in Pennsylvania's First Congressional District
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennsylvania's_1st_congressional_district http://archphila.org/pastplan/MAPS/Arch.pdf
and the Central Garden State

Sunday, July 27, 2014

If it's a good idea to have and to advertise annulment information sessions, why aren't there similar info sessions on laicization and dispensation from religious vows?

With the apparent lack of attention to NFP Awareness Week 2014 in the Greater Philly/Trenton areas, I am particularly struck by the ready availability of annulment information sessions.  

If it's a good idea to have and to advertise annulment information sessions, why aren't there similar info sessions on laicization and dispensation from religious vows?  Is there a subtle disrespect for the Sacrament of Marriage? 

I struggle to understand how what amounts to advertising the possibility of annulments is in keeping with addresses to the Roman Rota by Saint Pope John Paul IIPope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis, as well as with Dignitas Connubii.

I do not expect to receive a reply.

Thank you.




Saturday, July 26, 2014

"Dancing on the deck of the Titanic"

"Strong Values for a Strong America: A conservative approach to family values is crucial to the idea of America" 

by Senator  



https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Ps9pXAIa_5w


Saints Joachim and Ann never had to worry about their descendants getting to Heaven!

What Would Joachim and Ann Do?

As their one child was our Blessed Mother and their one grandchild was Jesus Himself, Saints Joachim and Ann never had to worry about their descendants getting to Heaven!  Not so for the rest of us!  We need their intercession, because we have extremely good reasons to be concerned about the salvation of ourselves and our families!  And weekly Mass attendance is only half the story! 
As per a 2013 Quinnipiac University poll of self-identified Catholics in the United States
  As per a 2014 Univision Study of self-identified Catholics in the United States:

The Conclusion of NFP Awareness Week

Today's Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne was supposed to conclude  recognition of the USCCB's Natural Family Planning Awareness Week.  Yet, last Sunday's inauguration of NFP Week 2014 saw 0 (zero) reported NFP-related homilies in the Greater Philly/Trenton areas.  Why such disrespect the Sacrament of Marriage?  Why such disrespect for the physical and spiritual well being of young people.  In addition to contraceptives, abortfacients, and abortion, the Culture of Death is offering young people a new generation of slick IVF-related lies and temptations.

We can also see a correlation between preaching received and how people vote:Of those representing people of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate, NOT ONE CATHOLIC is co-sponsoring marriage protection initiatives supported by the USCCB.

The recent thoughts of one young writer seem quite pertinent:


"Our priests didn’t preach and our teachers didn’t teach because contraception was the unmentionable sin-that-wasn’t. Why risk alienating parishioners (and donors) by condemning The Pill and other sundry methods?....So our congregations sat comfortably in their pews, undisturbed by truth. Let’s own this fact: Silence paved the way for Catholics’ ‘progressive’ march from yesterday’s contraception to today’s same-sex marriage...If silence paved the way for Catholics’ ‘progressive’ march from yesterday’s contraception to today’s same-sex marriage, then it’s not hard to see the remedy. Catholics, be not afraid to teach, preach, and live the truth—especially the truth about sex and contraception" ( http://catholicstand.com/breaking-silence-catholics-contraception-and-same-sex-marriage/).

"Wonderful are your decrees; therefore I observe them. The revelation of your words sheds light, giving understanding to the simple."


From tomorrow's Responsorial Psalm:

Wonderful are your decrees;
therefore I observe them.
The revelation of your words sheds light,
giving understanding to the simple. 

(Psalm 119: 129-130)


Are we ourselves and those who represent us on board with His decrees regarding marriage / family / sexuality?

Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, chairman of the USCCB's Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, is urging support and co-sponsorship for
http://thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas.php

Action currently being urged by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference....

