The Door

By Contributor Tim Siggia

I had a vision of myself standing in front of a large Door. It was a solid Door, with no windows, no way for me to see inside. There was only one way for me to know what lay on the other side of the Door, and that was to open it and walk inside.

Without anyone telling me, I knew that the Door was unlocked, and I could walk inside whenever I wished. Nobody would stand in my way or try to stop me. But I also knew that once I opened the door and walked inside, there would be no turning back, no changing of the mind, no reneging on my decision. My commitment would be total, permanent, and without reservation.

Nobody had to tell me that everything I had ever been taught, everything I had ever learned, everything I had ever experienced, had brought me to this Door.

The issue of my entire existence -- and of my Eternity -- now came down to a single Question. It was a Question only I could answer, and I must answer it now:

Would I go through the Door?

Coming to EWTN this fall!!

Coming To EWTN This Fall: Seven New Series
Over 30 Hours of Exclusive Original Programming
Designed to Enrich Your Faith

Irondale, AL – He was the happy husband of four children, until one day everyone he loved was taken away from him. How do people not only survive but thrive when faced with unimaginable tragedy or other difficult circumstances? Find out in “Portraits of Faith.” It’s just one of seven new shows – more than 30 hours of original programming – premiering in September exclusively on EWTN.

You’ll also find a show on what the Church really teaches about caring for the environment, a show that tackles all aspects of married life; a show featuring two priests who field questions viewer questions about the Faith, and much more – plus new episodes of your favorite shows! Here’s a sneak peek:

· Authentically Free At Last: Gloria Purvis, Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers and Damon Owens examine important issues in today's society which affect our Catholic faith, such as marriage, abortion, contraception, and the forming of a good conscience. Airs 5 a.m. ET Sundays and 6 p.m. ET Mondays beginning Sept. 12. 30 min.
· The Catholic View for Women: Due to popular demand, this show is going weekly! Teresa Tomeo, Janet Morana, and Astrid Bennett Gutierrez host an engaging and informative series just for women, to help them live out their faith in every sort of circumstance. Join the fun! Airs 11 p.m. ET Wednesdays; 10:30 a.m. ET Fridays; 4 p.m. ET, Sundays; 2 a.m. ET, Wednesdays; and 11 p.m. ET, Saturdays beginning Sept. 12. 30 min.
· The Fourth Rupture: A Path To Reconciliation: A focus on the Catholic Church’s teachings on the environment, and man’s responsibility as custodian of God’s creation. Airs 5:30 a.m. ET Sundays and 2:30 a.m. ET Thursdays beginning Sept. 12. 30 min.
· Marriage Works in Christ: Enriching Your Marriage: Father Justin Damien Dean, O.S.B., and Greg and Julie Alexander talk with couples about all aspects of married life. Airs 3:30 a.m. ET Tuesdays and 6:30 p.m. ET Saturdays beginning Sept. 12. 30 min.
· Miracles From Mark: Host Frances Hogan focuses on the Gospel of St. Mark, and its insightful descriptions of Our Lord's three-year ministry on earth and the people touched by His earthly labors. Airs 3:30 a.m. ET Wednesdays and 1 p.m. ET Saturdays beginning Sept. 12. 30 min.
· Portraits in Faith: Barbara McGuiganand her guests dialogue on the strengthwhich Faith gives them, to walk through shadows into light, to embrace the meaning and redemption of suffering, and to defend the fatherless, the widow, and the friendless. Airs 5:30 p.m. ET Mondays and 4:30 a.m. ET Saturdays beginning Sept. 12. 30 min.
· Web of Faith 2.0: Father John Trigilio and Fr. Ken Brighenticall on top Internet resources to field questions about the Faith. Airs 2 p.m. ET Thursdays and 4 p.m. ET Saturdays beginning Sept. 12. 1 hr.

