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With IVF frequently in the headlines, it's essential to understand the ethical dilemmas it presents, and know how to answer when people ask you, "Why are Catholics opposed to IVF?" Many people- even many other Christians- do not understand why IVF is immoral. If it helps couples who struggle with infertility to have children, it should be a good thing, right? IVF dissociates procreation from unification; dominates using technology and “sterile” techniques, strips the marital act of its perfection; deprives children and parents of their dignity; and causes the death of thousands of unborn children each year. Those conceived via IVF, whether they are born or unborn, are precious children of God, loved into being by their ultimate creator, deserving and worthy of respect and dignity, even at the moment of conception. They are the primary reason why we stand against IVF. The most universal moment- one that every single human being ever has and ever will experience- that of conception, has been stripped of its sacredness, beauty, and dignity. This separation of unity from creation lies at the heart of the immorality of IVF. The men and women who choose to use IVF often are not aware of it's devastating effects, and are using it as a last resort to cure their infertility. However, there are many, wonderful physicians who will work with and help couples who hope to conceive a child naturally- the way that God intended- without the devastating physical and mental consequences for both the children and parents. You can learn more about these doctors and their work at https://naprotechnology.com/ and https://fertilitycare.org/ You can use the infographic below to brush up on your understanding of IVF and why Catholics should not and cannot be in support of it. Leave your thoughts and questions below!

With All Saints Day this past week, you're likely to encounter more questions than usual about the Saints. Here are answers to a few of the most commonly asked questions. Bookmark or save this post to come back to when you need to answer someone's question or to use as a resource for others! "What is a Saint?" A saint is any person who is in Heaven. "Why do you pray to the Saints? Can't I just go directly to God?" Of course you can! But just like we ask our friends to pray for us when we're struggling or have a prayer request, we can ask the Saints to pray for us, too, as our Brothers and Sisters in Christ. "But isn't that talking to the dead?" No. Jesus Christ defeated death. This means that those who are in Heaven are not dead at all, but alive in Christ Jesus! "How does someone become a Saint?" As I said, a saint is any person who is in Heaven. However, to receive the actual title of Saint, a certain process is followed by the Church through which it is infallibly declared that the person is in Heaven (meaning, we have proof!). Here is an article about the process of canonization: https://www.catholic.com/encyclopedia/beatification-and-canonization "Do Catholics worship Saints?" No. We worship God alone. There are different types of veneration, though, that can help us distinguish Worship of God from veneration of the Saints: Dulia : is the term for the general veneration of Saints and Angels. They are in no way worshipped. However, they are role models and intercessors for the faithful as they journey to Heaven. Proskynesis : This is a term for the simple form of veneration that is reserved for relics, images of Saints, and holy places. They are to be treated and talked about with reverence and respect. The word comes from the Greek word  " proskyneo" which translates to two words : pros  (towards), and  kyneo  (to kiss). Hyperdulia : This literally means "more-dulia" and is reserved for veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She is distinct from the Saints but not on the same level as God, and thus, deserving of more veneration and honor than other Saints. Latria : This is the form of worship reserved for God alone. "Are we allowed to pray for the intercession of a person who we believe is in Heaven, but hasn't been canonized?" We are absolutely allowed to ask for the intercession of those holy people who have not yet begun the canonization process. If we would have asked for their prayers on earth, we can certainly ask for prayers while they are (presumably) in purgatory or heaven! Another way to look at it is, in order for a Saint to be canonized, multiple miracles attributed to his intercession must occur, and these would not occur without someone here on earth praying to that particular person even though they are not yet canonized.  "What are patron saints?" Patron Saints are saints who, in their lifetime, were intercessors for a certain cause, group of people, or location. They most likely have a similarity to whatever they are the patron of. When a Catholic is Confirmed, they choose a Saint to be their patron because they relate to them in some way. What other questions do you have about the Saints? What are some objections you've heard about the Church's teaching about the Saints? Feel free to leave a comment and I'll help you to answer your question!

Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) once said, "Anyone who seeks truth seeks God, whether or not He realizes it." When we seek the Truth, beautiful things happen. Saint Teresa Benedicta knew this well, and even experienced it herself. She came from a Jewish background, but was a self-proclaimed atheist. Her studies of philosophy led her to the Church where she devoted her life to Christ, eventually dying a martyr's death in 1942. Stop for a moment and think about this. If someone is truly seeking to know the Truth about humanity, the world, how we ought to live, etc. what will they ultimately come to? God. The Truth. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6) Without God, there is no truth, because God is truth itself. This is why science points to the existence of God. Philosophy points to the existence of God. The human body points to the existence of God. Nature points to the existence of God. Everything that is good,true, and beautiful points back to God. And once we realize this, is it enough to simply recognize it in the world around us? No. Truth is all consuming. Once one truly realizes the Truth they cannot help but devote themselves entirely to the pursuit of it! And where will this lead? Jesus. And where does Jesus lead? His Church. Truth Leads to the Catholic Church, which holds the fullness of Truth in Jesus Christ, fully and truly present in the Most Holy Eucharist. There is no other religion in the world that claims to have God as its founder. Truth as its founder. No other religion or Christian denomination can claim this, because only one Church was literally created by God. This probably sounds insane, I know. Like I've taken this too far. But if God is Truth, and God started a Church, then that Church is the one, TRUE Church because it was founded by the God of the universe, who is literally Truth itself!! 1 Timothy 3:15 even confirms this... "if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth." God's household is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. When one seeks the Truth, they will ultimatley always be led back to the foundation of Truth, whether or not they even realize it! And there are so many beautiful examples of this happening in our world today. Think of Scott Hahn. Trent Horn. Jimmy Akin. Tim Staples... and so many more! In history, Saint Augustine of Hippo has one of the most widely cited conversions. He sought the Truth, turned his life around by the grace of God, and went on to be one of the world's most notable theologians! If you’re on a journey to discover the Truth, I encourage you to look to Christ. Invite Him to guide you and reveal the way. Find peace in His presence, knowing that He embodies Truth itself. By following Him, you will remain close to the Truth you seek.

