Inactive

This Weblog is no longer active. Please visit the Verbum Domini Website at SQPN.com for news and updates.

My Opening Farewell

I wanted to let everyone know that I'll be playing a background role with the program for the foreseeable future. I'm beginning a new job at the end of the month which will limit my time and ability to continue as a lector or announcer here, and I believe that the long-term health of Verbum Domini will be best served by my stepping aside.

Thankfully, we now have a wonderful team of dedicated readers to carry on, and a rich sonorous baritone to introduce the program each day (belonging to my friend Paul Camarata of The SaintCast).

After nearly two years of producing this program, week in and week out, it is a rather bittersweet moment for me, not dissimilar to watching a child grow more independent. I'm confident that the program will continue to grow, to improve and to meet the needs of our listeners in the months and years to come, and that knowledge gives me a great deal of pleasure.

For the time-being, I'll continue to help coordinate the effort, and rest assured that I'll keep the program, the lectors and the listeners, in my heart, my thoughts and my prayers. Thanks to all of you for your help and encouragement over the past two years.

Best,

Brian

Howdy!

Howdy from the Catholic Family Podcast Crew. We are David, Allyson, Kathryn, Austin, Hannah and Luke. We are very pleased to be invited as lecters for Verbum Domini. Let us know the schedule and what we can do to help!

Daily Breakfast Comments: Verbum Domini/USCCB Podcast

Father Roderick had some comments in his latest Daily Breakfast Podcast concerning the new USCCB Podcast of the Daily Readings (along with some kind words about Verbum Domini).

From the beginning, we've tried to present the Readings in a straightforward, unadorned fashion. There was one lapse, early on, when I tried to use a very distracting bell to draw attention to the Psalm Response, but listener feedback quickly straightened me out.

I'll withhold most of my thoughts concerning the new USCCB Podcast at this point, except to say that it isn't as bad as I expected it to be, but it seems a shame that they decided to spend money from the Catholic Communications Campaign on a production that duplicates our efforts. We would have gladly allowed the USCCB to link to our Podcast (or to authorize it as their own) free-of-charge, since we distribute under Creative Commons.

What the future holds for Verbum Domini is still under discussion amongst our very dedicated team of lectors. We ask for your continued prayers as we consider how to proceed.

The Hissing of Summer Lawns

I wanted to just get out a quick note to apologize for the background noise you may notice in this week's programs. It sounded relatively quiet to me while recording, but I noticed the song of the cicadas as I was editing some of the files. I hope that it's not too distracting.

Just close your eyes, take a deep breath, and imagine yourself on my front porch.

:^)

Best wishes, everyone!

August 24th: Feast of St. Bartholomew

One of the things I like about contributing to Verbum Domini, aside from working with great guys like Brian and Joel, is the fact that it gives me a chance to get a little deeper into the daily readings than perhaps I would otherwise. Here is a for instance. The Gospel reading for the Feast of St. Bartholomew happens to be from John. It's the occasion on which Jesus meets Philip and his brother, Nathanial. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, Bartholomew is identified by many scholors as this Nathanial. In this particular Gospel reading, Nathanial reveals himself to be quite the character, as he says to his brother about Jesus, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" His comment reminds me that the pillars of our Church are comprised of ordinary people like . . . us.

Great Photos

Jim (who reads for us every month) is an avid photographer. I was knocked out by his photos of the Twin Cities, so I thought you might like to see them too. Very Cool!

http://minneapolis.photo.googlepages.com/

Also, congratulations to Greg, Jennifer and Father Roderick on their Podcast Awards. I couldn't find a graphic of a whisk broom, but it's wonderful to see the "clean sweep" for Catholic shows this year. WOO HOOO!