Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Archbishop Burke Speaks

Archbishop Raymond Leo Burke is the Archbishop Emeritus of Saint Louis and Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura. This article is adapted from remarks he delivered at InsideCatholic's 14th Annual Partnership Dinner, on September 18, 2009.

Regarding the faith and political life, there has developed in our nation the false notion that the Christian or any person of faith, in order to be a true American citizen, must bracket his faith life from his political life. According to such a notion, one ends up with Christians, for example, who claim personally to be faithful members of the Church and, therefore, to hold to the demands of the natural moral law, while they sustain and support the right to violate the moral law in its most fundamental tenets. We find self-professed Catholics, for example, who sustain and support the right of a woman to procure the death of the infant in her womb, or the right of two persons of the same sex to the recognition which the State gives to a man and a woman who have entered into marriage. It is not possible to be a practicing Catholic and to conduct oneself politically in this manner.
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To ignore the fact that Catholics in public life, for example, who persistently violate the moral law regarding the inviolability of innocent human life or the integrity of the marital union, lead many into confusion or even error regarding the most fundamental teachings of the moral law, in fact, contributes to the confusion and error, redounding to the gravest harm to our brothers and sisters, and, therefore, to the whole nation. The perennial discipline of the Church, for that reason among other reasons, has prohibited the giving of Holy Communion and the granting of a Church funeral to those who persist, after admonition, in the grave violation of the moral law (Code of Canon Law, cann. 915; and 1184, § 1, 3ยบ).
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One of the ironies of the present situation is that the person who experiences scandal at the gravely sinful public actions of a fellow Catholic is accused of a lack of charity and of causing division within the unity of the Church. In a society whose thinking is governed by the "tyranny of relativism" and in which political correctness and human respect are the ultimate criteria of what is to be done and what is to be avoided, the notion of leading someone into moral error makes little sense. What causes wonderment in such a society is the fact that someone fails to observe political correctness and, thereby, seems to be disruptive of the so-called peace of society. Lying or failing to tell the truth, however, is never a sign of charity. A unity which is not founded on the truth of the moral law is not the unity of the Church. The Church's unity is founded on speaking the truth with love. The person who experiences scandal at public actions of Catholics, which are gravely contrary to the moral law, not only does not destroy unity but invites the Church to repair what is clearly a serious breach in Her life. Were he not to experience scandal at the public support of attacks on human life and the family, his conscience would be uninformed or dulled about the most sacred realities.

To all of the bishops, priests, deacons and religious in this Archdiocese, please listen. Be strong and stand up to those who continue to call themselves Catholics and yet, flaunt our teachings. Do not follow the Cardinal McCarrick and Archbishop Wuerl Doctrine. It has not worked for 30 years.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Shouldn't We Ensure that Social Security is okay?

As you know, Archbishop Wuerl has thrown his zucchetto into the health care debate by having an on-line "newspaper" publish his editorial on the subject.

Now, I know that I have been critical of him, but as an American and as the leader of Roman Catholic Church in Washington DC/Maryland, he has a right to do so. I would never, ever, take that away from him. Just as I would not take away David Catania's right to talk about homosexual marriage. He has the right to speak on it and advocate it, even though his is wrong.

However, we have problems brewing more and more with Social Security. You can read about it here. In fact, I found it interesting that

In 1940 there were 160 workers supporting each person on Social Security. By 2006 this number had fallen to 3.3 workers per pensioner. By 2034, there will be only 2.1 workers for each person collecting a government retirement check. (Source)

Now, some of you will say "but those people have paid into that." That is true, but what they have really done is get a promisary note -- they may not get their money back -- since there is no "lock box" or real trust fund. It is just a bunch of IOU's.

Don't you think that we should ensure that Social Security, which so many people rely upon, should be a priority to fix? Should not the Archbishop call for fixing Social Security and against any health care reform? Should not the Archbishop call for a fixing of Medicare and Medicaid first?

I think that we should fix what we have, before attempting socialized medicine.
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I am calling on all Catholics, to request that the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) be shut down. Not certain what I mean or why, then read this.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Catholic Standard Weekly Update

Once again, I have been delayed in getting out my review of the Catholic Standard. Simply too many things to do and not enough time, but here is a brief review.

