We Are Catholic.

I put together the following little video as a 'promo' for a young Catholic group I am helping out with. Some folks thought I should post it, so here it is.
Hope it speaks to you.

Please feel free to share it and link it on your blog.

I didn't advertise my blog address on the actual video because I wanted it to be used as something stand-alone.

This project has produced joy in my heart and hope in my soul. 

Maybe it will do the same for some of you.


P.S.:
I am trying to figure out a way to make it availble, per some requests, for use at youth groups, catechism, and in other situations where the YouTube version might not work. I will keep you all updated. I can't sell it or "charge" for its production since I don't own the rights to the photos or music. So I am trying to figure out a legal "Fair Use" way to get it into the hands that want to use it for educational and evangelization purposes.




Special inspirational h/t to: Mindy, Marc, Rebecca, Terry, Dan, Larry, and Father Acervo. 

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Laying Siege: Heaven vs. Hell

Siege of Acre

Mark Shea is a very talented apologist and theologian. I am not. Yet for some reason I decided to question a statement he made on a post last night. It was a minor point, and in the end I am probably wrong. He made the statement:

"The basic blunder of the Pharisee right down to our own time is that he forgets that it is Hell and not the Church that is under siege."

 Now, again, it was a minor point, and one used more for fanciful writing than to make his main argument. But it struck me as odd, and it seemed to be contrary to my understand of certain aspects of the Gospels. So I asked for a bit of clarification, and he gave it to me. But his clarification muddied the waters even more. You can read the back and forth below the post, and I am sure you all will be able to tell me how wrong I am, but that isn't my concern. What I started thinking about after that is who is attacking who?

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We hear in the St. Michael Prayer: "...and all the evil spirits that prowl the world seeking the ruin of souls!"  To me that sounds as if Satan and his devils are coming after us. Likewise, I brought up to Shea, and in my head, the verse that guides the blog (Mt. 11:12): "...the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence..." There are other verses as well that talk about the attacks, or siege if you will, against Heaven and the Kingdom.

Shea, however, argued that verses, such as Mt. 16:18, show that Heaven attacks the "Gates of Hell" and thereby lays siege to the land of the dead. I think he is right, to some degree, again the back and forth of "right and wrong" on that one point isn't important. What is important is that we understand that there is a war going on out there. Oh I know, I shouldn't use such aggressive and abrasively-violent rhetoric. But alas, it isnt rhetoric, it is reality. 


I think Shea is partly right, that Heaven does lay siege to Hell, but I think that I am likewise right and that it is also the other way around. I think that the war is so chaotic, so messy,  so overwhelming that we lose sight of the fact that we can get caught up in the craziness of it all quite easily. I don't think that it is fair to say that one situation or the other exists at the mutual exclusivity of the other - I think both spiritual realms lay siege on one another.

This is an important point because, I think it is so easy to think that once we have declared ourselves Catholic, that everything is fine,  and that since we are on the winning team,  all we have to do is go through the motions and wait. But that isn't the case, you see, we arent supposed to just sit back and wait for the other side to give up. In fact this thinking is dangerous because, we can become complacent and misguided. When we relax, we lose sight of the overall goal and we can become easily deceived.

We must act be prepared to be attacked; even worse we must be ready to withstand the sieges that the great deceiver, Satan, throws at us. Certainly we can be assured that God is the winning leader, and that Heaven ultimately wins, but until that time, it is a battle to keep as many souls on the side of truth as possible. We must prepare ourselves for the worst - even when we expect the best. This isn't just about the good side winning, it is making sure that there are no "lost sheep" in the process.

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"May No Adversity Paralyze You."

Dear young people, do not be satisfied with anything less than Truth and Love,
 do not be content with anything less than Christ.

Yes, dear friends, God loves us. This is the great truth of our life; it is what makes everything else meaningful. We are not the product of blind chance or absurdity; instead our life originates as part of a loving plan of God. To abide in his love, then, means living a life rooted in faith, since faith is more than the mere acceptance of certain abstract truths: it is an intimate relationship with Christ, who enables us to open our hearts to this mystery of love and to live as men and women conscious of being loved by God.

If you abide in the love of Christ, rooted in the faith, you will encounter, even amid setbacks and suffering, the source of true happiness and joy. Faith does not run counter to your highest ideals; on the contrary, it elevates and perfects those ideals. Dear young people, do not be satisfied with anything less than Truth and Love, do not be content with anything less than Christ.

Nowadays, although the dominant culture of relativism all around us has given up on the search for truth, even if it is the highest aspiration of the human spirit, we need to speak with courage and humility of the universal significance of Christ as the Saviour of humanity and the source of hope for our lives. He who took upon himself our afflictions, is well acquainted with the mystery of human suffering and manifests his loving presence in those who suffer. They in their turn, united to the passion of Christ, share closely in his work of redemption. Furthermore, our disinterested attention towards the sick and the forgotten will always be a humble and warm testimony of God’s compassionate regard.

Dear friends, may no adversity paralyze you. Be afraid neither of the world, nor of the future, nor of your weakness. The Lord has allowed you to live in this moment of history so that, by your faith, his name will continue to resound throughout the world. 

