Catholic news network
December, 2011-Month of The
Divine Infancy
A Catholic Information Website Listing Local Events And News Of Interest For Minnesotans (Posted Monthly-updated frequently)
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Last updated: Dec. 15, 2011 |
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Opening Reflection
May the Angel of Annunciation awaken in you God’s profound heartfelt love for every kind of neighbor.
May the Star of Inclusive, Poured out, Communing Love direct every decision you make on your journey.
May your dreams lead you to profound reverence as you bow before the Divine born in the stable of every heart and in the whole universe.
May Mary guide you in birthing the Holy One in your life and in birthing Love in others.
May Joseph engage you in deeper questioning and listening and give you courage to risk the next step.
May your life become a Luminous Presence leading others to the place in their hearts and in the world where Christ is always being born anew.
-A Blessing by Pat Bergen SCJ-
"Faced with this abyss of evil, I can only respond with an abyss of love"
-Blessed John Paul II
Conferences, Lectures, Events
December 1, 2011: As part of the Faith & Work
Series, St. Olaf Catholic Church is hosting Professor of Theology from
Creighton University, Wendy Wright, who will speak on the topic, “Advent: An
Opportunity To Stop and Listen.” Registration w/Continental Breakfast is at
7:00 am, the Presentation begins at 7:20 am, Conversation with Q & A at
8:00 am, and adjourning at 8:30 am. This is being held at St. Olaf’s Catholic
Church in downtown
December 3, 2011: Net Ministries is sponsoring a Lifeline Mass with Father Tom Wilson followed by Tony Melendez in Concert from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm at the Net Center, 110 Crusader Ave W in West St. Paul. Tony Melendez was born without arms due to a drug taken during his gestation. Despite his handicap, Tony amazingly learned to play the guitar incredibly, is married, has a family and even performed for Pope John Paul II. This is a concert not to miss. Tickets are $9 until November 20th, then $12 until December 1st, and at the door are $15. Call: 651-450-6833.
December 3, 2011: Bishop Paul Sirba
will be speaking during an Evening Affirming The Faith with the topic of,
“Holiness, Pure and Simple.” The evening’s schedule is Mass at 5:00 pm with a
wine and hors d’oeuvres social at 6:00 pm, dinner at 6:30 pm and the Keynote
Address at 7:45 pm. The event is being held at St. Charles Borromeo
Catholic Church, 2739 Stinson Boulevard NE in Minneapolis at a cost of $30 per
person. Please purchase tickets in advance by calling 612-781-6529.
December 4, 2011: St. Olaf Catholic Church in downtown Minneapolis is hosting a sing-along with the Minnesota Chorale of Handel’s Messiah from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Bring your own score or borrow one. Come to sing or just enjoy the music. A freewill offering will be taken and a reception will follow.
December 4, 2011: A concert titled, “Lessons and Carols for Advent” will be presented by the Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity Chorale and the Saint Paul Seminary Schola at St. Mary’s Chapel, 2260 Summit Avenue in Saint Paul beginning at 4:00 pm. The program includes carols, hymns for the season, with music by Bell, Handel, Hassler, Rutter and Willcocks. The event is free and open to the public. For information see: www.saintpalseminary.org or call: 651-962-5050.
December 8, 2011: On the Feast of The Immaculate Conception, join in praying at the Planned Parenthood facility on Vandalia and Charles Avenue that the nearly completed building will never be used for abortions. Buses leave the Cathedral at 9:00 am, with prayer at the facility from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, and return to the Cathedral parking lot at 11:00 am.
December 8, 2011: is the 22nd Annual National Night of Prayer For Life held on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, in union with Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 9th. The Prayer Vigil is to honor Our Blessed Mother, to pray through her intercession for the establishment of a Culture of Life and to ask Our Lord to Revive Our Land. A special Hour Of Unity will be held from 12:00 Midnight to 1:00 am EST with churches across the country united in prayer to end abortion and in reparation for sins against the Gospel Of Life. The National Night of Prayer For Life includes Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, 20 decades of the Rosary, Prayer to St. Michael, Silent Prayer and Hymns. The event can be instigated by your local priest or religious, Right to Life Organizations, Knights of Columbus or other fraternal/parish organizations. May this be spread across our country.
