Catholic Dads Headquarters

Awake, my soul!

2012-01-20T17:21:00.000-08:00

"Awake, my soul; awake, lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn. I will praise you among the peoples, Lord; I will chant your praise among the nations. For your mercy towers to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Exalt yourself over the heavens, God; may your glory appear above all the earth." - Psalm 57: 9-12

Faith formation is job #1

Daily Reading
Saint of the Day
MassTimes.org
Catechism of the Catholic Church (Kindle edition)
Got teens? See 'Father McBride's Teen Catechism: Teaching Guide' (Paperback)
Teens increase their brain-, pray-power with Spirit Magazine (Video)

Spirit4Teens.com

Mass Media:

Sisters of Life

2012-01-01T08:39:00.001-08:00

Faith formation is job #1

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

2011-12-18T09:35:00.000-08:00

And Winter Came: Enya

MP3 Download: Amazon.com

CatholicsComeHome.org

WordOnFire.org

Life matters. Pray it forward.

2011-12-10T17:47:00.001-08:00

Doctors Without Borders

Every generation has the task of engaging anew in the arduous search for the right way to order human affairs. For Christians, this task is motivated by the hope drawn from the saving work of Jesus Christ. - Pope Benedict XVI's Address to the United Nations (April 18, 2008)

Resources: Human Rights

Faith formation is job #1

Media

Social Justice and What You Can Do

One Message. One Purpose. One People.

2011-12-05T08:22:00.001-08:00

But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins - he said to the one who was paralyzed, "I say to you, rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home."

He stood up immediately before them, picked up what he had been lying on, and went home, glorifying God. Then astonishment seized them all and they glorified God, and, struck with awe, they said, "We have seen incredible things today." - Luke 5:24-26

Resources

Daily Reading
Saint of the Day

St. Sabas

MassTimes.org
Faith Formation

Why confess to a priest?

Sisters of Life

Be a Good Samaritan Today

I will make you fishers of men!

2011-11-30T00:42:00.001-08:00

"He said to them, 'Come after me,
and I will make you fishers of men.'"

- Mt. 4:19

Resources

Daily Reading
Saint of the Day

St. Andrew

Applications for Life

Music

The Integrity of Man

Heart

Mayo Clinic

Soul

Fr. Robert Barron

Mind

Dr. Ray Guarendi (Ave Maria Radio)

Leading a Support Group (K. Nichols)

Be watchful! Be alert!

2011-11-27T14:18:00.001-08:00

Gregorian Chant - Alleluia

Our culture promotes multitasking as a virtue, yet we see time and again, it does not produce the best outcome (Stanford Report, 2009). In fact, living habitually in this fashion trains us to miss what is important. In areas where we multitask, over the long-term, we fail to meet the goals that are meaningful. For example, if we are distracted from important relationships, the depth of our love does not come to fruition (P. Mango, 2001). Most assuredly, our children miss opportunities to know how much they mean to us (S. Sells, 2008). Similarly, when we divide our attention, it is impossible to sincerely watch for our Lord and understand from scripture, fellowship and prayer all there is to learn (EWTN: Global Catholic Network).

As parents, the call to be equipped to teach our children (Catechism) has long lasting implications. Yet, the significance of our role as guides for our children can only come from a heart that is still (S. Chapman, 2007), attentive and self-reflective to identify the path to better parenting and fellowship with Christ.

Our Lord's message is simple: "Jesus said to his disciples: 'Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come'" (Mark 13:33). In his message, I hear: Seek after the Lord. Pay attention. Love deeply. Know and teach your children, for there will come a time when I will call you to myself. The gift you leave for family and friends, is a witness to the hope that is within (1 Peter 3:15).

