Adventures in 1 Corinthians on Saturday, February 4th

No Basketball on Wednesday, December 14th

There will be no basketball on Wednesday, December 14th at St. Joseph Catholic Church due to a school play setup in the gym.  There will be basketball the the 21st, 28th and 4th.

Apologetics: Do Catholic Worship Mary on Thursday, December 8th at 7pm

Are you able to explain why you believe the teachings of the Catholic Faith?  Would you like to get better at discussing Church teachings with non-Catholics?  Would you like to know why Catholics believe what they believe?  Join us for Apologetics, the defense of Catholic Doctrine.  We will be having a presentation on Thursday, December 8th at 7pm on Mary.  Do Catholics worship Mary?  How do you answer those who disagree?  Or just come with a good argument.  Sponsored by the Young Adults, but open to all.  Located at St. Joseph Catholic Church in the Gathering Place in Moorhead, MN.  Mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception starts at 5:45pm.  There will be tacos available to eat after for those attending the apologetics talk which starts at 7pm.  Email fmcyainfo@gmail.com for more information.  Childcare is available upon request.

No Basketball on Wednesday Before Thanksgiving

There will not be basketball at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Wednesday, November 23rd due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Volleyball Player

Interested in joining a volleyball league?  Email ryanmaryjohnson@hotmail.com.

Tuesday evenings, November 29-February 21, cost is $34.50 per player.

Hark, The Hairy Beardies Sing! on Friday, December 2nd at 8pm

Apologetics: Homosexuality on Thursday, November 10th

Are you able to explain why you believe the teachings of the Catholic Faith?  Would you like to get better at discussing Church teachings with non-Catholics?  Would you like to know why Catholics believe what they believe?  Join us for Apologetics, the defense of Catholic Doctrine.  We will be having a presentation on Thursday, November 10th at 7pm on Homosexuality.  Why does the Church teach what it teaches?  How do you answer those who disagree?  Or just come with a good argument.   Sponsored by the Young Adults, but open to all.  Located at St. Joseph Catholic Church in the Gathering Place in Moorhead, MN.  Email fmcyainfo@gmail.com for more information.  Childcare is available upon request.

There is Daily Mass before at 5:45pm!

Marriage Blueprint on Thursday, November 3rd

The young adults are working with Psychologist Steve Winfrey to present a small part of Steve's program called Marriage Blueprint on Thursday, November 3rd.  We'll have daily Mass at 5:45pm followed by the program which will include dinner and will go until about 8:30pm.  There will be childcare and food as well.  He is excellent - you will not be disappointed!  Please RSVP by contacting Josh at fmcyainfo@gmail.com

Apologetics: Was Jesus God? on Thursday, October 20th

Are you able to explain why you believe the teachings of the Catholic Faith?  Would you like to get better at discussing Church teachings with non-Catholics?  Would you like to know why Catholics believe what they believe?  Join us for Apologetics, the defense of Catholic Doctrine.  We will be having a presentation on Thursday, October 20th at 7pm on the divinity of Jesus.  Sponsored by the Young Adults, but open to all.  Located at St. Joseph Catholic Church in the Gathering Place in Moorhead, MN.  Email fmcyainfo@gmail.com for more information.  Childcare is available upon request.

There is Daily Mass before at 5:45pm and pizza following!

Square Dancing at St. Anthony of Padua on Oct. 22nd

Some Catholic young adults will be attending the square dance at St. Anthony of Padua (Fargo) Oct 22. There is no cost so come have some fun and learn something new! Dance starts at 7:30pm. - no date necessary.

The Beardies Return to the Moorhead KofC Club on Saturday, October 22nd!

Did you see the Beardies perform on St. Patrick's Day at the Moorhead KofC Club?  They're back!

An all ages, family friendly show called "Beardiefest" booked on Saturday, October 22nd from 8pm-10pm at the Moorhead Knights of Columbus. Expect Irish folk music, banjos, beer, dancing, and fun for everyone. We hope you can make it!

The Beardies Bio: "Take a good look at yourself in the mirror. Add some facial hair and a love for Catholic culture. What have you got? A revolutionary movement in the music world whose goal is to restore the original prowess of Catholicism in youth and modern society. You’ve got one quarter of The Beardies: four average guys with average talent playing better than average songs. Songs that come from the heart and speak to the heart. Sit back, relax, and…wait. Scratch that. Get up, clap your hands, and raise a glass (or three) to the Holy Trinity, the triumph of Truth, and the beardliness of beards."

