History

American and Church History

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CATHOLIC BASICS with Fr. Bill – Fasting and Abstinance

PRECEPTS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Precept #4
“You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence as established by the Church.” – Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2043
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What are Fasting and Abstinence?
Why is Fasting Important?
What is the Practice Today?
What is the “Rule” for Fasting and Abstinence for Adults Over the Age of 60 and Children Under the Age of 14?

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The Courage to Defend the Fatih

Homily
31st Sunday of Ordinary Time – Year C
Zacchaeus (the Little Man who Climbed a Tree) and our Call to Defend the Faith
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Books Recommended in the Homily:

Woods, Thomas Jr.  “How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization”, 2012

Stark, Rodney,  “How the West Won:  The Neglected Story of the Triumph of Modernity”, 2015

Stark, Rodney, “God’s Battalions:  The Case for the Crusades”, 2010

Stark, Rodney, “Bearing False Witness:  Debunking Centuries of Anti-Catholic History”, 2016

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Indiana Jones and the Da Vinci Code of Doom!

“Holy Grail:  A Spiritual Quest”
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With the Theatrical Release of the move based on Dan Brown’s most recent novel, “Inferno”, let us re-visit the novel that launched his fame in popular culture.  “The Da Vinci Code” sparked interest in ancient legends of the Holy Grail, as well as speculation on Church History and the Life of Jesus Christ.  Here is a commentary I wrote in 2006 that addressed the “Da Vinci Code” phenomenon and how it sparked a new form of “Grail Quest” in our modern culture.

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“CATHOLIC BASICS” with Fr. Bill – Confession to a Priest

THE PRECEPTS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Precept #2:
“You shall confess your sins at least once a year.” – Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2042
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Why is Confession to a Priest essential for the forgiveness of sins?
Why can’t I Confess directly to God?
How does it coincide with Salvation in Christ and God’s overall plan for the salvation of souls?
Is there a Biblical precedent for Confession, and how does the Old Testament lead into the Catholic practice of Confession?