Video for......90% of Catholics

vericast.net

It's not possible to (fill in the blank)......

Christian Manhood Blog

Most Rev. Athanasius Schneider on Communion in the Hand

Youtube

Sissy?

Me likey.....read the whole text of the speech / article here.  This applies not only to clergy, but to all Catholics.  Those in lay positions in the church should pay heed to this as well.

Catholic Relief Services responds to LSN article about pro-abortion partners

Found at (LifeSiteNews.com) and my opines

by Matthew Hoffman, Latin America Correspondent

February 27, 2013 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the U.S. Catholic bishops' agency for international assistance, has posted a response to LifeSiteNews.com's (LSN) recent article revealing the agency's funding of two pro-abortion organizations in Mexico.  

(...why does this bring to mind the same type of activity with the CCHD?)

The statement, published on February 22, follows an earlier one published on January 1, stating that the organization is "pro-life" and lamenting (martyrs) that it is the "target of a coordinated series of attacks" which "attempt to cause division in the Body of Christ."  (series of exposes to bring light)

The January 1 statement had offered the organization's responses to a series of exposés published by LSN and others showing CRS's partnership with pro-abortion groups, sponsorship of pro-contraceptive propaganda, membership in the pro-contraception group CORE, reception of tens of millions of dollars from the strongly pro-contraceptive William and Melinda Gates Foundation, and employment of personnel with anti-life viewpoints.  It has been placed at the top of CRS's main webpage as well as many other pages on the site.

CRS has closed both of its statements to comments, as it has done since mid-2012 when responding to LSN exposés and other pro-life critiques of the organization's work.

In its newest statement, dated February 22, CRS admits that it had learned in 2009 about the signatures of two of its partners, the Fray Bartolome de las Casas Human Rights Center (FRAYBA), and the Center for Reflection and Action on Labor Issues (CEREAL), on a United Nations "human rights" report that in part defends the depenalization of abortion. However, it adds, "at that time CRS staff investigated the situation and received written assurances from both organizations categorically stating that they neither advocate for nor condone abortion in any way."

In the statement CRS did not address (....suprise)  evidence presented by LSN that one or both of the organizations have also opposed right-to-life state constitutional amendments, promoted the depenalization of abortion, and advocated the provision of abortion by the government. 

CRS goes on to claim, “Because of our commitment to uphold the teaching of the Church, in recent weeks (before an article about this issue was posted by LifeSiteNews on February 20th) we have been working with the Jesuit Province of Mexico and the Mexican Bishops’ Conference to ensure that our partnership with CEREAL, a Jesuit organization, does not violate Church teaching."  It claims that it ceased its partnership with FRAYBA in 2011.

The organization began its investigation into CEREAL following a LifeSiteNews.com inquiry about the group made in late December of last year.

Questions unanswered

CRS's statement is similar to an an email sent to this agency in late December in response to questioning about FRAYBA and CEREAL, and leaves several questions unanswered.

Although the organization also claimed in December that its partnership with FRAYBA had ended in 2011, CRS spokesman John Rivera refused to explain why the organization was still listed as a partner on its Mexico partner's page.  He also would not state whether CRS continued to have some relationship with FRAYBA, or if it has a relationship with other pro-abortion groups, such as the All Rights for Everyone Human Rights Network (TDT), of which FRAYBA is a member.

However, following publication of LifeSiteNews.com's recent exposé on the two groups on February 20, CRS removed the donor page listing both FRAYBA and CEREAL.  A copy of the original page can be found here. 

In addition to clarification on CRS's relationship to FRAYBA and other pro-abortion groups in Mexico, CRS has refused to respond to a request for a complete list of its partners in Latin America.

CRS has declined to state if it intends to begin supporting organizations that defend the right to life and sexual morality, following Pope Benedict XVI's recent statements declaring such causes to be an integral part of social justice.

In its January 1 statement CRS had said: "We want to be clear that we are open to and welcome correction, presented to us by people and organizations who offer it in the spirit of Christian charity (this is quickly becoming a BUZZ PHRASE used by those who don't practice the faith, but want people to accept sin.....)  and with the intention of helping us to live the Gospel mission of serving the poorest of the poor around the world."  (last I knew the Missionaries of Charity do this without helping pro abort groups.)

