St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fillmore will join our brothers and sisters around the world and our dear Pope Francis in this prayer vigil for peace. The doors of our parish will be open until late at night for anyone who wishes to gather in public prayer. Please help get the word out by passing this on to others...

Vatican City, Sep 1, 2013 / 07:55 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Departing from his typical reflections on the Sunday gospel, Pope Francis used his Angelus audience today to call for peace throughout the world, particularly in conflict-ridden Syria.

“I appeal strongly for peace, an appeal which arises from the deep within me,” he said to the crowds in St. Peter’s Square on Sept. 1.

“There are so many conflicts in this world which cause me great suffering and worry, but in these days my heart is deeply wounded in particular by what is happening in Syria and anguished by the dramatic developments which are looming,” continued the Pope.

“For this reason... http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-announces-global-pra...

 


 

This fall the One At A Time Church will be sponsoring the Awana program to be held at First Baptist Church of Fillmore. Awana returns to Fillmore after almost 10 years. The program will be held on Tuesday evenings beginning on September 17th from 6:30PM to 8:00PM.
The Awana program will be for pre-school age children going all the way through the 6th Grade. It consists of three age groups: Cubbies (Pre-School), Sparks (Kindergarten thru 2nd Grade), Truth and Training (3rd Grade thru 6th Grade).
If you would like to participate in Awana please visit the website at www.awanafillmore.com or call Brian Kraft at (805) 746-4838 for more information. Online registration is currently available otherwise registration will be available at First Baptist Church on the evening of September 10th from 6:30-8:00. We hope to see you there!

 


 

Saint Francis of Assisi is getting ready for it's Sacrament Preparation programs. You will find all of the information that you need to register. Saint Francis continues to celebrate each month with married couples who are celebrating a wedding anniversary with a special blessing, please read the info on how to take part. We also continue with our popular monthly Bible Study course with over 100 studying God's word. All are welcome!
Our Children's First Communion at Saint Francis is a one year program that begins in 3rd grade. We welcome Our English speaking Parents to our registration meeting for children in grades 3,4,5,6 is on SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 8 at 10AM IN THE CHURCH. Please be on time and Bring a $70 check per child for registration. Please make the check payable to Saint Francis of Assisi. Please note: A Parent must attend our registration meeting to receive all of the information for first communion preparation. Thank you

Catechism registration for Children in Grade 2 - Please fill out a registration starting September 9th on in the office and leave a check for $70. (This is a non-first communion class. First Communion preparation Begins in 3rd grade)
REGISTRATION—For Youth Confirmation, Junior High Ministry and First Communion for grades 7 and 8 Registrations for Confirmation 1 and 2 , Jr. high Ministry and 7th & 8th Grade First Communions will be on August 27, 28, 29, and September 4th, and 5th 2013, From 3 to 6 pm. Please bring a copy of your child’s Baptism Certificate. Registration Fee is $90.00 dollars per child. For additional assistance, please contact our Youth Minister Vidal Morales at 524-4408..
REGISTRATION—For Youth Confirmation, Junior High Ministry and First Communion for grades 7 and 8 Registrations for Confirmation 1 and 2 , Jr. high Ministry and 7th & 8th Grade First Communions will be on August 27, 28, 29, and September 4th, and 5th 2013, From 3 to 6 pm. Please bring a copy of your child’s Baptism Certificate. Registration Fee is $90.00 dollars per child. For additional assistance, please contact our Youth Minister Vidal Morales at 524-4408..
Do you or a friend have questions about our Catholic Faith or do you want to learn more about your Catholic Faith? Come to our First Monday of the month Bible Study with Jessie Romero. Please note: since the first Monday lands on Labor Day, we are moving the class to Monday September 9th at 7:40 PM in the church. Everyone is Invited. Please bring a finger desert to the hall to share after class. Everyone is invited; especially our Parents who have children enrolled in first communion and our youth and young adults preparing for sacrament

God is Love! A Special Blessing will be given to all Couples celebrating a Wedding Anniversary in September. The blessing of couples will be on Sunday, September 15 at the 9:15AM English Mass or the Spanish 1PM Mass. To register, please call the pastoral center by 12 noon on Monday, September 9th.

