A Happy Blessed New Year!

I want to take a moment to wish all a Happy Blessed New Year and in this wish I would like to offer from my heart the following suggestions:

• Always make sure to thank OUR LORD for all blessings--everything is a blessing--our lives, our families, our health, our homes, our work, everything! Also ask for all graces and blessings for HE is a loving FATHER.
• Always make sure that you have Holy Water. It is one of the many sacramentals available to us through our Holy Mother Church. This sacramental, most especially should be prominent in all homes. We should always wear a brown scapular as well. Make every effort to go to the sacraments--daily/weekly. Make time to go to HIM in the daily reception of the Eucharist at daily Mass. Make time to visit him in the Blessed Sacrament. At all costs make an effort to get to Confession if not weekly then at least once a month.
• Give everything to HIM--EVERYTHING--the fears, joys,sufferings, pains,tears,anxieties, all of it!

"Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow. The same Everlasting FATHER, who takes care of you today, will take care of you tomorrow. HE will either shield you from suffering, or give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations." St. Francis de Sales (*feast day Jan. 24th)

• Study the lives (Catherine of Siena) of the saints.
• Hug your children, love your husbands and wives, honor your mother and father, and assist Our Blessed Mother's priests in prayer support.
• Lastly- know, love, and serve OUR LORD in all you do! HE wants us all to be HOLY CHILDREN OF GOD!

These are what I would call New Year's resolutions.

Have a very HAPPY AND BLESSED NEW YEAR!

In the "new" YEAR OF OUR LORD TWO THOUSAND AND FIVE!

The decline continues...."Spain's Government Approves Gay Marriage Bill"

"Spain's Socialist government today approved a bill to legalise same-sex marriages, putting the predominantly Roman Catholic country on course to become only the third country to recognise gay marriages."

"Gay advocacy groups are supportive of the new legislation but the influential Catholic church adamantly disagrees. A spokesman of the Spanish Bishops Conference claimed some months ago that allowing gay marriages would be like releasing a virus into Spanish society. If Parliament passes the legislation, Spain would join Belgium and the Netherlands in legalising gay marriages."

So very sad. My heart aches as strong as the underwater earth quake. What effects will ripple through society now by this legislation? Will it have the same effects as the tsunami's in Asia?

LORD have mercy!

Book of Isaiah: "When the enemy comes in like a flood, the spirit of the Lord shall raise up a standard against it."

See the works of the LORD-
here:"With Little Warning, Director Saves 28 Orphans from Tsunami"-invoking the NAME OF JESUS!

"He raised his hand in the direction of the flood and shouted, "I command you in the name of Jesus -- stop!" The water then seemed to "stall, momentarily," he said. "I thought at the time I was imagining things." With the water pouring into the mouth of the lagoon, he then began to worry that waves would overtake them from behind, swamping the small boat. Reasoning that it was better to hit the waves head on, he said, he ordered the driver to reverse direction and head back toward the open ocean. "

With an acknowledgement to World Net Daily (one of my favorite news sources) here:

I am trying to disable the comments spot (by blogger) on the site-the one that is directly below and to the right of the posting. Don't use that one to make your comments. Please use the comments feature just underneath the dotted line under each posting. This comments feature works as the other one does not function correctly.

I have been praying for Terri Schindler Schiavo for over a year now. Please see here the latest disappointment.

I continue to ask that all be aware of her situation and pray for her. This situation is continued glee for the "enemy" and those that champion death. Oh, Blessed Mother will you intercede on Terri's behalf and the behalf of her dear mother Mary Schindler? And might we ask for miracles in this great season of miracles-Christmas? Might we also ask that the Holy Family be present to this family in their distress and anguish over their daughter and intercede before the throne of OUR LORD for the safety and welfare of their daughter Terri-that she may be spared from all harm?

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you.

