The Silent Monks

This video was shared with me by a dear Catholic friend. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

What a creative bunch of high schoolers!

EWTN Press Release

EWTN’s 2009 Christmas Specials

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – Christmas is for the young, the young-at-heart, as well as those whose battle-weary hearts need renewal. Whatever your age, give yourself a lift this season with EWTN’s Christmas specials, including children’s programming, original documentaries, movies, musical specials and much more. (For a complete list of EWTN’s Christmas programs, please go to http://bit.ly/8Y7QY9.)

Highlights include:
MUSICAL SPECIALS
Catholic University of America’s Christmas Concert (2009)
The Catholic University of America presents their annual Christmas concert from the magnificent Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. (Airs 1:30 p.m. ET, Sun., Dec. 20; and 6 p.m. ET, Fri., Dec. 25.)

Dana: Our Family Christmas
Join Dana, her family and friends as they present an old-fashioned family Christmas. Hear the meaning of many traditional customs, and gather new ideas for you and your family. (Airs 10 p.m. ET, Tue., Dec. 22; and 5 a.m. ET, Mon., Dec. 28.)

San Juan Children’s Choir Presents: Siempre Navidad
The San Juan Children’s Choir celebrates Christmas with music from around the world; a unique concert expressing the joyful spirit of the holidays in Puerto Rico. (Airs 11 p.m. ET, Tue., Dec. 22; 4:30 p.m. ET, Wed., Dec. 23; and 1 a.m. ET, Thurs., Dec. 24.)

The Word is Born: Christmas with the Louisville Chorus
The Louisville Chorus celebrates the sounds of the season in this special presentation of Christmas favorites performed in historic Saint Martin of Tours Church in Louisville, Ky. (Airs 9 p.m. ET, Tue., Dec. 22; 11 a.m. ET, Thurs., Dec. 24; and 4 a.m. ET, Mon., Dec. 28.)

Candles and Carols
Anderson University presents their annual candle lighting ceremony with sacred music and scriptural meditations. The program features more than 200 participants performing a wide variety of choral and instrumental pieces. (Airs 3:30 a.m. ET, Wed., Dec. 23.)

Fowler Sisters: Christmas Gift
The Fowler Sisters usher in the Christmas season with moving renditions of favorite Christmas classics including "Carol of the Bells," "Mary Did You Know," and "O Holy Night." (Airs 2:30 a.m. ET, Sun., Dec. 20; 10:30 a.m. ET, Wed., Dec. 23; and 10:30 p.m. ET, Mon., Dec. 28.)

Cousins in Christ: Family Christmas
Let the “Cousins in Christ” fill your home with songs celebrating the birth of our Savior, as they share with you a collection of favorite Christmas songs, including “Silent Night,” “Away in a Manger,” “O Holy Night,” “Joy to the World,” and many others. (Airs 2 a.m. ET, Wed., Dec. 24; and 4 p.m. ET, Sat., Dec. 26.)

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING:
“We are Catholic” Christmas Special
In this EWTN original production, the town of St. Claire is preparing to celebrate Christmas. The mayor wants to have a taller Christmas tree while Manuel and Phillip leave to find moss for the Nativity set. When the owner of the factory surprises everyone by shipping the largest Christmas tree in a helicopter, he is informed that Manuel and Phillip are lost in the forest. In a generous way, he uses the helicopter to rescue them. (Airs 5 p.m. ET, Tue., Dec. 22; 10 a.m. ET, Sat., Dec. 26; and 10 a.m. ET, Sun., Dec. 27.)

Hermie & Friends: A Fruitcake Christmas
Hermie and his bug friends have a Christmas mystery on their hands when Granny Pillar’s long-anticipated fruitcake disappears. An adventure ensues that leads everyone to make a decision between selfishness and sharing. (Airs 5:30 p.m. ET, Wed., Dec. 23; and 5:30 p.m. ET, Mon., Dec. 28.)

Kingdom Under the Sea: The Gift
It’s Christmas time in the Kingdom, but somewhere between the presents and decorations, everyone has forgotten what Christmas is really all about; that is, until the town’s arch enemy, Professor Pinch, tries to destroy it. (Airs 5 p.m. ET, Mon., Dec. 21; 9 a.m. ET, Thurs., Dec. 24; and 6:30 p.m. ET, Mon., Dec. 28.)

The Story of the Selfish Giant
A grandfather uses Oscar Wilde's timeless tale, “The Story of the Selfish Giant,” to unlock the true meaning of Christmas for his granddaughter. As the selfish giant learns in this story of love and sacrifice, God's unselfish gift of His Son fills us with joy. This charming story and its strong Christian message is bound to be a great holiday favorite. (Airs 9:30 a.m. ET, Sat., Dec. 19; 6 p.m. ET, Thurs., Dec. 24; and 9:30 a.m. ET, Sun., Dec. 27.)

The Legend of the Christmas Flower
This Yuletide tale traces the holiday tradition of the poinsettia plant to its roots in the heart of Mexico, where it is known as “la Flor de Navidad,” the Christmas Eve flower. Watch as young Juanito’s cherished dream of a sombrero to call his own blossoms into understanding of the true meaning of Christmas. (Airs 5:30 p.m. ET, Tue., Dec. 22; 9 a.m. ET, Sat., Dec. 26; and 4 p.m. ET, Mon., Dec. 28.)

· Go Look in the Manger
Eight year-old Ricky Meyer has a misadventure that threatens to darken his Christmas joy, but he soon finds the true meaning of Christmas is in the manger. (Airs 9 a.m. ET, Sat., Dec. 19; 4:30 p.m. ET, Mon., Dec. 21; and 11 a.m. ET, Wed., Dec. 23.)
· We Celebrate Christmas: The Birth of Jesus
Lammy, the loveable puppet, guides children through the nativity story, and helps them to understand the true meaning of Christmas through lots of singing, dancing, and old-fashioned fun. (Airs 10 a.m. ET, Sat., Dec. 19; and 4 p.m. ET, Tue., Dec. 22.)
· The First Christmas
The timeless Nativity story is narrated by Christopher Plummer with a musical background of familiar carols. (Airs 10:30 a.m. ET, Sat., Dec. 19, 4:30 a.m. ET, Tue., Dec. 22, 6 p.m. ET, Wed., Dec. 23; and 6 p.m., Tues., Dec. 28.)
· A Time to Remember
This Christmas favorite tells the story of a young boy who develops his gift of song, with the help of a beloved priest. It’s a journey that requires faith, perseverance, and a Christmas miracle. (Airs 8 p.m. ET, Sat., Dec. 19; 9 a.m. ET, Wed., Dec. 23; 1:30 p.m. ET, Sun., Dec. 27.)
ORIGINAL EWTN DOCUMENTARY
· Path of the Messiah, Part One
An EWTN original documentary follows Raymond Arroyo and Jeff Cavins as they travel to the Holy Land to retrace the footsteps of Our Lord. Part One begins this dramatic and beautiful journey into Christ's homeland, fittingly accompanied by Jeff and Raymond's reflections on the Messiah’s mission and ministry. (Airs 1 p.m. ET, Tue., Dec. 22. and 2 a.m. ET, Wed., Dec. 23.)
COOKING SHOW
· Feasts & Seasons: Ep. 5
During this episode, Joanna Bogle explains why we celebrate Christmas on the 25th, and why for many of us, it is truly the “happiest feast of the year.” (Airs 5 a.m. ET, Sun., Dec. 20; and 6:30 p.m. ET, Thurs., Dec. 24.)
DRAMA
The Chimes
Written by Charles Dickens and narrated by Derek Jacobi, this is the story of a poor and discouraged 19th century porter. Chiming church bells magically transport him to the future where his hope is renewed. (Airs 4 p.m. ET, Mon., Dec. 21, 4 p.m. ET, Fri., Jan. 1, and 9:30 a.m. ET, Sat., Jan. 2.)
Michael The Visitor
Narrated by Stockard Channing, this charming fable is an adaptation of Tolstoy’s classic tale about a lost young man with an amazing secret. (Airs 6 p.m. ET, Mon., Dec. 21; 11 a.m. ET, Fri., Dec. 25, and 10:30 a.m. ET, Sun., Dec. 27.)

