Comments for Defenders of the Catholic Faith | Hosted by Stephen K. Ray http://www.catholic-convert.com Author of "St. John's Gospel", "Upon This Rock", & "Crossing the Tiber" Wed, 15 May 2013 15:09:20 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Comment on Using Computers and Smartphones to Do Apologetics: Scripture, Tradition & Answers at Your Fingertips by PoorKnight http://www.catholic-convert.com/2013/04/07/using-logos-verbum-to-do-apologetics-scripture-tradition-answers-at-your-fingertips/comment-page-1/#comment-317071 PoorKnight Wed, 15 May 2013 15:09:20 +0000 http://www.catholic-convert.com/?p=1583936#comment-317071 This looks AWESOME! Unfortunately, as my screen name implies, I'm raising a family of 5 (maybe 6) on a honest cop's salery... had to go with a cut rate, not as many features, harder to use resourse... This looks AWESOME! Unfortunately, as my screen name implies, I’m raising a family of 5 (maybe 6) on a honest cop’s salery… had to go with a cut rate, not as many features, harder to use resourse…

]]> Comment on 2013-05 Newsletter Answer by Shirley http://www.catholic-convert.com/2013-05-newsletter-answer/comment-page-1/#comment-317069 Shirley Wed, 15 May 2013 05:02:27 +0000 http://www.catholic-convert.com/?page_id=1584388#comment-317069 OHHHH! GREAT NEWSLETTER. MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ABUNDANTLY. OHHHH! GREAT NEWSLETTER. MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ABUNDANTLY.

]]> Comment on 2013-05 Newsletter Answer by Kaye Middendorf http://www.catholic-convert.com/2013-05-newsletter-answer/comment-page-1/#comment-317068 Kaye Middendorf Tue, 14 May 2013 20:32:03 +0000 http://www.catholic-convert.com/?page_id=1584388#comment-317068 Loved your newsletter. Hope to get on the Holy Land Tour in 2014 with you & Janet. The Footsteps of Paul and the Rome extension last year were awesome. My sister & I are going on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje in a couple weeks with Fr. Parker & Fr. Sabo. Save Journeys....Kaye Loved your newsletter. Hope to get on the Holy Land Tour in 2014 with you & Janet. The Footsteps of Paul and the Rome extension last year were awesome. My sister & I are going on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje in a couple weeks with Fr. Parker & Fr. Sabo.

Save Journeys….Kaye

]]> Comment on A Protestant Minister Writes: “I am Joining the Catholic Church!” by Finola http://www.catholic-convert.com/2013/03/25/a-protestant-minister-writes-i-am-joining-the-catholic-church/comment-page-1/#comment-317067 Finola Tue, 14 May 2013 15:41:36 +0000 http://www.catholic-convert.com/?p=1583714#comment-317067 Beautiful story of your journey. Very moving. God Bless you and I keep you in my prayers. I was especially interested and uplifted by what you said about Fr John Hardon, SJ. I was privileged to have met him in person once and a living saint he was. I pray he will be beatified and eventually canonized. So great was his influence for the glory of God in the Catholic realm. You are in my prayers and I hope all is going well for you. Thank you for sharing your story! Beautiful story of your journey. Very moving. God Bless you and I keep you in my prayers. I was especially interested and uplifted by what you said about Fr John Hardon, SJ. I was privileged to have met him in person once and a living saint he was. I pray he will be beatified and eventually canonized. So great was his influence for the glory of God in the Catholic realm. You are in my prayers and I hope all is going well for you. Thank you for sharing your story!

]]> Comment on A Protestant Minister Writes: “I am Joining the Catholic Church!” by Andrea http://www.catholic-convert.com/2013/03/25/a-protestant-minister-writes-i-am-joining-the-catholic-church/comment-page-1/#comment-317064 Andrea Tue, 14 May 2013 04:27:56 +0000 http://www.catholic-convert.com/?p=1583714#comment-317064 And what is so cool is meeting other devout Catholics and instantly having that intimate friendship! I'm so glad you've disovered so many Catholic treasures! A lifetime will not be enough to find them all, so enjoy your journey of being constantly surprised by joy! Glad you are a brother, and God bless you in Jesus through Mary! And what is so cool is meeting other devout Catholics and instantly having that intimate friendship!

