Thursday, December 31, 2009

Wishing Everyone a Happy New Year...

I wish everyone a Happy New Year.

I would also like to thank one and all for reading and even commenting on the blog. I it will be a very busy year for me -- work and.

Now, it would really be a good way to start the new year if President Obama would resign.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Liberations Theology - A Fading Movement?

When you hear the words and writings of some priests but especially among female religious, who are in their late 50's through 70's, you hear the words of "liberation theology." This is especially true of those orders that are slowly dying, at least in my humble opinion.

The Catholic Exchange has an interesting article on this entitled: Not So Liberating: The Twilight of Liberation Theology.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas to One and All!

Luke 2:1-4

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Thursday, December 24, 2009

St. Bernadette's in the News for Christmas!

From the Gazette:

Although he has never been on an airplane, Tommy Harrison, 7, of Silver Spring has a passport stamped from visits to France, England, Germany and Sweden. By the end of last week, he expected to add Italy and Mexico.

Tommy and his first-grade classmates at St. Bernadette School in Silver Spring were studying Christmas customs around the world. Along the way, the students got lessons in history, geography and language arts.

This is what makes a Catholic education so special and important to preserve. Read all about it here.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Follow-up on St. Catherine's

Well, I was able to get a hold my normal source and confirm that St. Catherine Laboure will be open for another year. Congratulations!

It seems that there have been a number of donors, combined with the effort by the Archdiocese to keep this school open for the large number of Hispanic children who attend.

Is this what the USCCB and the MCC want?

We continue to see the USCCB and Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC) push for this monster of a health care bill going through the Congress.

Let's say that abortion funding was not in the bill, there are 16 new taxes, $100 million for a hospital somewhere (no one knows exactly for certain) and if you don't get health care insurance, you will go to jail.

Is this what they mean that health care is a right? Don't get it and go to jail.

The USCCB and MCC should be ashamed of themselves.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Got to love it...

Bill Donohue of the Catholic League tells it like it is in their Dec. 15, 2009 press release:

The Congress is now officially on record approving a bill that tells mothers in Washington, D.C. that if they decide to take their baby to term, and elect to send their child to a private school—just like the one that President Obama and his wife have chosen for their own children—they can do it on their own dime: the successful voucher scholarship program that 1,700 poor kids were enrolled in is now dead. But if these same mothers decide to abort their babies, the same government will rush to pay their bills.

Most of those affected are black. The bill will soon be signed into law by America’s first black president. Is there anyone so stupid not to understand what is going on?

You got to love it.

Monday, December 21, 2009

St. Catherine Laboure to Stay Open?

I received word that St. Catherine's would remain open for another year. This was announced at the Christmas performance at the school late last week.

Have others heard this?

Friday, December 18, 2009

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.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

St. Jude's to remain open; St. Hugh's to closed and merged

The Catholic Standard reported on their website that St. Jude's would continue to remain open (that's nothing new).

St. Hugh's would be closed and merged with St. Joseph's in Beltsville. The story about St. Hugh's was posted by Anonymous (thank you for the scoop on that one) on Nov. 18th.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

VOTF: Honoring the Excommunicated

Over the last few years, I have written about Voice of the Faithful (VOTF). It is a an organization that is looking to tear down the Catholic Church. They are a dissenting organization and many of us have pointed this out.

Well it seems that they have nominated Fr. Roy Bourgeois (Maryknoll) as a "Priest of Integrity" Award. Many Maryknolls have been killed for upholding the faith. Fr. Bourgeois thinks he is a martyr for supporting women priests.

According to Diogenes of Catholic Culture:

Father Bourgeois incurred latae sententiae excommunication for participating in the attempted ordination of a woman. Undaunted by the threat of canonical penalty, he says that the Church’s failure to ordain women as priests amounts to spiritual assassination.

VOTF continues to meet at Holy Trinity in Washington DC. I have not followed up to see if they still meet at St. Rose of Lima (Clopper Road).

When will the Archbishop put an end to these dissenting organiations?

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Did you pick up your copy of the Parish Times?

The Parish Times is a newspaper given away free to parishes. Stories are written by local parishes and focus on the regular events in the life of a parish. The December 2009 issue covers such stories as:

  • The Holy Redeemer Angel Fund which supplements Catholic school tuition costs for families with financial hardship and needs.
  • Pack 440, sponsored by St. Bernadette, which collected apx. 450 bags of food, as part of the Scouting for Food Program.
  • Our Lady of Lourdes students who pray daily for our Active Duty Members.
  • St. Martin parishioners who conducted their first Life Walk Prayer Procession.
  • Our Lady of Mercy remembering Ken Augerger, a long time usher and greeter.
  • St. Peter's students making sandwiches for Shepherd's Table.

These are only a small sampling of the stories about our parishes in Montgomery County. They are great stories about our faith in action -- in large and small ways.

If you haven't picked up a copy, please do so.

Monday, December 14, 2009

From Today's Washington comPost...

The Washington Post has two articles about gay student groups. One is at Catholic University of America and the other at Georgetown University.

I applaud CUA for trying to hold firm. Georgetown, in my humble opinion, is a lost cause and our Archbishop only seems to enable this.

Thanks to The Deacon's Bench for pointing this out.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Knights of Columbus in Action

I wanted to end the week on a positive note.

My good friend Melvin, passed along his copy of Columbia, the monthly magazine of the Knights of Columbus and asked me to highlight two items.

First, the Maryland and DC State Councils and the American Wheelchair Mission (a division of Global Wheelchair Mission) celebrated Veteran's Day by distributing 110 wheelchairs to verterals at the Washington DC VA Medical Center. For more information, go to: www.kofc.org/wheelchair.

The Knighs of Fr. Andrew White Assembly in Ridge, MD adopted a one-mile stretch of Route 5 (Maryland) and were shown picking up litter.

Finally, a reader sent me a note about a fundraiser sponsored by the Fr. Rosensteel Assembly (Silver Spring, MD) entitled: A Celtic Christmas Concert.


The Bog Band will be performing a Celtic Christmas Concert on Sunday, Dec. 20th, 4 p.m. at Knights of Columbus Hall in Silver Spring, MD.

