Pictured: Pro-Life Pumpkin - Awesome Activism Idea!

Are you planning on carving pumpkins this weekend? Well how about carving this:


From the American Life League:

There are many opportunities to be a voice for the voiceless, and most of those opportunities require us to go to a public place. But, on the eve of All Saints Day, the public comes to us!

So, make a pro-life jack-o-lantern and send your photos to us. Be sure to include your name, age and address in the e-mail, and we'll post the best ones on our home page!
It doesn't have to be anything fancy. It could be as intricate as the design here or as simple as the word "Pro-Life." Whatever your skill level, be creative and tell the world about the personhood of preborn babies!

Send your pro-life jack-o-lantern pictures to prolifepumpkin@all.org.

If you would like to duplicate this one, simply download the .pdf stencil and print it out. Tape the stencil to your pumpkin and, with a pointed object, like a small screwdriver, poke shallow holes along the perimeter of the image. With a paring knife, carefully cut out the areas shaded in black.

Way way way cool.

Online: Catholic College Month

This is a great idea, introduced by AmP reader Maureen Wittmann:

October is Catholic College Month at Homeschool Connections. They are sponsoring a series of free webinars for Catholic families. This is a tremendous opportunity to meet first hand (electronically, at least) with key admissions officials at some of the great Catholic universities and colleges in the country, and it's FREE!

To register or learn more, please visit Catholic College Month.

Start planning, kids - and parents!

Tip: Save babies every time you use a Credit Card!

This is really cool. Crossroads Pro-Life now has a credit card you can use which will donate 1% of every one of your purchases to their cause. The first time you swipe it, Crossroads Pro-Life gets $25!

It's the only pro-life credit card out there.

(And if you want to change the image on the front of the card to something you want instead - you can!)

So spread the word, and if you want a pro-life cause supported by your purchases - get this one.

Social Media Twins Ticket Giveaway

If you want Minnesota Twins baseball tickets check out the nifty giveaway hosted by the Catholic Spirit. Catholic Spirit is at the forefront of using the potentials of new media for the new evangelization.

Better Idea: Downloadable "Ask a Catholic a Question" Free Handbook

Back in March I blogged about this great idea:

Ask a Catholic a Question began in the spring of 2007 to spread awareness of Catholic beliefs to students, from students. They answer questions from a steady stream of people most days when they appear in Academic Plaza. On days when a preacher is on campus stirring up polarizing views, the dichotomy between the two becomes immediately apparent.

Now it's an even better idea:

Because of the number of requests for information about our program, Ask A Catholic A Question, we received from other campus ministries, parishes, organizations, and individuals; we have written a manual - Ask A Catholic A Question Handbook: Evangelization On-Campus. It comes in both a downloadable format as well as a website.

You can check it out here.

Practical evangelizing is the best.

Event: Catholic Homeschooling Conference in NJ

Two great things happening in New Jersey soon (details on the other one here):

The Sacred H.E.A.R.T. convention will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at St. John the Evangelist parish in Orange. The convention is designed to assist and edify both veteran and new Catholic homeschoolers in the Tri-state and New England areas, as well as other parents and families seeking guidance and support in raising their children in a Catholic culture.

Participants can hear distinguished speakers, visit vendor booths, ask questions of Catholic college representatives, listen to classical music, and celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass with Archbishop Myers. Register at www.heartconvention.org

Steve Greydanus' presentation "Ready or Not: Homeschooling Kids in a Mass-Media World" looks especially interesting. He's the guy behind DecentFilms.com, my favorite place for Catholic movie reviews.

New Catholic (online) Journal

From the Editor-in-Chief:

"The journal is an endeavor which attempts most of all to be Catholic, in both senses of the word: faithful to the authoritative teaching of the Magisterium of the Holy Catholic Church, and applying that faith universally, to everything written. Our goals are to recognize and promote the truth, regardless of who says it, to facilitate an honest dialogue amongst those of differing opinions both outside and within the Church, and to acknowledge the uniqueness of the Church: that it, and it alone, by the salvation it offers, professes the fullness of the truth, on heaven and earth. It is hopefully within the folds of that truth that Veritatis Praeco publishes articles discussing the first principles, politics, man, the state, the university, philosophy, theology, history, literature, and the liturgy." [Visit the blog here.]

He says they plan to update daily over the summer.

facebook.com/AmericanPapist

That's a much easier URL to remember than the old one (which had a random set of numbers).

I think this would be a good opportunity to push the AmP facebook fanpage past 2,000 members.

And if you have a Facebook account, log in now to claim your personal "vanity" URL.

(... but in a moral, Catholic, way of course.)

O:-)

Event: Catholic Writers Conference, Aug 5-7th

From AmP reader Ann:

The Catholic Writers Conference Live!, an event sponsored by the Catholic Writers Guild, will be taking place August 5-7, 2009 in conjunction with the Catholic Marketing Trade Show in Somerset, New Jersey. The conference will provide a unique opportunity for Catholic writers of non-fiction and fiction to learn about improving their craft, sharing their faith in their writing and marketing their work. Panel discussions and presentations covering many topics essential for the professional (or professional-to-be!) writer will be offered along with opportunities to ask questions of major Catholic publishers. [Read the full press release online here.]

Spiritual Help-Wanted: Wyoming Catholic College Seeks Chaplain

A great Catholic college needs a great chaplain:

Wyoming Catholic College -- a flourishing Great Books liberal arts college with an outdoor adventures component -- seeks a priest of orthodox faith and morals to care for souls. At the center of our campus life stands the worthy celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. In keeping with the teaching and example of Pope Benedict XVI, liturgy and devotions are carried out in a manner that stresses continuity with Tradition. Treasures such as the Latin language and Gregorian chant are held in utmost esteem. The chaplain’s duties include offering daily Mass and hearing confessions. As a chaplain in a college setting, he should be energetic in working with young people, ready to preach in a way relevant to students’ needs, and comfortable with offering spiritual direction. For more details, please click here.

Tip: Logos Bible Software for Catholics

A good priest friend of mine swears by  Logos Bible Software (in the right way, of course). AmP reader Phil:

"Logos Bible Software is the leading digital publisher of Christian resources. Recently we’ve been working on digitizing scores of Catholic titles. This blog post, “Logos Bible Software for Catholics,” explains everything in detail, and you can see all of our Catholic offerings in our new Catholic Product Guide."

Tip: Online summer courses for Catholics

Next tip from AmP reader Maureen:

"Have you been wondering how to get your teens excited about all things Catholic? Homeschool Connections is offering online summer classes for all Catholic high school students (home, public, or private educated) that will keep them engaged and learning over the summer. There are even one or two that will help prepare graduating seniors for college. 

Homeschool Connections uses webinar technology so students can see and hear the professor via a webcam and mic in addition to his Power Point presentation. In turn students can communicate with the class through chat or their own microphone. Teens love the technology, making learning all the more enjoyable. Be

cause this is done over the Internet, participation can take place anyplace -- in the kitchen, at the library, on vacation. Additionally, each class is recorded and accessible to students for 6 months. All courses are taught with a focus on the Catholic perspective. It's a great deal for the dollar. For details, visit http://www.homeschoolconnectionsonline.com (use the scroll bar to see all courses) or email Maureen Wittmann, mwittlans@aol.com.

Some of the courses are taught by Dr. Henry Russell, a former professor of mine. Your children are in the best of care with him. All the teachers are completely loyal to the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Oh, and for those of you looking for little Amp tidbits - I'm a proud product of home education.

Tip: Abp. Burke in Louisville July 17-18 for Eternal Life Conference

Archbishop Raymond Burke's recent appearance and comments at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast was memorable, to say the least. AmP reader Sandy lets us know where he can be seen next in the states:

Archbishop Burke is scheduled to be in Louisville, Ky, on July 17-18 for the annual Eternal Life Conference sponsored by the Cardinal Mindszenty Foundation, Catholics United for the Faith and Eternal Life, an organization founded by the late Father John Hardon, who was a regular speaker at the conferences until his death in 2000. There will be at least three other speakers including Father Benedict Groeschel. Archbishop Burke has been a frequent speaker at this venue, and past speakers include Cardinal Arinze, Father George Rutler, Dr. Alice Von Hildebrand, and even Mother Teresa. The Conference is held at the Galt House in downtown Louisville. The phone number to get more information is 1-800-842-2871.

