Monday, November 30, 2009

Quiksilver Fashion Marketing Director (Women's Brands) (Huntington Beach, CA)

Kenexa Requisition ID	2428BR
Job Posting Title	Fashion Marketing Director, all Women's Brands
Job Description	Department: Women’s Brand Marketing Job Summary: The Fashion Marketing Director reports to the VP of Marketing with the primary responsibility being all fashion marketing for Roxy, Quiksilver Womens, Raisins, Radio Fiji and Leilani. The Fashion Marketing Director works closely with the Fashion Art Director, Brand Marketing Director, Design teams, Event Manager (Photoshoot Producer), Director of PR, National Sales Managers, Advertising Manager, Core Marketing Director, Visuals department, Online Marketing Manager, Business and Operations Manager. Responsibilities: · Responsible for establishing fashion objectives for the year: development of concept and marketing plan (along with campaign director), management and development of budget, exploring new initiatives, and creative look-and-feel. · Works as a team with Fashion Art Director and Brand Marketing Director (campaign management) to conceptualize and implement all fashion marketing planning and creative for the year: print advertising, PR messaging, in-store p.o.p., online marketing, website look-and-feel, direct mail catalog, retail windows (company-owned and wholesale), email marketing, events, radio, social networking and more. · Intimately involved with design department on trends and direction for the season and establishes product marketing stories. · Oversees and communicates all research for the brands- trend analysis, consumer research, and the Roxy Style Squad (online research group). · Works with internal Art Department to manage use and placement of fashion photos and assists in creation of ad campaigns. Along with creative director and fashion art director, responsible for final creative sign-off on all fashion ads and artwork released to media. · Manages all Roxy involvement in the Fashion world- forges new relationships (celebrity, taste-makers) and integrates the brand in new projects etc. · Manages fashion designer collaborations for the brands. · Works alongside the Director of Communication to pitch images, fashion, designers and stories to print and online magazines. Actively involved in concept and management of quarterly New York fashion press preview events. · Along with Retail Marketing department and Core Marketing Director, actively involved in selection and implementation of fashion imagery to all core and mainstream retail accounts. · Works with the Vice President of Marketing and Advertising Manager on all fashion media planning. · Works alongside Fashion Art Director and producer on all fashion photoshoots: selection of models, hair and make-up, styling, theme, props, location etc. Requirements: · 4 year degree · 5-7 years of related experience · Travel required (6-8 trips per year)
Full-time/Part-time	Full-Time
Employment Status	Regular
Shift	1st
Company	Quiksilver Americas, Inc.
Position Location	Corporate Headquarters
Posting Location	CA - Huntington Beach
Job Category	Marketing posted by Michelle Fong

Express Media Specialist (Columbus, Ohio)

Media Specialist

Posting Date :	11/30/09
Requisition Number :	1759780
Location :	OH, Columbus

Express is sexy, original style in a fun, high-energy environment. Express is young and independent, but with a three decade history of success. And with more than 20,000 associates, more than 580 stores, and more than $1.8 billion in annual sales, Express is one of the ten largest specialty brands in the country. And we’re growing bigger and better every season.

The Non-Traditional Media buyer is responsible for the strategy and execution of all integrated media campaigns to drive traffic and sales to Express and Express.com. This position will determine the optimal seasonal media campaigns including banner advertising, re-marketing, mobile marketing, PPC, Mobile advertising, value-ads, and some traditional media. In addition, this position will negotiate all fees and placements, manage the creative process, develop reporting, optimize programs through testing, and communicate performance.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Develop and execute comprehensive strategies including budgeting, forecasting, innovation ideation, 360 brand integration, and excellent execution
Manage the media strategies, calendars, content development, strategic overviews to the creative group, and coordinate efforts of copy and design to ensure business objectives.

