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MyCatholicSource.com Newsletter - June, 2013
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IN THIS ISSUE:
* Greetings
* MCS News & Notes
* The Month of June: Dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
* A Few Reflections on the Necessity of Prayer
* Prayer to the Sacred Heart Composed by St. Alphonsus de Liguori
* Liturgical Feasts in June
* 'Catholic Trivia' [Themed: Priests / priesthood]
* Defending the Faith: "Apologetics Brief" - Do You Think Baptism is Unnecessary?
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Dear Friend,
"May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones" (Eph. 1:18)
Greetings! We pray this newsletter finds you and yours doing well. With the approach of summer, we send our best wishes for a safe, blessed & enjoyable vacation to all those who will be traveling. Also, if you'd like some good Catholic activities to complement your summer plans, please visit our newly expanded Catholic Fun & Activities section at http://www.MyCatholicSource.com/Activities . Here you can find crossword puzzles, word searches, coloring activities, mazes, travel activities, and more... We hope you will enjoy it.
Thank you for a valued subscriber!
May God grant you abundant blessings,
Your Friends at MyCatholicSource.com
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"Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love, Have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, Abyss of all virtues, Have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise, Have mercy on us." (From the Litany of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus)
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MCS News & Notes
* Site redesign progress update: We are happy to report that we have completed the site redesign for all reflections pages on our site. We estimate that the redesign is now just above 10% complete (based on the total quantity of files to be done). We plan to continue working on the remaining 90% as time permits. Please note that welcome comments about our new site design. Please submit your comments at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/fdb/transition_feedback.htm
* New 'Share Your Thoughts' Feedback Box: We have added a 'share your thoughts' feedback box to the side border of our site. You can use this feature to quickly send us feedback. Simply enter your feedback and press the button to submit your comments according to our usual terms. If you are hoping for response, please be sure to include your e-mail address with your comments. [Reminder: All feedback is subject to our terms of use. We may freely publish feedback on our site / newsletter / promotional materials / etc.]
* Rosary Week Update: We are stretched pretty thin right now due to the site redesign efforts as well as ongoing app development and site development & maintenance, etc. We have therefore been unable to complete all preparations for our Fifth Annual Rosary Week in the timeframe we had hoped. Nevertheless, we hope to have the sign up sheet available shortly and hope that participants will sign up without delay. Please note that Rosary Week is scheduled for 10/21/13 - 10/27/13. We hope you will join us!
* With June may come weddings & (unfortunately) also a general increase in immodest dress. For wedding information, please try the Catholic Wedding Topic Page at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-catholic_wedding.htm . If you would like more information on the sacrament of holy matrimony, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-catholic_marriage.htm . For information on modest / immodest dress, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_life/modesty_dress.htm . Note that this page includes a link to a free flier that can be printed.
* Reminder: Don't forget your priest this Father's Day (6/16 in the U.S.). [Note: For priest-themed quotes such as: "Our parents begot us by blood and the will of the flesh, but priests make us children of God; blessed regeneration, true freedom, and adoption according to grace." (St. John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church), see the Reflections links appearing on the Priest Topic Page at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-priest.htm ]
* Reminder: For information on plenary indulgences that may be available in June, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/indulgences.htm
* Will you or a loved one be traveling this year? Did you know there are a number of patron saints for travelers? For a listing of patron saints for travelers, visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/saints/patron_saints.htm (tip: search by category 'Hobbies & Travel', or search for patronage 'travel', 'journey', etc.). Also, for prayers for travelers & motorists, visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_for_certain_persons.htm
* Vatican gift items (e.g. flags, key chains, decals, pins) are still available in our fundraiser and are a great way to show that you're Catholic. They are reasonably priced, starting under $5.00 (including shipping). Tax, if applicable, may be added. While supplies last. To get yours, please go to http://www.bfsnet.com/bfsnet_store/fundraising_solutions.htm
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MyCatholicSource.com App News...
* Android apps update: We are still working on Android versions of existing apps. If you have already signed up for our waiting list, please note that you should receive an e-mail when they are complete. If you haven't yet signed up, you can add yourself to the list at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/fdb/app-wl.htm . Please note that we are trying our best to get the remainder of these apps completed, but we are stretched thin on time and this platform has presented us with a number of challenges that must be dealt with. Hopefully, however, we will make progress on these apps soon. In the meantime, thank you for your patience.
