Puff's Blog About Stuff

Davy Jones, RIP

2012-02-29T22:09:00.001-05:00

It's Bear's Birthday

2012-02-25T07:20:00.002-05:00

Sssh, It's his 45th.

.

Go over and surprise him

Don't tell him I sent you

Sisters, Lent and Natural Penances

2012-02-23T18:16:00.000-05:00

Setting: Galadriel, Arwen, Puff and Frodo on subway train, early this morning. Frodo eating arrowroot cookies two fisted, Puff reading Percy Jackson and the Olympians II: Sea of Monsters, Galadriel and Arwen are bickering as sisters are wont to do.

Puff(annoyed at the bickering): Ya know, yesterday was Ash Wednesday, and Sunday is the First Sunday of Lent, I know, why don't you two be nice to each other for Lent?

Galadriel answers first and Arwen answers without missing a beat.

Galadriel: Ah........ No. Arwen: No, I`m good

Galadriel: Actually she (nodding towards Arwen) thought of that, and decided against it.

Puff:(to Arwen) What? You thought about being nice to your sister; figured it would be too hard and you would be setting yourself up for failure so you said: "Nuts! to that"

Arwen: Yeah, pretty much.

Remember: Some People are Alive

2012-02-21T15:40:00.001-05:00

simply because it is illegal to shoot them --cited from a signature line of an email found online

REMEMBER: SOME PEOPLE ARE DEAD SIMPLY BECAUSE IT IS LEGAL TO ABORT THEM.

A Tory Backbencher has tabled a motion in parliament to study the legal definition of "human being" Canada's legal definition of "human being" is 400 years old and states that child becomes a human being when it is fully born and the umbilical cord is cut.

As he points out this legal definition was coined based on the scientific knowledge of the time (400 years ago- 1700s). With the advancement and defence of giving all human beings their legal "HUMAN" rights, doesn't it indeed make sense that the definition of human begin be up to date as well. I mean really, if parliament can willy nilly change the definition of marriage because the 10 000 year old common law definition was in direct violation of our human rights code, shouldn't will truly decide at what point we all become "human beings."

I find it ironic that 400 years ago the unborn were not scientifically or legally human beings and yet it was illegal to kill them. Now, in Canada , if the unborn are redefined as human beings, it will be perfectly legal to kill human beings.

I am reminded of a very profound statement made by a literary character: The Law is an ass- an idiot. -Mr. Bumble, Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens

Saint Thomas More pray for Canada's Parliament. They may yet face their own Oath of Succession

Fat Tuesday: The Shrove Tuesday edition

2012-02-21T12:19:00.000-05:00

I really do hate the term "Fat Tuesday" I prefer Shrove Tuesday, but hey that is just me.

In case you don't know the meaning of the word "shrove:" it is the past tense from the verb " to shrive."

Now shrive is an interesting word: it is both objective and subjective,; it means both to make confession and receive penance and accept absolution and also to hear confessions and give penance and grant absolution

Confession, penance, absolution.

The Confessor shrives and the Penitent is shriven.

Feel free to glean what you will from this short treatment of the word

The Gun Is Optional

2012-02-19T08:48:00.002-05:00

Setting: Bear and Puff watching TV. TV ad for the Procedural Detective Show "King".

Female Detective King forcefully hand cuffs a suspect: "You are under arrest for assault, attempted murder and making me late for my husband's birthday party."

Puff (querying): It's against the Law to make a detective late for his/her spouse's birthday party?

Bear(deadpan): Never fight with a woman who has PMS and a gun.

Puff(matter of factly): Never fight with a woman who has PMS.

Bear(dead pan): Yeah, the gun is optional.

What? You all know it's true.

I'm sick

2012-02-13T11:41:00.002-05:00

I feel like death warmed over. I was fine and going along all tickety-boo and then boom, I'm flat and exhausted.

4 out of 5 of us are sick, and have been for about a week. The one who has escaped is Galadriel, the teenage alien who hides in the basement.

Arwen is Quite the Entrepreneur

2012-02-10T09:23:00.001-05:00

Arwen is starting up a business. She will make and sell Christmas ornaments at bazaars.

At the moment she is researching and developing designs, and costing the supplies so as to best price her ornaments. We have to teach her about free domain, and licensed, and cost analysis. As for selling, well she's got the cute factor working in her favour at the moment. This is because she needs to get started on her plan which evolved from a conversation we had a couple of months ago:

Puff: What do you want to do when you grow up?

Arwen: I want to own the world..... What do I have to do to own the world?

Puff: Be a nerd and sell stuff. Bill Gates is a nerd and he already owns half of the world., because everyone buys his computers.

Arwen: (sigh) Okay, then I'll be the nerd who owns the other half of the world.

Arwen Hoping to Make it to Knoxville, Tennessee

2012-02-08T09:24:00.000-05:00

Arwen has joined a after school extracurricular activity known as Destination Imagination. There are, I believe 2 groups from her school. Her team of seven 4th and 5th graders have named themselves D'Imaginators.

They hope to win at the school level, the provincial level, and hopefully make it all the way to the global championships in Knoxville, Tennessee, May 23-26.

I better start on the passport application.

For Americans Who are facing a very difficult election

2012-02-01T14:50:00.002-05:00

NB: NSFW (Language)

This is what passes for humour in smarmy Great White North. Though I agree with the first 30 seconds completely.

O Saint Anthony, Restorer of Lost Things

2012-01-24T11:45:00.002-05:00

Tony, Tony, please come down,
the world's lost it's mind,
and it must be found.

Tony, Tony, please come down,
Christian nations have lost their faith
and it must be found!

What? You know I'm right.
You got a better idea?

On hoaxes and deceivers

2012-01-19T21:19:00.000-05:00

With a mantillaed nod to Terry over at Abbey Roads: I give you the testimony of Mother Agnes of Jesus which she gave re: canonization of St Theresa:

"About 1894 there appeared in France a series of self-styled revelations of the secrets of Freemasonry, published by a certain Dr. Bataille (Leon Taxil) and a woman called Diana Vaughan. These accounts gripped the imagination of the French public for a while. Later they were found to be false. The Servant of God took a certain interest in them at first, but long before there was any official denial of them she told us that they were not to be believed. Her only reason for rejecting them was the fact that Diana Vaughan once spoke against episcopal authority. 'That kind of thing cannot come from God, ' she said." - St. Therese of Lisieux By Those Who Knew Her

It is interesting that this great saint took as her proof that one could not be trusted was how and what one said of the bishop. Yet we live in a day and age, where it appears that we, the laity, myself included, dare to suggest that we know better and that we are better than those whom God has placed above us. Very often a bishop with whom we might not agree is referred to as the bishop who succeeded Judas Iscariot. Except that When Judas damned himself, his successor was Matthias. The "fallen" apostle was replaced. None of our bishops are successors to Judas, rather, if anything they would be successors of Mathias, or the last apostle called by Christ himself, Paul. Some have suggested that I worship the bishops, I do not, I worship Christ, at home, in church, in scripture, in the Eucharist. But I do acknowledge the nobility of the bishop. And the duty of obedience I have to him(my bishop), even as I obey my pastor.

On Liturgical Planning and Getting Resources from the CCCB

2012-01-17T17:53:00.002-05:00

I am looking for a complete Third Edition Roman Missal Approved for use in Canada. In Canada one can get the Saint Joseph's Yearly Missal, which is fine and considerably better than the missalettes that is put out by Novalis. But I object to the yearly paperbacks because I never know what to do with them when the year is over, and since they use dates one can't really use them again. I would prefer a permanent (3 year cycle Sunday complete missal, for use by the laity, approved for Canada.

What the CCCB offers is the altar missals.

I would like something like this, for Canada. Actually I would like something like this for Canadabut not really necessary since I am not a daily communicant. Wish I could be but I can't

Any way.

I have been really lax in my lit planning. because I have been trying to locate the above. Failing miserably.

I any Canadians would like to drop the CCCB a line and let them know that you would indeed like a Complete 3 year cycle missal for use by the laity approved for use in Canada please drop them a line

publi( at )cccb.ca

Za poll, za poll

2012-01-16T11:13:00.002-05:00

Is Michael Voris is own worst enemy?

Or are people really out to get him?

Voris has said, on more than one occasion, in response to criticism, that, in short, people are out to get him.

A person who says that CSIS is after him (that would be the CIA for Americans, MI-5 for Brits, Mossad for Israelis, etc etc etc) is paranoid, unless CSIS (etc) really is after him.

So Here are your choices

Yes, He is his own worst enemy.

No, People really are after him.

It's a bit of both.

It's Neither

Who is Michael Voris?

Vote on the SIDEBAR --------------->

Voris responds and Bear beats me to the fisk

2012-01-11T15:25:00.000-05:00

I direct you to Michael Voris' statement on the whole Bishop of Detroit statement and the fallout, as fisked by Bear.

I was going to fisk Mr. Voris' statement, but I already fisked one of his statements (his apology) and when you've fisked one Voris' Statement you've fisked them all.

BTW, in case you missed it, I've already voiced my opinion, one more than one occasion on Voris' using the name catholic.

Dear Lord, please keep your arm around my shoulder

2012-01-10T12:47:00.001-05:00

and your hand over my mouth... Amen

I got carded

2012-01-09T19:17:00.001-05:00

When one is 22, it is insulting
When one is 32, it is a compliment
When one is 42, the bartender is in serious need of stronger prescription eyeglasses/contacts

Toronto's Red Cap gets a head to go with it.

2012-01-06T16:01:00.001-05:00

Archibishop Thomas Collins will be elevated to the College of Cardinals. Yay!

Read the story here

Collins being a card. was known. When he was installed as archbishop of Toronto, we knew sooner or later he would be Card. ( Toronto is a red cap archdiocese). I am happy it is sooner rather than more later.

New Years Resolutions

2011-12-31T16:26:00.000-05:00

I dread New Years.

Every Year my children are told at school that they must make a new year's resolution. I used to every year, and the result would always be that by February, at the latest, I would be in the doldrums because a: It was the February Blues, and I had prolly blown my resolution.

Now about seventeen years ago, I asked Bear if he ever got dejected about breaking new years Resolutions. And he said that every since he made one back in grade school and never broke it he wasn't about to make a new one.

The resolution he made: Never again make a New year's Resolution. He has kept that resolution for over 25 years, and has never broken it.

I have kept that same resolution for 16 years.

Galadriel made the same resolution a few years ago, but hers only last a year at a time. ( I resolve not to make a New Year's Resolution this year. Which both makes and breaks the resolution at the same time. Since there is no way to keep it and it happens simultaneously, she doesn't have time to get stressed or feel guilty.

Frodo is too young

Arwen, unfortunately is still obligated to make resolutions because her teachers want them to write it down and she has to approve them. She is constantly trying to come up with one that won't be too hard and yet pass muster with the teacher. Honestly, I really think this "approval" defeats the whole concept of New Years Resolutions., But around here we all defeat the purpose of the New Year's Resolution.

Don't get us wrong, we still endeavour to become better Christians. We resolve to sin no more or at least to sin less ( I always thought resolving (promising) to sin no more was more wishful thinking than truth, and if you can't tell God the truth what's the point in making the promise in the first place well then.but ... I digress) during confession.

