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Somc Media is accepting application for writers and designers

2011-10-30T22:52:00.000-04:00

Please be advised that SomcMedia is now accepting applications for writers and web/graphic designers. Contact us at careers@somcmedia.com

Anglican Use Missal Celebrated at St. Joseph's Catholic Church

2011-03-26T23:00:00.079-04:00

Anglican Use Missal Celebrated at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Mississauga at the request of Archbishop Thomas Collins as part of the Anglicanorum Coetibus Conference. The Mass was said on The Feast of The Annunciation of The Blessed Virgin Mary.

FlickR Photo Album Anglican Use Missal Picture Set

Videos from the Mass

Gloria

The Proclamation of the Holy Gospel

Preparation of the Altar

Sanctus

The Our Father and Agnus Dei

Purification of the Vessels

Procession and Angelus

Podcast New address

2011-03-12T10:56:00.001-05:00

Please be advised that Somc Media's That's It Podcast site has changed. Please update your bookmarks to the new address

Website http://thatsit.somcmedia.com/

Podcast Feed http://thatsit.somcmedia.com/podcasts-only/rss2.aspx

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Note on Somc Media

2011-03-08T09:04:00.002-05:00

Somc Media wishes to inform you that our product and services after a much delayed time away will not be resuming this year. Somc Media will be relaunching our websites and publications with the new Church Calendar year in advent 2012. Christus Veritas specifically will begin publishing following advent 2012 after our site has relaunched. Somc Media thanks all our long term supporters for your support over the last five years. It has been a wonderful journey. Somc Media apologizes for the interruption in services due to unforeseen financial and staffing related health issues. We thank you for your continued prayers and we look forward to a much stabler, consistent and rich re-release of all our products, services and publications.

In Christ
Daniel Blodgett
President

Limited Updates this week

2010-04-04T22:31:00.001-04:00

Please be advised that there will be limited updates to the website and blog this week.
Have a blessed week

Archbishop Thomas Collins Easter Sunday Homily

2010-04-04T16:33:00.001-04:00

Provided courtesy of the Archdiocese of Toronto

Easter Noon Mass: 2010

In ancient Christian cultures, disciples greet each other in these days with the words: "Christ is risen! He is truly risen. Alleluia!" Those words express the great fact that has energized Christians for two thousand years. "Christ is risen! He is truly risen."

Yesterday evening, the readings of the Easter Vigil recounted the long story of creation, of sin and rebellion, and above all of the provident hand of God sustaining his people as they stumbled down through history, sinning and repenting, and so often feeling lost in an alien world. Finally, after the prophets had prepared the way, God came into this world himself, to live as we are meant to live during our brief time on earth, so that we might learn not just how to live here as children of God, but so that we might become fully alive. These past days of Holy Week we have pondered the rejection of Christ, and have recognized in the figures of the Passion our own vulnerability to the power of evil in the great drama of life and death.

Mortal death is inescapable to humans, but Jesus was brought to the Cross by people who had already died what the Apocalypse calls the "second death"; and his torture and brutal death were caused by them. The first death is natural death, to which we are all subject. But the second death is the death of the soul; it is death that is chosen when we willingly succumb to the power of evil. It is mortal sin. So often in life the second death in one person brings physical death to others, and that happened on Calvary, as the betrayal of Judas, and the cowardice of Pilate, and the hatred of the religious authorities, and the fury of the mob, all led to the death of Jesus on the cross.

We recognize every day, in the world around us, the power of the second death which we see revealed in the Passion of Our Lord and, if we are honest, we can sense its gravitational pull in our own souls.

But just when evil seemed to triumph even over the Holy One of God, and his disciples were distraught with grief, and had lost all hope, the full plan of God was revealed, foreshadowed through his provident hand lifting up his peoplethroughout the ages. Those first disciples were the first to realize, "Christ is Risen.

He is truly Risen. Alleluia," when the Risen Lord broke into their lives and changed them utterly.

Astonished, they found the tomb where they had placed his body to be empty. That simply proves that the resurrection is a fact of history.

Much more importantly, again and again, they encountered the Risen Lord, not simply risen to earthly life, as Lazarus was, and as was the son of the widow of Nain, but radiant in glory.

The disciples on the road to Emmaus find a stranger walking with them, who revealed to them the meaning of the scriptures; when they came to Emmaus he took bread, blessed it and broke it, and they recognized him in the breaking of the bread. They raced back through the night to Jerusalem to spread the Good News of the resurrection.

Thomas doubts what the others have experienced, but then he too encounters the Risen Lord, and the sceptic is on fire with faith which he will share in distant lands for the rest of his life. This transformation has happened again and again through the centuries.

Peter and the others are back at their work of fishing, and the beloved disciple recognizes the one who awaits them on the shore: "It is the Lord!" Jesus invites Peter to a profession of love to match his faith, and entrusts the Church to him.

This is glorious. It is the experience of the Risen Lord down through the ages that has made the Church a beacon in a world of darkness, and does so to this day. In the service of our Risen Lord the monasteries brought peace and hope wherever they were established. In the service of the Risen Lord the Church invented universities, so that the light of faith and reason might illuminate our path, and to this day that light shines. When homeless and afflicted immigrants landed here in Toronto in the summer of 1847, people of faith, servants of the Risen Lord, were moved to give their lives to assist them, and many sacrificed themselves in the sure hope of the resurrection, including the martyr of charity, Bishop Michael Power, buried beneath the Cathedra from which I shepherd this diocese.

I wish people could come with me, as I daily travel through this community of faith, on every side experiencing the signs of the resurrection manifest in the loving service of those who know and serve Our Risen Saviour, and show it through their lives. Last week I met students from a Catholic school, who were helping pack supplies that will bring hope to suffering people in distant lands. This week I will bless a family centre constructed where sometimes hope is lost amid violence, as servants of the Risen Lord share His peace.

As I travel constantly throughout our archdiocese, it is my special privilege and joy as bishop to experience personally the power of the resurrection that enlivens our parishes, as priests and laity, through word and sacrament, seek to draw close to Jesus, the Lord of the Universe, who lifts them up in their struggles and sends them out to bring his light to this world, just as last night the darkened church became radiant with light as the solitary flame of the Easter Candle, the sign of the Jesus, risen in glory, was shared from person to person. As we give his light away, it becomes brighter in this world. That which we celebrate in symbol, we must celebrate through action in daily life, sharing the Light of Christ by what we do and by who we are.

There is an old story told of a missionary who had given her life to caring for the most destitute, those suffering in the most terrible ways, a person not much different from so many disciples of the Risen Lord who serve unnoticed throughout our archdiocese. A worldly visitor, who could see so much and yet saw nothing, remarked: "I wouldn't do that for a million dollars." She replied: "Neither would I."

This is the immense spiritual strength of the Church, the community of the servants of the Risen Lord Jesus. It continues to baffle the worldly.

This is glorious, this experience of the Risen Lord manifest in the lives of his disciples.

This is the greatest sign of the resurrection: those dispirited first disciples, who believed that the death of Jesus on the Cross had proven the triumph of evil, those disciples were suddenly transformed by the powerful, unexpected, direct experience of the Jesus they loved, and whom they had mourned, now risen in glory. They themselves were given new life, and filled with joy, and energized with the power of the Holy Spirit to spend the rest of their earthly journey proclaiming the triumph of their Risen Lord.

So it was. So it is. So it shall always be.

The Church is not just an organization, though some are under the illusion that it is. It is not just a place where we can support one another in living a good life, or in learning an ancient spiritual wisdom. It is the community of the disciples of the Risen Lord. It is the Mystical Body of Christ on earth.

The Church is radiant with the divine power of the Risen Lord. It is the heavenly Jerusalem, and in the lives of faithful Christians it is to some degree already made present in the midst of Babylon the Great. Through Baptism the disciples of the Lord wash their robes white in the blood of the Lamb. But they will be tested on their journey, and must resist the power of the "second death." Life is a spiritual combat. Christians who have received the light of Christ are free to blow it out, but in the Easter Sacrament of Reconciliation, that extension through time of the healing power of Baptism, the Risen Lord gives them his Light again.

No generation of disciples is given a free pass, any more than was the first one; each generation must humbly and repentantly encounter the Risen Lord, and live for him alone. Theirs must be the words of Thomas, the doubter, when he encountered the Jesus, risen in glory, the week after Easter: "My Lord and my God!" We say this with are lips, but we must say it with our lives.

In the Resurrection of our glorious saviour, the Lamb that was slain but now rules the universe from the heavenly throne, Satan and the powers of evil are cast down, for the evils of this world hold no ultimate power over us, though we still are free to refuse to live as faithfbl disciples of Christ, and to choose the second death. We are always free. But the second death is not for us: in Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist, and in all of the Sacraments, and in his living word in Scripture, we encounter Our Risen Lord, as did those first disciples.

He invites us to be fully alive in faith, in hope, and in charity, as citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem, now, at this moment, and in each moment of our earthly journey, until this world drops away at our own mortal death and we see him face to face.

He Is Risen!!!

2010-04-04T01:24:00.001-04:00

Somc Media just wants to wish all our readers a very blessed Easter!!

Archbishop Thomas Collins Good Friday Homily

2010-04-02T18:07:00.002-04:00

Good Friday, 2010

The austere rites of Good Friday call for each of us to look deeply into the mystery of evil. Our Lord Jesus, God with us, who came into our world to show us the way of divine love made flesh amongst us, is crucified by those he came to save. Truly "he was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not." (John 1:10) He is the suffering whom we hear about in the first reading today, from the prophet Isaiah: "he was spurned and avoided by people, a man of suffering, accustomed to infirmity, one of those from whom people hide their faces, spurned, and we held him in no esteem.

Yet it was our infirmities that he bore, our sufferings that he endured, while we thought of him as stricken, as one smitten by God and afflicted. But he was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins; upon him was the chastisement that makes us whole, by his stripes we were healed. We had all gone astray like sheep, each following his own way; but the Lord laid upon him the guilt of us all."

That is why we call this day "Good Friday", this day which reveals with cold clarity the evil that is found in the sinful human heart. For he suffered for us, and took our evil to himself, and in its place gave back only love. The Letter to the Hebrews today speaks of him as our great and compassionate High Priest, who has come amongst us, and is able to sympathize with our weaknesses.

God does not live far away on icy majesty; the second person of the divine Trinity came amongst us, and truly became one of us: one divine person, human in nature, divine in nature, living our life, and loving as we are meant to love, and experiencing, as we all do, and as some among us do far too much, what it means to be unloved.

He not only show us the way of love, he lives it, and lives it in a world unlike our own only in its surface elements, so very much the same as our own in all that matters. It is a world of friendship and self-sacrifice and courage and integrity, for all of those are found in the human heart that beats according to the will of God. But it is a world of violence, injustice, brutality, and betrayal, for when the human heart is shrivelled by the toxic force of the unfettered ego, we can cause immeasurable grief to those we encounter on this brief journey through life.

We can cause such grief, as we can also bring joy and life. As the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles says, in my favourite opening line: "There are two ways, the way to life and the way to death, and there is a great difference between them."

On Good Friday we do not just ponder fi-om afar the courage of Mary and the beloved disciple, and the cowardice of Pilate and Peter, and the vile treachery of Judas. This day is not just a window through which we observe the pageant of history, or through which we see our neighbours and dispassionately note which figure of the passion they most resemble. This day is a mirror, in which we see ourselves, and realize that each of us can go one of the two ways.

Today we look at the cold face of evil, and seek to grasp in some small way how our brothers and sisters can be overcome by it, and how we ourselves are vulnerable its toxic allure.

Our world, a reflection of that of the passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ is one of gross violence. We see Jesus beaten and tortured and put to death in the unspeakable pain of crucifixion. Some years ago a movie was made that only hinted at the actual physical brutality of the first Good Friday, and it was deemed to be a violent movie. All over our world, people are experiencing physical violence. This is true in war and terrorism, but also in other forms of evil that are less dramatic but no less real.

We look at Our Lord, brutally murdered, and we know that he who is Our Lord and God has allowed himself to experience the power of human physical violence, and in the midst of it he radiates the unconquerable power of love.

On Good Friday we also are confronted with evil of another kind, at least as common and painful, the evil of betrayal. It takes different forms. Peter in his cowardice betrays Jesus by denying him, but later we see how he repents, and three times affirm his love of the one whom he had three times denied. That repentance was profound; he gave witness to it when he died for Christ, crucified like his Master.

Judas also betrayed the Lord. He was one of the twelve, trusted by Jesus, and chosen to be shepherd of his people. How is it that Jesus would have allowed one of those chosen to be an apostle to be gripped by such evil. Yet love must be free, and so the door is open to temptation and betrayal. Temptation comes in many forms: we cannot read that heart of another, and certainly not of Judas, but he betrayed him for 30 pieces of silver. Perhaps there was some other resentment, some unrecognized vulnerability that led him to betray his loving Lord.

Surely also, not only but also, he succumbed to the temptation of the evil one. "Satan entered into him ...he immediately went out; and it was night." (John 13:27-30) How could it be that one of the twelve apostles would betray the Lord? No one is granted immunity to the forms of temptation to which the human heart is vulnerable - the world, the flesh, and the devil - and perhaps that is what Jesus teaches us each Good Friday as we ponder the fact of Judas. It is something that we are conscious of even more in these days, as we are painfully reminded that disciples chosen by Christ to be apostles have betrayed him, and grievously betrayed the
innocent ones entrusted to their care.

This is a day to ponder deeply the power of evil, in this world around us, and within our own hearts. Our symbol is the Cross of Christ, an instrument of brutal execution. There is no room for naive Christians, oblivious to the reality of sin.

