Catholic Schools Week at St.Martin of Tours

Catholic Schools Week this year at St. Martin of Tours will hold Bingo for Students, an Alumni Reception, First Friday Mass, the Annual Volleyball vs. 8th Grade Game and a delicious Teacher's luncheon. Also, glad to note that the students are enjoying their new playground equipment! Way to go St. Martin's.

Catholic Schools Week at St. Mary's in Rockville

This week, St. Mary's (Rockville) will hold a number of activities in honor of Catholic Schools week. First, there was an open house Sunday morning, after Mass. Then there will be a number of other activities including the Anual 8th Grade vs. Faculty Volleyball Game, Movie and Pajama Day, and a School-wide Rosary Service.

What is happening at your school?

It is Catholic Schools Week!!!

Heresies and Heretics

On February 12, the Institute of Catholic Culture and its Director, Deacon Sabatino Carnazzo, proudly welcome Christopher Check, Executive Vice President of the Rockford Institute in Illinois to address one of the most troubling issues of the early church: heresies.

At the beginning of the third century, Constantine the Great consolidated power and began his reign over the Roman Empire. As the first Christian emperor, he declared freedom for Christianity and eventually made it the official religion of his empire. With this new freedom, however, came new challenges to the Faith and questions about the identity of Jesus Christ. Arius, a priest in Alexandria, Egypt began to teach a strange doctrine, claiming that Jesus was only a man and not divine. And while Arius gained many followers, one man stood up to this latest heresy, Athanasius the Great.

Christopher Check, holds a degree in English Literature from Rice University. His writings have appeared in, among others, Chronicles: A Magazine of American Culture, This Rock, Touchstone, The Wanderer, and the Chicago Tribune. He has addressed audiences at the University of London, the Pontifical Augustinian University in Rome, the Serbian Writers Union in Belgrade, the National Press Club, CatholicAnswers, the American Chesterton Society, Legatus, and Ave Maria University

Join Christopher Check and the Institute of Catholic Culture at 7:30 p.m. for this talk, held at St. Thomas a Becket Catholic Church, 1421 Wiehle Ave., Reston, Virginia.

All are welcome, including heretics. (Just kidding about the heretic part, wanted to see if you were paying attention.)

No reservations required. Free admission. For more information, please visit www.InstituteofCatholicCulture.org or call 540-635-7155.

The demise of religion in American Society is a good thing...

Shaun Casey, the religious affairs adviser to presidential candidate Barack Obama in 2008, said at a discussion on Tuesday about “God and Politics” that the demise of religious society in the United States is a good thing.

“I, frankly, am glad American civil religion is dying,” said Casey, who is an associate professor of Christian Ethics at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Just one more piece of evidence of what many of us have been saying about Barack Obama. Yes, he wants to fundamentally change the US...for the worse.

For more, go to CNS News.

The Pope's Footwear (Papal Shoes) and more

An interesting website about the Pope's footwear -- the who, what, when, where and why.

http://www.dieter-philippi.de/en/ecclesiastical-fineries/campagi-the-footgear-of-the-pope-and-the-clergy

Enjoy.

Right To Life March

Today is the Right to Life March.

Unfortunately, I cannot get off from work.

Take a moment to pray for those marching. Pray that nothing happens to them.

Pray for those who commit such horrors upon he innocent, that their minds and hearts will be changed.

HHS Ruling...Some Thoughts

By now, most of us know about Obama's draconian measure regarding birth control, etc. in regards to medical plans.

I predict the following, if Obama wins the election and court cases go against the Catholic Church and others:

1. Our Catholic hospitals will give up their Catholic identity to stay open. I don't see a Holy Cross Hospital closing down.
2. Most of our Catholic Schools and other organizations will not close but will ether (1) drop medical coverage and offer a cash payment to staff or (2) sell the school or organization to another company and get out of the business.
3. The Catholic Church will take a beating each time a hospital or school closes. They will be portrayed as mean spirited and not caring for the sick, elderly and children.
4. Oh, and your taxes will go up considerably, because you will not have the Catholic Church subsidizing hospitals anymore.

I wonder if all of those priests and nuns (and Catholycs) who voted for Obama are happy now? You can't say we did not warn you.

Random Thoughts before the weekend...

Just some random thoughts...

1. The Facebook page of Justice for ILLEGAL Maryland Immigrants put out a plea asking for more people to friend them last week. There has been an increase by one (1). Maybe it is time for them to shut down the Facebook page and give up the issue.

2. The Facebook page of Justice for ILLEGAL Maryland Immigrants won't let people comment anymore (or at least me). I wonder what they are afraid of? I mean, if my ideas were that bad, and their ideas so good, they would have hundreds of thousands of supporters. But they seem to have the same three or four people saying LIKE.

3. I posted a comment over on the Catholic Standard page about not supporting the Cardinal's Appeal at 9:20pm on Wednesday night. I wonder how long it will remain up.