-Pope Benedict XVI; PRAYER VIGIL WITH YOUNG PEOPLE - Saturday, 20 August 2011

"During the storm he was asked twice whether he thought that he should leave and instead said:
 ‘No, I am staying. We are staying.'"

"We have lived together an adventure. Strengthened by your faith in Christ, you have resisted the rain. Before leaving I wish you all good night. Have a good rest. I thank you for the sacrifice that you are making and I have no doubt that you will offer it generously to the Lord. We shall see one another tomorrow, God willing, in the celebration of the Eucharist. I am expecting all of you. I thank you for the fine example that you have given. As happened tonight, you can always, with Christ, endure the trials of life. Do not forget this. I thank you all."

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Books FLY FREE this week!

Just wanted to remind you all that I while I don't have a "Tip Jar" or ask you to send me to Rome (unless you want to, in fact, I am looking for someone to "Sponsor" me so that I can get a MA in Theology and my Canon Law Degree... but I digress) I do have one little way you can "support me" in my blogging efforts. Every time you buy something from Aquinas and More, when you link to there from here, I get a discount/gift certificate from there. You get cool stuff, I get cool stuff, and AnM get cool money. Everybody wins!

They are a great Catholic company and have a policy of not buying anything from China. You can find out more about their "Good FAITH Policy" and more by going to their website.

This week they have free shipping:

It's really simple.

Free, standard, US shipping through this Saturday (8/27/11). Just use coupon code "08freeshipping" on the payment page during checkout.

Not in the United States? Use coupon "08foreign" to get 5% off your order this week.

Terms:

1. Only applies to new orders


2. Only good for customers shipping within the United States using standard shipping


3. Requests to ship orders in multiple parts still incurs a multi-shipment fee

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Spiritual Recharging: NEW CatholicDadsOnline - Battle Ready Post

I write a weekly column over at CatholicDadsOnline.org. It is called Battle Ready and discusses various ways that we Catholic men, especially dads, can prepare ourselves and our family for the spiritual warfare that we all face in this world as part of the Church Militant.

This week I wrote about the need to recharge spiritually, to put ourselves in the best position as possible to fight the good fight.


Go have a look:

Battle Ready: Recharging, Spiritually

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Papa!

Father Acervo's Homily on Yesterday's Gospel:

First of all, the pope is a father. He’s the Holy Father. The word pope means father. Papa. And as a father and the pastor of the whole Church, he guides and feeds us with great love. Like children, some of us don’t always understand what he does for us, but hopefully as we mature in our faith, we will come to realize what he has done for us as the Holy Father.

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Finally, it’s important for us to love the pope. As the young pilgrims at World Youth Day have taught us, we should see Christ in the pope, and as we love Him, we must love the pope as our Holy Father.

The pope is a great gift to us. When we look upon him, we see proof that God will never abandon us, that not even the gates of hell will ever prevail against the Church even despite our many weaknesses. May God bless him with faith, hope, and love that he may lead us into greater union with God.

Read the whole thing: Father Acervo's Corner- Homilies 

We must read his wisdom. Anything by him is a treasure, so go to your local Catholic Bookstore and buy something of his and read it. Following him, our shepherd, will lead us to Christ.

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Bread For All

The Pope lead a prayer vigil that was interrupted by some nasty weather last night for the pilgrims at World Youth Day. He eventually continued and after the vigil there was Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament through the night.

The thought of that many young Catholics worshiping in Adoration the TRUE PRESENCE OF CHRIST moved me to tears. Honestly. How amazing is that scene? The news media is ignoring this because... well there are all sorts of reasons I am sure, but honestly, think about these kids standing in the rain after melting all day long - tell me that WYD isn't a powerful thing! They are in the TRUE PRESENCE of CHRIST, this will form and shape their souls forever, and it will change the Church. They are the new Church Militant.

There have been those that have said that WYD is a "waste of money" or that the cost could be better used to help the poor and needy. While this argument strikes at our core, it fails to recognize the proper order of need for the Church and for the world. People "do not live on bread alone" instead, we need something more. So before we can feed others we must be able to be fed ourselves, we must be nourished, we must be healthy - so that we may care for others.

Pope Benedict says in his book, "Jesus of Nazareth" that: 

"Jesus is not indifferent toward men's hunger, their bodily needs, but he places these things in the proper context and proper order."

Benedict goes on to quote a German Jesuit, Alfred Delp, that explains the hierarchy of needs for humanity:

"Bread is important, freedom is more important, but most important of all is unbroken fidelity and faithful adoration."

Many get this, they understand the proper order of things. The cries that WYD was too expensive are misguided because what they fail to realize is that without a love of Christ, without a deep-seeded love and desire to worship and adore God, there is little hope in helping or feeding the poor; the youth would instead be scouring the earth for something to replace the God-Shaped-Hole in their hearts.

Likewise we cant expect to reverse the order explained by Delp, and expect that Catholics will be spiritually healthy. God must be the center of our lives. He must be central to all that we do, especially within the context of our Catholic faith. But when we are encouraged to focus more on one another and community, we will lose God in the pursuit a community centered on him. He becomes the guest of honor that no one cares about because they are more concerned with making it a good party. 


