Sunday, November 22, 2009
I Think I May Need Help.
Last night I dreamed that my boat had been stolen by drug dealing pirates (on the Great Salt Lake no less). I then had to retrieve it with the help of Paul Sr. from "American Chopper".
Friday, November 20, 2009
Retrenching.
The diocese mailed out a statement earlier in the week say that a local radio station had made false statements concerning CCHD and gave examples of some good programs (and some not so good but not morally objectionable) that CCHD has supported locally. So what? No one is saying that all CCHD funded programs are problematic, but rather that enough have been and are. (It seems that every week a new program is uncovered that supports things contrary to the teaching of the Church.) Further, the whole premise of the CCHD and its addressing of the 'root causes of poverty' seems to be based more on Marxist and non-Marxist socialism than on the Gospel. A thoroughgoing review of CCHD is called for that at least develops mechanism that prevents the funding of problematic organization. It should also examine the very premise of CCHD and how it has been exploited to support leftist organizations.
The following is an American Life League release:
31 CCHD-FUNDED GROUPS SUPPORTED, TRAINED BY PRO-ABORTION, HOMOSEXUAL MARRIAGE ACTIVISTS
CCHD Still in Denial as Nov. 22 Collection Approaches
FRONT ROYAL, VA — As thousands of Catholic parishes across the country prepare for the annual Catholic Campaign for Human Development collection Nov. 22, shocking new developments have launched a groundswell of protest from Catholics around the country.
Reform CCHD Now Coalition members American Life League, Human Life International and the Bellarmine Veritas Ministry have spent the last two months exposing CCHD’s funding of organizations promoting abortion, homosexual marriage, birth control and sex education.
In the last year alone, the CCHD has funneled at least $1.3 million to groups opposing Catholic Church teaching.
The CCHD describes itself as the “domestic anti-poverty, social justice program of the U.S. Catholic bishops.”
The coalition’s latest discovery exposes 31 organizations partnered with the Center for Community Change. The CCC is a politically radical, anti-life, pro-homosexualist organization whose board members include Heather Booth, former consultant for the National Organization for Women and Sara Gould, President and CEO of pro-abortion Ms. Foundation for Women.
Through their "Generation Change" program the CCC trains and develops staff as "community organizers" for their partner groups. The CCC provides a resource library with books promoting "reproductive freedom and its "Movement Vision Lab" equates access to abortion and "reproductive justice" with seeking criminal justice. This project aims to build a "progressive movement" with a "coherent, compelling, shared vision — one that represents our values and dreams for society" according to the group.
“The connection is undeniable. There is no excuse for Catholic donations going towards organizations trained and supported by groups diametrically opposed to the Church,” said Michael Hichborn, lead researcher into the CCHD for the American Life League. “Until the CCHD proves grantees do not affiliate with those who attack Church teaching, the CCHD should not receive a single dime.”
The CCHD annually collects between $7-9 million from parishes across the country. This money is then redistributed to “community-controlled, self-help organizations and through transformative education,” according to their web site.
Since the coalition began its investigations at least two dioceses, Allentown and Madison, have publicly announced they will not be participating in the Nov. 22 collection. Gamaliel, one of the CCHD grantees partnered with the CCC, reports that five diocese have backed out of this year's CCHD collection.
The following is an American Life League release:
31 CCHD-FUNDED GROUPS SUPPORTED, TRAINED BY PRO-ABORTION, HOMOSEXUAL MARRIAGE ACTIVISTS
CCHD Still in Denial as Nov. 22 Collection Approaches
FRONT ROYAL, VA — As thousands of Catholic parishes across the country prepare for the annual Catholic Campaign for Human Development collection Nov. 22, shocking new developments have launched a groundswell of protest from Catholics around the country.
Reform CCHD Now Coalition members American Life League, Human Life International and the Bellarmine Veritas Ministry have spent the last two months exposing CCHD’s funding of organizations promoting abortion, homosexual marriage, birth control and sex education.
In the last year alone, the CCHD has funneled at least $1.3 million to groups opposing Catholic Church teaching.
The CCHD describes itself as the “domestic anti-poverty, social justice program of the U.S. Catholic bishops.”
The coalition’s latest discovery exposes 31 organizations partnered with the Center for Community Change. The CCC is a politically radical, anti-life, pro-homosexualist organization whose board members include Heather Booth, former consultant for the National Organization for Women and Sara Gould, President and CEO of pro-abortion Ms. Foundation for Women.
Through their "Generation Change" program the CCC trains and develops staff as "community organizers" for their partner groups. The CCC provides a resource library with books promoting "reproductive freedom and its "Movement Vision Lab" equates access to abortion and "reproductive justice" with seeking criminal justice. This project aims to build a "progressive movement" with a "coherent, compelling, shared vision — one that represents our values and dreams for society" according to the group.
“The connection is undeniable. There is no excuse for Catholic donations going towards organizations trained and supported by groups diametrically opposed to the Church,” said Michael Hichborn, lead researcher into the CCHD for the American Life League. “Until the CCHD proves grantees do not affiliate with those who attack Church teaching, the CCHD should not receive a single dime.”
The CCHD annually collects between $7-9 million from parishes across the country. This money is then redistributed to “community-controlled, self-help organizations and through transformative education,” according to their web site.
Since the coalition began its investigations at least two dioceses, Allentown and Madison, have publicly announced they will not be participating in the Nov. 22 collection. Gamaliel, one of the CCHD grantees partnered with the CCC, reports that five diocese have backed out of this year's CCHD collection.
