Review and Renewal: CCHD

Well, the USCCB has issues a report on the Review and Renewal of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.

Let me say up front, that I have not read the report, but from all indications, there seems to have been some "tweeking" but not much substantive change. If I get a chance to read it, I will but I am still calling for a SHUT DOWN OF CCHD.

Why? First, money donated by Catholics should be going to Catholic organizations. Period. Second, considering how they have handled this mess over the last few years, I do not have any trust that they will clean it up. End of story.

SHUT DOWN CCHD!

For more on the CCHD issue, go to Catholic News Agency.

SOLD - John Paul II Cultural Center (Update)

Capping years of drama over the future of Washington's Pope John Paul II Cultural Center, late tonight the Michigan-based Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, announced that they had inked an agreement to buy the property for use as a house of studies.

For more, read Whispers in the Loggia for the full story.

Update (Nov. 10, 2010): Altough there is an agreement to sell the property to the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, this sale is pending the outcome of the inspection process. It is my understanding that the process should be completed sometime in December. I hope that this clarifies the current situation and apologize if it has mislead anyone.

PS: I have not forgotten about VOTF at St. Rose of Lima...see the story below.

VOTF and St. Rose of Lima

Well, it looks like no one in Hyattsville thinks that allowing dissenters to meet at a Catholic Church matters. Why should they, they have more important things to do, such as arrange for planes and tours in recognition of a red hat ceremony.

In this week's St. Rose of Lima bulletin, Msgr. Paul Dudziak couches the words in describing the VOTF meeting. In the last bulletin, he stated that this meeting would send recommendations up to the American Catholic Council. This week, he just says that it is a group who is meeting to discuss the future of the Church. He also makes certain to put it in his weekly column, right up front. (If this is not an affront to the Archbishop of Detroit and all faithful Catholics, I don't know what is.)

Here are just a couple of quotes from the statement from the Archbishop of Detroit, to remind Msgr. Dudziak and Cardinal elect Wuerl:

• The American Catholic Council movement and its national gathering are not conducted under the auspices of the Detroit archdiocese, the universal Roman Catholic Church, or any entity or organization affiliated with the archdiocese or the universal Roman Catholic Church.
• The archdiocese wishes to commend and embrace all true efforts at Church renewal - the American Church Council's agenda is not such an effort. Some of the advertised speakers and groups organizing the effort espouse positions which are clearly contrary to Catholic faith, leading to alienation and estrangement from the Church.
• The Archdiocese of Detroit cautions any Catholic against participating in the American Catholic Council local listening sessions and national gathering in June 2011. Catholic parishes, schools, and institutions are not to host any meetings, gatherings, or "listening sessions" associated with the planning of the June 2011 American Catholic Council. Priests, deacons, and ecclesial lay ministers will want to avoid lending support to such a misguided effort.

I think placing it the front of the parish bulletin is his way of not only sticking it to me and others, but he is also trying to hide the true intent of this meeting.

For shame Msgr. Dudziak, for shame.

A Red Hat has been given to...

Archbishop Wuerl...who will be called, in less than a month...His Eminence.

For more, click here. And here.

PS: In an earlier posting, I stated that I would believe this would happen soon. Click here.

St. Rose of Lima -- How much more dissent?

Although it may seem very innocent, once again St. Rose of Lima is sponsoring a meeting of the dissenting group: Voice of The Faithful. (How many times must this continue to take place? Does no one in Hyattsville have the fortitude to stop this?)

Now, this is not simply a regular meeting in which they encourage women priests, married priests, etc. but this one is a a meeting to make suggestions which will then be put forward to the American Catholic Council meeting in 2011.

The problem is that the American Catholic Council, like VOTF stands in opposition to the Catholic Church. It allies itself with groups such as Call to Action and CORPUS. (I have written about these before.)

