Today’s “Gem” from Bob Stanley’s “The Catholic Treasure Chest”: The Book of Acts – The Catholic Church Personified.

The Book of Acts (Acts of the Apostles):

Acts is divided into 3 main sections and fulfills GOD’s plan for worldwide salvation for all people.

The first covenant was the Adamic Covenant – Marriage, Gen 3:16-19.
The second was the Noahic – the Family, Gen 9:8-17.
The third was the Abrahamic – the Tribal, or uniting of many families, Gen 17:1-8.
The fourth was the Mosaic – many tribes united in a National Covenant, Gen 19:4-6.
The fifth was the Davidic – the National Kingdom Covenant – many nations, 2Sam 7:14-16,23:5.

You can see the pattern here, each covenant encompassed a larger and larger group of people, so the next covenant must include more than many nations.

The sixth – the New Covenant… 2Cor 3:6, Worldwide, Universal, all encompassing, Catholic.
It is the evolution of the Catholic Church, and of the rules it must follow for all time.

All of the covenants preceding this one were for GOD’s chosen people, the Hebrews and Jews.
Now, Gentiles enter into salvation history for the first time.

This all begins to unfold in Acts 1:8, “..but you shall receive POWER when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you shall be witnesses for me in Jerusalem (local), and in all Judea and Samaria (spreading out), and even to the very ends of the earth (worldwide, Universal, Catholic).

These are the three main sections of Acts…

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Today’s “Gem” from Bob Stanley’s “The Catholic Treasure Chest”: What Jesus meant when He said “Abide in Me”.

The answer to that question can be found in John 6:56:
“HE WHO EATS MY FLESH AND DRINKS MY BLOOD, ABIDES IN ME AND I IN HIM.”
It is the “true presence” of our Lord in the Holy Eucharist, the food provided by the vine, so that eternal life is imparted into each and every branch and which allows the branches to bear fruit.

“If anyone does not abide in Me, he shall be cast outside as the branch and wither; and they shall gather them up and cast them into the fire, and they shall burn .” John 15:6

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How Bob Stanley’s “The Catholic Treasure Chest” came to be hosted by Doug Lawrence at AskMeAboutGod.Org

by Doug Lawrence

Bob and I were Internet colleagues in the Catholic faith since the early 2000’s. We spoke on the telephone on only a few occasions, but we kept in regular communication, via email.

At some point, Bob mentioned that he was getting older and was concerned about one day, being unable to maintain The Catholic Treasure Chest, so I told him I would make regular backups of the site and should it ever go offline and I was unable to contact him, I would restore and maintain it.

Bob liked the idea, so that’s what we agreed to do.

With Bob’s permission, I had been distributing the Catholic Treasure Chest on CD, mailing copies to people all around the world (Internet service was often “spotty” back then) so most of the technical work was already done.

Bob mentioned it in his article, entitled “In Lieu of A Book”:

“I have received many requests to put this website into a book.
But, I sense a frustration in having to download and save each page
of this very large site.

It has taken me years and thousands of hours
to put it all together and I certainly would not relish the time
it would take to download it page by page, either.

Putting it all into a book is a good idea.
However the sticking point is my having the time to do it.
I simply cannot do it for that reason, among others.

However I have a great solution
that was suggested by a dear new-found friend.
He is a teacher and many of his students do not have a computer
that is online, in order to go and visit the site.

He asked my permission to put the whole website onto a cd-rom
and pass a CD to each of his pupils.

I thought that was a great idea
and wondered why I had not thought of it myself.
Of course I gave him permission and he sent me a copy
and it was just like visiting the site online,
but much faster than even DSL…”

I would often link to the Catholic Treasure Chest from my website, referencing many of Bob’s wonderful articles. So, when The Catholic Treasure Chest domain was taken over by an Indonesian gambling casino and much of the content became unreliable or unavailable, readers from far and wide emailed me, asking what had happened.

Unable to make contact with Bob, I assumed the worst and went to work, successfully salvaging and restoring the site.

Because the Internet domain had already been assumed and taken over by others, it was necessary to bring The Catholic Treasure Chest over to my askmeaboutgod.org domain. It should be “safe” here, for many years to come, as by design, my site should be able to continue on (God willing) long after I have passed away.

