Saturday, June 30, 2012

A Non-Event That Never Happened

I got back from another freedom rosary a few minutes ago. There weren't quite as many as on some previous nights: but there wasn't all that much space left over in the garden between Our Lady of the Angels church and the rectory, either.

The evening wasn't nearly as warm as I expected, either: which was a welcome surprise.

What one of the men there said wasn't, sadly, a surprise.

The Score So Far: Zero and Zero

He's been trying to get a response from the local newspaper, and a television station. His idea was that the local news media might want to at least mention what's been going on.

I see his point. This freedom rosary involves a serious issue, and is being done by several dozen folks. That doesn't sound like much, but the total population of Sauk Centre is around 4,000: and this is a local project.

So far, the score is zero telephone calls returned, zero emails responded to.

My neighbor is peeved. My response is more like resignation.

When I became a Catholic, I knew that I was throwing away most opportunities for respectability. At least in the eyes of America's establishment. Like the fellow said:
"There are not a hundred people in America who hate the Catholic Church. There are millions of people who hate what they wrongly believe to be the Catholic Church — which is, of course, quite a different thing."
(Bishop Fulton Sheen, Foreword to Radio Replies Vol. 1, page ix (1938), via Wikiquote)

"The Establishment?"

I think every society has a set of "who hold influential political positions, important posts in business or academia, and the many others who like things pretty much the way they are." (September 15, 2011) In my youth, "the establishment" in America was almost entirely male: and either WASP or trying desperately to seem sufficiently WASPish to get along.

Today's establishment looks different, and has a different preferred reality. But the old 'all the news we feel like printing' attitude is still there.

I can understand how a significant number of Catholics, gathering daily to pray about religious freedom, might be an event that 'establishment types' might like to ignore. We are, after all, threatening the status quo. Besides, there's always the danger that more Americans might catch on to what's actually happening.

Maybe I'm being unfair.

Or, not. It's like the fellow with the 'wrong' ancestry never finding the editor in his office: after a while, it stops looking like a coincidence. Still, it could be worse. After all, this freedom rosary is merely a 'non-event that never happened.'1

Related posts:

1 One of the 20th century's more noteworthy leaders is credited with having handled criticism of his administration by declaring the troublemakers "unpersons" who never existed. ("Joseph Stalin: An Annotated Bibliography of English-Language Periodical Literature to 2005," David R. Egan (2007) pages 227, 239, excerpted in Google Books)

College Kids, "100% Organic Sex," and Me

I grew up in the '60s, and learned that something can be "legal" and be wrong. I still think that's true. (June 29, 2012) I also learned that sex was good. Which it is. (January 23, 2012)

I'm a practicing Catholic, have good reasons for 'all of the above,' and I'll get to that.

Sex And College Kids

I haven't been 'one of those crazy kids' for a long time. Quite a few years ago I visited a college I'd attended. The professors looked like kids to me.

The college kids? They haven't changed all that much. They still want to change the world:
"100% Organic Sex"
Aggie Catholics (June 29, 2012)

"...If anything can be said of our generation, it's this: We want sexy back. Our parent's generation, well, they lost it. They delivered to us a world with sky-high rates of divorce, abortion, and STDs; a world bored with sex and bored with romance; a world in which more and more people are turning to pornography to find sexual satisfaction; a world in which 1 in 5 women report being sexual assaulted, and the human body - the sexiest thing in the universe - is used to sell cars.

"After extremely little consideration, we decided we don't want that. We want awesome relationships and mind-blowing sex lives. We want women and men to be respected and loved for who they are...."
This video's embedded in the Aggie Catholics post:

"Sex Drive and Contraception "

video, 0:57
1fleshfilms, YouTube(June 5, 2012)

I checked out links in the post and video, and I agree: women deserve better. These 'crazy kids' know what they're talking about:

Men, Women, and the 'Good Old Days'

The pale men who ran America talked about old-fashioned values: which included the idea that sex was a bond between husband and wife, and blessed couples with babies.

They also cherished the "double standard." They'd married a "nice" girl, and expected their daughters to be "nice," too.

These pillars of the community often believed it was okay for their sons to enjoy the company of 'loose women:' as long as junior followed father's example, and settled down with a "nice" girl.

Sometimes the ethically-changed man would stop having fun with 'naughty' women after he married. Sometimes following the "thou shalt not get caught" principle was good enough. For men.

"Harper Valley PTA" expressed the sort of respect those 'good old-fashioned values' had earned.

"She's as smart as a man" was a 'compliment.' Even so, quite a few men realized that "the little woman" might wonder why sexy coeds and secretaries had to take unexpected nine-month vacations.

"The pill" must have looked like a wonderful solution. Suddenly "baby, you know you want to" might not sound quite so selfish. Since "liberated" women got pregnant anyway, they needed to be 'fixed.' So 'when the boyfriend tells you to' abortions became legal.

Cynical? Maybe. But I think men were the 'winners' in the sexual revolution. In the short term, from an extremely selfish point of view.

(A tip of the hat to @aggiecatholics, St. Mary's, on Twitter, for the heads-up on "100% Organic Sex")

But it Says in the Bible - - -

I've read Ephesians 5:22, by the way. I know that some men use that verse as an excuse to treat their wives like a household appliance, with a status somewhere between their dog and their favorite chair.

Incredibly, some women went along with the idea.

I don't, since I've read Ephesians 5:21-30: and never learned that women were inferior to men.

I'm also a Catholic. There are some things I have to believe:
" 'God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them.'218 Man occupies a unique place in creation: (I) he is 'in the image of God'; (II) in his own nature he unites the spiritual and material worlds; (III) he is created 'male and female'; (IV) God established him in his friendship. "
(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 355)
Yes, I noticed the word "man," and the personal pronoun. The Catechism is translated into English: not the language today's establishment prefers. I've been over that before:
I'm convinced that men who see their wives and girlfriends as servants, at best, are wrong; along with the women who play along with that belief. The Catholic Church teaches that men and women are people, with equal dignity. (Catechism, 2335)

But even if I had the power to "make them believe" something different, I wouldn't.

More accurately, I couldn't. The Church also says " 'Nobody may be forced to act against his convictions, nor is anyone to be restrained from acting in accordance with his conscience in religious matters in private or in public....' " (Catechism, 2106)

Sex, Dignity, and the Image of God

The idea that sex and sexuality is good, but can be misused, runs through Catholic tradition. Here's a quick overview:
Yes, I know about pedophile priests.

About men, women, and all that, here's part of what the Church says:
"Each of the two sexes is an image of the power and tenderness of God, with equal dignity though in a different way. The union of man and woman in marriage is a way of imitating in the flesh the Creator's generosity and fecundity: 'Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh.'121 All human generations proceed from this union.122"
(Catechism, 2335)

Freedom to Act Like God Matters

I have to support religious freedom, including the right to act as if God matters. That's why I've been joining a few dozen other folks near the parish church each evening, and writing at least one post each day during Fortnight For Freedom..

Religious freedom is important. So his human life. Here's where I get those ideas:
  • Religious freedom is vital
    (Catechism, 2104-2109)
    • For everybody
      (Catechism, 2106)
  • Some actions are always wrong
    (Catechism, 1789)
    • Even if the President says it's okay
      (Catechism, 2242)
  • Human life
    • Is sacred
      (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2258)
    • Begins at conception
    • (Catechism, 2270, 2274)
  • Murder is wrong
    (Catechism, 2259-2262, 2268-2269) (June 28, 2012, June 26, 2012)
Some of what I believe is very counter-cultural. That's not the same as conservative: or liberal.I'm described as a conservative more often than folks think I'm liberal: but I'm neither. I'm a practicing Catholic.

I've discussed what I believe, and why, fairly often. Including:
Like I've said before, Catholics aren't Calvinists. The Catholic Church isn't what you've probably read about in the papers: see links under "Related posts - The Catholic Church."

