"Capital Campaign" Coercion in the Pews.

"Coercion (pronounced /koʊˈɜrʃən/) is the practice of forcing another party to behave in an involuntary manner (whether through action or inaction) by use of threats,or rewards intimidation or some other form of pressure or force. Such actions are used as leverage, to force the victim to act in the desired way. Coercion may involve the actual infliction of physical pain/injury or psychological harm in order to enhance the credibility of a threat. The threat of further harm may lead to the cooperation or obedience of the person being coerced." Wikipedia

Dear Advocates for Life,

Now, the $50,000,000.00 five-year Archdiocese of Portland Capital Campaign...in addition as well as 10% our regular Sunday collection and all the other ways we give during mass including the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) .

The coercion:

1.  Changing the Liturgy of the Mass to raise funds through prayers and spiels during Mass, which is against the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM)

2.  Using psychological pressure to force funding this Campaign.

3.  Secular value on human beings according to the amount they give to the Archdiocese Capital Campaign.

4.  Invasion of privacy.

5.  What could be seen as "veiled threat" regarding campaign visit to every Catholic household to assure giving.

6.  Threat of penalizing priests who don't produce 120% above regular funds from their pews.

7.  Hiring people to do this for approximately 10% of the total of $50,000,000. or $5,000,000.

8.  Using parishioners collection plate to refill the coffers from the Sex scandal where the homosexual "climate" continues.

The Real Reason? Bottom Line.
Archbishop Vlazny's Catholic Sentinel Article on Capital Campaign 
"We’re doing it because the need is now and, frankly, I don’t have much time left. I certainly want my successor to be able to come in here and actively challenge all of us to work together to evangelize all the people of western Oregon, beginning with ourselves.  It will take a new bishop time to get to know all of you and I hope and pray that he will be able to focus on our number one priority, namely, growing in holiness.  During my tenure, the needs have been more mundane and our resources required for mission were diminished and need to be replenished."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Click on "Sharing Our Faith" - Manual on Capital Campaign   (Sixty pages so takes a while to download.) 


Page 2
 "The aim of the campaign is to further educate the parishioners
to the concept of giving back—of sharing with the Lord the gifts He has provided—and to
incorporate this philosophy of giving in the archdiocese. In addition, the campaign will
address archdiocesan and individual parish needs"

Page 3 "The Archdiocese of Portland retained the services of the Steier Group, a Catholic fund raising and development firm, to help manage the campaign." 
Steier Group says:  "We assign a team of professionals to each client. Your campaign manager will be dedicated to your project – and only your project – throughout the effort and will handle the day-to-day campaign activities. Your campaign manager will be directly supervised by a campaign services director, as well as our CEO, Jim Steier. Your campaign manager will be supported by a staff of public relations and media specialists, full-time graphic designers, full-time grant writers and experts in planned giving, direct mail appeals, online fundraising, stewardship programs, major gift solicitations and event planning."

Page 4
"120% of collections are goal or parish will be penalized without a good reason.
+75% collected to Archdiocese and 25% for parish
Parishes will be asked to make every effort to achieve their goal. A parish
seeking to adjust its target must provide the archdiocese with justification
for the adjustment in order to be approved by the Archbishop.
     Plans to raise funds for new construction or renovation must be approved by
the Archbishop in writing........"
"If a parish follows the recommended campaign procedures, the parish will not be assessed any financial penalty if it does not reach its campaign target."  Any Funds Over Targeted Amount are Divided 50/50 Archdiocese and parish.
____________________________________________________


Apparently removed....

Page 4.  Annual Archbishop Catholic Appeal   The Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal (ACA) will be conducted during the Capital Campaign. Ministries and programs remain in need of the funds generated by
the ACA. The ACA and the capital campaign may fund similar needs.
Extensive communications and marketing is planned to clearly explain the need for
such levels of funding."

VOCAL - Maybe the "extensive communications and marketing cannot be clearly explained.

Remember:

The Archbishop's Annual Appeal spends almost $400,000 to oversee the yearly $3,600,000.00 (that includes one million dollars from Oregon Catholic Press as a grant.
We can only imagine what it costs for $50,000,000.00 overseen for five years.  It will assure those involved a hefty salary for five years. Funded by us.
Who's on this payroll and committees from the Archdiocese and laity?
________________________________________________

Page 7
Parishioners are judged on giving abilities.  Large Donors are "courted".
VI. Donor Evaluation
· All parishioners will be evaluated and assigned to a specific campaign phase
and section based on their gift request for the five-year campaign.
· Whereas the evaluation needs to include local knowledge regarding the
donors’ ability to give, each family’s current annual adult envelope giving will
provide a starting point for the evaluation.
· To assist in the evaluation of donors, the following matrix will be employed at
the parish-level (and the Steier Group will train parish administrative
assistants and secretaries in the use of the matrix):
INDIVIDUAL
ANNUAL OFFERTORY
CAMPAIGN CODING
GIFT REQUEST AMOUNT
(per year/total five-year pledge)

May the new Archbishop care for all of us equally without judging us on how much we give financially.

You of little faith! 31 “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ 32 “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 6:31-33

Bishop Skylstad replaces Bishop Vasa in Diocese of Baker, OR

Bishop William Skylstad will replace Bishop Robert Vasa.  He will serve as the Apostolic Administor.  Bishop William Skylstad

From Wiki : "Apostolic administrators of stable administrations are equivalent in canon law with diocesan bishops, meaning they have essentially the same authority as a diocesan bishop. This type of apostolic administrator is usually the bishop of a titular see.

Administrators sede vacante or sede plena only serve in their role until a newly chosen diocesan bishop takes possession of the diocese. They are restricted by canon law in what they can do to the diocese they temporarily administer. For example, such an administrator may not sell real estate owned by the diocese. This type of administrator is commonly an auxiliary bishop of the diocese, a priest serving as the vicar general of the diocese, or the ordinary of a neighboring diocese.

Normally when a diocese falls vacant a vicar capitular/diocesan administrator is chosen locally, but the Pope, having full governmental power, can preempt this choice and name an apostolic administrator instead. Sometimes a retiring bishop is designated to be apostolic administrator until his successor takes office."

Bishop Vasa will have his last mass and a reception on Sunday, February 27, 2011 at the Youth Retreat Center, Powell Butte .

'And we know that to them that love God, all things work together unto good, to such as, according to his purpose, are called to be saints.'
Douay-Rheims Bible

Archdpdx Lobbyist Voting to LEGALIZE ABORTION Hired Again / New Pro-life Bills

This email is quite like the first "Archdpdx Lobbyist Voted to LEGALIZE ABORTION....".  The years have changed but the main problems have remained......(see former post for articles)

     During the 2007 Legislative Session VOCAL reported that Roger Martin, the replacement lobbyist for long time Oregon Catholic Conference's Bob Castagna, voted to legalize abortion when he was a legislator in 1969. Abortion became legal in Oregon after that vote.

In 1970, Martin sponsored a bill to bar husbands or parents from being informed when an abortion was to be performed on the wife/child. That bill failed, but how responsible is he for the fact that we now have NO parental notification? There has been no confirmation from the Archdiocese or fellow lobbyists that he has changed his views. The Archdiocese of Portland still has   hope for a "conversion".

