Schwarzenegger True to His Word

Thursday 29 September 2005, Schwarzenegger upheld his promise to veto legislature legalizing same sex marriages against the wish of the people.

"If the ban of same-sex marriage is unconstitutional this bill is not necessary," he said. "If the ban is constitutional this bill is ineffective."

He said the state constitution bars the Legislature from enacting a law allowing gay marriage without another vote by the citizenry.

Ongoing debate continues to rage

An unreleased document that many expect the Vatican to release later this year regarding the priesthood and homosexuality continues to receive great attention among conservatives and liberals alike. Personally, I believe the ongoing discussions regarding this document are premature and self serving for the most part, because we do not know what this document says and are not in position to intelligently critique an article we have limited knowledge regarding. What we must remember is, if this document is released, it will not be a new development in Catholic teaching, but an affirmation of what the Church has said over the years although the American Church has continually ignored Church teachings.

New Supreme Court Term Begins Monday with a New Chief Justice

Following a bipartisan vote, 78 to 22, John Roberts was sworn in, by acting Chief Justice John Paul Stevens, as the seventeenth Chief Justice Thursday 29 September 2005.

Recent Reading Materials

Christian Courtship in an Over Sexed World
A Guide For Catholics
By: T. G. Morrow (completed; review pending)

Dressing with Dignity
Colleen Hammond (completed; review pending)

Becoming Friends
Worship, Justice, and the Practice of Christian Friendship
Paul J. Wadell (reading)

The Redemption of Our Bodies
The Theology of the Body and Its Consequences for Ministry in the Diocese of Charleston (pending)
A Pastoral Letter
Most Reverend Robert J. Baker, S.T.D. Bishop of Charleston

A bit of info

Hello everyone! Due to circumstances beyond my control, posting will be sparse this week, but I will make every effort to post at least once a day. I am still recovering from a severe upper respiratory infection and while each day is better than the previous day, I am still taking it easy and playing catch up at work and home.

I have several pieces I am working on at the moment including issues such as the Vatican document regarding homosexuality and the priesthood that might be released later this year, current events in China, and part II of my testimony, “From Darkness to Light.”

Recent Editorial Regarding Upcoming Vatican Document

In case you missed it, here is a great New York Times editorial by Amy Welborn. I hope to post my own comments and thoughts tomorrow afternoon or evening.

Privacy Debate Continues

Should the federal government be able to collect DNA from every person they arrest or detain?

Suspects arrested or detained by federal authorities could be forced to provide samples of their DNA that would be recorded in a central database under a provision of a Senate bill to expand government collection of personal data.

The controversial measure was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee last week and is supported by the White House, but has not gone to the floor for a vote. It goes beyond current law, which allows federal authorities to collect and record samples of DNA only from those convicted of crimes. Source

Unfortunately, I am swamped and do not have time to do in-depth research at this moment. Does anyone here have more information regarding this provision?

Would eradicating racial discrimination end poverty?

According to various statistics, discrimination is not the cause of poverty. Time again, the root of poverty is the family foundation. Take a look at these numbers while considering that fact.

In 2004, according to the Census Bureau, only 6.4 percent of Americans in married-couple families lived below the poverty level, which the bureau defined as ranging from $12,334 for a family of two to $39,048 for a family of nine or more. There was some difference between the percentages for blacks and whites, but it was not large: 9.9 percent of blacks in married-couple families lived below the poverty level, while 6 percent of whites did.

Last year, 53.8 percent of all under-5-year-olds who lived in a household headed by a woman whose husband was not present lived below that financial threshold.

Among whites, 52 percent of children under 5 living in fatherless households lived below the poverty level. Among blacks, it was 58.1 percent.

Other issues, not addressed by this article, but obvious on their own include the need to at least complete high school, if not pursue a college education, and to wait for marriage to have children. Considering the rising rate of children having children, it is obvious that poverty is a given for too many children coming into today’s world. The fact of the matter is, current sex education programs combined with a sky rocketing divorce rate, and level of parental involvement leave a lot to be desired. Until we as a society take a stand against the issues that cause poverty and make an honest effort to change things, poverty is not going to end. Handing money to people is not the solution and ignoring the situation is not helping matters either.

A bit of good news in the midst of turbulent times

Four dolphins lost at sea were reunited with their fellow dolphin friends from the Marine Life Aquarium. Biologists originally located the lost dolphins the 10 September 2005, but four fled the area while the remaining four were rescued. Against considerable odds, the last four were rescued Tuesday. Although in quarantine, the dolphins appear healthy and should return to normal soon.

A television interview with Pope Benedict XVI will air in Poland on 16 October 2005. This interview will focus on Pope John Paul II, their relationship, and Pope Benedict’s memories of him.

As expected, Roberts’ nomination cleared the Senate committee with a 13 – 5 bipartisan vote. We know why they did not vote for Roberts, it had nothing to do with his actual qualifications

Five Democrats voted against Roberts, questioning his commitment to civil rights and expressing concern that he might overturn the 1973 court ruling that established the right to abortion.

As Senators prepare to debate Roberts’ nomination, various Senators are making their viewpoints known.

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., a potential presidential contender in 2008, said she will oppose the nomination. In prepared remarks, she said, "Desire to maintain the already fragile Supreme Court majority for civil rights, voting rights and women's rights outweighs the respect I have for Judge Roberts' intellect, character and legal skills."

Additionally, Specter requested that Bush refrain from immediately filling the vacancy left by O’Connor’s retirement.

Specter said the delay would give Congress and the rest of America more time to know John Roberts as chief justice. ``When we know a little more about Judge Roberts it's going to be easier with the next'' nomination, Specter said.

Do we really wonder why Specter made this request? Personally, NO! However, according to Specter’s own statement, it appears Bush is not buying this request.

The president ``was noncommittal,'' Specter said. ``The body language was not very positive,'' Specter said.

So, we continue the wait and see vigil with Roberts and begin a new one for O’Connor’s replacement. Hopefully, Bush will hold true to his promises and not replace her with Ginsburg’s ideal justice.

