• Art
  • Book Reviews
  • Catechism
  • Games
  • Music
  • Special Needs
  • Technology
  • Theology

Amazing Catechists

Teaching and learning the faith together

Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • Patron Saint of Amazing Catechists
    • Donations
  • Lisa Mladinich
  • Columnists
    • Browse by Topic
      • #giveaway
      • Art
      • Campus Ministry
      • Catechetics
      • Catechism
      • Catechist Training
      • Catholic Spirituality
      • Church Documents
      • Columnists
      • Culture
      • Elementary School
      • Evangelization
      • Family Life
      • Featured
      • Games
      • General
      • Grief Resources
      • High School
      • Homeschooling
      • Liturgical
      • Mary
      • Middle School
      • Music
      • New Age
      • NFP/Chastity
      • Prayer
      • RCIA & Adult Ed
      • Reader Suggestions
      • Sacraments
      • Scripture
      • Special Needs
      • Spiritual Warfare
      • Technology
      • Theology
      • Therapeutic
      • Video
      • Vocations
    • Browse by Author
      • Alex Basile
      • Alice Gunther
      • Amanda Woodiel
      • Cay Gibson
      • Christian LeBlanc
      • Christopher Smith
      • Deanna Bartalini
      • Dorian Speed
      • Elizabeth Ficocelli
      • Elizabeth Tichvon
      • Ellen Gable Hrkach
      • Faith Writer
      • Father Juan R. Velez
      • Gabe Garnica
      • Jeannie Ewing
      • Jennifer Fitz
      • Justin Combs
      • Karee Santos
      • Lisa Mladinich
      • Marc Cardaronella
      • Maria Rivera
      • Mary Ellen Barrett
      • Mary Lou Rosien
      • Maureen Smith
      • Msgr. Robert Batule
      • Msgr. Charles Pope
      • Pat Gohn
      • Peggy Clores
      • Robyn Lee
      • Rocco Fortunato
      • Sarah Reinhard
      • Steve McVey
      • Tanja Cilia
      • William O’Leary
  • Resources
    • Bible Stories
    • Book Reviews
    • Catholic Cartoons
    • Catholic Links
    • Interviews
  • Speakers
  • Contact us

Jesus’ Missionary Healers

By Maureen Smith

A few years ago, as I was ushering my 3rd grade Sunday School class to our annual Advent confession day, I reminded them that Jesus was present in the Tabernacle. One of the girls repeated the word “Tabernacle” several times, as if chewing on the word, before proclaiming, “Tabernacle…that’s my favorite word!” It became the word that grounded us when lessons about the Trinity and Church teaching somehow became a weekly update about everyone’s pets. The Tabernacle was our anchor, and each class I reminded them that Jesus was present in that gold box called a Tabernacle whenever they saw that red sanctuary candle lit.

As our Church grapples with the sorrows of the past few months, I feel buoyed up by this memory. It reminds me that our Church is made of much more than the few people who have led us to disappointment and doubt, and I feel emboldened to pray the Creed. Yes, Lord I believe in One God…

I believe that there is a power in being a broken Church. Certainly the Apostles, who felt the corruption and blasphemy of the leaders of their faith at the Church’s very beginnings, must have felt similar emotions. Who can I trust? Is the Lord really present in this Church? Is it worth staying?

Years ago, when I lived in Rome, my parish was Sancta Maria in Trastevere. In the early Church, the taverns, which occupied the Church’s current location, became the very place where the Gospel was spread and hearts were converted to Christ. This bit of history reminds me that the Gospel is not meant to be experienced solely within the confines of the physical church building, and that Jesus Christ is not meant to be kept on reserve in the Tabernacle like a book in a library. Rather, we are all, priest and parishioner alike, meant to proclaim that Gospel and bring that Presence of Christ wherever we go. We are both Tabernacle and sanctuary candle, alive with Christ, present within us, and aflame with the joy of Love Incarnate.

A few years ago, the Holy Father challenged us to be “Missionary Disciples.” I think that, particularly now, we must also be Missionary Healers. Every person is wounded, even (and perhaps most especially) the wound-er. We must accept into our hearts the broken, those who feel alone and rejected. We must give them a resting place in our hearts so that they can experience the warmth of Christ’s Presence in our hearts. Often it is in this moment of mercy that I recognize He is really there.

The world is cold and dark, but His Presence is still aflame, even if it feels like the dying embers of a once roaring fire. The fact remains that light is more powerful than darkness. Even in the darkness we have the moon and stars for light, just as we have Our Lady and the saints (and each other!), giving us hope, pointing us to the sun we cannot see.

We must have faith even when those who promise to lead us go astray, and remain strong in our defense of Christ and His Church, even when our offense fails. We must pray for our leaders, our parish priests who are on the front lines, the offensive line, if you will, taking the hits even when the quarterback fumbles. We are the defense and special teams! We must support our faithful offense, the clergy, who lead us to closer to the endzone, to our Heavenly goal, to become saints in God’s kingdom.

