John Schultz: December 2005 Archives
It's always fun to read the rantings of those who think they know what the Church should, could, and would do if it was perfect (like the Commentator, of course.)
Here's a nugget about the election of Pope Benedict from the man who wrote "God's Hit Man"
"We needed a retreat from the high papacy of JPII. He tried to be omnipresent and was up for every gig that you could poke a stick at," Dr Collins said.
I can imagine JPII surrounded by a gaggle of cardinals, bishops and monsignors: "I hear the MGM Grand is spectacular. If Babs can play there, I can. Get me booked there before the end of '04 or you're going to be transferred to the Congregation of the Vatican Latrines. And make sure you tell the Boy Scout Troop 717 I'll be there for Columbus day. C'mon people - I want to do every gig that I can poke a stick at!"
And more:
"In Benedict we have a more modest approach -- he's got a better grip of the true role of the pope, which is partly to inspire others to use their gifts."
I'm sure Dr. Collins feels more inspired. And that's what counts.
Here's another equally stupid tidbit from the same article:
Another church commentator, Fr. Ephraim Chifley, said the curia was likely to be frightened of the new pope because he used to be one of them.
EBay Scraps Plans to Offer Live Pets
Maybe Jeff Miller can make a faux Ebay Live Pet listing.
Seriously - if you want a pet, go to your local animal shelter. We adopted a 4 month old belgian shepherd mutt and she's a wonderful dog. She even howls along when I sing.
I'd take a pound puppy over a pure-bred any day. They're smarter and more grateful to have a home.
Today's strike is another instance where unions have thrown everyone else in front of a bus while trying to have their demands met. This couldn't come at a worse time for NYC retailers - the week before Christmas is one of their biggest weeks of the year. Whether it's in Jersey or inside the city, folks are going to be shopping locally.
Archbishop's Veracity Is Questioned
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Attorneys for alleged victims of sex abuse asked a federal judge to let them question a top-ranking Vatican official about a church doctrine that might permit him to lie under oath...The Catholic Church teaches it is a sin to lie, but the doctrine of mental reservation allows for circumstances when it may be better to avoid the truth to serve a higher purpose. ...more
Another case of lawyers doing everything they can to make the Church look bad.
My wife and I went to confession and Mass at a parish in Reston yesterday. In the pews they had Gather Comprehensive (aka "A Few Hymns And A Lot of Cheese" or "The Collected Works of Marty Haugen and Friends.")
In spite of having a hymnal, they had a "Worship Aid" with a few Disney knock-offs. That was our music for the 4th Sunday of Advent. I suppose because in the minds of the powers that be, Gather Comprehensive just doesn't have enough sentimental Marian or Advent ditties: we had to sing new pieces of cheese.
The results were alot of people looking dumbstruck in the congregation. Not much singing.
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Dissident theologians opposed to the beatification of Pope John Paul have issued an appeal urging Catholics critical of the late pope to tell the Vatican if they also think he should not be made a saint.The 11 Catholic theologians said Church officials who are reviewing John Paul's life and pontificate should also consider the "negative evaluation" liberal critics have of the nearly 27-year-old papacy that ended when John Paul died in April. ...more
Boston College rejects proposed gay theme for dance
Boston College has asked a student group to adopt a "less gay" theme for an AIDS benefit dance, saying the proposed "A Night in Gay Paris" defies the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
NEWARK, N.J. -- Former Gov. James E. McGreevey, a former Roman Catholic altar boy who resigned from office last year after acknowledging a gay affair, says he now attends Episcopal services. [full story]
Because now it's ok to be an active homosexual and be a member of the Episcopal church.
My question: what does being an altar boy have to do with it?
U.S. Catholic activits to march on Guantanamo prison
HAVANA, Dec 6 (Reuters) - A group of [lefty, granola-eating] Catholic peace activists [who are stuck in the 1960's], defying a U.S. travel ban to Cuba, will set out on Wednesday from the [atheistic] Communist island on a 50-mile (80.5-km) trek [in their Birckenstocks] to the U.S. Guantanamo Navel [SIC] Base aiming to protest conditions for [totally innocent] terrorism suspects.
My colleague at St. Marks, Dick Weiand, who has been an organist and bell choir director there for over 3 decades has had a recurrence of liver cancer. His health is growing much worse. I'd like to give him a spiritual bouquet, please let me know what prayers & sacrifices you can offer in the comment boxes below.
Thanks and God bless you all.