Resources

Daily Reading
Saint of the Day
Fr. Robert Barron: Why do we confess to a priest?
MassTimes.org
First Sunday of Advent (Monsignor J. Moroney)
EWTN: Kids
Books for Men (S. Hahn)
Applications for Life

Music

Gregorian chant for Advent (YouTube)
On Jordan's Bank (J. Sarta, Catholic Music Project - Amazon.com)

News

Vatican's Cardinal Piacenza points priests to Mary for Advent

Thankful

2011-11-24T10:19:00.001-08:00

Resources

Daily Reading
Saint of the Day
Continual Thanksgiving (ApostleshipOfPrayer.org)
Real Presence Eucharistic Adoration
MassTimes.org
Books

What a Son Needs from His Dad (Dr. M. O'Donnel)
Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters (Dr. M. Meeker)
The Creative Age: Awakening Human Potential in the Second Half of Life (Dr. G. Cohen)
How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization (T. Woods)
Magnificat: A spiritual guide (Also, available for kids)

Pauline Books and Media
Application for Life

iMissal - An app to edify your faith for life. "Whether you are a Priest, Deacon, Lector, RCIA Candidate or Parishioner, iMissal has something for you!"
The Complete Rosary (R. Kochis)

Visit Catholic Dads HQ

The New Evangelization

2011-11-05T13:43:00.000-07:00

The call to Catholics everywhere...Until The Whole World Hears!

Until the Whole World Hears (MP3)
by Casting Crowns

"Government, even at its best, can never be more than an auxiliary in the development of character...We desperately need to recover a sense of the fundamental purpose of education, which is to engage in the architecture of souls. When a self-governing society ignores this responsibility, it does so at its peril" (William J. Bennett, Quantifying America's Decline, 1993).

Christ was a leader unlike any other. In him, we find our purpose as a countermeasure and answer to the challenges we all face. With him, we are empowered to lead others within our circle of influence.

The New Evangelization begins in the heart (John 10:10) and results in a response to The Human Experience, with a culture of faith unlike any other, directed to the one who leads the way. With a soul rightly aligned, the human condition thrives, satisfied by the one who meets the most fundamental of needs (John 3:16).

Duc in altum!

Resources

Politics

"Participation in political life is not optional" (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops). Faithful Citizenship: A Matter of Conscience
Imagine (CatholicVote.org)
Forming Conscience for Faithful Citizenship (USCCB)
Freedomworks.org
Track the United States Congress

Leadership: Prayer. Purpose. Plan. Pursue.

Servant Leadership
The Art of Followership (W. Bennis, 2010, p. 3)
Personal Prelatue
Center for Creative Leadership

When things go wrong: Lessons learned and bouncing back.

Evangelization

Mass Appeal

Books

The allure of toxic leaders: Why we follow destructive bosses and corrupt politicians - and how we can survive them (J. Lipman-Blumen, Amazon.com)

Light of the World

Updated: 12.10.2011

7 Sacraments Revised to Include Holy Macaroni

2011-10-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

I used to think my daughters' first words were absolutely awesome! But now I'm thinking, that was a preview of coming attractions.

On the way home from school, which can be some of our funniest moments in the day, my daughters were enjoying some books purchased from our local Pauline bookstore. As they fluttered from one book to the other, they both landed on The 7 Sacraments coloring and activity book, to which my oldest (age seven) began to recount what she is learning in school, soon followed by her sister (age five). As I enjoyed watching them in my rear view mirror, sharing what they know, it wasn't long before they each tried to recall the Sacraments in order. My oldest, started out with the Sacrament of Baptism. She was doing pretty good and then the laughter began to mount as she struggled with "An-o-t...", "Anno...", "Ant-ooo...", "Anno-e....Annoying...of the Sick?!"

"Annoying of the sick?!" I busted out laughing. Well, that was entertaining to both of them, so she continued and my youngest, parroted her sister and stumbled at the end with, "Holy Macaroni?!"

By the time we got home, we were all chatting and laughing about Annoying of the Sick and Holy Macaroni.

Learning about our faith is a lot of fun and a challenge to translate it into a message that is Catholic for Kids; but in doing so, I am reminded of the simplicity of God's message, something our children need to hear and as parents, we need to be reminded about.

As we discover and re-discover our story in the Catholic faith, I can't wait to hear in what other ways they will help me to have a greater appreciation for the God of Wonders, as I try to learn more by taking their questions and observations and making them part of my challenge to find creative ways in our daily living to bolster the formation of our faith, to empower us to do God's work.

In keeping with our new understanding of The 7 Sacraments, I hope you will enjoy Marie's Macaroni and Cheese, renamed in our home as, Holy Macaroni.

Have a blessed day, as a parent, in finding your path to God's service to share his love with your children and neighbors.

