Faith Seeking Understanding for August 7, 2005

This week’s calendar of liturgical feasts is quite full! We celebrate St. Dominic, 13^th century founder of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), on Monday, August 8; on August 9, we remember St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), a German Carmelite who was martyred in Auschwitz by the Nazis; August 10 is the Feast of St. Lawrence, a third-century martyr; and St. Clare of Assisi, foundress of the Poor Clares is celebrated on August 11. By taking just a minute or two to learn about our older brothers and sisters in the Faith, we can begin to imitate their virtue and rely on their powerful intercession. Visit http://www.catholic.org/saints/ for a good starting point.

Before I entered the seminary, I always enjoyed learning about and using the latest technology; now that I am a priest, I am discovering that technology can be a great way to spread the Gospel. Although the Internet contains a great deal of immoral material, the Internet also has a wealth of information about the Catholic Faith and ways to put it into practice. I have just started a “weblog” (Blog) entitled “Fr. Bloomfield’s Blog” to post my homilies, articles, and links that I find interesting or informative, particularly relating to practical applications of the Faith. Visit fatherbloomfield.blogpsot.com to see what I’ve discovered.

So much of what we learn about the Saints, Church history, theology and philosophy, the Sacred Liturgy, and more remains simply locked away in our minds because we aren’t sure how to relate this material to our ever-changing culture. Just like St. Peter in today’s Gospel, we begin to falter when we perceive how strong the winds of the culture can be. Our newly revised catechetical approach (Whole Community Catechesis) attempts to remind us to focus our eyes and hearts on Jesus, confronting the culture with the Gospel. When we discuss and live the Faith as a Parish family – and throughout the week in our homes – the culture around us will begin to conform to Christ. By learning more about our Faith and practicing it at home, we can truly conquer all for Him.

May God bless you all, and please pray for priests!