The concert will feature Bog Band arrangements of traditional Celtic Christmas tunes, songs, and dance, and will be great way for the whole family to celebrate the season.

Proceeds from the concert will be split evenly between the Bog Band and the Knights of Columbus charities. The Bog Band will be traveling to County Kerry in July as part of an exchange program organized by our local branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann. Knights of Columbus charities include: St. Joseph House, Special Olympics, Diocesan Seminarians, Sherpherds Table, S.O.M.E., and Catholic Charities among others.

The Bog Band, which has appeared in numerous prestigious local venues over the years, continues to provide a great entertainment value to audiences who appreciate traditional Irish music, while also helping to raisefunds for charities deserving of our financial assistance. To date, the Bog Band has helped raise more than $10,000 for numerous charities, including The Alanna Lake Memorial Endowment Seed Fund at Washington Waldorf School, The McKenna Center, and Justice for Children.

Advance Tickets: $10 adult; $5 child; or $30 per family
Tickets at the Door: $15 adult; $10 child; $50 per family

Send check payable to "Knights of Columbus" with note "Bog Band Celtic Christmas" to attention of:
George Carter

Knights of Columbus Hall
9707 Rosensteel Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20910

email: ggc35@comcast. netphone: 301-412-1809

Please consider coming to event as part of your celebration of the year-end holiday. Thanks much foryour consideration and your support. We wish you happy holidays and continued health,wealth and success in the coming new year! If you want to read more about the bog band go to www.bogband.com

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Abortion is Preventative Care

Yep, so says Sen. Mikulski, who tells everyone she was raised a Catholic. Read more about it from LifeNews.

Once again, I am calling on all faithful Catholics to vote against her when her term is up.

The USCCB is getting hoodwinked here by supporting "universal health care." They have no idea what they are up against.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Catholics, Global Warming and the New Devotion

I have been pretty busy the last couple of days, but a couple of thoughts have been running though my mind the last couple of months...

Global Warming, I mean, Climate Change (we have to get out Orwellian phrases correct, you understand) has become the new devotion or cause of the social justice crowd. We see some religious orders making that a part of their regular ministry. We see parishes have whole committees on it with regular meetings on the issues. (Although I see them really more as cost savings committees - changing light bulbs and such.) Even this Archdiocese has had a day at the McCarrick Center on the Church and the Environment.

However, over the last few weeks, we have seen that the "climate change" experts have been "fixing" the numbers. Kinda like a mobster who "fixes" a boxing match. Now, many of us believed that ALGORE was full of hot air from the start but with the release of emails on this, everyone can see that this has been "rigged."

Considering that the meeting in Copenhagen this week will feature 1200 Limos, 140 private jets and spew more than 40,000 tons of carbon just there alone, should make people really wonder about those who claim to be interested in saving the planet.

Now, as one who likes to go into the great outdoors, I believe that it is important to conserve when appropriate, and to make certain not to destroy but this is really out of hand.

Sheryl Crowe talks about using on piece of toilet paper. I wonder how many she uses and how often she travels in a private limo or SUV?

Does Leonardo Dicaprio have to jet around the world for appearances at his latest movie? Why can't he just video conference in?

So, I wonder what should happen to these Church Committees? Will the various religious groups begin to see the light that they have been hoodwinked? Or will they stick to their beliefs, similar to those that believe that the moon landing was a hoax and that the Holocaust never existed.

Just some random thoughts. What do you think?

Monday, December 7, 2009

Did Archbishop Wuerl honor Pro-Abortionists & Pro-Gay Media Members?

According to this week's Catholic Standard, Archbishop Wuerl presented a check to the a group of religious before the annual SOAR (Support our Aging Religious) Dinner.

Note that the Catholic Standard was very careful NOT to say (1) who the honorees were and (2) did not come out and say if he actually attended the dinner. (Wonder if the caption for the photo on page 12 was written by the Standard or the Office of Communications?)

As you may be aware of, I pointed out the fact in August that SOAR would honor Cokie and Stephen Roberts - both whom support abortion, homosexual marriage and have publicly criticised the Pope.

Personally, I believe that he did attend the dinner, which is really terrible. What type of message does it send to the faithful? That is it okay to honor those who support these terrible things because they donate money to us? It is just like the way the Archbishop honored John Sweeney.

Now, if he did not attend the dinner, I would love to receive some communication from the Archdiocese but I doubt that they will.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Buy Religous Christmas Stamps!

Each year, I head over to the Post Office and purchase Christmas stamps. Now, I don't purchase two or three booklets, just for the Christmas cards. I purchase 20 or 30 booklets and I only purchase the religous ones - Madonna and Child.

I do so for three reasons. First, the Post Office is a business and the more you purchase of a particular product, it will more than likely continue to carry that product and stock more of it. Second, it sends a message that Christ is the reason for this time of year. Firally, I use them on all generic mailings after Christmas to again remind everyone that Christ is the key to eternal life.

So, go out and purchase your stamps today!

++++++++++++++++++

UPDATE: Our colleagues at Restore DC Catholicism have posted videos on the Montgomery County Council hearings on the attempt to stifle the Pregnancy Centers. Take a look and see the lies told by Planned Parenthood and some of our representatives.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Expansion of the Extraordinary form of the Mass within Washington, D.

I received this from a reader:

A low Mass will be offered every Friday at 8am starting this Friday, December 4th at St. Mary's Church in downtown DC. It is one block east of the Chinatown Metro Station and just a few blocks from Holy Rosary Church.


After a number of requests, Archbishop Wuerl has agreed to it on a trial basis but, if there is not enough support, it may be discontinued. Various priests will rotate to say the Mass.

Some upcoming Fridays over the next couple of months (Holy days omitted):

December 4: St. Peter Chrysologus, Bishop, Confessor, Doctor / First Friday
December 11: St. Damasus, Pope and Confessor
December 18: Friday in Ember Week of Advent
January 8: Friday after Epiphany
January 15: St. Paul Hermit, Confessor/ Commemoration of St. Maurus, Abbott
January 22: St. Vincent and Anastasius, Martyrs
January 29: St. Francis de Sales

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Thank You!

