Taliban Catholic

Peaceful Protest At The Local Abortion Mill (Clinic)

40 Days For Life......Ash Wednesday thru Easter

Go Girls!

My Son Sean's Car

The view as you drive by.

A powerful message by Teenagers.

A Prayerful Message

It is really all about life.

Our Lady of Mercy Parish Spiritual Hours

Bible Reading Marathon in Redding California (National Day Of Prayer)

In honor of the National Day of Prayer scheduled for May 6th

the Christians of Redding California are doing something very special.

They are gathering

At City Hall

Begining on Monday May 3rd

and reading scripture around the clock, 24 hours a day. 

(Deacon Pat reading from the book of Jeremiah.)

Under the guidance of people like John Evanoff, the bible will be read from cover to cover. 

The whole bible will be read with its conclusion on May 7th.

Each person is assigned 15 minutes of proclaiming the words from the Holy Bible.

Here is Timmy Baugh sharing the inspired words of scripture.

I can't help but think that this public act of faith can only bring joy to our heavenly Father.

Arrested for Preaching - Freedom of Speech is No More for Christians!

The discrimination of Christians continues to become more and more prevalent. Now it appears to be a crime to call a Sin a Sin. This incident happened in the UK, but it is only a matter of time and it will be repeated in the US.

As I have mention before, to be a Christian means that we WILL BE persecuted. Evil will not stand for our message of life, truth, and Freedom!

Can A Man (Or Woman) Actually Be "Above Reproach" in Today's Society?

The concept of living a life that is guided by strong values, ethics, honesty, and being honorable has long been the formula to a life of what many would consider being of a character that is "Above Reproach." 

Meaning that a life that has been, and is being lived out in such a way that one is not tarnished by the criticism of others. In fact, since the life is so honorable, that if someone did attempt to spread malice or gossip it would have no effect since the individual is so well respected and admired.

There are a few different men who come to mind when I think of a man of such Character that they would be considered "Above Reproach."

There have been Men for years that have been well respected, revered, and honored,  individuals with such Character that one would not even think to question their motives.

My question to you is, "Can a Man (or Woman) Actually Be "Above Reproach" in today's society?

Even if an individual lives a life with the up-most attention to the virtues, can he actually be immune to the evils of others? There is a pessimism in society that is so rampant, that the honorable are actually targeted relentlessly. 

Why is this? 

Is it because there are so many people in life who are living lives contrary to honor, dignity, and Godly Character?

I often think that the motivation for some to tarnish the reputation of others is self-fulfilling and self-directed in the sense that by lowering the honor and esteem of others, lessens the contrast and the difference between an "honorable person" and the "Sinful person."

Wouldn't it seem realistic to think that one would be inspired to turn away from sin, evil, and selfishness by the actions of a Holy and Pious person? 

But that is not the case so often. 

That means that the sinful person would have at least some  desire to change directions in their life. Yet they actually have no intention to live an honorable life at all. That would mean changing a life that is entirely self-centered and self-focused to something that doesn't look appealing to them at all. 

So what do they do? 

They direct their efforts, not upon themselves for improvement, but toward the honorable person and with force attempt to destroy them, they use all their evil energies to place doubt in the minds of others regarding the Character and Motives of the honorable person.

And why is this so effective? 

Because there are actually very few people who are honorable people in this world. If you are not an honorable person yourself, how does one actually recognize one, identify one, in fact, even believe there are honorable people out their in the world. It is as if the "Honorable Person" is so foreign to them, that they are incapable of identifying what is upon them when they do come in contact with such an individual.

I believe that we once lived in a world where most people were honest, hard working, charitable, God-fearing, forgiving, repenting, self-sacrificing, and respectful. But that is not the case anymore. We live in a world where Evil, Self-Desire, Self-Pleasure has overtaken most that live in it. And they continually work to justify their actions, their motives, and in doing so, are even sickened by the mere thought of "A Holy and Righteous Person."

But do not despair. 

This world is not the end all! Yes, we are here for a purpose, but what we know as Christians is very much different from what the self-serving individuals have not a clue of, heaven is not here on earth. There will be an eternity of happiness, joy, and pleasure beyond our capability of understanding in the world that is to come. 

