Is The Assumption Still A Holy Day?

Posted on August 14, 2011 by Gary Zimak

As Catholics, one of the most confusing developments in recent times, is the decision by the United States bishops?to abrogate (or remove) the obligation to attend Mass for certain Holy Days of Obligation if they fall on a? Saturday or a Monday.? Such is the case with the Solemnity?of the Assumption which we celebrate on August 15th.

Although?Catholics in the United States are not obligated to attend?Mass on the Assumption in 2011, it still remains not only a holy day, but?a solemnity (the holiest of holy days).

I would encourage everyone to attend Mass, if?possible, in?order to celebrate this great day when our Blessed Mother was assumed bodily into Heaven.? Our Lady is standing by?in her heavenly home, ready to intercede on our behalf.? That is definitely something to celebrate!

If you’d like to read more about the Assumption, here’s a link to ?Munificentissimus Deus, the Apostolic Constitition?issued by Pope Pius XII on Nov 1, 1950, which defined the dogma of the Assumption.?

Mary, Queen of Heaven, pray for us!

Posted in Blessed Mother, Catholic Life, Marian, Mary | 1 Comment

Whatever Happened To Admonishing The Sinner?

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Gary Zimak

Anyone remember the Spiritual Works of Mercy?? According to Our Sunday Visitor’s Catholic Dictionary, these acts “focus on the spiritual welfare of the one in need”.? In case you need a refresher, they are:

?To instruct the ignorant;
?To counsel the doubtful;
?To admonish the sinner;
?To bear wrongs patiently;
?To forgive offences willingly;
?To comfort the afflicted;
?To pray for the living and the dead.?

To put it simply, when we perform one of these works, we are attempting to help someone spiritually.? Considering that one’s spiritual health has a direct relationship to whether they end up?in Heaven or Hell makes these works pretty important.? Although many of today’s Catholics have never heard of the Spiritual Works of Mercy, one of them completely goes against the message of our culture – to admonish the sinner.

While the world would call this being judgmental, the purpose of admonishing the sinner is to help them recognize that their behavior is sinful and could result in the loss of their salvation.? Not?only is?this task an act of charity, but an obligation.? According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), remaining silent about the sins of others could cause us to end up in hot water:

Sin is a personal act. Moreover, we have a responsibility for the sins committed by others when we cooperate in them:

  • by participating directly and voluntarily in them;
  • by ordering, advising, praising, or approving them;
  • by not disclosing or not hindering them when we have an obligation to do so;
  • by protecting evil-doers. (CCC 1868)

While this doesn’t apply in every case, it’s certainly something we should take seriously.? We can’t ignore the fact that we have an obligation to look out for the spiritual well being of those around us.? Otherwise, we could end up bearing some of the guilt!

So the next time the topic of gay “marriage” comes up at the office, one of your children stops going to Mass, a friend moves in with his girlfriend or?a divorced Catholic gets married outside of the Church, it’s ok to speak out (just make sure you choose a good time and?remain charitable)?.? There is a possibility that they may really not know what they’re doing is wrong.? On the other hand, if you know it’s wrong and don’t say anything…

you could end up in a place you’d rather not go!

Posted in Catechism, Catholic Life, sin | 2 Comments

Dominican Sisters Care For The Dying While Relying On God’s Providence

Posted on August 6, 2011 by Gary Zimak

“It’s the most unusual place I’ve ever been. You’re not conscious of people being ill here. We all have cancer and we’re all terminal, but it’s serene and there are lots of moments of fun and laughter.”? (Harriet Boyle, resident of Rosary Hill Home in?Hawthorne, NY)

I recently ran across?a story about the Dominican Sisters Congregation of St. Rose of Lima, who operate a palliative care facility in Hawthorne, NY (north of New York City).? The sisters care for the terminally ill in a home known as Rosary Hill, totally free of charge.? Even more amazing is the fact that they don’t accept government funds or insurance reimbursements.? They rely solely on God’s providence.

This story is inspiring in so many ways.? For one thing, we see an example of women dedicating their lives to caring for the dying.? These sisters aren’t doing this for money, they’re doing it out of love.? We can also see a great example of trusting in God’s providence.? In?this Sunday’s gospel (Mt 14:22-33), Peter learned?how easy it is to lose sight of the Lord, especially when faced with major problems.? Although it’s often counter-intuitive, it’s precisely at these difficult times that we must rely on the Lord’s help.? Both the sisters who work at Rosary Hill and the patients seem to seem to have a strong understanding of this concept.? As a result,? they are surrounded with God’s peace, even in the midst of uncertainty.

We can all learn so much from this?great story.? In addition to the obvious lesson of providing for our brothers and sisters in need, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God’s providence.? Just as St. Peter started to sink the minute he began to focus?on the storm (instead of the Lord), we too will struggle when we attempt to tackle our problems without God’s help.?

The full story about the Dominican Sisters’ work at Rosary Hill can be found here.

Posted in charity, death, trust | Comments Off on Dominican Sisters Care For The Dying While Relying On God’s Providence

Thank You, Catholic Marketing Network!