A Vocation to Life

2011-10-06T09:04:00.000-07:00

Career and Vocations

Catholicism

2011-10-02T15:41:00.000-07:00

Word on Fire

"Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you" (Phil 4:6-9).

Resources

"Cross Culture"

2011-09-22T10:40:00.000-07:00

"Sing to the Lord a new song of praise in the assembly
of the faithful. Let Israel be glad in their maker,

let the children of Zion rejoice in their king..."
(Ps 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a And 9b)

Resources

Daily Reading
Saint of the Day
Catholic Youth

Center of Excellence in Youth Ministry (YMT.org)
Life On the Rock (EWTN.com)
World Youth Day 2013 - Coming to Rio de Janerio (The Catholic Pilgrim Office)
Turning on the Light: Pro-Life and Youth Ministry (CatholicYouthMinistry.com)
"What if there is a bigger purpose, I could be living right right now?" (Matthew West)

Pro-Life Youth - "They rock and know how to LIFE"

Arizona

LifeTeen.com

Ireland

Youth Defense

The beauty of our Catholic faith is contained & growing with purpose

in the youth we nourish at Christ's table. - CDHQ

Break My Heart

2011-09-21T10:13:00.000-07:00

"Brothers and sisters: I, a prisoner for the Lord,

urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received..." (Eph 4:1-7, 11-13).

Resources

Daily Reading
Saint of the Day
Human Trafficking

Catholic Church Fights Human Trafficking and Slavery - Answers what you can do.
"There are 27 million slaves in the world today.." (FreeTheSlaves.net)
Human Trafficking in the News - A Catholic Perspective (Catholic.org)
International Meeting of Pastoral Care for the Liberation of Women on the Street (Vatican.va)
"Traffic of human beings is a $10-billion growth industry" (Catholic Relief Services)
College Students Across All Majors Strive to End Human Trafficking (Today's Catholic News)

Break My Heart, by Jonny Diaz

Human trafficking is dependent upon

the generous donations of silence and inaction. ~ CDHQ

"He Reigns"

2011-09-19T01:12:00.000-07:00

"The Lord has done marvels for us.
When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion,
we were like men dreaming.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with rejoicing..."
(Ps 126:1b-2ab, 2cd, 4-5, 6)

"The One You Need"

2011-09-17T17:38:00.000-07:00

To my daughters, my gifts from God...

Music by Shane and Shane

Our Lady of Sorrows - Memorial

2011-09-15T04:21:00.000-07:00

"Dearest virgin and Mother Mary, who could put your great sorrow into words? Who could describe the tears you shed out of love? Your dear Jesus has had his body nailed to the cross, and you, Mary, have had your spirit pierced by those same nails...Weep, then, my soul, as you look from the one to the other, from the Mother to the Son. Take pity on the dear, gentle Lamb of God who has been subjected to such suffering in order to wash your filthy wounds. And have compassion on his pure, immaculate Mother, who is afflicted and made bitter enough to die" (Father G. Savonarola, cited in Magnificat, 2011, p. 189).

Resources

So Great the Gift of Love - Exaltation of the Holy Cross

2011-09-14T16:32:00.000-07:00

I am not one to shy away from difficult topics, but I have to say, this one is difficult to write about, but it concurrently leaves me filled with joy and gladness.

On various occasions, I look to the natural world to teach my children about life. On one occasion in particular, on a nature walk at Torry Pines State Park, I reintroduced the concept of life and death by pointing to the various plants and flowers in their different stages development.

As I anticipated, my daughters (now ages five and seven) quickly pointed to the young plants, as reflections of themselves. Those were vibrant in color, fresh and with full promise. Next, they found those that were older and less youthful to signify me, "especially with whiskers." Those plants were mature, still reaching and obviously giving shade to the younger. Then, they were able to point to the fallen and aged tree, signifying their grandfather who has died.

Sometime between then and about a week later, they remarked, "Papa, when you go to heaven, I will miss you. I'll be very sad. But, I will send you white balloons, because I love you."

As my daughters and I continue this discussion about life at various times, some more humors than others, as when they ask questions like:

If God is everywhere, is he on my head?

How do angel wings stay on?

