Help Stop Same Sex Marriage Bill in MD (SB116)

Once again, we see MD politicians once again bring forward a bill that would recognize same sex marriage.

Our own "Catholyc" Governor is at the forefront of this. Here are the other Catholyc politicians: State Senator Robert Garagiola and State Delegates Heather Mizeur, Anne Healey, Kathleen Dumais, Pete Hammen, Joseline Pena-Melnyk, Victor Ramirez and Mary Washington.

Heather Mizeur, should be noted is not only a lesbian but a parishioner at St. Al's on I St. I wonder if the pastor has had a chat w/ her on this matter. I wonder if she receives Holy Communion.

Although writing to some of our MD legislators is a waste of time, do it.

To the Archdiocese, it is time to stop cozying up to them.

But more importantly, remember then at election time and vote them out.

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UPDATE (8am):
In reviewing the list of politicians, it seems that a couple of them do live in the Archdiocese of Washington: Kathleen Dumais (she also voted against BOAST), Robert Garagiola (voted against BOAST), Anne Healey), Joseline Pena-Melnyk, and Victor Ramirez.

Okay Cardinal Wuerl, will you (or someone you designate) have a chat w/ them? And if they continue to vote against Catholic teachings, will you deny them Holy Communion? Personally, I doubt it.

Catholic Schools Week - Arch. of Washington

The Archdiocese of Washington sees me as an annoyance (and worse). Only once or twice have they responded to my queries. However, the usual response is: "We do not respond to anonymous emails."

For the first time, they sent me one of their press releases, which was a shock. However, since I am a strong supporter of Catholic education, I would be remiss not to publish it.

So here goes, and hopefully, when I write to you (Archdiocese) in the future, I will get more than just a "We don't respond to anon emails."

Also, if your school is not on the list, and you have an event, send it to me and I will post it.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:January 24, 2011
CONTACT: Brie Hall, 301-853-4512, bhall@adw.org

Week-Long Celebration of Catholic Schools
Events to showcase the quality of a Catholic school education

Dozens of events have been planned by schools throughout the Archdiocese of Washington to celebrate National Catholic Schools Week, January 30-February 5, 2011. This annual celebration highlights the contributions of Catholic schools through faith, service and academics.

Different events will be held every day, including service projects, spirit days, volunteer and teacher appreciation days and more.

Nearly all of the schools will hold Open Houses for prospective students, parents and the community. Open house dates and times are online at www.adw.org/news/news.asp?ID=845&Year=2011 .

SUNDAY, JANUARY 30
Washington, DC - School Mass
Sacred Heart School, 1625 Park Road, NW WashingtonThe students will be lectors and the school choir will sing for the 10:00 a.m. and noon Masses.

Montgomery County - Multicultural Mass, 9:00 a.m.
St. Catherine Labouré School, 11811 Claridge Road, Wheaton, MDA multicultural choir will perform at the Mass. Students will sit together, wearing their uniforms. Thank you letters to parishioners from students will be inserted in the bulletins.

Prince George's County - Breakfast and Band, 9:30 a.m.
St. Mary of the Assumption School, 4610 Largo Road, Upper Marlboro, MD The students will be servers, lectors and gift bearers at Mass. Afterwards, the Knights of Columbus will host a breakfast, and the school band will perform.

Calvert County - Student Mass
Our Lady Star of the Sea School, 90 Alexander Lane, Solomons, MDStudents dressed in their school uniforms will be lectors and gift bearers at Mass.

Charles County - Book Fair and Bingo, 10:00 a.m.
St. Mary School, 13735 Notre Dame Place, Bryantown, MDStudent Ambassadors will serve at Mass, a book fair will follow Mass and community and family book bingo will be held from 1:30-3:00 p.m.

St. Mary's County - Community Service Project
Mother Catherine Spalding School, 38833 Chaptico Road, Helen, MDAll grades of students will be making decorations to give to those at the Veterans' Home, at Cedar Lane apartments and St. Mary's Nursing Home.

MONDAY, JANUARY 31
Washington, DC - Spelling and Math Bee, 8:30 a.m.
St. Augustine School, 1421 V Street, NW WashingtonStudents will test their knowledge in spelling and math bees starting at 8:30 a.m.

Montgomery County- Help for Homeless Mothers
St. Francis International School, 1500 St. Camillus Drive, Silver Spring, MDStudents will be collecting diapers and baby supplies for homeless mothers in the programs of Silver Spring Interfaith Housing Coalition.

Prince George's County - Pennies for Leukemia,
St. Ambrose School, 6310 Jason Street, Cheverly, MDThe students will present their collections for their "Pennies for Leukemia" project.