Meanwhile, readers from a host of different countries, all around the globe, are beginning to reconnect with Bob Stanley’s “The Catholic Treasure Chest” (as I respectfully refer to it.)

Bob had quite a following. I have received a good number of enthusiastic emails from readers who are very thankful that Bob Stanley’s “The Catholic Treasure Chest” is back.

I’m sure that Bob would agree that this is no mere, coincidence. Together, we prudently developed a simple, effective plan for succession. I consider it a grace to have been privileged to do the work. Praise God!

The world needs Bob Stanley’s “The Catholic Treasure Chest”. It has always been a unique and precious, irreplaceable Catholic information resource. People of faith instinctively recognize that fact.

Bob Stanley has passed away

Bob will be sorely missed. Even though he’s gone, his great work will carry on, as a blessing to the whole world.

There’s not very many people about whom that may be truly stated.

I have arranged for Bob to be remembered in daily Mass intentions,
until the end of time. Please pray a “Hail Mary” for the repose of his soul,
when you have the time.

Bob Stanley’s “The Catholic Treasure Chest” is available on-line,
in English and Spanish languages,
as well as in a portable, downloadable PDF version.

Here’s the links:

Bob Stanley’s “The Catholic Treasure Chest” (PDF)
Down To Earth Answers To Virtually All Your Heavenly Questions.
English – On the Web
Spanish – On the Web

The web versions also have a new, very convenient, custom search feature, which makes locating specific content much faster and easier.

Rest In Peace, Bob Stanley: Good Man, Good Catholic, Superb Writer, Catechist and Teacher

Robert M. Stanley
February 6, 1935 – August 29, 2022

After a long illness, Robert Manfred Stanley passed away on August 29, 2022. He was 87.

Bob was born in Washington, D.C. on February 6, 1935, to Manfred and Mary Stanley. At age 7, they relocated to Redwood City, California where he met his wife of 67 years, Loretta (Lori).

He graduated from Sequoia Union High, enlisting in the Air Force shortly thereafter. He was stationed at Keesler Air Base in Biloxi, Mississippi where he became an instructor of radar technology. He was honorably discharged in 1957 with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

For the next 30 years, he was employed by IBM as a Customer Engineer, winning many awards. After retirement, Bob relocated to the foothills.

Bob enjoyed riding his tractor and watching old movies,
as well as writing and hosting his world renowned,
Catholic apologetics and information website:
The Catholic Treasure Chest.

He is survived by his wife Lori, daughter Christine (Christopher) and granddaughters Madelyn and Grace Horton.

Thanks to all those who were there in his time of need: Wolf Creek Care Center, Hospice of the Foothills and fellow members of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

Services will be held at St. Patrick’s Church in Grass Valley on Friday, September 23rd: Rosary 12:15 pm, Mass 1:00, then a gravesite service at St. Patrick’s Cemetery. A reception will follow at St. Patrick’s Church Hall. Donations may be made to Hospice of the Foothills or St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

Editor’s note: By prior arrangement with Bob Stanley, Doug Lawrence at AskMeAboutGod.org will continue hosting and maintaining Bob’s superb, world renowned, Catholic website, The Catholic Treasure Chest, for many years to come. It would be a sin to let such a great, Catholic resource perish, especially during the times we are presently experiencing.

Let Us Pray…

Eternal rest grant unto Bob Stanley, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Please pray an “Our Father” and a “Hail Mary” for Bob, right now. I’m sure he’ll appreciate it.

More about Bob Stanley

Go To Bob Stanley’s “The Catholic Treasure Chest”

As seen at www.theunion.com (slightly edited)

Bob Stanley’s “The Catholic Treasure Chest” is now available to view and download as a PDF file

Click To View Bob Stanley’s “The Catholic Treasure Chest” (PDF)

A “basic primer” on Christianity that explains what Christians believe and why they believe it

90 Minute DVD Is Also Available for $20.00 – free shipping

Download and/or View the Complete 6-Part Course
In Your PDF File Reader

Overcoming the World, the Flesh and the Devil,
In and Through Our Lord Jesus Christ
is recommended for anyone who wants to learn more
about the essential tenets of Christianity,
as well as the unique, temporal and spiritual efficacies
of The Holy Catholic Church.

The complete, SIX-PART PRESENTATION
is available to view here, on-line, at absolutely no cost,
in the popular, easy to use and easy to view,
full color, PDF file format.

