APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION

Apostolic Succession: Various Biblical Arguments Outlined

Icon of the Seventy Disciples

The Bible contains sufficient enough indication of apostolic succession (though probably not "explicit" enough by unbiblical sola Scriptura standards to convince most Protestants: what else is new?):

Apostles Can Become Bishops (Apostolic Succession)

St. Paul appears to be passing his office along to Timothy (1 Tim 6:20; 2 Tim 1:6, 13-14, 2:1-2, 4:1-6). See, for example:

2 Timothy 2:1-2 (RSV) You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, [2] and what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

There are many indirect indications. When Jesus gives His disciples charge to do certain things, it is seen, by and large, by Protestants, as commands to their successors as well (perhaps not always apostolic succession per se, but at least succession as believers in Christ). So, for example, when Jesus tells His disciples to preach the gospel or to baptize, virtually all Christians today think that this applies to all Christians in perpetuity. Yet when Jesus tells the same disciples to "bind and loose" (Matt 18:18; Jn 20:23; also to St. Peter individually in Matt 16:19), somehow that is not seen as a thing that is perpetually relevant through history, and is relegated to their time only.

This makes no sense. For one to take such a position, they have to establish a solid reason why they regard one instance as perpetual and the other as temporary. I contend that it can't be done; that any such criterion would be completely arbitrary. Often, sadly, it comes down to merely a contra-Catholic mentality and rationale: "Catholics believe thus-and-so, and so we must oppose it, no matter what the Bible may state on the subject."

[[[continue reading]]]

JUST TO REMIND US ALL...

Let me paraphrase the letter from the
Vicar Apostolic of Arabia, Paul Hinder:

"Any other group using or making reference to CFC other than the original CFC group will not be recognized in our parishes or use the name CFC for any work they undertake."

Click here to enlarge or download image

TAYO AY...

Colossians 3:12-17

Progress in the Spiritual Life

[12] Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience, [13] forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. [14] And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. [15] And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. [16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as you teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. [17] And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

JESUS WE TRUST IN YOU!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAMA MARY!!!

“Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word.”

From Mary we learn to surrender to God's Will in all things. From Mary we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone.

From Mary we learn to love Christ her Son and the Son of God! - Pope John Paul II

Whoever does not wish to have Mary Immaculate as his Mother will not have Christ as his Brother.

- St Maximillian Kolbe

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ,

Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of

His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.

CFC Pastoral Formation Day By Day: September 7, 2009

B. The Role of the Household Head

a. He is the designated leader over a group of couples and is responsible for all the activities of the household and for the good order of the household meeting.

* attendance

* sharing/discussion

* honor and respect

b. He acts as an older brother to the group.

* establishes strong personal relationships with each of his men.

* gets help for them whenever it is available.

c. He helps each member to be fully integrated into the household and in CFC.

d. He has no authority over member's lives but exercises concern for their lives, especially in the areas of righteousness and good order.

e. He supports the life in CFC and the decisions of its elders.

* does not use the household meeting to ventilate his disagreements with CFC or its elders. In case of such disagreement, he takes this up with his Unit Head.

* supports fully any decision on movements of couples from one household to another, and helps such couples make such movements with ease and a minimum of diffi­culty.

Source: CFC Household Manual

See Page 2

DO YOU ALSO WANT TO LEAVE?

No Life away from You

Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to leave?" Simon Peter answered Him, "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."

(John 6:67-68)

