Articles For Heart Mind Soul

Institute Backs Claim With Scientific Study DUBLIN, MARCH 30, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Religion often gets a bad name in the media, but science shows that it can actually be good for you, says The Iona Institute. The Dublin-based institute is taking this message to the streets with an advertising campaign that states: "Here's a little science. The practice of religion is good for you." The ads were posted on 110 bus shelters throughout Dublin on Monday, where they will remain for two weeks, planned to coincide with the Easter season. The initiative refers to a paper, commissioned by the institute and released last year, which was written by Psychiatrist Patricia Casey on "The Psycho-Social Benefits of Religious Practice." On the whole, religious practice is beneficial both for individuals and for society. The paper examines the various scientific studies done in this area and these show that religious practice is associated, on average, with: - Lower le...

Thank you for initiating during Lent 2010 the 40-day New Testament audio listening program “ You’ve Got The Time ”. Thank you for your encouragement and support in making it available for our parish community to listen to the New American Bible (NAB) New Testament 28 minutes a day, for 40 days. Thank you for making available a free MP3 disc of the dramatized New American Bible , in English or Spanish, to every adult in each participating parish, and also providing a free dramatized KIDZ Bible MP3 disc just for the children, in English. This Lent 2010 was truly blessed by listening to the New Testament audio drama presentation. The Word of God truly came alive every day. Thank you and God bless you.

Day 40: Revelation 16‐22 This book of hope for all Christians describes the beautiful “City on a Hill” that is God’s promised Kingdom. How do you see yourself participating in the vision of God’s triumph over sin, evil, and death?

Fast food restaurants tell us that we should have it "our way". But, at the heart of the Catholic faith is a willingness to surrender our will and say, "Thy will be done". This video, about Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, will remind your us that God's will is always what is best for us (even when it's difficult). "The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the King of Israel!" - John 12:12-13

Day 39: Revelation 8‐15       This section describes the terrible destruction of God’s foes. Here the Emperor of Rome and his armies are described as “Beast.” How have you experienced God and his followers fighting the forces of sin and evil in the world?

Day 38: Revelation 1‐7       The Book of Revelation is a book of hope written for Christians who suffered under extreme Roman persecution. It tells that, despite all of the evils in the world, God will be victorious in the end and the Church, the New Jerusalem, will rise in glory as a sign of that victory. This first section is directed to each of the Christian communities to give hope or condemnation. Repentance is essential. When you hear God knocking at the door of your heart, how do you respond to His voice?

This is a beautiful nine month novena that starts on the feast of the Annunciation, and ends on Christmas; commemorating the nine months that our Savior was in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Select three "impossible" intentions to pray for. Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us; and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us, most holy mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. All Virgin of the Incarnation, a thousand times we greet you, a thousand times we praise you for thy joy you had when God was incarnated in you. Because you are so powerful O Virgin and Mother of God, grant what we ask of you for the love of God. [stat...

Knock, Knock. I knocked at heaven's door this morning. God asked me.... 'My child, what can I do for you?' And I said, 'Father, please protect and bless the person reading this message.' God smiled and answered... 'Request granted'.  

Day 37: 1 John 2 – Jude       What are some ways that you minister to others, especially strangers, through hospitality, generosity, and a welcoming spirit?

Response: Have mercy on us. Jesus , knit so wonderfully in the womb of Mary , Jesus , conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of Mary , Jesus , uniquely human from the moment of conception in the womb of Mary , Jesus , present at creation, created in the womb of Mary , Jesus , word made flesh, taking on a human body in the womb of Mary , Jesus , subject to human development in the womb of Mary , Jesus , whose Precious Blood first flowed through tiny arteries and veins in the womb of Mary , Jesus , hidden nine months in the womb of Mary , Jesus , begotten by God, nourished by the substance and blood of His Most Holy Mother in the womb of Mary , Jesus , leaping from eternity into time, in the womb of Mary Jesus , revealing with His Father and the Holy Spirit all wisdom and knowledge to His Most Holy Mother, in the womb of Mary , Jesus , aware of His role as Redeemer in the womb of Mary , Jesus , Sanctifier of His Precursor from the womb of Mary , Jesus , E...

A tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary in honor of the feast of the Annunciation.

Day 36: 1 Peter 1 ‐1 John 1       How do you remain steadfast as a follower of Jesus when you experience trials or suffering?

Day 35: Hebrews 11‐ James 5       How has the power of prayer helped you in your life?

Vatican City, Mar 23, 2010( EWTN News/CNA ) Pope Benedict will celebrate a Mass on Monday, March 29, marking the fifth anniversary of the death of Venerable John Paul II. The late Pope's death, at the age of 84, occurred on April 2, 2005 after battling Parkinson's disease. Just over one month after John Paul II's death, his cause for beatification was formally opened. The near immediate initiation of his cause was made possible by Pope Benedict XVI waiving the five-year waiting period the Church law normally requires before beginning the sainthood process. In April 2007, the diocesan phase of the cause of beatification was concluded, as all of the testimony on the life of the late Pontiff had been gathered together. Then, last December, Benedict XVI signed a decree recognizing JPII's life of heroic virtue, giving him the title, “Venerable.” Last month, Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, who was John Paul II’s personal secretary for 40 years, told participants at a Co...

Day 34: Hebrews 2‐10       Are you laying down your life for others just as Jesus laid down His life for us?

Day 33: 1 Timothy 6‐ Hebrews 1     Is your life as a Catholic a good example to your family and friends?

