| With Iraqi Christians a threatened and dwindling minority, U.S. forces are safeguarding a 1,400-year-old monastery _ Iraq's most ancient _ for a time when peace, reconciliation and archaeological detective work can occur. St. Elijah's Monastery, with its main fortress-like structure looming atop a barren hillside, sits inside a sprawling U.S. military base. Its bloody history makes clear why the monastery needs protection. In 2003, it was damaged during the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. Some 250 years earlier, it was nearly leveled by a Persian ruler who ordered its monks slain. |
Friday, November 28, 2008
Iraq: St. Elijah's 1400 yr old Monastery
Interesting article on St. Elijah which is 1400 years old. It's long history is in the hands of American Troops.
Posts of Interest...
Some cool interesting posts to read on a Thanksgiving Day + One weekend.
Trubador has some interesting posts
The First Thanksgiving
Eleanor Rigby...is she a real person?
AmP has a one...
Advent on the iPhone
InSight Scoop...
Food for thought on Thanksgiving
Trubador has some interesting posts
The First Thanksgiving
Eleanor Rigby...is she a real person?
AmP has a one...
Advent on the iPhone
InSight Scoop...
Food for thought on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Stuffed
We at the WCC family had a very joyous peaceful Thanksgiving. We all awoke not too early and we all pitched in to prepare the Thanksgiving meal.
We enjoyed the days rainy quietness and we shared some long conversation, salsa and chips and DVD's (Dark Knight and Indiana Jones' latest), while the turkey roasted.
There's plenty of leftovers which will serve as dinner for the next few evenings and as per our family tradition, we ordered our Christmas tamales. I don't know if it's just a So. Cal thang, but tamales and holidays are a must. When my grandmother on my father's side was alive we use to help make them.
I hope everyone's Thanksgiving is and continues to be a happy one. Family and the Holiday's, my favorite combination.
Peace
WCC +<><
We enjoyed the days rainy quietness and we shared some long conversation, salsa and chips and DVD's (Dark Knight and Indiana Jones' latest), while the turkey roasted.
There's plenty of leftovers which will serve as dinner for the next few evenings and as per our family tradition, we ordered our Christmas tamales. I don't know if it's just a So. Cal thang, but tamales and holidays are a must. When my grandmother on my father's side was alive we use to help make them.
I hope everyone's Thanksgiving is and continues to be a happy one. Family and the Holiday's, my favorite combination.
Peace
WCC +<><
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Catholicism Project Trailer
I've posted on this before, however I viewed the trailer again this weekend and it's worth another post.
Here's the website of Fr. Barron, please visit and support with a donation if you're able.
for more YouTube video of Fr. Barron, Here's the Link: Fr. Barron
Here's the website of Fr. Barron, please visit and support with a donation if you're able.
for more YouTube video of Fr. Barron, Here's the Link: Fr. Barron
BreakUp of U.S.A.
Russian Analysis: Doom, Demise, Breakup of America
I start my day with the daily reading before I hit my news and favorite weblogs. For the past week we’ve been reading from the book of Revelations… with all its mystic symbology.
Today’s Gospel was an eye opener and kind of ominous as Jesus speaks of the ‘end-times’ (Lk 21:5-11) -NAB
I had to read the whole chapter, I just couldn’t’ leave it at verse 11.
1
1 When he looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury
2
and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins.
3
He said, "I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest;
4
for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood."
5
2 While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, he said,
6
"All that you see here--the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down."
7
Then they asked him, "Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?"
8
He answered, "See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,' and 'The time has come.' 3 Do not follow them!
9
When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end."
10
Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
11
There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.
12
"Before all this happens, 4 however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name.
13
It will lead to your giving testimony.
14
Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,
15
for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking 5 that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.
16
You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death.
17
You will be hated by all because of my name,
18
but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
19
By your perseverance you will secure your lives.
20
6 "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is at hand.
21
Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. Let those within the city escape from it, and let those in the countryside not enter the city,
22
for these days are the time of punishment when all the scriptures are fulfilled.
23
Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days, for a terrible calamity will come upon the earth and a wrathful judgment upon this people.
24
They will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken as captives to all the Gentiles; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles 7 are fulfilled.
25
"There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves.
26
People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens 8 will be shaken.
27
And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28
But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand."
29
He taught them a lesson. "Consider the fig tree and all the other trees.
30
When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near;
31
in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.
32
Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place.
33
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
34
"Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise
35
like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth.
36
Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man."
37
During the day, Jesus was teaching in the temple area, but at night he would leave and stay at the place called the Mount of Olives.
38
And all the people would get up early each morning to listen to him in the temple area.
After I reviewed the daily readings I was surprised to see and article on the Drudge Report entitled: RUSSIAN ANALYST PREDICTS DECLINE AND BREAKUP OF USA.
Here’s a clip:
A leading Russian political analyst has said the economic turmoil in the United States has confirmed his long-held view that the country is heading for collapse, and will divide into separate parts…
…He predicted that the U.S. will break up into six parts - the Pacific coast, with its growing Chinese population; the South, with its Hispanics; Texas, where independence movements are on the rise; the Atlantic coast, with its distinct and separate mentality; five of the poorer central states with their large Native American populations; and the northern states, where the influence from Canada is strong. He even suggested that "we could claim Alaska - it was only granted on lease, after all." Panarin, 60, is a professor at the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and has authored several books on information warfare.
Woo baby,
Market failings, bailouts to everyone … corporation level pay grade only. Russian warships in Hugo Chavez country, China buying up American debt, 401k converted to 201k (mines down 39%).
Sounds like the end-time may truly be here, right?
Well, I don’t know about that. Are times hard? Very hard? Sure they are.
I think in today’s Gospel, Jesus is reminding us that we shouldn’t put too much trust in the man made empires. The Jerusalem temple was the center piece in the Jewish community back then, yet in 70AD it was destroyed.