Edited 23 Sep 2005

Special Hello to a New Blogger

A long time friend, Mr. Ron Rolling, has entered the wonderful world of blogging at A Wing and A Prayer. I am thrilled to welcome him to blogging and wish him them best! We are renewing our friendships after losing touch during a rough time in my life and discussing the possibility of posting to each other's blogs. If all goes well, you may have at least one new poster on SCC in the near. future.

Go check his site out!

Women, where have our waists gone?

The womanly figure is back in, at least on fashion runways. Are modern women up to the task? Maybe not. Recent studies show that in addition to the modern onslaught of boyish clothes, our figures are no longer womanly. Why is this? Is it the modern diet combined with a sedentary lifestyle and higher stress levels? Check out this article, because it makes a few interesting points although I believe most of them point to the modern lack of self-control.

STOP! Before you eat that fry, remember fries cause cancer!

While this might be a slight over exaggeration of the situation, the state of California wants to mandate that fast food restaurants and manufacturers of fries and potato chips inform customers regarding the dangers of consuming fries and potato chips. Acrylamide, a chemical that causes cancer in rats, develops in deep-fried potato products due to the cooking method.

… acrylamide is created, generally speaking, when the naturally occurring amino acid asparagine is heated to temperatures above 250 degrees in the presence of sugars or starches. …

As a result, the state of California, against the encouragement of the FDA and the California EPA, filed suit last month saying the counts must require companies to label fries and potato chips sold in the state.

The F.D.A. is not convinced that such consumption is necessarily bad. The agency has said that warning labels on food could "confuse consumers" and create "unnecessary public alarm."

Something is going to kill each one of us… one day. Are we going to label everything on the planet before it is said and done? Okay, we have warning labels on our coffee now that it might be hot; we label hotdogs with warnings us not to feed them to children without parental supervision. Common sense is no longer needed and people fail to read even the simple red "Do Not Enter" sign. Will Americans read this label? Will it create a panic or a continued evaporation of common sense?

The proof is in the pudding.

Today’s viewers go crazy over a host reality shows including Survivor, multiple daytime court television dramas, Jerry Springer, The Starting Over House, and Extreme Makeovers. Now we have Extreme Makeovers blamed for a person suicide after counseling her sister’s makeover.

The suit claims the "Extreme Makeover" crew manipulated Williams' sister, Kellie, into making cruel statements about Williams' looks.

The night before Williams was to begin her makeover, the show's producers told her it would take too long for work on her jaw to heal. They canceled her appearance and sent Williams home where Kellie, distraught over what she had said about her sister, eventually killed herself, according to the suit.

What did this family think would happen? Any person who has watched even a minute of reality television knows that it is about bring the worst out of people – not the best.

What happened to personal responsibility? Okay, I know we lost that years ago in our “sue happy” society, but it seems with each passing year the American lack of responsibility surpasses previous years. This lawsuit is another example of society run amuck and the inherent dangers of reality television.

Recess, free time or class time?

This is one issue at stake in a new lawsuit against Knox County (Tennessee) school district. After an alleged parental complaint, apparently the Principal of Karns Elementary School interrupted a ten-year-old discussing bible passages with friends and told children they not to bring their bibles to school in the future.

While the school district remains silent regarding this matter – even refusing to resolve this situation through legal counsel it issued this statement.

Summa insists she did not ban Bibles from school and the Knox County district, through a statement by Superintendent Charles Lindsey, said the principal objected to Bible study at recess, which school officials do not consider "free time."

Officials do not consider recess free time. What? Then what is recess and does it have a structured environment? Maybe things have changed from when I was in school, but we usually played or gathered in groups to talk in fact we were able to most anything that was not disruptive during recess. My next question, is lunch considered free time?

Lindsey emphasized students can have Bible study groups "outside the classroom environment."

How recess is a classroom environment? Teachers are not leading lessons or otherwise directing the children during this time. As I remember it, teachers usually gathered in their own group to talk during recess.

I find this statement by a little off though:

"Simply, that question is: May a couple of students get together and talk about the Bible on the playground at recess? The district sidesteps this core issue," Kellum said.

I believe the school district clearly answered this question by siding with the principal and not resolving this situation through legal counsel.

Will that be phone or non-phone?

At least this is what I hope international travelers will hear in the near future, as two European airlines plan to integrate the use of personal cell phones.

Overcoming stare decisis

NRO has an interesting article regarding Roberts and Roe. For starters, I appreciate and agree with the following statement made by Whelan.

Roberts stated in his hearing that "it's vitally important that nominees, to use Justice Ginsburg's words, [give] no hints, no forecasts, no previews" of issues that are likely to come before them. Unlike some who think he was trying to telegraph his position on Roe, I think that he was steadfastly adhering to this standard.

The remainder of this article sets up a basic framework for returning the abortion issue to the voters through eroding the precedents that currently support Roe.

Roberts’ Confirmation Hearings in Review

This is a partial review of the confirmation hearings and due to the length of this review I will focus on specific points that pertain to abortion although these issues may also apply to euthanasia and other issues. On the surface, it appears Roberts confirmation as the new Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court is a given. Frankly, Roberts is an unknown and we do not know how he is going to vote which causes me to be cautious. As a pro-lifer, I would like to know his stand on abortion, euthanasia, and other right to life issues, but we cannot know this until after his confirmation.

I would be thrilled if he could say that he would overturn Roe vs. Wade even in the face of stare decisis. Unfortunately, currently this cannot happen for a variety of reasons and I realize his answers are designed to give him ‘wiggle room’ in either direction so as to appease both sides. Most importantly, as a judge, he needs to be able to decide case in an unbiased manner based on the presented facts. For my fellow Catholics out there, I am not dismissing or ignoring that we cannot abide by an immoral law. I am addressing our current legal/political environment and evaluating my initial reaction to Roberts in the light of ending abortion.

For starters, Specter’s following statement is appalling and does not deserve further comment, because statement affirms the state of society, our judicial system and that abortion an ‘alternative’ form of contraception in the minds of many.

For two decades of economic and social developments, people have organized intimate relationships in reliance on the availability of abortion in the event contraception should fail.

Another prominent issue is whether Roe is ‘settled law of the land’. Here is another excerpt from the same session:

SPECTER: Judge Roberts, in your confirmation hearing for the circuit court, your testimony read to this effect, and it's been widely quoted: Roe is the settled law of the land.

