My Catholic Source.com Blog

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Catholic News Headlines / Links [7-9-09]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion.htm (or archived at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion_archive_2009.htm ). Not all links may be included. Dates in brackets may refer to dates the links were added to the MCS news page. Items herein contain text only. To view news briefs, actual news links (or to view full news stories), click above link for MCS News & Opinion Page (or archive).

*** ADVISORY: NEWS ITEMS MAY CONTAIN UNDESIRABLE TERMS & COVER SENSITIVE SUBJECTS ***
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Shocking: Archbishop gives Holy Communion to Canadian Prime Minister, a known Protestant, during funeral Mass; Spokesman denies earlier reports that PM pocketed the Holy Eucharist [7/9]

White House spokesman thinks pro-abort Obama will have "frank talk" with Pope on abortion in Friday's meeting [7/9]

Argentinean archbishop tells parents not to fall into the "error and sin of denying their children the sacrament of Baptism"; Calls it a lack of piety and love for their children and a deprivation of God; Besides problem of postponing baptism, archbishop also highlights problem of selection of improper baptismal names [Related Resources: Necessity of Infant Baptism ('Other Thoughts on Abortion') | Baptism Information] [7/9]

Language skills may have role in predicting risk of dementia, based on study of nun's brains [7/9]

Denver archbishop critical of news media that "fails to give a voice to the truth religion offers"; Says electronic media thrives on "brevity, speed, change, urgency, variety and feelings" whereas thinking "takes time", "needs silence and the methodical skills of logic"; Calls on Catholics to recognize reporters' biases, reject "sandbagging" by the news establishment, and be formed not by news but by the authentic Catholic faith [7/9]

Irish parishioners "threatening to violate the first commandment"; One thousand people flock to see supposed silhouette of the Blessed Virgin Mary in tree stump; "Stump has proven a boon for the local economy" and one shopkeeper is "leading a petition drive" to deter authorities from uprooting the stump [7/9]

Supreme Court Justice Ginsberg, a feminist who approves of partial birth abortion, thinks there are populations "that we don't want to have too many of"; Laments that poor women don't have easier access to abortion; Writes off Sotomayor's repeated "wise Latina" statements as something she "didn't get out quite right" [7/9]

Massachusetts wants to force your state to recognize other state's same sex 'marriages'; Files lawsuit challenging federal defense of marriage act [7/9]

-30-

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Catholic News Headlines / Links [7-8-09]

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Pope's encyclical "challenges both sides of the political spectrum"

Pope Benedict's long-awaited encyclical has finally been released. As predicted, "both sides of the political spectrum" have been challenged by it.

For example, some may like...

* The call for Christian charity and the reminder that "Charity is at the heart of the Church's social doctrine"

* The affirmation of the proper role of profit ("Profit is useful if it serves as a means towards an end that provides a sense both of how to produce it and how to make good use of it. Once profit becomes the exclusive goal, if it is produced by improper means and without the common good as its ultimate end, it risks destroying wealth and creating poverty.")

* Its hopeful tone during the present economic crisis ("The current crisis obliges us to re-plan our journey, to set ourselves new rules and to discover new forms of commitment, to build on positive experiences and to reject negative ones. The crisis thus becomes an opportunity for discernment, in which to shape a new vision for the future. In this spirit, with confidence rather than resignation, it is appropriate to address the difficulties of the present time.")

* Its affirmation of food & water as a basic human right ("It is therefore necessary to cultivate a public conscience that considers food and access to water as universal rights of all human beings, without distinction or discrimination")

* The affirmation that "every economic decision has a moral consequence."

* Its recognition that the duty of charity to others originates from God ("As society becomes ever more globalized, it makes us neighbors but does not make us brothers. Reason, by itself, is capable of grasping the equality between men and of giving stability to their civic coexistence, but it cannot establish fraternity. This originates in a transcendent vocation from God the Father, who loved us first, teaching us through the Son what fraternal charity is.")

* The reminder that truth must be received as a gift ("Truth, and the love which it reveals, cannot be produced: they can only be received as a gift. Their ultimate source is not, and cannot be, mankind, but only God, who is himself Truth and Love. This principle is extremely important for society and for development, since neither can be a purely human product; the vocation to development on the part of individuals and peoples is not based simply on human choice, but is an intrinsic part of a plan that is prior to us and constitutes for all of us a duty to be freely accepted. That which is prior to us and constitutes us - subsistent Love and Truth - shows us what goodness is, and in what our true happiness consists. It shows us the road to true development.")

* Its pro-life affirmation ("When a society moves towards the denial or suppression of life, it ends up no longer finding the necessary motivation and energy to strive for man's true good. If personal and social sensitivity towards the acceptance of a new life is lost, then other forms of acceptance that are valuable for society also wither away. The acceptance of life strengthens moral fibre and makes people capable of mutual help. By cultivating openness to life, wealthy peoples can better understand the needs of poor ones, they can avoid employing huge economic and intellectual resources to satisfy the selfish desires of their own citizens, and instead, they can promote virtuous action within the perspective of production that is morally sound and marked by solidarity, respecting the fundamental right to life of every people and every individual.")

* The acknowledgement that it may be more appropriate for capital to be kept near where it was produced ("There is no reason to deny that a certain amount of capital can do good, if invested abroad rather than at home. Yet the requirements of justice must be safeguarded, with due consideration for the way in which the capital was generated and the harm to individuals that will result if it is not used where it was produced.")

