There Be Dragons

You've heard me on many occasions quote the writings of St. Josemaria Escriva.  In less than a month (May 6) the movie There Be Dragons will be released.  The movie is a fictionalized account of the early life of St. Josemaría Escrivá, set before and during the Spanish Civil War. The film addresses some wonderful themes, such as the greatness of the priesthood, faith, and forgiveness.

I would like us to plan a viewing of the film with our friends and family. Because the movie graphically displays the violence of the Spanish Civil War it is not appropriate for young viewers; it is rated PG-13.

If we generate enough interest, we could reserve a section of the theater for the viewing.

Catholic Toolbox: Parish Mission

St. Alphonsus Liguori is responsible for creating the first Parish Lenten Missions through his religious order - the Redemptorists. They conducted the first missions in the 18th Century.  One hundred years later, they brought the Parish Lenten Missions to the United States.

A parish mission consists of a series of preaching events, usually conducted over two or three nights.  Today, parish missions may be lead by a priest from several religious orders or even lay people like Scott Hahn and Tim Staples.  The focus of the mission is the Word of God,  Catholic doctrine and Catholic practice. The preaching generally stresses individual development of a personal relationship with Christ.  Additionally, for the parish community the emphasis is on developing a greater sense of community within the parish and a greater sense of service within that local church community.

Last year, St. Catherine hosted a Pentecostal Parish Mission. This year, the parish is returning to the more traditional Lenten Parish Mission format. Father Thomas McDermott, a priest of the Order of Dominican preachers, will be leading the mission. He will speak on the spirituality of the parish patron, St. Catherine of Siena. The mission will conducted the evenings of April 6th-8th in the main church.

Below is a video of Father McDermott on EWTN.

Saint Talk: St. Catherine of Siena

St. Catherine of Siena, our parish patron, is one of three women elevated to the title of Doctor of the Church. She was a 14th Century mystic who had visions of Christ and Mary beginning at an early age. Later in life, she joined Dominicans as a tertiary or Third Order lay member. 

She is best known were work the Dialogue and for being instrumental in convincing the pope to return to Rome. She suffered from the stigmata, although invisible to all until her death when the wounds were revealed.  She is also one of the incorruptibles. We celebrate her feast day on April 29th.

New Advent on St. Catherine

EWTN on St. Catherine

SQPN on St. Catherine

FAQ: Washing of the Feet

The washing of the feet is a liturgical practice included in the Holy Thursday Mass. The norm is for the priest to wash the feet of twelve men from the parish. This ritual symbolically represents Christ's washing of the apostle's feet in the gospel. (See John 13)

Why Men?

Church Directives

[Updated 12/30/11]