The "Respect Life Office" has now been swallowed by the Office of Respect Life, Justice and Peace and their "seamless garment" view of Life. Only the name has changed there's still no budget for a solely unborn protection focus.  This seems to protect the Archdpdx from being embarrassed on how little the babies are valued.  Matt Cato is head of this office, but is lacking education in this area.

There is now a $50 million Archdiocese Capitol Campaign that puts the $3.5 Archbishop's Catholic Appeal (ACA) on hold for now.  Are we replacing depleted coffers due to the scandals?

It cost around $350,000 or 10% of the ACA to raise the money.  How much will it cost to raise $50,000,000 for the Archdiocese Capital Campaign, $5,000,000?  Is there a plea to help the unborn in this?

Eleven to twelve babies are killed through abortion each day in Oregon. How many Catholic babies are in these numbers? How many babies and their mothers would even a drop of money save? Catholics want to pay for Catholic, Christ-centered values
.
There are three bills now being drafted sponsored by Oregon Right to Life for this legislative session. They don't have the title wording or bill number yet but they are for:

1. Putting an opt-out clause for the funding of abortion in President Obama's health care plan.
2. Having abortion "clinics" included in current clinic health regulations.  They have always been exempt.
3. Eliminating abortions at 20 weeks due to infant pain at that time.

We thank Archbishop Vlazny for the Roe v. Wade pro-life speech at the Oregon Right to Life rally in January 2011.  He has given the pro-life honor of speaking for many, many years.  With the lack of funds for the most vulnerable over these years, it seems like there are more words than action and they are just something to say for better PR. 

"Poor human reason, when it trusts itself, substitutes the strangest absurdities for the highest divine concepts."

St. John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church

Articles Regarding Roger Martin 2007-2009

Archdpx Appeal Money Promotes Embryonic Stem Cell Research at Capitol

Mar 06, 2009

Before I write to the Archbishop and Mary Jo Tully, who hired Roger Martin, our Oregon Catholic Conference lobbyist, I need to let you know what happened this week at the Capitol. Both people recruited by Roger Martin to speak against ...

Immediate Action Requested - "John Stephen" Cut Out of Womb Needs ...

Jun 11, 2009

Roger Martin, the lobbyist for the Catholic Church, although he's not pro-life needs to get on this. It is frustrating for us who pay his wage and are for protecting innocent life to have him in such a position, but the Archdpdx hired ...

Archdpdx Lobbyist voted to LEGALIZE ABORTION / Sample Letter to ...

Feb 12, 2009

During the 2007 Legislative Session VOCAL reported that Roger Martin, the replacement lobbyist for long time Oregon Catholic Confererence's Bob Castagna, voted to legalize abortion when he was a legislator in 1969. ...

Beaverton Babies & 40 Days for Life/Oprah/Divine Mercy/Action Item

Apr 09, 2009

Wonders never cease...now we have Oprah..our new pro-life lobbyist, she must have heard about our trouble with Roger Martin. Here's the link. Dr. Oz is explaining stems cells with Michael J. Fox, who was recently elated with Obama's tax ...

The Shepherd Has Landed - Will the Archdpdx Hear and Heed His Voice

Apr 20, 2008

Our 2007 lobbyist, Roger Martin, as you remember voted to legalize abortion in 1969 when he was a legislator, so this shouldn't surprise us. This liberal religious push shows we need to have answers: More problems with not hearing the ...

Looking back and Pressing Forward for Christ

Jan 09, 2008

how at the 2007 Session of the legislature Catholic values were not as well represented as they should have been by Roger Martin the lobbyist for Oregon Catholic Conference who had voted to legalize abortion as a legislator in 1969 and ...

Lawsuit to Restore Marriage Between One Man & One Woman‏

Dec 05, 2007

The Oregon Catholic Conference, led by Roger Martin our lobbyist who voted for legalizing abortion when he was a legislator, embarrassed thousands of Oregon Catholics by his lack of defense of marriage and family values. ...

"The Encounter"

The Presentation of the Lord is on February 2nd.

The feast was first observed in the Eastern Church as "The Encounter." In the sixth century, it began to be observed in the West: in Rome with a more penitential character and in Gaul (France) with solemn blessings and processions of candles, popularly known as "Candlemas."

The Presentation of the Lord concludes the celebration of the Nativity and with the offerings of the Virgin Mother and the prophecy of Simeon, the events now point toward Easter.

Here are readings from the "two lungs" of the Church.

Today's reading from the USCCB website.

"All-powerful Father, Christ your Son became man for us and was presented in the temple. May he free our hearts from sin and bring us into your presence. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."

Eastern Catholic Rite Readings.
"Rejoice, thou who art full of grace, Mother of God and Virgin, for from thee arose the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, to give light to those in darkness. Rejoice thou also, righteous elder, who didst take in thy arms the Redeemer of our souls who also gives us the grace of resurrection.

Thou Who didst sanctify the Virgin's womb by Thy birth and bless Simeon's hands as was fitting, hast now come to us and saved us, O Christ our God. But grant peace in the midst of wars to Thy community, and strengthen the Church which Thou hast loved, O only Lover of mankind."

The Presentation and The Encounter with thanks.

"And after the days of her purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord."

Luke 2:22 Douay-Rheims Bible
The Fourth Joyful Mystery

Bishop Vasa's Remarks About USCCB and CCHD / "Justice in Pieces" CD's for you.

Dear Advocates for Life,

Bishop Vasa - Look Forward and Upward  is a wonderful question and answer article to lift our hearts to the Lord.  I wanted to pass it on just in case you hadn't seen this.)

Remember, he's leaving on March 4th.  Men, be at Pendleton's the 2011 Northwest Catholic Men's Conference with Cardinal Raymond Burke and the dear Bishop on his last free weekend.  It won't happen again in Oregon.

Available - "Justice in Pieces" presentations by Stephanie Block from New Mexico and a member of the Catholic Media Coalition.  She is the editor of  Los Pequenos de Cristo and an expert on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.  In Bend, we met with Bishop Vasa and she explained to him about the anti-Catholic "community organizing" who uses the Catholic church against Her teachings.

If you would like a CD of the "Justice in Pieces" presentation by Stephanie Block, please let me know.  There is a handout (which was the power point presentation) for you to follow along.

There are eight Respect Life notebooks filled with information on how to get a pro-life group started.  They were first purchased from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles but from the 1980's so they're safe and not about the seamless garment trap that doesn't prioritize the unborn.  I'll be happy to send them to you as a gift.  They are in three ring binders and easy to use.

We pray to Santa Rosa (Saint Rose of Lima) for the protection, strength, courage and faith for a most beloved bishop.                   

"If only mortals would learn how great it is to possess divine grace, how beautiful, how noble, how precious. How many riches it hides within itself, how many joys and delights! No one would complain about his cross or about troubles that may happen to him, if he would come to know the scales on which they are weighed when they are distributed to men."   Santa Rosa           

Bishop Vasa moving to Santa Rosa, California soon.

