EVERYBODY HAS A STORY
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JUst finished CatholicismSeries At Holy Spirit Parish. What a great experience! Wish another ten episodes were available. Thank you Fr Barron and God bless you.
- Mary Kay G., Sioux Falls, SD United States -
I was raised Catholic, and both of my parents were also raised Catholic so for me being Catholic is apart of my heritage. I remember attending mass all the time when I was little, and when we were on vacation we would find a church and attend there. I found it comforting that the Catholic church opens there doors to complete strangers and I never didn't feel at "home" if we did attend mass at a different church. I remember having friends who were Lutheran and they always said that my religion was wrong, and I never understood why. I have attended some Lutheran services with my friends, but honestly they were more boring to me than my actual church was. I have found being a Catholic comes with a lot of hardships and a lot of misconceptions, but I wouldn't be anything else than Catholic. I find our religion to be fascinating, and I like that we are misunderstood because it always gives a great argument with other religions. I am proud of being Catholic, and I want to thank you Word on Fire Team for defending our religion and speaking the truth!
- Haley E., Cottage Grove, MN United States -
I find that listening to these commentaries on catholicism draws a relationship to what one wants to hear about Jesus and humbles oneself to think of a perspective in your everyday activities, while working at golf course or shopping for things we need.
- Michael W., Lakewood, WA United States -
on this that I will try not to repeat or dwell on those ptions.I would like to bring another perspective here, Lent is about drawing closer to God. Davey lets look at it as such, say your boyfriend loves video games and spends an enormous amount of time playing these games resulting in less time building a deep relationship with you. From a Catholic perspective there is nothing wrong with video games or taking joy in playing them. However during Lent we step back and say Lord, I love playing video games, but I love you more. So we step back from playing and use that time to deepen our relationship with Christ.Imagine how many marriges and relationships would not have been lost if people would apply that in their lives.The Church does not tell one what to give up our what alm to take up, thats a matter of introspection. Also, when one choses to make a sacrifice of somthing that has material value such as candy,soda etc. We are asked to take the money and give to a local charity of our chosing. Thus, faith without works is dead.Please do not think Jesus would be proud as you wrote at the end of your Blog. Just like you would not be proud or happy if your boyfriend chose playing video games instead of taking extra time playing with you. Also Davey, abuntance is not THE true nature of the universe Thats another topic so I will not engage it here.However, I would challenge you not make such statements as Absolute Truth. So as I continue my celebration of Lent and Life offering to God the joys that has been afforded me I will offer a prayer for you Davy. Allow me to take a moment more to share this bit of Lent wisdom with you Perhaps it will give you a new way of Looking at Lent that the Church as really always taught.Lent can be more than a time of fasting, it can be a season of feasting. We can use Lent to fast from certain things and to feast on others. It is a season in which we can:Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ dwelling in them.Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of life.Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.Fast from thoughts of illness; feast on the healing power of God.Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.Fast from anger; feast on patienceFast from pessimism; feast on optimism.Fast from worry; feast on divine order.Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.Fast from hostility; feast on non-resistance.Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.Fast from discouragements; feast on hope.Fast from facts that depress; feast on verities that uplift.Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.Fast from shadows of sorrow; feast on the sunlight of serenity.Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.Fast from problems that overwhelm; feast on prayer that undergirds.Reprinted from Marist Messenger, March 2003
- chiraz c., bSTcGaswbscSrU, Kyrgyzstan -
