Here is this week's installment of "Five Faith Friday" which contains five, faith-based things I found interesting and am sharing on Friday.
GIVEAWAY TIME - be sure to check out the below entry about the quiz for a chance to win
What Letter Was Exciting To Read --
As Life Returns to Normal, It’s Time to Resume Our Normal Lives as Faithful Catholics by Bishop Schlert. Effective on August 15th (the Assumption of Mary), all Catholics are obligated to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days. I know all of the readers on this are not in the Diocese of Allentown, so your diocese may already have the obligation reinstated but it's great news here. As always, "It is always the case that those who are ill, those who believe they have been exposed to a contagious disease, those who feel they are medically compromised, and those confined to their homes, are not obligated to attend Mass. This standard dispensation will continue." You'll note that the Bishop has also asked, "... every parishioner to invite at least one person back to in-person attendance at Mass." Don't take that part lightly.
What I Saw --
Many attacks against the Gospel message. These three in particular stood out to me:
- A group hung a sign reading "God Bless Abortions" from a 67' statue of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
- The same activist group vandalized a billboard while telling people to partake in the sin of masturbation
- Pro-abortion protestors blocked an anti-abortion procession in NY
These are attacks directly on Christians and the Christian message and you better believe that they are diabolical in nature. Encouraging abortion and masturation is straight from the Evil One. Christians across the globe continue to be persecuted for loving Jesus, his teachings, and acting like Him. It's only going to get worse. Are you prepared?
What I'm Watching --
The continued persecution of the Church in Canada. Did you see that 45 churches were engulfed or attacked in an ongoing anti-Christian terror campaign? Or how about the opinion piece about how the US media shamefully justified the same string of Canadian church burnings?
Which Quiz I Took --
The Catholic Quiz from Our Sunday Visitor. I'm not going to lie... that was difficult! How would you like to get a free copy of "The Diocese of Allentown - A History" book by John Hanley? All you have to do is email me (DavidRYingling@gmail.com) with how many questions from the quiz you got right and your mailing address to enter. I'll take all submissions up until next Friday, July 23rd at 11:59pm EST and mail the shrink wrapped book to the winner.
What Books I Read --
Saints in the World: The Adventure of Christian Life by Father Jesus Urteaga. This was a top 3 book I read this year and despite being written 50+ years ago, it feels as if it were written yesterday. "In a vigorous engaging style Fr. Jesus Urteaga challenges men and women of today to live up to the high demands of virtue. He shows the importance of human virtue such as courage, fortitude, sincerity and generosity in forming a solid foundation for supernatural life in the midst of the world."
A Work of God: Images of Renewal by the CFRs. I can't speak enough about the beauty of the photographs contained. "A stunning collection of award-worthy photography and soul-stirring essays from the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. Known for their untamed beards and tattered grey habits, the CFR friars have a fierce commitment to gospel poverty and a consuming passion for proclaiming Christ—all of which is honestly depicted in 186 pages of stunning imagery. Witness authentic religious life as lived by one of the fastest-growing religious orders in the world, dramatically portrayed in this large-format pictorial essay."
BONUS --
What I'm Saving the Dates For:
- Thursday, September 2nd from 2-4:00 there is planning in the works for a Pro Life Event in Easton, PA. Can't wait!
- Monday, September 27th in Harrisburg there is going to be the first-ever Pennsylvania March For Life. You better believe that I'll be there for this too!
- There is not a specific date yet as locations are being nailed down, but please purchase a copy of The Priests We Need to Save the Church by Kevin Wells. Even if you can't make it to the book club, you need to read this book.
Have a wonderful weekend and may God bless you and your family!