Republicans get Catholic Social Justice Right

Congressman Boehner was roundly criticized by Catholic professors at Catholic University for not caring about the poor. Why?Mostly because he is a Republican and they have bought the lie that only Democrats and their big government programs can help the poor.

Mr. Speaker, your voting record is at variance from one of the Church’s most ancient moral teachings. From the apostles to the present, the Magisterium of the Church has insisted that those in power are morally obliged to preference the needs of the poor. Your record in support of legislation to address the desperate needs of the poor is among the worst in Congress. This fundamental concern should have great urgency for Catholic policy makers. Yet, even now, you work in opposition to it.

Listen to the video clip below of Senator Rick Santorum at 9:25 in this Town Hall Meeting in New Hampshire and you will hear a Catholic articulate how to help poor children out of poverty effectively while respecting their emotional and spiritual needs to grow up in two parent families. Support traditional marriage and you support the welfare of children. Support big government programs and you help break up families. Statistics bear this out time after time, and I saw it in my career as a social worker. The families who were once middle class, after a divorce, the dad takes off to hide his income from the court,  while the wife is stuck renting someone's basement with her children and trying to get the education she put off to help the man further his career. Or the generations of welfare families where marriage was never part of the equation. Studies show that having children out of wedlock is THE surest way to live in poverty, yet when President Bush tried to encourage marriage the ACLU was in full cry to stop him from trampling on civil rights. What about the right of child to a mommy and a daddy who love him? If Catholics don't stand up for that who will?
 I read Rick Santorum's book "It Takes a Family" (by the way its enormously popular at the bookstore at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, on Catholic University campus, but I'd bet none of the 72 liberal professors have taken the time to read it) This book is packed with practical, tested solutions to social problems like poverty within true Catholic social teaching. Santorum undertands what these professors don't, the concept of subsidiarity, which means that the lowest possible level of government should govern us. For example a local school board is more in touch with its community and should make most of the decisions for the schools in a given town, not some bureaucrat in DC at the NEA.
 The Catholic Church is the world's largest Social Service agency yet it has always worked on the local level. I was a social worker at Catholic Charities, when they decided to move from the diocesan social service offices to Parish Outreach, a local social service office located in each parish. It was a great idea, and enables the Church to better help the poor. Republicans have backed poverty solutions like the enormously successful welfare reform bill reluctantly signed into law by Bill Clinton. Now Clinton brags about it. Why? Because it was the single biggest catalyst to get single moms off the rolls and into the workforce in American history.

Republicans also support tax credits and opportunity scholarships that help poor children attend the same private schools that President Obama's children attend. Why doesn't Obama send his daughters to DC public schools? Because he knows better. Then why did he dismantle the DC Opportunity Scholarship program, closing the door to the  same opportunity to poor blacks that his girls have? Thank God Boehner fought to reinstate that program, amid loud protests from DC's black mayor Vincent Gray who, like Obama cares more about the teacher's union than their students. His protests were apalling, he was willing to go to jail over revoking scholarships and reinstating abortion subsidies of poor women. He like many Democrats, has his priorities backwards. We should strengthen traditional families, let them keep their babies and send their children to the best schools. This will eliminate many of the problems of their drug, gang, crime infested neighborhoods by giving young children proper role models who teach them what goals are and how to achieve them.
We need to question Democrats who call themselves Catholic on these issues, and discern with whom their loyalties lie. I would bet they support teacher's unions and federal employees unions over the very poor they serve, but they must be educated to realize this. And the poor are educated to think of Democrats as their friends and Republicans as selfish, racist, and materialistic.Rick Santorum is way ahead of the pack on this issue and seems to be resonating with the grassroots as well, wining the South Carolina Republican primary voters straw poll. No Republican candidate has won the nomination without winning South Carolina.

Conversation With Rick Santorum: Web Extra - Video - WMUR Manchester

Get your Mother Teresa Stamps on September 7th

When I met Thomas Peters of American Papist, at the Catholic New Media Celebration in Boston, I was thrilled that he remembered me from 2009 when we both received the Pro-life Blog Award from the American Life League. I am such a small fish and he is well, a celebrity. It shows his gracious humility.

 But there's another reason to love Thomas Peters, his passion for the Faith. He gave a talk about the power of the New Media to influence the culture,and launch grassroots activism,  and used the campaign to support the Mother Teresa stamp as an example of how we Catholics, can use our voices in the new media and can affect the climate in America.
Brian Burch has teamed up with Thomas at Catholic Vote Action, and reminds us to claim our victory of obtaining the Mother Teresa stamp by buying as many of them as possible and making them a historic bestseller.

“This is incredible.”

Those are the words of a Director with the United States Postal Service after being told that over 146,000 people signed our petition in support of the Mother Teresa stamp.

This is truly inspiring.
I am happy to report that I will be on hand to represent you and CatholicVote at the formal introduction of the Mother Teresa stamp on Sunday. The Postal Service will unveil the stamp at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., exactly 13 years after Mother Teresa died on September 5, 1997.

Your efforts have proved the power of CatholicVote’s grassroots activism! We refused to stay silent while a small, but very vocal minority tried to stop the celebration of this amazing and holy nun.
As we said at the time our petition was launched, “Not this time. Not with Mother Teresa.”

Let’s show the Postal Service how much enthusiasm there is for Mother Teresa. The stamp goes on sale nationwide on Tuesday, September 7. Don’t forget to visit your local post office next week and buy lots of Mother Teresa stamps!
Thank you again for all your efforts in making this effort such a big success.
Brian Burch

President

CatholicVote Civic Action

Congressman Chris Smith; pro-life hero

Since Rep Henry Hyde, there has been no Catholic statesman who deserves the title of Catholic hero like Rep Chris Smith (R-NJ). Kristen Hawkins of Students for Life will be awarding him a pro-life Wilberforce award tomorrow, and he richly deserves it. As I said in my article in Canticle Magazine, he is a living example of what can happen when a Catholic man of conviction takes office. May we send him many pro-life cohorts this November. God bless you Chris, you are a great man, who is exactly the type of man to fill the shoes of William Wilberforce.