"Bearding brings people together." So tell your friends!

How To Avoid Marrying a Jerk on Saturday, October 29th

Young Adult Rome Trip

Daily Mass and a Meal

Young Adult Mass & a Meal: Thursday, October 20^th 5:30pm Mass in the Magnificat daily Mass chapel at Sts. Anne & Joachim then out to eat!  RSVP to Katie.dubas@fargodiocese.org  If you’ve never come to this, you should – Fr. Paul gives a feisty homily and we have a great time!

Catholic Bible Study

You are invited to be part of a Catholic Bible Study:  Dr. Jan George will be teaching a bible study at Sts. Anne & Joachim on Acts of the Apostles, starting Tuesday, September 27 from 7-8 p.m. and meeting every other Tuesday for 14 sessions. To register: email catholicbiblestudy@cableone.net or leave a message at 701-235-6344

Fr. Larry Richards Speaking at Sts. Anne and Joachim on September 19th-22nd!

WHAT:  "4 Easy Steps to Encounter Christ in Your Everyday Life"

WHEN:  September 19-22, starting at 7 p.m. each evening

COST:  FREE (Free will offering last night of mission)

• September 19 - "God's Love and Prayer" - Practical information on how to pray

• September 20 - "Mass & Love of Others" - Gift of the Mass and importance of family

• September 21 - "Passion of Christ and the Need for Confession" - How the passion gives us freedom from sin and forgiveness of our sins

• September 22 - "Adoration and Healing" - Healing service and new life of discipleship 

About Fr. Larry

Fr. Larry Richards is the founder and president of "The Reason for Our Hope" Foundation and pastor from Erie, PA. The purpose of the mission is to help people grow in their love for God and give them hope and direction in their daily lives. Fr. Larry hosts a nightly radio show called "Changed Forever with Father Larry Richards," heard locally on Real Presence Radio, AM1280 every Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Fr. Larry Richards has conducted hundreds of parish missions, conferences, and retreats. He is known to make the love of God real in his presentations. Fr. Larry has many media presentations on "The Truth," "The Mass Explained," and "Confession," with hundreds of thousands distributed worldwide. At all his parish missions, Fr. Larry promises two things: you will never be bored, and your life will be changed forever.

Apologetics: The Bible Alone?, Thursday, September 15th at 7pm

Are you able to explain why you believe the teachings of the Catholic Faith?  Would you like to get better at discussing Church teachings with non-Catholics?  Would you like to know why Catholics believe what they believe?  Join us for Apologetics, the defense of Catholic Doctrine.  We will be having a presentation on Thursday, September 15th at 7-mon the Sola Scripture/The Bible Alone.  Sponsored by the Young Adults.  Located at St. Joseph Catholic Church (in the basement) in Moorhead, MN.  Email fmcyainfo@gmail.com for more information.  Childcare is available upon request.

"The Beardies" will be playing on Real Presence Radio this Friday from 5-6pm

"The Beardies" who played at the young adult St. Patrick's Day gathering will be playing on Real Presence Radio this Friday from 5-6pm.  It would be great if everyone would tune in to AM 1280 and show some support to a great group of Catholic guys.

Thursday, September 1st: Daily Mass and Potluck Grillout, Volleyball at Townsite Park

The young adults will be having Daily Mass on Thursday, September 1st at 5:45pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church.  A potluck grillout will follow along with volleyball across the street at Townsite Park.  Kids welcome!  Please RSVP with fmcyainfo@gmail.com

Fall 2011 Young Adult Events at St. Joseph Catholic Church

Of Gods and Men Movie Discussion

We're going to start intermingling our book discussions with movie discussions!  Our first discussion will be on the recently released on DVD movie, Of Gods and Men.  We've ordered a copy of the DVD that you'll be able to borrow if you like or feel to get a copy from somewhere else (Redbox has it right now - only $1 a day!).  We'll be getting together to discuss the movie near the end of September - more details will be sent out later.  If you're interested in participating please email fmcyainfo@gmail.com

Awarded Grand Prix honors at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival, this compelling historical drama relates the ordeal of seven French Trappist monks in the mountains of Algeria who are taken captive by Islamic fundamentalists. Before the monks' abduction, they have ample reason to believe they may be in danger, but their assumption that there can and must be common ground between Islam and Christianity leads them to remain at the monastery.

