Some thoughts from a friend of mine...

Not to long ago, I was chatting with a good friend after Mass.

During our conversation, we discussed a number of items I had written on my blog over the last few weeks.

Wouldn't it be great, he said, that the priest could get up before the congregation at the start of Mass and say:

• I have not had sex with either a man or a woman.


• I have not abused any minor.


• I have been to confession.

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Remember, if you are from the Archdiocese of Washington DC, take a moment to complete the poll on the right.

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Help defeat Montgomery County's Gender Identity Bill 23-07 this November. Go to http://notmyshower.net.

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Vote NObama '08

Who says that VOTF are not dissenters?

Well, once again I am proven right: Voice of the Faithful (NJ Chapter - to be specific) have shown that they are dissenters to the Church's teaching.

From the Catholic League's Press Release:

An ad criticizing the Catholic Church for its teaching on contraception was placed today in Italy’s largest newspaper, Corriere della Sera. The “Open Letter to the Pope” is the work of Catholics for Choice and was signed by many dissident Catholic organizations.

Among the groups which signed the ad are Dignity, New Ways Ministry (NWM), Pax Christi (Maine), Voice of the Faithful (New Jersey), and Women’s Ordination Conference (WOC).

So, to all those VOTFers who come here, are you willing to show that you are not dissenters and denounce, in no uncertain terms, the VOTF Chapter? Or will you simply claim, as some of you have done in the past, that this is all opinion and not fact.

I doubt I will hear from any of you.

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Remember, if you are from the Archdiocese of Washington DC, take a moment to complete the poll on the right hand side.

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Help defeat Montgomery County's Gender Identity Bill 23-07 this November. Go to http://notmyshower.net.

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Vote NObama '08

Is the Catholic Standard Relevant?

Yesterday, I posted a blog on the above question with some of my thoughts.

As you have probably come to the conclusion, that I think that the Catholic Standard is only as relevant as the stories that it publishes. At the moment, it really is not relevant.

However, I think that this can change. Stories which really show how laws affect us living our faith (positive and negative), legislators who hurt us in allowing us to practice our faith or issues (listing those who voted against spending for Catholic education, for example), etc. The stories are just to bland, to boring, to late and in some instances, inaccurate.

For example, why did it take over three weeks for the story on the abortion by the Richmond Catholic Charities to get into the paper? What is our Diocese doing to ensure that this will not happen here?

Why don't we list lawmakers who did not vote for pro-Catholic school legislation?

Why did we praise a politician who was pro-abortion and who voted for a law that could force Catholic schools to hire transsexuals? Yet, made no mention of those facts were made or a note to correct it.

I want to hear from the people of the Archdiocese of Washington DC and have posted a survey on this issue.

If you are not from this Archdiocese, I would kindly ask if you would refrain from voting. (Honor system in effect.)

I will keep this unscientific poll open until August 5th.

If you would like to comment on this poll, please do so.

Is the Catholic Standard relevant?

For those of you who are not from the Archdiocese of Washington DC, the Catholic Standard (also called My Catholic Standard) is the paper for the Archdiocese.

Like most papers serving a Catholic population, the articles are a mix of international, national and local news, with some editorials and opinion pieces. Most of the international and national news are picked up from Catholic News Service or other news sources.

Over the last eighteen months, I have noticed a real change in the quality of the stories in the Standard.

If you read any of the news service, or major Catholic websites, you will easily find all of the international and national stories (and more) without waiting one or more weeks for them to be published.

There are fewer stories which discuss controversial issues, which may affect the quality of life for Catholics in the Archdiocese. For example, there has been no mention of the Transsexual Bill passed in Montgomery County or very little on the issue of refusing Communion to pro-abortion politicians’, except for the Archbishop’s very weak defense of his position.

There is an increase in the number of “teaching” articles. What I mean by this are various articles which attempt to teach something about our faith. Nothing wrong with that but instead of “news” I am seeing this in line with the teaching focus of the Archbishop.