* If you don't yet own our Catholic Bible References app, why not get it today? This app is a great memory aid for truths of the Catholic faith that conveniently puts important scripture passages at your fingertips. It is a handy apologetics tool that can be used to help Catholics discuss & defend the faith. It features hundreds of key bible references conveniently arranged by topic, 100+ tips for locating related passages (including those related to defending the Catholic faith among 'Jehovah's Witnesses' & Mormons), modern / traditional scripture translations, a convenient index, an easy / quick / comprehensive search, selectable text, Old Testament / New Testament indicator, a quick, easy-to-use interface, and more... Download your copy of this 'must-have' app today at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/catholic-bible-references/id450589859?ls=1&mt=8
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The Month of June: Dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
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"We do not hesitate to declare that devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is the most effective school of the love of God; the love of God, We say, which must be the foundation on which to build up the kingdom of God in the hearts of individuals, families, and nations" (Pope Pius XII, "Haurietis Aquas", 1956 A.D.)
"[T]here is no doubt that Christians in paying homage to the Sacred Heart of the Redeemer are fulfilling a serious part of their obligations in their service of God and, at the same time, they are surrendering themselves to their Creator and Redeemer with regard to both the affections of the heart and the external activities of their life; in this way, they are obeying that divine commandment: 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind, and with thy whole Strength.' Besides, they have the firm conviction that they are moved to honor God not primarily for their own advantage in what concerns soul and body in this life and in the next, but for the sake of God's goodness they strive to render Him their homage, to give Him back love for love, to adore Him and offer Him due thanks." (Pope Pius XII, "Haurietis Aquas", 1956 A.D.)
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Related Resources...
* Sacred Heart of Jesus (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-Sacred_Heart.htm
* Sacred Heart of Jesus (Reflections) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/prayers_and_devotions_reflections_Sacred_Heart_of_Jesus.htm
* Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Incl. 'Sacred Heart Promises') - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/prayers_and_devotions/Sacred_Heart_of_Jesus.htm
* Sacred Heart of Jesus / Prayers (Incl. consecration prayers) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_Jesus.htm
* Litany of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_litanies.htm
* Annum Sacrum: On Consecration To The Sacred Heart, Pope Leo XIII - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pd/annum_sacrum.htm
* Caritate Christi Compulsi: On Reparation To The Sacred Heart, Pope Pius XI - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pd/caritate_christi_compulsi.htm
* Haurietis Aquas: On Devotion To The Sacred Heart, Pope Pius XII - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pd/haurietis_aquas.htm
* Miserentissimus Redemptor: On Reparation To The Sacred Heart, Pope Pius XI - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pd/miserentissimus_redemptor.htm
* Sacred Heart of Jesus (Coloring Page) [shaded] - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/coloring_book_Sacred_Heart.htm
* Sacred Heart of Jesus (Crossword Puzzle) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/crossword_puzzle_sacred_heart.html
Looking For Something Else? Try Our Various Indexes For 15,000+ Entries - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/help.htm
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"Is not a summary of all our religion and moreover, a guide to a more perfect life contained in this one devotion [to the Sacred Heart of Jesus]? Indeed, it more easily leads our minds to know Christ the Lord intimately and more effectively turns our heads to love Him more ardently and to imitate Him more perfectly." (Pope Pius XI)
"We think it opportune to exhort you once again venerable brethren, and through you all those dear children of Ours in Christ, to continue to exercise an ever more vigorous zeal in promoting this most attractive form of piety; for from it in our times also We trust that very many benefits will arise." (Pope Pius XII, "Haurietis Aquas", 1956 A.D.)
"When so many evils meet Our gaze - such as cause sharp conflict among individuals, families, nations and the whole world, particularly today more than at any other time - where are We to seek a remedy, venerable brethren? Can a form of devotion surpassing that to the most Sacred Heart of Jesus be found, which corresponds better to the essential character of the Catholic faith, which is more capable of assisting the present-day needs of the Church and the human race? What religious practice is more excellent, more attractive, more salutary than this, since the devotion in question is entirely directed towards the love of God itself?" (Pope Pius XII, "Haurietis Aquas", 1956 A.D.)
"It is altogether impossible to enumerate the heavenly gifts which devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus has poured out on the souls of the faithful, purifying them, offering them heavenly strength, rousing them to the attainment of all virtues. Therefore, recalling those wise words of the Apostle St. James, 'Every best gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of Lights,' We are perfectly justified in seeing in this same devotion, which flourishes with increasing fervor throughout the world, a gift without price which our divine Savior the Incarnate Word, as the one Mediator of grace and truth between the heavenly Father and the human race imparted to the Church, His mystical Spouse, in recent centuries when she had to endure such trials and surmount so many difficulties." (Pope Pius XII, "Haurietis Aquas", 1956 A.D.)