Prayer to Mary, Mother of Life

"O Mary,bright dawn of the new world, Mother of the living,to you do we entrust the cause of life: Look down, O Mother, upon the vast numbers of babies not allowed to be born, of the poor whose lives are made difficult, of men and women who are victims of brutal violence, of the elderly and the sick killed by indifference or out of misguided mercy. Grant that all who believe in your Son may proclaim the Gospel of life with honesty and love to the people of our time. Obtain for them the grace to accept that Gospel as a gift ever new, the joy of celebrating it with gratitude throughout their lives and the courage to bear witness to it resolutely, in order to build, together with all people of good will, the civilization of truth and love, to the praise and glory of God,the Creator and lover of life."
--Pope John Paul II

The Gospel of Life, No. 105

I hope all had a Blessed Christmas! And I pray that we will all be blessed in 2005. May HE grant us everlasting peace in this coming year.
I know...Instead of "new year's resolutions", I'll write a list of 2004's blessings. Maybe I'll post them here later this week. Right now the almost dead Christmas tree needs attention. I sure hope that I can keep it up through the Epiphany. We have all run around decorating since before Thanksgiving and now it the true time for Christmas decorating!

Are these people nuts? My bones hurt just looking at this picture! I had both hips replaced (titanium-now) a few years ago and they hurt so bad this week due to our cold temps here in the south. Brrrr!

A pro-life Democrat? I like what Fred Barnes has to say about the current Senate Democratic Minority leader -Harry Reid. We have to pay attention to all members of Congress. This battle isn't about political parties! It's a battle against the culture of death. We can only pray that all will come to know that a child is not a choice.
While I am on this subject read this from Monsignor Charles M. Mangan on "Instructing Those in Error" from Catholic Online (a good site to add to your favorite list).
And check out what the former Sen. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.), outgoing minority leader said this weekend on NBC News' Meet the Press - Tim Russert asks: "How do you find common ground on those kinds of issues?" (abortion & gay rights)

After the last postings will it be a better world? I wonder? But according to this writer -"Building a Better World" has just begun.

Gay Bashing-the Pope? Will he be arrested too?

Asking the Pope to tone down his language and teaching on homosexuality? What? Will he be arrested and fined too in France?

France's "NEW LAW"

And so IT begins!
France has stepped it up finally in the passing of their "NEW LAW".

Of things to come?!

BE NOT AFRAID.

As I prepare today for a Christmas "Open House" in my home I will indulge a little more of these goodies today and not feel so totally bad in doing so. Enjoy the holidays, each other, and remember to thank all those that are a part of your life. And of course offer GREAT THANKSGIVING to GOD OUR FATHER for sending HIS SON TO US! A child. A child to hold close to our hearts, to listen to HIS heart beat, to snuggle next too, to breathe in the smells of HIS skin and lastly to love. Remember HE is the reason for the SEASON!

Signs?!

Signs!? In this last week of preparation for the BIRTH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST there are lights! Could it BE?! The wonders never cease. Thank you LORD for those wonders and most especially in the birth of YOUR SON.

The USCCB Annual Plenary Meeting November 2004

Back to the USCCB annual plenary meeting last November. Helen Hull Hitchcock editor of "Adoremus" has penned her opinion of the what the Bishops did or failed to do at their last meeting: "Bishops Send Mixed Signals at USCCB Meeting".

"But the divisions within the conference are increasingly visible, as revealed in the conflicts over the Liturgy; even more starkly in the sex-abuse crisis; and this year, in the bishops' divergent responses on Catholics and political responsibility. This situation cannot easily be resolved."

No it CAN NOT! Only when they convert and become HUMBLE & FAITHFUL servants of OUR LORD!

Christian Protestors Face 47 Years in Jail for Encounter at 'Gay Pride' Event

"First, symbols of Christianity are removed from the public square; now, Christians are facing 47 years in prison because they preached the gospel in the public square. Stalin would be proud," Fahling concluded."

See-- IT'S ALREADY HERE! Persecution!

Parents Television Council (PTC) is in the news again this week-Television's increasingly negative treatment of religion.
That's a big DUH! And IT WILL get worse!

Cybercast News Service is reporting on disturbing developments down-under in Australia.

Christian Pastors Found Guilty of Vilifying Islam
"Pastors Danny Nalliah and Daniel Scot were found to have breached a section of the state of Victoria's controversial hate law, which says a person must not incite "hatred against, serious contempt for or revulsion or severe ridicule of" another person or group on the basis of religious belief or activity. The complaint arose from a seminar on Islam run for Christians by Nalliah's evangelical Catch the Fire Ministries in Melbourne in 2002."

