Pope Alarm. Get Notified When "Habemus Papam"

POPE ALARM

Facebook: Pope Alarm

9th ANNUAL WOMAN'S MARIAN RETREAT for Baker Diocese

Diocese of Baker's Full Retreat Info. 

9th ANNUAL WOMAN'S MARIAN RETREAT
"And the power went out from Him: the healing grace of the Eucharist"
The Healing Grace of THE EUCHARIST"
"...My God, I Believe, I Adore, I Hope, and I Love You..."
                                       ANGEL OF PEACE FATIMA PRAYER

 

 

WOMAN'S SILENT RETREAT
Friday, March 15 through Monday, March 18th.
Guest Speaker, Dr. Lynn Bissonnette will speak on:    Faith in Jesus the Divine Physician - Faith in the Eucharist 
    The Medicine for Eternal Life 
    Faith to Transform my Malformed Conscience 
    Evagrius, the Monk, whose Faith Changed the World 

 

Diocese of Baker Powell Butte Retreat and Conference Center
14427 SW Alfalfa Road - Powell Butte, Oregon

 

 

A Papal Two Weeks Notice - A Lesson in Urgency

by CM LeMark, MA Theology (an advisor of VOCAL)

If Our Lady of Lourdes had told the peasant girl Bernadette, "I am the Immaculate Conception" only three days later, Pope Benedict VXI would have made it exactly fourteen days before he hung up his miter. No doubt the culmination of months, perhaps years, of prayer and planning; Our Holy Father made a humble, wise and tactical decision to resign.

He gave his two weeks notice.

Why the hurry?  Why the timing? With a little bit of pondering, and understanding that he has been a present and proactive Pontiff for eight years, it is simple to see why he has chosen this course of action. Our Holy Father is protecting his flock.  He is protecting us all from the rapidity of evil that threatens to steal souls; from the human elements of the Church that have yet to be redeemed (even in her hierarchy); and the future Pontiff from isolation.

With the news of his resignation, the entire Church, indeed the world, was shocked.   From the Catholic school kid to the closest Cardinal aide, we were all in this one together. No advising. No politicking.  No distraction.

 In this rising tide of evil, there is no time to lose.

He knows that were he to become incapacitated mentally (from either disease, fatigue or age), that the powers that be around him would be the ones calling the shots.  Who knows how long he could be a figurehead of sorts?  What crisis would be allowed to take root and steal more souls?  Cardinals and Papal aides are not protected by the Holy Spirit with infallibility.  The last thing this "news-in-real-time world" needs is more confusion on the Catholic take on evil. He is hardly running from any type of noble suffering. Indeed, the "papacy involves prayer and suffering," he says in his letter, but he will do that without a miter regardless.

There is no time to lose.

He knows that the death watch of a pope, especially in perilous times as these, can take days, months and years. Facebook posts abound, a reality TV show could take root, and the twitter-verse is unrelenting.  As he deteriorates, the powers that be can plot, plan and negotiate dealings, and waste efforts trying to thwart the movement of the Spirit. There is no time to lose.

He knows that the prescribed period of mourning, the Papal Funeral Mass and the hobnobbing between heads of state, international players and Church officials cut deals and speculate on the Conclave ahead.  These required events alone, while incredibly beautiful, take weeks away from the careful navigation of this great Ark of the Church. In these times of rapid technology, history is in the making in real time, and millions witness that horror.  The waves are getting higher, the winds are stronger and jagged rocks are increasing…There is no time to lose.

He knows that by only giving two weeks, Cardinals from around the world are hustling and bustling to put their local affairs in order for a time of absence in their respective dioceses, to ready for the conclave.  The short time frame cannot eliminate deals, negotiations and the like, but when you are tight on time, you cut to the chase. A papal resignation with only two weeks notice gives the unavoidable politicking a restricted time limit.  When we humans are limited, it is then that the Holy Spirit can really do His stuff. There is no time to lose.

He knows that they can't even delay the conclave very long (for incognito deliberations) due to Holy Week! Right now, the College of Cardinals has to plan backwards, in a sense. They need to figure the most fitting and appropriate day for the Papal Mass, and plan before that.  This can't go on long.  Pope Benedict is telling his brothers in the College of Cardinals that there will be a new Pontiff by the third week of March.  There must be.  His Pontificate will begin in Lent. He will carry the Cross in the Coliseum. There is no time to lose.