Our goal in life here is not to do all within our ability and power to satisfy our own desires and needs. One might even say that it could be considered to be the opposite. We are called to serve others. Christ came into this world as an example and to show us the way. He stated that he came to serve, not to be served, and we are called to do the same.

Our world still has very many honorable, respectful, and righteous individuals. They are not as identifiable as they once were, because so many try to hide them, discredit them, slander them, and cast doubt upon them to hide their own darkness...... But we know the truth and it has set us free.

Christ is Risen, Alleluia, Alleluia! And we will rise again in Him and  through Him, and the Evils of darkness shall not prevail against us..... No matter what evil is throw at us, what trials come our way, what attacks we have to endure, He is our Shepherd, Our Comforter, Our Protector, Our Redeemer! 

I shall not fear, but rejoice! I belong to Him and I can see the light.....

AMEN

My First Funeral as the Presiding Clergy

My first funeral as the Presider at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery.

What an honor it was to be asked to preside at a committal service for the Father (Drew "Buddy" Mason) of my brother's wife. He was a wonderful man that had touched so many people's lives. 

He was a Korea War Veteran, A Loving Father and so many more things.

My brothers Dan and Terry attended the funeral.

As I have stated before, 

there is something so very special about the honor and dignity given to all Veterans at their funeral.

Processing in with The Flag, The Cremated Remains of "Buddy", and the Bugler.

Then TAPS was played.

Respect was given to the Military man from all and with salutes from all who served.

Many could not hold back the tears from the emotion that welled-up from within.

The flag was presented representing his relationship to our great country as a man of service.

With precision the flag was folded, 

and then the wife of the deceased was presented with the flag.

Once the Military Honors were completed the spiritual aspect of the service began.

The Sprinkling Rite with Holy Water over the remains.

Then an opportunity to explain that for Christians, 

Death is not the end, but only a necessary step to eternal life.

My Brother Dan assisted with the reading of Scripture.

The Gospel was proclaimed and the Homily followed.

For many, attending a funeral is their first exposure to Christianity, 

and for others, it might be the first time in a long time that the thought of self evaluation is contemplated.

There was time for a short Eulogy that connected with so many that were present.

Although the words were pleasant and flattering, they were very difficult to not only say, but to hear as well. The connection that so many had, and now with the feeling of loss, brought about enormous emotions. 

Yes, there was sadness and some grief....

But there was also some smiles and brightness when remembering the good times.....

After the conclusion of the service, there was a lot of sharing of love that was ever so needed.

In a matter of just a few minutes, He was committed into the ground and then closure for some could begin. Not closure of a life lived together, but a closure to this worldly life together awaiting the next, and time together for all eternity.

We were reminded of the many blessings that surround us, the joy of life, and the love of Family!

Until we meet again, it will be like "He is just gone fishing," it just isn't our turn yet!

When Clergy Preach Heresy..... If they don't believe what they represent, they should go!

I was taught that once I was ordained, I was making not only a personal commitment, but also a public commitment to the church, and that as of that day, my personal opinion didn't matter and really shouldn't even be heard. It was the opinion of the church that I was to represent and to portray, and if I wasn't willing to do so, I should not be ordained. That was my instruction prior to ordination.

Yes, at times my personal opinion might slip through, but I honestly try to project only church teachings when it comes to faith and morals, especially when it comes to the teachings of the faith and the church. 

Any clergy who willingly teaches false doctrine and blatantly proclaims ideas contrary to the Church and the faith is only working against the church and the people of faith. Much of the crisis that we are dealing with originates from within and it won't be until we clean house will the true faith be echoed each day and without confusion. 

It is wonderful that we have a diverse church, but diversity doesn't mean opposition to the core tenets of the faith. That would more closely resemble a Protestant. The 70's and 80's brought about much confusion in the church and in society in general. And the 90's and 00's appears to have fostered an independence that represented "Army's of One" (i.e. people feeling entitled to proclaim their own guidelines for the Church and what other Catholic's should believe, even if the church teaches the opposite.

