Finally, the summer priest assignment changes have been posted at the The Long Island Catholic. One thing that is new is that Msgr. Pereda, who is the Judicial Vicar of the Tribunal will also serve as a Pastor of a parish (St. Paul the Apostle in Brookville).
DIOCESE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL APPOINTMENTS
ROCKVILLE CENTRE, N.Y. – July 9, 2013 – The following official
appointments and announcements have been made by the Most Reverend
William Murphy, Bishop of Rockville Centre. All are effective June 26,
2013 unless otherwise indicated.
RETIREMENTS
Rev. Patrick Callan with residence at Corpus Christi, Mineola; and part time duties at Winthrop Hospital
Rev. Hugh Cannon with residence at St. Mary’s, East Islip
Rev. Paul Dolan to private residence
Msgr. Domenick Graziadio to private residence
Rev. Gregory Heinlein with residence at Our Lady of Lourdes, Massapequa Park
Msgr. Richard Kopinski with residence at St. Hyacinth, Glen Head
Rev. Lawrence Rafferty with residence at St. Matthew, Dix Hills
Msgr. Thomas Spadaro to private residence
Rev. Michael Torpey with residence at St. Pius X Residence, Amityville
Rev. Francis Vattakudiyil with residence at St. Joseph, Kings Park
PASTORS
Rev. Brian Barr from Administrator of Saint Mary of the Isle, Long Beach to Pastor of St. Mary of the Isle, Long Beach
Msgr. Robert Batule from Seminary Professor at St. Joseph Seminary, Dunwoodie to Pastor of Corpus Christi, Mineola
Rev. Marian Bicz from Pastor of Our Lady of Ostrabrama, Cutchogue to Pastor of St. Hyacinth, Glen Head
Msgr. Robert Clerkin from Pastor of St. Paul the Apostle, Brookville to Pastor of Ss. Cyril & Methodius, Deer Park
Rev. Frank Grieco from Associate Pastor at St. Anthony of Padua in East Northport to Pastor of Holy Spirit, New Hyde Park
Rev. Thomas Haggerty from Pastor of St. Raphael, East Meadow to Pastor of Sts. Philip and James, St. James
Rev. Robert Holz from Associate Pastor of St. Christopher, Baldwin to Pastor of St. Raphael, East Meadow
Rev. Michael Holzmann from Chaplain of St. John the Baptist High School to Pastor of Holy Cross, Nesconset
Rev. John McCartney from Administrator of St. Mary, Roslyn to Pastor of St. Mary, Roslyn
Msgr. James McNamara from Pastor of Holy Cross, Nesconset to Pastor of Our Lady of Miraculous Medal, Point Lookout; and Associate to the Vicars
Rev. Thomas Moriarty from Administrator of Our Lady of
Good Counsel, Inwood to Pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Inwood (also
Pastor of St. Joseph, Hewlett)
Msgr. James Pereda to Pastor of St. Paul the Apostle, Brookville (and remaining the Judicial Vicar of Tribunal)
Rev. Valentine Rebello from Associate Pastor of St. Barnabas, Bellmore to Pastor of St. Pius X, Plainview
Msgr. Gerald Ringenback from Pastor of St. Bernard, Levittown to Pastor of Good Shepherd, Holbrook
Msgr. Ralph Sommer from Pastor of St. Brigid, Westbury to Pastor of St. Bernard, Levittown
Rev. Anthony Stanganelli from Pastor of Ss. Philip and James, St. James to Pastor of St. Brigid, Westbury
Rev. Stanislaw Wadowski from Associate Pastor of St. Kilian, Farmingdale to Pastor of Our Lady of Ostrabrama, Cutchogue
Rev. Benet Uwasomba from Associate Pastor of Good Shepherd, Holbrook to Administrator of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Patchogue
NEWLY ORDAINED
Rev. Jason Grisafi to Associate Pastor of St. Brigid, Westbury
Rev. Brandon O’Brien to Associate Pastor of St. Christopher, Baldwin
ASSOCIATE PASTORS
Rev. Francis Agyeman to Associate Pastor of St. Barnabas, Bellmore
Rev. Moise Aime from Associate Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Lindenhurst to Associate Pastor of Maria Regina, Seaford
Rev. Raymond Akpunonu from Associate Pastor of St. Matthew, Dix Hills to Associate Pastor of Our Lady of Mercy, Hicksville
Rev. Ethel Anarado from Hospital Chaplain of Long Beach Medical Center to Associate Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Lindenhurst
Rev. Allan Arneaud from Associate Pastor of Maria Regina, Seaford to Associate Pastor of St. Catherine of Sienna, Franklin Square
Rev. Paul Butler from Associate Pastor of St. William the Abbot, Seaford to Associate Pastor of St. Margaret of Scotland, Selden
Rev. Anthony Cardone to Associate Pastor of St. Raphael, East Meadow
Rev. Lawrence Chadwick from Associate Pastor of St. Matthew, Dix Hills to Associate Pastor of St. John Nepomucene, Bohemia
Rev. Christopher Costigan from Associate Pastor of St. Bernard, Levittown to Associate Pastor of St. Mary, Manhasset
Rev. Michael Diochi from Associate Pastor of St, Catherine of Sienna, Franklin Square to Associate Pastor of St. Mary, East Islip
Rev. John Baptist Ephraim from Associate Pastor of St. Rosalie, Hampton Bays to Associate Pastor of St. Kilian, Farmingdale (eff.8/1/13)
Rev. Ryszard Ficek from Associate Pastor of St. Hedwig, Floral Park to Associate Pastor of St. William the Abbot, Seaford
Rev. Kevin Gruber from Associate Pastor of St. John Nepomucene, Bohemia to Associate Pastor of St. Lawrence the Martyr, Sayville
Rev. Richard Kammerer from Associate Pastor of Our Lady of Mercy, Hicksville to Barnabite Community
Rev. Robert Kline from Associate Pastor of St. John Evangelist, Center Moriches to St. Anthony Padua, East Northport
Rev. Freddy Lozano from Associate Pastor of Our Lady of
Mount Carmel to Associate Pastor of St. Hugh of Lincoln, Huntington
Station, and Queen of Most Holy Rosary, Freeport and St. Kilian,
Farmingdale
Rev. Aloysious Melly from Associate Pastor of Ss. Philip and James, St. James to Associate Pastor of Good Shepherd, Holbrook
Rev. Janusz Mocarski from Associate Pastor of St. Mary, East Islip to Associate Pastor of Our Lady of Assumption, Copiague
Rev. Joseph Nohs from Pastor of Holy Spirit, New Hyde Park to Associate Pastor of St. Bernard, Levittown
Rev. Henry Reid from Associate Pastor of St. Margaret of Scotland to Associate Pastor of Holy Name of Mary, Valley Stream
Rev. Allan Sikorski from Associate Pastor of St. Mary, Manhasset to Associate Pastor of St. Matthew, Dix Hills
Rev. Rene Tapel to Associate Pastor of Ss. Philip and James, St. James
Rev. Thomas Tassone from Associate Pastor of St. Aidan, Williston Park to Associate Pastor of St. Joseph, Kings Park
Rev. Rolando Ticllasuca from Associate Pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption, Copiague, to Infant Jesus, Port Jefferson
Rev. Nestor Watin from Associate Pastor of Our Lady of Loretto, Hempstead to Associate Pastor of St. John the Evangelist, Center Moriches
NON-PAROCHIAL MINISTRY
Rev. Joseph Fitzgerald from Chaplain of Holy Trinity
High School to Director of Vocations with residence at St. Edward the
Confessor, Syosset (effective 10/1/2013)
Rev. James Mannion from Associate Pastor of St. James,
Setauket to Adjunct Spiritual Director of Cathedral Seminary Residence
of the Immaculate Conception, Douglaston
Rev. Gregory Rannazzisi from Associate Pastor of St Brigid, Westbury to Vice Rector of Seminary of Immaculate Conception, Huntington
HIGH SCHOOL CHAPLAINS
Rev. Robert Ketcham from Associate Pastor of Holy Name
of Mary, Valley Stream to Chaplain of St. John the Baptist High School
with residence at St. Mary, East Islip
Rev. John McCarthy to Chaplain of Holy Trinity Diocesan
High School, Hicksville with residence at Our Lady of Victory, Floral
Park (effective 10/1/2013)
HOSPITAL CHAPLAINS
Rev. Raphael Andoh to Hospitality Priest at St. James, Setauket and also Chaplain of Stony Brook Hospital
Rev. Anthony Osuagwu from Hospital Chaplain at South Nassau Hospital to Hospital Chaplain at Long Beach Medical Center, Long Beach
Rev. Benjamin Uzegbunam to Hospital Chaplain at North Shore LIJ Plainview, with residence at St. Ignatius Loyola, Hicksville
DIOCESAN ASSIGNMENTS
Rev. Lachlan Cameron to study in Rome
Rev. Lee Descoteaux to study in Rome
EXPIRATION OF EXTERN PRIEST ASSIGNMENTS
Rev. Vitalis Abiamiri
Rev. Patsy Amabile
Rev. Ignace Loleke
Rev. Anthony Madu
Rev. James Maltese
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Saturday, July 06, 2013
Communist destruction of the Our Lady of Consolation Trappist Abbey at Yangjiaping in 1947
From Catholic World Report:
The untold story of the Communist destruction of the Our Lady of Consolation Trappist Abbey at Yangjiaping in 1947
"One of the most tragic examples of how merciless the Party can be is the appalling Communist massacre of 33 holy martyrs connected to Our Lady of Consolation Trappist Abbey at Yangjiaping. Still today, Chinese Catholics only speak of this incident in hushed tones for fear of the government. In 1947, a bedraggled and terrorized group of Trappist monks arrived in Beijing, where the American Jesuit, Father Charles J. McCarthy, SJ (1911-1991), was the first person to collect the horrible stories of what had happened to their celebrated abbey, then in ruins. The stories they provided Father McCarthy had clearly stirred the young priest, for he later penned one of the most harrowing accounts of Communist atrocities in China’s early modern history. He began his narrative in vivid terms:
In the early morning hours of August 30, 1947, the Trappist Abbey of Our Lady of Consolation…was reduced to ruins by fire. … The burning of their monastery, effected by Communists who control this region, was but one act, and not the most pathetic, in a long tragic persecution inflicted on the brave Trappist Community. At present writing, 16 Trappists are known to have died during the ordeal. (1)
The death toll indeed rose beyond 16, and as the details of their deaths came to light the inhumane tactics of China’s Communists also became known. "
The untold story of the Communist destruction of the Our Lady of Consolation Trappist Abbey at Yangjiaping in 1947
"One of the most tragic examples of how merciless the Party can be is the appalling Communist massacre of 33 holy martyrs connected to Our Lady of Consolation Trappist Abbey at Yangjiaping. Still today, Chinese Catholics only speak of this incident in hushed tones for fear of the government. In 1947, a bedraggled and terrorized group of Trappist monks arrived in Beijing, where the American Jesuit, Father Charles J. McCarthy, SJ (1911-1991), was the first person to collect the horrible stories of what had happened to their celebrated abbey, then in ruins. The stories they provided Father McCarthy had clearly stirred the young priest, for he later penned one of the most harrowing accounts of Communist atrocities in China’s early modern history. He began his narrative in vivid terms:
In the early morning hours of August 30, 1947, the Trappist Abbey of Our Lady of Consolation…was reduced to ruins by fire. … The burning of their monastery, effected by Communists who control this region, was but one act, and not the most pathetic, in a long tragic persecution inflicted on the brave Trappist Community. At present writing, 16 Trappists are known to have died during the ordeal. (1)
The death toll indeed rose beyond 16, and as the details of their deaths came to light the inhumane tactics of China’s Communists also became known. "
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Nassau County Police Corruption, Again
Newsday and News12 are reporting on a major lawsuit filed due to yet more corrupt Nassau County Police officers. What should happen, but probably will not is that officer Anthony DiLeonardo should lose his extremely high paying job (over 100K of course) and be charged with attempted murder and all other appropriate charges. Nothing has changed much in the Nassau County Police force since the days of officer Greco, the first Nassau County police officer to be charged with brutality. We Long Islanders have to pay extemely high taxes due to the very overpaid police and school employees and then have to pay even more due to lawsuits filed by innocent civilians victimized by these same rich people.
From the News12 report:
"A Nassau County police officer unlawfully shot and attacked an unarmed man after a night of barhopping and managed to hang on to his six-figure job, Newsday reports exclusively.
Newsday obtained the Nassau County Police Department's internal report into the affair. The report found that officer Anthony DiLeonardo recklessly escalated a roadside verbal dispute when he shot at a cabdriver, Thomas Moroughan, five times, hitting him once in the arm and once in the chest in 2011.
The cabdriver was arrested for assault and reckless endangerment after DiLeonardo accused him of trying to run him down with his cab. Charges were later dropped when prosecutors said there was evidence the officer had been drinking; the report obtained by Newsday notes that he admitted to investigators that he'd had eight to 10 drinks."
From the News12 report:
"A Nassau County police officer unlawfully shot and attacked an unarmed man after a night of barhopping and managed to hang on to his six-figure job, Newsday reports exclusively.
Newsday obtained the Nassau County Police Department's internal report into the affair. The report found that officer Anthony DiLeonardo recklessly escalated a roadside verbal dispute when he shot at a cabdriver, Thomas Moroughan, five times, hitting him once in the arm and once in the chest in 2011.
The cabdriver was arrested for assault and reckless endangerment after DiLeonardo accused him of trying to run him down with his cab. Charges were later dropped when prosecutors said there was evidence the officer had been drinking; the report obtained by Newsday notes that he admitted to investigators that he'd had eight to 10 drinks."