Also, enjoy new episodes of:
· Catholicism: New 1 hour version. Journey with Fr. Robert Barron to more than 50 locations throughout 16 countries. Be illuminated by the spiritual and artistic treasures of this global culture that claims more than one billion of the earth’s people. Airs 4 p.m. ET Sundays; 2 a.m. ET, Wednesdays; and 11 p.m. ET Saturdays beginning Sept. 2.
· Crossing the Goal: Former NFL All -Pro Receiver, Danny Abramowicz and his team - Brian Patrick, Curtis Martin and Peter Herbeck - tackle a variety of issues relating to men and their faith. Airs 6:30 p.m. ET, Sundays; 6:30 a.m. ET Mondays; and 9 p.m. ET Thursdays. 30 min.
· The Choices We Face: Ralph Martin and Peter Herbeck of Renewal Ministries interview a wide-range of guests about the issues facing the Church today. Airs 6 p.m. ET Tuesdays and 6:30 a.m. ET Fridays. 30 min.

See you in September!
EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 32th year, is available in over 200 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, electronic and print news services, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

Gay Catholic Clergy

Well said Michael Voris. When a Catholic priest goes against official Catholic teaching, they should be REMOVED at once, before they lead others down their road away from the Church. Too many Catholics today do not PROPERLY know their Catholic faith because their priests aren't teaching official catholicism, they are teaching social liberalism. God help them all.

EWTN Press Release: August 23, 2012

EWTN Exclusive:
Mitt Romney Talks To Raymond Arroyo About Religious Liberty, President Obama’s Charges, & What To Expect at the RNC


Irondale, AL – GOP Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney sits down for an exclusive interview with EWTN News Director and Anchor Raymond Arroyo at 8 p.m. ET, Thursday, Aug. 23 on EWTN’s news and opinion program, “The World Over.” (Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.)

“During this interview, Gov. Romney breaks news about what we can expect at the Republican National Convention and reacts to charges by President Obama that he chose Paul Ryan as his running mate to lower his personal tax burden,” Arroyo said. “He also talks about the hot issue of religious liberty, the role of prayer in his life, and how being a bishop in the Mormon Church prepared him for the presidency.”

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 32th year, is available in over 200 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, electronic and print news services, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

EWTN Press Release: August 21, 2012

Watch the Late Nellie Gray's 1994
Interview with EWTN's Mother Angelica

Irondale, AL – Nellie Gray fans! The iconic founder of the March for Life has died, but her legacy lives on. Watch her wonderful Sept. 14, 1994 interview with another icon, EWTN’s Mother Angelica, at your convenience. Find it on EWTN’s YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gbtosyfMTw or on the “Mother Angelica Live Classics” page of EWTN’s website at http://www.ewtn.com/tv/prime/motherangelica.asp.

EWTN Press Release: August 20, 2012

EWTN: Hear From Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney, a Priest Helping Catholic High Schools Reach Urban Youth, Marines Saved By a Priest While Fighting in Vietnam, & Much More
Free! Download Fr. Thomas Dubay's Series on Contemplation

Irondale, AL – EWTN EXCLUSIVE! Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney guests this week on "The World Over" with Host Raymond Arroyo. The former Governor of Massachusetts recently selected pro-life Catholic Paul Ryan as his running mate. In this interview, he discusses his faith, family, and the important issues in the 2012 campaign. Airs 8 p.m. ET, Thursday, August 23 -- exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Insightful and surprising! That's what many people are saying about "Bookmark" Host Doug Keck's interview with Author Michael Novak on the faith, hope, and love which sustained the leaders of 13 American colonies on their daunting road to establishing on nation under God. Airs 5:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Aug. 23 -- exclusively on EWTN. See the interview, buy the book at http://bit.ly/NXmcCC.

Your EWTN family is coming to Phoenix! We invite you to visit with us up close and in person Sept. 8-9 at the Phoenix Convention Center. Get all the details at www.ewtn.com/familycelebration. Can't get to Phoenix? Make a pilgrimage to our Birmingham headquarters. Find out how at http://www.ewtn.com/pilgrimage/index.asp.

He gave up his life in the service of the U.S. Marines fighting in Vietnam. Be inspired by courage and heroism exemplified by Father Vincent R. Capodanno, MM in this stirring documentary. Fire up your DVR/VCR and record "The Grunt Padre in Vietnam." Airs 5 a.m. ET, Thursday, Aug. 23 -- exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

How can Catholic high schools better reach urban youth? That's the mission of the Christo Rey Network, an association of Catholic high schools that serve urban youth. Hear Fr. John P. Foley, S.J., President of the Network talk about bringing this Peruvian movement to the U.S. on "EWTN Live." Airs 8 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Aug. 22 -- exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Get Fr. Thomas Dubay's 13-part series, "Contemplation" FREE. It's this month's free podcast from EWTN. If you've always wanted to really understand contemplative prayer, but aren't quite there yet, you'll want to download this series. Find it at http://bit.ly/9ck3Uu.