BIBLE INSTITUTE 2009

Recorded Sessions in MP3 Format

The Beatitudes: The Heart of Discipleship (BI09-BHD)
Poor Thing: Joy in the Midst of Affliction (Kay Schmidl)	Play Download Details
Cry Baby: Every Tear Will Be Wiped Away (Mary Cappel)	Play Download Details
Have a Heart! The Organ for Seeing God (Ben Klaene)	Play Download Details
Crucify Him! Crucify Him! Victory in the Cross (Kay Schmidl)	Play Download Details
Blessed Beads, The Theology and Practice of the Rosary (BI09-BB)
Why Pray To / Through Mary (Fr. Rob Jack)	Play Download Details
Theology of the Rosary (Fr. Rob Jack)	Play Download Details
Rosary and the Apostolic Life (Fr. Rob Jack)	Play Download Details
The Rosary and the Saints (Fr. Rob Jack)	Play Download Details
Life and Works of Padre Pio (BI09-LPP)
Nurturing of a Saint (Pete Beckmeyer)	Play Download Details
Healing and Wholeness Through Reconciliation (Paul Autenrieb)	Play Download Details
Crucified with Christ (Paul Autenrieb)	Play Download Details
Shining Star in God's Kingdom (Fr. David Endres)	Play Download Details
Overcoming the Culture of Death: How Did We Get Here? (BI09-CD)
A Culture of Death: How Did We Get Here? (Deacon George Schmidl)	Play Download Details
Basis of the Church's Teaching on Life (Kay Schmidl)	Play Download Details
Forming a Correct Conscience (Fr. Chris Armstrong)	Play Download Details
God's Marvelous Plan for Sexuality in Christian Marriage (Leslie Kuhlman)	Play Download Details
Importance of Family in the Fabric of Society (Paul Autenrieb)	Play Download Details
Living in Triumph & Hope Until Your Last Breath (Diane Autenrieb)	Play Download Details
Strategies for Victory Over God's Enemies (Joe Brinck)	Play Download Details
Living the Pro Life Witness: Live For Jesus! (Mark Hennessey)	Play Download Details

MY PEOPLE Volume 22

Vol. 22, Issue 9, September 2009

"If my people, who are called by My name, humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven and pardon their sins and revive their land." — 2 Chronicles 7:14

TABLE OF CONTENTS

"Just look for the face of Jesus everywhere you go, search among your family, friends and those you do not know."

U.S. Bishops: Health Care Reform Must Respect Life

Genuine Health Care Reform Is "Moral Imperative"

In Defense of Life: Terri's Legacy

Letters To The Editors

Light to the Nations: A Christian Perspective on World News

Battle The Culture Of Death

Prison To Praise: Seek Out The Lord

Day Highlights Humanitarian Needs

Humanitarian Aid: A Continuing Challenge

Edge to Edge

Pray The News

Perpetual Adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist

Perpetual Adoration is a Eucharistic devotion where members of the parish unite in taking hours of adoration before the Most Blessed Sacrament, both during the day and throughout the night, seven days a week.

Why is exposition in the monstrance preferred?

To see Jesus visibly present under the appearance of the small white host is much more conducive to intimacy than hidden away in the tabernacle. Moreover, it adds an extra responsibility on the adorers to be sure to be faithful to the hours they are scheduled, since the suggested norm for having Jesus exposed in the monstrance is that there should be at least two adorers present, and He must never be left alone. Could not these words of our Lord be applied today: "Indeed, this is the will of My heavenly Father, that everyone who looks upon the Son, and believes in Him, shall have eternal life. Him I will raise up on the last day."

What are some good reasons for establishing Perpetual Adoration?

To provide an easy, attractive, and practical way of rendering God adoration which is His due as our Creator, of giving Him thanks for our redemption, of making reparation for our sins and the sins of mankind; of petitioning the good God for the constant help we need.

To show our gratitude to our Lord for remaining among us in our tabernacles, and to make at least some atonement for the many sacrileges, indifferences, and ingratitude which He receives in His Sacrament of Love.

What spiritual benefits and graces can be attributed to the establishment of a parish Perpetual Adoration program?

• an increase in Mass attendance and reception of the sacraments;
• return of fallen-away Catholics and increase in the number of conversions;
• increase in religious and priestly vocations;
• renewal of Catholic family life;
• spiritual level of the people is raised with a resulting desire and courage to spread the "good news" to others;
• a greater community spirit, centered as it is on the heart of the parish, Jesus' presence in the Blessed Sacrament.

CHURCH DOCUMENTS

Provided below are a few select encyclicals, apostolic letters and other official documents of the Catholic Church. As time permits, more will be added.

