By Eileen Love
This time of year we are treated to lots of retrospectives highlighting the year’s big events. We remember who made news, which awards were given, what the bestsellers were and which movies drew the biggest crowds. Isn’t it mind-boggling to reflect on all that can happen in a 12 month period? But all events are not equal. Some things - though paraded in front of us constantly - are frivolous and time-wasting. Is it part of being well-informed to be able to recite the details of the latest Hollywood breakup? Seems a lot of “investigative reporting” is of this type.
On the other hand, there have been many discussions this year on things that will have a lasting impact. These issues require our attention. We can’t afford to be ill-informed on decisions that will affect our lives, our freedoms and future generations. Some of the issues being debated these days threaten to undermine the Judeo-Christian ethos that is part of the fabric of America.
As we say in our ENDOW studies, “Whenever people gather to discuss the problems that ail humanity, the voice of the Church should be heard. “ That is why I am grateful for the recently released Manhattan Declaration. This letter is a formal statement by members of Orthodox, Catholic and Evangelical churches to speak out in defense of the sanctity of life, the institution of marriage and religious liberty. The hope is that people who agree with these important words will sign off on this document to signal our agreement and lend our voices and names to the declaration.
Denver’s own Archbishop Chaput was not one of those who personally had a hand in drafting the document (the Catholic voice was provided by Professor Robert P. George of Princeton) but he was pleased to sign off on it. In a recent interview with Catholic News Agency, Chaput said, “Now and always, we need to trust in God; and then we also need to act. Right here, right now, in this country, the work of organizing and struggling in the public square for what we believe belongs to us. That means all of us, and each of us.” Access his article at the Catholic News Agency's website here.
In this midst of this time of preparation for Christmas festivity, do yourself a favor and carve out a few minutes to read the Manhattan Declaration at www.manhattandeclaration.org. Amidst all the media coverage of all that’s gone on this year, it would be a shame to overlook this. It really is a bright spot.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
ENDOW Saffers go on Retreat
By Eileen Love
This past weekend was one for the memory books! Seven of us went up to the mountains west of Vail for the first Annual ENDOW Staff Retreat. It was perfectly timed to coincide with the start of Advent. In an alpine setting, against a backdrop of gently falling snow, we were treated to a couple of days of recollection and spiritual quiet.
Father Jon Budke, LC, of Centennial, Colorado, was kind enough to drive two hours up the mountain to be the retreat director – he celebrated Mass, heard confessions and gave talks about the lay apostolate in the mission of the Church. During the talks, Father reflected with the ENDOW staff that prayer is essential to any Christian effort and he spoke about the attitudes of prayer: faith, trust, perseverance and determination. In another talk, Father spoke about the dynamics of evangelization and that it is key to meet people where they are. “You are offering them Christ,” he said, and that led to a discussion of how to share our faith with those who are tepid in their religious practice or un-churched altogether. It was a reminder of what ENDOW’s mission is: to educate women so as to help them know God better so they may love Him more.
Later on, we had our own impromptu “Theology on Tap” session – actually, it was between Sunday dinner and dessert - when we all peppered Father Jon with theological questions. These were often prefaced with “You know, this question came up in my ENDOW group…” and, “What do you think about…”
Not only did we come away with clarity on certain issues, we came away with a deeper appreciation for one another. Said Brigid Sweeney, Marketing Director, “Each person endeared herself to me.” Denise DeBartolomeis, ENDOW’s newest staff member, commented how interesting she found the mix of personalities “I’m still learning who’s who. Everyone’s so different and yet they all mesh together really well.”
ENDOW has grown immensely over the last six years, and a lot of attention has been paid to the business end of accomplishing our goals. But just as important is the on-going spiritual formation of each woman on the ENDOW team. As Father Jon made clear during the retreat, prayer and participation in the sacramental life are essential to the success of every Christian apostolate. On top of that, the weekend was fun. Terry Polakovic, ENDOW’s Executive Director said, “The retreat was fabulous! We work hard, so it was wonderful to slow down and just spend time together.”