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EWTN’s 2009 Christmas Masses & Devotionals



Irondale, AL (EWTN) – Over the years, Catholics around the world have come to depend on EWTN’s coverage of Christmas Mass, Christmas Chorals, the Holy Father’s Christmas message to the world, and more. This year’s schedule is as follows:

Solemn Mass of Christmas Eve with Pope Benedict XVI
Mass with the Holy Father from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. (Airs live at 4 p.m. ET, Thurs., Dec. 24, and encores at 8 a.m. ET and 4 p.m. ET, Fri., Dec. 25.)

Choral Meditations on the Nativity (Live)
Live from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. (Airs 10 p.m. ET, Fri., Dec. 24.)

Solemn Mass of Christmas Eve from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
(Airs live 10:30 p.m. ET, Fri., Dec. 24.)

Solemn Mass of Christmas from EWTN
(Airs live 1 a.m. ET, Fri., Dec. 25, and encores at 12 p.m. ET, Fri., Dec. 25 and 12 a.m. ET, Dec. 26.)

Urbi Et Orbi: Benedict XVI’s Christmas Message to the World
(Airs live 6 a.m. ET, Fri., Dec. 25, and encores at 11 p.m. ET, Fri., Dec. 25, and 1:30 a.m. ET and 6 p.m. ET, Sat., Dec. 26.)

Vespers of Thanksgiving 2009
Live from St. Peter’s Basilica. (Airs 12 p.m. ET, Thurs., Dec. 31.)

Solemn Mass of Reparation
(Airs from EWTN live at 12 a.m. ET, Fri., Jan. 1 and encores at 8 a.m. ET, Fri., Jan. 1 and 12 a.m. ET, Sat., Jan. 2.)

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
(Airs live from EWTN at 4 a.m. ET, Friday, Jan. 1 and encores at 12 p.m. ET and 6:30 p.m. ET, Fri., Jan. 1.)

EWTN Press Release: Archbishop Fulton Sheen

EWTN To Air Special Mass in Remembrance of
30th Anniversary of Death of Archbishop Fulton Sheen

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – EWTN Global Catholic Network will air a special Mass in remembrance of the 30th anniversary of the death of Archbishop Fulton Sheen live from St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York at 5:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 9. The two-hour event will encore at midnight ET.
In an outpouring of support for the canonization of the late Archbishop, dioceses worldwide will join together on this day to offer Masses for this intention. Masses will be celebrated in 35 countries on six continents.
In New York, Archbishop Timothy Dolan will be the main celebrant and homilist. Archbishop Dolan recently told Raymond Arroyo, host of EWTN’s “The World Over,” that he had the opportunity to meet Archbishop Sheen several times, but he really became interested in him while doing graduate work on the history of the Church in the U.S.
“My professor, John Tracy Ellis, used to say: ‘There’s never been anybody who’s been able to communicate the timeless truths of the Catholic religion to a very timely culture, namely the United States, like Fulton Sheen – without diluting any of the essentials of our Catholic Faith. He was able to present it in an eminently attractive way and that has always inspired me. …
“I would never pretend to be like him. …I would never pretend to have his culture and bearing, but I would have to say that he’s an inspiration to me… to bring the immutable truths of the Catholic Faith to a very changing culture and society.”
To hear Archbishop Dolan’s interview in its entirety, go to http://bit.ly/77VvDQ. To purchase a DVD or CD, go to http://bit.ly/52NlBq.
If you are interested in learning more about Archbishop Sheen, EWTN Religious Catalogue has a large selection of books and tapes by this master of Catholicism and communications at http://bit.ly/8t71Jz.
And be on the lookout for a new EWTN series on Fulton Sheen, hosted by Fr. Charles Connor, which will air in February.
EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 28th year, is available in over 150 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

Two EWTN Press Releases

EWTN To Be Made Available in HD
A Christmas Present for Viewers

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – EWTN Global Catholic Network will become available to all U.S. affiliates in HD beginning Dec. 8. The Faith never looked so good!

“EWTN is the only Catholic television network available in this format,” said EWTN President and CEO Michael P. Warsaw. “We chose to launch HD in December so we could bring our viewers all the beautiful images of the Christmas season using the most advanced technology. We chose December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, to honor Our Lady, who has conveyed so many blessing upon this Network.”

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 28th year, is available in over 150 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website http://www.ewtn.com/ and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

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Marion Mulhall was promoting priests, through Worldpriest, Inc. and www.worldpriestday.com, long before the Year for Priests made it cool! Mulhall started this international movement, which now boasts offices in Dublin and New York, after becoming a lay Carmelite and discerning, through prayer, that it was her mission to do everything she could to promote the priesthood. Hear about her journey at 8 p.m. ET, Wednesday, on “EWTN Live” with Host Fr. Mitch Pacwa.

As we emerge from Halloween weekend, EWTN will feature the “real deal” as Fr. Thomas Euteneuer discusses the devil and exorcism with “Life on the Rock” Hosts Fr. Mark and Doug Barry. Fr. Euteneuer, president of Human Life International and author of “Exorcism and the Church Militant,” will appear at 8 p.m. ET, Thursday. You do not want to miss this one!

EWTN Press Release

French Priest Traveling in U.S.A.
With St. Mary Magdalene’s Relic
To Appear on Special “EWTN Live” Oct. 27

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – Father Thomas Michelet will appear 10 p.m. ET Tuesday, Oct. 27 on a special “EWTN Live” with Father Mitch Pacwa to discuss the story of St. Mary Magdalene and the relic, which is coming to the U.S. from France for the first time.

Fr. Michelet, a Dominican priest, will be touring with the permission of Bishop Dominique Rey of the Diocese of Frejus-Toulon, where the relic is normally housed.

Mary Magdalene is recorded in the Gospels as the first witness of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Chris.

“The relics, hidden at the time of the Saracen invasions (Early Middle Ages), were found in 1279, the date from which they have been venerated without interruption,” said Bishop Rey in a letter certifying the authenticity of the relics. “They are presently kept by the Dominican priests in the cave of St. Baume, a part of my diocese. A new reliquary has been constructed to allow one of the relics, a piece of the tibia, to travel to different countries for veneration by the entire Church.”

EWTN Executive Vice President Doug Keck said: “EWTN is honored that the relic will be coming to the Network and that viewers will be able to not only see one of the relics, but to listen to Fr. Michelet discuss its storied history.”

Editors: For photos, please go to www.ewtn.com/media/marymagdalene.

