Reporting on the REAL ID Townhall Meeting 5-01-07

Public Comment Taken on Real ID Act

The National Town Hall meeting allowed some people to voice concerns and have their comments placed into the public record, which will hopefully be the beginning of a large dialogue.

[snip]

Ginny Lewis, director of the Nevada DMV, pointed out that the public has no idea what is going on in regards to the Real ID -- "It's not on their radar yet," she said. But with a year left until the implementation, having only one town hall meeting in the nation -- with only eight day's notice -- angered many of those attending.

I think this is a done deal. As I listened to the meeting online, I heard a 'controlled tone' I've witnessed before at another meeting. It was a parish council meeting where an agenda was pre-planned and now the 'game'/'plan' was to get everybody to 'buy into a proposed plan'. But many at that parish council meeting after asking questions and not receiving answers, became quite angry and frustrated just as these people were at this 'only' townhall meeting. Hmmm...sounds like the 'Consensus' technique was used for this townhall meeting. Learn how to 'fight' Consensus or 'disrupt' the technique here.

Learn more.

Any time you have ...
1. a diverse group
2. dialoging to consensus
3. over social issues (crises)
4. in a facilitated meeting (controlled environment)
5. to a predetermined outcome

you have what is known as a soviet

"Vatican Click"

Unlike pesky paparazzi, pope's photographers snap coolly, with class

Mass. marriage amendment could head to voters soon

Massachusetts could be only days away from taking the next step toward overturning the state's landmark "gay marriage" law.

Our prayers continue...

UW-Madison awards Catholic group fee money in discrimination case

The agreement calls for the university to award $253,273 for next school year, with the possibility of additional funds for rent and utilities.

The group has asked for the money for activities ranging from prayer gatherings to speeches and classes in theology for students. All expenditures will be subject to a legal review by the university under the deal.

PRAYER ALERT & ACTION - Sen. Hillary Clinton to speak at Catholic Event

Pro-abortion Sen. Hillary Clinton to Speak at Chicago Catholic Charity
To politely express concerns contact:
Cardinal Francis George
Archdiocese of Chicago
155 E. Superior Street
Chicago, IL 60611
312-751-8230 Press 4
312-751-5307 - Fax

Mercy Home
Email: mhinfo@mercyhome.org
Call: (312) 738-7560

House Passes Expanded Hate Crime Bill

BAD NEWS-"The House voted Thursday to expand federal hate crime categories to include violent attacks against gays and people targeted because of gender, acting just hours after the White House threatened a veto."-GOOD NEWS!

NEW! Catholic Radio International

Catholic Colleges - Identity Problems Addressed

Catholic Higher Education Officials Engage in Dialogue at 'City on a Hill' Symposium

Addressing the neglected norms in Ex Corde Ecclesiae, Pope John Paul II's 1990 Apostolic Constitution on Catholic higher education, he objected to the "bleaching" of Catholic identity and noted that "some institutions have ignored, hidden, or lost their ecclesial identity."

To correct that problem, Archbishop Miller urged schools to adopt quantifiable measures of assessment about their Catholicity. He recommended that those measures include, among others, ensuring that a majority of the faculty are Catholic, that all scholarship and research are in accord with Catholic teaching, and that the schools' theologians obtain a Mandatum from their bishop, guaranteeing that all they teach is in conformity with the teachings of the Catholic Church. He also made it clear that "assessment is not an end in itself." Rather, he stressed, "the whole point of assessment is enhancement."

HATE CRIME BILL H.R. 1592 -VOTE held TODAY!

Take ACTION HERE.

Discussions - The Church and the World Jewish Community

Top Catholic leaders to discuss anti-Semitism

GodTube

Evangelizing throughout the internet! YEA GOD!

GO HOLY SPIRIT!

REAL ID - Real Nightmare

Action Center > Submit Comments on DHS Regulations

REAL ID News Round-up:

DHS Honchos Get a Polite Earful on New ID Regulations

UC Davis hosts town hall meeting on REAL ID Act-Speakers voice concerns over new identity cards

Michael Chertoff: Real ID: Necessary tool for protection

Critics question proposal for national ID standards
COST, PRIVACY DOMINATE CONCERNS AT SESSION ON DRIVER'S LICENSES

Industry Insight: REAL ID For Real

Western states urge delaying standard driver's license law
A hearing at UC Davis highlights concerns over security and privacy.

