Sunday, February 28, 2010

Vote - It can do a world of good.

Now, I am no fan of illegal aliens. And it makes my blood boil when the Archbishop, the USCCB and the Maryland Catholic Conference call them "undocumented workers" or "undocumented immigrants."

However, as Catholics we do have an obligation to help, especially if we can do it for free.

The Spanish Catholic Center is in the running to receive a $20,000 grant from Tom's of Maine to get a Digital X-Ray machine. They intend to use to reduce the amount of time per x-ray from 30 minutes to 10 minutes!

You can vote once a day. Click here to vote.

Redneck Lent (A Little Humor...Enjoy)

Let's start off the week with a little humor...at least I got a chuckle out of it.

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

Each Friday night after work, Bubba would fire up his outdoor grill and cook a venison steak. But, all of Bubba's neighbors were Catholic, and since it was Lent, they were forbidden from eating meat on Friday. The delicious aroma from the grilled venison steaks was causing such a problem for the Catholic faithful that they finally talked to their priest, Fr. McCarthy.

Fr. McCarthy (the good priest that he was, from County Sligo) went to visit Bubba, and suggested that he become a Catholic.


After several classes and much study, Bubba attended Mass ... and as the priest sprinkled holy water over him, he said, 'You were born a Baptist, and raised a Baptist, but now you are a Catholic.'


Bubba's neighbors were greatly relieved, until Friday night arrived, and the wonderful aroma of grilled venison filled the neighborhood.


The Priest was called immediately by the neighbors, and, as he rushed into Bubba's yard, clutching a rosary and prepared to scold him, he stopped and watched in amazement.


There stood Bubba, clutching a small bottle of holy water which he carefully sprinkled over the grilling meat and chanted: 'You wuz born a deer, you wuz raised a deer, but now you a catfish.'

Friday, February 26, 2010

New Ways Ministry and the Archdiocese of Washington

By now, many of you have heard that the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops has stated that New Ways Ministry cannot cannot legitimately speak for Catholics. It has not been approved by the Archdiocese of Washington since 1984. You can read the entire release here.

Now, if you poke around there site just a bit, you will find a list of "gay friendly" parishes. For the Archdiocese of Washington, four are listed:
  • St. Matthew's Cathedral
  • St. Aloyisius
  • Holy Trinity
  • St. Rose of Lima

According to the New Ways Ministry, these are listed as "gay friendly" because they are:

welcoming to lesbian and gay Catholics as members and active parishioners.

So I guess I would like to know how they have come to be listed as such.

Are these parishes "welcoming" because they accept those who are living in homosexual relationships as okay and normal?

Are these parishes welcoming because they support same sex marriages and a change in the teachings of the Catholic Church?

Is it because they welcome those who are homosexual but continue to encourage them to be celibate?

Or is it simply that they simply look the other way?

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Are there no "traditional" parishes in the Archdiocese?

Yesterday, I published a request asking about a good parish for a new Catholic to attend. It would have to be "traditional" and a place this person could call home.

To date, I have only one recommendation. .



I think that this speaks volumes about the state of our parishes in this diocese.

I will make two recommendations. First, Msgr. Pope's parish - Holy Comforter/St. Cyprian. Now, I have not been there, but one of my co-workers thinks very highly of Msgr. Pope and the work he does.

I have heard that St. Raymond's in the Diocese of Arlington is also very good.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Your Input is Requested

Recently, I received the following email and I would like your advice/suggestions:

Dear Washington Catholic:

I am a Catholic in the Pensacola/Tallahassee Diocese in FL.

I am currently sponsoring a 30 year old young woman who is converting from the Methodist faith to Catholicism this Easter. She informed me today that she plans to move to the DC area this summer after she gets her Masters in teaching. She visited the area of Alexandria in January and attended a few Mass services and did not even feel familiar there.

My parish (and hers at the moment) is very orthodox. She is thinking of settling in the Alexandria area but said she would be willing to travel a little to find a church that she could call home. It is important to her and to me that she find a place where she can continue to grow and be nourished. I liked what you wrote about St. Augustine's but have no idea if that is near where she will be. If you could help me in helping this young convert, I would be so gratedful!

So, if you have any recommendations on parishes, a place that is not only following the teachings of the Church, but somewhere she can call a second home (so to speak). And give your reasons why you think it would make a good home for her, based on the info. provided.

Let's keep this one positive -- places she should go, rather than places she should stay away from. And it does not matter which Diocese (Washington or Arlington) or a religious order.

I know we can be of help to her and thank you in advance for your feedback!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Lenten Carbon Fast -- Should We Reconsider?