300k.
Last night at about midnight MST visitor number 300,000 to this blog rolled in from Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Thanks for coming by.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
A Warning From The Future.
The Star Trek re-boot is be released this week on DVD and BluRay. This is a very good thing. I found the movie to be thoroughly enjoyable and faithful to the spirit and mythology of the original. (Karl Urban's McCoy was the standout, though I don't think there was a bad performance in the whole movie.)
*****SPOILER ALERT******* Close your eyes and navigate away if you don't want an important part of the plot revealed.
In the movie, old Spock (Leonard Nimoy) comes back in time and meets young Kirk and young Spock. Unfortunately, old Spock doesn't give Kirk some useful information that would make Kirk's life a whole lot better. This is what Kirk should have been told:
1-Your 5 year mission is to boldly go where no man has gone before, not sleep with every bee-hived bimbo in the galaxy.
2-Stay away from Carol Marcus. (See #1).
3-The correct response when you find an old ship named Botany Bay is to fire all phasers and photon torpedoes immediately.
4-Ben Finney is hiding in Engineering.
5-Edith Keeler must die.
6-Tribbles are a good source of protein.
7-Stay away from Janice Lester (See #1).
8-Tell Scotty to watch the twinkies in later life. And while your at it, tell Uhura that after a certain age, fan dances are a bad idea.
9-Betazed should be destroyed from orbit. (Amended by Paul TRG) ... it's the only way to be sure.
10-Don't allow Disco to influence new Star Fleet uniforms.
11-Don't hit on alien women in an alien prison... they could be shape-shifting alien men. (Agent Smith).
12-Romulan Ale is not to be served at state dinners with Klingons. (CarpeNoctem).
13-Klingon food; eat it before it eats you. (Subvet).
14- Circuit breakers are good for preventing control panels on the bridge from shorting out and killing the crewmen stationed at them. Likewise, consider seat belts for the bridge crew. (Paul TRG)
15- Give Janice Rand a transfer to someplace where she can concentrate on her work. (Paul TRG)
16- Don't forget to check back on Khan every now and then. (Paul TRG) (Not necessary if you obey #3).
(If you have any you want to add, chime in in the combox.)
*****SPOILER ALERT******* Close your eyes and navigate away if you don't want an important part of the plot revealed.
In the movie, old Spock (Leonard Nimoy) comes back in time and meets young Kirk and young Spock. Unfortunately, old Spock doesn't give Kirk some useful information that would make Kirk's life a whole lot better. This is what Kirk should have been told:
1-Your 5 year mission is to boldly go where no man has gone before, not sleep with every bee-hived bimbo in the galaxy.
2-Stay away from Carol Marcus. (See #1).
3-The correct response when you find an old ship named Botany Bay is to fire all phasers and photon torpedoes immediately.
4-Ben Finney is hiding in Engineering.
5-Edith Keeler must die.
6-Tribbles are a good source of protein.
7-Stay away from Janice Lester (See #1).
8-Tell Scotty to watch the twinkies in later life. And while your at it, tell Uhura that after a certain age, fan dances are a bad idea.
9-Betazed should be destroyed from orbit. (Amended by Paul TRG) ... it's the only way to be sure.
10-Don't allow Disco to influence new Star Fleet uniforms.
11-Don't hit on alien women in an alien prison... they could be shape-shifting alien men. (Agent Smith).
12-Romulan Ale is not to be served at state dinners with Klingons. (CarpeNoctem).
13-Klingon food; eat it before it eats you. (Subvet).
14- Circuit breakers are good for preventing control panels on the bridge from shorting out and killing the crewmen stationed at them. Likewise, consider seat belts for the bridge crew. (Paul TRG)
15- Give Janice Rand a transfer to someplace where she can concentrate on her work. (Paul TRG)
16- Don't forget to check back on Khan every now and then. (Paul TRG) (Not necessary if you obey #3).
(If you have any you want to add, chime in in the combox.)
Monday, November 16, 2009
'tis Something Rotten In The City of Baltimore.
I have a suspicion, of which I hope to be proved wrong, that there is going to be some bad stuff happening at the Bishops' meeting in Baltimore this week. First, for the first time in 20 years EWTN will not be providing the gavel to gavel coverage of the meeting. The television station of the Diocese of Rockville Center will be providing the coverage. My guess is that some within the Conference, specifically in the Communications Committee, wanted more lap-dog like coverage. In the past, EWTN and its commentators did not shy away from pointing out the problems with "Faithful Citizenship", CCHD, of the obstructionism on the part of some bishops regarding the new liturgical translations. They did yeoman's work and we should all say a prayer of gratitude. I expect the commentary will be more docile and yes liberal especially regarding Bishop Trautman final fling at derailing the Vox Clara translation. (BTW I know one of the translators. There is absolutely no way that he would be a part of a bad or incomprehensible translation.) We all need to pray very hard for the bishops and there work this week. Also, I don't think it would be out of line to send the bishops' conference a letter, copied to our own bishops, about how much we miss the access to the conference meetings that EWTN provides especially in areas like my own without Catholic TV stations.
Conforming To The World.
From today's First Reading from the First Book of Maccabees:
In those days there appeared in Israel men who were breakers of the law,
and they seduced many people, saying: “Let us go and make an alliance with the Gentiles all around us; since we separated from them, many evils have come upon us.” The proposal was agreeable;some from among the people promptly went to the king, and he authorized them to introduce the way of living of the Gentiles. Thereupon they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem according to the Gentile custom. They covered over the mark of their circumcision and abandoned the holy covenant; they allied themselves with the Gentiles and sold themselves to wrongdoing.
