With Thanksgiving for God's Saving Hand

With Thanksgiving for God's Saving Hand Dear Everyone, The title says it all. I will be more dutiful in my prayers to our dear Lord, for he has spared us from living without His most fervent servant, Bishop Robert Vasa. Bishop survives accident by the grace of a ‘very loving God’ 06/16/2005 Bishop Robert Vasa BEND — It was a phenomenal, perhaps even sensational, accident and as far as I know, miraculously, no one was injured. The driver swerved left to avoid an unexpected deer, lost control and swerved back right, again overcompensating, and then swerved left again in a vain attempt to regain control. At that point in the road there were three lanes, and as the driver made his last swerve left, it appeared that it was impossible to avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming vehicle. That would have been very bad. A further swerve right would have ensured such a collision, and so the white Tahoe left the road at nearly 55 miles per hour at a 45 degree angle to the road, very possibly sideways. From there it appears that the Tahoe proceeded sideways and backwards down the steep 20-foot brush- and rock-lined embankment and at some point turned onto its roof for the remainder of the ride. This appears to have happened when, proceeding backward the Tahoe hit some large rock and most likely flipped lengthwise onto its roof. Then the ride mercifully stopped with the Tahoe resting on its top in the eight inches of water running in the creek at the bottom of the ditch into which no one would intentionally drive. Hanging upside down, the driver became aware of two very significant pieces of data. First it was immediately apparent that he was not dead as he fully expected to be. Second, he began to realize that just possibly he was not injured at all. Not being dead and not being injured, the driver was readily able to extricate himself from the vehicle, since the rear windows were knocked out, and he happily discovered that it is really quite easy to move from the front to the rear of an SUV when it is lying on its roof. The most serious injuries the driver suffered were those received from the raspberry bushes through which he tried to climb to get back to the highway. He found it was best to follow the path of destruction carved out by his SUV-turned-sled to gain level ground. After waiting a few minutes at the side of the highway with no one able to see him — did I tell you it was 11 p.m.? — he decided he could go back the car to try to find his flashlight. Back through the brambles, through the water, into the car, but alas no flashlight. He did, however, find his sleeping bag, his computer case and one of two suitcases and his slightly water damaged Breviary. The suitcase contained a miter and a 100-year-old crosier. They likewise appear to be undamaged. In my estimation, the miracle is complete. Realizing that black clothes on a dark night would hardly attract attention he took off his clergy shirt and with his white undershirt was readily able to flag down the next passing motorist. Now the folks who stopped were most generous, but oddly they were rather insistent that they not be there when the police arrived. They did have a cell phone, but the only message it displayed was: No Signal, a familiar phone message in Central Oregon. I think they were relieved, for they readily volunteered to drive down the mountain as far as they needed to in order to receive a signal to call the police. I asked if I could buy a flashlight from them and they generously gave me one before they took off, rather hurriedly I might add, in search of a signal. I had no doubt that they would carry out their mission, which might have been a minor miracle in itself, and so with flashlight in hand I waded down to the car once again. I found my alb, a sweater, and my glasses (they were still in the car in the six inches of water which had accumulated inside). Eventually I found my second suitcase, my tool box, and a pair of jumper cables. The cables were hanging in a tree about 10 feet above where the car had come to rest. The tool box was sitting upright about 15 feet from the car, well out of the water. For those who say this is just the kind of thing for which cell phones are useful need to be reminded of the lack of a signal. This shoots down that theory. Besides, if I had remembered to take my phone on this trip it would have been in that six inches of water in the car like most of the rest of my stuff. Surprisingly the small briefcase containing my laptop computer, upon which this saga is being written at 3 a.m., suffered only a little water damage, and its contents, like myself, appear to be unscathed. Since such an episode is a bit unsettling — I have not been able to sleep and this exercise is a bit of personal debriefing. The State Patrol trooper who brought me to Madras knows well our diocesan bookkeeper and could not have been more helpful, friendly and accommodating. The local pastor of Madras, happy to see that it was his bishop and not a transient ringing his doorbell repeatedly at 2 a.m., readily welcomed me into his home. It is there that I now sit trying to collect myself, amazed at God’s protective hand. It is there that I sit wondering if I am not really in a coma, hanging upside down in a Tahoe, in a deep ditch, off of a very dark and lonely Highway 97. I am pretty sure that I am here, and if I am, as I fully expect I am, it is only, really and truly, by the grace of a most wonderful, powerful and very loving God. You may be wondering what I was doing out that late anyhow. Well, it was the return trip of the Boardman-Hermiston confirmation run, followed by the Cove high school summer camp visit. The weekend was wonderful. The more than 25 young confirmands at Boardman were a bit shy but eager for confirmation. The 88 at Hermiston were a bit more lively and responsive and delightful to be with. Then I could not pass up the opportunity to greet the approximately 30 campers from all across the diocese at Cove. Despite the rather dramatic way the weekend ended, I would not change any part of it — well, maybe the last part. Even this last part, though, was amazing. I found myself walking up and down the side of the highway praying my rosary waiting for a ride or for the police but mostly waiting for shock to set in. As far as I know it never did. I was and am simply happy and genuinely surprised to be alive and uninjured. I will puzzle over and ponder the events of this night for some time to come. For all the events of this weekend, I can simply say, Praise God! I can find no other suitable explanation, and I do not need one. Praise God! Copyright 2002, Catholic Sentinel, Portland, Oregon | Published by Oregon Catholic Press | Legal Information | Privacy Policy