I am mindful of how important this time is to have them learn of the hope and love we have in the Holy Cross, the very path to salvation and inexplicable fellowship with our Lord. During these moments, I sense their reception to impressions, knowledge and affection they witness though me as I kneel at the Holy Cross, without which we have no hope. In their eyes, I see their trust in God to make good on his promise. In their actions, I see their affection for Jesus, as just before I took them to school and they placed little wooden crosses in their sweater pockets today (without direction from me), they take the cross in each of the little hands and gave it a gentle kiss. At these times, I am struck by the enormity of what we do as parents.

Thinking about that time when I will leave my children to the influences of this world is a difficult topic for me and my children, however it is a reminder that life is transitory and what I do and do not do for their spiritual development matters.

Why is this important? In one study I read, a child's spiritual identity can be defined as:

the development of the non-material element of a human being, which animates and sustains us and, depending on our point of view, either ends or continues in some form when we die. It is about the development of a sense of identify, self-worth, personal insight, meaning and purpose. It is about the development of a pupil's 'spirit'. Some people may call it the development of a pupil's 'soul'; others as the development of 'personality' or 'character'. (OFSED, 2004 as cited in Ruddock, 2010, p. 28)

As a parent, I hardly know how my children will ultimately relate to the Holy Cross in their lifetime. Therefore, during the time I have with them, it is important to hear the Catechism's instruction:

Parents must regard their children as children of God and respect them as human persons. Showing themselves obedient to the will of the Father in heaven, they educate their children to fulfill God's law (2222).

I personally believe that educating children to the importance of their faith and on this day, in relation to the Holy Cross, is akin to helping children know their spiritual family's identity, history and hope. Without that education, they are left as orphans to find their way back home on their own. Taking the time to guide and show them they are members of a large family, fills each of us with hope and promise.

If events unfold in their proper course, I trust my daughters will remember to send white balloons after I have completed my work in this life; more importantly, they will remember in a deep, loving and personal way, they "who believe in him might not perish but might have eternal life" (John 3:13-17). Then, Lord willing and someday if they are parents, they will carry joyfully forward the message of the Holy Cross and teach so great the gift of love to their own.

Daily Reflections

Resources

General

Detailed

Hay, D. and Nye, R. (2006). The Spirit of the Child. Philadelphia, PA: Harper Collins.
Ruddock, B., & Cameron, R. J. (2010). Spirituality in children and young people: a suitable topic for educational and child psychologists? Educational Psychology in Practice, 26(1), 25-34. doi: 10.1080/02667360903522751
Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church: Catechism of the Catholic Church
Vasa, R. [Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Baker, Oregon] (2009, April 1). What Makes a Good Parent [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/user/CatholicDads?feature=mhee#p/c/1B321A4B6A81EBBF/11/G3BhSMwNThY

Early Church Fathers: St. John Chrysostom

2011-09-13T13:24:00.000-07:00

Saint John Chrysostom

Saint of the Day

His life.

"If you wish to understand the power of
Christ's blood, remember where it came from...the master's side.
St. John Chrysostom

Memorial of Saint John Chrysostom,
bishop and doctor of the Church
Lectionary: 444 (USCCB)

"Is your faith relevant?"

2011-09-13T10:59:00.000-07:00

Salt and Light

Life Teen at World Youth Day 2011

2011-09-12T04:00:00.000-07:00

September 12, 2011

God's presence prevails through any challenge...

"Beloved: First of all, I ask that supplications, prayers,

petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone,

for kings and for all in authority,

that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life

in all devotion and dignity.

This is good and pleasing to God our savior,

who wills everyone to be saved

and to come to knowledge of the truth."

1 Timothy 2:1-5

EWTN Family Prayer - Those Who Are Grieving

2011-09-11T02:00:00.000-07:00

September 11, 2011

Fr. Barron comments on September 11 (2001)

Grief and Bereavement resources, by eMedicineHealth

Forgiveness and Healing of Grief, by Pauline Books & Media

Helping Children Through Grief, at Amazon.com

CatholicCounseling.org

CatholicTherapists.com

Heaven 9/11 Song
(Child misses her father)

9/11 - The Catholic Church Remembers

"Life is short...Make a change."

2011-08-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

Each morning we wake-up to new possibilities ahead; for some, especially young adults, the possibilities are a crafted by the dreams of others and not their own. In that case, I have witnessed young people compliant but internally dejected, with the flame of enthusiasm quietly flickering, keeping warm expectations owned by others.

