The Land of Arthanius

What Happened To Advent In Our Youth & Young Adult Groups?

2011-12-04T07:49:00.000-05:00

What ever happened to the Christmas Spirit in our Catholic Groups? The Church could be decorated with wreaths, garlands, pine trees, red bows and more, but the spirit of the holy day season seems dead. It is felt not only in the groups that meet for prayer, for study or for social gatherings, but deep in the heart of family life. The Season of Advent and Christmas is polluted with consumerism that the idea of preparing for the Incarnation of Jesus in our lives is as distant as the Holy Lands.

Don’t get me wrong, buying gifts and spending the “bucks” is not bad at all, but when it takes precedence over Jesus as the “True Reason of the Season”, then we have strayed far from Him. It’s time we get back to the root of our faith in the Incarnation, bringing to light the traditions that have made our Advent Season a time of preparation for the coming of Jesus. We, the children of our Father in Heaven should be mindful of this deep preparation for we give honor to the Name above all names that won us to the Father’s Heart.

The problem I find in most youth and young adult circles is that they do not know or understand the meanings and symbols of Advent and Christmas. Let alone, some see it as a waist of time; a past time experience that seldom attracts or moves the Christian heart to a deep awareness of his or her need of Jesus. Christmas truly challenges the Christian to believe whole heartedly in Jesus, Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity. Hence the Advent season prepares us to enter into a more personal relationship with Jesus. This should be the desire of every Christian, “I want to belong to Jesus. I want to be His alone. I want to be Holy.” Isn’t that the reason for the Season?

Youth and Young Adult Ministers should be aware of those who say that the symbols, traditions, liturgical prayers, and songs of praise are meaningless. Let alone, they should not be so quick to say to themselves that all these little details are worthless. This will only show that the youth or young adult minister is interested in other things then the Birth of Jesus. It will affect not only their Christian walk, but their vocation as well. The “Domino” effect will also shake the faith of the youth and young adults they serve.

Advent should be for all of us Christians a “Waiting For The Moment” experience; that experience being the encounter of Jesus as a Child.

Here are 6 tips to get you, your group, and your family involved in preparing for Christmas during this Advent season.

1) Purchase or make an Advent Wreath that will have candle holders. Get three purple candles and a pink candle. You can purchase them at a Catholic Religious gift shop nearest you. Visit our links of Catholic stores. Purchase or look up on the internet prayers that coincide with the lighting of each candle, or look in your parish missal and follow the prayers and biblical reflections for the days you meet. Make sure they coincide with the Sunday readings. Also displaying a Nativity scene in your group or home can emphasize the meaning of the Incarnation.

2) Pray the Rosary in dedication of the Joyful Mysteries. In between each decade, sing Christmas Carols in connection of Jesus’ coming. Prepare together with Our Lady as you pray for a deeper love of the Incarnation.

3) Prepare your talks or dynamics in connection to the Incarnation. Use Sacred Scripture, the Catechism, and the Lives of the Saints to inspire the youth and young adults during Advent. Invite special guest speakers, THOSE WHO KNOW & LIVE the season of Advent. BEWARE OF THOSE WHO DO NOT KNOW HOW TO EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE INCARNATION.

4) Pick a special day for family and friends to gather for prayer, singing Christmas carols, readings of Scripture, and readings of the writings of the Saints in connection with Christmas and the Incarnation.

5) Plan a fund raiser or project in helping those in need during the Christmas time. Connect it to the parish life, and try not to go far from your parish, remember your community is your first home. Even visiting the sick or elderly at home and at the hospitals (THAT BELONG TO YOUR PARISH) can be a Christmas gift. You can pray with them, sing Christmas Carols, or give a small gift to them that may help them prepare for Christmas.

6) Encourage members of your community to get involved parish activities such as daily and Sunday Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, morning, evening and night prayers, lessons and carols, Advent missions, and so much more.

Let’s prepare New York Catholic Youth and Young Adults for the Coming of Jesus. Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!

St Mary's Christmas Brunch 2011

2011-12-01T21:57:00.003-05:00

Help The Needy On Christmas Day: DHT'S Spreading The Word

Dear Friends in Christ

Christmas is just around the corner, and the homeless are still without. But there are ways to help them out and maybe to inspire youth and young adult ministers to start projects in support of the poor in our beloved city.

On December 25th, St. Mary's will be holding its 19th annual "Christmas Day Brunch" for the homeless and poor families in the Lower East Side.

The reason for this event is simply to help the needy, but to inspire parishes to respond to the needs of the poor in their vicariates or in their diocese. You can be a part and share your gift of love, your resources, even your time on this blessed day.

WHAT WE NEED:

- WE ARE IN NEED OF HOT FOOD - Turkey, Meat Loaf, Whole Chicken, Beef Stew, Soup, Mixed Veggies, Corn, Rice, Gravy, Mac and Cheese and any desert you can think of!!!
- They are in need of CUPS, PLATES, UTENSILS, NAPKINS, and FOIL.
- Donations / Clothing / Toys and Books for Children +
- WE DEFINITELY NEED HOT FOOD TO SERVE
- VOLUNTEERS TO SERVE DINNER!
- Drivers to deliver food to the homeless *

And much more!

Register Online Today @ St Mary's Church Christmas Brunch
Contact the following people:

+ Pat 347- 327-3737 psanabria@stmaryschurchles.com
+ Johnny @ 347-901-3155 Holy-Knight@juno.com

INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING:

Location: St. Mary's Hall; 440 Grand St.; NY, NY 10002
Date & Time: Sunday, 25th 2011 / 11:30pm - 2pm (volunteers can come earlier 9:AM)
THERE WILL BE A CHRISTMAS MASS IN THE MORNING

WHAT IF I CAN'T MAKE IT?

Not a problem, just pray for the work we do by offering prayer through the rosary, through adoration of the blessed sacrament, and most importantly daily and Sunday Masses.

You can even spread the word to your friends and family by printing out this letter. You can promote it in schools, churches, and businesses.

Serving a hot plate of food, or giving a warm cup of coffee may hit the spot, but sharing the faith with those suffering in our city HITS THE HEART! Join us for this great day where we celebrate TOGETHER the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ, while sharing that very love with the poor. Make Jesus and the Poor the Reason for this Season!

I promise you, IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE!

Stayed Tuned for more DHTNewz

Juan Rodriguez "Arthanius"
Defenders of the Holy Trinity

Waiting for the Moment - Advent to Christmas

2011-11-30T05:06:00.000-05:00

Tis the Season to be Jolly! We at DHT would like to dedicate this section of our web site to the Birth of Jesus Christ. We want to help Catholic youth, young adults, catechist teachers and parents learn more about what the Church teaches about Advent, Christmas, and what happens after the Birth of Jesus - the visitation of the Three Kings.

You'll find here articles, reflections and teachings on the Mystery of the Birth of Jesus and its connection to our Spiritual Life. If this is your first time entering into Advent then may this adventure and spiritual growth live in your heart for ever. If you've been through Advent and Christmas so many times and feel that you've lost the meaning of the Season - WE INVITE YOU TO WALK WITH US in preparation for His Birth and lets walk with the Church as though we were actually there - sitting with Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and all the Angels.

So bring out your old Christmas Trees, your flashing lights and beautiful decorations, your manger scenes, your wreath, and advent candles - we're going to prepare for His Coming.

- What Happened to Advent in Our Youth & Young Adult Groups? By Juan Rodriguez
- ¿Que Pasó con el Adviento en Nuestros Grupos de Jovenes? Por Juan Rodriguez

Other Articles from our Friends

Topics on Christmas

- What Christmas Is All About: Inspired by the song "The Christmas Shoes" produced by the Christian music group "New Song". Short Story by Juan Rodriguez

Other Articles from our Friends

- A Christmas Story - By Peter McFaden: Love & Responsibiity Foundation

Some Cool Ideas for Catholic Youth and Young Adult Groups

Retreats, Talks and Reflections on Advent & Christmas by DHT

Prayers for Advent and Christmas

- Advent Prayers: OurCatholicPrayers.com

Lent: Our Passion, Death & Resurrection

2011-03-01T07:22:00.000-05:00

Prepare your hearts for an exciting adventure that will change your entire life. Every year Catholic youth and young adults in New York join the Church throughout the world on this journey of faith, hope and love, committing themselves to Christ. In this journey, each one of us will be sharing as One Body in the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus. The experience is tremendous and once again, LIFE CHANGING.

This section of the Land of Arthanius is to help youth and young adult leaders gain insight for their group or ministries to enter into a personal encounter with Jesus through the Lenten Season. Many of our youth and young adults struggle to understand the importance of this season, so it is our responsibility to learn and teach them about Ash Wednesday, Lent, Palm Sunday, and the Holy Tridium (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter).

We invite Youth and Young Adult Leaders, Parents, Catechist Teachers, Priests, Religious and Coordinators of groups to contribute ideas and methods of promoting, educating, and guiding youth and young adults through the season. Send us an e-mail to DEFENDERSOFTHEHOLYTRINITY@GMAIL.COM with name, telephone number, address, and e-mail.

We hope that this section would slowly break the confusion or the lack of devotion to this most important season. Spread the word!

New Reflections for Lent

- Jesus, Be My Lord & Savior: Reflections on the Imitation of Christ

New Talk & Video For Lent

- Father, I Put My Life In Your Hands For Youth & Young Adults - By Fr. Joseph Espaillat

Articles On Ash Wednesday & Lent En Español

- El Camino Polvoriento al Cielo Para Joven Adultos - By Juan Rodriguez of DHT
- Hoy Ayunamos, Nos Abstenemos, y Damos Para Joven Adultos - By Juan Rodriguez of DHT

Articles On Ash Wednesday

- Now Don't Forget Your Ashes: For Youth - By Juan Rodriguez of DHT
- The Dusty Road To Heaven For Young Adults - By Juan Rodriguez of DHT
- Today We Fast, We Abstain, We Give: For Young Adults - By Juan Rodriguez of DHT
- Don't Shrug Your Shoulders - Get Ready for Lent For Young Adults - By George Velez - Friend of DHT

Articles On Lent

- Let's Get Personal With Jesus: Religion vs Personal Relationship By Juan Rodriguez of DHT

Articles On the Holy Tridium

- Three Crosses On Golgatha For Young Adults - By George Velez - Friend of DHT
- Crosses, Crucifixes, Risen Christs - OH MY! For Young Adults - By Juan Rodriguez of DHT

Prayers For Lent and Easter

- Stations of the Cross - Provided by http://www.ourcatholicprayers.com/
- Prayers Before the Cross
- The Three O'Clock Prayer
- Other Prayers for Lent & Easter
- Divine Mercy

DHT Forum for the Season of Lent
- Coming Soon!

Looking For Catholic Resources for Lent?

Taking Back Valentine's Day

2011-02-01T04:20:00.000-05:00

It's not the first time Catholic leaders have complained about Catholic feasts being hijacked by commercialism or the societies idea of what this "holiday" should be like. It is sad that we continue to wrestle with our Catholic brethren over the shopping "Madness" that goes on during this special season. Even Christmas itself is losing its purpose. Should we as Christian leaders stand by and let the culture take our feast and make them into "holidays", instead of "Holy Days".

DHT dedicates this section to the real feast of St. Valentine, where Catholic youth & young adult leaders can help educate their groups, classes, and parishes about the importance of this feast day. Let's celebrate the true meaning of love, the way Jesus wanted it.

John of DHT - Feast day of the Baptism of the Lord (Jan 2007)

Topics on St. Valentine

- For Love of His Lord: The Story of St. Valentine - By Juan Rodriguez DHT
- Por Amor a su Señor: La Historia de San Valentin - Por Juan Rodriguez y Trad. por Bertha Peralta-Rodriguez

Topics on Relationships and Marriage

- Dating Leads To Marriage - By George Velez
- Don't Settle For Anything Less Then Real Love - Grace Abruzzo (Love For Life Inc.)
- Single Ministry Is Vocation Formation - By Dave Sloan (God of Desire Ministries)
- Twelve Principles of Dating & Courtship - By Dave Sloan (God of Desire Ministries)
- Marriage - By Sebastian Fama (Stay Catholic.com)
- The Permanence of Matrimony - Catholic Answers

Links To Catholic Dating, and Marriage Sites

- Catholic Sites in New York and Abroad

- Catholics & Dating
- The Sacrament of Marriage

Invite DHT for a Talk

2010-12-01T00:21:00.000-05:00

Want us to visit your group, or ministry?

Here is a listing of talks we can give for your group or ministry. Talks can be done in Spanish!

- Jesus, Be My Lord & Savior: 3 Day, 1 Day, or 30 to 45 Min talk (3 Parts: 1. Be At The Feet of Your Master, 2. Develop the Attitude of the Your Master, 3. Become the Master)
- What’s My Mass Confusion? Basic Explanation on the Mass ( 5 Weeks)
- Faith Bound By Mystery: The Sacraments Alive! (4 Weeks)
- The Fantastic Four: The Church is One, Holy, Catholic, & Apostolic (1 day or 4
weeks)
- Who's Afraid of Confession (1 day)
- Herald’s of the Gospel Series: A Plan For Forming Leadership and Ministry
(Contact us for more info – this talk is special for leaders and ministries in
developing a vocation and mission within parishes)

- Talks on the Eucharist – W/ Video “This is My Body…, This is My Blood” (In
Spanish and English)

- El Senor Bendicea Su Pueblo Con La Paz
- Living “PURE”. It’s not a bad four letter word: A Reflection on the Eucharist & the Christian Youth
- How Great Is Your Love
- Blest Are The Single Hearts for they shall see God. (Mt 5:8)
- Renewed In His Flesh: The Eucharist Transforms Us
- So, What Are Your Thirty Pieces? (Lent Reflection)
- Grace From His Altar: The Eucharist Binds the Christian to Jesus

- We're On A Mission (7 talks on Youth and Young Adult Mission work in parishes)
Topics -

1) I Have to Tell You Something - My Incredible Experience with Jesus = Tengo que decirte algo - Mi Increible Experiencia con Jesus.

2) The Time Is Now - The Forming of Future Christian Youth & Young Adult Leaders = Ahora es el tiempo - La Formacion de los Futuros Lideres Cristianos Jovenes y Jovenes Adultos.

3) There's No Escaping the Gospel - Bringing the Gospel to the Culture. = No Hay Manera de Escapar el Evangelio - Trayendo el Evangelio a la Cultura.

4) Our Fallen - Why Youth & Young Adults Miss Out On Catholic teaching = Nuestros Caidos - Porque los jovenes y jovenes adultos se estan perdiendo las ensenanzas Catolicas.

5) No Wonder They Find It Boring - How To Bring the Gospel Through Media = Con razon se aburren - Como llevar el Evangelio a traves de los medios.

6) Rise Up - Shouting His Name on the Roof Tops = Levantense - Gritando Su Nombre por los techos

7) Caught In His Net - Our Primer Encuentro = Atrapado en Su red - Nuestro Primer Encuentro

TALKS ON MARY and THE ROSARY

1. “My Soul Magnifies the Greatness of the Lord” – The Purpose of our group “Magnificat” Luke 1:46 –
2. “Rejoicing In the Spirit of the Lord” Our Salvation – Luke 1:47
3. “Do You Hear His Voice?” Called To Be A Servant of the Lord – Luke 1:48
4. “Being Blessed, WITH STRESS” Called To Holiness – Luke 1:48
5. “It’s All About J.O.Y.” Knowing God is Above You – Luke 1:49
6. “Honoring the Name of the Lord” What’s that all about? – Luke 1:49
7. “Trusting in the Mercy of the Lord” – Luke 1:50
8. “Take My Life” God Raises Up The Lowly – Luke 1:51-52
9. “The Hungry are filled with good things” – Luke 1:53
10. “The Lord Remembers His Promise of Old” Don’t Forget Your Roots – Luke 1:54-55

ROSARY TALKS - INTRODUCTION AND TALKS

- “What A Rose Could Do For You – Praying the Rosary"
- “Say What You Believe! The Apostle Creed”
- “He Truly Is ‘Our Father’”
- “Even God Praised His Creation, Why Can’t You? – The Hail Mary”
- “Praisin the Trinity In Unity – The Glory be…”

The Mysteries:

JOYFUL MYSTERIES

“Responding To the Call – The Annunciation”
“Her Visit Will Change You – The Visitation”
“The Moment – The Nativity”
“Mary’s Hand In Your Conversion – The Presentation”
“Being Lost In Your Father’s House – The Finding of Jesus In The Temple”

LUMINOUS MYSTERIES

“The Anointing of a King and the Hope of Redemption – The Baptism in the Jordan”
“It Takes Three To Make a Marriage – The Wedding at Cana”
“You Are The Light of the World – The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God”
“Being Transformed In the Presence of the Lord – The Transfiguration”
“With This Sign, You Shall Conquer – The Institution of the Eucharist

SORROWFUL MYSTERIES

“He Saw His People’s Sin and Made It His Own – The Agony of the Garden”
“By His Suffering You Were Saved – The Scourging of Jesus”
“Instead of Gold, We Gave Him Thorns – The Crowning of Thorns”
“By His Cross, He Has Redeemed You! – The Carrying of the Cross”
“Silence – The Crucifixion”

GLORIOUS MYSTERIES

“There Is Life After Death– The Resurrection”
“He Is Truly Lord of Heaven & Earth – The Ascension”
“He Never Forgets His Promise – The Descent of the Holy Spirit”
“Blessed Are You Among All Women – The Assumption of Mary”
“Sharing In The Crowning of Mary – Coronation of Our Lady”

HOW ABOUT TALKS ON BEING A SAINT!

- I Want to be Holy (Series on Called to be Holy)

1) Me, Be a Saint? Nah! – Everything is Possible with Christ

2) Could you imagine what God can do thru you! Saints in Action

3) On Earth as it is in Heaven – The Communion of Saints

4) Hey, who said praying for the dead is bad? – Understanding the Feast of All Souls Day

5) The Original Marvel Super Hero’s – Understanding the Feast Day of All Saints

6) What’s the 411 on Praying to Saints?

7) Taking Back Halloween!

Bilingual Series - English and Spanish

1) Su Nombre esta Reinando Supremamente – La Fiesta de Cristo Rey = His Name Reigns Supreme – The Feast Day of Christ the King

Advent & Christmas Talks - Waiting for the Moment Series
1) Esperando el Momento – Preparando nuestros corazones para Jesús = Waiting for the Moment – Preparing our hearts for Jesus
2) ¿Quien dijo Que Ella no es Perfecta? – Celebrando la Fiesta de la Inmaculada Concepción = Who Say’s She Ain’t Perfect – Celebrating the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception
3) Nuestro Encuentro con María – Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe – Our Encounter With Mary – Our Lady of Guadelupe
4) Su Nacimiento Cambio Nuestro Mundo – Entendiendo la Navidad = His Birth Changed Our World – Understanding Christmas

Vive Tu Fe Catolico - Live Your Catholic Faith

1) Es Nuestra Iglesia: El Catolicismo - La Iglesia Original = It's Our Church: Catholicism - The Original Church Universal
2) Vivela - Soy Catolico y Orgulloso de Ello!= Live It Up - I'm Catholic and Proud of Itl

Lent and Holy Week - Cuaresma y Semana Santa

1) El Camino Polvoriento al Cielo: Miercoles de Ceniza = The Dusty Road to Heaven: Ash Wednesday
2) Por Amor a Su Senor: La Historia de San Valentin = For Love of His Lord: The History of St. Valentine
3) Hoy Ayunamos, Nos Abstenemos, Damos: Como Lo Hacemos en la Cuaresma = Today we Fast, We Abstain, We Give: How WE DO IT for Lent
4) Vamos a Ponernos Personal con Jesus - Como Vivimos Nuestra Religion Catolica = Let’s Get Personal with Jesus – How we live our Catholic Religion
5) Caminando en la Presencia – Como Entramos en la Pasion y Muerte de Jesus
Walking in the Presence – How We enter into the Passion & Death of Jesus.

El Senor Recucito - The Lord is Risen

1) El Conquisto a la Muerte, y Tu Tambien! Como Vivimos la Resurreccion del Senor
He conquered Death, and so can you! How we live the Resurrection of the Lord

2) El es en Verdad Señor del Cielo y de la Tierra. - He Is Truly Lord of Heaven & Earth

Christ Our Hope - Cristo Nuestra Esperanza

1) El Vino a Traer Esperanza a las Naciones = He Came To Bring Hope to the Nations
2) Senales y Maravillas: El Milagro de la Esperanza – Como Respondemos? = Sign & Wonders: Miracle of Hope – How do we respond?
3) Necesitamos Unidad – Ahora mas que Nunca = We Need Unity – Now, more then ever.
4) Soy Yo quien te Llamo! Mi Vocacion a Jesus = It Is I Who Calls You! My Vocation to Jesus
5)En el Nombre de Jesus, LEVANTATE! = In The Name of Jesus, RISE!
6) Ya es Tiempo de Ser los Santos de Hoy! = It’s Time to be the Saints of Today!
7) Deja que la Esperanza Sane tus Heridas – La Oracion del Papa en la Zona Zero = Let Hope Heal Your Wounds – The Pope’s Prayer at Ground Zero
8) El es el Camino, la Verdad, y la Vida – Confia en el Senor de Esperanza = He is the Way, The Truth, and the Life – Trust in the Lord of Hope

Mi Profesion de Fe - Week Course On the Catechism of the Catholic Church in Spanish!

1 - ¿Que es el Catolicismo? La Iglesia Universal Original
2 - ¿Que es el Catolicismo? Viviendo Mi Fe En Jesus
3 - El Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica
4 - ¿Crees? – Introducción al Credo de los Apóstoles
5 - Aprender mas sobre la Santísima Trinidad: El Misterio y las Definiciones
6 - El es verdaderamente tu Padre – Dios Nuestro Padre
7 - Jesus – El Señor de tu vida
8 - El Espiritu Santo – El mueve la Iglesia, El habla a tráves de nosotros, El es nuestra guía.
9 - La Fe Unida por el Misterio - Los Sacramentos en nuestras vidas
10 - Se Necesitan Siete para mantenernos Unidos - Los Sacramentos
11- Bautismo - el Primer Sacramento de Iniciación Cristiana
12- Entendiendo el Sacramento de Confirmación
13 - El Pan de Vida... La Copa de Salvación - La Eucaristía
14 - Introducción a la Penitencia - El Sacramento de Reconciliación
15 - Entendiendo el Propósito de la Unción de los Enfermos
16 - "Hagan esto en memoria Mía". Jesús Llama a los Pastores
17 - Los Dos se Convierten en "Uno" - El Matrimonio en los Ojos de Dios.
18 - “¿Cual es mi Confusión sobre la Misa?” Estamos en una Misión – La Introducción a la Misa
19 - “¿Cual es mi Confusión sobre la Misa?” Preparando Tu Corazón para Conocer a Jesús – El Rito de Introducción
20 - “¿Cual es mi Confusión sobre la Misa?” Mis Corderos Escuchan Mi Voz – Liturgia de la Palabra
21 - “¿Cual es mi Confusión sobre la Misa?” Este es Mi Cuerpo… Esta es Mi Sangre – Liturgia de la Eucaristía
22 - “¿Cual es mi Confusión sobre la Misa?” Tu Misión Empieza – Rito de Conclusión

AND MORE!!!

Contact us @

Defenders of the Holy Trinity
347-901-3155
DefendersoftheHolyTrinity@gmail.com

The History of the Feast Day of Christ the King

2010-11-23T08:23:00.000-05:00

By Juan Rodriguez - DHT

The feast day of Christ the King is celebrated four Sundays after the feast day of All Saints. The celebration was created during 1928 to promote the sovereignty of Christ as triumphant over all nations. Several liturgical celebrations of Christ's Kingship are observed during the procession of Palm Sunday as well as the feast day of the Ascension.