Kristan Hawkins describes his latest efforts to keep Obama from expanding abortion through health care, and then details his noble career.

Tomorrow, Students for Life of America is honoring U.S. Congressman Chris Smith for his tireless efforts in the U.S. House of Representatives on behalf of the unborn and their mothers. At the 3rd Annual SFLA Summer Social in Arlington, Virginia (www.sflasummersocial.com), Con. Smith will be awarded the Wilberforce Leadership Award.

As the chair of the bi-partisan Pro-Life Caucus in the House of Representatives, Con. Smith has lead all of the pro-life battles in Congress for decades. He is the key leader within in the pro-life movement and is responsible for saving thousands of lives through his legislative efforts.

I can think of no one more deserving of this award than Congressman Smith. He is a true hero for Life and human rights worldwide. In fact, tomorrow, Con. Smith will be introducing a new piece of legislation, the "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act" (http://www.lifenews.com/nat6565.html), to ensure no federal taxpayer funds pay for abortions. Read more about all Con. Smith has done below.



Today, would you take 1 minute and write him a thank you e-mail? E-mail Con. Smith at http://www.lifenews.com/nat6565.html?subject=Thank%20You%20Con%20Smith!
and tell him thanks for all of his hard work over years to save the unborn. Let Con. Smith know how much you appreciate his tirelessly dedication to the pro-life movement.

Thank you for dedication to abolishing abortion in America.
For Life,

Kristan Hawkins

Executive Director

P.S. - The Wilberforce Leadership Award is named for William Wilberforce who was a member of the British Parliament who lead the abolition movement in Britain. Wilberforce worked for 26 years in Parliament to abolish the slave trade and finally passed the Slave Trade Act in 1807, abolishing slave trade within the British Empire.



Biography of Congressman Chris Smith

Now in his 15th term in Congress, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) is a senior member of the U.S. House of Representatives and the dean of the New Jersey delegation. First elected in 1980, Rep. Smith, 57, represents New Jersey’s Fourth Congressional District, which includes parts of Mercer, Ocean, Burlington and Monmouth Counties in the central part of the state. Congressman Smith and his wife Marie have together dedicated their personal and public lives to fight against threats to human rights and to advance respect for the dignity and intrinsic value of each and every human life worldwide.

Rep. Smith is best known in Congress for his work to protect the vulnerable: such as women, children, veterans, disabled persons, the unborn, the poor, political prisoners of conscience or religion, and the elderly. His list of legislative accomplishments continues to grow, including groundbreaking new laws on issues such as health care for veterans, human rights, terrorism prevention, combating human trafficking and violence against women. The Congressman’s active legislative and constituent service agenda is born out of his faith. He often cites Matthew 25 saying “Christ said whatsoever you do for the least of my brothers, you do likewise to me.” It has been the cornerstone and motivating factor in his congressional portfolio from his leadership on the pro-life issue to his work increasing healthcare and benefits for veterans, fighting for the oppressed throughout the world, protecting women and children caught up in sex-trade, supporting living wages, worker protections, child health programs and a safe and clean environment. He is the author of over 30 laws including: America’s three landmark anti-trafficking laws which have created new penalties for traffickers and new protections for the victims, mostly women and children; as well as more than a dozen veterans health, education and homeless benefits laws, and laws shaping state department programs, embassy security and health care.
Throughout his tenure in Congress and as the former Chairman of the House International Relations Subcommittee on Human Rights, and Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, Rep. Smith has played and continues to play a key role in promoting religious freedom and other human rights reforms in Romania, Vietnam, China, the Sudan, Cuba, Ethiopia, Northern Ireland, the Congo and elsewhere.

Mr. Smith’s commitment to protecting the unborn is a vital component of his human rights agenda. He passionately believes that the most fundamental human right is the right to life. Through his role as a legislator, the congressman actively works to protect universal human rights for all—from womb to tomb.

Serving as co-chairman of the bipartisan Congressional Pro-Life Caucus for 25 years, Rep. Smith has been a leader in the advancement of numerous pro-life legislative initiatives as well as being constantly vigilant in fighting anti-life efforts.

Congressman Smith is the author of the Smith Federal Employee Health Benefits amendment which was first passed as an annual “appropriations rider” in 1982 and, despite efforts to rescind the policy, has been retained every year since except FY94-95. The Smith Amendment prevents taxpayer funding of abortions through the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program.

For many years, Mr. Smith has been at the forefront of passing and protecting other “appropriations riders” which must be retained annually to prohibit federal funding of abortion and protect and promote the culture of life. In 2010, Smith introduced legislation to make “riders” that prohibit funding for abortion permanent and government-wide. The “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act” is a comprehensive bill that if enacted will reduce the need for numerous separate abortion funding policies and ensure that no program or agency is exempt from this important safeguard.
As the author of the $265 million Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act, which became law in 2005, Rep. Smith is an untiring advocate for ethical and effective stem cell treatments and research using umbilical cord blood and adult stem cells. These non-controversial stem cells—which are derived without killing human embryos—can be used to treat a host of diseases, and the congressman remains committed to ensuring that adequate funds are appropriated to fund this important program. When the House Appropriations Committee dramatically underfunded the program in 2007, Rep. Smith offered an amendment to the Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Act to increase funding. The Smith stem cell amendment passed without objection.