Calvert County - Proclamation and Souper Bowl
Our Lady Star of the Sea School, 90 Alexander Lane, Solomons, MD
County Commissioner Gerry Clark will read the Catholic Schools Week Proclamation. Afterwards, students will kick off their "Souper Bowl." The collected canned goods will go to local food banks.

Charles County - Stuff the Bus, 9:30 a.m.
St. Mary School, 13735 Notre Dame Place, Bryantown, MD
Students will fill the bug with blankets and coats to be delivered to the needy through the Children's Aid Society in Charles County and other area shelters. The bus will be parked at the school parking lot all week. Also today, students will sew lap blankets for residents of the Veterans' Home.

St. Mary's County - Thank You
St. Michael School, 16560 Three Notch Road, Ridge, MDAs part of their staff appreciation, students will thank the bus drivers.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1
Washington, DC - It's Academic, 8:30 a.m.
St. Anthony School, 12th and Lawrence Streets, NE Washington
Students will participate in rounds of academic questions.

Montgomery County - Colonial Day
Little Flower School, 5601 Massachusetts Avenue, Bethesda, MD
Students in grades 3-5 will participate in Colonial Day.

Prince George's County - Volunteer Thanks
St. John the Evangelist School, 8912 Old Branch Avenue, Clinton, MD
Students will present a special token of appreciation to all volunteers.

Calvert County - Helping Military Personnel
Our Lady Star of the Sea School, 90 Alexander Lane, Solomons, MD
Red, white and blue day for students and money will be collected to buy phone cards for military service members stationed overseas.

Charles County - Anti Bullying Event
St. Peter School, 3310 St. Peter's Drive, Waldorf, MDAt 9:00 a.m., Representatives from the three Catholic schools of Charles County, (St. Peter School, St. Mary School, and Archbishop Neale School) will be on hand at Charles County Government Building in La Plata in the Commissioners Meeting Room as a proclamation supporting Catholic Schools Week is presented. At 1:30 p.m., middle school students from all three schools will meet at St. Peter School for an assembly given by former NFL star Levar Fisher about character education and anti bullying.

St. Mary's County - Celebrity Readers 9:00-11:30 a.m.
St. Michael School, 16560 Three Notch Road, Ridge, MD
Prominent community figures have accepted invitations to read to classes.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2
Washington, DC - Faculty vs. Students Basketball Game
St. Augustine School, 1421 V Street, NW WashingtonThe students and faculty face off on the court for bragging rights for the next year. Field Day begins at 1:30 p.m.

Montgomery County- Free Throw Contest, 2:15 p.m.
Mother of God School, 20501 Goshen Road, Gaithersburg, MDThe entire school convenes in the gym for a rally. The Knights of Columbus will hold a free throw contest.

Prince George's County - Career Day
Holy Family School, 2200 Callaway Street, Hillcrest Heights, MD
Students will present their autobiographies, detailing who they want to be when they grow up and how they plan on achieving that. The students will be dressed in the attire of their perspective career.

Calvert County - Math-a-Thon Kickoff
Our Lady Star of the Sea School, 90 Alexander Lane, Solomons, MD
Students test their math skills in the math-a-thon.

Charles County - Volunteer Appreciation Day, 1:30 p.m.
St. Mary School, 13735 Notre Dame Place, Bryantown, MD
Everyone enjoys a make-your-sundae party and a special movie viewing.

St. Mary's County - Service for SoldiersSt. Michael School, 16560 Three Notch Road, Ridge, MDStudents wear red, white and blue and bring in an item for a soldier. Also today, parents are invited to a spaghetti lunch with their children.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3
Washington, DC - Role Reversal , 9:00 a.m.
St. Anthony School, 12th and Lawrence Street, NE Washington
The students and teachers trade places for a class today.

Montgomery County - Science Fair
Mother of Nazareth School, 14131 Seneca Road, Darnestown, MD
The 7th grade students present their work at the science fair.

Prince George's County - Pastor Appreciation/Book of Essays
St. Pius X Regional School, 14710 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD
Each class voted on a Saint to study and completed an essay on what lessons can be learned from that Saint. One essay winner per class was chosen and the winning essays were compiled into a book given to the priests on Pastor Appreciation Day.

Calvert County - Student Teachers
Our Lady Star of the Sea School, 90 Alexander Lane, Solomons, MD
The eighth grade students teach the younger grades for the day.

Charles County - No school for staff and students

St. Mary's County - Hollywood in HollywoodSt. John School, 43900
St. John's Road, Hollywood, MD
As part of Student Appreciation Day, students will be allowed to dress up as stars and will watch a movie.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4
Washington, DC - Youth Revival, 6:00 p.m.
St. Thomas More Catholic Academy, 4265 Fourth Street, SE Washington

Montgomery County- God's Garden of Good Character
Mother of God School, 20501 Goshen Road, Gaithersburg, MD
God's Garden of Good Character is a ongoing project with a different character train each month. During Catholic Schools Week, each teacher and students is assigned the trait that best represents them. They are then recognized during Mass on Friday afternoon.