* The reaffirmation of subsidiarity ("subsidiarity is the most effective antidote against any form of all-encompassing welfare state")

* The focus on duties vs. rights ("An overemphasis on rights leads to a disregard for duties. Duties set a limit on rights because they point to the anthropological and ethical framework of which rights are a part, in this way ensuring that they do not become licence. Duties thereby reinforce rights and call for their defense and promotion as a task to be undertaken in the service of the common good. Otherwise, if the only basis of human rights is to be found in the deliberations of an assembly of citizens, those rights can be changed at any time, and so the duty to respect and pursue them fades from the common consciousness.")

* The highlighting of today's inconsistency regarding rights ("Nowadays we are witnessing a grave inconsistency. On the one hand, appeals are made to alleged rights, arbitrary and non-essential in nature, accompanied by the demand that they be recognized and promoted by public structures, while, on the other hand, elementary and basic rights remain unacknowledged and are violated in much of the world.")

On the other hand, critics may express concern over various points, such as:

* The document gives a nod to continuity, but relies heavily on Vatican II or later documents

* The document speaks about general duties of individuals in society, but may be short on specific, actual doctrines of the Catholic faith or our specific duties towards God

* The average Catholic or other citizen may find the document "a bit lofty"

* The document contains references to "problems associated with population growth" and "responsible procreation". Although contraception is not condoned, it may nevertheless be possible for persons to take this part of the document out of context and use it as an excuse for contraception

* The document calls for massive redistribution of wealth ("The processes of globalization, suitably understood and directed, open up the unprecedented possibility of large-scale redistribution of wealth on a world-wide scale")

* The document favorably references institutionalized "charity" (e.g. for-profit companies "oriented towards social welfare"), without addressing why consumers shouldn't pay lower prices for goods and have charity left in their own hands

* The document calls for a "worldwide redistribution of energy resources" amidst an already existing "energy crisis" ("What is also needed, though, is a worldwide redistribution of energy resources, so that countries lacking those resources can have access to them")

* The document's discussion of other religions in the context of earthly realities - without mentioning the grave danger that false religions present to the eternal souls of their adherents [more information]

* The seeming "man-centeredness" of the document as opposed to being manifestly "God-centered" ("In the Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes, the Council fathers asserted that 'believers and unbelievers agree almost unanimously that all things on earth should be ordered towards man as to their centre and summit'")

* Consequences of sin are referred to in earthly terms - without mentioning the grave danger such sins present to individuals' souls or the necessity of repentance for salvation

* The omission of Christ - the Prince of Peace - in the document's requirements for peace-building. As Pope Pius XI said, "[T]rue peace, the peace of Christ, is impossible unless we are willing and ready to accept the fundamental principles of Christianity, unless we are willing to observe the teachings and obey the law of Christ, both in public and private life."

* The document's suggestion - in the name of subsidiarity - that charitable disbursements be made from taxes rather than privately funded, with no mention that the ultimate "subsidiarity" may involve allowing each person to direct their own spending ("One possible approach to development aid would be to apply effectively what is known as fiscal subsidiarity, allowing citizens to decide how to allocate a portion of the taxes they pay to the State. Provided it does not degenerate into the promotion of special interests, this can help to stimulate forms of welfare solidarity from below, with obvious benefits in the area of solidarity for development as well.")

* During a time of economic crisis, record unemployment & debt - rather than first getting one's own house in order - the document calls for increased international aid ("more economically developed nations should do all they can to allocate larger portions of their gross domestic product to development aid")

* The nod to "religious freedom", even for those who profess false religions ("Denying the right to profess one's religion in public and the right to bring the truths of faith to bear upon public life has negative consequences for true development."), in contrast to the traditional teachings of the Church as represented by this quotation from Pope Gregory XVI: "Experience shows that there is no more direct way of alienating the populace from fidelity and obedience to their leaders than through that indifference to religion propagated by the sect members under the name of religious liberty."

* Concern for national sovereignty as the document speaks of an "urgent need of a true world political authority" which is "universally recognized" and "vested with the effective power to ensure security for all, regard for justice, and respect for rights", along with "the authority to ensure compliance with its decisions from all parties"

* The document's emphasis on our duties towards our neighbor rather than our duties towards God. As St. Thomas Aquinas states, "[W]e ought to love God...more than our neighbor."

* The document's seeming nod to feminists which discusses "decent work" for women with no mention of the essential role of full-time mothering - something for which even Vatican II said, "The children, especially the younger among them, need the care of their mother at home."

* The document's seeming disregard for personal responsibility in that it states that each of us is "outside his or her own control" ("No one shapes his own conscience arbitrarily, but we all build our own “I” on the basis of a “self” which is given to us. Not only are other persons outside our control, but each one of us is outside his or her own control. A person's development is compromised, if he claims to be solely responsible for producing what he becomes.")

* The document's discussion of the consequences of abortion and euthanasia in terms of earthly concerns - e.g. denial of human dignity, fostering a materialistic and mechanistic understanding of human life, negative effects for development - with no mention of sin, judgment, or hell

The document may also provide a wealth of material for contemplation. For example...

* How is it possible for "large-scale" (presumably forced) redistribution of wealth not to lead to resentment among people? How can such resentment foster charity?

* When is "charity" not charity? Although Jesus said to give our coat to another (and woe to us if we are not charitable!), He didn't tell someone to take it from us to give to another person. The former is charity, while the latter is theft.