Today we see banks going under, mighty corporations on their knees, things we’ve learned to trust over time are now on shaky ground and times don’t look as secure as we would like.
Will times get harder?
Maybe, but Jesus tells us to focus our trust in Him and to stay alert.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
34
"Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise
35
like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth.
36
Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man."
37
Jesus said these words just before his last Passover Supper, just before the beginning of his Passion.
I was talking with my kids who are young adults, about the news events of the day last night. They have the same concerns as everyone.
“I’ve just graduated from college… what does the future look like for me?”
“I’m getting married… what will my life be like in the next 5 years?”
I wish I could say that they would find good jobs and that their future children would grow up in peaceful times with prosperity all around them,
But I couldn’t say that.
The only advice I could give was a reminder what ultimately life’s goal is and that’s what our focus should be on. Yes we have to deal with jobs, food, and shelter. We need to remain involved with our communities, helping each other out, and remain focused on the banquet Christ has prepared for us.
Trust in His providence, remain alert.
I don’t mean this post to instill words of wisdom. There are plenty of folk out the in weblog land with ABC’s after their names and theology educations that rightfully would say my ramblings are remedial at best and laughable nominally.
These are just the some thoughts I had while reflecting on today’s gospel and today’s news….
I start my day with the daily reading before I hit my news and favorite weblogs. For the past week we’ve been reading from the book of Revelations… with all its mystic symbology.
Today’s Gospel was an eye opener and kind of ominous as Jesus speaks of the ‘end-times’ (Lk 21:5-11) -NAB
I had to read the whole chapter, I just couldn’t’ leave it at verse 11.
1
1 When he looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury
2
and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins.
3
He said, "I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest;
4
for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood."
5
2 While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, he said,
6
"All that you see here--the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down."
7
Then they asked him, "Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?"
8
He answered, "See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,' and 'The time has come.' 3 Do not follow them!
9
When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end."
10
Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
11
There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.
12
"Before all this happens, 4 however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name.
13
It will lead to your giving testimony.
14
Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,
15
for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking 5 that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.
16
You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death.
17
You will be hated by all because of my name,
18
but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
19
By your perseverance you will secure your lives.
20
6 "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is at hand.
21
Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. Let those within the city escape from it, and let those in the countryside not enter the city,
22
for these days are the time of punishment when all the scriptures are fulfilled.
23
Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days, for a terrible calamity will come upon the earth and a wrathful judgment upon this people.
24
They will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken as captives to all the Gentiles; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles 7 are fulfilled.
25
"There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves.
26
People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens 8 will be shaken.
27
And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28
But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand."
29
He taught them a lesson. "Consider the fig tree and all the other trees.
30
When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near;
31
in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.
32
Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place.
33
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
34
"Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise
35
like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth.
36
Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man."
37
During the day, Jesus was teaching in the temple area, but at night he would leave and stay at the place called the Mount of Olives.
38
And all the people would get up early each morning to listen to him in the temple area.
After I reviewed the daily readings I was surprised to see and article on the Drudge Report entitled: RUSSIAN ANALYST PREDICTS DECLINE AND BREAKUP OF USA.
Here’s a clip:
A leading Russian political analyst has said the economic turmoil in the United States has confirmed his long-held view that the country is heading for collapse, and will divide into separate parts…
…He predicted that the U.S. will break up into six parts - the Pacific coast, with its growing Chinese population; the South, with its Hispanics; Texas, where independence movements are on the rise; the Atlantic coast, with its distinct and separate mentality; five of the poorer central states with their large Native American populations; and the northern states, where the influence from Canada is strong. He even suggested that "we could claim Alaska - it was only granted on lease, after all." Panarin, 60, is a professor at the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and has authored several books on information warfare.
Woo baby,
Market failings, bailouts to everyone … corporation level pay grade only. Russian warships in Hugo Chavez country, China buying up American debt, 401k converted to 201k (mines down 39%).
Sounds like the end-time may truly be here, right?
Well, I don’t know about that. Are times hard? Very hard? Sure they are.
I think in today’s Gospel, Jesus is reminding us that we shouldn’t put too much trust in the man made empires. The Jerusalem temple was the center piece in the Jewish community back then, yet in 70AD it was destroyed.
Today we see banks going under, mighty corporations on their knees, things we’ve learned to trust over time are now on shaky ground and times don’t look as secure as we would like.
Will times get harder?
Maybe, but Jesus tells us to focus our trust in Him and to stay alert.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
34
"Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise
35
like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth.
36
Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man."
37
Jesus said these words just before his last Passover Supper, just before the beginning of his Passion.
I was talking with my kids who are young adults, about the news events of the day last night. They have the same concerns as everyone.
“I’ve just graduated from college… what does the future look like for me?”
“I’m getting married… what will my life be like in the next 5 years?”
I wish I could say that they would find good jobs and that their future children would grow up in peaceful times with prosperity all around them,
But I couldn’t say that.
The only advice I could give was a reminder what ultimately life’s goal is and that’s what our focus should be on. Yes we have to deal with jobs, food, and shelter. We need to remain involved with our communities, helping each other out, and remain focused on the banquet Christ has prepared for us.
Trust in His providence, remain alert.
I don’t mean this post to instill words of wisdom. There are plenty of folk out the in weblog land with ABC’s after their names and theology educations that rightfully would say my ramblings are remedial at best and laughable nominally.
These are just the some thoughts I had while reflecting on today’s gospel and today’s news….
Monday, November 24, 2008
The Emerging Protestant Church
Is this the face of the new Protestant church?
One of the key leaders of today's most cutting-edge church movement has opened an Internet discussion on the issue of same-sex marriage with the bold proclamation that he believes "gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual and queer" individuals can and should live out their sexuality in – and blessed by – the Christian church.
"I now believe that GLBTQ can live lives in accord with biblical Christianity (as least as much as any of us can!)," writes author and church leader Tony Jones, "and that their monogamy can and should be sanctioned and blessed by church and state."