Byzantine Catholic Church, Westbury, NY
St. Andrew the Apostle Byzantine Catholic Church
I recently posted on St. Francis Polish National Catholic Church in East Meadow, which is not in communion with Rome. Now I would like to point out St. Andrew which is in communion with Rome. They have Divine Liturgy every Sunday at 9 AM.
From their website:
The first Divine Liturgy in St. Andrew the Apostle Church was celebrated on December 25, 1974. Bishop Michael Dudick established this parish to service the Byzantine Catholics who had moved to the suburbs of Long Island initiating the presence of our Eastern Catholic Church in Nassau County.
St. Andrew’s Church is truly an American Eastern Catholic Church. Our services and songs are conducted in English, the language of this country, while our Theology and Traditions go back to the foundation of the early Christian Church.
I recently posted on St. Francis Polish National Catholic Church in East Meadow, which is not in communion with Rome. Now I would like to point out St. Andrew which is in communion with Rome. They have Divine Liturgy every Sunday at 9 AM.
From their website:
The first Divine Liturgy in St. Andrew the Apostle Church was celebrated on December 25, 1974. Bishop Michael Dudick established this parish to service the Byzantine Catholics who had moved to the suburbs of Long Island initiating the presence of our Eastern Catholic Church in Nassau County.
St. Andrew’s Church is truly an American Eastern Catholic Church. Our services and songs are conducted in English, the language of this country, while our Theology and Traditions go back to the foundation of the early Christian Church.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Thayer man discovers the Catholic Church while studying in Israel
From the Catholic Diocese of Wichita, a familiar conversion story of a protestant who became Catholic after studying the early Church as well as its Jewish roots.
“The more we came to know Catholicism, the more we identified commonalities with Judaism, especially in liturgy,” said Umbarger. “Getting to know actual Jews and actual Catholics exploded this myth, and gave us the uncomfortable task of determining whether or not the churches we had been brought up in actually were based on New Testament models.”
Second, Umbarger began to read the church fathers “ravenously.”
“Over and over again, I discovered that the earliest documents of the church reflected a Catholic framework,” said Umbarger. “Non-Catholics had to either force the words of the fathers to contravene their plain sense, or to find heresy in their writings, usually endorsed in an official sense in the Catholic Church.”
“The more we came to know Catholicism, the more we identified commonalities with Judaism, especially in liturgy,” said Umbarger. “Getting to know actual Jews and actual Catholics exploded this myth, and gave us the uncomfortable task of determining whether or not the churches we had been brought up in actually were based on New Testament models.”
Second, Umbarger began to read the church fathers “ravenously.”
“Over and over again, I discovered that the earliest documents of the church reflected a Catholic framework,” said Umbarger. “Non-Catholics had to either force the words of the fathers to contravene their plain sense, or to find heresy in their writings, usually endorsed in an official sense in the Catholic Church.”
The Last Counter-Reformation Pope
From Catholic Exchange:
George Weigel looks at Pope Paul VI, the Charlie Brown of Popes, everything he did got all messed up. Only Weigel puts it more scholarly like and as usual he has a great understanding of the big picture.
"Paul VI, to be sure, helped hasten that transition. He brought the Second Vatican Council to a successful close—although he did not provide keys for the authentic interpretation of the Council’s accomplishment, leaving that task to John Paul II and Benedict XVI. The lack of such keys during the 13 years between the Council’s conclusion and Pope Paul’s death was one reason why the wheels seemed to fly off the Catholic Church for two decades. Amidst the chaos, Paul VI tried to craft an exercise of the papacy adequate to the Church’s reformed self-understanding as a communion of disciples in mission. Yet virtually every one of his accomplishments in implementing the Council had its shadow-side."
George Weigel looks at Pope Paul VI, the Charlie Brown of Popes, everything he did got all messed up. Only Weigel puts it more scholarly like and as usual he has a great understanding of the big picture.
"Paul VI, to be sure, helped hasten that transition. He brought the Second Vatican Council to a successful close—although he did not provide keys for the authentic interpretation of the Council’s accomplishment, leaving that task to John Paul II and Benedict XVI. The lack of such keys during the 13 years between the Council’s conclusion and Pope Paul’s death was one reason why the wheels seemed to fly off the Catholic Church for two decades. Amidst the chaos, Paul VI tried to craft an exercise of the papacy adequate to the Church’s reformed self-understanding as a communion of disciples in mission. Yet virtually every one of his accomplishments in implementing the Council had its shadow-side."
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Bishop Murphy to Ordain Two Men to Priesthood on 6/27/13
2013 Ordinations
The website of the Diocese of Rockville Centre has more info on the two men, both 27, who will be ordained to the priesthood this year. I was hoping by now there would be the same short bios on the 14 men ordained to the permanent deaconate, but I do not see any on the DRVC website or at the Long Island Catholic website. That is too bad as it would be good for the people of the Diocese to know who the men are and their backgrounds. There is a slideshow of pictures here. The growth of the ranks of deacons has been a great untold story in the Church since the 1970's. Even without much fanfare, or much support in some areas, the diaconate continues to grow and have contributed greatly to the Church.
The website of the Diocese of Rockville Centre has more info on the two men, both 27, who will be ordained to the priesthood this year. I was hoping by now there would be the same short bios on the 14 men ordained to the permanent deaconate, but I do not see any on the DRVC website or at the Long Island Catholic website. That is too bad as it would be good for the people of the Diocese to know who the men are and their backgrounds. There is a slideshow of pictures here. The growth of the ranks of deacons has been a great untold story in the Church since the 1970's. Even without much fanfare, or much support in some areas, the diaconate continues to grow and have contributed greatly to the Church.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Americans United for The Pope at Kellenberg
Reminder: Thursday night there will be 2 video presentations shown at Kellenberg High School in Uniondale at 7:30 PM. The first is on Mexican Priest Martyrs and the second is on the story of revert Judy Hehr. For all the details see the post below, or click here. These evenings are run by Arnold Pilsner who does a great job.
Viva Cristo Rey! The Cristeros Versus the Mexican Revolution
Catholic Culture.Org has an article by Christopher Check who gives an overview of the incredible story of The Cristeros. These Catholic peasants were the subject of the recent film - For Greater Glory starring Andy Garcia, Eva Longoria, Peter O'Toole, Bruce McGill, Ruben Blades, and Eduardo Verastegui.
This summary of the article gives the overview-
"Less than a century ago, the devoutly Catholic population of Mexico was de-Christianized by atheistic revolutionaries who declared war on the Catholic Church. Citizens who refused to comply were captured, tortured, and violently murdered. In this article, Christopher Check provides an excellent overview of the Cristero cause and how they restored the Catholic faith to Mexico."
This summary of the article gives the overview-
"Less than a century ago, the devoutly Catholic population of Mexico was de-Christianized by atheistic revolutionaries who declared war on the Catholic Church. Citizens who refused to comply were captured, tortured, and violently murdered. In this article, Christopher Check provides an excellent overview of the Cristero cause and how they restored the Catholic faith to Mexico."
Mother protecting her kids runs over a convicted rapist
For those of us who love justice and hate evil, this is a great story!
"A would-be carjacker messed with the wrong mom.
A Texas mother protecting her kids from an alleged knife-wielding carjacker engaged in a terrifying hand-to-hand fight behind the wheel of her vehicle that ended with the suspect being thrown out, run over and hospitalized.
"I told him he messed with the wrong witch," Dorothy Baker told ABC of her frantic battle coursing the roads of Baytown, Texas.
Police say Ismael Martinez, 54, snuck inside the backseat of Baker's parked unlocked minivan waiting for her to return from a CVS drug store when he sprung up on her.
Allegedly holding a knife to her oldest son, she says he demanded that she drive him to the nearest ATM"
"A would-be carjacker messed with the wrong mom.
A Texas mother protecting her kids from an alleged knife-wielding carjacker engaged in a terrifying hand-to-hand fight behind the wheel of her vehicle that ended with the suspect being thrown out, run over and hospitalized.
"I told him he messed with the wrong witch," Dorothy Baker told ABC of her frantic battle coursing the roads of Baytown, Texas.
Police say Ismael Martinez, 54, snuck inside the backseat of Baker's parked unlocked minivan waiting for her to return from a CVS drug store when he sprung up on her.
Allegedly holding a knife to her oldest son, she says he demanded that she drive him to the nearest ATM"
Sunday, June 16, 2013
St. Genevieve Church has Fitness Ministry
I like this idea a lot:
"St. Genevieve Catholic Church parishioners recently celebrated the first anniversary of its fitness ministry with a Bayou Bash. Ministry members and their guests line danced the night away, showing off the numerous hip-hop, country, and Zydeco line dances they work out to in their Monday and Tuesday night fitness classes.
St. Genevieve Catholic Church, which is located near Slidell, was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.
...
"Knowing that many church parishioners are suffering from ailments relating to aging, a fitness ministry was determined to be the best way to tackle both issues - raising money for the parish hall while improving the health and well-being of church members and others in the community.
For the past year, the St. Genevieve Fitness Ministry has offered line dancing classes every Tuesday night for a donation of $2. That weekly dance workout has been extended to Wednesday nights, for the same fee. Both sessions are from 7 to 8 p.m."
Read the rest of the article here.
"St. Genevieve Catholic Church parishioners recently celebrated the first anniversary of its fitness ministry with a Bayou Bash. Ministry members and their guests line danced the night away, showing off the numerous hip-hop, country, and Zydeco line dances they work out to in their Monday and Tuesday night fitness classes.
St. Genevieve Catholic Church, which is located near Slidell, was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.
...
"Knowing that many church parishioners are suffering from ailments relating to aging, a fitness ministry was determined to be the best way to tackle both issues - raising money for the parish hall while improving the health and well-being of church members and others in the community.
For the past year, the St. Genevieve Fitness Ministry has offered line dancing classes every Tuesday night for a donation of $2. That weekly dance workout has been extended to Wednesday nights, for the same fee. Both sessions are from 7 to 8 p.m."
Read the rest of the article here.
2013 Priestly Ordinations Rockville Centre, Brooklyn
From St. Joseph's Seminary (Dunwoodie)
June 22, 2013, 11:00 AM
Diocese of Rockville Centre
Saint Agnes Cathedral
Deacon Jason Grisafi
Deacon Brandon O'Brien
June 29, 2013, 11:00 AM
Diocese of Brooklyn
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint James
Deacon Dwayne Davis
Deacon Raymond Flores
Deacon Stephen Giuletti
Deacon Paul Kim
Deacon Killick Pierrilus
Deacon Lucon Rigaud
July 6, 2013, 9:00 AM
Syro-Malankara Exarchate
Shrine of Our Lady of Czestpcjpwa
Doylestown, Pennslyvannia
Deacon Michael Edathil
Deacon Fortunatus Mugisha & Deacon Vian Ntegerej 'Imana
will be ordained in their home parishes in Uganda, then return to the Diocese of Rockville Centre
for two years of priestly service before returning permanently to their home in Uganda.
June 22, 2013, 11:00 AM
Diocese of Rockville Centre
Saint Agnes Cathedral
Deacon Jason Grisafi
Deacon Brandon O'Brien
June 29, 2013, 11:00 AM
Diocese of Brooklyn
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint James
Deacon Dwayne Davis
Deacon Raymond Flores
Deacon Stephen Giuletti
Deacon Paul Kim
Deacon Killick Pierrilus
Deacon Lucon Rigaud
July 6, 2013, 9:00 AM
Syro-Malankara Exarchate
Shrine of Our Lady of Czestpcjpwa
Doylestown, Pennslyvannia
Deacon Michael Edathil
Deacon Fortunatus Mugisha & Deacon Vian Ntegerej 'Imana
will be ordained in their home parishes in Uganda, then return to the Diocese of Rockville Centre
for two years of priestly service before returning permanently to their home in Uganda.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Catholic Video Presentations at Kellenberg High School
This is a very good group and I highly recommend this evening. I was able to go to these events a long time ago and they were always interesting. If you are in the area consider attending, it is free. It is Thursday night, June 20th @ 7:30 PM at Kellenberg High School in Uniondale.
AMERICANS UNITED FOR THE POPE, INC
Where the Pope is, there is the Church
TWO EXCELLENT CATHOLIC VIDEO PRESENTATIONS
Where the Pope is, there is the Church
TWO EXCELLENT CATHOLIC VIDEO PRESENTATIONS
Mexican Priest Martyrs
Blessed Justino Orona
Blessed Atilano Cruz
Among the many priest Martyrs are Father Justino Orona and Father Atilano Cruz. In spite of the ever present danger of certain death they continued to do their priestly work. They joined the countless others who stood up to the oppressive government under the banner of “Long live Christ the King and our Lady of Guadalupe!” Hear the true story of how these priests died from two men who helped the priests in the last days of their earthly life. Very inspiring!
**********************************************************
Judy Hehr
SHE MADE MILLIONS BUT COULD NOT FIND HAPPINESS WITHOUT GOD
In her high school years Judy fell in with the wrong crowd and embraced self destructive behavior. She was into drugs, heavy drinking and sex. She came close to committing suicide.
After high school Judy became a sales representative for a printing firm and was tremendously successful. But even though she became a millionaire and had four beautiful children and a loving husband her life was still empty. Then God stepped in and she tells her amazing conversion story. Today she is in love with her faith and has become active in the church as an inspiring speaker. Come and hear this extraordinary journey back to God.
COME AND BRING A FRIEND
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Friday, June 14, 2013
Long Island's Only Dairy Queen
This may be hard for most Americans to believe, but up until June 10th Long Island had no Dairy Queens. The first one opened in my hometown of Massapequa and I am sure more will follow.
Dairy Queen Holds Grand Opening In Massapequa
Dairy Queen Holds Grand Opening In Massapequa
Superman and Jesus
From CNN -
"Baltimore, Maryland (CNN) - As the new Superman movie takes flight this weekend, filmmakers are hoping the Man of Steel lands not only in theaters, but also in pulpits.