View and/or Download Each Part Separately, Below:

PART ONE:
The primeval events
that resulted in the Fall of Man

PART TWO:
The totally gratuitous
saving works of God

PART THREE:
Why we venerate
the Blessed Virgin Mary

PART FOUR:
The mystery
of our redemption
revealed

PART FIVE:
The spiritually vital mission
of the Holy Church

PART SIX:
Our personal identity
in Jesus Christ

Download the latest Adobe PDF Reader Software for free

For detailed information on a wide range of Catholic topics
visit Bob Stanley’s The Catholic Treasure Chest

Bob Stanley’s “The Catholic Treasure Chest” website is fully operational in English and Spanish; including the new, custom search feature. Try it!

Click Here For Bob Stanley’s
“The Catholic Treasure Chest” Website
E N G L I S H – I N G L E S

Bob Stanley’s
“The Catholic Treasure Chest”
provides practical, well written and clearly explained
Catholic answers to a host of faith questions.

The site is fully up and running here at AskMeAboutGod.org
in English and Spanish, in both HTML
and downloadable, PDF formats.

Your advice, suggestions and prayers are greatly appreciated.

May God richly bless you and yours.

Click Here For Bob Stanley’s
“The Catholic Treasure Chest” Website
S P A N I S H – E S P A N O L

Askmeaboutgod.org is the new “home” of The Catholic Treasure Chest website

I’ve lost touch with my old friend Bob Stanley,
of The Catholic Treasure Chest
and the original domain name is no longer available.

Bob’s site has been (for the last 20 years or so) one of the finest, most complete, truly Catholic websites on the planet.

According to the informal plan that Bob and I worked up together, many years ago: Should such an event occur, I was to restore the site from a comprehensive backup and get things up and running again, ASAP.

The Catholic Treasure Chest is once again, up and running
and may be accessed through available links
on this (www.AskMeAboutGod.org) site.

Click here to view

Please tell all your friends and let me know ASAP about any outages or malfunctions.

If you want to know what is happening to us now, all you have to do is to read the Old Testament and see what God did FOR those who obeyed Him, and TO those who refused to obey Him.

Lot and his family fleeing the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah
(Salty wife pictured slightly below and to the left) 

If you want to know what is happening to us now, all you have to do is to read the Old Testament and see what God did FOR those who obeyed Him, and TO those who refused to obey Him. The Old Testament is full of verses that illustrate both. Here is just one example:

Sir 16:7 In the congregation of sinners a fire shall be kindled, and in an unbelieving nation wrath shall flame out.
Sir 16:8 The ancient giants did not obtain pardon for their sins, who were destroyed trusting to their own strength:
Sir 16:9 And he spared not the place where Lot sojourned, but abhorred them for the pride of their word.
Sir 16:10 He had not pity on them, destroying the whole nation that extolled themselves in their sins.
Sir 16:11 So did he with the six hundred thousand footmen, who were gathered together in the hardness of their heart: and if one had been stiffnecked, it is a wonder if he had escaped unpunished:

Verses 7 and 10 of the Book of Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) tell it all.

Submitted by Bob Stanley of The Catholic Treasure Chest

Twenty Catholic Prayers

The late Mother Angelica
of the Eternal Word Television Network
spent a lot of quality time
speaking to God, in prayer
and she was obviously, very happy to do it. 

1. The Magnificat (Canticle of Mary):

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour for he has looked with favour on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed, the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever. Glory be to the Father……

2. Canticle of Zechariah:

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty saviour, born of the house of his servant David. Through his holy prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our Lord the dawn from on high will break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. Glory be to the Father….

3. Morning Prayer:

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ I will begin this day. I thank you, Lord, for having preserved me during the night. I will do my best to make all I do today pleasing to You and in accordance with Your will. My dear mother Mary, watch over me this day. My Guardian Angel, take care of me. St. Joseph and all you saints of God, pray for me..(add your daily offering)

4. Daily Offering:

O Jesus, through the immaculate heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day in union with the holy sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for all the intentions of your sacred heart: the salvation of souls, reparation for sin, the reunion of all Christians. I offer them for the intentions of our bishops and of all the apostles of prayer, and in particular for those recommended by our Holy Father this month.

