The Monsignor, the Martini and the Better Business Bureau

Our Mission from Christ: "Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves." Matthew 10:16

Dear Advocates for Life,

Christ calls for a heightened sense of discernment. Especially these days, we cannot lose our ability to discern truth from error but also to discern wolves from sheep. The aging population needs our protection. This is just the tip of the iceberg.

The rush to get House Bill 3200 through the U.S. House and Senate before the August recess didn't happen. The fear of "death panels" for the elderly was partly the reason. The Associate Press interviewed Monsignor Charles Fahey, Chairman of the Board of the National Council on Aging, an "advocacy" group for the elderly that's been around for decades with him at the helm in some capacity since the '60's. Monsignor Fahey is apparently in favor of rationed health care for the elderly and his comment on the end of life issues, in my opinion, doesn't show proper advocacy for them or Catholic Church teachings.

"What I have said is that if I cannot say another prayer, if I cannot give another hug, and if I cannot have another martini - then let me go."
Monsignor Charles Fahey

Is Monsignor Fahey's seeming cavalier attitude on life and his mission as a priest of Christ a loss of discernment: "MARTINI" instead of THE MASS?

A "buddist" leaning blogger shows how he picked up on this loss of discernment. Monsignor Fahey's statements were damaging to the Roman Catholic Church's truth on life furthering error to Catholics and non-Catholics. (VOCAL's comments in RED.)


Pulling the Plug on Grandma

Joseph Hoffman Catholic Confusion
"Unfortunately his view (Fahey) is not the view of his Church (bingo). For all his touted gifts and charisma, John Paul II turned the Catholic Church into a single social doctrine: respect for life from conception to natural death (Church teaching for two thousand years). His legacy is an endless debate over what constitutes “natural” death in a culture that values physician assisted prolongation of suffering but finds physician assisted end-of-life care abhorrent ("End of life care?" It's legalize ASSISTED MURDER in Oregon). What we remember of that legacy is the image of Terri Schiavo, her cognitive faculties shattered (her devoted family would argue that), and a depleted John Paul himself , one not clinging to life but having life imposed by a machine (Terri was not on a machine but starved to death), the other clinging to power as a symbol of the martyrdom of suffering (unbelievable anti-Catholic judgemental ignorance regarding power...replace Martyrdom used here negatively, with joining the True Dignity of any suffering with Christ)
No one bothered to tell them that the Christian martyrs didn’t die that way (ignorance repeated, Christian martyrs of any era died obeying the Commandments of Christ, machines or not) and had no access to the extraordinary benefits of technology and life-prolonging medicines. There was nobility in neither death. Whatever lesson was being taught was being promoted by false analogy........Thank God for priests like Father Fahey" end

Sadly this blogger's understanding of Monsignor Fahey's "progressive" anti-Catholic view on death, in my opinion, is shared by many, and the Associated Press regarding the elderly, doesn't have Real Catholics interviewed but Veneer Catholics expressing life and death opinions).

The Church's understanding "suffering" will be discussed in the Catholic Medical Associations 78th Annual Educational Conference, Oct. 24- 28th in Springfield, Illinois - "The Theology of Suffering". Their overview of this concept is shows purity and dignity.
Which seems to be lost on our blogger and the monsignor.


"Suffering is an intrinsic part of the clinical encounter, and of our experience of illness, injury and our journey toward death. Suffering is also an inescapable dimension of the mystery of salvation. Though suffering confronts each one of us as a difficult challenge, we also know that it can, and should, call forth loving care, excellence in treatment and research, and human solidarity." www.cathmed.org

ATTACHED IS A LETTER VOCAL SENT TO MONSIGNOR FAHEY
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Dear Monsignor Fahey,                                              October 7, 2009

With all due respect, your recent comments regarding supporting  a health care reform bill concerned me.   It brings to my mind a question of your true advocacy for the elderly and the Church.