But it is the cross of Christ that is our hope. This Friday is "Good" not mainly because it strips the veil from the power of evil, and so helps us to recognize what we each must reject, but because it shows us the compassion of Our Great High Priest, our Crucified Saviour, the Lamb that was slain and now rules from the heavenly throne. His serene goodness in the midst of evil lights for us the path through our personal struggles. He receives evil on the cross, and gives back life and love. We are all inclined to return evil for evil, so making our world ever more subject to evil. That is not the way.

In all of our struggles, whatever they may be, we know that we follow him on the Way of the Cross. When we finally come to the end of this brief journey, we will not be able to say to the one who judges us: "You do not know what human life is like." He who sits on the throne of judgment died on the cross for us.

He gives us hope. Like Peter, and the others who ran away, each sinner can find forgiveness. And through the Cross, which surely leads to the resurrection, he gives us life, and the possibility to live rightly in the Imitation of Christ, with Christian integrity in this world. We cannot avoid the temptations to evil of all kinds, but the power of evil does not rule this world. When we hear the words of the Gospel with our hearts and not just with our ears, they show us the way to life.

When we do stumble into the power of evil, he lifts us up and sets us on the right path again through the Easter sacrament of Reconciliation, so much received in these days, and our pathway to hope in a sinful world throughout the year. We so easily drift from intimacy with Our Lord, but in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, we comes again into this sinhl world, to be with us and to strengthen us on our journey home. At every Mass we receive him, Viaticum, food for the journey.

We began this week with Palm Sunday, when we reflected on how shallow our love for him can be, for we can shout Hosanna with our lips, but "Crucifl him" with the actions of our lives. But always, and especially on this Good Friday, we rejoice in hope, a hope expressed in the Preface of Palm Sunday:

"Though he was sinless, he suffered willingly for sinners; Though innocent, he accepted death to save the guilty. By his dying he has destroyed our sins. By his rising he has raised us up to holiness of life."

Provided by the Archdiocese of Toronto

Archbishop Thomas Collins Chrism Mass Homily

2010-04-02T00:43:00.003-04:00

Archbishop Thomas Collins Chrism Mass Homily - Audio

Provided Courtesy of the Archdiocese of Toronto

Mass of the Chrism, 2010

Most Catholics are not much aware of the Mass of the Chrism, which is nestled inconspicuously among the awesome rites of Holy Week. Like the Mass of the Lord's Supper, it is a Mass of Holy Thursday, meant to be celebrated in the morning of that day of introduction into the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus, celebrated from Good Friday to Easter Sunday. In our diocese, as in dioceses throughout our country, the Mass of the Chrism is traditionally celebrated earlier in Holy Week simply for the practical reason that the priests need to get back to their parishes. But like the Mass of the Lord's supper on Holy Thursday evening, it is a Mass of Holy Thursday, and it represents for those who share in the royal priesthood of Baptism and for those who share in the ministerial priesthood of Ordination a participation in the continuing effects of the Lord’s sacrifice of Himself on the cross as priest and victim, which we commemorate each year during the sacred three days of Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday.

We await in joyful hope the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the final revelation of the New Jerusalem, but we are not there yet. We are still on the journey through this vale of tears, this world of suffering and sin and anxiety. As we move slowly forward towards the glory initiated that first Easter, we are daily reminded of our frailty, and of God’s provident love in caring for us on the journey. Always, like the first century disciples to whom today's second reading from the Book of the Apocalypse was addressed, we disciples of this day are strengthened and energized on our journey home to Jerusalem by the vision in faith of Jesus, the risen Lord, our Alpha and Omega, the faithful witness who continues each day to reveal to us the Father's love in the midst of our struggles. “To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to our God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever.”

As Jesus said in his synagogue in Nazareth, when he began his earthly ministry, he is the one who has come into a broken world to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me. He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty for captives, and release to the prisoners, to announce a year of favour from the Lord.” What he promised at the beginning of his earthly ministry, and brought to fulfillment through his suffering, death, and resurrection, he makes present down through time through the continuation of his presence on earth in word and sacrament.

On the evening of Holy Thursday we commemorate the institution of the Eucharist, through which we are given the heavenly food for our earthly journey, and through which the sacrifice Christ on the cross is made present now in our lives. This sustains all of the disciples of the Lord, but it is certainly central to the life of every disciple whom the Lord has called to share in his priesthood through ordination. A priest is ordained to celebrate the Eucharist. It must be the center of his priestly life. As he celebrates the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass every day of his life, he is renewed in the mission he received on the day of his ordination. In his hours of adoration before Our Eucharistic Lord he rediscovers each day the purpose of his life as a disciple, and as one called to be an apostle, and a servant of the servants of God.

As the Eucharist is the gift of Holy Thursday, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is the gift of Easter: “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you .... Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” These words of Our Risen Lord commission us in our life as confessors, instruments of God's mercy in the service of His people. We need to offer this sacrament widely, at the convenience of the people, so that they may always be able easily to experience its healing power. And to be a good confessor a priest must be a good penitent. It is essential that a priest frequently go to confession: not just advisable, but essential.

At this Mass of the Chrism, we will be blessing the Oil of the Catechumens, an ancient sign of the strength which God gives to those who are baptised. As today’s second reading reminds us, each disciple shares in the baptismal priesthood, called to bring God to this world and this world to God through a life of faithful discipleship in the imitation of Christ, and the Oil of the Catechumens is a reminder of the struggle which Christian witness involves.

We bless the Oil of the Sick. As we hear in the Letter of James, the priests of the Church are sent to anoint those who are sick. As the minister of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the priest is used by the Lord for the healing of the sinful spirit. As minister of the Sacrament of the Sick, the priest brings strength to those who are suffering from the physical afflictions that beset fragile humanity during the brief journey through this world.

This Mass takes its name from the consecration of the Holy Chrism, the perfumed sacred oil that calls to mind the anointing of the prophets, priests, and kings of old, and which forms the very title of Jesus, the anointed one, the messiah, the Christ.

Each baptized disciple is anointed with Chrism as he or she receives the gift of the Holy Spirit at Confirmation. The Christian is consecrated to be a faithful witness to Christ, to proclaim the Gospel through words and deeds, and most profoundly through a life of Christian integrity lived amid the temptations to infidelity that come from the world, the flesh, and the devil. Every Christian, consecrated with Chrism, must daily engage in the spiritual combat against all three sources of temptation, and is strengthened and filled with joy through the power of the Lord, who is always near. When we Christians look around at the evil in the world, and look within at our own weaknesses, there is no cause for dismay, for fundamentally, the strife is over, the battle won, but until we finally finish the journey of life we must always confront the manifold temptations of fallen humanity.

Recognizing that, it has occurred to me that we should pray more frequently the ancient prayer, rooted in Sacred Scripture, that invokes the patron saint of our Archdiocese: “Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in this day of battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do you, 0 prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast down into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who wander through the world, seeking the ruin of souls.” A little realism is healthy in a disciple.

The sacred Chrism, used at Confirmation, also is used to anoint the hands of a priest and the head of a bishop. That is a particular reason why this Mass of the Chrism is a time for those who are anointed as priests or bishops to think deeply about their mission on this day. That is why it is at this Mass that we renew our promises of commitment to faithful service.

Ordination is not employment; it is consecration. We are consecrated, anointed with the Oil of Chrism. The priesthood is not what we do, it is who we are. Although common sense, humility, and the instructions from the manufacturer in Genesis Chapter one all dictate that priests need to be sure that there is appropriate Sabbath in their lives - there is one Messiah and it is not you or me nonetheless, we never, ever, take a break from being a priest. Our whole life is consecrated to Our Lord. That is why we need to be attentive to four pillars of priestly life: daily Mass, daily celebration of the Divine Office, daily time in prayerful adoration, and frequent confession. We are all vessels of clay, but we are consecrated to priestly holiness in the service of Jesus, our great High Priest, and to the people whom he entrusts to our pastoral care. That is what celibacy is all about: consecrated virginity in the service of Christ the King. We are called to give our whole life to consecrated service, to marry the mission.

Each of us here present can think of the faithful priests who were used by God to inspire us with the call to the priesthood. Their example of lifelong joyful priestly service speaks more than words can do of the significance of being consecrated as a priest. After Mass we will gather to celebrate the priestly service of those ordained 25, 50, and 60 years. This day we give thanks to God for their fidelity. In May we will celebrate the ordination of five more new priests, whom we welcome into the presbyterate of this Archdiocese.

We learn about the real meaning of the priesthood at ordinations, when we experience the beginning of the joy of the consecration to the priestly mission, at anniversaries, when we celebrate milestones of priestly service, and finally at the funeral of a priest, when we gather to give thanks to God for a life of faithful service.

People expect that one who is consecrated with the holy oil of Chrism, will act in an exemplary manner, and never betray the trust which people know they should be able to place in a Catholic priest. At his ordination we pray: Bless this chosen man, and set him apart for his sacred duties. And yet to our shame some have used the awesome gift of the holy priesthood for base personal gratification, betraying the innocent and devastating their lives. When that happens, our first concern must be for those innocent young people who have been abused, to help them overcome their suffering, and to resolve to take whatever steps are needed to be as sure as is possible that this does not happen again. We have all had to learn through failures and mistakes and that is especially true of bishops, who have sometimes failed in their responsibility to act effectively.

For this diocese, anyone who looks at our website can see the policies that are in place to help us to act rightly, but we must never be satisfied.

We cannot escape the horror of this by pointing out that almost all priests serve faithfully, though that fact is a grace that gives joy to the Catholic people, whose love and prayerful support sustains us all. But even one priest gone wrong causes immense harm, and throughout the world priests have done unspeakable evil.

We should be grateful for the attention which the media devotes to the sins of Catholic clergy, even if constant repetition may give the false impression that Catholic clergy are particularly sinful. That attention is a profound tribute to the priesthood which we celebrate at this Mass of the Chrism. People instinctively expect holiness in a Catholic priest, and are especially appalled when he does evil.

As we look to the continuing painful purification of the Church, we all need in a particular way to give thanks to God for the leadership of Joseph Ratzinger, as Cardinal and Pope, who has acted decisively, fairly, consistently, and courageously to purify the priesthood and to make the Church a safe place for everyone. Anyone with any knowledge of this terrible reality realizes that Pope Benedict has led the way in confronting this evil.

As this day we celebrate the Mass of the Chrism, and are reminded once more of the profound consecration to Christ that is at the heart of the priesthood, this year we celebrate the year of the priest. We call to mind the faithful priests who inspired us to respond to the call to the priesthood. We resolve to live each day as faithful priests, in joyful service of Our Lord.

In a particular way look to the example, and pray for the intercession of our heavenly Patron, Saint John Vianney, the holy Curé of Ars. It is interesting that we usually simply call him not by his name, but by his mission: he for us forever, the Curé of Ars - the Pastor of his people in that little village in France. I have just finished reading another biography describing his life, and I was profoundly moved when at the end of a chapter describing his early life, and first few years as a young priest assisting the holy pastor who had inspired him, the author mentions how he was finally given an assignment as pastor of a little parish, where few practiced their faith. The chapter ends with the words: “And so young Father Jean Vianney set out down the road to become the Curé of Ars.” Yes, that was his new pastoral assignment. But more than that: he set out down that road to become the awesome Curé of Ars, inspiration to us all.

He knelt down on the ground before entering the village to beg God’s grace that he might be a good and faithful pastor, for he humbly knew his natural limitations.

He lived a life of simplicity and humility, above all constantly praying for his people. I often recall the story of when he wanted to go away to live as a monk in penitence, conscious of his unworthiness to be the pastor of the village, a young boy grabbed his breviary, and Father Vianney returned to Ars - for he could not go a step further without the breviary through which he offered prayers daily for his people.

He was aware that the struggle was not merely with earthly dangers and evils, but against satanic powers as well. He was no fool, nor naive.

He lived simply for the service of his people, day after day, praying for them.

He was above all the saint of the confessional, making the sacrament of reconciliation freely available to people who eventually came from all over the world to go to confession to him. And he was famous for giving light penances to the penitents, for he did their penances for them.

He is our patron saint, our hero, the model of a parish priest, of a man who knew what it meant to be ordained to the Holy Priesthood and consecrated with the sacred Chrism to the faithful, constant, total priestly service of God’s people.

In light of the Recent Press Coverage

2010-03-30T07:54:00.003-04:00

In light of the recent press coverage and after having being contacted for a response in regards to the Holy Father Pope Benedict's involvement in the alleged cover up regarding the "Father Murphy" Case we have posted links to a number of articles which directly address this matter.
Somc Media believes highly in the rights of protecting Child from any form of abuse whether sexual, emotional or physical. While the mission of Christus Veritas Magazine is strictly to present the teachings of the Catholic Church in its fullness we feel it necessary to present an accurate response to both the topic of sexual abuse and the questions that other members of the press have addressed to us. There will be a article released on the matter of sexual abuse and sexual abuse within the Church this week. While the focus of our material remains on the Paschal mystery that we celebrate this Holy Week it is important for both the victims and the Church that a fair understanding of the currrent situation in regards to sexual abuse and the Church's response to this societal problem is accurately, fairly and ethically assessed.

Daniel Blodgett
President Somc Media

Message for the 25TH World Youth Day

2010-03-27T14:58:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow is the Celebration of the 25TH Annual Word Youth Day.
As customary Pope Benedict has written a message to the Youth.
Click here to read the Message to the Youth

Webytes for Palm Sunday March 28th 2010

2010-03-27T13:32:00.003-04:00

Food for Spirituality:

“Blessed is the king who comes
in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.”
Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He said in reply, “I tell you, if they keep silent,
the stones will cry out!”

