Catholic Fire

Someone recently  asked me, "How do I avoid purgatory ?" I had a few suggestions, but here are ten specific ways to avoid it: 1. In every prayer you say, every Mass you hear, every Communion you receive, every good work you perform, have the express intention of imploring God to grant you a holy and happy death and no Purgatory. Surely God will hear a prayer said with such confidence and perseverance. 2. Always wish to do God's will. It is in every sense the best for you. When you do or seek anything that is not God's will, you are sure to suffer. Say fervently, therefore, each time you recite the Our Father: "Thy will be done" 3. Accept all the sufferings, sorrows, pains and disappointments of life, be they great or small: ill health, loss of goods, the death of your dear ones, heat or cold, rain or sunshine, as coming from God. Bear them calmly and patiently for love of Him and in penance for your sins. Of course one may use all his efforts to w...

With the current economic situation we are in, companies are laying off employees and some are even closing their doors. Many people are facing unemployment. For some, this may be a first time event, for others, it may be a repeat event, which adds insult to injury. Dealing with unemployment can be quite stressful and even traumatic, especially during the Christmas season. Here are some tips for practical strategies that can help: 1. Review your separation package: At the termination meeting, your employer should provide you with a folder of information containing specific forms and instructions to review. Review these forms carefully and do the following: • Ask about severance pay, accrued vacation, overtime and sick pay, pension benefits, and eligibility for unemployment insurance. • Severance packages may be negotiable. You have nothing to lose by asking for more than what’s offered. • Request information on continuation of health and life insurance benefits. Your employer, if the ...