Call to Action: Respect for Rights of Conscience Act

UPDATE 2/2/12 and URGENT:  Have you signed the petition on the White House website yet?  CLICK HERE to SIGN.


Under the fine leadership of Cardinal designate Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York and President of the USSCB, an unquestionably quick call to action has been heralded against the recent attack against the rights of every Catholic in the United States.   

Dated January 20, 2012:

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.At issue, the U.S. bishops and other religious leaders insist, is the survival of a cornerstone constitutionally protected freedom that ensures respect for the conscience of Catholics and all other Americans.

“This is nothing less than a direct attack on religion and First Amendment rights,” said Franciscan Sister Jane Marie Klein, chairperson of the board at Franciscan Alliance, Inc., a system of 13 Catholic hospitals. “I have hundreds of employees who will be upset and confused by this edict. I cannot understand it at all.”

Daughter of Charity Sister Carol Keehan, president and chief executive officer of the Catholic Health Association of the United States, voiced disappointment with the decision. Catholic hospitals serve one out of six people who seek hospital care annually.“This was a missed opportunity to be clear on appropriate conscience protection,” Sister Keehan said.

Cardinal-designate Dolan urged that the HHS mandate be overturned.“The Obama administration has now drawn an unprecedented line in the sand,” he said. “The Catholic bishops are committed to working with our fellow Americans to reform the law and change this unjust regulation. We will continue to study all the implications of this troubling decision.”

To take action, go HERE.

Read other +Ponderings from the past about the Obama administration and Ms. Sibelius HERE. 

*See also USCCB January 23, 2012 News Release HERE

CCHD: Yessiree, it is that time again folks!

Throughout the United States, parishes typically participate in the fund raising collection every year at Thanksgiving time.  See other Ponderings over the past few years HERE.  Before you discern whether to give or not, please be certain you are making an informed decision. 

CCHD: Same Old Thing or New and Improved?

It is that time of year again and we know that as Thanksgiving in the United States approaches, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development is gearing up for the annual fund drive. Here at +Ponderings+, we've tracked the shenanigans of years past including: millions in funding to the now defunct ACORN, funding provided to groups whose missions are contrary to Catholic teaching and overall questioning of the purpose of the CCHD.

In an attempt to head off controversy this year, the Bishops have released a Review and Renewal report and it appears they listened to the concerns from the past and have made clear changes to the CCHD.

From their website (.pdf document):

What will be new as a result of the CCHD Review and Renewal report?

1. New CCHD grant agreement, application, and other materials that specify more clearly what CCHD can and cannot support, linked to stronger review and monitoring.
2. New language throughout that makes clear CCHD is not a secular foundation, but a work of the Catholic Church, outlining our mission, our principles, and our priorities.
3. A priority for Catholic participation in funded projects… the involvement of Catholic parishes, institutions will be a plus in considering applications
4. A more comprehensive, more realistic definition of poverty.
5. A continued requirement that poor people have a major role in decision-making, but CCHD will consider other measures of the participation and priority for those who are poor, in addition to the members of the board of an organization. Priests and religious living in the low-income communities they are serving will be seen as low-income decision-makers.
6. Larger grant amounts ($25,000 to $75,000) to match the needs of groups and reduce the number of grants to be monitored.
7. A new strategic grants program which uses a portion of CCHD funds to focus on neglected needs, issues, or the Bishops’ priorities as they relate to poverty
8. New structures to assist CCHD in applying its prohibitions on funding groups which act in conflict with Catholic social and moral teaching … a new staff position on CCHD mission and identity, an ongoing consulting relationship with a moral theologian, and a CCHD Review Board to advise the bishops and CCHD.
9. For Catholics, CCHD will strengthen the understanding that CCHD is important not just for what it does, but for how it demonstrates who we are and what we believe.

What is not changing?

