Defend Us In Battle...

Archbishop Schwietz: "The Church cannot comply with this unjust law"

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph K.) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:23:00 +0000

Archbishop Roger Schwietz

From the Catholic Anchor:

In a letter to be read at all Masses throughout the archdiocese on Jan. 28 and 29, Archbishop Schwietz called on the current generation of Catholics to defend the religious liberties previous generations established. Similar letters from Catholic bishops are scheduled to be read in dioceses all across the country.

“The federal government, which claims to be ‘of, by, and for the people,’ has just dealt a heavy blow to almost a quarter of those people — the Catholic population — and to the millions more who are served by the Catholic faithful,” Archbishop Schwietz wrote.

The new rules from the Department of Health and Human Services mandates insurance coverage for sterilization, contraception and abortion inducing drugs. These are immoral according to Catholic teaching and yet the mandate’s religious exemption does not apply to many Catholic institutions and organizations.

“Almost all health insurers will be forced to include those ‘services’ in the health policies they write. And almost all individuals will be forced to buy that coverage as a part of their policies,” Archbishop Schwietz wrote.

He added that “with this ruling, the Administration has cast aside the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, denying to Catholics our nation’s first and most fundamental freedom, that of religious liberty. And as a result, unless the rule is overturned, we Catholics will be compelled either to violate our consciences, or to drop health coverage for our employees (and suffer the penalties for doing so).”

Archbishop Schwietz noted that the “sole concession” in the mandate was to give Catholic institutions one year to comply with the new rule.

“The Church cannot comply with this unjust law,” Archbishop Schwietz said. “People of faith cannot be made second class citizens. We are already joined by our brothers and sisters of all faiths and many others of good will in this important effort to regain our religious freedom.”

The Archbishop went further:

In a call to action, Archbishop Schwietz urged Catholics to speak out publicly.

“In generations past, the church has always been able to count on the faithful to stand up and protect her sacred rights and duties,” he wrote. “I hope and trust she can count on this generation of Catholics to do the same. Our children and grandchildren deserve nothing less.”

For the full article please see the Catholic Anchor

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Bishop Sample's "Stock" is Rising

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph K.) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:41:00 +0000

Just a quick note about a "Defend Us In Battle Favorite" - Bishop Alexander Sample of Marquette, Michigan.

Father Boyle and Father Z. have both highlighted his most recent Pastoral Letter. Now granted that this letter is patterned off of a letter that many Bishops are sending around this weekend, he seems to be one of the first ones to jump on board and get it out "into the wild." The letter is worth reading, especially if your Bishop doesn't issue one this weekend.

Father Z. mentions at the end of his post that Bishop Sample could be the next Archbishop of Chicago... and for those that are keeping score at home, realize that Father Z's idea is not a novel one. In fact, this blogger (as in me) mentioned the idea a while back.

Let us continue to pray for Bishop Sample, and all of our Bishops.

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We Are At War... For Real! (E.M.: Part II)

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph K.) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:52:00 +0000

Earlier this week I posted about the Ecclesia Militans, or Church Militant. We, the living, are part of the Church, we are the Church Militant. We are the warriors fighting the powers and principalities set on the destruction of as many souls that they can sink their claws into. We wage battles and war against these evil powers through prayer, fasting, and alms giving. We are at war, for real.

There are some that want to downplay this reality for a multitude of reasons. There are some that will say that, "War, battle, an other similar words are an overstatement of what we are really talking about." Some will say that the way of Christ is "a way of peace" and therefore to speak in such terms clouds and distorts the issue in such a way that we actually derail our own efforts. To this, I say nothing but point to the words of Saints, Popes, and Bishops.

A Bishop's Duty

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Bishop Jenky

So don't take my word for it, instead listen to these same sources. Last time I quoted Pope Pius XII, this time I offer a recent message from Bishop Jenky, of Peoria, Illinois:

Bishop Daniel Jenky of Peoria, Ill. has asked parishes, schools, hospitals and religious houses to insert the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel into the intercessions at Sunday Mass to pray for Catholics’ freedom.

The move comes in response to a new federal requirement that will force many Catholic organizations to provide insurance coverage for sterilizations and contraceptives.
“It is God’s invincible Archangel who commands the heavenly host, and it is the enemies of God who will ultimately be defeated,” the bishop said in a Jan. 24 letter to the Catholics of his diocese.

The prayer should take place in the general intercessions before the concluding prayer, Bishop Jenky said. He asked that the intention of the prayer be announced as “for the freedom of the Catholic Church in America.”

The St. Michael prayer was authored by Pope Leo XIII, and was once commonly said in U.S. Catholic parishes as part of a petition for the freedom of Soviet Russia.

He said it is his duty to summon the local Church into “spiritual and temporal combat in defense of Catholic Christianity.”

Read more: EWTN News: Bishop Jenky

Reality

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COMBAT, DEFENSE, ENEMIES OF GOD...

These sure sound war-like to me. They also don't seem to be overstated, mere-pufferey, or allegorical . This is a war, it is real, and the enemies we face are HELL BENT (literally), on our destruction.

St. Michael, Defend Us In Battle...

NB:
Thomas Peters posted on a similar idea over on American Papist: Swords and Shields at CatholicVote.org.

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Ecclesia Militans (Part I)

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph K.) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:23:00 +0000

The red and white symbolize the types of martyrdom. The colors can also symbolize the theological virtues of Charity and Faith respectively. The crowns represent the types of martyrdom as well and are also inspired by St. Maximilian Kolbe's vision in which Our Lady offered him the crown of purity and crown of martyrdom. The cross is of course the symbol of Our Lord - the fleury cross...

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We are a part of the Church Militant. It doesn't mean what it sounds like, it is actually much more bold than that. You see, we know we fight against the "powers and principalities."

What does that mean?

It means that we battle in spiritual warfare everyday. It means that we are fighting and storming against angelic powers of evil. It means that our prayers are weapons against the forces of darkness. It is real.
No matter what anyone tells you, the Church Militant isnt a bad thing, a bad word, a bad name, or a fools quest. It is real, and it is desired by Holy Mother Church. It is our role on earth, we wage against sin and we strive to secure the eternal reward of heaven for those in purgatory. It has been taught as our place within the Church by popes and Saints. We are the Church Militant, and this is our standard!

R. León reminded us of a brilliant quote about the Ecclesia Militans:

"We belong to the Church Militant, and She is militant because on earth the powers of darkness are ever restless to encompass Her destruction." --Pius XII

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Welcome Prince!