There has been an increase in the number of “Special to the Standard” by-lines. This means that it is from the Communications Office of the Archdiocese. Nothing wrong with that, but say it.

There has been an increase in the number of articles promoting local “Catholic” politicians. However, this has back-fired on them in the case of Marilyn Praisner and Martin O’Malley.

There are almost no letters to the editors. Those that do get published are usually thanking someone for a wonderful event. Now, there is nothing wrong with it but you mean there are no legitimate criticisms of anything?

There are the usual stories about youth giving back to the community, special events of some of the various ethnic groups, school news, etc. All of those are very important and I am not belittling them at all. I rather like them.

Finally, there is the effort to “increase” circulation by requiring every parish in the archdiocese to “purchase” a number of copies. How do you think copies get in the back of your church? Do you think your pastor really wishes to spend a couple of thousand dollars a year on this? (BTW, most dioceses require parishes to purchase the Catholic newspaper and it has been going on for a number of years.)

(To be continued tomorrow)

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Help defeat Montgomery County's Gender Identity Bill 23-07 this November. Go to http://notmyshower.net.

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Vote NObama '08

Desecration of the Holy Eucharist

I normally do not post on Friday's and usually not about things that do not affect the Archdiocese of Washington DC but what I have just received from our friends over at Les Femmes - The Women of Truth is just so outrageous, so disgusting, that all of us have to do something:

MYERS DESECRATES THE EUCHARIST

University of Minnesota professor Paul Z. Myers made good on his pledge to desecrate the Eucharist today. According to his statement on the subject, “I pierced it [the Host] with a rusty nail (I hope Jesus’s tetanus shots are up to date). And then I simply threw it in the trash.”

Saying he did not want to “single out just the cracker,” Myers also tore pages from the Koran along with a few pages from Richard Dawkins’ The God Delusion and nailed them to the Host. He then said, “They are just paper. Nothing must be held sacred. (His emphasis.) Question everything. God is not great, Jesus is not your lord, you are not disciples of any charismatic prophet.”

Catholic League president Bill Donohue responded as follows:

“A formal complaint against Myers has already been made. What he did—in both word and deed—constitutes a bias incident, as defined by the University of Minnesota. The policy says that ‘Expressions of disrespectful bias, hate, harassment or hostility against an individual, group or their property because of the individual or group’s actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion…can be forms of discrimination. Expressions vary, and can be in the form of language, words, signs, symbols, threats, or actions that could potentially cause alarm, anger, fear, or resentment in others…even when presented as a joke.’

“The University must now take action and apply the appropriate sanction. We are contacting the president, Board of Regents and the Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Office at the school, as well as Minnesota’s governor and both houses of the state legislature; the Catholic community in Minnesota is also being contacted.

Moreover, we are also contacting Muslim groups nationwide. “It is important for Catholics to know that the University of Minnesota will not tolerate the deliberate destruction of the Eucharist by one of its faculty. Just as African Americans would not tolerate the burning of a cross, and Jews would not tolerate the display of swastikas, Catholics will not tolerate the desecration of the Eucharist.”

Contact Myers at myersp@morris.umn.edu

Contact President Robert Bruininks at bruin001@umn.edu

Susan A. Fani
Director of Communications
Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights
catalyst@catholicleague.org
New York, NY 10123
212-371-319
1212-371-3394 (fax)

Help Stop the MoCo Transgender Bill

The Montgomery County Council has approved the referendum language that will go on the ballot to stop the MoCo Transgender Bill.

Although the Citizens for a Responsible Government are fighting hard to stop this bill, which will discriminate against those who believe that this is an immoral lifestyle, they are fighting the well funded gay lobby. There is still a court challenge going on but with the grace of God, it will be defeated.

I have sent in a check, I hope that you will too: http://notmyshower.net/

By the way, remember, that one of the people who voted for this bill was the same person that the Catholic Standard, the Maryland Catholic Conference and the pastor of St. John the Baptist lauded.

