Reflections from the pastoral ministry of an Evangelical Catholic Priest.
31 October, 2012
Boo! 9 surprising facts about Halloween in Canada - Business - CBC News
Happy Halloween! Be generous and kind to all the ghosts, goblins, and other various monsters who knock on your door tonight! And, please be careful if you're driving around tonight so as to keep all those costumed kids safe.
Boo! 9 surprising facts about Halloween in Canada - Business - CBC News
Boo! 9 surprising facts about Halloween in Canada - Business - CBC News
30 October, 2012
28 October, 2012
27 October, 2012
Brian D'Arcy: I felt like giving up when the Catholic Church tried to gag me - Northern Ireland, Local & National - Belfasttelegraph.co.uk
'Giving up'? I wonder how he can square his religious obligation to obey his superiors (who ordered him to cease this public campaign of challenging Church teaching) with his participation in a documentary about the issue. It would seem that Fr. D'Arcy is having trouble understanding not only the Church's moral teachings but he's go a way to go to understand what it means to be obedient and silent!!
Brian D'Arcy: I felt like giving up when the Catholic Church tried to gag me - Northern Ireland, Local & National - Belfasttelegraph.co.uk
Brian D'Arcy: I felt like giving up when the Catholic Church tried to gag me - Northern Ireland, Local & National - Belfasttelegraph.co.uk
NDP threatens Family Coalition Party with legal action for 'hate literature' mail drop | LifeSiteNews.com
I never cease to be amazed that political parties like the NDP and the Liberals, which claim to be 'inclusive' organization, are the ones who are spearheading the drive to make illegal opinions that they don't agree with without recognizing the contradiction.
Here's another solid example to prove my point. Click on the link to read the entire article.
NDP threatens Family Coalition Party with legal action for 'hate literature' mail drop | LifeSiteNews.com
Here's another solid example to prove my point. Click on the link to read the entire article.
NDP threatens Family Coalition Party with legal action for 'hate literature' mail drop | LifeSiteNews.com
26 October, 2012
Is Freedom of Religion a 'natural right'? Here's an interesting article that tries to answer this question.
In that notable letter, so characteristically terse, and yet with it all, magnificent, George Washington remarked to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport that "it is now no more that toleration is spoken of as if it were the indulgence of one class of people that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights." The "natural rights" here were the rights of "the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land" to live their Jewish lives with their rituals of worship. And in a biblical image, "every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid." Several years earlier James Madison invoked a comparable notion of the freedom of religion as nothing less than a natural right. In his "Memorial and Remonstrance Against Religious Assessments" (1785), Madison insisted that "this right [of religious freedom] is in its nature an unalienable right."Click on the link below to read the entire article.
Right Reason
25 October, 2012
Is wealth more than welfare the problem? Mark Shea tackles an interesting question.
Mark Shea, a prominent American blogger and columnist tackles the question of wealth as it effects our state before God. Don't know that I entirely agree with him. but he does make a number of good points. Click on the link below to read the article and decide for yourself if you agree with him or not.
For Debate
For Debate
24 October, 2012
Campaign 2012: What Kind of Country Do You Want? | First Things
Here's George Weigel's latest column dealing with the upcoming US elections. I haven't posted a great deal about the campaign because as a Canadian blogger it has little immediately relevancy. But I liked this column for the fact that the questions it raises can apply here in Canada as well.
Campaign 2012: What Kind of Country Do You Want? | First Things
Campaign 2012: What Kind of Country Do You Want? | First Things
Justin Press - A Canadian Catholic Publisher opens up!
I recently purchased two books from a new Canadian Catholic publishing firm called Justin Press. The first is titled: 'Going Home' by Fr. Denis Lemieux of Madonna House.
The second is by Michael O'Brien examining the disintegration of the social fabric in society called ''Arriving Where We Started". It completes a trilogy which sounds the tocsin for the Christian Civilization of the Western World. 'Remembrance of the Future' and the crisis of the family in 'Father at Night'.