Benedict explains happens when we reverse the proper order of caring for ourselves and others:

"When this ordering of goods is no longer respected, but turned on its head, the result is not justice or concern for human suffering. The result is rather ruin and destruction even of material goods themselves. When God is regarded as a secondary matter that can be set aside temporarily or permanently on account of more important things, it is precisely these suppoosedly more important things that come to nothing."

We must put God in his proper place - first in all that we do. When they young Catholics return from Madrid, we must let them lead the way, we must let them teach us how to place God first so that he can be our Bread, so that we may go out and feed others.

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Fisheater Fail

Some of you may have heard or read about comments Archbishop Dolan, of New York, made concerning a return to "Meatless Fridays." If you didn't come across that info, you can read it on his blog. (yes he has a blog) It is his response to something that happened in England a few months back.

Meatless Fridays is also actually something that my family has been trying to implement for a while. I say trying because I am a pretty picky eater and until recently fish was not something I ate. This made Fridays in lent a real treat for my wife, who loves food. The menu usually consisted of: Macaroni and Cheese, Grilled Cheese and Peanut Butter and Jelly, sometimes cereal. Needless to say I was being sarcastic when I used the word treat.
On Wednesday, we picked up all the Salmon I caught this year from the Freezer/Packer place that we have process our fish and found out I had over 70lbs, plus about another 15-20+ lbs from some other fishing I did. That being said, I think we have enough to implement our "Fisheater" lifestyle.

So, low and behold today is Friday and my wife has some Fish thawing on the counter. So I decide: "I will make lunch for myself." Knowing that today is supposed to be a day of penance, and the idea of not eating meat is a bit of self denial, I went with the only logical choice for lunch:

A Bowl of Ice Cream

Something tells me I have to rethink my Friday menu options. I don't think this falls into the category of self-denial and penance. 

Fisheater Fail.

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The Public Persecution of Catholics is here...

Thomas Peters, the American Papist from CatholicVote has some harrowing pictures of Anti-Catholic protestors in Madrid. They aren't just marching and chanting, they are verbally assaulting the pilgrims. Check out his full post, but this picture says it all:

Reuters

Persecution of Christianity has been rising in the world in the past few decades, but things sure have accelerated as of late. Our youth and other Catholics in Madrid will likely see first hand exactly what that means. 

Let us pray for the pilgrims, for those that persecute, and for our clergy and women religious that will be on the front lines of this in short measure. We must be ready to accept Martyrdom for the sake of our Faith. 

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Fifty-Two babies, so far...: A Providence/AWHC Update

Fifty-two (52) is the number of babies, based on their own numbers, that the Alaska Women's Health clinic has aborted since July 11th. This is the date that AWHC set up their new offices inside of Providence hospital, a  situation that I posted about on August 7th.  Since the 7th, Sixteen babies have been aborted. I don't have numbers for contraception or sterilization services, but I can assure you that those figures would only compound this awful and scandalous situation. 

The Archdiocese has told me that meetings have taken place with Providence and that they are currently trying to determine what, how, when, why, who, and where things happened. The Archbishop is in Madrid for WYD, so I don't blame the slow go of things, but as I said - fifty-two babies (based on their numbers) have been aborted since they partnered with Providence.

Catholics from around the country have contacted me completely shocked that they would even allow a clinic to offer contraceptive services let alone sterilization. But then, to put inside a Catholic hospital, a clinic which admits to performing abortions and that is lead by such a notorious abortionist is beyond their comprehension.

So, while we wait for facts to be found, meetings to be held, and nuances to be debated - babies die.

FIFTY TWO... 

The Culture of death is claiming lives every day, I am doing what I can... are you?

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WYD Pilgrim: Stolen Camera Fund - Please Help

JPSonnen

JPSonnen over at Orbis Catholicus Secundus has had his camera while in Madrid! If you have never been to his website, you are missing out on some great "Catholic Eye Candy." Go Check It Out!

Then read his sad tale:

Today, for the first time ever, yours truly got his camera stolen. The camera, and 800 pics, gone. Included were three priceless photos of Polish sisters at the WYD. It was at a restaurant. I think it was a waiter. With our translator, I complained to the management. The small room was full of pilgrims. I doubt a pilgrim stole it. I think I know which waiter it might have been. Our hands were tied.

God has a plan.

My camera does not leave my side. I take every precaution. I had it on the table at my side. I am a poor man and am here for free as a tour guide with a group. Even our meals are free as registered pilgrims. If anybody wants to give 500 euro for a new camera I will love you forever.

Lord has a plan. And part of it is our own sanctification. Pain, suffering and let down is essential.

We need to be praying for all those pilgrims at WYD in Madrid, but we should also be fasting and giving alms. Maybe this is your opportunity to spare a few dollars to help this man out. His pictures really do capture the grace and mercy of the faith.

Head over to:

Orbis Catholicus Secundus

On the right hand column down at the bottom you will find his donate button. Hopefully my little effort here will help.

Some of his work:

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Did the Catholic News Agency go "too far" with the RCTV-Voris piece?

I recently posted on the RCTV-Voris-CNA-NonProfit piece that hit the interwebs yesterday. I want to take it down, I didn't really get my thoughts out the way that I wanted, but I don't like deleting things either. I will let it stay. I didn't want to turn it into a rant or defense of RCTV but I really think the "guts" of the story are pretty weak. I also think it was meant to be a "hit" piece, in that I mean that I think that there was more to the story than simply "coming upon the info" and deciding to print it.