Mass Readings

Readings for the Entrance

The Procession
Gospel: Luke 19:28-40
Psalm 24
Psalm 47
or
The Solemn Entrance
Gospel: Luke 19:28-40

Readings for Mass

First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24
Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11
Gospel: Luke 22:14--23:56 or 23:1-49

Mass Intentions March 28th

For Holy Catholics and Purity in the Church

Passion (Palm) Sunday

The feast commemorates an event mentioned by all four Canonical Gospels Mark 11:1-11, Matthew 21:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19: the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem in the days before his Passion. It is also called Passion Sunday, Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem or Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion.

Always say a prayer for your priest and bishop daily

www.somcmedia.com

Catholic Television Networks Passiontide Coverage

2010-03-24T23:45:00.002-04:00

Eternal Word Television Network

SOLEMN MASS OF PALM SUNDAY FROM ROME- LIVE ( 3 hrs)
Pope Benedict XVI celebrates the Solemn Mass of Palm Sunday, live from Rome.
Sun 3/28/10 3:30 AM ET / 12:30 AM PT LIVE
Sun 3/28/10 8:00 PM ET / 5 PM PT Encore

PALM SUNDAY MASS FROM THE BASILICA OF THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION - LIVE ( 2 hrs)

Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Celebrant & Homilist.
Sun 3/28/10 12:00 PM ET / 9 AM PT

HOLY MASS IN SUFFRAGE OF THE DECEASED HOLY FATHER JOHN PAUL II - LIVE ( 90 min)

Mass on the occasion of the 5th Anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI
Mon 3/29/2010 12:00 PM ET / 9 AM PT

CHRISMAL MASS IN ROME - LIVE ( 2 hrs)
Thu 4/1/10 3:30 AM ET /12:30 AM PT

SOLEMN MASS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER FROM ROME - LIVE (150 min)
Pope Benedict XVI celebrates the Solemn Mass of the Lord's Supper, live from the Basilica of St. John Lateran..
Thu 4/1/10 11:30 AM ET / 8:30 AM PT
Fri 4/2/10 12:00 AM ET / (Thu) 11 PM PT

WAY OF THE CROSS FROM ROME ( 2 hrs)
Pope Benedict XVI presides over The Stations of the Cross, from the Coliseum in Rome.
Fri 4/2/10 8:00 PM ET / 5 PM PT

EASTER VIGIL MASS FROM ROME - LIVE ( 3 hrs)
Pope Benedict XVI celebrates the Easter Vigil Mass, live from Vatican City.
Sat 4/3/10 3:00 PM ET / 12 PM PT
Sun 4/4/10 12:00 AM ET / (Sat) 9 PM PT

EASTER VIGIL MASS FROM BNSIC - LIVE ( 150 mins)
The Solemn Easter Vigil Mass, celebrated at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Sat 4/3/10 8:00 PM ET / 5 PM PT

Salt and Light TV

World Youth Day - St. Peter’s Square

Thursday March 25, 2:00pm ET (In Italian), 8:00pm ET (In English)

Pope Benedict XVI gathers with the youth of Rome to hear their stories, answer their questions, lead a meditation, and encourage them on their Christian journey. This year the Holy Father also helps the young people of Rome prepare for the international World Youth Day gathering that will happen in Madrid in 2011. Salt + Light brings you full coverage.

Palm Sunday and the Passion of the Lord - St. Peter’s Square

Sunday March 28, 3:30am ET, 12:30am PT

Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Palm Sunday liturgy with the faithful in St. Peter’s Square. The liturgy includes a procession recalling Jesus’ arrival into Jerusalem and the blessing of the palms.

Mass in memory of John Paul II – St. Peter’s Square

Monday March 29, 12:00pm ET, 9:00am PT

Pope Benedict XVI celebrates a mass marking the fifth anniversary of the death of John Paul II. The late Pope John Paul II died April 2, 2005 at the age of 84. Because this year April 2 is Good Friday the Holy See has anticipated the Mass of Suffrage.

Mass of the Lord’s Supper - Basilica of St. John Lateran

Thursday April 1, 11:30am ET 8:30am PT

Pope Benedict XVI goes to the Cathedral of Rome, the Basilica of St. John Lateran to begin the Easter Triduum by celebrating the Mass of the Lord’s Supper with the traditional washing of the feet.

Good Friday-Celebration of the Lord's Passion- St. Peter's Basilica

Friday April 2, 11:00 am ET

Pope Benedict XVI leads the Good Friday service comemmorating the Christ's passion and death.

Good Friday Way of the Cross – Roman Coliseum

Friday April 2, 3:15 pm ET 12:15pm PT

A Roman Good Friday tradition, the Holy Father presides over the Via Crucis, or Way of the Cross at the Roman Coliseum. Join with the faithful of Rome in following the Holy Father on the solemn Way of the Cross.

Holy Saturday Easter Vigil - St. Peter’s Basilica

Saturday April 3 , 3:00pm ET

Pope Benedict XVI presides over the Easter Vigil celebrating the resurrection of the Lord. During the mass the Holy Father will also administer the sacraments of initiation to those who are being received into the church.

Easter Sunday – St. Peter’s Square

Sunday April 4
Mass at 4:15 am ET 1:15am PT
Urbi et Orbi Blessing 6:00am ET 3:00am PT

Christus Veritas Magazine Vol 3 Issue 4

2010-02-26T00:04:00.001-05:00

Our newest Issue of Christus Veritas Magazine is now
available online.

www.somcmedia.com

Webytes for February 23rd 2010

2010-02-22T22:02:00.005-05:00

Food for Spirituality:

“If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”

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Mass Intentions Feb 23rd

That we will forgive

Readings for Mass

First Reading: Isaiah 55:10-11

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 34:4-5, 6-7, 16-17, 18-19

Gospel: Matthew 6:7-15

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David and Fatima Borges - Familia Apostolate

Discussing the Familia Apostolate, Family life, Vocations and the lay apostolate serving within the Church.

Download here

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Liturgical Calendar

Memorial of Saint Polycarp

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Always say a prayer for your priest and bishop

www.somcmedia.com

Webytes for February 22nd 2010

2010-02-21T22:09:00.001-05:00

Food for Spirituality:

“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. ”

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Mass Intentions Feb 22nd

That Catholics will be obedient to the pope and faithful to the magesterium of the Church

Readings for Mass

First Reading: First Peter 5:1-4
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6
Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19

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Liturgical Calendar

The Feast of The

CHAIR OF ST. PETER

February 22nd 10

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Always say a prayer for your priest and bishop

www.somcmedia.com

Webytes for February 21st 2010

2010-02-21T01:51:00.005-05:00

New Issue 2/25/10

Food for Spirituality:

“Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil.
He ate nothing during those days,
and when they were over he was hungry.”

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Mass Intentions Feb 21st

That we will resist the temptation to break our fast.

Readings for Mass

First Reading: Deuteronomy 26:4-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 91:1-2, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15
Second Reading: Romans 10:8-13
Gospel: Luke 4:1-13

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New Podcast Coming Feb 22nd 10

Tima and David Borges from

The Familia Apostolate

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Liturgical Calendar

The Feast of The

CHAIR OF ST. PETER

February 22nd 10

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Always say a prayer for your priest and bishop

www.somcmedia.com

2010-02-20T02:04:00.005-05:00

New Issue 2/25/10

Food for Spirituality:

“Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
Jesus said to them in reply,

“Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do.
I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”

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Mass Intentions Feb 20th:

For all of our sins and the times we have neglected the Lord

Readings for Mass

First Reading: Isaiah 58:9-14

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 86:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

Gospel: Luke 5:27-32

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From the Balcone :

Papal Address to Roman Seminarians

The fundamental background for the Parable of the Vine is Baptism: We are implanted in Christ; and the Eucharist: We are one loaf, one body, one blood, one life with Christ. Thus this process of purification also has a sacramental background: The sacrament of Penance, of Reconciliation, in which we accept this divine pedagogy which day by day, throughout our life, purifies us and increasingly makes us true members of his Body. In this way we can learn that God responds to our prayers, that he often responds with his goodness also to small prayers, but often too he corrects them, transforms them and guides them so that we may at last and really be branches of his Son, of the true vine, members of his Body. Read more

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New Podcast Coming Feb 22nd 10

Tima and David Borges from

The Familia Apostolate

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Always say a prayer for your priest and bishop

www.somcmedia.com

Webytes for February 19th 2010

2010-02-19T07:42:00.002-05:00

Food for Spirituality:

“Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?”
Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.”

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Mass Intentions Feb 19th:

That our sacrifices will strengthen our dependance on the Lord

Readings for Mass

First Reading: Isaiah 58:1-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 51:3-4, 5-6, 18-19
Gospel: Matthew 9:14-15

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From the Balcone :

Papal Homily for Ash Wednesday:

"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21). In the heart of Christ, that is, in the center of his divine-human Person, the whole drama of liberty was at stake in decisive and definitive terms. God took to the extreme consequences his own plan of salvation, remaining faithful to his love even at the cost... Read more

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Always say a prayer for your priest and bishop daily

www.somcmedia.com

Webytes for February 18th 2010

2010-02-18T00:29:00.002-05:00

Food for spirituality :

“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?”

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Mass Intentions Feb 18th:

That we will carry our cross this Lenten Season

Readings for Mass

First Reading: Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6
Gospel: Luke 9:22-25

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From the Balcone :

Papal Audience Feb 17th 10

Ash Wednesday

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today, Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of the Church’s Lenten journey towards Easter. Lent reminds us, as Saint Paul exhorts, “not to accept the grace of God in vain” (cf. 2 Cor 6:1), but to recognize that today the Lord calls us to penance and spiritual renewal. This call to conversion is expressed in the two formulae used in the rite of the imposition of ashes. The first formula – “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel” – echoes Jesus’s words at the beginning of his public ministry (cf. Mk 1:15). It reminds us that conversion is meant to be a deep and lasting abandonment of our sinful ways in order to enter into a living relationship with Christ, who alone offers true freedom, happiness and fulfilment. The second, older formula – “Remember, man, that you are dust and to dust you shall return” – recalls the poverty and death which are the legacy of Adam’s sin, while pointing us to the resurrection, the new life and the freedom brought by Christ, the Second Adam. This Lent, through the practice of prayer and penance, and an ever more fruitful reception of the Church’s sacraments, may we make our way to Easter with hearts purified and renewed by the grace of this special season.

* * *

I welcome all the English-speaking visitors present at today’s Audience, especially those from England, Ireland and the United States. My special greeting goes to the members of the Movement Pro Sanctitate from Lithuania, led by Bishop Antons Justs. I also greet the many school and university students, including those from Bishop Hendrickson High School in Rhode Island, and I thank the choirs for their praise of God in song. Upon all of you I invoke God’s blessings of joy and peace!

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Always say a prayer for your priest and bishop daily

www.somcmedia.com

Webytes for Ash Wednesday

2010-02-17T12:20:00.001-05:00

Food for Spirituality:

""When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites.

They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to

others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward."

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Mass Intentions Feb 17th

What is the Lord calling you to sacrifice this Lent??

Readings for Mass

First Reading: Joel 2:12-18
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17
Second Reading: Second Corinthians 5:20--6:2
Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

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Always say a prayer for your priest and bishop daily

www.somcmedia.com

No posts for February 15th

2010-02-14T22:55:00.003-05:00

Please be advised there will be no postings or updates Monday February 15th.
We will be closed for Family Day.

Webytes for February 12th 2010

2010-02-12T01:26:00.005-05:00

New Issue is in the works
February 25th 10

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Food for Spirituality:

“If only my people would hear me,
and Israel walk in my ways,
Quickly would I humble their enemies;
against their foes I would turn my hand.”

What is the Lord calling you to sacrifice this Lent??

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Mass Intentions Feb 12th:

That we will follow the calling the Lord has made.

Readings for Mass

First Reading: First Kings 11:29-32; 12:19
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 81:10-11, 12-13, 14-15
Gospel: Mark 7:31-37

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From the Balcone :

Homily for Day of the Sick

"As one whom his mother comforts, / so I will comfort you; / you shall be comforted in Jerusalem" (Isaiah 66:13). A maternity that speaks without words, which arouses consolation in hearts, a joy that paradoxically coexists with pain, with suffering. Like Mary, the Church bears within herself the tragedies of man, and the consolation of God, she keeps them together, in the course of her pilgrimage in history. Across the centuries, the Church shows the signs of the love of God, who continues to do great things in humble and simple people. Read more

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Words without borders

New section on our website in which we feature stories from our

readers. No matter where you are in the world send us your thoughts

Launching on February 25th with the upcoming Issue of Christus Veritas

Magazine.

wordswithborders@somcmedia.com

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Always Say a prayer for your priest and bishop daily

"Building relationships with the media through Christ"

www.somcmedia.com

Webytes for February 11th 2010

2010-02-11T00:10:00.005-05:00

New 40 Days for Life Podcast now available

Discussion with Nicole Campbell about the upcoming 40 Days for Life Toronto beginning on February 17th - March 28th 10 Please share this important and timely event with your loved ones.

Download Here!

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From the Balcone :

At a time of great economic growth, Anthony called for the cultivation of interior riches and sensitivity to the needs of the poor. Typical also of the Franciscan tradition is his stress on the contemplation of Christ in his humanity, particularly in the mysteries of the Nativity and the Crucifixion. Read more

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Food for Spirituality:

“They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons. And the LORD grew angry with his people, and abhorred his inheritance. ”

What is the Lord calling you to sacrifice this Lent??