Divinity Diva

2011-12-30T22:39:00.001-05:00

Mantilla covered head nod to Hanc Aquam

I have new blog on my sidebar. The Divinity Diva has taken up residence in the neighbourhood. Go and welcome her. Introduce youself, tag her for a meme.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory becoming real

2011-12-30T16:44:00.001-05:00

Now some of you remember that Arwen's class took a trip to the Cadbury Chocolate Factory, because they were studying the novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. IN that post I told arwen to stay away from anything blueberry.

Now if you remember the novel, Wonka had a gum that tasted like a three course meal complete with dessert.

Now Extra Gum has come up with gum that tastes like dessert.

Extra is owned by Wrigley's which is owned by Mars.

Okay, Mars isn't Cadbury but an conglomerate which has gum and chocolate has invented a gum that tastes like part of a complete meal. What's next, gum that tastes like spaghetti, meatballs, garden salad, and garlic bread. Geez

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T22:43:00.000-05:00

I hate the holidays. As much as I would love to like the holidays, I really do hate them. I fully understand why there is so much sadness during this time. Why a holiday can't pass without a major fight amongst those who say they live each other the most?

I wish that I could just hop on a bus, rent out a winterized cottage without phone service and disappear for the next twelve days.

I just deleted what I really feel like doing this Christmas time.

Anyway, Merry Christmas. Have a most joyous one for all of us who won't or can't.

Remember Somalia.

And Now a Little Voris (facing the) Music

2011-12-24T09:27:00.002-05:00

The Church encourages the Christian faithful to promote or sustain a variety of apostolic undertakings but, nevertheless, prohibits any such undertaking from claiming the name Catholic without the consent of the competent ecclesiastical authority (see canon 216 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law). For some time, the Archdiocese of Detroit has been in communication with Mr. Michael Voris and his media partner at Real Catholic TV regarding their prominent use of the word "Catholic" in identifying and promoting their public activities disseminated from the enterprise's production facility in Ferndale, Michigan. The Archdiocese has informed Mr. Voris and Real Catholic TV, RealCatholicTV.com, that it does not regard them as being authorized to use the word "Catholic" to identify or promote their public activities. Questions about this matter may be directed to the Archdiocese of Detroit, Department of Communications. Archdiocese of Detroit

Back in April I sent Real Catholic TV an email, wherein I quoted Canon Law and asked by what episcopal authority do they use the word "Catholic".

According to Canon Law, no apostolic endeavour or association shall bear the name “Catholic” without the express permission of competent ecclesiastical authority (Canons 216, 300, 803§3, 808). While this norm is not always known or followed, it is meant to protect the faithful against misrepresentation by groups that do not promote the true Faith. Any association bearing the term “Catholic” in its name should have proof of consent by competent ecclesiastical authority.

Can. 216 Since they participate in the mission of the Church, all the Christian faithful have the right to promote or sustain apostolic action even by their own undertakings, according to their own state and condition. Nevertheless, no undertaking is to claim the name Catholic without the consent of competent ecclesiastical authority.

Can. 300 No association is to assume the name Catholic without the consent of competent ecclesiastical authority according to the norm of can. 312.

I quoted Vox Cantoris from his comment on this post then I went on to ask this.

I ... ask you, which competent ecclesiastical authority gave you permission to use the name Real Catholic TV. If you had no such authority, wouldn't that mean you are in contravention of the above mentioned Canon Law. Especially considering the fact that you say the org is all lay people.

What I got in return was a statement that pretty much said that they would run the question past CARD. BURKE, their friend, and if he thought that it was important, they would take it seriously. I deleted the post, because the comments got sidetracked and in the comments someone else was offended.

Anyway, my argument on this, whether you support Voris or not:

Premises:
1)Canon law, as I've quoted above(# 216, and 300)
2)RealCatholicTV's own statements that they have never sought ecclesiastical permission for ANYTHING that they do,
3)RealCatholicTV's statement that they always follow canon law to be obedient.
4)They are stationed in Detroit,
5)Their ordinary is the Bishop of Detroit
6)The Bishop is bound to uphold Canon Law

Therefore if the Bishop of Detroit discovers they have no authority to use the name Catholic, and are therefore in contravention of Canon Law (by their own admission), and in order to enforce Canon Law, orders these loyal and obedient (to Canon Law) people cease and desist, will they now obey their bishop as canon law says they must?

And if they refuse to obey and work to seek that permission from the proper ecclesiastical authority, won't that mean they are deliberately in contravention of Canon Law and thereby nullifying premise 3. And if they stubbornly refuse to adhere to canon law, wouldn't that make them dissidents and thereby by definition NOT real Catholic.

O BTW:Where is Card. Burke, their friend? Why doesn't he save Real Catholic TV?

If you type "Voris" in the Blogger search box above on the left you will get this

Arwen has boy troubles.

2011-12-22T12:29:00.001-05:00

First two bullies.

Background.
Boy buys poster. Arwen finds said poster. Arwen places poster on boy's desk. Poster gone by morning. Boy and his friend want her to pay $5.00 for new poster. Arwen says no. Boys threaten to beat her. Arwen tells teacher, teacher talks to boys: "Arwen owes you nothing." Boys still want money. Arwen pays boys. Arwen tells her friend Ayslinn.

Ayslinn gets money back, and says: Leave Arwen alone or I'll kick you in the privates. ....walking back to Arwen...That's how you deal with boys.

Then a boy with a crush.

She's taken Ayslinn's advice to heart.

Pushing J away: Try that again and I'll knee you in the groin.

Some sage advice from Superchick

Kim Jong-Il is dead

2011-12-19T11:10:00.002-05:00

The Dictator is dead.

May God have mercy on his soul.

May God grant the Koreans peace.

May the light of Christ shine in North Korea.

May the Faithful Christians, who are persecuted as traitors,

Enjoy the freedom to Worship Christ freely.

Mantilla'd nod to Richard who has his Linen on the Hedgerow

This Christmas Season, Somalia is suffering a Famine

2011-12-16T14:10:00.000-05:00

among the turkey with all the trimmings, among the brightly coloured wrappings and bow, among all the serence creches remember that this past July Famine was declared in Somalia

As in 1985 with Ethiopia, Tears are not enough.
Lyrics:
As every day goes by, how can we close our eyes
Until we open up our hearts
We can learn to share and show how much we care
Right from the moment that we start

It seems like overnight we see a world in a different light
Somehow our innocence is lost
How can we look away 'cause every single day
We've got to help at any cost

We can bridge the distance
Only we can make the difference
Don't you know that
Tears are not enough

If we can pull together
We can change the world forever
Heaven knows that tears are not enough

It's up to me and you
To make the dream come true
It's time to take our message everywhere

C'est l'amour qui nous rassemble
D'ici a l'autre bout du monde
Let's show them Canada still cares
Oh, you know that we'll be there

We can bridge the distance
Only we can make the difference
Don't you know that
Tears are not enough

If we can pull together
We can change the world forever
Heaven knows that tears are not enough

And if we should try together, you and I
Maybe we could understand the reasons why

If we take a stand,
Every woman, child, and man
We could make it work
For God's sake, lend a hand

We can bridge the distance
Only we can make the difference
Don't you know that
Tears are not enough

If we can pull together
We can change the world forever
Heaven knows that tears are not enough

I don't know what you should do. But maybe you could try this experiment: set an extra place at your Christmas Table, for the man, woman or child starving in Somalia. As all the other plates get filled, leave that one plate empty. If it makes you uncomfortable, then do something. Otherwise do nothing.

Frankie Goes to Hollywood: Power of Love

2011-12-14T19:06:00.001-05:00

It's a Shame.

2011-12-14T16:45:00.001-05:00

Shame on you.
Shame shame, double shame
You should never be ashamed of anything you do.
Never shame your parents
Never be ashamed of your children.

Shame

Sterility in men caused by women using the pill

2011-12-13T20:08:00.002-05:00

Yup. Apparently the pill's oestrogen ends up in the water table and food chain.

Shouldn't environmentalists who are fighting the whole artificial hormones in foods be up in arms about this.

But feminists don't want this reported because that science is just misogynistic, dontcha know?

The Liturgy of the Hours

2011-12-13T11:06:00.001-05:00

From the Breviary:
Lucy died at Syracuse, probably during the persecution of Diocletian. From antiquity her cult spread throughout the Church, and her name was therefore introduced into the Roman Canon

Her Hours may be prayed from either the Common of one Martyr or from the Common of Virgins.

On blogging and Arwen has a cough, but only at school

2011-12-12T07:05:00.002-05:00

When Bear and I started blogging, oh a good 5 years, if not longer, ago, well it was basically because commenting on The Cafeteria is Closed, sorta, kinda, required a/n handle. I remember the post in particular was about Haugen's Mass of Creation.( I won't call it the Massive Cremation, because as much as I don't like it, it was the Lord's mass set to music, whatever you think of the use of those words or the quality of the music, it was the Lord's Mass, but I digress)

Having children and understanding the inherent risks of on line personalities, I set out to choose a handle. Since the topic in the commbox had somewhow shifted to "Folk masses" what better name than Puff the Magic Dragon, and since Bear was a Baritone, what better name than Bear-i-tone.

Anyway, we started the blog first to make it easier to post comments on other people's blogs and then to voice our own opinions, then I thought the Lit. Planning I did for the Choir master at my church would be interesting to others, so I started another for the planning. then I started my own, leaving Bear to our first one.

I find, unfortunately, that I really have nothing to say at this point. And even when I have something to say, I don't think anyone really cares, not that anyone really should. Some agree, some don't, that is fine. I mean in the great scheme of things, my opinions mean nothing. I am not the magisterium, I am not canon lawyer, I am not even a great mother, or daughter or sister or any in-law relation. I am not extraordinary. I am not an expert in any field. I am not even a particularly good Catholic. I am a Catholic Mary,(of John and Mary Catholic) with opinions. I don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing.

So where does all this leave me. In the Third Week of Advent with Nothing to say. Nothing about Christmas, nothing about The New Year, nothing about anything. I even can't summon up anything to say about the new mass translation.

Oh But I will ask for prayers. Apparently when Arwen is at school she has massive coughing fits lasting about an hour. These severe coughs she doesn't have at home. The doctor says the same thing at every visit: Her lungs are clear, yet they aren't dry coughs.

Prayers would be appreciated. Please no medical advice.

PS. NB: She is in room 412 which is located in the middle building. Galadriel used to have coughing fits in that room and so did I 35 years ago. I think it's the room. But what do I know?

Is she or isn't she naked

2011-12-09T14:59:00.001-05:00

Bet you had to look twice just to make sure.

Sometimes teaching your children right from wrong can get away from you

2011-12-09T13:43:00.001-05:00

Arwen: But mom, you don't understand. Galadriel is really mean. I think I should be allowed to get even.

Puff: Well, getting even isn't always the best solution. Infact it's revenge.

Arwen: What's so wrong with revenge?

Puff: Depending on the type of revenge, people could get hurt. But there is a way to show Galadriel that she will have been wrong to hurt you now.

Arwen How?

Puff: Well it'll take alot of time, but. Study hard, get an excellent job and when you are older show her what a success you are? Reiterating her own previously stated goal: You could be rich and own the half of the world Bill Gates doesn't own.

