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Men's Ministry Discusses Anger |
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Admin writes " On 13 Mar 11, the Men's Ministry of St. Patrick's in Colorado Springs discussed the subject of anger. After the morning breakfast, the men viewed a video by Rob Bell entitled, “Store.” The video portrayed daily situations that generates tension within us, tension which rises to anger. The video related that we see it in traffic, in the store, in school, in the office, at home, almost everywhere we go. "
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(Read More... 4686 bytes more | 2 comments | Score: 5 | | )
Posted by admin on Monday, March 14 @ 00:50:21 MDT (4021 reads) |
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Reedy Clothed in Carmelite Order |
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Anonymous writes " On 16 Oct 10, Catlin Reedy, formerly of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was clothed as a Novice in the Order of Carmel at the Carmelite Monestary of Little, Colorado. Bishop James D. Conley, Auxiliary Bishop of Denver, said mass prior to the clothing ceremony. "
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(Read More... 3274 bytes more | 11 comments | Score: 1 | | )
Posted by drbonebrake on Monday, October 18 @ 00:42:27 MDT (20264 reads) |
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City-Wide Night Out |
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Admin writes " As luck would have it, we were on our way home, passing Acacia Park in Colorado Springs, when we noticed the amphitheater was lit up with a crowd mingling in front of it. We decided to investigate and found as we approached a youth band playing Christian music. The crowd responded to the wonderful talent of the band with arms raised and swaying, some bouncing to the beat of the band. "
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(Read More... 1575 bytes more | 5 comments | Score: 0 | | )
Posted by admin on Monday, September 27 @ 00:00:43 MDT (17476 reads) |
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Mother Theresa Stamp Controversy |
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Prayer-Soldier writes "
On 13 Aug 10, the Catholic News Service reported that on 5 Sep 10, the United States Postal Service will release a stamp commemorating Mother Theresa. According to the report, the stamp will go on sale after it is it is dedicated at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. The report also noted that the dedication coincides with the feast day of Mother Theresa. "
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(Read More... 7013 bytes more | 3 comments | Score: 5 | | )
Posted by admin on Thursday, August 26 @ 00:20:20 MDT (12225 reads) |
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Diocese Invites Catholics Home |
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Prayer-Soldier writes "On 8 Jan 10, Bishop Michael Sheridan commented in the Colorado Catholic Herald Online that, “I sometimes believe that the only thing that is more difficult to comprehend than the incarnation of God is why so many who have been saved by Christ so readily abandon him. It is said that the 'denomination' that is second only to Catholicism is that made up of former Catholics.” Bishop Sheridan's comments prefaced his review of the Diocese campaign to invite “inactive Catholics to rediscover their faith and return to church.”"
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(Read More... 3977 bytes more | 1 comment | Score: 0 | | )
Posted by admin on Sunday, January 10 @ 22:34:03 MST (14389 reads) |
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Memorial Garden for Fallen Detective |
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Prayer-Soldier writes "
Colorado Springs - At 2:00PM, 24 May 09, a dedication ceremony was held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church for a memorial garden constructed in honor of Detective Jared S. Jensen. Detective Jensen fell in the line of duty on 22 Feb 06, while attempting to arrest a parolee who was wanted for attempted murder.
The memorial garden was constructed as part of an Eagle Scout project lead by Cameron Halverson. The Eagle rank is the highest achievement for a Boy Scout. In addition to earning various merit badges, a Boy Scout must perform a service project as part of their journey to earn the Eagle rank. When discussing a possible project with Fr. Brad Noonan, the paster of St. Patrick's at the time, the idea of a memorial garden was discussed. Halverson related that Fr. Noonan mentioned there was some land at the side of the church that could be used and so the project was placed in motion.
It was a rainy day that greeted the friends and family gathered for the ceremony. As Fr. Noonan gave the invocation, he commented that the rain was because of Jared. He noted that throughout the construction, there was always some form of precipitation. To reinforce the point, Detective Jeff Jensen, the brother of Jared, commented that Jared was always a perfectionist. He said that obsession extended to Jared's yard. Jeff commented that Jared sends the rain because Jared knows it is needed for things to grow.
Jeff asked for Jared's partner to relate a funny story about Jared. Jensen's partner related how she is a hunter, “really a hiker with a gun, as well as I do.” Her story was of a day she went to hunt and invited Jared along, in spirit. She said she loaded a clip with ammunition, but then lost it. She searched all through her vehicle, but couldn't find it. She said she thought to herself that it only takes one, so she proceeded without the clip and only one round in the chamber.
She related that as she looked over her hunting lane, she was talking with God and Jared, as she waited for an elk. She remembered that she asked them to let her see the biggest buck she has ever seen. Shortly, there after, she heard a twig snap. She slowly turned and there it was a buck with a rack so big, like she had never seen before. It came walking straight at her. She thought, it must see me; I'm all dressed up in orange.