Only God knows the trajectory of our Church. It is my hope, however, that this horrific experience will generate saints of all states of life. Our faith is stronger than sin, as it is made of the very Presence of Christ in our hearts, so long as we let Him remain there. We are living Tabernacles, charged with bringing healing to our broken world. Together we can rebuild His Church, a mission not unique to Saint Francis.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that each of us is broken, wounded by sin, others, and the fallen world in which we live. To all of you, let Christ heal you! He accepts you, as broken as you are. You are never too broken for God.

When you find yourself feeling lost remember the anchor. You are a Tabernacle, Jesus Christ is with you, and you have a mission. Our Church will never crumble because Christ is truly present in our sanctuaries, in our hearts, and in those of countless other Christians. Wherever you are, at home or in your car, at work or school, in a bar or a tavern, you are a Missionary Healer, because you are His and He is yours.

Read all posts by Maureen Smith Filed Under: Catholic Spirituality, Culture, Evangelization, Featured, General, Prayer, Sex Abuse Crisis Tagged With: blessed sacrament, creed, disciples, Eucharist, faith, heal, Healing, hearts, Jesus, Lisa Mladinich, mercy, prayer, Tabernacle

Resources: Faithful Priests, Bishops, and Lay People Rally the Church in the Midst of Crisis

By Lisa Mladinich

UPDATED

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I will add to this round-up of resources, as new and important videos, articles, and letters come across my desk, so our readers have a central place to look for help in responding to the current and ongoing crisis of predatory behavior in the Church. Please share more links in the comments.

UPDATED: 9/11/18

Our Lady’s Prophecies Being Fulfilled? (Aleteia)

(Exclusive) Cardinal Caffarra: “What Sr. Lucia wrote to me is being fulfilled today”

Prophetic Witness of the Laity in the Present Crisis of the Church

The Truth about Sexual Abuse by Clergy

 

Here’s a meme floating around on the Internet, quoting my favorite “Venerable” Fulton J. Sheen. I’d love to know the source and give credit!

UPDATE: Taking the Gay Priest Issue Seriously

(WARNING: The first section of this article includes a brief, but graphic, description of a sex act)

Taking The Gay Priest Issue Seriously

UPDATE:  The Sermon That Cost a Brave Priest His Job:

The Sermon That Cost A Brave Priest His Job

UPDATE: What is Reparation? And Why is it My Best Response to Evil? (Aleteia)

What is reparation? And why is it my best response to evil?

UPDATE: Long Island Priests Fasting in Reparation for Abuse in the Church (Aleteia)

Priests on Long Island undertake 25-day “communal penance of fasting”

UPDATE: Dr. Janet Smith on the need to “eradicate” homosexual networks in the Church: 

https://cal-catholic.com/another-catholic-woman-speaks-out-after-mccarrick-revelations/

A letter from Catholic women to the Holy Father, which now has over 15,000 signatures (The National Catholic Register reports):

https://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/we-deserve-answers-now-catholic-women-pen-letter-to-pope

 

Must-Watch Videos:

How to Recognize Judas in Your Midst: Fr. John Lankeit, rector of Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral in Phoenix, delivered this powerful message to his flock, referring to heretical and immoral clerics as “Father Iscariot”:

https://www.ncregister.com/blog/dan-burke/must-watch-video-how-to-recognize-judas-in-your-midst#.W4tjfgSX0K_.facebook

GREAT homily: History of the Invasion of the Church by Marxists and Predatory Homosexuals, and Our Lady’s Plan: An outstanding and informative homily from Fr. Robert Altier of St. Raphael Parish in Crystal, MN (recently shared at this website):

https://amazingcatechists.com/2018/08/our-lady-is-coming-to-clean-house/


Articles With Helpful Links and Testimonies:

Oklahoma Archbishop Paul Coakley : I’ve ‘deepest respect’ for Viganó. His claims demand ‘deeper examination’:

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/oklahoma-archbishop-ive-deepest-respect-for-vigano.-his-claims-demand-deepe

The above LifeSiteNews article also provides links to the statements of other Catholic leaders, as well:

Cardinal Raymond Burke, Bishop Athanasius Schneider, Phoenix Bishop Thomas Olmsted, Tyler Texas, Bishop Joseph Strickland, Madison Bishop Robert Morlino, San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone and Springfield, Illinois Bishop Thomas Paprocki.

 

Bishop Robert C. Morlino’s letter to the people of the Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin. He has been aggressively pursuing this issue in his own diocese for years, so he addresses his flock with clear moral authority:

https://www.catholicaction.org/bishop_robert_c_morlino_s_letter_to_the_faithful?utm_campaign=support_bishop_morlino&utm_medium=email&utm_source=catholicaction


Bishop Joseph Strickland of Galveston, TX, calls for an investigation
of the Church at the highest levels and orders his priests to disseminate Archbishop Vigano’s 11-page letter via their bulletins and social media:

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/texas-bishop-urges-thorough-investigation-of-allegations-against-pope-franc