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 28th year, is available in over 150 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com and publishing arm, EWTN, is the largest religious media network in the world.

EWTN Press Release

EWTN Foundress Mother Angelica and
Deacon Bill Steltemeier Receive Papal Honor

Irondale, AL (EWTN) –Pope Benedict XVI has awarded EWTN foundress, Mother Mary Angelica, and Deacon Bill Steltemeier, Chairman of EWTN’s Board of Governors, the Cross of Honor for distinguished service to the Church. The medal, officially known as “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice” (literally “For the Church and the Pope”), is the highest honor that the Pope can bestow upon laity and religious.
Bishop Robert J. Baker of Birmingham conferred the awards in a brief ceremony following Sunday benediction at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama.
“The Holy Father’s recognition of Mother Angelica and Deacon Bill Steltemeier is a much-deserved honor. It acknowledges the tremendous faith, hard work and incredible sacrifices that each of them have made throughout the years in founding and building up the Network,” said EWTN President and CEO Michael P. Warsaw. “Their recognition is also a great honor for EWTN and is a clear sign of the importance of the Network’s mission for the Church and the Pope. We are grateful to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI and to Bishop Baker for this honor.”
Mother Mary Angelica, 86, is a Poor Clare Nun of Perpetual Adoration. She came to Alabama in 1961 to found Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Irondale. In 1981, she began Eternal Word Television Network in a garage on the monastery property. In 1999, Mother Angelica relocated the Monastery to the grounds of the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama. She continues to reside there with her community of Nuns.
Deacon R. William Steltemeier, 80, was a successful Nashville attorney who left his law practice to join Mother Angelica with her fledgling television network. He served as EWTN’s President for many years and continues to serve as Chairman of the Network’s Board of Governors.
EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 28th year, is available in over 150 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com and publishing arm, EWTN, is the largest religious media network in the world.

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Crucifix in Store 'offends' Jewish Woman

While reading some religious news articles online I came across an Associated Press story about a St. Louis grocery store where the store manager had put up a crucifix near the front counter. Apparently, it has offended a few people, including one Jewish woman who felt the need to complain to the Jewish Light newspaper.
After listening to some complaints, the grocery store company sided with the store manager and allowed the crucifix to stay stating;

"Company leaders made a decision to honor that request out of respect for Tom and his faith," Willis said. "In fact, that's part of the reason they put him in charge of Culinaria. He's a man of such strong faith; who better to put in a store where so many faiths come together?" -AP-

I think this is wonderful. Why must everyone get so "offended" by seeing someone else display their religious faith? When I occasionally shop in an Asian store that sells everything from food items to greeting cards and holiday decorations, I am not offended by their Buddha sitting on the counter near the register. When I visit a small gift shop owned by a fundamental evangelical couple I am not offended by the cross hanging on the wall or the assorted faith items displayed around the check out counter. Looking at the Star of David, or a cross or a Buddha statue does not offend me. Why should it? What is so offensive about viewing someone else's symbol of faith? Have we all become so intolerant of religious freedom that we actually feel offended when looking at a faith other than our own?
Look around you. There are things to truly be offended by in this world, a crucifix on a wall is not one of them in my opinion.

EWTN Tonight!

Learn about the fabulous Susan B. Anthony List – which is dedicated to advancing, mobilizing and representing pro-life women in Congress – (and its many successes!) at 8 p.m. ET, Thursday, Sept. 24 on EWTN’s “Life on the Rock.”

EWTN Press Release

EWTN’s “The World Over Live With Raymond Arroyo” Wins Industry Award For ‘Best Religious Program’

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – EWTN’s long-running news show, “The World Over Live with Raymond Arroyo” was named the winner of CableFAX Magazine’s 2009 award for “Best Religious Program.” Host Raymond Arroyo accepted the award during a Sept. 16 ceremony in New York City.

Here’s what CableFax had to say about the show:
“Since its 1996 debut, “The World Over Live” has become one of EWTN’s most popular shows. News Anchor Raymond Arroyo has interviewed everyone from former President George W. Bush to the Pope (before he was Pope...way to predict that one) to Mel Gibson to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. In all instances, his probing questions always remain relevant to the Catholic concerns of EWTN’s dedicated audience. The show, which emanates appropriately enough from the John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, D.C., features news, interviews, a call-in segment and interaction with a studio audience. Meanwhile, Arroyo has become a staple on mainstream cable news nets like CNN and Fox News. Bravo to EWTN for winning "the world over."

Learn more about the award at the following links: http://bit.ly/VLFOx and http://bit.ly/c5zc7.

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 28th year, is available in over 150 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com and publishing arm, EWTN, is the largest religious media network in the world.

EWTN Tonight!

If you think evolution and Darwinism are the same thing, then you won’t want to miss Dr. Benjamin Wiker, author of “The Darwin Myth,” as he unmasks the real Darwin at 8 p.m. ET, Thursday, Sept. 17 on EWTN’s “Life on the Rock.”

Passion of the Christ video

Two EWTN Press Releases

EWTN To Air Papal Celebrations Closing Pauline Year, Honoring Sts. Peter & Paul & Imposing Pallium

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – EWTN Global Catholic Network will air Pope Benedict XVI’s celebration of Vespers for the Conclusion of the Year of St. Paul live from Rome at noon ET June 28.
The following day, don’t miss the Pope’s celebration of the Mass for the Solemnity of the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, which includes the imposition of the pallium on new archbishops. The Mass will air live from Rome at 4 a.m. ET June 29 and will re-air at 11 a.m. ET June 29.
Archbishops who will receive the pallium include New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan, Detroit Archbishop Allen Vigneron, St. Louis Archbishop Robert Carlson, Omaha Archbishop-designate George Lucas, and New Orleans Archbishop-designate Gregory Aymond.
EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 28th year, is available in over 148 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com and publishing arm, EWTN, is the largest religious media network in the world.

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EWTN to Air a Pontifical High Mass July 1
Live from Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament
On Solemnity of the Most Precious Blood

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – EWTN Global Catholic Network will air a Pontifical High Mass of the Extraordinary Form live from the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama at 8 a.m. ET Wednesday, July 1. The date was chosen because it is the Solemnity of the Most Precious Blood.
The two-hour liturgy will be celebrated by Bishop Joseph N. Perry, Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Bishop Perry will also appear at 8 p.m. ET July 1 on “EWTN Live.”
EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 28th year, is available in over 148 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website

www.ewtn.com and publishing arm, EWTN, is the largest religious media network in the world.

EWTN Press Release

EWTN to Air Installation of St. Louis Archbishop
Robert J. Carlson Live from City’s Cathedral Basilica

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – EWTN Global Catholic Network will air the installation of the Most Rev. Robert J. Carlson, as the ninth Archbishop of St. Louis. The three-hour event will air live from the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, beginning at 3 p.m. ET June 10, with a re-broadcast at 12 a.m. ET June 11.
The St. Louis installation will be carried in its entirety by EWTN on both its English and Spanish language Television Networks here in the USA.
EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 28th year, is available in over 148 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website http://www.ewtn.com/ and publishing arm, EWTN, is the largest religious media network in the world.

