Call to Action Liturgy

This is sooooooooooo dorky Grandma! Shut up Grandma! ROFLOL!

Did you know...

So, did you know?

.

That the Amish people dress very old fashioned, but they are normal; they know about modern things and have studied and are smart and stuff. They do not practice polygamy, but marry and have children just like regular people do. They are very nice. Anabaptist people are similar to them and they are normal too. They are Christians, but they do not have a liturgy or sacraments, save for baptism I believe. They are all very nice.

.

Jewish people have no sacraments at all, and only really orthodox Jews dress differently - I think it's the Hassidic group. Shawls, hats, black suits - wigs for the women. I don't know any, but I think they are nice.

.

Many Islamic people dress differently too - the women sometimes look like nuns. The Islamic religion does not have sacraments either. In fact Jews and Muslims are not Catholic, nor are they even Christian - but many of them are real nice.

.

Mormons are real different too. Some people do not think they are really Christian either. Some people say they have no sacraments whatsoever. But they do baptize people, often dead people by proxy, but that doesn't count. Many of these people are very nice - almost too nice - like Donnie and Marie - yeah, they are almost too nice.

.

Then there is Tom Cruise and Scientology. Scientology has no liturgy or sacraments either. Personally, I do not think it is a religion at all, but the people are very nice. I like Tom and Katy Cruise a lot - they are very nice. Katy is very pretty and Tom has a wonderful smile and seems to be as nice as can be.

.

I will pray for all the people I mentioned who are not Catholics, especially for Tom and Katie that they return to the Catholic Church. (Did you even know they were Catholics?)

.

Baptism is very important - real Christian baptism, that is. Some Catholics are not really baptized you know, but the priests who did the fake baptisms were real nice. (No one talks about this any longer.)
.

Oh - and Oriental religions - they are just pagan - but the people seem real nice. I'm not interested though. (Most religious people do seem real nice though, don't you think? I wonder if it is genuine?)

.

The End.

Rumour Has It!!!

It is Cathy's Birthday today! Happy Birthday Catherine of Alexandria!

DYAO!

This is simply incomprehensible...

Myanmar fatalities are estimated above 22,500 with a further 41,000 missing.

News Story here.

More "lost" art.

Bad photos!

.

Two Carmelite images:

.

Top: Triptych Madonna of the Scapular, side panels, Prophet Elijah and St. Eliseus, and St. Simon Stock receiving the scapular.

.

Bottom: Prophet Elijah, "Behold a little cloud rising from the sea."

.

Images now belong to two Carmelite communities (the lower image being one of two of the same image).

The big one is coming...

It could happen.

.

I feel the earth move under my feet

I feel the sky tumbling down

I feel my heart start to trembling

Whenever you're around

.

Oh baby When I see your face

Mellow as the month of May

Oh darling I can't stand it

When you look at me that way

.

I feel the earth move under my feet

I feel the sky tumbling down

I feel my heart start to trembling

Whenever you're around - Carol King

.

I think it is safe to say a huge earthquake will hit the United States sometime in the very near future. There have been too many in the past couple of weeks. Of course, I'm just guessing here, but I bet it could be the build up to a big one. Another small one was felt in Missouri today. Story here.

Slap happy

More from St. Christina the Astonishing...

By Cynthia Large

.

This is Cynthia's latest work depicting St. Christina the Astonishing, entitled "A Pelican In the Wilderness" - a verse taken from Psalm 102 (101 depending on the translation). Cynthia's work is masterful, I hope you enjoy it. Please visit her website for a description of the painting as well as her narrative on the saint. Visit Cynthia Large

You mean we didn't win?

White House admits fault on 'Mission Accomplished' banner!

.

"Major combat operations in Iraq have ended," Bush said at the time. "The battle of Iraq is one victory in a war on terror that began on Sept. 11, 2001, and still goes on." The "Mission Accomplished" banner was prominently displayed above him—a move the White House came to regret as the display was mocked and became a source of controversy. - Story

.

You mean to tell me that wasn't true? Does that mean we are still fighting in Iraq then? Nice time to tell us. All I can say is that Bush is definitely not getting my vote this fall.

Switzerland grants unprecedented “rights” to plants and animals - "Isn't that funny?"

"Save the liturgy, save the planet.".

.

Yeah... That one doesn't work for me on this story. Anyway - read this...

.

"Geneva, Apr 30, 2008 / 04:01 pm (CNA).- Switzerland has now become a country in which the unborn are less important than plants and animals. The country’s Federal Ethics Committee is encouraging the defense of the “dignity” of plants, and Parliament has approved a law granting animals unprecedented rights.

.

According to a report on LifeSiteNews.com, the Swiss Parliament passed a law last week requiring prospective dog owners to complete a course in canine treatment that will include both theoretical and practical elements. Due to concern over recent studies suggesting the pain experienced by fish, anglers are now subjected to a preparatory course on humane fishing. The new laws will also dictate how farmers treat their livestock and even regulates the proper treatment of rhinoceroses." - Story

.

My thoughts:

.