Rep. Smith has been a long time champion of the U.S. “Mexico City Policy” which prevents foreign abortion providers and promoters from receiving U.S. federal taxpayer dollars. He led the fight to protect this administrative policy during the Reagan Administration and both Bush Administrations. When the Clinton Administration rescinded the policy, Mr. Smith made every effort to reinstate it legislatively and, in 1999, he succeeded in getting the policy reinstated for FY00. The policy has been in place every year of President George W. Bush’s presidency, but President Obama made overturning it a top priority, and rescinded it during his first 48 hours in office. The policy remains rescinded despite legislative attempts by Rep. Smith and others to reinstate it. These efforts have come in the face of persistent and vicious attacks from pro-abortion media and lobbyists.
Congressman Smith believes that women have a right to know that their child has the capacity to feel excruciating pain during an abortion and has introduced legislation to ensure proper informed consent for women seeking an abortion. His groundbreaking legislation, the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act, was considered in the House in the 109th Congress, but was not enacted. Rep. Smith continues to work for the passage of this common-sense legislation, and is a key advocate for passage of the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act, the Custody Protection Act and the Human Cloning Prohibition Act. He also tirelessly promoted the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act, the Born Alive-Infant Protection Act and Unborn Victims of Violence Act – all of which have been enacted into law.

In addition to his work in defense of life in Washington, Rep. Smith has attended numerous U.N. forums, and travels worldwide promoting the rights of unborn children and other disenfranchised persons.

Rep. Smith has been involved in the pro-life movement since his days at Trenton State College (now the College of New Jersey) where he co-founded the Trenton State Pro-Life Committee. Upon graduation, Smith became Executive Director of the New Jersey Right to Life Committee.

Mr. Smith is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Ranking Republican on the Africa and Global Health Subcommittee and has authored numerous human rights laws in addition to his Trafficking Victims Protection Act and two subsequent laws enhancing the fight against human trafficking. He is the co-founder and co-chairman of the bipartisan Internet Freedom Caucus, which promotes free use of the internet around the world and fights repression for political, religious and other reasons.

The congressman also served a chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee where he proved to be a strong legislative powerhouse force, writing 13 laws to expand veterans programs and benefits in the areas of health care, housing, widows benefits, post-service employment and assistance to homeless veterans.

In addition to his work on human rights and veterans, Rep. Smith is very active in several environmental, healthcare and other issues. He has authored numerous bills and amendments enhancing the federal role in these matters and serves as Co-Chairman of the bipartisan Congressional Alzheimer's Task Force, the Coalition for Autism Research and Education, the Congressional Spina Bifida Caucus and the Lyme Disease Caucus.
Congressman Smith and his wife are the proud parents of four children and two grandchildren.

Catholic writers to gather on Long Island in June

Charitable Event Launches New York Writers’ Group


Catholic Writers of Long Island, which is poised to become the first local chapter of the Catholic Writers’ Guild, will hold a full-day conference at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, 440 West Neck Road, Huntington, New York, on Saturday, June 19th, 2010 from 9:30-4:30pm, entitled, “The Word Made Flesh: A Day of Encouragement and Enrichment for Catholic Writers.”
Signed copies of good Catholic books, theater tickets, and other valuable prizes will be raffled off and proceeds will benefit Catholic Relief Services, which is a 501[c]3 organization. All are welcome, including nursing mothers with their babies.

The event’s keynote speaker, Rick Hinshaw, editor of the Long Island Catholic, will receive the Catholic Writers’ Guild’s “Lily” award for Meritorious Achievement in Catholic Arts and Letters. Other speakers include: award-winning author and publisher, Josephine Nobisso; author and composer, Alexander J. Basile; retreat leader and host of “Among Women” podcast, Pat Gohn; and author and seminary rector, Msgr. Peter Vaccari. Msgr. Charles Fink, Director of Spiritual Formation for the seminary, will be the homilist.

The event emphasizes connectedness in the Body of Christ and supports professional networking via breaks with refreshments and a special bonus; early-birds will have bios and contact information listed in ¼-page sections in the program, an added value worth $15. Mass, Rosary, and buffet lunch included.
Tickets before June 1st: $25 for adult early-birds and $17 for student early-birds.
From June 1st-June 15th, tickets: $35 for adults and $25 for students.
Meal head-count closes June 15th.

Register at: http://materetmagistramagazine.org/store/
and click on the “Catholic Writers of Long Island” link in the left sidebar under "Important Links." Add your 100-word [max] bio in the “comments” section, or mail check and typed bio to:
 mater et magistra,
P.O. Box 251 ,
 Hamlin , PA 18427
 and put “LI Writers” in notes section.
To learn more, see Facebook page for “Catholic Writers of Long Island” or contact chapter president, Lisa Mladinich, at lisamladinich@optonline.net

Tragic Ireland losing the Faith

Ireland is a land who has suffered so many trials; the Potato Famine, the Penal Laws, the Troubles, but no crisis as tragic as that she suffers today; there is a report on NPR about how, in response to abuse, Irishmen have establised a website to 'unbaptize' themselves. Such a loss from a land whose faith was always strengthened by trials. This scandal has broken many people's faith, but according to Irish Times columnist Breda O'Brien,  there's another culprit; materialism. We know a lot about this in the US. Once we are comfortable, God becomes an accessory  that doesn't go with our lifestyle.
I remember visiting a leaner, more Catholic Ireland for Easter 1987, where churches were packed with young famlies who rode two deep in the back seats of in tiny Nissans.
Now, there is scandal and prosperity and Ireland is suffering from both.
We await the Holy Father's advice on this situation.
They may take their name off the rolls, but the mark of Baptism remains on their souls. May Almighty God have mercy on Ireland.
St Patrick pray for us.

Listen to the 7 hour Irish music steam here to keep from becoming despondent, wait, that's one of Irish music's best themes. Delicious despondency.

Bishop Tobin calls Senator Patrick Kennedy to repentance

I have nothing to add to the ending of this magnificent, pastoral attempt to bring an errant sheep  into the fold. He is a true shepherd with a heart for souls.
Bravo, Bishop Tobin!

"Your rejection of the Church’s teaching on abortion falls into a different category – it’s a deliberate and obstinate act of the will; a conscious decision that you’ve re-affirmed on many occasions. Sorry, you can’t chalk it up to an “imperfect humanity.” Your position is unacceptable to the Church and scandalous to many of our members. It absolutely diminishes your communion with the Church.

