END TIMES ANNOUNCEMENT?

October 9, 2009 by Father Joe

I have to apologize for not explaining why this Blog has been so unattended lately. Because of ministerial responsibilities, and now pressing health concerns, updates will continue to be sporadic. A recent cardiac C-T scan did not go as I had hoped. Things might get rather crazy from this point forward. The doctors will do their best but know I am very grateful and touched by the concern of readers and, of course, by your prayers.

FATHER JOE

P.S. President Obama got the Nobel Peace Prize? Hum, I wonder what President Reagan and Pope John Paul II think about that? (Not that I want to personally ask them any time soon!)

Posted in Personal | 53 Comments

53 Responses

on October 9, 2009 at 8:28 am Chris C.

God bless and get back to full health soon, Father. You’ve been missed.

Yasser Arafat, Jimmy Carter and Algore, a terrorist, an anti-semite and an oppotunistic environmental alarmist respectively, also have Nobels. Obama should feel at home in their company.
on October 9, 2009 at 8:35 am helenl

Father Joe, Right now I choose to pray for your well being (“Thy will be done.”) and to ignore your P. S. Note the word “choose.” You’ll be in my prayers and so will your doctors.
on October 9, 2009 at 5:55 pm Corey Harned

“Hello! I want to let you know about an awesome group called “Kepha, the Brotherhood of the Iron Will.” Kepha is a growing brotherhood of Catholic fathers and sons in seven states that are faithful to the Holy Father. We promote the Culture of Life through monthly retreats and shared daily prayers and provoke each other to Heaven according to our motto, “Dynamic Orthodoxy, Infectious Joy.”

Kepha’s is a high-octane Catholicism rejecting spiritual laziness and moral compromise. We are under the patronage of our “BIG 3″: St. John Bosco, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Kepha members agree to live by 5 commitments : Apologetics, Brotherhood, Charity, Mortification and Prayer.

Kepha is a non-profit organization with chapters in Texas and Louisiana. If you know of any men who are looking for an excellent way to strengthen their relationships with their sons, then please tell them about Kepha.

You can find out more information on our web site at http://www.kepharocks.org
We look forward to hearing from you!

God bless you!
Corey Harned
on October 9, 2009 at 7:44 pm MaryO

I will keep praying for you and offering up my aches and pains that our good Lord may heal, protect, and take you to Himself only after many more long and fruitful years as a faithful priest.
on October 9, 2009 at 9:29 pm Lady Godless

I’m sorry about your heart scan, Father Joe.
on October 10, 2009 at 7:35 pm Ellen

I will remember you in my prayers. I’ve been missing your outlook on life.
on October 10, 2009 at 10:03 pm Norah

Father I will pray for your recovery if it be God’s will. You are an orthodox priest who carries the banner of the Faith proudly; we need you. Please follow all of your doctor’s recommendations even if they are difficult.

God bless,
Norah
on October 11, 2009 at 12:24 pm RD

hoping for the best for you, Father Joe.

Ronnie D.
on October 12, 2009 at 10:36 am maggie

Just joining the chorus of a multitude in prayer for your health — you are so helpful to so many — I believe you will continue to do God’s work here obviously for as long as you are supposed to. Keep doing what you’re doing — we love you:)
on October 12, 2009 at 2:27 pm Phyllis Trexler

Sorry to read that you are having health problems. You are always in our thoughts and prayers — listen to the doctors.
on October 12, 2009 at 8:32 pm Kay

When I think of the faithful priests who inspire me, you are always one of them. Take care of yourself! You are in my prayers.
on October 13, 2009 at 12:26 am Michael

Your remark about the Peace Prize is funny Fr. Joe!

Seriously …..it has been reduced to nothing now. When Blessed Teresa won it in 1979, it had meaning. The deadline for nominations was February 1st 2009. Mr. Obama entered the Whitehouse ten days before. There were more than 200 nominees for the award this time around. What did he do in ten days that the rest of those folks didn’t do in a lifetime? Go figure.

If I were able to, I would award it to JPII for his prayers and sacrifices on behalf of Russia throughout his Papacy.
That would make him the second person in history to posthumously win the Noble Peace Prize.

He deserves it more than any living person.

p.s.
I will also keep you in my prayers for renewed health to St. Luke.

http://www.2heartsnetwork.org/Luke.htm
on October 13, 2009 at 2:51 am Sue

God Bless you Father.
on October 13, 2009 at 2:51 am Sue

God Bless you Father!!!
on October 13, 2009 at 9:59 am Laura

You are in my prayers! Please get well — we need all the brave and loving priests we have!
on October 13, 2009 at 6:08 pm Pax

Father Joe,
I know you have to let the doctors use their skills and expertise to work on the physical but the Divine Healer is the most important “doctor” and this phase in your health may bear spiritual riches -if nothing else it may open up some rest and reflection time for you because like most priests you are probably overworked. The sooner the drought of priestly vocations breaks the better! God bless;you are in my prayers.
on October 13, 2009 at 6:35 pm Therese

keeping you in my prayers Fr.
on October 13, 2009 at 9:05 pm Julie

Father,

I’ll definitely be praying for you.

