Against All Heresies

Hey, Hey, Hey

2011-05-04T20:06:00.000-07:00

It has been a while. What's new:

Okay, I'm sick about it. Cannot think of anything but the preemption of Pope John Paul II's image by the Legionnaries. I know I should be much despised to think of anything BUT that grim reality.

Can you believe I was invited to this:

Blognic!

Oh the constraints of family obligations (sweet yoke) and the IRS (bitter yoke)!

And to think I missed this.

But what I love about Michael Voris is that after seeing this video- he totally gets it!

I liked the way he totally pilloried Mark Shea and Whispers in the Loggia! Ha!

I can't help it - I love justice.

Happy Easter Season. Hey, we may not have earned it but we will totally celebrate it!

Kelly Bohane.Audition, IHM Student and Talented Vocalist

2011-03-12T15:02:00.000-08:00

Ash Wednesday is tomorrow and Lent begins

2011-03-08T17:38:00.000-08:00

Half Broke Horses

2011-02-21T12:00:00.000-08:00

I've been reading Half Broke Horses : A True Life Novel by Jeannette Walls. Great book and in it mentions this famous sculpture called "Madonna of the Trail" a tribute to the pioneer women of this country.

It's a book about courage, hard work, ingenuity, starting over, having nothing, scraping by, loss and aboe all about the dignity of women.

Book Banned by Bully Ex-Husband

2010-05-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

11 on My Own

COLUMBIA, Conn. — (May 12, 2010) Below is an abridged copy of a press-release to promote my book, 11 on My Own. This morning I received a phone call from the publisher claiming an email from my ex-husband threatening to sue them was going to halt publication on my book. They are not going to make it available for purchase until they can contact him on the phone and straighten out the situation. I was not served with papers, they were not served with papers, and a court of law has not ruled my book libelous. In fact, an attorney was consulted on my behalf before publication to ensure there were no issues of libel. I used my maiden name to publish, and I changed my ex-husband’s name, as well. There are no pictures of him included.

This book was doing extremely well in the three weeks since it had been released. It is factual and truthful, and the sole means of supporting the nine minor children I am still raising. One of the issues in the book was the fact that my ex-husband does not pay child support. Now I will not receive royalties, either.

In the world of reality television, producers and directors would have you believe that raising large families is one big, fun circus, perhaps laden with some pitfalls but somehow a fairytale nonetheless. Debut author Kristin Luscia candidly shares the realities of raising 11 children as a single, divorced mother in her new memoir, 11 on My Own (published by WestBow Press), a story that highlights her struggles, joys and journey towards renewal.

In 11 on My Own, Luscia provides a brief background about the choices she made in selecting men and chronicles the difficulties of enduring family court with her latest ex-husband, a controlling and manipulative man. In her memoir, she discusses her older children and how they contribute to the family. She tells of the trials she’s had in maintaining food, clothing and shelter without any support from her ex-husband or the court enforcing any orders. She also gives testament to her Catholic faith and how it has sustained her in the last 15 years.

Appealing to those who have witnessed a divorce and its trauma in their lives, 11 on My Own speaks to women who are in relationships with controlling, devious and selfish men, and it speaks to those women who see themselves as alone in the world. Luscia provides encouragement for women whose husbands have abandoned them with a larger than normal number of children.

About the Author

Kristin Luscia is a single, divorced, Catholic mother of 11 children who range in age from 4-years-old to 25. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English and is pursuing a master’s degree in dogmatic theology. Luscia has been a practicing Catholic for almost 15 years. She enjoys reading and spending time with her children, and writes on her blog about raising children as a single Catholic mother. This is her debut book.

About WestBow Press

WestBow Press is an alliance of Thomas Nelson, the world's premier Christian publisher, and Author Solutions, Inc. (ASI) - the world leader in the fastest-growing segment of publishing. They can be reached at 866-928-1240.

Kristin

11onmyown.blogspot.com

13 Year Old to Attempt Everest

2010-04-06T10:12:00.001-07:00

California 13-year-old to attempt to climb Everest
By RAQUEL MARIA DILLON (AP) – 8 hours ago

LOS ANGELES — A 13-year-old California boy plans to try to climb Mount Everest in a quest to reach the summits of the highest peaks on all seven continents.

If Jordan Romero succeeds, he'll become the youngest person to conquer the world's highest mountain.

Jordan will attempt the ascent to 29,035 feet with his father and his father's girlfriend, both experienced outdoors people who have helped train the teenager for top-level mountaineering.

When Jordan was only 9, a school mural of the seven summits inspired his ambitious goal.

"I told my dad about it and he didn't say no. He just explained the difficulties and what I'd have to do. We started training right away," said Jordan, who was scheduled to depart for Nepal Monday night.

At age 10, he became the youngest American to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. He's steadily checked off four of the tallest peaks since then, including Alaska's Mount McKinley, which many climbers consider to be a more technical climb than Everest.

Despite his penchant for tall mountains and thin air, friends and family describe Jordan as unusually grounded for a 13-year-old. He said he understands the risks of climbing Everest, which kills climbers almost every year.

"Mountain climbing requires a lot of mental training and making smart decisions. It's a metaphor for life," he said, sounding wiser than his years.

The teenager's planned Everest ascent is making the mountaineering community think hard about how young is too young to climb such a dangerous mountain.

Jordan's father, Paul Romero, said he wants nothing more than to make his son's dreams come true.

"It's his quest and we're just along for the ride," said Romero, a helicopter paramedic who lives in the San Bernardino Mountains ski town of Big Bear Lake. "We may or may not reach the summit this time. It might be a dress rehearsal."

Romero and girlfriend Karen Lundgren are adventure racers, competing in weeklong endurance races that combine biking, climbing, paddling and climbing through wilderness areas around the world.

Jordan's mother, Leigh Anne Drake, said she supports her son but she also sees her ex-husband's influence in the project.

"He went to his dad's for a weekend and came back with a new goal," to be the youngest to reach the top of Everest, she said. "If you're going to do it, you have to foot the bill. But if you set a record, you can get sponsorship."

The trio's Everest expedition is costing $150,000. Jordan, his father and Lundgren will be making the ascent with three sherpas.

Temperatures at the summit can plunge to 100 degrees below zero and hurricane-force winds blow much of the year. Atmospheric pressure at the peak is about a third that of sea-level, which can lead to breathing difficulties, mental sluggishness and other serious medical problems. Climbers usually use bottled oxygen.

The extreme cold, lack of oxygen, falls, exhaustion and avalanches have killed hundreds of climbers. Many of their bodies remain beside the trail.

Guides who have experience with Everest say Jordan will probably be safe, as long as he and his team pay close attention to how their bodies are reacting to the high altitude and low oxygen conditions near the peak.

"After doing five of those peaks — I've done them, it's hard — that means he's a tough kid," said Jason Edwards, a guide with the Seattle-based International Mountain Guides. The outfitter has a minimum age limit of 18 for Everest expeditions because of liability issues.

But Gordon Janow, a guide with Alpine Ascents International, also based in Seattle, said there's not a lot of research on the short- and long-term effects of high altitude on children, whose brains and bodies are still developing.

"We're in a day and age where parents are pushing kids to extremes so much. It's very hard to disentangle the parent from the kid these days," he said. "But with mountaineering, the kid can't just go through the motions. They have to do a lot of physical training and really want it."

Janow has turned down 14-year-olds who wanted to climb Kilimanjaro without their parents.

"Jordan's probably a better bet than some 68-year-old guy who's only done two mountains," he said. "These days it's moving so fast, it's a 10-year-old sailing around the world this year and an 8-year-old the next. What's reasonable anymore?"

During the frenzy of packing, Jordan's mother said she is bracing herself for two long months when the only news of her son will come from a blinking dot that represents his GPS device on a topographical map of Everest.

"I'm on a roller coaster," Drake said as her voice cracked with emotion. "From the second he leaves my arms until he's back, it's like I can't breathe and I can't cry. But at the same time, I'm so overjoyed that's he's getting the chance to do and see all of these amazing things."

She said her son is taking two months of homework to Nepal so he can keep up with school.

The current record holder for the youngest to climb the peak is Temba Tsheri of Nepal who was 16 and lost five fingers during his ascent due to frostbite.

The Unicorn Song

2010-03-18T18:27:00.001-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

A by-the-numbers Look at Obama's First Year

2010-01-19T13:56:00.000-08:00

From Breitbart

7,949.09—Dow Jones Industrial Average close on Jan. 20, 2009.

10,609.65—Dow Jones Industrial Average close on Jan. 15, 2010.

13 million—Number of people 16 and older unemployed as of January 2009.

14.7 million—Number of people 16 and older unemployed as of December 2009.

7.7 percent—Unemployment rate January 2009

10.0 percent—Unemployment rate December 2009

$787 billion—Cost of economic stimulus approved by Congress.

$10.6 trillion—Outstanding public debt Jan. 20, 2009.

$12.3 trillion—Outstanding public debt Jan. 14, 2009.

$296.4 billion—Federal spending from the financial crisis bailout fund before Jan. 20, 2009.

$173 billion—Federal spending from the financial crisis bailout fund after Jan. 20, 2009.

$165 billion—Amount of bailout funds repaid by banks and automakers.

139—Bank failures between Jan. 20, 2009, and Jan. 14, 2010.

274,399—Number of properties that received foreclosure-related notices in January 2009.

349,519—Number of properties that received foreclosure-related notices in December 2009.

34,400—U.S. troops in Afghanistan in January 2009.

70,000—U.S. troops in Afghanistan as of Jan. 12, 2010.

319—U.S. military deaths in Afghanistan from January 2009 through Jan. 15, 2010.

139,500—U.S. troops in Iraq in January 2009.

111,000—U.S. troops in Iraq as of Jan. 12, 2010.

152—U.S. military deaths in Iraq from January 2009 through Jan. 15, 2010.

539—Appointments to top federal policy positions submitted to the Senate

352—Appointments confirmed by the Senate.

180—Appointments in top policy positions carried over from the Bush administration.

12—Formal news conferences.

21—Foreign countries visited.

29—States visited.

10—Visits to Camp David.

2—Vacations.

___

Sources:

AP reporting and analysis

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Treasury Department

Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

RealtyTrac Inc.

Defense Department

White House Transition Project

Coakley Campaign Highlights

2010-01-16T14:08:00.000-08:00

Will this be the next Senator from the State of Massachusetts?

It's Christmas time

2009-12-20T17:53:00.000-08:00

As we were saying the Family Rosary this evening, I was reflecting on the fact that my children will not be getting all the Christmas gifts that I would like to give them this year. And in fact the gifts we are giving are practical and essential. Warm socks, long underwear, books... you get the picture. And I thought to myself, what do my children have to be thankful for this Christmas? And then it came to me.

Faithfulness.

While we may not be a family of generous and easy means, while we may struggle and worry, while we may not have everything material advantage we try to be faithful.

To one another.

To the Church.

To our obligations in our state of life to the best of our ability.

To friendships and those struggling- with thanks or without.

And I hope that that will be enough.

Enough to give them happy childhood memories.

Enough to let them know that their father and I love them. And were faithful to one another and to them.

Merry Christmas.

A Nocturnal Upon St Lucy's Day, Being the Shortest Day

2009-12-13T21:09:00.001-08:00

St Lucy's burial by Carravagio.

I will admit that my newest interest in John Donne can be traced to the book Busman's Honeymoon by Dorothy Sayers and today's sermon about St. Lucy's day but anyway, having made those admissions: Enjoy:

A NOCTURNAL UPON ST. LUCY'S DAY,
BEING THE SHORTEST DAY.
by John Donne

'TIS the year's midnight, and it is the day's,
Lucy's, who scarce seven hours herself unmasks ;
The sun is spent, and now his flasks
Send forth light squibs, no constant rays ;
The world's whole sap is sunk ;
The general balm th' hydroptic earth hath drunk,
Whither, as to the bed's-feet, life is shrunk,
Dead and interr'd ; yet all these seem to laugh,
Compared with me, who am their epitaph.