Warner Bros. Studios is aggressively marketing "Man of Steel" to Christian pastors, inviting them to early screenings, creating Father’s Day discussion guides and producing special film trailers that focus on the faith-friendly angles of the movie.
The movie studio even asked a theologian to provide sermon notes for pastors who want to preach about Superman on Sunday. Titled “Jesus: The Original Superhero,” the notes run nine pages.
“How might the story of Superman awaken our passion for the greatest hero who ever lived and died and rose again?” the sermon notes ask."
"Baltimore, Maryland (CNN) - As the new Superman movie takes flight this weekend, filmmakers are hoping the Man of Steel lands not only in theaters, but also in pulpits.
Warner Bros. Studios is aggressively marketing "Man of Steel" to Christian pastors, inviting them to early screenings, creating Father’s Day discussion guides and producing special film trailers that focus on the faith-friendly angles of the movie.
The movie studio even asked a theologian to provide sermon notes for pastors who want to preach about Superman on Sunday. Titled “Jesus: The Original Superhero,” the notes run nine pages.
“How might the story of Superman awaken our passion for the greatest hero who ever lived and died and rose again?” the sermon notes ask."
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Jesuit says Britain and US are ‘crazy’ for backing Islamists in Egypt
Some common sense from The Catholic Herald in the UK:
"Fr Boulad said the Muslim Brotherhood had a systematic plan to harass Christians so that they would leave Egypt and that among their tactics was the kidnapping and rape of Christian girls.
The organisation also invokes human rights to silence critics in France, Canada and elsewhere, using the courts against people who speak up, he said. The government cries “Islamophobia” and it “is politically incorrect to be an Islamophobe”, he said.
“The United States, France and Great Britain are supporting this. It’s crazy,” he added.“Intellectual and factual terrorism is being implemented not only in Egypt but all over the world. You cannot speak up. They go to court; they accuse you. “As long as Islam is not reformed, we are going to catastrophe,” Fr Boulad said.
Fortunately, he added, some people had the courage to speak up.
He said he hoped that liberal democracies would support the growing coalition opposing the Egyptian ruling party."
"Fr Boulad said the Muslim Brotherhood had a systematic plan to harass Christians so that they would leave Egypt and that among their tactics was the kidnapping and rape of Christian girls.
The organisation also invokes human rights to silence critics in France, Canada and elsewhere, using the courts against people who speak up, he said. The government cries “Islamophobia” and it “is politically incorrect to be an Islamophobe”, he said.
“The United States, France and Great Britain are supporting this. It’s crazy,” he added.“Intellectual and factual terrorism is being implemented not only in Egypt but all over the world. You cannot speak up. They go to court; they accuse you. “As long as Islam is not reformed, we are going to catastrophe,” Fr Boulad said.
Fortunately, he added, some people had the courage to speak up.
He said he hoped that liberal democracies would support the growing coalition opposing the Egyptian ruling party."
No 'Definitive Plans' for Sacred Heart Parish, Says Diocese
From NorthFork Patch.com
"The Sacred Heart parish continues to evaluate its future -- with no absolute plans in place, a representative for the Diocese of Rockville Centre said Wednesday.
“The Diocese is not aware of any definitive plans for any buildings on the Sacred Heart parish campus. The parish, along with the Diocese, continues to evaluate the best use of all of its resources for its parishioners,” said Sean P. Dolan, spokesman for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, after a number of requests from Patch about the future of the church, rectory, and convent."
"The Sacred Heart Church, closed since December, as well as the rectory and carriage house, is one of seven properties listed as 'endangered' by the Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities, was built in the late 1870s.
Despite a sit-in by some parishoners to keep church services going at the Roman Catholic worship house, was ultimately considered too much of a danger to keep open."
"The Sacred Heart parish continues to evaluate its future -- with no absolute plans in place, a representative for the Diocese of Rockville Centre said Wednesday.
“The Diocese is not aware of any definitive plans for any buildings on the Sacred Heart parish campus. The parish, along with the Diocese, continues to evaluate the best use of all of its resources for its parishioners,” said Sean P. Dolan, spokesman for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, after a number of requests from Patch about the future of the church, rectory, and convent."
"The Sacred Heart Church, closed since December, as well as the rectory and carriage house, is one of seven properties listed as 'endangered' by the Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities, was built in the late 1870s.
Despite a sit-in by some parishoners to keep church services going at the Roman Catholic worship house, was ultimately considered too much of a danger to keep open."
Sunday, June 09, 2013
Chinese parents left childless do battle against once-child policy
From MSNBC, a story about the dangers of a culture of death, run by a government out to keep the birth rate low. The problems of overpopulation in China can be worked on with moral methods. The problems caused by this immoral one child policy are much deeper and will hurt China more and more in decades to come.
"In her grief, Zhang, 59, was forced to come to terms with the marginal life of a childless middle-aged woman of few resources in a society where children and the extension of the family line are essential to a person’s survival. She began to blame her husband, feeling he did not support her enough to have a second child. Zhang retreated from society, even living in a monastery for several years to escape the pain.
Each year 76,000 families in China lose their only child, according to an annual report by Chinese Ministry of Health in 2010. In June 2012, for the first time, over 80 parents from all over the country who had lost their only child marched to Beijing to protest the policy and the meager compensation they are given in front of the National Family Planning office.
Zhang heard about the protest and began to think about her own experience. Having one child had not been her choice. Indeed she had been pregnant twice after she gave birth to her son, thinking that, as a farmer, she would be exempt from the one-child policy.
But she says her county’s family planning department coerced her into having abortions under the threat of losing her husband’s teaching job and their house. The abortions were administered late, she said once when she was five months pregnant and once at eight months, when a gruesome procedure is required.
NBC could not confirm Zhang’s allegation, but reports of forced abortions have caused international outcry in recent years. In June 2012 city officials in China apologized to a woman who was forced to have an abortion and disciplined three people responsible for it. The apology came after gruesome photos of the mother and the fetus sparked outrage among Chinese netizens."
The Chinese Ministry of Health released data in March that 336 million abortions 222 million sterilizations have been performed since 1971. (The one-child policy was implemented in 1979, but other family planning policies were enforced before it)."
"In her grief, Zhang, 59, was forced to come to terms with the marginal life of a childless middle-aged woman of few resources in a society where children and the extension of the family line are essential to a person’s survival. She began to blame her husband, feeling he did not support her enough to have a second child. Zhang retreated from society, even living in a monastery for several years to escape the pain.
Each year 76,000 families in China lose their only child, according to an annual report by Chinese Ministry of Health in 2010. In June 2012, for the first time, over 80 parents from all over the country who had lost their only child marched to Beijing to protest the policy and the meager compensation they are given in front of the National Family Planning office.
Zhang heard about the protest and began to think about her own experience. Having one child had not been her choice. Indeed she had been pregnant twice after she gave birth to her son, thinking that, as a farmer, she would be exempt from the one-child policy.
But she says her county’s family planning department coerced her into having abortions under the threat of losing her husband’s teaching job and their house. The abortions were administered late, she said once when she was five months pregnant and once at eight months, when a gruesome procedure is required.
The Chinese Ministry of Health released data in March that 336 million abortions 222 million sterilizations have been performed since 1971. (The one-child policy was implemented in 1979, but other family planning policies were enforced before it)."
2 Long Islanders ordained Jesuits Priests
Yesterday, at Fordham University in the Bronx, 2 Long Islanders became Jesuits:
Rev. Mr. James Donovan, SJ (NYK), 48, was born in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up on Long Island. Mr. Donovan’s Catholic education dates back to grammar school at Our Lady of Lourdes School in his hometown of Malverne, New York, followed by Maria Regina Diocesan High School in Uniondale.
Rev. Mr. Peter Folan, SJ (MAR), 34, is a native of Massapequa Park on Long Island, New York. A 1996 graduate of Chaminade High School in Mineola, New York, Mr. Folan attended the University of Notre Dame and earned a bachelor’s degree in the Program of Liberal Studies and German in 2000.
Rev. Mr. James Donovan, SJ (NYK), 48, was born in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up on Long Island. Mr. Donovan’s Catholic education dates back to grammar school at Our Lady of Lourdes School in his hometown of Malverne, New York, followed by Maria Regina Diocesan High School in Uniondale.
Rev. Mr. Peter Folan, SJ (MAR), 34, is a native of Massapequa Park on Long Island, New York. A 1996 graduate of Chaminade High School in Mineola, New York, Mr. Folan attended the University of Notre Dame and earned a bachelor’s degree in the Program of Liberal Studies and German in 2000.
The Charismatic Renewal and the Catholic Church
The Catholic World Report takes a look at the history of the Charismatic Renewal movement within the Church. This is a short background history focused mostly on the origins in Italy, sparked by Sister Elena Guerra, and does not look at the movement today in the US, which I think would make a good followup article.
"The Charismatic Renewal was eventually sparked in the Catholic Church in 1967, not by any intervention of the pope or clergy, but at the level of the laity at a students’ retreat at Duquesne University, in February of that year. Interestingly, tradition puts in an appearance here as well, as Duquesne was founded in 1878 by the Holy Ghost Fathers, members of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit. From there the flame went almost simultaneously to Notre Dame where, in the words of Dorothy Ranaghan, writer and witness of the beginnings, after the initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit
Summer school brought in priests, nuns, and lay people from all over the world. And so we held prayer meetings and crowds attended and hundreds were baptized in the Holy Spirit and they took the baptism in the Holy Spirit back to their home countries. It was a wild and wonderful summer. There were no Life in the Spirit Seminars [they hadn’t been written yet], we just laid hands on everyone and prayed right away and amazing things happened. Given our youth and inexperience it is all the more evident that it was God’s work, not ours."
"The Charismatic Renewal was eventually sparked in the Catholic Church in 1967, not by any intervention of the pope or clergy, but at the level of the laity at a students’ retreat at Duquesne University, in February of that year. Interestingly, tradition puts in an appearance here as well, as Duquesne was founded in 1878 by the Holy Ghost Fathers, members of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit. From there the flame went almost simultaneously to Notre Dame where, in the words of Dorothy Ranaghan, writer and witness of the beginnings, after the initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit
Summer school brought in priests, nuns, and lay people from all over the world. And so we held prayer meetings and crowds attended and hundreds were baptized in the Holy Spirit and they took the baptism in the Holy Spirit back to their home countries. It was a wild and wonderful summer. There were no Life in the Spirit Seminars [they hadn’t been written yet], we just laid hands on everyone and prayed right away and amazing things happened. Given our youth and inexperience it is all the more evident that it was God’s work, not ours."
1 Year Anniversary of Priesthood
Fr. Michael Duffy, from St. Kilians parish in Farmingdale, and the blogger at Father, Where Art Thou? has reflects on his first anniversary of his ordination here.
Wednesday, June 05, 2013
Debunking the Myths of a Good Death
Date: Thursday, June 20, 2013
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: New York University
Kimmel Center, Room 914
60 Washington Square South, New York
A discussion about euthanasia and the value of suffering toward the end of life
with Dr. Margaret SOMERVILLE, Founding Director, Centre for Medicine, Ethics and Law at McGill University, Montreal, and Daniel P. SULMASY, MD, PhD, Kilbride-Clinton Professor of Medicine and Ethics, Department of Medicine and Divinity School; Associate Director, MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, Chicago
End-of-life issues are not easy to discuss because they involve very fundamental questions, such as the meaning and scope of individual freedom, the very value of human life and the nature of the medical profession. For this event, we have asked our speakers to help us understand better two very basic questions.
The first question is: what motivates the current push towards assisted suicide? What cultural forces are at work and how should we respond to them? Contemporary culture places a disproportionate emphasis on individual autonomy, but is that the only criterion? Is our death really just our own? Or does the idea of legal euthanasia ignore that fact that how we live and die has profound consequences on the lives of people around us?
This last question leads us to second theme that we would like to discuss tonight, namely the apparent inability of our culture to attribute any value to the unavoidable suffering that is associated with dying. Nothing makes suffering more unbearable than the perception that it is utterly meaningless. But is it really so? Is it possible to discover a possibility of good even in suffering?
The event is open to the public and free of charge.
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: New York University
Kimmel Center, Room 914
60 Washington Square South, New York
A discussion about euthanasia and the value of suffering toward the end of life
with Dr. Margaret SOMERVILLE, Founding Director, Centre for Medicine, Ethics and Law at McGill University, Montreal, and Daniel P. SULMASY, MD, PhD, Kilbride-Clinton Professor of Medicine and Ethics, Department of Medicine and Divinity School; Associate Director, MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, Chicago
Presented by Crossroads Cultural Center
This event is dedicated to the ongoing debate about the possible legalization of assisted suicide or, in some cases, even euthanasia.End-of-life issues are not easy to discuss because they involve very fundamental questions, such as the meaning and scope of individual freedom, the very value of human life and the nature of the medical profession. For this event, we have asked our speakers to help us understand better two very basic questions.
The first question is: what motivates the current push towards assisted suicide? What cultural forces are at work and how should we respond to them? Contemporary culture places a disproportionate emphasis on individual autonomy, but is that the only criterion? Is our death really just our own? Or does the idea of legal euthanasia ignore that fact that how we live and die has profound consequences on the lives of people around us?
This last question leads us to second theme that we would like to discuss tonight, namely the apparent inability of our culture to attribute any value to the unavoidable suffering that is associated with dying. Nothing makes suffering more unbearable than the perception that it is utterly meaningless. But is it really so? Is it possible to discover a possibility of good even in suffering?
The event is open to the public and free of charge.
Brooklyn's Catholic churches celebrate Feast of Corpus Christi
From the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, a short article on public Eucharistic processions including a picture of the procession at St. Finbars. My grandfather used to work at St. Finbars as a handyman.