It added, however, "In substance and tone, these recent unrelenting attacks are not helpful. They attempt to cause division in the Body of Christ. (division between orthodoxy and heterodoxy) This is harmful to the Church and to the pro-life cause."  (giving money to those who support the culture of death is actually more harmful to pro life causes.....dodge and deflect.....dodge and deflect)

And people wonder why orthodox Catholics don't support these types of things with monetary donations.

- See more at: http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/catholic-relief-services-responds-to-lsn-article-about-pro-abortion-partner#sthash.Bloc4SP5.dpuf

Another recent ABORTION DEATH........

the media will ignore.

HT to Church Militant for reporting on this story......very sad....29 years old.....and Catholic.



And in print......HERE

VATICAN PREPARING A MANUAL TO HELP PRIESTS CELEBRATE MASS

Thanks to the Zenit Article

Prefect Warns Against Making Liturgy Into a 'Show'

H. Sergio Mora

ROME, January 16, 2013 (Zenit.org).

The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments is preparing a booklet to help priests celebrate the Mass properly and the faithful to participate better, according to the prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments.

Cardinal Antonio Cañizares confirmed this Tuesday at an address at the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See on "Catholic Liturgy since Vatican II: Continuity and Evolution."

"We are preparing it; it will help to celebrate well and to participate well. I hope it will come out this year, in the summer," the cardinal told ZENIT. 

During his talk the cardinal reiterated the importance Vatican II gave to the liturgy, "whose renewal must be understood in continuity with the Tradition of the Church and not as a break or discontinuity." A break either because of innovations that do not respect continuity or because of an immobility that  freezes everything at Pius XII, he said.

In particular, Cardinal Cañizares stressed the importance that Sacrosanctum Concilium gave to the sacred liturgy, through which "the work of our Redemption is exercised, above all in the divine sacrifice of the Eucharist," adding that "God wants to be adored in a concrete way and it's not up to us to change it."

The cardinal said that there is talk of a renewed Church, which must not be understood as a mere reform of structures, but as a change starting with the liturgy, because it is from the liturgy that the work of our salvation is effected.

When speaking of the liturgy, continued the cardinal, one must not forget what the conciliar document states: "Christ is always present in his Church, especially in the liturgical action. He is present in the sacrifice of the Mass, be it in the person of the minister, 'offering himself now through the ministry of the priests as he then offered himself on the cross,' be it especially under the Eucharistic species."

He stressed that the objective of the liturgy "is the adoration of God and the salvation of men," which is not a creation of ours, but source and summit of the Church."

The prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments criticized existing abuses such as showmanship, and praised moments of silence "that are action," which enable the priest and the faithful to talk with Jesus Christ and which exclude the predominance of words that often becomes showmanship on the part of the priest. The correct attitude is the one "indicated by Saint John the Baptist, when he says he must decrease and the Messiah must increase."

The cardinal criticized the effort to make the Mass "entertaining" with certain songs -- instead of focusing on the mystery -- in an attempt to overcome "boredom" by transforming the Mass into a show.

He added that the Council did not speak of the priest celebrating Mass facing the people, that it stressed the importance of Christ on the altar, reflected in Benedict XVI's celebration of the Mass in the Sistine Chapel facing the altar. This does not exclude the priest facing the people, in particular during the reading of the word of God. He stressed the need of the notion of mystery, and particulars such as the altar facing East and the fact that the sacrificial sense of the Eucharist must not be lost.

Asked by the ambassador of Panama to the Holy See about the action of native cultures in the liturgy, the cardinal specified that "the Council speaks of inculturation of the liturgy," respecting "the legitimate varieties," without affecting the principles.

He recalled his experience on Palm Sunday in Santa Fe, Spain, when he attended a gypsy Mass in which a youth sang the "Lamb of God," with an instrument used in flamenco singing, "a real groan of the soul," which "moved everyone and brought the whole assembly to participate."

