http://www.incarnationchurch.com/dereksblogDerek Rotty’s Blog Updatesen-us This is a follow-up post to the one that I wrote last week.  It deals with the current economic climate, and how we should approach investing based on such a climate.  It is based on the following question(s) that appeared in my inbox:...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=118616Tue, 01 May 2012 18:45:00 Z I love getting questions in my email inbox !  Questions about any topic provide an opportunity for me to brush up on my understanding of Christ and His Church's teachings.  The questions also let me know the things in which you, our...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=118451Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:16:00 Z Although it was nearly three weeks ago, we should not forget to recognize those in our midst who are new, fully-initiated Catholics.  At this most recent Easter Vigil, the Catholic Church received seven Neophytes ("New Lights") into her...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=118441Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:04:00 Z A popular comedian has a funny segment about Easter.  Imitating a hypothetical conversation, he states: Person 1: "Easter: the day Jesus rose from the dead.  How should we celebrate?" Person 2: "How about eggs?" Person 1: "Well, what...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=118135Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:10:00 Z Humans form bad and unhealthy physical, emotional, or intellectual habits on a regular basis.  We bite our finger nails, or we over-indulge on cheesecake covered in raspberry reduction.  We give in to anger at our children too quickly, or...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=118019Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:09:00 Z Remember that our pastor is on pilgrimage in the Holy Land.  From Thursday to yesterday, he has filled my email inbox with a plethora of wonderful pictures.  Because of modern technology, I have been able to see some of the most...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=117726Tue, 20 Mar 2012 20:06:00 Z When I arrived at the office this morning, I read the Mass readings for today .  I read these words from the First Reading: "Now, Israel, hear the statutes and decrees which I am teaching you to observe, that you may live, and may enter in and...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=117616Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:21:00 Z I am preparing to serve on the Light of the World Parish Retreat this weekend.  As part of that team, I will give two presentations.  As part of those presentations, I will share bits and pieces of my conversion story. As I was praying...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=117413Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:17:00 Z I struggled a bit this morning to find something profound to write.  I wanted to write something that deals with Lent, because we're in the middle of that season of penance.  Yet, I wanted to write something that would uplift our...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=117262Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:42:00 Z   Today's the day!  Today begins our annual season of fasting, sacrifice, and penance.  Today, Ash Wednesday, happens to be one of the most intense days of Lent because we: 1) begin our sacrifices...sometimes begrudgingly; 2)...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=117204Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:17:00 Z We might not want to hear someone exclaim the words that entitle this post if it were storming outside.  We might not say it to our children as they accidentally dump juice or milk on the floor while trying to fill a glass.  We should,...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=116467Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:56:00 Z If I were to ask Catholics, children, teenagers, and adults alike, what the term "Immaculate Conception" means, I would probably receive the full gamut of responses.  I would get anything from tilted heads and glassy stares to correct answers...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=115896Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:37:00 Z Let's admit it: December is the most chaotic month of the year.  There is no doubt that all the merry-go-round gift buying, gift wrapping, donation solicitations, incessant Christmas music, weekly parties with too many calories, and grocery...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=115773Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:37:00 Z Not a few Catholic adults, teens, and children would admit that they have difficulty understanding and fully participating in Mass.  Clergy and lay ministers can count on hearing certain critiques of the Divine Liturgy: "It's too ritualistic"...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=115686Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:23:00 Z In the Gospel reading from today's Mass (Luke 18:35-43) , a blind man heard that "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by" (v. 37).  He responded by shouting out, "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me" (v. 38)! At various points in my life, I have...