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072714.cfm

Alerts Central from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: 


  • Support Marriage [This facilitates a message of support to Theresa Gaffney, Clerk of the Orphan's Court of Schuylkill County.  In the opinion of this blogger, messages of support should also go to Rep. Daryl Metcalfe and others - including Bucks County's own Rep Paul Clymer - co-sponsoring HB 1349, a state marriage protection amendment.]
  • Support Equal Education Funding in Pennsylvania [This facilitates messages to the governor, your state rep, and your state senator: "....Please represent me by returning the nonpublic school textbook and auxiliary services line items to equal that of the public schools in the state budget." ]
  • Respect All Parties in Adoption [This facilitates a message to your state senator, urging OPPOSITION to HB 162 (HB 162 passed the Pennsylvania House, 197 to 0!  This seems to have happened before the Pa Catholic Conference's opposition was known.).  HB 162 could have a chilling effect on adoption, while encouraging a free-for-all with "donors" of eggs and sperm!  While HB 162 is ostensibly about adult adoptees gaining info about their biological parents, it absurdly does NOT apply to adults whose biological parents were so-called egg donors or so-called sperm donors!  While "donor" anonymity would remain intact, commitments of anonymity to birth parents would be disregarded!  Those daring to compete with the Author of Life get a free pass!]
  • Protect religious liberty and rights of conscience [This facilitates messages to President Obama, VP Biden, Sen. Casey, Sen. Toomey, and your representative: "Please include the Health Care Conscience Rights Act (H.R. 940, S. 1204) in upcoming 'must-pass' legislation.  Please represent me by supporting this measure, which ensures that the rights of conscience of all participants in our nation's health care system will be respected...."]
  • Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Religious Liberty [This facilitates messages to Governor Corbett, Lt Gov Cawley, your state senator, and your state representative, regarding HB 300 / SB 300: "Simply put, this legislation is intolerant and prejudiced against people of faith....It is clear that our religious liberty will be trampled by HB/SB 300....As your constituent, I am quite concerned that HB/SB 300 will run afoul of religious freedom and expose even more Pennsylvanians to discrimination. Please vote NO on HB/SB 300.HB 300 has six co-sponsors from Bucks County: Representatives Tina Davis, John Galloway [Catholic], Scott Petri, Marguerite Quinn, Steve Santarsiero, and Kathy Watson.  Bucks County's Sen. Chuck McIlhinney [Catholic] is a co-sponsor of SB 300.]
  • Death Penalty: Choose Life [This facilitates a message to the governor: "Our society will not overcome crime by simply executing criminals and we cannot restore the lives of victims by ending the lives of those convicted of their murders. We cannot defend or protect life by taking life.  I ask you to represent me by granting a reprieve to Hubert L. Michael, Jr. Non-lethal means are sufficient to protect our safety.  Thank you for your consideration."] 
  • Send a letter to the editor of your local newspaper ["Media attention is critical to raising the influence of the Catholic perspective on public policy issues. Concerned citizens can write letters to the editor, submit op-ed pieces, or invite coverage for your Catholic advocacy events and programs."] 
 http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072714.cfm

What Did We Believe about the positions of our elected Officials in 2012? (The following was posted on 11/3/12:)

Knights of Columbus from the 8th Pennsylvania Congressional District
•Information on candidates for President, U.S. Senate, and the U.S. House of Representatives (from the 8th Congressional District)

Pennsylvania Pro Life Federation / Pennsylvania Family Council / Pro Life Union of Greater Philadelphia /
•In addition to candidates for President, U.S. Senate, and the U.S. House of Representatives, these are sources of information on candidates for statewide offices, as well as candidates for the Pa State Senate and the Pa House of Representatives (NOTE: Material from the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference does NOT cover candidates for the Pa Senate and House.).  The  Pennsylvania Pro Life Federation contrasts the candidates for the 10 House races from Bucks County, as follows:
  • 18: Rep Gene DiGirolamo is Pro Life and is running unopposed.
  • 29: Rep Bernie O'Neill leans Pro Life, while challenger Brian Munroe is Pro Abortion.
  • 31: Rep Steve Santarsiero is Pro Abortion, while challenger Anne Chapman is Pro Life.
  • 140: Rep John Galloway is Pro Life, while challenger Eric David did not respond.
  • 141: Rep Tina Davis is Pro Abortion, while challenger Anthony Sposato is Pro Life
  • 142: Rep Frank Farry is Pro Abortion but unopposed.
  • 143: Rep Marguerite Quinn leans Pro Life, while challenger Joseph Frederick is Pro Abortion.
  • 144: Rep Katharine Watson is Pro Life and is running unopposed.
  • 145: Rep Paul Clymer is Pro Life, while challenger Mary Whitesell is Pro Abortion.
  • 178: Rep Scott Petri leans Pro Life and is unopposed.
Pennsylvania Catholic Conference
Know the Positions of PA’s Statewide Candidates
Know the Positions of PA’s Statewide Candidates (Spanish)
Statewide Candidates Complete Questionnaire
Interview with US Senate Candidate Tom Smith
Interview with US Senate Candidate Senator Bob Casey, Jr.
Know the Positions of PA’s United States Senate Candidates
Know the Positions of PA’s United States Senate Candidates (Spanish)
Know the Positions of the Presidential Candidates (English)
Know the Positions of the Presidential Candidates (Spanish)
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (from the USCCB)