4. A number of people asked me about Msgr. Pope's blog posting. Deep down, Msgr. Pope knows exactly what I am talking about but I did not expect him to respond to my charges (which are documented by the way). He could not do so, w/o having to acknowledge that they were true. I don't fault him btw.

5. You notice how we never know where the Cardinal will be. His schedule is kept a secret. I am told that he does not want protesters showing up, like they did for the dinner honoring Chris Matthews or when Cardinal McCarrick was heckled at the Gonzaga graduation.

6. You notice how the Catholic Standard no longer accepts Letters to the Editor? Either they have no positive letters or they got tired of those who do not support the Cardinal.

Have a great weekend.

Unions, Gay Marriage and the Catholic Church

This year, it looks like the unions in Maryland, will be pulling out all the stops for the passage of gay marriage. See the WashingtonCompost (http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/labor-leaders-in-md-promoting-same-sex-marriage-bill/2012/01/04/gIQAA6HuaP_story.html)

Now, John Sweeney (AFL-CIO President) is a good friend of Cardinal Wuerl and was even honored by him. Each year, we have a Mass honoring labor (and he unions).

However, will the Church continue to support the AFL-CIO, esp. when they pumped in over $500,000 to support gay marriage in Maryland last year. Who knows how much they will spend this year.

Personally, I believe that Cardinal Wuerl and the other bishops will do nothing and continue their alliances with labor unions, as they continue their support of this issue, as well as, the worst president in US history.

More Catholics Going to Catholic Court

It was once assumed that disagreements like these in the Roman Catholic Church would end one way: with the highest-ranking cleric getting the last word.

But that outcome is no longer a given as Catholics, emboldened following the clergy abuse scandals that erupted a decade ago this month, have sought another avenue of redress.

In recent years, clergy and lay people in the United States have increasingly turned to the church's internal legal system to challenge a bishop's or pastor's decision about even the most workaday issues in Catholic life, according to canon lawyers in academia, dioceses and in private practice. Sometimes, the challengers even win.

For more, go to CNSNews.com.

A Little Catholic Humor

From a friend...this time, not Melvin. Enjoy.

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Little Bobby was spending the weekend with his grandmother after a particularly trying week in kindergarten. (Personally, I don't know how Kindergarten can be trying but let's leave it at that.)

His grandmother decided to take him to the park on Saturday morning.

It had been snowing all night and everything was beautiful.

His grandmother remarked, "Doesn't it look like an artist painted this scenery? Did you know God painted this just for you?"

Bobby said, "Yes, God did it and he did it left handed."

This confused his grandmother a bit, and she asked him "What makes you say God did this with his left hand?"

"Well," said Bobby, "we learned in religion from Sr. Anna last week, that Jesus sits on God's right hand."

Msgr. Pope posted on the blog of the Archdiocese of Washington a post regarding the dismissing and "dissing" of bishops. I first saw it on Deacon Greg's blog. Here are my comments.

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Let me say first, that from all indications, Msgr. Pope is a good and faithful priest. A person who works with me, and is in his parish, has nothing but the highest regard for him. I trust her when she tells me this. So, that may be one person, but I thought it was important to state.

However, I think Msgr. Pope raises a number of issues regarding those who criticize our Cardinals, Bishops and Priests. I will be the first to raise my hand and state that I have been very, very critical of Cardinal Wuerl, the Catholic Standard and even some of our priests. However, I have done it because I was sick and tired of writing and calling and there seemed to be nothing done.

Now, I am not talking about if the vestments should be dark purple or violet or if we should hold hands during the Our Father (which I am not in favor of). I am talking about what many of us sitting the pews consider scandalous.

For example, why were our parishes hosting Voice of the Faithful? An organization that is not looking simply to get rid of pedophile priests but making some really fundamental changes to the priesthood and other items.

Why is the official newspaper of the Archdiocese (and our priests) lauding pro-abortion and pro-homosexual politicians?

Why is the Archidocese telling us that support of the Dream Act in Maryland is basically on the same level of opposition to homosexual marriage?

Why does the Cardinal go to events which honor pro-abortion, and pro-homosexual celebrities, and then these events are either glossed over or never reported by the local Catholic newspaper?

Why are Catholic orgainizations within this Archdiocese, honoring pro-abortion and pro-homosexal supporters, and yet, because they bring in the big bucks, it seems to be okay. I can go on and on.

I think that Msgr. Pope, instead of looking at those who criticise, should be asking the questions of the Cardinal, Catholic organizations within the Archdiocese and of the priests, who do these things.

The Heights...is Opus Dei...OMG says the NYT

Mr. Cardenas teaches at The Heights School, a suburban Washington boys’ school affiliated with Opus Dei, the Catholic organization of which he is a member. By the standards of more famous Washington private schools, like Sidwell Friends or Georgetown Preparatory, The Heights is poor, little known and young — it was founded in 1969. But since then it has become the popular school for a small clique of Washingtonians: conservative Catholics.