* Will people see in this encyclical an implication that those who have more have not worked for it or that they are not entitled to enjoy the fruits of their labor? Or that the government or other bodies should be the ones to control the hard-earned fruits of others' labors? Is there a danger here of moving towards socialism and government control? Remember that Pope Pius XI said that socialism "cannot be reconciled with the teachings of the Catholic Church" and that no one "can be at the same time a good Catholic and a true socialist"

* Given that "The Church has a responsibility towards creation and she must assert this responsibility in the public sphere. In so doing, she must defend not only earth, water and air as gifts of creation that belong to everyone. She must above all protect mankind from self-destruction" (emphasis added), why choose to issue an encyclical on the economy instead of Eucharistic abuse or rampant mortal sin? What could be more destructive to mankind than these matters?

* Doesn't true charity require us to have a particular concern for souls? In this "unparalleled" age of sin which worsens each year, why invest so much effort into passing economic matters instead of repeating the many warnings of Christ regarding eternal punishment for sin and the necessity of repentance?

* Has sufficient consideration been given to the fact that all persons are not "of good will", that we have enemies, that not all accept Christian ideals? How could we ever have an economic "utopia" on earth given the Fall?

* What about those who cause their own unfortunate conditions due to sin (e.g. fornication, divorce) or unwillingness to work? How much should they be shielded from the consequences of their actions out of "charity"? As St. Paul says, "...if any man will not work, neither let him eat" (2 Thes. 3:10)

* How should charity really be handled? Do we neglect charity in our own back yard to help those in other countries? ("Everyone must be loved equally; but, when you cannot be of assistance to all, you must above all have regard for those who are bound to you more closely by some accident, as it were, of location, circumstances, or occasions of any kind." - St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church) As Scripture says, "So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all, but especially to those who belong to the family of the faith." (Gal. 6:10) Clearly even wealthy countries don't have unlimited funds - and even "rich countries" like the U.S. are hugely in debt.

* Assuming we are not speaking spiritually, how does giving development aid to poor countries "create wealth" for all during this economic crisis? ("In the search for solutions to the current economic crisis, development aid for poor countries must be considered a valid means of creating wealth for all.")

* Would it have been possible to more delicately refer to (or entirely omit references to) "s*x tourism" or send a special letter to bishops of affected areas instead of referencing this matter in a global encyclical?

* How and why are we to "strengthen and fine-tune" pawnbroking? ("Furthermore, the experience of micro-finance, which has its roots in the thinking and activity of the civil humanists - I am thinking especially of the birth of pawnbroking - should be strengthened and fine-tuned.")

[Note: The above was based on a "quick reading" of this encyclical with a particular eye to elements which may be viewed as "novel" or "controversial". Certainly there are many more points in this document.]

[7/7]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [7-7-09]

Monday, July 6, 2009

Call now or pay later

Evidently you are made of money. Well, at least that's what the government appears to think. Besides forcing you to cough up the usual sums for Medicare, 'Social Security', property taxes, sales taxes, state taxes, city & local taxes, phone taxes, fuel taxes, utilities taxes, etc., Uncle Sam seems on a relentless path to force you to open up your wallet even farther. Ostensibly forgetful of record unemployment rates and the present recession, the "public servants" in the nation's capital are feverishly working on devising new schemes to part you from your hard-earned funds.

They already use your taxes to pay for abortions, for benefits for s*domite "partners", for failed public "education", and for a host of other 'pet projects' that you may vehemently object to. But they manifestly don't care. Recently, they voted to spend outrageous amounts to "stimulate" the economy. And where do you think that money will ultimately come from? The taxpayer, of course. Sadly, your so-called "representatives" in government didn't bother reading the bill they voted on to make sure it was prudent, they didn't sufficiently investigate the reports they based their conclusions on, they didn't bother trimming out wasteful spending, and they didn't bother asking you what you wanted. They just voted for it. No surprise, but early reports already show this 'stimulus' has been a failure. And it is only expected to get worse.

Not daunted in the least by this, your 'public servants' have ventured forward to spend your hard-earned tax money buying troubled companies. Again, you got no vote. Still not satisfied, they are moving ahead with absurdly costly & harmful programs to "regulate" the climate and nationalize healthcare (which is almost certain to include coverage for contraception & abortions, and likely to cover healthcare for illegals). Again you'll get no vote. You'd think they'd at least have the decency to read the legislation they enact, but no. Nor will they commit to giving the public a week to read proposed bills that will have a major impact on their lives. That's just too much to ask of these 'public servants'. Rather, your elected government officials expect you will just "shut up and pay".

Unfortunately, our bishops have not helped much by (1) "enthusiastically" supporting "climate change legislation" that opponents say will result in "the largest tax increase in American history" and have only a "miniscule effect on the process of climate change", and (2) by their apparently promoting "comprehensive healthcare coverage" for illegals...all paid for at your expense, of course.

Certainly, we are called to pay taxes...