Over the last few days, many Catholic bloggers have picked up on the Lenten Carbon Fast Calendar published by the Archdiocese of Washington. In fact, our colleagues over at Restore DC Catholicism had their posting linked on Fr. Z's Blog (congrats!).

But on my way to Church this morning, it dawned on me that maybe, just maybe, we are all looking at this thing wrong.

Maybe we should embrace it.

I mean, how many families due to sports, teens waking up late, split the Mass going -- two or three vehicles going to Mass, when there only needs to be one. How many of us live only a 20 minute walk from the parish, but still take our cars, so that we can then head out to sports or do food shopping.


Therefore I offer this open letter to the Archbishop and the Archdiocese.

If you have any thoughts or suggestions, I would love to hear from you on this.

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

Dear Archbishop Wuerl and the Environmental Outreach Committee:

Recently, you have taken quite a number of hits on the Lenten Carbon Fast published by the Archdiocese Environmental Outreach Committee. After some deliberation, I would like to join you in this effort and would like to make a number of recommendations of my own. These are but a few of the ones that have come to mind.

I hope that you find these useful and I look forward to their implementation, which will help us save the planet.

I look forward to hearing from you on this matter and if you need any further ideas, I will forward them to you.

Regards.

AWashingtonDCCatholic

+++++

Suggestion One: Encourage Catholics who are not planning on receiving Communion to stay at home and watch the Mass. Why use all of that gas, oil, etc. They can easily watch the Mass on the Howard University channel or EWTN. Even if 5% of all those who attend Mass do not receive Communion, that amounts to a fair number of vehicles off the road. And, it will increase the viewership of your taped Mass. Always a good thing.


Suggestion Two: Hear confessions via Skype or a web conferencing tool. We want to encourage people to come to confessions, esp. during The Light is ON for You campaign. Instead of having a person drive to his/her parish or to a parish at which they are not known (usually alone in the car), why not do it using the latest technology.

Equip a couple of priests with a laptop (with a camera and mic) - not that expensive and some of them may already have one. While waiting for the next person for confession, they can make themselves available. People can call in and if the priest is available, he can accept the call and make himself busy to those who may come to the church. Since we seem to encourage people to do face to face confessions, the only difference is that you are not physically present but the priest can see and hear you. Saves on gas, etc.

In fact, you don't even have to open up the Church for this. The priest can do this from his room or office. Saves on heating, lighting, and other maintenance. A real carbon footprint reduction if you ask me.

Suggestion Three. Cut down on the number of Masses offered each Sunday at least once a month. Parishes that offer four Masses, should offer three. Parishes that offer three should offer only two. So, it gets a little crowded. So it is not as convenient. People may go to another parish because it is at a more convenient time. Does it really matter, as long as they are going?

Suggestion Four. For this one, the Archbishop will have to give dispensation but heck, if we give a dispensation for eating meat when St. Patrick's Day falls on a Friday in Lent, we can certainly do it for this. What is more important than saving the planet?

Once a month, starting this Lent, the every Parish should close their doors on Sunday and request that everyone watch the Mass either on EWTN or the Shut-in Mass.

Now, you will take a hit on the Sunday collection (unless you do electronic giving) but can you imagine the carbon footprint reduction that this would bring?

Can you imagine how this will bolt the Catholic Church to the front of the environmental movement?

I bet that you and the Archdiocese will be on the cover of every environmental magazine, invited to speak on every talk show, and lauded by the entire world. Heck, we may even see a Nobel Prize Nomination!

Friday, February 19, 2010

Archbishop Wuerl DID Honor Cokie and Steve Roberts

A few months ago, I reported that Cokie and Steve Roberts would be honored by SOAR (Support Our Aging Religious).

First, we had Msgr. Enzler (who does a very nice radio spot for Catholic Cemeteries) on the Board of Directors. But that was quickly washed from the SOAR site. Second, I was very concerned that Archbishop Wuerl would honor them.

When the event took place, the Catholic Standard reported that Archbishop Wuerl presented a check to the a group of religious before the annual SOAR (Support our Aging Religious) Dinner. However, 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.

However, he did attend the dinner honoring pro-abortionists and pro-gay media personalities Cokie and Steve Roberts and gave the opening blessing.

You see, the Stone Ridge A Capella Group sang at the dinner. Ms. Claire Hackett of the (Stone Ridge) Journalism Club reported in the HERE AND NOW (The Stone Ridge Newsletter) on Dec. 10, 2009:

Before they sang, Archbishop Wuerl opened the event with a prayer, Mark Russell emceed and made the guests laugh...

