On August 2, in light of an address last October to the Pontifical Council, Pope Francis made a modification to the Catholic Catechism declaring that “the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person”. As an officially declared teaching of the Church, this poses a serious… [Read More]
The American Personality and our Mission as Catholics
It is a day to celebrate, to be with loved ones, and to pray for our nation. Let it also be a day to reflect on who we are, and who are called to be! What is our mission as Catholics in the US? And what does it mean to talk about our mission as… [Read More]
Calling all young adults! – An invitation to sit down with our Bishops
What are you doing next Monday evening? Young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 are invited to attend a Diocese of Austin listening session with Bishop Joe Vásquez and Bishop Danny Garcia on August 7 from 6-8 pm at St. Louis, Austin. This listening session will assist the diocese in preparation for the… [Read More]
July 4th is Love
I know that today we’re supposed to think about the history of winning our independence. I do. I think that is OK. We think about freedom and the Constitution too. We are glad we don’t live somewhere there isn’t freedom. We are grateful to be Americans. We are proud of ourselves. That is cool. But… [Read More]
Meditation and Decisive Times
We live in decisive times. And while perhaps that’s always true in some way, I think we can say that in a particle way about our times today. I don’t have to describe it for you too much, because you live it as well. Tensions are high. The pace of available information is frenetic. And… [Read More]
The Catholic Roots of Halloween
Every year the questions about the acceptability of celebrating Halloween arise in Catholic and Christian circles: Can my family to celebrate Halloween? Is it okay for my child to dress up and trick-or-treat? Is Halloween a pagan, satanic or secular holiday? These, and a myriad of other questions about Halloween haunt the consciousness of Catholics… [Read More]
When you see… A Reflection on the Immigrant Crisis
According to the local folklore, the drama at Sacred Heart in McAllen all started with what a few saw. A little over a month ago, a few sharp-eyed Catholics noticed a gathering of dirty young women at the bus station. Maybe it was a passing glance. Maybe it was out of the corner of the… [Read More]
SB5: A Moment in Texas Legislative History
The night of Tuesday, June 25 was one crazy and unsettling night for many Texans. A sea of pro-choice persons clad in orange shirts with speckles of pro-life blue shirts thrown in here and there had been present in the Texas Capitol building in downtown Austin for nearly 13 hours. And the chaotic nature of… [Read More]
Confession and Pentecost; Grace and Power
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. -Proverbs 3:5-6 This verse is not like Confession; this verse is Confession. Four things happen. I entrust myself to God through a spiritual father, a… [Read More]
Quiet Thunder
Photo: AFP Quiet Thunder From a canopy of umbrellas open, eyes and hearts are lifted heavenward. Flags are waved, and prayers are uttered through misty rain. Hope rushes smoky white from an ancient chimney for what seems an eternity. A stirring on the balcony and silence falls. Quiet thunder is coming. Millions gather to… [Read More]
Holy Innocents, Then and Now
The past few years a feast day in the Catholic Church I had paid little attention to began to stand out to me: The Feast of the Holy Innocents. I don’t know why this Feast Day began to stand out to me a few years ago. Perhaps it is the reminder of innocent lives lost,… [Read More]
We Can’t Be Catholic Robots
It’s easy to forget what something means when you’ve said it a million times. It’s kind of like when you say a word out loud over and over. Somehow it manages to lose its meaning. Fork. Fork. Fork. Fork. Fork. Fork. Fork. Does it sound funny now? It is possible that this happens to us… [Read More]
Two Guys a Girl and a Catholic Podcast Episode 55: Wisdom for the Class of 2012
Episode 55 Current Events: It’s graduation season… we’ll each have a chance to channel our inner commencement speaker. What’s your wisdom for the class of 2012? What you shouldn’t buy your HS graduate. http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/902/gifts-you-shouldnt-buy-grads/ Catholic high school withholds student diploma for Tebowing – http://offthebench.nbcsports.com/2012/05/22/catholic-high-school-withholds-grads-diploma-for-tebowing-on-stage/ Outro for segment, the best graduation speech ever? – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTJ7AzBIJoI Church News: The… [Read More]
Two Guys a Girl and a Catholic Podcast Episode 54: Shaking in East Texas
Episode 54 Current Events: Catching up with Us Cristina – Fulfilled bucket list item and visited Mall of America in MN Chris – Welcomed new little one into the family Jason – Sat down with Bishop Joe Vasquez Church News: Evening of Prayerful Remembrance and Intercession Interview AN EVENING OF PRAYERFUL REMEMBRANCE AND INTERCESSION… [Read More]
Two Guys a Girl and a Catholic Podcast Episode 52: Well Excuse Me But I Think You Have My Chair
Episode 52 Current Events: Nebraska Assistant Football Coach Under Fire for Religious Views Do you think that people who work in high profile jobs at public universities give up some of their right to free speech, as the ESPN Columnist would imply? Company’s Lawsuit could stop mandate within 3 months. http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/catholic-companys-lawsuit-could-stop-mandate-within-three-months/ Church News: Biking for… [Read More]
Two Guys a Girl and a Catholic Podcast Episode 51: Which Came First? The Heart Attack Burger or the Egg?