All the ENDOW Staff would echo Terry’s sentiments. Yes, it was wonderful. We already have next year’s retreat penciled in on the calendar. Please pray for us that we may continue to serve The Lord and all of you, our sisters in Christ.
This past weekend was one for the memory books! Seven of us went up to the mountains west of Vail for the first Annual ENDOW Staff Retreat. It was perfectly timed to coincide with the start of Advent. In an alpine setting, against a backdrop of gently falling snow, we were treated to a couple of days of recollection and spiritual quiet.
Father Jon Budke, LC, of Centennial, Colorado, was kind enough to drive two hours up the mountain to be the retreat director – he celebrated Mass, heard confessions and gave talks about the lay apostolate in the mission of the Church. During the talks, Father reflected with the ENDOW staff that prayer is essential to any Christian effort and he spoke about the attitudes of prayer: faith, trust, perseverance and determination. In another talk, Father spoke about the dynamics of evangelization and that it is key to meet people where they are. “You are offering them Christ,” he said, and that led to a discussion of how to share our faith with those who are tepid in their religious practice or un-churched altogether. It was a reminder of what ENDOW’s mission is: to educate women so as to help them know God better so they may love Him more.
Later on, we had our own impromptu “Theology on Tap” session – actually, it was between Sunday dinner and dessert - when we all peppered Father Jon with theological questions. These were often prefaced with “You know, this question came up in my ENDOW group…” and, “What do you think about…”
Not only did we come away with clarity on certain issues, we came away with a deeper appreciation for one another. Said Brigid Sweeney, Marketing Director, “Each person endeared herself to me.” Denise DeBartolomeis, ENDOW’s newest staff member, commented how interesting she found the mix of personalities “I’m still learning who’s who. Everyone’s so different and yet they all mesh together really well.”
ENDOW has grown immensely over the last six years, and a lot of attention has been paid to the business end of accomplishing our goals. But just as important is the on-going spiritual formation of each woman on the ENDOW team. As Father Jon made clear during the retreat, prayer and participation in the sacramental life are essential to the success of every Christian apostolate. On top of that, the weekend was fun. Terry Polakovic, ENDOW’s Executive Director said, “The retreat was fabulous! We work hard, so it was wonderful to slow down and just spend time together.”
All the ENDOW Staff would echo Terry’s sentiments. Yes, it was wonderful. We already have next year’s retreat penciled in on the calendar. Please pray for us that we may continue to serve The Lord and all of you, our sisters in Christ.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Catholic experts clarify the teachings of JPII following Playboy model's comments
Denver, Colo., Dec 3, 2009 / 05:51 pm (CNA).- Joanna Krupa, the Polish model on the cover of this month's Playboy magazine has released a statement countering critics of her recent advertisement for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in which she professes herself to be a practicing Catholic who is “working to stop senseless suffering of animals, the most defenseless of God's creation.”
Krupa's comments came in response to statements made by Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League, in reaction to Krupa's most recent ad campaign with PETA: “Be an angel for animals. Always Adopt. Never Buy.”
One of the ads features Krupa wearing angel wings and a digital halo while holding a large, elaborate cross which barely covers her nude figure. The other shows a topless Krupa, again with angel wings and a halo, holding a dog while a rosary dangles from her hand.
Donohue blasted PETA for a lack of reverence and an ignorance of ethics. "The fact is that cats and dogs are a lot safer in pet stores than they are in the hands of PETA employees," Donohue said in a statement. "Moreover, pet stores don't rip off Christian iconography and engage in cheap irreligious claims." "It also has a long and disgraceful record of exploiting Christian and Jewish themes to hawk its ugly services. Those who support this organization sorely need a reality check,” he continued.
“It's understandable that the Catholic League is wary of another sex scandal, but the sex we're talking about pertains to dogs and cats,” Krupa's statement reads. “In my heart I know that Jesus would never condone the suffering that results when dogs and cats are allowed to breed,” she added.
The model who appeared, unclad, in PETA's 2007 “I'd rather go naked than wear fur” campaign said, “As a practicing Catholic, I am shocked that the Catholic League is speaking out against my PETA ads, which I am very proud of.”
