GET OUT AND VOTE!

 Please get out and vote today!

VOTE YOUR CATHOLIC CONSCIENCE

....and say a rosary for our Nation.

-WCC

Fellow voters,

Catholics must "NEVER vote for candidates"who support abortion....NEVER

 
Bishop Chad Zielinski of Fairbanks, Alaska voices Catholic teaching, what more church leader should be doing.

This is a crucial election, as all elections are. This one even more so considering the presidential candidates views on the unborn children. The 'seamless garment' theory that, all election topics are of equal value is NOT church teaching. Abortion is an intrinsic evil, as stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church 2270-2275.

We must protect the innocent lives of the unborn, we must start there if we are ever going to legitimately address the protection of ALL. 

ALL LIVES MATTER, as we are all God's creation. 

Catholic's Can't be Catholic - Fr. Altman

 

If you haven't seen this video yet, you've got to. Father Altman preaches it without fear. Those

that say, "he's stepping over into politics, he's crossing the line!" is not taking into account the real message of Fr. Altman, that our Faith SHOULD NOT TAKE A BACK SEAT to selecting our government officials, including the presidency.

We, as Catholics must live the teachings of Christ, NO MATTER WHAT!. Whether that means not getting free checks from the government or free anything, at the expense of the unborn.

When one drives a car, one stops at all the traffic lights, not just the ones that we want to. We we go into surgery at a hospital we expect the doctors to follow all the steps of the procedure, not just some of them. When we order food from a restaurant we expect that our order is not some missing anything and is complete. If I order a burger, the patty shouldn't be missing.

When we talk about being a Catholic, that means we follow ALL THE TEACHINGS OF OUR FAITH, all the teaching of the Catholic church. To do otherwise is not a true follower of Christ's church. One is not in communion with the church and it's truths. To do otherwise is not Catholicism but a separate church one has created on their own. That is what Fr. Altman 's message is.

A politician who claims to be Catholic and still supports and promotes Abortion, is not following the teaching of the Catholic church. A political party that promotes abortion at any stage as their political platform, not a party that a Catholic should support. 

Though Donald Trump is not a Catholic, he does come closest, as a candidate for the presidency to supporting our Catholic teachings. I don't promote his character, not everything that he says I agree with. I'm not necessarily saying he is an example of an exemplary role model. What I am saying is his actions align themselves closest to our Catholic teachings.

I sort of think of him as a King Cyrus of the Old Testament. He ruled over the captive Jewish people, but allowed them to rebuild their temple and practice their faith. I think of him as as a Constantine of the middle ages, allowing the Catholic faith to be practiced without persecution. Cyrus and Constantine are key people in history that helped protect the faith, not perfect people themselves.

We need more priest like Fr. Altman not afraid to speak the truth. Not afraid to upset the anyone and thus have a lighter collection basket.

Let's all pray for our elections, that we may be a Holy Nation with Virtuous people, lead by the teaching of Jesus Christ. Let's pray for our priest and church leaders to be more vocal. Let's pray that we may not be silent about our faith.

WCC

A TALE OF TWO SISTERS

 

(photos: Internet)

 

 So the DNC has completed their case and the RNC is in their final day. I only listened in sporadically to both of their list of speakers and the internet is a blaze with clips and commentary on the highlights.

 As a Catholic, my ear was attentive to the message the speakers made to see if they aligned with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Catechism handy and a number of books and Catholic links to reference, there was a lot to digest.

Especially when you get to witness two Catholic nuns, one of each who spoke at one or the other conventions.

First up you had Sister Simone Campbell at the DNC. Wikipedia has an entry: Simone Campbell, SSS, is an American Roman Catholic Religious Sister, lawyer, lobbyist and executive director of NETWORK. She belongs to the Sisters of Social Service. She is known as an outspoken advocate for social justice.

she is a lawyer, lobbyist, social service activist.  Here's her presentation at the DNC.

SISTER SIMONE CAMPBELL, 2020 DNC 

Sister Deirdre “Dede” Byrne at the RNC gave her speech yesterday, 8/26. The National Catholic Register has a nice piece on her. 

She served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, in active duty in Afghanistan and later as a reservist, eventually rising to the rank of colonel. She served for 13 months in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. As a missionary surgeon, she devoted herself to helping the sick in Kenya, Haiti, Sudan and Iraq.  - NCR 

Here's her presentation at the RNC.