• Source and maintain profitable media relationships with online publishers
• Negotiate pricing and purchase inventory on a CPA, CPM, CPC and CPL basis
• Prospect for new media placements that expand our network distribution capabilities and partners that can utilize and benefit from our offerings
• Monitor competitive activity and spending to optimize and ensure a category leadership position.
• Meet /exceed traffic and sales goals based on key performance metrics across multiple marketing channels
• Continually monitor all key conversion metrics in order to analyze effectiveness and adjust as needed to meet goals
• Work with website analytic platforms , including Omniture, to create reporting and share key insights with cross-functional teams
• Work with the User Experience team to develop and implement new features and innovation across all touch points
• Effectively manage best-in-class agency partners and external vendors
• Continuously deliver programs on time and on budget

Work Experience and Education
• College degree required. MBA a plus.
• Minimum 3-5 years relevant media buying experience, with 2 years focus on non-traditional media buying, in related field
• Experience with high volume, consumer facing websites with meaningful annual revenue
• Proven ability to analyze, organize and integrate large amounts information into clear concise presentations and plans
• Demonstrated success in negotiating optimal placements and rates
• Demonstrated success in delivering efficient traffic and revenue to the bottom line
• Demonstrated ability to maintain and increase professional knowledge of the latest trends, practices, programs, and applications evolving in media.
• Ability to meet deadlines
• General working knowledge of basic web technologies is preferred, but not required (HTML, JavaScript, AJAX, ATG, web platforms, Flash, etc.)

An equal opportunity employer, Express, LLC does not discriminate in hiring or terms and conditions of employment because of an individual's race, color, religion, gender, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, sexual orientation or marital status. Express, LLC only hires individuals authorized for employment in the United States.

posted by Michelle Fong

BCBG Max Azria Merchandise Planner (International Stores Division)

MERCHANDISE PLANNER - INTERNATIONAL STORES DIVISION
Responsibilities:

Work in concert with the Sr. Planning Manager or Planning Manager and the Retail Buying Team to develop and communicate a comprehensive Merchandise Plan strategy that aligns financial and product opportunities across multiple departments
Execute the pre-season and in-season planning processes that include Category, Location and Assortment Planning
Identify key drivers of the business and prepare appropriate actions plans
Develop and manage Key Item Spreadsheets
Develop and maintain OTB with weekly updates and re-forecasts
Assist the Sr. Planning Manager to present merchandise area financial forecasts and strategies during the OTB monthly meetings
Develop Sku – Assortment Plans within assigned merchandise area that include GBB, store groups and allocation parameters
Develop markdown plans within assigned merchandise area and ensure alignment with financial goals
Work in concert with Allocation to monitor new store performance and ensure that allocation and replenishment is in line with corporate objectives and strategies
Work closely with Warehouse Team and Allocation to monitor receipts
Liason with IS to ensure data integrity for all merchandise reports
Master all computer systems
Document and periodically update Merchandise Planning Business Process
Foster a strong professional working relationship with the Buying Team, Planning Manager and cross-functional departments
Actively participate in all departmental meetings by sharing pertinent business information and fostering innovation and cooperation among all team members
Conduct weekly Warehouse walk-thrus with the Buying Team
Conduct periodic store visits
Attend Merchandise Planning and Allocation conferences

Minimum Qualifications:

1-2 years experience in Merchandise Planning within a specialty chain
1-2 years experience in Merchandise Allocation and Store Planning within a specialty chain
Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, Economics or Math
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Excellent analytical skills
Ability and willingness to work in a Team environment

posted by Michelle Fong

Wet Seal District Director (Sacramento, CA)

District Director - Sacramento area NEEDED!!!

CANDIDATE MUST HAVE JUNIOR SPECIALTY EXPERIENCE

District Director will manage the area of Sacramento and surrounding market, and supervise multiple stores. District Directors teach, develop, motivate and inspire Store Managers to achieve store sales goals, operational compliance and personnel functions to ensure customer satisfaction, store maximum productivity and profitability.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Sales Leadership

· Enforces high standards of Customer Service and selling

· Monitors store sales performance, productivity, results and accountability

· Analyzes sales and merchandise reports to identify business opportunities and concerns

Staffing and Store Management Development

· Forecasts and identify Store Personnel needs

· Recruits quality Store Management candidates

· Insures compliance with Employment Laws

· Insures store personnel are trained in Customer Service, Loss Prevention and Visual Presentation to support brand experience

· Administers company personnel program including appropriate performance reviews, compensation and employment records

· Documents Store Manager performance issues in a timely manner

· Represents District as a mentor, pro-active leader and problem solver

Operations Excellence

· Audits each store for compliance with company standard for all Policies and Procedures