What will stop this from taking place here in the U.S.? This is "JUST THE BEGINNING"!
We all need to pay attention here.

In light of the news this week of the Vatican's plans to visit U.S. seminaries in 2005 let's revisit this issue too. And remember there's a priest shortage because of this behavior.

A letter to Archbishop Flynn from Rainbow Sashers. I don't even want to "go there".

"The Rainbow Sash is never worn as a sign of protest. Others have promoted this idea, but we say, we wear the Rainbow Sash as sign of identification."

FOR WHAT? Do you get this?

Our Lady please help us.

More on the Christian Chocolate ban in France: French Religious Symbols Ban Cuts Two Ways
"Catho-phobia""Christianophobia""Christophobia"--& now my newest entry--"Christ-Cocoa-phobia"
Thanks to Carrie Tomko at "Running off at the Keyboard" for the phobia list.

Where do those nuns go when they retire? And do they really retire? I always imagined them sitting in big halls together working on altar linens-repairing them or making them. And by the way where ARE THE YOUNGER nuns? Why aren't they taking care of their own? Where's the social justice in this situation? Aren't the younger nuns required to care for those that aren't able to care for themselves? Hmmm! This doesn't make sense. Let me get this straight--the younger nuns in the order go around the world protesting wars, teaching & practicing "new age" techniques & beliefs-like enneagrams & yoga while the older nuns watch from the sidelines? This makes sense? I don't think so. These Benedictines don't look like they are too worried about the older nuns in their order. They're busy making schedules for Yoga, massage therapy, and Centering prayer. WOW! Those poor older nuns what they have to put up with. What happened to sacrifice? So very sad. I pray for those older retired nuns, how they must be so discouraged. And to think that the older nuns were my teachers in the local Catholic High School. I'll continue to pray for all of you.

Social Doctrine Touted as More Than "a List of Good Feelings"
Vatican Official Warns of Its Weak Use by Catholics
I love this quote by Bishop Giampaolo Crepaldi: "When Catholics are incapable of accepting their own faith as truth, Christianity as 'religio vera' [true religion], they will not be able, either, to appreciate the universal value of the social doctrine itself and will interpret it only as one more contribution," lamented the secretary of the Vatican dicastery.

Again in Rome an interesting new book has been released on the West and Islam-"The West and the Rest" by Roger Scruton, an English philosopher and easiest, formerly a professor at Birkbeck College in London and at Boston University.
I really believe that Sandro Magister at Chiesa is a very good reporter. I enjoy reading her articles as they are quite informative. I would mark this site for broad reading. It's helpful information concerning the Vatican and the hierarchy.

A busy week in Rome: Court rules against bid to remove crucifix. (Have to give credit to a new site I just found for this GOOD NEWS--The Catholic-Spectator. I like the title and the site seems to be pretty much on the straight path.)
"Italian state-run schools are fully entitled to hang crucifixes in their classrooms, an Italian high court ruled on Wednesday, thus rejecting a legal challenge raised by a non-Christian."

This is a good win FOR GOD!

And at the opposite of the spectrum: Rome Gets Rael-World Atheism Convention, held here Dec. 11-13.

Good and evil it's always sooo very close together. Notice what the Pope also had to say about good and evil today too.

Just as St. Paul spoke to the Romans: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Church teaching on babies that die before Baptism.
Fr. Gumpel answers the question.

My "activist friends" check this site out Parents Television Council.
Maybe you can go here and register a complaint against ABC-Disney for their newest show I was so unlucky to have seen last week..."Life as We Know it"...TOTALLY DISGUSTING. I have never seen such trash or heard such trash. I guess this is a version of "SEX in the CITY"--"SEX IN THE CLASSROOM".

Free Market Project Follow-Up Finds Media Obsessed With Obesity

I am so glad to see this item most especially today since I have Christmas cookies in the house. = )
I have always wondered what the big deal is over "super-sizing". When my family eats out at our local fast food restuarant we super-size so that we can share or split the item with each other. I noticed it keeps me from "pigging out" with my own serving. Now if I can exert some self-control with these cookies sitting here in my kitchen and more Christmas baking ahead of me.