Do you mean settled for you, settled only for your capacity as a circuit judge, or settled beyond that?

ROBERTS: Well, beyond that, it's settled as a precedent of the court, entitled to respect under principles of stare decisis. And those principles, applied in the Casey case, explain when cases should be revisited and when they should not.

And it is settled as a precedent of the court, yes.

Frankly, this is not what an avid pro-lifer wants to hear, but according to the Supreme Court of the United States, Roberts is correct. Therefore, when faced with the issues of stare decisis and the right to privacy, several factors become important so I am going to revisit other statements from the same questioning by Specter.

Specter’s line of questioning regarding Roe and precedent led straight to an unsurprising discussion of stare decisis. Here is Roberts’ response

Well, Senator, the importance of settled expectations in the application of stare decisis is a very important consideration. That was emphasized in the Casey opinion, but also in other opinions outside that area of the law.

The principles of stare decisis look at a number of factors. Settled expectations is one of them, as you mentioned. Whether or not particular precedents have proven to be unworkable is another consideration on the other side -- whether the doctrinal bases of a decision had been eroded by subsequent developments.

For example, if you have a case in which there are three precedents that lead and support that result and in the intervening period two of them have been overruled, that may be a basis for reconsidering the prior precedent.

When Specter continued to press Roberts for an answer regarding Roe, Roberts refused to address abortion, because abortion cases are still being heard by the Supreme Court. He also reiterates there are times when precedent may be overruled.

Notice several responses to his questioning regarding the right to privacy and stare decisis.

Not at all, said Leonard Leo, on leave from the conservative Federalist Society to promote the confirmation effort. "What he said about privacy is, in substance, no different from what other recent nominees have said, . . . Justice Clarence Thomas in particular," Leo said in an interview. And Roberts's discussion of stare decisis , he said, "was almost as though you were having a glimpse into the way a judge would sit in his chambers and do the analysis: . . . Maybe there are times when a jolt in the legal system is acceptable."

"While Roberts wanted to give the impression he respected the right to privacy and the precedent of Roe v. Wade , his answers look dangerously similar to the responses Clarence Thomas gave senators during his confirmation hearings," said Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America.

But conservative activists say they are not worried. "What he said about Roe was it's deserving of the respect that every precedent of the Supreme Court gets," said Wendy E. Long, counsel to the Judicial Confirmation Network. Source

Personally, I am still weary of Roberts, because this has been a legal tap dance and he remains an unknown, but I will concede that he has left the door open for over turning Roe and I believe the following statement by Senator Brown back is crucial reminder regarding precedent.

We've had a discussion about this super stare decisis issue. And I just want to hold up a quick chart if I could -- if I've got it back here -- the notion that, because Roe has not been overturned in 30-some cases, makes it a super stare decisis: Plessy had not been overturned in a series of cases over a period of 60 years, where the court at each time looked at it, discussed it, decided against overturning it.

---

But the notion that by tenure a (inaudible) standing becomes a super stare decisis or by number of times that it's been looked at it become a super stare decisis I don't think finds a basis in law nor in practicality, as you noted. And some of these decisions up there, I would point out to you, are pretty onerous statements that the court put forward itself in how they upheld Plessy for a number of years. Source

For the sake of time and space, I am not going to post the remainder of Brownback’s question, but I would suggest reading his statement when you have a moment. I found it interesting to say the least.

Now I want to address the right-to-privacy, because there is more to this than many lay people realize. The right to privacy according to Roberts has sound roots in the constitution and I appreciate the point he made.

The right to privacy is protected under the Constitution in various ways.

It's protected by the Fourth Amendment which provides that the right of people to be secure in their persons, houses, effects and papers is protected.

It's protected under the First Amendment dealing with prohibition on establishment of a religion and guarantee of free exercise.

It protects privacy in matters of conscience.

Another issue regarding the right to privacy that we need to remember is that court decisions regarding this right are not limited to Griswold, Roe, and Casey. The foundation for Griswold actually began with the Pierce v. Society of Sisters ruling, which overturned the Compulsory Act of 1922 that required parents to send their children to public schools, because it violated a parent’s liberty to send their children to private schools.

"the fundamental liberty upon which all governments in this Union repose excludes any general power of the State to standardize its children by forcing them to accept instruction from public teachers only.”

Roberts’ recognition of privacy in matters of conscience – in my mind at least – can be taken in two different directions. Honestly, I believe this statement at least gives a slight reassurance that Roberts would affirm a person’s right to refuse to dispense or carry emergency contraception, to recommend abortion to patients, or a number of other right-to-life issues. What concerns me is will he accept modern thinking that abortion is a matter for one’s conscience and re-affirm Roe? Considering the fact human life is in question, I would hope he would not reaffirm Roe and there is precedent for disregarding stare decisis in this matter. The minimum I believe he will do is reign in some of the heavy-handed tactics to force people into supporting abortion.

Given today’s common definition of the right to privacy which give a woman the right to murder her unborn child, I must say I do not believe in the modern right to privacy. This does not mean I cannot concede that there is a form of privacy granted to us through the constitution. I am not affirming Griswold, because I believe it is a flawed decision for a number of reasons although I doubt it will be overturned at any point in time. However, this is not the proper post for addressing this issue.

By Request: Why I Left the Jehovah's Witnesses

Please check out:

From Darkness to Light:
The Tale of One Person’s Journey Home
Why I Left the Jehovah's Witnesses

Part I

My Eucharistic Day by Saint Peter Julian Eymard Continued

Practical Questions For Every Day Of The Week

Before The Altar Throne

What Does Jesus In The Host Ask Of Us?

Jesus asks us to imitate him in his patience and meekness. He tolerates the indifferent, who pass him by without a salutation, the tepid, who approach him without love, the sacrilegious and those who profane him. For love of him, let us bear with those who weary us, those who are ungrateful, those who hurt or offend us.

Credit - My Eucharistic Day: Rules And Practices Recommended By Saint Peter Julian Eymard founder of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament.