Over two years ago, I started this blog. Some of the postings (almost 500) have been funny, some very sharp, some have been news breaking, some have been mundane.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for reading this blog, esp. those who come here on a regular basis and those who have contributed to the postings.

I would especially like to thank everyone (esp. Melvin) over the last 12 months or so, who assisted with the information on (1) Charter Schools (2) the Archdiocese School Policy and (3) the merger/closing of the schools in Maryland.

Once again, THANK YOU.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Today's Washington Post

Some of you probably have read the Metro section of today's Washington comPost and the story entitled: Archbishop takes a reluctant turn in the spotlight - Tactics in same-sex marriage controversy concern D.C. Catholics.

In looking at the story, there are two things that I noticed. First, that the writer did not say that the Archdiocese will continue to serve the poor with the available resources. They will do without the contracts and the money from those contracts. Second, that they only interviewed one "Catholic": Ron Castaldi of the "left-leaning Holy Trinity parish" (the author hit that nail on the head!). Don't know if Kevin Chavous is Catholic or not (the main websites do not indicate any religous affiliation).

Although I have not agreed with much of what the Archbishop has done, I do hope that he holds firm on this one.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Protect Pro-Life Centers in Montgomery County Maryland

Do you live in Montgomery County Maryland? Are you Catholic? Then this is of importance to you. (This is a modified version of an email from the Maryland Catholic Conference.)

+++++++

The Montgomery County Council is about to pass a resolution that would target pregnancy resource centers, which are pro-life charities that provide both material and emotional support to pregnant women in need, so that they may have healthy pregnancies and children. The resolution would force pregnancy resource centers to tell clients upon first contract that they do not give medical advice and that the women should consult another medical provider before making a decision about her pregnancy. Failure to comply would result in a hefty daily fine.

The resolution singles out these centers because of their pro-life mission. No such requirement is made of any abortion clinics. This resolution is part of a campaign by pro-abortion groups to discredit the good work of pro-life charities. (My comment: This effort is being led by Duchy Trachtenberg, who was in a leadership position of the local NOW chapter and has been a HUGE supporter of pro-abortion and pro-homosexual issues.)

Your assistance is needed to ensure that pregnant women continue to receive support from these competent, compassionate centers. Please call the following members of the Montgomery County Council as soon as possible:

Council President Phil Andrews 240-777-7906
Council VP Roger Berliner 240-777-7828
Councilman Marc Elrich 240-777-7966
Councilwoman Valerie Ervin 240-777-7960
Councilwoman Nancy Floreen 240-777-7959
Councilman Mike Knapp 240-777-7955
Councilman George Leventhal 240-777-7811
Councilwoman Nancy Navarro 240-777-7968
Councilwoman Duchy Trachtenberg 240-777-7964

To send an email to them, go to www.mdcathcon.org

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!

In this time of high unemployment, Catholic education in this Archdiocese in turmoil, and the Church under attack in many areas, there are still things to be thankful for.

Take a moment to THANK GOD for those things.

And now, for a little humor, sent to me (and many others) from Melvin.

+++++++++++++++

A cat died and went to Heaven. God met her at the gates and said, 'You have been a good cat all these years. Anything you want is yours for the asking.'

The cat thought for a minute and then said, 'All my life I lived on a farm and slept on hard wooden floors. I would like a real fluffy pillow to sleep on.'

God said, 'Say no more.' Instantly the cat had a huge fluffy pillow.

A few days later, six mice were killed in an accident and they all went to Heaven together. God met the mice at the gates with the same offer that He made to the cat.

The mice said, 'Well, we have had to run all of our lives: from cats, dogs, and even people with brooms! If we could just have some little roller skates, we would not have to run again.' God answered, 'It is done.' All the mice had beautiful little roller skates.

About a week later, God decided to check on the cat.. He found her sound asleep on her fluffy pillow. God gently awakened the cat and asked, 'Is everything okay? How have you been doing? Are you happy?'

The cat replied, 'Oh, it is WONDERFUL. I have never been so happy in my life. The pillow is so fluffy, and those little Meals on Wheels you have been sending over are delicious!'

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Recall Notice (A Little Humor)

The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.

This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed "Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality, " or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.

Some of the symptoms include:

1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect.


The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.

The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R.


Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.

No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:

1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness

9. Self control

(these are the "Fruits of the Holy Spirit")

Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Believers' Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.

WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus.


DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Paradise so as to prevent contamination of that facility.


Thank you for your attention!


GOD


P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail'.


Because I AM

Monday, November 23, 2009

Are you a Graduate St.Jude Elementary School?

The folks over at St. Jude's are really trying hard to ensure that they reduce any debt and stay open for many years to come. I applaud them for it.

An email was forwarded to me regarding the current situation.

I will not reproduce it here but they are looking to contact as many alumni as possible. Even if you are a parent or even grandparent of a graduate, and are interested in helping, please contact Trish Young at pappyandtrish@juno.com.

Thank you.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Reminder, DO NOT GIVE TO CCHD Collection Sunday!

First, I would like to take this opportunity to ask everyone who may read this blog to keep in mind the parishioners, parents and students at the various schools we have discussed over the last week or so. For them, it is a very hard time. A time of shock. A time of disbelief. And for some, it may even shake their faith in the Church.

So, I would ask everyone, if you remember, to please offer up the Sunday Mass for them.

Again, this Sunday is CCHD Sunday and it is time again to send a message to the Conference of Bishops that we will no longer fund non-Catholic organizations, especially those who work against us.

In the past, I have asked you to take the funds that you would give to CCHD and not to spend it on adult beverages or the movies, but to give it to a good Catholic Charity. This year, give it to the nearest Catholic School and ask that it be used for a family who is having a tough time paying the tuition.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Seven Schools in "Consultation"

Melvin's wife, Irma, came by and dropped off her copy of the Catholic Standard.

According to the Standard (and it wasn't the cover story even), there are SEVEN schools in "consultations" due to the declining enrollment and financial challenges. Now, we can't say there is a possibility of closing or merger because what you read on the blogs are rumors, as Superintendent Patricia Weitzel-O'Neill told the St. Catherine audience the other night.

