Catholic
NEWSNET
June, 2004
Last updated: June 10, 2004
Topics: Books,
Conferences And Speakers, For Your Information, For Your Parish, Fundraisers,
Medjugorje
Monthly Message, Pilgrimages, Prayer Intentions From The Holy
Father, Prayer Opportunities
and Retreats, Pro-Life, Spiritual Responses: Know Your
Faith
May 30, 2004, Sunday, the Rainbow Sash organization, which advocates that the Catholic Church must embrace and endorse homosexuality, will be organizing and presenting themselves for Holy Communion at Cathedrals throughout the United States on Sunday, May 30th. In the Twin Cities, they will be present for Mass at the Cathedral of St. Paul for the reason of drawing attention to their defiance and expecting to receive the Blessed Sacrament despite their stance.
Cardinal George of
In response, a group of 10-20 respectful laity led by Dr.
David Pence intend to also be present and peacefully stand between the priest
and anyone who comes up for Communion wearing a rainbow sash. Outside the St.
Paul Cathedral, Catholics who are against sacrilege are invited to gather to
pray the rosary from
These are books containing collections of daily prayers for spiritual growth.
My Daily Bread: is an example that good things can come in small packages. This little book of daily readings are just wonderful, with the general theme of The Way Of Purification. The book is divided into five sections: Conversion, After Conversion, Temptation, Conquering Bad Habits, and Self-Conquest Through Mortification. There are other books in this series such as, My Imitation Of Christ and My Daily Life, which are also excellent. The book is by Anthony Paone, S.J. and is published by the Confraternity Of The Precious Blood.
The Imitation Of Christ:
also a smaller book, contains four books within it: Useful Admonitions For The Spiritual
Life, Considerations For Leading An Interior Life, On Interior Conversion, and
On The Blessed Sacrament And Devout Exhortations For Holy Communion. With
somewhat shorter entries, this is a somewhat easier to read, yet very helpful
book. This book is by Thomas A. Kempis and is
published by the Catholic Book Publishing Company of
Divine Intimacy: includes in-depth daily meditations
with references to St. Theresa of
June 14, 2004: Monday, The Minnesota Christ The King
Chapter of Catholic United for the Faith will hold it’s June meeting with
Father James Livingston speaking on, “Devotion To The Sacred Heart.” …Matt
June 18, 2004: Friday, For our youth, a forum titled,
“Faith, Politics And The Culture Of Life,” where young adult Catholics in the
Twin Cities who are pro-life can come to learn how to become involved in the
political process, because “it is the task of all people of good will to be
conscientious stewards of the gift of our democracy, and respect the most
precious gift of life.” This will be held at the
July 16 & 17, at
October 8,9,& 10, 2004: Friday-Sunday, Mark your
calendars for the Fargo Marian Congress, “Remain In Me As I Remain In You.”
There is a wonderful lineup of speakers starting with Bishop Aquila of Fargo, Father Robert Altier,
Father Andrew Apostoli, Father Bill Casey, Father
Benedict Groeschel (scheduled) Father Robert Laliburti, Father Bruce Nieli,
Father Mitch Pacwa, Father Pablo Straub, Father Glen Sudano, Father John Trugillio,
with laity that includes Johnette Benkovic,
Al Barbarino, George Weizel
(who was requested to write the Holy Father’s biography) and Michael O’Brien.
The Conference is a great spiritual boost, and not such a long drive from the
Cities; it would be a loss to miss it. Plan to attend. For
more information see: http://www.fargodiocese.org/marian/marian.htm.
A Number Of Catholic Faithful: are making packets in plastic bags to be handed out in their parishes at the time the “Warning” occurs. Included in these packets are items such as: an explanation sheet of The Warning, rosaries and how to pray it, medals, scapulars, Divine Mercy cards, booklets on confession, booklets such as Pillar Of Fire, Pillar Of Truth, lists of prayers commonly used in the Church, and the like. These packets can still be assembled, if you get going on them, and don’t try to take on too much. Several people can each contribute certain items and come together to assemble them. When the day comes, we’ll wish we had ten times that many ready to hand out.