Sweet relief in the form of m-u-r-r-d-e-r!

Dear All, We have some very talented people in our Oregon Catholic family. Carl Olson, who just has written award-winning "The DaVinci Hoax" had a successful forum in Corvallis with over 125 people. Join another favorite "sister", Debra Murphy, who was chosen as a semi-finalist in the "Religious Fiction" category for her murder mystery with a Catholic spiritual theme from the 2005 Independent Publisher Book Awards. Memorial Day, give yourself a "worry break"; sweet relief in the form of murder! 05/30/05 Debra Murphy will do a short reading from The Mystery of Things and participate in a discussion on the topic of "Mystery-thrillers with spiritual and religious themes" at a "Literary Latté" hosted at the Coffee House Café in Salem, Oregon. Time: 7pm, Monday, May 30. Address: 135 Liberty St NE, Salem, OR 97301. The public is welcome. Keep informed at www.idyllspress.com Back to Reality Legislative Update from Oregon Right to Life PAC Time is running out and we need your help! HB 2020 – the Unborn Victims of Violence bill – has passed the Oregon House with bipartisan support! The bill is now in the hands of the Oregon Senate. Unfortunately, the Democrat Senate Leadership is preventing a vote on this common-sense bill. Please contact your Senator by June 8, 2005 and communicate your support for HB 2020. Ask your Senator to request committee action and encourage his or her colleagues to consent to a committee vote and a vote of the full Senate. Please also contact Senate President Peter Courtney. Sen. Courtney is the most powerful individual in the Oregon Senate. He could assist HB 2020 in receiving a vote in committee and the full Senate. Ask Sen. Courtney to use his influence as Senate President to move HB 2020 forward! The purpose of HB 2020 is very simple. If a violent crime causes an expectant mother to lose her unborn baby or if the mother’s family loses both the woman and the unborn baby, the victims and their family deserve justice. Even though two bodies washed on shore, if Laci and Conner Peterson had been killed in Oregon, Scott Peterson would have only been charged with one murder. Under current Oregon law little Conner’s life and death would not have been acknowledged. Over 70% of Oregonians support this legislation. Because Senate offices are so busy, they often do not recognize requests that run contrary to their political ideology until they have received a substantial about of communication. Every Senate office – especially the Democrat offices – needs to hear from over 100 voters in their district by June 8th. Please contact your friends, family members, church members, co-workers, anyone…and ask them to participate in this vital and worthwhile effort. You can call, email or write your Senator. To identify your Senator, visit www.leg.state.or.us/findlegsltr/ and type in your address. You can also call the Capitol switchboard at 1.800.332.2313. Senator Peter Courtney Party: D District: 11 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1600 Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE., S-203, Salem, OR, 97301 Email: sen.petercourtney@state.or.us Website: http://www.leg.state.or.us/senate/senpres CULTURE OF LIFE CALENDAR JUNE Thursday, Friday, Saturday - June 2, 3 and 4, Portland "Teaching, Faith, and Service: The Foundation of Freedom" Conference Sponsored by the University of Portland Garaventa Center for Catholic Intellectual Life and American Culture and by the University of Notre Dame Center for Ethics and Culture. University of Portland campus in North Portland • The presentation by the Honorable John R. Noonan, Jr., U.S. Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit, "Transparency in Theology: The Necessary Condition for Catholic Teaching", June 2, 6:00-7:00 pm at the Buckley Center Auditorium is free to the public. • The presentation by Wm. David Solomon, Ph.D., "Doctors, Death and Democratic Culture", Friday, June 3, 7:30-9:00 pm at the Buckley Center Auditorium is free to the public. This deals with physician assisted suicide. • Physicians for Compassionate Care Officers and Board Members are participating in presentations: Friday, June 3, 2005, 9:00-10:15 am Bioethics Roundtable Dr. Tom Pitre, Fr. John Tuohey, Dr. Charles Benz Saturday, June 4, 2005, 10:45-noon Oregon's Experience with Physician Assisted Suicide Dr. Ken Stevens, Dr. Bill Toffler, Dr. Greg Hamilton • There is a registration charge for attendance of other presentations at the meeting. Further information about the conference is available at: http://www.up.edu/up_sub.asp?ctnt=1390&mnu=220&chl=75&lvl=1 Registration Card is available online at: • www.up.edu/pdf/FoFregistrationcard.pdf Sat., Mon., Tues. & Sun.