A change of pace

I've always thought that one of these days I might grow up to be a real artist, but as time marches on, I suppose I'll have to be content with what God's given me.

I've always wanted to do something involving the Blessed Mother, but for some reason, the face is a hang up. With all of the beautiful artwork done over the ages, and still today, I can't do her justice. So I won't try.

But - there must be something I can do.

So I visualize who she is to me - comfort.

As a boy, she basically became the source of all motherly comfort for me. A mother always loves you, always understands. She's always calling us to her, and by doing so calling us to Jesus and to His Church.

This sketch is my humble attempt at artistic (using the term loosely) devotion.

Which one of these is not like the others?

Now that Christmas card season is done, I thought I'd catch up on some of the Catholic news I've been missing.

Apparently the Vatican has a MySpace page? Well, I suppose once you've jumped on YouTube, all the other social media can't be far behind. But I read that one of the songs on the Vatican playlist is by Tupac Shakur? I had to double-check, because that sure sounds like a Curt Jester April Fool's prank.

But sure enough, it's there. And over at Catholic Sensibility, I see that some Paulist Father thinks it's an excellent choice for Advent: "I can’t help but think that Shakur’s song makes a fine Advent anthem. This holiday season is all about change and renewal. That grasshopper-eating prophet of repentance, John the Baptist, takes center stage in the liturgical readings, exhorting his followers to make way for a new day."

Um, yeah. What's next - will they add "Creeping Death" by Metallica, which sings about the Passover (believe it or not)?

Try as they might, too often when the Church tries to "be relevant" it just comes off as a little...lame.

Link: http://catholicsensibility.wordpress.com/2009/12/08/vatican-music-page-includes-tupac/

What the Hell, indeed.

No cartoon needed. Besides, any cartoon I'd come up with would be too offensive.

One second thought, think I'll skip the second collection

A Catholic Mom in Hawaii has a good post about the upcoming Second Collection this Sunday for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD).

I'll be skipping it, but I'm still a little miffed that my diocese is still collecting for this organization. If I was in Baltimore, or maybe Los Angeles, it wouldn't surprise me. But Harrisburg? Sheesh.

They should change the name to the Catholic Campaign for Human Destruction. A little truth in advertising, maybe?

Read more at :
http://hicatholicmom.blogspot.com/2009/11/this-weekend-cchd-collection-what-you.html

Obama and the American Soldier - 2009

If he's not going to help, then just get them out of there.

Holy Water Dispenser in the Age of Swine Flu

The Curt Jester has a post about someone apparently trying to come up with an automatic holy water font, to prevent people from pickup the creeping crud when dipping into the holy water. We could use a misting tent, like they do at summer picnics, or a good ol' water hose. Why not make it fun, and use a soda water dispenser like in those old Warner Brothers cartoons?

http://www.splendoroftruth.com/curtjester/archives/2009/11/automatic-holy.php

Christmas hiatus

It's that time of year again. Despite the down economy, businesses are still sending out Christmas cards, thanks be to God. Of course, at some places they call them "Holiday Cards", but at Trade Greetings, Inc., it's Company Policy to call them what they are - CHRISTMAS CARDS.

Now, I understand that for some, political correctness is a way of life. I don't agree with it, but I understand it. As for me and my little company, it's Christmas. No other "holiday" even qualifies. I make Christmas Cards for companies to send out Christmas salutations during the Christmas Season.

I'll return in a month or so, and until then, I wish you all an early Happy Thanksgiving!