Also, you will need a sign-up sheet for people who will have to wait for their turn in Confession, where you get their addresses and phone numbers so you can call them later…Confessions will go on for days, and people will be going home to wait for their phone call to return for their turn. Also, have a list of retired priests you can call in to help-out hearing Confessions. And get coffee and food organized for the Priests and workers who will be there assisting.
This is being mentioned at this time because quite a number
of people believe we are close to this event. For information on where to order
bulk discounted items for packets, call
The Cathedral in Duluth: has restored the Tabernacle to its original place in the center of the main altar, after having had it on a side altar for many years.
The DeVinci Code: book filled with error and fantasy, will soon be made into a movie with Ron Howard as director.(a boycott of all future Ron Howard movies would be appropriate) If this book fools even one person, that is one person too many, since some people fail to understand that it is a work of fiction. Some of the contrived plot includes Our Lord being married to Mary Magdalene, that their union produced a child, that there was a “cult” group that wanted to follow this genetic line of Jesus, but that the Catholic Church suppressed this. It doesn’t get better after that either.
The Nature Conservancy: a liberal environmental group that buys up land with the intention of excluding people from living on it, is attempting to buy up land near the Little Falls area adjacent to Camp Ripley, that would include absorbing most of the area of/around Lake Alex. The New Age group, which ranks the importance of Nature ahead of Human Beings, is known to be purchasing land all over the world for this same reason; to greatly expand their holdings, to allow land to go dormant, and to channel people to other pre-determined living areas. This plan is the intended and known goal of a number of environmental/ ecology groups. It is interesting that newspapers in the area are silent about this quietly attempted purchase, and no media outlet has picked up the story.
A Different Look At The News: because the mainstream media is not telling you the whole story, nor is it coordinating information so that you see the news integrated as a whole. For example, the news reported the uprisings in Indonesia against Christians who were being killed, but they did not tell you that the reason is because 500,000 people each year are being baptized into Catholicism, and radical Moslems are trying to stop it by eradicating them.
In
In Europe, the population of traditional Europeans has dropped so greatly from abortion and because couples bought-into having small families, that a number of countries there are not replacing their own populations. In order to fill the jobs, since there were no longer enough people, workers from other countries were brought in…and with them they brought their culture and religion. For this reason, there are now more Moslem children in the Catholic schools in Europe than Catholics, and this happened through attrition; a quieter takeover.
Terrorists such as those who executed the September 11th
bombings seek publicity in their war. Remember, September 11th was
the date the Moslems who swept across
In the African Sudan, for a number of years the Moslem government there has had no pretenses about establishing a purely Moslem state, and has allowed the killing of several million Catholic men. The women and younger boys are seized for labor enslavement working in the fields, and the young girls are used for the pleasure of the adult male men. Additionally, this same government has invited in at least 30,000 Communist Chinese troops on the ground to aid in running the country… this Moslem/Communism link is being termed, “Islam-u-nism.”
By tying these events together we see a pattern of an ongoing worldwide attacks of various kinds of spiritual warfare that would not have necessarily been recognized. Remember, the End Times is about the attempt to destroy God’s True Church. It is ongoing all around us although we may not be recognizing what we are seeing.
Website For Catholic Counselors: throughout the United States who adhere to the teachings of the Church. Not every State has a listing at this time, but therapists are being added to the listing. Also, you have to carefully determine if a counselor is the right one for you. www.catholictherapists.com
The Mayo Clinic: has now documented three separate cases of complete medical cures of people who were healed at Medjugorje in Bosnia, the little village where apparitions of the Blessed Virgin have been reported since June of 1981.
Religious “Art:” In order for a work to be considered Religious “Art,” it must pass three tests: 1st, it must have a religious theme, 2nd, it must be a work of beauty, and 3rd, it must be spiritually uplifting. However, some of the “art” in our churches today does not pass these requirements.