Pennsylvania Catholics Network
2012 Issues for Pennsylvania Catholic Voters

Priests for Life
2012 Presidential Voter Guide
2012 Platform Comparison Guide

Catholic Answers
Voter's Guide for Serious Catholics

  Tomorrow's readings assure us that we have every reason to hope:

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072714.cfm

At the same time, God ain't messing around!

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072714.cfm

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Dropping the ball on NFP Awareness Week....

Failure by priests/deacons in the Greater Philly/Trenton area to utilize the teaching moment of NFP Awareness Week is shameful. It certainly helps to explain the abysmally poor understanding of what the Church proclaims about marriage/family/sexuality, the need for conscience protections, and the need to defend marriage. The recent thoughts of one young writer seem quite pertinent:
"Our priests didn’t preach and our teachers didn’t teach because contraception was the unmentionable sin-that-wasn’t. Why risk alienating parishioners (and donors) by condemning The Pill and other sundry methods?....

"So our congregations sat comfortably in their pews, undisturbed by truth. Let’s own this fact: Silence paved the way for Catholics’ ‘progressive’ march from yesterday’s contraception to today’s same-sex marriage...

"The latest Barna Group polling shows that only 50% of practicing Catholics define marriage as the union of one man and one woman....

"Gallup data shows that 68% of Catholics overall say that gay and lesbian sexual relations are morally acceptable, while just 29% believes those relations are morally wrong. Even among weekly church-goers, almost one-third believes homosexual sex is moral....

"If silence paved the way for Catholics’ ‘progressive’ march from yesterday’s contraception to today’s same-sex marriage, then it’s not hard to see the remedy. Catholics, be not afraid to teach, preach, and live the truth—especially the truth about sex and contraception ( http://catholicstand.com/breaking-silence-catholics-contraception-and-same-sex-marriage/).

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

"If any confessor or pastor of souls...lead the faithful...into these errors or...confirm them by approval or by guilty silence, ...he must render a strict account to God, ...for the betrayal of his sacred trust" (Pope Pius XI)

Despite being the start of the USCCB's Natural Family Planning Awareness, this past Sunday saw 0 (zero) reported NFP-related homilies in the Greater Philly/Trenton areas. Whatever became of the much heralded JP II generation of clergy?

Why such disrespect the Sacrament of Marriage? I'd be willing to bet that the vast majority of our priests and deacons had moms and dads who were married to each other!

It certainly is not as though there is no need for catechesis. AMONG CATHOLICS, there is abysmally poor understanding of what the Church proclaims about marriage/family/sexuality (cf, http://catholicstand.com/breaking-silence-catholics-contraception-and-same-sex-marriage/)!

Ignorance of what the Church proclaims results in vulnerability. In addition to contraceptives, abortfacients, and abortion, the Culture of Death is offering a new generation of slick IVF-related lies and temptations.