He also referred to the fact that in many churches the Most Blessed Sacrament is placed in a side altar or chapel, so that "the tabernacle disappears," and people talk before the Mass and arrive less prepared.

In regard to the case of Marcel Lefebvre, the founder of the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X, the cardinal said that Benedict XVI offered a healing measure, but that the archbishop's followers did not respond. To "think that Tradition stops with Pious XII is also a break," he noted.

And, Mr. Voris has a take on this.........

I have this conversation with friends quite often, it is great that I can now say...with recent documentation...that this is not just my opinion.  Church of St. Happy Hippie - in the words of Rambo- "I'm comin' to get you......"

Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis Men’s Conference 2013

Archdiocesan Men’s Conference

“Marathon, Not a Sprint”

March 16, 2013

 Inspiring talks, followed by faith testimonies, concluding with Keynote address by Archbishop John C. Nienstedt. Mass will be celebrated at 8 AM, preceded at 7:00 AM by Eucharistic Adoration and an opportunity for Confession. 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM Eucharistic Adoration; Reconciliation & Registration 8:00 AM Mass; 9:00 AM -12:00 p.m. Conference (Reconciliation will also be held during conference) Sponsored by the Archdiocesan Office of Marriage, Family, and Life.

Sign up HERE


Again.........a half day men's conference.  Still, it is a men's conference.  I can't help but think that when Milwaukee, Green Bay, Madison, St Louis, and other dioceses near by put on weekend long conferences.........well I think that St. Paul should devote more time to their men.

Sorry, Minnesota....I am going to the Diocese of Madison retreat.  Weekend long.....Father Z and de Souza.  BAM.

Today's Vortex

The BC and I talked about this last week -

Causes of the Problem and some good news

YEP! This is definitely my experience. Also, this - His Eminence in Oklahoma.......and Fr. O'Hara in the background - great to see him! H/T - THE B.C.

Jolly ole St. Nick

OK so I can't give credit, but whoever did this is AWESOME.

St. Michael story heard at Mass........

Went to St. Michael's Parish in Pine Island, MN for Mass this weekend - feast day and all.  This was what was preached on during the homily by Fr. Kasel.  Awwww  Yeaaaa



Source -

The Story of Michael


Catholic Family News

Posted on Wednesday, March 12, 2003 6:45:32 PM by Land of the Irish

Background

What follows is a copy of a letter that was written by a young Marine to his mother while he was hospitalized after being wounded on a Korean battlefield in 1950. It came into the hands of a Navy Chaplain, who read the letter before 5,000 Marines at a San Diego Naval Base in 1951.

The Navy Chaplain had talked to the boy, to the boy's mother and to the Sergeant in charge of the patrol. This Navy Chaplain, Father Walter Muldy, would always assure anyone who asked that this is a true story.

This letter had been read once a year in the 1960s at a Midwestern radio station at Christmas time. Since thousands of U.S. troops now head to the Persian Gulf for the planned war against Iraq, we publish this remarkable story once more, in the hope that many servicemen and their families will invoke the intercession and protection of Saint Michael. We present the letter and let it stand on its own merits. (J. V.)

Dear Mom,

I wouldn't dare write this letter to anyone but you because no one else would believe it. Maybe even you will find it hard but I have got to tell somebody.

First off, I am in a hospital. Now don't worry, ya hear me, don't worry. I was wounded but I am okay you understand. Okay. The doctor says that I will be up and around in a month.

But that is not what I want to tell you.

Remember when I joined the Marines last year; remember when I left, how you told me to say a prayer to St. Michael every day. You really didn't have to tell me that. Ever since I can remember you always told me to pray to St. Michael the Archangel. You even named me after him. Well I always have.

When I got to Korea, I prayed-----even harder. Remember the prayer that you taught me? "Michael, Michael of the morning fresh corps of Heaven adorning," you know the rest of it. Well I said it every day. Sometimes when I was marching or sometimes resting. But always before I went to sleep. I even got some of the other fellas to say it.

Well, one day I was with an advance detail way up over the front lines. We were scouting for the Commies. I was plodding along in the bitter cold, my breath was like cigar smoke.

