Leases of Church Property Raise Questions

 

Local pastors and lay advisors have raised questions about centralized leasing policies for parish property in the Archdiocese of Washington. Critics say policies restrict both the religious use and financial benefit of parish properties, even while some parishes struggle to make ends meet. 

The archdiocese operates a centralized process of managing leased parish property, through which Catholic Charities of Washington leases parish properties for use as program locations, with rental rates far below market rate — charging in some cases only a nominal fee of dollars annually. The process reportedly restricts pastors from renegotiating lease rates, and in some cases prohibits pastors from offering any pastoral or religious services at programs conducted on parish property.

Sources said the same centralized leasing approach rents several unused Catholic school buildings to public charter schools. At least eight former Catholic school buildings have been used as DC charter schools. Pastors say that while parishes receive almost half of rental income for school rental arrangements, the rest of the funds are retained by the Washington archdiocese, even while parishes are responsible for upkeep on the buildings.

To read the complete story, please to to The Pillar.

 

Catholic Charities - Funding is Down

It seems that the scandals have really taken a toll on Catholic Charities.  Now, remember, at least one third of funding comes from the Government.  Which, I have always said, they need to get out of, because when you deal with the devil, the devil calls the deals. 

Because of the scandals, Catholic Charities has hired a full-time fundraiser to hit up high profile donors.  Why?  Because many of the big donors have cut back significantly.  This fundraiser's job is to not only get them back to their previous level of giving but also to increase it a bit.

Now, organizations hire full-time fundraisers all the time.  This is nothing new but this is new for Catholic Charities.  

So, if you wish to send a message, cut back on your donations.  They will not admit it, but they are getting the message.  

Catholic Standard Update for April 4, 2019

Well, it is that time of the month for a review of what is in the Catholic Standard.  I do this as a public service announcement (PSA) for you.

It was too late for the Standard to publish the news of Bp. Wilton Gregory, but do expect the next edition to be filled with glowing stories and lots and lots of advertisements, with parishes and other dioceses offering their congratulations on the announcement.

We continue to see the rehabilitation of Cardinal Wuerl this week, with the article (and photo) of him at the Red Mass.

In addition, we have the following stories:

• A couple of stories about those who are entering the Church this year.
• An article on the Engaging the Mission workshop.
• A full page story on how Auxilary Bishop Roy E. Campbell was elected president of the National Black Catholic Congress.  Half of the story was a repeat of his biography.
• Maryland Day at St. Clement's Island.  Have always wanted to go there and be a part of it.  Guess I will have to wait till next year.
• We have an article by Msg. Enzler, which is really a veiled exhortation to give to Catholic Charities.  BTW, CC is hurting this year because of the Mr. McCarrick and Cardinal Wuerl fiasco.  Many major donors have cut back.  More on this another day.
• We have a story on how Sacred Heart School celebrated the feast day on March 24th.
• We have a story on the St. Francis International School and the Srs. of Notre Dame de Namur.  In the photo of the sisters, not one of them is wearing a habit.  BTW, it seems that there is a story on St. Francis at least once a quarter.  Is this my imagination?  
• And finally, we have a story about liberal/lefty Bp. Francis A. Quinn of Sacramento.

 There you go.  Have a great weekend.

  

True Marriage and Support of Non-Public Schools does not matter to Justice and Advocacy Council of Montgomery County

It seems that the the Justice and Advocacy Council of Montgomery County will hold a forum with four candidates who are running for MoCo Exec on Wednesday, April 23rd.

They plan on covering the following topics:

Questions will focus on:

1) budget competition for scarce resources;

2) vision for regional cooperation and displacement due to Purple Line;

3) affordable housing;

4) workforce issues;

5)funding for mental health.

But no where do I see questions about ensuring regulation of abortion clinics?  How about support for True Marriage?  An ending to harassment of pro-life clinics? How about tax credits or funding for non-public schools?  

I mean, can't Msgr. John Enzler, President and CEO of Catholic Charities/DC and the Council get the answers to the budget, affordable housing, funding for mental health at other forums.  

Seems they don't want to really ask the hard questions regarding how their policies fit with the Catholic faith.  

They might as well advocate the voting for these clowns and stop wasting time and resources.  No wonder why Catholics are not respected by politicians. 