She felt her breathing quicken from her excitement as she slowly brought the rifle up to aim for a shot. She thought to herself; breath control, breath control. She held her breath and finally squeezed off the shot. The buck flinched and looked back at if saying, “What the?” She quickly looked for another bullet as the buck turned and sauntered off, but nothing was in her pockets.
Later, when she returned to her vehicle, she saw the clip laying between the seats. She realized at that point she should have asked Jared to let her shoot the biggest buck she had ever seen, not just show it to her. She commented that it was just like Jared to tease her like that. It was clear from the stories related and how friends and family spoke of Jared, they continue to feel his presence in their lives.
In addition to family, friends and parishioners, many members of public service were present. Members of the Police Department, Fire Department, United States Army Military Police, Police and Fire Department Chaplains, and Explorer Scouts were present. Members of Boy Scout Troop 268 provided the color guard for the ceremony.
As Halverson gave a recount of the project that took him approximately two years to completed, he noted the many generous contributions that were made. He related that nearly $10,000 in materials and services were donated by such companies as Phelan Gardens, Harding Nursery, Britton's Nursery, Sundance Masonry, Pioneer Sand Company, C&C Sand Company, JBI Construction, Sunstate Equipment Rental, Associated Design Professionals, Guerrero Concrete, Fransen & Pittman Construction, Rocky Top Resources, Bill's Tool Rental, Rocky Mountain Memorial and Performance Awards. Halverson also noted that $7,000.00 was donated by St. Patrick's parishioners.
The memorial sits to the north-west side of the Church, surrounded by a stone path. There are flower beds and two benches that surround the memorial. A plaque with an engraved picture of Detective Jensen is affixed to the memorial.
The timing of the ceremony, the day before the Memorial Day holiday, was an opportune reminder of the sacrifices that are made for us by those such as Detective Jensen. There are many who are in public service that have faced hardships or have placed their lives on the line for the public defense and safety. Memorial Day, is a day for us to remember those who have made the sacrifices for the public good. Remember to thank those who defend us for their service and to thank God for giving us such brave souls who risk their lives for the safety of the public.
“No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends.” John 15:13
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(Read More... 6 comments | Score: 5 | | )
Posted by drbonebrake on Sunday, May 24 @ 23:52:24 MDT (13278 reads) |
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One Million Children |
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Prayer-Soldier writes "Compassion International Celebrates 1 Million
Colorado Springs – Dr. Wess Stafford delightedly announced that Compassion International had reached a major milestone. In a youtube.com video, Dr. Stafford said, “We knew by faith that one day this wonderful moment would happen. Today, by God's grace, we have reached a long awaited milestone. Somewhere in our ministry, a little child got a sponsor today and became our one millionth sponsored child.”
According to the Compassion International web site, the organization was founded by Rev. Everett Swanson in 1952. In the 1950's, Rev Swanson travelled to Korea to minister to Army soldiers. As he travelled, he saw the plight of Korean war orphans on the cold streets. According to ministrywatch.com, Rev. Swanson was inspired by the words of Jesus in Matthew 15:32, "I have compassion on the multitude. I will not send them away hungry." Through this inspiration, Rev. Swanson established Compassion International as an advocate for children. The organization began by providing food, shelter, education, health care and Christian training to the impoverished children of Korea.
Headquarted in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Compassion International reaches out to impoverished children world wide. The organization seeks sponsors for children and partners with local churches to provide resources for the feeding, health care, social and Christian education of children in 25 countries across Africa, Asia, South America, Central America and the Caribbean.
Dr. Stafford stated, “We have anticipated this day for 57 years.” He related that Compassion International has cared for two million children across the decades, but excitedly added that today the organization currently has sponsors for one million children. Dr. Stafford wanted to thank everyone that has diligently worked, through commitment and passion, for the benefit of these children in such need of care. He offered that today was a day for celebration, but much more work is to be done. Dr. Stafford laid out the challenge to now seek to provide for another million more.
'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40"
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(Read More... 2 comments | Score: 5 | | )
Posted by drbonebrake on Wednesday, May 20 @ 23:28:46 MDT (13752 reads) |
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A Cardboard Testimony at St. Patrick's |
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Colorado Springs - During the masses the weekend of 16 – 17 May 2009, parishioners of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church presented a cardboard testimony to the congregation. The words written and displayed helped those who witnessed to understand the impact of just a few parish ministries.
The testimonies were presented following a procession of banners which displayed a small portion of the ministries managed and sponsored within St. Patrick’s. Father Larry Solan began the cardboard testimony and recited the statements of those who followed. As each person in the procession stepped in front of the alter, they held up a sign with a statement as to where they were before a ministry touched their life. After a moment, they would turn the cardboard to reveal a statement as to where they are now. Below are a few examples.
