Election Day is almost here! A wise elephant* once said "Every voice counts". So today I'd like to encourage you to empower yourself with the facts that will help you to make the best decisions for our country.
Ready to learn the facts about the candidates?
Check out the websites below to learn their views, biography, speeches and voting records.
At http://www.votesmart.org/election_president.php you can find non partisan facts (not accusations) in an easy to search, easy to understand language. Their website states: “Picture this: thousands of citizens (conservative and liberal alike) working together, spending endless hours researching the backgrounds and records of thousands of political candidates and elected officials to discover their voting records, campaign contributions, public statements, biographical data (including their work history) and evaluations of them generated by over 100 competing special interest groups. Every election these volunteers test each candidate's willingness to provide citizens with their positions on the issues they will most likely face if elected through the Political Courage Test. “
For a Catholic perspective check out http://www.priestsforlife.org/elections/index.htm to learn about the candidates, compare their views and find ways you can get involved in defending human life.
Peace of Christ to you!
Kerry Madden
*Horton, the pro-life elephant from Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Spiritual renewal and faith sharing
Through out the summer there was a buzz in our church... Arise Together in Christ is coming!!!
It was billed as small group scripture study, faith sharing and spiritual renewal. This sounded very exciting to me! I couldn't wait to sign up to be a part of it.
At long last fall has arrived and ARISE has begun! Last week's meeting was warm and welcoming. We got to know each other, agreed on some basic structure to our meeting and dove into the Holy Bible. The Arise Study guide had some thought provoking questions and encouraged us share with each other as we build our relationship with Jesus.
Check out the RCAB's website to learn about Arise Together in Christ and see if you can bring this exciting renewal to your parish! http://rcab.org/Life/Arise/HomePage.html
Peace of Christ to you!
Kerry, The Catholic Parish Media Liaison
It was billed as small group scripture study, faith sharing and spiritual renewal. This sounded very exciting to me! I couldn't wait to sign up to be a part of it.
At long last fall has arrived and ARISE has begun! Last week's meeting was warm and welcoming. We got to know each other, agreed on some basic structure to our meeting and dove into the Holy Bible. The Arise Study guide had some thought provoking questions and encouraged us share with each other as we build our relationship with Jesus.
Check out the RCAB's website to learn about Arise Together in Christ and see if you can bring this exciting renewal to your parish! http://rcab.org/Life/Arise/HomePage.html
Peace of Christ to you!
Kerry, The Catholic Parish Media Liaison
Monday, September 22, 2008
Get spiritual refreshment!
Make the Connection...using new media to strengthen your connection to faith!
Do you ever get to Wednesday and wish you could recall those nuggets of wisdom from your priest's homily during Mass?
I have two perfect "pick me ups" for your spirit!
Check out http://www.wordonfire.org/ with Father Robert Barron. Each week Father Barron shares his sermon via podcast that can be downloaded onto your computer or Mp3 player. He also creates videos on you tube with his review of movies and answers questions like "Why do we believe in God"? http://www.youtube.com/user/wordonfirevideo
The second is Deacon Tom Fox http://www.deacontomonline.com/ Each week Deacon Tom shares his reflections on Catholic Moments Podcast http://catholicmoments.libsyn.com/ and has written reflections, topical homilies and conversion stories on his website. He is both thought provoking and heartwarming.
If you have questions or suggestions for "Make the Connection", feel free to contact me!
Peace of Christ to you!
Kerry Madden, The Catholic Parish Media Liaison http://kerryannmadden.blogspot.com/
KMadden445@aol.com
Do you ever get to Wednesday and wish you could recall those nuggets of wisdom from your priest's homily during Mass?
I have two perfect "pick me ups" for your spirit!
Check out http://www.wordonfire.org/ with Father Robert Barron. Each week Father Barron shares his sermon via podcast that can be downloaded onto your computer or Mp3 player. He also creates videos on you tube with his review of movies and answers questions like "Why do we believe in God"? http://www.youtube.com/user/wordonfirevideo
The second is Deacon Tom Fox http://www.deacontomonline.com/ Each week Deacon Tom shares his reflections on Catholic Moments Podcast http://catholicmoments.libsyn.com/ and has written reflections, topical homilies and conversion stories on his website. He is both thought provoking and heartwarming.
If you have questions or suggestions for "Make the Connection", feel free to contact me!
Peace of Christ to you!
Kerry Madden, The Catholic Parish Media Liaison http://kerryannmadden.blogspot.com/
KMadden445@aol.com
Be Prepared to VOTE!
Make the Connection...using new media to strengthen your connection to faith!