 

Want to know more about the Catholic faith?
Are you interested in the Catholic faith: Do you have friends or family interested in becoming Roman Catholic, or interested in knowing more about the Catholic faith? Are you a Baptized Catholic but have not received confession, first communion or confirmation? Please come to a “Meet and Greet” on Thursday, August 22 at 7pm in the Saint Francis classrooms, St. Francis Parish, corner of Hwy 126 and C Street. Fr. Artur, the RCIA facilitators, and parishioners who have come through this program will be there to answer questions and show the materials being used in the class. Just come and check it out…no obligation. Classes start Thursday, September 5th at 7pm. Call Maggie at 524-1306, or come in to the parish office to fill out the RCIA Registration form.
Saint Francis of Assisi is getting ready for it’s Sacrament Preparation programs. You will find all of the information that you need to register. Saint Francis continues to celebrate each month with married couples who are celebrating a wedding anniversary with a special blessing, please read the info on how to take part. We also continue with our popular monthly Bible Study course with over 100 studying God’s word. All are welcome!
Our Children’s First Communion at Saint Francis is a one year program that begins in 3rd grade. We welcome Our English speaking Parents to our registration meeting for children in grades 3,4,5,6 is on SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 8 at 10AM IN THE CHURCH. Please be on time and Bring a $70 check per child for registration. Please make the check payable to Saint Francis of Assisi. Please note: A Parent must attend our registration meeting to receive all of the information for first communion preparation. Thank you
Catechism registration for Children in Grade 2 - Please fill out a registration starting September 9th on in the office and leave a check for $70. (This is a non-first communion class. First Communion preparation Begins in 3rd grade)
REGISTRATION—For Youth Confirmation, Junior High Ministry and First Communion for grades 7 and 8 Registrations for Confirmation 1 and 2 , Jr. high Ministry and 7th & 8th Grade First Communions will be on August 27, 28, 29, and September 4th, and 5th 2013, From 3 to 6 pm. Please bring a copy of your child’s Baptism Certificate. Registration Fee is $90.00 dollars per child. For additional assistance, please contact our Youth Minister Vidal Morales at 524-4408..
REGISTRATION—For Youth Confirmation, Junior High Ministry and First Communion for grades 7 and 8 Registrations for Confirmation 1 and 2 , Jr. high Ministry and 7th & 8th Grade First Communions will be on August 27, 28, 29, and September 4th, and 5th 2013, From 3 to 6 pm. Please bring a copy of your child’s Baptism Certificate. Registration Fee is $90.00 dollars per child. For additional assistance, please contact our Youth Minister Vidal Morales at 524-4408..
Do you or a friend have questions about our Catholic Faith or do you want to learn more about your Catholic Faith? Come to our First Monday of the month Bible Study with Jessie Romero. Please note: since the first Monday lands on Labor Day, we are moving the class to Monday September 9th at 7:40 PM in the church. Everyone is Invited. Please bring a finger desert to the hall to share after class. Everyone is invited; especially our Parents who have children enrolled in first communion and our youth and young adults preparing for sacrament
God is Love! A Special Blessing will be given to all Couples celebrating a Wedding Anniversary in September. The blessing of couples will be on Sunday, September 15 at the 9:15AM English Mass or the Spanish 1PM Mass. To register, please call the pastoral center by 12 noon on Monday, September 9th.

 