And yes, what is UP with the Nobel Appeasement prize?

Let me share with you a funny tidbit I just found in my Moral Theology course notes (written by our prof), which I saw as I was answering the questions for this month. I think he (my dear wise Prof, not The One) is a prophet:

“It also belongs to prudence to choose goals that are possible for us to achieve through some course of action (with the help of God, of course). It may not be possible for us to win a Nobel prize or Olympic gold medal, but all can achieve virtue and sanctity in their state of life, with the help of God and prayer.”

How timely, wot? I hope you get as great a chuckle out of that paragraph as I did. And I hope and pray that you will achieve all virtue and sanctity according to your own state in life and condition of your health through the help of God and prayer.

I’ll remember you at compline tonight and in my rosary and LOH tomorrow, and ongoing. Please keep us as updated as you feel comfortable.

God bless you, Father.
on October 13, 2009 at 11:26 pm elizabeth

Prayers and well wishes, Fr. Joe. I hope you will rest, do as the doctors tell you, and not worry.
on October 14, 2009 at 11:02 am Jim K

Hello Father Joe, I’m sorry to hear of your ill health,wish I could help.

Father Joe I’m writing you wondering if you had a parish in Rockville Md. years ago ? St Raphael’s church by any chance ?
I knew a Father Joe years ago, he had quite a great influence on me and many other kids of that time.

Your in my prayers, Jim Kennedy,friend of Chris Newman

FATHER JOE: Sorry, the closest I ever got to Rockville was St. Ann’s in NW DC. It must have been a different Father Joe. God bless!
on October 15, 2009 at 12:16 pm Michael

I didn’t think that my last post was unworthy to be published.

I hope that your health returns and I will continue to pray for you.
on October 16, 2009 at 12:11 pm John

I’ll be praying for you Father Joe.
on October 17, 2009 at 7:46 am Rose

My thoughts and prayers are with you.
on October 18, 2009 at 1:00 am Sue

God Bless You Father!
May God grant you health to continue in your work.
on October 18, 2009 at 7:02 pm Jan

Hello Father Joe

I have come across your blog via somehow from Fr Macrae;s.However I will pray for you from across the pond (England) and wish you good health.My Mum is awaiting heart surgery so I understand your stress.I am a non Catholic (sorry):) but beleive we are all singing from the same hymn sheet.whatever path we are following.I would like to join with everyone else in wishing you well Father.God bless
on October 18, 2009 at 7:19 pm Dymphna

Prayers for you, Father.
on October 19, 2009 at 4:19 pm Father Joe

The cardiac catherization went well and while there is some blockage, the doctors are confident that diet and medication is the answer.

I guess the earlier images were a bit deceptive.

The cardiologists were surprised that matters were not much worse.

Thanks for the many prayers.

FATHER JOE
on October 19, 2009 at 6:44 pm Mary

Yeah Fr Joe!! I am so happy for you! I had faith that things would be ok………..
on October 19, 2009 at 7:27 pm Lady Godless

Awesome! Congratulations on your successful procedure. I’m glad you got some better news.
on October 19, 2009 at 9:03 pm Kristie

That’s great Father Joe!! We are keeping you in our prayers!! *SMILES*
on October 19, 2009 at 10:05 pm Susan

I am glad it was good news Father, I will still keep praying for you:)
on October 19, 2009 at 10:46 pm helenl

So glad to hear you are better, Father Joe.

FATHER JOE: Thanks, Helen.
on October 19, 2009 at 11:50 pm Michigander

Been in the Fix it Shop alot lately myself. . Glad your Cardiac Catheterization, went well. Just thought of you today, so popped in, to say “hi.” I will pray for you.

My Computer isn’t working, so I have an iPhone now. I Twitter too much. Hope you get some rest this week until you feel better.

I have a Twitter account. If you’d like to post small msgs. Twitter.com/CatholicNotions I would be pleased to read your short posts. But, it’s addicting. And, since your looking at the Pearly Gates, I’d better not get you hooked on Twittering.

A new friend had her baby delivered at home, in Louisiana. There are priests on Twitter too. @iPadre and @FrStefan (FrPaul Stefan Homes), 40Days for Life, @EWTN, @raymondarroyo, @patrickmadrid, @newadvent.

[private information deleted] … But, God allows, and imust love His Will, like Saint Rene Goupil, said we must do.

St Rene Goupil was the First North American Martyr, in Auriesville, New York. He’s been praying for me.

[a few more deletions]

Hope you feel better tomorrow.
on October 20, 2009 at 8:02 am Ellen

Glad to hear that things are not as bad as first thought. The power of prayer works.
on October 21, 2009 at 3:44 pm Bob

Sorry I wasn’t at HQs Mass yesterday; our heat was out and I had to be home with the furnace repairman.