Sister Deirdre “Dede” Byrne, 2020 RNC

Sister Simone describes herself as an advocate for the environment, the fighter against poverty, workplace protections for mothers and immigration. All that is fine. To me these are all issues which I agree with. I may differ from her on her views on how to implement them. Medicare for all, no fossil fuels, open borders are not my answers to these issues as she views them, but we can have an open conversation on them.

 One topic that I don't agree with her on is on the topic of the unborn. she has called pro-lifers, pro-birthers which shows her tendency to support abortion. she diverts the direct question on abortion to say that folks that support laws to stop abortion don't follow through with laws addressing the child after birth. Her prayer to the divine spirit also caught me off guard. Seemed a little New Age to me.

Here's an article that she wrote around the 2008 elections. I don't see a firm voice from her condemning abortion as the teachings of the Catholic Church do. Plus this party has a platform of 'Abortion on demand.'..up to birth. I have a major problem with that. Definitely NOT Catholic teaching.

Sister Deirdre as a surgeon on the other hand, came right out and said it during her RNC presentation, "life begins at conception." There was no diversion or side stepping on the issue. 

Here's an article on Sister Deirdre

I'm still reading up on both Sisters and I don't doubt their faith as Catholics, but what I've learned, one can call themselves Catholics and don't follow church teaching. Both have dedicated their lives to serving others and both are highly educated. I don't know, I like a Sister in a habit, not one that looks like my grandma. To me that shows an outward dedication to let all around you know, who they serve first.

Gov. Cuomo, "We stopped the virus, Not God"

Gov. Cuomo said in one of his appearances on CNN last week, "...we stopped the virus, not God". Well, I could go on about the governor, but I won't bore you. I don't know why a self proclaimed Christian (Catholic) would say such a thing has me baffled.

Anyway that's not the purpose of this point. Bishop Barron responds to Cuomo's statement...not what you think. It's very good and worth a listen...

Bishop Barron

Christ has Risen!
Blessed Easter to everyone.
- WCC

St Augustine Documentary

Just viewed a nice documentary on St. Augustine.Thought I

might past it on for your enjoyment.
I haven't read any of his books, Confessions, or City of God. They're on my list and having seen this documentary, they have moved up on my list of must reads.

Three Decisions You Should Make Every Morning for Your Salvation...

Father Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D of the Magis Center in Orange County California, is one of my favorite go-to for his contributions to understanding the Transcendental aspects of our Catholic faith. His website crediblecatholic.com is an invaluable resource for the scientific  proofs of God.

In his commencement speech to the 2019 class at Christendom College in California, give some very sound advise to the graduates as they enter the life/work culture. Indeed his advise sound for everyone to read. 

Three Sane Decisions to Help you Save your Soul is the title of his talk. A more detailed discussion can be found in his book Finding True Happiness.

Father, Mr. Morris

This is interesting, in a sad way. Former Fr. Jonathan Morris, ex-commentator and now ex-Catholic priest is interviewed by Martha MacCallum. 

He explains his recent decision to be laicized. He's explanation is that he never intended to become a priest and after 25 years from Seminary to priesthood, he had to take action to actually follow God's real plan for him as he now felt in his own heart and gut Wow.... 

Well I definitely don't know his heart and I do applaud his continued acknowledgement of his faith in the Catholic Church, I can't say I understand. Many of the Saints, including Mother Theresa had experiences that made them doubt their vocations, even experiences of the dark soul. Even those who have been married for quite some time have experienced at one point or another, that maybe they may have married the wrong person or wanted out of their relationship because of some hard-time, financial or otherwise, so I don't know if Mr. Morris will have the fortitude to weather those moments either. 

I believe he is a priest, forever as it says in Hebrews 7:17 

For it is declared: "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."
 
'll keep him in my prayers

A Change to the Our Father.....Why?

Very recently, Pope Francis gave his blessing to the French Church revising their translation  to change from, "and lead us not into temptation" to "don't let me fall into temptation.”

Jimmy Akin from Catholic Answers give his take the media hipe on  this Here.

I first saw the Headlines on the Drudge Report but it was widely reported throughout the media, like  
(Photo:Time.com)
FoxNews and USA Today to name just a couple. Few outlets couldn't pass up the chance to weigh in. Maybe with a motive of, if the pope can change the Catholic Church on this topic why not others...I'm only speculating.

Few offered no substance or factual reasoning or how it truly affects everyday Catholics, if fact it only caused confusing.

Patrick Madrid on his daily morning show on Relevant Radio offered some keen insight.

