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December, 2009-Month of The
Divine Infancy
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And News Of Interest For Minnesotans – Posted Monthly (updated frequently)
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Last updated: Dec. 30, 09 |
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Days before Christmas, archaeologists on Monday unveiled what they said were
the remains of the first dwelling in Nazareth that can be dated back to the
time of Jesus -- a find that could shed new light on what the hamlet was like
during the period the New Testament says Jesus lived there as a boy. The
dwelling and older discoveries of nearby tombs in burial caves suggest that
The
Life Of Love
“Love becomes stronger and increases by exercise,
provided the exercise is generous and intense, making use of all the powers of
the soul. When we perform our actions, not carelessly or negligently, but with
our whole heart, that is, with all the good will of which we are capable, our
love immediately increases, and with every act there is a corresponding growth
in charity. In this way our love will always continue to grow, and will become
strong and mature, and be able to draw us wholly into God. Let us make as many
acts of love as possible during the course of our day, so that we will be able
to live, as far as is attainable in this life, in continual, actual love.”
The Bishops
The USCCB: just released a
sixty-page Pastoral Letter regarding the sacrament of marriage, which included
the problems of contraception, same-sex unions, divorce and cohabitation. The
letter strongly stated that, “same-sex unions pose a multifaceted threat to the
very fabric of society…including the levels of the good of the spouses, the
good of the children, the intrinsic dignity of every human person, and the
common good.” The letter strongly pointed out that contraception makes the marital
union less than the self-gift it is meant to be.
In the meantime, our protestant brethren drew-up and
signed the “Manhattan Declaration: A Call of Christian Conscience,” led by such
leaders as Chuck Colson, Robert George, James Dobson, and included signatures
from 15 Catholic Bishops. The document is a statement of defiance against laws
passed in opposition to the sanctity of life, marriage, faith, and liberty, and
calls on Christians not to abandon morals. It states, “We pledge to teach
other, and to our fellow believers, that no power on earth, be it cultural or
political, will intimidate us into silence or acquiescence. Because we honor
justice and the common good, we will not comply with any edict that purports to
compel our institutions to participate in abortions, embryo-destructive
research, assisted suicide and euthanasia or any other anti-life act, nor will
we bend to any rule purporting to force us to bless immoral sexual
partnerships, treat them as marriages, or the equivalent, or refrain from
proclaiming the truth as we know it, about morality and immorality and marriage
and the family.” –CPO-
The Catholic Bishop’s Conference:
also released a fifteen page document titled, “Life-Giving Love in an Age of
Technology,” which addresses the ethical problems of in-vitro fertilization,
cautioning couples that in-vitro is not a morally legitimate way to solve the
problems of infertility. “Children have a right to be conceived by the act that
expresses their parent’s self-giving love; morally responsible medicine can
assist this act, but should never be a substitute for it.” The document also
emphasized the “full human dignity of the child,” which is violated through
certain reproductive technologies.
Cardinal George: addressed the USCCB and urged his fellow Bishops to move beyond
the clergy scandals of the past and to look to build unity within the Church.
He highlighted the necessary role of priests, who together with bishops
exercise authority in Christ's name over the people. Without priests, he
pointed out, the people would be left only to the
authority of the civil and secular government; without ordained priests,
counseling passes into the hands of the therapists, many of whom carry out
their work without consideration of the action of God's grace. He affirmed that
"without ordained priests, the Church would be deprived of the
Eucharist." Thus, the prelate affirmed, in this Year for Priests, we as
bishops are called to reflect on our relationship with priests, and to
"unite with them around Christ." As bishops, he continued, we
"must look for ways to strengthen Church unity, not with control, but with
love.
The Bishops of
In The Madison Diocese: of Sauk City, Wisconsin, Bishop Robert Morlino
has welcomed five priests from an order of traditional priests from Spain,
known as The Society of Jesus Christ,” to say the extraordinary form of the
Mass, which means that there will be Latin Mass, altar boys, and only priests distribution Holy Communion. The new order
of priests, it is believed, will help restore dignity to the liturgy and
Books
“Mother Teresa’s Secret Fire: The Encounter
that Changed Her Life and How It Can Transform Your Own:” by Father Joseph
Langford, discusses an intimate perspective about Mother Teresa’s ability to bring
Christ’s light to a darkened world.
Conferences/Lectures/Events
December 1, 2009: A mini-symposium titled, “Reclaiming the Culture:
Marriage,” will be presented by Father Peter Laird at Nativity Catholic Church,
324 S. Prior Ave in St. Paul from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The event is for ages
18-30, high school juniors and seniors, anyone who is married, engaged, or may
consider marriage at some time.