Congressman Kennedy, I write these words not to embarrass you or to judge the state of your conscience or soul. That’s ultimately between you and God. But your description of your relationship with the Church is now a matter of public record, and it needs to be challenged. I invite you, as your bishop and brother in Christ, to enter into a sincere process of discernment, conversion and repentance. It’s not too late for you to repair your relationship with the Church, redeem your public image, and emerge as an authentic “profile in courage,” especially by defending the sanctity of human life for all people, including unborn children. And if I can ever be of assistance as you travel the road of faith, I would be honored and happy to do so."

Sincerely yours,

Thomas J. Tobin

Bishop of Providence

Read his entire column in the Rhode Island Catholic.

Rick Santorum is running for president

It was an interview I'll never forget; I drove down to DC to interview former Senator Rick Santorum for a piece on Catholic politicians for Canticle magazine.
It was an honor I'll never forget, spending an hour reliving his historic speech describing partial birth abortion on the Senate floor. He and his wife Karen were in the midst of mourning the loss of their pre-born son Gabriel, when he was called to speak on behalf of babies at the very same stage of gestation. He was thrust into the spotlight and rose to the occasion, voice pitching higher with the emotion, Santorum insisted that what was at stake was not a 'termination' but a baby. A BABY!
Just then, as the reverberations of his words were ringing in the chamber, the clear cry of an infant could be heard. Senators were silent, absorbing the providential timing of the cry. Was it the voice of Gabriel from heaven, reinforcing his father's pleading? Some think so.
Some of us think that a man like that should be in the White House. Read about a roomful of Catholics who agree.
Read the entire story on Life Site News. http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/sep/09091202.html

Check out "The Catholic Edition" news

Karen L Williams followed me on Twitter and produces this prolife Catholic news site, The Catholic Edition.

Looking for a great family conference?EWTN Family Celebration

I attended the Family Celebration in Philadelphia three years ago with my mother, and it was wonderful! We got a chance to buy great EWTN goods, fellowship with faithful Catholics, meet our favorite EWTN hosts, Fr Groeschel and Raymond Arroyo, and participated in a "The World Over" broadcast with Peggy Noonan and our beloved Fr Richard John Neuhaus(may he rest in peace). It was a once in a lifetime experience and it changed my life.
I left for home feeling like I was part of the EWTN family and convinced that I had to get involved in Catholic media. I started a blog a few months later, and, as they say, the rest is history. . .

EWTN To Host FREE Family Celebration
Meet Raymond Arroyo, Danny Abramowicz and the “Crossing the Goal” team,
Marcus Grodi, Fr. Wade Menezes, Barbara McGuigan and many more!

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – EWTN Global Catholic Network will host its ninth free Family Celebration Aug. 8-9 at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex in Birmingham, Ala.
Come enjoy a roster of well-loved speakers, including EWTN News Director (and Mother Angelica biographer) Raymond Arroyo; Danny Abramowicz and his “Crossing the Goal” team; “Journey Home” Host Marcus Grodi, “Open Line” Host Barbara McGuigan, and Father of Mercy Wade Menezes, CPM, a network regular.
In addition to this stellar lineup, Saturday night attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a live taping of a special edition of “Crossing the Goal” with its four co-hosts: Abramowicz, former NFL all-pro wide receiver and coach; Brian Patrick, whose “Son Rise Morning Show” airs on EWTN radio network; Curtis Martin, President and Founder of FOCUS; and Peter Herbeck, co-host of “The Choices We Face,” which airs on EWTN television.
EWTN CEO and President Michael Warsaw will provide the welcome with “Bookmark” Host Doug Keck emceeing. Deacon Bill Steltemeier and Father Joseph Mary Wolfe will also be on hand for the always popular “Family Talk.”
Children will be entranced by special guest Rob Evans, a.k.a. “The Donut Man,” who, along with Brother Leo of “Hey Brother Leo” fame, will appear at the “EWTN Faith Factory” booth throughout the weekend. In addition, “older kids” can line up to “Meet the Author” while browsing the EWTN Religious Catalogue shop.
Doors will open at 8 a.m. As always, there will be plenty of opportunities for confession as well as Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. It’s a day no fan of EWTN will want to miss – and, best of all, it’s free!
For more information, please visit: http://www.ewtn.com/familycelebration/
EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 28th year, is available in over 148 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

State of CT going after Diocese of Bridgeport's tax exempt status

from the Catholic League
FREE SPEECH IN CONNECTICUT:
CATHOLICS NEED NOT APPLY

Catholic League president Bill Donohue addresses the state of free speech for Catholics in Connecticut:

Three months ago, two lawmakers from Connecticut sought a state takeover of the governing structure of the Catholic Church. This gambit, which we properly labeled a “fascist stunt,” lost. The reason it lost is because of the courageous reaction of Catholics, led by their bishops, and organizations like the Catholic League. Among the steps taken to thwart this unconstitutional abridgement of religious liberty was a rally at the state Capitol.

In retaliation, some state officials are now seeking to penalize the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport, led by Bishop William E. Lori. They have accused the Bridgeport Diocese of breaking the state’s lobbying laws. On May 29, Bishop Lori filed suit seeking an injunction to stop the punitive measures from being implemented.

What is at stake is practically every liberty enshrined in the First Amendment: freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, religious liberty and the provision guaranteeing separation of church and state. First the tyrants sought to take control of the Catholic Church, and now their lackeys are trying to muzzle the free speech of Catholics. Had this been reversed—had the bishops sought to take command of the legislative functions of the state of Connecticut and then proceeded to get a gag order placed on lawmakers—everyone who is now silent would be apoplectic.

Just last month, there was a rally in Hartford demanding universal health care. According to Courant.com, approximately 140 “clergy and religious folks marched to the state Capitol to ask to talk. They wore clerical collars, suit coats and hijabs, and chanted and carried signs that said, ‘Muslims for Health Care,’ and ‘Health Care for All.’” This rally occasioned no threats by state officials of any kind.

Contact Carol Carson, the person who is behind this anti-Catholic effort and is being sued by the Diocese of Bridgeport: Carol.carson@ct.gov

Here is Bishop Lori's statement as posted on his blog
This is the “Constitution State”??