Where the rainbow flag was invented

Done. I didn't have to write up my thoughts on this program as California Catholic Daily already posted an accurate description of the event/program.

I found the 'Prayer Service' nothing but a "pep rally" supporting homosexual lifestyles. Why the fact that the 'Rainbow flag' was created there should have any bearing on a 'Prayer Service' is unfathomable to me. Of course, it goes without saying what should have been heard and taught in church.

One of the issues I am deeply concerned with is, where was this 'Prayer Service' held? Did it take place in MHR's church or did it take place in one of their facilities? If it was held in the church in front of CHRIST in the tabernacle what a disgrace and sacrilege against HIM.

NCReporter's John Allen:Showdown in war vs. 'dictatorship of relativism' looms while General is out of town

Meanwhile back in Rome, a Catholic happening with arguably the greatest potential political and social significance in recent memory will be unfolding: a “Family Day” rally in the Piazza of St. John Lateran, which organizers hope will draw between half a million and a million Italians, both to celebrate the family and also to demonstrate opposition to proposals from Italy’s center-left government to grant civil recognition to same-sex couples.

Though the event is officially being sponsored by a variety of lay Catholic associations and movements and not by the hierarchy, the Italian bishops’ conference and the Vatican are working hard behind the scenes to promote it, which they hope will spell the end of efforts to pass the law on civil unions, known by its Italian acronym as “Dico.”

Motu Proprio 'Cheat Sheet'

From Amy Welborn a Motu Proprio Tip Sheet, as the suspense continues.
Thanks Amy! Very informative!

Kissinger in the Vatican

'Veil Tip' to Clerical Whispers for this one.

Burglars Caught in Memphis Catholic Center Robbery

Catholic diocese burglary solved

Labyrinth News - Catholic Nuns construct 1st of it's kind 'Handicap Accessible Labyrinth'

Catholic nuns open accessible outdoor labyrinth

See "Labyrinth Walk"-On First Fridays - Lord have Mercy!

IHM Sisters Celebrate Earth Day With Multi-Media Presentation

The festivities will be held in the Motherhouse Chapel. The four principles of the Earth Charter will be demonstrated through stories, dance and song. The Great Lakes Women of Gaia will be on-hand for an interactive musical experience as part of the event.

Huh? Gaia....please!

List of Labyrinths Worldwide

Prayer Need! Protection for Archbishops!

Celebrities Joke About Archbishop's Boycott of Catholic Fundraiser

Prayers for the Archbishop of St. Louis - Archbishop Raymond Burke as he continues to preach and teach the TRUTH'S of the Catholic church to all. Prayers of protection, support, and encouragement as he continues to shepherd his flock and as he witnesses CHRIST'S LIGHT and TRUTH to all the world. And prayers of thanksgiving for his courage, character, wisdom and for his spiritual guidance to all Catholics - world wide.

Threats Escalate with Bullet Mailed to Italian Cardinal Opposing Same-Sex Civil Unions

Please pray for the protection of Genoese Archbishop Angelo Bagnasco, of all priests, bishops, all clergy and religious around the world as they continue to do the work of THE FATHER. O Blessed Mother protect them all and keep them from ALL harm and O sweet St. Joseph the Worker safely protect and guide them in all their work, just as you did the HOLY FAMILY.

St. Joseph the Worker

Happy Feast Day!

Litany of St. Joseph

To Have, To Hold and To Work With
St. Joseph the Worker Leads The Way to Holy Spousehood

Pope says love, respect for life must lead to greater justice for all

"Only love within the family, founded on a man and a woman, who are created in the image of God, can ensure that intergenerational solidarity which transmits love and justice to future generations." ~Pope Benedict XVI

NCReporter: 'I wanted a faith that was deeper': Jesuit priest and Zen master

PODCAST- Episode 1
PODCAST- Episode 2

When Kennedy went to study with a Japanese Zen master, the Buddhist told him: " 'I do not want to make you a Buddhist. I want to empty you in imitation of your Lord Jesus Christ who emptied himself and poured himself out.' This is at the heart of what it means to be Catholic. To follow Christ is to empty ourselves." He continues: "I remember thinking then, 'This Buddhist might make a Christian of me yet.' It was so profoundly Christian and beautiful."

NO! CHRIST MAKES YOU THE CHRISTIAN!

HE IS THE WAY THE TRUTH AND LIFE!

THERE'S ONE TRUE TRINITY:

GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE SON, GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT!