Here is an image from that newsletter:

FOR SHAME ARCHBISHOP WUERL!

BTW, I did download a copy of the Newsletter, so even if it taken off of the web, I have it. Any blogger who wishes to use this story and would like a copy of the newsletter, just needs to ask and give credit to this blog.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Congratulations to Fr. Patrick Smith

Last week's Catholic Standard has a wonderful article on St. Augustine Parish in Washington DC.

The article states that there are 21 students preparing to be baptized. WOW! Congratulations to Fr. Smith. Also congratulations must be given to the three Handmaid of the Holy Child Jesus sisters. (And they wear habits, so much for not being able to relate to them.)

Note what the article stated about the sisters: discipline, strong morals and a missionary spirit in tow. FANTASTIC!

In addition, Fr. Smith states something about Catholic schools, which I have been stating for a while: Catholic schools are clearly an extension of the mission of the Church.

And to think, this school was on the list to close a couple of years ago by the Archdiocese.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Somebody has some 'splaining to do!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today is Ash Wednesday. Lent Begins.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Catholic Sisters in America Exhibit

In this week's Catholic Standard, we read an article about an exhibit at the Smithsonian International Gallery on Catholic Sisters in America.

The exhibit is sponsored by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR). You may have read about them here, but much more on them has been covered on Fr. Z's blog.

The author, Laura Wright, says the following:

Many of the older photographs depict sisters wearing habits, while the majority of the modern-day sisters are not wearing a habit. This is potentially misleading because of the large number of women religious who still don the habit.

How true this is and a good insight (congrats Ms. Wright).

The article goes on to say that Sr. Mary Dacy (former President of LCWR) stated "that the same number of people think the habit made it difficult to relate with the sisters." In addition, she later states that "the exhibit will help people realize some sisters don't wear habits anymore."

That is because most of the membership of LCWR is composed of sisters who do not wear habits. In fact, many of them do not even wear a religious symbol on their clothing. Further, many of the LCWR orders are not growing. The majority are shrinking. It is the orders who wear habits which are increasing. (Yes, it is not because of the habits but something much more.)

In fact, whenver I see a sister in a habit, I always make it a point of going over and asking if they are in need of assistance.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Archbishop's Appearl 2010 (A Repost)

Because of the snow storm last weekend, each of us will be asked this weekend to contribute to the Archbishop's Appeal. I decided to repeat my blog message from last week, with a couple of minor edits.

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

This weekend you will be asked to pledge to the Archbishop's Appeal 2010.

You will hear an audio message from him (and some of you may even hear it from him or one of our bishops in person).

You will be asked to complete a card making your pledge ("Print Your Name. Then, print your address...") or if you are so inclined, right then and there make your contribution.

As in the previous years, I will not. I encourage you not to do so too.

Donate but not to the Archbishop's Appeal.

I do not say that lightly or flippantly. There are many good things that the Appeal does. Over the last few years, the Archdiocese has provided more information about where the money is going. Finally!

It helps educate our seminarians, pro-life activities, etc.

But even with all of those good things, I in good conscience cannot give.

I say this not because I believe that the Archbishop and his staff are out there having lavish cocktail parties and taking expensive vacations.

I do so because I believe that he has failed time and time again to act as a shepherd of this diocese against the pro-abortion, pro-homosexual, anti-family and anti-marriage forces.

He continues to support CCHD, even when we have seen time and time again, the money used against Church teaching. We even honor those who run it inappropriately.

He refuses to admit that this health bill is a disaster and should be scrapped, while at the same time advocating that those who are illegal aliens be given full health care coverage.

Finally, they have set up a policy that will make it easier to close a school, and if parents want to keep it open, placing more of a burden on them, so that we can spend more of our money acting as a social services agency. Remember how they all told us that no schools would be closing!

Unfortunately, the Archbishop just does not get it.

The only way that he will understand is to reduce the amount that is received.

Donate but not to the Appeal.

I am urging you to take the money and donate it directly to your local Catholic elementary school. The changes in tuition and funding are really going to hurt many parents, esp. those with large families. A couple of our schools are barely managing to stay open next year. Three will close in June.

Catholic schools are always in need of funding. Many have lists of items needed. Help purchase one of them or join in with another family to do so. Ask that the money you donate be spent directly on assisting a family who cannot afford school supplies. Donate the money with the stipulation that it be used to reduce the tuition of a family in need, above and beyond what the diocese may do.

Donate it directly to the school so that the Archdiocese cannot get it.

Donate but not to the Archbishop's Appeal.

