Catholic New Media Celebration 2010

The Catholic New Media Celebration is coming to Boston, MA on August 7, 2010. I will be there, will you? Want to know more information about the CNMC-MMX, listen to the informational podcast below and watch the video promo.

Here is a short informational podcast about the Catholic New Media Celebration that is on Aug. 7th in Boston:
Here is a video promo for the CNMC in Boston on August 7th:

"I Thirst" - The Passion of Jesus Christ

"I Thirst" - The Passion of Jesus Christ

a reported reflection by Daniel S.

"I Thirst" - what does this mean and what does this have to do with "The Passion of Jesus Christ?" This is something that many maybe wondering. In today's post, I would like to talk about this passion presentation that parishioners at my church, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, presented to our parish last night.

On Friday, March 26, from approximately 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., a petite cast and crew presented the passion of our lord, Jesus Christ, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

Our youth minister, Dr. P, and myself were in charge of the lighting while 3 of the high school youth were changing the set. Their were also a small band of musicians and cast members whom realistically portrayed the Passion of Jesus Christ. And you don't worry, I haven't forgotten our faithful director, Larry L., who is the music minster at our parish- his preparation was very good and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for all his hard work and all the hard work of all the cast and crew of this presentation of love.

I recall that after the musical-presentation was completed, our pastor had some closing remarks. One of which that I recall is for everyone to remember that God shows us his love through the Passion of Jesus Christ.

Another point that I would like to mention is Larry telling us, the cast and some of the crew, about why he chose the title "I Thirst" and that is that he got these words from Mother Therese. If you know what he exactly means by this, could you add a comment below and let me know.

I enjoyed the music throughout this presentation. One lovely song that I'm not sure was included in the presentation or not is a song called "Love Never Fails" by Brandon Heath.

If you ever have seen the Passion of Jesus Christ presented or read about it in the Bible, then you can see just how much Jesus sacrificed for us and how because of all the pain that Jesus had dealt with in his final days or hours on Earth, it really has shown us just how much he loves us. I believe that this presentation of the Passion of Jesus Christ was a presentation of real Love. Finally, as we enter Holy Week and are preparing for Easter, let us remember that God shows us his love through the Passion of Jesus Christ.

If you would like to share your thoughts about the Passion of Jesus Christ, I welcome your comments below.

Take Care and God Bless,

~Daniel ✝

Speaking to Youth: Respect Message!

*Please note: the following news story is the property of this author and can only be published with his permission.

by: Daniel S.

Daniel Smrokowski, parishioner and student at Roosevelt University, spoke in Holy Family Hall at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish before a dozen high school students on Sunday, February 28, 2010. With experience from Special Olympics, Smrokowski talked about how everyone should respect those with intellectual disabilities. Dr. P, youth minster, knowing of Smrokowski's ambassadorship with Special Olympics, asked him to bring his message to the youth ministry.

Smrokowski spoke about a national campaign called "Spread the Word to End the Word" which is backed by both Special Olympics and Best Buddies International. In this campaign, everyone is encouraged to go to http://r-word.org/ to learn how to help in eliminating use of the word "retard(ed)" in everyday speech. It is hurtful to everyone with intellectual disabilities.

Smrokowski also talked about Special Olympics. He described his experiences as an athlete on the SEASPAR Special Olympics Swim Team, as well as its Slammers high school basketball team. Smrokowski is a Global Messenger (spokesperson) for Special Olympics Illinois. Trained in March 2009 as a Global Messenger, he speaks to community groups such as the Knights of Columbus.

Smrokowski encourages everyone to listen to his Special Chronicles Podcast, available online and by free subscription at http://specialchronicles.tk/.

The February presentation to Holy Trinity youth concluded with a quote from Albert Einstein. Einstein once said, "It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” Smrokowski interprets this to mean that we all have gifts. What matters is how hard we try.

Ash Wednesday Reported Reflection

by: Daniel S.

