Keep Haiti on your mind, and in your hearts!

We continue to pray for the people in Haiti, and those assisting them in recovery efforts.

It has been two weeks now since the devastation began, and we must remain steadfast in our prayers for our brothers and sisters in Christ, and we must also sacrifice where we can.

Aftermass Records has introduced a way to encourage prayers and donations. They are giving away a music sampler of Catholic Artists to anyone who donates money for Haiti, or commits themselves to pray for Haiti.

I already donated, and have the complete CD with bonus vids, and it is definitely worth it. You can check out their site for samples. Honestly though, I probably would have dropped $20 to cop this CD anyway. (You can donate any amount you want) It really is a great CD with artists you probably don't know, but will soon love. It is definitely a sampler, an eclectic mix of music. There is great hip-hop from the likes of Move Merchants and Sammy Blaze, edgy rock from artists like Last Day and the Thirsting, "acoustic humor rock" from Popple, praise and worship from Joia Farmer and more. Plus they are all Catholic. And you are helping people in Haiti! What more could you want?!

Here's the complete track list:
1. Flip Francis, Sammy Blaze & Yung PK – A Dedication
2. Popple – We’re Getting Loud
3. Last Day – Midnight Shadows
4. Holy Soul Movement – It’s OK
5. Move Merchants – Get Over (Re-run)
6. Lee Roessler Band – Mile Away
7. Chris Padgett – I See You Breathe
8. Rich Dittus – Ship
9. Joia Farmer – Until the Sun
10. The Thirsting – Ocean of Mercy
11. Popple – Salt & Light (Mt 5)
12. Last Day – Calling in the Night
13. Rich Dittus – Simple Song
14. manuel3 – 40 Dayz & 40 Nites
15. Sammy Blaze – Four Marks

Visit the Aftermass site for more information on how to donate or pray and get your sampler. (or to listen to samples)

Keep on donating and praying for Haiti, brothers and sisters.

2 Brothers who are brothers

This is one of the things I missed posting during Vocations Awareness Week. Sorry. =(

But alas, it is here now so rejoice.

Recently on CatholicTV, there appeared two brothers who are brothers. Don't worry I am not getting redundant on you. Don't worry I am not getting redundant on you. Joseph and Jewel Aytona are actual blood brothers (duh.) who also happen to be religious brothers from the same community, (CPM) Congregatio Presbyterorum a Misericordia, or the Fathers of Mercy.

They appeared on the show to promote Family Vocations Ministries which they founded several years ago. The purpose of their ministry can be summed up in the tagline of their website: "Sanctifying family life. Promoting vocations."



Personally, I have been blessed to have a family that supports my vocation. However, there are other seminarians, and others discerning religious life of all types, that are not as blessed. For whatever reason, their family does not support their decision to follow and discern this supernatural call from God. We need more ministries like Family Vocations Ministries that encourages and supports families in creating a holy environment for their children to grow, and also encourages parents to be open to the idea that their children may be called to religious life.

“I would like to speak into the ear of so many men and women: giving up one’s children to the service of God is not a sacrifice: it is an honor and a joy.”
-St. Josemaria Escriva

Back to the brothers Aytona... Alongside promoting vocations on the show, Jewel (which coincidentally happens to be my sister's name) shared a rap entitled, "Break off your Chains." He challenges men to be men, and to live out a life of chastity.

I don't have a facebook, so I don't know how to share it except for this link:
Religious Rap on "This is the Day"

You can also watch the full episode over on CatholicTV here.

It's good stuff. Enjoy.
Hit the jump for more.