1. CCHD’s commitment to and priority for the poor.
2. CCHD’s emphasis on self-help, bottom-up approaches, and the principle of participation.
3. CCHD’s focus on the pursuit of justice, addressing the causes of poverty, pursuing “the institutional path . . . of charity (Benedict XVI, Caritas in Veritate, 7).
4. CCHD’s policy that no group that acts in conflict with Catholic social and moral teaching can receive CCHD funds.
5. CCHD’s requirement that the local Bishop must approve before any group can be funded in their diocese.
6. CCHD’s efforts to help carry out the mission of Jesus Christ to “to bring good news to the poor, liberty to captives, new sight to the blind and to set the downtrodden free” (Luke 4:18).

Read more HERE and prayerfully discern your role in funding the CCHD this year.  They have certainly taken some steps in the right direction.

UPDATE 11/5/2010:   With a hat-tip to Michael who posted a comment in the box below, follow the link for latest news from the group Reform CCHD NOW Coalition:

Reform Coalition Finds Radical Group Featured in CCHD Renewal Document;

Urges Delay of Annual Collection

"So here's to the women leaders in Congress -- and to the nuns -- "

Heretics among us are receiving thanks from the leader of Planned Parenthood, each of them requiring our prayers - each of them needing to be fitted for asbestos suits - just in case. From Cecile Richards, Planned Parenthood President, on our recent Health Care Reform bill, now law:




"Some ask why didn't we yell even louder than we did? Why didn't we overturn the Hyde amendment, which has unfairly prevented poor women from having their health insurance -- Medicaid-- pay for abortion? The simple and discouraging truth is that we have an anti-choice House of Representatives. With the help of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund's political action committee, things got better in 2008, with the election of 28 new pro-choice members of the House and, more importantly, eight new pro-choice U.S. senators. But if you're scoring, when the House voted for the first time on the Stupak abortion ban, 64 Democrats voted in favor of the ban. There are way too many members of Congress who are opposed to women's rights and who vote that way every session -- Republicans and Democrats.

...

And in the last days, when Congressman Stupak and the National Conference of Catholic Bishops threatened to bring down health care reform completely over their narrow demands, the true heroine for women's health was Speaker Nancy Pelosi. She never blinked. In the final hours, when congressional leadership and the White House were scrambling for any vote they could get to reach the magic 216, Speaker Pelosi put herself in the way of the anti-choice steamroller. In private and in public, she vowed that there would be no health care bill if it included the Stupak abortion ban.

And in the final days before the bill was passed, it was the Roman Catholic nuns who most importantly broke with the bishops and the Vatican to announce their support for health care reform. This brave and important move, demonstrating that they cared as much about the health care of families in America as they did about church hierarchy, was a critical demonstration of support. Bart Stupak may not ask the nuns for advice, as he recently announced to the press, but maybe next time he should.

...

It has been a long and difficult process to get health care passed, and the work isn't over yet. But we need more than health care; we need women and men elected to office who will stand up for our health and our rights, even when it's hard. So here's to the women leaders in Congress -- and to the nuns -- and to the women everywhere who were counting on them. They need our gratitude and our support."--Huffington Post

"Sister" Simone Campbell

____________

When Catholics are given a pat on the back by the leader of Planned Parenthood, everyone must take notice.  Obviously, the one receiving congratulatory 'warm fuzzies' has strayed far from the Shepherd. 

USCCB: "Democratic Party at Prayer?"

CCHD Skeletons Continue to Emerge

The Reform the Catholic Campaign for Human Development NOW website is reporting further alleged inappropriate alliances within the CCHD:

John Carr
Executive Director of the Department of Justice, 
Peace and Human Development 
of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

February 1, 2010

Washington, DC – A national group that promotes abortion and homosexual rights has deep ties with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development, according to a report released today.

Top USCCB executive John Carr held simultaneous leadership roles, creating a conflict of interest, with the USCCB and the radical Center for Community Change (CCC).