December 9, 2011: The Murphy Institute for Catholic Thought, Law and Public Policy at the University of St. Thomas will host Greg Sisk of the University of St. Thomas School of Law who will be speaking on, “Balancing The Budget.” The event will be held at the University of St. Thomas School of Law in downtown Minneapolis in Room 235 from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm. (Lunch is available for those who register online) Each of the events in the “Hot Topics—Cool Talk” will deal with current political issues important to the 2012 elections. See: http://www.stthomas.edu/bulletin/2011/10/06/hot-topics-cool-talk-series-kicks-off-with-discussion-on-minnesota-marriage-amendment/
December 16, 2011: Catholic Man Night was begun several years ago for men to come together in Adoration, to have a priest then teach some aspect of Jesus Christ, to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, discuss how to know and imitate Jesus in daily life, and break bread together. The next Catholic Man Night will be at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Rogers, Mn with the topic, “The Charity of Jesus,” with speaker Bishop Lee Piche. If this location is not close by, then learn how to start a Catholic Man Night near you at: www.CatholicManNight.com
December 18, 2011: The Saint Cecilia Choristers of the Cathedral Choir School of Minnesota will sing Benjamin Britten’s “Ceremony Of Carols” with harp accompaniment at the Cathedral beginning at 2:30 pm. The concert will begin and end with a candlelight procession by the choristers who will be singing Gregorian Chant.
December 18, 2011: St. Agnes Catholic Church will present “Nine Lessons and Carols” featuring St. Agnes’ Concert Chorale, Madrigal Singers, Small Ensembles and Festival Chorus. The address is 548 Lafond Avenue in Saint Paul and begins at 4:30 pm.
January 7,
2012: An Apologetics Conference sponsored by the Holy Name Society will
feature Peter Kreeft, who will give two talks, both
titled, “Seven Very Good Reasons to Be Catholic,” Part I and Part II.
Registration begins at 12:30 pm with the Holy Rosary at 12:40 pm and the first
talk at 1:00 pm. After a break, the second talk will be held at 2:20 pm
followed by Q & A, and a Book Signing in the Lower Level of the Church. A
Vigil Mass begins at 5:00 pm. The event is being held at All Saints Catholic
Church, 19795 Holyoke Avenue in Lakeville, MN at a cost of $15 per person or
$10 for youth age 18 and under. For information or to register, e-mail: Apologetics@Nomensanctum.org or www.nomensanctum.org
Conferences Elsewhere
December
10, 2011: Doug Barry from EWTN will be speaking at a Men’s Conference
titled, “Called To Knighthood: God Wants You!” The event if from 9:00 am to
4:00 pm at a cost of $20, or $10 for teens and college students, and includes
lunch. In addition to Doug Barry who is the founder and Director of RADIX, the
roster includes Father Brian Kane from the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska, and
Tom Sullivan who wrote the book, “Called To Knighthood.” All men are invited to
hear the talks, prayer and food and to be strengthened as the Knight God has
created him to be. The Conference is being held at Camp Gargano
near Lincoln, Nebraska. For information, call: 402-794-2100 or go to: http://campgargano.com/blog/?page_id=131 then
click on Registration & Map December 10th, 2011 Men’s
Conference
Education
December 4, 2011: Seton Montessori School, for 3-6 year olds, is hosting an open house from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The school’s mission is to “provide a quality, affordable, spiritual education for preschool age children by combing the Montessori Method with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, according to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.” The school is located at 149 East Thompson Avenue #160 in West St. Paul. For information, see: www.setonmontessorimn.com or you can e-mail: setonmontessori@gmail.com
The Cardinal Newman Society: which publishes “The Newman Guide To Choosing A Catholic College,” is asking people for their confidential opinion about exactly what is important to them in finding a faithful Catholic college, which will also make their Guide book more useful to its readers. To participate in the survey, click on: https://www.research.net/s.aspx?sm=4BIDHzSfRNG444BG_2fDBbNA_3d_3d
The Family
A Poster Contest: is being sponsored by the Catholic Spirit, with this year’s theme, “I Will Keep The Christmas Spirit Alive All Year By…” The sentence is to be completed and must appear on the front of an 8” x 11” poster. Any media may be used. One posted from each category will each win $50. They are: grades 3 and under, grades 4 through 6, grades 7 through 9, and grades 10 to 12. Entries need to be submitted by December 9th, and the winners will be published in the Catholic Spirit’s December 22nd edition. Entries need to include: name, address, phone, grade level and parish. Mail to: The Catholic Spirit Christmas Contest, 244 Dayton Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55102.