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=115602Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:53:00 Z I mentioned the term "Holy Day of Obligation" to someone recently, and that began a discussion.  Eventually, the conversation came to a question of why the Church must prescribe days of "obligation."  Some people might ask: "Shouldn't...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=115421Mon, 31 Oct 2011 19:56:00 Z   Many people in our culture, including Catholics, are surprised when they realize that there is a relationship between Halloween and a Catholic holy day.  Halloween is actually a shortened form of "All Hallow's Eve," the night...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=115354Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:09:00 Z I have been trying to write this post for nearly three weeks.  Between my hectic family life and work schedule, my thoughts on many wonderful Catholic things happening during October are almost too late.  Despite the fact that the month is...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=115331Tue, 25 Oct 2011 18:12:00 Z Yes, I've changed the title of this column...temporarily.  During the summer, because of travel and because there will be more time between gatherings, I  will only be writing a monthly youth ministry recap and "look-ahead."  I will,...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=112897Tue, 24 May 2011 17:57:00 Z Today is significant, and not because it is Friday, the 13th.  Today is significant because it is the 13th day of May.  May 13 is significant because that was the day in 1917 that our Blessed Mother first appeared to the three shepherd...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=112790Fri, 13 May 2011 14:50:00 Z Happy Easter to all of our parish's youth and their families!  Don't forget that we get to celebrate the Resurrection for EIGHT FULL DAYS (it's called an "octave") because it is the primary celebration of the Catholic Church.  Isn't it...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=112666Tue, 26 Apr 2011 19:21:00 Z I am so sorry for the lengthy absence from cyberspace.  Meetings and ministry events and eating and sleeping have resulted in a deficiency in the number of recent posts.  Alas...I'll just pick up where I left off. RECAP Last...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=112602Tue, 19 Apr 2011 20:38:00 Z "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.  It has been ___ weeks/months/years since my last confession."  These words are some of the most frightening, nerve-racking, and least-understood words found in the teachings and practices of the...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=112471Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:28:00 Z Greetings in Christ!  I'm blessed that I'm able to write another weekly edition of this column.  I pray that you will find some blessing in being able to read it. It's important that we recall the blessings in our life on a regular...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=112457Tue, 05 Apr 2011 19:36:00 Z Greetings again!  Since I last wrote, we've experienced another great week of youth ministry.  Let's review. RECAP A group of high school youth blessed the parish three different times with their portrayal of the popular Lenten...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=112389Tue, 29 Mar 2011 16:19:00 Z "Have you been saved?"  "Have you accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior?" As I minister to people in this parish, especially teenagers, I hear examples of how Catholics don't really know how to answer those and similar...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=112340Wed, 23 Mar 2011 19:16:00 Z Last week was obviously a light week for youth ministry.  All of our youth enjoyed time away from school, and many youth got to take some sort of vacation.  I must admit, I was a bit envious of those who went to places with warm sunshine,...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=112333Tue, 22 Mar 2011 19:10:00 Z Since we are now in Lent, this week's piece of advice will focus on how we can become better, happier people during this holy season.  Yes, it is possible, even joyfully so, to sacrifice so that our souls might grow into what God intends them...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=112225Thu, 10 Mar 2011 17:54:00 Z Fr. Ben Bradshaw expresses it succinctly and perfectly: "Rejoice and repent!  Here comes Lent!"   Yes, today is Ash Wednesday, the first of forty days of penance and prayer .  Lent is the season of the Church most overtly ordered...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=112221Wed, 09 Mar 2011 17:57:00 Z Mardi Gras greetings to all of you!  This is the "feast before the fast," so make sure to enjoy some wonderful food and join a lavish celebration before Ash Wednesday tomorrow.  While I'm thinking of Ash Wednesday, remember a couple of...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=112210Tue, 08 Mar 2011 17:13:00 Z Life is difficult!  There are lots of difficult situations and, sometimes, difficult people with whom we must deal.  We seem constantly to be working and striving for something, although many times we can't see progress.  Sometimes we...