I trust AmP readers to find out more information with Google, if they are interested.

Tip: Catholic Summer Reading Program

Today I'm working through various tips people have sent me recently. Here's the first:

Aquinas and More Catholic Goods, the official sponsor of the Catholic Summer Reading Program, would like to invite you to join in a book discussion at your school, parish, local Catholic store, or online at www.tiberriver.com.

Designed to encourage continued reading about the Faith during the summer vacation months, the Catholic Summer Reading Program, now in its 3rd year, includes online discussion guides so you can form your own discussion group. Kids can also get involved by downloading the Catholic Kids Reading Path and filling it in as they read Catholic books during the summer.

Tip: See and read about the Vatican's real secrets

This book has been on my coffee table for some time now and often catches the eye of my friends. 

The lucky ones open it:

Learn more about the book on its website:

Written by Father Michael Collins, a Vatican insider and accomplished church historian, this beautifully illustrated reference takes a unique behind-the-scenes look at the world’s smallest nation and the spiritual center of the Catholic Church. Produced with the full cooperation of the Vatican, examine the 2,000 year long history of the Vatican and papal influence, experience daily life and governance of the world’s largest religious body, and discover the art collections and other priceless treasures rarely seen by the public. [Buy it on Amazon]

Forget "Angels & Demons" - Read "Death of a Pope"

I've been hearing Catholics say good things about Piers Paul Read's new book "Death of a Pope". This just goes to show you that it is possible to write compelling fiction about the Church without attacking her at every turn.

Here's the book jacket description:

Juan Uriarte, a handsome and outspoken Spanish ex-priest, seems to be the model of nonviolence and compassion for the poor and downtrodden. So why is he on trial, accused of terrorist activities? His worldwide Catholic charitable outreach program is suspected of being a front for radicals. The trial is covered by Kate Ramsay, a young British reporter, who sets out to uncover the truth about Uriarte and his work. She travels with him to Africa to see his work first hand but soon finds herself attracted to him.

Meanwhile an international conspiracy is growing, one that reaches into the Vatican itself. When the death of Pope John Paul II brings about the conclave that will elect Joseph Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI, a terrorist plot involving blackmail, subterfuge, and mass murder begins to fall into place... a plot that could spell disaster for the Catholic Church and the world.

Piers Paul Read's powerful tale combines vivid characters, high drama, love, betrayal, faith, and redemption in a story of intrigue, church espionage, and an attempt to destroy the longest continuous government in the world the Papacy. The Death of a Pope races toward an unexpected and unforgettable conclusion.

Amazon has it. Right now, in fact, it's only two spots behind Dan Brown's new book (hint, hint). Ignatius Press has also posted the full itinerary of his (impressive) ongoing book tour. I see that he's coming to DC at the end of the month.

"Death of a Pope" is near the top of my list of to-read books after my studies this semester end. It will be a nice change of pace, I think, to read about popes without having to make sure that I have their dates of reign and major written works memorized. ;)

Your Take: The Top 3 Catholic books on Amazon

Right now are....

• American Babylon: Notes of a Christian Exile by Richard John Neuhaus (his last book)
• The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist by Matt Baglio (which we've talked about)
• Practicing Catholic by James Carroll (this one I think has some serious warning signs)

Has anyone read any of these three books? Have you read any good new Catholic releases lately? And what's all this about the Kindle? (I filled out the form to have AmP content included on it but no response yet.)

Support the Catholic Youth Foundation

Before the advertisement on the AmP sidebar goes away, I want to give a shout out to a worthy campaign on behalf of the Catholic Youth Foundation.

The Catholic Youth Foundation "provides scholarships to the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), training for youth ministers, and grants to Catholic youth ministry programs around the country."

To spice things up, CYF's director and his wife decided to climb Mt. Everest. No joke:

Bob McCarty, and his wife, Maggie, are preparing for their once-in-a-lifetime journey to Mount Everest this April. Bob and Maggie’s love of rock climbing and ministry has often crossed paths as they annually lead a wilderness retreat for adults. As in the past, the lines of personal pursuit and ministry are coming together again for the benefit of Catholic youth ministry in the United States. We are graced by their generosity especially as the trip is fully funded by them.

As we all know, even a journey of 29,035 feet is achieved through, well, lots of little steps.

That's why they're asking for lots of little pledges of $5 and $10. That's not so bad, and those add up! Especially when donors have promised to match these little donations. Which is the case here.

I'm told that Bishops Harrington and Aymond are supporting the campaign - they're both on the honor roll list of bishops who have spoken up about Notre Dame.

Anyway, please consider supporting the campaign and tell your twitter/facebook (even real life friends) about it!

Coverage of the Pope's trip to the Holy Land

My one-stop source will be Christopher Blosser's "Pope Benedict XVI in Israel and the Holy Land."

Last Call: Volunteers needed for Catholic Prayer Breakfast

If you are in the DC area and want to attend for free (in exchange for some volunteering), you should contact Jacqueline (jacquelinehalbig [at] hotmail.com) or Jenny (cnsconsultjenny [at] aol.com) ASAP.

The event is tomorrow morning so this really is last call.

I'll be there.

Bishop Conlon restores Friday abstinence from meat in Diocese of Steubenville

Okay, technically, Catholics in the US are only allowed to dispense from the year-round Friday abstinence from meat if they substitute a comparable penance for it ... but in practice, the vast majority of Catholics have forgotten to even do this.

Bishop R. Daniel Conlon, however, has dispensed with the substituting ... and has instead brought back the simple Friday abstinence from meat in his diocese. I especially respect that he ties this sacrificial abstinence to witnessing for the unborn and providing them with concrete assistance:

"I am inviting the Catholic people of the Diocese of Steubenville to resume the practice of abstaining from meat on all Fridays throughout the year, but with a twist. I am asking that this be not only a penitential practice but also an experience of prayer and service. This can happen by connecting abstinence with our witness to the sacredness of human life. (In another section he says: Abstinence can also be service if we eat simple meatless food and donate the financial savings to the poor or to pro-life efforts.)

... The resumption of year-round abstinence in the Diocese of Steubenville will begin after this coming Easter, one week after Good Friday (April 17). Although the practice will not be a requirement of law, and failing to keep it will not constitute a sin, I hope every one who is old enough to receive Holy Communion and well enough to come to church will take it seriously. Our parishes, schools and organizations should provide meatless food at their Friday activities.

... the present challenge to the people in our diocese is not really radical. It is a call to what many if not most of us have put aside. And it is a way for us, like the apostles, to give up a little food and help Jesus feed the world."

Bishop Conlon, of course, placed the above mandate within a very well-crafted pastoral letter, which he had read before or at the end of all the Masses in his diocese on the weekend of March 28/29. His catechetical office has also followed-through and provided education materials for school-age children.

What a wonderful idea - and it need not be limited to Catholics living in the diocese of Steubenville, either! Their fine witness, and the words of their bishop, can inspire us to do the same.

Pro-Life Film Contest awards $2000 in prizes!

When the Susan B. Anthony List (a pro-life organization) sees a good idea ... they run with it:

"When 12 year-old Lia Mills wrote her speech about abortion for a school contest, she had no idea the kind of impact it would have worldwide. Yet after her mother put the speech on YouTube, it garnered over a half a million views! [watch the video here.]

... Now, Lia is challenging other young people to send in their videos and spread the pro-life message. The SBA List wants to provide our nation’s youth with the opportunity to do just that. This new contest will award two winning videos with a $1,000 scholarship and will be featured in a Susan B. Anthony online campaign!"