on this that I will try not to repeat or dwell on those ptions.I would like to bring another perspective here, Lent is about drawing closer to God. Davey lets look at it as such, say your boyfriend loves video games and spends an enormous amount of time playing these games resulting in less time building a deep relationship with you. From a Catholic perspective there is nothing wrong with video games or taking joy in playing them. However during Lent we step back and say Lord, I love playing video games, but I love you more. So we step back from playing and use that time to deepen our relationship with Christ.Imagine how many marriges and relationships would not have been lost if people would apply that in their lives.The Church does not tell one what to give up our what alm to take up, thats a matter of introspection. Also, when one choses to make a sacrifice of somthing that has material value such as candy,soda etc. We are asked to take the money and give to a local charity of our chosing. Thus, faith without works is dead.Please do not think Jesus would be proud as you wrote at the end of your Blog. Just like you would not be proud or happy if your boyfriend chose playing video games instead of taking extra time playing with you. Also Davey, abuntance is not THE true nature of the universe Thats another topic so I will not engage it here.However, I would challenge you not make such statements as Absolute Truth. So as I continue my celebration of Lent and Life offering to God the joys that has been afforded me I will offer a prayer for you Davy. Allow me to take a moment more to share this bit of Lent wisdom with you Perhaps it will give you a new way of Looking at Lent that the Church as really always taught.Lent can be more than a time of fasting, it can be a season of feasting. We can use Lent to fast from certain things and to feast on others. It is a season in which we can:Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ dwelling in them.Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of life.Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.Fast from thoughts of illness; feast on the healing power of God.Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.Fast from anger; feast on patienceFast from pessimism; feast on optimism.Fast from worry; feast on divine order.Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.Fast from hostility; feast on non-resistance.Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.Fast from discouragements; feast on hope.Fast from facts that depress; feast on verities that uplift.Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.Fast from shadows of sorrow; feast on the sunlight of serenity.Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.Fast from problems that overwhelm; feast on prayer that undergirds.Reprinted from Marist Messenger, March 2003
- chiraz c., bSTcGaswbscSrU, Kyrgyzstan -
Currently on the 5th Episode of the Catholicism Project. Next week we will view Episode Six, then return to finish the other episodes after Easter on each Friday nigh before Pentecost.
About 25-35 parishioners gather each Lenten Friday night at 7pm to recite the Stations of the Cross followed by the Catholicism Project Series at 730pm..The Knights of Columbus lead this event for our parishioners at St Thomas Aquinas thanks to our Priest that has granted permission to show it on our big screens in our church
It has been well received and we are excited for the continued use of these resources in the future.
Today's viewing of "St Peter and Paul The Indespensible Men" was rich and enlightening. I especially liked the explaination of Paul where only the horse had a clear view of what was happening to him when knocked knocked down to the ground in Caraveggio's depiction of Paul on his way to Damascus. Equally enlightening was how Paul went to Arabia for three years to sort out what had happened on the road to Damascus before his missionary work.
Again, Thank you Word on Fire Team for you do!
All the Glory to God!
- John C., El Paso, TX United States -
My story id 83 years long. And have been all my life a Catholic. At about the age of 9 years old I wanted to become a priest. That is continueing up to the present day. Have i reacged that goal. The main question was and is did the Church really listen to my motivation. Up to this day this has not been the case. And I still see nothing wrong with becomming a priest at my age. Because once called always called by the loving Father. This is my story in brief. Blessings. John
- John F., Edmonton AB, Canada -
I have been a Catholic all my life. In fact as far back as my family can trace their ancestry (mostly German/French), they have been Catholic without exception--at least to 1577. So I am an extreme cradle Catholic. With three aunts as Dominicans and Sisters of Charity and a brother who is a priest in the Dominican order, the family hasbeen blessed with vocations even to my generation.
As the tenth of 11 children, I grew up well taught by my family--both parents and older siblings. First Friday devotions, regular confessions, never missing a Sunday or Holy Day mass, Obeying all the rules for fasting and obstaining and regularly praying together--especially the rosary. Unfortunately, I found that the our post-vatican CCD at our local parish was not as strong as my family's teaching. But after years of regular devotion and reading the bible, I was ready for more. As my parents were dying (within a year of each other) I was invited to be a RCIA sponsor. And although a primary caregiver, I attended my first RCIA event the day before my mother's funeral.
But I was so blessed to have been invited to be a sponsor! I had long hungered for more adult education in my small parish. We had recieved a young and dynamic priest recently and the RCIA were a good start.
