"Kate Zernike...are you in the room?"

Here is Part 1 of Andrew Brietbart 's speech upon receiving an Accuracy in Media award for his work as 'whistleblower' against mainstream media bias. At 6:05 find his comments about Zernike's venom spitting attack , posing as a NYT 'journalist'. You don't have to be conservative to be scandalized by obvious lying and proselytizing by bankrupt journalists, but it helps if you're not a liberal...



Part 2...

Where Do Catholic Kids Go To College?

We have two teens preparing to enter university in the fall. Finding the right college for each of them has been challenging. They would like to go to authentic Catholic colleges, but they would also like to continue their success in sports, and study in specific areas of interest. As we have eight children and a single, modest income, cost is also a concern.

Its not easy to match up all these criteria!

One helpful tool has been The Newman Guide.

It has also been helpful that the two eldest attended Our Lady Seat Of Wisdom and are pleased with their experiences there. (Both found wives, but that's another story!) Shane is now studying law, and Joseph is a fire fighter, finishing a business degree.

The search continues....!

(The OLSWA Winter Pilgrimage to Midland)

Day 4 - 40 Days For Life

Intention:

Pray that we each will daily put on the full armor of God, so that we are strong in the Lord and the power of His might.

Scripture:

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all, to stand.

- Ephesians 6:12-13

Reflection:

I am confounded to see how the battle over the issue of life is perceived more often in churches today as political rather than spiritual. Ironically, the enemy has used this twisted perception to silence many in the body of Christ. We must see the battle for what it is and if we are to be prepared to face the spiritual enemy on the issue of abortion, we must daily "put on" the armor God has given us:

* Gird your waist with Truth (vs. 14) - Commit your emotions to believe truth and to speak truth, regardless of the repercussions.
* Put on the breastplate of Righteousness (vs. 14) -It will protect our hearts - the innermost springs of our beings - from all unrighteousness so evident in this fallen world.
* Shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. (vs. 15) -Preparation is vital if we are to be effective in God's work.
* Taking the shield of faith (vs.16) - The Accuser will instill doubt, fear, and guilt. Faith acts as an invisible shield that deflects such false accusations.
* Taking the Helmet of salvation (vs.17) - A helmet protects the head, the brain and in turn our mind and thoughts. Satan hopes we will set aside divine revelation for human reasoning.
* Taking the sword of the Spirit (vs.17) - The Word of God, the only offensive weapon in this armor, was used by the Lord Jesus against Satan. The living Word is powerful and effective.

Our armor is complete. We are ready to wage war, and the next verse tells us how, "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit." (vs.18)

Prayer:

Dear Lord, as you lead us into the spiritual battle of abortion may we be reminded that the battle is truly Yours. We thank you for equipping us with Your armor. Lead us daily to put it on! Thank you for allowing us to serve under your command, and for hearing our requests for direction and protection. Thank you for the victory that is ours because of Your Son Jesus, amen.

Carmen Pate
Co-host, "Point of View" talk show

40 Days For Life

NCEA Invites Outspokenly Anti-Catholic 'Humorist'

(via e-mail)

Dear Friends,

We recently discovered that Garrison Keillor is scheduled to be a Keynote Speaker at the National Catholic Education Association Convention in Minneapolis on April 6 - 8, 2010.

Garrison Keillor is well known for his outspoken views on abortion and "same-sex marriage" which are not in line with authentic Catholic teaching.

On the issue of abortion he is quoted as saying:

"Abortion has to be considered case by case. The use of abortion as birth control is one thing, the use of it to end pregnancy caused by incest or rape is another, and then there is the decision to destroy an embryo that shows signs of debilitating disease or severe retardation. In the end, it goes against common sense to require a mother to bear a child she does not want, just as you can't force husband and wife to stay together…"

On the issue of "same sex" marriage he is quoted as saying:

"I believe that if voters actually knew gay couples, they would not vote to ban gay marriage. This particular cruelty is the result of social separation, which breeds contempt."

In another article he states:

"The so-called cultural wars over abortion and prayer in the schools and pornography and gays, most of it instigated by shrieking ninnies and pompous blowhards, did nothing about anything, except elect dullards to office who brought a certain nihilistic approach to governance…"

It is scandalous that Garrison Keillor has been invited to be a keynote speaker for the National Catholic Education Convention. It is only right that Mr. Keillor's invitation be rescinded and that he be removed as a speaker from the Convention this April.