Prince George's County - Anniversary
St. Mary of the Assumption School, 4610 Largo Road, Upper Marlboro, MD
Students are dismissed early, so families can come to participate in the 85th anniversary celebration of the school.

Calvert County - Talent Show, 1:00 p.m.
Our Lady Star of the Sea School, 90 Alexander Lane, Solomons, MD
Students enjoy a free lunch from Chick Fil-A before participating in a talent show.

Charles County - Walk-a-thon and Rock-a-thon
St. Mary School, 13735 Notre Dame Place, Bryantown, MD
Students, faculty, family, parishioners are invited to celebrate 95 years of Catholic education by participating in a Walk-a-Thon with 95 minutes of walking. Students are asked to donate 95 cents to participate and the money collected will be used for purchase of reading supplies.Middle school students will participate in a "Rock-a-thon" from 7:00-10:00 p.m. to supply food to various church food pantries in Charles County. They will decorate their designated areas with non perishable food items they bring to donate, and one member of each team must keep their rocking chair rocking. The teams will receive prizes for the most creative decorations, the most food used, etc.

St. Mary's County - Dessert Theater
Mother Catherine Spalding School, 38833 Chaptico Road, Helen, MD
Light desserts will be served as students perform their favorite fables in the evening.

Isiah's Promise - A Resource for Parents

As this week is the anniversary of Roe v Wade, I bring you a little known resource in the Archdiocese of Washington (and others).

This resource is called Isiah's Promise.

To learn more about them, here is their open letter to all (taken from their website):

Dear Friend,

We are a group of parents who knew early in our pregnancies that our babies had severe or fatal birth defects. Each of us, for various reasons, continued the pregnancy. It's a difficult and very personal decision.

We know the devastation, confusion, heartbreak and loneliness. We can't change your circumstances or make decisions for you. But we can offer support, friendship and experience.

Contacting us can be the most difficult thing to do at this time, we know. If you'd like to contact us, please e-mail your phone number to info@isaiahspromise.net. It's not so scary when you realize you're not alone.

Here is story about this organization and the founders in The Washington Times.

NB: It seems that they were recognized this past Sunday by the Archdiocese of Washington for their work, at a get together of pro-life groups.

Boehner Supports DC Opportunity Scholarships

The next time the so called "progressive Catholycs" tell you that the Most Merciful, Barack Obama and the Democrat Party care more about children then the GOP, please remember who was out there supporting the Opportunity Scholarships.

Read about Speaker Boehner hosting Cardinal Cardinal Wuerl, D.C. Scholarship Students, Parents, & Teachers in House Gallery for State of the Union.

An today, Boehner will announce plans to reauthorize the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program and provide funds for traditional and charter public schools.

When you go to the ballot box in November, remember who was fighting for students. (Hint: It wasn't B.O.)

Archdiocese of Washington...Egg on Face?

One year ago today, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington and Catholic Charities USA awarded the first national “Keep the Dream Alive Mass and Award" to Ralph McCloud. Mr. McCloud is the Director of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington, D.C.

At the time, I chided the Archdiocese for this move because it was under his watch, that money went to ACORN and other groups opposed to the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Well, it seems that Mr. McCloud has been a very busy man. Your see our colleagues over at Restore DC Catholcism pointed out that:

Ralph McCloud, while working in his capacity as CCHD director, worked as campaign treasurer for Texan Wendy Davis. The public record is here. Ms Davis was endorsed by Planned Parenthood. Unfortunately, Davis defeated her pro-life opponent.

Therefore we can conclude that Ralph McCloud worked directly against a candidate who would have helped unborn children and worked for someone who would facilitate their murder.

That campaign itself ran afoul of some ethics guidelines. Planned Parenthood of North Texas was fined several thousand dollars for not reporting just how much money they gave to Davis' campaign.

No wonder why money went to anti-Catholic groups. The director was helping out someone who was pro-abortion.

I wonder if the Catholic Standard will report this? Will they ask for their award back? The should but they won't.

Once again, more egg on the face of the Archdiocese of Washington.

Had an Abortion? Feeling shame? Guilt? Sadness?

Today is the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision on aborton. I have decided not to bring you a story about the March for Life but of one that may help those who are experiencing the sadness and guilt of having an abortion.

Project Rachel Ministry; sponsored by the Archdiocese of Washington, is hosting a support group for women who have feelings of shame, guilt, sadness and other difficult emotions, over their abortion experience.

The support group meets weekly.

For additional information, including location, e-mail Julia Shelava ProjectRachel@adw.org.