Side one:
Apathetic, Luke warm Catholic
Side two:
Called by God to Stephen Ministry
Side one:
Casually following faith
Side two:
Witness of Christ to friends, defender of faith
Side one:
Cradle Catholic resiting involvement
Side two:
In the Passion presentation and leading youth group
Side one:
40 years plus without Communion
Side two:
RCIA = Confirmation and helping others to the Eucharist
Side one:
Devout atheist
Side two:
Converted in college
Side one:
Diagnosed/treated for brain cancer
Side two:
Blessed with a new wife and a new life
Side one:
Afraid for my Fiance
Side two:
Trusted in God, new RCIA Catholic to be married in June
Side one:
Fallen police officer, CSPD Detective, Jared S. Jensen
Side two:
Surviving on your hugs
The words by themselves carried a message, but the testimony was made even more powerful by each individual holding their cardboard sign, standing as Father read, flipping their cardboard so all could see and hear the impact to individual lives. The sanctuary was silent except for Father's narration. The emotion was seen in each face, each sign telling how lives were changed. The power of the ministries could not help but be felt. The congregation was obviously touched as the silence was finally broken with a standing ovation and applause. After all the testimonies were presented, an interesting fact emerged, four of the participants are actively pursuing or discerning a call to religious vocations.
Cardboard testimony is a means to use a few words to present a very powerful message. Through short statements, a few parishioners shared some life changing events. Some related how one’s life was enhanced; others related how lives were transformed. The testimony revealed that God touches our lives in a variety of ways. He touches our spirit, but He also touches us through each other. We are the instrument of His peace, we are His body and we are the fulfillment of His will. We cannot be in communion with His commandments unless we are in faithful community with each other.
Remember this question posed to our Lord. "Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" He said to him, "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments." Matthew 22: 36-40
In response to this test by the Pharisees, Jesus responded that we must love God; but he also pointed out the second commandment, which is like the first, also requires love. We must love one another. In those words, Jesus told us that to truly express our love for God, we must participate in that love through each other. We, therefore, cannot have a complete relationship with God unless we also have a relationship within God’s community.
There are a variety of ways we participate within this community. We all do not have the same gifts, but we each have some gift through which we may contribute.
“To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom; to another the expression of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit; to another mighty deeds; to another prophecy; to another discernment of spirits; to another varieties of tongues; to another interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them individually to each person as He wishes. As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ.” 1 Corinthians 12: 7-12
St. Patrick’s has 104 ministries to care for the poor and to nurture the spiritual life of the community in a variety of ways. To do so requires a combination of people and resources. Some have little money, not everyone has every talent or skill, but everyone has something through which they may contribute. Sometimes we are the ones in need and sometimes we are the ones to take care of those in need. Sometimes, we may not even know our need, but we may find it as we participate within the community of God’s creation.
When God is in our lives, great things happen. The cardboard testimonies presented made that case very clear. The testimonies also made the case that God’s will is accomplished through our hands and the gifts He has given us to share with others. How much more powerful could God’s community be if more participated? Perhaps we should all take a moment and ask ourselves, what is our testimony? Are we changed because of the gifts shared by others? Are we changed because we share? After we ponder these questions, perhaps we should pray and ask our Lord and Savior for discernment as to what more we can do to fulfill His will.
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(Read More... 3 comments | Score: 1.66 | | )
Posted by drbonebrake on Wednesday, May 20 @ 21:52:23 MDT (17969 reads) |
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Politics, Religion and Universities |
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Prayer-Soldier writes "The Colorado Springs Gazette reported on 24 Apr 09 that the appearance of evangelical Christian, Maria Anne Hirschmann, who was scheduled to speak at the Air Force Academy's 2009 "National Character and Leadership Symposium," was canceled. The cancellation was apparently the result of protests from several unnamed advocacy groups. The apparent controversy is that the symposium is mandatory attendance for cadets and the appearance of an evangelical Christian would violate the First Amendment of the United Stated Constitution which states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion....”
According to the 28 Jan 09 Air Force Academy advertisement of the event, Hirschmann was scheduled to speak upon "The Insecurity of Freedom." The topic summary stated, “Maria Anne Hirschmann, better known as Hansi, was brainwashed under Hitler as a Nazi Youth Leader, believing with all her heart that Hitler had the answers for a troubled world. At the end of WWII she learned otherwise and when she immigrated with her family to America, she fell in love with Freedom. But freedom is not free; it demands vigilance!”