Episode 51 Feedback: Current Events: Young ‘Millennials’ losing faith in record numbers http://www.religionnews.com/faith/doctrine-and-practice/Young-Millennials-losing-faith-in-record-numbers Former Catholic school teacher is fired for getting an in vitro fertilization, lawsuit makes national news. http://www.diocesefwsb.org/2012/04/statement-from-the-diocese-of-fort-wayne-south-bend/ Church News: Catholic Charities Host Open House Interview – Sarah Rose Catholic Charities of Central Texas is hosting an Open House May 4, 2012 from… [Read More]
Two Guys a Girl and a Catholic Podcast Episode 50: 40 Days for Life, Nun Runs and Ton o’ Feedback
Episode 50 Feedback: Lots of feedback Pat Ryan Phil Current Events: Alabama’s proposed covenant marriage bill would make divorce more difficult http://blog.al.com/wire/2012/04/covenant_marriage_would_make_d.html Nun Run Interview Church News: Registration for the 2012 Catholic New Media Conference is now open! http://t.co/0e94OUke Speakers Catholic New Media Conference 2012 Announced! http://t.co/EYH4wone Catholic Charities Host Open House Catholic Charities of… [Read More]
Lent is like … a round of Mutton Bustin
I went to the Austin Rodeo this weekend and it was so much fun! As a Texas transplant I get a lot of child-like enjoyment (“Let the children come to me!”) in seeing show animals, pig races, deep-fried-everything-you-can-imagine, unique rhinestone belts, and decorative cowboy boots. This year I even got to see a baby kangaroo,… [Read More]
Two Guys a Girl and a Catholic Podcast Episode 47 – March Madness, Bracketology and Double Feedback!
Episode 47 Feedback: Double Feedback this week! Feedback from Facebook – Corinne Kelley I am an emerging media and communications major at the University of Texas at Dallas and just want to say thanks for using the new media for the new eveangicalization! Petra Balkema (friends with Sean McCarney) also commented on Austin Catholic… [Read More]
Two Guys a Girl and a Catholic Podcast Episode 46 – iPad 3s, Silver Ring Thing Recap and Solar Storms…Oh My!
Episode 46 Current Events: iPad 3 – Cool? Underwhelming? Should new Apple CEO Tim Cook have gone for a splash, or is a new iPad, good enough? Solar Storm’s a comin’! http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/sunearth/news/News030712-X5-4.html#.T1f1hUsnd8I.twitter http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/lifestyle/2012/03/07/solar-storm-could-disrupt-power-on-earth/ Church News: Silver Ring Thing Interview Kim Speirs the JP2 Life Center’s New Executive Director Human Dignity at the End of Life”… [Read More]
Two Guys a Girl and a Catholic Podcast Episode 45 – Filet-O-Fish
Episode 45 Current Events: Regulations for the observance of Lent: http://www.archdiocese-chgo.org/catholic_values/catholic_teaching/lenten_regulations.shtm Church offers drive-thru for Ash Wednesday… Social media fasting for Lent? Is anyone listening? Church News: The great philospher and writer, Dr Peter Kreeft will be leading a Retreat titled ‘Whom do we meet in the Eucharist” at St John Neumann March 3rd 9:30AM-4PM… [Read More]
Two Guys a Girl and a Catholic Podcast Episode 44 – Linsanity
Episode 44 Current Events: Linsanity sweeps the nation Jeremy Lin rocks the Christian Rap and Worship Music http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/15/jeremy-lins-music-picks-c_n_1279615.html Is Lin the Tebow 2.0 for the NBA? Obviously he’s performing, but do you think that the NBA and NFL are loving these stories of Christian players because it helps clean up the public perception of the… [Read More]
Nicki Minaj, A Grammy Performance & Sacrilege
This is not the first time a music entertainer has taken a low blow to the Catholic Church. There was Madonna, Sinead O’Connor’s ’92 SNL performance and just a year ago, Lady Gaga’s leaked release of her single “Judas” (about, you guessed it, Judas Iscariot) just seven days before the beginning of Holy Week. However,… [Read More]
Two Guys a Girl and a Catholic Podcast Episode 43 – Circle of Life!!
