Fr. Michael Briese (Update)

 A few weeks ago, I reported that Fr. Michael Briese was no longer pastor at St. Mary's (Charlotte Hall, MD).   You can read the entire story here:  https://awashingtondccatholic.blogspot.com/2021/02/where-is-fr-michael-briese.html

 

Well, two things have happened.

1.  The Catholic Standard dated Feb. 18, 2021 (thanks Melvin for giving me your copy) has announced that he is no longer on "a leave of absence."  He has been assigned to assist the poor in Southern Maryland and is in residence at St. Mary's Church of Piscataway in Clinton, MD. 

2.  I spoke with a reliable source (thanks Melvin) that he is doing okay -- there are no physical or mental issues.  He was assigned to "assist the poor."  Hopefully, in the future, Melvin will give me the okay to let you know.

However, what really bothers me is the way that this has been handled.  The secrecy and the "leave of absence."  In addition, his name is not listed on the St. Mary's website or in the bulletin.  

Is this the way you treat your clergy?

Catholic Standard gushes over MD Sen Mike Miller

 The Catholic Standard, as usual, writes glowing articles about politicians but always leaves out some of the facts.

In this case, MD State Senator Mike Miller is has decided to retire after 33 years.  It is a gushing article about him, but they seem to leave out the fact that many bills supported by Planned Parenthood made it through the legislature.   Remember, in Maryland politics, if he did not support a bill, it would die.

Here is the praise by Planned Parenthood on the 2018 legislative session:

Catholic Standard Update (Feb. 6, 2020 Edition)

Well Folks, let the trumpets blare and the children scream in delight, as I bring you another Catholic Standard update.  I do it, so that I will suffer for you, so that you don't have to, unless you want to. 

• Still no mention of the Msgr. Rossi investigation

• Still no mention of the stabbing at the National Shrine

• Still no mention of how much was raised in the 2019 Annual Appeal

• Do you get the impression that there is a lot not being said these days?  

• Nice articles on Coach Wootten's legacy

• Follow-up articles on Catholic Schools Week.  +Gregory was everywhere visiting children, getting photo ops, etc.  That must be why he hasn't mentioned the Msgr. Rossi investigation.  He is sooooo busy.  

• Recognizing religious priests, brothers and sisters, who celebrated 25 or more years.  Congratulations.

• Articles on the deaths of two prominent Catholics: Mary Higgins Clark & Kobe Bryant.  Did you know that they were Catholic?

• Two articles on President Trump speaking at the Pro-Life March.  What I find interesting about this article, was the fact that there were a number of quotes by priests, who attacked/question his being pro-life. I don't remember this when were were talking about "health care for all."  For example, you have protests by a couple of Franciscans, who are also protesting about climate change, immigration, etc.  My question, and I don't know the answer, were these Franciscans protesting in previous years, and if yes, why are you taking away from the messaging of the day?    If they weren't protesting the same way in previous years, why?     In addition, there was some priest from Annapolis ranting about how Trump was not pro-life.  Wonders if he said the same about Obama.  

Catholic Standard (Dec. 19th Edition)

I was shocked to see that there was a Dec. 19th issue of the Catholic Standard, when the last one was on the 12th. 

Must be working hard to hide the:

• Msgr Rossi Investigation.  It is over 4 months since it was announced by the Diocese of Scranton and still no announcement by the Archdiocese of Washington.  
• No announcement about the stabbing at the National Shrine.  Even though it seemed to be a domestic dispute, and another fallout from the poor hiring practices at the Shrine, still no word.

We have seem to have a lot of stories recently promoting +Francis, +Gregory and Catholic Charities. 

The new Catholic Standard almost reminds me of the Pravda days.  

Guess What's Missing from this Week's Catholic Standard?

Well, the Catholic Standard came out this week and I was unable to get it on Friday's like normal (bad, Melvin, bad).

And after looking through it there was not one, but two things missing:

Yep, you guessed it, there was still no story on the investigation of Msgr. Rossi at the Basilica.  

Not a peep, not a word. Silence.  

It has been over 2.5 months since the investigation was announced by the Diocese of Scranton.  However, not a word from the Archdiocese of Washington.

Wonder if they have interviewed George Neumayr.  Probably not!

It will be a whitewash and at most, just a slap on the wrist.

Now, there is something else missing from the Catholic Standard:  No mention of Fr. James Martin, SJ, speaking at Holy Trinity in DC on Oct. 20th.   There was no mention of it in the story (Oct. 17th edition) on the 225th anniversary of Holy Trinity.   Nor is there any mention of it in this week's edition.  (Got a screen shot of the bulletin, just in case.)

I mean, I though everyone loved Fr. James!  +Gregory has welcomed him when he was in Atlanta.  +Francis has a one-on-one convo with him.  

But, this is typical of the Catholic Standard.  Do I think that the editor, Mark Zimmerman, is behind this.  Nope, this comes from the top.