MORE: Emergent church leader says 'gay' can be biblical lifestyle
I don't mean to pick on our brothers and sisters. The truth is this frame of thought that Tony Jones has is becoming more and more prevalent in the Catholic church as well.
The passage of Prop 8 leaves us with some hope, however it's easy to see our leaders attempting to pull us away from church teaching.
Sunday was the Solemnity of Christ the King. It's the end of the church calendar as we head into the Advent season.
The Gospel reading for Sunday was on the "goats and sheep" (Matt 25:31-46).
We need to ask ourselves on a daily basis,
'which are we?'
Christianity without Culture?
John Neuhaus of First Things has a great piece that I read this weekend. Thought I'd pass it on.
The Deadly Convienence of Christianity without Culture
The Deadly Convienence of Christianity without Culture
“Gnosticism” may not be the right word for it, but it is what Harold Bloom in The American Religion calls a religion of the self. It is a seductive way of accommodating differences by declaring a truce in contentions over truth. The “Christ without culture” model—meaning Christianity indifferent to culture—would seem to produce a circumstance in which religion is impervious to culture and culture is impervious to religion. But, in fact, it results in religion’s acquiescing in the culture’s demand that religion confine itself to the sphere of privacy.
In his classic study at the beginning of the last century, The Varieties of Religious Experience, William James describes religion as that which a man does with his solitude. What one does with one’s solitude may take many different forms, from mystical experience, to thinking positively in ways that maximize your potential, to ten-step meditation techniques resulting in a greater measure of inner peace. In more contemporary language, religion—or, if you prefer, spirituality—is whatever works for you.
'Real Catholic T.V.' Internet Channel
Catholic media I think is the means by which we, as Catholics, will make inroad to spreading the Gospel as we are called to do by Christ.
Matthew 28:18-20
18And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
19"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
20teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
There are so many good (and bad) resourses out there from Catholic periodicals (mags) and books, and some great weblogs.
Matthew 28:18-20
18And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
19"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
20teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
There are so many good (and bad) resourses out there from Catholic periodicals (mags) and books, and some great weblogs.
Podcast like SQPN with Fr. Roderick's podcast family was the next step up with video and audio content.
Now the Catholic T.V. can be added to this effort of making disciples of all. It started earlier this year and is still adding content, but it's coming along and I think will mature into a major resource.
JPII knew the need to use the media and B16 is equally aware of the media potential.
Catholic Culture has the skinny on it HERE.
And here is the Web Site: Catholic T.V.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Fr Thomas J. Euteneuer
Most will remember Fr. Euteneuer from his encounter with Sean Hannity on Fox News, but Fr. Euteneuer has been a voice for the unborn for many years previous.
Here's a Bio on Fr. Euteneuer at his Human Life International website
Fr. E weighs in on the President-Elect Obama. (I've got to get Father out to our church to speak...)
It is impossible to speak of a "Catholic culture" in America any longer. A whole segment of the populace who call themselves "Catholics" do not feel bound by any standard of Catholic orthodoxy or sanity. In fact, it is impossible to even speak of a Catholic culture in most parishes! At a recent "ministry faire" of a large Catholic parish in south Florida, the Respect Life ministry of the parish displayed its pro-life materials next to the table of the "social justice" committee of the same parish. Any commonality between the two ministries was simply in the space they shared. Their worldviews could not have been further apart, but they both call themselves Catholic.
In fact, the "social justice" people were positively aglow about the election of their new messiah, Barack Obama. Several of them were speaking of their plans to attend the Inauguration and were utterly unaware that there would be 100,000 people marching on the nation's Capitol two days later for the right to life of unborn Americans which they had just voted into irrelevancy by electing Obama to the highest office of the land. One of them even expressed shock at the provisions of the upcoming Freedom of Choice Act until he was confronted with the nasty little fact that his messiah had been a sponsor of that pernicious bill in the last Congress. True to form, he steadfastly refused to allow that truth to have any effect on his euphoria. His mind was made up, and he would not let himself be confused by facts. Needless to say, the orthodox, practicing, believing Catholic pro-lifers will not be attending the Inauguration.
How can these two groups sit side-by-side in the same pews and display their ministries in the same space at the same Catholic parish? Simply because this contradiction has been tolerated for years by those in charge of our Church. In this election season neither of these two groups received any guidance about voting according to Catholic principles because, as per usual, there was silence from the pulpit on the issue. The absolute failure of our church leaders to define for us what membership in the Church means - and then to enforce it - has led to the degradation of Catholic culture and the loss of meaning for things that are sacred. When Christ and Belial are considered equal partners in the sanctuary, then nothing in the sanctuary means anything any more and no meaningful standard exists to distinguish a true Catholic from a false Catholic.
The degradation of Catholic culture is largely, but not exclusively, the fault of the clergy. For four decades in the Catholic Church in America we have seen:
In fact, the "social justice" people were positively aglow about the election of their new messiah, Barack Obama. Several of them were speaking of their plans to attend the Inauguration and were utterly unaware that there would be 100,000 people marching on the nation's Capitol two days later for the right to life of unborn Americans which they had just voted into irrelevancy by electing Obama to the highest office of the land. One of them even expressed shock at the provisions of the upcoming Freedom of Choice Act until he was confronted with the nasty little fact that his messiah had been a sponsor of that pernicious bill in the last Congress. True to form, he steadfastly refused to allow that truth to have any effect on his euphoria. His mind was made up, and he would not let himself be confused by facts. Needless to say, the orthodox, practicing, believing Catholic pro-lifers will not be attending the Inauguration.