There would be panels to determine what would be covered or not: rationed care.  We have this in Oregon with the Oregon Health Plan. This coupled with a proposed drop of half a trillion dollars in the care for the elderly should concern you.  Also, the elderly in Oregon WOULD be counseled regarding assisted suicide as a choice, since it is LEGAL in Oregon.

 As a priest you should be aware that your words carry weight.  The final bill isn't completed and so even abortion could be broadened.  With so many things up in the air it doesn't seem prudent for you to condone this ghost legislation.

It also concerns me you say as a priest, if you couldn't have a martini that would mean life wouldn't be worth living for you. 

"What I have said is that if I cannot say another prayer, if I cannot give another hug, and if I cannot have another martini - then let me go."

As a priest, it would be have been more comforting if you had said "celebrating mass" would be one the main reason in making life so uncomfortable you'd like to be "let go", although the Lord will take you when he wants.  Unless you've given up these tenets of the faith.

Also, I suggest your main focus on the National Council on Aging, is getting correct information on the impact to the elderly of this health care "reform", get the Councils finances in order (check the Better Business Bureau)  and revisit the “Theology of Suffering”.  There is a conference that would guide you back to Church teaching.
Catholic Medical Association
Better Buiness Bureau Charity Review

Maybe you should not use your Catholic titles when speaking for the Council on the Aging until these issues are addressed.

May God Bless you,


NOW ONTO THE MONSIGNOR'S NEXT PROBLEM: THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

Better Business Bureau Charitable Network

BBB Wise Giving Report for National Council on Aging www.ncoa.org
BBB Wise Giving Report issued May 2009
BBB Wise Giving Report expires May 2011

NATIONAL COUNCIL ON AGING (NCOA) DOES NOT MEET THE FOLLOWING
Five Standards for Charity Accountability.

Standard 7: Board Approval of Written Report on Effectiveness - Submit to the organization's governing body, for its approval, a written report that outlines the results of the aforementioned performance and effectiveness assessment and recommendations for future actions.

· NCOA does not meet this Standard because although it has produced a written effectiveness assessment report, the report did not include recommendations for future actions and was not submitted for approval to the board of directors.

Standard 12: Detailed Functional Breakdown of Expenses - Include in the financial statements a breakdown of expenses (e.g., salaries, travel, postage, etc.) that shows what portion of these expenses was allocated to program, fund raising, and administrative activities. If the charity has more than one major program category, the schedule should provide a breakdown for each category.
NCOA does not meet this Standard because the organization's 2008 financial statements do not include a breakdown of natural expenses (e.g., salaries, travel, postage, etc.) that shows what portion of these expenses was allocated to program, fund raising, and administrative activities.
Standard 14: Budget - Have a board-approved annual budget for its current fiscal year, outlining projected expenses for major program activities, fund raising, and administration.
NCOA does not meet this Standard because the budget information provided by the organization does not clearly identify the projected amount to be spent on administrative activities.
Standard 16: Annual Report - Have an annual report available to all, on request, that includes: (a) the organization's mission statement, (b) a summary of the past year's program service accomplishments, (c) a roster of the officers and members of the board of directors, (d) financial information that includes (i) total income in the past fiscal year, (ii) expenses in the same program, fund raising and administrative categories as in the financial statements, and (iii) ending net assets.

· NCOA does not meet provision (d)(iii) of this Standard because its annual report does not identify its total end of year net assets

Standard 18: Privacy for Written Appeals & Internet Privacy - Address privacy concerns of donors by (a) providing in written appeals, at least annually, a means (e.g., such as a check off box) for both new and continuing donors to inform the charity if they do not want their name and address shared outside the organization, (b) providing a clear, prominent and easily accessible privacy policy on any of its websites that tells visitors (i) what information, if any, is being collected about them by the charity and how this information will be used, (ii) how to contact the charity to review personal information collected and request corrections, (iii) how to inform the charity (e.g., a check off box) that the visitor does not wish his/her personal information to be shared outside the organization, and (iv) what security measures the charity has in place to protect personal information.
NCOA does not meet provisions (b)(ii) and (iv) of this Standard since the privacy policy on its website, www.ncoa.org, does not include how to contact the charity to review personal information that the organization has collected about the individual and how to request corrections. The privacy policy also does not state what security measures the charity has in place to protect personal information provided by visitors.
NCOA meets the remaining provisions of this Standard.