"At Saint Finbar Catholic Church, hundreds of parishioners followed their pastor, the Rev. Michael Louis Gelfant, through the streets of Bath Beach singing “Christ Be Beside Me,” “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” and other hymns.
The participants included dozens of children dressed in crisp white dresses and suits who had recently received their first Holy Communion.
Curious onlookers waved at the religious procession. Some took pictures with their cell phone cameras.
After the procession, the parishioners returned to the church at 138 Bay 20th St., where a benediction took place. Noting the hot and humid weather the participants marched in, Gelfant said, “We were sweating, but we were sweating for Jesus!”
"At Saint Finbar Catholic Church, hundreds of parishioners followed their pastor, the Rev. Michael Louis Gelfant, through the streets of Bath Beach singing “Christ Be Beside Me,” “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” and other hymns.
The participants included dozens of children dressed in crisp white dresses and suits who had recently received their first Holy Communion.
Curious onlookers waved at the religious procession. Some took pictures with their cell phone cameras.
After the procession, the parishioners returned to the church at 138 Bay 20th St., where a benediction took place. Noting the hot and humid weather the participants marched in, Gelfant said, “We were sweating, but we were sweating for Jesus!”
Tuesday, June 04, 2013
Fr. Andrew Greeley
When I heard Fr. Andrew Greeley died the first thing I thought of was his writing about having documents hidden away about a ring of pedophiles in the Chicago priesthood. Fortunately I was not the only one who remembers this. When I first read that, before the priest sex scandals broke open, I always wondered whether it was true and if so why did he hide away the documents instead of handing them over to the police or press to expose this ring. Now that he is dead I hope we find out.
Fake Catholic Weddings on Long Island
When I was an altar boy I served Mass for a newly ordained priest named Fr. Robert Allmendinger. He later left the active ministry (I am not sure why) and was featured on a local investigative news feature called 'Shame on You'. He was presenting himself as a Catholic priest and marrying people but they were later finding out that he was not a priest in good standing. He now seems to have shorted his name to Robert Allmen and is calling himself a bishop (complete with snazzy bishop type outfit!). He has a second almost identical website here. I don't know if he is still doing the rent a priest thing here but he was 'returned to the lay state' as of November 9, 2011. So he is no longer a Catholic priest, and has not been a priest in good standing from long before that. I hope Catholics of Long Island realize that this man is not an active Catholic priest and if they want a Catholic wedding it will be inside a Catholic parish.
Update: Based on this thread on Liweddings.com some people still think he is a Catholic priest. Apparently he founded his own church called the Good Shepherd in Hamptons Bays (this is not a Catholic Church).
Related: Deacon Greg Kandra of The Deacon's Bench discusses the important question of "Why can't a Catholic get married outside of a Church?".
Update: Based on this thread on Liweddings.com some people still think he is a Catholic priest. Apparently he founded his own church called the Good Shepherd in Hamptons Bays (this is not a Catholic Church).
Related: Deacon Greg Kandra of The Deacon's Bench discusses the important question of "Why can't a Catholic get married outside of a Church?".
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
The atheist orthodoxy that drove me to faith
Below is a link to a great column by Megan Hodder, a Catholic convert who was a devotee of the 'New Atheists', those angry and fundamentalist atheists such as Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens, until she read Aquinas, George Weigel, and Pope Benedict. But the intellectual writing was just the spark, it was contact with 'real life' Catholics who brought her into the Church.
"My friendships with practising Catholics finally convinced me that I had to make a decision. Faith, after all, isn’t merely an intellectual exercise, an assent to certain propositions; it’s a radical act of the will, one that engenders a change of the whole person. Books had taken me to Catholicism as a plausible conjecture, but Catholicism as a living truth I came to understand only through observing those already serving the Church within that life of grace."
Do yourself a favor and read the whole thing at the Catholic Herald (UK), it is well worth it. Catholicism can be very exciting when you encounter it in books from great writers. It is so all encompassing that when you discover one person, such as Chesterton, you will be lead to others (Belloc) and then you will be brought into a whole other topic such as distributism, which will lead you to economics and justice, which will lead you into other people and topics, and on and on etc... But, without real encounters with genuine Christian people and good Liturgy, it can be just intellectual stimulation. As the author of the column puts it:
"I grew up in a culture that has largely turned its back on faith. It’s why I was able to drift through life with my ill-conceived atheism going unchallenged, and at least partially explains the sheer extent of the popular support for the New Atheists: for every considerate and well-informed atheist, there will be others with no personal experience of religion and no interest in the arguments who are simply drifting with the cultural tide.
As the popularity of belligerent, all-the-answers atheism wanes, however, thoughtful Christians able to explain and defend their faith will become an increasingly vital presence in the public square."
"My friendships with practising Catholics finally convinced me that I had to make a decision. Faith, after all, isn’t merely an intellectual exercise, an assent to certain propositions; it’s a radical act of the will, one that engenders a change of the whole person. Books had taken me to Catholicism as a plausible conjecture, but Catholicism as a living truth I came to understand only through observing those already serving the Church within that life of grace."
Do yourself a favor and read the whole thing at the Catholic Herald (UK), it is well worth it. Catholicism can be very exciting when you encounter it in books from great writers. It is so all encompassing that when you discover one person, such as Chesterton, you will be lead to others (Belloc) and then you will be brought into a whole other topic such as distributism, which will lead you to economics and justice, which will lead you into other people and topics, and on and on etc... But, without real encounters with genuine Christian people and good Liturgy, it can be just intellectual stimulation. As the author of the column puts it:
"I grew up in a culture that has largely turned its back on faith. It’s why I was able to drift through life with my ill-conceived atheism going unchallenged, and at least partially explains the sheer extent of the popular support for the New Atheists: for every considerate and well-informed atheist, there will be others with no personal experience of religion and no interest in the arguments who are simply drifting with the cultural tide.
As the popularity of belligerent, all-the-answers atheism wanes, however, thoughtful Christians able to explain and defend their faith will become an increasingly vital presence in the public square."
Disgusting perverts in political office and the priesthood
As a New Yorker, I have been accostomed to politicians being exposed as perverts or crooks (Elliot Spitzer, Anthony Weiner, Vito Lopez, etc...).
As a Catholic I have become accostomed to priests being exposed as perverts or crooks (Paul Shanley, John Corapi, Marcial Maciel, etc..).
This short article talks about perverted and crooked politicians but everything said about them would also apply to perverted and crooked priests as well.
Political Narcissists: Lacking a Moral Center
By George Marlin
As a Catholic I have become accostomed to priests being exposed as perverts or crooks (Paul Shanley, John Corapi, Marcial Maciel, etc..).
This short article talks about perverted and crooked politicians but everything said about them would also apply to perverted and crooked priests as well.
Political Narcissists: Lacking a Moral Center
By George Marlin
"What
makes these and so many other political lowlifes believe they are
indispensible and that nothing they ever do will be led against them in
the long run?
First
and foremost, they are narcissists. They have grandiose views of their
talents, excessive interest in themselves, a craving for attention and
admiration, and a consciousness of superiority.
This
type of person, as social philosopher Christopher Lasch once observed,
depends on others “to validate his self-esteem. He cannot live without
an admiring audience. . . .For the narcissist, the world is a mirror,
whereas the rugged individual saw it as an empty wilderness to be shaped
to his own design.” Success for these narcissists “consists of nothing
more substantial than a wish to be vastly admired; not for one’s
accomplishments, but simply for oneself, uncritically and without
reservation.”
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Five Schools Get Reprieve From Rockville Centre Diocese
From CBS 2
"The Diocese of Rockville Center [sic]will not be closing five grammar schools next fall.
Two of the schools are in Nassau County and three of the schools are in Suffolk County.
Nassau, they are St. Dominic Elementary School in Oyster Bay and St. Edward the Confessor School in Syosset.
In Suffolk, they are St. Isidore School in Riverhead, Our Lady of Mercy Regional School in Cutchogue, and Our Lady Queen of Apostles School in Center Moriches.
The’ve been removed from a watch list, at least for now, according to Diocese spokesman Sean Dolan.
“It’s dependent upon enrollment. It’s dependent upon adequate funding from the parishes and contributions from parishioners and fundraising and stuff,”
What is needed in the DRVC is a couple of small schools setup by lay people and run explicitly to teach the faith. This is a trend in Catholic elementary education and the Diocese has plenty of empty school buildings that the schools could reside.
"The Diocese of Rockville Center [sic]will not be closing five grammar schools next fall.
Two of the schools are in Nassau County and three of the schools are in Suffolk County.
Nassau, they are St. Dominic Elementary School in Oyster Bay and St. Edward the Confessor School in Syosset.
In Suffolk, they are St. Isidore School in Riverhead, Our Lady of Mercy Regional School in Cutchogue, and Our Lady Queen of Apostles School in Center Moriches.
The’ve been removed from a watch list, at least for now, according to Diocese spokesman Sean Dolan.
“It’s dependent upon enrollment. It’s dependent upon adequate funding from the parishes and contributions from parishioners and fundraising and stuff,”
What is needed in the DRVC is a couple of small schools setup by lay people and run explicitly to teach the faith. This is a trend in Catholic elementary education and the Diocese has plenty of empty school buildings that the schools could reside.
Vatican: 100,000 Christians killed annually
By Catholic News Service
GENEVA (CNS) -- More than 100,000 Christians are killed each year because of their faith, and millions more face bigotry, intolerance and marginalization because of their beliefs, a Vatican official said.
Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, the Vatican's permanent observer to U.S. agencies in Geneva, told the Human Rights Council May 27 that "credible research" by Massimo Introvigne, a former representative of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe on combating intolerance and discrimination against Christians, "has reached the shocking conclusion that an estimate of more than 100,000 Christians are violently killed because of some relation to their faith every year."
In addition, he said, "in some Western countries, where historically the Christian presence has been an integral part of society, a trend emerges that tends to marginalize Christianity in public life, ignore historic and social contributions and even restrict the ability of faith communities to carry out social charitable services."
Of course the bigots in this country will deny this, or downplay it as they always do.
GENEVA (CNS) -- More than 100,000 Christians are killed each year because of their faith, and millions more face bigotry, intolerance and marginalization because of their beliefs, a Vatican official said.
Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, the Vatican's permanent observer to U.S. agencies in Geneva, told the Human Rights Council May 27 that "credible research" by Massimo Introvigne, a former representative of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe on combating intolerance and discrimination against Christians, "has reached the shocking conclusion that an estimate of more than 100,000 Christians are violently killed because of some relation to their faith every year."
In addition, he said, "in some Western countries, where historically the Christian presence has been an integral part of society, a trend emerges that tends to marginalize Christianity in public life, ignore historic and social contributions and even restrict the ability of faith communities to carry out social charitable services."
Of course the bigots in this country will deny this, or downplay it as they always do.
Catholic Church Mediates Ceasefire Between Honduran Gangs
I heard this story driving home from work tonight. You can listen to the story on NRP.org but it does not go into details about the Church's involvement.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Dr. Peter Kreeft's conversion to Catholicism - Part 1
Over at the Catholic Education Resource Center, Dr. Peter Kreeft tells the story of his conversion to Catholicism. I has no idea he was a convert - they really should wear name tags or something.
"We lived in New Jersey, and we went to New York City a lot as tourists — I'm an only child — with my parents, and we went to St. Patrick's Cathedral, just to see it, and I'd never seen anything like that before. I was stunned. It was just like the gate of heaven. It was a different kind of beauty. I said to myself, this is the most beautiful piece of architecture I've ever seen in my life. And I turned to my father and I said, "Dad, this is a Catholic church, isn't it?" And he said, "Yes." And I said, "The Catholics are wrong, aren't they?" And he said, "Oh, yes, of course; they're very, very wrong." And then I said, "Then how can their churches be so beautiful?" And it was the first time in my life that my father didn't have any answer to a question at all; he was just stumped. I saw the confusion on his face. I think I was at the time much more scandalized by the fact that my hitherto-infallible father didn't have the answer to a very simple question than my doubts that the Catholic Church was as bad as I had thought it. Well, sermons in stone: You can argue with thoughts; you can't argue with beauty"
"We lived in New Jersey, and we went to New York City a lot as tourists — I'm an only child — with my parents, and we went to St. Patrick's Cathedral, just to see it, and I'd never seen anything like that before. I was stunned. It was just like the gate of heaven. It was a different kind of beauty. I said to myself, this is the most beautiful piece of architecture I've ever seen in my life. And I turned to my father and I said, "Dad, this is a Catholic church, isn't it?" And he said, "Yes." And I said, "The Catholics are wrong, aren't they?" And he said, "Oh, yes, of course; they're very, very wrong." And then I said, "Then how can their churches be so beautiful?" And it was the first time in my life that my father didn't have any answer to a question at all; he was just stumped. I saw the confusion on his face. I think I was at the time much more scandalized by the fact that my hitherto-infallible father didn't have the answer to a very simple question than my doubts that the Catholic Church was as bad as I had thought it. Well, sermons in stone: You can argue with thoughts; you can't argue with beauty"
Sunday, May 26, 2013
New Pastors and priest transfers in the Diocese of Rockville Centre
June is the traditional time for the Diocese to shift priests around. The Long Island Catholic would always publish all the personnel changes, so now that it is not published weekly I suppose we will have to watch the DRVC website to learn where priests will land.
I did find some of this info on Bishop Murphy's blog a couple of months ago:
Fr. Christopher Costigan of St. Bernards in Levittown will go to St. Mary's in Manhasset
Msgr. Batule will become the pastor of Corpus Christi in Mineola.
If anyone knows of any other information please let me know.
UPDATE - from a reader:
Father Nohs from Holy Spirit will be going to St Bernards
I did find some of this info on Bishop Murphy's blog a couple of months ago:
- Msgr. Gerald Ringenback from pastor at St. Bernard, Levittown, to pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Holbrook (replacing Msgr. Thomas Spadaro, who was pastor at Good Shepherd for 31 years!)
