Remember all that talk about how the Bush and Obama stimulus packages were going to create jobs with new public works projects? Well, it hasn’t quite turned out that way. The infrastructure projects are lined up, sure — along with their sizable price tags — but the new jobs are nowhere to be found. … Read more
The Catholic Health Association, readers will recall, recently insisted there was no “disagreement” between its position on abortion funding and the bishops’ conference. CHA had appeared to endorse the Senate version of the health care bill containing unprecedented federal funding for abortion but was forced to backtrack in response to criticism. Now an article … Read more
I’m working on a longer post at the moment and I expect it to get the comments moving. But let’s first get the week started with a little fun… an a cappella singing group that doesn’t sound anything like an a capella singing group. The performers appear to be lip-synching, but the recording is authentic … Read more
Only a few months ago, it was revealed that the Catholic Campaign for Human Development was funding organizations actively promoting abortion and same-sex marriage. As a result, several organizations were defunded, and the CCHD was declared back on track. But with regard to at least one CCHD grantee, The San Francisco Organizing Project (SFOP), that … Read more
Today begins a ten-episode serial from 1960 that was successful enough to spawn a sequel two years later (sequels being a rarity for Treasure Chest). As always, these pages come from Catholic University’s online archive of Treasure Chest. Personally, I’m instantly charmed by the deserted American castle, the offhand remarks (“Quiet, you’ll scare the bats!”), … Read more
Bishop Robert Vasa’s latest column, which deals with the proper understanding of excommunication and the role it should play in political matters, was published in yesterday’s Catholic Sentinel (the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Portland and the Diocese of Baker). Many gallons of ink (both actual and digital) have been spilt on this matter, and I don’t think the … Read more
“Mo-om!” If the rolling of eyes could make a noise, my oldest daughter’s facial expression would have been deafening. We were headed to her orthodontist appointment. It was early, but I had brushed my teeth, put on make up, and was wearing my new hat. I thought I might even look a little bit … Read more
Polyamory is the latest “alternative lifestyle” grabbing headlines these days for its titillating (to some) approach to love and commitment. The latest article comes from the Boston Globe: Adherents call it responsible non-monogamy or polyamory, and the nontraditional practice is creeping out of the closet, making gay marriage feel somewhat last decade here in Massachusetts. … Read more
First Free-for-All of the new year! Let’s see what 2010 has in store: Monsignor Guido Marini, the papal master of ceremonies, calls for a “reform of the reform” in the liturgy. The best and worst jobs in the country. In last place is…roustabout. Where do you fall on the list? Good news! Turns out you … Read more
Ten Resolutions of a New Feminist ManHenry Karlson The answer to the question of women’s rights, as with all other serious questions, is in an understandable, sensible and revived Christianity. — Vladimir Soloviev In his 1995 “Letter to Women,” Pope John Paul II, continuing in the tradition of his encyclical Mulieres Dignitatem, stated … Read more
American Catholics can sometimes bring a particularly democratic flavor to our faith; we historically don’t like being told what to do, and we clearly have no problem telling our bishops just what we think of them. But even this little democratic Catholic was stunned by the reaction that French bishop Christian Nourrichard of Evreux received … Read more
If I could remember everything I’ve read over the last few years, I’d be quite the pundit. Unfortunately, that’s becoming less likely as I age… or is it? This article in the New York Times gives me a glimmer of hope. Health editor Barbara Strauch says that even though the middle age brain gets distracted … Read more
Matt DRUDGE really likes to write about the cold. In particular, DRUDGE — Does anyone know if he has legally changed his last name to ALL-CAPS yet? That would seem fitting, somehow. — enjoys combining stories of extreme weather with those detailing the effects extreme weather have upon the activities and organization efforts of global … Read more
Six Coptic Christians and one security guard were killed last night as worshippers left their celebration of Christmas Mass in the ancient town of Nag Hammadi, Egypt. The gunmen — acting in retaliation against the alleged rape of a Muslim girl — sprayed parishioners with machine gun fire as they left the church. [Bishop Kirollos] … Read more
Writing for the Catholic Advocate, Matt Smith reports that 39 of the 106 cosponsors of a House bill that would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act are “self-identified” Catholics. Smith, a former associate director of the White House Office of Public Liaison, warns that same-sex marriage activists are trying to bring H.R. 3567 — ironically, … Read more
From todays’s New York Times comes a story by Jodi Kantor about Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI). It contains the following very interesting tidbit: (Mr. Stupak says he urged the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to toughen its stance on the legislation; representatives from the conference and the National Right to Life Committee did not return calls.) … Read more
The answer to this question may, at first glance, seem simple, but it requires its own discernment. We’re not wrestling here with a simple polarity of Sloth versus Diligence. If that were true, then questions of how much energy to put into pursuing natural and spiritual goods would end with the simple answer: “More is … Read more
In the most recent edition of Dappled Things, Jeffrey Tucker — a regular, lively InsideCatholic contributor and a must-read on all things related to Catholic liturgical music — has a piece entitled simply “A Fix for Catholic Music.” In it, he identifies the three “crucial” components he believes are missing in efforts to reform the … Read more
We’ve known for a while that dolphins are smart creatures. Now it appears they’re even smarter than we thought. According to the Times Online, research suggests dolphins have “individual personalities, a strong sense of self, and can think about the future.” Dolphins can also recognize themselves in a reflection, and have figured out how to … Read more
By now most people know Fox News’s Brit Hume recommended Tiger Woods consider what Jesus Christ has to offer him in his difficult situation. Tiger Woods will recover as a golfer. Whether he can recover as a person I think is a very open question, and it’s a tragic situation for him. I think he’s lost his … Read more