If you don't have a Catholic elementary school, then donate to the religious order which educated you (provided they are faithful to the teachings of the Church and not some loony tune order - no offense to Warner Bros.).

Donate but not to the Archbishop's Appeal.

Donate to the Jeanne Jugan Residence, St. Ann's Home, or St. Joseph House.

Donate but not to the Archbishop's Appeal.

Donate to the Missionaries of Charity.

Donate but not to the Archbishop's Appeal.

Want to support seminarians? Then find your local Knights of Columbus council. They always have fund raisers for seminarians.

Donate but just not to the Archbishop's Appeal.

I think you got the message: Donate but just not to the Archbishop's Appeal.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

It is time to go...

Many Catholic bloggers, including this humble one, have pointed out time and time again, the problems with the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) of which Archbishop Wuerl is a member.

We have shown the failure with CCHD, Immigration Week (remember the clowing around) and a a host of other issues. Well, it seems they have once again shown that they are either incompetant or corrupt. Maybe both.

Archbishop Wuerl, it is time for you to stand up against the corruption and incompetence of the USCCB. You are a part of this of this mess and you have an obligation to apologize and correct your failures.






Special thanks to our colleagues over at LES FEMMES - THE TRUTH for this.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

The Light Is On For You: Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation

THE LIGHT IS ON FOR YOU. Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

“The Light Is On For You” is an initiative of the Archdiocese of Washington, in partnership with the Diocese of Arlington, to allow all Catholics to avail themselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Confessions will be held every Wednesday during Lent from 6:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. in every Catholic church in the Archdiocese of Washington and Diocese of Arlington.

Learn more at http://www.adw.org/parishes/tlio/

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Lobby Night 2010 (Maryland Catholic Conferenc)

Each year, the Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC) organizes a Lobby Night.

That night, Catholics descend upon our legislators in Annapolis to advocate a number of positions.

There are those out there who believe that this will make a difference. Personally, I do not.

Now, the intentions of those who lobby are good and honorable. It is in the best traditions of democracy. However, I believe that they are wasting their time.

Why? Because until you elect politicians who are wiling to support our values, then you might as well stay home.

Take Sen. Richard Madaleno (D). Openly gay and has made no bones about the fact that those who wish to send their kids to Catholic school, have made a choice and it is not for him to provide you with any vouchers or credits. How many Catholics voted for him?

Take Del. Jeff Waldstreicher (D-18) who worked for NARAL Pro-Choice America. He called pro-lifers, during his primary run, extremists and has maintained his pro-abortion stand ever since. How many Catholics voted for him, simply because he was on the D ticket?

Folks, we can knock on doors, provide them with all sorts of meaningful stats, but until we start electing politicians who will vote with us on the issues that are important to us, nothing will change.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Stuck but Getting Something...

Yesterday, I was unable to get to my parish.

The snowplow had not come down the street (even once) and after 2.5 hours of digging on Saturday, I still could not get the car out. (Yes, I did the walkway during part of that time.)

So, I decided to watch Mass on EWTN at 8am.

All I can say is WOW! Fr. Wade was a great preacher. It was wonderful how he explained the readings of the day. I learned so much.

Now, if only my pastor and his assistant could preach like that, the Church would have a lot more people in attendance.

A Little Monday Humor...Enjoy!

Father O'Malley rose from his bed. It was a fine spring day in his new Washington DC parish. He walked to the window of his bedroom to get a deep breath of air and to see the beautiful day outside. He then noticed there was a jackass lying dead in the middle of his front lawn.

He promptly called the US House of Representatives for assistance.

The conversation went like this: "Good morning. This is speaker Pelosi.
How might I help you?"

"And the top of the day te yerself. This is Father O'Malley at St.Brigid's. There's a jackass lying dead in me front lawn. Would ye be so kind as to send a couple o' yer lads to take care of the matter?"

Speaker Pelosi, considering herself to be quite a wit, replied with a smirk,"Well now Father, it was always my impression that you people took care of last rites!"

There was dead silence on the line for a long moment.

Father O'Malley then replied: "Aye, that's certainly true, but we are also obliged to first notify the next of kin."

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Archbishop's Appeal 2010

This weekend you will be asked to pledge to the Archbishop's Appeal 2010.

You will hear an audio message from him (and some of you may even hear it from him or one of our bishops in person).

You will be asked to complete a card making your pledge ("Print Your Name. Then, print your address...") or if you are so inclined, right then and there make your contribution.

As in the previous years, I will not.

I encourage you not to do so too.

Donate but not to the Archbishop's Appeal.

I do not say that lightly or flippantly.