Arwen: Yeah, I'll become really rich and hire Galadriel as my servant.

Puff: OOOOOkay. No, that's not what I meant...

I am ANGRY, and I don't like it.

2011-12-09T10:09:00.001-05:00

Contrary to public opinion and perception, angry is NOT my natural state.

I have major faults: I am opinionated ( by that I mean I have opinions)
I am lazy ( by that I mean, if I have a choice between resting and working, I'll rest)

But I also am loyal and try to keep my promises. I expect others to do the same.

Early Summer, my sister asked me to take over some of the the duties in caring for our mother. I couldn't do much while Frodo was less than a year old, but after that sure.

Originally it was: Do mom's grocery shopping. and give her her evening meds Fridays Saturdays and Sundays.

All my sister had to do for me to do this was, when she goes over on Thursday Nights, make sure she leaves the blister packs and the cash.

This she can't seem to grasp.

I suggested that I would pick up the blister packs from the Pharmacy, but she said no because she has to pay for them so it's best if they continue being dropped off at her place.

And as far as I know, the cash has never been left at my mom's.

I either have to nag, nag, nag, or cough up the cash myself, or go pick it up at her place (adding 1.5 hours to my evening) I am a nano metre away from emailing my sister and telling her I refuse to do the groceries anymore. I've talked, I asked, I've been nice. I'm either ignored or dismissed. I'm done.

Prayers. Please. Anyway God could shake some sense and understanding into my sister's and BIL's head would be good.

On Insomnia, Anxiety and GIving God the Night Shift

2011-12-08T21:44:00.001-05:00

Oh I was sleep deprived for over a year, the ramifications were frightening. In short I developed an anxiety disorder. It was not pretty, it was frightening, and I was frightened by everything, including my own shadow.

I needed meds to help me get back to normal. During my recovery at one point I wake in a panic over something that under normal circumstances was something about I should have been concerned, just not at 2 in the am. I remember praying, very tiredly, and in frustration

Dear God, I know that this concern is important, but I need to get some sleep, so I offer it to you wrapped in a red bow. Could you please take the night shift and worry about this for tonight, and then you can give it back to me in the morning.

I fell straight back asleep. Funny thing, he never gave that worry back.

Arwen had a theory this morning

2011-12-08T10:49:00.001-05:00

Arwen is singing her way down the stairs.
"Oh yeah, PA. day tomorrow, uh, huh, oh yeah, uh huh o yeah uh huh o yeah..."

She hits the ground floor, pops, locks and polka dots, while singing.
"No Galadriel for the whole day, uh- huh oh yeah, uh-huh oh yeah, uh-huh, o yeah...."

Puff: Galadriel has tomorrow off too.

Arwen: Freezes her polka dotting, lowers her arms, hangs her head, rounds her shoulders.
Bang goes that theory.

Galadriel is Philosophical in the Morning, Before my coffee

2011-12-07T06:48:00.001-05:00

Galadriel: Mom, is it true that when you do something good, no one remembers, but when you do something bad, no one forgets.

Puff: Well, for me it's more: Everyone knows when I lose my temper, no one knows when I keep it.

Galadriel: Well, yeah, you're quiet then.

At that point I headed for coffee, and Arwen headed for her hot cocoa.

Jolly Old Saint Nicholas

2011-12-06T17:11:00.001-05:00

...not necessarily feminists ready to march on the streets to shout we are against men, just students intent on leading a normal life.

2011-12-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

This is a trailer for the movie dramatisation of the events, "Polytechnique.".

If you know, you need no explanation, and if you don't know, there is no explanation

When this event occurred I was a 2nd year undergrad at York University(all of 18). The day after the horrendous event occurred; the morning after I spent an entire night not sleeping and literally shaking at what had happened in Montreal to 14 women, for no other reason, but because they were women; as I was walking to my pub for my morning coffee, I passed a trio of men, in lettermen jackets (jocks), talking, and as I passed I heard one of them say: "Man, [he] had the right idea. " And then they broke out into a roaring laugh. I caught the eye of one of the men as I passed. He quickly stopped laughing, raises his chin to his friends and tilted his head towards me. The other two turned, saw me and promptly stopped laughing. I wasn't angry with them, I was scared of them.

I won't presume to guess what was going on in their heads. I have no idea what was so funny about what the killer did, or maybe it is hilarious that 14 women died, and another 14 people (4 of them men) were wounded. Sarto Blais, one of the men who obeyed the gunman when he said "get out," committed suicide a few weeks later, because of the guilt he felt at not staying and protecting the women.

I was too shaken to ask them then, but could someone tell me now, what was so funny to these young men?

So, Women wearing Slacks, is tantamount to Cross-Dressing

2011-12-05T11:21:00.001-05:00

Does that mean Our Lord Jesus Christ was cross-dressing because HE didn't wear trousers.?

I mean look at the images of Our Lady and Our Lord: they are wearing practically the same thing. Minor differences in colour and in how they wrap their cloak/mantle, but essentially, it's the same attire.

Is Our Lord flattening the difference between men and women?

Now, Look at the modern styles for men and women in trousers/ slacks. Can you tell which is male in style and which is female in style?

Is she flattening the difference between men and women?

This is the article to which I am reacting

I'm lousy with novenas

2011-12-05T09:13:00.001-05:00

Even when I sent up reminders.

I arranged for email reminders for the Novena on the sidebar.

Except that I didn't check my email for 3 days. Jeez

My Husband has a second Post up about the Home Altar he is Building

2011-12-05T07:37:00.001-05:00

Yup Bear has been and continues to progress nicely on the altar, while I have been NOT progressing as I would like. I could list my excuses: Infact I will.

Frodo,
My Mother
Galadriel,
Arwen
Bear
Housecleaning
Lit. Planning Blog

But waiting did have an upside, I now have concrete and exact measurement from which to plan and work.

The centre panel is 60 cm high X 35cm wide ( the arch is 15 cm deep)
That's 23.5 in high X 13.75 in wide ( the arch is 6 inches deep) for the non metric folks out there.

I have decided on this one, Raphael's crucifixion

From Here.

But ssshh Don't tell Bear- He doesn't Know yet.

On 21 Count AIDA cloth the finished work will be 23 inches high and 14 inches wide, with the added bonus of an arch in the design.

Archbishop Collins is a good Archbishop, but...

2011-12-02T06:39:00.001-05:00

I like him, I really do.

I don't always agree with his decisions, but I do believe that his heart is in the right place, fully in the faith and loyal to Rome.

I am not going to talk about his misstep during the HINI scare when he temporarily suspended Communion on the tongue. (He or his advisors were probably advised by the Toronto Public Health, and they advise from a medical and not a Canonical point of view) - I could talk about that, but I won't

I appreciate that our Archbishop is still surrounded by the previous guard. But what I really wish is that Archbishop Collins would suspend the custom of giving parish priests permission and authority to confirm confirmation students of their own parish. When I was a kid a bishop confirmed me. It was not the archbishop, it was an auxiliary bishop (+ Pearce Lacey) but he was a Bishop.

Galadriel was confirmed by the Parish Priest having been granted full permission to do so. The reason for this was the previous archbishop's desire to have the children confirmed during the Easter Season. (I understand that New Catholics are confirmed at the Easter Vigil, by the pastor, I am NOT talking about that)

And there was no way the Archbishop and his auxiliaries could confirm everyone in all the parishes in the weeks of Easter, the solution was to grant each parish priest the authority to confirm HIS parish's confirmandi, no one elses.

It is a neat argument. Very neat in fact. Set up a desire that can't be fulfilled and then use a provision in canon law that should be used for exceptions and run with it.

The Problem with the argument is it's premise. There is NO canonical reason or stipulation that demands or requires that confirmations occur during the Easter Season, especially at Pentecost. I would rather concentrate on the Canon Rule that says the Ordinary Conferror of Confirmation is to be the Ordinary(another word for the Bishop)

As a case in point I give you Archbishop Terry Pendergast's post about Confirmations during Advent. He doesn't say anything, except that they occurred.

I'm facebooking

2011-12-01T22:15:00.001-05:00

And the only thing I know to do well, is play:

Who want's to be a millionaire? Apparently not me

Are you smarter than a fifth grader? Sometimes I am

Bingo: Rarely do I get to click "bingo"

And Price is Right. Usually my price is dead wrong.

I found a few cousins on line, and I have found that many are PC (and I don't mean Progressive Conservative)

One even posted on her wall what amounts to her support for gay "marriage" and gay adoption.

Geez, and she wants me to "like" it. Help

I've been accused of teaching my daughter too much

2011-12-01T13:47:00.001-05:00

Yup that is true.

Now if they were talking about Galadriel I could maybe understand. We talk, she talks, I talk, etc etc etc. She learns, I learn etc etc etc.

But no, it is Arwen who is apparently the associate teacher in the class. Some students have been known to go to her to explain something the teacher can't, or doesn't do well.

And yet this is somehow a bad thing, and I really must stop teaching her. It interferes with the curriculum. I should just let the schoolteachers do their jobs.

Yeah, I'll get right on that.

Galadriel Pipes Up in Music Class, Again -Updated

2011-11-30T08:40:00.002-05:00

The day she got her assignment back the teacher informs the class that a student from the dance club might be dancing during one of the songs at mass.

Galadriel: No, No, No,

Teacher: She isn't from the dance club?

Galadriel piped up: "No dancing isn't allowed during mass."

Teacher: "Well Mr. So and S says it's ok. But I would like to know where you read that"

Galadriel: "My mom does Liturgical Planning and she says it's not allowed.

Teacher: "Well Mr. So and So has been doing Liturgical Planning for the School for a really long time so I'm sure if he says it's okay it's ok.

Galadriel: (after telling me the story): I think Mr. So and So should read the GIRM.

Maybe Mr So and So should refer himself to Card. Arinze's answer when asked the same question (scroll down for the correct q&a

Galadriel noted later "Mr So and So is old, like 60"

I would like to apologize for erroneously writing the story. I apparently got the story alllllllll wrong. Thanks to Galadriel for correcting the story.

Galadriel mentioned that there was NO dancing during the Mass!!!!!

Galadriel's Investigate Religious Music Assignment

2011-11-29T17:58:00.002-05:00

Instructions, Rubrics, Questions
Galadriel's answers
Quatations and emphasis Galadriel
Teacher's comments/ grade/ etc etc
My comments

Chapter 11 Project

Investigate Religious Music

1. In what language was the music performed?
The songs are sung in English, although I have been informed that the words have been changed from the original. An example of which was the opeing hymn: "Lift High the Cross", the first line of which was originally: "Lift high the cross/ The Blood of Christ proclaim" which has been rewritten as "Lift high the Cross/ The love of Christ proclaim." Good example

2. Was the music live or recorded? Did the acoustics of the room add or detract frorm the music? Was the music 'miked'?
The music was performed live. The female soprano cantor and the organ were not "miked". The acoustics were pretty good. Only the aisles are carpeted, while the floor under the pews was not carpeted, and the sanctuary floor (and altar) is of marble. As well, the space is rather small, so a single voice can fill it. As Bear proves every Sunday when he provides impromptu harmony to the Cantor

3. Who performed the music? (choir, soloist, clergy, congregation)
A soprano singer with organ accompaniament performed the music but he congregation sang along. The only exception was the communion hymn, which the soprano sang solo with organ accompaniament, with no congregational singing.