Prayer in Honor of the Sacred Heart: "Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we who glory in the Most Sacred Heart of Thy dear Son and call to mind the chief benefits of His love toward us, may find equal joy in their achievement and in their saving effect. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen." (Raccolta)
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A Few Reflections on the Necessity of Prayer
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"He who prays will be saved, he who does not pray will be damned! " (St. Alphonsus, Doctor of the Church)
"I consider that it is obvious to everyone that it is impossible to live virtuously without the aid of prayer" (St. John Chrysostom, 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 A.D.)
"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 Liguori, Doctor of the Church)
"He who gives up regularity in prayer has lost a principal means of reminding himself that spiritual life is obedience to a Lawgiver, not a mere feeling or taste." (Cardinal Newman)
"As We must ask God for daily bread for the sustenance of the body, so must We pray to Him for strength of soul for its nourishment in virtue. Hence that universal condition and law of life, which We have said is a perpetual battle, brings with it the necessity of prayer to God." (Pope Leo XIII, "Exeunte Iam Anno", 1888 A.D.)
"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 A.D.)
"If, then, we wish to persevere and to be saved - for no one can be saved without perseverance - we must pray continually. Our perseverance depends, not on one grace, but on a thousand helps which we hope to obtain from God during our whole lives, that we may be persevered in his grace." (St. Alphonsus Liguori, Doctor of the Church)
"Do not the continual needs of our soul and body warn us to have recourse to him who alone can supply them?" (St. John Vianney)
"The air which we breath, the bread which we eat, the heart which throbs in our bosoms, are not more necessary for man that he may live as a human being, than is prayer for the Christian that he may live as a Christian." (St. John Eudes)
"All spiritual writers in their books, all preachers in their sermons, all confessors in their instructions to their penitents, should not inculcate anything more strongly than continual prayer; they should always admonish, exclaim, and continually repeat: Pray, pray, never case to pray; for if you pray, your salvation will be secure; but if you leave off praying, your damnation will be certain. All preachers and directors ought to do this, because, according to the opinion of every Catholic school, there is no doubt of this truth, that he who prays obtains grace and is saved; but those who practice it are too few, and this is why so few are saved." (St. Alphonsus, Doctor of the Church)
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Ref. http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/prayers_and_devotions_reflections_necessity_of_prayer.htm
Also See...
* Catholic Prayers (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-catholic_prayers.htm
* Prayers & Devotions Reflections - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/prayers_and_devotions_reflections.htm
* Prayer Tips - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/prayers_and_devotions/prayer_tips_and_insights.htm
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Prayer to the Sacred Heart Composed by St. Alphonsus de Liguori
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The following is taken from a 19th century publication entitled 'The Manual of the Sacred Heart: A Select Volume of Prayer for Daily Use'. The publication states that it is complied and translated from approved sources. [Note: We have made some changes to the original text (e.g. punctuation & capitalization changes)]
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O adorable heart of my Jesus, heart created expressly for the love of men! Ah, until now I have shown for Thee only ingratitude. Pardon me, O my Jesus, heart of my Jesus, abyss of love and of mercy, how is it possible that I do not die of sorrow when I reflect on Thy goodness to me and my ingratitude to Thee? Thou, my Creator, after having created me, hast given Thy blood and Thy life for me; and, not content with this, Thou hast invented a means of offering Thyself up every day for me in the Holy Eucharist, exposing Thyself to a thousand insults and outrages. Ah, Jesus, do thou wound my heart with a great contrition for my sins, and a lively love for Thee. Through Thy tears and Thy blood, give me the grace of perseverance in Thy fervent love until I breathe my last sigh. Amen.