Abortion is an issue of absolutes

Although many emotions run rampant among women who have abortions, this is a situation of moral absolutes. Yes, abortion is wrong - in all cases. Unfortunately, this article by the New York Times is informative and reprehensible. I do believe God forgives us when we sin our society is blinded to the fact this is not an excuse to do what we want. “I'll have premarital sex although I know it is wrong, because God will forgive me.” “I will have an abortion although I know it is wrong, because God is forgiving.” HUH? This thought process is a distortion and causes severe damage to the dignity of women.

Why do we condone unmarried people having sexual relationships? Why is our society so money hungry that a married couple cannot embrace a child and must murder it? The simple fact of the matter is today's society does not truly support choice! If that choice is to fornicate, to be selfish and greedy, or to murder the unborn then society is okay with your 'choice', but the moment you stand up for morals by not fornicating, not being materialistic, not committing murder, and do not condone these actions you are anti-choice. When will women and our society learn that choice is not about having sex outside of marriage or having an abortion? When will WE – society – truly learn that choice means respecting human dignity in all forms - the unborn, the unmarried, chaste female or male, and the married couple – instead of allowing women to commit murder with societal approval? Oh, and heaven forbid a person actually takes a stand with a family member who makes an informed decision to participate in the abortion industry.

If this article does not inflame you, I do not know what to say, because this article should offend any logical person. Maybe not the fact it was written, but the method and hidden message along with the fact WE allow this to happen in one of the richest, if not the richest, country in the world.

Praise God the new generation of doctors is taking a stand:

Dr. Edwards, 63, said he felt an obligation to stay in business. "If we retired, I'm not sure anybody else would come to Arkansas and practice," he said. "We can't get residents from the hospital to come over and see what an abortion is like."

Dr. Edwards and Ms. Osborne said they felt isolated from the local medical community and the community at large. Even the patients often have a negative view of abortion. "I very often hear, 'I don't believe in this, but my situation is different,' "Ms. Osborne said.

Good, they - the providers - should feel isolated from society. It is unconscionable that our society should is forced to accept this atrocity. While my heart bleeds for the women who feel forced into abortion, I ask society, "What are we doing to prevent women from having abortions?" Have we stepped outside of our personal holier than thou attitude and actually reached out to young people to encourage abstinence instead of relying on contraception that fails due to user error or simply does not work? It is absurd to push birth control to prevent pregnancy when:

Most were already mothers, many single. They arrived as a result of failure of one sort or another: a poor sexual decision, a broken relationship, a birth control method that just did not work. More than half of all women who have abortions say they used a contraceptive method in the month they conceived, according to the Alan Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights.

While more than half say their method of contraception failed the month they conceived, society still wants to push contraception as a method to prevent the spread of disease. This does not make ANY sense! How many more lives do we endanger due to the spread of disease through failed used of contraception? Although I am not a scientist, I can state with certainty that if contraception fails to stop conception it is not preventing the spread of disease. How many of these women have an STD such as Herpes, Genital Warts or HIV as a result? Probably more than we want to think about and that does not include the women who do not get pregnant, but contract a disease. Additionally, all these "reasons" for abortion are prevented through abstinence and natural family planning - methods that require self control - instead of the immediate fix modern society believes it is owed.

Here are a few more quotes from the article:

"I know it's against God," she said of her abortion. "But you have three kids; you want to raise them good. My friends and sister-in-law say, 'You care about money problems but don't care about what God will do.'

"I believe it's wrong. I pray to God to forgive me. This will be the last one. Never, never gain."

"My religion is against it," she said, adding that she is a Baptist. "In a way I feel I'm doing wrong, but you can be forgiven. I blame myself. I feel I shouldn't have sex at all."

Karen and her boyfriend have an unstable relationship plagued by money problems, and they lived with a relative after being evicted from their home.

I am disturbed by the above scenario, because I ask myself if this woman has been given the opportunity to develop a healthy sense of self worth so she can 1) live independently or with a same sex roommate 2) say no without feeling worthless to sexual advances. Honestly, are our young people learning to be independent people with good self-esteem and the ability to say no? While I believe, there is a group of society that does encourage this in their children through active and positive involvement in their children’s lives; I also believe that too many are failing their children through passive and/or aggressive actions.

I am not sure which is worse:

Kori, 26, who was having her third abortion, asked to watch the procedure on the ultrasound monitor. "I wanted to see what it was like," she said. "It was O.K. to watch. Once you had your mind made up to do it, you just suck it up and go with it."

or

Getting a judicial bypass was not difficult, she said. The clinic scheduled her appointment early in the morning, and after taking a pregnancy test, for which she paid $200, she met with a judge briefly in his chambers.

"If you go to the judge and say, 'I'm afraid to tell my parents because they might harm me,' that's all you need to say," said Dr. Tom Tvedten, who has been performing abortions in Arkansas for 20 years, and now works part time at the Little Rock clinic. "It doesn't have to be true, because how would anybody know?"

Two hundred dollars for a pregnancy test so the doctor and encourage you to lie before a judge? Oh, but this explains it all:

He added, "But every time a restriction is placed on us, it increases our costs, and that cost is passed on to the consumer."

The truth comes out! Abortion is truly about money and profits instead of truly helping women. If abortion providers truly cared about the women, involved abortion would be the farthest thing from their mind.

Here is another statement that hurts the heart, but shows society is not as ‘accepting’ of immorality and abortion as some want us to believe:

"I'd lose my job," she said. "My family's reputation would be ruined. It makes me nervous even being in the waiting room. You don't want to know who's here, you don't want to be recognized, and you don't want to see them ever again. Because in society's eyes, you share the same dirty secret."

I think society as a whole has lost the ability to stand up to the filth that is thrown at us. Yes, society does not send a consistent message to our young adults. On one hand we say, do not have an abortion, because it is dirty and wrong, while on the other hand do we really encourage good morals. The honest answer is, “NO!” if you turn on your television or look at the modern ‘women’s’ magazines and truly evaluate the content of the programs. Honestly, abortion is more an issue of how society has failed instead of legislation. Do not misunderstand me, I am fully for full reform of current abortion laws. However, once true reform begins, we will still be faced with the consequences of society’s failure in morality.