The 2012 National Right-To-Life Pro-Life Essay Contest: is encouraging students grades 7-9 and 10-12 to send a 300 to 500 word essay on: “What Effect Has Abortion Had On Your Generation.” Prizes are $200, $150 and $100 for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. The essays should be submitted between December 19, 2011 and January 23, 2012, and must be snail-mailed to: Michelle Fischbach, 416 Burr Street, Paynesville, MN 56362. The entries should be double-spaced and pages numbered, with any sources cited. Those essays winning at the state level will be forwarded to the national level. Be sure to check this out for more details:
http://www.nrlc.org/essaycontest/EssayInfoSheet.html
A Very
Enlightening Book: titled, “Hold On To Your Kids” by Gordon Neufeld and
Gabor Mate basically states that, the change in our society from having family
oriented grandparent/ parent/child
relationships, the relationships left for kids is filled by peers, which become
the primary and critical source of their molding. Without the anchor of good
parental relationships, the kids are particularly emotionally vulnerable, and
are unfortunately guided by immature classmates. The researchers found that the
schools that the schools where kids were almost solely peer-oriented, were the
schools highest in problems with bullying, depression, drugs and suicide. It is
imperative that parents nurture a close relationship with their children,
emphasize faith, set academic goals for their kids and participate in
family-based activities with them. For more information: see: http://www.ncregister.com/blog/jennifer-fulwiler/parents-beware-the-danger-of-peer-orientation#ixzz1dDwX7H5g
-JenniferFulwiler-
The American Academy of Pediatrics: strongly suggests that children under the age of two should not be exposed to television, even those programs supposedly geared to educate them. The organization reported that by the age of three, nearly one-third of all children have a television in their bedrooms. The AAP suggests not putting a television in either toddler’s rooms. Additionally, there are also higher rates of substance abuse and sexual activity among in teenagers who have televisions in their rooms. The AAP recommends parents decreasing their own television viewing, since adult programming is absorbed by young minds. The Academy recommends filling the time with interacting play between child to child and parent to child.
The Girl Scouts: just held their annual convention November 11-13, and had nothing but a roster of pro-abortion speakers. Reading this article should expose this organization for what it is. Parents need to immediately withdraw their girls from this group. Girl Scouts Convention Features Pro-Abortion Speakers | LifeNews.com
Yet Another Television Program: is presenting
promiscuity as a norm. A show titled, “The First Time,” appearing on “GLEE”
will show a high school heterosexual couple and a high school homosexual couple
engaged in sex. If you would like to make your voice known, you can e-mail or
write Fox Broadcasting at: Email to askfox@fox.com.
Or write a letter to: Fox Broadcasting
Co., P.O. Box 900, Beverly Hills,
Calif. 90212. The viewer comment line is 310-369-3066. –CPO-
Even Prior to 2003: the State of Minnesota, without the knowledge or consent of parents, would take a blood sample of every newborn child, perform a profile of its DNA and store it with the Minnesota State Health Department, for their use and dissemination. Nine families fought the case, which went to the Minnesota Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of the public, that the Minnesota Genetic Privacy Act requires informed parent consent for storage use and dissemination. This is a huge win for citizens everywhere. Other states, such as Utah and Oklahoma are enacting legislation in accordance with the ruling in Minnesota, and a lawsuit has been brought in Texas to halt their DNA collections.
Feast
Days Of Note For The Month--2010
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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 Day |
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December 7 |
St. Ambrose |
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December 26 |
St. Stephen |
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December 8 |
*Immaculate Conception |
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December 27 |
St. John, Apostle |
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December 9 |
St. Juan Diego |
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December 28 |
The Holy Innocents |
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December 12 |
Our Lady of Guadalupe |
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December 29 |
St. Thomas Becket |
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December 14 |
St. John of the Cross |
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December 31 |
The Holy Family |
For Your
Information
The Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute: (C-FAM) is looking for volunteers for the International Youth Coalition for the United Nations Commission of the Status of Women over March 4-9, 2012. C-FAM will be accepting ten people between the ages of 18 and 30 to come to UN Headquarters in New York. To apply, send a letter telling why you would be a good individual to volunteer for this program, along with your CV, to IYcDirector Tim Hermann at timothy@c-fam.org Application deadline is December 15, 2011.