Dear Advocates for Life,

Just announced is that Bishop Robert F. Vasa of Baker is being moved to Santa Rosa as an "Coadjutor Bishop".  They already put his information on their website. Santa Rosa Diocesan Website

"In the Roman Catholic Church, a coadjutor bishop[1] is an immediate collaborator of the diocesan bishop, similar to an auxiliary bishop.[2] Unlike auxiliary bishops, coadjutors are given the automatic right of succession to the episcopal see, meaning that when the diocesan bishop dies, retires, resigns, or is reassigned, the coadjutor automatically becomes the next bishop of the local Church (diocese). Until then, the diocesan bishop appoints the coadjutor to act as vicar general.
In modern church practice, the appointment of a coadjutor is usually done in cases where a diocesan bishop feels that he will not be able to continue much longer for health reasons or because he is nearing retirement age. In these cases the Pope will sometimes assign a coadjutor in order to give him time to become familiar with the diocese that he will eventually take over.
At times, the appointment of a coadjutor is used to discreetly remove a diocesan bishop who has become involved in scandal or other problems and replace him with another man. An example of this occurred in the Archdiocese of Dubuque in the 1940s, when then Archbishop Francis Beckman involved the archdiocese in what turned out to be a dubious mining scheme. When the scheme fell apart and the man behind the scam was arrested, the fallout resulted in serious financial problems for Archbishop Beckman and the archdiocese. Because of all of Beckman's problems, Bishop Henry Rohlman of Davenport, Iowa, was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Dubuque. While Beckman was allowed to retain the office of Archbishop, it was made clear to him by the Holy See that the actual power rested with Rohlman. Beckman soon retired and left Dubuque. Another example would be that of Cardinal Pedro Segura y Sáenz, whose responsibilities as Archbishop of Seville were given to his Coadjutor Archbishop José Bueno y Monreal.[3]
Now, no coadjutor is appointed without the concomitant right of succession."

So Bishop Vasa will be the Bishop of Santa Rosa for sure.  At least he's on the west coast and in driving distance.  We wish him God Speed and many blessings as he brings the Truth of Faith to California.

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

Cardinal Raymond Burke on Oregon Soil February 25 and 26th -Pendleton

2011 NW Catholic Men's Conference presenters

• 

  Cardinal Raymond Burke Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura in Rome, Italy

  Since his appointment to the office of Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura in June of 2008, Cardinal Burke is the first non-European named to the head of the tribunal in the Roman Curia. Cardinal Burke is a true champion of the Catholic Church, standing up, speaking out and challenging those who oppose Christ's teachings.
• Cardinal Burke Regects "Catholics in Name Only" College 
 

• 

  Bishop Robert Vasa Diocese of Baker, OR.

  Bishop Robert Vasa of the Diocese of Baker has been on the front lines educating and defending Christ's Church. Bishop Vasa has worked hard on transforming the central and eastern side of Oregon into holy ground. His thought provoking talks encourage and promote Christ, challenging all to put Christ into their daily life

Bishop Vasa says hospital can no longer call itself Catholic.

• 

  Doug Barry Catholic Evangelist

  Doug Barry is the founder and director of the Catholic apostolate RADIX, as well as a husband and father.   Since 1992 he has traveled throughout the United States along with journeying to several other countries, spreading and defending the Catholic faith. He is well known for his one-man performance of the Passion of the Christ as well as co-hosting EWTN's Life on the Rock.
• 
  

  Hosting Pastor and Presenter - St. Mary, Pendleton

  Fr. Bailey Clemens. Pastor St. Mary's Catholic Parish Pendleton, OR.
  Fr. Bailey Clemens grew up in Eastern Oregon. He worked as a disc jockey, a sporting goods retail manager and telecommunications sales associate.  He later went to Africa to work with his aunt a missionary nun. It was there he found his priestly vocation. Upon his return he finished his undergraduate at Saint Edwards University Austin, Texas. He joined the Diocese of Peoria and began his seminary training at Mount Saint Mary's in Emmittsburg, Maryland. After some years in Illinois, he heard the call from God, go west. He returned to his home Diocese of Baker and is Pastor at St Mary's in Pendleton.

                              Click on:  Go West Catholic Men's Conference Info

Remember the Little Rascals and their clubhouse that said "No Girls Allowed"?  Well, ladies maybe next time. But get the men in your life to experience this maybe once in a lifetime event with Cardinal Burke and Bishop Vasa together; good shepherds who protect us with the Truth.
The other speakers are stellar and worth the trip.

Jesus says:
"Go into the whole world and proclaim the good news to all creation.  The man who believes it and accepts baptism will be saved; the man who refuses to believe will be condemned."

A

Christ Will Come Again

"....Christ Will Come Again

Do we really live as if He's coming back to us?  Does clergy uphold the realization?

"For yourselves know perfectly, that the day of the Lord shall so come, as a thief in the night"
1 Thessalonians 5:2 Douay-Rheim's Version of the Bible.

From the first translation from Latin to English.  Why Catholics Should Cling to This Biblical Version
 


                                            

Deuling Catholics - Part 2

Having hoped my conversations with Jim Buck, "Catholic" past President of the Board of Directors of Ecumenical Minsitries of Oregon was over, he kept going.   Well, he started this coversation and I can do this until Doomsday.  These last emails are the most telling.  The casual put-down of Bishop Vasa proved the point so well. 

I pray our new Archbishop will cut this umbilical cord first.    We can't change Catholic hearts when we're dragging around anti-Catholic darkness (EMO). 

Here we go again:

 # 7

Carolyn,

I would err on the side of both of us contemplating continually  whether we are right.  You are certainly more convinced of your position than I, but I don't think labeling an organization like EMO as evil gives you any credibility, not when the Catholic clergy who have served on its board or committees over the past couple of decades have done so in good conscience and with strong moral fiber.  Those I know well who have served would never join an "evil" organization and you cast aspersions on their character (individually and collectively) by so labeling the organization. 

 It is healthy to harbor some doubt about your convictions--and even more so your judgments about others.  

Jim

Jim,

If I had any doubts about EMO, I wouldn't act on just a weak opinion: a doubtful conscience.   It doesn't matter how long we've belonged to EMO, to give it credibility.  Belonging to this "convental" organization is wrong for the Archdpdx. 

Belonging because of simple ignorance can be changed by leaving.  To learn and remain is "invincible ignorance", says Bishop Robert  Vasa, Diocese of Baker, OR. 

I don't have to contemplate this issue, thanks anyway.

God Bless you and Happy Advent and Merry Christmas, I really mean this.

Carolyn

# 8

Carolyn,

I see a glimmer of hope in your final statement.  You are sincere without a doubt, however, ultra-orthodoxy has been historically the bane of our Church as sincere as some of its proponents were.  It was and continues to be motivated by fear and stems from darkness not the light of Christ.  Its effects on the Church were inimical with pro-life as it sowed violence, division and hatred.  Christ's admonition of love thy neighbor must take precedence in our faith and our works.  From what you write, which is an eye into the soul, I question whether this precept truly guides your work.  Your conversion I believe still lies ahead, perhaps mine as well.  I will pray for the fullness of it.

May Christ's love and internal peace become fully present this Christmas--and I do mean this also.  

(Should Bishop Vasa ever come to this Archdiocese, who knows, I may have to take up a blog site like yours.)  