It is not certain whether this feast day began earlier in 1925. Historians believe that the feast may have begun during the 1880's by those who responded against the growth of secularization of the state. The petition was made to Pope Pius XI by sixty-nine Cardinals in 1922 during the Eucharistic Congress in Rome. Year after year, the request increased in numbers.

The feast day was accepted and promoted in an encyclical by the Pope, as he linked the new feast day with an annual consecration of all humanity to the Sacred Heart.

Originally, the feast day was celebrated on the last Sunday of October. This was to foster the awareness of all Catholic Christians, whether young or old, about Christ's dominion over all His people, while at the same time it fostered peace in all nations. After Vatican II, it was transferred from October to the last Sunday before Advent, so that the whole human race would consecrate themselves to the Sacred Heart. This was done before the Blessed Sacrament, during which the Litany of the Sacred Heart was recited.

What does it mean for youth and young adults today?

It means that Jesus Christ is Lord and Master of our lives. We acknowledge Jesus as King before all the nations. His Father in Heaven anointed Jesus Eternal Priest and Universal King. Jesus, being High Priest, offered His life on the Cross to redeem us by His Sacrifice. He is our King who has dominion over all the nations, over all creation, and presents to His Father a Kingdom of Truth, Holiness, and Justice. We should proclaim the news to our friends, neighbors, family, and loved ones.

May the youth of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church recognize the Majesty and Glory of Christ as King of our lives! Amen.

Act of Dedication of the Human Race to Jesus Christ King

Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us humbly prostrate before You. We are Yours, and Yours we wish to be; but to be more surely united with You, behold, each one of us freely consecrates himself today to Your Most Sacred Heart.

Many indeed have never known You; many, too, despising Your precepts, have rejected You. Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to Your Sacred Heart.

Be king, O Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken You, but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned You; grant that they may quickly return to their Father’s house, lest they die of wretchedness and hunger.

Be king of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof, and call them to harbor of truth and the unity of faith, so that soon there may be but flock and one Shepherd.

Grant, O Lord, to Your Church assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give tranquility of order to all nations; make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry: Praise to the divine Heart that wrought our salvation; to it be glory and honor for ever. Amen.

A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful, who piously recite the above Act of Dedication of the Human Race to Jesus Christ King. A plenary indulgence is granted, if it is recited publicly on the feast of our Lord Jesus Christ King.

Bringing Back "Catholic" to Halloween

2010-10-01T00:00:00.000-04:00

Is Halloween really about ghouls, ghosts, vampires and the scary monsters we are so used to hearing about during this special day? In many ways, Catholics have lost the real sense of Halloween, that it's not about monsters, but about Holy People we honor who have given their lives for Jesus.

What is a saint? Why do we honor them? Important feast days like All Saints and All Souls day seems to be unimportant to some Catholics. How many of us know the reasons behind praying to saints or praying for the dead?

DHT dedicates this section to youth and young adults who want to inform their groups, classes, and parishes about the importance of this feast day. Let's celebrate the true meaning of Halloween, All Saints, and All Souls day, the way Jesus wanted it.

Topics On All Saints Day

- Ghouls, Ghosts and Vampires... NOT! Want to know what Halloween's About? By Juan Rodriguez - DHT
- Honoring our Supernatural Hero's - All Saints Day By Juan Rodriguez - DHT
- Who said they're dead? Saints Alive
- Keep your confusion, I'll Keep My Saint Pictures - On Images of Saints
- Holy "Hand me downs" - The Relics of the Saints
- Helping Hand from a friend - Praying to Saints
- Me, be a saint? Nah - Nothing is impossible with Christ.

Other Articles from our Friends:

- Praying to Saints: By Sebastian R. Fama – Stay Catholic
- Praying to the Saints: By Catholic Answers
- Saint Worship?: By Catholic Answers
- Do Catholic Worship Statues?: By Catholic Answers
- Statues & Holy Pictures: By Sebastian R. Fama – Stay Catholic
- Scapulars, Medals and Relics: By Sebastian R. Fama – Stay Catholic
- Relics: By Catholic Answers

Topics On All Souls Day

- Do you remember them? Honoring the Dead on All Souls DayBy Juan Rodriguez - DHT
- You Can Learn A lot from the Dead, if you just listened
- That's crazy, the dead pray for me too
- Like Steel Tested in Fire - Purgatory for youth and young adults

Other Articles from our Friends:

- Purgatory: By Sebastian R. Fama – Stay Catholic
- Purgatory: By Catholic Answers
- Roots of Purgatory: By Catholic Answers

Some Cool Ideas for Catholic Youth and Young Adult Groups

- Holyween: Reclaim the Celebration of All Saints: By Fr. Vincent Serpa O.P. (Catholic Answers Article)
- Prayers for All Saints
- Prayers for All Souls

Bullying - Can the Gospel Be our BullyProof?

2010-09-09T23:16:00.008-04:00

What do we as Catholics say about it?

I just happened to pick up this Martial Arts Magazine called “Inside Kung Fu”, and opened up to an article called “Bullyproof Bullying!” It was an article written about Gracie’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu system. I read it for the reason of this important topic of “Bullying” as it offers parents an alternative to combating this problem. My question for our readers “Do we as Catholic Youth Leaders have pastoral plan in combating bullying?”

The author, Dan Duarte, explains the concerns that parents fear their child may be a victim of “bullying”. children or teens who are bullied in school may not or will not tell parents, a family member, or even school staff that they are being picked on. It goes on to relate a story of a young girl who committed suicide from bullying, in person and on the internet.

Mr. Duarte mentions that bullies would pick on anything about a child or teen attack that one image or what the child or teen represents – it would continue on through name calling, threats or physical violence. Duarte quotes Dr. Sahgal by suggesting to our children and teens of “denying the bully satisfaction by simply ignoring the attacks.” Dr Sahgal also suggests that we call the bully’s bluff – but that would mean that a child or a teen have “self-confidence” or courage to stand up to the threat.

Now picking up a martial art to defend oneself may be a great idea, but in an age where violence seems to be the only means to deal with issues such as “bullying” or maybe other issues, shouldn’t we come up with a Catholic perspective using our beliefs and empowering our youth to stand up for themselves while being the Gospel? I believe it’s possible – but I can hear it now from parents, “you’re telling me to tell my child to turn the other cheek?” Nope, we’re just asking Him to be Jesus in the face of a bully.

So what is your thoughts on the subject – can a youth of our faith justify himself or herself in a martial art for protection or can he or she go beyond the call of “opening up a can of you know what” to stop the bullying?

Your thoughts – Let’s Debate It! Leave a comment below.

You’re welcome to give your own testimony or thoughts.

If you know of any scripture verses in reference to bullying, share it with us.

John of DHT.

I Want To Believe - In Queens

2010-07-04T19:44:00.005-04:00

Speakers for I WANT TO BELIEVE 1 - Queens, NY

Fr. Jonas Achacoso is a Filipino Priest, ordained Deacon on April 25, 1999 (Spain), and later Ordained a Priest on May 20, 2000 in the Philippines. His ministry included being the Chancellor Secretary of the Diocese of Talibon (2001-2006), Director of Blessed Trinity Elementary School (2001-2006), Member of the Diocesan Board of Consultors (2001-2006), and was the first parish Priest of San Roque Church (2003-2006). He later became the chairman for the Diocesan Pastoral Council (2005-2006). He studies focused on Philosophy and Theology, receiving his Bachelors in Theology and his Licentiate in Canon Law at the University of Navarre (Spain). He is presently enrolled in the Doctoral Program of Canon at the University of Navarre. At this time, Fr. Jonas is working with Queen of Angels Parish during the summer time.

Mike Lopez is the Youth Minister of Queen of Angels parish. An experienced preacher within the youth ministry circles in Diocese of Brooklyn and Archdiocese of New York, Mike has worked with movements and ministries such as the Jornanda Movement, the Charismatic Renewal and Common Union

Check out Bertha's and Johnny's Profile.

I Want to Believe! Introduction - Come and See

2010-06-28T23:43:00.028-04:00

Welcome to our third summer series, I WANT TO BELIEVE. We are happy that you are able to participate in our study.

Our intention is to help Catholic youth, young adults, Catechists, and families to read and study the Catechism and most especially the Sacred Scriptures. We do not intend on creating a school of our own, we are simply gathering as members of the Church to study her teachings and how to apply it in our life.

If we were to ask you how many times do you pick up the bible or even the catechism, many will say different things: Never. Not Much. When I have to find a quote to answer a question. When I have to prepare a talk for my group or for my Religious Ed Class. Even the Bible, we look for quotes to answer common questions we may have about our relationship with God, but we never pick it up to read the details behind the author’s intention or why the Church put the Scriptures together. There are some who think the Bible fell down from the sky, or that it came first before the Church. Some even argue that it is the only authority we should follow (Sola Scriptura). Some don’t get the mystery writings, the parables, or what we should take as literal or symbolic.

The purpose of this class is to build your interests in reading the Bible. Participants will go through a period of study with the help of the Catechism. Below is list teachers who will lead you in understanding what the Church teaches about Scripture:

Victor Dedaj is a Member (6 years) and one of the Moderators of YCNY – Young Catholic New Yorker. He leads bible study for young adult in the New York area. He continues to be an active member of the Young Adult Community of New York. Victor is also a member the charism Communion and Liberation (http://www.clonline.us/ or http://www.clonline.org/), which has helped him in his faith and leadership within YCNY. He was confirmed as an adult in the Catholic Church.

Joani Ramirez was born and raised in New York City and currently lives in the Bronx. Throughout her childhood and adolescence she has been an active parishioner of Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral (http://www.oldcathedral.org/). After a year living upstate during her college years, she returned to live in New York City and to her old parish where a group of her childhood friends had formed a youth group as part of the Jornada Movement (http://www.jornadista.org/). In April 1995, Joani did her Joranda and had a profound personal encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ that breathed new life into her experience of the Catholic faith that she always professed. A few short years later the remaining members of our youth group joined the Nueva Alianza Ministry (http://www.lanuevaalianza.org/) and began to deepen our experience of our faith through the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the Archdiocese of New York (http://www.centrocatolicocarismatico.com/). Joani feels the call to serve the Lord in His Church as an integral part of her identity and faith as a Catholic. La Nueva Alianza ministry has focused on evangelizing and bringing people to a personal encounter with the Lord through the gifts and Person of the Holy Spirit using music, preaching, and intercessory prayers. At the heart of our ministry is a profound devotion and love for our Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament and to His Blessed Mother. Though our focus has been to minister to the Spanish speaking adult community of Old St. Patrick’s, we have served with other ministries in working with the adolescent and young adult population in sharing our testimony and faith in our risen Lord.

Br Michael Perez is a member of the Religious Order called the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament (http://www.blessedsacrament.com/). Born and raised in NYC, he entered into the order in 1963. He has a BA in History and Social Studies. He was a teacher in both public and Catholic High Schools. Worked in hospital ministry for 8 years and has worked in Lay Leadership Formation within the Hispanic Community as a teacher in the Instituto of the Centro Carismatico (http://www.centrocatolicocarismatico.com/). He is currently the Director of Novices for his Order.

Alexandra Bastien is a student of Nyack Christian College earning a Master's degree for Mental Health Counseling. She has always considered her faith in Christ as important in her life. She believes that God is calling her to become a Christian therapist. She was the co-founder of YCNY Bible Study Group, a family group of DHT. She was also the Young Adult Coordinator for the Diocese of Rockville Center.
When she is not studying, Alexandra teaches with the “Long Island Teen Freedom” as an abstinence educator to middle school children. She also works with a foster care agency. She volunteers with the Sisters of Life as a co-worker, and runs the St Clare House - community prayer house for women

Tony Felicissimo is the director of the Advocates of Life (http://advocatesoflife.com/) and a High School Religion Teachers at Cardinal Spellman in the Archdiocese of New York.

Alvin Peña is the director of La Nueva Alianza (http://www.lanuevaalianza.org/). He is also the Music director of the Church of St. Teresa’s in the Lower East Side. Alvin is a preacher and teacher within the Charismatic Renewal circles in the Archdiocese of New York.

Betsy Davila is a Religion teacher for St. Thomas Aquinas in the Bronx. She is also a co-worker in the Archdiocese of New York Youth Congress.

Bertha Peralta & Johnny Rodriguez

WHAT TO BRING:

1) Please bring your notebook, Catechism of the Catholic Church and Bible. To purchase a copy, please visit our section CATHOLIC STORES IN NEW YORK. For online participants, please use www.VATICAN.va
2) You are welcome to bring one guest
3) Please bring something to share as we will be having a Potluck Dinner.

WHERE ARE THE TALKS TAKING PLACE?

You must RSVP in order to receive the location of the study. Please give us:

Name:
Address:
Tele#
E-mail
Name of Church:
Name of Group or Ministry:

Send it to: DefendersOfTheHolyTrinity@gmail.com

Check out our next talk I WANT TO BELIEVE 3 - "In the Beginning was the Word..." What Word was that? (CCC 101-104)

Please read the paragraphs listed for the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Also, read Dei Verbum – Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation (Vatican II)

DHT Series: I Want to Believe - Join Today!

2010-06-15T02:13:00.001-04:00

Hey Guys and Gals

Are you interested in studying about the Catholic Faith? How about with other young adults within the Catholic Community of New York? What if I say that God may be calling you to deepen your faith, He maybe even calling you to become a DHT Member? No matter what, if you hunger to learn about your Catholic Faith in fellowship and in prayer with other young adults then this might be for you.

Join DHT for our 3rd series of talks titled "I Want To Believe 3". DHT will be doing a study on the first parts of the Catechism. See titles of talks with dates below:

- June 28th (Monday) Introduction - Come and See "I Want To Believe 3"
- July 5th (Monday) "In the Beginning was the Word..." What Word was that? (CCC 101-104)
- July 12th (Monday) "The Word of God: Written by God, Man, or Both?" (CCC 105-108)
- July 19th (Monday) "This Book comes with instructions - Don't leave out the Guide." (CCC 109-114)
- July 26th (Monday) "Making Sense of Scripture" (CCC 115-119)
- August 2nd (Monday) "What you should know about the Canon of Scripture" (CCC 120)
- August 9th (Monday) "He will be our God and we will be His People - The Old Testament" (CCC 121-123)
- August 16th (Monday) “His New Covenant for us - The New Testament” (CCC 124-127)
- August 23rd (Monday) “God's Divine Plan - The Unity of Scripture" (CCC 128-130)
- August 30th (Monday) What the Word of God can do for you!" Scripture in your life (CCC 131-133)

Classes Begin at 6PM with a small Pot Luck Dinner and fellowship, followed by class at 7PM

Materials Needed:

Notebook, Bible, Catechism of the Catholic Church. Other materials will be provided.

Where is the Location?

Location for class will be given to you as soon as you are approved by us and recommended by your Youth or Young Adult Minister, Youth and Young Adult Leaders, must be a member of a group and parish.

Do we have to pay?

Not at all! The only thing you should pay for is your own materials. If unable to pay for it we will do our best to get you materials. It is important that students bring something to share at the Pot Luck dinner.

What if I want to join DHT?

You are welcome to join us, but remember, members of DHT or DHT Collaborators who want specific training from DHT are not the same as those participating in the series "I Want to Believe". Please read WHO ARE THE DEFENDERS OF THE HOLY TRINITY.

What if I cannot make the classes, but would like to read the notes online?

All are welcome to participate and even better, DHT will provide the notes from our classes. Simply CLICK on the topic for the week and study with us. Don't forget to sign up...

SIGN UP TODAY

If you or any of your members would like to participate in this series “I Want To Believe”, please give us:

Name:
Address:
Tele#
E-mail:
Group:
Title or Position in group:
Brief Biography:

Note: THIS IS A PERSONAL INVITATION – YOU ARE ALLOWED ONE GUEST TO JOIN IN THE STUDY. GUEST MUST FILL OUT INFO.

After giving us your information by e-mail, you will receive by e-mail the location of the study.

RSVP TODAY!

646-262-3046 / defendersoftheholytrinity@gmail.com

If you need permission from your leader or coordinator, please see "INVITATION LETTER"

Hope to see you at the studies.

John of DHT

CLICK ON THE ICON AND CHECK OUT OUR FIRST & SECOND SERIES

He Is Truly Lord of Heaven & Earth

2010-04-06T08:43:00.000-04:00

By Juan Rodriguez of DHT

We as Catholic youth and young adults celebrate this special Holy day of Obligation remembering the story of Jesus returning to Heaven. This can be found in the Book of Acts of the Apostles (Acts chapter 1& 2). He did this by His own power as God and Man. This was forty days after His Resurrection.

What is the importance of this holy day?

The Feast of the Ascension reminds us (the Church) that Jesus’ visible mission on earth has come to a close. This does not mean that our Lord is not present with us, but simply that He is going back to our Father in Heaven. Most importantly, because of our Lord’s life, passion, and death that saved all humanity, our Father gives to our Lord Jesus the important honor of being seated at His right hand. Jesus as God and Man is glorified forever in the presence of the Father and the Holy Spirit.

From His seat of Glory, Jesus, our most merciful and beloved Lord, had made a promise to His Apostles and to the whole world that He would not abandon us. He promised that He would send us the Holy Spirit who would be our guide. This will happen on the great feast day of Pentecost, which our Jewish brothers & sisters celebrate as the Feast of the First Fruits. On this day, ALL OF US as Christians will celebrate the birth of the Church. Many Baptized Catholic Christians will receive the power of the Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Confirmation, as they will declare with the People of God our Lord’s Good News throughout our communities, cities, country, and world.

What happens in the Church during this Holy Day?

Upon entering your parishes you will see a change in the Sanctuary. The long candle, called the Paschal Candle (which represents Christ’s Death, Resurrection and Ascension into Heaven) will still be lit, for it is still the Easter Season.

Does this mean Jesus left us alone?

No way! Although Jesus has physically gone to heaven, He has not left us spiritually. He is still present in His ministers (Pope, Bishops, Priests, and Deacons). He is present in the People of God, “us”. He is present in His Word, when it is read at Mass, the Sacraments, Liturgical Celebrations, prayer groups, at school, at the office, at the park, and anywhere that His Word is being read. He is definitely present in the Eucharist. We as Christians call this “Signs”. They show us that Christ, our Emmanuel, is still with us.

What happens after we celebrate this Holy Day?

We prepare together for the coming of the Holy Spirit – Pentecost. The feast of the Ascension begins on the 40th day after Easter, falling on a Thursday. After the celebration, the Church enters into 9 days of prayer in preparation for Pentecost. We call this a “novena”. It is done publicly or privately by the people of God. In our Church’s history, the first novena was done by the Apostles, Mary, and those who were in the upper room, waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1 & 2)

How can I get my family and my group to prepare for Pentecost? Is there a novena to the Holy Spirit?

There is a novena to the Holy Spirit, which you can get at your local Catholic Bookstore or within your parish gift shops. Simply click on “Catholic Bookstore” to find a bookstore nearest you. This list is only for New York.

Holy Spirit Novena

Dearest Holy Spirit, confiding in Your deep, personal love for me, I am making this novena for the following request, if it be Your Holy Will to grant it:
(mention your request).

Teach me, Divine Spirit, to know and seek my last end; grant me the holy fear of God; grant me true contrition and patience.
Do not let me fall into sin. Give me an increase of faith, hope and charity, and bring forth in my soul all the virtues proper to my state in life.

Make me a faithful disciple of Jesus and an obedient child of the Church. Give me efficacious grace sufficient to keep the Commandments and to receive the Sacraments worthily.
Give me the four Cardinal Virtues, Your Seven Gifts, Your Twelve Fruits.
Raise me to perfection in the state of life to which You have called me and lead me through a happy death to everlasting life.
I ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Taken From the EWTN Web Site– Novena to the Holy Spirit

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It would be helpful if Catholic groups that have web sites could put a link or even the prayer on their web site. Parishes that have web sites can do the same.

You can also call for a daily prayer of the novena amongst the faithful of your parish, your groups, and your family.

If you want to promote the prayer of the novena in your parish, create fliers and post them within the Church and share with parish groups, leaders, parents and members of the parish. I would even encourage you to go as far as mailing letters, dropping off notices at apartment doors or to houses in your neighborhood to get the community involved. You may win a fallen away Catholic by inviting him or her to experience a powerful conversion to the Lord.

Let’s make this feast special – spread the word! Let’s make New York a Holy Christian Community.

Catholic For A Reason: Event

2010-04-05T11:44:00.001-04:00

Join Youth and Young Adult leaders throughout Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bronx, and Staten Island for Catholic for a Reason

TOPIC: Honoring the Holy Name of the Lord - What's that all about? (Luke 1:49)

With Fr. Jean Paul Soler - Associate Pastor of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs

There will Holy Hour and Much more.
Date & Time: Monday, June 7th at 6:45PM.
Where? Queen of Angels Church – 44-04 Skillman Ave, Sunnyside NY 11104.

Train: 7 Train to 46 St. and Bliss St. You will be on Queens Blvd. Walk to 44th Street and go North 2 blocks to you hit Skillman Ave. You will see on your right side QUEEN OF ANGELS CHURCH.

Bus: Q60 to 44 St. and Queens Blvd (Going East from Manhattan). Q60 to 45th St (going towards Manhattan). On 44th St., walk north 2 blocks to Skillman Ave.

For more directions, please visit

http://www.hopstop.com/

This talk is for youth and young adults in leadership.
For more information contact:

Church Phone# 718-392-0011 / 718-937-5174
Mike Lopez 917-889-5258 / mlopez128@aol.com
John 646-262-3046 / Defendersoftheholytrinity@gmail.com

Sponsored by the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry of Queen of Angels in collaboration with DHT-Defenders of the Holy Trinity & Transit Gloria.

Check out the VIDEOS of our last Catholic For A Reason
Justin Fatica of Hard As Nails Ministry - Be Real, Be Weak, and Love!
Michael Grogan - I Thirst For You - Letting Jesus Quench Your Thirst
Enrique Lugo - This Is My Desire - To Be Holy: My First Vocation In Jesus

When I fail to really know Him

2010-02-21T21:34:00.001-05:00

Para 3 – “To be learned and able to discuss the Trinity will get you nowhere if you do not have humility, and therefore displease the Holy Trinity. Lofty words neither save you nor make you a Saint; only a virtuous life makes you dear to God. It is better to experience contrition than to be able to define it.

“To be well versed in Scripture and all the sayings of philosophers will not profit you if you are without God’s love and His grace. ‘All things are vanity‘(Eccl 1:2). Nothing matters except to love God and to serve Him only. The height of wisdom is to set your goal on heaven by despising the world." Imitation of Christ - Thomas A Kempis

How many times have we failed Him? All of us can agree that the number of times can’t be counted for, and even worse, sometimes we remember the shameful acts that we just wished we’ve never done. This paragraph hits harder those who are called to the service of Preaching, and Teaching, especially those interested studying their Catholic Faith in the field of Theology - even those who are writers, especially of Christian music, and those who by their calling as Christians, become witnesses to the Truth. Blessed Thomas is calling us to recognize that humility is key to having an intimate relationship with the Trinity, and that if we know about Him, and know Him through prayer, we should know who God Truly is for us.

I remind myself as a coordinator of DHT that I am capable of failing my Lord when I think I am better then others, just because I study about God – because I teach and preach in circles, groups and classrooms, even in public places, or in a room with only 2 or 3 people – none of my knowledge of “what is God to and for us”, is going to save me. My thoughts and acts can put me away from God, hurting not only my relationship with God, but others, whom I should be an example for – there is no excuse for my actions or even the way I treat people. I am not imitating the one I love, hence I am a liar in the face of those who want to see Him. Could this be you as well?