Audio link: The Patrick Madrid Show

The Politically Incorrect Guide to Catholicism

I just picked up this book and while I have a couple of other books that I’m ready reading, I intend to squeeze this one in.

ThePolitically Incorrect Guide to Catholicism by John Zmirak

I learned about John Zmirak in an interview with TaylorMarshall. 

Link: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ukvNbFQLXc) 

He had a quick wit about him and a full servant of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Church. In the interview he pointed out various concerns with the leadership of the Church presently, the same concerns that I and many of us as lay Catholics have.

As I always do when I find someone I find interesting or a book that catches my eye, is I go on a bit of an investigation, finding out as much as I can about that person or author, or subject matter before I purchase a book they’ve written or pursue any other articles or video’s they appear in or write.

John writes articles on The Stream , a Catholic news blog as well as The National Catholic Register (here are a few of his articles there)

The National Catholic Reporter also has an article about him and they didn’t like him too much, which is one in the PLUS + column for John as far as I’m concerned.

So, I looked up a number of his books at Barnes and Noble, because they’re my local bookstore whom I like to support. Amazon has him as well.

I liked the titles in the book’s table of contents.

·      The Church and what it says about itself and the world, and what will happen to you when you die.

·      The Pope, the Bishops and When and why Catholics have to believe What they say – And When and Why we Don’t.

·      How Birth Control Tore the Church apart.

…just to name a few.

Here’s an article from National Catholic Register that takes a more thorough look at the author and this particular book. I agree with their take and I look forward to reading John’s book.

Hope you’ll take a look as well.

IS MARIJUANA REALLY SAFE?

Is marijuana really safe...all the talking heads on TV, celebrities, journalist, reporters and more and more politicians say so. 

Do we really trust them? do we really think they  have any  legitimate knowledge or show any legit studies on the subject matter?

"I've used it for years and it hasn't affected me!" .......give me break 


I'm reading  this new book now. So much  not being  told about the effects of marijuana... 
Here's a short clip of  the author.

Link:

https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/pot-and-teens-im-a-mom-and-a-doctor-heres-what-i-tell-my-own-teenagers

So Cal Catholic Church Vandelized

Visited briefly, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church yesterday after this was pointed out to me at yesterday. Statue of Mary and another of a Saint was decapitated.   ...terrible. 

All done  in the dead of night anonymously.  If you want to make a statement, hey tell us how you are and take full credit. Coward!

Excommunication...what it's not?

The call is for excommunication of Governor Cuomo is blasting loud and clear from Catholics across the nation. It sounds good to me, here is an individual among many that claim the Catholic identity, however his actions give the lay Catholic and non-Catholic alike the obvious examples of something totally opposite.

Some don't even know he is already banned from receiving Holy Communion, so what good would it do?

Many Catholic blogs/podcasts bugle the same call for excommunication and some try to engage in a rather superficial, emotional call to light the torches and storm Frankenstein's castle.

How many Catholics really  know the,  What, How, Why of excommunication?
Rather than just join the band wagon, we should educate ourselves on the subject matter, terminology definitions, purpose and expectations.

Edward Peters a well know Canon  Lawyer has an excellent blog (In the Light of the Law, a Canon Lawyer's blog) one should visit regularly to help with that education. Yes, some of it my be a little hard to understand but canon law is not a simple matter and excommunication is not a simple declaration.

Here's one of a few resent pieces on this subject that will be a helpful place to start.

On excommunicating Andrew Cuomo for heresy

 

NY Mayor...Excommunication?

The new Abortion law of NY has risen the Life issue to another level. It's no longer considered a discussion or debate but a right to kill a child ... at birth. The cry is to excommunicate the NY Mayor.

So why hasn't the Cardinal Dolan or Bishop Scharfenberger done so?
The Bishop of Albany voices his thoughts on EWTN.

Educate Yourself: Border Issue

You would have to be living under a rock to not know of the Border issue played daily on the local and cable news outlets. Every newspaper, and political magazine has it covered and even the late
night shows have to add their two cents to up their ratings.

The one thing that is missing is the facts and an honest discussion. In fact an honest discussion and real facts on the subject are the last thing portrayed.

We need to educate ourselves and learn the facts for ourselves because its getting harder and harder to believe anything. We hear from our priest, bishops and even the Pope as interpreted by the media, which is often twisted to conform to a particular bias.

Case in point, I did an quick internet search: "Catechism of the Catholic Church, Immigration". It came up with reference to the US Catholic Bishops websites.