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=112184Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:23:00 Z This bit of news is a few weeks old now, but a parishioner asked... "Is the confessional app for iPhone too far?" The simple answer to that question is no.  In order to understand further, we must examine the intent of the developers,...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=112158Wed, 02 Mar 2011 19:05:00 Z Did anyone else forget that February ended?  Somehow, I keep forgetting (all day) that today is March 1.  Remember, though, that Spring Break is less than two weeks away!  WOW! Last week's youth ministry gathering provided lots of...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=112149Tue, 01 Mar 2011 19:57:00 Z Do any of you find yourself saying "Yes" to things and activities (religious, social, etc.) and then feeling overwhelmed?  I have felt that quite a bit in my life as a husband, father, minister, and lover of knowledge and sports.  I have...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=111895Thu, 24 Feb 2011 17:02:00 Z I've received another great question this week, and a short, simple answer will be a tall task.  I'm up for the challenge!  Please let me know, by the "Comments" section or by email, whether or not the answer is helpful. A youth asked:...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=111889Wed, 23 Feb 2011 21:31:00 Z It's Tuesday again.  That means that it is time for me to recap the last great week of youth ministry, and to look ahead to another great week of youth ministry.  As always, if you have comments, leave them in the "Comments" section...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=111878Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:21:00 Z I received another great question to answer (or at least attempt to answer) in this week's column.  Keep the great questions coming by sending an email or posting the question in the "Comments" section below. How can parents stay positive...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=111798Wed, 16 Feb 2011 21:38:00 Z Greetings again!  This is amazing: this is the second consecutive week that I've been able to post this column!  "One more, and that's called a winning streak."   Official cool points and a public "shout out" on the blog if anyone...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=111788Tue, 15 Feb 2011 22:31:00 Z I'm doing pretty well at this blogging commitment!  I've posted three days in a row!  Lest I stumble and fall, I won't get too excited about such a minimal accomplishment. This is the third (and final) column that I will try to write...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=111737Thu, 10 Feb 2011 16:01:00 Z As I begin writing this column, Bon Jovi's "Livin' On A Prayer" is playing on the iPod and snow is falling outside of my kitchen window.  What great conditions for writing!  "We're halfway there!" This is the first edition of a ...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=111735Wed, 09 Feb 2011 19:55:00 Z **PLEASE NOTE: PRE CLASSES AND INCARNATION TEENS ENCOUNTER WILL BE CANCELLED IF SHELBY COUNTY SCHOOLS CLOSE OR CLOSE EARLY TOMORROW, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9.  PLEASE WATCH LOCAL WEATHER REPORTS FOR THAT DECISION.**   It has been far...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=111722Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:19:00 Z If we've been listening to Fr. Parham's recent homilies, the "three Es" of our parish are "experience," "engage," and "encounter."  This is the process by which we move closer to Our Lord and, finally, fall head-over-heels in love with Him. ...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=110991Thu, 04 Nov 2010 20:17:00 Z "Serve the Lord with fear, with trembling," King David writes in Psalm 2, verse 11.  Such fear of the Lord, which is a great gift, is often misunderstood. We ought to fear the Lord, Who is our Creator and our Judge.  Yet, having a...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=110773Tue, 19 Oct 2010 15:48:00 Z I was praying over a spiritual text from the 17th century yesterday morning, and I came across the following passage: "We ought firmly to resolve to overcome, with the grace of God assisting us, the many difficulties which will meet us in the...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=110719Wed, 13 Oct 2010 19:02:00 Z This past weekend, 23 youth from our parish attended our first-ever retreat for middle school youth.  The youth gathered for dinner and the first session on Friday evening at The Grove at Red Oak Lake in Cordova.  Then, they stayed...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=110667Tue, 05 Oct 2010 20:19:00 Z Hey, folks!  This is my first whirl at making a regular blog entry for the ministry department that I oversee at the parish.  For the time being, I'm going to keep the entries really general; I'm going to combine information about middle...http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=110378Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:38:00 ZDerek is working on posting new information and photos.  Check back very soon and leave some comments about the new content. http://www.incarnationchurch.com/default.aspx?p=44826&beid=110280Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:25:00 Z