-June 4, 6, 7 & 12th - Corvallis, Salem, Portland Dr. Brian Clowes, author and international speaker from Human Life International. Dr. Clowes' book "Call to Action, Call to Apostasy" exposes more than the dissident group Call to Action. A must for your library. • Saturday, June 4, 7pm, Corvallis • “Is Dissent Good for the Church?” • Corvallis-Benton County Public Library Meeting Room, 645 Monroe St., Corvallis • Sponsored by St. Mary's Catholic Book Club, Corvallis • This is a free event sponsored by the St. Mary's Catholic Book Club • Monday, June 6, St. Mary's Upper Social Hall, Corvallis • 9am (after daily mass) "The International Abortion Situation" • 7pm (informal discussion) "Strategies for Fighting Dissent - Bring your questions. • Tuesday, June 7, 7 pm, St. Joseph Church, Salem • "Demographic Impacts of Abortion" • This is a free event sponsored by the St. Joseph's Church Respect Life Committee NEW DATE! Sunday, June 12, 7-9pm Holy Rosary Parish, Portland • "International Abortion Situation" and work of Human Life International. • Come and meet Brian, he was a parishionner of Holy Rosary for thirteen years. Just to let you know. Senate Bill 1000, (Same-sex unions) was opposed by Archbishop Vlazny, Bishop Vasa and Bishop Steiner. Let's thank our Bishops for taking a moral stand and defending the Church's position on "same-sex unions". Their rational statement that shows true love of mankind while holding Christ's standards high is my pleasure to post. Thanks to Nina Rhea - Director of the "Marriage Team" for being on top of things as usual and sending this. States’ Bishops Assess Marriage, Civil Unions And Reciprocal Beneficiaries 04/28/2005 THE SENTINEL A letter from Oregon’s Catholic bishops During the past year the issues of marriage and same-sex unions have dominated Oregon’s political debate. The Oregon Catholic Conference, the voice of Oregon’s bishops on public policy issues, offers to the faithful and people of good will these reflections for your consideration in support of the common good for all Oregonians. In March 2004, Multnomah County began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Last November, the electorate significantly passed Measure 36, supported by the Conference, limiting marriage only to a union of one man and one woman. Following the Oregon Supreme Court’s April 14 opinion that the county acted without authority and the marriage licenses are void, the Oregon Legislature is debating the issues of same-sex civil unions and reciprocal beneficiaries. Reflection on the issues of homosexuality and marriage places this debate in context. While there is a distinction between homosexual inclination and activity, each person is a loved child of God with inherent human dignity. The Catechism of the Catholic Church declares that persons with a homosexual inclination “must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided.” (#2358) Any hostile or violent words or acts directed at our sisters and brothers are offensive, immoral and must not be tolerated. Addressing the marriage issue in November 2003, the U.S. Catholic bishops approved Between Man and Woman: Questions and Answers About Marriage and Same-Sex Unions. The statement concludes: “Marriage is a basic human and social institution. Though it is regulated by civil laws and church laws, it did not originate from either church or state, but from God. Therefore, neither church nor state can alter the basic meaning and structure of marriage. “Marriage, whose nature and purposes are established by God, can only be the union of a man and a woman and must remain such in law. In a manner unlike any other relationship, marriage makes a unique and irreplaceable contribution to the common good of society, especially through the procreation and education of children. “The union of husband and wife becomes, over a lifetime, a great good for themselves, their family, communities, and society. Marriage is a gift to be cherished and protected.” The U.S. bishops’ statement followed the Vatican’s June 2003 document approved by Pope John Paul II: “Considerations Regarding Proposals to Give Legal Recognition to Unions between Homosexual Persons.” That document clearly proclaimed support for marriage’s protected status in society’s laws: “The common good requires that laws recognize, promote and protect marriage as the basis of the family, the primary unit of society.” Because marriage is the foundation of the human family, society attaches special protections and benefits for the married couple and their children. It is in society’s own self-interest and self-propagation to do so. It is not discriminatory for society