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph K.) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:24:00 +0000

Just got home, been very busy the last few days. I have about 50,000 posts I want to write, but none more pressing than this one.

The Detroit Tigers announced that they have signed Prince Fielder, son of former Tiger Hero, Cecil Fielder. This gives them a lefty-power bat to protect Miguel Cabrera, in light of the fact that Victor Martinez is down with a serious injury.

I know this post will make the Badger Catholic sad... but, Prince - Welcome to the D!

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Abp. Vigneron: "Inalienable rights... are being trampled."

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph K.) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 09:37:00 +0000

Archbishop Allen Vigneron - Archdiocese of Detroit

This is why Archbishop Vigneron is considered a strong Bishop by many people. This is what he is known for, making bold statements about Catholic teaching, especially the Pro-Life cause.

Detroit's Archbishop: HHS Mandate
Tramples Religious Freedom

Issued: January 21, 2012
Contact: Joe Kohn | kohn@aod.org | (313) 408-9100

The Catholic bishops of the United States have vowed to fight a mandate from the Department of Health and Human Services forcing all health care plans to provide contraception and sterilization coverage. This will revoke a decades-long conscience exemption for religiously affiliated plans. Detroit Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron made the following remarks regarding the mandate:

“During the same week we commemorated the life, ministry, and message of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his advancement of civil rights in this country, the Federal Government took the unprecedented step to affirm its discrimination against Americans exercising their right of conscience. With its edict on contraception and sterilization coverage in all health insurance plans, the Department of Health and Human Services is forcing insurers and purchasers to choose whether or not to violate their moral and religious beliefs. The inalienable rights guaranteed in our country’s founding documents are being trampled. Where is the ‘liberty’ in a decision to intrude on freedom of conscience? The Constitution speaks of ‘freedom of religion,’ not ‘freedom from religion.’

“Lawmakers in Washington need to step up, step in, and protect the rights of their fellow citizens from a government mandate that is truly unconscionable. This fight against the Federal Government’s over-reaching exercise of its power is everybody’s fight. As Pope Benedict reminded us just days ago, as citizens of the United States, we Catholics serve the whole nation by our witness to our moral convictions and our defense of the liberties that will always be ours by right, not by the permission of the government.”

This is how an Archbishop speaks. Notice that he is quoted directly? That is important to note, for other matters.

Glad to see the Archbishop is once again fighting for Catholics and the sanctity of life.

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Lightning Crashes

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph K.) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:54:00 +0000

Two years ago, I experienced one of the most emotionally and spiritually violent, and grace filled days of my life. A day full of human moments where reality outweighs any script written for screen or stage.

I lost a hero that day, and gained another. I lost my king, but gained a queen.

You never expect days like that, and you surely can't prepare for them.

Words fail...

Absolve, Domine,

animas omnium fidelium defunctorum

ab omni vinculo delictorum

et gratia tua illis succurente

mereantur evadere iudicium ultionis,

et lucis æternae beatitudine perfrui.

Forgive, O Lord,

the souls of all the faithful departed

from all the chains of their sins

and by the aid to them of your grace

may they deserve to avoid the judgment of revenge,

and enjoy the blessedness of everlasting light.

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Ivory Towers

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph K.) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:52:00 +0000

Such a limited view for such a high and lofty place.

It is too much. Terry sums it up best. The paths that are being travelled are a distraction and a tactic to muddle the issue. Few are dealing with this in an honest and sincere manner. The attacks on individuals, and the use of double standards and contradictory tactics is mind-boggling. I have lost a lot of respect for a lot of bloggers in this ordeal. Not because I disagree, but because of the tactics used.

The worst part though, is that there are certain bloggers sitting in their ivory towers passing out judgement and decrees because they believe they are experts on the situation. I don't mean the actual experts, I mean those that think that they are above the rest of us, for whatever reason.

I have made my case. You can agree or disagree with my take. If the Archbishop ever makes a statement on the matter, I will follow and respect his lead on the issue. Until he does though, I imagine this situation will continue to wage on in the blogs, and it will continue to become more and more convoluted.

{Edit}:
If this matter was solely about the protection and preservation of proper Magisterium teaching, this matter would have been handled behind the scenes and in private. Voris and RCTV did not make this matter a public fight. They did not fire the first shot. I am saddened that no one else is taking issue with how the AOD is handling this. Also, I find it odd that people claim that Voris is "disobeying" his Bishop. To this day I have not seen one official or unofficial statement from the Archbishop. Wouldn't that make a difference?

There are more appropriate things for me to blog about...we should all try and remember what our vocation and role in the Church are. We should be constantly acting in a manner which brings greater glory to God, and seeks the salvation of souls...

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Open Tabs

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph K.) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:15:00 +0000

There are some things in my "Open Tabs" on my blog browser and I would be remiss if I did not at least mention . They are things that I may or may not get to in terms of a full post, but I want to make sure I at least provide a link. I am doing some "New Year Cleaning" and wanted to make sure I linked these before I close them or forget about them.

They are well worth the read and do so at your leisure. [Linking does not necessarily imply support]:

Richard Collins (Linen on the Hedgrove) wrote a list - "10 Marks of a Catholic School." It is a checklist of sorts, to see how "good" a school is, that calls itself Catholic. An interesting thought experiment for sure.
Taylor Marshall (Cantebury Tales) asks whether "Natural Law can be erased from the heart?" It is an interesting question, and from a Thomist's perspective looks at what Natural Law is.
Collin Kerr (Theology of Dad) has some Augustinian theology exam questions (and answers!) for us. A nice little overview of Augustinian theology, something you dont always find at this blog. It is good to be well rounded, of course.
Dr. David Saunders (A View from the Loft) writes about the words of the new translation. He explains why words are important, and why striving for perfection in our Liturgy is important, and does so from an interesting perspective - the choir loft.
Jeffrey Tucker (The Chant Cafe) has a list of 10 things he has learned about Sacred Music in ten years. Many of us have no idea how music should integrate with the Liturgical celebrations of our faith... this is a great place to start.
Robert George (Mirror of Justice) has a few quick thoughts on religious freedom. It is a brief piece, but really makes you start to wonder what religious persecution might look like, when it eventually comes.
Unam Sanctam Catholicam has a list of links from their top posts of 2011. Some interesting reads ... thought provoking, if nothing else.
We keep hearing about the "Year of Faith" which is upcoming. Here is a list which outlines what that means for us as Catholics, in some small part.
Matthew Alderman (New Liturgical Movement) has an interesting post by a priest re: Benedictine Altar arrangements. This is essentially a discussion about Altar Crucifixes and their importance. I may give this one more attention, but read it nonetheless.