The Catholic News Agency is a very reputable news site, but this story is below the pale. It seems more like something a more sensationalist news site would publish. I want to give them the benefit of the doubt: Voris is a hot topic, he is in WYD doing a much talked about set of talks, and info about his apostolate comes out - so they print it. I really want to believe that someone tossed them this story, said it came all nice and wrapped with a little bow, the writer reached out for comment, there was fear that someone was going to scoop them, and voila! the story runs. But, I don't think this is how it happened...

As I read more and more of the comments on other blogs, I really have to wonder if maybe this story didn't go to far. I know for me personally, it lowered my view of CNA a few notches. Not because they wrote a story against something I am a fan of, no, I think that RCTV messed up in failing to stay on top of their paperwork and Non-Profit status. CNA has dropped in my view because of the timing and nature of the piece. It wasn't professional on about 15 levels. The Anchoress has said so, and I even have a feeling that folks like Shea and others will come out saying something similar.

RCTV messed up, and Simon Rafe made some bad and sinful choices. The way the piece was written only fed into the sensationalism and gossip mentality of the online community by making it seem like these were earth shattering things that happened. My question is, where is the follow up? Rafe has put out a statement on the same blog that CNA quoted, why not an update to the original story or a new one? This isn't about truth or getting to the "bottom" of this story - it was a hit piece.

What say you all?

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The RCTV & Voris 'internal problems' Kerfuffle

By now if you follow the Catholic news "beat" at all, you have heard of the kerfuffle involving Michael Voris' Real Catholic TV group (actually St. Michael's Media is the issue here) and Non-Profit designations and staffers with sordid issues involving fantasy role-playing fiction. If you don't know what I am  talking about, you can read up on the issue over at Catholic World Report or Catholic News Agency.

As someone that has been supportive of Voris and RCTV in the past, I feel obliged to discuss this story. Honestly, I am a little taken aback by the "Gotcha" journalism that CNA has tried to employ. The way the story was written was meant to be investigative, only the investigation falls short. The whole story isn't given, and there are big chunks missing.

There are a ton of holes and really the whole thing seems to be conveniently timed. From what is said in the article, it appears that this information was in the hands of the investigator for a while but only released as a story one day before Voris' conference in Madrid. I don't believe in coincidences. But, if you think I am just being an apologist, even The Anchoress, who is no cheerleader for Voris, thinks the "Gotcha" nature of the story is off-putting and takes "exception" to it. Her take:

And I take exception to the “gotcha”-breathlessness of the article. Papers weren’t filed? Oh noes! Human imagination created a gay character in outer-space? We’re all gonna die!

As to the actual 'misdeed'  of failing to re-file their non-profit paperwork, I won't make excuses. I have been involved with Non-Profits, and it is easy to overlook, but, when working with other peoples money you must be a good steward. I think this was sloppy, and I would even go far as to say that it is a sign of poor management somewhere. I won't say though that it is worthy of a front page article on Catholic News Agency's website. I also think that it isn't breaking news the way that it was portrayed. Again, the timing and nature of the story smell a little bit.

There are no coincidences

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Add to that the coincidence of finding out about one of the staff members and apologists over at RCTV who has at some time written adult fantasy role playing, fan-fiction, and other sexually themed material. This is problematic the same way any sexually deviant behavior is; porn, actions, contraception, etc... They are sins and men and women struggle with them. It isn't OK and it is frustrating that such things would mar the work being done by Simon Rafe and RCTV. While I think that it is a horrible thing to find out about, I am sure if you dug on me, or the staff at CNA, or EWTN, or the USCCB, or anywhere you would find someone, somewhere with a sinful past, don't you think? As to what it means for RCTV, I think it goes to prove that the "No Bull in Madrid" talks are really necessary, especially for young folks.

I have a real hard time thinking that CNA found out about the Non-Profit status and while working up the story just happened to stumble into the other story. Even the way the story is written goes to show that CNA was trying to play GOTCHA! with the whole thing. Maybe it was a little daydream about working for some major news outlet and the excitement got to him, but Mr. Benjamin Mann revealed a little to much about the intent of the story through the way in which it was written.

As to the Simon Rafe thing, it is just a weird situation and even weirder that someone "found this out." Having worked in politics this has fingerprints all over it from someone doing digging. These things just dont pop up. To make the connections, and to do the research someone was looking for something, and this is what they found. They needed more than just the non-profit slip-up - this story isn't about reporting about RCTV's 'internal troubles' this is about taking RCTV down.

The fallout

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I am worried that this is the first levy of attacks on RCTV.  There is a reason that there is something in the business world called "Whistleblower Protection" - if Voris was doing this in the secular world, he would be living under police protection with an assumed name and in some remote farm town. People don't like the truth, especially when it takes them out of their comfy chair.

