Update on Frodo

because someone asked

He is 8 months now, and standing assisted. He uses his toys to help him stand, he uses mommy's arms to help him stand, he enjoys putting his hands on the floor, and plants his feet on the floorr, then lifts his knees and puts his bum up in the air and wiggles around- he doesn't what to do next. But he does put one foot in front of thr other if you hold him by his hands.

He is abt 18 lbs.Has 4 front teeth, eats grains, fruit, veggies, and meats, no milk, yet. Bear' sister is milk intolerant so MD told me to hold off until a solid nine months old.

Sleeps 3 naps daily, falls asleep about 11:00p.m. wakes between 7 and 9 am

All babies are good, but so far he is very easy going- thank God.

Will include photo soonest

Query: Homeschooling

Younger wants to be homeschooled. And as I have 2 BA's and Bear is ABD to his PhD, we are, according to the requisites, educated enough to homeschool. My question: Since I know my limits, I would only want to homeschool until Grade 8 or so, so how do the kids apply to high school and how do they get to take the standardized tests necessary throughout elementary school?

The curriculum, I can get from the Ministry Website, and there are different support groups, but this is the make it or break it question.

Any ontario homeschoolers who can answer, please do.

Litany for the conversion of internet thugs.

Composed by Fr. Z
(private use only, and when truly irritated, and when the alternative is foul language)

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God, the Son, Redeemer of the World, have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Lest internet thugs be eternally tormented by all the fiends of hell, convert them, O Lord.
Lest they pass eternity in utter despair, convert them, O Lord.
Lest they come to be damned for the harm they cause, convert them, O Lord.
Lest they roast forever in the deepest cinders of hell, convert them, O Lord.
Lest they suffer the unceasing pain of loss, convert them, O Lord.

Lest devils endlessly increase their physical agony, convert them, O Lord.
Lest devils twist their bowels and boil their blood in hell, convert them, O Lord.
Lest devils use them as their toys and tools, convert them, O Lord.
Lest devils gnaw on their skulls, convert them, O Lord.

Lest the innocent be harmed by their sins, convert them, O Lord.
Lest the innocent yield to them in weakness, convert them, O Lord.
Lest the innocent be drawn into their traps, convert them, O Lord.

From faceless Facebook admin drones, spare us O Lord.
From tweeting Twitter idiots, spare us O Lord.
From from heart-hardened spammers, spare us O Lord.
From rss feed problems, spare us O Lord.
From server memory resource difficulties, spare us O Lord.

From viruses, trojan horses, and all manner of snares, Lord save us.
From wasting our time, Lord save us.
From our own stupidity, Lord save us.

St. Isidore, defend us.
St. Francis de Sales, defend us.
St. Gabriel, defend us.
St. Michael, defend us.
Guardian angels, defend us.
All the angels and saints..... GRRRR

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord,
Lamb of God who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

V. Christ, Jesus who died for our sins.
R. Return, and return swiftly.

Let us pray.
Almighty and eternal God,
who according to an ineffable plan
called us into existence to do your will
amid the vicissitudes and contagion of this world
grant, we beseech you,
through your mercy and grace
both to protect the innocent who use the tools of this digital age
and to convert from their evil ways all those who abuse them.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Funeral Mass for My Father

Processional Chant
Requiem Aeternum (Bear solo)

First Reading: Acts of the Apostles 10: 34a, 37-43 ( Proclaimed by my niece)
Chiunque crede in lui riceve il perdono dei peccati mediante il suo nome.
Whover believes him him will have forgiveness of sins

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 42 (Proclaimed by Younger)
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15: 51-57 (Proclaimed by my nephew)
O morte, dov'e` il tuo dardo? O Inferno dov'e` la tua vittoria?
O Death, where is your sting? O Hell where is your victory?

Gospel Acclamation: John 11: 25 ( Sung by Bear)
I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord; whoever believes in me will not die forever.

I had planned this Gospel: Luke 24: 13-35
Il Signore e` veramente risorto
The Lord is risen indeed.