I thought I knew every guy in the patrol, when along side of me comes another Marine I never met before. He was bigger than any other Marine I'd ever seen. He must have been 6'4" and built in proportion. It gave me a feeling of security to have such a body near.

Anyway, there we were trudging along. The rest of the patrol spread out. Just to start a conversation I said, "Cold ain't it." And then I laughed. Here I was with a good chance of getting killed any minute and I am talking about the weather.

My companion seemed to understand. I heard him laugh softly; I looked at him, "I have never seen you before, I thought I knew every man in the outfit."

"I just joined at the last minute", he replied. "The name is Michael."

"Is that so," I said surprised. "That is my name too."

"I know," he said and then went on, "Michael, Michael of the morning . . ."

I was too amazed to say anything for a minute. How did he know my name, and a prayer that you had taught me? Then I smiled to myself, every guy in the outfit knew about me. Hadn't I taught the prayer to anybody who would listen? Why now and then, they even referred to me as St. Michael.

Neither of us spoke for a time and then he broke the silence. "We are going to have some trouble up ahead."

He must have been in fine physical shape for he was breathing so lightly I couldn't see his breath. Mine poured out in great clouds. There was no smile on his face now. Trouble ahead, I thought to myself, well with the Commies all around us, that is no great revelation.

Snow began to fall in great thick globs. In a brief moment the whole countryside was blotted out. And I was marching in a white fog of wet sticky particles. My companion disappeared.

"Michael," I shouted in sudden alarm.

I felt his hand on my arm, his voice was rich and strong, "This will stop shortly."

His prophecy proved to be correct. In a few minutes the snow stopped as abruptly as it had begun. The sun was a hard shining disc. I looked back for the rest of the patrol, there was no one in sight. We lost them in that heavy fall of snow. I looked ahead as we came over a little rise.

Mom, my heart stopped. There were seven of them. Seven Commies in their padded pants and jackets and their funny hats. Only there wasn't anything funny about them now. Seven rifles were aimed at us.

"Down Michael," I screamed and hit the frozen earth.

I heard those rifles fire almost as one. I heard the bullets. There was Michael still standing.

Mom, those guys couldn't have missed, not at that range. I expected to see him literally blown to bits.

But there he stood, making no effort to fire himself. He was paralyzed with fear. It happens sometimes, Mom, even to the bravest. He was like a bird fascinated by a snake.

At least, that was what I thought then. I jumped up to pull him down and that was when I got mine. I felt a sudden flame in my chest. I often wondered what it felt like to be hit, now I know. I remember feeling strong arms about me, arms that laid me ever so gently on a pillow of snow. I opened my eyes, for one last look. I was dying. Maybe I was even dead, I remember thinking, well this is not so bad.

Maybe I was looking into the sun. Maybe I was in shock. But it seemed I saw Michael standing erect again only this time his face was shining with a terrible splendor.

As I say, maybe it was the sun in my eyes, but he seemed to change as I watched him. He grew bigger; his arms stretched out wide, maybe it was the snow falling again, but there was a brightness around him like the wings of an Angel. In his hand was a sword. A sword that flashed with a million lights.

Well, that is the last thing I remember until the rest of the fellas came up and found me. I do not know how much time had passed. Now and then I had but a moment's rest from the pain and fever. I remember telling them of the enemy just ahead.

"Where is Michael," I asked.

I saw them look at one another. "Where's who?" asked one.



"Michael, Michael that big Marine I was walking with just before the snow squall hit us."

"Kid," said the sergeant, "You weren't walking with anyone. I had my eyes on you the whole time. You were getting too far out. I was just going to call you in when you disappeared in the snow."

He looked at me, curiously. "How did you do it kid?"

"How'd I do what?" I asked half angry despite my wound. "This marine named Michael and I were just . . ."

"Son," said the sergeant kindly, "I picked this outfit myself and there just ain't another Michael in it. You are the only Mike in it."

He paused for a minute, "Just how did you do it kid? We heard shots. There hasn't been a shot fired from your rifle. And there isn't a bit of lead in them seven bodies over the hill there."