Study me then, you who shall lovers be
At the next world, that is, at the next spring ;
For I am every dead thing,
In whom Love wrought new alchemy.
For his art did express
A quintessence even from nothingness,
From dull privations, and lean emptiness ;
He ruin'd me, and I am re-begot
Of absence, darkness, death—things which are not.

All others, from all things, draw all that's good,
Life, soul, form, spirit, whence they being have ;
I, by Love's limbec, am the grave
Of all, that's nothing. Oft a flood
Have we two wept, and so
Drown'd the whole world, us two ; oft did we grow,
To be two chaoses, when we did show
Care to aught else ; and often absences
Withdrew our souls, and made us carcasses.

But I am by her death—which word wrongs her—
Of the first nothing the elixir grown ;
Were I a man, that I were one
I needs must know ; I should prefer,
If I were any beast,
Some ends, some means ; yea plants, yea stones detest,
And love ; all, all some properties invest.
If I an ordinary nothing were,
As shadow, a light, and body must be here.

But I am none ; nor will my sun renew.
You lovers, for whose sake the lesser sun
At this time to the Goat is run
To fetch new lust, and give it you,
Enjoy your summer all,
Since she enjoys her long night's festival.
Let me prepare towards her, and let me call
This hour her vigil, and her eve, since this
Both the year's and the day's deep midnight is.

Source:
Donne, John. Poems of John Donne. vol I.
E. K. Chambers, ed.
London: Lawrence & Bullen, 1896. 45-46.

House Carpenter

2009-11-01T20:27:00.000-08:00

Oh, does this bring back memories.

Joan Baez sings it nearly as well as we did growing up around the campfire.

Did you get yours?

2009-10-21T17:05:00.001-07:00

Fr. Tom DiLorenzo summoned to the Chancery in Boston

2009-10-19T18:25:00.000-07:00

And it isn't going to be pretty.

Fr. Tom is well known for his ardent and vocal prolife beliefs and his radio show "In Season and Out of Season". Apparently EWTN carries Fr. Tom's show. Eventhough Fr. Tom is a bit of a charismatic but we don't hold that against him.

Apparently Cardinal O'Malley has decided that it's payback time. Fr. Tom made the unfortunate, and probably career-ending mistake of opposing Cardinal Sean's attempt to sign a contract with Centene, an abortion-providing health insurance company. Unfortunately, the Boston Archdiocese lost money (perhaps millions according to my fellow warrioress in the trenches, Carol McKinley) and the opportunity to sell its soul, and give away gratis any integrity they may have had left.

Fr. Tom has been summoned to the Chancery to discuss his "mental health".

The tactics don't change. The villains never come up with anything new.

The Mass begins with the phrase:

"Judge me, O God, and distinguish my cuase against an ungodly nation: deliver me from the unjust and deceitful man."

Somehow I don't think this meeting will make the Cardinal's blog.

I don't think the public relations firm employed (and paid handsomely) by the Archdiocese of Boston would recommend it.

Fireproof

2009-10-12T18:38:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I'm a bit behind the times. Can I be forgiven being the mother of 8 children? Overly involved in good works... I hope and employed part time by 2 companies?

Either way, I watched this movie and loved it. We ordered the sound track, the biography of Kirk Cameron and of course the DVD... which we still have NOT received.

I really enjoyed the movie. Cried at the end. Loved the soundtrack and hope that everyone I know watches it.

One of the Best Things About Fall....

2009-10-06T20:24:00.001-07:00

...besides the sight of leaves changing color, and the smell of burning leaves, the foreshadowing pre-winter coolness, the feel of wind blowing through the trees, the smell of freshly split wood (some green) in anticipation of the winter wood burning, hot cider, caramel apples and ultimately Christmas is:

picking bittersweet to decorate my dining room chandelier.

I just looked up bittersweet and found this blog "What your wedding means" or something like that and it said that bittersweet meant "truth".

How very apropos.

But can I have a truth-vacation. Can I ignore truth for a while? Read another Oscar Wilde fairytale? Make homemade bread as if the price of propane is not prohibitive?

I really must grow some. On my own land.

And little did I realize that when I began this blog post there was a controversy about "bittersweet" versus invasive oriental bittersweet. (If my dear grandmother were here she would pronounce it as "Or-E-Ent-Ul".

In Tribute to the "Plain Housewife"

2009-09-26T18:55:00.000-07:00

Corazon Aquino, who led the bloodless coup.

From a Time Magazine article:

Though hampered by the government's near monopoly of the media, the Aquino campaign attracted millions of fervent supporters, all decked out in yellow, the reluctant candidate's favorite color. And when Marcos cheated her of victory in the February 1986 vote, the outcry was tremendous — and his doom was sealed. Bearing witness to their political allegiance, the millions who crammed the streets to protect reformist soldiers who had mutinied against Marcos chanted the now familiar mantra: "Cory, Cory, Cory." Nuns armed only with rosaries knelt in front of tanks, stopping them in their tracks.

(snip)

Aquino was convinced that her presidency was divinely inspired, even as her political foes mocked her piety. "If the country needs me," she said, "God will spare me." And miracle of miracles, she proved God right and her critics wrong.

And this is what she inspired:

Tomorrow will be part II of the tribute to the plain housewife.

Fr. MCcormack of Chicago , the state of Illinois finds him a danger anyway

2009-09-25T18:17:00.000-07:00

Ex-priest, long tolerated in Chicago archdiocese, deemed too dangerous for parole.

Remember this story?

Dog Mania

2009-09-24T19:00:00.000-07:00

I can't stand the way dogs have replaced children in our society. I'm sure everyone knows the story of Mother Teresa going up to a baby carriage in London only to find the carriage contained not a baby but a dog!

The following just came through our freecycle list:

I am wanting to make my Chihuahua a few winter coats. Walmart has done away with all their flannel / fleece.
I wondered if anyone had about 2 yards of any print flannel or fleece. Also double wide seam binding.
Also any fabric remnants left overs would be great too - I could make her some dresses.

Thank You Very much.

Like Linus in Peanuts. "I can't stand it!"

And just think Halloween is coming:

In honor of the upcoming Feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, American Catholic has dedicated a significant portion of its website to "Pet Blessings in the U.S. and an editorial asserting that animals will go to heaven.

Good grief! Salvation for animals! What next? But I suppose it goes to the heresy of "universal salvation". After all animals are part of the universe.

What does this mean?

2009-09-18T20:15:00.000-07:00

Oh, no. I have the same white ruffled blouse as Michelle Obama.

What does this mean?

She's shopping the clearance rack of Kohl's in an effort to "get in touch" with the people?

If only we were so easily taken it.

But we remember the $540 sneakers at the homeless dinner. This current pretense is merely a distraction from the current takeover of the economy, health care, the WORLD.

Don't fall for it.

And just don't have a garage sale, no matter what.

And finally more shopping advice from the First Lady. A friend sent me this:

Let's say you're preparing dinner and you realize with dismay that you don't have any certified organic Tuscan kale. What to do?

Here's how Michelle Obama handled this very predicament Thursday afternoon:

The Secret Service and the D.C. police brought in three dozen vehicles and shut down H Street, Vermont Avenue, two lanes of I Street and an entrance to the McPherson Square Metro station. They swept the area, in front of the Department of Veterans Affairs, with bomb-sniffing dogs and installed magnetometers in the middle of the street, put up barricades to keep pedestrians out, and took positions with binoculars atop trucks. Though the produce stand was only a block or so from the White House, the first lady hopped into her armored limousine and pulled into the market amid the wail of sirens.

Then, and only then, could Obama purchase her leafy greens. "Now it's time to buy some food," she told several hundred people who came to watch. "Let's shop!"

Cowbells were rung. Somebody put a lei of marigolds around Obama's neck. The first lady picked up a straw basket and headed for the "Farm at Sunnyside" tent, where she loaded up with organic Asian pears, cherry tomatoes, multicolored potatoes, free-range eggs and, yes, two bunches of Tuscan kale. She left the produce with an aide, who paid the cashier as Obama made her way back to the limousine.

Dana Milbank even does some comparison shopping for her:

Obama, in her brief speech to the vendors and patrons, handled the affordability issue by pointing out that people who pay with food stamps would get double the coupon value at the market. Even then, though, it's hard to imagine somebody using food stamps to buy what the market offered: $19 bison steak from Gunpowder Bison, organic dandelion greens for $12 per pound from Blueberry Hill Vegetables, the Piedmont Reserve cheese from Everson Dairy at $29 a pound. Rounding out the potential shopping cart: $4 for a piece of "walnut dacquoise" from the Praline Bakery, $9 for a jumbo crab cake at Chris's Marketplace, $8 for a loaf of cranberry-walnut bread and $32 for a bolt of yarn.

The first lady said the market would particularly appeal to federal employees in nearby buildings to "pick up some good stuff for dinner." Yet even they might think twice about spending $3 for a pint of potatoes when potatoes are on sale for 40 cents a pound at Giant. They could get nearly five dozen eggs at Giant for the $5 Obama spent for her dozen.

They Insisted: the kids

2009-09-13T20:31:00.001-07:00

...that I post this. It was too funny.

Are the "sheeple" waking up?"

Is it too late?

Is Tiananmen Square next?

This is Getting Serious:

2009-09-13T08:44:00.000-07:00

Largest protest against Obama Since he took office.

It will be time to declare martial law anytime now.

Won't Back Down

2009-09-08T15:16:00.000-07:00

Dedicated to my daughter Rose, whose courage inspires me.

Happy 4th Birthday Becca

2009-09-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

O'Malley and Obama

2009-09-02T20:51:00.000-07:00

O'Malley's Defense of the Indefensible.

I think you will find it as touching as I did. Especially when the Cardinal goes on about Placido Domingo and Yo Yo Ma and the 1000s lining the streets for Ted Kennedy.

From the mob calling for the crucifixtion to the mob storming the Bastille and cheering on the guillotine, has it ever been on the side of morality and right?

And the Cardinal made sure to endorse Obama's universal healthcare program. Heartwarming isn't it?

Candy Floss by Rumer Godden

2009-07-27T17:29:00.000-07:00

My Becksie and I just finished reading it.

And Teddy and Stephen and Timmy had to listen in.

It's a very sweet story about a doll who lives in a Cocoanut Shy. And if you don't know what a Cocoanut Shy is then you will just have to read the story.

My Becksie!

2009-07-25T14:14:00.000-07:00

A Great Injustice

2009-07-18T21:41:00.000-07:00

When I first found out about the Seven Hills Pediatric Center I brought my children for a tour of the facility. The Center takes care of children and adults with very complex medical needs. So many of the individuals there reminded me of Terri Schiavo.

However with one great difference. The lives of these individuals were being preserved and I would even venture to say; treasured. In all its years of operation there has never been a bedsore. Each resident receives a whirl pool bath every day. There are activities provided, education, and very specialized care for each person residing there.

At a recent Family Day, which I posted about here, I became aware of a great injustice that is about to be visited upon some of the residents of Seven Hills.

In 1998, a "public interest group" (liberals who have lawyers) filed suit against the state of Massachusetts "on behalf of" mentally retarded adults who are residing in "nursing homes". A settlement was reached and the state of MA has agreed to transfer 640 adults from "nursing homes" to group homes. Somehow, 30 Seven Hills residents have been included in the list of individuals to be transferred.

Against the will of those who care for them.

Against the will of their parents or guardians.

A transfer to a group home would be a death sentence for these individuals. And what worries me is maybe that is the point.

After we witness the shameful starvation death of Terri Schiavo it could only be a matter of time before the lives of every individual who has difficulty communicating, will be considered marginal and expendable.

Are we seeing it?

This soon?