That should hold you over for a while :)

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What if Mass was like this?

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph K.) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:51:00 +0000

I saw this picture and thought, "What if that is how we felt about the Mass?" It isn't of course. At least not as the "Body of Christ." There are some of us that go to those lengths, but not everyone.

More about that situation: It was cold, about 19°F, snowy, wet, and windy. Many of those people were taking the day off from work to be there. The purpose and goal? Clear Snow.

Here is the full story, found at Badger Catholic:

"How excited are Green Bay residents for the postseason's return to Titletown? A line of locals wrapped around Lambeau Field early Friday morning in response to the Green Bay Packers' traditional request for assistance in shoveling snow from the bleachers.

Qualified candidates receive $10 per hour to ensure the stadium is ready for the 70,000-plus who will descend for Sunday's divisional playoff game against the New York Giants. The Green Bay area received about four inches of snow Thursday, but the skies are expected to be clear for the weekend.

Although this is a paid exercise, many of you took pains Friday morning to set me straight on the motivations of many who turned out. Wrote @KCousineau09: "It's not about the money. … I have a friend that makes nearly 6 figures that took the day off to go shovel at Lambeau Field."

If only we could get people to go to Mass with that enthusiasm...

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Fish Trap

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph K.) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:22:00 +0000

For those that don't know how a fish trap works, let me explain. (For my Alaskan readers, this post could have also been called "Crab Pot.") You have a device, a cage of sorts, that you place bait inside of. There are openings of some sort that fish can easily swim or squeeze through to obtain the bait. Other fish then see and smell/taste the bait as it is being eaten, and then they too rush in. The problem for them is that the cage is nearly impossible to get out of. The trick to the fish trap is the ease by which one enters the trap. It doesn't seem a trap, they can't easily see the cage, and there appears to be an opening to get out of on both ends. If fish had any analytical skills whatsoever, they would still more than likely enter the trap because it isn't a trap until once they are inside. In fact, some traps a fish could get out of... if there weren't so many other fish filling up the space. The trap is in fact a trap of not a single fish but instead it utilizes the system itself to entrap the targets.

Several blogs (See generally; Abbey Roads, Te Deum, A Blog for Dallas Catholics, et al.) have linked to my post regarding my thoughts on the AOD-RCTV-Voris situation: "This is NOT about Canon Law." This has garnered some interesting comments, as well as some interesting statements made to me personally. There is a lot that could be said on this topic still, but I feel like it is all a fish trap. As more of us congregate to feed off of it, the more we attract, and the further we get stuck. As Diane said at Te Deum

One thing I don't care for, whether it comes from RCTV, or Curious Catholic, is insolence. As Christians, our conduct with respect to one another is "on display" for the world to see. It may not be gravely sinful to make use of insolence, but it is far from virtuous especially when used as a normal mode of operation.

She is right. We cannot let this situation, or any such one, drag us into things that are sinful. I have tried to write my posts in a way that keep us from thinking or saying sinful things. As I have noted, and Diane states as well, the Archbishop has not made any statements himself. This leaves a lot of us wondering and questioning this situation. So while I don't want to continue to write posts on this matter, which could bring us precariously close to the edge of sin, there are a few things I have to address due to the increased traffic here related to this issue.

PR War

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To be clear: THIS IS NOT ABOUT CANON LAW. This has been a PR war waged by the AOD, and by AOD I do not mean to imply the Archbishop himself. This may seem like an odd nuanced position, but I believe it to be the truth. I make my case for this in my previous posts.

I feel I have been bolstered by some newly found information. My main point is that if this were a purely Canonical issue, which is all that Diocesan Chanceries should be concerning themselves with, then it would have been handled very differently. There wouldn't be press releases, plural, about an issue that is self-admittedly quite old. I make the argument, that this was meant to be a PR battle, which would take place in the blogosphere. This was merely conjecture until I came upon my most recent discovery: the website of the Archdiocese.

These recent developments have been placed
on the page of a 2008 Press Release.

The image I have captured from the Archdiocesan website is one that I stumbled upon accidentally. What I realized is that the AOD has cross-linked all of its releases on this matter, as well as listing Dr. Peters' commentary on the matter on those releases as well. Now while this definitely makes sense from a technological standpoint it makes a statement underneath the logistical aspect of it all.

What This Means

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I asked myself, "Why would the AOD cross-link everything and link Dr. Peters blog posts?" The answer is simple. They want anyone searching for information to have all of the press releases on this matter in one place, and easily found. This also means that they support and agree with what Dr. Peters states on his blog. To take this thought a step further, it means that the AOD not only hope for people to find this information they expect them to be searching for it. This is pretty good evidence that they expect and or want this to be something that plays out on the internet and in the blogosphere. In fact, they link blog posts of Dr. Peters below the releases themselves.

As I have stated, this is a PR disaster. Dioceses should not be in the business of PR. They should be in the business of saving souls. While they may argue that this is the business of protecting and saving souls, it seems a misguided attempt. It pains me to write these posts, and I am sure that some will assume I am 'anti-AOD', which I am not. I am very grateful for what the Archbishop has done in Detroit especially in the Pro-Life effort, the squelching of groups such as Call to Action, and the promotion and support of the Usus Antiquior. That being said, it perplexes me to no end that a good, smart, and faithful Archbishop has let his Chancery staff run amok when it comes to this issue. I just hope that the PR battle ends soon, and the matter of resolving all of this comes about quickly.

The Dr. Peters Connection

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Some blogs have gone so far as to make statements against Dr. Peters. The question of whom he is employed to, and what that means, has become a side discussion. I don't really think any of that matters. In fact, I have zero problem with him commenting on this issue, and glad he has. I don't blame him in any way because he is doing his job, and fulfilling his vocation as a Canonist. It would be odd and unfortunate if he didn't post about this situation.

That being said, I do find it curious that the AOD links him after he specifically states that he doesn't work for them. Therefore that means that the AOD links to him not as an employee but instead as a blogger that they agree with. This again goes to prove my point that this is a battle the AOD desires to have played out in the Catholic blogosphere. Otherwise, if this wasn't the case, they would ask Dr. Peters to make an official statement as a Canonist, and they could then issue it as a press release or put it on their site. Instead, they take the time to link his blog posts, state that he is on the faculty of SHMS (which has a logo-link a mere inches from this statement on the AOD website) and use it as "Canon Law Commentary." They make known that this is an official legal commentary, which it certainly is, clear to any who read the releases. So either the AOD is trying to muddy the waters and make it appear that he is an AOD official, or that he is specifically not an employee but a renowned Canonist that they agree with and link to his blog knowing that this is an issue which is occurring in the blogosphere. To me, this is another affirmation that this is a PR battle, and not a purely Canonical one to which the AOD seeks a quick, just, and truthful resolution to.