In addition, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance requested but did not receive complete information on the organization’s finances and solicitation materials and is unable to verify the organization's compliance with the following 2Standards for Charity Accountability: 13 and 15.

Governance




Chief Executive : James P. Firman, President and CEO
Compensation*:$292,471


Chair of the Board: Msgr. Charles Fahey
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation: Priest

Board Size: 14
Paid Staff Size: 66

* 2007 salary

www.ncoa.org Can you DISCERN where the TIP OF THE ICEBERG IS GOING?

NCOA aims to bring together non-profit organizations, businesses and government to develop solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with organizations across the country to help seniors live independently, find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently and remain active in their communities. The five impact areas in which NCOA focuses their efforts for all older adults, with special focus on those who are disadvantaged and/or vulnerable are: healthy aging, to improve health and reduce disability; workforce development to increase participation in meaningful and rewarding work; civic engagement, to increase community service that enriches participants and is productive for society.; access to benefits to increase access to public and private benefits and resources; and long-term services and supports to enhance capacity to live in communities with dignity, choice and financial security.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We are going to learn just HOW far our discernment has been out of whack. The National Council on Aging seems innocent enough...is it? What about it's associations? We'll look into this organizations and more. It is NOT too late. With the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we can serve Christ's mission.

God Bless you and yours,
Carolyn

'Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy.'
Matthew 25-21

We are ALL "Called to Protect"...Parents Know Best.

“If the policies and programs to protect children from sexual abuse you have adopted are to achieve their full purpose, they need to be placed in a wider context. Children have a right to be educated in authentic moral values rooted in the dignity of the human person. We need to reassess urgently the values underpinning society so that a sound moral formation can be offered to young people and adults alike. Every member of society can contribute to this moral renewal and benefit from it. Truly caring about young people and the future of our civilization means recognizing our responsibility to promote and live by the authentic moral values which alone enable the human person to flourish.”


Pope Benedict XVI to Catholic Bishops of the United States on April 16, 2008 regarding the issue of the clergy sexual-abuse scandal.


Because of the serious concerns regarding the sex education/safe environment programs in the Archdiocese of Portland I sent Cathy Shannon, the Child Protection Director an email. This was almost a month ago and these programs are being implemented. Our common quest to protect the innocence and souls of children of the Archdiocese of Portland might have fallen on deaf ears.

While praying and waiting for a response I do believe, that the Superintendent of School, Robert Mizia is the next step. In the interim there are on going training sessions for adults. I am sending part of the letter from Rome indicating that this Archdiocese has a parental opt out policy for children, just to remind the facilitators of this fact.

Below is a copy of the letter I sent Cathy Shannon and the letter to those contact people responsible for the meetings. All policies regarding our children should be offered, as well as a mention of the opt-out policy on the Archdiocesan web page.
Archdiocese of Portland chlid policies - Child Protection web page.

********************************
Dear Cathy,

Since you are getting started with your new school year and the child protection programs, I was wondering if you would please consider adding "Healthy Families, Safe Children" as an option to your list. Go to Healthy Families/Safe Children for clips and an overview. According to the "Charter", each diocese can choose and develop their own list as long as it is in compliance with the Charter. This is a wonderful option.

This series would educate parents in how to have healthy families and thus keep their children safe..as the title of the program states. Thus, the Archdiocese would be central in the Church's mission to help the family in their role, as stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

The folks that put this together are in Oregon: Bishop Robert Vasa, Dr. Lee Harrington, Dr. Lynn Bissonnett-Pitre to name a few. This shows how Oregon does care about her children.