How can these two groups sit side-by-side in the same pews and display their ministries in the same space at the same Catholic parish? Simply because this contradiction has been tolerated for years by those in charge of our Church. In this election season neither of these two groups received any guidance about voting according to Catholic principles because, as per usual, there was silence from the pulpit on the issue. The absolute failure of our church leaders to define for us what membership in the Church means - and then to enforce it - has led to the degradation of Catholic culture and the loss of meaning for things that are sacred. When Christ and Belial are considered equal partners in the sanctuary, then nothing in the sanctuary means anything any more and no meaningful standard exists to distinguish a true Catholic from a false Catholic.
The degradation of Catholic culture is largely, but not exclusively, the fault of the clergy. For four decades in the Catholic Church in America we have seen:
1. Liturgical abuses run rampant, aided and abetted by those in charge
2. Two or three generations of Catholics left un-catechized or taught with flimsy, Protestantized fluff passed off as Catholic education
3. Sexual abuse by clergy excused and unaddressed by the hierarchy
4. A blind eye turned to high profile dissent and political class heretics
5. Wholesale attacks on sacred teachings that receive virtually no response from our pastors (and if it weren't for Catholic Answers, EWTN and the Catholic League we would have no defense whatsoever)
6. The succumbing of our Catholic institutions of higher education to the ravages of political correctness, and the list goes on.
In the face of all this, should we be surprised that 54% of "Catholics" voted for Barack? Hardly.
The battle for Catholic culture begins with us, and there is no time like the present to don the armor of spiritual warfare. We either believe and practice what the Church teaches or we live as part of the shadow church, falsely trading on the Name Catholic for its benefits without at the same time shouldering the crosses that this entails.
There is, however, great hope for the future because the battle has already been engaged: new Catholic colleges are springing up to replace the old decrepit houses of heresy, new religious orders with abundant vocations and orthodoxy have arisen, home schooling families and strong lay movements are abundant now. Only when we take back our beloved Church from the false Catholics and clerics will our Church be able to stand up and rebuke the storm winds of paganism that are building faster than we care to admit. This project is not without its price, however. The cost of being a true believer will undoubtedly be much higher than ever before in our lifetime. Starting now and into the next generation we as Catholics will have to show the world not only what we believe but that we are willing to lay down our lives for it as a witness to the truth.
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Rev. Thomas J. Euteneuer,
President, Human Life International
UPDATE: Prop 8
Here's a quick update on the happenings regarding Prop 8 (Marriage) from an email I recieved:
CA Supreme Court Grants Our RequestsUpdate on Next Steps Below
On Wednesday, November 19, the California Supreme Court granted all of the requests submitted by ProtectMarriage.com regarding the three lawsuits filed against Prop 8. We are very pleased by this action. Specifically, the Court
-Refused to block the full implementation of Prop 8 pending the outcome of the litigation
-Accepted jurisdiction over the case, which will facilitate a speedier resolution
-Granted ProtectMarriage's request to have standing as the defender of the interests of the voters that passed Prop 8. Otherwise the defense would have been solely up to Attorney General Jerry Brown who opposed Prop 8 and tried his best to undermine its passage.
-Refused the request of Campaign for California Families and the Liberty Council to represent the voters in the case. Campaign for California Families opposed the qualification of Prop 8 and never cooperated with the campaign to pass it. To help undermine our efforts, Jerry Brown supported the participation of this outside group.
It is important to remember that we won Prop 8 because we worked together with a coordinated strategy and message. In this delicate post election period, it is important to continue to do so.
Many different organizations, some that were supportive of the campaign and some that were not, are sending out emails with conflicting messages and strategies. ProtectMarriage.com, of which CatholicsforProtectMarriage and CCG are members, is the only organization representing the team you were a part of to pass Prop 8. We need to continue to stick together. An update on current and future objectives for the coalition is posted below but I would like to emphasize two important points:
-We do not support efforts or suggestions to recall any judges.
-We discourage counter demonstrations and any acts that would incite our opponents.
Please continue to offer your prayers and suffering for people are committing acts of intimidation against the voters and supporters for Prop 8, for the political leaders who are instigating them, and for the many people who are suffering as a result.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.
For the Common Good,
Bill May, ChairmanCatholics for Protect Marriage
(415) 651-4171
http://CatholicsForProtectMarriage.com
Letter from ProtectMarriage.com Chairman Ron Prentice
Dear Friends,
Many people have asked what the Yes on 8 campaign has in mind for next steps. There has been, unfortunately, some chatter from outside groups who claim to represent the Yes on 8 campaign, that has resulted in confusion as to what we are doing. As you know, ProtectMarriage.com Yes on 8 is the only official campaign in favor of Proposition 8. It was our group that qualified the measure for the ballot and raised the approximately $40 million to pass the initiative. We had significant help from some critical allies like the National Organization for Marriage, Knights of Columbus, Focus on the Family and Family Research Council. But ProtectMarriage.com is the only committee that passed Prop. 8. Some other groups are attempting to use the passage of Prop 8 for fund raising and publicity purposes. Id like to address what we are focusing on, what we are not focusing on, and ask for your continued prayers in support of our efforts.
Legal Challenge.
Our most important work now is to defend the Peoples right to enact Proposition 8. We have asked the California Supreme Court to set a hearing to decide on the challenges that have been filed against Prop 8 because we are confident that the Court will do the right thing and uphold our right to enact the measure by initiative. By encouraging the Court to hear and decide these cases now, we are hoping to avoid years of costly litigation over Prop 8 as the cases would normally wind through the court system. We have also urged the Court to deny all of the requests for preliminary injunctions that would suspend Prop 8 while the cases are pending in the Supreme Court.
Since we, as the Official Proponents, were not originally named in the lawsuits, we have asked the Court to allow us to formally intervene as official parties, so we can vigorously defend Prop 8. Also, we are opposing the efforts of other groups to intervene in the cases, including the Campaign for California Families which actually campaigned against Proposition 8 until a short time before the election. Since we are the only organization representing the official proponents and the campaign committee that was responsible for passing Prop 8, allowing outside groups to participate in the defense of Prop 8 will only harm our chances of success.