A final note on this point. I hope that I have not made any statements which have offended Dr. Peters. I believe him to be a man of integrity (exhibited by his linking of an apology of another blogger) and a man of firm fidelity to the Church. I think his words should be taken at face value, and his conection to the AOD should not be seen as anything improper. In fact, I hardly think that the connection has much of an affect on what he has written about the matter. If I have posted anything to the contrary, or if I have sullied his image to anyone, I apologize to Dr. Peters himself, and to you the reader. That was not my intention, and shows the delicacy in which we must traverse this topic.

Who are 'They'?

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A point of order. I say 'they' and 'AOD' quite a bit, and I can see that it could be quite confusing. I do not mean, nor do I wish to have readers assume that I mean, that included in those terms do I mean to group the Archbishop himself. Now, before you accuse me of having it both ways, let me explain.

I know how Dioceses work. I know how organizations take orders from the top down, but those orders usually come in the form of, "Go ahead with the idea you have on subject 'X'." I think that this case is a matter of certain Chancery officials and lay employees devising a strategy against RCTV to satisfy whatever ultimate end goal have been envisioned. What I don't know is how the AOD is specifically operating at this point. I don't know how hands on the Archbishop is with this matter. What we do know is that he has not made any official statements with his own named signed to them. In other cases around the country (Phoenix, Minnesota, El Paso, New York, etc...) we have seen the Bishop himself make official statements. So for those saying that Voris, RCTV, etc... are "disobeying their Bishop" I find that quite insincere. If Archbishop Vigneron wrote a letter which stated what the releases said, and then RCTV or Voris did something contrary to any lawful directives, then I would agree. That has not happened, and therefore I think it is wrong to say that any disobedience has occurred.

In Conclusion

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I know these posts are long. I know for many we have reached the point of Ad Nauseum. I do think this is important however. RCTV and Voris play an important role on the internet, and within the Church. Whether you agree with their method this matter is about their content. It is about the things they are saying and what those words mean.

As Diane states:

IMHO, the Archdiocese of Detroit has created a PR disaster. Some RCTV fans speak of the Archbishop of Detroit as if he is clueless about what is happening; others fault Archbishop Vigneron directly, questioning his orthodoxy. Thus far, Detroit's archbishop remains silent and that silence is only inviting more speculation and rash judgments in every direction.

As this situation lingers, as the Archbishop remains silent, and as the AOD staff continue to make PR missteps, this situation gets worse and worse. That means Catholics fight amongst one another, souls are placed in precarious situations, and the truth becomes hidden by snares and trickery of the devil and all his evil spirits. Dioceses need to be in the business of saving souls, not winning PR battles against bothersome apostolates that make their life more difficult. Reality is: souls have eternal consequences placed upon them, we should all make it our duty within our station in life to ensure as many as possible make it to their eternal reward.

We must pray. We must always pray. Specifically we should ask that God find a resolution to this matter that allows both sides to come out of the fray in a manner in which they are both seen as champions of the faith and as leaders of truth. We cannot let this become a fish trap of the devil. We cannot let this small matter be one that divides the faith, that wedges into the Archdiocese of Detroit, that takes two sources that people find efficacious and turn them into enemies. If the devil can convince to come to this matter and fight over it, all the while we think that it is an exercise in truth-seeking, he might just find a way to cause souls to wander from Christ. We cannot have this. This matter is not about Canon Law, and even if it was supposed to be, or started out that way, it no longer is. I implore RCTV and the AOD to come together, find an amicable solution to this matter, and carry on with their proper business of saving souls.

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The Internet Is Broke...

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph K.) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:01:00 +0000

The internet is in a rage over SOPA today...
but the NDAA?
A mere inconvenience?

Hey, as long as we have our iPhones, right?

This is not to imply that I don't agree with those that oppose SOPA, I just think the NDAA is a little more of a problem, and it hardly more than a raised voice here or there.

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3 1/2 Time-Outs Tuesday (Vol. VI)

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph K.) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:41:00 +0000

Just like Conversion Diary, except it's half as long and twice as good.

Hosted by Acts of the Apostasy

My son was baptized on Saturday. It was celebrated in the Usus Antiquior, with a Mass in the Usus Antiquior. No more pagan baby! I am sad that we didn't get a to xzzxc xxzn of pictures. It was one of those things where we didnt realize that I wouldnt have the abilit

Someone, got my wife and I hooked on Downton Abbey, the worst part is we just realized that only half of the first season is online. So now we are trying to figure out how to compose ourselves until we can find a way to watch the rest. We might actually have to check the Blockbuster near us to see if they have it, otherwise someone might have to answer to us. (That is a threat, but a non-violent one, of course.)

It has been between -18° & -28°F since Friday. Today it warmed up, and is sitting at -9°F. I don't know what the windchill is. I went out trapping today... which consists of carrying lots of heavy stuff, up and down almost vertical bluffs, then pulling it in a sled, kneeling in snow, and constructing little mini tree structures. It was cold. Today was successful though, so I was able to brave the cold. Wondering if we really need all of our toes though... just curious.

3.5.
I have a job interview on Thursday. Please keep that in prayer, thanks.

Larry D, you are a gentleman and scholar for hosting this. Don't ever let anyone tell you differently. If they do, let me know... just in case they are on to something.

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The Exorcism of Salt

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph K.) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 07:31:00 +0000

The Exorcism of Salt, from the Baptism Rite in the Usus Antiquior (Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite:

℣. I exorcize you, creature of salt, in the name of the Almighty God the X Father, and in the charity of Jesus X Christ our Lord, and in the might of the Holy X Ghost. I exorcize you, by the living X God, by the true X God, by the holy X God, and by the God X Who created you for the protection of mankind, and commanded you to be consecrated by His servants for the people coming to faith. Wherefore, we pray You, O Lord our God, that this creature of salt be made a saving sacrament, in the name of the Trinity, for putting to flight the enemy; that You, O Lord, by sanctifying You sanctXify, and by blessing You X bless, that it become to all receiving it a perfect medicine, abiding in their inward parts. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who will come to judge the quick and the dead, and the world by fire.
℟. Amen.