I remember in a preaching of Fr. Larry Richards, called “The Truth”, he invited us to ask our friends and family, “Am I loving person?” Try it, but be careful, the answer you may get back may haunt you, or save you; depends if you are humble and willing to hear it. I hope I can be. I hope someone reading this can tell me, “John, you hurt me. John, you disrespected me. John, you lied to me. John, you treated me bad. John, you ignored me. John, when I needed you, you went to help someone else.” I hope I can tell you “I am sorry, please forgive me, and know that I love you. I thank you for being honest with me, and for setting me straight. I am weak, and I thank God you were there to tell me to change, to stop, to be different, to be Jesus for you.”

My knowledge of God is not perfect, only He is perfect, but my experience and desire in knowing Him should make my testimony REAL. Hence, if I fail someone, I should be free to surrender and ask for pardon, even asking for help to change, to get right with God.

It’s not easy to recognize your sin, your failures, your weaknesses, but it is easy when you have friends to help you – when you can see God’s hand working through the ones that love you and can put you back towards the Way. We should not be afraid to show others our weak side, even to cry in front of them. It helps them to understand the meaning of mercy and to be aware of their own weaknesses; anyone, including them, are capable of failure – even grave ones.

So if you are a student in theology, a religion teacher in an institute or a college, a catechist for youth or adults, a preacher, a song writer, singer, musician – make every effort to meditate on the words you are about to say. Does it really matter to you? Do the words you say also affect you? People really want to know if you believe what you say of your love for Jesus, and they can see if you are serious about living for the Lord.

Remember, Blessed Thomas tells us, “The height of wisdom is to set your goal on heaven by despising the world.” That means, do you despise the very spirit of the world that invites you to rebel, to go against your neighbor, to hate, to be unmerciful, to be arrogant, to be spiteful and destructive in your words and actions – to do everything opposite to what Christ commands you to be. If we can reject the spirit of the world, then we’re on our way towards Love.

Return To
Jesus, Be My Lord & Savior

Following Christ Our Model

Do You Want The Spirit of Christ?

2010-02-20T04:36:00.005-05:00

Para 2 – “Christ’s teaching surpasses that of all the Saints. But to find this spiritual nourishment you must seek to have the Spirit of Christ. It is because we lack this Spirit that so often we listen to the Gospel without really hearing it. Those who fully understand Christ’s words must labor to make their lives conform to His.” Imitation of Christ - Chapter 1: On Following Christ Our Model

If we read the life of our Patron Saints, the one chosen for us at our Baptism, and the one we have chosen for our Confirmation, we would see clearly that they point to Christ. They teach us that He is the one we should live for, strive for, and desire for. It is important to remember that the Spirit of the Lord is within us and outside of us, leading us to Christ, urging us to desire Christ beyond any physical want (Like water, food, companionship and so on). This does not mean that the Spirit of the Lord does not want us to have these things, but what He does want is for us to recognize who is the Giver of all things – Our Father in Heaven. It is the Holy Spirit that helps us to experience Christ in our daily encounters.

Blessed Thomas teaches us to desire the Spirit of the Lord, letting Him guide you to hear the message of the Gospel. The Gospel ought to sink into our being, and both our mind and hearts should be open to letting the Gospel change us, while at the same time it will change those who we encounter – our parents, our friends, our neighbor, and society.

Our Lord teaches us that we “are the light of the world.” (Gospel of St. Matthew 5:14). You and I are called to reflect His Light to the world – we are to be Christ in our world. Our Lord is challenging us to take our love for Him seriously.

Do want the Spirit of Christ? Call upon the Holy Spirit to help you to overcome the obstacles that block you from encountering Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you His strength

Return To
Jesus, Be My Lord & Savior

Following Christ Our Model

We Need His Strength

2010-02-19T18:49:00.006-05:00

Para 1 – “’No one who follows Me will ever walk in darkness’ (Jn 8:12). These words of our Lord counsel all to walk in His footsteps. If you want to see clearly and avoid blindness of heart, it is His virtues you must imitate. Make it your aim to meditate on the life of Jesus Christ.”

Chapter 1 - Imitation of Christ: By Thomas A Kempis

All of us are called to walk in His footsteps – no one who is a Christian, whether young or old, is exempt from living for Christ and being Christ in his or her own world. This is why Thomas Kempis teaches us that in order to avoid spiritual blindness, that which comes from our heart, the sins we make excuses for or the sins we are about to make, we need to look to Christ who will help us to avoid the temptation, the test of making the wrong decision over the right. Blessed Thomas reflects with us, using the words of our Savior, that you and I will never walk in darkness if we have Him in our Life. The word Blessed Thomas uses is “Virtue” – which means in the Greek, “Strength”. We need His Strength, His Example, His Experience, and His Love - to Imitate Him. This shouldn’t be confused with acts, like that of an actor, but that we personally take Him seriously – His words, His acts, His way of living for His Father, and the way He treats others. If we say we belong to Jesus, we love Jesus, we adore Jesus, we worship Jesus, we surrender to Jesus – then do as Mary said “Do what ever He tells you.” Jn 2:5

What Virtue is Blessed Thomas talking about? First, there are two categories of virtues. 1st Moral Virtues; these are virtues that we develop through our efforts of doing good with the grace of God. These Virtues are Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance – they are also called Cardinal Virtues. 2nd Theological Virtues; these are gifts given to us by God through the sacraments. They help us to live and have desire for God as our True Father, that we may live out our days with the hopes of being with Him in Eternal Life – the Resurrection promised to us by Jesus His Son, and Our Lord. These Virtues are Faith, Hope and Charity (Love in Action). See (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1803-1832)

So let’s try to live out His virtues and not make excuses for abandoning His life for worthless gain that can only lead to pain and suffering. Christ be our Light!

Check out - His Strength is Perfect – By Steven Curtis Chapman

Return To
Jesus, Be My Lord & Savior

Following Christ Our Model

Jesus, Be My Lord & Savior

2010-02-19T18:20:00.007-05:00

This section of the LAND OF ARTHANIUS is dedicated to youth and young adults who want to come closer to Jesus. Who desire to be more like Christ in the world – in their world. We call this section "Jesus, Be My Lord & Savior", inspired by the book “Imitation of Christ” and the words of Fr. Larry Richard’s, “Jesus cannot be your Savior, if He is not your Lord.” (From the Talk - The Truth)

We will be posting a small paragraph of the book, “Imitation of Christ”, and some thoughts, to help our Catholic youth and young adults become servants of the Lord. Join us in our discussion by sharing your thoughts or asking us a question based on the reflections. This can help many who come to visit this section on our site.

Pick up a copy of “Imitation of Christ” by Thomas A Kempis at your nearest Catholic Bookstore or Religious Goods store. Click here for stores in the New York area.

This book is available in Spanish and in LARGE PRINT! We recommend the Catholic Book Publishing Edition

DHT is also visiting parish groups to give talks on this subject. You are welcome to invite us through e-mail DEFENDERSOFTHEHOLYTRINITY@gmail.com or calling our message board – 646-262-3046

Title of the talk – “Jesus, Be My Lord and Savior” & “Jesus, Se Mi Señor y Salvador”
Check out our Out & About With DHT section for details for this talk and other talks given by DHT

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JESUS, BE MY LORD & SAVIOR
Reflections on the “Imitation of Christ” by Thomas A Kempis

- The Life of Thomas A Kempis
- Writings of Thomas A Kempis

Book 1: Useful Admonitions for the Spiritual Life

- On Following Christ Our Model
- On Having a Humble Opinion of Oneself
- On the Teaching of Truth
- On Being Prudent in What We Accept and Do
- On the Reading of Holy Scripture
- Concerning Inordinate Affections
- On false Confidence and Arrogance
- On Avoiding Too Much Familiarity
- On Being Obedient and Submissive
- On Avoiding Superfluous Words
- On How to Acquire Peace and on the Desire to Improve
- On the Advantage of Not Having Everything Our Own Way
- On Resisting Temptation
- On Avoiding Hasty Judgments
- On Works Done from the Motive of Charity
- On Bearing with the Defects of Others
- On the Religious Life
- On the Examples Given by the Fathers
- On the Exercises of a Good Religious
- On the Love of Solitude and Silence
- On compunction of heart
- On the consideration of Human Misery
- Meditation on Death
- On the Last Judgment and the Punishment for Sins
- On the Fervent Amendment of Our Whole Life

Lent Icons

2010-02-15T23:08:00.001-05:00

Catholic For A Reason - With Enrique Lugo

2010-02-08T01:10:00.004-05:00

The Impossible Becomes Possible! - By Juan Rodriguez

2009-12-27T23:58:00.002-05:00

I received a gift one day from a good friend. Name is not important but this gift was rather a strange one. She sent me a hand drawn picture of our Lady looking upon her baby Jesus. Mind you, she was Protestant, so the gift threw me for a loop. However, I could not help but stare at the image, because it showed the deep relationship between Mary and her son Jesus. Mary looks with her gentle eyes upon her sweet son, as Jesus stares in complete joy at his beloved Mother. They both concentrate on each other, showing the viewer the natural and supernatural union between Mother and Son.

Although, this may be a reality for Catholic Christians, it is not so with our Brother’s and Sister’s in different denominations. They would not agree fully to this mysterious union. For them it is “impossible.” They would not find it strange for God to come through a woman, but for her to be His Mother? It is absolutely impossible. But for the Catholic Church, there is no impossibilities!

Impossibilities become reality! Today, many Christian denominations say, “Mary couldn’t have given birth to the Son of God, rather, she gave birth to Jesus’ flesh.” Others would argue that Mary’s womb was chosen solely for the birth of Christ, as though she was a vessel to be used and then thrown to the side. But I put forth this question for Catholics and Protestant Christians to reflect on. If we as Christian’s believe Jesus to be both God and Man, as St. Athanasius spoke of Jesus “God from God, light from light, true God from true God (Nicene Creed),” then how can we deny the reality of God choosing Mary to be Mother of His Son, who is God Incarnate. Even the famous Anti-Catholic, Tony Alamo makes foolish remarks to this reality, titling his work “God has no Mother.” This and many other Anti-Catholic writings on the Motherhood of Mary, has caused many to look at Mary as only a person like you and I, rather then a chosen vessel of holiness.

Can Protestants like Tony Alamo, be right? Are they paying close attention to the Word of God? Well let us see what the Sacred Scriptures tell us of the Impossible becoming the Possible:

In the book of Genesis, God visited Abraham and Sarah. The three Angels brought the message to Abraham that his wife will be with child (Genesis 18:9-15). Sarah laughed because both of them were very old. But the Angel of the Lord spoke for God saying, “Is there anything that is impossible with God?” Later the Angel’s word came true as she named her son, Isaac, which is the abbreviated form of Yishaq-el, “God Smiles.” The etymology of this abbreviated name is Sahaq, which means “to laugh or play.” She laughed because she doubted the word of the Lord. Later Sarah realized the truth in the message. Her doubt became joy, because she received the gift to be a mother.

How about Elizabeth, who was barren as well? Was it not an angel who visited Zechariah, while he was preparing to burn incense in the sanctuary of the Lord. The Angel announced to him the good news of Elizabeth’s pregnancy. He did not believe it, and so the angel silenced him until the day came when John was born (Luke 1: 5-23; 1:57-62). If you look at the name John, in the Hebrew it means “God has bestowed favor upon you.” It was this favor that Elizabeth received in her old age, the grace to be a mother.

Now the same angel who visited Zechariah came to visit Mary, to announce the coming of God through her very being. Mary did not doubt, but she was confused, wondering what it truly meant. The angel comforts her with the words, “ Do not fear, Mary, for God has looked kindly on you.” The Angel’s name was Gabriel, which meant in the Hebrew, “God is Strong,” a name that truly speaks for itself. God conquers all fear! He said to her, that “The Holy Spirit” will over shadow her, and her child will be called Son of God. The Angel ends with confirming the pregnancy of Elizabeth to prove God’s grace is abounding. If the reader looks carefully, the Angel says, “With God nothing is impossible.” With this, she submits to the will of the Lord, saying, “Let it be done to me according to your word. (Luke 1:26-38)”

Are we to be doubting Thomas’ like our Protestant Brother’s and Sister’s? I think not! For we as Catholics truly believe in what Sacred Scripture says. Protestants would tell us we do not follow the Bible! How can this be when we as Catholics know what God is doing in the Sacred Scriptures.

We also see in Scripture that Mary went to aid Elizabeth in the birth of John. Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, as she entered the house. Elizabeth shouted with joy upon hearing the greeting, because the baby leapt in her womb. It was the Holy Spirit who entered into Elizabeth, as she cried out, “You are most blessed among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb! How is it that the mother of my Lord comes to me? (Luke 1:42-43)”

The Truth is said through the lips of Elizabeth, “My Lord”, and at the same time, praises Mary for believing in the “Lord’s Word.” This same Spirit moved Peter’s heart to believe and proclaim Jesus as “Son of the Living God” (Matthew 16:13-17). Jesus, Himself, confirms this to be from His Father, the same Lord Elizabeth gave praise too.

Now should Tony Alamo and many Protestants deny what the Holy Spirit proclaimed,
and what Jesus confirmed, they would doubt the belief of the Bible as the only Authority to the Truth. They not only opened the door to their errors, but they slammed it shut and threw the key under the door. We only pray that Jesus will open the door to their confusion and set them free to the Light of Truth.

Lastly, would God treat His bride the Church like a toy, created for one purpose, and then dispose of her when she completes her work on earth. I think not, and many Christians, both Catholic and Protestant, would agree. So if He would not abandon His Bride the Church, then why would He abandon Mary? The Church is an exact Image of Mary. The Church carries Jesus - so did Mary (For 40 weeks I might say). The Church gives Jesus to the world - so did Mary. To imagine God treating Mary like an object rather then a person would lead believers to see God as a ruthless Husband, like husbands who treat their wives like trash. We, both Catholic and Protestant Christians, believe that God’s plan is to make a Kingdom of Family. How can you have a family if the Husband is not being a good father, or Wife a good mother? The family would fall apart. But reflect with me on this point in Scripture. The Holy Spirit proclaimed the truth of Mary’s Motherhood through Elizabeth. Mary filled with joy and gladness, praises her Husband, the third Person of the Trinity, in total love and adoration. At the same time, the Holy Spirit holds Mary in glory and praises her as His most beloved Bride. God is definitely in love with His creation and He’s not embarrassed (like some men would be) to say, “this is my wife, the Mother of my Beloved Son.” Tell me what man or woman, in this day an age, would give such praise-- a human praise of love and commitment to each other. If men want to be good husbands and love the Lord, look to the Holy Spirit to be a true Husband. If woman want to be great wives, look to Mary, she is the perfect Wife and Mother. This truly is the image of Personal Relationship with our Lord and Savior, unthinkable to the human mind, but possible with God!

I would like to dedicate this article to my own mother, who gave me life. During my studies on the subject of Mary’s Motherhood, I asked my Mom about my birth. While she was ironing she told me that the doctor spoke with her about not having another child. She had suffered a miscarriage and had David (my brother). To have another child would bring complications to her body and to the child. She did not listen to the doctor, but placed all her trust on the Lord. That’s how I came into the world, through a wonderful, hopeful, and gentle mother. I reflect on my name, which is John, and wonder why my Mom gave me this name. Truly God has bestowed favor on my mother for trusting the Lord as He blessed Elizabeth too. To give birth to a child is truly a gift of the vocation of Motherhood. When I look at Mary in the picture I was given, and reflect on the Magnificat, I can’t help to see Mary’s praise to her Lord for this Grace to be Mother of God. It is her Motherhood that Magnifies True Grace, which is Jesus Christ. This for me is Possibility!

Check out our article on Holy Day's Of Obligation
This article was updated - It was published through The Defender news letter.

On Following Christ Our Model

2009-12-01T18:41:00.006-05:00

"No one who follows Me will ever walk in darkness." (Jn 8:12)

- We Need His Strength:
Paragraph 1
- Do You Want The Spirit of Christ?: Paragraph 2
- When I fail to really know Him.: Paragraph 3
- When we sacrifice our love for Christ for our passions: Paragraph 4
- Keep your eyes on the Prize!: Paragraph 5

Writings of Thomas A Kempis

2009-12-01T18:36:00.000-05:00

The Imitation of Christ
The Imitation of Mary
The Inner Life
Counsels on the Spiritual Life
On the Passion of Christ: According to the Four Evangelists
Consolations for My Soul: Meditations for the Earthly Pilgrimage …
Come, Lord Jesus (Rekindling the Inner Fire)
Meditations on the Life of Christ
Meeting the Master in the Garden: How Jesus Cultivates Our Soul
The Following of Christ
Vera Sepientia, or True Wisdom
A Pattern for Life
Sermons to the Novices Regular
Works
The Chronicle of the Canons Regular Of Mount St. Agnes

Catholic For A Reason - With Mike Grogan

2009-12-01T16:34:00.002-05:00

With Mike Grogan - I Thirst For Jesus Ministry

MAGNIFICAT

2009-08-03T13:44:00.004-04:00

Young Adult Prayer Group

DHT's proud to bring back a long time project, MAGNIFICAT, to help Catholic youth and young adult leaders come closer to Christ through Mary. MAGNIFICAT was part of a long work of DHT to create a group (whether it be for youth or young adults) that has its devotion, mission and purpose connected to a patron saint or devotional name of a Catholic Church. MAGNIFICAT began its first appearance at the Church of St. Mary's in the Lower East Side. Now, this group is part of the family of DHT.

Like YCNY, MAGNIFICAT caters to young adults who hunger for a personal relationship with Jesus. Most importantly, this relationship begins with an encounter with Mary, our Mother, who will bring us to Jesus.

Like our sister group, YCNY, we use the Sacred Scriptures - reflecting on passages that point to Mary, Sainthood, Vocation, Fellowship, and Spiritual Formation. MAGNIFICAT is not a Bible study group, so if you are looking for one, see YCNY.

MAGNIFICAT's mission and purpose is to help young adults know that God is Magnificent in their lives; that He wants to pour down His graces into our souls, and through our vocation we can give testimony of God's love in our lives. The name “Magnificat” points our young adults to service in the parish life and ministry. Our hopes – that the group will awaken in their hearts vocations to different apostolates, ministries, and life vocations within the Church.

Both mission and purpose are connected to the name “Magnificat”, because it identifies the desire to be with God, the praise we offer to God for His goodness, and to know that we are God’s children.

MAGNIFICAT meets up every last Sunday of the month @ 4:30PM

You do not have to be a member of this group, nor feel as if you have leave your ministry to be a part of DHT. This group is for everyone and anyone looking for prayer, reflection and fellowship. If you are interested in participating in our young adult group e-mail us @ DEFENDERSOFTHEHOLYTRINITY@GMAIL.COM

If you are unable to make it, you are welcome to check out the reflections below. Postings will appear at 7PM (Check the Date). Feel free to share them with your friends and family. May the Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be with you and your family. Mary, Seat of Wisdom, pray for us!

August 30th (Sunday) “My Soul Magnifies the Greatness of the Lord” – Your Purpose In Life - Luke 1:46
September 27th (Sunday) “Rejoicing In the Spirit of the Lord” Our Salvation – Luke 1:47
October 25th (Sunday) “Do You Hear His Voice?” Called To Be A Servant of the Lord – Luke 1:48
November 29th (Sunday) “All people will call YOU blessed” Called To Holiness – Luke 1:48
December 27th (Sunday) His Birth Changed Our World – Christmas Mike Grogan
January 24th (Sunday) “Honoring the Name of the Lord” What’s that all about? – Luke 1:49
February 28th (Sunday) “It’s My Passion Too – Called To Be Christ
March 28th (Sunday) “It’s All About J.O.Y.” Knowing God is Above You – Luke 1:49
April 25th (Sunday) When Death Has No Bite! – The Resurrection
May 30th (Sunday) “Trusting in the Mercy of the Lord” – Luke 1:50
June 27th (Sunday) “Take My Life” God Raises Up The Lowly – Luke 1:51-52
July 27th (Sunday) “The Hungry are filled with good things” – Luke 1:53
August 29th (Sunday) “The Lord Remembers His Promise of Old” Don’t Forget Your Roots – Luke 1:54-55

I Want To Believe - We Dare You To Believe!

2009-06-16T10:28:00.014-04:00

For many years, DHT has tried different ways to help Catholic youth and young adults learn about our Catholic Faith. Inspired by so many youth and young adult leaders, bishops, priests, deacons, religious and lay leaders in many circles, cultures and backgrounds in the New York area, DHT has tried its best to listen to God’s Will. This time, the Lord has inspired us to create I WANT TO BELIEVE; a series which in many ways Catechizes, Evangelizes, gives Testimony of our faith and the faith of the Saints to youth and young adults, and lastly – inspires leaders to Defend Christ and His Church. In this section of our web site you will find links to some of our discussions and lessons. We hope that Catholic youth and young adult leaders, catechists and parents may use to instruct future leaders of our Church. For more information about our talks, check out our section “Out & About with DHT”. Contact us for talks, reflections and classes @ DefendersOfTheHolyTrinity@gmail.com or call us at 646-262-3046

I Want To Believe – We Dare You To Believe!

Summer 2008

I Want To Believe
Yo Quiero Creer (COMING SOON)

Summer 2009

I Want To Believe 2 – Back To My Roots

Summer 2010

I Want To Believe 3 - Living the Word of God

Ministries Teaching With Us

La Nueva Alianza
Young Catholic New Yorker Young Adults Bible Study Group

You are the Salt of the Earth... You are the Light of the World

2009-06-15T17:23:00.021-04:00

A Seven-Day Family Prayer for Vocations

In Loving Memory Of Father Eugene Hamilton

This Pamphlet is dedicated to the Life and Memory of Father Eugene Hamilton, who was ordained a priest three hours before he died at the age of 25. May his life, Heavenly Father, be an inspiration for all youth and young adults who give themselves freely to the Call of Christ on the Cross

Day 1: Prayer for Our Pope, Bishops, and Priests.

Heavenly Father,

You called our Holy Father, Pope N., to be the shepherd of the flock in the image of Your Son Jesus Christ. We pray that You continue to grant him good health and great wisdom to lead us to Jesus our Savior. We pray also for our Bishops and Priests who carry the name of Jesus within their very being, that they who share in the Priesthood of Jesus, may be strengthened by His Body and Blood. We pray they may continue to be truly spiritual fathers and examples of Christ before a world that finds itself in Darkness. May they be "Light of the World", and "Salt of the Earth."

We pray also for our Cardinal / Archbishop of our Archdiocese / Diocese, N., that God will grant him strength to defend and feed his flock with the courage of a lion and the heart of a gentle father. We pray also that his priests would take his example as the father of our beloved Church in New York, so that the Word of God would make of us a Holy Flock, destined to be with Jesus in Heaven. May our pastor, N. and the priests of our parish be filled with the grace of our Father in Heaven. May they be examples of Christian virtue, and inspire the young to the vocation of the Priesthood. May the youth of New York see our Holy Father, our Cardinal/Archbishop, our Bishops, and Priests, as Images of Christ, so they may be filled with courage to hear the call and follow Jesus to His Eternal Priesthood. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen!

