Among Women Podcast #126 Special Edition: Lenten Practices and Devotions

Among Women 126 is a Special Edition featuring your host and cast of wonderful listeners and former guests sharing their favorite Lenten practices and devotions.

Special guests include:

Julie Davis of Happy Catholic
Maria Johnson of Catholic Weekend
Sarah Reinhard of Snoring Scholar
Kate Wicker of Kate Wicker.com

Listen!

Ready or Not Here Comes the New Translation of the Roman Missal. Lotsa Tips Here!!

Well, the clock is ticking toward the First Sunday of Advent on November 27. On that Sunday, the English-speaking churches of North America and elsewhere will begin using the updated or "new" third edition of the Roman Missal for its daily and Sunday Masses. We've not had such a large change in language since 1973 -- and that's before a lot of today's Catholics were born. So there's a period of transition ahead of all of us. And many folks are still not aware of the coming changes, so please help to spread the word.

This third edition of the New Roman Missal is not a change to the Rite of the Mass, but it has several changes to the wording of the prayers we are accustomed to within the liturgy. Therefore, things are going to feel and sound a little strange for a while until we all adjust.

Here at Among Women we talked about the New Missal with Jaymie Stuart Wolfe in the context of bringing familiarity with the changes to our families, most especially to our children.  Listen to Among Women 114 for discussion about the new missal.

I've also been doing a series at Patheos on the changes coming to the people's responses in the New Missal. You'll find the latest installment, "It's Not a New Mass, It's a New Translation", focusing on the Sanctus ("Holy, Holy, Holy") and the Mystery of Faith here. But here's an excerpt...

New Translation:

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts.

Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

There seems to only be the slight change in the opening line of the Sanctus, where the word “hosts” replaces the phrase “power and might.” 

This prayer comes at an important transition within the Mass, preparing our hearts to join with the priestly offering of the Eucharistic prayer. This hymn uses the thrice holy Hebrew superlative, praising the infinite and almighty God in heaven. The New Missal’s switch to using the word “hosts” more accurately reflects the Scriptural origins of this prayer. 

This hymn to God is taken directly from a heavenly vision from the prophet Isaiah. (See Is 6:3). What’s more, the vision vividly describes not just some angels present at the heaven liturgy; the word “host” refers to an army of angels lifting praises to God. 

“Host,” you may recall, also references the many angels who lit up the sky with their praises on the first Christmas night when Jesus was born in Bethlehem. The shepherds were greeted by a multitude of “the heavenly host (Lk 2:13.)” 

This simple change in wording conveys powerful imagery and the truth of what is dynamically present to us in the liturgy. 

The Sanctus is the prayer of angels and we are privileged to join in their song. Heaven and earth are -- indeed -- full of God’s glory. And at this point in the Mass, we are but moments away from when heaven reaches down and touches earth in the form of the Eucharist, the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ.

Go read the rest here.

Here are the other articles in the Patheos series:

The Translation: A Renewed Understanding of Love 

Missal Changes, Part One: Defined By Prayer (On the Opening and Penitential Rites) 

Mass Changes, Part Two: The Gloria and the Creed 

It's Not a New Mass, It's a New Translation (Part Three: The Sanctus and the Mystery of Faith) 

Other helpful resources:

Resources available for free: 

USCCB: Welcoming the Roman Missal 

Changes in the People’s Parts 

Catholic TV’s series: “Preparing for the New Roman Missal” – video recordings of a symposium for priests. 

Liturgy Essentials from Pauline Books and Media  - I especially like Sr. Anne's 7 min video on her insights on the New Missal.

Life Teen's Video Series Introducing the New Missal 

OSV’s Roman Mission revision readiness plan – helpful suggestions on how to  prepare for the new translation. 

Podcast: iPadre - Fr. Jay Finelli interviews Fr. James P. Moroney, an expert who is traveling the country introducing the New Roman Missal.  

Resources available for purchase: 

Books on the Missal  -- even for kids! -- from Pauline Books and Media

A New Translation for a New Roman Missal – DVD set featuring talks by Fr. James Moroney of Vox Clara. 

The Mass Explained -- book by Fr James Moroney 

The Church’s Common Treasure – A booklet produced by the USCCB containing 11 essays exploring the history and purpose of the new translation.

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Among Women Podcast #114: Prepping for the New Roman Missal

Among Women 114 is a powerful combination of faith testimony and practical suggestions for preparing your heart (and your children!) to receive the words and prayers of the forthcoming New Roman Missal, coming to the English speaking Catholic world this Advent. I welcome Jaymie Stuart Wolfe, an author and an editor for Pauline Books and Media, who, not only brings her own faith story to Among Women, but unpacks some great resources for the spiritual life.

Together we discuss and a great new book for children,
The Mass Explained for Kids, and new book series for young people:  Praying with the Holy Father.  And here is the new iMass app available for iPad and iPhone.


In our saint segment, we'll profile a copier of books, and a former princess who gave up her position to become a religious sister: St Euphrosyne of Polotsk.