Coming soon: Highlights from Roberts Confirmation

I am working on a post regarding Roberts' confirmation hearings -
including most memorable and scariest comments - which I hope to post
sometime tomorrow. Additionally, I have not forgotten to work on a
hurricane preparedness list and look to post it this week.

I hope everyone is having a good weekend.

Continuation of the pink smoke saga

Okay, maybe this is not part of the pink smoke saga where tantrums similar to the ones a two year old throws are being thrown due to the fact the Catholic Church does not ordain women, but it is closely related and has shared roots.  Here we have a 'moral' theologian not only disagreeing with Church teachings, but also openly attacking the Church - no surprise he is a Jesuit.

The real problem is the Church's fixation on celibacy, said Daniel C. Maguire, a professor of moral theology at Marquette, a Jesuit university in Wisconsin.

"I see it (the investigation) as a diversionary tactic away from the real problem of Catholic clergy which is enforced celibacy," he said. "It's highly unrealistic. I would call it a failed experiment in human control." he said.

He said some studies he had read estimated about 50 percent of students studying at U.S. seminaries were now gay, and he believed the review could ultimately drain the Church of future priests.

"It's an impossible plan because if they eliminate the gays they are going to eliminate half their clergy in some of their places," he said.    Source  

My first thought after reading this statement was maybe the problem is modern culture‘s fixation on sex.  Yes, I said the problem is our modern culture not the Catholic Church.  The Church encourages people to preserve their sexuality instead of squandering it.  Chastity, a state of life every Christian is called to, is a wonderful thing.  When a person is chaste, they are pure in mind instead of focused on sexuality while remaining true to his or her sexuality.  A person’s dress is modest instead of flaunting – which leads to a lack of respect for the dignity of womanhood and many other problems.  Women are more likely to embrace womanhood instead of rejecting womanhood to be ‘one of the boys.’  Children are less likely to be confused about their sexuality, because they are not bombarded by mixed signals and the theory that anything goes especially if it feels good.  Sometimes the truth hurts and good things are worth waiting for – yes, these are clichés, but they are true especially regarding sexual conduct.  Yes, in modern society it is hard for a homosexual person to hear that the intimate contact desired is immoral and should be avoided.  Yes, it is hard for a person to comprehend chastity while being bombarded with sexually explicit material.  The point is chastity can be accomplished through the Grace of God and a prayerful relationship with Him. 

Of course, this is the same type of person who refuses to address the fact the Catholic Church is not the only Church that has experienced extensive sexual abuse by clergy members.  Sexual abuse occurs in many situations including among non-celibate clergy and educators.  Celibacy - true celibacy - cannot be blamed for the sick mindset of those abusing innocent children and is not the root of the problem.  True celibacy is a loving gift of yourself to Christ and his people so that you can focus on God's kingdom instead of focusing on this world.  Just as I cannot be a priest, because I am female, homosexual men cannot be priest.  Men cannot conceive a child and give birth while women have been given this wonderful honor.  We tend to lose focus on the fact equality in dignity does not mean the right or ability to do everything and anything we want.  There are numerous reasons for not ordaining homosexual men to the priesthood and there is no shame in this.  If a man is called to the priesthood, he will meet the requirements - including not having homosexual inclinations.

So, why is the Catholic Church subject to intense scrutiny by the press and the population in general?  This is the result of being the largest Church globally and the only Church directly founded by Christ.  We will be subject to intense scrutiny when Church leaders fail to act in a prompt and proper fashion.  As a result, we the Church have to get our act together and listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, because when we truly listen and respond to the Holy Spirit we are going to do the right things.

In closing, I am thrilled the Vatican is paying attention to American seminaries and hope Our Holy Father does not let this action stall due to public opinion.

My Eucharistic Day by Saint Peter Julian Eymard Continued

Practical Questions For Every Day Of The Week

Before The Altar Throne

What Does Jesus In The Host Teach Us?

Let us remember that if Jesus labored it was to teach us that labor is a law of expiation, and an obligation to all and not a humiliation, that he who works while thinking of him, present in the Blessed Sacrament, proves his love to Jesus, merits his graces, and will be rewarded by him.

Credit - My Eucharistic Day: Rules And Practices Recommended By Saint Peter Julian Eymard founder of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament.

Cell phones everywhere ... Now what?

This is a daunting concept, pornography available on cell phones.  It is already beyond annoying the way people stay glued to cell phones even to the point of rudeness when dealing with service personnel.  Can you even imagine what it would be like if pornography was available through cell phones.  This is disconcerting for a number of reasons:

1) men addicted to pornography glued to their phones driving down the road or walking through the mall

2) sexual predators fueling their sick desires publicly and increasing their likelihood to attack women surrounding them.  As any woman can admit, there are those men who look at you as if they are undressing you even when you have every inch of skin clothed.  How would these men react with porn readily available anywhere?  Additionally, the continual availability of pornography will only continue to fuel basic respect for women as people and not sex objects.

3) increased availability of pornography to children

4) increased likelihood of sexual harassment by co-workers and/or other who do not respect a person's dignity

Honestly, it is bad enough that pornography is available for private use and is semi-hidden, but extending this to include extremely public use of pornography is reprehensible.  Personally, I hate the extreme misuse of cell phones that permeates modern society and wish people would learn basic manners and etiquette regarding their usage.  In fact, I did not think anything could be worse than the possibility of cell phone usage on an airplane, but I think this is the icing on the cake. 

Sick? Your medicine might not be readily available for purchase.

Honestly, after spending a week in bed with a sinus/respiratory infection, I am in a mood to be slightly crabby and knowing it is becoming more difficult to obtain pseudoephedrine than ever is a good reason for me to be crabby.  In addition to an antibiotic, I have been on a decongestant - pseudoephedrine – and antihistamine most of this week.  I was unable to purchase my medicine after pharmacy hours although until recently it was available anywhere anytime and had to wait for the pharmacy to open.  Forget it if you get sick over a holiday when most pharmacies are closed.  This irks me to no end.  People make the choice to get involved in dangerous drugs and instead of law enforcement personnel dealing with the criminals, all of us are punished by severe restrictions, including mandatory displays of photo ID before purchase and electronic tracking of our purchases.  However, certain groups are pushing for Plan B - an emergency contraception that acts as an abortificant - to be sold without a prescription to adults and minors without the consent of their parents.  I am sure if someone said they had to produce photo ID to make their purchase and all purchases had to be electronically monitored someone would raise a ruckus.  Maybe all these drugs are clouding my mind, but this makes absolutely no sense to me.  It is not an infringement of my constitutional rights to require photo ID to purchase a drug was approved for over the counter sales without restrictions and when used properly helps people get well, but we are suppose to legalize a medication that intentionally kills innocent children when used properly?  HUH?