· Manages payroll hours and payroll dollars to achieve wage cost goals

· Protects Company assets through enforcing Loss Prevention Policies and Procedures

· Protects district profit by ensuring accuracy and full store execution in pricing and signage of promotional and markdown directives

Visual Presentation and Merchandise Management

· Evaluate and communicate assortment, stock level and maintenance needs

· Insures store execution of floor-set, promotional and visual presentation directives

· Insures store appearance and atmosphere supports and reinforces brand image

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

§ Minimum of one year of experience of multi-store director experience and/or 4 to 5 years of high volume retail specialty store management experience

§ Proven leadership, motivational, development and organizational skills

§ Strong communication skills, both verbal and written

§ Ability to analyze and assess sales and merchandise reports

§ Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks in a demanding and continuously evolving environment

§ Must have flexibility in work schedule and hours including during holiday and peak selling periods

§ Willingness and ability to travel regularly by air and/or car, with overnight stays, as District and Corporate business dictates.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

§ High School graduate or equivalent

§ College Graduate Preferred

FASHION SAVVY:

§ Represents the fashion and style of Wet Seal

§ Knowledge of current fashion trends and styles

§ Appreciation and demonstration of an overall finished fashion look

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:

§ Strong observation skills, identifying and assessing

§ Ability to retain and utilize data, i.e. names, merchandise, information, policies and procedures

Please send resumes to: Kristen.Jones@wetseal.com

REFERENCE "District Director" in subject line of email. Thank you.

posted by Michelle Fong

Wet Seal Financial Analyst

Position Title:
Financial Analyst

Company:
The Wet Seal, Inc.

Job Status:
Full Time
Employee

Salary:
65,000.00 - 75,000.00 USD /year

Work Experience:
5+ to 7 Years

Career Level:
Experienced (Non-Manager)

Minimum Education:
Bachelor's Degree

Financial Analyst Description

Monitor and maintain various spreadsheets, monitor various store expenses and assist the Financial Planning department with the creation of annual budgets and special projects.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Perform financial, operational, performance & statistical analyses.

· Assist in preparation and review of budgets and identify current trends to create forecasts for future results.

· Assist in preparation of monthly financial statements and management reports.

· Conduct and document moderate to complex financial analysis projects.

· Work on special financial projects as required.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

· 4-7 years of relevant work experience.

· Excellent analytical skills.

· Strong organizational and time management skills.

· Eagerness to take initiative and solve problems.

· Ability to communicate to non-numerically oriented associates so they may understand important financial concepts.

· Previous experience in financial analysis within the retail industry is highly desirable.

· Working knowledge of Oracle Financials is a plus.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

· Bachelors degree required, degree in finance or accounting preferred.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:

· Strong Microsoft Excel skills

· MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Arithmetic, financial & accounting concepts.

· REASONING ABILITY: Can work independently after receiving initial instructions, utilizing past assignments/tasks to problem solve before asking for assistance.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

· Rapidly growing, constantly changing, dynamic environment.

~Wet Seal / ArdenB offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes a 401k. Employees are eligilbe for a 40% discount at our retail locations~

**Please submit a WORD resume to recruiters@wetseal.com , if you meet the requirements for this position.**

posted by Michelle Fong

Tilly's Photo Studio Product Stylist (Irvine, CA)

Photo Studio Product Stylist

About the Job

We are currently looking for a talented/ambitious individual to join our Tilly’s team! The Photo Studio Product Stylist will assist in the creation of images for Tilly’s online site Tillys.com. The Product Stylist will be responsible for assuring the highest quality images are produced for a variety of products and garments. They will be relied on to balance artistic direction with the creative challenges of diverse products. They will assist the photography staff with preparation, styling, and rigging of products and garments.