December 16, 2011: The Catholics Come Home organization will be airing ads on CBS, CNN, FOX, NBC, TBS, TNT, and Univision networks, and will also be shown during Jay Leno, major sports, NCIS, NBC Nightly News, O’Reilly, sitcoms, Sixty Minutes, and The Today Show as some examples. In addition, the ads will also be on various radio stations. These ads will be viewed in over 10,000 US cities in virtually every diocese. Congratulations to such an excellent organization for such a great accomplishment.
Cardinal Sean O’Malley: of Boston has been named the Chairman of the Bishop’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities.
Minnesota, Hastings: St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton parish experienced a very tragic desecration of the Blessed Sacrament, which was found partially consumed and stuck to the pages of a hymnal. In fact, thirty hymnals were found with a desecrated Eucharist in them. The rector, Father Jim Perkl offered Masses in reparation for the sacrilege.
In The Past 5 Years: the USCCB received a 19 million dollar grant from the federal government to aid victims of sex trafficking. However, the government, under the united leadership of the President and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, has denied renewal of the grant. It is believed this is due to the Catholic Bishops strong stand against abortion and contraception. Both of these issues are promoted by the new Obamacare, and the Bishops are not remaining silent. Hence, the government’s withholding grant money. This may be an indication of things to come when dealing with a government that has lost its moral compass. The Bishops are considering legal action against the government.
Catholic Couples In Illinois: can no longer adopt children through Catholic Charities, because the Catholic services in that state are closing down due to a law requiring all adoption agencies to place children in same-sex couple homes. The Church cites that the State of Illinois has made it financially impossible to continue their lawsuit against the State.
Despite: ten years of US military presence and the loss of 1700 American lives, the State Department reports that not one single public Christian Church remains today in the entire country of Afghanistan. The church structures have been destroyed and the Afghanistan courts refuse to uphold the rights of the 99 year leases on the churches.
Regions Hospital: in Saint Paul is closing its abortion facilities in December, likely due to the huge abortion facility built by Planned Parenthood just off University Avenue and Snelling in Saint Paul. This would usually be incredible news that an abortion clinic is closing, but due to the reality is that the women will move down the street to obtain the same services, so perhaps not a great deal has been gained. In the past, Regions Hospital has been requiring medical interns to undergo training to perform abortions, and it is not known if that aspect of Regions has changed.
From The Vatican
A New Papal Nuncio: for the United States has been named by Pope Benedict XVI. Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano had served two years as Secretary-General for the Commission Governing Vatican City. He has also served as Nuncio to Iraq, Great Britain and Nigeria.
Pope Benedict XVI: has announced that the year 2012 will be the “Year Of Faith,” during which Catholics have the opportunity to deepen their relationship with God and share that faith with others. The Holy Father hopes that the Year Of Faith will “Give renewed energy to the mission of the whole Church to lead people out of the desert they often are in and toward the place of life and friendship with Christ, Who gives us fullness of life.” The “Year Of Faith” will begin on October 11, 2012 which is the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council, and will end on November 24, 2013 on the Feast of Christ The King. The Pope said, “What the world is in particular need of today is the credible witness of people enlightened in mind and heart by the word of the Lord, and capable of opening the hearts and minds of many to the desire for God, and for true life without end.” The Holy father encourages political involvement, the use of media, family focus, and parish liturgy.
Rome’s Leading Exorcist: Father Gabriele Amorth, is concerned that the Apparitions at Medjugorje, Bosnia have not received the recognition he believes they should. “The Gospel is so clear; it tells us how to discern! ‘By the fruits you will know the tree!’ It has been 30 years when Medjugorje has given us fruits that are ultimately exquisite! Confession, conversion, vocations, graces of every kind!”
Fundraisers
December 2, 2011: A fundraiser for the Catholic Servant Newspaper is being held from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at St. Helena’s Catholic Church. A Choral Group from the Twin Cities will perform from 8:00 pm to 8:30 pm, and prior to that St Nicholas will be bring treats to children from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The Church is located at 3204 East 43rd Street in Minneapolis, and the cost is $25 per individual or $35 per couple, and $5 per child. For reservations or for information, call Barb Ernster at: 763-502-0792.