Jim

Jim

In an nutshell, your final email was a statement of your ideology and not complete Catholic theology.

The dark statement about those in the pro-life movement shows why Portland's liberal "Cocoon Catholics" keep alive this lie so they can feel superior.

Getting federal grants to support EMO's survival is from the pockets of everyone, of every belief through taxes.  The other grants EMO receives are from organizations that support anti-Catholic ideals

55,000,000 innocent unborn are killed, created by a loving God. Not to be destroyed by those who act like they are and ignored by EMO.

The Archdpdx Office of Justice and Peace needs the EMO connection to stay as a budget item. They take their info and use it happily.  They have for decades.

EMO is still evil for the Archdpdx to belong to.

I won't change my mind.  Your first email didn't do anything but prove my point.

Merry Christmas,
Carolyn
"Any one thinking of the Holy Child as born in December would mean by it exactly what we mean by it; that Christ is not merely a summer sun of the prosperous but a winter fire for the unfortunate."
– G.K. Chesterton

Folks, please look for yourselves.   We have beem feeding this Beast with our time, talents, and treasure for long enough.  Realistically speaking this lands at the doorstep of Archbishop Vlanzy and then Mary Jo Tully (who has been on the Board for years).   http://www.emoregon.org/ 

From VOCAL 2005 Things haven't changed.          STRANGE BEDFELLOWS - ARCHDPDX & EMO

"Facts are stubborn things...our wishes, the dictates of our passions...cannot alter the facts and evidence." John Adams

Dueling Catholics

Last week I was taken to task by an Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon board person, Jim Buck, over the term "evil" I used to describe EMO.  I stand by this "evil" description in the light of what the Church teaches.  There are many emails I have sent regarding this issue.  www.vocalnews.org  and I'll connect even more dots in a while.  There are six responses just to let you know.

I think the emails are over now and want to share with you negative "synergy" happening, something we are warned against by the Holy Father.  This is when basically we hang out with people who believe differently than us and slowly become them, losing our way.
Dueling Catholics

#1
Carolyn,
As a life-long Catholic I have been closely associated with EMO for the past eight years and know first-hand the positive ministries they have related to assisting the homeless, hungry, HIV patients, refugees and others.  I have met many individuals from all faiths working hand in hand through this organization.  These people are incredibly Christ-like in their concern for their brothers and sisters and are working to preserve and uplift life.  Your wholesale judgment against EMO seems contrary to what Scripture tells us about making judgments.  EMO has taken no official position supporting abortion and contrary to your website provides important help to those in need.

Anyone who communicates with this level of vehemence has other issues that should be confronted.  Yours is not a voice of love, respect or support of life as that must begin with a sincere yearning for the truth.  You don't seek truth, you seek instead to rant, judge and condemn without a factual or even remote theological basis for your actions.   You don't represent Catholic faith but are doing a good job of trying to fragment it rather than nourish it.

Jim
Jim,

I appreciate your defense of EMO.  However, your credentials as a Catholic cause your opinions to be null and void.  There is no "vehemence" in my words, and I am a seeker after the Truth.  Your "theological basis" is not Catholic, unless you've changed your opinions valuing all life.

Look into EMO.  You will see factual, truthful opinions and as a practicing Catholic, I do think EMO is an alliance we should not brag about.  We have different ideas of what Christ's True Church will tolerate, the good things don't out weigh the evil.

God Bless,
Carolyn

#2
Carolyn,

Thank you for your wish of blessings my way.  God (and every one else probably) knows I could use them.  What I fail to comprehend is how you can be the judge of who has "credentials" and who doesn't  in this Church.  

Pope John Paul II talked about ecumenism as the "future of the Church" and for you to say we shouldn't be pursuing such alliances in the pursuit of a unified Church in Christ's name seems antithetical to what the popes since Vatican II have been urging.

Our own Church is not wholly innocent or omniscient in all its decisions and neither is any other church organization.  EMO's decisions since I've been associated with the organization are largely around policy issues dealing with the poor or the environment.  These typically align almost 100% with Catholic positions on the same issues.

EMO has not taken a position on abortion or even one on end of life issues that I am aware of.  If you have contrary information to share, I'd be happy to take a look at it. 

In conclusion, I'll trust some day that God will be the ultimate judge of my credentials--not only as a Catholic either.
Jim

Jim,
As a Catholic are you against abortion, for parental notification, against partial birth abortion, for one woman, one man in marriage, see active homosexuality as a disorder or has Vatican II changed that too?

Here are folks that say it very succinctly.

"Whether canonical or self excommunication, out of communion is out of communion with the Church.

If not that, the Church Body becomes a community of “cafeteria Catholics”.
In actuality, protestants sitting in a Catholic Church.

Homosexual acts were not accepted by the Jews, by the Apostles or by the Early Church fathers.

Seemingly large numbers of people in our society are attempting to rewrite the meaning of Sacred Scripture.

Supporting or defending the sexual acts of homosexuals places a Catholic outside the Eucharist, outside of the teachings & traditions of the Catholic Church, and outside of Sacred Scripture.

Least we forget, as evidenced in Scripture, sexual acts between people of the same sex are mortal sins. Sins so mortal & grievous that entire cities were destroyed where these homosexual acts were exclusively practiced. 

Gay marriage is De facto support of the sexual acts of homosexuals, bisexuals, transgendered, people in various stages of re engineering their sexual organs, etc.

When a Catholic supports or defends gay marriage, the person places him/herself outside the faith practices of the Church. 

Similar yet more grievous than Catholics who support, defend or practice sexual experimentation between single people and divorced people."

Here's one on abortion. 


“Excommunication issue. If someone rejects the teaching of the Church knowing that such a doctrine, moral or dogmatic, is the constant teaching of the Church, that person is automatically, at least materially, excommunicated.”

“Why?” 

“Because he is no longer a Catholic?”

Yes, that is correct, that person has self excommunicated him or herself from the Church Body and the Body of Christ.

“Am I missing something here?”

No. 

“A Formal excommunication would be a public juridical act, issued by a bishop.”

Yes, normally formal excommunications are issued only after a bishop has provided proper counsel to a person in which he formally addresses their error.
(As Sacred Scripture requests should be done in Matthew 18:15 and Luke 17:3.)


As I understand it, formal excommunications are done when a person turns their private error into a public scandal. 

Recently Kathleen Sabelius’ bishop (after years of dialog with her) announced publicly that she was not to present herself for Communion until she confesses her sin and makes public changes to her voting record as it concerns abortion."

Jim, have you changed your mind on these issues from your 2004 campaign in a public sort of way?  

It would clarify your stand on life and not lead people into error as does Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon  on these subjects. No opinion on abortion for EMO?
 A look at their liberal "progressive" churches and their attitudes on the unborn would tell one otherwise.  It seems like active homosexuality is a slam dunk too.

God Bless, Carolyn
 
#3
Carolyn,

I am not sure what you mean by "active" versus inactive homosexuality, but I am against abortion, for parental notification and against partial birth abortion.  I never said anything differently in my campaign.  I refused to fill out Right to Life's forms because they didn't allow for qualifications to the answers and in other cases they simply did not transfer information carefully from the form to their media releases.  I have no faith in that organization due to its inaccuracies of dealing with information and I witnessed it first hand.  I was in favor of civil unions from a legal perspective for the protections (medical, privacy matters, etc.) it offers homosexual individuals. 


