In the Wake of Katrina, Calls for Prayer "We Are Overwhelmed," Says New Orleans Archbishop Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Archbishop Alfred Hughes of New Orleans gathered with the governor of Louisiana and religious leaders to pray for the survivors and victims of Hurricane Katrina today. "We are so overwhelmed, we do not know how to respond,'' Archbishop Hughes said today in Baton Rouge, according to the Times-Picayune newspaper. The prelate did offer a suggestion: Turn to prayer. The archbishop read from the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans: "We know that all things work for the good of God ... if God is for us, who can be against us?'' Governor Kathleen Blanco concurred. "We need a higher power right now," she said. "There are a lot of people to pray for." The governor asked residents to spend the day in prayer. "That would be the best thing to calm our spirits and thank Our Lord that we are survivors," she said. "Slowl...
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Most Recent Letters from Senator Durbin Since Senator Barack Obama has not replied to my letters on either of these issues, I can only think that he has just been way too busy with his duties and responsibilities in Washington to care what his constituents opinions or concerns are. If the fire is too hot for you, Senator O., perhaps you should get out of the kitchen or wherever it is that you are hiding these days. Although I seldom agree with Durbin responses, at least he has the courtesy to reply. Barack Obama has been in office for several months now and still has not responded even once to the more than 30 letters I have written him. August 31, 2005 Mrs. Jean Heimann (Address) Dear Mrs. Jean Heimann: Thank you for your message regarding the nomination of John Roberts to the United States Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is our nation's ultimate authority in interpreting the Constitution. Its decisions are made by nine justices appointed for life by the President with the advice...
Mad Madigan Strikes Again In 2004, Loyola University Chicago School of Law, a Catholic institution, gave an award to strongly pro-abortion Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan . Despite pleas from concerned Christians and even from Francis Cardinal George , Loyola refused to cancel the award. History is once again repeating itself. The Women's Council of St. Ignatius College Prep, located in the city of Chicago, will have Madigan as their featured speaker at their 7th Annual Women's Council Dinner on September 22, 2005. This article explains what you can help do to prevent this or to at least draw attention to the fact that you do not approve. My letter to Loyola University: Dear Mr. Paulson: I am shocked and appalled that a Catholic educational institution would honor Lisa Madigan -- a person who lives a life that strongly opposes Catholic teachings and who advocates and embraces the culture of death. To me, she is the epitome of all that our secular, humanistic culture o...
NARAL Pro-Choice America Releases Ad on Roberts' Record You can view NARAL's new attack ad on John Roberts here. He must be a highly qualified candidate for them to be this combative. I agree with Jill that it is very interesting that there are so many happy families with children in this clip. Hat Tip: Jill Stanek
Quote for the Day "Many people are concerned with children of India, with the children of Africa where quite a few die of hunger, and so on. Many people are also concerned about the violence in this great country of the United States. These concerns are very good. But often these same people are not concerned with the millions being killed by the deliberate decision of their own mothers. And this is the greatest destroyer of peace today- abortion which brings people to such blindness." ~ Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta
How You can help victims of Katrina Wal-Mart donated $1,000,000 to the Salvation Army Monday to be used for disaster relief. You can go to the store's website at http://www.walmartstores.com/ for more information on how you can donate to the Salvation Army. Or, and you can make your donation in person at any Wal-Mart or Sam's Club store. * * * * * * The Federal Emergency Management Agency is commandeering the clean up of Katrina's aftermath, and also has some information on their website about other charities accepting donations on behalf of the victims. If you'd like to check it out, or if you've been affected by the storm and need help, go to http://www.fema.gov/
Joke for the Day The new priest is nervous about hearing confessions . . . . . . so he asks the older priest to sit in on his sessions. The new priest hears a couple confessions, then the old priest asks him to step out of the confessional for a few suggestions. The old priest suggests, "Cross you arms over your chest, and rub your chin with one hand." The new priest tries this. The old priest suggests, "Try saying things like, 'I see, yes, go on,' and 'I understand. How did you feel about that?'" The new priest says those things. The old priest says, "Now, don't you think that's a little better than slapping your knee and saying, "Cool Man! What happened next?"