4. If a vocal or instrumental ensemble was involved in the service, what was the size and makeup of the ensemble?
The ensmeble was simply the pipe organ and soprano. However, as I said in question 3, the singer, who has a trained voice, and the organ, which is a Cassavant (an organ company- That's like saying Pavarotti is an opera singer) are enough to fill the church with music.

5. Was the music accompanied or unaccompanied?
The music was indeed accompanied by the organ

6. Which instruments, if any, were used during the worship service? (organ, piano, electric keyboard, bells, tambourine, etc)
The organ was the only instrument used throughout mass.

7. Did the m embers of the congregation particpate in the music or were they spectators? What did their behavior (sic) tell you about their attitude toward the music?
Some members of the congregation could and did participate in singin the songs during mass, others were spectators. Personally I don't like the working of the question. Just because one doesn't sing at mass doesn't mean they are withdrawing to be solely spectators.Galadriel answered it according to the wording, and then went on The attitude of those who sing show that they know the hymns and they want to participate in the Mass. The attitude of those who don't sing is unknown. They might not sing because they are privately praying, or they don't know the hymns, As Our Archbishop once said, they've changed so many of the hymns I don't know the words anymore or it's not their language.

8. Was there one predominant style of music or a variety of styles?
The hymns were different styles and eras. The processional hymn was Protestant when written in the early 1900s. The communion hymn was a Negro Spiritual, the title of which was unknown to me. The Repsonsorial Psalm was sung in Psalm tones

9 Was there one pervading function of the music or were there different functions?
The function of music at every Catholic Mass is clearly stated in the General Instruction on the Roman Missal(GIRM) (cf para. 39 GIRM 2002)

The Importance of Singing
The Christian faithful who come together as one in expectation of the Lord's coming are instructed by the APostle Paul to sing together psalms, hymns and spiritual canticles (cf Colossians 3: 16) SInging is the sign of ht eheart's joy (cf Acts 2:46) Thus st. AUgustine says rightly, "signing is for one who loves" and there is also and ancient proverb: "Whoever sings well prays twice over." [GIRM Canada, #39]

According to the GIRM singing must be taken seriously, and singing should be part of the Mass on Sundays and other Holy Days of Obligation and again, according to the GIRM, all things being equal, Gregorian chant is considered "proper" for the Roman Liturgy, which means that there should be Gregorian Chant at every Mass [GIRM Canada, #40-41] Obviously that did not happen here.

They did not perform this function as some of the songs were not even Catholic; they were protestant. This is often the case!!

While the priest is receiving the Sacrament, the Communion Chant is begun. It's purpose is to ecpress the communicants' union in spirit by means of the unity of their voices, to show joy of heart, and to highlight more clearly the "communitarian" nature of the procession to receive Communion. The singing is continued for as long as the Sacrament is beign administered to the faithful[74] If, however, there is to be a hymn after Communion, the Communion chant should be ended in a timely manner.

Care should be taken that singers, too, can receive Communion with ease. http://www.romanmissal.ca/GIRM.pdf

The communion hymn should also have a relation to the Sacrament of the Eucharist and also allow the singer to take communion. The Communion Hymn that was sung allowed neither. IT had nothing to do with the Eucharist and did not allow the singer to receive Communion. (I would have also included that it did nothing to advance the "communitarian" nature of the Sacrament)

10 List all peices of music you hear?
The songs that were sung were: Lift High the Cross, Psalm 128, Lord of All Creation to You Be All Praise, and Lord God Maker of All Things, not including the Ordinary which includes the Kyrie (Lord Have Mercy), Glory to God in the Highest, The Holy Holy Holy, Christ Has Died, The Great Amen, the Alleluia, and the Lamb of God

PAGE TWO RUBRICS/ GRADING
Chapter 11 Project Performance Rubrics

I will be listing only the Level And mark that Galadriel achieved

Information (Knowledge) 10/10
Collected a large amount of information based ont he given questions.

Description, Detail and Support (Thinking) 10/10
Provides lively verbs and precise nouns in describing details and supports points with specific examples and anecdotes.

Understanding (Application) 10/10
Demonstrates a solid understanding of the role and function of music in the worship service.

Organization(Communication) 10/10
Provides a well-structured framework that showcases the information and smoothly moves the reader through the text.

Excellent Report. Crystal Clear! 40/40

Females should never have been allowed in choirs

2011-11-24T20:42:00.000-05:00

NOTE BIG TIME: THIS IS A RANT, IT IS PURE EMOTIONALISM AND PROLLY NOT RATIONAL. I DON'T CARE IF IT OFFENDS OR DOESN'T. IF YOU THINK YOU MAY BE OFFENDED: JUST BLOODY WELL SKIP IT AND GO READ MY HUSBAND'S POST

NOTE: AS STATED IN ANOTHER POST I AM 95% FEMINIST.

"V. The singers

12. With the exception of the melodies proper to the celebrant at the altar and to the ministers, which must be always sung in Gregorian Chant, and without accompaniment of the organ, all the rest of the liturgical chant belongs to the choir of levites, and, therefore, singers in the church, even when they are laymen, are really taking the place of the ecclesiastical choir. Hence the music rendered by them must, at least for the greater part, retain the character of choral music.

By this it is not to be understood that solos are entirely excluded. But solo singing should never predominate to such an extent as to have the greater part of the liturgical chant executed in that manner; the solo phrase should have the character or hint of a melodic projection (spunto), and be strictly bound up with the rest of the choral composition.

13. On the same principle it follows that singers in church have a real liturgical office, and that therefore women, being incapable of exercising such office, cannot be admitted to form part of the choir. Whenever, then, it is desired to employ the acute voices of sopranos and contraltos, these parts must be taken by boys, according to the most ancient usage of the Church.

14. Finally, only men of known piety and probity of life are to be admitted to form part of the choir of a church, and these men should by their modest and devout bearing during the liturgical functions show that they are worthy of the holy office they exercise. It will also be fitting that singers while singing in church wear the ecclesiastical habit and surplice, and that they be hidden behind gratings when the choir is excessively open to the public gaze."

Tra Le Sollecitudine-Pius X, forbade women from singing in choirs

Man, when they( Pius XII, ) allowed women to sing, that is what started the whole ball of wax. First women in the choir began the slippery slope to the 1994 the indult permitting girls to serve the altar, which as everyone knows is the reason why women want to be priests.

Personally, I find this ridiculous, the women who want to be priests NEVER served the mass. Most of the Women wanting to be priests are grey haired. And girls serving the altar began in 1995- 16 years ago. So as far as I can see their desire to become priest began with their admittance to the choirs.

The way I see it the cure for the ills of the feminization of the Church is to yank the women out of everything, so maybe when the indult to have females serve the altar is repealed, they should rescind the whole females in the choir thing. The Altos and soprano parts could be sung by eunuchs.

If women can't sing, they certainly should not be allowed to proclaim the readings, so pull them out of there as well. Have them do nothing to serve God, Jesus, the Church or anything else. And while we are at it, don't you dare try to have an opinion on anything.

I hate to say it, but sometimes just sometimes when I hear traddies talk, I am reminded of a comment by a civil rights acivist in the sixties who when asked: What is a woman's position in the Civil Rights Movements? Answered: On their backs.

I feel, that the only two ways that women have to serve the Lord and the church, is either to become a nun, in which case the best form of nunnery is to be cloistered;or be a mother, in which case we should promptly shut up raise our children and would you please skip mass for the first seven years of your child's life, so that your kid doesn't disturb the rest of the people at mass.

Coffee, Tea, Wine and Beer

2011-11-24T15:40:00.001-05:00

Careful, easy does it, this is a meme.

Rules: The bloggers you choose must be those you have never met outside of the blogosphere.

Choose 4 bloggers from your list:

1: A blogger with whom I would like to go for coffee: Mary333
2: A blogger with whom I would like to invite to tea: Jackie Parkes
3: A blogger with whom I would go out for a beer : Richard
4: A blogger with whom I would share a bottle of wine. Larry D

The invited guests then make up their own list. If they so desire.

Any one wants to play go ahead.

December 6, 1989: 14 Women Massacred at Ecole Polytechnique

2011-11-20T21:31:00.001-05:00

These Fourteen Women lost their lives because they were women

For those of You trying to figure out the Economy woes

2011-11-17T18:00:00.001-05:00

Here is Keynes and Hayak battling it out to explain

Then there was two

My one and Only Post on Occupy Toronto

2011-11-17T11:52:00.001-05:00

The OT protesters are encamped at St. James Park. They were issued eviction notices. They "appealed" and they were granted a stay until there arguments can be heard.

Basically the judge said that yes, there right to freedom of expression and peacefully congregate have been infringed and it is up to the city to prove that there is good reason to do so. The city says it does and the protesters say they don't.

I say:

1: They stopped protesting about 3 weeks ago and are now squatting on the park property. (They are winterizing their tents - that isn't protesting that is camping.)

2: The park needs to be "put to bed for the winter" (Public works have to get in their and shut off fountains etc etc or they will freeze and burst in the spring. Failure to prepare the park for winter could cause 10's of 1000s of dollars of damage. If that happens they should foot the bill. I maintain that park through my taxes and I refuse to be on the hook for damages caused by them.

3:The area is not safe. Women are being attacked and sexually assaulted ( Note in Canada, the Rape law was repealed and replaced with the Sexual Assault Law. The new legislation defined sexual assault according to three levels that include acts such as unwanted sexual touching to violent physical harm to the victim.and the organizers won't let the police in to investigate or gather evidence. In fact, in at least one incident, protesters are filmed tampering with evidence, by wanting to "get rid" of a knife an assailant used. The Rights of the victims are seriously infringed when the organizers get rid of evidence.

4: Canadian Music Icon Gordon Lightfoot's daughter is one of the protesters. He went to visit his daughter.
He said, and I am paraphrasing here:

"Yea, I came to visit my daughter. I don't exactly know what she is protesting, but she has been here from the beginning and only came home for a week, when she got pneumonia."

Okay, what exactly does she have to protest. She is privileged. If she is trying to bond and show her solidarity with the homeless, why did she go home when she got pneumonia. The homeless don't get to go to Gordon Lightfoot's home when they get pneumonia, heck they don't even have the money to get the meds. Protesters, those in solidarity with the downtrodden don't go home for their health.

5: When told they were infringing on the rights of citizens enjoying the park, for you know park activities, they responded, "It isn't as though there aren't other parks"

The protest is OVER, go home! Your arrogance is destroying any sympathy I might have had, and among everyone I know, I'm the bleeding heart, who agreed with your right to protest! If you can't keep me on your side, you have no side.

HELL EXPLAINED BY A CHEMISTRY STUDENT

2011-11-16T22:29:00.001-05:00

The Following was posted on a Facebook page. I don't know if it is catechetically sound, but I think it is funny, even if the ending is a little racy

The following is an actual question given on a University of Arizona chemistry mid term, and an actual answer turned in by a student.

The answer by one student was so 'profound' that the professor shared it with colleagues, via the Internet, which is, of course, why we now have the pleasure of enjoying it as well :

Bonus Question: Is Hell exothermic (gives off heat) or endothermic (absorbs heat)?
Most of the students wrote proofs of their beliefs using Boyle's Law (gas cools when it expands and heats when it is compressed) or some variant.

