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Saturday, January 31, 2015

Answering the Vatican's questionnaire

My Bishop (like others) has sent out his personal request for all parishioners in his diocese to answer the questions put forth from the Synod on the Family. He wants a response before the 20th of February - it might take me that long even if I work on my responses every day for hours at a time.  

Have you looked at some of these questions???  



[in part] Questions Aimed at a Response to
and an In-Depth Examination of
the Relatio Synodi
Preliminary Question Applicable to All Sections of the Relatio Synodi
Does the description of the various familial situations in the Relatio Synodi correspond to what exists in the Church and society today? What missing aspects should be included?
Part I
Listening: The Context and Challenges of the Family
As indicated in the Introduction (ns. 1 - 4), the Extraordinary Synod was intended to address all the families of the world in a desire to share their joys, struggles and hopes. At the same time, considering the many Christian families who faithfully live their vocation, the Synod expressed to them a sense of gratitude and encouraged them to become involved more decisively, as the Church strives to “go out of herself”, and to rediscover the family’s vital character in the work of evangelization, primarily in nourishing for themselves and for families in difficulty the “desire to form a family”, which endures and underlies the conviction that an effective proclamation of the core message of the Gospel must necessarily “begin with the family”.
The path of renewal delineated by the Extraordinary Synod is set within the wider ecclesial context indicated by Pope Francis in his Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, namely, starting from “life’s periphery” and engaging in pastoral activity that is characterized by a “culture of encounter” and capable of recognizing the Lord’s gratuitous work, even outside customary models, and of confidently adopting the idea of a “field hospital”, which is very beneficial in proclaiming God's mercy. The numbers in the first part of the Relatio Synodi are a response to these challenges and provide a framework for reflecting on the real situation of families.
The proposed questions which follow and the reference numbers to the paragraphs in the Relatio Synodi are intended to assist the bishops’ conferences in their reflection and to avoid, in their responses, a formulation of pastoral care based simply on an application of doctrine, which would not respect the conclusions of the Extraordinary Synodal Assembly and would lead their reflection far from the path already indicated.
The Socio-Cultural Context (ns. 5 - 8)
1. What initiatives are taking place and what are those planned in relation to the challenges these cultural changes pose to the family (cf. ns. 6 - 7): which initiatives are geared to reawaken an awareness of God’s presence in family life; to teaching and establishing sound interpersonal relationships; to fostering social and economic policies useful to the family; to alleviating difficulties associated with attention given to children, the elderly and family members who are ill; and to addressing more specific cultural factors present in the local Church?
2. What analytical tools are currently being used in these times of anthropological and cultural changes; what are the more significant positive or negative results? (cf. n. 5)
3. Beyond proclaiming God’s Word and pointing out extreme situations, how does the Church choose to be present “as Church” and to draw near families in extreme situations? (cf. n. 8). How does the Church seek to prevent these situations? What can be done to support and strengthen families of believers and those faithful to the bonds of marriage?
4. How does the Church respond, in her pastoral activity, to the diffusion of cultural relativism in secularized society and to the consequent rejection, on the part of many, of the model of family formed by a man and woman united in the marriage and open to life?
The Importance of Affectivity in Life (ns. 9 - 10)
5. How do Christian families bear witness, for succeeding generations, to the development and growth of a life of sentiment? (cf. ns. 9 - 10). In this regard, how might the formation of ordained ministers be improved? What qualified persons are urgently needed in this pastoral activity?
Pastoral Challenges (n. 11)
6. To what extent and by what means is the ordinary pastoral care of families addressed to those on the periphery? (cf. n. 11). What are the operational guidelines available to foster and appreciate the “desire to form a family” planted by the Creator in the heart of every person, especially among young people, including those in family situations which do not correspond to the Christian vision? How do they respond to the Church’s efforts in her mission to them? How prevalent is natural marriage among the non-baptized, also in relation to the desire to form a family among the young?
Part II
Looking at Christ: The Gospel of the Family
