It seems that a "consultation" took place on Dec. 9th regarding St. Michael's in Silver Spring. This school was one of those under consideration for merging or closing (see my post last Nov. 19, 2009 and January 17, 2010) last school year.
I have not had a chance to see my "contact" over there for a while, but if anyone has any info, please feel free to share: awashingtondccatholic@gmail.com.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
The Washington comPost: Wrong and Stupid
Over the last week, we have had three articles on the Catholic Church.
First, we have the resident radical liberal Mr. Stevens-Arroyo with his: "May Your Christmas be Catholic and Gay." Although there is much wrong with this article, like many of his postings but he cannot even get the percentages of gays correct. He says that apx. 10% of Americans are gay. WRONG. It is actually more like 1% or 2%. The 10% number was debunked a number of years ago when people started asking the gay community for the research on it. The number was just made up. More sloppy journalism from the Washington comPost.
This past Sunday, the Washington comPost ran a story by Michelle Boorstein entitled: Part Prayer, part pep rally with Wuerl at basilica on Christmas.
So, I read the story and my observation is: What was the point? There is no point. It is a story about nothing. Various people go to the National Shrine for Mass. They pray. Some love the Cardinal. He talked about Jesus on Christmas. Wow! This story almost reminds me of a Sienfeld episode.
Maybe this was the Post's way of saying: Gee, we slammed you a couple of weeks ago on the "missing" priests, so let us make it up to you with this story.
Finally, we have today a story about how the "conservatives" are trying to bring back the bad old days of Latin and ceremony, from the "enlightened progressives." First, do not refer to Holy Communion as a "wafer." Second, the snide comments, such about American political fashion and what not to wear, really shows what this article is also about -- making a mountain out of a mole hill. Finally, it seems to be another way to help the anti-Catholic bigots get things off their chest.
First, we have the resident radical liberal Mr. Stevens-Arroyo with his: "May Your Christmas be Catholic and Gay." Although there is much wrong with this article, like many of his postings but he cannot even get the percentages of gays correct. He says that apx. 10% of Americans are gay. WRONG. It is actually more like 1% or 2%. The 10% number was debunked a number of years ago when people started asking the gay community for the research on it. The number was just made up. More sloppy journalism from the Washington comPost.
This past Sunday, the Washington comPost ran a story by Michelle Boorstein entitled: Part Prayer, part pep rally with Wuerl at basilica on Christmas.
So, I read the story and my observation is: What was the point? There is no point. It is a story about nothing. Various people go to the National Shrine for Mass. They pray. Some love the Cardinal. He talked about Jesus on Christmas. Wow! This story almost reminds me of a Sienfeld episode.
Maybe this was the Post's way of saying: Gee, we slammed you a couple of weeks ago on the "missing" priests, so let us make it up to you with this story.
Finally, we have today a story about how the "conservatives" are trying to bring back the bad old days of Latin and ceremony, from the "enlightened progressives." First, do not refer to Holy Communion as a "wafer." Second, the snide comments, such about American political fashion and what not to wear, really shows what this article is also about -- making a mountain out of a mole hill. Finally, it seems to be another way to help the anti-Catholic bigots get things off their chest.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Need a Job? The Archdiocese has one for you...
As many of you know, for the last few years, I have been raising the alarm about the poor manner in which Catholic education has been handled in this Archdiocese.
One of my issues I have had is that the marketing of Catholic education is really non-existant. For years, I have complained that our Catholic cemeteries had more marketing than our Catholic schools. You can hear regular ads on WMAL (630AM) usually with Msgr. Enzler or someone who has loved one's buried at a Catholic cemetery.
Now, there is nothing wrong with this type of advertisement but there was nothing for Catholic schools except the feeble attempt to pay for a couple of ads on Metro buses earlier this year.
Although they will not admit it, marketing has been left up the to local schools. Local schools do the best they can, relying on parents who may have some marketing experience to assist.
Why?
As I see it, it is because these are parish schools and therefore, the responsibility rests with them, even though the Archdiocese tells them what to teach, how much to pay teachers, etc.