Okay, American Papist Kids - you have your homework!

Trailer: Earth Documentary

On Earth Day (tomorrow), considering seeing the Documentary "Earth". I was able to view a screener of the film a couple weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed the ground-breaking cinematography and compelling narration (great movie for the kids):



Personally, I can't think of a better way to spend Earth Day than in a cool theater enjoying the conveniences of modern technology. ;-)

Oh, and it inspired much awe in me at the amazing works of the Creator. What a wonderful world!

Book suggestion: The Catechist's Magic Kit

An AmP reader suggested this book which "teaches catechists how to use sleight-of-hand to teach the entire Catholic Catechism to kids and teens. It uses a pedagogic method called Gospel Magic first used by St. John Don Bosco in the 1800s. The book received an imprimatur from Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DeMazio"...

Only 2 days left to win your free trip to Europe!

As the website says, "Unless you just do not like to travel, there’s no excuse not to enter!" I mean seriously - who doesn't want to see the Pope?

Holy Thursday is the final day to enter the free contest. Once you have entered (up to 2 ways), they will randomly select one entry and that person will get to travel for free on any one of their 2009 or 2010 trips.

If you can’t travel you are even allowed to give the trip away to a friend.

It only takes a few moments to register. So go enter now and maybe win an awesome Easter present!

I'm not sure how many have entered so far but I have to think the odds are very good - far better than most trip giveaway deals.

Tip: Fr. Euteneuer talks about exorcism on EWTN this Friday

AmP readers were very interested in my tip of last week about Matt Baglio's new book "The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist." This means you might also be interested in this news:

EWTN’s is going to interview Fr. Thomas Euteneuer about his new book on exorcism this Friday, April 3, at 8 p.m. ET. Fr. Euteneuer is president of Human Life International and an exorcist. His new book is called “Exorcism and the Church Militant” [I'm waiting for it to appear on Amazon]. Fr. Euteneueur has been in the news lately saying that Pope Benedict feels there is a greater need for exorcism today and that he desires more priests to be trained as exorcists."

Should be an interesting interview! You can watch EWTN online live, right here.

Perfect for Easter: "What Christians Believe" by Pope Benedict

Credo for Today by Pope Benedict XVI. This strikes me as a perfect Easter present, especially to folks coming into the Church or being confirmed. And it's available for pre-order on Amazon a few days before.

It's on my reading list.

Sacred Chant Music: 99 Perfectly Relaxing Songs for $0.99

I don't know about you, but for me it's been a very stressful week. Time to unwind with sacred chant:

Browse the available songs on Amazon here. One week only!

A surprise book from Pope Benedict on Saint Paul?

AmP reader Heidi notified me about this soon-to-be released title by Pope Benedict which had escaped my notice. We are, of course, in the Year of Saint Paul. Maybe an appropriate Easter gift?

Saint Paul by Pope Benedict XVI

"In this book, Pope Benedict XVI, a profound spiritual leader in his own right and a first-rate theologian and Bible commentator, explores the legacy of Paul. Pope Benedict follows the course of the Apostle s life, including his missionary journeys and his relationship with the other apostles of Jesus such as St. Peter and St. James, and Paul s martyrdom in Rome. Benedict also examines such questions as: Did Paul know Jesus during his earthly life and how much of Jesus teaching and ministry did he know of? Did Paul distort the teachings of Jesus? What role did Jesus death and resurrection play in Paul s teaching? What are we to make of Paul s teaching about the end of the world? What does Paul s teaching say about the differences between Catholic and Protestant Christians over salvation and the roles of faith and works in the Christian life? How have modern Catholic and Protestant scholars come together in their understanding of Paul? What does Paul have to teach us today about living a spiritual life?"

Here is a short review of the book. It's currently #329 on Amazon - let's give it a boost!

I also can't fail to take this opportunity to mention this weekend's conference "Lessons from St. Paul for the New Evangelization". Check it out!

Facebook finally gets a targeted advertisment right

Facebook loves placing targeted advertisements on your sidebar when you use their website. It bases these ads on the information you've made available on your profile. This time it finally got one right:

In any case, if not for me personally - perhaps for people who share my interest in things Catholic.

Great idea: Ask A Catholic A Question

A great idea that I hope other papists pick up:

Ask a Catholic a Question began in the spring of 2007 to spread awareness of Catholic beliefs to students, from students. They answer questions from a steady stream of people most days when they appear in Academic Plaza. On days when a preacher is on campus stirring up polarizing views, the dichotomy between the two becomes immediately apparent.

Let's stop and say a quick prayer for these sidewalk disciples.

The Catholic Traveler is giving away a trip to Europe!

Can't wait for spring to arrive?

Haven't seen the pope in a few months? (yeah - I wish!)

The Catholic Traveler is giving away a free trip to Europe, allowing you to choose any one of their 2009/2010 pilgrimages.

Even better: you can enter up to three times!

Hey, that's cool. papist cool.

Go check it out!

In the mailbox: Seven Last Words of Jesus

Talk about fantastic lenten reading:

Description:

Addresses many everyday concerns: marriage, liturgy, suffering, vocations, etc. The sacred mysteries of Christ crucified carefully explored through the lens of sacred art.An invaluable companion a beautiful resource you will return to throughout the year An ideal gift for Catholics and for those who wish to understand the mystery of the Cross of Christ. Well suited for adult catechetical instruction and RCIA.

I've made it my AmP book-of-the-month and am going to begin reading it tonight.

AP Video: Catholics Told to Silence Hi-tech Toys for Lent

Ironic that this pastoral message will be conveyed to you through ... youtube and a blog:



Interesting that the focus seems to be on text message abstaining. This is true:

Leaders said abandoning technology puts the focus on the physical rather than the virtual world. (AP)

Since I'm lazy, I'll just say this from memory (folks are welcome to fact-check me and clarify): One of the "fundamental human goods" of the new natural law theorists is that of "reality" over "virtual reality." Simply put, technology should be at the service of man in his bodily existence, in his relationship to God, with his fellow human beings, and also the world.

AmP, of course, keeps you better in touch with each. I hope it at least falls into the category of "good use"!

Reminder: $10 off St. Paul conference ends today

$10 Discount Ends March 6!

If you have not yet registered, time is running short to receive the $10 early registration discount for the conference “Lessons from St. Paul for the New Evangelization.”

$65 for all sessions including lunch and dinner becomes $75 after March 6 // $50 for all sessions without meals becomes $60 after March 6.

Register online here. Learn more about this conference here.

CheckOut TweetCatholic

I find it a neat little idea ... and I debuted at #25. I'm a sucker for statistics. :)

Event: Napa Valley Catholic Men's Conference

For Bay Area Catholic Men:

Come join fellow Catholic men for the Fourth Annual Napa Valley Catholic Men’s Conference. We all know the challenges of being a Catholic man in the modern world—you need support from your brothers in faith. On Saturday, April 18, we will be convening at St. Apollinaris Church Hall, Napa, California. Featuring talks by some of today’s top Catholic leaders, you won’t want to miss this event. There will be Mass and Confessions during the conference. Fathers are encouraged to bring sons who are teenage and older. Click here for the conference schedule.

There is limited space—first come, first served—so register as early as possible! Pre-register by April 7 for only $40 (save $10.00!). Late registration will be $50. The registration fee covers a gourmet lunch and continental breakfast at the conference.

Breaking: Abp. Naumann responds to Sebelius appointment/Brownback endorsement

John Norton at Our Sunday Visitor has an excellent, timely interview with Abp. Naumann on Kathleen Sebelius and Senator Brownback, etc. Some pull quotes follow.

On Sebelius' claims of a "pro-life" record:

Archbishop Naumann: I think that’s very, very dishonest and not at all accurate. It’s true that abortion dropped during her term as governor but I don’t think she really had anything to do with it, although she likes to take credit for it. And in fact, during that time she vetoed measures that could have helped prevent abortion.