I didn't say anything, what could I say? I could only look open-mouthed with amazement.

It was then the sergeant spoke again, "Kid," he said gently, "everyone of those seven Commies was killed by a sword stroke."

That is all I can tell you Mom. As I say, it may have been the sun in my eyes, it may have been the cold or the pain. But that is what happened.

Love, Michael

Editor's P.S.: This is the second time CFN ran this story. After its first run, many subscribers wrote and called to ask if we had a copy of the "Michael, Michael of the Morning" prayer. We regret that we do not, nor have we been able to find it. We suggest that Catholics instead recite often the "Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in Battle" prayer that was said after every Low Mass by order of Pope Leo XIII.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Michael, Michael of the morning,

Fresh chord of Heaven adorning,

Keep me safe today,

And in time of temptation

Drive the devil away.

Amen.

Fr. Leo at St. James Coffee, Rochester MN

St. James Coffee


Lots going on here!  Speakers, music, coffee, stop by check it out.

Can't Agree with this MORE

Yes,  it is getting better - but like Mr. Voris - when it is compared to what it WAS, well we have a ways to go.

It reminds me of the parental thought process of...."Well, yeah my kid does such and such, but atleast he's not in jail".............nothing like comparing ourselves to the worst case scenario.  Ummm - what happened to striving for the best?

It is better to shoot for the stars and miss than aim at the gutter and hit it.

Catholic Coffee House Opens in Rochester

Congratulations to St. James Coffee!!!!!!!!!!

Grand Opening TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bishop Quinn celebrated Mass at the coffee house last week in preparation for the grand opening today.  What a blessing it will be to have an unapologetic Catholic presence in Rochester now.  Awesome.  To paraphrase Fr. Fasnacht - "We'll bring them in with the coffee, talk, and friendship, and Jesus in the Chapel will seal the deal."  Yeah.  BTW - It was truly an inspiration to see Bishop Quinn so devoted to this coffee houses' success that he took a whole evening out of his schedule to drive an hour to Rochester to support this cause.  Thank you, Bishop.

Hours:

6:00AM-6PM   Mon-Sat

4156 18TH AVE NW
Rochester, MN 55901

*just East of Pax Christi

Bl. Piere Giorgio Frassati Novena

Don't forget to start today!!

Male Happiness: What Men Really Want

by Peter C. Kleponis, Ph.D. on May 31, 2012 in Featured, Men

As a therapist, people often ask me, “What makes men happy?” Some believe it’s a happy marriage, a successful career, or a strong relationship with God. I say it’s all of these! However, they must be kept in the right order. I believe the secret for a happy life for men is having one’s priorities in order.

While there are countless priorities we men must attend to in life, I divide them into seven categories:

God
Marriage
Children
Career
Friends & Family
Healthy Pursuits
Everything else

To be happy in life, I believe one must make God his number one priority. He is the one who has given us life and all its blessings. He is also the one who helps us weather life’s storms and endure suffering. God is also the one who gives us purpose. By understanding who we are in God’s eyes, we can live with purpose, vision and passion. This creates an excitement for life and a heart filled with joy.

Be careful though of a vague faith that lacks commitment. The Catholicism should connect us with our local parish, where we go to Sunday Mass; to our community, where we volunteer to help others, and to witness, whereby others will know we are Christians by our works of charity and lives of love.

Our wives and our marriage rank next. They are the ones to whom we have committed ourselves to love, honor and cherish until the end of our lives. As Scripture says, we must love our wives as Christ loves the Church. Every day, we must thank God for the blessings of a good wife. We must also show our wives our appreciation for who they are and all they do. We must be willing to serve them with all our hearts, helping them run the household and bring up the children. It is in serving them that men will find true joy.

Children are the third priority. As fathers, God has charged us with the responsibility of raising our children to be virtuous adults. We are their leaders, providers and protectors. This means taking an active role in their lives, showing interest in everything they do. We must make the effort to spend time with our children within a group and individually. This is where special memories are made and wonderful teaching opportunities arise. We also have the awesome opportunity and responsibility to instill in them our Catholic faith! There is such a joy in watching our children grow into healthy adults and being able to take some credit for it.