**Press release directly from EWTN**

Michelle Johnson
Director of Communications
EWTN Global Catholic Network
5817 Old Leeds Road
Irondale, Alabama 35210-2198 USA
(205) 795-5769 – Office
(205) 441-6248 ­– Cell
(205) 795-5781 – Fax
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*this will also be located at the bottom of this blog*

EWTN Press Release

PRESS RELEASE


EWTN To Host Family Celebration in Birmingham, AL
Meet Raymond Arroyo, Danny Abramowicz and the “Crossing the Goal” team,
Marcus Grodi, Fr. Wade Menezes, Barbara McGuigan and many more!

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – EWTN Global Catholic Network will host its 10th free Family Celebration Aug. 8-9 at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex in Birmingham, Ala.
This year’s theme, “Rejoice in Hope,” comes from Romans 12:12: “Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” and echoes the theme of Pope Benedict’s encyclical: “Saved by Hope.”
Those who attend can expect to rejoice in the roster of well-loved speakers. They include EWTN News Director and Mother Angelica Biographer Raymond Arroyo; Danny Abramowicz and his “Crossing the Goal” team; “Journey Home” Host Marcus Grodi, “Open Line” Host Barbara McGuigan, and Father of Mercy Wade Menezes, CPM, a network regular.
EWTN CEO and President Michael Warsaw will provide the welcome with “Bookmark” Host Doug Keck emceeing. Deacon Bill Steltemeier and Father Joseph Mary Wolfe will also be on hand for the always popular and insightful “Family Talk.”
In addition to this stellar lineup, Saturday night attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a live taping of a special edition of “Crossing the Goal” with its four co-hosts: Abramowicz, former NFL all-pro wide receiver and coach; Brain Patrick, whose “Son Rise Morning Show” airs on EWTN radio network; Curtin Martin, President and Founder of FOCUS; and Peter Herbeck, co-host of “The Choices We Face,” which airs on EWTN television.
Throughout the weekend, children will be entranced by special guest Rob Evans, a.k.a. “The Donut Man,” who, along with Brother Leo of “Hey Brother Leo” fame, will appear at the “EWTN Faith Factory” booth. In addition, “older kids” can line up to “Meet the Author” while browsing the EWTN Religious Catalogue shop.
Doors will open at 8 a.m. As always, there will be plenty of opportunities for confession as well as Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. It’s a day no fan of EWTN will want to miss – and, best of all, it’s free!
For more information, please visit: http://www.ewtn.com/familycelebration/
EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 28th year, is available in over 148 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website http://www.ewtn.com/ and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

EWTN Press Release

EWTN to Air Complete Coverage of Pope Benedict’s
Historic Trip to the Holy Land May 8 -15

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – EWTN Global Catholic Network will air complete coverage of Pope Benedict XVI’s historic visit to Jordan and Israel May 8-15, 2009.
EWTN will follow the Holy Father across the region as he visits such sites as Bethany Beyond the Jordan, where Jesus Christ was baptized; the Grotto of the Annunciation, where Mary learned she would carry the Messiah; the presidential palace in Jerusalem, where the Holy Father will meet with Israeli President Shimon Peres; the Caritas Baby Hospital, the only pediatric hospital in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip that cares for poor children; the Aida Refugee Camp near Bethlehem, where the Holy Father will deliver an address, and much more.
Coverage will also include Pope Benedict’s meetings with numerous other heads of state, including the King and Queen of Jordan, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and with other religious leaders, including the Greek Orthodox, Latin and Armenian Catholic patriarchs, the grand mufti of Jerusalem, the chief rabbis of Israel, and many others.
EWTN News Director Raymond Arroyo will anchor the English coverage. Spanish coverage will be anchored by Alejandro Bermúdez, director of EWTN Noticias, EWTN’s Spanish news service, as well as director of the Catholic News Agency, and by Father Daniel Cardó Soria, chaplain of St. Malo Retreat Center in Lyons, Colorado, and an expert on the life and papacy of Pope Benedict.
For a complete television itinerary, with air times, please go to http://www.ewtn.com/tv/index2.htm. The event will be carried worldwide in English and Spanish on the EWTN television network, which is carried by EWTN’s cable affiliates, DirecTV, Dish Network, and AT&T U-verse. For a complete radio itinerary, please go to http://www.ewtn.com/radio/index.asp. The event will be carried on EWTN through Sirius Satellite Radio and EWTN AM & FM radio affiliates. In addition, the event will be streamed live on EWTN’s website (www.ewtn.com).
Media: For expert commentary on the Pope’s trip, or for a Catholic perspective on the most important news stories of the day, please contact EWTN at the numbers listed above.
EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 28th year, is available in over 148 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com and publishing arm, EWTN, is the largest religious media network in the world.

Update: "Frozen Embryo Adoption: Why Not?"

I received the following email response from my recent post "Frozen Embryo Adoption: Why Not?".

This is posted with permission from Edward J. Furton, M.A., Ph.D., Ethicist and Director of Publications at the National Catholic Bioethics Center.


Dear Julie:

Thank you for your comments about embryo adoption. The posting to which you were directed by Priests for Life was an initial response of The National Catholic Bioethics Center following the publication of Dignitas Personae. We initially thought that the Vatican had ruled against embryo adoption. We have since learned that this was not the case. The issue remains open for debate.

The press release of the Vatican and the talking points of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops both indicated that this remains an unsettled question. We will be adding further reflections on this topic at a later date.

Edward J. Furton, M.A., Ph.D.
Ethicist and Director of Publications
The National Catholic Bioethics Center
http://www.ncbcenter.org/
6399 Drexel Road
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19151
215-877-2660 (v)
215-877-2688 (f)
blocked::mailto:efurton@ncbcenter.org
Editor of Ethics & Medics
http://www.ncbcenter.org/em/
Editor-in-Chief of The National Catholic Bioethics Quarterly
http://www.ncbcenter.org/ncbq.asp

The National Catholic Bioethics Center is a non-profit research and educational institute committed to applying the moral teachings of the Catholic Church to ethical issues arising in health care and the life sciences. The Center provides consultations to institutions and individuals seeking its opinion on the appropriate application of Catholic moral teachings to these ethical issues. Neither the Center's moral analyses nor any other project of the Center should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a legal or medical opinion or otherwise to engage in the practice of law or medicine, or other health care disciplines.

-end email response-

My thanks to Dr. Furton for taking the time to respond and share that information with myself and Connecticut Catholic Corner readers. It's much appreciated.

Frozen Embryo Adoption: Why not?

Have you wondered why the Catholic Church (which is completely 100% Pro-life) has put its foot down on frozen embryo adoptions? 

This isn't about creating more embryos with IVF, but about those already created - already conceived human beings frozen at the earliest stages of human development. What happens to them depends on how people view them. Are they human beings to be adopted or just a bunch of cells to be destroyed or used for scientific experiments?

As a Catholic, I accept all the teachings of my faith and trust that the Holy Spirit is guiding my Church in all it's teachings, thus doing God's Will and not mans will. While I accept all its teachings, I sometimes fail to understand them. This is my failing and not the Church's. It's OK to question things and admit not understanding something. I know that doesn't make anyone a "bad Catholic". I accept Church authority that it must know better than I do, but wish I could better understand it when it comes to one particular issue.

The one issue that has caused me confusion is frozen embryo adoptions. I totally understand and accept the Church's teaching on in vitro fertilization (IVF), that it isn't as God planned natural conception to be (to put it simply). I get that. My confusion comes with the fact that people (regardless of their faith) have already created these embryos - frozen conceived human beings - that have two options: 1) adoption which leads to life or 2) destruction which leads to their death.

