Summary

Blog focused on the Catholic family and our roles in raising Catholic children.

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http://www.livingcatholicism.com/

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Description

Living Catholicism seeks to help parents develop an authentic Catholic culture within their family. The blog focuses on prayer, the sacraments, and raising children in the Catholic Faith. This blog also hosts the Catholic Carnival which travels throughout the blogosphere.

History

Living Catholicism was started in 2004.

Other weblogs owned by Jay Allen

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Living Catholicism

What does it mean to be a Catholic? - Bishop Tobin's Response

I thought this was well worth reading.

Dear Congressman Kennedy:

"The fact that I disagree with the hierarchy on some issues does not make me any less of a Catholic." (Congressman Patrick Kennedy)

Since our recent correspondence has been rather public, I hope you don't mind if I share a few reflections about your practice of the faith in this public forum. I usually wouldn't do that - that is speak about someone's faith in a public setting - but in our well-documented exchange of letters about health care and abortion, it has emerged as an issue. I also share these words publicly with the thought that they might be instructive to other Catholics, including those in prominent positions of leadership.

For the moment I'd like to set aside the discussion of health care reform, as important and relevant as it is, and focus on one statement contained in your letter of October 29, 2009, in which you write, "The fact that I disagree with the hierarchy on some issues does not make me any less of a Catholic." That sentence certainly caught my attention and deserves a public response, lest it go unchallenged and lead others to believe it's true. And it raises an important question: What does it mean to be a Catholic?

"The fact that I disagree with the hierarchy on some issues does not make me any less of a Catholic." Well, in fact, Congressman, in a way it does. Although I wouldn't choose those particular words, when someone rejects the teachings of the Church, especially on a grave matter, a life-and-death issue like abortion, it certainly does diminish their ecclesial communion, their unity with the Church. This principle is based on the Sacred Scripture and Tradition of the Church and is made more explicit in recent documents.

For example, the "Code of Canon Law" says, "Lay persons are bound by an obligation and possess the right to acquire a knowledge of Christian doctrine adapted to their capacity and condition so that they can live in accord with that doctrine." (Canon 229, #1)

The "Catechism of the Catholic Church" says this: "Mindful of Christ's words to his apostles, 'He who hears you, hears me,' the faithful receive with docility the teaching and directives that their pastors give them in different forms." (#87)

Or consider this statement of the Church: "It would be a mistake to confuse the proper autonomy exercised by Catholics in political life with the claim of a principle that prescinds from the moral and social teaching of the Church." (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, 2002)

There's lots of canonical and theological verbiage there, Congressman, but what it means is that if you don't accept the teachings of the Church your communion with the Church is flawed, or in your own words, makes you "less of a Catholic."

But let's get down to a more practical question; let's approach it this way: What does it mean, really, to be a Catholic? After all, being a Catholic has to mean something, right?

Well, in simple terms - and here I refer only to those more visible, structural elements of Church membership - being a Catholic means that you're part of a faith community that possesses a clearly defined authority and doctrine, obligations and expectations. It means that you believe and accept the teachings of the Church, especially on essential matters of faith and morals; that you belong to a local Catholic community, a parish; that you attend Mass on Sundays and receive the sacraments regularly; that you support the Church, personally, publicly, spiritually and financially.

Congressman, I'm not sure whether or not you fulfill the basic requirements of being a Catholic, so let me ask: Do you accept the teachings of the Church on essential matters of faith and morals, including our stance on abortion? Do you belong to a local Catholic community, a parish? Do you attend Mass on Sundays and receive the sacraments regularly? Do you support the Church, personally, publicly, spiritually and financially?

In your letter you say that you "embrace your faith." Terrific. But if you don't fulfill the basic requirements of membership, what is it exactly that makes you a Catholic? Your baptism as an infant? Your family ties? Your cultural heritage?

Your letter also says that your faith "acknowledges the existence of an imperfect humanity." Absolutely true. But in confronting your rejection of the Church's teaching, we're not dealing just with "an imperfect humanity" - as we do when we wrestle with sins such as anger, pride, greed, impurity or dishonesty. We all struggle with those things, and often fail.

