Posted on 08/15/2014 3:55:36 PM PDT by NKP_Vet
Gary Sinise – actor, director, bass player, patriot, philanthropist and convert to Catholicism – was a surprise guest at the Knights of Columbus’ annual convention in Orlando earlier this month.
The person who was most surprised about being there may have been Gary Sinise himself. He confessed that “he and his family weren’t part of any religion” until his wife returned to her mother’s abandoned Catholic roots in 2000 and he subsequently slow-walked his way to Confirmation in 2010.
He recounted his initial shock and eventual support of his wife’s decision in an interview several years ago. He’d been filming in North Carolina when his wife, Moira, and three kids came for a visit, at the same time a hurricane was heading ashore. Figuring that flights would be grounded, he rented a car and drove them toward Charlotte through gale force winds, pounding rain and all-to-close lightning strikes. At one point Moira turned to him and announced that when she returned to Chicago, she was going back to the Catholic Church and the kids were going to attend Catholic schools. He was stunned and none too happy about the decision. The only knowledge he had of Catholic schools were the awful stories two friends had told him, friends who were also “guilt-ridden.” So he said something like “No! Are you crazy?”
But Moira did as she planned, enrolling in RCIA and enrolling the children in Catholic school. Two years later, at the Easter Vigil, she entered the Church. In the meantime, the school turned out to be the opposite of what he expected. He discovered that it was a great environment and became a big supporter. It was another 10 years before he crossed the Tiber, but it was 10 years filled with charitable activities.
Shortly after 9/11, he was “invited as a celebrity” to entertain the first responders and that led to his learning about heroes like Father Mychal Judge, a chaplain for the NY Fire Department who died while aiding victims of the attacks on the Twin Towers.
In 2003, Sinise co-founded “Operation Iraqi Children,” which over nine years supported the great work of American troops by gathering and donating supply school supplies and clothing to the children whose schools had been rebuilt by the troops. Donations included 358,763 School Supply Kits, thousands of boxes of stuffed animals, shoes and sports equipment, hundreds of boxes of shoes, clothes, supplies, food and hygiene items and toys.
It was during the 50 USO tours and 119 USO concerts for troops performed by Sinise’s band, the Lt.Dan Band, that he became passionate about helping America’s wounded veterans. His foundation embarked on the Restoring Independence and Supporting Empowerment (RISE) program. The goal is to build “smart homes” for the service members who were most seriously wounded.
In partnership with the Knights of Columbus, a former Army infantryman who lost both legs and one arm in a roadside explosion in Afghanistan, was able to move into a new high-tech home with his wife.
Sinise expressed gratitude for the Knights’ collaboration and for their years of “incredibly generous and voluminous charitable work and mission.”
Thank you for your prayers
I think then it is just a simple misunderstanding that separates us. From the beginning of my childhood the Catholic Church has meant Christ to me. Everywhere, in the big things and in every little thing the Catholic Church revolves around Christ. It’s difficult to explain but the entire article, to me at least, shouts Christ from what I already know about Gary, his humble demeanor, personal sacrifice and caring for our troops to all of his many charitable works. The article to me in its entirety implicitly says CHRIST.
I can see how someone unfamiliar with our Holy Mother Church might look for the word Christ in an article and think perhaps He is being excluded but I and many others here will assure you that He is not excluded but inside the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church He is without ceasing Adored and Glorified in every way that is humanly possible.
All Glory and Praise to God the Father Almighty in the name of his only Son our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ thru the Grace Peace Mercy and Love of the Holy Spirit Forever and Ever
Amen
Protestant services are centered on the pastor giving a sermon. Catholic Mass is centered on the Eucharist. The priest, if he feels like, does not have to say a word except when consecrating the precious blood and body. But protestants say Catholics pay no attention to Christ. Go figure.
There are many, many in the church who are not saved and who still trust in their own efforts, instead of relying entirely upon Him. This is true in every Church.
For this reason, conversion to a religion or denomination is never sufficient. I simply expressed the sincere hope that his conversion was from himself and to Christ for salvation and not to just a denomination.
Thanks for your kindness.
Agreed! My dear friend in Christ.
Narrow is the way to eternal life with Christ and wide is the road to perdition.
Then there is no daylight between us as Dick Cheney once said.
Let us rejoice and be glad, the kingdom of God is at hand.
I do try to be kind to everyone but often fall short of my best intentions because He was kind to me first and to be a good servant in Christ we too are called to be generous in kindness. Sort of reminds me of an old Sam&Dave tune from the Blues Brothers.
Have a most blessed day.
“I do try to be kind to everyone but often fall short of my best intentions because He was kind to me first and to be a good servant in Christ we too are called to be generous in kindness. Sort of reminds me of an old Sam&Dave tune from the Blues Brothers.”
May your tribe increase!
You and I have been graciously blessed to recognize Christ fully present body, blood, soul and Divinity in the Eucharist. It is without doubt our wish that all of our separated brothers and sisters share in Christ's perfect gift but His will is hidden from us and we must trust that His plan for the salvation of others is sufficient and that we may act in accordance with it.
May God use us to draw everyone nearer to His Son our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Good video there. Thanks for the link.
Read his speech.
Yes, Salvation, I did read it and it confirms the need for being converted to Christ and not a denomination. This is why I posted my sincere wish that he also has entrusted himself to Christ for salvation.
What stands out to me is how many posters do not discern the difference between the two, despite Scripture. And that the thought of coming to CHRIST for salvation upsets them, as demonstrated by their posts on this thread. This does not bode well for their salvation, for it is found nowhere else but in Him.
Catholics are centered (converted to as you say) on Christ.
The Liturgy of the Word, Old Testament, Psalm, an epistle from Paul or the Acts of the Apostles AND the Gospel speak of Christ. Just dig a little deeper into the meanin of the words.
And the second half of the Mass is totally centered on Christ with the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
I’m so sorry you don’t understand and accept this.
We have accepted Christ into our hearts and are born again in him. How is that so different?
“I’m so sorry you don’t understand and accept this.”
I understand your claims/opinions entirely. I do not accept them because they contradict the Word of God.
“We have accepted Christ into our hearts and are born again in him. How is that so different?”
So you would claim you have eternal life now? and are a saint now? That you are no longer depending on your own good works to save you?
“We have accepted Christ into our hearts and are born again in him. How is that so different?”
And your claim appears to be that this statement covers every single Roman? All saved with eternal life NOW? All saints NOW?
If so, you are contradicting the Bible.
If not, you understand why I wish that his conversion includes conversion to Christ.
We are all sinners and are grateful for the Sacraments and their graces -- all instituted by Christ.
You never answered this question...
“So you would claim you have eternal life now? and are a saint now? That you are no longer depending on your own good works to save you?”
Please do.
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