: About Me

I'm a Catholic who's committed to the Church and feels called to spend time evangelizing for the Faith. The spreading of Truth is my pursuit and joy, second, of course, to prayer and Mass, which should be every man's first love; for without prayer we are devoid of Jesus Christ, and, without Him, we have nothing, are nothing, accomplish nothing.

Therefore, the Faith is regularly the subject of my writing, as you have likely noticed. I urge other Catholics who feel called to speak out to do so, and implore them to wear their faith openly "on one's shirtsleeve."

It is no doubt true that religious indifferentism is widespread; thus piety and devotion are often difficult to find. It is unfortunate that so many have forgotten the importance of God. Catholics are called to change that situation. We are all called to spread the "good news" among the nations. Further, Catholics have a special duty to do so, for they have access to the fullness of truth found in the Catholic Church instituted by Christ.

In a manner of speaking, I'm battling the sentiment of the day: do what you want, believe what you like, and, above all, insist that no one tell you that you're mistaken. "Have it my way," is the motto of our society. Religious truth is all too often seen as an unknowable fog; and, thus, so too is morality. At present, it is popular to hold to the notions that to judge is to be intolerant; that truth is subjective; that everyone has a personal "right" to believe as they wish, make whatever "choice" they desire, and live by relativized principles. Our society shouts, "the only correct judgement is the judgement against all judgement!"

That we are in a battle is no doubt true and, as Fr. Corapi would say, "when the smoke clears" you're either going to be a "winner or a loser for all eternity."

Certainly this is no time for wasting time.

Well, all this is the subject of another article.

Peace be with you,

F.K. Bartels

My passion is ...

God and the Church he willed should exist.

I know too much about ...

Things not worth knowing.

My parents always told me ...

Stay out of trouble.

My childhood ambition ...

Be at peace.

My favorite memory ...

Looking into the eyes of each of my four children shortly after their birth.

Why I write ...

For God. Period.

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

I watch the sky in silence and wait for your whisper, O God!

My first job ...

Pulling weeds, sweating in the sun, feeling as if I would die.

My best moment ...

Being nearly killed in an ATV accident: what an experience!

My inspiration ...

The Holy Trinity; the Mother of God whose loving arms constantly direct us toward her Son; all the saints in heaven, especially Sts. Jude,Teresa of Avila, Catherine of Siena, Faustina, and John of the Cross.

Religion & Spirituality > Catholicism How Roman Catholics understand apostolic succession

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The concept of apostolic succession, for pious Catholics, is one of sweetness and sureness, flowing from truth itself; it is a foundational element of our Faith providing for firmness of belief through reason. Apostolic succession grounds us in our faith, assuring we believe and adhere to both Divine Revelation from the very lips of Christ as well as Public Revelation given to the Apostles by the Holy Spirit. Simply, by authoritative succession, that is, a hierarchical structure of men whose teaching authority has been granted by God through His Church, passed on to the faithful through th...

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