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.

Saint Louis Marie de Montfort's Feast Day

Happy Feast day!

Catholic Clergy Back Burke

From Rev. John Trigilio, Jr. President-Confraternity of Catholic Clergy and Archbishop Burke will be at a Confraternity of Catholic Clergy Annual Workshop this summer.

Attleboro Catholic School Bars Same-Sex Couple From Prom

This one is going to create a buzz throughout Boston and the blogs...

The Catholic Church, anti-Semitism, and the Latin Mass

World's Roman Catholic bishops to take up anti-Semitism at 2008 meeting

The 60-page document, which was approved by Pope Benedict XVI, outlines the suggested topics and includes a questionnaire to be answered by local bishops.

After asking if priority is given to dialogue with the Jews, the questionnaire calls on bishops to investigate the use of biblical texts to "ferment attitudes of anti-Semitism."

Other fears...this is VERY scary!

Pope to Call Bush on Ecology Sins

Cardinal Renato Martino, advisor to Pope Benedict XVI affirmed that climate change will possibly be one of the issues dealt with between the Pope and President George W. Bush.

The New Anti-Catholic Bigotry

Confirmed-President Bush & Pope Benedict XVI to meet in June

Bush meeting with Pope Benedict XVI confirmed

Concerns over Pope's Latin Mass move

POPE ACCEPTS INVITATION TO VISIT U.N. HEADQUARTERS

YouTube - Archbishop Burke on Cardinal Glennon Benefit w/Sheryl Crow

Again - contact Archbishop Burke here.

CT Catholic Hospitals might be required to provide contraceptives to rape victims

Catholic leaders stung as rape victim bill advances

A compromise plan to have outside nurses give emergency contraceptives to rape victims at all Connecticut hospitals won state Senate approval Wednesday despite its rejection by Roman Catholic hospitals.

Mexico City Abortion Law

Mexico City Abortion Law Will be Taken to Court by Catholic Attorneys

A lay group for Catholic attorneys is planning to take the new law allowing abortions up to 14 weeks of pregnancy in the Mexican capital to court once the city's mayor signs it into law. The College of Catholic Lawyers plans to file a formal complaint with an international court.

REAL ID DEBATE

Davis center stage in federal ID debate

UPDATE: National Town Hall - DHS RealID Webcast on May 1, 2007 10 AM to 2 PM Pacific Time, 12 PM-4 PM Central Time, 1 PM to 5 PM
'Veil Tip' to Real ID Watch for the webcast info.
The hearing, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday in Freeborn Hall at UC Davis, is the nation's only open meeting on REAL ID, which sets national standards for driver's licenses and identification cards. It is being run by the state Department of Motor Vehicles at the Department of Homeland Security's request.
I wish that there were representatives from other cities and states that could attend. I wish I was attending. Why not alert your CA family and friends. Better yet...email WorldNetDaily. (I did-& Drudge too--maybe they'll post them too-hope so.)

Wis. ‘mark of the beast’:Amish worried about livestock ID number

Read the comments too....interesting.

More on Archbishop Burke's Courageous Decision

Yesterday I heard Rush Limbaugh speak about Archbishop Burke too...awesome. (it's in his 'stack of stuff'-scroll down story #4)

The "helping kids" exclamation was because he was incredulous of the event - raising money for kids while proclaiming pro-abortion and stem cell research.

Helping kids! You have to admire this man's willingness to stand for principle, and I wanted to pass the story on to you as a means of noting his principle and courage in this -- Archbishop Raymond Burke.

Catholic League's Bill Donohue offers support and gratitude-ARCHBISHOP BURKE SHUNS SHERYL CROW

Once again, practicing Catholics who do not live in St. Louis are envious of the privileged position that Catholics in that wonderful city enjoy. Time and again, Archbishop Burke has proven to be one of the most prominent voices of moral clarity inside and outside the Catholic Church in the United States.

DITTO!

Why not offer a note of thanks, prayers, and support to Archbishop Burke

Matt Abbott - Remembering 'apparition fever'

Justice Roberts' Catholic Education

'Veil tip' to Kathryn Jean Lopez over at NRO-Studying John Roberts

Sheryl Crow 'turns off' many this week...

It wasn't enough to suggest the use of a single sheet of toilet paper...she really is batting zero all around.

