Ignorance is…Just Plain Ignorance (Or, Why Catholics Need to Stop Promoting Scientology’s Stigmas About Mental Health)

April 16, 2013 By 24 Comments
ignorance

Earlier today, I posted a video that offered a cautionary view of medication.  The point of the video was that while medication can sometimes be helpful, it can also be problematic if it used to mask other relationship or personal problems that are actually causing the depression. In these cases, medication can actually keep a person depressed longer because the person may experience just enough relief to lose the motivation to solve their underlying problems.  They may get better, but never … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Church, Counseling, Health, Mental Illness Tagged With: 24 Comments

When Tragedy Strikes, Remember Who You Are

April 16, 2013 By Leave a Comment
random acts

Whether we are reacting to the headlines out of Boston or dealing with personal tragedies, it is easy to forget who we are when we go through difficult times. Instead of thinking and acting like the sons and daughters of God that we are, we can become petty, spiteful, isolating, self-pitying and even vengeful. It was this impulse Pope Francis was challenging when he reminded all of us in his message to the people of Boston to "resolve to not be overcome by evil, but to combat evil by doing … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Church, Popcak, Relationship, self-help Tagged With: , , Leave a Comment

What Does It Take to Create a CATHOLIC Home?

April 11, 2013 By 4 Comments
catholichome

What does it mean to create a Catholic home?  To some, it primarily has to do with the customs and traditions a family celebrates.  To others, it has to do with the art and sacramentals (e.g., crosses, statues, holy pictures, etc) that adorn the house and remind the family of Christ's presence in their everyday lives.  Still others might point to the charitable works their family is involved in.   And, of course, it has everything to do with celebrating the sacraments--especially the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Church, Parenting, Popcak, Relationship, Spirituality Tagged With: 4 Comments

Mandated Infertility “Treatment” for Homosexual Couples

April 8, 2013 By 3 Comments
hhs

I have to admit that even I didn't see this coming.  As you read this, try to remember that homosexual couples aren't infertile.  It is simply physically impossible for them to procreate.  But if gay marriage is, in fact, equal to marriage, then this is the kind of thing that no one will be able to stop. Should health insurers be legally required to offer infertility treatment for gay couples? Yes, according to a bill (AB 460) filed in the California legislature by assemblyman Tom Ammiano … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Church, Marriage, Psychology News Tagged With: , 3 Comments

The Mission of the Catholic Parent: Just Do Your Best?

April 5, 2013 By 6 Comments
parenting cage

When it comes to parenting, I see a lot of Catholic moms and dads falling back on, "Everybody has to do what works for them.  We all just have to do what works best for us." Of course this is true on a certain level.  All we can do is our best.  But that begs the question, "What does doing our best as Catholic parents really require?  What does 'doing our best' mean?"   Does it mean, "do what comes naturally?"  Does it mean, "do what's easiest or most familiar?"  Does it mean, "Do … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Church, Parenting, Popcak, Relationship 6 Comments

What Does it Mean to “Show Mercy”?

April 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment
"Set mercy phasers on 'stun'!"

We discussed mercy on More2Life Radio today.  I would venture to guess that most people think that "being merciful" is synonymous with "letting someone off the hook."  Honestly, though, I really don't see how this can be true.  In order to be merciful, mercy must be just (and in order to be just, jutice must be merciful) so it's hard to imagine how not giving someone an opportunity to learn and grow from their mistakes/offenses would be merciful.  Even in the parable of the unmerciful … [Read more...]

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I’ve Got the Cure for Your PTFWS* (*post-traumatic foot-washing syndrome)

March 30, 2013 By 5 Comments
end of the world

Fools rush in where angels fear to tread and all, but since I am committed to the healing arts and it pains me to think that any of you are among those rending their garments over Pope Francis' washing of women's feet this past Holy Thursday, worried that this is just the first sign of the new Pope's  hidden proto-feminist agenda and the imminent ordination of women bishops and subsequent ending of the world (curse you, Mayans!--the Pope is from South America, after all), I thought I would … [Read more...]

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We Adore You, O Christ, and We Praise You. Because by Your Holy Cross, You Have Redeemed the World.

March 29, 2013 By 1 Comment
good friday

The Reproaches (Click above link to listen to the St. Paul Cathedral Choir of London sing the Reproaches.) I. 1 and 2: My people, what have I done to you How have I offended you? Answer me! 1: I led you out of Egypt, from slavery to freedom, but you led your Savior to the cross. 2: My people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me! 1: Holy is God! 2: Holy and strong! 1: Holy immortal One, have mercy on us! 1 and 2: For forty years I led you safely through the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Church Tagged With: 1 Comment

Savior of the Week

March 28, 2013 By Leave a Comment
supercape

Pope Francis offers a helpful reality check to the self-help culture. We need to “go out”, then, in order to experience our own anointing, its power and its redemptive efficacy: to the “outskirts” where there is suffering, bloodshed, blindness that longs for sight, and prisoners in thrall to many evil masters. It is not in soul-searching or constant introspection that we encounter the Lord: self-help courses can be useful in life, but to live by going from one course to another, from … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Church, Counseling, Health, Mental Illness, Personal Wellness, self-help Leave a Comment

Long Term Help for Those in Recovery

March 28, 2013 By Leave a Comment
cenacolo

Recovering from addictions is a painful process.  It isn't unusual for a serious addict to have to go through a treatment program 3 or more times before they can maintain sobriety.  One of the biggest challenges of recovery is changing your life and your social network after you get out of treatment.  If the addict keeps the same friends or stays in the same environment post recovery as he or she did before seeking help, there are just too many temptations. Comunita Cenacolo (Community … [Read more...]

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