There sure appears to be a correlation between preaching received and how people vote: "Of those representing people of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, ...[no Catholic] is co-sponsoring marriage protection initiatives supported by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops"

Recommended Resources:

* Marriage: The Mystery of Faithful Love (Dietrich Von Hildebrand)
* Casti Connubii (Pope Pius XI):
* Man and Woman: Love and the Meaning of Intimacy (Dietrich Von Hildebrand)
* Humanae Vitae (Pope Paul VI)
* Familiaris Consortio (Saint Pope John Paul II)
* Theology of the Body (Saint Pope John Paul II (original English translations))
* Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology Of The Body (Saint Pope John Paul II)
* Donum Vitae (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith)
* Charter for Health Care Workers (Pontifical Council for Pastoral Assistance to Health Care Workers)
* The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality (Pontifical Council for the Family)
* Preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage (Pontifical Council for the Family)
* What God Has Joined Together (Robert H. Vasoli)
* The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce: A 25 Year Landmark Study (Wallerstein, Lewis, & Blakeslee)
* Addresses to the Roman Rota, 1979-2005 (Pope John Paul II)
* Dignitas Connubii (Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts)
* The Thrill of the Chaste (Dawn Eden)
* Dignitas Personae (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith)
* Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan (USCCB)
* The NaPro Technology Revolution (Dr. Thomas Hilgers)
* Dietrich von Hildebrand, Catholic Philosopher, & Christopher West, Modern Enthusiast (Alice von Hildebrand)
* Addresses to the Roman Rota, 2006-2013 (Pope Benedict XVI)
* Address to the Roman Rota, 2014 (Pope Francis)
* Sex, God and Marriage, 3rd ed (Johann Christoph Arnold)
* Instrumentum Laboris (Synod of Bishops)

"Speak Up on Behalf of Refugee Minors"

http://www.dioceseoftrenton.org/speak-up-on-behalf-of-refugee-minors/

" USCCB Chairmen Respond to ‘Unprecedented and Extreme’ Executive Order"

http://www.usccb.org/news/2014/14-126.cfm

Monday, July 21, 2014

No NFP winner yet....

Yesterday's start of the USCCB's annual Natural Family Planning Awareness (NFP) Week (July 20 - July 26, 2014) provided a timely teachable moment for the great news of Natural Family Planning. NFP is a pro life / pro marriage alternative to the death-dealing lies of the Culture of Dea

In addition to contraceptives, abortifacients, and abortion, the Culture of Death is offering a new generation of slick IVF-related lies and temptations, urging people to "donate" and freeze eggs. It also invites people to fantasize about bringing new human life from a trio of people, rather than from a husband and wife, as ordained by Almighty God!









Thus far, there have been 0 (zero) emails to faithfulinthe 8th@gmail.com, noting Philly/Trenton homilies this past weekend addressing NFP. The first will win a free NaPro Technology presentation for her/his parish!

Resources:
* Marriage: The Mystery of Faithful Love (Dietrich Von Hildebrand)
* Casti Connubii (Pope Pius XI)
* Man and Woman: Love and the Meaning of Intimacy (Dietrich Von Hildebrand)
* Humanae Vitae (Pope Paul VI)
* Familiaris Consortio (Saint Pope John Paul II)
* Theology of the Body (Saint Pope John Paul II (original English translations))
* Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology Of The Body (Saint Pope John Paul II)
* Donum Vitae (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith)
* Charter for Health Care Workers (Pontifical Council for Pastoral Assistance to Health Care Workers)
* The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality (Pontifical Council for the Family)
* Preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage (Pontifical Council for the Family)
* What God Has Joined Together (Robert H. Vasoli)
* The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce: A 25 Year Landmark Study (Wallerstein, Lewis, and Blakeslee)
* Addresses to the Roman Rota, 1979-2005 (Pope John Paul II)
* Dignitas Connubii (Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts)
* The Thrill of the Chaste (Dawn Eden)
* Dignitas Personae (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith)
* Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan (USCCB)
* The NaPro Technology Revolution (Dr. Thomas Hilgers)
* Natural Family Planning (NFP) Awareness Week (Justin Cardinal Rigali)
* Addresses to the Roman Rota, 2006-2013 (Pope Benedict XVI)
* Address to the Roman Rota, 2014 (Pope Francis)
* Sex, God and Marriage, 3rd ed (Johann Christoph Arnold)
* Instrumentum Laboris (Synod of Bishops)



"Of those representing people of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, only                   ?                      is co-sponsoring marriage protection initiatives supported by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:...." 

