Nigeria is the new Ireland.
At least for the Catholic Church. We now see a wave of Nigerian priests/nuns working in our country just as years ago there were the Irish priests/nuns. They are amazing people - strong, intelligent, orthodox, and truly Christian. I am always glad to see an African priest at a parish and more often than not, they will be from Nigeria. I know the homily will not be fluff, the priest will be a real man, and the Mass will be celebrated correctly.
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Voice of the Faithful says Diocese is too rich
"Voice of the Faithful, an organization of lay Catholics seeking more accountability from church leaders, is releasing an analysis today that finds the diocese is sitting on excess cash reserves of about $180 million."
"The group's audit was done by H. Richard Grafer, a retired partner in the Arthur Andersen accounting firm and a Voice of the Faithful member."
Arthur Anderson is the auditing firm that was indicted for obstruction of justice in the Enron scandal. The Diocesan Finance Council issued a letter saying that Grafer has his facts wrong and questioning why these charges are being made at the start of the Diocesan Annual Appeal. I want the Diocese to be financially stable and don't believe for an organization of this size, it has "too much" money sitting around. However, I must agree with those who want to see Catholic school teachers get better salaries and benefits. We Catholics sh0uldn't have to constantly beg, borrow and plead for money for good apostolates or for religious nuns in retirement. I would like to know more about the Diocese and its finances and how we can be stronger financially. If VOTF is putting some pressure on people to accomplish this, then I have to say they are doing the right thing. I just don't think always pushing against what the Diocese is doing, or against Bishop Murphy personally is going to do much. I too believe the Diocese could spend its money wisely, such as cutting Telecare's budget and showing more EWTN. I would love to see the parishes in good shape but question some of VOTF's social services-heavy suggestions. Although I am not one to stick up for this Diocese and its staffers I must respond to this paragraph:
"The group's suggestions for additional spending include bolstering educational resources for Catholic schools, including increasing salaries for teachers; creating schools for new immigrants that would teach English and job skills; contributing to affordable housing in the region; and improving the care and living conditions for retired nuns."
The Diocese is already starting an endowment fund for Catholic schools and Bishop Murphy mentioned his goal of increasing teacher salaries when he first came to Long Island. The idea of creating schools to teach english and job skills to immigrants is a waste of money - we are already doing that in parishes, homes and through Catholic Charities. The Diocese helped build lots of affordable housing on Long Island under Bishop McGann and the Catholics who supported the Church for years have been heard to complain that that housing does not help them when they need it- they get put on waiting lists like everyone else. Social services are nice, but this Diocese needs to focus on teaching the faith, vocations, and saving souls first and foremost. The Diocese was one of the first to take up a collection to assist retired religious and it helped serve as a model for the national collection/fund that came years later. The VOTF just seems too quick to push against the Church rather than assist it as they claim to want to do. I would love to get behind them when they have good ideas that would help the Church but frankly, I don't think a group that spent about $2,000 to pay a clown like Fr. Richard McBrien to speak is a group that should be giving advice on how to spend money wisely.
"Voice of the Faithful, an organization of lay Catholics seeking more accountability from church leaders, is releasing an analysis today that finds the diocese is sitting on excess cash reserves of about $180 million."
"The group's audit was done by H. Richard Grafer, a retired partner in the Arthur Andersen accounting firm and a Voice of the Faithful member."
Arthur Anderson is the auditing firm that was indicted for obstruction of justice in the Enron scandal. The Diocesan Finance Council issued a letter saying that Grafer has his facts wrong and questioning why these charges are being made at the start of the Diocesan Annual Appeal. I want the Diocese to be financially stable and don't believe for an organization of this size, it has "too much" money sitting around. However, I must agree with those who want to see Catholic school teachers get better salaries and benefits. We Catholics sh0uldn't have to constantly beg, borrow and plead for money for good apostolates or for religious nuns in retirement. I would like to know more about the Diocese and its finances and how we can be stronger financially. If VOTF is putting some pressure on people to accomplish this, then I have to say they are doing the right thing. I just don't think always pushing against what the Diocese is doing, or against Bishop Murphy personally is going to do much. I too believe the Diocese could spend its money wisely, such as cutting Telecare's budget and showing more EWTN. I would love to see the parishes in good shape but question some of VOTF's social services-heavy suggestions. Although I am not one to stick up for this Diocese and its staffers I must respond to this paragraph:
"The group's suggestions for additional spending include bolstering educational resources for Catholic schools, including increasing salaries for teachers; creating schools for new immigrants that would teach English and job skills; contributing to affordable housing in the region; and improving the care and living conditions for retired nuns."