He knows that the Vatican can be a very lonely place to be.  He knows that he  cannot entrust his innermost thoughts to those he lives with day to day; perhaps it is distrust or even the desire not to burden one with a weight he alone carries.  He knows that the evil that the next Pope faces will even be more horrific than he has confronted.  He knows the new Vicar of Christ must have what he doesn't have right now: physical strength and a friend. By resigning his papacy, and remaining in a cloister within the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI has ensured that  the new Roman Pontiff  will have both.

There is no doubt that the beautiful lady that little Bernadette Soubiroux saw in the grotto that day had a hand in all this. She is the bride, she is the mother.  She sees the present situation the Church finds herself in, and the tides that are coming in and no doubt gave the green light to our beloved Pontiff.  By his resignation, he has made the tactical decision to protect his flock by laying his life down for his friends.

Prayer for the Church from the Knights of Columbus.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Supreme Pastor of Your Church,
we thank you for the ministry of Pope Benedict XVI
and the selfless care with which he has led us
as Successor of Peter, and Your Vicar on earth.

Good Shepherd, who founded Your Church
on the rock of Peter’s faith
and have never left Your flock untended,
look with love upon us now,
and sustain Your Church in faith, hope, and charity.

Grant, Lord Jesus, in Your boundless love for us,
a new Pope for Your Church
who will please You by his holiness
and lead us faithfully to You,
who are the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Amen.

Papal Nuncio to the US, the celebrant for Archbishop Sample's Installation Mass.

 Papal Nuncio to the United States , Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigan,  will be celebrating the Installation Mass of Archbishop Alexander K. Sample on Tuesday, April 2nd at the Chiles Center, Univeristy of Portland campus.   Everyone is welcome and the mass starts at 2pm. 

We are very blessed to have the Papal Nuncio in Oregon.  This seems to be a statement from Rome that Oregon is very important.  This is somewhat obvious because of all the attention to this spiritual wasteland with the gift of Archbishop Alexander K. Sample. 

Western Oregon is now, Sede Vacante along side of our Universal Church since recently have no Archbishop.  We await Archbishop Sample whom we know and our new Holy Father who we will soon.  This is a great time to be alive.  See you April 2nd.

 

 

 

 

Archdiocese of Portland's Last Lousy Legislative Loo-Loo, God Willing.

For the first time the Archdiocese of Portland has set a comprehensive legislative agenda for Oregon Catholics, but wait...it looks just like the Office of Justice and Peace's playbook, not much else.

There is legislation in the works to put same-sex marriage on the Oregon agenda but no mention of opposition to this at all.  Since the Archdiocese has long roots embedded in Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon and their member churches which include the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (pro-homosexual activity) this doesn't surprise anyone.  I don't believe any anti-abortion policies are reflected in any of the churches.

Our last lobbyist for Oregon Catholic Conference was Roger Martin.  He apparently hasn't changed his pro-abortion position in the many years he represented the Archdiocese of Portland.  We desperately need a change in so many positions. 

Now the Office of Justice and Peace is again trying to look professional with this ad, when it is really just like the same old thing.  But...let's pray this is the last time.

We used to have an Office of Marriage and Family life to balance things out.