There have been all sorts of odd comments in comment boxes over the last two days. Odd warnings of more to come and how awful this is and what a double standard RCTV and Voris have set. This concerns me because it isn't the work of Catholics acting in love or acting in defense of the faith. Voris doesn't preach heresy. Sure, you can argue that you think his methods are coarse and unhelpful, but that doesn't mean they are heretical. What I have seen from some is just frightening. There is literal joy expressed in some comments; commenters have expressed their happiness that 'finally Voris is getting his due.' And why? Because he has allegedly been so uncharitable. Since when did happiness in another's struggles become justice, mercy, or charity?

I fear that this isn't the end of this whole thing, but I pray that it is. I fear that if there is someone or some-people out to get RCTV (not in a conspiratorial sense, necessarily) then this wont be all that they try. Really this is just a tempest, and hopefully it isn't a harbinger.

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They are the 'Springtime' - let them blossom!

Dominican's - Prov. St. Joseph | Source

Young Catholics are embracing the faith, not of their parents or their grandparents, but that of their forefathers. This might be a little bit more of an illustrative point, than one of technical accuracy, but I think many can understand what I am getting at before I even begin to explain. There is a resurgence of tradition, and dare I say orthodoxy, amongst younger Catholics. And it isn't just me that is saying this, in fact this message is being proclaimed not by the older generation of Catholics in hopes of maintaining a legacy, but instead it is being shouted by the youth themselves. Sometimes, they are even shouting it in defiance of what their parents and grandparents are trying to leave behind as their legacy.

Youth aren't just rejecting the relativism of their parents to be different, they are actually trying to conform to something that transcends the ideals of rampant individualism. Take for example Anna Williams, an intern for USA Today, who wrote a piece piece today about how young Catholics (18-29yr olds) are rejecting that relativism of their parents and grandparents and embracing a more traditional and orthodox faith instead. She writes:

Sometime in the past century, a new creed emerged, saying everyone should make his own creed. This tolerant, open-minded ethos seemed to promise freedom: safe sex with many partners, drugs and alcohol galore and quick, no-fault divorce. So our Baby Boomer parents partied hard, yet in so many cases left us only the hangover: heartbreak, addiction and broken homes, plus rising rates of teenage depression and suicide.

The anything-goes religion of the late 20th century cannot prevent nor even explain these consequences. (After all, if I'm OK, you're OK, and we can do whatever we want, why are so many people unhappy?) When every member of a society does whatever makes him feel good, the inevitable results are not personal fulfillment and communal harmony but selfishness and social breakdown.

With these realizations in mind, many millennials reject the assumptions of 1960s liberationists in favor of something more substantial: the creeds, practices and moral codes that defined religious life for centuries. Unlike reductionistic scientism or vague romanticism, traditional religions propose specific, compelling explanations for the world in front of us — broken, fraught with suffering, enslaved to sin, but nonetheless revealing glimpses of beauty and greatness.

More intellectually coherent than relativism, orthodoxy is also more demanding. It makes us place others above ourselves, the truth above what we'd like to be true, the fight for virtue above the pursuit of pleasure. In a word, it preaches sacrifice.

If this is the future of the Catholic faith, we are all in very good hands. This isn't some isolated strain of thought either, in fact it is actually backed by research and studies (which are very close to the heart of boomers - what the masses think). It seems that the young aren't just practicing their faith in a more orthodox fashion, but also choosing to live it in a more orthodox one as well. Where did I find the report on this research? Not some bastion of Catholic thought, but the New York Times; "New Nuns and Priests Opting for Tradition":

Sisters of Life |  Source

“We’ve heard anecdotally that the youngest people coming to religious life are distinctive, and they really are,” said Sister Mary Bendyna, executive director of the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate. “They’re more attracted to a traditional style of religious life, where there is community living, common prayer, having Mass together, praying the Liturgy of the Hours together. They are much more likely to say fidelity to the church is important to them. And they really are looking for communities where members wear habits.”  [emphasis mine] 

The problem then isn't our future. The problem is who is currently trying to lead us, and trying to preserve a legacy in order to validate their efforts. Now I am not talking about the Pope or the Bishops who attempt to lead in a manner which sees the faith as timeless. Instead I am speaking of those that seek to make a statement about the changes they made and the turn towards modernity that happened a few decades ago; those that are clinging to that which the youth are rejecting.

This split isn't just in some theoretical and amorphous cloud either. It is playing out in very tangible and stark ways. We in the pews see it, the blogs are writing about it, and the orders, themselves, are feeling the effects. The Son Rise Morning Show recently blogged about the contrast between those orders that cling to their own ideals and those that are seeking something beyond themselves.:

The CMSWR web site, for instance, is full of news about World Youth Day and pictures of smiling young women in habits. LCWR's web site is all about legislation, social justice, and photos of smiling older women in street clothes. The young women have voted with their feet and their lives; it's obvious where they want to be. Yes, LCWR represents 90 percent of sisters and nuns, but size isn't everything. Ten years from now, which organization will still be going strong? And what is the LCWR going to do?

With some estimates putting the median age of LCWR's sisters at 75, this situation might be figuring itself out. But what about our parishes where those people with this same mentality are currently Religious Ed coordinators, instructors, and where the pastors and parish administrators share the mentality that the youth are explicitly rejecting? Should they get to rule through a theory of "might makes right?" Should their values, which are seemingly a flash in the pan, get to endure beyond their tenure simply because they ascended into power? I argue that we should not let these ideals, which have no buy in from our younger generation, have any ascendency into "power" or let them carve out any longevity.

