Notes for the next broadcast

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Extremadura.
Like Mother, like Son.

The bambino, Rocco, and St. Joseph

Sitz im leben

He is risen--He is risen, indeed!

• Liturgical year.

Gina's notes

April 22

• Jesuit feast: Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Society of Jesus.
• FACEBOOK NO. 1--Jyoti: Please pray for me and my family and our health and relationships.
• Sequence for Pentecost.
• Anonymous from Amherst via e-mail: My son has been living with a divorced girl and her children for many years. They are about to buy a house together, and I think at that point they will want to get married. The new trend is for friends of the couple to obtain a one-day permit that would allow them to conduct a marriage ceremony out in the woods, or on a beach, or some such place, and invite all "the love gods, family and friends" to witness the love of this couple, blah, blah, blah. I think this something they may do, and I know I cannot witness this because God is not asked to be present, but if we do not attend, we are liable to break our relationship with this son and his siblings. What should we do?* Dan from Batavia: Has a prayer request for his friend who is dying of pancreatic cancer. Wants to speak with Father.
• Ana from Northwest Arkansas: Wants to speak to Father in regards to marriage. Question about her daughter's marriage.
• Anonymous: Has prayer requests for Health, Job and Special intentions. Please pray for all these for her.
• Alison. Please pray for the repose of the soul of my Aunt Dolores who passed away last night and for comfort and peace for her family.
• Barbara. Kenmore. Prayer request for anyone who will pass away today.
• Anonymous. Prayer Request. Please pray for her daughter-in-law who is suffering from severe stomach pain and the Doctors cannot find the cause. Please ask the Holy Spirit to inspire the Drs. to find the cause and also pray for her son and his wife that they are able to deal with this cross.
• Philip from Indooroopily, Australia: I've heard that devotion to Mary could help bring peace to the Middle East. Can you explain why that might be so?
• Andrew from e-mail: Why did canon law's requirement to abstain from meat on every Friday get reduced in the United States to just abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent?
• Philip from Indooroopily, Australia, via Facebook: What are we to think about the apparitions in Medjugorje? I always believed it was our Blessed Mother until someone told me otherwise. Like what does she want? Why is she still appearing? It seems so odd that in every other approved apparition, she said what she had to say, and that was all. I've read about some of her messages and they don't seem to be coming from above.
• John Z. from Facebook: I read about a Jesuit College that wouldn't allow the Knights of Columbus to form a chapter at the school because it wasn't an all-inclusive group? What are your thoughts?

“The Knights of Columbus, by their very nature, is a men’s organization in which only Catholics may participate via membership,” says a letter obtained by The Cardinal Newman Society written by Sue Weitz, Vice President for Student Life. “These criteria are inconsistent with the policy and practice of student organization recognition at Gonzaga University, as well as the University’s commitment to non-discrimination based on certain characteristics, one of which is religion.”

“To embrace the diversity and yet endorse a group based on faith exclusivity is a challenge that cannot be reconciled at this time,” Weitz wrote in closing. “It is a decision about social justice, equity, and the desire of the University to create and maintain an environment in which none are excluded.”

Gonzaga University President Thayne McCulloh states that Gonzaga honors and respects the purpose and good works of the Knights of Columbus, with which it has a long tradition and mutual collaboration at both local and state levels. The Knights of Columbus College Council (#12583) is already present within the student body and receives support from the administration. Gonzaga University’s core Catholic and Jesuit identity recognizes, encourages and supports many student organizations that advance faith-related issues (for example, Gonzaga Right to Life, and the Blessed John Paul II Fellowship).

President McCulloh has received a request from the sponsoring student to review the decision regarding the recognition of the organization as a student club, and has decided to undertake this review. The review is expected to take 30-45 days.

April 19

• Sequence for Pentecost
• Anonymous from Buffalo: what words of comfort can one give to family and friends of someone who has taken his own life?
• Alex: Are there four bodies in heaven? Enoch, Elijah, Our Lady and Jesus?
• Jason in Los Angeles: Yesterday (the press) affirmed the Miracle of St. Januarius.. Would you please talk more about this?
• Anonymous: I am a 16 year old Catholic thinking about a vocation to the priesthood. Should I cut off all my hobbies such as sports and dancing just to live my life in prayer?
• Sandy from from Bruce, Michigan: Suffers from depression and has a niece who committed suicide.
• Dave from from NY driving in a truck (not sure where he is exactly). Says that we are actually called to suffering.

