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		<title><![CDATA[Catholics Forum - A Catholic Community Discussion Board - Inspirational Testamonials]]></title>
		<link>https://www.catholicsforum.com/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Catholics Forum - A Catholic Community Discussion Board - https://www.catholicsforum.com]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2026 17:08:47 +0000</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[7-17-2026 Catholic Daily Reflections]]></title>
			<link>https://www.catholicsforum.com/thread-64.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2026 15:40:12 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.catholicsforum.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=1">Tommy</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.catholicsforum.com/thread-64.html</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[In today's <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><a href="https://catholic-daily-reflections.com/2026/07/16/loving-beyond-legalism/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="mycode_url">Catholic Daily Reflection</a></span> ("<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">Loving Beyond Legalism"</span>), two paragraphs stand out to me most importantly.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="mycode_quote"><cite>Quote:</cite><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">"When we refrain from gossip, it’s not merely to follow a rule, but a recognition of Christ’s presence in others. When we make time for prayer, it’s not to satisfy an obligation, but to nurture the relationship at the center of our existence. When we choose to forgive, it’s not because forgiveness is commanded, but because we’ve experienced God’s mercy and long to extend it to others."<br />
<br />
"This principle extends to every one of Christ’s teachings and precepts faithfully handed down by the Church. We are called to obey not for the sake of obedience alone, but to receive the Divine Mercy that flows from Christ’s Word and to become instruments of that mercy for others."</span></blockquote>
<br />
This is an important reminder, to me, that I'm to look beyond the "Laws" or legalism of what I've been called and committed to do.  Yes, it's important that I follow the Church's laws and Precepts. But I must also at the same time look beyond those things into what and why I'm called to do, what I do.<br />
<br />
For example, when I discuss with others the forgiving of others, I'm often reminded by them that we're obligated and MUST (as a command) as Christians to forgive and not hold onto animosity or seek revenge.  And this Gospel Reflection tells me the WHY of precisely to do, what I'm called to do.  I suppose I could better call this a "Law", a Law of Charity, called to recognize the mercy which I've received from God and extend His mercy to others as an instrument of that same mercy.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[In today's <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><a href="https://catholic-daily-reflections.com/2026/07/16/loving-beyond-legalism/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="mycode_url">Catholic Daily Reflection</a></span> ("<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">Loving Beyond Legalism"</span>), two paragraphs stand out to me most importantly.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="mycode_quote"><cite>Quote:</cite><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">"When we refrain from gossip, it’s not merely to follow a rule, but a recognition of Christ’s presence in others. When we make time for prayer, it’s not to satisfy an obligation, but to nurture the relationship at the center of our existence. When we choose to forgive, it’s not because forgiveness is commanded, but because we’ve experienced God’s mercy and long to extend it to others."<br />
<br />
"This principle extends to every one of Christ’s teachings and precepts faithfully handed down by the Church. We are called to obey not for the sake of obedience alone, but to receive the Divine Mercy that flows from Christ’s Word and to become instruments of that mercy for others."</span></blockquote>
<br />
This is an important reminder, to me, that I'm to look beyond the "Laws" or legalism of what I've been called and committed to do.  Yes, it's important that I follow the Church's laws and Precepts. But I must also at the same time look beyond those things into what and why I'm called to do, what I do.<br />
<br />
For example, when I discuss with others the forgiving of others, I'm often reminded by them that we're obligated and MUST (as a command) as Christians to forgive and not hold onto animosity or seek revenge.  And this Gospel Reflection tells me the WHY of precisely to do, what I'm called to do.  I suppose I could better call this a "Law", a Law of Charity, called to recognize the mercy which I've received from God and extend His mercy to others as an instrument of that same mercy.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[READ ME FIRST]]></title>
			<link>https://www.catholicsforum.com/thread-61.html</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:07:58 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.catholicsforum.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=1">Tommy</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.catholicsforum.com/thread-61.html</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Before proceeding with posting a New Topic or Replying to an existing Topic, we ask that you first spend some time reading the <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><a href="https://www.catholicsforum.com/thread-1.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="mycode_url">Forum Rules &amp; Guidelines</a></span>. These Guidelines are what govern our behavior here at <span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">Catholics Forum</span>. By posting a message or reply, you agree to follow the Rules &amp; Guidelines.<br />