Posted on August 5, 2011 by Gary Zimak

Over the past few days, I had the pleasure of attending the Catholic Marketing Network (CMN) trade show in Valley Forge, PA.? Even though this was the 15th annual CMN trade show, it was the first time that I’ve attended.? Alan Napleton, the president and founder of the CMN was kind enough to invite me to the show and I am extremely glad that I took him up on the offer!

While there is the obvious benefit of networking and sharing what I do with Following The Truth, there were many other unexpected blessings that I received at the show.? I got to spend some time with Teresa Tomeo, whose passion for the Catholic Faith and love of people becomes obvious after being in her presence for a few minutes!? I’m a regular guest on her?program, but I rarely have the pleasure of chatting with her in person.? I was also privileged to finally meet Al Kresta ( just as nice in person as he is on the radio),?chat with?Thom Price (the director of radio programming for EWTN, who treated me like an old friend) and catch up with my?friend (and incredible person) Lizanne Pando, the?Director of Communications for the Miraculous Medal Shrine in Philadelphia.? I also made many new friends and discovered a wealth of Catholic material that I’ll be blogging about over the next few months…

Things that will?help you learn more about the?Catholic Faith and bring you closer to Jesus Christ!

Today, I brought?my wife and?daughters to the show and they?had a ball.? They felt, as did I, like they were part of the CMN family.? When you attend an event such as this, you see a great example of how people put their?unique talents to good use by serving the Lord and His Catholic Church.? This was my first CMN trade show, but it certainly won’t be my last.? My special thanks go out to Alan Napleton, Anne Alvarez and the entire CMN staff for making this a fantastic and inspirational experience for my family and I.

Here’s a nice video that explains a little bit more about CMN and what they do:

Posted in Catholic Life, products | Comments Off on Thank You, Catholic Marketing Network!

This Almost Makes Me Like The Marlins

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Gary Zimak

I was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA and have been a Phillies fan for all of my life.? The Florida Marlins are a division rival which means that I don’t particularly care for them.

Despite my feelings for the Marlins, here is a really neat story about their 80 year-old manager, Jack McKeon.? It’s pretty hard not to like someone who attends daily Mass and has a devotion to St. Therese.? And come to think of it, I guess it could be worse…

He could be the manager of the Mets 🙂

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/03/sports/baseball/a-career-sustained-by-unwavering-faith.html?_r=1

 

Posted in Catholic Life, Christian Living | Comments Off on This Almost Makes Me Like The Marlins

St. Alphonsus Ligouri’s Gift To Me

Posted on August 1, 2011 by Gary Zimak

As we celebrate the memorial of St. Alphonsus Ligouri, an 18th century bishop and doctor of the Church,?we can be thankful for many of his gifts.? He founded the Redemptorist order and contributed much to the field of moral theology.? In fact, St. Alphonsus is the patron saint of moral theologians.? On a personal level, however, I am most grateful for a simple prayer that he composed.? More than just a set of words, it is a way for me to remain in communion?with Our Lord throughout the day.? By making a spiritual communion, I express my desire to receive Jesus and then worship and adore Him just as if I had received Him sacramentally.? While I can certainly use my own words, the words of St. Alphonsus perfectly express all that I wish to say.

Act Of Spiritual Communion by Saint Alphonsus Ligouri

My Jesus,

I believe that Thou art present in the Blessed Sacrament.

I love Thee above all things and I desire Thee in my soul.

Since I cannot now receive Thee sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart.

As though Thou wert already there, I embrace Thee and unite myself wholly to Thee;

permit not that I should ever be separated from Thee.

Posted in Communion, prayer | 2 Comments

Why Mass Is Boring

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Gary Zimak

“Mass is Boring!”

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that familiar phrase.? Sadly, I have to admit that I’ve even used it myself.? As a Catholic apologist, I obviously need to have a response for this complaint – and I do.? The answer is actually very simple.? My answer to anyone who claims that Mass is boring is this…

You don’t understand it!

Make no mistake about it, this is a very common and serious problem among Catholics.? At the very least, it could cause us to miss out on the many graces that are available for the taking.? At worst, it can cause Catholics to leave the Church, putting their salvation in jeopardy, because they found another church service that had better music, preaching or entertainment.?

I recently was given an old missal that belonged to my wife’s grandmother.? At the beginning of the section on Holy Mass is the following simple, but powerful, explanation:

Holy Mass is the highest act of Divine Worship.? It is the renewal of the Sacrifice of Christ on Calvary which merited the infinite grace of Redemption.? In measure as you unite with the Victim Jesus in offering this Sacrifice to God and nourish your soul with His Sacred Body and Blood in Holy Communion, to that extent you apply to yourself the graces of the Redemption. (Mary My Hope Missal, Catholic Book Publishing Company, 1961)

None of us reading this were present at Calvary when Jesus sacrificed Himself for our sins.? Every time we attend Holy Mass, however, we are mystically transported to that event, not as a spectators, but as participants.??We are invited?to?offer?ourselves to the Father, along with Jesus.? The more sincere our offering, the more grace we will receive.??Why is grace important, you might ask?? Very simple – it’s what we need to get to Heaven!