Tilly's is a retail chain store that sells the most sought out west-coast lifestyle clothing, shoes, and accessories. Tilly's offers a wide assortment of brands such as Volcom, Quiksilver, Billabong, Roxy, Hurley, FOX, DC and Infamous catering to today's active males, juniors, boys, girls, and the fashion conscious youth. Now operating over 100 stores throughout California, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Support Tilly’s by providing the highest quality product styling for Tilly’s

Partner with Buyers, Product Coordinators, Site Coordinators, Quality Assurance, Product Knowledge, Photographers, and Art Directors to achieve directives

Support quality imagery by providing the accurate styling of product on mannequin and tabletop

Team cross departmentally concerning creative directives

Organize and prepare product for efficient and accurate photography for specific deadlines

Prioritize product to maximize production, support business needs and adhere to specific deadlines

Work directly with the Distribution Center, Retail Support Center, and Photography Studio concerning product, inventory, deadlines and guidelines

QUALIFICATIONS:

Associates or Bachelor’s degree in commercial photography, fine art and/or related field preferred

Strong computer skills with knowledge of Mac OS, Microsoft Office

1-3 years Product Photography Styling experience preferred

1 years experience working in catalog or internet production environment required.

Ability to manage multiple projects in a schedule-driven, fast paced environment

Advanced knowledge of PC and Mac computers

Working knowledge Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel)

Superior customer service attitude

Team player with the ability to work independently

Detail-oriented, accurate, professional and accountable

Flexible, able to respond immediately to business changes and priorities

Job Summary

Company: Tilly's
Location: Irvine, CA 92618
Industries: Retail
Job Type: Full Time; Employee

posted by Michelle Fong

Tilly's Assistant Fashion Coordinator (Irvine, CA)

Assistant Fashion Coordinator

About the Job

The Assistant Fashion Coordinator assists the Fashion Coordinator with all assignments including but not limited to the following:

Primary Responsibilities:

Fashion and color forecasting

Trend Presentations

Signs, marketing and visual coordination

Catalog layout and merchandising

Meeting coordination

Organizing Special Events and Fashion Shows

Required Skills, Attributes and Knowledge:

College degree required

Experience in fashion/retail/wholesale industry required

Excellent time management skills

Organized and efficient

Strong interpersonal, communication, networking and presentation skills

Effective negotiation skills

Familiarity with social networking website

Excel and Word proficiency required

Photoshop /Illustrator proficiency preferred

Strong fashion sense

Able to recognize forward trends and help interpret to Tilly’s target customer

Job Summary

Company: Tilly's
Location: Irvine, CA 92618
Industries: Retail
Job Type: Full Time; Employee

posted by Michelle Fong

bebe Sr. Designer, Sportswear (Los Angeles, CA)

Requisition Number	09-0267
Post Date	11/19/2009
Title	Sr. Designer, Sportswear
City	Los Angeles
State	CA
Description	GENERAL JOB FUNCTIONS Forecast the latest fashion trends, and create seasonal mood/color boards focusing on the bebe marketing campaign and stores’ product assortment. Source yarns, fabrics, skins and trims that address the above trends. Sketch designs, with specific technical details communicating clearly the vision of the product to the assistant/associate designer responsible for the category. Follow designs through the different stages; set up, pattern, sewing, and all the fittings from first to production, merchandising presentation, updates and changes requested by merchants, production. Communicate regularly with corresponding merchant/planner/production manager to resolve ongoing issues, review the business, re-evaluate priorities to address the dynamic process of stores’ sales and customers’ needs. Know the business, stay on top of best-sellers, worst-sellers, fabric-sales, color-sales, Open to Buy, SKU planning, etc. through regular communication with merchant/planner for the specific category. Coordinate efforts with merchant on all outside vendor product developments. Is loyal, professional, organized, flexible and hard working while employed at bebe. Understand the bebe customer and her dynamic needs therefore designing sexy, sellable, and exclusive products for the sophisticated, fashion conscious customer. Maintain the contemporary integrity of the brand while designing products that reflect the latest trends. Accomplish the above task while meeting merchandising/production deadlines, staying within the assigned annual sampling budget for the department, maintaining a 50% adoption rate of samples going into production. Provide leadership and constant feedback to the associates/assistant designers through regular and clear communication. Know the competition better than they know us. Regularly shop the bebe stores as well as the competitors to know our relative strength/weakness. Anticipate their next move and the general merchandising direction for future seasons. Maintain communication and good relations with vendors, resources, factories, and peers. Plans, directs and executes a comprehensive collection of sellable product for the bebe customer within the specific classification. Responsible for development and administration of all department responsibilities. Interviews and selects employees to fill vacant positions. Plans and conducts employee training to meet established company goals or initiatives Develops, implements and maintains systems to meet needs and objectives.
Requirements	GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS Degree in fashion design preferably from a Design Technical Institution. 7-10 years of experience in design; preferably contemporary. Have previous experience of design and product development for a vertical company. Have experience working in a design team environment. Have effective written and verbal communication skills. Have expertise in organizational time management Analytical abilities and attention to detail are necessary Intermediate knowledge of MS applications (Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint) posted by Michelle Fong