There are many good things that the Appeal does. Over the last few years, the Archdiocese has provided more information about where the money is going. Finally!

It helps educate our seminarians, pro-life activities, etc.

But even with all of those good things, I in good conscience cannot give.

I say this not because I believe that the Archbishop and his staff are out there having lavish cocktail parties and taking expensive vacations.

I do so because I believe that he has failed time and time again to act as a shepherd of this diocese against the pro-abortion, pro-homosexual, anti-family and anti-marriage forces.

He continues to support CCHD, even when we have seen time and time again, the money used against Church teaching. We even honor those who run it inappropriately.

He refuses to admit that this health bill is a disaster and should be scrapped, while at the same time advocating that those who are illegal aliens be given full health care coverage.

Finally, they have set up a policy that will make it easier to close a school, and if parents want to keep it open, placing more of a burden on them, so that we can spend more of our money acting as a social services agency. Remember how they all told us that no schools would be closing!

Unfortunately, the Archbishop just does not get it. The only way that he will understand is to reduce the amount that is received.

Donate but not to the Appeal.

I am urging you to take the money and donate it directly to your local Catholic elementary school. The changes tuition and funding are really going to hurt many parents, esp. those with large families. A couple of our schools are barely managing to stay open next year. Three will close in June.

Catholic schools are always in need of funding. Many have lists of items needed. Help purchase one of them or join in with another family to do so. Ask that the money you donate be spent directly on assisting a family who cannot afford school supplies. Donate the money with the stipulation that it be used to reduce the tuition of a family in need, above and beyond what the diocese may do.

Donate it directly to the school so that the Archdiocese cannot get it.

Donate but not to the Appeal.

If you don't have a Catholic elementary school, then donate to the religious order which educated you (provided they are faithful to the teachings of the Church and not some loony tune order - no offense to Warner Bros.).

Donate but not to the Appeal.

Donate to the Jeanne Jugan Residence, St. Ann's Home, or St. Joseph House.

Donate but not to the Appeal.

Donate to the Missionaries of Charity.

Donate but not to the Appeal.

Want to support seminarians? Then find your local Knights of Columbus group. They always have fund raisers for seminarians.

Donate but just not to the Appeal.

I think you got the message: Donate but just not to the Appeal.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Catholic Schools Advertisement & the Closing of Holy Redeemer

If you have not gotten your copy of the Weekly Standard (there are probably still a stack of them on the bookrack in your parish), there is an article about the Catholic Schools marketing campaign.

According to the article, they have increased their marketing campaign to include bus and print adds, radio spots and even ads before a movie.

Now, as someone who travels regularly thru the District and MoCo, I have not seen any or heard of any of these ads? Have you?

In addition, Holy Redeemer School (NW DC) has announced it will close.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

What are they thinking or are they on drugs?

From Tom Peters at CatholicVote.Org:

Bishop Howard Hubbard of Albany, who serves as chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace, has approved a proposal by diocesan Catholic Charities to distribute free needles to drug abusers in the hope of preventing the spread of AIDS.

“I understand there will be questions, but this is common sense,” said Sister Maureen Joyce, CEO of Catholic Charities. “I strongly believe in this. It will save lives.”

“From a theological standpoint, we’re not being faithful to our mission if we don’t reach out to people addicted to drugs, too,” Sister Joyce added.

An $83,000 van filled with syringes will be parked in two neighborhoods and serve as the focal point of Catholic Charities’ needle distribution efforts. – Catholic Culture News Briefs.

CCHD Supporting More Pro-Abortion Groups?? SHUT IT DOWN!

Just when the USCCB says that things are better (or that we award the CCHD Head an award), things just seem to get worse:

Two new reports have been published today on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD).

Rob Gaspar at Bellarmine Veritas Ministry has dug more deeply into the CCHD relationship to the Center for Community Change (CCC).

In "Sleeping with the Enemy," Michael Hichborn at the American Life League has also uncovered more disturbing facts about CCC. Hichborn also chronicles the personal involvement of the USCCB's John Carr, Executive Director of Justice, Peace, and Human Development. Carr oversees the CCHD.

Read more about it here at Inside Catholic

Monday, February 1, 2010

Catholic Schools Week 2010

This week is the start of Catholic Schools Week. A chance for us to celebrate all of the good things that it brings the Church. The logo of the 2010 campaign can be found on he left hand side of the blog and will remain there for a while.

For many elementary schools, it is a chance to open the doors to prospective students.

Do you have a child that is not in Catholic elementary school? Have you considered sending your child there? This week is the perfect opportunity.