On Obama's choice to pick Sebelius, and Sen Brownback's going along with it:

I personally find it offensive that he would choose a pro-legalized-abortion Catholic to head this office. I think, as I interpret Sen. [Sam ] Brownback’s and Sen. [Pat] Roberts’ support of sorts for the nomination — it’s simply saying we elected President Obama with the positions he took. We can’t expect that he’s going to appoint someone to these cabinet positions that do not share his views. And in a sense I can understand that. When there is a pro-life president, we resent if there is an effort to try to prevent the president from appointing people who share his vision. So, I can understand why they might acquiesce, I guess, is the best way to put it, to her appointment.

Finally, as a bonus, what he thinks of the organization Catholics United:

Archbishop Naumann: I don’t think they have much impact and I don’t pay much attention to them personally. And I think from what you just read, they’re either not very honest or they’re not very competent in the research that they do.

Actually, they're both: competent and dishonest. They know what they are doing.

Also, on a related note, Matt Bowman has an excellent article in the American Spectator today:

But the most intriguing component of Sebelius's nomination is her Catholicism. Not that Catholic abortion supporters are rare -- see Obama's failed nominee to HHS, Tom Daschle. But Sebelius is significant as an attempt by Obama to foment a civil war within Catholicism to neutralize its pro-life efforts.

Like a shrewd general, Obama is using Catholics themselves as his ground troops.
Two dozen prominent Obama supporters quickly launched a letter supporting Sebelius, and claiming that they are Catholic and pro-life. The letter's signers are the same liberal Obama Pro-Lifers from his presidential campaign, led by Professor Doug Kmiec and the Soros-funded group "Catholics United."

The first step to responding to these sorts of attacks is to realize that one is being attacked. Kmiec, Sebelius, et al. are making a concerted effort to destroy the connection between being Catholic and pro-life.

Noted: U.S. bishops offering Lent 2009 resources

CNA explains them. USCCB provides them.

Cardinal DiNardo promotes Bible-listening Lenten devotion

Sounds good to me:

"Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, recently urged Catholic leaders to get involved in a city-wide Bible listening campaign called You've Got The Time Houston.

So far more than 50 different parishes have signed up to listen through the entire New Testament, which represents more than 160,000 Catholics."

Faith Comes Through Hearing is offering a free audio download of the (NAB) New Testament:

Faith Comes By Hearing.com

Cardinal DiNardo is trying to get Catholics to listen to the Bible for 30 minutes a day for Lent.

Tip: Catholic Desktops: "keeping your computer life prayerful"

Check them out, they have lots of neat stuff!

Two LC priests to appear on EWTN this Friday

This Friday (8pm EST) Fr. Thomas Williams and Fr. Jonathan Morris will be appearing on EWTN's The World Over with Raymond Arroyo. Both priests are well-known authors and TV commentators.

I understand that the show was planned long before the news came out about Marcial Maciel's pattern of sin and deception. You can watch a live stream of the EWTN feed online here.

As it stands, this appearances may provide the first opportunity for two prominent Legionary priests to answer questions that have been raised in light of the Maciel revelations, especially if no official response is published by the Legion in the next 48 hours. I'll be watching.

Buy Pope Art - Help Catholic High Schoolers!

From AmP reader Chris:

"My kids attend the OC High School of the Arts. They launched their online auction today that helps fund the school. They had one item you may be interested in: a Pope Benedict XVI Drawing. From: http://www.saintsgallery.com/"

Darn straight I'm interested - and maybe a papist benefactor will want it for themselves!

Video: Amazing pro-life rap music video

Whatever your feelings about rap, this is an amazing song:

Buy the MP3 here. I think it would be good to support his work.

More about the artist Flipsyde and about this song in particular.

AmP cd-of-the-month: Norbertine Fathers' Anthology

I just got mine in the mail! You can order yours at Amazon.com here.

More:

[From Abbot Eugene Hayes]: "On February 10th the new Abbey CD, entitled "Anthology," will be released. We are all very excited by this upcoming event as it provides an excellent opportunity to make the Abbey and our Expansion Project more widely known. Youtube already has a preview of the CD."

Learn more about the Norbertine Fathers here.

Me and the California Norbertines go way back.

Wee Believers: Mass Kits for Catholic Kids (er, Boys)

Thanks to AmP reader Shaina for alerting me to this website:

http://www.weebelievers.com/

They even sell toy mass kits! Now there's a way to promote early vocation awareness.

Video: ALL's Training And Activism 2009

If you are in town for the March for Life, check it out:

More info here. It's free!

Events: March for Life 2009

The Cardinal Newman Society has compiled a great list (items in bold I plan on attending):

• 1/21 Tenth Annual Cardinal O’Connor Conference at Georgetown featuring Robert George and Feminist for Life’s Serrin Foster
• 1/21 “Exposing the Truth of Abortion” talk and screening of Beyond the Dark Valley at the Catholic Information Center
• 1/21 March for Life Convention at Hyatt Regency
• 1/21 An Afternoon of Prayerful Remembrance and Intercession at the National Shrine Crypt Church
• 1/21 Solemn Vigil Mass for Life at the National Shrine
• 1/21-1/23 American Life League’s Rock for Life Training and Activism Week in Washington
• 1/22 Cardinal Newman Society Breakfast Briefing for officials of Newman Guide Colleges
• 1/22 Solemn Mass for Life at the National Shrine
• 1/22 Youth Rally, Confessions and Mass at the Verizon Center
• 1/22 The 36th Annual March for Life (Washington, D.C.)
• 1/22 Catholic Athletes for Christ post-March reception at Kelly’s Irish Times
• 1/22 Rose Dinner at the Hyatt Regency
• 1/23 Pro-Life lobby day on Capitol Hill with Concerned Women for America (CWA, 1015 15th St, NW, D.C.)
• 1/24 Students for Life of America (SFLA) conference and VIP Reception

Also, Thursday, January 22, 12:45 pm at the Catholic Information Center in downtown DC:

• A screening of Beyond the Dark Valley, a short film featuring compelling testimonies of many who have been devastated by abortion. (For more information and to view a trailer for the film, visit www.BeyondTheDarkValley.org.)
• Discussion moderated by Joyce Zeunis, radio talk show host.
• Author Jane Brennan discusses her book, Motherhood Interrupted, a collection of sixteen stories of healing and hope after abortion.

For more events and tips, see my post last week.

Looking for a traditional Mass during the March for Life?

Look no further than the National Basilica:

AmP reader Sr. Miriam: "The extraordinary form of the Mass will be in the Lourdes Chapel at 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2009."

I'm sure there will be others as well scattered about.

Free Overnight Housing offered to March for Life participants!

From AmP reader Colleen:

Jan 21. Overnight Housing for Pilgrims - Free Housing at Catholic University's DuFour Center! Housing space is available for groups, individuals, and families. Contact the Campus Ministry office at Catholic University at 202-319-5575.

Also see the comment thread on this post for more housing opportunities. Thank you, readers!

Don't miss it! Live streaming of Pro-Life Summit

I've been hearing rumblings about this summit for some time and I think it is very important.

It's hosted by Citizens for a Pro-Life Society and will be taking place this Saturday at Christ the King parish in Ann Arbor, MI. The topic is how to end abortion in post-election America.

The bad news? It's sold out (500 attendees).

The good news? The summit is being streamed live on local WDEO Catholic radio here at 10am EST.

The better news? Relevant Recordings will be recording and selling CDs of the event here.

Speakers include Janet Smith, Al Kresta, Deal Hudson, Bishop Earl Boyea, Fr. Frank Pavone - you name it.

May such a gathering of pro-life luminaries and activists yield good fruit for the cause of the unborn.

Free download: O Emmanuel Antiphon Chant

A little freebie offered by Paraclete Press.

Two-Day AmP Gear Sale!

Two exciting offers, just to make sure everyone who wants Papist Gear this Christmas, gets Papist Gear this Christmas:

1) CafePress is offering a free upgrade to its premium shipping through Friday to ensure Dec. 24th delivery.