Daily Mass and a Meal at St. Joseph in Moorhead- Thursday, July 28th @ 5:45pm

Apologetics: The Eucharist - Tuesday, July 26th @ 7pm @ St. Joseph Catholic Church in Moorhead

Are you able to explain why you believe the teachings of the Catholic Faith?  Would you like to get better at discussing Church teachings with non-Catholics?  Would you like to know why Catholics believe what they believe?  Join us for Apologetics, the defense of Catholic Doctrine.  We will be having a presentation on July 26th on the Eucharist.  Sponsored by the Young Adults.  Located at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Moorhead, MN.  Email fmcyainfo@gmail.com for more information.  Childcare is available upon request.

Grill Out and Volleyball - Wednesday, July 20th

CORRECTION: Daily Mass and a Meal starts at 5:45pm on Thursday, June 30th

Correction, the last post previously gave the incorrect time for Daily Mass and a Meal.  It is on June 30th at 5:45pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Daily Mass and a Meal at St. Joseph in Moorhead- Thursday, June 28th @ 5:45pm

Please RSVP by emailing fmcyainfo@gmail.com.  It's a potluck!  Bring something to share and we'll provide the meat!

Apologetics: Abortion - Tuesday, June 28th

Are you able to explain why you believe the teachings of the Catholic Faith?  Would you like to get better at discussing Church teachings with non-Catholics?  Would you like to know why Catholics believe what they believe?  Join us for Apologetics, the defense of Catholic Doctrine.  We will be having a presentation on June 28th on Abortion.  Upcoming topics: July 26th - The Eucharist.  Sponsored by the Young Adults.  Located at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Moorhead, MN.  Email fmcyainfo@gmail.com for more information.  Childcare is available upon request.

Revelation Bible Study Starting on Monday

I was just informed that a Bible Study on Revelation will be started this Monday, June 20th.  Email fmcyainfo@gmail.com if you're interested.

Young Adult Grill Out - Tuesday, June 21st

Daily Mass and a Meal - Thursday, May 26th

Join other young adults (20s, 30s, married, single) as we gather for daily Mass followed by a grill out on Thursday, May 26th at 5:30pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church.  You've got to eat anyway, right?  So why not take some time to worship God and meet some cool people?  You'll be home with most of the night still free!  It's a potluck so please bring something to share - we'll provide the meat.  Bring your children!  Please RSVP by emailing fmcyainfo@gmail.com

Apologetics: The Existence of God - Tuesday, May 24th

Are you able to explain why you believe the teachings of the Catholic Faith?  Would you like to get better at discussing Church teachings with non-Catholics?  Would you like to know why Catholics believe what they believe?  Join us for Apologetics, the defense of Catholic Doctrine.  We will be having a presentation on April 26^th on the Existence of God.  Upcoming topics: June 28^th – Abortion, July 26th - The Eucharist Sponsored by the Young Adults.  Located at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Moorhead, MN.  Email fmcyainfo@gmail.com for more information.

 

Community of St. John Summer Conference

The Community of St. John is hosting the annual Summer Conference for ages 18 - 30-something June 2nd - 5th in Princeville, IL. If you haven't heard of the Community or of Eagle Eye, you should really check it out! They are a rock solid order that puts on outstanding retreats and conferences for young people. If you are in the ND area and would like to be a part of a carpool heading to IL, please let me know!

See this website: http://saintjohnsummerconference.com/?page_id=372

Also, if you yourself are not available but know someone who might be interested, please pass the word along to them!!!

Redhawks Game - Friday, June 17th

The Young Adults are organizing a group to go to the Redhawks game on Friday, June 17^th.  We will be meeting outside the main gate at 6:30 pm.  People can email fmskay@yahoo.com to sign up for tickets. Price is $8.50 (payable on game day).

Young Adult Book Club - Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis De Sales

The next Young Adult book club is on Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis De Sales.  We will meet in about two months (in the middle of July).  If you're interested in participating in the discussion this time around and we'll arrange to get you a book - contact fmcyainfo@gmail.com.

Guys Night - Thursday, May 5th

Young Catholic men! You are invited to join in a group that meets monthly to celebrate our faith and share an evening of fellowship.  A typical evening consists of prayer, education, or discussion beginning around 6:30 and lasting 20-45 minutes.  We then follow with some form of fun fellowship activities.  (Typical activities have included: backyard football and volleyball, cards, board games (Settlers of Catan), bowling, Xbox Rockband, and Texas Hold’em poker.)  Some snacks and beverages (soda and beer) are provided, but you are invited to BYOB if you desire.  (Attendees must be over the age of 21.)  Guy’s fun night is typically held on the first Thursday of the month.  Please send an email to guys.fun.night@gmail.com for additional information or to join the group.