"What Every Catholic Needs To Know About Hell." That's the provocative title of a one-hour program that presents Church doctrine on the one place nobody wants to go. Airs 2 a.m. ET, Sunday, Aug. 26; 10 p.m. ET, Friday, Aug. 31; and 2 p.m. ET, Saturday, Sept. 1 -- exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Take a "Pilgrimage to the Shrines of Eastern Europe" with EWTN Favorite Fr. Benedict Groeschel! Airs 3 a.m. ET, Sunday, Aug. 26 -- exclusively on EWTN. This week's half-hour tour takes you to Our Lady of Czestochowa in Poland. It's gorgeous -- and its meaning will touch your heart. It's a half-hour well spent!

He's the founder of The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty and is at the forefront of the battle over the HHS mandate. Don't miss "World Over" Host Raymond Arroyo's encore interview with Seamus Hasson, who has also authored the book, "The Right to Be Wrong: Ending the Culture War Over Religion in America," now out in paperback and available through the EWTN Religious Catalogue . Airs 8 p.m. ET, Thursday, Aug. 23 -- exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Ed Feulner is president of The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank that celebrates the vision of America's Founders. "World Over" Host Raymond Arroyo interviews Feulner about his organization and they discuss his new book, "The American Spirit: Celebrating the Virtues and Values That Make Us Great." Airs 8 p.m. ET, Thursday, Aug. 23 -- exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

EWTN Press Release: August 14, 2012

EWTN's New Season Preview Includes Monsi the Dog, Plus Reasons To Be A Proud Catholic, A Heroic Priest, and Third World Missionaries

Irondale, AL – What does “Monsi,” a nine-year-old shepherd mix, have to do with EWTN’s fall season? Get the answer to this and much more by watching the “EWTN Season Preview.” Airs 4 a.m. ET, Wednesday, Aug. 15; 3:30 a.m. ET, Tuesday, Aug. 21; and 1:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, Aug. 23. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Hear Catholic League President Bill Donahue, a lion of the Catholic Faith, roar on “EWTN Live!” He’ll discuss new challenges to religious and civil rights and freedoms and how they affect the Catholic Church in America. You’ll also learn about his new book, “Why Catholicism Matters.” Airs 8 p.m.ET, Wednesday, Aug. 15 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Are you proud to be Catholic? If not, you won’t want to miss EWTN’s “Bookmark” this week when Author Thomas Woods visits Host Doug Deck to discuss his landmark book, “How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization.” Learn why modern science was born in the Church, how the Church invented the university, the truth about the Galileo affair, and a lot more. Airs 5:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Aug. 15 – exclusively on EWTN! Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

EWTN’s 2012 Family Celebration in Phoenix has it all! There are talks by Raymond Arroyo, Marcus Grodi, Fr. Mitch Pacwa, the former Rosalind Moss, and more! There’s a special Religious Liberty Roundtable Discussion with a host of luminaries including Phoenix Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted, EWTN President & CEO Michael P. Warsaw, Arizona Catholic Conference Executive Director Ron Johnson, Alliance Defending Freedom CEO & General Counsel Alan Sears; Phoenix Physician and Catholic Medical Association President Dr. Marci Moffit, and EWTN News Anchor and Panel Moderator Raymond Arroyo. There’s meet-the-author signings, children’s programs, a Family talk and so much more! Find out more at http://www.ewtn.com/familycelebration.

Courage, honor and heroism! These exemplified the life of “The Grunt Padre in Vietnam.” Don’t miss this inspiring documentary about a military chaplain who gave up his life in service of the U.S. Marines fighting in Vietnam. Airs 10 p.m. ET, Sunday, Aug. 19; 1 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Aug. 21; and 5 a.m. ET, Thursday, Aug. 23 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