For more, go to the NYSlime: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/13/us/the-heights-a-catholic-school-draws-beltway-conservatives.html?_r=4

A Note on the Passing of Msgr. Awalt

I received this in my email box regarding Msgr. Awalt. I thought that I would share it with each of you.

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I am deeply sorry to hear that Msgr William J Awalt has passed away. He was the Pastor at St. Ann Church at Tenly Town, Washington DC during the years 1981 - 1987 during which time I was in residence in the rectory and he looked after me with such dedication and care. He was a great teacher from whom I learnt alot. He had a great heart for the missions. He not only gave me free residence even after I returned he used to send me a collection of donations from St. Ann Parish for my work here in Sri Lanka. May he Rest in Peace.

Msgr Emmanuel Fernando
Auxiliary Bishop Elect
Archdiocese of Colommbo Sri Lanka
(emmafdo@bell.net)

Study of Women Religious in US has Concluded

A three-year survey of women's religious life in the United States has concluded with the filing of a final report by the Vatican-appointed Apostolic Visitator Mother Mary Clare Millea.

“Although there are concerns in religious life that warrant support and attention, the enduring reality is one of fidelity, joy, and hope,” Mother Millea said in a Jan. 9 release announcing the submission of her findings to the Vatican’s Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.

For the rest of the story, go to Catholic News Agency.

Saturday, January 21, 2012
7pm - 10pm

A Fun filled evening of music and song featuring:

The Crooked Hat Jazz Quintet

The Heights Faculty Singers

and

SIXTUS

Beer, Wine, Soda, Coffee, Hot and Cold Appetizers
$30 for Adults; $15 for 13 and under.

ALL MONIES DONATED go to the ST. JOSEPH HOUSE

For reservations,contact John and Margie Cuff at 301-949-1715.

Location:

Fr. Rosensteel Council (Knights of Columbus)

9707 Rosensteel Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20910-1157

(near the Forest Glen Metro - Red Line)

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St. Joseph’s House offers home-based care before- and after-school, which enables our parents, many of whom are parenting alone, to hold jobs. Two weekends a month, they offer respite care, which allows our families an opportunity to recharge and spend special time with their other children without the challenges of caring for a special needs child. In addition, St. Joseph’s House offers emergency 24-hour care (up to two weeks) which has allowed our parents to attend to other family crisis without worry.

St. John the Evangelist (Silver Spring) 3rd Grade

It seems that they made the Washington comPost's Kids Post Class of Month.

Congratulations!

For the photo and article, please go here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/class-of-kidspost-st-john-the-evangelist-third-graders/2011/12/22/gIQAY66UdP_story.html

Ad Limina Visit. Should be soon.

Cardinal Wuerl should be heading out on his Ad Limina visit w/ the Holy Father very soon.

It is one thing about this Archdiocese, it is so secretive even about such regular and standard type of events.

UPDATE: Thank you Anon for the correction.

Is SNAP's time up?

This basic story was reported in this weekend's Washington comPost but did not give much detail as to why. I meant to do it this weekend, but did not get the chance. However, the Catholic News Agency goes into more detail, as SNAP may have received information in violation of a judge's gag order and then published some of that information.

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A group claiming to advocate for clergy sex abuse victims says it will not comply with a court order asking it to turn over documents, amid concerns that it had received information in violation of a judge’s gag order.

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, known as SNAP, has said that it will refuse to submit to a judge’s request for information involving allegations of sexual abuse against a Missouri priest.

SNAP director David Clohessy told CNA on Jan. 3 that his organization should be held to a “different standard” of transparency than Church leaders and dioceses, which he described as “organizations that enable and conceal thousands of pedophiles to rape tens of thousands of kids.”

Story: http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/snap-refuses-to-obey-court-order-for-abuse-documents/

The Real Presence Of Christ: A Study of St. John’s Book of Signs

Annandale, VA (December 28, 2011)—The Institute of Catholic Culture is presenting a three-part Bible study series—January 12, 19, and 26—entitled The Real Presence of Christ: A Study of St. John’s Book of Signs. Led by Dr. Timothy O’Donnell, the lectures will consider the first part of the Gospel of Saint John and introduce attendees to the great mystery of God's presence among us.

President of Christendom College in Front Royal, Virginia, Dr. O’Donnell is the first layman to receive both his licentiate and doctoral degrees in Ascetical and Mystical Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome. Dr. O’Donnell has taught at St. John's Seminary in Camarillo, California and at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. He is a Knight Grand Cross in the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, and he is a Consultor to the Pontifical Council for the Family.

Join Dr. O’Donnell and the Institute of Catholic Culture at 7:30 p.m. for this series of talks, held at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 3829 Woodburn Rd., Annandale, VA.

All are welcome. No reservations required. Free admission. For more information, please visit www.InstituteofCatholicCulture.org or call 540-635-7155.