About: Jesuit Fr. Robert E. Kennedy
Barb Kralis' piece last year-Zen is coming to a Dallas Catholic parish

Ordained a priest in Japan in 1965, Jesuit Fr. Robert E. Kennedy was installed as a Zen teacher in 1991 and was given the title Roshi in 1997. Kennedy studied Zen with Yamada Roshi in Japan, Maezumi Roshi in Los Angeles and Bernard Glassman Roshi in New York. He teaches in the theology department of Saint Peter's College in Jersey City, N.J. In addition to his work at the college, he is a practicing psychotherapist. He is the author of two books, Zen Spirit, Christian Spirit and Zen Gifts to Christians.

Again our prayers continue for the conversion of ALL souls and for the protection of those souls that will follow error and heresy.

The Goal - Effective Cafeteria Operations

Fingerprint is school-lunch ticket

Update: St. Louis event goes on

Bob Costas Benefit Goes On With Little Protest

"People are entitled to their point of view," Costas said. He says the Archbishop is entitled to his own opinion."

I think it's pretty clear what the majority viewpoint is. (Blind and deaf SHEEP) But that doesn't discredit the minority. Everyone is entitled to their conscience and their perspective and I respect that and on we go." (So very sad -misguided compassion)

The audience seemed to agree with him.

"I am Catholic, but I think everyone has their own opinion about what this event is, and what it's supposed to be," said Aaron Chapman.

"I think the majority of the people are behind this benefit," said Gloria Phillips. A benefit that is about raising money to help kids. (Deaf and blind sheep)

Burke did not tell Catholics to boycott the event. He said that was a decision they'd have to make on their own. Saturday night's gala was sold out. All 4,200 tickets were sold.

Mr. Costas and all that attended this event you don't understand. The Archbishop isn't presenting his opinion. The good shepherd - Archbishop Raymond Burke is teaching the TRUTH--CHRIST'S TRUTH-HIS TRUTH. Do you understand that the Archbishop led his sheep and gave them the opportunity to not be led astray by other 'voices'-the voices of our current culture? The shepherd that he is took his sheep and led them to a green and full pasture that they may be fed to their fullness. He assisted all on their journey, presented opportunity (not OPINION). The sheep chose by their presence at this event and continued down the wrong path. Remember HE came for all of us! Because HE is the GOOD SHEPHERD HE wants to find all that are LOST. So there's always hope. HE sent HOPE-CHRIST- to rescue all from choosing the wrong path. Pray for our country that it will be saved from the path it continues to follow.

My brothers, if anyone among you should stray from the truth and someone bring him back, he should know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20

This is why we are in desperate need of holy shepherds!

This is the difference between the followers of CHRIST and those that will fall when the waves of misguided compassion roll right over them. They can't stand against those waves and they will fall. This is why HE came to be our shepherd not to allow us to fall but to help pick us back up. Again, pray that more shepherds and that all shepherds will tend to their flocks so that ALL will hear HIS voice and follow HIM:

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one."

John 10: 27 - 30

SF-Most Holy Redeemer AGAIN!

Well it went over the airwaves. Now we can hear what actually took place:TRANSCRIPT - 'PRAYER SERVICE'
AUDIO - 'PRAYER SERVICE'
~+++~+++~+++~
This from LifeSite news-San Francisco Archdiocese on BBC "Gay Mass": It was not a Mass and We Didn't Endorse it. On Alison's website he does state that it was a prayer service-see Forthcoming events- 29 April and in the MHR Bulletin online.

Maurice Healy, Communications Director for the Archdiocese, however, was adamant that what will be broadcast is neither a Mass nor endorsed by the Archdiocese.

Healy told LifeSiteNews.com, "The event was not, repeat not a 'gay mass' it was a prayer service organized by Jesuit father Donal Godfrey."

Healy said, "I'm told that he organized it. It was not an archdiocesan function and the
archdiocese was not aware of the BBC broadcast."

I knew about this earlier last week and was waiting to find out the time(U.S.) to listen to the program. I also wondered when someone would write an article about the event.

Found it-The worst part "The service was recorded in October and will be broadcast at 8:10am GMT (3:10 AM CENT) on Sunday on BBC Radio 4."

Since it was recorded back in October that would be around the same time that the SPI's were planning their "Bingo" games too.I'm not sure that you should call it a gay Mass.

It's not, but it's a huge prep rally endorsing the behavior and not condemning the sin. We can LOVE the sinner but NOT the sin!