to reserve the full array of marriage benefits to a married man, woman and their children. To legalize civil unions (wherein same-sex couples receive all the benefits of marriage under another name) is to adopt a public policy that, in effect, states that marriage and same-sex civil unions, although called by different names, are essentially the same and equal. They are not. Society must always be mindful that the law is a teacher of us all, including very young and impressionable minds who are growing into their sexual awareness and identity. Youth learn society’s conduct and expectations from family, community, faith and law. The policy of same-sex civil unions establishes a confusing legal and educational message for young people. Approval of same-sex civil unions makes a statement to impressionable youth: society offers the same benefits for marriage between one man and one woman and same-sex civil unions. Therefore society says you are free to choose either marriage or same-sex civil unions because they are equal in the eyes of the law. With the passage of a law legalizing same-sex civil unions, marriage will no longer hold a special place in society’s laws for the exclusive benefit of man, woman and the procreation, rearing and education of children. Marriage between one man and one woman, then, will no longer be held up as society’s preferred institution to conceive and raise children. Marriage, in effect, becomes a weakened social institution to the detriment of the stability of the family and the inherent consequences to children. Through same-sex civil unions with marriage-like benefits and through the practices of artificial insemination and surrogate motherhood, society sanctions and encourages expanded experimentation on the birth of children who deliberately will be conceived and born without the benefit of having both mother and father. Children are God’s precious gift to humanity, given to us through the mutual love of woman and man. Society’s approval of a generally accepted and expanded experimentation on the birth of children without both mother and father surely cannot be in the best interests of children or society. Accordingly, the Oregon Catholic Conference cannot support same-sex civil unions as supportive of the common good for all and must oppose legislative attempts to adopt such public policy in Oregon. In recognition of the fact that there are many people who live together for friendship, companionship and mutual economic support, the concept of reciprocal beneficiaries, with benefits such as survivorship rights, has been advanced. Since reciprocal beneficiaries are dependent on two adults, for example a mother and daughter, being mutually supportive of each other, many people, particularly elderly parents and people with disabilities, would benefit from such a public policy. In general, the Oregon Catholic Conference could support a reciprocal beneficiaries public policy as advancing the common good for a significant number of adults in society. The issues presented to the people of Oregon during this last year’s activities, policy developments and debate about the law on marriage are foundational to society and profound in their impact on the lives of all Oregonians. We pray that the public debate be conducted with civility and charity for all involved. We ask God’s continued blessings on the people of Oregon and its public officials so that wise public policy advancing the common good for all will be the fruits of this public discussion. We pray for God’s blessings on you and your families. Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Rev. John G. Vlazny Archbishop of Portland, President Most Rev. Robert F. Vasa Bishop of Baker, Vice President Most Rev. Kenneth Steiner Auxiliary Bishop of Portland, Board Member Here is contact information for the Bishops. To say "thank you". Archbishop Vlazny - 503.234.5334 /2838 E. Burnside, Portland 97214 Bishop Vasa - 541.388.4004/PO Box 5999, Bend 97708 Bishop Steiner - 503.647. 2131/St. Edward Parish, PO Box 507, North Plains 97133 The term cardo means a "hinge", that on which a thing turns, its principal point; the cardinal virtues- Prudence, Justice, Bravery, Temperace, may be said to be a scientifically arranged group, helpful for those who are struggling for a well-ordered world & conduct in a disordered world, which is not prudent, just, brave, temperate. Thank you Lord, for these Shepherds who demonstrated principals You gave Your Church to make our path to Heaven clearer. God Bless you all, Carolyn "Tolerance is the virtue of the man without convictions." G.K. Chesterton VOCAL Voice of Catholics Advocating Life PO Box 458 Sublimity, OR 97383