Apostle’s Creed
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit…

Day 2: Prayer for our Religious Brothers and Sisters

Heavenly Father,

You called one by one, your little sons and daughters to take up the mission of evangelization, prayer, and sacrifice for the entire flock of New York. They have freely given themselves to you in service of those in need. They have taken up their crosses and carried them in your name faithfully as their founders did in ages past. Today, the message they proclaim in their lives continues to be like a tree, bearing good fruit. You harvest from them these gifts they present to you by the very work of their own hands. Lord, grant to them new graces to continue on in the mission of building Your Kingdom for the glory of Your Name. May their lives be an example of Your Son Jesus. As He suffered and died for us, may their lives be a continual sacrifice in His Name. Oh Heavenly Father, may they inspire the youth of our great city, to pick up the cross and follow Your Son Jesus Christ, through the example of their holiness. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen!

Apostle’s Creed
Our Father...
Hail Mary…
Glory Be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit…

Day 3: Prayer for Deacons

Heavenly Father,

Throughout all of history, you have called holy men such as Saints Stephen and Philip to take up the mission of caring for Your flock. You called many to take up the Cross of Christ as Deacons, because You knew that Your priests needed the help in proclaiming the Gospel throughout the world. Give to our Deacons the fire of Your Spirit as You gave to Saints Stephen and Philip. Give to them the courage of St. Stephen, to face his enemy, Satan, with the Cross and the Word of God, as they go forth to call the fallen away back to the flock of Christ. Give them the wisdom of St. Philip, so that they may bring a spiritual conversion to a city filled with the misconception of Jesus and His Church. Let their very lives proclaim Jesus as Master of the World. May they be examples for the young men who are considering the call to be Deacons. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen!

Apostle’s Creed
Our Father..
Hail Mary
Glory Be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit…

Sts. Stephen and Philip, Pray for our Deacons and for the Vocations of Deacons.

Day 4: Prayer for Seminarians, Postulants, and Novices

Heavenly Father,

You called those who would take the calling as Priest, Brother and Sister, to prepare themselves for the mission ahead. We pray Lord that you will give them strength through the gifts of the Holy Spirit to be Images of Christ. Prepare their minds to face the philosophies and teachings that put down Your beloved Son, so that they may teach the doctrines of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with clarity and determination. Prepare their hearts to face spiritual warfare against Satan and all his minions, so that they may be Spiritual Masters of our Faith. Prepare their bodies to face trials, and even pain of death, so that they may endure the sustained race to save souls for Your glory. These three things we pray Father, that you may grant this upon our future priests and religious, so that they may inspire the youth and young adults of our city to respond to their vocation. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen!

Apostle’s Creed
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit…

Day 5: Prayer for Single Consecrated Life

Heavenly Father,

You called young men and women to enter into and live a Single Consecrated life. They are called to give up all to be with you, so that they may better serve Your people. They consecrate their lives to Your will, and submit fully to the divine plan of Salvation. Inspire in them the gifts of faith, hope and love, so that they may inspire many to come closer to Your Son, Jesus Christ. Let them inspire those in the workforce, their communities, their families, and their friends to seek Jesus, by the witness of their Christian Virtues. May they be beacons of light and hope in the Church of New York and, through their example, may young men and women hear the call to the Single Consecrated Life. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen!

Apostle’s Creed
Our Father..
Hail Mary
Glory Be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit…

Day 6: Prayer for Holy Marriages

Heavenly Father,

You have called men and women to be united in Holy Matrimony, and to share their love with one another as husband and wife. Assist them, as they enter into the covenant of marriage, to understand and cherish their role as mothers and fathers called to bring into the world a Holy People of God. You called them as a family to bring into this world, Holy Priests, Holy Religious, Holy Deacons, Holy People, dedicated to the sanctification of the world. They will bring Your Holy Name to their communities, their families, and to the hearts of their children. It will be through their examples that their children will be carriers of Christ, and proclaim His Name through their lips. Put into their hearts that fire of love and devotion for one another, so that the vocation to Married Life continues to be a Holy union of mind and heart. Strengthen them in times of trials, tribulations, and temptations, that they stay faithful to Christ and to each other until death. May they inspire young men and women called to Married Life, to be faithful to their Lord and to each other. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen!

I Believe in God...
Our Father..
Hail Mary
Glory Be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit…

Day 7: Prayer for the Young to Accept the Call

Heavenly Father

We pray for our children who will be future Priests, Religious, Deacons, Consecrated Singles, or Married couples. We pray as a Church that our young people have the courage and generosity to accept the call with faith and hope in Your Son Jesus Christ. As Master of our lives and the Great Messenger of Vocations, Christ calls each of them by name. We ask Lord that You take our son / daughter into Your Holiness. You know the future of our child; call our child to the vocation You destined him/her to be, according Your Will. Give their parents the courage and conviction to accept Your Holy Will for their children. May Jesus be at the very heart and life of their choice of vocation. May His precious Body and Blood make of our children Holy Servants of the Church in New York. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen!

Apostle’s Creed
Our Father...
Hail Mary…
Glory Be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit…

The Catholic Priesthood

2009-06-01T23:56:00.005-04:00

What you don’t know - YOU SHOULD KNOW

Welcome to our new section on the Land of Arthanius - brought to you by DHT, and with the help of priests and lay leaders who want to inform our Catholic youth and young adult leaders about the Catholic Priesthood. Recently, a well known Catholic Latino Priest was in a major scandal that caused much stir within the Catholic community. We know him as Fr. Alberto Cutie. But he’s not the only Priest in scandal, there are more. It has left many Catholics spiritually dazed and confused. This does not mean that Christ has abandoned His Church, nor is He calling us to “hate on” them or the Priesthood. What He is calling us to do is to understand the Priesthood through the Catholic Church.

Now some of us haven’t a clue of what is a Priest? What is the Sacrament of Holy Orders? Who can be a Priest? What does the Priest do? How does a Priest live? I could go on… Sometimes we assume we know based on the little information we’ve received from Catechism Classes in the past, or we just forgot. There are those who are question the Church; people who want answers without studying - they want simple solution without seeing consequences. We could be part the few million Catholics who have no idea what a Catholic Priest is?

This section will be dedicated to the Priesthood. Personally, it will be part of my dissertation for Fordham, since I have chosen the topic of Vocations within the Latino Community. I hope, with God’s help and the help of so many friends within the Catholic Church that men from every culture represented in New York, will respond to Christ and become a “Priest Forever”

DHT is proud to support our Church on this “Year of the Priest”, which begins Friday, June 19th 2009 (Feast of the Sacred Heart) and ends June 19th 2010.

Let us pray for our Pope, our Bishops, our Priests and Deacons. Let us also pray for so many priests who have fallen into error, scandal and most of all, sin. May they come back to our Lord Jesus who is the High Priest.

St. Athanasius, Pray for us!

Articles

- History of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
- History of Christ King

I Want To Believe – Be Christ For Us!

1. When You Called Me To Serve: Your Priesthood Lord (CCC 1536-1538)

Catholic Priests Speak Up

Links of Vocation Sites in the State of New York

- Archdiocese of New York
- Diocese of Brooklyn
- Diocese of Rockville Center
- Insitute of the Incarnate Word
- Maryknoll Priests
- Franciscan Friars of the Renewal

Prayers For Vocations

- You Are The Salt of the Earth... You Are The Light of the World...
- Tú eres la Luz del Mundo…. Tú eres la sal de la tierra...

Media On Vocations

- Fisher of Men: Part 1 & Part 2 - Order it at http://www.grassrootsfilms.com/
- God in the Streets - Order it at Grassroots Films NY
- Talitha Kumi Show - Vocations in New York / The Sweeney Tag Team: Radio Maria Hispana NY
- SoulWOW - Took Brooklyn Diocese by Surprise. AWESOME VID!
- Every Woman's Nightmare - This Vid will shock you. Don't get the wrong idea - It's Real!
- I Thirst For You - Reflection By Fr. Larry Richards

Events For Vocations & On The Priesthood

- COMING SOON

I Thirst For You - By Fr. Larry Richard's

2009-02-14T22:50:00.000-05:00

We invite you to leave a comment about your experience with Christ. Share it with others!

God bless you during this Lenten Season!

LILIANA'S BAPTISM

2009-02-13T21:40:00.001-05:00

Directions by Car

Take the FDR Drive South & get off on Exit 4 (Grand St.)
Drive 6 to 7 Blocks and you will see St. Mary's on your right side (Red Brick Building)

By Train and Bus

Take F Train to Delancey - Take Southeast Exit and walk two blocks to Grand St.
Make a left on Grand St. and 5 blocks to the St. Mary's (Red Brick Building)

Take D Train to Grand St. - Take exits on left side (near vendor). Walk 7 blocks to St. Mary's Church (Red Brick Building)

Take M 14A to Grand St. and get off on Clinton and Grand. You will pass Citibank on right and see Rite Aid on left side.

“Listen to Your Mother (part 2)” – the Church as Teacher

2008-12-01T22:55:00.000-05:00

By Joani Ramirez - From the Ministry "La Nueva Alianza - www.LaNuevaAlianza.org"

Questions:

1. What is something that you know how to do well and that you enjoy doing?
2. How did you learn it?
3. Why did you learn it from that person?
4. How do you keep your skills/abilities up to date/sharp?

When we want to learn something or get answers to a question, we go to a trusted, proven, reliable source of information in that area of study or profession because we believe that they have asked questions/ tested theories, and developed positions on a topic and can speak with authority on that topic to a degree that can assure us with confidence in their knowledge.

(E.g. dictionary –Webster, Larrousse; medicines & drugs, FDA or Physicians Desk Reference; toothpaste – American Dental Association, etc.) Even in this age of extensive access to information, we can go online to search for information but usually still go to “reputable reliable sources” …established portals or search engines i.e. Google, Yahoo, etc or to websites such as WebMD for health information.

The Church is also a trusted, reliable, proven source of Truth for us in matters of the faith and on living that faith in our day-to-day lives.

Last week, we spoke about how we have been “entrusted with this sacred deposit (scripture and tradition) of the Truth. And that Christ himself entrusted this truth to a specific group of people (His apostles) to be safeguarded and shared.

Last summer we spoke of two titles that the Church is given…Mother and Teacher. It’s not uncommon in many cultures for the mothers to be the teachers and keepers of tradition since many times they were the ones with more access to the children.

The Church is our mother because through her we become part of the family of God & because she feeds us spiritually through the Word of God and Eucharist.

The Church is also our teacher; we spoke about that last summer but we will reflect again on this today in more detail.

Going back to the questions at the beginning, when we want to learn something, we go to someone who has that knowledge or authority to teach.

Who has authority to teach us about the faith? Why?

CCC 85 "The task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God, whether in its written form or in the form of Tradition, has been entrusted to the living teaching office of the Church alone. Its authority in this matter is exercised in the name of Jesus Christ." This means that the task of interpretation has been entrusted to the bishops in communion with the successor of Peter, the Bishop of Rome. (Dei Verbum #10)

Let’s look at what this paragraph of the Catechism is telling us.
Authentic: genuine, real, done or made in a traditional way. (Merriam-Webster dictionary)

Who gave the authority? Jesus! Why? Well lets think about this, when you have a message you want to make sure that that message is transmitted accurately, that what people hear is what you meant. For example: political candidates authorize the message in their political ads.

Magisterium: (definition from “Pocket Catholic Dictionary. John A. Hardon, S.J. 1980)
The Church’s teaching authority, vested in the bishops, as successors of the Apostles, under the Roman Pontiff, as successor of St. Peter. Also vested in the Pope, a Vicar of Christ and visible head of the Catholic Church.

Again, this authority c0mes from Christ:

Luke 10: 16
Jesus said to apostles, “He who hears you, hears me; he who rejects you rejects me, he who rejects me, rejects Him who sent me.”

So we can basically say that when the Magisterium teaches us on matters of the faith and of morality, it is Jesus who speaks.
Christ’s words must be fulfilled and cannot fail. So this promise of Christ protects all teaching of the Magisterium (when the bishops are in union with each other and the Pope) presenting doctrine or teaching on faith & morality for what is needed for our salvation.

When did this authorization happen?

Matthew 28: 16-20 When Christ Commissioned His Disciples
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all the I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always to the close of the age.”

How do they teach us? What does that mean? What does it look like?

CCC 86 "Yet this Magisterium is not superior to the Word of God, but is its servant. It teaches only what has been handed on to it. At the divine command and with the help of the Holy Spirit, it listens to this devotedly, guards it with dedication and expounds it faithfully. All that it proposes for belief as being divinely revealed is drawn from this single deposit of faith." (Dei Verbum #10)

To be a servant means to do the will of the master…to teach His message. The word bishop comes from Late Latin “episcopus” from the Greek “episkipos” meaning to look more at…this could mean to oversee but could also for this discussion even be stretched to possibly mean to look more (closely) at.

How does the Magisterium ensure that they are in line with the will of the Master?

The Holy Spirit is who helps and guides the Magisterium
• To listen to His voice -- discern the will of the Lord (through graces received in their office, life dedicated to the study faith, scripture and to Lord and His Church)
• To guard and protect the Truth – give strength and conviction to defend the Faith (against all heresies, misunderstandings, attacks)
• To expound it faithfully (encyclicals, Apostles Creed, Catechism, papal audiences, homilies, books, etc.)

The Holy Spirit encourages and strengthens the bishops and the Pope to defend the truth. Many martyrs in the early Church were bishops, given the strength of the Holy Spirit to give the highest testimony of the Truth.

John 14:25-26
“These things I have spoken to you, while I am still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

There were many things the apostles saw, and heard Jesus explain that they didn’t understand. For example Jesus would take his apostles aside separately and explain the deeper meaning and application of His teaching (e.g. Parable of the sower and seeds and even reaffirming the Real Presence in the Eucharist.)

John 16:12-15
“I have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”

In this passage, Jesus refers to the seamless unity of thought and will in the Trinity. The Holy Spirit helps the Magisterium understand the Truth (revealed in scripture and tradition).

The Magisterium brings together the scripture and tradition – both help us better understand God.

• We need all 3 (Scripture, Tradition, and Magisterium) for clear revelation of the Lord and for the salvation of our souls

• Dei Verbum #10
It is clear, therefore, that sacred tradition, Sacred Scripture and the teaching authority of the Church, in accord with God's most wise design, are so linked and joined together that one cannot stand without the others, and that all together and each in its own way under the action of the one Holy Spirit contribute effectively to the salvation of souls.

** We cannot separate any one of these three and still have full Truth. The following scripture passage shows how the early Church followed the teaching of the Apostles.

Acts 2:42
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of the bread and the prayers.”

This refers to the first Christians who were converted by the preaching of Peter after Pentecost (The Essential Catholic Survival Guide, by Catholic Answers)

The apostles united with Peter established many of the elements of our faith e.g. what was important in the Mass. We see that tradition in Paul’s letter.

** We need the understanding of the Magisterium and Church teachings and tradition so that we can be guided for salvation.

Again, we need all three, sacred scripture, sacred tradition, and the Magisterium, to fulfill God’s desire for us which is for “everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the Truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4) As we read in Dei Verbum, we cannot separate any of these three and still have the fullness of Truth.

What is our role as Laity?

CCC 87 Mindful of Christ’s words to his apostles: “He who hears you, hears me”, the faithful receive with docility the teachings and directives that their pastors give them in different forms.

Our deepest desire to be in communion with God, that is where we find our ultimate happiness. It is our calling as followers of Christ to help others come to this realization by virtue of our testimony, that which we state with our words but also and more importantly how we live our lives. This paragraph #87 in the Catechism reminds us that we need to be “docile” in accepting the teachings we receive from the Magisterium. By being docile and obedient, we allow ourselves to be led by the Magisterium in deepening our understanding of the Lord through the scriptures and by fully living our traditions of the Faith. Being docile to their teachings and explanations does not in any way mean for us not to study Scripture or to explore questions we might have about the faith, all the contrary. The purpose of the Magisterium is to encourage and lead all the faithful into a personal and intimate relationship with the Lord. When you are in a relationship with someone you search for a deeper understanding and connection with that person or things related to that person. Which is why many of the encyclicals and teachings of the Magisterium relate to helping us understand the richness of our Catholic traditions and how all revelation leads us to know the Lord. This includes guiding us in matters of morality and ensuring that our relationship with Christ is the focal point of our lives and the compass for all decisions we make. If we are to be the Good News for others in any of our roles (priest, religious, catechist, lay member of a ministry, youth or young adult leader, professional, family member, etc.;) we must be faithful to the teachings and guidance of the Magisterium.

The Holy Spirit, who enlightens and strengthens the communion of bishops and the Pope, in continuing the commission they received by nature of their office (and which has been handed down in seamless succession since Christ Himself authorized His apostles, the first bishops,) is the same Who will guide all the faithful to profoundly live in union with God who loves us (in this life and for all eternity) and in being a light in the world for all those who search to know Him.

Don't Compare this to your Brother's Hand-me-downs

2008-12-01T21:32:00.000-05:00

How our faith, teachings, and practices come to us (CCC 77-79).
By Robinson Olivares - Our Lady of Lourdes Young Adults - Manhattan

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Whatever we know about our dearest and most loving God, we know it because he has revealed it to us. Without His revealing who He is, we would not know that He is our Creator, our Savior and our Sanctifier (which means He helps us to live up to our calling to be His children). Many times though, we don't live up to our calling and that is why the Father, through the great love that He has for us, sent us His only-begotten Son to set us free from sin by the shedding of Jesus' blood and sent us the Holy Spirit that we may be able to know, understand and live by what Jesus said and taught and did.

God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, has revealed to us what we should believe and follow by way of what He taught His chosen people in the Old Testament, which was first transmitted orally to people He chose to reveal His message to, such as Abraham and Moses. When the time came for the fulfillment of His promise to save us from sin and death, He then revealed everything we needed to know through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. We then learned what Jesus said, did and taught through the preaching of the apostles (part of Sacred Tradition) and through what was written in the New Testament (CCC 78). This does not mean that we are just left with stories of what Jesus said and did. No, far from it. Today, Jesus is still preaching his message of salvation. He is still forgiving us our sins. He is still healing us spiritually and physically. He is still casting out demons. He is still the one we turn to to receive the Holy Spirit so that we may be renewed in mind, heart and spirit and be his witnesses to the ends of the earth (CCC 79).

Jesus could do all of this directly from Heaven, where he sits at the right-hand of the Father. However, Jesus decided to continue his work through the church he himself established. The 12 men whom Jesus chose as his closest friends, the apostles, received in a unique way the mission to continue Jesus' work of salvation (CCC 77). So what was so unique about the apostles' mission? Well, for example, after Jesus rose from the dead, he appeared to the 12 apostles and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit, whose sins you forgive, are forgiven them, whose sins you retain are retained" (John 20:22). To Peter, the leader of the apostles, Jesus said, "Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven" (Matthew 16:19-20). He said the same thing to the other apostles in Matthew 18:18, but Jesus was even more specific with Peter. He said, "I will give you the keys to the kingdom of Heaven" (Matthew 16:19). This means that Peter has even more authority to decide upon things and to teach with greater authority. Does this sound familiar? It does!!! This is the same authority that today’s' bishops have, through the passing along of this authority by the apostles themselves, and in a very special way, the same authority which the Pope has in light of his being the head of the bishops, just like Peter. Peter, for example, was the only one to whom Jesus said, "You are Peter (which means rock), and upon this rock I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18). Peter was also the only one to receive the direct command by Jesus himself to "Feed my lambs...tend my sheep....feed my sheep" (John 21:15-17) and the only one to whom Jesus said (even though Jesus knew that Peter would deny him soon) "I have prayed that your own faith may not fail; and once you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers" (Luke 22:32). In the same way today, the pope is charged with making sure that God's children are strengthened and fed spiritually by the sacraments and guided to know without error, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, what we are to believe as true with regards to faith and morals, such as knowing that in the Mass, we don't receive just bread and wine, but the true body, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ and that abortion is a direct violation of the 5th commandment, "You shall not kill".

To summarize, our faith, teachings and practices come to us through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. Through God's wisdom, this revelation was handed on to the church, from Jesus to the apostles and from the apostles to the bishops and the Popes that followed them. The church, which is "the pillar and foundation of truth" (1 Timothy 3:15) transmits this same unchanging revelation to all God's children as she received it from Jesus and the apostles. With this in mind, we can definitely say that this is more than just some hand-me-down of customs and traditions, but "the full and living Gospel which was to be preserved in a continuous line of succession until the end of time" (CCC 77).

Let Us Pray

Dear Lord we ask you to help us to know you better that we may love you with all our might, for you are our Father, our Savior, and our Best Friend. Amen!!!

What Will You Do with 10 Gold Pieces?

2008-12-01T19:46:00.000-05:00

The Catholic Faith Entrusted to you. (CCC 84)

By Bertha Peralta-Rodriguez of DHT

CCC 84 & Lk 19:12-26

I - The apostles entrusted the "Sacred deposit" of the faith (the depositum fidei), contained in Sacred Scripture and Tradition, to the whole of the Church (Lk 19:13 & 2Tim 2:2).

• What is “Sacred Deposit”?

o As we have learned in past sessions, the word sacred means “holy”, and is attributed to everything that pertains to God. In this instance, when the Catechism makes reference to “Sacred Deposit”, it is referring to the holy treasure that is contained within our Sacred Scriptures and Apostolic Tradition. Just like the king entrusted the gold to his servants for trade, so Christ entrusts the Truth (which is the treasure contained in this sacred deposit) to His Church, to be not only safeguarded, but also taught to all.

• How is it entrusted to the whole Church?

o Jesus gave the apostles the mission to make disciples of “…all nations” (Mat 28:18-20), teaching all the doctrine and laws that Our Lord Himself taught them. And so they went to the world and proclaimed and taught what they had learned from Christ. In time, the apostles themselves had disciples who became instrumental in propagating the faith as well. Today, these disciples or successors are what we call Bishops, whom, with the authority that Christ has bestowed upon them in their office, teach the Truth. This is why “the task of giving authentic interpretation of the word of God... has been entrusted to the living teaching office of the church alone” (DV 10). For eg, Jane Austen…

II - "By adhering to [this heritage] the entire holy people, united to its pastors, remains always faithful to the teaching of the apostles, to the brotherhood, to the breaking of bread and the prayers…”

• Hence, the role of the Bishops is to teach the faith to the people and help us as laity to understand it.

• We in turn, united with our pastors and Bishops, remain faithful by following the teaching and embedding it into our own day to day life. Our faith is not something that we “do” on Sundays. It is a culture that is rich and alive, and we remain faithful by becoming alive in it, even when we may not feel like it.
“So, in maintaining, practicing and professing the faith that has been handed on, there should be a remarkable harmony between the bishops and the faithful."

• “Without utterance, truth lies mute within us, helping no one but our own self.” (F.J. Sheed, Theology for Beginners) When the servants began trading the gold pieces that they received from the king, I imagine that they had to go somewhere and speak with people. And while one gained more gold coins than the other, it is still undeniable that the fact that they went out and did as their king bid them to do yielded great results, not only for the king, but for the servants as well. The same goes with our faith.

• We need to maintain our faith! We as laity sometimes may fall into the trap that we have no obligations when it comes to the teaching/propagation of the faith. But in reality, we, as laity, are also called to go into the world and evangelize. If only stick with going to Sunday Mass and going to confession, and nothing else, then we become like the servant whose lack of action not only didn’t earn any money, but also ended losing everything he had.

• We need to practice our faith! When we experience a lack of practice of our faith, we also experience spiritual sluggishness. We need to practice in our everyday life the message that we listen to every Sunday at Mass, the exhortation that the priest gives us during confession, and the lessons that we learn. When we put into practice all these things, we not only maintain harmony with the bishops and the rest of the faithful, but we also enter into a deeper communion with Christ.

