The Holy Gospel: 11.20.09

Luke 19: 41-48

41 And when he drew near, seeing the city, he wept over it, saying:

42 If thou also hadst known, and that in this thy day, the things that are for thy peace: but now they are hidden from thy eyes.

43 For the days shall come upon thee; and thy enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and straiten thee on every side,

44 And beat thee flat to the ground, and thy children who are in thee: and they shall not leave in thee a stone upon a stone: because thou hast not known the time of thy visitation.

45 And entering into the temple, he began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought,

46 Saying to them: It is written: My house is the house of prayer. But you have made it a den of thieves.

47 And he was teaching daily in the temple. And the chief priests, and the Scribes, and the rulers of the people sought to destroy him:

48 And they found not what to do to him. For all the people heard him attentively.

SOURCE

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The story behind the near riots at UCLA today…

“When I am president, I will make college affordable for every American. Period.”

Remember as you watch, 66% of the students below voted for Obama in the last election…

And UC Santa Cruz…

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Oregon cat dies from H1N1 virus — First feline death in country…

Lebanon, Oregon

From the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association:

Oregon Cat Positive for H1N1 Virus Has Died

On November 4, 2009, a 10-year-old male cat was brought to Animal Clinic in Lebanon, Oregon with labored breathing. A member of the family had been sick with influenza-like illness approximately one week earlier.

On initial examination, the cat’s temperature was 101.7 F. There was no coughing or sneezing and its respiration was rapid and shallow. Radiographs were taken and revealed results consistent with pneumonia.

On November 5, 2009, the cat’s respiratory rate worsened. The cat was admitted and treated with oxygen and medication.

On November 7, 2009, the cat died. It was later confirmed that the cat was positive for pandemic H1N1 by Oregon State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

It is believed that this is the first feline H1N1 fatality. It is the third confirmed case of a cat with H1N1. In addition to this case, there have been cases of confirmed H1N1 infection in cats in Iowa and Utah. Both cats recovered.

A Nebraska ferret with the virus died last month. Four Oregon ferrets tested positive and have recovered.

Three other cats in the Oregon household also became ill with different degrees of sneezing and coughing. None of them had an elevated temperature. Nasal swab samples were collected and yielded no other positive results for H1N1.

Transmission

In these cases it is believed that the cats caught the virus from humans in their households who were sick with influenza-like symptoms. If you or other members of your household are ill with influenza-like symptoms, wash your hands, use alcohol-based hand cleaners, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze, and avoiding touching your cat’s eyes, nose and mouth.

Dr. Emilio DeBess, Oregon State Public Health Veterinarian, cautions owners and veterinarians that it may be possible for cats to transmit this virus to humans. Coughing and sneezing can spread the virus which can remain infectious for about a week outside the body. Thoroughly wash your hands when handling sick pets or when you are sick.

Symptoms

Despite the unfortunate outcome in the Oregon case, cat owners should not panic. The number of confirmed cases of H1N1 infection in cats is quite small compared to the US cat population.

Watch your cat for symptoms and seek veterinary care if your cat shows signs of respiratory illness.

Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, lethargy, or conjunctivitis (swelling and redness of the membranes around the eyes).

In these instances, your cat should be examined by your veterinarian, especially if there is a recent history of influenza-like illness in the household.

Treatment

As with people, treatment is supportive, which means treating the symptoms and letting the virus run its course. If a diagnosis of respiratory illness is made, your veterinarian can suggest medications and treatment to make your cat more comfortable.

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Bishops Settle World Series Wager (pics)

2009 USCCB Fall General Assembly 

Archbishop Dolan (Yankees) vs. Cardinal Rigali (Phillies) 

Pre-Series chatter: Bagels vs. Tastykakes…

“These two long-time friends spoke on Tuesday evening (before the series began) to settle the terms of the bet. If the Phillies win, Archbishop Dolan will ship a dozen bagels to the City of Brotherly Love; if the Yankees prevail, Cardinal Rigali will send a box of Tastykakes to the Big Apple.”

The churchmen exchanged the usual jocularities, with Rigali expressing “great esteem for Archbishop Dolan” but adding: “We have the cream cheese ready for the bagels that I know will be arriving shortly after the Repeat in the City of Brotherly and Sisterly love.”