In those days, the People of God (of course not all) sold out to the world. They turned from God to the world and its prince. They drunk deeply from the fountain of popular culture and poisoned their souls. Shame on them.
But lest we shake of fingers at those of the past, we need to realize that we have done the same thing. Over the last forty-five years or so, too many Catholics when confronted with opposition to the Faith from culture and the world have chosen the later. And more is the pity, they have done so with the aid of many theologians, lay 'leaders', and clergy using a mis-interpretation of the Second Vatican Council. Why is our understanding of human sexual so out of sync with the Gospel? We have allowed ourselves to be catechized by Hollywood. (If I hadn't believed this before, the recent "Rent" fiasco proved it once and for all.) Too many of the clergy and yes that includes the higher clergy, have deferred to so-called experts both in theology and secular sciences and have sold out the Gospel. Need an example of this, look at the Homosexual Abuse Scandal among the clergy.
The point is that the world must be conformed to the Gospel. We must be conformed to the Gospel. We must not allow ourselves to be evangelized by the anti-Gospel of the world.
In those days there appeared in Israel men who were breakers of the law,
and they seduced many people, saying: “Let us go and make an alliance with the Gentiles all around us; since we separated from them, many evils have come upon us.” The proposal was agreeable;some from among the people promptly went to the king, and he authorized them to introduce the way of living of the Gentiles. Thereupon they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem according to the Gentile custom. They covered over the mark of their circumcision and abandoned the holy covenant; they allied themselves with the Gentiles and sold themselves to wrongdoing.
In those days, the People of God (of course not all) sold out to the world. They turned from God to the world and its prince. They drunk deeply from the fountain of popular culture and poisoned their souls. Shame on them.
But lest we shake of fingers at those of the past, we need to realize that we have done the same thing. Over the last forty-five years or so, too many Catholics when confronted with opposition to the Faith from culture and the world have chosen the later. And more is the pity, they have done so with the aid of many theologians, lay 'leaders', and clergy using a mis-interpretation of the Second Vatican Council. Why is our understanding of human sexual so out of sync with the Gospel? We have allowed ourselves to be catechized by Hollywood. (If I hadn't believed this before, the recent "Rent" fiasco proved it once and for all.) Too many of the clergy and yes that includes the higher clergy, have deferred to so-called experts both in theology and secular sciences and have sold out the Gospel. Need an example of this, look at the Homosexual Abuse Scandal among the clergy.
The point is that the world must be conformed to the Gospel. We must be conformed to the Gospel. We must not allow ourselves to be evangelized by the anti-Gospel of the world.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
The Definition Of Self-Control:
Finding yourself at 3:00 A. M. in 10 m. p. h. traffic on the interstate beside the whacked out liberal editorial cartoonist from the local paper and NOT rolling down the car window and yelling invectives.
Friday, November 13, 2009
I Want One...
This would be fun at baptisms and useful for deterring the Mormon missionaries and the JWs. I also wonder how it would work on skateboarders.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Monday, November 09, 2009
Back At You, 'Buddy'.
So the traitor Nidal Hasan shouted, "Allahu Akbar," before gunning down his fellow soldiers. I guess that means it's OK for us to scream back, "Deus Vult!" to him and his friends. Make no mistake, we need to treat the current struggle as a crusade plain and simple.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Urgent Prayer Request.
I just found out that a friend and former parishioner took her own life last night after suffering from severe depression. Please keep Billie, her husband, and their two young daughters in your prayers.
Friday, November 06, 2009
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Not In My Name!
Let's be clear on something, the wing nuts of the "Plowshares Movement" do not speak for me or for my church. The 5 arrested development hippies may include a priest (Jesuit) and a nun but what they espouse is unthinking pacifism. During a web search about this story, I encountered a lot of whining about the 'abuse' they suffering (hand-cuffed, hooded, and left on the 'cold, wet ground' for a couple of hours. They were lucky they were not shot. (Marines are very uncompromising concerning the security of nuclear weapons.) I hope they are prosecuted to the full extent of the law regardless of their ages. Or rather because of their ages. They are old enough to know better.
(PS Tell me again why the visitation of the religious congregations in this country is a bad idea. Though it is becoming obvious that the men's congregations needed to be included too.)
(PS Tell me again why the visitation of the religious congregations in this country is a bad idea. Though it is becoming obvious that the men's congregations needed to be included too.)
Playing The Matchmaker.
For those of you who don't know, I have bi-ritual faculties in the Maronite Rite. I am also told that there is a custom among the Maronites of priests helping their young people find spouses. In other words, being a matchmaker. (In fact, two of my parishioners, Paul and Michelle, parents of the Simonettes, were 'introduced' through the good offices of Abuna Decker.) I have this image in my mind of a song that goes something like, "Matchpriest, Matchpriest, find me a man...."
And so eligible Catholic guys out there (Barneso are you listening?), let me introduce you to Kat from Carolina also known as the Crescat. Here is a pretty (look at the profile picture), smart, conservative, funny, and faith-filled woman. In addition to being a cubicle-dweller during the day, she is training as a nurse in the evening. No bon-bon eating slacker here. (And no she isn't an Alice from Dilbert.) Heck, she even likes fire. Why else would she set her backyard on fire.