Recently enacted SC state law

A bill to amend the code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, by adding section 44-53-271 so as to require that over the counter drugs containing pseudoephedrine must be dispensed by a licensed pharmacist or a licensed pharmacy technician and to provide a procedure for the sale of these drugs,… to amend section 44-53-270, relating to schedule V controlled substances so as to include any compound, mixture, or preparation containing any detectable quantity of pseudoephedrine except those sold in liquid, liquid capsule, or gel capsule form if pseudoephedrine is not the only active ingredient

Although I disagree with this legal maneuver for a variety of reasons, I can accept a state action, but I have major issues with federal intervention especially when it includes electronic tracking of purchases.  I have an extremely hard time believing a less intrusive method to end the manufacturing of meth does not exist - I wonder if this is partly laziness on the part of state and law enforcement personnel to deal with the situation properly.

 

Fall Television Line Up: Positive and Negative

Tonight I was able to watch the second run of the season premiere of Bones (regular scheduled showing 8pm Tuesdays) starring Emily Deshanel as Dr. Temperance Brennan aka "Bones", David Boreanaz (Angel) as Special Agent Seeley Booth and a special guest appearance by John M. Jackson (JAG).  I am suitably impressed and look forward to the future of this program.  On the surface, I see slight similarities between Bones and X-Files although I am unsure of how long these similarities will last.  I enjoy the investigative aspect of this program along with character interaction and cannot wait to see how the characters grow.  My main concern with this show and other aspects of modern television is: why are the women being portrayed as 'ice queens' too scarred to love and relate and the men as the out going giving ones?  In honesty, this flies in the face of typical male/female interaction and I am slightly worried about the message this sends to the modern generation.

Although I missed the season premiere of House, MD 9pm Tuesday night, I look forward to the continuation of this series.  Last season I enjoyed the program although the plot character interactions can be irritating at times.  You have the crass doctor, the new female doctor who has a crush on him, and the rest of the crowd including a female director of medicine who needs to learn how to cover some skin.  For some odd reason, I like House and watching him grow - maybe one day he will address his drinking and prescription drug problem.  Maybe what I like about this program is the character interactions are very 'real life' and a main character who doesn't care what others think of him.  I cannot speak regarding how factual the medical aspects of this program are, but I doubt any doctor in the United States would be allowed to practice medicine in the manner of House, MD.

Killer Instinct premiers at 9pm Friday 23 September 2005 and I hope I am able to tune in.  This will be an investigative program probably along the lines of CSI.  As my favored lineup shows, I like investigative programs so it should not surprise you that I am looking forward to this program.  I hope it lives up to my expectation although I have seen and heard little about this program.  Maybe it will be a diamond in the rough.

Meanwhile, as with last season's line up, I am not tuning in to The OC or Veronica Mars and am adding Reunion to my do not watch list.  I will admit I watched part of Reunion, because originally I was looking forward to this series.  However, I was not impressed - too 90210ish for my blood - and do not plan on watching future episodes.

My Eucharistic Day by Saint Peter Julian Eymard Continued

Practical Questions For Every Day Of The Week

Before The Altar Throne

Of What Does Jesus In The Host Remind Us?

He reminds us that the free indulgence of our passions only produces sadness and bitterness, that afflictions are numerous here below, that living in the Host Jesus alone gives the only true joy, and that near him there is no sorrow without hope.

Credit - My Eucharistic Day: Rules And Practices Recommended By Saint Peter Julian Eymard founder of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament.

My Eucharistic Day by Saint Peter Julian Eymard Continued

Practical Questions For Every Day Of The Week

Before The Altar Throne

What Does Jesus In The Host Wish?

Jesus wishes that we should go to him present in the Host (as the Apostles of old went) . . . to ask of him light in times of doubt, and in moments of temptations and danger to find a refuge in his Heart . . . to ask him to teach us to accept his holy Will.

Credit - My Eucharistic Day: Rules And Practices Recommended By Saint Peter Julian Eymard founder of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament.

My Eucharistic Day by Saint Peter Julian Eymard Continued

Practical Questions For Every Day Of The Week

Before The Altar Throne

What Does Jesus In The Host Wish?

Jesus wishes that we should go to him present in the Host (as the Apostles of old went) . . . to ask of him light in times of doubt, and in moments of temptations and danger to find a refuge in his Heart . . . to ask him to teach us to accept his holy Will.

Credit - My Eucharistic Day: Rules And Practices Recommended By Saint Peter Julian Eymard founder of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament.

Update

Hello dear readers,

I have been out of circulation this week due to illness. I know many
post more when they are home sick, but I have been spending most of my
time curled up in bed with liquids and meds. I hope everyone is well.
I am going to try posting today.

Practical Questions For Every Day Of The Week

Before The Altar Throne

What Is Jesus Doing In The Host?

Jesus in the Host is praying for us. Every morning he offers himself on the altar for our needs. He asks the Father to have mercy on our sins . . . he intercedes for each one of us and obtains for us all graces, especially that of a happy death.

Credit - My Eucharistic Day: Rules And Practices Recommended By Saint Peter Julian Eymard founder of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament.

My Eucharistic Day by Saint Peter Julian Eymard Continued

Practical Questions For Every Day Of The Week

Before The Altar Throne

Why Is Jesus There?

Jesus is there to help us to go to Heaven, to find in his Presence and his love the assistance we need, to purify us in his Precious Blood in the Holy Sacrifice and to nourish us in Holy Communion.

Credit - My Eucharistic Day: Rules And Practices Recommended By Saint Peter Julian Eymard founder of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament.