(Coach) Reed Krakoff- Director of Hardware- Jewelry/Metals Expert (NY)

Job Title:	Reed Krakoff - Director of Hardware - Jewelry/Metals Expert
Position Description:	Reed Krakoff - Director of Hardware – Jewelry/Metals Expert / New York, NY Coach, founded in 1941, is America’s premier accessible luxury accessories brand and a leader in international markets. We are a designer and marketer of high quality, modern accessories that complement the diverse lifestyles of today’s consumer. Coach offers excellent career growth opportunities, competitive salaries and benefits within a dynamic work environment. Coach brings together strong, collaborative people in a dynamic culture of mutual respect, support, and passion for the brand and product. We believe innovation drives winning performance, and we constantly challenge ourselves to be the very best we can in every aspect of our business. You will be surrounded by some of the best and brightest people in the industry. At Coach you will be in great company! “With average sales growth of 24% over the past three years and a 61% return on invested capital, Coach is No. 1 on this year's BusinessWeek 50 ranking. The companies that make up the BusinessWeek 50 represent the star performers in each of the 10 sectors that make up the S&P 500.” Business Week, March 2008 Primary Purpose The Director of Hardware is responsible for the development of accessories hardware, from conceptualization to approval, for Reed Krakoff, Coach’s new luxury brand initiative. Specifically, this Director is accountable for sourcing and initiating new designs, materials and processes. The Director of Hardware reports to the Divisional Vice President of Hardware. The Director must be creative, resourceful, efficient and highly service and solution oriented. The Director is responsible for managing key professionals including modelmaking, sample development and factory production. Key Responibilities: Partner closely with Design and Product Development to develop new hardware required for Coach sample making; primary contact for all internal and external customers on the development and counter sourcing of new hardware. Interface with raw material suppliers to troubleshoot potential quality issues, secure initial pricing and define potential production issues, and communicate same to internal partners. Support the commercialization of new items for production including quality and engineering approval. Support the creation of hardware standards for new hardware pieces. Possess the capability to broaden global supplier base. Special projects and initiatives as required. The accomplished individual will possess... Bachelor’s Degree. Ten plus years experience in a materials/product development position with at least five years in a leadership role. Background in metals required. Ability to establish strong credibility and influence with team, business partners and cross-functional partners. A strategic thinker. Creative, innovative and a strong problem solver. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Experience working for a luxury brand strongly preferred; start up experience highly valued. Coach is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and we pride ourselves on hiring and developing the best people. All employment decisions (including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, transfer, training, discipline and termination) are based on the applicant’s or employee’s qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration. These decisions are made without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, religion or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Visit Coach at www.coach.com.
City:	New York
State:	New York
Country:	United States
Job Type:	Full Time - Permanent
Interest Category:	Operations/Supply Chain
Shift:
Requisition Number: posted by Michelle Fong	819

Immaculate Conception Novena - Day 2 (From EWTN)

PRAYER TO THE
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

O God, who by the Immaculate Conception
of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son,
we beseech You that, as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son, You did preserve Her from all stain,
so too You would permit us, purified through Her intercession, to come unto You.
Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, world without end.
Amen.

Day Two
O Mary, ever blessed Virgin, Mother of God, Queen of angels and of saints, we salute you with the most profound veneration and filial devotion as we contemplate your holy Immaculate Conception, We thank you for your maternal protection and for the many blessings that we have received through your wondrous mercy and most powerful intercession. In all our necessities we have recourse to you with unbounded confidence. O Mother of Mercy, we beseech you now to hear our prayer and to obtain for us of your Divine Son the favor that we so earnestly request in this novena...
(State your intention here...)
O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother of Christ, you had influence with your Divine Son while upon this earth; you have the same influence now in heaven. Pray for us and obtain for us from him the granting of my petition if it be the Divine Will.
Amen.