Governor Blanco Requests a Day of Prayer Governor Blanco has requested that August 31, 2005 be set aside as a day of prayer for Louisianna in the wake of hurricane Katrina . Let's join in praying for the following requests: "Pray for the victims and the rescuers. Please pray that God give us all the physical and spiritual strength to work through this crisis and rebuild. Please pray for patience for those anxiously waiting to hear from family members or to get word about their homes. Pray for the safety of our hard-working rescuers and those they are bringing to safety. I know, by praying together on Wednesday, that we can pull together and draw strength we need; strength, that only God can give us.In my prayers, I will also thank God for the strong and resilient people of this state and how they are working to meet this challenge."
Life Chain The Life Chain is on October 2nd Annually, on the first Sunday in October. LIFE CHAIN invites the churches in each city and town across North America to stand on a designated local sidewalk and pray for one hour, while holding one of the following approved pro-life sign messages: * ABORTION KILLS CHILDREN * JESUS FORGIVES AND HEALS * ADOPTION: THE LOVING OPTION * LORD, FORGIVE US AND OUR NATION * ABORTION HURTS WOMEN * PRAY TO END ABORTION * LIFE-THE FIRST INALIENABLE RIGHT For more information about the Life Chain in IL, go here. For more information about the National Life Chain, go here. This is an annual activity for Bill and me and it is one that is very personally gratifying. The National Life Chain website effectively describes its purpose: "LIFE CHAIN is not chiefly a demonstration, and its witness is not intended for the viewing public only. Instead, its first goal is to minister to its own participants—to those who call Christ their Lord and hold pro-life mes...
Does your cat do this? I awoke this morning to find my bed filled with cat toys -- the soft yellow ball, with the shiny Easter-grass like fuzz fibers hanging from it (ripped off of a newly purchased cat mobile) and the soft velevety blue mouse that resembles a dog were laying on my husband's vacated side of the bed. In the meantime, someone was batting at my toes with her claws and nibbling on them through the sheets, while purring loudly. Who needs an alarm clock when you can be awakened in such a pleasantly seductive manner? As soon as Bill leaves in the morning, she plops herself down in his spot laying on top of the comforter after kneading it with her paws for about a half an hour and pretends to be sleeping, but all the while she is plotting her next clandestine attack.
Christian Yoga? Yoga is part of the New Age movement and the term "Christian yoga" is definitely an oxymoron, so why are so many Christians -- particularly Catholics -- seeking it out today ? Exercise? Why not take a walk or go swimming? To attain inner peace? Why not go to Eucharistic Adoration and pour your heart out to Him -- the One who loves you? Contemplation, meditation? Why not read the scriptures and ponder on them? Why not dwell on the sacred mysteries of the rosary or the stations of the cross? Or if that's too advanced, how about viewing Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ and reflecting on Our Savior's love for you? It takes no effort when one views this film. Why dabble in a New Age religion that can be destructive to the soul? Fr. John Hardon, SJ, has written an excellent article which explains why yoga is incompatible with Catholicism. I recently came across a pamphlet put out by a religious order that pictured a young woman in a clinging low ...
Joke for the Day Three couples drowned in a boat accident. They were lined up to see if St. Peter would let them in. Penny and her husband were first. St. Peter says to the husband, "I'm sorry I can't let you in. During your life you only cared about money. Why, you even married a woman named Penny!" Candy and her husband were next. "I'm sorry, I can't let you in either", says St. Peter says to the next guy. "While you were on earth, all you cared about was eating. You even married a woman named Candy!"After that, the third guy looks at his wife and says, "Well, it doesn't look too good for us, Fanny!"
ABORTION E-CARDS I just came across an interesting site to share with you. It contains pro-life e-cards. This message is posted on the Life Dynamics site : "Life Dynamics’ new Pro-life eCards are the perfect way to help spread the pro-life message to friends and family. Whether you’re staying in touch with fellow pro-lifers or looking to change the heart and mind of a friend Pro-life eCards are a great tool. With 46 different designs to choose from these cards will help to get people thinking about abortion and its effect on babies and their moms." And, there are some really good ones here. For example, one that I chose to send to family and friends contains a photo image along with the following message: " Weapons of Mass Destruction -- cannula- 1. a cheap plastic tube used to kill and dismember unborn children during elective abortions. 2. a device that has killed more innocent human beings than all other methods of mass destruction combined. STOP ABORTION NOW ". ...