Public relations.
We continue to work vigorously in the court of public opinion to defend Proposition 8. Our campaign firm, Schubert Flint Public Affairs, is still on board and is working on long-term public relations strategies for consideration by the Executive Committee. Schubert Flint and members of the Executive Committee have given hundreds of media interviews over the past two weeks defending Proposition 8 from attack.
Future planning.
Because we fully expect to prevail in court, we expect that, at some point, we will need to defeat a ballot proposal by advocates of same-sex marriage. Our opponents have threatened such a proposal as early as 2010. We are already beginning the planning process to lay the groundwork to defeat a future proposed initiative that would legalize gay marriage. What we are not doing is discussing the possibility of recalling justices who oppose us. We are fully confident that the California Supreme Court will uphold Proposition 8, even if some members of the Court disagree with the issue. We encourage all supporters of Proposition 8 to set aside any discussions about the possibility of recalling any justice of the Court. We see no need for such discussion. For now we must allow the Court to make the correct legal decision. Making threats to recall justices from office is counter-productive and harmful to our chances of winning in Court.
Counter-protests.
Many of our supporters have asked about holding events to offset the numerous protests that have been held by our opponents. We organized a press conference last Friday in Southern California that was heavily attended by the media. This event showcased the vast support that Proposition 8 received from a wide array of groups, including representatives of numerous faith traditions and ethnic backgrounds. Beyond that rally, we do not encourage supporters to organize local demonstrations or counter-protests. Doing so will only spawn further protests from our opponents and potentially spark street corner confrontations. Criticism of our opponents tactics is mounting daily and they would dearly love to provoke our supporters into a confrontation that makes us look like aggressors. Every protest our opponents launch features angry gays screaming at California voters. They call voters bigots and homophobes, and many of them have used racially derogatory terms in referring to African Americans and their strong support for Proposition 8. Their protests are doing great harm to their public position.
Fund raising.
We currently have a campaign surplus which is allowing us the ability to continue defending Proposition 8 for a period of time. However, we will likely launch a new fund raising effort in a few weeks to ensure that we have the financial resources necessary to compete in the Supreme Court and the court of public opinion. As you consider giving, please remember that our committee is the only committee that represents Proposition 8 defending it before the courts and with the public.
Prayers.
Please keep the leadership of the campaign, our consultants and our supporters in your prayers. All of us have been targeted by gay activists with vile emails, phone calls and threats. We are praying for those like Scott Eckern, who was forced to resign as Artistic Director of the California Musical Theater because he gave our campaign a $1,000 donation, and for the owners of El Coyote restaurant in Los Angeles who are being boycotted because an employee supported us. One supporting business was forced to shut down its Web site and send all phone calls to voice mail due to the disgusting harassment by our opponents. These are just a few examples of those who have been subjected to hateful actions by our opponents who, ironically, demand tolerance from others but seem so incapable of showing tolerance themselves. Thank you for your continued support of traditional marriage and Proposition 8.
Thank you,
Ron PrenticeChairman,
Yes on Proposition 8
www.protectmarriage.com
CA Supreme Court Grants Our RequestsUpdate on Next Steps Below
On Wednesday, November 19, the California Supreme Court granted all of the requests submitted by ProtectMarriage.com regarding the three lawsuits filed against Prop 8. We are very pleased by this action. Specifically, the Court
-Refused to block the full implementation of Prop 8 pending the outcome of the litigation
-Accepted jurisdiction over the case, which will facilitate a speedier resolution
-Granted ProtectMarriage's request to have standing as the defender of the interests of the voters that passed Prop 8. Otherwise the defense would have been solely up to Attorney General Jerry Brown who opposed Prop 8 and tried his best to undermine its passage.
-Refused the request of Campaign for California Families and the Liberty Council to represent the voters in the case. Campaign for California Families opposed the qualification of Prop 8 and never cooperated with the campaign to pass it. To help undermine our efforts, Jerry Brown supported the participation of this outside group.
It is important to remember that we won Prop 8 because we worked together with a coordinated strategy and message. In this delicate post election period, it is important to continue to do so.
Many different organizations, some that were supportive of the campaign and some that were not, are sending out emails with conflicting messages and strategies. ProtectMarriage.com, of which CatholicsforProtectMarriage and CCG are members, is the only organization representing the team you were a part of to pass Prop 8. We need to continue to stick together. An update on current and future objectives for the coalition is posted below but I would like to emphasize two important points:
-We do not support efforts or suggestions to recall any judges.
-We discourage counter demonstrations and any acts that would incite our opponents.
Please continue to offer your prayers and suffering for people are committing acts of intimidation against the voters and supporters for Prop 8, for the political leaders who are instigating them, and for the many people who are suffering as a result.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.
For the Common Good,
Bill May, ChairmanCatholics for Protect Marriage
(415) 651-4171
http://CatholicsForProtectMarriage.com
Letter from ProtectMarriage.com Chairman Ron Prentice
Dear Friends,
Many people have asked what the Yes on 8 campaign has in mind for next steps. There has been, unfortunately, some chatter from outside groups who claim to represent the Yes on 8 campaign, that has resulted in confusion as to what we are doing. As you know, ProtectMarriage.com Yes on 8 is the only official campaign in favor of Proposition 8. It was our group that qualified the measure for the ballot and raised the approximately $40 million to pass the initiative. We had significant help from some critical allies like the National Organization for Marriage, Knights of Columbus, Focus on the Family and Family Research Council. But ProtectMarriage.com is the only committee that passed Prop. 8. Some other groups are attempting to use the passage of Prop 8 for fund raising and publicity purposes. Id like to address what we are focusing on, what we are not focusing on, and ask for your continued prayers in support of our efforts.
Legal Challenge.