One student, however, wrote the following:First, we need to know how the mass of Hell is changing in time. So we need to know the rate at which souls are moving into Hell and the rate at which they are leaving, which is unlikely.. I think that we can safely assume that once a soul gets to Hell, it will not leave. Therefore, no souls are leaving. As for how many souls are entering Hell, let's look at the different religions that exist in the world today.

Most of these religions state that if you are not a member of their religion, you will go to Hell. Since there is more than one of these religions and since people do not belong to more than one religion, we can project that all souls go to Hell. With birth and death rates as they are, we can expect the number of souls in Hell to increase exponentially. Now, we look at the rate of change of the volume in Hell because Boyle's Law states that in order for the temperature and pressure in Hell to stay the same, the volume of Hell has to expand proportionately as souls are added.

This gives two possibilities:1. If Hell is expanding at a slower rate than the rate at which souls enter Hell, then the temperature and pressure in Hell will increase until all Hell breaks loose.2. If Hell is expanding at a rate faster than the increase of souls in Hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop until Hell freezes over.So which is it?

If we accept the postulate given to me by Teresa during my Freshman year that, 'It will be a cold day in Hell before I sleep with you,' and take into account the fact that I slept with her last night, then number two must be true, and thus I am sure that Hell is exothermic and has already frozen over. The corollary of this theory is that since Hell has frozen over, it follows that it is not accepting any more souls and is therefore, extinct..... ....leaving only Heaven, thereby proving the existence of a divine being which explains why, last night, Teresa kept shouting 'Oh my God.'

THIS STUDENT RECEIVED AN A+.

What's New on my List o' Blogs

2011-11-16T12:04:00.001-05:00

Larry has moved his Acts over to Wordpress. His new digs are pretty nice. Head over, warm up the place. Update your links etc etc etc.

Two brand new blogs (well, for me anyway)

Robert over at Linen on the Hedgerow started following me. So I put him there.

And last but definitely not least Jackie Parkes (mom of 10) from Heart Speaks Unto Heart came by and dropped a line and so I returned the visit and added her to my blog list.

Arwen is going on a School Trip to a Chocolate Factory

2011-11-14T06:59:00.001-05:00

Now, it has always amazed me how teachers decide where and why to take kids on school trips.

On the 22nd Arwen is going to the Cadbury factory. Yuup that's Cadbury as in chocolate. Now, you might thinking: Whoa, why would you want to take a bunch of 8-9 years olds to a chocolate factory? Ah well, it isn't as barmy an idea as you might think.

You see the novel they are studying this term is ....ta da... You guessed it. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

The Factory sent out a RELEASE FORM:

It included the following warning:

Please be aware that we produce a number of products that contain peanuts, a variety of tree nut, and other allergens. Students and adults will be tasting and sampling chocolate and other products as part of the tour. For the safety and health of your child/ward, we cannot allow that he/she participate in this tour if he/she has any peanut, tree nut or other food allergies and they will not be permitted entry into the Cadbury factory.
......

Then it went on to the requirements necessary to enter the factory

Please note that we require all visitors to:

Wear flat-soled footwear with covered toes, such as running shoes.
remove and and all jewellery prior to entering our facility
Sequin/sparkled covered clothing or footwear is not permitted
Have legs covered (no shorts, skirts, dresses or holes in jeans)
Nail polish is not permitted
Cover all hair and clothing with protective gear (which will [be] provided at the facility.)

I am not so much surprised at the content of the Release Form. After all they must reveal there are nuts on the premises and they can pose a danger to some people. I mean some visitors might be bad nuts. Which leads me to the problems I have with the RELEASE FORM

One: They don't mention is how do we get our children/wards back from the oompah loompahs after he/she falls down the bad nut chute.
Two: About the tasting and sampling: What do I do to turn my child back into Arwen after she becomes what she's tasted or sampled? Can I ask that she not taste blueberries. Frodo loves blueberries and I would hate for him to eat his sister.

PS: Will they reveal the secret: How do they get the caramel inside a Cadbury Caramilk Bar?

The Fourteen Holy Helpers

2011-11-13T19:41:00.001-05:00

From Wikipedia:

The Fourteen Holy Helpers are honored in Bavaria as the "vierzehn Heiligen," and the Basilica of the Vierzehnheiligen is dedicated to these "Helper Saints."The Rococo pilgrimage church in the hamlet of Bad Staffelstein was designed by Balthasar Neumann and built between 1743 and 1772.

Devotion to these saints began in that region on September 24, 1445 when Hermann Leicht, the young shepherd of a nearby Franciscan monastery, saw a crying child in a field that belonged to the nearby Cistercian monastery of Langheim. As he bent down to pick up the child, it abruptly disappeared. A short time later, the child reappeared in the same spot. This time, two candles were burning next to it. In June 1446, Leicht saw the child a third time. This time, the child bore a red cross on its chest and was accompanied by thirteen other children. The child said: "We are the fourteen helpers and wish to erect a chapel here, where we can rest. If you will be our servant, we will be yours!" Shortly after, Leicht saw two burning candles descending to this spot. It is alleged that miraculous healings soon began, through the intervention of the fourteen saints.

The Cistercian brothers to whom the land belonged erected a chapel, which immediately attracted pilgrims. An altar was consecrated as early as 1448. Pilgrimages to the Vierzehnheiligen continue to the present day between May and October.

Name (Alternate)	Feast day	Patronage
Agathius (Acacius)	May 8	Against headache
Barbara	December 4	Against fever and sudden death
Blaise (Blase, Blasius)	February 3	Against illness of the throat and for protection of domestic animals
Catherine of Alexandria	November 25	Against sudden death
Christopher (Christophorus)	July 25	Against bubonic plague and dangers while traveling
Cyriacus	August 8	Against temptation on the death-bed
Denis (Dionysius)	October 9	Against headache
Erasmus (Elmo)	June 2	Against intestinal ailments
Eustace (Eustachius, Eustathius)	September 20	Against family discord
George (Georgius)	April 23	For the health of domestic animals
Giles (Aegidius)	September 1	Against plague, for a good confession, and for cripples, beggars and blacksmiths
Margaret of Antioch	July 20	During childbirth, and escape from devils
Pantaleon (Panteleimon)	July 27	For physicians, and against cancer & tuberculosis
Vitus (Guy)	June 15	Against epilepsy, lightning and for protection of domestic animals

Litany to the 14 helpers

These Saints are invoked as a group, apart from individual patronage, because of the epidemic called the "Black Plague," which devastated Europe between 1346-1349. Among its symptoms were a turning black of the tongue, parching of the throat, violent headache, fever and boils on the abdomen. The malady attacked its victims without warning, robbed them of reason and killed them within a few hours, and many died without the last Sacraments. fear caused many attacks and disrupted social and family ties.

As devotion spread, Pope Nicholas V in the 16th century attached indulgences to devotion of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, which are no longer attached under the modern norms and grants, although their cultus is still efficacious and to be promoted.

The Litany of the Fourteen Holy Helpers

For Private Devotion.

LORD, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.

God the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, Queen of Martyrs, pray for us.

St. Joseph, helper in all needs, etc.

Fourteen Holy Helpers,

St. George, valiant Martyr of Christ,

St. Blaise, zealous bishop and benefactor of the poor,

St. Erasmus, mighty protector of the oppressed,

St. Pantaleon, miraculous exemplar of charity,

St. Vitus, special protector of chastity,

St. Christophorus, mighty intercessor in dangers,

St. Dionysius, shining mirror of faith and confidence,

St. Cyriacus, terror of Hell,

St. Achatius, helpful advocate in death,

St. Eustachius, exemplar of patience in adversity,

St. Giles, despiser of the world,

St. Margaret, valiant champion of the Faith,

St. Catherine, victorious defender of the Faith and of purity,

St. Barbara, mighty patroness of the dying,

All ye Holy Helpers, Pray for us

All ye Saints of God, etc
In temptations against faith,

In adversity and trials,

In anxiety and want,

In every combat,

In every temptation,

In sickness,

In all needs,

In fear and terror ,

In dangers of salvation,

In dangers of honour,

In dangers of reputation,

In dangers of property,

In dangers by fire and water,

Be merciful, spare us, O Lord!

Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Lord!

From all sin, deliver us, O Lord.

From Thy wrath, etc.

From the scourge of earthquake,

From plague, famine, and war,

From lightning and storms,

From a sudden and unprovided death,

From eternal damnation,

Through the mystery of Thy holy incarnation, etc.

Through Thy birth and Thy life,

Through Thy Cross and Passion,

Through Thy death and burial,

Through the merits of Thy blessed Mother Mary,

Through the merits of the Fourteen Holy Helpers,

On the Day of Judgment, deliver us, O Lord!

We sinners, beseech Thee hear us.

That Thou spare us, We beseech Thee, hear us.

That Thou wilt pardon us, etc.

That Thou wilt convert us to true penance,

That Thou wilt give and preserve the fruits of the earth,

That Thou wilt protect and propagate Thy holy Church,

That Thou wilt preserve peace and concord among the nations,

That Thou wilt give eternal rest to the souls of the departed,

That Thou wilt come to our aid through the intercession of the Holy Helpers,

That through the intercession of St. George Thou wilt preserve us in the Faith,

That through the intercession of St. Blaise Thou wilt confirm us in hope,

That through the intercession of St. Erasmus Thou wilt enkindle in us Thy holy love,

That through the intercession of St. Pantaleon Thou wilt give us charity for our neighbor,

That through the intercession of St. Vitus Thou wilt teach us the value of our soul,

That through the intercession of St. Christophorus Thou wilt preserve us from sin,

That through the intercession of St. Dionysius Thou wilt give us tranquillity of conscience,

That through the intercession of St. Cyriacus Thou wilt grant us resignation to Thy holy will,

That through the intercession of St. Eustachius Thou wilt give us patience in adversity,

That through the intercession of St. Achatius Thou wilt grant us a happy death,

That through the intercession of St. Giles Thou wilt grant us a merciful judgment,

That through the intercession of St. Margaret Thou wilt preserve us from Hell,

That through the intercession of St. Catherine Thou wilt shorten our Purgatory,

That through the intercession of St. Barbara Thou wilt receive us in Heaven,

That through the intercession of all the Holy Helpers Thou wilt grant our prayers,

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,

spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,

graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,

have mercy on us, O Lord.

V. Pray for us, ye Fourteen Holy Helpers.

R. That we may be made worthy of the promise of Christ.

Let us Pray.

ALMIGHTY and eternal God,

Who hast bestowed extraordinary graces and gifts on Thy Saints George, Blaise, Erasmus, Pantaleon, Vitus, Christophorus, Dionysius, Cyriacus, Eustachius, Achatius, Giles, Margaret, Catherine, and Barbara, and hast illustrated them by miracles; we beseech Thee to graciously hear the petitions of all who invoke their intercession. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

O God, who didst miraculously fortify the Fourteen Holy Helpers in the confession of the Faith; grant us, we beseech Thee, to imitate their fortitude in overcoming all temptations against it, and protect us through their irttercession in all dangers of soul and body, so that we may serve Thee in purity of heart and chastity of body. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

INVOCATION OF THE HOLY HELPERS

FOURTEEN Holy Helpers, who served God in humility and confidence on earth and are now in the enjoyment of His beatific vision in Heaven; because thou persevered till death thou gained the crown of eternal life. Remember the dangers that surround us in this vale of tears, and intercede for us in all our needs and adversities. Amen.