I’m so glad you’ve disovered so many Catholic treasures! A lifetime will not be enough to find them all, so enjoy your journey of being constantly surprised by joy! Glad you are a brother, and God bless you in Jesus through Mary!

]]> Comment on Questions I Answered Tonight on Catholic Answers Live by Peggy http://www.catholic-convert.com/2013/05/13/questions-i-answered-tonight-on-catholic-answers-live/comment-page-1/#comment-317063 Peggy Tue, 14 May 2013 03:39:58 +0000 http://www.catholic-convert.com/?p=1584396#comment-317063 It was a great show, Steve! You really kept your cool with your SB pastor. Off the subject, but can men wear shorts in Israel on your pilgrimages? I was on the Turin pilgrimage!! It was a great show, Steve! You really kept your cool with your SB pastor. Off the subject, but can men wear shorts in Israel on your pilgrimages? I was on the Turin pilgrimage!!

]]> Comment on Questions I Answered Tonight on Catholic Answers Live by Chip Hillesheim http://www.catholic-convert.com/2013/05/13/questions-i-answered-tonight-on-catholic-answers-live/comment-page-1/#comment-317062 Chip Hillesheim Tue, 14 May 2013 03:12:53 +0000 http://www.catholic-convert.com/?p=1584396#comment-317062 Steve, I heard your exchange with the Southern Baptist pastor and I thought you did a great job of giving solid clear and concise answers to whatever the Pastor threw at you. I thought your responses, especially regarding Mary's veneration and what the Catholic Church actually teaches was brilliant. If it would have been me I wouldn't have done so well. It is so sad as I know many Catholics would not be able to defend what should be basic apologetic understanding of fundamental Catholic doctrine or even care. It is hard to gain good teaching in our own Parrish. I hope I can someday learn enough on my own to be a decent catechism teacher. I'd rather have a mentor though. Great job defending and enlightening those with misconceptions. Steve, I heard your exchange with the Southern Baptist pastor and I thought you did a great job of giving solid clear and concise answers to whatever the Pastor threw at you. I thought your responses, especially regarding Mary’s veneration and what the Catholic Church actually teaches was brilliant. If it would have been me I wouldn’t have done so well. It is so sad as I know many Catholics would not be able to defend what should be basic apologetic understanding of fundamental Catholic doctrine or even care. It is hard to gain good teaching in our own Parrish. I hope I can someday learn enough on my own to be a decent catechism teacher. I’d rather have a mentor though. Great job defending and enlightening those with misconceptions.

]]> Comment on A Protestant Minister Writes: “I am Joining the Catholic Church!” by Lou http://www.catholic-convert.com/2013/03/25/a-protestant-minister-writes-i-am-joining-the-catholic-church/comment-page-1/#comment-317060 Lou Mon, 13 May 2013 08:09:27 +0000 http://www.catholic-convert.com/?p=1583714#comment-317060 WELCOME! Your decision to be one of us in the Catholic Church makes me so proud to be a CAtholic and have inspired me to continually and perseveringly serve God in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila's Ministry on Ecology. God shows the way in His very mysterious way and in is time... Good luck and let us pray many more will follow your example especially in this year of Faith. WELCOME! Your decision to be one of us in the Catholic Church makes me so proud to be a CAtholic and have inspired me to continually and perseveringly serve God in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila’s Ministry on Ecology.
God shows the way in His very mysterious way and in is time… Good luck and let us pray many more will follow your example especially in this year of Faith.

