Please say a prayer that we get on the plane. Delta has informed us that seats will be assigned at the gate. They admitted that we were in danger of getting bumped. Say what you will about American, we have never been bumped.

This may be the first and last time we fly Delta Airlines. I just hope that we don’t miss the flight from Atlanta to Ireland. I may have to remind my favorite deacon, that well, he is always a deacon.

Excerpt

“Coercing religious ministries and citizens to pay directly for actions that violate their teaching is an unprecedented incursion into freedom of conscience. Organizations fear that this unjust rule will force them to take one horn or the other of an unacceptable dilemma: Stop serving people of all faiths in their ministries—so that they will fall under the narrow exemption—or stop providing health-care coverage to their own employees.

The Catholic Church defends religious liberty, including freedom of conscience, for everyone. The Amish do not carry health insurance. The government respects their principles. Christian Scientists want to heal by prayer alone, and the new health-care reform law respects that. Quakers and others object to killing even in wartime, and the government respects that principle for conscientious objectors. By its decision, the Obama administration has failed to show the same respect for the consciences of Catholics and others who object to treating pregnancy as a disease.

This latest erosion of our first freedom should make all Americans pause. When the government tampers with a freedom so fundamental to the life of our nation, one shudders to think what lies ahead.” Read the whole piece here.

What I wish I could say to women in that situation is this:

So, you’re in a situation where you may be a less than perfect mother. I only know of one perfect mother, and after all, her Son was perfect, too. The rest of us are all less than perfect mothers. We don’t always know what we’re doing, we’re not always the models of patience and joyful motherhood we’d like to be, we’re sometimes tired or frustrated or at our wits’ ends with our little (and not so little) bundles of joy. None of us is capable of doing this alone–and to the extent that some of us may really promote the idea of celibacy before marriage, it’s because we know from our own experiences that it’s not an accident that parents come in sets of two.

But just because you didn’t live up to that ideal doesn’t mean it’s our business to scold (that’s between you and God, and perhaps your pastor or spiritual adviser if you have one). We also know that it takes two to tango, and that the man who participated in the creation of this baby has plenty to answer for. Society makes it much easier for him–and then society holds out the evil of abortion to you as if it’s something good, something that lets you, too, walk away from this baby and pretend she never existed. You know better, and many post-abortive women will tell you that you never forget her existence, or the day you let them kill her.

So we do want you to choose life for your baby, because we think that you, as a woman, deserve better than the false promise of abortion. You deserve better than being told to deny your very nature and shut off all compassion for the little one you may have had a name for years ago, when you dreamed of starting a family. Your dreams may have been different, but then our dreams and our realities aren’t usually a perfect match. It’s okay to be less than perfect in this; you know that life also tends to get better than we ever think it will in our darkest hours.

Maybe you already know you want this baby to live; you just haven’t figured out the “hows.” How will you finish school? How will you keep working? How will you arrange your life, in the face of this new reality? How will you ponder adoption, or know if giving up your baby to a loving couple is the right decision?

We have a “how” for you, too, and it’s this: How can we help?

Can we help you with insurance and doctor appointments? Can we help you approach your employer to adjust your hours or the type of work you’re doing? Can we help you find someone to be there for your birthing classes who will be with you when you go into the hospital to deliver this baby? Can we provide counseling? Can we arrange for you to meet with people qualified to help you consider raising the baby yourself vs. placing her for adoption? Do you need a place to live? Do you need basic things like food, maternity clothing, and supplies for the baby?

I know that many crisis pregnancy centers can provide access to all of these services and more. The diocese where I live offers the Gabriel Project, which includes many services directly to women in crisis pregnancies, as well as referrals to crisis pregnancy centers in the diocese.

As we mark the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade and mourn the deaths of fifty-three million American children, let’s realize that abortion is horrible for women, that it is destructive, that it is dehumanizing, and that it is the last thing women need in order to be equal to men–in fact, it’s downright insulting to women to say that we need abortion in order to fulfill our dreams. Read the whole post here.

By Danielle Bean

An unborn baby’s heart begins beating 18 days after conception – a tiny heartbeat, a human heartbeat, and a vulnerable one. In 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade made itlegal to kill unborn human beings at any stage of development, at any time before birth, in all 50 states.

Though abortion might be legal, not every American supports this travesty of justice. In January of every year, hundreds of thousands of Americans gather in our nation’s capital to protest the Supreme Court’s decision, denounce legalized abortion, and stand in defense of defenseless unborn human life.

The crowds at the annual March for Life are largely made up of young people who are positively exploding with optimism, energy, and enthusiasm. These kids inspire me. They carry signs: “It’s a child, not a choice.” They wear t-shirts: “Social justice begins in the womb.” They challenge us all: “Mother and child. Love them both.”

Some say we should allow for abortion, especially in the hard cases, when a pregnancy is unplanned and unwanted. At the March for Life, however, young Americans boldly reject the idea that the value of any human life is diminished because it is unplanned or unwanted.