(“Sisterly” love? An oddly inclusive usage coming from Rigali, a member of the Catholic committee charged with producing new and literal — and decidedly non-PC — Mass translations that will arrive soon to a parish near you.)

Dolan in turn called Rigali “one of my closest and dearest friends” but then adding: “I know he has exquisite taste in most matters. I just wish he had better taste in baseball teams.”

H/T David Gibson

Post-Series humble kake…

Archbishop Tim Dolan of New York and Cardinal Rigali meet to settle a wager on the outcome of the World Series.

The terms of the wager were simple. If the Phillies won, Dolan would present Rigali with a box of bagels. If the Yankees won, Rigali would bring Dolan a box of tastykakes.

So Cardinal Rigali graciously presented — and Archbishop Dolan gleefully received — the tastykakes, which he made available to everyone.

Cardinal Rigali also presented Archbishop Dolan with a Phillies jersey …

… which Archbishop Dolan promptly inverted as a signal of distress.

Dolan also presented Rigali with a 2009 World Series champs jersey …

… which Rigali never did hold up for the camera.

Bishop Tod Brown (Angels) and Cardinal Roger Mahoney (Dodgers) were nowhere in sight…

SOURCE – USCCB FALL MEETING

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Alinsky Groups, Child Porn Convict, Socialist Tied to CCHD Funding

2009 CCHD Boycott

Found in my combox this morning: A Free Republic Exclusive…

The annual CCHD (Catholic Campaign For Human Development) collection will be held in churches this coming weekend-November 21 and 22.

This is the same group that was giving money for years to the Saul Alinsky-style group called ACORN before ending its relationship with the controversial group.

After much criticism for its leftwing funding, the CCHD has supposedly tightened up their standards. Unfortunately these new standards are not working because the CCHD is still funding groups that:

-Have a registered sex offender (child porn) on the staff
-Are working to change laws so you can not refuse to rent to convicted criminals
-Have an admitted socialist and friend of Code Pink member Jodie Evans as Executive Director.
-Have direct ties to Alinsky’s “Industrial Areas Foundation”

Step by step evidence with links:

The “Baltimore Catholic Campaign For Human Development”’s website list grants awarded in 2009

Under “National Grants”, the last group listed is:

Out for Justice / Alternative Directions – Baltimore
“A second year CCHD organizing grant will enable this project to continue to address and empower largely unrepresented persons inside and outside the prison system, with special attention on reentry into society. Contact: Mary J. Davis, 2505 N. Charles St. Baltimore 21218 Phone : 410-889-5092

The listed address for this group is also the employment address of Jay Sherr, according to the Sex Offender Registry of Maryland.

Now check out the photo on the Alternative Directions “Our Staff” Page Yep, there he is. The child pornographer himself is on their staff!

Out for Justice states on its website its 2009 priority issues. #3 was ending unjust housing discrimination described this way: “it is within the right of the landlord to ask about the criminal background of an individual and deny housing based on that background” This is something that Out For Justice wants to end. They want sex offenders and criminals like Mr. Sherr to be able to live in your private rental unit… and the Catholic Church is funding this effort!?

I really don’t want money from my church collection paying a child pornographer’s salary. I really don’t want money from my church collection to fund efforts to change the law so sex offenders like Mr. Sherr can live near me or my children.

Another group that received money from CCHD under “National Grants”

3. 45,000 – Save Middle East Action Committee (SMEAC) “This 5th year community organizing grant continues to give voice to displaced home owners and renters, seeking new and alternative housing in the technological park/redevelopment areas, adjacent to Johns Hopkins Hospital facilities in east Baltimore. Contact: Nathan Sooy, Executive Director“

Nathan Sooy has a long history as a community organizer and is a member of “Democratic GAIN”-a professional association for individuals and organizations that work in Democratic and Progressive politics.