• We need to profess our faith! Sheed tells us that the Church needs our witnessing! How would you explain to someone you faith, if you are not maintaining it and practicing it. How would you convey the love and faith that you have, if you are not passionate about it as well?! When one is in love, one lets everyone know, not only by words, but also by actions. Our lives themselves need to be a witness of the greatness of the Lord! It is up to us to convey our faith to our family, our friends, our co-workers, our peers, to the world. One step at a time!

To The Ends of the Earth

2008-12-01T16:21:00.002-05:00

Close Encounters with the Gospel (CCC 74-76)

I – What does God want of me?

1. God wants “everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the Truth” 1 Timothy 2:4

a. What is the Truth? Can it be a person? Of course – but before we go into the word TRUTH, let’s look at the word TRUE. True is defined as being faithful or loyal, it is defined also as being in accordance with fact and not false. A conforming standard. It is rightful or lawful; it is real or genuine.

b. Both Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church give testimony that Jesus is the Truth. So the truth is not just a word, it is a Person – the Second Person of the Trinity. When we compare the word TRUE with Jesus, we will find in our experience with Him that He is faithful and loyal, greater than any best friend we could ever have. We can also know that Jesus Christ existed by studying history, reading the lives of the Saints and their writings, and other Christian writers. From our personal encounter with Christ we can know that He will not lead us away from God, nor lie about who God is for us. Christ is that Standard, which you and I wish to conform to, because He will lead us to Salvation. He is the right way and the only way to follow and He is lawful – He will not lead us to go against the commands of His Father, or the laws of our society (We are speaking of man made laws that are Just). Lastly, He was a real person, a human being and at the same time God before us all. He was down to earth and holy, with power to set you on a course to Heaven. He truly was and is “God with us”.

c. We as Christians believe that Christ is the Truth – This shouldn’t be foreign to us or strange to believe. Christ Himself said it best, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” John 14:6

d. Our Father in heaven revealed to us His Son as the Truth. He is the one who will lead us back home – back to Our Father’s House. Through Christ and by His works we come to the Father. My desire to know Jesus will bring for me personal salvation and the salvation of others – my family, my loved ones, my friends, my neighbors, even my enemies. (Acts 16:25-34)

e. Knowing Jesus will then set you free!

2. Your close encounter with Christ is Good News!

a. Wouldn’t it be exciting to meet someone famous: An actor, singer, a band, an artist, or a president – anyone. Maybe even a Pope). We know that if you met someone that important you’ll go and tell everyone.

b. Our encounter with Christ is greater and far better then any encounter you’ll have with a person, because this encounter is both “intimate and vital” (GS 19 # 1) for our Salvation. This encounter is definitely Good News; it should be exciting - so much so that you’ll find it hard to contain yourself – like a man or a woman meeting the possible love of their life, or when you received news that fulfills your vocation. You just have to tell somebody, you have to tell your story. Giving your testimony is key to proclaiming the Good News.

c. Telling the Good News to all the Nations: Remember that our Lord commanded His friends, the Apostles, to go “and make disciples of all nations (Gospel of St. Matthew 28:19; Gospel of St. Mark 16:15)”. In a special way, our Lord commands us to do the same; as lay members of the Church No matter where He calls you, you have to make a decision and there’s a world in need of the Good News. Could He be calling you to go outside of New York, or could He be calling you right here? You have to make a decision! The longer you put Him off, the more people are going to miss Him.

For me – “All the Nations” means my parish, the Church in New York or any other Archdiocese or Diocese I belong too, my neighborhood, my family, the parks, schools or places where friends and strangers spend there time. The Gospel has to penetrate our society, it takes you and me to bring it.

d. Spreading the Gospel to individuals: This could be your friends, your loved ones, Mom and Pops, brother and sister, your child, your neighbor, a stranger, even your enemy.

Note: When it comes to going out of your parish life, out of state you live in, or even to another country, allow God to call you to serve outside of your comfort zone. Also, listen to God when He invites you to spread the Gospel by using technology (blogs for example), writing a book, music and much more - let your mind run wild in doing God’s will.

3. In one of the documents of the Second Vatican Council called, “Dei Verbum – Dogmatic Constitution On Divine Revelation”, it states:

“God graciously arranged that the things he had once revealed for the salvation of all peoples should remain in their entirety, throughout the ages, and be transmitted to all generations” (Dei Verbum 7)

a. What God has revealed for our salvation is none other then His Son, Jesus. He is the reason my world has changed and by my testimony, my children and all that I encounter, will be changed by the Gospel message and they will continue to pass the message for many ages to come.

b. So let your YES be your confirmation to serve God, just like your AMEN (2 Corinthians 1:20). When a person turns to the Lord, the lies, the shadows, or falsehood is revealed – The Truth is what stands out and at the same time changes a person – the Truth being Christ (2 Corinthians 3:16). God’s glory is revealed through the face of Jesus (2 Corinthians 4:6) With this in mind – think of His face revealed through you, with you and in you! Is it possible for a person to have that close Encounter with Christ through you? Yes!

II – Passing the Torch: Our call to be disciples of the Apostles (CCC 75)

1. What is an Apostle? In order for us to know how to be their disciples, we must know their calling.

a. They were the original twelve chosen by Christ to be His closest friends, giving them His authority, so that they would bring the Good News to all nations. They were the ones to build up Christ’s Church.

b. Just like the Apostles were disciples of Jesus, we are disciples of the Lord. A disciple is one “who accepted Jesus’ message” and follows Him. He or she takes this message seriously, and like the Apostles, a disciple carries the Good News to the ends of the Earth.

2. As friends of Jesus:

a. They believed that Christ is the summa (the summary) of God’s revelation for the salvation of all.

b. The Apostles themselves knew about the prophesies of old, but they had to experience the coming of Christ, His teaching, and His Acts in order for them to go out to proclaim the Gospel. Christ Himself fulfilled the promises of the Prophets, He said “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” (Gospel of St. Matthew 5:17)

c. The mission of the Apostles was to BE the Gospel message, so that all who met them on their search for the Truth may see Christ in them – our desire is to have this personal encounter with Christ, and the same for our neighbor.

III – Which came first, “the preaching” or “the writing”? (CCC 76)

1. When it comes to the “preaching” or the “writing” of the Gospel, you’d be surprised about what many Catholics think came first. If you asked your ordinary Sunday Catholic who is not involved or may be involved, you’ll probably get the puzzled look or the “I don’t know” look. Sometimes the answer would be “the bible came first”, a problem that comes from those who do not want to learn about the Christian faith through the Catholic church, but would rather hear from those of Christian denominations who believe wholeheartedly that the bible came first.

2. Here is how the Apostles followed Christ’s command to proclaim the Gospel... They did it in two ways:

a. Orally – Like Jesus, the Apostles proclaimed the Gospel by word of mouth, by their actions, and establishing churches in many countries. The Apostles taught what Jesus had told them, and what Jesus did in front of them. It was possible for them to forget what Jesus said, and in some cases not know, but the Apostles were told that the Holy Spirit would reveal it to them. Jesus promised them, “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name – he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” (Gospel of St. John 14:26; Acts of the Apostles 15:1-21)

b. Written – The Gospels were later written by the Apostles or by their Disciples, who were inspired by the Holy Spirit to share their experience of salvation through their writing.

Never Forget Your Past

2008-12-01T14:51:00.000-05:00

How Tradition Lives On (CCC 83)

What traditions do you celebrate?

When mentioning the tradition or traditions, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? (A good thing)

I – We never forget our past

1. Many of us celebrate traditions
a. Anniversaries
b. Family gatherings
c. School, sports or special events.
d. It could be lessons in a trade or in a special recipe.

2. There is something about these traditions we celebrate that give us good memories, create long lasting friendships, connects family, reconciles differences and more.

3. Traditions are meant to be kept and they are well guarded, because it draws us to unity. Breaking it frustrates the order of things – you can see it in the attitude and actions of the people.

4. We take our traditions seriously, almost borderline “sacred”. Could you imagine how we as Catholics take our Traditions? – It is truly “Sacred”.

5. We’ve been studying about our Catholic Tradition and its connection with Scripture (Both the Old Testament and later, the New Testament).

a. We’ve learned that tradition is “the living transmission of the message of the Gospel in the Church.” It was preached by the Apostles and later written with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, producing the Bible. This Tradition was handed down for generations through the successors of the Apostles and continues to be taught through our bishops.

b. It is important to keep in mind that the first Christians did not have a written New Testament. They only used the Old Testament and the Teachings of the Apostles that was handed down to them by way of Oral Tradition.

c. The first writing of the New Testament was the 1st & 2nd Letters of St. Paul to the Thessalonians between the years 50-51 A.D.

d. In the New Testament you will find passages that point or speak about Tradition.

Luke 1:1-4; St Luke tells his friend Theophilus that he is putting to writing what was given to him about the story of Jesus.

John 20:30-31; St. John tells us that there were many signs and wonders not written in the book.

1 Thessalonians 2:13; St. Paul tells the Christians of Thessalonica that the Word of God was preached to them.

Bible verses that point to Oral Tradition.

2nd John 12: & 3rd John 13: St. John would talk to his friend about Christ than to write, because it’s to much to tell.

II – So many traditions – making sense of it all.

1. The Catechism teaches us that there are many traditions that make up our Sacred Tradition and can “be distinguished from various theological, disciplinary, liturgical, or devotional traditions, born in the Churches over time.”

CCC 1202 The diverse liturgical traditions have arisen by very reason of the Church's mission. Churches of the same geographical and cultural area came to celebrate the mystery of Christ through particular expressions characterized by the culture: in the tradition of the "deposit of faith," in liturgical symbolism, in the organization of fraternal communion, in the theological understanding of the mysteries, and in various forms of holiness. Through the liturgical life of a local church, Christ, the light and salvation of all peoples, is made manifest to the particular people and culture to which that Church is sent and in which she is rooted. the Church is catholic, capable of integrating into her unity, while purifying them, all the authentic riches of cultures.

CCC 2041 - 2043 The precepts of the Church are set in the context of a moral life bound to and nourished by liturgical life. the obligatory character of these positive laws decreed by the pastoral authorities is meant to guarantee to the faithful the indispensable minimum in the spirit of prayer and moral effort, in the growth in love of God and neighbor:

The first precept (“You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation.") requires the faithful to participate in the Eucharistic celebration when the Christian community gathers together on the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord.

The second precept (“You shall confess your sins at least once a year.") ensures preparation for the Eucharist by the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation, which continues Baptism's work of conversion and forgiveness.

The third precept (“You shall humbly receive your Creator in Holy Communion at least during the Easter season.") guarantees as a minimum the reception of the Lord's Body and Blood in connection with the Paschal feasts, the origin and center of the Christian liturgy.

The fourth precept (“You shall keep holy the holy days of obligation.") completes the Sunday observance by participation in the principal liturgical feasts which honor the mysteries of the Lord, the Virgin Mary, and the saints.

The fifth precept (“You shall observe the prescribed days of fasting and abstinence.") ensures the times of ascesis and penance which prepare us for the liturgical feasts; they help us acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom of heart.
The faithful also have the duty of providing for the material needs of the Church, each according to his abilities

CCC 2684 In the communion of saints, many and varied spiritualities have been developed throughout the history of the churches. The personal charism of some witnesses to God's love for men has been handed on, like "the spirit" of Elijah to Elisha and John the Baptist, so that their followers may have a share in this spirit. A distinct spirituality can also arise at the point of convergence of liturgical and theological currents, bearing witness to the integration of the faith into a particular human environment and its history. The different schools of Christian spirituality share in the living tradition of prayer and are essential guides for the faithful. In their rich diversity they are refractions of the one pure light of the Holy Spirit.

2. These traditions are adapted to work in different churches; a parish a diocese or an archdiocese, in a state, country and throughout the world.

3. Through these traditions (minor) our “Great Tradition is “expressed”

4. Keep this in mind: minor traditions “can be retained, modified, or even abandoned under the guidance of the Church’s Magisterium.”

a. What is the Magisterium? It is “the living, office of the Church, whose task it is to give as authentic interpretation of the word of God, whether in its written form (Sacred Scripture), or in the form of Tradition. The Magisterium ensures the Church’s fidelity to the teaching of the Apostles in matters of faith and morals. (CCC Glossary)”

5. In this way the Church continues to preserve our traditions through Sacred Tradition, by way of the successors of the Apostles – the bishops. This is how the Gospel is proclaimed and lived out. Together with the bishops, we becomes “the light of the world.” (Matt 5:14)

I Want To Believe 1

2008-12-01T10:48:00.003-05:00

We thank you for participating in our last series of "I Want To Believe". Feel free to look through our notes and share them with your family and ministry. If you are interested in bring "I Want To Believe" to your parish, call us @ 646-262-3046 or e-mail us @ DefendersOfTheHolyTrinity@gmail.com

Lesson 1 I desire one thing – You my Lord: Our Capacity for God. CCC 26-30
Lesson 2 It's Time You Get to know Him – Seeing God in yourself and the World CCC 31-35
Lesson 3 Listen to your Mother: How our Church teaches us who God is. CCC 36-38
Lesson 4 Let’s Talk about God: Our Image of God. CCC 39-43
Lesson 5 Let me Introduce Myself: How God reveals Himself to us. CCC 50-53
Lesson 6 In the Beginning: How God makes Himself known CCC 54-55
Lesson 7 How to say “Yes” when your world’s getting flooded: God’s Call – Your Answer? CCC 56-58
Lesson 8 How to say “Yes” when you’re in a strange territory: God’s Call – Your Answer? CCC 59-61
Lesson 9 How to say “Yes” when you’re heart is divided: God’s Call – Your Answer? CCC 62-64
Lesson 10 There Can Be Only One - One Living Word – Jesus Christ: Mediator and Fullness of All Revelation” CCC 65-67

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It takes two to Spiritually Tango

2008-12-01T10:31:00.001-05:00

Why we need Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture.

How many of us know how to dance?

What do you remember of the person you’ve danced with?

Two people, made differently, can become one, working together and communicating a visible connection. The same can be said of Tradition and Scripture; both communicate a message of salvation in Jesus Christ. Both being different yet complement each other perfectly as in a Sacred Dance. Is it possible to enter into this Spiritual Tango?

I – The Sacred Dance Begins – Tradition and Scripture (CCC 80)

1. What does the word “Sacred” mean?

a. It comes from the Latin word “Sacrare” which means “to set apart” or to be “consecrated”.

b. A better way of putting it: To make Holy or Divine or shall we say to make a person, an object, or a place holy. To set apart.

c. The reason why something is made Holy is because God is Sacred. What comes from Him, whether it be created by His own hands or inspired by Him, is Holy.

2. The document “Dei Verbum” (Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation), states that:

Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture, then, are bound closely together, and communicate one with the other. For both of them, flowing out from the same divine well-spring, come together in some fashion to form one thing, and move towards the same goal. (DV 9)

a. Communication is important. Why? Because it is the experience of the Apostles who were inspired to write their story – an encounter with Jesus that would continue to change their lives. As the Apostles shared their experiences it attracted new Christians to carry the Gospel message. These Christians would be the successors of the Apostles, forming others to carry the message. Jesus would be the source, the “divine well-spring” for Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition

b. Why then do we need Tradition and Scripture? God is the “divine well-spring” who continues to call us to Himself. We need both Tradition and Scripture to guide us towards God. These two gifts help us to understand the teachings of Christ, the teachings of the Apostles, our Christian celebrations (The Mass, Sacraments, and devotions), and the practice of our faith.

c. You and I enter into this Sacred Dance between Tradition and Scripture. How? Every time we enter into a Church, study its teachings, enter into its devotions, its liturgical season and so much more. God is inviting us daily to enter into His life by way of Jesus Christ, and by His Church.

3. Tradition and the Bible show us that Christ is truly present in His Church - As an institution, in her prayer life, in her sacramental life, and in her people. Tradition and Scripture remind us that Christ will be with us “always to the close of the age.” (Matt 28:20)

I Want To Believe 2

2008-12-01T09:09:00.003-05:00

We thank you for participating in our last series of "I Want To Believe". Feel free to look through our notes and share them with your family and ministry. If you are interested in bring "I Want To Believe" to your parish, call us @ 646-262-3046 or e-mail us @ DefendersOfTheHolyTrinity@gmail.com

- July 6th (Monday) “To The Ends of the Earth – Close Encounters with the Gospel (CCC 74-76)”
- July 13th (Monday) “Don’t compare this to your Brother’s Hand-me-downs: How our faith, teachings and practices come to us. (CCC 77-79)”
- July 20th (Monday) “It Takes Two To Spiritually Tango – Why we need Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture (CCC 80)”
- July 27th (Monday) “He Who Hears you, Hears Me: How Scripture and Tradition are accepted and honored. (CCC 81-82)
- August 3rd (Monday) “Never Forget Your Past: How Tradition Lives On. (CCC 83)”
- August 10th (Monday) “What Will You Do With 10 Gold Pieces? The Catholic Faith Entrusted to you. (CCC 84)”.
- August 17th (Monday) “(Part 2) Listen To Your Mother: The Church as our Teacher. (CCC 85-87)”.
- August 24th (Monday) “Making Sense of this word “Dogma” (CCC 88-90)”
- August 31st (Monday) “It’s Not Your Ordinary Spider Sense (CCC 91-93)
- September 7th (Monday) From Crawlin to Walkin – Growing with the Church (CCC 94-95)

CLICK ON ICON - CHECK IT OUT!

Catholic For A Reason - Justin Fatica: Be Real, Be Weak and Love!

2008-12-01T03:08:00.004-05:00

Believe It Or Not, She's Sinless - Immaculate Conception

2008-11-28T16:37:00.013-05:00

DHT has dedicated this section to Mary, and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Many of our youth and young adults have little understanding of this feast day or the doctrine itself. You don’t know how many times we’ve heard youth or young adults tell us that “the Immaculate Conception is about the birth of Jesus” when in fact it is about the conception of Mary. Other Catholic youth and young adults have mentioned to us that their friends of other Christian groups say that “Mary can’t be perfect, or sinless”. We hope that this section of our site “Believe It or Not, She’s Sinless!” will give youth and young adult leaders, Catechist teachers and parents a deeper understanding of our belief in Mary’s “Immaculate Conception.”

Feel free to look at our articles and articles written by our friends. You will also find Spanish articles as well. Leave a comment or question. Lastly, check out our Advent Section:

Topics on the Immaculate Conception

Other Articles from our Friends

- Immaculate Conception & Assumption – By Catholic Answers
- The Immaculate Conception – By Sebastian R. Fama of StayCatholic.com
- María, Modelo de Oración y Santidad – By Alvin Peña from Nueva Alianza
- La Virgen Maria: La Inmaculada Concepción, objeciones comunes – Por José Miguel Arráiz
- La Virgen Maria: ¿Estaban los padres de la Iglesia en contra del dogma de la inmaculada concepción? – Por Alex Grandet, colaboracion de José Miguel Arraiz
- La Virgen Maria: Historia del dogma de la Inmaculada Concepción – Por Pascual Rambla
- La Virgen Maria: La Inmaculada Concepción, Un completo estudio del dogma desde los puntos de vista bíblico y histórico – Por La Enciclopedia Catolica

Some Cool Ideas for Catholic Youth and Young Adult Groups

Prayers in Honor Mary’s Immaculate Conception

DHT Wishes You All A...

2008-11-26T14:49:00.002-05:00

Your Kingdom Come – How about in New York?

2008-11-24T23:38:00.000-05:00

How We Spread the Reign of Christ

By Juan Rodriguez

We say it every time we pray the Our Father – “Your Kingdom come…” and yet what does it mean to us as youth and young adult leaders?

We’re begging for His Reign to fall upon this earth and everyday it almost seems that the rays of His grace are not touching the floor. More and more we see our youth and young adults fall further and further from God’s grace and there seems to be no remedy to it all.

But we can stand firm to our Lord Jesus, if He Himself taught us to hold on, to hope for better days, to push on and at the end we’ll find milk and honey, the very things we desire most from our blessed King who will come again.

You see, what’s cool about being Catholic is that the Church, living for 2000 years and counting, gives me a reason to hold on to the belief that Jesus Reigns in the Church, in His people He loves, and in the hearts of every Christian who strives to proclaim His Kingdom to come. But what about now - I want to see proof of His Kingdom. I want to see the reason for me believing in Him. Can some one or anyone show me proof He really is with us?

You see Christ presents His Father in Heaven a Kingdom of Truth, because He Himself would not allow us to mislead by confusion, doubt, or fear. He Himself said to us that He is “the way, the truth and the life”(John 14:6). He also said to us “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).

Jesus also presents His Father a Kingdom of Holiness. He comes from the Father, so both He and the Father are One (John 14:10-11). He asks of us to be “Perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matt 5:48)

Lastly, Jesus also presents His Father a Kingdom of Justice. He reminds us that when we serve those in need, we serve Him, our Lord Jesus Christ. (Matt 25:31-46)

Who is this Kingdom that Jesus presents?

It’s Us – you and me – we’re the very image of that “Kingdom to come.” Do people see us as a reflection of that Kingdom, the one that Jesus is presenting to His Father? Are you living up to this Kingdom? Have you even made the effort to let Jesus conquer your heart? Have you let him work through you? No one is going to see or make sense of “Thy Kingdom come” if His will is not BEING done.

Think about it – How Should Christ Reign in New York? It can only happen if you let Him Be Lord

Spread the Word – His Kingdom Come!

The Birth of our Daughter - Liliana Maria Rodriguez

2008-09-10T11:56:00.007-04:00

On September 9th, just 2 days before Bertha's birthday (9/11), we received our precious gift from the Lord - Liliana Maria Rodriguez. She is 7lbs & 3 ounces.

Bertha and I want to thank you all for praying for us. There are no words to describe the experience. I suppose every first time father and mother feels that way - it was AWESOME! Well now, let's introduce her to you, our friends:

Liliana

Welcome to our world mamita - Say hello to everyone.

Here is a video of Liliana - You are welcome to comment:

Holy Days of Obligations

2008-08-15T00:34:00.002-04:00

It’s Just Another Sunday – Holy Days of Obligations
By Juan Rodriguez

Another Sunday Mass – What’s that all about? Some Catholics are confused about what is a Holy Day of Obligation.

A Holy Day of Obligation is a specific feast day that the Church celebrates in honor of our Lord Jesus, His beloved Mother Mary, or of the Saints. As the “Body of Christ”, Christian’s, like you and me are bound by Church Law to go to Mass on these special feast days. As a family celebrates Thanksgiving together as a national day, the Church in the United States and all over the world celebrates specific feast days as both a spiritual and a Catholic celebration. When we say Catholic, we mean “Universal”. These special Masses are chosen by our Bishops to help us as Christian’s to live out our faith with devotion, sacrifice and charity. It is also a way to instruct and strengthen our belief in specific teachings of Jesus and His Church. Like a Sunday Mass, a Holy Day of Obligation brings us together as God’s family, to celebrate our faith and to pray for the conversion of the world.

It is also a precept of the Church, meaning, that the Church commands us to come together to remember an important feast, like “All Saints’, where Catholics are reminded of the lives of the saints, and our personal call to sainthood. We do this in unity, receiving together the Eucharist – our “Thanksgiving”. (CCC 2042)

As young Christian’s we just don’t go to Mass, but we assist at the Mass, meaning “we get involved”. It is an opportunity to be close to the Lord, to ask Him for help, to pray for our family, our friends, our loved ones, even for those who have died. It can also inspire us to take the Mass seriously, as it will show us that we are on a mission to bring the Gospel. Just as a young man or woman are committed to one another in marriage, so we as Baptized Christian’s are called to be one, entering into the mystery of the Mass, as it will radically change us to be Christ in the world.
How many days are set for “Holy Days of Obligation”?