And finally, it's a truly Catholic option. The other programs that are on the list are simply modified for "religious" organizations. They also are suspect in their foundations and content as being Catholic-friendly and Archbishop Vlazny has agreed that parents can opt-put of these existing programs.

Since the Archbishop has given an opt-out option, would you please include this in your website and let those giving the workshops this information? This happened in March and it has still not been "advertised".

Thanks for all you do and for your kind consideration to these requests.

Carolyn Wendell
503-769-4767

***************************************************
EMAIL RECENTLY SENT TO FACILITATORS ON
"CALLED TO PROTECT" PROGRAM SCHEDULE ATTACHED

Dear Facilitator for the Safe Environment Program,

Thank you for caring for the children of the Archdiocese of Portland. However, there are many parents in Oregon who feel that these particular "safe environment" programs do not conform with the directives of our Church to actually protect the innocence of children and ensure parental control. This is a nationwide problem.

Vatican on Parents and Children
Catechism of the Catholic Church - The Fourth Commandment - Life in Christ
2229 As those first responsible for the education of their children, parents have the right to choose a school for them which corresponds to their own convictions. This right is fundamental. As far as possible parents have the duty of choosing schools that will best help them in their task as Christian educators.38 Public authorities have the duty of guaranteeing this parental right and of ensuring the concrete conditions for its exercise.

To help parents and their concerns, the Archdiocese has a parental "Opt-Out" provision. This was confirmed in a February 2009 letter from Rome to a concerned parent. Since there is no mention of this opt-out provision on the Archdiocesan Child Protection web page http://www.archdpdx.org/cpo/ or even in its March 2009 press release it seems necessary to make sure that you, the facilitators, are aware of the policy to be in compliance with the Archdiocese and Rome. Here is a portion of the letter. The entire letter is available if needed .

“It would appear that parents are able to seek an exemption from the Safe Touch programs offered in Catholic Schools within the Archdiocese of Portland on their own behalf and on behalf of their children, and that this is the policy of the Archdiocese.”
Archbishop Mauro Piacenza – Titular Archbishop of Vittoriana,
Secretary for Congregation of the Clergy.

Again, thank you for your dedication to the children of Oregon.

God Bless you,
Carolyn Wendell
503-769-4767

********************************************************************************

PEOPLE I CONACTED ABOUT THIS.....

Called to Protect Program Schedule Please check out the CYO web site link for additional training dates

Date Time Program Location Contact Person Contact Information


Sep 8 3:30 & 6:30 PM Parents and Ministries Queen of Peace School Debilyn Janota 503-362-3443
4227 Lone Oak Rd. SE. school@queenofpeacesalem.org
Salem, OR 97302

Sep 10 4:00 PM Parents and Ministries St. Agatha School Sarah Lutz 503-234-5500
Must RSVP 7960 SE 15th Ave. sarah.lutz@stagatha.us
School Library Portland, OR 97202

Sep 12 12:00 PM Parents and Ministers St. Alice Church Jason Roebuck 541-747-7041
1520 F St. jroebuck@archdpdx.org
Springfield, OR 97477

Sep 12 10:00 AM Parents and Ministries St. John the Baptist School Dana Day 503-654-0200
Video: School Library 10956 SE 25th Ave. ddaysjb@msn.com
Milwaukie, OR 97222

Sep 12 6:30 PM Parents and Ministries Holy Trinity School Melissa Core 503-644-5748
Fireside Room 13755 SW Walker Rd.
Beaverton, OR 07005

Sep 13 11:00 AM Parents and Ministries Queen of Peace Church Tricia Boyle 503-364-7202
4170 Pullman Ave. SE. Lana@queenofpeacesalem.org
Salem, OR 97302