Let the Senate Have A Turn!

Dear Advocates for Life, Great news from the Oregon House of Representatives: HB 2605 Parental Notification has passed. If this bill is made into law, parents will be notified before an abortion is performed upon their minor daughter. The 32-27 vote was along party lines except for Rep. Bob Jenson (R-Pendleton) who voted with the Democrats against parental notice. Senate Majority Leader Kate Brown (D-Portland) has stated the bill will not receive a committee hearing. So...now the work begins on the Senate side. Please call Senate President Peter Courtney (who holds the keys to the future of this bill), Senator Kate Brown and your representatives asking for a committee hearing on HB 2605. Parents need to be told if other adults are transporting their children and assuming their role by making life-changing decisions for their family that effect their future forever. It's only decent. HB 2605 asks for parental notification, NOT permission. BTW - Mr. Courtney is a Catholic Democrat who needs encouragement and courage to be pro-life and protect the parent/child relationship. Catholics who are democrat go against their party platform to vote pro-life, they need "fortitude" ("..ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of good." CCC 1837")a gift of the Holy Spirit, when their peers think they "sold out." Pray for our brother in Christ, before you contact him. Another "tactic" is to ask your guardian angel to communicate this message to his guardian angel. Let's use the "weapons" we have in this spiritual battle. Senator Peter Courtney Party: D District: 11 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1600 Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE., S-203, Salem, OR, 97301 Email: sen.petercourtney@state.or.us Website: http://www.leg.state.or.us/senate/senpres Senator Kate Brown Party: D District: 21 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1700 Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE., S-323, Salem, OR, 97301 Email: sen.katebrown@state.or.us Website: http://www.leg.state.or.us/brown Find your Legislator - http://www.leg.state.or.us/writelegsltr/ Coming Next Week: HB 2020 the Laci/Connor Peterson Bill! FYI - Let's not let this happen in Oregon. Since school-based clinics, there seems to be an influx of these problems. Parents need to know what's happening in their schools and health-based clinics. We can't take anything for granted. From Life Site News - U.S. High School Hosts “Gay Education” Conference, including Pornographic Materials Encouraging Sodomy WALTHAM, Massachusetts, May 18, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Students at a Massachusetts high school were exposed to “hard core” pornographic materials depicting sodomy at a Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN) conference held at Brookline High School April 30, according to an Article 8 Alliance report. One “resource” given to hundreds of kids” at the conference was a “hard-core pornographic homosexual ‘how-to’ booklet titled The Little Black Book - Queer in the 21st Century. The Article 8 Alliance said it contained "deadly misinformation on health”. Written by the Boston-based “AIDS Action Committee” with help from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston Public Health Commission, the booklet contains graphic depictions and misinformation, suggesting that condom use is a failsafe measure against contracting AIDS. Article 8 described the event, hosted by Brookline High School, as a tool aimed at “children and teachers, to promote homosexuality in schools, elementary through high school.” “This is the same group that organizes ‘Gay-Straight Alliances’ and the ‘Day of Silence’ in schools around the country,” the Alliance said. Over 500 attended the conference, including hundreds of kids middle school age and older. “Books were prominently distributed at the first table, right after registration, where everyone would be sure to go,” Article 8 said. “Is this where the homosexual movement is taking children?” Visit the Article 8 Alliance web site, including links to the materials: http://www.article8.org/ The theme for 2005 seems to be leaving our comfort zones. Let's try fifteen minutes a week to start. "God cannot be outdone in generosity." God Bless, Carolyn "Be pleasing to him whose soldiers you are, and whose pay you receive. May none of you be found to be a deserter. Let your baptism be your armament, your faith your helmet, your love your spear, your endurance your full suit of armor. Let your works be as your deposited withholdings, so that you may receive the back-pay which has accrued to you" Ignatius of Antioch (Letter to Polycarp 6:2 [A.D. 110]). VOCAL Voice of Catholics Advocating Life PO Box 458 Sublimity, OR 97385 Member of the Catholic Media Coalition - "In line with the Church, on-line with the World"