The Alpha Scripture Study: being used for Catholic parishes is extraordinarily controversial. A March 7, 2002 article titled, “Alpha And The New Evangelization: Making Catholics Protestant” from The Wanderer newspaper, states that, “The origins of Alpha can be traced back to the Toronto Blessing and the Word Of Faith Movement, and even to revived ancient Gnostic heresies. It is being called the ‘New Gnosticism.’” A number of neo-Pentecostal and televangelists began this movement, and teach that, “The human mind and tongue contain a supernatural ability or power. When a person speaks expressing his faith in supposedly divine laws, his positive thoughts and positive verbal expression allegedly produce a ‘divine force’ that will heal, produce wealth and bring success… God automatically responds and accomplishes what we command.” This is worship of the self, not of God.
In other ways the program also undermines the true teaching of the Catholic Church. For example, under Alpha, the Sacrament of Baptism means, “A Church membership ritual alone that does not confer but rather confirms something that has already taken place, when the Holy Spirit was received prior to the Baptism when persons commit themselves publicly to Christ and hands are laid on them.” The Eucharist is the only other recognized Sacrament, although it is reduced to merely being, “The Lord’s Supper,” not His Body and Blood, and not a Mass with Sacrifice. The priesthood is, “A priesthood of all believers, where the priest is the ‘elder’ of the community, a leader in the church, but not involved in a Sacrifice.” Additionally, The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin is rejected by Alpha.
The Alpha program is being called, “The latest in a long line of New Age/Protestant Trojan horses to be wheeled into Catholic Parishes with Episcopal blessing.” It is far beyond the errors of Protestant understanding, it is far beyond being confused, and is the teaching of Heresy. Other parishes are using the Cavins/Hahn Overview Of The Bible Series, which is follows the Magisterium’s Teaching.
Don’t be fooled; just because the word, “Catholic” is used,
that doesn’t mean it actually is.
Sister Julia’s Garage Sale: has had a number of changes. Rather than having items brought to the sale location the day before the sale begins, Sister is asking people to bring their items directly to the convent at St. Agnes Parish at any time from now on. Items which did not arrive in time for an upcoming sale will be held for another sale later in the year, so items are welcome at any time. Please give Sister Julia a call at 651-291-7777 before bringing the items so that someone will be there to receive them.
June 27, 2004: Sunday evening, Pro-life Across America, (the Billboard People) are sponsoring their 4th Annual “Life’s A Ball,” Sunday evening with a candlelight dinner cruise on the St. Croix’s Avalon paddle-wheel showboat, that includes sounds of the Big Band Era for listening and dancing. This formal attire fundraiser is $50 per person ($30 tax-deductible) with the times from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm. Sponsored by St. Olaf Young Adults, please make reservations by June 20th, and mail checks to: St. Olaf Young Adults-Life’s A Ball, 215 South 8th Street, Minneapolis, Mn 55402 Attn: Annette Calhoun.
Phone 763-571-1933.
July 5-16, 2004: England ,Wales, and Ireland Shrines, Colleen Schwarzbauer, Jerico Journeys, St. Cloud, Phone 1-877-453- 7426
Aug 16-29, 2004: Medjugorje and including a special 5 day Retreat With Father Sudac,Stephanie Percic,1050-68th Ave,NE Fridley, Mn 55432, Phone 763-571-1933
For JUNE, 2004
General Intentions: That all Christians may be more aware of their responsibility to bear witness to God’s love for humanity
Mission Intentions: A growing respect for the fundamental right of mankind for religious freedom in Asian countries
June 13 (Corpus Christi Sunday), 2004: The Solemnity Of The Body And Blood Of Christ is being celebrated with the Eighth Annual Corpus Christi Procession, 2:00-4:00 p.m. Join Catholics from throughout the Archdiocese in this joyful witness to Eucharistic faith and love. Adoration and homily by Father Michael Skluzacek at the Church of St. Luke (Lexington and Summit), followed by a prayerful and song-filled walk along Summit Ave. with the Blessed Sacrament (2 miles), Benediction at the Cathedral of St. Paul. Buses will shuttle participants back to St. Luke's. Bring the family. Sponsored by Millennium Ministries in cooperation with the Archdiocesan Office for Family, Laity, Youth and Young Adults. For more information, call (651) 489-0116, e-mail ccprocession@catholic.org, or visit www.archspm.org/family.
