Reagan Vs. Obama - Social Economics 101

This is a great video.

Fortnight for Freedom - 2014

I’m late on this. June 21^st began the 3^rd Fortnight for Freedom initiative. Not sure how I missed it. Perhaps it was not publicized enough. Did you hear of it in church, was it in your bulletin?

Our religious liberties are in danger of being taken away. This is real. We need to pray, to know the issues and be actively involved. This is of great concern for me. As a student of history, I've learned how easy it is for a state to take away one’s freedoms and liberty; Nazi Germany is the prominent example. Think of Poland and the other Eastern European countries under communist rule. Please don’t be like an ostrich with your head in the sand, or next you may find yourself attending Mass in someone’s basement.

By the way, if you didn't hear of this in your parish, or the diocese made no efforts to bring this to you, you may want to ask your pastor, or even write the bishop and ask them why not.

Peace and all Good!

Please see the article in the National Catholic Register here.

Three Cheers for Megan Kelly

Republican Congressman's Epic 1 Minute Obama Critique On House Floor - J...

Ashamed of the Gospel?

Robert George Speaks at National Prayer Breakfast

From time to time we run across something that impresses us and naturally we want to share it. This is such a case. The video is 33 minutes but well worth the time. The text can be found here.

and when he gets to Heaven

New Book by Scott Hahn - Sounds Great

Angels and Saints: A Biblical Guide to Friendship with God's Holy Ones

I just read an excerpt from Scott Hahn's new book and it sounds great. Please go here to read the excerpt.

And here is the link to the Amazon page.

After reading the excerpt, I think you are going to be as enthused about it as I am.

A Tribute to Mothers - A Maintenance Manual

One of my Deacons often posts a great article in my parish's bulletin. Here is another::

A Tribute to Mothers... 

Today is Mother's Day and a friend of mine reminded me that many of us take better care of our cars then we do our mothers and yet we only expect our cars to last 5 or 6 years but we expect our mothers to last for a lifetime. Maybe we need maintenance manual for mothers so we would know how to take care of them at least as well as we do our automobiles.

Here are some items that might be included in such a manual.

Engine: A mother's engine is one of the most dependable kinds you can find. She can reach top speed from a prone position at a single cry from a sleeping child. But regular breaks are needed to keep up that peak performance. Mothers need a hot bath and a nap every 100 miles, a baby-sitter and a night out every 1,000 miles, and a live in baby-sitter .with a one week vacation every 10,000 miles.

Battery: Mother's batteries should be recharged regularly. Handmade items, notes, unexpected hugs and kisses, and frequent "I love you"-s will do very well for a recharge.

Carburetor: When a mother's carburetor floods it should be treated immediately with Kleenex and a soft shoulder.

Brakes: See that she uses her brakes to slow down often and come to a full stop occasionally. (A squeaking sound indicates a need for a rest).

Fuel: Most mothers can run indefinitely on coffee, leftovers and salads, but an occasional dinner for two at a nice restaurant will really add to her efficiency.

Chassis: Mother when their bodies are properly maintained. Regular exercise should be encouraged and provided for as necessary. A change in hairdo or makeup in spring and fall are also helpful. If you notice the chassis begins to sag, immediately start a program of walking, jogging, swimming, or bike riding. These are most effective when done with fathers.

Tune-ups: Mother need regular tune-ups. Compliments are both the cheapest and most effective way to keep a mother purring contentedly.

If these instructions are followed consistently, this fantastic creation and gift from God, that we call MOTHER should last a lifetime and give good service and constant love to those who need her most.

Happy Mother's Day and Blessings to all Mothers!

Easter Season, Easter People

Some of my Franciscan family, my faith community and friends know that when Easter season comes I encourage everyone to jump up and down with joy and shout “Alleluia.” Who cares if people think you’re crazy; we are an Easter people, we recognize that Jesus’ resurrection is the event that will gift us with everlasting happiness. So it is most fitting we rejoice. And not only during the Easter season, but year round.

People should ask, “What bring that person so much joy?” Be sure to tell them the secret.

In the 4/27/14 issue of Our Sunday Visitor, Gretchen Crowe reminds me of some things we should be doing during these eight weeks of Easter. Here they are:

Be joyful.
Increase quality family time.
Pick up a spiritual book.
Maintain spiritual devotions.
Follow the Faith.
Give.
Celebrate.
Turn to the Holy Spirit.
Befriend a saint.

See her article here.

Happy Easter!

Saint John Paul the Great and Canonization Aeriel Photo

It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; He is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you; He is the beauty to which you are so attracted; it is He who provoked you with that thirst for fullness that will not let you settle for compromise; it is He who urges you to shed the masks of a false life; it is He who reads in your heart your most genuine choices, the choices that others try to stifle. It is Jesus who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives, the will to follow an ideal, the refusal to allow yourselves to be ground down by mediocrity, the courage to commit yourselves humbly and patiently to improving yourselves and society, making the world more human and more fraternal.

- - St. John Paul II

Saints John XXII and JP II canonization.