The Air Force Academy's announcement of speakers stated that “This year's speakers were chosen with the theme "Answering The Nation's Call...Our Legacy In The Making" in mind.” While Hirschmann's topic and story appears to be consistent with a message of inspiration for the future defenders of freedom, the controversy is not her lessons learned from her youth under Hitler's socialist government and her subsequent journey to freedom; the controversy is that in the process she converted to and is now a representative of Christianity.
According to the hansiministries.org web site, Hirschmann is the recipient of several honors, including the Daughters of the American Revolution American Medal and a gold medal from the Sons of the American Revolution. Maria Hirschmann, however, has stirred controversy from her observations of current events and warnings as to the similarities to events that lead to the rise of Hitler and a socialist Germany.
The Gazette article reported, that in Hirschmann's November 2008 newsletter, she said that “Obama, like Hitler, is 'a charismatic leader who promises full pocketbooks.' Obama's pro-choice stands, she writes, resembles those of Hitler, who 'brought abortion to a systematic level and declared the killing of unborn babies a national duty.'"
In her April 2009 newsletter, Hirschmann states she is not comparing Obama to Hitler, rather she sees “trends in America that led Germany into disaster...” She goes on to ask, “Is this unlimited new spending and reckless printing of paper money similar to the economic recovery of Nazi Germany? Yes, it is and it made the German people jubilant because Hitler turned the economy around within four years. Nobody saw that the next four years prepared for World War II, and within 12 years most of Germany was in ashes and Europe nearly destroyed.”
The 80 year old Hirschmann states that she is not a prophet, but a woman to which God gave common sense. She points out, “It does not make any sense to me that our government will “save” the economy by spending more money than is available...”
Hirschmann's removal from the NCLS speaker list comes at a time when many Catholics are calling that an invitation be rescinded for President Barak Obama to be the commencement speaker at the University of Notre Dame. The invitation was extended as part of a tradition of the university to invite new Presidents to speak at the commencement exercises.
As one of the most famous universities associated with the Catholic faith, the issue is that the works of the man are so fundamentally opposed to the teachings of the Catholic faith. Since taking office, President Obama has reversed the Executive Orders of the Bush administration which prohibited the use of federal funds for embryonic stem cell research and to fund organizations that perform and promote abortion in developing nations.
From the first century teachings of Christianity to “The “EVANGELIUM VITAE (The Gospel of Life)” by Pope John Paul II, one of the fundamental elements of the Catholic faith is the respect for life. The introduction of the “EVANGELIUM VITAE” states, “THE GOSPEL OF LIFE is at the heart of Jesus' message. Lovingly received day after day by the Church, it is to be preached with dauntless fidelity as "good news" to the people of every age and culture.”
In the “Didach,” a first century writing also known as the “The Lord's Teaching Through the Twelve Apostles to the Nations,” it states in the first chapter, “There are two ways, one of life and one of death, but a great difference between the two ways. The way of life, then, is this: First, you shall love God who made you; second, love your neighbor as yourself, and do not do to another what you would not want done to you.” In the second chapter, entitled, “The Second Commandment: Grave Sin Forbidden,” it includes the commandment that, “you shall not murder a child by abortion nor kill that which is born.”
While many Catholics are impassioned against a Catholic university becoming the pulpit for one with the stated purpose of signing the Freedom of Choice Act, legislation designed to remove most limitations to abortion; it is unlikely the university's invitation will be rescinded. The position of university officials is despite criticism obymore than two dozen Catholic Bishops and the more than 334,000 signers of a petition to the President of the University to rescind the Presidential invitation.
According to the “Chicago Sun-Times,” “Notre Dame President Rev. John Jenkins says the invitation to Obama should not be taken as condoning or endorsing his positions on specific issues regarding the protection of human life.”
There is an apparent difference between Catholic universities and military academies. In the former, the appearance of a speaker should not be viewed as to the endorsement by the institution of the speaker's views, but in the later, to allow the appearance of a Christian may be considered as an endorsement of that person's views and is prohibited by the Constitution of the United States. The amendment reads, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”"
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(Read More... 5 comments | Score: 1.8 | | )
Posted by drbonebrake on Sunday, April 26 @ 21:34:30 MDT (14459 reads) |
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Driving in Colorado Springs...Possible Death Sentence? |
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Well, time for another rant. For the past several days I have noticed an alarming trend in the streets of Colorado Springs, CO. No matter which vehicle I am in, my Jeep or Motorcycle, someone tries to run me down. It is as if I have a sign on my back that says please kill me. I only bring this up to prove a point. Angels exist. I really want to thank my Guardian Angels for doing such a great job, as I am unfortunately becoming more and more aware of.
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(Read More... 2631 bytes more | 2 comments | Score: 5 | | )
Posted by admin on Tuesday, June 26 @ 07:17:10 MDT (7037 reads) |
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