Episode 43 Current Events: HHS story picking up steam in the MMS http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036789/ns/msnbc_tv-morning_joe/#46294134 Tweet from Joe Scarborough @joenbc I’m not Catholic but I must say I am stunned by the open bigotry shown toward people of the Catholic faith. EWTN sues the U.S. government over the contraception mandate. http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/ewtn-sues-us-government-over-contraception-mandate/ Priest for Life has also filed… [Read More]
Two Guys a Girl and a Catholic Podcast Episode 42 – Toilet Texting and Pink Slime Hamburgers
Episode 42 Feedback: Feedback from Phil Current Events: Texas Rally for Life coverage and reports from Catholic Bishops and the HHS Mandate http://www.kvue.com/news/Obama-administration-draws-Catholic-ire-over-health-care-rule-change-138364554.html Letter from Bishop Vasquez: http://www.austindiocese.org/resources/general/4793.pdf For more information and to contact your U.S. Reps: http://www.usccb.org/conscience Here’s a link to a white house petition page to rescind the HHS Mandate: https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petitions/%21/petition/rescind-hhs-dept-mandate-requiring-catholic-employers-provide-contraceptivesabortifacients-their/lBxr7SdP?utm_source=wh.gov&utm_medium=shorturl&utm_campaign=shorturl http://www.catholicvote.org/discuss/index.php?p=25865 http://www.becketfund.org/protestants-and-jews-declare-to-white-house-we-stand-with-catholics/… [Read More]
Two Guys a Girl and a Catholic Podcast Episode 41 – News from DCYC and Soundwave
Episode 41 Feedback: March for Life in Washington DC http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/01/23/abortion-protesters-march-on-roe-v-wade-anniversary/ http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/01/23/celebrate-life-embrace-graceend-abortion/ (Get ready for Texas Rally for Life if you are listening before January 28th?) http://www.texasrallyforlife.org/ Pro-Life Commercial http://marysaggies.blogspot.com/2012/01/pro-life-commercial-that-says-it-all.html Church News: The next Catholic Business Network meeting is February 1st at 7:30 AM at Saint William’s Parish Center in Round Rock. All Catholic business professionals… [Read More]
Two Guys a Girl and a Catholic Podcast Episode 40 – Why I Love Jesus But Hate SOPA and PIPA
Episode 40 Current Events: Wide Web protests turn tide against anti-piracy bills as Congress effort goes down in flames Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/tech-junkies-protest-sopa-bill-designed-stop-internet-piracy-streets-york-city-article-1.1008161#ixzz1jsiNL6j8 Compare this with the Occu-pocalys Jesus vs religion video not sure where to put this but wanted to talk more about the impact then the actual video. Catholic response: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ru_tC4fv6FE&feature=youtu.be Church News: ACNM… [Read More]
Two Guys a Girl and a Catholic Podcast Episode 39 – The Silver Ring Thing
Episode 39 Feedback Ryan’s Feedback Current Events: General Tebow discussion ABC Special on Tim Tebow http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zs898BJM6YY Forget Tim Tebow. What about Mark Wahlberg http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505270_162-57355882/mark-wahlberg-talks-film-family-and-faith/?tag=facebook%3Ftag%3Dfacebook Church News: Silver Ring Thing Interview – http://www.silverringthing.com/registrationdisplay.asp?regID=517 Have you ever been interested in signing your kids up for Catholic school? Saturday, January 21st 10am to 2pm, St. Michaels Catholic Academy,… [Read More]
Two Guys a Girl and a Catholic Podcast Episode #38 – The Gang Welcomes In The New Year
Episode 38 Current Events: Ben Breedlove from Westlake made national news on Christmas week. Part I http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmlTHfVaU9o Part II http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4LSEXsvRAI&feature=related Church News: The next Theology on Tap is Jan. 11 at Pluckers near Lakeline Mall in Cedar Park. Father Alberto Borruel, Pastor of St. Mary Parish in Lockhart will present on Mary’s “Yes” and how… [Read More]
Two Guys, a Girl and a Catholic Podcast 36: Santa Visits The Wildcard