Happy Birthday to the Church - She Takes a Lickin' Keeps on Tickin'!

The need for the last few e-letters to point out the dangers surrounding the innocent have eclipsed the great happenings and upcoming events giving strength, spiritual education opportunities and fellowship that help keep our Oregon Catholic family healthy. We have much to be thankful for. Please let your friends and church know about these events, we are truly blessed.

CULTURE OF LIFE CALENDAR

MAY   *Tuesday, May 17, 7 pm, Corvallis

Carl Olson author of, The DaVinci Hoax, Exposing the Errors in the DaVinci Code (Ignatius Press 2004) Francis Cardinal George calls this the "definitive debunking of the DaVinci Code

• "Get the Clear Facts About Confusing Fiction"
• Corvallis-Benton County Public Library Meeting Room, 645 Monroe St., Corvallis
• Come meet a great asset to our Church and to Oregon Catholics
• Google "Carl Olson" for more info.
• There is no cost. This is a gift from St. Mary Catholic Book Club, Corvallis.
Thursday, May 26, 7 pm, Portland

Dr. Joe Dasso, nationally known bioethicist's forum
• "The Health Benefits of Practicing Catholicism"
• Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Father Wayne Dawson,
• SE 52nd & Woodstock, Portland, OR 97206 503.775.6731
• Topics include how a faith-based lifestyle promotes physical and mental health. How longevity is linked to Sacramental Living. And how adhering to the principles of the Culture of Life really does bring Life.
• All are welcome - Free-will offering.



JUNE

Thursday, Friday, Saturday - June 2, 3 and 4, Portland

"Teaching, Faith, and Service: The Foundation of Freedom" Conference

Sponsored by the University of Portland Garaventa Center for Catholic Intellectual Life and American Culture and by the University of Notre Dame Center for Ethics and Culture.
University of Portland campus in North Portland

• The presentation by the Honorable John R. Noonan, Jr., U.S. Circuit
Judge for the Ninth Circuit, "Transparency in Theology: The Necessary
Condition for Catholic Teaching", June 2, 6:00-7:00 pm at
the Buckley Center Auditorium is free to the public.
• The presentation by Wm. David Solomon, Ph.D., "Doctors, Death and
Democratic Culture", Friday, June 3, 7:30-9:00 pm at the Buckley
Center Auditorium is free to the public. This deals with physician
assisted suicide.
• Physicians for Compassionate Care Officers and Board Members are
participating in presentations:
Friday, June 3, 2005, 9:00-10:15 am
Bioethics Roundtable
Dr. Tom Pitre, Fr. John Tuohey, Dr. Charles Benz
Saturday, June 4, 2005, 10:45-noon
Oregon's Experience with Physician Assisted Suicide
Dr. Ken Stevens, Dr. Bill Toffler, Dr. Greg Hamilton
• There is a registration charge for attendance of other presentations at the
meeting.
Further information about the conference is available at:
http://www.up.edu/up_sub.asp?ctnt=1390&mnu=220&chl=75&lvl=1