The Diocese is already starting an endowment fund for Catholic schools and Bishop Murphy mentioned his goal of increasing teacher salaries when he first came to Long Island. The idea of creating schools to teach english and job skills to immigrants is a waste of money - we are already doing that in parishes, homes and through Catholic Charities. The Diocese helped build lots of affordable housing on Long Island under Bishop McGann and the Catholics who supported the Church for years have been heard to complain that that housing does not help them when they need it- they get put on waiting lists like everyone else. Social services are nice, but this Diocese needs to focus on teaching the faith, vocations, and saving souls first and foremost. The Diocese was one of the first to take up a collection to assist retired religious and it helped serve as a model for the national collection/fund that came years later. The VOTF just seems too quick to push against the Church rather than assist it as they claim to want to do. I would love to get behind them when they have good ideas that would help the Church but frankly, I don't think a group that spent about $2,000 to pay a clown like Fr. Richard McBrien to speak is a group that should be giving advice on how to spend money wisely.
Saturday, January 08, 2005
PRIEST SCAMMED OUT OF $31G
I don't know about this story- I understand the priest thought he was trying to help someone but to give money several times to someone you never see in person seems crazy. And why help a stranger over the phone with an Irish name when you have a parish that is mostly low income Latino? Surely there are those in the parish that have needs? This story is a good example of the need for prudence.
I don't know about this story- I understand the priest thought he was trying to help someone but to give money several times to someone you never see in person seems crazy. And why help a stranger over the phone with an Irish name when you have a parish that is mostly low income Latino? Surely there are those in the parish that have needs? This story is a good example of the need for prudence.
Did everyone buy a copy of Young and Catholic The Face of Tomorrow's Church by Tim Drake? Mine just arrived today and a certain revert is quoted at the beginning of the chapter The Faith Online. Not a great quote, but the chapter discusses St. Blog's Parish.
"A year after Janet Jackson's breast brought a crackdown on indecency, Fox has rejected an ad for the Super Bowl offering a rare view of another celeb: Mickey Rooney's backside."
Not that I think we need to see 84 year old Mickey Rooney's butt, however, perhaps things have gotten a little too puritan these days.
Not that I think we need to see 84 year old Mickey Rooney's butt, however, perhaps things have gotten a little too puritan these days.
With LI man's help, Vatican to loan ancient texts to Israel
"Because of efforts from a Long Island Jewish man, the Vatican will loan the work of one of Judaism's most celebrated rabbis and sages to Israel this year in a gesture meant to improve relations between Catholics and Jews.
Jewish community leaders said they are ecstatic to have the opportunity to study the work of Moses Maimonides, and at least three other medieval manuscripts."
"Because of efforts from a Long Island Jewish man, the Vatican will loan the work of one of Judaism's most celebrated rabbis and sages to Israel this year in a gesture meant to improve relations between Catholics and Jews.
Jewish community leaders said they are ecstatic to have the opportunity to study the work of Moses Maimonides, and at least three other medieval manuscripts."
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Kids of Gay Parents Shouldn't Suffer
"There are two issues here—one is a matter of principal and the other is a matter of prudence. There is a moral principle, expressed in Judeo-Christian thought, that the innocent should not be punished for the transgressions of the guilty. To be more specific, the prophet Ezekiel taught that it was wrong for children to suffer for the sins of their father. Applied in this instance, we can amend that to ‘fathers.’