The schools are:
  • St. Hugh of Grenoble (Greenbelt)
  • St. Jerome (Hyattsville)
  • St. Mark the Evangelist (Hyattsville)
  • St. Michael (Ridge)
  • St. Michael the Archangel (Silver Spring)
  • St. Jude (Rockville)
  • St. Catherine Laboure (Wheaton)
How many of these will be around after June? St. Jude's will probably be around, given the fact that St.Catherine is just a couple of miles down the road. St. Michael the Archangel may have their students go to Our Lady of Sorrows in the People's Republic of Takoma Park or one of the other nearby schools. The schools in Hyattsville and St. Hugh may be merged into one. Maybe that is the Trinity?

If your child goes to a school with low enrollment, you had better be prepared for one of these "consultations" next year. My source tells me that there are as many as "seven" on the list for "consultations" for next year.

Correction: One of my readers pointed out that Our Lady of Sorrows was taken over by Christo Rey. He/she is correct.

Update: This story now appears on the Catholic Standard website, in case you decide not to get a paper copy.

The Meetings at St.Jude and St. Catherine

So, here is what I can tell you about the meeting on Tuesday night at St. Jude's from my sources:


  1. Fr. Hines stated that no decision has been made regarding the school. Personally, I believe that statement because there is nothing in writing. However, the general feeling was that this was a done deal -- St. Jude's would merge with St. Catherine's -- especially from the fact that later in the meeting the participants were told that the school would remain open.
  2. A representative of the Archdiocese was there by the name of Tom. Unfortunately, neither could tell me if it was Tom Duffy or Tom Burnford (Sec. of Education). My sources felt he was quite standoffish. He stated that the Archdiocese cannot assist the school but will help though the tuition assistance program, which has increased from $2mil. to $4mil. (This was reported in the Catholic Standard a while back.)
  3. The school was in debt of $400,000 due to the difference between tuition ($6150) and actual cost per student ($7700). My question is: Did this happen overnight or was this a couple of years in the making. It seems hard for me to believe that this suddenly took place overnight. And, if this was taking place over the last few years, then why did the audits of the archdiocese not pick this up? Or did they not conduct audits?
  4. Tom was asked why the Archdiocese did not help to market Catholic schools more? His response was (are you ready for this!) it was the responsibility of each school to be responsible for this; the Archdiocese will do what it can. Now, have you noticed how much marketing is done for Catholic Cemeteries. I hear radio spots on a regular basis on WMAL. When was the last time you heard a radio spot for Catholic elementary schools. Probably never.
  5. St. Jude's went from an apx. 500 student body to apx. 240 today. In my opinion, the economy is not the main reason. The main reason is that a new elementary school was built just up the road. The families that would have gone to St. Jude's are now going there. Each year it adds an additional grade. Why did the Archdiocese allow this to happen? The only reason I can figure is that the school opened with not funds from the Archdiocese. It was all raised within the parish.
  6. The Archdiocese will eliminate the reduction in tuition for siblings unless they apply for tuition assistance to the Archdiocese. If the school wants to do it, fine.

Overall, both felt that this meeting was one that was really just to say "We met, we informed, and you figure it out." Typical of the last two rounds of closings.


I did not get much of a chance to speak with my contact at St. Catherine's but the Superintendent of Schools, Patricia Weitzel-O'Neill was in attendance to represent the Archdiocese. The school is in the red by a couple of hundred thousand dollars.


Well, it seems that the Superintendent made it very clear that those in attendance should not believe anything on the blogs since they were all rumors.

So, let me close with this to the Superintendent. If you believe that anything on this blog is incorrect, they you, Ms. Gibbs or any representative from the Archdiocese are more than welcome to send me a note at awashingtondccatholic@gmail.com. I will publish your comments verbatim.

However, I did send a note to Ms. Gibbs requesting comment about St. Catherine's early last week but was told that there would be no response to anonymous emails. You did have your chance to put the rumors to rest.

UPDATE (5am): I have heard this from two separate people, that the third school is St. Michael's in Silver Spring. The enrollment has been low for a while. This some have speculated is the third school to close in Montgomery County and may be the source for the idea of Trinity.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Additional Schools on the Block?

Rumor has it that there is a meeting tonight (Wednesday) to discuss the future status of St. Leo Elementary and St. Joseph Elementary in Beltsville.

I have not had any confirmation on this but if anyone out there can verify, love to hear from you.

St.Jude and St.Catherine

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend either meeting last night. I had, as they say, a previous dinner engagement.

By now, the parishioners will basically know how much they wil need to raise, how long they have to do it, and all of the other deadlines.

I will be asking my sources about the meetings. However, if anyone would like to write and share their take on the meeting, please feel free to do so at awashingtondccatholic@gmail.com.

Let me know who the representative from the Archdiocese was and what was his/her "solution" to the matter.

I look foward to hearing from you and will post information from my sources over the next few days.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Meeting at St. Jude's on Tuesday About Merger

There will be a meeting at St. Jude's about the merger on Tuesday night at 7:30pm in the Thaddeus Room.

It seems that over the weekend, all of the parents were notified that a meeting would take place with Fr. Hines via snail mail.

The Archbishop and Archdiocese have moved faster on this than I even expected!

Time to Shut Down CCHD!

Well folks, the CCHD collection is next week. And you know what to do: DON'T GIVE.

The Catholic Standard has a number of articles on organizations which help the those who are less fortunately. The Archdiocese has circulated fliers and letters.

You would think that after the ACORN scandal and the latest scandal involving three additional organizations, they would have learned. Nope.

You can tell the radical leftists in the Church are running scared. They are pushing for support of CCHD. I guess they are worried that this will dry up one more source for the Alinsky style organziations.

Why does the Catholic Church give to secular organizations, who further their own non-Catholic agendas?

I have been talking about this for over a year. Click here if you wish to see all of my posts.

So, whether you drop a flier in the basket protesting this collection, or even an acorn, that is okay.

The best way is not to give.

However, take that money you would have dropped in the basket and give it to a pro-life organization. Anyone that will uphold our Catholic beliefs.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Possible Closing of Another Catholic School?

I have heard through the grapevine a few minutes ago that a meeting took place at St. Jude's in Montgomery County. It seems that at this meeting a representative of the Archdiocese has told the school that they will merge with St. Catherine Laboure and be called Trinity.

