Catholic Fire

"The evangelization of the working world entails fidelity and honesty in carrying out one's professional service, moral consistency in lesser and greater decisions and fraternal solidarity towards those in need. It also requires the witness, wherever possible and appropriate, to one's Christian identity, so that the message of Jesus Christ, the one Savior, may be offered in every workplace as a gift and grace of inner renewal and a force for social change. Indeed, the Son of God 'worked with human hands he thought with a human mind. He acted with a human will, and with a human heart he loved.' Whoever believes in him and follows him finds the light and strength to be salt and leaven in every situation and circumstance." -- Pope St. John Paul II, "Letter on the Gospel of Work", From the Vatican, December 8, 1998, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." ~Winston Churchill

"... Christian joy comes from this certainty: God is near, he is with me, he is with us, in joy and in pain, in health and in sickness, as a friend and as a faithful spouse. This joy remains even through trial, in suffering itself, and it remains not superficially, but in the depth of the person who trusts in God and confides in him." ~ In Angelus, Pope Benedict XVI on December 17, 2007 The time is drawing near for the coming of our Savior. We expectantly and joyfully await His coming. But have we prepared our hearts? Are we ready? The focus of this week’s Carnival is the theme of joy that we begin to express following Gaudete Sunday, as we eagerly await the birth of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Lord, You teach us to live in hope for Your coming. Kevin at Heart, Mind, and Strength reflects on this past Sunday’s Mass readings and shares why and how we should rejoice as we prepare for Christ’s coming. Easter at Mostly Prayers shares a bit of her reflection on the seco...

~ Via Catholiques.

This month's Mary Moments -- Mary, Queen of Saints -- consists of a collection of posts that will inspire and encourage you, make you smile, and possibly help you to change your life in some small, but significant way. It's being held at Behold Your Mother , so be sure to check it out!

This week's Catholic Carnival shines brightly, providing relief from all the political stress of the past week. You'll find it over at Ebeth's A Catholic Mom Climbing the Pillars. Here are a few of my favorite posts there: A Blankie Prayer by Sarah at Behold Your Mother . A Prayer to My Mom from Steve at The Catholic Journeyman. Saving Mister Nibbles! Elliot's Park Book 1 - Patrick Carman by Steven at Book Reviews and More. How Do We Know the Catholic Church Teaches Truth? by Marcel at Aggie Catholics. Jay, at Deo Omnis Gloria , shares the stark reality of pro-choice through his post Eduardo Verastegui: The Man Behind Bella Why this Election matters by Elena at My Domestic Church. (a beautiful pro-life post). Be sure to go there and read all the great posts!

Fr. Frank Pavone lifts us up with his truthful, encouraging, and inspiring words in this video. If you are like me, this election has left you feeling disappointed, but not without hope. For, we know that God can bring good out of evil. Also, it was His permitting will that Barack Obama be elected to this post. Our sufferings and prayers have not been in vain -- God is using them in a powerful, but mysterious way for good. He has chosen us for His very own and has given us special graces to do His work here on earth. We are currently operating in the "Good Friday" mode, but we must remember that Easter Sunday awaits us. Let's be thankful to God in all things as we continue to place our trust in HIM. God bless you and let's continue to fight the good fight! Never give up! "This movement is headed for victory!" (Fr. Pavone) ~ Jean Related Post: A Grave Mistake and an Abiding Hope

By Jean M. Heimann We’re in the process of counting down the hours for this upcoming election. Most of us have been praying and fasting for some time now. We have also been working hard to spread the truth about both Obama and McCain and their positions, particularly on pro-life issues. While Obama is an extremist in the area of pro-life, strongly opposing every human life issue, McCain is pro-life on all of the issues, but one. Biden is also 100% pro-death, while Sarah Palin is 100% pro-life. What can we do in these final days to promote pro-life candidates in the November 4 elections? 1. Continue to pray and fast until the elections are over. 2. Take the day off on Election Day. Volunteer to help in a campaign for pro-life campaign making last minute phone calls or driving others to the polling places. 3. Remind others to vote. 4. Spend as much time as you are able to in Eucharistic Adoration on Election Day, without neglecting the duties of your vocation. Prior to voting, go to Con...

Song inspired by the movie Bella and a true life story of my sister-in-law Stacy who refused to get an abortion after she was advised to by doctors in order to prolong her life after being diagnosed with terminal blood cancer. ~ Via thebandreflect.

Powerful Women's Motto: Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, satan shudders & says... 'Oh sh*t..........she's awake!!! ~Via Annie at After Abortion.

Today at 4:30 pm eastern time my friend Rebecca Dussault will be live on the Drew Mariani Show on Relevant Radio. She will be discussing and sharing what it takes to be an Olympian, how the faith plays a role and what lessons can be applied to our spiritual journey. You can listen live online or perhaps there will be an archive that you can listen to later. Click here to go to the Relevant Radio web page.

I love this video -- Alan Keyes talks frankly about his trials and his strong Catholic faith. What a winner this man is! This video is an exerpt of Alan Keyes speaking to his friends and supporters following his defeat at the Constitution Party Convention 2008.

Defend disabled, unborn with equal vigor, Catholic brother urges A Catholic brother who cared for a brain-damaged fellow brother for more than 12 years urged activists in the pro-life movement July 5 to defend the rights of the disabled as vigorously as they fight for the unborn. Brother Paul O'Donnell, a member of the Franciscan Brothers of Peace in St. Paul, Minn., spoke at a workshop session of the National Right to Life Committee's annual convention in Arlington. He said he ran into conflict with health care professionals, even at Catholic facilities, as he sought appropriate care for Brother Michael Gaworski, founder of the Franciscan Brothers of Peace, who suffered a severe brain injury after he contracted a rare bacterial pneumonia at age 32. Until he became involved in Brother Michael's care, said Brother Paul, "I had no idea of the effect the anti-life forces had had on the health care industry.""Quality of life is not a Gospel value," he said. ...

A video of God's desire to sanctify us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Music is "Sanctify", written and sung by the gifted Catholic singer/songwriter, Annie Karto.

May the peace of His presence and the joy of His love fill your heart today!