Robert Edwards

Why Young People Leave the Church & What We Can Do About It

. . .‘since the late 16th & early 17th centuries, the Catholic retention strategy has been (a) childhood catechesis & (b) sacramental initiation.  400 years ago, CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) & the Catholic school system were cutting-edge responses to the crisis of the Protestant Reformation.  Setting out to give every Catholic child a solid catechetical background was an extraordinary vision that had never before been attempted.  The endeavor was deeply influenced by a Renaissance optimism about the power of education.  The assumption was that a carefully nurtured religious identity acquired in childhood would endure throughout life.  The Jesuit motto said it all: “Give me a child until he is 7, & I will give you the man”’. . .

by Isaac Withers,

of Catholic Link

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
A Mom Speaks at a School Board Meeting Over LGBT Indoctrination – Steve Ray
Demonic Activity Online, Part II – Jay Toups, Hope in the Storm
Famous Car Company Names for the Virgin Mary – Scott Smith, All Roads Lead to Rome
Striking Poll: Collapse of Francis’ Support in the U.S. on All Fronts – Rorate Cæli
Why are the Psalms Numbered Differently? – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
People Who are “Just Christians” Don’t Have a Clue – Casey Chalk, The Catholic Thing
Doctor Euthanizes Woman With Alzheimer’s Without Her Consent – Richard Egan
Can Catholics Watch Horror Movies? – J.P. Nunez, Catholic Exchange
Pope Names Members for Vatican Office for Laity, Family, Life – Cindy Wooden, Crux
Flying Vatican Flag Could Be a Criminal Act in Scotland – Nick Hallett, Catholic Herald
Our Souls Can Grow Under Suffering – Bea Cuasay, Irish Rover
I’m Staying Catholic for the Same Reasons I Became Catholic – Rus. E. Saltzman, Aleteia
This Priest Founded the World’s First Mental Hospital – Larry Peterson, Aleteia
How a Woman with a Vision & a Kitchen is Changing Life for Immigrants – Aleteia
Cry Rooms: Solution or a Catholic Version of Kids Should Be Seen but Not Heard? – Reg
Why is St. Isidore of Seville Patron Saint of the Internet? – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Catholic Charities of Lubbock Aids Homeless Youth – CNA/EWTN News via The CWR
How We Can Grow in Divine & Fraternal Charity – Constance T. Hull, Cthlc Exchange
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Last Crusade Calling Lost Christendom to War! “Lepanto” by G.K. Chesterton

. . .on Sunday, October 7th, in the year of Our Lord 1571, an outnumbered, fragile coalition of small Christian states & one small part of a big Christian state defeated an empire at sea just off the coast of Greece.  All of Europe rejoiced at the time, even the Christian states that refused help.  Now, among the shards & remnants of that civilization which is called the West & extends far beyond Europe, the doubtful heirs reflect upon this event in more diverse & more ambiguous ways.  The predominant mode is to ignore it, in the modern sense of acknowledging it on Wikipedia & then rejecting its importance, hand-waving away its unexpectedness, & belittling the idea that Our Lady of the Rosary had anything to do with it.  Another approach takes the event seriously as a landmark in the history of warfare, of economics, & of the West, but still leaves Our Lady out in their attempts at explanation. . .

by Paul Joseph Prezzia,

of The Civilized Reader

via Crisis Magazine

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Hundreds of Nuns Dance Together at Polish Concert in Viral Videos – ChurchPOP
New (Traditional) Altars & Altar Rails by Duncan G. Stroik – Liturgical Arts Journal
Before & After: St. Mary’s Church, Norwalk, Connecticut – Liturgical Arts Journal
J.R.R. Tolkien’s Beautiful Description of How God Created the World – Aleteia
How Did St. Thomas Aquinas Die: Neurosurgery & Brain Death – Taylor Marshall Ph.D.
The Swiss Guard Say They Use the Most Powerful Weapon in the World – uCatholic
America’s Oldest Work of Christian Art was Made by Aztecs in Mexico – Aleteia
21 Songs for Eucharistic Adoration & Prayer – Becky Roach, Catholic Link
Ten Reasons to Pray the Holy Rosary – Fr. Ed Broom O.M.V., Catholic Exchange
A 17th Century Defense of Rood Screens – Zachary Thomas, Liturgical Arts Journal
Ten Reasons to Love Tradition – Genevieve Perkins, Catholic Link
Can You Eat the Word of God? – Joe Heschmeyer, Catholic Answers Magazine
What’s That Gold Container That Holds the Blessed Sacrament During Adoration? – Alet.
The Many Names of God & What They Mean – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Paraments of the Order of the Golden Fleece – Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
Have a Healthy, Holy Fear of the Lord – Allison Low, Catholic Stand
[Podcast] Kings, Patriarchs, & Popes – Matthew Leonard, The Art of Catholic
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Bishop Konderla Issues Memorandum on the Celebration of Halloween