Christ didn't leave the church to be guided and ruled by the many, He entrusted the Church to Peter, the Pope, and his successors. It wont be until we return to Rome, submissive to the authority of Rome, that our church will be united and "One" again.

However, do not be dismayed, this new generation (The Youth), although unique in some approaches, and surely technological, have a deep desire and longing for tradition, orthodoxy, commitment, loyalty, and rituals. Truly the youth will nourish and repair the damage done to His church, Our Church, the Bride of Christ, lets just not get in their way.......

God Keep You..... Deacon Pat
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Reach Out or NOT!

I was with a group of catholic men the other day. We were discussing our role in evangelization. Some of the group stated that by living a holy and devout life, they were evangelizing the world. Others stated that we are to seek out people and have a pro-active role in converting and bringing people to Jesus and to the church.

There were many examples from the Men, personal anecdotal stories of how they were either converted or re-energized by Men and Women who did not preach to them, but simply lived their faith. It was reported that for many, a direct approach would have turned them away, but through observing their faith in action, the faith of quiet and humble men and women, that is what did the trick for them.

Some of the other Men stated that just living your faith, without an active approach in evangelization is missing the directive that Jesus gave to us to go out and spread the good news. They stated that our faith is not a "Me and God" faith, but one that continually reaches out to others, in words, in actions, and in love.

So what is the answer?

I think the answer is both.

I think we are to live a holy and devout life. Our actions and our lifestyle should represent our beliefs. We should undoubtedly appear to be unlike the secularists and pagans in the world. We should have a vibrant joy and happiness that stems from our knowledge and relationship with Jesus. There should be a depth in our convictions that comes from our faith, from our identity of belonging to the One Holy Catholic Church, the church that was instituted by Christ himself.

I think we also have an obligation to bring the good news to the world. However, I might have a little different spin on how this actually happens. If we truly love our faith, are immersed in the teachings, find joy in living the devotions, and have a friendship with Christ, we can't help but talk about and share our love of life, our love of Christ, our love of being Catholic.

I was talking to a person at work yesterday, and we were talking about the idea of sharing one's faith at work, and she responded "Well - everyone knows what your faith is," meaning that everyone at work, 100's of people know I am Catholic and know that I love my faith. To me, that was the biggest compliment, I had always hoped that through my actions and my behaviors I would be noticed as a Christian. I think we have all heard the question, "If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you. I would be convicted, and this brings me great joy!

So to end this post, the answer is, to reach out in our actions, in our behaviors, and in our words. We are to bring the love of Christ into the world. What other purpose, other than bringing children into this world and teaching them the faith, is there for a Christian?

We are to be God's Eyes, His Ears, His Hands, and especially His Mouth, and in all that we say and do, We are to be Christ to the world.
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Jehovah's Witness At My Door.

I Just had 2 Jehovah's Witness' come to the door. 2 very nice older ladies who shared scriptures for a few minutes. They know that we are Catholics and I am a "Minister" (Deacon), but they still wanted to visit for a few minutes. They didn't push their particular views and were very respectful of mine, but just spoke of General Christianity.

I know some of you might be thinking that they had an ulterior motive, or something like that but that isn't where I am going with this. It was a pleasant, short discussion / visit, and uplifting.

My thoughts: If more Catholics had a evangelical spirit, like these two ladies, what would our church look like today?

These 2 older ladies were driving to many houses, to greet strangers, and to talk about the love of God, the future, and our purpose.

What do we do on Saturdays?

How do you think God views these ladies (Disciples).

How do you think He views us?

Humbling - Isn't it!

Can we not take and model some of our behaviors from other denominations, faiths, or do we continue to point out their faults while we sit back to do nothing, or at best, very little.

I myself felt very inspired by these two humble ladies, it didn't matter to me that their faith is in many ways different from mine, they were living their faith, they were acting upon their faith, they were trying to spread the good news, they were trying to the best of their ability to make a difference in this world.

I am sure that when the time comes, God will greet them and say "welcome home my good and faithful servant."