ENCYCLICALS & LETTERS

• Caritas in Veritate
  Charity in Truth (29 Jun 2009, Pope Benedict XVI) [630Kb]
• Spe Salvi
  On Christian Hope (30 Nov 2007, Pope Benedict XVI) [263Kb]
• Deus Caritas Est
  On Christian Love (25 Dec 2005, Pope Benedict XVI) [232Kb]
• Mane Nobiscum Domine
  Year of the Eucharist October 2004 to October 2005, (7 Oct 2004, Pope John Paul II) [192Kb]
• On the Collaboration of Men and Women in the Church and in the World (31 May 2004, Pope John Paul II) [207Kb]
• Ecclesia de Eucharistia
  On The Eucharist In Its Relationship To The Church (17 April 2003, Pope John Paul II) [300Kb]
• Rosarium Virginis Mariae
  On The Most Holy Rosary (16 October 2002, Pope John Paul II) [258Kb]
• Fides et Ratio
  On The Relationship of Faith and Reason (14 September 1998, Pope John Paul II) [449Kb]
• Dies Domini
  On Keeping The Lord's Day Holy (31 May 1998, Pope John Paul II) [362Kb]
• Ut unum sint
  On Commitment To Ecumenism (5 May 1995, Pope John Paul II) [452Kb]
• Evangelium Vitae
  On The Value and Inviolability of Human Life (25 March 1995, Pope John Paul II) [608Kb]
• Veritatis Splendor
  The Spendor of Truth (6 August 1993, Pope John Paul II) [566Kb]
• Christifideles Laici
  The Vocation and Mission of the Lay Faithful in the Church and the World (30 December 1988, Pope John Paul II) [545Kb]
• Dominum et Vivificantem
  On The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Church and the World (18 May 1986, Pope John Paul II) [364Kb]
• Familiaris Consortio
  On the Role of the Christian Family in the Modern World (21 November 1981, Pope John Paul II) [530Kb]
• Dominicae Cenae
  On the Mystery and Worship of the Eucharist (14 February 1980, Pope John Paul II) [209Kb]
• Dives in Misericordia
  On The Mercy of God, 30 November 1980, Pope John Paul II [296Kb]
• Humanae Vitae
  On The Regulation of Birth (25 July 1968, Pope Paul VI) [178Kb]
• Lumen Gentium
  Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (21 November 1964, Pope Paul VI) [415Kb]
• Casti Connubii
  On Christian Marriage (31 December 1930, Pope Pius XI) [275Kb]

APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTION

• Universi Dominici Gregis
  On the Vacancy of the Apostolic See and the Election of the Roman Pontiff (22 February 1996, Pope John Paul II) [221Kb]

INSTRUCTIONS

• Redemptionis Sacramentum
  On Certain Matters to be Observed or to be Avoided Regarding the Most Holy Eucharist (25 March 2004) [447Kb]
• On Priesthood and Those With Homosexual Tendencies, Instruction From Congregation for Catholic Education (4 November 2005) [102Kb]

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND THE BIBLE

To Tell You The Whole Truth About The Catholic Church And The Bible

We, the pastor and parishioners of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church who have put this booklet together, hope you find it interesting (short as it is). It is only a bird's eye view of the history of the Church and the Bible, with short answers to a few common questions. Many of the questions we are asked come from people who are familiar with the King James Version of the Bible, so we decided to use quotations from that version, unless otherwise indicated. We invite everyone to research history, the teachings of the Catholic Church and the Bible in order to arrive at the whole truth which has been revealed to us by God. Jesus said, "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32

St. Augustine (354-430) said, "A demanding teacher may ask, 'Is it good Latin?' The Christian should ask, 'Is it true?' " We should constantly seek the Whole Truth about what God has revealed to us.

CLICK ON THE PICTURE OF THE BOOKLET TO ENTER

[SOURCE]

SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE...

NEWLY PRUNED (John 15:2)

Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. (John 15:2)

Believers in Christ are the branches that are connected to Christ’s vine. The Vinedresser is very concerned with the productivity of His vine. He does everything to rightly care for it. There are two kinds of branches: non-productive and productive.

(1) He gives special care to the branches not bearing fruit.

Jesus says, “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away.” We know that this “takes away” is a poor translation that translations keep repeating. Literally it means to ‘lift up.’ The concept is easy to understand. Grape vines grow fast and wild. The goal is to keep the grape vine up high so it can get sun and stay off the ground. When a grape branch hangs down upon the ground, it tends to get mud and disease rather than bear fruit. The goal is to lift the branch off the ground.

This describes the Christian not bearing fruit. Does God the vinedresser want every Christian to bear fruit? Most definitely. Even in the book of Numbers we see God’s great patience with His people. The means by which God ‘lifts’ these branches from the world are quite unique. But if you do not repent and turn back to the vine yourself, God will use sometimes difficult means to bring you back.