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All Saints Sisters of the Poor: [SSS]

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph K.) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:25:00 +0000

The Society of St. Scholastic Order
for the month of January is:

The January order for the Society of St. Scholastica is:

January is the fourth month for the Society of Saint Scholastica. In October, we prayed for the Sisters of Our Mother of Divine Grace. In December, the Dominican Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. Now, in January, David suggested the All Saints Sisters of the Poor as an order to support. I asked him if he would mind writing something up about them, so here is his go at it.

The Sisters celebrate their profession as Sisters following the announcement as an official diocesan priory

The All Saints Sisters of the Poor are a “baby order” in the Church. They are convent converts! About two years ago, a group of the Sisters, who were originally Anglican, converted to the Catholic Church, while still being able to live in community as a religious order. On November 1, the Archdiocese of Baltimore welcomed them as an Official Diocesan Priory, by decree of the Vatican.

The Sisters describe themselves as

a traditional Community desiring to uphold orthodox Christian faith and morality and to support the Apostolic tradition in ministry and practice. We are united by our common commitment to the One Lord Jesus Christ, and by the desire to live for Him.
With that unity, and made possible by it, there is great diversity both in our personalities and in our talents. In giving these as an offering to the Lord our communal life is enhanced and the skills and talents of each are used for the benefit of all.
The All Saints Sisters of the Poor are the American Branch of a Society founded in England, and which came to Baltimore in 1872. We are a traditional religious community, living under the evangelical vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. A mixed Life of Prayer and Work enables us to be flexible in meeting whatever needs and ministries present themselves.

If you are in the Baltimore area reading this, you can go to the Convent for Mass with the Sisters! Mass is celebrated daily at 7 AM. The Sisters have aRetreat House, along with a guest wing for women who would like to either discern a vocation or just stay with the Sisters.

One of the Sisters works in one of their apostolates

For more information, or to reach the Sisters, you can call (410)747-4104, between 10:00 to 11:50AM, 2:00 to 2:50PM, and 3:30 to 4:45 PM. In addition, the Sisters can be reached by FAX to schedule retreats at (410)747-3321, or by writing to:

Mother Superior:
The Reverend Mother Christina
All Saints Convent
P. O. Box 31271501 Hilton Ave
Catonsville, MD 21228-0127

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Enrolling in the Society

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Enter your name, and blog if you have one, at the bottom of this page in the link form, see the example.

Post about this month's order and the SSS at your blog, if you have one.

Provide a link back to this post or the main SSS page, on your blog.

Comment in the box about how you plan on supporting this order, this month.

Encourage others to join!

About How The Society of Saint Scholastica 'Works'

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We started the Society of St. Scholastica as a group of laity and religious that pledge to support different orders of Women's Religious each month through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. We are asking readers, bloggers, clergy, and friends to share this with others, and to encourage one another to "pledge" our support for the sponsored order of the month through the spiritual work of our choice.

The way you choose to spiritually support them is up to you. To show that you are participating, simply "sign" your name below, and then post about the group on your blog, with a link back here or to the SSS Page. Think "7 Quick Takes" but for Women's Religious. You can post your own information or you can copy and paste from here. We just ask that you give the basic info about the Order, some info about the SSS, and then link back here so that everyone can see the support of the community.

The point is to create an community of Catholics that lift up in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, those that dedicate their lives to the Church in doing the same. You can leave in your 'efforts' in the comment box, keep it private and just sign your name, or help them out monetarily.

For more information, please visit the Society of St. Scholastica page on the main menu-bar.

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Spiritual Re-Fuel: Thank You!

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph K.) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:22:00 +0000

Just wanted to take a quick post and say thank you to everyone that makes purchases at Aquinas and More via links from my blog. Anytime you click through to their website and buy something, I get a small amount added to my gift-certificate there for being an affiliate blog. As a father of two, and living in today's economy, but in such an austere and ascetic Catholic locale it is nice to have the ability to feed my spiritual self with some good "Catholic meat" a.k.a. BOOKS!

I know there are a lot of ways for bloggers to be "profitable" and I have resisted many of those for personal reasons. Many bloggers bombard readers with requests to support such ventures. I want to make sure anything that give me a "benefit" is worthwhile organization and is also a "two-way-street" for readers. For example, Mystic Monk coffee is a site I where I am an affiliate. If you buy their great coffee, and support their ministry, you will get a great product and give alms to a worthy religious order. Therefore I feel comfortable linking them, and being an affiliate. I don't often promote purchases through them mostly because other very popular bloggers do the same, and I know I can't compete. When you think of Mystic Monk, I doubt you think to come here to make your purchase. (By the way, linking through a blog does not drive your cost up.)

As for Aquinas and More though, it is easier to promote them. They are a great company, with great products, and great policies. As an avid reader, and someone that discusses books, thoughts, and ideas on this blog, I can easily link to books as reference and it is an unobtrusive way to promote A&M.

So please, when you think of buying books, making gift purchases for Sacramental celebrations, or even need supplies for your parish, think about coming here, clinking on the various Aquinas and More links and support a great Catholic store, as well as my reading addiction. Who knows, it might just make the posts around here more interesting!

Here is my most recent "purchase" - I have been saving up my gift card value since summer and someone made two rather large purchases so I was able to splurge a bit:

Click For More Info

Thanks again!

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Following the Blog - Updated

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph K.) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:14:00 +0000

Just wanted to update you all on how I "update" this blog on various sites:

Main Posts: These will obviously be posted on the blog. These will be longer and I am trying to make them posts where I offer my own thoughts on a subject. All posts are cross-posted on Facebook and Twitter automatically. I am posting most of the blog posts to the Google+ page as well. These redundancies will hopefully allow you to come across new posts via any of your preferred social networks.
Interesting "Links": I used to post "Links" to interesting stories with a brief commentary on the blog. Sometimes that will still happen, but I am transitioning to a policy where I post these types of things mostly on Twitter, Facebook and G+. I have noticed that interesting links dont garner much attention (or commenting) on the blog, but do get more traction on Facebook, Twitter, and G+.
Comments or "Quick Questions": As well as links I am also posting comments and questions on Facebook, Twitter, and G+. Make sure to check these as well, to stay up on anything I am following.
"Breaking News": Sometimes news or stories that I am following and writing about happen so quickly and don't give me time to write a full post until much later. These types of issues will be addressed on Twitter mostly, but Facebook and G+ as well.