Well, after years of being left on their own, a large number of Catholic schools closing and enrollment dropping like Obama's approval ratings, combined with the new education policies, the Archdiocese has finally announced a new position:
One of my issues I have had is that the marketing of Catholic education is really non-existant. For years, I have complained that our Catholic cemeteries had more marketing than our Catholic schools. You can hear regular ads on WMAL (630AM) usually with Msgr. Enzler or someone who has loved one's buried at a Catholic cemetery.
Now, there is nothing wrong with this type of advertisement but there was nothing for Catholic schools except the feeble attempt to pay for a couple of ads on Metro buses earlier this year.
Although they will not admit it, marketing has been left up the to local schools. Local schools do the best they can, relying on parents who may have some marketing experience to assist.
Why?
As I see it, it is because these are parish schools and therefore, the responsibility rests with them, even though the Archdiocese tells them what to teach, how much to pay teachers, etc.
Well, after years of being left on their own, a large number of Catholic schools closing and enrollment dropping like Obama's approval ratings, combined with the new education policies, the Archdiocese has finally announced a new position:
DIRECTOR OF SCHOOL MARKETING AND ADVANCEMENT
(BTW, it is interesting to note that the position of Coordinator of Parish Social Ministry has a larger advertisement than the School marketing position in the Catholic Standard.)
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Scandal: Wuerl helps to honor pro-gay marriage Mayor
Well, it seems that Cardinal Wuerl will lead the invocation for the new Mayor of Washington DC at his inauguration on January 2, 2011.
Mayor Vincent Gray who is Catholic and says he attends Mass regularly (although we have not been able to determine the parish - although I know some of you out there know), supported same-sex marriages, as well as, other things which go against Church teaching.
For the Cardinal to attend and participate in this, brings scandal by helping to honor a pro-abortion/pro-gay marriage mayor.
However, you should not be shocked at this, as this is pretty typical for the Cardinal. You should recall his attendance at the SOAR Dinner honoring Cokie and Steve Roberts and his attendance at the John Sweeney farewell. Who knows what other events he has attended, since the Catholic Standard does not report on these sorts of events, nor does his PR person issue statements.
BTW, a request for a comment by Ms. Susan Gibbs, the spokesperson for the Archdiocese, was not returned.
You can read it here at the Washington comPost.
Thanks to our colleagues over at Restore DC Catholicism.
Mayor Vincent Gray who is Catholic and says he attends Mass regularly (although we have not been able to determine the parish - although I know some of you out there know), supported same-sex marriages, as well as, other things which go against Church teaching.
For the Cardinal to attend and participate in this, brings scandal by helping to honor a pro-abortion/pro-gay marriage mayor.
However, you should not be shocked at this, as this is pretty typical for the Cardinal. You should recall his attendance at the SOAR Dinner honoring Cokie and Steve Roberts and his attendance at the John Sweeney farewell. Who knows what other events he has attended, since the Catholic Standard does not report on these sorts of events, nor does his PR person issue statements.
BTW, a request for a comment by Ms. Susan Gibbs, the spokesperson for the Archdiocese, was not returned.
You can read it here at the Washington comPost.
Thanks to our colleagues over at Restore DC Catholicism.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
The Washington Post - Wrong Again
This Sunday's Washington comPost, has an article on the change in Congress and what does it hold for DC residents.
The writer stated:
Total BS.
Look, the Democratic congress, on the issues of vouchers, had sold themselves like common prostitutes, to the National Education Assn. They did not want any taxpayer funding to go to private schools, but more importantly, there is an anti-Catholic bias in the Democratic Party.
The vouchers program was ended, so to speak, because of the NEA and anti-Catholic bigotry.
Although the Archdiocese of Washington fought hard, and got this Administration to at least keep its commitment to those who had started the program, everyone now has to suffer -- students, parents and taxpayers.
Hopefully, things will change.
The writer stated:
But the DC vouchers were quickly rescinded by the Obama administration because of uncertainty over funding from Congress.
Total BS.
Look, the Democratic congress, on the issues of vouchers, had sold themselves like common prostitutes, to the National Education Assn. They did not want any taxpayer funding to go to private schools, but more importantly, there is an anti-Catholic bias in the Democratic Party.