Click on the link below to examine their entire catalog.
Justin Press | Canadian Catholic Publisher
23 October, 2012
22 October, 2012
21 October, 2012
20 October, 2012
Mask off: Canadians now warning Americans
Imagine this:Click below to read entire article.
“You are summoned to a tribunal where you cannot have a defense lawyer and you cannot record the proceedings nor have a witness present. The people judging and prosecuting you have no legal qualifications. The accusation is ambiguous, having to do with ideas the state does not like. The penalties could include fines equal to several thousands of dollars, public recanting and rehabilitation classes.”
Does this sound surreal or unthinkable to you? Unfortunately, it is all too real. These are the words of Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, from Ottawa, Canada.
Mask off: Canadians now warning Americans
19 October, 2012
Obama, Romney trade jokes at Al Smith Dinner : News Headlines - Catholic Culture
“Earlier today, I went shopping at some stores in Midtown,” joked Obama. “I understand Governor Romney went shopping for some stores in Midtown.”
Obama, Romney trade jokes at Al Smith Dinner : News Headlines - Catholic Culture
Evolution, Big Bang all ‘lies straight from the pit of hell’ — U.S. Congressman | Holy Post | National Post
More proof that while it may be impossible for a 'camel to pass through the eye of a needle', it seems there's not difficulty for an ass to make it's way through the doors of Congress.
This story says nothing relevant about religion per se, but it speaks volumes about the American political process.
Evolution, Big Bang all ‘lies straight from the pit of hell’ — U.S. Congressman | Holy Post | National Post
This story says nothing relevant about religion per se, but it speaks volumes about the American political process.
Evolution, Big Bang all ‘lies straight from the pit of hell’ — U.S. Congressman | Holy Post | National Post
18 October, 2012
17 October, 2012
16 October, 2012
14 October, 2012
Ontario's Education Minister goes one step too far
Ontario's embattled Minister of Education, Laurel Broten |
“Taking away a woman’s right to choose could arguably be considered one of the most misogynistic actions that one could take,” Broten said during a press conference.
“Bill 13,” (The Accepting Schools Act) she asserted, “is about tackling misogyny.”
Passed in June, Bill 13 was formulated in response to a series of teen suicides by students who were victims of bullying from their peers. It requires schools to provide “a positive school climate that is inclusive and accepting, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status or disability”. The act specifically mandates that schools - Catholic Separate Schools included - establish “gay-straight alliance” organizations be available where requested (edit added). It seems now that it will also be used to infringe even further on religious freedom by prohibiting Catholic schools from teaching that abortion is immoral.
Asked by a member of the press if it was “appropriate” for Catholic schools to “let kids out of school to go to anti-abortion rallies,” Broten said “in Ontario, we support Catholic education, support the teaching of love and tolerance in our Catholic schools and at the same time support a woman’s right to choose”. In other words, the Liberal government of Ontario — led by pro-choice Premier Dalton McGuinty, (also a Catholic) — supports Catholic education only up to the point where it conflicts with their secularist orthodoxy.
It may come as a surprise to Broten (and McGuinty), but the Catechism of the Catholic Church is quite clear on the subject: “Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception”. Nor does the church consider this merely a private matter: “The inalienable right to life of every innocent human individual is a constitutive element of a civil society and its legislation". It simply is not possible to be a Catholic in good standing and support abortion and its funding by the state.
Putting aside for a moment the particulars of whether or not abortion is right or moral, this initiative by Minister Broten is a gross distortion of what Bill 13 actually says. Nowhere does the legislation address the issue of abortion services, nor does it grant to the Minister the authority to prohibit the pro-life activities of students individually or collectively. When this was pointed out to her by a journalist, she replied “Bill 13 has in it a clear indication of ensuring that our schools are safe, accepting places for all our students. That includes LGBTQ students. That includes young girls in our school. Bill 13 is about tackling misogyny. Taking away a woman’s right to choose could arguably be one of the most misogynistic actions that one could take". She went on to say that Bill 13 forced Catholic schools to adopt gay-straight alliances “so that students feel safe,” and therefore those schools can also be silenced with regard to abortion so “young girls can make the choices that they make". “This is not about being pro-abortion,” she maintained. “It is about being pro-choice”. That “choice,” of course, is the one to have an abortion. Clearly the fact that Catholic teaching states otherwise seems beyond the Minister's comprehension, blinded as she is by her own progressive' agenda.