"Pay to all their dues, taxes to whom taxes are due, toll to whom toll is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due." (St. Paul, Rom.13:7)

...but there is obviously a limit to what is morally acceptable. A bit of sanity from Popes seems in order:

"[I]t is grossly unjust for a State to exhaust private wealth through the weight of imposts and taxes." (Pope Pius XI, "Quadragesimo Anno")

"Public authority therefore would act unjustly and inhumanly if in the name of taxes it should appropriate from the property of private individuals more than is equitable." (Pope Leo XIII, "Rerum Novarum")

As citizens, we must take the time to demand that our government put an end to the wasteful spending of our tax money. Tell your government officials that you expect them to fully read & carefully evaluate any legislation they vote for. If you can't afford higher taxes and energy costs, tell them that (who can afford such things?). Tell them you object to their funding of abortion, s*domite 'partner' benefits, etc. as well as any other immoral and irresponsible spending of your tax money. Tell them it is wrong that you have to cut back on necessities while they squander your tax money. Tell them you don't want new taxes for "climate change" legislation or for nationalized healthcare. Tell them you object to their burdening your children & grandchildren with enormous debt. It is very important to express your concerns to them now, before it is too late. They have acted with apparent disregard for you in the past, however there is one thing they likely still care about - their reelection. Make them fear for that. Stand firm and vow to do what you can to ensure they will not get reelected if they do not do what you ask of them. Even if you "have no time" to make the call, you must find the time somehow. If you don't, you will certainly pay the price later - literally. And don't expect that it will be cheap.

[Note: Click link for contact information: White House | Senate | House of Representatives | State Legislatures]

[7/6]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [7-6-09]

Friday, July 3, 2009

Catholic News Headlines / Links [7-3-09] (late edition)

Catholic News Headlines / Links [7-3-09] (early edition)

Thursday, July 2, 2009

The End of Freedom in America?

If certain groups succeed in their plans, you may soon wake up to find that you no longer live in a free country. The government has already taken over part of the auto and banking industries, and they are presently working to nationalize healthcare. They are considering taxes & regulations right and left that threaten your wallet & well-being. They already feed & indoctrinate millions of children. They have the power to confiscate your private property to build a 'strip mall'. They redistribute your hard-earned wages at their pleasure. You may no longer have the freedom to hire who you want. They regulate (often poorly) your food, drugs, weapons, and even your telephone service. They may soon meddle more deeply in your home, forcing you to buy "government approved" lighting & appliances. There appears no end to the taxes & regulations they will foist upon the American people.

But there is one often overlooked movement that increasingly gnaws away at the fabric of this country & our freedoms, namely the push for 'gay rights'. Lately it seems no day goes by without an advance of their insidious agenda. They influence the media & politics, and even the Church. They have not been stopped by AIDS, nor stopped by the fact that their actions are gravely sinful. Little by little, our freedoms are being eroded while they pick up the gains. And now they have in the White House a self-professed "champion", "friend", and "ally" who has assured the homosexuals that he will "fight" for them.

We are already confronted with unfortunate realities such as...

* "Gay marriages" are "legal" in a number of states

* Your tax money may be used for homosexual activism or for benefits for s*domite "partners"

* Legislation proposes to give s*domites special rights not accorded to ordinary citizens

* They want compulsory 'LGBT' indoctrination of your children at school, even beginning in kindergarten, and with no ability for you to opt them out

* They want adoption agencies to be forced to place children with s*domite couples

* Government employees - homosexual sympathizers - who do not respect public opinion have refused to uphold & defend the expressed wishes of the voters

* Movies and television programs abound with perverted homosexual references. Furthermore, they don't want relationships between a man and a woman being depicted as "normal" in films, books, music, etc.

* They want school employees & students to be forced to report "harassing behavior" or a "hostile environment" motivated by "gender identity" (e.g. if a little boy wants to think of himself as a little girl, no one better give him/her a hard time - rather, they must accommodate his confused identity)

* They don't want people to view men and women in terms of gender - they want application forms to omit the words "male" & "female", books to stop referring to "him" and "her", bathrooms and clothing to no longer be identified as being for men or women. They don't want children to be referred to as boys or girls...

* They want s*domite "partners" to be accorded the legal rights of spouses

* They want birth certificates to allow two women or two men to be shown as "parents", a biological impossibility

* They want homosexuals to be considered a "protected class" with legislation that allows those who harm them to be tried twice for the same (alleged) offense

* They want to "normalize homosexual behavior" starting from a young age

* They want homosexual behavior openly promoted and even seen "in a positive light"

* They want to freely act on their perverted inclinations in public (including kissing, hand-holding, cross dressing, etc.)

* Those who object may be "harassed, marginalized, trivialized, or sued into submission"

* Etc.

They want to control your thoughts, actions, and behavior. In fact, 'gay rights' activists present a serious and looming threat to your freedoms...

* Your freedom of religion (they want to censure Holy Scripture as "hate speech"; they'd love to see those who quote Scripture against them be jailed)

* Your freedom of speech (any 'disparaging' comments may be "hate speech" or "discrimination" or the "creation of a hostile environment" - it is a fact that some persons have already been arrested for quoting Scripture condemning homosexuality)

* Your freedom of thought (they may use constant pressure to wear you down or force you into silence)

* Your parental freedoms (e.g. the freedom to instill morals & values in your children)

* Your financial freedom [they will continually seek more government - taxpayer paid - services, health care benefits (including sex change operations), etc.]