Episode 36 Current Events: Orange county Diocese buys Crystal Cathedral http://articles.latimes.com/2011/nov/18/local/la-me-crystal-cathedral-20111118 New Vatican commission cracks down on church architecture http://vaticaninsider.lastampa.it/en/homepage/inquiries-and-interviews/detail/articolo/architettura-architecture-arquitectura-10121/ Man gives away life savings in donated suit http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/man-accidentally-gives-away-life-savings-hidden-away-165333331.html Is Siri pro-life? http://gizmodo.com/5863445/is-siri-pro-life-apparently-yes Church News: Sarah’s Hope – Wed, December 7 Vitae Clinic Sarah’s Hope is a free spiritual support program for couples struggling with… [Read More]
Two Guys, a Girl and a Catholic Podcast 35: New Roman Missal and More Guest
Episode 35 Current Events: Pope will turn on lights for the largest Christmas tree with an ipod. http://www.romereports.com/palio/pope-to-use-ipad-to-light-up-tallest-christmas-tree-english-5396.html A new high tech force is with APD. http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/new-high-tech-force-is-with-APD-police Pope Approves U.S. Anglican ordinariate launch for January 1 – USCCB Fall General Assembly http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/cardinal-wuerl-says-us-anglican-ordinariate-will-begin-jan.-1/ http://www.romereports.com/palio/personal-ordinariate-to-welcome-american-anglicans-into-the-catholic-church-english-5419.html Church News: Texas Bishops Urge U.S. Rep. Hensarling to Protect the Poor… [Read More]
Two Guys, a Girl and a Catholic Podcast 34: Harvest of Hope
Episode 34 Current Events: Penn State, Herman Cain, and Mississippi rejects personhood bill No end in sight for NBA lock-out http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7209093/nba-lockout-players-reject-david-stern-ultimatum-offer-want-further-talks Asteroid Flyby http://www.space.com/13562-huge-asteroid-2005-yu55-earth-flyby-students.html Radio telescope footage going 29,000 mph. http://www.space.com/13550-asteroid-2005-yu55-images-radio-telescope.html Church News: Catholic Charities of Central Texas Harvest of Hope Interview Donations can be made online at: http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Harvest-of-Hope.html?soid=1102308223527&aid=gpBUedwfUsk http://www.ccctx.org/ The Saint Cecile Sacred Music… [Read More]
Two Guys, a Girl and a Catholic Podcast 33: Top Chef Vending Machine Edition
Episode 33 Current Events: Horn of Africa: 300,000 Children are at risk of dying. http://www.romereports.com/palio/index.php?newlang=english Nurses in New Jersey will lose their jobs if they refuse to assist in an abortion. http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/new-jersey-nurses-face-job-loss-for-refusing-to-assist-abortions/ St. Louis Cardinals are World Champs – Church News: The 2011 “Celebrate Life” Benefit Dinner is on Thursday November 10 at 6pm at… [Read More]
Two Guys, a Girl and a Catholic Podcast 32: Peace, Justice and Artificial Phone Arms
Current Events: Note on financial reform from the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace http://www.news.va/en/news/full-text-note-on-financial-reform-from-the-pontif Rescuers save baby in rubble from the earthquake in Turkey. http://news.yahoo.com/turkish-quake-survivors-camp-plead-tents-000727342.html Man has smartphone built in to his artificial arm http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2053891/iRobot-reality-patient-gets-smartphone-built-artificial-arm.html Church News: Join catholic singles, 25 years and older, at a catholic singles conference at San Jose Catholic Church… [Read More]
Two Guys, a Girl and a Catholic Podcast 31: Three Folks Named C[h]ris
Current Events: Pope Benedict declares a ‘Year of Faith’ – http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-benedict-declares-a-year-of-faith/ Susan Sarandon Under Fire From Catholic, Jewish Groups for Calling Pope Benedict a ‘Nazi’ http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2011/10/18/susan-sarandon-under-fire-from-catholic-and-jewish-groups-for-calling-pope/#ixzz1b8kyynCs Couple married 72 years die holding hands. http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/44960859/ns/us_news-life/#.Tp-Mdqj4bCo Church News: 2nd Anniversary of Spirit and Truth with Bishop Joe Vasquez is on Monday, October 24th at 7pm at Sacred… [Read More]
Spending Our Best Gifts First!