“I'm doing what the Catholic Church should be doing, working to stop senseless suffering of animals, the most defenseless of God's creation. I am a voice for innocent animals who are being neglected and dumped by the millions at shelters,” she asserted.
Terry Polakovic, Executive Director of ENDOW (Educating on the Nature and Dignity of Women) told CNA that if Krupa is “a serious Catholic, she might want to devote some time to catechesis.” Polakovic referred Krupa to John Paul II's, “'Theology of the Body,' wherein he explains how the human body speaks a language of its own.”
This article first appeared at Catholic News Agency. Click here to read the rest of Terry's interview.
Krupa's comments came in response to statements made by Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League, in reaction to Krupa's most recent ad campaign with PETA: “Be an angel for animals. Always Adopt. Never Buy.”
One of the ads features Krupa wearing angel wings and a digital halo while holding a large, elaborate cross which barely covers her nude figure. The other shows a topless Krupa, again with angel wings and a halo, holding a dog while a rosary dangles from her hand.
Donohue blasted PETA for a lack of reverence and an ignorance of ethics. "The fact is that cats and dogs are a lot safer in pet stores than they are in the hands of PETA employees," Donohue said in a statement. "Moreover, pet stores don't rip off Christian iconography and engage in cheap irreligious claims." "It also has a long and disgraceful record of exploiting Christian and Jewish themes to hawk its ugly services. Those who support this organization sorely need a reality check,” he continued.
“It's understandable that the Catholic League is wary of another sex scandal, but the sex we're talking about pertains to dogs and cats,” Krupa's statement reads. “In my heart I know that Jesus would never condone the suffering that results when dogs and cats are allowed to breed,” she added.
The model who appeared, unclad, in PETA's 2007 “I'd rather go naked than wear fur” campaign said, “As a practicing Catholic, I am shocked that the Catholic League is speaking out against my PETA ads, which I am very proud of.”
“I'm doing what the Catholic Church should be doing, working to stop senseless suffering of animals, the most defenseless of God's creation. I am a voice for innocent animals who are being neglected and dumped by the millions at shelters,” she asserted.
Terry Polakovic, Executive Director of ENDOW (Educating on the Nature and Dignity of Women) told CNA that if Krupa is “a serious Catholic, she might want to devote some time to catechesis.” Polakovic referred Krupa to John Paul II's, “'Theology of the Body,' wherein he explains how the human body speaks a language of its own.”
This article first appeared at Catholic News Agency. Click here to read the rest of Terry's interview.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Our Advent Pilgrimage with Mary
By Terry Polakovic (click her to read more by Terry)
Once again, the season of Advent is upon us, and for this reason, we turn our gaze to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The greatest mystery of Christianity entered the world by way of a woman ~ this woman. For Catholic women like ourselves, Mary is the model of how we should live out our Advent. She teaches us anew how to trust, to love, and to wait in silent anticipation for the coming of Christ. Our late Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, had a great devotion to Our Lady which he shared in his 1987 encyclical, Redemptoris Mater (Mother of the Redeemer). He who has been called the most “Marian” pope in history entrusted both his pontificate and his entire life to her.
As we begin our 2009 Advent pilgrimage with Mary, let us remember that the greatest gift ever offered to the world is Jesus Christ. If we want to bring joy to others this Christmas, we have to bring them Christ. Certainly, we can buy them toys, clothes and gadgets, but if we aren’t giving them Christ, they are receiving nothing of lasting value.
As we bring this year to a close, I want to thank each and every one of you who have supported the efforts of ENDOW over this past year. You have made this program of study possible. As you know, our efforts are aimed at helping women know God better so they may love Him more. Our belief is that such love will express itself in service and will result in happier, more harmonious relationships with spouses, families, professional colleagues, and in parish life. We believe that changing the culture starts with one woman at a time.
Visit www.endowonline.com to get involved this Christmas Season with ENDOW!