Related posts:

Friday, June 29, 2012

"Legal" isn't Necessarily Right: My Take on Supreme Court Rulings

I've been concentrating on religious freedom, Fortnight For Freedom, and life issues, this week. This post is no exception:
  1. Supreme Court Ruling: I'm Disappointed, Not Discouraged
  2. "Clear, Positive and Captivating"
My views are as counter-cultural today as they were in the '60s. I didn't see eye-to-eye with the establishment, "the folks in America who hold influential political positions, important posts in business or academia, and the many others who like things pretty much the way they are." (September 15, 2011)

Having an "establishment" doesn't bother me. Any society will have a sort of 'in crowd.' My problem with the folks in charge now is essentially the same as it was in my youth. I think they've lost track of what's important to many of the rest of us: and believe their own propaganda.

I've discussed my beliefs, and attitudes, before:
Like I've said before: We're overdue for change, change is happening.

1. Supreme Court Ruling: I'm Disappointed, Not Discouraged

"Supreme Court upholds health care law, individual mandate"
Michelle Bauman, CNA/EWTN News (June 28, 2012)

"The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, drawing cries of disappointment and concern from pro-life and religious freedom advocates nationwide.

"Christen Varley, executive director of Conscience Cause, a nonpartisan advocacy organization that works to secure and defend religious freedom, said that she was 'extremely disappointed' with the decision.

" 'The first line of the First Amendment in our Constitution guarantees all Americans the right to religious freedom, as our forefathers intended,' Varley said. 'Now, we have opened the door to a government that sees no limit to the amount of freedoms it can take away.'...
Maybe a connection between the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the First Amendment isn't obvious. Besides, the government's new set of rules has such a nice name: Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Health, Values, and Getting a Grip

Who could possibly be against patient protection? And who wouldn't want affordable health care?

As a former lab rat, I appreciate patients having some degree of protection. (June 28, 2012) I also think being healthy is a good idea. More to the point, the Catholic Church values health:
  • Concern for health is a good idea
    (Catechism, 2288-2291)
    • Within reason
      (Catechism, 2289)
  • Scientific medical research is a good idea
    (Catechism, 2292-2296) (March 16, 2012)
As for "affordable" health care, that's a good idea too: basically. Again, the Catholic Church says so:
"...Access to primary health care and affordable life-saving drugs is vital to improving global health and fostering a shared globalized response to the basic needs of all...."
("Intervention of the Holy See at the 2009 High-Level Segment of ECOSOC, Secretariat of State," Mons. Silvano M. Tomasi, Secretariat of State (July, 9 2009))

Citizens Will Purchase Health Insurance

I think having health insurance is a good idea, and that most Americans are nowhere near as dimwitted and irresponsible as Washington seems to assume we are.

My wife and I have a health insurance policy: with the highest 'deductible' we could find. Our idea of "health insurance" is 'catastrophic' coverage: something that will help pay the bills, if medical intervention costing tens of thousands of dollars is needed.

Routine health maintenance is, for us, like any other recurring expense: we work out ways to pay for it. 'All expense paid' health insurance is, I suppose, nice: but even if we could afford it, I don't see the point. For us. Obviously, others have their own views. And I'm getting off-topic.

What my wife and I will do now that the feds are 'protecting' us, I don't know.

Maybe we'll be allowed to keep the sort of insurance we have. Maybe America's rulers will decide that we must drop our current plan, purchasing a 'correct' one.

One thing is fairly certain: Americans who do not purchase what the national government says we must will pay for our insolence.
"...In a 5-4 decision, the court ruled on June 28 that the law is constitutional, including an individual mandate that requires virtually all individuals to purchase health insurance plans.

"The justices said that while this mandate does not fall within the powers afforded by the commerce clause, the penalty that people must pay if they refuse to buy insurance can be understood instead as a kind of tax that Congress is authorized to impose under its taxing power...."

Faith, Conscience, and Rulers Leaders

I don't like my nation's rulers telling the rest of us to buy a particular service. But that's not the main reason that I'm very concerned about mandated 'health insurance.'

America's establishment thinks that 'health insurance' must include what's euphemistically called 'women's health services,' or 'reproductive health services.'

I'm a practicing Catholic, so my views are counter-cultural. Strongly so, in this case.

For starters, I think that religious freedom must include being allowed to act as if God matters. (May 4, 2012) That is not the same as "forcing my beliefs on others."

Even if I had the power, as a practicing Catholic I wouldn't be allowed to 'make' someone accept any faith: including mine.

I would, however, prefer that our rulers not force me and other Americans to chose between violating our conscience, or obeying the government. I'd also appreciate government officials who were more leaders, than rulers. There's an election coming up, and I'll get back to that.

"Legal" May Not be Right

I've been over this before:
  • Religious freedom is vital
    (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2104-2109)
    • For everybody
      (Catechism, 2106)
  • Some actions are always wrong
    (Catechism, 1789)
    • Even if the President says it's okay
      (Catechism, 2242)
  • Human life
    • Is sacred
      (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2258)
    • Begins at conception
    • (Catechism, 2270, 2274)
  • Murder is wrong
    (Catechism, 2259-2262, 2268-2269) (June 28, 2012, June 26, 2012)
The idea that something can be legal, and still be wrong, is something I learned in the '60s. When I became a Catholic, that's something I didn't have to unlearn. (Catechism, 2242) (June 28, 2012) It has to do with natural law, and that's another topic. (April 26, 2012)

I've read that the feds are willing to grant an "exemption" to organizations whose people have scruples about providing lethal 'health care,' or paying someone else to 'fix' pregnant women.

It's true, but the "exemption" isn't worth much. My opinion. (June 23, 2012) More to the point, in the opinion of Catholic bishops in America. (Michelle Bauman, CNA/EWTN News)

Hope, History, and Elections

I'm not at all happy about the Supreme Court decision. Given the way America's government works, now that the justices decided (by a 5-4 vote) to go along with the President, it'll probably take years to extract the rules. Maybe longer.

On the bright side, there's an election coming up. I plan to vote: after studying what the candidates said; what they've actually done; and issues appearing on the ballot. I don't particularly enjoy the process, but it's a duty. Being Catholic, I'm required to be a good citizen. (Catechism, 2238-2243)

Whatever happens in the next few years, I hope and pray that America's government will soon recognize all human beings as 'real' people. There's reason for hope, in part because we've been through something like this before.

In 1857, the Supreme Court found a way to preserve a cherished American institution. Their decision was, I think, clever: and morally bankrupt. In that case, it took more than a century, a constitutional amendment, and a major war, to sort out the mess. (February 2, 2009)

America's government eventually recognized that all adult human beings, at least, are real people. I think they'll get around to extending that status to everyone: eventually.

This time, I hope the process takes less time: and is not as messy.

2. "Clear, Positive and Captivating"

"Catholic Voices equips laity to speak up in public debate"
Michelle Bauman, CNA/EWTN News (June 28, 2012)

"Amid misrepresentations in the media and public square, a newly-formed U.S. lay Catholic group is working to communicate the Church's message in a way that is clear, positive and captivating.

" 'I think the role of the laity is to be engaged and knowledgeable and to show others the joyful, life-affirming nature of what the Church teaches,' said Kim Daniels, coordinator of Catholic Voices USA.

"Daniels told CNA on June 26 that the organization seeks to offer 'a new apologetics for the New Evangelization.'

"She described Catholic Voices USA as a group of lay faithful who have come together to help the Church 'make its case' in the public square...."
I've written about Catholic Voices USA before. (April 12, 2012) I think they've got a good idea: although I doubt that I'll be involved with them myself. I live in a small town in central Minnesota: far from the metropolitan areas where Catholic Voices USA is concentrating their attention.

Nothing wrong with that, by the way. I think it makes sense to concentrate resources where the most people can benefit.

Besides, Information Age technology makes a vast array of documents at the Vatican available to anyone with access to an Internet connection, a computer, and a browser. (www.vatican.va) The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has a useful website, too. (usccb.org)

Ways to Evangelize, Good and Otherwise

With my background, the word "evangelizing" reminds me of Matthew 28:16-20, radio preachers with weird beliefs, and a dubiously-sane fellow screaming Bible verses at commuters.

Recently I've been running into 'preacher bots,' none-too-bright artificial intelligence entities spouting pious slogans online.