The Gospel of the Family, faithfully preserved by the Church from the time of Christ’s Revelation, both written and transmitted through the ages, needs to be proclaimed in today's world with renewed joy and hope, continuing all-the-while to look at Jesus Christ. The vocation and mission of the family is fully configured to the order of creation which develops into that of redemption, as summarized by the desire of the Council, “let the spouses themselves, made to the image of the living God and enjoying the authentic dignity of persons, be joined to one another in equal affection, harmony of mind and the work of mutual sanctification. Thus, following Christ who is the principle of life, by the sacrifices and joys of their vocation and through their faithful love, married people can become witnesses of the mystery of love which the Lord revealed to the world by his dying and his rising to life again” (Gaudium et Spes, 52; cf.The Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1533-1535). From this vantage point, the questions arising from the Relatio Synodi are devised to prompt a faithful and bold response from the Pastors and the People of God in a renewed proclamation of the Gospel of the Family.
Looking at Jesus and the Divine Pedagogy in the History of Salvation (ns. 12 - 14)
Accepting the invitation of Pope Francis, the Church looks to Christ in his enduring truth and inexhaustible newness, which also sheds light on the family. “Christ is the ‘eternal Gospel’ (Rev 14:6); he ‘is the same yesterday and today and forever’ (Heb 13:8), yet his riches and beauty are inexhaustible. He is for ever young and a constant source of newness” (Gaudium Evangelii, 11).
7. A fixed gaze on Christ opens up new possibilities. “Indeed, every time we return to the source of the Christian experience, new paths and undreamed of possibilities open up” (n. 12). How is the teaching from Sacred Scripture utilized in pastoral activity on behalf of families. To what extent does “fixing our gaze on Christ” nourish a pastoral care of the family which is courageous and faithful?
8. What marriage and family values can be seen to be realized in the life of young people and married couples? What form do they take? Are there values which can be highlighted? (cf. n. 13) What sinful aspects are to be avoided and overcome?
9. What human pedagogy needs to be taken into account — in keeping with divine pedagogy — so as better to understand what is required in the Church’s pastoral activity in light of the maturation of a couple’s life together which would lead to marriage in the future? (cf. n. 13)
10. What is being done to demonstrate the greatness and beauty of the gift of indissolubility so as to prompt a desire to live it and strengthen it more and more? (cf. n. 14)
11. How can people be helped to understand that a relationship with God can assist couples in overcoming the inherent weaknesses in marital relations? (cf. n. 14) How do people bear witness to the fact that divine blessings accompany every true marriage? How do people manifest that the grace of the Sacrament sustains married couples throughout their life together?
The Family in God's Savific Plan (ns. 15 - 16)
In creation, the vocation of the love between a man and woman draws its full realization from the Paschal Mystery of Christ the Lord, who, in his total gift of self, makes the Church his Mystical Body. Christian marriage, in drawing on the grace of Christ, thus becomes, for those who are called, the path leading to the perfection of love, which is holiness.
12. How can people be made to understand that Christian marriage corresponds to the original plan of God and, thus, one of fulfillment and not confinement? (cf. n. 13)
13. How can the Church be conceived as a “domestic Church” (Lumen Gentium, 11), agent and object of the work of evangelization in service to the Kingdom of God?
14. How can an awareness of this missionary task of the family be fostered?
The Family in the Church’s Documents (ns. 17 - 20)
The Church’s Magisterium in all its richness needs to be better known by the People of God. Marital spirituality is nourished by the constant teaching of the Pastors, who care for the flock, and grow through their continual attentiveness to the Word of God and to the sacraments of faith and charity.
15. The Lord looks with love at the Christian family and through him the family grows as a true community of life and love. How can a familial spirituality be developed and how can families become places of new life in Christ? (cf. n. 21)
16. What initiatives in catechesis can be developed and fostered to make known and offer assistance to persons in living the Church’s teaching on the family, above all in surmounting any possible discrepancy between what is lived and what is professed and in leading to a process of conversion?
The Indissolubility of Marriage and the Joy of Sharing Life Together (ns. 21 - 22)
“Authentic married love is caught up into divine love and is governed and enriched by Christ's redeeming power and the saving activity of the Church, so that this love may effectively lead the spouses to God and may aid and strengthen them in the sublime mission of being father and mother. For this reason, Christian spouses have a special sacrament by which they are fortified and receive a kind of consecration in the duties and dignity of their state. By virtue of this sacrament, as spouses fulfil their conjugal and family obligation, they are penetrated with the spirit of Christ, which suffuses their whole lives with faith, hope and charity. Thus they increasingly advance the perfection of their own personalities, as well as their mutual sanctification, and hence contribute jointly to the glory of God” (Gaudium et Spes, 48).
17. What initiatives can lead people to understand the value of an indissoluble and fruitful marriage as the path to complete personal fulfilment? (cf. n. 21)
18. What can be done to show that the family has many unique aspects for experiencing the joys of human existence?