Has anyone heard this? Was anyone at the meeting? Can anyone verify that this took place?

Archdiocese Stands Tall on Gay Marriage Issue

Well, I thought that I would never see this day, but the Archdiocese is really standing its' ground on the gay marriage issue in DC. It has basically told the DC Council (who seems to see this as a threat), that they will begin to shut down their various services to the homeless, if the legislation forces them to basically recognize gay marriage, as part of their various services. For more information, click here.

Considering the fact that the Archdiocese pumps in $10 million donated by Catholics, and countless hours, to help the homeless, I think that the DC Council may want to reconsider their actions.

However, since they seem hell bent on doing this, I am challenging the the gay community to put your money where your mouth is. If you believe so strongly in your cause, raise over $10 million dollars per year from your own pocket (not from the taxpayer) and donate 1000s of hours to help care for the homeless in the District.

Either put up of shut up.

For more on this, The Foundry, American Papist and Marriage Matters.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Church Draws the Line Over DC Gay Marriage Law

From WMAL:

(Washington, DC) -- The Catholic Church says it'll end all social service programs it runs for the city if the bill legalizing same sex marriage is passed as it's currently written.

Currently, the bill would not require any religious organization to perform or make any accommodations for same-sex weddings if it doesn't want to. But they would have to obey city laws that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation.

A spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of Washington says it will not continue working with the city if it is forced to accept conditions it finds morally disagreeable.

The church tells the Post the DC Council is ignoring the right of religious freedom. The archdiocese is not a dominant provider in any social service, but its work helps 68 thousand city residents, including a third of Washington's homeless population.


In addition, it seems that Yvette Alexander (Ward 7) attempted to add some language to protect religious groups from having to rent facilities, etc., to events that were deemed objectionable to their faith. This seems to have been shot down.

Pro-Life Centers are Under Attack in the Archdiocese of Washington

If you read my posting on Sunday, you would have noted that the County Council of the People's Republic of Montgomery County is going after Crisis Pregnancy Centers?

According to Duchy Trachtenberg (D) these centers provide false and misleading statements because they don't cover abortions. Mmmm...I wonder if she will require the Planned Parenthood Clinics and all those who provide abortions to cover the various studies that have been done linking abortions with depression, emotional problems with those born after an abortion, etc.

Our colleagues over at Restore DC Catholicism describe the radical anti-Catholic nature of the Montgomery County Council. Take some time and write to them.

If you don't think that this is a back handed attack on the Church, then you really need to wake up.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Message to All Veterans

We remember you and we thank you!

I especially remember my father, who served in World War II.

Thank you.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

The Financial Situation of the Archdiocese

If you read the Catholic Standard for the last two weeks, it featured major stories on the financial state of the Archdiocese. In both articles (and I do not have the articles in front of me, so this is from memory), the financial situation is not good. Over $2,000,000 in cuts will need to be made.

This past weekend, the homilies (in at least two parishes that I know of), focused on giving not of simply from your excess but as much as you can -- even when it hurts a bit.

Based on the past communication/marketing campaigns of the Archdiocese, this probably is a lead-in not only the various cuts that will come (including the closing of schools, as I see it) but an even bigger push to increase giving.

Did your parish priest talk about finances this weekend -- either directly or indirectly?

What do you think about this?

Have you thought about the amount you will give next year? Will it increase, decrease or stay the same?

Monday, November 9, 2009

From the "See I Told You" File

From The Hill:

A House Democrat leader said Monday she's “confident” controversial language on abortion will be stripped from a final healthcare bill.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), the Democrats’ chief deputy whip in the House, said that she and other pro-abortion rights lawmakers would work to strip the amendment included in the House health bill that bars federal funding from going to subsidize abortions.

“I am confident that when it comes back from the conference committee that that language won't be there,” Wasserman Schultz said during an appearance on MSNBC. “And I think we're all going to be working very hard, particularly the pro-choice members, to make sure that's the case.”

Read the rest right here.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

So many things...not certain what to write about...

1. The USCCB basically sold us out. Do they really believe that the Most Merciful, Lord High Barack Obama will keep his word to keep abortion out of the health care bill.

2. Archbishop Wuerl seemed to keep the health care issue of of parishes for the last two weeks. Guess it is one way of keeping Catholics from fighting it.

3. MoCo is looking to put more pressure on pro-life clinics.

4. MoCo is looking to make all contracts with the county provide benefits to gay partners.

5. SOAR had their dinner last night. Wonder if the Archbishop was in attendance to honor the pro-abortionists.

6. The Archdiocese is in serious financial shape.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Update on Possible School Closing

I have received the following email. I have published it as written.

To the author, thank you for writing.

++++++++++

Dear Washington DC Catholic,

I am a parishioner of St. Catherine Laboure church and a very-involved parent at St. Catherine Laboure school. I am writing to let you know that our pastor, Father Salah, did not request that SCL school be closed. As you stated in your blog, any request for closure would have to be a recommendation stemming from "extensive discussions with the Archdiocese." What has been requested by the pastor is a consultation with the Archdiocese. The fact that a consultation has been requested does not mean that it is a given that the outcome will be a recommendation for school closure or consolidation. It is my understanding that this consultation will look at not only financial viability, but also the academic performance, Catholic identity, accessibility, and affordability of the school. It will also involve the parents and parishioners. This will be our time to show what we have to offer, why we are different, where we excel, and plans we have for achieving financial stability.

The rumor that Father Salah is requesting that the school be closed likely stems from the fact that he has mentioned school closure/consolidation in private and public meetings as a possible outcome when parishes/schools have financial difficulties. He has not--and cannot until the consultation is completed--requested this to the Archdiocese. My biggest concern at this time is that parents will hear things like this (i.e., the pastor recommended the school be closed) and give up (apply to other schools for next year, stop supporting the school financially, stop volunteering), making the rumors a self-fulfilling prophecy.

In addition, I'd like to point out that to my knowledge our enrollment is roughly equal to that of other schools in the area and that the financial debt of the parish, while large, is not the largest in the ADW. I only point this out to say that these statistics are not necessarily a reflection of our parish/school individually, but of the current economic times and the status of Catholic school enrollment in general.

