Friday, March 30, 2012

Meet "Sixtus"


I heard these men sing at a recent dinner for priests. Check them out; I liked them and think you will too.

Those clothes they are wearing are not costumes, by the way: they are in formation for the priesthood as well as singing together a cappella and preparing a CD for release later this year.



For more, visit Sixtus' YouTube channel at this link.

Cremation: scattering ashes is contrary to the Faith and spiritual works of mercy

Burial of the dead is still the preferred way of interment

In the new edition of the Funeral Rite, cremation is not disallowed but is discouraged by demotion to treatment in an index of the book rather than along with the prayers in the Rite. This for the reason that "the burial of the dead is more appropriate, that it expresses faith in the resurrection of the flesh, nourishes the piety of the faithful and favours the recollection and prayer of relatives and friends".

Vatican Information service news release follows:

NEW FUNERAL RITES: NO TO THE SCATTERING OF THE ASHES OF THE DECEASED

Vatican City, 30 March 2012 (VIS) - The second Italian-language edition of the "Funeral Rites", produced by the Vatican Publishing House, was presented recently at the headquarters of Vatican Radio. Among other things, the new edition contains fully revised biblical texts and prayers.

The first novelty refers to the visit to the family, which was not part of the earlier edition. Msgr. Angelo Lameri of the National Liturgical Office of the Italian Episcopal Conference, explained how "for a priest this a moment to share in the suffering, to listen to the mourning relatives, to learn about certain aspects of the deceased's life with a view to a correct and personalised presentation during the funeral".

Another change involves the revised and enriched ritual for the closing of the coffin; with a number of different texts for various situations: an elderly person, a young person, or someone who has died unexpectedly. Other changes involve the pronouncement of words recalling of the deceased at the moment of the committal, and the introduction of a broad range of possibilities for the prayer of the faithful.

However the most significant new departure, contained in the appendix of the book, concerns cremation. Msgr. Lameri explained that the issue of cremation had been placed in an appendix to highlight the fact that the Church, "although she does not oppose the cremation of bodies, when not done 'in odium fidei', continues to maintain that the burial of the dead is more appropriate, that it expresses faith in the resurrection of the flesh, nourishes the piety of the faithful and favours the recollection and prayer of relatives and friends".

In exceptional cases the rites normally celebrated at the cemetery chapel or the tomb may be celebrated at the cremation site, and it is recommended that the coffin be accompanied to that site. One particularity important aspect is that "cremation is considered as concluded when the urn is deposited in the cemetery". This is because, although the law does allow ashes to be scattered in the open or conserved in places other than a cemetery, "such practices ... raise considerable doubts as to their coherence to Christian faith, especially when they conceal pantheist or naturalistic beliefs".

The new "Funeral Rites" also focuses on the search for the meaning of death. Concluding the presentation, Bishop Alceste Catella, president of the Episcopal Commission for Liturgy, explained that "the book is testament to the faith of believers and to the importance of respect and 'pietas' towards the deceased, respect for the human body even when dead. It is testament to the pressing need to cultivate memory and to have a specific place in which to place the body or the ashes, in the profound certainty that this is authentic faith and authentic humanism".

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Cardinal Dolan: Obama allies attempting to divide Catholic Church

By Jeff Poor - The Daily Caller



On Wednesday’s “The O’Reilly Factor” on the Fox News Channel, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York and a man considered the post powerful cleric of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States, leveled the charge that the Obama administration and its supporters are attempting to divide the Catholic Church.

Dolan said that the issue of contraception is being used as a political tool, and that its use is infringing on religious freedom.

“You are right on target,” Dolan said, addressing that the church’s position on banning contraception is unpopular with large sections of the American public. “It’s a tough battle because of that, and our opponents are very shrewd because they have chosen an issue that they know we are not very popular on and that is why, Bill, we have to be vigorous in insisting that this is not about contraception — it’s about religion freedom. And I don’t want to judge people, but I think there would be a drift in the administration that this is a good issue and if we can divide the Catholic community (because it’s already divided) and if one can caricature the bishops as being hopelessly out of touch — these bullies who are trying to achieve judicially and legislatively what they’ve been unable to achieve because their moral integrity was compromised recently. There is the force out there trying to caricature us, alright? But we can’t back down from this fight because it’s about religion freedom — it’s close to the heart of the democratic enterprise what we know and love and the United States of America is all about.”

Dolan dismissed the notion that there is a wall between church and state, saying that it isn’t the church itself that wants to be a force in American politics, but its members.

“The Catholic Church wants its people to be a player in the American politics. Twenty-eight percent of the population of the United States are Catholics, OK? And the Catholic Church, through them, you bet, wants to have a say in the direction of our beloved country,” he said. “To think that there is a Berlin Wall between one’s religious convictions and one’s political activity is crazy. It’s ludicrous. It’s not only non-Catholic, non-Christian, non-biblical, it’s also un-American.”

Dolan added that these efforts to undermine the church are “un-American” because there has been a traditional role for religion in matters of politics.

“You know that every great movement in American history has been driven by people of religious conviction, and if we duct tape the churches — I’m just not talking about the Catholic Church — if we duct tape the role of religion and churches, and morally convince people in the marketplace, that is going to lead to a huge deficit, a huge void, and there are many people who want to fill it up, namely a new religion called secularism, OK, which would be as doctrinaire and would consider itself as infallible as they caricature the other religions doing. So, to see that morally-driven, religiously-convinced people want to exercise their political responsibility, I think that is not only the heart of biblical religion — it is at the heart of the American enterprise.”

