Articles For Heart Mind Soul

Today we give ourselves over to trust in God as we begin the seventh of nine days of Solemn Novena prayer to St. Jude. Intention to St. Jude St. Jude, I believe that Jesus saves. With your companionship, I have hope for healing of all that ails me and my loved ones, especially the unrest of our minds and hearts. Prayer to St. Jude Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Make use, I implore you, of that particular privilege given to you, to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly (here make your request) and that I may praise God with you and all the elect forever. I promise, O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen.

Bishop Cantu’s Weblog Archbishop Gomez has repeatedly mentioned that he’s been praying for my conversion. Since the moment I made that first drive westward on highway 10 two years ago from Houston, he’s been praying for me. Knowing me to be a die-hard NBA fan, he was concerned that I would not set aside my Rockets banner to join the San Antonio chorus, “Go, Spurs, Go!” Admittedly a Houston Rockets fan when I arrived in the Fiesta City, I pledged to pull for the San Antonio favorites. However, I found that although I painted my face silver and black, I would still bleed red. Conversion often takes time. It takes a persevering desire and a sustained effort. So what about the Spurs’ chances this post-season? They may have avoided the tough-as-nails Jazz, but the Mavericks are no slouches. The Mavs have revamped their roster with the skill and size of Caron Bulter and Brendan Haywood, not to mention the athleticism of Shawn Marion. The opening series will be no walk in the park, to

On this sixth of nine days of Solemn Novena prayer we remember St. Catherine of Siena as we offer our prayers together. Today I recognize how my Novena makes me stronger in all kinds of ways. Intention to St. Jude St. Jude, you are a source of strength for me. May my devotion to you give me the wisdom I need to make sound decisions for myself and my loved ones. Prayer to St. Jude Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Make use, I implore you, of that particular privilege given to you, to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly (here make your request) and that I may praise God with you and all the elect forever. I promise, O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen.

Jim Caviezel meeting Pope John Paul II Jim Caviezel interview by Catholic Digest Favorite prayers : Our Father, Hail Mary, prayer to St. Michael Role he’d like to play : “I think I finally found a comedy, but we’ll see. I used to do Neil Simon. And [now] they go, ‘Oh no, he played Jesus.’” Best advice he's received : “Someone told me a long time ago what a man does in private is who he really is.” One of his favorite things to do with his family : “I like swimming. That’s when I can get physical with my kids — actually pick them up and throw them. They say, ‘Daddy, do it again!’” What he’s learned about family from basketball : “A family to me can be a really bad team or a really good team. I refer to teams because I played on basketball teams for 17 years into college, and I played on good ones and bad ones. I have a wife who is a basketball player, and both of us have that mentality that some days you don’t particularly want to go out and play that day or practice that

• Personalize it: Each family member should have their own Rosary. • Create a habit: Set a time that is comfortable for your family and that works without adding stress. When it doesn’t happen, don’t give up entirely; just pick it up again the next day. • Create a space: Set the tone for prayer so young children understand this is different than other family activities. If possible, light a candle and play some soft, background, instrumental music. • Start small: Be patient. Don’t try to complete an entire Rosary the first time you gather together in prayer, particularly if you have young children. Start with a decade and build over time. • Keep it simple: The Rosary is a great way for young children to learn the Hail Mary, Our Father and Apostle’s Creed and to learn about the lives of Jesus and his Mother Mary. • Involve all family members: If children have a role, they will participate more fully and be more attentive. Let them lead a reflection or the prayers depending on

Today we begin the fifth of nine days of Solemn Novena prayer with St. Jude. This day we remember all those for whom we have promised to pray. Intention to St. Jude St. Jude, pray for those who come to you in faith. Intercede on our behalf as we place our deepest needs in your hands. Prayer to St. Jude Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Make use, I implore you, of that particular privilege given to you, to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly (here make your request) and that I may praise God with you and all the elect forever. I promise, O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen.

