December Meeting Saturday December 3
Our December Saturday meeting will be Saturday, December 3, at 7:00 am, in the meeting room off the commons.
The meeting will start at 7:00 AM and finish by 7:55 AM so guys can attend Mass at 8:00 AM
The following will be our points for discussion from Practical Theology by Peter Kreeft.
Chapters 330-358 and postcript
We will also discuss topics for next year. Bring your ideas!
Thanks to Martin A for volunteering to facilitate our December meeting.
Thanks to Tom R for facilitating our November meeting!
Email lshadowen@aol.com to volunteer to facilitate a meeting!
EOR this Wednesday St. Bridget 6PM
Fr. Larry will be in town this Wednesday November 16 for an Evening of Recollection at St. Bridget Church 6PM.
November Meeting Saturday November 5
Our November Saturday meeting will be Saturday, November 5, at 7:00 am, in the meeting room off the commons.
The meeting will start at 7:00 AM and finish by 7:55 AM so guys can attend Mass at 8:00 AM
Note that this Saturday’s 8:00am Mass will be a Mass of Remembrance for deceased brother knights, in case anyone would like to attend after the meeting.
The following will be our points for discussion from Practical Theology by Peter Kreeft.
Chapters 310 - 330
Email from Tom:
Here are my notes for Saturday's session:
Gents,
Before I jump into a discussion outline, I wanted to include a link to a recent interview with Dr. Peter Kreeft on a Catholic podcast, Pints with Aquinas-
Morality, The Lord of the Rings, and Awkward Jokes w/ Dr Peter Kreeft
You can listen via Apple Podcasts or even watch on YouTube (link here). I have thoroughly enjoyed Pints with Aquinas and would recommend checking out other discussions or interviews (they tend to be very long, one to three hours).
Outline
Practical Theology, themes of sections 310-330 + a conversion story from 25 years ago (Dr. Mann- friend of my family and a father, grandfather, doctor, WWII veteran)
310-311: helping the dead + funerals
312-314: praying to saints (All Saints and Souls this week- very appropriate)
315-316: the second coming of Jesus, a new universe
317-329: the resurrection for us and heaven (body/age/gender; activities; concreteness/charity/impassibility; sin)
330: Two judgments (what and why)
I found the following sections to be of particular interest (*please find 1-2 sections that piqued your curiosity as it's always good to find the influence of the Spirit in various passages):
310- How We Can Help the Dead
If our prayers and works could not help the dead, then this would point toward death being stronger than love
Love (charity) is more than a feeling, but actually an "ontological (nature of being) union between souls"
God has provided faculties that transcend present time- memory and hope
Reminder that Purgatory is created by God out of love for our rehabilitation (not vengeance upon us!)
Initial thoughts- praying for the dead is good! The section also made me think of ancient Egyptian culture, specifically in regard to preparing tombs with food, clothing, etc. (not necessary but an interesting means to prepare a dead person for the "way" or journey of the soul).
317/318- Resurrection of the Body/Personal Identity of the Resurrection Body
Just as Christ has a material body in heaven (Ascension was not the undoing of the Incarnation), we will ultimately be a person comprised of both body (material) and soul (spirit)
Quote- "...a thing is more conformed to God when it has all that the condition of its (God-designed and God-created) nature requires."
Our present body is more ghostlike than that which we will have in heaven!
Common philosophical/theological errors- body as lesser or unimportant to the human person, reincarnation, soul pre-existence
Argument against abortion- we are not "two souls," one being animal/sensitive and the other being rational/spiritual... being one immortal, rational, spiritual soul from the moment of conception is more than just life as the zygote is an individual human being
Initial thoughts- I am reminded of trying to argue with a Jesuit priest about God's creation as arbitrary (in the confessional no less!). The "treat your body as a temple" saying fits well into this section, especially with St. Paul's note on the seriousness of sins against the body.
325- Wounds in the Resurrection Body
Jesus showed His Wounds to Thomas, yet His Body is resurrected... what does this mean for us?
Quote- "A certain beauty will shine through them, a beauty though in the body, yet not of the body but of virtue."
Compare a manipulated complexion of a movie star versus a wrinkled saint like Mother Theresa
Initial thoughts- how would each of us, our fam/friends, our culture find peace in this? There are those people (all of us in our own way, certainly) that actively destroy their bodies or reject what has been given to them or to others (masochism or sadism). Do we find confusion or beauty in this section?
330- The Need for Two Judgments
There are two last judgments- individual and particular
We need to be judged individually (this makes sense) but the social sin of the fallen world is what will be judged in the "Particular Judgment" (a la Book of Revelation?)