WYD - Madrid | Source

Cruise the blogs, Twitter, and Facebook and see what the kids are saying. These are the new editorial pages, these are the new parish bulletins, the new Catholic papers, and what you will find there is an allegiance to the Pope, a fidelity to the Church, and a harkening back to the virtues and practices rooted in organic tradition. Traditional Liturgy, Chant, Polyphony, habits, sacrifice, the Catechism, and a dying of self for the faith. Of course the boomers who currently control the AmChurch wont be found reading things like Facebook, Twitter, and the blogs, not just because most of them don't know how to use them but because they don't like what is found there.

This isn't just about making sure certain orders have a lasting existence, but it is instead ultimately about the glorifying of God and the proclamation of His Kingdom. If we really care about our youth, we will listen to them. If we really care about our Church, we will listen to the youth. If we really care about God, we will let the little children come to him, and not stand in their way. Let the dead bury their dead, and let the youth go and proclaim the Kingdom of God.

AP Photo: WYD | Source

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Updates:

• Elizabeth Scalia aka The Anchoress has a vocations round-up. Look at all the new young habit-wearing religious men and women; see, it isn't like I make this stuff up folks.


• One of my favorite new blogs: Shameless Popery wrote on the very same article and subject. Again, I don't make this stuff up, other people think it too!


• Father Z on the other hand, has the other side of the story. His pictorial seems to speak for itself.

Patron Saint of ...

Jeff Miller, more famously known as The Curt Jester, published a clever post called "Saintly Planning" - advice on the things you need to do to become a saint.

Here's an excerpt:

Plus I think you really want to figure out what you are going to be the patron saint of ahead of time. Otherwise you might get one of those ironic patronages the Church seems to love so much. Pick wisely because you will be doing it for eternity or else you might get put in charge of the lost and found like St. Anthony.

And then, Larry and Dan tagged me, so I plagiarized Larry's post by copy and pasting it.


Here are the rules:

• For this meme, you must name your patronage.


• Then tag 5 other people who would like to play along.


• Linking your answer to your nominator's post would make it easier to get your answers.

Larry had other people choose his, but I am going to stick to the rules.

I choose being the patron of Hockey players. Mostly because last night I got some bad news about a pro, and really my life has been closely related to hockey players that have had struggles. I think there is something about the sport that makes people have some struggles. I also know that a lot of players are really good people and just would love to be some support and help to them. Plus, having a prayer card while wearing a Jersey would be awesome. (Vincenzo, feel free to mock up a prayer card with me, and a Red Wings or Canadiens jersey :)

Oh - by the way - the following future saints have been tagged to complete the meme as written:

All the people I actually think might respond to this were already tagged, so I am changing it. If you want to respond, respond and then link in the comment box. K thanks.

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New Website: VirtuosPla.net

There is a new website/group-blog that I just found out about and that just launched today. There aren't a ton of posts over there yet, but based on the list of their contributors it looks to be an AWESOME site.

VirtuosPla.net

The Editor is Tito Edwards of the Pulp.it and The American Catholic fame, so you know that the direction and content will be authentically Catholic and topically relevant. From there, the contributors list reads like a "Who's - Who" of young Catholic bloggers.

So go check it out, take a look around, tell them I sent you, and be sure to check it regularly. They just launched today but I know that in time they will be a daily read for most of us.

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Saint Maximilian Kolbe: No Greater Love

Today is the 70th anniversary of the martyrdom of Maximilan Kolbe. I want to pass along a rather poignant post on the Saint and who he is, by Brad Birzer over at one of my favorite sites CatholicVote.org. Please go check it out, and let us not forget what St. Maximilian did that day, and what he continues to do for us in Heaven.

I have a deep devotion to this Saint because of my Polish heritage. I also learned of him early on in my reversion, and have always seen him as a source of intercessory help and guidance. Let us not forget what he did, and more importantly why he did it.

St. Maximilian Kolbe - Ora Pro Nobis

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2012 Update: First Woman Ever to Win #IowaStrawPoll

Will 'feminists' hail this as a Victory? Of course they won't.

I dare wonder what some "conservatives" will say. Now, I am not throwing my all out endorsement behind her. I think it is still fairly early, despite what some may say. I will say this, I respect her and what she brings to the table. I don't think any of the candidates are "bulletproof" in that they all have some sort of "glass-jaw", but as I have said in earlier posts some candidates are good for the development of the platform upon which the ultimate nominee will run on. I think that in the very least Bachmann adds a very conservative and authentic voice to that platform. 

Erick Erickson of RedState has a similar take, but with a little more of a direct way of saying it:

I am getting a lot of angst in my inbox already about Michele Bachmann. It is sooooo predictable as to be pathetic.

Michele Bachmann is weighing down Rick Perry and therefore helping MItt Romney. So Bachmann should get out.

Friends, it could be that Rick Perry is weighing down Michele Bachmann, so he should get it out.

In fact, neither is true. Both have a right to be there. This line of argument is sometimes valid, but it is way early. Michele Bachmann just won a huge victory in the Iowa straw poll despite being out staffed and out spent.

If you truly believe that Congresswoman Bachmann needs to now drop out because she is a spoiler, you are an idiot. It is that simple.