“The closer we look at the Bishops’ Conference [staff and programs], the more we find a systemic pattern of cooperation with evil,” said Michael Hichborn, American Life League’s lead researcher into the USCCB scandal. “The CCC has lodged itself into the highest places of power in the USCCB while working to promote abortion and homosexuality.”

John Carr is the USCCB executive director of the Department of Justice Peace and Human Development which oversees the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). He has been employed by the USCCB since 1987.

John Carr’s relationship with the Center for Community Change goes back at least to 1983, serving in leadership roles from 1999 to 2006 – including as chairman of the board.  The Reform CCHD Now report details the organization’s promotion of abortion, “reproductive rights” and homosexuality as among the CCC’s core advocacy focuses.

In 2001, while Carr served as both a USCCB exec and CCC leader, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference funneled $150,000 to the pro-abortion group. The USCCB web site currently promotes the group and officials have spoken at CCC events.

“Strangely, Carr’s leadership on the CCC’s board shows up on several bios he’s submitted for speaking engagements, but the word for word bio on the USCCB web site mysteriously omits that one detail,” Hichborn said. “Why?”
Revelations of John Carr’s involvement in the Center for Community Change come only months after members of the Reform CCHD Now coalition, including American Life League, uncovered 31 CCHD grantees partnered with the CCC.

“The CCHD claims it will immediately investigate accusations against organizations it funds yet it is silent on the CCC,” said Hichborn.  “How can Carr and the USCCB possibly justify this intimate relationship with such an obvious enemy of the Church?”

____________________________

The Reform CCHD Now coalition is a lay Catholic watchdog group comprised of some of the top Catholic pro-life organizations in the country including American Life League, Human Life International and Bellarmine Veritas Ministry. For a full list of all 15 coalition members see www.reformcchdnow.com.

USCCB : Bishops Use the Obama Method When Choosing Advisors

Mary Kay Henry's Bio:

[Emphasis Mine]

Mary Kay Henry was named one of the nation's "Top 25 Women in Healthcare" for 2009 by Modern Healthcare. For nearly 30 years, Henry has represented healthcare workers at the Service Employees International Union, where she helped lead the fight to expand healthcare for millions of children and strengthen the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Henry has devoted her life to helping America's healthcare workers form unions, improve their jobs and the quality of care, and advocate for a more rational and humane health care system. Her faith and values as a practicing Roman Catholic led her to pursue union organizing as a vocation.

...

An active champion of healthcare reform, Mary Kay envisions a U.S. healthcare system that provides universal coverage and gives front-line caregivers a real voice in patient care. She is a member of the executive board of Families USA, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to the achievement of high-quality, affordable healthcare for all Americans. She is also a labor adviser to and member of the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops' Subcommittee on Catholic Health Care.

Mary Kay is also active in the fight for immigration reform and gay and lesbian rights. She is a founding member of SEIU's gay and lesbian Lavender Caucus. She and her partner, Paula Macchello, have been together for 20 years.

_______________________________

Go ahead, 'Google' Mary Kay Henry and the phrase 'marriage' and see what you find.  Then give the Bishops the same treatment - see what they say about marriage.  Could the Bishops NOT find a Roman Catholic in the entire United States of America who adheres to Church teaching that could advise the USCCB on health care?

______________________________

Update December 7, 2009:

It seems that persons at the USCCB are taking the temperature of this story as this blog has been visited by individuals directly from the USCCB mail server.   A link to +Ponderings+ is obviously circulating.  

They recently responded to Catholic News Agency in regard to the scandal:

On Monday, Sr. Mary Ann Walsh, media director for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops spoke with CNA, clarifying the role of Service Employees Union executive and gay rights activist Mary Kay Henry with the bishops' conference.


Sr. Walsh noted that in the past, Mary Kay Henry was chosen by the unions to take part in a dialogue with the USCCB but left in 2006.

She was not appointed by the bishops, Sr. Walsh explained.

Last Friday it was discovered that Henry is listed on the USCCB website as a member of the Subcommittee on Justice, Peace, and Human Development who helped produce the working paper, “A Fair and Just Workplace: Principles and Practices for Catholic Health Care.”