We have already contacted Archbishop John Nienstedt. He was very gracious and responded immediately to our concern. He reported that the decision was made at the national level of the NCEA and he was only informed of it afterwards. The Archbishop told us he has contacted the NCEA with his own criticism of their decision to select Garrison Keillor as keynote speaker.

The Archbishop also encouraged us to contact the NCEA and express our opinion. He included the following address:

Dr. Karen M. Ristau, Ed.D.
President, National Catholic Educational Association
1005 North Glebe Road
Arlington, VA 22201

Several days ago I did contact Dr. Ristau and have not heard back from anyone at the NCEA. We want you all to aware of this disgraceful action. The NCEA needs to hear from you and many others.

Please contact the following people to report that Garrison Keillor is well known for his outspoken views on
abortion and "same-sex marriage" which are not in line with authentic Catholic teaching. Please request that Garrison Keillor's invitation be rescinded and that he be removed as keynote speaker at the NCEA Convention this April.

Dr. Karen M. Ristau, Ed.D.
president@ncea.org

Most Reverend Donald W. Wuerl - Archbishop of Washington, DC and NCEA Board Chair
chancery@adw.org

I also encourage you to Cc: many on this Staff Listing

This is truly an upsetting situation for Catholics, however, please remember to always be charitable in your letters. It's a good practice to always pray to the Holy Spirit before writing.

There is no need to contact Archbishop Neinstedt on this matter. We are grateful he has taken action.

Thank you for your help and please be sure to pass this email to others who should know!

Sincerely yours in Christ,



Mrs. Colleen Perfect,
President
Catholic Parents On-Line

Ignatieff FAIL

The Catholic Register brings Ignatieff to task for his unloving approach to the health needs of the poor - provide universal abortion and contraception.

Abortion In Canada

Julie Culshaw
(via e-mail)

Most of you know that abortion in Canada is legal in all provinces throughout all nine months of pregnancy. This means that no one who wants to have an abortion will ever be refused. In fact, Canada is the only country in the western world that has absolutely no law on abortion at all. It is not that abortion is legal in Canada, the truth is that there is no law about abortion at all. Therefore we have absolutely no restrictions on abortion. Most countries have at least some restrictions on abortion, but in Canada - NONE.

Eleven days ago, Michael Ignatieff challenged Prime Minister Harper on his proposal for the upcoming G8 summit to be held here in Canada. Harper wishes to address the problem of maternal health and infant mortality in the third world by granting funds to improve the conditions for pregnant women. He wants to help provide poor countries with good nursing care, with nutritional information, with birthing helps, with care for newborns, all with the intention of reducing maternal and infant mortality.

I know personally that this is a huge problem. Our first child was born in Malawi 36 years ago. That night, five other women were giving birth in the hospital in Mzuzu, Malawi. My husband said to me that night, "you know our daughter will probably be the only child alive out of these six babies in five years time."

Malaria, measles, meningitis, infections, inadequate nutrition, lack of innoculations, lack of clean water, lack of the basics that we take for granted, would bring about the early deaths of all five of those children. If any of them survived those five years, they would have beaten the odds.

So when Harper made that statement about helping the third world, it rang true to me. And when Ignatieff made the response that Harper's aid should include abortion and contraception, I also knew that he was speaking a lie.

Malawi does not want the importation of abortion; those Africans treasure life precisely because they know how precarious it is. To offer them abortion is the very opposite of what they know to be valuable; they love children; they do not need some western ideology shoved upon them. They need what we take for granted: basic medical care, basic clean food and water, and the education to show them how to do this for themselves in a hemisphere that is often hostile to life.

If you are the slightest bit interested in this issue, I would encourage you to write to Michael Ignatieff and let him know that you don't want abortion and contraception included in this health package that Harper is proposing. And for goodness sake, please write to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and thank him and encourage him for taking the brave stand that he has.

It really does make a difference if we speak to our politicians. I read today that one MP said that, in all his mail, the only letters he gets on the topic of pro-life amount to only two per year. Hundreds of letters on other topics, but only 2 on pro-life issues. Let us speak up, our voices need to be heard.