It is with a great degree of shock and dismay that I must share with you a recent action that the State of Connecticut – the so-called “Constitution State” – has initiated with respect to our Diocese.
As you will recall, following the surprise introduction of Bill 1098, which singled out Catholic parishes and would have forced them to reorganize contrary to Church law and the First Amendment, our Diocese responded in the most natural, spontaneous, and, frankly, American, of ways:
We alerted our membership – in person and through our website;
We encouraged them to exercise their free speech by contacting their elected representatives; and
We organized a rally at the State Capitol in Hartford.
As a result, we helped highlight the unconstitutional nature of this proposal such that the bill was withdrawn even before its first scheduled public hearing. It was an outstanding demonstration of democracy-in-action and a great civics lesson for our children. Our Founding Fathers would have been proud.
Examiner’s Conclusion
Last week, however, we were informed that, in the view of an examiner at the Connecticut Office of State Ethics, this was not a textbook case of citizen democracy and free speech – it actually constituted “lobbying”!
Accordingly, the examiner alleges that we failed to register as a lobbyist, a process that would subject the Diocese to intrusive oversight and regulation by the State. As such, the Diocese supposedly violated State law and is potentially subject to civil penalties.
Once again, we should be outraged.
“Lobbying”? Exhortations from the pulpit, information posted to the world wide web, a rally in the middle of the day on the State’s most public piece of property? This cannot possibly be what our Legislature had in mind when it enacted lobbying laws to bring more transparency and oversight to a legislative process that has been corrupted by special interests and backroom deals.
First Amendment Response
Let’s be clear: we violated no law. We acted in response to an outrageous proposal that was imminently pending review and threatened to impose dramatic and blatantly unconstitutional requirements on our Church.
Unfortunately, this new action cannot be seen as anything other than an attempt to muzzle the Church and subject our right of free speech to government review and regulation. This government action tramples on the First Amendment freedoms of speech, assembly, and religion, and should shock the conscience of all citizens of the Constitution State.
We have now been left with no choice but to file a civil rights lawsuit in Federal Court against State of Connecticut officials seeking relief from this shocking government action. A copy of the lawsuit and more information is posted now on our website.
As a Bishop, I will take every measure possible to defend our faith and our Church from attempts to silence us – and our individual parishes could be targeted next.
Thank you to the following for spreading the news about this outrageous action of the Office of State Ethics!
Bill Donohue and the Catholic League: click here
The Editorial Board of the Connecticut Post: click here

Read more at Bishop Lori's blog.

"Catholic" Congressmen; mind your own business!

To all the CINO Catholic in Name Only Congressmen who send this letter to Pope Benedict telling him how to do his God-given job, mind your own business.
Here's the letter:
January 29, 2009
His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI Apostolic Palace 00120, Vatican City State, Europe
Your Holiness Pope Benedict XVI,
As Catholic Members of Congress, we are writing to express our deep concerns with your decision to reinstate Bishop Richard Williamson to communion with the Catholic Church at the same time that Bishop Williamson publicly denies that the Holocaust occurred or that such was the policy under Adolf Hitler. We do not question your reasons for revoking the excommunication of Bishop Williamson or your right to do so, but we fail to understand why the revocation was not accompanied by an emphatic public rejection of his denial of the Holocaust. As such, we seek clarification on this important matter.
Bishop Williamson has said as recently as this past November that, “historical evidence is hugely against 6 million Jews having been deliberately gassed in gas chambers as a deliberate policy by Adolf Hitler.” Yet, the Holocaust is a verifiable fact and as people of good will would agree, one of the darkest chapters in our history as a human family. There are still thousands of people amongst us – Jews and non-Jews – who can attest through eye-witness accounts to the horrors of the Holocaust. Bishop Williamson’s comments regarding the Holocaust echo those of neo-Nazis, Islamist extremists, racists and others who choose hatred and violence over peaceful co-existence among peoples of all races and ethnicities.
We understand that Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi has said that this issue is unrelated to the reinstatement of Bishop Williamson and that you do not share in his views. And we welcome your recent statement expressing "full and indisputable solidarity" with the Jewish people. But this is too sensitive an issue to be handled without a direct repudiation of Bishop Williamson’s views. As a spiritual leader and the head of the Catholic Church, we believe it is vital that you publicly state your unequivocal position on this matter so that it is clear where the Church stands on one of the most consequential events of the 20th century. To neglect to do so is to allow others to portray it as they wish and impede the progress made over so many years toward harmony and reconciliation.
Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully,
ROSA L. DeLAURO, WILLIAM DELAHUNT, ANNA ESHOO, JAMES L. OBERSTAR , BART STUPAK, BILL PASCRELL, CHRISTOPHER P. CARNEY, GERALD E. CONNOLLY, MAURICE D. HINCHEY, JIM COSTA, PHIL HARE, JOSEPH CROWLEY, PETER DEFAZIO PATRICK J. KENNEDY, DENNIS J. KUCINICH, JAMES P. MORAN, WM. LACY CLAY RICHARD E. NEAL, ALBIO SIRES, PETER WELCH , TIM RYAN, TOM PERRIELLO , LINDA SÁNCHEZ, LUIS V. GUTIERREZ , CAROL SHEA-PORTER, MICHAEL F. DOYLE, DENNIS A. CARDOZA, JOHN LARSON XAVIER BECERRA, GEORGE MILLER , FRANK PALLONE BETTY McCOLLUM, JAMES A. McGOVERN, JACKIE SPEIER, CAROLYN McCARTHY EDWARD J. MARKEY, NYDIA VELAZQUEZ, STEPHEN F. LYNCH, JOSE E. SERRAMO SILVESTRE REYES, RAUL GRIJALVA, JOE BACA, BRIAN HIGGINS, MIKE THOMPSON
JERRY F. COSTELLO, DIANE WATSON, JOHN A BOCCIERI
Catholic Congressmen: your business is to
1. Keep contraceptives OUT of the bailout package. How many of you voted with the Republicans to do this?
2. Support Rep Chris Smith's efforts to keep the Mexico City Policy so our precious tax dollars won't go to horrendous abortion programs overseas (like the coercive abortions in China's one-child policy) Here is a list of the other Catholic Democrats who voted not to restore the Mexico City Policy: Gillibrand (NY); Reed (RI); Leahy (VT); Cantwell (WA); Menendez (NJ); Murray (WV); Begich (AL); Dodd (CT); Landrieu (LA); Harkin (IA); Kerry (MA); McCaskill (MO); Mikulski (MD); Durbin (IL) and Kaufman (DE).
Here is a list of the total contributions from the abotion lobby made to the senators who voted against the bill to restore the Mexico City Policy.
Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO), who assumed office only in January 2007, has accepted $986,619 from the pro-abortion lobby. (Source: Inside Catholic.com)
Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) has received $205,768
“Pro-life" Sen. Bob Casey Jr. (D-PA), $327,914.
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), $1,043,301
Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), $17,400
Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), $303,014
Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), $44,585
Sen. Christopher Dodd (CT), $31,235
Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA), $326,996
Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA), $191,057
Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), $367,491
Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), $77,216
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), $24,435
Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), $244,36