The same day, CNA had asked Sr. Walsh about Henry's involvement with the USCCB, and she replied via email, “She is not a consultant.”

Henry, the international executive vice president for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) was recently named one of the nation's "Top 25 Women in Healthcare" for 2009 by Modern Healthcare.  Her biography at the SEIU website explains that she is “active in the fight for immigration reform and gay and lesbian rights.”

As far as clarification goes, I don't think Sr. Walsh's e-mail cuts the mustard. Ms. Henry thinks she is an adviser to the USCCB in regard to health care according to the SEIU website.  If she is or is not remains to be seen.  We know that she served the USCCB in the past and according to Sr. Walsh, it was the union and not the Bishops who chose her.  Outstanding plan to have unions choose our advisers!  

Instead of 'googling' to see what the folks in the pews are saying about the issue, perhaps time would be better spent simply stating the facts of the matter.  No wonder so many faithful fail to go to the confessional - it seems the USCCB has a difficult time with confession themselves.  Hopefully, a self-inflicted penance of vetting all advisers and consultants in the future will be considered - and it would be a wonderful step on the path of reforming the USCCB.

Bishop Morin at USCCB Fall Conference on CCHD

Some quotes (and 'tweets' via USCCB Media) from Bishop Morin during today's afternoon session at the Fall Conference of US Bishops:

"Two years ago with the ACORN problem, bad PR, call it whatever you want ... our action was as swift and as thorough as it possibly could be."--Bp. Morin at Press Conference following afternoon session

Tweets:

• Morin says some attacks of CCHD have concern for poor and legitimate concerns. We welcome questions and concerns. Others don't seem to understand Church's teaching on justice, care for poor and addressing root causes of poverty.
• Those with ideological and political agendas spread outrageous claims that bishops fund groups who promote abortion.
• Says critics say bishops not committed to caring for life of unborn. Says bishops are absolutely pro-life.
• We do not ever grant funds to any group that is ever involved in any activity contrary to Church teaching.
• CCHD is Gospel at work and faith in action.

________________________

Pondering:

I do not doubt Bishop Morin's sincere intention to purge all of the unworthy recipients from the CCHD. I take the man at his word. I also understand from listening to the post conference presser that the vast majority of US Bishops have good things to say about the positive impact they have personally witnessed while observing CCHD grantees. After reading Bishop Morin's document For the Record - The Truth about CCHD Funding I found myself puzzled by the line of defense the Bishop is using. I personally have not been under the impression that anyone believes the Bishops themselves support anti-life groups or their teachings. Either those of us who are concerned about the CCHD are not being heard or are being ignored. Those are the only possibilities in explaining the chasm between those who are deeply concerned about the purpose and process used to vet grantees and the CCHD.

No one is saying that the Church should not help the poor. I would like to hear less defensiveness and see examples of exactly how the CCHD helps the poor become self-sufficient. After nearly forty years of funding, there should be a whole lot of self-sufficiency. In For the Record, it is stated that "[CCHD] has distributed more than $400 million in grants to more
than 4,000 community groups throughout the United States. An independent study
conducted at The Catholic University of America in 1994 concluded CCHD has funded
projects that have affected fully half of America's poor." Telling the faithful who fund the campaign how many millions you have given on our behalf does not really help to convince the skeptic; it makes one wonder what good the money has done if it meant to merely compliment other Catholic charitable groups.

If you feed the homeless 20 million meals, I hear that you fed the hungry. If you provide clothing for 2 million inner-city children, I hear that you clothed the naked. If you provide hospital care for 20 million Americans, I hear that you cared for the sick. If you tell me you gave $400 million to community organizers, I hear nothing but a busy signal on the phone. If you want money put in the basket when the CCHD collection rolls around, let us know that it will indeed help the poor to become self-sufficient as your mission indicates. Show us. If you tell us that plenty of the Bishops support it, the words mean very little.