This website tells the stories of the individuals who will be affected by this settlement. The story of the helplessness that the parents of these individuals feel. The story of the powerlessness of the victims.

And I would ask you to look at this story and not cluck your tongue and pity those poor people for a nano second before you pick up your latest edition of People magazine and switch the TV channel. Instead think about what this means for YOUR children and YOUR loved ones who are at the mercy of the state.

The families of those "represented" in this class action lawsuit were SUPPOSED TO BE NOTIFIED, but somehow they weren't....

Family Day at Seven Hills

2009-06-28T12:22:00.000-07:00

Today was Family Day at Seven Hills in Groton, MA. Seven Hills is a pediatric care center for children with complex medical needs. My oldest 4 have been volunteering there for about a month now and go on Saturdays to play games with the kids. Today was a special day with outside entertainment, moon walk, facepainting, live music, cake and raffles.

Andrew & Savannah. It got a bit chilly but Savannah was ready with her Cinderella fleece throw.

Rose and Nate

Me and Erin. How do you like her Barbie Superstar balloon?

Nathaniel and Brian, you can't tell in the picture but Brian was sporting some very cool Air Jordans and a #34 Pierce cap.

Blinky facepainting. I so wanted to get my face painted but I couldn't summon up the nerve.

If you are interested in volunteering or having your children volunteer you can contact the volunteer coordinator Arlene Howard at 978-448-3388 X 207 or by email at ahoward@sevenhills.org.

The Beauty of a Vocation

2009-06-22T19:19:00.001-07:00

Fr. Jenkins, President of Notre Dame and his definition of "reasoned dialogue"

2009-06-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

This is from the American Papist Blog

Concerning the brave Catholics who protested Obama's sacrilegious presence at Notre Dame, Fr. Jenkins has refused to drop the bogus charges against them.

So, who is welcome at Notre Dame?

Prolife Catholics? NO

Proabortion Obama? YES

Homegrown Revolution

2009-06-05T07:17:00.001-07:00

Growing 6000 lbs on 1/10th of an acre. This takes place in Pasadena, CA so New Englanders, do not despair.

It's Official

2009-05-31T10:50:00.000-07:00

They're engaged! Congratulations Patrick Harvey and Jessica!

Reporter Dragged Kicking and Screaming from near Air Force One

2009-05-28T17:09:00.000-07:00

Now, I thought this was going to be a good, "Let's bash the president for this one." But when I read the article I came to a different conclusion:

The reporter stated:

"I said, 'I'll take my chances if (the president) comes by here,'" said Lee, who identified herself as a Roman Catholic priestess who lives in Anaheim, Calif. "He became annoyed that I wouldn't give him the letter."

Lee, who was wearing what she described as a cassock, said she protested when she was asked to leave....

[emphasis mine]

Certifiable. There is no other word.

Immaculate Heart of Mary School Band in NYC for St. Patrick's Day

2009-05-28T06:16:00.001-07:00

Immaculate Heart of Mary School
Still River, MA

Coolest high school band in the universe and not just because my sons are in it! Show me another high school band that carries the American flag and the Vatican flag!

Fatima: New Movie: The 13th Day

2009-05-18T20:42:00.000-07:00

This looks to be beautifully filmed. And the Christian answer to the Salem Witch Trials.

Dr. Alice Von Hildebrand and Some Sanity

2009-05-13T15:45:00.000-07:00

In response to the disgraceful performance by Christopher West the "Catholic" sex guru, Dr. Von Hildebrand points out the obvious problems with West's approach and the dangers.

The article is here.

Her comments:

“My feeling is that Christopher West has become famous because he started discussing the Theology of the Body, which is extremely appealing topic. The difficulty is that, in the meantime, he became so famous that I do believe he has become much too self-assured and has lost sight of the extreme sensitivity of the topic.”

This is “very troubling” because what she calls the “intimate sphere” is something “very mysterious, very profound, something that has a direct relationship with God.”

“My feeling is that his vocabulary and his way of approaching it totally lacks reverence.”

“Reverence is the key to purity,” she told CNA.” The intimate sphere “is not a topic of public discussion” but is “extremely serious.”

“It seems to me that his presentation, his vocabulary, the vulgarity of things that he uses are things that simply indicate that even though he might have good intentions he has derailed and is doing a lot of harm.”

Most troubling are the comments at the end of the article which mostly support Christopher West and his pornographic views of intimacy. The prevailing sentiment seems to be that if it were not for Christopher West, some of the writers would not be Catholic. It makes you wonder what they have converted to? The Faith or hedonism and the Theology of the Body's attempt to redeem hedonism by couching it in spiritual terms?

Apparently a "clarification" was released on behalf of Christopher West, painstakingly explaining the difference between Hugh Hefner and Pope John Paul II. Thanks but the differences are obvious to anyone of sense. It is the similarities that West "cites" and has convinced himself of that is so troubling. The whole "clarification" can be read here.

Best of all is this statement in "the clarification"

Christopher West is not a sex therapist. He is a Catholic educator, author, lecturer, and faculty member of the Theology of the Body Institute. The TOB Institute is an educational organization and does not engage in sex therapy.

Why pray tell would that be necessary????? Could it be because of the way that Christopher West has characterized his own work? Of course.

The clarifications and halfhearted back tracking can only mean one thing- donations are down. And that's good news.

Christopher West on Pope John II and Hugh Hefner

2009-05-12T08:59:00.000-07:00

If there is anyone who still does not understand what is wrong, so very wrong with Theology on the Body and Christopher West and his cottage industry please watch this and I think all will be made clear.

Warning- graphic content.

Video can be seen here.

In This Day and Age

2009-05-08T21:21:00.000-07:00

...with all the buzz about the NY flyover that resulted in panic and distress for New Yorkers who thought they were reliving 9/11 I can't help but ask myself:

Was this necessary in the day of Photoshop????

And we have the customary resignation.

But the "sacrificial lamb" seems especially artificial this time around. we've been there. We've done that. And martial law is still coming, fresh on the heels of socialistm.

Fr. Thomas Berg, leaving the Legion of Christ

2009-05-07T20:35:00.000-07:00

... to become a priest of the New York Diocese.

The article is here from Catholic Culture.

Highlight:

Father Berg, who had urged his fellow Legion members to reflect seriously on the "profoundly disturbing" revelations about the order's founder, Father Marcial Maciel, said that he has been considering the move for some time. He said that he hoped the apostolic visitation recently announced by the Vatican would help provide a "new beginning" for the Legionaries, adding that "I remain their friend and brother in the Lord." The Westchester Institute, which has been sponsored by the Legion of Christ, will be reorganized under a new board of directors.

Kids Visiting the Convent

2009-05-07T08:43:00.000-07:00

My sister took this picture when some of the kids and I were visiting my sister,

Sr. Brigid Mary, MICM

during the Octave of Easter. From top to bottom, Stephen, Edmund, Rose holding Rebekah and Tim being Mr. Cool on the right.

My Apology to Perez Hilton: Mike Adams

2009-05-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

I really love the South.

Here is Mike Adams of Townall.com and his apology to Perez Hilton.

I am sorry that you cannot keep your political opinions out of a beauty contest. I am sorry that gay men are rarely capable of keeping the subject of gay marriage out of any conversation.

I am sorry that, in this country, people are often afraid to talk to gay people because they believe that if they tell others the truth about their views on gay marriage, they will upset other people. I am sorry that gays really do try to get people fired or destroy their careers for opposing gay marriage. I am sorry that many gays cannot see how this reinforces the stereotype that homosexuality is an emotional disorder.

He will probably go the way of Jay Severin who has been suspended indefinitely.

And no matter how obnoxious I find his comments, it frightens me that alternative opinions can no longer be expressed. Even obnoxiously. Whatever happened to Cohen v. California?

The "Specter of Death" Switches (officially) to the Party of Death

2009-04-28T09:59:00.000-07:00

Thank you Rick Santorum. You campaigned for Arlen Specter (formerly R)and endorsed Arlen Specter OVER a prolife challenger. You lost your own bid for re-election over this treacherous betray of life.

And now Arlen Specter will switch parties giving the Democrats a Filibuster proof majority in the Senate- the magic number 60. (providing Al Franken wins MN- is there much doubt of that?)

The Republicans who helped Specter-of-death amass $5.8 million were not consulted about his switch.

Obamanation

2009-04-26T16:36:00.000-07:00

To be "unveiled" in NYC on April 29th:

And by sculptor, Matthew J. Clark:

From World Net Daily.

And I'm thinking the Swine Flu will be an excellent opportunity for Obama to declare martial law.

Sleeping Beauty at the Wang

2009-04-25T19:44:00.001-07:00

The Lobby of the Wang Theater:

It doesn't get much better:

And coming in October 1-11, 2009 the Boston Ballet will be performing "Giselle", and in April 8-18-2009, "Coppelia".

Recent Rainy Day Reads

2009-04-23T06:11:00.001-07:00

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd.

Here's the website for the film which I think I am going to have to see.

The Midnight Dancers by Regina Doman. You can see Regina's site here.

The book has its own website here with ordering information.

Rather than review them I'm just going to say read them. I read them both in one sitting because I couldn't put them down. I'm glad because they were that good but on the other hand, now they're over.

Edmund & Becca at the Waterfall Today

2009-04-22T16:36:00.000-07:00

Casting Crowns: Praise You in the Storm: Tribute to U.S. Military Chaplains

2009-04-19T13:46:00.000-07:00

The Beauty That Matters is Always on the Inside

2009-04-18T04:38:00.000-07:00

Susan Boyle Hype Revitalizes 10-Year-Old Cover - Be sure to listen to the
music.

http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/videogaga/16130/susan-boyle-hype-rev...

http://www.theherald.co.uk/features/featuresopinon/display.var.250174...

Susan Boyle's story is a parable of our age. She is a singer
of enormous talent, who cared for her widowed mother until
she died two years ago. Susan's is a combination of ability
and virtue that deserves congratulation.

So how come she was treated as a laughing stock when she
walked on stage for the opening heat of Britain's Got
Talent 2009 on Saturday night?

The moment the reality show's audience and judging panel
saw the small, shy, middle-aged woman, they started to
smirk. When she said she wanted a professional singing
career to equal that of Elaine Paige, the camera showed
audience members rolling their eyes in disbelief. They
scoffed when she told Simon Cowell, one of the judges,
how she'd reached her forties without managing to develop
a singing career because she hadn't had the opportunity.
Another judge, Piers Morgan, later wrote on his blog that,
just before she launched into I Dreamed a Dream, the
3000-strong audience in Glasgow was laughing and the
three judges were suppressing chuckles.

It was rude and cruel and arrogant. Susan Boyle from
Blackburn, West Lothian, was presumed to be a buffoon.
But why?

Britain's Got Talent isn't a beauty pageant. It isn't
a youth opportunity scheme. It is surely about discovering
untapped and unrecognised raw talent from all sections
of society.

And Susan Boyle has talent to burn. Such is the beauty
of her voice that she had barely sung the opening bars
when the applause started. She rounded off to a standing
ovation and - in her naivety - began walking off the stage and
had to be recalled.

Susan, now a bankable discovery, was then roundly patronised
by such mega-talents as Amanda Holden and the aforementioned
Morgan, who told her: "Everyone laughed at you but no-one is
laughing now. I'm reeling with shock." Holden added: "It's the
biggest wake-up call ever."

Again, why?

The answer is that only the pretty are expected to achieve.
Not only do you have to be physically appealing to deserve fame;
it seems you now have to be good-looking to merit everyday
common respect. If, like Susan (and like millions more),
you are plump, middle-aged and too poor or too unworldly to
follow fashion or have a good hairdresser, you are a non-person.

I dread to think of how Susan would have left the stage if her voice
had been less than exceptional. She would have been humiliated in
front of 11 million viewers. It's the equivalent of being put in the
stocks in front of the nation instead of the village. It used to be a
punishment handed out to criminals. Now it is the fate of anyone
without obvious sexual allure who dares seek opportunity.

