Embrace Lent: No Short Cuts, No Compromise

EVANGELIZATION: THE WEAPONS OF CHRISTIANITY DO NOT INCLUDE BOMBS OR BULLETS!

I found an excellent article about evangelization on the front of Meménto, a newsletter/publication of the FSSP  --   Fraternitas Sacerdotalis Sancti Petri (The Priestly Fraternity of 
Saint Peter).  This piece, addressed Dear Friends of the Fraternity, was written for the June 2016 issue.

I have quoted here some excerpts.

"As we observe the increasing violence around the world from those who think that we, as Catholics, are the infidels, God has given us the opportunity to reflect on how strongly we believe the truths of the Holy Faith and how seriously we take them.
The martyrdoms of the Missionaries of Charity in Yemen this past March [of 2016] ... reveal the diabolical hatred of Jesus Christ and His Church." 

"Christ commanded the Apostles to teach all nations and to baptize them."

In other words -

"He wants converts to His Church.  Not only that, He actually expects all the members of His Church to be true cooperators in this work ..." 

"Failure to make efforts to evangelize the Faith  --  either by example or by word  --  compromises the divinely mandated mission of the Church in her unique work for the salvation of souls."

"So, when Catholics have grown unconcerned about evangelization and fail to live in a habitual state of grace ... this serves to promote the very force that is terrorizing the world."  (Emphasis mine.)

"It has become evident that we cannot all just get along  --  and maybe that is a good thing  --  but how we don't get along is very important.  We do not go lopping off heads;  rather, with firmness of Faith we go to the Cross and profess unashamedly the divine identity of the Crucified ..."

"Always remember:  the weapons of Christianity  --  devout prayer, penance, the Rosary, and (most especially) the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass  --  wage more terror in hell than a bomb does in an airport."

"No prayer, no sacrifice goes unremarked by our merciful Father in heaven."

- Fr. Gerard Saguto, FSSP
  North American District Superior

EXAMINATIONS OF CONSCIENCE: CHRISTMAS IS COMING! PREPARE BY CONFESSING YOUR SINS DURING ADVENT.

Christmas is coming!!!!

But first we must prepare:

Celebrate Advent, a penitential season.

During Advent let us all be sure to get to confession at least once so that we can receive Our Lord at Christmas in a state of grace.

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Take an hour or so and examine your conscience.

Here are some brief thoughts and links to great resources:

 From the New Marian Missal (Veritas Press)

The importance of making a good confession.

“Whoever you are, Christian reader, that designs to approach to the holy sacrament of Penance, remember that you are going to undertake a work on the good performance of which, more than any other duty, your eternal welfare depends.”

 Link:  Examination of Conscience through Faith, Hope and Charity.

Father Hardon provides practical norms for making our daily examination of conscience. Follow these principles and you're guaranteed to grow in the spiritual life.

As we read the Spiritual Exercises, we may be overwhelmed by the minute detail of St. Ignatius' treatment of what he calls the particular examination of conscience. At the same time, he is careful to provide, "Some Notes on Scruples." It is very important, therefore, that we form a clear and correct conscience. This means that we cultivate a sensitive judgment which is alert to the least offense against the Divine will and, at the same time, protect ourselves against the wiles of the evil spirit.

Examination of Conscience - FATHER JOHN A. HARDON, S.J   http://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholic-contributions/examination-of-conscience.html

Link:  A Detailed Catholic Examination of Conscience

It's important for a good Catholic examination of conscience to be thorough. This will help you learn about things that you may not be aware of. It's also a chance to develop your conscience. This is a critical aid for the beginning Catholic.
To make an examination:

• Set aside some quiet time for reflection.
• Start by praying to the Holy Spirit, asking for help in making a good examination to prepare for Confession.
• Read through the items on this list and honestly reflect on your behavior for each item.
• If necessary, take this list or some brief notes (keep them private!) to Confession to help you remember things.

A Catholic examination of conscience traditionally follows the outline of the Ten Commandments and the Precepts of the Catholic Church.

 A Detailed Catholic Examination of Conscience   --  From beingCatholic.com  http://www.beginningcatholic.com/catholic-examination-of-conscience.html

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Oh my God,
I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee.

I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee my God who art all good and deserving of all my love.

I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy Grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin.

Amen.