Archbishop Quits Catholic Group Having Pro-Abortion Singer Sheryl Crow

Matt Abbott - Catholic funerals, weddings, & Holy Communion; Did the AP mischaracterize

Survey studies Hispanic religious views

The bilingual survey involved 4,600 interviews from August to October last year and is billed as one the most detailed looks ever at Hispanics and U.S. public life. It has a margin of error of 2.5 percentage points.

The survey also found that 54 percent of Hispanic Catholics identified themselves as charismatic, compared to about 12 percent of non-Hispanic Catholics.

Though definitions differ, charismatics generally emphasize an intense personal experience with God and believe the Holy Spirit can work through speaking in tongues, healing and prophecy.

Luis Lugo, director of the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, said this brand of Christianity, mostly associated with evangelicals, attracts Catholics who don't feel a strong connection with God through the traditional Mass.

"This is introducing a new way to worship, a new way of being the church," Lugo said. "You could call it bringing the fiesta spirit into the Catholic church."

Lugo said Catholic leaders will be challenged to incorporate clapping, shouting and even speaking in tongues into worship, a potential point of conflict in an institution that cherishes tradition. Those issues will be brought into relief next month when Pope Benedict XVI visits Brazil, the world's most populous Catholic country, where Pentecostals are making inroads.

We shall see...

Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist

Happy feast day!

O God, you gave blessed Mark the evangelist the grace and the gift of perservance of preaching your gospel. Grant that we may be guided by his wisdom to walk in the footsteps of Christ and that we may be always receptive and gifted the grace to accept your WILL in all things. Assist us O Holy Spirit in all our activities drawing all to HIS LIGHT and HIS TRUTH. AMEN.

Pope Benedict XVI's Portrait & Artist

Artist asked to paint Pope adds ‘gravitas and bit of a twinkle’

I don't think he needed to add the twinkle it's already there thanks to THE HOLY SPIRIT!

Mexico City Legalizes Abortion

The bill, approved 46-19, with one abstention, will take effect with the expected signing by the city's leftist mayor. The new law will require city hospitals to provide the procedure in the first trimester and opens the way for private abortion clinics. Girls under 18 would have to get their parents' consent.

The procedure will be almost free for poor or uninsured city residents. Mexico City is a federal district similar to Washington, D.C., with its own legislature. The district includes the capital and its suburbs and is home to about 20 million people.

You know PPF is quite happy over this one. Nothing like dollar signs to give you a new direction.

LORD PLEASE FORGIVE US!

Our Lady of Guadalupe FORGIVE US!

Our Lady of Guadalupe pray for us!

First groups to get ID Card - Fed. Employees

EDS Wins $66M Federal ID Card Contract

The General Services Administration has chosen Electronic Data Systems Corp. to supply new identification cards for federal employees and contractors in a deal worth $66 million.

The contract is part of a multibillion-dollar program to issue ID cards using digital technology, such as biometrics, to all federal employees and contractors by October 2008.

Advocates of Same-Sex “Marriage” Advance Agenda in Washington, Oregon, New York, & Conn.

Rest In Peace Audrey Marie Santo

Requiescant

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Hundreds gather to mourn woman credited with miracles by many

From Robert Novak - Partial pro-life Dems

PRAYER ALERT- Mexico City to hold landmark abortion vote

"We hope it will be a decision in favor of life and the common good. That's what we're praying for," said Catholic priest Pedro Rivera.

O MARY CONCEIVED WITHOUT SIN PRAY FOR US WHO HAVE RECOURSE TO THEE!

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE please intercede for us and all of North Amercia most especially for ALL your children in MEXICO! All heavenly assistance is NEEDED NOW- ALL THE CHOIRS OF ANGELS assist us please and every SAINT please hear and take this petition to the throne of OUR LORD!

Our Lady of Guadalupe

God of power and mercy, you blessed the Americas at Tepeyac with the presence of the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe. May her prayers help all men and women to accept each other as brothers and sisters. Through your justice present in our heats, may your peace reign in the world. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Saint Gabriel Prayer

O God, who from among all your angels chose the Archangel Gabriel to announce the mystery of the Incarnation, mercifully grant that we who solemnly remember him on earth may feel the benefit of his patronage in heaven, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer to Saint Michael

Saint Michael, Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And you, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into Hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Thank and Praise YOU FATHER,

Thank and Praise YOU JESUS,

Thank and Praise YOU HOLY SPIRIT!

“Get out of San Francisco!”

Appeals court asked: Did San Francisco Board of Supervisors violate First Amendment when it adopted resolution bashing the Catholic Church?