Father changed it to: Matthew 5: 3-12
Le Beatitudine.
The Beatitudes

Prayers of the Faithful (presented by my cousin, my dad's niece)
R. Signore della vita, ascoltaci
R. Lord of life, hear us.

Offertory Hymn
Ave Maria (Schubert) Sung by Bear

Sanctus/ Benedictus ( Missa Pro Defunctus) sung by the Choir
Agnus Dei (Missa Pro Defunctus) sung by the Choir

Communion Hymn
Adoro Te Devoto/ Godhead Here in Hiding. ( Sung by Bear)

Song of Farewell
In Paradisum: Chorus Angelorum (Sung by Bear)

Procession to the Place of Commital
Io Credo Risorgero` (sung by the Choir)
I believe I will rise again

The mass was mostly in Italian except for the Psalm and the Gospel Acclamation, which were in English and the Chants which were in Latin

Jobless, non-religious teachers turn to Catholicism in attempt for employment

This story from the Globe and Mail troubles me.

Not because non-Catholics are hoodwinking the Catholic School Board into hiring them, but because we parents won't know who and who isn't Catholic.

I would rather have non-Catholics teach my children, and know they are not Catholic and be on guard that possibly non-Catholic philosophy is entering my children's education, rather than assume that my children's teachers are Catholic.

In fact, the majority of my children's teachers are CINO. They were baptised, communicated, confirmed, even married in the Church, but have absolutely no knowledge of the basic tenets of the faith.

So really which is worse?

Witchcraft and the Dark Ages

John C Wright has put up an interesting post regarding witchcraft and the burning of witches in the Middle Ages by the Church. To make a long story short, there was almost none. The Witch Burning Period takes place after the Renaissance, at the same time as the birth of the Age of Science and Reason, and the worst of it was confined to Protestant countries.

Read the article, it's worthwhile and gives you some ammunition when someone starts repeating old rumours about the history of the Church.

Viva Viva La Befana

La Befana:

According to Italian legend, La Befana was a witch living at the time of the birth of Jesus. The three wise men (also known as the three kings) were on their way to Bethlehem, when they invited La Befana to come along. She was busy with her housework and declined. Later, once she had finished her cleaning, she set off on her broomstick with toys for the Gesú Bambino (Baby Jesus). However, she could not find the Three Kings and soon lost her way. Italian children believe that La Befana is still looking for Baby Jesus, and on the eve of the Epiphany, she flies down the chimney (or, if a chimney is not available, the keyhole) of each house, and leaves gifts in the children’s shoes, which are left by the fireplace (or by the door if; there is no fireplace,) just in case Baby Jesus is there.

Read more at Suite101: Christmas in Italy: Italian Holiday Traditions

It should be noted that Children leave her a glass of wine and a plate of food. Also, being such a conscientious housekeeper, she will also sweep your floors, so that your house is clean on Epiphany morning.

Happy Epiphany to each and all.

Cold Shower

Is what bear is taking right now.

The gas company came and cleaned the furnace yesterday- replacing the filters etc etc. Today, we have no hot water, coincidence- I think not.

How to be a Good Parent

As extrapolated from the Examination of Conscience for a Good Confession: The Fourth Commandment: Honour thy mother and thy father. (Handbook of Prayers; Socias, Rev. James; Midwest Theological Forum; Woodridge, Illinois, 2007, pp. 325-326)

NB: When I say ME: I mean US: IE, Bear and I

FOR PARENTS (OR WHAT I EXPECT FROM MYSELF TOWARDS MY CHILDREN: If I am to be honoured by my children I should be honourable)

1. Have I neglected to teach my children their prayers, send them to church, or give them a Christian education?

Extrapolation:
I should teach them their prayers, make sure they say their prayers, take them to church or if I am unable, make sure they go anyway, and teach them what it means to be a Christian.

2. Have I given them a bad example

Extrapolation

I should be a positive role model. I should lead by example and most of all I should do what I say they should do.

3. Have I neglected to watch over my children, to monitor their companions, the books they red, the movies and TV shows they watch.