19. The Second Vatican Council, returning to an ancient ecclesial tradition, expressed an appreciation for natural marriage. To what extent does diocesan pastoral activity acknowledge the value of this popular wisdom as fundamental in culture and society? (cf. n. 22)
The Truth and Beauty of the Family and Mercy Towards Wounded and Fragile Families (ns. 23 - 28)
After having considered the beauty of successful marriages and strong families and shown appreciation for the generous witness of those who remain faithful to the bonds of marriage, even when abandoned by their spouses, the Pastors at the Synod asked themselves — in an open and courageous manner but not without concern and caution — how the Church is to regard Catholics who are united in a civil bond, those who simply live together and those who, after a valid marriage, are divorced and remarried civilly.
Aware of the obvious limitations and imperfections present in many different situations, the synod fathers assumed the positive outlook indicated by Pope Francis, according to which “without detracting from the evangelical ideal, they need to accompany with mercy and patience the eventual stages of personal growth as these progressively occur.”(Evangelii Gaudium, 44).
20. How can people be helped to understand that no one is beyond the mercy of God? How can this truth be expressed in the Church’s pastoral activity towards families, especially those which are wounded and fragile? (cf. n. 28)
21. In the case of those who have not yet arrived at a full understanding of the gift of Christ’s love, how can the faithful express a friendly attitude and offer trustworthy guidance without failing to proclaim the demands of the Gospel? (cf. n. 24)
22. What can be done so that persons in the various forms of union between a man and a woman — in which human values can be present — might experience a sense of respect, trust and encouragement to grow in the Church’s good will and be helped to arrive at the fulness of Christian marriage? (cf. n. 25)
Part III
Confronting the Situation: Pastoral Perspectives
In examining Part III of the Relatio Synodi, it is important to be guided by the pastoral approach initiated at the Extraordinary Synod which is grounded in Vatican II and the Magisterium of Pope Francis. The episcopal conferences have the responsibility to continue to examine this part thoroughly and seek the involvement, in the most opportune manner possible, all levels of the local Church, thus providing concrete instances from their specific situations. Every effort should be made not to begin anew, but to continue on the path undertaken in the Extraordinary Synod as a point of departure.
Proclaiming the Gospel of the Family Today in Various Contexts (ns. 29 - 38)
Because of the needs of the family and, at the same time, the many complex challenges that are present in the world today, the Synod emphasized making a renewed commitment to proclaiming the Gospel of the Family in a bold and more insistent manner.
23. How is the family emphasized in the formation of priests and other pastoral workers? How are families themselves involved?
24. Are people aware that the rapid evolution in society requires a constant attention to language in pastoral communication. How can an effective testimony be given to the priority of grace in a way that family life is conceived and lived as welcoming the Holy Spirit?
25. In proclaiming the Gospel of the Family, how can the conditions be created so that each family might actually be as God wills and that society might acknowledge the family’s dignity and mission? What “pastoral conversion” and what further steps towards an in-depth examination are being done to achieve this?
26. Are people aware of the importance of the collaboration of social and civil institutions on behalf of the family? How is this actually done? What criteria are used to inspire it? In this regard, what role can be played by family associations? How can this collaboration be sustained even in a bold repudiation of the cultural, economic and political processes which threaten the family?
27. How can relations between family, society and civil life be fostered for the benefit of the family? How can the support of the State and the international community be fostered on behalf of the family?
Guiding Engaged Couples in Their Preparation for Marriage (ns. 39 - 40)
The Synod recognized the steps taken in recent years to facilitate an effective preparation of young people for marriage, stressing, however, a need for a greater commitment of the entire Christian community in not only the preparation but also the initial years of family life.
28. How is marriage preparation proposed in order to highlight the vocation and mission of the family according to faith in Jesus Christ? Is it proposed as an authentic ecclesial experience? How can it be renewed and improved?
29. How does the catechesis of Christian initiation present an openness to the vocation and mission of the family? What practices are seen as most urgent? How is the relation among Baptism, Eucharist and marriage proposed? What emphasis is given to the character of the catechumenate and mystagogy which is often a part of marriage preparation? How can the community be involved in this preparation?
Accompanying Married Couples in the Initial Years of Marriage (n. 40)
30. Does marriage preparation and accompanying couples in the initial years of married life adequately value the important contribution of the witness and sustenance which can be given by families, associations and family movements? What positive experiences can be reported in this regard?