“On a prudential level, it makes no sense to single out kids for retribution whose parents are gay. What should be done about kids who were born out-of-wedlock? What about those kids who have a father or a mother who is the town philanderer? Should we expel kids whose parents are cohabiting? Or are known adulterers?"
Good job by the Catholic League on this one, and Greg Popcak at Heart, Mind & Strength adds: "Incidentally, this example highlights perfectly the difference between conservative Catholics (the parishioners) , and orthodox Catholics (the pastor and Bill Donohue)."
"There are two issues here—one is a matter of principal and the other is a matter of prudence. There is a moral principle, expressed in Judeo-Christian thought, that the innocent should not be punished for the transgressions of the guilty. To be more specific, the prophet Ezekiel taught that it was wrong for children to suffer for the sins of their father. Applied in this instance, we can amend that to ‘fathers.’
“On a prudential level, it makes no sense to single out kids for retribution whose parents are gay. What should be done about kids who were born out-of-wedlock? What about those kids who have a father or a mother who is the town philanderer? Should we expel kids whose parents are cohabiting? Or are known adulterers?"
Good job by the Catholic League on this one, and Greg Popcak at Heart, Mind & Strength adds: "Incidentally, this example highlights perfectly the difference between conservative Catholics (the parishioners) , and orthodox Catholics (the pastor and Bill Donohue)."
Monday, January 03, 2005
Sunday, January 02, 2005
Ayuda, por favor
The Mass that I have attended for the past two Sundays (Novus Ordo mostly in latin) is in a chapel that has missalettes with Spanish and English readings. (The chapel also has Adoremus Hymnals) In scanning the misselette I noticed the phrase "en aquel tiempo" comes up frequently in the readings for several Sundays. I know this is some kind of an idiom and that it means something like "at the time" but can anyone tell me why it is in so many of the readings? How come the phrase is not in the english or am I totally misreading the spanish?
The Mass that I have attended for the past two Sundays (Novus Ordo mostly in latin) is in a chapel that has missalettes with Spanish and English readings. (The chapel also has Adoremus Hymnals) In scanning the misselette I noticed the phrase "en aquel tiempo" comes up frequently in the readings for several Sundays. I know this is some kind of an idiom and that it means something like "at the time" but can anyone tell me why it is in so many of the readings? How come the phrase is not in the english or am I totally misreading the spanish?
Pope Frontrunner?
That is one of the headlines on the Drudge Report and it is right underneath a picture of Cardinal Ratzinger. The link is to a silly Time magazine article written by someone who does not have a clue but still manages to spit out the ol' standbys:
The best part was this anonymous quote : "The Ratzinger solution is definitely on," said a well-placed Vatican insider." Who in the Vatican speaks like that??
That is one of the headlines on the Drudge Report and it is right underneath a picture of Cardinal Ratzinger. The link is to a silly Time magazine article written by someone who does not have a clue but still manages to spit out the ol' standbys:
- "Arch-Conservative" Ratzinger is behind the Pope's "traditionalist moral policy"
- Ratzinger's ways have been "tempered" lately clearing the way for him to become Pope.
- And of course, "panzerkardinal"
The best part was this anonymous quote : "The Ratzinger solution is definitely on," said a well-placed Vatican insider." Who in the Vatican speaks like that??
Friday, December 31, 2004
CHURCH
As far as the Catholic Church goes 2004 was another good year in the sense that the priesthood continued to be purified of corrupt men. For those in the know, it looked at one time that there was no way for the corruption to be rooted out at all, much less that a time would come when literally hundreds of priests would be tossed out en masse. As the years go on it becomes more clear that people like Roman Catholic Faithful were prophets and deserved to be supported. The so-called second greatest scandal in the Church, involving financial improprieties continues and hopefully will be dealt with throughout 2005.
LONG ISLAND
Locally, the story of 2004 was the criminal activity and fraud exposed at Newsday! This anti-Catholic paper was exposed inflating its circulation and overcharging advertisers for years. The result has been firings, layoffs, and buyouts. Longtime "recovering Catholic" Ed Lowe left for the Long Island Press and that Archie Bunker-like, angry, bitter, lying, fat, drunk bigot Jimmy Breslin retired. Ed Lowe can now be read for free and not seeing Breslin's rants makes up for every Dick Ryan article the paper can spit out. This is going to be a good year for a news-junkie like me.