2) I'm dropping prices on AmP Gear until Friday (midnight EST) to help out folks on a budget!

Click here to browse the AmP CafePress store.

And remember what I said in my first post - I'd love to have people send me their pics of their Papist Gear in action ... on the road, at home, at seminary, at school - be creative!

iBreviary for your iPhone!

iCool! A digital vade mecum:

Ph/t: Cellphone9 via IntoMobile.

Jeff Miller has the authorized St. Blogs' review of the program.

While it's been widely claimed the iBreviary is "Vatican approved", there isn't in fact any congregation in charge of approving/endorsing software programs. Jeff claims, however, that the Vatican's Council for Social Communications has mentioned it. I'd imagine that if the program simply faithfully transposes the text of an authorized Breviary, the approval carries over with it.

Gee, all I need now is an iPhone. *sigh*.

update: a clarification directly from the creator of the program, Don Paolo Padrini, who says representatives at the Vatican have mentioned and appreciate the application.

Introducing American Papist Apparel!

Plenty of folks have asked me over the years why there wasn't any such thing as American Papist fan gear?

There's a simple answer: I don't know how to make it.

Well, lucky for us, Erik Bootsma has genersouly contributed his top-notch graphic design services, so now we're happy to offer you the first "official" American Papist fan gear on CafePress for American Papist Fans.

... and not just AmP fans, but also anyone who wants a distinctive "Not Your Average Catholic" brand of clothing.

Shirts, Hoodies, Kids clothes, Hats, Bags, Mugs, Buttons, Magnets, ... we got it all. I think the stickers are cool, myself.

And if you need some graphic design work done for you, well, you can already tell Erik knows his stuff. Contact him at erikbootsma [at] yahoo.com and see if he can help! (update: and also visit his blog, Beatus Est.)

And do please spread the word around about AmP Apparel!

Also, I'd like to create a gallery of AmP fans sporting their papist gear. So if you buy something from the story, send me a picture of you with it and I'll figure out a cool way to use it down the road!

Coupon for Christmas Shopping at Aquinas & More

Click here for the coupon:

Do AmP readers know of any other current coupons or promotions for online Catholic vendors?

Save the Date! Lessons from St. Paul.

This is well worth attending:

More details....

• Keynote Speaker - Most Rev. Charles Chaput, Archbishop of Denver (what a treat!)
• Main Speaker - SherryWeddell Co-Founder and Director Catherine of Siena Institute
• Multiple Workshops - Scripture, Spirituality, Youth ministry, Parish renewal, and much more

Contact: 313-883-8792 ][ http://www.shms.edu/ ][ lessonsfromstpaul@shms.edu

Please help me spread the word on your blog and among your friends.

If you blog about this conference and let me know, I'll include a link to it here!

• Jean Heimann at Catholic Fire
• Mark Shea at Catholic & Enjoying It!
• Sherry W. of Intentional Disciples
• Catholic Mommy Brain

Theology of the Body Short Script Contest

AmP reader Angela writes:

I work at Family Theater Productions in Hollywood. It's a Catholic Production Company that is a part of Holy Cross Family Ministries. Our website is here.

One of the main things we do is outreach to the young Catholics in Hollywood trying to make it in the entertainment industry as actors, writers, directors, etc.

Our latest project is to have a short script writing contest to help writers try and integrate the teachings of John Paul 2 into the art of writing. We are holding a small script writing contest and hope to let as many people know about it as possible in the hopes that people will give it a try. They can find all the details on our Facebook page.

Put AmP Flair on your Facebook!

This is a little inside I realize ....

For those of you who know, and are interested, you can now receive and send "AmP Facebook Flair"! Just add the Flair application (if you don't have it already) and search for "papist". Pretty nifty, huh?

update: I've discovered that I have Mike Thomas of Saginaw/Bay City, MI to thank for this work!

Is Advent a penitential season?

update: whoops, looks like somehow an old post surfaced on JA.com and I got confused.

What Jimmy observes about liturgical purple is still interesting, however:

I mean, what's with all the purple? One clue may be found in Wikipedia:

In the Roman Church the liturgical color of purple or violet is used in the liturgy. Often times the purple used is a darker purple (sometimes called "Royal Purple") whereas in Lent the color is often a reddish purple ("Roman Purple).

So maybe . . . just maybe . . . the purple in Advent is supposed to be a signification of the birth of a coming King rather than a sign of penance."

But seriously, how many parishes have separate shades of purple to destinguish between Lent and Advent? This is a useful confirmation that liturgical colors matter, and that liturgical details matter.

update: for those who wish to pursue this topic further, see Adam Schwend "Advent questions: Holy water, blue and Guadete Sunday".

Can you translate? Want a good job?

"Ignatius Press is currently seeking French, German, and Italian translators to translate book-length works into English."

Details here.

Buy something at Ignatius Press through this link and I get a commission. update: now it works.

Tonight - Look Up!

Of the many celestial sights, this is a beautiful and easy one to appreciate (as long as you have clear skies):

Every once in a while, something will appear in the night sky that will attract the attention of even those who normally don't bother looking up. It's likely to be that way on Monday evening, Dec. 1.

A slender crescent moon, just 15-percent illuminated, will appear in very close proximity to the two brightest planets in our sky, Venus and Jupiter. (SPACE.com)

Advent on your iPhone: Introducing "iHabitus"

Not a gag post!

More details from Fr. Z.

And this would be just as good as any to ask, do you have any Catholic software for mobile devices tips? What about a Facebook Advent application? I've heard of such a thing existing but this one appears to be the only one updated for 2008, and it does not appear to be particularly Christian.

Anyway, I'd love to promote these sorts of things to other AmP readers. Spread the Good News (online)!

Online Movie: Volition (pro-life & powerful)

A powerful film available in its entirety online.

The description doesn't quite to it justice:

"The act of making a choice. Sometimes the choice of inaction has consequences stronger than we could ever imagine. Throughout history, men have been faced with difficult choices in a world that makes it easy for them to conform. This film explores the hope that lies behind every decision made in the face of adversity; the hope that is buried in the heart of those that look beyond themselves and see something bigger worth fighting for."

Okay,that's a bit vague. Watch the movie and it's very clear what is being talked about. And it's very moving.

In the mailbox: Praying the Rosary

Description:

The book explains the history and significance of the Rosary as well as instructions on how to get the most of the meditative and spiritual exercise of repeating prayers. The Rosary walks readers through each of twenty Mysteries combining biblical excerpts and by using reproductions of famous biblical artwork by Tissot, Raphael Gaugin and many others to illustrate the power of this beloved act of devotion.

I especially appreciate the "multidisciplinary" approach of placing the devotion of praying the rosary next to scripture and religious art. It will help me make praying the rosary a more regular habit.

Wow, is this a useful link

I remember searching for something like this some time ago but I'm happy to find out that it now exists:

{Map of the Roman Catholic Dioceses in the USA}

Bonus feature: clicking on the map sends you to the official diocesan website! How useful - how bookmarked.

In the mailbox: Priestblock 25487

During my travels this past weekend I read Fr. Jean Bernard's Priestblock 25487, the memoir of his Nazi imprisonment at the Dachau concentration camp. It was an incredibly moving read, telling the story of the brave Catholic priests who received (if it can be imagined) even worse treatment than other prisoners amidst the terrors of the Nazi regime.

It was especially inspiring to see how they brought their priestly vocation, in whatever small ways they could, into the depths of horror there. Talk about clinging to Christ! The writing is never needlessly graphic, and gives one courage to overcome the (relatively minor) crosses we are called to bear ourselves.

EWTN airing "Into Great Silence Tonight and Thursday

Via Jeff:

Philip Groning's stunning new documentary on the spirituality of Carthusian monks will be on EWTN this week.

Sun 10/26/08 9:00 PM ET & 6 PM PT

Thu 10/30/08 2:30 PM ET & 11:30 AM PT

My previous posts on this documentary here.