Prayer does indeed work! Thank you St. Therese!

See you tomorrow, Father.
on October 21, 2009 at 7:21 pm Jan

so pleased for you Father that your procedure went well I wish you continued good health
on October 21, 2009 at 9:12 pm Patti

Thank God for answered prayers.
Anna and I love you, Father.
on October 22, 2009 at 8:35 pm Michael

Fr. Joe,
Did they tell you to drink a glass of red wine every day?

It’s delicious and it is loaded with antioxidants. It’s good for the heart.

Take care, Michael
on October 23, 2009 at 6:40 pm Dan

I will prayer for your intentions Father Joe.

I just read an article here: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/oct/09102302.html

It is about a nun that volunteers at an abortion clinic. Apparently she feels that abortion is a “right.” I am terrible upset about this and decided to try to keep Tuesday’s as a special day of fasting, penance and prayer.

I selected Tuesday because of the nursery rhyme which has the line: “Tuesday’s child is full of grace.”

I think that if many other Catholics join me, we can change hearts and minds.

In the LifeSite article, the email of the prioress of Sr. Quinn’s order is given. I think all who join me should email the prioress and the diocese of the nun.

Peace+
on October 24, 2009 at 5:24 am Rose

Praise God! I am happy to hear you are doing well.
on October 26, 2009 at 4:52 pm terry

Sorry to hear about you being out of action at the moment. Get well soon. We need your voice. Ad multos annos

Terry
on October 29, 2009 at 12:01 am MM

Dear Fr. Joe

Know that you are in my prayers, best wishes to you

God bless,
MM
on October 29, 2009 at 6:40 pm Angus

You bloody wimp copping a health crisis as a plea to garner sympathy just when something interesting is going on in Anglo/Roman catholic relations which is saddly proving your point in your otherwise outrageous (usually wrong) comments. Instead of greeting you in the Anglican fashion of May you rest in peace and rise in glory I can only offer you a pitiful get well so we can clobber each other yet again, till then May God hold you in the palm of his hand and his peace that passes all understanding abide with you all the days of your life.
on November 3, 2009 at 9:07 pm Arleen

Father Joe, I am so glad to hear you are doing better, you have been in my thoughts and prays.
on November 4, 2009 at 10:06 pm lauran

That’s great news, Father Joe!

So what fruits and vegetables do you need for us to send out to you? And grains, are you getting enough of those? And what about fiber? You’ll need plenty of fiber….
on November 8, 2009 at 11:17 am Karl

For many reasons I have not been by in awhile and am surprised, but not entirely, at your health challenges. You are not alone either in your struggles or in your prayers.

Hopefully you do not suffer with gout, in addition to all else.

Enjoy the “rabbit” diet, fun huh? I am right there with you….mostly.

God be with you, Father Joe.
on November 8, 2009 at 8:03 pm Catholic Musings

How are you doing, Father Joe? I will offer up lotsa prayers for you. Hope it helps. May God richly bless you with peace & joy in the midst of every storm. Look at Jesus, bidding you to “Walk towards Him, on the Water,” not fearing the Wind nor the Waves. Ask for Great Faith!

Offer it up too! Being precedes action.
on November 10, 2009 at 8:11 am Shirley

Glad things are not as disturbing as first thought. Be better.
on November 10, 2009 at 11:02 am Angie

I just wanted to send you a comment. I really enjoyed your book Trinity especially the last two chapters about prayer and the seasons of the soul. It has touched me deeply. I haven’t found anyone else that described it like that. I began praying faithfully a few years ago and when I did-I started to experience this intimacy that you describe in your book. Thanks, your book really ministered to me during a time when few people even understood what I’ve been experiencing. God Bless You, Father. I was sorry to hear of your health issues and I’ll keep you in my prayers.

FATHER JOE: Oops! Thanks for prayers, but I think you’ve got the wrong Father Joe.
on November 11, 2009 at 12:31 pm Laura

Miss your wisdom Father Joe. Hope you are well and come back soon.
on November 11, 2009 at 2:02 pm Tito Edwards

Take care of yourself first Father Joe.

I’ll be praying for you.

In Jesus, Mary, & Joseph,

Tito
on November 12, 2009 at 5:10 pm Fr. Mike McCormick

I am praying for you, my brother. It is all in God’s hands anyway!

FATHER JOE: I am taking medication. The blockage is not as bad as originally thought.
on November 13, 2009 at 6:27 am Karl

Father Joe,

Find some Japanese, Natto. It is a fermented soy food that is good for your heart. If your Cardiologist has not heard of it ask him to look into it.

You might want to get a book by a couple of cardiologists named REVERSE HEART DISEASE NOW. The two are Dr. Stephen Sinatra MD and Dr. James Roberts MD. Both are Fellows of the American College of Cardiologists, so they are not a pair of ducks. It makes for nice reading, especially just before bedtime.

God Bless.

Karl