William Hemsworth's Blog, page 20

Which Pope said this?

The crisis of faith in our lives and in our societies also has to do with the eclipse of desire for God. It is related to a kind of slumbering of the spirit, to the habit of being content to live from day to day, without ever asking what God really wants from us. We […]

Which Pope said this?

Manifesting the whole meaning of our lives (Video)

It is the Solemnity of the Epiphany — a word that means “manifestation.” And what is being manifested to us in the Child Jesus? The meaning of our life! We join with the Magi in worshiping the Baby in the arms of Mary. ~ Find Fr. Peter John Cameron’s reflection on the Sunday Gospel each week here. Find […]

Manifesting the whole meaning of our lives (Video)

U.S. Military Catholic Young Adults Seek to “Be the Light” at SEEK24 Faith Conference

ST. LOUIS, MO — Future U.S. Military leaders are among those seeking to “be the light” in a world of confusion, sin, and darkness at the SEEK24 Catholic Faith conference now underway at the America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis. The Jan. 1-5 conference, hosted annually by the 25-year-old Denver, CO-based Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), proclaims the theme, “Be the Light,” derived from the words of Pope Saint John Paul II to young people on his 1999 visit to the Mississippi River port city once known as the “Rome of the West” for its large Catholic population: “You are children of the light (cf. Jn 12:36)! You belong to Christ, and he has called you by name.”

 

“Young people at this conference are being reminded that the light of faith they received at baptism continues to burn brightly,” said Mark Moitoza, Th.D., D. Min., Vice-Chancellor for Evangelization of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS) based in Washington, DC. “A military panel discussion will explore this theme, which takes on new meaning as young adults reflect on pursuing a mission to serve combined with pursuing the mission to share the gift of Christ every day, in both word and action.”

 

Among what organizers say is a record registered attendance of over 20,000 young adults from all over the United States and beyond, nearly 150 hail from the nation’s federal military academies, including 55 from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD; 48 from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY; 32 from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO; and 12 from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT. Also participating are active-duty servicemen and women based at installations across the country including Travis Air Force Base in California and Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado.

 

Those Catholic military groups are in addition to participating Catholic college students enrolled in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) at universities nationwide, and a delegation from the AMS itself, which is operating an exhibit booth at the conference. “Being able to connect with ROTC cadets from around the country permits the AMS to share that the Catholic Church is there for them wherever they are called to serve,” Dr. Moitoza said. “All of the FOCUS participants who stop at the AMS booth are being invited to pray for more priests to serve in the U.S. Military by writing a small prayer on a dog tag and tying it to a camouflage wall in the booth. The visible sign of prayer is helping all to practice ‘Being the Light.’”

 

His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), leads the AMS delegation, which includes Dr. Moitoza and Co-Sponsored Seminarians Rev. Mr. Colin Patrick (Army) of the Archdiocese of Atlanta; Rev. Mr. Zachary Glick (Air Force) of the Diocese of Gary, IN; Mr. Erin Donlon (Navy) of the Diocese of Portland, ME; Mr. Mark Wagner (Air Force) of the Diocese of Madison, WI; Mr. Paul Collins (Navy) of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, CA; Mr. Holden Giefer (Air Force) of the Diocese of Salina, KS;  and Mr. Zachary MacKeller (Air Force) of the Diocese of Boise, ID. Also participating are AMS Team Saint Paul missionaries Ms. Stephanie Nussio, Ms. Jurate Reventas, Ms. Regina Fontana, and Ms. Caroline McDermott, who are currently accompanying Catholic young adults at Travis Air Force Base, and Catholic chaplain recruiters Fathers Peter A. Pomposello, CH (CPT),USA; David J. Hammond, CHC, LCDR, USN; and William J. Vit, Ch, Maj, USAF; along with Father Curtiss P. Dwyer, CHC, LCDR, USN, 2nd Battalion Chaplain at the U.S. Naval Academy.

 

Scheduled AMS events at “SEEK24: Be the Light” include a Wednesday evening social for those attending the military academies to meet one another and Archbishop Broglio, and a Thursday military panel discussion led by Ms. Madeline Stockman, a Discipleship Trainer schooled in the “Reach More” online coaching service developed by The Evangelical Catholic, a ministry based in Madison, WI, serving parishes, university ministries, and individuals to launch evangelizing movements in their communities. The hope is that SEEK24 participants from the military will return to the armed forces better prepared to “be the light” for their brothers and sisters in arms to realize they are also brothers and sisters in Christ.