Was the San Francisco Board of Supervisors constitutionally justified in passing an explicitly anti-Catholic resolution, adopted March 21, 2006, which labeled the Vatican a “foreign country” whose moral teachings are “hateful,” “insulting and callous,” and “insulting to all San Franciscans”?

Federal Judge: Catholic Church’s Position Against Homosexual Adoptions Justifies Government Hostility Towards Church

Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Law Center, observed, “Judge Patel clearly exhibited hostility toward the Catholic Church. During oral argument and in her written decision she claimed that the Church ‘provoked the debate’ by publicly expressing its moral teaching, and that by passing the resolution the City responded ‘responsibly’ to all of the ‘terrible’ things the Church was saying. This judge attempted to rationalize the evocative rhetoric and venom of the resolution which are sad reminders of Catholic baiting by the Ku Klux Klan.”

Issues with proposed travel cards

Canada, Mexico travel cards under privacy attack

The passport cards are billed as a response to widespread demand for a lower-cost passport alternative from people who live in border communities and, like all Americans, are expected to be required to begin showing passports at land and sea border crossings beginning next year. (Similar requirements for air travel took effect earlier this year.)

I believe I already received my 'chipped' passport.

Pope, Abbas meet as Hamas breaks ceasefire

Posing as pals, drug reps sway doctors' choices

ID theft task force urges tougher penalties

China requires fingerprint for class entry at colleges

From Reuters-Scanners keep students under China college's thumb

This is bunk!

Experts worry Vatican may slight Jews in Latin mass

PRAYER ALERT - Christian Village in Iraq Bombed

Bishop of Kurdistan: “the Church in Iraq is in great danger”

There are numerous children and Dominican nuns among the wounded from yesterday’s suicide bombing of the Christian village of Tell-el-skop, north east of Mosul. Suicide attacks targeting the North of the country have sounded the alarm for religious leaders, who now ask the Holy See for help.

“Find a way, a means to save us, the Church in all of Iraq is in great danger, we beg the Vatican to help us bring our voice to the world”.

Save Iraq Christians, Bishop appeals

OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE PRAY FOR US!

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

National Day of Silence passed silently due to VT tragedy

On Wednesday Students in 5,000 US Public Schools Were Given Pro-Homosexual Propaganda

‘Days’ pass quietly

Gay rights tension ebbs at high school-Day of Silence led to rumors, lockdown

Parents take students out of school during anti-gay bullying demonstration

Students observe ‘Day of Silence’: Reaction mixed to gay-straight club’s advocacy

National Day of Truth

Ranger Rosaries

Requests pour in for ranger rosaries

I make rosaries and encourage you to do the same...spread HER mantle of love to all her children.

More news on the Anglicans and possible schism

Canadian House of Bishops - Message to the Church

Anglican leaders set to converge on N.O.; September gathering to tackle growing rift

The head of the worldwide Anglican church will meet with Episcopal bishops from across the country in New Orleans this fall, in an effort to keep the 77 million-member Anglican Communion from breaking apart over opposing views of homosexuality.

[snip]

Opposed are conservative Anglicans in the Southern Hemisphere, especially Africa and Asia, who take a traditional Scriptural view of homosexuality.

American Episcopalians have the wealth, sending tens of millions of dollars to Anglican churches overseas. But conservatives have the numbers. Nigeria alone, headed by the outspoken conservative Archbishop Peter Akinola, has 17 million Anglicans -- seven times the United States membership.

Washington National Cathedral -their 'strategic vision' for the future (pdf.file)

Press Release: FUTURE OF THE CHURCH IN THE 21st CENTURY: ACCLAIMED THINKERS GATHER AT THE CATHEDRAL TO DISCUSS INNOVATION, TRADITION

During a three-day gathering in May, mainline and evangelical Christians will talk about the best practices within their ministries and how these practices are addressing a new set of cultural conditions in the 21st century.

Communion wine 'restricted' in NZ prisons

Dunne slams "political correctness gone mad"

We could say who cares this is being done in another country...but what if...is the question of the moment.

United Future New Zealand leader Peter Dunne has labelled restrictions on Communion wine being taken into prisons - and therefore the celebration of Catholic Mass - "another appalling example of political correctness gone mad".

HEINOUS AND ABOMINABLE!

'Veil Tip' to Terry Nelson at Abbey-Roads2 for this one:

One baby in 30 left alive after medical termination

One in 30 babies aborted for medical reasons is born alive, a study has found.