LORD give the strength not to pick up that cookie today.

cnsnews.com reports :UK Gov't Tries to Ease 'Backdoor Euthanasia' Concerns As Bill Passes
Will this help? How long before we have to deal with a bill like this?

"A key concern of pro-lifers relates to the fact that, in terms of an earlier legal decision in Britain, food and water are defined as "treatment" and therefore would also be withdrawn, along with what is more conventionally considered medical treatment, such as the administration of drugs."

Cuba threat over Christmas lights
Hope this works-a good plan at keeping the "light" on human rights-75 imprisoned dissidents held since last year.

Fox News Channel, Giving 'Em More Zell

Nothing like a good guy from the "red state" of GA. to help keep it fair and balanced!

White Christmas

Still Dreaming of a 'White Christmas'
Interesting background on one of my favorite Christmas songs.

Whoa-Archbishop Flynn & Rainbow Sash-ers

Archbishop speaks to Vatican officials about Rainbow Sash protests
"He said Cardinal Arinze agreed that it was a complex problem requiring clear teaching and pastoral sensitivity. The archbishop said he was not asked to change his policy."
This was a good thing, but why can't THEY just stand firm in CHRIST'S TEACHINGS?!

Do you know any of these people? (The National Association of Catholic Diocesan Lesbian and Gay Ministries-NACDLGM) There are religious at this event. These acronyms...

Still whining ...The "So-Called" Liberal Media .

Beckhams' Nativity Scene Attacked in London

What are people thinking? Wax statues of the Blessed Mother-"Posh" Spice likeness--Joseph-David Beckham likeness? Does anyone have common sense any more? Thank goodness--"Anglicans, Catholics and Presbyterians have united in calling the exhibit a new low in the cult of celebrity worship."

If you knew it might present a continued offense or problem why don't you remove the display? How can you say it's just a tongue-in-cheek? I am OFFENDED! Disgusting.
"Madame Tussaud's have apologized for any offence caused, but insist the tableau was intended only as a tongue-in-cheek way of bringing the nativity to a wider audience.
"We are not suggesting for one minute these celebrities actually represent the biblical characters themselves and we are sorry if it has been misconstrued as such," a statement said."

France! Need I say more?
French Thought Police Ban 'Christian' Chocolate

St. Fultie, The Next American Saint? Archbishop Sheen called himself this. Cute.

The Bible tells me so
Religion in the Heartland is more complex than those of us in the blue states sometimes think

And...again...hate the sin love the sinner!
"Increasingly, churches are consulting scholars, parsing Hebrew and Greek terminology, sponsoring in-depth discussion forums and commissioning research to examine exactly what the Bible says, and what passages written thousands of years ago when concubines were the norm, mean for 2005."

WHAT? Again where in the BIBLE does it say that this behavior is acceptable?

And stay with this article---it gets really out THERE & quite long--according to this writer Vicki Haddock --Sodom and Gomorrah's fate was due to the fact that GOD was destroying the cities for their actions in particular -"gang rapes"-"In context, the tale doesn't read as an indictment of consensual gay sex -- it's a sickening denouncement of gang rape." Again what are these people doing to the Bible and our Churches?

Gay Marriage Stance Prompts Church Action Against Mayor
"San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom says he is not welcome in two of the city’s Catholic churches because he sanctions same sex marriages."

Again hate the sin love the sinner!

Hate the sin -love the sinner!
Why do you have to manipulate the Bible? And not to mention the wallpaper of the Vatican website?

Catholic lottery winner distributes funds to support culture of life
This one makes me feel better tonight--but please Bernadette pay attention to those groups whom you are bestowing HIS gifts. Please make sure that they are following OUR LORD, the Church, and are REALLY PRO-LIFE! Prayers for you Bernadette and your mission. May Our BLESSED MOTHER continue to assist you in ending ALL ABORTION.

Concerns with the Vatican? Why oh why would you be?
Could it be because the Vatican is preparing to make a planned visit to the U.S. seminaries next year? Hmm?

Child Euthanasia Already Happens Everywhere, Says Dutch Hospital

Child Euthanasia Already Happens Everywhere, Says Dutch Hospital
Hearing this makes me so very sick to my stomach with less than just two weeks away from the celebration of the BIRTH OF THE SON OF GOD!!! A CHILD! I have got to pray for the graces to fast for the next couple of weeks!
Come LORD come!
LORD have Mercy!
Our Lady of Guadalupe PRAY FOR US!