Serve at Churches United on Tuesday, March 3rd @ 6:30-8pm

The Young Adults will be getting together on Tuesday, May 3rd at 6:30pm to serve at Churches United For The Homeless.  We will be meeting at Churches United: 1901 1st Ave N, Moorhead, MN and serving the poor by sorting and organizing in the Food Pantry and Clothing Store.  Come and give of yourself by serving others!  For more information contact fmcyainfo@gmail.com.

Apologetics: The Canon of the Bible - Tuesday, April 26th @ 7pm @ St. Joseph Catholic Church in Moorhead

Are you able to explain why you believe the teachings of the Catholic Faith?  Would you like to get better at discussing Church teachings with non-Catholics?  Would you like to know why Catholics believe what they believe?  Join us for Apologetics, the defense of Catholic Doctrine.  We will be having a presentation on April 26^th on the Canon of the Bible.  Upcoming topics: May 24^th – The Existence of God, and June 28^th – Abortion.  Sponsored by the Young Adults.  Email fmcyainfo@gmail.com for more information.

Vote for the Next Young Adult Book for May/June

Vote on the poll on the left side of the blog for the next book club book!  If you would like to vote for one that isn't listed put it in the comments below and I'll add it to the voting.  We'll start it in early May.

Daily Mass and a Meal at St. Anthony's - Thursday, April 28th

Guys Night - Thursday, April 7th

Young Catholic men! You are invited to join in a group that meets monthly to celebrate our faith and share an evening of fellowship.  A typical evening consists of prayer, education, or discussion beginning around 6:30 and lasting 20-45 minutes.  We then follow with some form of fun fellowship activities.  (Typical activities have included: backyard football and volleyball, cards, board games (Settlers of Catan), bowling, Xbox Rockband, and Texas Hold’em poker.)  Some snacks and beverages (soda and beer) are provided, but you are invited to BYOB if you desire.  (Attendees must be over the age of 21.)  Guy’s fun night is typically held on the first Thursday of the month.  Please send an email to guys.fun.night@gmail.com for additional information or to join the group.

Graces of State Workshop - Friday, May 6th, 6-9pm

Discernment of the Will of God Book Discussion - Monday, April 4th @ 7pm @ St. Joseph Catholic Church

Discussion of the first section of Discernment of the Will of God book will take place on Monday, April 4th @ 7pm @ St. Joseph Catholic Church (218 10th St. S, Moorhead) in the St. John Bosco Room (in the basement).

Share the Truth: The Side of Abortion Rarely Heard in Public - Saturday, April 9th

Ecclesia Institute: Forming Leaders for the Church of the Third Millennium: July 5-August 5

July 5-August 5 Ecclesia Institute: Forming Leaders for the Church of the Third Millennium.  This new endeavor is exciting!  Building upon the success and excitement of 8 years of Eagle Eye Summer Institutes, we decided to take things to "the next level" by this intense and extensive month of formation.  Enjoying the beautiful campus (with a tremendous view overlooking the Missouri River!) of the University of Mary in Bismark, North Dakota, participants from all over the United States will enjoy a month of prayer, community, and intellectual formation with three Brothers and one Apostolic Sister.  We want to help form evangelizers and leaders, those wanting to be Saints wherever they find themselves in the Church (families, Church leadership, singles, those discerning, etc.).  Six credit hours (three in Theology and three in Philosophy) will be offered, transferable to any university in the country for undergrad or grad school credits.  Or, if you prefer, the same classes may be taken for a certificate of continuing education. Visit the link to "Ecclesia" atwww.soaringforwisdom.com or e-mail Jenny Witt at ecclesia@umary.edu for more information.  You can visit www.umary.edu for more information as well.

Out of the Darkness…. Into the Light Healing after Abortion - Thursday, March 31st @ 7pm

Out of the Darkness….

Into the Light

Healing after Abortion

A post-abortive panel shares their journey of hurt, pain, and grief

to healing and hope

  

Who We Are:

We are a diverse group of women who would never have likely connected with one another….except for something we all share.  Each one of us has walked through the doors of an abortion facility at some point and ended the life of our unborn child.

