USCCB permits rape victims to take hormones if...

From Dr. Stackpole:

"The Ethical and Religious Directives for health care Services" of the USCCB permits victims of rape to take the hormones that are present in contraceptives to prevent a pregnancy if the prevention does not involve destroying the embryonic human being or preventing implantation. Destruction of an embryonic human or preventing implantation is equivalent to abortion and thus immoral. If the treatment, however, works prior to the process of fertilization—by destroying or incapacitating the sperm or preventing ovulation—it is morally permissible.

Such treatments to prevent conception are permissible because they inhibit a part of the rapist (the sperm) from further advancement into the woman's body and prevent this part of the man from uniting with part of the woman's body, her egg. As such, this act differs morally from acts of contraceptive use during voluntary intercourse. It qualifies as an act of self-defense rather than an act of contraception.

An office of the Vatican in the late 1950s was asked if it would be immoral for some nuns in the Congo who believed they were in grave danger of being raped to use contraceptives, and the office replied in the affirmative…. Contraception in such cases would not be violating the meaning of a voluntary act of sexual intercourse but rather a means of self-defense. Some theologians who accept the teaching of the magisterium have argued that even sterilization is permissible in order to prevent a pregnancy from an act of sexual intercourse [obviously, as a last resort]."

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I have never heard of this before. I can't imagine what sort of treatment this would be. Plus, I don't think that it would be effective due to the time lapse between the attack and receiving medical help.

What do you think???

A sobering thought

I copied this from Belinda's blog....

"Jesus knows everything we "google" and He reads everything we write."

Sobering, isn't it.

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I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.

Psalm 34

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Good news!

Lane, my friend's nephew that suffered a head injury, is improving bit by bit. The doctors have removed the breathing tube and he is breathing on his own. His eyes open sometimes though he still seems quite confused by everything.

Thank you for your prayers - they do work! From time to time I will update you on his progress. Continued prayers are much appreciated!

Gratefully!
Angie

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"The purpose of a gay pride parade is....

... to warn parents to raise your children properly or face these results. "

I didn't write it - I just copied and pasted. What say you?

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He thirsts

For the second week in a row a new young couple sat behind us at Mass. This week I decided to take a page out of the "protestant hand book" and asked if they were new to town. The wife said they were just new to the parish. I said it was nice to meet them. And then it was time to go for Holy Communion.

As I drank the Precious Blood I kept thinking of Jesus' words from the Cross - I THIRST. He is thirsting for their souls and so am I! Whenever I see new people I get all excited!

When I got home I emailed Father and told them I'd be happy to fill in the gap with them over the summer since there is no RCIA. He'd probably rather find a young couple to match them with but hey, now he can't say there isn't anybody that can help them out. Or maybe they just want to read books and figure it out on their own and don't want to share what they are going through. Totally fine with me. But don't say I didn't offer!

In any case - it's always wonderful to see someone responding to Jesus' invitation!

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Best penances

Seen in the comment section at the Crescat blog:



"One of the best penances I've ever received was to take a rosary and say "Jesus I trust in you" on every bead."

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You are all invited!

I just saw the most wonderful item in our parish bulletin! A young couple from the parish are getting married in a few weeks. They have invited the entire parish to their Nuptial Mass! (And you all thought I was going to announce Luke and Nikki's wedding when you saw the post title and the photo, didn't you?! Sorry...I wish it were so!)

Now, I know that "technically" Mass is always open to everyone at any time whether it be regular Sunday Mass, a funeral, a feast day of the Blessed Mother - or a wedding. But honestly, I would never go to a wedding Mass unless I had a printed invitation delivered to my house! However, I am going to this.

We are not invited to the reception (I barely know the parents and have never spoken with the bride or groom) but I think this is such a beautiful opportunity to share and witness in the Sacramental and liturgical life of the parish.

I think the last time our parish was the location for a wedding was about 3 years ago! We do not have a lot of young people in our parish between the ages of 20 - 35. I think this generous invitation is a fantastic opportunity to witness to the community and hopefully this couple is inviting lots of friends - both Catholic and not. Who knows where this might lead?! Reversions? Conversions? I am so excited!

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Pearl - you might be interested in this

Intercessory prayers for our loved ones in the military - from the Marians (not the Marines LOL!)

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Some progress!