Thomas More Law Center Files Supreme Court Brief in Support of Ten Commandments Display
This shall be interesting as I live here in Alabama-Judge Moore's home state.

HOLLYWOOD SNUBS MEL—AGAIN

Well, well, well...this is really a good thing in my humble opinion--Mel knows where the HONOR AND GLORY LIES!

CIRCUIT COURT HEARS NYC NATIVITY CASE---we shall see who wins on this one.

Cardinal Mahony accused of perjury in sex abuse case
Did anyone see this?

Are you familiar with one of my favorite musical groups? "Simply Red" is scheduled to perform at the Vatican. I want to go! My favorite song is "Holding back the years".

'UK church faces life underground'
Top cleric sees implosion, persecution coming

Well if we are take our cues from this piece of information --who is next? I think the persecution has already begun. I have experienced it first hand among my own family members who have taken humanism to be their own belief system. It doesn't take long before you realize that most of our culture have embraced this thinking. "I don't need to go to confession...I just speak to him right here" or "Why should I say anything about my son's living arrangements? It's his life anyway". We haven't even begun to quite see and understand the effects of this "cancer". We have just scratched the surface.

The impending death of Christmas?
Rev. Jerry Falwell on Christmas: "Other similar religious-freedom legal groups are actively working to protect Americans' rights to express their faith. The task is daunting because leftist organizations are aggressively attempting to redefine America in their own Godless image. They seek a national mandate."

What happened to this Christmas tree? See the video. I don't understand what they are saying but in this case, pictures and reactions speak a thousand words.

Now that this group The Council for Secular Humanism has taken a stance against Christian beliefs. Look here: "Dangerous Reading"!? Look here: What Do We Do Now that the Sexual Revolution is Over? Here: HUMANISM AND ITS ASPIRATIONS

Here's a good fighter of humanism and I hope he becomes a great saint Archbishop Fulton Sheen. See this site for an update on his cause for sainthood-"Pressing Sainthood for a Beloved Archbishop"

Moving along the same "patterns" here. Look at these facts and figures for 2020. These figures pertain to "the Church"--and are reported in the Los Angeles archdiocese "The Tidings Online" -"Given so many parish closings, where are parishes headed?". Very interesting read and very telling. Hmm predictions!? Really. I would like to make a prediction too-- Mr. Dean R. Hoge will be wrong! I can see a bit of information being used to perpetuate a "plan", a well "formulated" plan.

Come Holy Spirit COME!

Father Frank Kelley has got it right. To the question of how will united churches/parishes work out? What happened to people becoming adults and adjusting to the situation? What happened to teaching that we are ONE HOLY CATHOLIC APOSTOLIC CHURCH!? I can never understand how WE create the divisions within our OWN parishes. The CCD children are separated from the parish elementary school children, mind you not on "purpose". We do it when we plan parish events. It just happens. I know that it does, but why can't we make a conserted effort to pull it together. Just like when mom and dad said we were going to play a game--we all played together! We didn't exclude anyone we brought all to the game. It's very easy if we remain humble children of GOD.

Our main goal as Catholics is to unite and propagate our faith in and outside of our parish communities. First it requires a truly holy Priest that is committed to his vocation to assist his flock in carrying out Christ's mission for HIS church and HIS sheep. It can be done. And secondly it requires US to step up to our Baptismal vows and live them out using those gifts that have been bestowed upon us by the Holy Spirit in the sacrament of Confirmation. Everything is "doable" when we have GOD ON YOUR SIDE!

Our prayers continue for all bishops, priests, and vocations. LORD send us holy and faithful shepherds.

Republicans Outbreed Us, Democrats Fret
It's a good thing! I love the fact that we are still multiplying and filling up those "red states"! Who will be left in the Democratic Party, say in 2012? Will they become "extinct"?


Following the news items about the destruction of nativities across our "fruited plain", this one will surely enlighten you and brighten your Christmas spirit. Symbols and traditions of Christmas

Here's a list of offenses against Christmas in THIS COUNTRY--the USA-the country of FREEDOM of SPEECH.