The Most Holy Name of Jesus

January 3—The Most Holy Name of Jesus, Optional Memorial Reflection: Everything about our divine Lord is holy, including His Name. It was the Archangel Gabriel who first spoke the name of Jesus to His mother, “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus” (Luke 1:31). The […]

Beyond the Norm: Alternative After-School Activities For Kids

As parents, we’re always on the lookout for the best after-school activities for our kids. From
sports and music lessons to dance classes and theater rehearsals, we want our children to have
a well-rounded education and a range of experiences.
But what options are there for those of us who want something different for our kids? If you’re
struggling to find solid after-school activities for your child or you simply want them to have
unique opportunities, you’ll enjoy these ideas from Leslie Campos, founder of WellParents.

Teen Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship not only exposes kids to business principles but teaches invaluable life skills
like communication, problem-solving, time management, and financial responsibility. Encourage
your child to consider a business idea and help them create a budget, marketing plan, and pitch.

Teen entrepreneurship programs — such as the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship
(NFTE) — offer comprehensive resources and mentorship to build your child’s entrepreneurial
skills. There’s no end to the types of businesses your teenager could start, including:
● Social media management: Many small businesses need help running their social media
accounts. As a teen who has grown up with social media, they can offer valuable
expertise in this area!
● Customize accessory and apparel design: Design personalized T-shirts, hats, bracelets,
or jewelry for their friends and classmates.
● Tutoring and homework help: They can offer services as a tutor or homework assistant
for younger students or peers who need extra academic support.
● Dog walking and pet sitting: If they love animals, start a business offering pet care
services. They’ll get paid to have fun with their four-legged companions!
● Baking and catering: Bake and sell cakes, cookies, and other treats for parties or bake
sales.
It’s essential that your son or daughter learn basic business practices as they prepare for
entrepreneurship. For instance, they should understand how to write a business plan, make a
budget, build a website, and promote their brand. They can also learn about the LLC age
requirement and how to start an LLC. Encourage them to work with a formation service which
makes the process easy.

Coding

In this day and age, coding is becoming an indispensable skill that yields a wealth of career
opportunities, notes Vue School. It not only teaches logic and problem-solving skills but also
opens doors to a range of high-paying careers. Many after-school coding programs are
available, ranging from online courses to in-person programs that center around languages like
Python, Java, and HTML.
You might look into some of the many websites dedicated solely to helping young minds learn to
code. For example, click here for expert tips that help troubleshoot different coding and error
messages.

Volunteering

The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn explains that getting your child involved in volunteering
can have numerous benefits. For starters, it teaches your child empathy and compassion for
other beings and fosters a sense of responsibility and commitment to a cause. Volunteering can
also help them develop important social and leadership skills as they work with other volunteers
and interact with the public. Try getting your child involved with a volunteer organization, such
as the Catholic Volunteer Network. Your child might be inspired to pursue a career in a related
field, potentially leading to a lifelong passion and purpose!

Real Estate

Encouraging your child to take an interest in real estate can be a valuable educational
experience, providing them with practical knowledge and skills for the future. Start by
suggesting they learn about the basics of mortgages, interest rates, and the different types of
properties available. This foundational knowledge will give them a deeper understanding of how
the real estate market operates.
Additionally, as they delve into the world of property management, exploring online apartment
listings can be particularly enlightening. These listings offer real-world examples of how
properties are marketed, priced, and managed. This hands-on approach not only enhances their
learning but also helps them appreciate the complexities and opportunities within the real estate
sector. By fostering this interest from a young age, you’re equipping your child with valuable
financial literacy and an understanding of a key aspect of the economy.

Starting a Blog

Blogging offers a creative outlet for kids to show their interests and experiences with an online
audience. Encouraging your teen to write about their passions (e.g., sports, fashion, technology,
etc.) can improve their writing skills, spark creativity, and cultivate creative thinking. Blogging
also teaches kids how to use digital tools like WordPress and social media platforms, and it can
potentially lead to future entrepreneurial or writing opportunities.
Finding the right after-school activities is essential to your child’s growth and development. And
while traditional activities are valuable, it’s crucial to explore alternative options to inspire
curiosity, creativity, and a wide range of skills. From entrepreneurship and coding to
volunteering and graphic design, encourage your kid to experiment with activities outside the
norm and find their passions. They very well may discover unique opportunities while
positioning themselves for lifelong success!