Ophelia, a typical woman or so they say.

As Ophelia tap-dances in the Atlantic Ocean approximately two hundred miles from land without a clear destination, the most common sentiment expressed is she is a typical woman.  Why?  Ophelia has been a difficult hurricane to forecast, because of current weather trends.  Originally, forecasters thought she would make a small loop in the Atlantic before making landfall between Savannah, GA and Charleston, SC.  While Charleston is not out of danger at this moment, our level of danger has progressively decreased - for now at least.  The main issue with hurricanes is they are forces of nature we cannot control; we can only prepare, respond, and if needed move out of the way.

Although the hurricane season is close to an end, September can be an extremely active month for hurricanes - especially ones that threaten the east coast.  As a result, I am going to compile and post a hurricane preparation list over the next day or two.  Individuals need to prepare for the storm and the possibility of extreme damage instead of expecting immediate arrival of food and water to devastated areas.  Off top of my head, have at least one week of water and canned foods (per person) on hand and a month supply of all necessary medications.

Remembering 9/11 through poetry

In the Mist of War
In Remembrance of the 11 September 2001 attack on the United States of America.

Walking around in a daze as smoke darkens the sky.
Feeling like a character from a novel as
day turns to night and time stands still.
We pray to God that we will awaken from this nightmare,
knowing we are awake and the horror is real,
yet we are unable to admit it.
This is what happens when war comes to America.
Thousands are dead or injured.
How does life continue?
Our nation has been attacked,
symbols of our country have been destroyed.
Indestructible buildings were demolished.
America prays to God for protection
and cries out for revenge while our enemies laugh for joy.
Will peace be restored or are we on the brink of war?

I will post more in remembrance of this tragic event later today.

You are the San Damiano Cross: Rich in symbolism,
this cross was first painted in the twelfth
century gathering images from the Gospel of
John. Christ is the central figure and is
surrounded by the angles, the apostles and the
Virgin Mary. The cross became well known
because it was the cross in front of which St.
Francis was praying when he received the call
to rebuild the Church.


What Kind of Cross are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Just for fun

You are Athanasius! You are willing to fight a
losing battle, just to make sure that the truth
is told. But don't get discouraged; sometimes
it takes more than one lifetime for truth to
triumph.



Which Saint Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Operation Home away from Home has been launched

In an effort to continue to help those in need following hurricane Katrina, Catholic Charities USA launched Operation Home away from Home.  This is a nationwide effort of all local Catholic Charities agencies to provide suitable housing for those left homeless.  Evacuees are not hosted by individual families, but suitable housing, such as apartments and rental homes, is being provided for families until they decide what they are going to do - return home or move.

Charleston prepares for Ophelia

On the other hand, maybe this rush to prepare is just another drill. As
a lifelong Charlestonian, I am still amazed at the chaos that erupts at
the threat of a category one, possible two hurricane. People rush to
the stores for water, canned food, batteries, and other necessities
including prescriptions. For the most part, I prepare for the hurricane
season at the beginning of the season - including possible evacuation
plans - so when/if a hurricane threatens the area I am prepared.
Unfortunately, there are those who prepare for one hurricane only to
return the items they bought and repurchase the same items for the next
hurricane scare which may be a week or two later. While I advocate
hurricane preparedness, I believe that it preparation must be done in
advance instead of a last minute rush, because we never know where
landfall will be until after the fact and the last minute rush can
eventually have a high price of lives and property.

My Eucharistic Day by Saint Peter Julian Eymard Continued

Practical Questions For Every Day Of The Week

Before The Altar Throne

Who Is There?

In the Host there is the Infant-God who came upon earth for love of us, the same Jesus who worked and suffered for us, who consoled the afflicted, pardoned sinners and did good to all.

Credit - My Eucharistic Day: Rules And Practices Recommended By Saint Peter Julian Eymard founder of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament.

Mixed reviews for Schwarzenegger

While conservatives applaud Schwarzenegger's decision to veto a bill passed by the California Assembly and Senate legalizing homosexual 'marriages,' homosexuals feel betrayed by this development. 

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said he would veto a bill to legalize same-sex marriage "out of respect for the will of the people," drawing heated criticism from gay rights supporters and cheers from conservative groups.

Although I do not always agree with Schwarzenegger, I am thrilled it appears he will listen to California voters - a small step in the right direction.  The end of this article also states:

Also Wednesday, in Massachusetts, a proposed ballot initiative that would ban same-sex marriages passed a major hurdle. The state attorney general ruled the initiative would be permitted under a section of the Massachusetts Constitution allowing voters to overturn court decisions.

It appears the people will have their say once again.  Let's hope we the people are actually listened to instead politicians deciding to disregard the will of the people.

My Eucharistic Day by Saint Peter Julian Eymard Continued

Practical Questions For Every Day Of The Week

Before The Altar Throne

What Does Jesus In The Host Ask Of Us?

Let us not forget that intimacy is born of conformity. That Jesus in the Host is silent, and desires us to be silent in regard to our neighbor and ourselves, and sacrifice for him the thousand useless trivial thoughts.


Credit - My Eucharistic Day: Rules And Practices Recommended By Saint Peter Julian Eymard founder of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament.

Believe it or not, I am not ignoring the aftermath of Katrina.

Although I remain silent, when compared to other bloggers, my heart is breaking for all of Katrina's victims.  I am silent, because I believe everyone is aware of the chaos surrounding Katrina's landfall and the subsequent breach of New Orleans levees.  Additionally, I do not have anything original and constructive to add at this moment.  Although I have many questions for local, state, and federal authorities, now is not the time for those questions or a full expression of my outrage.  For now, I am support the victims of Katrina through prayer and financial giving.  If I had a first responder skill that could be used in Louisiana or any other location devastated by Katrina, because I would be there helping a heartbeat. 

Let us continue to keep the victims and our leaders in our prayers.

I strongly recommend Catholic Charities for charitable giving.

"And now FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE abide, these three; and the greatest of these is LOVE."  1 Cor. 13:13  (NAB)  Remember, we need all three - Faith, hope and love - to make it through this situation, but, as always, love is our anchor.