April 12

• NOT ON THE LINE. Stephen. Dallas. Please pray for my little sister, Danielle, who the doctors say may have MS. She will be undergoing testing soon. Please pray that this is a false alarm. Also what is the best way to pray for the sick?
• Brian from Buffalo via Facebook: A valid Catholic marriage results from four elements: (1) the spouses are free to marry; (2) they freely exchange their consent; (3) in consenting to marry, they have the intention to marry for life, to be faithful to one another, and be open to children; and (4) their consent is given in the presence of two witnesses and before a properly authorized Church minister. Exceptions to the last requirement must be approved by church authority. How long have these elements been in place? Roman period? Middle Ages? Or, has it been like this from the beginning of the Church?
• John C. from e-mail:

1. During last week's show about pro-life issues, I saw that a U.S. Federal Judge lifted the age limit of 17 to girls for the morning after pill. This is really sickening – a 10 year old will now be able to buy the Plan-B pill when she gets some bubble gum. We need new judges!
2. I understand that the Cardinals in their recent conclave to elect a new pope, all spoke Latin in their formal discussions with one another. Is that true? Latin is such a beautiful language – too bad we don’t hear (and understand) more Latin.

• Stephen from Dallas: Please pray for my little sister, Danielle, who the doctors say may have MS. She will be undergoing testing soon. Please pray that this is a false alarm. Also what is the best way to pray for the sick?
• Brian: A valid Catholic marriage results from four elements: (1) the spouses are free to marry; (2) they freely exchange their consent; (3) in consenting to marry, they have the intention to marry for life, to be faithful to one another, and be open to children; and (4) their consent is given in the presence of two witnesses and before a properly authorized Church minister. Exceptions to the last requirement must be approved by church authority. How long have these elements been in place? Roman period? Middle Ages? Or, has it been like this from the beginning of the Church?
• Scott from Rochester: question about the Commandments regarding coveting.
• Bonnie from Springville, NY: has prayer requests for Father
• http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=18
• Mike from Macedon, NY: would like to ask for prayers for our Governor.
• Anonymous from Victor, NY: please pray for protection of family member who is missing,funds for a family home and for spiritual health for family member with addiction.
• Joyce from Buffalo: have prayer requests and wants to speak to you. Her mother in law passed away ( you prayed for her last week).
• Franco from iPhone: What is the name of your opening prayer today? It was beautiful!
• Ashley from Buffalo: pray for those who do not have a strong faith.
• Sue from Rochester: please pray for her sister-in law who passed away on Divine Mercy Sunday at 3:30 pm.

April 5 (solo)

• Last two days of the Solemn Novena of Divine Mercy. Today's intention is for "The souls who are detained in purgatory."
• Divine Mercy Sunday is this Sunday (a.k.a. "Low Sunday," "Thomas Sunday," and "Quasimodo Sunday"--Wikipedia): ""Like newborn infants, long for pure spiritual milk so that through it you may grow into salvation, for you have tasted that the Lord is good" (1 Peter 2:2).

"Divine Mercy" is the whole gospel message in two words. God, the Father, has saved the whole world through the Passion and Death of God, the Son. "For God so loved the world ..." (Jn 3:16).

• Monday is the Feast of the Annunciation. It was transferred from March 25, because that fell in Holy Week.
• Anonymous: "For us to conceive a baby soon." St. Anne, pray for us!
• Cheryl Calire and Jann Armentrout, pro-life directors in Buffalo and Rochester, will join us to talk about a Vigil in Albany, April 15th.
• Christian from e-mail: I was just received into the Catholic Church of the Western Rite, do I belong to the Roman Rite or Latin Rite? What do I identify myself?
• Joyce from Buffalo: Would like to speak to father about a prayer request for her 102-year-old mother-in law, Helen, a prayer for the dying. She is in her last moments of life.
• Arlene from Buffalo: Would like to speak everyone about abortions statistics that she read in the Buffalo News. 1 in every 3 pregnancy ending in abortion. Erie County is very high.
• Dolores ... was listening to Catholic Radio and heard a clip about sending objections to the Contraception Bill. She does not know where to send her objection but thought she heard there were only a few days to send them. Do any of the guests or Father have this information?

http://www.nyscatholic.org Take Action.