And, you should note, that there has not even been one word in the Catholic Standard about this? Not one word.

For shame on the Archbishop and Mr. Zimmerman.

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Help defeat Montgomery County's Gender Identity Bill 23-07 this November. Go to http://notmyshower.net.

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Vote NObama '08

Catholic Family Expo - July 25 & 26

I have never attended, but it looks interesting. Might attempt to attend.

Church of the Resurrection
Ellicott City, MD

Free parking.

Inspiring and practical talks for Catholics of all ages, in addition to a book and exhibitor fair.

Cost: $20 for individuals; $35 for families.

For more information or to register: www.catholicexpo.org

If you do attend, let me know what you thought of it!

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Help defeat Montgomery County's Gender Identity Bill 23-07 this November. Go to http://notmyshower.net.

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Vote NObama '08

Time to Boycott McDonald's

I use to be a big fan of the Golden Arches (aka McDonald's).

Like most kids, we saw it as a great treat. I remember getting a burger, fries and a coke for under a dollar. I remember getting $.15 and later $.07 back from that hard earned dollar.

As I got older, it was that it was quick and cheap.

Now, I go only when I have too. In other words, I am running late in the evening, I need something to put in me (as the song says "A 99 cent Heart Attack") quickly.

Well, now they have given me a really good reason not to go there.

Pass it along and just drive on by. I know I will.

Ray Krok must be turning over in his grave now.

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Help defeat Montgomery County's Gender Identity Bill 23-07 this November. Go to http://notmyshower.net.

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Vote NObama '08

The Catholic Standard touts Governor O'Malley's Catholicism

Well, the good folks at the Catholic Standard (July 17, 2008, page 4) have once again shown that the Archdiocese of DC will do whatever they can to "curry-favor" with pro-abortion, pro-homosexual marriage politicians, when it comes to something they want. I call it the "Cardinal McCarrick" School of Thought.*

Let's take a look at their latest article (print only) entitled: Baltimore auxiliary bishop joins Maryland death penalty commission. In it, they state that:

The commission includes 13 members appointed by Maryland's Catholic governor and represents a diversity of views.

Suddenly, we can point out that he is Catholic and that his opposition to the death penalty shows that Catholics are united against this. Yet, I don't seem to remember a time when they point out that Catholic O'Malley is pro-abortion and pro-homosexual marriage in a regular article.

Do you?

*http://www.restore-dc-catholicism.com/ McCarrick Watch section

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Help defeat Montgomery County's Gender Identity Bill 23-07 this November. Go to http://notmyshower.net.

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Vote NObama '08

A city named after a saint, yet so anti-Catholic

Someone posted a link to this on my blog today.

A San Francisco city and county board resolution that officially labeled the Catholic church's moral teachings on homosexuality as "insulting to all San Franciscans," "hateful," "defamatory," "insensitive" and "ignorant" will be challenged tomorrow in court for violating the Constitution's prohibition of government hostility toward religion.

Resolution 168-08, passed unanimously by the City and County of San Francisco Board of Supervisors two years ago, also accused the Vatican of being a "foreign country" meddling with and attempting to "negatively influence (San Francisco's) existing and established customs."

It said of the church's teaching on homosexuality, "Such hateful and discriminatory rhetoric is both insulting and callous, and shows a level of insensitivity and ignorance which has seldom been encountered by this Board of Supervisors."

I thought that all of you who have no problem electing homosexual or pro-homosexual politicians, such Sen. Obama, Sen. Clinton, Raskin (MD), Sen. R. Madaleno (MD) may want to think twice.

Maybe it is time for a boycott of the City by the Bay.

Reaching out via less traditional method

As I roam some of the Catholic blogs, you always find some interesting stuff. Yesterday, I blogged about Veggie Tales. A great way to entertain children, while teaching them a good set of values.