The act of abortion that we thought was going to solve a ‘problem’ or save a relationship or preserve a career, started us down a long path of self-destructive behavior, emotional distress and spiritual confusion.  While each of us has our own story, we chose to weave our stories together to share with others a side of abortion that is rarely heard in public. 

Our Desire:

Our desire is to share the truth in love in hopes that those who hear will be better equipped to reach out to others who are struggling with a current choice or a past decision concerning the issue of life.  We don’t want to condemn anyone, criminalize anyone, or even debate anyone.  We merely want to share our stories and personal encounters with loss and redemption.

Why You Should Hear the Panel:

With an estimated 50 million abortions performed each year on a world wide scale we must indeed conclude that abortion has touched virtually every segment of our society. You may not have personally had an abortion but chances are you know someone who has been involved in an abortion.  The numbers are exceedingly great and for many the secret of abortion is kept for many years.  This may be your spouse, your child, your grandchildren, your sibling, your friend or neighbor, your roommate or the person sitting next to you in church.  The panel speaks publicly to share the message of hope to those hurting from abortion as well as to educate and mobilize the church and the public concerning the negative effects of abortion on individuals and society.  We have chosen not to be silent anymore believing that once the church becomes informed, healed and mobilized that abortion will be over. It is our hope that you will join us in this endeavor.

When:  March 31 7:00-9:00pm

Where: Concordia College Jones Hall Room 212

Apologetics Canceled Tonight Due to Weather

Apologetics is canceled due to bad weather tonight (March 22nd).  We will reschedule.

Apologetics: The Eucharist - Tuesday, March 22nd @ 7pm @ St. Joseph Catholic Church in Moorhead

Are you able to explain why you believe the teachings of the Catholic Faith?  Would you like to get better at discussing Church teachings with non-Catholics?  Would you like to know why Catholics believe what they believe?  Join us for Apologetics, the defense of Catholic Doctrine.  We will be having presentations once a month starting on March 22^nd at 7pm with The Eucharist.  Other upcoming presentations include: April 26^th – The Canon of the Bible, May 24^th – The Existence of God, and June 28^th – Abortion.  Sponsored by the Young Adults.  Email fmcyainfo@gmail.com for more information.

Daily Mass Followed by Dinner - Monday, March 21st @ 5:30pm

St. Patrick's Day Party with Irish Music, Irish Stew and Irish Beer! - 3/17/11 @ 7:30pm

The Young Adults are having a party to honor St. Patrick on his feast day on Thursday, March 17^th at the Moorhead Knights of Columbus Club (915 1/2 Main Ave, Moorhead, MN) starting at 7:30pm and ending around 10pm.  There will be Irish stew and drinks for sale from the bar as well as Irish music from a live band!  Show us your Irish spirit!  Contact fmcyainfo@gmail.com for more information.

Lenten Discerning the Will of God Book Retreat

Go on a Lenten retreat through the book, Discerning the Will of God by Fr. Timothy Gallagher.  The young adults will be meeting after each section throughout Lent: Monday - April 4th, 11th and 25th.  Fr. Kurt Gunwall will be our spiritual guide each time we meet to answer questions on the chapter and help us to dive deeper spiritually this Lent.  The books are available at a discounted rate of $7.  Contact fmcyainfo@gmail.com to sign up - books are available now.


More information on the book is here: http://www.amazon.com/Discerning-Will-God-Ignatian-Christian/dp/0824524896/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1299132129&sr=8-1

Simplicity and the Saints on Thursday, March 10th at 7pm

Woman's Mini-Retreat - Saturday, March 5th at 9am

Woman, college age to 90+, replenish and refresh your soul. Give yourself a mini‐retreat with the life‐giving waters of God’s word on Saturday, March 5th, 2011! There is no charge for this gift! Please indicate if childcare is needed, along with number and ages of children. RSVP to mcerar@stjoesmhd.com or 236‐5066 ASAP.

Vocare: Whose Voice Do You Follow?

Serve at Churches United on Tuesday, March 1st @ 6:30-8pm

The Young Adults will be getting together on Tuesday, March 1st at 6:30pm to serve at Churches United For The Homeless.  We will be meeting at Churches United: 1901 1st Ave N, Moorhead, MN and serving the poor by sorting and organizing in the Food Pantry and Clothing Store.  Come and give of yourself by serving others!  For more information contact fmcyainfo@gmail.com.