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Of those representing people of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, only Representative Joe Pitts is co-sponsoring marriage protection initiatives supported by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:  
(See http://thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas.php.)

Click any of the below images to enlarge or go to the original source.)
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/capitolinq/Where-local-lawmakers-stand-on-same-sex-marriage.html
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/capitolinq/Where-local-lawmakers-stand-on-same-sex-marriage.html
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/capitolinq/Where-local-lawmakers-stand-on-same-sex-marriage.html
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/capitolinq/Where-local-lawmakers-stand-on-same-sex-marriage.html
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/capitolinq/Where-local-lawmakers-stand-on-same-sex-marriage.html

http://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-on-pennsylvanias-same-sex-marriage-ruling 
 

Saturday, July 19, 2014

"The transmission of human life is a most serious role in which married people collaborate freely and responsibly with God the Creator. It has always been a source of great joy to them, even though it sometimes entails many difficulties and hardships" (Pope Paul VI).

With tomorrow being the start of the USCCB's annual Natural Family Planning Awareness (NFP) Week (July 20 - July 26, 2014), there is an especially timely teachable moment  for the great news of Natural Family Planning - a pro life / pro marriage alternative to the death-dealing poisons of the Culture of Death.
"This week highlights the promotion of NFP and the Church’s teachings on human sexuality, married love and responsible parenthood. These dates correspond with the anniversary of the papal encyclical Humanae Vitae (July 25), and the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne (July 26), the parents of the Blessed Mother....

"[NFP] is a modern method for couples to monitor their fertility signs utilizing charts and scientific knowledge. It can help couples plan their families responsibly in accordance with the truth of how God has made them. 

"The name 'Natural Family Planning' is somewhat of a misnomer because although it is a natural (i.e., not artificial) way of keeping track of fertility, it is not always utilized as a method of family planning. Some choose to use it as a way to be aware of their fertility, for health reasons or to help in conceiving. This fertility awareness can be learned through NFP classes, and by charting the wife’s monthly fertility signs. Fertility awareness/NFP has many benefits, including understanding one’s body better, not harming one’s body with contraceptive chemicals, and speaking a 'language of the body' imbued with love and truth, by not putting artificial barriers between spouses....

"An especially valuable benefit of NFP is that it can help one grow in one’s faith. This can happen in many ways. The NFP-practicing couple understands firsthand the wonder of fertility-the beauty of the wife’s cycles and that the spouses’ bodies are made for one another, and for procreation, by God.

"The NFP couple also perceives the importance of sacrificial love and self-control, since they work in conjunction with the body’s cycles and practice abstinence when necessary out of love for the other person. This sets up a pattern of both self-mastery and self-giving love that overflows into other areas of their lives, which brings them closer to an understanding of God’s sacrificial love for us.

"Many couples find that learning NFP helps them to appreciate that fertility and children are gifts from God. By living in accord with respect for their bodies, and by praying during each cycle for God’s will with regard to conceiving a child, they foster a willingness to trust in the Lord’s providence and a respect for the dignity of human life. They place their fertility in God’s hands, and live each day in accord with how God has created them. This brings the couple closer to each other and to God.

"NFP also allows the couple to speak a language of truth and love with their bodies. The spouses give themselves to each other totally and without reserve. This 'language of the body' of total self-gift is in accord with the desires of the human heart to give oneself to another fully, and to receive another in fullness. It speaks of total commitment, openness to a future together, and complete acceptance of the other....
"To learn more about NFP, or to register for an NFP class, call the Family Life Office...or visit their NFP webpage....

"I encourage you...to learn more about NFP..., and to support the Church’s mission to evangelize marriage and family" (Justin Cardinal Rigali, 7/22/10).

The first email to faithfulinthe 8th@gmail.com, noting a Philly/Trenton homily this weekend which addresses NFP, wins a free NaPro Technology presentation for her/his parish!