Fourteen Holy Helpers, select friends of God, I honor thee as mighty intercessors, and come with filial confidence to thee in my needs, for the relief of which I have undertaken to make this novena. Help me by thy intercession to placate God's wrath, which I have provoked by my sins, and aid me in amending my life and doing penance. Obtain for me the grace to serve God with a willing heart, to be resigned to His holy will, to be patient in adversity and to persevere unto the end, so that, having finished my earthly course, I may join thee in Heaven, there to praise for ever God, Who is wonderful in His Saints. Amen

About Doctors and Lawyers

2011-11-13T09:52:00.001-05:00

Doctors are said to PRACTISE medicine.
Lawyers are said to READ law.

Excuse me but before either of these hang out a shingle shouldn't they be passed the whole reading and practising part.

I'm sick

2011-11-13T07:48:00.001-05:00

Okay, I've had it. I'm done. I'm crawling under a rock and staying there.

I just hope it's the same virus. Cuz you can't get sick from the same virus twice. If we each got a different virusor a mutated form of the same virus. We can all get sick again.

Bear's had the chest version. Frodo had the croup version . Arwen had the stomach version. Galadriel had the throat version and I, your humble blogger now have the head version.

My household is the meeting place for three different bug centrals.

Bug central #1- The university.
Bug central #2- Arwen's School
Bug Central#3- Galadriel's School

I'm just hoping that we all had pretty much the same virus with very little change, cuz if we all had different viruses or the same virus mutated much well then I.... I better bleach the kitchen and the baths. And Lysol everything else. Did I just verb 2 nouns?

Remembrance Thoughts

2011-11-11T13:34:00.001-05:00

A Lieutenant Commander speaking at the Remembrance Day Ceremonies here at the university said among other things:

Every soldier fights for democracy If you wnat to thank soldiers past and present exercise your right to vote. Whether Municipal, Provincial or Federal, VOTE. Every ballot has blood on it.

Remembrance Day, 2011

2011-11-10T20:00:00.001-05:00

O CANADA [lyrics]

THE LAST POST ["MIDI Bugle by Neville Young"]

2 minutes silence

PIPER'S LAMENT "Flowers of the Forest"

ROUSE ["MIDI Bugle by Neville Young"]

ACT of REMEMBRANCE

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn .

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

RESPONSE: We will remember them

IN FLANDERS FIELDS

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead.

Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army

ROYAL ANTHEM (God Save the Queen) [lyrics]

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Ottawa

A few years ago, there was concern that we would run out of
Silver Cross Mothers for Remembrance Day Services.

Would it were true.

Bear's Cousin Update

2011-11-09T06:13:00.001-05:00

OKay I mentioned in the last update the Bear's cousin, Gord, had had surgery.
The folllowing is from my MIL pretty much verbatim:

He had heart surgery.
They(doctors) didn't like what the found.
He is doing better.

I get the feeling the family is keeping tight lipped. My MIL usually is very in depth about these sorts of things, but it's hard to be in depth if the information is scanty.

She and We thank you for your continued prayers.

The Novena to Saint Jude.

2011-11-08T06:32:00.000-05:00

Well, unfortunately, my prayers have not been answered with an yes.

At the present moment I must hazard that God's answer right now is either "no" or "wait"

Both answers are hard to take, but, by necessity must be acceptable.

"God can indeed work miracles and He can so quickly, but the human agents through which he sometimes works are sorely limited in their ability to manipulate time and space- One needs not have patience with God, but with the human beings he uses."

Woohoo

2011-11-08T06:24:00.002-05:00

I won a lottery prize:

A whole $2.00- I got the last number in the ENCORE for October 14

Whoop dee doo!

House Cleaning

2011-11-07T16:27:00.000-05:00

I'm fall cleaning my house. Blame Mary 333- she reminded me that Christmas is only 7 weeks away, and I want the house clean.

Conversation with my mom

Puff: Ma, I hate cleaning the house. I clean and then everyone comes home and the house is a mess.
They can't keep it clean for 5 minutes. 5 minutes is that too much to ask.

Nonna: There is a simple solution.

Puff:What?

Nonna: Once you cleaned the house, don't let any one in.
Your house will be immaculate, but your home will be empty.

She reminded me of an old italian proverb ( in her dialect):

Amare la case che nesciun' ce'trase.
Love/Bitter the house that no one enters.

Bear's cousin

2011-11-07T11:41:00.000-05:00

Had surgery.

Not sure what kind, or where or whatever.

Found stuff, got rid of stuff. He seems to be doing better.

O God of All the Many Lands

2011-11-07T08:20:00.001-05:00

O God of all the many lands,
We lift our hearts to Thee,
For this fair land our Canada,
A country wide and free;
For mountain heights and northern lights,
For prayer, lake and sea,
For lavishness in all the gifts
That find their source in Thee.

We thank you that from many lands
With varied gifts we came
To pledge our love and loyalty
Where scarlet maples flame.
May justice here belong to all,
And may our nation play
Its rightful role in fostr'ing peace,
The peace for which we pray.

May we be worthy of our land
And seek the common good,
Which shapes a future destiny
In world and neighbourhood.
May this fair land, our Canada,
Your own dominion be.
Your people bless abundantly
With faith from sea to sea.

---Mary Susannah Edgar, 1889-1973 (Author)

Eternal Father, strong to save,

Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,

Who bidst the mighty ocean deep

Its own appointed limits keep:

O hear us when we cry to Thee

For those in peril on the sea.

O Christ, whose voice the waters heard,

And hushed their raging at Thy word,

Who walkedst on the foaming deep,

And calm amidst the storm didst sleep:

O hear us when we cry to Thee

For those in peril on the sea.

O Holy Spirit, who didst brood

Upon the waters dark and rude,

And bid their angry tumult cease,

And give, for wild confusion, peace:

O hear us when we cry to Thee

For those in peril on the sea.

O Trinity of love and power,

Our brethren's shield in danger's hour;

From rock and tempest, fire and foe,

Protect them whereso'er they go:

Thus evermore shall rise to Thee

Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.

--W. Whiting (Author)

O Thou within Whose sure control
The surging planets onward roll,
Whose everlasting arms embrace
People of every clime and race,
Hear Thou, O Lord, a nations prayer
For those Thy children of the air!

Thou at the impulse of Whose will
A troubled Galilee grew still
Thy chart and compass shall provide
Deliverance from storm and tide
Hear Thou, O Lord, a nations prayer
For those Thy rangers of the air!

Across the ocean, dread and deep,
Above the forest’s lonely sweep,
Or when through serried clouds they rise
And hidden are from mortal eyes;
Hear Thou, O Lord, a nations prayer
For Thy crusaders of the air!

Uphold their shining argosies
Upon the vast ethereal seas;
Encompass Thou their valiant wings
In all their brave adventuring;
Hear Thou, O Lord, a nation’s prayer
For these Thy children of the air!

Usually sung to the same tune as Eternal Father, Strong to Save

Canadian Army Hymn can't find, drats

Remembrance Day Is Coming Up,

2011-11-05T08:55:00.000-04:00

First up: A Mother's Tribute to his daughter in Afghanistan

This video's explanation from it's creator: I made this simple video for my daughter who is in Afghanistan with 1RCR. It's not about politics. It's simply about people.

Note: The song used is annoying, feel free to kill the sound and just read the mother's tribute

Credits: Song:"Don't Be Fooled" Artist: Hugh Dillon

First Animal Rights Now Tubers

2011-11-04T14:28:00.000-04:00

Potatoes

Well, a Girl Potato and Boy Potato had eyes for each other,

And finally they got married, and had a little sweet potato, which they called, 'Yam.'

Of course, they wanted the best for Yam.

When it was time, they told her about the facts
of life.

They warned her about going out and getting
half-baked, so she wouldn't get accidentally mashed, and get a bad name for herself like 'Hot Potato,' and end up with a bunch of tater tots

Yam said not to worry, no Spud would get her into the sack and make a rotten potato out of her!

But on the other hand she wouldn't stay home and become a couch potato either.

She would get plenty of exercise so as not to be skinny like her shoestring cousins.

When she went off to Europe, Mr. And Mrs. Potato told Yam to watch out for the hard-boiled guys from Ireland and the greasy guys from France called the French Fries; and
when she went out West, to
watch out for the Indians so she wouldn't get scalloped...

Yam said she would stay on the straight and
narrow and wouldn't associate with
those high class Yukon Golds, or the ones from the other side of the tracks who advertise their trade on all the trucks that say: 'Frito Lay.'

Mr. And Mrs. Potato sent Yam to Idaho P.U. (that's Potato University) so that when she graduated she'd really be in the chips.

But in spite of all they did for Her, one-day Yam came home and announced she was going to marry Tom Brokaw.

Tom Brokaw!

Mr. and Mrs. Potato were very upset.

They told Yam she couldn't possibly marry Tom Brokaw because he's just.......

Are you
Ready for this?

Are
You sure?
*
*

OK!
Here it is!
*
**

*

A
COMMONTATER

Animal Rights Poster

2011-11-03T15:15:00.002-04:00

Say the Same things about Children and it would be taken down as offensive.

Like the animals we cherish as companions children by natureare inquisitive, affectionate and persons.

Children are intelligent problems solvers who possess someproblem solving abilities more advanced than those of cats, dogs and even someprimates.

Human Beings have very close family ties. They will tackledangers and fight enemies to protect their family members. And they mourn the loss of their loved ones.

A human mother will begin bonding with her child even beforethey are born by rubbing her belly and talking and singing to her unborn, who will learnher voice from inside the womb.

Words to ponder

2011-11-03T14:52:00.001-04:00

Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option.

My mom

2011-11-03T10:22:00.003-04:00

My mom is 86 years old and forgetful. She wants to go to Sunday Mass, but she forgets it's Sunday, she forgets the Mass is scheduled for 8:00 am, she just forgets. There is NO way I can get to her that early in the morning to get her ready etc etc. There is NO Saturday evening mass to which I would be able to take her. Her parish doesn't have Mass on Saturday evening.

The next best Mass would be Friday evening at 7:30p.m.

There is NO way for me to help her with her Sunday observance. This is more than her wanting to receive Holy Communion?She wants to attend the Parrochial Mass. She wants to place her envelope in the Collection Basket. She wants to physically be in church. I suggested I could take her to Friday Night Mass, but she is concerned that it wouldn't suffice for the Lord's Day Obligation.

My question to anyone who might have an answer:

Would attending Mass on Friday Evening be acceptable if not perfect obedience to her attending Mass on Sunday?

$@$$@#^@$$ Sitemeter!!!!!!!!

2011-11-03T09:18:00.000-04:00

About a week back, Sitemeter was giving me Bear's hits, not mine, and I couldn't log into my Sitemeter Account

I am currently looking for a new free Hits Counter that can give me the same stats info as Sitemeter. Tall Order I know

When It Rains

2011-11-02T11:25:00.000-04:00

Now, Arwen has the stomach flu.