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Note: For more prayers, please try here - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-catholic_prayers.htm
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Liturgical Feasts in June
The following is a listing of all liturgical feast dates for June 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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June 1 - St. Justin Martyr (N)
June 2 - St. Erasmus (T)
June 2 - Sts. Marcellinus & Peter (T)
June 2 - Sts. Marcellinus & Peter (N)
June 3 - St. Charles Lwanga & companions (N)
June 4 - St. Francis Caracciolo (T)
June 5 - St. Boniface (T)
June 5 - St. Boniface (N)
June 6 - St. Norbert (T)
June 6 - St. Norbert (N)
June 9 - St. Columba (T)
June 9 - Sts. Primus & Felician (T)
June 9 - St. Ephrem of Syria (N)
June 10 - St. Margaret of Scotland (T)
June 11 - St. Barnabas, apostle (T)
June 11 - St. Barnabas, apostle (N)
June 12 - St. John of San Facondo (T)
June 12 - Sts. Basilides, Cyrinus, Nabor & Nazarius (T)
June 13 - St. Anthony of Padua (T)
June 13 - St. Anthony of Padua (N)
June 14 - St. Basil the Great (T)
June 15 - St. Vitus, Modestus & Crescentia (T)
June 16 - St. John Francis Regis (T)
June 18 - St. Ephrem the Syrian (T)
June 18 - Sts. Mark & Marcellianus (T)
June 19 - St. Juliana Falconieri (T)
June 19 - Sts. Gervase & Protase (T)
June 19 - St. Romuald (N)
June 20 - St. Silverius, pope (T)
June 21 - St. Aloysius Gonzaga (T)
June 21 - St. Aloysius Gonzaga (N)
June 22 - St. Paulinus of Nola (T)
June 22 - St. John Fisher (N)
June 22 - St. Paulinus of Nola (N)
June 22 - St. Thomas More (N)
June 23 - Vigil of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist (T)
June 24 - Nativity of St. John the Baptist (T)
June 24 - Nativity of St. John the Baptist (N)
June 25 - St. William (T)
June 26 - Sts. John & Paul (T)
June 27 - Our Lady of Perpetual Succor (Perpetual Help) (T)
June 27 - St. Cyril of Alexandria (N)
June 28 - St. Irenaeus of Lyons (T)
June 28 - St. Irenaeus of Lyons (N)
June 29 - Sts. Peter & Paul, apostles (T)
June 29 - Sts. Peter & Paul, apostles (N)
June 30 - St. Paul, apostle (T)
June 30 - St. Peter (T)
June 30 - First Martyrs of the Church of Rome (N)
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...
6/7/13 - Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
6/8/13 - Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (N)
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'Catholic Trivia'
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Note: This month all trivia items are themed. [Theme: Priests / priesthood]
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1. What are the twofold duties of a priest according to the Catechism of the Council of Trent?
2. Who said...? "[P]eople tend generally to be of the same quality as their priests."
3. Who is patron saint of parish priests?
4. What is one of the "purest glories" of the priesthood and one that "frees men for its grave duties and obligations"?
5. Is priestly tonsure (cutting off of the hair) an ancient or recent custom of the Church? How might it relate to Christ's Passion?
6. In case of grave necessity, may a man seek the priesthood in order to secure the necessities of life?
7. What is the principal act of a priest and the "central raison d'etre of the sacrament of the priesthood"?
8. Does St. Ambrose say joking is appropriate for priests?
9. What does the 1983 Code of Canon Law, Canon 286 say about clerics practicing commerce?
10. Who said...? "What sad effects would not arise if that gravity of conduct which belongs to the priest, should be in any way lessened; if he should yield with lightness to the charm of every novelty; if he should deport himself with pretentious indocility towards his superiors; if he should lose that weight and measure in discussion which is so necessary, particularly in matters of faith and morals."
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Answers:
1. According to the Catechism of the Council of Trent, "The priest's duties are twofold. The first is to consecrate and administer the Sacraments properly; the second is to instruct the people entrusted to him in all that they must know or do in order to be saved. Hence the words of the Prophet Malachias: The lips of the priest shall keep knowledge and they shall seek the Law at his mouth; because his is the angel of the Lord of hosts."
2. Pope Pius IX, "Qui Pluribus", 1846 A.D.
3. St. John Vianney
4. "We consider [priestly celibacy] one of the purest glories of the Catholic priesthood" (Pope Pius XI, "Ad Catholici Sacerdotii", 1935 A.D.) & "[T]his complete renunciation of marriage frees men from its grave duties and obligations." (Pope Pius XII, "Sacra Virginitas", 1954 A.D.)
5. According to the Catechism of the Council of Trent, "The hair of the head is cut off in the form of a crown. It should be always worn thus, and should be enlarged according as one is advanced to higher orders. The Church teaches that this usage is derived from Apostolic origin, as mention is made of it by the most ancient and authoritative Fathers, such as St. Denis the Areopagite, St. Augustine and St. Jerome. It is said that the Prince of the Apostles first introduced this usage in memory of the crown of thorns which was put upon our Savior's head, so that the devices resorted to by the impious for the ignominy and torture of Christ might be used by His Apostles as a sign of honor and glory, as well as to signify that the ministers of the Church should strive to resemble Christ our Lord and represent Him in all things."