Want to know more about the Catholic faith?
Are you interested in the Catholic faith: Do you have friends or family interested in becoming Roman Catholic, or interested in knowing more about the Catholic faith? Are you a Baptized Catholic but have not received confession, first communion or confirmation? Please come to a “Meet and Greet” on Thursday, August 22 at 7pm in the Saint Francis classrooms, St. Francis Parish, corner of Hwy 126 and C Street. Fr. Artur, the RCIA facilitators, and parishioners who have come through this program will be there to answer questions and show the materials being used in the class. Just come and check it out…no obligation. Classes start Thursday, September 5th at 7pm. Call Maggie at 524-1306, or come in to the parish office to fill out the RCIA Registration form.
Saint Francis of Assisi is getting ready for it’s Sacrament Preparation programs. You will find all of the information that you need to register. Saint Francis continues to celebrate each month with married couples who are celebrating a wedding anniversary with a special blessing, please read the info on how to take part. We also continue with our popular monthly Bible Study course with over 100 studying God’s word. All are welcome!
Our Children’s First Communion at Saint Francis is a one year program that begins in 3rd grade. We welcome Our English speaking Parents to our registration meeting for children in grades 3,4,5,6 is on SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 8 at 10AM IN THE CHURCH. Please be on time and Bring a $70 check per child for registration. Please make the check payable to Saint Francis of Assisi. Please note: A Parent must attend our registration meeting to receive all of the information for first communion preparation. Thank you
Catechism registration for Children in Grade 2 - Please fill out a registration starting September 9th on in the office and leave a check for $70. (This is a non-first communion class. First Communion preparation Begins in 3rd grade)
REGISTRATION—For Youth Confirmation, Junior High Ministry and First Communion for grades 7 and 8 Registrations for Confirmation 1 and 2 , Jr. high Ministry and 7th & 8th Grade First Communions will be on August 27, 28, 29, and September 4th, and 5th 2013, From 3 to 6 pm. Please bring a copy of your child’s Baptism Certificate. Registration Fee is $90.00 dollars per child. For additional assistance, please contact our Youth Minister Vidal Morales at 524-4408..
REGISTRATION—For Youth Confirmation, Junior High Ministry and First Communion for grades 7 and 8 Registrations for Confirmation 1 and 2 , Jr. high Ministry and 7th & 8th Grade First Communions will be on August 27, 28, 29, and September 4th, and 5th 2013, From 3 to 6 pm. Please bring a copy of your child’s Baptism Certificate. Registration Fee is $90.00 dollars per child. For additional assistance, please contact our Youth Minister Vidal Morales at 524-4408..
Do you or a friend have questions about our Catholic Faith or do you want to learn more about your Catholic Faith? Come to our First Monday of the month Bible Study with Jessie Romero. Please note: since the first Monday lands on Labor Day, we are moving the class to Monday September 9th at 7:40 PM in the church. Everyone is Invited. Please bring a finger desert to the hall to share after class. Everyone is invited; especially our Parents who have children enrolled in first communion and our youth and young adults preparing for sacrament
God is Love! A Special Blessing will be given to all Couples celebrating a Wedding Anniversary in September. The blessing of couples will be on Sunday, September 15 at the 9:15AM English Mass or the Spanish 1PM Mass. To register, please call the pastoral center by 12 noon on Monday, September 9th.

 

Written by Robert Spencer

The pious Issa

If this cleric were of any other faith, this would be international news: a religious man, a holy man, implicated in an acid attack on two teenage girls who happen to be members of the faith that his holy book designates as the worst enemies of the believers (cf. Qur'an 5:82). But since he is a Muslim cleric, no one will take any particular notice -- and all the while they'll keep affirming that Islam is a Religion of Peace.

Meanwhile, note that... http://www.jihadwatch.org/2013/08/zanzibar-muslim-cleric-suspected-in-ac...

 

Written by Hannah Osborne

The men who attacked Katie Gee and Kristie Trup with acid in Zanzibar were part of a radical Islamic group that wants to impose stricter Muslim laws on the Indian Ocean island.

Five men have been arrested by police in relation to the attack - two men threw acid in Gee and Trup's faces before speeding off on a moped.

Religious leaders cited by the Telegraph say the men were followers of Uamsho, which wants Zanzibar to become independent of Tanzania and to impose stronger sharia laws.

The men were taken...

 

Written by Robert Spencer

And both sides are victimizing Christians and pressuring them to convert to Islam. "Syrian Christian towns emptied by sectarian violence," by Ruth Sherlock for the Telegraph, August 2:

Towns and villages in Syria that have been home to Christians for hundreds of years are being steadily emptied by sectarian violence and targeted kidnappings.
Tens of thousands Syriac Christians – members of the oldest Christian community in the world – have fled their ancestral provinces of Deir al-Zour and Hasakah in northeastern Syria, residents have said.

"It breaks my heart... http://www.jihadwatch.org/2013/08/syria-jihad-violence-emptying-entire-c...

 

Written by Chris Mitchell

JERUSALEM, Israel -- From the West Coast of Africa to the deserts of Sinai, Bedouin tribes are conducting a human trafficking trade on a massive scale.

