William Hemsworth's Blog, page 10

Why Every Catholic Man Needs to Read ‘Catholic Joe’

Join us in this captivating discussion on why every Catholic man needs to read ‘Catholic Joe.’ I’m William Hemsworth, and today we have the pleasure of hosting Stephen Thomas, the brilliant author behind this inspiring book. Stephen, a serial entrepreneur, shares his unique journey of walking 4,500 miles on a pilgrimage and how it led to the creation of ‘Catholic Joe.’ This book, the first in a series, is more than just a story; it’s a beacon of hope and encouragement for Catholic men everywhere. We delve into Stephen’s background, his passion for teaching natural family planning, and the frustrations that spurred him to create a superhero for the Catholic faith. ‘Catholic Joe’ is a powerful narrative that blends faith, marriage, and the sanctity of life into a thrilling, action-packed story, likened to a Catholic Jack Reacher or Jason Bourne. Stephen’s experiences, including the national Eucharistic pilgrimage, provide a rich backdrop to his writing.

I highly recommend checking out this video to learn about Stephen’s incredible journey, the inspiration behind his characters, and the profound impact ‘Catholic Joe’ is having on readers, including those in prison. Don’t miss this engaging conversation and be sure to get your copy of ‘Catholic Joe’ to support this amazing work.

New Catholic Deacon Aims High for U.S. Air Force Chaplain Corps

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – The Reverend Mr. Joshua A. Johnson, 2d Lt, USAFR, a candidate for the Catholic priesthood and United States Military chaplaincy, was ordained a transitional deacon on Thursday, June 6, in Albuquerque, NM, for the Byzantine Eparchy of Phoenix. The new deacon is on track to be ordained a priest next year and hopes eventually to serve as a Catholic chaplain in the U.S. Air Force, providing pastoral care to Catholic airmen, space guardians, and their families, with endorsement and faculties from the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS).

During the Divine Liturgy celebrated by the Most Reverend Kurt Burnette, J.D., Ph.D., Apostolic Administrator of the Eparchy of Holy Protection of Mary Eparchy of Phoenix, Bishop Neal J. Buckon, Auxiliary Bishop of the AMS, was privileged to ordain the Rev. Mr. Johnson through the imposition of hands and invocation of the Holy Spirit in Perpetual Help Byzantine Catholic Church.  Bishop Burnette’s father served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Among those in attendance were the new deacon’s parents, retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Johnson and wife Carol. 

The Rev. Mr. Johnson, 38, holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree from North Park University in Chicago, a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Boston College’s Gloria L. and Charles I. Clough School of Theology and Ministry, and a Master of Arts in Theology from Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Saints Cyril and Methodius.

The Rev. Mr. Johnson traces his interest in a priestly vocation back to childhood. He says his parents “instilled in me a rich appreciation for the dignity and the duties of all baptized people to re-present Christ in the world through prayer and service. This led me to work as a lay minister in several contexts. After completing a Master of Divinity at Boston College, I worked as a hospital chaplain. As I prayed with patients and families, I had an increasingly desire to offer sacramental ministry, particularly anointing and confession. My pastor was immensely helpful in clarifying my vocation as one not only of service, but sacramental leadership.”

The eventual service of the Rev. Mr. Johnson and other Catholic chaplain candidates is greatly anticipated by the Air Force, which, like all other branches of the U.S. Military, continues to suffer a chronic Catholic chaplain shortage. Currently, the Air Force has only 63 priests on active duty and 21 in the reserves, serving a Catholic population of more than 80,000 airmen and U.S. Space Force guardians spread worldwide, not counting their families, whom Air Force chaplains also serve. 

Young men interested in discerning a priestly vocation, and the vocation within a vocation to serve those who serve in the U.S. military, can find more information at www.milarch.org/vocations, or may contact AMS Vocations Director Father Marcel Taillon by at vocations@milarch.org or (202) 719-3600. 

Diocese hosts inaugural memorial service for homeless people

On the longest night of the year, the winter solstice, the Diocese of Parramatta remembered the lives of some of the most marginalised people in our community at the inaugural Homeless Memorial Service. 

Diocese hosts inaugural memorial service for homeless people 

The Augustine Institute and Ignatius Press Renew Catechesis in Completed Word of Life Curriculum

Denver, CO, June 10, 2024—As any catechist can attest, old models of passing on the Catholic faith to the next generation grow less effective by the minute. This generation desires new methods to learn the faith and be invited into a relationship with Jesus. To answer this need, Catholic publisher Ignatius Press united with the Augustine Institute, known globally for its dynamic Catholic content and evangelical tools, to complete the Word of Life K–8 curriculum.