Career plays a significant role in determining a man’s satisfaction in life.While many women have the option of working in the home or outside the home, we men are raised to focus on career and be the primary breadwinner of the family. Because of this, we often derive our identity from our career. This makes it crucial to have a fulfilling career.

Unfortunately, studies have shown that 80% of men are unsatisfied in their careers. They often feel stuck in a dead-end job. In order to have a fulfilling career, a man must identify where his passion lies. He must then find a way to turn that passion into a career. This, however, must be done within reason and prudence. Don’t quit your day job without a pretty good plan for what’s next.

For example, the odds of a man who is passionate about sports becoming an ESPN sportscaster are pretty slim. However, he can probably find some other career related to sports that he will find fulfilling and serve his passion. If you are doing what you are passionate about, you will never suffer from burnout. Many men worry that if they do what they really love, they won’t make any money at it. However, if you are doing what you love, chances are you will be really good at it. People will then want your product or service and the money will follow.

Close family and friends are also important to a man’s happiness.Studies have shown that people who have a broad network of healthy relationships live longer, happier lives. When a man gets married and has children, his immediate family becomes his primary focus in life. However, this is not to the exclusion of extended family and friends. He still needs his parents and siblings to help and support him as a husband and father. Grandparents, especially, offer a wealth of knowledge and wisdom for marriage and family life. Close friends can provide a welcome break from the stresses of daily life.

Unfortunately, this is an area of life where many men are weak. Most men don’t have close friends and are very lonely. Thus, it is important to cultivate these friendships. The Knights of Columbus is an excellent venue for this. Playing golf or fishing with one’s buddies can actually help a man be a better husband and father. He can return to his wife and family well rested and renewed. Scripture tells us that a brother strengthens a brother as iron sharpens iron. We need close male friendships.

Healthy pursuits are the sixth priority in life. We men need to have interests and hobbies as an escape from the stresses of daily life. So many men are hyper focused on marriage, family and career that they don’t take time to relax and renew. Hobbies, such as golf, reading, camping, bowling, gardening or even a monthly poker night can help a man relax. Many wives actually encourage their husbands to develop more friendships and do more “guy things.” They recognize how having healthy pursuits can make their men better husbands and fathers.

Then there’s “everything else.” These are all the other responsibilities, interests and issues in a man’s life. Men must be careful with these because they can interfere with their primary responsibilities. An example of these would be a man taking on extra hours at work or helping a neighbor when it is unnecessary. Men must understand what their primary duties are and focus on them. Anything that interferes with these priorities should be avoided.

Built into all of these priorities is the need to care for one’s physical health. A man honors God by being a good steward of his body. To meet his responsibilities as a husband, father, worker and friend, a man must be physically healthy. Thus men must care for their health, eating right, watching their weight, exercising, getting enough rest.

By understanding the important priorities in life, and keeping them in their proper order, a man can achieve a life that is happy, fulfilling, and lived with purpose.

Peter C. Kleponis, Ph.D. is a licensed Clinical Therapist and Assistant Director of Comprehensive Counseling Services in West Conshohocken, Pa. His website is maritalhealing.com. 

This article originally appeared on Fathers for Good, and is reprinted with permission.

Source

Having troubles in marriage?  Make sure your order is as above.  It amazes me to see how many times the order is out of alignment.  Both sexes put things in disorder - just in different ways.  If you have an inkling that there is a disorder - ask for some help - good priest, trusted friend, and don't be shocked if maybe you have some rearranging to do.

Confessions of a hateful, close-minded, homophobic bigot.

......................

by FrSteven Beatty on Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 11:26pm ·

This week, President Barack Obama made history by being pretty much the last adult in the nation to recognize that President Barack Obama supports same-sex marriage. North Carolina voted not to recognize same-sex marriage, as has every state which has taken up the question democratically. So it's in the news. And it's all over my newsfeed.