Mark 14:7 "The poor you will always have with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them, but you will not always have me."

New Missal Translation Passed by USCCB! (Not Without Speedbumps)

US Adaptation of Roman Missal passed. Serratelli calls this historic moment. George quips, "Not yet." Serratelli: Perfection will come when liturgy on Earth gives way to worship of God in Heaven.

November 17, 2009

[Reading the moment by moment replay below may seem drab, but I assure you - it will perhaps be a bit entertaining or at the very least, enlightening. Bishops are indeed human...]

• Deliberation on liturgy begin by addressing Trautman concern about antiphons.
• Trautman asserts that Rome is overstepping rights of the Conference to consider this part of the translation.
• Trautman moves to have graybook from ICEL on antiphons before recognitio be issued.
• Serratelli answers Trautman's charge. Paprocki is addressing the Code of Canon Law.
• Paprocki has taken the meeting into Latin.
• Paprocki says Trautman has raised a legitimate point. George says this question should be discussed later. Trautman says no.
• George urges that the bishops move on to the work before them. Trautman asks to speak again.
• Trautman notes that his motion is still alive. "Not to complicate matters further, but ..."
• Serratelli is introducing Proper of Saints, noting this is bishops' last chance for input.
• Passage of this, as other items, requires 2/3 vote of Latin-member bishops.
• Serratelli notes that a decade-long process is nearing an end.
• Bishop Sklba stands to note good work of Serratelli and committee, but flaws of translation.
• Sklba suggests that welcoming of traditional Anglicans will mean our translation is unfavorably compared to Book of Common Prayer.
• Niederauer notes that everyone can find something to dislike here. Blaire notes that other English-speaking countries have passed this.
• Bishops voting on Proper of Saints.
• 88% percent of bishops approve (195)
• Serratelli presents Roman Missal Supplement.
• There are no amendments to this document.
• Silva notes that saint whose feast is celebrated in Hawaii is eligible to be on national calendar.
• Serratelli and George say this can be considered under US Proper discussion.
• Serratelli presents translation of Commons.
• In arguing inclusion of Hawaiian saint, Silva notes several saints on calendar who lack the "national cultus" his saint presumably lacks.
• Bishop Rosazza notes that English-speaking bishops seem to be held to tighter translation than, say, the French.
• Bishop Trautman re-raises point about Rome stepping in on the antiphons. Serratelli asks that current text be addressed.
• Impromptu amendment on mentioning Native Americans accepted on the spot.
• US Propers goes up for vote. Bishops approve.
• US Adaptation of Roman Missal passed. Serratelli calls this historic moment. George quips, "Not yet."
• Serratelli: Perfection will come when liturgy on Earth gives way to worship of God in Heaven.
• Serratelli speaks on importance of catechesis on translation. Says time of implementation of translation will be determined by recognitio.
• George thanks head of ICEL for his work on the translation.
• George says Trautman issue will still be addressed, as Conference may have right to translate antiphons.
• Says USCCB could sue Congregation in Apostolic Signatura, or USCCB could say they approve Congregation's help with translation.
• Bishops take evening coffee break.
• Trautman makes motion on antiphons.
• Wuerl asks if body can simply approve antiphons based on what they've seen in order to get recognitio.
• Abp. Myers asks if another vote follows recognitio.
• Vigneron asks if Trautman's motion might be remanded to committee. Wants thoughtful review of appropriate people.
• Chaput wants opinion of canonist if bishops can vote to delegate to the Congregation on matter of antiphons.
• Conlon, Bruskewitz, Mahony, Listecki, Sample, others speak up.
• Pilarczyk offers to submit motion that work on antiphons be remanded to Rome.
• Trautman says bishops shouldn't get into habit of walking away from having their rights overstepped.
• Bishops voting on Trautman motion.
• Motion fails.
• Pilarczyk submits motion that antiphons be remanded to Rome. Bishops voting.
• Motion passes overwhelmingly.
• Bishops proceed to doctrine action item. Bishop Lori presents. [Discussing end of life issues - medically assisted hydration and nutrition]

