Thoughts on joining Catholic and Non-Catholic Organizations

Recently, some readers asked me the following:

I read your blog and decided to reply. What are your thoughts/feelings/opinions on other Catholic fraternals, such as The Catholic Order of Foresters, the American Slovenian Catholic Union and or the Polish National Alliance? Also, what are your thoughts on non-Sectarian fraternals such as The Independent Order of Foresters and the Woodmen of the World? Please respond at your earliest opportunity, as your ideas matter greatly to me.

I am humbled that you value my opinion.

So, here are my quick thoughts...

• It is good that men and women join Catholic groups, provided that they are faithful to the teachings of the Church, conduct charitable works, etc. Groups such as The Knights of Columbus, The Holy Name Society, Catholic War Veterans, Sodality, Knights of Peter Claver can all be good. Of course, these groups are made up of men and women -- humans -- who fail and will do so, usually not out of malicious intent. It is important that when we see this, we attempt to bring them back into the fold.
• Non-sectarian groups can also be good provided that they do not go against Catholic teaching. Some may be loosely affiliated with the Catholic Church due to sponsorship, such as Boy Scouts. Others may have no connection such as Toastmasters, the American Red Cross, Hot Rod Racing or various professional associations.

I belong to both types of groups: Catholic and non-sectarian. The non-sectarian because of my profession (a way of meeting others, learning the latest news/trends, etc.) or because I enjoy it. As long as the non-sectarian stays non-sectarian, I remain a member. If they become sectarian and support causes/ideas that are against my belief, I usually drop membership at time of renewal.

I don't know if this helps or not.

Thanks for reading.

Christmas Cards...

For years, I have purchased most of my Christmas cards after Christmas. Sorry, it is not that I am cheap, but believe in a good bargain. And I only purchase religious Christmas cards - no Happy Holidays, Santa Claus ones, Happy Kwanzaa, etc. Strictly religious.

However, this year, more than ever, I have noticed the lack of religious cards. I went to a number of different stores: a Hallmark Card Store, American Greetings, Target, a Christmas Store, and a couple of others.

If I could find one religious design in each of these stores, it was a miracle. And what I did find was rather poor.

Now, I found enough for the 2011 Christmas season, but I may have to start ordering on-line for cards.

For many Catholics and Christians, wishing Merry Christmas with a religious card is just a thing of the past.

The CINO Award Results Are In!

And the winner is..by a hair...the National Catholic Reporter, sometimes called the National Catholic Fishwrap.

Now, there were some write-ins, including Cardinal Wuerl.

For the full results, go here.

Cardinal Wuerl's Invocation at DC Mayor Gray's Inauguration

You can read it here if you wish.

Again, I must ask why did Cardinal Wuerl do this?

Personally, I believe that this brings scandal upon the Catholic Church in this Archdiocese.

Do you have any thoughts as to why he did this? I have some but I would love to hear from you.

Cardinal Wuerl on Fox News...

Recently, Cardinal Wuerl appeared on Fox News. (See link below.)

I found it interesting to watch, esp. when it came to the question of Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT). Cardinal Wuerl gave an answer that any politician would be proud about -- he beat around the bush for a while and then said, well, it is a political question and not one for the Catholic Church.

Sorry Cardinal Wuerl, but that is the answer I would expect from someone who wants us to leave our religious values at the door and not from the leader of the Catholic Church in Washington DC. Yes, it is a political decision, but it has implications on those priests who serve in the military and on those who are Catholics.

Cardinal Wuerl seems more interested in making certain that no one gets their feelings hurt, as he continues to promote his New Evangelization.

I have said it before, and I will say it again, you have to tell people the truth Cardinal Wuerl -- there are things that people may not want to hear but you must tell them that it is wrong.

How much longer must we continue to suffer from this lack of leadership?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7Zm_wrYaXs

Wishing You a Happy New Year!

Wishing you a Happy and Blessed New Year.

Let's have a little fun...

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