To see video of Cardinal Dolan's interview visit this link:

Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2012/03/28/archbishop-of-new-york-obama-allies-attempting-to-divide-catholic-church/#ixzz1qWEwxCBE

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

PALM SUNDAY: Gregorian antiphons and chants

Opening Antiphon: HOSANNA FILIO DAVID



Procession Antiphon: PUERI HEBRAEORUM


GLORIA, LAUS ET HONOR




During entrance into the church: INGREDIENTE DOMINO





Grazie a Studio di Giovanni Vianini, Milano. Thanks to Studio of Giovanni Vianini, Milan.

Relics of Saint John Neumann at National Shrine in DC Today, 28 March, until 5 pm

In celebration of the 201st anniversary of the birth of John Neumann, the first male American saint, and the 160th anniversary of his ordination as a bishop, the relics of Saint John Neumann will make their own pilgrimage to “Mary’s Shrine” on March 28.

March 2012 — The Redemptorists are honored to bring the relics of our confrere, St. John Neumann, to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. on March 28.

Exposition of the reliquary of St. John Neumann coincides with the 201st anniversary of his birth and the 160th anniversary of his consecration as a bishop.

The traveling reliquary — which includes a first-class relic — will be welcomed at the 12:10 p.m. Mass in the Crypt Church by Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, rector of the National Shrine and celebrant of the Mass; Redemptorist Father Matthew Allman will be the homilist. Following the Mass, veneration of the relics of St. John Neumann will continue throughout the afternoon and will end with Mass at 5:15 p.m. at which Father Allman will preside and preach.

“As fourth bishop of Philadelphia, Neumann was present in Rome in 1854 for the solemn declaration of the dogma of Mary’s Immaculate Conception. It was one of the highlights of his life, and he used it as an opportunity to teach his flock back home,” said Father Allman. “To bring his relics to the nation’s preeminent Marian shrine is a wonderful way to celebrate the life of this missionary priest, catechist, and devoted son of Mary.”

In January 2011, the Redemptorists kicked-off a special year marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of this first male American saint and the founder of the Catholic parochial school system. The Neumann Year included themed parish missions and retreats, the celebration of 40 Hours Eucharistic Devotion, a nationwide essay contest for Catholic school students, and the relic tour.

The traveling reliquary made stops in several locations including Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City; St. Alphonsus Church in Baltimore, MD; Buffalo, NY; the Diocese of Trenton, NJ; and several parishes throughout Pennsylvania. The relics will make a final stop at the Malvern Retreat House in Malvern, PA prior to the closing celebration of the Neumann Year on June 23, at the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia.

For more information about the Neumann Year, visit redemptorists.net/neumann.

Who is St. John Neumann?

Philadelphia’s “little bishop,” John Nepomucene Neumann, was born March 28, 1811 in what is today the Czech Republic. He immigrated to America and was ordained a priest in 1836 in Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. He served for several years as a missionary among German immigrants in the Buffalo area of New York before joining the Redemptorists in 1842; he was the first Redemptorist to profess vows in the New World. In 1848, he became a naturalized citizen of the United States.

Ordained the fourth bishop of Philadelphia on his 41st birthday (March 28, 1852) Bishop Neumann embarked on a huge building campaign that saw the creation and completion of more than 90 churches and schools. He died January 5, 1860, while running errands. Canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1977, John Neumann is the patron saint of immigrants and sick children. His Shrine is located in the lower church of St. Peter the Apostle Church in Philadelphia.
About Fr. Matthew Allman

Archdiocese for Military Services Chrism Mass at National Shrine, March 29 at 6 pm


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AMS Chrism Mass to be Celebrated Thursday
Archbishop to bless sacramental oils in evening celebration at National Shrine

His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services, USA (AMS), will celebrate the annual Chrism Mass at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 29, in the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Avenue, Northeast, Washington, D.C.

The Chrism Mass is held once a year to bless the oils that will be used for Baptisms and other sacraments throughout the coming year at military installations, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and other locations served by the AMS around the world.

The Oil of Catechumens and Oil of the Sick will be blessed; the Sacred Chrism which is used for Confirmation and Ordinations will be consecrated.

Concelebrating the Mass with Archbishop Broglio will be Auxiliary Bishops Richard Higgins, F. Richard Spencer and Neal Buckon, along with about 20 other AMS-endorsed priests.

The Chrism Mass is open to the public.

In photo: Archbishop Broglio

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Obamacare: the Reckoning. "Leviathan state — grotesque cost, questionable constitutionality, and arbitrary bureaucratic coerciveness"



March 22, 2012 8:00 P.M.

Obamacare: The Reckoning

The stakes could not be higher.

By Charles Krauthammer
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Charles Krauthammer

Obamacare dominated the 2010 midterms, driving its Democratic authors to a historic electoral shellacking. But since then, the issue has slipped quietly underground.

Now it’s back, summoned to the national stage by the confluence of three disparate events: the release of new Congressional Budget Office cost estimates, the approach of Supreme Court hearings on the law’s constitutionality, and the issuance of a compulsory contraception mandate.

CostObamacare was carefully constructed to manipulate the standard ten-year cost projections of the CBO. Because benefits would not fully kick in for four years, President Obama could trumpet ten-year gross costs of less than $1 trillion — $938 billion, to be exact.

But now that the near-costless years 2010 and 2011 have elapsed, the true ten-year price tag comes into focus. From 2013 through 2022, the CBO reports, the costs of Obamacare come to $1.76 trillion — almost twice the phony original number.

It gets worse. Annual gross costs after 2021 are more than a quarter of a trillion dollars every year — until the end of time. That, for a new entitlement in a country already drowning in $16 trillion of debt.