We only get a glimpse under the curtain of God's providential wisdom (possibly why we get hung up on justice and the problem of evil)
Initial thoughts- I enjoyed the Lord of the Rings reference from Kreeft (if you listen to the podcast you'll see he's quite the fan of Tolkein). This section really leads us into the last "hurrah" for our December meeting (more heaven, hell, and judgment).
General Questions
Where did you find inspiration, joy, or spiritual curiosity when reading 310-330?
What did you find confusing (anything that might warrant additional discussion, research, and prayer)?
Which passages might be linked directly or indirectly to other sections we have already read?
Godspeed,
Tom
You can purchase the book at:
The Catholic Company - https://www.catholiccompany.com/practical-theology-350-ways-your-mind-can-help-you-become-a-saint-i79986/
Thanks to Tom R for volunteering to facilitate our November meeting.
Thanks to Steve G for facilitating our October meeting!
Email lshadowen@aol.com to volunteer to facilitate a meeting!
Kozak's Korner - Recommended Media
Saint Series Movies—Fathom Events
https://www.fathomevents.com/series/the-saint-series
Both movies at a number of theaters in the area - see link above
Mother Teresa: No Greater Love Encore Nov 2 and 3
Back by Popular Demand! Twenty-five years have passed since the death of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, sparking a renewed interest in this spiritual giant of the 20th century. Filmed on 5 continents and featuring unprecedented access to institutional archives and the apostolates of the Missionaries of Charity, this film reveals not just who Mother Teresa was, but how her singular vision to serve Christ in the poor continues to be realized through the Missionaries of Charity today.
Prophet Nov 15 and 17
PROPHET is a new feature film about Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński - the Primate of Poland, who, after three years of imprisonment at the hands of the communist regime, is later restored as the head of the Church in Poland. The film brings to a wider view the unknown threads from the heroic life of Cardinal Wyszyński on the canvas of historical events important for Poland and the world.
New biopic on Blessed Stefan Wyszyński promises to be a real blockbuster
Novena to the Mother of God for The Nation
‘Tis the Season
https://www.thecatholicthing.org/
PRC of Metro Richmond 40th Anniversary Gala—November 18
https://secure.fundeasy.com/ministrysync/event/home.php?e=23536
November Meeting Saturday November 5
Our November Saturday meeting will be Saturday, November 5, at 7:00 am, in the meeting room off the commons.
Note: We will be in the meeting room off the commons
The meeting will start at 7:00 AM and finish by 7:55 AM so guys can attend Mass at 8:00 AM
Note that this Saturday’s 8:00am Mass will be a Mass of Remembrance for deceased brother knights, in case anyone would like to attend after the meeting.
The following will be our points for discussion from Practical Theology by Peter Kreeft.
Chapters 310 - 330
You can purchase the book at:
The Catholic Company - https://www.catholiccompany.com/practical-theology-350-ways-your-mind-can-help-you-become-a-saint-i79986/
Thanks to Tom R for volunteering to facilitate our November meeting.
Thanks to Steve G for facilitating our October meeting!
Email lshadowen@aol.com to volunteer to facilitate a meeting!
No Evening of Recollection in November
There will not be a November evening of recollection this week. Stay tuned for December information.
November Meeting Saturday November 5
Our November Saturday meeting will be Saturday, November 5, at 7:00 am, in the meeting room off the commons.
Note: We will be in the meeting room off the commons
The meeting will start at 7:00 AM and finish by 7:55 AM so guys can attend Mass at 8:00 AM
The following will be our points for discussion from Practical Theology by Peter Kreeft.
Chapters 310 - 330
You can purchase the book at:
The Catholic Company - https://www.catholiccompany.com/practical-theology-350-ways-your-mind-can-help-you-become-a-saint-i79986/
Thanks to Tom R for volunteering to facilitate our November meeting.
Thanks to Steve G for facilitating our October meeting!
Email lshadowen@aol.com to volunteer to facilitate a meeting!
Octoberfest 2022! Be Sure and Register!
November Meeting Saturday November 5
Our November Saturday meeting will be Saturday, November 5, at 7:00 am, in the meeting room off the commons.
Note: We will be in the meeting room off the commons
The meeting will start at 7:00 AM and finish by 7:55 AM so guys can attend Mass at 8:00 AM
The following will be our points for discussion from Practical Theology by Peter Kreeft.
Chapters 310 - 330
You can purchase the book at:
The Catholic Company - https://www.catholiccompany.com/practical-theology-350-ways-your-mind-can-help-you-become-a-saint-i79986/
Thanks to Tom R for volunteering to facilitate our November meeting.
Thanks to Steve G for facilitating our October meeting!
