THE HEART OF A SEMINARIAN

A Roman Catholic Seminarian opens up his Heart and shares the Faith he Loves.

NEWS AND NOTES

•  5,000 Hits: At each of these milestones, I want to take the time say THANK YOU to everyone who has read my blog and I hope that we may continue in the future to grow and learn from each other. Thanks again.

   

·        Internship/Pastoral Year: In the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, all seminarians after their 2^nd year of Theology spends a whole year at a parish to help them gain real experience of the life of a priest.  For this year, I have been sent to Fr. Chris Comerford to learn from him as he pastors the parishes St. Louis in Nokomis, IL and St. Maurice in Morrisonville, IL.  These are two very small farm towns, which is much different from the suburbs of St. Louis, MO.  So far everyone and thing is great.  I have put a link to a map so you can see where Nokomis and Morrisonville by clicking the town name.

 

·        8^th Annual Masters: For the last 8 years, a group of friends and family gather to play 36 holes of intense miniature golf.  The winner of the tournament receives the timeless green blazer.  This year sadly, I was in Europe and missed the tournament and even sadder is that I tried to fly out earlier to make the tournament.  Congratulations goes out to Brett Swip for stellar putting in which he scored an 86 in 36 holes (I think?).

 

·        Next Sunday’s scripture.  Just click it.

 

What else?  Any questions or comments?

posted by: muniz at 22:58 | link | comments (1) |

TOP 5 BLOG POSTINGS OF THE WEEK

Here are the top 5 blog postings (that I read) that I either found interesting or entertaining.

1) “White Around the Collar” post on August 21st shows the Holy Father’s Homily at WYD with some great. 

2) “Matthew 12:37” writes some great posts on his personal reflections at WYD and shares some of his own pictures.

3) “Thoughts and Ruminations of a Man on a Quest” has a great post entitled “The other V-word” on August 24 on Consecrated Virgins. 

4) “Against a dictatorship of relativism” posts on August 26 entitled “St. Monica, Pray for Us” which gives a great quote on his mother (Monica) by St. Augustine in his book Confessions.

5)  “But I Digress…" posts a humorous story from a story about a mother and her daughter entitled “Paper or Plastic”.

posted by: muniz at 23:17 | link | comments |

QUESTIONS TO PONDER WHEN TRAVELING ABROAD

As I spent the last two weeks in Italy, Switzerland, and Germany in reflection, I brooded over some of the deepest questions in the universe related to traveling to other countries.  Here are the top 5 questions that you can reflect upon this weekend.

 

1        Why is it that when you are talking to a person that cannot speak English, you think that they can magically understand you if you say the same thing slower and louder?  Seeing this reminds me of talking to my Grandma where I am next to her ear screaming at her what I am saying.

 

2        Why is it when another person cannot speak English, then one will try to communicate by using his or her own version of sign language?  I saw a woman at a restaurant in a small German town attempt to order a cheeseburger by having one hand palm up and the other hand above it palm down in a back and forth motion.  Somehow his is the universal sign for a cheeseburger.

 

3        Why is it when people travel to a foreign country that they always want to find a McDonald’s or go to a foreign restaurant and order a cheeseburger?

 

4        Why is it that Europe does not have free refills on soda?  That is so aggravating and mean.

 

5        Why is it that at the airport, they take away your fingernail clippers because it can be used as a weapon, but the airline gives everyone knifes and forks for the dinner?

 

These are all questions that I pondered while traveling abroad; if you have any answers for me, then I am all ears.  Some may say the I have trouble sleeping due to jet-lag, but I say it is due to these 5 mysteries of the universe.

 

posted by: muniz at 21:57 | link | comments (2) |

SOME BLASTS FROM THE PAST (while I am at World Youth Day)

Until August 21, I will be in Europe for World Youth Day.  We first will head off to Rome and then Germany for World Youth Day.  This will be an exciting time which should undoubtedly result in some great memories.  Pray for our group during this pilgrimage and pray for all the youth in regards to their deepening of their relationship with Christ.