Constitutionality

Beginning March 26, the Supreme Court will hear challenges to the law. The American people, by an astonishing two-thirds majority, want the law and/or the individual mandate tossed out by the Court. In practice, however, questions this momentous are generally decided 5 to 4, i.e., they depend on whatever side of the bed Justice Anthony Kennedy gets out of that morning.
Ultimately, the question will hinge on whether the Commerce Clause has any limits. If the federal government can compel a private citizen, under threat of a federally imposed penalty, to engage in a private contract with a private entity (to buy health insurance), is there anything the federal government cannot compel the citizen to do?

If Obamacare is upheld, it fundamentally changes the nature of the American social contract. It means the effective end of a government of enumerated powers — i.e., finite, delineated powers beyond which the government may not go, beyond which lies the free realm of the people and their voluntary institutions. The new post-Obamacare dispensation is a central government of unlimited power from which citizen and civil society struggle to carve out and maintain spheres of autonomy.

Figure becomes ground; ground becomes figure. The stakes could not be higher.

Coerciveness

Serendipitously, the recently issued regulation on contraceptive coverage has allowed us to see exactly how this new power works. All institutions — excepting only churches, but not church-run charities, hospitals, etc. — will be required to offer health care that must include free contraception, sterilization, and drugs that cause abortion.

Consider the cascade of arbitrary bureaucratic decisions that resulted in this edict:

1) Contraception, sterilization, and abortion pills are classified as medical prevention. On whose authority? The secretary of health and human services, invoking the Institute of Medicine. But surely categorizing pregnancy as a disease equivalent is a value decision, disguised as scientific. If contraception is prevention, what are fertility clinics? Disease inducers? And if contraception is prevention because it lessens morbidity and saves money, by that logic, mass sterilization would be the greatest boon to public health since the pasteurization of milk.

2) This type of prevention is free — no co-pay. Why? Is contraception morally superior to or more socially vital than — and thus more of a “right” than — penicillin for a child with pneumonia?

3) “Religious” exemptions to this edict extend only to churches, places where the faithful worship God, and not to church-run hospitals and charities, places where the faithful do God’s work. Who promulgated this definition, so subversive of the whole notion of godliness, so stunningly ignorant of the very idea of religious vocation? The almighty HHS secretary.

Today, it’s the Catholic Church whose free-exercise powers are under assault from this cascade of diktats sanctioned by — indeed required by — Obamacare. Tomorrow it will be the turn of other institutions of civil society that dare stand between unfettered state and atomized citizen.
Rarely has one law so exemplified the worst of the Leviathan state — grotesque cost, questionable constitutionality, and arbitrary bureaucratic coerciveness. Little wonder the president barely mentioned it in his latest State of the Union address. He wants to be reelected. He’d rather talk about other things.

But there’s no escaping it now. Oral arguments begin Monday at 10 a.m.

Charles Krauthammer is a nationally syndicated columnist. © 2012 the Washington Post Writers Group.

Bishop Alexander Sample to offer Mass in Extraordinary Form regularly

His Excellency, the Most Reverend Alexander Sample, Bishop of the diocese of Marquette, Michigan, pictured above celebrating the holy Mass in the Extraordinary Form, has announced that he will now offer the Mass "approximately once a month on Sundays" in his cathedral church.

Bishop Sample recently ordained transitional deacons for the Fraternity of Saint Peter, also in the traditional Latin rite.



God give Bishop Sample many years. God be praised.


Saturday, March 24, 2012

Happy (belated) Saint Patrick's Day from St Francis de Sales volunteers

On March 17 Saint Francis de Sales Catholic Church held the second annual "Volunteer Thank-You Dinner" at the parish hall. Many of our volunteers were able to attend and celebrate their own share in the missionary spirit of Saint Patrick who spread the Faith by serving others.

Thanks to all of our volunteers at SFDS who are involved in every aspect of parish life and worship so that all we do comes alive with the Spirit and love of the Lord.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Saint Francis de Sales Church in Benedict, Md, Announces Plan to Restore Sanctuary

BEFORE
Wooden screen at rear of sanctuary has become shiny under multiple coats of varnish and darkened by sealing in smoke residue resulting from church fire of January 2010. Photo taken Christmas 2010.

AFTER
Artist's conception of sanctuary after removal of brown wooden screen and restoration through repair and repainting of white apse wall. Crucifix will be mounted at rear of apse within architectural framing. Carpet will be removed in sanctuary and white Carrara marble to match historic high altar installed throughout. Large tabernacle will be repositioned to rear of altar on external support to free more area of mensa for offering of extraordinary form of holy Mass.
Work is projected to be completed in Spring of 2012. Please pray for the success of this project and for raising of remaining funds necessary to complete the work.


Vivat Iesu.

Ad majorem Dei gloriam.

Saint Francis de Sales, pray for us.

Those interested in information about supporting the restoration may send inquiries to SFDS Church Restoration, PO Box 306, Benedict, Md 20612

Rally for Religious Freedom at Noon on Friday, March 23 at HHS building, 200 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC

To find a rally location near you click this link.

Citizens Prepare to Rally for Religious Freedom Across the U.S.

Thousands expected to gather in opposition to the HHS mandate on second anniversary of health-care reform act.

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03/22/2012 Comments (20)

The Nationwide Rally for Religious Freedom is set to take place on Friday, March 23, in more than 100 cities across the country. From Hawaii to Maine, citizens are preparing to let their voices be heard on the value of religious freedom. Meeting places include historic sites, congressional offices and federal buildings. The theme for the rally is “Stand Up for Religious Freedom — Stop the HHS Mandate!”

