Musings of a Catholic Convert

The wifey and me had a date Saturday, and we decided to go see the new Indiana Jones movie. Know what? We liked it. I've seen the Indiana Jones movies so many times, I've practically got them memorized. Once the Crystal Skull movie comes out on DVD in the nice little box set, I'm going to add those bad boys to my DVD collection. I've talked to some of you haters who didn't like this latest Jones flick, and I really don't care. I don't watch movies because other people like them. All that matters is whether or not I like them. In fact, the sooner the Academy learns this, the better off we'll all be.

I didn't win a million dollars tonight during WWE Raw. That's too bad, because I really wanted a million dollars.

And, dudes, Lou Ferrigno is still totally ripped. I saw him in the crowd during American Gladiators, and he is huge. He could still play the Incredible Hulk. In fact, I'd like to see him and Lee Majors do an Incredible Hulk & Six Million Dollar Man vs. Kiss & the Space Pirates movie. Who would not want to see that? NOBODY! Because it would be totally awesome. It would be along the same lines of awesomeness as a ninja shark and pirate tiger giving each other a high five with a mushroom cloud explosion in the background. Are you seeing that? Awesome, right? Of course I'm right.

Why did I mention Ted Dibiase? Because I like The Million Dollar Man. Let me see if I can't find a classic clip of his entrance into the WWF.

 

 Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Maybe I’m using the term incorrectly, but have you ever read that someone resigned himself to some belief or action?  Let me look this up.

v.   re·signed, re·sign·ing, re·signs

v.   tr.

1. To submit (oneself) passively; accept as inevitable: I resigned myself to a long wait in line.
2. To give up (a position, for example), especially by formal notification.
3. To relinquish (a privilege, right, or claim).

I’ve come to several of these self submittal acceptances this week.  Actually, I’ve been working on accepting them for some time, but have been stubborn about being final about them.  I’m a long way from total surrender, playing the role of stubborn mule extremely well, but I am sure of what I must do.  It, like everything else, is an act of faith and trust in God, and an abandonment of self-will.  My desires, aspirations, dreams, goals, plans, and any other synonyms must be laid at the foot of the cross and abandoned there.  It is not for me to demand of God that things work out a particular way, or that people behave a certain way toward me, or even that I get another breath.  All is in God’s hands.  Mine is to cooperate with His grace, using the charisms, abilities, experiences, and talents He has given me as His steward.

This is indeed a process. Though many make the claim with their lips (myself included), the practical reality is that, like any other relationship, this sort of change takes time and effort.  But unlike any other relationship, this change has eternal ramifications and greater fulfilment and reward than anything else we could wish to be part of.  So I journey on.  And I know that I am not alone, though many times I do feel that way.  No, I know that Christ is with me.  The triune God in His fullness is with me.  I have only to remember this reality and live in it, denying the lies of the Devil and the world that I am on my own.  Christ told St. Paul, “my grace is sufficient for you.” and I know that truth applies to my life as well.

Jesus, I trust in you! 

No, not really.  Although, I would not be opposed to making a movie about myself.  That would probably be a lot of fun to do.  I think I would make a cameo as Officer #4 or something like that.  Yeah, and who would play me?  Mr. T?  Christopher Walken?  A puppet from Industrial Light and Magic?  Endless possibilities, my friend. 

As much fun as it is to think about sinking millions of dollars into a film project, I actually am working on something productive.  I'm finally finishing my book.  What I do once it's done, I have no idea. I guess I'll start sending manuscripts to various publishers.  This is actually the first of several manuscripts I have going.  I just cannot do all of them at once.  The same goes with the CDs.  Pray that I don't run out of steam and that the ideas don't get lost (or stolen).

If anybody does want to make a movie, I'm up for it. 

So my father-in-law was odained into the Permanent Diaconate on Saturday.  Isn't that awesome?  Sacrament of Holy Orders!  I'm real excited for him as I know he's been preparing for this day for the past five years.  So much prayer, study, and preparation went into this weekend for 22 men.  Now, God has opened the door for ministry even wider in their lives and in the lives of their parishes.  I had to miss most of the ordination because my youngest wanted to talk.  What did I expect?  She's a one-year-old, and we were on the first pew.  Hey, but you know what?  Ordination still went on, even without me.  Amazing, I know, but totally true.  I'm glad I got to celebration this ordination with my family and I look forward to seeing what this latest group of Deacons is going to do.  

Think I'll ever become a Deacon?  Not up to me of course, but if God were to call, I'd sure like to think I'd say yes.  Time will have to tell I suppose.  

I also want to say that riverboat rides are a lot of fun when you have friends and family with you. I learned that Friday night when we took a - wait for it - riverboat ride on the Mississippi River.  Loads of fun to celebrate our new Deacon.               

I was thinking about the number of Catholic convert websites I've seen over the past 10 years.  Most Catholic convert sites have come and gone, leaving the roaming web visitor with a dead site that hasn't been updated in years.  Or worse, instead of a Catholic convert story, they find a 404 error page.  