I'm all for the humane treatment of, and the prevention of cruelty to animals, but things get out of hand when human life is no longer respected or given pride of place. If human life is considered secondary or of equal importance to plant and animal life, then a science and technology that is powerful enough to dictate legislation, seems to be rapidly propelling us toward that brave new world Aldous Huxley warned about in his novel.

.

That said, the so-called "rights" of plants may have more to do with genetic manipulation and "Frankenfoods" - that can affect fertilization and cross pollination processes; while the reasonable rights of various species, such as rhinoceroses, may have more to do to do with protection from poachers who contribute to their extinction. Not all of these measures originate in so called fringe theories, anthropomorphic emotionalism, or even "new age" principles - although it is obvious an international movement to control society through arbitrary and immoral legislation is currently underway. Regardless, the implication that an unborn child has less rights than animal and plant life is a great evil and seems to me to be the final warning that civilization is in decline.

.

Disclaimer: Yes, I know, the popular slogan is "Save the liturgy, save the world" - I meant to use "planet". No, I don't think fishing is cruelty to fish - well maybe the huge ocean nets that disturb and disrupt aquatic life... And no - I am not against hunting, eating meat or fish, and so on. Yes, for the record, I am against zoos that confine animals, and circuses that exploit animals for entertainment, as well as the inhumane farming of animals - I hate that stuff.

.

[I know, I know - I sound like a nut. I keep waiting for something big to happen and it never does. LOL!]

ROFL!

Adolescent pregnancies...

Children having children...
.
It has been an issue of late in our country - most notably in Texas. Did you realize the U. S. rates highest in the world for teen pregnancy amongst developed countries?
.
The following are some of the stark facts about a problem that has become to many Americans, a symbol of a national moral malaise. (Not so much the sexual activity - rather the unwanted pregnancy. Perhaps we should send in the Texas Rangers? Not likely.)

• Every year almost one million teenage girls become pregnant.


• More than half of them are 17 years old or younger when they have their first pregnancy. Approximately one-third of the girls who get pregnant carry their pregnancies to term and keep their babies.


• About another third have abortions, and the other third has spontaneous miscarriages.


• Only about five percent of pregnant girls put their babies up for adoption.


• Approximately 40 percent of young women become pregnant before they reach 20 years old. The United States of America has double the adolescent pregnancy and birth rates of any other industrialized country.


• The poorer the young woman, the more likely she will become a mother.


• Less than one-third of teens who have babies before the age of 18 finish high school.


• Almost half of all teen mothers end up on welfare.


• Less than 25 percent of births to teens occur within wedlock. - Source

.

That must mean the girls who happen to be sexually active but are not "punished with a child" - as Obama stated - are either using some sort of contraception or engaging in masturbation, oral or anal sex. I'm sure that doesn't count however.

Hannah Montanna and slut fashion.

Big News!

.

Hannah Montana (Miley Cyrus) apologized to her public because of racy photos in Vanity Fair. As if her cut-to-the-pubic-hair jeans, bare midriffs and tight tops have been more modest? Has Miley been such a model of decency for pre-tweens who emulate her style? The American cultural sexual exploitation of minors has been going on for decades; think Britney Spears and the way her handlers, supported by her mother, sexualized her image. Long before her was Brooke Shields. There is always an excuse, or someone to blame, as the innocent "victim" and her family climb the ladder to super-stardom.

.

Perhaps the police should raid the Cyrus' household and take the 15 year old Miley away and place her in foster care, and do the same with parents who permit their daughters to dress like sluts. It worked so well with the Fundamentalist Mormons in Texas.

.

[Photo: The 15 year old singer/actress at the 2008 CMT Awards in Nashville. Notice how her dress is cut.]

Things change.

You shall not take hallucinogenics.

I read a story today that the Netherlands may be trying to change their "anything goes" image. Not long ago they tightened the regulations for brothels and prostitution, as well as drug use. Of course they are still far more liberal than any other country in the world, but now they are going after "magic mushrooms" too... and some people fear cannabis will be next. (I knew I waited too long to visit Amsterdam.) Story here.

.

This supports my "people change" theory. It is a highly scientific thesis developed at the graduate School of Hard Knocks, associated with Whatsamatu U in northern Minnesota. "People Change - Things Change" is the title of my dissertation, which will be coming out in book form one of these days.

.

People change - I did.

.

For instance, look at me - which happens to be the title of the first chapter - I've changed. In the beginning, I thought President Bush was a hero going to war with Iraq, after awhile I thought he was an idiot, then I thought he was a monster, and now I love him and think he did the best he could do and we are stuck there. (And I get so scared when I think of the people hoping to replace him.)

.

Another example of how I've changed is I once was intrigued with apparitions and private revelations, especially Garabandahl and Medjugorje - now I have pretty much lost all interest in those things.

.

I also once smoked - and now I don't - that is a big change. Truly, there are very many things I once cared about that I no longer do. There are many little anecdotes in the book that I will not recount here, but let this be a warning - people and things do change - even though they stay the same. You see, I'm the same person - but my ideas and attitudes can change. Just like the laws in the Netherlands or in this country can change.

.