The rallies, which are scheduled to take place on the second anniversary of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (commonly called Obamacare), are being organized by the Pro-Life Action League and by Citizens for a Pro-Life Society in response to the recent Department of Health and Human Services mandate requiring most employers’ health-insurance plans to provide co-pay-free sterilization, contraception and abortion-causing drugs.

The mandate is unacceptable to Eric Scheidler of the Pro-Life Action League, who is spearheading the rallies. While he says there are numerous objections to the mandate, opposition to it can be broken down into two key points. The first, he says, is that “in principle, this mandate treats fertility, which can be seen as the very definition of health, as a disease. This is being talked about as ‘preventive care,’ as if motherhood, fatherhood and childhood are diseases to be avoided. This is extremely offensive.”

The second point, which Scheidler sees as even more important, is the violation of religious freedom. “This mandate would force employers to pay for sterilization, contraception and abortion-causing drugs, even in violation of their consciences. This is a direct attack on religious freedom itself, despite what many are being led to believe,” he said.

“Some think that because a so-called ‘accommodation’ was offered, everything is fine,” Scheidler said. “The Church, not the insurance companies, would still be forced to pay for things which violate Church teachings. The only way around it would be if a Catholic hospital, for example, would only hire Catholic employees and serve Catholic patients. This is ridiculous — the corporal works of mercy are not meant for Catholics alone. The HHS ’accommodation’ is so narrow that Jesus and his apostles would not qualify for it.”

He noted that even as Obama and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius presented the accommodation Feb. 10, the administration was “submitting their original plan to be published in the Federal Register. They did not intend to give us any leeway.”

Scheidler hopes to make this clear to those who had been unaware of it. “We really want this to be both a grassroots effort across the nation and also a unified effort with a very clear message. And that message is to stand up for religious freedom and stop Obama’s HHS mandate.”

Among the groups supporting the effort are Concerned Women for America, the National Black Pro-Life Coalition and Students for Life of America.

While many of the rally supporters are Catholic, Scheidler said this “really isn’t just a Catholic issue. This is a direct attack on the constitutionally protected right of religious organizations to define their own mission and purpose, which has been attacked by the Obama administration.” Scheidler wants to see everyone who supports his efforts, whether Catholic or not, to come to their nearest location in support of the effort. “We’re really encouraging people to invite local religious leaders — not just Catholics, but Protestants, Jews and others — to participate as speakers at the rallies as well.”

Speakers at the Federal Plaza in Chicago will include Sheila Liaugminas of Relevant Radio and Chicago archdiocesan priest Father Richard Simon. Cardinal Francis George will provide a recorded message for participants to hear. The newly installed coadjutor bishop of San Diego, Bishop Cirilo Flores, is scheduled to speak at the San Diego County Administration Building. New York City’s speakers include Father Benedict Groeschel of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and Alveda King, the pro-life activist and niece of Martin Luther King Jr.

Solidarity among all believers is something that Catholic radio talk-show host Al Kresta is also hoping for. “We want to see all believers support and join us in our efforts. This affects not just Catholics, but everyone. We cannot allow the federal government to dictate to us what we are to believe in. If we as a nation allow this one step, there’s no telling what else will ensue. It’s a shift from liberty to tyranny.”

Kresta, who is also the national spokesman for StopHHS.com, will be speaking at the Patrick V. McNamara Federal Building in Detroit. He expects to see a large turnout. “We’ve got a great group of people in Detroit who are interested in this issue, and I really do look forward to seeing a large number of them participating in what I think is the most important issue of our time.”

Every notable person Kresta has spoken with about the issue is in agreement on its nature. “I’ve talked with many people — constitutional scholars, bishops, attorneys, historians — and they all agree, whether they’re liberal or conservative, that this is unprecedented. Never before has the United States government attempted to force religious institutions to violate their deeply held beliefs,” Kresta explained.

“When abortion was allowed by law in 1973, it was very regrettable; and it remains regrettable that people are able to end the lives of their unborn children,” Kresta stated. “However, no American citizen is being compelled to commit abortion. We are all free not to engage in that activity. With the HHS mandate, there’s a reversal. They are trying to proactively force us to act against our beliefs. It’s not a toleration of evil, but a heavy-handed promotion of it.”

However, Kresta thinks that because of slanted secular media coverage, many people still see this as a trivial issue . He hopes the rally will jump-start awareness of the importance of standing up for religious freedom. “The secular media is portraying this as no big deal, but it is a qualitative shift. It is fundamentally different from what has happened before: The federal government is proactively trying to restrict our individual and religious liberty. We want to make that clear across the nation. This is not about contraception; it’s about the federal government intruding where it does not belong.”

Penny Nance, president and CEO of Concerned Women for America, the nation’s largest public-policy women’s organization, shares Kresta’s apprehension. “We are deeply concerned about the dismantling of our constitutional freedoms and the assault on Christian institutions in America,” she stated.

“When religious groups are forced to deny their deeply held religious convictions, it is not called ‘balance’; it is called ‘tyranny,’” Nance said. “Concerned Women for America reminds the president that our nation was founded on Judeo-Christian principles. Further, America’s social safety nets will not hold up without the contributions of Christian institutions — many of them run by the Catholic Church — and that churches and religious institutions provide the strong moral threads of the nation’s social fabric.”

Scheidler also sees the issue as being very widespread. “This is something that carries over into society at large. It’s not just a few out-of-touch pundits and bishops out there,” he said. “There are many women and men who reject the idea that pregnancy and childbirth are diseases that need to be prevented. There are many people who believe this is an encroachment on their religious freedom by the federal government.”