'Preacher bots' probably aren't a good idea, mostly because they seem to annoy more than inform:
Evangelization isn't a job 'for priests only.' Part of the vocation of lay people is "the right and duty, individually or grouped in associations, to work so that the divine message of salvation may be known and accepted by all men throughout the earth." (Catechism, 900)

I think information technology is a good way to share "the divine message of salvation:" which is why I keep writing posts here.

First, Know "the Divine Message of Salvation"

The first job is to know what that message is.
"Whoever is called 'to teach Christ' must first seek 'the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus'; he must suffer 'the loss of all things . . .' in order to 'gain Christ and be found in him,' and 'to know him and the power of his resurrection, and [to] share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that if possible [he] may attain the resurrection from the dead.'17"(Catechism, 428)
That bit about sharing my Lord's sufferings comes from Philippians 3:8-11. Like I've said before, Catholicism isn't exactly a 'feel-good' faith: but it does offer hope. And more:

'Talking the Talk, Walking the Walk'

Knowing my faith is vital, but it's not enough. 'Deeds speak louder than words' may be a cliche, but it's true.

Younger Americans may not remember the great televangelist meltdown in the late '80s and early '90s. That, and the recurring pedophile priest story, are cautionary examples.

It's one thing to 'talk the talk:' be an articulate, or at least colorful, advocate for a message. It's another to act as though the message means something to the person delivering it.

'Walking the walk' is important, too.

Acting as though God matters includes the sort of zipper issues that make juicy headlines: but there's a whole lot more to it.
"..The authentic witness of a Catholic life is important partly because 'you never know who is looking,' she [National Review Online's editor-at-large Kathryn Lopez] observed. Similarly, when you have 'access to a public platform,' you may never know who is consuming the material you produce.

" 'Media can be a powerful evangelization tool,' she said, 'even when it's not explicitly Catholic.'

"Lopez acknowledged that it can sometimes be tempting to become confused or discouraged by lack of feedback or negative responses.

" 'But that's all going to be fine if you know your real Editor is the one who gives you the words, too, as He brings peace to your heart,' she said."
(Michelle Bauman, CNA/EWTN News)

The Rules: Simple, But Not Easy

As I keep saying, the rules are basically simple:
'Love God, love your neighbor: everybody's your neighbor' sound simple: and it is. But it's not easy:
It's particularly hard to be loving, when those "negative responses" keep coming. But it's important.

The establishment's line about the 'hateful' Catholic Church, and it's 'oppressive' policies, isn't true. But it's been repeated so often that a surprising number of folks believe it, or at least are willing to accept that attitude.

Part of my job, particularly since I make no secret about being Catholic, is to avoid the sort of snide, bitter, taunting approach that reeks of self-righteousness.

That's something I much rather not deal with at my particular judgment. And that's yet another topic.

Related posts:

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Power Outages, Mosquitoes, and Prayer

I spent another hour in the Marian garden between Our Lady of the Angels church and the rectory. These clear, still, nearly-cloudless evenings are nice: but when the wind goes down the mosquitoes come out. This is Minnesota, after all.

I could share some platitude about suffering for my faith, but seriously: mosquitoes?! That would be silly.

Two unexpected power outages this afternoon, one while I was writing, another while I was 'talking business' with my son-in-law, gave me opportunities to practice patience.

I need more practice.

Tomorrow morning's post is wrapped up. And I've already explained why I'm out facing Minnesota's mosquitoes each evening.

Related posts:

Freedom Rosary: For Me, It's Personal

First, a clarification about the local freedom rosary's schedule. The plan here in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, is to pray each evening at 7:30 p.m.: including the evening of July 4. Now, on with this post.

Prenatal Testing? "It Depends:" Definitely

"Should expectant couples get prenatal testing?" (Paul Schlenker, Google+)

That's a good question. I firmly answered, 'yes; no; it depends:'
"For some couples, I think not getting prenatal testing might be a gross neglect of parental duty. Genetic disorders are known, which are much easier to deal with if they're caught early.

If, however, one assumes that prenatal testing always means killing a child who does not match expectations: in that case, it is not a good idea.

The issue isn't prenatal testing: it's why the technology is used.
"
(Brian Gill's comment on a post by Paul Schlenker, Google+ (June 27, 2012))
Bioethics questions involving birth defects and 'therapeutic' abortions are more than just public issues for me:

Freedom Rosary

It's the personal angle that makes going to my parish's 'freedom rosary' each evening easy. That, and the (so far) good weather.

I don't have statistics to back this up, but I think there's a higher percentage of folks with disabilities at these prayer meetings, than in the general population.

Part of that may be because 'they have nothing else to do:' although I'm an example of 'the disabled' who has held jobs. Granted, I'm retired now.

In my case, though, sitting outside with 50-plus other folks for an hour of prayer wasn't a matter of 'finding something to do.' Particularly when I can do online research:
Most days, I'm concerned about getting all the tasks done: not whiling away idle hours. And that's another topic.

Life, Conscience, and Me

I was in the garden between the parish church and the rectory yesterday evening, and plan to be back today, because I think:
  • Human life is sacred
    (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2258)
  • Religious freedom is vital
    (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2104-2109)
    • For everybody
      (Catechism, 2106)
  • Having an well-formed conscience is important
    (Catechism, 1776-1794)
  • Some actions are always wrong
    (Catechism, 1789)
    • Even if the President says it's okay
      (Catechism, 2242)
Catechism, 2242, doesn't specify "president." The document is for all Catholics, not just those living in America. The terms used are "civil authorities" and "public authority."

The point is that there's a moral order in creation that can't be changed by an act of Congress, presidential proclamation, or a Chancellor's emergency powers. Not even the Supreme Court of the United States has that sort of authority.

And that's yet another topic.

Related posts:

Memoirs of a Lab Rat

I grew up in the '60s, and learned that actions can be legal: but wrong. When I became a Catholic, I had to unlearn some things, but that's not one of them. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2242)

I'm a practicing Catholic, so some of my values are still counter-cultural. For example, I think human life is sacred. It follows that I think murder, killing an innocent human being, is wrong: even if it's legal, and called something else. (Catechism, 2258, 2259-2262, 2268-2270)

Bioethics, "The Disabled," and All That

The National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC) and National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD) have what I think is a good idea:
"Fortnight resource combines religious liberty, outreach to disabled"
Michelle Bauman, CNA (Catholic News Agency (June 27, 2012)

"Two national Catholic groups have released a list of suggested activities to defend religious liberty and reach out charitably to those with disabilities.

" 'We hope you take advantage of these resources and share them with others,' said the National Catholic Bioethics Center in a June 18 statement announcing the initiative.

"The bioethics center has joined with the National Catholic Partnership on Disability - a group that works to help those with disabilities participate fully in the Church and in society - to create a list of 14 actions aimed at supporting religious freedom and reaching out to the disabled...."
I wasn't quite sure what to expect when the article's third paragraph ended with "the disabled." Like I said, I grew up in the '60s: and get cautious when someone refers to people as a class. Sometimes it's valid, like "Americans," or "car owners."

By the way, I think the NCBC, NCPD, and CNA could have made the material a little easier to find. Maybe I wasn't searching for it in the way they expected. I tracked down a resource matching the description CNA gave on the NCPD website. (www.ncpd.org)

'I Love The Poor - - - '

I think trouble starts when the 'I love the poor, I can't stand that trailer trash next door' attitude takes over. It's probably easier to see a problem when it's 'those people over there' who forget that subsets of humanity are groups of individuals.

Happily, the rest of the CNA article was pretty clear that "the disabled" are a group of people. At various points, it was disabled:
  • Individuals
  • Veterans
  • Those who are ...
That's good enough for me.

"Quality Lifestyle"

I've explained why being used as a sort of lab rat gave me a personal perspective on bioethics. (February 3, 2009)

Being born with bad hips, a condition exacerbated by deliberate neglect, left me unable to tap dance or set track records.

I wasn't, from the point of view of someone who enjoyed sports, or dancing, living a "quality lifestyle."

Yet, despite being 'denied' a 'normal' life, I preferred being alive to the alternative: and still do. Being blessed with a painful disability helped me see the "lifestyle" argument 'from the inside.'