“Word of Life builds students, parents, and teachers into strong Catholics who not only know what the Church teaches but who also truly live it,” said Dr. Ben Akers, chief content officer at the Augustine Institute. “The curriculum models an ‘evangelizing catechesis,’ in which the truths of the faith are taught in a fresh way in order to invite a deeper following of Christ.”

These two apostolates combined their expertise to craft a curriculum in which students, parents, and teachers learn the truths of the faith alongside each other while deepening their relationships with Christ. Emphasizing dialogue between teachers and students, Word of Life creates a shared experience rather than a download of information.

There are already more than 110,000 students using the Word of Life curriculum across hundreds of parishes. The newly added middle school materials complete and complement the earlier grades by maturing the presentation of the faith as students grow. Grades 6–8 focus especially on the person of Jesus as the fulfillment and center of salvation history (Grade 6), the call to virtuously live a life of Christian discipleship (Grade 7), and the models of great saints throughout Church history who transformed the world for Christ (Grade 8).  

“Today more than ever, middle schoolers in particular need more than a simplistic view of the Catholic faith. They need understanding, solid answers to their questions, and a personal faith in Jesus Christ,” Mark Brumley, president of Ignatius Press said. “We want to help them know that Christ and his Church are the way to happiness in this life and the next.”

Trusted theologians from the Augustine Institute and publishing and education experts from Ignatius Press collaborated throughout the multi-year development of Word of Life, which has been approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The curriculum extends and enriches the content of its books with a variety of digital materials, including videos by the award-winning Augustine Institute Studios.

Word of Life gets to the heart of the Christian experience. It highlights four key themes, or “golden threads,” that run through the curriculum. The first thread, Salvation History, reveals God’s presence and plan throughout history and man’s place in that plan. The second thread is Christian Anthropology, which answers questions about the true identity of the human person. Third is Heroic Virtue and Character Formation, which encourages cooperation with God’s grace to live the virtues and moral teachings of the Church with conviction, as best attested in the lives of the saints. Lastly, the fourth golden thread is Learning Through Discipleship, a theme that emphasizes the witness of the saints and integrating the Catholic faith into daily life.

Word of Life is available in two primary formats: school and parish. The school edition includes daily lessons, review days, and other resources to enliven the classroom teacher’s presentation of the material. The parish edition presents weekly lessons that ensure volunteer catechists have a firm grasp of the subject matter before instructing. 

The complete K–8 curriculum includes a generous assortment of digital learning resources from the Augustine Institute, Ignatius Press, and other materials that support continued faith formation.

Cardinal Sarah warns against ‘practical atheism’ even within the Church

By Our Sunday Visitor staff, June 14, 2024 Cardinal Robert Sarah delivered a speech to attendees of a sold-out event June 13 at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he emphasized the dangers of “practical atheism,” calling it a great temptation in the Church today. Practical atheism does not deny God or […]

Cardinal Sarah warns against ‘practical atheism’ even within the Church

Not By Faith Alone

JUSTIFICATION For what saith the Scripture that Abraham believed Godand it was counted unto him as righteousness (dikaiosunen).Romans 4, 3 Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified (dikaiousthai) by faithwithout the deeds of the law.Romans 3, 23 Was not Abraham our father justified (edikaiosthe) by workswhen he had offered his son Isaac up to […]

Not By Faith Alone

Newly Ordained Deacon Sets Sites on “Vocation Within a Vocation” – Serving Those Who Serve in U.S. Army

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Reverend Mr. James W. Craig, (1LT), USAR, a candidate for the Catholic priesthood and United States Military chaplaincy, was ordained a transitional deacon on Saturday, June 8, in his home Diocese of Corpus Christi, TX. The new deacon is on track to be ordained a priest next year and hopes eventually to serve as a Catholic chaplain in the U.S. Army, providing pastoral care to Catholic soldiers and their families with endorsement and faculties from the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS).

The Rev. Mr. Craig received the diaconate at Corpus Christi Cathedral through the laying of hands and the prayer of consecration invoking the Holy Spirit by Bishop Michael Mulvey, STL, DD. AMS Auxiliary Bishop Neal J. Buckon concelebrated the 10:00 a.m. ordination Mass. Two other seminarians from the Diocese of Corpus Christi were also ordained at the same Mass. Among those in attendance were the Rev. Mr. Craig’s parents, U.S. Air Force veteran Stephen Craig and wife Ann, brothers Paul, Dan, and John, along with their families, his sister Kate and her family, and another sister who is a perpetually professed religious, Sister Mary Rachel, SOLT.