January 3, 2011: Raymond Cardinal Burke will be speaking at the “Light Their Way” Fundraising Dinner to benefit the School of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Stillwater, and their Faith Formation Program. Cardinal Burke is the former Archbishop of St. Louis, an authority on Cannon Law, is a member of the Vatican’s Congregation for Bishops and Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signature. He will be speaking on, “The Importance of Catholic Education and the Future of Catholic Schools.” Tickets are $200 per person or $1400 for a table of eight. The event is being sponsored by the Stillwater Knights of Columbus, and the event will be held at St. Michael’s Social Hall, 611 South Third Street in Stillwater, Mn. Mass begins at 5:30 pm, Social Hour is at 6:30 pm, Dinner is at 7:00 pm with the program at 7:45 pm. For tickets, order online at: www.stmichaelstillwater.org or call: 651-491-4044 for information.
The Cardinal Newman Society: an organization known for defending the faith and promoting renewal of Catholic identity at our nation’s Catholic Colleges and Universities through exposing dissent and scandal. Some of their accomplishments include publishing The Newman Guide To Choosing A Catholic College, They have cut-in-half the number of pro-abortion and scandalous commencement speakers on Catholic Campuses, and rallied against Notre Dame’s commencement honors for President Obama. However, the Organization is in need of funds to continue their critical work, particularly since there may be only a 2 year window in which to fend off assaults from unfavorable legislation. To donate: The Cardinal Newman Society, 9415 West Street, Manassas, Virginia 20110
In The Know About Our Times
The United States Supreme Court: will be hearing the case regarding ObamaCare and its Constitutionality. The issue is whether or not, Constitutionally, there is legal provision for the citizens of this country to pay for compulsory health insurance; this weighed against, the government’s long arms reaching into the private lives of its citizens and keeping records on each of them, which has heretofore been a private matter between physician and patient.
A Large Number: of street gang members have enlisted in the branches of military service. This infiltration of our military by street criminals leads to some questions such as what is their real motive for doing this; will they attempt to disrupt the military, will they continue with their violence-only this time use other military members as targets or the public as their targets.
The US Senate Judiciary Committee: held a hearing where Senator Diane Feinstein’s bill S. 598 to repeal the Federal Defense of Marriage Act which was passed by Congress in 1996, was presented. Both Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken support this bill to repeal DOMA
Filmmaker and Actor: Matthew Modine is on tour with his new short film, “Jesus Was A Communist,” which offer discussion of the New Testament’s messages in the context of poverty, pollution and political unrest, particularly the occupying of Wall Street, and how this relates to the Bible. He insists that this is not an attack on Jesus or the Christian faith or that it is condoning Communism. Reviewers say it is nothing but Communist propaganda. Perhaps Mr. Modine has forgotten that Jesus told Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world.”
Louisiana,
Baton Rouge: A very questionable law was passed by the Louisiana Governor
and State Legislature (House Bill 195-Act 389). Supposedly this law is to
regulate second hand junk dealers so that they have records of financial
transactions. However, the law dictates payment methods limited to check,
electronic transfers or money orders—No Cash. In other words, in certain
instances, citizens of Louisiana have been banned from freely using United
States Legal tender. And this policy, as written, can be extended to purchasing
goods on e-bay or craigslist, trading baseball cards—all of whom would be
considered, “second hand dealers.” –t-
Secretary
of Health and Human Services: Kathleen Sebelius,
has proposed that medical records of all Americans be turned over to the
Federal Government from private health insurers. Proposed
Rule: Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act;
Standards Related to Reinsurance, Risk Corridors and Risk Adjustment, Volume
76, page 41930. Proposed rule docket ID is HHS-OS-2011-0022 http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-07-15/pdf/2011-17609.pdf) The HHS
has proposed the federal government pursue one of three paths to obtain this
sensitive information: A “centralized approach” wherein insurers’ data go
directly to Washington; an “intermediate state-level approach” in which
insurers give the information to the 50 states; or a “distributed approach” in
which health insurance companies crunch the numbers according to federal
bureaucrat edict. The real objective of this idea: no matter which “option” is
chosen, government bureaucrats would have access to the health records of every
American. Included in the concerns are the breach of physician-patient
confidentiality, and the information being stolen as it was with 26 million
veterans when a government employee’s laptop was stolen.-Washington Examiner-
George
Soros: who made more money on Wall Street than anyone else, provided the
seed money for the “occupy Wall Street” movement. -t-
According To: the liberal
Washington Post-ABC News poll, same-sex marriage is supported among 18 to 29
year olds at a rate of 65%, by ages 30 to 64 at a rate of 47%, and among those
age 65 and older by 30%.
