What a Difference a Year (and You) Make....

Last year at this time, the Catholic blogging community was up in arms over the fact that Cookie and Steve Roberts were to be given an award by Support Our Aging Religious (SOAR).

In addition, we discovered that Archbishop Wuerl was right there honoring them -- although SOAR, the Catholic Standard and his PR person -- all attempted to hide the fact.

Nevertheless, the truth did come out (and still we have not forgotten this Cardinal-elect Wuerl).

It was not only a wake up call but a real black eye on an organization that can do some good.

Well, look at what a year does for an organization.

First, they have a new president. The past president has stepped down. Second, the people/groups who will receive this year's awards have not (at least as I an tell) publicly criticized The Holy Father and Church teaching. (But I may be wrong on that matter.)

What a difference a year makes.

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.

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.

Changes at SOAR

Nope, I have not fallen off the face of the Earth (although some may wish it). I have just been taking some time off, as well as, keeping very busy a few days a week at work.

My friend, who wrote to Support Our Aging Religious (SOAR), about recognition of Cokie and Steve Roberts has not heard back from SOAR. However, he tells me that there seems to be some changes at SOAR.

Msgr. Enzler, was the Chair of the Board before August 9, 2009 is no longer the Chair.

I wonder if that is due to shining the light on this fact by this blog and a couple of others?

I don't know if there are other changes due to this, but I still hope that the Archbishop does not attend the dinner, and gets them to change.

Only time will tell.

However, if you get the chance, write to them and let them know your displeasure about it.

Catholic Standard - Weekly Update

Well folks, it is that time of the week...for the Catholic Standard (Archdiocese of Washington DC) Weekly Update.

The cover story is on the death of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics, and noted pro-life advocate. Talk about pro-life -- Special Olympics. She also fought, usually behind the scenes, to advocate the pro-life agenda in the Democratic Party. Let us keep the repose of her soul in our prayers.

We then move to an article on Sotomayor's appointment to the Court. Once again, the Catholic News Service (CNS) says that it is "unclear on abortion stand." Give me a break! Did you notice how quiet NARAL, Planned Parenthood, NOW and the rest of the pro-abortionists were? The reporter (Patricia Zapor) and the editors are just asleep at the wheel or just tools of the the Most Merciful, Lord High Barack Obama.

This is followed by an article on the new US Ambassador to the Vatican -- Miguel Diaz.

In the Insight section, we see an article on how the Catholic Health Assn, and others are pushing for socialized medicine. There has been enough articles on following the money for CHA, St. Vincent dePaul an Catholic Charities to really make you wonders -- is it really about health care, or have they been bought off by Federal contracts. Remember, CHA is a trade association. But of course, the CNS article glosses over these facts.

If the government takes over health care, will there be a need for the Church to raise funds to pay for health care for those who cannot afford it? I wonder if the Church as thought about that.

There is a nice article on fostering the missionary spirit in children. And, I would go further -- encouraging children to help those who are less fortunate. And that encouragement should come not by supporting a government program, but by doing it from what you have.

There is a full page on the Knights of Columbus' Annual Meeting. They are big supporters of Special Olympics. They offered support of true marriage, against porn and are pro-life. Maybe the pro-Obama Knights should think twice about being members.

Did you notice that there is no mention of the honoring of pro-abortion Cokie and Steve Roberts by the Support Our Aging Religious (SOAR) organization. The story posted here was picked up by one of the local bloggers and one of the major Catholic blogs. A reader has shared with me his/her letter to them asking them to pull back their award, but no news yet. Will keep you posted.

The obituary section has a very nice story on Crosier Father Roert Zylla.

Finally, the back page has a good story on Pure Fashion. It is about teaching young ladies about dressing fashionably but appropriately. It also has a self-esteem component too. The young ladies who are shown in the article all look very beautiful in their outfits. Nice job.

Remember, as always, if you don't get the Standard, pick one up in your parish. Remember, they are required to carry it (and pay for it) -- whether they like it or not.

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Remider: I am taking time off, so you won't see as many articles posted during August. Any breaking news or something that needs some light shined on it (like SOAR), you will see it here.