of the disciple whom He loved." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")
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New: The iStations Book - Stations of the Cross
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We are happy to announce the recent release of the second book in our 'Catholic Devotional Series'. Additional detail can be found below (or at http://MyCatholicSource.com/Media ).
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MyCatholicSource.com Presents...
THE ISTATIONS BOOK - STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Two Traditional Way of the Cross Methods for Catholics Based on Our 'Best Selling' App
Now Available 3 formats (Kindle ebook, full-color paperback, and black & white paperback)
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''To know Jesus and Him crucified is my philosophy, and there is none higher.'' (St. Bernard, Doctor of the Church)
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The iStations Book, presented by MyCatholicSource.com, is a convenient devotional aid for privately praying the Stations of the Cross (Way of the Cross).
Features include:
* Beautiful images
* TWO traditional methods, including a Franciscan method
* Selected prayers in English & Latin for use during the Way of the Cross
* Easy access to specific stations for both methods via the section pages (e-book format)
Great for:
* Fridays
* Lent
* Penitential times
* Times of suffering
* Times of temptation
* Before or after Confession
* Preparing to participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
* Family devotions
* Daily meditation
* Any other appropriate time
Material in this publication is based on our 'best selling' Way of the Cross app, iStations. We are happy to note that, over the years, our iStations app has been on the charts countless times (including ranking #1 in its category on Amazon numerous times). We have also been pleased to hear from users that they have considered the methods in our iStations app 'the most beautiful' methods ever seen. Users have called the app 'wonderful', 'awesome', 'great', 'excellent', 'beautiful', 'flawless', 'lovely', and 'penetrating and profound.' We are therefore pleased to bring this well-regarded content - both text & images - to an expanded marketplace via this present publication, The iStations Book.
We greatly hope you will find this material to be helpful in your spiritual life.
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"He should also be taught not to suffer a day to pass without devoting a portion of it to meditation on some mystery of the Passion of our Lord, and to exciting and inflaming himself to the imitation and most ardent love of his Redeemer." (Catechism of the Council of Trent)
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Limitations & Notes
* For private use
* Does *not* contain audio
* Designed for Catholics
* Includes traditional stations
* Latin prayers may omit special characters, accents, symbols, etc.
* Due to printing restrictions associated with thin publications, the paperback book's spine does NOT contain title or author information
* The digital version of 'The iStations Book' is not for use in church
* This publication may differ from our iStations app in various ways
* While iStations images are truly beautiful, they cannot be HD or free of imperfections as they are based on paintings. Also note that in the digital version, images may not be optimal on very large screens (e.g. if they are stretched excessively). In the black & white edition, images are black & white. For color images, see the full-color edition of this publication.
See terms of use for other important information.
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Get your copy today. And purchase an extra copy to share!
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Kindle Version Just $4.99 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079SLB55C/?tag=mycathcom-20
Black & White Paperback $7.99 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1980351821/?tag=mycathcom-20
Full-Color Paperback $15.99* - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1980284601/?tag=mycathcom-20
* Please Note: We wish it was possible to offer the full-color printed version of this title at a lower price, however the cost to print the book in full-color is significantly higher than the cost of black & white printing. We have priced the book as low as we could, and we receive only a little profit per sale (e.g. about 10%). If you would like a lower cost option, try the black & white version of this title.
Note: Prices indicated herein are subject to change at any time without notice and do not include any applicable taxes. For current pricing, please visit applicable link(s) above.
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''For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.'' (St. Paul, 1 Cor. 2:2)
''For Thy cross is the source of all blessings, cause of all the gifts of grace; through it to them that believe is given strength out of weakness, glory out of shame, life out of death.'' (Pope St. Leo the Great, Doctor of the Church, 5th century A.D.)