Be Sure To: check the labeling of foods, particularly at Costco, which sells “organic” chicken, but also carries a “halal” label. This means the food is specially catered to Moslems because it is ritually killed while the butcher faces Mecca and calls out, “Allah Akbar,” or a tape of this is playing while he kills the animal. This is being drawn to people’s attention because this labeling on meat has been ritually sacrificed to a false idol..
Catholic
University: located in Washington, DC has had a 60 page complaint filed
with the Office of Human Rights by a George Washington University Law School
professor (and attorney) John Banzhaf, stating that
Catholic University violated the human rights of Muslim students by not
allowing them to form a Muslim student group and by not providing them rooms
without Christian symbols for their daily prayers. Banzhaf
has been involved with previous litigation against the school involving
same-sex residence halls. –WDTPRS-
In
Belgium: a major bank called Dexia has failed.
That bank was the world’s largest lender to municipal governments in the US and
overseas. This bank was only one of many large banks that “passed” Europe’s
official “stress test” just three months ago, but is the first to go down,
using as little as 40 cents on the dollar. Dexia was
taken down essentially by a “bank run” which was accomplished electronically.
Other large banks and institutional investors pulled hundreds of millions of
euros and dollars by clicking a mouse. Dexia is being
sold off in pieces, along with its full debt. Essentially ALL large banks in
Europe supposedly passed the “stress test;” but these other banks depend on the
same funding sources that “ran” on Dexia. Because of
the interconnectedness of banks, some of the largest US banks including Bank of
America and JPMorgan Chase are considered equally vulnerable. –t-
Medjugorje Monthly Message
-With Prayer You Can Stop Wars; You Can Alter The
Storms Of Nature-
-Blessed Virgin Mary at Medjugorje-
In recent
months especially, the Blessed Virgin has consistently been requesting
prayers for our
priests. Please remember them.
Message Of
November 25, 2011: “Dear Children!
Today I desire to give you hope and joy. Everything that is around you, little
children, leads you towards worldly things but I desire to lead you towards a time
of grace, so that through this time you may be all the closer to my Son, that
He can lead you towards His love and eternal life, for which every heart
yearns. You, little children, pray and may this time for you be one of grace
for your soul. Thank you for having responded to my call.”
Message of December 2, 2011 to Mirjana: "Dear children, As a mother I am with you so that with my love, prayer and example I may help you to become a seed of the future, a seed that will grow into a firm tree and spread it's branches throughout the world. For you to become a seed of the future, a seed of love, implore the Father to forgive you your omissions up to now. My children, only a pure heart, unburdened by sin, can open itself and only honest eyes can see the way by which I desire to lead you. When you become aware of this, you will become aware of the love of God - it will be given (as a gift) to you. Then you will give it (as a gift) to others as a seed of love. Thank you
Prayer Intentions From The Holy Father
For December,
2011
General Intentions:
That the nations of the earth, through knowledge and mutual respect, may grow in harmony and peace.
Mission Intentions:
That children and young people may be messengers of the Gospel
And that their dignity may always be respected and preserved from all violence and exploitation.
Prayer
Opportunities And Retreats
The Cathedral of Saint Paul: has been singing morning prayer on the Cana Chapel following the 7:30 am Mass. The sung morning prayer will is available every weekday throughout the year.
December 1, 2011: The St. John Vianney Seminary at the University of St. Thomas St. Paul Campus is hosting a Team Vianney Event where young men 9th grade through college age are invited for an evening to meet for dinner, hear a short dynamic talk on our Catholic faith, participate in Mass and attend Adoration. Parents, godparents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, friends, parishioners, teachers, coaches, and neighbors are encouraged to ask a young man they know if he might be interested in attending this event.
December 2-3, 2011: An
all-night vigil sponsored by the World Apostolate of Fatima will be held at St.