Overbearing government is something American Founding Father Patrick Henry is known for opposing, so it is noteworthy that the rally will be held on the anniversary of his famous 1775 statement — Scheidler said the timing of the rally was unintentional but providential — “Give me liberty or give me death.”

Register correspondent Trent Beattie writes from Seattle.


Read more: http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/citizens-prepare-to-rally-for-religious-freedom-across-the-u.s#ixzz1ps7sNWiu

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Monsignor Pope: "In Aftermath of Redefining Marriage, Absurdities Multiply: Woman 'Marries' Herself in Recent 'Ceremony' "

In the Aftermath of Redefining Marriage, Absurdities Multiply. Woman “Marries” Herself in Recent “Ceremony”

By: Msgr. Charles Pope

Let the further absurdities begin. Having redefined marriage, the secular world may discover it has actually undefined marriage. For in removing so basic an aspect of the definition of marriage (a male and a female), proponents of gay “marriage” will have a hard time excluding any newcomers to the the now opened-ended notion of “marriage.” Consider the following story from Yahoo News:

Last week, Nadine Schweigert married herself in a symbolic wedding ceremony. The 36-year-old divorced mom of three wore blue satin and clutched a bouquet of white roses as she walked down the aisle before a gathering of 45 friends and family members in Fargo, North Dakota…..
She vowed to “to enjoy inhabiting my own life and to relish a lifelong love affair with my beautiful self,”…the ring was exchanged with the bride and her “inner-groom,” guests were encouraged to “blow kisses at the world,” and later, eat cake. Schweigert, who followed the ceremony with a solo honeymoon in New Orleans, claims the wedding was her way of showing the world she’s learned to love and accept herself as a woman flying solo. …Schweigert’s 11-year-old son was her biggest critic: “He said, ‘I love you, but I’m embarrassed for you right now.’” [1]

Of course the woman did not marry herself, that is impossible. But why let reality get in the way of wordsmithing and living in a self defined world?

The intrepid reporter could not avoid adding his own commentary:
I believe everyone has the right to marry, regardless of sexual preference…. For some people being alone is what feels most natural. Shouldn’t they too be entitled to tax breaks? …Some people are actually proud of their solo relationship status and even ready to commit to it. Maybe if more people could reap the benefits of a wedding without a partner, there would be a lower national divorce rate.… -Piper Weiss, Shine Senior Features Editor, Single [2]

Let’s overlook the logical fallacy and abuse of the English language in the phrase “solo relationship” for the absurdity is evident enough; and it you don’t see it, I have a square circle to sell you. Let’s also overlook the bizarre non-sequitur that single “marriages” would somehow result in a lower “divorce” rate. For as absurd as the notion of self-”marriage” is, the notion of divorcing one’s own self is even more absurd. Where would one go from oneself?

But absurd is the word for the whole strange redefinition of marriage movement. The secular world, having sown in the wind, now reaps the whirlwind. If something as outlandish as two men together can be called “marriage,” who is to say that any other part of the definition cannot be tampered with? Why should marriage be between only two? Here come the polygamists. And apparently too, here come the soloists like Ms (Mrs?) Schweigert. And while we’re at it, who is to say marriage has to be between two humans? Bring on the bestiality advocates as well as those who would like to effect marriages between their pets.

Absurd? Sure! But so is two men getting “married.” And I would wonder how advocates of homosexual “marriage” would be able to answer Ms. (Mrs?) Schweigert’s (s’ ??) salvo, as well as the silly conclusions of the reporter? Are they not hoisted on the petard of their own “logic?” For if something as basic as sexual identity can be removed from the definition of marriage, who is to say that duality, and even humanity, cannot be removed? Can the homosexual community and advocates of homosexual “marriage” really say such things as polygamy and bestiality are a bridge too far? Why? On what basis?

I have a solution. Back to the Bible, back to Natural Law, and back to tradition. Yes, Scripture, and the natural Law and tradition it reflects, is easier and clearer. God set forth marriage in Genesis pretty well: One man (Adam) for one woman (Eve). God calls her a “suitable” partner for Adam (Gn 2:18). And Adam was to cling to his wife in a stable life long relationship (Gn 2:24), and their fundamental task was to be fruitful and multiply (Gen 1:28). (Which would be pretty hard if the first and archetypal couple were homosexual or solo-sexual – (is that a word?)).
Now for those polygamy advocates, who will surely opine here that the Patriarchs had multiple wives, I will only say here that the Scriptures do not approve of things, simply because they report them. The fact is, polygamy always led to trouble and, as Israel matured, it was set aside. The Patriarchs erred by departing from God’s plan for marriage.

So here we are, going into the waters of ever deeper absurdity. A woman “married” herself (she did no such thing). And soon enough the “soloists” will be at City Hall demanding licenses and benefits. The polygamists will be there with them, and Lord only knows what other combinations.

In the end, if anything is marriage, nothing is marriage. We need to stop using the word and return to the older “Holy Matrimony.” The word “marriage” is becoming increasingly meaningless.

For the full post at ADW blog click here.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Bishop William E. Lori named Archbisop of Baltimore, Vatican Publishes Ireland Visitation Report


by Edward Pentin Tuesday, March 20, 2012 6:17 AM


In an important news day from the Vatican today, Bishop William E. Lori of Bridgeport, Conn., has been named as the new Archbishop of Baltimore. He replaces Cardinal Edwin O’Brien who last week took up his new post here in Rome as Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.