I've been praying a Novena for my friend's nephew, Lane. It looks like there has been some progress in Lane's recovery from a brain injury. While he is still unconscious, Lane will now move his feet when his dad tickles them.

PLEASE KEEP PRAYING!

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Wake up call

From the Marian's Divine Mercy website:

"Someone once told me how she sets her watch alarm at 3'clock, so it will beep each day at 3'clock. That way she'll remember the Hour of Great Mercy, the 3 o'clock hour, when Christ died on the Cross. She got me thinking, and now I've got others thinking. After I bought a digital watch and started wearing it and it started beeping at 3 o'clock each day, several people have asked me about the alarm and wondered why it was on, and this has given me the opportunity to explain to them about Christ and how He died so that we can be saved. Maybe it's a small thing to do. But I love Jesus."

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Miraculous Medal Novena Prayer

Immaculate Virgin Mary, mother our Lord Jesus and our mother, we have confidence in your powerful and never-failing intercession, manifested often through the Miraculous Medal.
We your loving and trustful children, ask you to obtain for us the grace and favors we ask during this novena if they will be for the glory of God, and the salvation of souls.

Here privately form your petitions.

You know, O Mary, how often our souls have been the sanctuaries of your Son who hates iniquity. Obtain for us then a deep hatred of sin and that purity of heart which will attach us to God alone so that our every thought, word, and deed may tend to his greater glory.

Obtain for us also a spirit of prayer and self-denial that we may recover by penance what we have lost by sin and at length attain to that blessed abode where you are the queen of angels and of men.

AMEN.

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Prayers for a young brain injury victim

About two weeks ago my friend's young nephew suffered a brain injury. The doctors put him into a coma. They now want him to become conscious but he is still in a coma (but not the induced by meds kind.) This is all very distressing for the family.

Please, won't you say a prayer for Lane today. I am going to start a novena tonight. It will be either one to the Infant of Prague or the Miraculous Medal - these have been wildly efficacious for two people I know (Tara's grandson and Chris from Catholic View.)

I will post the prayers later.

Hopefully,
Angela

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Nuns on the Run - from truth about their role in abuse

READ THIS.

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Roses for Rose

Rose Prince's grave.

I want to go to the pilgrimage this year. She was found incorrupt.

Please pray for me.

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Merci beaucoup, Madame Leseur!

Elisabeth Leseur has been described as "a married St. Therese of Lisieux." I agree. She is more sophisticated and more mature but the message always boils down to one thing. LOVE.

And having read the first half of Mme. Leseurs book this afternoon I am quickly realizing that it is not so much my children that have problems. It's me. My example is sadly lacking.

I have been very lazy about praying every day. I have been harsh in my judgements (if you read the book you will see why.) I need to remove the log in my own eye.

Merci beaucoup, Mme. Leseur!

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Elisabeth Leseur hears my lament

Some time ago I purchased "Light in the Darkness - How to Bring Christ to the Souls You Meet Each Day" by Elisabeth Leseur. It's proving to be very helpful in dealing with my children's lack of faith.

For example - this morning one of them (who shall remain nameless) was on facebook and "likes" this comment made by one of their friends (try not to laugh)....

"i (sic) send the energy of love and gratitude to the water and all the living creatures in the gulf of mexico (sic) and its surroundings. To the whales, pelicans, dolphins, fish, shellfish, plankton, coral, algae, and all living creatures...I am sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you...I love you." Dr. Masaru Emoto's healing prayer for the Gulf.

I bristled when I read this. Then I remembered Madame Leseurs words...

"What most people call "hope" is nothing but pleasant anticipation, which has as its reverse disappointment. It is here that the teaching of Christ again reveals its sublime and consoling features, more plainly perhaps than elsewhere. It is the great source of faith, and "no man cometh to the Father" but by Him, that is, Jesus Christ. Through charity, it gives us all our energy for good, and that peculiarly passionate love which is implied by the very word charity."

"The peace revealed by Christ is to a Christian not only a precious grace, but the foundation of all his spiritual life. Without it, his interior life would break down at the smallest attack; without it, there would be no strength, no living unity in the Church; without it, no one could ever exert a real and lasting influence on his neighbours or on the souls with whom, in the course of his existence, his own soul comes in contact."

I particularly liked the following passage as it really addresses the problem of how to connect to the kids....