I was very young when I realized that killing people who wouldn't live a "quality lifestyle" was a really bad idea.

Compared to what some folks who weren't killed 'for their own good' endure, I've had a fairly easy life. But I think I can say from experience that: yes, it really is better to be alive than dead. Even with a defective body.

If you've never heard "quality lifestyle" as a reason to kill defective people, I'm not surprised. I haven't heard it for decades. Like most euphemisms, its usefulness declined when too many folks thought through that particular 'they're better off dead' line. My opinion.

Related posts:

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

The Power to Hurt: Or Help

Sin and free will are not well-understood by many folks in my native culture. Quotes, one from a fictional detective, another attributed to one of the 20th century's outstanding leaders, showcase an all-too-common attitude, and its effect:

"There are times, Charles, when even the unimaginative decency of my brother and the malignant virtue of his wife appear to me admirable."
(Lord Peter Wimsey, in Murder Must Advertise, Dorothy L. Sayers (1933))

"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."
(attr. Gandhi)

Verbal Venom and Born-Again Atheists

Malignant virtue oozing from radio preachers drove me to an appreciation of rock music, and later to become a Catholic. I think some - perhaps many - folks assume that the loud, colorful, advocates of a particularly venomous brand of faith are all there is to Christianity. That's sad.

On another cluster of soapboxes, born-again atheists denounce the 'hateful,' 'tyrannical,' 'discriminatory,' Catholic Church: whose beliefs, in their world, bear a striking resemblance to those of the 'kill a commie for Christ' radio preachers of my youth.

That's no surprise, since I've encountered folks who say they're Catholic, and seem to have learned their faith in the 'First Church of Holy Hate.' Also sad.

On a brighter note, I've long since learned that Christianity - and humanity - aren'tt defined by the occasional antisocial soreheads I run into.

Before getting to this week's 'Bible and catechism' post, here's a quick look at what I believe:

Eden, and One Simple Rule

Another section about original sin starts with this paragraph:
"God created man in his image and established him in his friendship. A spiritual creature, man can live this friendship only in free submission to God. The prohibition against eating 'of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil' spells this out: 'for in the day that you eat of it, you shall die.'276 The 'tree of the knowledge of good and evil'277 symbolically evokes the insurmountable limits that man, being a creature, must freely recognize and respect with trust. Man is dependent on his Creator and subject to the laws of creation and to the moral norms that govern the use of freedom."
(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 396)
I suppose I could complain about God creating this world, and us: and giving us a choice. That doesn't make sense, though. Not to me. I like having free will. I'm also willing to acknowledge that God's God, and I'm not.

Free Will and Natural Law

We could "freely recognize and respect with trust." Or we could decide that we didn't like God's creation, including its moral norms, and would rather do things our way.

The "moral norms" in Catechism, 396, seem to refer to natural law. That's the idea that cause and effect exist; and that ethical principles are part of the universe, just as physical laws are. There's more to it than that, of course. (Catechism, 1954-1960)

By the way, given the narrow scope that the word "moral" has in my dialect of English, I'd be a little more comfortable with "ethical norms," but "moral norms" is accurate - providing that the reader remembers that "morality isn't just about 'morality'."

Choice and Responsibility

The choice our first parents had about "the knowledge of good and evil" is described in Genesis:
"The LORD God gave man this order: 'You are free to eat from any of the trees of the garden

"except the tree of knowledge of good and bad. From that tree you shall not eat; the moment you eat from it you are surely doomed to die.' "
(Genesis 2:16-17)
There's quite a bit going on there. Being "free to eat from any of the trees of the garden" except one seems to show the remarkably wide scope of dominion humanity has over creation. And the remarkably heavy responsibility that goes with it: although folks in Victorian England and America seem to have missed that implication.

Free Will and Wrecking the Car

God's putting "the tree of knowledge of good and bad" off limits, without actually removing it from Eden, seems to upset some folks. Apparently God's not being fair, by:
  • Creating
    • A world with ethical principles
    • People with free will
    • Opportunities to exercise free will
  • Allowing our decisions to have consequences
    • Good
    • Bad
Some of the complaints I've read seem a trifle unreflective. A common sort of 'God is unfair' response to ideas about free will remind me of a situation that some parents may recognize:
  • An adolescent gets
    • His driver's license
    • A new car
      • Which he promptly wraps around a tree
  • The adolescent is
    • Injured
    • Angry
      • At his parents
        • For letting him wreck his car
As we get older, we generally get better at making 'see what you made me do' and 'it's not my fault' seem reasonable. I think it's easier when the self-described best and brightest make saying 'I couldn't help myself' a virtue. And that's another topic.

There's more, about that first sin. (Catechism, 397-401)

Fault and Consequences

Bear in mind that Catholics aren't Calvinists:
"Man, tempted by the devil, let his trust in his Creator die in his heart and, abusing his freedom, disobeyed God's command. This is what man's first sin consisted of.278 All subsequent sin would be disobedience toward God and lack of trust in his goodness.

"In that sin man preferred himself to God and by that very act scorned him. He chose himself over and against God, against the requirements of his creaturely status and therefore against his own good. Constituted in a state of holiness, man was destined to be fully 'divinized' by God in glory. Seduced by the devil, he wanted to 'be like God,' but 'without God, before God, and not in accordance with God.'279"
((Catechism, 397-398)
Despite the impression that "mea culpa" ("through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault" in the current English translation)1 may give the impression that the Catholic Church preaches a message of shame, guilt, and self-hatred.

That's not the way it is, as should be obvious from Romans 13:8-10.

I don't think it's reasonable to assume that "love your neighbor as yourself" means to 'hate my neighbor because I hate myself.' More to the point, that's not what the Church says. (Catechism, 2196, for starters)

On the other hand, the Catholic Church doesn't preach a 'feel good' gospel. We're supposed to recognize that this is a basically good world: but that it's not perfect. Neither are we. Yet. And that's yet another topic.

Who's Boss: Me or God?

I know that God's God, and I'm not. I also have a hard time living as if that's true.

That's a consequence of the first sin. I'm still responsible for conforming my will to God's: yet again more topics.

Here's what I got after breaking one paragraph from the Catechism out as an outline:
  • In that sin man
    • Preferred himself to God
      • By that very act scorned God
  • Man chose
    • Himself over God
    • Himself against
      • God
        • The requirements of his creaturely status
          • Therefore against his own good
  • Constituted in a state of holiness
    • Man was destined
      • To be fully 'divinized'
        • By God
        • In glory
  • Seduced by the devil
    • Man wanted
      • To be like God
      • But
        • Without God
        • Before God
        • Not in accordance with God
    (Catechism, 398)
Humanity's story didn't end there, of course.

As for the 'fairness' of God allowing us to make decisions that make a real difference? God could have created a world where we lived lives of futile activity, where nothing we did could hurt - or help.

I prefer being able to do good: even though responsibility comes with that power.

Related posts:

1 Source:
  • "Order of Mass"
    Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal; © 2010, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved (2010)
    (archived November 27, 2011, currently available at usccb.org/romanmissal on June 26,2012)

"...A Time to Stand Up"

I've posted this before:
  • Religious freedom is vital
    (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2104-2109)
    • For everybody
      (Catechism, 2106)

Religious Freedom and the Catholic Church

Here's what Catholic leaders in America said recently:
"DC religious freedom event stresses role of liberty in America"
Michelle Bauman, CNA/EWTN News (June 25, 2012)

"...Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington, D.C. observed that 'the history of the United States is the story of the struggle for religious freedom.'...

"...The bishops have voiced concerns over growing threats to religious liberty both at home and overseas. Chief among these threats is a federal mandate that will require employers to offer health insurance plans that cover contraception, sterilization and abortion-inducing drugs, even if doing so violates their consciences...."
I'm concerned, too. I take my faith seriously. It's not something I do for an hour on Sunday. My faith includes acting as if God matters: seven days a week.

I also believe that all human beings are people, and that murder is wrong: even when it's legal. (Catechism, 2259-2262, 2268-2270)

People Protesting: This is Good

An open letter of protest, published earlier this year, was signed by a few hundred Catholic leaders (priests, religious, and laypeople). There's a list of their names at the end of this post.1 I linked to a copy of the letter in April:
I see that sort of informed, calm, protest as a good idea. Maybe it's a bit late coming: but I'm happy to see Catholic leaders supporting sound ethics.