December 2, 2009: A mini-Symposium titled, “Reclaiming the Culture:
Marriage” with Father Thomas Duffner, will be held at
Providence Academy’ Great Room, 15100 Schmidt Lake Road in Plymouth, Minnesota,
from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The lecture includes the great importance of, and what
is at stake in marriage, and is directed at the ages 18-30 group. There are no
fees, and everyone is welcome.
December 5, 2009: The Cathedral of St. Paul is hosting their First
Saturday Morning of Recollection Series is hosting Father Peter Williams who
will be speaking on, “Recognizing And Responding To
God’s Calls In Your Life.” The morning begins with Mass at 8:00 am, continues
with Eucharistic Adoration, offers individual Confession, has time for prayer
and meditation, and features two conferences. A freewill offering will be taken
for defray the cost of the mini-retreat.
December 8, 2009: is the National Night of Prayer to end abortion and
it is believed that over 700 convents, monasteries and parishes across the
January 9, 2009: The 7th Annual Apologetics Conference
will feature author and lecturer, Patrick Madrid, whose topic is, “What Is
Truth?” The Conference will have three talks titled, “Surprised By Truth,” “Is Everything Up For Grabs,” and “Pope Fiction,”
followed by a question-and-answer session. The event is being
sponsored by the Holy Name Society in union with Holy Trinity
and
Education
December 7, 2009:
California Representative: George
Miller has introduced the Student And Fiscal
Responsibility Act which will amount to the government confiscation of who will
be issued loans for college and who will not. The plan would allow the
government to issue loans at a 3.4% interest rate and taxpayers will be
expected to carry the burden since no private student loan company can compete
with these low rates. Even our young adults seeking education will be living
under the government’s shadow. –WallStreetJournal-
New Hampshire, Meredith: Ten
year old Amanda Kurkowski was ordered by a judge to
attend public school, even though she had been very successfully home schooled
by her mother since first grade. In addition to being above public school grade
level, Amanda does attend supplemental public school classes already, and also
participates in a variety of sports. The estranged father however, insists that
his daughter is lacking socialization with her peers. The attorney for Amanda’s
mother believes the case has more to do with the traditional religion, after
the judge in the case called Mrs. Kurkowski, “rigid
on questions of faith.” The Alliance
Defense Fund is helping to finance the legal challenge to the court order. Mrs.
Kurkowski’s attorney stated, “Her religious views are
a bit too sincerely held and must be sifted, tested by, and mixed among other
worldviews, which is a step too far for any court to take.” –EducationReporter-
The President: appointed Kevin Jennings
to head the Office of Safe Schools in the Department of Education. This is a
man who wrote a book titled, “Becoming Visible,” encouraging homosexuality in
high schools and colleges. The Alyson Publishing Company, which published
“Daddy’s Roommate” and “Heather’s Has Two Mommies,” “The Age Taboo,” (an
anthology of arguments for pedophilia), and other “gay and lesbian erotica,”
sought out Mr. Jennings to join in writing part of the book. Mr. Jennings
stated, “It simply is not possible to express my gratitude to the many people
who have helped make this book possible…I am deeply appreciative of being
afforded this opportunity.” Mr. Jennings also commented in The Lambda Report
that, “ Pedophilia is something that is a legitimate
area for exploration.” –CPO-
A Popular Book Series: for
children in grades 2 through 5, is Amelia’s Notebook. Included in the series is
“Amelia Hits the Road,” which included occult references, uses tarot cards and
the ouija board. Please be forewarned. –CPO-
The Family
Although: Nickelodeon is supposedly a
television channel for children, an extremely offensive program is airing
nightly titled, “Glenn Martin DDS.” The program has had the mother in an
intimate relationship with a 13 year old boy, the Penthouse magazine is
mentioned on the program, parents use handcuffs on one another in bed, the
brother and sister brag about their incestuous relationship, and the automobile
voice navigation system uses phrases such as, “Do you like going south,” “You
like it slow, “and “intercourse.” All this is absolutely uncalled for. Please
consider taking action; your family is at stake. Send
Your Letter Now! -CPO-
Feast Days Of Note For The Month
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December 3 |
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December 21 |
St. Peter Canisius |
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December 6 |
St. Nicholas |
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December 25 |
*Christmas |
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December 8 |
*Immaculate Conception |
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December 26 |
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December 9 |
St. Juan Diego |
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December 27 |
Feast of the Holy Family |
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December 12 |
Our Lady of Guadalupe |
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December 28 |
The Holy Innocents |
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December 14 |
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December 29 |
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Our Lady
of Guadalupe said to Juan Diego, who missed his appointment with Her, and was hurrying to bring a physician for his seriously
ill uncle:
“What’s there,
my son; where are you going? Hear me and understand well, my son, that nothing
should frighten or grieve you. Let not your heart be disturbed. Do not fear
sickness nor any other anguish. Am I not here, who am
your Mother? Are you not under my protection? Am I not your health? Are you not
happily within my fold? What else do you wish. Do not
grieve nor be disturbed by anything.”