You can watch EWTN online for free here.

CatholicVote.com video nears 2 MILLION views

Simply incredible:


CatholicVote.com is the AmP website of the month (but I'm surely not responsible for all two million of those views). I'm also an occasional contributor to their group blog. Give both a visit!

Vatican newspaper likes "Wall-E" animated movie

Andrea Piersanti, writing for L'Osservatore Romano, thinks Wall-E "underscores defense of life, hope and humanism." It's certainly one of my favorite movies of the year, and I think you would like it.

Picture: Medieval Catalan Pantocrator Art

The Blog of the Courtier has an interesting post on the history of the Pantocrator theme in the art of the Catalan Pyrenees in the medieval ages. My favorite:

More here.

Of course, my personal favorite Pantocrator is in Florence, Italy. I took a photo of it when I had the opportunity of seeing it in person a few years ago, and subsequently turned it into a desktop wallpaper. If only the shot hadn't turned out slightly fuzzy. I am rather pleased it somehow is featured on the first page of Google Image search when you look for "Catholic wallpaper." I think it's a good entry.

Has anyone else discovered beautiful Catholic desktop wallpapers? Drop a link in the combox!

This Christmas, listen to the Norbertine Fathers chant. I did.

I'm so excited about listening to these gregorian chants preformed by the Norbertine Fathers of St. Michae's Abbey as Christmas approaches.

You see, I have some personal history here. As a young boy growing up in Southern California, for three years I participated in their St. Michael's Summer Camp ("Where All Boys Have Fun!"). Aside from full days of soccer, swimming, camp fires and hiking, we would also attend daily Mass and even make it to confession.

But even more uniquely, the older (and best-behaved) boys were invited to participate in the chanting of evening prayer with the Norbertines before bed each night. Being allowed to stay up an extra hour and listen to the solemn, beautiful tones of the same Norbertine Fathers who had earlier been leading us in song, charging up mountains and taking point on the basketball court was one of the most moving and formational experiences of my young faith.

These men were real men, and real men prayed.

Here is the description for "Chants for Three Masses of Christmas":

The album includes the proper chants of the three Masses of Christmas (Midnight; the Mass at dawn and the Mass of the day) as sung at St. Michael's Abbey in Orange County, California. After all the centuries, these chants retain their sacramental quality, their supple vigor and the ability to dispose the soul for the contemplation of God and His Mysteries.

It's reassuring to know that I still have much to learn from the Norbertine Fathers. Praise God for them.

(Oh, and for the high-school aged out there, they also run a renown college prepatory school.)

What seminarians are reading: "Hidden Enemies of the Priesthood"

The author, I'm proud to say, is a teacher of mine.

From the Dominican Friars blog:

"If you want to know what seminarians are reading in their spare time these days, one needs to look at a book by Fr. Basil Cole, O.P. — a professor of Moral and Spiritual Theology at the Dominican House of Studies. His recent book The Hidden Enemies of the Priesthood has become something of a rage among seminarians around the country.

Recently, when preaching a retreat for seminarians from all over the country, Fr. Basil learned that many of them were not only reading but recommending to each other his book. He later learned that the former Archbishop of St. Louis, Raymond Burke, purchased and distributed copies for every seminarian in his Archdiocese. The publisher’s first printing of the book ran out some time ago, and it seems the second will do the same. In addition, Dr. Jeff Mirus of CatholicCulture.org gave a very favorable review of the book."

Br. James Brent, OP conducted a helpful interview with Fr. Cole, which I recommend reading. A sample:

What are some of the enemies of the priesthood that you discuss in the book?

Fr. Basil: Two major enemies come to mind: ignorance of the dignity of the gift of priesthood, and pride as the queen of the seven capital vices. Most spiritual authors and the Catechism of the Catholic Church teach there are only seven capital vices. Thomas teaches that the seven are lieutenants of the queen. Ignorance of the Queen as the “anti-form” (my terminology) of the vices tends to obscure the deepest enemy of the priest. He may think one or other is his problem but the real problem for all is pride, which governs as it were the other vices.

What are some of the remedies for these ills that you discuss?

Fr. Basil: Contemplation, humility, the prayer of petition done with humility, patience and persistence,together with mercy toward one’s peers and formators.

Read up, young men, and be assured of our prayers!

AmP earns a mention in Christian News Wire

This is actually a round-about way to mention PickAFig.com again:

The internet can be a wilderness, with thousands of articles written daily. Social bookmarking sites have arisen to help Internet users, but the popular ones, such as Digg, leave faith-based sites and postings out in the cold - or worse, the subject of ridicule.

PickAFig.com is a new site that offers a similar function, but with a focus on Catholic, Pro-Life, and Christian sites, news and resources. Users can submit links to news articles, blog postings, and websites, and vote on stories that others have submitted. The most popular and useful stories can then be easily recognized. Webmasters and bloggers can add small voting buttons that show a particular page's popularity on PickAFig.com, and allow their readers to easily vote or submit their content to the new faith-base social bookmarking site.

PickAFig.com launched in late July 2008, and in the past 2 months has maintained approximately 1,000 unique visitors a month, as well as support from Catholic bloggers and websites including the Curt Jester, American Papist, and BettNet. (Christian News Wire)

I promoted PickAFig (the "Catholic Digg") when it debuted. I think it's a great service and I hope it takes off.

Find information on every Saint and Blessed in one place!

A friend of mine was closely involved with this project. From the press release:

For the first time ever, the Vatican’s official list of saints is available online. eCatholicHub.net has created a searchable database of saints and blesseds based on the Roman Martyrology, the Vatican’s saint list. The database comprises 6,882 entries of men and women recognized for their sanctity by the Catholic Church.

While several saint databases are available online, none have the authoritative scope of the Roman Martyrology like the eCatholicHub database. The eCatholicHub database does not leave out any saint or blessed, making it the most comprehensive source for saint information on the Internet.

Mark Giszczak, a graduate student at Catholic University of America, teamed up with Jim Zapapas, a Denver database programmer, to create the database.

Check it out: http://www.ecatholichub.net/study/saints

They also have an extremely powerful way of searching the database, which is useful.

Here is a sample saint profile.

Co-Creating with God conference a success!

I've heard a few on-the-ground reports - all of them favorable - about Sacred Heart Major Seminary's "Co-Creating with God: Humanae Vitae Today" conference (previous AmP posts about it here).

Evidently they had several hundred participants, which is a phenomenal turn-out. The local Free Press also noticed. At least one group of folks came from several states away, after seeing the event advertised here on AmP.

Be sure to check back here in case SHMS decides to post a follow-up press release about the even - I'll be sure to give that a mention. As the organizers said, "Although this is a one-time event, we hope it will bear lasting fruit in the lives of those who attend." Amen!

Related: "Canadian Bishops Issue Pastoral Letter Encouraging Faithfulness to Anti-Contraception Encyclical Humanae Vitae" (LifeSiteNews)

Pope Benedict's third encylical to be published September 30th

At least it sure appears so, via Amazon.com and other online retailers.

Ignatius Press is once again the publisher, and summarizes:

Pope Benedict's third encyclical, Love in Truth("Caritas in Veritate"), applies the themes of his first two encyclicals --love and hope (God is Love, Saved in Hope) -- to the world's major social issues. Drawing on moral truths open in principle to everyone (the natural law) as well as on the teaching of the gospel (revelation), Pope Benedict addresses Catholics and non-Catholics alike, challenging us all to recognize and then to confront the social evils of our day.

The first part of the encyclical examines the dynamic teaching of Benedict's predecessors, Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II. Both men contributed greatly to the body of doctrine known as "Catholic social teaching". Both men challenged the simplistic division of political perspectives into "conservative" and "liberal", and "right" and "left". Both men were convinced that the natural moral law and the teaching of the Gospel were indispensable for a world in desperate search of hope and meaning.