This small, brave soul took her courage in her hands to pitch
at her one hope of having her singing talent recognised, and
was greeted with a communal sneer. Courage could so easily have
failed her.

Yet why shouldn't she sound wonderful? Not every great singer
looks like Katherine Jenkins. Edith Piaf would never have been
chosen to strut a catwalk. Nor would Nina Simone, nor Ella
Fitzgerald. As for Pavarotti But then ridicule is nothing new
in Susan Boyle's life. She is a veteran of abuse. She was
starved of oxygen at birth and has learning difficulties as a
result. At school she was slow and had frizzy hair. She was
bullied, mostly verbally. She told one newspaper that her
classmates' jibes left behind the kind of scars that don't heal.

She didn't have boyfriends, is a stranger to romance and has
never been kissed. "Shame," she said. Singing was her life-raft.

She lived with her parents in a four-bedroom council house and,
when her father died a decade ago, she cared for her mother and
sang in the church choir.

It was an unglamorous existence. She wasn't the glamorous type
- and being a carer isn't a glamorous life, as the hundreds of
thousands who do that most valuable of jobs will testify.
Even those who start out with a beauty routine and an interest
in clothes find themselves reverting to the practicality of a
tracksuit and trainers. Fitness plans get interrupted and
then abandoned. Weight creeps on. Carers don't often get
invited to sparkling dinner parties or glitzy receptions,
so smart clothes rarely make it off the hanger.

Then, when a special occasion comes along, they might reach,
as Susan did, for the frock they bought for a nephew's wedding.
They might, as she did, compound the felony of choosing a
colour at odds with her skin tone and an unflattering shape
with home-chopped hair, bushy eyebrows and a face without
a hint of make-up. But it is often evidence of a life lived
selflessly; of a person so focused on the needs of another
that they have lost sight of themselves. Is that a cause for
derision or a reason for congratulation? Would her time have
been better spent slimming and exercising, plucking and
waxing, bleaching and botoxing? Would that have made her
voice any sweeter?

Susan Boyle's mother encouraged her to sing. She wanted her
to enter Britain's Got Talent. But the shy Susan hasn't been
able to sing at all since her mother's death two years ago.
She wasn't sure how her voice would emerge after so long a
silence. Happily, it survived its rest.

She is a gift to Simon Cowell and reality television.
Her story is the stuff of Hans Christian Andersen: the woman
plucked from obscurity, the buried talent uncovered, the
transformation waiting to be wrought.

It is wonderful for her, too, that her stunning voice is
now recognised. A bright future beckons. Her dream is becoming
reality.

Susan is a reminder that it's time we all looked a little deeper.
She has lived an obscure but important life. She has been a
companionable and caring daughter. It's people like her who are
the unseen glue in society; the ones who day in and day out put
themselves last. They make this country civilised and they deserve
acknowledgement and respect.

Susan has been forgiven her looks and been given respect because
of her talent. She should always have received it because of the
calibre of her character.

There are things that make me laugh

2009-04-16T05:31:00.000-07:00

Like reading articles about how to "save money". It's not that the subject is not a serious and important one it's just that the ideas put forth in the article are either so blatantly obvious or so stupid, I can't believe people are paid to write them. (Obviously people who did not put themselves through college if you know what I mean).

Some examples:

1. Buy fewer clothes that need to be dry cleaned.

My solution: Buy as few clothes as possible, rarely go out in public and when you do have a large enough family and well dressed enough children so that you can stand behind them. If someone asks who you are your children can say that you are a homeless person they have befriended.

2. Use coupons.

Now this is an idea that never works because coupons are ALWAYS for brand name, processed foods. If you really want to save money you don't buy brand name, processed foods or you buy as little as possible. So little in fact that the time you've spent clipping, storing and trying to keep track of your coupons would be better spent making something from scratch.

3. For Appliance Purchases, check Consumer Reports and buy the most cost efficient.

Well, the most cost efficient is to do without the appliance if you can. You don't really need a dishwasher and I would never buy one. If you have one by all means use it but if it dies, get rid of it and glory in more kitchen cabinet space. If you seem to have more dishes than you can reasonably do, this introduces a delicate subject. The trick is to have enough children so that you never do a dish until the last child leaves the house. Though not much of a math whiz this is how I figure it [Mom = Cooking] and conversely [Kids = Dishes].

4. Money saving vacations.

This is a good one. You see pictures of trips to Disneyland, resorts, ranches and the happy Mom and Dad and kids doing nothing but spending money. To the family who is trying to save money there is no such thing as vacation. You might go camping, in a tent at a state park. You do not go to amusement parks, you do not eat out, you do not play miniature golf. You splurge on a fishing license that will provide 3 or 4 family meals. Your outings consist of going to the beach, going for walks, having a camp fire and making yourself sick on s'mores every night.

5. Save on Car Repairs by maintaining your vehicles.

This is a good one. Obviously written by someone with a car payment. Forget about car payments. Drive a beater for which any maintainance is laughably unnecessary. Your best bet is a car about 9 + years old with at least 200,000 miles on it. Any repairs except those to get it through inspection will not be worth it. This relieves the cost and stress of car repairs. This is also a way to find out who your real friends are- real friends are not embarrassed to see you, and be seen with you in your beater.

6. Clothing, sales, purchases and other follies.

You will invariably see a hard luck story about a family that 'gasp' is in so much difficulty they cannot even afford to buy their children new clothes. The horror of it is they have had to rely on "used clothing", hand me downs or resale shops. Well, let's cut directly to the chase here. Short of dumpster diving (and I qualify that statement by saying it could change next week) there is nothing beneath me in acquiring clothing. Forget "Resale Shops" unless you are going to a wedding or something. I have two words for you "Thrift Store" and another one is "Garage Sale". When you get into the underbelly of the frugal movement you will find that some of the best dressed people you know acquire most of their clothing from these two sources.

7. Gardening and raising animals for food.

This is an urban myth that must die. While there are many good reasons to raise your own food- you don't have to drive to the store to buy it, it makes your children do chores, you know the food is clean and you will just enjoy it, saving money is not realistic. I love to can tomatoes but have noticed that in tomato canning season the grocery stores lower their prices on canned tomatoes so that it is cheaper to buy them than to buy the canning jar. Still can, still garden and still raise chickens if you can but accept the fact that after you purchase the animals, buy feed, you will have spent about the same as buying the same thing from the grocery store. The feelings of moral superiority though, are priceless.

8. Sports, Lessons and other Childhood Expenditures.

Have you ever noticed that the masters in their field, Mozart, Beethoven, master painters had nothing. They were usually born into poverty and never achieved middle class status. And yet that does not stop us from expensive childhood lessons in music, art, sports, foreign languages etc. I'm not saying you don't get these lessons for your child if they really have any talent and interest but you find the least expensive way to satisfy these interests like free classes at the library, befriending artists and musicians, having college students who are studying these subjects give reasonable lessons. And completely rule out expensive sports- hockey, dirt biking, etc. It's not just the equipment, it's the trips to the ER, PT and specialists. (I know of what of I speak).

9. Hair Care

Your children need never see the inside of a salon. Buy a good hair cutting buzzer and learn while they are young and will not be mocked by their peers for your earlier mistakes. [Mothers are exempt from this and must visit the salon faithfully ever 8 weeks to maintain a shred of dignity.]

10. Saving for Your Kids College Fund.

I saved this for the last because it is the most laughable. If you can afford it and want to save for your children to go to college I doubt that I will be able to stop you. However, it is a guarantee that your child's grades will be mediocre at best. What is the incentive for doing well in High School if college is "paid for"? And once enrolled what is the incentive to do well in college, graduate in four years and actually major in something that will result in a job. No, sir, college loans taken out for your child and by your child and their "ghost of Christmas future" specter will guarantee excellent high school grades, good SATs and a zeal that cannot be matched when everything is taken for granted.

Randall Terry versus Notre Dame

2009-04-02T06:02:00.000-07:00

Randall Terry met with the Vice President of Notre Dame and security officials about upcoming protests at the University. He even helpfully wrote a "resignation" letter for President of Notre Dame, Fr. Jenkins, CSC.

As you read the letter and when you get to the part about "unwavering fidelity" does your mind automatically go to Mr. Terry's "wavering fidelity" in regards to his 19 year marriage to Cindy and his "wavering fidelity" to his 5 children of that marriage? And then there is the part about "duty", "scandal" and "confusion".

I just couldn't help it.

The letter:

The Resignation Letter of Rev. John I. Jenkins, CSC

To the Board of Trustees:

When I took holy vows as a priest, I had high hopes and deep desires to serve Christ and His Church with valor, and without wavering in fidelity. [emphasis mine]

Regrettably, I have failed in my duty as a priest, and brought much scandal and confusion to the faithful.

My decision to acquiesce to the urgings of others to invite President Obama to speak at our 2009 commencement – even though I knew he was openly defiant of our Lord’s commandment, “Thou shalt not murder,” and that as President he has personally authorized the shedding of innocent blood in America and around the world – shows that my moral compass has been badly damaged.

It is clear that I do not possess the internal fortitude to resist the machinations of those who promote child-killing, and who seek to tear apart Christ’s beloved bride. I am not fit to lead this institution in the battles to defend God’s innocents, and Catholic orthodoxy.

After much reflection, as an act of contrition before our Lord, His Church, Our Lady, the holy men who founded Notre Dame, and the millions of innocent children who have been slaughtered by abortion, I hereby tender my resignation as President of Notre Dame University, effective immediately.

Please pray for me.

Signed:________________________________

Father John I. Jenkins, CSC

Randall Terry, not the model of Catholic Orthodoxy

2009-03-31T19:49:00.000-07:00

I so called this: Randall Terry and his rebuke by Archbishop Burke.

And the Legionary's/Regnum Christi will have an Apostolic Visitation.

This is good news.

Good news for the LC/RCs and for the rest of us who believe that something is JUST. NOT. RIGHT.

Thank you Pope Benedict.

Medical Missionary Trip to the Philippines

2009-03-29T20:57:00.000-07:00

My daughter, Anastasia is going back to the Philippines for a second Medical Missionary Trip.

Here is the Youtube video of the last one:

She is wearing pink at about 1 minute into the video.

A letter about this year's trip to Ana states thus:

First up, the mission on July 26-31 will be in Alabel, Sarangani Province again. It's a poor agricultural town where many of the residents do not own the land they till. The rich landowners do not live in the area. It is rare to find a home there that can accommodate local or foreign guests. So all volunteers shall be packed in the xxxxxx (5 or 8 or 9 volunteers per room). Some rooms will have malfunctioning airconditioners, and perhaps one or two volunteers will see a snake sneaking across the ground floor.

And another note:

Many of the people we will be serving will be Muslims and other tribal people who feel a certain hostility towards Christians. Therefore, volunteers must be in their friendliest best. Patience, patience, patience. But I do remember your patience and your friendly smiles from 2007, so I suppose you will manage.

There is a blog (what else?) documenting the kind of work they will be doing at Rosa Mystic Health Mission.

Please pray for the safety of the doctors, nurses and medical assistants who will be traveling to give free medical care to the people of the Philippines but most importantly sharing the hope that is within them.

"But sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts, being ready always to satisfy every one that asketh you a reason of that hope which is in you."
1 Peter 3:15 Douay Rheims

What do Cardinal Sean and Bud Feldkamp have in common?

2009-03-26T06:08:00.000-07:00

A source of income?

MEDIA ADVISORY, Mar. 24 /Christian Newswire/ -- Some of you may have seen the major news story of the private plane that crashed into a Montana cemetery, killing 7 children and 7 adults.