Peter’s Catholic Church, 1405 Highway 13, in Mendota, Mn.
The Rosary begins at 7:00 pm followed by Mass in Reparation to the Sacred Heart
and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Confessions are from 7:45 pm to 8:45
pm, with a 12:30 am Mass in Reparation to the Immaculate Heart. The Vigil ends
at 1:00 am. For information contact: Alice Mayers at:
651-454-1289.
December 17, 2011: A morning mini-retreat for women,
as part of the Companions In The Heart of Jesus, is being held at St. Paul’s
Catholic Church,
December 17-19, 2010: The Archbishop invites men interested in the Priesthood to a Vocation Retreat at Christ the King Retreat Center in Buffalo, Mn from 6:30 pm on Friday, December 17th, to noon on Sunday, December 19th. To sign up, call: 651-962-6890 or see: www.10000vocations.org
Pro-Life
-LifeNews-
"If you want equal justice for all, and true
freedom and lasting peace, then, America, defend life.
All the great causes that are yours today will have meaning only to the extent
that you guarantee the right to life”
--Pope John Paul II-
A Man Named: Anand Grover
issued a report to the United Nations, stating that, “A right to abortion
already exists in international law.” The Secretary General stated that he was
“honored” to present the report to the UN community. Grover has given himself
the title, ‘Special Rappoteur for Health,” which
means he travels all over the world twisting the arms of governments to
acquiesce to legalizing abortion in their countries. The Catholic Family and
Human Rights organization is publicly challenging his authority at the UN. –C-FAM-
The Birth Rate: for teens ages 15-19 has dropped 9% since 2009, says the Center For Disease Control’s National Center for Health Statistics. Abstinence programs are being credited with this change, with a major reason cited as the program informing teens of the epidemic proportions of sexually transmitted diseases.
Britain: The British Medical Journal, The Lancet, published results from a study that indicated patients diagnosed as being in a “vegetative state,” are often not so. They stated, “A population of patients exists who meet all the behavioral criteria for the vegetative state, but nevertheless retain a level of covert awareness that cannot be detected through behavioral assessment.” The study used electroencephalography (EEG) technique in assessing patients and found that 20% of the patients were responsive.
Country And Religious Singer: Collin Raye will be joining the Terri Schiavo organization to lend his name to the fight against euthanasia. Raye has had personal experience with his own child who woke up from a coma many weeks after doctors urged him to terminate the child’s life, and understands firsthand the issues involved with euthanasia.
The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry: in the April 2010 edition, published a paper titled, “Associations Between Abortion, Mental Disorders and Suicidal Behavior” and determined that women having an abortion run the risk of mental health problems by an 81% average. This is a very strong link between abortion and mental illness. The researchers used the National Co-Morbidity Survey replication data collected between 2001 and 2001.
Canada, Ottawa: The Carter Suit against the Attorney General of Canada brings a constitutional challenge to Canada’s law prohibiting assisted suicide and euthanasia. The case seeks to permit physician-assisted suicide, which has potential for serious elder abuse, including empowering the Canadian Health Care System to be the determinant of life and death to the detriment of individual patient rights. Although bills have been brought up in Parliament in the past, they have been overwhelmingly defeated.
Canada, Quebec: The Canadian Press reports that the Quebec government assisted suicide committee will likely promote increases in support for “palliative care,” and for the training of doctors in the government’s version of caring for the dying. This will involve the Physician’s Code of Ethics to be amended to include the patient’s right to refuse treatment.
China: The total number of unborn children sacrificed under China’s one-child policy is estimated between 300 and 450 million, according to Congressman Tim Huelskamp, a pro-life Republican. In other words, China has prevented more births than the entire population of the United States, which stands at 312 million. These numbers were achieved by forcing young women, some in the final months of pregnancy, to have abortions, an act which was declared to be a crime against humanity by the Nuremburg Tribunals. Mostly it is unborn baby girls who are selectively aborted so that young men cannot find brides, leading to young women being trafficked across borders to meet the demand. All this is solely due to the leadership of that country, which is becoming more prosperous from American jobs, dollars and loans.