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Mass Intentions Feb 11th

That we will not provoke the Lord to anger

Readings for Mass

First Reading: First Kings 11:4-13

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 106:3-4, 35-36, 37, 40

Gospel: Mark 7:24-30

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Words without borders

New section on our website in which we feature stories from our

readers. No matter where you are in the world send us your thoughts

Launching on February 25th with the upcoming Issue of Christus Veritas

Magazine.

wordswithborders@somcmedia.com

********************************************

Always Say a prayer for your priest and bishop daily

"Building relationships with the media through Christ"

www.somcmedia.com

Correction for email address

2010-02-10T00:27:00.001-05:00

Please note there was an error made in regards to our upcoming Words with out Borders Section.
We had originally posted the email address as wordswithoutborders@somcmedia.com
This address is incorrect. The correct address is wordswithborders@somcmedia.com
We apologize for the error.

Webytes for February 10th 2010

2010-02-09T23:41:00.003-05:00

Food for Spirituality:

“But what comes out of the man, that is what defiles him. From within the man, from his heart, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.”

What is the Lord calling you to sacrifice this Lent??

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Mass Intentions Feb 10th

For purity of heart

Readings for Mass

First Reading: First Kings 10:1-10

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 37:5-6, 30-31, 39-40

Gospel: Mark 7:14-23

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New podcast coming 2/11/10

Sit down with Tima and David Borges from the Familia Apostolate.

***************************

Words without borders

New section on our website in which we feature stories from our

readers. No matter where you are in the world send us your thoughts

Launching on February 25th with the upcoming Issue of Christus Veritas

Magazine.

wordswithoutborders@somcmedia.com

********************************************

Always Say a prayer for your priest and bishop daily

"Building relationships with the media through Christ"

www.somcmedia.com

Webytes for February 8th 2010

2010-02-08T07:41:00.002-05:00

Food for Spirituality:

"Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered,they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed."

What is the Lord calling you to sacrifice this Lent??

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Mass Intentions Feb 8th

For healing of the effects of our sins

Readings for Mass

First Reading: First Kings 8:1-7, 9-13

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 132:6-7, 8-10

Gospel: Mark 6:53-56

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If you haven't done so already please join our mailing

list on our website

*********************************

Always Say a prayer for your priest and bishop daily

"Building relationships with the media through Christ"

www.somcmedia.com

Webytes for February 5th 2010

2010-02-05T00:04:00.003-05:00

Food for Spirituality:

"“I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom.”
She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?”
Her mother replied, “The head of John the Baptist.”"

Have you started to think of Lent??

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Mass Intentions Feb 5th:

That we will give our life for the Lord

Readings for Mass

First Reading: Sirach 47:2-11

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 18:31, 47, 50, 51

Gospel: Mark 6:14-29

Today is first Friday

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If you haven't done so already please join our mailing

list on our website

*********************************

Always Say a prayer for your priest and bishop daily

"Building relationships with the media through Christ"

www.somcmedia.com

Statement from Archbishop Thomas Collins Re: G8 Proposal on Maternal & Child Health

2010-02-04T19:40:00.002-05:00

Statement from Archbishop Thomas Collins

Re: G8 Proposal on Maternal & Child Health

February 4, 2010

In light of the many positive contributions that Canada can
make to the improvement of maternal and child health, it is
astonishing that the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Michael
Ignatieff, has issued an official statement advocating
contraception and abortion as fundamental elements in
addressing this important issue.

There are many fruitful ways to improve maternal and child
health, and the discussion should centre on the most effective
strategies for doing this. We all await with keen interest the
tangible measures that the Prime Minister will propose.

Certainly the provision of clean water, the expansion of
immunization, and the assurance of a supply of adequate food
are among the ways in which the goal of improved health can
be attained.

Even those who think that abortion should be allowed do not,
however, propose it as a positive contribution to the good of society.

When there are so many obvious practical steps that can be
taken to promote maternal and child health throughout the world,
it is sad to see Mr. Ignatieff introduce into the discussion this
negative proposal, which in no way serves to improve the health
of mothers or children, but which rather imperils the most vulnerable
among us.

Papal Message for Lent 2010

2010-02-04T11:34:00.000-05:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Each year, on the occasion of Lent, the Church invites us to a sincere review of our life in light of the teachings of the Gospel. This year, I would like to offer you some reflections on the great theme of justice, beginning from the Pauline affirmation: "The justice of God has been manifested through faith in Jesus Christ" (cf. Rm 3, 21-22).

Justice: "dare cuique suum"

First of all, I want to consider the meaning of the term "justice," which in common usage implies "to render to every man his due," according to the famous expression of Ulpian, a Roman jurist of the third century. In reality, however, this classical definition does not specify what "due" is to be rendered to each person. What man needs most cannot be guaranteed to him by law. In order to live life to the full, something more intimate is necessary that can be granted only as a gift: we could say that man lives by that love which only God can communicate since He created the human person in His image and likeness. Material goods are certainly useful and required – indeed Jesus Himself was concerned to heal the sick, feed the crowds that followed Him and surely condemns the indifference that even today forces hundreds of millions into death through lack of food, water and medicine – yet "distributive" justice does not render to the human being the totality of his "due." Just as man needs bread, so does man have even more need of God. Saint Augustine notes: if "justice is that virtue which gives every one his due ... where, then, is the justice of man, when he deserts the true God?" (De civitate Dei, XIX, 21).

What is the Cause of Injustice?

The Evangelist Mark reports the following words of Jesus, which are inserted within the debate at that time regarding what is pure and impure: "There is nothing outside a man which by going into him can defile him; but the things which come out of a man are what defile him … What comes out of a man is what defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts" (Mk 7, 14-15, 20-21). Beyond the immediate question concerning food, we can detect in the reaction of the Pharisees a permanent temptation within man: to situate the origin of evil in an exterior cause. Many modern ideologies deep down have this presupposition: since injustice comes "from outside," in order for justice to reign, it is sufficient to remove the exterior causes that prevent it being achieved. This way of thinking – Jesus warns – is ingenuous and shortsighted. Injustice, the fruit of evil, does not have exclusively external roots; its origin lies in the human heart, where the seeds are found of a mysterious cooperation with evil. With bitterness the Psalmist recognises this: "Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me" (Ps 51,7). Indeed, man is weakened by an intense influence, which wounds his capacity to enter into communion with the other. By nature, he is open to sharing freely, but he finds in his being a strange force of gravity that makes him turn in and affirm himself above and against others: this is egoism, the result of original sin. Adam and Eve, seduced by Satan's lie, snatching the mysterious fruit against the divine command, replaced the logic of trusting in Love with that of suspicion and competition; the logic of receiving and trustfully expecting from the Other with anxiously seizing and doing on one's own (cf. Gn 3, 1-6), experiencing, as a consequence, a sense of disquiet and uncertainty. How can man free himself from this selfish influence and open himself to love?

Justice and Sedaqah

At the heart of the wisdom of Israel, we find a profound link between faith in God who "lifts the needy from the ash heap" (Ps 113,7) and justice towards one's neighbor. The Hebrew word itself that indicates the virtue of justice, sedaqah, expresses this well. Sedaqah, in fact, signifies on the one hand full acceptance of the will of the God of Israel; on the other hand, equity in relation to one's neighbour (cf. Ex 20, 12-17), especially the poor, the stranger, the orphan and the widow (cf. Dt 10, 18-19). But the two meanings are linked because giving to the poor for the Israelite is none other than restoring what is owed to God, who had pity on the misery of His people. It was not by chance that the gift to Moses of the tablets of the Law on Mount Sinai took place after the crossing of the Red Sea. Listening to the Law presupposes faith in God who first "heard the cry" of His people and "came down to deliver them out of hand of the Egyptians" (cf. Ex 3,8). God is attentive to the cry of the poor and in return asks to be listened to: He asks for justice towards the poor (cf. Sir 4,4-5, 8-9), the stranger (cf. Ex 22,20), the slave (cf. Dt 15, 12-18). In order to enter into justice, it is thus necessary to leave that illusion of self-sufficiency, the profound state of closure, which is the very origin of injustice. In other words, what is needed is an even deeper "exodus" than that accomplished by God with Moses, a liberation of the heart, which the Law on its own is powerless to realize. Does man have any hope of justice then?

Christ, the Justice of God

The Christian Good News responds positively to man's thirst for justice, as Saint Paul affirms in the Letter to the Romans: "But now the justice of God has been manifested apart from law … the justice of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction; since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, they are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as an expiation by his blood, to be received by faith" (3, 21-25). What then is the justice of Christ? Above all, it is the justice that comes from grace, where it is not man who makes amends, heals himself and others. The fact that "expiation" flows from the "blood" of Christ signifies that it is not man's sacrifices that free him from the weight of his faults, but the loving act of God who opens Himself in the extreme, even to the point of bearing in Himself the "curse" due to man so as to give in return the "blessing" due to God (cf. Gal 3, 13-14). But this raises an immediate objection: what kind of justice is this where the just man dies for the guilty and the guilty receives in return the blessing due to the just one? Would this not mean that each one receives the contrary of his "due"? In reality, here we discover divine justice, which is so profoundly different from its human counterpart. God has paid for us the price of the exchange in His Son, a price that is truly exorbitant. Before the justice of the Cross, man may rebel for this reveals how man is not a self-sufficient being, but in need of Another in order to realize himself fully. Conversion to Christ, believing in the Gospel, ultimately means this: to exit the illusion of self-sufficiency in order to discover and accept one's own need – the need of others and God, the need of His forgiveness and His friendship. So we understand how faith is altogether different from a natural, good-feeling, obvious fact: humility is required to accept that I need Another to free me from "what is mine," to give me gratuitously "what is His." This happens especially in the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. Thanks to Christ's action, we may enter into the "greatest" justice, which is that of love (cf. Rm 13, 8-10), the justice that recognises itself in every case more a debtor than a creditor, because it has received more than could ever have been expected. Strengthened by this very experience, the Christian is moved to contribute to creating just societies, where all receive what is necessary to live according to the dignity proper to the human person and where justice is enlivened by love.

Dear brothers and sisters, Lent culminates in the Paschal Triduum, in which this year, too, we shall celebrate divine justice – the fullness of charity, gift, salvation. May this penitential season be for every Christian a time of authentic conversion and intense knowledge of the mystery of Christ, who came to fulfill every justice. With these sentiments, I cordially impart to all of you my Apostolic Blessing.

From the Vatican, 30 October 2009

BENEDICTUS PP. XVI

Webytes for February 4th 2010

2010-02-03T22:43:00.003-05:00

Food for Spirituality:

"“Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there.
Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.”"

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Mass Intentions Feb 4th

That we stand strong in the face of persecution

Readings for Mass

First Reading: First Kings 2:1-4, 10-12

Responsorial Psalm: First Chronicles 29:10, 11, 11-12, 12

Gospel: Mark 6:7-13

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From the Balcone :

Papal Audience Feb 3rd - He was entrusted with the task of refuting the heresy of the Albigensians, who denied the incarnation of Christ, the resurrection of the body and the value of marriage and the sacraments. read more

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Two need podcasts now available :

Father Stan visits Toronto to promote his new book "U Got to Love" Part 1

Father Stan visits Toronto to promote his new book "U Got to Love" Part 2

Always Say a prayer for your priest and bishop daily

"Building relationships with the media through Christ"

www.somcmedia.com

Webytes for February 2nd 2010

2010-02-01T23:33:00.002-05:00

Food for Spirituality:

For he is like the refiner’s fire,
or like the fuller’s lye.
He will sit refining and purifying silver,
and he will purify the sons of Levi,
Refining them like gold or like silver
that they may offer due sacrifice to the Lord.

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Mass Intentions Feb 2nd:

Offering our Children to the Lord

Today is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Candlemass)

Readings for Mass

First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 24:7, 8, 9, 10
Second Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18
Gospel: Luke 2:22-40 or 2:22-32

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From the Balcone :

Pope Benedict's Address to the Bishops of England and Wales

In a social milieu that encourages the expression of a variety of opinions on every question that arises, it is important to recognize dissent for what it is, and not to mistake it for a mature contribution to a balanced and wide-ranging debate. It is the truth revealed through Scripture and Tradition and articulated by the Church’s Magisterium that sets us free. Cardinal Newman realized this, and he left us an outstanding example of faithfulness to revealed truth by following that "kindly light" wherever it led him, even at considerable personal cost. Read More

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Fr Stan Fortuna visit to Toronto - Feb 2nd

Look for the audio posting of his talk

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Always Say a prayer for your priest and bishop daily

"Building relationships with the media through Christ"

www.somcmedia.com

Webytes for February 1st 2010

2010-02-01T00:15:00.005-05:00

Food for Spirituality:

He asked him, “What is your name?”
He replied, “Legion is my name. There are many of us.”
And he pleaded earnestly with him
not to drive them away from that territory.

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Mass Intentions Feb 1st

That we will remain in the state of grace so that we may resist the snares of the Devil

Readings for Mass

First Reading: Second Samuel 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 3:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

Gospel: Mark 5:1-20

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Fr Stan Fortuna visit to Toronto - Feb 2nd

Look for the audio posting of his talk

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From the Balcone :

Papal Address Jan 31st

In Jesus Christ these two aspects form a perfect unity: He is Love incarnate. This love is fully revealed to us in Christ crucified. Fixing our gaze upon him, we can confess with the Apostle John: “We have seen the love that God has for us and we have believed in it” (cf. 1 John 4:16; “Deus Caritas Est,” 1). Read more

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Always Say a prayer for your priest and bishop daily

"Building relationships with the media through Christ"

www.somcmedia.com

Mass for World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life

2010-01-31T19:23:00.003-05:00

Today Archbishop Collins celebrated a Special Mass
for the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life

Consecrated Religious Priests and Nuns attended from across
Toronto. Lookout for our coverage of this event.

Webytes for January 31st 2010

2010-01-30T17:48:00.002-05:00

Food for Spirituality:

"Love never fails. If there are prophecies, they will be brought to nothing; if tongues, they will cease;

if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing."