Halloween is coming! As a child, I loved to trick or treat. My efficiency-minded personality really shone in my Halloween planning – I made sure to use a strong pillowcase because they were bigger and stronger than plastic bags or bucket, and I strategically picked which streets I’d frequent based on the number of decorated… [Read More]
Two Guys, a Girl and a Catholic Podcast 30: We Hit The Big 3-0
Current Events: Pope saddened by Egyptian violence. http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-deeply-saddened-by-egyptian-violence/ http://www.romereports.com/palio/popes-general-audience-i-feel-the-sorrow-of-the-victims-families-and-egyptian-people-english-5124.html Updated “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship – http://www.txcatholic.org/index.php/news/for-the-media-tcc-press-releases-and-media-kits/1340-resources-available-to-support-catholics-as-informed-faithful-citizens TCU to the Big 12 – http://espn.go.com/dallas/ncf/story/_/id/7085749/big-12-vote-unanimous-allow-tcu-horned-frogs-2012-13 Church News: Restore, Renew & Reclaim Understanding the Church’s Stance on Contraception Wednesdays, October 12, 19 and 26 · 7:00pm – 8:30pm St. John Neumann Catholic Church St. Timothy Room 5455… [Read More]
Two Guys, a Girl and a Catholic Podcast 29: We Hit Record This Week
Google Voice Feedback – Dan Current Events: “Baby Joseph” dies at his home in Canada http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/09/28/baby-joseph-reportedly-dies-in-his-canadian-home/?test=latestnews Opt out of Presidential Address? Iphone event scheduled for Oct. 4th. Sounds like the announcement for the iPhone 5 http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110927-710668.html CatholicVote Mobile App – http://www.littleiapps.com/catholic_vote/ Church News: Oct. TOT – Wednesday, October 5, 2011 La Feria on S. Lamar… [Read More]
Two Guys, a Girl and a Catholic Podcast 27: SpongeBob Acro Cats
Google Voice Feedback – Phil Current Events: Central Texas Fires Catholic Bishops reflect on 9/11 http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/on-sept.-11-catholic-bishops-reflect-on-events-spiritual-implications/ Heroic Media Dinner Father Frank Pavone Director of Priest for Life has been suspended from active ministry outside the Diocese of Amarillo, Texas, over financial questions about the priest’s operation of Priests for Life. http://www.patheos.com/community/theanchoress/2011/09/13/fr-frank-pavone-facing-restrictions/ http://canonlawblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/initial-remarks-on-zurek-pavone-dispute.html CARA Survey -New… [Read More]
Two Guys, a Girl and a Catholic Podcast 26: Need a Penny Take a Penny
Current Events: Implications of Obama Administration’s move to force Catholic hospitals to provide “contraception” and sterilizations http://wdtprs.com/blog/2011/08/implications-of-obama-administrations-move-to-force-catholic-hospitals-to-provide-contraception-and-sterilizations/ Man’s eye saved after impalement. http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/08/31/arizona.eye.socket.shears/index.html?hpt=hp_c2 Followup: Aggies bolt for greener pastures. Church News: The Word of the Lord: Life, Mission, and Purpose in the Church – Scripture is both Word and Sacrament, yet many times we find… [Read More]