A few notes about Facebook, Twitter, and G+:

Following: You do not have to have an account to follow or read the information on these sites, you can simply click on the links here, or on the left side-bar and it will take you to the account page.
Twitter: I use this site easily and most often. It doesn't give a lot of space for commentary, but it makes linking and getting info out there quickly. Clicking on the link and reading what I have been Tweeting lately is a good way to stay up to date on all things "Defend Us In Battle". It will post every post on the blog, as well as my manually updated Tweets. Again, you dont have to have a Twitter account to read my Twitter feed.
Facebook: I have been utilizing the blog page over there more, as I notice a lot of people feel more comfortable commenting on things over there. Plus, it is a little less "formal" than the blog itself. All of the blog posts auto update over there, but I will also be adding commentary and links there that I might not otherwise post on the blog. While Twitter will be a link/quick comment outlet, the Facebook page will be more of a quick thoughts/discussion area.
Google+: For those that utilize this, I have a Blog page and a Personal page. Still not sure how to utilize these two the best. Right now my personal page operates similar to my Twitter, and the Blog page similar to Facebook, in terms of content. If you use it, add me to your circles, and let's see how this develops.

I know this may seem overwhelming for some, just realize that if you only follow the blog, you wont be missing much, if anything. I will occasionally post and RE-Tweet links on Twitter or Facebook, but traditional blogging over here wont change. These "changes" are if you want more of what I am reading and writing about.

Facebook Page
Twitter Feed
Google+ Blog Page
Google+ Personal page

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A Strong and Bold Leader: Bishop Michael Campbell OSA

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph K.) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:10:00 +0000

The Diocese of Lancaster, England and its Bishop, The Right Reverend Michael Campbell, OSA are making headlines on a daily basis.

First, it was the brave Bishop's strong Pastoral Letter for the new year. He essentially called out Catholic Schools in his Diocese saying that with limited funding, and limited resources, that it is not possible to continue to fund Catholic schools that are "Catholic in name only." You can imagine the backlash he received, from the usual suspects.

Next, it is his Lenten initiative to have every parish make the Sacrament of Reconcilliation available on Wednesday nights from 7-8pm. This isn't some passing press release, and a nice "suggestion." This is a Bishop saying, "this will happen, and we will make it known that it is happening."

Finally, it should be noted that a rather curious video is present on the homepage of the Diocese of Lancaster.

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This isn't about Canon Law.

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph K.) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

The AOD-Voris-Peters-Canon Law situation is growing into one of the largest Blogosphere "issues" that I have ever seen. There are blogs commenting on the issue that have never mentioned Voris, Detroit, Peters, or Canon Law before... because this is an important issue. But let me be clear, and reiterate what I have been saying all along:

This is not about Canon Law.

Please do not think that this issue is about Canon 216, Jurisdiction, or who the proper Ecclesial authority is. It isn't about any of these things. Here is how Dr. Peters summarizes his most recent post (of many) on this issue:

I’ll just say that discussions about “canonical jurisdiction” (1) assume as necessary something that is, so far anyway, not necessary; (2) assume the accuracy and completeness of one version of the ownership-control aspect of this matter; (3) assume as being obviously settled by law some issues that are not expressly treated in the law; and (4) assume that canonical jurisdiction over an internet undertaking can be based only on the civil ownership/registration of a website, to the exclusion of any other factual or canonical basis for jurisdiction.

That’s four pretty big assumptions. In a row. None of which, as I have mentioned earlier, are going to be settled in blogosphere, but all of which suggests that this matter is more complex than some are making it out to be.

Now, Dr. Peters works for the AOD, but I do not seem him as a "lackey" or "Company man." Is there some gravity between what he writes and that relationship? I am sure there is some, but he is a man of rock solid ethics and a good Catholic, therefore it is of no matter to me. I also believe he is probably right about the Canonical issues in this matter. Those Canonical issues are not what this situation is about.

I respect Dr. Peters immensely, in fact as an aspiring Canonist I look to him as a role model, I have said this before and I stand by that. Therefore, it pains me to say that Dr. Peters is either missing the larger issue here, or is too confined by his attention to realize that the larger matter here isn't about Canon law. He says that none of these Canonical issues are going to be settled in the blogosphere and that this matter is more complex than "some" are making it out to be. Which proves my point.

Why is this matter being batted about by "Arm-Chair-Canonists" in the blogosphere?
Because:

The AOD decided to put out an ill-advised, poorly written, press release as a shot-across the bow as their "move" in a ill-conceived, mismanaged, horribly handled "public relations effort" in an attempt to silence RCTV and Voris.

So you see, while Dr. Peters struggles to understand why people don't "get" that you can't just do Canon Law by reading a few Canons, or why "Com-box Jockeys" are acting as if they are Canonists, this situation is playing out in the blogosphere. So, while it pains me to do so, I disagree and think Dr. Peters is wrong on one very important point:

The first thing to understand about the dispute between the Archdiocese of Detroit and Michael Voris and/or RealCatholicTV is that the dispute turns essentially on canon law. As a canonical dispute, it will not be decided by seeing who musters more or louder supporters in the blogosphere; it will be decided by recognizing what Church law says about such matters and then abiding by that finding.

The only portion of this dispute that turns on Canon law is the Canon law question of whether the AOD can Canonically prohibit RCTV from using the name 'Catholic.' Beyond that, this matter has nothing to do with Canon law. In the most recent Vortex, Voris himself admits that they will not be making Canonical arguments about this issue. He issues a call to prayer.

If this isn't about popular opinion, blogs, and what people "think" why are so many "gigs" being wasted on it? Why has Dr. Peters written three blog posts about it? Why does Father Z. put up posts that essentially are copies of Dr. Peters' posts, only so that people can use his [Fr. Z's] com-box for discussion? Why have other blogs who rarely write about such things made this a "hot topic" on their blogs? I will tell you why, again. This was meant to be, and has become, a public opinion battle.

The reason that so many are on Voris' side in this is simple: walk into a parish anywhere and you are likely to find what he talks about on the Vortex everyday. This is true in the Archdiocese of Detroit, I was a parishioner there in several parishes. Bloggers who write and talk about the faith everyday know that Voris is on to something, even if they don't like his method, tone, or hair. He is willing to say in public, what most are only willing to say to their close friends: there are serious problems in our parishes and it seems that priests and Bishops turn a blind eye to them. This being the case, when a Bishop, who many consider to be very orthodox and loyal to the Church, comes out and tries to silence that voice... people are left in a quandary.

The faithful want an authentic version of the faith. They want to hear the Pope say something, and then witness it in their parish. Parents want to teach their children about the faith, and have it affirmed in homilies at Mass. The youth want a faith that they are willing to go against the culture for. People know what is real when they see it, and frankly... in many parishes - THEY DONT SEE IT. So when someone like Voris says what many have been thinking, they gravitate to him. He becomes the "real" to them. So when matters like this come up, and complex Canonical issues are involved in what has been made to be a "popular opinion" battle, people will do what they can to back their man. That being said, I don't believe that "might makes right," I am simply observing the landscape.