But what the news sources fail to mention is that the Catholic Holy Cross Cemetery owned by Resurrection Cemetery Association in Butte - contains a memorial for local residents to pray the rosary, at the 'Tomb of the Unborn'. This memorial, located a short distance west of the church, was erected as a dedication to all babies who have died because of abortion.

What else is the mainstream news not telling you? The family who died in the crash near the location of the abortion victim's memorial, is the family of Irving 'Bud' Feldkamp, owner of the largest for-profit abortion chain in the nation.

Family Planning Associates was purchased four years ago by Irving Moore "Bud" Feldkamp III, owner of Allcare and Hospitality Dental Associates and CEO of Glen Helen Raceway Park in San Bernardino. The 17 California Family Planning clinics perform more abortions in the state than any other abortion provider - Planned Parenthood included - and they perform abortions through the first five months of pregnancy.

Although Feldkamp is not an abortionist, he reaps profits of blood money from the tens of thousands of babies that are killed through abortions performed every year at the clinics he owns. His business in the abortion industry was what enabled him to afford the private plane that was carrying his family to their week-long vacation at The Yellowstone Club, a millionaires-only ski resort.

The plane went down on Sunday, killing two of Feldkamp's daughters, two sons-in-law and five grandchildren along with the pilot and four family friends. The plane, a single-engine turboprop flown by Bud Summerfield of Highland, crashed into the Catholic cemetery and burst into flames, only 500 ft. from its landing destination. All aboard were killed.

You know what I keep thinking, "God will not be mocked" and now this abortion chain owner knows how David felt when his child died as a judgment against he and Bathsheba for their sin.

This abortion clinic chain "Allcare" seems to have been purchased by Dr. Feldkamp (a dentist)and located near this building.

It also appears that this is not the first tragedy for this family. In 2006 it seems that a grandson also died after suffocating. He was only 10 1/2 months old.

So, follow the timeline. In 2005 Bud Feldkamp buys the largest for-profit abortion clinic chain in the world. One year later his grandson dies. Three years later two of his children, two son in laws and five grandchildren are killed.

The fight has not been kept far from the walls. The fight is inside the house.

2009-03-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

This is an article written by Mrs. Leila Lawler appearing at Catholic Culture, a lady as intelligent as she is beautiful and as uncompromising as she is orthodox. No one could have said it better.

There are those who refuse to acknowledge what is really going on. Probably because they are on the payroll of the Archdiocese.

Lest there be any doubt- we are talking about nothing but blood money.

The article from Catholic Culture:

Let’s take a moment to try to understand what’s going on in Boston, shall we?

To recap:

Caritas Christi, the health-care agency administered by the Archdiocese of Boston, has joined in a successful bid for a government contract to provide health services for low-income clients. The program requires coverage for abortion, sterilization, and contraception.

Cardinal Sean O'Malley says:

"While I appreciate the opportunity given to Caritas Christi to serve the poor through this agreement, I wish to reaffirm that this agreement can only be realized if the moral obligations for Catholic hospitals as articulated in the Ethical and Religious Directives of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops are fulfilled at all times and in all cases. In order to assure me that this agreement will provide for the integrity of the Catholic identity and practices of Caritas Christi Health Care System, I have asked the National Catholic Bioethics Center to review the agreement and to assure me that it is faithful to Catholic principles." [This is the cardinal's statement in its entirety, made on March 12, 2009.]

First, about serving the poor.

Caritas Christi is a failing business, the mission of which, in this bid, is to shore up an eroding bottom line. Serving the poor isn’t the issue. Winning a large government contract is.

One doesn’t serve the poor by providing them with abortions at the taxpayer’s expense. Even before the present debacle, the archdiocese should have been at the forefront of the (nonexistent) fight to prevent a situation in which the state (meaning its citizens) would be funding abortions.

Now, although the meanest intellect can tell you that by contracting for abortions (and other immoral acts such as sterilizations), Caritas will violate Catholic principles, not only will Cardinal Sean, a bishop, refer the problem to the National Catholic Bioethics Center, he sits on the Board of Directors of that institution.

So he is going to ask himself what he thinks?

If only.

Who are the NCBC? As a friend of John Haas, the president, I regret to say the NCBC compromises and equivocates on the issue of vaccines developed using cells from aborted fetuses, and they refuse to acknowledge any ambiguity on organ donation.

More importantly, the NCBC is not the bishop of the Archdiocese of Boston.

What is the teaching authority of the NCBC?

None.

They have one function in this case, and may God forbid they use it: to provide safe cover under language of “remote proximity” and “lack of material cooperation.”

The faithful need to be clear. Even lacking advanced degrees in bioethics, an ordinary person can figure these things out.

And any person without even a passing knowledge of Directives, Ethical and otherwise, knows that if so-called Catholic hospitals engage in referring for abortions, sterilizations, in vitro fertilizations, etc., then Catholic doctors, nurses, other health care workers, and patients of good conscience will have nowhere to go.

Further, any attempt to safeguard conscientious objection will be rendered moot, sterile, useless, and futile. Such attempts on a national level, going on right now, would have no standing if Catholics in Massachusetts were in the business of providing “reproductive services.”

All the while, we will be able to accuse ourselves of removing the absolute last resort of Christian conduct, since retreat – which is what conscientious objection is – should be recognized as the final refuge of the battle, not its first stage.

The battle has indeed breached the walls of Catholic sanity, ethics, and right conduct. May Cardinal Sean wake up in time.

For the Record

2009-03-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I saw the news article about now Catholic Randy Terry and his trip to Rome. His goal seemed to be a publicity stunt aimed at trying to get Bishop Wuerl and Bishop Loverde removed because they will not refuse Communion to pro-abortion politicians.

[And because that is usually the way it works, lay people fly to Rome, call the press, demand to see Bishops and then dictate the terms of what they want.]

A very fine goal I am sure: you can send your contributions here.

However, my skepticism about Randy Terry given his track record prevents me from being too enthusiastic and I thought no more about this until... I received the following email this morning from Mr. Joseph Landry:

Randall Terry's previous marriage was annulled by the Roman Catholic Church. If you know what an annulment is then no further explanation is necessary and I request the removal of your slanderous and calumnious remarks. If you are not Catholic I would be happy to explain an annulment to you.
God Bless,
Joseph Landry

The name Joseph Landry struck a faint chord and then I remembered he was one of the "pilgrims" that accompanied Randy Terry to Rome.

I wasn't sure what blog post Mr. Landry meant but I found this that I wrote upon the article by the National Catholic Register about Randy Terry entering the Church.

When I first read the email from Mr. Landry I wondered, "Have you considered working for the Legionary's? They could really use someone like you. And something tells me they pay better."

But on to my "caluminous statement" about poor maligned Randall Terry. The facts are thus (however you will not read them in the National Catholic Register). Randall and Cindy Terry were married for 19 years and had 5 children. When Randall was running for office he met a 22 year old woman who was a campaign aide and I guess they "fell in love". Randall's protestant church censured and sanctioned him and rightly so I must say. Apparently to them it was obvious that 1. God hates divorce 2. Abandoning your wife and 5 children is wrong since the man who will not care for his family is worse than a nonbeliever. 3. Cindy and he WERE actually married.

Now we fast forward to the present where Randall Terry is remarried to Andrea and apparently with the seal of approval of the Catholic Church. Well, even though it's Lent permit me to say it, "Glory Hallelujah". Congratulations Randy on receiving a declaration of nullity. Tough luck Cindy but maybe you can find someone to marry- oh but after 19 years of marriage and five kids, maybe not so much. Well at least her protestant Church stood by her and condemned the divorce and abandonment. And more the pity that the Catholic Church did not do the same.

Randall Terry remains a controversial figure for many reasons.

His fundraising and financial dealings for example have been a cause of concern as well as the family values he has attempted to promote which have not borne fruit in his own life.

I will be happy to make the correction that Randall Terry has indeed received a declaration of nullity for his 19 year marriage to Cindy.

Who Am I?

2009-03-17T21:42:00.001-07:00

What Have I been doing this week?

2009-02-20T17:22:00.000-08:00

Well, the kids had school vacation so that mean some sleeping in.

And I fought the urge to remain obsessed with the American Papist coverage of the Legion/Regnum Christi debacle.

And the boys played in a basketball tournament and lost. But honorably.

And I worked in the convoluted world of bottled water label legal compliance.

{N.B. Drink bottled water. Keep me in business}

And I tried to think of some good ideas for the group I am now the Ladies Coordinator of. (those who voted for me have no idea what they've done....)

And my sister still didn't get engaged. (What is Valentine's Day for anyway?)

N.B. My sister made me CHANGE this image because THIS is the ring that she likes/loves.

And I did hardly any housework and not much cooking.

But I did wallpaper.

And I fretted about bills and my old car, and the rising MA taxes and the economy and my son's lyme arthritis amd my children's future.

And cursed the snow.

And I neglected the Latin Mass Network.

Do you ever think you see a glimpse of God's Grace...

2009-02-05T20:25:00.000-08:00

... in the most unlikely of places?

Now I admit that I am big basketball fan. I am especially a fan of any team that one of my children plays for. And even more so, am I a fan of a team that one of my children plays for that is a winning team or a team with a lot of heart.

This is such a great story. God uses the weak, isn't that always the way?

Fr. Maciel, founder of the Legionnaires of Christ and Regnum Cristi Exposed

2009-02-04T05:17:00.000-08:00

For those of us who had dealings with Regnum Christi and the Legionnaires of Christ these allegations will confirm what we have long believed and understood. That the movement is one based on lies, duplicity, aggressive fundraising and recruiting tactics, a positive, carefully crafted public image and very little else.

Are there good people who have become involved and who will be disappointed? Of course.

Some good blogservations:

Carol McKinley of Boston.

Inside Catholic

Steve Skojec: a recovering member

Phil Lawler for Catholic Culture

How the Wikipedia War is being waged

I wonder what Fr. Jonathon over at Fox News is saying? Probably something very pastoral.

The spokesperson for the Legion has stated that:

“We can confirm that there are aspects of his life that weren’t appropriate for a Catholic priest."

Inappropriate behavior seems like a bit of an understatement to me. So, in the week that the excommunications of the SSPX bishops have been lifted we may be watching the beginnings of the suppression of the Legionnaires of Christ and Regnum Christi. What a strange time we live in.

Zenit, which is owned by the Legionnaires has this to say about the canonical censure of Fr. Maciel in 2006 go here.:

Very chilling are the comments being left by some apparent members of RC/LC- it still has not hit them that this movement was founded by a drug addicted, homosexual, deviant who was fathering children, stealing money and all the while exhorting Catholics to be just like him, give us your money, your children and your blind unquestioning obedience and we will give you... this.

A sad day and no one takes joy in it. But if this means that some families and individuals will not suffer the abuse of this movement then we can only thank God that the truth is finally being revealed.

So much for choice

2009-01-31T20:58:00.001-08:00

Remember when "choice" was the watchword of the day. Everyone deserves "choice". It represented freedom, progressiveness, democracy and indulgence (which, by the way, is no longer a bad thing in the current popular lexicon).

But choice has gone by the wayside. Because choice represents actual freedom and we can't have that. Fascism simply will not allow it.

Usher in the new thought/behavior police:

drug possession- yes
freedom from sex education in school and Diocesan Catholic catechism classes- no

NFP- yes
babies- no

abortion- yes
babies- no

stds - yes
babies - no

Do I see a theme running through these trends?

And to the current, day- what is hip, now, besides Nancy Pelosis, "catholic" mother of 5 and grandmother to 6 (I guess the exponential thing isn't happening there), authorizing and defending contraception in the budget stimulus bill; because babies are burdens and an economic drain on the country you know.

Nancy Pelosi and the green gurus have determined that only 2 babies shall be the limit. Bad news for the mother of octuplets.

Now this should strike you as very indulgent indeed. After all China allows only one child. How magnanimous we are. How prosperous.