The Beheading of St. John the Baptist Shortly after he had baptized Jesus, John the Baptist began to denounce Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee. Herod had divorced his own wife and taken Herodias, the wife of his half- brother Philip and also his own niece. John the Baptist declared, "It is not lawful for you to have her," so Herod threw him into prison. Not only did Herod fear John and his disciples, he also knew him to be a righteous man, so he did not kill him. Herodias was determined to bring about John's death. From prison John followed Jesus's ministry, and sent messengers to question him (Luke 7:19-29). One day Herod gave an eloquent banquet to celebrate his birthday. His entire court was present as well as other powerful and influential Palestinians. Herodias's daughter Salome so pleased Herod when she danced to entertain the company that he promised her whatever she would ask--even half of his kingdom. Salome asked her mother for counsel and was told...
Converting A Bear A priest, a Pentecostal preacher and a Rabbi all would get together two or three times a week for coffee and to talk shop. One day, someone made the comment that preaching to people isn't really all that hard. A real challenge would be to preach to a bear. One thing led to another and they decided to do an experiment. They would all go out into the woods, find a bear, preach to it, and attempt to convert it. Seven days later, they're all together to discuss the experience. Father Flannery, who has his arm in a sling, is on crutches, and has various bandages, goes first. "Well," he says, "I went into the woods to find me a bear. And when I found him I began to read to him from the Catechism.Well, that bear wanted nothing to do with me and began to slap me around. So I quickly grabbed my holy water, sprinkled him and, Holy Mary Mother of God, he became as gentle a lamb. The bishop is coming out next week to give him first communion and confirmatio...
Why the Chicken Crossed the Road KINDERGARTEN TEACHER: To get to the other side. PLATO: For the greater good. ARISTOTLE: It is the nature of chickens to cross roads. KARL MARX: It was a historical inevitability. TIMOTHY LEARY: Because that's the only trip the establishment would let it take. SADDAM HUSSEIN: This was an unprovoked act of rebellion and we were quite justified in dropping 50 tons of nerve gas on it. CAPTAIN JAMES T. KIRK: To boldly go where no chicken has gone before. HIPPOCRATES: Because of an excess of phlegm in its pancreas. ARTHUR ANDERSEN: Deregulation of the chicken's side of the road was threatening its dominant market position. The chicken was faced with significant challenges to create and develop the competencies required for the newly competitive market. LOUIS FARRAKHAN: The road, you see, represents the black man. The chicken 'crossed' the black man in order to trample him and keep him down. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.: I envision a world where all...
St. Monica, Widow, Mother of St. Augustine St. Monica was born of a Christian family in Tagaste in Africa in 331. She was married to an ill-tempered, adulterous pagan, Patricius. One of their children was St. Augustine. She shed many tears and prayed constantly for the conversion of her husband (who converted on his death bed), and of her son (who converted after a living a wild, sinful life). Monica was a virtuous mother whose perseverance in prayer and strong faith brought those whom she loved to the Heart of Jesus. She died in Ostia in 387. *************************************************** "The day was now approaching when my mother Monica would depart from this life; you know that day, Lord, though we did not. She and I happened to be standing by ourselves at a window that overlooked the garden in the courtyard of the house. At the time we were in Ostia on the Tiber. And so the two of us, all alone, were enjoying a very pleasant conversation, "forgetting the past and pu...
Communication with Blogger Support Since I am at the mercy of my limited techincal knowledge (I am self-taught on the computer and am technologically challenged), I am once again appealing to my readers for help. With no one young enough around here to assist me with high tech stuff (We are still trying to figure out VCR's here -- no kidding!) I have been relying on Blogger Support. In another month or so, I should be getting another (enigmatic) response to the questions and concerns I mention below. In the meantime, if anyone out there has any answers to the questions or concerns I have here, please email me at IPS14@mchsi.com (Please put a clear identifier in the subject of your email.) or comment here. I desperately need help. ( Seriously!) ************************************************************************ Dear Blogger Support, I have been attempting to update my blog and add atom and RSS site feeds. However, there have been no changes to my blog although I did exactly wh...