]]> Comment on Do Catholics Worship Mary? by Amy http://www.catholic-convert.com/2011/10/18/do-catholics-worship-mary-3/comment-page-1/#comment-317056 Amy Sun, 12 May 2013 14:25:06 +0000 http://www.catholic-convert.com/?p=9417#comment-317056 Stan, Mary is an intercessor in the same way that your friend or next-door neighbor who prays for you is an intercessor. Well, except that Mary is in Heaven with God, in His very presence! She can do nothing without Him... yet He does much through her for us. We always remember that it is through God's power alone that prayers are answered and graces are given, but that sometimes He chooses to work through others, and that includes Mary, the angels, and the saints. HTH! Stan,
Mary is an intercessor in the same way that your friend or next-door neighbor who prays for you is an intercessor. Well, except that Mary is in Heaven with God, in His very presence! She can do nothing without Him… yet He does much through her for us. We always remember that it is through God’s power alone that prayers are answered and graces are given, but that sometimes He chooses to work through others, and that includes Mary, the angels, and the saints.
HTH!

]]> Comment on From Sunni Muslim to Catholic: Interesting Journey with Lots of Good Info by Sean http://www.catholic-convert.com/2012/01/04/from-sunni-muslim-to-catholic-interesting-journey-with-lots-of-good-info/comment-page-1/#comment-317055 Sean Sat, 11 May 2013 17:28:29 +0000 http://www.catholic-convert.com/?p=164971#comment-317055 Michael, as a Catholic, it’s always beautiful to know souls are being guided home into our beautiful faith where Jesus is truly present, and I pray that you persevere in faith, and that goes to Ibrahim too- whatever faith he has decided for himself. The key to being Catholic is so easy- Fasting, Prayer and focusing on the New Testament which literally answers the Old. Only through these means will everyone understand the life and suffering of Christ, as well as all Catholic saints who were Christ like in their way of living. Only through prayer will all Christians and lukewarm Catholics truly understand the heavy importance of Mass and the Sacraments within the Catholic Church; and everything else in between, such as the intercession of the Saints, the role of Mother Mary, the Divine Trinity and even Purgatory. God answers every question in a way that is tailored and personalised to our understanding in accordance to our personality- but only if we seek it in fervour spirit. Ibrahim, we all stem for from the one God of Abraham, but let’s see what differentiates Christianity from Islam. Ishmael was conceived through Hagar by Abraham, through the will of sinful flesh. Islam in my opinion does show snippets of God’s Grace, but it seems to be that the koran is more of a dictatorial guide on living a good life, though it doesn't necessarily try to end the earthly attachments that bind people to this world. Islam’s interpretation of God is an angry God who will only rightly forgive on certain grounds and conditions; analogy) A loving father who dictates to his children on how to live their lives with a set of rules due to distrust. On the other hand, Isaac was promised to Sarah and Abraham through Gods divine intervention. His ultimate descendant died for the sins of mankind on the Cross and redeemed the whole world as part of God’s greater plan. In fact throughout time, Jesus spoke about God's Kingdom, noting that earthly possessions are all they are; earthly. Also Christianity’s interpretation of God is that his love is unconditional- knowing mankind’s flawed nature, God loves us whether we love him or not; analogy) a loving father who provides set rules, but trusts his children to abide by them by allowing them to make their own choices. God bless us all. Michael, as a Catholic, it’s always beautiful to know souls are being guided home into our beautiful faith where Jesus is truly present, and I pray that you persevere in faith, and that goes to Ibrahim too- whatever faith he has decided for himself.

The key to being Catholic is so easy- Fasting, Prayer and focusing on the New Testament which literally answers the Old. Only through these means will everyone understand the life and suffering of Christ, as well as all Catholic saints who were Christ like in their way of living. Only through prayer will all Christians and lukewarm Catholics truly understand the heavy importance of Mass and the Sacraments within the Catholic Church; and everything else in between, such as the intercession of the Saints, the role of Mother Mary, the Divine Trinity and even Purgatory. God answers every question in a way that is tailored and personalised to our understanding in accordance to our personality- but only if we seek it in fervour spirit.

Ibrahim, we all stem for from the one God of Abraham, but let’s see what differentiates Christianity from Islam.