Due to my absence, I supplied you with links to some of my past posts in which I am sure you will enjoy.  Thank you and I will talk to you again in 2 weeks. Hopefully, I will be able to give you updates during the trip, but we will see.

 

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST COMMERCIAL PART I

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST COMMERCIAL PART II

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST COMMERCIAL PART III

RESPONSIBILITY TO YOUTH AND RCIA 

 

INSPIRATION OF MINE (personal reflection)

PASSIVE CHRISTIANITY 

 

QUOTE OF THE DAY (non-biblical) #1

QUOTE OF THE DAY (non-biblical) #2

QUOTE OF THE DAY (non-biblical) #3

QUOTE OF THE DAY (non-biblical) #4

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CATHOLIC FAITH (personal story, too)

CONVERSATION WITH MY GODDAUGHTER MADDY (very humorous story)

4^th OF JULY WASHER TOURNAMENT (very humorous story) 

 

EMERGENCY ROOM PART I (very humorous story) 

 

EMERGENCY ROOM PART II (very humorous story)  

posted by: muniz at 03:16 | link | comments (1) |

TOP 5 BLOG POSTINGS OF THE WEEK

Here are the top 5 blog postings (that I read) that I either found interesting or entertaining.

1)  Check out the vocation poster for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis from “The Shrine of the Holy Whapping.” 

 2 & 3) "Against a dictatorship of relativism" posts on August 5 regarding stem cell research entitled “Placental stem cells” and a post regarding adoration for vocations entitled “Taking Jesus into the streets of New York”

4) “White Around the Collar” posted the thoughts of Cardinal Keller on the change of position by Senator Frist entitled “Pro-Lifers Not Pleased; Liberals Rejoice”.

5) The “Papal Seminarian” posts his thoughts on the dignity of the priesthood.

 

 The Post that makes you go Hmmm. of the Week. Check out this post by “Thoughts of a Midget”.

posted by: muniz at 16:22 | link | comments |

THE DIGNITY OF PRIEST DOESN’T DESERVE CORRECTION?

In the past week, a question arose from our discussion: “Is it ever right to offer correction to a priest?”  Within this question comes certain given, all correction to anyone must be done charitably. But within that given, is it ever right to correct a priest?  Does it matter if the correction of a priest is done because he is in a public forum?  Is there ever a time when you can correct a priest in public?  With the recent publicly known mistakes of priests, many people think that priests need to be held accountable like everyone else.  So, if priests should never be corrected, then why?

The reason that I am asking these questions is simply because I use this blog to share and teach the Faith.  Many people think of it as absurd that one may view a priest as an untouchable and the dignity of the priesthood has diminished in these modern times.  The people who have commented recently on this blog have shown themselves insightful on the subject matter, so I ask you to share your wisdom.

The guidelines that I ask of you are that your comments do not insult one another.   Stick to your points or counter another person’s points, but do not use insults.  You all are in a public forum in which people honestly would like to learn on this subject.  I apologize if this post seems thrown together, but I wanted to put this up quickly.  As you were free to comment and share your views before, I also ask you to share and help others learn and understand why?  For those who do not feel well versed in this area, please share your views anyway.  If you want then just answer the question: “Is it ever right to offer correction to a priest and why?”  Also, note that I will try to repost some of the comments before and may edit some of them to save the identity of the priest in the previous discussion.  Thank you.

 

posted by: muniz at 07:30 | link | comments (16) |

MAY THE TRUE ORTHODOX CATHOLIC PLEASE STAND UP (REMIX)

It is an exciting time to be Catholic, because we are seeing the Church entering into a new era, the return to Orthodoxy.  Sadly, the entering into this new era brings about a new sin under the guise of righteousness.  After Vatican II, the Church entered into a new era, which brought the sins of disobedience and the de-sanctification in the Church under the guise of openness, equality, and compassion.  Now, the new “JPII generation” enters into this era of orthodoxy possibly bringing in the sins of hypocrisy, arrogance, and worse of all a neglect of charity.  