Some say we should allow for abortion, even if we would not choose it ourselves, because not everyone shares our religious beliefs and we “can’t legislate morality.” Young pro-lifers are quick to point out, however, that we do just that all the time. We outlaw murder, rape, slavery, and theft because all of us, in our humanity, recognize that they are wrong. Abortion is a moral issue, not a religious one. Our faith might affirm our belief in the dignity and value of all human life, but it is not the source of it. Our humanity is.

Thousands gathered on the mall to listen to speeches before heading to the Supreme Court in the annual March for Life. This contingent came from Long Island, New York. (Katherine Frey – TWP) Some say we should allow for abortion because feminism demands that women have access to reproductive “choices.” But the young voices at the March for Life reject abortion precisely because they embrace a new kind of feminism. One that recognizes the inherent dignity and value of every woman and rejects the “right” to sex without consequences and easy access to abortion which leave women in a strikingly vulnerable position, to be used by men as sexual objects.

The young people at the annual March for Life assert the unpopular truth that women deserve better than abortion, and instead offer women real choices: genuine alternatives to the harm that abortions cause.

When a woman decides that her best “choice” is the destruction of innocent human life growing within her, we have failed her. The government, the community, the church, and we – her friends, neighbors, co-workers, brothers, and sisters – have failed her.

Young pro-lifers are determined not to fail women. Continue reading…

“Today I feel great sadness and compassion for all of the women who have bought into this at some point in their lives and aborted their children, and who have suffered — often for decades, often in deep loneliness — for their babies. The lie that abortion provides, at it’s core, some ultimate “good” is a lie that has stood too long.”The Anchoress

I am reminded that today is a day of prayer for the legal protection of unborn children:

“In all the Dioceses of the United States of America, January 22 (or January 23, when January 22 falls on a Sunday) shall be observed as a particular day of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion.” – United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

A statement by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius

In August 2011, the Department of Health and Human Services issued an interim final rule that will require most health insurance plans to cover preventive services for women including recommended contraceptive services without charging a co-pay, co-insurance or a deductible.  The rule allows certain non-profit religious employers that offer insurance to their employees the choice of whether or not to cover contraceptive services. Today the department is announcing that the final rule on preventive health services will ensure that women with health insurance coverage will have access to the full range of the Institute of Medicine’s recommended preventive services, including all FDA -approved forms of contraception.  Women will not have to forego these services because of expensive co-pays or deductibles, or because an insurance plan doesn’t include contraceptive services. This rule is consistent with the laws in a majority of states which already require contraception coverage in health plans, and includes the exemption in the interim final rule allowing certain religious organizations not to provide contraception coverage. Beginning August 1, 2012, most new and renewed health plans will be required to cover these services without cost sharing for women across the country.  

After evaluating comments, we have decided to add an additional element to the final rule. Nonprofit employers who, based on religious beliefs, do not currently provide contraceptive coverage in their insurance plan, will be provided an additional year, until August 1, 2013, to comply with the new law. Employers wishing to take advantage of the additional year must certify that they qualify for the delayed implementation. This additional year will allow these organizations more time and flexibility to adapt to this new rule.  We intend to require employers that do not offer coverage of contraceptive services to provide notice to employees, which will also state that contraceptive services are available at sites such as community health centers, public clinics, and hospitals with income-based support.  We will continue to work closely with religious groups during this transitional period to discuss their concerns.

Scientists have abundant evidence that birth control has significant health benefits for women and their families, it is documented to significantly reduce health costs, and is the most commonly taken drug in America by young and middle-aged women. This rule will provide women with greater access to contraception by requiring coverage and by prohibiting cost sharing.

This decision was made after very careful consideration, including the important concerns some have raised about religious liberty. I believe this proposal strikes the appropriate balance between respecting religious freedom and increasing access to important preventive services. The administration remains fully committed to its partnerships with faith-based organizations, which promote healthy communities and serve the common good.  And this final rule will have no impact on the protections that existing conscience laws and regulations give to health care providers.

That last paragraph is disingenuous at best.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued the following statement:

January 20, 2012

Unconscionable to force citizens to buy contraceptives against their will

No change in limited exemption, only delay in enforcement

Matter of freedom of conscience, freedom of religion

WASHINGTON—The Catholic bishops of the United States called “literally unconscionable” a decision by the Obama Administration to continue to demand that sterilization, abortifacients and contraception be included in virtually all health plans. Today’s announcement means that this mandate and its very narrow exemption will not change at all; instead there will only be a delay in enforcement against some employers.

“In effect, the president is saying we have a year to figure out how to violate our consciences,” said Cardinal-designate Timothy M. Dolan, archbishop of New York and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The cardinal-designate continued, “To force American citizens to choose between violating their consciences and forgoing their healthcare is literally unconscionable.It is as much an attack on access to health care as on religious freedom. Historically this represents a challenge and a compromise of our religious liberty.”