Maybe, after the November election, we'll have more politicos with ethical standards. Stranger things have happened.

Religious Freedom: It's Important

"...Bishops from every diocese in the U.S. have joined individuals and organizations from a wide variety of religious backgrounds in protesting the mandate for infringing on the religious freedom of those who object to it....

"...'The greatest gift that humanity has received is the Son of God, Jesus Christ,' he [Cardinal Wuerl] explained, and it is in Church - the 'living witness' - that we embrace Christ today....
(Michelle Bauman, CNA/EWTN News )
What the Cardinal said is explicitly Christian: understandably, since he's a Cardinal, addressing about a thousand fellow-Catholics.

I also think it's prudent to remember that we're not the only folks who have noticed that something's gone horribly wrong in America:

A Time for Both

"...'There's a time to be on one's knees,' he [Cardinal Wuerl] said, observing that his remarks would be followed by Benediction and all would kneel to acknowledge the 'presence of our Lord.'

"However, he added, there is 'also a time to stand up.'

" 'Today, we are reminded as we look back over our history and we look at our freedoms, that there are some things worth standing for,' the cardinal said. 'And religious liberty is one of them.' "
(Michelle Bauman, CNA/EWTN News )
I think now is a good time to stand up.

Acres of Screed?

The November election coming up. I'm not looking forward to what probably will be several months of emotion-drenched articles and posts: the gist of which is 'I'm right, and anyone who disagrees is icky.'

Aside from being unpleasant to read, that sort of screed is unlikely to convince folks who are not as emotionally whipped up. It's more likely, I think, to confirm negative stereotypes being flung by opposing views.

Speak Out: And Make Sense

Folks who prefer life to death have facts on our side. But we need to use our brains, and sort out facts from 'I heard some guy say he heard' assertions, rumors, and outright fantasies.

I try to be careful about checking my facts, posted about this before, and put links under "Credibility," below.

Related posts:

1 list of people signing on with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, in opposition to the American government's violation of religious liberty. (As of January 26, 2012)

Jason Adkins
Executive Director
Minnesota Catholic Conference

Karl P. Adler, MD
Archbishop's Delegate for Health Care
Archdiocese of New York

Louis J. Agnese, Jr, PhD
President
University of the Incarnate Word

Robert B. Aguirre
President
Catholic Association
of Latino Leaders

Rev. Philip A. Altavilla, VG
National President
Slovak Catholic Federation

Aaron K. Alton
President/CEO
SMP Health Care System

Carl A. Anderson
Supreme Knight
Knights of Columbus

Tony Aretz, PhD
President
College of Mount St. Joseph

Debbie Armstrong
Principal
St. Jude School

Rick Arnold
State Deputy
Knights of Columbus

Kay & Lonnie Arrington
Section Representatives
Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem

Mercedes Arzu Wilson
President/Founder
Family of the Americas Foundation

Jodi Atkinson
President/CEO
St. Andrews Health Center

Rev. Thomas Au
Superintendent
St. John the Baptist School

Howard Avril
Principal
St. Helen School

Sr. Marjorie Ann Baez, DC
Chairman of the Board, Visiatrix
Daughters of Charity Health System

Andy Bagnall
President/CEO
St. Nicholas Hospital

Msgr. Liam Barr
Superintendent
St. Joseph School

Sr. Ann Bartko, OSC
Abbess
Poor Clares

Shelly Bauer
Principal
New Ulm Area Catholic Schools

Rev. William Beauchamp,
CSC
President
University of Portland

Rev. Michael Becker
Rector
St. John Vianney College Seminary

Shawn Bender, FCCP
Co-Director
Holy Family Center for Life

Larry Bernhardt
Executive Director
Catholic Charities North Dakota

John Bertini
Chairman of Board of Directors
St. Joseph Medical Center

Rev. James W. Bessert
Diocesan Chaplain
Knights of Columbus

F. DeKarlos Blackmon, OblSB
Supreme Knight/CEO
Knights of Peter Claver

Bill Blanke, MD
Family Physician and NFP Medical Consultant
Integrity Family Physicians

Steven E. Bogus
Executive Director
Catholic Charities of Louisville, Inc.

Sr. Linda Marie Bolinski, SSCM
General Superior
Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius

Kol Bonna
President
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

Rev. Kenneth Borowiak
Superintendent
St. Michael School

Br. Francis Boylan, CSC
Executive Director
Holy Cross Children's Services

William Brazier
Executive Director
Society of Saint Vincent de Paul - Detroit Council

Steve Bresnahan
Executive Director
Catholic Charities - Diocese of St. Cloud

Rev. Gary Brethour
Superintendent
St. Patrick School

Joe Brettnacher
Principal
Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School

Sr. Helen Jean Brinkman, FSE
Local Superior
Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist

Rev. Thomas Brouillette
Superintendent
St. Cecilia Junior and High School, St. Michael School

Lee Boyles
Adminstrator
Oakes Community Hospital

Sr. Joanna Buckley, ISSM
Provincial Superior
Secular Institute of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary

Sr. Therese Buckley, ISSM
Principal
John Ireland Catholic School

Mother Mary of the Angels Bunty, SR
Superior
Sisters of Reparation of the Sacred Wounds of Jesus

Timothy N. Burchill
President/CEO
Ave Maria Village

Rev. Msgr. Paul J.E. Burkard
Pastor
Our Lady of Victory Shrine

Very Rev. John Byrnes, JCL
Trustee
Bishop Carroll Catholic High School

Davide M. Carbone, FACHE
CEO
St. Mary’s Medical Center

Mother M. Jennifer Carroll
Superior General
Daughters of Mary of the Immaculate Conception

William Carroll, PhD
President
Benedictine University

Christiane Chagnon
International Regent
Daughters of Isabella

Tom Chapman
Executive Director
Iowa Catholic Conference

Sr. Donna Marie Chartraw, OSB
Prioress
Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel

Arturo Chavez, PhD
President/CEO
Mexican American Catholic College

Rev. Michael Christensen
Superintendent
St. Peter School

Craig Christianson
President/CEO
Sheyenne Care Center

Joe Cieply
National Director Men's Section Support
Local Coordinator of Apostolate - Ohio Valley Region Regnum Christi

Roxie Cieply
Women's Section Leader
Regnum Christi

Dr. Paul Cieslak
President
Portland Guild of Catholic Medical Association

Richard Clements
President
Serra Club

Joan Coffman
President/CEO
St. Joseph’s Hospital

Ray Cole
Grand Knight
Knights of Columbus Council 4842

Rev. Gerald D. Coleman, SS
Vice President, Corporate Ethics
Daughters of Charity Health System

Teresa S. Collett
Professor of Law, University of St. Thomas School of Law
Director, Prolife Center at the University of St. Thomas (MN)

Sr. Therese Collison, SSND
Principal
John Ireland Catholic School

Tom Conklin
Executive Director
Catholic Family Services - Saginaw

Michael D. Connelly
President/CEO
Catholic Health Partners

Joe Connolly
President
Saint Albert Catholic School

Rev. Brian Connor
Superintendent
North American Martyrs School

Lisa Cook, FCCP
Co-Director
Holy Family Center for Life

Dr. Michael Coury
President
Pope John Paul II High School

Mother M. Regina Pacis Coury, FSGM
Provincial Superior
Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George

Sr. Mary Christine Cremin
Superior
Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma - Knoxville Community

Robert E. Crotty, Esq
President
The Guild of Catholic Lawyers of the Archdiocese of New York

William J. Cox
President/CEO
Alliance of Catholic Health Care

Rev. Mark T. Cregan, CSC
President
Stonehill College

Christopher Dadlez
President/CEO
Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center