This is an exciting time to be Catholic, but as we see more and more Catholics become more Orthodox, we cannot interpret this increase in numbers as reason and permission to act uncharitably to others.  Even the youth in the Church is growing wild in zealousness for their Catholic faith, we must be aware of the brilliance of Satan to take our good desires and intentions and twist them around to cause evil, hatred, and separation.

Even though it is great to see so many Catholics across the world growing in their zealousness and love for the Catholic Church, my love for the Church, her leaders and representatives, the Catholic faithful, and especially the LOST SHEEP causes me to raise my concerns for those who label themselves as “Orthodox Catholics”.  

 

 “Liberal Bashing”

With in the "Orthodox Catholic" movement, the constant occurance of "liberal bashing” has cause me to raise a question upon this issue.  Even though “liberal bashing” is a common trend among “Orthodox Catholics”, my question for them is: “WHY?”  Why do we as Orthodox Catholics need to bash or insult or degrade or belittle those we call our opponents?  When “Orthodox Catholics” do so, what is their objective?  Is it too bring back lost sheep or is it to sound cool amongst their fellow “Orthodox Catholics”?  How do you feel or react when someone insults you or bashes you?  Do you feel like listening to their ideas or do you get angry and defensive?  We must be aware of this when we are witnessing to others.

A true Orthodox Catholic is more than just being faithful and obedient to the teachings of the Church; a true Orthodox Catholic is one whose objective is to show, teach, and preach (doesn’t mean preaching it uncharitably) the Gospel of Christ.  Honestly, there should never be a need to bash or speak negatively about anyone.  When those disagreements or heresies arise, we only need to preach and teach the truth of our faith.  If we find that our explanation of the faith is not convincing to others, then we need to work harder at teaching them in another way.  But no matter what, there is never a need to be uncharitable to another.  Become brighter by emulating Christ, not by tarnishing another.

 

A Call to Something Greater

As I continue to meet so many faithful Cathoilcs, it has been clear to me that so many have been given tremendous ability by God and have developed an undeniable love for the Church.  With this much talent and zeal, I found it disappointing when I experience their evangelization as lacking in charity and teaching.  In fact, many times their concerns are based on winning an argument than teaching on the points of disagreement.  As a result of this disappontment, it made me search even deeper for the authentic meaning of a “True Orthodox Catholic”.

 

As baptized Christians ("Orthodox Catholics"), we are called to fulfill a great responsibility which is to santifying the world by becoming the “Defenders of Truth”, but this means more than pointing out the lies; it means reaching out to the lost and teaching the truth. In John 3:17, Jesus says that God sent His Son not to condemn the world, but to save it through him. So we must ask ourselves in regards to reactions to others “Are we condemning or are we saving in our thoughts and words?”

 

A quote that I love to reflect on is “An 'Orthodox Catholic' can show that there is more than one way to skin a cat, but a 'True Orthodox Catholic' can convince the cat that it is necessary.” This simply means that an 'Orthodox Catholic' can find many ways to win an argument, but a 'True Orthodox Catholic' can not only win the argument but he can also get the other person to embrace his stance which is the Truth of the Church. I know that many of us are "Orthodox Catholics", but I know also that we can become "True Orthodox Catholics".  Some of us have the ability to talk to anyone, teach anything, and reach the multitude, but will we use these abiltiies that God has given us to teach the truth in compassion and charity or will we simply point out the lies? If Sainthood is the dream, then we must realize that God is calling us to be greater. 