My brother passed on to me the Ascension Press Bible Timeline CD series about that time and while not perfect, had many good points and the general overview of the story of salvation was very nice. This led on to other series (Epic, Ralph Martin). Currently I am trying to study as least some of the teachings of each of the 33 Doctors of the church.
The Catholicism series had come out about this time and I was considering buying it. After catching an episode on the mass on EWTN I immediatley purchased the whole set. I have watched it and passed it on. I have also purchased a set for the woman who I am sponsor for from last year's RCIA who is converting with her husband and two sons and also a set for the woman who I am sponsoring this year (ironically also with her husband and two sons). These people will be on the front line of evangealization as they talk about their conversions with family and co-workers. I thought that this series would be very helpful in explaining Catholicism to those who inquire.
I am currently talking with a small Glenmary mission parish in Eastern Kentucky about getting them a set also--or another of the Ascension Press series. The parish has only two teenagers and they are the only Catholics in their high school. They can use all the help they can get. :-)
But these series for TEACHING the doctorines of our faith is so needed both for Catholics and the rest of the world. Because the theology is true but unless people know it, it does them little good. Keep up the good work!
- Ruth B., Wheelersburg, OH United States -
I was raised Catholic. I love JESUS. I want to know Him more. In trying to figure out what I wanted to for my personal lenten reflection I came upon this series. PRAISE GOD!!!! I ordered DVD set and study guide and I've been doing the lessons. I absolutely love it!!! It's informative, intriguing, fulfilling, and I'm learning so much more about my faith and how I practice it. Thank you Fr. Barron for opening yourself up to this ministry. May the Spirit continue to guide you and bless you every second of your life.
- Elsie A., Chicago, IL United States -
Raised a Jew, having attended the Jesuit institution John Carroll University, I've stepped back in my life and reflected on my views of spirituality and religion.
I think this project is a terrific one, and I hope for it's continued success!
- Todd B., Alexandria, VA United States -
I have just started viewing Father Barron's "Catholicism" series. For Lent, Father Peter C. Harman at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield, IL has graciously invited us to watch this series. It is truly meaningful to see the actual places of significant events. Fr. Barron's presentations are personally challenging on all levels but, most important, on the spiritual level. I am looking forward to viewing more of the DVD's and experiencing a deepening of my faith through this program during Lent. I feel that I will experience and appreciate this upcoming Easter in an entirely new way.
- Ramona Linda V., Springfield, IL United States -
Hello, i've turned to a Catholic for some reasons, such as one that God might help me on my problems and my family's problems, i wasn't much of a Catholic before until now; i've thought that i would go to hell, but thank god he teached me how to go to heaven; i was really happy to know how can i save myself; yet i also wish to help my family to go to heaven too, my parents are still Catholics though, my brother Patrick and my sisters Alessandra & Angeles aren't; i still hope and pray to God for their holy spirit to come to them quickly; i don't want them to be on Hell either.
One of the things that i've suffered and i think that God he is still helping me solving an issue that was related to Profanity either by forgetting or ignoring it and i really just can't make it.
it had happened on 2010 i was trying to be happy on a site and i don't go to this site anymore because of two reasons; stuff that take everything about God in vain and also people who use Profanity as a weapon.
My parents told me that Profanity it isn't a sin but it is a sin when you hurt someone's feelings, i didn't hurted feelings during that year, i've done it before when i was 11 or 10 and i truly do repent, from it.
My issue is that i've tried so hard to forget the curse words and insults that five people told to me and hurted my feelings; sometimes i feel that God doesn't help me and other times i do, but i have this problem over one year and a half and i am almost not sure how can i fix this issue.
But i know that Christ he will help me solve this issue, i know it because he is the only good person that i can count along with my family
Talking about sins i still do remember some another sins i've done a long time ago and i do beg to God to forgive me for my sins and i do repent, sins as lying or stealing.
Yet i thank God and Jesus for giving me lessons not just about Catholicisms, but also about life such as living with love and Harmony.
Something that i also did knew about Christ and i thank him for warning me about it; he teached me also that why must i not love stuff that take everything related to God in vain. such as some TV shows or movies, even words taking his name in Vain and of course i do repent from liking stuff that take everything that is holy and related to Christ in vain.