The vouchers program was ended, so to speak, because of the NEA and anti-Catholic bigotry.
Although the Archdiocese of Washington fought hard, and got this Administration to at least keep its commitment to those who had started the program, everyone now has to suffer -- students, parents and taxpayers.
Hopefully, things will change.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Can this be the "New" Christmas Greeting?
This is something going around the Internet. Enjoy!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
For Liberal Catholycs...
Please accept with no obligation, implied or explicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2011 but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere . Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.
For Conservative Catholics...
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
For Liberal Catholycs...
Please accept with no obligation, implied or explicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2011 but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere . Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.
For Conservative Catholics...
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Stupid Biden Quote
Once again, we bring you another stupid quote from the highest elected "Catholyc" in the United States: Vice President Joe Biden. I tell you, he is the gift that keeps on giving.
Joe Biden, the gaffe-prone vice president, strayed from tradition Monday at the swearing-in of Republican Mark Kirk, the new senator from Illinois.
Biden, who is president of the Senate, began by instructing Kirk: "Please place your right hand on the Bible. "Kirk, a Republican, did as instructed, putting his right hand on the Good Book and raising his left.
Oops. Here's guidance from "Traditions of the United States Senate," by Richard Baker, the Senate historian from 1975 to 2009: "Senators-elect affirm their oath to defend the U.S. Constitution by stepping forward, raising their right hand, and repeating the words spoken by the presiding officer. Some carry in their left hand a personal Bible or other sacred text."
For the complete story, go here.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
What time is Midnight Mass?
Many years ago, my parish priest told me that people would call the rectory starting the week before Christmas and ask: "What time is Christmas Midnight Mass?"
Well, if you are in the Archdiocese of Washington, and you ask this question, the answer may be more like 10pm Christmas Eve.
A reader alerted me to a growing trend that seems to be spreading across the Archdiocese -- fewer and fewer Christmas Midnight Masses.
The Shrine will not have one, nor is St. Matthew's, as well as a number of parishes.
I am not certain if there is a reason behind it -- a drop over the last few years, people scared to go out, etc. -- but it seems odd that the tradition of Christmas Midnight Mass is slowly disappearing.
Do you have any thoughts as to why?
Well, if you are in the Archdiocese of Washington, and you ask this question, the answer may be more like 10pm Christmas Eve.
A reader alerted me to a growing trend that seems to be spreading across the Archdiocese -- fewer and fewer Christmas Midnight Masses.
The Shrine will not have one, nor is St. Matthew's, as well as a number of parishes.
I am not certain if there is a reason behind it -- a drop over the last few years, people scared to go out, etc. -- but it seems odd that the tradition of Christmas Midnight Mass is slowly disappearing.
Do you have any thoughts as to why?
Monday, December 13, 2010
Stupid Biden Quotes
Once again, we bring you another Stupid Quote from the highest ranking elected Catholyc in the US: VP Joe Biden:
“Daddy is going to start to take the training wheels off in October -- I mean in next July, so you'd better practice riding,” he said.
I am suprised they keep letting him out of his playpen.
For more, go here.
“Daddy is going to start to take the training wheels off in October -- I mean in next July, so you'd better practice riding,” he said.
I am suprised they keep letting him out of his playpen.
For more, go here.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Awaiting the Messiah: The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Community of the Essenes
On Thursday, December 16th, the Institute of Catholic Culture, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia is proud to present a program that describes how the many faithful Jews, in the year leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ, prepared themselves for the coming of the Messiah by retreating into the desert and immersing themselves in prayer.
Join Sebastian Carnazzo, Ph.D. candidate, and the Institute of Catholic Culture for this in-depth study of the Jewish community of the Essenes and how they prepared for the coming of the Christ.
Sebastian Carnazzo received his masters in Theology with a concentration in Sacred Scripture from the Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College, and is presently completing a doctorate in Biblical Studies at Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. He teaches full-time at Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary of the Fraternity of St. Peter as Lecturer in Sacred Scripture and Biblical Languages.