Where was the pastor-Father Stephen Meriweather? hmmm?

"Fr. Donal Godfrey SJ of the University of San Francisco presides with James Alison preaching". I can't seem to verify his credentials...many places say that he is a theologian, priest, and of course author and speaker.

One place mentions that he 'spent time with the Dominicans--what would that mean? Does he have faculties?So what does 'preside' mean and 'preaching' mean if it was just a 'prayer service'?

And if it was a prayer service why was this distributed: "The 50-minute Mass at the Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in the predominantly gay Castro district of the city will feature prayers and readings tailored for the gay community."

Where would they get that time? Although, they could have gotten that from the BBC as the length/time of the radio program.But a 'veil tip' to Spirit Daily for the news item-BBC to broadcast gay mass from San Francisco

More on the situation:BBC defends broadcast of gay Mass

Of course he's (CD-Wrath and the gay question: on not being afraid, and its ecclesial shape) a favorite among the Sisters of Mercy-Mount St. Agnes Theological Center for Women in Baltimore, Maryland....don't even get me started again!

Here's the talk on his site:Wrath and the gay question: on not being afraid, and its ecclesial shapeAnd apparently he visited MHR-SF last year in Feb. 2006:Is it ethical to be Catholic? – Queer perspectivesA short documentaryAudio-Video

Archbishop Chaput on the Common Good

"More Than a Political Slogan" A lecture presented April 21 by Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver at the conference "Promoting and Protecting the Common Good."

Only one question really matters. Does God exist or not? If he does, that has implications for every aspect of our personal and public behavior: all of our actions, all of our choices, all of our decisions. If God exists, denying him in our public life -- whether we do it explicitly like Nietzsche or implicitly by our silence -- cannot serve the common good because it amounts to worshiping the unreal in the place of the real.

Religious believers built this country. Christians played a leading role in that work. This is a fact, not an opinion. Our entire framework of human rights is based on a religious understanding of the dignity of the human person as a child of his or her Creator. Nietzsche once said that "convictions are more dangerous enemies of truth than lies." But that's false. Not even he believed that, or he couldn't have written a single book.

In fact, the opposite is often true. Convictions can be the seeds of truth incarnated in a person's individual will. The right kinds of convictions guide us forward. They give us meaning. Not acting on our convictions is cowardice. As Catholics we need to live our convictions in the public square with charity and respect for others, but also firmly, with courage and without apology. Anything less is a form of theft from the moral witness we owe to the public discussion of issues. We can never serve the common good by betraying who we are as believers or compromising away what we hold to be true.

Again thank you Archbishop Chaput. We are blessed to have a number of good shepherds...

Thank and Praise YOU FATHER, Thank and Praise YOU JESUS, Thank and Praise YOU HOLY SPIRIT!

We continue to pray on this Day of Prayer for Vocations!

Please, O LORD bring to your sheep more shepherds that are feed by YOUR love, mercy, and truth so that all will be brought into your flock.

Papal Message for Day of Prayer for Vocations

"Consecrated Life Is at the Service of This Communion"

St.Catherine of Siena's Feast Day

Happy Feast Day!

One of her prayers - A Prayer of Praise

(pages 3-10-translated by Suzanne Noffke)

Prayer to Saint Catherine of Siena

Heavenly Father, your glory is in your saints.

We praise your glory in the life of the admirable St. Catherine of Siena,

virgin and doctor of the Church.

Her whole life was a noble sacrifice inspired by an ardent love of Jesus,your unblemished Lamb.

In troubled times she strenuously upheld the rights of His beloved spouse, The Church.

Father, honour her merits and hear her prayers for each of us,

and for our whole parish family dedicated to her.

Help us to pass unscathed through the corruption of this world,

and to remain unshakably faithful to the church in word, deed, and example.

Help us always to see in the Vicar of Christ an anchor in the storms of life,

and a beacon of light to the harbour of your Love,

in this dark night of your times and men's souls.

Grant also to each of us our special petition . . . (pause to pray for your own intentions).

We ask this through Jesus, your Son, in the bond of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
St. Catherine of Siena, Pray for us.

Prayer for the Gifts of Saint Catherine of Siena
God of Wisdom you made our sister Catherine burn with divine love in contemplating the Lord's passion and in serving your Church. With the help of her prayers may your people,

united in the mystery of Christ, rejoice forever in the revelation of his glory, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.