I also see a huge difference between what we practice as Catholics and what is formulated in civil law.  I fear for any theocracy that assumes government control.  The Church should have learned valuable lessons with our not so illustrious history as the Holy Roman Empire.  We need to remain a Church not a government.  Legislators are sworn to uphold the law--civil and criminal law not the laws of any particular church.  At times the civil law may conflict with our own practices as Catholics, but we can choose to act individually as the Church teaches.  That doesn't mean we should force our beliefs on everyone else as a dictatorial Church.  The Catholic Church's own standing on morality has not always been right on every issue.  The Church condoned slavery for many years as an example.  That didn't make owning slaves morally right because the church hadn't condemned it yet.

The differences some churches have with regard to homosexuality and even abortion should not sever dialogue or discussion on other points otherwise we will get no where on unification.  These differences do not diminish either the work of other churches in caring for the poor and doing Christ's work which I see occurring every day.  To label them "evil" for holding differences in belief is simply overly judgmental and, in my opinion, morally wrong.  When you slander an organization as "evil" you slander people who in good conscious are following Christ, including some or many who may agree wholeheartedly with all your preconditions;  just because as whole they all don't doesn't warrant condemnation as you summarize.  The alliance of or with EMO does not mean the Catholic Church endorses all their beliefs, but that we can meet and discuss and help each other grow in understanding.   Your judgments examine the specks and miss the whole. 


While you seem excessively concerned with homosexual acts, there are probably many Catholics engaging in sexual acts seen just as sinful according to Church teaching, but I don't see any reference to that element of sin within our own heterosexual population.  Why the focus on the homosexual population when it comes to sinful sexual behavior?  Are you saying their sin is greater than that of heterosexuals whose practices are sinful?   A partnership does not condone any particular behavior between a couple other than a commitment to love each other and be committed to their needs.  We have Catholic marriages that are celibate; how are you to know what homosexual unions are celibate? I prefer to let God be the judge of what people decide to do sexually.  The Church can teach and I value the Church as a teaching Church, but judgment is not our as individuals to make. Priests can make it in a confessional setting, but even that is limited and exercised with special care.
Jim


Jim,
There are errors in your last letter.  The first is your stand on abortion and homosexual marriage.  These are intrinsic evils for all Catholics yet, you did support them in your 2004 campaign for state representative in District 50.   You wrote :  ".....but I am against abortion, for parental notification and against partial birth abortion.  I never said anything differently in my campaign"   Please click....  Jim Buck's Moral Compass   Scroll down to District 50.  And what about Planned Parenthood's endorsement?

 Pro-Life Opposed to Legalized Abortion - NO!  Favors Parental Notification before Teenage Abortion  - NO!  Favors Marriage Definition of One Man, One Woman  -NO!  Opposed to Minority Status for Homosexuals - NO!  Opposed to Increased Taxes and Spending - NO!  Favors Education Vouchers - NO!

Your soul is your own business, but the soul of the Archdiocese of Portland is the business of all Oregon Catholics.  These are the teachings of Christ Himself, not of men.  They need to be defended against those even with good motives who don't get it.

For the Archdpdx to be involved so closely, spending limited resources to belong to Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon is ridiculous.  Can't  we have "dialog" with EMO churches who hold completely different moral beliefs on the dignity of life.  Do we need to pay for this?  What about pro-life churches?  It appears that we have no "dialog" with them and  it's free. In fact, the knowledge of EMO is well known and pro-life churches wonder why we're on the wrong team.

Being with EMO so long, you seem to have become more like them and less in love with the True Church.  What I see is "Synergy", a blending of ecumenism which melds beliefs together.  Some Catholic beliefs have been in place since Christ walked the earth and cannot change, as He cannot.  The Holy Father warns us against "synergy?   While always loving our protestant brothers and sisters in EMO, we do not change our beliefs to theirs.

"I urge you brothers to watch out for those who create dissensions and obstacles in opposition to teachings that you have learned, avoid them.  For such people do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own appetites, and by fair and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the innocent." Romans 16:17-18

Your defense of anti-Catholic beliefs of EMO and the put down of the Church is an error and shows little knowledge of Her and shows your heart.  There seems to be no balance in your attack of Church teachings.   Isn't there anything nice to say?

"For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength."
Corinthians 1:25


God Bless you,
Carolyn:


#4

Carolyn,
I disagree with the characterizations of OFC based on my responses and positions then, but enough of that as I am not going to convince you and you certainly can't convince me of what my own beliefs were or are.  We clearly disagree on the boundaries of church and state.
EMO has members who are orthodox and I've been at meetings with very fundamentalist oriented churches.  I am not sure who EMO should be in dialogue with who are more pro-life than Catholics, Greek Orthodox, other middle eastern denominations, etc.  We're in consistent communication with very conservative Protestant churches as well.
Truth is not as absolute as you seem to believe.  Again EMO's energies in its ministries is caring for the most vulnerable.  It doesn't fund Planned Parenthood or other agencies supporting abortion.  It hasn't favored political positions supporting that.  It certainly doesn't deserve the descriptor as "evil" that you use.
I will continue to pray for you in hopes your words don't discourage people trying to get together across church lines to help others as Christ would like us to do.


Jim


Jim,

The characterizations of you by Oregon Family Council's Voter's Guide show that you are having a hard time looking yourself in the face.  If they had been so wrong about you there would have been some complaint from you.  There was time to get corrections on this guide and answer the "orange postcard" effort to tell the truth that you weren't pro-life for the unborn.  Real pro-life John Lim won that election.  Since you were so public about your feelings, if they have changed you need to publicly let this be known.


"EMO is a covenantal membership organization dedicated to respond to God's call to the unity of all people"  The Catholic Church has a covenant with Christ not David Leslis, the EMO Director.

This is why Catholics don't belong to such as EMO, National Council of Churches, World Council of Churches etc. Those groups posted on the EMO website Ecumenical Minsitries of Oregon don't have Roman Catholic listed.  If we look at the The Pew Forum...Church Pie Chart
  Oregon Catholics are needed to fill the void of these littler churches.  We are deep pockets and plus our beliefs could meld with theirs.  It's Synergy nothing less.

You're statement "Truth is not as absolute as you seem to believe."  Shows how blended you are, or poorly cathecised.  It's like the Mission of the Atonment, a blending of Catholic and Lutherans at Sunday services.

You have one foot planted in mid-air and the other on a slippery rock.  There IS absoute Truth: Christ, yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Being on the Board of EMO could be a good political move for a Democrat like you but, it's not wise for you to say you're  Catholic and  throw overboard the True Church and Her Teachings.

God Bless,
Carolyn

#5
Carolyn,
Your accuracy in what you write is about as bad as some organizations I have criticized when evidence clearly points to just the opposite.  EMO lists "Roman Catholic" in the first sentence on their home page regarding what groups constitute their organization.   The "Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Portland" is shown under their "membership" listing  in the category of "About Us" if you click on that button.   How can you then say that "Roman Catholic" isn't represented on their website or isn't a member of the organization when it's there in black and white?    How can you have credibility when you can't even get these simple facts straights?


