VATICAN CITY
British Foreign Minister will visit Holy See to discuss persecution of Middle East Christians
CATHOLIC HERALD
CATHOLIC HERALD
Cardinal Pietro Parolin will celebrate a Mass today marking the centenary of the
restoration of diplomatic ties between Britain and the Holy See
FOREIGN OFFICE
restoration of diplomatic ties between Britain and the Holy See
FOREIGN OFFICE
Mgrr. Kevork Noradounguian says it was a
“great disappointment” for some that Francis did not mention the Armenian Genocide in Turkey
ZENIT
“great disappointment” for some that Francis did not mention the Armenian Genocide in Turkey
ZENIT
Those who study the mystery of God are brought to their knees because
God reveals more to a humble heart—says Pope Francis
RADIO VATICANA
God reveals more to a humble heart—says Pope Francis
RADIO VATICANA
Vatican spokesman denies account of pre-conclave lobbying on behalf of Cardinal Bergoglio
CATHOLIC CULTURE
CATHOLIC CULTURE
NORTH AMERICA
US national debt surpasses $18 trillion (Americans need to prepare for a North American economic meltdown, not in five or ten years, but sooner)
BREITBART
BREITBART
Obama uses National Thanksgiving turkey presentation to mock Republican concerns over his executive action granting amnesty to upwards of 5 million illegal immigrants
BREITBART
BREITBART
"Mentioning God in public is bad manners"—Disney. It turns out you can give thanks for a lot of different folks on the Disney Channel website, but you can’t thank God!
BCNCHRISTIAN POST
BCNCHRISTIAN POST
Atheist group launches billboard campaign telling children to
"Skip Church" and avoid "Fairy Tale" (So you’re not convinced the worldwide Church is under heavy assault from practically every front? Okay, fair enough, just keep reading these "tips" and you’ll get the picture!)
GOSPEL HERALDCHRISTIAN POST
"Skip Church" and avoid "Fairy Tale" (So you’re not convinced the worldwide Church is under heavy assault from practically every front? Okay, fair enough, just keep reading these "tips" and you’ll get the picture!)
GOSPEL HERALDCHRISTIAN POST
Did CNN have an agenda in Ferguson? The New York Post is accusing CNN of lying in its coverage of protests in Ferguson
CHARISMA
CHARISMA
Gay-straight alliances passes second reading
CBC
CBC
LATIN AMERICA
‘Massive’ pro-life march in Chile
CATHOLIC CULTURE
CATHOLIC CULTURE
Church in Brazil begins Year of Peace
CATHOLIC CULTURE
CATHOLIC CULTURE
ISRAEL
France betrays Israel
ALGEMEINER
ALGEMEINER
Israel calls early elections—Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced early elections after having dismissed senior coalition partners and centrist leaders Finance Minister Yair Lapid and Justice Minister Tzipi Livni.
i24 News
i24 News
Muslims seek to provoke Jews by desecrating Temple Mount
ISRAEL TODAY
ISRAEL TODAY
RECOMMENDED ON ALETEIA
Philip Jenkins’
"Nine Laws of Liturgy" offers a perspective on the form of our worship.
"Throughout Christian history, a majority of Christians have used a liturgy, in the sense of a set form of words, actions and rituals, as opposed to a free-form, open-ended kind of worship. This does not mean that non-liturgical churches are totally disorganized – they often plan their services according to familiar patterns and models." ("Liturgical worship" is part of the Church’s heritage and many of Philip’s observations find resonance with my own views. I believe however that the
most effective forms of "service and "worship" are those in which extemporal expression is
also accommodated. "Rigid" structures of worship sometimes fail to capture the spontaneity and creativity which can be inspired by the Holy Spirit. Thus we need to be as the sail on a boat, flexible and free, ready to capture the wind as it blows! Who hasn’t been moved by a priest who, venturing off the beaten-path during his homily ends-up delivering a largely extemporaneous message in which he has opened up, become vulnerable and said things which have stuck in our hearts! (I’m recalling such an occasion while writing this). In the same way a degree of "license" in our worship and intercessions can broaden and intensify our encounters with God. Some of the most memorable services I have attended have been those where a certain freedom of expression in worship and prayer has been framed within the contect of our traditional liturgical setting).