"Our outer life is the reproduction of our inner life, and the visible part of us reflects what is unseen; we radiate our souls, so to say, and, when they are centers of light and warmth, other souls need only to be brought into contact with them in order to be warmed and enlightened. We give out, often unknown to ourselves, what we carry within us; let us strive to increase daily this reserve store of faith and quiet charity."

It reminds me of this verse from 1 Peter 3:15: "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..."

I will just keep loving the kids where they are at. I will keep praying for mercy and their salvation and sanctification. I think it was St. Ambrose that said "a child of such tears will not be lost." AMEN

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Jesus is parched

"I feel it more than ever before, Jesus is parched, for He meets only the ungrateful and indifferent among His disciples in the world, and among His own disciples, alas, He finds few hearts who surrender to Him without reservations, who understand the real tenderness of His infinite Love."
St. Therese of Lisieux

Last night I was contemplating the spiritual lives and practices of my children. It's not something you want to do before you go to bed if you expect to sleep well. It's not just their misunderstanding or outright ignorance of Church teaching, let alone Biblical teaching, that distresses me - it's their lack of a relationship with Jesus Christ.

I take a good chunk of responsibility for not providing proper religious education for the children but how does one foster a relationship with Jesus? My eldest son, on the occasion of his FHC at 8 years of age, whispered to me that he was so happy he thought he might cry. He now totally rejects anything about the Church. My youngest crucifix-and-St. Michael-medal-wearing son, who has looked death right in the face, who thanked God for letting him live through an IED explosion, refused to go to Mass with me two weeks ago. WHAT HAPPENED to make them reject Jesus? Perhaps the eldest was only caught up in the moment of his FHC. Perhaps my youngest had a situational conversion and once the danger was past - so was his dependance on God.

My step-daughter claims to be "raised Catholic." She asked me to give a blessing at her non-church wedding last year. She asked me to write something personal. So I did. It was deemed "too religious" and rejected. I suggested someone else help her out. Her best friend read out a blessing that was found on the internet - and deleted all reference to Jesus Christ! Then when Step-daughter was deathly ill with morning sickness she asked me to pray for her. And just Who did she think I would be praying to? I did pray though.

I try to be so patient with them. I don't make a big deal about religious matters. It's just a natural part of the daily routine. The kids know if I visit over a weekend that I will be going to Mass on Sunday and I appreciate them driving me there. (Even eldest son doesn't argue with me - just gets up early and takes me there. I always invite him to join me but he brings a book with him and goes to a coffee shop while he waits for me.) IF they ask anything about the Church I am always happy to answer their questions but I never force anything on them.

And perhaps that is the crux of the matter - they might ask about the Church but they never ask about Jesus Christ. If only they knew how much He loved them.

Sadly, Angela

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Stupid inventions

The "pee pee tee pee"...

This HAS to be one of the most absurd, bizarre and just plain wasteful things I have ever heard of. Just put a cloth diaper over the "plumbing" all ready! Sheesh!

And the "weiner dog" pattern - that is just disgusting.

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What I did today

I took an industrial first aid course today. I've taken different courses over the years but I haven't had to write a TEST in 28 years!!! I am pleased to say I got 22 correct answers out of 25.

I thought - what if I had really applied myself, studied the book, practiced, etc. I might have received 100% on the test. If I take the next level I will try harder.

The only bad part about today - my left arm hurts!!! They used me to demonstrate a different technique for rolling over "large chested patients." This resulted in my left elbow basically getting crushed when I was rolled. Later we had to practice chest compressions for 4 straight minutes and my 'extensor digitorum' is now protesting!!! Guess I will pop 2 Advil and go to bed.

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Reproductive "Choice" Campaign News Coverage 2010

Refreshingly different than the usual MSM coverage....

Read more here.

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Foto Fun

Rosaries I own.

Far left: given to my eldest son when he attended parochial school. No, it does not glow in the dark! To the left is a rosary Luke received when he made his FHC. Interestingly, it was given to him by a friend who isn't even Catholic. Next to that are the beads I learned to pray the Rosary on back in 2003. I thought only little old ladies in black prayed it - boy, was I wrong! To the right of that are some beads purchased by friends who went to Rome. Next is my favorite set of beads that Nikki brought me from the Vatican. They sparkle! The blue beads I purchased on Monserrat in Bogota, Colombia. They were in my pocket when my marriage was convalidated in 2004. The last set were ordered from the Marians, tireless promoters of the Divine Mercy.