(Taken from: EWTN.com)

Immaculate Conception Novena - Day 1 (From EWTN)

I am not going to lie... I am copy and pasting from EWTN.com ... but I am doing so in an attempt to get people to join in this Novena. If you forgot that today [yesterday for most of you reading this] is the first day of the Novena, don't fret, just do part in the morning and part at night.

For those that don't know... the Novena is a nine (9) day prayer. The last day is said on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. This is a GREAT ADVENT prayer to do with your family. It is short and meaningful! An easy way to add prayer to your family during the holiday and to remember the HOLYday.

Day One
O most Holy Virgin, who was pleasing to the Lord and became His mother, immaculate in body and spirit, in faith and in love, look kindly on me as I implore your powerful intercession. O most Holy Mother, who by your blessed Immaculate Conception, from the first moment of your conception did crush the head of the enemy, receive our prayers as we implore you to present at the throne of God the favor we now request...
(State your intention here...)
O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother of Christ, you had influence with your Divine Son while upon this earth; you have the same influence now in heaven. Pray for us and obtain for us from him the granting of my petition if it be the Divine Will.
Amen.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

A nice walk...

Yesterday... my wife and I took a nice little hike/walk down some trails and around a frozen lake... here are some of the pictures... we are most definitely in God's country...

Fr. Z mentioned the other day that He and I should do "Moose Updates" when we see Moose roaming around. Now I didn't see a Moose, but I did see a porcupine :)

"The People Not in the Pews"

A recent posting over at the "New Liturgical Movement" has prompted several postings on other blogs, and hits at the core of conversation my wife and I have been having about our children and the Church. You can read the article that inspired all the postings at: The People Not in the Pews

The centerpiece of the article is shows how Mass Attendance is down amongst young people. I know that this isn't breaking news, and I know that this has been a problem for a while, but the article does a good job at describing why. This study was done in 2004, and since then there has arguably been a resurgence in same churches and a revitalization. In no small part it is obvious that the "Reform of the Reform" has helped.

Jeffrey Tucker, the author of the article explains that the conclusion that the "modernist" trend in Churches and the Mass is often dismissed, the explanation given is that it is too simplistic, not driven by any "hard facts" and is merely coincidental. He further explains [with my commentary in red]:

"...In the United States, most people have encountered many who left the Church after the Council. I've had several dozen or so conversations over the years with people who have left and sought out the reasons. Yes, these people are glad to dismiss Catholic teaching on moral and doctrinal issues, but what stands out time and again are the tales of how the ghastly aesthetic trends of the time invaded their Churches. They tell o[f] guitar strummers and faux-folk music and bongos and beat poets and hippy bands and, later, saccharine sweety-sweet tunes and felt banners, liturgical dancers, flag wavers, and bare-footed incense bowl carriers and the like. [Add to this the ones that stayed in spite of such things. Sure these things may have brought some to Church, but how many left because of it, and how many would have come despite such things? Worse yet and impossible to determine, how many more would have come without it?]

At some point, these people just couldn't take it anymore. Having left, it becomes easier to manufacture reasons why the Catholics are wrong on just about everything else from morality to priestly celibacy to the role of the Pope and the financial corruption of the whole apparatus. [It is much harder to appreciate or defend something that has nothing worthwhile to cling to.] They read the novels of Dan Brown and think: I was right to leave! At this point, people are just looking for good excuses to justify their unwillingness to be subjected week after week to Woodstock Lite.

Now let us turn to the question of how we are going to get these people back. I'm not under any illusions here. Turning the clock back to recreate the world of 1958 is not going to suddenly create a massive influx into the Catholic Church. Even a widespread proliferation of extraordinary form Masses is not a magic bullet to cause the pews to fill up next week. A widespread availability of the old form of Mass is probably the best step that can be taken but it is not the whole answer. [Many of us that attend EF/TLM's when we can do so because of its beauty. Helping that decision though is the "experimentation" that occurs in many churches in their NO masses. Properly done, regardless of the church or the type of Mass you attend, reverence and purpose would be found equally across the board.]