From the USCCB Media Twitter 'tweets':

November 16, 2009

• Bishop Serratelli at the podium for presentation of final five Roman Missal translation items.
• Says plan for translation set deadline for this month. All changes must be sent to Rome at this session to be considered.
• Anticipates Rome's recognition in first half of 2010. Publisher needs 12 months to produce translation in English.
• Presenting Proper of Saints. Bishop Trautman wants to know when he could raise issue on antiphons. George says will find time. [Pondering note: Bishop Trautman has been vocally opposed to the new translation for quite some time. He thinks the people in the pew are not sophisticated enough to understand some of the new words]
  
• Serratelli now introducing ICEL translation of Roman Missal Supplement.
• Serratelli presents ICEL translation of the Commons. More than 150 translation suggestions on this received by ICEL.
• Now presenting the US Propers.
• Committee has modified prayers for July 4 to allow for more inclusive language.
• Prelude for Thanksgiving Day Mass revised to answer concerns of several bishops.
  
• Now presenting US Adaptation to the Roman Missal.

 

! Catholic Campaign for Human Development! - Reform Needed Now!

Last year, many Catholics put a cut-out picture of an acorn in the basket; this year some are clipping coupons and dropping them in. The collection will take place on November 22 this year and I ask that you prayerfully discern whether or not you wish to participate this year. Previous +Ponderings+ on the topic of the CCHD may be found HERE.

To be fair, it appears that Bishop Roger Morin, Chairman of the CCHD is working to reform the campaign. Read the memo he issued to all US Bishops HERE. In it, he assures the Bishops that the organizations which promoted programs contrary to Church teaching have been defunded. That is an excellent first step, yet a deep trust has been broken and cannot be healed this easily. First millions to ACORN, then the three organizations supporting intrinsic evil. What will it be this year? What surprises may be in store for Americans who are facing an above 10% unemployment rate and must be extremely careful with every penny they can afford to donate?

According to the USCCB, "The Catholic Campaign for Human Development is the domestic anti-poverty, social justice program of the U.S. Catholic bishops." As of late, the term 'social justice' has been painted much differently than when the CCHD was founded in 1970. The CCHD says that 'it is time to end poverty in America once and for all. How does the CCHD end poverty? I really would like to know and do not intend it as a trick question.

As for me and my family, we will once again give all money we would have given to the CCHD to Catholic Charities of Western New York. We know where the money will be used and have seen the direct impact they have upon families first-hand. From their website:

Catholic Charities of Buffalo is the most comprehensive human service provider in Western New York, reaching all eight counties with professionally staffed locations. Each year, Catholic Charities serves more than 160,000 Western New Yorkers without regard to age, race or religious affiliation. Today’s Catholic Charities leads the way for an integrated human service delivery system.

In 2007, the agency voluntarily sought and received its first four-year accreditation from the Council on Accreditation, attesting to its adherence to the highest national professional standards and delivery of the best quality services.

Catholic Charities offers programs that strive to empower individuals, children and families. Among them are comprehensive counseling services for all ages, basic emergency assistance and referrals, child and adult mental health services, chemical dependency treatment, educational and vocational services, services to the aging, parish outreach and advocacy, marriage counseling, foster care and adoption services, child and adult day care, and a variety of programs that address prevention and treatment of a number of family issues.

Consider donating to Catholic Charities in Buffalo or your local Catholic Charities office.

Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) Taking Applications

Above is a screenshot of the application for community organizers to seek grants from the CCHD. Click on the picture for a larger, more clear view. The deadline is November 1 - just in time for the CCHD annual appeal which hits most US parishes at Thanksgiving. How many community organizers know and understand Catholic Moral Teaching? One glaring omission is the promotion and/or dispensing of contraceptives. If something is intrinsically evil, should the Church be omitting it from an 'eligibility quiz'? And certainly all applicants are truthful - right? ACORN and all of the little mini-ACORNs wouldn't deceive, would they?

