Benedict Changes The Mass - The Study of the New Liturgy Assigned to the Congregation for Worship

The rite of the Mass [Rorate: i.e. the Mass of Paul VI] could change. According to some indiscretions, Benedict XVI has charged the Congregation for Divine Worship to study some modifications in the liturgy. In particular, the Pope is said to have the intention to restore Latin for the formula for the Eucharistic consecration within [...]

Columnist Judy Bowman on Women in the Priesthood

Editors Note: This fine article written by Judy Bowman on June 18th is by far one of the best I’ve discovered on the issue of women’s ordination within the Catholic Church. Along with Judy, we pray that the Holy Spirit will enlighten the hearts of those women (and men) currently excommunicated opening the door to their swift return [...]

Residence of Archbishop John Nienstedt Burglarized

Audacious theft at archbishop’s home nets Catholic treasures
By ANTHONY LONETREE, Star TribuneJune 30, 2008
An overnight burglary at the St. Paul residence of new Archbishop John Nienstedt netted the thief or thieves the gem- and precious-metal-laden rings and crosses worn by bishops throughout the 150-year-plus history of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, a church [...]

Fratres Sunday Mass Readings: Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 07.06.08

Reading 1
Zec 9:9-10
Thus says the LORD:
Rejoice heartily, O daughter Zion,
shout for joy, O daughter Jerusalem!
See, your king shall come to you;
a just savior is he,
meek, and riding on an ass,
on a colt, the foal of an ass.
He shall banish the chariot from Ephraim,
and the horse from Jerusalem;
the warrior’s bow shall be banished,
and he shall proclaim [...]

Fratres Sunday Mass Readings: Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 07.13.08

Reading 1
Is 55:10-11
Thus says the LORD:
Just as from the heavens
the rain and snow come down
and do not return there
till they have watered the earth,
making it fertile and fruitful,
giving seed to the one who sows
and bread to the one who eats,
so shall my word be
that goes forth from my mouth;
my word shall not return to me [...]

The Human Experience: movie review by Stephanie Block

Produced by Grass Roots films, “The Human Experience” explores human suffering and redemption with a true-life story. Worth watching.
I just had the pleasure of attending a screening of “The Human Experience” last night.  It’s a full-length, award-winning movie produced by the Catholic production company “Grassroots Films.” 
The movie opens with one of its characters – a [...]

The Hour Is Late… by Father John Corapi

I have been celebrating Mass at a local parish while the pastor is away the past few weeks. Many of the readings during that time concerned the prophets and their message and trials. I was moved to reflect once again on the prophetic dimension of our Baptism in Christ-Priest, Prophet and King. Several decades ago, [...]

A Spring of Grace in the Desert: Novena To Merciful Love

FIRST DAY
Introductory Prayer
My Jesus, I am deeply sorry when I consider the many times I have offended you.
However, with a Father’s heart you have not only forgiven me but with the words “Ask, and you shall receive” you invite me to seek from you whatever I need.
With complete confidence I appeal to your Merciful Love [...]

Fratres Sunday Mass Readings: Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles 06.29.08

Reading 1
Acts 12:1-11
In those days, King Herod laid hands upon some members of the Church to harm them.
He had James, the brother of John, killed by the sword,
and when he saw that this was pleasing to the Jews
he proceeded to arrest Peter also.
-It was the feast of Unleavened Bread.-
He had him taken into custody and [...]

On Reserving Priestly Ordination To Men Alone: ORDINATIO SACERDOTALIS Apostolic Letter of Pope John Paul II

Venerable Brothers in the Episcopate,
1. Priestly ordination, which hands on the office entrusted by Christ to his Apostles of teaching, sanctifying and governing the faithful, has in the Catholic Church from the beginning always been reserved to men alone. This tradition has also been faithfully maintained by the Oriental Churches.
When the question of the ordination [...]