From his social profile at the leftwing Huffington Post, we learn CODE PINK’s Jodie Evans is a friend. More on Jodie Evans here and here

. On a post at Mother Jones, Mr. Sooy wrote: “I believe that the GOP will use these racial statements by Wright to sink Obama if he becomes the Democratic nominee. And I think that they will be successful. I take great sorrow in that.”…and later writes…. “So, on April 22nd I am going to vote for Hillary Clinton for President.”
March 21, 2008 – 10:29am Post on Mother Jones

Mr. Sooy doesn’t just post at leftwing blogs, here at Andrew Brietbart’s Big Government (go to 4th comment by “Vetbill” and click on “1 reply” to see Mr. Sooy’s post) he brags about being a community organizer in the Alinsky tradition and defends socialists:

“As a thirty year community organizer in the Alinsky tradition I say quite clearly – SO WHAT? Democratic Socialists of America is the American version of the Labor Party in England. And as to the fact that there are democratic socialists among rank and file Democrats – I say quite clearly – DUH! The Democratic Party has had a social democratic (democratic socialist) faction since the days of Franklin Roosevelt. “

Another Alinsky group getting funding from the CCHD in 2009 was #4 under “National Grants”: P.A.T.H. (People Acting Together in Howard) According to its website P.A.T.H. is a part of the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF)- a Chicago based community organizing network established in 1940 by…Saul Alinsky.

Word of questionable donations by the CCHD is once again spreading, causing Bishop Loveerde Of Arlington Virginia to notify his priests not to add any negative commentary to their announcement of this second collection:

“I am aware of the serious concerns about the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) collection. After much research and consultation, I have decided to authorize the collection again this year. Attached is a letter explaining my decision that you can make available to your parishioners. It will also run in the Herald next week. I expect that this collection will be taken up in our parishes the weekend of November 21-22 without any negative commentary. Please announce this collection as you would any other second collection.”

The CCHD has released a carefully worded statement trying to defend itself against charges it was funding groups that went against Catholic teaching. It claims that “CCHD funds will not be used to support any application which is sponsored or promoted by an organization whose primary or substantial thrust is contrary to Catholic teaching”. So as long as its not primary or substantial, groups can be against the church and still get funding from the CCHD?

In the last two defense examples the CCHD listed in the above document, it admits they were giving funds to two groups that had to be canceled in San Francisco. It also admits it has temporarily suspended funding to a group in Portland and a group in Philadelphia in order to conduct more research. This is in addition to its previous suspension of money for ACORN mentioned above. All of these admissions and changes were due to people doing the research the CCHD did not or would not do.

This is not an attack on the Catholic Church. I am Catholic. I want my fellow Catholics to know where their money is going. Mine is going to the “Little Sisters Of The Poor” this coming weekend. Please don’t hold back your donations for the poor, just redirect them to a more worthwhile charity.

Please also go over the list of CCHD funding recipients for your archdiocese and research them.

Christian Pop Music: Best argument for ‘wanting’ to be left behind at the Rapture…

 

Francis Beckwith over at Return To Rome asks: Worst Christian Pop Song, Ever?

 

Sunday Angelus — Pope: Creation is temporal, Jesus’ words eternal 11.15.09

With thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the Sunday Angelus, Pope Benedict XVI focused his address on Sunday’s Mass reading from the Gospel of St. Mark. While creation is “destined to end,” he said, Jesus’ words are “eternal.”

On the second-to-last Sunday of the liturgical year, Pope Benedict expressed his thanks to God for another year in “the great family of the Church” almost complete: “It is an inestimable gift, which permits us to live in history the mystery of Christ, welcoming in the paths of our personal and communal existence the seed of the Word of God, an eternal seed that from the inside transforms this world and opens it to the Kingdom of Heaven.”

St. Mark, he added, today presents us a part of the discourse of Jesus on the end times: “In this discourse, there is a sentence that is striking for its clear synthesis: ‘Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.’”

The expression “Heaven and earth,” Benedict XVI explained, appears frequently in the Bible to indicate all the universe, the entire cosmos. “Jesus,” he added, “declares that all that is destined to pass away, not only earth, but Heaven, which is included here in the cosmic sense, not as synonymous of God.”

“Sacred Scripture is unambiguous. All creation is destined to end, including elements divinized by ancient mythology. There is no confusion between creation and the Creator, but a clear difference.”

“With such clear distinction, Jesus affirms his words ‘will not pass away,’ which stand by the part of God and accordingly, are eternal,” the Pope expounded. “Pronounced with the concreteness of his early existence, these are prophetic words par excellence, as Jesus affirms (in the Gospel of St. John) when he turns to the heavenly Father: ‘the words you gave to me I have given to them, and they accepted them and truly understood that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me.’”