Friday, November 20, 2009
On Upholding Traditional Marriage
By Eileen Love
I got a call last night from a friend in another state. She was upset to learn that her bishop had donated a sizeable amount to help the state of Maine defeat “gay marriage.” “Why is he giving money to some effort across the country? We have needs right here!” “True,” I said, “but what happens in Maine impacts all of society. The collective effort to save marriage, look after the welfare of children, and acknowledge the family as the bedrock unit of society is worth supporting!” As we were talking, I wondered why she wasn’t equally upset by the State of Maine’s audacious action to redefine the institution of marriage. Many people were, among them Diocese of Portland Bishop Richard Malone who realizes full well what this portends for the culture. He and others inside the Church and beyond realize that it damages society and imperils the welfare of children when we choose to distort the sacred institution that is natural to human beings and was ordained by God.
To fill you in:
On November 3rd, voters in Maine repealed a law that permitted homosexuals to wed. A measure went on the ballot a few months after a law permitting gay marriage was passed by the state legislature and signed by Maine governor John Baldacci. In the wake of this, a concerted effort was mounted by a coalition of religious and secular groups who opposed the effort to undermine traditional marriage. Bishop Malone was in the forefront and invited the participation of his brother bishops. My friend’s bishop was one of many who offered spiritual and financial support.
After the victory in Maine, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, speaking for the USCCB, issued a statement which said in part:
And:
This is the part of the debate that does not always get heard. I suspect that Catholics get their news the way most people do – from TV and various media outlets which reflect the popular thinking of a select, vocal few. But whenever human beings are discussing what it means to be human, the voice of the Church should be heard. When it is, as in an ENDOW group, I have noticed that women are greatly surprised and even delighted to learn of the vast treasure of truth contained in Church teaching. An amazed look, accompanied by the statements: “Why didn’t I ever hear this? How come I don’t know this?” is typical.
The people in Maine have spoken. In their state at least, traditional marriage is safe for the moment. But the debate will continue. Catholics who want to have a say should be equipped with cogent arguments backed by solid teaching. I recommend reading the pastoral letter just released this month by the USCCB, called “Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan.” It provides a much-needed catechesis on a topic that touches us all very deeply. Be prepared to be surprised and delighted.
Click to the link
I got a call last night from a friend in another state. She was upset to learn that her bishop had donated a sizeable amount to help the state of Maine defeat “gay marriage.” “Why is he giving money to some effort across the country? We have needs right here!” “True,” I said, “but what happens in Maine impacts all of society. The collective effort to save marriage, look after the welfare of children, and acknowledge the family as the bedrock unit of society is worth supporting!” As we were talking, I wondered why she wasn’t equally upset by the State of Maine’s audacious action to redefine the institution of marriage. Many people were, among them Diocese of Portland Bishop Richard Malone who realizes full well what this portends for the culture. He and others inside the Church and beyond realize that it damages society and imperils the welfare of children when we choose to distort the sacred institution that is natural to human beings and was ordained by God.
To fill you in:
On November 3rd, voters in Maine repealed a law that permitted homosexuals to wed. A measure went on the ballot a few months after a law permitting gay marriage was passed by the state legislature and signed by Maine governor John Baldacci. In the wake of this, a concerted effort was mounted by a coalition of religious and secular groups who opposed the effort to undermine traditional marriage. Bishop Malone was in the forefront and invited the participation of his brother bishops. My friend’s bishop was one of many who offered spiritual and financial support.
After the victory in Maine, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, speaking for the USCCB, issued a statement which said in part:
“The Church stands for the basic rights of all people, including homosexual persons…Protecting marriage between a man and a woman has nothing to do with denying basic rights to anyone, though it is often framed in such terms…Especially in our society where we see so many marriages fail, we should work to strengthen marriage rather than redefine it.”
And:
“Marriage must be protected and promoted today for what it is and what it is
meant to be: the lifelong, exclusive union between husband and wife. There are many ways to uphold the basic human rights of all people, but sacrificing marriage can never be one of them."