Watch video of the ordination Mass.

The Rev. Mr. Craig, 27, holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in Philosophy with minors in Theology and Sacred Music from Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH. Now in San Antonio, he is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity (M.Div) and a Bachelor of Sacred Theology (S.T.B.) through the Oblate School of Theology while pursuing priestly formation at Assumption Seminary.

The Rev. Mr. Craig says he began to discern his vocation at a young age. “I wanted to be a priest since I was about eight years old,” he says, “a desire that was fostered through serving at the altar and singing in our cathedral schola. Then I learned about military chaplaincy when I was beginning high school, and that call has stayed with me ever since.” He looks forward to serving God’s people with joyful anticipation. “I am really looking forward to offering blessings, and to baptizing children — especially one I already have scheduled for a niece or nephew currently on the way!” 

The eventual service of the Rev. Mr. Craig and other Catholic chaplain candidates is greatly anticipated by the Army, which, like all other branches of the U.S. Military, continues to suffer a chronic shortage of Catholic chaplains. Currently, the Army has only 82 priests on active duty and 53 in the Reserve, serving a large Catholic population of more than 250,000 soldiers spread worldwide, not counting their families, whom Army chaplains also serve.

Young men interested in discerning a priestly vocation, and the vocation within a vocation to serve those who serve in the U.S. military, can find more information at milarch.org/vocations, or may contact AMS Vocations Director Father Marcel Taillon at vocations@milarch.org or (202) 719-3600.

Country Songwriter Casey Beathard Shares Pivotal Story of Son’s Passing in New ‘I Am Second’ Film

PLANO, Texas, June 10, 2024 — In the new White Chair Film released by global storytelling organization I Am Second, Songwriter Casey Beathard shares about faith, fatherhood, the tragic passing of his son and the unexpected journey of healing from the depths of unthinkable devastation.

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Casey met his wife, Susan, while working at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Shortly after getting married, the artist began to evaluate his relationship with God, resulting in the couple finding a suitable church where they would eventually bring up their children in the Christian faith.

As their family blossomed over time, Casey found himself consumed with making sure he was doing everything in his power to raise his children in the right way through nurturing their God-given passions and pushing them to be their absolute best in every facet of life.

“Little did I know that they were becoming such major idols in my life,” says Casey. “We were hanging out all the time, and it was ‘family, family, family’…but I was losing control of my children.”

Casey recalls a key conversation with his wife, just six months before their son’s death; she had offered encouragement and gentle wisdom, suggesting that he relinquish some of that control, allowing God to ultimately guide and lead their children.

“Oh, you mean, ‘Let go and let God’?” Casey recalls his response. “I don’t know how to do that.”

Yet, when tragedy struck in the form of their son’s murder from a double-homicide stabbing, the Beathard’s lives came crashing down.

“That phone call that night was a parent’s worst nightmare,” shares Casey. “It was hands-down the biggest crushing thing I could, my wife could, or my family could ever face…Everything I was trying to control was the happiness of my kids, and here we are in my house…the happiness was gone.”

Through an unexpected blessing of a broken entry gate to their residence, the Beathard’s found themselves unable to hide away from their community — a support system that ultimately brought the hope of God straight to their door during the darkest hour of their lives.

In further redemption, the Beathard’s witnessed something profound at Clay’s wake — a number of his friends surrendering their lives to Jesus. As an unexplainable peace and joy began to flood their lives, beyond that of human understanding or control, God was preparing Casey for deepened restoration. Later, the songwriter would be presented with the opportunity of a lifetime, face to face with the man who killed his son, made ready to act as a vessel of radical forgiveness, light and love.

To watch the exclusive I Am Second film, visit iamsecond.com/film/Casey-Beathard.

New Priest Ordained in Colorado Anticipates Active-Duty Service as U.S. Army Chaplain

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — Father Patrick G. DiLoreto, (1 Lt), USAR, a candidate for United States Military chaplaincy, was ordained a priest on Saturday, June 8, in his home Diocese of Colorado Springs, CO. The new priest hopes eventually to serve as a Catholic chaplain in the U.S. Army providing pastoral care to Catholic soldiers and their families with endorsement and faculties from the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS).