Email lshadowen@aol.com to volunteer to facilitate a meeting!
Octoberfest 2022! Be Sure and Register!
November Meeting Saturday November 5
Our November Saturday meeting will be Saturday, November 5, at 7:00 am, in the meeting room off the commons.
Note: We will be in the meeting room off the commons
The meeting will start at 7:00 AM and finish by 7:55 AM so guys can attend Mass at 8:00 AM
The following will be our points for discussion from Practical Theology by Peter Kreeft.
Chapters 310 - 330
You can purchase the book at:
The Catholic Company - https://www.catholiccompany.com/practical-theology-350-ways-your-mind-can-help-you-become-a-saint-i79986/
Thanks to Tom R for volunteering to facilitate our November meeting.
Thanks to Steve G for facilitating our October meeting!
Email lshadowen@aol.com to volunteer to facilitate a meeting!
November Meeting Saturday November 5
Our November Saturday meeting will be Saturday, November 5, at 7:00 am, in the meeting room off the commons.
Note: We will be in the meeting room off the commons
The meeting will start at 7:00 AM and finish by 7:55 AM so guys can attend Mass at 8:00 AM
The following will be our points for discussion from Practical Theology by Peter Kreeft.
Chapters 310 - 330
You can purchase the book at:
The Catholic Company - https://www.catholiccompany.com/practical-theology-350-ways-your-mind-can-help-you-become-a-saint-i79986/
Thanks to Tom R for volunteering to facilitate our November meeting.
Thanks to Steve G for facilitating our October meeting!
Email lshadowen@aol.com to volunteer to facilitate a meeting!
Kozak's Korner - Recommended Media
7 things to know about Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s likely new Catholic prime minister – Catholic World Report
Note from Mike: Wow. Scroll down for the Twitter video. It is subtitled, but you need to listen to it, volume up, to get the full effect.
Throwing St. John Paul II Under the Bus (Hat tip to Paul K)
What We Believe: The Beauty of the Catholic Faith – Ascension
https://ascensionpress.com/collections/what-we-believe-the-beauty-of-the-catholic-faith
Note from Mike: 10 sessions, with 30 minute videos for each. Interesting, perhaps include with our list of options for our next venture
On the Power of the Powerless – Catholic World Report
https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2022/10/08/on-the-power-of-the-powerless/
40 Days for Life
https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/richmond
Foundations of Faith Lecture: October 23 > St. Bridget Catholic Church
November Meeting Saturday November 1
Our November Saturday meeting will be Saturday, November 5, at 7:00 am, in the meeting room off the commons.
Note: We will be in the meeting room off the commons
The meeting will start at 7:00 AM and finish by 7:55 AM so guys can attend Mass at 8:00 AM
The following will be our points for discussion from Practical Theology by Peter Kreeft.
Chapters 310 - 330
You can purchase the book at:
The Catholic Company - https://www.catholiccompany.com/practical-theology-350-ways-your-mind-can-help-you-become-a-saint-i79986/
Need someone to volunteer to facilitate our November meeting.
Thanks to Steve G for facilitating our October meeting!
Email lshadowen@aol.com to volunteer to facilitate a meeting!
Octoberfest 2022! Be Sure and Register!
Octoberfest 2022!
October Meeting Saturday October 1
Our October Saturday meeting will be this Saturday, October 1, at 7:00 am, in the meeting room off the commons.
Note: We will be in the meeting room off the commons
The meeting will start at 7:00 AM and finish by 7:55 AM so guys can attend Mass at 8:00 AM
The following will be our points for discussion from Practical Theology by Peter Kreeft.
Chapters 290 - 309
Email from Steve:
Leon – could you post these notes for Saturday mornings session? Many thanks, Steve
Team — On October 1, we will cover lessons 290 through 309 of Practical Theology. Because it is difficult to get through all of the lessons in about 45 to 50 minutes, I’ve decided to pick several that seem to be the most interesting and focus on one quote from that lesson which I’ll use to start the discussion. Of course, that’s not intended to be exclusive and anyone should feel free to focus on other quotes in the lesson, or debate why I happen to choose this one. And, if I skip over lessons that struck you as very important, let’s focus on those as well. In any event, I hope these are good conversation starters.
Steve
290. What Penance Does to Sin.
“Thus Saint Thomas gives two very strong reasons for his radically optimistic conclusion that there can be no sin that is unforgivable in this life: to say the contrary would deny free well and it would rank our sin greater than God‘s mercy.“
293. We Don’t Get Off Scot-free.
“Even repented sin still leaves its tracks, it’s affects, in the soul … These are effects too must be removed, and that is the purpose of the punishments or penance is that remain even after sin is forgiven .… We must freely cooperate with God‘s sanctifying grace in Purgatory, and we should “rehearse“ for those on earth by accepting the humblings and humiliations that come to us in this life.“ (Italics mine.)