So while an Iowa Straw Poll win doesn't mean much necessarily (the only winner to be president was GWB), it does help weed out the field a bit. So let's take a look at where we stand after this weekend.

Moving up

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• Rick Perry: He is in. He wasn't even on the straw poll ballot and beat Romney as a write-in. This says something to me, and where this race is headed. 


• Michele Bachmann: She won Iowa, it helps. She did well at the debate, handled a tough question and used it for her own gain. On top of that, the media is becoming unglued with her in Palin-esque fashion which can only help her cause. In fact, rumor has it that she was getting more attention in Iowa than Palin. 


• Rick Santorum: Some say your are only as good as your last "game" and as a loser of his last election that didn't bode well for him. He has some past "issues" to shake off but seemed to really move forward in the debate. His Catholic virtues will help, and so might his "hawkish" stance on Iran - those two things for opposite sets of supporters. 


• Marco Rubio: If you wondering whether you missed some huge development in the 2012 landscape, don't worry - you haven't. I mention Rubio because his name is being floated as the VP name. The idea of a "Super-Ticket" between two strong candidates heading into the primary doesn't seem likely with Rubio around. In fact, I could see Rubio partnering up with almost anyone except Romney. I was hoping that Bachmann might slide into a VP slot, but her early success might have pushed her out of that. The biggest ticket rumor I have heard is "Perry-Rubio" - that seems to get a lot of hearts beating faster.

Moving down... and out?

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• Tim Pawlenty: He is out. He had a rather slow paced campaign from the get go. As someone that liked what "T-Paw" brought to the table, especially after Pence said he wasn't running, I am a little disappointed in his efforts overall. He said he isn't interested in a V.P. nod, but who he ends up endorsing will say a lot. He never really separated himself from the pack, so while I think it is good for some to stay in, I don't have a problem seeing him bow out now, especially with his inability to really make himself distinct.


• Ron Paul: Ok, here is a secret. In 2008 I almost voted for him. There was something about what he stood for in 2008 that made a lot of sense to a conservative of my ilk, but since then something has been lost. I don't know if he has changed, the climate has changed, or if there are just better alternatives this time but he just isn't doing it for me this time around. The debate was odd, he had Ron Paul answers but they came across as flat to me. 


• Herman Cain: My analysis is that he got in too early. He has a lot of good things to say, but honestly he needed to an answer to a void, and instead he has become a space filler. What I mean is that he says a lot of good things, and maybe at times has a better across the board stance on things than anyone, but he doesn't seem to have that savvy or "Presidential" feel. I think there is a little time left for him, but this weekend hurt him. He needed to come in and "shock" people and make them ask: "Who is that?" Instead, because he has "been" around a bit, everyone sort of knows who he is and that hurts.


• Hunstman, Gingrich, McCotter: I don't know what to say about these guys except that they "aren't long for this race"... Hunstman had a bad debate, Gingrich had a good one but not good enough. McCotter, well, as a former constituent of his I know he has a good "stance" on thing, but comes off rather unpolished in person. I think they will stay in to shape the debate, but at some point soon we will see most of them go the way of the buffalo. 

The Question Marks...

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• Palin: I have said for a long time I don't think she is running. Some reporters seem to agree with that after this weekend for various reasons. She will continue to shape the debate, and she will continue to keep people on their toes wondering if she will jump in. Some have floated the idea of her as a VP to Romney which might be a possibility only because she has been the only contender to say anything nice about him. (Something to the effect that she would vote for him.) That being said there is one factor that may make me change my mind... (see the next point.)


• Obama: His approval rating is down to 39%. His disapproval is at 54% - both new "records" for his presidency. If this keeps up, anyone with an (R) could win, which means that Palin might see this as a "window" that she cant pass up. 


• Romney, Rubio, Ryan, and Christie: One of these isn't like the other. That is: one is an announced candidate while the other 3 are in the "Draft Them" category. They all have an affect on what will happen, because of what others say and think about them. Anything coming out of their mouths can affect the polls. Keep an eye and ear on them.

So, this is an off the cuff analysis of what I think is "happening" right now in the 2012 GOP field. This is more of an explanation as opposed to an argument for any one candidate. What do you think? Am I crazy, off base, or do you see things differently - then let us know in the comment box. Otherwise, hold onto your seats things are going to get interesting especially as we head to the the Northeast.

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Using a Wolf as a Sheepdog: How Providence isn't following the ERD

Wolves aren't meant to guard sheep, but eat them

During a discussion on Holy Family Radio - Kentucky yesterday, I used an analogy to try and explain the situation at Providence.

The analogy is that of a large farm. Let us say that all the Catholics are represented on the farm as sheep. One day, the Shepherd decides to allow a "Sheep Wool-Farmer" to come in and build a big pen in one corner of the the farm. Now some of the sheep are worried that what it means to be a "Wool-Farmer" is that while most sheep would go into the pen and simply get their wool harvested, some will be "harvested" for meat. So they want assurance from the Shepherd that the Farmer won't kill any of the sheep in the pen, and so the Shepherd writes some rules based on the "good" of the Sheep as to what can and can't occur in this new pen.