You will often hear the media's take on what Catholics believe and what the Church teaches during the news and in the paper. Unfortunately, the reporting is not always accurate or fully explained. We owe it to ourselves and our affiliation with the Catholic Church to understand what the Church REALLY says about social issues and learn about our role as citizens. And with election day right around the corner (even though the campaigning seems to be unending) we also need to be prepared to make the best possible decisions for the next leaders of our state and country.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have put together a great website:
http://www.faithfulcitizenship.org/. It is chock full of excellent resources. Take a Faithful Citizenship quiz with Steve Angrisano (recognize his name from the hymnal? He's a well known song writer!), watch the thought of the day or tune into a message for teens. Listen to Podcasts on Catholic Social teaching. Find prayer resources and ways to take action.
You may even learn something you didn't know before and hopefully be inspired to live out your faith while making your decisions in November.
If you have questions or suggestions for "Make the Connection", feel free to contact me!
Peace of Christ to you!
Kerry Madden, The Catholic Parish Media Liaison http://kerryannmadden.blogspot.com/
KMadden445@aol.com
You will often hear the media's take on what Catholics believe and what the Church teaches during the news and in the paper. Unfortunately, the reporting is not always accurate or fully explained. We owe it to ourselves and our affiliation with the Catholic Church to understand what the Church REALLY says about social issues and learn about our role as citizens. And with election day right around the corner (even though the campaigning seems to be unending) we also need to be prepared to make the best possible decisions for the next leaders of our state and country.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have put together a great website:
http://www.faithfulcitizenship.org/. It is chock full of excellent resources. Take a Faithful Citizenship quiz with Steve Angrisano (recognize his name from the hymnal? He's a well known song writer!), watch the thought of the day or tune into a message for teens. Listen to Podcasts on Catholic Social teaching. Find prayer resources and ways to take action.
You may even learn something you didn't know before and hopefully be inspired to live out your faith while making your decisions in November.
If you have questions or suggestions for "Make the Connection", feel free to contact me!
Peace of Christ to you!
Kerry Madden, The Catholic Parish Media Liaison http://kerryannmadden.blogspot.com/
KMadden445@aol.com
Friday, August 29, 2008
TV time well spent
Make the Connection...using new media to strengthen your connection to faith!
September is right around the corner along with all new television episodes from your favorite series. Are Lost, Pushing Daisies, Grey's Anatomy and CSI at the top of your list? On your journey around the dial, stop at Charter Cable Channel 96 to find programs that will teach, entertain and strengthen the faith of your WHOLE family. Once you get hooked on the shows here you'll be saying "Who cares about Meredith and Derrick!".
EWTN (Eternal Word Network) is a global Catholic network that provides excellent quality programming. Highlights this September include a new movie "The Passion of Bernadette", The Papal Visit to Loudres, France and a new series "Crossing the Goal" starting former NFL Wide receiver Danny Abramowicz! My favorite shows are Life on the Rock (teens and young adults), The World Over (news), EWTN Live with Fr. Mitch Pacwa and the Journey Home with Marcus Grodi and his weekly guests. Check out Charter Cable channel 96 or watch live on line at http://www.ewtn.com/ (Many of these shows are available as FREE Mp3 Downloads as well)
If you have questions or suggestions for "Make the Connection", feel free to contact me!
Peace of Christ to you!
Kerry Madden, The Catholic Parish Media Liaison KMadden445@aol.com
September is right around the corner along with all new television episodes from your favorite series. Are Lost, Pushing Daisies, Grey's Anatomy and CSI at the top of your list? On your journey around the dial, stop at Charter Cable Channel 96 to find programs that will teach, entertain and strengthen the faith of your WHOLE family. Once you get hooked on the shows here you'll be saying "Who cares about Meredith and Derrick!".
EWTN (Eternal Word Network) is a global Catholic network that provides excellent quality programming. Highlights this September include a new movie "The Passion of Bernadette", The Papal Visit to Loudres, France and a new series "Crossing the Goal" starting former NFL Wide receiver Danny Abramowicz! My favorite shows are Life on the Rock (teens and young adults), The World Over (news), EWTN Live with Fr. Mitch Pacwa and the Journey Home with Marcus Grodi and his weekly guests. Check out Charter Cable channel 96 or watch live on line at http://www.ewtn.com/ (Many of these shows are available as FREE Mp3 Downloads as well)
If you have questions or suggestions for "Make the Connection", feel free to contact me!
Peace of Christ to you!
Kerry Madden, The Catholic Parish Media Liaison KMadden445@aol.com
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Make the connection...making good choices in gaming...
Make the Connection...using new media to strengthen your connection to faith!
Are you or your kids into video games? Star Wars Rebel Strike, Super Paper Mario, DRIV3R, Matrix Path of Neo...?
Did you every want to get a thorough review of a game BEFORE you used it, that told you more than the basic review or rating?