A Joke to Brighten Your Day A young priest, in the first days of his first parish, was obliged to call upon the widow of a very eccentric man who had just died. Standing before the open casket and consoling the widow, he said, "I know this must be a very hard blow, Mrs. Vernon. But we must remember that what we see here is the husk only, the shell...the nut has gone to heaven."
NRL: "Gullible treatment of trumped up 'study' on fetal pain issue should embarrass JAMA and some journalists" National Right to Life has just released a comprehensive and informative rebuttal regarding the article "Fetal Pain: A Systematic Multidisciplinary Review of the Evidence," published in the August 24 edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association. See the update at http://www.jillstanek.com/archives/2005/08/nrl_gullible_tr.html#more , complete with hyperlinks to articles and substantiation referred to by NRL.
Updating Blog Please Pardon the Mess I am in the process of updating my blog -- changing my site feed settings and attempting to add RSS feed or atom. I have no idea what I'm doing, but that didn't stop me from blogging when I started. I am also attempting to introduce Post Pages to replace my daily/weekly/monthly archive pages. If anyone with expertise in these areas (If you have a blog which includes these) has any suggestions or advice as to how to accomplsh this and what to include, I would greatly appreciate it. Feel free to comment here or email me at ips14@mchsi.com . Since it's almost 4 a.m. this night owl will call it a night.
Joke of the Day A man has three sons who entered three different religious orders: the oldest became a Dominican, the second a Franciscan, and the youngest a Jesuit. On his deathbed, the father tells his sons, "I know you all have vows of poverty, but as a sign of your love for me, I want each of you to place one thousand dollars into my casket to be buried with me." On the day of the funeral, the Dominican son steps up, places $1000 in the casket, and says, "This seems like a waste of money, since you can't take it with you, Dad. But with the special permission of my superiors, I'm doing as you requested, as a sign of my love." Next, the Franciscan son approaches the casket and says, "You know I love you, Dad, but the needs of the poor are so great, I just can't let $1000 be buried with you. I hope you understand, now that you are in heaven. Please forgive me." Finally, the Jesuit son comes forward and says to his brother, "Don't worr...
Saint Louis IX, King of France Louis IX, King of France, son of Louis VIII and Blanche of Castile, was born at Poissy, April 25, 1215. Louis was eleven years old when his father's death made him king. At that time, his mother Queen Blanche of Castile, was declared regent and remained an important influence in his life. At nineteen, he married Marguerite of Provence and the couple had eleven children. Louis brought justice to France. When, for example, a baron hanged three students for poaching rabbits, the King's response was firm. He forced the Baron to surrender his forest, imprisoned him for a time, fined him heavily, made him build a chapel in memory of each student, and ordered him to crusade for three years in Palestine. Louis was a loving and generous king. The poorest of the poor were recipients of his charity and alms everyday. Beggars were fed from his table, he ate their leavings, washed their feet, and ministered to the needs of the lepers. Daily, he fed 120 poor pe...
FETAL PAIN The news media are today reporting on a "study" (actually, an interpretation of existing medical literature) published in this week's Journal of the American Medical Association. The authors argue that there is no good evidence that unborn humans feel pain before the third trimester (after 29 weeks gestational age). Most of these stories have failed to report important information on the origins of this "study." The lead author, Susan J. Lee, is a medical student and former NARAL employee, and one of the physician authors, Eleanor Drey, is the director of the largest abortion clinic in San Francisco. Dr. Drey is also on the staff of the Center for Reproductive Health Research and Policy , a pro-abortion advocacy center at the University of California-San Francisco. Jill Stanek has more details on this in her blog Pro-life pulse today. I have a real problem with pro-death people analyzing existing studies that have already been performed by someone ...
St. Bartholomew, Apostle St. Bartholomew was born in Cana. He was brought to Jesus by the apostle Phillip. After the Ascension of the Lord, he preached the gospel in India where he was martyred in 79 A.D. The exact manner of his death is uncertain, but according to some, he was whipped severely and crucified with his head downward. He is often depicted in art as being whipped and holding in his hand his own skin.