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We’re glad your here and we welcome those who are baptized Catholic, seeking information about the Catholic faith, in the process of becoming Catholic, RCIA participants, and anyone else with a sincere desire to share their Faith experiences with others to build the Community of believers.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">POST CONTENT</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">Quality vs. Quantity</span></span><br />
<ul class="mycode_list"><li>The quality of your Posts contents are valued much greater than the quantity (in number) of your Posts.  We'd rather see the quality and relevance of your Posts/Replies.  A few GREAT posts will go much further in building the Church and evangelization, rather than the quantity of posts/replies.  (For example, rather than Replying to a posts which says "I agree with your belief/position", respond with an affirmation <span style="text-decoration: underline;" class="mycode_u">and explanation</span> that details WHY you agree, or can empathize with the Posters' belief or thoughts.)<br />
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">Use References or Resources</span></span><br />
<br />
Support your belief or position by including legitimate Catholic references and resources which support it.  Examples include:<br />
<ul class="mycode_list"><li>Sacred Scripture.<br />
</li>
</ul>
<ul class="mycode_list"><li>the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC).<br />
</li>
</ul>
<ul class="mycode_list"><li>a Papal encyclical.<br />
</li>
</ul>
<ul class="mycode_list"><li>a Catholic doctrinal or dogmatic resource.<br />
</li>
</ul>
<ul class="mycode_list"><li>Quotation of a canonized Saint or Doctor of the Church.<br />
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<hr class="mycode_hr" />
<br />
If you have questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to one of our Moderators or the the forum Admin.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Before proceeding with posting a New Topic or Replying to an existing Topic, we ask that you first spend some time reading the <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><a href="https://www.catholicsforum.com/thread-1.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="mycode_url">Forum Rules &amp; Guidelines</a></span>. These Guidelines are what govern our behavior here at <span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">Catholics Forum</span>. By posting a message or reply, you agree to follow the Rules &amp; Guidelines.<br />
<br />
If you have any questions, concerns, or issues please feel free to reach out to one our volunteer Moderators, Administrator, other experienced Members for help. They’ll do their best to assist.<br />
<br />
We’re glad your here and we welcome those who are baptized Catholic, seeking information about the Catholic faith, in the process of becoming Catholic, RCIA participants, and anyone else with a sincere desire to share their Faith experiences with others to build the Community of believers.<br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;" class="mycode_u">Thank you! for joining us</span>. Enjoy yourself, relax, and most importantly … <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="text-decoration: underline;" class="mycode_u">participate</span></span>. + <br />
<br />
<hr class="mycode_hr" />
<span style="font-size: x-large;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">POST CONTENT</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">Quality vs. Quantity</span></span><br />
<ul class="mycode_list"><li>The quality of your Posts contents are valued much greater than the quantity (in number) of your Posts.  We'd rather see the quality and relevance of your Posts/Replies.  A few GREAT posts will go much further in building the Church and evangelization, rather than the quantity of posts/replies.  (For example, rather than Replying to a posts which says "I agree with your belief/position", respond with an affirmation <span style="text-decoration: underline;" class="mycode_u">and explanation</span> that details WHY you agree, or can empathize with the Posters' belief or thoughts.)<br />
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">Use References or Resources</span></span><br />
<br />
Support your belief or position by including legitimate Catholic references and resources which support it.  Examples include:<br />
<ul class="mycode_list"><li>Sacred Scripture.<br />
</li>
</ul>
<ul class="mycode_list"><li>the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC).<br />
</li>
</ul>
<ul class="mycode_list"><li>a Papal encyclical.<br />
</li>
</ul>
<ul class="mycode_list"><li>a Catholic doctrinal or dogmatic resource.<br />
</li>
</ul>
<ul class="mycode_list"><li>Quotation of a canonized Saint or Doctor of the Church.<br />
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<hr class="mycode_hr" />
<br />
If you have questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to one of our Moderators or the the forum Admin.]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Forum Rules and Guidelines]]></title>
			<link>https://www.catholicsforum.com/thread-93.html</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2026 15:27:07 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.catholicsforum.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=1">Tommy</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.catholicsforum.com/thread-93.html</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="https://www.catholicsforum.com/images/smilies/exclamation.png" alt="Exclamation" title="Exclamation" class="smilie smilie_15" />   If you have any suggestions or ideas which you feel would contribute to the Rules or Guidelines, please feel free to post a Reply.  We're open to suggestions.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i"><img src="https://www.catholicsforum.com/images/smilies/arrow.png" alt="Arrow" title="Arrow" class="smilie smilie_23" />  Catholics Forum</span> maintains a <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #c10300;" class="mycode_color">ZERO TOLERANCE</span></span> for violating any of the following Essential Forum Rules, which will result in your user account being (1) Suspended, and/or (2) Banned.<br />