(2) He prunes those branches that are bearing fruit so that they can bear more fruit.

Jesus says, “Every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit.” We find here that God is not only discontent with those branches that are not productive, but that even from the good branches that are bearing fruit, He wants more. So what does He do? He prunes them. This is a drastic step in which difficult situations come to a Christian’s life which in time enable him to be even more successful.

In each case we see that God wants to bless His people. He wants to bring more fruit from their lives. You might be content not to bear fruit but God isn’t. The vinedresser is even willing to induce painful experiences that there might in the end be a net increase of blessings. We are not often thinking about eternity. But if we would weigh this into the equation, we would be much more quick to accept the temporary struggles for greater results.

Do you see God’s purpose for difficult times? It might be because we are being lazy or on the other hand it might be because we are being faithful, but more blessing is what God is after. It makes sense to work with God rather than in opposition to Him.

IHS - September 2009

IN HIS STEPS

FOLLOW

Christ's cross is a central symbol in Christianity. All who wish to follow after Christ need to heed His Words: "Forget yourself, pick up your cross and follow me!"

September is a time for exalting the cross. The cross was a curse during Jesus' time - it is there were murderers, thieves, offenders were hung. But Jesus gave the cross, new meaning, by dying on it. The Son of God was obedient unto death - the Father's design for man's redemption. Christ's death and resurrection turned the cross to a symbol of salvation and victory.

Christians go through purposeful suffering. Difficulties, tribulations and hardship are borne not in vain, but for God's greater glory.

By the cross, the Lord sought us, caught and regained us.

Our prayer is that we believe in the saving power of the cross. It truly is to be exalted. "It was there our Savior hung... but there too, God's victory was won!"

READ or PRINT

Choose date of your household

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28	29	30

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PRAISE YOU JESUS!

Oh yeah!

Finally my own song.

Pasensiya na sa boses

tutal demo lang naman ito.

PRAISE YOU JESUS

Words and Music: C2CD

Listen HERE or from the sidebar

I.

Staring up the sky

And wondering why

You’ve given up your life.

For someone unworthy as I am.

II.

My hands are lifted high

With tears in my eyes

Ready to shout for joy

And sing you praises all my days

PRAISE:

PRAISE YOU JESUS! You’re the King of Kings

PRAISE YOU JESUS! King of all Creation

PRAISE YOU JESUS! You’re King of the Universe

PRAISE YOU JESUS! You’re Ruler of all Nations

PRAISE YOU JESUS! You’re Lord of Lords

PRAISE YOU JESUS! You’re the Almighty

PRAISE YOU JESUS! You’re the Christ

PRAISE YOU JESUS! You’re Christ the King

PRAISE YOU JESUS! You’re the Bright Morning Star

PRAISE YOU JESUS! You’re the Lamb of God

PRAISE YOU JESUS! You’re our Champion and Shield

PRAISE YOU JESUS! … (1 2 sawa)

REPEAT ALL

PRAISE YOU JESUS! You’re my Savior and Redeemer

PRAISE YOU JESUS! You’re my Lord and my God

END fading:

…Staring up the sky

…Now I know why!

The One True Faith

by Catholic Audio

Fellow domer and professional Catholic Michael Voris is at it again -- Season 6 of The One True Faith is now online! This is a no-holds-barred approach to explaining the faith, and not for the faint of heart.

Without further ado (HT: Dave)...

The One True Faith Podcasts

The One True Faith is Saint Michael's Media's weekly television program which showcases the truths of the Catholic faith in a lively and exciting manner, presented by multiple Emmy-award winner Michael Voris. Michael tackles a single topic each week, explaining the Catholic faith in an exciting and engaging manner.

We have made episodes of The One True Faith available as Podcasts. Click the links below to play the Podcasts, or right-click and select "Save As" to download them to your computer. In addition to podcasts of The One True Faith we have a number of other podcasts

Season Six

• Protestant Errors
• The Economy of Evil
• The Church in the West
• Joy & Pleasure
• Spiritual Stupidity
• Catholic Riches
• Heaven
• Liberalism
• The Big Picture
• Caesar and Christ
• The Jews
• Satan's Defeat
• Total War

RSS feed for The One True Faith Podcast