Your rejection of the Church's teaching on abortion falls into a different category - it's a deliberate and obstinate act of the will; a conscious decision that you've re-affirmed on many occasions. Sorry, you can't chalk it up to an "imperfect humanity." Your position is unacceptable to the Church and scandalous to many of our members. It absolutely diminishes your communion with the Church.

Congressman Kennedy, I write these words not to embarrass you or to judge the state of your conscience or soul. That's ultimately between you and God. But your description of your relationship with the Church is now a matter of public record, and it needs to be challenged. I invite you, as your bishop and brother in Christ, to enter into a sincere process of discernment, conversion and repentance. It's not too late for you to repair your relationship with the Church, redeem your public image, and emerge as an authentic "profile in courage," especially by defending the sanctity of human life for all people, including unborn children. And if I can ever be of assistance as you travel the road of faith, I would be honored and happy to do so.

Sincerely yours,

Thomas J. Tobin

Bishop of Providence

</blockquote>

Let us all continue to pray for our bishops, especially Bishop Tobin. We should also pray for our politicans, especially our president, Barack Obama, and Congressman Kennedy.

In Christ,

Joe

Novena to the Holy Spirit

This is a little late but I think the Holy Spirit will understand. I found this wonderful Novena to the Holy Spirit on the EWTN website, please join me in offering up this important prayer.

<a href="http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/pentecost/seven.htm">Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts</a>

<blockquote>Give me grace, O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.</blockquote>

Catholic Carnival 218: Notre Dame and So Much More

Naturally, we have a few submissions around the Notre Dame disaster, but this last Carnival before Holy Week offers quite a bit more that will cause you to laugh, cry and mostly think. This is one of those Carnivals that keep you interested to the end!

<a href="http://sanctuschristopher.blogspot.com/2009/03/some-causes.html">Some Causes . . . </a> at <a href="http://sanctuschristopher.blogspot.com">Sanctus Christopher</a> offers up five of those on the path to Sainthood and prayers along with links to more information.

<a href="http://theanchoressonline.com/2009/03/27/32-days-of-love-beats-an-abortion/">32 Days of Love Beats an Abortion</a> at <a href="http://theanchoressonline.com">The Anchoress</a> muses on us allowing life to live.

<a href="http://rannthisthat.blogspot.com/2009/03/my-review-in-footsteps-of-paul.html">My Review: In the Footsteps of Paul</a> at <a href="http://rannthisthat.blogspot.com">This That and the Other Thing</a> is a book review. The gift book includes maps of St. Paul's travels.

<a href="http://www.catholicfoodie.com/2009/03/fast-food-fast-faith-episode-13.html">Fast Food . . . Fast Faith</a> at <a href="http://www.catholicfoodie.com">The Catholic Foodie</a> takes a philosophical look at fast food and its impact on society. Take a gander.

<a href="http://journeytorome.wordpress.com/2009/03/25/marian-doctrine-and-the-council-of-ephesus">Marian Doctrine and the Council of Ephesus</a> at <a href="http://journeytorome.wordpress.com">Journey to Rome</a> explores the kind of honor that the Blessed Virgin Mary should receive - and an example of it after the Council of Ephesus.

<a href="http://beholdyourmotherbook.blogspot.com/2009/03/mary-and-confession.html">Mary and Confession</a> at <a href="http://beholdyourmotherbook.blogspot.com">Behold Your Mother</a> is a personal account of how Mary has helped one person overcome her obstacles to Confession.

<a href="http://snoringscholar.blogspot.com/2009/03/when-i-grow-up.html">When I Grow Up</a> at <a href="http://snoringscholar.blogspot.com">just another day of Catholic pondering</a> takes a 4-year-old's game of "When I Grow Up" and inspires us all to be more like Mary.

<a href="http://theluminousmiseries.wordpress.com/2009/03/27/777/">My Rebirth</a> at <a href="http://theluminousmiseries.wordpress.com">luminousmiseries</a> is a short but poignant poem explaining how one former protestant minister understands the Mass. This blog was started the very day Pope John Paul II died.