I have a very simplistic view of life. And I cling to it. I believe the concept that babies are good and even a gift from God. In fact we named one of our sons, Nathaniel which means in Hebrew- "gift of God".

Clinging to your principles is all you have at the end of the day. And an appreciation for family life. A good glass of wine. A well cooked meal, no matter how simple. Happy faces around the dinner table. A good joke. Bills you can't pay. Good books you hope to read. Library books that are overdue. A beautiful view from your dilapidated farmhouse windows. A friend who understands. The hope of a tax return.

Some people say that resistance is futile.

Resistance is everything.

George Obama, brother of President Obama arrested for drug possesion

2009-01-31T06:42:00.000-08:00

In Kenya.

It really is a shame because here in Massachusetts marijuana possession is completely legal.

How backwards our African brothers are with their antiquated legal system.

I'm thinking that George Obama will not be in the Obama family Christmas picture this year.

Catholic Reluctantly Redux

2009-01-26T05:27:00.000-08:00

I feel famous.

The Culbreath's of CA and their interpretation of Don McClean's "Castles in the Air"

2009-01-25T11:57:00.000-08:00

Eventhough I am on the East Coast and the Culbreath's are on the West it is so great to know such cool people. Jeff posted this on Facebook and I quickly stole it so that you can enjoy it here. To become a follower of the Culbreath Cult, you can read Jeff's work here at Stony Creek Digest.

Could it be?

2009-01-21T20:22:00.000-08:00

The Excommunications Lifted?

SSPX

David Clayton, Iconographer, Artist and Engineer

2009-01-12T05:10:00.001-08:00

I had the privilege of meeting the new head of Thomas More College's Art Department this past weekend, David Clayton. On David Clayton's myspace page he has an interview about his conversion to the Faith and how he has studied and now teaches iconography. He was trained in Oxford and Florence and also has a master's degree in Engineering. He was even offered a job at a nuclear power plant.

This YouTube interview is fascinating.

Really an amazingly talented guy. I found this interview and comicly David Clayton is compared to the Archbishop Lefebrve of the art world! I found this coloring book about Angels illustrated by David Clayton and to order go here.

The art school founded by David Clayton is called the Ressource school of art and it is described here:

Traditional skills taught with rigour and discipline: naturalistic drawing in the academic method as used by the Old Masters; traditional principles of compositional design and sacred geometry; Byzantine iconography. Site contains information on teachers, the programs, and traveling tours. (Oxford, England UK)

Catholic Reluctantly

2009-01-10T17:13:00.000-08:00

No, not me- this book.

You really should order it here. You will not be sorry.

First let me say that this book review is so long overdue that I'm feeling a lot of pressure to make it my best book review ever which almost guarantees it will not be very good at all. So I appreciate your forbearance.

When I first found out about the book reviewer program with the Catholic Company I was excited about the chance to read new Catholic books and then write about them.

This is a great book. The characters in it are familiar because we all know people like them and for those of us who remember the difficult teenage years, we sympathize with the struggles of these young Catholics. The intention of these books is to acknowledge a Catholic culture that the past two generations of Americans are trying to re-capture. A culture where big families of modest means know how to have fun and who are always having so much fun they are the secret envy of every neighborhood.

There is action, mystery, drama and suspense in this book and I understand it is to be the first of many volumes. It was one of those books that you had to read through in a few days because you just wanted to know what happens next.

The main characters Brian Burke, George Peterson, Allie and Celia are likeable, real and heroes in the oldest literary sense of the word. They are characters trying to overcome what is bad and seize the good. I understand from the author that Brian is also a Traditional Catholic. So, what's better than that? Modern Traditional Catholicism!

Anyway, the book is aimed at a teenage audience but like other books in this genre I enjoyed reading them just as much as my daughters did. This book does not shy away from real issues. There are no pollyannas here.

The characters are so real that you want to reach out and text them. Or IM them. They are people you would like to have as friends. They are people we would like our teenagers to be and maybe people that we wish we had been.

Maine Bishop Threatens to Excommunicate Protester

2009-01-07T18:20:00.000-08:00

The man is protesting- the abuse of children.

Fiend.

How did I miss this?

Maine is also know as the only diocese to have instituted the "Pay to Play" Traditional Latin Mass ponzi scheme.

If the Catholics in Maine want to attend a Traditional Latin Mass they owe the Bishop $52,000 for a once a week Mass. I figure that works out to be $1,000 a week.

Deal.

Got this from my friend the Cannonball.

Seventeen Random Things

2009-01-06T08:15:00.000-08:00

I was tagged with this meme for Facebook and since I can't figure out how to post it there- voila!

1. The more people disparage Sarah Palin, the more I love her.

2. I only pretend to like the ceilings in my house, so that I can have some peace.

3. I have a lot of books that I SHOULD read.

4. I'm re-evaluating whether I really like antique houses and am thinking reproduction antique is the way to go.

5. I worry that we will lose power again.

6. I dread getting the mail.

7. I think New England is the most beautiful, wonderful place to live in the world.

8. When I'm nervous I do the alphabet in sign language. Compulsively.

9. I'm surprised that I do like the Miss Marple mysteries by Agatha Chrisie.

10. I'm constantly amazed at the odd trivia my kids know.

11. I love exotic cooking- Indian, Arabic, Vietnamese, Syrian, Greek.

12. I've missed more doctor/medical appointments in this past year than my whole life I think.

13. I hope that I am able to travel some day.

14. I wish I had the time to get back into quilting.

15. I'm surprised it's hard to think of 17 things.

16. I hope that at the end of the day that working hard, trying to do the right thing and doing my best will have been enough.

17. The really materialistic side of me would love a summer home in Chatham, Massachusetts near the National Seashore.

Rosa Mystica : Another Medical Mission to the Phillipines

2009-01-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of my daughter Anastasia, it was her job to hold the patient's head while the patient was having teeth pulled.

She's going back this August!

For a link for more information- go here.

He's Singing My Song

2008-12-26T20:31:00.001-08:00

Sarah Palin, small town America, elites versus real people, the four year future and having a woman at the TOP of the ticket.

Happy Feast of St Stephen

2008-12-26T14:02:00.000-08:00

His expression is frightened but resolute.

May we be ready for martyrdom when it may come.

Merry Christmas from the Alexander kids

2008-12-24T17:59:00.002-08:00

Anastasia 18, Rose 17, Andrew 15, Nathaniel 13, Tim 11, Stephen 7, Edmund 5 and Rebekah 3.

PERSIAN ASTROLOGERS UPSET TAX REGISTRATION, INSTIGATE HEROD TO KILL CHILDREN

2008-12-24T06:30:00.000-08:00

SPQR
PRAEFECTUM IMPERII IN JUDAEA

UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION FROM THE LATIN

UNCLASSIFIED
IMPERIAL POST SERVICE DENARII FUND CITE
APPROVE:PREFECT
DRAFT:ASSISTANT TO ASSISTANT PREFECT
CLEAR:ASSISTANT PREFECT

FROM:JUDEAN PREFECT JERUSALEM
TO:OFFICE OF PROVINCES ROME
INFO:GOV/SYRIA:QUIRINIUS
GOV/EGYPT
GOV/ASIAMINOR

SENSITIVE

ROME OFFICE OF PROVINCES FOR BUREAU OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS

E.O. MCMXVII: N/A
TAGS: PLEX, PEMP, PFSC

SUBJECT: PERSIAN ASTROLOGERS UPSET TAX REGISTRATION, INSTIGATE HEROD TO KILL CHILDREN

Unclassified. Please Protect Accordingly.

I. (U) Summary: Imperial efforts to register the residents of Judea for tax purposes have been complicated by local political events. Client-"king" Herod has taken an unnecessarily pro-active approach regarding a child predicted to be a challenger to his position, and ordered the killing of all unweaned children in and around Bethlehem. Imperial and local security forces are watching border crossings for the three Persian astrologers implicated in the instigation of Herod's suspicions. End summary.

II. (U) The astrologers appear to have traveled into Judea by night, over less-frequented roads. According to local contacts, they were carrying undeclared baggage full of precious metals and aromatics, and chose their routes and timing to avoid paying Customs duties. Little is known about their activities. They were observed by locals in Jerusalem asking about the welfare and whereabouts of a child born to be "King of the Jews." Herod's steward (strictly protect) told us that the "king" met the astrologers in secret, and instructed them to find the child so that he could worship him.

III. (U) The astrologers were apparently tipped off regarding Herod's mala fide intentions regarding the child, and may have slipped out of Judea by avoiding daylight travel and mandatory Customs posts. (Note: Post plans to make up for the lost revenue by imposing a one-time regional death-registration tax for children under the age of two. End note.)

IV. (U) Although generally amenable to Roman demarches concerning Judean governance, Herod is known to be touchy about threats to his position. His half-Nabatean, half-Idumean ancestry has inspired local concerns about his qualifications to "rule" (even as our client) the Jewish people, and further fed Herod's fear and suspicions. His killing of children under two years of age in and around Bethlehem is another example of his tendency to take matters into his own hands in a manner prejudicial to the peaceful ordering of Roman governance. Post requests language from Rome to make an official demarche against such behavior.

V. (U) Comment: As in all areas where Roman concepts of the rule of law have not taken firm root, local actors, especially those in high places, feel no compunction in wrecking Rome's plans for fiscal registration and revenue, in pursuit of their own private vendettas. Parents in Bethlehem who are concerned about the treatment of their children have proved to be uncooperative in registering for and paying taxes. Several have made threats against local and Roman law enforcement authorities. Unknown actors have daubed "Romans Go Home" and other graffiti on the perimeter wall of the chancery. In light of these actions, Post believes that this is an opportune time to raise again the requests made earlier this year for another cohort of well-trained Roman or Gallic troops, and for four extra denarii per month for working-level staff, in the form of danger pay and hardship allowance. End Comment.

Amici

Santa Claus? Yes or No for the Traditonal Catholic.

2008-12-23T21:30:00.001-08:00

I can tell you why Catholics question the notion of Santa Claus.

Because we have learned not to trust the Culture.

When the culture is secular, expedient, selfish and materialistic you tend to become reactionary. (or maybe it is just me)

But, when Chesterton speaks, who can help but listen?

Catholic Culture had a piece of teaching your children about Santa Claus.

I have nothing to add: Voila:

Chesterton tells us why we should believe

By Father John Dietzen
Catholic News Service

Q. My question isn't very deep, but with Christmas coming I am
concerned about the attitude of some friends who don't want their
children to "believe in Santa Claus." From almost infancy, they
tell their children there isn't really a Santa and that it was all
made up to sell more things at Christmastime. I think they're missing
something, but I'm not sure how to tell them. (Florida)

A. I too think they are missing something - very big. It's always
risky to analyze fantasies, but maybe it's worth trying for a moment.
Fantasies, perhaps especially for children, are critical ways of
entering a world, a real world that is closed to us in ordinary human
language and happenings. They are doors to wonder and awe, a way of
touching something otherwise incomprehensible. Santa Claus, I believe,
is like that.
No one has ever expressed this truth more movingly and accurately,
in my opinion, than the great British Catholic author G.K. Chesterton
in an essay years ago in the London Tablet. On Christmas morning, he
remembered, his stockings were filled with things he had not worked
for, or made, or even been good for.
The only explanation people had was that a being called Santa
Claus was somehow kindly disposed toward him. "We believed," he wrote,
that a certain benevolent person "did give us those toys for nothing.
And ... I believe it still. I have merely extended the idea.
"Then I only wondered who put the toys in the stocking; now I
wonder who put the stocking by the bed, and the bed in the room, and
the room in the house, and the house on the planet, and the great
planet in the void.
"Once I only thanked Santa Claus for a few dolls and crackers, now
I thank him for stars and street faces and wine and the great sea.
Once I thought it delightful and astonishing to find a present so big
that it only went halfway into the stocking.
"Now I am delighted and astonished every morning to find a present
so big that it takes two stockings to hold it, and then leaves a great
deal outside; it is the large and preposterous present of myself, as
to the origin of which I can offer no suggestion except that Santa
Claus gave it to me in a fit of peculiarly fantastic good will."
Are not parents of faith blessed, countless times over, to have
for their children (and for themselves) such a fantastic and playful
bridge to infinite, unconditionally loving Goodness, the Goodness
which dreamed up the Christmas event in the first place?
Call Santa Claus a myth or what you will, but in his name parents,
and for that matter all of us who give gifts at this special time of
the year, are putting each other in deeper touch with the "peculiarly
fantastic good will" who is the ultimate Source of it all. Plus, it's
fun!
I hope your friends reconsider.