I have read many of your posts on Catholic education and I agree with you that the new trend of moving towards multi-parish regional schools will ultimately dilute Catholic education as a whole, as well as be detrimental to the sense of parish community. I am determined to maintain a positive attitude and encouraging all other SCL parents to do the same, so that we can put 100% into putting our best face forward during this consultation process. I hope that you will consider clarifying in your blog that the pastor of SCL School has not requested that the school be closed, and I ask that you keep us in your prayers.

Thank you.

Possible Catholic School Closing



I have received word, from a pretty reliable source, that a request has been made by the pastor of St. Catherine Laboure Church in Wheaton, MD to close the school. A second source has stated that things were not very good (financially) but did not come out and mention the closing. However, he/she hinted at it.

In order to close a school, the pastor is required to make the request, per the new policies approved earlier this year. (On a side note, I think that this is done to shield the Archdiocese from charges that they are closing the school. I can see it now "We did not request the closing. The Pastor did.")

Now, I would assume that any request for closing was made after extensive discussions with the Archdiocese. It was probably determined that there was little chance that enrollment would go up (enrollment is below 260 circa 2007) and the costs outstripped the resources of the parish and the archdiocese (there is a fairly decent sized six figure deficit which needs to be closed).

From my understanding, some parishioners are aware of this but not everyone and it has not been announced officially.

The Archdiocese was asked to comment on this but has not provided any at the time of posting. Should anyone from the Archdiocese wish to comment on this, I will publish the response as is.

UPDATE (11:58am): From the Communications Director of the Archdiocese of Washington at apx. 9:25am:

I’m sorry, but we cannot respond to anonymous emails, as I’m sure you can understand.
Susan Gibbs
Archdiocese of Washington

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

URGENT: HELP STOP THE HEALTH CARE TRAIN WRECK DEBACLE!

Because of the seriousness of the issue below, I am postponing my story on education in the Archdiocese till later in the week. Thanks for understanding.

+++++++++++++++

If you are Catholic and believe that abortion is immoral, that the government should not fund abortions and that Catholics in the health care field should not be forced to either quit their jobs or help commit murder, then you need to help stop the health care bill.

From American Papist:

it is believed that Pelosi will bring her health care bill to a vote in the House of Representatives this week. I am strongly against this bill and so are the US bishops. Please visit usccb.org/action to contact your representatives demanding they VOTE NO on it!

++++++++

Update (7:30am): Congratulations to the supporters of True Marriage in Maine. You defeated the gay marriage proposal, even though you were outspent almost 2 to 1. Maybe that is why homosexuals are fighting so hard not to put it to a vote in DC. Maybe they know that they cannot win by the ballot box.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Help Stop Nancy Pelosi and the Health Care Disaster!

Because of the seriousness of the issue below, I am postponing my story on education in the Archdiocese till later in the week. Thanks for understanding.

+++++++++++++++

If you are Catholic and believe that abortion is immoral, that the government should not fund abortions and that Catholics in the health care field should not be forced to either quit their jobs or help commit murder, then you need to help stop the health care bill.

From American Papist:

it is believed that Pelosi will bring her health care bill to a vote in the House of Representatives this week. I am strongly against this bill and so are the US bishops. Please visit usccb.org/action to contact your representatives demanding they VOTE NO on it!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Working on a Story...

Working on a story regarding the Archdiocese education system.

Will hopefully post my findings tomorrow.

++++

Meanwhile, please boycott the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) collection this month. They have funded ACORN in the past and are funding similiar groups today. We don't need more of that this year -- or any year.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Blog Name Change

I have been meaning to do this for a while, but I have finally gotten around to changing the name of the blog. Don't worry, you will not have to worry about your Favorite/Bookmark link. It will remain the same.

The change is that I realized a while back that this is not the Archdiocese of Washington DC but simply the Archdiocese of Washington. Therefore, the name change to "An Archdiocese of Washington Catholic."

For those of you who are regular readers, I thank you. For those who stop by once in a while, thank you for visiting and I hope that you will come back more often. For the first timers, I hope that you come back again.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Update on Pastor Problem

A short time ago, I published a letter sent to Msgr. Fisher, who is responsible for priests in this Archdiocese. Some of you (okay, maybe it was just Melvin) asked which parish it was.

Instead of telling which parish it is, I think I should tell you which parish it is not:
  • St. Peter Claver (St. Inigoes, MD)
  • University of Maryland - Catholic Center
Look for the next installment, sometime next week.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Hate Speech - You Reap What You Sow.

The Maryland Catholic Conference a few years ago pushed/supported hate crimes legislation against the killing of a homeless person. On this blog, I argued that the intentional killing of a homeless person is just as bad as the murder or a priest, nun or my own mother. There should be no special "hate crime" legislation. I also warned that this was a dangerous precedent to set. Once done, it could open the door for other "special groups."

I thought that this from Pipeline News, sums it up nicely:

The theatre of the absurd is illuminated when society adds to the mix the concept of motivation to determine what is a crime or is not. Not only is it necessary to then "guess" at why a person does something but if the punishment for an act which has been previously deemed criminal is "enhanced," then a situation is created where the untenable becomes the rule and anything becomes possible to criminalize and punish whether reasonable or not - which brings us to "hate crimes."

What is a hate crime? The answer is whatever law makers say it is. And what do law makers say is a hate crime - whatever a sufficiently strong pressure group wants it to be. There need not be any logic to it.

Last July in another of the Democrat's leader's tricky moves, the senate voted to expand the 1969 federal hate crimes law to include people attacked because of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability by attaching it to a "must pass" defense appropriation bill. Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid said: "This bill simply recognizes that there is a difference between assaulting someone to steal his money, or doing so because he is gay, or disabled, or Latino or Muslim."


This is the first time in American history that thought alone is being criminalized. Until now the government has adhered to the admonition by Thomas Jefferson who said the reach of legislation should extend only to actions and not to opinions but now the law will punish people not just for what they did but what they were thinking when they did it.

Consider the effect this will have on the practice of religion and freedom of speech. Anyone speaking from a pulpit who preaches the biblical view of homosexuality may be subject to criminal prosecution.