I see Catholics and other pro-lifers marching with signs that say "Abortion Kills"- well so does letting these embryos be destroyed when they could be adopted and given life. So far, hundreds of thousands of frozen embryo human beings have been given life...my Church tells me this is wrong, but I can't help but feel happy those babies were born and not destroyed. Am I wrong? How am I wrong to celebrate a life saved from destruction? I just don't understand, I really don't. I have my own wonderful children that I thank God for daily, and I am not looking to adopt any embryos...so this isn't about me personally. It's about my struggle to understand the issue as a Pro-life Catholic woman who loves her Catholic faith.

I guess I am a person who looks at things in their most basic and simplest forms. This to me, is a case of life vs death. Two options, only one gives life. But the option in this case that allows for life, is the very option my Catholic faith forbids. This is something I have a hard time with.

Recently, I emailed Priests for Life to see if they could help me understand my Catholic faith's position on this issue. Here is my email to them and the response. (I have left out the person's name who emailed me).

My Comment: I understand the Church's position on Inv. Fertilization being wrong for Catholics, but I am having a hard time understanding it in light of embryo adoption. I see in the news that frozen embryos are available for adoption (thus giving them life and also making our courts view the embryos as adoptable human beings). My thought is that the life of the child outweighs the medical process as a moral issue. If frozen embryos are in need of adoption to give them life and save them from being destroyed why doesn't the Church allow this 'exception' (if you will) based on the life of the unborn child being the most important issue here. Seems like a life vs death issue. One option allows for life, the other is certain death to the conceived human being. Can you please explain this to me? Thank you and God bless all the work you do. -end-

The response from Priests for Life:

Thank you for writing to us at Priests for Life.

For more information on embryo adoption, please read the National Catholic Bioethics Center’s reflections on Dignitas Personae at http://www.ncbcenter.org/details_news.asp?idOfEvent=421.

Please continue to keep in contact with us so that we may work together for an end to abortion. Be assured of our prayers.

Sincerely,

---- -------
Priests for Life
Outreach Associate

****
Working link: http://www.ncbcenter.org/resources/information-topic/dignitas-personae/freezing-embryos/

First my thanks to Priest for Life for responding to me so quickly and for the work they do for the unborn every day. I appreciate the link and the information it provided, but I am still hoping a Catholic priest who happens to read this post will comment and tell me in plain simple terms why its better for these embryos to be destroyed rather than given life. I want to understand and I want to be at peace with this issue, but right now I am not.

I look forward to hearing any and all thoughts on this issue, whether they agree with me or not. Thanks and may God bless you all.

~Julie @ Connecticut Catholic Corner~

Notre Dame and Obama

I was recently reading an article by LifeSiteNews.com about the Obama/Notre Dame issue. Personally speaking, I think this article says it all perfectly and points out clearly WHY Obama should not speak at Notre Dame or be given an "honorary law degree".


I'd like to post a few quotes from the article that I feel are spot on, but please go to the link and read the whole article.

"Citing his grave concern over the President's support for anti-life policies, Bishop Coakley told LSN that he reminded University president Fr. John Jenkins of the USCCB directive that forbids Catholic schools from honoring those whose positions contradict the teachings of the Church.
"The University's invitation undermines the Catholic identity and mission of the institution," said Coakley."

"Last year, in Washington, D.C., Pope Benedict XVI addressed Catholic educators, including university presidents," wrote the bishop [Bishop Wenski]. "He said 'to justify positions that contradict the faith and teaching of the Church would obstruct or even betray the university's identity and mission.'

"Father Jenkins, Notre-Dame's president, must have nodded off during the Pope's speech," he concluded."


And here is a list of Bishops (at the time of the article) who have already signed the petition to Notre Dame regarding this issue. I see only ONE Bishop from Connecticut so far, and I applaud him and thank him for standing up for what is right and setting the right example.

1. Bishop John D'Arcy - Fort Wayne-South Bend, IN

2. Bishop Samuel Aquila - Fargo, ND

3. Bishop Gregory Aymond - Austin, TX

4. Bishop Gerald Barbarito - Palm Beach, FL

5. Bishop Leonard Blair - Toledo, OH

6. Archbishop Daniel Buechlein - Indianapolis, IN

7. Bishop Robert Baker - Birmingham, AL

8. Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz - Lincoln, NE

9. Archbishop Eusebius Beltran - Oklahoma City, OK

10. Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Cantú - San Antonio, TX

11. Bishop Paul Coakley - Salina, KS

12. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo - Houston, TX

13. Archbishop Timothy Dolan - New York, NY

14. Bishop Thomas Doran - Rockford, IL

15. Auxiliary Bishop John Dougherty - Scranton, PA

16. Bishop Robert Finn - Kansas City-St. Joseph, MO

17. Cardinal Francis George - Chicago, IL; President, USCCB

18. Bishop Gerald Gettelfinger - Evansville, IN

19. Archbishop José Gomez - San Antonio, TX

20. Bishop William Higi - Lafayette, IN

21. Archbishop Alfred Hughs - New Orleans, LA

22. Bishop Joseph Latino - Jackson, MS

23. Bishop Jerome Listecki - La Crosse, WI

24. Bishop William E. Lori - Bridgeport, CT

25. Bishop George Lucas - Springfield, IL

26. Bishop Robert Lynch - St. Petersburg, FL

27. Bishop Joseph Martino - Scranton, PA

28. Bishop Charles Morlino - Madison, WI

29. Bishop George Murry - Youngstown, OH

30. Archbishop John J. Myers - Newark, NJ

31. Bishop R. Walker Nickless - Sioux City, IA

32. Archbishop John C. Nienstedt - St. Paul-Minneapolis, MN

33. Archbishop Edwin O'Brien - Baltimore, MD

34. Bishop Thomas Olmsted - Phoenix, AZ

35. Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk - Cincinnati, OH

36. Bishop Kevin Rhoades - Harrisburg, PA

37. Bishop Alexander Sample - Marquette, MI

38. Bishop Edward J. Slattery - Tulsa, OK

39. Bishop Richard Stika - Knoxville, TN

40. Bishop Anthony Taylor - Little Rock, AR

41. Bishop Robert Vasa - Baker, OR

42. Bishop Thomas Wenski - Orlando, FL

Well done Bishops...

**all information derived from LifeSiteNews.com**

Happy Easter!

Hi everyone! Some of you may be wondering where I've been and why there haven't been more topic issues posted by me lately. Well, one of the things I gave up for Lent was so much time online. I was limiting myself to posting only Catholic events and posts by Doug.


Now that Lent is over I will be posting more posts and answers comments and emails so please keep them coming!



I've got one Connecticut Health announcement- and it's a great one!

FREE DENTAL CARE!

Don't have insurance? Money tight or near nonexistant these days? Doesn't matter, come on in and get your FREE dental care!

WHERE: New Haven Citywide Public Field House (Atheltic Center)
480 Sherman Parkway
New Haven, CT

WHEN: April 17-18, 2009 - doors open at 5 PM

Presented by Connecticut Mission of Mercy

NO eligibility or income requirements, no appointments.
First come, first served.

Includes: fillings, cleanings, extractions, interim partial dentures (limited) and root canals.