What’s really involved in the decision to become a nun? Find out in “The Nun,” a unique documentary that follows the life of a young Swedish girl as she discerns her vocation. It’s reality TV at its finest! Airs 2 a.m. ET, Sunday, Aug. 19; 10 p.m. ET, Friday, Aug. 24; and 2 p.m. ET, Saturday, Aug. 25 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Take a tour of the shrine the Child Jesus asked EWTN’s Mother Angelica to build in Hanceville, Alabama! Watch “Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament Tour Video.” Airs 2 p.m .ET, Wednesday, Aug. 15 on – where else? – EWTN! Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Aid the poor, care for the disabled! Be inspired by a community of religious and lay people in Peru who do all this and more! Watch “Missionary Servants of the Poor of the Third World.” Airs 1 p.m. ET, Friday, Aug. 17 and 5 a.m. ET, Saturday, Aug. 18 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Persecuted and poor, the Ukraine nonetheless declared its independence! “Ukraine – Forgotten Generation” is the story of what happened next. Airs 3 a.m. ET and 6:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, Aug. 16 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Pope Paul VI is considered to be one of the most important Popes of the modern era. Find out why in Part 1 of “Paul VI.” Airs 8 p.m. ET, Saturday, Aug. 18 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Knock, Ireland has developed into one of the major Marian shrines in the world! How did this happen? Why have pilgrims, including Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa, continued to flock to this out-of-the-way site? Don’t miss the half-hour documentary, “The Story of Knock.” Airs 3 a.m. ET and 6:30 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Aug. 21 – exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Enrich your marriage, learn how to find meaning in suffering, care for the environment – EWTN’s new fall season is packed with great new shows! Get the low down on the new fall season in “EWTN Season Preview.” Airs 4 a.m. ET, Wednesday, Aug. 15; 3:30 a.m. ET, Tuesday, Aug. 21; and 1:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, Aug. 23. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

EWTN Press Release: August 8, 2012

EWTN Global Catholic Network’s
Family Celebration Comes to Phoenix
Highlights include a ‘Don’t Miss’ Panel Discussion on Religious Liberty with Phoenix Bishop Thomas Olmstead, EWTN President Michael Warsaw & Others, Moderated by EWTN News Anchor Raymond Arroyo, & a Special Q&A

Irondale, AL – It’s fun, it’s free, and it could change your life! The EWTN Global Catholic Network comes to the Phoenix Convention Center Sept. 8-9 for its annual Family Celebration – and this year, one of the highlights will be a special panel on religious liberty, which will include a Question and Answer session for the audience and media who attend.

Panelists on the Religious Liberties Panel will include Phoenix Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted, EWTN President & CEO Michael P. Warsaw, Arizona Catholic Conference Executive Director Ron Johnson, Alliance Defending Freedom CEO & General Counsel Alan Sears; Phoenix Physician and Catholic Medical Association President Dr. Marci Moffit, and EWTN News Anchor and Panel Moderator Raymond Arroyo. The program will begin at 2:30 p.m. Mountain Time, Saturday, Sept. 8.

EWTN was the first religious entity to file suit against the federal government after the HHS mandate was finalized (see www.religiousliberties.org for more information). The mandate requires religious employers and people of faith to provide coverage for abortions, contraception, and sterilization, which is against their faith – or face crippling fines. Hear more about pending lawsuits and learn about all the ways that religious freedom is being threatened in our own country.

But that’s definitely not all. The two-day celebration will include a roster of well-loved speakers, including “World Over” Anchor (and Mother Angelica biographer) Raymond Arroyo; “Journey Home” Host Marcus Grodi, “EWTN Live” Host Fr. Mitch Pacwa, and the former Rosalind Moss, now Mother Miriam of the Lamb of God.

In addition to this stellar lineup, Saturday night attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the live taping of a special “Life on the Rock.”

Warsaw will provide the welcome and will join the Friars for the always popular “Family Talk.” Bookmark Host Doug Keck will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

Mass will be celebrated by the Friars on Saturday and, on Sunday, EWTN is honored to announce that Bishop Olmsted has agreed to serve as our celebrant.

Throughout the weekend, fans will have opportunities to get books signed at the “Meet the Author” booth, meet EWTN’s hosts and the Friars at the “Family Corner” booth, and browse the EWTN Religious Catalogue shop.

