I Wonder….

I’ve decided to reinstate, in an official way, in my classroom tomorrow, the weekly practice hitherto known as “Trivia Tuesday.”

This was something I used in my first year at Malvern, and it worked well. I think it’s high time it came back. Why?

Well, aside from the fact that it uses alliteration (which I’ve decided makes everything “fun”… Masterpiece Monday, Faith-Sharing Friday. The boys always try for Wacky Wednesday, a day dedicated to Homestarrunner, but I just can’t make the theology stretch that far, darn it)… Aside from that, it gives their young minds a chance to percolate, let the truths of the Bible, or the Face of Jesus they are coming to see more clearly in the gospels, start to shine. The mind can only take so much “information” – it needs space for the more important “formation” of character. The stuff has to trickle down you
see, from the head to the heart. There must be time for some mental gymnastics where they can toss and flip these concepts around on the rubber mat of their minds to see if they are tough enough, durable enough, as strong as they believe they are right now.

So “Trivia Tuesday” is a chance to pop an anonymous question on anything theological, from angels to anger, demons to Desperate Housewives, into the Basket o’ Queries. Then we take 10 minutes at the end of Tuesday’s class to try and get some answers.

Wouldn’t it be cool if parishes did this? And you could come early to Mass and have a little Q & A with the padres? Some parishes, I’ve heard, have an “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Catholicism But Were Afraid to Ask” night. Brilliant. And here let me give another
shout out to Fr. Roderick at the “Daily Breakfast” podcast on sqpn.com. His “Peculiar Bunch” segment does just that, and it’s brought alot of clarity to alot of people.

This idea struck me today, by the way, because I felt like I shut a kid down in the interest of “time” (whatever THAT is). In the hastiness of the moment, I was getting through a lesson instead of getting through the lesson, if you know what I mean.

I think giving teenagers the chance to be heard and have their questions addressed head on is better than just cramming stuff into their heads with the hope that it’s available later when they need it. So let the Trivia begin! And of course, it’ll be anything but trivial. I’ll keep you posted!

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Inspiration for the New Evangelization
http://www.missionmoment.org

Doodling in the Diner

Well, there’s nothing better than a post Mass, Sunday brunch in a local diner with the family; we’re in NY with the inlaws. Throw in some blank placematts and a couple pens and you are golden! Can anyone translate the Latin? PS – this was Felicia’s Little Diner near Wallkill, NY (I recommend the 3 egg special. And they butter the toast. Isn’t it nuts when they don’t butter the toast?) An old fella at the diner bar was amazed at the size of the family, and we had to tell him there were 5 siblings missing! Yes! Big families are back, and we’re taking over the world!

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Inspiration for the New Evangelization
http://www.missionmoment.org

Catholic Nerds Unite!

OK, I’m just going to come out and say it.

“Hi, I’m Bill, and I’m a Catholic Nerd.”

That’s right. The Few, the Proud, the Laity Who Know What an Encyclical Is!! We are the Catholic Nerds and we’re PROUD of it!!

If you can complete or concur with ANY of the following phrases, face it, YOU ARE A CATHOLIC NERD. So celebrate it! Join our illustrious group on Facebook if you dare, and you’ll find love and affirmation, and hopefully some inspiring conversations and connections to boot (I love saying “to boot” at the end of a sentence).

So take the Quiz:

1. Deus Caritas Est refers to…
2. December 12 is the feast of…
3. The Rosary has ___ mysteries.
4. Concupiscence…. well, you know how to pronounce it.
5. Reposition means, not to move your seat, but…
6. Habemus Papam is the coolest phrase on the planet.
7. You feel they should make an incense scented Glade Plug-In.
8. You’ve ever genuflected by accident when grabbing a seat at the movies (yup, I did that once).
9. You have Catholic mags in your bathroom book rack.
10. You get excited at the Lamb of God during Mass because Communion is coming!!