First, congratulations to the Our Lady of Mercy and Holy Redeemer Elementary Schools! They have been named a Blue Ribbon School by the US Department of Education. They are two out of 50 non-public schools. Congratulations. We should be shouting this from the mountaintop!!

The daughter of St. Gianna Beretta Molla is featured in a CNS article but also discusses St. Gianna's life.

I believe that we are now seeing the third article on the religious education program (new standards) in the Diocese. It is currently tested in ten schools and ten parishes. There seems to be an increase in social justice in this program. I hope that this does not turn out to be more of what we have seen with CCHD and the failure of the social justice crowd to support DC Opportunity Scholarships. I know we will see more information on this in the future.

We continue with series of articles on Health Care Reform. As always, they are pushing for Universal Health care. As I have asked before, will this cover everything, and if health care is a right, then what are our obligations? If I drink a six pack of beer every night for thirty years, and my liver goes, does this mean I get a liver transplant for free?

A story appears on Henry Gibson, the Laugh-In star. I remember him on the show in the late 60s as he played a flower child, and the old man who would hit on young women. I am really not certain why this was a full page story in the Standard. The only reason was that he was a friend of Cardinal John Foley and did some fund raising for the Church in the Holy Land. Maybe they needed some filler space.

The St. Mary's Chapel has been rebuild in St. Mary's City and received a front page photo.

There are also stories on the burial at Arlington of Fr. Branch, installation of Fr. Fangmeyer, 50th Anniversary of St. Bartholomew's and Becca's Run, among others.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Some Odds and Ends

I did not get a chance to give you my weekly update of the Catholic Standard. This past weekend was beautiful and I decided to enjoy the outdoors. So, I have been a little remiss on my postings.

There are many good stories in the Catholic Standard but I guess there was not enough space for any mention of how the Archbishop honored John Sweeney. You know, the former head of the AFL-CIO who has spent millions upon millions of dollars electing pro-abortion, pro-gay politicians.

However, there are a number of things which we need to update.

First, Bob Stewart is no longer heading up VOTF at Holy Trinity. That honor goes to Jim Listori. Oh, and did you miss the monthly meeting on Sept. 16th. I know I did.

If you missed the VOTF meeting at Holy Trinity in September, no need to worry. You can catch the dissenters at St. Rose of Lima on October 1st.

Our friends over at Restore DC Catholocism have a new blog. The link on the side has been updated. I look forward to the postings.

Fr. Greg, who was stationed at St. Andrew's in Silver Spring, is now the Chaplain at the George Washington University Newman Center. I enjoy his blog postings and have updated the link to his new blog site. Keep up the good work.

Finally, I have added Domine, da mihi hanc aquam! to our blog roll. Fr. Phillip Neri Powell, O.P. has an excellent blog. In fact, I highlighted his story about his experience with the Occult before he became a priest.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

CHA and Archbp Wuerl - Free Health Care for All Now!

Recently, Archbishop Wuerl has called for universal health care for all. Sr. Carol Keehan of the Catholic Healtcare Assn. has done so for months. Of course, there are many more who have done so for a while

In concept, this is a wonderful idea. In reality, what they are all doing is relying on the government to create another entitlement to be paid for by people like me. Considering how the government is running Medicare, Medicade, and Social Security, do you really think that they can run it better than it is being run now?

Therefore, I call on Archbishop Wuerl and Sr. Carol Keehan to ask -- no require -- all Catholic hospitals and medical facilities to offer FREE HEALTH CARE FOR ALL NOW.

That's right, it is time (as the saying goes) "to put your money where your mouth is!"

If you really believe that we are in crisis mode, then offer free health care to everyone who walks in to all 600 plus hospitals and medical facilities, regardless of their ability to pay. Offer it to citizens, legal immigrants and illegal immigrants.

Offer free check-ups, free prescription drugs, free eye glasses, free surgeries, free mental illness programs. Offer all of them for free. No questions asked.

Don't worry about the cost because remember, health care is in crisis mode. You should be doing whatever you can to help solve the crisis. In fact, you may want to ask all of the union members (esp. those who work in hospitals) to take a 5% reduction in their pay to cover these costs. I mean, the union bosses tell us they support it, so the too should show that they are really committed to this.