It's no secret. The trade reaps millions of dollars and deals with human misery. It could be stopped but so far no one has dared.

"By that time I had lost sense (sensation) in both my hands," an Eritrean torture victim told CBN News. "It was a result of the accumulated torture but mainly because (both) of my wrists were tied up so tightly, (and I was) hanged up from the ceiling for three days, the blood was cut off from my hands and the flesh started to literally drip from my hands."

Torture in the Sinai

This man is just one victim of this widespread modern-day slavery, kidnapping, and torture trade in the Sinai desert. There are many pictures and videos of this horrible practice on the Internet.

For this story, this... http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/insideisrael/2013/July/Tortured-in-the-Sinai-...

 
 

On Friday, July 19th I again had an opportunity to attend the closing ceremonies of the Bardsdale United Methodist Church's 2013 Vacation Bible School (VBS). This was my third year of being invited to the final day of the Bardsdale Methodist Church's VBS. Each year I am always impressed with the energy around the VBS's staff and participants. The staff is comprised by a number of former, career educators, who volunteer their time, knowledge and in some cases money and materials to ensure an exciting VBS. The curriculum for VBS originates with the United Methodist Church through Cokesbury Publishers. The curriculum is shared from the East Coast to the West Coast after it is first used on the East Coast and fine tuned.

This year's theme was; “Everywhere Fun Fair. Where God's World Comes Together! Global Neighbors.” The Bardsdale United Methodist Church's VBS started on Monday, July 15th and ended on Friday, July 19th. There were a total of 90 registered children ages 3 years to 16 years who attended each day from 9:00 am. to 12:00 noon at the Church. The cost to each participant was $15 which included a “T” shirt, crafts materials, group picture and daily healthy snacks.

The Director of this years program was long-time Director Sharon Hurd. There were approximately 20 adult staff/volunteers and 9 youth leaders participating and assisting in this year's Vacation Bible School. Of the 90 children, nineteen were Pre-Schoolers ages 3-5 years. The Bardsdale United Methodist Church's Pastor Kent Fromer had previously told me, “Preparation begins for the Vacation Bible School months in advance and the Director and volunteers work many hours selecting the theme and lining up the volunteers and staff in order to have a meaningful Vacation Bible School!”

Carolyn Diaz, one of the staff members, explained to me the choice and meaning of this year's theme: “The theme for this year's VBS, Global Neighbors: Global Neighbors are friendly, giving, bold, forgiving and welcoming! The theme allowed for five teaching centers; Global Storytelling, Global Games (allowed for each child to participate in physical education activities), Music Center (DVD Music Dance), Bible Retelling and Crafts. Each day the students rotated through all five centers for 20 minute lessons that followed the Global Neighbor Theme. The country’s studied were; Japan, Zimbabwe, United Kingdom, Australia and Mexico. At the end of the day there is a discussion with participants of what was learned for that day. Today's focus was on Mexico.

In addition to learning the daily lessons each participant was taught the lesson of giving to others less fortunate and were encouraged to bring a daily donation to be shared equally between two selected causes. The first cause to help feed needy families and individuals through the Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fillmore for their weekly, Tuesday, “Bags of Food.” Another cause is the United Methodist 's, UMCOR program. UMCOR provides the necessary supplies and relief to U.S.A. and World Neighbors who have experienced natural disasters Director Sharon Hurd said, “With the pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters brought each day by the children over $150 had been collected and will be divided equally among the two selected programs.” Children will practice and learn, through these donations, the value of giving to others and helping others. Or, being good neighbors!

I visited the learning centers and saw that in each center the adult mentor for their particular center had given much thought to designing their center and using appropriate teaching methods to present their topic. In Susan Johnson's Global Storytelling Center modern technology was used to allow the participants to read from a single computer monitor as Ms. Johnson read from the opposite side. On her walls were items representative of each of the five country’s studied during the week.

Family and Friends of the children sat in the pews and beamed with pride as they watched their children perform some of the lessons they learned during this years educational and fun filled Vacation Bible School program. From what I saw of their high energy level and excitement to sing, or perform in the Bible Drama selected for this day, I think all the children enjoyed themselves this past week. Good job Director Hurd and all of your staff and volunteers in providing a meaningful week for the 90 participants.

