Yeah, Mary Knew!

Pentatonix Lyrics 

(https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/pentatonix/marydidyouknow.html)

 
Mary, Did You Know?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will calm the storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God.

Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?..
Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?..

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb!

Mary, did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
That sleeping child you're holding is the great I am.

Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?..
Mary, did you know? 

 

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Why must we Catholics be forced to endure this blasphemous seasonal song during Mass? I can at least turn off the radio or turn away from the radio station when it comes on, but how do I turn off the Mass?

 

I heard it (again) yesterday, at Mass - during Communion - no less! 

Any Catholic who likes this song does not understand basic Catholic theology, or the role of Mary the Mother of God in Salvation history. Or their Bible. Or the heretical Protestant origins of the song. 

 

Yes, Mary knew.

For Catholics interested in learning why the song is heretical and blasphemous, please read this article at the Catholic Thing: https://www.thecatholicthing.org/2017/12/07/mary-did-you-know-and-the-immaculate-conception/

 

For a more pointed, anti-Protestant, slant on the song, watch this video or read the transcript from Church Militant: https://www.churchmilitant.com/video/episode/mary-did-you-know

 

I could list another dozen or so Catholic sites condemning the song, but I hope this dead horse has been beaten enough.

 

I have yet to read one review of the song/lyrics by any Catholic priest where they do not condemn it. 

 

Let's make 2019 the last year that we will be subjected to this heretical and blasphemous song inside our churches!

 

Gratitude

As a follow-up to my earlier post on Fear and Despair, I was grateful to be part of the St. Vincent de Paul food bank in Crystal Beach this December. Through the generosity of countless goodwill donations we were able to bring Christmas joy to almost 200 families-in-need by sharing with them Christmas Baskets chock full of turkey/ham, potatoes, carrots, canned fruit and vegetables, stuffing, candies/chocolates, toiletteries, and yes, TOYS... everything needed for sharing a home-cooked meal with friends and loved ones.

We had a joy-filled day meeting up with old and new clients, everyone coming together to help and share God's bounty.

Once again I witnessed our multi-faith community united in the sharing and distribution of this amazing multiplication of gifts!

St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Baskets

Merry Chistmas, and a blessed, happy New Year!

~ JT ~

Inspiration strikes! New Release of St. Nicholas

St. Nicholas by JT Therrien

Yes, inspiration struck some time around December 6, the Feast Day of St. Nicholas in the Catholic Church. When I read up on his incredible achievements, inspiration directed me to share some of my new-found knowledge.

So, between stints at the local food bank, I researched and wrote a short story on Bishop Nicholas of Myra. There was so much material to write about, but I chose to limit the scope of my interest to his preserving the virtues of three young girls on the cusp of womanhood. This also seemed like a natural way to further explore St. Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body.

In retelling this sweet story, I also alluded to some of the bishop's other (miraculous) works and I added some historical tidbits as well. I found him to be an endearing, sharp-witted fellow with a big heart filled with compassion, grace, conviction and faith.

Obviously, the most significant aspects of Nicholas' life were the actions that have come down through history which have shaped our modern-day version of Santa Claus.

You can find St. Nicholas at all the usual e-book retailers, including Amazon, Smashwords, iBooks, and Kobo.

God bless you. Merry Christmas.

~JT~

Fear. Despair.

News from the food bank:

We're approaching the end of November and I'm beginning to see something new in some of our clients' eyes. Fear. Despair. Christmas is coming and there's not a thing they can do about it. They could push it to the back of their minds back in the summer, those hot July and August months, but now - especially with that November storm to remind us - there's no denying it any longer - Christmas is fast approaching.

What is for many of us a time of joy becomes tantamount to torture for someone raising a family with little else but food from the food bank and hopes for better times to come.

These parents are scared.

Some can barely pay their utility bills and winter hasn't started yet. They have no "extra" money for presents and they're reminded of this "failure" every time a toy commercial comes on television; every time one of their children asks if they can get whatever new toy their friends are asking for; every time they see a happy family sit down for a turkey dinner on a television show, or any time they walk into a store displaying Christmas decorations.

Real life is not television.

The majority of our clients are struggling physically, emotionally. And even if they're lucky enough to have a job, they will probably have to work on or around the Christmas holidays. Many won't have a chance to spend the day with their family. All the pressures that we all feel about getting that perfect gift, those feelings don't go away with poverty. In fact, they're worse, because for them, there's no chance the situation will get better anytime soon. Meanwhile, the days and weeks keep ticking away...

Please remember to help the less fortunate this time of year. For some, all they will have for Christmas will be whatever food/supplies they receive from food banks. Others will rely on us to get their children a few modest toys, most will be grateful for new mittens and hats.

You can help!

As for our food bank, a record number of people have already signed up to receive our annual Christmas baskets. For many, this will be the one of the rare occasions during the year that they will get something to pamper themselves with, some cologne, brand soap. Knowing the need, it's also a scary time for us. We need donations (food and cash). With a lot of luck, the school food drives will bring in much needed supplies just in time for Christmas.

 

food bank empty shelf

food bank empty shelf

The above are actual (not staged) pictures from our food bank - taken last week. And we are still a month away from Christmas!

So, as you plan your Christmas list, please set aside some food, toys, or money for the needy. No amount of money or new toy/gift is too small. Speaking from personal experience, all of our clients are extremely grateful for everything they get.

Also, please consider donating the precious gift of your time, if you have a day here or there or even a few hours to spare.

On behalf of food bank clients everywhere, I thank you for your generosity.

Thank you!

~JT~

Blessed Advent, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

May you all have a Blessed Advent, a Merry Christmas, and

a Happy New Year!

I look forward to connecting with you in 2014!

~JT~

Merry Christmas!

What with all the excitement and brouhaha associated with Christmas, I'm posting this early. I wish everyone a very merry Christmas. I hope you all get to spend time with your family and/or your loved ones. Sadly, these two groups don't always overlap.

I love Christmastime! Not as much as the Lenten season leading up to Easter, but with the Advent candles counting down the four Sundays before Christmas, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on December 8, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12, Christmas Eve, and then the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord on Christmas Day, there are plenty of opportunities to meditate, go to mass, and pray during this otherwise hectic season!

I wish you all a very merry Christmas. May you discover joy, happiness, and the true meaning of Christmas under that Christmas tree (along with a  box or two of your favorite chocolates), and may you all have a wonderful new year!


See you in 2013!

~ JT~