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Blessed Are The Pure In Heart (Prayers, Resources, Endnotes)

Note: This page just contains appendices to Blessed Are The Pure In Heart.

Appendix I: Prayers

A prayer in a time of temptation

Based on Hebrews 4:14-16

Lord Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, you were tempted in every way we are and yet never sinned. Take me to the throne of Your grace to receive mercy, favor and help. Make me aware of Your presence. Strengthen me in my weakness.

Lead me through the temptations of this life to the love you share with the Father and Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer over a new computer

Loving God and Father, source of all good and knowledge, we praise you for your loving kindness shown to us through your Son Jesus Christ who became flesh and dwelt among us and through your Holy Spirit poured forth into our hearts. Grant that this new computer may be used in service to you and all truth. May it be an instrument that serves to lift up and not to tear down. May pornography, hatred or any other such evil never appear on this screen. May I and all who use this computer do so with purity of heart and free from all evil. May my work on this computer serve to glorify your name and build up your kingdom. Lead us through this life to share in the perfect love and joy you share with Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Anima Christi (Soul of Christ)

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water flowing from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O Good Jesus hear me, in your wounds hide me and never permit me to be separated from you.
From the evil enemy, defend me
In the hour of my death call me, and grant me to come to you that with your saints I may praise you for ever and ever. Amen.

Memorare

Remember O Most Gracious Virgin Mary,
That never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence I fly unto thee O Virgin of virgins, my mother.
To thee I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions
But in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

From the Litany of St. Joseph

Joseph, chaste and just ...
Joseph, prudent and brave ...
Joseph, obedient and loyal ...
Terror of evil spirits ...
Protector of the Church, ... Pray for us!

Almighty God, in your infinite wisdom and love you chose Joseph to be the husband of Mary, the mother of Your Son. As we enjoy his protection on earth, may we have the help of his prayers in heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer to Saint Michael

St. Michael the Archangel , defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray, and do thou O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by divine power thrust into hell Satan and all the other evil spirits that prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Prayer to my Guardian Angel

Angel of God, my guardian dear; to whom God's love commends me here: Ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen


Appendex 2: A few resources

On-Line Resources

www.pornnomore.com: Catholic site that includes information, prayers, witness talks and many other helpful resources.

www.porn-free.org: Similar Christian site with many resources. It also has a version in Italian.

www.nationalcoalition.org: Site for the National Coalition for the Protection of Children and Families. In addition to fighting pornography this organization does much to promote decency and family life.

www.freedomeveryday.org: Sponsored by L.I.F.E. Ministries (Living in Freedom Everyday).

www.settingcaptivesfree.com: Christian based ministry addressing a number of addictions. Its resources are available in several languages.

www.cyberwidows.tripod.com: Resource for women whose husbands have problems with pornography. The information here would also be helpful for a husband whose wife is struggling with pornography.

www.obscenity-crimes.org: Not only has resources about pornography but includes information about fighting indecency.

www.sa.org: Site for Sexaholics Anonymous. It shares information and Twelve Step Spirituality for those struggling with sexual addiction.

www.isafe.org: Site for internet safety and education.

www.filterreview.com: Provides a description and customer rating of different internet filters. It is a good single source to learn about many different products.

www.covenanteyes.com: Not a filter but an accountability service. Users will designate two other individuals who will periodically receive reports of all the sites the user has visited. This can work well in conjunction with a filter.

www.archstl.org/prayer: A prayer resource sponsored by the Archdiocese of St. Louis. You may type in a request and eight communities of cloistered nuns will pray for your intentions.

Support and Counseling Services

The diocese sponsors a support group for men who struggle with pornography. They meet periodically for support. Confidentiality is respected. For more information call 816-756-1850 ext. 495, or toll-free to 1-800-246-1850 ext. 495.

Catholic Charities can put you in touch with a professional counselor. For more information call 816-333-2040.