So gentlemen, head on over to The Crescat and introduce yourself.
And so eligible Catholic guys out there (Barneso are you listening?), let me introduce you to Kat from Carolina also known as the Crescat. Here is a pretty (look at the profile picture), smart, conservative, funny, and faith-filled woman. In addition to being a cubicle-dweller during the day, she is training as a nurse in the evening. No bon-bon eating slacker here. (And no she isn't an Alice from Dilbert.) Heck, she even likes fire. Why else would she set her backyard on fire.
So gentlemen, head on over to The Crescat and introduce yourself.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Baptized!
Just got done baptizing Philip the Miracle Baby. Philip is my fourth godson as such his nickname is Quartus. I am sure grandma Tara, the Loved Sinner, will have pictures posted soon. She is as excited and hyper as a four-year-old after a six-pack of Red Bull.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Trying To Figure Out...
how to dress the Overlords as Tony and Ziva for Halloween. (Stella can be Abbey.)
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Why Do You Do It? Why Do You Make Waves?
So you, son of man, I have made a watchman for the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. If I say to the wicked, O wicked man, you shall surely die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand.But if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way; he shall die in his iniquity, but you will have saved your life.
--Ezekiel 33: 7-9
I am not going to Hell for anybody and especially not for refusing to ruffle feathers.
--Ezekiel 33: 7-9
I am not going to Hell for anybody and especially not for refusing to ruffle feathers.
Something Positive.
There may be some bozos out there that think that all I do is criticize everything (except zombie movies). Nothing can be farther from the case. Though there is a lot of stupid and evil stuff out there to criticize.
Today, however, I would like to compliment the TSA at Salt Lake City International Airport. I have found them to be universally kind, professional, and even friendly, which I find strange considering the mind-numbing nature of their job.
Case in point, as I was being screened last Monday morning, I realized that I had forgotten to removed my pocket knife from my pocket. This is something I ritually do before I leave for the airport, but that flight was early and I was semi-conscious. I thought the knife would end up on the island of lost toys. This would have been bad enough in itself, but the knife was a gift from my late grandmother. The screener was very cordial and informed me that if I bought an envelope and postage, I could mail it to myself. He didn't have to be nice about it, but her was. So kudos to SLC International TSA staff.
Today, however, I would like to compliment the TSA at Salt Lake City International Airport. I have found them to be universally kind, professional, and even friendly, which I find strange considering the mind-numbing nature of their job.
Case in point, as I was being screened last Monday morning, I realized that I had forgotten to removed my pocket knife from my pocket. This is something I ritually do before I leave for the airport, but that flight was early and I was semi-conscious. I thought the knife would end up on the island of lost toys. This would have been bad enough in itself, but the knife was a gift from my late grandmother. The screener was very cordial and informed me that if I bought an envelope and postage, I could mail it to myself. He didn't have to be nice about it, but her was. So kudos to SLC International TSA staff.
Friday, October 23, 2009
How Appropriate...
that this Sunday's gospel is about blind Bartimeus.
(From the Salt Lake Tribune)
Catholic school downplays angst over student musical's gay characters
Judge Memorial » Ogden pastor calls 'Rent' 'morally destructive and offensive.'
Updated: 10/23/2009 06:02:39 AM MDT
Judge Memorial Catholic High's drama department raised the curtain Thursday night on the rock musical "Rent" despite criticism from some Utah Catholics and a priest offended by the play's gay characters.
The show is a tamed-down school edition of the 1990s Broadway hit about seven friends living the bohemian lifestyle in New York's East Village.
It is to run for five more shows this week and next at Judge, one of Utah's three Catholic high schools.
Sister Catherine Kamphaus, superintendent of schools in the Salt Lake City diocese, said she read the script at the request of Bishop John Wester, and she watched a dress rehearsal Tuesday.
"There is absolutely nothing that would be offensive," Kamphaus said Thursday. "It wasn't condoning the gay and lesbian lifestyle."
Rather, she said, the play shows friends forming a loving and caring community while facing AIDS and other challenges.
Wester declined to comment Thursday. Kamphaus said the bishop learned of the show when a priest complained two weeks ago. Wester considered canceling the run, she said, but ultimately left the final decision to her.
The superintendent praised Judge's use of the play as a springboard to teach about the Roman Catholic Church's compassion for outcasts, the sick and the hopeless.
Judge Principal Rick Bartman said the play is in keeping with the church's outreach to people in the gay community and those with AIDS.
"Church teachings are never compromised [in the play]," Bartman said.
The school edition of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play became available last year, and it has been controversial throughout the country. One song, "Contact," and profane language in the original were removed for the school edition.
Some schools have canceled shows. Others have refused drama teachers' requests to stage it.
Judge is the only Utah school performing the play this year, according to the company that licenses the productions.
The Rev. Erik Richtsteig, pastor of St. James the Just Catholic Church in Ogden, criticized the play on his blog this week, calling it "morally destructive and offensive," and saying that it normalizes deviant behavior. He was at a retreat Thursday and unavailable for comment.
A number of Catholics chimed in on Richtsteig's blog. One wrote, "I am praying for the diocese of Salt Lake City. What a thing to have on its conscience as to allow this play at a supposedly Catholic school."
James Snow, campaign director for 40 Days for Life Utah, an anti-abortion group, suggested that the play's dialogue is "initiating young people into the unseemly subculture and fetishes of the homosexualist movement."
That's not so, Bartman said. "It discusses issues of homelessness, community, helping each other, helplessness and hopelessness," he added. "We felt it was a good, teachable moment for our kids."