Resources:
* Marriage: The Mystery of Faithful Love (Dietrich Von Hildebrand)
* Casti Connubii (Pope Pius XI)
* Man and Woman: Love and the Meaning of Intimacy (Dietrich Von Hildebrand)
* Humanae Vitae (Pope Paul VI)
* Familiaris Consortio (Saint Pope John Paul II)
* Theology of the Body (Saint Pope John Paul II (original English translations))
* Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology Of The Body (Saint Pope John Paul II)
* Donum Vitae (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith)
* Charter for Health Care Workers (Pontifical Council for Pastoral Assistance to Health Care Workers)
* The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality (Pontifical Council for the Family)
* Preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage (Pontifical Council for the Family)
* What God Has Joined Together (Robert H. Vasoli)
* The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce: A 25 Year Landmark Study (Wallerstein, Lewis, & Blakeslee)
* Addresses to the Roman Rota, 1979-2005 (Pope John Paul II)
* Dignitas Connubii (Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts)
* The Thrill of the Chaste (Dawn Eden)
* Dignitas Personae (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith)
* Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan (USCCB)
* The NaPro Technology Revolution (Dr. Thomas Hilgers)
* Addresses to the Roman Rota, 2006-2013 (Pope Benedict XVI)
* Address to the Roman Rota, 2014 (Pope Francis)
* Sex, God and Marriage, 3rd ed (Johann Christoph Arnold)
* Instrumentum Laboris (Synod of Bishops)

Friday, July 18, 2014

"Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from?"



Alerts Central from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: 

  • Marriage and Religious Freedom Act
    Support MARFA: Call Your Representative and Senators!
    [No Catholic member of the House of Representatives from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (i.e., Bob Brady, Mike Fitzpatrick, Pat Meehan) is co-sponsoring HR 3133. Neither Senator Casey nor Senator Toomey (both Catholics) is co-sponsoring S 1808.]

  • Please Support the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act!
    Suggested Message: “Please co-sponsor and support the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, S. 946. Our tax dollars should not be used to fund or promote abortion.”
    [In the U.S. House, The USCCB supports S. 946 (Toomey is a co-sponsor; Casey is not.).]
    .

  • State Marriage Defense Act
    Contact Your Representative and Senators Today![The USCCB is supporting HR 3829 and S 2024No Catholic member of the House of Representatives from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (i.e., Bob Brady, Mike Fitzpatrick, Pat Meehan) is co-sponsoring HR 3829.  Neither Senator Casey nor Senator Toomey (both Catholics) is co-sponsoring S 2024.]

  • Marriage Protection Amendment
    Support the MPA by Contacting Your Representative Now!
    [No Catholic member of the House of Representatives from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (i.e., Bob Brady, Mike Fitzpatrick, Pat Meehan) is co-sponsoring HJ Res 51.

  • Protect Conscience Rights and Religious Liberty!
    Please support conscience rights and religious liberty today by urging passage of the Health Care Conscience Rights Act (H.R. 940 / S. 1204)!
    [Fitzpatrick is a co-sponsor of HR 940; Brady and Meehan are not.  Toomey is a co-sponsor of s. 1204; Casey is not.

  • Support unemployment insurance for workers searching for decent jobs!
    Economy still failing to produce sufficient decent job opportunities for all who want to work 
    ["....Write to your representative today and urge them to extend emergency unemployment compensation.]