5. Evening Prayer:

O my God, at the end of this day I thank You most heartily for all the graces I have received from You. I am sorry that I have not made a better use of them. I am sorry for all the sins I have committed against You. Forgive me, O my God, and graciously protect me this night. Blessed Virgin Mary, my dear heavenly mother, take me under your protection. St. Joseph, my dear Guardian Angel, and all you saints of God, pray for me. Sweet Jesus, have pity on all poor sinners, and save them from hell. Have mercy on the suffering souls in purgatory… (followed by an Act of Contrition)

6. Act of Contrition:

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell, but most of all because they offend you, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to confess my sins, to do penance and to amend my life. Amen

7. Prayer Before Meals:

Bless us O Lord, and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive, from thy bounty, through Christ, Our Lord. Amen. or Dear Jesus, we thank you for this food and ask you to bless it to our bodies, and our bodies to your service. Amen.

8. Anima Christi:

Soul of Christ, make me holy. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, fill me with love. Water from Christ’s side, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. Good Jesus, hear me. Within your wounds, hide me. Never let me be parted from you. From the evil enemy, protect me. At the hour of my death, call me. And tell me to come to you. That with your saints I may praise you. Through all eternity. Amen.

9. Guardian Angel Prayer:

Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love, commits me here. Ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

10. Prayer to Our Lady:

Memorare Remember, O most loving Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, we turn to you, O Virgins of virgins, our Mother. To you we come, before you we stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, do not despise our petitions, but in your mercy hear us and answer us. Amen.

11. Prayer to the Holy Spirit:

Breathe into me Holy Spirit, That all my thoughts may be holy. Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy. Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy. Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. or Spirit of wisdom and understanding, enlighten our minds to perceive the mysteries of the universe in relation to eternity. Spirit of right judgment and courage, guide us and make us firm in our baptismal decision to follow Jesus’ way of love. Spirit of knowledge and reverence, help us to see the lasting value of justice and mercy in our everyday dealings with one another. May we respect life as we work to solve problems of family and nation, economy and ecology. Spirit of God, spark our faith, hope and love into new action each day. Fill our lives with wonder and awe in your presence which penetrates all creation. Amen. or Come, Holy Spirit and fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fires of your love. Send forth your Spirit and we shall be created and you will renew the face of the earth. Amen.

12. The Angelus:

V: The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary. R: And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. (Hail Mary….) V: Behold the handmaid of the Lord. R: Be it done unto me according to thy word. (Hail Mary….) V: And the Word was made Flesh. R: And dwelt among us. (Hail Mary….) V: Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. R: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. LET US PRAY: Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that, we to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an Angel, may by His Passion and Cross, be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

It is traditional to say the Angelus at: 6.00 am, 12.00 Noon, 6.00 pm

13. The Our Father:

Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

14. The Hail Mary:

Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death Amen.

15. Glory Be to the Father:

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

16. The Divine Praises:

Blessed be God. Blessed be His Holy Name. Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man. Blessed be the Name of Jesus. Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart. Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most Holy. Blessed be her Holy and Immaculate Conception. Blessed be her Glorious Assumption. Blessed be the Name of Mary, Virgin and Mother. Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse. Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints.

17. The Apostle’s Creed:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

18. Offering of the Sacred Heart of Jesus:

Eternal Father, I offer the Sacred Heart of Jesus, with all its love, all its suffering and all its merits; to expiate all the sins I have committed this day, and during all my life; to purify the good that I have done this day and during my life; to make up for the good I ought to have done and that I have neglected this day and during all my life. Amen.

19. Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel:

St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May god rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and the other evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. V: Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, R: Have Mercy on us. V: Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, R: Have Mercy on us. V: Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, R: Have Mercy on us. Amen.

20. At the End of the Day: Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep; If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.

Courtesy of Bob Stanley/The Catholic Treasure Chest

A great, joyous, old fashioned Advent hymn

Watch the video

Monsignor Charles Pope maintains a daily blog that is one of the finest Catholic sites I know … right up there with Bob Stanley’s Catholic Treasure Chest. But unlike the Treasure Chest, Monsignor Pope’s site paces the liturgical year.

Today, the good monsignor shares with us an ancient, favorite Advent hymn, along with a very insightful article.

Take some time to listen and to read. Then, add both sites mentioned above to your favorites!