The HHS rule requires that sterilization and contraception – including controversial abortifacients – be included among “preventive services” coverage in almost every healthcare plan available to Americans. “The government should not force Americans to act as if pregnancy is a disease to be prevented at all costs,” added Cardinal-designate Dolan. Continue reading……

You can see a video of cardinal designate Dolan here.

The diocese of Des Moines is marking the anniversary of Roe vs Wade with a workshop        followed by a Mass for Life. The workshop and Mass are taking place at my parish. If you live in or near Des Moines, please mark your calendars!

H/T Dr. Thomas Neal

Excerpt:

“At the top of the steps, he grabbed me and said, “Translate for me. Tell this woman that she changed my life.” And then he gave her the biggest hug that I have ever seen. He held on to her for what seemed like 5 minutes – a total stranger.

He finally lets go and walks away.

I speak with the woman. She is crying uncontrollably. She tells me, “My husband died 30 years ago and I am so lonely. I loved him so much and he would always give me the biggest hugs. I miss those so much. I came here today begging God to send me a sign that He loves me, that my husband is still there, that he loves me. And then this boy comes and gives me the most wonderful hug in the past 30 years. You tell that boy that – he changed my life.”’

I was speechless.

And Alex? He was transformed that day. She really did change his life. Her sacrifice, her willingness to tackle those 28 steps at her age was the most impressive and valuable thing he had ever witnessed in his life.

Read the whole thing………

Every Catholic blogger who writes a post about the Catholic moral teaching on human sexuality, is guaranteed to receive at least one comment referring to the priest sex scandal. Exhibit A: this oh so original comment on this post:

 “The most evil sexual immorality is priests raping children, and the Catholic church (sic) has hidden thousands and thousands of known child rapists (according to their own John Jay report). Fix that first, Archbishop Dolan, by creating measures to put those guilty priests in prison. Stop protecting those criminals that ruined child’s lives.”

First let me be clear: the priest sex scandal is evil. It has harmed the Church—the very body of Christ. Predator priests have killed innocent souls. Lives have been destroyed. Their crimes call out to heaven.

Most Catholics—myself included—were devastated when the scandal broke. It was, and is, an all too vivid lesson in how sin harms each and every member of the body of Christ.

The reality is that although we know that the Church is holy it is also a Church of sinners and a few saints. As I wrote in May of 2010,

“Jesus Christ is the true and proper head of the Church.  The Church is the Mystical Body of Christ…   But the Body of Christ is comprised of fallen human beings who are inclined to sin. The Church is one, but the unity is fractured. The Church is Holy, but she is full of sinners who are capable of evil. This is a paradox that since the long lent of 2002 has been very painful for those of us sitting in the pews. It is even more painful for our faithful Bishops, Priests and Deacons who are tainted by, as Pope Benedict said, “the filth in the Church”.

In 2000 years the Church has had many scandals, many bad bishops and even popes. But she still stands. Jesus said:

And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church,^* and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. (Mt 16:18).

I cannot, and will not, excuse the evil actions of some priests. Further I do not understand why some bishops did not take decisive action. It is beyond belief that some bishops were involved in a cover up.

The scandal, however, should not be used as an argument against the moral teaching of the Church. The teaching of the Church on faith and morals comes from God—not human beings.

Further not all priests and bishops are culpable. There is no evidence that Archbishop Dolan was ever involved in covering up for priests under his authority. None.

Oh and Archbishop Dolan has no authority to jail priests. Take it to the criminal justice system. The Church does not have prisons. The problem is that the scandal is decades old. Many of the priests have died. The statue of limitations has run out in many other cases. Priests have been jailed. Thank God.

I suspect that my commenter hates the Catholic Church. Period.  The priest scandal is a justification for that hate.

Frankly, however, I think that God did bring good out of evil. Well before that long Lent of 2002, I had been telling my favorite deacon that adults having sex with children was dangerously close to be accepted by, at least, by some (elite) radical liberals. That has a way of trickling down to us peasants. That is one reason that same sex marriage is legal here in Iowa.

If I was right, and I think I was, the scandals put on the brakes to that. You can’t very well condemn the Church when you think that adults having sex with children is normal and permissible.

That does not, however, justify evil.

What I want to know why is there no outrage at the fact that child predators are on the rise. They are legion. They come from every profession and every class. It is a major problem in our schools, in Hollywood, in every institution and place where children gather.

Why? Where are the studies that attempt to identify the growing problem?

The Catholic Church may be late, but it has addressed the problem. Programs, policies, and regulations have been put in place to keep our children as safe as humanly possible.

What about the institutions (e.g. Public Schools) where predators lurk?

Where is the outrage?

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To the above commenter: You are welcome to comment on this blog, even when you strongly disagree. But only if you use reasoned arguments. Otherwise you will be banned.