The Month of May is dedicated to Mary. Fr. Brian discusses the importance of Mary in the life of Catholics.

Chris Broussard was asked to comment from a Christian Perspective on Jason Collin's stunning announcement. In doing so, Broussard said that anyone living a lifestyle that contradicts the Bible is not a Christian. Fr. Brian uses this as a springboard … [More]

Fr. Brian speaks of the Gosnell Murder trial, and the arrest of Laura Curry can be useful in exposing the horror of abortion and converting hearts toward Christ. For more on the Gosnell Murder Trial see: http://www.workingtobeathell.org/viewarticle … [More]

Fr. Brian argues that despite popular perception, the Church is motivated by love, and her teachings are based on love, not hatred and bigotry.

Fr. Brian Carpenter offers his commentary on theological themes present in Oz The Great and Powerful. These include the deceptive power of sin, the call to use our gifts for the betterment of the world, and the necessity of forgiveness and … [More]

Fr. Brian discusses why he believes Garry Wills excommunicated himself from the Catholic Church (and Christendom in general) during a public interview with Comedian Stephen Colbert on Comedy Central's Colbert Report. The video of the interview can … [More]

Fr. Brian discusses why he believes Garry Wills excommunicated himself from the Catholic Church (and Christendom in general) during a public interview with Comedian Stephen Colbert on Comedy Central's Colbert Report. The video of the interview can … [More]

Fr. Brian Carpenter speaks about the parallels between the 2013 Super Bowl Commercial "God Made the Farmer" and the Catholic theology of the Eucharist as meal and sacrifice. It was nice to see religion enter the public square in this year's airing … [More]

Fr. Brian Carpenter reviews the movie the LIfe of Pi and the spiritual claims made in the movie from a Catholic perspective.

How can there be a Hell if God is all merciful? Fr. Brian Carpenter provides some thoughts on the Doctrine of Hell.

Fr. Brian Carpenter offers advice to catholic students as they head off to college for the first time.

As we approach election season, many Catholics wonder if it is sinful to vote for certain politicians. Fr. Brian clarifies the Catholic teaching on conscience and voting in this video.

Fr. Brian Carpenter speaks about different ways of engaging the modern world with the Gospel and truths of the Catholic faith, using Cardinal Timothy Dolan's invitation of President O'Bama to the Al Smith dinner, as well as Cardinal Keith O'Brien's … [More]

Fr. Brian Carpenter offers a brief explanation of the word "consubstantial" as used in the English translation of the 3rd edition of the Roman Missal.

Iraputo,

I don't know how the details, my previous posts were on the front page, but I don't know how they got they or stayed there. If you have ideas let me know. More importantly, if you can help us get the votes on facebook, I'd be much appreciative!

Peace,

Fr. Brian

Far from causing students to lose their faith, Catholic Schools provide students with a foundation for a life of faith. Fr. Carpenter is asking you to help one of two Catholic Elementary Schools remaining in Rochester, NY to win $10,000 grant via … [More]

Sadly, I get the impression that some posters here are more interested in attacking me rather than engaging in an intellectual and faithful discussion. I am particularly creeped out by the person who responds by posting biographical information.

Therefore, I am going to politely bow out of this conversation.

I apologize to those whose interest was more sincere, and am willing to continue the conversation in a different forum.

@kfarley - two points I disagree with you on. First that of referring to Dumbledore as a sodomite. You seem to hold the position that a gay person, even if celibate, is a sodomite. In the books you will see no evidence that Dumbledore ever acted on his sexual orientation.

Secondly, I am always wary of people who claim to speak for Jesus (i.e. Jesus would not endorse this movie, Jesus would cry if he heard that, Jesus would ...). The hard facts are that the Vatican has not condemned these books … [More]

Iraputo - Thanks for the level-headed reply. I don't much care for the fights that end up in name calling, etc. But I do enjoy academic discussions about such matters.

I actually just posted an article on http://www.WorkingToBeatHell.org in defense of Harry Potter. I was going to wait until next week, but figured it is probably more timely this week.

Peace,

Fr. Brian

Kfarley,

I have to disagree with your assessment. Even the Vatican newspaper gave it a favorable review (implying that they saw the movie) See: http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1102767.htm

Also you have some facts wrong as well. She did not say that Harry Potter was gay (in fact the story ends with him being married with 3 kids). She did state that she always believed Dumbledore was gay.

Now remember that the Church does not say that being gay is sinful, but that sexually acting … [More]

Fr. Brian Carpenter offers his thoughts on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, its differences from the book and the theological implications of these differences. (Spoiler alert).

@ SBpfu - I dp not prefer to call this my version, but rather the Church's version, and if She is to be believed, God's version. If it were my version, no one should be watching this.

Abramo - I think we need to be careful about saying anyone is going to hell. The Church has issued strong warnings to people, but has been very cautious not to say outright that we know a person is going to be or is in Hell. Rather, "in Hope the Church prays for 'all men to be saved.'" (CCC 1821). My approach is … [More]

@ TES - I hope to post more videos. This was my first ever attempt. I realize I don't have the equipment I'd like to have, just a web cam. And after watching the video, I know i need to stop looking at the screen and look at the webcam, but when recording I keep trying to make eye contact with my image on the screen, and then when I look at the cam, I keep worrying that I will move off-frame or something like that. So I still need practice. I am glad this was so well received, and that I found … [More]

I am a priest of the Diocese of Rochester, NY. I am not certain what the Archdiocese of NY did. So I don't want to speculate on that.

We probably needed to have a statewide campaign encompassing all NY dioceses that provided the people with education and concrete actions that they could take. Unfortunately this was not done. I don't pretend to know the logistics behind this, or how it could have been done.

I saw a lot of posts on social media sites, which is what ultimately led to this video. … [More]

I just learned of this site today (How I hadn't heard of it before I don't know).

Thank you all for the support. It is nice to find a place where I get positive feedback!

@Irapuato - thank you for posting this here. I think it's had more views here than anywhere else. How did you find it in the first place may I ask?

@imganna - Keep fighting the good fight. Remember Christ has already won the victory. It may not always feel that way, but it's true, so don't give up!

Peace,

Fr. Brian … [More]