<a href="http://withinthegarden.blogspot.com/2009/03/living-within-garden-part-i.html">Living Within the Garden Part I</a> at <a href="http://withinthegarden.blogspot.com">Within the Garden</a> reflects on the gospel message of death and new life active in God's creation and the beginning meditation on the significance of the garden in key biblical events.

<a href="http://davidoforegon.blogspot.com/2009/03/beyond-synthesis.html">Beyond Synthesis</a> at <a href="http://davidoforegon.blogspot.com">The Apostolate of the Laity</a> explores the Notre Dame fiasco. How ironic that an institution whose motto is Vita, Dulcedo, Spes (Life, Sweetness, Hope) has entrusted a leader to address her graduating class of 2009 whose policies find no sanctity in human life, no sweetness in the miracle of creation, and no hope for the unborn.

<a href="http://weblog.theviewfromthecore.com/2009_03/ind_005716.html">Tabb Centenary Year XIX: Five Lyrics by Rev. John B. Tabb</a> at <a href="http://weblog.theviewfromthecore.com">The Blog from the Core</a> is the nineteenth installment of Father Tabb's poetry on the centenary of his death.

<a href="http://hisdaughter02.blogspot.com/2009/03/grace-and-gift-of-true-friendship.html">The Grace and Gift of True Friendship</a> at <a href="http://hisdaughter02.blogspot.com">Daughter of the King</a> finds grace in the gift of earthly friendships while being with a friend during the death of her friend's sister.

<a href="http://blynken.blogspot.com/2009/03/morally-bankrupt-try-to-bankrupt-church.html">Morally Bankrupt Try to Bankrupt Church</a> at <a href="http://blynken.blogspot.com">Wynken, Blynken, and Nod</a> highlights that although some anti-Catholic forces are working hard to destroy the Church, more and more people flock home to the Catholic Church just by asking.

<a href="http://notlukewarm.blogspot.com/2009/03/holy-week.html">Holy Week</a> at <a href="http://notlukewarm.blogspot.com">NotLukewarm</a> takes a brief look at the liturgical celebrations of Holy Week beginning with Palm Sunday and ending with Easter.

<a href="http://veritatisthecartoon.blogspot.com/2009/03/its-as-though-our-lady-looking-down-at.html">It's as though Our Lady, Looking Down at the Contemptible Green Worm, is Saying . . . </a> at <a href="http://veritatisthecartoon.blogspot.com">Veritatis: The Cartoon</a> takes on the Notre Dame scandal with thoughts on Obama and the decision of the school.

<a href="http://www.exceptionalmarriages.com/weblog/BlogDetail.asp?ID=41826">The Grace of the Law</a> at <a href="http://www.exceptionalmarriages.com/weblog/">HMS Blog</a> is another excellent reflection on the Mass readings for the fifth Sunday of Lent.

<a href="http://www.hokaipaulos.com/2009/03/loud-cries-and-tears.html">Loud Cries and Tears</a> at <a href="http://www.hokaipaulos.com">Ho Kai Paulos</a> points out that Jesus "learned obedience through suffering" and we, too, must learn bear our cross until we are perfected for God.

<a href="http://thankevann.com/homeschoolgoodies/?p=2305">Chocolate Crown of Thorns</a> at <a href="http://thankevann.com/homeschoolgoodies/">Homeschool Goodies</a> offers a Lenten treat for your family.

<a href="http://journalofnobody.blogspot.com/2009/03/letter-to-editor.html">A Letter to the Editor</a> at <a href="http://journalofnobody.blogspot.com">Journal of a Nobody</a> was sent to the local paper after they published a cartoon offensive to Catholics.

<a href="http://marysaggies.blogspot.com/2009/03/dating.html">Dating</a> at <a href="http://marysaggies.blogspot.com">Aggie Catholics</a> answers a question: Is it wrong not to want to date someone who you aren't physically attracted to?

<a href="http://acatholicview.blogspot.com/2009/03/notre-dame-student-groups-denounce.html">Notre Dame Student Groups Denounce University for Obama Invite</a> at <a href="http://acatholicview.blogspot.com">A Catholic View</a> offers a recap of their coverage on the Notre Dame/Obama scandal.