This isn't about Canon law. Archdioceses don't put out press releases on issues preemptively to make the point that they need to deal with a Canonical issue. Someone convinced the good Archbishop that they could acheive whatever ultimate end they are seeking by waging this in the public realm. They were wrong. The good Archbishop should root out his faulty advisors and start addressing the real problem here: modernism and heterodoxy run amok. The world is in upheaval, and people want a strong bold leader. They want words and action. One entity in this dispute has waged a war of words, the other has waged a war of words and action. Specifically prayer.

So realize... this isn't about Canon law. I know I am some lowly ole' blogger in Alaska, but my email is on the sidebar if anyone wants to discuss this further. As always, the com-box is open as well. I just hope the good Archbishop realizes that the longer he lets those in the AOD wage this war attempting to convince people that this is about Canon law, the worse it becomes for him. The blogosphere is speaking, and it isn't echoing many praises of the AOD.

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3 1/2 Time-Outs Tuesday (Vol. V)

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph K.) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:30:00 +0000

(Just like Conversion Diary’s 7 Quick-Takes Friday, but only half as long, and nearly half as good.)

Again, it is Wednesday... I almost had this out on Tuesday. Does that mean I should have 4 1/2 takes? OR just 2 1/2? Someone clear this up for me.

I am not funny today. Well, some say I am never funny. My point is, I have a lot of posts on my mind, plus I am trying to accomplish quite a bit this week. Most notably, the Baptism of my son is on Saturday. It is in the EF, and I am planning, coordinating, and doing all of that such stuff. It is exciting and fun, but at the same time, it is time consuming, and I want to make sure I do it all "correctly." So please, pardon the dust.

I am trying to figure out a way to get more "interaction" on my blog. I have started posting some some only to Twitter and Facebook. Sort of like a "Blog" lite. Interestingly I am getting more "conversation" and comments there, than here. Does anyone have any ideas on how to coordinate Blogs, FB, and Twitter. My posts auto-post to FB and Twitter, but how do you all utilize FB and Twitter? Do you post things there, you dont post on your blog? How do you keep it all straight?

3 1/2.

Book suggestions please. I have a gift certificate I want to use at Aquinas and More but whenever I go there to select my books, I draw a blank, then get overwhelmed, and end up not getting anything because I cant decide. So please, help out my OCD/ADD and give me some suggestions.

Thanks Larry for adding more chaos to my life.

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What Is Baptism?

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph K.) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:06:00 +0000

“What happens in Baptism? What do we hope for from Baptism? You have given a response on the threshold of this Chapel: We hope for eternal life for our children. This is the purpose of Baptism. But how can it be obtained? How can Baptism offer eternal life? What is eternal life?

In simpler words, we might say: we hope for a good life, the true life, for these children of ours; and also for happiness in a future that is still unknown. We are unable to guarantee this gift for the entire span of the unknown future, so we turn to the Lord to obtain this gift from him.

We can give two replies to the question, "How will this happen?". This is the first one: through Baptism each child is inserted into a gathering of friends who never abandon him in life or in death because these companions are God's family, which in itself bears the promise of eternity.

This group of friends, this family of God, into which the child is now admitted, will always accompany him, even on days of suffering and in life's dark nights; it will give him consolation, comfort and light.

This companionship, this family, will give him words of eternal life, words of light in response to the great challenges of life, and will point out to him the right path to take. This group will also offer the child consolation and comfort, and God's love when death is at hand, in the dark valley of death. It will give him friendship, it will give him life. And these totally trustworthy companions will never disappear.

No one of us knows what will happen on our planet, on our European Continent, in the next 50, 60 or 70 years. But we can be sure of one thing: God's family will always be present and those who belong to this family will never be alone. They will always be able to fall back on the steadfast friendship of the One who is life.

And, thus, we have arrived at the second answer. This family of God, this gathering of friends is eternal, because it is communion with the One who conquered death and holds in his hand the keys of life. Belonging to this circle, to God's family, means being in communion with Christ, who is life and gives eternal love beyond death.

And if we can say that love and truth are sources of life, are life itself -- and a life without love is not life -- we can say that this companionship with the One who is truly life, with the One who is the Sacrament of life, will respond to your expectation, to your hope....”

--Pope Benedict XVI
Homily on the Baptism of the Lord
Sistine Chapel
8 Janaury 2006

When we look at what Baptism is theologically, volumes could be written on its importance. There mere fact that Jesus, Himself, chose to undergo a Baptism shows how important it is for our Salvific journey. The link between Baptism and Salvation is quickly evident upon theological exploration.

Communion

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But Pope Benedict here touches on another aspect, one that we ignore many times when we think about what a new Baptism encompasses. It is an aspect of our faith life that so many people in today's institutional, or cultural Church, rely: the community. But the community here, that Pope Benedict speaks of, is something beyond factions, social groups, and collections of like-minded individuals. The community of which he speaks is one that spans centuries and is in communion with Christ through Baptism, Eucharist and the Church Triumphant. It is the chain of holy individuals that, "...will always be present and those who belong to this family will never be alone."

So often we ask question: "Where have the children gone? They were Baptized, but have no gone astray." They are not gone. They are there, unfortunately though, people have allowed these children to wander outside of the circle of the community. You could argue that it is the community itself that let them wander. These children are like sheep on the outskirts of the pasture, playing near the cliffs. They can be seen, they are just not with the flock. Is this because the pasture is barren? Is it because the draw of the cliffs is so much more appealing? Is it because the wolves lure them with lies and deceit?

Where is the community? Where are the guardians, those entrusted to keep the flock not only together but in the pasture? They themselves are playing on the rocks at the cliffs. They are frolicking with the wolves. If we Baptize our children, but then let them run astray, we can not in good conscience blame anyone but ourselves. We must view Baptism not as a social or cultural event, but a Sacramental event; not merely as a sign of Grace, but it is as St. Thomas Aquinas says, "The sign of a sacred thing in so far as it sanctifies men - Signum rei sacrae in quantum est sanctificans homines (III.60.2).

Effects of Baptism

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It doesn't just show something, it does something. Therefore, when a child is Baptized something happens to their soul. It is therefore incumbent, upon us, to ensure that they are formed and directed in the right direction of life, so as to enable that thing which is happening in their soul can fully shape and mold it appropriately. This is true not because men are necessary to help impart grace or salvific function on that child, but it is necessary that men not get in the way of this properly occurring.

