Catholic Carnival 166: Rubber Meets the Road
It's Catholic Carnival time, and usually that fills me with a sense of anticipation and delight. This week's collection of posts is certainly worthy of loud applause.
But, you see, I feel like I have failed. I had the outline of my post all written up, and I was all ready to sit down and crank through the theme, sorting through posts, buzzing along like the bees I haven't seen just yet. Then the day unfolded.
It was a 
beautiful day here in Ohio. My three-year-old needed company on her bear picnic in the backyard. My infant - who's never seen spring before - needed to be swung beside her big sister. My quilts and blankets needed to be washed and hung out in the breezes that the weatherman says will bring snow
by Saturday. (We're switching channels. I've had it with snow in April.)
All of a sudden, over the course of the entire afternoon, the theme for this week's carnival got experienced by me instead of shared with y'all. Rather than weaving in a grouping pointing out the signs of spring, I was wiping off sunscreen as I poured another cup of "lemolade" by the open window over the kitchen sink. Instead of pushing myself at the last minute, I'm throwing up my hands, making you a cold drink, and inviting you to cozy up with a quilt in your choice of colors.
So this week, the rubber meets the road. Instead of a fancy themed carnival with lovely pictures, reflections for categories of posts, and reviews of each post, you're getting just what I have time for...because sometimes, that's just how things go.
I knew you'd understand. (Information about the Catholic Carnival, including how you can participate, is at the end.)
Now, after all that yakking, here's the Carnival!
1582: John Payne, Snitched Out - This is nominally about a particular Catholic priest executed in Tudor England, but really more about the spying apparatus the crown used against Catholics at this time.
Basking in the Afterglow - Mary returned from a retreat and, after an initial explosion, senses something...different.
Catholic Wedding Program Wording & Ideas - Catholic weddings are filled with old traditions leading back hundreds of years. Providing a program to your guests will help them follow along with the ceremony.
Causing My Own Sleep Deprivation - Reflections on Eucharistic Adoration as an absolutely essential part of this busy mom's crazy schedule
Church Militant - Adoro asks, at the beginning of her post, "What does it mean to be a member of the "Church Militant"? Have you ever considered it?" Well, whatever your answer, it's worth reading.
Dedication of Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart: Domus Dei et Domus Ecclesiae - The dedication of a cathedral is a once-in-a-lifetime (or several lifetimes) experience. Red Neck Woman shares the details and makes you feel like you were there with her.
FSSP Vocations Scotland and Ireland - This isn't a post, but an entire blog that we're welcoming to our little "gang" this week. It's a blog to showcase the work of the traditional Priestly Fraternity of St Peter, and to encourage vocations to the fraternity from Scotland and Ireland. Go give them some welcome, wouldja?
Help! - Marcel says, "Some friends who have a wonderful Catholic family of 9 kids, all home-schooled, are in the final 10 of a $25,000 college scholarship contest and need your vote!"
How to Avoid Purgatory - There are ways to avoid or lessen our time in Purgatory. It is not inevitable that we go there and this will tell you how to shave your time down (hopefully to nothing!).
I Want to Be Like You - Christine made a music video! A good explanation is actually at YouTube, but long story short is that she's had this Catholic vision of this song in my head for a while, and she finally got it out of my head and onto the internet! She's proud of it and wants to share it here. She hopes you'll enjoy it!
In Memory of John Paul II - Jean shares a reflection on her pilgrimage to Rome where she knelt at the gravesite of Pope John Paul II less than a year after he died combined with links to my pictorial tribute to him on the first anniversary of his death and her favorite JPII quotes on the second anniversary of his death. There are also many links to other blogs on this third anniversary of his death.
It Is Tough to Be Catholic - Being Catholic is wonderful, uplifting, beautiful---and very, very tough. You don't get to the wonderful, uplifting, and beautiful parts without carrying the cross. It takes humility to submit your will to Church teachings and courage to live the counter-cultural life of a Catholic.
Monday Man - Some thoughts on Charlton Heston's roles after his death
Mother Teresa, Goddess of Kindness, Saint of the Gutter - Whether titled ‘Goddess of kindness’ or ‘Saint of the gutter’, who hasn’t heard of Mother Teresa? While we all seem to know of her, how many of us actually know the story of her life and work?
Parenting from the Inside Out - Long before we become parents, we form impressions of what constitutes a "good parent" from the adults in our lives. Our own parents, for better or worse, provided our first model; other cues came from friends and extended family members. This un-intimidating review is worth your time (and it looks like the book is too, at least if you're a parent!).
Pope Benedict: On a Cruise against Islam? - The Chicago Sun-Times picks up Leticia's piece about Pope Benedict being on a crusade against Islam (link to her original blog post is at the end of the Sun-Times article).
The Resurrection, the Scriptures, and History - A reflection on the Mass readings for the third Sunday of Easter
So Thankful for What I Have - Matthew shares his recollection of an encounter with a homeless man after work late one night.
Spiritual Fatherhood - Jane shares how a CD she picked up to find some tips for raising a large Catholic family was "less a how-to list of cutting corners, clipping coupons and living within one's means than a reflection on God's awesome gift of life-giving love through marriage and the special role bestowed upon husbands and fathers."
Thanks, Mom! - Here's a writing contest you can win! (No, really!) Is there a woman in your life who has been like a mother to you ... though she is not the woman who gave birth to you? It could be a godmother, favorite aunt or teacher, sister, or friend. Well, go on over to find out how you can win a very special prize.
Theology: The What and How's - An Essay - Steven shares an essay he wrote nearly a decade ago on his approach to theology, at the beginning of his academic career.
There's a New Church in Town - An ad for a new church in town prompts online research that turns up questionable history on the pastor ... and the pastor engages Teresa in a online debate about Catholicism!
Traditional Vocations Blog - Another "entire blog" entry - this blog exists to promote vocations to Traditional societies and religious orders using the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, including religious communities for women. Go check 'em out and share some love!
Why I Write - This post not only explains why we write but also how we can encourage young scribes and not squash their creativity.
If you find, after our time together this week, that you’re inspired to learn more about the Catholic Carnival, you’ll find all the information here. There’s a submission form that’s easy to use. If you have found yourself submitting a few times, won’t you consider going one step further and trying your hand at hosting?
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