''Besides these incomparable blessings, we have also received another of the highest importance; namely, that in the Passion alone we have the most illustrious example of the exercise of every virtue. For He so displayed patience, humility, exalted charity, meekness, obedience and unshaken firmness of soul, not only in suffering for justice' sake, but also in meeting death, that we may truly say on the day of His Passion alone, our Savior offered, in His own Person, a living exemplification of all the moral precepts inculcated during the entire time of His public ministry.'' (Catechism of the Council of Trent)
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For more information, visit links above or try here: http://MyCatholicSource.com/Media
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''You should carry the passion of God in your hearts, for it is man's consolation in his last hour.'' (St. Nicholas of Flue)
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Liturgical Feasts in March
The following is a listing of all liturgical feast dates for March 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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March 4 - St. Casimir of Lithuania (T)
March 4 - St. Lucius I, pope (T)
March 4 - St. Casimir (N)
March 6 - Sts. Perpetua & Felicitas (T)
March 7 - St. Thomas Aquinas (T)
March 7 - Sts. Perpetua & Felicity (N)
March 8 - St. John of God (T)
March 8 - St. John of God (N)
March 9 - St. Frances of Rome (T)
March 9 - St. Frances of Rome (N)
March 10 - Forty Martyrs of Sebaste (T)
March 12 - St. Gregory the Great, pope (T)
March 17 - St. Patrick of Ireland (T)
March 17 - St. Patrick of Ireland (N)
March 18 - St. Cyril of Jerusalem (T)
March 18 - St. Cyril of Jerusalem (N)
March 19 - St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary (T)
March 19 - St. Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary (N)
March 21 - St. Benedict (T)
March 22 - St. Catharine Flisca Adorna (T)
March 22 - St. Isidore the Farmer (T)
March 23 - St. Turibius de Mongrovejo (N)
March 24 - St. Gabriel the Archangel (T)
March 25 - Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (T)
March 25 - Annunciation of the Lord (N)
March 27 - St. John Damascene (T)
March 28 - St. John Capistran (T)
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...
3/11/18 - Fourth Sunday of Lent | Laetare Sunday (T)
3/18/18 - Fifth Sunday of Lent | Passion Sunday (T)
3/25/18 - Palm Sunday
3/26/18 - Monday in Holy Week
3/27/18 - Tuesday in Holy Week
3/28/18 - Spy Wednesday
3/29/18 - Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday)
3/30/18 - Good Friday
3/31/18 - Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil)
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'Catholic Trivia'
Note: This month's trivia are themed. Can you guess what the theme is? See below for answer.
1. What violet and gold scapular is associated with the Capuchins?
2. Which saint was born in Italy in 1811, taught at Turin, and was a close friend of St. John Bosco?
3. What emblem is associated with St. Joseph?
4. Complete the passage: "The Lord also remembering Rachel, heard her, and opened her womb. And she conceived, and bore a son, saying: ___." (Gen. 30:22-24)
5. Who are some patron saints for a safe journey?
6. What did Pharao (Pharaoh) say to the people in Gen. 41:55?
7. Complete the passage: "The chief sources of information on ___ are the first chapters of our first and third Gospels" (Catholic Encyclopedia)
8. What "noble counsellor" went boldly to Pilate?
9. What do May 1 and March 19 have in common?
10. Who is Joseph Sarto?
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Answers:
1. The Scapular of St. Joseph is violet and gold and is associated with the Capuchins. It contains images of St. Joseph with Jesus, a dove (as a symbol of the Holy Spirit), a cross, and the keys of St. Peter.
2. St. Joseph Cafasso was born in Italy in 1811, taught at Turin, and was a close friend of St. John Bosco.
3. St. Joseph is associated with a lily.
4. "The Lord also remembering Rachel, heard her, and opened her womb. And she conceived, and bore a son, saying: God hath taken away my reproach. And she called his name Joseph: saying: The Lord give me also another son." (Gen. 30:22-24)
5. The following are patron saints for safe journeys: St. Christopher, St. Joseph, St. Nicholas of Myra (Bari), and St. Raphael the Archangel.
6. "And when there also they began to be famished, the people cried to Pharao (Pharaoh), for food. And he said to them: Go to Joseph: and do all that he shall say to you." (Gen. 41:55)
7. "The chief sources of information on the life of St. Joseph are the first chapters of our first and third Gospels" (Catholic Encyclopedia)
8. "Joseph of Arimathea, a noble counsellor, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, came and went in boldly to Pilate and begged the body of Jesus." (Mk. 15:43)
9. May 1 and March 19 are both feasts of St. Joseph.
10. Joseph Sarto became Pope St. Pius X.
Theme: All items contain the name 'Joseph'.
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For more information concerning the topics above, try our General A-Z Index at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/help.htm
Like trivia? You might enjoy our crossword puzzles located at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_activities/catholic_fun_crossword_puzzles.htm
You might also be interested in the Q & A and historical information which may be found each day on the MCS Daily Digest at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/mcs_daily_digest.asp
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Defending the Faith: "Apologetics Brief" - Do You Reject the Concept of an Eternal Hell?