In part two, Benedict surveys the social issues that confront the human race today--assaults on the dignity of the human person such as the attack on human life, poverty, issues of war and peace, terrorism, globalization, and environmental concerns. Benedict provides sound moral principles to address these social and economic problems, and to promote a culture of life and genuine peace.

Far from being a partisan political tract, Love in Truth avoids the posturing that dominates so much political discourse, yet without compromising the truth or love. In this outstanding work, Pope Benedict shows us why so many observers regard him as the world's leading moral voice, and one of the most insightful and profound social/political thinkers of our day.

Reserve your copy today!

Mark your calendars! It's Synod Time!

Well, October 5th will be:

"The Synod of Bishops is coming up - commencing in Rome on October 5. (The last Synod was on the topic of the Eucharist, in the fall of ‘05) Here’s the Vatican webpage for the Synod, with all of the preparatory documents. And here is a good page that’s being published by Ascension Press - ScriptureSynod.com. Good resources, promises to be continually updated. Here’s the FAQ page, for example." - Amy

This synod's topic: "THE WORD OF GODIN THE LIFE AND MISSIONOF THE CHURCH."

Participate in the Catholic Thing

I find the quality of essays over at the Catholic Thing to be excellent. After "numerous requests" (which would have included me if I weren't too lazy), you can now comment on the articles much like other blog-format websites. Hopefully the authors will find a chance to be active as well.

Tip: Submit your live chat questions to Abp. Chaput today!

Got a tip for ya:

"Archbishop Chaput will be answering questions live on [his new book] Render Unto Caesar today from 5-6 p.m. EST in an online bookclub discussion"

You may already submit a discussion question here.

I already submitted a question. =)

And of course, if you haven't bought his book yet, I consider it required pre-voting reading.

Mike Maher releases new CD!

Matt Maher just released a new CD. As I've mentioned before, he is an up-and-coming Catholic musician from Canada who now lives and records in Arizona.

He just released his fourth album, Empty and Beautiful.

His most popular album, Overflow, is available on Amazon.

You can read a 2006 inteview with him here.

Ph/t: Duc in Madison.

40 Days for Life kicks-off tonight!

This is probably the most effective pro-life grassroots campaign currently in operation. My housemates and I here in DC hosted a kick-off party last weekend for the DC participants where the founder of 40 Days, David Bereit, was generous enough to stop by.

Here is their promotional video:

Learn more about how to get involved at their website.

Volunteering at a pro-life crisis pregnancy center is also a fantastic committment, I must add.

Reminder: This weekend, Co-Creating with God Conference

This Saturday my alma mater Sacred Heart Major Seminary is hosting a conference to celebrate the 40-year anniversary of the encyclical letter Humanae Vitae entitled "Co-Creating with God: Humane Vitae Today".

If you are free this weekend and live near Detroit, please consider attending!

Description:

"Sacred Heart Major Seminary hopes through this conference to give witness to our confidence that human experience and divine wisdom demonstrate the truth of Humanae Vitae.

Featuring 8 nationally known speakers on life issues, it is aimed at those who already embrace the document and wish to understand it more deeply, and to those who are skeptical about it."

You may register online here (walk-ins also welcome). I have more information in my first post.

4:15PM EST: Hudson v. Kmiec?

{update - 4:21pm ... it's happening!}

I've been burned by promoting these sorts of appearances before, but from what I know about Doug Kmiec, he won't back down after promising to appear. I hope to listen-in as it should be extremely interesting:

In March of this year, Catholic legal scholar Doug Kmiec shocked the Catholic world by endorsing Barak Obama for President. This longtime pro-life, pro-family leader has gone on to advise on the Democratic Party platform, conduct numerous interviews in support of Obama, and has even released a book today on the Catholic case for Obama. He joins Al Kresta this afternoon in his first debate with a fellow Catholic since his endorsement. He will face off with long-time Catholic leader and McCain supporter Deal Hudson, on whether a Catholic can, in good conscience, cast a vote for Barak Obama.

Kmiec / Hudson, only on Kresta in the Afternoon. 4:15 – 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Live audio stream at http://www.avemariaradio.net/.

Ph/t: Carl Olson of Insight Scoop.

AmP Facebook Fanpage now streaming blog content!

Hi folks, I finally got today to linking the official AmP Facebook fanpage to the blog's syndicated content feed today, so now you can keep up-to-date on AmP content and forward it to your friends in Facebook!

Free stuff: pro-life ads for your parish, etc.

CNA gives us the tip:

The Pro-life Secretariat of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has announced that it is offering print advertisements on stem cell research and abortion for the free use of dioceses and other pro-life groups.

The ads, available at www.usccb.org/prolife/media, are available for Catholic dioceses and other pro-life groups nationwide to download and print unaltered free of charge. (More info from CNA.)

Good stuff.

"Churches Challenged to Read Bible Cover-to-Cover"

Honestly, us catholics should do the same:

CWR, the ministry of Selwyn Hughes, is inviting hundreds of churches across the United Kingdom to rise to the challenge of reading the whole Bible cover-to-cover throughout 2009.

The call follows the successful pilot run of CWR’s new Bible reading scheme, Cover to Cover Complete, in 62 churches this year. CWR hopes the 2009 scheme will reverse the prevailing culture of Bible illiteracy that has crept into society as well as churches. (Christian Post)

Back when a bible was often one of the only books a family in America would own, biblical literacy was astonishingly widespread. There's no reason we can't reclaim that level of familiarity. I have not read the entire bible from cover-to-cover, but I hope to do so before I die, and actually before I am 30.

Photos: 8 Wonderfully Distinctive Historical Churches in Italy:

My favorite - Basilica Santa Maria sopra Minerva:

View the rest here.

Tipfest: AmP's weekly website picks

As promised, a collection of recent links and tips I've been sent. In no particular order...

• First off, a new resource for Catholics called Headline Bistro:

"Headline Bistro: Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, the site seeks to provide visitors -- Catholics especially -- with the Church, national and world news they need to know. We link to outside stories and columns, write a daily "News Wrap" from a Catholic perspective, provide visitors with information on the top public-policy issues by state, and have a list of featured blogs, among other resources."

• Next, an extensive collection of tips to foster vocations - something for everyone!


• A wonderful project: Pro Woman Pro Life - "Canada without Abortion. By Choice." Also see their Facebook page. They are growing rapidly so please consider supporting them.


• Catholic Media House provides content for the new evangelization on the internet:

"We strive to provide you with Catholic Christian resources faithful to the Holy Father and the magisterium of the Church. With these resources bishops, pastors, priests, catechists, youth directors, and teachers/instructors of all varieties are now able use media in a positive way to re-evangelize the baptized, disciple and mobilize them for evangelization and to be a blessing. It is a great joy to assist you in this noble and essential cause."

• Finally, not to be missed - Catholic Exchange has a new website dedicated to bioethics!

Tip: Catholic to the Max T-Shirt Contest

Hey you aspiring Papist designers, here's your chance to land a t-shirt design deal and win some cool prizes!

In the mailbox: Archbishop Chaput's book on Catholics & Politics

I've been looking forward to reading this title since I first heard about it ...

From what I've read so far, I'm extremely impressed by the depth of the analysis and the breath of the examples and experience he draws from in his treatment.

It's not surprising to me that so many well-informed folks are saying this is the book to read on the topic of the proper interrelation between Catholic faith and political life.

Offer: Free Issue of Dappled Things!

From the editor:

We have some extra copies of the new issue of Dappled Things that we would like to send for free to any of your readers who are interested in potential subscribing. These issues would be available only to people who haven't already received a sample issue in the past. This issue, by the way, includes the concluding chapters of the serialized novella, "The Letters of Magdalen Montague," that we have been publishing throughout the past year.

[To receive the complementary issue,] please send an e-mail before the end of this week to dappledthings [dot] cybulski [at] gmail [dot] com, with the words "FREE SAMPLE ISSUE" written in the subject line. All we need from you is your name and address.