Registration Card is available online at:
• www.up.edu/pdf/FoFregistrationcard.pdf
Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday -June 4, 5 and 6, & 7 , Corvallis, Salem, Portland

Dr. Brian Clowes, author and international speaker from Human Life International
• Saturday, June 4, 7pm
• “Is Dissent Good for the Church?”
• Corvallis-Benton County Public Library Meeting Room, 645 Monroe St., Corvallis
• Sponsored by St. Mary Catholic Book Club, Corvallis

• Sunday, June 5, Time and Topic TBA - Holy Rosary Church, Portland

• Monday, June 6, St. Mary's Upper Social Hall 9am (after daily mass) "The International Abortion Situation" 7pm (informal discussion) "Strategies for Fighting Dissent"
Monday, June 6 “The International Abortion Situation”
(9 AM -- after daily Mass -- St. Mary’s Upper Social Hall)
( 7 PM – informal discussion - strategies for fighting dissent)
Tuesday, June 7 “Demographic Impacts of Abortion”
(7 PM St. Joseph’s in Salem)

Women priests? Priest shortage? Do we even need a hierarchical church?
Hot button issues in the modern Catholic Church. Come hear Dr. Brian
Clowes, author and international speaker, for his take on dissent in
the Church. Join with others for this free talk at the Corvallis Public
Library meeting room, 7 p.m. Saturday, June 4. Sponsored by the St.
Mary's Catholic Book Club. Information: Jocelynn Abbott (541) 752-3917


Legislative Action

HB 2605 - Parental Notice - passed in the Oregon House!
;n Tuesday, May 3, 2005 the Oregon House passed HB 2605. The 32-27 vote was along party lines except for Rep. Bob Jenson (R-Pendleton) who voted with the Democrats against parental notice.

HB 2605 will now move to the Senate were Senate Majority Leader Kate Brown (D-Portland) has stated the bill will not receive a committee hearing. Oregon Right to Life is taking immediate action to try and secure a hearing.
Read more about the House's vote:
Parental-notification action passes House www.mailtribune.com/archive/2005/0504/local/stories/13local.htm

Opinion - It's to help girls www.democratherald.com/articles/2005/05/05/news/opinion/edit02.txt
House OKs parental-notification abortion bill www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050504/STATE/505040337&SearchID=73207235981898
 I heard from the Respect Life Committee at St. Joseph's; they would like Brian Clowes to speak there the evening of Tuesday, June 7. They have reserved a room in the parish center.... topic...it will be one from his pro-life work....

Also, Janet Smith will be there on Saturday, September 24. They are planning an all-day conference on various aspects of natural law and Church teaching. They have invited Dr. Lynne Bissonette, a Catholic physician from Portland, to speak on marriage and the Theology of the Body: http://www.domesticchurch.us/Theology2.htm Also, a St. Joseph's homeschool family,

Mike and Amy McDermott (parents of six), are going to speak on Catholic family life.

"Hello, Good Men".....