Bishop Lori was one of three appointments to U.S. dioceses announced today:
* Msgr. David Malloy, until now a priest of the diocese of Milwaukee and a former general secretary of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has been appointed Bishop of Rockford, Ill., replacing Bishop Thomas Doran. * Fr. Gregory Parkes, who has been serving as Chancellor and Vicar General of the Diocese of Orlando, is appointed Bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee, taking over from Bishop John Huston Ricard who stood down in March last year.
In Canada, Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte, Archbishop of Montreal, has stood down and will be replaced by Archbishop Christian Lépine, until now an auxiliary bishop in Montreal.


Also published today was a summary of the Apostolic Visitation of Ireland. The document makes a series of observations and recommendations. In particular, it notes: “Among the pastoral priorities that have emerged most strongly is the need for deeper formation in the content of the faith for young people and adults; a broad and well-planned ongoing theological and spiritual formation for clergy, Religious and lay faithful; a new focus on the role of the laity, who are called to be engaged both within the Church and in bearing witness before society, in accordance with the social teachings of the Church.”


The report also said visitators “encountered a certain tendency, not dominant but nevertheless fairly widespread among priests, Religious and laity, to hold theological opinions at variance with the teachings of the Magisterium, this serious situation requires particular attention, directed principally towards improved theological formation. It must be stressed that dissent from the fundamental teachings of the Church is not the authentic path towards renewal.” The report can be read in full here.


The Vatican also announced today details of the next meeting of the Courtyard of the Gentiles - a project of the Pontifical Council for Culture aimed at promoting dialogue between believers and unbelievers - which will be in Palermo, Sicily, on March 29 and 30. Further meetings will follow in Bologna, Paris, Bucharest, Florence, Rome and Tirana.


Read more: http://www.ncregister.com/blog/edward-pentin/bishop-lori-to-baltimore-vatican-publishes-irish-visitation-report#ixzz1piK5gAjm

Monday, March 19, 2012

In Reparation for Crimes of Sacrilege Against the Holy Eucharist: Laetare Sunday Solemn High Mass

On Sunday evening March 18, 2012, a Solemn High Mass was offered at Saint Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Benedict, Maryland, in reparation for the sins of desecration and sacrilege against the Holy Eucharist, a most grave crime because our Divine Lord Himself truly present is directly attacked and one of the "main sins" of irreligion as taught by the Church and reaffirmed by the Catechism.

"Sacrilege consists in profaning or treating unworthily the sacraments and other liturgical actions, as well as persons, things, or places consecrated to God. Sacrilege is a grave sin especially when committed against the Eucharist, for in this sacrament the true Body of Christ is made substantially present for us." (CCC 2120)

The holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the means through, with and in Christ for offering and obtaining reparation for sin.

"As sacrifice, the Eucharist is also offered in reparation for the sins of the living and the dead and to obtain spiritual or temporal benefits from God." (CCC 1414)

Lord, have mercy on us.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Jesus Christ is lifted up today in His Church through mercy for those "practicing all the abominations of the nations and polluting the LORD's temple"


Jesus Christ the crucified Savior is lifted up by the members of His Body through their merciful love for all sinners, even those who have "mocked the messengers of God, despised his warnings, and scoffed at his prophets", those who have desecrated through profanation and sacrilegious communions the very Body and Blood of Jesus who died on the Cross for their, and our, salvation.

Jesus Christ crucified, died and Risen is the "remedy" of God for sin that "all may be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth".

Jesus Christ have mercy on us and on the whole world!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

La Primavera


We seek new life from God who is love in all that He has made.

Planned Parenthood CEO Arrested for Indecent Exposure in Texas

March 14, 2012

Lincoln, NE - Tony Ray Thornton, 56, who serves as CEO and President of the Planned Parenthood Association of Lubbock, was arrested and jailed Monday afternoon for indecent exposure after he approached a 43-year old male at a local baseball field and revealed his private area.

According to Texas Penal Code 21.08, indecent exposure is a Class B misdemeanor, and is committed when a suspect exposes his genitals with the intent to arouse the sexual desire of another person.

Thornton was released the following day after posting a bond of $750.

"As disgusting as this crime is, it is not unusual for men and women with sexual perversions to be involved in the abortion business. It is the abortion industry's dirty little secret," said Cheryl Sullenger, Senior Policy Advisor to Operation Rescue and Pro-Life Nation. "We have documented a shocking number of abortionists and abortion workers that have criminal or disciplinary history that includes everything from rape to 'crossing sexual boundaries.' What is shocking is that these people are often permitted to remain in the field after being exposed as sex abusers and perverts. That puts patients at risk for abuse."

Efforts by Lubbock area reporters to get a reaction from Planned Parenthood on Thornton's arrest have been so far unsuccessful.

"We are appalled at Thornton's conduct and hope he is prosecuted to the full extent of the law. What is equally disturbing is that Planned Parenthood has yet to renounce Thornton or his criminal behavior. That alone speaks volumes," said Sullenger.

Visit Planned Parenthood of Lubbock's profile page on AbortionDocs.org.

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Monday, March 12, 2012

Helpful Liturgical Hints: "HOW TO GIVE COMMUNION ON THE TONGUE"


The priest simply grasps the host by a very small area at the inner edge, that is the edge closest to him, at the same time turning the outer edge down, with which he makes first contact upon the communicants' tongue. The host adheres thus and the priest simultaneously relinquishes his grasp upon the host, thereby releasing the host into the communicant's mouth. Voila!

((((,,))))

Moral Mondays. Cardinal Dolan:“The White House seems to think we bishops simply do not know or understand Catholic teaching,”

How can anybody vote for this administration without identifying themselves as anti-Catholic Church haters? Somebody, please tell me I'm wrong.