Pretty sweet offer if you ask me!

"Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Holy Days of Obligation"

Today is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

If you're a Catholic, you have an obligation (read: wonderful opportunity) to attend Mass today.

... more fun facts at Musings from a Catholic Bookstore.

In the mailbox: Janet Smith on the Right to Privacy

Co-published by Ignatius Press and the National Catholic Bioethics Center, available for pre-order:

It also features an excellent introduction by Robert H. Bork, of the Ave Maria School of Law.

From the book jacket:

"Janet E. Smith, the well-known philosophy professor and writer, presents a critical look at the meaning of the "right to privacy" taht has been so often employed by the Supreme Court in recent times to justify the creation of rights not found in the Constitution by any traditional method of interpreting a legal document. Smith demonstrates how such inventions have led to the legal protection of abortion, assisted suicide, homosexual acts and more.

... The Right to Privacy is an essentuial primer for any serious study of the current issues surrounding what Pope John Paul II called the Culture of Death, both here in the United States as well as internationally."

Janet Smith, with her typical crystal-clear logic and easy prose, shows the remarkable way in which "actions that were at one time considered abominable crimes are now considered inalienable rights."

Tip: Casting Call for Catholic film

Forwarded to me:

Casting auditions for “The Servant” & “Confession”

We are a local university-based student film company in Washington, DC who are seeking actors for two short films that will be going into production on weekends at the end of August and early September, filming should only be one day for each film. Rehearsals for each project will be the week prior to their respective filming for two nights.

Auditions will be by appointment only held in the evenings of August 16 through 19 at an associated production company’s offices in Georgetown. Please forward you head shots & resume to:

32to63@gmail.com
Or
32to63 Productions
P.O.Box 32263
Washington, DC 20007

All cast shall receive credit and a copy of the film on DVD as form of payment.

More details in the full casting call document.

I love promoting this sort of thing - send me your stuff!

Noted: Bp. Loverde to bless new Arlington highschool

On the local front, from a friend:

Bishop Loverde is blessing our newest high school, Pope John Paul the Great, on Sunday. The principal and some members of the staff are Nashville Dominicans (they also wrote the bioethics curriculum). You can see photos of the school here.

Blessing and Grand Opening

Sunday, August 17, 2 p.m.
Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School
17700 Dominican Drive
Dumfries, Virginia 22026

Included in the celebration will be the blessing of the school, remarks by students of the first freshman and sophomore classes, a reception, self-guided tours and a chance to meet the faculty and staff.

Of particular interest, from the press release:

The Bioethics program enhances the core accredited college-prep curriculum, which includes rigorous study in the fields of Religion, English, Math, Science, History, World Language, Fine Arts, Business, Technology and Health/Physical Education.

On his recent visit to the U.S., Pope Benedict XVI blessed the school’s tabernacle at the Papal Mass at Nationals Stadium in Washington, DC. This was the only item to be blessed by name at the Papal Mass.

Totally cool.

Tip: Ignatius Press Blowout Sale!

Always good:

In case you aren't on the Ignatius Press catalog mailing list (sign up here) and didn't know, Ignatius Press is having a BLOWOUT SALE on dozens of books and other items, including works by Joseph Ratzinger, G.K. Chesterton, Hans Urs von Balthasar, Thomas Howard, Francis Cardinal Arinze, Adrienne von Speyr, and many others. The prices are good through August 31st. - Ignatius Insight Scoop

Also look for their forthcoming book on Catholic voting from Archbishop Chaput:

Few topics in recent years have ignited as much public debate as the balance between religion and politics. Does religious thought have any place in political discourse? Do religious believers have the right to turn their values into political action? What does it truly mean to have a separation of church and state? The very heart of these important questions is here addressed by one of the leading voices on the topic, Charles J. Chaput, Archbishop of Denver.

Chaput argues that our public life must be considered within the context of its Christian roots. American democracy does not ask its citizens to put aside their deeply held moral and religious beliefs for the sake of public policy. In fact, it requires exactly the opposite.

As the nation’s founders knew very well, people are fallible. The majority of voters, as history has shown again and again, can be uninformed, misinformed, biased, or simply wrong. Thus, to survive, American democracy depends on an engaged citizenry—people of character, including religious believers, fighting for their beliefs in the public square—respectfully but vigorously, and without apology. Anything less is bad citizenship and a form of theft from the nation’s health. Or as the author suggests: Good manners are not an excuse for political cowardice. - IIS

Conference: Men & Abortion

A neglected topic. Information from the website:

This conference is the second ever to deal with the issue of men dealing with abortion. The first conference was held in San Francisco in November, 2007. That conference gathered 170 people from 9 countries and received very positive media attention.

The impact of an abortion experience on men is unrecognized by many. Men are hidden partners in every abortion decision. More than 40 million abortions have occurred in the U.S. alone since abortion was legalized here. Worldwide the estimates are that more than 43 million abortions occur in a year. In every abortion decision there is a male involved in some way. The man’s role or lack of role in the decision can create a stream of consequences that may accompany the man through the rest of his life. Because men are told they have no say in the abortion decision--that it is about a woman and her choice--they later struggle with the questions they pose to themselves and the emotions they feel. Men often say "I don't feel entitled to my grief. It was her choice. Why do I feel so badly?" More men are recognizing that abortion was a life changing event for them. The difficulty for the man who wants to process the experience, is that there are few resources available to him. Mental health professionals have not recognized that an abortion loss may be a significant event in the life of a man. Addiction counselors, grief facilitators and clergy may not recognize the unresolved grief of an abortion experience that may have occurred many years ago. We are not sensitized to the ways that a hidden loss may play itself out in the lives of those who experience it.

This conference is designed to bring to the forefront what is known about how pregnancy may impact the male partner, the various roles a male can play in an abortion decision, and the implications of reproductive technology as it pertains to fatherhood. The research findings on men and abortion will be presented. It will look at what happens when a male experiences trauma as well as provide information on how men process grief or try to hide from their grief. Men’s spiritual growth as it pertains to the process of healing will be examined and a model of forgiveness therapy will be discussed. Some current models for outreach to men will be presented.

Dates: September 8, 9,2008

Location: Chicago Marriott Oak Brook

Scholarships are available. Contact menandabortion@yahoo.com for more information or call 1-800-5WE-CARE (or visit the website).

I've met one of the speakers, Vicki Thorn of the National Office of Post-Abortion Reconciliation & Healing, and was extremely expressed by her knowledge on this and related topics.

update: more information here.

Online Game: Life of an Athiest

Here's a find.

A simple online game called "Athiest."

Go ahead, play it once (don't spend too much time trying to memorize the keys, that's not the point).

And if you're in a rush, this is the point.

(as in, there is no point.)

"Musical Christian Monks Cross Over Onto Pop Charts"

Remember those chanting monks that were becoming extremely popular in the UK?

Well, they're doing just as well in the US:

It isn't every day that a group of Catholic monks find themselves on the pop charts.

Yet that's what happened to the monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz, a 12th-century Cistercian monastery near Vienna, whose CD of Gregorian chants has become a runaway hit.

After its European release in May, "Chant: Music for the Soul" became the top classical album in Britain before crossing over to the pop charts, at one point outselling recordings by Madonna and Amy Winehouse. Even before its U.S. release on July 1, the album became the most popular classical recording in this country, thanks to copious downloads on iTunes.

Call it divine intervention, or perhaps clever marketing on the part of Universal Records, which signed the monks to a recording contract after launching a search in Catholic publications in February. The record company had wanted to capitalize on the growing sales of chant music — which were due in part to the popularity of the video game Halo, which uses chantlike melodies in its soundtrack.

Universal found the monks after their spokesperson, Father Karl Wallner, who also runs their theological academy and Web site, sent in a link to a YouTube video of their chanting that he had posted last September following a visit to the monastery by Pope Benedict XVI. (San Francisco Chronicle)

I've had this CD as my "AmP CD of the Month" for some time now.