The
Feast Day for Our Lady of Guadalupe is December 12th
For Your Information
An Extraordinary Story: of victory and hope has happened for 46 year old Rom Houben, who was in what was believed to be a coma for 23
years. A physician, top neurological expert Dr Steven
Laureys, decided to have a brain scan performed on Houben, to find that his brain function was normal. Since
then, Mr. Houben has become conscious, although his level of communicative skills have not been confirmed.
Fortunately, his mother did not give up on him, and insisted that he be given
the care he needed all those years. Clearly, this medical case raises issues
about people such as Terri Schiavo, and also to
medicine’s rush to both misdiagnose people, and to quickly euthanize them. –SpiritDaily-
Rome: A new book has been published titled, “Lost and
Found: The Younger Unchurched and the Churches That
Reach Them,” by Ed Stezzer, Richie Stanley and Jason
Hayes, who examine how some churches are striving to make contact with a
generation reluctant to commit itself to institutional religion. There are
quite a few statistics, including the fact that 80% believe that supreme being exits, and 75% claim that the existence of God
does or would make an impact on their lives. A majority stated they believe in
the God described in the Bible, but of 58% these same young adults said that
the Biblical God is no different from the gods or spiritual beings worshipped
by other religions such as Islam or Buddhism. The last section of the book
tries to determine what successful factors attract these unchurched
kids. The findings were: Creating a deeper community by means of a
healthy small group system that enables people to connect with others, enabling
them to make a difference by leading young people to serve through volunteer
activities, providing opportunities for worship that both reflect the culture
and also reverence for God, establishing effective communication that varies in
style but is more conversational than preachy, a willingness to use the
language of technology familiar to young adults, building cross-generational
relationships by linking young adults to older adults who challenge them to
mature, leadership that is honest and authentic, lading by transparency and a
personal sense of humanity and taking a team approach to ministry. A key was
the importance of volunteer work since young adults today have a strong desire
to change the world, and want to be a part of projects.
A 2002 Study: by the Institute for American Values
revealed that two-thirds of unhappily married spouses who stayed married,
reported that their marriages were happy five years later. It was also found
that the financial consequences of divorce on women and children indicated thee
former wife and children experienced between a 30% to 73% decline in their
living standard after divorce. Another finding indicated that therapists often
became teachers and norm-setters in marriage, and were key
in the dissolution of marriages. A Canadian report titled, “Private Choices,
Public Costs: How Failing Families Cost Us All,” pointed out individual
failures in marriage “feminizes” poverty, costing our government $7 billion
dollars per year, and leaving those dependent of welfare with feeling “a great
loss of self esteem and helplessness.” The problem is universal, when a British
study indicated that living on welfare became an “entrenched” system, rather
than alleviating the problem, with their nation experiencing a $61 Billion
dollar annual figure in costs. Some suggestions included more adult male role
models in neighborhoods, marriage education in high schools, and educating
couples on the financial problems ahead, prior to
their separating.
From The Vatican
ZenitNews
The Holy Father: stated that, “Access to food is included in the
Right to Life,” and is, “A fundamental right of persons and nations.” He said
that a project to improve food availability has less to do with “privileges, profits
and comforts and more to do with men, women, families and communities, which
live in the poorest areas of the planet and are more vulnerable.” He emphasized
that any technical solutions fail to be efficient if they do not refer to”the individual human person’s spiritual and material
dimension, who is the origin and end of all activity.”
In Response To: Pope Benedict XVI’s
request that both sides of the argument on evolution be presented,
Zenit News Reports:
that
The
Pope Benedict XVI: stated to his Italian Bishops that, “We must bring
the truth of God back into the world, make Him known, make Him present, and
place the formation of new generations at the center of the attention and
efforts of each one, according to each person’s respective responsibilities.”
He tied this in with the Year of the Priest, which needs to see a
“reinvigorated” priesthood, both in its identity and mission.
The Holy Father: addressed a United Nation’s food summit held in
The Pope: made statements warning the dangers of relativism in
evangelization, stating that, “The relativistic culture enters the sanctuary of
the family, infiltrates the realm of education and other realms of society and
contaminates them, manipulation consciences, especially those of the young.