Today, I would like to link to a couple of ways that others are reaching out to Catholics in a "less traditional" way.

From the Deacon's Bench, we find an article about the Catholic Channel, produced by Sirius Satellite Radio and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. You can check him out here.

From Aufer a Nobis, we find the story of the "Apologist (D-Minor) is a musician whose conversion to the Catholic Faith has led him to put the Truths of the Faith to rap music."

Finally, today we say goodbye to Tony Snow. Although you wouldn't know it by the way the media has ignored this fact (maybe because he worked for President Bush and was on Fox News), he was Roman Catholic.

Here is an article from the Catholic Exchange.

Also, one by Deacon Keith Fournier

Finally, one by Catholics in the Public Square.

“Eternal Rest grant unto him Oh Lord, and may his soul and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace, Amen”

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Help defeat Montgomery County's Gender Identity Bill 23-07 this November. Go to http://notmyshower.net.

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Vote NObama '08

Children's Videos...

When I was a child, the teacher would sometimes put on the television before the afternoon classes started. That was usually because we had to come in early due to the weather.

Most Catholic programming for children was pretty boring. In one show, with in a nautical themed set, a priest would basically talk for 15 minutes. He usually lost most of us about 30 seconds into the show.

However, the one show that all of us enjoyed was Davey and Goliath. Produced by the Lutheran Church, it would focus on the exploits of Davey and his faithful canine companion Goliath. Now, Goliath could talk but only Davey could hear him. Each episode would focus on a theme – sharing, treating others as you would yourself, etc.

Here is the link to an episode on YouTube.

So, what do we have today?

We have Veggie Tales.

Now, they are not specifically Catholic but they are something that everyone can watch, have a great time (and many good laughs) and never, ever worry about foul language or inappropriate behavior. (Yes, they are for the kids, but there are a number of things only adults will get, like Bug Bunny in the 40's.)

As they like to say: "Sunday Morning Values, Saturday Morning Fun!"

The two main characters are Bob (the Tomato) and Larry (the Cucumber). They are supported by a number of other characters, such as Junior Asparagus, and entertain you with stories from the Bible, as well as, a number of other modern day moral stories. For example, they did their version of David and Goliath (David & the Giant Pickle) and Daniel and the Lions Den. One of the more general stories ("Stuff Mart") is about Mrs. Blueberry who learns that having lots of possessions, does not make one happy and satisfied.

Of course, no Veggie Tale video is worth a grain of salt without a Silly Song from Larry. My favorites are "Cebu," "Dance of the Cucumber" and "The Water Buffalo Song."

You can find them on-line, at Christian Bookstores and even Walmart!

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Help defeat Montgomery County's Gender Identity Bill 23-07 this November. Go to http://notmyshower.net.

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NObama '08

Conflict of Interest over in Hyattsville?

Well, it looks as though there may be a conflict of interest over in some of the offices of the Archdiocese of Washington DC.

According to the Disclosure Policy, these "senior" staff (and I an not talking about their ages but that probably all depends on the age of the reader) probably fall under the "immediate family" clause.

Have they disclosed their "family" relationship to the appropriate Archdiocosan Board? If no, why not. If yes, and the Board has given it their blessing, then why?

Maybe we will get an answer from Mr. Duffy, since one of these staff members falls under his supervison.

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Help defeat Montgomery County's Gender Identity Bill 23-07 this November. Go to http://notmyshower.net.

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Vote NObama '08

The CFO Issue...

Well, this issue of finances and the Archdiocese of Washington DC just won't rest (at least in my mind):

1. The Archdiocese website shows a news release of June 30th news release on the appointment of Mr. Duffy as the new CFO. Funny, it wasn't there before July 7th. I guess I will need to make certain to get a couple of screen shots from now on.


2. The press release is exactly the same as the Catholic Standard article. I guess that is why the by-line is entitled: "Special to the Standard."