Doors will open at 8 a.m. As always, there will be plenty of opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation 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 30th year, is available in over 200 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, electronic and print news services, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

EWTN Press Release: August 7, 2012

Sneak Preview of EWTN’s New Fall Series and Specials
Plus The Girl Scout Controversy, Catholic Actors Share Their Entertainment Industry Experiences & More

Irondale, AL – Fall in love with EWTN’s Fall Lineup! Host Doug Keck invites viewers to take a sneak peek at what new episodes, series and specials are in store for them in the Fall! Don’t miss this exclusive “Season Preview,” which airs 11 p.m. ET, Friday, August 10—only on EWTN! Find EWTN at http://www.ewtn.com/channelfinder/

Why are the values of the Girl Scouts organization raising some concerns? Hear Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute (C-FAM) President Austin Ruse and his wife, Family Research Council (FRC) Senior Fellow Cathy Cleaver Ruse discuss what the Girl Scouts’ connections with Family Planning groups means for young girls. Fr. Benedict Groeschel’s must-see interview with this couple airs 7 p.m. ET, Sunday, August 12 on “Sunday Night Prime” — and you can only watch it on EWTN! Find EWTN at http://www.ewtn.com/channelfinder/

“Can You Be a Great Actor and still Follow Christ?” That’s the question Actors Joseph Griffin and Marta DuBois try to answer by sharing their own experiences as Catholics in the entertainment industry. The “Holywood Acting Studio Discussion” begins at 6:30 p.m. ET, Monday, August 13—exclusviely on EWTN Find EWTN at http://www.ewtn.com/channelfinder/
Is “fame,” as the song says, really a way for you to live forever? Actors Joseph Griffin and Marta DuBois talk about how achieving fame has the potential to either corrupt or bring a person closer to God. Watch “Holywood
Acting Studio Discussion,” which spotlights the question “Is Fame Bad or a Gift from God?” Airs 6:30 p.m. ET, Tuesday, August 14—exclusively on EWTN! Find EWTN at http://www.ewtn.com/channelfinder/

These Catholics come from all “walks of life!” Hear the musicians from “Cake for Dinner” and Chaplain Fr. Dan Pattee discuss “Crossroads,” a Catholic organization that coordinates four simultaneous pro-life walks across the country on EWTN’s “Life on the Rock” with LOTR Co-Hosts Fr. Mark and Doug Barry. Airs 10 p.m. ET, Thursday, August 9—exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at http://www.ewtn.com/channelfinder/

Meet EWTN’s “All Star” Team! Watch Danny Abromowicz, Peter Herbeck, Curtis Martin & Brian Patrick, detail their game plan for the upcoming new season of their popular series, “Crossing the Goal!” Kickoff “EWTN Live” with Host Fr. Mitch Pacwa at 8 p.m. ET, Wednesday, August 8—exclusively on EWTN! Find EWTN at http://www.ewtn.com/channelfinder/

Does crossing the border cross ethical boundaries? EWTN Vice President of Theology Colin Donovan gathers his roundtable together to discuss the moral principles involved in the issue of immigration. Join the discussion and sit in on the “Theology Round Table!” Airs 10 p.m. ET, Sunday, August 12—exclusively on EWTN! Find EWTN at http://www.ewtn.com/channelfinder/

Western civilization was built upon “The Rock!”“EWTN Bookmark Host” Doug Keck discuss Professor Thomas Wood’s book, which details the Catholic Church’s influence on Western civilization economically, socially, and educationally. If you’re curious about “How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization,” (http://bit.ly/TbmLN6) mark your place for “EWTN’s Bookmark,” at 9:30 a.m. ET, Sunday, August 12—exclusively on EWTN! Find EWTN at http://www.ewtn.com/channelfinder/

Relive the devout life of Saint Dominic. Check out “Lives of the Saints: St. Dominic,” which follows the life of this great saint, and see how his zeal for proclaiming the Word of God is still echoed today in the Dominican Order of Preachers he founded. Airs 5:30 a.m. ET, Wednesday, August 8—exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at http://www.ewtn.com/channelfinder/

Christians are finding their way home! Chad Gerber, a former Mennonite, Presbyterian and Anglican, recalls the trials in his life that led him to the Catholic Church! Join host Marcus Grodi as he interviews this Catholic convert about his “Journey Home” at 8 p.m. ET, Monday, August 14—exclusively on EWTN! Find EWTN at http://www.ewtn.com/channelfinder/

Our Home-Grown Threat To Freedom

Written by Connecticut Catholic Corner contributor: Tim S.