Auxiliary Bishop Robert Barron comments
on the scandals, calling them “demonic and diabolical,” and calls for “the Vatican” to appoint qualified lay-people to investigate. (Prayers that the right people at that level are tasked with this important initiative!):
https://www.thetablet.co.uk/texts-speeches-homilies/4/1182/brandon-vogt-interview-of-bishop-robert-barron

Read all posts by Lisa Mladinich Filed Under: Featured, Lisa's Updates, Resources, Sex Abuse Crisis, Topical Tagged With: Archbishop Paul Coakley, Archbishop Vigano, Bishop Joseph Strickland, Bishop Robert Barron, Bishop Robert C. Morlino, Dr. Janet Smith, Fr. John Lankeit, Fr. Robert Altier, Letter from Catholic Women, LifeSiteNews, National Catholic Register, St. Raphael Catholic Church, The Tablet

Outrage and Grief: The Nuncio’s Letter and My Response

By Lisa Mladinich

“In an extraordinary 11-page written statement…Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, 77, claims that Pope Francis knew about strict canonical sanctions imposed on McCarrick by Pope Benedict XVI but chose to repeal them.” LifeSite News

I have read the Nuncio’s letter with outrage and grief. So much of what I have sensed, in recent years, appears to be true, and we, as members of Christ’s wounded Body, now have the opportunity to address issues of corruption within the Church more openly than ever before. The following is a personal response.

Our beloved Church is infected with a monstrous disease that must be cut out completely, so the Body of Christ can heal. But I am not afraid. I know that we are Davids, and this monster is merely another Goliath trying to appear too large for the small stones of our faith, hope, and love. I believe with all my heart that the giant will be eradicated from the Church, but it will take much time and courage. We must unite with faithful priests, friends, and family–and “be not afraid.”

I am asking Our Lord what I can personally do, and I suspect that fasting and praying are the first steps, followed by repenting of my own sins and doing my best to live in holiness and trust. Beyond that, I am discerning.

I am comforted that Peter walked through the storm-tossed waves as long as his eyes were on Christ (Matt 14:22-23). I pray that the faithful will be able to do the same, resisting the urge to sink into the waves of grief and humiliation by redoubling their efforts to be God’s light on the lampstand, their eyes fixed firmly on Jesus. But even when we do sink into our own human frailty, I pray that we will always reach for the hand of Jesus and let him lift us back into the safety and comfort of his friendship.

In 1969, long before he was Pope Benedict XVI, Father Joseph Ratzinger prophesied that the Church would undergo a dramatic transformation, that it would be attacked and scorned and severely wounded from within, leaving only a small, poor, faithful remnant to carry on the work of Christ’s love in the world. But he also indicated that the faithful remnant would inspire the world to holiness, rescuing souls from the deep loneliness of living without God.

I believe that the corridors of wealth and power within the Church will crumble, yet Our Lord will be faithful to nourish and bless those who persevere with confidence and humility. I also believe that there will be those among the ranks of the corrupt who will experience conversion and redemption, as a result of our offered sufferings, prayers, and acts of trust.

It is vitally important that each of us engage and do what we can to help in this work, but it is even more important that we live each day faithful to our individual vocations: walking in faith each day, loving those God has placed in our lives, and providing a visible sign of hope to others.

It helps me to think of Jesus carrying his cross, the braying mob all around him seeing only his defeat. And yet, Our Lord loved each of them personally and kept rising from the ground, certain of the beauty and power of his sacrifice.

Joining our pain to his cross will magnify our efforts and fill us with the heroic love that is so sorely needed, now. In heaven, we will see the fruits of this struggle and the myriad of ways that God’s glory and power shone through our small efforts.

Love,

Lisa

Image detail captured from CatholicPrayerCards.org. Click for ordering information.

Read all posts by Lisa Mladinich Filed Under: Art, Featured, Lisa's Updates, Sex Abuse Crisis Tagged With: Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, Pope Francis, sex abuse crisis

Follow Us!

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

What’s New?

microphoneNEED A SPEAKER FOR YOUR NEXT IN-SERVICE?

Amazing Catechists can help!

Visit our Speakers page to access our available speakers and topics. And if you don't see what you are looking for, send a comment through the website, and we will get right back to you!

Catholic CD of the month club

Sign up for our Newsletter!

Columnists

Alice Gunther

Amanda Woodiel

Cay Gibson

Christian LeBlanc

Christopher Smith

Deanna Bartalini

Dorian Speed

Elizabeth Ficocelli

Elizabeth Tichvon

Ellen Gable Hrkach

Faith Writer

Father Juan Velez

Gabriel Garnica

Jeannie Ewing

Jennifer Fitz

Karee Santos

Lisa Mladinich

Marc Cardaronella

Mary Ellen Barrett

Mary Lou Rosien

Maureen Smith

Monsignor Robert Batule

Msgr. Charles Pope

Pat Gohn

Peggy Clores

Robyn Lee

Rocco Fortunato

Sarah Reinhard

Sherine Green

Sr. Teresa Joseph fma

Steve McVey

Tanja Cilia

William O’Leary

Archives

Share Amazing Catechists at your website!

Amazing Catechists

[footer_backtotop]

Copyright © 2022 Amazing Catechists. · Log in