Pray the Rosary for the end of the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic. Rosary for the End of COVID-19 The themed rosary uses the same exact prayers as a traditional Rosary, but has prayer intentions for each Hail Mary prayer. You can follow the chart above which demonstrates which prayer is on which bead. All prayers used in the Rosary can be found by going to the "Themed Rosary" tab, and clicking on the button titled, "Rosary Prayers". Feel free to copy and paste the Rosary into a document to print it out for your own personal use. The Sign of the Cross Apostles Creed Our Father: For the intentions of the Holy Father Hail Mary: For an increase in faith Hail Mary: For an increase in hope Hail Mary: For an increase in love Glory Be 1st Decade Our Father Hail Mary: That the coronavirus pandemic will end Hail Mary: That researchers will find a vaccination using good and morally acceptable means Hail Mary: That all who are working to end the virus will stay healthy Hail Mary: That all who are praying for an end to the virus will be protected from it by the power of the Holy Spirit Hail Mary: That the virus will continue to infect less and less people. Hail Mary: That the virus will cause fewer deaths Hail Mary: That government leaders and healthcare workers will do all that they can to correctly report cases of the virus Hail Mary: That countries around the world will begin to see diminishing numbers of cases of the virus Hail Mary: That all people of faith will pray for an end to the virus Hail Mary: That the hand of Jesus will come and heal our world Glory Be Oh my Jesus... 2nd Decade Our Father Hail Mary: For all world leaders who are working to put a stop to the virus through the enforcement of health and safety guidelines Hail Mary: For the health and safety of all the medical workers who battle the virus every day Hail Mary: For all those who work to provide personal protection equipment for the world Hail Mary: For all those who work for the Church and have strived to reopen the churches as safely as possible Hail Mary: For all priests who have encouraged the faithful to pray and stay strong in their faith in this difficult time Hail Mary: For all construction, sanitation, and other workers who keep our communities up and running Hail Mary: For all firefighters, police, and first responders who continue to respond to emergencies in our communities Hail Mary: For al military personnel who continue to keep our countries safe during the pandemic Hail Mary: For all teachers as they adjust to the new guidelines for educating students during the pandemic Hail Mary: For all store and restaurant employees, as well as farmers, who work hard to provide food for all. Glory Be Oh My Jesus... 3rd Decade Our Father Hail Mary: That people may turn to hope instead of fear Hail Mary: That all those who are anxious or afraid will take seriously the words of the Lord: "Do not be afraid!" Hail Mary: That people will seek out Jesus Christ, the healer, in every area of their lives Hail Mary: That people will take the time to talk with their Heavenly Father during this time of social isolation Hail Mary: That people will seek healing for their souls in the sacrament of reconciliation. Hail Mary: That Christ, the Divine healer, will come and heal His people of all their infirmities Hail Mary: That those who have been mentally wounded by the effects of this pandemic will find peace with Christ Hail Mary: That all who have endured abuse during this time will seek help and find healing in Christ Hail Mary: That all relationships that have been wounded by the lack of socialization during the pandemic can be restored Hail Mary: That the world will see that it is Christ alone who heals and restores our brokeness. Glory Be Oh My Jesus... 4th Decade Our Father Hail Mary: For all those who are infected by the virus Hail Mary: For all those recovering from the virus Hail Mary: For the souls of all who have died from COVID-19 Hail Mary: For negative results for all being tested for the virus Hail Mary: For all of the healthcare professionals who are directly caring for those with COVID-19 Hail Mary: For the families of those infected with the virus Hail Mary: For all nursing home residents who are battling the virus Hail Mary: For the continued health and safety of all who have not been infected by the virus Hail Mary: For everyone who has lost a family member or friend due to the virus Hail Mary: For all who are fighting other medical conditions during the pandemic Glory Be Oh My Jesus... 5th Decade Our Father Hail Mary: That all countries will be able to reopen safely and quickly Hail Mary: That there will be a minimal resurgence of the virus around the world Hail Mary: That all Churches will be able to reopen as soon as possible Hail Mary: That all citizens will cooperate with reopening processes Hail Mary: That schools will reopen and be safe for students and staff Hail Mary: That government officials will be reasonable with their demands for reopening guidelines Hail Mary: For everyone who is working hard to get our world back up and running Hail Mary: That as places reopen, people will use good judgment in determining where they should and should not go Hail Mary: For all of us who are having to adjust to this new way of living Hail Mary: That the virus will come under control so that life can resume in a somewhat normal way Glory Be Oh My Jesus... Hail Holy Queen Closing Prayer

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