My dictionary shows "covenantal" in the "ecclesiastical" definition as follows:
"Ecclesiastical . a solemn agreement between the members of a church to act together in harmony with the precepts ofthe gospel.


This in no way impinges on our covenant with God as a Church.  How you can construe it otherwise again only testifies to the spirit you bring to the work.  I trust in divine judgment and I am convinced there will be a reckoning for those who believe they are the ultimate judges here on earth for what is righteous.


Jim

Jim,

Hold on...why would I be concerned that the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Portland get OUT of EMO, if they weren't represented on their web page and PART of IT?  You are the one not making any sense.  Think about it.

"Ecclesiastical - A solemn agreement between members of a church.....acting in harmony with the precepts of the gospel"
Okay, that's why we don't enter a "solemn agreement" with EMO, National Council of Church, Church Women United, World Council of Churches..and other blended groups.  I have a real problem with the Metropolitan Community of Churches, which is homosexually oriented and Catholics can't be in a solemn agreement with them.  Pure and simple.


These people are not Catholics for a reason.  We are needed for credibility, connections and money not our religious views on moral issues we hold dear.  We can't be part of them as their group.  I repeat, David Leslie, executive director of EMO is NOT the Pope.

It seems like you are confused as to what a Roman Catholic is...it's much easier for me,  a convert with many spiritual experiences to compare what you're going through as a cradle Catholic.


The Catholics involved in EMO might get a swift kick in the pants when the new Archbishop comes.  Symbolic, of course.

Carolyn

#6
Carolyn
You wrote:  "Those posted on the EMO website Ecumenical Minsitries of Oregon don't have Roman Catholic listed. "  You preceded that by writing  that Catholics don't belong to such as EMO. . . "    The statements did not appear to me to be accurate.  Clearly, Catholics can "belong" to EMO if our Archdiocese already is a member.  I was taking what your wrote as a statement of fact.  If you meant something other than you wrote literally, you might have clarified it.
You don't see eye to eye with our current archbishop from the content I reviewed on your website.  I guess it's only fair to say some won't see eye with the next one either.  I don't see any real problem with that.  Many issues are not simply black and white--there should be room for dialogue on them.
My definition of a "Catholic" is without a doubt different from yours.  You are entitled to your opinion, but unless your theological training and moral leadership are superior to the Archbishop I will defer to his judgment on the issue.


Jim

Jim,

Any Bishop does not trump the teachings of the Catholic church. Ours is not on board 100% with EMO and acts on a doubtful conscience.

EMO is light years away from where the Roman Catholic Church is going.   They are into more than doing good works.  I'm sure that there are many well meaning people in EMO.

You need to re-read what I've said in my last letter.  I know EMO has Roman Catholic listed on their website.  I repeat...why in the world would I complain about the Archpdx in EMO if we weren't listed on the EMO website.

All through the years, it's been repeated over and over again.  Get the Archdpdx out of EMO.  Out means OUT.

Yes, in my opinion EMO is evil.

If you're right,  I'll be an alarmist, crazed lunatic.  What if I'm right?

God Bless,
Carolyn

Hopefully this is over.

Little Lent & Letting Go of Archdpdx Baggage - EMO

Come, Lord Jesus, Come.   Letting go of all spiritual baggage: inside and outside.....

         According to present [1907] usage, Advent is a period beginning with the Sunday nearest to the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle embracing four Sundays. The first Sunday may be as early as 27 November this year, and then Advent has twenty-eight days, or as late as 3 December, giving the season only twenty-one days. 

With Advent the ecclesiastical year begins in the Western churches. During this time the faithful are admonished:

• to prepare themselves worthily to celebrate the anniversary of the Lord's coming into the world as the incarnate God of love,
• thus to make their souls fitting abodes for the Redeemer coming in Holy Communion and through grace, and
• thereby to make themselves ready for His final coming as judge, at death and at the end of the world

(With thanks to NewAdvent.org)

Saint Andrew, the first apostle The Church celebrates the feast of Saint Andrew on November 27th, an important date in the annual liturgical calendar, because it determines the date of the First Sunday of Advent, which is the Sunday nearest this Feast. Saint Andrew is the patron saint fishermen, and of both Scotland and Russia.

Andrew, the first Apostle called by Jesus, was a fisherman from Bethsaida and the brother of Simon Peter. A follower of John the Baptist, Andrew recognized Jesus as the Messiah when John baptized Our Lord in the Jordan River, and he introduced his brother Simon to Jesus. The two brothers continued as fishermen until Jesus called them as Apostles.
After Pentecost, it is believed that Andrew went to Greece to preach the Gospel of Christ Jesus.

Saint Andrew, called the "Protoclet" (or "first called") by the Greeks, was crucified at Achaia by order of Roman Governor Aegeas during the reign of Nero. He was bound, not nailed, to the X-shaped cross in order to prolong his sufferings. According to tradition, he preached from the cross for two days, and died on the third day.

•  Little Lent lasts until Christmas Day.

 First We Fast, Then We Feast:

That's why Advent has traditionally been known as a "little Lent." As in Lent, Advent should be marked by increased prayer, fasting, and good works.  all great feasts have been preceded by a time of fasting, which makes the feast itself more joyful. Sadly, Advent today has supplanted by "the Christmas shopping season," so that by Christmas Day, many people no longer enjoy the feast.

OLD BAGGAGE.

As you will see in these pictures, this is something we cannot glorify Our Lord with by condoning this in any way.  We are culpable of the evil this promotes, The pictures from 2010 have regressed to more bizarre, boundary-less behavior that is too unsuitable to share. 

• We see the signs of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Catholic Coalition of Welcoming Communities and their Catholic parish contingent at the
  "Gay Pride" parade.  Taking dignity away from beautiful gifts from God.
• Oregon Catholics would have a chance at spiritual freedom, making friends with protestant churches that are of like mind.  They are some of our best allies.  Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon leads us from the narrow path.
  
• We pray and fast for the purity of our souls and the soul of the Archdiocese of Portland.

God Bless you and yours.

CCHD - WE HAVE THE POWER: JUST SAY NO!!!

We have the power to stop Catholic Campaign for Human Development that is a drain on the Culture of Life in Oregon and across the nation.

We have the power by letters and calls to the Archdiocese and our Pastors to give our time, treasure and talent to things that aren't lip service as we continue to belong to Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon.  Our Office of Life, Justice and Peace get their progressive ideas and no pro-life ideas from them.  EMO is a spiritual cancer. There is no reason to belong to their organization. Its their mission it to undermine and destroy things we hold dear for Christ.

They have no respect for our Doctine, the non-ordination of women, as the pretend "masses" and "ordinations" have a welcome mat in these member churches. .Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon - EMO  Note the list of churches that include the homosexual "church" Metropolitan Community Church harbor of homosexuality and a lifestyle that made us bankrupt.  Let's just say "no".