3. De-fund the world's biggest abortion profiteer, Planned Parenthood. I didn't hear Obama complaining about the millions in profit which this mega business brings in. With 30% of it's revenue coming from the taxpayers. And thousand of lives ended and women wounded.
4. Pass a Constitutional Amendment stating that unborn babies are persons deserving civil rights. You did it for blacks and women, now let's finish this injustice in America. This will automatically make abortion the civil rights violation that it is.
5. Pass a Constitutional Amendment stating that marriage is between one man and one woman. Another no-brainer,you should remember from your catechism.
6.Ban pornography from the internet where it destroys families.
7. Enforce FCC decency standards on TV and Radio.
8. Let children have vouchers to escape failing public schools and attend the private schools of their parent's choice, like the Obama children do.
9. Stop no-fault divorce from ruining marriages in this nation
10. Or to sum up, just start voting as if you were Catholics in a state of grace instead of in mortal sin which endangers your immortal salvation. You are dancing on a tightrope over the yawning pit of Hell the way you vote, and talk, and live. You cause scandal when you receive the Most Holy Eucharist unworthily, yes Senator Biden, Rep Nancy Pelosi, and Tim Bishop. You confuse the faithful and eat and drink your own damnation.(paraphrase of St Paul) You are in no position to preach at the Holy Father. You are only lucky he is a loving and gentle Holy Father and doesn't give you the public dressing down that you are so richly deserve! He's trusting his bishops in the US to do that. Ahem. . .

Now, when you have accomplished these vital tasks, putting the Culture of Death at bay, you may have the right to tell the Holy Father how to handle irascible old Bishop Williamson. I'm sure that Pope Benedict has dealt with Holocaust deniers before. After all, he is German.
After all, he met with all of you last April, the Catholic legislators who are in denial about the Holocaust under their own noses, the over one million and a half babies murdered in the womb in America each year.
Maybe the Holy Father can sit you down, with Bishop Williamson and watch two films. "Holocaust" and "Dura Realidad" (The Hard Truth). As Lila Rose of Live Action Films says, each time civil rights have been violated, it took graphic images of torture and death to wake up the public.
Catholic Congressmen and Bishop Williamson both need to wake up to injustices.

Knights of Columbus details prolife victories

A message from the Knights of Columbus regarding the November 4 election

Dear friend of the unborn:
It has been a difficult struggle, but the pro-life movement has accomplished many things since the Supreme Court's decision to preempt all state and federal laws regulating abortion in Roe v. Wade in 1973. While achieving the ultimate goal of overturning Roe remains somewhere in the future, we have been able to achieve many small successes along the way:

• the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for abortions;
• the federal law banning partial birth abortions, which was finally upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in April 2007;
• the "Mexico City Policy," which has barred the use of federal taxpayers' money to pay for abortions in other countries;
• laws in 44 states that preserve a parental role when children under 18 seek abortions;
• laws in 40 states that restrict late-term abortions;
• laws in 46 states that protect the right of conscience for individual health care providers;
• laws in 27 states that protect the right of conscience for institutions;• laws in 38 states that ban partial birth abortions;
• laws in 33 states that require counseling before having an abortion;
• and laws in 16 states that provide for ultrasounds before an abortion.All of these restrictions on abortion - all of the progress we've made over the past 35 years in trying to limit and reduce abortions in the United States - would be invalidated with the stroke of a pen if the next Congress passes, and the next president signs, the so-called "Freedom of Choice Act" (FOCA). Before you cast your vote on Tuesday, please take the time and effort necessary to learn whether candidates for whom you might vote favor or oppose FOCA.

The Senate sponsors of FOCA are listed here: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:HR01964:@@@P
The House sponsors of FOCA are listed here: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:SN01173:@@@PObviously , if a candidate in your area is not listed among the sponsors, you may have to ask his or her campaign for their position on FOCA.

We have gathered much additional information about the Freedom of Choice Act, including links to material from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and on life issues generally on a special Knights of Columbus web page:http://www.kofc.org/pro-lifeRemember, all that we've done together since Roe to save the lives of the unborn is at stake.
Please pass on this message to your pro-life friends.