You can email Michael Ignatieff at
Liberal Party of Canada
81 Metcalfe Street, Suite 400
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 6M8
Phone : (613) 237-0740
Fax : (613) 235-7208
email : info@liberal.ca

and Stephen Harper at
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa
K1A 0A2

Fax: 613-941-6900
by email at pm@pm.gc.ca

For those who have been dismayed by the seeming lack of stand on pro-life issues by this Conservative parliament, this is our chance to thank them for taking this stand. Because this statement about aid to the third world really is a pro-life stand. We need to give Mr. Harper the support that he needs to stay strong in the face of those who think that abortion is a "done deal" and that we should export it to the rest of the world.

God bless you, and please remember to pray during the next 40 Days for an end to abortion in our country. I believe that the fact that abortion is even being discussed publicly (where it has been silent for so long) is the result of prayers. The issue is being uncovered, because it has not gone away, and it will not go away until there is justice for all our brothers and sisters, including those in the womb.


email: julie culshaw@ns.sympatico.ca
40 Days For Life Halifax
Concerned For Life

"Stop Killing The Dream"

Dr. Martin Luther King had a Dream for his children...and so does the Abortion Industry. His niece Dr. Alveda King speaks out for life, and encourages students to tell the nation, "Stop Killing the DREAM."

Fish Tacos For Friday

For a little variety this Lent...

BAJA FISH TACOS

Recipe from Ortega

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 package (1 1/4-oz)ORTEGA Taco Seasoning Mix - divided
• 1 pound (4 total) cod or white fish fillets, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tbls. vegetable oil
• 2 tbls. lemon juice
• 1 package ORTEGA Taco Shells (12 ct), warmed (I will probably fry my own corn tortillas)
  

DIRECTIONS:

COMBINE sour cream, mayonnaise, cilantro and 2 tablespoons seasoning mix in small bowl.

COMBINE cod, vegetable oil, lemon juice and remaining seasoning mix in medium bowl; pour into large skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes or until cod flakes easily when tested with a fork.

FILL taco shells with fish mixture. Optional: Top with cabbage, tomato, sour cream mixture, lime juice and taco sauce.


viaRecipes For Lent (Catholic Cuisine)

Stations Of The Cross

Every Friday during Lent, our parish of St. Ignatius prays the Stations of the Cross before the evening Mass. The last several years this has been followed by a fish fry , cooked and served up by the youth group. Every Friday is well attended, and our family looks forwards to the Stations of the Cross prayed in community.





Here are a few resources for Stations of the Cross :

The Way of the Cross(Catholic Encyclopedia)

Stations of the Cross for Children

Stations of the Cross with Mary

Stations of the Cross by St.Francis of Assisi

Day 3 - 40 Days For Life

Intention:

May God's people understand that the Lazarus of the 21st Century is the unborn child, and respond accordingly.

Scripture:

There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, "Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire."

But Abraham replied, "Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us."

--Luke 16:19-31

Reflection:

The rich man did not go to hell because he was rich. He went to hell because he ignored the other man. He thought that because Lazarus had less that he was worth less. He failed to recognize that Lazarus was his brother. Lazarus was waiting at the door of the rich man for scraps of food; the Lazarus of our day, the unborn child, is waiting at the door of the womb for birth itself. God does not only prohibit aborting the unborn; he prohibits ignoring them.

Prayer:

Father, I thank you for the life that I possess, and for the birth that you granted me. I hear the cries of the Lazarus of our day; I see them sitting at the door. Grant that I may never ignore them, and that through this 40 Days campaign, I may stir many others to pay attention to them as well. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Fr. Frank Pavone
National Director, Priests for Life

40 Days For Life

Lenten Pro-life Prayer
(Click here for Spanish)

Father of all mercy,
We thank you for this season of grace and light.
We know that sin has blinded us.
Draw us ever closer to you, in prayer and penance.

Since you, O God, are light itself,
Give all your people a clearer understanding
Of what is sin, and what is virtue.

Grant in particular that we may see, as never before,
The profound dignity of every human life,
Including the vulnerable unborn children.

Give us grace to defend
Our brothers and sisters in the womb
By our prayers, our words,
And our self-sacrificing actions.