<br />
Please cooperate (and encourage the cooperation with others) with these Forum Rules to help insure we all have a safe and respectable community.  Thank you!<br />
<br />
<hr class="mycode_hr" />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-size: x-large;" class="mycode_size">Essential Forum Rules</span></span><br />
<br />
Clear boundaries keep the community charitable and orthodox include:<br />
<br />
1. <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">The Law of Charity</span>: No name-calling, personal attacks, insults, or uncharitable language. Attacks upon the Catholic laity, religious, or clergy is unacceptable.<br />
<br />
2. <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">Magisterial Fidelity</span>: No promotion of heresy, schism, or explicitly condemned movements.  <span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">Catholics Forum</span> adheres to the Magisterial teachings of the Church, which we do not waiver nor criticize.<br />
<br />
3. <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">Respectful Debate</span>: Discuss theological differences politely without condemning others' faith.<br />
<br />
4. <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">No Spam or Self-Promotion</span>: Restrict advertising to somewhere else.  This is not the Place to advertise or boast of yourself or business endeavor.<br />
<br />
<hr class="mycode_hr" />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">Post/Reply Guidelines</span></span><br />
<br />
These Guideline are what we suggest to help form the content of your Posts and Replies. We suggest all Members follow them in keeping this <span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">Catholics Forum</span> for a safe and respectable community.<br />
<br />
These Guidelines are what govern our behavior here at <span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">Catholics Forum</span>. By posting a message or reply, <span style="text-decoration: underline;" class="mycode_u">you agree to follow these Rules and Guidelines</span>. <br />
<br />
Before proceeding with posting a new New Topic, or Replying to an existing Topic, we ask that you <span style="text-decoration: underline;" class="mycode_u">first spend some time in prayer</span> by carefully considering the content and tone of your post.<br />
<br />
IMPORTANT:  When posting the name of a book of the Bible, <span style="text-decoration: underline;" class="mycode_u"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">do NOT abbreviate the name of the book</span></span>.  For example,<br />
<ul class="mycode_list"><li><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">John</span> 1:1 is <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">correct</span>.</span><br />
</li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">Jn</span>. 1:1 is<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"> <span style="color: #c10300;" class="mycode_color">incorrect</span></span>.</span><br />
</li>
</ul>
<br />
If you have any questions, concerns, or issues please feel free to <span style="text-decoration: underline;" class="mycode_u">reach out to one our volunteer Moderators, the Administrator,</span> or other <span style="text-decoration: underline;" class="mycode_u">experienced Members</span> for help. They will do their best to assist.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;" class="mycode_size">What NOT to include in your Posts/Replies:</span><br />
<ul class="mycode_list"><li>Never post any personal identifiable information about yourself or others (such as your email address, residential address, phone number, etc. (This is a public forum and what you post is visible for the world to see, including Search Engines).<br />
</li>
<li>Hostility, disrespect, or discord, which create divisions. (For example... "I'm here because I hate abc and xyz because they're scumbags").<br />
</li>
<li>Lengthy or long-winded paragraphs. Keep it simple, tidy, brief, and to the point. Break up your lengthier paragraphs into smaller sentences.<br />
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;" class="mycode_size">Quality vs. Quantity of Posts:</span><br />
<br />
The <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">quality</span> of your Posts contents are valued much greater than the quantity (in number) of your Posts.  We'd rather see <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">the quality and relevance</span> of your Posts/Replies.  A few GREAT posts will go much further in building the Body of Christ, rather than the quantity of posts/replies.  (For example, rather than Replying to a posts which says "<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">I agree with your belief/position</span>", respond with an affirmation and explanation that details WHY you agree or can emphasize with the Posters' belief or thoughts.)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-size: x-large;" class="mycode_size">Build upon the posts' topic with quality.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;" class="mycode_size">Use References or Resources:</span><br />
<br />
Support your belief, or position, by including <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">legitimate Catholic references or resources</span> which support your belief.  Examples include:<br />
<ul class="mycode_list"><li>Sacred Scripture.<br />
</li>
<li>the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC).<br />
</li>
<li>a Papal encyclical.<br />
</li>
<li>a Catholic doctrinal resource.<br />
</li>
<li>Quotation of a cononized Saint or Doctor of the Church.<br />
</li>
<li>etc.<br />
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<hr class="mycode_hr" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="https://www.catholicsforum.com/images/smilies/exclamation.png" alt="Exclamation" title="Exclamation" class="smilie smilie_15" />   If you have any suggestions or ideas which you feel would contribute to the Rules or Guidelines, please feel free to post a Reply.  We're open to suggestions.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i"><img src="https://www.catholicsforum.com/images/smilies/arrow.png" alt="Arrow" title="Arrow" class="smilie smilie_23" />  Catholics Forum</span> maintains a <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #c10300;" class="mycode_color">ZERO TOLERANCE</span></span> for violating any of the following Essential Forum Rules, which will result in your user account being (1) Suspended, and/or (2) Banned.<br />