Life is too short to be too serious or overly concerned with appearances. Be a Geek, read books, pray on purpose, carry holy cards in your pocketssess to stash on train seats and doctor’s offices, laugh for no reason but for the thrill of breathing, or of grass, or the sound of bells (like Quickbeam in the Lord of the Rings). Face it, nerds have more fun. Pax tecum 😉

PS – If you want to take the first step in embracing your Catholic Nerdiness, just copy the badge in this post that I slaved over for like 15 minutes and post it on your blog. Be not afraid!

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Inspiration for the New Evangelization
http://www.missionmoment.org

Bringing Up Geeks – An Interview with Marybeth Hicks

In one of my favorite interviews to date, I spoke with Marybeth Hicks, who artfully and passionately stated her mission to “uncool” America. How? By raising up GEEKS – Genuine, Enthusiastic, Empowered Kids! Listen in as she demystifies the consumer culture and teaches us how to build a real human culture, where persons are more important than possessions, and character is nobler than cash. The podcast of my interview with Marybeth is here.

The book is set for release this summer, but visit her website now!

About Marybeth Hicks (from the website)
Marybeth Hicks began her career in the White House where she scribed special correspondence and talking points for President Ronald Reagan. Today, her writing has shifted to focus on the most important job in the world—being a parent.

Author and speaker Marybeth Hicks is the weekly family columnist for The Washington Times, the general interest daily newspaper located in the nation’s capital known across the country as “America’s newspaper.” Marybeth’s column “Then again…” appears on the cover of the Family Times section and explores issues and experiences that affect families and shape communities.

Marybeth Hicks is also the author of two parenting books. Bringing up Geeks: How to Protect Your Kid’s Childhood in a Grow-up-too-fast World (Penguin/Berkley), slated for a July, 2008 release, includes a foreword by child advocate Dr. Kimberly Thompson, founder of Harvard’s Kids Risk project.

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Inspiration for the New Evangelization
http://www.missionmoment.org

This is Just Silly

I know I haven’t given a real meaty post of late. Well, the Pope was in town, and there was grading, and teaching, and life, and stuff. Lots of stuff actually. So much so that right now at Malvern, while I could be more “productive” with my free period, I decided to squander it. I loafed over to the cafe for some coffee (free for teachers ALL DAY!), then I sauntered over to chapel to sit in the Presence for awhile (which was like a Calgon moment for my soul. Anybody get that allusion?) then I strode past the cherry trees in the front of campus. Then it was all over. He slayeth me once again.

Being the techno-nerd that I am, I took a picture with the sweet iPhone. Now look at this ridiculous amount of beauty; a carpet of violet petals explodes into the slender stalks of daffodils rising up like sentinels from the dark, fertile earth, keeping their vigil before the doors of a chapel where the King of Kings has made His dwelling in the Blessed Eucharist. And I, leaning and loafing at my ease, observed that all this is for our refreshment. It’s just silly. It’s crazy love. I’m convinced this superfluous Love is what made the worlds and set the galaxies spinning in this Great Dance. Ah Spring! Let’s drink it in, for everything is for our good.

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Inspiration for the New Evangelization
http://www.missionmoment.org

Behold Your Mother – An Interview on Mary with Heidi Saxton

Today at 5pm EST on the Heart of Things Radio Show on In His Sign Radio, I’ll be interviewing Heidi Saxton, editor of “Canticle” magazine and adoptive parent columnist at CatholicMom.com and CatholicExchange.com. A convert to the Catholic Faith, Heidi’s faith journey has taken her all over the world, including West Africa, Poland, and Mexico. She’s been active in a variety of Christian churches: Lutheran, Baptist, Presbyterian, non-denominational, Assemblies of God, Episcopalian, and Catholic….