Our most important work now is to defend the Peoples right to enact Proposition 8. We have asked the California Supreme Court to set a hearing to decide on the challenges that have been filed against Prop 8 because we are confident that the Court will do the right thing and uphold our right to enact the measure by initiative. By encouraging the Court to hear and decide these cases now, we are hoping to avoid years of costly litigation over Prop 8 as the cases would normally wind through the court system. We have also urged the Court to deny all of the requests for preliminary injunctions that would suspend Prop 8 while the cases are pending in the Supreme Court.
Since we, as the Official Proponents, were not originally named in the lawsuits, we have asked the Court to allow us to formally intervene as official parties, so we can vigorously defend Prop 8. Also, we are opposing the efforts of other groups to intervene in the cases, including the Campaign for California Families which actually campaigned against Proposition 8 until a short time before the election. Since we are the only organization representing the official proponents and the campaign committee that was responsible for passing Prop 8, allowing outside groups to participate in the defense of Prop 8 will only harm our chances of success.
Public relations.
We continue to work vigorously in the court of public opinion to defend Proposition 8. Our campaign firm, Schubert Flint Public Affairs, is still on board and is working on long-term public relations strategies for consideration by the Executive Committee. Schubert Flint and members of the Executive Committee have given hundreds of media interviews over the past two weeks defending Proposition 8 from attack.
Future planning.
Because we fully expect to prevail in court, we expect that, at some point, we will need to defeat a ballot proposal by advocates of same-sex marriage. Our opponents have threatened such a proposal as early as 2010. We are already beginning the planning process to lay the groundwork to defeat a future proposed initiative that would legalize gay marriage. What we are not doing is discussing the possibility of recalling justices who oppose us. We are fully confident that the California Supreme Court will uphold Proposition 8, even if some members of the Court disagree with the issue. We encourage all supporters of Proposition 8 to set aside any discussions about the possibility of recalling any justice of the Court. We see no need for such discussion. For now we must allow the Court to make the correct legal decision. Making threats to recall justices from office is counter-productive and harmful to our chances of winning in Court.
Counter-protests.
Many of our supporters have asked about holding events to offset the numerous protests that have been held by our opponents. We organized a press conference last Friday in Southern California that was heavily attended by the media. This event showcased the vast support that Proposition 8 received from a wide array of groups, including representatives of numerous faith traditions and ethnic backgrounds. Beyond that rally, we do not encourage supporters to organize local demonstrations or counter-protests. Doing so will only spawn further protests from our opponents and potentially spark street corner confrontations. Criticism of our opponents tactics is mounting daily and they would dearly love to provoke our supporters into a confrontation that makes us look like aggressors. Every protest our opponents launch features angry gays screaming at California voters. They call voters bigots and homophobes, and many of them have used racially derogatory terms in referring to African Americans and their strong support for Proposition 8. Their protests are doing great harm to their public position.
Fund raising.
We currently have a campaign surplus which is allowing us the ability to continue defending Proposition 8 for a period of time. However, we will likely launch a new fund raising effort in a few weeks to ensure that we have the financial resources necessary to compete in the Supreme Court and the court of public opinion. As you consider giving, please remember that our committee is the only committee that represents Proposition 8 defending it before the courts and with the public.
Prayers.
Please keep the leadership of the campaign, our consultants and our supporters in your prayers. All of us have been targeted by gay activists with vile emails, phone calls and threats. We are praying for those like Scott Eckern, who was forced to resign as Artistic Director of the California Musical Theater because he gave our campaign a $1,000 donation, and for the owners of El Coyote restaurant in Los Angeles who are being boycotted because an employee supported us. One supporting business was forced to shut down its Web site and send all phone calls to voice mail due to the disgusting harassment by our opponents. These are just a few examples of those who have been subjected to hateful actions by our opponents who, ironically, demand tolerance from others but seem so incapable of showing tolerance themselves. Thank you for your continued support of traditional marriage and Proposition 8.
Thank you,
Ron PrenticeChairman,
Yes on Proposition 8
www.protectmarriage.com
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Interview: Archbishop Naumann of Kansas City
An interview with Archbishop Naumann of K.C.
Issues of Moral Weight
Q: Your Excellency, do you believe that the United States could be making a sharp turn toward secularism -- following the lead of Canada or Western Europe?
ArchbishopNaumann: I do not believe that we have to take a fatalistic view and simply concede that we will inevitably go the same route as Western Europe or Canada. I think there are different dynamics in the make-up of the United States.
However, Europe and Canada are sober reminders of what could happen if the Church and all people of faith are not vigilant. Of course, the Church, in its beginning, found itself in a hostile society and throughout history and in some parts of the world today, the Church has to keep the light of truth burning in difficult cultural environments.
There are those who are constantly trying to write the obituary of the pro-life movement. I remember in the mid-1980's a television commentator reporting on the huge crowd at the annual March for Life as the "dying gasp" of the movement. It is 20 years later and the pro-life movement is growing stronger and younger.
Q: In this election cycle the clergy spoke out as never before for the rights of the unborn. More than one-third of all ordinaries issued statements on the importance of supporting pro-life candidates. Why do you think they spoke out like this?
Archbishop Naumann: Bishops and priests have had the example of Pope John Paul II, and now Pope Benedict XVI, both who have spoken the truth fearlessly with love. I also think that Archbishop [Raymond] Burke, in the last election cycle, calling Catholic politicians to accountability has had a significant impact.
Some Catholic politicians, for many years by their actions, have been contradicting Church teaching on the sanctity of human life, but now several are actually attempting to redefine what the Church teaches. This has compelled bishops to assert their role as the authentic teachers of the faith.
MORE
Issues of Moral Weight
Q: Your Excellency, do you believe that the United States could be making a sharp turn toward secularism -- following the lead of Canada or Western Europe?
ArchbishopNaumann: I do not believe that we have to take a fatalistic view and simply concede that we will inevitably go the same route as Western Europe or Canada. I think there are different dynamics in the make-up of the United States.