Not only does the new law make thought a factor in criminality, it also extends the power of the federal government over the states. Despite many states also having enacted hate crimes legislation, it would provide federal grants to help with the prosecuting of hate crimes and funds programs to combat hate crimes.

The federal government can step in after the Justice Department certifies that a state is unwilling or unable to follow through on a purported hate crime.

It in not likely that this law will be able to be repealed in the future so it will remain the law of the land and another triumph of a special interest group, in this case the homosexual community.

For the full story, click here.

Nice job Maryland Catholic Conference, nice job. You must be really proud of yourselves now.


PS: For those of you will bring up Matthew Sheppard, please make certain to include the fact that he was a meth addict, that one of the three men who killed him was bi-sexual and that all of them killed him (and admitted so) not because he was gay, but because he was an easy target and they wanted his money. Seems these facts get swept under the rug.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Same Sex Marriage and DC

Our colleagues over at Restore DC Catholocism have a first hand account of the rally this past weekend.

Yesterday, hearings were held in DC. You can read about it here.

Unfortunately, I think that this is a lost cause. Not because I am for same sex marriage, but because we have not put the heat on our politicians, esp. those who call themselves Catholic to follow their faith.

We have also not paid attention to the words used in various pieces of legislation. Look at the DC law which has brought us to this horrible situation re that you cannot bring to a vote any legislation that may deny the "human rights" of another.

Is it possible that they can turn this against those institutions which do not wish to marry same sex couples? It is entirely possible, most likely probable and was probably part of the long term thinking. They will come after us saying: Either marry gay couples, or lose tax exemption, etc. You may say that this violates your human rights, but don't hold your breath that they will see it that way. Then, you will have little choice.

Monday, October 26, 2009

USCCB and Talk Radio - They are Making A Mistake

It seems that the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) has signed on to a request to the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) to investigate "hate speech" on the radio because of the stance of people like Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Lou Dobbs, etc. In particular, it deals with the issue of illegal immigration or as the USCCB calls it "immigration."

Don't they realize that it is only a matter of time that they will come after anyone who supports our views on homosexuality, abortion, etc.

THe USCCB may think that they are taking the high moral ground but they are only fooling themselves.

Maybe they should be more concerned about speaking out about this.

For more on this, go to Catholic Culture.

Update (10pm): According to the Catholic News Agency, the USCCB denies that it joined the FCC petition. Read about it here.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Catholic Standard Weekly Update

Well, folks, I have been remiss in my Catholic Standard weekly update.

This week the Standard seems a little thinner than normal. Not certain if it due to reduced ads, or just not much happening. However, here is a summary for you.

The cover story is on the 150th Anniversary of St. Aloysius. We also have the blessing of the new vestibule at St. George's in Southern Maryland. There was also the blessing of a new room in St. Patrick's downtown.

Page 3 has an article and advertisement on "The People's Rally" against same-sex marriages. The only problem is that this has come out so late. It is hard to plan these things at the last minute. Come on guys.

A story from Catholic News Service states "USCCB officials say problems remain in health bill." Yea, like the whole damn concept.

The Archdiocesan Legal Network celebrated their 20th Anniversary.

We have an advertisement from Stone Ridge, which is a regular advertiser. You remember them, they invited former Lt. Gov. Townsend, a pro-abortion and pro-gay marriage person to speak at one of the graduations a couple of years ago. And who did the school blame for the bad publicity...why it was the protesters and those against the visit and making things difficult for the students. Gee, who invited who. (Now, I do not know if the same school officials are there are not. So, please correct if I am wrong.)

The Insight Column discusses funding of abortion in the health care reform package. I have a much more basic question: Will this really give us better healthcare? Personally, I doubt it and will cost us much more in the long run.

Blessed Sacrament parish hosts a bone marrow drive for Zach Balog. Pro-Life in action.

We have one story on the welcoming of our Anglican brothers and sisters back into the family of our Catholic faith (should they wish to join) and one on the Joint Declaration of Justification with Lutherans.

The Standard recognizes the 5th Anniversary of the death of Cardial Hickey, as well as, the death of Fr. Twohig. Fr. Twohig served in various parishes and at Gallard University.

Now, remember, your parish pays to have the Standard (whether they like it or not), so pick up a copy and drop a little in the plate for it.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Brookewood School on 630 WMAL This Morning...

Last week, I wrote about the fact that Brookewood School was banned from a public park in Kensington, MD.

Well, this morning it was on the Chris Plante Show (AM630 WMAL) this morning.

Man, did Chris lay into the Mayer and Kensington Town Council. Called them extortionists. Said they were even worse than Tony Soprano.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Which Parish Is It?

Over the last few days, there have been some postings (as well as some phone calls from Melvin) regarding the name of the parish.

All I can tell you is that it is not St. Matthew's Cathedral or the Shrine.

Do you think you know which parish it is?

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Open Letter to the Fr. Fisher - Director of Priest Personnel

Note: A few months ago, I was contacted by a parishioner from a parish, which will not go named at this time. The parishioner informed me about a situation in his/her parish and asked if I would write about it. After contacting other parishioners from that parish and doing a bit of investigating, I decided that the story was true and would assist them.

I sent this note a few weeks ago to Fr. Fisher, the Director of Priest Personnel. I did receive a reply and forwarded it to the parishioners. After some thought, they have asked me to publish the letter.

At this point, the pastor and parish will not be named.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I am writing this letter to you on behalf of a number of parishioners of a particular parish in the Archdiocese of Washington. They have contacted me over the course of the last few months, because they do not know what else they can do to get your attention on this matter.

One of your parishes is slowly dying - spiritually, as well as, financially. It is not due to financial misconduct or some sort of sexual abuse. It is something much simpler and basic. It is because of the lack of pastoral interaction from the pastor. They rarely see him, especially at events which involve the school, unless there is an official from the diocese present. Anyone who in the slightest way disagrees with him, is either berated or shunned. In doing a bit of research, he has done this at his previous assignments. Some have even written to me that they have been told that the priests in this parish are too busy to make sick calls.

Each week, these parishioners tell me that they either learn or hear of another parishioner has left or is thinking seriously of leaving. Some of these people have been parishioners for ten, fifteen or twenty or more years. No, they are not leaving the Catholic church, they are simply leaving that particular parish.