The school's drama director, Darin Hathaway, the cast of 22 and the 12 stage technicians have been doing community service in conjunction with the play, according to the school's Web site.
Cast and crew also coordinated and planned the early October all-school prayer service during which prayers were offered for those dealing with poverty, disease and violence.
Bartman said he has had 10 phone calls and e-mails from people objecting to the play, but not one negative comment from students and parents in the Judge community.
Hmmm, so truth depends upon how many people object? And what about the Church's teaching on the immorality of homosexual act? How is that not compromised? Compassion yes, but not approval of behavior contrary to the Gospel. Not to mention that the organization supported by one of the service projects was nothing to be proud of. If you want more proof of the nature of this play, go to the Tribune Website and read the comments on the article.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Request For Prayer And Penance.
If you are able, please join me this week in offering up prayer and penance for the morally destructive and offensive play being presented by a school in my diocese this weekend.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Leaving On Retreat.
Bright and early tomorrow morning, I will be jetting it across the Avocado Curtain to Alhambra for my annual retreat with the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy. (I will also find time for an In-n-Out fix, a pho fix, and another viewing of "Zombieland".) I will try (not very hard) not to post during retreat, but will likely give in. I get back in Salt Lake main late on Friday evening.
Monday, October 12, 2009
They Are Closing My Dealership.
As I was driving back to the parish from mom's this morning, I drove past the Saturn dealership in Riverdale. There was a big advertising balloon in the parking lot that said liquidation sale. I knew the Penske sale had fallen through, but I guess this really means that the GMC division of Obamaco is really just going to close down Saturn. I have been driving Saturns since right before my ordination when I decided that the '78 Chrysler land barge needed to be retired. I have been please with the cars and the service Saturn provided. The complaint was that Saturn didn't make money for GM. I believe this was because after an initial good start where Saturn was for all purposes independent, GM started to run Saturn like, well, GM. So, no more Saturns and worse, at this point, finding a new place to service my car. One this is certain however, I will buy a GM car when Hell freezes over and I vote for Obama.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Sauce For The Goose.
Having read about the 'resigned' bishop in Canada and also thinking about Weakland of Milwaukee and Ziemann of Santa Rosa, I am convinced that allowing these creeps to resign or retire is simply not enough. Like abuser priests who are now being defrocked, they out to be formally deposed and reduced to the lay state. A graceful and polite way out should not be an option. Also, in this country it would redress at least part of the great injustice in the Dallas Charter.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
ZOMBIELAND!
Oh, Zombieland, how do I love thee! Let me count the ways!As my friends Fr. Orange Joe says, I love all things zombie. (Well, with the exception of Italian
Zombieland enters the pantheon. It is well made and well acted. It is both frightening and funny. Heck, it made me realize that my life is incomplete without a Cadillac Escalade with a plow. (OK, the Hummer with the arsenal is pretty cool too.) Columbus' rules for surviving the zombie apocalypse, Bill Murray as Bill Murray... well the list could go on forever. This movie is even responsible for my no longer despising Woody Harrelson.
Rated a well deserved R for violence, gore, language, and the zombie stripper, it isn't for young ones, but I will no doubt watch this many times in the future.
Speaking of "Rent".
A commentator on the "Catholic Identity" post wanted to post this, but was afraid that it might lead to accusations of insensitivity. I have no such fears as my insensitivity is already widely know.
Yet Another Award.
This just in, President Obama has been awarded the Miss America title for the upcoming year. The nominating committee cited the fact that the president feels pretty.
Friday, October 09, 2009
Catholic Identity.
Each Spring there is usually season of quiet disgust over the choice of commencement speakers at Catholic colleges and universities. This year, of course, the disgust was anything but quiet as the historically premier Catholic University in this country honored the most pro-abortion president this country has ever elected. Equally troubling was the defense of this decision by much of the so-called Catholic elite.But, I think it did one good thing. It forced many of us to face the question of how many of our self-identified Catholic institutions are, in fact, worthy of the name.
It isn't only colleges and universities that we need to worry about.Most of us realize that neither the National Catholic Reporter nor US Catholic are Catholic in any real sense. The same needs to be said about Catholic for Free Choice. And, as we are painfully aware, few of our nominally Catholic politicians support the core teachings of the Church. All very troubling, but I believe mislabeling in education presents the most dangers to souls. And it isn't only colleges and universities that we need to worry about.
One of our diocesan high schools is very proud of its 'cutting edge' theater department. A few years ago, they won awards for their production of The Laramie Project. This play's self-stated purpose is to educate against homophobia. While violence against anybody is be rejected, this play is more concerned with advancing a pro-gay agenda with attendant views of human sexuality that are diametrically opposed to the Church's teaching. This year, they are producing Rent: The School Edition. I made it less than halfway through the movie version before being overcome by the homo-positive propaganda. The school edition removes one amazingly offensive song and some foul language, but still retains the problematic plot with gay relationships, an s&m dancer, a transvestite, and drug use to name just a few huge red flags. Again, this presents a view of human sexuality contrary to Church teaching. It is not a large leap to suspect that someone has an agenda and is running with it.
Is it appropriate for a Catholic school to promote and present views contrary to Church teachings? Obviously, I think not. I cannot imagine The Horst Wessel Story or Birth of a Nation: The Musical, being tolerated. Racism is rightly reviled. But when it comes to human sexuality, we turn a blind eye. (Note how many Catholic colleges produce The Vagina Monologues each year.) Moreover, these abherent views are produced by and aimed at you people who are the principal targets of deviant sexual propaganda in our society. I cannot comprehend how this can be considered part of Catholic education, an education that my parish is helping to pay for.