John Damiani, DO
President
Christus Medicus Foundation

Bruce Davidson
President/CEO
Rosewood on Broadway

Barbara Q. Decker
President
Mercy College of Health Sciences

Dr. Jerry Deegan
President
Dowling Catholic High School

Faye Deich
Interim President/CEO
Sacred Heart Hospital

Rev. Patrick D. Delahanty
Executive Director
Catholic Conference of Kentucky

Gordon C. DeMarais
Founder & Executive Director
Saint Paul's Outreach

Rev. Douglas Dietrich
Superintendent
St. Mary School

Rev. Domenico DiRaimondo, MSPS
Provincial Superior
Missionaries of the Holy Spirit

Mariann Doeling, RN
Administrator
Carrington Health Center

Sr. Jacquelyn Doepker, OSF
Community Minister
Sisters of Saint Francis

Kathleen Donnellan
Chief Executive Officer
Catholic Charities of Southwestern Ohio

Mother Agnes Mary Donovan, SV
Superior General
Sisters of Life

Sr. Dianne Doughty, OSC
Abbess
Franciscan Poor Clare Nuns

Donald Drake
Lieutenant, Northern Lieutenancy
Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem

David Dries, MD
Assistant Medical Director, Professor of Surgery & Anesthesiology
HealthPartners Medical Group

Rev. Peter J. Drilling, ThD
President/Rector
Christ the King Seminary

Abbot Gregory Duerr, OSB
Abbot
Benedictine Monks

Sr. Karin Dufault, SP
Provincial Superior
Sisters of Providence

Rev. Thomas Dunavan
Superintendent
St. Andrew School

Sr. Diana Lynn Eckel, OSF
Congregational Minister
Sisters of St. Francis of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes

Pauline Economon, RN, MSN
Executive Director
FirstChoice Clinic

Sue Ek
Executive Director
Billings Ovulation Method Association - USA

James F. Ennis
Executive Director
National Catholic Rural Life
Conference

Robert Erickson
President/CEO
St. Francis Health Center

Marianne Evans Mount,
PhD
President
Catholic Distance University

Amy Falk
Executive Director
Caritas Clinics, Inc.

Dr. Angela Farmer
Director
St. Mary School System
Diocese of Owensboro

Nancy Farnham
CEO
Maryhill Manor

Lawrence M. Fehrenbach
President
Catholic Kolping Society Cincinnati

Pietro Ferrari
Executive Director
Catholic Charities

Dr. Joseph Finley, Jr.
Principal
St. Mark School

Ambassador Raymond Flynn
Former Mayor of Boston

Thomas Flynn, PhD
President
Alvernia University

Scott Foss
Administrator
Benedictine Living Center of Garrison

Matthew Fox
President/CEO
Alexian Village of Tennessee

Sr. Donna Franklin, DC
Diocesan Director
Catholic Charities

Jon Frantsvog
Administrator/CEO
St. Benedict’s Health Center & Benedict Court

Rev. Al Fritsch, SJ
Director
Earth Healing Inc.

Tim Fuetsch
Principal
Our Lady of the Snows School

Rose Fuller
Executive Director
Northwest Family Services

Karen Gabbert
Administrator
St. Gerard’s Community Nursing Home

Br. James Gaffney
President
Lewis University

Michael Galligan-Stierle, PhD
President /CEO
Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities

Mary Gangelhoff
Principal
St. Mary Elementary School

Sr. Marcella Marie Garus,
CSSF
President
Villa Maria College

John Garvey, JD
President
The Catholic University
of America

Robert Genelin
Grand Knight
Knights of Columbus Council 1509

Michael Gerard
Principal
St. Thomas Catholic School

Sheila Gilbert
President
National Council of the U.S. Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Ambassador Mary Ann Glendon
Learned Hand Professor of Law
Harvard University

Larry Glugosh
Supreme President
Slovak Catholic Sokol

Christopher Godfrey, JD
President
Life Athletes, Inc.

Sheila Gomez
Executive Director
Catholic Charities - Palm Beach

Rev. Christopher Goodwin
Superintendent
St. John Nepomucene

Sr. Andrea Marie Graham, OP
Superior
Oak Ridge Dominican Community

John Grahm
President/CEO
St. Mary’s of Michigan

Sr. Maria Fidelis Gray, OP
Principal
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School

Sr. Kathy Green, RSM
President
Sisters of Mercy

Eric A. Gregory
President
St. Thomas More Society of the Diocese of Richmond

Rev. Loras Grell
Superintendent
Sacred Heart School

Steve Grinnell
CEO
Lourdes Hospital

Ken Groya
Director
Catholic Cemeteries

Dr. Ray Gruby
President
Bismarck Catholic Physicians Guild

John M. Haas, PhD, STL
President
National Catholic Bioethics Center

Lee Hall
President
Legatus, Lexington Chapter

Sr. Maureen Hall
Community Director
Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, Kansas

Ken Hackett
President
Catholic Relief Services

Rose Anne Hallgren
President
Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women

Tony C. Hanson
Administrator/CEO
Prince of Peace Care Center

Sr. Kristine Harpenau, OSB
Prioress
Sisters of St. Benedict

Jack Harris
Faithful Navigator
Knights of Columbus Assembly 612

Rev. Matthew Hartley
Administrator
St. Peter Catholic Parish

Stephen Hasenohrl
Grand Knight
Knights of Columbus Council 1489

Steven Hauer
Grand Knight
Knights of Columbus Council 1841

Kenneth Heinen
Grand Knight
Knights of Columbus Council 13529

Robert C. Helmer, JD, PhD
President
Lourdes University

David A. Helmstetter
State Deputy
Ohio Knights of Columbus

The Very Rev. Larry J. Hemmelgarn, CPPS
Provincial Director
Missionaries of the Precious Blood

Jan R. Hemstad, MD
President
Catholic Medical Association

Sr. Charlene Herinckx, SSMO
Superior General
Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon

Cheryl A. Hettman, PhD, RN
President
National Association of Catholic Nurses

Keith E. Heuser, FACHE, CNHA, FACHCA
Administrator
Mercy Hospital of Valley City

Rev. Richard Hockman, CSC
Local Superior
The United States Province of Priests and Brothers of the Congregation of Holy Cross

Christine Hoehn
Director Newman Ministry
University of Southern Indiana

J.R. Hoffman, MD
Family Physician and NFP Medical Consultant
Jasper Family Physicians

Barb Honeycutt
Superintendent
Rapid City Catholic School System

Rev. Larry Hostetter
President
Brescia University

Richard Houck
President
Catholic Defense League

Andrew Houvouras
Principal
St. Clare School

Br. John Howard, CFA
Community Director
Community of Alexian Brothers

David Huber
President
Catholic Order of Foresters

John J. Hurley
President
Canisius College

Paul B. Hurley, Jr., PhD
President
Trocaire College

William D. Huston
President
St. Catharine College

Robert Issai
President/CEO
Daughters of Charity Health System

Mary Pat Jahner
Director
St. Gianna’s Maternity Home

Evan W. James
Student Officer
University of Minnesota Medical School - Catholic Medical Association Student Group

Tammy A. Jangula
Administrator
Manor St. Joseph

Rev. John Jenkins, CSC
President
University of Notre Dame

Jerome Jensen
Grand Knight
Knights of Columbus St. Francis Council

Mary Ann S. Johanek
National President
First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association

Rev. Lyle Johnson
Superintendent
St. John School

Patty Johnson
President
National Council of Catholic Women

Vince Johnson
President
Society of Saint Vincent de Paul - Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown

Walter S. Johnson, MD
President
Fargo Guild of the Catholic Medical Association

Jean Johnstone
Executive Director
Catholic Charities - Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown

Michael P. Jones
Vice President, General Manager
Ave Maria Radio

Dr. James Joyce
President
New Ulm Guild of the Catholic Medical Association

Rev. Brian Kane
Superintendent
Bishop Neumann Jr/ Sr High School

Kevin Kast
President/CEO
St. Mary’s Hospital

Rev. Fausto Kauerenge
Chaplain
Memorial Health Care System

J. Patrick Kearns
President
Legatus Northern Virginia Chapter

Jerome Kearns
Executive Director
Our Sunday Visitor Institute

Tom Keaveny
Director
Catholic Charities - Diocese of New Ulm

Del Keller
President
Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women

Peter Kilpatrick
Dean
College of Engineering, University of Notre Dame

James Kinyon
Executive Director
Catholic Social Services -
Rapid City

William Kirsch, MD, PC
Trustee
Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School

Sr. Jane Marie Klein, OSF
Chairperson of the Board
Franciscan Alliance, Inc.

