Fr Z’s 2014 New Year Resolutions
1) Do even more to support the advancement of Summorum Pontificum.
2) Drink (sell) even more Mystic Monk Coffee.
3) Post even more on my blog.
4) Practice even more at the shooting range.
5) Offer even more of my services as a preacher and lecturer.
6) Read even more good books.
7) Travel even more to the UK and Rome.
8) Exercise even more.
9) Pray even more for my benefactors.
10) Cause even more “chaos” … as Pope Francis asked me to. ¡Hagan lío!
As a corollary to #4 I am going to build an AR-15 from scratch.
Loading ...
Great resolutions, Father! I may have missed it, but what’s that bit about Pope Francis and “chaos” about?
I always resolve not to make New Years resolutions, as I never keep them.
That being said, New Years eve happens to be my anniversary date for when I decided to become and saint and avoid purgatory, so I renew my resolve to do each New Years eve, and then take a good hard look at my soul, make a general confession, and make a plan for the upcoming year for what to work on, and how I plan to do that.
My New Years Resolution,
1. Watch even more mind numbing television — (Satan’s first pipeline into my brain.)
2. Log into the worst actual news sources such as Huffington Post, MSN, Yahoo, CNN, USA Today, NY Times website…. — (Satan’s second pipeline into my brain.)
3. Take any given class involving psychology, psychiatry, socialogy, history, etc in my local secular college or university (or most Catholic universities) — (Satan’s third pipeline into my brain.)
4. Stop going to the Tredentine Latin Mass — (Removes first obstacle to Satan’s pipelines into my brain)
5. Stop reading folks like Father Z’s blog, Big Pulpit and other good source of solid Catholic informaiton — (Removes second obstacle to Satan’s pipelines into my brain)
6. Stop going to a good confession monthly — (Removes third obstacle to Satan’s pipelines into my brain)
7. Stop socializing with good solid traditional Catholics — (Removes fourth obstacle to Satan’s pipelines into my brain)
8. Socialize with most CINO Catholics — Satan’s fourth pipeline into my brain.)
9. Stop praying morning and evening prayers — (Removes fifth obstacle to Satan’s pipelines into my brain)
10. Start going to the local ‘Nuns on the Bus’ promoting nun’s or catechist’s Bible study class — (Satan’s fifth pipeline into my brain.)
Regarding (2), a caution to the casual reader is in order: MMC — of which my office now contains a stock of several boxes of K-Cups — is the real deal and should be enjoyed responsibly, perhaps while offering a prayer for vocations to Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
[And be sure to use my link when you supply the office!]
I’m hoping to get to confession more often, do a better job with daily prayer (I’ve made great strides in 2013), blog at least once per week, start writing a book, try making macarons, and focus on the blessings in my life instead of the things that make me sad, angry or worried.
excellent resolutions :)
One of my resolutions this year was to get better organized. I’d tell you the rest but I can’t find my list.
You are really going to build an AR-15 from scratch? I would love to see it and the process of how you do it. Make sure you post on how its coming when you get around to it.
A resolution of mine is to buy a telescope, learn how to use it properly, and get as good a look as I can at the heavens while I am still here in this vale of tears.
For the corollary #4, go buy yourself a 1/4″ clevis pin at Lowes for the pivot pin detant installation on the lower.
That tip alone (and thus the frustration saved) should be equal to all of the useful knowledge I’ve gained from this blog.
[Thanks for that tip! I have a lot to learn.]
Happy New Year Fr Z.
I am sure you will do fairly well on number 10. My translation of “armar un lio” (sorry can’t do stress marks on this laptop) would be to kick up a racket. I think translating it as chaos is a bit wide of the mark. Think more in terms of an English football crowd. In fact, go to His Hermeceuticalness’s blog and find that video of Milwall fans in full voice at a match… No one likes us, we don’t care… Get the London accent right and you have your party piece ready for your trip to England. [Ah yes… Millwall. Best chant ever.]
Excellent resolutions, Father! I’m quite certain that satan and his minions detest your list of resolutions as much as we love them, so please be assured of our prayers for your protection and success!
On the AR-15, taking one beyond “field stripping” requires a few specialized tools, some of which are expensive and serve no other purpose. You’d essentially be buying them to use once. Before you commit to a full scratch build from parts think about whether some of your range friends might already have some of these tools they could loan you. Another option is to buy a lower receiver, assembled, and an upper receiver with the barrel already mounted. Then choose your hand grip, stock, bolt, and other pieces. Make sure they are all mil-spec pieces so that the tolerances allow all of the pieces to fit together. Stop by a gun show in your area and flip through a few of the available books on building an AR and find one that has a style you’ll like. Read through it before you decide whether to build from scratch or take a little short cut and use pre-assembled uppers and lowers. [Roger that, Top. But I really do want to understand it in an out. Who knows. Some tool might fall into my lap and they will always be worth something.]
a couple more for Fr:
11. Acquire a shotgun
12. Start bird hunting
13. Grow a beard
Please don’t bring your AR-15 when you come to GB. [Silly.]
Is blaze orange a proper liturgical color during Fall in WI? Or is that only appropriate for Mass in your deer stand?
I didn’t make any New Year’s Resolutions. I’m a sinner.
You can assemble the entire AR-15 lower assembly with tools you should already have in a tool box with only one or two additions.
Upper’s a different story. I just buy those. HERE
You need a camouflage vestment sent, Father Z. Reminds me of a great navy Chaplain in OIF1 who was at the point of spear with us in 1st Tanks:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4mQj3CJJ8OY/Uf33lrG1ZgI/AAAAAAAAAIs/QTBtA5amn-s/w800-h536-no/chaplainOIF_cr.jpg
So, keep doing what you’ve been doing, it sounds like? ;^)
How about replacing number 4 with an ‘extra’ hour before the Blessed Sacrament. Accompanied by a seminarian?
Per #4, Fr.: My son actually does that for a living, and for fun. Feel free to make contact (I’ll furnish phone numbers) and ask him anything you wish. He was in WI for Christmas, but has since gone back to that supreme gun-loving capital in all of the US — Idaho.
That’s not blaze orange. It’s a very orangey rose.
How about number 11) Rename the blog ” What Does The Pope Really Say?” ;-)
I expect you already know this; Brownells.com is an excellent source for all things AR. And other gun stuff, for that matter. I ordered a recoil spring Christmas eve, chose 5-7 day shipping, and received the part December 27th.
Consider folding front & rear sights; Obviates the necessity for high-mounted optics.
Full disclosure: I am not connected to Brownell’s in any way, and receive no benefit from this post. Enjoy your build experience.
I bought the necessary tools (including headspace gauges) from Brownell’s a couple of years ago when I changed out an AR barrel. Still have them “just in case”, along with Walt Kulek’s book on building up ARs. Also a nice set of take-off Colt hand guards, pistol grip, and the supplied Matech folding rear sight, all brand new.
Feel free to borrow the tools and the above parts are gratis. It’s a fun job and very satisfying.
How about leading a pilgrimage?