31. The pastoral accompaniment of couples in the initial years of family life — as observed in synodal discussion — needs further development. What are the most significant initiatives already being undertaken? What elements need further development in parishes, dioceses or associations and movements?
Pastoral Care of Couples Civilly Married or Living Together (ns. 41 - 43)
The Synod discussed diverse situations resulting from a multiplicity of cultural and economic factors, practices grounded in tradition, and the difficulty of young people to make lifetime commitments.
32. What criteria in a proper pastoral discernment of individual situations are being considered in light the Church’s teaching in which the primary elements of marriage are unity, indissolubility and openness to life?
33. Is the Christian community able to be pastorally involved in these situations? How can it assist in discerning the positive and negative elements in the life of persons united in a civil marriage so as to guide and sustain them on a path of growth and conversion towards the Sacrament of Matrimony? How can those living together be assisted to decide to marry?
34. In a particular way, what response is to be given to problems arising from the continuity of traditional forms of marriage in stages or those between families?
Caring for Wounded Families (Separated, Divorced and Not Remarried, Divorced and Remarried, Single-Parent Families) (ns. 44 - 54)
Synod discussion highlighted the need for a pastoral based on the art of accompaniment, “the pace of [which] must be steady and reassuring, reflecting our closeness and our compassionate gaze which also heals, liberates and encourages growth in the Christian life”(Evangelii Gaudium, 169).
35. Is the Christian community in a position to undertake the care of all wounded families so that they can experience the Father’s mercy? How does the Christian community engage in removing the social and economic factors which often determine this situation? What steps have been taken and what can be done to increase this activity and the sense of mission which sustains it?
36. How can the identification of shared pastoral guidelines be fostered at the level of the particular Church? In this regard, how can a dialogue be developed among the various particular Churches cum Petro and sub Petro?
37. How can the procedure to determine cases of nullity be made more accessible, streamlined and possibly without expense?
38. With regard to the divorced and remarried, pastoral practice concerning the sacraments needs to be further studied, including assessment of the Orthodox practice and taking into account “the distinction between an objective sinful situation and extenuating circumstances” (n. 52). What are the prospects in such a case? What is possible? What suggestions can be offered to resolve forms of undue or unnecessary impediments?
39. Does current legislation provide a valid response to the challenges resulting from mixed marriages or interreligious marriages? Should other elements be taken into account?
Pastoral Attention towards Persons with Homosexual Tendencies (ns. 55 - 56)
The pastoral care of persons with homosexual tendencies poses new challenges today, due to the manner in which their rights are proposed in society.
40. How can the Christian community give pastoral attention to families with persons with homosexual tendencies? What are the responses that, in light of cultural sensitivities, are considered to be most appropriate? While avoiding any unjust discrimination, how can such persons receive pastoral care in these situations in light of the Gospel? How can God’s will be proposed to them in their situation?
The Transmission of Life and the Challenge of a Declining Birthrate (ns. 57 - 59)
The transmission of life is a fundamental element in the vocation and mission of the family: “They should know they are thereby cooperators with the love of God the Creator, and are, so to speak, the interpreters of that love in the task of transmitting human life and to raising children; this has to be considered their proper mission” (Gaudium et Spes, 50).
41. What are the most significant steps that have been taken to announce and effectively promote the beauty and dignity of becoming a mother or father, in light, for example, of Humanae Vitae of Blessed Pope Paul VI? How can dialogue be promoted with the sciences and biomedical technologies in a way that respects the human ecology of reproduction?
42. A generous maternity / paternity needs structures and tools. Does the Christian community exercise an effective solidarity and support? How? Is it courageous in proposing valid solutions even at a socio-political level? How can adoption and foster-parenting be encouraged as a powerful sign of fruitful generosity? How can the care and respect of children be promoted?
43. The Christian lives maternity / paternity as a response to a vocation. Is this vocation sufficiently emphasized in catechesis? What formation is offered so that it might effectively guide the consciences of married couples? Are people aware of the grave consequences of demographic change?
44. How does the Church combat the scourge of abortion and foster an effective culture of life?
Upbringing and the Role of the Family in Evangelization (ns. 60 - 61)
45. Fulfilling their educational mission is not always easy for parents. Do they find solidarity and support from the Christian community? What suggestions might be offered in formation? What steps can be taken to acknowledge the role of parents in raising children, even at the socio-political level?
46. How can parents and the Christian family be made aware that the duty of transmitting the faith is an intrinsic aspect of being a Christian?