Spiritual Bouquet for Archbishop José H. Gomez Archbishop of the Archdiocese of San Antonio from February 15, 2005 – May 25, 2010

Rome, Italy, Apr 28, 2010 (EWTN News/CNA ) Pope Benedict XVI told the Vox Clara Committee on Wednesday that he welcomed the news that the new English translation of the Roman Missal "will soon be ready for publication." While expressing his hope about the arrival of the new edition, he also highlighted the need for a transition with "due sensitivity." With its publication comes the "new task" of preparing the clergy and lay faithful for the reception of the changes. Noting the difficulty many will have in adapting to the modifications that are said to be more literal translations from Latin, the Pope emphasized the need for a gradual introduction with "due sensitivity," accompanied by catechesis. He prayed that "in this way any risk of confusion or bewilderment will be averted, and the change will serve instead as a springboard for a renewal and a deepening of Eucharistic devotion all over the English-speaking world." Anticipat

VATICAN CITY, 28 APR 2010 ( Vatican Information Service ) - Among his remarks at the end of today's general audience, celebrated in St. Peter's Square, the Pope recalled how this Saturday 1 May marks the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, "guardian of the Holy Family and patron of all men who earn their living through their work. "May this day be an opportunity for deeper reflection on the meaning of work and its proper place in family life. I entrust those of you present here, and all workers, to the protection of St. Joseph".

Saint Louis Marie de Montfort

On this fourth of nine days of Solemn Novena prayer, we join together in the belief that there is power in praying with and for one another’s petitions. Intention to St. Jude St. Jude, bless me with courage, faith, and hope. Help me to tune out the distractions of the world to make this time of prayer meaningful. Prayer to St. Jude Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Make use, I implore you, of that particular privilege given to you, to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly (here make your request) and that I may praise God with you and all the elect forever. I promise, O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen

Newsletter: May-June 2010

Today we remember all those who suffer as we begin the third of nine days of Solemn Novena prayer to St. Jude. Intention to St. Jude St. Jude, the leper believed in the power of Jesus to heal him. Give me strength in faith. Help me believe that Jesus makes me strong where I am weakest. Prayer to St. Jude Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Make use, I implore you, of that particular privilege given to you, to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly (here make your request) and that I may praise God with you and all the elect forever. I promise, O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen.

April & May- San Antonio and Houston, Texas Contact the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus (210) 381-1077 for more Information

On this 4th Sunday of Easter, we celebrate the second of nine days of the Solemn Novena as we come together in prayer with a special intention to St. Jude. Intention to St. Jude St. Jude, my fears at times get the best of me. Calm my heart so that I might better trust in the God who loves and comforts me. Prayer to St. Jude Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Make use, I implore you, of that particular privilege given to you, to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly (here make your request) and that I may praise God with you and all the elect forever. I promise, O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen.

4/20/2010 Catholic PRWire Madison, WI (April 20, 2010) - Show your public support for Pope Benedict. Our new "Pope Benedict Our Prayers Are With You! bumper sticker is a beatiful way to show your support for the Holy Father. You can purchase one or more, or get one free by mail. Contact: Divine Mercy Devotion http://divinemercydevotion.com/ WI, 53711 US Mark Endres – 608-354-9654

The 47th World Day of Prayer for Vocations, is celebrated on the Fourth Sunday of Easter -- Good Shepherd Sunday -- April 25, 2010. Pope Benedict XVI's message for this day is on the theme " Witness Awakens Vocations ".

Today we center ourselves in peace as we begin nine days of Solemn Novena healing prayer. St. Jude listens to our prayers, and offers us hope when we become weary. Intention to St. Jude St. Jude, my companion and friend, on this first day of our journey in prayer together, I ask you for a grateful heart, that I might know of God’s goodness to me. Prayer to St. Jude Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Make use, I implore you, of that particular privilege given to you, to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly (here make your request) and that I may praise God with you and all the elect forever. I promise, O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen.

Rousing, faith-infused sports drama, based on real events, recounting the unlikely odyssey of a ragtag boys baseball team from Monterrey, Mexico, who, under the spiritual guidance of a devout but down-to-earth priest (Cheech Marin) and the leadership of a hard-driving coach (Clifton Collins Jr.) travel to the U.S. to compete in the 1957 Little League championship tournament, achieving a string of unexpected victories against far more advantaged teams. As directed by William Dear, W. William Winokur's script unambiguously presents the young players' Catholicism as the inspiration not only for their winning streak, but for their persistent refusal to allow either their impoverished circumstances or the disdainful prejudice they frequently encounter north of the border to deprive them of their dream. U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishop's Office for Film and Broadcasting Review of The Perfect Game

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets? What if we flipped through it several times a day? What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it? What if we used it to receive messages from the text? What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it? What if we gave it to Kids as gifts? What if we used it when we traveled? What if we used it in case of emergency? This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible? Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill. Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities? And no dropped calls!