ALETEIA
"Nine Laws of Liturgy" offers a perspective on the form of our worship.
"Throughout Christian history, a majority of Christians have used a liturgy, in the sense of a set form of words, actions and rituals, as opposed to a free-form, open-ended kind of worship. This does not mean that non-liturgical churches are totally disorganized – they often plan their services according to familiar patterns and models." ("Liturgical worship" is part of the Church’s heritage and many of Philip’s observations find resonance with my own views. I believe however that the
most effective forms of "service and "worship" are those in which extemporal expression is
also accommodated. "Rigid" structures of worship sometimes fail to capture the spontaneity and creativity which can be inspired by the Holy Spirit. Thus we need to be as the sail on a boat, flexible and free, ready to capture the wind as it blows! Who hasn’t been moved by a priest who, venturing off the beaten-path during his homily ends-up delivering a largely extemporaneous message in which he has opened up, become vulnerable and said things which have stuck in our hearts! (I’m recalling such an occasion while writing this). In the same way a degree of "license" in our worship and intercessions can broaden and intensify our encounters with God. Some of the most memorable services I have attended have been those where a certain freedom of expression in worship and prayer has been framed within the contect of our traditional liturgical setting).
ALETEIA
Rick Fitzgibbons’ article
"Growing Up with Gay Parents" takes a look at some of the alarming consequences of same-sex relationships. (As has become all too clear over the past 24 months, the Church worldwide is now under heavy assault regarding some of its core doctrines. Government, employer-related, social and even family pressures are going to make it hard, if not impossible, for many "believers" to "stay" a steady course of commitment to Scriptural principals in the coming years. Only those who have come to know what they believe and why will be able to "stomach" the trials which inevitably lie ahead. The bottom line is quite simple—God exists, He is "absolutely" present upon the earth through and in the form of His Holy Spirit. He loves us, all of us, unconditionally. But, He does not love all the things we do, and there are some things we do which He pointedly describes as "hating." Catholics and Christians should never hate those who sin, for we ourselves once did these same things, but we are called not to endorse or accept sin once we have come to recognize is as sin and to appreciate that God does indeed have one or two rules. Same-sex unions are not permissible, according to both Old and New Testament teaching. There are doubtless many reasons why God decries homosexual activity and, if you will read Rick’s article, this may offer some insight. But, irrespective of the rationale behind God’s laws, we must decide whether we are more fearful of man’s judgment or of God’s).
ALETEIA
"Growing Up with Gay Parents" takes a look at some of the alarming consequences of same-sex relationships. (As has become all too clear over the past 24 months, the Church worldwide is now under heavy assault regarding some of its core doctrines. Government, employer-related, social and even family pressures are going to make it hard, if not impossible, for many "believers" to "stay" a steady course of commitment to Scriptural principals in the coming years. Only those who have come to know what they believe and why will be able to "stomach" the trials which inevitably lie ahead. The bottom line is quite simple—God exists, He is "absolutely" present upon the earth through and in the form of His Holy Spirit. He loves us, all of us, unconditionally. But, He does not love all the things we do, and there are some things we do which He pointedly describes as "hating." Catholics and Christians should never hate those who sin, for we ourselves once did these same things, but we are called not to endorse or accept sin once we have come to recognize is as sin and to appreciate that God does indeed have one or two rules. Same-sex unions are not permissible, according to both Old and New Testament teaching. There are doubtless many reasons why God decries homosexual activity and, if you will read Rick’s article, this may offer some insight. But, irrespective of the rationale behind God’s laws, we must decide whether we are more fearful of man’s judgment or of God’s).