What will the pro-abortion Catholycs and simply pro-abortioinists say...

One of the things the pro-abortionist like to say is that Catholics do not care about the person after they are born.  There are hundreds of actions such as this, although not as large, in which the Church provides for those who cannot help themselves, with no questions asked.

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About 300 other adults were turned away over two days because of the overwhelming demand for dental care at the Mid-Maryland Mission of Mercy clinic. The clinic, at St. Vincent Pallotti High School, was sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington and the Maryland Office of Oral Health.

Many of those who waited in long lines at the clinic said they couldn’t afford the high price of dental care. Even those who had insurance said rising out-of-pocket costs made it unaffordable for them to have their teeth cleaned, cavities filled or root canals performed.

More than 400 volunteers — about half of them dentists, hygienists, oral surgeons and others in the field — provided more than $750,000 worth of care over the two days, according to Deacon Jim Nalls of Catholic Charities. The work ranged from basic cleanings to root canals and wisdom teeth extractions, Nalls said.

For the entire story, go here:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/two-day-free-dental-clinic-in-laurel-treats-700-but-turns-300-away/2013/08/03/b97d0332-fc58-11e2-9bde-7ddaa186b751_story.html

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For me, there are questions that I don't have an answer for:

1.  Will any of those who received treatment, donate anything for future clinics.  I am not saying that they need to pay $2500 for the $2500 worth of treatment they received but can they afford to kick-in $200 or $300 to help defray the costs?

2.  How many of these people will attack the church over homosexuality, abortion, etc.

3.  If they are anti-Catholic, will this change their minds about the Church.  (Yes, I know we do this not because we are out to change hearts and minds, but simply because it is the right thing to do.)

4.  This story should be used as a reminder of how the Church is pro-life over and over again.

Msgr. Enzler named "Washingtonian of the Year"

Monsignor John Enzler, president and CEO of Catholic Charities in Washington, D.C., and a graduate of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, has been named “Washingtonian of the Year” by Washingtonian Magazine.

The native Washingtonian was recognized for his more than 40 years of experience as a priest, leader and advocate serving the needs of the most vulnerable, and for his work in starting many ministries where the need was unmet.

For more information, go here.

Catholic charities must always act in accordance with Catholic teaching

CCHD please take note!

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ROME, November 30, 2012 (LifeSiteNews.com) – In a surprise move, Pope Benedict XVI this morning issued a formal legislative document instructing Catholic charitable organisations that they must act in complete compliance with Catholic teaching. The Vatican rumour mill failed to predict the appearance today of the pope’s Motu Proprio, a special letter written and promulgated on Pope Benedict’s personal initiative, that lays out specific legislation on how Catholic charities must be governed.

Benedict issued the Motu Proprio, “De Caritate Ministranda,” on the Church’s charitable activities after strongly hinting in recent years at his deep concern at the secularising and outright anti-Catholic trends growing within officially recognised, and lay-funded, Catholic charitable agencies.

The document, using the formal legal language reserved for the Sovereign Pontiff when creating binding legislation for the whole Church, specifies that Catholic charitable organizations “should not limit themselves merely to collecting and distributing funds,” but exist to further Catholic religious objectives by exercising “a valuable educational function within the Christian community”.

For more, go to LifeSite News: http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/breaking-pope-decrees-catholic-charities-must-always-act-in-accordance-with

Ken from Greenbelt - A Life Saved from Rape

Take a look at...

Take a look over at Restore DC Catholicism. (Link of the right.)

Our colleagues have done some good work on the Catholic Charities Dinner and an event taking place at the Franciscan Monastery.

It really makes you wonder what the heck are they thinking when they put these things together. Or maybe they are not.

Catholic Standard Weekly Update

Well folks, it is that time of the week. I know I have been slacking on this, but my life has been pretty busy lately, so time is a bit hard to come by.

I must say that the Standard seems to be getting thinner and thinner and sticking with very safe stories. Maybe they are worried that people like myself will find out how the Archdiocese honors pro-abortion and pro-homosexual politicians, media types, etc.

We start off with a story on the Catholic Charities Gala -- goal of $1.2 million raised for the poor.