This is the part of the debate that does not always get heard. I suspect that Catholics get their news the way most people do – from TV and various media outlets which reflect the popular thinking of a select, vocal few. But whenever human beings are discussing what it means to be human, the voice of the Church should be heard. When it is, as in an ENDOW group, I have noticed that women are greatly surprised and even delighted to learn of the vast treasure of truth contained in Church teaching. An amazed look, accompanied by the statements: “Why didn’t I ever hear this? How come I don’t know this?” is typical.
The people in Maine have spoken. In their state at least, traditional marriage is safe for the moment. But the debate will continue. Catholics who want to have a say should be equipped with cogent arguments backed by solid teaching. I recommend reading the pastoral letter just released this month by the USCCB, called “Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan.” It provides a much-needed catechesis on a topic that touches us all very deeply. Be prepared to be surprised and delighted.
Click to the link
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Virtue--Eileen Love
By Eileen Love
I saw a TV show one day recently – a talk show – and some “experts” were coaching a clueless mother on how best to help her ninth grade daughter. You see, the daughter and her boyfriend were very close and getting closer and both sets of parents were watching the friendship progress. The boy’s mother – a guest on the show - was approving of the two of them taking their relationship “to the next level,” as long as they practiced “safe sex.” The girl’s mother – also a guest - was by turns, angry and incredulous that all her talks with her daughter had come to nothing. The girl was defiant and obstinate – what did her mother know about love anyway? The boyfriend had an air of entitlement about him – this is what I want, who has the right to tell me otherwise?
Enter the expert. She counsels the two kids to have some very frank talks. They nod their agreement. Yes, they think everything should be discussed thoroughly. Facing the girl, the expert inquires, “How long do you see yourselves together as a couple?” The girl demurs, looking at her boyfriend for some guidance. He answers firmly, “This is a long term relationship...” The girl smiles adoringly. He continues his thought…“…at least six months.”
You could almost hear the girl’s heart shatter.
At the Q and A session, lots of folks weighed in, but the woman who made the audience cheer was the one who got up and said, “What about some competent adults telling them NO?! Educating kids is about more than risk management, for heaven’s sake. What about teaching your children virtue?”
Ah, yes, virtue. According to ENDOW’s soon-to-be-released book, Aquinas for Beginners Part II – The Virtues, “virtue” is the English translation of the Latin word virtus, which can be translated as “excellence,” or “state of thriving.” For Aristotle and for Aquinas, for a human being to have virtue means to be excellent, to excel as a human being. To have virtue is to be more fully human than one would be without virtue.
Seems to me the biggest favor a loving mother could do for her child is to help that child be her most fully human self. That means offering her a standard of excellence to aspire to that is higher, better, and truer than what is frequently served up by our confused culture.
The TV show ended on a hopeful note, as the girl said she was persuaded to rethink her decision. Apparently, the boyfriend’s “six months” remark cinched it. She thought love was forever.
I saw a TV show one day recently – a talk show – and some “experts” were coaching a clueless mother on how best to help her ninth grade daughter. You see, the daughter and her boyfriend were very close and getting closer and both sets of parents were watching the friendship progress. The boy’s mother – a guest on the show - was approving of the two of them taking their relationship “to the next level,” as long as they practiced “safe sex.” The girl’s mother – also a guest - was by turns, angry and incredulous that all her talks with her daughter had come to nothing. The girl was defiant and obstinate – what did her mother know about love anyway? The boyfriend had an air of entitlement about him – this is what I want, who has the right to tell me otherwise?
Enter the expert. She counsels the two kids to have some very frank talks. They nod their agreement. Yes, they think everything should be discussed thoroughly. Facing the girl, the expert inquires, “How long do you see yourselves together as a couple?” The girl demurs, looking at her boyfriend for some guidance. He answers firmly, “This is a long term relationship...” The girl smiles adoringly. He continues his thought…“…at least six months.”
You could almost hear the girl’s heart shatter.
At the Q and A session, lots of folks weighed in, but the woman who made the audience cheer was the one who got up and said, “What about some competent adults telling them NO?! Educating kids is about more than risk management, for heaven’s sake. What about teaching your children virtue?”