Americans United complain that the Catholic Church is too involved in politics

The Connecticut Supreme Court Decision legalizing same sex marriage becomes official tomorrow with it's publication in the Connecticut Law Journal and is expected to begin the week of November 10th.
Priests at Catholic masses around the state are telling parishioners about the importance of the upcoming election and "Question 1" which is the Constitutional Convention question. The church is backing up their campaign with a paid TV advertising schedule urging people to vote "Yes'" on question one.
from the website of http://www.wtnh.com/
Gay rights groups are comlaining that the Knights of Columbus are funding commercials supporting a Constitutional Convention which may be able to codify marriage as between one man and one woman. The Catholic fraternal organization is also funding commercials promoting Proposition 8 in California. They are afraid that the Church may be awakening the sleeping giant; the Catholic laity. And they may be right.
With only days remaining before the November 4 U.S. election, a tally has shown that over a quarter of America's bishops have published articles, issued statements or given interviews where they have declared that the most important issue for voters in their choice of a new president is the candidate’s stance on abortion.
The tally was put together by well-known Catholic journalist and blogger Rocco Palmo, and published in The Tablet, a Catholic periodical (See Rocco’s article here: http://www.thetablet.co.uk/article/12189). Catholics across the nation have taken the message pro-life to heart, as their pastors have repeatedly called on them to make the right to life the defining issue and to vote accordingly.
HT Catholic Online
The pastor of my parish spoke eloquently from the pulpit yesterday about loving the sinner but hating the sin. He then told us to support the Constitutional Convention, or YES on Question 1. I offered him a lawn sign which I had picked up at the Diocesan Pro-life Conference the day before.
He told me to put it on the church lawn. Priests have guts around here.
Remember the prohibition against clergy having freedom of speech came from then Senator Lyndon Johnson's efforts to silence Baptist preachers who objected to his corruption. It's time this law was challenged and removed. Minsters and priests led the Civil Rights and Abolition movements, and lead the pro-life movement. They have always reminded Americans of their duty to be obedient to God's commandments.
On Saturday, Fr Benedict Groeschel reminded prolifers, that Ben Franklin said that the Constitution is made for the governance of a religious people. Our form of government cannot control a society which is bent on moral depravity. Killing 4,000 babies a day and enforcing the re-education of schoolchildren that sodomy is normal is the most absolute moral depravity possible. We are heading for collapse, economically, socially, or a nuclear disaster if we do not change our ways. Mother Teresa said,
"A nation which kills its children cannot survive".
If the Catholic Church failed to opposed such abberations, woe to her leaders when they stand before the throne of Almighty God.
Read this article by Deacon Keith Fournier on how Catholic pulpits accross the nation are thundering with the truth.
HERE is Bill Donohue's response to the attack on Bishop Seratelli.
AMERICANS UNITED FLOATS STEREOTYPES
Catholic League president Bill Donohue sent a letter today to Lois G. Lerner at the IRS. The text is printed below:
Barry Lynn of Americans United for Separation of Church and State has made public his objections to Paterson, New Jersey Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli’s recent letter to his constituents on the subject of abortion. Lynn has asked you to investigate this matter, charging that “It is impossible to interpret this passage [the concluding paragraph of Serratelli’s missive] as anything but a command to vote against ‘the present democratic candidate’ because of his promise to sign a certain piece of legislation disfavored by the Catholic Church’s hierarchy.”
Perhaps it has something to do with the notoriously anti-Catholic origins of Lynn’s organization, which once called for high-ranking members of the Catholic clergy to be stripped of their constitutional rights, that led him to conclude that any FYI statement made on the part of the Catholic clergy regarding public policy matters constitutes a “command” to Catholics on how to vote. Indeed, only someone who has bought into the worst stereotypes of the Catholic Church would assume that bishops are in the business of giving marching orders to their congregants.
Lynn is a member of the clergy of the United Church of Christ, a religion that supports abortion rights. Moreover, Reverend Lynn makes no bones about his rabid pro-abortion views. He is entitled to that position. But just as it would be absurd for me to say that he has no right to exercise his freedom of speech by telling his congregants that certain candidates for public office hold views that are very different from their own on some issues, it is equally absurd for him to accuse Bishop Serratelli of crossing the line. In short, there is a profound difference between a passionately expressed opinion and a “command.”
HT Catholic Online

The Wanderer reports on Pro Homosexual Choir Director in Massapequa Park

Here are my reasons for objecting to the appointment of Peter Rapanaro as Leader of Song at Our Lady of Lourdes parish.
“ 1) Proudly displayed on his web site is the fact that he direct­ed the recent Off- Broadway pro­duction entitled: My Big Gay Ital­ian Wedding. The description of it from his own web site is below: “ ‘ Planning a wedding can be hell. And planning to ruin a wed­ding can be a hell of a lot of fun — especially when one of the grooms is your ex- lover!
“ ‘Anthony Pinnunziato and An­drew Polinski are getting married. Anthony insists on a big, tradi­tional Italian wedding — but there are a few problems. Anthony’s family won’t give their blessing unless he can fulfill two require­ments: The ceremony is to be per­formed ] by a priest, and Andrew’s estranged mother in Florida must give her blessing too."
The families are presented as deranded, confused Catholics while the actively homosexual men who want to get 'married' are the heroes. This mocks our Church's most sacred teaching on marriage. Anyone who is involved with such a production, needs the sacrament of confession, not a position of honor in a Catholic Church. Perhaps if Peter Rapanaro did repent of supporting these works publicly, his participation would cause less scandal.
The Wanderer continues,
“ 2) Mr. Rapanaro has also been involved in the production of Rainbow PHi, a gay musical.
This was performed on Fire Island, famous for it's gay resorts.

“ 3) Boldly displayed on his homepage are several pictures of himself with Frank Marino, the drag queen and female imperson­ator, and two openly gay fashion designers, Carson Kressley and Robert Verdi.

“ Now, Mr. Rapanaro may have a splendid voice and be a wonder­ful entertainer, and he’s probably a really nice guy, too, and hope­fully he will continue his wonder­fully successful career on stage and elsewhere.
“ The problem here is not with him personally, but rather with the principle involved, so here’s a question: “ Is it right for the Diocese of Rockville Centre and Msgr. Lisante to have a person who open­ly and actively promotes a way of life, namely, the sexually permis­sive ‘ gay’ lifestyle and gay mar­riage, in a regular place of promi­nence on the diocesan television channel and now singing in our church?"
Well said, I hope that the faithful raise their voices as one and stop this travesty!
Read the entire story here.