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__hell.htm
The following may be used as discussion points when discoursing with those outside the Church (or even among Catholics).
Topic: Do You Reject the Concept of an Eternal Hell? (Note: Topic is directed at certain Protestants)
Consider:
* How can you reject the concept of an eternal Hell when there are numerous references to it in Holy Scripture? For example, consider the following passages (emphasis added via CAPITAL LETTERS)... [Note: We hope the use of capital letters does not come off as 'screaming', but options are limited for emphasis in plain text (one emailed version of the newsletter is plaintext, and also the online version is plaintext, so it is easiest for us to use CAPITALS for all versions of the newsletter). We apologize for any inconvenience.]
Mt. 3:10-12: "Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but THE CHAFF HE WILL BURN WITH UNQUENCHABLE FIRE."
Mt. 5:22: But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, 'Raqa,' will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, 'You fool,' will be liable to FIERY GEHENNA.
Mt. 8:11-12: "I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the kingdom of heaven, but the children of the kingdom will be DRIVEN OUT INTO THE OUTER DARKNESS, WHERE THERE WILL BE WAILING AND GRINDING OF TEETH."
Mt. 13:40-42: Just as weeds are collected and burned (up) with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. THEY WILL THROW THEM INTO THE FIERY FURNACE, WHERE THERE WILL BE WAILING AND GRINDING OF TEETH.
Mt. 13:49-50: Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and THROW THEM INTO THE FIERY FURNACE, WHERE THERE WILL BE WAILING AND GRINDING OF TEETH.
Mt. 22:13: Then the king said to his attendants, 'Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into THE DARKNESS OUTSIDE, WHERE THERE WILL BE WAILING AND GRINDING OF TEETH.'
Mt. 25:30: And throw this useless servant into THE DARKNESS OUTSIDE, WHERE THERE WILL BE WAILING AND GRINDING OF TEETH.
Mt. 25:40-46: And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.' Then he will say to those on his left, 'DEPART FROM ME, YOU ACCURSED, INTO THE ETERNAL FIRE PREPARED FOR THE DEVIL AND HIS ANGELS. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.' Then they will answer and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?' He will answer them, 'Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.' AND THESE WILL GO OFF TO ETERNAL PUNISHMENT, but the righteous to eternal life.
Mk. 9:47-48: Better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be THROWN INTO GEHENNA, WHERE 'THEIR WORM DOES NOT DIE, AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED.'
Lk. 3:17: His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but THE CHAFF HE WILL BURN WITH UNQUENCHABLE FIRE.
Lk.13:28: And there will be WAILING AND GRINDING OF TEETH when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out.
Lk. 16:22-26: When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and from THE NETHERWORLD, WHERE HE WAS IN TORMENT, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he cried out, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I AM SUFFERING TORMENT IN THESE FLAMES.' Abraham replied, 'My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours.'
2 Thes. 1:6-10: For it is surely just on God's part to repay with afflictions those who are afflicting you, and to grant rest along with us to you who are undergoing afflictions, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his mighty angels, in blazing fire, inflicting punishment on those who do not acknowledge God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of ETERNAL RUIN, separated from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power, when he comes to be glorified among his holy ones and to be marveled at on that day among all who have believed, for our testimony to you was believed.
Jude 1:7: Likewise, Sodom, Gomorrah, and the surrounding towns, which, in the same manner as they, indulged in s*xual promiscuity and practiced unnatural vice, serve as an example by UNDERGOING A PUNISHMENT OF ETERNAL FIRE. [Note: Masked to avoid mailing issues.]
Rv. 14:9-11: A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice, "Anyone who worships the beast or its image, or accepts its mark on forehead or hand, will also drink the wine of God's fury, poured full strength into the cup of his wrath, and will be tormented in burning sulfur before the holy angels and before the Lamb. THE SMOKE OF THE FIRE THAT TORMENTS THEM WILL RISE FOREVER AND EVER, AND THERE WILL BE NO RELIEF DAY OR NIGHT FOR THOSE WHO WORSHIP THE BEAST OR ITS IMAGE OR ACCEPT THE MARK OF ITS NAME."
Rv. 19:20: The beast was caught and with it the false prophet who had performed in its sight the signs by which he led astray those who had accepted the mark of the beast and those who had worshiped its image. The two were thrown alive into the FIERY POOL BURNING WITH SULFUR.
Rv. 20:10: The Devil who had led them astray was thrown into the POOL OF FIRE AND SULFUR, where the beast and the false prophet were. THERE THEY WILL BE TORMENTED DAY AND NIGHT FOREVER AND EVER.