- Msgr. Ralph Sommer from pastor at St. Brigid, Westbury to pastor of St. Bernard, Levittown
- Father Anthony Stanganelli from pastor at Ss. Philip and James in St. James, to pastor of St. Brigid, Westbury
- Msgr. James McNamara from pastor of Holy Cross, Nesconset, to pastor of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Point Lookout, where he will replace retiring pastor, Father Patrick Callan.
- Father Frank Grieco will leave St. Anthony in East Northport to become pastor at Holy Spirit, New Hyde Park.
- Father Valentine Rebello will go from associate at St. Barnabas, Bellmore, to pastor of St. Pius X in Plainview.
- Father Robert Holtz will move from associate at St. Christopher, Baldwin to be pastor of St. Raphael, East Meadow.
- Father Michael Holzman will finish up as chaplain at St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School to become pastor of Holy Cross, Nesconset.
- Father Marian Bicz will leave as pastor of Our Lady of Obstrabama in Cutchogue to become pastor of St. Hyacinth in Glen Head.
- Father Thomas Haggerty completes his years at St. Raphael, East Meadow, to become pastor of SS. Philip and James in St. James.
Fr. Christopher Costigan of St. Bernards in Levittown will go to St. Mary's in Manhasset
Msgr. Batule will become the pastor of Corpus Christi in Mineola.
If anyone knows of any other information please let me know.
UPDATE - from a reader:
Father Nohs from Holy Spirit will be going to St Bernards
Saturday, May 25, 2013
The Rise of Suicide in America
The cover story at The Daily Beast is on suicide and anyone interested in a Culture of Life should take the issue seriously. The rise of suicide seems to go along with the breakdown of the family and the loss of faith in the west as mentioned in my previous post.
The Suicide Epidemic
The Suicide Epidemic
Islam's Civil War
Michael Coren writes a great column in the Toronto Sun about the battle within Islam: Extremist Vs. Moderates and how the west must support the moderates.
Islam's Civil War
"Islam is undergoing a civil war, between those who interpret their primary holy texts literally and those who understand and embrace metaphor and modernity.
As author Daniel Pipes puts it, if fundamentalist Islam is the problem, moderate Islam is the solution.
But if the moderates have even a hope of winning, we have to enable and empower them. And we don’t do that by pretending, as British Prime Minister David Cameron and London Mayor Boris Johnson have just done, that violence and Islam have no connection."
Islam's Civil War
"Islam is undergoing a civil war, between those who interpret their primary holy texts literally and those who understand and embrace metaphor and modernity.
As author Daniel Pipes puts it, if fundamentalist Islam is the problem, moderate Islam is the solution.
But if the moderates have even a hope of winning, we have to enable and empower them. And we don’t do that by pretending, as British Prime Minister David Cameron and London Mayor Boris Johnson have just done, that violence and Islam have no connection."
Friday, May 24, 2013
Woolwich heroine says Catholic faith inspired her to confront attackers
In yet another terrorist attack by muslims, this time in Woolwich England, two muslims savagely hit an innocent man with their car and then cut him to death with a butcher's knife. A woman got off a bus to try to help the dead man and she confronted the attackers. Just as the attackers were motivated by their muslim faith, that woman, Ingrid Loyau-Kennet, was motivated by her Catholic faith.
"A mother of two who calmly confronted the Woolwich attackers on Wednesday has attributed her courage to her Catholic faith.
Ingrid Loyau-Kennet, a practising Catholic, told the Daily Telegraph: “I live my life as a Christian. I believe in thinking about others and loving thy neighbour. We all have a duty to look after each other. A whole group of people walking towards those guys would have found it easy to take those weapons out of their hands. But me, on my own, I couldn’t.”
Read more here at the Catholic Herald.
"A mother of two who calmly confronted the Woolwich attackers on Wednesday has attributed her courage to her Catholic faith.
Ingrid Loyau-Kennet, a practising Catholic, told the Daily Telegraph: “I live my life as a Christian. I believe in thinking about others and loving thy neighbour. We all have a duty to look after each other. A whole group of people walking towards those guys would have found it easy to take those weapons out of their hands. But me, on my own, I couldn’t.”
Read more here at the Catholic Herald.
Bishop Murphy Authorizes Special Collection for Those Suffering from Oklahoma Tornado
From the Diocese of Rockville Centre:
"ROCKVILLE CENTRE, N.Y. – May 17, 2013 – The Most Reverend William Murphy, Bishop, Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre asks that all parishes join in prayer for those who are suffering after the tornado in Oklahoma this week, particularly for those who were injured and those who have died.
To support those in need at this time the bishop authorizes a special collection to be taken at the Masses either this weekend or next. Pastors are asked to remit proceeds of the collection to the finance office as soon as possible so that the aid can be sent to help the Church in Oklahoma meet immediate needs in the work of relief."
"ROCKVILLE CENTRE, N.Y. – May 17, 2013 – The Most Reverend William Murphy, Bishop, Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre asks that all parishes join in prayer for those who are suffering after the tornado in Oklahoma this week, particularly for those who were injured and those who have died.
To support those in need at this time the bishop authorizes a special collection to be taken at the Masses either this weekend or next. Pastors are asked to remit proceeds of the collection to the finance office as soon as possible so that the aid can be sent to help the Church in Oklahoma meet immediate needs in the work of relief."
How the West Really Lost God
At Crisis Magazine, Austin Ruse of C-Fam looks at a new book: How the West Really Lost God by Mary Eberstadt here and then again here. Basically the book argues that the decline in religion was caused by the decline of the family.
The description from the publisher makes this book sound like something I would enjoy reading:
"In this magisterial work, cultural critic Mary Eberstadt delivers a powerful new theory about the decline of religion in the Western world. The conventional wisdom is that the West first experienced religious decline, followed by the decline of the family. Eberstadt turns this standard account on its head. Marshalling an impressive array of research, from fascinating historical data on family decline in pre-Revolutionary France to contemporary popular culture both in the United States and Europe, Eberstadt shows that the reverse has also been true: the undermining of the family has further undermined Christianity itself.
Drawing on sociology, history, demography, theology, literature, and many other sources, Eberstadt shows that family decline and religious decline have gone hand in hand in the Western world in a way that has not been understood before—that they are, as she puts it in a striking new image summarizing the book’s thesis, “the double helix of society, each dependent on the strength of the other for successful reproduction.”
The description from the publisher makes this book sound like something I would enjoy reading:
"In this magisterial work, cultural critic Mary Eberstadt delivers a powerful new theory about the decline of religion in the Western world. The conventional wisdom is that the West first experienced religious decline, followed by the decline of the family. Eberstadt turns this standard account on its head. Marshalling an impressive array of research, from fascinating historical data on family decline in pre-Revolutionary France to contemporary popular culture both in the United States and Europe, Eberstadt shows that the reverse has also been true: the undermining of the family has further undermined Christianity itself.
Drawing on sociology, history, demography, theology, literature, and many other sources, Eberstadt shows that family decline and religious decline have gone hand in hand in the Western world in a way that has not been understood before—that they are, as she puts it in a striking new image summarizing the book’s thesis, “the double helix of society, each dependent on the strength of the other for successful reproduction.”
St. Aloysius Church Celebrates 100 Years
From the Great Neck Record -
"Great Neck’s beautiful, majestic St. Aloysius Church celebrates its 100th birthday this year. On Sunday, June 23, the church hosts a centennial celebration, including a special mass and a dinner dance. The historic church is located at 592 Middle Neck Road in the Village of Great Neck.
“Even after 100 years, many people still consider St. Aloysius one of the most beautiful churches on Long Island,” said Monsignor Brendan Riordan, pastor of St. Aloysius.
....
The church traces its roots back to 1876 when Bishop John Loughlin, the first Bishop of Brooklyn, established the parish and appointed Reverend Patrick Sheridan its first pastor. Father Sheridan celebrated the first Mass in Great Neck in February 1876 in a near-by private home. Later that year the first church was dedicated on May 20, 1876, further back than the current site.
Father John J. Molloy, fourth Pastor, was responsible for the building of the present church. He chose a distinguished architect, Gustave Steinbach, an expert in Byzantine Romanesque style of church architecture. The cornerstone was laid on August 13, 1913. "
Here is the website for the parish (the link in the article is incorrect, it is for a 500 year old school in Glasgow.)
And here is more info on the parish including pictures, from Joe McMahon's Nassau County N.Y. Catholic blog.
Sanctuary of St. Aloysius (Joe McMahon)
"Great Neck’s beautiful, majestic St. Aloysius Church celebrates its 100th birthday this year. On Sunday, June 23, the church hosts a centennial celebration, including a special mass and a dinner dance. The historic church is located at 592 Middle Neck Road in the Village of Great Neck.
“Even after 100 years, many people still consider St. Aloysius one of the most beautiful churches on Long Island,” said Monsignor Brendan Riordan, pastor of St. Aloysius.
....
The church traces its roots back to 1876 when Bishop John Loughlin, the first Bishop of Brooklyn, established the parish and appointed Reverend Patrick Sheridan its first pastor. Father Sheridan celebrated the first Mass in Great Neck in February 1876 in a near-by private home. Later that year the first church was dedicated on May 20, 1876, further back than the current site.
Father John J. Molloy, fourth Pastor, was responsible for the building of the present church. He chose a distinguished architect, Gustave Steinbach, an expert in Byzantine Romanesque style of church architecture. The cornerstone was laid on August 13, 1913. "
Here is the website for the parish (the link in the article is incorrect, it is for a 500 year old school in Glasgow.)
And here is more info on the parish including pictures, from Joe McMahon's Nassau County N.Y. Catholic blog.
Sanctuary of St. Aloysius (Joe McMahon)
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Traditional Latin High Mass - Corpus Christi Sunday
Sunday, June 2, 2013
12:30 PM
St Matthew Roman Catholic Church
35 North Service Rd, Dix Hills, NY
From the parish bulletin:
This year, on Sunday, June 2nd, at the 12:30 PM Mass we will continue our recent tradi-tion of offering a special Missa Cantata or "Sung Mass" in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, or traditional Latin High Mass followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The powerful and beautiful music of our Catholic tradition ( Gregorian Chant, polyphony, and Mozart’s Ave Verum) will be featured. The Eucharistic Blessing will be intended to reach our entire community as well.
12:30 PM
St Matthew Roman Catholic Church
35 North Service Rd, Dix Hills, NY
From the parish bulletin:
This year, on Sunday, June 2nd, at the 12:30 PM Mass we will continue our recent tradi-tion of offering a special Missa Cantata or "Sung Mass" in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, or traditional Latin High Mass followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The powerful and beautiful music of our Catholic tradition ( Gregorian Chant, polyphony, and Mozart’s Ave Verum) will be featured. The Eucharistic Blessing will be intended to reach our entire community as well.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Funeral held for victim of Hofstra home invasion
From the USA Today
"The Rev. Osvaldo Franklin, speaking in both Portuguese and English, told the near-capacity crowd at St. Teresa of Avila Church in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., that the 21-year-old Hofstra University junior killed last week during a home invasion gone bad would have been pleased to see so many of her friends and family gathered to say farewell.
Family members, including Andrea's twin sister, Jessica, sat mostly in silence during the morning Mass, gripping tissues and each other's hands. A few sobs could be heard from the attendees, many of whom had come to Sleepy Hollow from Hofstra
"During this tragedy, a question comes to mind, why? Why?" Franklin said. "Why Andrea? In the flower of her youth, she left us. She was a good daughter and, like Jessica, a good student. Both Andrea and Jessica were always smiling."
"They came from a good family with good values," Franklin said. "My dear friends, only the word of God, through our faith in the resurrection, can help us in this moment of pain."
Many of the attendees wore white ribbons during the service at the church where the sisters received their First Communion."
"The Rev. Osvaldo Franklin, speaking in both Portuguese and English, told the near-capacity crowd at St. Teresa of Avila Church in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., that the 21-year-old Hofstra University junior killed last week during a home invasion gone bad would have been pleased to see so many of her friends and family gathered to say farewell.
Family members, including Andrea's twin sister, Jessica, sat mostly in silence during the morning Mass, gripping tissues and each other's hands. A few sobs could be heard from the attendees, many of whom had come to Sleepy Hollow from Hofstra
"During this tragedy, a question comes to mind, why? Why?" Franklin said. "Why Andrea? In the flower of her youth, she left us. She was a good daughter and, like Jessica, a good student. Both Andrea and Jessica were always smiling."
"They came from a good family with good values," Franklin said. "My dear friends, only the word of God, through our faith in the resurrection, can help us in this moment of pain."
Many of the attendees wore white ribbons during the service at the church where the sisters received their First Communion."
Mass in a Mall
From PRI's The World: Catholic Church in Philippines Holds Mass in Malls
"The Catholic Church in the Philippines is doing all it can to reach out. Even though the Philippines is the third largest Catholic country in the world, the Church has been losing followers. In this hot, humid country, many families prefer to spend Sundays in climate-controlled malls than in church. So the priests have followed them.
At Robinsons, I meet Father Maximo Villanueva. He also preaches at a nearby church but he admits that the mall is more user-friendly. And there are benefits to celebrating Mass in a shopping center.
“About a second after the Mass you can eat anywhere and go to the movies. I like it,” Father Villanueva says, laughing."
With the design of many Churches today, and the way people dress at Mass, would a Mass in the mall really feel that much different? I suppose this is what Pope Francis means when he says the Church must go out among the people. I remember hearing about an idea to setup a Catholic Information kiosk in a mall on Long Island. I think it would be a good way to evangelize but I don't think anything has happened on the idea yet.
"The Catholic Church in the Philippines is doing all it can to reach out. Even though the Philippines is the third largest Catholic country in the world, the Church has been losing followers. In this hot, humid country, many families prefer to spend Sundays in climate-controlled malls than in church. So the priests have followed them.