Broom Ball on Sunday, February 20th at 1:30pm

Join us for Broom Ball on the ice at Longfellow Park in Fargo at 20 29th Avenue N.  Bring your own broom!  Email fmcyainfo@gmail.com for more information!

Daily Catholic Quote - 2/5/11

"To maintain a joyful family requires much from both the parents and the children. Each member of the family has to become, in a special way, the servant of the others." - Pope John Paul II


Via Daily Catholic Quotes

Daily Catholic Quote - 2/4/11

"And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven." - Matthew 16: 18-19


Via Daily Catholic Quotes

Daily Catholic Quote - 2/3/11

"Our body is a cenacle, a monstrance: through its crystal the world should see God." - St. Gianna Molla

Via Daily Catholic Quotes

Daily Catholic Quote - 2/2/11

"The man who lives in contact with what he believes to be a living Church is a man always expecting to meet Plato and Shakespeare tomorrow at breakfast. He is always expecting to see some truth that he has never seen before." - G.K. Chesterton

Via Daily Catholic Quotes

Daily Mass Followed by Dinner - Monday, February 21st

Rock and Worship Roadshow - Thursday, Feb 17th at 7pm

Anyone interested in carpooling to this concert, RSVP to fmcyainfo@gmail.com

Cost is $10.00 at the door.

To win free tickets, go here:

http://www.grandforksherald.com/pages/roadshow

Why I Am Catholic: Because, Believe It or Not, It Is Easy!

This is a repost from Marc Barnes, a young Catholic blogger (it's long, but well worth the read!):

I suppose that whenever any honest Catholic is asked this question - be it by the must-save-you-from-hell-for-which-you-are-destined-by-your-goddess-worship Baptist or the mind-boggled agnostic who cannot begin to comprehend our happy willingness to make a few babies -G.K. Chesterton’s answer seems the most appropriate response; that “the difficulty of explaining ‘why I am a Catholic’ is that there are ten thousand reasons all amounting to one reason: that Catholicism is true.”

I want to laugh and yell to the inquisitors that the real question, and indeed the only question worth asking, is why on earth are you not Catholic? An aversion to joy? Or perhaps just an aversion to fish on Fridays? A fear of true community? Or perhaps a deep and abiding fear of nuns? (I have a secret belief that those who do not like Catholicism simply have no sense of humor. However, that’s another story.)

But if I had to undertake the monstrous task of sorting through the various delights and pleasures of Catholicism - which I do, in case you were wondering - to search for one most meaningful to me - to decide between incense, the Communion of Saints, old ladies praying rosaries, our Mother Mary, and all the rest - there is one guilty happiness, one indulgent secret of Catholicism that makes it the Right Religion For Me. Catholicism is easy.

Having made that reckless statement, I would kindly ask those who fast every other day of their novena-filled lives while practicing self-flagellation to put down their pitchforks, stop google mapping my house, have some bread and water, and follow me for a few more paragraphs.

Catholicism is the only religion that is equally accessible to both saints and sinners, and is just as true and available to the murderer in the last pew as it is to the priest facing him. Though I dislike explaining positives through negatives, the same simply cannot be said for popular versions of Evangelical Christianity, for example, where spiritual experience requires emotional or transcendent experience to validate it.

I have many Protestant friends who I’ve honestly questioned, “how do you know you are forgiven for your sins?” The answers are many and varied, but all incredibly deep: “I let God into my heart and He speaks his word of forgiveness there, telling me I’m forgiven” or “I admit my sins and I feel God’s forgiveness wash over me.” There is nothing at all wrong with these holy answers except this: they are too holy.

But answers like these make forgiveness only accessible to saints, to people with hearts finely-tuned to the whispers of the Holy Spirit, to those who hear God in their ears telling them they are forgiven, and thus they make it unavailable to the hungover truck driver or that murderer in the back pew, God bless him. Better is the follower of religion that when asked, “are you forgiven?' can answer “yes, I went to Reconciliation on Tuesday before the 9 a.m Mass,” for that is an answer that even the worst of us can give.

It gets even holier when I've asked them if they have God in their lives. “Yes, he speaks to me through His word, and is constantly inside of me.” or “Yes, ever since I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior he has been holding my hand.” What beautiful answers! Indeed, the holiest saints in heaven are nodding their heads in sage agreement.