My god-daughter and her mom. Both soooo far away from the Church. I keep praying.

And here's a snapshot of Mr. Poopy-Pants!

I LOVE that pose!

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Papal blog blessing?

Got the idea to make this from Char's blog (except that lucky duck has a real one!)

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Need prayers for discernment

Our local pro-life office needs a manager. It's a 6 month job that could be extended if everyone is happy with the situation. It's a paid position. Last time nobody applied. I wanted to but I was on sabbatical from most activities while Luke was deployed. I want to give it a shot now but I want to make sure it's the right thing to do. Just because I want to do it does not mean I am the right person for the job. Especially if I am the only one applying!

Please help me pray for discernment. I hate to say it but I want/need an obvious "sign." Maybe St. Therese can help.

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He makes all things new - like me.

From Father's brilliant homily this morning, quoting the Holy Father, (which started a whole rambling train of thoughts for me):

"To achieve this, it is not enough to follow him (Jesus Christ) and to listen to him outwardly: it is also necessary to live with him and like him. This is only possible in the context of a relationship of deep familiarity, imbued with the warmth of total trust." (Full text here.)

Often I feel I've heard it all but this was new! And the funny thing (as in interesting, not "haha") is that my fervent prayer before Mass this morning was to recapture that "falling in love" feeling again that I experienced when I returned to the Church 7 years ago. That feeling lasted about 4 to 5 years but I've been feeling pretty dry the last while.

I have even toyed with the idea of not going to Mass on Sunday once or twice. I guess I was laboring under the delusion that if I went away from the Church again and came back that I could recapture that adrenaline rush of grace. Except now I know too much! I know I cannot miss Mass. In my case it would be a mortal sin. I know that He withdraws consolations once He has you body, mind and soul. Consolations are for beginners. The long-time faithful do get them but they come in different ways than for the neophyte. And that is a good thing!

"O Lord, You have seduced me, and I have let myself be seduced. Your word in my heart is like a consuming fire burning deep within my bones."
Jeremiah 20:7

It's a trick, isn't it?! You fall madly, deeply in love with the Lord and His Church. You educate yourself intellectually to the Truths that Holy Mother Church teaches, and you realize to the very depth of your being that YES! the Catholic Church IS Truth and you LOVE the Truth and all that entails. Then one day you think - even though I have free will I can't leave the Church. Not that I want to. But if I did, It's become me and I've become It and I can't leave myself. That would be death.

"I have been crucified with Christ;
yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me;
insofar as I now live in the flesh,
I live by faith in the Son of God
who has loved me and given himself up for me."
Galatians 2

I am amazed at how quickly He answers our prayers some days. I shouldn't be. I know He is always listening. Oh, and for the record - I like Jesus, I like Him very much!

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A strange bird

It's been unusually windy the last few days and then this pair of birds showed up in my yard. They look like doves to me. Doves do not live in this area. It made me wonder - is the Holy Spirit telling me something? Or maybe the wind just blew these birds off course.

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Ask Jesus Boldly

Sr. Andrea

By Sarah Chichester

When she was in grade school, Annette Lamoureux's father left her family, leaving her mother to raise her and her brother alone and in poverty.

Annette grew up attending a Catholic school run by the Immaculate Heart of Mary sisters. At the end of the school day one nun, Sr. Andrea, would sternly ask Annette to remain after class. Instead of a punishment though, she would give Annette a box of food to take home. In this way, this wise nun kept the other kids from knowing about the hard times Annette's family was experiencing.

Sister Andrea kept an eye on Annette throughout her schooling, watching over her and guiding her. In eighth grade, Annette, even though she did not have much, bought a plaster statue of Our Lady and painted it for Sr. Andrea.The kindness of Sr. Andrea stayed in Annette's heart.

Several years after she got married she visited her. During their visit, Annette revealed to Sr. Andrea that she had been married for a while but had no children, though she desperately wanted them.

Sister Andrea took Annette into the chapel and, looking her in the eye, said, "Annette, I want you to go up to the tabernacle and ask Jesus for a baby." Annette knelt at the front pew and prayed. But when she returned to the back of the chapel, Sr. Andrea turned her right around, saying, "No! I want you to go knock on the tabernacle door and ask Jesus out loud for a baby."Annette walked to the front of the chapel, passed the pew she just knelt in, entered the sanctuary and stood in front of the tabernacle. Then the fatherless, childless woman reached out and knocked on the little golden door.