Extrapolation:
I should guide my children, and if necessary censure their entertainment, if that entertainment is not conducive to a Christian life. The content of their entertainment should not include: Anti-Catholic Teaching, the occult, lack of respect for their own and others sexualities to name a few. Guide them that reality is not a fairy tale. And real life is not like it is in books or in the movies.

4 Have I failed to see to it that my child made his First Confession and First Communion.

Extrapolation
To ensure that at the appropriate age they are prepared and are of the required age and maturity to confess their sins, and understand that the host they ingest is indeed the real presence of Christ, body and blood. If I believe that my child is not ready to receive Communion, then I should wait until the required maturity is attained. It is as much of a sin to have your child take communion when immature and while not understanding what s/he is doing as it is to keep them from communion if s/he is ready.


5. Have I failed to see to it that my children have received the sacrament of Confirmation?

Extrapolation

I must ensure that my child is fully mature enough and fully prepared to make her Baptismal vows of her own accord. That she understands the catechism of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. If I think there is any reason why she is not ready to be confirmed, IE, be sealed with the Holy Spirit, I should then prevent her from being confirmed until s/he is of the requisite maturity.

FOR CHILDREN (WHAT I EXPECT OF MY CHILDREN TOWARDS ME: How my children are meant to honour me.)

1. Was I disobedient towards my parents?

Extrapolation:
My children should obey me.

2. Did I neglect to help my parents when my help was needed?

Extrapolation:
My children should help me, if I ask, and sometimes without asking if they see I need help.

3. Did I treat my parents with little affection or respect?

Extrapolation:
My children should treat me with affection, and if they "hate" me that day, then they must still treat me with respect. ( They can think whatever they like, but they must treat me with respect)

4. Did I react proudly when I was corrected by my parents?

Extrapolation
My children my accept our corrections with humility. By the same extent, my corrections should be done with mercy, fairness, and patience. Keeping in mind I will be correcting them over the same misbehaviour again tomorrow.

5. Did I have a disordered desire for independence?
My children have a right to ask for more freedoms and liberties, but freedoms and liberties are not rights, but privileges my children have to earn, by showing me their level of maturity. Freedom at too young an age is disordered. Freedom, liberty, Privilege and license are similar but not exactly the same. Further, in order for my children to negotiate greater independence, they must demonstrate greater ability to take responsibility for that greater independence.

6. Did I do my chores?

Extrapolation:
Children should have chores, and pull their weight in house and for the family, each according to their age, maturity, and abilities.

Do I try to mother my children according to these guidelines: yes
Do I always succeed? NO

Am I the best mother in the world: No as is attested by my children at least once every day:
"You are the worst mother in the history of motherhood"

Am I the worst mother in the world: No as is attested by my children at least once every day:
"Mom, you are the best."

Interesting Notes on Prayer Books

For Elder's Confirmation I gave her a prayer book- she has many "children's" prayer books, but I thought an older type prayer book would be more appropriate, after all she is an adult in the church - so anyway.

I noticed differences, one of which I would like to share with you and feel free to comment, ignore, or just ponder as you like:

Doesn't it appear that the new precepts did away with rule number six (Concerning marriage) and they split rule number one into two.

Now I know the Church does allow a Catholic to marry a non Catholic - with certain stipulations a dispensations, - I should mention that the new prayer book has a whole section on the "Church Laws concerning marriage"- so the laws are duly noted) but still shouldn't obedience to these Church laws on marriage be listed somewhere in the precepts- you know the six very basic things you have to do to be in "the church."

I suggest the following:

1. You shall keep holy Sundays and Holy days of Obligation by attending Mass and abstaining from labours and business.

and

6. You shall marry in accordance to Church laws.

Accompanying Letter Recognitio of the New Translation of the Roman Missal Editio Typico

(Click to enlarge)

This I got from the USCCB Website. I haven't found anything on the CCCB website. When I do I will post here

You can go to the USCCB for the letter and the copy of the "WHITE BOOK - STUDY VERSION" translation of the mass.