© The General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops and Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

Source: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/synod/documents/rc_synod_doc_20141209_lineamenta-xiv-assembly_en.html


I have to wonder how many average sitting in the pew Catholics will even bother to read it, let alone respond to the questions. 

Pray for me cause I'm giving it a whirl. ;)


In Christ,


Julie @ Connecticut Catholic Corner 








Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Catholic Event: Healing Mass for those with breast cancer

    
     
Mass in honor of Saint Agatha for those people living with breast cancer, Thursday, February 5, 7pm, Our Lady of Pompeii Church, 355 Foxon Road, East Haven, CT.

The Anointing of the Sick will be administered. Others with cancer are encouraged to attend this Mass and Anointing.

Reception to follow in the Church Hall.



Spread the word!

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Contributor: Paul A. Zalonski
Catholic Connecticut
255 Foxon Hill Road
East Haven, CT 06513-1216 USA
Email Paul: CatholicCT@gmail.com
Follow Paul on Twitter @CatholicCT
Connect with Paul on Facebook "Catholic Connecticut CatholicCT"

**Paul is the Catholic Events Contributor for Connecticut Catholic Corner**


EWTN Press Release: EWTN Hearing on Feb. 4th

Media Advisory: EWTN Hearing on February 4th  
Nun’s Network fights for religious freedom from HHS mandate




Washington, D.C.  Founded by cloistered nuns, Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN)’s religious freedom case will be heard on February 4th (see video). The Becket Fund represents EWTN, which is being forced to either violate its faith or pay millions in IRS fines. On July 1, 2014, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals took the rare step of granting emergency relief to EWTN. A Catholic network whose sole purpose is to spread the word of God, EWTN must fight for the right to remain faithful to the very religious message it advances.

Who:
Senior Counsel Lori Windham, the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty
Michael P. Warsaw, Chairman and CEO of Eternal Word Television Network

What:
Oral Argument in EWTN v. Burwell

When:
February 4, 2015 at 9:00 a.m.

Where:
11th Circuit Court of Appeals
56 Forsyth Street, N.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30303

For more information or to arrange an interview with a Becket Fund attorney, please contact Emily Hardman at ehardman@becketfund.org or 202.349.7224. To contact EWTN Chairman & CEO Michael P. Warsaw, please contact Michelle Johnson at mjohnson@ewtn.com or 205.795.5769.

The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty is a non-profit, public-interest law firm dedicated to protecting the free expression of all religious traditions. For over 20 years, it has defended clients of all faiths, includingBuddhists, Christians, Jews, Hindus, Muslims, Native Americans, Sikhs, and Zoroastrians. Its recent cases include two major Supreme Court victories: the landmark ruling in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby, and the 9-0 ruling in Hosanna-Tabor v. EEOC, which The Wall Street Journal called one of “the most important religious liberty cases in a half century." 

Becket Fund Legal Docs (EWTN): http://www.becketfund.org/ewtn/





Tuesday, January 27, 2015

2015 Blizzard at my house

Here in Connecticut the blizzard is named Colbie.  So far we've gotten over 2 feet of snow.  Because of the wind it's much higher in some areas, but not as bad as I expected it to be.  We've certainly seen much worse.

This is the view from my front door...that's the top of my mailbox.  There is a road in front of it, but its completely buried under snow.




This is the view from my home office window of my daughter trying to open the barn door to feed our flock of ducks and geese during a break in the snow...



The wind is picking up again, but not too bad so far.  I can hear snow-blowers going, but the roads are empty because of the driving ban currently in place.

I plan on spending my day making and eating chili while catching up on what is stored on my DVR.

God bless, hope everyone is keeping safe and warm during the storm.


In Christ,


Julie @ Connecticut Catholic Corner







Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Catholic Events in Connecticut

Greetings and blessings!

Holy Family Retreat Center, Incorporating Prayer into the Classroom Setting:  Workshop for Parish Catechists, with Liza Peters and Lisa Orchen

Wednesday, Jan 216-9 p.m. Holy Family Retreat Center, 303 Tunxis Rd., West Hartford.  If you teach Religious Education, plan and lead youth ministry, or help prepare people for Sacramental Initiation, this evening is for you. This workshop will offer creative ways to incorporate prayer into the faith formation setting. Looking to the liturgical calendar and symbols of the Church for guidance, we will explore and exchange ideas that can be used throughout the year. Program includes dinner, presentation, discussion, and prayer. The offering to attend is $40 and includes a meal. 860-760-9712www.holyfamilyretreat.org

Liza Peters is Director of Youth Ministry at Holy Family Retreat Center.  She previously served as the Director of Religious Education at a parish in Dayton, Ohio, and has worked at the St. Peter Claver Catholic Worker House in South Bend, IN, and as a caseworker for Catholic Charities.  She has a B.A. in psychology and a Master of Divinity from the University of Notre Dame.

Lisa Orchen is a certified Catholic Chaplain as well as a spiritual writer, parish catechist, and leader of diocesan workshops and retreats. She currently works for the STEP Program at the University of Notre Dame, developing and facilitating on-line continuing formation courses in theology and ministry.  She has both a B.A. and Master of Divinity from the University of Notre Dame.

Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center
303 Tunxis Rd.
West Hartford, CT 06107

860-760-9712
lpeters@cpprov.org
www.holyfamilyretreat.org

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Thursday, 22nd January 2015 NEW HAVEN MARCH FOR LIFE

Start: 
  • 12:05 pm Mass: Saint Mary Church, 5 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT
  • The March:  12:40 pm from Saint Mary

Procession: Grove Street, south on Church Street to courthouses and city hall 
stopping to recite a decade of the Holy Rosary at each location under the patronage of Our Lady of Guadelupe.

Return to Saint Mary Church Hall for refreshments and fellowship.

All are welcome to a prayerful, peaceful demonstration of our PRO-LIFE convictions.

Please contact  Norma @ 203-488-0326 or <ncontois@sbcglobal.net> with questions.

Finally, please forward this message to all your PRO-LIFE friends of any age.

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For more information, please call 860.848.2237 Ext. 211.

Sheree L. Antoch, MA LCMHC
Diocese of Norwich
Office of Prison Ministry
199 Broadway
Norwich, CT 06360


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Contributor: Paul A. Zalonski
Catholic Connecticut
255 Foxon Hill Road
East Haven, CT 06513-1216 USA
Email Paul directly: CatholicCT@gmail.com
Follow Paul on Twitter @CatholicCT
Connect with Paul on Facebook "Catholic Connecticut CatholicCT"

**Paul is the Catholic Events Contributor for Connecticut Catholic Corner**


EWTN Press Release: Walk for Life Coverage


Jim & Joy Pinto To Headline
EWTN’s ‘Walk for Life’ Coverage


        Irondale, AL (EWTN) – EWTN’s own Jim and Joy Pinto, hosts of “At Home With Jim & Joy,” will offer their pro-life testimonies during San Francisco’s 2015 “Walk for Life” – and EWTN will be there! The Walk, hosted by EWTN’s Fr. Mark Mary and Doug Barry, airs live at 4:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, January 24.
        Other blockbuster testimonies that day will include:
  • Julia Holcomb, who met Aerosmith Lead Singer Steven Tyler when she was only 15. She says she became pregnant because Tyler wanted a child, then pressured her into having an abortion.
  • Rebekah Buell, a woman who took the first dose of the two-part abortifacient RU486 – and then changed her mind, and,
  • Clenard H. Childress, Jr., founder of BlackGenocide.org.
        The “Walk” will also feature a special guest: Archbishop Carlo Maria ViganĂ³, apostolic nuncio to the U.S., who will bring a special message of support from Pope Francis!

        Don’t miss a moment of this event. Learn more at www.ewtn.com and www.walkforlife.org. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder. Please share this with everyone you know!

        EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 34th year, is available in over 238 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.




Tuesday, January 20, 2015

EWTN Press Release: EWTN Radio in 2015


Brian Patrick & Jerry Usher Return to EWTN Radio in 2015

        Irondale, AL (EWTN) – Two exciting new shows will be coming to the EWTN Global Catholic Radio Network program schedule in 2015: “Morning Glory with Brian Patrick” and “Take 2 with Jerry Usher & Debbie Georgianni.”

COMING THIS SPRING:
 “Take 2 with Jerry Usher & Debbie Georgianni”
        “Take 2” heralds the return of Jerry Usher, “the undisputed voice of Catholic radio” to EWTN Radio. Joined by motivational and public speaker Debbie Georgianni, “Take 2” is live, interactive, conversational – and will get Catholics asking the right questions of themselves and the culture they live in. “Take 2 With Jerry Usher & Debbie Georgianni” will be heard weekdays on EWTN radio, which will also produce the show.

COMING THIS SUMMER:
        “Morning Glory with Brian Patrick"
        In addition to his role as “EWTN News Nightly” Executive Producer and Anchor, Brian Patrick returns to EWTN Radio weekday mornings this summer with “Morning Glory,” a Christ centered, full service, live morning show that will have listeners across the country “waking up the Catholic way.”
        “Morning Glory with Brian Patrick,” will be heard weekday mornings on EWTN radio, which will also produce the show.


        EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 34th year, is available in over 238 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.

Monday, January 19, 2015

A Father/Daughter Incestuous 'Marriage'

***GRAPHIC DISCUSSION ON INCEST*** 

I’ve tried writing this article several different ways - because it’s so graphic and disturbing I keep second guessing myself on how much to actually show and discuss here, but the truth is, there is no way to clean this up.  There is no way, this topic isn’t disturbing- to most of us. 