So, the next time you hear someone complain that Mass is boring (or you’re tempted to say it yourself), I recommend that you think about this simple explanation?buried in?an old Missal.? I also encourage you to read as much as you can about the Mass, in order to increase your appreciation of this great event.? My Recommended Resources?page lists some books that will?also point you in the right direction.

“To me, nothing is so consoling, so piercing, so thrilling, so overcoming, as the Mass.? It is not a mere form of words – it is a great action, the greatest action that can be on earth.” (Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman)

Posted in Communion, Eucharist, liturgy, Mass, teaching | 1 Comment

When It Comes To Mass, Details Matter!

Posted on July 24, 2011 by Gary Zimak

I had a great experience this morning.? My family and I attended Mass at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Merchantville, NJ.? While this is not my regular parish, I do attend daily Mass there.? For some time, however, I’ve wanted to experience their Sunday Mass.? Today my family and I went and I was blown away!

What was so special about this Mass (and this parish), you might ask???Every action,?no matter how small,?showed tremendous respect for Our Lord and helped?me to better understand what was taking place at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.? Here’s some of what I saw:

-? Six altar servers, 4 of whom knelt directly before the altar during the Eucharistic prayer.? Two of them also carried candles and stood beside the priest as he read the Gospel.

-? Bells were rung during the consecration

-? Two additional priests and a deacon assisted the main celebrant in distributing Holy Communion.

– Hymns were all Catholic and traditional.

– Ushers stood and watched people receiving Communion to ensure that nobody treats the Blessed Sacrament with disrespect.

– No, and I mean NO,?improvising during the Eucharistic prayer.

– No hand holding during the Our?Father (like it or not, folks, this is a Protestant practice and Catholics are not supposed to do it!)

– Real Catholic teaching in the homily!

Some of you may read this and think, “What’s the big deal?? This is the way my parish does it”.? If that’s the case consider yourself blessed because many Catholics are not that fortunate.? I’ve personally experienced?many irreverent actions at Mass.? I’ve even encountered a priest who?regularly ad-libs his way through the Eucharistic prayer, even modifying Our Lord’s words of institution.? Many of us who try to raise issues?like this often get accused of being Pharisaical and too rigid.?????

As a Catholic, don’t let anyone ever tell you that details don’t matter, especially when it comes to the celebration of the Holy Mass.? We are flawed and imperfect humans who are easily distracted and need all of the help we can get when it comes to our faith.? Attention to the details at Mass reminds?us of the fact that the King of Kings and Lord of?Lords, Jesus Christ is TRULY present on that altar.? That fact often gets missed because of careless and lackadaisical actions on the part of people who should know?better.? If we really believe that Jesus?Christ is present?at Mass and that?we are being transported to and participating in His Sacrifice?on Calvary, then we should act?like it!?

Father Anthony?Manuppella, the pastor of St. Peter’s does a fantastic job of helping his parishioners to better live their Catholic Faith.? Please visit their website and if you’re ever in the Merchantville, NJ area, make sure make a visit to this outstanding Catholic parish!

Posted in Christian Living, Mass, reverence | 1 Comment

The Power of Eucharistic Adoration

Posted on July 20, 2011 by Gary Zimak

While there’s no doubt that we can pray anywhere, there are special graces that can be received by praying before the Blessed Sacrament.? If you’re skeptical (as I once was), I encourage you to try it for yourself.? Try spending some time each week with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and see what happens.? If you can do it for an hour, that would be ideal.? If you can only spend 15 minutes, you will still receive many graces.

Archbishop Fulton Sheen made a holy hour every day of his life and wrote his homilies in Our Lord’s presence.? Numerous Saints and popes throughout the ages spoke of the importance of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.? The time I spend in adoration is my refuge from the craziness of my daily life and a tremendous source of blessing.? Why not try it and see what happens in your own life?

Archbishop Timothy Dolan recently wrote an excellent piece about the relationship between Eucharistic adoration and parish vibrancy.? I’d highly recommend that you read it and think about how the power of the Eucharist can transform your life.?

If you have any stories about how Eucharistic adoration has affected your life, I’d love to hear them!

Posted in adoration, Blessed Sacrament, Eucharist, Eucharistic Adoration | 24 Comments

Phillies Look To Chaput To Boost Offense

Posted on July 19, 2011 by Gary Zimak

Earlier today, in a highly unusual move, the Philadelphia Phillies announced the signing of Archbishop Charles Chaput as their new hitting coach.? The NL team’s management felt that this signing would give the team the competitive edge needed to retain their division lead…

ONLY KIDDING!

As someone who was born and raised in Philly, I’d like to say…

Welcome to Philadelphia, Archbishop Chaput.? Thank you, Cardinal Rigali for your service to the Archdiocese.? Please keep these holy men and?all the members of the Philadelphia Archdiocese?in?your prayers.? These are challenging times, but the Holy Spirit makes good decisions!

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Phillies Look To Chaput To Boost Offense