Worth reading

Found this terrific conversation with Jennifer of Conversion Diary by following a chain of links... (Be sure to read the whole page!) But it would be a disservice not to cite at least this much:

I come from a background of lifelong secular atheism, so I know how crazy the Church’s stance on contraception sounds. Up until a few years ago, I didn’t know that anyone was even opposed to contraception anymore; I’d heard something about the Catholic Church being against it, but I thought it was an urban legend.

When I began to look into Christianity and was researching the Catholic Church, however, what I found when I read up on its views of human life and sexuality was nothing short of breathtaking. The wisdom I found in reading things like the Theology of the Body or Humanae Vitae was so counter-cultural, so unexpected, and yet resonated so deeply as being true, that for the first time I started to think that this Church might be telling the truth when it says it’s guided by Something more than just the opinions of men. John Paul II once said, "the difference, both anthropological and moral, between contraception and recourse to the rhythm of the cycle...is much wider and deeper than is usually thought, one which involves in the final analysis two irreconcilable concepts of the human person and of human sexuality." I have found this to be true.
...

I don’t have a big interest in anyone telling me how I should run my family, especially if they can’t relate to my situation. However, if the teachings of the Catholic Church are founded on the opinions of celibate dudes in Rome who have a bad habit of not listening to the opinions of the faithful, then we as Catholics have a lot more to worry about than just the issue of contraception. If, however, this is the Church that Christ founded, and if the Holy Spirit works through the fallible humans in this Church to reveal God’s will for humanity, then even the most difficult -- sometimes agonizingly difficult -- teachings are sure to lead us through the narrow gate that we seek to enter.

Join the conversation at www.Ustream.tv/channel/theology-of-the-body

October assignment

Get ready now for October's TOB class by continuing to read "Love & Responsibility" and sections 114-117 in "Man and Woman He Created Them" (pages 592-615).
See you!

Sept. 12 session

We are still working on the tape of the August session--audio problems need to be addressed. For some reason, we always have audio problems...as you will also notice on this recording. Sorry!

Chat transcript will be linked some time next week.

New Books!

Pauline Books & Media just released two new Theology of the Body books, both by Karen Doyle.
Karen holds an Bachelor's Degree in Nursing and is also completing post-graduate, Masters level study in Marriage and Family Studies. She's not speaking from an ivory tower, having run a large student health clinic catering to the needs of male, female and indigenous students in Australia. Doyle recently served on the Executive Council for Natural Family Planning and is a fully accredited Family Life Educator.

TOB this week!

Saturday we'll be streaming live Theology of the Body study group, starting at 10:30 Chicago time, 11:30 for those of you on the East Coast (Chicago is GMT-5:00 for the rest of you). Please get the word out!

TOB intensive series in Chicago!

"Theology Uncorked" is a great series of dinner lectures in the heart of Chicago sponsored by the Holy Name Cathedral Young Adult Board and IHS312.org. Free parking at Holy Name Cathedral. Pittance of a fee for the talk ($7?!); separate tabs for dinner.

SEPTEMBER 1--Love, Peace and the Scars of the 60's Hidden Wounds Vicky Thorn
SEPTEMBER 8--Closer to Nature, Closer to God--Common NFP Myths Debunked Kelly Florek, RN
SEPTEMBER 14--Catholic Sexuality: You've Never Had it so Good! Fr. Thomas Loya

5:15--5:45 Mass at Holy Name Cathedral
6:00-7:00 LaSalle Power Co. Restaurant (500 N. LaSalle) fellowship, free appetizers, cash bar, additional food by separate checks
7:00-8:00 Speaker ($7 suggested donation)
8:00 Social time


Spread the word!
We can't ustream this because we aren't putting it on. Hope you can make it!