<a href="http://prepareformass.wordpress.com/2009/03/29/palm-sunday/">Palm Sunday</a> at <a href="http://prepareformass.wordpress.com">Prepare for Mass</a> offers a multimedia treat dealing with Palm Sunday - a great way to Prepare for Mass!

<a href="http://adorotedevote.blogspot.com/2009/03/social-media-canon-law-and-attacking.html">Social Media, Canon Law and Attacking Clergy</a> at <a href="http://adorotedevote.blogspot.com">Adoro te Devote</a> discusses the need for charity when criticizing those who God called to be priests and bishops.

<a href="http://catholicfire.blogspot.com/2009/03/st-john-climacus-my-favorite-quotes.html">St. John Climacus: My Favorite Quotes</a> at <a href="http://catholicfire.blogspot.com">Catholic Fire</a> offers quotes that help to promote virtue during this Holy season of Lent (what a great way to end the Carnival, huh?).

Hope you enjoy this Carnival as much as I do! Please consider hosting one week - we could really use some hosts! And I ask once again for personal prayers; my family really needs every little prayer you can spare. Thanks in advance.

God bless,

Jay

Acting Like Children

I have the unique opportunity of working from home as does my wife, so we get a lot of face-time with our kids. However, our days are normally quite packed jumping from one thing to the next, hurrying the kids along with us or asking them to "please be quiet" while we hammer away on our computers.

I have often thought that our presence was what mattered most, that the kids would appreciate us just being there. However, my four and a half year old son recently reminded me otherwise when he walked over to our dining room table (where I was working) and declared "You NEVER play with me, you're ALWAYS working!" I quickly reminded him of the multiple times we had played over the past week to which he responded, "Yeah, but I want you to play with me RIGHT NOW!" This little dialogue got me thinking about my relationship with God and how often I act like a child. I come running to God begging for His attention and I need it RIGHT NOW!

It is so easy for us to get caught up in our own busy lives that we fail to see, or maybe better yet, fail to understand what it is God is doing in our lives. We go through those times when God feels distant. We miss Him and want Him to turn to us, to comfort us, to make all things well. Sometimes He does, and how sweet those moments of consolation are! But often He allows us to carry on, seeking Him, longing for Him. But why we ask, why not give us what we want?

As parents for their children, God has a plan for us and is molding us into the person He created us to be. It is up to us to turn to him like children, in absolute trust, and say "Yes, Lord" I will carry on, I will trust in You. The reality of this truth should fill us with great hope. No matter how desperate things become or how bad the times are, God is taking care of us and calling us to trust in Him. May we always run to Him as a child runs toward the open arms of a loving parent.

In Christ,

Joe

Catholic Carnival 212: Diversity in God

This is one of the most diverse Carnivals I've hosted! The topics vary, but all the posts are great. So without further adieu, enjoy:

We start with <a href="http://extraordinarymomsnetwork.wordpress.com/2009/02/11/wee-cook-wednesdays-comfort-cookies/">Wee Cook Wednesdays: Comfort Cookies</a> from <a href="http://extraordinarymomsnetwork.wordpress.com">Extraordinary Mom's Network</a>. Looking for a way to support a grieving friend long-distance? Make a "Comfort Box," complete with these aromatic "Comfort Cookies" that are perfect with a cup of tea.

Next we have <a href="http://keepingmyeartotheground.blogspot.com/2009/02/us-is-house-divided.html">The US is a House Divided</a> at <a href="http://keepingmyeartotheground.blogspot.com">keeping my ear to the ground</a>. What does the Bible say about a house divided?

Staying in Scripture, <a href="http://catholicjourneyman.blogspot.com/2009/02/mark-830-and-he-sternly-ordered-them.html">Messianic Secret - A Catholic Brief Study</a> at <a href="http://catholicjourneyman.blogspot.com/">The Catholic Journeyman</a> takes a look at Mark 8:30 and ask, "Should we tell others that Jesus is the Messiah?"