CHICAGO-- The date was Wednesday, February 17, 2010 and it was Ash Wednesday. On the Roosevelt University campus in the Academic Success Center disability services office, I came in with my ashes on my forehead and it actually served as a vital reminder to other Catholics and even one friend who is Jewish asked me if he can go to a Catholic church to receive ashes. I also heard and saw some commuters on the train, after seeing my ashes, talking about Ash Wednesday and encouraging one young male Amtrak employee, who I discovered was Catholic, to head to Mass to receive ashes. I even recommended Old St. Patrick's Church which is a few blocks away from Union Station on Adams street near the highway (the name of the highway escapes me since I don't drive in the city).

Someone else even told me that they saw ashes being distributed at the train station-- this sparked a question: is it okay for clergymen to distribute ashes at the train station or on the street?

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"Lent Is Here" blog post from the college radio program that I host

May you all a blessed and holy season of Lent!

God Bless,

~Daniel

Online Friends Vs. Reality Friends

We all have friends--but do we have more friends in reality or just in virtual reality, online? This is the question that I would like to ponder today. I was recently thinking about how many friends I have ... in real life compared to all of my online friends on social networking sites such as Facebook or the SQPN Community that I have never actually personally met compared to all "few," but still good friends that I have in real life. This is a growing aspect in our 21st century, online-driven society, as more and more people are using the Internet to communicate through Facebook, Twitter, or even online community sites such as SQPN Connect, the place where the SQPN Community meets! Now, before I continue I would like to take this moment to tell you about what SQPN is.

SQPN is the Star Quest Production Network, in which they are a new media network of free Catholic programming. At SQPN.com, you will find many awesome, interesting, and some just humorous Catholic podcasts! There are even some podcasts that are not even geared for Catholics, but are geared for everyone in society...so please do not let the term, "Catholic," turn you away, but instead let the "SQPN" network invite you to new possibilities of inspiration! I can promise you that once you listen to one show, you will want to listen to many others, and I can tell you that you will learn something new about the world, about the faith, technology, movies, TV Shows, or culture!

It is through networks like SQPN that I have many new "social" friends online. In reality, I can honestly say that it is because of the Special Olympics that I have made some more friends ... and friends that you can actually see! So, is this a good or bad thing to have more friends online or in reality? Well, I would let you decide for yourself and come to your own conclusion.

Please prayerfully consider helping the Star Quest Production Network this year with a donation during their 2010 Giving Campaign. Along with donating either a one-time donation (which is what I did), you can also make a monthly donation. But, there is another way to support SQPN and that is through your purchases on Amazon! On SQPN.com, there is an Amazon store link where you can purchase the same awesome items at the same low price and if you buy through the Amazon link on SQPN.com, a portion of the profits will go to and help SQPN!

Click here to donate to SQPN.

Shop at Amazon and Support SQPN: US Store! ~ Don't live in the US? Don't worry, Have no fear! You can also go to the SQPN Store: Canadian Store, Canadian Store, German Store, French Store. So, the next time that you make a purchase at Amazon, please consider going to the SQPN Amazon store link first!

Thanks and have a great day!

God Bless,

Daniel

A Very Special Birthday Greetings Today!

Hello everyone,

Today in honor of my birthday today, I am posting another post on my blog. This post is going to be that along, just a quick post to celebrate my birthday. Today is a pretty big birthday... is an age where there are more adult responsibilities. I don't really feel that much older--at least right now. But, I can say that it feels good to be one more than twenty years old. What else do I say? I think I need to rethink the whole blogging thing-- what do you blog about? I do enjoy podcasting. As you know from my previous post, I have started a new podcast - "Special Chronicles." I am excited for a couple of presents that I have asked about and these include: a Behringer Podcastudio Bundle; as well as some headphones that cover your whole ears that are noise cancellation. For more information later. And, keep a look out for episode #2 of my new podcast coming out within the next couple of days... as soon as I learn how to use the podcastudio bundle and record another episode! And, thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday on facebook, in person, and any other birthday greetings!

Thanks,

Daniel

COMING TO A PODCAST NEAR YOU: Special Chronicles Podcast

I would like to share with you my new podcast that I am starting. I will begin recording soon. I'm just waiting for approval to use this one song as my theme song, and hopefully will hear back within the next day or so.

Check out my website and leave feedback:

Call my Voice Feedback #: (630) 384-9137

email: specialchronicles@dansmrokowski.com

Podcast website: Special Chronicles Podcast

I look forward to hearing from you!

-Daniel