ALETEIA
BRITAIN & IRELAND
19-year-old British student dies in Germany after drink is spiked during university exchange trip. (Twenty years ago parents concerned over the well-being of their children at university were accused of being overly protective and of trying to wrap their offspring in "cotton wool." Today, I think I may be inclined to appreciate those with such concerns and to applaud parents who actively pursue higher education alternatives for their children. What we have seen since the 70’s is that many young adults are ill-equipped to successfully navigate the quagmire and "death traps" which surround modern university life)
DAILY MAIL
DAILY MAIL
UK bishops to host pro-gay priest for talk at Catholic youth conference (Are we to expect that the Catholic Church in England is to turn its back on Biblical teaching just like the rest of the world seems to be doing?)
LIFE SITE
LIFE SITE
Recruitment and training of confident Bible readers vital to Catholic life in England and Wales
CCIEAW
CCIEAW
“As a Christian Secretary of State for Education, I will oppose secular, politically correct dogma”—Nicky Morgan
CH
CH
Irish school withdraws worksheet on Biblical teaching of homosexuality after complaint—A school in Ireland has apologized and has decided to withdraw a worksheet that presents the Bible’s teachings on homosexuality following a complaint over the assignment. (By taking this action the school is teaching its pupils to deny the Gospel whenever it becomes offensive. Paul did say
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth." The question is, where are today’s Pauls?)
CHRISTIAN NEWS
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth." The question is, where are today’s Pauls?)
CHRISTIAN NEWS
Catholic Church and the National Library of Ireland will put parish records online
CRUXIRISH CENTRAL
CRUXIRISH CENTRAL
Catholic nurse awarded £10,000 in sectarian harassment case
BELFAST TELEGRAPH
BELFAST TELEGRAPH
EUROPE
Hamas admits:
"We have headquarters in Turkey" Turkey provides terror group refuge for plotting deadly attacks. (Perhaps this will make it easier for some to understand my "ranting" over Turkey and the fact that a once ally of the West chose, some years ago, to pursue a militant Islamic agenda for the governance of their nation and which is why I believe it would have been appropriate for Pope Francis to make this shift in emphasis evident)
WND
"We have headquarters in Turkey" Turkey provides terror group refuge for plotting deadly attacks. (Perhaps this will make it easier for some to understand my "ranting" over Turkey and the fact that a once ally of the West chose, some years ago, to pursue a militant Islamic agenda for the governance of their nation and which is why I believe it would have been appropriate for Pope Francis to make this shift in emphasis evident)
WND
Islam wishes Europe a Merry Christmas: Islamic terrorists threaten European holiday travel by vowing to bomb five European airliners over the Christmas season (I think the relative peace Europe and America have "enjoyed" since the end of WW2 is well and truly over. Sad, but very likely true)
CBN
CBN
France’s National Assembly declares abortion a "fundamental right": The country which is known as "the prostitute of Europe" now officially declares that killing children in the womb is a fundamental right. (Why is one not surprised?)