<a href="http://godfearin.blogspot.com/2009/02/corporate-worship-individualism.html">Corporate Worship and Individualism</a> at <a href="http://godfearin.blogspot.com">Army of Martyrs</a> discusses the attempt to catechize corporate worship to an audience that is highly individualistic and how both communal and individual piety seem to get lost in the process.

Back to daily life, <a href="http://snoringscholar.blogspot.com/2009/02/rerun-relief-from-bad-day.html">Rerun: Relief from a Bad Day</a> at <a href="http://snoringscholar.blogspot.com">just another day of Catholic pondering</a> reflects on the blessing a 'bad day' can bring with a 'rerun' post.

With the unmistakable words <a href="http://rannthisthat.blogspot.com/2009/02/bless-me-father-for-i-have-sinned.html">Bless Me Father for I have Sinned</a> a post starts at <a href="http://rannthisthat.blogspot.com">This That and the Other Thing</a>. It is a reflection on confession and a reflection you're likely to see yourself in!

Next we have <a href="http://wildcatholicheart.blogspot.com/2009/02/almost.html">Almost</a> at <a href="http://wildcatholicheart.blogspot.com">A Wild Catholic Heart</a>. The post starts with a scene from Mel Gibson's movie Apocalypto, but quickly becomes a pretty profound meditation on the spiritual life.

Continuing profound reflections (a specialty of the Catholic Carnival) is <a href="http://www.hisdaughter02.blogspot.com/2009/02/lepera-self-reflection.html">The Leper ~ A Self Reflection</a> at <a href="http://www.hisdaughter02.blogspot.com/2009/02/lepera-self-reflection.html">Daughter of the King</a>. This personal reflection centers around Mark 1:40: If thou wilt, thou can make me clean.

Looking at the world, we have <a href="http://acatholicmumclimbingthepillars.blogspot.com/2009/02/christianity-more-and-more-being.html">Christianity More Strongly Being Threatened</a> at <a href="http://acatholicmumclimbingthepillars.blogspot.com">A Catholic Mom Climbing the Pillars</a>. It starts with a Zenit article about Christian censorship and asks a few timely questions.

On the centenary of Father Tabb's death in 1909, <a href="http://weblog.theviewfromthecore.com/2009_02/ind_005676.html">Tabb Centenary Year X: Five Quatrains by Rev. John B. Tabb</a> at <a href="http://weblog.theviewfromthecore.com">The Blog from the Core</a> offers exactly what it says! This is the tenth installment of poetry that is being blogged on TBFTC this year.

Next we have a book review: <a href="http://bookreviewsandmore.ca/2009/02/pocket-guide-to-confession-by-michael.html">A Pocket Guide to Confession by Michael Dubriel</a> at <a href="http://bookreviewsandmore.ca">Book Reviews and More</a>. It is a great review and offers up respect for the author who has passed away.

For some practical advice try <a href="http://marysaggies.blogspot.com/2009/02/how-to-mess-up-marriage.html">How to Mess Up a Marriage</a> at <a href="http://marysaggies.blogspot.com">Aggie Catholics</a>. Good advice and it backs it up with statistics from real marriages that worked or didn't. Recommended for married couples as well as those wishing to get married.

<a href="http://prepareformass.wordpress.com/2009/02/16/seventh-sunday-of-ordinary-time/">Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time</a> at <a href="http://prepareformass.wordpress.com">Prepare for Mass</a> asks an important question: This is your life. Are you who you want to be? Includes some great videos as well.

And don't forget about our recent holiday: <a href="http://backpew.blogspot.com/2009/02/valentines-day-at-abbey.html">Valentine's Day at the Abbey</a> at <a href="http://backpew.blogspot.com">View from the Choir</a> lets us peek in at the Valentine's day he shared with his wife at Our Lady of the Genesee Abbey.

Starting with the Sunday readings, <a href="http://www.exceptionalmarriages.com/weblog/BlogDetail.asp?ID=41600">Obedience for the Glory of God</a> at <a href="http://www.exceptionalmarriages.com/weblog/">HMS Blog</a> links them to evangelical counsel of Obedience. From there he ties in the World Day for Consecrated Life celebrated earlier this month. Always worth reading.