[How are we to know that any given “humbling or humiliation” is divine punishment, as opposed to one of the vagaries of life? And how are we to know which sin we are being punished for?]
295. Exchange: Bearing One Another’s Burdens
“ When we row each other’s boats, when we feed each other, we accomplish more than when we work only for ourselves, precisely because it is done out of charity, which is most powerful to overcomes sins.“
299. Indulgences
“If you jettison any part of the divinely commissioned cargo, you claim the authority to jettison any other as well.“
This one struck me in a particular way. It reminded me of the passage in chapter 3 of Genesis in which, while tempting Eve, the serpent says that if she and Adam eat the fruit of the tree “you will be like gods who know what is good and what is bad.“
I relate that to a letter in the Wall Street Journal this week by a self proclaimed “Cafeteria Catholic“ who proudly stated that she had learned in Catholic Schools that “our conscience is our ultimate guide“. That is to say, if Cafeteria Catholics can jettison part of Catholic doctrine because their “conscience“ tells them that it’s not needed, then they claim the authority to jettison all the other parts as well, do they not?
302. The Essence of Matrimony
“Therefore matrimony is the first sacrament, the only natural as well as supernatural sacrament, the most important sacrament for society, and the completist reflection of the ‘image of God’.“
304. Heaven as a Real Place
“And if we demand more clarity about this “manner“ [that heaven is a manner of place], Saint Thomas replies that it is “a manner that cannot be fully manifest to us“. Naturally. Why would we expect an unborn baby to understand “what places“ mean after birth? All he knows is the womb, a single place with no edges or contrast. We are in a similar situation; only after death will we experience it, and only then be able to understand it.“
[This passage provided an insight to me that I had not thought of before. Imagining what heaven must be like as a “place“ always struck me as some thing deeply spiritual and subjective. However, I think Saint Thomas is telling us that heaven is an actual “place“ which we have no real hope of understanding based on our limited experience any more than a unborn baby can understand what life is like outside of the womb. He can only begin to understand that reality once he passes from the world. In our case, we will only be able to understand the reality of heaven after we pass from this life.]
307. Heaven Is Pure Good but Hell Is Not Pure Evil.
“A hater of God who is something of a lover of man on earth would not be punished severely as a hater of God who was not a lover of men at all.“
[Can it be that there is a hierarchy of punishment in hell? Or, as I understood it, do you all those in hell suffer eternal punishment in the same way?]
You can purchase the book at:
The Catholic Company - https://www.catholiccompany.com/practical-theology-350-ways-your-mind-can-help-you-become-a-saint-i79986/
Thanks again to Bill A for the great pancake breakfast to start our September meeting!
Thanks to Steve G for volunteering to facilitate our October meeting.
Thanks to Steve S for facilitating our September meeting!
Email lshadowen@aol.com to volunteer to facilitate a meeting!
October Meeting Saturday October 1
Our October Saturday meeting will be this Saturday, October 1, at 7:00 am, in the meeting room off the commons.
Note: We will be in the meeting room off the commons
The meeting will start at 7:00 AM and finish by 7:55 AM so guys can attend Mass at 8:00 AM
The following will be our points for discussion from Practical Theology by Peter Kreeft.
Chapters 290 - 310
You can purchase the book at:
The Catholic Company - https://www.catholiccompany.com/practical-theology-350-ways-your-mind-can-help-you-become-a-saint-i79986/
Thanks again to Bill A for the great pancake breakfast to start our September meeting!
Thanks to Steve G for volunteering to facilitate our October meeting.
Thanks to Steve S for facilitating our September meeting!
Email lshadowen@aol.com to volunteer to facilitate a meeting!
October Meeting Saturday October 1
Our October Saturday meeting will be this Saturday, October 1, at 7:00 am, in the meeting room off the commons.
Note: We will be in the meeting room off the commons
The meeting will start at 7:00 AM and finish by 7:55 AM so guys can attend Mass at 8:00 AM
The following will be our points for discussion from Practical Theology by Peter Kreeft.
Chapters 290 - 310
You can purchase the book at:
The Catholic Company - https://www.catholiccompany.com/practical-theology-350-ways-your-mind-can-help-you-become-a-saint-i79986/
Thanks again to Bill A for the great pancake breakfast to start our September meeting!
Thanks to Steve G for volunteering to facilitate our October meeting.
Thanks to Steve S for facilitating our September meeting!
Email lshadowen@aol.com to volunteer to facilitate a meeting!