3. Why does the Archdiocese not publish the names of the members of the Finance Council? Many parishes publish the names of their Parish Advisory Councils and Finance Committees, why is the Archdiocese hiding it?


4. Finally, my sources tell me that Mr. Kelly is still hanging his hat over in Hyattsville. What gives?

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Help defeat Montgomery County's Gender Identity Bill 23-07 this November. Go to http://notmyshower.net.

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Vote NObama '08

Welcome to Vivere Christus Est

I welcome a new blog to my blog list: Vivere Christus Est.

It is literally a brand new blog and he was kind enough to link mine on his blog.

I wish him the best and will keep him in my thoughts and prayers.

How Did Archbishop Wuerl Vote?

As some of you may have been following, a new translation of the liturgical prayers found in the Roman Missal has been under way.

According to Catholic World News:

In a mail-in ballot, support for the proposed translation fell well short of the two-thirds required for approval by the US bishops' conference. The mail ballot became necessary because of an inconclusive vote at a June meeting of the episcopal conference.

The proposed translation was for "Proper" prayers for the Mass: the prayers for particular feasts and liturgical seasons. The US bishops have already given their consent to an English translation of the unchanging prayers of the "Ordinary;" that translation now awaits final approval from Rome.

The vote marks the first outright rejection of a translation of the new Missal submitted to the US bishops for their approval. The bishops' liturgical committee will now solicit proposed changes in the text and submit a revised translation to the bishops at their November 2008 meeting.

So, will we learn how Archbishop Wuerl voted on this?

Personally, I am not holding my breath that an answer will be forthcoming but would not be surprised to find out that he voted against the proposed translation.

Even on Vacation, you need to go to Mass!

Yes, even on vacation, you need to go to Mass.

Check out this website: www.masstimes.com

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Help defeat Montgomery County's Gender Identity Bill 23-07 this November.
Go to http://notmyshower.net.

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Vote NObama '08

Thomas P. Duffy, CFO Archdiocese of Washington DC

Last week, it was announced that Thomas P. Duffy would become the CFO of the Archdiocese. This announcement was made on the Catholic Standard's website on July 2nd and printed in the July 3rd edition.

However, the article does raise a couple of thoughts in my mind:

1. There was no mention of when this appointment actually became effective. We can only assume that it was July 2nd.
2. Why was there no mention of the previous CFO? Was it because he is under indictment?
3. There is no mention of the previous working relationship between the Archbishop and Mr. Duffy. Mr. Duffy worked for Archbishop Wuerl, when he was the Bishop of Pittsburgh. Will Mr. Duffy be the Archbishop's right hand man in his consolidation efforts? I am one who believes that this is the case.
4. It looks like Mr. Duffy was hand picked and groomed for the job. How do we know this? According to the article: "He has spent the past year familiarizing himself with the archdiocese in preparation to move into the role of CFO." There was no mention of being chosen from a number of strong candidates, etc.
5. The Finance section on the Archdiocese website makes no mention to Mr. Duffy. Hopefully this will be rectified soon. (Hint, Hint)
6. Why was there no press release? There is none on the Archdiocese website.

Oh, one last thing, if anyone from the Archdiocese told you before July 2008 that Thom Duffy was the CFO, then that was a LIE.

Have any thoughts on this?

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Help defeat Montgomery County's Gender Identity Bill 23-07 this November. Go to http://notmyshower.net.

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NObama '08

Have a Wonderful Fourth of July

Breaking News: Thom Duffy Named CFO

Just got my copy of the Catholic Standard and on Page 3 it is announced that Thom Duffy has been named CFO. (You can also go to their website for it as of yesterday.)

More on this next week...

Roe v Wade is Based on a Lie

That slogan came home to me many years ago, when I read about Norma McCovey (aka Jane Roe). I read about her role in the Supreme Court decision, how NOW and NARAL fawned all over her and made her almost into a saint.