Sep 13 1:00 PM Parents and Ministries Ascension Catholic Church Sharon Grigar 503-256-3897
Must RSVP 7507 SE Yamhill St. sharon-ascension@qwestoffice.net
Conference Room Portland, OR 97215

Sep 15 6:30 PM Parents and Ministries St. John the Baptist School Dana Day 503-654-0200
Video: School Library 10956 SE 25th Ave. ddaysjb@msn.com
Milwaukie, OR 97222

Sep 16 4:00 PM Parents and Ministries St. Agatha School Sarah Lutz 503-234-5500
Must RSVP 7960 SE 15th Ave. sarah.lutz@stagatha.us
School Library Portland, OR 97202

Sep 16 6:30 PM Parents and Ministries St. John the Apostle Parish Mike Adams 503-742-8201
Parish Center 417 Washington St. sjamikeadams@aol.com
Oregon City, OR 97045

Sep. 16 7:00 PM Parents and Ministries St. Paul Church Mary Ann Lamb 541-686-2345
1201 Satre St.
Eugene, OR 97401

Sep 16 6:30 PM Parents and Ministries The Madeleine School/Parish Barbara Stanton 503-288-9197
Parish Hall 3123 NE 24th Ave.
Portland OR 97212

Sep 16 8:00 PM Parents and Ministries Queen of Peace School Dabilyn Janota 503-362-3443
4227 Lone Oak Rd. SE. school@queenofpeacesalem.org
Salem, OR 97302

Sep. 17 9:00 AM Parents and Ministries Pastoral Center Ceil Fessler 503-233-8391
This class is in Spanish 2838 E. Burnside St. Sr. Guadalupe Medina cfessler@archdpdx.org
Room 8 Portland, OR 97214

Sep 17 6:30 PM Parents and Ministries Our Lady of the Mountain Evelyn Tucker 541-482-1146
This class is bilingual 987 Hillview Dr.
Parish Hall Ashland, OR 97520

Sep 19 11:30 AM Parents and Ministries St. Juan Diego Parish Bridget Becker 503-644-1617
St. Pius X Community Center 1280 NW Saltzman Rd. bbecker@stjuandiego.org
Portland, OR 97229

Sep 20 12:00 PM Parents and Ministries St. Andrew Catholic Church April Sandoval 503-281-4429
St. Andrew Nativity School 806 NE Alberta St. asandoval@archdpdx.org
Portland, OR 97211

Sep 21 6:00 PM Parents and Ministries St. James Church Engracia Arellano 503-472-5232
This class is in Spanish 1145 NE First St.
Fireside Room McMinnville, OR 97128

Sep 22 6:00 PM Parents and Ministries St. Agatha School Sarah Lutz 503-234-5500
Must RSVP 7960 SE 15th Ave. sarah.lutx@stagatha.us
School Library Portland, OR 97202

Sep 22 6:00 PM Parents and Ministries St. James Church Sandra Van Bergen 503-472-5232
This Class is in English 1145 NE First St.
Fireside Room McMinnville, OR 97128

Sep 23 6:30 PM Parents and Ministries St. Andrew Catholic Church April Sandoval 503-281-4429
St. Andrew Nativity School 806 NE Alberta St. asandoval@archdpdx.org
Portland, OR 97211

Sep 23 7:00 PM Parents and Ministries St. Paul Church Mary Ann Lamb 541-686-2345
1201 Satre St.
Eugene, OR 97401

Sep. 24 2:00 PM Parents and Ministries Pastoral Center Ceil Fessler 503-233-8391
Room 4 2838 E. Burnside St. cfessler@archdpdx.org
Portland, OR 97214

Sep 30 1:30 PM Parents and Ministries St. John Fisher Merrit Holub 503-452-8570
Parish Center 7007 SW 46th Ave.
Portland, OR 97219

Sep 30 6:00 PM Parents and Ministries St. John Fisher Merrit Holub 503-452-8570
Parish Center 7007 SW 46th Ave.
Portland, OR 97219