My Eucharistic Day by Saint Peter Julian Eymard Continued

Practical Questions For Every Day Of The Week

Before The Altar Throne

What Does Jesus In The Host Teach Us?

Jesus is there to help us to go to Heaven, to find in erty nor misery is a disgrace or a misfortune, that if we possess his friendship and know that we can find him in the consecrated Host, we have found a Pearl of great price, which no man can take from us.


Credit - My Eucharistic Day: Rules And Practices Recommended By Saint Peter Julian Eymard founder of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament.

Levee fixed and waters begin to recede

While rescue efforts continue the hole in New Orleans' 17th Street canal was plugged Monday allowing water to be pumped back into lake Pontchartrain.   The situation seems to be under control now, but unfortunately the city of New Orleans paid a high price including the suicide deaths of two police officers.  Let us continue to pray for the victims of Katrina in New Orleans and everywhere.

Tired of High Gas Prices?

We could all learn something from this man who decided to ride his horse to work to curb his gasoline spending.  Although I chuckled when I first read this article, I think this and other ideas to curb gasoline usage need attention.  While a few areas use mass transportation daily, there are other areas such as where I am where mass transportation is almost frowned upon.  What are we doing to decrease the amount of gas we are using?  Personally, I am rethinking the SUV I have been wanting and considering moving closer to work so I can walk or bike without issue.

My Eucharistic Day by Saint Peter Julian Eymard Continued

Practical Questions For Every Day Of The Week

Before The Altar Throne

What Does Jesus In The Host Wish Us To Remember?

That he loves his Heavenly Father and each one of us. That all earthly things pass quickly . . . worldly positions may be lost, friends disappear, and little by little even our illusions pass, but Jesus remains in the Host, loving us always with the same affection.


Credit - My Eucharistic Day: Rules And Practices Recommended By Saint Peter Julian Eymard founder of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament.

Late, but necessary post

Last week, in a first of its kind decision, the California Senate voted to legalize homosexual unions.  Although use the term marriage, I refuse to use the term marriage, because only a man and woman can be married.

Although I am not surprised, I am stunned.  As I write this post I am thinking of a recent conversation I had with someone regarding why Catholics speak out against all forms of legalizing homosexual unions although the Church does will not recognize these unions.  An important point to remember, although it is not politically correct, is homosexual unions are intrinsically selfish.  Before I receive emails and posts stating that I am being unfair, keep in mind that the homosexual union flies in the face of God's law.  When we put our sexual urges before God's law, even in a relationship with a consenting adult, we are being selfish.  We are endangering the moral makeup of our children and society, because boundaries of right and wrong are being erased.  Nothing about homosexual unions is giving in the same manner of marriage between a man and woman - as demonstrated by the desire of certain groups to shove legal acknowledgement of homosexual unions down everyone's throat.

Chief Justice William Rehnquist Dies Surrounded by His Family

Last night, at the age of eighty and following a year long battle with thyroid cancer, Chief Justice William Rehnquist died surrounded by his children. Let's keep Chief Justice Rehnquist and his family in our prayers. May he rest in peace.

My Eucharistic Day by Saint Peter Julian Eymard Continued

Practical Questions For Every Day Of The Week

Before The Altar Throne

What Does Jesus In The Host Wish?

Jesus wishes us to go to Him as we would go to our Father . . . asking him for all that we need with the implicit trust of a child and confiding to him our joys, our wishes, our hopes and fears and the souls dear to us.


Credit - My Eucharistic Day: Rules And Practices Recommended By Saint Peter Julian Eymard founder of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament.

Single? Discerning marriage? Looking for a mate?

Here is an article you might want to check out.  I am particularly impressed by these statements:

Single Catholics should be working on themselves without looking for excuses.  It is too easy to put blame on the opposite sex, society, career, income, the dating websites, etc., as to why you are not married yet.

Become the person you need to be in marriage.  Christ should motivate us to live an authentic spiritual life and improve our character.  Examine your conscience to discover habits, tendencies, inclinations, etc., that need work.

You cannot say, “This is the way I am”. Being baptized in Christ means you are obliged to be Christ! Again, this is a life-long process. The key is that you are determined to do it. Marriage works when two people are “help mates” to each other on the path to heaven. And love in marriage is about self-donation.

My Eucharistic Day by Saint Peter Julian Eymard Continued

Practical Questions For Every Day Of The Week

Before The Altar Throne
What Does Jesus Do In The Host?

He adores his Heavenly Father. He thanks him for all benefits and blessings, makes reparation for our sins and prays for us, and the whole world. Because he loves us, he is thinking of each one of us in particular. He is there hour by hour, preparing for us the graces, which we need. He looks for us; he is waiting for us, ready to welcome us.


Credit - My Eucharistic Day: Rules And Practices Recommended By Saint Peter Julian Eymard founder of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament.

Just rambling: Chaos reigns in New Orleans in the wake of Katrina

Although we hope and yearn for the best in the midst of a crisis, a person's true colors shine through during times of stress.  While I am not stating everyone reacts negatively to stress, the situation in New Orleans is a shining and sad example of what a crisis does to some people.  Unfortunately, the few bad apples are making a bad situation worse for the thousands stranded in New Orleans.  Given the fact there are sections of New Orleans that people avoid - including emergency workers - after dark, it should not come as a shock that lawlessness prevails without armed guards after the mass destruction fraught by Katrina.  Most of those acting out during this time probably have a history of violence and the lack of law enforcement following hurricane Katrina’s landfall led to mass chaos.  Many questions need answers and eventually those answers will come, but at this moment, we need to forget the accusations of racism and neglect.  Eventually answers will be available.  Right now, each one of us needs to pray and do what we can to aid those in desperate need.  What we need to do is focus on rebuilding the destroyed lives through emergency aid and burying the dead.  Once this is done, we can demand answers and discuss where to go next.

Yes, I have been silent this week.  I have been dealing with a minor emergency of my own and information saturation.  Emotionally, I am worn out.  I feel the need to focus on the positive instead of the frenzied blame and criticism that exists in today's media.  Constructive criticism is important at the appropriate time.  Now is not that time, because we are wasting too much energy on negativity instead of moving forward saving and restoring lives.