The Archbishop of Detroit has issued a strong statement regarding this meeting in 2011:

The Archdiocese of Detroit has been contacted by concerned members of the faithful about a movement called the American Catholic Council. Self-described as "bringing together a network of individuals, organizations, and communities to consider the state and future of our Church," they have planned a national gathering in Detroit for the weekend of Pentecost 2011. The American Catholic Council movement and its national gathering are not conducted under the auspices of the Detroit archdiocese, the universal Roman Catholic Church, or any entity or organization affiliated with the archdiocese or the universal Roman Catholic Church.

Although their stated purpose is to "respond to the Spirit of Vatican II by summoning the Baptized together to demonstrate our re-commitment and the documents issued by the American Catholic Council offer some valid aspirations for the Church, in fact, the goals proposed are largely in opposition to the teachings of the Second Vatican Council and the Holy Spirit, which inspired the Council.

The archdiocese wishes to commend and embrace all true efforts at Church renewal - the American Church Council's agenda is not such an effort. Some of the advertised speakers and groups organizing the effort espouse positions which are clearly contrary to Catholic faith, leading to alienation and estrangement from the Church. The Archdiocese of Detroit cautions any Catholic against participating in the American Catholic Council local listening sessions and national gathering in June 2011. Catholic parishes, schools, and institutions are not to host any meetings, gatherings, or "listening sessions" associated with the planning of the June 2011 American Catholic Council. Priests, deacons, and ecclesial lay ministers will want to avoid lending support to such a misguided effort. On behalf of the archdiocese, Archbishop Vigneron has asked the organizers to cancel their plans for this national gathering that distorts the true Spirit of Vatican II. He asks us all to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit so that we may embrace authentic development of faith and morals, and shun efforts which threaten unity.


Archbishop Wuerl...you must support your brother bishop here!

Hyattsville, wake up! Your inaction only helps to subvert the Faith.

If they wish to meet, let them do so at the local library or American Legion Post. Don't let them meet at a Roman Catholic Parish.

Repost: Non-Catholic "Spiritualization" and St. Rose of Lima

Update: Last week I commented upon the Shalem Institute's series of presentations at St. Rose of Lima. It was a small blurb I picked up from the parish bulletin during one of my visits. This week, they have made a point of putting it full on the front cover.

To the person (Anon) who asked me about getting Dr. Timoney's or Msgr. D's side of the story, I will publish any note they may send me. I will publish it as is -- no alterations or changes. To my knowledge they have not adequately explained why they are doing this and why they are allowing Episcopalian priests (male and female), a nun who is not only practices but teaches Zen Buddhism, Presbyterians and Quakers to speak to Catholics about spirituality in a Catholic facility. If you want to do it, do it off site.

Also, I am not certain how what I have posted is gossip. This event was posted in the parish bulletin, was it not? The information on the speakers is accurate and can be found on the Shalem's Institute website. So what is gossip? That I offered my opinion? I think you may be attempting to sow the seeds of discord in Catholic unity.


Finally, I say to Anon, if I has written privately to them, do you really think that they would listen? I doubt it very much.

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

I thought that it was enough that St. Rose had VOTF but now I am really wondering what they are doing with the support of the Archdiocese.It seems that the Dr. Susan Timoney, of the Archdiocese Secretariat for Pastoral Ministry and Social Concerns is hosting an series of "bringing spritiuality into relationships" by the Shalem Institute.Now, whenever I see such things, it really starts to set off the "something just doesn't seeem right" gut feeling. Now, the Shalem Institute and the members may be nice people and may be right for certain organizations but I am not so certain about Catholics "hosting" this.According to the advertisement:

Faith-full Listening:
A Series on Spiritual Friendship, explores the relationship between prayerful listening to God and nurturing spiritual friendship with others. The emphasis will be on informal, spontaneous spiritual friendships rather than on the formal ministry of spiritual direction.When you look at the Shalem Institute, it is a Christian but not Catholic. It talks usually of spiritual but not Jesus and the Holy Spirit. It's presenters are mostly not Catholic. (You mean, the Archdiocese and St. Rose could not find any Catholic speakers on the topic?)So, here are the speakers:

• Tilden Edwards: Episcopal Priest
• Rose Mary Dougherty, SSND (School Sisters of Notre Dame) is a sensei (teacher) in the lineage of the White Plum Asanga (zen buddhism), she teaches Zen meditation in various settings and assists people in integrating contemplative presence and just action in their lives. (Now that should raise some eyebrows.)
• Carole Crumley: Episcopal Priest
• Ann Dean: Minister in the ecumenical community of the Church of the Saviour since 1994 and is a member of the Dayspring Retreat Mission Group
• Patience Robbins: I don't have much information on her, but she will lead talk at the Hyattsville Mennonite Church about on "Earth Mystic" Julia Butterfly Hill - an American activist and environmentalist best known for living in a 180-foot roughly 1500-year-old California Redwood for 738 days.
• Leah Rampy: Ordained Elder and Deacon at the Lewinsville Presbyterian Church.
• Bill Dietrich: Quaker
• Liz Ward: Spiritual director at Virginia Theological Seminary (Episcopal Church) and an elected member of the Commission on Ministry and a discernment facilitator for the Diocese of Virginia.

So, I have some questions:

• Why is the Archdiocese spending $$ on presentations by non-Catholics on spirituality, esp. with what I call a questionable Catholic nun. I know that there is a fee for this, but there are always behind the scenes expenses.
• Why is this being done at a Catholic Church.
• Are their no Catholics who can do a presentation like this, using Catholic teachings?
• Why does Dr. Susan Timoney still have this position with the Archdiocese, when she helps to support and present things which are not in the Roman Catholic tradition?

Another Stupid Biden Quote

Well folks, once again, I bring you another stupid quote from the highest ranking elected Catholyc official in the United States: Vice President Joe Biden. At least now we know which side The Most Merciful and he are using.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2010/10/08/biden_if_we_lose_were_going_to_play_hell.html



PS: You know, I can probably put together a book on this.

I guess this is what is meant by the New Evangelization (St.Rose and the Archdiodocese)

I thought that it was enough that St. Rose had VOTF but now I am really wondering what they are doing with the support of the Archdiocese.

It seems that the Dr. Susan Timoney, of the Archdiocese Secretariat for Pastoral Ministry and Social Concerns is hosting an series of "bringing spritiuality into relationships" by the Shalem Institute.

Now, whenever I see such things, it really starts to set off the "something just doesn't seeem right" gut feeling.

Now, the Shalem Institute and the members may be nice people and may be right for certain organizations but I am not so certain about Catholics "hosting" this.

According to the advertisement:

Faith-full Listening:

A Series on Spiritual Friendship, explores the relationship between prayerful listening to God and nurturing spiritual friendship with others. The emphasis will be on informal, spontaneous spiritual friendships rather than on the formal ministry of spiritual direction.

When you look at the Shalem Institute, it is a Christian but not Catholic. It talks usually of spiritual but not Jesus and the Holy Spirit. It's presenters are mostly not Catholic. (You mean, the Archdiocese and St. Rose could not find any Catholic speakers on the topic?)

So, here are the speakers:

• Tilden Edwards: Episcopal Priest
• Rose Mary Dougherty, SSND (School Sisters of Notre Dame) is a sensei (teacher) in the lineage of the White Plum Asanga (zen buddhism), she teaches Zen meditation in various settings and assists people in integrating contemplative presence and just action in their lives. (Now that should raise some eyebrows.)
• Carole Crumley: Episcopal Priest
• Ann Dean: Minister in the ecumenical community of the Church of the Saviour since 1994 and is a member of the Dayspring Retreat Mission Group
• Patience Robbins: I don't have much information on her, but she will lead talk at the Hyattsville Mennonite Church about on "Earth Mystic" Julia Butterfly Hill - an American activist and environmentalist best known for living in a 180-foot roughly 1500-year-old California Redwood for 738 days.
• Leah Rampy: Ordained Elder and Deacon at the Lewinsville Presbyterian Church.
• Bill Dietrich: Quaker
• Liz Ward: Spiritual director at Virginia Theological Seminary (Episcopal Church) and an elected member of the Commission on Ministry and a discernment facilitator for the Diocese of Virginia.

