Catholic Carnival 155: Voices in the Wilderness

Welcome to the Wilderness of the Internet. And the voices of Catholics calling out in this wilderness.

This was a very interesting Catholic Carnival for several reasons. First, the posts were extremely diverse – more diverse than I can remember in one Carnival. Second, there was a little controversy: two of the submitted posts specifically disagreed with this post on “Attachment Parenting” by the author Greg Popcak. So I thought I would pull those posts together first and point to the original article. Here are the posts that address Popcak’s points:

First we have Permission for Catholic Moms to Relax a Little at Catholic Matriarch in My Domestic Church. Take a deep breath, Moms, and read her thoughts on parenting. I think she makes an excellent point.

Seeking Guidance in Raising Catholic Families at My Domestic Church also offers a take on Popcak’s article. This article specifically addresses the points made and offers her thoughts on Catholic parenting.

What do you think? Post your comments on each blog and see what others think as well. And now for the rest of the Carnival (perhaps it should be named “Diversity,” but I couldn’t resist the wilderness quote):

Story Time! at Mommy Monsters explores adoption and how to tell your family’s “story” to your children.

What is Salvation? at Deep Furrows explores the nature of Salvation and the two meanings of the word. What do you think?

Don’t Blink! You might miss it! at Christus Vincit points out that Septuagesima is coming up quickly. This year we have an early Ash Wednesday, so it happens next Sunday. Confused? CV will straighten you out . . .

Still Composing Psalms at Rifugio San Gaspare has a link to Father Keyes’ psalms composed in honor of St. Gaspar. He is staying about 8 to 10 weeks ahead of schedule, but also in the midst of composing English antiphons for the Holy Week Psalter. Wow!

And the Meek Shall Inherit the Last Pew in the Corner Behind the Pillar at Adam’s Ale asks (and answers), “should churches have hiding places?” Think about it for a second, before you read Father V’s take.

What price grace? at Eastward, Catholic Soldiers! takes a shot at explaining exactly what Grace is, where it comes from, and how we respond to it.

I Want to Remember at Just Another Day of Catholic Pondering is a wonderful letter from a mother to her infant daughter – and a reflection on what Sarah wants to remember and preserve about this precious time.

Little White Caskets at . . . and if not . . . reflects on the nature of death, especially to the young, and how it has touched everyone – even you.

Memorize the Faith: And Most Anything Else at Book Reviews and More is a review of the book by Dr. Kevin Vost. He recommends it as an excellent resource – go take a look.

God’s Gentleness; Our Longing at HMS Blog is a great reflection on the Mass readings concerning the Baptism of Our Lord. Do you know someone who is waiting for God unaware?

The Top 10 Questions are answered at Aggie Catholics. These are the ten questions most often searched for at the site. Pretty interesting.

For us football nuts, Philip Rivers: Catholic Quarterback? at Domestic Vocation starts with an EWTN interview of the Catholic quarterback, but includes other video clips and a question: is this how a Catholic athlete should act? Add your two cents (or quarter . . .).

Anonymous Accountability at Children & Chocolate and Other Paths to God points out that we are accountable to someone above for our actions – even if we don’t realize it. Time to be the best (at everything) you can be.

The first step is the hardest and Liturgy of the Hours/Divine Office: Getting Started at Postscripts from the Catholic Spitfire Grill gives just the advice you need to get moving on the Divine Office. Includes some great resources for those interested in praying the Liturgy of the Hours.

Gifts at A Penitent Blogger reflects on two of God’s gifts by starting with Monday’s reading from Samuel. Do you see these gifts in your life?

And For those who are very, very serious . . . at Toward Contemplation explores the Carthusian vocation and what it means to be a Carthusian.

Having a bad day? An Answered Prayer at Kate Wicker explained how God answered her prayer: through her 3-year-old child. God works in amazing ways when we need it!

First tremendous book of the Year at A Third Way reviews St. Therese: A Treasured Love Story by Archbishop Fulton Sheen and comes away with a deeper appreciation of Archbishop Sheen and St. Therese.

A Word about Mother Theresa at A Catholic Mom Climbing the Pillars does exactly as advertised and also includes a direct quote from her – on silence.

With that, I’ll quietly step out of the room.

God bless,
Jay