Why Fast?

The Bible refers to fasting nearly 100 times, however, it remains a discipline which is absent from the lives of many Christians.

Although most Christians may feel the need to do a lengthy fast, there are benefits to be gained from even a short period of self-denial.

Here are 16 reasons why...

1) Fasting expands compassion.

2) Fasting prepares the way to meet a challenge.

3) fasting helps you move to a positive spiritual outlook.

4) Fasting is encouraged by the spiritual fathers.

5) Fasting benefits others.

6) Fasting creates more time for additional spiritual disciplines.

7) Fasting is good for the soul - it brings spiritual gifts.

8) Fasting reminds us we don not live by bread alone.

9) Fasting is a positive response in the face of materialism.

10) Fasting creates more physical and mental energy.

11) Fasting helps us appreciate things more.

12) Fasting strengthens virtues and weakens vices.

13) Fasting is good for self-discipline.

14) Fasting improves physical health.

15) Fasting can enlighten others.

16) Fasting follows the way of Christ.

Holidays...

I've just returned from a holiday in Queensland (on the Gold Coast).
Here is where we stayed:













Here was our view at night time:

You are Loved

I posted this for a special someone (just a little reminder) - they know who they are. xx

Why Should I Go to Confession?

Sin is a fact of life.
Whether we’re guilty of the sins of the flesh (such as adultery, fornication, masturbation, gluttony, drunkenness), sins of pride (anger, hard-heartedness, envy) or some other kind of moral failing, we all fall prey to sin.

Some sins are called “venial,” because they weaken the life of grace in the soul and make it more likely that the person will fall into “mortal” (i.e., serious) sin — the kind of sin which, because of its gravity, extinguishes the life of grace in the soul.

But all sins separate us from God.

As the Bible reminds, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9).

The problem is that many people become comfortable with living in the state of sin (c.f., 1 John 5:16-17) and never really make any effort to turn their hearts back toward the Lord with repentance and a firm desire to avoid sin and grow in holiness.
There are even those who live an outward life of apparent goodness, but inwardly, they are practicing sins that keep them from the relationship with the Lord that He desires for them.

“He who says, ‘I know him’ but disobeys his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4).

The good news is that Jesus Christ wants to free you from the chains of sin, give you new life in grace and lead you to the heights of holiness.
But he won't do that against your will.
You must be willing to say “yes” to His gifts of grace and forgiveness.
And the very first step along that path is to make a good, sincere, heartfelt confession of your sins.

Even if it's been many years since you last went to Confession, there's no reason to be afraid or to delay.
You can change your life today, simply by discovering Christ and His mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation!

Source = HERE

Let's start giving.

We are the World - 25 for Haiti

Do what you can, Haiti needs you.

Whatever you have, no matter how big or how small...IT ALL COUNTS!

Do more than just watch...reach into your hearts.

Dios es amor...

"Dios es Amor" means...
"GOD IS LOVE."

Planned Parenthood - America

Insiders from the abortion industry reveal the linkage between the upcoming socialization of healthcare and the promotion of the abortion industry.

Thanks to Divine Ripples.

Temptations of Christ

The following is from my Parish Bulletin, thanks to Fr Murphy.

1) Bodily pleasures v's Self Control
2) Ego/Power v's Prayerfulness
3) Wealth/Greed v's Generosity

Temptations are not sins, provided we do not consent to them.
Christ was tempted but never sinned.
He allowed Himself to be tempted so as to teach us HOW to combat them.

Sometimes overcoming temptations can even help us to obtain more grace and grow in virtue.
All occasions of sin, however, are dangerous in as much as we become more susceptible to sin.
For the devil never sleeps, but like a hunter waits silently for his prey, until we are tired, fed up or depressed.
Then via deceit, fantasy and with feigned compassion, he induces us into his snare and sin is chosen.













During Lent, the common practice of penance is fulfilled by performing the following:

1) Prayer
- daily Mass
- rosary
- stations of the cross
- adoration

2) Self-Denial
- not eating meat
- sweets
- alcohol
- no TV
- no internet
- no computer games, etc...

3) Helping Others
- the poor (ie: project compassion box)
- visiting the sick
- visiting the elderly
- visiting the lonely

Temporary Home

Earth is our 'temporary' home.

Q : Where is our real (permanent), home?
A : Heaven

40 Days for Life

40 Days for Life starts on Ash Wednesday, it was a great idea by Americans, and it means vigils outside abortion mills 24/7 and prayer and fasting until March 28- BUT!!

That's all kinda boring because my REAL news is that 40 Days for Life is now in Australia (America, and North Ireland if you're dropping by) again and in:

Melbourne - http://www.40daysforlife.com/melbourne/
Sydney - http://www.40daysforlife.com/sydney/
Brisbane - http://www.40daysforlife.com/brisbane

The home page for 40 Days for life is here- http://www.40daysforlife.com/about.cfm

You don't have to live in those cities to participate.
There are heaps of things you can do - go to the Home page and click on "Get Involved".

So basically, this means you have NO excuse not to do something for the 100,000 children killed by abortion every year in Australia alone and making this a wonderful Lent- saving lives!!



The following is a trailer (for America) for the 40 Days for Life...it may inspire you to participate.