 

Plan now to be part of the Vacation Bible School hosted by Fillmore Church of Christ from July 22 to July 26 each evening from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Children from 4 years through 6th grade are invited to be part of this VBS that explores some of the adventures the Apostle Paul faced. To enjoy this experience register your children now by calling 524-2851.

A summer event called “Athens: Paul’s Dangerous Journey to Share the Truth” will be hosted at Fillmore Church of Christ from July 22 to July 26. Children step back in time at Athens, exploring some of the adventures the Apostle Paul faced. Kids and adults participate in a memorable Bible-times Marketplace, sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, dig into Bible-times snacks, visit Paul, and learn Bible verses from God’s Word. Each day concludes at Celebration—a time of joy-filled worship that gets everyone involved.

Athens will run from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM each day. For more information, call 524-2851.

 
“We will all now be subservient to the will of the judgments, I might say prejudicial decisions of a small minority.”

Written By S. Mason

After suffering a debilitating illness for close to forty-five years it was announced today that America, once called beautiful, had been pronounced terminally deceased by the United States Supreme Court. She had been warned many times by her Founding Father that unless she changed her diet and began exercising the privileges she had been blessed with at her birth she would suffer the same fate as had many other world powers who became extinct at a lesser age. A multitude of relatives and close friends pleaded with her to change and many remained in prayer until the very end but those who had been given oversight as to her health failed miserably, many believe intentionally, to provide the proper antidote at the time of her last crisis.

America had been given three primary care providers to oversee her welfare, however, each one in devastating decisions contributed to her final demise. These entities are called the Executive, Judicial and Legislative branches of guardianship. As long ago as 1974 the Judicial Branch made an insidious decision that killed millions of young Americans who might well have provided sustenance for her failing economy. Then for a time of eight years during the nineteen-eighties it appeared that she might pull through as the Executive Branch along with some help from the Legislative Branch brought hope for a recovery. Then during the nineties up until the present the Legislative Branch began once again to feed her with a glutinous diet of raucous spending, unsustainable debt, and even came up with a new medication called ‘political correctness’ used to silence her cry of agony from the pain she was experiencing. Those assigned as guardians of America’s health, welfare and abundant provision had no desire to apply the original prescription for extending her life as a strong and powerful nation that brought blessing and freedom to all of the other nations of the world. The right prescription which is called the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights adhered to would have eventually brought her healing.

As America’s Father, her Creator and guardian was not ignorant of her plight and saw that the guardians HE had put in place to guide her path had become captive to worshiping the creation rather than responding to the Creator, HE sent many warning signals that the people should have been able to recognize. HE allowed the financial center to become a pile of debris and brought about the greatest fall in the history of the stock market. Our response came from the mouth of Tom Daschle in front of Congress, basically shaking his fist at God and stating that we would rebuild stronger than ever. Amazingly the words he spoke were remarkably similar to those prophesied by Isaiah, even though he had no idea what he was proclaiming. (Chap. 9:11)

The land of the free and the home of the brave is experiencing more devastation from unremitting and unaccustomed storm fury than in recorded history and those who are supposed to lead have been exposed as both incompetent and deceitful representatives of the welfare of our land.

While America was writhing in the turmoil of her poverty stricken the Executive Branch has given away millions, even billions of dollars to nations who have no greater desire than to see the demise of what they call their greatest enemy. Both this branch of our representatives and the Legislative Branch have reveled in what they assume to be executive privilege, filling their coffers with huge taxes levied on the American people they were elected to serve. As they are not unaware that sooner or later there will come a backlash from the people, they are attempting to remove any ability for the population to defend themselves against being ruled by a dictator.

Now today, the Judicial Branch has made the decision to drive a stake into the heart of a disabled America and kill any hope for a recovery by transgressing the Word of God regarding homosexual union while at the same time announcing to all who can hear that a change has been made in our rule of law. They have proclaimed an end to being servants of the people and have declared that America will no longer be governed by the vote of the people. We will all now be subservient to the will of the judgments, I might say prejudicial decisions of a small minority. The submission to judicial law rather than the removal of those defying the Constitution will very soon give way to martial law and everyone will be at risk of being singled out as an enemy of the Un-united States of a dissolved America.