Joke for the Day A man is driving down the road and breaks down near a monastery. He goes to the monastery, knocks on the door, and says, "My car broke down. Do you think I could stay the night?" The monks graciously accept him, feed him dinner, even fix his car. As the man tries to fall asleep, he hears a strange sound. The next morning, he asks the monks what the sound was, but they say, "We can't tell you. You're not a monk. "The man is disappointed but thanks them anyway and goes about his merry way. Some years later, the same man breaks down in front of the same monastery.The monks again accept him, feed him, even fix his car. That night, he hears the same strange noise that he had heard years earlier. The next morning, he asks what it is, but the monks reply, "We can't tell you. You're not a monk."The man says, "All right, all right. I'm dying to know. If the only way I can find out what that sound was is to become a monk, ho...
Joke for the Day Two guys are painting the ceiling of a church when they notice a little old Italian lady praying to Mary. One of the guys decides to have some fun so he calls down, "Little old lady!' She does not answer so he calls again, "Little old lady!' She still does not answer. The third time he calls, "Little old lady, this is Jesus calling you." She looks up and and says, "Shuta you mouth, I'm a talka to you Mother!"
RUFFINI'S AUGUST STRAW POLL OF LIKELY 2008 GOP CONTENDERS -- Vote Here! Here's yet another "Straw Poll" (go ahead and vote via this link) from Patrick Ruffini on your preference among likely GOP candidates for the 2008 presidential campaign.The poll not only expands the list of likely candidates, but it adds a second vote -- a vote to determine if you'd change your initial vote if any of four unlikely candidates to enter the race. The results are tracked by blog, so I encourage all readers of my site, both regular and those of you visiting for the first time, who are registered Republicans, to vote here, please! Hat Tip: A Certain Slant of Light
Blagojevich: only governor who has forced pharmacists' hands Illinois Druggists Pledge To Defy Rule Metro East pharmacists Peggy Pace, John Menges and Gaylord Richard Quayle say they will not compromise their religious beliefs by filling emergency contraception prescriptions - something Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich says they must do. Rep. Ron Stephens, a Republican from Greenville and a pharmacist, said he, too, will defy the governor's emergency rule that a legislative committee made permanent last week, forcing morning-after pill prescriptions to be filled .
Delay Embryonic Stem Cell Vote Alternative sources of stem cells have led some to call for a delay in the vote on federal legislation that would allow tax dollars to be used for research involving the destruction of human life. Christian Coalition of America, among others, is urging Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist to delay the Senate vote on the Castle-DeGette bill passed earlier this summer in the U.S. House of Representatives because of promising exciting breakthroughs in production of large amounts of embryonic like stem cells from umbilical cord blood. "Now there is no reason for the Senate leadership to schedule a vote this year, or ever, on the bill forcing taxpayers to pay for the immoral destruction of human embryos, after the exciting announcement of promising cord blood research," said Roberta Combs, President of the Christian Coalition of America. Dr. Randall Urban, an endocrinologist at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and researchers at Kin...
St. Rose of Lima, Virgin Isabella de Flores was born April 20, 1586. At her Confirmation, she took the name of Rose, because, when an infant, her face had been seen transformed by a mystical rose. She had a strong devotion for Jesus and His Holy Mother and spent long hours praying before the Blessed Sacrament. With St. Catherine of Siena as her model, Rose fasted three times a week, offered up severe penances, and when her vanity was attacked, she cut off her beautiful hair, and wore coarse clothing. Rose worked hard to support her poor parents and she humbly obeyed them, except when they tried to get her to marry. That she would not do. For ten years she fought them on this issue as she was determined to take a vow of virginity At the same time, she experienced great temptations which resulted in excruciating mental anguish and loneliness. At age 20, she took the Dominican habit and thereafter increased her penances wearing constantly a metal spiked crown, concealed by roses, and an i...
Illinois Boycott Threatened if FDA Approves Over the Counter 'Morning After' Sales CHICAGO, Aug. 22 /Christian Wire Service/ -- In advance of the impending decision the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on over-the-counter sales of Plan B (the "morning after" pill), Illinois Pro-Family and Christian leaders have posed the threat of a statewide economic boycott of any major drug chain that decides to sell Plan B over-the-counter. The FDA has made a public commitment to announce a decision one way or the other by September 1. Paul Caprio, Director of Family-Pac Federal, stressed the health dangers of selling the drug, without a physician's approval. "The idea of selling dangerous emergency contraceptives such as Plan B like cough drops when traditional contraceptives require a doctor's prescription would be to abandon long standing safety precautions and place many women at great health risk unnecessarily," Caprio said. A Chicago-based pro-family organ...