If this issue is that important to you, then do it. Stop the talking. Don't wait for the government to do it. Show that you mean what you say.

I dare you.

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UPDATE (9am)

From the I TOLD YOU SO Desk: USCCB's Social Justice Arm Caught Funding Pro-Abortion/Prostitution Groups: Takes "Decisive" Action in Response.

Does anyone not think we should shut this down and redirect the funds?

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Educating Pro-Abortion Catholic Politicians - A Failed Doctrine

Cardinal McCarrick, Archbishop Wuerl and many other members of the hierarchy (esp. those in the Archdiocese of Washington), take a "let's educate pro-abortion Catholic politicians because they will change."

For the last two years, I have argued, that this method does not work and not only encourages them to continue but encourages others. Why does it encourage others, because they know that they can continue to receive communion, be honored by their priests, and receive a Catholic funeral Mass.

Fr. Landry of Fall River MA, writes:

Last week, our editorial argued that one of the most important lessons pastors of the Church in the United States need to draw from the history of interactions with Senator Ted Kennedy on the sanctity of human life is that a strategy of conscience-education-alone with “personally opposed, publicly pro-choice” Catholic politicians hasn’t worked. The attempt to engage, teach and help persuade such politicians to conversion didn’t succeed with Senator Kennedy and it hasn’t succeeded yet with other pro-choice Catholic legislators. To say that it hasn’t succeeded, however, is really not strong enough. It’s possible, after all, to fail a test with a grade of 59; in such a case a student would be able to take some solace that, while there are some areas in need of improvement, he was close to minimal success. If a student fails a test with close to a zero, on the other hand, he obviously needs to make some radical changes if he ever hopes to succeed. And that is closer to the candid assessment that leaders of the Church need to make relative to the education-alone strategy during the past few decades. Let us take an honest look at the numbers. When we survey the long list of pro-choice Catholic politicians from both parties — Kennedy, Kerry, Giuliani, Schwarzenegger, Daschle, Dodd, Durban, Leahy, Mikulski, Pelosi, Delahunt, Capuano, Markey, McGovern, Meehan, Granholm, Sebelius, Pataki, Richardson, Cellucci, Cuomo, and Biden to name just a handful — is it possible to say that the strategy has worked with any of them? Over the last three and a half decades, can we point to even one success story?


Read more about it here.

Hat Tip to LifeSiteNews.Com.

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Because of the continuing scandal at ACORN, I am asking all my readers and Catholic bloggers to once again to call for the shutting down of CCHD. Once shut down, reform it, so that money goes only to Catholic organizations that are faithful to the Church, not to organizations that may go against the teachings of the Church. The only way that Archbishop Wuerl and the members of the USCCB will get the message is if we stop funding them.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Archbishop Wuerl and Healthcare

In an Op Ed Piece in Politics Daily (Health Care Reform a Moral, Imperative, But Must Cover Immigrants, Too), Archbishop Wuerl has decided to jump into the health care debate. He does in a left of center, on-line publication.

I have a couple of bones to pick with him and this article.

1. The current health care system does not cover only a few. It covers a majority of the people.
2. If health care is a basic human right, then what are the basic responsibilities of humans to the system? This is a question I keep meaning to ask everyone who says this. Does it mean we should not eat at McDonald's? Does it mean we should not have any alcohol? Does it mean we should not eat BBQ pork ribs? No one ever explains it, and neither does the Archbishop.
3. What does universal health care mean? Does it mean free eyeglasses every two years? Does it mean kidney transplants for one and all? Are you telling me that health care is not universal right now? You mean you cannot get health care anywhere? Could have fooled me.
4. Well, once again, the Archbishop leaves out the word "illegal" when he discusses immigration. Why? Because he refuses to state that those who are here illegally should be arrested and deported.

I would agree with him that health care costs too much. It is because of lawsuits, the waste and mismanagement and fraud of Medicare and Medicaid and the cost of taking care of those who are here illegally.

The same people who gave us the current health care system are the same people who want to give us this. Who do you think one of the key sponsors of the HMO laws wasy? Teddy Kennedy.