This event takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Holy Transfiguration Catholic Church, 8501 Lewinsville Rd., McLean, Va. Admission is free and no reservations are required.
For more information, please visit www.InstituteofCatholicCulture.org or call 703-504-8733.
Join Sebastian Carnazzo, Ph.D. candidate, and the Institute of Catholic Culture for this in-depth study of the Jewish community of the Essenes and how they prepared for the coming of the Christ.
Sebastian Carnazzo received his masters in Theology with a concentration in Sacred Scripture from the Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College, and is presently completing a doctorate in Biblical Studies at Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. He teaches full-time at Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary of the Fraternity of St. Peter as Lecturer in Sacred Scripture and Biblical Languages.
This event takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Holy Transfiguration Catholic Church, 8501 Lewinsville Rd., McLean, Va. Admission is free and no reservations are required.
For more information, please visit www.InstituteofCatholicCulture.org or call 703-504-8733.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Did you take the Survey?
Do you live in the Archdiocese of Washington?
Did you take the survey on the FINDTHEPERFECTGIFT over on the right?
If not, take a moment to complete it. It costs nothing and will let the powers that be, know what you think. Conversely, getting very few answers may also signal a message.
On a separate note, have you seen any signs? I have seen about 10 of them...apx. eight in front of Catholic Churches (near Georgetown Prep and Holy Cross Hospital) and two in front of a private residence in the area of Kensington.
++++++
Just a reminder, this weekend is the collection for the Retirement Fund for Religous. If you don't want to give to this collection, then please make a donation to a specific Order. Thanks!!!
Did you take the survey on the FINDTHEPERFECTGIFT over on the right?
If not, take a moment to complete it. It costs nothing and will let the powers that be, know what you think. Conversely, getting very few answers may also signal a message.
On a separate note, have you seen any signs? I have seen about 10 of them...apx. eight in front of Catholic Churches (near Georgetown Prep and Holy Cross Hospital) and two in front of a private residence in the area of Kensington.
++++++
Just a reminder, this weekend is the collection for the Retirement Fund for Religous. If you don't want to give to this collection, then please make a donation to a specific Order. Thanks!!!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
CINO Awards are Underway
I just learned that a fellow blogger has decided to hold a contest for the Catholic In Name Only (CINO) Award 2010.
So, go over and vote here.
Thanks to Fr. Z for this.
I am so jealous...I wish I had thought of it.
So, go over and vote here.
Thanks to Fr. Z for this.
I am so jealous...I wish I had thought of it.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Protesting Late Term Abortions in MoCO
The pro-life offices of the Archdiocese of Washington and the Archdiocese of Baltimore are inviting one and all to join them at 8:00am Mass on Saturday, December 11, at Mother Seton Church. The church is located on Father Hurley Boulevard: right around the corner from the Germantown Reproductive Health Services. After Mass, there will be a procession to the sidewalk of Wisteria Drive, in front of the office complex where GRHS is located. After some prayer, all will process back to the church.
Thanks to our colleague at Restore DC Catholicism.
Thanks to our colleague at Restore DC Catholicism.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
FINDTHEPERFECTGIFT.ORG
As I was planning my blog for the week, I was not certain on what to write about for Monday. There was the story in the Washington Post on priests who are sexual abusers. The later term abortionists, and the above.
This effort, by the Archdiocese of Washington, seems to take the Come Back for Christmas campaign to the next level.
At Mass we were all encouraged to get a sign, typical of the ones we see advertising real estate and political candidates and take one home to post in your yard.
The http://FINDTHEPERFECTGIFT.ORG is an attempt to reach Catholics, Catholycs and non-Catholics with the message of Christ.
It is done differently than other attempts by having a video of Donald Cardinal Wuerl stand up and talk about the meaning of Christmas. There are a number of topics related to faith and Christmas. There are also links to the USCCB for Sacred Scripture, and find a Church.
Although I think the video message from the Cardinal is a bit long, it is differnet than previous efforts. A soft evangelization, sort of like the Jehovah Witnesses. They are there but they don't yell and scream at you.
So, did you take a sign? Did you put it in your yard? What do you think about this effort?