Catholic Leadership Conference is clear on life

Catholics need clear leadership on this issue and here it is.
Read the entire article here at Catholic online

Help this video to change the tide of the election

Biden's double cross

A guest post by cartoonist John Francis Borra

Well, there you have it-- in his own words, no less.

Remarkably, even at age 65, Joe Biden remains confused about the Catholic faith. This becomes even clearer when you consider the preceding sentence from his autobiography: "My idea of self, of family, of community, of the wider world comes straight from my religion." Needless to say, Biden confuses the secular culture of the community in which he grew up with the Catholic faith that its members professed. In this respect, Biden is no different than many millions of other non-practicing Catholics. Often referred to as cultural Catholics, they adhere to the form of the ancient Christian faith while rejecting its substance, leading lives otherwise indistinguishable from those of atheists.

But is he fully to blame? After all, his mother seems to have done young Joe no favors during his formation. In his acceptance speech at the Democrats' convention in Denver, Biden recalled his mother's coaching to punch out kids who picked on him. I thought immediately of the counsel my wife had given our own son in grade school, to ignore the assaults of bullies and disarm them with an even temper and well-chosen words rather than sink to the level of stupid brutality.

And is there anything more stupidly brutal than the abortions Joe Biden so vigorously defends?

Indeed, Biden's mother seems to have sown seeds that eventually flowered in his public apostasy. In his self-serving Promises to Keep, Biden writes of being teased by a nun, something his mother never forgot. Decades later, upon telling her he was to meet the pope, his mother replied, "Don't you kiss his ring." Such anecdotes remind me of those told by acquaintances who harbor a vague, generations-old enmity toward the Church. Invariably, they stem from some trivial incident in which a member of the clergy said something that somehow offended mom; in a huff, the matriarch left the Church. The result? Her descendants are denied their most precious, rightful and salutary inheritance.

Still, we Catholics are personally responsible for growing in knowledge of our faith. And having been admonished over many years by clergy and laity alike, Biden has no excuses. To be sure, Joe Biden is quick to point out he's still Catholic, but his actions remind us he left the Church long ago for a very different religion and, as illustrated in this cartoon, a very different god.
veritatis@eaglecom.net

"used with permission"

Semper veritas!

John Francis Borra, SFO

Cardinal Egan stands up to Nancy Pelosi

This is like the good old days; a New York City Cardinal telling a CINO (Catholic in Name Only) she must recant her pro-abortion position! It reminds me of Cardinal John O'Connor and Geraldine Ferraro and Mario Cuomo. Well done, Cardinal Egan!
The Cardinal went on to strongly denounce Pelosi's pro-abortion position: "No one with the slightest measure of integrity or honor could fail to know what these marvelous beings manifestly, clearly, and obviously are, as they smile and wave into the world outside the womb.""Anyone who dares to defend that they may be legitimately killed because another human being 'chooses' to do so or for any other equally ridiculous reason should not be providing leadership in a civilized democracy worthy of the name," concluded Cardinal Egan.

Read the entire story at Life Site News.
More bishops rebuke Pelosi, read the story on Catholic Culture.

The courage of Chinese Catholics

. . .enabled them to defy the authorities and attend Holy Mass with their imprisoned Bishop.
More than a thousand underground Catholics defied police controls to meet in a church in Wuqiu (Hebei) to celebrate mass on the feast day of the Assumption of Mary with their bishop, Julius Jia Zhiguo, who has been under house arrest and police surveillance around the clock. Sources told AsiaNews however that the bishop is isolated and that priests and seminarians cannot see him in person. Monsignor Jia is bishop of the underground diocese of Zhengding (Hebei), which has more than 110,000 Catholics with 80 priests and more than 90 nuns. For the Olympics public security officers warned Catholics in the diocese not to celebrate the feast in Wuqiu cathedral. Prelates and priests were placed instead under house arrest.
THIS is why I was against holding the Olympics in China, it inflicted additional suffering on an already persecuted Church. We would do well to imitate the Catholics there who are willing to die for their faith. We don't even want to be embarrassed for ours.
Read the entire story at Catholic Online.

Was Tony Snow a more sincere Catholic than Tim Russert?

It's not for us to judge the state of an individuals soul, but just look at Russert, who supported pro-abortion Catholic politicians Moynihan and Cuomo, and Snow who worked in a largely pro-life Bush White House (yes, I know Bush promoted the use of embryonic stem cell lines, but held firm against killing more embryos for more cells) President Bush's pro-life accomplishments are unmatched, however, and no one doubts his sincerity on this issue, he never tried the Cuomo lint, "I will not impose my personal religious beliefs on others". You are known by the company you keep. Tony Snow was a quietly Catholic in word and loudly Catholic in action.
Here's an anecdote from a Republican insider.
"Tony always spoke of his spirituality in a different way than did Russert, who wore it on his sleeve in almost a patronizing manner, despite his history of liberalism. I just saw Dana Perino, Tony's successor at the White House who used to hang around my office at the State Capitol back in the early '90s when she was a college student & TV intern from southern Colorado & I was chief PR poobah for the House GOP, interviewed live on Fox News; Dana said that Tony always kept a Bible (Holy Family or something similar?) on his desk that he readily & regularly consulted. "
Phil Ross
UPDATE:
From the Family Research Council:
Universally Liked, Universally Missed
In Washington one meets a handful of people who are almost universally liked and respected. So much is at stake in the partisan battles in the capital that having the admiration of political friend and foe alike is rare. Tim Russert achieved that and so did Tony Snow. Tony spoke at the FRC Action Values Voter Summit in 2006 and described with relish his experience at the White House with a mix of professionalism and amazement that was endearing and all-American. He knew, appreciated, and communicated how lucky he was to have been born in the U.S. of A., grown up in the Midwest, and had the chance to work in hallways and places he had dreamed of as a kid. That youthfulness, and the bedrock values that fueled him, never faded, whether at the peak of his success or in the throes of his illness. The proximity of those two things, the peak and the throes coming at once, and the way he handled both with wit and verve only underscored how grounded he was. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family