As time goes on, the "Farmer" decides to hire a new "Sheepdog" for the pen. When the new dog arrives some of the sheep are distraught because it is a WOLF. And not just any wolf, but a wolf that admits that he eats over 500 sheep a year.  So they ask the Shepherd how having a wolf, especially this wolf, as a Sheepdog can be reconciled with the rule that no sheep will be killed for meat. So the Shepherd talks to the Farmer. The Farmer assures the Shepherd that no killing of sheep will happen inside the pen. When the Shepherd asks further if the Wolf will try and talk to the sheep about "getting fattened up" or other things contrary to what good sheep need to do in order to produce wool, the Farmer tells the Shepherd that there are some nuanced and complex positions that some sheep holding regaring what it means to be a sheep and what are acceptable ways to farm them. The Farmer assures the Shepherd that he will uphold the tradition of his sheep farming and not to worry.

But the question remains: even if the Wolf doesnt't kill any sheep in the pen, but he admits to killing so many each year, then it seems obvious that the wolf would get some of the sheep to come with him somewhere outside of the pen to kill them, doesn't it? Not only that but the wolf also is allowed to teach the sheep how to "fatten up" so as to be better for eating, even though being fat is bad for wool production, which is the main purpose of these sheep. So why would the Shepherd, knowing all this, want this wolf for a sheepdog. Especially if he counsels the sheep to get fatter, thereby hurting their wool production, and who admits to being a sheep killer? 

With this analogy, take the facts of the situation and apply them to ERD #70 & 71:

70. Catholic health care organizations are not permitted to engage in immediate material cooperation in actions that are intrinsically immoral, such as abortion, euthanasia, assisted suicide, and direct sterilization.


71. The possibility of scandal must be considered when applying the principles governing cooperation. Cooperation, which in all other respects is morally licit, may need to be refused because of the scandal that might be caused. Scandal can sometimes be avoided by an appropriate explanation of what is in fact being done at the health care facility under Catholic auspices. The diocesan bishop has final responsibility for assessing and addressing issues of scandal, considering not only the circumstances in his local diocese but also the regional and national implications of his decision.

I don't see how this clinic, this doctor, and these services are allowed to exist and practice at Providence. I also don't see how their statement on the matter can be said with any modicum of sincerity:

Kirsten Schultz, communications director for Providence Health & Services Alaska, said that “Providence Alaska Medical Center adheres to the Ethical & Religious Directives, and we remain faithful to our Catholic tradition.”

“Every physician who is credentialed to practice at Providence Alaska Medical Center must sign an agreement that requires they abide by the ethical standards of the Catholic Church in treating patients in our facilities,” Schultz added.

We must continue to pray and to let the Archbishop know how we are scandalized by this situation and how we as Catholic faithful lose a sense of what Catholic teaching is, when abortion, contraception, and sterilization are acceptable at the one place where they should be spoken out against.

The disappointing thing about this whole situation is the we are arguing over nuance, complexity, and the greys of the faith. Why can't our written and traditional faith exist in black and white? Why can't we have clear teaching on these things, and expect that teaching to be put into action that wave the flag and banner of the Church? You can't argue that this doesn't have an affect on Catholics. Ask Catholics in the pews what the teaching of the Church is, or better yet what they believe. We need examples of our faith, we need to be bombarded with truth, and we need concrete examples of how the teachings of our faith actually correspond to how we live our lives!

So let us continue to pray and let us to continue to let our shepherd know that we want the faith to be upheld in a pure and direct way.

The Chancery:
Archbishop: The Most Reverend Roger L. Schwietz, OMI: ab.schwietz@caa-ak.org
Vicar General: Reverend Thomas Lilly: tlilly@caa-ak.org
Judicial Vicar: Reverend Thomas Brundage, JCL: tbrundage@caa-ak.org

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About to Go on the Radio - Listen Live Online

For those interested in the Catholic Hospitals, ERDs, and 'Material Cooperation' discussion I am about to go on Holy Family Radio to discuss those issues with Lisa Graas.

We will be on at 5:30p EDT (1:30 AKT).

You can listen live at:

WLCR AM - LISTEN LIVE LINK

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Archbishop Kurtz on Ethical & Religious Directives (ERDs)

Archbishop Kurtz

Archbishop Kurtz, of the Archdiocse of Louisville, recently wrote an article and spoke about the importance of upholding and defending ERDs by Catholic hospitals::

Our Catholic moral and social teaching, as reflected in the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, is informed by a concern about the dignity of the person and the common good. We do not believe, for example, that the destruction of the child in the womb serves mothers, children, or families, and we do not see this as a legitimate healthcare service. Does it truly serve the common good to require us or any healthcare provider to violate important issues of conscience or principle in order to provide for the health of persons within our community?

You can add to that line of thinking contraception and sterilization as well. As he states, these are not legitimate healthcare services. 

If Providence wants to be a Catholic hospital they must stand for Catholic moral virtue, that includes the ERDs and the Catechism. Otherwise, they are simply prostituting the faith for some ulterior motive. We must pray that Archbishop Schwietz will be as courageous and strong as Bishop Olmsted and Archbishop Kurtz. It means something to say that you are Catholic. In today's world where so many Catholics "pick and choose" what they believe, we are in dire need of truth and clarity.

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