As of this writing, the Conference of Catholic Bishops has filed a suit in federal court against provisions of the Affordable Care and Patient Protection Act which mandate the provision of contraceptive, sterilization, and abortion-inducing measures by people of conscience, including hospitals and other health care facilities run by the Catholic Church. This suit has the support of many non-Catholics as well as Catholics. As Mike Huckabee, former Arkansas governor and an evangelical minister, succinctly put it, "We should all be Catholics now."

Though the specific issue at hand is religious freedom, the matter in fact goes far beyond just that. We should have seen the warning red flags long before the election of 2008. Barack Obama ran on a platform highlighted by such nebulous slogans as, "Hope And Change" and "Change We Can Believe In." Neither of these slogans was specifically defined, and we now know that the omission was intentional. Equally intentional was the withholding of vital information about the candidate Obama, such as where he was born (supposedly Hawaii), his college transcripts, his medical records, and so on. Even more disturbing was the deliberate withholding of information about Obama's radical associations past and present, including numerous members of the Communist Party of the United States of America. The stand of the Catholic Church against communism is one of long standing.

Yet it goes beyond even this. The real culprit here is a growing tide of secularism which has largely overtaken not only the United States, but much of the developed world as well. When did it all begin? I would say it began in 1964, a time when the Catholic Church was at its height in America and the rest of the world as well. For it was in 1964 that we stopped listening to God and started listening to Madalyn Murray, who succeeded in her effort to get prayer banned from the public schools, and would have stricken the motto, "In God We Trust," from our currency.

Shortly after Obama's election there were several disturbing events. One was his instant abandonment of the economy as an issue, turning instead to socialized medicine, a goal long coveted by his political party, the Democrats. Bolstered by Democratic majorities in both houses of Congress, Obama was given carte blanche to do what he would with our government, and he wasted no time in exercising that carte blanche. Against the will of the American people, Obama had the Affordable Care and Protection Act, better known as Obamacare, railroaded through a partisan Congress and enacted into law. The insurance mandate of this law, requiring the purchase of health care insurance by all Americans, was ruled constitutional in a 5-4 vote of the Supreme Court, on the grounds that it was a "tax." This and Obama's "stimulus" were instrumental in propelling our national debt to nearly $16 trillion dollars.

Even more disturbing, however, were instances in 2009 of school children being forced by their teachers to sing hymns of praise to Barack Obama. This struck a raw nerve not only with people of most religious faiths, but also with those old enough to remember Nazi Germany who were able to see eerie similarities here. We will recall from the Gospels that when a man knelt before Peter, Peter admonished the man to rise to his feet, gently reminding the supplicant that he (Peter) was only a man himself. Obama, however, made no similar protest at deification, as any of his predecessors certainly would have. On the contrary, by his silence he seemed to be encouraging it. His advocacy of late-term abortions, even to the point of killing infants outside the womb, put him on the fringes even in the minds of those who would permit abortions to victims of rape and incest. His latest moral outrage is in his advocacy of same-sex marriage, in effect redefining the holy sacrament of Matrimony for the entire nation as it has already been redefined here in Connecticut. But note the language used here: Obama and his apologists in the press say that he has "evolved" on the issue of same-sex marriage. Had a Republican done the same thing, it would have been called a flip-flop.

In the meantime, Obama, through federal "bailouts" of the banking, insurance, and automotive industries has, through the purchase of stock at taxpayer expense, in effect taken over substantial portions of those industries. Obamacare, if not repealed, will nationalize roughly one-sixth of the entire U. S. economy. The more astute among us will recognize here a threat to our legacy of freedom, and the looming specter of communism in the very country which for so long during the Cold War fought against that oppressive form of government.

The choice Americans face this November couldn't possibly be more stark. It's a choice between a political party which would preserve our freedom and one which would take that freedom away. It's a choice between a candidate who, while of a different religious persuasion, is nevertheless a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, and one who has permitted the closest thing to emperor worship yet witnessed on American soil. It's a choice between a party which supports the right to life and traditional marriage, and one which stands for abortion -- the willful taking of unborn life -- and whose party platform this year will include a redefinition of marriage to include "marriage" between principals of the same sex. Treating homosexuals with dignity and respect is one thing. It is quite another, however, to sanction homosexual activity and afford it the status of Matrimony.