Attached is from Reform CCHD Now chance to state your abhorrence to giving our collection plate money to radical groups.  They and EMO are in the Culture of Death that doesn't see God in every one.  We have different values and should distance ourselves from those who change us, and we seem to have no effect on them except monetarily.    Worth Saving from the Culture of Death - click.    Keep looking it will be worth it.

The little girl will appear.  She's also on the VOCAL blog to see.

Jesus says:

Matthew 10:14  And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

Matthew 10:15  Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

Matthew 10:16  Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Archbishop Dolan - Surprise win at USCCB. Tradition trumps liberalism

Today is a wonderful day.  The Lord has surely smiled on us with the election of Archbishop Timothy Dolan is new president of the USCCB.  Below on the right is Archbishop Timothy Dolan reacting with our Eastern Oregon Bishop Robert F.Vasa on hearing the news.

The successor to Cardinal George was his vice-president Bishop
Gerald Kicanas who was considered the winner before the vote.  This upset has only happened once before in the sixties.  We have dodged a bullet through the Grace of God.

To see what we would be in for google  "Bishop Gerald Kicanas" and see what a serious scandal this could have been.  Bishop Kicanas is an old friend of Archbishop Vlazny. They both have the same take on many things we have been fighting here, a soft spot for active homosexuals, women priests, not fighting abortion and Kicanas was the second bishop to declare bankruptcy in his diocese due to homosexuality. 

Bishop Kicanas is going to be here in Oregon on Monday November 22nd for the annual mandatory, it seems, Tobin Lecture from the Office of Justice and Peace.

What is the Tobin Lecture - why spend so much money on this?
Monsignor Thomas Tobin (1897-1978)
Tobin Lecture with Bishop Gerald Kicanas

Archbishop Timothy Dolan needs our prayers as he guides the Roman Catholic church.  And a big THANK YOU DEAR LORD for his presidency.

Our prayers ARE heard.

REMEMBER JUST SAY 'NO' TO THIS WEEKS CCHD COLLECTION SAFE OUR FAITH.
Then Jesus approached and said to them, "All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19
Go, therefore, 12 and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit,
20
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. 13 And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age."

Matthew 28:18-20

ATM's at Oregon Churches, Extorsion of Priests and Parishoners for Money

"It seems the only answer to the new Church collection is that we are no longer at Sunday Mass for spiritual nourishment, but to be treated as if we're ATM's.  Our priests and parishes will be penalized if they don't have a good reason for not getting to their goal. Money forcibly taken for this reason?  Sounds like extortion. (The term extortion is often used metaphorically to refer to usury or to price-gouging, though neither is legally considered extortion. It is also often used loosely to refer to everyday situations where one person feels indebted against their will, to another, in order to receive an essential service or avoid legal consequences due to social or political beliefs.Thanks wiki) The love of Christ is nowhere to be seen, or read, in the campaign manual. Click on link.  It might take time to view, thirty-six pages to read...but here's a sample

      "Sharing Our Faith" - Manual on Capitol Campaign  (Click on link above. Might take time to view, thirty-six pages to read...but here's a sample)If the link doesn't work go to http://www.archdpdx.org/

          Page 3   Hiring Nebraska Firm to Run New Campaign
"The Archdiocese of Portland retained the services of the Steier Group, a Catholic fund raising and development firm, to help manage the campaign."
Steier Group says:  "We assign a team of professionals to each client. Your campaign manager will be dedicated to your project – and only your project – throughout the effort and will handle the day-to-day campaign activities. Your campaign manager will be directly supervised by a campaign services director, as well as our CEO, Jim Steier. Your campaign manager will be supported by a staff of public relations and media specialists, full-time graphic designers, full-time grant writers and experts in planned giving, direct mail appeals, online fundraising, stewardship programs, major gift solicitations and event planning."

      Page 4.  Penalties for Priest and Parish
120% of collections are goal or parish will be penalized without a good reason. 75% collected goes to Archdiocese and 25% to parish.  Any funds over targeted amount are divided 50/50 Archdiocese and parish.

"Parishes will be asked to make every effort to achieve their goal. A parish seeking to adjust its target must provide the archdiocese with justification for  the adjustment in order to be approved by the Archbishop.  Plans to raise funds for new construction or renovation must be approved by the Archbishop in writing.  If a parish follows the recommended campaign procedures, the parish will
not be assessed any financial penalty if it does not reach its campaign target."
(VOCAL- priests have confirmed this form of penalty for other campaigns as well.)

      Page 4.  Annual Archbishop Catholic Appeal
"The Annual  Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal (ACA) will be conducted during the Capitol Campaign. Ministries and programs remain in need of the funds generated by the ACA.  The ACA and the capital campaign may fund similar needs. Extensive communications and marketing is planned to clearly explain the need for such levels of funding."

       Page 7  Parishioners are judged on giving abilities.  Large Donors are "courted".
"All parishioners will be evaluated and assigned to a specific campaign phase and section based on their gift request for the five-year campaign.

Whereas the evaluation needs to include local knowledge regarding the donors’ ability to give, each family’s current annual adult envelope giving will provide a starting point for the evaluation.  To assist in the evaluation of donors, the following matrix will be employed at the parish-level (and the Steier Group will train parish administrative  assistants and secretaries in the use of the matrix."

       Page 13  Collection Agency to Assure Giving
"Pledge collection and tracking process is being reviewed and proposed to be handled by the Cavan Corporation, a Catholic consulting and redemption company specializing in parish and diocesan offertory,pledge collection, tracking and redemption.
      For Pilot Phase Parishes, these meetings will be held from mid-May-August, 2010.
For Wave #1 Parishes, these meetings will be held from September, 2010-January,
2011.
 (There is a quiet period of a few weeks in the campaign for Advent)
For Wave #2 Parishes, these meetings will be held from mid-January-May, 2011.
For Wave #3 Parishes, these meetings will be held from May-August, 2011.

NOVEMBER 20-21  CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (CCHD)
USCCB's "Renewal of CCHD"
CCHD How to Shoot Yourself in the Foot.
December 12, 2010 -  Retirement Fund for Religious
January 16, 2011 -  Catholic Communication Campaign
April 3, 2011 -  Catholic Relief Services
May 8, 2010 - Collection for Catholic Charities of Oregon
May 22, 2011 - Collection  for Catholic Home Missions
June 26, 2011 - Collection for the Holy Father (Peter’s Pence)
 
N.B.  The Archbishop's Annual Appeal spends almost $400,000 to oversee the yearly $3,600,000.00 they ask for annually to pay for salaries and perks for employees (that includes one million dollars from Oregon Catholic Press as a grant)
We can only imagine what it costs for $50,000,000.00 overseen for five years.  It will assure those involved a hefty salary for those years.  Funded by us.
The new campaign has no loving kindness or fruits which we would be able to see for families or the unborn.  We need to be good stewards of our money. 