The National Coalition has a toll-free service line at 1-800-583-2964. It is a resource both for those who struggle with pornography as well as for pastors and counselors. Phones are answered Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time.


Reading

Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality (Pontifical Council for the Family, 1995)

Married Love and the Gift of Life. Pro-Life Secretariat, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Nov. 14, 2006.

Many of the above listed web sites will list books that can be helpful. One short but helpful booklet is Breaking Free: 12 Steps to Sexual Purity for Men. It is by Stephen Wood and published by Family Life Center Publications. www.familylifecenter.net

For other reading material regarding a Catholic understanding of human sexuality see Love and Responsibility by Karol Wojtyla and Theology of the Body by Pope John Paul II. The former is a more philosophical work while the latter is much more theological. Some popular secondary sources for these are: Theology of the Body for Beginners and Theology of the Body Explained both by Christopher West; and Men and Women are From Eden by Mary Healy.

In 2002 the Pontifical Council for Social Communications issued two documents entitled «The Church and Internet» and «Ethics in Internet.» In 1989 the same council issued a document entitled: «Pornography and Violence in the Communications Media: A Pastoral Response.» These documents may be accessed at www.vatican.va

In 1998 the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a document entitled: «Renewing the Mind of the Media», and in 2000 another document entitled: «Your Family and Cyberspace.» Copies may be ordered by calling 1-800-235-8722.


Endnotes

[1] Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2354 (hereafter Catechism)

[2] Gaudium et Spes, #22. Documents of the Second Vatican Council

[3] Gaudium et Spes, 27.

[4] Catechism, #387.

[5] Catechism #1803

[6] Catechism #1809

[7] Catechism #2337.

[8] Karol Wojtyla, Love and Responsibility, trans. H.T. Willets (San Francisco: Ignatius, 1993), 123.

[9] Catechism #2522

[10] National Coalition for the Protection of Children and Families. Warning: What you risk by using pornography.

[11] Ignatius Loyola, The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, trans. Louis J. Puhl, S.J. (Westminster: The Newman Press, 1957), 145.

[12] Catechism #1468-1470.

[13] «The memory and imagination will prove most helpful if they are employed to nourish piety, by searching in the Scriptures, in the Liturgy, and in spiritual writers the choicest texts, the most beautiful similes, the richest imagery, and if the imagination is used to enter into God's presence, to picture in their details the mysteries of Our Lord and the Blessed Virgin. Thus, far from stunting this faculty, we shall fill it with devout representations which will displace dangerous fancies...» Tanquerey, Adolphe. The Spiritual Life: A Treatise on Ascetical and Mystical Theology. 2nd and revised edition. Book I; Chapter III ; Art III ; 783C.

[14] Catechism #2522

[15] Cf. Sacramentary, Prefaces P69, P70 Holy Men and Women I and II.

[16] Litany of Loretto

[17] Two excellent documents are: The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality. Pontifical Council for the Family, 1995. And the new Bishops' publication, Married Love and the Gift of Life, USCCB November 14, 2006 .

[18] Benedict of Nursia, The Rule of St. Benedict, trans. Anthony C. Meisel and M.L. del Mastro (New York: Image Books, 1975), 54.


Intellectual Property Notice

Copyright © 2007 Diocese of Kansas City ~ St. Joseph. All rights reserved.

-----Original Message-----
From: Becky Summers [summers ( at sign) diocesekcsj.org]
Sent: 2007-March-22 10:15
To: Adrienne Hynek [hynek ( at sign) diocesekcsj.org]; Stefan Jetchick
Cc: Becky Summers
Subject: RE: Has Bishop Finn's Letter on pornography been translated
into French?

Good morning, Stefan

At this time, there is no official plan to translate the
Pastoral Letter to French. Bishop knew that there were
significant numbers of Spanish and Vietnamese speakers and
those translations were given from the outset.

If you have the time to do the translation, we would
be grateful. Would you let us know when it is available
and send us a digital copy of the translation?

Merci,

Rebecca Summers

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