Despite these snares, the Church knows that the Holy Spirit is always acting,
and new doors are opening to the Gospel, spreading in the world which longs for
authentic spiritual and apostolic renewal. As in other periods of change, the
pastoral priority is to show the true face of Christ, lord of history and sole
redeemer of man.”
Fundraisers
December 4, 2009: A
fundraiser for the Catholic Servant Newspaper is being held from 7:00 pm to
9:00 pm at
In The Know About Our Times
The Current Administration:
has appointed Chai Feldblum
as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commissioner, a lesbian law school professor
who in 2006 signed a document titled, “Beyond Same Sex-Marriage: A New
Strategic Vision for All Our Families and Relationships” which endorses
polygamous households, meaning there is more than one conjugal partner. She
argues that traditional marriage, “Should not be
legally and economically privileged above all others.” It follows that if our
government will not define marriage as the union between one man and one woman,
then, it follows that there can be no law against the union of a man and several
women. Then, The Administration’s
Regulatory Czar, Cass Sunstein, wrote a book in 2008
titled, “Nudge: Improving Decisions about Health, Wealth, and Happiness,” where
in he stated, “The word ‘marriage’ would no longer appear in any laws, and
marriage licenses would no longer be offered or recognized by any level of
government,” because it, “imposes serious economic and material disadvantages
subject to the judgments of private organizations, religious and
otherwise.” Mr. Sunstein
also suggested the “routine removal of human organs because the state owns the
rights to body parts of people who are dead or in certain hopeless conditions,
and it can remove their organs without asking anyone’s permission.” –EagleForum-
The America Needs Fatima Organization:
is calling for e-mails to be sent to the President of HBO television regarding
an episode of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” where Larry David urinated on a picture of
Jesus. Press reports state that, while in a Catholic home, Larry David visited
the rest room and violated the picture, which was later found by a Catholic
woman using the restroom, who believed the wet picture was a miracle; the woman
then calls in her mother, and both kneel in prayer. Please consider rendering
your opinion to Bill Nelson, who is Chairman and CEO of HBO. - Send your instant e-protest message
The Blair-Holt:
gun bill has been introduced into the House. For information about what is in
the bill, see: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h111-45
With The Government’s Health Care Plan: citizens will pay for health care coverage at the Department of
Motor Vehicles when applying for a driver’s license, or at the Social Security
office, hospitals, or even at schools.
On October 28, 2009:
the President signed an un-Constitutional law, the Hate Crimes Bill. This law
is a direct restriction and attack on the First Amendment Right of Free Speech
in this Nation. It is meant to silence citizens, who will no longer be
permitted to express their opinions, opinions which are guaranteed to them by
the Constitution. In other nations, similar laws have already led to Christian
ministers being charged, led to court and imprisoned for quoting certain Bible
passages others did not want to hear. No longer will people be able to think
for themselves, form their opinions, and be able to freely express them.
Medjugorje Monthly Message
-We are a
November 25, 2009: “Dear Children, In this time of grace I call you all to renew prayer in your
families. Prepare yourselves with joy for the coming of Jesus. Little children,
may your hearts be pure and pleasing, so that love and warmth may flow through
you into every heart that is far from His love. Little children, be my extended
hands, hands of love for all those who have become lost, who have no more faith
and hope. Thank you for having responded to my call."
December 2,
2009: Monthly Message to Mirjana:
"Dear children! At this time of preparation and joyful expectation
I, as a mother, desire to point you to what is the most important, to your
soul. Can my Son be born in it? Is it cleansed by love from lies, arrogance,
hatred and malice? Above all else does your soul love God as your Father and
does it love your fellow brother in Christ? I am pointing you to the way which
will raise your soul to a complete union with my Son. I desire for my Son to be
born in you. What a joy that would be for me as mother. Thank you."
On Their Way To Sainthood
Benedict Daswa: is a martyr
of current times, having died in 1990. From
Prayer Intentions From The Holy Father
For
December, 2009
General
Intentions:
That children
may be respected and loved and never be the victims of exploitation in its
various forms.
That at
Christmas the peoples of the earth may recognize in the Word Incarnate, the
Light
which illuminates
every man and that the Nations may open their doors to Christ, the Savior of
the world.