* Other freedoms (e.g. psychiatrists may have to act against their principles and provide counseling to same sex "partners"; objecting florists might have to provide flowers for homosexual "weddings"; principled employers, doctors, retailers, etc. fear they will have to accommodate the wishes of s*domites or face discrimination suits or heavy fines)

While you are being pushed into a corner and losing freedoms, they on the other hand are becoming more conspicuous (did you miss Obama declaring June 'LGBT' Pride Month"?) and are gaining more freedoms. And you can be assured that they won't stop at what they see as their "rights" - they have shown that they will call for changes to everything that offends them (e.g. children's movies showing a "mommy and a daddy" instead of 'two mommies' or 'two daddies' are offensive to them). They expect your toleration, but they will not tolerate you. They are "in your face" about their perversion, but they expect you to be silent and accepting. As with abortion, they don't want you to be allowed a "contentious objection". They care nothing about your rights, nor do they care about what is morally right. They only care about their perversion. And, the more they have "rights" granted to them, the more rights you will lose.

In the past, the law & public opinion put up some resistance to their perverted desires, but now there is a great danger that this is lessening. Fortunately, a few bishops have spoken out. For example...

* The Bishop of Maine warned of the "tragic consequences" of s*domite 'marriages' and said that "calling same-sex relationships marriage doesn’t make them so"

* Bishop Murphy confronted a Catholic politician over his support of "gay marriage", saying "...homosexual acts are not morally neutral. They are wrong and they are sinful", "Our teaching is unambiguous, faithful to the Lord and binding on all Catholics. No Catholic is free to ignore or disregard this teaching"

However, Catholics usually do not hear much in condemnation concerning the insidious 'gay rights' movement (in fact, some confused Catholics even join in their efforts). So, while this situation continues, it falls to faithful lay Catholics to spearhead the resistance. To that end, it may be helpful to remember that...

* S*domy is one of only four sins that "cry out to heaven for vengeance". We know from Scripture that the all-loving God condemned the s*domites to suffer eternal hellfire for their perversity (see Jude 1:7)

* Having a supposed "inclination" to something does not give one the right to act upon it or make it "not sinful" if one does act on it. For example, some persons may have an inclination to murder, adultery or fornication, but it certainly would be sinful - a crime - to act on any of these inclinations. It would be wrong to legalize the acts on the premise that someone had an "inclination" to the behavior. To act on these inclinations is a sin and a misuse of one's free-will.

* Nature itself shows the fallacy of their position - unions between two persons of the same sex are necessarily unfruitful. One cannot have a "inherent right" to something that nature itself forbids!

* A primary purpose of marriage is to create a stable & legitimate union between two persons for the good of the resulting offspring. Obviously two persons of the same sex cannot produce offspring so there is no reason to justify "marriage" between them, even if it was a possibility (which it is not)

* It is in the best interests of society that families (construed only in the traditional sense) be protected and fostered.

* Rights originate from God. Things that offend God cannot be rights.

* They try to associate their movement with "civil rights" but "civil rights" are rightly concerned with characteristics a person has no control over (e.g. one's skin color) not for behaviors that persons may choose whether or not to engage in.

* Scripture is the "ultimate authority" and it clearly condemns homosexuality. For example, consider these passages:

Lev. 18:22: You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; such a thing is an abomination.

Deut. 22:5: "A woman shall not wear an article proper to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman's dress; for anyone who does such things is an abomination to the LORD, your God."

St. Paul, 1 Cor 6:9-10: Do you not know that the unjust will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators nor idolaters nor adulterers nor boy prostitutes nor practicing homosexuals nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God.

St Jude, Jude 1:7: Likewise, Sodom, Gomorrah, and the surrounding towns, which, in the same manner as they, indulged in sexual promiscuity and practiced unnatural vice, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.

* Toleration of sin is NOT a virtue. Admonishing of the sinner is clearly Scriptural. For example, consider these passages...

"admonish one another" (St. Paul, Col. 3:16, Rom. 15:14)

"admonish them sharply" (St. Paul, Ti. 1:13)

"admonishing everyone" (St. Paul, Col. 1:28)

"If your brother sins, rebuke him" (Jesus Christ, Lk. 17:3)

* Don't be confused: Homosexual activists try to make their demands appear to be a matter of "basic rights" or "equity", but they are not. Their real purpose is to spread sin under the guise of law. They don't want to be made to "feel bad" or be "punished" over the sins they choose to engage in. Instead, they want us to pretend their actions are "normal" and "acceptable". But they are NOT. They are perverted, and they are sinful. To grant "rights" to persons for the purpose of engaging in perversion is itself perverted!

* Don't be confused by claims of "hate speech". Catholics who condemn homosexual behavior with good intentions do not hate the homosexuals - on the contrary, they love them and want to see them enjoy eternal happiness in heaven.

Now is the time for Catholics & others of good will to take action. We know that in at least one area Catholics have been effective in warding off s*domite 'marriages'. In contrast with other moral issues affecting us today, however, no respected, organized "anti-s*domy" groups seem to exist. Those who oppose us - the homosexual activists - unfortunately, have a better organized, powerful lobby than we do. In fact, the nation's current President has gone on record with his feelings about the homosexual movement.

He claims that:

* those who have objections to it use "worn arguments and old attitudes"

* certain laws and practices are "unjust" and "unfair" and should be stopped

* "extraordinary progress" has been made

Why not call the White House and complain that the President has dismissed your religious and moral values as "worn arguments and old attitudes"? Tell him that you object to his promotion of unnatural perversion and remind him - a supposed 'Christian' - that the bible condemns homosexuality and it has no expiration date.

In addition, help launch a grassroots campaign. Get involved, educate others and encourage them to end apathy and take a stand. Don't allow the erosion of your freedoms to continue unopposed. Use appropriately any influence you may have. Don't neglect the power of language (e.g. why not call them s*domites instead of homosexuals?). Don't support the 'gay agenda' by watching movies or television shows which have homosexual characters or favorable references to homosexuality. Etc. Be sure to remember that we must love the sinner, but we must HATE the sin.

