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?