Readings for Mass

First Reading: Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 71:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15-17
Second Reading: First Corinthians 12:31--13:13 or 13:4-13
Gospel: Luke 4:21-30

Mass Intentions January 30th 2010:

For Charismatic people that they will always remain Eucharist centered.

From the Balcone:

We Must From Now on Give a Common Witness

Each one of us is called to make his or her contribution towards the completion of those steps that lead to full communion among the disciples of Christ, without ever forgetting that this unity is above all a gift from God to be constantly invoked.read more

Always Say a prayer for your priest and bishop daily

www.somcmedia.com

Webytes for January 30th 2010

2010-01-29T23:56:00.003-05:00

Food for Spirituality:

"Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?"

Readings for Mass

First Reading: Second Samuel 12:1-7, 10-17
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 51:12-13, 14-15, 16-17
Gospel: Mark 4:35-41

Mass Intentions January 30th 2010:

That Christians will come to the Faith

Our Editorial Calendar for 2010 is now available

Always Say a prayer for your priest and bishop daily

www.somcmedia.com

"The Prince of This World and the Evangelization of Culture"

2010-01-28T12:32:00.001-05:00

Here is the address Archbishop Charles Chaput delivered today at the Fifth Symposium Rome: Priests and Laity on Mission, which ends today.

The Emmanuel Community and the Pierre Goursat University Institute organized the three-day congress, in collaboration with the Pontifical Institute Redemptor Hominis.

The archbishop's address is titled "The Prince of This World and the Evangelization of Culture."

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Life as a bishop -- or at least the life of this bishop -- does not leave much time to spend on poetry. But a few years ago a friend loaned me a volume of Rainer Maria Rilke, and of course, Rilke's work can be quite beautiful. In it, I found some lines of his verse that might help us begin our discussion today:

Slowly now the evening changes his garments
held for him by a rim of ancient trees;
you gaze: and the landscape divides and leaves you
one sinking and one rising toward the stars.

And you are left, to none belonging wholly,
not so dark as a silent house, nor quite
so surely pledged unto eternity
as that which grows to star and climbs the night.

To you is left (unspeakably confused)
your life, gigantic, ripening, full of fears,
so that it, now hemmed in, now grasping all,
is changed in you by turns to stone and stars.

Philosophers and psychologists have offered a lot of different theories about the nature of the human person. But few have captured the human condition better than Rilke does in those 12 lines. We are creatures made for heaven; but we are born of this earth. We love the beauty of this world; but we sense there is something more behind that beauty. Our longing for that "something" pulls us outside of ourselves.

Striving for "something more" is part of the greatness of the human spirit, even when it involves failure and suffering. In the words of Venerable John Paul II, something in the artist, and by extension in all human beings, "mirrors the image of God as Creator." We have an instinct to create beauty and new life that comes from our own Creator. Yet we live in a time when, despite all of our achievements, the brutality and indifference of the world have never been greater. The truth is that cruelty is also the work of human hands. So if we are troubled by the spirit of our age, if we really want to change the current course of our culture and challenge its guiding ideas – and this is the theme of our session here today -- then we need to start with the author of that culture. That means examining man himself.

Culture exists because man exists. Men and women think, imagine, believe and act. The mark they leave on the world is what we call culture. In a sense, that includes everything from work habits and cuisine to social manners and politics. But I want to focus in a special way on those elements of culture that we consciously choose to create; things like art, literature, technology, music and architecture. These things are what most people think of when they first hear the word "culture." And that makes sense, because all of them have to do with communicating knowledge that is both useful and beautiful. The task of an architect, for example, is to translate abstract engineering problems into visible, pleasing form; in other words, to turn disorder into order, and mathematical complexity into a public expression of strength and elegance. We are social animals. Culture is the framework within which we locate ourselves in relationship to other people, find meaning in the world and then transmit meaning to others.

In his 1999 Letter to Artists, John Paul II wrote that "beauty is the visible form of the good, just as the good is the metaphysical condition of beauty." There is "an ethic, even a 'spirituality' of artistic service which contributes [to] the life and renewal of a people," because "every genuine art form, in its own way, is a path to the inmost reality of man and of the world."

He went on the say that "true art has a close affinity with the world of faith, so that even in situations where culture and the Church are far apart, art remains a kind of bridge to religious experience . . . Art by its nature is a kind of appeal to the mystery. Even when they explore the darkest depths of the soul or the most unsettling aspects of evil, artists give voice [to] the universal desire for redemption."

Christianity is an incarnational religion. We believe that God became man. This has huge implications for how we live, and how we think about culture. God creates the world in Genesis. He judges it as "very good" (Gen 1:31). Later he enters the world to redeem it in the flesh and blood of his son (Jn 1:14). In effect, God licenses us to know, love and ennoble the world through the work of human genius. Our creativity as creatures is an echo of God's own creative glory. When God tells our first parents, "be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it" (Gen 1:28), he invites us to take part, in a small but powerful way, in the life of God himself.

The results of that fertility surround us. We see it in the great Christian heritage that still underpins the modern world. Anyone with an honest heart will grant that the Christian faith has inspired much of the greatest painting, music, architecture and scholarship in human experience. For Christians, art is a holy vocation with the power to elevate the human spirit and lead men and women toward God.

Having said all this, we still face a problem. And here it is: God has never been more absent from the Western mind than he is today. Additionally, we live in an age when almost every scientific advance seems to be matched by some increase of cruelty in our entertainment, cynicism in our politics, ignorance of the past, consumer greed, little genocides posing as "rights" like the cult of abortion, and a basic confusion about what – if anything at all – it means to be "human."

Science and technology give us power. Philosophers like Feuerbach and Nietzsche give us the language to deny God. The result, in the words of Henri De Lubac, is not atheism, but an anti-theism built on resentment. In destroying God, man sees himself as "overthrowing an obstacle in order to gain his freedom." The Christian understanding of human dignity claims that we are made in the image and likeness of God. Thomas Aquinas – whose feast we celebrate tomorrow – said that "In this [likeness to God] is man's greatness, in this is man's worth, in this he excels every creature." But this grounding in God is exactly what the modern spirit rejects.

Of course, most people have never read Nietzsche. Nor will they. Few have even heard of Feuerbach. But they do experience the benefits of science and technology every day. And they do live inside a cocoon of marketing that constantly strokes their appetites, makes death seem remote, and pushes questions about meaning and morality down into matters of private opinion. The result is this. While many people in the developed world still claim to be religious, their faith – in the words of the Pontifical Council for Culture – is "often more a question of religious feeling than a demanding commitment to God." Religion becomes a kind of insurance policy for eternity. Too often, it is little more than a convenient moral language for daily life. And what is worse is that many people no longer have the skills, or even the desire, to understand their circumstances, or to think their way out of the cocoon.

Part of what blocks a serious awareness and rethinking of our current culture is the "knowledge economy" we have created. In its 1999 statement Towards a Pastoral Approach to Culture, the Pontifical Council for Culture saw that the constant flow of "information provided by [today's] mass media . . . affects the way things are perceived: What people come to know is not reality as such, but what they are shown. [The] constant repetition of selected items of information involves a decline in critical awareness, and this is a crucial factor in forming what is considered public opinion." It also causes "a loss of intrinsic value [in the specific] items of information, an undifferentiated uniformity in messages which are reduced to pure information, a lack of responsible feedback, and a . . . discouragement of interpersonal relationships." This is all true. Much of modern technology isolates people as often as it brings them together. It attacks community as easily as it builds it up. It also forms the human mind in habits of thought and expression that are very different from traditional culture based on the printed word. And that has implications both for the Word of God and for the Church.

There is one other important point here that even strong religious believers often find hard to talk about. Let me explain it this way.

Referring to artists, John Paul II said that, "In shaping a masterpiece, the artist not only summons his work into being, but also . . . reveals his own personality by means of it." In other words, "works of art speak of their authors; they enable us to know their inner life." This is quite normal. But it also poses a danger. A key temptation of our age is the will to power. It is most obvious in our politics and science; in the constant erosion of our respect for the weak, the infirm, the unborn and the disabled. But the impulse to pride -- that hunger to smash taboos and inflate the self – appeals most naturally to artists and other creators of high culture. Genius breeds vanity. And vanity breeds conflict and suffering. The vanity of creative genius has a pedigree that leads back a very long way; all the way back to the very first non serviam from Satan himself.

It is very odd that in the wake of the bloodiest century in history – a century when tens of millions of human beings were shot, starved, gassed and incinerated with superhuman ingenuity – even many religious leaders are embarrassed to talk about the devil. In fact, it is more than odd. It is revealing. Mass murder and exquisitely organized cruelty are not just really big "mental health" problems. They are sins that cry out to heaven for justice, and they carry the fingerprints of an Intelligence who is personal, gifted, calculating and powerful. The devil is only unbelievable if we imagine him as the black monster of medieval paintings, or think The Inferno is intended as a literal road map to hell. Satan was very real for Jesus. He was very real for Paul and the other great saints throughout history. And he is profoundly formidable. If we want a sense of the grandeur of the Fallen Angel before he fell, the violated genius of who Satan really is, we can take a hint from the Rilke poem The Angels:

. . . when they spread their wings
they waken a great wind through the land:
as though with his broad sculptor-hands
God was turning
the leaves of the dark book of the Beginning.

This is the kind of Being – once glorious, but then consumed by his own pride -- who is now the Enemy of humanity. This is the Pure Spirit who betrayed his own greatness. This is the Intellect who hates the Incarnation because through it, God invites creatures of clay like you and me to take part in God's own divinity. There is nothing sympathetic about Satan; only tragedy and loss and enduring, brilliant anger.

In 1929, as the great totalitarian murder-regimes began to rise up in Europe, the philosopher Raissa Maritain wrote a forgotten little essay called The Prince of This World. It is worth reading. We need to remember her words today and into the future. With no trace of irony or metaphor, Maritain argued:

"Lucifer has cast the strong though invisible net of illusion upon us. He makes one love the passing moment above eternity, uncertainty above truth. He persuades us that we can only love creatures by making Gods of them. He lulls us to sleep (and he interprets our dreams); he makes us work. Then does the spirit of man brood over stagnant waters. Not the least of the devil's victories is to have convinced artists and poets that he is their necessary, inevitable collaborator and the guardian of their greatness. Grant him that, and soon you will grant him that Christianity is unpracticable. Thus does he reign in this world."

If we do not believe in the devil, sooner or later we will not believe in God. We cannot cut Lucifer out of the ecology of salvation. Satan is not God's equal. He is a created being subject to God and already, by the measure of eternity, defeated. Nonetheless, he is the first author of pride and rebellion, and the great seducer of man. Without him the Incarnation and Redemption do not make sense, and the cross is meaningless. Satan is real. There is no way around this simple truth.

Let me underline that even more strongly. Leszek Kolakowski, the former Marxist philosopher who died just last year, was one of the great minds of the last century. He was never a religious person in the traditional sense. But Kolakowski had few doubts about the reality of the devil. In his essay Short Transcript of a Metaphysical Press Conference Given by the Demon in Warsaw, on 20th December 1963, Kolakowski's devil indicts all of us who call ourselves "modern" Christians with the following words:

"Where is there a place [in your thinking] for the fallen angel? . . . Is Satan only a rhetorical figure? . . . Or else, gentlemen, is he a reality, undeniable, recognized by tradition, revealed in the Scriptures, commented upon by the Church for two millennia, tangible and acute? Why do you avoid me, gentlemen? Are you afraid that the skeptics will mock you, that you will be laughed at in satirical late night reviews? Since when is the faith affected by the jeers of heathens and heretics? What road are you taking? If you forsake the foundations of the faith for fear of mockery, where will you end? If the devil falls victim to your fear [of embarrassment] today, God's turn must inevitably come tomorrow. Gentlemen, you have been ensnared by the idol of modernity, which fears ultimate matters and hides from you their importance. I don't mention it for my own benefit – it is nothing to me – I am talking about you and for you, forgetting for a moment my own vocation, and even my duty to propagate error."

We live in an age that imagines itself as post-modern and post-Christian. It is a time defined by noise, urgency, action, utility and a hunger for practical results. But there is nothing really new about any of this. I think St. Paul would find our age rather familiar. For all of the rhetoric about "hope and change" in our politics, our urgencies hide a deep unease about the future; a kind of well-manicured selfishness and despair. The world around us has a hole in its heart, and the emptiness hurts. Only God can fill it. In our baptism, God called each of us in this room today to be his agents in that work. Like St. Paul, we need to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only" (Jas 1:22). We prove what we really believe by our willingness, or our refusal, to act on what we claim to believe.

But when we talk about a theme like today's topic – "Priests and laity together, changing and challenging the culture" – we need to remember that what we do, proceeds from who we are. Nothing is more dead than faith without works (Jas 2:17); except maybe one thing: works without faith. I do not think Paul had management issues in his head when he preached at the Areopagus. Management and resources are important – but the really essential questions, the questions that determine everything else in our life as Christians, are these: Do I really know God? Do I really love him? Do I seek him out? Do I study his word? Do I listen for his voice? Do I give my heart to him? Do I really believe he's there?

For more than 30 years, first as a bishop and now as the successor to St. Peter, Benedict XVI has spoken often and very forcefully about the "culture of relativism" that guides today's developed world, breaks down human community and intimacy, and drains the meaning out of human activity. That culture flows out of the "new Areopagus" John Paul II described in Redemptoris Missio – a culture formed by radically new technologies and methods of communication; a culture with a power that reshapes how we think, what we think about, and how we organize our personal and social lives.