6. No. According to the Catechism of the Council of Trent, "Some there are who embrace this state to secure the necessaries of life, and who, consequently, seek in the priesthood, just as other men do in the lowest walks of life, nothing more or less than gain. Though both the natural and divine law lay down, as the Apostle remarks, that he who serves the altar should live by the altar; yet to approach the altar for the sake of gain and money is one of the very gravest of sacrileges."
7. "[T]he principal act of a priest is to consecrate the Body and Blood of Christ" (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church") & "The Eucharist is the principal and central raison d'etre of the sacrament of the priesthood" (Pope John Paul II, 2003 A.D.)
8. No. He says, "Although jokes are at times fitting and pleasant, nevertheless they are incompatible with the ecclesiastical rule" (St. Ambrose, Doctor of the Church)
9. Can. 286: "Clerics are forbidden to practice commerce or trade, either personally or through another, for their own or another's benefit, except with the permission of the lawful ecclesiastical authority." (1983 Code of Canon Law)
10. Pope Leo XIII, "Fin Dal Principio", 1902 A.D.
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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 and also try..
* Priests & Vocations Section - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/priests_and_vocations.htm
* Priests & Vocations Reflections - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/priests_and_vocations_reflections.htm
* Misc. Priests / Vocations Facts - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/vocations/facts.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 Think Baptism is Unnecessary?
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 Think Baptism is Unnecessary? [Note: Topic is directed at certain Protestants]
Consider:
* If Baptism is unnecessary, why does Christ require it as a condition of salvation ["Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit" (Jn. 3:5)]?
* If Baptism is unnecessary, why does Scripture say that persons are saved through water (cf. 1 Pt. 3:20-21)?
* If Baptism is unnecessary, why did Jesus commission the Apostles to baptize ["Then Jesus approached and said to them, 'All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.'" (Mt. 28:18-20)]?
* If Baptism is unnecessary, why Does Jesus say that "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved" (Mk. 16:16)?
* If Baptism is unnecessary, why did Peter - under the influence of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost - instruct his hearers to be baptized (see Acts 2:38-41)?
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"Jesus answered and said to him: Amen, amen, I say to thee, unless a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith to him: How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born again? Jesus answered: Amen, amen, I say to thee, unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh: and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." (Jn. 3:3-6)
"If any one saith that baptism is optional, that is, not necessary to salvation; let him be anathema." (Council of Trent)
"[F]or no one ascends into the kingdom of heaven except through the Sacrament of Baptism." (St. Ambrose of Milan, Doctor of the Church, c. 387 A.D.)
"And because of the transgression of the first man, the whole stock of the human race was tainted; no one can be set free from the state of the old Adam save through Christ's sacrament of baptism." (Pope St. Leo I the Great, Doctor of the Church)
"Holy baptism holds the first place among all the sacraments because it is the door of the spiritual life. By it we are made members of Christ and of his body, the Church. And since through the first man death has come to all men, unless we are reborn of water and of the Holy Spirit, we cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven as the Truth himself tells us (see John 3:5)." (Council of Florence)
"The faithful are earnestly to be exhorted to take care that their children be brought to the church, as soon as it can be done with safety, to receive solemn Baptism. Since infant children have no other means of salvation except Baptism, we may easily understand how grievously those persons sin who permit them to remain without the grace of the Sacrament longer than necessity may require, particularly at an age so tender as to be exposed to numberless dangers of death." (Catechism of the Council of Trent)
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For more apologetics resources, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/non-catholics.htm
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In Closing...
"He showed His Heart to us bearing about it the symbols of the passion and displaying the flames of love, that from the one we might know the infinite malice of sin, and in the other we might admire the infinite charity of Our Redeemer, and so might have a more vehement hatred of sin, and make a more ardent return of love for His love." (Pope Pius XI, "Miserentissimus Redemptor", 1928 A.D.)
"God has given to priests powers greater than those given to our parents; and the differences between the powers of these two is as great as the difference between the future life and the present. Our parents begot us to temporal existence; priests beget us to the eternal. The former are not able to ward of from their children the sting of death, nor prevent the attack of disease; yet the later often save the sick and perishing soul" (St. John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church, c. 387 A.D.)
"Then he told them a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. [Jesus] said, 'There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, 'Render a just decision for me against my adversary.' For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, 'While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.'' The Lord said, 'Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?'" (Lk. 18:1-8)
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