For other young adults, when they awake, it is to fully becoming who they see themselves to be today, tomorrow and into the future. Only these young adults have more; it is a passion for what their heart’s desire, sometimes to the chagrin of those who would have them do otherwise with their lives.

It is a wonderful experience to witness young adults explore their possibilities and willing to pay the price of being who they truly are with no apologies as they move into areas of interest that enliven them and result in accomplishments that we are all the better for.

So with that, I wish all the best to “W”, who has discovered that being in a lab and filling a role of those unwilling to live their own lives, isn’t where her passion is; it is developing her skills to help people, possibly in the Peace Corps and then on to gaining additional education to work in nature conservancy around the world.

“W”, enjoy all the changes you will make.

In the Breaking of the Bread

2011-04-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

"That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus' disciples were going to a village even miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred (Luke 24:13-14).

Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, [Jesus] interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures (27)... [T]hey urged him, 'Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.' So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him..." (29-31).

When we meet Jesus on any road we find ourselves in life, we may sense deep within there is something not quite "normal" and usual, something different that captures our senses beyond what we can clearly understand. As Catholics, life in our "modern" culture is profound because of who we are in Christ.

In our homes, the manner in which we live our life is even more significant. There our children look to us on the road of life for an interpretation, guidance and to understand the hows and whys of our faith, whether we clearly understand what we are hearing from the Lord in our midst or not. Dads in particular have unique role. Dr. Meg Meeker in her book (Strong Father, Strong Daughters) puts the importance of dads in a profound way:

"Think about the kind of dad you want to be. Sure, it will take hard work. But love isn't just about feeling good. It's about doing what you don't want to do, over and over again, if it need to be done, for the sake of someone else. Love is really about self-sacrifice. At the beginning of [your daughter's life] she will feel your love. At the end of her life, you will be on her mind. And what happens in between is up to you. Lover her extraordinarily. This is the heart of great fathering" (p. 76).

I have reflected on this particular paragraph often, in large part, because I see the effects in my own life.

During this Easter season, I received a beautiful gift just last night from my seven and four year old daughters, as we prepared to listen to contemplative music and snuggle before they were off to bed. We got ourselves ready, lit small votive candles, got our favorite CD and sat before our very humble alter; then my oldest enthusiastically announced she wanted to practice "giving the gifts" at church. So we went to the kitchen, got a couple items and she practiced walking down the aisle, giving her gift and bowing. Her sister quickly followed giggling and enjoying the fun.

If that wasn't enough to grip my emotions, my oldest lead my youngest (on their own) to kneel with their rosaries in hand to pray; dim candlelight warmed and embraced them as soft music impressed upon and lifted my soul what was happening before my eyes, their own relationship with Christ was emerging. Their nearly inaudible prayers was touching to say the least, and a reminder to me of the tenderness of their hearts and their openness to the Good News.

Each day after a long walk on life's road, we have an opportunity to fellowship and break bread with Christ and have our children at the table with us. As we make the time to read the bible, pray and listen for God, fellowship with the Risen Christ and our children, it is not long before the foolish things of life continue to fade into the backdrop of whatever our culture deems "important", our eyes open and we recognize him clearly with God's grace. Then, with children at our side, we will say as did the disciples, "Were not our hearts burning?!" within as Jesus becomes more real in all that we are.

Real Presence Eucharistic Education and Adoration Association

Books Available at Amazon.com:

In the Presence of Our Lord

by Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel

Eucharistic Adoration

Women Doctors of the Church

2011-04-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

"Jesus said to her, 'Mary!' She turned and said to him in Hebrew, 'Rabbouni,' which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, 'Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, 'I am going to my Fahter and your father, to my god and your God.' Mary went and announced to the disciples, 'I have seen the Lord,' and then reported what he had told her" (Reading on Easter Tuesday - John 20:11-18).

God calls Mary and you by name: Daily Reflection

St. Teresa of Avila

St. Catherine of Siena

St. Therese of Lisieu

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Women of God: Past and Present

(Amazon.com)

Cheryl Dickow, President of Bezalel Books

"To be 'godly' doesn't mean to aspire to be a 'God' but, rather, to act in a way that reflects God's love."

The Seven Essential Goals of a Godly Woman