Let me know what you think and you will be letting the Archdiocese know, since they come here too.
This effort, by the Archdiocese of Washington, seems to take the Come Back for Christmas campaign to the next level.
At Mass we were all encouraged to get a sign, typical of the ones we see advertising real estate and political candidates and take one home to post in your yard.
The http://FINDTHEPERFECTGIFT.ORG is an attempt to reach Catholics, Catholycs and non-Catholics with the message of Christ.
It is done differently than other attempts by having a video of Donald Cardinal Wuerl stand up and talk about the meaning of Christmas. There are a number of topics related to faith and Christmas. There are also links to the USCCB for Sacred Scripture, and find a Church.
Although I think the video message from the Cardinal is a bit long, it is differnet than previous efforts. A soft evangelization, sort of like the Jehovah Witnesses. They are there but they don't yell and scream at you.
So, did you take a sign? Did you put it in your yard? What do you think about this effort?
Let me know what you think and you will be letting the Archdiocese know, since they come here too.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Institute of Catholic Culture Program (Free)
Shadows of the Virgin: Holy Women of the Old Covenant
On December 5th and 12th , the Institute of Catholic Culture, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia is proud to present a two-part program examining the foreshadowing of the Virgin Mary and how God prepared the world for the birth of the Messiah. Throughout the Jewish Scriptures we learn of many holy women through whom God chose to reveal His will for His people. The speaker is Fr. Paul Scalia who leads this Advent Bible Study on the Holy Women of the Old Testament.
Fr. Paul Scalia is Pastor at Saint John the Beloved Catholic Church in McLean, Virginia. He received a Master of Arts from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, the Angelicum, in Rome in 1996 and was ordained a Priest for the Diocese of Arlington the same year. Fr. Scalia has published articles in various periodicals, including This Rock, First Things, and Human Life Review. He is currently serving as Chaplain for the Arlington Diocese Courage Chapter.
Please join Fr. Scalia and the Institute of Catholic Culture for this presentation as we enter the Advent season.
The program takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Hope, 46639 Algonkian Parkway, Potomac Falls, Virginia. Admission is free no reservation is required.
For more information, please visit www.InstituteofCatholicCulture.org or call 703-504-8733.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Late Term Abortions to take place in this Archdiocese
Well, it seems that LeRoy Carhart will conduct late second and third trimester abortions at the Germantown Reproductive Health Services, located at 13233 Executive Park Terrace in Germantown. He has no hospital privileges in the State of Maryland.
For more information...go to LifeSitenews.Com
For more information...go to LifeSitenews.Com
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Will you be the first Cardinal, Cardinal Wuerl?
U.S. bishops not contributing to CCHD’s national collection:
1. Bishop Joseph Adamec (Altoona-Johnstown, PA)
2. Bishop John Barres (Allentown, PA)
3. Bishop Lawrence Brandt (Greensburg, PA)
4. Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz (Lincoln, NE)
5. Bishop Victor Galeone (St. Augustine, FL)
6. Bishop James Johnston (Springfield, MO)
7. Bishop Salvatore R. Matano (Burlington, VT)
8. Bishop Joseph McFadden (Harrisburg, PA)
9. Bishop Robert Morlino (Madison, WI)
10. Bishop Robert Vasa (Baker, OR)
11. Will you add your name here Cardinal Wuerl?
For the complete story, go to LifeSiteNews.Com
1. Bishop Joseph Adamec (Altoona-Johnstown, PA)
2. Bishop John Barres (Allentown, PA)
3. Bishop Lawrence Brandt (Greensburg, PA)
4. Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz (Lincoln, NE)
5. Bishop Victor Galeone (St. Augustine, FL)
6. Bishop James Johnston (Springfield, MO)
7. Bishop Salvatore R. Matano (Burlington, VT)
8. Bishop Joseph McFadden (Harrisburg, PA)
9. Bishop Robert Morlino (Madison, WI)
10. Bishop Robert Vasa (Baker, OR)
11. Will you add your name here Cardinal Wuerl?
For the complete story, go to LifeSiteNews.Com
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