"Let us more and more insist on raising funds of love, of kindness, of understanding, of peace. Money will come if we seek first the Kingdom of God - the rest will be given."
Mother Teresa

Latin Movie Star Posts Video: 'Every Voter Must See Before Elections Tuesday'

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 1 /Christian Newswire/ -- Latin movie star-producer-singer, Eduardo Verastegui, was so moved when he saw Cardinal-designate Raymond Burke's videos, that he immediately added the Spanish subtitle versions to his website at www.DuraRealidad.com.
Verastegui implores fellow Latinos to watch these two new videos as soon as possible, saying, "Every voter should watch these videos before voting, Tuesday, Nov. 2."
Verastegui adds, "Each powerful, short video gives you truths you must have about the most important issues when voting, and how to select the best candidates. The new videos at DuraRealidad.com will help you vote to protect our children, our families, our communities and our culture from the Culture of Death."
The two short videos are excerpts from an exclusive interview that Cardinal-designate Raymond Burke gave in Rome on Oct. 20 to Thomas J. McKenna, president of Catholic Action for Faith and Family. Burke, whom Pope Benedict will make a Cardinal on Nov. 20, heads the Apostolic Signatura, the Vatican's "supreme court."
In the video excerpts, Burke explains that Catholics must work to promote the 'Common Good' and the 'Golden Rule' by voting for political candidates who most strongly oppose aborting babies, embryonic stem cell experiments, euthanasia and so-called homosexual "marriage."

Says Verastegui, "Millions of Latinos have no idea it's a sin to vote for candidates who promote these fundamentally grave evils, which attack the very foundations of society. These two new videos will help you vote with an informed and clear conscience for candidates who will protect our families and promote the 'Golden Rule' for all."
The videos are also available at McKenna's website, at: www.CatholicAction.org
Verastegui's screen fame came as a telenovela star in Spanish language "soap operas," before becoming the producer and lead actor of the 2006 movie "Bella," the story of a man who finds redemption in helping a young woman with a crisis pregnancy keep her baby. The movie is credited with saving the lives of 200 babies so far.
Catholic Action for Faith and Family is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting Catholic principles.
Christian Newswire

"Throw the Poor Dog A Bone" part two- Catholic Sentinel Scam

Dear Advocates for Life,

During the year, diverse letters to the editor are printed. That's the bone.  But the Catholic Sentinel shows it's hand during the elections.  In the letters to the editor, candidates are promoted that support abortion and active homosexuality. I say promoted because there is no editorial comment or disclaimer on what it means to vote as a Catholic.  

Voter's guides from Oregon Family Council and Oregon Right to Life are not "allowed" in most of our churches: we feel like there's a war with the Archdpdx. We are indeed the "poor dog".

The Catholic Sentinel has such a low subscription rate that it is being funded by the Archbishop's Annual Appeal to keep it afloat.  The El Sentinel, the Spanish language Archdiocesan paper is given out free of charge and has been for a long time.  There is a liberal bent to this paper too and there is definitely an agenda. It also advertises for Susan B. Komen Foundation who gives money to Planned Parenthood that focuses on minority abortions.
For one woman's great explanation go to Why I can't give to Susan B. Komen

So these "Catholic" newspapers are given to our churches "free",  passing on their progressive bent to unsuspecting Catholics with our own money.  For some reason we subsidize a dying newspaper and their employees.  Low subscription rates were probably the catalyst for this action. It seems the illusion of having a great newspaper is needed.  Below is information to educate.

Catholic Sentinel, Robert Pfohman is editor -  bpfohman@archdpdx.org

5536 NE Hassalo St.
P.O. Box 18030
Portland, OR 97218
Telephone (503) 281-1191
Toll Free (800) 548-8749
Email sentinel@catholicsentinel.org

El Centinela  editor Rocío Rios Niño was born in Colombia, South America. She worked six years at the El Espectador newspaper in Bogotá, Colombia’s major daily newspaper. It is the oldest newspaper in Colombia. Since its first issue to the present its motto has been "El Espectador will work for the good of the country with liberal criteria and for the good of the liberal principles with patriotic criteria". It was initially published twice a week, 500 issues each. It defined itself as a "political, literary, news and industrial newspaper"She worked three a half years doing television reporting on Colombia’s top television station, Caracol news. She came to the United States in 1998 to learn English and became editor of El Centinela, the Catholic Sentinel’s Spanish-language sister newspaper in 1999.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++=
Good News. Catholics nationwide are getting behind pro-life, pro-family candidates more than two years ago, voting for the lesser of two evils, if needed. Mentor, Father Frank Pavone, director of Priests for Life, is incremental in his approach to changing hearts and minds. The Faithful Citizenship USCCB booklet isn't cutting it for thinkers.  Now it's time to pray, possibly holding our nose to save at least one baby for sure.

Here are links to a voters' guide if needed. Oregon Right to Life Voter's Guide   Oregon Family Council (can't find download for OFC)  Gubernatorial candidate Chris Dudley has said he will support parental notification, ending state funding for abortions and partial birth abortion.  The ORTL guide doesn't reflect all subsequent conversations of people you would trust.  Dudley has a pro-life reputation to the pro-aborts.  He has his foot in the door to the Culture of Life. His fate is sealed if he wavers.  John Kitzhaber is pro-abortion and supported by NARAL.

Remember the Vatican trumps the USCCB, the Archbishop and priests on everything in the Church.  A non-perfect pro-life candidate can be chosen over a more pro-abortion one.  Not to vote is voting for evil.  Go to the Vatican website for the Catechism if needed for backup.

Rome's Cardinal Burke on voting for Catholics.

Who Is That Guy......Saturday, at six, in Salem

"Discover and Re-discover GK Chesterton. Common sense for the world's uncommon nonsense."  St. Joseph Catholic Church of Salem is honoring the "Apostle of Common Sense".  He should be a must read for everyone who can read.

GK Chesterton lived a remarkable overflowing life. Men especially would like to know that he loved a good port and a cigar..so in his honor they'll have about four different wines.  You'll be waited upon with food and drink seemingly never ending. Dale will answer any questions and there is a "special guest".   Quite a wonderful evening.

Some of GK's quotes from the American Chesterton society, to never let him be forgotten.   American Chesterton Society

"Fallacies do not cease to be fallacies because they become fashions." - ILN, 4/19/30

"Impartiality is a pompous name for indifference, which is an elegant name for ignorance." - The Speaker, 12/15/00 

"An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered; an adventure is an inconvenience rightly considered." - On Running After Ones Hat, All Things Considered, 1908

"What embitters the world is not excess of criticism, but an absence of self-criticism." - Sidelights on New London and Newer New York

"He is a [sane] man who can have tragedy in his heart and comedy in his head." - Tremendous Trifles, 1909

“Drink because you are happy, but never because you are miserable.”  GK Chesterton
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gilbert Keith Chesterton (29 May 1874 – 14 June 1936) was an English writer of prolific and diverse output included philosophy, philosophy, poetry, play writing, journalism, public lecturing and debating, biography, Christian apologetics, fantasy and detective fiction.  (Thanks Wikipedia.)


Here's the info in St. Joseph of Salem's own words.
Its time again for the much anticipated
Third Annual G.K. Chesterton Steak and Wine Dinner!

This year’s event will be held on Saturday October 23rd
 at 6:00pm in the parish center. Once again we have invited back  Dale Ahlquist, President of the American Chesterton Society and EWTN host and a special guest.

Reservations are now being accepted by calling Rolando Moreno at the parish office (503) 581-1623.

721 Chemeketa St. NE
Salem, Oregon 97301 
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See you there.