Minister Broten ignores of the fact that her decision also violates section 93 the Canadian Constitutional Act which enshrines the rights of Catholics in Ontario to a school system in which they can teach their children in a Catholic environment without government interference. While it may be debatable whether or not Bill 13 in its entirety might be constitutional, a matter soon to be taken up by the courts, it's clear that prohibiting Catholic schools from teaching that abortion is wrong is a clear violation of this legal guarantee of the separation of Church and State.
Some have used the argument that since the province pays the Catholic schools to educate its young citizens it possesses the right to demand that its values be taught to them. They argue that if Catholics are willing to let the province 'pay the piper', it must also allow the education ministry to 'call the tune' when it comes to determining what will be taught. Yet these people are ignoring the fact that Bill 13 applies to all schools in the province... public, separate, or private. Thus, her misguided edict would be mandatory whether or not the province pays for the service. Transitioning the Separate School system into one that's funded by tuitions, donations, and Church funds and removing it from public funding would not protect it from the type of malevolent and improper interference that Ms. Broten is trying to enforce.
Premier McGuinty should immediately remove Ms. Broten from her portfolio as Education Minister for trying to force the Separate Schools to adhere to her personal values and beliefs. As a Catholic, she does not possess the right to demand that the Church change its moral doctrine to fit her wishes. Neither does she possess the authority as a Minister of the Crown to achieve this same end. She has failed miserably as a Catholic and as a member of the provincial cabinet... a fact that won't be forgotten the next time the McGuinty government stands for re-election.
13 October, 2012
Catholic Bishops against Eric Robert execution - KSFY News - Sioux Falls, SD News, Weather, Sports
I'm pleased to see that the Bishops are defending ALL life... even convicted murderers. Being pro-life means fighting to end all killing in our society, not just the slaughter of the unborn. This is something that all Catholics should work towards: respect for the right to life for the unborn, handicapped, the aged, and the guilty.
Catholic Bishops against Eric Robert execution - KSFY News - Sioux Falls, SD News, Weather, Sports
Catholic Bishops against Eric Robert execution - KSFY News - Sioux Falls, SD News, Weather, Sports
Please consider signing this petition calling for the resignation of Ontario Education Minister who forbids RC Schools from teaching abortion is a sin.
PLEASE CONSIDER signing this petition. The Education minister in Ontario has violated the Charter of Rights & Freedoms (Article 29) in ruling that Catholic Separate Schools cannot teach that abortion is a sin to students. This must not be allowed to stand!
Petitions
Petitions
12 October, 2012
What Is Your Dog Thinking? A Lot | TIME Ideas | TIME.com
Fascinating! I wonder if soon I'll get to know what my buddy Mateo has on his mind. Up to now it's been 'Feed me!', 'Pet me!' and 'I've got to go pee!' Wonder what else he's got to say??
What Is Your Dog Thinking? A Lot | TIME Ideas | TIME.com
What Is Your Dog Thinking? A Lot | TIME Ideas | TIME.com
11 October, 2012
Ontario Education Minister: Catholic schools can’t teach abortion is wrong - that’s ‘misogyny’ | LifeSiteNews.com
Laurel Broten said that arguments against legal abortion are “misogynistic” and therefore should be banned under Ontario’s Bill 13, a law that bans bullying. The education minister said that “we’re very clear with the passage of Bill 13 that Catholic teachings cannot be taught in our schools that violates human rights and which brings a lack of acceptance to participation in schools.”
As predicted... here come's the onslaught forcing the Catholic system to change its moral teachings to accommodate current mores.