Where is the Calgon when I need it?

Galadriel Needs Prayers This Week

2011-10-31T08:37:00.001-04:00

Galadriel is going through a very stressful and taxing week, all school related. Prayers most welcome.

Today and tomorrow are the worst.

Update

2011-10-29T11:11:00.000-04:00

Frodo weaned. Babbling away. Obeys simple commands: Give me five, Give mummy a kiss/ hug. No!, Lie down, etc etc. First word seems to be "good" Said: Hi Though I am concerned he might be a little delayed in speaking, but I am told the babies with older siblings and boys develop speaking later. Also he is hearing two languages, English and Italian. Has three "molars" growing in at the same time - Now has 10 teeth. Getting over the croup. Climbs stairs, and can slide off the couch.

Galadriel is having trouble with Functions and Relations- Bear will be teaching her at home for this weekend. Her study ethic has improved of late.

Arwen is doing very well in School - A few weeks ago she got her EQAO results
Reading 3+/4-
Writing 3+
Mathematics 4

Bear: Is Contemplating the meaninglessness of his existence, pondering the darkness of the stuff that grows between his toenails.

Me: Anxiety waning, Panic attacks lessening. Sleeping better. Last week made Hallowe'en costumes (Zombie Alice) Need to make Cheshire cat for Frodo. Research Assignment in progress.

I'm not blogging for a bit.

2011-10-24T16:39:00.001-04:00

Nothing serious. Just nothing for a while.

Bear's Cousin Is very Ill

2011-10-24T11:35:00.003-04:00

Bear's cousin is very ill. The hospital has still no idea what he has.

My MIL said that his blood work has been sent to the US. She didn't know why the US. And that concerns me.

With all the wonderful and excellently qualified labs in Canada, the hospital, in which he is staying, found it necessary to send his blood work to the US. The only reason I can hazard for that to happen is they are sending it to the CDC. But I have no proof of that.

Prayers would be most welcome. Finding out what is wrong with him would be an excellent first step.

Madame Curie and Our Lady were both Wives and Mothers

2011-10-20T14:30:00.004-04:00

"You are just a housewife and a mother: what do you know?"

Living on an university campus can make for interesting discussions. Most of the time, when I find myself having a discussion with a student (either undergrad or grad) they are pretty much pleasant and respectful. As long as all they know about me is that I have 2 BAs (Psych 88) English(97). But as soon as they find out I am a wife and mother, my opinions are dismissed. I find this very insulting attitude of the academic world. As though one's intelligence and mental acumen are somehow destroyed upon accepting a golden ring and producing offspring.

To the intellectual chauvinists I say: You overbearing,self righteous son of Science: Go tell Madame Curie that she should be quiet and just do the cooking and cleaning for Pierre. Women don't lose brain cells by putting on a gold ring, and they certainly can tend children and continue to contribute to the intellectual community. Would you tell Madame Curie that when she speaks she is merely expelling hot air?

I wish I could complain that this only happens in academic circles. Unfortunately it also happens in the religious circles. I find that even the most devout, Catholics,not just men, but unmarried women who feel that once a woman accepts the vocation of wife and mother she should not engage in any religious discussion, and she is very often unceremoniously dumped as having anything important to say.

To these instead I say:
You overbearing, self righteous son of Adam, go say that to Our Lady's face. Our Lady's vocation was that of Wife and Mother. Go tell her that after her fiat and bearing Christ she is of no more value or worth to the Church.

Another Blogger headache

2011-10-19T15:40:00.000-04:00

Here I was working on my blog, when up near the top of my page comes this mustard yellow strip which says that blogger no longer supports my browser. And that I should switch to Google Chrome. So Now I've changed to Google Chrome. I would have preferred IE 9 except that the two times I tried IE 9 my computer had to be reset to Factory condition to get it working again.

Ghugggggggh

I still can't get the damn share buttons onto my individual posts.

Jeez Louise.

Testing a theory

2011-10-18T14:11:00.002-04:00

Well, here goes nothing, Okay, anyone out there know what the secret handshake is to get the Share buttons to show up under a post.

Mary333, you've got them, how did you get them

Third Typical Edition of the GIRM as Approved for Canada GIRM 43

2011-10-18T13:48:00.000-04:00

Read the DISCLAIMERs, and sources, and rationale HERE

The Third Typical Edition GIRM Latin	My Translation of The LATIN Typical Edition	The GIRM With Adaptations Approved for Canada
43. Fideles stent ab initio cantus ad introitum, vel dum sacerdos accedit ad altare, usque ad collectam inclusive;	43. The faithful stand from the beginning of the introit chant until the celebrant ascends the altar and pronounces the collect (opening Prayer):	43. The faithful should stand from the beginning of the Entrance chant, or while the Priest approaches the altar, until the end of the Collect;
ad cantum Allelúia ante Evangelium; dum ipsum Evangelium proclamatur; dum professio fidei et oratio universalis fiunt; necnon ab invitatorio Oráte fratres ante orationem super oblata usque ad finem Missae, praeter ea quae infra dicuntur.	during the singing of the Alleluia before the Gospel; while the Gospel is being proclaimed; during the recitation of the Profession of Faith and while the Prayers of the Faithful are made; and again at the invitation: Pray Brethren before the Prayer over the gifts until the end of Mass, except as stated below.	for the Alleluia chant before the Gospel; while the Gospel itself is proclaimed; during the Profession of Faith and the Universal Prayer; and from the invitation, Orate, fratres (Pray, brethren), before the Prayer over the Offerings until the end of Mass, except at the places indicated here below.
Sedeant autem dum proferuntur lectiones ante Evangelium et psalmus responsorius; ad homiliam et dum fit praeparatio donorum ad offertorium; atque, pro opportunitate, dum sacrum silentium post Communionem servatur.	They sit during the Readings before the Gospel and the Responsorial Psalm; during the Homily and the preparation of the gifts at the offertory, and if opportune, during the post communion Sacred silence.	The faithful should sit, on the other hand, during the readings before the Gospel and the Responsorial Psalm and for the Homily and during the Preparation of the Gifts at the Offertory; and, if appropriate, during the period of sacred silence after Communion.
Genuflectant vero, nisi valetudinis causa, vel ob angustiam loci vel frequentiorem numerum adstantium aliasve rationabiles causas impediantur, ad consecrationem. Hi vero qui non genuflectunt ad consecrationem, inclinationem profundam peragant dum sacerdos genuflectit post consecrationem.	The Faithful kneel at the consecration, as long as they are not impeded by health, limitation of space, of large numbers of faithful present, or other reasonable motives. Those who do not (can not) kneel at the consecration; make a profound (deep) bow when the celebrant genuflects after the consecration.	In the dioceses of Canada, the faithful should kneel at the Consecration, except when prevented on occasion by ill health, or for reasons of lack of space, of the large number of people present, or for another reasonable cause. [53]However, those who do not kneel ought to make a profound bow when the Priest genuflects after the Consecration.
Est tamen Conferentiae Episcoporum, gestus et corporis habitus in Ordine Missae descriptos ingenio et rationabilibus populorum traditionibus ad normam iuris aptare.[54] Attendendum tamen erit, ut sensui et indoli cuiusque partis celebrationis respondeant.	It is expected of the Episcopal Conferences to adapt the gestures and attitudes of the body (postures) described in the Rite of the Mass, to the culture and reasonable traditions of the various peoples according to the norms of rights [53]. Nevertheless these adaptations should be made in a manner that such adaptations correspond to the sense and character of each part of the celebration.	PUFF'S NOTE: It should be pointed out the the directive for the Episcopal Conferences found in the typical to adapt the gestures and attitudes is obviously not in the GIRM as approved for Canada. Further note that the gestures and attitudes to be OBSERVED in Canada are, in short, no different than what is listed in the Typical Edition of the GIRM in Latin
Ubi mos est, populum ab acclamatione Sanctus expleta usque ad finem Precis eucharisticae genuflexum manere, hic laudabiliter retinetur.	Where it is the habit that the people remain kneeling from the Proclamation of the Sanctus to the End of the Eucharistic Prayer(Great Amen) and before Communion, when the Celebrant announces the This is the Lamb of God, such a practice is laudably to be conserved.	Where it is the practice for the people to remain kneeling after the Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy) until the end of the Eucharistic Prayer and before Communion when the Priest says Ecce Agnus Dei (This is the Lamb of God), it is laudable for this practice to be retained.
Ad uniformitatem in gestibus et corporis habitibus in una eadem celebratione obtinendam, fideles monitionibus obtemperent, quas diaconus, vel minister laicus, vel sacerdos durante celebratione proferunt, iuxta ea quae in libris liturgicis statuuntur.	To obtain uniformity in gestures and postures in the same celebration, the faithful follow the instructions of the Deacon, or another lay minister, or the celebrant given according to the established norms of the Missal.	For the sake of uniformity in gestures and bodily postures during one and the same celebration, the faithful should follow the instructions which the Deacon, a lay minister, or the Priest gives, according to what is laid down in the Missal.

A Shot of my High School Religion Class

2011-10-18T07:49:00.002-04:00

Setting: Grade 11 Religion Class
Section Abrahamic Religions
Subsection: Judaism

It's Friday(NB: On Fridays Mr. E would leave the class open for questions to clear up anything that might have been misunderstood during the week. The Q& A was then followed by debates. It was quite common for girls who had no questions to tune out of the Q & A and whisper amongst themselves.)

Mr. E: Anyone need something cleared up.
Girl 1: Raising her hand: Ah, sir, could you explain "circumcision" again.
Mr. E: It's a ceremony performed on Jewish boys........Mr. E was going to continue, but he was curtly cut - off by the
Girl from the back of the class who had been engaged in a private conversation: Figures they'd ONLY do it for boys!

Mr E: turns around and bangs his head on the blackboard.

Stylish Blogger Award

2011-10-17T18:06:00.000-04:00

Mary 333 at Beautiful Gate has presented me a :

I have absolutely no idea how she can consider me stylish, but I am flattered in any case.

As you can prolly guess there is a meme to this.

Rules:

Reveal 7 things about oneself

Pass the Award to 5 other Bloggers

As I mentioned to Mary333 on her blog, I don't have 7 interesting facts. So I may have to update this post later.

1: I've have some supernatural experiences which people generally don't believe, so I don't generally elaborate. I am unsure but I think I was visited by Our Lady and I have seen my elder daughter's Guardian Angel watching over her crib

2: I have miscarried 4 children and I gave them all names: Christopher, Christina, Genevieve and Agatha.

3:I have premonitions of death. If I dream or rather have a "vision" of a black animal - someone is going to die I

I have only just realized that maybe praying for them might be the way to go.

4:When I was sixteen I was present at my first death. A friend I knew had what has come to be known as AIDS. Though at the time they didn't know what it was or how it was transmitted. I went to the hospital to see him, and he was in the final stages- dementia had set it. I was in gown and mask, and gloves. This was over 25 years ago At one point G cries out "O God Forgive Me." and started thrashing. Not knowing what to do, whispered in his ear: "God forgives you." G. calmed down and breathed his last.

5. I struggle to be charitable with those who are less intelligent than I, which prolly means I am an arrogant prat.

I don't have 2 others, I'll Update later

Those to whom I present the award.