. . .as the annual celebration of Halloween approaches, we are reminded of the importance of maintaining the Catholic meaning & purpose of all holy days, especially those which have been adopted & adapted by the culture around us.  Over time, popular culture has made it difficult to discern the authentic spirit of this great feast, an important time when we, God’s pilgrim church on earth, rejoice in the lives of all God’s saints whom we wish to follow into eternal life. . .

from the Diocese of Tulsa

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Some People Have No Clue What Marriage Is – Brianna Heldt, Crisis Magazine
Alice Nutter: a Witch or a Secret Catholic? – Dominic Selwood, Catholic Herald
How Naming Your Guardian Angel Can Be an Invitation for Demonic Influence – ChPOP
Changing Society’s View on “Hooking Up” – Arthur Goldberg, Public Discourse
Transgender Illusions – Michael Cook, Mercatornet
According to Prophecy: Are These Difficult Times the ‘End Times’? – J. Roberts, NCRgstr
FBI Agent Turned Hollywood Writer is Still a Warrior – Laura DeMaria, Catholic Stand
The World, The Flesh & Spiritual Warfare – Edward Monti, Catholic Stand
Studying Theology – Nathalie Fernandez, Ignitum Today
Education Should Not Be Fearful – Matthew Anderson, Crisis Magazine
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time
Extra Note: I have had dastardly allergies, hence the gap in posts

Fr. Martin’s Bridge to Nowhere

. . .“[W]hat the Church holds to be true about human sexuality is not a stumbling block.  It is the only real path to joy and wholeness.  There is no such thing as an ‘LGBTQ Catholic’ or a ‘transgender Catholic’ or a ‘heterosexual Catholic,’ as if our sexual appetites defined who we are; as if these designations described discrete communities of differing but equal integrity within the real ecclesial community, the body of Jesus Christ.  This has never been true in the life of the Church, & is not true now.  It follows that ‘LGBTQ’ & similar language should not be used in Church documents because using it suggests that these are real, autonomous groups, & the Church simply doesn’t categorize people that way”. . .

by Adrian J. Reimers, D.Phil.,

of Crisis Magazine

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Parish Drops Mass So As Not to Distract from Laity’s Conversations (Satire) – EOTT
Crux Article Proved Inaccurate Regarding Better Church Governance Apostolate – Fr. Z
The Jesuit Review of Judge Kavanaugh-Splat – Scott Wiley, Catholic Stand
Man Who Beat Pro-Life Lady Identified, Fired After Video Goes Viral – Steven Ertelt
The Dead Sea Scrolls Mystery, Jimmy Akin’s Mysterious World – Domenico Bettinelli
The Only Store to Shop at this Fall – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Battle of Lepanto: The Day Our Lady Saved Christendom – D. Moczar, Cthlc Exchange
Courage in the Slough of Despond – George Weigel, The Dispatch via The CWR
Rosary Coast to Coast: A Spiritual Weapon to Reform Church’s Brokenness – J. Morse
The Blessing of the Animals: Paw-inspiring Photos from Around the World – Aleteia
Australian Bishop Weighs Pros, Cons of Married Priests – The Catholic World Report
Kavanaugh Defends Himself in Op-Ed: I Will be Dedicated to the Constitution – S. Ertelt
What God Has Joined Together: 27th Sun. of OT Readings Explained – J. Bergsma Ph.D.
Collins, Manchin Voting for Kavanaugh, Making for SCOTUS Confirmation – J. Pullmann
China’s Crackdown on Christianity – Travis Wussow, Providence Magazine
Taipei’s Archbishop: Pope Told Us He Won’t Abandon Taiwan – Hernan R. Alcaide, Crux
The Thomist Method of Fundraising – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
The Holy See’s China Gamble – Maureen Mullarkey
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time
Extra Note: I have had dastardly allergies, hence the gap in posts

Archbishop Chaput of Philadelphia Responds to Fr. James Martin Regarding “LGBTQ” Catholics & Discusses the Synod