What needs to happen is a consistent embrace of solemnity and mystery in the liturgy, whether it in the ordinary or extraordinary form, week after week, backed by strong educational programs and a parish culture that is not shy to embrace the glories and beauties of the faith and its capacity for creating lasting social bonds. [Rather than experimentation we as a Church need to return to those tested and true practices that work. In an age of modernity and upheaval, where the only thing old is change, a Church that is tradition and constants would be well received by those young, and old, that wander in the wasteland of relativism.]

This article reiterates a lot of what Pope Benedict XVI wrote in his Spirit of the Liturgy book. Change is necessary sometimes and there is little doubt about that. But change simply for changes sake is always wrong. Our religion is build both on faith and reason. We must not simply do things for the sake of the faith without firm reason.

Advent Reading Sunday, November 29 & Catena Aurea Commentary

The following is the Gospel reading for Sunday, the Church fathers commentary in blue and then my comments in red.

Gospel, Lk 21:25-28, 34-36

²⁵ 'There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; on earth nations in agony, bewildered by the turmoil of the ocean and its waves;

²⁶ men fainting away with terror and fear at what menaces the world, for the powers of heaven will be shaken.

²⁷ And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

²⁸ When these things begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand.'

³⁴ 'Watch yourselves, or your hearts will be coarsened by debauchery and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day will come upon you unexpectedly,

³⁵ like a trap. For it will come down on all those living on the face of the earth.

³⁶ Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to hold your ground before the Son of man.'

The Gospel that opens Advent this year is clearly about the future coming of Christ... both in the first instance and in the future. Here is what the Church fathers say [from: http://www.catecheticsonline.com/CatenaAurea-Luke21.php]

Re: Verses 25-27:

EUSEBIUS: For at that time when the end of this perishing life shall be accomplished, and, as the Apostle says, The fashion of this world passes away, then shall succeed a new world in which instead of sensible light, Christ Himself shall shine as a sunbeam, and as the King of the new world, and so mighty and glorious will be His light, that the sun which now dazzles so brightly, and the moon and all the stars, shall be hidden by the coming of a far greater light.

CYRIL; Great must be understood in like manner. For His first appearance He made in our weakness and lowliness, the second He shall celebrate in all His own power.

The coming of Christ originally came in a lowly form. His glory then was then as a man, and so his coming was signaled in a lowly way, much deserved of mankind. One star symbolized his birthplace, in a cave with animals. His birth was known to very few - only his greatest enemies and greatest believers. Saint Cyril juxtaposes this image, the one we are so familiar with in the "Little Town of Bethlehem", and makes reference to the description Eusebius gives. His second coming will be with all the Glory and Splendor of God and it will be known to all. This second coming, and its description show what a humble act God undertook by giving Jesus to us in Human form.

RE: Verses 34-36:

THEOPHYL. And because a Christian needs not only to flee evil, but to strive to obtain glory, He adds, And to stand before the Son of man. For this is the glory of angels, to stand before the Son of man, our God, and always to behold His face.

THEOPHYL. Our Lord declared above the fearful and sensible signs of the evils which should overtake sinners, against which the only remedy is watching and prayer, as it is said, And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time,

BASIL; But carefulness, or the care of this life, although it seems to have nothing unlawful in it, nevertheless if it conduce not to religion, must be avoided. And the reason why He said this He shows by what comes next, And so that day come upon you unawares.

These verses which follow the account of the Second Coming are a warning and guidepost for us as Christians. We are to be mindful and watchful; not necessarily over the skies for the appearance but instead over our souls and our faith. Many use these verses as an argument against drinking in total, but as the commentary explains, the danger and problem is in the indulgence and excess of such things. The excess clouds our minds and prevents us from clearly focusing on the GOOD that is GOD. Therefore during Advent, as we prepare ourselves for the "first coming" let us be mindful of such things. Let us not focus on shopping, "events" and the earthly concerns that pull us from God. All that we do for the next month and a half should always focus on Christ. If ALL of our actions don't lead back to or center on Christ, they are therefore self-indulgent and as St. Basil says, "must be avoided."