Finally, note that it is important for people to stand up now and plug this dam before it completely overtakes our country. If we don't, we'll continue to lose our rights, little by little. Consider the words of the Bishop of Rhode Island who, a couple of months ago, called on Catholics to abandon their "abysmal apathy" on this issue. He also wisely pointed out that:

* "The march toward gay marriage across our nation is relentless"

* Homosexual behavior is "unnatural and gravely immoral", "offensive to Almighty God", and "can never be condoned, under any circumstances"

* "The threat to our religious freedom is real, and imminent"

He then reminded the laity of their responsibility "to get involved in public life, to transform the secular order into the Kingdom of God."

President Obama said to the s*domite activists he praised that "we cannot rest". They won't rest - and neither can we.

[7/2]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [7-2-09]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion.htm (or archived at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion_archive_2009.htm ). Not all links may be included. Dates in brackets may refer to dates the links were added to the MCS news page. Items herein contain text only. To view news briefs, actual news links (or to view full news stories), click above link for MCS News & Opinion Page (or archive).

*** ADVISORY: NEWS ITEMS MAY CONTAIN UNDESIRABLE TERMS & COVER SENSITIVE SUBJECTS ***
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Pope accepts resignation of "heroically pro-life", vilified Brazilian Archbishop for reasons of age [7/2]

State ethics agency drops lobbying investigation against Diocese of Bridgeport; Attorney General said the inquiry could harm freedom of speech and religion; Diocesan spokesman calls it "welcome news" [7/2]

Experts believe they have revealed self-portrait of Michelangelo in restored fresco [7/2]

Pope accepts resignation of Uruguayan bishop amidst charges of misconduct [7/2]

Group of U.S. senators call on Vietnam's president to release imprisoned priest [7/2]

NY Times stirs it up: Claims "no obvious precipitating cause" in the investigation of American nuns by the Vatican and quotes book on "betrayal" of American nuns; Glosses over crisis state of female religious orders today - which are rampant with dissent, witchcraft, etc.; Some modern nuns unhappy about visitation, don't want to act like traditional nuns even as their numbers dwindle [Note: Article refers to "primacy" of the Church as the means to salvation. This should read "only", as the Church has issued infallible declarations concerning the dogma of 'No Salvation Outside the Church' (click here for more information)] [7/2]

Pittsburgh's largest Catholic cemetery suffers "worst vandalism" in Catholic Cemeteries Association's history [7/2]

Apostolic Visitation of Legionaries of Christ to start on July 15 [7/2]

Death-row inmate wins right to watch televised Masses twice a week; Previously was only permitted to watch Protestant programming [7/2]

U.S. District Court allows ProtectMarriage.com to defend Prop 8 in lawsuit at their own expense after CA Attorney General refused to defend the voter-approved Proposition [7/2]

Alarming increase in number of illegitimate children in Ireland; Roughly 1/3 of births said to be to unwed mothers [7/2]

Monastery of San Benedetto in Norcia announces plans for new "liturgical apostolate, given to us by the Holy See"; Monastery to celebrate TLM & add daily recording of sung TLM to their website [Note: Select "News" to view story, URL does not change] [7/2]

Mexican bishops state that a thousand priests there face "constant threats" from drug gangs [7/2]

Despite California's "economic emergency", Governor refuses to cut funding for abortion - but does not refuse funding cuts for police & firefighters; CA state government said to be the state's "largest single funder of the abortion industry" [7/2]

Curator says opening of secret Vatican archives dating from time of WWII will give "major boost" to reputation of Pope Pius XII who "ran personal risks" to save Jews' lives; Predicts public will have to wait 5-6 years to view archives [7/2]

More dissent: Suspended 'homosexual activist' priest wants pastors to bar KofC from parishes over their support of Prop 8, which states marriage is between a man and a woman [7/2]

Italian newspaper reports step forward in JPII beatification process; Earlier reports said cause delayed partly due to Cardinal's concern over rapid pace of process [7/2]

-30-

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Catholic News Headlines / Links [7-1-09]

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Catholic News Headlines / Links [6-30-09] (late edition)

Catholic News Headlines / Links [6-30-09] (early edition)

Improvements To Our News Page

Did you notice the recent addition of the RSS feed icon (orange image with radio waves) on our News & Opinion page? If you already make use of RSS ("Really Simple Syndication") feeds, you know what they can do. If you don't, we would like to point out that they can be used to have information delivered directly to your computer (e.g. via your custom home page - such as iGoogle, My Yahoo, My AOL, etc.). They are quite easy to use so even the most non-technical person may be able to benefit from them. Simply click the orange RSS image and follow the instructions. If you'd like to add our feed directly to your Google, Yahoo, MSN, or AOL page, open our Blog & RSS Feed information page (click here) and then click on the applicable button on that page (scroll down to the Google, Yahoo, MSN, AOL buttons). Once complete, custom Catholic content from this site should appear on your selected page (e.g. Google, MyYahoo, MSN, AOL) - and it should be updated automatically over time without your having to do anything. Plus, by utilizing our FREE feed ("subscribing"), you assist this site at no cost to yourself. Please do keep in mind that although our RSS feed may be helpful, it is not a replacement for visiting our news page (the feed may not contain the most current information and it is in summary form).