But Father, you are over-reacting. No, I am not. The school in question held an education meeting, obviously to try to head off controversy. (I suspect it won't succeed.) It was covered by local news. Check out the comments if you don't believe that this will be perceived as gay propaganda.
The point is that if an institution claims to be Catholic, that claim must be backed up be actions that embrace and promote Church teachings. It is not enough to have theology classes, chapels, or a statue or two of the Blessed Mother. All aspects of the institution that bear on the Faith must be in line with the Faith.
Update (Sat. 10 Oct): Check out this post from a student at the high school and the comments. If this doesn't prove my main point, I don't know what will. Also, check out the website for the Utah AIDS Foundation (which cast members supported via a service project). They do much more than help people with AIDS. Drag Queen Bingo anyone? The Queer Village Blog?
It isn't only colleges and universities that we need to worry about.Most of us realize that neither the National Catholic Reporter nor US Catholic are Catholic in any real sense. The same needs to be said about Catholic for Free Choice. And, as we are painfully aware, few of our nominally Catholic politicians support the core teachings of the Church. All very troubling, but I believe mislabeling in education presents the most dangers to souls. And it isn't only colleges and universities that we need to worry about.
One of our diocesan high schools is very proud of its 'cutting edge' theater department. A few years ago, they won awards for their production of The Laramie Project. This play's self-stated purpose is to educate against homophobia. While violence against anybody is be rejected, this play is more concerned with advancing a pro-gay agenda with attendant views of human sexuality that are diametrically opposed to the Church's teaching. This year, they are producing Rent: The School Edition. I made it less than halfway through the movie version before being overcome by the homo-positive propaganda. The school edition removes one amazingly offensive song and some foul language, but still retains the problematic plot with gay relationships, an s&m dancer, a transvestite, and drug use to name just a few huge red flags. Again, this presents a view of human sexuality contrary to Church teaching. It is not a large leap to suspect that someone has an agenda and is running with it.
Is it appropriate for a Catholic school to promote and present views contrary to Church teachings? Obviously, I think not. I cannot imagine The Horst Wessel Story or Birth of a Nation: The Musical, being tolerated. Racism is rightly reviled. But when it comes to human sexuality, we turn a blind eye. (Note how many Catholic colleges produce The Vagina Monologues each year.) Moreover, these abherent views are produced by and aimed at you people who are the principal targets of deviant sexual propaganda in our society. I cannot comprehend how this can be considered part of Catholic education, an education that my parish is helping to pay for.
But Father, you are over-reacting. No, I am not. The school in question held an education meeting, obviously to try to head off controversy. (I suspect it won't succeed.) It was covered by local news. Check out the comments if you don't believe that this will be perceived as gay propaganda.
The point is that if an institution claims to be Catholic, that claim must be backed up be actions that embrace and promote Church teachings. It is not enough to have theology classes, chapels, or a statue or two of the Blessed Mother. All aspects of the institution that bear on the Faith must be in line with the Faith.
Update (Sat. 10 Oct): Check out this post from a student at the high school and the comments. If this doesn't prove my main point, I don't know what will. Also, check out the website for the Utah AIDS Foundation (which cast members supported via a service project). They do much more than help people with AIDS. Drag Queen Bingo anyone? The Queer Village Blog?
I Am Looking Forward To My Canonization.
After all, it should be enough that I simply intend to be holy.
As If We Needed More Proof That The Nobel Peace Prize Is Worthless.
So, President Obama gets the Peace Prize. What is wrong with this? He hasn't actually DONE anything to merit it. Over the last 20 years, the Nobel committee has turned their prize into a joke. The plagiarist and fraud Rigoberta Menchu? Kofi Annan? Al Gore? That is just to name a few. The Lenin Peace Prize now has more integrity. You can now get something with more meaning out of a Crackerjack box.
(Honestly, we I read this I thought that someone had hacked the news website.)
Update: Of course, if the president had any class, he would respectfully decline the award.
(Honestly, we I read this I thought that someone had hacked the news website.)
Update: Of course, if the president had any class, he would respectfully decline the award.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Answer To A Burning Question.
Alas, not to what Vincenzo actually looks like. However, tomorrow on Catholic Answers Live we will all get to hear the vocal intonations of the Curt Jester. I know that from 4-5 PM MDT tomorrow, I will be glued to Immaculate Heart Radio. I am still wondering what the Jester sounds like? Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons? Orson Wells? Les Nesman?
Let us know what you predict in the combox.
Let us know what you predict in the combox.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Knightly Bling.
I will have to post my choir dress later. (Unfortunately, it isn't used in our lieutenancy)
Monday, October 05, 2009
Forced Fun.
I am now in Park City for our annual priests' convocation. This entails being hyper-vigilant for jargon and standing up for my principles by boycotting evening talks. I will post some knightly bling tomorrow.
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Prayer Request.
Please remember in your prayers a young man from my parish, Ronnie who just passed away. Also, remember his mother and especially his grandmother, whose husband died around this time last year.
Friday, October 02, 2009
No Olympics For You!
Surprise, surprise! The home of third world politics and atrocious summer weather in the US did not get the Olympics. What? You mean Barry isn't all powerful?