We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Priests For Life)

Day 2 - 40 Days For Life

Intention:

May the King of the Universe, who entered this world as a helpless infant, give us the humility to be healed.

Scripture:

My power is made perfect in weakness.

--2 Corinthians 12:9

Reflection:

The great mystery of the Humility of God is very near and dear to the mission of those serving in pro life and in a special way, post abortion ministries across this nation. For those wounded by their participation in abortion, the door to healing often feels like crossing an abyss of great fear: fear of judgment, fear of being torn apart by the pain, by self hatred and rage at those who hurt and abandoned you, and manipulated you in your time of temptation. For men in particular, entering the unknown waters of emotional vulnerability, so necessary to healing calls for a different kind of courage that feels deceptively like weakness.

The door to healing is humility. It is born in the inability to no longer control the pain, to live with the consequences of that tragic decision to reject life. The hearts cries out, "I have committed a grave offense against my Creator and I am consumed by regret, grief and sorrow!"

During these forty days let us pray for all who have participated in abortion and with love call them to healing and reconciliation. With healing these women and men can become as John Paul II proclaimed in the Gospel of Life, "the most eloquent defenders of everyone's right to life."

Jesus proclaimed, "I am the Vine, you are the branches" (John 15:5). To bear the greatest fruit, the branches must be pruned. Each level of pruning of the vine requires a deeper level of humility so that we can abandon ourselves to His will. This is not a lofty theological concept as much as it is an earthy experience of pulling weeds, tilling rocky soil, pruning and healing the vines. "If a man wishes to come after me, he must deny his very self, take up his cross, and begin to follow in my footsteps" (Matthew 16:24).

Prayer:

Lord, during these forty days, we ask that with each day of this sacred vigil, everything in us that separates us from your perfect will would be pruned from our hearts and souls. In this blessed freedom may we experience a powerful anointing of your Holy Spirit. Filled with confidence and trust may we proclaim with the mother of Jesus, "Let it be done to me, according to your Word."

Kevin Burke
Executive Director, Rachels Vineyard Ministries

40 Days For Life

Fra Angelico

Today is the feast day of Blessed John of Friesole (1400-1455)

Dominican monk, painter.

“One has to believe that this good monk has visited paradise and been allowed to choose his models there.”(Michelangelo)

Day 1 - 40 Days For Life

Intention:

That we may use these 40 Days for Life to plead for God's mercy and grace upon all those involved in the sin of abortion.

Scripture:

Blow the trumpet in Zion! Proclaim a fast, call an assembly. Gather the people, notify the congregation. Assemble the elders; gather the children and the infants at the breast… Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep and say, "Spare, O Lord, your people."

-- Joel 2:15-17

Reflection:

The toll of abortion cannot be measured. We hear estimates of almost 50 million innocent victims, but that's only one aspect of the harm that has unfolded in abortion's wake. There are also the mothers and fathers of these millions, as well as the grandparents, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins. Unborn lives destroyed. Lives of the living shattered.

It's overwhelming and depressing, but even in the midst of such unfathomable darkness, the church teaches us to have hope. Yes, it was indeed Calvary that followed Christ's 40 days in the desert, but without Calvary there would have been no Resurrection - His victory over death that opened the gates of heaven to those who believe in and follow Him.

The psalmist encourages us to go humbly before God as we seek His will: "A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me… Give me back the joy of your salvation and a willing spirit sustain in me… O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise" (Psalm 51:12, 14, 17).

We are called to be God's messengers; or as the Apostle Paul told the Corinthians: "We are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: be reconciled to God" (2 Corinthians 5:20). That is the true message to all we encounter at the abortion centers and in our communities who have been deceived by the Culture of Death. We don't bring condemnation; we bring God's good news.

Prayer:

Lord, we ask for the strength, courage, wisdom, determination and stamina to carry out this mission according to Your will. Guide us, we pray, as we go forth and proclaim Your truth, always doing so with a spirit of love and compassion, as was demonstrated to us by Your Son, Jesus Christ. In His name we pray, amen.

