From the Rector, Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, 1/15/2023

Introduction to the Sacraments •Grace: What is it, and what does it do? • Divine life (CCC 1996-1997, 1999, 2000) •Free and undeserved gift •Heal and perfect •Sanctifying, habitual, actual •Sacramental (CCC 1129, 2003) •Sacraments (CCC 1115-6, 1123, 1131; SC 59-61; LG 11) o Mysterion and Sacramentum o CCC 1131: Efficacious signs of grace •Sign, …

Read moreFrom the Rector, Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, 1/15/2023

From the Rector/Catechesis, December 11, 2022, Cycle A

Sin and Vice 1870 “God has consigned all men to disobedience, that he may have mercy upon all”(Rom 11:32). 1871 Sin is an utterance, a deed, or a desire contrary to the eternal law (St. Augustine,Faust 22: PL 42, 418). It is an offense against God. It rises up against God in adisobedience contrary to …

Read moreFrom the Rector/Catechesis, December 11, 2022, Cycle A

From the Rector/Catechesis, Second Sunday of Advent, 12/4/2022

Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit 1830 The moral life of Christians is sustained by the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These are permanent dispositions which make man docile in following the promptings of the Holy 1831 The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of …

Read moreFrom the Rector/Catechesis, Second Sunday of Advent, 12/4/2022

From the Rector/Catechesis, First Sunday of Advent, 11/27/2022

Sacred Heart Cathedral

 Justice CCC 1807 Justice is the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbor. Justice toward God is called the “virtue of religion.” Justice toward men disposes one to respect the rights of each and to establish in human relationships the harmony that promotes equity …

Read moreFrom the Rector/Catechesis, First Sunday of Advent, 11/27/2022

From the Rector, Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, 11/20/2022

Pope Benedict XVI on Christ the KingFrom the Angelus on 20 November 2005 The Solemnity of Christ the King is celebrated today, the last Sunday of the Liturgical Year. Since the announcement of his birth, the Only-begotten Son of the Father, born of the Virgin Mary, was described as “king” in the Messianic sense, that …

Read moreFrom the Rector, Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, 11/20/2022

From the Rector/Catechesis, Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, 11/13/2022

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Fortitude/Courage CCC 1808 Fortitude is the moral virtue that ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy inthe pursuit of the good. It strengthens the resolve to resist temptations and to overcomeobstacles in the moral life. the virtue of fortitude enables one to conquer fear, even fear ofdeath, and to face trials and persecutions. It disposes one …

Read moreFrom the Rector/Catechesis, Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, 11/13/2022

From the Rector/Catechesis, Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, 11/6/2022

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Temperance 1809 Temperance is the moral virtue that moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of created goods. It ensures the will’s mastery over instincts and keeps desires within the limits of what is honorable. the temperate person directs the sensitive appetites toward what is good and maintains a healthy discretion: …

Read moreFrom the Rector/Catechesis, Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, 11/6/2022

From the Rector/Catechesis, Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 10/23/22

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Prudence CCC 1806 Prudence is the virtue that disposes practical reason to discern our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it; “the prudent man looks where he is going.” “Keep sane and sober for your prayers.” Prudence is “right reason in action,” writes St. Thomas Aquinas, following Aristotle. …

Read moreFrom the Rector/Catechesis, Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 10/23/22

From the Rector/Catechesis, October 16, 2022, Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C

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Charity 1822 Charity is the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God. 1823 Jesus makes charity the new commandment. By loving his own “to the end,” he makes manifest the Father’s love which he receives. By loving one …

Read moreFrom the Rector/Catechesis, October 16, 2022, Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C