I wish i can tell everything about me, but it would be a long story to write and it would take a lot of time also, yet i will continue telling about myself in another days and to the people who wishes to understand or just understands my story God bless you all.
- Armand Gabriel S., Zitacuaro, Mexico -
Je n'y suis restee qu'une nuit mais quel aceucil!!! Calme assure dans ce beau domaine et table d'hote tres sympathique. C'est sur j'y reviendrai pour un sejour un peu plus long. Bonne chance dans votre aventure!
- Dian D., YxspuvJjFGdITKfkYq, Spain -
I started this journey through my parish as a matter of interest and wanted to learn more about our faith. As a young adult looking for meaning and ways to live purposely life I felt that learning more would be beneficial, but only for me but my family as well.
My daughter is young but would like her grow up in the church as I did. I also have a husband facing his demons as well; he lost his father this year and hadn’t seen him in years, which is weighing on him. He has found himself in a place and questions the Catholic Church teaching and its practices.
As I watch the first half of the series with my fellow parishioners and went through the questions I found that I really enjoyed the interaction and deep learning. I have only heard of some the places, but didn’t really understand or know that these places existed.
Speaking with others in my group and being able to talk with the Priests aloud for great conversation.
Truly a wonderful program!!!!!
- Jenelle L., Lone Tree, CO United States -
I am committed to spreading the Good News, and fill all Catholic Churches. Father Barron and his "Catholicism" series is helping to make this happen. Then 10 DVD Series "Catholicism" explains the Catholic Church and apologizes for sinful mis-steps made in the past, that are seriously hindering the Catholic Church at this time. Lapsed Catholics are coming back to Mass and the number of converts to Catholicism is increasing. Thank you Father Barron. You have done an excellent job in creating this series that "sells" The Catholic Church quite well.
- Peter G., Quincy, MA United States
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U.S. seminary confronts abortion mill head-on through weekly prayer invasion | LifeSiteNews.com
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Seminarians from the only Pontifical College in the U.S. have an awe-inspiring approach for confronting abortion head-on.
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More insight: 
Fr. Robert Barron's Word On Fire - News: Additional Commentary on "Christianity in Crisis"
wordonfire.org
Father Barron answers the question "Did Jesus come to change politics and culture?" in response to his commentary on Andrew Sullivan's recent article in "Newsweek" titled "Christianity in Crisis."
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I emailed and posted on facebook many times, asking WoF when, if ever, the Catholicism series would be released on Blu-Ray, but never got any responses. If it was already in the works, I would hold off on buying the DVD set. However, since I got no response, I went ahead and bought the DVD set last week...and today I received an email saying that the series is now on Blu-Ray. Is there any kind of "upgrade" policy in place for something like this? I'm a bit disappointed...the DVD series looks amazing, so I can only imagine what the Blu-Ray offers. -
NCEA Conference in Boston
5 new photos
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Word on Fire Research Assistant, Jack Thornton, traveled to New York with Father Barron and Father Steve last week for Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Read about the trip and his insights here. Fr. Robert Barron's Word On Fire - Spirituality: New York has both
wordonfire.org
Today, we introduce Father Barron's Research Assistant Jack Thornton, the newest staff member at Word on Fire and the resident "master" of all trades. Having recently accompanied Father Barron to New York for the preaching of the Tre Ore, Jack reflects on the experience and offers his edifying words...
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Father Barron on Andrew Sullivan's "non-threatening Jesus" from this week's Newsweek: http://t.co/FdT63Ybt -
We adore you O Christ and we praise you, for by your holy cross you have redeemed the world! -
Had a nice time at a book signing event in New York today. http://t.co/edYvHmij -
Arrived in the Big Apple today! Very excited to concelebrate Mass at St. Patrick's this afternoon. -
Fr. Barron will preach at St. Patrick's in NYC this Friday at noon. It will be broadcast on EWTN Friday at 11 PM Eastern.