A few days ago, NY Magazine published an interview (that some people believe might be a hoax- I certainly hope it is) with a young 18 year old woman who depicts her sexual relationship with her father- whom she is now planning to “marry” in a paperless ceremony (because no state will as yet legally marry them).  The article is GRAPHIC and unbelievably disturbing.  The article is called “What it’s like to date your Dad”- though it’s really about having sex with your biological father and the physical sexual attraction they have to each other.  Again, a very disturbing topic and very graphic article by NY Magazine- be warned.

So you might wonder why even mention it on a Catholic blog… because years ago most of the population thought gay “marriage” was disturbing and immoral and yet today, it is more acceptable than many thought possible.  And years before that, adultery and living with people outside of marriage was believed immoral and wrong, yet today…it’s typical in our society.  Discussing this disturbing case of father/daughter incest is important because I believe that inside of a decade, incest will be not only legal, but also acceptable in our secular society. 

We are a deranged immoral society driven by lust, sex and greed.  We want what we want and we don’t want anyone to tell us we are wrong.  The comments at the end of the incest article were mostly supportive that the female was in desperate need of therapy and her father should be locked up.  But not all those who left comments thought a father having sex with his daughter was a bad thing.  Many people had the “who am I to judge” mentality.  They expressed their opinion that if two consenting adults (the woman is now 18, but was a minor when the sexual relationship began) want to have sex and get married it was “no one else’s business” and they should not only be allowed to legally have a sexual relationship, but also should be allowed to get married and have children. 

The interview is EXTREMEMLY GRAPHIC – so be warned.  This will be disturbing.  I am showing what was actually said because I want you to SEE the sick thinking that attempts to justify incest as “love” and therefore perfectly acceptable.  This is not love.  This is evil.  There are people who read this article and SYMPATHIZED with the father and daughter’s “love” for each other.  

People who can’t understand what immoral means…it isn’t part of their vocabulary anymore.  If it feels good and you want to do it, who is to judge you for it?  That is the mentality of our society.  So when you read this interview and you feel shocked and sickened today, remember not too long ago others felt the same way about the prospect of gay “marriage” and gay sexual relationships.

If decent people do nothing to stop the immoral behavior of our society this will become our new “normal” and after it there will be no limits.  God didn’t warn about sexual abominations because they weren’t a possibility in our lives, He warned us about them because He knew how depraved mankind can be. 

Below are clips of the interview - warning the dialogue is GRAPHIC.

First the daughter discusses her younger teenage background a bit: 


Now the daughter begins to discuss her sexual attraction to her father whom she hadn't grown up with or seen in twelve years.  She is about 16 years old at this point:

 WARNING GRAPHIC 

So in five days of reuniting with her father whom she hasn't seen in twelve years, this teenager has sex with him. 

I can't get my own mind around the fact that the biological grandma and grandpa support their son having sex with and "marrying" their granddaughter- his daughter.  This is so incredibly appalling that I understand why so many who read the article believe it MUST be a hoax.  It's simply too hard to believe and yet, I fear it sadly is true. 

This is just the sort of thing the devil loves.  He delights in immoral behavior and in getting others to deny its sinfulness and instead embrace it as "love".  

The disturbing interview continues...

This daughter is clearly in need of help and yet no family members or friends or even laws are there to help her.  The "father" should be locked up and kept from other children (if you read the article there is a mention of this "father" and his relationship with his daughter's younger half sister- I fear for the half sister that she too might one day have a sexual relationship with this guy).

After reading that (and more in the complete interview) some people shared their SUPPORT for incest and the "right" of all people (including biological) to have sex and get married.  

Notice all the comments about NOT judging incest.










Yet there was one lone voice that said exactly what I was thinking while reading the article...why?


He's right but I think there is more to it.  The fuller answer to me is because it's the first step in making incest acceptable in our society.  The article hit sympathy strings in many readers, as shown in the comments.  This is exactly how gay "marriage" became acceptable and normalized in our secular society today. 

We've got television shows about polygamous marriages that have changed peoples attitudes to having multiple spouses.  A few comments mentioned that this article could be a stepping stone to a new line of reality shows depicting incestuous families as "normal".  Think it can't happen?  It can, we've seen it before and sadly if decent moral people don't stand up against it, we will see it again and again.

Pray for our society.  We are so depraved and fallen and yet most of us don't even know it.

God help us all.



In Christ,

Julie @ Connecticut Catholic Corner


Thursday, January 15, 2015

EWTN Press Release: We want your Pro-life videos!