Again, as Aquinas says:

Hence it is clear that by Baptism man dies unto the oldness of sin, and begins to live unto the newness of grace. But every sin belongs to the primitive oldness. Consequently every sin is taken away by Baptism. -III.69.1

h/t: Whispers in the Loggia

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The Traditional Latin Mass & Baptism in Soldotna, Alaska

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph K.) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:00:00 +0000

This announcement brings me great joy! After many long years of struggle, effort, and adversity the Traditional Latin Mass will be celebrated in a Church on the Kenai Peninsula. Even more wonderful, a second Sacrament - Baptism, will also be celebrated.

Please come and support this event and celebrate these Sacraments, here are the details:

Baptism &
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
in the Usus Antiquior

The Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite
(also known as the "Tridentine Rite" or Traditional Latin Mass)

Missa Cantata

The Feast of St. Hilary, Doctor of the Church

Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Soldotna, Alaska

Saturday, January 14th, 2012

12:30 pm - Baptism

1:00 pm - Mass
(Time is approximate, will follow Baptism)

Celebrant: Father Lukasz Misko, O.P., Holy Family Cathedral, Anchorage, Alaska

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For those that don't know, a Missa Cantata is a sung Mass and it is done without sacred ministers (read: no deacon, but Altar Servers). There will also be a Cantor/Schola of a few people from my understanding, so there will also be responses in Gregorian Chant. There are a few ways to celebrate a Missa Cantata, but know that this won't be a "Low Mass".

From my understanding this is the first time that a public Extraordinary Form Mass will take place on the Kenai in decades. Similarly, it is my understanding that the Baptism will be the first Sacrament celebrated in the Extraordinary Form on the Kenai, if not the entire Archdiocese of Anchorage, outside of Holy Eucharist, since the reforms of Vatican II.

Please spread the word and come celebrate this Mass if you have the time or ability!
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me (click on my name on the left-side-bar).

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The Standard Bearer's Battle Hymn

noreply@blogger.com (aka the Mom) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Armies everywhere used to march into battle with their standard bearer (the guy with the flag) right up front. He was the visual proclamation of who an army was. He was absolutely essential in warfare, and darn near a required part of battle He did not fight the battle himself, rather his job for the army was to bravely march forward announcing to everyone who saw him "this is who we are and what we stand for, by golly!" There was no mistaking allies or enemies in a time when a contingent unfurled their colors and lifted them high for all to see.

Those of us with large families are the modern day standard bearers of the Church Militant. We are an obvious physical symbol of the Church in the modern world. Our presence loudly proclaims that we believe in the gift and value of life, after all we have surrounded ourselves with it.

Many times in recent years, the parents of large families have been left wondering where the army has gone that we are representing. As we face increasingly vocal and hostile opposition from a world which values self over sacrifice, our churches and pastors are silent in the face of the onslaught.

Our pastors have chosen fear over bravery. Instead of loudly condemning contraception for the evil that it is in the world and teaching the proper place of sex in society, our spiritual leaders have chosen to remain silent rather than be unpopular. It is easy to rail against the evil of abortion from the pulpit; it's not hard to be against killing babies. It takes a much stronger man to call out the evil of the Pill and the creeping destruction it has had on society.

Their example of cowardice has taught their flocks that such things are not truly important. They have left us, the flag bearers, unprotected. When we meet with hostile looks and unkind words at the store; nasty comments and resentment within our parishes (even from our clergy); the unceasing pressure from doctors, friends, and even strangers to contracept; or disbelieving stares and ugly anger within our extended families, even in front of our children, there is very often no one to contradict them. There is no cavalry riding to our defense.

When representatives of our modern culture condemn us to our faces for "overtaxing the planet's resources" or ridicule our "irresponsible breeding", our fellow Christians more often than not will simple turn away. They are afraid of confrontation and so they back away from the battle, either because they are ill-equipped to fight it, they are scared, or because they quietly agree with the aggressors.

We, as a Church, need to do better than this. We need to protect those who are so visible, and we need to better equip those we are sending into the world. We need our priests to teach about sex, not just abortion, but all the moral issues wrapped up in that three-letter word. We need to be taught about the cancer of contraception, not just once every few years when a guest speaker shows up (if he comes at all), but often and with frank honesty.

The people in the pews need to be told that this is a battle for our very souls and we need to be taught to recognize the weapons of the enemy. There is a reason for the decrease in the number of larger families in the modern world. It is a failure of leadership. The faithful are not being taught that children are a gift from God and are to be treasured and welcomed that way, and so even the faithful weekly church-goers have fallen into the trap of ease and convenience. They have been allowed to go forth in ignorance because our priests and bishops fear public condemnation, but their silence condemns us to what they fear. Their people, the Church Militant. could be marching happily to Hell because there are too few people willing to stand in front of them and speak the truth.

We desperately need our leaders to lead. We have read the Bible, heard the Truth and answered the call. We are here, eagerly standing firm against a culture which it often seems is beginning to hate us. We have answered the call. Where is the rest of the army? They have left us to face the Enemy and his cohorts alone.

Without the rest of his army, the guy with the flag is no longer a proud member of anything. With no soldiers to back him up, standard bearer is nothing more than a fancy name for the target.

Great post wasn't it? Rebecca, "aka the Mom", posts regularly at her own blog: "Shoved to Them" make sure to go check it out.

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Pope Announces New Cardinals: Dolan & O'Brien from the USA

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph K.) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:30:00 +0000

The Pope announced the following, during the Angelus today at the Vatican:

"With great joy I announce a consistory on 18 February to create 22 cardinals..."

From the United States, the new Cardinal-designates, are:

+Timothy Cardinal Dolan

Archdiocese of New York

+Edwin Cardinal O'Brien

Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (Emeritus, Baltimore)

See:

Whispers in the Loggia for more updates and analysis...
Full List [Link]

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Calling all Orders...to Anchorage

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph K.) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:06:00 +0000

Just saw this on a Dominican Priest's Facebook page:

Does anybody know any monastic community that might be interested in coming to Anchorage? Our very dear Sisters of the Perpetual Adoration are all in their late 80s and desperately want to be replaced, but their own congregation down in Mexico doesn't have vocations any more. All up here agree it's absolutely crucial for our archdiocese to maintain this place of prayer, the only contemplative community in Alaska, yet no one has any ideas where to find actual nuns... The building with a beautiful public chapel surrounded by a splendid cloistered garden is waiting. Please pray that we may find a way to keep it alive...

If you know of an order that could fill this void... please contact me and I will get you in touch with the appropriate people, or just contact the Archdiocese of Anchorage.

If nothing else, PRAY.

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