At Robinsons, I meet Father Maximo Villanueva. He also preaches at a nearby church but he admits that the mall is more user-friendly. And there are benefits to celebrating Mass in a shopping center.
“About a second after the Mass you can eat anywhere and go to the movies. I like it,” Father Villanueva says, laughing."
With the design of many Churches today, and the way people dress at Mass, would a Mass in the mall really feel that much different? I suppose this is what Pope Francis means when he says the Church must go out among the people. I remember hearing about an idea to setup a Catholic Information kiosk in a mall on Long Island. I think it would be a good way to evangelize but I don't think anything has happened on the idea yet.
The Arab Collapse
Ralph Peters is a columnist in the NY Post, a retired US Army Lt. Colonel, and certainly not a dove when it comes to war, foreign policy and geopolitics. I think he has an good understanding of the middle east and his latest column calling for the US to stay out of Syria is excellent. America has become addicted to wars and we have to stop the mentality that we must kill in order to promote the good around the world. The popularity of neo-conservativism in America among Catholics is understandable due to issues of abortion, general attitudes towards Christianity and religion and the Catholic Church in particular, family issues, the gay agenda, etc... But the worst aspect, the policies that are most wrong, the most incompatible with traditional Catholic teaching is the neo-conservative support of wars. I have found my own views on this shifting towards the libertarian view of war and I think more and more Catholics are waking up on this issue. Peters shows why the USA does not need and should not interfere (again) in the middle east.
Go read Peters' whole article.
Excerpt:
"The Arab Spring has unleashed the Arab Collapse. Everybody still standing in the region is picking the flesh of the helpless. The Islamist cancer proved more virulent than Arabs themselves expected, while dying regimes behave with unrestrained ruthlessness.
And our diplomats still think everyone can be cajoled into harmony.
We’re witnessing a titanic event, the crack-up of a long-tottering civilization. Arab societies grew so corrupt and stagnant that violent upheaval became inevitable. That’s what we’re seeing in Syria and Iraq — two names, one struggle — and will find elsewhere tomorrow.
We can’t stop it, we can’t fix it, and we don’t understand it. But we can stay out of it.
When the US is in the Middle East, the Arabs want us out. When we’re out, they want us in. But our purported Arab (and Turkish) allies consistently agree that Uncle Sam should pay the party bill, while they take home all the presents.
Yes, Syria’s humanitarian crisis is appalling. And no, I don’t like to see innocents dying or suffering. But the calls from the region for American action are nakedly cynical.
Turkey has the largest military in NATO after our own, but cries “helpless” crocodile tears over Syrian refugees — while dreaming of rebuilding the Ottoman Empire upon their ruined lives. Our Saudi “friends” spent decades building the most-sophisticated military arsenal in the Middle East, apart from Israel. Now the Saudis wring their hands over Syria’s misery — but won’t intervene directly to stop the killing.
The Saudi position is always “You and him fight!” As long ago as Desert Storm, Saudis joked about renting the American army and our bumpkin gullibility. (Try to find one US officer who’s worked with the Saudis and doesn’t hate their guts. . .) Now they want Washington to spend our blood and treasure to open the mosques of Damascus to their Wahhabi cult."
Go read Peters' whole article.
Excerpt:
"The Arab Spring has unleashed the Arab Collapse. Everybody still standing in the region is picking the flesh of the helpless. The Islamist cancer proved more virulent than Arabs themselves expected, while dying regimes behave with unrestrained ruthlessness.
And our diplomats still think everyone can be cajoled into harmony.
We’re witnessing a titanic event, the crack-up of a long-tottering civilization. Arab societies grew so corrupt and stagnant that violent upheaval became inevitable. That’s what we’re seeing in Syria and Iraq — two names, one struggle — and will find elsewhere tomorrow.
We can’t stop it, we can’t fix it, and we don’t understand it. But we can stay out of it.
When the US is in the Middle East, the Arabs want us out. When we’re out, they want us in. But our purported Arab (and Turkish) allies consistently agree that Uncle Sam should pay the party bill, while they take home all the presents.
Yes, Syria’s humanitarian crisis is appalling. And no, I don’t like to see innocents dying or suffering. But the calls from the region for American action are nakedly cynical.
Turkey has the largest military in NATO after our own, but cries “helpless” crocodile tears over Syrian refugees — while dreaming of rebuilding the Ottoman Empire upon their ruined lives. Our Saudi “friends” spent decades building the most-sophisticated military arsenal in the Middle East, apart from Israel. Now the Saudis wring their hands over Syria’s misery — but won’t intervene directly to stop the killing.
The Saudi position is always “You and him fight!” As long ago as Desert Storm, Saudis joked about renting the American army and our bumpkin gullibility. (Try to find one US officer who’s worked with the Saudis and doesn’t hate their guts. . .) Now they want Washington to spend our blood and treasure to open the mosques of Damascus to their Wahhabi cult."
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Suicide at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris
It was a blogger:
"Some 1,500 visitors were cleared out of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris after a man put a letter on the altar of the 850-year-old monument Tuesday, pulled out a gun and shot himself in the head.
It's the first suicide in decades at the landmark site, Monsignor Patrick Jacquin, the cathedral's rector, told The Associated Press.
"It's unfortunate, it's dramatic, it's shocking," Jacquin said. The motives for the suicide, and the contents of the man's letter, were unclear.
The Paris prosecutor's office identified the man as 78-year-old Dominique Venner.
Venner's blog describes him as a historian and essayist, and includes description of his involvement in the campaign against France's new law authorizing gay marriage. In some posts he criticizes "massive immigration" and what he describes as encroaching Islam; others include historical analysis of revolution or American-European relations."
"Some 1,500 visitors were cleared out of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris after a man put a letter on the altar of the 850-year-old monument Tuesday, pulled out a gun and shot himself in the head.
It's the first suicide in decades at the landmark site, Monsignor Patrick Jacquin, the cathedral's rector, told The Associated Press.
"It's unfortunate, it's dramatic, it's shocking," Jacquin said. The motives for the suicide, and the contents of the man's letter, were unclear.
The Paris prosecutor's office identified the man as 78-year-old Dominique Venner.
Venner's blog describes him as a historian and essayist, and includes description of his involvement in the campaign against France's new law authorizing gay marriage. In some posts he criticizes "massive immigration" and what he describes as encroaching Islam; others include historical analysis of revolution or American-European relations."
French, Catholic And Proud: Gay Marriage Battle Fuels New Kind Of Youth Revolution
This interesting article looks at the movement of young, orthodox and fervent Catholics in France. It is easy to see the parallel here in the US, although the article makes it sound like this is a newer movement there than here.
"PARIS - Everyone thought they had disappeared, and they had indeed become invisible to most of us. But for the past six months, they have been resurfacing and taking to the streets relentlessly to protest against gay marriage.
They use their networks to organize events and rallies, as well as candlelit sit-ins and vigils. As defenders of the so-called traditional family, they represent a large proportion of those who march against same-sex marriage.
“It is a real groundswell,” says Christine Pedotti, editor-in-chief at Témoignage chrétien (“Christian Testimony”), the only Catholic magazine to favor gay marriage. “These young conservative activists obey the Church hierarchy and are addicted to family values and genuflecting. This is the new face of the Church.”
This new generation of Catholics – the John Paul II and Benedict XVI generation – became the unexpected sentinel of the Church in the battle against gay marriage, which started on August 15 with a “Prayer for France.”
I find the tone of the article amusing: sort of where did these young people come from and how did this happen? I imagine that France is more secularized than America so this must be much more shocking to the French:
"Sister Nathalie Becquart is the head of the French national youth evangelism service. She says, “Trying to understand this phenomenon is like being an explorer in Papua New Guinea.” These “Catholics 2.0” have their own codes, their own priorities and communication methods (see video below).
The 43-year-old nun – a graduate of France’s top business school HEC and a former marketing and communications consultant – is astonished by how religious practices have evolved in the past five years, even among young people from less privileged backgrounds and immigrants: “At the end, they were all on their knees.”
"PARIS - Everyone thought they had disappeared, and they had indeed become invisible to most of us. But for the past six months, they have been resurfacing and taking to the streets relentlessly to protest against gay marriage.
They use their networks to organize events and rallies, as well as candlelit sit-ins and vigils. As defenders of the so-called traditional family, they represent a large proportion of those who march against same-sex marriage.
“It is a real groundswell,” says Christine Pedotti, editor-in-chief at Témoignage chrétien (“Christian Testimony”), the only Catholic magazine to favor gay marriage. “These young conservative activists obey the Church hierarchy and are addicted to family values and genuflecting. This is the new face of the Church.”
This new generation of Catholics – the John Paul II and Benedict XVI generation – became the unexpected sentinel of the Church in the battle against gay marriage, which started on August 15 with a “Prayer for France.”
I find the tone of the article amusing: sort of where did these young people come from and how did this happen? I imagine that France is more secularized than America so this must be much more shocking to the French:
"Sister Nathalie Becquart is the head of the French national youth evangelism service. She says, “Trying to understand this phenomenon is like being an explorer in Papua New Guinea.” These “Catholics 2.0” have their own codes, their own priorities and communication methods (see video below).
The 43-year-old nun – a graduate of France’s top business school HEC and a former marketing and communications consultant – is astonished by how religious practices have evolved in the past five years, even among young people from less privileged backgrounds and immigrants: “At the end, they were all on their knees.”
America and Catholicism
Here is a mostly negative review of Christopher Ferrara’s "Liberty: The God That Failed".
And here is a review by Jeff Miller (aka The Curt Jester) of Rusell Shaw's new book: 'American Church: The Remarkable Rise, Meteoric Fall, and Uncertain Future of Catholicism in America'
So, what are we Catholics to think? Is America compatible with Catholicism or not? Has America been good for the Church at large, and has it been good for us Catholics who live here? How are we to live as Catholic Americans? I can't wait to dig more into these books.
And here is a review by Jeff Miller (aka The Curt Jester) of Rusell Shaw's new book: 'American Church: The Remarkable Rise, Meteoric Fall, and Uncertain Future of Catholicism in America'
So, what are we Catholics to think? Is America compatible with Catholicism or not? Has America been good for the Church at large, and has it been good for us Catholics who live here? How are we to live as Catholic Americans? I can't wait to dig more into these books.
Monday, May 20, 2013
What’s Killing American Catholicism – 4
Fr. Dwight Longenecker has posted part 4 of his series on what is killing American Catholicism. I found his take on the Liturgy in America to be right on target. Go and read the whole series but I found this to be the key part that describes my experience:
"The Catholic religion–like all ancient religions both pagan and Jewish–is ritualistic. It speaks in the language of liturgy, sign, symbol and sacred gesture. We only have to experience the typical AmChurch Mass to see that the Americans attending Mass don’t understand such things. The altar servers wear robes but they don’t know why. They serve the altar, but have not the slightest idea of the liturgical or symbolic significance of what they do. The chew gum [sic]and wear da-glo sneakers underneath their robes. The people sit in the pews in big auditoria dressed as if they are at the movies or a basketball game. The music is an entertainment based blend of honkey tonk, nightclub style and country Western. This is made worse by the fact that the vast majority of AmChurch Catholics don’t realize there is anything wrong. The like this form of worship, and they like it because they don’t understand ritual, sign, symbol and sacred gesture–even worse they don’t understand that they don’t understand."
"The Catholic religion–like all ancient religions both pagan and Jewish–is ritualistic. It speaks in the language of liturgy, sign, symbol and sacred gesture. We only have to experience the typical AmChurch Mass to see that the Americans attending Mass don’t understand such things. The altar servers wear robes but they don’t know why. They serve the altar, but have not the slightest idea of the liturgical or symbolic significance of what they do. The chew gum [sic]and wear da-glo sneakers underneath their robes. The people sit in the pews in big auditoria dressed as if they are at the movies or a basketball game. The music is an entertainment based blend of honkey tonk, nightclub style and country Western. This is made worse by the fact that the vast majority of AmChurch Catholics don’t realize there is anything wrong. The like this form of worship, and they like it because they don’t understand ritual, sign, symbol and sacred gesture–even worse they don’t understand that they don’t understand."
Star Parker: There is an alternative to the abortion culture
Yesterday there was a great column by Star Parker in Newsday regarding Kermit Gosnell and the abortion culture. (I am linking to the same column in the Washington Examiner because Newsday has a pay wall).
"But it is ironic that those who call themselves "pro-choice" argue that the only alternatives facing low-income women are unsafe abortions done by sleazebags or government-subsidized abortions.
There is another choice, but those who call themselves "pro-choice" don't want women, particularly poor women, to consider this option. This option is called "birth."
When conservatives talk about a culture of responsibility, we're not just talking about the personal responsibility of the individual in trouble. We're talking about the personal responsibility of the rest of us toward that individual.
There are now thousands of crisis pregnancy centers operating nationwide. More than 2,000 are affiliated with either Care Net or Heartbeat International. I maintain a regular active speaking schedule for and consult with these centers.
They work with pregnant women in trouble and provide them the services they need to have their child. They provide ultrasounds, parental counseling, life-management counseling, help with the physical needs of the mother and child and, if need be, help with adoption services."
"But it is ironic that those who call themselves "pro-choice" argue that the only alternatives facing low-income women are unsafe abortions done by sleazebags or government-subsidized abortions.
There is another choice, but those who call themselves "pro-choice" don't want women, particularly poor women, to consider this option. This option is called "birth."
When conservatives talk about a culture of responsibility, we're not just talking about the personal responsibility of the individual in trouble. We're talking about the personal responsibility of the rest of us toward that individual.
There are now thousands of crisis pregnancy centers operating nationwide. More than 2,000 are affiliated with either Care Net or Heartbeat International. I maintain a regular active speaking schedule for and consult with these centers.