Sep 30 6:30 PM Parents and Ministries La Salle College Prep. Mary Neil 503-496-1761
School Library 11999 SE Fuller Rd. mneil@lshigh.org
Milwaukie, OR 97222

Oct 6 6:00 PM Parents and Ministries St. Luke School Emily Humm 503-981-7441
529 Harrison St.
Woodburn, OR 97071

Oct 6 6:30 PM Parents and Ministries The Madeleine School/Parish Barbara Stanton 503-288-9197
3123 NE 24th Ave.
Portland, OR 97212

Oct 12 10:00 AM Parents and Ministries Pastoral Center Ceil Fessler 503-233-8391
Room 4 2838 E. Burnside St. cfessler@archdpdx.org
Portland, OR 97214

Oct 13 8:15 AM Parents and Ministries St. AnthonySchool School Office 503-639-4179
Video - Cafeteria 12645 SW Pacific Hwy.
Tigard, OR 97223

Oct 13 5:30 PM Parents and Ministries St. Anthony School School Office 503-639-4179
Video - Library 12645 SW Pacific Hwy
Tigard, OR 97223

Oct 22 4:00 PM Parents and Ministries St. Agatha School Sarah Lutz 503-234-5500
Must RSVP 7960 SE 15th Ave. sara.lutz@stagatha.us
School Library Portland, OR 97202

Oct 27-28 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Train the Trainer Ceil Fessler 503-233-8391
cfessler@archdpdx.org
Eugene, OR

Nov 1 9:15 AM English Parents Ascension Catholic Church Sharon Grigar 503-256-3897
Must RSVP 7507 SE Yamhill St. sharon-ascension@qwestoffice.net
Conference Room Portland, OR 97215

Nov 10 8:15 AM Parents and Ministries St. Anthony School School Office 503-639-4179
Video - Cafeteria 12645 SW Pacific Hwy
Tigard, OR 97223

Nov 10 5:30 PM Parents and Ministries St. Anthony School School Office 503-639-4179
Video - Library 12645 SW Pacific Hwy.
Tigard, OR 97223

Nov 10 2:30 PM Parents and Ministries Pastoral Center Ceil Fessler 503-233-8391
Room 4 2838 E. Burnside St. cfessler@archdpdx.org
Portland, OR 97214

Dec 4 10:00 AM Parents and Ministries Pastoral Center Ceil Fessler 503-233-8391
Room 4 2838 E. Burnside St. cfessler@archdpdx.org
Portland, OR 97214

Dec 15 4:00 PM Parents and Ministries St. Agatha School Sarah Lutz 503-234-5500
Must RSVP 7960 SE 15th Ave. sarah.lutz@stagatha.us
School Library Portland, OR 97202

Jan 7 6:30 PM Parents and Ministries The Madeleine School/Parish Susan Steele 503-288-9197
3123 NE 24th Ave.
Portland, OR 97212

Jan 17 9:45 AM Parents & Ministries Queen of Peace Church Tricia Boyle 503-364-7202
4170 Pullman Ave. SE. Lana@queenofpeacesalem.org
Salem, OR 97302

Feb 2 6:00 PM Parents and Ministries St. Agatha School Sarah Lutz 503-234-5500
MUST RSVP 7960 SE 15th Ave. sarah.lutz@stagatha.us
School Library Portland, OR 97202

Apr 6 4:00 PM Parents and Ministries St. Agatha School Sarah Lutz 503-234-5500
Must RSVP 7960 SE 15th Ave. sarah.lutz@stagatha.us
School Library Portland, OR 97202

Archdpdx "Safe Touch" Opt-Out Documentation: Why Not Implement it? Great options part one.