There were two things about the story that caught my attention. First, about how an immigrant woman received medical services from the Archdiocesan Health Care Network. Personally, I doubt that the person was here legally. They Standard has a habit, like the Maryland Catholic Conference, of not using the legal phrase "illegal alien."

The other thing I noticed about the Catholic Charities Gala is that Kathleen Matthews, wife of Chris Matthews (Hardball host on MSLSD) was highlighted. She and Chris were the chairs of the Gala in 1995. Both attend Blessed Sacrament parish. Since he is a big time abortion and homosexual rights advocate, does he receive Holy Communion? Knowing how things are run in this diocese by Archbishop Wuerl, even when support for abortion is so pronounced, nothing will happen.

But is she pro-abortion and pro-homosexual marriage? She seems to have done a good job hiding her political views but it was interesting to her what her husband had to say:

During the April 13 C-SPAN show, host Brian Lamb showed viewers snapshots of Matthews with his two sons, Michael 18 and Thomas 15, from their recent two-week trip to Asia with their father, which included stops in Thailand and Vietnam. As viewers looked at one photo, Matthews explained: "Michael, he’s been the big liberal sort of in the family, although he went a little further than liberal in the last election. I can’t give away how he voted, but you can guess. Thomas is just as liberal as he is now. I mean they are real, real, I mean, instinctive liberals." Lamb revealed his personal knowledge of Chris Matthews’s wife’s politics, suggesting: "Mother’s having an influence?" Matthews: "I can’t say what Kathy’s politics are or I’ll pay dearly, but you may be right." (MRC)

Personally, I would bet the farm that she is pro-abortion and pro-gay rights. I mean she donated to the Clinton campaign in 2007.

For the second week in a row, the Golden Apple Award winners are highlighted. The Standard also highlighted the CYO Annual Award winners.

We have a story about the new church at Our Lady Star of the Sea in Solomons. The photo of the lighting in the church reminds me of the dining hall scene in Harry Potter - the candles floating in air.

For those of you going on vacation, we have a list of Churches in popular tourist areas with Mass times.

Catholic Charities - Board of Directors

Our colleague(s) over at Restore DC Catholicism have looked into the Board of Catholic Charities DC. A number of them, just by a quick search, seem to support pro-abortion/anti-family politicians.

Now, as some of you know, that when you obtain a seat on a Board of Directors, like Catholic Charities DC, you are committed to either contribute or raise a certain amount of dollars for the organization. In fact, it is my understanding, that there is at least one Parish Council in this diocese that not only expects members to donate time and talent but also over $1000 on top of their normal giving.

Now, I don't know Ms. Van Hollen. Never met her. But I would assume that she is both pro-abortion and pro-gay marriage. (She at leasts supports her husband -- who voted against the DC Opportunity Scholarships, supports gay marriage and is radically pro-abortion.) Maybe she is not but for the sake of today's posting, let's assume that she is. (I would love to hear from someone who knows.)

The point of this blog posting is, whether is is morally acceptable to have people on the Board of Directors of Catholic Charities DC, who support politicians who are in many instances, diametrically opposed to what the Catholic Church stands for in exchange for $$$.

Living in the US, you can support whomever you want, but does that mean that an organization must have you on the Board?

Personally, I believe that we sell out our beliefs when we do so, for $30,000 or $40,000 or more of donations promised per person.

I would love to hear from Catholic Charities on this, but I know that they will not respond.

What do you think?

Not a Good Week

Well, it has not been a good week for the Archdiocese of Washington DC and those who believe in true marriage.

First, the Archdiocese takes a bit of a beating in the media due to the changes in the health care benefits offered to new employees.

Second, same-sex marriages are allowed in DC.

The second matter should send a wake up call to Catholics who are faithful to the Church. We need to start to elect lawmakers who believe as we do. We cannot just simply pull the lever for someone because they have been there for a long time or are part of one party.

The first matter should really be a wake up call not only for this Archdiocese and Catholic Charities but for all. That call should be: "Do not get involved in contracts with government." This call should not be based on the so called "separation of church/state." It is more along the lines that when you take money from the government, you almost become addicted to it. You will do almost whatever it takes to keep from losing it, including keeping silent at times.

I believe, and I have done so for a long time, that we should divest ourselves of all government contracts.