“The diversity of her Christian experience is reflected in her writing, giving her faith expression a vitality and relevance that appeals to truth seekers of all ages and backgrounds. Married in summer 1999, Heidi and her husband Craig adopted their two foster children in 2005. They live in Milan, Michigan. Heidi is a prolific blogger. Her newest blog, “Behold Your Mother” (http://beholdyourmotherbook.blogspot.com/) features a variety of stories, images, and quotes about Mary from all over the world.
– taken from ChristianWord.com

We’ll be discussing her new book “Behold Your Mother: Mary Stories and Reflections from a Catholic Convert”

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Inspiration for the New Evangelization
http://www.missionmoment.org

OK, Time to Reflect

Well, he is gone, and honestly, I miss him already. There was a certain lightness in the air just knowing Peter was walking our soil again. Now it’s time to get busy reading and reflecting and praying over the Spirit-soaked words that he gave us. And we can trust that God was his guide in the prayerful preparation and study he put into every word.

A wonderful collection of each address of the Pope’s has been created and aggregated by Christopher Blosser here –

(http://benedictinamerica.blogspot.com/)

And Amy Welborn has pointed us to another wonderful blog with great insights on the effect of Papa Benedict being with us this past week. It’s written by Jen, a former atheist turned Catholic, whom Amy calls “one of the best writers in the Catholic blog world” Here’s the link – http://www.conversiondiary.com/2008/04/reason-wonder-and-pope-benedict-xvi.html

So… grab a big cup of coffee, carve out an hour or so, and read on!

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Inspiration for the New Evangelization
http://www.missionmoment.org

The Shepherd Speaks

Just a couple of spiritual gems here for you, spoken Wednesday by himself to over 300 of the US bishops:

“Any tendency to treat religion as a private matter must be resisted. Only when their faith permeates every aspect of their lives do Christians become truly open to the transforming power of the Gospel.” (Pope Benedict XVI)

AMEN! How often are we taught or coerced into doing just the opposite? Never talking about the “G” word, or mentioning the grace of Jesus? But if the faith we profess is the antidote to the ills of society, is the breath of life that can fill America’s smoke-filled lungs, and is the joy that can overthrow the ennui of the culture today, why hide it? Why bury it under a bushel basket and keep that light from liberating and leading others?

On the vocation of marriage, the Pope said “it is essentially an unconditional and unreserved “yes” to life, a “yes” to love, and a “yes” to the aspirations at the heart of our common humanity, as we strive to fulfill our deep yearning for intimacy with others and with the Lord.”

Yes indeed! What a tribute to a vocation some used to see as “less than” the celibate call. But both lead us home and spill out self-giving love all the way! Both bring the power and love of God into the blood, sweat, and tears of life here, now.

Here’s a video clip of this address to the bishops. As I watched it, I thought “He doesn’t seem real excited…. in fact, he looks wiped.” Then I considered the fact that he’s 81 years old and being whisked around the planet, speaking, meeting, giving intense talks to religious leaders, diplomats, students, educators, etc. And did he get a chance to get over his jet-lag from Rome yet? What a guy!! May God give him a blast of strength and vigor for the rest of his journey.

(Today, the Pope has a little break, just two main events as posted at the Knights of Columbus site – www.papaltrip.com)

Friday, April 18, 10:45 a.m.
Pope Benedict XVI will address the United Nations, after an early morning flight to New York.

Friday, April 18, 6 p.m.
Prayer service with leaders from other Christian denominations at St. Joseph’s Church, founded by German Catholics, in Manhattan.

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Inspiration for the New Evangelization
http://www.missionmoment.org

If Jesus Preached Today…

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Inspiration for the New Evangelization
http://www.missionmoment.org

The Pope has Landed!

The Knights of Columbus have set up a very nice website following the Pope’s historic visit and journey through the USA. You can find it here.

“If we let Christ into our lives, we lose nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing of what makes life free, beautiful, and great. No! Only in this friendship are the doors of life opened wide. Only in this friendship is the great potential of human existence truly revealed.”

“We are not some casual and meaningless product of evolution. Each of us is the result of a thought of God. Each of us is willed, each of us is loved, each of us is necessary.”

– Pope Benedict XVI

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Inspiration for the New Evangelization
http://www.missionmoment.org