Cheryl Calire. ccalire@buffalodiocese.org (716) 847-2205

Jann Armantrout (585)328-3210 armantrout@dor.org

albanyvigil@dor.org (585) 750-7524

April 1

• Happy Easter! "Christ is risen--He is risen indeed, alleluia!"
• April Fool's Day in the western world; Dyngus Day for many Polish communities.
• Today is the fourth Day of the "Divine Mercy" novena. Jesus asked Sr. Faustina to pray today for those who do not believe in Jesus and those who do not yet know Him.
• Divine Mercy prayers.
• Orthodox Easter will be celebrated on April 22. They use the Julian Calendar from 45 BC rather than the Gregorian Calendar from 1582 AD, and also use a different method for calculating the date of the Passover moon from the Catholic method.
• The seder meal for Jews was on Monday, March 25, so we are now in the last few hours of Passover week, during which time observant Jews continue to eat only unleavened bread (Matzah)--the eighth day ends in a little while at sunset today. The hobbit asked, "Can Christians attend the a seder supper?"
• Mass intention: Kayla from Gregory, Texas, via Facebook, asked us to "pray for Melissa Ann Garcia, whose life was lost in a tragic accident ten days ago. Her 4 children were also involved in the accident and are still in the hospital. Her children and mine are friends, and my heart is deeply hurt for the loss of their mother. May God give them the strength to get through this difficult time and heal their wounds."
• Phil from Indooroopily, Australia, not too far away from Woolloongaba, via Facebook:

1. Is the Most Holy Family Monastery website accepted by the Church? I am thinking that the answer is probably "no."
2. I am a Maronite Catholic. Please talk about the history of the Eucharist and why most Eastern Catholics and most Orthodox use leavened bread while the Western rites and some Eastern rites use unleavened bread.
3. You mentioned that the orthodox patriarch came to the Pope's mass... Did the orthodox patriarch accept Communion? Can an Eastern Orthodox accept Communion in a Catholic Church?
4. If I was an Eastern Orthodox, and I came to you for a confession, and you knew I was not Catholic, would you absolve me from my sins?

• Kim. When Jesus said, "The first will be last and the last will be first," did He mean this to the apostles in a sense that they must be come the least here on earth to become the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven? Did Jesus mean this to us as well?
• Rich. Batavia. New York. When does Obama care kick in where we are forced to pay for abortion? When it starts are we supposed to not have insurance because it pays for Abortion?
• Jim. Lewiston. New York. How do we offer our suffering to Christ? and Why? And what is redemptive suffering.
• Doloris. Boston. New York. Two Questions. 1. Have you heard of or know anything about the Holy Fire at the Church of the Holy Sepulture? 2. What is the Church's position on the writings on Teach Des Chardian? (sp???)
• John. Eucharist was distributed on Friday at my Roman Catholic Church. Being a convert I thought that Eucharist was not to be given on Good Friday Can you please clarify.

March 26

• The March for Marriage is taking place today in Washington, D.C.
• Prayer for the Protection of Marriage.
• Android tablet users can now download the iCatholicRadio mobile app!
• "This program is brought to you by you, and it is brought to life by your calls and correspondence. If you enjoy listening to and participating in this show, please be generous to the Station of the Cross Catholic Radio during our upcoming fund drive."
• Popestuff:

1. Betty from Cheektowaga via e-mail: What was the significance of Benedict changing his shoes? Why did the press reports about his retirement mention it so often?

