Pope’s Prayer Intentions – August 2009
Pope Benedict XVI's general intention for August 2009 is: "That public opinion may be more aware of the problem of millions of displaced persons and refugees and that concrete solutions may be found for their often tragic situation."
missionary intention is: "That those Christians who are discriminated against and persecuted in many Countries because of the name of Christ may have their human rights, equality and religious freedom recognized, in order to be able to live and profess their own faith freely."
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The Shack: Some Comments from Fr. Barron
More than one friend suggested I read the novel The Shack, and it came up as a "People Who Bought This Also Bought This" suggestion on Amazon.com when Suzanne was buying me another book for my birthday earlier this year, so I took it as a sign to check out the the huge current Christian literary phenomenon. In turn, I've suggested it to a few friends who I thought would enjoy it.
The Shack has been number one on the New York Times Bestseller list for 33 weeks in the paperback trade fiction category.
I love some of the thoughts Father Barron shares here. I agree with him on the "good" points of the book... much of what he points out are what I loved about the book. I don't as strongly align with his concerns about the book, but I don't set my expectations too high when approaching fiction like this, and "write off" some minor things that I don't agree with from time to time. Great considerations and observations nonetheless. Thank you, Father!
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Feast of St. James the Greater
Today - July 25 - is the feast day of the saint whose name I took at Confirmation and for whom my second son is named: St. James the Greater.
There's a splendid article in the Catholic Encyclopedia about this great Apostle and Saint.
Happy Feast Day, son!
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Archbishop George Lucas of Omaha
Today, our former bishop was installed as the Archbishop of Omaha. They got a good one. And we miss him a ton.
It was cool to read about the special day for him and Omaha, and snips from his homily.
And there's a cool photo gallery here.
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Gosh, Being a Dad can be Tough!
Tonight was one of those nights where a mixture of Thomas being WAY too tired AND wanting to push his luck at bedtime made it a not-so-fun night at home.
Sometimes, in Confession, I've wondered what the priest thinks, as he sometimes hears us confess the same sins - week after week after week. In fact, in the conversation in the confessional, I've even had a priest ask me about and directly challenge me on my repetition of something time and time again.
Tonight, I connected the dots between our Father in Heaven - acting through the person of the priest in the Sacrament of Confession - to some of the similarities to being a father to a young boy.
When we were starting his bath, Thomas did something that he knows he's not supposed to do. I was stern in reinforcing that he shouldn't do it, and wrapped up his bath quickly (much more quickly than he wanted to) and told him to get out, dry off, and get ready for bed.
He did it again.
So I took him to his room, started to get him ready for bed...
And he did it again.
Words escalate too quickly in this situations.
It's telling that the position I eventually found us in, calming down, with me reinforcing the behavior that I expect out of him, was the one from the famous painting of the prodigal son returning to his father.
I just held my son and comforted him. But at the same time, I was explaining why he was in trouble and what was expected of him in his behavior.
It was refreshing. And as I held his hand as he fell asleep, I could tell - I could feel - that we were ending our day at peace with one another. And I really felt that I had made a breakthrough... that he wouldn't do that thing again.
We'll see how it goes tomorrow... Tomorrow... That's what sometimes makes daddyhood hard.
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The Cathedral of the Madeleine, Salt Lake City
This is the Cathedral where I was on Ash Wednesday - and on my birthday - this year, as work travel took me to Salt Lake City to visit our corporate headquarters.
It is the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Downtown Salt Lake City, and I just found out this week about what looks to be a fantastic new pictorial history of the cathedral and its relationship and growth with the people of the Diocese of Salt Lake City. I look forward to ordering a copy when they have more in stock.
Check out the 360° panorama of the Cathedral.
Personally, I look forward to getting back to Salt Lake City to worship in this beautiful Cathedral again.
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That Grizzlies’ Burger
Adam Richman of Travel Channel's Man vs. Food was at a Grizzlies Game at GCS Ballpark here this week to film a segment about the best menu item at the park: The "Baseball's Best Burger."
Yeah... the one that's the quarter pounder with bacon and cheddar. On a sliced Krispy Kreme donut. Good times.
If you've never been to a Grizzles game... GO! The prices are unbeatable, you literally sit right on top of the action, and it's a fantastic night out for the family. It truly is baseball like it outta be.
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Adam Kinzinger: IL 11th
If Adam Kinzinger is as genuine as he presents himself in this video, I would vote for him (if I lived in his district.) It's the kind of level-headed, small government representative we need.
KINZINGER LEADS IN 11TH CD GOP FUNDRAISING
Air Force Special Operations pilot Adam Kinzinger, reported yesterday he's raised over $100,000 since May in his effort to win back the 11th CD seat from Democrat Debbie Halvorson. Kinzinger's received contributions from U.S. Congressmen John Shimkus (IL-19) and Aaron Schock (IL-18), and U.S. House Minority Whip Eric Cantor. He's also received funding from former GOP congressional candidates Marty Ozinga and Jim Oberweis, both also board members of the United Republican Fund. Kinzinger... served on the McLean County Board until he left for the Air Force.
Two other Republicans in the 11th CD have announced their interest: David McAloon of Bourbannais and Henry Meers of Frankfort. Both told DC congressional news sources they haven't focused on fund-raising yet.
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Suzanne on ESPN
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This is the online home of Michael Halbrook, Suzanne Halbrook, and their growing family. We're a family of five living out our Catholic faith and vocation in the St. Louis, Missouri area.
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