When she converted to Christianity, they dropped her "like a hot potato." Her name seemed to be struck from every document on the topic, every news story, etc. It was as though she did not exist. Then she converted to Catholocism. That really poured salt in their wounds.

According to Catholic Online:

Norma McCorvey appears in her first-ever TV commercial speaking out against abortion, and denouncing her role as “Jane Roe”, the plaintiff in the supreme court case Roe v. Wade, which paved the way for so called “legal” abortion in America

McCorvey states in the television message, “back in 1973 I was a very confused twenty-one year old with one child and facing an unplanned pregnancy. At the time I fought to obtain a legal abortion, but truth be told, I have three daughters and never had an abortion”. She continues with “upon knowing God. I realize that my case which legalized abortion on demand, was the biggest mistake of my life.”

Take a look at it.

Share it.

It will move you.

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Help defeat Montgomery County's Gender Identity Bill 23-07 this November. Go to http://notmyshower.net.

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NObama '08

The Archdiocesan Finance Council - Time to Ask Questions

Over the last few days, I have asked two basic questions:

Why does Archdiocese of Washington DC keep someone who is indicted for fraud, in a position of responsibility for the finances for the Diocese?

Is the Archdiocese of Washington DC Finance Council going along with is or have they objected to the Archbishop? And if they have objected, why has their advice been ignored?

Therefore, there is only one way to get to the bottom of this: Ask the Finance Council.

But, there is a problem: there is no list to be found on the diocese website. You would think that this was one of those things that if they tell you, they would have to kill you.

However, after a bit of poking around, my sources have come up with what we believe to be a partial list. Here they are:

B. F. Saul II
B. F. Saul Company
7501 Wisconsin Avenue Suite 1500
Bethesda , MD 20814-6522
Contact: http://www.bfsaul.com/contact.html

J. Paul McNamara
Chairman
Potomac Capital Advisors
Two Bethesday Metro Suite 1550
Bethesda, MD 20812
email: ClientInformation@PotomacCapitalAdvisors.com

William J Shaw
President/COO/Director
Marriott International
10400 Fernwood Rd.
Bethesda, MD 20817

W. Shepherdson Abell
Furey, Doolan & Abell, LLP
Email: wsabell@fdalaw.com

If you decide to write to any and all of the above (and I encourage you to do so), please remember to be courteous and respectful. No foul language, threats of violence, insults, etc.

Who knows, you may even get a response.

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Help defeat Montgomery County's Gender Identity Bill 23-07 this November. Go to http://notmyshower.net.

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NObama in '08

The Archdiocesan Finance Council - A Question

The Archdiocese, like many parishes, has a Finance Council. Sometimes it may be called the Finance Committee. But no matter what the name, they usually have the same basic types of responsibilities.

In general, most finance councils usually review the needs, resources, and budget of the diocese and advises the Archbishop and CFO on the appropriate distribution of funds and on allocation adjustments where required. The usually meet on a regular basis - a couple of times per year.

The Council is made up of individuals whith a combination of expertise in accounting, finance, stewardship, and business management to serve responsible use of the monetary resources contributed by the diocese as a whole. They may have additional duties too, depending upon the diocese.

So, one of the questions that I am asking today is:

Why has the Archdiocese of Washington DC Finance Council allowed J. Michael Kelley to continue to serve in any capacity, once he was indicted.

There are only two possible explanations.

One, they advised Archbishop Wuerl to get rid of Mr. Kelly, and he has ignored their request.

Two, it does not phase them.

If Option One took place, then Archbishop Wuerl has shown very poor judgement in the handling of the finances of the Diocese. If so, this is another area in which he has lost credibility with the people of this Diocese and is no longer a good steward of our finances.

If Option Two took place, then both the Archbishop and Finance Council are no longer good stewards of our finances.

(to be continued tomorrow...)

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Help defeat Montgomery County's Gender Identity Bill 23-07 this November. Go to http://notmyshower.net.

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NObama '08