• Anonymous: Please pray for Shelley in recovering from a recent open heart surgery.
• Chris: I have a friend who told me: "I’m not too happy with the church. Changing those prayers was not necessary. I also don’t care for the fact that in many scriptures they change the words so it is now “politically correct.” What the heck is that all about? Leave God’s word & His holy scripture from the Apostles alone. Okay, just my little gripes." Can you tell me how best to respond ?
• Rebecca from Buffalo, New York: My husband and I are currently expecting our second child and we could not be more excited. Sadly, I must report that since we have been married, we have used contraception as our means of family planning. Now, becoming closer and more understanding of our Catholic faith, we are planning to explore Natural Family Planning methods that are approved by the Church. We are both very nervous about this. The couple that presented at our pre-cana class prior to our wedding did not provide us with any foundation to understanding the approved methods and how they are actually implemented. Could you talk about Natural Family Planning and provide us with some direction or resources?
• Kim: In today's Gospel, Jesus said, the one who eats this bread after I dip it in the wine will betray me. Judas ate the bread and satan entered into him. He then went and betrayed Jesus. Would Judas have been forgiven if he went to Jesus and was truly sorry for what he had done? Was what Judas did an example of how we are lead into temptation and by not avoiding temptation we sin?
• Anonymous: Based on Matthew 16:18 why did Jesus start a new religion? Is Judaism that bad?
• Debra from Vancouver, Washington: Is it wrong for a female to sell her eggs so another couple may have a chance to have a baby?
• Christopher from Houston, Texas, sent via iPhone: Did Judas receive the Eucharist at the Last Supper?
• Dan from Batavia, New York: Would like to speak to father about his friend who has cancer.
• Joyce from Buffalo, New York: Her 102 yr. old mother-in-law is in hospital with many complications, and she would like to talk to speak to father and have his prayers.
• Rita from Rochester, New York: Prayers please for her daughter-in-law Rachel, 33, who recently. and prayers also for the family as they mourn her passing.
• Bob from Boston, New York: Was Judas affiliated with any other organizations of the time?

March 22

• Suggest we do a daily pitch--10 seconds. "This program is brought to you by you. If you enjoy listening to this show, please be generous to the Station of the Cross Catholic Radio during our upcoming fund drive."
• Sunday is Palm Sunday!
• Our visitor from last week, Mother Olga, asked our prayers for herself and for the Daughters of Mary of Nazareth.
• Psalm 18. "I love you, LORD, my strength."
• Popestuff:

1. What is a "Jesuit"?
2. Marie in Amherst: For first time since the schism in 1054 AD, an Ecumenical Patriarch attended the pope’s installation Mass.
3. Dan from Batavia, New York: I heard the news of black smoke on The Station of the Cross at the same time I was trying to explain to someone the importance of our prayers for the Holy Spirit to guide the Cardinals. Out of nowhere, it hit me that the Cardinals were in the shoes of Jesus during the Conclave, in that Jesus Himself chose the first Pope. Is that the right way of thinking about the election of Pope Francis?

• Phil from Indooroopily, Australia, not too far away from Woolloongaba, via Facebook: Was Vatican II a bad thing for the church? I know a lot of people who wish it never happened, and many want to bring back the traditional Latin mass.

• Dan from Bativa, New York, at the end of last week's show: What led to the second Vatican Council adopting a new stance toward non-Catholic Christians and non-Christian religions?

• Elizabeth from Clarence, NY: Mother of five and first time listening: Would like to share the blessings. She is very happy to have found the station and saw it on a bumper sticker.
• Brian from Facebook: Greetings Nicolette and Fr. Marty, I understand a deacon and priest are ordained by a bishop. A bishop is ordained by the Pope. How does the Pope become 'ordained'? Is it strictly by election or is there a 'laying on' of hnds by the Cardinals?
• Barbara from Kenmore, NY: May the elderly who are suffering from Alzheimers or some other form of dementia receive the Blessed Sacrament? She heard that they cannot. She is Eastern rite and wonders why babies can, but those with dementia cannot.
• Bob from Boston, NY: Are there others instances of Eucharistic Miracles besides (Luciano)?
• Ellen from Buffalo: Wants to tell you the name of the book--Joan Carroll Cruz, Eucharistic Miracles.
• Freddy from from Chicago on Android: Can you take communion when living together and are engaged?
• Delores from Boston, NY: Wants to say that there is another Eucaristic Miracle she heard of in Bueno Aires.
• Chad from Rochester: If two people married in a Protestant ceremony and now want to become Catholic, does their marriage have to be endorsed by the Catholic Church?