DO WONDERS EVER CEASE!?
NATIVITY SCENES VANDALIZED NATIONWIDE

And I'm taking Bill's lead on this on as this IS now OPEN for Discussion!

These ITEMS are why we should stay informed so that we may continue IN THIS BATTLE OF THE CULTURE OF DEATH!

This is the first example: Gloria Feldt Pres. of Planned Parenthood--states in her blog this week: too: "For anti-choice extremists: knowledge is dangerous. It is corrupting, and must be restricted."

Really Gloria what and how are we corrupting and how will we be restricted? Is there a plan I am uninformed about?

CONCERNED FOR GAY YOUTH, LAMBDA LEGAL EXPANDS CAMPAIGN
"In Missouri, Utah, Alabama, Iowa and Texas, Lambda Legal is asking local television and radio stations to air public service announcements about the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth in school. Lambda Legal is also reaching out to state and local organizations in the communities, to provide comprehensive materials that educate youth and schools about their rights and obligations."

France to punish homophobic and sexist remarks with jail sentences
"France moved yesterday towards the creation of a new law which would make sexist or homophobic comments illegal and forbid job discrimination against homosexuals. After a muddled late-night debate, in which a number of governing-party deputies made starkly homophobic declarations, the National Assembly gave a second reading to a bill that would create a "high authority" to fight discrimination of all kinds. The bill, which will become law if approved unchanged by the Senate, the upper house, later this month, extends existing penalties for racist abuse to all insults made for reasons of "gender or sexual orientation or handicap".

Under Human Rights Day---
"Reproductive Rights Are Human Rights"
Statement by Gloria Feldt, President, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, on Human Rights Day

Good News for Gays in U.S. Churches

And this one--be aware of what's going on and how these people keep "PUSHING" their agenda!

GAY RIGHTS ACTIVISTS REASSESS STRATEGY
"The lack of activists' success in the United States stands in contrast to Canada where the Supreme Court ruled Thursday that gay marriage was constitutional, allowing the government there to call on Parliament to legalize same-sex unions nationwide."

In Bed with Bush for Four More Years
"Marcela Valente BUENOS AIRES, Dec 10 (IPS) - Four more years of President George W. Bush in the White House will pose a major obstacle for efforts to promote sexual and reproductive health in Latin America, according to Monty Eustace, the president of the International Planned Parenthood Federation/Western Hemisphere Region (IPPF/WHR).
”The next four years are going to be very difficult for the United States and for Latin America,” he told IPS."

ahhh darn it---I hate it for IPPF!!

Billion Children Under Threat, says Unicef
WHAT ABOUT THOSE BABIES IN THE WOMB?! What about the threat they endure EVERY DAY by mothers that are led to abortion mills every day--min. and every hour? GO AWAY UNICEF!

Catholic Priests Urged To Unionize Would this help? I don't think so!

No action on 'gay Jesus' - police --GOD HAVE MERCY

Apparently this "play" hasn't gone away...it just traveled overseas to other more open countries. This is totally disgusting and makes my HEART WEEP FOR the sacrilege against HIM! Even IN HIS NAME!

Tracking Stress and Depression Back
"By listening intently to movements and heartbeats, researchers are finding that the fetuses of mothers who are stressed or depressed respond differently from those of emotionally healthy women.
After birth, studies indicate, these infants have a significantly increased risk of developing learning and behavioral problems, and may themselves be more vulnerable to depression or anxiety as they age."

Doesn't this sound like this going to pave the way for that mandatory mental health screening bill that just got passed? Will the men stand up against this in protection of their wives and unborn children? What's up with this?

Pontifical University to Take on the Devil

Pontifical University to Take on the Devil

Thu Dec 9, 2004 12:54 PM ET By Philip Pullella
ROME (Reuters) - Forget the new "Exorcist" film, the Vatican is offering the real thing.
A Vatican university said on Thursday it will hold a special "theoretical and practical" course for Roman Catholic priests on Satanism and exorcism in response to what the Church says is a worrying interest in the occult, particularly among the young. This year, Italy was gripped by the story of two teenage members of a heavy metal rock band called the "Beasts of Satan" who were killed by other band members in a human sacrifice.


It's a good thing!