The Archbishop has much more to worry about in his diocese than jumping into this. He has VOTF meeting in his parishes, he has parishes which are pro-homosexual marriage, school enrollment is dropping with the possibility of closings in January/February, he has schools and Catholic organizations within the diocese honoring those who are pro-abortion and pro-homosexual lifestyle. He refuses to take a stand against Catholic politicians who go against the Church. In fact, he himself goes about honoring union leaders who support abortion and homosexual marriage.

He thinks that he can save Catholic health care. Maybe get it more money. He is sadly mistaken. Once you have made a deal with the devil, you can never get out of it.

We need a new Archbishop or Cardinal for this Archdiocese.

Hat Tip to The Deacon's Bench for this.
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Because of the continuing scandal at ACORN, I am asking all my readers and Catholic bloggers to once again to call for the shutting down of CCHD. Once shut down, reform it, so that money goes only to Catholic organizations that are faithful to the Church, not to organizations that may go against the teachings of the Church. The only way that Archbishop Wuerl and the members of the USCCB will get the message is if we stop funding them.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Campus Ministry Helps Keep the Faith

Here is a story from the Catholic News Service (CNS) of a young woman (from this Archdiocese) who has to really look into her faith when she goes to college:

Having attended Catholic schools in Olney, Md., throughout her life, Kellie Ileto found a decidedly more diverse setting when she arrived at the University of Rochester in the fall of 2006.

"It was the first time I was put in an environment where Catholicism wasn't the prominent aspect, where I had to go out and seek it myself," recalled Ileto, 21.

For more, click here.

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Because of the continuing scandal at ACORN, I am asking all my readers and Catholic bloggers to once again to call for the shutting down of CCHD. Once shut down, reform it, so that money goes only to Catholic organizations that are faithful to the Church, not to organizations that may go against the teachings of the Church. The only way that Archbishop Wuerl and the members of the USCCB will get the message is if we stop funding them.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

CCHD - Time to Shut it Down

As many of you know, last year because of you and all of the Catholic bloggers, we were able to get USCCB to stop Catholic Committee on Human Development (CCHD) from funding ACORN. At that time, CCHD held off as long as they could, until the pressure got too much and stopped funding them.

However, the most recent video showing ACORN telling a "pimp and hooker" in NYC, Baltimore and Washington DC how to avoid takes and evading the law, esp. with child prostitution.

If you have not seen the video, go here. Here is the Baltimore video. I mean they are right out of Hollywood casting -- Huggy Bear and his girlfriend.

This really leads me to question what the groups are really doing with the CCHD money?

Therefore, I am calling on all my readers and all Catholic bloggers to once again to call for the shutting down of CCHD. Once shut down, reform it, so that money goes only to Catholic organizations that are faithful to the Church, not themselves.

The only way that Archbishop Wuerl and the members of the USCCB will get the message is if we stop funding them.

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UPDATE: It seems that ACORN was operating ILLEGALLY after November 2006 in Maryland. CCHD was still giving them money. Doesn't anyone from CCHD check these sorts of things or do they rely on the "honest" answers given to them by the various organizations.

THIS IS ALL THE MORE REASON TO SHUT DOWN CCHD and START OVER!

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Catholic Standard - Weekly Update

Well folks, after letting my subsciption lapse, I headed over to the parish and picked up a copy. Yes, I did drop a little extra in the basket this week to cover the cost.

MISSING NEWS...MISSING NEWS...MISSING NEWS

It seems that the Catholic Standard did not report on the Archbishop of Washington DC, Donald Wuerl paying honor to John Sweeney (AFL-CIO), on Sept. 2nd. Georgetown University honored Mr. Sweeney with a Doctor of Laws degree.

I mean there was enough time to get it in the Catholic Standard this week. I mean, it is published on the Sept. 10th. The event took place on the evening of the 2nd.

Oh, I understand, we don't want to publish such things after the Archbishop made the pronouncement that Catholic Universities should work with the head of the diocese on whom they honor.

Oh, I understand that we don't want to publish such things, since the Archbishop thru his spokesperson, stood up (rather weakly I must say) against the Most Merciful, Lord High Barack Obama at Notre Dame.