12 Twelve Days of Christmas: for the Bollywood Lovers in all of us

2008-12-23T21:27:00.000-08:00

Migrant Mother- story behind the image

2008-12-04T05:16:00.000-08:00

I saw this article from CNN that explains the story behind this famous photograph. The photo was taken by Dorothea Lange at a Migrant work camp in 1936. The mother pictured was 32 year old Florence Owens Thompson. She was the mother of 7 children.

Katherine McIntosh (pictured on her mother's left) was 4 years old when this picture was taken and she had this to say about her mother:

"She was the backbone of our family," McIntosh says of her mom. "We never had a lot, but she always made sure we had something. She didn't eat sometimes, but she made sure us children ate. That's one thing she did do."

The message from the McIntosh is to work hard and live within your means. Meanwhile everyone is saying that on the one hand but the next minute we have commercials for "no payments until 2010", no credit, no cash, no problem. Save but spend to help "save" the economy.

I read an article recently about a mother who had lost her job and was feeling guilty that she could not spend $600 on her one daughter for Christmas. Yes, $600 on ONE daughter. I've spend $500 on 5 kids and felt guilty about that. It's interesting to read about what people consider "hard times".

I'm reading this great book: "We Had Everything but Money: When Banks Closed and Hearts Opened: Stories of the Great Depression".

And what you come away with after reading this is that no money did not equal misery. People were happy. They struggled. They worked hard and sometimes they were disappointed but life went on, they were able to prevail and most of all the children remember those times as filled with the love of family.

So which would you rather have- money, financial security or the love of your parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents and aunts and uncles?

N.B. This is a clue for those struggling with the issue of "family size". Please see my last post and the anonymous commenter.

True Love

2008-11-29T18:24:00.000-08:00

A dear friend, or one who I count as such but have never met in real life has a new baby.

This baby is the 10th child in the family. Of the 10, 9 are adopted. Most of the children have profound needs. In this beautiful family their needs are more than being met and they have all surpassed the expectations of the "professionals". They never do seem to account for love. Especially true love.

Lesa and her new baby.

This is a picture of all the children.

This is not a family of extravagant means but they are certainly extravagant in the way they love.

When you start to worry about the future, the economy, how God will supply your needs and those of your family think of this family and their incredible faith. It is not for us to doubt God's providence, or second guess His provision.

A little boy came to the world at Christmas time. And this family said, "There is room at the Inn."

By Request : Happiness

2008-11-24T20:44:00.004-08:00

In "this brave new world that has such people in it" I give thee happiness. It is only a chemical concoction away. Or a television broadcast. Or a cable TV subscription.

And if you haven't read Brave New World by Alduos Huxley- well you simply must. When I started reading it I could not put it down and read all night until daylight. It's that kind of book. Required reading.

Since the election and the devastation loss of a dear friend, a sister really it is hard to know how to go on. What to think.

My current coping mechanism is that the next 4 years will be but an anomaly, a blip and soon forgot and repented of.

Yes, I do believe in Fairy Tales. I recommend Grimm's.

But life goes on, unrelentingly. Mum 2 Twelve will soon be Mum 2 Thirteen. Our children still need their oatmeal in the morning. They still need to be educated. And we place all our hopes in THEM. Perhaps in a very unfair and intense way.

Will it make them better? More capable? Courageous?

Can we transmit to them what our generation lacks? Self preservation at the expense of morality. Also Known As expediency.

From Don McLean’s lyrics:

Starry starry night
paint your palette blue and grey
look out on a summer’s day
with eyes that know the
darkness in my soul.

Shadows on the hills
sketch the trees and the daffodils
catch the breeze and the winter chills
in colors on the snowy linen land.

And now I understand what you tried to say to me
how you suffered for your sanity
how you tried to set them free.

They would not listen
they did not know how
perhaps they’ll listen now.

Voter Intimidation in Philadelphia

2008-11-04T10:24:00.000-08:00

With thanks to Thomas Shawn.

When I voted this morning in Townsend, MA I followed one of the links provided by the McCain link and went to Memorial Town Hall (where I had voted in the past). When I got there it seemed no one was voting and there was a sign outside that said vote at North Middlesex High School. I got back in the car and drove down there. When I entered to vote I was told that I had to take my Sarah Palin button off (?). And then I indicated to the election workers that the polling place advertised online is Town Hall. The election workers tried to tell me well that is the information from the campaign right? Exactly I said and that is what THEY were told.

Then I learned that the decision to change the election location was only made in October. Now wasn't it in October that McCain started winning? (probably just a coincidence.) Then I learned that a postcard was supposedly sent out to every voter telling them where the polling place was. Guess what- we didn't get it.

Crooks. I will be writing a letter to the Town Clerk. Townsend is a pretty conservative town and I think largely going for McCain.

Keep voting and don't let anyone intimidate you.

The Victory Feast is in the Oven

2008-11-04T04:55:00.000-08:00

We're preparing a home-raised turkey, and there will be mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, butternut squash, homemade bread and chocolate chip cookies for dessert. We are thinking optimistically here. "Claiming it" as the Southern Baptists would say.

The questions that will be answered today:

1. How many votes for Obama are a result of "white guilt"?

2. How wrong were the polls who have had Obama as high as 15% points over McCain. As if.

3. How much of a fool of herself will Katie Couric make this time? (Remember when she almost burst into tears when Kerry conceded?) I enjoyed that far too much.

4. Will there be rioting? My daughter is in Chicago so I told her to get home from work early and lock the dorm doors in case things get lively in Chicago- "the murder capitol of the country". (The effects of Community Organizing are still being felt it seems.)

5. How much voter fraud will be revealed? My daughter has 2 friends from Indiana (white Catholics from a battleground state who are breaking for McCain)who requested absentee ballots. They never received them. When they called to inquire about the status they were told they never received their information. I think those votes have probably already been cast if you know what I mean.

6. What will Meghan McCain do now? I've enjoyed her blog- McCain Blogette for all the important reasons- great photos, great fashion and great music. Spirit, Dedication to her family, and hard work- what a great role model she has been. The Cindy and John McCain must be as proud of her as she is of them.

7. I'm listening to something really funny- The Manning Report. Reverend Manning is a Manhattan minister who is African American and opposed to Obama. Warning this is very politically incorrect and very hilarious. I've just hit replay. (perhaps some of the humor is in bad taste and the language is strong but I'm in a forgiving mood today). (you can find it on YouTube).

8. Which Thrift store will get Sarah Palin's campaign wardrobe? Will that information be released to committed Republicans who had 3 yard signs, attended a Sarah Palin rally, conducted sign waves in NH and defended the ticket fearlessly online? (There may be a sizing challenge but in my euphoria at McCain's victory I expect I won't eat for several weeks.)

9. What will McCain's Cabinet look like? My social and professional calendar can be cleared at a moment's notice. I hate to leave New England you know but for my country I could make the sacrifice.

10. If Obama wins (and I've left this possibility last because I believe it is so remote) how long will it be before we are attacked and Obama does absolutely nothing to defend us? And at that point will the people voting for him who have said, "We should be okay as long as Obama doesn't go all radical on us." realize they've made a mistake.

Happy Halloween a little late...

2008-11-03T20:05:00.000-08:00

Because I need something to keep my mind off the election. Though this helped. And I don't know anything about Bob Krumm except that he is right ;).

The house all decked out.

The kids dressed up for a night of Trick or Treating. The only one not pictured is Rose who was Taylor Swift. Andrew is a Celtic's player, Nathaniel an Indian, Tim is batman, Stephen is a gladiator, Teddy is Optimus Prime and Becca is a Princess. (in real life too, not just for Halloween.)I put a snowsuit on Becca under her costume because in New England you just never snow. One minute it's 70 degrees and the next minute it's snowing.

A better view of the pumpkins.

A Civilian National Security Force

2008-11-01T16:21:00.000-07:00

Sort of like the KGB I imagine.

Third Party Voters- keep those feelings of moral superiority coming. It may be all you have to hold on to if you get your way.

Most Watched Election Video on YouTube

2008-10-31T04:57:00.000-07:00

Hank Williams Jr weighs in

2008-10-29T08:41:00.000-07:00

Was there ever any doubt?

And according to Drudge gun sales are up in FL in fear of an Obama presidency.

I think given this and the stunning, truly stunning polling data (if we believed them we would think that Obama's lead as shrunk from 15 pts to 2 in just a day or 2) we can say that the sleeping giant is waking up. And he's not a morning person.

Abortion and the "Negro Project": Margaret Sanger the Founder of Planned Parenthood

2008-10-29T05:37:00.001-07:00

The Real Danger in Dissing Sarah Palin

2008-10-27T16:01:00.001-07:00

Those conservatives who have sought to distinguish themselves by dissing Sarah Palin have proved themselves empty vessels and eager tools for the media and cultural notables who have expressed their disdain for Palin as Vice Presidential nominee.

When I saw this effigy hanging in West Hollywood, CA I naturally thought about the fact that this is "protected free speech" and even more significant to the cultural elites "art". Now if this same effigy featured Barack Obama the artistes who were only looking for "a voice" would be guilty and no doubt charged and convicted of a hate crime.

Yet, I was not sorry to see this display. I was glad to see some honesty, some bareknuckled, riveting honesty. Because it is not the double standard that struck me most acutely. That observation has become so commonplace that it hardly bears noting. What struck me was the depth of hatred we have seen expressed for Sarah Palin. And I don't believe that hatred is directed towards her as a person. (not yet anyway). That hatred is directed towards what she represents and to her opponents she represents a pro-life outlook, even a radically pro-life outlook.

Sarah Bernhardt said that if Sarah Palin came to New York City she would be gang raped. An effigy is hung and no moves are made to remove it. A joke about incest is made on SNL, about the Palin family and really anyone Alaskan. A tee shirt is circulating that I won't dignify by describing. I trust everyone knows to what I am referring.

Just as Joe-the-plumber has been held up to scrutiny (with the use of government computers no less) and criticism and every attempt has been made to tarnish and discredit him, he is also hated for what he represents- a citizen who dares to question a liberal, African-American, "Messiah" who is running for president. Toe the line comrades or see how you will be treated by those in power.

The criticisms of Palin are revealing in that she is assigned opposite attributes- she is naive and inexperienced or she is cold, calculating and self serving. She is uninterested in the world around her and lacking ambition to become anything more than Governor of Alaska, but she has manipulated an incredible ascent to national politics. She is a mommy-housewife-hockey mom or she is a feminist who is neglecting her family. She brings her children with her while she travels the state or she is pursuing political glory while abandoning her family.

This shows so distinctly that it is not Palin who is being discredited and that the criticisms of her are not substantive. It is the essence of what she represents in her political views that is so hateful. So when you hear the Left criticizing Palin for being stupid and inexperienced, naive and sheltered, ignorant and provincial, and best of all vulgar, what they are really saying is that someone who is a solidly pro-life is stupid, inexperienced, naive, sheltered, ignorant,provincial and vulgar.

We're participating in our own demise people.