Dear Advocates for Life, Because of the responsibility I felt to point out dangers surrounding our children and their innocence, last few e-letters have almost eclipsed the upcoming events giving strength; spiritual education opportunities and fellowship that help keep our Oregon Catholic family healthy. We have much to be thankful for. Please let your friends and church know about these events, we are truly blessed. With this all male lineup, another working title was "The Boys are Back in Town." CULTURE OF LIFE CALENDAR MAY *Tuesday, May 17, 7 pm, Corvallis Carl Olson author of, The DaVinci Hoax, Exposing the Errors in the DaVinci Code (Ignatius Press 2004) Francis Cardinal George calls this the "definitive debunking of the DaVinci Code." Code or Hoax? Get the clear facts about confusing fiction. Join Carl Olson, co-author with medievalist Sandra Miesel, of The Da Vinci Hoax, for an illuminating talk about the novel, The Da Vinci Code. "The definitive debunking," says Francis Cardinal George, Archbishop of Chicago. Highly recommended by Marvin Olasky, editor of World magazine. Carl Olson is a best selling author, former editor of Envoy magazine, and editor of IgnatiusInsight.com, the online magazine of Ignatius Press, one of the world’s largest Catholic publishers. All are invited to this free talk. Corvallis Public Library meeting room, Tuesday, May 17, 2005, 7:00 PM. Sponsored by St. Mary’s Catholic Book Club. For information contact Jocelynn Abbott 753-3917 or Irene Johnson 752-1132. Corvallis-Benton County Public Library Meeting Room, 645 Monroe St., Corvallis Come meet a great asset to our Church and to Oregon Catholics There is no cost. This is a gift from St. Mary's Catholic Book Club. Thursday, May 26, 7 pm, Portland Dr. Joe Dasso, nationally known bioethicist's forum "The Health Benefits of Practicing Catholicism" Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Father Wayne Dawson, SE 52nd & Woodstock, Portland, OR 97206 503.775.6731 Topics include how a faith-based lifestyle promotes physical and mental health. How longevity is linked to Sacramental Living. And how adhering to the principles of the Culture of Life really does bring Life. All are welcome - Free-will offering. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- JUNE Thursday, Friday, Saturday - June 2, 3 and 4, Portland "Teaching, Faith, and Service: The Foundation of Freedom" Conference Sponsored by the University of Portland Garaventa Center for Catholic Intellectual Life and American Culture and by the University of Notre Dame Center for Ethics and Culture. University of Portland campus in North Portland The presentation by the Honorable John R. Noonan, Jr., U.S. Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit, "Transparency in Theology: The Necessary Condition for Catholic Teaching", June 2, 6:00-7:00 pm at the Buckley Center Auditorium is free to the public. The presentation by Wm. David Solomon, Ph.D., "Doctors, Death and Democratic Culture", Friday, June 3, 7:30-9:00 pm at the Buckley Center Auditorium is free to the public. This deals with physician assisted suicide. Physicians for Compassionate Care Officers and Board Members are participating in presentations: Friday, June 3, 2005, 9:00-10:15 am Bioethics Roundtable Dr. Tom Pitre, Fr. John Tuohey, Dr. Charles Benz Saturday, June 4, 2005, 10:45-noon Oregon's Experience with Physician Assisted Suicide Dr. Ken Stevens, Dr. Bill Toffler, Dr. Greg Hamilton There is a registration charge for attendance of other presentations at the meeting. Further information about the conference is available at: http://www.up.edu/up_sub.asp?ctnt=1390&mnu=220&chl=75&lvl=1 Registration Card is available online at: www.up.edu/pdf/FoFregistrationcard.pdf Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday -June 4, 5 and 6, & 7 , Corvallis, Salem, Portland Dr. Brian Clowes, author and international speaker from Human Life International Saturday, June 4, 7pm “Is Dissent Good for the Church?” Corvallis-Benton County Public Library Meeting Room, 645 Monroe St., Corvallis Sponsored by St. Mary's Catholic Book Club, Corvallis This is a free event sponsored by the St. Mary's Catholic Book Club Sunday, June 5, Time and Topic TBA - Holy Rosary Church, Portland Monday, June 6, St. Mary's Upper Social Hall 9am (after daily mass) "The International Abortion Situation" 7pm (informal discussion) "Strategies for Fighting Dissent Tuesday, June 7, 7 pm, St. Joseph Church, Salem "Demographic Impacts of Abortion" This is a free event sponsored by the St. Joseph's Church Respect Life Committee -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are part of an incredible team of Godly men and women working so hard to put these events together. Sometimes the event that seems undesirable is the one the Lord wants us to attend. These are perfect events for date nights. God Bless, Carolyn "We shall be called to account not only for every idle word, but also for every idle silence.” St. Ambrose VOCAL Voice of Catholics Advocating Life PO Box 458 Sublimity, OR 97383 Member of Catholic Media Coalition "In Line with the Church, On-line with the world"