Oh, I understand, we really don't want to make the Archbishop look hypocritical in front of the faithful.

Now, back to the news that was deemed worthy to print...

We continue to see stories on the Opportunity Scholarships. Personally, you have to give the Archidocese credit on trying but I think that it is a lost cause.

We have a full page on what guides decisions on a Catholic funeral from CNS.

There is a very moving story about Codi Nicole Alexander, a young lady who died recently. It talks about her standing up for her pro-life views and her work in her parish. May she rest in peace. May God comfort those who mourn her loss.

Stories continue about school openings, at the elementary level, as well as, the college level (CUA in this instance), including the new preschool at St. Elizabeth's.

There is a bit about HS sports, highlighting DeMatha's football team.

Finally, a story about the death of Terry Schiavo's father, Robert Schindler.

Remember to pick up a copy of the Catholic Standard at your parish, because they are obligated to take a number of copies each and every week.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

The Death of Ted Kennedy and Cardinal McCarrick

I swore that I would not write about the Kennedy funeral but there has been something bothering me since it took place that no one has really commented on. That is: Why the heck did Cardinal McCarrick make public the letters of Senator Ted Kennedy to the general public?

To me there is really only one reason and one reason alone: To mute the criticism that had begun (and still exists to this day) that Kennedy should not have been given a very public Catholic funeral Mass.

What other reason is there?

If you can think of any others, let me know.

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UPDATE: Join the protest against The Most Merciful, Lord High Barack Obama and the out of control government spending this Saturday! For more information: http://912dc.org/

Update 2: Congressman Joe Wilson may have breeched protocol, but he was on the mark: Obama is a LIAR!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Catholic Standard - The Weekly Update

Sorry about this being so late, but I thought that the story of the Archbishop honoring John Sweeney(AFL-CIO President) would be a more important story, esp. since he (Sweeney) supports same sex marriage, abortion as part of health care, etc. Oh, did not see it, scroll down a bit.

So, here is your weekly update...

Well, it is time for a review of this week’s Catholic Standard, and it is a filled with so much stuff, I don’t know where to begin. So, let’s just dive right into it…

The main story, with a special insert, are the new Catholic School Policies. The Standard only puts the policies in a Q & A format. You really need to read them to get a full understanding. They are available on the Archdiocese website. Unfortunately, I have not had a chance to compare the draft with the final, to see what was changed. Hopefully, I will be able to do it soon.

Speaking of education, we have a new religious education program for teaching the faith. This is under the direction of Mr. Harry Dudley. I look forward to hearing and seeing the results of this program.

We have a story on the Kennedy funeral. There has been so much written on this – was it the right thing or wrong thing to do -- I will not even begin to comment.

There is a nice story on the new Our Lady Star of the Sea Church at Solomons. The new church will hold between 700 and 800 parishioners. The original only 275.

We see a couple of pages on the fight over marriage in DC. I would recommend that instead of calling it “traditional marriage,” I would call it the fight over “true marriage.” I have to applaud the Archbishop on this one.

There is a one pager on the shooting of a new film regarding St. Josemarie Escriva de Balaguer, the founder of Opus Dei.

The back page is a continuation of the story of the newly ordained Fr. Andrew Morkunas. He is an inspiration for all of us.

Now, since it is a Labor Day issue, there are a number of stories, as expected on this topic.

“A Retired Worker Reflects on Labor Day 2009.” Personally, it is a pretty poor article if you ask me. But what is important is what it leaves out. The author of the article is Bob Stewart. Now that may not ring a bell, but Mr. Steward is the Voice of the Faithful (VOTF) Chapter President and serves out of Holy Trinity. I mean, it is on the VOTF website and Holy Trinity website. (See below.)

Notice how conspicuously it is missing from his bio on page 11 of the Standard? I wonder why the Standard, which is the voice of the Archdiocese, given an opportunity to a dissident leader, someone who is looking to radically change the Roman Catholic Church? I mean, it is on the VOTF and Holy Trinity website but Either Mr. Zimmerman looked the other way or did not do his homework.


Well, on Page 12 we see a small article the SOAR (Support Our Aging Religious) Benefit Dinner in November. This is a “Special to the Standard” piece, which means that it was either written by the Communications Office or that someone told the paper to include it.