With America’s last gasp of breath she was heard to whisper, ‘Dismantle the voting booths and kindle your fires with the ballot boxes. I provided for you freedom of choice to live as a prosperous sovereign people but your choice is to live under tyranny for the temporary pleasures promised you by thieves and liars, undeserved benefits bought and paid for dearly with sacrifice and blood by others’.

At long last when I declare “Long live America” and offer my prayer of “GOD BLESS AMERICA”, I can also add, ‘by bringing a just and long awaited righteous judgment on those who contributed to her death’.

“Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth…”

COME QUICKLY LORD JESUS

 

Plan now to be part of the Vacation Bible School hosted by Fillmore Church of Christ from July 22 to July 26 each evening from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Children from 4 years through 6th grade are invited to be part of this VBS that explores some of the adventures the Apostle Paul faced. To enjoy the experience, register your children now by calling 524-2851. The church is located at 219 Mountain View Street at Highway 126.

 

Enrollment is filling up fast for Bardsdale United Methodist Church's Vacation Bible School on July 15-19 from 9 am until noon.

This year's theme is "Everywhere Fun Fair, Where God's World Comes Together" based on the Scripture, Luke 10: 27. Children will learn about their neighbors from around the world.

The cost is $15.00 per child which includes a music CD, T-shirt, snacks, crafts, stories, Bible drama and P.E. The first 100 kids are guaranteed enrollment.

Please call Sharon Hurd at 524-0587 for applications and information.

 

Bardsdale United Methodist Church will be hosting its annual Vacation Bible School July 15 - 19 from 9 am until noon. The theme for this year's fun fest is "Everywhere Fun Fair, Where God's World Comes Together" built around the Scripture of Luke 10:27- "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, with all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself".

Children aged 3-15 will learn about their neighbors from nearby as well from Japan, Australia, United Kingdom, Zimbabwe and Mexico. They'll learn that neighbors are friendly, giving, bold, forgiving and welcoming.

Registration is due by July 1 and is $15 per child. It includes a CD, T-shirt, snacks, crafts, stories from five countries, P.E., music and Bible drama.

The first 100 children are guaranteed enrollment. Call Sharon Hurd at 524-0587 for enrollment forms.

 

On Thursday, May 23rd the students at St. Sebastian School held their annual Marian Celebration. This year’s celebration kicked off the Memorial weekend. The prayerful devotion to Mary, included a special remembrance to all our American soldiers that have died for our country. Prayers were said for peace throughout the world.
Students brought their flowers and petitions and placed them in the new shrine donated by the graduating 8th grade class. This special celebration marks the beginning of the end for our 8th grade students as they prepare for graduation. Of the 22 graduates, St. Sebastian will be sending nine to St. Bonaventure. Two graduates, Venisa Rodriguez and Marisol Ramirez, will be entering St. Bonaventure with Honors. This honor indicates that they tested in the highest percentile of entering freshman. Venisa and Marisol are both residents of Fillmore and have attended St. Sebastian School since kindergarten. When asked how St. Sebastian School helped to prepare them for high school, Venisa stated that “…the family-like atmosphere makes asking for help easy, you know your teachers and your teachers know you.” Marisol added, “I’ve really enjoyed having small classes. The teachers can spend more time with each student when you need help. And, you’re not afraid to ask for help because the teachers treat you like family.”

St. Sebastian School will have its graduation mass on Wednesday, June 12 at 5:30 pm. The graduates include students from Piru, Fillmore and Santa Paula. Besides St. Bonaventure, students will also be attending local high schools. St. Sebastian is a Catholic school that has a year-around preschool and limited class size for grades Kindergarten through 8th Grade.

 

To our beloved Son and Daughter, with graduation just around the corner, we realize that as you make your way in this world, you will be facing many choices. Some of the choices you make will be easy, some very difficult, and some will be much more dangerous then others. We pray that our years together have helped form a solid foundation for choosing truth and goodness above all else. We encourage you to always take Pope Francis’ advice to heart: “Ask Jesus what He wants from you, and be brave.”