They work with pregnant women in trouble and provide them the services they need to have their child. They provide ultrasounds, parental counseling, life-management counseling, help with the physical needs of the mother and child and, if need be, help with adoption services."
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Bishop Murphy Ordains 14 Men to Diaconate
Yesterday Bishop Murphy ordained 14 men to the permanent diaconate at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre. Unfortunately, I have no other info available except for their names and parishes. In the past there would have been biographies of each man printed in The Long Island Catholic but that is no longer printed weekly. God Bless these men!
Rene Orlando Alvarado
St. John of God, Central Islip
Jose Domingo Arevalo
St. Luke, Brentwood
Vincent Joseph Barreca, Jr.
Resurrection, Farmingville
Joseph Frank Bianco
Ronald Edward Federici
Cure of Ars, Merrick
Edward John Karan
Our Lady of the Snow, Blue Point
Frank Louis Kurre
Notre Dame, New Hyde Park
Orlando Alexis Mancilla
St. Luke, Brentwood
Rodolfo Bartolome Martin
St. Aidan, Williston Park
Gregory Thomas Nardone
St. Patrick, Bay Shore
Joseph Eric Oliva
Maria Regina, Seaford
John Salvatore Panzica
St. Gerard Majella, Pt. Jefferson Station
Ralph Joseph Rivera
Holy Cross, Nesconset
William August Weiss
St. Kilian, Farmingdale
Rene Orlando Alvarado
St. John of God, Central Islip
Jose Domingo Arevalo
St. Luke, Brentwood
Vincent Joseph Barreca, Jr.
Resurrection, Farmingville
Joseph Frank Bianco
Ronald Edward Federici
Cure of Ars, Merrick
Edward John Karan
Our Lady of the Snow, Blue Point
Frank Louis Kurre
Notre Dame, New Hyde Park
Orlando Alexis Mancilla
St. Luke, Brentwood
Rodolfo Bartolome Martin
St. Aidan, Williston Park
Gregory Thomas Nardone
St. Patrick, Bay Shore
Joseph Eric Oliva
Maria Regina, Seaford
John Salvatore Panzica
St. Gerard Majella, Pt. Jefferson Station
Ralph Joseph Rivera
Holy Cross, Nesconset
William August Weiss
St. Kilian, Farmingdale
Thomas E. Dennelly, RIP
I saw in Newsday the obit of Thomas E. Dennelly of Sayville and immediately recognized the name as a gentleman who often wrote letters to the editor in The Long Island Catholic, National Catholic Register and other publications. I did not know him personally, although I believe I met him at events around Long Island, but I always appreciated seeing his faithful and pro-life letters.
Pentecost Sunday
This is Pentecost Sunday - the birthday of the Church! Click here for the About.com Catholicism entry on Pentecost by Scott Richert to learn about this great Solemnity.
"Pentecost Sunday is one of the most ancient feasts of the Church, celebrated early enough to be mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles (20:16) and St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians (16:8). It is the 50th day after Easter (if we count both Easter and Pentecost), and it supplants the Jewish feast of Pentecost, which took place 50 days after the Passover and which celebrated the sealing of the Old Covenant on Mount Sinai."
"Pentecost Sunday is one of the most ancient feasts of the Church, celebrated early enough to be mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles (20:16) and St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians (16:8). It is the 50th day after Easter (if we count both Easter and Pentecost), and it supplants the Jewish feast of Pentecost, which took place 50 days after the Passover and which celebrated the sealing of the Old Covenant on Mount Sinai."
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
V. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created.
R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
V. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created.
R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
One Up, One Down
In the 'upstate' section of NY State, which has had disasterous leadership (in politics as well as in the Church), yesterday saw the consecration of a new Catholic Church. Right down the block another Catholic Church is being demolished to be replaced by a Pricechopper.
Saint Ann's Maronite Catholic Church consecrated
St. Patrick's Church demolished
"WATERVLIET, N.Y. -- Bishop Mansour of Brooklyn was welcomed into the Church of Saint Ann Saturday morning as part of a formal consecration and dedication ceremony.
The historic building was built in 1850, but closed its doors in the 1960’s, and remained boarded up for years. Saint Ann's bought the building in 2004 and renovated it before opening this past December.
“We have restored the interior to its original design, including the organ,” said Rosemary Patnode, a lifelong parishioner of Saint Ann’s Church.
But while parishioners celebrated the new life of the church, only a few blocks away stands the partially fallen tower at Saint Patrick’s.
“It's a sad day for the parishioners of Saint Patrick's, some of those parishioners have discovered us and have joined our parish,” said Patnode."
Here is a biography of Bishop Mansour of Brooklyn and here is the website of the Eparchy of Saint Maron.
Saint Ann's Maronite Catholic Church consecrated
St. Patrick's Church demolished
"WATERVLIET, N.Y. -- Bishop Mansour of Brooklyn was welcomed into the Church of Saint Ann Saturday morning as part of a formal consecration and dedication ceremony.
The historic building was built in 1850, but closed its doors in the 1960’s, and remained boarded up for years. Saint Ann's bought the building in 2004 and renovated it before opening this past December.
“We have restored the interior to its original design, including the organ,” said Rosemary Patnode, a lifelong parishioner of Saint Ann’s Church.
But while parishioners celebrated the new life of the church, only a few blocks away stands the partially fallen tower at Saint Patrick’s.
“It's a sad day for the parishioners of Saint Patrick's, some of those parishioners have discovered us and have joined our parish,” said Patnode."
Here is a biography of Bishop Mansour of Brooklyn and here is the website of the Eparchy of Saint Maron.
Bombers target Catholic church in Benghazi, priests escape unhurt
I wonder if the State Dept. would like to spin this Benghazi story?
"Fr Alan Castillo and Fr Raghib Marzouk escaped unhurt after a bomb went off at the Catholic church in Via Torino, Benghazi, late Friday night.
According to sources, a bomb was placed at the main of the church when an explosion rocked the area at around 11.30pm shattering several glass windows on the opposite side of the narrow road and also several windows in the building adjacent to the church housing the priests.
Fortunately, Maltese bishop Mons. Sylvester Magro was not there as he is currently in Spain attending a religious function."
"Fr Alan Castillo and Fr Raghib Marzouk escaped unhurt after a bomb went off at the Catholic church in Via Torino, Benghazi, late Friday night.
According to sources, a bomb was placed at the main of the church when an explosion rocked the area at around 11.30pm shattering several glass windows on the opposite side of the narrow road and also several windows in the building adjacent to the church housing the priests.
Fortunately, Maltese bishop Mons. Sylvester Magro was not there as he is currently in Spain attending a religious function."
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Nassau County NY Catholic Blog
I wish I had noticed these great blogs earlier - they both take you on a tour of parishes with lots of pictures and some history. It is a wonderful idea and a great job by the blogger - I will be putting them both on the sidebar.
Nassau County NY Catholic
Brooklyn Catholic
Nassau County NY Catholic
Brooklyn Catholic
Friday, May 17, 2013
Hofstra Student Shot Dead During Home Invasion
"(CBS/AP) A female Hofstra
University student who was fatally shot early Friday in a Long Island
home was killed along with an armed suspect during a police-involved
shooting as authorities responded to a home invasion robbery, police
said, reports CBS New York.
The victim, identified by 1010WINS radio as Andrea Rebello, 21, from Westchester County, was reportedly in the home with her twin sister at the time of the break-in.
Police said the other sister was not harmed, CBS New York reported."
From CBS News.
This is horrible - please pray for this young woman, her family and the other students in this house that will have to live with this. Hofstra is a great school but near two of the highest crime neighborhoods in Nassau County: Hempstead and Uniondale. In 2004 there was a Hofstra student raped right off of California Avenue near where this home invasion took place. Everyone needs to be aware of bad it is around there and consider living on campus.
The victim, identified by 1010WINS radio as Andrea Rebello, 21, from Westchester County, was reportedly in the home with her twin sister at the time of the break-in.
Police said the other sister was not harmed, CBS New York reported."
From CBS News.
This is horrible - please pray for this young woman, her family and the other students in this house that will have to live with this. Hofstra is a great school but near two of the highest crime neighborhoods in Nassau County: Hempstead and Uniondale. In 2004 there was a Hofstra student raped right off of California Avenue near where this home invasion took place. Everyone needs to be aware of bad it is around there and consider living on campus.
With New Leaders In Rome And Beijing, China's Catholics Face Uncertain Future
"SHANGHAI - On the last Monday of April, this city's main Cathedral
was filled with believers. They had come to honor the memory of the man
who had done more than anyone to improve relations between the Vatican
and China's so-called "Patriotic" Catholic Church.
Bishop Jin Luxian died last month at the age of 97. He had done his novitiate preparation for the priesthood in France, returning to his native China in 1951, only to be imprisoned five years later by Mao’s regime -- and would go on to spend a total of 18 years in prison and nine in a labor camp.
Despite all of this, Jin joined the official "patriotic" Church once he got out of prison in 1982, and worked for years trying to bring it closer together with the clandestine communities of Catholics loyal to Rome. The estimated 10 million Catholics in China are split between those with allegiance to the Pope and those that practice under the auspices of the Patriotic Church that is sanctioned by the Communist Party.
In 2005, Monsignor Jin successfully pushed for the ordination of an assistant bishop, who was approved both by Rome and the Chinese authorities. This event marked the beginning of a relative thawing of relations between Beijing and the Holy See.
But that compromise came undone in November 2010 in the northeastern city of Chengde, when the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association resumed the ordination of bishops who had not been previously approved by the Pope. Members of the clergy who were faithful to Rome were forcibly taken to religious services by State security forces.
On the one hand, Beijing argues that the ordination process must be accelerated, especially in dioceses where there is no bishop. Roman Catholics, on the other hand, see this move as a hardening of Beijing’s stance. What they are not sure about is whether this is part of a more general control over human rights militants, or a stratagem on the part of the officials in charge of Catholic affairs, who fear their power would collapse if the improved relationship between Rome and Beijing solidified."
Click here to read the rest of this article. I hope the situation in China improves for all people so they can live in freedom, particularly the freedom to worship as they see fit.
Bishop Jin Luxian died last month at the age of 97. He had done his novitiate preparation for the priesthood in France, returning to his native China in 1951, only to be imprisoned five years later by Mao’s regime -- and would go on to spend a total of 18 years in prison and nine in a labor camp.
Despite all of this, Jin joined the official "patriotic" Church once he got out of prison in 1982, and worked for years trying to bring it closer together with the clandestine communities of Catholics loyal to Rome. The estimated 10 million Catholics in China are split between those with allegiance to the Pope and those that practice under the auspices of the Patriotic Church that is sanctioned by the Communist Party.
In 2005, Monsignor Jin successfully pushed for the ordination of an assistant bishop, who was approved both by Rome and the Chinese authorities. This event marked the beginning of a relative thawing of relations between Beijing and the Holy See.
But that compromise came undone in November 2010 in the northeastern city of Chengde, when the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association resumed the ordination of bishops who had not been previously approved by the Pope. Members of the clergy who were faithful to Rome were forcibly taken to religious services by State security forces.
On the one hand, Beijing argues that the ordination process must be accelerated, especially in dioceses where there is no bishop. Roman Catholics, on the other hand, see this move as a hardening of Beijing’s stance. What they are not sure about is whether this is part of a more general control over human rights militants, or a stratagem on the part of the officials in charge of Catholic affairs, who fear their power would collapse if the improved relationship between Rome and Beijing solidified."
Click here to read the rest of this article. I hope the situation in China improves for all people so they can live in freedom, particularly the freedom to worship as they see fit.
Are Catholic Universities Still Committed to Working-Class Families?
The issue of college debt and the affordability of higher education is all over the news today, and with good reason. Students are graduating with higher debt than ever before and their degrees are not helping them in this economy. I was glad to see this look at the issue from a specifically Catholic point of view:
From the Cardinal Newman Society: a look at the affordability of Catholic Universities.
"Catholic colleges have long been known for their generous financial aid, which for many decades helped students from Catholic immigrant and working-class families climb the economic ladder in the United States.
But a new study accuses many of America’s wealthiest colleges of using aid to recruit middle-class students instead of serving the educational needs of low-income families. These include several large Catholic universities: Boston College, Saint Louis University, Santa Clara University, the University of Dayton, the University of Notre Dame and Villanova University."
From the Cardinal Newman Society: a look at the affordability of Catholic Universities.
"Catholic colleges have long been known for their generous financial aid, which for many decades helped students from Catholic immigrant and working-class families climb the economic ladder in the United States.
But a new study accuses many of America’s wealthiest colleges of using aid to recruit middle-class students instead of serving the educational needs of low-income families. These include several large Catholic universities: Boston College, Saint Louis University, Santa Clara University, the University of Dayton, the University of Notre Dame and Villanova University."
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Bishop Murphy of Diocese of Rockville Centre
Over at The Catholic Thing, there is an article by fellow Long Islander George J. Marlin regarding Bishop Murphy -
Long Island’s Bishop Murphy: Fighting the Good Fight
Long Island’s Bishop Murphy: Fighting the Good Fight
Telecare to Air Town Hall with Bishop William Murphy
I just saw this announcement on the Diocese of Rockville Centre's website -
ROCKVILLE CENTRE, N.Y. – May 16, 2013 -- On Pentecost Sunday, May 19, 2013, Bishop William Murphy will host a live 2 hour program that celebrates the Year of Faith, and our commitment to Belong More Deeply through the New Evangelization!
The program will air LIVE 7:00PM – 9:00PM ET followed by Mass from Rome with His Holiness Pope Francis.
Join parishes and people throughout the Diocese of Rockville Centre with live remotes, special guests, entertainment, and the ability to call or email a question to the Bishop!