Even my original blog space is no longer updated.  I migrated Musings of a Catholic Convert as soon as this Catholic Social Network went live.  I wanted to be one of the first.  I was the 3rd Catholic blog to be added (after the Admin/HomePage and our King of Catholic Media).  Now I have to hope that my readers from "the old days" of Musings of a Catholic Convert will venture over via the links I left to my new Musings of a Catholic Convert blog here at CatholicDestination.com.  

I'm looking forward to seeing more Catholic converts join this community and hearing their conversion stories.  It is always so encouraging to hear, or read, in someone's own words how God brought them into the Catholic Church.  I know what it is like to be investigating the claims of the Catholic Church or to ask "How do I join the Catholic Church?" & "How does somebody become Catholic?"  Other people want to know about Catholic apologetics or how to defend the Catholic Faith.  It's good to know that the people at CatholicDestination.com are dedicated to bringing as many resources as possible under one roof so that seekers and "cradle Catholics" alike can find information and spiritual help.  

You know, while I'm thinking about it, I want to encourage other Catholic converts to consider posting their story by creating a free Catholic blog here in our Catholic social network and blog community.  Your testimony of God's work in your life WILL make a difference in someone's life.  There's no doubt about it. 

Honestly, I have no idea what that song means, but isn't the beat catchy?  Yup.  Now you have the tune in your head for the rest of the day.

You're welcome.

So what is going on in my neck of the woods?  Work, that's what.  Taking a week's vacation has a heavy price tag.  It's Wednesday and I'm only now beginning to see things clear up a bit.  Whew!

Know what I'm reading now?  Little booklet from Archbishop Fulton Sheen called Way to Happiness.  I started reading it yesterday, and I do not expect that I'll be disappointed.  Archbishop Sheen is such a good preacher.  I need to look into the cause for canonization of Archbishop Fulton Sheen.  Hang on a second.

Here's what the official cause site says:

Status of the Cause
Posted on March 20, 2008

Last February 3rd, 2008, a very special Mass was held at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Peoria, Illinois, celebrating the end of the diocesan phase of the inquiry into the life and works of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.

During the public ceremony known by the Latin name of Postrema Sessio or “next stage”, all documents, books and personal testimonies that had been collected for the cause were certified and forwarded to Rome, where they are now being examined by the Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

The documents that were certified included all reviews of Archbishop Sheen’s books done by the cause’s Theological Commission, all materials gathered by the Historical Commission, and the personal testimonies about the sanctity of the Archbishop given by more than 100 witnesses.

Wanna know about the canonization process?  Got that too:

The Canonization Process

VATICAN CITY, SEP 12, 1997 (VIS) - Today the Holy See Press Office made public the following note on canonical procedure for causes of beatification and canonization:

1. Canon norms regarding the procedure to be followed for causes of saints are contained in the Apostolic Constitution 'Divinus Perfectionis Magister, promulgated by John Paul II on January 25, 1983.

2. To begin a cause it is necessary for at least 5 years to have passed since the death of the candidate. This is to allow greater balance and objectivity in evaluating the case and to let the emotions of the moment dissipate.

3. The bishop of the diocese in which the person whose beatification is being requested is responsible for beginning the investigation. The promoter group (Actor Causae): diocese, parish, religious congregation, association, asks the bishop through the postulator for the opening of the investigation. The bishop, once the nulla osta of the Holy See is obtained, forms a diocesan tribunal for this purpose. Witnesses are called before the tribunal to recount concrete facts on the exercise of Christian virtues considered heroic, that is, the theological virtues: faith, hope and charity, and the cardinal virtues: prudence, justice, temperance and fortitude, and others specific to his state in life. In addition, all documents regarding the candidate must be gathered. At this point he is entitled to the title of Servant of God.

4. Once the diocesan investigation is finished, the acts and documentation are passed on to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. The public copy used for further work is put together here. The postulator, resident in Rome, follows the preparation of the Positio, or summary of the documentation that proves the heroic exercise of virtue, under the direction of a relator of the Congregation. The Positio undergoes an examination (theological) by nine theologians who give their vote. If the majority of the theologians are in favour, the cause is passed on for examination by cardinals and bishops who are members of the congregation. They hold meetings twice a month. If their judgment is favourable, the prefect of the congregation presents the results of the entire course of the cause to the Holy Father, who gives his approval and authorizes the congregation to draft the relative decree. The public reading and promulgation of the decree follows.

5. For the beatification of a confessor, a miracle attributed to the Servant of God, verified after his death, is necessary. The required miracle must be proven through the appropriate canonical investigation, following a procedure analogous to that for heroic virtues. This one too is concluded with the relative decree. Once the two decrees are promulgated (regarding the heroic virtues and the miracle) the Holy Father decides on beatification, which is the concession of public worship, limited to a particular sphere. With beatification the candidate receives the title of Blessed.

