Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Invitro fertilization separates the unitive from the procreative aspect of the marital embrace and makes the procreative part the only goal. When the procreative component is the only goal, this is a violation of the child's human dignity because the child is now just a product to be obtained rather than a gift from God to a family. Pope Paul VI said that there is an, "inseparable connection, willed by God, and unable to be broken by man on his own initiative, between the two meanings of the conjugal act: the unitive meaning and the procreative meaning."
READ MOREDear Brothers and Sisters,
This weekend, we remember Americans who pledged and even lost their lives to protect our country and preserve our freedom. The cost of freedom was and is paid for by those who are willing to lay down their lives for our great nation. We give thanks to God for all those who are willing to pay the ultimate price for our freedom. If you know a military service man or woman, make sure to thank them for their service and add a few prayers today for peace on earth.
Our Catechism of the Catholic Church helps us to understand what freedom means: Paragraph 1731-1734 says, "The more one does what is good, the freer one becomes. There is no true freedom except in the service of what is good and just. The choice to disobey and do evil is an abuse of freedom and leads to "the slavery of sin." Freedom makes man responsible for his acts to the extent that they are voluntary. Progress in virtue, knowledge of the good, and self-discipline enhance the mastery of the will over its acts."
READ MOREDear Brothers and Sisters,
As you know, there is a war against life. I want to draw your attention to a battle that does not get talked about very much. You may have heard about a custody battle over two frozen embryos that a famous Hollywood couple had planned to implant in a surrogate once they were married. Well they called off the marriage. Surprised?!?!? Then to make a bad situation worse, one of the two started speaking out about why he is suing his ex over custody of the embryos.
Catholics need to know what the Church's position is on frozen embryos because there is so much confusion and misinformation about what is to be done with these embryos. The Church has much to say about such things and we need the wisdom of the Church to guide us.
READ MOREDear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We are blessed with so many families at St. Joan of Arc. I am always amazed at the incredible sacrifices I see parents make at each and every Mass to be a good parent. As I see moms and dads bring their little ones to religious education classes I am so grateful for their dedication and desire to share God's love with their children. The wonderful catechists at St. Joan of Arc are here to help you… BUT your role as your children's primary teacher is your gift to your children. YOU have the awesome privilege and blessing to form the future of the world IN GOD'S IMAGE!
On this Mother's Day 2015, we are reminded that motherhood is a calling by God and it is a gift from God to our world. Today with give thanks to God for the gift of our mothers… and we remember also our mothers who have gone before us with the sign of faith and rest in the sleep of peace. Grant them, O Lord, we pray, a place of refreshment, light and peace.
READ MOREDear Brothers and Sisters,
It seems like every day there are news reports of assaults against human life. War, abortion and street violence have become so "ordinary" that we hardly notice them.
One of the most quiet and socially acceptable assaults against human life is euthanasia under the guise of mercy. This attack on life is even legal in some states. People "decide" when it is time to extinguish the gift of human life when life becomes "inconvenient" or "messy". The problem with this kind of thinking completely disregards the fact that God is the Author of all life. Our Lord decides when life on earth ends and eternal life begins.
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