There are thirteen Holy Days of Obligation. Six Holy Days of Obligations are celebrated in the United States, while the eight of the Holy Day of Obligation fall on a Sunday. Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation, but a Holy Day which we as Christians abstain from meat as well as fast. If you are a youth, young adult leader, a Catechist teacher, or a parent, and you want to keep track of the Holy Days of Obligation, Feast Days of the Church and more, I recommend a “Liturgical Desk Calendar” or a wall calendar with the listings of liturgical celebrations. You can purchase this in a Catholic books or resource center in your area.

Catholics in the United States celebrate 6 Feast Days (Marked In Red). Eight of the Feast days fall on Sundays:

1. Octave of Christmas: Mary, Mother of God – 1st week in January - Jan 1st 2010
2. Epiphany – 1st or 2nd week in January - Jan 3rd 2010 (Sunday)
3. Ash Wednesday –Not A Holy Day of Obligation, just a Holy Day– Feb 17th 2010
4. Easter Sunday – Falls right after Palm Sunday - April 4th 2010 (Sunday)
5. Ascension Day – 41 days after Easter – May 16th 2010 (Thursday)
6. Pentecost – May 23rd 2010 (Sunday)
7. Holy Trinity – May 30th, 2010 (Sunday)
8. Body & Blood of Christ – June 6th 2010 (Sunday)
9. Assumption of Mary – Aug 15th 2010 (Sunday)
10. All Saints – Nov 1st 2010 (Monday)
11. Christ the King – Nov 21st 2010 (Sunday)
12. Immaculate Conception – Dec 8th 2010 (Wensday)
14. Christmas – Dec 25th 2010 (Saturday Morning to the Afternoon) There is a Saturday Evening Mass (Sunday)

What if I cannot participate in a Holy Day of Obligation?

It is important to keep in mind that all Baptized Christians are obligated to be at these Masses as they are considered to be a Sunday Mass. This does not mean if you go to Mass on a Holy Day of Obligation, you can miss a Sunday Mass (which is going to happen on Dec 25th, where we must go to Mass twice - for those who like attending the Saturday Vigil Mass). On the contrary, we are obligated to go to both. It would seem that when we use the word “Obligation”, one may feel forced to do something they do not want to do. As we say “We are Christians", meaning, a follower of Jesus, who is our Lord and Savior, it is our “one” desire to be at His Sacrifice. If we love Him so much, we will be at His Banquet. Nothing should stand in our way. However, the Church does understand that there may be reasons for not going to Mass on a Holy Day of Obligation. We can be excused from a Holy Day of Obligation for these serious reasons: illness, the care of infants, or an extreme circumstance. If you need a clarification, ask your pastor and he will explain. Keep in mind, no pastor, religious or lay person can excuse a Christian from missing a Holy Day of Obligation, even if it is for a prayer group meeting or a gathering for cake and cookies. Missing a Holy Day of Obligation is like missing a Sunday Mass and is considered a mortal sin, since the Lord commanded us to “Keep the Sabbath Holy” under His Ten Commandments. He also gave to His Church the authority to guide His flock. (Exodus 20:8-11; Matt 16:18-20)

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “Participation in the communal celebration of the Sunday Eucharist is a testimony of belonging and of being faithful to Christ and to his Church. The faithful give witness by this to their communion in faith and charity. Together they testify to God’s holiness and their hope of salvation. They strengthen one another under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2182) When we give testimony, we give an example to all that we love Jesus and our brothers and sisters. By not entering into these special feast days, we break our bonds of unity, of spiritual family, and of our love for Jesus, putting ourselves further from God’s Grace. This is why it is important to go to Confession when you or anyone in your family has missed a Holy Day of Obligation.

Where in the Bible Can You Find Similar Holy Days of Obligations Celebrated by both Jews and Hebrew Christians?

There were many important feast days that our Jewish brothers and sisters celebrated, but two of them come to mind; The 1st is the Passover and 2nd the Feast of First Fruits. In the Old Testament, the Lord commanded Moses to celebrate specific feasts days or Holy Days. These were considered for the Jewish people, Holy Days of Obligations. We find in Leviticus Chapter 23:1-14 a command to celebrate the Passover. Following the verses, Chapter 23 continues to verse 15 as it mentions the feast of the First Fruits. We as Christians celebrate these two Holy Days of Obligation as Easter Sunday and Pentecost. It is important to keep in mind that Easter Sunday is celebrated as the Lord’s Day and it is our Highest Sabbath, and Pentecost is celebrated as the day the Church received the Holy Spirit. Jesus himself kept the Holy Day of Passover sacred, since it would be His Sacrifice to save us from sin, and no longer an animal sacrifice. (Matt 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:14-23). The Apostles themselves, after listening to the command of the Lord, waited in prayer for the Descent of the Holy Spirit. It was on this Holy Day of Obligation, the Feast of the First Fruits, which is called Pentecost, the Church was confirmed to go out and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus. (Acts 2:1-1-41)

Make this year special by keeping to the Holy Days of Obligation. We can learn so much of our religious traditions and values through one Mass a day, but most of all, we can become a holy people, called to become beacons of hope by being Jesus in the world.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS TODAY!

Listen to your Mother

2008-07-20T17:04:00.010-04:00

How our Church Teaches that God Exists

CCC 36-38

Questions:
1. In your own words, how did you experience God’s existence? – When did you know He was there?
2. In that intimate moment, can you remember when you welcomed Him in your life?

I – How does the Church teach us about God's Existence? Let’s start with the names given to the Church CCC 36

1 – Why is the Church called Mother? Check out CCC 2030-2046

1st She is called Mother because united with all who are baptized:

a. We find our vocation – this word means “calling” in Latin

b. We receive the Living Word, which is the law of Christ

c. We receive the sacraments that help us to be holy – Holiness is found in Jesus – we call this the “Way”

d. We learn how to be holy by watching others practice their faith in Jesus. We also have the example of the saints, their stories, and their writings. We also have Mary, the Mother of Jesus and our Mother.

e. And lastly, the Church as Mother provides for me the means of learning about my Lord and about myself; using the seasons, and celebrating through the liturgy.

Keep this in mind, the reason the Church is called Mother is because she is seen like a boat. Examples can be taken from the image of the Ark of Noah (Genesis 6) and the small Ark that saved Moses (Exodus 2:1-10). The Church is also a reflection of the Ark of the Covenant that carried the Commandments, Manna, and the Staff of Aaron (Exodus 25:21; Hebrews 9:4), and lastly the Virgin Mary who carried the Living Word in her womb (Luke 1:26-45). The Church, like Mary, gives us Jesus in the Eucharist. We can go even further – we are an image of the Church, because we carry Jesus – we are mini- Arks. Oh, another thought for you: when you go to Mass, pay attention to the Liturgy of the Eucharist, where the Priest makes two hand gestures covering the Host and Chalice – Both vessels represent the Ark, the Church, Mary, and us. Think about that when you go to Church the next day – that’s AWESOME!

2nd She is called Church, because she is:

a. A Physical Society & a Spiritual Society – an example of the human person made in the “Image and Likeness” of God. The Church has a Physical Body with the Holy Spirit. We are made of flesh with the Spirit of God.

b. The bible or shall we say “Sacred Scripture” describes the Church as a mystery. A mystery of the people, though sinners, we possess the promise of Salvation, because by our baptism we are connected to Jesus.

c. She is called Church which comes from the word in Greek “ekklēsia”. It shows the continuity between the people of Israel and us as Christians.

d. In the Gospel of St. Matthew, Jesus calls this Mysterious Community “his Church” Matthew 16:18-20. This is the first time Jesus ever calls it Church.

3rd She is called Teacher, because she was given:

a. Authority by Christ to teach (Matthew 28:16-20)

b. St. Paul calls the Church the “Pillar of Truth” (1 Timothy 3:14-15).

c. Another word used by the Church is “Magisterium” – it is the living, teaching office of the Church, whose task it is to give as authentic interpretation of the Word of God, whether in its written form (Sacred Scripture), or in the form of tradition. The Magisterium ensures the Church’s fidelity to the teaching of the Apostles in matters of faith and morals. (Defined by the Catechism of the Catholic Church). See CCC paragraphs 85, 890, 2073.

2. Being that this Mysterious community is called Church, and that the Church is called both Mother and Teacher, she teaches that God:

a. Is the first and end of all things

b. That you and I can know with our experience of life, reasoning out that God created everything, even those things which He inspires us to do and later we create. Example: It is hot in my house, so I go and purchase an Air Conditioner. God is the first who moves the person to think and create a machine that cools. I purchase this machine, I can reason out that God inspired a person to create it, so that I can use it for my house that way my family and those who visit can be cool. God gives us the capacity to think things through.

c. Why do I have this capacity to see God? Because I was created by Him – In His Image and Likeness.. (Genesis 1:26-27)

d. Without this capacity to think, or reason, we would find it hard to see God working in the world or even in our lives. It would be difficult for us to welcome Him when He calls or shows signs of His presence to get our attention.

II – In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, mentions “In the Historical Condition”, which points towards the fall of Adam and Eve – Original Sin: Click on New Advent and Catholic Answers

1. Because of this sin, we ALL have a hard time recognizing God. We can’t recognize Him when He uses signs (a person, nature, man made images, etc) or even when He calls (through people, music, prayer, etc). There are Proclaimers of the Word who struggle with recognizing that God is calling or throwing signs at them – you’ll be amazed how little you know of God even when you’ve been serving God for years. (Genesis 1:26-31; 3).

In his Encyclical “ Humani Generis – On the Human Person”, Pope Pius XII writes about the problem of Original Sin affecting the way we live in accordance with God.
Though human reason is, strictly speaking, truly capable by its own natural power and light of attaining to a true and certain knowledge of the one personal God, who watches over and controls the world by his providence, and of the natural law written in our hearts by the Creator; yet there are many obstacles which prevent reason from the effective and fruitful use of this inborn faculty. For the truths that concern the relations between God and man wholly transcend the visible order of things, and, if they are translated into human action and influence it, they call for self-surrender and abnegation. the human mind, in its turn, is hampered in the attaining of such truths, not only by the impact of the senses and the imagination, but also by disordered appetites which are the consequences of original sin. So it happens that men in such matters easily persuade themselves that what they would not like to be true is false or at least doubtful.

Keep in mind the quote “the natural law written in our hearts by the Creator”

Questions:

1. Do you find yourself doubting God’s Voice, especially when He is telling you something, showing you signs, or giving you clues? What stops you from seeing the Truth through the falsehood in your life? Why do you doubt yourself?

III – The Church teaches us that you and I are in need of God, only He is the Truth you hope and desire for: CCC 38

1. God answers your questions about how to live for Him – Religion is a word that means a relationship with God – a relationship in holiness, and only God is Holy. Living a Holy life means that God wants to guide you to living a moral life in Him.

2. You can grasp by human reason what is morally good – Example: During class, when mentioning this point, I opened my bottle of water and threw water in the face of one of the students. The students reacted saying “Oh WOW. What are you doing? Yo John?” I apologized to the student who was hit by the water, he was in shock. I explained to them that all had the same reaction - that what I did was wrong, including the one hit by the water. I wanted to show all the students that God had put in our hearts the Law of Love, the Law of Justice, the Law of understanding right from wrong and by this gift of reason we are capable of seeing the different between right and wrong.

3. When we are living for God, or shall we say “Walking in His Presence”, He reveals to us that He alone is the Truth, and by pouring His Light upon us, we are able to see Him in the World, in our human actions and lastly in ourselves.

It's Time You Get to know Him

2008-07-15T22:23:00.007-04:00

Seeing God in yourself and the World
TO KNOW GOD CCC 31-35

By: Alvin Peña - LA NUEVA ALIANZA

Check out this Video on YouTube called "The Obsolete Man - Part 1, Part 2, Part 3"

I. Discussion on an episode of The Twilight Zone titled, “The Obsolete Man.”

A. A. Pena: “What were your reactions or impressions of the film?”
(Group members' reactions)

1. “The biggest reaction that I was left with was how I would have reacted to being locked up in that room [getting ready to die]. I thought about when Mr. Wordsworth was in front of the Chancellor [being sentenced], and how I could be like Mr. Wordsworth standing up for the Lord. [However] when he was locked in that room, I realized that I would have probably tried to open that door really quickly.”

2. “My biggest surprised was the way he responded to [being told that he was sentenced to die within the next 48 hours]. He had the courage to say how he wanted to die, and was [firm in his decision].”

3. “My biggest reaction was when Mr. Wordsworth let the Chancellor out of the room. I guess he forgave him.”

4. “When Mr. Wordsworth made the Chancellor [admit] that there was a God, when he said, 'In the name of God, let me out.'”

5. “To me, one of the most greatest scene was that, in the beginning, you see the Chancellor as the State, saying that there is no God, but in the end, when he was faced with his own mortality and humanness, the first thing out of his mouth was, 'For the love of God, let me out.'”

6. “I am thinking about the smile on Wordsworth's face, after he let the Chancellor out, [who acknowledged God]. It makes me think of the fact that God wants us to come to the realization that He exists. No matter how much Wordsworth said, 'there is a God,' and read the Psalms, [the Chancellor] had to come to that realization by his own accord, by the situation that happens to [him]. No matter how much Wordsworth would have thought, “let me flip through another Psalm, or let me tell you about this,” or talk about his own experiences of God in that little room, the Chancellor had to realize that there is a God.”

B. A. Pena: The Chancellor also said, “The state has proven that there is no God.” Then Mr. Wordsworth said, “You cannot erase God with an edict!” We seem to be facing the same situation today, when we hear: “Let's remove the ten commandments from public places. Let's remove the words, 'In God we trust,' from our U.S. coins. There should be no prayers in state buildings.” It seems as if we're hearing the same message today, that 'God does not exist.'

C. A. Pena: When the Chancellor said, “You have no function, Mr. Wordsworth, you're an anachronism, like a ghost from another time,” Mr. Wordsworth responded, “I am nothing more than a reminder to you that you cannot destroy truth by burning pages!” Wordsworth was considered obsolete because the state had burned all the books, and since he was a librarian, he, according to the state, was no longer useful. However, Wordsworth makes it clear when he says, “No man is obsolete!” How often do we hear today the message that certain people are obsolete, especially the unborn. This is all about discovering the truth: that every individual has a purpose, has a function, is important and is extremely useful. Why? Because the One who created them has given them that meaning and purpose by having the desire to give life to them. Why were we created? We have a purpose. We know that we were created to know, to love and to serve the Lord.

II. Today we are going to talk about “To Know God.”

A. A. Pena: “Let me ask you: If God did not desire that we know Him, how would He accomplish this?”
(Group members' responses)

1. “I think it's impossible, because of all the proofs of His existence.”

2. “We wouldn't be able to receive His Sacred Body [in the Eucharist].”

3. “We wouldn't have that great Gift of hope.”

4. “There would be no Church.”

5. “We wouldn't have free will.”

6. “He would have had to create a whole other world [that does not reveal His existence.] Nature reveals His existence.”

7. “We wouldn't have the need to be with other people, (note: we have this need because we find Him in our midst, according to His promise, “Where two or three are gathered in My Name, there I am, in the midst of them.” -Matthew 18:20)

8. “He would have to deny His very nature, [which is communicating Himself to us, love, mercy, goodness, etc...]”

9. “I would not exist.”

B. A. Pena: “Let's just say that, a long eternity ago, before the creations of heaven and earth, there IS GOD, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and even before then, there is God, and even eternities before then, there is God. And at some point, He Thought, and when He thought, creation was made. If God did not desire for us to know Him, God would not have made creation, He would not have made us The moment God thought our existence, we came into being. And the moment He thought that, at the very same time, His desire was to reveal Himself completely to us. His desire was to love us completely and eternally, and to be loved completely and eternally by us. And at the same time, all of this happening at the same time, His desire was for us to be one with Him. So, the simple fact that we exist, and that everything that is IS, God's desire and election has been for us to have knowledge of Him, and for us to love Him, and for us to follow Him, serve Him, and to be with Him, now and forever. That is God. And for that very same reason, the moment that someone comes into existence, from the very moment of conception, that person has the potential to know, love and serve God, and to desire for Him. Actually, that person has that potential even before Baptism. Why? Because the human person is not only a corporal being, but also a spiritual being. The difference between us and animals is that we have a soul, and we have that soul from the very first moment of conception, and so from that very first moment we have that potential to desire, to know, to love, and to want to serve and follow God. And this is without talking about the wonders, the beauty, the necessity and the excellence of Baptism, [because if we begin to talk about the Sacrament of Baptism, we would spend days just speaking about its necessity and excellence.] We are a loving thought of God that has come into existence.”

C. “Last week we spoke about the desire for God. Every human person has an innate desire for God. You know, if someone has an innate desire for something, (for i.e. food, sleep, drink, sex), it is a desire of something that exists. We cannot have an innate desire for something that does not exist. If there is an innate desire for something, that thing that's desire exists. The human person, from the moment of conception, has an innate desire for God, because our soul was created by God, for God. St. Augustine says very beautifully, “our hearts were made for You, o Lord, and they are restless until they rest in You.” We are corporal and spiritual beings. This explains why people could deny the existence of God, but you will find that they are trying to find their purpose, something beyond themselves, something that will fill them. Some might say that they will be happy if they had this or that (i.e. winning the lottery, all the women they want), but once they obtain it, soon after they find that they are not completely satisfied in their lives. We have a desire for God. God would be cruel to give us that desire but not give us the possibility to know Him. However, as we mentioned, it is the nature of God to reveal Himself to us, and to want us to know Him.”

III. Read: Catechism of the Catholic Church(CCC): 31-35

A. CCC#31

1. There are many different ways of coming to know God.

2. “A young person was once cursing God in front of me and defended himself by saying that he could do that because he does not believe in God. So he continued cursing God, and speaking negatively about Him, and I then told him, “You know, someone does not cease to exist, just because you don't believe in him.” After the young person heard this, he remained curiously quiet and thoughtful for the next 35 minutes, staring straight at a wall.”

3. According to the Catechism, the ways of approaching God from creation have a twofold point of departure: the physical world and the human person.

B. CCC#32

1. The beauty & order of the world makes it possible for us to come to a knowledge of God the Creator.

a. Wisdom 13: 1-5.

i. “If they were struck by their might and energy, let them from these things realize how much more powerful is He who made them. For from the greatness and the beauty of created things their original Author, by analogy, is seen.” (vs. 4-5)

ii. “There was once a scientist who had a child, and he decided to educate his child only in the natural sciences, without religion and God. This scientist was an atheist. One day he finds his child looking out the window, and overhears his child saying, 'Wow, look at the sunrise! Look how beautiful it is. And how much more beautiful must be the One who created it!”

2. “The physical world is able to reveal to us the existence of God. The stars in the sky, the birds in the air, the fishes in the sea, the wind that blows, the sun that rises and sets, and all of the beauty of creation is able to reveal to us God.”

3. “The order of the universe reveals God to us. Everything is so perfectly ordered, how could creation occur by chance? Either the universe was created by chance, or it was created by an intelligent design. Well, if it was created by chance, doesn't chance have to do with randomness? Doesn't chance have to do with things being disordered? So then, wouldn't that contradict the creation which we see, which we observe, which is so perfectly ordered, I mean, look at our bodies, just observe the way our bodies are structured, and how all the parts of our body and all the organs relate with each other and work with each other, and everything is so orderly. Therefore, if order is opposed to randomness, then creation cannot be something that happened by chance. So it must have been created by intelligent design. Now, intelligent design occurs in a mind, and a mind exists in a person, so therefore the intelligent design of creation was created by an intelligent designer, who could be no one else but God.”

4. Romans 1:18-23

a. “Ever since the creation of the world, His invisible attributes of eternal power and divinity have been able to be understood and perceived in what He has made...for although they knew God they did not accord him glory as God or give him thanks. Instead, they became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless minds were darkened.” (vs. 20-21)

b. “ This is exactly what is happening today throughout the world: What's happening is not so much ignorance, but the denial of God's existence . I think that'sthe case because once you acknowledge that God exists, ultimately you realize that you have an obligation to seek Him, and to know Him, for He is your Creator.”

5. Acts 17:22-32

a. All of these readings tell us something: That it is possible for EVERYONE to know God.

b. This reading shows us how to approach someone who does not know God. This reading should be studied carefully, and its example followed. This reading will show you how to preach and how to defend God's existence.

C. CCC #33

1. This clearly states that man questions himself about God's existence with his openness to truth and beauty, his sense of moral goodness, his longings for the infinite and for happiness, and the voice of his conscience.

2. Pilate asked Jesus, “what is truth?” (Jn 18:38) Jesus said in another passage of John's Gospel, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” (Jn 14:6) By Pilate asking, “what is truth?” he was really saying, “I want to know the truth,” hence, “I want to know God!”

3. Our souls come from God, was created by God, for God.

4. Every human person has a voice of conscience, which can reveal God. Even those who deny God or do not know Him have a voice of conscience. Do we listen to it? The sense of moral goodness that our voice of conscience wants us to practice can only come from God.

D. CCC #34

1. God is the first cause and final end of all things.

2. We did not, and cannot, create ourselves. We cannot give ourselves our own beginning. It was given to us by God, who sustains all of creation.

E. CCC #35

1. God's desire is to reveal Himself to us, and to give us the grace of being able to receive this revelation in faith. All is through God's grace and mercy. He longs for us to know Him.

2. To not know God is to go against reason. Faith and reason do not have to oppose each other, but they should actually work together.

IV. Reading: Jeremiah 24: 7.

A. God offers to give each human person a heart to know Him.

V. Reading Wisdom 1:1-2

A. To know God, it is necessary to have simplicity and trust.

B. We are all in a process of knowing God, every person, whether he/she has faith or not. We could never know God completely while on earth.

VI. Reading 1 Cor 2:14

A. We cannot know the things of the Spirit through our own strength.

VII. Reading Matthew 11:27

A. Christ Himself tells us that He is the one who gives us this knowledge of God.

B. We have been talking about the simple knowledge of the existence of God. However, now we are talking about a more personal knowledge of God's presence. Every human person has the potential of knowing that God exists, but God doesn't wish for us to just have this general knowledge, but He desires for us to have a deeper knowledge of Him. This is what we are discussing now.

VIII. Reading John 14: 7-14

A. Jesus is speaking with the apostles and He is pretty much saying that we know God by knowing Him, the Christ. This is when He has the conversation with Philip who says, “Lord, show us the Father, that is enough,” and Jesus responds, “whoever sees me see the Father.”

B. We know God by knowing Christ. Christ desires to be known on a very personal level.

IX. Reading Jeremiah 9:22-23

A. Pride and glory fills the human heart because of their many accomplishments, but the Word says that we should not glory in anything but in knowing God.

X. In the beginning of this lesson, I asked, “if God did not desire that we know Him, how would He accomplish this?” All of you gave me some interesting answers. (See Part II)

A. Now, I am going to ask this: How does God reveal Himself to us?

1. He reveals Himself when we receive His Sacred Body in the Eucharist.

2. He reveals Himself through the Gift of Hope.

3. He reveals Himself through the Church.

4. He reveals Himself by having created the whole universe, and everything that we see.

5. He reveals Himself when we are with other people.

6. He reveals Himself through His very nature, through being God.

XI. So, how do we come to know God? We can summarize this whole lesson by stating that we know God mainly through three (3) ways:

A. Contemplation:

1. “The gift of vision, to be able to see. Just contemplate the world, its beauty, and think about how wonderful must be He who created all the beauty we are able to see. Everything that we see screams His presence. The beauty of the sun screams how God is the Light of the World. The greatness of the sky speaks to us of how infinite God is. The trees speak to us about how He is the Giver of Life. The wind speaks to us about how God is He who we cannot see, but He who is near us. And just everything, all creation, screams to us God's presence.