Americans oppose same-sex marriage by a narrow but collapsing majority. Looking at the state of the question among younger people, it seems heavily probable that thirty years from now same-sex marriage will be the law of all 50 states. Less clear is how much tolerance will be extended to those who obstinately hold an older idea about marriage.

I'm writing this primarily for anyone who supports same-sex marriage and believes that we who disagree with you are hateful, prejudiced, homophobic bullies ('bully' seems to be the epithet du jour). I wouldn't have thought that audience existed in significant numbers, but my newsfeed this week convinces me otherwise. I'm making an extremely modest effort to elevate this discussion. The human psyche can only withstand so many stupid memes; this is me breaking under the strain. So for all 3 people who are bored enough to read this:

1) Let's begin by all acknowledging the possibility that those who disagree with us may not therefore be stupid or evil. The world is not divided between 'people who agree with me' and 'ignorant bigots,' no matter how many Facebook posts assume this distinction. So: if you support same-sex marriage, I solemnly declare my respect for your premises, the soundness of your mind, and whatever intellectual process has led you to your conclusion. If you grant me the privilege of engaging in dialogue on this or any other topic, I hope we can both learn from each other.

2) There are people who find it acceptable to look down on anyone who is attracted to his/her own sex, who feel justified in discriminating against them in any way, who feel justified in using the most hurtful language against them, and who in extreme cases even endorse physical violence. I know these people exist. I am not personally acquainted with any of them. I'm sorry if you are. Positions such as I've described can be accurately called bigoted and hateful.

3) To oppose same-sex marriage is not to endorse everything about the current state of marriage. Many same-sex marriage supporters (can I just start using "SSM?") have observed that the so-called "sanctity" of marriage is threatened more by 72-hour celebrity marriages and serial divorce than it is by two men who might stay committed for life. I agree. So do most of the people who oppose SSM. If that surprises you, consider that you may have failed spectacularly to understand the position of your opponents. I readily admit that marriage in the status quo is a total wreck. Legal marriage in our nation is nearly meaningless. So when I say that two men can not be married to each other, it does not follow that I am totally on board with the status quo. So you think Rush Limbaugh's four marriages are more socially destructive than Elton John's one? I tend to agree. This is a red herring.

4) As a Catholic Christian, I believe it is God's divine will for every human person to be happy and fulfilled. I believe that homoerotic relationships are contrary to this goal. I accept that many people find this position wrongheaded, but I object to it being misrepresented. I'm not saying that "gay people can't be happy." We have a legitimate disagreement about where and how happiness is to be found. Call my position stupid, and we can have a great discussion and remain friends. Call it hateful, though, and you are being disingenuous to the point where further discussion is hardly possible.

5) If we can dispense with name-calling and straw-man bashing, our point of disagreement is more fundamental than the question of legally recognizing SSM. We will never agree about SSM as long as we disagree about this more fundamental question. Our real point of divergence is about the very nature and purpose of human sexuality. Our secondary divergence is about the purpose of marriage. Only tertiary is our divergence about the role of the State, its laws, and the res publica generally in acknowledging and regulating this institution.

I guess I won't get into that discussion here in my Facebook echo chamber unless someone shows up here wanting to have it. I would like that very much, because I like understanding people, and because this is an important question.

It deserves better than a parade of mindless memes and supercilious self-congratulatory grandstanding by those who think everyone who doesn't agree with them is obviously either stupid or evil.

...........if you can't tell, I am smiling as I read this..............

HT - Catholic Parents Online

Upcoming Raymond de Souza talks......

St. Felix Catholic Church Wabasha, MN


Tuesday, May 15 2012 at 7:00PM  -  The de-Christianization of Western Culture

Tuesday, May 22 2012 at 7:00PM  -  The Natural Law:  What is good and evil

Tuesday, May 29 2012 at 7:00PM  -  Why be a Christian:  The Divinity of Jesus Christ

Wednesday, May 30 2012 at 7:00PM  -  The Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist

Mr. de Souza is an excellent speaker and presenter of the faith.  The parish is blessed to have him come explain the faith.

Good clean fun...

I enjoy my career.....a lot.  As in all jobs, some days are better than others.......this was such a day.







Training photos