  • Support Marriage [This facilitates a message of support to Theresa Gaffney, Clerk of the Orphan's Court of Schuylkill County.  In the opinion of this blogger, messages of support should also go to Rep. Daryl Metcalfe and others - including Bucks County's own Rep Paul Clymer - co-sponsoring HB 1349, a state marriage protection amendment.]
  • Support Equal Education Funding in Pennsylvania [This facilitates messages to the governor, your state rep, and your state senator: "....Please represent me by returning the nonpublic school textbook and auxiliary services line items to equal that of the public schools in the state budget." ]
  • Respect All Parties in Adoption [This facilitates a message to your state senator, urging OPPOSITION to HB 162 (HB 162 passed the Pennsylvania House, 197 to 0!  This seems to have happened before the Pa Catholic Conference's opposition was known.).  HB 162 could have a chilling effect on adoption, while encouraging a free-for-all with "donors" of eggs and sperm!  While HB 162 is ostensibly about adult adoptees gaining info about their biological parents, it absurdly does NOT apply to adults whose biological parents were so-called egg donors or so-called sperm donors!  While "donor" anonymity would remain intact, commitments of anonymity to birth parents would be disregarded!  Those daring to compete with the Author of Life get a free pass!]
  • Protect religious liberty and rights of conscience [This facilitates messages to President Obama, VP Biden, Sen. Casey, Sen. Toomey, and your representative: "Please include the Health Care Conscience Rights Act (H.R. 940, S. 1204) in upcoming 'must-pass' legislation.  Please represent me by supporting this measure, which ensures that the rights of conscience of all participants in our nation's health care system will be respected...."]
  • Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Religious Liberty [This facilitates messages to Governor Corbett, Lt Gov Cawley, your state senator, and your state representative: "I am writing in reference to HB/SB 300....Simply put, this legislation is intolerant and prejudiced against people of faith....It is clear that our religious liberty will be trampled by HB/SB 300....As your constituent, I am quite concerned that HB/SB 300 will run afoul of religious freedom and expose even more Pennsylvanians to discrimination. Please vote NO on HB/SB 300.HB 300 has six co-sponsors from Bucks County: Representatives Tina Davis, John Galloway [Catholic], Scott Petri, Marguerite Quinn, Steve Santarsiero, and Kathy Watson.  Bucks County's Sen. Chuck McIlhinney [Catholic] is a co-sponsor of SB 300.]
  • Death Penalty: Choose Life [This facilitates messages to the Board of Pardons: "....I ask you as a concerned Pennsylvanian to grant clemency to those cases that come before you, commuting the sentence from death to life in prison. Non-lethal means are sufficient to protect our safety...."] consideration.
  • Pass Immigration Reform [This facilitates messages to your U.S. House representative: "I am writing to ask you to support a path to citizenship and to oppose the SAFE Act. Our families and communities cannot wait! The time is clearly long past due for America to fix its immigration broken system."]

TIME FOR SOME TIME TRAVELING!

 What Did We Believe about these Officials in 2012?

(The following was posted on 11/3/12)

Knights of Columbus from the 8th Pennsylvania Congressional District
•Information on candidates for President, U.S. Senate, and the U.S. House of Representatives (from the 8th Congressional District)

Pennsylvania Pro Life Federation / Pennsylvania Family Council / Pro Life Union of Greater Philadelphia /
•In addition to candidates for President, U.S. Senate, and the U.S. House of Representatives, these are sources of information on candidates for statewide offices, as well as candidates for the Pa State Senate and the Pa House of Representatives (NOTE: Material from the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference does NOT cover candidates for the Pa Senate and House.).  The  Pennsylvania Pro Life Federation contrasts the candidates for the 10 House races from Bucks County, as follows:
  • 18: Rep Gene DiGirolamo is Pro Life and is running unopposed.
  • 29: Rep Bernie O'Neill leans Pro Life, while challenger Brian Munroe is Pro Abortion.
  • 31: Rep Steve Santarsiero is Pro Abortion, while challenger Anne Chapman is Pro Life.
  • 140: Rep John Galloway is Pro Life, while challenger Eric David did not respond.
  • 141: Rep Tina Davis is Pro Abortion, while challenger Anthony Sposato is Pro Life
  • 142: Rep Frank Farry is Pro Abortion but unopposed.
  • 143: Rep Marguerite Quinn leans Pro Life, while challenger Joseph Frederick is Pro Abortion.
  • 144: Rep Katharine Watson is Pro Life and is running unopposed.
  • 145: Rep Paul Clymer is Pro Life, while challenger Mary Whitesell is Pro Abortion.
  • 178: Rep Scott Petri leans Pro Life and is unopposed.
Pennsylvania Catholic Conference
Know the Positions of PA’s Statewide Candidates
Know the Positions of PA’s Statewide Candidates (Spanish)
Statewide Candidates Complete Questionnaire
Interview with US Senate Candidate Tom Smith
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NFP Awareness Week (July 20 - 26) Contest