6. For canonization another miracle is needed, attributed to the intercession of the Blessed and having occurred after his beatification. The methods for ascertainment of the affirmed miracle are the same as those followed for beatification. Canonization is understood as the concession of public worship in the Universal Church. Pontifical infallibility is involved. With canonization, the Blessed acquires the title of Saint.

Vatican Information Service. Canonization Process. Catholic-Pages.com. 1997. 19 Apr.
2007.

So now you know….

Oh, c'mon! 

You're supposed to say "…and knowing is half the battle."   Then. . . .

Wait for it . . . .

Back from vacation and, as expected, I'm swamped with work.  The workday hasn't even started yet and I already feel the weight of what is about to fall on me.  Oh well.  I had a good vacation and I enjoyed seeing my grandmother.  I'm even a bit relaxed.  

NOW ARE YOU READY?

Dudes, we are in EASTER!  I would love to hear about your parish's Easter Vigil celebrations, especially from those of you who have recently been brought into the Church.  DETAILS PLEASE. I would love to hear from any "Catholic convert" out there.  What is your story?  Seriously, people, join this Catholic blog community and share your story with us.  If you know people who have just come into the Church, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE ask them to consider creating a free Catholic blog on this site.  Not only will it be encouraging for us to read their conversion stories, but it will be great for us to be able to minister to their families through our prayers and encouragement.

This is going to be fun!

I've been on vacation all week.  Did you notice?  Did any of you bother to write me out of concern for my absence?  

WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?

I'm just messing with ya.  Vacation has been enjoyable.  The only downside is the long drive.  Oh, we went to San Antonio, Tejas.  Loads of things to do down there.  Maybe - if you're very good - I'll post some pictures later.

Okay, I'm going to bed.  All this driving has drained me.  I just wanted to put to rest all those horrible email forwards about my demise.

False - Andy McNutt died from eating Pop Rocks and Coke

False - Andy McNutt died while fighting in Vietnam

False - Andy McNutt is Marilyn Manson

True - Andy McNutt is a bit "off" sometimes

False - Andy McNutt once built a barn entirely of Popsicle sticks 

Pending Verification - Andy McNutt is made entirely of Popsicle sticks. 

This week seems to have flown by.  I can't believe it's already Thursday. Last night was my Catholic Social Teaching class, so I guess today really is Thursday.  Tonight at RCIA we are going to have a Passover Seder meal and look at it's similarity to the Mass.  The Seder meal is so full of symbolism.  I'm looking forward to an enlightening night and some excellent fellowship.  

This weekend is going to be busy.  I think I'll turn in early tonight and get a little extra shuteye.

While I'm thinking about busy, let me tell you something I heard from the King of Catholic Media.  The KOCM says that we are getting superclose to phase two of our catholic social network.  Blogs are working good, and I guess that means you're sending him your bugs and requests.  Phase two will add new elements to enhance the community and give us more ways to reach in and reach out.  He made me promise not to spill ALL the beans, but I think I've told you enough to get you interested, right?

I don't understand why people are in such a hurry to get out of Mass on Sunday.  If your time is so valuable that you can't wait until the Recessional is over before you have to run out of the Church, why are you even coming to Mass?  What is another 5 minutes?  Do you love Jesus so little that you have to flee his Church immediately after communion?  Do you think that the communion you profess and receive is real?  I really don't understand.

I have never been able to understand how people can care so little about their relationship with the Lord, begrudgingly giving Him an hour on Sunday and somehow thinking they are doing Him a favor.  But heaven forbid the service last more than 60 minutes, because then the keys start rattling, you're gathering your things and ready to bolt for the door.  Really?  C'mon.  And you're not even leaving quietly, you're talking on the way out too.  Good grief, people.  Learn to at least respect the house of worship enough to keep your early leaving yap shut until you are outside.  At least pretend to care that this is Church.  

Think I'm being judgemental?  Think I'm being harsh?  I saw this same garbage when I was a Protestant pastor and I still see it at Mass.  And we as Catholics are supposed to be a sacramental people - a liturgical people - and I see this sort of behavior from people who should know better.  I bet nobody taught you to leave Mass early.  You probably learned it from someone else's bad example, just like all those people who are so adamant about holding hands during the Our Father.  Why also are so many people adamant about something that is not even a part of the liturgy (holding hands during  the Our Father) and yet do not even attempt to participate in the parts of the liturgy that are spelled out (making a profound bow during the words of the Incarnation, crossing yourself, etc.).  You have no excuse.

All the prescribed gestures play a role in putting our whole being in the pathway of God's free grace.  In other words, participation in the Mass disposes us to receive the grace He offers through it.  So why take it lightly?  Please don't.  Please give Him that hour of Mass with your whole heart, mind, soul, strength, participation, emotion, attention, and anything else you have.  And don't stop there.  Spend some time during the week praying, reading the Bible.  Did you know that the Church has ways for you to grow in your faith 7 days a week?  Give it a try.  You might find that you like it.