Archdiocese of Portland - Office of the Archbishop 2013 State Legislative Agenda In the Catholic tradition, government has a positive role because of its responsibility to serve the common good, provide a safety net for the vulnerable, and help overcome discrimination and ensure equal opportunity for all. In this tradition, and after consultation with the Board of Advisers of the Oregon Catholic Conference, the Archdiocese of Portland urges you to support its 2013 State Legislative Agenda by contacting your State Senators and Representatives THE FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLE OF OUR CATHOLIC FAITH IS THAT HUMAN LIFE IS SACRED AND ACCORDED HUMAN DIGNITY. BEGINNING OF LIFE: OUR POSITION: In support of life and dignity, we oppose SB490, the effect of which would be to discourage clients from entering pregnancy resource centers. BEGINNING OF LIFE: OUR POSITION: In support of life and dignity, we support SB553, which places restrictions on aborting unborn life after the 20th week. HUMAN TRAFFICKING: LABOR TRAFFICKING/SEX TRAFFICKING (TEENAGE PROSTITUTION): OUR POSITION: Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery for the purpose of sexual exploitation or forced labor. It violates the dignity of these victims. We support HB2021, which makes it illegal to traffic in illegal aliens. We support HB2780 and HB2334, which makes it a crime to facilitate sex tourism and prostitution. DEATH PENALTY: OUR POSITION: All life is sacred, including those on death row. We support HRJ1, submitting for the vote of the Oregon people a constitutional amendment to repeal and prohibit the death penalty. WHILE THE COMMON GOOD EMBRACES ALL, THOSE WHO ARE WEAK, VULNERABLE, AND MOST IN NEED DESERVE PREFERENTIAL CONCERN. EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT: OUR POSITION: The Catholic bishops have been strong supporters of the Earned Income Tax Credit for many years. This essential program assists workers and families raising children to provide the necessities of life. We support increased funding for EITC and urge support of SB507, HB2477 and SB326. TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE TO NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF): OUR POSITION: We oppose any attempts to decrease funding for TANF or limit eligibility requirements so that TANF better serves families and individuals in need to help them make a successful transition to work and provide adequately for themselves and their family. We urge our state legislature to restore cuts to TANF in the DHS budget, in particular JOBS Support Services, the 60-month time limit and cuts to funding for immigrants and refugees. We urge opposition to HB2055. DEBT COLLECTION PROTECTION: OUR POSITION: The existence of a debt that is owed and past-due does not justify an unfair process or the imposition of a severe, unjust penalty. We support SB525/HB2826 to ensure a fair process and just results. EMPLOYMENT-RELATED DAY CARE: OUR POSITION: We support Governor Kitzhaber's budget proposal to increase funding for employment-related day care. The Employment Related Day Care program low-income working families pay for child care. Progress against hunger requires broader efforts to reduce poverty, which includes removing obstacles to employment such as day care. FORECLOSURES: OUR POSITION: We urge our state legislators to support foreclosure prevention initiatives that protect families at risk of losing their homes and ensure a fair process that protects a basic human right: shelter. We support SB73, SB367 and SB368. WAGE THEFT: OUR POSITION: Wage theft is the illegal practice of not paying workers for some or all of their work. We support state policies that will strengthen protections and close loopholes in current employment law to guarantee that all workers are paid the wages they have legally earned. We support state policies that will ensure that enforcement mechanisms are effective at holding unlawful employers accountable. We encourage passage of HB2976, HB2977, HB3142 and SB573. AFFORDABLE HOUSING: OUR POSITION: Communities and the government have an obligation to ensure the housing needs of all are met, especially poor and vulnerable people and their families. While we support the right to private property we do not support using this right to discriminate against poor and vulnerable people. We support SB410 prohibiting discrimination based on receiving particular Section 8 vouchers. THE GOSPEL MANDATE TO "WELCOME THE STRANGER" REQUIRES CATHOLICS TO CARE FOR AND STAND WITH IMMIGRANTS, BOTH DOCUMENTED AND UNDOCUMENTED, INCLUDING IMMIGRANT CHILDREN. TUITION EQUITY FOR IMMIGRANT STUDENTS: OUR POSITION: The Tuition Equity Bill is about fairness to high school graduates who were brought to this country unlawfully through no fault of their own, since they came with their parents. Despite achieving their high school diploma, they have no options. HB2787 has passed. We encourage passage of SB10. DRIVER LICENSE, DRIVER PERMIT OR IDENTIFICATION CARD TO PERSON ISSUED DEFERRED ACTION STATUS: OUR POSITION: We support HB3226, which authorizes the Department of Transportation to issue driver license, driver permit or identification cards to persons issued deferred action status (DACA) by United States Department of Homeland Security. FARM WORKER HOUSING TAX CREDIT: OUR POSITION: Society must all do more to meet a shared obligation to provide safe and decent housing for all. We support HB2980/SB323 to encourage the creation and rehabilitation of affordable agriculture workforce housing ensures quality homes for vulnerable people by extending the Farm Worker Housing Tax Credit to 2020. WE HAVE A MORAL OBLIGATION TO PROTECT THE PLANET ON WHICH WE LIVE - TO RESPECT GOD'S CREATION AND ENSURE A SAFE AND HOSPITABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR HUMAN BEINGS, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN AT THEIR MOST VULNERABLE STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT. IDENTIFICATION AND DISCLOSURE OF CHEMICALS HARMFUL TO CHILDREN: OUR POSITION: Among the most vulnerable and most susceptible to the effects of environmental hazards are children. Because children may be exposed to environmental hazards at an earlier age than adults, even before they are born, they can develop slowly-progressing, environmentally-triggered diseases such as asthma, childhood cancer, mercury and lead poisoning. We urge support for HB3162 as the first step in increasing awareness of toxic chemicals in children's products.

justiceandpeace@archdpdx.org Archdiocese of Portland | 2838 E. Burnside Street | Portland | OR | 97214