June 18-19-2004: All night vigil at St. Augustine, 302--5th Ave N. South St. Paul, dedicated to the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts and sponsored by the World Apostolate Of Fatima. For information contact, Clare Mortel at 651-451-8327.
July 16-18: Worldwide Marriage Encounter, a Catholic
faith-based retreat for married couples. Held at Yankee
Square Inn in
July, 2004: Ralph Martin through his charismatic Renewal Ministries organization is sponsoring an entire month of programs from which to choose:
July 10-14 is Scripture Study, for yourself and how to organize, facilitate and teach a group Bible study
July 16-15 is Evangelization in response to the Holy Father’s Call, with hands-on training in evangelization techniques
July 26-29 is Spirituality, growing in holiness via Catherine of Siena’s wisdom
July 30-Aug 1 is Discipleship, being a disciple in the 21st Century, How can one do God’s Will
Held at the Ave Maria College campus at Upsilanti, Michigan, participants stay at the college apartments. For information, write Renewal Ministries, c/o Jessica Sherwood, P.O.Box 1426, Ann Arbor, MI 48106 or call (734) 662- 1730 Ext 32. Also, see www.renewalministries.net and e-mail is jsherwood@renewalministries.net
August 1, 2004: Sunday, 8 Day Consecration and Feast Day for: God Our Father, The Father Of All Mankind. You may have heard of this special Feast Day through an appearance on EWTN with Mother Angelica several years ago. This Feast Day was requested by God The Father through Sister Eugena in 1932(now approved) Who asked His children to honor Him, and that every family place itself under His special protection. These messages are recorded in a book titled, “The Book Of True Messages From God The Father To Sister Eugena.” The Consecration begins on July 25th and culminates at an 11:00 am Mass on August 1st, at Holy Family Parish, 5900 West Lake Street in St. Louis Park, followed by light refreshments. (for those unable to participate during these dates, the consecration can also be done informally, starting on any Sunday, continuing until the following Sunday)
There are a series of inexpensive booklets available: God The Father Speaks To His Children, God The Father Consecration Booklet, God The Father Chaplet Rosary, God The Father Consecration Card, and a white scapular. If you wish to order any of these, please place your order as early as possible since these items must be ordered through the larger organization. For information call Rose at 952-938-5913 or Sue at 952-894-7463.
August 5-8, 2004, Thursday thru Sunday, Ignatian Retreat led by Father Andrew Jasinski
from Mission Fides, who was trained by Father Donald McGuire to continue his
work in the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola. This will be held at Christ
The King Retreat Center, 621 First Avenue South in Buffalo, Mn
55313. Cost: $205 for single room or $190 for double. For information, call
Maria at 612-788-4906 or Ceil at 651-654-8495.
Pro-Life Action Ministries: would like to publicize John Kerry’s pro-abortion stance when he makes political appearances in the Twin Cities several times in the upcoming months. Pro-life Action Ministries needs people who will join in carrying signs and picket at the Senator’s appearances. For additional information, call Pro-Life Action Ministries at: 651-771-1500.
Lifenews
Professor Peter Singer: a name to remember, from Princeton University has supported fetal stem cell research and abortion in the past. But he has taken the subject of abortion one step further to the point of any normal person’s disbelief as he advocates giving your newborn child a “trial period” for three months after birth to see if everything is amicable the way you had planned. If not, the child can be disposed of at that time. Some people are missing a “piece” of humanity that leaves them out of touch with reality.