It couldn't be more obvious which political party represents religious freedom and which represents secularism. Let us the faithful keep this in mind when we enter the voting booths in November.

-Written by Tim S.-
Connecticut Catholic Corner Contributor

We Will Disobey

Priests for Life make it perfectly clear "We will disobey" the HHS Mandate that violates our religious freedoms.

EWTN Press Release: August 1, 2012

EWTN Covers Knights of Columbus'
130th Supreme Convention
Plus Pro-Life Lineup Features an Emmy Award Winning Documentary, an Interview with Miss Delaware & More

Irondale, AL – These are “Knights” to remember! Be sure to tune into EWTN’s live coverage of The Knights of Columbus’130th Supreme Convention in Anaheim, California. The Opening Mass starts at 12:30 p.m. ET, followed by the Opening Session and Report at 4 p.m. ET; and finally, The State’s Dinner will air at 10:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, August 8 on EWTN! Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

This beauty queen advocates the beauty of life! Maria Cahill, Miss Delaware 2011, visits the set of “Life on the Rock” to promote her pro-life platform and to discuss defending the rights of the unborn. Join Co-Hosts Fr. Mark and Doug Barry and don’t miss Miss Delaware on “Life on the Rock,” live at 10 pm ET, Thursday, August 2—exclusively on EWTN! Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Life is intrinsicallyvaluable! This Emmy Award winning documentary follows the faithand familyof Meghan Salter, a young girl with an undiagnosed condition that has left her completelydependent on medical technology and the constant care of her family to survive. Nevertheless, that doesn’tstop this young girl from calling the hearts of those around her to God in “Stories of Faith: Meghan’s Miracle.” Airs at 6:30 p.m. ET, August 3, on EWTN! Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Their differences are what make them compatible! Bishop Kevin Rhoades introduces the USCCB Ad Hoc Committee for the Defense of Marriage’s newest video resource, “Marriage: Unique for a Reason,” to “EWTN Live” Host Fr. Mitch Pacwa as they discuss how to better defend the Sacrament of Matrimony and why men and women are “Made for Each Other.” Join the discussion and tune into “EWTN Live,” at 8 pm ET, Wednesday, August 1—exclusively on EWTN! Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Now Showing: A Conversion Story in One-Act! Playwright and Actor Kevin O’Brien takes center stage on “The Journey Home” to reenact how Catholicism upstaged his former atheist beliefs. Watch this dramatic tale unfold with Host Marcus Grodi on “The Journey Home,” live at 8 pm ET, Monday, August 6—exclusively on EWTN! Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Take a hike! Join Fr. Antoine Thomas as he leads a group of teens and young adults on a hiking expedition in order to see the glory of God in His creation. Tune in and climb “To the Heights! Our Spiritual Ascent towards God,” at 5:30 p.m. ET, Monday, August 6—exclusviely on EWTN! Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Can the tie between Church and State ever be fully severed? “EWTN Bookmark” Host Doug Keck and Author Robert Royal delve into how religion, especially Christianity, is at the core of the fundamental values that the shaped the Western World today. Mark your place for “EWTN Bookmark” at 9:30 am ET, Sunday, August 5 and discover, “The God That did Not Fail: How Religion Built and Sustains the West”—exclusively on EWTN! Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder or purchase the book here: http://bit.ly/ODEbB5.

Let your Catholic Compass be your guide! Consulter for the Pontifical Council for the Laity Helen Alvaré joins Scott Hahn and his panel of experts to discuss the line between religious freedom and human rights. Be sure to not to miss this debate as Franciscan University presents “Human Rights vs. Religious Freedom?” at 10 p.m. ET, Sunday, August 5—exclusively on EWTN. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Incorporating God’s plan into the lesson plan! Br. Owen Sadler, Br. Edward Shields and Fr. Benedict Groescheldiscuss the role religious brothers have as both teachers and students in the Church today. Be sure not to skip this lesson on “Sunday Night Prime,” live at 7 pm ET, Sunday, August 5—exclusively on EWTN! Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

EWTN’s Family Celebration is only about a month away! Meet some of your EWTN family favorites, and take part in special live show audiences at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. To find about this year’s theme of “Following God’s Call,” and for more information on special discounted lodging rates, click here: http://www.ewtn.com/familycelebration/index.asp