Ishmael was conceived through Hagar by Abraham, through the will of sinful flesh. Islam in my opinion does show snippets of God’s Grace, but it seems to be that the koran is more of a dictatorial guide on living a good life, though it doesn’t necessarily try to end the earthly attachments that bind people to this world. Islam’s interpretation of God is an angry God who will only rightly forgive on certain grounds and conditions; analogy) A loving father who dictates to his children on how to live their lives with a set of rules due to distrust.

On the other hand, Isaac was promised to Sarah and Abraham through Gods divine intervention. His ultimate descendant died for the sins of mankind on the Cross and redeemed the whole world as part of God’s greater plan. In fact throughout time, Jesus spoke about God’s Kingdom, noting that earthly possessions are all they are; earthly. Also Christianity’s interpretation of God is that his love is unconditional- knowing mankind’s flawed nature, God loves us whether we love him or not; analogy) a loving father who provides set rules, but trusts his children to abide by them by allowing them to make their own choices.

God bless us all.

]]> Comment on Sailing with St. Paul – without the Ship Wrecks by Steve Ray http://www.catholic-convert.com/2013/05/14/st-paul-mediterranean-cruise/comment-page-1/#comment-317053 Steve Ray Sat, 11 May 2013 12:56:20 +0000 http://www.catholic-convert.com/?p=1584304#comment-317053 Oops. Did it on the run in Israel. Thanks. I fixed it. Oops. Did it on the run in Israel. Thanks. I fixed it.

]]> Comment on Sailing with St. Paul – without the Ship Wrecks by Jim http://www.catholic-convert.com/2013/05/14/st-paul-mediterranean-cruise/comment-page-1/#comment-317052 Jim Sat, 11 May 2013 12:48:31 +0000 http://www.catholic-convert.com/?p=1584304#comment-317052 Uh, shouldn't the headline say "..without the ship wrecks?" Uh, shouldn’t the headline say “..without the ship wrecks?”

]]> Comment on Safe to Come to Israel? Letter that Brought Tears to our Eyes by Al and Gracia Esguerra http://www.catholic-convert.com/2013/05/09/safe-to-come-to-israel-letter-that-brought-tears-to-our-eyes/comment-page-1/#comment-317051 Al and Gracia Esguerra Sat, 11 May 2013 06:22:37 +0000 http://www.catholic-convert.com/?p=1584340#comment-317051 felt sad as we prepared to leave Jerusalem, still awestuck by all the holy places we walked and saw..but eager to tell our experience to family and friends back home. we know our "our fathers" and "hail marys" have taken a deeper meaning... thanks Steve and Janet for truly enriching trip of a lifetime! btw God continues to guide and guard us. Al's luggage was not on our noon JFK-DCA flight with AA having no record of it being "scanned"..finally delivered at 11pm...all our priceless treasures - rosaries and rocks and holy water from the Jordan were there! God smiles on us! tight hugs.. felt sad as we prepared to leave Jerusalem, still awestuck by all the holy places we walked and saw..but eager to tell our experience to family and friends back home. we know our “our fathers” and “hail marys” have taken a deeper meaning… thanks Steve and Janet for truly enriching trip of a lifetime!

btw God continues to guide and guard us. Al’s luggage was not on our noon JFK-DCA flight with AA having no record of it being “scanned”..finally delivered at 11pm…all our priceless treasures – rosaries and rocks and holy water from the Jordan were there! God smiles on us! tight hugs..

]]> Comment on Primer on the Mass by Leo Dias http://www.catholic-convert.com/2013/03/25/primer-on-the-mass-2/comment-page-1/#comment-317049 Leo Dias Fri, 10 May 2013 17:30:38 +0000 http://www.catholic-convert.com/?p=2346#comment-317049 The meaning of the Mass as told to me by a senior cloistered carmelite nun aged 65 years old... <blockquote>The Mass is the same as the sacrifice of Calvary. In the Mass, Christ dies as he died on the first Good Friday. The Mass has the same infinite value of Calvary and brings down on man the same priceless graces. The Mass obtains for us blessings and favours, both spiritual and temporal, that we acould not receive in any other way. nothing on earth gives more glory to God and obtains more benefits for us, than a single Mass. While Mass is being celebrated, the Sanctuary is filled with Celestial Beings... The Mother of God, countless Angels and Heavenly Saints who adore the Divine Victim immolated on the Altar. During Holy Mass is the time to repent, to adore God, to thank Him, and to present our special needs.</blockquote> Your short primer on the mass is truly "short-sighted" from what the nun describe it to be :( The meaning of the Mass as told to me by a senior cloistered carmelite nun aged 65 years old…