In a well-known parable in the Gospel of St. Matthew, Jesus compares himself to a sower and explains that the seed is the Word. “The ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit” are part of the Kingdom of God, the Holy Father said.

“That is, they live under his rule, remaining in the world, but no longer part of the world. They bear in themselves…a principle of transformation that already now manifests itself in a good life, animated by love, and in the end, will produce the resurrection of the body. Behold the power of the Word of God.”

The Pontiff concluded by explaining that the Blessed Virgin Mary is the living sign of this truth: “Her heart was “good earth” that welcomed with complete openness the Word of God, such that all her existence, transformed according to the image of the Son, was introduced to eternity, soul and body, anticipating the eternal vocation of each human being.”

“Now, in prayer, let us make our own her response to the Angel ‘may it be done to me according to your word,’ so that following Christ along the way of the cross, we too can reach the glory of the resurrection.”

SOURCE

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Longest–most beautiful–new baby name ever!

Here it is, now, say it three times fast…

(Mr.) Kaikila Kamakanaiho’unamaikalaniakeakua Ripp

(Grandma Yvette and baby)

Beautiful Baby, Beautiful Name, All-Beautiful God…

Long time friends of our family Dion and Yvette Ripp are grandparents for the first time! Kaikila (Ocean Strong)  Kamakanaiho’unamaikalaniakeakua (God’s gift sent from above) Ripp was born to Nate and Janishya on September 10, 2009. Janishya’s family is practically all Hawaiian so the family names the middle name with a meaning.

Congrats to all families, and God bless you–K. K. Ripp.

ED. NOTE: The combox is open if anyone knows of a longer newborn name….

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All I needed to know about the Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki

Congrats from The Orates Fratres to Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki, new shepherd of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee…

Bishop Listecki says goodbye to La Crosse

 

And FYI, this gem of a letter from last spring…  

NEWS RELEASE

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2009 CCHD BOYCOTT INFORMATION: Catholic Campaign for Anti-Catholic Activities

BOYCOTT…

Every year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving , many Catholic parishes take up a second collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD).

Recognize that organization? If you don’t, you should. Here’s why:

Until 2008, CCHD had been funding ACORN for several years, giving over $7 million to the corrupt organization. The same organization that is being investigated for voter fraud, embezzlement, and other wrongdoing was recently caught in undercover videos in recent months helping a pimp and prostitute set up a business and traffic underage girls for prostitution.

It doesn’t end there. CCHD has funded groups that openly oppose the Church’s teachings, including:

· Young Workers United – supports abortion rights, legalized prostitution and gay marriage.

· The Chinese Progressive Association (San Francisco) – supports abortion rights and gay marriage, actively urging its members to vote against Prop 8 in California, which would define marriage as between a man and a woman.

· People Improving Communities through Organizing (PICO) – currently campaigning for the a version of healthcare reform, which has government-funding of abortion and does not protect the conscience rights of medical professionals who decline to perform or refer for abortions.

Learn more from the Bellarmine Veritas Ministry’s exposition of CCHD-funded groups. For more information and for the CCHD’s response to these charges, click here.

The CCHD has not directly funded abortion, or any explicitly anti-Catholic project to our knowledge. It has also funded groups which legitimately serve and represent the poor and marginalized.

But it is hard to believe repeated assurances that the CCHD always carefully vets its grantees given both its history and its continued funding of groups which openly oppose the Catholic Church’s teachings on social justice, family and life issues. This must stop.

Do you want your money going to the CCHD on November 22nd?

It’s time that we sent the CCHD a message.
Will you join us?

This year, instead of cash or a check, download and print out this coupon and put it in the November 22nd annual CCHD special collection at your parish. The coupon explains that your financial support will resume once the CCHD demonstrates that it will work only directly support groups that are in agreement with Catholic teaching on social, family and life issues.

 Sign up to receive updates on this campaign by clicking the REFORM CCHD ICON in the upper left corner of this page, get informed about the history of the CCHD scandal, find out about groups that are serving and representing the poor in an authentically Christian way, and spread the word to all faithful Catholics that we will no longer subsidize groups which do not support Catholic teaching on social justice, family and life issues.