For more information call: 866-539-9372 or visit http://www.csda.com/

**This is a project of the Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach and the Connecticut State Dental Association**

EWTN Holy Week Schedule

Highlights of EWTN’s Holy Week programming, including full coverage of this year’s “Way Of The Cross” from the Coliseum in Rome, are listed below:

HOLY THURSDAY:• Choral Meditations and Solemn Mass of the Lord's Supper (BNSIC) –The Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Pietro Sambi celebrates the Solemn Mass of the Lord's Supper live from The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. The Basilica Choir will offers a series of meditations preceding the Mass. Airs 5:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, April 9. •

The Easter Triduum: Ep1: Holy Thursday – Father John Corapi compares the Last Supper of Holy Thursday to the Passover. Airs 11 p.m. ET, Thursday, April 9.

GOOD FRIDAY:• Celebration of the Lord's Passion with Pope Benedict XVI – The Holy Father presides over the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at the Vatican Basilica in Rome. Airs 11 a.m. ET, Friday, April 10. •

Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion with the MFVA’s – The Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word preside over The Solemn Commemoration of the Lord's Passion live from The Our Lady of Angel's Monastery Chapel in Irondale, Alabama. Airs 4 p.m., Friday, April 10. •

Way of the Cross with Pope Benedict XVI –The Holy Father presides over The Stations of the Cross live from The Coliseum in Rome. Airs 3:15 p.m. ET, Friday, April 10. •

The Seven Last Words of Christ – This classical composition by Joseph Haydn features seven meditations on the last words of Jesus Christ. The Ottawa Chamber Music Society performs this rendition from Christ Church Cathedral in Ottawa, Canada. Airs 2 p.m. ET, Friday, April 10. •

Life is Worth Living: Good Friday – Archbishop Sheen looks at three types of responses to Jesus' Crucifixion: apathy, sympathy, antipathy. Airs 7 p.m. ET, Friday, April 10. •

The Easter Triduum: Ep.2: Good Friday – Father Corapi talks about the Paschal Mystery-Christ's suffering, death and resurrection. Airs 11 p.m. ET, Friday, April 10.

HOLY SATURDAY:• Easter Vigil Mass with Pope Benedict XVI – The Holy Father celebrates The Solemn Easter Vigil Mass live from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Airs 3 p.m. ET, Saturday, April 11. •

Easter Vigil Mass (BNSIC) – Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Pietro Sambi celebrates The Solemn Easter Vigil Mass live from The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. Airs 8 p.m. ET, Saturday, April 11. •

Passion in Jerusalem – A unique telling of the Easter story using footage from modern-day Jerusalem and Holy Week activities to recount the amazing story of man's salvation. Airs 11:30 a.m. ET, Saturday, April 11. •

The Easter Triduum: Ep.3: Holy Saturday – Father Corapi likens Christ’s time in the tomb on Holy Saturday to the darkness that is in the world today, but also to the Dark Night of the Soul through which we come closer to God. Airs 11 p.m. ET, Saturday, April 11.

EASTER SUNDAY:• Solemn Mass of Easter Sunday with Pope Benedict XVI – The Holy Father celebrates The Solemn Mass of Easter Sunday live from St. Peter’s Square in Rome. Airs 4:30 a.m. ET, Sunday, April 12. •

“Urbi et Orbi" Message and Blessing –The Holy Father gives the traditional Easter message and blessing "Urbi et Orbi" - 'to the city of Rome and to the world'- live from St. Peter’s Square in Rome. Airs 6 a.m. ET, Sunday, April 12.

For more information on Holy Week programming, please visit EWTN’s website, http://www.ewtn.com.

***This schedule comes from EWTN's 'WINGS' enewsletter***

Wrong Lessons Being Taught...

...By “The Fighting Irish,” And Other “Cafeteria Catholics” In Wayward Catholic Academia

Contributor Doug writes: “What’s going on at Notre Dame?” is my first reaction, but perhaps the bigger questions are “What is going on with the Congregation of Holy Cross?” and “What is going on with our Church?”

I won’t mince words here, Father John J. Jenkins, C.S.C, is an utter disgrace to his vocation and Holy Mother Church. He should be removed from his post as President of Notre Dame University, and his duties and privileges as a functioning priest should be suspended at the very least.

Father Jenkins has tolerated and even justified a “Queer Film Festival” at Notre Dame University, and only restricted the continued showing of the play, “The Vagina Monologues” on campus. Now he has pushed the envelope even farther, not just by inviting radically anti-life President, Barack Obama to speak at the university’s upcoming commencement ceremonies, but also for considering conferring an honorary degree on Obama. Kudos to South Bend, Indiana Diocese Bishop John D’Arcy for refusing to attend the event, but that still isn’t enough. Jenkins needs to go, and his rebuking should be as public as the scandals he has created and allowed. (See # 1868 of the Catholic Catechism regarding the various ways, both passive as well as intentional, that evil and sin are committed.) It is incidents such as this that give me serious pause and cause to reflect upon our Lady’s words to the children of Garabandal, Spain on June 18, 1965, when she appeared to them and warned that many priests and bishops in the coming days would go to perdition and take many souls with them. (Note the date’s proximity to Vatican II!)

Furthermore, the Congregation of Holy Cross needs to clean up its act in general. While I believe that within its ranks are many priests and brothers who are devout and faithful, the garden is still full of many weeds as demonstrated by the deplorable actions of Father Jenkins, and my own observations from attending a Catholic high school of the Holy Cross order in the 1970’s.

I recall apathetic, inept, and even volatile teachers, both lay and religious, and one English teacher in particular who sounded grammatically inarticulate, if not illiterate. I recall one lay religious teacher who was consistently filthy, unkempt, and was an unabashed and avowed atheist, and who often drifted from the subject matter or somehow often managed to incorporate it into his seemingly two favorite topics: sex and devil worship. Several of the male teachers seemed overtly effeminate. Two male lay teachers, one of whom supposedly left the order, cohabitated off campus. One very devout lay teacher whom I greatly respected and admired once commented to me in confidence that he and his wife stopped attending parties with his fellow teachers, ambiguously decrying the lewd and unchecked behavior that he struggled not to specify, other than to comment that when those parties go on, those wooden crosses the brothers wear around their necks soon disappear under their shirts. I would be remiss to not mention that I also had many fine teachers, both lay and religious at this high school as well, but after four years of observations, I would never send my child to any school associated with the Holy Cross order.

The Jesuits are not without their flaws, either. It was the late Jesuit Father and former Congressman Robert Drinan who not only radically championed abortion rights and later defied Pope John Paul II, but along with several other Jesuit priests first met with the Kennedy’s in their Hyannisport, MA compound on Cape Cod in July of 1964 to help ease legalized, less restrictive abortion into our culture. At Boston College, the Jesuits have again recently caused controversy, as some teachers have expressed umbrage that crucifixes and other articles of Catholic religious art are now appearing in the apparently otherwise previously secularized classrooms. The articles are being brought in by students, not by the faculty. Before cheering for the Jesuits for allowing these religious artifacts into the classrooms, one should first ask ranking members of the order why these objects were banned, or at least not present from this Catholic institution in the first place. It is of little wonder, and not without chagrin, that we now need the Cardinal Newman Society, formed in 1993 as an educational guide to prospective students and their parents, and as a means of reform to our nation’s 224 Catholic colleges and universities, a great many of which simply don’t make the grade, religiously speaking.