Back to marriage from a slightly different point of view, <a href="http://www.mydomesticchurch.com/2009/02/our-annual-pre-cana-talk-is-this.html">Our Annual Pre-Cana Talk</a> at <a href="http://www.mydomesticchurch.com">My Domestic Church</a> gives us thoughts on marriage and love. It's a detailed look at marriage that will teach almost everyone something!

Hope you enjoyed this as much as I did! And once again, I ask for personal prayers for my family - and thank those who are already praying for us.

Thank you for participating, reading and enjoying the Catholic Carnival.

God bless,

Jay

Catholic Carnival 208: Prayers

Not too much commentary this time - just great posts:

We start out with <a href="http://rannthisthat.blogspot.com/2009/01/confirmation.html">Confirmation</a> from <a href="http://rannthisthat.blogspot.com">This, That and the Other Thing</a>. The post explores a mother's experiences with the new Confirmation program at her parish. It also deals with her child's viewpoint on the Sacrament.

Next, we have a thoughtful post on <a href="http://www.katewicker.com/2009/01/comparing-our-crosses.html">Comparing Our Crosses</a> from <a href="http://www.katewicker.com/">Momopoly</a>. The temptation to "compare crosses" is always there, but why is it wrong? Great advice from her mom, who seems very wise.

But it doesn't stop there . . . <a href="http://snoringscholar.blogspot.com/2009/01/real-people-as-saints.html">Real People as Saints</a> at <a href="http://snoringscholar.blogspot.com">Just Another Day of Catholic Pondering</a> is a review of the book Real Women, Real Saints. She enjoyed it and made a few new Heavenly friends.

Perfect for parents, <a href="http://aguidetoraisinggreatkids.blogspot.com/2009/01/truthfulness.html">Truthfulness</a> comes from the blog <a href="http://aguidetoraisinggreatkids.blogspot.com">A Guide To Raising Great Kids</a>. Learn how to raise truthful kids by starting with yourself!

Next, we take a serious look at <a href="http://davidoforegon.blogspot.com/2009/01/sins-that-cry-to-heaven.html">Sins that Cry Out to Heaven</a> from <a href="http://davidoforegon.blogspot.com">The Apostolate of the Laity</a>. This post asks the question: Has there ever been a time in history when so many of the sins that cry out to heaven (as identified in the Cathechism) have been so amplified?

Turn that frown upside down with <a href="http://thankevann.com/homeschoolgoodies/?p=1700">First Communion Banners</a> at <a href="http://thankevann.com/homeschoolgoodies">Homeschool Goodies</a>. It's a joy just to look at the smiles on their faces, much less their proud banners!

Now for an interesting metaphor: <a href="http://acid42.bluechronicles.net/blog/?p=1011">Confession, Kinda Like Extraction of Spiritual Tooth Decay</a> at <a href="http://acid42.bluechronicles.net/blog/">Acid 42</a>. It's an insightful post that compares a trip to the dentist with a trip to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Don't miss it!

Moving into art, <a href="http://weblog.theviewfromthecore.com/2009_01/ind_005652.html">Tabb Centenary Year III: Five Poems by the Rev. John B. Tabb</a> from <a href="http://weblog.theviewfromthecore.com">The Blog from the Core</a>. It is the third installment of five poems from Father Tabb, who died in 1909. All five are worth reading.

<a href="http://notlukewarm.blogspot.com/2009/01/sunday-reflection.html">Sunday Reflection</a> at <a href="http://notlukewarm.blogspot.com">Notlukewarm</a> takes a closer look at the readings from Sunday, January 18th when God calls Samuel and Jesus calls His first Apostles.

On a more practical note, <a href="http://marysaggies.blogspot.com/2009/01/pill-and-womens-health.html">The Pill and Women's Health</a> at <a href="http://marysaggies.blogspot.com">Aggie Catholics</a> asks why doctors prescribe the birth control pill for so many women's health issues. What can women do about it? Read this for advice.

<a href="http://www.exceptionalmarriages.com/weblog/BlogDetail.asp?ID=41381">God's Church is Calling Us to Build a Culture of Life</a> at <a href="http://www.exceptionalmarriages.com/weblog/">HMS Blog</a> reflects on the Mass readings from Sunday, January 18th. It focuses on their relevance in light of the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade and the inauguration of Obama.