We have an obligation as Catholics to study and understand the world around us. We have a duty not just to penetrate and engage it, but to convert it to Jesus Christ. That work belongs to all of us equally: clergy, laity and religious. We are missionaries. That is our primary vocation; it is hardwired into our identity as Christians. God calls each of us to different forms of service in his Church. But we are all equal in baptism. And we all share the same mission of bringing the Gospel to the world, and bringing the world to the Gospel.

And yet, Kolakowski's devil was right. The fundamental crisis of our time, and the special crisis of today's Christians, has nothing to do with technology, or numbers, or organization, or resources. It is a crisis of faith. Do we believe in God or not? Are we on fire with a love for Jesus Christ, or not? Because if we are not, nothing else matters. If we are, then everything we need in order to do God's work will follow, because he never abandons his people.

I began this talk today with the words of a poet, so I will end with the words of another poet. You may not have heard of him here in Italy. His name was Dante Alighieri, and he wrote an interesting little work called The Divine Comedy. He ends the Paradiso and the entire Comedy with these words: "The Love which moves the sun and the other stars."

The Love which moves the sun and the other stars. That is the nature of the God we preach. A God so great in glory, heat, light and majesty that he can populate the heavens and call life out of dead space; yet so intimate that he became one of us; so humble that he entered our world on dirt and straw to redeem us. I think we can be forgiven for sometimes running away from that kind of love, like a child who runs away from a parent, because we simply cannot understand or compete with that ocean of unselfishness. It is only when we give ourselves to God that we understand, finally, that we were made to do exactly that. Our hearts are restless until they rest in him. We should not be afraid to believe and to love; it took even a great saint like Augustine half a lifetime to be able to admit, that "late have I loved thee, Beauty so old and so new; late have I loved thee."

God calls us to leave here today and make disciples of all nations. But he calls us first to love him. If we do that, and do it zealously, with all our hearts – the rest will follow.

Webytes for January 26th 2010

2010-01-25T22:46:00.000-05:00

Food for Spirituality:

"“Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking around at those seated in the circle he said,
“Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” "

Readings for Mass

First Reading: Second Samuel 6:12-15, 17-19

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 24:7, 8, 9, 10

Mass Intentions January 26th 2010

For Christians to do the will of God

Always Say a prayer for your priest and bishop daily

www.somcmedia.com

Gospel: Mark 3:31-35

Message For the 44th World Communications Day

2010-01-25T22:42:00.001-05:00

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS
POPE BENEDICT XVI
FOR THE 44th WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY

"The Priest and Pastoral Ministry in a Digital World:
New Media at the Service of the Word"

[Sunday, 16 May 2010]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The theme of this year’s World Communications Day - The Priest and Pastoral Ministry in a Digital World: New Media at the Service of the Word – is meant to coincide with the Church’s celebration of the Year for Priests. It focuses attention on the important and sensitive pastoral area of digital communications, in which priests can discover new possibilities for carrying out their ministry to and for the Word of God. Church communities have always used the modern media for fostering communication, engagement with society, and, increasingly, for encouraging dialogue at a wider level. Yet the recent, explosive growth and greater social impact of these media make them all the more important for a fruitful priestly ministry.

All priests have as their primary duty the proclamation of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Word of God, and the communication of his saving grace in the sacraments. Gathered and called by the Word, the Church is the sign and instrument of the communion that God creates with all people, and every priest is called to build up this communion, in Christ and with Christ. Such is the lofty dignity and beauty of the mission of the priest, which responds in a special way to the challenge raised by the Apostle Paul: “The Scripture says, ‘No one who believes in him will be put to shame … everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are sent? (Rom 10:11, 13-15).

Responding adequately to this challenge amid today’s cultural shifts, to which young people are especially sensitive, necessarily involves using new communications technologies. The world of digital communication, with its almost limitless expressive capacity, makes us appreciate all the more Saint Paul’s exclamation: “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel” (1 Cor 9:16) The increased availability of the new technologies demands greater responsibility on the part of those called to proclaim the Word, but it also requires them to become become more focused, efficient and compelling in their efforts. Priests stand at the threshold of a new era: as new technologies create deeper forms of relationship across greater distances, they are called to respond pastorally by putting the media ever more effectively at the service of the Word.

The spread of multimedia communications and its rich “menu of options” might make us think it sufficient simply to be present on the Web, or to see it only as a space to be filled. Yet priests can rightly be expected to be present in the world of digital communications as faithful witnesses to the Gospel, exercising their proper role as leaders of communities which increasingly express themselves with the different “voices” provided by the digital marketplace. Priests are thus challenged to proclaim the Gospel by employing the latest generation of audiovisual resources (images, videos, animated features, blogs, websites) which, alongside traditional means, can open up broad new vistas for dialogue, evangelization and catechesis.

Using new communication technologies, priests can introduce people to the life of the Church and help our contemporaries to discover the face of Christ. They will best achieve this aim if they learn, from the time of their formation, how to use these technologies in a competent and appropriate way, shaped by sound theological insights and reflecting a strong priestly spirituality grounded in constant dialogue with the Lord. Yet priests present in the world of digital communications should be less notable for their media savvy than for their priestly heart, their closeness to Christ. This will not only enliven their pastoral outreach, but also will give a “soul” to the fabric of communications that makes up the “Web”.

God’s loving care for all people in Christ must be expressed in the digital world not simply as an artifact from the past, or a learned theory, but as something concrete, present and engaging. Our pastoral presence in that world must thus serve to show our contemporaries, especially the many people in our day who experience uncertainty and confusion, “that God is near; that in Christ we all belong to one another” (Benedict XVI, Address to the Roman Curia, 21 December 2009).

Who better than a priest, as a man of God, can develop and put into practice, by his competence in current digital technology, a pastoral outreach capable of making God concretely present in today’s world and presenting the religious wisdom of the past as a treasure which can inspire our efforts to live in the present with dignity while building a better future? Consecrated men and women working in the media have a special responsibility for opening the door to new forms of encounter, maintaining the quality of human interaction, and showing concern for individuals and their genuine spiritual needs. They can thus help the men and women of our digital age to sense the Lord’s presence, to grow in expectation and hope, and to draw near to the Word of God which offers salvation and fosters an integral human development. In this way the Word can traverse the many crossroads created by the intersection of all the different “highways” that form “cyberspace”, and show that God has his rightful place in every age, including our own. Thanks to the new communications media, the Lord can walk the streets of our cities and, stopping before the threshold of our homes and our hearts, say once more: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me” (Rev 3:20).

In my Message last year, I encouraged leaders in the world of communications to promote a culture of respect for the dignity and value of the human person. This is one of the ways in which the Church is called to exercise a “diaconia of culture” on today’s “digital continent”. With the Gospels in our hands and in our hearts, we must reaffirm the need to continue preparing ways that lead to the Word of God, while being at the same time constantly attentive to those who continue to seek; indeed, we should encourage their seeking as a first step of evangelization. A pastoral presence in the world of digital communications, precisely because it brings us into contact with the followers of other religions, non-believers and people of every culture, requires sensitivity to those who do not believe, the disheartened and those who have a deep, unarticulated desire for enduring truth and the absolute. Just as the prophet Isaiah envisioned a house of prayer for all peoples (cf. Is 56:7), can we not see the web as also offering a space – like the “Court of the Gentiles” of the Temple of Jerusalem – for those who have not yet come to know God?

The development of the new technologies and the larger digital world represents a great resource for humanity as a whole and for every individual, and it can act as a stimulus to encounter and dialogue. But this development likewise represents a great opportunity for believers. No door can or should be closed to those who, in the name of the risen Christ, are committed to drawing near to others. To priests in particular the new media offer ever new and far-reaching pastoral possibilities, encouraging them to embody the universality of the Church’s mission, to build a vast and real fellowship, and to testify in today’s world to the new life which comes from hearing the Gospel of Jesus, the eternal Son who came among us for our salvation. At the same time, priests must always bear in mind that the ultimate fruitfulness of their ministry comes from Christ himself, encountered and listened to in prayer; proclaimed in preaching and lived witness; and known, loved and celebrated in the sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation.

To my dear brother priests, then, I renew the invitation to make astute use of the unique possibilities offered by modern communications. May the Lord make all of you enthusiastic heralds of the Gospel in the new “agorà” which the current media are opening up.

With this confidence, I invoke upon you the protection of the Mother of God and of the Holy Curè of Ars and, with affection, I impart to each of you my Apostolic Blessing.

From the Vatican, 24 January 2010, Feast of Saint Francis de Sales.

BENEDICTUS XVI

Webytes for January 25th 2010

2010-01-24T23:10:00.002-05:00

Visit our Special Website

Day 8

Theme: Witness through hospitality
Text: Have you anything here to eat? (Luke 24:41)
Gen 18:1-8
Psalm 146
Romans 14:17-19
Luke 24:41-48

Food for Spirituality:

"“Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.."

Readings for Mass

First Reading: Acts 22:3-16, or Acts 9:1-22

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 117:1, 2

Gospel: Mark 16:15-18

Mass Intentions January 24th 2010

For Christian Unity

For the Haitian people.

New That's It Podcast with Fr. Matthew Habiger Part 3

Father Stan Fortuna visited
The Daughters of St Paul's Book Store
yesterday to discuss his new book
" U Got to Love"

Look for our upcoming podcast of his talk

Video footage from the Event is available on our Somc Media Youtube page

Webytes for January 24th 2010

2010-01-23T23:39:00.005-05:00

Visit our Special Website

Day 7

Theme: Witness through hope and trust
Text: Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? (Luke 24:38)
Job 19:23-27
Psalm 63
Acts 3:1-10
Luke 24:36-40

Food for Spirituality:

"Brothers and sisters: As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit. Now the body is not a single part, but many. You are Christ’s body, and individually parts of it."

Mass Intentions January 24th 2010

For Christian Unity

For the Haitian people.

New That's It Podcast with Fr. Matthew Habiger Part 3

Appeal to the Pastors and Faithful of the Catholic Church in Canada

Rosary Novena for Haiti

We will offer a Rosary Novena Jan 16th - 24 daily at 9 PM Eastern Time
Please offer your Mass on Jan 24th for the people of Haiti.

Novena

We offer this Rosary Novena for the people of Haiti. Lord we ask you to comfort all those who have been affected by this earthquake. Lord in your Mercy welcome into your loving arms all those who have died. We ask you to protect the survivors and watch over the people of Haiti that they may rebuild in solidarity and peace. Strengthen the people of Haiti as they struggle to find the courage and faith to face the horror of the destruction which has wrought this nation. We pray that the neccessary food and medical supplies will reach them in a time and ordinarily manner.

We will offer the sorrowful mysteries to join ourselves in the pain and suffering that many of the people of Haiti are now experiencing.

Coming Soon:

Father Stan Fortuna visited
The Daughters of St Paul's Book Store
today to discuss his new book
" U Got to Love"

Look for our upcoming podcast of his talk
as well video footage which will be
posted on our Somc Media Youtube page

Always Say a prayer for your priest and bishop daily

www.somcmedia.com

Webytes for January 22nd 2010

2010-01-22T08:10:00.000-05:00

Visit our Special Website

Day 5

Theme: Witness through suffering
Text: Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory? (Luke 24:26)
Isaiah 50:5-9
Psalm 124
Romans 8:35-39
Luke 24:25-27

Food for Spirituality:

"He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles,
that they might be with him and he might send them forth to
preach and to have authority to drive out demons:"

Readings for Mass

First Reading: First Samuel 24:3-21
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 57:2, 3-4, 6, 11
Gospel: Mark 3:13-19

Mass Intentions January 22nd 2010

For Christian Unity
For the Haitian people.

Appeal to the Pastors and Faithful of the Catholic Church in Canada

Rosary Novena for Haiti

We will offer a Rosary Novena Jan 16th - 24 daily at 9 PM Eastern Time
Please offer your Mass on Jan 24th for the people of Haiti.

Novena

We will offer the sorrowful mysteries to join ourselves in the pain and suffering that many of the people of Haiti are now experiencing.

From the Balcone :

Papal Audience for Jan 20th 10 :

Today’s increasingly secularized society urgently requires a united witness to Jesus Christ grounded in a common profession of faith, as well as fraternal cooperation between separated Christians, dialogue and deeper reflection on the points of continuing divergence.read more

Always Say a prayer for your priest and bishop daily

www.somcmedia.com

Webytes for January 20th 2010

2010-01-19T22:00:00.001-05:00

Appeal to the Pastors and Faithful of the Catholic Church in Canada

Rosary Novena for Haiti

We will offer a Rosary Novena Jan 16th - 24 daily at 9 PM Eastern Time
Please offer your Mass on Jan 24th for the people of Haiti.

Novena

We will offer the sorrowful mysteries to join ourselves in the pain and suffering that many of the people of Haiti are now experiencing.

Food for Spirituality:

"“Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil,
to save life rather than to destroy it?”"

Readings for Mass

First Reading: First Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 144:1, 2, 9-10

Gospel: Mark 3:1-6

Mass Intentions January 19th 2010

For Christian Unity

For the Haitian people.

Today is the Memorial of St. Fabian and St. Sebastian

Visit our Special Website

Day 3

Theme: Witness through awareness
Text: Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days? (Luke 24:18)
1 Samuel 3:1-10
Psalm 23
Acts 8:26-40
Luke 24:13-19a

From the Balcone :

Synod of Byshops: Special Assembly for the Middle East - Lineamenta "The Catholic Church in the Middle East: Communion and Witness. 'Now the company of those who believed were of one heart and soul' (Acts 4, 32)" (December 8, 2009) [Arabic, English, French, Italian]

The Vatican on Youtube

Always Say a prayer for your priest and bishop daily

www.somcmedia.com

Webytes for January 19th 2010

2010-01-19T00:01:00.000-05:00

We will offer the sorrowful mysteries to join ourselves in the pain and suffering that many of the people of Haiti are now experiencing.