The children are our future... take them away.

.

For instance, someday in the United States, abortion will no longer be legal. Or someday in the Netherlands, sex with consenting minors will be against the law and gay marriage will no longer be recognized either. As repressive as it may sound, one day they may even ban public sex in parks. In fact I'm convinced of it - many rights people enjoy today will be taken back, taken away one day.

.

It could happen. Someday the State could enter a small community and take all of the children away and put them in foster homes or a sort of orphanage in what is really a concentration camp. While the parents would be arrested and sent to prison because they were out of fashion and did not provide video games and laptops, and other modern conveniences for their children.

Update on Mary Jo Copeland

Thanks everyone for your prayers and efforts!

.

Mary Jo Copeland met with the city of Minneapolis Regulatory Committee yesterday and emerged victorious... kinda/sorta. Mary Jo said the results were favorable towards Caring and Sharing Hands, and that a city regulator will visit the operation next week to help formulate a security plan. Mary Jo keeps her license and may continue to serve food - which happened to be the first point of contention with the city - so that is a relief.

.

The only thing I found strange in the comments after the meeting took place is that the police department said they will be "relentless" in policing Caring and Sharing Hands from now on. (That can be taken several ways - yet, isn't that enough security then?) I find the police response odd since the drug busts they performed last year were undercover operations... so does that mean they were set ups? No, of course not... Well, I don't think so.

Poor Amy Winehouse

Arrested for assault. The whole story here.
.
I'm not passing any judgement, nor casting any slurs... You know 'there for but the grace of God'... That said...
.
In the old days, people like Amy would have been called "public sinners" and roundly condemned. Today they are celebrities and fodder for the paparazzi, and people just love to watch a train wreck. I think the fascination is due in part is to the base human desire to watch and see how far melt-down can go before implosion. I also think God permits it to show how miserable human nature truly is - how decadent we can become - and exactly how illusory and fleeting fame is...
.
She's a person and I happen to like her - and I pray for her. (I'm fairly certain she continues to believe everything is still just a joke. And I'm afraid she may kill herself laughing.)

National Day of Silence

Keep your mouth shut until tomorrow.

.

April 25 is observed as a National Day of Silence in public high schools throughout the country. Actually it is the first I have ever heard about it. It's a gay thing. I think people who think that gay sex is a dirty, filthy habit, are not supposed to say that kind of stuff today.

.

I found some information on the national observance here.

Thursday storybook time.

It's spring!

.

Once upon a time, I had a friend who married a woman he thought was the most beautiful in the world, and in fact she was very pretty, in a Delta Burke/Imelda Marcos sort of way. They had two children and lived in a lovely over-sized house in the best suburb; the windows draped with layer upon layer of ruffled sheered curtains, in the softest shade of pink you have ever seen. They did everything with flair and style, and much better than their neighbors ever could. (The Mrs. had been a hair stylist before they married, which may explain why her hair was nearly as big as the house.)

.

One spring day, I called my friend just to see how he was doing and the answering machine went on. Symphonic music was playing softly in the background, and his wife's melodic voice began her sing-song, operatic message. It was her springtime poem, recited in the style of the good witch Glinda from the Wizard of Oz. It began "It's spring! Ohhhhhhhh! It's spring! Ahhhhhhhh! The girls are scampering to and fro in the ya----"

.

Clunk! I hung up!

.

The End.

NEWMAN TO BE BEATIFIED!!!

WOW!
.

This is such wonderful news! Read the entire story here.

Mary Jo Copeland

The poor need Caring and Sharing Hands!

.

I'm so happy some other good Catholic bloggers came to Mary Jo's defense and posted about the dilemma her homeless shelter faces - the city of Minneapolis trying to shut her down that is. Ray, Monica, Cathy, and Adoro all posted about the situation far better than I could. Now if only others from Minnesota, even those who live on farms as far away as the Wausau/Green Bay area of Wisconsin; if only they would show some concern - beyond what they usually say - step out of their paradigm for a moment and demonstrate they actually do have a social conscience, and at least post something on their blog, I'd be happier. That said, they should at least call the city of Minneapolis in support of Mary Jo - their pedestal isn't that high off the ground, is it?

.

Anyway...
.

I wish we could get some "big" names to come out for Caring and Sharing Hands too. Mega stars like Prince - hey Roger, why don't you help Mary Jo? Or former Twins players - say Kent Herbeck, where are you? Josh Hartnet? Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis - can you guys help out? Or how about the Coen brothers? Does anyone out there know them? Give them a call and tell them to help out a real person in need. How about Lori and Julia? They could do something... Julia is Catholic! Everyone - call the city, post a protest, or get your butts down to the City Council meeting on April 25. (If anyone knows these famous people or how to get them involved - please contact them ASAP.)
.
WDTPRS? (What does the petition really say?)
.
PLEASE! If you haven't done so - come to the aid of Caring and Sharing hands and make your objections known to the City of Minneapolis. Please call today or before April 25 Mayor R.T. Rybak's policy aide: Erica Prosser 612-673-2133 or erica.prosser@ci.minneapolis.mn.us