St. Sylvester I

Sylvester was born in Rome toward the close of the third century. He was a young priest when the persecution of the Christians broke out under the tyrant Diocletian. Idols were erected at the corners of the streets, in the market-places, and over the public fountains, so that it was scarcely possible for a Christian […]

St. Sylvester I

Holy Families

I don’t know about you, but whenever I think of the Holy Family, I’m drawn to images painted by great artists. Most depict Mary, Joseph, shepherds, and animals surrounding the infant Jesus. For me, I also like to envision Mary and Joseph holding Jesus in their arms. As they gaze at Him and hold Him […]

Holy Families

Practicing Our Faith

In the Acts of the Apostles (6:1-7). Scripture tells us that The Seven were chosen by the Apostles, prayed over, consecrated, and made sacred ministers—deacons! Immediately following their transformation (or ordination, as we know it today), we know that their immediate focus became one of caring for widows, distributing meals, and, broadly speaking, attending to […]

Practicing Our Faith

New Book Highlights An Inspirational Story

After a normal, healthy, full-term pregnancy, Margaret Moore’s parents Anne and Terrence were shocked as a prolapsed umbilical cord left their daughter unable to breathe on her own. Margaret, nicknamed Meg, was not expected to live through the night and began to breathe on her own by the next day—a phenomenon that medical personnel deemed a miraculous recovery. Meg came home with a physical disability Cerebral Palsy and permanent dependence on others for help with feeding, dressing, hygiene, and transfers to and from her wheelchair and walker. A speech impediment caused her to rely on a communication device to speak to others.

Meg’s disability was welcomed into what had become a chaotic Moore household. Along with having Meg’s two older brothers, Sean and Brian, age three and four at the time of Meg’s birth, Terrence had already been diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer, which later took his life just before Meg’s second birthday. Raising the kids on her own, Anne was determined to teach Meg, Brian, and Sean to persevere through even the toughest of circumstances to reach their ambitions. This book follows Meg from the time of her birth through her Long Meadow Elementary School graduation. Through granular levels of detail, Meg narrates her experiences of pursuing regular education and activities such as Girl Scouts, soccer, ice-skating, and snow tubing despite her physical limitations. She delves into the challenges that often comes with seeking inclusion and acceptance, but she also highlights the joyous—and often hilarious—adventures of her childhood. The story of Meg Moore and her family is meant to make you ponder how you, too, can reach your wildest ambitions and how your inner strength is one of the greatest factors enabling you to do so.

Margaret Anne Mary Moore is a summer 2022 graduate of Fairfield University’;s Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Program, where she earned a degree in creative nonfiction and poetry. A 2020 magna cum laude graduate, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in English/Creative Writing from Fairfield University. Margaret is an editor and the marketing coordinator at Woodhall Press and also works as an ambassador for PRC-Saltillo. She has been featured on NBC Connecticut and WFSB News and delivers presentations at national and international writing conferences. Her writing has appeared or is forthcoming in America Magazine, Brevity’s Nonfiction Blog, Kairos: A Journal of Rhetoric, Technology, Pedagogy, and Independent Catholic News among other publications. Margaret lives in Middlebury, Connecticut.

A Deceptive Faith: The Misguided Belief of Prosperity

In the realm of Christianity, few topics have sparked as much controversy and debate as the prosperity gospel. This movement, popularized by charismatic preachers, promises material blessings and financial abundance as evidence of one’s faith and favor with God. While it may seem appealing on the surface, a closer examination reveals the hidden dangers that lie within.

One of the most significant distortions perpetuated by the prosperity gospel is its emphasis on wealth and material possessions as a measure of spiritual success. It promotes the idea that financial prosperity is a sign of God’s blessing and favor, while poverty or lack is seen as a result of lack of faith or sin. This misguided belief can lead to a shallow and materialistic faith, where the pursuit of wealth becomes the primary focus, overshadowing the true essence of Christianity.

Furthermore, the prosperity gospel often fails to acknowledge the biblical teachings on the dangers of wealth and the responsibilities that come with it. Jesus Himself warned about the deceitfulness of riches and the difficulty for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of humility, contentment, and the proper stewardship of resources. By promoting a skewed view of wealth, the prosperity gospel neglects these vital principles, leading believers astray from the path of true discipleship.

Another danger of the prosperity gospel lies in its promise of instant solutions to life’s problems through the “seed-faith” theology. This teaching suggests that by sowing a financial seed, believers can expect a supernatural harvest of blessings from God. While there is nothing wrong with sowing seeds of faith or giving generously, the prosperity gospel often reduces these spiritual principles to a transactional formula, disregarding the sovereignty and wisdom of God. This can lead to disillusionment and a crisis of faith when the desired outcomes are not realized, causing believers to question their worthiness or God’s faithfulness.

In conclusion, the distorted views on wealth and material blessings propagated by the prosperity gospel pose significant dangers to Christians and their spiritual journey. By focusing on earthly wealth and instant gratification, this movement leads believers away from the true essence of Christianity and the teachings of the Bible. It is essential for Christians to discern and reject these deceptive teachings, embracing instead a faith that prioritizes spiritual growth, humility, and a genuine love for God and others. Only by doing so can we find true fulfillment and align ourselves with God’s purpose for our lives.