When "respecting religious freedom" means "Catholics, shut up!"

The Religious Coalition for the Freedom to Marry is exercising their freedom of speech by telling the Catholic Church to stop exercising their freedom of speech. Apparently, for certain "leading religious denominations" religious freedom means not seeking to influence public policy. This, of course seems, somewhat hypocritical as this is precisely what the "Religious Coalition" seeks to do. Might I suggest that the "Religious Coalition" learn importance of diversity and the evils of religious bigotry.

Update: The Religious Coalition for the Freedom to Marry has two Catholic priests among the signers of its declaration in support of "gay marriage" -

Rev. Dr. Richard Rasi - a Melkite priest
Fr. Robert E. Nee - a Roman Catholic Priest

Update 2:Rev. Dr. Richard Rasi passed away from cancer last year. May perpetual light shine upon him.

From the "she turned me into a newt" files

St. Michael's University in Scotland has decided to permit Pagan/Wiccan activities at the Catholic institution.

Now pagan or wiccans as they prefer to be called, will be allowed to use campus buildings and outdoor space for festivals, providing they do not utter incantations or spells that might harm others. Nor may not raise spirits or to call up dark forces, and ritual nudity is strictly forbidden.

Well, I think that pretty much has it covered [well except for the non-ritual nudity and the fact that they are acting contrary to the message of Christianity makes it inherently harmful to others.]

I wonder where they will put the wicker man?

Soon we will make our move...

The California Catholic Conference is predicting that in 20 years, 60% of California will be Catholic. Most of that increase will not be from immigration from Central and South America, but from natural increases. But the increase coming from immigration will certainly affect the way that the Catholic Church in California sees itself. I also would not be surprised to see similar forecasts for other states in the Southwestern United States.

But it also means that the Church must place all new efforts in catechesis and promoting vocations. Because if the spiritual needs of these new Catholics are not met, they will look elsewhere.

No word on whether it will offer Bingo

The Ukrainian Catholic Church is condemning a plan to build a casino next to its cathedral in Kiev. The Church authorities are offended and urging that a school be built in its place.

Where's Common Ground when you need them?

When members of the Women's Ordination Conference and members of Restore the Sacred meet....

You can be sure that things are going to get interesting.

Priest dies while praying

Jesuit Father Claudio Rossi, vice-rector at Rome University, fell to his death in a chapel while praying with his mother. Apparently, the chapel was built over a well, into which Fr. Rossi fell.

May God have mercy upon him.

Belly Button Exposure

"God knew what your navel looked like even before you were born, so there is no need to expose it in church."

So says a sign at the Catholic Church of Cinisello Balsamo.

Trying to encourage modesty in Church, much less in the rest of society, continues to be a probem. The article notes that the priest of Cinisello Balsamo can't afford to hire guards to ensure that the inappropriately dressed don't try to enter the Church. I can remember when I took a visit to Russia - they didn't need guards, they relied on the older women to act as a brute squad should someone showing a bit too much seek to enter the church.

For my part, we priests could certainly use some more homilies on the importance of modesty as well.

Another reason for priestly celibacy

From Bishop Peter Hickman of the Ecumenical Catholic Church - composed mostly of former Roman Catholics -

"Marriage promotes growth," says Hickman, 50, who has fathered five children, been married three times and divorced twice. "People who've never been married have a hard time knowing themselves."

I can only hope that in his third marriage he has experienced some growth and finally knows who he is.

Back again, hopefully for a bit longer this time

It has been so long since I last posted, even after I posted that I would be posting more often. The main reason for the end of posting was that I just became totally overwhelmed with my new priestly duties and a full teaching load at the university. I decided that I couldn't keep this blog up and do the podcasting over at Catholic:Under The Hood, so I decided to go with the podcast.

I also found myself getting a bit frustrated a bit with the blog. There is a lot that goes on out there that just gets on my nerves. On the one hand I want to talk about it, on the other hand I find that it can sometimes just get me angrier. I was wondering if I wasn't just making this blog into a list of personal complaints. So, having taken a very extended break, I'm going to mention things here that I probably won't talk about over at the podcast. Some of the things will still be issues that get my dander up, but I hope that is not all that will be here.

To those who are still periodically checking this blog out, thanks for hanging with me. God bless you.