I hope that the Archdiocese of Washington DC will, as the contracts come to an end, refuse to renew them and get out. Let the DC goverment and their citizens learn the hard way that they will pay more, and get less, because they are pandering to a small but vocal minority.

And those are my thoughts. What do you think?

BREAKING NEWS - CATHOLIC CHARITIES and HEALTH BENEFITS

According to AP:

The Archdiocese of Washington will change an employee health care policy because of a same-sex marriage law expected to take effect this week in D.C.
Starting on Tuesday, the church will no longer let employees of its Catholic Charities add spouses to their health care coverage.

Catholic Charities, which provides services such as substance abuse treatment programs and shelters, employees some 850 people. Church spokeswoman Susan Gibbs says currently about 10 percent of those employees have their spouses covered by their health care plan. Catholic Charities sent a letter to employees Monday about the changes. Without them the church could have had to extend coverage to an employee's same-sex spouse.

A bill allowing same-sex marriage is expected to become law in the city on Wednesday.

Somebody has some 'splaining to do!

I really wish I did not have to post a story like this today but according to today's Washington comPost...

The Catholic Archdiocese of Washington has ended its 80-year-old foster-care program in the District rather than license same-sex couples...and transferred its entire foster-care program -- 43 children, 35 families and seven staff members -- to another provider, the National Center for Children and Families.

Now, on the one hand this shows that Catholic Charities and the Archdiocese is willing to stand up for true marriage but if you read further on in the article, there is something shocking...

Edward Orzechowski, president and chief executive of Catholic Charities, the archdiocese's social service arm, said the group is optimistic that it will find a way to structure its benefits packages in other social service programs so that it can remain in partnership with the city without recognizing same-sex marriage.

Asked if that meant looking at ways to avoid paying benefits to same-sex partners or ways to write benefits plans so as not to characterize same-sex couples as "married," Orzechowski said "both, and."

So, Mr. Ozechowski and the Archdiocese may be willing to consider extending benefits to same-sex couples, only under a different name. If that is the case, then why not consider abortion as part of a comprehensive health care package to all employees.

Why is he and the Archdiocese even considering this! Is this what the people of the Archdiocese are spending their money on?

To paraphrase a famous television show: "Somebody's got some 'splaining to do!"

Catholic Charities of Washington DC honors CCHD

From the Catholic News Agency:

Catholic Charities of the Washington D.C. Archdiocese will join with Catholic Charities USA in honoring Martin Luther King Jr. by sponsoring the first national “Keep the Dream Alive Mass and Award.” The event will be held on Monday, Jan. 18 at St. Aloysius Church in Washington D.C. and will recognize four national figures who have worked to preserve King's legacy, particularly the reduction of poverty.

“As we celebrate our Centennial Year by renewing our commitment to reduce poverty in America, we join the nation in honoring the Rev. Dr. King as a great champion of the struggle to reduce poverty,” said Fr. Larry Snyder, the President of Catholic Charities USA. “We will present this award annually to national figures who inspire the nation to keep the dream alive by their life work of reducing poverty in America.”

Fr. Snyder will present the award to Allison Boisvert, Social Justice Minister for the Pax Christi Catholic Community in Minnesota; Dr. Arturo Chavez, Ph. D, President and CEO of the Mexican American College and Cultural Center in Texas; Ralph McCloud, Director of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington, D.C. and Rev. Raymond Kemp, STL, a Fellow at the Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

Auxiliary Bishop Martin D. Holley will preside over the Jan. 18 Mass at St. Aloysius

Why does one honor the person who, as the head of CCHD squandered money from Catholics on ACORN and other groups who work against the Catholic faith? Ralph McCloud has been the head for the last few years but money still flowed to these groups and to others. And to make matters worse, he takes no responsibility -- he says it is up to the bishops to approve.

It is bad enough that Catholic Charities of DC has to be a part of this but then when members of our own hierarchy are involved, such as Auxiliary Bishop Holley, it just adds insult to injury.

Maybe that is why it was not included in this week's Catholic Standard. It would have been another embarrassing situation, like when Archbishop Wuerl honored John Sweeney - AFL-CIO boss, who supports abortion and pro-gay lifestyle.

They continue to do this sort of stuff and expect us to give till it hurts!!!

To read the full story, click here.

Catholic Education Fundraising Ball instead of Catholic Charities?