Georgia: Four members of the assisted suicide advocacy group, the Final Exit Network, were indicted under Georgia’s anti-assisted-suicide law for helping a 58 year old man diagnosed with cancer, to kill himself. Two members of the organization provided helium gas and were present when the man committed suicide, but did not aid him. They then disposed of the helium tanks. The state charged then with violating the state’s assisted-suicide law, racketeering and tampering with evidence.
Germany: The European Court of Justice has ruled that stem cell patents are not legal if the embryo is destroyed. The case involved a German scientist, Oliver Bruestle, whose patent on a method to create nerve cells from human embryonic stem cells was ruled invalid, with the Court stating, “A process which involves removal of a stem cell from a human embryo at the blastocyst stage, entailing the destruction of that embryo, cannot be patented.” However, the court also said that the use of human embryos “for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes which are applied to the human embryo and re useful to it, is patentable; but their use for purposes of scientific research is not patentable.”
Geron Companies: known for its experiments with fetal stem cells, has decided to leave the stem cell business altogether in order to focus its resources on developing cancer therapies, citing difficult financial times responsible for their decision
The Life and Hope Network: begun by the Schindler family after the loss of their daughter and sister, Terri Schiavo, reports that they have been contact by over 1,000 families in similar situations as Terri, and are seeking assistance and support in this trial.
Kansas: The Attorney General of Kansas has recommended that the Shawnee County Sheriff investigate the scandal involving former Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius via the Kansas Health Department, who were involved in the destruction of abortion records that allegedly proved 23 felony charges and 26 related misdemeanor charges against Planned Parenthood. Attorney General Derek Schmidt wants a separate investigation from an outside law enforcement agency.
New Jersey: The Alliance Defense Fund has intervened in filing a lawsuit on behalf of twelve nurses employed by the University of Medicine and Dentistry, which threatened them with the loss of their jobs if they objected to assisting at the performing of abortions. The nurses are objecting on the grounds of conscience, which is protected by several federal conscience laws and state law. The lawsuit is ongoing.
LifeNews Reports: that United Way chapters gave $1.9 million to Planned Parenthood, in 2008, and that Komen For The Cure donated $730,000 in 2009 and another $569,000 in 2010 to PP. Be careful when making donations to charities.
Mississippi: Although the provision on the ballot in Mississippi for a personhood amendment did not pass, it is believed that it was so poorly written in the first place that it would likely have not stopped abortion in the state. The measure did not have the backing of the National Right to Life Committee, or American United for Life, or the Mississippi Catholic Bishops for that reason.
The Pepsi Cola Company: made the following statement regarding the use of aborted fetal cells via the Senomyx biotech company, for use as flavoring in its fool products, released the following statement: “The company’s key flavor programs focus on the discovery and development of savory, sweet and salt flavor ingredients that are intended to allow for the reduction of msg, sugar and salt in food and beverage products.” Their website states, “Using isolated human taste receptors, we created proprietary taste receptor-based assay systems that provide a biochemical or electronic readout when a flavor ingredient interacts with the receptor.” Not only have a number of pro-life people contacted PepsiCo to voice their objections, but Pepsi shareholders filed a resolution with the Securities and Exchange Commission to insist that the company produce artificial flavor enhancers.
Planned Parenthood Federation: of America announced
that Dana Singiser will become their new Vice
President for Public Policy and Government Relations. She currently is a
Special Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs, was a key part of
the legislative team that helped pass the Health Care Reform Law, was in a
leadership position with Obama’s Presidential campaign, as well as on the team
for Hillary Clinton’s Presidential bid. –WDTPRS-
Strasbourg: The Grand Chamber of the European Court
of Justice has issued a ruling banning patents of stem-cell technologies based
on destruction of human embryos. This is a major legal step towards
international protection of all unborn human life. –C-FAM-
Texas, Austin: A law requiring pro-life pregnancy centers to post signs declaring they do not provide abortions has temporarily been suspended until the city of Austin attempts to determine the Constitutionality of the law. With help from attorneys from the Alliance Defense Fund, the Texas Center for the Defense of Life and the Jubilee Campaign Law of Life Project on behalf of the Austin LifeCare Pregnancy Resource Center, pressure was brought to bear against the City of Austin, which has currently resulted in the suspension of the City’s law.
Washington, DC: There seems to be a connection between the White House and Planned Parenthood as the national PP organization hired Dana Singiser, the current Special Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs. She will become PP’s new Vice President for Public Policy.
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