This week's Make the Connection pick is www.jorimslist.com. Jorim gives in depth reviews that include specific commentary on violence, profanity and of course the all important fun-factors! He gives indispensable information to help you make a great choice for your family!
Although Catholic video games are limited, here are a few I found on the web:
~For little kids: check out a fun interactive website: http://www.ewtn.com/ewtnkids/home.asp
~ For school age 6+: GOSPEL CHAMPIONS - CATHOLIC ADVENTURE PC GAME at www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com
~For Teens: Catechumen CD-ROM at www.catholiccompany.com
If you have questions or suggestions for "Make the Connection", feel free to contact me!
Peace of Christ to you!
Kerry Madden
Are you or your kids into video games? Star Wars Rebel Strike, Super Paper Mario, DRIV3R, Matrix Path of Neo...?
Did you every want to get a thorough review of a game BEFORE you used it, that told you more than the basic review or rating?
This week's Make the Connection pick is www.jorimslist.com. Jorim gives in depth reviews that include specific commentary on violence, profanity and of course the all important fun-factors! He gives indispensable information to help you make a great choice for your family!
Although Catholic video games are limited, here are a few I found on the web:
~For little kids: check out a fun interactive website: http://www.ewtn.com/ewtnkids/home.asp
~ For school age 6+: GOSPEL CHAMPIONS - CATHOLIC ADVENTURE PC GAME at www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com
~For Teens: Catechumen CD-ROM at www.catholiccompany.com
If you have questions or suggestions for "Make the Connection", feel free to contact me!
Peace of Christ to you!
Kerry Madden
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Make the Connnection: Audrey Stevenson, pray for us! A book review.
I recently read the book "Audrey, The True Story of One Child's Heroic Journey of Faith" by Gloria Conde as part of the Catholic Company's reviewer program and couldn't wait to tell the world my thoughts and feelings about this book and about Audrey!
The book was written in French by Gloria Conde and I read the translated version which was edited by Trish Bailey http://www.catholiccompany.com/. I mention this only because I am a Francophile and found it so fitting (perhaps it was a divine plan!) that this book should land in my hands.
"Audrey" is a beautiful book that chronicles the memories, experiences and lessons from Audrey's life and the impact she had on other people. She was given a special gift from God; a heart and soul truly devoted to serving Him in all she did. She was passionate about sharing God's love and His calling to each of us: to know Him, love Him and serve Him. At the age of 9, she was afflicted with leukemia and through her illness shared the peace and joy and purpose that comes from life centered on God.
As I read, I was reminded of an NPR program where the author, Bart Ehrman, talked about his book "God's Problem". He found the Bible's explanation of why people suffer unconvincing and eventually lost his faith. I feel Audrey has his answer. I will be praying for him that he rediscovers his faith and learns the beauty and purpose of suffering.
Audrey Stevenson's life was a gift to the world and hers is story that needs to be told.
Her mission on earth is not complete though her time here has ended. She continues to "work" for us from her original home, heaven. Audrey, please pray for us!
If you have suggestions for upcoming installments of Make the Connection, please contact me!Peace of Christ to you!Kerry Madden, The Catholic Parish Media Liaison
KMadden445@aol.com http://kerryannmadden.blogspot.com/
This review was written as part of The Catholic Company product reviewer program. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Audrey - True Story of a Child's Journey of Faith.
The book was written in French by Gloria Conde and I read the translated version which was edited by Trish Bailey http://www.catholiccompany.com/. I mention this only because I am a Francophile and found it so fitting (perhaps it was a divine plan!) that this book should land in my hands.
"Audrey" is a beautiful book that chronicles the memories, experiences and lessons from Audrey's life and the impact she had on other people. She was given a special gift from God; a heart and soul truly devoted to serving Him in all she did. She was passionate about sharing God's love and His calling to each of us: to know Him, love Him and serve Him. At the age of 9, she was afflicted with leukemia and through her illness shared the peace and joy and purpose that comes from life centered on God.
As I read, I was reminded of an NPR program where the author, Bart Ehrman, talked about his book "God's Problem". He found the Bible's explanation of why people suffer unconvincing and eventually lost his faith. I feel Audrey has his answer. I will be praying for him that he rediscovers his faith and learns the beauty and purpose of suffering.
Audrey Stevenson's life was a gift to the world and hers is story that needs to be told.
Her mission on earth is not complete though her time here has ended. She continues to "work" for us from her original home, heaven. Audrey, please pray for us!
If you have suggestions for upcoming installments of Make the Connection, please contact me!Peace of Christ to you!Kerry Madden, The Catholic Parish Media Liaison
KMadden445@aol.com http://kerryannmadden.blogspot.com/
This review was written as part of The Catholic Company product reviewer program. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Audrey - True Story of a Child's Journey of Faith.
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