As the readers of this blog know, in August I pointed out that SOAR is honoring two pro-abortion, pro-homosexual marriage, etc. Within a few weeks, Msgr. Ensler of the Archdiocese was no longer the chair of the group. However, attempts to reach SOAR for a comment on why they would do it, were not replied to.

The most important point is: Why would the Catholic Standard advertise an event which helps to honor two people who are opposed to Catholic teaching?

Remember, as always, if you don't get the Standard, pick one up in your parish. Remember, they are required to carry it (and pay for it) -- whether they like it or not.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Catholic Exchange -- A New Link

As mentioned before, I like to periodically add new links to those websites that I believe provide good sound news and information. The Catholic Exchange is one of them.

Enjoy!

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Archbishop Wuerl Honors Pro-Abortionist, Pro-Homosexual Advocate

On Wednesday, Sept. 2nd, I wrote to you about the fact that John Sweeney, of the AFL-CIO would be honored by Georgetown University Law Center. Mr. Sweeney was to be honored despite his organization’s advocacy for homosexual “marriage” and laws mandating employee insurance coverage for contraceptives.

I questioned why he would be honored and why the Archbishop did not do anything about it.

Now I know why. Because the Archbishop joined in the post-honor celebration!

According to the
AFL-CIO Blog:

It’s rare for a major university like Georgetown to grant honorary degrees. But rare are individuals like AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. Last night in a formal robe and gown ceremony followed by a celebration with Archbishop Donald Wuerl in Georgetown’s elegant Riggs Library, Georgetown University President John DeGioia conferred upon Sweeney the degree, Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.


I guess the Archbishop's request that Catholic universities do not honor those who go against our Catholic teaching was put on the side for the moment.

No wonder why the Archbishop was silent.

For shame Archbishop Wuerl, for shame!

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Well Done Archbishop Wuerl

As many of you know, I have been very critical of Archbishop Wuerl for not fighting hard for Catholic issues. However, it is important to give credit where credit is due.

The Archdiocese has decided to fight the issue of gay marriage in DC. According to the Washington Post:

Wuerl sent a letter to 300 local Catholic priests Tuesday reminding them about the Church's opposition to same-sex marriage, and he launched a round of media interviews to bolster the church's presence in the debate.

In his efforts to mobilize Catholics, Wuerl joins a group of Baptist, predominantly African American preachers in stepping up the pressure on D.C. officials to allow a public vote on whether same-sex marriage should be legalized.

"We will continue to let the voice of the Church, the teachings of the Church, be heard as clearly as it can be heard," Wuerl said. "That is why we have sent out so much material to our priests to help them explain this to our faithful people."

Council member David A. Catania (I-At Large), who plans to introduce a bill this fall legalizing gay marriage in the District, said he will not be deterred by the Catholic Church's increased involvement.

"We have a long tradition in this city of evolving toward equality and a better, more expansive view of human rights, and in 2009 this includes marriage equality for same-sex couples," said Catania, who is gay. "I respect the bishop for his view . . . but we live in a representative democracy where there is a separation of church and state. We do not live in a theocracy."

Wuerl launched the media offensive on the same day that eight opponents of same-sex marriage, including Bishop Harry Jackson, filed a request with the
D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics to hold a initiative next year defining marriage as being between a man and a woman.
The proposed initiative says, "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid and recognized in the District of Columbia."

But the elections board must first rule on whether the initiative request is valid. In the District, a referendum cannot be held on a matter that violates the city's Human Rights Act. In addition to other minority groups, the act protects gays and lesbians from discrimination.
In June, the board blocked an effort by Jackson to hold an initiative to reverse a council bill allowing the District to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. The two-member board cited the Human Rights Act in its decision.


"It is ironic that at the same time the city is asking for voting representation in the U.S. Congress, its leaders are denying residents the opportunity to participate in the democratic process for an issue with widespread implications for children and families," said Ronald Jackson, executive director of the D.C. Catholic Conference, who noted that 580,000 Catholics live in the District and suburban Maryland, the areas that make up the archdiocese.
Wuerl, who became archbishop in 2006, has largely steered clear of controversial political and cultural battles in the region. But in his letter to the priests, Wuerl writes that "marriage is a path toward holiness . . . so as members of the church we are obliged to be all the more attentive to the challenges that weaken marriage."

