The Human Experience

THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE is unlike any film I have seen before. In a day and age where mankind seems to falter in endless wars and struggles, this film explores the question of humanity. Why are we here? What is our purpose? What does it mean to be human? Two brothers seek to find the answers themselves. Together they embark on three experiences that would change their lives forever--from living homeless on the streets of New York, to helping abused and mutilated children in Peru, to visiting a leper colony in Ghana. Every human being must see this film because it will forever change the way we all see the world.


(www.grassrootsfilms.com)

For all Catholic Artists in Southern California!

Modeled after CU New York City, Catholic Underground - Hollywood is the first CU on the west coast.

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The So Cal Catholic Underground
Los Angeles - Hollywood
Every Third Saturday of the Month
8:00pm - 10:00pm
St. Victor's Catholic Church
8364 Holloway Drive
West Hollywood, CA

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The first part of the evening is Eucharistic adoration, and begins with Vespers (Evening Prayer). This is the universal prayer of the Church - prayed by the Catholics throughout the world in every time zone and in every language. After Vespers, there is a time of simple praise. This provides a window for each person to personally encounter Jesus Christ. The beauty of the darkened Church illumined by candles helps us enter the mystery of our Lord's presence in the Eucharist. The Holy Hour ends with solemn Benediction.

The second part showcases Catholic artists. Here we experience the “New Evangelization”. The Underground is literally underground! In the lower part of the church, come experience music, poetry, visual art, dancers, film, drama, and meet the talented artists dedicated to this call!

For more information, email: SoCalCatholicUnderground@gmail.com .

What TRUTH Means To Me

At last night's bible study, we were discussing this question:

How would you define TRUTH?

According to the dictionary, TRUTH is defined as:

1.	the true or actual state of a matter:

2.	conformity with fact or reality; verity: the truth of a statement.

3.	a verified or indisputable fact, proposition, principle, or the like: mathematical truths.

4.	the state or character of being true.

5.	actuality or actual existence.

6.	an obvious or accepted fact; truism; platitude.

7.	honesty; integrity; truthfulness.

8.	(often initial capital letter) ideal or fundamental reality apart from and transcending perceived experience: the basic truths of life.

9.	agreement with a standard or original.

10.	accuracy, as of position or adjustment.

11.	Archaic. fidelity or constancy.

Which of these definitions do you consider the way you see truth? Each one of us has our own perception of "truth." Does something have to be scientifically proven to be considered true? Does something have to be seen in the material world and have physical tangibility to be considered true? The theories and laws we read in our text books are changing everyday. Would we still regard those theories and laws as true?

I agree with all the definitions listed in the dictionary, but they are not necessarily the way I see truth. I define truth as what you believe is real--real in not just the physical world but in the spiritual world too. I define truth as something that has meaning and purpose in my life.

People point out that the Bible have many historical and scientific inaccuracies. For instance the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John do not align in the events of Jesus' life. The earliest Gospel was written at least thirty years after Jesus' death. Because of the details that are not scientifically or historically proven, does this mean that the Bible isn't true? I believe that though the Bible should not be taken literally for every detail, it is the truth to me. Though the Scriptures may not be scientifically or historically proven, they hold powerful messages and teachings of truth that provide meaning and purpose in my life.

We do not need to have literal, concrete, scientific and historically proven details to validate truth in our lives. We don't need to conduct a science experiment or solve a math problem to find the truth. The truth--what we believe and have faith in-- is written on our hearts. If only we just stop for a moment and realize this, will find it.

The truth goes beyond the physical world. Life is truth. Love is truth. God is life and love. God is the Ultimate Truth.

Honoring Mary at the 2008 Pasadena Chalk Fest

This was my first year at Pasadena's Chalk Festival. This is what my group of friends and I made in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary:

Giving Life A Chance

Just this past Wednesday, June 11, 2008 my new niece, Catherine Joy was born. She is the third daughter of my oldest sister, Misty who is also blessed with two beautiful girls, Elizabeth and Maya. It's amazing how so much love and joy is in this tiny bundle. To be given life and to live life with love are the greatest gifts from God.

I went with lunch with my coworker the other day and she told me the story of when she was pregnant with her daughter. When she was six months into her pregnancy, doctors told her that her unborn child was in danger--they could not find the baby's stomach in the ultrasound. Because of this, doctors offered my coworker the option of abortion. Devastated from the news, my coworker broke down...She knew it was not in her hands to decide whether or not her child was going to live or die--It was only in God's hands. Thanks be to God, Haley was born with a stomach, and though she had some health problems from birth, Haley was able to gain the strength to survive. Today, Haley will be turning two years old at the end of November--and is full of life and love. Having her daughter, changed my coworker's life completely. It taught her to never take anything for granted, especially human life.

Human life is the most precious of all. We would only know its value once we give it a chance.

BELLA -"A Love Story Beyond Romance"

"Bella" is a touching story about what really matters in life, LOVE.

It is a must see for everyone.



(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJ9AkTrbxgk)

Starting A Ministry At My Church

Last Sunday, we celebrated the Feast of Corpus Cristi, the Body of Christ. The Body of Christ is not just Christ's physical being--it is most importantly about His Divine Spirit living within us. The Body of Christ is the Church that made up of His Family of believers. Though made up of many different ministries at Church, we worship, praise and evangelize Christ's Word as one, whole body. Our faith cannot grow alone. Think of it this way: we cannot function as individual body parts.

As I was growing up, being involved in Church was never a priority for me. When I got older, I began to feel the fulfillment of active participation within my parish. I wanted to dedicate my life to God by using my talents and gifts He has blessed me with. I am blessed to be part of a few ministries at the Church at Blessed Sacrament in Hollywood. As part of the music ministry and young adults group, I want to start a Creative Catholic ministry. I want to gather all creative Catholics in the area and evangelize through the arts!

If you are in the Los Angeles area, and you are interested in participating in this ministry, please contact me at AVLodevico@gmail.com. I am in the process of organizing everything. I will have more information soon!