0: Well I WOULD present one to DIMBULB, but he'll prolly be really mean and give it back to me ;).

1: Although I am married to him, and might therefore be biased, I present one to my Husband Bear.

2: I present one to the Redneck

3: I present one to Fr.Phillip Neri Powell, OP

4: I present one to Left-Footer

5: I prseent one to the Ranter.

I cheated a little, at least 2 of those I nominated prolly never read my blog - so they'll never know.

Tolstoy

2011-10-17T17:20:00.003-04:00

All that I understand, I understand because I love.

On Corporal Punishment for Sins

2011-10-17T14:23:00.000-04:00

We all know the ethereal punishment for the sins we commit. But what about Corporal Punishment for the sins we commit.

I was reading a post on Curt Jester, when I read a comment which suggested that the Wall street Protestors are guilty of covetousness and therefore should be punished by “39 lashes each followed by a cold shower from a fire hose with lots of lye.”

I responded to the commenter by querying what corporal punishment would be mete for someone committing the sin of arrogant pride.

Covetousnes is a sin, but it isn't illegal, so if this commentor is right that sinners should receive corporal punishments well, ....that lead me to think what corporal punishments would be appropriate for the following sins.

The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2-17 NKJV)
1	“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me.
2	“You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My Commandments.
3	“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
4	“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
5	“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.
6	“You shall not murder.
7	“You shall not commit adultery.
8	“You shall not steal.
9	“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10	“You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's.

Or if we wanted to make things a little easier, we could arrange this by means of Cardinal Sins:
Lust
Gluttony
Greed '
Sloth
Wrath
Envy
Pride

I will note that committing murder, and stealing lying under oath whe testifying are criminal acts and therfore punishable by law, the punishments are not corporal, except for murder in states (nations) that steal have the death penalty, and Arab states that will detach a hand of theft and whipping for adultery.

So put your suggestions in the commbox

On God's Strength

2011-10-17T11:06:00.001-04:00

It always gives me great comfort to know that God will never send me any tribulation that HE and I cannot overcome.

Societal Norms are out of whack

2011-10-17T08:50:00.001-04:00

Something is horribly wrong with the societal norms of this day.

When the Playboy Bunnies at Hugh Hefner's Playboy Mansion

show less skin than the average girl at the beach

On re-discernment of one's vocation

2011-10-16T17:41:00.001-04:00

When a priest suffers from a doubt of vocation, he is generally sent to re-discern his priesthood. IF after some time, he discerns that his doubt was not due to a lack of real vocation but something else, he is given help to resume his pastoral duties .

But if he should discern that indeed he made a mistake he will be released from his vows and set free. In some cases he may even be free to marry.

Now, If I shoudl feel that I might have made a major mistake in choosing as my vocation the role of wife and mother, what do I get----------tough noogies.

There is something wrong here! More later, after I think about it!

Canada's Worst Driver------7

2011-10-16T17:31:00.001-04:00

Ooooooh crap!

Canada's Worst Driver 7 starts up in 2 measley weeks.

Good gravy, what sin did I commit that I must endure 8 weeks of shere hell, okay maybe just purgatory.

Bear, Galadriel, and Arwen love the show. Frodo will watch it during the commercials.

I was a fan until last year. Really, it is just depressing to know that these people have been on the road unbeknownst to me. At least when I didn't know that such people existed I could be blissfully ingorant of the true dangers of walking across the street.

But after 6 years, Season 7 fills me with dread. Really, I mean really 7 WORST drivers in 7 years. I mean- really.

On Assuming the Patience of the Saints.

2011-10-16T07:20:00.000-04:00

Husband: You are supposed to be as kind and supportive as Our Lady.

Wife: I would gladly be more like her, if you were more like St. Joseph, and never said a word!

I have no doubt that Galadriel is a teenager.

2011-10-15T15:30:00.000-04:00

Puff: Galadriel, Arwen and I are going out, you will be taking care of Frodo, for an hour, until Dad comes home.

Galadriel: Yay, I'll be alone for an hour.

Puff: Cocks her head sideways and points to Frodo.

Galadriel: I meant I'll be grown- up free for awhile. I, Puff continue looking at her, honestly I was waiting for her to finish- that's all... I didn't mean to suggest that... I only meant...Why is being a teenager so hard? nodding to Frodo: Frodo has the perfect life, he gets everything handed to him For added effect she gives him an Arrowroot cookie. Turning to Arwen... Arwen has it easy. Back to Frodo ...He isn't complicated...I hate being a teenager, it's like being on an emotional roller coaster.

This is where Arwen pipes up: You think being eight and a half is easy?

And the two of them descend into a contest of who suffered the worse bullying?

And I've got 21 fracking years of teenager in the house

6 months after Galadriel turns 20 Arwen turns 13 and 6 months after Arwen turns 20 Frodo turns 13.

HELP!

10,000 “Impossible” Novenas to St. Jude!

2011-10-15T13:35:00.001-04:00

Starting Wednesday, I am joining over 5,000 Catholics to pray the St. Jude Novena!
I’m looking forward to the answered prayers from this amazing saint! With so many faithful Catholics around the world praying this novena, I thought you’d like to join too!
Do you have any ‘impossible causes’ to pray for?
You can sign up for handy email reminders to get the the novena prayers here: St. Jude Novena
Now that you’ve signed up, I’d like you ask you a little favor. We are trying to get 10,000 people to pray this novena together. Right now, there are about 5,200 signed up. Will you help me get more?

About Sacrifices to God

2011-10-15T09:45:00.000-04:00

The very first sacrifice offered to God was Cain's sacrifice of the field, which God rejected. Scripture doesn't tell us why God rejected it, just that it did not find Favour with God.

His brother's animal sacrifice, by necessity a blood sacrifice, God accepted. Again Scripture doesn't tells us God's reasoning.

For the next thousands of years, the ancient Jews reasoned that what God wanted was blood sacrifices.

Infact, we see that blood offerings were still required in Christ's earthly time. Our Lady and St. Joseph offered 2 pidgeons for Christ's circumcision.

Now at the Last Supper, what Christ would have been eating was a Paschal Meal, which according to Scripture they were to eat the paschal lamb, with unleavened bread (matzot)and bitter herbs (marror). The modern seder has more to it, but I would assume that these three basics are ever present.

Whatever else there was on the table at the Last Supper there must have been Unleavened Bread, The Paschal Lamb, and bitter herbs, though scripture also tells us that there was wine.

Christ took the BREAD and WINE (both of the field -Cain's offering) and offering thanks and praise, offered it to God. Cain's offering was finally made acceptable when Christ made it perfect.

UPDATED:

For millenia God consumed the Blood Sacrifices offered by the people.

Now, God not only accepts the grain offering, but once perfected into the Most Perfect Blood Sacrifice as the Body and Blood Of Christ, we, not GOD consume the sacrifice.

Men in Steubenville discerning Vocations

2011-10-14T17:11:00.002-04:00

Mantilla Nod to the Ranter

The Mulan Original

Do you think saints compete in heaven?

2011-10-13T15:56:00.000-04:00

My sister was praying to the saint to help her find something important. She promised to make a donation to him(?) in return to his help.

A few days later she finds that for which she was searching. True to her promise she sets out to write a cheque to a Charity in the saint's name. She makes cheque out to the Saint's Oratory

She put the cheque in a letter and then in an addressed envelope. She asks her son to mail the letter.

When he gets back, he asks, "Why did you send money to St. Joseph's Oratory?"

"Because he helped me find something."

"Ah, wouldn't that be St. Anthony?"

"Oh great (realizing she goofed, and gave a donation to the wrong saint), I can hear it now:

She voices the two saints: St. Anthony sounds like a New Jersey Italian and St. Joseph sounds like a New York Jew.

Yo, Joe, what you doin? You cuttin' in on my action now, ay-oh!

Oy vey Tony, you want I should give it back?"

"Only you would make fun of the saints, mom!"

Happy Thanksgiving Day 2011 - Canada

2011-10-09T20:31:00.003-04:00

To all Canadians: Happy Thanksgiving Day.

It's about the Harvest which, in Canada, comes earlier than in the States.

The Ontario Liberals form the Government

2011-10-08T15:13:00.001-04:00

Albeit, a minority government - by one seat.

Well, in Canada in general, Liberal Minorities tend to be better than any party's Majority Government.

I didn't think that the voters would send McGuinty's Liberals back with a majority. And there is no way Ontario would send in an NDP government. We still haven't recovered from the mess of NDP Rae, where our credit rating was dropped to AA, and Harris/Eaves slash and burn left voters weary, which is why McGuinty had gotten 2 majorities in a row. I think the Progressive Conservatives could have gotten a minority is Hudak hadn't had the same campaign as Ford (cut taxes and reduce waste) which has resulted in threatened closure of libraries, museums, day care spaces, annihilation of the Transit City LRT etc etc etc.

So in the end, though I didn't vote for the Libs, I think the voters voted in the government that will best serve Ontario, fortunately, that IS a MINORITY Liberal government.

I can live with that.

Someone is bound to bring up the whole strongarming the Catholic School Boards. Yeah, he did. And yes, I hate it. But the NDP would force a whole lot more and the Conservatives would slash aid to the poor. There is more to governing Ontario than the School Boards. Besides, as Canon Law points out, it is the duty of PARENTS to instruct children in the faith. Even though I send my children to Catholic schools I still teach them catechism at home tot he best of my abilities.

I am still not happy, but there was no good solution to this one. But, as William Blake said, governments are of little conxequencee. A bad government cannot hurt a wise man, and a good government cannot help a fool.

Are Bishops Successors of the Apostles or Not?

2011-10-06T15:00:00.001-04:00

Only Catholics and Orthodox need answer in the commbox, please

Texting Codes for Seniors

2011-10-04T17:32:00.001-04:00

Since all the "kids" have all their little texting codes . . . like BFF, WTF, LOL, etc. - Here are some codes for seniors:
ATD - At the Doctor's
BFF - Best Friends Funeral
BTW - Bring the Wheelchair
BYOT - Bring Your Own Teeth
CBM - Covered by Medicare
CUATSC - See You at the Senior Center
FWIW - Forgot Where I Was
FYI - Found Your Insulin
GGPBL - Gotta Go, Pacemaker Battery Low
GHA - Got Heartburn Again
HGBM - Had Good Bowel Movement
IMHO - Is My Hearing-Aid On?
LMDO - Laughing My Dentures Out
LOL - Living on Lipitor
LWO - Lawrence Welk's On
OMSG - Oh My! Sorry, Gas
ROFL . . . CGU - Rolling on the Floor Laughing . . . Can't get Up!
WAITT - Who Am I Talking To?
WTFA - Wet the Furniture Again
WTP - Where's the Prunes
WWNO - Walker Wheels Need Oil
GGLKI - Gotta Go, Laxative Kicking in!

Canadian Gov't To Open Office of Religious Freedom

2011-10-04T13:16:00.002-04:00

Cf: Archdiocese of Toronto Blog: ...: It seems that most every day we see a story globally about violence related to religious movements, causes or motivation. While we have our ...

So does that mean that Catholic School Boards will be protected from provincial governmental threats to cut funding if the refuse to adopt policies contrary to Catholic teaching... I thought not