Someone commented that we should change the Catholic Charities Annual Fundraising Ball to a Catholic Education Annual Fundraising Ball.

It is an interesting idea, since Catholic education is a social justice issue. Catholic education helps to bring people out of poverty. (Gee, sounds like we could use CCHD money for this too!)

The DC Opportunity Scholarships are pretty much dead. Other than those who are in the program, there will be no new ones. Catholic schools will eventually close. This will, in the long term, hurt our parishes, for schools bring a vibrancy and an increased participation.

Personally, with the DC Government support of gay marriage, I think that the Archdiocese should let all of the current Catholic Charities' contracts end and let the city take them over.

It is a contractual issue -- they want to change the terms, we do not. Why fight it and them. Don't waste the time and money. When the contract ends and then everyone goes their own way.

We are not abandoning the City, it is a simple contractual disagreement. (But many of us have warned the Church about going down this road.)

The Archdiocese should do what it can with the money it has and then focus on education. You have total control of the funds and how to use it.

Parents will know that their children are safe, learning and have a good foundation for the future. Teachers and staff will have good paying jobs with benefits. Parishes will see their parishes come alive again.

Considering the fact that David Catania feels that it will be a breeze to get other vendors to take over, then let them do it. Considering DC's track record on services to the poor and those with AIDS (see Washington Post Dec. 12, 2009), they will once again show their incompetence.

What do you think?

Change the Catholic Charities Ball to support education?

Let the contracts expire and do what you can with the money you have for education.

Take the unscientific poll to the right. Love to hear what you think.

Catholics in the News...

So, when I got home from work the other day, I found a copy of the local newspaper, the Gazette.

As I read through it, there were I found out that Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School (People's Republic of Takoma Park) was honored by the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce for outstanding contributions to the youth of the community.

In addition, Christina M. Byrne, MSW (Director of Professional Standards) Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington DC was honored as part of the Leadership Montgomery Class of '09. Although I am not certain of what one does to be recognized as part of this, I offer her my congratulations.

Catholic Charities and some Notable Guests.

This week's Catholic Standard has an article describing how the Catholic Charities Foundation gala raised apx. $1.2 million. That is a wonderful amount and can help do a world of good.

On the other hand, it pains me to see that one of the notable's at the dinner to be highlighted in the Standard's article was Rep. Chris Van Hollen. At a Catholic event we have a politician* who:

- Voted YES on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines. (Jan 2007)
- Voted YES on allowing human embryonic stem cell research. (May 2005)
- Voted NO on restricting interstate transport of minors to get abortions. (Apr 2005)
- Voted NO on making it a crime to harm a fetus during another crime. (Feb 2004)
- Voted NO on banning partial-birth abortion except to save mother’s life. (Oct 2003)
- Voted NO on forbidding human cloning for reproduction & medical research. (Feb 2003)
- Rated 100% by NARAL, indicating a pro-choice voting record. (Dec 2003)
- Emergency contraception for rape victims at all hospitals. (Sep 2006)
- Rated 0% by the NRLC, indicating a pro-choice stance. (Dec 2006)
- Provide emergency contraception at military facilities. (Apr 2007)
- Ensure access to and funding for contraception. (Feb 2007)

In addtion, the Standard has a half page advertisement (print version, page 15), which thanks a number of outstanding supporters, including:

- The Fannie Mae Foundation (who helped to give us the economic mess we are in)

- Chris "I get a chill up my leg" and Kathleen Mathews

- AFL-CIO and various trade unions (pro-abortion, pro-gay)

- The Washington Post (no friend of the Catholic Church)

If the Church will ban politicians from speaking at their schools and institutions, then why do they (1) allow these same politicians positive press coverage and (2) accept money from those who oppose some of our key teachings. They should refuse it.

I guess the money is more important.

*Issues2000

"questo vescovo fa bene'

Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver has threatened to end the services provided by various Catholic charities rather than comply with certain state mandates.

When the Cardinal Paul Josef Cordes, the President of the Pontifical Council, was asked about this, he said: "questo vescovo fa bene." Which means that the bishop is doing the right thing.

WAY TO GO!

No beating around the bush, no hemming and hawing, no waffling.

Now, if our own Archbishop and priests would be so bold.

For the full story, go here.