We encourage parishes to watch together in groups and at home on Cablevision channel 29 /137 or Verizon FiOS channel 296. The live program will also be available at TelecareTV.org. Questions can be emailed ahead of time to: info@telecaretv.org
ROCKVILLE CENTRE, N.Y. – May 16, 2013 -- On Pentecost Sunday, May 19, 2013, Bishop William Murphy will host a live 2 hour program that celebrates the Year of Faith, and our commitment to Belong More Deeply through the New Evangelization!
The program will air LIVE 7:00PM – 9:00PM ET followed by Mass from Rome with His Holiness Pope Francis.
Join parishes and people throughout the Diocese of Rockville Centre with live remotes, special guests, entertainment, and the ability to call or email a question to the Bishop!
We encourage parishes to watch together in groups and at home on Cablevision channel 29 /137 or Verizon FiOS channel 296. The live program will also be available at TelecareTV.org. Questions can be emailed ahead of time to: info@telecaretv.org
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Franciscan University of Steubenville Graduates its Second-Largest Class
From Catholic Educational Daily of the Cardinal Newman Society:
"Franciscan University of Steubenville graduated its second-largest graduating class on Saturday, May 11. The University graduated 708 graduates from 40 undergraduate and 7 master's programs.
At the May 10 Baccalaureate Mass, the Most Reverend José H. Gomez, archbishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, noted that today’s society believes “there is no God or his existence doesn’t make any difference. Worshiping God, living our faith, is more and more contrary to the law.” This presents a challenge for the Church, he said, because “we have to find new ways to proclaim Christ and to live as Christians in this culture. This is what the new evangelization is all about, and that’s what we expect from each one of you.”
Archbishop Gomez encouraged the graduates to share the good news of Jesus Christ and to change the world. “Our mission is to continue his mission: To redeem that little part of the world that we live in—our homes, the places where we work, our neighborhoods, to sanctify reality, to help our loved ones and the people we meet every day to find God,” he said. “And we go with Jesus, we go with God. He gives us the promise that he made to his first apostles, the promise that he would be with us, no matter what, until the end of the age.”
"Franciscan University of Steubenville graduated its second-largest graduating class on Saturday, May 11. The University graduated 708 graduates from 40 undergraduate and 7 master's programs.
At the May 10 Baccalaureate Mass, the Most Reverend José H. Gomez, archbishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, noted that today’s society believes “there is no God or his existence doesn’t make any difference. Worshiping God, living our faith, is more and more contrary to the law.” This presents a challenge for the Church, he said, because “we have to find new ways to proclaim Christ and to live as Christians in this culture. This is what the new evangelization is all about, and that’s what we expect from each one of you.”
Archbishop Gomez encouraged the graduates to share the good news of Jesus Christ and to change the world. “Our mission is to continue his mission: To redeem that little part of the world that we live in—our homes, the places where we work, our neighborhoods, to sanctify reality, to help our loved ones and the people we meet every day to find God,” he said. “And we go with Jesus, we go with God. He gives us the promise that he made to his first apostles, the promise that he would be with us, no matter what, until the end of the age.”
IRS Targeted Tea Party Groups
As the scandal over the IRS targeting Tea Party groups continue ('Angry' Obama announces IRS leader's ouster after conservatives targeted), a Catholic writer claims the IRS has her in their sights as well:
Noted professor and sociologist Dr. Anne Hendershott claims IRS may have targeted her with a 2010 audit
5/16 UPDATE: Bill Donohue of The Catholic League says they were also targeted by the IRS and mentions the same man as Dr. Hendershott: Chris Korzen, the head of Catholics United:
Bill Donohue: IRS Targeted Catholic League
Noted professor and sociologist Dr. Anne Hendershott claims IRS may have targeted her with a 2010 audit
5/16 UPDATE: Bill Donohue of The Catholic League says they were also targeted by the IRS and mentions the same man as Dr. Hendershott: Chris Korzen, the head of Catholics United:
Bill Donohue: IRS Targeted Catholic League
Help support Catholic Education
Tomorrow's Hope Foundation Scholarship Gala
Thursday, May 23, 2013 at RXR Plaza in Uniondale, NY
6:30 PM Cocktails
7:30 PM Dinner and Presentation
Silent and Live Auction
Business Attire
All proceeds raised at this gala will go to support the Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation.
The mission of Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation is to ensure the excellence as well as the continuance of Catholic elementary schools on Long Island, by increasing awareness and by providing scholarships and program funding for the needs of students and schools throughout the Diocese of Rockville Centre.
Our goal is to give more children the opportunity to enjoy the advantages of an elementary Catholic school education.
Msgr. Batule is the new Pastor at Corpus Christi in Mineola
Monsignor Robert Batule has been appointed as the new pastor of Corpus Christi in Mineola, succeeding Msgr. Robert Coyle who was ordained an auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of the Military. Msgr. Batule is presently working at St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers.
"Msgr. Batule grew up in Merrick and attended St. Piux X in Uniondale, which closed in 1984. He attended Cathedral College in Douglaston, NY.
Batule was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Rockville Centre in 1985 and assigned to St. Boniface Church in Elmont. He served at Corpus Christi from 1993-2002 as a parish priest.
After a series of other parish assignments, Batule began seminary duties, including Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington. He currently serves at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers.
Batule is entering his fifth year of seminary assignment. He will be installed as pastor in Mineola on an unconfirmed Sunday in the fall after Labor Day."
Some more detail is at Mineola American
"Msgr. Batule grew up in Merrick and attended St. Piux X in Uniondale, which closed in 1984. He attended Cathedral College in Douglaston, NY.
Batule was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Rockville Centre in 1985 and assigned to St. Boniface Church in Elmont. He served at Corpus Christi from 1993-2002 as a parish priest.
After a series of other parish assignments, Batule began seminary duties, including Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington. He currently serves at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers.
Batule is entering his fifth year of seminary assignment. He will be installed as pastor in Mineola on an unconfirmed Sunday in the fall after Labor Day."
Some more detail is at Mineola American
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
The Rise, Fall and Future of Catholicism in the U.S.
Russell Shaw has written a new book: American Church The Remarkable Rise, Meteoric Fall, and Uncertain Future of Catholicism in America
The history of the Catholic Church in America is fascinating and one I want to learn more about. Shaw talks a bit about this history and the importance for American Catholics today here in Catholic World Report.
Snip:
"CWR: What is the "Americanization of American Catholicism"? What have been its fruits over the past few decades?
Shaw: The expression refers to the process of cultural assimilation by which American Catholics entered the mainstream of American secular culture, became part of it, and bought into many of its values and attitudes. On the plus side, the result has been acceptance, upward socio-economic mobility, and much professional and material success.
But it has come at a high price. Buying into American secular values has time and again meant buying into a toxic value system in radical conflict with Catholic and Christian convictions on many fronts. And that has meant an ongoing loss of religious identity and commitment to the Church on the part of millions of nominal Catholics—to say nothing of the 22 million ex-Catholics in the United States."
The history of the Catholic Church in America is fascinating and one I want to learn more about. Shaw talks a bit about this history and the importance for American Catholics today here in Catholic World Report.
Snip:
"CWR: What is the "Americanization of American Catholicism"? What have been its fruits over the past few decades?
Shaw: The expression refers to the process of cultural assimilation by which American Catholics entered the mainstream of American secular culture, became part of it, and bought into many of its values and attitudes. On the plus side, the result has been acceptance, upward socio-economic mobility, and much professional and material success.
But it has come at a high price. Buying into American secular values has time and again meant buying into a toxic value system in radical conflict with Catholic and Christian convictions on many fronts. And that has meant an ongoing loss of religious identity and commitment to the Church on the part of millions of nominal Catholics—to say nothing of the 22 million ex-Catholics in the United States."
Monday, May 13, 2013
Carl Icahn and Pope Francis
I was reading an issue of Forbes today with Carl Icahn on the cover. Icahn has been all over the news over the past few years because he is going on a frenzy of activity buying up stakes in various companies. He is at the peak of his long career in business investing and is a much feared 'activist investor' who is able to shake up boards of major corporations. The article mentioned that he was 77 and that reminded me of Pope Francis' election. Specifically, the first reactions I heard at work when the new Pope was announced was 'Why do they keep electing these older guys, why not someone younger?'. Icahn shows that age is not a factor when it comes to vitality and the article made me think: If a 77 year old (with billions of dollars) can be so influential in the corporate world where morality is not valued highly, can the 76 year old Pope be highly influential (with no money) in the Church where morality should be the #1 concern?
Related: Here is a post on the ages of Popes through the centuries from a blog at the NY Times.
Related: Here is a post on the ages of Popes through the centuries from a blog at the NY Times.
Catholic history and Genealogy
The Catholic Gene - Exploring Out Catholic Family History
I found this great group blog that happens to focus on my two great interests - Catholic history and genealogy. Check it out, and if you have not researched your family history consider starting now. It can be amazing how much you learn and how many people you are connected to in the world. You will, at some point, end up using the resources of the Mormon church, who have a theological reason to keep the world's largest collection of genealogy records: They believe in re-baptizing non-Mormons who have died. This post at The Catholic Gene looks at this issue which can be a bit tricky for a Catholic interested in genealogy.
"It is well-known that the LDS church has some of the greatest genealogical information in the world in both quantity and quality. They obtain those records by going out all over the world and collecting or copying the original records. What is less well known is the doctrinal motivation for collecting ancestral records. Not being a member of the LDS church I’m hesitant to characterize their purposes other than to say that I am informed that it has to do with so-called re-baptism of non-LDS ancestors. That is the least what the Vatican knew in 2008, when the Holy Father instructed Catholic parishes not to cooperate with Mormon records seekers.
This issue had been brewing for quite a while. In 1995, Mormons and Jews reached an agreement that the LDS church would no longer “re-baptize” or “seal” Holocaust survivors that some LDS members had characterized as their ancestors. In 2001, Pope John Paul II approved a statement from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith which stated that baptism in the LDS church cannot be held to be a valid Christian baptism. The statement went on to say that because of differences between the Catholic and Mormon understandings of the Trinity, “one cannot even consider this doctrine to be a heresy arising from a false understanding of Christian doctrine.”
I found this great group blog that happens to focus on my two great interests - Catholic history and genealogy. Check it out, and if you have not researched your family history consider starting now. It can be amazing how much you learn and how many people you are connected to in the world. You will, at some point, end up using the resources of the Mormon church, who have a theological reason to keep the world's largest collection of genealogy records: They believe in re-baptizing non-Mormons who have died. This post at The Catholic Gene looks at this issue which can be a bit tricky for a Catholic interested in genealogy.
"It is well-known that the LDS church has some of the greatest genealogical information in the world in both quantity and quality. They obtain those records by going out all over the world and collecting or copying the original records. What is less well known is the doctrinal motivation for collecting ancestral records. Not being a member of the LDS church I’m hesitant to characterize their purposes other than to say that I am informed that it has to do with so-called re-baptism of non-LDS ancestors. That is the least what the Vatican knew in 2008, when the Holy Father instructed Catholic parishes not to cooperate with Mormon records seekers.
This issue had been brewing for quite a while. In 1995, Mormons and Jews reached an agreement that the LDS church would no longer “re-baptize” or “seal” Holocaust survivors that some LDS members had characterized as their ancestors. In 2001, Pope John Paul II approved a statement from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith which stated that baptism in the LDS church cannot be held to be a valid Christian baptism. The statement went on to say that because of differences between the Catholic and Mormon understandings of the Trinity, “one cannot even consider this doctrine to be a heresy arising from a false understanding of Christian doctrine.”
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Catholic Founding Fathers - The Carroll Family
At the Catholic Education Resource Center, this article on the Carroll family was written by a direct descendent of one of the Carrolls.
"George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Madison, Patrick Henry, Benjamin Franklin. Nearly every schoolchild recognizes them as the Founding Fathers — signers of the Declaration of Independence, framers of the Constitution, heroes of the Revolutionary War.
There were a great many more Founding Fathers, however, even if their names are not so familiar as the above. Several of those lesser-known men who played key roles in the creation of the United States of America were Catholics. Chief among them were three members of the Carroll family of Maryland: Charles Carroll, the only Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence; his cousin Daniel Carroll; and Daniel Carroll's brother John Carroll, who became America's first Catholic bishop."
Read the rest here.
"George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Madison, Patrick Henry, Benjamin Franklin. Nearly every schoolchild recognizes them as the Founding Fathers — signers of the Declaration of Independence, framers of the Constitution, heroes of the Revolutionary War.
There were a great many more Founding Fathers, however, even if their names are not so familiar as the above. Several of those lesser-known men who played key roles in the creation of the United States of America were Catholics. Chief among them were three members of the Carroll family of Maryland: Charles Carroll, the only Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence; his cousin Daniel Carroll; and Daniel Carroll's brother John Carroll, who became America's first Catholic bishop."
Read the rest here.
French Benedictine abbey streams its daily round of Latin liturgy to a worldwide audience
"First you hear muffled footsteps. Then a discreet cough. Moments later, the black-robed monks begin intoning the service that they are broadcasting to the world. In Latin. Forget the Singing Nun. The Benedictine monks of Le Barroux Abbey in the Vaucluse region of south-eastern France don't have a hit record but they do know about podcasts and streaming.
They have taken the unusual step of distributing their religious offices on the internet. The idea came from worshippers from outside the monastery, known as oblates, who wanted to feel connected to the abbey's spiritual life, says Abbot Dom Louis-Marie. "So we looked into broadcasting via the internet. We decided to do it because it didn't involve any extra work for us."
Read the rest here.
They have taken the unusual step of distributing their religious offices on the internet. The idea came from worshippers from outside the monastery, known as oblates, who wanted to feel connected to the abbey's spiritual life, says Abbot Dom Louis-Marie. "So we looked into broadcasting via the internet. We decided to do it because it didn't involve any extra work for us."
Read the rest here.
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