While I cite the orders of the Holy Cross and the Jesuits specifically, the problem is widespread in our Church, but the tide is now slowly beginning to turn toward notable reform. The damage was entrenched long before, beginning in our liberalized seminaries back in the 60’s and 70’s, overrun by radical dissenters and homosexuals, many of these seminaries have been dubbed “pink palaces” by some. Michael S. Rose wrote of the sex scandals in “Goodbye, Good Men” just shortly before they became widely known. He also penned another book called, “Ugly As Sin,” which exposed how radicals and dissenters adversarial to Holy Mother Church used outlandish architecture in the same period to subtly desecrate our churches, further alienate the congregations and remove much of the spirituality and symbolism. That is why many of our churches of today, built in the 60’s and 70’s more resemble barns, space ships and gigantic hockey pucks, and all other secular objects conceivable but churches.

Forget about asking whether the chicken or the egg came first. It doesn’t matter. The fuse of this crisis is lit from both ends and rapidly burning toward the middle. We, the laity are equally to blame. Much of the 25% of Catholics who regularly attend mass every Sunday shouldn’t pat themselves on the back any time soon. Many do nothing beyond that. Those who do attend are in many cases, inattentive, if not irreverent while there, in many cases, through sheer ignorance of their own faith. The slobs who dress like they just left a company softball game (or worse yet, the beach), and who approach and accept the Eucharist like it’s just a morsel at a station in a buffet line, and who arrive late, leave early, and don’t shut up for most of the mass in between are hardly yet ready for sainthood, either. Given the ignorant, if not apathetic, or even rebellious attitude of many so-called practicing Catholics on such moral and core traditional tenets regarding abortion, contraception, divorce, cohabitation, pre-marital sex, the presence of our Lord in the Eucharist, the virginity of Mary, the forgiveness of sins and by and the crucial necessity of the Sacrament of Confession, etc, it isn’t hard to fathom how our nation’s most radical proponent of abortion was elected President by more than 50% of so-called “Catholics” alone. If American Catholics obsessed even 10% as much on our faith, our government, and current events as we do with sports, we would be far better off.

When I see the uproar recently displayed by outraged Catholics at the thankfully now defunct state bill, S.B. 1098, which would have insidiously denied control of pastoral councils to pastors and given more intrusive power to over-reaching government, I am elated, but we need to be as diligent in the small skirmishes much earlier on to curtail them from becoming larger battles in the future that we might lose, and with them, possibly our salvation as well. Edmund Burke profoundly warned that all that is necessary for evil to flourish is for good men to do nothing. We are all in this together, clergy and laity, both. This is our Church, and her future isn’t rocket science; we can either keep her or lose her. Nobody can ever take our Church and our traditions from us without our consent. The problem is, however, we are gradually losing our Church, our traditions and our very souls by our consent, in other words, by our gradually increasing inaction. In the Gospels, Jesus gave us our marching orders to be the salt and the light of this world while not being of this world. We are currently disobeying those orders and marching straight into Hell. Lest we not heed our Lord, we should at least embrace the repeatedly expressed bold and sage attitude of His faithful servant, EWTN’s Father John Corapi when he proclaims, “I’m not going to Hell for anybody!”

(To leave a message for Father Jenkins at Notre Dame University: email: President@nd.edu, or call: (574) 631-5000, or (574) 631-3903.)

~Doug~

What's Happening in Connecticut

Crism Mass Saint Patrick's Cathedral

On Tuesday, April 7th at 10:30 AM the Crism Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Cote at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Norwich, CT.

***

Genesis Bible Study Class

Notre Dame Parish in Durham, CT will begin a bible study class on the book of Genesis. The class with be led by Father Lipton and consist of 6 classes in total covering the book of Genesis, an introduction to the bible, the text, explanation of the stories, and theology behind the stories. Classes begin Monday, April 20th at 7 PM in Notre Dame Parish church hall.

All are invited to attend.

For more information contact Notre Dame Parish at 860-349-3058.

***

Pro-life Event...

On April 30, 2009 Gianna Jessen will be the featured guest speaker for A Better Choice Women's Center. The event will take place at the Crowne Plaza Grand Ballroom in Cromwell, CT.

Gianna is an abortion survivor. When her mother was in her third trimester of pregnancy she had a saline abortion. For 18 hours Gianna was burned alive in her mother's womb by the saline solution. She was born pre-mature and survived.

For more on her story and pro-life work, click on her name above.

To attend the ABC's major fundraising event, you need to RSVP before April 12th. For more, call 860-704-0078.

****

Pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Divine Mercy

Father Gerard Mulvey, Pastor of St. Pius X is coordinating a pilgrimage to Stockbridge, MA to the National Shrine of Divine Mercy on Saturday June 13, 2009.

This includes a 10:30 AM Mass, bus ride, a luncheon and time at the Shrine to explore, mediate and pray. At 3 PM the Chaplet and Novena of the Divine Mercy are prayed and then all will depart for home.

The cost of the trip is $71. For more information call 860-347-2406.

***

New Easter Season Video

Connecticut Catholic Corner has a new video on Youtube for this Easter season.
The scenes were taken from the movie "The Passion of the Christ" and some may find them disturbing as they depict a graphic death of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.






Scripture used in the movie is from John chapters 18 and 19 and Luke chapter 2.

Connecticut Catholic Conference Alert

ACTION ALERT

Urge the Public Health Committee to Support Health Care Reform

Vote "yes" on H. B. 6600
"An Act Concerning the Establishment of the Sustinet Plan"

Tomorrow, March 26th, the Public Health Committee will be voting on H.B. 6600. The Connecticut Catholic Conference urges the Committee members to vote "Yes" on this legislation so that comprehensive health care reform can continue to move ahead in Connecticut.Your State Senator or Representative are a member of the Public Health Committee. Click on the link at the end of this email and urge them to vote "Yes" on H.B. 6600.

Excerpt of March 2, 2009 Testimony by the Connecticut Catholic Conference:
The Connecticut Catholic Conference, the public policy office of Connecticut’s Catholic Bishops, and a member of the Interfaith Fellowship fro Universal Health Care, would like to urge the members of the committees represented here today to support H.B. 6600 “An Act Concerning the Establishment of the Sustinet Plan” and the concepts for health care reform it incorporates. The Conference recognizes that there are many other efforts underway within the legislature and the executive branch to improve our health care system, but feels that H.B. 6600 is the most comprehensive proposal currently before this legislature. We realize that many deliberations and compromises will occur before a final solution to the health care crisis is developed. H.B. 6600 should be used as the centerpiece for any future health care discussions because of its comprehensive nature.

Catholic social teaching holds health care to be a basic human right. This is reflected in the long history of the Catholic Church’s involvement in providing health care services within our own state and throughout the world. The Catholic Church has long been an active participant in the call for health care reform in our state and nationally.

The continuing increase in medical costs and its financial burden on business and family budgets, and the large number of uninsured persons, are the two primary factors pushing the calls for reform. The need for health care reform is clear as thousands of people within our state lack employer sponsored insurance or can not afford to purchase their own health care coverage. The uninsured also cause a continuing strain on our health care system as doctors and hospitals continue to provide care, but with little or no compensation for their services. These providers are dependent on the state and its taxpayers to help cover these uncompensated expenses.