Congratulations to Rio! I was hoping they would get it as much as I was hoping Chicago wouldn't.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Phoenix? Why Did It Have To Be Phoenix?
Tomorrow I head down to Phoenix, AZ for the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem meeting. Here in Northern Utah, it was a balmy 54F today. Lovely weather. In Phoenix this weekend, it will be a sweltering 90F. Sigh. Also, Phoenix has some of the worst tasting water on the face of the planet.
A Surprise Visit.
Tuesday morning, I received a welcome surprise visit. It was from William K. Weigand, retired Bishop of Sacramento and former Bishop of Salt Lake City. Bishop Weigand ordained me, twice. He also baptized, confirmed, and administered first holy communion to me. In a very real sense, you could say that he is my spiritual father. And like a bio-father, we didn't always see eye to eye. Nevertheless, it was great to see him and I was humbled that he stopped by to see me and the new church. We also had a great conversation over lunch. (He brought his little dog Rubio along with him. I never pictured His Excellency as a dog owner. Nonetheless, they are devoted to each other and he is a very good little dog.)
On a sad side note, when I told a priest friend, from another diocese, about this, he said, "Well that would never happen in my diocese, a bishop showing up for a surprise visit. Well, it might happen, but it would be something like, 'Hi. You have been accused of X.'" This is all too true. If one thing comes out of the Year of the Priest, I hope it will be that bishops once again act as fathers for their priests. (We have may brothers, but only one bishop-father.)
On a sad side note, when I told a priest friend, from another diocese, about this, he said, "Well that would never happen in my diocese, a bishop showing up for a surprise visit. Well, it might happen, but it would be something like, 'Hi. You have been accused of X.'" This is all too true. If one thing comes out of the Year of the Priest, I hope it will be that bishops once again act as fathers for their priests. (We have may brothers, but only one bishop-father.)
He Is Heavy And, Thank Heavens, He Ain't My Brother.
Among the hype for Michael Moore's latest cinematic tripe is the assertion that he had considered the priesthood. Usually, talk of a vocation not pursued makes me sad. This is not the case here. I am quite content with him not being a priest. (We have enough trouble with the Richard McBriens and John Deers already.)
The Catholic League had this nice take on this limousine liberal's assault on Capitalism:
The Catholic League had this nice take on this limousine liberal's assault on Capitalism:
Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on Michael Moore and his new movie, “Capitalism: A Love Story”:
If the economic system that Michael Moore has successfully milked is “immoral” and “evil,” then that would suggest that he is an immoral, evil man. But we’ll let someone else make the final decision on that one. What we do know is that he is wearing his religion on his sleeve these days, telling Chris Cuomo how he believes “in the core Christian values.” One wonders why, then, would this Catholic—whose role models are the rogue Berrigan brothers—would give money to an urban terrorist group right after they invaded St. Patrick’s Cathedral during Cardinal O’Connor’s Sunday Mass in 1989; some spat the Host on the floor.
More recently, Moore cited the oil giant Halliburton as emblematic of capitalism’s evilness. What he didn’t mention is that his Halliburton investments helped to make him filthy rich. Oh, yes, he also likes Sunoco.
Capitalism has been kind to Moore. He lives in a waterfront mansion with a private beach, one that is so lily-white that not a single black person lives there. This is not by accident. Though he exclaimed in his film “Stupid White Men” that he plans to “hire only black people,” author Peter Schweizer found that of the 134 producers, editors, cinematographers, composers and production coordinators that Moore hired, only three were black.
Moore says it is anti-Christian not to divide the pie fairly. So what would that make him? Oh, yes, he does contribute to soup kitchens. Too bad he doesn’t actually employ the poor—then he could shelve the Campbell’s. In 2002, his charitable donations amounted to $36,000. Sounds like a lot until we learn that he made eight figures that year. One more thing: he ran his donations through his private foundation, a capitalist-created scheme designed to protect fat cats from paying their fair share of taxes.
The next time a social justice Christian brags about his commitment to the poor, ask him to open his own books. Transparency is so beautiful.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
In Honor Of Saint Jerome.
Dr. Peter Venkman: Alice, I'm going to ask you a couple of standard questions, okay? Have you or any of your family been diagnosed schizophrenic? Mentally incompetent?
Librarian Alice: My uncle thought he was Saint Jerome.
Friday, September 25, 2009
ACORN Treatment For CCHD.
About a decade ago, the Wanderer did yeomen's work exposing problems with the Campaign for Human Development. The bishops' conference took the bull by the horn and addressed the problems by adding Catholic to the name, hence Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Evidently, that was all they did. CCHD continued to fund ACORN and a plethora of leftist organization. When a given organization was exposed working for goals contrary and alien to the Church, they were defunded, at least for a time, but no systemic changes were made. Enough is enough! Just as ACORN can't be fixed, but is rotten to the core, so to with CCHD. Defund it! Shut it down! Instead, fund Catholic groups that actually work with and for the poor; not community organizers or other Marxists at prayers. Look to groups like Cross International, Food for the Poor, or the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging. They actually do good in the spirit of the Gospel.
Hijacking The Year Of The Priest.
I predicted that it would happen, but I wish I was wrong. People of a certain theological bent are embarrassed by an orthodox theological understanding of the sacrament of Holy Orders. They don't like ontological change and prefer a functional understanding of Orders. It's just 'ministry' and we all do 'ministry'. It is leveling that cannot tolerate either differentiation or hierarchy. These people are not able to abide a year which focuses on the unique vocation of the priest. Instead, they will talk about the 'common priesthood of all believers'. A worthy concept, but not what this year is about and one which has been twisted to attack the very nature of the Church.