However, Europe and Canada are sober reminders of what could happen if the Church and all people of faith are not vigilant. Of course, the Church, in its beginning, found itself in a hostile society and throughout history and in some parts of the world today, the Church has to keep the light of truth burning in difficult cultural environments.
There are those who are constantly trying to write the obituary of the pro-life movement. I remember in the mid-1980's a television commentator reporting on the huge crowd at the annual March for Life as the "dying gasp" of the movement. It is 20 years later and the pro-life movement is growing stronger and younger.
Q: In this election cycle the clergy spoke out as never before for the rights of the unborn. More than one-third of all ordinaries issued statements on the importance of supporting pro-life candidates. Why do you think they spoke out like this?
Archbishop Naumann: Bishops and priests have had the example of Pope John Paul II, and now Pope Benedict XVI, both who have spoken the truth fearlessly with love. I also think that Archbishop [Raymond] Burke, in the last election cycle, calling Catholic politicians to accountability has had a significant impact.
Some Catholic politicians, for many years by their actions, have been contradicting Church teaching on the sanctity of human life, but now several are actually attempting to redefine what the Church teaches. This has compelled bishops to assert their role as the authentic teachers of the faith.
MORE
Persecution: '...and they will hate you because of me...'
Change, Change, Change.
That was the buzz word this election. Well, as this article points out, somethings change for the better, somethings change for the worse and somethings.... never change.
If a Hate Crime Takes Place In a Forest and Nobody Hears It...
In San Francisco's Castro district, a handful of homosexual activists were peacefully chanting slogans when they were set upon by a mob of angry fundamentalist Christians, who surrounded and hounded them, shouting obscenities and threatening to kill them. One woman was thrown to the ground and kicked. Police intervened in time to prevent further violence, and escorted the small group out of the area, with the mob howling threats all the way.
MORE
Patrick Madrid as a post on persecution as well...
That was the buzz word this election. Well, as this article points out, somethings change for the better, somethings change for the worse and somethings.... never change.
If a Hate Crime Takes Place In a Forest and Nobody Hears It...
In San Francisco's Castro district, a handful of homosexual activists were peacefully chanting slogans when they were set upon by a mob of angry fundamentalist Christians, who surrounded and hounded them, shouting obscenities and threatening to kill them. One woman was thrown to the ground and kicked. Police intervened in time to prevent further violence, and escorted the small group out of the area, with the mob howling threats all the way.
MORE
Patrick Madrid as a post on persecution as well...
California Prop 8 Court Fight.... it's on!
So, once again the California Courts will look into overturning the rule of the people. (Memories of Prop 22)
A majority of California voters, as you know, voted YES to Prop 8's ban on Gay Marriages. The outrage from the opponents was immediate. Protest ensued and Gov. Terminator sided with these nay-say'rs to call for the California's Supreme Court to crush the power of the vote.
This is as ludicrous as the Firemen in 'Fahrenheit 451' setting the fires instead of putting them out. Now you have the courts ruling over the law of the land... the vote of the people.
As they say in the God Father; it's time to 'Go to the Mattress' (Uhhhhh... Michael)
There's a Mormon church on the same block as our Catholic church and there's a protest scheduled for today by the NO on Prop 8 crowd. Our church will probably be next. During the elections we were handing out Yes on Prop 8 signs, 300 of which were stolen from church grounds.
My sign was missing from my front yard on election day...
So... for those in California call your elected officials and representatives, call Arnold's office. Those not in California, if this can happen here, it's only a matter of time...
Prayers, of course, always!
From today's Readings:
Lk: 19:41-44
As Jesus drew near Jerusalem,
he saw the city and wept over it, saying,
“If this day you only knew what makes for peace–
but now it is hidden from your eyes.
For the days are coming upon you
when your enemies will raise a palisade against you;
they will encircle you and hem you in on all sides.
They will smash you to the ground and your children within you,
and they will not leave one stone upon another within you
because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.”
California Supreme Court to take up Gay Marriage Ban
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - California's highest court agreed Wednesday to hear several legal challenges to the state's new ban on same-sex marriage but refused to allow gay couples to resume marrying before it rules.
The California Supreme Court accepted three lawsuits seeking to nullify Proposition 8, a voter-approved constitutional amendment that overruled the court's decision in May that legalized gay marriage.
All three cases claim the measure abridges the civil rights of a vulnerable minority group. They argue that voters alone did not have the authority to enact such a significant constitutional change.
As is its custom when it takes up cases, the court elaborated little. However, the justices did say they want to address what effect, if any, a ruling upholding the amendment would have on the estimated 18,000 same-sex marriages that were sanctioned in California before Election Day.
Gay rights groups and local governments petitioning to overturn the ban were joined by the measure's sponsors and Attorney General Jerry Brown in urging the Supreme Court to consider whether Proposition 8 passes legal muster.
MORE
A majority of California voters, as you know, voted YES to Prop 8's ban on Gay Marriages. The outrage from the opponents was immediate. Protest ensued and Gov. Terminator sided with these nay-say'rs to call for the California's Supreme Court to crush the power of the vote.
This is as ludicrous as the Firemen in 'Fahrenheit 451' setting the fires instead of putting them out. Now you have the courts ruling over the law of the land... the vote of the people.
As they say in the God Father; it's time to 'Go to the Mattress' (Uhhhhh... Michael)
There's a Mormon church on the same block as our Catholic church and there's a protest scheduled for today by the NO on Prop 8 crowd. Our church will probably be next. During the elections we were handing out Yes on Prop 8 signs, 300 of which were stolen from church grounds.
My sign was missing from my front yard on election day...
So... for those in California call your elected officials and representatives, call Arnold's office. Those not in California, if this can happen here, it's only a matter of time...
Prayers, of course, always!
From today's Readings:
Lk: 19:41-44
As Jesus drew near Jerusalem,
he saw the city and wept over it, saying,
“If this day you only knew what makes for peace–
but now it is hidden from your eyes.