Another recent enhancement to the News & Opinion page appears near the bottom of the page towards the end of the column labeled "In the News..." There you may find a link to our new 2009 Archived News Brief Index (or click here). This new page allows you to quickly locate archived news briefs. The index contains a title, a topic or summary, and keywords for each news brief. Some "hot topics" have been highlighted (e.g. 'global warming/climate change', illegal immigration). To read applicable news briefs, simply click the title link.

We hope you will find the improvements beneficial. If you have any comments or questions, please let us know.

[6/30]

Monday, June 29, 2009

Pray for Pope Benedict: 82-year-old Supreme Pontiff lost balance on Sunday

At the end of some recent news accounts concerning the scientific analysis of St. Paul's bones, there appeared the following: "At the end of Sunday’s service in the warm basilica, the 82-year-old Benedict lost his balance slightly as he slipped on a step on the altar, and was steadied by one of his assistants who was by his side." Pray for Pope Benedict XVI.

Note: Some prayers for the Pope may be found here.

[6/29]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [6-29-09]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion.htm (or archived at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion_archive_2009.htm ). Not all links may be included. Dates in brackets may refer to dates the links were added to the MCS news page. Items herein contain text only. To view news briefs, actual news links (or to view full news stories), click above link for MCS News & Opinion Page (or archive).

*** ADVISORY: NEWS ITEMS MAY CONTAIN UNDESIRABLE TERMS & COVER SENSITIVE SUBJECTS ***
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Scientific tests provide validation for "never contested belief" that St. Paul's bones rest beneath altar in Roman basilica; Pope announces test results while presiding at ceremonies closing the Pauline Year [6/29]

Oldest known image of St. Paul discovered, restored; Fourth century image in "very good condition" [6/29]

Under pressure, Caritas withdraws from state health plan that would have required abortion referrals [6/29]

Public release of papal encyclical, dated 6/29, thought to still be a week away; Italian newspaper publishes some paragraphs reportedly taken from new encyclical [6/29]

Sotomayor's record of reversals worsens: Supreme Court overturns earlier ruling - white firefighters were unfairly denied promotions due to race [6/29]

Under pressure from the British government, Protestant paramilitary organizations in Northern Ireland announce decommissioning of weapons; Previous conflicts in Catholic neighborhoods killed thousands [6/29]

Parishioners pledge $600K to keep historic Cleveland church open [6/29]

Despite warnings, SSPX proceeds with ordinations; SSPX leader calls bishops' remarks "verbal bullying" [6/29]

Health Secretary Sebelius "doesn't think" government health care will include rationing: Pro-lifers concerned that government health plan may lead to euthanasia & assisted-suicide, Critics say government health plan will raise taxes and will be a "massive takeover" of 16% of the economy [6/29]

Pelosi won't commit to giving the public a week to review final text of health-care bill before it is voted on, fails to respond to question regarding having CBO report on cost of final bill; Final bill "likely" to be over 1,000 pages long and "will include mandates and regulations that could permanently transform the U.S. health care system" [6/29]

Current draft of health care bill said to mandate nationwide taxpayer-funded abortion [6/29]

Nearly all House members surveyed hadn't read the entire 1,200 page climate bill before they voted on it [6/29]

Pro-abortion advocate attacks pro-life group's national headquarters; Vandal attempts to disable security system, punch group's president; Organization has received death threats since shooting of notorious abortionist; Group's president says local police "seemed apathetic" [6/29]

Parishioners in Chicago donate 15 pounds of gold for crowns for statues of Jesus and Mary [6/29]

Woman charged in connection with theft during Mass; Suspect alleged to have stolen from parishioners' purses while they knelt in the pew or went to receive Holy Communion [6/29]

S*domite agenda moves forward: Lawmakers in CA pushing bill for official day to honor deceased homosexual activist Harvey Milk; Bill would encourage public schools in CA to "conduct suitable commemorative exercises" annually on May 22 which would recognize "his accomplishments" and familiarize students "with the contributions he made" [6/29]

Pro-life legal group files papers to challenge court order requiring FDA to allow 'Plan B' drug to be sold to minors [6/29]

Prefect for the Congregation for the Clergy says "there is no room in the priestly ministry" for pedophiles; Says those guilty "must be punished both through civil and canon law” [6/29]

-30-

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Catholic News Headlines / Links [6-27-09]

Friday, June 26, 2009

Will you die today?

The recent passing of several celebrities underscores the fact that death can come for each of us at any moment, fame or fortune notwithstanding. Although (unfortunately) it is unfashionable to talk about our own inevitable deaths in today's age, it has long been the advice of saints that we should think often of death. This way we can prepare for it and, by the mercy of God, have what is known by faithful Catholics as a "happy death".

Since your death can come at any time, even without warning - possibly today - do yourself a favor by making some important preparations for your own happy death. On this note, we will include some resources herein that we hope may be of some assistance, along with some other important points to consider regarding death.

In any event, please don't put off your preparation for a happy death because you never know when your time may come. Remember that the state of your soul at death will affect your entire eternity - and that a single unrepented mortal sin at death is enough to condemn a soul: "It is of faith that Heaven exists for the good and Hell for the wicked. Faith teaches that the pains of Hell are eternal, and it also warns us that one single mortal sin suffices to condemn a soul forever because of the infinite malice by which it offends an infinite God." (St. Anthony Mary Claret)

Even if you are very busy, make the time now for this critical preparation. Don't put it off. Really, don't. Your eternal happiness may be at stake.