They have explained to me that they have written to the Archdiocese, as well as, Archbishop Wuerl but to no avail. They have attempted to meet with you and the Archbishop, but to no avail. One even went so far as to confront the Archbishop at a public event on this matter, asking to meet, giving a business card but has not heard anything.

They are asking you to please do something before more people leave the parish. They see the parish slowly dying.

Isn't there anything that can be done about a pastor who is does not seem to care about his parish? Would you want someone on your staff who behaved in this manner? Is it not the Archbishop's duty to ensure that parishioners are properly lead? If you do not realize it by now, the parish I am talking about is located on (location deleted).

They have asked me to obtain a response from you for them.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Update: Rush Takes the Most Merciful to Task on DC Opportunity Scholarships

2:10pm (EST): Once again, Rush Limbaugh has taken the Most Merciful, Lord High Barack Obama to task for pulling the DC Opportunity Scholarships from District children.

Once again, we are reminded of how children will be left to suffer in public education. And people call Rush racist.

Keep Fr. Joe in your Prayers

Periodically, I go and visit the links that I post on this site.

Not too long ago, I went to Fr. Joe's Blog. He had not posted for a while and his posting of the 9th, shows that he has some health issues.

Although I do not know him, please keep him in your prayers.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Anti-Catholic Bigotry Alive and Well in MoCo

I just picked up my copy of the Montgomery County Gazette to find that anti-Catholic bigotry is alive and well in Montgomery County, Maryland. (Actually, that is not really true, it has been alive and well for a long time esp. in the County Council and the Maryland State legislature, but that is another story.)

According to the Gazette:

As the battle for which private hospital can call upcounty its home picks up speed, some critics say Holy Cross Hospital, governed by Catholic religious doctrine, provides less health care coverage than any other hospital in the area and should not be allowed to expand.

But Holy Cross counters that many of the services it is morally prohibited from providing are not usually performed in a hospital anyway and that its charity work more than makes up for the few services it cannot offer.

The discussion about what Holy Cross can and can not do for its patients has heated up this month as the state's commission reviews a proposal for Holy Cross, which announced in August 2008 a plan to build a 93-bed hospital on Montgomery College's campus in Germantown, and another proposal for Adventist HealthCare, which announced in April a plan to build a 100-bed hospital on part of a health care campus in Clarksburg. It is unlikely the commission will approve both hospitals, and it has not yet set a date for when it will make a decision.

So who are the bigots that oppose this? Well, it is the usual suspects:*
  • NOW - Montgomery County Chapter (aka NAGS)
  • Planned Parenthood of Metro Washington (largest abortion provider)
  • National Women's Law Center
  • American United for the Separation of Church and State
  • Pro-Choice Maryland
  • MergerWatch Project

In fact, the paper goes on to say (and I think that it is a pretty balanced article) that Holy Cross treated about 9,000 uninsured patients in the Silver Spring area. Wow!

I would love to see the bigots step up to the plate and do even 50% of that amount.

So, PP, NAGs, Pro-Abortion Maryland, instead of trying to stop Holy Cross, why don't you start your own hospital/clinic and offer the level of free service that they do.

Bigots. Plain and simple.

*Note, the paper edition (A-7) names the bigots. The on-line version does not.

UPDATE (7:40am): The Washington Examiner has this story, including the bigoted opposition on the Montgomery County Council.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

He has destroyed our economy, now seeks to destroy True Marriage.

The Most Merciful, Lord High Barack Obama has made things worse with our economy, now he is attempting to destroy True (not traditional) Marriage.

This past Saturday evening, Barack Obama became the first U.S. President to make an appearance at the Human Rights Campaign, the largest pro-gay “marriage” organization in the country. President Obama delivered an impassioned speech in which he criticized the concept of the traditional family and announced that his administration will work to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA.)

Read the rest of the story here from Catholic News Agency.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

catholics for The Most Merciful, Lord High Barack Obama

Katherine and the other folks who run the "catholics for the Most Merciful, Lord High Barack Obama" blog, seem to love to post anything that any Catholic bishop or priest that seems to support him. Well, it seems that the bishops have begun to realize that maybe the socialized medicine thing isn't in the best insterest of the people of God: http://blogs.abcnews.com/george/2009/10/breaking-catholic-bishops-on-health-care-change-bills-or-else.html

However, they seem not to have posted that story or even my comment with that story.

I guess it doesn't just fit in with the hope and changey thing.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Independent Catholic School Banned from Parck

It seems that an Brookewood School, an independent Catholic school in Montgomery County Maryland has been banned from a park in Kensington.

I know some of the parents who send their children to the school and they are not only MoCo residents, but live within a 15 minute drive thru local streets. I wonder if the Mayor of Kensington would do the same if they were illegal aliens.

Considering how much money these parents save MoCo and the town by sending their children to private school (over $11,000 per year per student), he should be down on his hands and knees thanking GOD for the money they save him and the town.

From ABC News:

The girls at Kensington's Brookewood School are banned from using a public park right across the street for recess.

"I don't think it's really fair because we're part of the community too and we want to play in the park," said Jill Collins, a fifth-grade student. The town council unanimously passed a resolution this week saying only caretakers with children five years old and younger can be in Reinhardt Park from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Read the entire story here.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Stop Kevin Jennings

From the American Papist (HT):

Homosexual activists are attempting to teach school kids inappropriate material about the homosexual "lifestyle" starting as early as kindergarden (this really is happening already - and almost always its the parents who are the last to know) One of the leaders of this "queering" movement, Kevin Jennings, was appointed by the Most Merciful, Lord High Barack Obama to the Deparment of Education.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Gay Marriage Bill Introduced in DC Council; Some Catholic Lawmakers Support

David Catania introduced legislation to recognize gay marriage in the District of Columbia.

Vincent Gray, a Catholic, is a co-sponsor. Muriel Bowser (D-Ward 4) of St. Anthony's parish is supporting the measure. Yvette Alexander of Holy Redeemer has declined to co-sponsor the legislation but she did support it much earlier in the year.

Here is my original story on this.
Here is the Washington Post's take on it.