Clearwater, Florida: Judge Baird struck down Florida Governor Bush’s order to re-insert Terri Schiavo’s feeding tube. Immediately following, Governor Bush filed an appeal with the 2nd District Court of Appeals, which will keep the feeding tube in place while the appeal is heard.
Lansing, Michigan: A bill requiring equal time should be given for the teaching of abstinence in Michigan schools, has passed the Senate, and has gone on to the House.
Washington, DC: An April 23rd Zogby Poll showed that more Americans are Pro-life than Pro-abortion by a margin of 49% to 45%, and only 13% of those polled stated they thought abortion should be legal at any time during the pregnancy. Abortionists are losing ground, and they know it. Another Zogby Poll indicated that 51.6% of young adults (ages 18-29) state they are Pro-life.
Washington, DC: Although the mainstream media did not give coverage to this survey, the Center For Disease Control November of 2003 study of abortion stated that more women are having repeated abortions and are having lasting health problems because of it.
Washington, DC: Gloria Feldt, President of Planned Parenthood and Feminist Majority Foundation has called on Attorney General Ashcroft to, “Take action against all anti-abortion terrorist threats” in referring to any comments made by the Pro-life supporters. Comments such as these reveal the troubled hearts of those in the pro-abortion movement.
The New Evangelization
Print Out, Clip, Tape In Your Notebook, Learn
Question: The early Church had Deaconesses, which I think indicates the intention of the Church to advance women into the priesthood, so women should be priests.
Response: The early Church did not have Deaconesses in the sense it is being portrayed. The early Church had only male Deacons, who relieved the priests of lesser duties so that the priests were free to preach the Gospel and be more available to directly serve the people. “Deaconess” was merely the name given to the wives of the male Deacons. They aided in Baptisms, since converts were originally Baptized by emersion and unclothed, which would have given scandal for men to be doing this. Never was a woman anywhere near the duties of the altar. There are other points of consideration:
1) Christ Himself had every opportunity to invite women to the priesthood of His Church, since he was surrounded with faithful followers such as Susanna, Martha, Mary Magdalene, and even His Mother, yet He did not do so. He IS God, after all, and He ought to know what He wants; and He is also incapable of making mistakes.
2) At Mass the Priest is “in persona Christi;” that is, he stands in the person of Christ, which is not possible for a woman to do, since Christ was male.
3) The Church is Christ and His Bride; to have a woman priest would be to have two brides, and this is not possible.
4) It is a mistake to perceive the priesthood through secular eyes. Secularists believe that women have a right to any “job” they wish, including both outside and inside the church. But the Priesthood is not just a “job.” The Priesthood is a Vocation and requires a Calling; it would do well to remember that most men are not Called to be priests either.
5) A secularists looking in from the outside also mistakenly believes the work of a priest as somehow being a position of power rather than a position of service. It is actually the “power” they perceive attached to the office which they desire. Scripture states that this erroneous quest for power is not of God, since God’s way is a way of simplicity, humility, and service:
Matthew 18:3 “Unless you change and become like little children, you shall not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Luke: 22:26 “Let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.”
2 John 9: “Anyone who goes ahead and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God.”
Galatians: 1:6-9 “I am astonished that you would turn to a different gospel…some perversion of the gospel of Christ…”
2 Timothy 4: 3-4 “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachings to suit their own likings, and will turn away from listening to the Truth and wander into myths.”
2 Timothy 3: 6-7 “Among them are those who make their way into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and swayed by various impulses, who will listen to anybody and can never arrive at a knowledge of the Truth.”
Second Related Question:
Question: I don’t see any reason why God isn’t a woman…who can say?
Response: There are actually two issues in this statement.
First Issue: God is neither man nor woman; God is something much Greater than either.
Second Issue: God has clearly told us how He wishes his children to address Him.
Matthew: 6:9 “When Ye pray, pray thus: ‘Our Father, Who art in Heaven…”
Matthew: 16:15…”Who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter replied, ‘Thou art the Christ, Son on the Living God!’ And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but my Father who is in Heaven.”
Ephesians: 4:4 “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all.”
——— J M J ———