David Brandao
Communications Director, 40 Days for Life

40 Days For Life

Lenten Reflections - Ash Wednesday

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Jeus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your almsgiving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, they neglect their appearance so that they may appear to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”

Ash Wednesday Reflection
(Father Alex Yeung, LC)

Introductory Prayer: Lord, you know how much I need you and depend on you. You know my weakness and my faults. I put all my confidence in your love and mercy in my daily actions. I hope to learn to trust more in your power, your promise, and your grace. Lord, I wish to start this season of Lent with a sincere desire to grow in love, preparing myself worthily to celebrate the mysteries of your passion, death and resurrection.

Petition: Lord, help me learn to change what needs to change in my life.

1. Lenten Practices - As we begin the Lenten season, we are reminded of the need to make reparation for our sins and be reconciled with God. Any attempt to build a spiritual life that neglects the pillars of prayer, fasting and almsgiving is building on sand. Prayer purifies our intentions and relates all we do to God. Fasting detaches us from our comfort and from ourselves. Almsgiving reflects our brotherhood with the poor of Jesus’ family and reminds us that our true wealth is not in things, but in the love of God. We all need to do a reality check on our spiritual lives to make sure we are committed to prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

2. Not for Show - Jesus is severe in criticizing the hypocrites who parade their works before others to get attention. Such parades are of no use in pleasing God or making up for our sins; they only add to our sinfulness. He encourages us to pray in private, to fast and give alms in secret, without calling the attention of others to what we are doing. In this way we can be sure we are doing all for love of God and not for love of self. Those who make an outward show of piety or generosity “have already received their reward” in this world, and they store up no treasure in heaven. Let us work silently and discreetly, with no other intention but pleasing God alone.

3. God Loves a Joyful Giver - Nothing brings us closer to Christ than walking alongside him and doing the things he did for love of God the Father. During Lent, God invites us to purify our hearts and minds and to turn our intentions back to him. Christ’s public ministry was lived each day in loving obedience to the Father’s will. Our Lenten program should reflect that same simple, yet demanding, obedience and love. What can I do for God today? What sacrifice can I offer that will be pleasing to him? Once I decide on it, I will carry it out with no one else knowing.

Conversation with Christ: Jesus, give me the grace to begin this Lent with great enthusiasm and love. Help me live it with joy, knowing that I am living it in your presence to please you and you alone.

Resolution: I will make a Lenten program of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.



"Why We Receive The Ashes" (Catholic Online)

"Examination of Conscience - A Daily Duty" (Fr. John Corapi)

Ash Wednesday Beans (Catholic Cuisine)

40 Days For Life - Preparation

Intention:

Pray that our nation repents from the sin of abortion and turns back to God.

Scripture:

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land.

- 2 Chronicles 7:14

Reflection:

Not unlike God's chosen people of Israel, we must humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways, if we expect God to hear from heaven, forgive our sin, and heal our land. The need for repentance has not been greater since the Supreme Court decision of Roe vs. Wade in 1973. The number one cause of death in America is the needless sacrifice of our children at the altar of convenience called abortion. Conservative estimates put the number of deaths at nearly 48 million.

And lest we think this is an issue outside the church walls, 43 percent of women obtaining abortions identify themselves as Protestant, and 27 percent identify themselves as Catholic. One in four women has at least one abortion by the age of 45 -- both non-Christian and Christian alike. Where was the voice of Truth -- the church?

Mary Comm of In Our Midst Ministries, Inc. sums up the issue best as she writes, "We (the church) have been an unintentional accomplice to the millions of lives lost and to the multiplied millions of lives devastated by abortion. We didn't want them to abort. We didn't mean for them to abort. But, because of our lack of knowledge, because of our fear, we have continued to stand by and do nothing. We, God's hands and feet in this dark and hurting world, have been unintentional, unknowledgeable accomplice, but an accomplice nonetheless."

May today mark the beginning of change within the church, as God's people, in unity, seek His forgiveness.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we have turned our backs on you and your principles in your Word. We have allowed man to usurp Your role as God over life and the number of our days. But we come to you in brokenness and repentance over our sin. We cry out for Your mercy and ask you to remove the scourge of abortion from our land. Use us as your vessels, Lord, to bring the light of Your Truth to our nation once again. Because of Christ we pray, amen.

Carmen Pate
Co-host, "Point of View" talk show

40 Days For Life