March 15

• Peace Prayer of St. Francis.
• Mother Olga.
• Anonymous from Rhode Island: She heard that once the cardinals choose a pope, that man has the option to refuse the election. Is this correct? She wondered how this could be the work of the Holy Spirit, unless that also was in His plan.
• Paul W. from Facebook: I work in construction and climb ladders all day long. I worry that not eating but one meal (meatless) on the days of "fast and abstinence" might not afford the strength I need to perform at work. Is there any exception for fasting under these circumstances?
• Jessica from Tonawanda, NY: Question for Mother ... What kind of a response do you get wearing a habit? What do you think of lay women who choose to dress plainly?
• Scott from Rochester, New York: How can I explain purgatory to non-Catholics... It isn't in the scriptures?
• Jerry Please pray for my recovery from recent surgery as I am told it may take a lengthy amount of time.
• Christian: On the 30th I will be fully Roman Catholic and I ask to please keep me in your prayers. My question is I have found money next to a group of girls in school and I did not know who it belonged to, so I took it. Would this be considered stealing and will I need to confess this? I already made my first confession, and I also want to know if you have advice on how I can overcome temptation.
• Please pray for Health, to get a job, and special intentions.

"Go to Joseph."

• Nick from Toronto, Canada: Follow up on purgatory. The priests are not mentioning it at Mass.
• Carla from Rochester, New York: Wants to say hi and that I was happy that Mother blessed my stomach last year and the baby turned out fine.
• Anthony: You mentioned the Syrian Catholic Church, are they Roman Catholics?
• Anonymous: Please pray for my health, to find a job and for my special intentions.
• Kimberly from Rochester: Prayer Request: for healing of serious intestinal problems.
• Ellen from Buffalo, New York: Very Happy Mother is here. Comments on St.. Joseph.
• Lisa from Buffalo, New York: I have a job offer to be a health mother for 20+ Chinese girls at a Catholic School. Many of them are Buddhist. Do you have tips?
• Dan from Bativa, New York: What led to the second Vatican Council adopting a new stance toward non-Catholic Christians and non-Christian religions?

8 March (solo!)

• Memorial of St. John of God (1495–1550).
• Sunday Gospel: Parable of the Merciful Father.
• Prayers for the Dying.
• Thank Kathy Gallagher for being on the show last week.
• Pray for fathers and mothers who have had abortions.
• A former student of mine asks for prayers for himself as he returns to the practice of the Catholic faith.
• Danielle: "I work in a fast-food restaurant. We offer a special discount on Wednesdays as well as Fridays during Lent. How did Wednesdays came to be a secondary day of fast and abstinence during Lent?"
• John from Webster, NY: Are there any exceptions to not receiving Communion more than twice/day?
• Paul from Amherst: What do you know about Gary Wills who says Jesus is one of God's prophets and also that the Letter to the Hebrews is illegitimate?
• Steve from Buffalo: do you have a comeback for "that is not very Christian of you"?
• Barbara from Kenmore: do you know anything about a March for Marriage in Washington? She think she heard it on Al Kresta.
• Michael from Welland, Ont. Canada: Is your guardian angel's name the same as our name (e.g., Michael)?
• Sandy from Buffalo: Gan you tell her what happened to Hagar and Ishmael after they were sent out?

1 March

• Sunday gospel: parable of the Fig Tree (Luke 13). God is a good gardener. He wants us to produce good fruit.
• Discussion of Reproductive Health Act with Kathleen Gallagher, director of pro-life activities for the New York State Catholic Conference.
• Jess: What are the implications for pregnant women in the future and bearing children? My husband and I are concerned about how this affects bringing new life into the world and why as Catholics we should be concerned.
• Bob wants to know if this law passes, will abortion be legal through whole pregnancy?
• Rob from Williamsville: question whether there are positive initiatives in NYS that will replace this negative one?
• Julia in Webster, NY: Do you know that Justin Bieber's mother is on a mission to help women who are being forced to have abortions?
• Chad from Rochester, NY: What is the progress of this bill. Where is it now?
• Polly from Tonawanda: What can we do to help?
• http://www.nyscatholic.org
• http://newyorkersforlife.org
• http://www.facebook.com/NYS4Life