Feast of the Queenship of Mary What a glorious day! Today is the feast of Mary, the Mother of the King of the Universe -- the Mother of us all who was chosen by God to be His Mother and to be the Queen of both Heaven and earth. This special Liturgical Feast was proclaimed by Pope Pius XII on October 11, 1954 through his Encyclical Letter "Ad Caeli Reginam." The Holy Catholic Church made this proclamation based upon the fact that whether in time of peace or in time of war, the faithful have incessantly offered prayers of petition and hymns of praise and veneration to the Queen of Heaven. Following the tremendous destruction that occurred during World War II and considering the reality that the threat of a similar catastrophe filled the faithful with a great anguish, the Church turned its eyes towards Mary, the Heavenly Queen, in the hope of her protection. Mary has never failed those who have sought her intercession in prayer, placing their total trust in her. Mary’s queenship...
Jung Typology Test
Well, I could hardly resist taking this test when I saw it on a-sdf. Show me a personality test of any type and I'll take it for amusement. It turned out that I am his long-lost fraternal twin -- only about 30 years apart in age. Anyway, this was fun and these are my results: Jung Typology Test Results Your Type is ISFJ Introverted 78 Sensing 25 Feeling 50 Judging 67 Qualitative analysis of your type formula You are: very expressed introvert moderately expressed sensing personality moderately expressed feeling personality distinctively expressed judging personality Go here to take the test.
Joke
A Jesuit, a Dominican and a Franciscan were walking along an old road, debating the greatness of their orders. Suddenly, an apparition of the Holy Family appeared in front of them, with Jesus in a manger and Mary and Joseph praying over him. The Franciscan fell on his face, over come with awe at the of sight God born in such poverty. The Dominican fell to his knees, Adoring the beautiful reflection of the Trinity and the Holy Family. The Jesuit walked up to Joseph, put his arm around his shoulder, and said, "So, where ya thinking of sending the kid for school?
St. John Eudes, Priest (1601 -- 1680
John Eudes was born at Ri, Normandy, France, on November 14, 1601, the son of a farmer. He went to the Jesuit college at Caen when he was 14, and despite his parents' wish that he marry, joined the Congregation of the Oratory of France in 1623. He studied at Paris and at Aubervilliers, was ordained in 1625, and worked as a volunteer, caring for the victims of the plagues that struck Normandy in 1625 and 1631, and spent the next decade giving Missions, building a reputation as an outstanding preacher and confessor and for his opposition to Jansenism. He became interested in helping fallen women, and in 1641, with Madeleine Lamy, founded a refuge for them in Caen under the direction of the Visitandines. He resigned from the Oratorians in 1643 and founded the Congregation of Jesus and Mary (the Eudists) at Caen, composed of secular priests not bound by vows but dedicated to upgrading the clergy by establishing effective seminaries and to preaching missions. His foundation was opposed ...
TOP 7 SIGNS YOUR PASTOR NEEDS A VACATION
7. His first words to the congregation on Sunday morning are "Alright, listen up you heathens..." 6. He falls asleep during his own homily. 5. He shows up for Sunday Mass wearing bermuda shorts and a tank top. 4. Every time his personal cell phone rings, he shouts, "Why can't they just leave me alone?!" 3. Announces baptisms will take place at the Grand Canyon. 2. You go to his office for counseling and pour your heart out to him and he says, "Sounds like a personal problem to me." AND THE NUMBER ONE SIGN YOUR PASTOR NEEDS A VACATION 1. For the past two months he has preached the same homily every Sunday.