They lived for an average of 80 minutes - although in some cases foetuses survived for over six hours.

Most of the babies were born between 20 and 24 weeks of pregnancy, but some had been in the womb for as little as 17 weeks.

No wonder the statues of Our Blessed Mother and Our LORD weep tears of blood!
LORD HAVE MERCY!

Researchers looked at the outcome of 3,189 abortions performed on seriously handicapped foetuses at 20 hospitals between 1995 and 2004.

It showed that 102 - or around one in 30 - aborted for reasons such as Down's Syndrome and heart defects, were born alive.

Abortions are allowed to be carried out if the pregnancy is shown to have an adverse effect on the mental health and wellbeing of the mother up until the 24th week of pregnancy.

Beyond this point, the procedure is only sanctioned if the baby has a severe disability or if the mother's life is at risk.

Limbo Question Resolved

Pope Approves Report on Teaching Limbo

How can you not oppose this procedure?

How Can Anyone Disagree With Stopping Partial Birth Abortion? - And Reply

'Partial-Birth' Abortion Ruling a Mistake: Physicians

Rosie on Catholic Justices: 'How About Separation of Church and State?'

ADL Disappointed With Supreme Court Ruling On Partial Birth Abortion Act

Do Partial Birth Abortion Save Women's Lives?

Papers Soft-Pedal, Bury Details of Partial-Birth; NYTimes Says Term is 'Provocative'

Doctors Weigh Next Move on Legality of Abortion

Saint Joseph de Clairval Abbey

They are a community of monks in the Diocese of Dijon, France living according to St. Benedict's Rule.

I have over the past 8 yrs. received their richly filled and spiritually enlightening newsletter. I have been fed information about church teaching, the lives of the saints, and words of spiritual encouragement. What blessings, I only wish that I could visit this beautiful abbey in France.

See their history. Their retreats are for men only, however I so appreciate all their newsletters and encourage you to visit their site and subscribe. They are most certainly blessed by their patron St. Joseph and even more so since they live by St. Benedict's Rule.

See their life in the Liturgy.

Photos of their grounds.

A few pictures of the interior of the church and abbey:

No Baby Left Behind

Started in 2007, No Baby Left Behind is a counter that keeps track of the number of unborn babies saved from abortion since January 1st, 2007.

On this day...

2005: Ratzinger is elected as new Pope

His arrival was greeted by loud cheers from the many thousands of pilgrims who had packed St Peter's Square as news of his election spread across Rome.

Across the pond he was greeted with loud cheers as well!

Jury gives S.D. woman life in prison

Was this a hate crime?!

Prosecutors said that Wright was jealous of the friendship VanderGiesen had with Wright's former lover and that it turned to rage that drove Wright to kidnap VanderGiesen, kill her, burn the body and cut it apart with a chain saw.

VanderGiesen's remains were found in a Sioux Falls landfill and a Minnesota ditch.

Planned Parenthood Golden Gate -

Press Release from Life Decisions International - 'Amen for Safe Sex!' Declares Planned Parenthood

GOD'S angels will not be mocked!

St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. O, Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into Hell Satan and the other evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Prayers Answered-Partial Birth Abortion Ban Upheld

Images of partial birth abortion

Reactions from the other side:Ban Stands

The Politics of Supreme Court Nominations

Candidates Respond to Supreme Court Approval of Partial Birth Abortion Ban (UPDATED)

TIMELINE

THE CASE -Gonzales v. Carhart, 05-380, and Gonzales v. Planned Parenthood, 05-1382(pdf.version)

PRAYER ALERT!

Catholic activist Larry Cirignano arraigned in court on assault & battery, civil rights violation -- completely phony charges against him by homosexual activists. Hearing on May 1. The justice system turned upside down.

Holy missteps

Divine Mercy Novena Day 9

Divine Mercy Novena Day 8

Rest In Peace Anthony Benkovic

Prayers for the repose of the soul of Anthony Benkovic, husband of Johnnette Benkovic (LHLA) as he lost his battle with cancer-brain tumor (Thurs. 4-12-07). Pray for Johnnette and ask that she be graced with great faith, courage, strength, peace, and the comfort that only HE can provide her in her time of grief. Please remember her family and friends as well.

You can make a donation to LHLA in his memory here.

Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Carrying the cross together
By Johnnette S. Benkovic

'Fertility Tourism'

The price of life

The lack of eggs in the UK has led to more and more couples taking desperate measures: "A lot of people are being literally turned into fertility tourists," Lockwood says. "For a woman of 42, given the choice between a three-year wait for a home-grown egg or being able to hop over to Spain to a clinic that offers excellent care, where they speak English, there is no waiting list and the cost is not much greater than in the UK ... Well, it's not a particularly difficult decision."

VeriChip Brings Onboard a Physician

VeriChip Corporation Appoints Jonathan Musher, MD, CMD Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, Medical Affairs

Former president of the American Medical Directors Association encourages use of VeriChip RFID implantable microchip for high-risk patients

Dr. Musher served as President of the American Medical Directors Association (AMDA) from 1998 to 1999.

"In my new role at VeriChip I will continue to strive for widespread adoption among target populations.”

Senate Approves Funding for Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Catholic bishops condemn passage of embryonic stem-cell bill by ‘dazzled’ U.S. Senate

Diabetic patients seemingly cured with adult stem cells

Prayer

CULTURE DIGEST: Airplane passengers practice 'prayer flying' over Ohio

What if we all did this!? What graces would fall! Whoa!

"A plane is a good way to cover a lot of ground," Kenneth Wortman, 73, a pilot from Lima, Ohio, told The Cincinnati Enquirer. "In the Bible, God tells us the fields are ripe for the harvest. From the air, a person can see a lot of fields."

Step Right Up: All Imperfections Welcomed!

Divine Mercy News and Events

On Going to Confession Before Mercy Sunday
Dr. Robert Stackpole Answers Your Questions on Divine Mercy

Other Images of Divine Mercy

Divine Mercy

'Veil Tip' to Spirit Daily for posting this one from the

National Catholic Register:

Defending the Image of Mercy

Divine Mercy Novena Day 7

Culture Wars in the UK

Religious Schools Face Ban on Teaching Christian Sexual Morality

The Lawyers' Christian Fellowship (LCF) has expressed alarm following a recent report on the Sexual Orientation Regulations (SORs) which indicated that Christian schools may no longer be allowed to teach children that the Christian view on human sexuality is "objectively true".

Boy Scout Victory at Court of Appeals

Take Action NOW- Oppose Embryonic Stem Cell Research!

British Catholic Bloggers

I think you should say..."Catholic British Bloggers"...imho...

Catholic Action UK

This is a pretty informative blog site: "The purpose of this blog is to facilitate protests by faithful Catholics against attacks on the Church and morality in the United Kingdom."

Divine Mercy Novena Day 6

Spanish bishop chides clergy: dress like priests and stop communal confessions

Ok...this is refreshing!

In a letter sent to all the priests of his diocese, Bishop Demetrio Fernandez of Tarazona exhorted the clergy to foster “the Sacrament of Penance or Confession with the individual confession of sins” and to dress like priests in response to the attempt by many to erase “every one of God’s footprints from the society in which we live.”

He told priests to “never impart collective absolution. Let us teach young people and children to approach this sacrament frequently,” which he said is a precious resource for personal formation and “for educating consciences in the commandments of God and of his Church.”

“In each parish there should be specific times throughout the year (not only during Lent and Easter) when the priest is available to hear confessions,” he added.

Socialists in Mexico now seeking to legalize euthanasia

Divine Mercy Novena Day 5

Pilgrims Make Trek to 'Lourdes of America'

"New Mexico Chapel, Said to Be Built on Sacred Ground, Is Destination for Thousands"

European Court Favors Scientology

European Court of Human Rights find in favour of Scientology and against Russia in key registration case

Benedict XVI's Easter Message (2007)

"A Renewed Witness to the Resurrection of Christ"

Happy Easter Monday!

Father Cantalamessa on Easter Faith

"The Lord Is Risen and Was Seen Alive"

Divine Mercy Novena Day 4

Divine Mercy Novena Day 3

HE IS RISEN!

ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA!

Divine Praises

Blessed be God.

Blessed be His Holy Name.

Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man.

Blessed be the Name of Jesus.

Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart.

Blessed be His Most Precious Blood.

Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.

Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.

Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most Holy.

Blessed be her Holy and Immaculate Conception.

Blessed be her Glorious Assumption.

Blessed be the Name of Mary, Virgin and Mother.

Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse.

Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints.

May the heart of Jesus, in the Most Blessed Sacrament, be praised, adored, and loved with grateful affection, at every moment, in all the tabernacles of the world, even to the end of time. Amen.

Have a Blessed and Happy Easter!