Food for Spirituality:

"“The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath.
That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.”"

Readings for Mass
First Reading: First Samuel 16:1-13
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 89:20, 21-22, 27-28
Gospel: Mark 2:23-28

Mass Intentions January 19th 2010

For Christian Unity
For the Haitian people.

Visit our Special Website

Day 2

Theme: Witness through sharing stories
Text: What are you discussing with each other while you walk along? (Luke 24:17)
Jeremiah 1:4-8
Psalm 98
Acts 14:21-23
Luke 24:13-17a

PAPAL VISIT TO THE SYNAGOGUE OF ROME - Read the address at the Vatican Website

More Texts can be found on Zenit

http://zenit.org/article-28079?l=english

http://zenit.org/article-28078?l=english

http://zenit.org/article-28077?l=english

http://zenit.org/article-28076?l=english

Always Say a prayer for your priest and bishop daily

www.somcmedia.com

Webytes for January 18th 2010

2010-01-17T22:59:00.000-05:00

We will offer the sorrowful mysteries to join ourselves in the pain and suffering that many of the people of Haiti are now experiencing.

Day 1

Theme: Witness through celebrating life
Text: Why do you look for the living among the dead? (Luke 24:1-5)
Genesis 1:1, 26-31
Psalm 104:1-24
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Luke 24:1-5

Food for Spirituality:

"“Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?”"

Readings for Mass

First Reading: First Samuel 15:16-23
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23
Gospel: Mark 2:18-22

Mass Intentions January 18th 2010

For Christian Unity

For the Haitian people.

Part Two of Three Discussion with Fr. Matthew Habiger from Natural Family Planning Outreach.

Always Say a prayer for your priest and bishop daily

www.somcmedia.com

Message from the CCCB For the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

2010-01-17T22:44:00.000-05:00

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

13 January 2010

(CCCB)…The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will be celebrated in Catholic parishes across Canada from 24 to 31 January, 2010.

Inaugurated in 1908 at the initiative of Rev. Paul Wattson, an Episcopalian priest of the United States who would later join the Catholic Church, the event is celebrated all around the world.

The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, in collaboration with the World Council of Churches, offers a resource for celebrating the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity that includes readings and prayers for each of the eight days of the week inspired by the theme, "You are witnesses of these things” (Luke 24:48).

This year’s theme was chosen by the Churches of Scotland to mark the hundredth anniversary of the 1910 Edinburgh Mission Conference on the theme “Witnessing to Christ Today”, an event largely hailed as the origin of modern ecumenism. “Divisions between Christians,” the gathered missionaries had noted, “not only weaken missionary effectiveness, but the Church and body of Christ and its mission.”

During the 2010 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, the faithful of the Universal Church are instructed by the resource guide to revisit the Mission Conference’s theme and to reflect on the “appreciation of the resurrection of Christ as the source of ecclesial communion, of being sent out in mission, of the intrinsic link between mission and unity and, therefore, of the continual need to renew our commitment to Christian unity.”

The faithful are also invited to pray for unity among Christians during the course of the Week and year round.

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops is the national assembly of Catholic Bishops who have pastoral responsibility for 12.8 million Catholics across the country. The Conference provides ways for assisting the Bishops of Canada in their common pastoral responsibilities in different areas such as doctrine, ecumenical and interfaith relations, justice and peace issues, liturgy and catechesis. For further information visit: www.cccb.ca

Useful Links

New That's It Podcast with Fr. Matthew Habiger Part 2

2010-01-17T11:00:00.000-05:00

Raw Discussions with various Catholics - Podcasts, Videocasts, Blogs!! If it Catholic That's It!

Part Two of Three Discussion with Fr. Matthew Habiger from Natural Family Planning Outreach.
Allan Cruz, and Daniel Blodgett sit down to discuss issues surrounding the Family in Society and the Church, Humane Vitae, Feminism and its impact on the modern Family plus much more. Part 2/3

Fr. Matthew Habiger from NFP Outreach Part 2 - That's It Download link
Fr. Matthew Habiger from Natural Family Planning Outreach Pt 1

Direct download link: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 - Coming Soon

Webytes for January 17th 2010

2010-01-16T22:09:00.003-05:00

Message from CCCB President Bishop Pierre Morissette, announcing an emergency joint campaign by the CCCB and the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace in order to respond to the urgent situation in Haiti.

Appeal to the Pastors and Faithful of the Catholic Church in Canada

The impact on the people of Haiti is enormous, following the massive 12 January 2010 earthquake centring on the region of its capital, Port-au-Prince. Although reliable estimates on the human casualties are not yet available, reports indicate that much of the city is in rubble, thousands are feared dead, and hundreds of thousands left homeless. Three million people are in need of disaster relief – which represents one-third of the nation’s total population. Among the many whose deaths are deplored in the earthquake is the Archbishop of Port-au-Prince, Most Reverend Serge Miot.

Earlier today, the Holy Father appealed for assistance to Haiti. Speaking at the end of the General Audience, Pope Benedict XVI called for international generosity and solidarity toward our Haitian brothers and sisters who are suffering and in need, and gave his assurances that the Catholic Church will provide immediate and urgent assistance.

As President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, I invite all the Bishops of Canada to join me in urging all Canadian Catholics and people of goodwill to pray fervently and to respond quickly and generously to the needs of the people of Haiti in this hour of urgent need. We also wish to assure our brothers and sisters in Canada who are of Haitian origin that we are united with them in prayer and action.

Our Conference joins with the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace in launching a joint emergency campaign for Haiti. We will be working closely with Development and Peace – which is also officially Caritas Canada – in helping to organize and promote this appeal, as well as in assuring appropriate follow-up with the Church in Haiti and with its Episcopal Conference. Development and Peace has already launched its appeal for Haiti by immediately sending $50,000 in emergency assistance to Caritas Haiti. In addition to special parish collections that the Bishops of Canada may be authorizing in their respective dioceses, contributions for Haiti can also be made directly through the Development and Peace website.
May the Holy Spirit touch all hearts so that we are worthy followers of Jesus Christ in our generosity and solidarity by responding to this emergency campaign for Haiti.

+ Pierre Morissette
Bishop of Saint-Jérôme
President
Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops

Rosary Novena for Haiti

We will offer a Rosary Novena Jan 16th - 24 daily at 9 PM Eastern Time
Please offer your Mass on Jan 24th for the people of Haiti.

Novena

We will offer the sorrowful mysteries to join ourselves in the pain and suffering that many of the people of Haiti are now experiencing.

Food for Spirituality:"“Do whatever he tells you.”"

Readings for Mass

First Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96:1-2, 2-3, 7-8, 9-10
Second Reading: First Corinthians 12:4-11
Gospel: John 2:1-12

Mass Intentions January 17th 2010

For the Haitian people

Community News

Bishop Vincent Nguyen's ordination will be aired Sunday January 17th
at 8:30pm ET on Salt and Light TV.

The Second Part to our discussion with
Father Matthew Habiger will be released
on Jan 17th. Update coming soon!

Father Matthew Habiger - Natural Family Planning Outreach Part 1

Always Say a prayer for your priest and bishop daily

www.somcmedia.com

Webytes for January 16th 2010

2010-01-16T00:19:00.001-05:00

Haiti Support Relief - Still needed - Please offer your prayers and financial support
where available

Relief and help organizations have requested that those who are looking to help with the disaster in Haiti are in need of financial support.

You may contribute at any of the following reputable Aid Organizations
http://www.crs.org/
http://www.devp.org/devpme/eng/international/haiti-eng.html
http://www.redcross.ca
http://www.worldvision.ca

Rosary Novena for Haiti

We will offer a Rosary Novena Jan 16th - 24 daily at 9 PM Eastern Time
Please offer your Mass on Jan 24th for the people of Haiti.

Novena

We will offer the sorrowful mysteries to join ourselves in the pain and suffering that many of the people of Haiti are now experiencing.

Food for Spirituality:

"“Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus heard this and said to them,
“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”"

Readings for Mass

First Reading: First Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 21:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

Gospel: Mark 2:13-17

Mass Intentions January 16th 2010

For the Haitian people. For the repose of the souls of all those who died. For the healing of all who are injured spiritually and physically.

Community News

Our Archdiocese this week welcomed two new auxiliary bishops. Due to seating limitations the ordinations by Archbishop Collins and Bishop Ronald Peter Fabbro were invitation only. Salt and Light Television provided live coverage which was streamed online. The ordinations will be broadcast again this weekend on Salt and Light TV.

Bishop William T. McGrattan's ordination will be aired Saturday January 16th at 8:00pm ET.
Bishop Vincent Nguyen's ordination will be aired Sunday January 17th at 8:30pm ET.

Photo and audio coverage has been made available at the Archdiocese of Toronto web page.

The Second Part to our discussion with Father Matthew Habiger will be released on Jan 17th feed.somcmedia.com

Father Matthew Habiger - Natural Family Planning Outreach Part 1

Always Say a prayer for your priest and bishop daily

www.somcmedia.com

Webytes for January 15th 2010

2010-01-15T01:07:00.000-05:00

At 9 PM Eastern Time Friday January 15th we will offer the Rosary for all the Haitian people.

Somc Media would like to congratulate Bishop Vincent Nguyen and Bishop William T. McGrattan on their ordinations. May the Lord grant you the wisdom and courage to lead the Church in your new appointment.
Visit the Archdiocese of Toronto website for details on the ordinations to the Episcopate. www.archtoronto.org

Food for Spirituality:

"Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’?"

Readings for Mass

First Reading: First Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 89:16-17, 18-19

Gospel: Mark 2:1-12

Mass Intentions January 15th 2010

For the Haitian people. For the repose of the souls of all those who died. For the healing of all who are injured spiritually and physically.

Say a pray for your Priest and Bishop Daily

www.somcmedia.com

Webytes for January 14th 2010

2010-01-13T22:12:00.000-05:00

Haiti Support Relief - Please offer your prayers and financial support where available

Relief and help organizations have requested that those who are looking to help with the disaster in Haiti are in need of financial support.

You may contribute at any of the following reputable Aid Organizations
http://www.crs.org/
http://www.devp.org/devpme/eng/international/haiti-eng.html
http://www.redcross.ca
http://www.worldvision.ca

At 9 PM Eastern Time Thursday January 14th and Friday January 15th we will offer the Rosary for all the Haitian people.

Food for Spirituality:

"A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him and said,
“If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched
out his hand, touched the leper, and said to him,
“I do will it. Be made clean.”"

Readings for Mass

First Reading: First Samuel 4:1-11

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 44:10-11, 14-15, 25-26

Gospel: Mark 1:40-45

Mass Intentions January 14th 2010

For the Haitian people. For the repose of the souls of all those who died. For the healing of all who are injured spiritually and physically

Papal Audience for Jan 13th 2010

Such a consoling reality -- that in every generation saints are born and bear the creativity of renewal -- constantly accompanies the history of the Church in the midst of the sorrows and the negative aspects of her journey.. read more

Say a pray for your Priest and Bishop Daily

www.somcmedia.com

Haiti Relief and Prayers

2010-01-13T19:26:00.004-05:00

Relief and help organizations have requested that those who are looking to help with the disaster in Haiti are in need of financial support.

You may contribute at any of the following reputable Aid Organizations
http://www.crs.org/
http://www.devp.org/devpme/eng/international/haiti-eng.html
http://www.redcross.ca
http://www.worldvision.ca

Also for those who wish to offer their prayers and support Somc Media (www.somcmedia.com) will offer the rosary and prayers tonight at 9 pm Eastern time for all the people affected by this tragedy.

Webytes for January 13th 2010

2010-01-12T23:06:00.001-05:00

Food for Spirituality:

" When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were
ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door.
He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out
many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him."

Readings for Mass

First Reading: First Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 40:2-5, 7-8, 8-9, 10
Gospel: Mark 1:29-39
Optional Memorial : Saint Hilary
Patron against snake bites

Mass Intentions January 13th 2010

For all who do not believe in the Divinity of Christ that
they will see the Glory of God in His only begotten Son.

Say a prayer for your Priest and Bishop Daily

www.somcmedia.com

Live Broadcast of Today's Ordinations

2010-01-12T07:40:00.000-05:00

We almost forgot to mention that today will take place the ordination of Bishop William McGrattan, who will become Toronto's newest Bishop. You may watch the ordination live at 2:50 pm on the web via Salt and Light TV. Visit the following page for more information. http://ordinations.saltandlighttv.org/

Webytes for January 11th 2010

2010-01-11T23:42:00.000-05:00

We hope everyone had a blessed Christmas season. There are many updates coming in the New Year here

at Somc Media. Today we resume our daily Blog where we will continue to post our usual Webytes as well as new information in regards to what is happening at Somc Media. Christus Veritas Magazine will begin its third year of Publication this January as well. We will be releasing the first Issue towards the end of the month. We are excited to announce that we have many new writers who will be contributing this year. Stay tuned for more information. On that note we would like to invite aspiring writers to read the following letter.

As mentioned in previous posts we will be launching our New Website Section entitled "Words without borders". This will launch on February 10th the Memorial of Saint Scholastica.

We pray that this year will be a most fruitful year.

Daniel Blodgett

Food for Spirituality:

"Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,
for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. "

Readings for Mass

First Reading: First Samuel 1:9-20

Responsorial Psalm: First Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8

Gospel: Mark 1:21-28

Today we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys-
Read about her here

Mass Intentions January 12th 2010

For those who are trapped in the lies of contraception and for all those who struggle with fertility.

