Say Cheese!!

Attention all St. Dominic Parishioners!!!  If you haven’t signed up for the parish pictorial directory, then make sure to visit one of the tables in the narthexes after Mass this weekend.  If you received Fr. Dave’s robo-call this afternoon, then that means you still need to sign up.  What a fantastic gift this would make for Mother’s Day – a family portrait to last for generations!!!

These portrait directory books are a God-Send for priests because they help us remember your names!!  People often remark how good Fr. Curt Frederick was/is with remembering names.  I asked him once, his response: “I look at the pictorial directory constantly!!”  There, the secret is out!

Please take advantage of this wonderful opportunity!!

Say Cheese!

Fr. Sean O

Five Saints to Enrich your Easter Season

I enjoyed this piece.  Perhaps, you will too?

http://www.crisismagazine.com/2012/five-saints-to-enrich-your-easter-season

Fr. Sean O

When Brewers’ Opening Day Lands on Good Friday

A few people have inquired as to whether or not Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki will give special dispensation for Catholics in southeastern Wisconsin who wish to attend Opening Day at Miller Park, as well as enjoy a hot dog or brat, on Good Friday. According to Archbishop Listecki, Good Friday is one of the holiest days of the year, and Catholics still must abstain from meat and poultry. (Click here to view Catholic guidelines regarding fasting and abstinence)

“Listen, I enjoy a brat at the ballpark as much as anybody and since Opening Day is against the St. Louis Cardinals, one might think that the painful reminder of the Brewers loss to the Cards in last year’s NLCS is penance enough, but, unfortunately, that’s not the way it works.  Good Friday is one of the most solemn days of the Church year, and with a 3:05 p.m. opening pitch, Catholics have plenty of time to attend Good Friday services at their parish before heading to the ballpark or attend services after the game. 

“I’m sure Doug Melvin and his crew will make sure there are plenty of fish frys available at the concession stands.  As much as we love the Brewers, unlike Jesus, they didn’t die for your sins.  With regard to beer and brats on Good Friday:  let’s just say that’s why God created the 3-game series,” he added.

Common Misconceptions About the Church and Sex

I found this to be a very insightful blog post.  Perhaps, you would like to read it as well?

http://catholiclane.com/common-misconceptions-about-the-church-and-sex/

Blessed Triduum and Easter to all of you!

Check out this New Book!

Dear Friends,

I wanted to provide you with an update about a new book that has been released from a friend of mine, Katherine Becker, titled: The Dating Fast.  Her first published book, Ms. Becker describes her work in this fashion:

Offering Catholic women a Christ-centered approach to love and healing, this guide taps into the latest trend on college campuses and church grounds across the country in mapping out a 40-day fast from dating that provides frustrated women an opportunity to regain their clarity about romantic love. With each day structured with brief affirmations and practical activities—such as prayer, reflection, forgiveness, and thanksgiving—Catholic women will find a cleansing ritual sure to resolve the emotional trauma of painful pasts, and reaffirm an orthodox belief in romantic love.

If you are interested in purchasing this book, then I would direct you to Katherine’s website: http://web.me.com/slbec6/Katherine_Becker/home.html

Katherine received an endorsement from Catholic Author Matthew Kelly for her work.  As you know, Matthew Kelly’s book, Rediscovering Catholicism, was distributed to all of the St. Dominic Parishioner’s at Christmas time and we have heard nothing but fantastic comments concerning it! 

God Bless you, Katherine, for the amazing work on your first book!

 

Anointing

There is a true beauty in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.  As a priest, I never get tired of making pastoral visits to those who crave the graces that come from this Sacrament.  What many people don’t realize is that the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is NOT Last Rites.  After the Second Vatican Council, the Church formally proclaimed that the Sacrament of Anointing should be administered to those seeking healing for physical, mental, and spiritual sicknesses.  Thus, the Sacrament of Anointing is not reserved for the deathbed only, but should be given to those who are in need of healing at all stages in life beyond the age of reason.

Last Rites, or Extreme Unction, are administered during the ritual for the Anointing of the Sick when combined with auricular confession and reception of the Holy Eucharist.  While this can be done anytime someone is anointed, the proper terminology wouldn’t be “Last Rites” if the individual wasn’t near death.  In fact, even at the point of death, the term ”Last Rites” are misleading because the Church doesn’t refer to the Sacrament of Anointing in this fashion anymore. 

So, if you or a loved one is sick – physically, mentally, or spiritually, then ask the priest for the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.  If you or a loved one is at the point of death, then ask the priest for the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.  At this time, the priest will (most likely) ask if you would like to make a confession and receive Holy Communion.

History is Made!

The 8th grade St. Dominic Boys Basketball team won the 54th annual Padre Serra Basketball Tournament with a win over Racine St. Catherine’s 41-38.  It was an amazing, tense, hard-fought game between both teams.  This is the first time that St. Dominic’s has won the Padre Serra Basketball Tournament.  What a joy to hang the Padre Serra Championship banner in our brand new St. Dominic Athletic Facility!!  Great season to the boys and girls 8th grade teams! 

The girls clinched 3rd place in the Padre Serra Basketball team with their win early this afternoon over Our Lady of Grace from Racine.  Having both 8th grade teams in the Final Four of the Padre Serra was outstanding!!

God Bless You All for a Great Season!!!