Prayer Opportunities And Retreats
December 4-5, 2009: An all-night prayer vigil is being sponsored by the
World Apostolate of Fatima at
December
13, 2009: A Family Holy Hour with
music, prayer, Adoration and Benediction is being sponsored by Holy Cross
Catholic Church,
December
13, 2009: A Children’s Holy Hour is
being held in the St.Joseph’s Chapel at St. Michaels
Catholic Church,
December
18-20, 2009: A special Vocation
Retreat is being hosted by Archbishop Nienstedt for men ages 18 to 40 which will include Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Prayer and
Conferences by the Archbishop. The Retreat is being held at the Christ the
December 31, 2009: Welcome the New Year with Eucharistic Adoration
beginning at 8:00 pm, Confession until 11:45 pm and Father Robert Altier as celebrant for Midnight Mass in honor of the
January 1st Feast Day of Mary, Mother of God. (this does take care
of the obligation for this Holy Day) This
will be at
Pro-Life
LifeNews
CNN: Opinion Research Corporation had one surprise when
conducting a poll, found that 61% of the public opposed tax-funded abortions,
and 63% opposed all or most abortions. Over half surveyed believe that women
should be required to use their own money for an abortion, even if they have
private health insurance. The liberal reporting station was not expecting these
poll results.
Harry Reid’s Health Care Bill: Please read: "Just like the original 2,032-page, government-run health care plan from Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s massive, 2,074-page bill would levy a new 'abortion premium' fee on Americans in the government-run plan," he notes. Beginning on line 7, p.118, section 1303 under “Voluntary Choice of Coverage of Abortion Services” the Health and Human Services Secretary is given the authority to determine when abortion is allowed under the government-run health plan.
Reid's plan also
requires that at least one insurance plan offered in the Exchange covers
abortions (line 13, p. 120). "What is even more alarming is that a monthly
abortion premium will be charged of all enrollees in the government-run health
plan," Boehner says.He says the premium is
mentioned on line 11, page 122, section 1303, under “Actuarial Value of
Optional Service Coverage.” "The premium will be paid into a U.S. Treasury
account – and these federal funds will be used to pay for the abortion
services," he explained. Under the bill, Americans will be required to pay
at least $1 a month to cover the cost of abortions. For full story, see: www.LifeNews.com
HM Television: run by The Catholic Group Home Of
The Mother has a new five-part video titled, “Life Will Triumph.” The video is
the testimony of professionals who are working to promote the dignity of life,
and includes the answer to, “What can we all do to help.” The entire video can
be viewed and down loaded at the website of Home Of
The Mother. www.homeofthemother.org/index.php/television/life-will-triumph -Zenit-
Wesley Smith: reports that the Journal of Medical Ethics
recently published an article by the National Institute of Health (supposed)
ethicist, F. G. Miller, who stated, “In at least the near future it is probable
that we will continue to muddle through with the current system. In the longer
run, the medical profession and society may and should, be prepared to accept
the reality and justifiability of life terminating acts in medicine in the
context of stopping life-sustaining treatment and performing vital organ
transplantation.” This would require the redefining of the “dead donor rule”
meaning waiting until a seriously injured individual had died prior to taking
organs for transplantation. Mr. Miller believes that this point is now
“debatable,” that the term “death” can be re-defined to include the
New York, New York: A Petition for the Unborn Child is being re-introduced by
pro-life organizations from the US and European countries that include C-FAM,
Concerned Women for America, United Families International, the Polish
Federation of Pro-Life Groups, and the Spanish Institute for Family Policy.
These organizations are working to procure one million signatures to indicate
to the United Nations that a Universal Declaration in support of the right to
life of the unborn is necessary, particularly with the strong assault mounted
by international pro-abortion groups. The Declaration states, “Everyone has the
right to life.” Half-a-million signatures have already been obtained. Sign the
petition at: http://www.c-fam.org/campaigns/lid.2/default.asp
South Dakota, Pierre: A fierce fight for Pro-Life continues in South Dakota, this time
it comes from the former South Dakota Secretary of State, David Volk, who has
introduced a petition in hopes of obtaining
16,000 signatures to overturn South Dakota’s ban on the use of human
embryos for research through their creation specifically to be destroyed for
the research.
Switzerland, Luasanne: The Neocutis
bio-pharmaceutical company, whose business is dermatology and skin care, was
exposed for their selling of a “wrinkle cream” which it turns out was made
using cells from aborted fetus. The product was developed at the
Texas, Austin: State Representative Frank Corte send a
written request to the Attorney General of the State of Texas asking his office
to determine if current state law would require abortion centers to obtain a
license prior to dispensing the RU-486 drug, since it is performs the same
result as a surgical abortion. Other facilities performing the RU-486 abortions
are required to be licensed and regulated, including compliance with minimum
safety standards, undergoing annual inspections, and allowing only physicians
to perform abortions in order to protect the health and safety of women.
Representative Corte believes these laws should apply to these other abortion
centers also.
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