Learn more about the Vote Pro-Life Coalition at http://www.voteprolifecoalition.com/ Use two important resources. One is the Bishops’ document Living the Gospel of Life . The Priests and Pastoral Associates of Priests for Life have written an in-depth study of this very important document from our Bishops concerning political responsibility. You can see the text of both the document and the study guide at www.priestsforlife.org/gospel/studyguide/index.htm or order your own copy at www.priestsforlife.org/store Voting with a Clear Conscience is a small yet powerful booklet that Father Frank Pavone wrote that gives you ten easy steps to voting with a clear conscience. View the text online at  http://www.priestsforlife.org/vote/voting-with-clear-conscience-interdenominational.htm or order your own copy at the online store at www.priestsforlife.org/store Please sign up for the next teleseminar at www.priestsforlife.org/conferencecall/index.aspx and spread the word!

82nd Legislative Session Priorities The Texas Catholic Conference is the association of the 15 ordinary Roman Catholic Bishops of Texas, and includes the Auxiliary and Emeritus Bishops as consultative members. A major function of the Conference is to be the public policy arm of the Bishops of Texas before the Texas Legislature, the Texas delegation in Congress, and state agencies. The public policy issues addressed by the Conference include institutional concerns of the Catholic Church and issues related to Catholic moral and social teachings. Because we are made in the image of God, there is an inherent value of human life from which all of our social obligations and rights flow. The following list highlights some of the priorities of the Texas Bishops prior to the 82nd Legislative session. The Bishops and staff of the Conference will continue to monitor and respond to any relevant matters before the Texas Legislature. 1. Life and Family Life Issues : Our foundational principle

Catechist’s Journey Today, Earth Day, is a wonderful opportunity to teach about the Catholic principle of Caring for God’s Creation, one of the principles of Catholic Social Teaching . Here are 10 ways to make your observance of Earth Day truly Catholic: 1. Give praise to our Creator – In the Nicene Creed, we say, “We believe in one God, the Father, the almighty, maker of heaven and earth…” How appropriate that the first sentence of our Creed makes mention of the fact that all of creation comes from God! Pray the Creed. Sing songs of praise such as Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow, How Great Thou Art, and Holy God We Praise Thy Name! 2. Contemplate the wonders of God’s creation – Contemplation (i.e. resting in God’s presence) is an authentically Catholic practice and a way of coming to a deeper appreciation for finding God in all of creation. Take some time to contemplate outdoors. Pope John Paul II said, “Faced with the glory of the Trinity in creation, we must contemplat

Day 9: Novena for Pope Benedict XVI

VATICAN CITY, 19 APR 2010 ( VIS ) - Benedict XVI today celebrates the fifth anniversary of his election as Pope. On 19 April 2005 Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, succeeding Pope John Paul II, became the 264th successor of St. Peter. In the five years of his pontificate, Benedict XVI has published three Encyclicals: "Deus caritas est" of 25 December 2005, "Spe salvi" of 27 November 2007, and "Caritas in veritate" of 30 June 2009; one Apostolic Exhortation on the Eucharist; the Apostolic Constitution "Anglicanorum coetibus"; nine "Motu Proprio"; the book "Jesus of Nazareth", and hundreds of addresses, homilies, letters and messages. He has made fourteen apostolic trips abroad and sixteen pastoral visits within Italy. Among the more important events of his pontificate were his visit to Auschwitz in 2006 and to the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, also in 2006, his 2008 address before the United Nations, and his 2010 visit to the synago

Website: Letters to God The Movie: http://www.letterstogodthemovie.com/

Day 8: Novena for Pope Benedict XVI

Valletta, Malta, Apr 18, 2010 ( CNA/EWTN News ).- Together with the faithful in Floriana's Granaries Square, the Holy Father prayed the Regina Coeli in Malta on Sunday. Before the recitation of the Marian prayer with thousands of Maltese on Sunday, he acknowledged Malta’s particular devotion to Mary and presented a special gift to Our Lady of Ta' Pinu. Our Lady of Ta' Pinu The prayer took place just after Sunday morning Mass celebrated in the same square, the largest on the island. For the celebration, a painting of the Virgin was brought to the square from the island of Gozo for the occasion from the Shrine of Our Lady of Ta' Pinu. Recalling the Maltese tradition of trust in the Blessed Virgin Mary for protection and prayer intentions, the Holy Father recognized the "great fervor" with which the people of Malta express their devotion to the virgin. Pope Benedict XVI said he was "pleased" to be able to pray before her image and presented her