Disabled Child Penalized for Laughing too Loud
A seven year old boy with cerebral palsy and autism who is wheelchair bound is entitled to have some fun, isn't he? Apparently, the manager of one Connecticut theatre doesn't seem to think so. The manager told the child's parents he had to leave the theatre because he was laughing too loud. The family's money was refunded, but I would think the least this business could do would be to offer an apology to the family and arrange a private showing for them. In addition to the apology, movie gift certificates and special showings for the young man and his friends and family might also be an option. I don't like disruptions in the movies either, but his mom reports that he wasn't laughing any louder than the rest of the kids. And, let's face it, when you go to the theatre and children are present, you're going to have disruptions -- kids getting up half a dozen times to visit the refreshment stand and use the bathroom, laughing. talking, etc. If you don'...
What City Am I?
You're Vatican City ! You're pretty sure that you're infallible in all that you do or say, and it's hard to say whether you're right. You have a lot of followers, most of whom will do whatever you say without question, or line up to see you ride around in your spiffy car. Religious and reserved, you have some wisdom, but also a bit much contempt for everyone around you. You're also fabulously wealthy, no matter what you say to the contrary. Believe me -- I am definitely not infallible. My cat is my main follower -- she trails behind me everywhere. I am religious and sometimes reserved, and have some wisdom -- it usually comes with age. I have a lot of contempt for the sins of men and the culture of death, but for no one person I can think of at the moment. I am wealthy in the gifts God has given me. For some reason, the html text and image for this wouldn't copy onto my page, so I will refer you to Southern Catholic Convert whom I think of subconsciously ...
The Vow Of Silence A guy joins a monastery and takes a vow of silence: he’s allowed to say two words every seven years. After the first seven years, the elders bring him in and ask for his two words. "Cold floors," he says. They nod and send him away. Seven more years pass. They bring him back in and ask for his two words. He clears his throats and says, "Bad food." They nod and send him away. Seven more years pass. They bring him in for his two words. "I quit," he says. "That’s not surprising," the elders say. "You’ve done nothing but complain since you got here."
ST. JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL Jane Frances Fremiot was born on January 23, 1572, into a prominent and prosperous family of Dijon, in France. Her father was the president of the parliament and a wealthy landowner; her mother, who died in childbirth when Jane was about eighteen months old, was a descendant of St. Bernard of Clairvaux. By the time she was twenty, Jane was a beautiful, lively, charming young woman, not only rich and clever, but also possessing high ethical standards of service and a capacity for hard work. In 1592, she was wed to Baron Christophe Rabutin-Chantal, a member of the aristocracy and a soldier in the king’s service, who did not hesitate to leave the care of his neglected estate to Jane. As result of her diligent efforts, the family lived comfortably. In spite of the fact that her first two children died in infancy, Jane was supremely happy in her role as wife and mother and administrator of a large property which gave her a chance to practice great charity toward ...
The Pope vs. Moishe About a century or two ago, the Pope challenged the Jewish community of Rome to a debate. The Jews looked around for a champion who could defend their faith, but no one wanted to volunteer. It was too risky. So they finally picked an old man named Moishe who spent his life sweeping up after people to represent them. Being old and poor, he had less to lose, so he agreed. He asked only for one addition to the rules of debate. Not being used to saying very much, he asked that neither side be allowed to talk. The Pope agreed. The day of the great debate came. Moishe and the Pope sat opposite each other for a full minute before the Pope raised his hand and showed three fingers. Moishe looked back at him and raised one finger. The Pope waved his fingers in a circle around his head. Moishe pointed to the ground where he sat. The Pope pulled out a wafer and a glass of wine. Moishe pulled out an apple. The Pope stood up and said, "I give up. This man is too good. The Je...
Movie Reviews Bill and I watched two movies this past weekend -- Because of Winn Dixie and Racing Stripes. Both were really good! Because of Winn Dixie was a heart-warming movie about a Baptist preacher and his little girl, Opal, who move to a small town in Florida, and the dog they take in (Winn Dixie) which becomes the catalyst for Opal to make friends with several of the town's outcasts: a ex - alcoholic recluse who is referred to as the town “witch”, a frightened, spinsterish librarian, a tough – skinned, lonely landlord, and a slow-witted guitar-strumming pet store manager with a prison record. The movie is beautifully acted and pulls at your heartstrings as it imparts a simple, but genuine message about people's loneliness and their need to connect with one another. Opal teaches them to “share the joy” and to come out of their shells and open up their hearts to one another as they have to her. This movie touched something deep inside of me and I liked the depth of mea...