Father Matthew Habiger - Natural Family Planning Outreach
The Second Part to our discussion with Father Matthew Habiger will be released on Jan 17th. http://feed.somcmedia.com

Always Say a prayer for your priest and bishop daily

www.somcmedia.com

Webytes for November 17th 09

2009-11-17T09:13:00.000-05:00

Mass Intentions November 17th 2009
That we will not judge people based on external factors.

Food for Spirituality :

"“He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord,
“Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor,
and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.” "
Readings for Mass

First Reading: Second Maccabees 6:18-31

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 3:2-3, 4-5, 6-8

Gospel: Luke 19:1-10

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, religious - Memorial

News : The Archdiocese of Toronto has recently been appointed two new Auxiliary Bishops
Visit the Archdiocese's Blog to find out more details. ArchToronto

Somc Media will be launching a New Section on our Christus Veritas Website entitled : "Words without borders". This section of the site will feature submissions from our subscribers and fan base. We believe in giving people the oppurtunity to share their faith experiences with others. One of the ways we engage the culture is by sharing our faith through life experiences. This is open to all people who wish to contribute. You may do so by sending us in English language word format documents which have been edited to wordswithoutborders@somcmedia.com

www.somcmedia.com

Say a prayer for your priest and bishop

Webytes November 12th 09

2009-11-12T08:59:00.002-05:00

Mass Intentions November 12th 2009

For all suffering souls

Food for Spirituality:

"“The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed,
and no one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,’ or, ‘There it is.’
For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.” "
Readings for Mass

First Reading: Wisdom 7:22--8:1

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 119:89, 90, 91, 130, 135, 175

Gospel: Luke 17:20-25

Papal Audience Nov 11th 09

Exempt from interference by feudal authorities, the monastery freely elected its abbots and flourished under a series of outstanding spiritual leaders like Saints Odo and Hugh. Read more

Don't forget to check out our latest Pocast at That's It

News : Somc Media will be launching a New Section on our Christus Veritas Website entitled : "Words without borders". This section of the site will feature submissions from our subscribers and fan base. We believe in giving people the oppurtunity to share their faith experiences with others. One of the ways we engage the culture is by sharing our faith through life experiences. This is open to all people who wish to contribute. You may do so by sending us in English language word format documents which have been edited to wordswithoutborders@somcmedia.com

If you haven't already done so please subscribe to our Mailing List by Clicking here!
On the right side go to Join our mailing list and enter your email address.

www.somcmedia.com

Say a prayer for your priest and bishop

New That's It Podcast with Fr. Matthew Habiger Part 1

2009-11-10T21:28:00.002-05:00

Fr. Matthew Habiger from Natural Family Planning Outreach, Allan Cruz, and Daniel Blodgett sit down to discuss issues surrounding the Family in Society and the Church, Humane Vitae, Feminism and its impact on the modern Family plus much more. Part 1/3

Fr. Matthew Habiger from NFP Outreach That's It Download link

Direct download link Click Here

Webytes November 10th 09

2009-11-10T09:19:00.000-05:00

Mass Intentions November 10th 2009

To learn humility

Food for Spirituality:

"When you have done all you have been commanded, say,
‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’” "
Readings for Mass

ST. LEO THE GREAT (M)

Readings :
1st reading:Wisdom 2.23 – 3.9

Gospel: Luke 17.7-10

News : Somc Media will be launching a New Section on our Christus Veritas Website entitled : "Words without borders". This section of the site will feature submissions from our subscribers and fan base. We believe in giving people the oppurtunity to share their faith experiences with others. One of the ways we engage the culture is by sharing our faith through life experiences. This is open to all people who wish to contribute. You may do so by sending us in English language word format documents which have been edited to wordswithoutborders@somcmedia.com

Join Our Mailing List

For Email Marketing you can trust

www.somcmedia.com

Say a prayer for your priest and bishop

Webytes November 9th 09

2009-11-09T08:02:00.000-05:00

News : Somc Media will be launching a New Section on our Christus Veritas Website entitled : "Words without borders". This section of the site will feature submissions from our subscribers and fan base. We believe in giving people the oppurtunity to share their faith experiences with others. One of the ways we engage the culture is by sharing our faith through life experiences. This is open to all people who wish to contribute. You may do so by sending us in English language word format documents which have been edited to wordswithoutborders@somcmedia.com
Stayed tuned for more details!!!

Mass Intentions November 9th 2009

That we will honor our body

Food for Spirituality:

"Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that
the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple,
God will destroy that person; for the temple of God, which you are, is holy."
Readings for Mass

Today is the Feast of The Dedication of Saint John Lateran

1st reading: Ezekiel 47.1-2, 8-9, 12

Gospel: John 2.13-22

Say a prayer for your priest and bishop

Webytes November 8th 09

2009-11-08T04:30:00.001-05:00

News : Somc Media will be launching a New Section on our Christus Veritas Website entitled : "Words without borders". This section of the site will feature submissions from our subscribers and fan base. We believe in giving people the oppurtunity to share their faith experiences with others. One of the ways we engage the culture is by sharing our faith through life experiences. This is open to all people who wish to contribute. You may do so by sending us in English language word format documents which have been edited to wordswithoutborders@somcmedia.com
Stayed tuned for more details!!!

Mass Intentions November 8th 2009

For the rich that they will seek charity and justice for all.

Food for Spirituality:

"Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury.
For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood."
Readings for Mass

32nd SUNDAY
IN ORDINARY TIME

1st reading: 1 Kings 17.10-16

2nd reading: Hebrews 9.24-28

Gospel: Mark 12.38-44

Papal Audience for November 4th 09

Theology must respect the principles it receives from revelation as it uses philosophy to interpret them. Whenever a theological dispute arises, everyone, and in a particular way read more

New podcast coming 11/9/09
Daniel Blodgett and Allan Cruz Sit down with Father Matthew Habiger

www.somcmedia.com

Say a prayer for your priest and bishop

Webyte 10/29/09

2009-10-29T01:26:00.000-04:00

Mass Intentions October 29th 2009

For Politicians

Food for Spirituality:

"What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?"
Readings for Mass

First Reading: Romans 8:31-39

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 109:21-22, 26-27, 30-31

Gospel: Luke 13:31-35

www.somcmedia.com

Say a prayer for your priest and bishop

Webytes 10/28/09

2009-10-27T23:09:00.000-04:00

Mass Intentions October 28th 2009

For all musicians.

Food for Spirituality:

"Brothers and sisters: You are no longer strangers and sojourners,
but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone."

Today is The Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles

Readings for Mass

First Reading: Ephesians 2:19-22

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 19:2-3, 4-5

Gospel: Luke 6:12-16

www.somcmedia.com

Say a prayer for your priest and bishop

2009-10-27T00:03:00.002-04:00

Mass Intentions October 27th 2009

For all who have fallen away from the Faith.

Food for Spirituality:

"Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God?
It is like yeast that a woman took
and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.”"

Readings for Mass

First Reading: Romans 8:12-17

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 68:2, 4, 6-7, 20-21

Gospel: Luke 13:10-17

www.somcmedia.com

Say a prayer for your priest and bishop

Webytes October 15th 09

2009-10-15T00:33:00.004-04:00

Mass Intentions October 15th 2009

That all men will see the truth in Jesus Christ.

Food for Spirituality:

Does God belong to Jews alone? Does he not belong to Gentiles, too? Yes, also to Gentiles, for God is one and
will justify the circumcised on the basis of faith and the uncircumcised through faith.

Readings for Mass

First Reading: Romans 3:21-29

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

Gospel: Luke 11:47-54

Papal Audience for October 14th 09

Prayer stood at the heart of Peter’s theology and spirituality, which were nourished by the monastic liturgy and meditation on the mysteries of Christ’s life read more

New That's It Podcast - Laura Ostoya - Fertility Care Practitioner from The Marguerite Bourgeoys Family Centre

www.somcmedia.com

Say a prayer for your priest and bishop

Webytes October 14th 09

2009-10-14T00:22:00.002-04:00

Mass Intention for Oct 14th 09 :

For our failures before God

Food for Spirituality:

"Yes, affliction and distress will come upon everyone who does evil, Jew first and then Greek. But there will be glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good, Jew first and then Greek. There is no partiality with God."

Readings for Mass

First Reading: Romans 2:1-11

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 62:2-3, 6-7, 9

Gospel: Luke 11:42-46

www.somcmedia.com

Say a Prayer for your Bishop and Priest

Mass Intentions October 11th 2009:

2009-10-11T00:05:00.002-04:00

That we will uphold the Lord's commandments

Food for Spirituality:

"You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother."

Readings for Mass

First Reading: Wisdom 7:7-11

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 90:12-13, 14-15, 16-17

Second Reading: Hebrews 4:12-13

Gospel: Mark 10:17-30 or 10:17-27

www.somcmedia.com

Say a prayer for your priest and bishop

2009-10-08T23:43:00.002-04:00

Mass Intentions October 9th 2009:

That we will build up Christ's Kingdom.

Food for Spirituality:

"Whoever is not with me is against me,and whoever does not gather with me scatters."

Readings for Mass

First Reading: Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 9:2-3, 6, 16, 8-9

Gospel: Luke 11:15-26

Say a prayer for your priest and bishop

www.somcmedia.com

2009-10-08T00:00:00.004-04:00

Mass Intention :

That we will follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit

Food for Spirituality:

"What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit
to those who ask him?"

First Reading: Malachi 3:13-20

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6

Gospel: Luke 11:5-13

New Interview - Laura Ostoya from Fertility Care

Saturday October 10th

Say a prayer for your priest and bishop

Pope: Christ is the true medicine for spiritual ills

2009-10-07T18:36:00.001-04:00

2009-10-06T22:30:00.001-04:00

Mass Intention :

October 7th 09

That all men will recognize the intrinsic value of prayer.

Food for Spirituality

“When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your Kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test.”

First Reading: Jonah 4:1-11

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms
86:3-4, 5-6, 9-10

Gospel: Luke 11:1-4

Say a prayer for your priest and bishop

2009-07-13T23:17:00.001-04:00

We apologize for the lack of updates, we've had a few setbacks which resulted in delays to our services which we will resume shortly.

2009-06-26T18:53:00.000-04:00

Check out Radio Teopoli's (AM 530) Building a Civilization of Love interview with Somc Media's own General Manager Daniel Blodgett

http://radioteopoli.blogspot.com/2009/06/this-past-thursday-we-had-special.html

The interview is also available for download from Christus Veritas Magazine's page.

Welcome to our Blog

2009-06-20T22:28:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the official S.o.m.c. Media Blog, where you will find all the latest news, articles, podcasts and much more. We are pleased to launch the official Blog which will provide a one spot stop for all your latest Somc updates. Sign up today through our rss feeds to be get automatically up to date with our latest Events and Media Releases. Thank you for the continued support and we look forward to bringing you many updates and entries in the near future. Pax Vobis
Daniel Blodgett

Somc Media

Somc Media is accepting application for writers and designers

Anglican Use Missal Celebrated at St. Joseph's Catholic Church

Podcast New address

Note on Somc Media

Limited Updates this week

Archbishop Thomas Collins Easter Sunday Homily

He Is Risen!!!

Archbishop Thomas Collins Good Friday Homily

Archbishop Thomas Collins Chrism Mass Homily

In light of the Recent Press Coverage

Message for the 25TH World Youth Day

Webytes for Palm Sunday March 28th 2010

Catholic Television Networks Passiontide Coverage

Christus Veritas Magazine Vol 3 Issue 4

Webytes for February 23rd 2010

Webytes for February 22nd 2010

Webytes for February 21st 2010

Webytes for February 19th 2010

Webytes for February 18th 2010

Webytes for Ash Wednesday

No posts for February 15th

Webytes for February 12th 2010

Webytes for February 11th 2010

Correction for email address

Webytes for February 10th 2010

Webytes for February 8th 2010

Webytes for February 5th 2010

Statement from Archbishop Thomas Collins Re: G8 Proposal on Maternal & Child Health

Papal Message for Lent 2010

Webytes for February 4th 2010

Webytes for February 2nd 2010

Webytes for February 1st 2010

Mass for World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life

Webytes for January 31st 2010

Webytes for January 30th 2010

"The Prince of This World and the Evangelization of Culture"

Webytes for January 26th 2010

Message For the 44th World Communications Day

Webytes for January 25th 2010

Father Stan Fortuna visited The Daughters of St Paul's Book Storeyesterday to discuss his new book" U Got to Love"Look for our upcoming podcast of his talk

Video footage from the Event is available on our Somc Media Youtube page

Webytes for January 24th 2010

New That's It Podcast with Fr. Matthew Habiger Part 3

Appeal to the Pastors and Faithful of the Catholic Church in Canada

Webytes for January 22nd 2010

Webytes for January 20th 2010

Webytes for January 19th 2010

Webytes for January 18th 2010

Message from the CCCB For the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

New That's It Podcast with Fr. Matthew Habiger Part 2

Webytes for January 17th 2010

Webytes for January 16th 2010

Webytes for January 15th 2010

Webytes for January 14th 2010

Haiti Relief and Prayers

Webytes for January 13th 2010

Live Broadcast of Today's Ordinations

Webytes for January 11th 2010

Webytes for November 17th 09

Webytes November 12th 09

New That's It Podcast with Fr. Matthew Habiger Part 1

Webytes November 10th 09

Webytes November 9th 09

Webytes November 8th 09

Webyte 10/29/09

Webytes 10/28/09

Webytes October 15th 09

Webytes October 14th 09

Mass Intentions October 11th 2009:

Pope: Christ is the true medicine for spiritual ills

Welcome to our Blog

Father Stan Fortuna visited
The Daughters of St Paul's Book Store
yesterday to discuss his new book
" U Got to Love"

Look for our upcoming podcast of his talk