When our Holy Father asks us to be brave, perhaps it is because he sees this culture’s tide coming in and understands what young people are up against. As Catholics we are swimming against the tide all the time. If we are not swimming against it, that means we are going with the flow; current culture’s definition of freedom which can be summarized like this: I should be able to do what I want, when I want, and how I want. You have your truth and I have mine. If it feels good, do it…as long as I don’t harm anyone, etc. Today, it’s almost as if all choices are exempt from moral judgment. You will see this in your peers, extended family, immediate family, classmates, high school teachers and college professors, the media, politicians…relativism is rampant in our world today (Relativism : a view that ethical truths depend on the individual and/or groups holding them. Merriam Webster Online).

Yet, common sense and our faith tells us that certain things the world says is ok, are not ok. In all of history the idea that “each person has their own truth” has never improved anyone’s life, and it has never given anyone freedom. In fact, it takes freedom away. Think of it this way: The popular trend in our culture today is that pre-marital sex is the norm. Unfortunately, "popular trend" is putting it lightly. This sort of thinking is everywhere. Yet, what does a sexually active, single young woman start thinking about 24/7 if she is 2-3 days late for her period? And, if your mind, heart, soul and psych are all consumed by the thought of being pregnant, how is that freedom? This is not about controlling you…It is about you controlling yourself so that you can have true freedom.

Our society is full of people who are wounded from playing with fire, in fact, you know many of them personally. You have friends who are fatherless, motherless; they have broken hearts and broken souls, they grew up getting bounced back and forth between households, the list goes on...all in the name of “there is no right and wrong.”

Please take to heart the challenge of Pope John Paul II: “Some of you may be tempted to take flight from responsibility: in the fantasy worlds of alcohol and drugs, in short-lived sexual relationships without commitment to marriage and family, in indifference, in cynicism and even in violence. Put yourselves on guard against the fraud of a world that wants to exploit or misdirect your energetic and powerful search for happiness and meaning. But do not avoid the search for the true answers to the questions that confront you. Do not be afraid!”
Love,
Dad and Mom

***

To our Son and Daughter, First let’s start with something you already know. Sex is good; sex is great. God made it a joy for us because He is just brimming over with joy.

Second, this God of joy is also behind all the rules about sex. Actually, there is really only one rule: no adultery. The most basic rule is embarrassingly easy to understand: it’s for marriage. In marriage, yes; outside marriage, no. Jews and Muslims have the same rule. It came from the same Designer.

Third, the sexual revolution has already destroyed more families and more human happiness than any political revolution in history. Callers on talk shows all bleed from the same wound inflicted by the same type of self absorbed neanderthol. Don’t be one. Not because it is forbidden but because it is fake. Remove sex from where it is designed to be; remove it from total love, commitment, self-giving, and fidelity; remove it from marriage, family, children, and society; turn it into a private, “consensual,” “libertarian,” “recreational” thing; and what do you have? Something fake. (Excerpts from Peter Kreeft, Catholic Philosopher)

It's definitely difficult to save sex for marriage; especially when so many today sadly view it almost as a form of recreation -- but it's worth the wait regardless of what the majority says.

You wait for marriage because you don’t want to worry about a baby being born out of wedlock. You wait because you don’t want to walk into Rite-Aid or planned parenthood for a cheap bag of chemicals that cause the body to lie to it’s very self. You wait because you don’t want her to have the severe headaches and side effects that come with those chemicals that create chaos in her body, mind and heart. You wait so that you can go out and date and have the freedom to actually figure out what a good marriage partner is...there is that one rule so that young men can actually know how many children they really have in this world, and, know their children...so that children who are born into this world will have family’s that are not broken and so that they can know and love and grow up with their own biological father...so that they won’t be aborted before they have a chance to be born. The rule is to protect and ensure your happiness, NOT take it away.

A love between a man and a woman that is truly free to grow and even fill the air all around you is one that is pure and chaste-and waits for the day when family and friends witness your promises to each other and to God, through sickness and health, through good times and bad…forever…The fundamental reasons for waiting until marriage are you want the long term good of the other person above your own immediate desires; because you want to honor her for who she is, not what she is. You wait because that is what real love does…it puts the good of the Beloved before one’s self.