¶1911: Internal quote is from Gaudium et Spes: “The unity of the human family, embracing people who enjoy equal natural dignity, implies a universal common good. This good calls for an organization of the community of nations able to provide ‘for men’s different needs, both in the fields of social life—such as food supplies, health, education, labor and also in certain special circumstances which can crop up here and there, e.g., the need to promote the general improvement of developing countries, or to alleviate the distressing conditions in which refugees dispersed throughout the world find themselves, or also to assist migrants and their families. to alleviate the distressing conditions in which refugees dispersed throughout the world find themselves, or also to assist migrants and their families.’”

¶2211: “The political community has a duty to honor the family, to assist it, and to ensure especially… the right to private property, to free enterprise, to obtain work and housing, and the right to emigrate.”

¶2241: “The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extend they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin. Public authorities should see to it that the natural right is respected that places a guest under the protection of those who receive him.”

Political authorities, for the sake of the common good for which they are responsible, may make the exercise of the right to immigrate subject to various juridical conditions, especially with regard to the immigrants' duties toward their country of adoption. Immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obey its laws and to assist in carrying civic burdens.

--> ¶2433: “Access to employment and to professions must be hope to all without unjust discrimination; men and women, healthy and disabled, natives and immigrants. For its part society should, according to circumstances, help citizens find work and employment.”

Catholic teaching except it leaves out pertinent paragraphs, see the text in Red.
-->

Making sense of U.S. immigration law, enforcement, and the current crisis

Where do we go, who do we listen to?

Not all our priest and bishops are wrong, often we hear partial  truths and facts. We need to continue to read the churches teaching through encyclicals good Catholic resources, and our good and faithful priests and Bishops


Pray for peace and a fuller understanding on this issue

Below are a couple more good resources:

Compendiumof the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church

http://www.antoniano.org/carbajo/FST/Readings/Magisterium/EN_Compendium_CST.pdf

Modern Catholic Social Teaching on Immigration

https://cliniclegal.org/sites/default/file/modern_catholic_social_teaching_on_immigration_0.pdf

 
-->

PETER KREEFT NEW BOOK - FORTY REASONS I AM CATHOLIC

I just finished a Philosophy 5 college course this passed semester. I kind of knew the academic world was biased against religion and as I expected, I ended up confronting (respectfully) the professor who is a professed Catholic, Agnostic, Eastern religious guru follower and sometimes Atheist in his writings on many occasions in class during the semester. All of these like the heads of a Hydra, you never knew which you were facing when you attended class. The Professor and I butted heads on the second day of class on the topic of Galileo religion vs science...NOT!) and believe it or not that kind of created a sort of relationship of mutual respect throughout the rest of the class. 

His bias was of the Scientism perspective and being maybe four or five years younger than the professor, I tried to bring a little balance and counter for the benefit of the youngin's in the class They seemed to want to swallow whatever the instructor feed them. 

 For those of faith, the academic environment can bring doubt and cause one to really question our beliefs. But that shouldn't be so. We should enter these classes and well the world with a sense of confidence in our faith. 

Philosopher Peter Kreeft is an anchor in revealing the beauty and truth of the Catholic faith and his new book, Forty Reasons I am Catholic seems like a timely one. I'm ordering mine...you should pick one up for yourselves as well.

STAY STRONG AND CONFIDENT IN YOUR FAITH, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

Great So Cal Event Jan 13, 2018

Here's a great event in the South Land that I will be attending.
It's advertised as "A Conversation with Bishop Barron and William Lane Craig", two leaders in the New Evangeliztion.

Most in the Catholic circles will know Bishop Barron as the founder of Word on Fire, an Evangelization movement on the internet with Blog,Videos and lectures around the globe.

Bishop Barron's "Catholicism" series on the Catholic faith has been aired on various networks throughout the U.S.

The Good Bishop makes his home in the Santa Barbara area, so it's a treat to see him closer to my home with the event located in Claremont California.

William Lane Craig is a protestant scholar with definite flare for defending the Christian faith.
I'm just now beginning to know more on his abilities.

Here's a Debate between himself and the late Christopher Hitchens. He does a marvelous job.

Hope to see you there.

 

(Photo; National Geographics) 
This is amazing...the recent restoration of the tomb of Jesus due to centuries of deterioration, has uncovered scientific analysis of actual dating of Jesus tomb as valid and correct. Some nice short videos along with the article as well

Age of Jesus' Tomb

This looks very interesting. If you're in D.C. check this exhibit out.

Tomb of Christ