The Mass is the same as the sacrifice of Calvary. In the Mass, Christ dies as he died on the first Good Friday. The Mass has the same infinite value of Calvary and brings down on man the same priceless graces. The Mass obtains for us blessings and favours, both spiritual and temporal, that we acould not receive in any other way. nothing on earth gives more glory to God and obtains more benefits for us, than a single Mass. While Mass is being celebrated, the Sanctuary is filled with Celestial Beings… The Mother of God, countless Angels and Heavenly Saints who adore the Divine Victim immolated on the Altar. During Holy Mass is the time to repent, to adore God, to thank Him, and to present our special needs.

Your short primer on the mass is truly “short-sighted” from what the nun describe it to be :(

]]> Comment on Holy Father – is he Holy? by Bambi http://www.catholic-convert.com/2013/05/06/tomorrow-holy-father-is-he-holy/comment-page-1/#comment-317048 Bambi Fri, 10 May 2013 13:56:46 +0000 http://www.catholic-convert.com/?p=2259#comment-317048 Hi Steve, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I believe it wasn’t just the kid who needed that explanation and enlightenment, but also most Catholics. I'm a Filipino; I just bought your book Crossing the Tiber. I know it will strengthen my faith and educate me. I will be coming home this May and I intend to give it to my aunt who is a devout Catholic that lost her 6 children to Protestantism. Hi Steve,
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I believe it wasn’t just the kid who needed that explanation and enlightenment, but also most Catholics. I’m a Filipino; I just bought your book Crossing the Tiber. I know it will strengthen my faith and educate me. I will be coming home this May and I intend to give it to my aunt who is a devout Catholic that lost her 6 children to Protestantism.

]]> Comment on A True Story: The “Hail Mary” is a Powerful Prayer by Janice http://www.catholic-convert.com/2011/11/19/a-true-story-the-hail-mary-is-a-powerful-prayer/comment-page-1/#comment-317045 Janice Fri, 10 May 2013 10:54:17 +0000 http://www.catholic-convert.com/?p=10928#comment-317045 Thank you Dr Gboco for helping me to get my lovely partner back in my life. I am so blessed that you used a non forceful way of uniting and reuniting us. Our past, presence and future seems to have all merged into one, gbocotemple@yahoo.com You told me that everyone has a compatible soul mate whether in their life or waiting to come into their lives. I am glad its my partner of old. I did not want to really go and be with someone else.. You have removed the extra baggage that has been affecting us and holding us back. Peace to you Thank you Dr Gboco for helping me to get my lovely partner back in my life. I am so blessed that you used a non forceful way of uniting and reuniting us. Our past, presence and future seems to have all merged into one, gbocotemple@yahoo.com You told me that everyone has a compatible soul mate whether in their life or waiting to come into their lives. I am glad its my partner of old. I did not want to really go and be with someone else.. You have removed the extra baggage that has been affecting us and holding us back. Peace to you

]]> Comment on Weeping at Gethsemane, Praying at Mount of Olives, Praying for Priests in Upper Room, Descending into Jesus’ Prison by Nathan & Katie Ball http://www.catholic-convert.com/2013/05/08/weeping-at-gethsemane-praying-at-mount-of-olives-praying-for-priests-in-upper-room-descending-into-jesus-prison/comment-page-1/#comment-317044 Nathan & Katie Ball Thu, 09 May 2013 12:50:32 +0000 http://www.catholic-convert.com/?p=1584296#comment-317044 Doug and Becky! What a great trip! We can't believe all the places you are getting to visit and experience. We are keeping you in our prayers. Enjoy your last day and safe travels home. Love, Nathan and Katie Doug and Becky!