When you think about everything that was good in your lives, it all came from committed love. Not perfect love. Committed. There’s nothing more beautiful, inspiring and fulfilling as being in a relationship with a really good person who bases life and decisions on truth, integrity, love of others, commitment, and love of God. This does not make one’s life easier. There is still the struggle of our own ego’s getting in the way. No, it does not make it easier, but it does make life better! Consider the words of St John Chrysostom as an example of such love. He said that a young husband should say to his bride, “I have taken you in my arms, and I love you, and I prefer you to my life itself. For the present life is nothing, and my most ardent dream is to spend it with you in such a way that we may be assured of not being separated in the life reserved for us.” This is love: when no pleasure on this earth could be more desirable than wanting to be with this one person for all of eternity and taking every opportunity in word and deed to ensure that possibility.
Love,
Dad and Mom

 

FAITH – FAMILY – FUN

For the first time in over 15 years………FREE ADMISSION!

Come join thousands of faithful Catholic families at the 2013 Catholic Family Conference being held on Friday and Saturday, July 12-13 at the Ontario Convention Center in Ontario , California .

You and your family will experience reverent liturgy, an outstanding selection of vendors and an impressive lineup of today’s most inspiring Catholic speakers. This year promises to be better than ever with our special guests like:

Fr. Bill Casey – Fathers of Mercy
Fr. Michael Gaitley – Marians of the Immaculate Conception
Tom Peterson – Founder of Catholics Come Home
Rosario Rodriguez – Survivor of violent crime – Powerful testimony
Terry Barber – Founder of St. Joseph Comm. & Catholic Resource Ctr & Lighthouse Catholic Media
Deborah Lipsky – Former Satanist shares an incredible testimony
Ed Vizenor – Entertainer for Youth and Children Program

You’ll enjoy special programs for Adults, Teens and an area for Child Care, Mass, Confession, Benediction and Adoration. Everyone is welcome and we expect a packed house. ONLINE REGISTRATION highly suggested. Click here to register.

WHERE TO STAY
The Double Tree Hotel in Ontario is our hotel of choice with wide variety of amenities. It is conveniently located at 222 N. Vineyard Ave. , Ontario , CA adjacent to the convention center. They offer a special rate of $89.00 to all conference attendees. Make your reservations today by calling 909-937-0900 and mention CODE: CTR or CLICK HERE for online reservations.

EXHIBITOR/VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES
Join our large variety of Catholic Exhibitors during the conference and make your products known. To register CLICK HERE to download the form and submit with payment to reserve your spot. Spaces are assigned on first come first serve basis. Insert a flyer or brochure in the registration bag for a small fee.
Call us 626-967-7414 for pricing information.

PRIESTS AND DEACONS
For all priests and deacons visiting during this event and wish to participate in Holy Mass or Confession, please contact us at 626-331-3549 ext. 413.

HELP PROMOTE
Get the word out. Help us promote the conference now in every parish, bible study and social network. Email the flyer to your friends and family. Tell them it’s FREE! Click here to download flyer.

LOS ANGELES ARCHDIOCESE ENDORSEMENT
Ask your local priest to help promote it. CLICK HERE to view a copy of Archbishop Jose Gomez letter of support to show to your local church leaders!

We trust in God and your generosity to help us cover all expenses with your donations. Deposits are due by the end of May. Please make your most generous contribution right now. DONATE

God bless you!

Ruben Quezada
Director of Operations
Catholic Resource Center/St. Joseph Comm.
626-331-3549 Ext. 413
626-331-6202 Fax
http://www.catholicrc.org/ http://www.saintjoe.com/
http://www.vivacristorey.com/

"Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong." 1 Cor. 16:13

 

The Qur'an allows for the owning of sex slaves:

If you fear that you will not act justly towards the orphans, marry such women as seem good to you, two, three, four; but if you fear you will not be equitable, then only one, or what your right hands own; so it is likelier you will not be partial. (Qur'an 4:3)

This verse is the basis for Islamic polygamy, allowing a man to take as many as four wives, as long as he believes he is able to “deal justly” with all of them. But justice in these circumstances is in the eye of the beholder. Ibn Kathir says this the requirement to deal justly with one’s wives is no big deal, since treating them justly isn’t the same as treating them equally: “it is not obligatory to treat them equally, rather it is recommended. So if one does so, that is good, and if not, there is no harm on him.”

The verse goes on to say... http://www.jihadwatch.org/2013/05/bangladesh-140-christian-girls-rescued...