B. Study:

1. We get to know God through study. By studying His Word, and by studying the Catechism, and other good spiritual books, we get to know God.

C. Prayer:

1. We get to know God through prayer. In prayer God speaks to us, and we speak to Him. This is when we have our dialogue with God. Prayer will give us the graces we need to know God more and more.

XII. “Hopefully, this knowledge of God will shape our lives and the lives of those who live with us and around us. It's really all about this. It's not only about knowing God, but it's also about allowing others to know God through us. God has called us so that we can come to know the desire that we have for Him, and to come to know how He wishes to reveal Himself to us, so that His purpose for us can become more clear, and so that His plan for us can become more clear, so that we can know what it is that the Lord is asking of us, and what He wants for us.” Amen.

I Desire One Thing – You My Lord!

2008-07-04T16:08:00.013-04:00

Our Capacity for God CCC 26-30

Questions

1. When you hear the word “profess” – what does it mean to you?
2. If you combined it with the word “faith”, what does it mean to you?

Intro – Our Reason to profess our faith:

1. Faith is professed through the individual or through the Church. We profess our faith by praying out loud the Apostles Creed or Nicene Creed

2. We profess our faith through the celebration of the liturgy as we honor Christ who continues to save us. Liturgy would be considered.

a. The Mass
b. The Celebration of the Sacraments
c. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament – where we adore Jesus in the Monstrance
d. Liturgy of the Hours or Christian Prayer

3. Our Faith is professed or we say “lived out” in following God’s Commandments

4. Lastly – Our faith is professed when we pray – prayer is key to acknowledging that God exists.

Together – with these points in mind we must ask ourselves two questions:

What do I believe & why do I believe?

It is said “Faith is man’s response to God, who reveals Himself and gives Himself to man, at the same time bringing man a superabundant light as he searches for the ultimate meaning of his life.” CCC 26

5. When we live out our faith or shall we say "move towards knowing God", We profess that God exist, by our actions, by attitude, and by desire for Him. Our faith which helps us to respond.

6. God acts first in revealing Himself to us. It is not I who STUMBLES upon Him or finds Him – it is God who shows Himself to us. We call this “revelation”

Since God is greater than His creation, we cannot comprehend Him or know His will or even know who He is UNLESS He chooses to reveal Himself. It is a gradual process, a relationship in development with no end, which leaves us with this deep desire to know Him more.

7. When we respond in faith – God gives us an understanding of Himself, revealing Himself, and at the same time He shows us who we really are before Him. In knowing God, He shows us our limitations, teaching us how we should see and treat others.

Mark 12:28-34 Jesus teaches us that we must want God. From that desire, God will show us who we really are, and how we should live before Him. The second deals with how we treat others

8. In that encounter with God our lives are changed and our desire for Him becomes like an unexplainable WANTING, similar to the experience we have when we are hungry or thirsty, but GREATER!

The more I want – God gives of Himself to me, in Abundance.

9. Our desire for God becomes a search – what about this search?

a. We always search for something greater then us.

b. At first it was our parents or our guardians who cared for us, we recognized their voice when they spoke to us, then later we used our sight to see who they were – they were greater then us by the grace of God.

c. With God we do the same thing – When God speaks our soul and body recognizes His Voice because we were created by Him, so we are connected to Him. (Genesis 1:26-27; 2:7)

d. Our spirit and soul supernaturally hears and desires the One we came from.

e. When I search for my parent’s voice, my eyes begin to see how they look, a revelation – their faces are slowly revealed – God does the same with us. I know His Voice, just like I recognize my parent’s voice. This begins my encounter with God.

NOTE: My response to God comes from the gift of faith. My response to my parent’s comes from human faith, which stems from that gift of faith.

We will consider three points in this lesson.

1. Our Search for God
2. How God reveals Himself to me
3. Our Response

I – Remember, the desire for God is written in your heart!

1. You & I were created in God’s image – our soul & spirit, even our flesh, because of this we search with an unexplainable desire for God.

a. Our soul knows true love and wants it badly! This is the opposite when it comes to sin. Our desire for sin could never compare to the desire for God.

b. Imagine or recall your desire for something that is temporal – it fades away while a new desire replaces it.. Question how you feel when you receive it – be it food, object, any possessions, etc – is it the same or different then our want for God?

Read the Letter to the Hebrews 8:10-11, the author uses quotes from Jeremiah 31:31-34; God will put into our minds and our hearts knowledge of His law, and knowledge of Him. This passage speaks about our desire for God, because we come from Him.

2. It is important to know & believe

a. I was created by Him
b. I was created for Him
c. And because of this, God never stops calling me to Himself

3. My very being knows that only in God alone can I find truth and happiness.

a. I will never stop searching, stop desiring or even stop hungering or thirsting for God. I want Him.

The dignity of man rests above all on the fact that he is called to communion with God. This invitation to converse with God is addressed to man as soon as he comes into being. For if man exists it is because God has created him through love, and through love continues to hold him in existence. He cannot live fully according to truth unless he freely acknowledges that love and entrusts himself to his creator - Gaudium Et Spes: Vatican Council II, GS 19 # 1.

II – Take a moment & recount your past:

Have you ever showed some sign or expression of religious behavior?

When you were young did you ever prayed by yourself? Have you ever passed an area and give reverence or honor?

1. You see – many of us have shown some or maybe more then we think, an expression of our search for God. Examples of that would be: prayers to pass tests, to get out of trouble, to overcome a sickness, and more.

2. Looking at the history of mankind we can find signs of religious expression. Today, we continue to express these signs. It does not matter if it is a wrong way of doing it or the right way of doing it, what’s important is that we are religious beings who desire for God who created us..

From one ancestor (God) made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him - though indeed he is not far from each one of us. For "in him we live and move and have our being. Acts 17:26-28

As the fathers of Vatican II wrote in the document Gaudium Et Spes 19#1 - Pastoral Constitution On the Church in the Modern World - our relationship with God is considered to be so “intimate” & “vital” to our oneness with God.

III - But our desire for God can be: Read paragraph 19-21 in Gaudium Et Spes

1. Forgotten – God no longer impresses me, but another thing, person, or thought captures my attention, my appetite, my want.

2. Over looked - Other things in my life seem more important to me then God. My vacation, my money, my possessions, my human love, my family, and worse…

3. Rejected – Since God is not important I put Him aside like an old baseball glove, an old coach, an old TV – God for me becomes Obsolete. If God is OBSOLETE, my neighbor would be considered as well OBSOLETE. Check out this Video on YouTube called "The Obsolete Man - Part 1, Part 2, Part 3"

4. These kinds of attitudes can cause different responses.

a. I revolt against evil in the world. That may sound good, but when God is not in your life our understanding of evil and how we deal with evil becomes distorted. When wrong is done to you or others, evil acts are considered for destruction. We look at evil with an extreme view of destroying it, including the person who committed it. Forgiveness or mercy is not an option. We may neglect our own wrong doings, even ignoring correction. We can be inclined to go to any length in eliminating the evil, and at the same time, forgetting that we may be the cause or can be the cause of evil doings. Sin blinds us of my actions and leaves us to judge others harshly. NOTE: Even good can be distorted. How? If our relationship with God is lost, our understanding of what is good for us becomes subjective - I am rich and you are poor, I am better then you, my ministry is stronger, my work is better - my attitude does not elevate people, but belittles people. We look at the work of others and we see it as worthless, giving the impression that we are the best at what we do for God.

b. Religious ignorance and indifference can occur. We neglect our desire for God. When the Church, or its people reach out to us we are unwilling to serve, we do not want to get involved, we make excuses, or we simply don’t want to learn about God or even practice our faith.

This can bring confusion to the teachings of Christ. We are finding that there are many who want to serve God and His Church, but do not want to know Him. This can also lead to the thought “All Religions are the same” or “They all lead to God”. It can even lead to ones conversion to a new religion, a cult, or philosophy hostile to the Catholic Church. So called believers in Christ become anti-Catholic Christians without even knowing it.

c. You care more about the riches of the world – You would do anything to possess the world or even save it without God. The world and everything in it would be your god. Our attitude towards the poor would be “they can rot in their own hell, and I can live in my heaven.”

Question – Who are the poor? Meditate on this picture - This child represents every person who is starving for love, affection, material needs, truth, happiness, food, and everything we can provide with God's grace. The VULTURE can represent us when we simply watch and wait for someone or some group to die. Are you this vulture – waiting for a person or group to morally die, so that you can take the spoils? It is a sad thought, but so true, it almost seems that many of our Catholic leaders today have the attitude of a vulture, taking what they want, what they need, replacing with their own idea, agendas, and purpose that is so foreign to the parish life and the Church in general. They say, “We are doing Christ’s Will”, but divide people, like the Romans divided the garments of our Lord. Our unity can only be found in Love of God and love of neighbor, but without personal desires for vain glory. .

d. We as believers in Jesus become a scandal to others – those who proclaim the faith act opposite to what they preach or live by.

e. I become hostile to my religion or any religion – including its members.

f. In my sinfulness, when God calls me, I run FROM Him. I am afraid of His mercy – isn’t that STRANGE?

See these examples in Sacred Scripture - Matthew 13:22; Genesis 3:8-10; Jonas 1:3

IV – How does one feel when they search for God in their life?

1. In the Book of Psalms 105:3, it says “Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.”

2. We can remember when we were most happy. We can see this sense of happiness coming from God. He’ll remind us if we forget. If you forget God due to sin God will continue to call you back to Himself. How would you know He is calling? One can tell, with the help of prayer and discernment of our desire for God. He will go as far as sending us signs to win us back: Be it a friend, strange, animal, nature, images, objects, guardian angel, the possibilities are endless, because God's mercy is endless.

a. We desire a real life with God. In Him we find true happiness – our body and soul wants that life with God. A good example – We always believe that there is something better out there, something that gives us hope to go on. Check out this scene from Lord of the Rings: the Two Towers – Sam’s Final Words to Frodo

3. When God calls us His voice demands of our intellectual power and our will power to be ORDERED: The Catechism of the Catholic Church says that God demands “an upright heart.” He will give us the strength to carry on, even when it seems we can’t do no more

4. It is important to keep in mind with God’s call and our response, we still need the help of Christian friends. By their example we can learn to live through Him, with Him, and in Him..

WAYS TO MAKE TOPICS

FOR DISCUSSION, TALKS AND DYNAMICS
For Youth, Young Adult and Adult Groups

Were You There For Our Holy Father's Visit?

2008-05-05T03:52:00.000-04:00

This section of our web site is dedicated to our Holy Father's visit to New York. You will find in the section resources to our Holy Father's trip to America, his writings, resources to scriptural and Catholic teaching on the pope and so much more. We encourage youth and young adult leaders to share their experience of the Pope's visit in New York. The theme of his visit will be "Christ Our Hope". If you have not read his newest Encyclical "Spe Salvi - Saved In Hope"

May God bless you all on this blessed Easter!

Juan Rodriguez
Coordinator of Defenders of the Holy Trinity

Pope's Visit To the United States:

- Video Message From the Pope - CHECK IT OUT
- Following His Footsteps - In America
- His Messages for us in the United States
- His Message for us in New York
- Testimonies, Films, Groups, Pics and More on the Pope in New York

Pope's Encyclicals and Apostolic Letters:

- Spe Salvi - Saved in Hope (English or Spanish)
- Deus Caritas - God is Love (English or Spanish)
- Sacramentum Caritas - Sacrament of Charity (English or Spanish)

Catholic Teachings on the Pope from DHT and Friends:

English

- From Reed To Rock - By Juan Rodriguez of DHT
- The Pope - By Sebastian Fama: StayCatholic.com
- Papal Infalibility - By Sebastian Fama: StayCatholic.com
- Papal Infallibility - By Catholic Answers
- Peter and the Papacy - By Catholic Answers
- Peter the Rock - By Catholic Answers
- Was Peter in Rome? - By Catholic Answers

Spanish

- ¿Qué relación hay entre Pedro y los Papas? Por Catholic Answers
- El primado de Pedro en la carta a los Gálatas - Por J.M. Bover
- ¿Quién es la "roca" de la que habla Jesús - Por Catholic Answers
- Pedro y el Papado - Por Catholic Answers
- Atar, desatar y obrar de buena fe - Por Carlos Caso - Rosendi
- La infalibilidad papal - Por Karl Keating - Catolicismo y Fundamentalismo
- El Papado - Por James Akins
- San Pedro en el Nuevo Testamento- Por Steve Ray
- Y Los Papas Corruptos? - http://www.apologetica.org/

Quotes from the Bible, Catechism and Church Fathers on the Pope:

English

- Apostolic Succession - By Catholic Answers
- The Authority of the Pope Part 1 - By Catholic Answers
- The Authority of the Pope Part 2 - By Catholic Answers
- Origins of Peter as Pope - By Catholic Answers
- Peter's Primacy - By Catholic Answers
- Peter's Roman Residency - By Catholic Answers
- Peter's Successors - By Catholic Answers

Spanish

- Roca... Llaves... Confirmar a tus hermanos... - Por Padre Daniel Ganon
- Pedro y su Primacia en la Iglesia. Por Luis Fernando Perez

Share your comments on the Pope's visit to New York - Enter Your Comments Below

You're Invited to a Mass of Blessing

2008-03-31T15:59:00.004-04:00

CHECK OUT MAP QUEST FOR SPECIFIC LOCATION - CLICK ON HIGHLIGHTED LETTERS

Father, I Put My Life In Your Hands

2008-03-13T09:52:00.003-04:00

Here is a special lenten reflection for youth and young adult leaders. We pray that it inspires you to place yourself in the hands of Our Father. God bless you

DHT

Father, I Put My Life In Your Hands (Part 1)

Father, I Put My Life In Your Hands (Part 2)

Father, I Put My Life In Your Hands (Part 3)

Invite DHT for a Talk

2008-01-23T13:12:00.002-05:00

- We're On A Mission (7 talks on Youth and Young Adult Mission work in parishes)
Topics -

TALKS ON MARY and THE ROSARY

ROSARY TALKS - INTRODUCTION AND TALKS

HOW ABOUT TALKS ON BEING A SAINT!

- I Want to be Holy (Series on Called to be Holy)

1) Me, Be a Saint? Nah! – Everything is Possible with Christ

2) Could you imagine what God can do thru you! Saints in Action

3) On Earth as it is in Heaven – The Communion of Saints

4) Hey, who said praying for the dead is bad? – Understanding the Feast of All Souls Day

5) The Original Marvel Super Hero’s – Understanding the Feast Day of All Saints

6) What’s the 411 on Praying to Saints?

7) Taking Back Halloween!

AND MORE!!!

Contact us @

Defenders of the Holy Trinity
St. Mary's Church
28 Attorney St.
New York, NY 10002
212-674-3266

646-262-3046
DefendersoftheHolyTrinity@gmail.com

Remember - Christmas Ends on January 9th

2007-12-26T21:56:00.002-05:00

Keep Blessing People By Saying

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

FELIZ NAVIDAD!!!!

Celebrate the birth of Jesus as the reason for this Season!

From DHT

The Pope Talks to Us In New York

2007-12-01T21:19:00.008-05:00

Here are some of the messages that Pope Benedict has left for us in New York:

- Pope Benedict Speaks to the General Assembly of the United Nations (English - Español)
- Our Holy Father meets with our Jewish Brothers and Sisters in New York (English - Español)
- Pope Benedict speaks at an Ecumenical Prayer Service at St. Joseph Church in New York (English - Español)
- His Holiness' Homily at St. Patrick's Cathedral to the Priest's and Religious of New York (English - Español)
- Our Pope speaks to our young people who have disabilities - VERY IMPORTANT (English - Español)
- Our Papa meets with us - The Future of the Church (English - Español)
- Our Holy Father's Prayer at Ground Zero (English - Español)
- B-16's Homily at Yankee Stadium - Hit that Homer PAPA! (English - Español)
- His Farewell to us - We Love You PAPA BEN! (English - Español)

Click To Get More Vatican.Va

BELLA - A Movie For Catholics - Worth Watching!

2007-10-18T10:25:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends in Christ

Yesterday, my wife and I were invited to a special screening of the movie “Bella”, staring Eduardo Verástegui, Tammy Blanchard, Manny Perez, and Ali Landry. What an experience worth describing, a film that not only speaks to the heart, but challenges you to see the human person as a child of God. Why I say this? Well here are brief reasons why I think you should go and see this film “Bella”.

First – The film is definitely a Catholic film. It portrays the teachings of the Church in such a pastoral way, especially when dealing with the issue of Social Justice and Pro-life. But most of all, one gets the sense that the human person is shown in a different light, one can see it as a “Theology of the Body” come to life, without it being corny, predictable and even imposing. It definitely was the story that captured the importance of the human person in the sight of God. If Pope John Paul II would have seen this, in my opinion, I think the words that would have come out of his mouth would be “Amen”.

Second – This film is definitely a film for the Latino community. Our culture is filled with wonderful stories of our experiences, sufferings, and victories. This shines a powerful light upon our people in such a way and manner that you become part of the characters. You live their dreams, their trials, hardships, courage, hope, and joy. The film includes a mixture of Spanish and English dialogue, with subtitles, so you would not have a hard time picking up on the messages. It also shows the unity of cultures within the Latino community, something that we need to see today as Catholics in New York and abroad.

Third – This film is definitely pro-life. It will invite you to consider the importance of human life, no matter the race, culture, or color. It was fascinating to see the unity of the characters as they go through the trials of doubt and fear; they go from being agents of suffering to heroes of life. The best part of the movie is at the ending, and I won’t tell you who is the last hero of the story.

Fourth – This film is safe for all ages to watch. This film has no cursing, no promiscuity, nothing that would lead you to think or judge this film to be offensive to any culture. This movie respects the culture and the human person. Thank God, it was like “the best wine served last”. It definitely is a family oriented and spiritual film. When watching this film I got the sense that it was like the Parables of Jesus coming through a Latino Eye, a Catholic Eye, a Pro-Life Eye, a Human Eye, as it played on the screen.

We recommend the Catholic Community throughout New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, to watch this film. We recommend groups that deal with the Catechesis of our youth and young adults. We also recommend this film to the leaders and members of the Charismatic Renewal , the Cursillo Movement, the Jornada Movement, the Neo Catechumens, those involved in Marian devotion, those involved in Pro-Life, in Catholic Social Justice, in ministries for the poor and the homeless, ministers of youth and young adults, and anyone who wants to experience this story. Pastors, priests, deacons, religious, and lay leaders should see this film with their parish, encouraging lukewarm Catholics to share in the experience of watching “Bella”. It’s just another way in opening hearts and minds to the possibility of living a Holy Life in Jesus. Join Catholics for the opening of “Bella” on OCT 26, or you can work with a community of leaders to rent a theatre and promote this in your area.

For more information on “Bella” visit their web site @ http://www.bellathemovie.com
You will find reviews, profiles of actors, trailers to the film, and so much more.

You can help promote the film on by e-mail, myspace, and on your web site:

I cannot tell you how blessed my wife and I were to see this film. Being newlyweds, this film has given us a spiritual awakening and connection to why we have responded to our vocation of marriage and to the defense of the Catholic Church. I pray that when you see “Bella” you would have the same experience. God bless and be safe

I love the Move Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who lives within me, now and forever. Amen

Johnny & Bertha
Defenders of the Holy Trinity

The Wedding Pictures of John & Bertha Rodriguez

2007-10-16T12:06:00.000-04:00

Thank you so much for accompanying Bertha & I on our journey in marriage. We ask you to continue to pray for us in our walk with Jesus and in the service of all of the youth and young adult of New York. May the Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with you, your family, your loved ones and your ministries. Know that Bertha and I will continue to pray for you!

Below you will find pictures of the wedding and the the reception. There are so many pics to choose from so we posted most of them on MYSPACE. If you have an account with MYSPACE simply click on the highlighted MYSPACE and you will see my page.

More to come from our honeymoon. Please feel free to comment or post your prayers for us. God bless you all!

John and Bertha - Mr & Mrs. Rodriguez

-------------------------------------------------

Fr. Joe Preparing us for our Wedding Vows

Fr. Joe Blessing us

Fr. Joe Binding Our Hands together with his
Blessed Stole.

Bertha & I with my third family - Jimmy's family

Bertha & I with buddies

Bertha & I with little sis

Bertha & I

Berth & I with Best Man, Maid of Honor and Fr. Joe

Bertha & I

Mom & Son - Thank you Mom for my Life!

The Congrads!

Can I have this Dance

The High Altar of St. Mary's Church

Our Cake - I wanted so badly to get Bertha with the Icing

Fr. Joe taking Bertha to the Dance Floor

Bertha with friends

Bertha, Me and My Mom

"Set Me As A Seal On Your Heart"

Father & Daughter Dance

Bertha & her father

See ya peeps! On my way!

Ghouls, Ghosts and Vampires... NOT! Want to know what Halloween's About?

2007-10-14T23:17:00.000-04:00

By Juan Rodriguez - DHT

How many of us know the history of Halloween? For Catholics, Halloween is a special feast day of honoring Christians who lived a holy life or have been Martyred (a word used in our Church to describe a person who became a witness to Jesus). “A feast day?” you might be asking – yes, one that calls us as Catholics to learn about the saints and to try to imitate them in living a good life, a good life for Christ. It is sad that many of our Catholic youth know more about the comic book heroes than the saints of the Church. It is about time we emphasize this special feast day for Catholic youth and young adults.

The feast has a long history, but its name tends to bring up thoughts centered on spiritual evil when in fact the feast day is nothing at all what our secular culture makes it to be; Halloween comes from two words: Hallow, which means “Holy”, and “e’en”, which means “evening”. If it is translated literally it would mean “All Hallows Eve” or what we call today “All Saints Day”.

On November 1st, Catholics remember the saints with a “Solemnity Mass”; a mass that is celebrated with great importance by having beautiful decorations, music, the use of fine sacred vestments (special clothing that bishops, priests or deacons wear when celebrating mass), and more. On this day all the saints that are known and that are unknown are remembered to help Catholics, young and old, live a more holy and fruitful life in Jesus Christ.

In ancient times, Christians celebrated the memory of the saints and martyrs in their parishes, and then in their dioceses. It had been recommended by some of the saints of that time to combine feast days of the martyrs because the names of the saints grew in numbers. One saint in particular was St. Basil of Caesarea in the year 397 A.D. who wrote a letter that encouraged the bishops of Pontus to join the commemoration of the saints and martyrs for one day, that way all Christians can celebrate this special feast day.

So it began with individual churches, then its popularity grew in dioceses throughout the Christian world. Later Pope Gregory IV made it official that the entire Church should honor the saints on November 1st.

Let’s keep this in mind – Halloween is a Catholic Feast Day!

We at DHT would like to provide resources and information on this feast day, encouraging Catholic youth and young adult leaders, parents, Catechist teachers, religious leaders, and the clergy to make this Halloween special. Let’s take back this special feast day and make it Catholic again!

Here are some articles for history, pastoral plans and ways to celebrate Halloween.