"Jesus, can I have a baby?"

Afterwards, she didn't think anything of it, but Sr. Andrea followed up by sending her a mother's manual and a book of prayers. Shortly thereafter, Annette and her husband, George, went on a Marriage Encounter weekend. Annette was moved to reflect on the gift that her husband was in her life. He was a blessing, a kind, holy man. Her heart softened, and her anxiety over not having any children melted into prayers of thanksgiving for the blessings and gifts that she had in her life.

Four months later she was expecting Matthew.

Ten years after that, with Matthew and his two sisters in tow, Annette again found herself visiting an old friend, Sr. Andrea. Annette was initially worried that Sister wouldn't recognize her, and she felt bad that she hadn't kept in contact with her over the years. Her worries were in vain as the spunky nun opened the convent door with a delighted, "Annette!"

Sister Andrea enjoyed meeting Annette's children. At one point Matthew asked about the statue that his mom had painted and given to Sr. Andrea. Sister Andrea got the statue and showed it to each of them. She then turned to Matthew and said, "I want you to have this."At first, Annette protested, saying, "Sister, I gave that to you to remember me by!"

Sister Andrea smiled, "Annette, I will always remember you. But I have my reasons."

Truly, she did. Annette's son Matthew joined the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. He was ordained to the priesthood June 25, 2005, at his home parish, St. Thomas the Apostle Church, outside of Philadelphia, Pa. Father Matt currently serves as pastor at St. Patrick's Parish in Yorkville, Ill.

Reflecting on Sr. Andrea and the good, faithful priest that Father Matt has become, Annette says, "I really believe that she is one of the people that prayed him to the priesthood."

Through her loving witness, Sr. Andrea taught a poor girl to approach the Lord with trust, and in this spirit of trust Annette received a great gift, Matthew, whose name means "gift of God". Annette has, in turn, given this gift back to the Church and the people of God, in the person of her son the priest. So, Annette, once fatherless and childless, has been blessed by our Heavenly Father, with Fr. Matt, who, with his sisters, is a gift, and an answer to a knock at a little golden door.

And what about that hand-painted, plaster statue of Our Lady? Ask Fr. Matt — he still has it.

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Abby Sunderland

Letting a 16 year old attempt to navigate the globe - irresponsible parenting.

Amount of resources required to locate girl - expensive, I hope her parents have to foot the bill.

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Baby photo!

Precious. There is no other word.

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It's a BOY!

New grandson was born 13 days early. Mom and Baby are doing well!

Sorry, cannot post his name online but he is 6 lbs. 6 oz. and 19" long!

Thanks be to God!

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Bp. Padovese assasinated

Catholic Bishop Luigi Padovese assasinated in Turkey. He was to have met with the Holy Father in Cyprus.

Hail Mary, full of grace,

The Lord is with Thee.

Blessed are thou among women

and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

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Six years

Six years ago today, my marriage was convalidated and I was allowed to receive Holy Communion again.

Thank you, Lord.

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Luke's baptism photo

June 2, 1985

Luke is baptized.

My brother was godfather and my friend Harriett was godmother.

It's also 19 years to the day that my eldest son made his First Holy Communion. He is far, far away from the Church now. Pray for him.

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The Three Catholic Churches

It's been said many times by many faithful Catholics but it bears repeating...

Regarding Vatican II and Paul VI: If anyone would actually read any of the documents from the Second Vatican Council or the works of Paul VI, they'd be quite surprised to find a deep and full affirmation of all of Church history, and an optimistic voice calling us the faithful to love one another regardless the times. I've heard it said that there are now 2 churches, that the Church is divided. I agree, but I believe that it is 3...the radical progressive church wishing to destroy tradition and march into the world of secularism; the traditionalists desiring to restore the Church to her former glory before Vatican II; and the One True Church, accepting and proclaiming truth in the here and now she finds herself, neither looking backward nor divining a compromised future, understanding that truth is eternal. I am of the third group.

Read more from Gina here.

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June - month of the Sacred Heart

June - Month of the Sacred Heart

June 1, 2010 - it's my eldest son's birthday today.

Am I really old enough to have a son that is 27???

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