“It would appear that parents are able to seek an exemption from the Safe Touch programs offered in Catholic Schools within the Archdiocese of Portland on their own behalf and on behalf of their children, and that this is the policy of the Archdiocese.”
Mauro Piacenza – Titular Archbishop of Vittoriana, Secretary for Congregation of the Clergy
+++++++++
Dear Advocates for Life,

Permission has been granted for any parents who want to opt out their children from the Archdiocese of Portland's "Safe Environments" programs. To be sent a complete copy of the original letter from Rome please email me.

These programs have caused much distress among many families throughout the United States. The great question is who is choosing these programs and why are they all NOT in compliance with the Catechism of the Catholic church's message and common sense of protecting the innocence of children. No matter what the culture of the day is.

Most (85%) of the sexual abuse cases levied at some priests and bishops of the Church are homosexual in nature and yet we see a homosexual connection in these programs that could be considered its promotion.

The USCCB website http://www.usccb.org/nrb/johnjaystudy/ describes what is expected of all dioceses. The website for USCCB Office of Child and Youth Protection http://www.usccb.org/ocyp/websafe.shtml has many questions with answers, one is :


"Who evaluates the results of the background investigation and determines if the individual is suitable for work with children?"
Below are some of the programs used in the Archdiocese of Portland. Each has a problem recognized as inappropriate for the true safety of the innocence of children. Go to the Link above for more information on the pro-homosexual propaganda and suspect beginnings. These are just a sampling of what should have been sending up red flags to the USCCB. Are THEY doing any background investigation?

Praesedium/Armatus  http://www.praesidiuminc.com/

Jane Hickerson, PhD, Executive VP of Praesidium - co-authored a book on Gay, Lesbian, Transgendered persons, for graduate and undergraduate college students. Here are some links regarding her field of expertise.Homosexual Connections for kids?
More "gay" connections.tive-authors.html

"Armatus covers sensitive material, including sexual and physical abuse. If you find the content disturbing, please discuss your concerns with your supervisor. Thank you for your commitment to protecting those in your care."

Talk About Touching - Committee for Children

THE COMMITTEE FOR CHILDREN
The genesis of the "Talking about Touching" curriculum provides a fascinating case study in how secular forces - and highly questionable forces at that come into play within a Catholic-school curriculum.

The curriculum was funded by the State of Washington and produced by the Seattle-based Committee for Children. This committee is a non-profit organization that grew out of 1970s group called Judicial Advocates for Women, which itself originally grew out of Seattle COYOTE, and whose initial mission was to "educate the public about the realities of prostitution."

In fact, COYOTE is an acronym for "Call Off Your Old Tired Ethics;" the group was founded in 1973 "to work for the repeal of the prostitution laws and an end to the stigma associated with sexual work." As of 1997, Seattle COYOTE's executive director was Catherine LaCroix, who billed herself as a "Dianic Wiccan priestess" and a "Shameless Sacred Whore."

In one scene, a kindergartener asks his mother, "Mommy, what is sex?," to which the celluloid mom responds, "Sex is when two people get undressed and rub their private parts together." One woman who attended the screening later voiced her disgust with chancery officials: "What is Catholic about this program?

See the links above - "Safe Touch - Talk about Touching"
Catholic Medical Association - "Talk about Touching "
Boy Scout Videos
Show scenarios of abuse which have caused distress in some children and were considered inappropriate by the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women in PDX in a letter to Archbishop Vlazny after a three month study.

VIRTUS - Protecting God's Children

The Abusing God's Children..Abusisng God's Children
++++++++++
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in 2006 responded to the primacy of parents to educate their children and help them as the parents feel is the correct way with this response:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a little-noticed, single paragraph released May 15 on its web site, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops reversed the policy adopted by numerous dioceses across America that had subjected Catholic schoolchildren to mandatory “sex-abuse-education” classes.

“New regulations issued May 15 by the U.S. bishops allow parents to remove their children from diocesan-sponsored training programs in child sex-abuse prevention,” said the announcement from the U.S. bishops’ Catholic News Service (CNS).