It's interesting how an Act that was supposed to be geared towards fostering 'equality' is being used to enforce an anti-Catholic, anti-life agenda. Sad... but interesting. Even I didn't expect the Ontario government to go this far. Evidently I was mistaken.
Ontario Education Minister: Catholic schools can’t teach abortion is wrong - that’s ‘misogyny’ | LifeSiteNews.com
10 October, 2012
09 October, 2012
63 ex-Catholic priests in Washington: We back gay marriage
While I hardly find it shocking that men who once professed their commitment to uphold and teach the teachings of the Church - it's hardly a surprise that ex-priests might espouse a re-definition of the doctrines that caused them to put aside their vocational call. One might hope that some vestigial sense of respect for what they formerly believed, rooted in their own personal experiences as priests and pastors of knowing just how difficult it is to promote the Christian teachings in todays culture.
It's hard enough to convince a generation that for the most part lacks the self-control and discipline to keep their consumer purchasing in check - so great is the craving for immediate self-gratification among people today - without having to confront the opposition of those we thought of as our brothers in ministry too. These ex-priests should know better than to kick mud on former friends. They may no longer believe in the Church, perhaps they've lost their faith in God as well. But they will no doubt come to believe in karma when they discover that 'what goes around, comes around'. Efforts which make life difficult for others when you should know better, is bound to come back to bite you is the a$$ later on.
From the perspective of someone who continues to work away faithfully for the faith, I just wish they'd keep their opinion to themselves.
63 ex-Catholic priests in Washingon: We back gay marriage
It's hard enough to convince a generation that for the most part lacks the self-control and discipline to keep their consumer purchasing in check - so great is the craving for immediate self-gratification among people today - without having to confront the opposition of those we thought of as our brothers in ministry too. These ex-priests should know better than to kick mud on former friends. They may no longer believe in the Church, perhaps they've lost their faith in God as well. But they will no doubt come to believe in karma when they discover that 'what goes around, comes around'. Efforts which make life difficult for others when you should know better, is bound to come back to bite you is the a$$ later on.
From the perspective of someone who continues to work away faithfully for the faith, I just wish they'd keep their opinion to themselves.
63 ex-Catholic priests in Washingon: We back gay marriage
08 October, 2012
Pope opens bishop synod, names 2 church doctors
VATICAN CITY - (AP) -- Pope Benedict XVI urged the world's bishops on Sunday to try to bring back Catholics who have left the church as he opened a three-week meeting to reinvigorate the church's evangelization mission.
Some 262 cardinals, bishops and priests from around the world are in Rome for the meeting, or synod, called to give impetus to the pope's efforts to re-evangelize parts of the world where Catholicism has fallen by the wayside.
At the start of the Mass, Benedict named two new "doctors" of the church, conferring one of the Catholic Church's highest honors on the 16th-century Spanish preacher, St. John of Avila, and the 12th-century German mystic, St. Hildegard of Bingen. They join the ranks of only 33 other church doctors who have been singled out over the course of Christianity for their contributions to and influence on Catholic doctrine.
Click on title to read the entire article.
07 October, 2012
06 October, 2012
From Atheism to Catechism | ASU News | The State Press | Arizona State University
Thanks to Michael Brandon of 'Freedom Through Truth' for sending me this article.
From Atheism to Catechism | ASU News | The State Press | Arizona State University
From Atheism to Catechism | ASU News | The State Press | Arizona State University
Catholic theologian: Unseat pope and push ‘authoritarian’ church to radical reform | The Raw Story
Hans Küng has been a friend of B16 since their days teaching together. Then Küng comes out with something like this.
Some friend, eh?
With friends like this, who needs to have an enemy?
Catholic theologian: Unseat pope and push ‘authoritarian’ church to radical reform | The Raw Story
Some friend, eh?
With friends like this, who needs to have an enemy?
Catholic theologian: Unseat pope and push ‘authoritarian’ church to radical reform | The Raw Story
05 October, 2012
04 October, 2012
03 October, 2012
02 October, 2012
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