- Halloween and its Christian Roots: By Susan Hines-Brigger
(St. Anthony Messenger)
- Witches, Ghosts and Magic - What Catholics Believe:
By Page Zyromski(St. Anthony Messenger)

- How Halloween Can Be Redeemed: By Page Zyromski (St. Anthony Messenger)
- Holyween - Reclaim the Celebration of All Saints: By Fr. Vincent Serpa O.P. (Catholic Answers)
- Smashing Pumpkins: By Brian Paul (Envoy Magazine)

You're Invited To Our Wedding Celebration

2007-10-05T01:34:00.000-04:00

Check the Map For Directions

If you wish to leave a comment on our page, please do so. God bless

John & Bertha

Letter on TALITHA KUMI Radio Show

2007-09-10T07:02:00.001-04:00

Dear Friends in Christ

As of today, DHT will be coordinating the radio show Talitha Kumi. We will take the work that the Office of Hispanic Affairs of the Archdiocese of New York has started with the Primer Encuentro, and continue to promote this work to Hispanic youth and young adult leaders. We were granted permission to continue this work by Cynthia Martinez, Secretary to the Hispanic Affairs director of the Archdiocese of New York, Mr. Juan Blanchard.

The web site will have a different name – “PJHNY.org” will be called “TalithaKumiNY.org”.

DHT will collect Catholic Hispanic resources for youth, young adults and families throughout the Archdiocese of New York, Diocese of Brooklyn, Diocese of Rockville Center, Diocese of Buffalo, Diocese of Ogdensburg, Diocese of Albany, Diocese of Rochester, Diocese of Syracuse.

May God continue to bless Hispanic youth and young adult leaders throughout the State of New York and the world.

Our Lady of Esperanza, Pray for us

Juan “Johnny” Rodriguez – Coor. Of DHT

Promoting The Catholic Faith To Youth & Young Adults In New York

2007-09-06T21:50:00.000-04:00

The Use of E-Calendars
By Juan Rodriguez

I can’t tell you how grateful I am to God for those He inspired to create and support Catholic leaders by developing internet calendars that can promote special events, lectures, concerts, liturgical celebrations and more. Groups small and large can share resources with many Catholics who are interested in learning and spreading the Catholic faith. It is a great way to network ideas, make contacts and develop plans for evangelizing New York.

Any group, organization, apostolate, religious order, or parish, can use these internet calendars. It’s a great way to get more members, spread vocations, and strengthen Catholic Communities.

We know that some Catholic leaders don’t have the access to the internet or don’t have a source to share their events. DHT wants to provide you with some web sites and snail mail locations to promote your events.

CATHOLIC CALENDARS IN NEW YORK

EVENTS 4 JC – A Catholic E-Calendar in New York dedicated in spreading Catholic resources for ministries, organizations, events, lectures, radio, advertising, and more. Events 4 JC has an internet calendar that can reach thousands of people through out New York and the United States. You can also post flyers. Posting information is as easy as making toast, all you have to do is register online @

Http://www.events4jc.com

The Coordinator of Events 4 JC, Fernando Sosa, had given a talk in Spanish on advertising your ministry and special events. The talk is titled “Usando Medios de Comunicacion para lleva el Evangelio”. The cost $6. For more information check out Trinity Productions @

http://landofarthanius.blogspot.com/2006/02/tapes-cds.html

CATHEDRAL OF ST. PATRICK YOUNG ADULTS (CSPYA) – This group promotes a lot of resources and events for Young Adults in New York through their web site as well as through the Cathedral.

http://www.cspya.org/cya%20happenings.html

ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK EVENTS CALENDAR – This calendar is good for all groups within the New York area to get updates on special events within the Archdiocese. You can also post flyers.

http://archny.org/news-events/events-calendar/submit-event-1/

CATHOLIC THRIVE – A Catholic Young Adult web site for singles throughout New York and the United States. You’ll find events, a newsletter for singles and more…

http://www.catholicthrive.com/cgi-bin/submit.cgi

CAFÉ THEOLOGY – A small young adult web ministry that is striving to unite Catholic Young Adults in New Jersey and New York. You’ll find articles by Catholic leaders and members of the Young Adult community, updates on events and more. To post information of events, activities, lectures, and concerts, visit this site @

http://cafetheology.org/about/contact/

MINISTERIO JUVENIL OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK (MJ) – If you are from the
Charismatic Renewal Movement in the Archdiocese of New York, this has got to be the best place to find awesome events, lectures, concerts and more… One can post events by signing the guest book.

Http://www.ministeriojuvenil.org

YOUNG CATHOLIC NEW YORKER (YCNY) – Has an electronic calendar that posts up
information for their members. Craig who coordinates YCNY will help you in any way and support your ministry, apostolate, parish event, and organization. YCNY is a family group of DHT. You can e-mail Craig @ crkelle@gmail.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/YCNYBible

DHTNEWZ – As you already know, we are the ones that bombard you with info till your blue in the face or eyes. All events that are faithful to the Church can be posted with us. You can e-mail it to DefendersoftheHolyTrinity@gmail.com.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DHTNewz

You can also snail mail your flyer @ Defenders of the Holy Trinity – St Mary’s Church 28 Attorney
St. NY NY 10002

PLEASE NOTE – It is important that you send your information 2 – 3 weeks in advance. Don’t expect coordinators of groups to post up immediately. Notices that are given to these calendars with short notice may not be entered into the system or sent out in time. Remember, plan ahead of time. Some leaders plan 6 months to a year, sending information to be posted up, giving leaders ample amount of time to post information on their web sites or e-mail groups.

Another great source for promoting events are religious good stores and gift shops. If you have not been able to channel your resources through these stores, NOW IS THE TIME. A little advise for you as a Catholic leader. Don’t expect to promote your events without supporting these Catholic Good Centers. It’s not fair to the store owners that they accept your promotions if you or your group are not willing to promote their business. It is a sad situation for many Catholic Bookstores and Gift shops today; many of these centers for resources are being choked
financially because Catholics are going to other places to get their information. If you have a group, an apostolate, participate in a vibrant parish or are in a struggling parish, share some of the brochures, catalogs and business cards of the local Catholic Centers with your contacts and parishioners.

I hope in the future that someone can develop a much stronger, more unified site that will help Catholic leaders through out New York. If you have a web site, create a link to support these E-Calendars or create one for your community. You can use Events 4 JC to help keep your community or membership up to date. You don’t know how many times I get calls and letters on where to find a Catholic Bookstore. Let’s not be lazy or neglectful of promoting these Catholic resources.

Here is a site where you can find Catholic stores in New York. DHT updates it every month. Remember, managers get the final say on promoting events or not. Get their permission and don’t forget to support their work. Have available with you flyers and posters.

http://landofarthanius.blogspot.com/2006/02/catholic-stores-in-new-york.html

We at DHT hope that this will spark up Catholic Unity throughout New York, and inspire other leaders to develop internet calendars. Each group, apostolate, organization, and parish has as its Christian obligation to support their brothers and sisters in need. The fact that Catholic New Yorkers are struggling to reach the public is because we are not united. We can go to Church and listen to the Word of God as well as receive Jesus in the Eucharist, but if we don’t respond to Christ’s call to Community, many parishes, leaders, organizations, and vocations will be lost. We at DHT believe that YOU can make a difference by bringing the Good News of Jesus to New York.

DHT & A Movie: Star Wars Episode 6 - Return of the Jedi

2007-09-01T01:00:00.000-04:00

First there was “Dinner & A Movie”. Then there was “Movie & A Makeover”. Now there’s “DHT & A MOVIE!” Join DHT for a great time on movies that inspire and challenge us to serve. Great way to share resources, and meet new friends. Open for everyone! No fee necessary. Check out "Star Wars Episode 6 - Return of the Jedi"(PG).

The Topic for study and discussion “The Love of Christ Urges Us On – Our Testimony of Love”

Read Commentary by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: Star Wars Episode 6 - Return of the Jedi

Also, Read this commentary by Decent Films: Star Wars Episode 6 - Return of the Jedi

“Star Wars Episode 6 - Return of the Jedi” is a must see film, BUT IT IS NOT FOR CHILDREN. Parents, please read the commentary before bringing teens ages 12-16. We will have a discussion before the film lead by DHT. We will also have food. Don’t miss out!

DATE: September 14th (Friday)
TIME: 7 PM - 9:30PM

Location: St. Mary’s Hall
440 Grand St.
New York, NY 10002
212-674-3266
stmaryparish@aol.com

Check the Map For Directions

For More Info:
Johnny Rodriguez: 646-262-3046
Bertha Peralta: 347-291-6642
e-mail: DefendersoftheHolyTrinity@gmail.com

Lenten Mission for Young Adults - God is Love

2007-03-09T05:42:00.000-05:00

DHT Presents

God is Love
A Lenten Journey For Young Adults

Join young adults from all around Manhattan, Bronx, Queens,
and Brooklyn for reflections on the book “God is Love”,
By Pope Benedict XVI.

Talks and Special Guest Speakers

March 9th “Love So True – Written Just For You” By Elaine Schenk
March 16th “Jesus – The Incarnate Love of God” By Fr. Luke Sweeney
March 23rd “Do You Love Me… Feed My Sheep” By Fr. Luis Saldaña.

Time & Date: 7pm / Every Friday 9th, 16th, 23rd
Location: St. Mary’s Hall: 440 Grand St. NY NY 10002
Transportation: F, J, M Train to Delancey, D Train to Grand St. M14A to Grand & Clinton St.

For more information, contact:
Johnny Rodriguez: 646-262-3046 / holy-knight@juno.com
Visit us @ www.landofarthanius.org

Here's a profile on our special guest speakers:

Elaine Schenk, M.Id.

Grew up in Kansas, pursued by the Divine Persons for years, thinking They wanted me to be a lay missionary in Latin America, and excited to cooperate with that plan. On pilgrimage at age 21, I caved in to Divine Love and a few months later ended up as a religious missionary in New York City--the last place in the world I would have chosen to live. And you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way! "Believe and Hope" is the motto of the Idente Missionaries, founded in 1959 by Fernando Rielo in the Canary Islands and now spread over all the continents on the planet in 25 countries. By the time I see you, we will be caring for three parishes in the Bronx, besides working in campus ministry for the Archdiocese and administering a Catholic university distance learning center in Queens, near our residence and retreat center. "Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect" is the command that defines our charism, along with Christ's counsel that "wherever two or more are gathered in my name, there am I in your midst". We have monthly spirituality discussions and exercises for all ages, inviting all who desire to be more conformed to Christ to live more deeply His Gospel and give witness to the Father's love.

Rev. Luke M. Sweeney, S.T.L.

Father Sweeney is Vocations Director for the Archdiocese of New York. Father is resident at Neumann. Father studied at the John Paul II Institute in Rome. He has served for as parochial vicar at Sacred Heart Church (Newburgh) and a formation advisor at Neumann.

Rev. Luis F. Saldaña, S.T.D. (Cand.)

Father Saldaña is a formation advisor at Neumann and Professor of Dogmatic Theology at Saint Joseph's Seminary. Additionally, Father serves as Assistant Vocations Director for Hispanic Vocations. Father is a priest of the Archdiocese of New York and a native of Mexico. He is a candidate in the doctoral program of the Faculty of Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University.

Don't Shrug your Shoulders

2007-02-21T09:54:00.000-05:00

By George Velez of DHT

Throughout Lent, we are asked to fast and abstain from meat. We are asked to make sacrifices for the better of our souls. We are asked to pray and reflect on our lives and that of our Lord's Passion. Unfortunately, many walk around saying, 'What's the point?.' Or at least they act this way. They shrug their shoulders and continue about their day as though all is well. But, let's look at what many constantly shrug their shoulders to.

At the foot of the cross stood Jesus' mother, Mary, with great pain as she gazed upon her beloved son. The one whom she kissed, hugged and probably sung to sleep, was now hanging, beaten and lifeless, on the cross. But she knew. She knew from the moment she said, 'Let it be done to me according to your word,' (Luke 1:38) that she would have to give her precious boy away. So, for our sake, she watched her son suffer and die for us.

This is what many shrug their shoulders to! We say to her, 'Your son's death was no big deal.' Let us no longer shrug our shoulders at our Lord Jesus and his Mother, Mary, but rather embrace them. Let us help others embrace them, consecrating ourselves to their Sacred and Immaculate Hearts.

Remeber, if we find it hard to fast and abstain now, how will we ever expect to overcome any of the greater spiritual hardships we may have in this life!

Back to our Lenten Section

Back to Main Section

Today We Fast, We Abstain, We Give

2007-02-20T04:16:00.002-05:00

Preparing Youth and Young Adults on Fasting, Abstaining and Almsgiving
By Juan Rodriguez of DHT

During Ash Wednesday and Good Friday the Church together fasts and abstains from meat. Every Friday during Lent we simply abstain from meat and offer our hearts to those in need. It is always good to go to your pastor or your spiritual director to get his advice on whether you can fast during the season (meaning everyday) or every Friday. Please, do it with his guidance.

How do we fast?

When it comes to breakfast and lunch, we do not eat all of our meal, nor do we eat breakfast and lunch as though we just filled ourselves with one meal. Both Breakfast and Lunch should not equal ONE MEAL. We only eat a small portion of food to sustain us during the day.

As for dinner, we can eat a whole meal, BUT DO NOT OVER KILL! The point of fasting is to prepare our hearts for Jesus, to pray for the conversion of families, our community, our society, and our world. It is also offered for the needy and gives us strength to serve all with a open heart. We also fast to pray for those who will prepare for Baptism, Communion and Confirmation on Easter.

It is important to note that youth under 18 years of age do not have to fast, but those 18 years and up are obligated to join us.

How do we abstain from meat?

We do not eat meat: Beef, pork, chicken, lamb (Only the Lamb of God who is Jesus), or any cooked animal. We can eat fish, milk, cheese, veggies, fruit, bread, and anything that does not have the taste of meat. You CAN eat foods that have condiments made with the fat of animals (The only acception). Teens who are 14 and up are obligated to abstain from meat.

We Fast and Abstain from meat to do penance; to humble our bodies, our mind, and our souls, submitting to the grace of God who will remove our sins and prepare us to enter Heaven. We Fast and Abstain so that together we may confess our sins before God and His Priests.

Finally, How do we give to the needy?

The needy are all around you, not just the homeless, or poor families, but your friends, family, and neighbor. When we give, it is not in money or in clothing, we give from our hearts because God is calling us to share our gifts, ESPECIALLY during a time when so much suffering is before us. We do not have to go far, nor hear gossip, simply turn on your TV, read the newspaper, look at the way the streets are kept, how your neighborhoods look or even your churches. If God is inviting you to change, how much more is He calling you to be light to our beloved New York and the world.

Answer His call today and make the difference.

Surrender today!

Back to our Lenten Section

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DHT & A Movie Presents - Joseph (NR)

2007-02-01T22:08:00.000-05:00

¡Lo Imposible se hace Posible!

2006-12-11T05:27:00.000-05:00

Por Juan Rodríguez - Defensores De La Santisimo Trinidad

Un día, recibí un regalo de una amiga. Su nombre no es importante, pero este regalo era muy peculiar. Ella me mandó un dibujo a mano de nuestra Señora mirando a su pequeño hijo Jesús. Lo que más me sorprendió fue que la persona que hizo este dibujo es Protestante. No podía parar de mirar a esta imagen porque este dibujo mostraba la relación profunda entre Maria y su hijo Jesús. Con una mirada tierna, Maria mira a su dulce hijo, a según Jesús mira a su Madre con gozo. Los dos están concentrados en el uno al otro, mostrándole al observador la unión natural y supernatural entre Madre e Hijo.

A pesar de que esto es una realidad para Cristianos Católicos, este no es el caso de nuestros hermanos(as) de diferentes denominaciones. Ellos no están totalmente de acuerdo con esta misteriosa unión. Para ellos es “imposible”. No es que ellos se encuentran extraño el que Dios haya venido a través de una mujer… pero ¿de que ella sea su madre? Eso es absolutamente imposible para ellos. ¡Pero para la Iglesia Católica, no hay imposibilidades!

¡Las imposibilidades se hacen realidad! Hoy, muchas denominaciones Cristianas dicen “Maria no pudo haber dado a luz al Hijo de Dios, sino, ella dio a luz a la carne (cuerpo) de Jesús”. Otros dirían que el vientre de Maria solamente fue escogido como especie de intermediario/vehículo para el nacimiento de Jesús, como si después ella no serviría de nada. Pero yo quiero posar una pregunta a los Católicos y Protestantes para que ellos reflexionen: si nosotros como Cristianos creemos en que Jesús es Dios y Hombre, de la misma manera en que San Atanasio dice en el Credo “Dios de Dios, Luz de Luz, Dios verdadero de Dios verdadero”, entonces, ¿como podemos negar la realidad de que Dios escogió a Maria para que fuera la Madre de Su Hijo, quien es Dios Encarnado? Hay personas, como el famoso anti-Católico Tony Alamo (titulando su trabajo “Dios no tiene una Madre”), que hacen comentarios ridículos sobre esta realidad. Este y muchos otros escritos anti-católicos sobre la Maternidad de Maria, han causado que muchos miren a Maria como una persona cualquiera, en vez de el instrumento de Santidad que es.

¿Pueden los Protestantes como Tony Alamo estar correctos? ¿Están ellos prestando atención a la Palabra de Dios? Pues, vamos a ver que nos dice las Sagradas Escrituras sobre lo Imposible haciéndose posible.

En el libro del Génesis, Dios visitó a Abraham y Sara. Los tres Ángeles trajeron el mensaje a Abraham de que su esposa iba a tener un hijo (Gen. 18:9-15). Al escuchar esto, Sara se rió, ya que ambos estaban mayores. Pero el Ángel del Señor habló por Dios diciendo: “¿Acaso hay algo que sea Imposible con Dios?” Mas tarde, las palabras del Ángel se hicieron realidad cuando Sara nombró a su hijo Isaac, el cual es una forma abreviada de la palabra hebrea Yishaq-el, “Dios se sonríe”. Sara se sonrió porque ella dudó de la palabra de Dios. Pero ella se dio cuenta de la verdad en este mensaje. Su duda se convirtió en gozo, porque ella recibió el regalo de ser madre.

¿Y que de Isabel, quien también era estéril? ¿No fue un ángel quien visitó a Zacarías mientras se estaba preparando para quemar incienso en el santuario del Señor? El ángel le anunció la Buena Nueva del embarazo de Isabel. El no le creyó, y por esto, el ángel lo silenció hasta el día en que Juan nació (Luc. 1:5-23). El nombre “Juan” significa en hebreo “Dios te ha bendecido”. Fue esta bendición que Isabel recibió a su avanzada edad, la gracia de ser madre.

Ahora, el mismo ángel que visitó a Zacarías también visitó a Maria, para anunciarle la venida de Dios a través de su propio ser. Maria no dudó, pero estaba confundida, pensado en que significaba todo esto. El ángel la consoló con las palabras “No temas Maria, porque has encontrado el favor de Dios”. El nombre de este ángel era Gabriel, que en hebreo significa “Dios es fuerte”. El le dijo a ella, que el “Espíritu Santo” iba a descender sobre ella, y el Hijo de Dios iba a nacer. El Ángel termina confirmando el embarazo de Isabel, probando que la gracia de Dios es abundante. Si el lector mira cuidadosamente, el Ángel dice “Para Dios, nada es imposible”. Y con esto, ella se somete a la voluntad de Señor, diciendo “…hágase en mi tal como has dicho” (Luc 1:26-38).

¿Deberíamos nosotros ser como Tomas y dudar (al igual que nuestros hermanos(as) Protestantes)? ¡Yo creo que no! Porque nosotros como Católicos verdaderamente creemos en lo que las Sagradas Escrituras dicen.

También vemos en las Escrituras que Maria fue a ayudar a Isabel hasta el nacimiento de Juan. Al Isabel escuchar el saludo de Maria, ella exclamó de gozo, porque su bebé saltó en su vientre. Fue el Espíritu Santo quien entró en Isabel, al ella exclamar: “¡Bendita tú eres entre las mujeres y bendito el fruto de tu vientre! ¿Cómo he merecido yo que venga a mi la madre de mi Señor?” (Luc 1:42-43)

La Verdad es dicha a través de los labios de Isabel, “Mi Señor”, y a la misma vez, alaba a Maria por creer en la “Palabra del Señor”. Este mismo Espíritu conmovió el corazón de Pedro a creer y proclamar a Jesús como el “Hijo del Dios Vivo” (Mat. 16:13-17).

Ahora, ¿debería Tony Alamo y muchos Protestantes negar lo que el Espíritu Santo proclamó, y lo que Jesús confirmó? ¿Dudarían de la creencia de que la Biblia es la única Autoridad de la Verdad? ¡No solamente ellos abrieron la puerta a sus propios errores, pero después la cerraron y botaron la llave! Solo podemos pedir que Jesús le abra la puerta de su confusión y liberarlos a la claridad de la Luz de la Verdad.

Por último, ¿trataría Dios a Su esposa, la Iglesia, como un juguete, creada para una sola cosa, y después tirarla a la basura, después de que su trabajo estuviera hecho? Yo creo que no, y muchos Cristianos (Católicos y Protestantes) estarían de acuerdo con este punto. Así es que, si Dios no abandonaría a Su esposa, la Iglesia, ¿Cómo abandonaría a Maria? La Iglesia es una imagen exacta de Maria. La Iglesia carga a Jesús, y así lo hizo Maria. La Iglesia da a Jesús al mundo, y así lo hizo Maria. Imaginar a Dios tratando a Maria como un objeto y no como a una persona llevaría a los creyentes a ver a Dios como un Esposo cruel, como los esposos que tratan a sus esposas como basura. Nosotros, ambos Cristianos Católicos y Protestantes, creemos que el plan de Dios es hacer un Reino de Familia. ¿Cómo puedes tener una familia si el Esposo no es un buen padre y la Esposa no es una buena madre? La familia se rompería. Pero reflexiona conmigo este punto en las Escrituras. El Espíritu Santo proclamó la verdad sobre la maternidad de Maria a través de Isabel. Maria, llena de gozo y felicidad, alaba a su Esposo, la tercera persona de la Trinidad, con amor y adoración total. Al mismo tiempo, el Espíritu Santo mantiene a Maria en gloria, y la alaba como Su amada Esposa. Dios esta completamente enamorado de Su creación y El no esta avergonzado (como algunos hombres) de decir “esta es mi esposa, la Madre de mi Hijo Amado”. Dime que hombre o mujer daría tal halago, un halago de amor y compromiso entre ellos mismos. Si los hombres quieren ser buenos esposos, y amar al Señor, tienen que mirar hacia el Espíritu Santo para se un esposo verdadero. Si las mujeres quieren ser grandes esposas, tienen que mirar a Maria, quien es la esposa y la Madre perfecta. Esta es la Imagen verdadera de la Relación Personal con nuestro Señor y Salvador, ¡inimaginable en la mente humana, pero posible con Dios!

Quisiera dedicarle este artículo a mi propia madre, quien me dio la vida. Durante mis estudios sobre Maria y su maternidad, le pregunté sobre mi propio nacimiento. Mientras planchaba, ella me contó que el doctor le había prohibido tener más hijos. Ella había perdido un hijo previamente, y después tuvo a mi hermano David. Si ella tenía otro hijo, le podía causar complicaciones a su cuerpo y al hijo. Ella no escuchó al doctor y puso su confianza en el Señor. Y así vine al mundo, a través de una madre esperanzada, grandiosa, y llena de ternura. Al reflexionar en mi nombre, Juan, me pregunto porque mi madre me puso ese nombre. Y es que en verdad, al mi madre poner toda su confianza en el Señor, El la favoreció de la misma manera en que favoreció a Isabel. El dar a luz a un hijo es en verdad un regalo de la vocación de ser madre. Cuando miro a Maria en la foto que me regalaron, y reflexiono en la Magnifica, no puedo dejar de ver a Maria dándole gracias al Señor por la gracia de ser Madre de Dios. Es su Maternidad la cual Magnifica la Verdadera Gracia, el cual es Jesucristo. Para mí, ¡esto es la Posibilidad!