Father DiLoreto’s priestly ordination was celebrated at Holy Apostles Catholic Church in Colorado Springs through the laying of hands and the prayer of consecration invoking the Holy Spirit by Bishop James R. Golka. His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services, concelebrated the 10:00 a.m. ordination Mass. Among those in attendance were the new priest’s parents, Vince and Donna DiLoreto. His brothers Jason, Paul, Daniel, and Phillip DiLoreto also attended, along with their wives and children.

Father DiLoreto, 31, is a 2011 graduate of Cherry Creek High School in Greenwood Village, CO. In 2015, he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from the University of Northern Colorado. For three years, he served in the Colorado Army National Guard. He completed his seminary education and earned a Master of Divinity (MDiv) Degree at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD. Under his co-sponsored seminarian agreement with the AMS and the Diocese of Colorado Springs, Father DiLoreto will spend the next three years honing his pastoral skills as a diocesan priest in his home Diocese of Colorado Springs before acceding to active duty as an Army chaplain.

Commenting on his upcoming priestly service, Father DiLoreto said, “I’m eagerly looking forward to celebrating the Mass and absolving sins in the confessional.  I want to help lead people to God, to encounter His mercy.” 

The eventual priestly military service of Father DiLoreto and other Catholic chaplain candidates is greatly anticipated by the Army, which, like all other branches of the U.S. Military, continues to suffer a chronic shortage of Catholic chaplains. Currently, only 82 priests are on active duty in the Army, serving more than 250,000 Catholic soldiers spread worldwide, not counting their families, whom Army chaplains also serve.

Young men interested in discerning a priestly vocation, and the vocation within a vocation to serve those who serve in the U.S. military, can find more information at milarch.org/vocations, or may contact AMS Vocations Director Father Marcel Taillon at vocations@milarch.org or (202) 719-3600.

West Point Grad Ordained a Catholic Priest in Minnesota

WINONA, MN — Father Joshua G. Miller, (CPT), USAR, a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, and a candidate for U.S. Military chaplaincy, was ordained a Catholic priest on Saturday, June 8, in his home Diocese of Winona-Rochester, MN. The new priest plans eventually to serve as an active-duty chaplain in the U.S. Army providing pastoral care to Catholic soldiers and their families with endorsement and faculties from the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS).

Father Miller’s priestly ordination was celebrated at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka in Winona through the laying of hands and the prayer of consecration invoking the Holy Spirit by Bishop Robert E. Barron. AMS Auxiliary Bishop Joseph L. Coffey concelebrated the 10:00 a.m. ordination Mass. Father Miller’s parents, Gregory and Karen Miller of Clear Lake, IA, were among those in the congregation.

Father Miller, 34, is a 2008 graduate of Waseca High School in Waseca, MN. In 2012, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geospatial Information Science from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He went on to serve five years on active duty as a field artillery officer, completing deployments to Japan and Korea among other places, before going on reserve to pursue priestly formation.

The new priest completed his seminary education at Saint Paul Seminary in St. Paul, MN. Before going back on active duty he will spend the next three years honing his pastoral skills as a diocesan priest in his home Diocese of Winona-Rochester under the terms of his co-sponsored seminarian agreement with that diocese and the AMS. Once he completes his military service he will return to Winona-Rochester to serve out his vocation.

Raised Evangelical, Father Miller is a convert to Catholicism. “As a teenager,” he says, “I developed a love for theology and considered pursuing pastoral ministry. During this period, I also recall being inspired by the Apostle Paul’s exhortation in 1 Corinthians 7 that more people remain unmarried to serve the Lord with an undivided heart. Years later, at the end of a long intellectual journey into the Catholic Church, the thought of the priesthood came to mind. I moved into the John Paul II House of Discernment in St. Francis, WI, where I learned anew how to pray, and in that process I discerned a desire for deeper and more intimate communion with the Lord, which directed me toward the seminary and the priesthood.”

The eventual service of Father Miller and other Catholic chaplain candidates is greatly anticipated by the Army, which, like all other branches of the U.S. Military, continues to suffer a chronic shortage of Catholic chaplains. Currently, the Army has only 82 Catholic priests on active duty and 53 in the reserves, serving more than 250,000 Catholic soldiers spread worldwide, not counting their families, whom Army chaplains also serve.

Young men interested in discerning a priestly vocation, and the vocation within a vocation to serve those who serve in the U.S. military, can find more information at milarch.org/vocations, or may contact AMS Vocations Director Father Marcel Taillon at vocations@milarch.org or (202) 719-3600.