. . .the Church needs to be very careful to avoid fracturing human identity according to our sexual appetites.  “LGBTQ” Catholics imply a special moral category in a determinist way that “African” Catholics does not. . .

from the CWR Staff

of The Catholic World Report

Division, Division, & More Satanic Division – Fr. Z’s Blog
On Paul VI & Whether the Synod Could Pull an ‘October Surprise’ – John Allen, Crux
Synod Goes Forward, Seemingly Headed on a Wide & Dangerous Path – Newman Society
The McCarrick Case is Haunting the Youth Synod – Christopher Altieri, Catholic Herald
Same-Sex-Attracted Youth: Don’t Change Church Teaching ‘In Any Way’ – NC Register
Chaput: Wealthy, Developed Nations are Frozen in a Moral Adolescence – The CWR
Letters from the Synod A.D. 2018: Report III – Xavier Rynne II, First Things
U.S. Youth Synod Participant Wants Diocesan-level Change – CNA via The CWR
Chaput Tells Synod to Announce Christ Not ‘Ideologies & Social Sciences’ – The CWR
Bishop Caggiano of Bridgeport: Bishops Must Address Sexual Abuse Crisis – The CWR
A Cloud of Sex Abuse Scandal Hangs Over Synod – Nicole Winfield, Houston Chronicle
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

The Bishops Who’ve Never Seen Their Dioceses

. . .for centuries, the Vatican has relied on the legal fiction of titular sees.  Their history is more fraught than you might expect. . .

by Ned Donovan,

of Catholic Herald

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Demonic Activity Online – Jay Toups, Hope in the Storm
Theological Deplorables – John Waters, First Things
LGBT Ideology Abolishes Man – Rod Dreher
Card. Ortega Pillories Pro-abortion Presentation at Jesuit Univ. in Mexico – Cthlc Herald
Living Eucharistically in Everyday Life – Sam Guzman, The Catholic Gentleman
Abortionist Jordan Hunt Assaulted Another Pro-Life Woman Previously – Micaiah Bilger
Little Sisters Still Begging in L.A. – California Catholic Daily
Princess Alexandra’s Conversion Shows the Injustice in British Law – Fr. A. Lucie-Smith
Why Self-identification Should Not Legally Make You a Woman – Kat. Stock, Mercatornet
Why Jesus’ Miracles Aren’t Legends – Karlo Broussard, Catholic Answers Magazine
Prayer to St. Michael Makes a Resurgence in Response to Abuse Crisis – Catholic Herald
Spooky, Scary, Saintly? How Catholics can See Halloween at Its Best – The CWR
The Authenticity of St. Ambrose’s Relics Confirmed – G. DiPippo, New Liturgical Mvmnt
Don’t be Fooled by China – Tim Stanley, Catholic Herald
The Thomist Method of Fundraising – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
How Faith-Based Groups are Helping After Hurricane Florence – M. Burke & G. McNalis
For That Cocktail Dress You Never Wear. . . – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Catholic Charities Worldwide Join Indonesia Tsunami Relief Efforts – CNA via The CWR
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time
Extra Note: I have had dastardly allergies, hence the gap in posts

The Prelates of Sodom

. . .of Dante & Our Current Crisis. . .

by Anthony M. Esolen, Ph.D.,

of The Catholic Thing

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Father Spadaro’s Latest Conspiracy Theory – Phil Lawler, Catholic Culture
Ex-Gay Catholic at the Folsom Street Fair – Joseph Sciambra
They Were Planning Their Wedding Until God Called them to Religious Life – Aleteia
FBI: No Evidence Kavanaugh Allegations are True, Senate to Vote Saturday – Life News
Vatican To Allow Trump To Choose American Bishops (Warning: Satire) – EOTT
Why St. Francis of Assisi Never Became a Priest – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Francis, They Hardly Know Ye – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
The Real St. Francis? – Trent Horn, Catholic Answers Magazine
Defining Sins by Name – Mark Brumley, National Catholic Register
US Catholics’ Confidence in Pope Francis Shaken – CNA via The CWR
Doctors at Children’s Hospital Planning for Child Euthanasia in Canada – Catholic Herald
Ember Days: Recovering the Tradition of Reparation – Nicholas LaBanca, Catholic Stand
Wanted: Deputy Online Editor for Catholic Herald – Luke Coppen, Catholic Herald
Holy Hubbub: Lessons from Squabbling Saints – Rick Becker, National Catholic Register
Australian State May Criminalize Priests for Upholding Seal of Confession – Cthlc Herald
Synergy in the Liturgical Arts – Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
Pope Francis Donates for Indonesia Earthquake Recovery – CNA via The CWR
Caritas Indonesia Faces Big Challenge in Reaching Disaster Survivors – Vatican News
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time
Extra Note: I have had dastardly allergies, hence the gap in posts