For the days are coming upon you
when your enemies will raise a palisade against you;
they will encircle you and hem you in on all sides.
They will smash you to the ground and your children within you,
and they will not leave one stone upon another within you
because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.”
California Supreme Court to take up Gay Marriage Ban
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - California's highest court agreed Wednesday to hear several legal challenges to the state's new ban on same-sex marriage but refused to allow gay couples to resume marrying before it rules.
The California Supreme Court accepted three lawsuits seeking to nullify Proposition 8, a voter-approved constitutional amendment that overruled the court's decision in May that legalized gay marriage.
All three cases claim the measure abridges the civil rights of a vulnerable minority group. They argue that voters alone did not have the authority to enact such a significant constitutional change.
As is its custom when it takes up cases, the court elaborated little. However, the justices did say they want to address what effect, if any, a ruling upholding the amendment would have on the estimated 18,000 same-sex marriages that were sanctioned in California before Election Day.
Gay rights groups and local governments petitioning to overturn the ban were joined by the measure's sponsors and Attorney General Jerry Brown in urging the Supreme Court to consider whether Proposition 8 passes legal muster.
MORE
Special Intentions ?
I'll be fasting today and attending mass at Noon.
Times are difficult for everyone, so I thought I'd offer up my day for those in need.
If anyone has a special intention they would like me to include with mine, I will definitely offer them up at this afternoon's mass.
Peace
WCC +<><
Times are difficult for everyone, so I thought I'd offer up my day for those in need.
If anyone has a special intention they would like me to include with mine, I will definitely offer them up at this afternoon's mass.
Peace
WCC +<><
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Kathleen Parker: Giving Up On God
Kathleen Parker in her Washington Post article today claims that in order for the Republicans to rise again, they should consider "giving up on God".
G-O-D is the problem with the Republican party and it was probably why they were defeated, according to Ms. Parker, a self described Republican herself.
Now I don't consider myself a Republican or Democratic or a dedicated member of any particular party.
However, I do subscribe to a group that believes a society without God is as good as good as dead.
Read the article, but wash your hands after:
As Republicans sort out the reasons for their defeat, they likely will overlook or dismiss the gorilla in the pulpit.
Three little letters, great big problem: G-O-D.
I'm bathing in holy water as I type.
To be more specific, the evangelical, right-wing, oogedy-boogedy branch of the GOP is what ails the erstwhile conservative party and will continue to afflict and marginalize its constituents if reckoning doesn't soon cometh.
Simply put: Armband religion is killing the Republican Party. And, the truth -- as long as we're setting ourselves free -- is that if one were to eavesdrop on private conversations among the party intelligentsia, one would hear precisely that.
The choir has become absurdly off-key, and many Republicans know it.
Wow, bathing in holy water eh?
It's not holy water your bathing in Darling...
It's not holy water your bathing in Darling...
MSM: Still on Obama Wagon - Bash Catholic Church
Well, the MSM is still on their honeymoon with the election of Mr. Obama and they are like loyal attack dogs protecting their new master.
Case in point; CNN's Wolf Blitzer bashes Cardinal Stafford and mis-quotes him.
Now that's something new....NOT!
American Catholic has the post:
CNN Wolf Blitzer
On Tuesday’s Situation Room, CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer referred to a Catholic cardinal’s criticism of Barack Obama’s abortion position as a “scathing rant“ and a “diatribe.“ A CNN graphic also used the “scathing rant” term, and Blitzer later referred to the cardinal’s words as a “blistering rant.“
Case in point; CNN's Wolf Blitzer bashes Cardinal Stafford and mis-quotes him.
Now that's something new....NOT!
American Catholic has the post:
CNN Wolf Blitzer
On Tuesday’s Situation Room, CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer referred to a Catholic cardinal’s criticism of Barack Obama’s abortion position as a “scathing rant“ and a “diatribe.“ A CNN graphic also used the “scathing rant” term, and Blitzer later referred to the cardinal’s words as a “blistering rant.“
Grave Liturgical Abuses....
On serious note:
AmP has a video that shows grave liturgical abuses: Balloons, baked bread...just view the video.
Now I view Cardinal Schonborn as one of the best the church has to offer. I've read his book 'Chance or Purpose? Creation, Evolution and Rational faith'. He even wrote the Forward to B16's latest book 'Creation and Evoution' , so I'm quite confused by his participation in this mass.
Read the post on Amp
AmP has a video that shows grave liturgical abuses: Balloons, baked bread...just view the video.
Now I view Cardinal Schonborn as one of the best the church has to offer. I've read his book 'Chance or Purpose? Creation, Evolution and Rational faith'. He even wrote the Forward to B16's latest book 'Creation and Evoution' , so I'm quite confused by his participation in this mass.
Read the post on Amp
Tool Bags and the Feminine Gender
(anyone seen my tool bag)Space walks, tool bags, and .....Astronaut Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper.
....Hey, all I'm saying is I have a missing tool bag at home... and my wife denies everything!
Sorry.... to all... I just couldn't let it pass.
My thoughts are with Heidemarie, they're not going to let her live this down for awhile back at the Cape. ;-)
...The briefcase-sized tool bag drifted away from astronaut Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper on Tuesday as she cleaned and lubed a gummed-up joint on a wing of solar panels on the space station. She and fellow astronaut Stephen Bowen were midway through the first of four spacewalks planned for the mission. The tool bag was one of the largest items ever lost by a spacewalker.
As Stefanyshyn-Piper cleaned up a large gob of grease that seeped from a gun used to lubricate the joint, the tool case somehow became untethered from a larger bag and floated away along with a pair of grease guns, wipes and a putty knife attached to it.
"What it boils down to is all it takes is one small mistake for a tether not to be hooked up quite correctly or to slip off, and that's what happened here," said lead spacewalk officer John Ray.
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