 

 Conclusion

The teachings of the Catholic Church must be defended and upheld, but it cannot be done without charity.  As the “Orthodox Catholic” fights against heresies, this “Orthodox Catholic” will fight that battle plus the fight against the heresy against charity.  We as Orthodox Catholics are called to something greater and we must strive for that personal excellence that it demands out of us.  If we are so bold and courageous to take upon the challenge, maybe some day we will be blessed to see the lost and disobedient come home through our imitation of Christ.

posted by: muniz at 02:02 | link | comments (7) |

TOP 5 BLOG POSTINGS OF THE WEEK

Here are the top 5 blog postings (that I read) that I either found interesting or entertaining.

1) In a post by Duc in Altum entitled “Thinking and Doing”, he makes an important point for our lives, especially regarding the issue of Life.  We may have the correct thought but it also demands some sort of action, too. (This can be accomplished through big acts or even one as small as a prayer.)

 

2) Against a dictatorship of relativism posts regarding Catholicism and HIV and also another post regarding the connection with the view of sex and eating are good reads.

3) This humorous post by the Curt Jester gives good insight on the motivation in the architecture of a new university Church .

 

4) I love it when I read seminarian’s posting that are written with passion.  In this post by “Thoughts and Ruminations of a Man on a Quest” he shares his thoughts and desires on what is needed for the Church to reach out.

 

5) The same goes for this post by the “Papal Seminarian”. Even though this post stemmed from our misunderstanding, I still love seeing Seminarians with passion for the Catholic Church.

Ridiculous Post of the Week (or maybe it should go to her Church): In "But I Digress...", 3 weeks ago, there was a cowbell in sacred music for Mass, 2 weeks ago, there was an overly energetic tambourine player, and now this past week, there was a dancing flutist? Even though she denies making this stuff up in order to make the Top 5, I must note that it seems to be more than a coincidence that she always has a post of this nature the day after I post the Top 5.  Also just to note, it turns out her sisters are extremely jealous of this honor given to Holly. 

 

Web Plug for the Week:  Check out these sites for the Pope Paul VI Institute.  This is an amazing place for the study and treatment for human reproduction namely a woman’s health care to build a culture of life.  Pope Paul VI Institute, NaProTechnology (women’s health care science), and Creighton Model (Natural Family Planning method).

posted by: muniz at 21:58 | link | comments (1) |

NEWS AND NOTES

·        4,000 Hits: Less than 4 weeks ago, I acquired my 3,000^th hit.  Now, I proudly announce the passing of 4,000 hits.  I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who has read my blog and I hope that we may continue in the future to grow and learn from each other. Thanks again.

·        Pastor Steve Blair: All day Sunday, I got the opportunity to visit my cousin and his wife, Holly, in Gardner, Kansas (Suburb of Kansas City), in which he is the pastor of the Methodist Church in this town.  It was great to see him in action during his service.  Even though we might differ on doctrine, it is awesome to have a cousin and a friend that cares so much about bringing people to the Lord that he and his wife are to devote their lives to it.  Here is a link to their church’s website. 

·        Pope Paul VI Institute: On last Friday, I was able to visit this awesome facility dedicated to the health care for women.  Honestly as a challenge to all my readers, please refer all women to this amazing place and their website.

·        Last Week in Omaha : Yes, IPF or what I what I like to call “Priest Camp” has been great and I have learned a lot, but I am ready to get out of here.  Next stop is home for 4 days, then Europe for 2 weeks.

·        Playoff Softball: After being away from playing softball with my cousins and friends in the YMCA Church League for the past 10 weeks, I am able to return to the line-up for the playoffs.  The first game starts at 7:15 on Thursday.  To make it interesting, I leave Omaha around noon.  Omaha to St. Louis in 7 hours to play softball.  Oh yeah, why? Haha, because am a man.  Also, in this league, we are the only Catholic team, so what does this mean?  It means that we are a sure shot to win the Championship, because it says it says it in the Bible. Matthew 16 - Even the gates of the netherworld will prevail against it.  This scripture is referring to the Church, but I am almost positive that Church League softball falls under that umbrella.

·        Next Sunday’s scripture.  Just click it.

·        What else?  Any questions or comments?

posted by: muniz at 21:50 | link | comments (1) |

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