Legion de Maria ACIES 21 de marzo de 2010 Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe Del Rio, Texas 63 Aniversario (1947 - 2010) Praesidia: Maria Inmaculada Nuestra Senora de la Divina Gracia La Natividad de Maria Curia: Nuestra Senora del Buen Consejo Legion of Mary Active Members wore these medal pins to the ACIES 2010 ACIES Program and Prayers (Programa y Oraciones) English "Our Lady of Fatima"  and Spanish "Nuestra Senora de Fatima" Booklets  were distributed to all who attended  ACIES 2010  

Day 32: 1 Thessalonians 3‐ 1 Timothy 5     Are you ready for the second coming of Christ when He will judge the living and the dead?

Day 31: Philippians 2‐ 1 Thessalonians 2   How have the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love enhanced your journey of faith?

Jesus – Sacred Heart Catholic Church Mary – Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church Joseph – St. Joseph Catholic Church Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I give You my heart, mind and soul. Make my heart, mind and soul like Yours.

O St. Joseph whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your Heavenly power I may offer my Thanksgiving and Homage to the most Loving of Fathers. O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press him in my name and kiss His fine Head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen

Day 30: Galatians 5 – Philippians 1     Paul calls us to live a life worthy of the calling we have received with humility, meekness, and patience. How well do you live out these attributes?

Day 29: 2 Corinthians 10‐ Galatians 4       Paul tells us that it is our faith that justifies us. It is through this faith that we have become children of God and heirs to God’s promises. Think about the relationship between a parent and a child. Similarly, you are God’s adopted son or daughter. He chose you to belong to him. Reflect on God’s love for you. What is your response to that love?

Breastplate of St. Patrick Lyrics 1. I bind myself to the power of heaven. I bind myself to the light of the sun, the brightness of the moon, the deepness of the sea; I bind myself to the power of Christ. Refrain Christ with me and before me; Christ behind me and within me; Christ to the right of me and to the left of me; Christ above me and beneath me: I bind myself to the virtue of Christ. 2. I bind myself to the guidance of angels. I bind myself to the love of the Lamb, for he alone is peace and he alone is light. I bind myself to the guidance of Christ. Bridge In the eyes of all who see me, in the ears of all who hear me, in the hearts of those who know me: O God, uphold me. Uphold me, Lord.

Day 28: 1 Corinthians 16 – 2 Corinthians 9       “So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.” What does it mean to know you are a new creation in Christ and that through him your sins are forgiven and you are reconciled to God?

IPVS NEWS, 4th Issue The Official Newsletter of the International Pilgrim Virgin Sttue of Our Lady of Fatima In August, 2009, the Carmelite Sisters invited the International Pilgrim Virgin Statue to visit the San Antonio Archdiocese . Once permission was received I was asked to coordinate a schedule for the 21-day tour. The plan was for Our Lady of Fatima to visit 21 parishes during this time. At first it seemed to be an easy task, but as the weeks went by, I was worried that we would not fill these dates as easily as I had hoped. On January 3, 2010 the date of the first visit, the media came to take photos for the newspaper, the local newscasts and news web sites. The word was out...... Our Lady of Fatima Statue was in San Antonio!! Suddenly, I could have easily filled 21 more days. INTERNATIONAL PILGRIM VIRGIN STATUE OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA VISITS ARCHDIOCESE OF SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS JANUARY 3 thru JANUARY 24, 2010 Jan. 3 - Our Lady of Perpetual Help Jan. 4 - Church o...

I join Cardinal Francis George in his opposition to the status of health care reform as it is currently being considered in Washington. In a recent statement, Cardinal George said; "Two basic principles, therefore, continue to shape the concerns of the Catholic bishops: health care means taking care of the health needs of all, across the human life span; and the expansion of health care should not involve the expansion of abortion funding and of policies forcing everyone to pay for abortions. Because these principles have not been respected, despite the good that the bill under consideration intends or might achieve, the Catholic bishops regretfully hold that it must be opposed unless and until these serious moral problems are addressed." I ask you to inform your representatives in Washington that you share these grave moral concerns over health care reform that does not protect the dignity of every human life. Click here to contact Congress now. Click here to read C...

Updated 3-11-2010 Stop Abortion Funding in Health Care Reform! Protect Conscience Ensure Affordable Health Coverage Allow Immigrants to Purchase Private Health Insurance As long-time advocates of health care reform, the U.S. Catholic bishops continue to make the moral case that genuine health care reform must protect the life, dignity, consciences and health of all, especially the poor and vulnerable. Health care reform should provide access to affordable and quality health care for all, and not advance a pro-abortion agenda in our country. Genuine health care reform is being blocked by those who insist on reversing widely supported policies against federal funding of abortion and plans which include abortion, not by those working simply to preserve these longstanding protections. • On November 7, the U.S. House of Representatives passed major health care reform that reaffirms the essential, longstanding and widely supported policy against using federal funds for elective ...

Priests for Life Monday, March 15, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington, DC – Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life , sent an urgent fax alert to priests and deacons nationwide today urging them to join with parishioners in contacting their Congressmen to express opposition to the health care bill that may be voted upon this week. “The lives of millions of unborn children depend on all of us taking action now,” said Fr. Pavone. “The Senate version of the health care bill would expand access to abortion like never before in history. With a decisive vote possible this week in the House, there is no time to waste.” The Priests for Life fax alert encourages priests, deacons, and members of church congregations to e-mail, call, or visit the local office of their Congressman and urge a “no” vote on the Senate measure.

Day 27: 1 Corinthians 10‐15 The theme of unity continues in Corinthians. Paul reminds us we are one body with many parts. Each of these parts is essential to the workings of the body as a whole. If one member is missing from the body, the body does not function properly. Do you know that you are essential to the Body of Christ and to your parish community? What are the gifts you bring to the Body of Christ? How do you share those gifts with the world?