Some Resources (click link to view)

* Prayers For Final Perseverance / Happy Death

* Information on Suffering & Death (Topics include: Suffering Has Meaning, How to Suffer, When a Loved One is Suffering or Dying, and When a Loved One Has Died)

* Reflections on Death (a wealth of quotations from popes, saints, scripture, etc.)

* Information on the Sacrament of Extreme Unction / Anointing of the Sick

* Reflections on Judgement

* Topical Scripture: Death

Other items to consider (and discuss with your loved ones, as applicable):

* A priest should be called early - don't wait until there is "extreme" danger of death - "We should not wait until we are in extreme danger before we receive Extreme Unction, but if possible we should receive it while we have the use of our senses." (Baltimore Catechism) [more information]

* Ensure that the priest brings Viaticum to the dying [more information]

* A plenary indulgence may be available at the approach of death [more information]

* St. Joseph is patron saint of a happy death & a number of saints are invoked against sudden death [patron saints index]

* Develop a strong Marian devotion and ask the Blessed Virgin to be your advocate in death.

* Take some time to consider the controversy surrounding organ donation. It is well known that standards in the medical community may result in organs being removed before a person is actually dead - and that such organ harvesting necessarily causes the person's death and is therefore a violation of the 5th commandment. [Note: We have a short flier on organ donation (click here), but there are also invaluable references online which expose problems associated with organ donation and include astonishing admissions by the medical community (try using a major search engine for more information)]. Be sure to advise your loved ones of these facts.

* Instruct your loved ones in advance to call a priest even after your "apparent death", if necessary (e.g. if you have no heartbeat, no brainwaves, no breathing, etc.), since one cannot be certain that the soul has left the body until the body reaches a certain, irreversible state (i.e. putrefaction). [Note: If a priest does not wish to come after apparent death, he may be reminded of his obligation. Note that he may give the sacrament of Extreme Unction conditionally if he thinks someone is dead.] [more information]

* As applicable, instruct your loved ones that you want a traditional Requiem, as is your right, rather than be 'canonized' at a modern service [try here for info]

* Be sure your family knows to pray for you, have Masses said for you, etc. after your death. Especially value Mass at a privileged altar, Gregorian Masses (Trental), enrollments for perpetual Masses, and annual Masses on the anniversary of your death.

Also, to inspire the fear of God - the beginning of all Wisdom (Ps. 111:10, Prov. 9:10, etc.) - it is good to remember that few are saved...

"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Mt. 7:13-14)

"Many are invited, but few are chosen." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Mt. 22:14)

"Someone asked [Jesus], 'Lord, will only a few people be saved?' He answered them, 'Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.'" (Lk. 13:23-24)

"For it is time for the judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, how will it end for those who fail to obey the gospel of God? 'And if the righteous one is barely saved, where will the godless and the sinner appear?'" (St. Peter, 1 Pt. 4:17-18)

"[M]any will be damned; few will be saved." (St. Benedict Joseph Labre)

"Taking into account the behavior of mankind, only a small part of the human race will be saved." (Sr. Lucy of Fatima)

"The number of the Elect is so small - so small - that were we to know how small it is, we should faint away with grief" (St. Louis Marie de Montfort)

"Attend to the words, for they have an especial force, many walk in the broad way few find the narrow way. For the broad way needs no search, and is not found, but presents itself readily; it is the way of all who go astray. Whereas the narrow way neither do all find, nor when they have found, do they straightway walk therein. Many, after they have found the way of truth, caught by the pleasures of the world, desert midway." (St. Jerome, Doctor of the Church)

Finally, don't forget the wonderful news that God is rich in mercy. To receive His mercy, repent sincerely. Do it now. "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Mt. 4:17) If you have an unconfessed mortal sin, get to confession asap. Do not delay. Remember...

"There is hope of mercy in time and in eternity; but there is confession in time only, and not in eternity. There is no confession of sins in any time except in this present life. By his own will each man is permitted and has throughout life the freedom to choose confession. But when we die we loose life and along with it the right to exercise our will. For then a law already set down unto rest or unto punishment sustains, in accord with its past exercise" (St. Hilary of Poitiers, Doctor of the Church)

Closing quotations...

"Since we are travelers and pilgrims in the world, let us ever ponder on the end of the road, that is of our life, for the end of our roadway is our home." (St. Columban)

"Life is short; death is certain; and the world to come is everlasting." (Cardinal Newman)

"Of all the things of life, a happy death is our principal concern. For if we attain that, it matters little if we lose all the rest. But if we do not attain that, nothing else is of any value." (Bl. Juniperro Serra)

"So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Mt. 24:44)

Additional Resources:

* Prayers for Deceased Persons

* Purgatory Information (Purgatory Release Project)

* Catholic Basics Section

* More Quotations (Reflections)

* More Scripture

* Dies Irae (Sequence)

* Share thoughts / tips regarding death: Catholic Life Section | Catholic Seniors Section

* More Resources - See A-Z index for 10,000+ topics

[6/26]

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Monday, July 6, 2009

Friday, July 3, 2009

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Monday, June 29, 2009

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Friday, June 26, 2009

Visit Us On The Web At MyCatholicSource.com

RSS Feed

Subscribe To This Blog

Tweet This Blog

Donate $1+

Comments

Visit The MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page

MCS Daily Digest ™

Blog Archive

Comments

Labels

Visit us on the web at MyCatholicSource.com