<br />
Please cooperate (and encourage the cooperation with others) with these Forum Rules to help insure we all have a safe and respectable community.  Thank you!<br />
<br />
<hr class="mycode_hr" />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-size: x-large;" class="mycode_size">Essential Forum Rules</span></span><br />
<br />
Clear boundaries keep the community charitable and orthodox include:<br />
<br />
1. <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">The Law of Charity</span>: No name-calling, personal attacks, insults, or uncharitable language. Attacks upon the Catholic laity, religious, or clergy is unacceptable.<br />
<br />
2. <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">Magisterial Fidelity</span>: No promotion of heresy, schism, or explicitly condemned movements.  <span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">Catholics Forum</span> adheres to the Magisterial teachings of the Church, which we do not waiver nor criticize.<br />
<br />
3. <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">Respectful Debate</span>: Discuss theological differences politely without condemning others' faith.<br />
<br />
4. <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">No Spam or Self-Promotion</span>: Restrict advertising to somewhere else.  This is not the Place to advertise or boast of yourself or business endeavor.<br />
<br />
<hr class="mycode_hr" />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">Post/Reply Guidelines</span></span><br />
<br />
These Guideline are what we suggest to help form the content of your Posts and Replies. We suggest all Members follow them in keeping this <span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">Catholics Forum</span> for a safe and respectable community.<br />
<br />
These Guidelines are what govern our behavior here at <span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">Catholics Forum</span>. By posting a message or reply, <span style="text-decoration: underline;" class="mycode_u">you agree to follow these Rules and Guidelines</span>. <br />
<br />
Before proceeding with posting a new New Topic, or Replying to an existing Topic, we ask that you <span style="text-decoration: underline;" class="mycode_u">first spend some time in prayer</span> by carefully considering the content and tone of your post.<br />
<br />
IMPORTANT:  When posting the name of a book of the Bible, <span style="text-decoration: underline;" class="mycode_u"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">do NOT abbreviate the name of the book</span></span>.  For example,<br />
<ul class="mycode_list"><li><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">John</span> 1:1 is <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">correct</span>.</span><br />
</li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">Jn</span>. 1:1 is<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"> <span style="color: #c10300;" class="mycode_color">incorrect</span></span>.</span><br />
</li>
</ul>
<br />
If you have any questions, concerns, or issues please feel free to <span style="text-decoration: underline;" class="mycode_u">reach out to one our volunteer Moderators, the Administrator,</span> or other <span style="text-decoration: underline;" class="mycode_u">experienced Members</span> for help. They will do their best to assist.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;" class="mycode_size">What NOT to include in your Posts/Replies:</span><br />
<ul class="mycode_list"><li>Never post any personal identifiable information about yourself or others (such as your email address, residential address, phone number, etc. (This is a public forum and what you post is visible for the world to see, including Search Engines).<br />
</li>
<li>Hostility, disrespect, or discord, which create divisions. (For example... "I'm here because I hate abc and xyz because they're scumbags").<br />
</li>
<li>Lengthy or long-winded paragraphs. Keep it simple, tidy, brief, and to the point. Break up your lengthier paragraphs into smaller sentences.<br />
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;" class="mycode_size">Quality vs. Quantity of Posts:</span><br />
<br />
The <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">quality</span> of your Posts contents are valued much greater than the quantity (in number) of your Posts.  We'd rather see <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">the quality and relevance</span> of your Posts/Replies.  A few GREAT posts will go much further in building the Body of Christ, rather than the quantity of posts/replies.  (For example, rather than Replying to a posts which says "<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">I agree with your belief/position</span>", respond with an affirmation and explanation that details WHY you agree or can emphasize with the Posters' belief or thoughts.)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-size: x-large;" class="mycode_size">Build upon the posts' topic with quality.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;" class="mycode_size">Use References or Resources:</span><br />
<br />
Support your belief, or position, by including <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">legitimate Catholic references or resources</span> which support your belief.  Examples include:<br />
<ul class="mycode_list"><li>Sacred Scripture.<br />
</li>
<li>the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC).<br />
</li>
<li>a Papal encyclical.<br />
</li>
<li>a Catholic doctrinal resource.<br />
</li>
<li>Quotation of a cononized Saint or Doctor of the Church.<br />
</li>
<li>etc.<br />
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<hr class="mycode_hr" />]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
	</channel>
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