Cardinal Dolan: religious liberty concerns ‘off the table’ for White House

By Michelle Bauman


Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan

Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York is urging his fellow bishops to “prepare for tough times” after the Obama administration told the bishops’ conference that it is not willing to address religious liberty concerns raised by its contraception mandate.

In a March 2 letter to all U.S. bishops, Cardinal Dolan explained that White House officials told staffers from the bishops’ conference at a recent meeting that revisiting the mandate or broadening the exemption in order to address “the broader concerns of religious freedom” is “off the table.”

Instead, the administration encouraged the bishops to listen to those who accept the new policy.

“The White House seems to think we bishops simply do not know or understand Catholic teaching,” the newly-elevated cardinal said.

He stated in his letter that “religious freedom is under attack” and that “we will not cease our struggle to protect it.”

The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops also outlined ways in which the conference will continue its “strong efforts of advocacy and education.”

He said that the bishops’ conference is working to provide catechetical resources on the Church’s teaching about religious freedom, as well as liturgical aids to encourage prayer and inform Catholics about ongoing plans to resist the threats to religious liberty.

“We did not ask for this fight, but we will not run from it,” he said.

Cardinal Dolan then briefed the U.S. bishops on current efforts to fight the mandate, which was issued Jan. 20 by the Obama administration and will soon require employers to offer health care plans that cover contraception, sterilization and abortion-inducing drugs, even if doing so violates their consciences.

After an outcry from people across the political and religious spectrum, President Obama promised an “accommodation” for religious freedom on Feb. 10. Under the proposed change, religious employers would not purchase the controversial coverage directly, but would instead be required to buy health care plans from insurance companies.

But Cardinal Dolan insisted that the revised mandate does not address deeper concerns of religious freedom and the administration’s attempt “to define the how and who of our ministry.” Nor does it offer a solution for the many self-insured ministries or individual believers who wish to follow Church teaching, he said.

Although the bishops have accepted the president’s invitation to “work out the wrinkles,” the process “seems to be stalled,” Cardinal Dolan told his fellow bishops.

He stressed the importance of unity in finding other ways to fight the mandate and assured the bishops that “ample time” would be dedicated to the subject at the conference’s upcoming Administrative Committee meeting and the June Plenary Assembly.

In the meantime, he said, the bishops remain committed to “seeking legislative remedies” for the mandate. However, he voiced his concern about a recent Senate debate in which the issue of religious freedom was obscured under claims that the matter is solely about women’s health.

“We will not let this deception stand,” he said, adding that “the Church hardly needs to be lectured about health care for women” because, due largely to the work of religious sisters, the Church is “the largest private provider of health care for women” in the United States.

“Perhaps the courts offer the most light,” he suggested, noting that the Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of a church’s right to define its own ministry. He said that the bishops’ conference will release more information soon about currently-developing judicial efforts to fight the mandate.

Cardinal Dolan said the bishops will continue pursuing multiple avenues to repeal the mandate, or at least to institute a wider exemption, “so that churches can be free of the new, rigidly narrow definition of church, minister and ministry.”

He expressed a willingness to work with those of “any party” who are committed to defending “the timeless and enduring truth of religious freedom.”

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Hope and Change


Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom,
but we proclaim Christ crucified,
a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,
but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike,
Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom,
and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

1 Cor 1:22-25


Saturday, March 10, 2012

On denial of Communion at Mass: "Sinners can cause scandal certainly; so also can zealous saints."


Scandal and the Denial Of Communion

By FR. KEVIN M. CUSICK

Sinners can cause scandal certainly; so also can zealous saints.

A recent case in the Washington, D. C., area ap­pears to have been a setup. Allegedly a woman ap­proached a priest in the sacristy prior to her moth­er’s funeral Mass and announced that she was liv­ing in an immoral sexual relationship. The priest subsequently denied her Communion during the celebration of the Mass.

Whether the woman had bad will or not, she was able to twist the case into a scandal against the Church by causing an internal conflict within the well- meaning priest whose reaction to the dilem­ma brought into the public light a fact of personal sin which may very well have been, and would otherwise have remained, private.

Should an individual use a parent’s funeral Mass and the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist to make a statement? No. Should a priest deny Holy Com­munion to someone who he has virtually certain knowledge should not be receiving the sacrament? It depends: Only if the act of withholding the sac­rament will itself not be a source of scandal. In some cases it very well could be and therefore Communion should be given to those who other­wise properly present themselves.

What is scandal? “ Scandal is a grave offense when by deed or omission it deliberately leads oth­ers to sin gravely” ( Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 2326)

In the matter of the reception of Holy Commun­ion or the distribution of Holy Communion, can­on 915 is usually cited as the Church’s definitive statement as to when the minister of Holy Com­munion, usually a priest or deacon, is instructed to deny Holy Communion to someone who pre­sents himself or herself during the Communion procession of Mass. In his document The Disci­pline Regarding the Denial of Holy Communion to Those Obstinately Persevering in Manifest Grave Sin, Raymond Cardinal Burke delves into this issue, which can so often be a source of con­fusion.

Cardinal Burke clarifies thus: “ The denial of Holy Communion can be the effect of the imposi­tion or declaration of the canonical penalties of Excommunication and Interdict ( cf. canons 1331 § 1, 2; and 1332), but there are other cases in which Holy Communion must be denied, apart from any imposition or declaration of a canonical penalty, in order to respect the holiness of the sacrament, to safeguard the salvation of the soul of the party presenting himself to receive Holy Communion, and to avoid scandal.”