But what sadness and tragedy! The hungover trucker is shaking his head and saying “what the hell are you talking about?” Answers such as these are brilliant gems of trust, but the truth of the matter is - when it comes to feeling God’s presence - we aren’t all diamonds in the rough. Most of us appear to be just "the rough," in fact.

The hand-holding Jesus does not always remain foremost in the mind of those rocked by sorrow or sin, and thus the responses made by our Protestant brothers and sisters are reserved for the peaceful, contemplative saints among us, and not the beserker in the back pew, may he live forever. Better is the religion that when asked, “Is God inside you?” can answer, “Yes, and I ate Him this morning at the 9 o’clock Mass too.” for that is an answer that the most distracted and unsaintly of practicing Catholics can give.

This trend continues throughout every aspect of the faith. “How do you know you’ve received the Holy Spirit?”, “How do you know you are saved?”, “How do you know God loves you?” No matter the question, Catholicism’s answer is always universal, practical and equally applicable to every one of it’s members, while other believers answers are emotional, personal, and apply to seemingly only the holiest of saints among them, whom they consider themselves to be. The irony that Catholics should happily admit is that the problem with every other form of Christianity is not that they have dumbed down religion (though they often do in many aspects), but that they have made it extremely complicated and - dare I say, dare I? Oh, alright then - elitist.

If, as Chesterton says, “religion is the thing that makes the ordinary man feel extraordinary; [and] it is an equally important truth that religion is the thing that makes the extraordinary man feel ordinary," then it is certainly a point for Catholics that we follow this maxim, and certainly a point against our holy brothers and sisters for whom a man must feel extraordinary to even begin to take part in the faith.

That’s why Catholics are so happy and ridiculous. Because Christ made this whole religion thing easy. He established an infallible Church so that we would not have to seek personal revelation for our every decision, he established the power to forgive sins here on earth so we would not just have emotional consolation after every lustful thought. He established the Eucharist so He would be with us always, not only in Spirit, but physically there for the least of us to cradle in our unworthy hands.

I am Catholic because Catholicism is easy. But the really beautiful thing in this whole matter is this. Just because Catholicism works for the sinner does not mean it is banal, bland, or boring for the saint. The Eucharist, when viewed with proper consideration and taken with proper praise has us weeping, fainting, and caught up in the most intimate, sensual glories of heaven. It is our very life-breath, the greatest most addicting drug ever given to man, that can elevate us beyond the reach of earthly delight.

And all of us, every last one of us, has a duty to become a saint, has a duty to try for this holiness, and for the holiness that Christians of other faith traditions claim as their staple diet. But the reason I am Catholic and the reason I would die for my Church, is that my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is available to us whether or not we can reach this holiness. He has made it easy, so that the brigand in the back pew might slowly and surely become the saint in the front.

About the author,

Marc is close to failing high school or close to passing, depending on your outlook on life. He plans to go to Franciscan University in Steubenville and become a famous rapper and/or Catholic writer and/or fast-food employee. He loves short walks on the beach. His favorite thing to do of all time is to create clubs, groups and organizations that only ever really have one meeting that never gets followed up on. He currently maintains a blog known as BadCatholic, that focuses on how bad we are at practicing our great religion. And how that's O.K. He has 5 brothers and sisters, an incredibly attractive girlfriend and no pets. He wishes he were cool enough to be invited into a gang.

Valentine Wine & Dine - Saturday, February 12th

Marriage Enrichment Mini-Retreat - Saturday, January 22nd

Fargo Force Hockey Game - Friday, January 21st

Silent Men's & Women's Ignatian Retreats Coming Up Later This Year!

An Ignatian Retreat uses Sacred Scripture and silence as a means to allow persons to listen to Christ, and for Christ to speak to us. The silence of the retreat is not one of not speaking, but rather tuning out the noise of the world around us and being alone with Christ. Retreatants are required to practice Silence during the retreat. Spiritual Direction and the Sacrament of Reconciliation are available. Retreats begin on Thursday evening and end on Sunday afternoon.

Men’s Silent Retreat will be held March 17-20, 2011 at Cardinal Muench Seminary, Fargo. Download a registration form here.  Fr. Andrew Jasinski will be the Retreat Master and offer an Introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.  Registration deadline is March 7.  Cost $250/person.

Women’s Silent Retreat is scheduled for July 14-17, 2011 at Cardinal Muench Seminary, Fargo.

For more information on these retreats, contact Rachelle at (701) 356-7910 or rachelle.sauvageau@fargodiocese.org.