So, I have some questions:

• Why is the Archdiocese spending $$ on presentations by non-Catholics on spirituality, esp. with what I call a questionable Catholic nun. I know that there is a fee for this, but there are always behind the scenes expenses.
• Whys is this being done at a Catholic Church.
• Are their no Catholics who can do a presentation like this, using Catholic teachings?
• Why does Dr. Susan Timoney still have this position with the Archdiocese, when she helps to support and present things which are not in the Roman Catholic tradition?

Catholic Standard Weekly Update

It is that time folks (drums beat, trumpets blare, women faint, etc.) for your Weekly Catholic Standard Update.

The cover story is the Annual Red Mass and as I had predicted, there was no mention of Vice President Joe Biden, the highest elected Catholyc official in the United States, receiving Communion. Nope, not a mention. Why would we insist that the Archbishop do something like not providing Communion to a pro-abortion, pro-homosexual marriage politician. (At least they only made mention and did not have a photo of him.)

We have an inside cover story on the veneration of the Don Bosco relic at the National Shrine.

The Archbishop's New Evangelization program was once again highlighted in his visit to St. Elizabeth's School. In addition, we also see this program being highlighted to the John Carroll Society. I guess that the New Evangelization program does not include calling pro-abortion politicians on the carpet.

One of the most interesting changes, and one that I doubt most people will notice, are the changes to the Catholic Charities program. For example, the Spanish Catholic Center will move from Langly Park to the McCarrick Center near Wheaton (actually, it is closer to Glenmont). There are a host of other changes. It makes me wonder if the changes are part of a cost saving measure over the next few years...less leased/rented space.

There is a story of the installation of the first layperon to be President of St. John's College and that of St. Mary's Riken sister school program.

Finally, I will end this Update with one of the saddest stories in a while: That of the death of Navy Seal, Lt. Brendon Looney, who died in Afghanistan. He is a graduate of DeMatha and his sisters are either graduates or current students at the Academy of the Holy Cross. He is buried in Arlington next to that of his best buddy -- Marine 1st Lt. Manion.

Eternal rest grant unto him , O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Let us also remember his wife, parents and sisters. May God help them through this time of suffering.

"My mother is going to kill me..."

It does get to the point..doesn't it.

From the UK's Daily Mail.

Stupid Biden Quote (or was he telling us the truth?)

Yes, folks, we bring you another installment of the witty sayings of the highest ranking elected Catholyc in the United States: Vice President Joe Biden.

Vice President Joe Biden has told Democrats at a Minnesota fundraiser that he'll "strangle" members of the GOP who complain about the federal budget.

According to a pool report from Tuesday's event in Dayton, Biden was telling the crowd that Democrats know how to balance the budget. He said, "If I hear one more Republican tell me about balancing the budget, I am going to strangle them."

Maybe I should call the FBI and report him for making threats. Wouldn't that be a hoot.

For the rest of the story, click here.

Another Scandal: Biden Receives Communion at Red Mass

The Washington Post reported that the annual Red Mass took place on Sunday. This is a traditional Mass held before the Supreme Court goes into session and prays for all those sitting on the bench. This Mass actually takes place around the country and prays for lawmakers and those who serve on the courts locally. Not a bad thing. In fact, a good thing.

However, we seem to have a scandal.

It seems that Vice President Joe Biden, the highest ranking elected Catholyc in the nation, did receive Holy Communion. Altough the Washington Post does not mention it (and I doubt that the Catholic Standard will in this week's edition -- but let's wait and see), we have an eye witness account of the VP receiving Communion:

The actual service was incredibly special. It started off with a large procession of dozens of bishops and priests, accompanied by incense and the powerful organ and brilliant choir of St. Matthew’s Cathedral. Members of the Knights of Columbus proceeded to the front of the church with the American flag, and the choir led the national anthem. It was fascinating to see the flag raised in the very classical-styled Cathedral; it was an interesting moment of church meeting state. I also enjoyed seeing Vice President Biden and Chief Justice Roberts walk up at the same time to receive communion.

For more on the event, go here.