Mark Klosterman
President/CEO
St. Joseph’s Hospital

Theresa Kluchinski
National President
Ladies Pennsylvania Slovak Catholic Union

Sr. Evelyn Korenek, IWBS
General Superior
Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament

Al Kresta
Chairman, President/CEO
Ave Maria Radio

Sr. Elise Kriss, OSF
President
University of Saint Francis

Sr. Rose Marie Kujawa
President/CEO
Madonna University

Leslie Kuhlman
Executive Director
Ruah Woods/Theology of the Body Center

Alvin Kulcak
Diocesan Deputy - Victoria
Knights of Columbus

Sr. Carol Jean Kuntz, SMP
Provincial
Sisters of Mary of the Presentation

Linda Lambert
President
Diocesan Council of Catholic Women

Steven LaNasa
President
Donnelly College

John Lane, MD
President
Catholic Medical Association - Winona

Rev. Randall Langhorst
Superintendent
St. Vincent de Paul School

Craig Larson
Minnesota State Deputy
Knights of Columbus

Rev. Patrick Lee, SJ
Provincial
Oregon Province of Jesuits

Sr. Joyce Lehman, CPPS
President
Sisters of the Precious Blood

Rev. Joseph Levesque,
CM, STD, LHD
President Niagara University

Jan Lewis
President/CEO
Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas

Paule Anne Lewis
President
San José Clinic

Sr. Carol Lichtenberg, SNDdeN
Provincial Moderator
Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Ohio Province

James G. Lindsay
Executive Director
Catholic Volunteer Network

John P. Loes, MD
Medical Director
Anoka Area Family Medicine Clinic

Carl Loesch
Principal
Marian High School

Robert J. Looby
Managing Partner
Looby Baumgarten, PC

Rev. Jan Lundberg, OCD
Superior
Carmelite House of Studies

Joseph Lundberg, OCD
President
Knights of Columbus Seminarian Education Endowment Fund

Rev. Thomas Lux
Superintendent
All Saints School

Michael A. MacDowell
President
Misericordia University

Rev. Canon Thomas C. Machalski
Rector/Chancellor
Saints Cyril & Methodius Seminary

Rev. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM
President
Mount Saint Mary College

Mary Maertens
Regional President
Avera Marshall

Rev. Steven Major
Superintendent
St. Joseph School

Michael D. Manhart, PhD
Executive Director
Couple to Couple League International

Curtis Martin
President
FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students)

Sr. Maureen Martin
Provincial
Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The Very Rev. Phil Massetti, OSJ
Provincial Superior
Oblates of St. Joseph

Jean Masterson, CSJ
Congregation Leadership Team
Congregation of St. Joseph

Tessa Martinez Pollack, PhD
President
Our Lady of the Lake University

James May
President/CEO
Mercy Health

John May
CEO/Administrator
Villa St. Francis

Thomas McAneny
Trustee
Bishop McCort Catholic High School

John McCabe
Administrator
CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital

Rev. Michael McCabe
Superintendent
Lourdes Central Catholic Schools (K-12)

Sr. Mary McCarrick, OSF
Diocesan Director
Catholic Charities

Joseph McDonald
President/CEO
Catholic Health System

Ms. Dorothea A. McElduff
Archdiocesan President- Ladies of Charity

Mother Mary McGreevy, RSM
Superior General
Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma

James McNeany
Principal
All Saints School

Jeremy McNeil
President
Catholic Professional & Business Group

Sonia Mehta, MD
President/CEO
HSHS Medical Group

Sr. M. Angela Mellady, OSF
Provincial Superior
Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration

Rev. James Meysenburg
Superintendent
Pius X High School

Stephen L. Mikochik, JD
Chair
National Catholic Partnership on Disability

Daniel Miller
President
St. Vincent de Paul, Diocese of Evansville

Gary P. Miller
President/CEO
St. Alexius Medical Center

Sr. Nancy Miller, OSB
Prioress
Annunciation Monastery

Sr. Sharon Miller, GHMS
President
Glenmary Sisters, Owensboro

Mary Elizabeth Miller, SCN
President
Sisters of Charity of Nazareth

Steve Minnis
President
Benedictine College

Very Rev. Msgr. Jeffrey M. Monforton
Rector
Sacred Heart Major Seminary

Dr. Frank Montecalvo
Trustee
 Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School

Armando Montes, Jr
Grand Knight/ Faithful Navigator
Knights of Columbus Council 7079, Assembly 1075

Robert Montler
Trustee
Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School

Sr. Mary Margaret Mooney, PBVM
President
Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Rev. Michael Morin
Superintendent
Sacred Heart School

Sr. Rita Mary Morrissette, OSM
President
Council of Religious

Robert Motley, MD
President
Friends of Fertility Care

Tom Mulhern
Executive Director
Catholic Community Services of Lane County

Sr. Anne Munley, IHM
President
Marywood University

Sr. Ellen Murphy
Principal
St. Joan of Arc School

Mark A. Myczkowiak
General Manager
G.L.S. Diocesan Reports Inc. / The Catholic Weekly

Linda Nelsen
Administrator/CEO
Benedictine Living Community of St. Peter

Msgr. Joseph Nemec
Superintendent
St. Teresa School

Lois Nesci
CEO
Catholic Charities

Jerry Neubauer
Principal
St. Mary School, Sleepy Eye

Sr. Mary Trinh Nguyen, MTG
Regional Superior
Adorers of the Holy Cross

Jennifer Nolan
President/CEO
Our Lady of Peace Hospital

Peter Noll
Executive Director
Minnesota Catholic Education Association

Margaret Novak
State Regent
Catholic Daughters of the Americas

Randall Nyp
President/CEO
Providence Medical Center &  Saint Joseph Hospital

The Very Rev. Bernard O’Connor
President
DeSales University

Christopher O’Connor
President/CEO
Saint Raphael Healthcare System

Michael O'Dea
Founder/Executive Director
Christus Medicus Foundation

Dr. Chris O'Hara
President
The Philadelphia Guild of the Catholic Medical Association

Robert J. O'Hara, Jr.
Executive Director
Pennsylvania Catholic Conference

Sr. Therese O’Rourke, IHM
President
Congregation, Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Rev. Joseph Orr
Trustee
Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School

Mary Ortwein
Executive Director
Ideals of Kentucky

Sr. Maureen Ouma
Superior
Missionary Congregation of the Evangelizing Sisters of Mary - Knoxville Community

Frederick Overman
Grand Knight
Knights of Columbus Council 2764

Therese Pandl
President/CEO
St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center, St. Vincent Hospital & St. Nicholas Hospital

Mike Panka
Chairman of the Board
Divine Providence Health Center

James S. Parobek
President/CEO
Saint Mary & Elizabeth Hospital

Christopher Pascucci
Member of the Board
St. Francis Hospital

Michael Pascucci
Chairman of the Board
Telecare

Jeff Pederson
President/CEO
Villa Nazareth, Friendship Inc. & Riverview Place

Rev. David Peles
Trustee
Bishop McCort Catholic High School

Msgr. John Perkinton
Superintendent
Villa Marie School

Thomas Permetti
Administrator
CHRISTUS St. John Hospital

John F. Perry, MD
Chair of Trauma Surgery/ Professor of Surgery & Anesthesiology
HealthPartners Medical Group

Patrick Perry
Principal
St. Albert the Great Catholic School

Dan Perryman
President/CEO
St. Francis Hospital

Michael Pfeifer
President/CEO
Presentation Medical Center & Villa Maria

Angela Pfister
Associate Director
Notre Dame Center for Ethics & Culture

Eric Piepmeier
Grand Knight
Knights of Columbus Council 4797

Matthew Pinto
President
Ascension Press

Ann Plaster
Executive Director
Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Portland Council

Stephen M. Pogorelec, FIC
Supreme Secretary
Slovak Catholic Sokol

Jack E. Pohrer, GCM
President
Order of Malta, American Association, U.S.A.