<a href="http://www.mydomesticchurch.com/2009/01/not-sin-just-scared.html">Not a Sin, Just Scared</a> at <a href="http://www.mydomesticchurch.com">My Domestic Church</a>, which takes a look at coping with an aging parent's health problems. It's a wonderful post on the issues children face.

Now is the time to ask: <a href="http://catholicfire.blogspot.com/2009/01/what-is-god-calling-me-to-do-on-this.html">What is God Calling Me to Do on this Anniversary of Roe vs. Wade?</a> at <a href="http://catholicfire.blogspot.com">Catholic Fire</a>. If you can't go to the March, what can you do? This post is full of practical examples.

Keeping it national, <a href="http://colleenspiro.blogspot.com/2009/01/3-of-top-reasons-i-pray-for-my-country.html">3 of the Top Reasons I Pray for my Country</a> at <a href="http://colleenspiro.blogspot.com">Thoughts on Grace</a> offers up three important things we should all be praying for.

In conclusion, I would personally ask for your prayers. Without saying much, I'm facing some very serious difficulties at this point in my life and I ask that you pray for my family. Thank you.

God bless,

Jay

What we can expect from President Obama...a pro-life nightmare.

Now that Barack Obama is officially our president it is vital that we do two things - (1) Pray for him - his conversion, his protection, and that God will grant him the wisdom to do what is right and (2) we must stand up against the Culture of Death attack that is about to be unleashed on this country and the world. Please take the time to read this letter from Fr. Frank Pavone, founder of <a href="http://www.priestsforlife.org">Priests for Life</a>. Fr. Frank and his organization are fighting this battle on all fronts and greatly needs our help both financially and spiritually (pray, pray, pray).

Dear Friend,

I've sent you this urgent email because a secret plan to impose abortion-on-demand on all Americans has been uncovered.

On the plus side, there's still time to keep it from succeeding ...

... but only if you act now!

It's critically important that you <a href="https://www.priestsforlife.org/donate/donate-creditcard.aspx?ap=602038&ad=S87610">click here</a> and follow the instructions!

The secret document I'm talking about is an "Abortion Manifesto" that was submitted to the Obama Transition team. It's 55 pages long and lists 54 objectives the abortion industry expects Barack Obama to sign off on during his first 100 days in office ... most of which Obama can do using his executive privileges.

Without question this is a nightmare for the unborn and confirms what Priests for Life warned voters would happen if they allowed pro-abortion lawmakers to gain control of the powers of government.

Unfortunately, just as our message was hitting home and people were heeding our warnings, the economy went into a tailspin. So instead of voting their pro-life convictions, tens of millions of people panicked and made a grave mistake. They put economic self-interest above their duty to protect the sanctity and dignity of innocent human life.

The consequence of that terrible decision is the top secret "Abortion Manifesto" document that's now in the hands of the Obama Transition Team.

I've gone through the "Abortion Manifesto" and I can assure you that it is both frightening in its scope and diabolical in its purpose.

And in light of its far-reaching demands, our job is clear:

We have to sound the alarm throughout the country and rally the people of life to put all their energy and focus into fighting the abortion demon that is about to be unleashed on our nation's innocent unborn brothers and sisters!

That's why it's so important that you <a href="https://www.priestsforlife.org/donate/donate-creditcard.aspx?ap=602038&ad=S87610">click here</a> and rush Priests for Life the largest contribution you can send today!

Your financial help is desperately and urgently needed because we used up all of our funds trying to keep this very thing from happening. Unfortunately, far too many of those who say they are pro-life chose to vote their pocketbook instead of their conscience.

That's appalling and speaks volumes about the moral state of our nation ... not to mention just how much work we still have to do if we are to win the fight to end abortion.

Fortunately, you have not put your own financial needs ahead of the needs of the unborn.

And I thank God for that ... and for YOU!

But now it's time to arm ourselves, get in the trenches ...

<p>... and fight for the unborn!!!

</blockquote>

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