EWTN Wants Your Pro-Life Videos
Watch To See If We Post Your Video
Online OR On-Air During March for Life

        Irondale, AL (EWTN) – It’s January – and you know what that means! Hundreds of thousands of our nation’s pro-life heroes will descend upon Washington, D.C. for the 42nd Annual March for Life. As always, EWTN will be there – and this year, we’re inviting you to be online and on-air with us in a new way!
        The theme for this year’s March for Life is “Every Life is A Gift.” We’re inviting you to send us a short video that illustrates this theme in your own life. Did you go through with a pregnancy after a difficult diagnosis? Did you or a loved one find life worth living even after being diagnosed with a serious or even terminal illness? Do you love life despite (or even as a result of) your disability?
        Please send us a 10 to 60 second video on this theme – or a link to the video from one of your social media sites - and we may post it on EWTN’s own social media sites – which reach more than 600,000 people; it could even be aired! Send in videos NOW to communications@ewtn.com.
        Whether you access EWTN from D.C. using your mobile phone or watch/listen on TV, radio, the Internet, and more, you’ll want to tune in to EWTN to get a view of the March that you simply can’t get when you’re in the middle of the crowd! As always, EWTN President and “Bookmark” Host Doug Keck and EWTN Chaplain Father Joseph Mary will anchor EWTN’s coverage. On the ground coverage, which will include interviews with marchers, speakers, and other surprise guests, will be more robust than ever thanks to the intrepid Teresa Tomeo (“Catholic Connection”/”Catholic View for Women”) and the “EWTN News Nightly” team headed by Anchor Brian Patrick. 
         The event begins at 6:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Jan. 21 with the “Opening Mass of the National Prayer Vigil for Life,” which airs live from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. On March Day, tune in at 7:30 a.m. ET, for Mass from the Basilica; at 9 am. ET, for all the pre-March excitement; and at noon ET for the speeches and the March down Constitution Avenue to the offices of your Congressional Representatives. (Check www.ewtn.com for encores.) Also, at 9 p.m. ET, don't miss "EWTN News Nightly's" special one-hour recap of the day's events.
        Can’t make it to D.C. Check out EWTN’s pro-life page, www.ewtn.com/prolife where we have posted the Twitter handles of your House and Senate representatives – and a lot more. Let your representatives know that you are pro-life and that, as your representative, you want them to vote that way too!
        See you on TV, radio, or live at the March in D.C. - or on EWTN's social media sites (including www.facebook.com/ewtnonline, www.twitter.com/ewtn) as we "virtually" March for Life!

        EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 34th year, is available in over 230 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.


Thursday, January 8, 2015

Joe Scarborough: Terrorists and Catholic Church the same.


   This morning on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, host Joe Scarborough compared the jihadist terrorists and their murdering twelve people in Paris, France to the Holy Catholic Church.

Really.

It began with co-host Mika Brzezinski reading a quote from The Atlantic “Europe is under siege” written by Jeffrey Goldberg.

Quote: "The European Parliament complex in Brussels, where I happen to be sitting at the moment, is meant to be a monument to post-World War II continental ideals of peaceable integration, tolerance, free speech, and openness. All of these notions seem to be under attack at once, and what is striking to me, as a relatively frequent visitor to Europe over the past year, is that not many people—until a few hours ago, at least—seem to believe that their union, and their basic freedoms, are under threat."


When Mika finishes reading, Joe pipes in (talking to both Christopher Dickey from the Daily Beast in Paris and David Ignatius of the Washington Post) with the following comparison while “catholic” Mika bobs her head in apparent agreement with Joe.

Joe says: “This was something being fought out in the Catholic Church centuries ago, when artists and playwrights and anyone criticizing the Church or criticizing the Pope would ahh…would…would…face harsh, harsh sentences.  And yet the Renaissance, the entire idea of the Renaissance and the West was actually those who had the courage to stand up to the Catholic Church.”
Got that?

The Catholic Church and the Islamic terrorists are the same to MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough. 

He equates “harsh, harsh sentences” of "centuries ago" with the barbaric massacring of the police and people at the Charlie Hebdo newspaper yesterday.

Sadly, this doesn’t surprise me because it’s coming from MSNBC who are NOTORIOUS for insanity, lying and distortion in their “news” programs.

MSNBC in 2014:



Just another day at MSNBC, nothing ever changes.


In Christ,


Julie @ Connecticut Catholic Corner



Link: http://www.msnbc.com/morning-joe
Link: http://www.1140wrva.com/onair/the-lee-brothers-11294/msnbcs-best-fails-of-2014-13091897/