The Crux of the problem answered by JPII this week

Here's the crux of the PROBLEM with in the Catholic Church---poor catechesis!!! EXACTLY!The question remains will the "American" Catholic Bishops listen?Poor catechesis is why we have a culture of sin and of death. When was the last time you heard from your local parish pastor the effects of sin? When did you hear an explanation of the Mass? When did you hear about the lives of the saints? Of their example? When was the last time that you were told to KNOW, LOVE, AND SERVE OUR LORD? That this is the the reason for your existence?Our Holy Father has continually shown the way to our Bishops--American Bishops--are they listening?Tell me does this group Mount St. Agnes Theological Center for Women catechize? -Scroll down the page to "Litany"-goddess worship? This isn't even CHRISTIAN. Are they in line with the Church's teachings? These ladies are allowed to continue to indoctrinate--"catechize" those they reach through their group, their "retreats"through Adult Ed. Programs throughout the country, and through their website. Where is Cardinal Keeler of Baltimore? Where is Bishop David E. Foley -B'ham? They both are quite familiar with these MSA women and these ladies are allowed to continue to operate "their catechesis".

Where is the Archbishop Oscar Lipscomb -Mobile? Spring Hill Catholic College's-Theology Library website is full of dissenting information for the entire world to view and link to. "Who's to be Ordained?" . This website is "linked" (see Theology Library USA at site-scroll down) and recommended throughout the world--by groups (International Movement We Are Church: Links to related organizations) that openly dissent the Catholic Church and it's teachings---they blatantly dissent our Church. Eco-feminist, new-age, "change agents", & women priest-wannabees link to this site.Where is the Catechesis at this "Catholic College"? Is it in the Spring Hill Catholic College Theology Library? It is ironic that this quote would be made by Bishop David E. Foley--"At the university level, we talked about the importance of getting the professor to teach in unison with the bishop," he said.

What about the Archbishop that is responsible for this college within his archdiocese?

Yes --I so agree with Our Holy Father John Paul II--there is an "urgent need for a comprehensive catechesis" on the lay apostolate." One exception to this statement--we can no longer wait for our shepherds to expand committees to study the needs of a diocese...spend money...blah,blah,blah..."We"--the LAITY need to stand up and answer the call to serve OUR LORD, through the promptings, guidance, and gifts of the Holy Spirit-bestowed upon us in our Baptism and sealed at our Confirmation. Not later---NOW!Catholic laity must follow authoritative church teachings, pope saysCatholic News Service

Advocates for Abandoned Babies Win Lottery
Couple wins $ 27 mil--took a pay out/lump sum of $9 mil and will use it to help others and continue to pay for funerals for unwanted babies. Nice story today-it's a good thing!

Some call HIM "The Jesus Christ of the Undocumented."
Salvaged statue's fate to be decided
Thousands have seen Jesus artwork discovered in river

Border Patrol agents found the statue on a sandbar in the river Aug. 31. When agents first saw the statue from the air, they thought it was a body and launched a rescue attempt.

Homosexual Advocacy Group Names First Heterosexual Co-Chair
"Straight Americans are a crucial part of the fight for equality. Mike is one of those leaders and will do an exceptional job bringing more Americans to the table.".....

Heads Up!
I don't think I like this thought--"now blurring the lines"!

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION-- http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07674d.htm
The Miraculous Medal--and St. Catherine Laboure :http://www.amm.org/medal.htm& http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintc11.htm

Now CTA-Call to Action--encourages their "younger activists" to take heart---Letter To A Young Activist During Troubled Times

RUNAWAY PRIESTS: Hiding in plain sight--following Rod Dreher's Dallas Morning News items from a few months ago about the a priest hiding in the Philipines--here's another series at the Dallas Morning News again--about Fargo, ND--
Taking cover under the red, white and blue-Canada lets 4 accused of child molestation call U.S. home
By BROOKS EGERTON and REESE DUNKLIN / The Dallas Morning News.

Some days!
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

Politics and communion --- Accept the church's teachings or move on. This is getting old and I know that it's not going away.
"When I first heard that some Catholic bishops were denying communion to select politicians, I was dismayed. This policy represents a break from long-standing church tradition, which left decisions about fitness to receive communion up to the individual in almost all cases.
When I read about Bishop Baker’s statement, I was horrified. Suddenly the issue was, if not on my doorstep, on the doorstep of my loved ones and my childhood."