LIFE SITE
LIFE SITE
Calls for greater recognition of Eastern Rite Catholic Churches
ICN
ICN
AFRICA
Boko Haram violently attacks more Nigerian towns killing 77: An estimated 77 people are dead following attacks on two Nigerian state capitals by Boko Haram,
bringing the death toll to 247 in a week of constant violence at the hands of the Islamic extremists
GOSPEL HERALD
bringing the death toll to 247 in a week of constant violence at the hands of the Islamic extremists
GOSPEL HERALD
Church destroyed and young people arrested, pressure increases on Christians in Sudan
CHRISTIAN TODAY
CHRISTIAN TODAY
"It took 1,000 dead Africans before they did anything": Scientist who discovered Ebola virus slams WHO for taking FIVE months to declare state of emergency (As is so often the case, Africa must suffer)
DAILY MAIL
DAILY MAIL
MIDDLE EAST
"We must speak up for persecuted Christians in the Islamic world"—Michael Coren
BREITBART
BREITBART
Four young
Christians chose death over conversion to Islam (Their’s shall be the greater reward. May their souls rest in peace)
CHL
Christians chose death over conversion to Islam (Their’s shall be the greater reward. May their souls rest in peace)
CHL
Before being beheaded children tell ISIS murderers "We Love Jesus"
: When Islamic State militants threatened four children in Iraq, all under the age of 15, with death if they did not promise to follow Islam’s "prophet" Muhammad, they defiantly stated, "No. We love Yasua (Jesus). We have always followed Yasua." Some of the bravest martyrs this generation may ever know are teenagers—and perhaps younger (And these precious children remind us of today’s feast of
Cassian and Marcellus
who were also beheaded for their faith in Christ)
CHARISMA
: When Islamic State militants threatened four children in Iraq, all under the age of 15, with death if they did not promise to follow Islam’s "prophet" Muhammad, they defiantly stated, "No. We love Yasua (Jesus). We have always followed Yasua." Some of the bravest martyrs this generation may ever know are teenagers—and perhaps younger (And these precious children remind us of today’s feast of
Cassian and Marcellus
who were also beheaded for their faith in Christ)
CHARISMA
ASIA
Christianity growing in Asia
ABC
ABC
Taliban bomber kills father and daughters of aid-working family in Afghanistan
CBN
CBN
FAMILY MATTERS
SEE what the Taliban are doing to families in Afghanistan! (Brothers and sisters in Christ, let us pray, let us pray and let us pray for those who are in hurt, suffering and pain throughout our suffering world)
DAILY MAIL
DAILY MAIL
"Common Core is Communist CoreI once saw in China"—Lily Tang Williams (After their crusade to take away families from Africans, Bill and Melinda Gates, supporters of Common Core, now want to corrupt our children’s education)
BREITBART
BREITBART
Man gets life for killing Christian teenager who refused to have abortion
CHRISTIAN POST
CHRISTIAN POST
Considering an abortion? Read this first
LIFE SITE
LIFE SITE
Court awards ‘trans’ student $75,000 and orders school to allow boys into girls’ bathroom: A court in Maine has ordered the Orono School District to pay $75,000 to a homosexual advocacy group and allow self-identified “transgender” students to use the bathrooms of the opposite sex (Does no one see the "error" in this?)
LIFE SITE
LIFE SITE
The toughest and most inspiring head in Britain:
He sent 40 girls home in one day because their skirts were too short
—but his super-strict regime has transformed some of our worst schools. If only there were more like him. (Yes indeed, if only there were!)
DAILY MAIL
He sent 40 girls home in one day because their skirts were too short
—but his super-strict regime has transformed some of our worst schools. If only there were more like him. (Yes indeed, if only there were!)
DAILY MAIL
~ ~ ~
ADDITIONAL
Death whistles:
"Screaming’ from carved skull may have accompanied human sacrifices" These may be innocuous artifacts, or, they could be part of the growing arsenal of satanic, occultic and non-Christian religious paraphernalia which has swamped Western society in recent decades. Catholic and Christian families, please be diligent regarding those things which you expose yourself to
DAILY MAIL
"Screaming’ from carved skull may have accompanied human sacrifices" These may be innocuous artifacts, or, they could be part of the growing arsenal of satanic, occultic and non-Christian religious paraphernalia which has swamped Western society in recent decades. Catholic and Christian families, please be diligent regarding those things which you expose yourself to
DAILY MAIL
R&B artisit survives after being shot 8 times and now makes music for Christ
BCN
BCN
Musical about the Pope is released in the Philippines
CATHOLIC HERALD
CATHOLIC HERALD
Huge nativity scene breaks Guinness record
CRUX
CRUX
And today we celebrate...