With the draconian HHS mandates still upon us - those relentless efforts to force people to pay for other people's contraceptives and abortifacients - the arrival of the USCCB's annual Natural Family Planning Awareness (NFP) Week (July 20 - July 26, 2014) could not be more timely!  We have a pro life / pro marriage alternative to the death-dealing poisons of the Culture of Death.  Now is a teachable moment - for Catholics and non-Catholics - to learn the great news of Natural Family Planning:
  • "The Natural Family Planning Program of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops develops a poster each year with basic supportive materials.  It is the individual dioceses however, that offer a variety of educational formats in the local church to focus attention on Natural Family Planning methods and Church teachings which support their use in marriage. The dates of Natural Family Planning Awareness Week highlight the anniversary of the papal encyclical Humanae Vitae (July 25) which articulates Catholic beliefs about human sexuality, conjugal love and responsible parenthood.  The dates also mark the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne (July 26), the parents of the Blessed Mother" (USCCB web site).
With regard to "individual dioceses", it should be noted that the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Diocese of Trenton have web sites dedicated to NFP.  Yet, neither mentions the teachable moment of NFP Awareness Week (With many parish bulletins going online later today, it will be interesting to see if any recall the USCCB's "national education campaign.").  To avoid NFP Awareness Week 2014 being characterized by the words of Alexander Pope, an offer is being presented:

The First to report (faithfulinthe 8th@gmail.com) a Philly/Trenton parish homily this Sunday, which addresses NFP, wins a free NaPro Technology presentation for their parish!

In the face of the lies and false promises of the Culture of Death, Dr. Thomas Hilgers - past member of the Pontifical Council for the Family and current member of the Pontifical Academy for Life - has long stood with Humanae Vitae and demonstrated that fertility awareness can be taught to husbands and wives for postponing or achieving pregnancy.  Tragically, Hilgers explains that women's health care over the past half century has been characterized by a misogynistic tool bag of contraceptives / abortifacients, abortion, and IVF.  Owing to his own complete rejection of  contraceptives / abortifacients, abortion, and IVF, Hilgers was able to develop NaProTechnology with advancements in treatment in such areas as Amenorrhea, Chronic Vaginal Discharges, Endometriosis, Infertility, Menstrual Cramps / Pelvic Pain, Polycystic Ovarian Disease, Postpartum Depression, Premenstrual Syndrome, Prevention of Preterm Birth, Recurrent Miscarriage, Recurrent Ovarian Cysts, and Unusual Bleeding.  A basic familiarity with NaProTechnology should be required of all priests, deacons, and pastoral workers.

 

The Connection with the Feast of St. Anne is So Cool!

In a heartwarming article by a 22 year old, she shared advice received in Confession:
"'I want to appoint two saints to you.'
"I listened.
"'Firstly, St. Joseph. Pray to St. Joseph that he is forming your future husband. Pray that St. Joseph helps to make your future husband a good, strong, God-fearing man.'
"I nodded and smiled at this concept.
"'And secondly, St. Anne. She is Mary’s mother and would have arranged Mary’s marriage. Pray to St. Anne that she helps pair you up with the right man. You know, there’s actually a poem dedicated to St. Anne for this exact purpose. My mother used to pray it often before she met my father. Would you like to know what it is?'
"'Yes.'
"I leaned in closer to more perfectly hear this precious poem.
"The priest continued,
"'Saint Anne, Saint Anne, send me a man.'
"A distinct laugh flew from my mouth. How brief and direct....

"I love the poem this priest shared with me: 'Saint Anne, Saint Anne, send me a man.' It reminds me that God, Saint Anne, all the saints and angels are looking down upon me and praying for me. Pure prayers pouring down. I am not alone like I thought" (Catherine Szeltner, 10/20/13).

NFP Awareness Week has a direct connection to Jesus' grandmom!

 

St. Anne de Beaupre (Quebec Province)


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