Catholic Carnival 175: Got Hosts?
This week's Carnival wasn't planned the way I usually plan my hosting.
You might say it fell into my lap.
So, because I'm tight on time, and because I there are a few of you out there who might have a hidden talent for hosting this here Catholic Carnival, if only you'd give yourself the chance to shine, we're going to focus, this week, on hosting.
That's not to say that the title of this week's Carnival isn't a bit of a play on words in Catholic way, though. :)
Now, without further ado, the ABC's of hosting the Catholic Carnival, with this week's posts interspersed.
Absorb the vibe of the Carnival.
- Start by reading what Jay has to say about the Catholic Carnival, what it is and why it exists.
- Check out some previously hosted Catholic Carnivals.
- Sometimes, for me, this part involves coming up with a few topic ideas (I focused on the mysteries of the rosary last month when I hosted CC 173, and last year at this time, I was totally taken with flowers with CC 124).
- Plan to work in a couple of links, for those who stumble on the Carnival and wonder how to participate, including a link to that post I mentioned earlier of Jay's and the online submission form.
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne - Read Steve's review of a holocaust book for children that will be released as a movie this fall. While not a Catholic book or a book by a Catholic author, this is nonetheless a good read for middle age children. For it is a part of our history we can not allow to fade in memory.
Catholic Writers' Conference Online in Review: Morning Prayers - This week Heidi will be posting the morning prayers that she shared with conference participants during the week (this link is to the first day). Includes information about how to order the e-book, which is now available. Those interested should contact Karina Fabian (karina@fabianspace.com).
Daily Meditation - Principle and Foundation - Part one of a brief three-part meditation on the "Principle and Foundation" of the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius.
Faith and Works - Using this past Sunday's readings, Joe talks about how Jesus reconciles the
needs for faith and good works.
Just What if...What Then? - A series of questions to make you think.
Build it.
- Maybe you have a theme in mind, or maybe you only have a couple of hours to spare. I'd say it takes, on a quickie Carnival week (see also CC 166), an hour to assemble and link and then an hour to wrap things up.
- However the Carnival comes together, you're the builder, the brain behind the brilliance, the artist holding all the pieces in your hands. You'll have an inbox full of possibility. Say a little prayer and jump in.
- You won't break it; you won't do it wrong; you won't mess anything up.
- If you're not sure how to link the text, or if you're not sure about whether or not a post is appropriate, or if you have a technical difficulty...that's OK. As the host, you have the final say.
Neuhaus on California Same-Sex Marriage Ruling - A look at the judicial ruling spurred by an article by Fr. Richard John Neuhaus.
A New Adult - Elena shares the tribulations of being the parent of a strong-willed young adult.
New Month, New View - Here's a sampling: "As time has gone on, I've better understood the vocation of motherhood and the very distinct role a woman plays in God's creation."
No Offense, But... - Forgiveness is easy if we're not offended in the first place. Here are some tips how to do this.
On the Feast of the Visitation - A letter from Mary to Elizabeth upon her return to Nazareth.
Create the link.
- This means you hit the "publish post" button and go live with your version of the Carnival.
- Sometimes you'll just be glad to get it off your back.
- Other times, you might find that you have witnessed the grand coming-together of an amazing array of posts into something bigger than you.
Our Culture - Here we have a reflection of how we have to fight the growing secularization of our culture in our church.
Power They Can't Use? The Gift of Confession - A post that explores the reasons behind Jesus giving His disciples the power to forgive sins - or the power to retain them. Why did Jesus do this? And how do non-Catholics view it?
"Sex and the City" A Microcosm of Real Life? - The hype generated by the release of the movie three years after the TV series' finale presents an opportunity for us to consider why these couture-wearing, bed-hopping city gals continue to resonate with so many women -- single and married alike. Is it the titilation ... or an altogether different kind of longing?
Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus; World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests - In this post, Jean discusses what devotion to the Sacred Heart is, defines and discusses enthronement to the Sacred Heart, which she and her husband participated in on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, and share links to the 12 promises of the Sacred Heart, prayers to the Sacred Heart, the meaning of the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests, and prayers for the priests.
Summer Modesty for Catholic Parents - Jay's thoughts on teaching your children modesty, particularly during summer when it gets difficult! He includes his list of what isn't modest along with some quotes from a good book.
Direct Traffic.
- I like to reply to the emails from submitters, including the link, but that's not required.
- Some weeks, I'm on top of things from the beginning, and I promote hosting the Catholic Carnival on my blog (which sometimes gets other people to participate).
- Directing the traffic is a way of spreading the Carnival to more people, because it is more fun to participate when the Carnival is hosted at different blogs...and it encourages more people to join in.
Support Our Military Troops and Veterans - A snippet: "You don’t have to support the war to support our troops. You don’t even have to wave an American flag high or wear an American flag pin on your suit collar to support our troops."
A Tale of Two Wedding Marches - Some feedback as to why the two most popular wedding marches are often either discouraged or even disallowed in Catholic weddings, with takes by Gary Penkala from CanticaNOVA Publications, and the late Fr. Rene Gagne (Brian was his organist for six and a half years).
Ten Powerful Secrets for How to Build a Great Marriage - An excellent list...to which I would add an eleventh - communicate often (preferably with chocolate included).
Vatican Decrees Excommunication for Participation in 'Ordination' of Women - Coverage of a Vatican story dealing with women trying to be ordained as Catholic priests and links to related material, including the teaching of the Church in the Catechism.
A Word about Evenings WITHOUT Television - "There are so many things that are far more thrilling and fulfilling to do in the evenings than..." You can guess what follows, perhaps, but maybe you'll get some "detox" ideas for your house too!
Enjoy yourself!
And, now that you've thought about it...won't you consider hosting? Contact Jay to sign up for your week. What are you waiting for?
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