Wuerl, former bishop of the diocese of Pittsburgh, added that the Church is "committed to develop opportunities for parishioners to be involved to ensure that the true definition of marriage is upheld in the District of Columbia."

But Wuerl and Jackson, pastor of
Hope Christian Church in Beltsville, could take their case to a broader national audience if the council rushes through a same-sex marriage bill without allowing the public to vote on it.

"This is not a local issue," said Wuerl, noting that other states are debating the issue. "People always look at the District of Columbia through a magnifying glass, and we need to be aware of that."
It is important to note that three of the DC Council members who voted in favor of this are Catholic: Yvette Alexander (Ward 7) is not only a member of Holy Redeemer Parish but she is on the Parish Council. Murial Bowser (Ward 4) is a member of St. Anthony's Parish. Vincent Gray (Chair) is also Catholic. However, I am not been able to identify which parish he is affiliated with.

Now, I also hope that our priests will stand with the Archbishop on this.

Help Support Our Seminarians - This Sunday!!!

A Knight of Columbus member forwarded me this:

Beginning September 6 and on the first Sunday of each month thereafter, the Knights of Columbus Rosensteel Council will host an all you can eat breakfast to support the diocese’s seminarian program (the Knights regularly contribute money to the seminarians to help defray their educational costs).

Breakfast will be served from 8 a.m. to noon and costs $7.99 per person (a great deal!).

The menu includes: Fruit - fresh cut and wholeBreads, muffins, bagels, butter, jelly, cream cheese, individual cereal, yogurt, hash browns, grits, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, pancakes, syrup & whipped cream, coffee, milk, and assorted juices.

Wow, what a bargain. In fact, if you do go, just give them a $10 bill and call it even. Heck, if you are feeling even more generous, throw in another $5 for good measure.

Don't know where the Fr. Rosensteel Council is? It is just off of Forest Glen Road, across the road from the Carroll Chapel and St. John the Evangelist (Historic) Church.

Here is a link to a map: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=fr.+rosensteel+ave.&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=26.039016,78.662109&ie=UTF8&ll=39.01795,-77.045188&spn=0.012437,0.038409&z=15

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Georgetown - A Slap in the Face Again!

According to the Cardinal Newman Society:

On September 3, 2009, Georgetown University, a Jesuit, Catholic institution in Washington, D.C., plans to bestow upon AFL-CIO President John J. Sweeney an honorary Doctor of Laws degree, despite his organization’s advocacy for homosexual “marriage” and laws mandating employee insurance coverage for contraceptives.

“The Catholic bishops have made it abundantly clear that Catholic universities are not to publicly honor leading opponents of Catholic moral principles,” said Patrick J. Reilly, President of The Cardinal Newman Society (CNS). “We strongly urge Georgetown to uphold its Catholic mission and rescind the honor to John Sweeney.”

Georgetown University President John J. DeGioia, on August 24, issued an e-mail invitation to all faculty, staff and students of Georgetown’s law school “to attend the ceremony for the conferral of the degree Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, upon John J. Sweeney,” president of the AFL-CIO.

In March 2009, the Executive Council of the AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations), the largest federation of trade unions in the U.S., unanimously called on the California Supreme Court to invalidate Proposition 8, which amended that state’s constitution to define marriage as a union between one man and one woman.

The AFL-CIO constituency group Pride at Work has repeatedly promoted homosexual “marriage” and hailed laws in Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts and Vermont in the face of strong opposition from the Catholic Church.


So much for he call by the Archbishop for Catholic institutions to work with him.

Not a word of condemnation by the Archbishop on this, nor did I see anything from the Catholic Standard.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Catholic Elementary Schools Start Today in the Archdiocese

Today, many (but not all) of our Catholic Elementary Schools have their frist day. Students will line up, enter the school for the start of the new year, meet their teacher (and any new ones) and begin the process of learning and growing.

The schools, teachers, principals and staff will be in my prayers.

It will be an interesting year.