What a great trip! We can’t believe all the places you are getting to visit and experience. We are keeping you in our prayers. Enjoy your last day and safe travels home.

Love,
Nathan and Katie

]]> Comment on Weeping at Gethsemane, Praying at Mount of Olives, Praying for Priests in Upper Room, Descending into Jesus’ Prison by Libby Shortner http://www.catholic-convert.com/2013/05/08/weeping-at-gethsemane-praying-at-mount-of-olives-praying-for-priests-in-upper-room-descending-into-jesus-prison/comment-page-1/#comment-317039 Libby Shortner Thu, 09 May 2013 00:21:41 +0000 http://www.catholic-convert.com/?p=1584296#comment-317039 Another incredible day! It's amazing to see (even if it is virtually) all the sites you've visited. I will continue to pray for all of you as your trip winds down and you enjoy your last day together. I know you are sad to see your pilgrimage come to an end, but we at home are thrilled to have you coming back to us! Safe travels! Love, Libby Another incredible day! It’s amazing to see (even if it is virtually) all the sites you’ve visited. I will continue to pray for all of you as your trip winds down and you enjoy your last day together. I know you are sad to see your pilgrimage come to an end, but we at home are thrilled to have you coming back to us!

Safe travels!
Love,
Libby

]]> Comment on Weeping at Gethsemane, Praying at Mount of Olives, Praying for Priests in Upper Room, Descending into Jesus’ Prison by Bonnie Dziedzic http://www.catholic-convert.com/2013/05/08/weeping-at-gethsemane-praying-at-mount-of-olives-praying-for-priests-in-upper-room-descending-into-jesus-prison/comment-page-1/#comment-317037 Bonnie Dziedzic Wed, 08 May 2013 23:28:45 +0000 http://www.catholic-convert.com/?p=1584296#comment-317037 Looks like a fantastic trip! We are so excited for you all to be able to experience this and can't wait to hear all about it! Mom and Dad (Debbie and Billy Shortner), Sydney enjoyed seeing you renew your wedding vows and loves watching for you in the videos. She says she wants to go there one day with you! She says to tell you she loves you and can't wait to see you this weekend! God Bless, Jeff, Bonnie, Sydney and Andrew Dziedzic Looks like a fantastic trip! We are so excited for you all to be able to experience this and can’t wait to hear all about it!

Mom and Dad (Debbie and Billy Shortner), Sydney enjoyed seeing you renew your wedding vows and loves watching for you in the videos. She says she wants to go there one day with you! She says to tell you she loves you and can’t wait to see you this weekend!

God Bless,
Jeff, Bonnie, Sydney and Andrew Dziedzic

]]> Comment on Weeping at Gethsemane, Praying at Mount of Olives, Praying for Priests in Upper Room, Descending into Jesus’ Prison by Tessie Phillips http://www.catholic-convert.com/2013/05/08/weeping-at-gethsemane-praying-at-mount-of-olives-praying-for-priests-in-upper-room-descending-into-jesus-prison/comment-page-1/#comment-317035 Tessie Phillips Wed, 08 May 2013 19:27:21 +0000 http://www.catholic-convert.com/?p=1584296#comment-317035 Tommy, Libby, and Margaret, Another beautiful day for you. It was so touching to see the Garden of Gethsemane. Margaret, I have to say that you look so lovely in that hat--and I'm not just kidding! You are a beautiful sister, both inside and out. Enjoy the last day (?) of your visit on this memorable trip. Miss you all. Love and prayers, Tessie Tommy, Libby, and Margaret,

Another beautiful day for you. It was so touching to see the Garden of Gethsemane.

Margaret, I have to say that you look so lovely in that hat–and I’m not just kidding! You are a beautiful sister, both inside and out.

Enjoy the last day (?) of your visit on this memorable trip. Miss you all.

Love and prayers, Tessie

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