Monthly Archives: March 2012

Permanent Deacons Continue to Increase

The 2011 annual Church statistics were presented to the Holy Father today. Of note is the continued increase of deacons, especially in  North America and Europe. By the end of 2010, there were 39,564 permanent deacons in the world (up … Continue reading

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Benedict XVI, Sexuality, and the Bishops of Region VIII

Bishop Quinn and other bishops met with the Holy Father today for their ad limina. I wanted to share with you the words he spoke to them. My source is from the Vatican’s website (www.vatican.va). Dear Brother Bishops, I greet … Continue reading

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Ad Limina – to the Tombs of the Apostles

 My bishop, John M. Quinn along with bishop-emeritus Bernard Harrington, vicar general Rev. Richard Colletti and vicar of the clergy Fr. Tom Melvin are in Rome this week for the ad limina. As you probably are aware, about every 5 … Continue reading

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Congratulations, Diocese of Baker!

The Holy Father, at noon Rome time, announced today that Fr. Liam Stephen Cary, a priest from the archdiocese of Portland in Oregon, is the new bishop of the diocese of Baker. Bishop-elect Cary was born in 1947 at Prineville, … Continue reading

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Quote for the Day

“Those who are weighted down with sickness, and those of you who are wearied by the care of them, you should all of you bear it in peace, for you will see that such fatigue is very precious.” — St. … Continue reading

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Catholic Social Doctrine – The Universality of Sin, Salvation and Hope

The doctrine of original sin teaches the universality of sin. This doctrine must never be separated from the reality of the universality of salvation in Jesus Christ. While the doctrine of original sin properly enlightens us to not remain in … Continue reading

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Quote for the Day

“A church that doesn’t provoke any crisis, a gospel that doesn’t unsettle, a Word of God that doesn’t get under anyone’s skin, what kind of gospel is that? Preachers who avoid every thorny matter so as not to be harassed … Continue reading

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Facing Lent’s Temptations

  I heard a spiritual director (not mine) say recently that the devil cannot read your thoughts; he is only a very good observer of behavior and quickly hones in on your weakness. It is there he attacks. Your thoughts, … Continue reading

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Charles Kadlec on the HHS Mandate and the First Amendment

Forbes magazine recently ran an article written by Charles Kadlec that rather eloquently explains why the Church cannot accept the HHS mandate forcing it to pay for contraception, sterilizations and abortifacient drugs. I encourage you to read the entire article at: … Continue reading

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Latest Letter from Cardinal Dolan and the USCCB on the HHS Mandate and Religious Liberty

Here is a recent letter from Cardinal Dolan on the HHS mandate. I would ask you to caredfully read it, be informed, and become active in protecting our religious liberty which is seriously at stake here. The highlighted link is … Continue reading

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Quote for the Day

“Live so as not to fear death. For those who live well in the world, death is not frightening, but sweet and precious.” — St. Rose of Viterbo, SFO

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Lenten Abstinence

We are full-time into Lent, this being the ninth day. It would seem that this year my Lenten practice – largely dictated by necessity – lies in almsgiving. Almsgiving in the broader sense of doing for others in acts of … Continue reading

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