Bear says I am *gasp* ARGUMENTATIVE

Puff on computer.

Bear walks in: "Who are you arguing with now?"

"Uh, nobody, I'm... Hey, do you think I'm argumentative?"

"Somewhat."

"I AM NOT. "


....
Well, I don't argue just for argument's sake.

Attitude Adjusters for Guardian Angels to Use on Their Charges

A copy of what I think Bear's Angel uses on him.

From Archangel's Pulpit:

“'a 24 carat Gold Plated cast iron skillet 1st used on a certain apostle on his way to Damascus', namely [his] guardian angel's favo[u]rite method of gaining [his] attention."

Then there's mine Angel who needs something stronger, as suggested by a commentor on Archangel's Pulpit: a 2X4

- Puff

Toronto Storm of 2007

Torontonians are whimps. We are in the middle of a snow storm where at the end of it all, Toronto will have accumulated 20-30 cm of snow. That's a foot of snow -max. There will be ice under it all. Now am I suggesting we walk or travel in this, no, stay in and have a movie day- do some Christmas baking. Play some board games. When it's over shovel your walk and portion of sidewalk and throw out salt. Help your neighbours if they can't do it themselves. (The elderly, the sick, etc etc.) Remember: our city used to be known as "Toronto the Good"

Just thank God this isn't the nor-easter storm of Dec 11, 1944 where downtown Toronto got 48 cm of snow.

11 December 1944, Toronto, Ontario: A major winter storm dumps 48 cm (18.9 inches) of snow on downtown Toronto, and gale-force winds pile it into huge drifts. A total of 57.2 cm (22.5 inches) falls over two days.

->Cited from The Weather Doctor's Diary December you need to scroll down under "Significant Weather Events: Canada"

The Word of the Year

w00t

Why we are Catholics

M/N to Vox

Second Monday of October

...is the Canadian Thanksgiving. So, to all who visit this weekend, Happy Thanksgiving.

In case you are wondering why we have it so much earlier than our American cousins, it is simply because, being farther north, our harvest occurs earlier, so we thank God sooner.

While we are enjoying our three day weekend, read our posts below. Prayers for our Catholic School Board would be greatly appreciated.

Muzack in Church

Toronto Catholic District Schoolboard abandons Catholicism

Pope Underlines Importance of Natural Moral Law

Discovered by a friend just before he realised that he had stayed up way too late drinking

The hymn, "Amazing Grace" and the theme song "Gilligan's Island" are interchangeable. Knowing this has left me completely unable to sing Amazing Grace with a straight face during Mass.

from Louise at Purcell's Chicken Voluntary Under the date July 5,

"PRAYING FOR A MIRACLE"
"It’s not just Muslims and Jews who have faced persecution in recent years. An estimated 200m Christians in 60 countries are now suffering increasing victimisation. So why isn’t the West doing anything to protect them? "

The need for prayers goes without saying.

Meeting Between Bertone (and Mamberti) and President of Lebanon

With all the hubbub arounf the MP yesterday, this gem was missed. My humble translation first and a link to the vatican webpage follows.

COMMUNIQUE FROM THE PRESS OFFICE OF THE HOLY SEE (28.06.2007)

[Yesterday], June 28, in the afternoon, His Excellency Mr. Fouad Siniora, President of Council of the Ministers of the Republic of Lebanon, met with His Emminence Tarcisio Cardinal Bertone, Secretary of State, accompanied by His Excellency Mons. Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations With States (Foreign Affairs?).

The cordial colloquial served to discuss the delicate regional situation, mentioning the conditions and the problems (experienced by) of the Christian communities in the Middle East. They also touched upon the political difficulties of Lebanon, on the grave threats on her security and her initiatives in the course to succesfully resolve its present crises. In particular, the necessity to re-launch (re-start) the dialogue among all the societal components, each of which, are called to contribute to the communal good of the Country, was repeated . The International Community it is asked to accompany and sustain this effort, (which is- will be) decisive for Lebanon and all the Middle East.

Bulletin from the Sala Stampa