So what does Notre Shame do during this year? Invite His Eminence of Los Angeles to speak on something which is not above his pay grade, “Fostering the Baptismal Priesthood in the ‘Year for Priests’”. Here is the Shame description of the event,
Following the Second Vatican Council there has been a rediscovery in Catholic theology of baptism as the foundational sacrament of ministry, and a clearer recognition that ministry is not just for the ordained. The Second Vatican Council related the baptismal call, the vocation of the baptized, and the office of the ordained to the mystery of Christ, finding in each a reflection of the threefold office of Christ priest, prophet and king. Every vocation and every ministry is rooted in the same reality of Christ and his presence by the gift of the Spirit in the Church.Responding to Pope Benedict XVI’s invitation to reflect on the priesthood during this “Year for Priests,” and drawing from his own recent pastoral letter on ministry, “As I Have Done for You,” Cardinal Mahony will identify the foundations for a baptismal priesthood and a ministerial priesthood suited to meet the pressing needs of the Church today.
This was brought to my attention by Gianna in a comment on another post. She succinctly describes what the talk was like:
Cardinal Mahoney was just here at Notre Dame giving a talk about the priesthood...basically he was shilling for lay/evil nun administrators for parishes, and he thought that a priest should preferably be involved in social justice work before he should be involved in running a parish. Quite gagworthy. Then again, ND doesn't have too good a record in terms of people they invite...
Fundamentally, it seems that some people are embarrassed by the priesthood as it has been traditional understood. They are OK with holy social workers (social justice work), but not with priests as shepherds and sanctifiers. Best to have lay (preferably women) or nun parish coordinators and keep priests in the closet as sacramental machines (at least until the Church realizes that we all consecrate the Eucharist. While in Milwaukee, I one heard a newly ordained priest say from the pulpit that it would be wonderful if we could all take turns presiding. Gagworthy indeed.) No thanks. This is not the teaching of the Church, especially as enunciated by the Second Vatican Council. Let's keep the Year of the Priest focused on priests. Don't let us off the hook.
Update (Monday September 28):
Interesting comment from Mary Liz,
Actually, from what I've heard, the event was a great "up your's" from Mahony. The Congregation of Holy Cross had originally invited him to speak on the Priesthood. (Year of the Preist, they're using it for all its vocation recruiting power) When Mahony revealed his the title of the talk, the Congregation said "forget that!" and pulled sponsorship leaving the University to pick it up.
So what does Notre Shame do during this year? Invite His Eminence of Los Angeles to speak on something which is not above his pay grade, “Fostering the Baptismal Priesthood in the ‘Year for Priests’”. Here is the Shame description of the event,
Following the Second Vatican Council there has been a rediscovery in Catholic theology of baptism as the foundational sacrament of ministry, and a clearer recognition that ministry is not just for the ordained. The Second Vatican Council related the baptismal call, the vocation of the baptized, and the office of the ordained to the mystery of Christ, finding in each a reflection of the threefold office of Christ priest, prophet and king. Every vocation and every ministry is rooted in the same reality of Christ and his presence by the gift of the Spirit in the Church.Responding to Pope Benedict XVI’s invitation to reflect on the priesthood during this “Year for Priests,” and drawing from his own recent pastoral letter on ministry, “As I Have Done for You,” Cardinal Mahony will identify the foundations for a baptismal priesthood and a ministerial priesthood suited to meet the pressing needs of the Church today.
This was brought to my attention by Gianna in a comment on another post. She succinctly describes what the talk was like:
Cardinal Mahoney was just here at Notre Dame giving a talk about the priesthood...basically he was shilling for lay/evil nun administrators for parishes, and he thought that a priest should preferably be involved in social justice work before he should be involved in running a parish. Quite gagworthy. Then again, ND doesn't have too good a record in terms of people they invite...
Fundamentally, it seems that some people are embarrassed by the priesthood as it has been traditional understood. They are OK with holy social workers (social justice work), but not with priests as shepherds and sanctifiers. Best to have lay (preferably women) or nun parish coordinators and keep priests in the closet as sacramental machines (at least until the Church realizes that we all consecrate the Eucharist. While in Milwaukee, I one heard a newly ordained priest say from the pulpit that it would be wonderful if we could all take turns presiding. Gagworthy indeed.) No thanks. This is not the teaching of the Church, especially as enunciated by the Second Vatican Council. Let's keep the Year of the Priest focused on priests. Don't let us off the hook.
Update (Monday September 28):
Interesting comment from Mary Liz,
Actually, from what I've heard, the event was a great "up your's" from Mahony. The Congregation of Holy Cross had originally invited him to speak on the Priesthood. (Year of the Preist, they're using it for all its vocation recruiting power) When Mahony revealed his the title of the talk, the Congregation said "forget that!" and pulled sponsorship leaving the University to pick it up.
You May Now Call Me Father Sir.
The first weekend of October, I will be in Phoenix at the annual meeting of the Western Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem and will be received into the order. To say that I am honored would be an understatement and I look forward to helping the Order in its mission to support the Church in the Holy Land. (I am still wondering, though, whether I get a sword, armor, and a horse. Likely, I will simply have to settle for a medal and a mozzetta.)
Sailing Pictures.
A great day on the lake. Smooth water, a nice wind, and no problem with the stick steering thing (non-abortion tiller).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
