Today's Word

Holy Days:

Also called days of precept, holy days are feasts of such importance in the liturgical calendar that attendance at Mass is required. The Code of Canon Law (cc. 1246-1248) discusses these, rightly beginning with Sunday, describing it as "the day on which the paschal mystery is celebrated in light of the apostolic tradition and is to be observed as the foremost day of obligation in the universal Church" (Can. 1246). It then lists the following to be observed: Christmas; Epiphany; Ascension; Corpus Christi; Mary, Mother of God; Immaculate Conception; Assumption; St. Joseph; Sts. Peter and Paul; and All Saints. This list is the same as that given in the 1917 code, with the feast of the Circumcision eliminated in favor of the restored title for January 1, Mary, Mother of God. The present code then states that "the conference of bishops can abolish certain holy days of obligation or transfer them to a Sunday with the prior approval of the Holy See" (Can. 1246). The United States bishops decided not to make the feasts of St. Joseph and Sts. Peter and Paul days of precept and transferred the Solemnities of the Epiphany and Corpus Christi to a Sunday.

This year, presumably because All Saints' Day falls on the day after Sunday, our primary holy day, it is not a holy day of obligation in America. There's so much we could say about lowering the bar, and the primacy of convenience in the faith life of American Catholics, but let's just say that Masses will still be offered tomorrow and it would be a great day to attend and ask all the Saints in heaven to pray for you.

Thanks to the Catholic Dictionary (Our Sunday Visitor) for the definition. By way of endorsement, I'd like to say this is one of my favorite reference books on the Faith!

November Home Altars

We're just about to celebrate the Feast of All Saints, so this piece showing the Holy Trinity surrounded by Saints filling heaven would be a great addition to your home altar. (Extra points to those of you who can identify any of the Saints pictured.)

If you'd like something that includes purgatory, you might want to try one of these. This one by Giovanni Crespi depicts a soul being released from purgatory because of prayers offered by those on earth. What a beautiful reminder to all of us!

You also might want to consider simply placing family photos on your prayer table as a reminder to pray for the souls of those who have died and to also pray for those still living as you work to finish the race.

Serendipity

serendipity a talent for making fortunate discoveries while searching for other things.

I was looking for some decorative letters last weekend when I ran across this clip art site. In particular, you may want to look at the mythology section, under Christianity for clips like this monstrance.

There are also dozens of letters, designs, tailpieces, doodads, frames, and borders that would make your next printing project just a little bit more awesome!

Thought you'd like to know!

Our readers are the best!

Many thanks to Killian who not only read my post on the tartan created for Pope Benedict's visit to Scotland, but came back to leave a comment on where items in this beautiful design can be purchased. (And in plenty of time for Christmas giving!)

St Teresa

Let nothing trouble you,
let nothing make you afraid.
All things pass away.
God never changes.
Patience obtains everything.
God alone is enough.
[St Teresa of Avila]

Image: Sacred Heart Church, Boston's North End

Knitting at my speed

Take a peek at the most creative knitting project I've seen in a long time!

Today's Word

Religious education classes have begun in my part of the world and that just reminds me again of how grateful I am for all those who have answered God's call to share their gifts by becoming a catechist.

Catechist (KA-teh-kihst) - One who instructs another in the Faith. The General Directory for Catechesis expands on this, reminding us that it is more than mere instruction, but the "task of the catechist [is] truly to help a person encounter God." (GDC 139)

No methodology, no matter how well tested, can dispense with the person of the catechist in every phase of the catechetical process. The charism given to him by the Spirit, a solid spirituality and transparent witness of life, constitutes the soul of every method. Only his own human and Christian qualities guarantee a good use of texts and other work instruments.

The catechist is essentially a mediator. He facilitates communication between the people and the mystery of God, between subjects amongst themselves, as well as with the community. For this reason, his cultural vision, social condition and lifestyle must not be obstacles to the journey of faith. Rather, these help to create the most advantageous conditions for seeking out, welcoming and deepening the Christian message. He does not forget that belief is a fruit of grace and liberty. Thus, he ensures that his activities always draw support from faith in the Holy Spirit and from prayer. Finally, the personal relationship of the catechist with the subject is of crucial importance. (GDC 156)

When tempted, invoke your Angel.

He is more eager to help you than you are to be helped!

Ignore the devil and do not be afraid of him:

He trembles and flees at the sight of your Guardian Angel.

St. John Bosco

The Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for October

General Intention: Catholic Universities

That Catholic Universities may more and more be places where, in the light of the Gospel, it is possible to experience the harmonious unity existing between faith and reason.

Missionary Intention: World Mission Day

That the World Mission Day may afford an occasion for understanding that the task of proclaiming Christ is an absolutely necessary service to which the Church is called for the benefit of humanity.

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,

I offer You all my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day

for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart,

in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass

throughout the world,

in reparation for my sins,

for the intentions of all our associates,

and in particular for the intentions

of the Holy Father for this month.

Amen.