Rv. 21:8: But as for cowards, the unfaithful, the depraved, murderers, the unchaste, sorcerers, idol-worshipers, and deceivers of every sort, THEIR LOT IS IN THE BURNING POOL OF FIRE AND SULFUR, WHICH IS THE SECOND DEATH.
Considering the above, why do you doubt? Do you call Jesus a liar? Do you call Scripture a liar?
* Why do you believe the other things in Scripture - especially the pleasant things - but refuse to believe in hell? Is this not just wishful thinking on your part?
* Not only is there a hell, but Christ even warns that few are saved: "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Mt. 7:13-14)
* Do you think that the unchangeable God will change His mind or that He is "bluffing"? "God is not man that he should speak falsely, nor human, that he should change his mind. Is he one to speak and not act, to decree and not fulfill?" (Num. 23:19)
Note: Also see 'Do All 'Good People' Go To Heaven? / No Salvation Outside the Church' at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/coming_home/coming_home_being_catholic.htm
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"There is a great difference between fire that can be quenched and fire that is unquenchable." (St. Gregory of Nyssa)
"If Hell were not eternal, it would not be so frightful a chastisement." (St. Alphonsus Liguori, Doctor of the Church)
"God threatens Hell, not to send us there, but to deliver us from that place of torments." (St. Alphonsus Liguori, Doctor of the Church)
"Moreover, if anyone without repentance dies in mortal sin, without a doubt he is tortured forever by the flames of eternal hell." (Council of Lyons / Pope Innocent IV, 1254 A.D.)
Q: "Who are they who go to Hell?" A: "They who do not die in the grace of God, that is, [those] who die in mortal sin." (Catechism of St. John Neumann)
"Those are punished in hell who die in mortal sin; they are deprived of the vision of God and suffer dreadful torments, especially that of fire, for all eternity." (Baltimore Catechism)
"There is no middle place: you must be forever happy in Heaven, or overwhelmed with despair in Hell." (St. Alphonsus Liguori, Doctor of the Church)
"[T]he unhappiness of the damned surpasses all unhappiness of this world." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")
"When, moreover, we reflect that this torment is to be eternal, we can see at once that the punishment of the damned includes every kind of suffering." (Catechism of the Council of Trent)
"But it remains unquestionably true that just as there is no end of joy for the good, so too there will be no end of torment for the wicked." (Pope St. Gregory I the Great, Doctor of the Church, 6th century A.D.)
"Although the sinner does not believe in Hell, he shall nevertheless go there if he has the misfortune to die in mortal sin - even though he neither believes in Hell or even thinks about it." (St. Anthony Mary Claret)
"[A]ll whosoever die in mortal sin, neither faith nor works of mercy will free them from eternal punishment, not even after any length of time" (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")
"We declare that a great number of those who are condemned to eternal punishment suffer that everlasting calamity because of ignorance of those mysteries of faith which must be known and believed in order to be numbered among the elect." (Pope Benedict XIV)
"So great is the thirst of the damned, that if one of them were offered all the water on this Earth, he would exclaim: All this water is not sufficient to extinguish the burning thirst which I endure. But alas! The unhappy damned shall never have a single drop of water to refresh their tongues." (St. Alphonsus Liguori, Doctor of the Church)
"Can. 9. If anyone says or holds that the punishment of the demons and of impious men is temporary, and that it will have an end at some time, that is to say, there will be a complete restoration of the demons or of impious men, let him be anathema." (Pope Vigilius, Canons Against Origen, 543 A.D.)
"It is of faith that Heaven exists for the good and Hell for the wicked. Faith teaches that the pains of Hell are eternal, and it also warns us that one single mortal sin suffices to condemn a soul forever because of the infinite malice by which it offends an infinite God." (St. Anthony Mary Claret) [Note: This refers to an unrepented mortal sin. Every mortal sin - no matter how evil - can be forgiven by the Church.]
"The reason why everlasting punishment appears hard and unjust to human ideas is because in this infirmity of our mortal state we have no adequate grasp of what exceeding high and pure wisdom which would enable us to form an idea of the enormity of man's first transgression. The higher man's enjoyment of God, the greater his impiety in forsaking God: destroying in himself a good gift that might have lasted for ever." (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church, 5th century A.D.)