James W. Pope
President/CEO
Sylvania Franciscan Health

Sr. Mary Evelyn Potts, OP
Superior
Chattanooga Dominican Community

Mary Preston
Principal
St. Joseph School

Andrea R. Price, FACHE
President/CEO
Mercy Hospital - Northern Region

Rev. James Price, CP
Rector
St. Anne's Shrine Basilica

Audrey Prokosch
President
Diocesan Council of Catholic Women

Steve Przybilla
Administrator/CEO
St. Gabriel’s Community

Mary Beth Quick
Principal
All Saints School

Rev. Kevin P. Quinn, S.J.
President
University of Scranton

Patrick Raiber II
Grand Knight
Knights of Columbus Council 2029

James P. Reber
President/CEO
St. Rita’s Health Partners

Thomas Reed
Interim Chief Executive Officer
Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan

Maryann Reese
President/CEO
St. Elizabeth’s Hospital

Msgr. James Reinert
Superintendent
St. Joseph School

Peter Riccardo
Executive Director
Mother and Unborn Baby Care

Reed E. Reyman
President/CEO
St. Joseph’s Hospital and Health Center

F. Dennis Riegelnegg, EdD
President
Saint Joseph’s College

Karen M. Ristau, EdD
President
National Catholic Educational Association

Bob Ritz
President/CEO
St. John’s Hospital

Rev. Thomas E. Roach, SJ
Local Superior
Scranton Jesuit Community

Sr. Denise A. Roche, GNSH
President
D’Youville College

Laura Jordan Roesch, MRC, LSW, LPC
Executive Director
Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley

Msgr. Robert Roh
Superintendent
Sacred Heart School (K-12)

Peter Rosario, MD
Former Chairman of Ethics Committee
St. Mary's Medical Center

Mark Roth
State Deputy
Knights of Columbus - Kansas State Council

Sr. Pia Rottinghaus, OSB
Secretary of the Board of Directors
Essentia Health Graceville

Peter Roufs
Principal
Cathedral High School

Myriam Ruager
Executive Director
Chester County Women’s Services Medical

Lester Ruppersberger DO, FACOOG, NFP
President
Philadelphia Natural Family Planning Network

Austin Ruse
President
Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute (C-Fam)

Rev. John J. Ryan, CSC
President
King’s College

Cherie Sammis
Vice President of Mission Integration
St. Mary’s of Michigan

Sr. Celia Sanchez
Superior

Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus "Ad Gentes"  - Chattanooga Community

Sr. Cecilia Sartorius, LSP
Administrator
Little Sisters of the Poor

Mary Saunders
State Regent
Catholic Daughters of the Americas

Samuel Spence Saunders, PhD
Grand Knight
Knights of Columbus Council 5841

Brenda Savage
Executive Director
Birth Choice Pregnancy Resource Center

Rev. Brian Saylor
Trustee
Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School

Dr. Dennis Scanlon
Board of Directors Member
Saint Joseph's Catholic Academy

Tony Schapker
Deacon, MD
St. Mary's Physician Health Group

John Schlachter
Principal
Assumption Catholic School and Blessed Sacrament Parish

A. Patrick Schneider II MD, MPH
President
SS Luke & Gianna Medical Guild

Pat Schommer
Grand Knight
KC Council 8253

Rev. Ragan Schriver
Executive Director
Catholic Charities of East Tennessee

Mother Catherine Marie Schuhmann, C.P.
Superior/President
Passionist Nuns of Whitesville, KY

Michael Schuttloffel
Executive Director
Kansas State Catholic Conference

Rev. Troy Schweiger
Superintendent
St. Patrick School

Peggy Sebastian
President/CEO
St. Joseph’s Hospital

Barnabas Senecal, OSB
Abbot
St. Benedict's Abbey

Rev. James P. Shea
President
University of Mary

Geralyn C. Shelvin
Supreme Lady
Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary

Diane Simowitz
National Advisory Board
Catholic Leadership Institute

Emily Snipes
Family Life/Respect Life Coordinator
Catholic Charities

Rev. Larry Snyder
President
Catholic Charities USA

James Soukup
Grand Knight
KC Council 3134

Richard Spada
State Deputy
IL Knights of Columbus

Greg Sprigg
Grand Knight
Knights of Columbus Council 7322

Rev. John Sullivan
Superintendent
Blessed Sacrament School

Sr. Sharon Sullivan, OSU
Congregational Leader
Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, Maple Mount

Mary Starmann-Harrison
President/CEO
Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS)

Colleen Steele
Administrator
St. Joseph’s Home

Joseph Swedish
President/CEO
Trinity Health

Sr. Margo Tafoya, MSSp
President
Mission Sisters of the Holy Spirit

Sr. Lucy Tardivo, DSMP
Facilities Director
Divine Providence Community Home & Lake Villa Maria Apartments

Robert Tereba
Executive Director
Catholic Charities - Diocese of Winona

Robert Thomas
President of the Board
Saint Joseph's Catholic Academy

Dale Thompson
President/CEO
Benedictine Health Systems -Winsted

Brianne Thoreson
Principal
Little Flower School

Rev. Sean Timmerman
Superintendent
Aquinas Junior/Senior High School, St. Mary School
Sharon Timmons

Interim President/CEO
St. Mary’s Hospital
Joanne Tomassi

National Regent
Catholic Daughters
of the Americas

Rev. Charles Townsend
Superintendent
St. Wenceslaus School

Msgr. Robert Tucker
Superintendent
Cathedral of the Risen Christ School

Rev. Julius Tvrdy
Superintendent
St. James School

Rev. David Tyson, CSC
Provincial Superior
The United States Province of Priests and Brothers of the Congregation of Holy Cross

Gayle Uebelhor
Interim Director
Catholic Charities

Glenn Van Cura
Executive Director
Catholic Charities

Sr. Vimala Vadakumpadan, OP
Major Superior
Dominican Sisters of Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

Mother Shaun Vergauwen
Superior General
Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist

Michael Vinciguerra, PhD
President
University of St. Francis

Peter Vogel
Executive Director
Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada

Chad Wable
President/CEO
Saint Mary’s Hospital

Rick Wagner
Principal
St. Theodore Guerin High School

Dennis Walczyk, CEO
Chief Executive Officer
Catholic Charities

Helen Wamstad
Administrator/CEO
St. Rose Care Center and
Rosewood Court

Rev. Brian Wangler, OSB
Abbot
Assumption Abbey

Linnea Warda
President
Council of Catholic Women

Sr. Anne Marie Warren, OSF
Superior General
Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows

Very Rev. Michael Weiler, SJ
Provincial
California Province, Society of Jesus

Austin Welsh, MD
President
Saints Cosmas & Damian Guild of Kansas City

Christopher Lee Whitty
President
Bishop Manogue Catholic High School

Mark Wiener
President/CEO
Community Mercy Health Partners

Very Rev. David Wilton, CPM
Superior General
Fathers of Mercy, Auburn

Douglas Wolf
Trustee
Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School

John Wolf
Trustee
Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School

Myrna Wong
President
Palm Beach Diocesan Council of Catholic Women

Judy Wood
Regent for Court Prince Gallitzin #2625
Vice Chair
Catholic Daughters of the Americas

Daniel J. Woods
President/CEO
St. Anthony’s Hospital

Cynthia Zane, EdD
President
Hilbert College

Rocky Zastoupil
President/CEO
St. Aloisius Medical Center

Rev. Gabriel Zeis, TOR
President
Saint Francis University

The Most Rev. José Gomez
Archbishop of Los Angeles
Chairman
Migration and Refugee Services

The Most Rev. Timothy Dolan
Archbishop of New York
President
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

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Marian Apparition: Champion, Wisconsin

Background:Posts in this blog: In the news:

What's That Doing in a Nice Catholic Blog?

From time to time, a service that I use will display links to - odd - services and retailers.

I block a few of the more obvious dubious advertisers.

For example: psychic anything, numerology, mediums, and related practices are on the no-no list for Catholics. It has to do with the Church's stand on divination. I try to block those ads.

Sometime regrettable advertisements get through, anyway.

Bottom line? What that service displays reflects the local culture's norms, - not Catholic teaching.