Certainly two of the conditions which Cardinal Burke cites, respecting the holiness of the sacra­ment and safeguarding the soul of the party pre­senting himself, apply here. Whether or not the third condition, “ and to avoid scandal,” applies in the case of the woman at her mother’s funeral Mass is doubtful. This is where the well- meaning priest may have gone astray, which event was then used to cause a scandal against the Church.

The act of receiving Holy Communion can therefore be a source of scandal but so also can refusal to give the Lord to one who requests the Sacrament.

The Holy Mass is essentially a public event dur­ing which it is virtually impossible for the priest to have a private conference with a person when he presents himself for Communion without risk of causing a scandal thereby. Unless the priest has sufficient certainty that his action of giving the Eucharist to a particular person at Mass will itself be a source of scandal, as in the case of Nancy Pelosi or Kathleen Sebelius and other public figures, he must give the Eucharist with the generous love of Jesus Christ who is truly Present in the sacrament and who is the Savior of the world.

There very well may be an element of surprise for the priest when certain individuals present themselves in the Communion line. And there cer­tainly are individuals who use the Lord to make a statement. For these and more reasons it is certainly would be a good habit for the priest to simply ask, when conditions make it appropriate or when non­-confessional private information has created uncertainty as to a person’s understanding of the Eu­charist or lack of proper disposition for reception: “ Are you a Catholic?” If the person says “ Yes,” thereby making a putative statement of faith, the priest can proceed in good conscience to give the sacrament. If the person says “ no” the priest can offer to give the individual a blessing.

It is also a matter of settled policy in many dioceses for the priest, at a funeral or wedding Mass, to make a general statement prior to Communion that only those Catholics present who are properly disposed should come forward. Causing confusion in this matter has been the mania in recent years to in some cases invite everyone forward, even those who cannot communicate, instructing them to fold their arms to indicate they are unable to receive.

Communion kneeling at the rail and on the tongue is not a freakish, fringe practice as so many Catholics of a certain stripe have so successfully characterized this universal ordinary means of receiving Communion. The Pope does it. And the Holy Father by his consistent example is calling for the return of this beautiful custom which enables the faithful to express their faith in Christ's real Eucharistic presence simply and profoundly at the moment when it is most significant: upon receiving Him Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Eucharist. And this practice also very effectively filters out those who do not intend to receive the Lord with Catholic Faith.

Jesus Christ, who is truly present in the Eucha­rist and who desires that "all be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth" through, with and in Him, should be defended by all who love Him that He may never be exploited for sinful or scandal­ous purposes. This includes those who wish to twist denial of the Holy Eucharist into a means of scandalizing others against His Church through which He continues to act as the Savior of the world.

+ + + ( Visit Meeting Christ in the Liturgy at mcitl. blogspot. com for teachings from the Cate­chism of the Catholic Church paired with the Scriptures of holy Mass for every day of the week. Fr. Cusick blogs at APriestLife.blogspot. com and you can e- mail him at mcitl.blogspot. com@gmail.com.)


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Friday, March 9, 2012

The demise of guys: Porn makes guys romantically stunted and socially awkward

How is porn hurting our chances for real, romantic intimacy?

Philip Zimbardo says: "The only people who should care about this is parents of boys and girls, educators, gamers, film makers, and women who want a real man who they can talk to, who can dance, who can make love slowly, and who can contribute to the evolutionary pressures to keep our species above banana slugs."

The following is a portion of a TED talk from well-noted psychologist Philip Zimbardo. In this short clip he unpacks some of the reasons why many men today fear intimacy with women, and why we are becoming more and more socially awkward. He also discusses the role pornography plays in this cultural problem. (Other than the unsavory comment about Jennifer Lopez, the talk itself is relatively clean.)

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

News Outlets Failed to Reveal Lesbian Denied Communion at Mother’s Funeral … is a Buddhist and Gay Rights Activist


Name UserAmerican

by Thomas Peters
8 hours ago

RSS


I didn’t get involved in the story of a lesbian woman denied communion at her mother’s funeral which the Washington Post plastered across its front page (“Seeking Communion, Finding Rejection“, in the lower right-hand corner) at first but the more I thought about the scenario the more it irked me.

According to Barbara Johnson’s version of events, and the version of events unquestioningly passed on by the mainstream media, she was denied Communion at her own mother’s funeral by a priest who then proceeded to snub her departed mother by refusing to be present at the burial.

Now Johnson is on a crusade to get the priest, Fr. Marcel Guarnizo, removed from ministry, telling the Post that Fr. Marcel “brought [his] politics, not [his] God into that Church yesterday” and that he will “pay dearly on the day of judgement for judging [her].” She continues:

“I will pray for your soul, but first I will do everything in my power to see that you are removed from parish life so that you will not be permitted to harm any more families.”

Strong words. But who brought their politics into this situation? Fr. Marcel, or Johnson?

The internet is an amazing way to answer questions. It didn’t take me long to discover that Barbara Johnson hardly attempts to keep her private life (or views) private.

For instance, she’s published on the question: “Coming Out in the Heteronormative and Homophobic World of Education” (which alone tells you a lot about her world view) where she shares this personal story:

What’s that? Johnson is a self-professed Buddhist? No wonder she describes herself as a “student of … Buddhist philosophy” on her website.

Read the rest of the article at American Papist here.

40 Days for Life: Maggie is praying. Will you?

Maggie, faithful APL mascot, is shown here praying at an abortion mill with her family members on a recent cold Monday evening. Maggie and her family are members of Saint Agnes Catholic Church in Catonsville, Maryland where Father Michael DeAscanis serves as pastor.

Maggie is praying 40 Days for Life. Will you pray, too?