"[A]ccording to the Philosopher (Ethica Nicomachea v, 5), punishment is meted according to the dignity of the person sinned against, so that a person who strikes one in authority receives a greater punishment than one who strikes anyone else. Now whoever sins mortally sins against God, Whose commandments he breaks, and Whose honor he gives another, by placing his end in some one other than God. But God's majesty is infinite. Therefore whoever sins mortally deserves infinite punishment; and consequently it seems just that for a mortal sin a man should be punished for ever." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")
"How can eternal punishment be taken to mean a fire of long duration, and eternal life be believed to be without end, when it the very same place and in one and the same sentence Christ spoke of both together: 'Those shall go into eternal punishment, but the righteous into life eternal'? If both are eternal, certainly it must be understood either that both are of long duration but with an end, or both are perpetual and without end. For they are related as being equal: on the one hand, eternal punishment, and on the other, eternal life. But to say in this one and the same sense, eternal life will be without end and eternal punishment will have an end, is quite absurd." (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church)
"Since punishment is measured in two ways, namely according to the degree of its severity, and according to its length of time, the measure of punishment corresponds to the measure of fault, as regards the degree of severity, so that the more grievously a person sins the more grievously is he punished: 'As much as she hath glorified herself and lived in delicacies, so much torment and sorrow give ye to her' (Apocalypse 18:7). The duration of the punishment does not, however, correspond with the duration of the fault, as Augustine says (De Civitate Dei xxi,11), for adultery which is committed in a short space of time is not punished with a momentary penalty even according to human laws." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")
"In one place the Lord declares that 'these shall go to eternal punishment,' and in another place He sends some 'to the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels'; and speaks elsewhere of the fire of gehenna, specifying that it is a place 'where their worm dies not, and the fire is not extinguished'... Although these and the like declarations are to be found in numerous places of divinely inspired Scripture, it is one of the artifices of the devil, that many man...ascribe an end to punishment, so that they can sin the more boldly. If, however, there were going to be an end of eternal punishment, there would likewise be an end to eternal life. If we cannot conceive of an end to that life, who are we to suppose that there will be an end to eternal punishment? The qualification of 'eternal' is ascribed equally to both of them." (St. Basil the Great, Doctor of the Church)
"My children, we are afraid of death; I can well believe it. It is sin that makes us afraid of death; it is sin that renders death frightful, formidable; it is sin that terrifies the wicked at the hour of the fearful passage. Alas! O God! there is reason enough to be terrified, to think that one is accursed - accursed of God! It makes one tremble. Accursed of God! and why? for what do men expose themselves to be accursed of God? For a blasphemy, for a bad thought, for a bottle of wine, for two minutes of pleasure! For two minutes of pleasure to lose God, one's soul, Heaven forever! We shall see going up to Heaven, in body and soul, that father, that mother, that sister, that neighbor, who were here with us, with whom we have lived, but whom we have not imitated; while we shall go down body and soul to burn in Hell. The devils will rush to overwhelm us. All the devils whose advice we followed will come to torment us. My children, if you saw a man prepare a great pile of wood...and when you asked him what he was doing, he were to answer you, 'I am preparing the fire that is to burn me,' what would you think? And if you saw this same man set fire to the pile, and when it was lighted throw himself upon it, what would you say? This is what we do when we commit sin." (Catechism of the Cure of Ars)
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For more apologetics resources, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/non-catholics.htm
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In Closing...
"Here learn the science of the saints: All is to be found in the passion of Jesus." (St. Paul of the Cross)
"Cross, my certain salvation, Cross, whom I ever adore, Cross of the Lord be with me, Cross, my refuge, forever more." (St. Thomas Aquinas)
"Some saints are privileged to extend to us their patronage with particular efficacy in certain needs, but not in others; but our holy patron St. Joseph has the power to assist us in all causes, in every necessity, in every undertaking." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")
"Let Him be fixed deep in your heart, who for you was fastened to the cross" (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church)
"From the sufferings and death of Christ we learn God's love for man and the evil of sin, for which God, who is all-just, demands such great satisfaction." (Baltimore Catechism)
"It is also true that we should practice mortification in many things to make reparation for our sins. There is no doubt that the person who lives without mortifying himself is someone who will never succeed in saving his soul." (St. John Vianney)
"Grant to us, Lord, we beseech Thee the ready aid of Thy grace; that as we are earnestly occupied, as is meet, with fasting and prayer, we may be set free from all enemies both of body and soul. Through Christ our Lord. Amen." (Collect)
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