Archbishop Wuerl, Will You Be Number Nine?

Citing concerns that some groups funded by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development fail to follow church teaching, Bishop Lawrence E. Brandt of Greensburg, Pa., has withdrawn support for the U.S. bishops' nationwide anti-poverty program.

Bishop Brandt's decision brings to eight the number of dioceses that have either temporarily or permanently stopped supporting CCHD since 2009.

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Archbishop Wuerl, you know, as well as all of us, of the mis-management of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Won't you join your brother bishops by ending support of this?

This says it all...

The Parish Self Assessment

The Archbishop's Weekly Column focused on The Parish Self Assessment.

According to the article, it is an "instrument" that "allows a self-assessment based on identifiable, objective norms in the area of worship, education, community life, service and administration."

In other words, it is a form the pastor (and his staff) fill out based on certain baseline. Now, I will admit, I have not seen one (have any of you?) but I complete these sorts of things at work on a quarterly basis.

I do remember my pastor telling me about a similar report many years ago. Each year, he had to tell the Cardinal how many baptisms, confirmations, weddings, the various parish groups (with membership numbers, if available), the number of community events, special events, etc.

But does this really tell the story of what is happening in a parish. Yes and no.

It tells you lots of numbers and numbers can tell a story that people want to hear. But as you know, there is the story behind the story.

Does it tell the Archdiocese that the parish rarely sees their pastor or assistants at various events? Nope.

Does it tell the Archdiocese how many people have left the parish (but they may still be registered) because there is no sense of community? Nope.

Does it tell the Archdiocese that the religious education program is run by an incompetent DRE? Nope.

Does it tell the Archdiocese that a parish looks the other way when it comes to certain matters of faith and morals. Nope.

I would love to see some of these reports. From what I have heard about some of our parishes, it would make for some entertaining reading.

Catholic Standard - Part 2

Well, it is time to remind each of you what was not reported in this week's Catholic Standard.

Mr. Richard Szezepanowski, the reporter assigned to this, noted very clearly that Archbishop Wuerl is ending his term as the Chairman of the National Catholic Education Association Board of Directors, and was honored for his "exceptional leadership."

However, he seems to have missed something. Do any of you remember what that is? It was reported on this blog (and others) on March 2, 1010?

Yes, folks, it seems that he left out the fact that the keynote speaker was Garrison Keillor. Most of us know him from Prairie Home Companion and probably think he is one of those quaint humorists. But did you know that he supports same sex marriage and abortions?

Now, how did Mr. Szczepanowski forget to leave it out?

We also have the story on Page 14 about the John Carroll Society. Congratulations to all who were honored.

But again, there was just something missing from the story. Now what was it...

Oh yes, it seems that the keynote speaker that night was to be Sr. Carol Keehan.

Now, you must remember her, she is the president of the Catholic Health Association. Still don't?

She came just days before the vote on the Health Care and supported it? Still don't? Well then, you should remember that she received on of the signature pens that the Most Merciful, Barack Obama of the Regime used to sign the bill into law.

Well, she was to be the keynote speaker but suddenly decided that it probably wasn't the best time to speak at the dinner.

Funny how Mr. Mark Zimmerman neglected to put that in the story.

There seems to be some serious memory loss at the Catholic Standard these days.

Catholic Standard Weekly Update - Part 1

Well folks, it has been quite a while that I have put together one of these.

So, here are some items...

The Archbishop visited with Pope Benedict as part of the Papal Foundation visit.

Congratulations to the Mount Calvary students who participated in the College of Southern Maryland Robotic Challenge. They were awarded the 2010 Community Award.

We mourn the loss of Sgt Hector Ayala of the Montgomery County Police Department, who died in the line of duty. Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

Catholic Charities to celebrate the 25th Annual Gala (and for those of you it Takoma Park, it is a fundraiser). Yes, you remember them, they recently honored the head of the Catholic Campaign for Humand Development with an award. Makes you wonder if they really deserve another 25 years.

The Catholic Business Network of MoCo presented scholarships to 12 young men and woman. Congratulations!

The Standard this week did something that I have been advocating for almost two years: Let everyone know which politiican did or did not support our efforts.

This week, they identified every member of the Maryland House Ways and Means Committee who did or did not support BOAST. It is about time all of our readers know who was there for us, and who was not. And if you looked closely, everyone one who voted against BOAST -- with the exception of one -- was a Democrat.

In the next installment, we will let you know what was not reported.

Remember, your parish pays to have the Standard (whether they like it or not), so pick up a copy and drop a little in the plate for it.

Stupid Biden Quote

Once again, I bring you one of the more memorable quotes from the highest elected Catholyc in the United States: Joseph Biden.

When the stock market crashed, Franklin Roosevelt got on the television and didn't just talk about the princes of greed. He said, "look, here's what happened."

Interview with CBS News, September 2008. The problem is that Roosevelt wasn't president in 1929 and televisions were still experimental.