This is humanism at it's finest. I am in charge of my own reception of the Eucharist and of my own sins. So very sad.

"The trend toward denying communion to abortion-rights advocates may have grown out of a meeting between President Bush and Cardinal Angelo Sodano last summer. The president, an anti-abortion Methodist, asked for Vatican support in defeating his political adversaries. The wave of election-year pronouncements looked suspiciously like the Catholic church’s response to Bush’s request."

Hmmm..."they" spend so much time trying to figure out how Bush won and how he was able to capture so many votes.

"And we who are horrified can only wonder, should we stay?"-- hhhhhmmmm?

"Should we walk out and slam the door when we hear these words, as Yvonne did? Should we slam the door forever, as she has seriously contemplated? Or should we, indeed, sit in our pews — not because we feel divided from Christ but because we feel divided from those who use his body as a weapon?
Yvonne and I compared notes, impulses and anger. We talked about whether other religions might be more welcoming, but we’ve stuck around this long because no other faith will do. And after my own personal examination of conscience, I went up for communion in the diocese of Charleston."

"Every time we receive communion, we share it with many wonderful people and some awful ones. But we should not judge them, even when they are bishops. We should stick around for the same reason we have stuck around after every other church scandal — not out of loyalty or obedience to bishops, but because we believe we are the body of Christ."

I think that you should consider the fact that you were poorly catechized and you should seek the true teachings of the church and then you can make a decision. Tho most of what you have learned thus far isn't quite all your fault.....where are the teachers now?

It will be interesting to see how the United Church of Christ and all the gay rights groups will respond to this set back from 2 leading networks. The networks have refused to place controversial ads that display congregations turning away and then welcoming homosexual congregants into their churches. Very interesting.

I understand the rationale of keeping and obeying rules in the NFL--but really what's the harm if Ben Roethlisberger wants to keep on his shoes the letters-P-F-J--"Play for Jesus"? Rules are rules and-I guess he'll be fined $5,000.00 if he keeps the letters on his shoes. How did anybody find out about the letters on his shoes? Are there shoe police in the NFL now too?

Again...from France- their culture of death. It appears that Euthansia has taken over Europe---France Approves What it Calls 'Passive' Euthanasia. What the heck does "passive" mean anyway? "Unlike the situation in the Netherlands and Belgium, where doctors are not prosecuted for actively ending the life of a patient, the French legislation deals mainly with acts of omission."

The American Life League steps in to call it like it is--concering the appointment of President- NARAL-Nancy Keenan- a Pro-choice- "Catholic".

Pro-Life Group Blasts New NARAL President's Catholic Church Upbringing:

By Melanie Hunter

"It is a sad day in America when someone who claims to have been raised in the Catholic Church takes the helm of an organization solely dedicated to advocating the mass slaughter of innocent preborn children in the womb," the American Life League said in a press release."For a woman who was taught to respect all innocent human beings, it is a scandal that Ms. Keenan has agreed to lead such an anti-life, anti-Catholic organization. The Catholic Church does not waver in its teaching that the act of abortion is gravely evil in every circumstance, and Ms. Keenan has made it perfectly clear that she believes the Church is wrong," the pro-life group added. In a statement on the NARAL website, Keenan said "the stakes have never been higher" for abortion rights supporters."Every branch of the federal government is dominated by powerful opponents of choice.

It never ceases to amaze me that our country in all it's freedoms still "puts up" with such mockery of religion. Please respond to the following most disturbing movie : A film version of the play “Jesus Has Two Mommies” is being shown in Portland, Oregon on December 1. Please take a moment to send a quick e-protest to those who are taking Christmas and turning it into a protrayal which we consider ever so blasphemous. Click here to protest!

An open letter to Europe: "Are you nuts?" from my friends at Catholic Citizens of Illinois
and credit to a my good friend PML-in MN for this link.

Welcome!

+JMJ+

I pray that in this NEW YEAR the YEAR OF THE HOLY EUCHRIST that all will come to know, love, and serve HIM. I dedicate this space to the TRINITY and to Our Blessed Mother. May THEY watch over, guide, lead, and love me and all who visit this site. Amen.