My latest over at Patheos... something for the month of the Holy Rosary

My latest column over at Patheos discusses my discovery of the rosary and, ultimately, a relationship with Mary...

Here's a snippet:

I came to the Rosary, and really, to Mary, during the white-knuckled medical stresses of my first pregnancy. Prior to that, I always went to Jesus in prayer for help. My small mind reminded me that Jesus never had a baby. What I needed was some “girl talk”; I longed for a strong feminine connection.
 I’m only guessing, but I think Jesus used that opportunity to introduce me to his mother. A woman who was a little older than me, and about 10 years into parenting, befriended me, and spoke to my angst about motherhood. A mother of three, she gently encouraged me to look to Mary for help and example. I was so low and so sick from perpetual “morning” sickness that I couldn’t muster a reason to argue.
 I daily opened Nana’s pretty metal box and desperately prayed those Rosary prayers. They were a lifeline thrown to me in a drowning sea.

Read the rest here. 

Among Women ReadHER 9.24.11... Facebook, basketball, defenses of marriage and pregnancies

Among Women ReadHer

9.24.11

Facebook, I Need to See Other People

--Courtney Crisp, at Busted Halo

Commentary on the ups and downs of "relationships" on Facebook.


Facebook Monitoring Solutions for Parents
--From Your Sphere, HT Lisa Hendey of CatholicMom.com

Pleading for Air Support

--Lisa Mladinich, from her weekly column at Patheos

An inspiring tribute to her Dad, and military personnel everywhere.

Jelly Beans and Other Things
--Maria Johnson, from Another Cup of Coffee
A most excellent missive on the positive effects of a woman's sports life. What Maria Johnson fails to say, is that she went on to break basketball records at her highschool, where she is a member of the Hall of Fame. So I'm telling you. She'll never know I told ya, she never reads this blog.

A Mother's Dream

--Fr. Scot Hurd, at the Archdiocese of Washington's blog

A little saint history...


Rev. Pat Robertson: Trade in Your Alzheimer's Wife for a New Model
--Gerard Nadal, PhD, from his blog Coming Home
I've written on this subject earlier this week, and I like Gerry's well reasoned piece very much.

I Survived a Failed Abortion, Now My Second Baby is Coming
--Melissa Ohden, on LifeSiteNews.com

The author tells her "life" story. 


A Return to Repugnance
--Matt Emerson from his weekly column at Patheos
More pro-life reading... difficult subject matter on selective reduction.


St Francis de Sales on Pregnancy
--Melanie Bettinelli at The Wine Dark Sea
Thanks to Melanie for an excellent quote that I've never read before.  Pay attention to the last two paragraphs-- inspired! You might recall Melanie was a recent guest on AW 104, and 105, talking about raising the littlest ones in the domestic church!


How to Tell You are in the Third Trimester
--Simcha Fisher, from her blog at National Catholic Register
Read this for comic relief. Note to pregnant women reading this: Pee first before reading. You've been warned!


Don't miss this upcoming series, from Fr. Robert Barron, (a fav of mine). It. Is. FANTASTIC.  Washington DC & Maryland get a first peek tonight. But full schedule details are here.

This makes me think... The Universal Prayer

THE UNIVERSAL PRAYER (attributed to Pope Clement XI)

Lord, I believe in you: increase my faith. 

I trust in you: strengthen my trust. 

I love you: let me love you more and more. 

I am sorry for my sins: deepen my sorrow.

I worship you as my first beginning, 

I long for you as my last end, 

I praise you as my constant helper, 

And call on you as my loving protector.

Guide me by your wisdom, 

Correct me with your justice, 

Comfort me with your mercy, 

Protect me with your power.

I offer you, Lord, my thoughts: to be fixed on you; 

My words: to have you for their theme; 

My actions: to reflect my love for you; 

My sufferings: to be endured for your greater glory.

I want to do what you ask of me: 

In the way you ask, 

For as long as you ask, 

Because you ask it.

Lord, enlighten my understanding, 

Strengthen my will, 

Purify my heart, 

and make me holy.

Help me to repent of my past sins 

And to resist temptation in the future. 

Help me to rise above my human weaknesses 

And to grow stronger as a Christian.

Let me love you, 

my Lord and my God, 

And see myself as I really am: 

A pilgrim in this world, 

A Christian called to respect and love 

All whose lives I touch,

Those under my authority,

My friends and my enemies.

Help me to conquer anger with gentleness, 

Greed by generosity, 

Apathy by fervor. 

Help me to forget myself

And reach out toward others.

Make me prudent in planning, 

Courageous in taking risks. 

Make me patient in suffering, 

unassuming in prosperity.

Keep me, Lord, attentive at prayer, 

Temperate in food and drink, 

Diligent in my work, 

Firm in my good intentions.

Let my conscience be clear, 

My conduct without fault, 

My speech blameless, 

My life well-ordered.

Put me on guard against my human weaknesses. 

Let me cherish your love for me, 

Keep your law,

And come at last to your salvation.