Archbishop Chaput Tells Synod: ‘LGBTQ’ Should Not Be Used in Church Documents

. . .the archbishop argued that the Church does not ‘categorize people’ by their ‘sexual appetites’. . .

by a Staff Reporter

from Catholic Herald

The Power of Silence? Cardinal Sarah Declines Role on the Synod Cmte. – Fr. Z’s Blog
What In the Wide Wide World of Liturgical Dancing is the Pope Carrying? – Fr. Z’s Blog
Interpreting Pope Francis & the Synod – Robert Royal, The Catholic Thing
Pope Does What He Chooses & Recognizes No Limits on What He Can Do – Crisis Mgzn
Groups Feeling Excluded Tell Bishops to ‘Close Shop or Get Real’ – C. Giangravè, Crux
Five Bishops Who Could Move the Youth Synod – Ed Condon J.C.L., CNA via The CWR
7 Key Things Lacking in Youth Synod – CNS Staff, Newman Society
An Update from the Synod: #2 – Xavier Rynne II, First Things
The Youth Synod: Hermeneutic of Conspiracy – P.J. Smith, Semiduplex
Baldisseri Reproves Chaput, Says Abuse Crisis Won’t Stop Synod Success – The CWR
Silence Surrounds Abuse Crisis on Day One of Synod of Bishops – John L. Allen Jr., Crux
Young Scottish Catholics Praise Clergy Who Proclaim Orthodox Teaching – Cthlc Herald
How the Synod Works: Cardinal Shares Statistics, Working Rules – Catholic News Service
As the New Synod Opens – Robert Royal, The Catholic Thing
The 2018 Synod: Key Themes, Deep Tensions, & Many Questions – T.R. Ascik, The CWR
Concerns Generated by Lack of Clarity on Synod Voting Procedures – E. Pentin, NC Rgstr
Tweeting the Synod – Mark de Vries, In Caelo et in Terra
Informal Agenda Likely to Weigh Heavily at Synod on Youth – Inés San Martín, Crux
What Youth Really Need Today – Fr. Nicholas Gregoris, The Dispatch via The CWR
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time
Extra Note: I have had dastardly allergies, hence the gap in posts

‘Renegade’ Priests Plant Bad Seeds

. . .clergy without valid faculties are operating in some locales, but Churchmen warn of their errors. . .

by Patti Maguire Armstrong,

of the National Catholic Register

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Ralph Martin’s Critique of Karl Rahner – Michael Barber Ph.D., The Sacred Page
Why Does My Journey of Faith Seem So Lonely? – Sister L. Gloriae O.C.D., Intg. C. Life™
Science Fiction was Around in Medieval Times, Here’s What It Looked Like – Mrctrnt
Sacramental & Civil Marriage – Patrick Malone, Catholic Stand
Spiritual Combat: Weapons in Your Arsenal – Fr. Ed Broom O.M.V., Catholic Exchange
Transubstantiation is No More Inscrutable Than Many Doctrines – D. Armstrong, NC Rgstr
The Origin of Satan: How Does the Devil Get His Name? – Billy Ryan, uCatholic
Ten Tips to Conquer the Sin of Envy – Fr. Ed Broom O.M.V., Catholic Exchange
A Case for the Sacrament of Marriage – Fr. K.M. Dos Santos M.I.C., Homiletic & Pstrl Rvw
The Gift of a Father’s Blessing – Sam Guzman, The Catholic Gentleman
Temperance – Dan Burke, Catholic Spiritual Direction
5 Saints Who Received the Stigmata of Jesus Christ – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Why Did God Give Us the Power of Free Will? – Brenton Cordeiro, Catholic Link
5 Saints Who Lived a “Luminous Life” Despite Their Painful Childhoods – Aleteia
4 Saints Who had Miraculous Conversions – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Intensive or Extensive Religious Education? – M. Brummond S.T.D., Homiletic & Pstrl Rvw
Work & Rest, a Short Devotional – Brandon Schild, Catholic Stand
Attracting Your Angel Donors – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
How Studying Abroad Aids Students’ Intellectual & Spiritual Growth – NC Register
For That Cocktail Dress You Never Wear. . . – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Seeing Heaven Through the Eyes of People with Special Needs – Catholic Exchange
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time