The design of the Sustinet Plan contained in H.B. 6600 addresses the key factors that some other plans presented to this legislature lack. H.B. 6600 makes coverage available for all Connecticut residents despite their employment status, has affordable copays and premiums, provides quality levels of coverage, including dental, and supports preventive medicine. It also has several medical management provisions aimed at reducing costs through better and more comprehensive patient management.

Our state and nation, along with many families, are currently facing very difficult economic times. However, this should not deter this legislature from undertaking much needed health care reform. In the long run a quality universal health care system may end up saving the state money and making life more manageable for Connecticut families. Health care expenses are an ever increasing burden on many of our state’s families. Especially, as the number of unemployed continue to increase.

**This message comes from the Connecticut Catholic Conference***

Saint Patrick's Breastplate

Sung by Angelina

EWTN Press Release

EWTN To Provide Live Coverage of
Pope’s Historic Visit to Africa March 17 to March 23

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – EWTN Global Catholic Network will provide live coverage of the Pope’s visit to Cameroon and Angola March 17 to March 23.
“Catholicism in Africa remains strong, as evidenced by the many vocations from that continent,” said EWTN President and CEO Michael P. Warsaw. “However, a visit by the Holy Father can be expected to strengthen an already strong local Church, and to result in an increase in Catholic laity as well as in religious vocations.”
In addition to Masses and Vespers, the Pope’s schedule includes meetings with the bishops and the President of each country; a meeting with Cameroon’s large Muslim Community at the Apostolic Nunciature, a meeting with the sick at a local hospital, a meeting with Africa’s young people, a meeting with those who represent various ecclesial movements, and more.
What follows is a schedule of the live events: (For the complete schedule, including encore times, please go to www.ewtn.com/papalAfrica09..)
Papal Visit to Cameroon: Arrival (60 min.)
The Holy Father will arrive in Yaounde, Cameroon, where he will be greeted by the authorities. (11 a.m. ET, Tues., March 17)

Papal Visit to Cameroon: Visit to the President of Cameroon (60 min)
Courtesy visit to the president of Cameroon at the Palais de l'Unite in Yaounde.
(5 a.m. ET, Wed., March 18)

Papal Visit to Cameroon: Meeting with the Bishops of Cameroon (90 min.)
Meeting with the Bishops of Cameroon in the church of Christ-Roi in Tsinga.
(6:15 a.m. ET, Wed., March 18)

Papal Visit to Cameroon: Celebration of Vespers (90 min.)
Celebration of Vespers with local clergy and representatives of ecclesial movements and of other Christian confessions in the basilica of Marie Reine des Apotres.
(11:45 a.m. ET, Wed., March 18)

Papal Visit to Cameroon: Meeting with the Muslim Community (90 min.)
In the apostolic nunciature in Yaounde, the Holy Father will meet with representatives of the Muslim community of Cameroon.
(3:45 ET, Thurs., March 19)

Papal Visit to Cameroon: Holy Mass (2 hours)
Celebration of Mass at Yaounde's Amadou Ahidjo stadium, to mark the publication of the "Instrumentum Laboris" of the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops. (5 a.m. ET, Thurs., March 19)

Papal Visit to Cameroon: Meeting with the Sick (2 hours)
The Holy Father will meet with sick people in the Cardinal Paul Emile Leger Centre. (11:30 a.m ET., Thurs., March 19)

Papal Visit to Cameroon: Meeting with the Synod of Bishops (60 min.)
Address before members of the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops. (1:30 p.m. ET, Thurs., March 19)

Papal Visit to Cameroon: Farewell Ceremony (30 min.)
Farewell ceremony at Nsimalen International Airport of Yaoundé. (5 a.m. ET, Fri., March 20)

Papal Visit to Angola: Arrival (60 min.) (Tape delay)
The Pope will travel from Yaounde to the Angolan capital Luanda where there will be a welcoming ceremony at the airport. (10 a.m. ET, Fri., March 20)

Papal Visit to Angola: Meeting with the President of Angola and members of the Diplomatic Corps (90 min.)
Visit to the president of the Republic of Angola in the presidential palace in Luanda where he will also deliver an address to political leaders and the diplomatic corps.
(12 p.m., Fri., March 20)

Papal Visit to Angola: Meeting with the Bishops of Angola (60 min.)
Meeting with Bishops of Angola and Santo Tome in the chapel of the apostolic nunciature in Luanda. (2 p.m. ET, Fri., March 20)

Papal Visit to Angola: Holy Mass (2 hours)
Pope Benedict XVI will celebrate Mass in Luanda's church of Sao Paulo.
(5 a.m., ET, Sat., March 21)

Papal Visit to Angola: Meeting with young people (90 min.)
Meeting with young people in the stadium of Coquieros. (11:30 a.m. ET, Sat., March 21)

Papal Visit to Angola: Holy Mass with the Bishops of IMBISA (2½ hours)
Celebration of Mass with bishops of IMBISA (Inter-Regional Meeting of the Bishops of Southern Africa) at Cimangola Square, followed by the Angelus.
(5 a.m. ET, Sun., March 22)

Papal Visit to Angola: Meeting with Catholic movements (60 min.)
From the parish of Santo Antonio in Luanda the Holy Father will meet with Catholic movements for the promotion of women. (11:45 a.m. ET, Sun., March 22)

Papal Visit to Angola: Farewell Ceremony (30 min.)
Farewell ceremony at 4 de Fevereiro International Airport of Luanda. (5 a.m. ET, Mon., March 23)

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 28th year, is available in over 148 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website http://www.ewtn.com/ and publishing arm, EWTN, is the largest religious media network in the world.

Michelle Johnson
Director of Communications
EWTN Global Catholic Network
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Same Sex Marriage Bill Lacks Religious Protection

ACTION ALERT!!
Same-sex marriage bill (S.B. 899) Fails to Protect Religious Freedom The Judiciary Committee will soon be voting on Senate Bill 899 concerning same-sex marriage. This legislation places into state statutes the State Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage in our state.

You are receiving this alert because a member of the Judiciary Committee is your elected State Senator or Representative. Please contact them and urge them to support amending the bill to protect religious organizations and individuals whose religious beliefs do not support same-sex marriage. Click on the link below to send them an email.

At a public hearing on March 6th, the Connecticut Catholic Conference testified that the bill must be amended to protect those who object to participating, in any manner, with a same-sex marriage ceremony, such as Justices of the Peace or vendors. (Read the testimony)

Across the country people have been charged with discrimination for refusing to participate in civil unions or commitment ceremonies. Religiously affiliated organizations, such as Catholic Charities in Boston, have also suffered the consequences of not recognizing same-sex marriage. Seante Bill 899 currently only states that clergy cannot be forced to perform same-sex marriages. There are no protections for any other people of faith or faith based organizations. Please read the testimony mentioned above and notify your State Senator or Representative to amend S.B. 899 so it respects the concept of religious freedom long held as an essential liberty in our society. Same-sex marriage may now be a civil right in our state. Religious freedom is an even older and a more basic civil right.

Click on the link below to send them an email.

Click the link below to log in and send your message:

http://www.votervoice.net/link/target/ctcc30117715.aspx

***This message comes from: the Connecticut Catholic Conference***

Link: http://www.ctcatholic.org/