Teach me to realize that this world is passing, 

That my true future is the happiness of heaven, 

That life on earth is short, 

And the life to come eternal.

Help me to prepare for death 

With a proper fear of judgment, 

But a greater trust in your goodness. 

Lead me safely through death 

To the endless joy of heaven.

Grant this through Christ our Lord. 

Amen.

Here's another translation.

Among Women ReadHer... A new weekly feature

Among Women ReadHer

5.24.11

The Perfect Pill? -- Tim Muldoon

This short piece uses a powerful analogy that even a middle-schooler can understand.

What is a Catholic Feminist? -- Simcha Fisher at National Catholic Register

Reclaim the lexicon or find new language? It's an ever-present question.

How to Choose Flowers for a Mary Garden - Lacy at Catholic Icing

-- Related: If you are a gardener, you might like this blog by Margaret Rose Realy.

The Beauty of Play -- Brunhilde Luken

Just what it says. Have you played lately?

Pray for Joplin - Chelsea Zimmerman at Reflections of a Paralytic

Written by a woman who lives in MO, this has links to lend support.

Prayers for Joplin, MO -- Facebook page

The Quality of Mercy -- Rebecca Teti, Faith and Family Live

A mother extending mercy to her son's killers...

Note: this one comes with a warning.*

To Be Born - a powerful 10-minute short film depicting the torment of abortion, as well as the potential to heal from it. - On YouTube. Related: Here's an article quoting the director of the film who hopes that people will be disturbed by its message.

*I applaud that this film was made because it is a story that needs to be told boldly. However, do not view/listen with small children or impressionable/sensitive children in the vicinity. I'd label this a PG-13, but that depends on the maturity of the 13 year old.

Finally, a remarkable woman...

HT: Creative Minority Report & Testosterhome

~~~~~~~~~~

This post explains why I started this feature last week. BUT I'm giving you a little taste now... THIS FEATURE will be ON SATURDAYS.

Among Women #94 - Ringing Round the Rosary

Among Women 94 is the third entry in our Lenten series called "Raising the B.A.R." in our prayer lives.  This week's podcast is dedicated to the "R" in BAR, that is the Rosary and its benefits. Pat's opening unpacks some reflections from John Paul II's letter about the Rosary, Rosarium Virginis Mariae.

This week our saint segment reviews some of the wisdom of the saints as to devotion to Our Lady of the Rosary. Our conversation today features Jennifer Willits, co-founder of Rosary Army, and co-host of The Catholics Next Door with her husband, Greg, on Sirius/XM radio. Jennifer shares her own history with the rosary and what it has meant in her life.

Relic of True Cross stolen from Holy Cross Cathedral

In Boston, we Catholics are sad about this.  Please pray for this archdiocese, and for the thief that they may have a change of heart.

I'm already EXCITED by Magnificat -- Now I'm THRILLED by the APP!!

How do you make a great resource like the Magnificat even better?  You make an APP for it.

Okay, there's Universalis, and others, I know, in terms of Apps.  But Magnificat has been clearly my favorite print resource for years, and now I've got a digital version when I'm in a wi-fi environment, using my iTouch.  (No, I don't have an iPhone yet... trying to keep the family phone bill down during these college-payin' years. Let's not even talk about the iPad... but I digress.)

What's not to love?

This makes me think...

The one Word God always hears...

as stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
CCC 2769:

[T]he Lord's Prayer signifies new birth into the divine life. Since Christian prayer is our speaking to God with the very word of God, those who are "born anew. . . through the living and abiding word of God" [1Peter 1:23] learn to invoke their Father by the one Word he always hears. They can henceforth do so, for the seal of the Holy Spirit's anointing is indelibly placed on their hearts, ears, lips, indeed their whole filial being. [Emphasis mine.]

Image Credit

Ash Wednesday: Prayer offerings

Besides all the normal encouragements you are likely to receive today to attend Mass, to fast, to pray, and to give alms, I thought I'd share a few gems from the saints as we begin the Lenten journey.

A recent article of mine advocated this prayer from St. Nicholas Flue, a 15th century patron of Switzerland:

My Lord and my God, take from me everything that distances me from you.

My Lord and my God, give me everything that brings me closer to you.

My Lord and my God, detach me from myself to give my all to you.

- St. Nicolas Flue

And I have long prayed the following prayer from St. Anselm, a 12th century Doctor of the Church from Canterbury, England. This reminds us that God is never finished with us, and that we can be remade anew as we travel through Lent.

O Lord my God,

teach my heart this day where and how to see you,

where and how to find you.

You have made me and remade me,

and you have bestowed on me

all the good things I possess,

and still I do not know you.

I have not yet done that

for which I was made.

Teach me to seek you,

for I cannot seek you

unless you teach me,

or find you

unless you show yourself to me.  

Let me seek you in my desire.

Let me desire you in my seeking.

Let me find you by loving you,

Let me love you when I find you.

- St Anselm 

Amen and amen.


Image credit.

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