NATION
Nationally, the nation is embroiled in a mess in Iraq and the sooner we get out the better. I don't care about the status of democracy in the middle east, just as the middle easterners did not care about Long Island on September 11th. I hope 2005 will be a strong year for our war on terror. Death to Islamofacism in 2005!! The election result was a joy for all pro-lifers as was the resulting whining of anti-Christian bigots.
GEN X REVERT
Personally, 2004 was the year I fell in love so that changed a lot of things for the better. I wish I could find a job where I did not have to deal with white trash, uneducated, selfish, lying scum but at least I am employed. I am trying to become a better Christian but as anyone reading this blog can tell, there is anger that does not want to go away. Feedback, suggestions, and criticism are all welcome. I wish all (even Breslin and the lying, conniving co-worker) a healthy New Year!
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
On order from Amazon.com:
Please Don't Drink the Holy Water!
Young and Catholic: The Face of Tommorrow's Church
Please Don't Drink the Holy Water!
Young and Catholic: The Face of Tommorrow's Church
Jerry Orbach dies of cancer at 69
Nobody was better at playing a sarcastic Noo Yurk cop than Orbach.
Nobody was better at playing a sarcastic Noo Yurk cop than Orbach.
"We will starve terrorists of funding, turn them one against another, drive them from place to place, until there is no refuge or no rest. And we will pursue nations that provide aid or safe haven to terrorism. Every nation, in every region, now has a decision to make. Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists."
--President George Bush speaking to a joint session of Congress, September 21st, 2001
10 Die As Militants, Saudi Police Clash
Me thinks the Saudis made the wrong choice many years ago.
--President George Bush speaking to a joint session of Congress, September 21st, 2001
10 Die As Militants, Saudi Police Clash
Me thinks the Saudis made the wrong choice many years ago.
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Police continue search for mother of newborn baby found dead in Amityville
Safe Haven law may have saved Amityville newborn
"After a lot of lobbying from groups like Long Island’s AMT Children of Hope Foundation, 47 states now have some form of the Safe Haven law, including New York. Under the law, birth mothers have five days to hand over an unharmed newborn to someone at a hospital, fire department or police station. The birth mothers are not required to ask questions or give their names. There is no criminal punishment involved."
AMT Children of Hope Foundation
Safe Haven law may have saved Amityville newborn
"After a lot of lobbying from groups like Long Island’s AMT Children of Hope Foundation, 47 states now have some form of the Safe Haven law, including New York. Under the law, birth mothers have five days to hand over an unharmed newborn to someone at a hospital, fire department or police station. The birth mothers are not required to ask questions or give their names. There is no criminal punishment involved."
AMT Children of Hope Foundation
Sunday, December 26, 2004
Man charged with murder after pregnant woman's fetus dies
"A man who was arrested for assaulting his pregnant girlfriend in San Jose is being held on a murder charge.
Police say the 25-year-old woman was 18 weeks pregnant when the male fetus was delivered dead yesterday." (emphasis mine)
"An autopsy will be conducted to determine why the fetus died."
"A man who was arrested for assaulting his pregnant girlfriend in San Jose is being held on a murder charge.
Police say the 25-year-old woman was 18 weeks pregnant when the male fetus was delivered dead yesterday." (emphasis mine)
"An autopsy will be conducted to determine why the fetus died."
Saturday, December 25, 2004
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I attended the Christmas Concert and 8 PM Mass at St. Martin of Tours Church in Amityville . There was a choir and full orchestra- the music director is a graduate of Julliard. The music was terrific - easily the best quality music at any Mass I have ever attended. If my friend Aristotle, of Confessions of a Recovering Choir Director was there he would have been able to name the arrangements. The Gloria, Agnus Dei and Our Father were particularly beautiful. This was a great way to begin the Christmas Season.
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