On the 83rd birthday of Pope Benedict XVI, April 16, 2010, The Cardinal Newman Society (CNS) announced that the Easter Prayer Campaign for the Pope reached the goal of one million prayers. “I am thrilled to report that the Easter Prayer Campaign has already surpassed the 1 million mark!” said Patrick J. Reilly, President of CNS. “At this trying time for the Church and the Holy Father the most important thing Catholics can do is draw closer to our Lord through prayer. By offering these prayers for the Pope, we support him in an invisible and mysterious, but very real way.” CNS started the Easter Prayer Campaign for the Pope in response to a call by Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York on Palm Sunday for Catholics to pray for the Holy Father. On Wednesday in Holy Week, CNS sent out an urgent appeal to its members to offer their prayers for the Holy Father. The response with prayer pledges was immediate and overwhelming. In just two and a half weeks more than 1,000,000 prayers w

The new Oak Farms Dairy milk advertising slogan: " Passionate about Purity " is interesting and intriguing. Their website: http://www.oakfarmsdairy.com  further explains their new slogan. Purity in Every Glass Oak Farms milk is purity you can pour. We’re the Texas dairy bringing you fresh, natural milk backed by a  Five Point Purity Checklist 1. Our farmers pledge not to use artificial growth hormones. 2. Milk from cows fed a nutritious diet. 3. We reject any milk that contains commonly used antibiotics. 4. Continuous quality testing. 5. Cold shipped within hours. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we would similarly advertise that we had a Five Point Purity Checklist . 1.  Purity of Body 2.  Purity of Mind 3.  Purity of Heart 4.  Purity of Spirit 5.  Purity of Soul Their new slogan was meant to promote and publicize their milk, but we can be passionate about our purity of body , passionate about our purity of heart , passionate about our purity of

Day 7: Novena for Pope Benedict XVI

Loving and Generous God, it is You who call us by name and ask us to follow You. Help us to grow in the Love and Service of our Church as we experience it today. Give us the energy and courage of Your Spirit to shape its future. Grant us faith-filled leaders who will embrace Christ's Mission of love and justice. Bless the Churches of Del Rio, Texas ( Our Lady of Guadalupe , Sacred Heart & St. Joseph ) by raising up dedicated and generous leaders from our families and friends who will serve Your people as Priests, Brothers, Sisters, Deacons and Lay Ministers. Inspire us to know You better and open our hearts to hear Your call. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Washington D.C., Apr 17, 2010 ( EWTN News ) A recent study analyzing the ordination class of 2010 shows the “essential role” the Church has in helping promote vocations to the priesthood, asserts one cardinal. The study was conducted by Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) , and commissioned by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) as part of an annual national survey, The Class of 2010: Survey of Ordinands to the Priesthood . “One important trend evident in this study is the importance of lifelong formation and engagement in the Catholic faith,” said Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley of Boston, chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations . The cardinal noted that in addition to their education and work experience, half to three-quarters of the Class of 2010 report they served as an altar server, lector, Eucharistic minister or other parish ministry. “Most ordinands have been Catholic since birth,” sa

Day 6: Novena for Pope Benedict XVI

Pro Life Freedom Rides It is therefore time for Freedom Rides for the unborn. The pro-life movement is more ready than ever to proclaim freedom… Freedom from the lies and the deceit that allow abortion to continue… Freedom from the fear of speaking up and taking action for the unborn… Freedom from the shame and guilt of past involvement in abortion, so that those called to speak up and share their testimonies may do so as people who are “Silent No More”… Freedom from the political oppression that tramples on human rights and denies equality before the law… Freedom from violence and death itself.

An initiative of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops The bishops want to strengthen marriage as both a human institution and a Christian sacrament. Specifically, they wish to: •offer a Catholic witness to the meaning, value, and sanctity of marriage; •connect Catholic belief and teaching with current marriage issues; •strengthen marriage through the life cycle by listening to the experience of the Christian faithful; •work with our fellow citizens to promote marriage-friendly laws, public policies, and other social strategies; •promote more and better ministries to marriage, particularly in parishes; •help couples themselves to witness to the value of marriage; •encourage dioceses, national church organizations and movements to provide leadership and resources on behalf of marriage.

Day 5: Novena for Pope Benedict XVI

WHAT: 40 Days for Life "STEADFAST" Teleconference and Web Simulcast Event DATE: Tuesday, April 20 TIME: 8 PM Central WHO: YOU FORMAT: Simulcast! (Attend via phone or webcast -- it's your choice) TO REGISTER FOR THE EVENT, GO TO: http://www.40daysforlife.com/steadfast