I attended a political rally in Salem, NH a few weeks ago at which Sarah Palin appeared and spoke. We waited in line for 2 hours along with 10,000 other people who had come to hear the vice presidential nominee speak. Now to those from NY or LA who think 10,000 is not a large number- recognize that in New Hampshire for a rally that was planned with 48 hour advance notice, 10,000 is a lot of people.

In the audience I saw a good cross section of America. I also saw two babies with Down's syndrome. I admit that made me cry. There was a recognition by the parents of these children that they have been given legitimacy. That there is someone on the national stage who believes their babies have the right to live. Even among conservatives there are far too many who would not give a baby with Down's syndrome, life.

The next day, Joe Biden appeared in NH. I don't know how long the advance time was for the organizers, or how convenient the venue was for people to attend. But either it was such short notice, or so inconvenient or else no one cared enough except for 700 supporters of Joe Biden that showed.

People like Peggy Noonan, Kathleen Parker, Christopher Buckley and lesser knowns are saying that John McCain's defeat will be the responsibility of Sarah Palin. But can anyone really make that claim in seriousness? Aren't they just hedging their bets?

If McCain loses, and I am not yet convinced that he will- if we believed the polls we would have been ruled by John Kerry and Queen Theresa for the past 8 years, but if McCain loses, it will be the result of the difficult economy. Given the economic climate I think it is nothing short of miraculous that McCain is as close as he is.

Charles Krauthammer said that he would rather lose an election than his bearings.

So, go ahead and give people like Katie Couric legitimacy. Suspend your distrust of the media in this one self-serving situation. Reorient yourself to the detractors of the conservative movement and then when you wake up on November 5th ask yourself what exactly it is that you have gained? It won't have been your bearings. And your short lived popularity may seem surprisingly hollow.

In the Candidate's Own Words

2008-10-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

Anything that makes me Laugh Out Loud

2008-10-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

automatically gets put on my blog. Remember when George Bush's dislike of broccoli ignited such controversy? Another vegetable has become a rallying point: Arugula. I had heard arugula referred to as a reason not to support Sarah Palin (she only eats meat she has killed herself and has probably never seen a salad in her life according to some detractors). But I didn't know about Barack Obama citing the price of Arugula at Whole Foods as the foundation of his economic policy. Well done.

This is from a new blog that I was not aware of. We populists do not get out much unless it's to stand barefooted on our own front porch with a baby on our hip.

Thanks to Catholic Redneck for a good laugh.

Senior pics!

2008-10-20T15:57:00.000-07:00

Veronica's pictures came in the mail and I'm so happy at how well they came out!

Thanks to Jane McDonagh a wonderful photographer!

Colin Powell's endorsement proves one thing

2008-10-20T07:22:00.000-07:00

That this election has always been about abortion. For the left even more so than for the right- who seem to have become distracted by arguments about Sarah Palin's lack of intellectual credentials. Strangely I can think of no university professor that I would vote for as president. (Populist fool that I am!)

Colin Powell has said that specifically, he would have a problem with 2 or more Republican appointments to the Supreme Court. This is code for 2 or 3 judges who would overturn Roe versus Wade. No one enforces the litmus test as much as the liberals.

I never considered Colin Powell a Republican anyway. His announcement was spitefully timed and he will not "campaign" read engage or defend his endorsement.

It troubles me to see the Left fighting more vigorously to expand the right to kill. And the Right acting so passively, looking for reasons to vote (God help us) Third Party.

I got an email from a woman in Western Massachusetts last week. Her eleven year old son had been in a terrible car accident and the doctors have declared him "brain dead". She was fighting to get him moved to a rehabilitation hospital where he could be cared for and treated. But naturally the doctors at the hospital want his organs. (I wonder what Plato would think of that?) In court the judge said to the hospital's attorney, "This is about money isn't it?" The mother won a reprieve and the hospital cannot remove her son's life support so they decided to removed his nutrition.

Life isn't intellectual repartee, clever bantering, the proposing of obscure historical defenses and deriding the practical in favor of the ethereal.

G.K. Chesterton said, "You can only find truth with logic if you have already found truth without it."

Using logic or intelligence to come to the wrong conclusion is not a parlor game. There is a reality, a responsibility and all too real consequences.

Foolish Things

2008-10-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

1 Corinthians 1:27

But the foolish things of the world hath God chosen, that he may confound the wise; and the weak things of the world hath God chosen, that he may confound the strong.

According to Peggy Noonan, Sarah Palin isn't smart enough, intellectual enough, experienced enough or good enough to have been chosen by John McCain as his running mate.

I think Ms. Noonan would be disappointed to find that I don't care a bit. The Republican base doesn't care a bit. And in the end the voters won't care a bit.

And have you notced that even with all the mounting criticisms against Sarah Palin, I have yet to hear a better candidate proposed.

If running for office were a matter of who had the highest marks in school, the most graduate degrees, and who read the must erudite works then maybe Ms. Noonan might have a point.

I've never seen a problem solved by an intellectual. They pose them, yes. But solve them? Never.

It is somewhat surprising for me to see Christians oppose the candidacy of Sarah Palin on the grounds that Peggy Noonan uses. Surely having read the Bible, understanding the Gospel and having read the lives of the Saints we have some understanding that God chooses the weak to do His Will. The mighty, the proud, the rich usually have better things to do and they certainly know better than God what must be done.

From the simple shepherd boy who became King David to the illiterate fishermen who transformed the world to the reclusive St Catherine of Siena who commanded the Pope, God's standards are in marked contrast to ours. We can wonder at them but dare we question them?

"They had many children, who grew up knowing the priceless beauty of such a life."

2008-10-17T19:33:00.000-07:00

Given the economic crisis, the hotly contest presidential election, the prosecution of 2 wars at once that must now be won, and the uncertainty of the world in general I have responded the way those who lived during the Great Depression did- retreating into a fantasy world. The fantasy world of the Great Depression was comprised of musicals acted by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers but I have retreated to the fantasy world of children's literature.

Two new favorite books.

We checked out "Iron John" by Mariana Mayer and Winslow Pels. This is a beautiful book rich with Christian symbolism. The boy Hans, who is the hero exhibits self effacing humility, earnestness, honor and goodness. Of course he wins the Princess, Terre (her name denotes the Earth and she is the symbol of humanity while Hans is the salvific Christ figure. There are also parallels to David and Goliath which will be obvious. My favorite part of the book though, is when the Princess and the Prince, turned Gardener/Warrior/Knight marry. The description of family life sums up the goal of the Catholic family.

"Hans and Terre lived out their lives in the lush green woodland. There they built a handsome shelter from which every view of the wildwood was a picture beyond compare. As the years passed, they had many children, who grew up knowing the priceless beauty of such a life. And those fortunate enough to know the place where this good family dwelt could say with conviction that it was indeed a paradise on earth."

I couldn't help but notice how the good, the truly good things in life are valued by the family. They live in "a shelter", they have "many children" and they have achieved "paradise". They do not live in a castle, though they might have. They do not have 2 children, though they could have.

The second book we liked was "The Biggest Soap".

This is also a beautiful story of family life- sacrifice, unselfishness and service. The life described is simple and the days involve laundry, make believe, construction, storytelling and foundationally family.

Phil Lawler, author of The Faithful Departed Book Signing at Immaculate Heart of Mary Bazaar Oct 11 from 12-1 pm

2008-10-10T07:53:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 11 from 12-1pm

Phil Lawler, author of The Faithful Departed will be on hand to sign copies of his book. This book has been ranked as high as #2000 on the Amazon list and will be available for $20. (normally $25.95).

Location:

Immaculate Heart of Mary School
282 Still River Rd
Still River, MA 01469

Phil Lawler is the editor Emeritus of Catholic World Report and the editor of Catholic Culture, formerly Catholic World News.

There is a blog dedicated to promoting the book and explaining why you may not have heard about it; the book has been banned in many bookstores and at least one book signing canceled at The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

Phil has come under fire by Fr. Neuhaus and others for his "sympathetic" (read accurate) portray of Fr. Feeney and contrasting of Fr. Feeney's case with that of Fr. Drinan. This book makes an excellent gift for any serious Catholic who wants to understand what happened in Boston and why we should never give up hope.

Country Cottage

2008-10-09T16:48:00.000-07:00

My sister kindly took a picture of our little country cottage. I'm especially excited about the whiskey barrel my parents found in Pennsylvania. In the Spring there are lilacs in bloom around the edges of the cottage.

This is a side view and shows an antique push lawnmower and the grape arbor my son Nathaniel built for me. We are growing concord grapes over the arbor, or starting to.

Wilderness Cottage.

The cottage now lies empty,
and overgrown with weeds,
A large walled garden at the rear,
long past has gone to seed.

Many tiles have fallen off,
broken gutters and hanging gate,
Doors and many windows,
with cracked and peeling paint.

The family that once owned it,
now long disappeared from view,
Reflects bygone nostalgia
through the walls that that it once knew.

And as the sun begins to set,
with the last embers of the day,
The little cottage lives in hopes
that some one just might stay.

by Nicholas Windle

The Human Experience

2008-10-07T07:36:00.000-07:00

This looks like a movie everyone should see.

Obama : Let the Little Children Come Unto him

2008-10-06T15:22:00.000-07:00

The setting looks like a public school library.

But I think this next video is even more enlightenting.

This message from Kenyan cannot be embedded- that option has been disabled. It's short but I think there is an important message here. Here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08iomNFrzU4

And something more contemporary.

It's just wonderful to see how Obama has inspired the youth isn't it?

Lake Michigan, Chicago

2008-10-05T17:22:00.000-07:00

My daughter is a freshman at Loyola University and sent me these pictures of the lake. She can't wait to get an apartment next year and bring her Saint Bernard out to swim in the lake. There is a beach with a dog park where the dogs can go swimming!

The VP Debate

2008-10-02T18:02:00.000-07:00

1. Gwen can't-wait-to-publish-my-probama-book Ifill doesn't even know that the House rejected the bailout.

Oh wait, was it racist to say that?

2. Palin asked Biden if she could call him Joe????? But that's still Governor Palin to you buddy.

3. Biden is going to focus on the Middle Class- first lie of the night.

4. Sarah's looking strong in the economy response and Biden is looking afraid. Don't blame him.

5. Biden has a lot of friends on the Republican side, you're not Joe Lieberman, I knew Joe Lieberman and Joe Lieberman was a friend of mine.

6. Sarah is hepped up! She seems strong, forceful and Biden looks like he's overdue for a nap.

7. Biden looks horrible. The bags under his eyes. I think he was up all night studying. He seems tired, old, too reserved. He's used to the bully pulpit of the long time Senator.

8. I think Biden has gone under the knife. The skin around his eyes looks a little tight and upward bearing.

9. Biden is talking about his plan to "Double Foreign Assistance". He may have to slow it down given the economy. I think this is his terrorist-bribe plan. If we give you a few million and arms will you stop killing Americans. History has shown how effective that is, in places like Afghanistan.

10. That sound system is bad. Boom. Boom. Boom.

11. She just called Achmadinajad unstable and not sane. hehehehehehehe.

12. The invocation of Kissinger and why we are hated around the world- democracy, tolerance and women's rights is a home run, by Sarah Palin.

13. Biden's response, "Did not. Did not." Telling.

14. Biden is becoming shrill.

15. The what-if-you-become-prez-thru-assasination question came up. It just seems so tacky to even ask the question.

Oh, wait was it racist for me to say that?

16. In the answer why is Biden running against Bush? Bush is not running.

17. She's happy and smiling and he's grim and forbidding, even in Home Depot apparently (?)and so very disapproving. I feel like a teenager that has stayed out too late and has to come home to Daddy Biden.

18. "Doggone it!" on education. They told her to be herself and she just was.

19. The Vice President joke- America is falling in love with Sarah Palin.

20. Taking on my own party- good strong message. For both of them.

She's so ready

2008-10-02T15:40:00.000-07:00

... I can just feel it.

Picture from Drudge.