And the announcement appeared on the very day that the Vatican announced the acceptance by Pope Benedict XVI of the resignation of Washington’s Theodore Cardinal McCarrick, an outspoken supporter of those education programs.

In fact, Cardinal McCarrick had ordered all archdiocesan Catholic schools to expel any children whose parents refused to allow their children into the secular “Child Lures” program that was mandatory until the May 15 announcement apparently reversed it.
www.wandererpress.com 5-25-06
++++++++++

Cat Willett gone from Justice and Peace Office: A Chance for LIFE?

Dear Advocates for Life,

Catherine "Cat" Willett has left as director of the Office of Justice and Peace for the Archdpdx. By Monday, July 12th, it is said that a new person will take her place. This has not happened yet and I pray that Archbishop Vlazny and Mary Jo Tully will think about the need for a Respect Life Office and one for Marriage and Family Life.

For decades the "Justice and Peace" Office has been the depository of our Catholic collection plate monies with NO financial help, NO budget when Father Cihak was "Respect Life Director", no staff, no real "respect" for unborn life. Our families have not had a director since Jay Wonacott left many years ago.

Out of the Office of Justice and Peace has flowed the river of lopsided "justice", none for the weakest, the unborn. Through it we still link arms with Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon and other ultra liberal anti-Catholic groups that saps us of funds and strength. Regarding the "Catholic" Campaign for Human Development, this office still hasn't answered who's on the committee to choose groups that receive Catholic money. Over 90% of them aren't Catholic and we've given tens of thousands of dollars to ACORN and Saul Alinsky type groups over and over again. Is there a conflict, why the secrecy?

There is pending legislation on the Federal level regarding abortion, and last session in Oregon we had a man who was pro-abortion as the lobbyist for us. In this age of confusion regarding Life Issues and thus the loss of immortal Souls, the vast responsibility for this is falling on the priests, please pray for their continued holiness and conversion, as well as ours. May Christ's Light shine on those making decisions. There is so much at stake.

We pray for Cat Willett, that her life will be blessed and directed by the Holy Spirit.

"Better that only a few Catholics should be left, staunch and sincere in their religion, than that they should, remaining many, desire as it were, to be in collusion with the Church's enemies and in conformity with the open foes of our faith."
-St. Peter Canisius (1521-1597)

"When there is an imminent danger for the Faith, Prelates must be questioned,
even publicly, by their subjects."
-St. Thomas Aquinas

Jesus promised He would never leave us.

Is "John Stephen" considered a real boy to the 2009 Legislature?

Dear Advocates for Life, As the end of the 2009 Session ends it doesn't look like the bill to acknowledge a crime in which an unborn child is a victim of violence is going to make it off of the desk of Senator Devlin. John Stephen was cut from his mothers womb and both died by this action. His mother's death deemed murder, however, his life seems to be a vapor...The Majority of legislators in Salem don't see him as a real boy and feel any need to protect him. It is frightening to realize that these men and women are in charge of our lives, common sense is lost on them..they have hardened their.hearts. We can never lose hope so...please keep praying and let your those in power know how you feel. Like a drop of water that wears away a stone, may our prayers change their hearts to those of flesh. sen.petercourtney@state.or.us sen.richarddevlin@state.or.us You can always go to http://www.leg.state.or.us/index.html and contact all the legislators. Their contact info is all there. I'll have a wrap up of the 2009 Session next week when SINE DIE should take place. (Lat. The final adjournment of a legislative session, without adjourning to a specific time or date;) Prayer request..Please pray for the 41st Battalion of the Oregon National Guard. They are going to deploy for Iraq from Ft. Stewart in Georgia. We don't have a priest for them, so they need our prayers for spiritual direction and protection. Our son is among the soldiers and I thank you for any prayers for them, especially for those who have no faith. God Bless you and yours, Carolyn Perseverance... keeps honor bright: to have done, is to hang quite out of fashion, like a rusty nail in monumental mockery. ~William Shakespeare