Ah, yes, virtue. According to ENDOW’s soon-to-be-released book, Aquinas for Beginners Part II – The Virtues, “virtue” is the English translation of the Latin word virtus, which can be translated as “excellence,” or “state of thriving.” For Aristotle and for Aquinas, for a human being to have virtue means to be excellent, to excel as a human being. To have virtue is to be more fully human than one would be without virtue.
Seems to me the biggest favor a loving mother could do for her child is to help that child be her most fully human self. That means offering her a standard of excellence to aspire to that is higher, better, and truer than what is frequently served up by our confused culture.
The TV show ended on a hopeful note, as the girl said she was persuaded to rethink her decision. Apparently, the boyfriend’s “six months” remark cinched it. She thought love was forever.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Bishop Conley weighs in on the Healthcare Debate
A Healthcare Problem Washington May have Missed--First Published at Firstthings.com
By Bishop James Conley
With more than 620 Catholic hospitals serving the public around the United States, hundreds of Catholic medical clinics and shelters, and even a few Catholic-affiliated medical schools, Catholics have a keen interest in healthcare reform. That interest isn’t new. It’s rooted in experience, including the experience of trying to help people with little or no health insurance at all. For decades, the U.S. bishops have pushed for an overhaul of our nation’s healthcare industry and the way it delivers its services. Why? Because the Church sees access to basic health care as a right and a social responsibility, not a privilege.
But Catholic support for the general principle of reform does not bind anyone to endorse a specific piece of legislation. God gave us brains for a reason, to think; and we need to use them, because the practical and moral problems we face on the way to good healthcare reform are as formidable as the goal is admirable. This is why the U.S. bishops’ conference has tried so diligently for the past three months to work with Congress and the White House in seeking sound compromise legislation. As of November 5, all those efforts have failed.
The bishops have a few simple but important priorities.
First, everyone should have access to basic health care, including immigrants. The Church would hope to see that access broadened as widely as possible. But at a minimum, it should include those immigrants who live and work in the United States legally. Second, reform should respect the dignity of every person, from conception to natural death. This means that the elderly and persons with disabilities must be treated with special care and sensitivity. It also means that abortion and abortion funding should be excluded from any reform plan, no matter how adroitly the abortion funding is masked. Whatever one thinks about its legality, abortion has nothing to do with advancing human “health,” and a large number of Americans regard it as a gravely wrong act of violence, not only against unborn children but also against women.
Read the rest of the article at First Things here>>
By Bishop James Conley
With more than 620 Catholic hospitals serving the public around the United States, hundreds of Catholic medical clinics and shelters, and even a few Catholic-affiliated medical schools, Catholics have a keen interest in healthcare reform. That interest isn’t new. It’s rooted in experience, including the experience of trying to help people with little or no health insurance at all. For decades, the U.S. bishops have pushed for an overhaul of our nation’s healthcare industry and the way it delivers its services. Why? Because the Church sees access to basic health care as a right and a social responsibility, not a privilege.
But Catholic support for the general principle of reform does not bind anyone to endorse a specific piece of legislation. God gave us brains for a reason, to think; and we need to use them, because the practical and moral problems we face on the way to good healthcare reform are as formidable as the goal is admirable. This is why the U.S. bishops’ conference has tried so diligently for the past three months to work with Congress and the White House in seeking sound compromise legislation. As of November 5, all those efforts have failed.
The bishops have a few simple but important priorities.
First, everyone should have access to basic health care, including immigrants. The Church would hope to see that access broadened as widely as possible. But at a minimum, it should include those immigrants who live and work in the United States legally. Second, reform should respect the dignity of every person, from conception to natural death. This means that the elderly and persons with disabilities must be treated with special care and sensitivity. It also means that abortion and abortion funding should be excluded from any reform plan, no matter how adroitly the abortion funding is masked. Whatever one thinks about its legality, abortion has nothing to do with advancing human “health,” and a large number of Americans regard it as a gravely wrong act of violence, not only against unborn children but also against women.
Read the rest of the article at First Things here>>
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