The Chinese Progressive Association received funding from CCHD yet in their voter guide, instructs people to vote against legislation that would require girls under 18 to have parental permission prior to an abortion and also pushes for gay 'marriage'.

Then there is the Los Angeles Community Action Network. A recipient of funds in the past, though admittedly not on the current grantee list, advocates 'reproductive health services' at a clinic which provides birth control, 'emergency contraception' (abortion pill) and God knows what else. The Rebecca Project pressed President Obama to take action in his first 100 days in office regarding matters such as defunding abstinence-only programs, pushing 'emergency contraceptive' (abortion pill) availability among other anti-Christian agendas. VOICE Buffalo is currently pushing for Health Care legislation as it currently stands, including tax dollars for abortion - and they proudly display their affiliations with the Church on the website home page.

There are more to list, but why bother - same story, different name. At the bottom of the application, it states the following:

AGREEMENT

Those submitting online grant or refund applications, submitting responses to the CCHD “Eligibility Quiz” or otherwise interacting with CCHD and/or USCCB by way of providing information above, understand and agree that these applications and submissions are all made in the District of Columbia. It is further understood and agreed that all grants, awards, refunds or business decisions regarding these issues, are made in the District of Columbia. Further, it is understood and agreed that any and all claims arising from these grant or refund applications, the CCHD “Eligibility Quiz”, or otherwise relating to the provision of information above, will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the District of Columbia.

It is further understood and agreed that the sole jurisdiction and venue for any litigation arising out of or relating to any such applications, grants, refunds, participation in the “Eligibility Quiz” or the provision of information above, will be in an otherwise appropriate federal or local court located in the District of Columbia.

In the event that any portion of this Agreement is held unenforceable, that unenforceable portion will be construed in accordance with applicable District of Columbia law so as to, as nearly as possible, reflect the expressed original intentions of the parties, and the remainder of the provisions will remain in full force and effect.

By submitting the above application for a grant or refund, submitting responses to the “Eligibility Quiz” or otherwise providing information, the submitter or provider agrees to all of the above conditions.

Not too scary, eh? Assuming all applicants are well informed on District of Columbia law seems to be a bit lazy, no? Any forms I sign usually give me pause because I am so afraid that I may have accidentally overlooked something and fear prison time if I added something correctly or forgot to initial a box. How about: If any information is found to be incorrect, any grant money must be refunded in full and you will be ineligible for further grants in the future. Where is that line? Oh, probably included in some D.C. law. Or the online application which is promised if they pass the initial sniff test.

I understand that the CCHD can only go by what information is provided them and that the application for funding is based upon trust. Perhaps if they simply had a couple of college students at the Catholic University of America volunteer some time googling potential grantees, they could save a lot of money which would have funded unworthy recipients. If they cannot responsibly handle the oversight of millions of well-intentioned Catholic parishioners, perhaps they should get out of the funding business.

Call for and end of the CCHD. It is clear that the Bishops are overwhelmed with this so we should lend them a hand by not giving them any money to worry about. Give to other causes which make a measurable difference without supporting sinful agendas. Leave the basket empty - or better yet, enclose a note in the envelope - and send a loud signal to your Pastor, your Diocese and the USCCB. Below are links to Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Relief Services - click on the pictures and give to them instead.

+ +

Click here to read all +Ponderings+ on the CCHD. Educate yourself because the USCCB is not going to.

BREAKING NEWS: USCCB & CCHD Scandal Continues to Emerge

I have reported on the relationship between the CCHD and ACORN in previous +Ponderings+ and in my last entry, expressed concern over where else the money may be going. It seems that I was not the only one with such concerns. Please watch the following video:



For more on the organizations with a troubling reputation which are funded by the CCHD, CLICK HERE.

A New Look at ACORN and the USCCB CCHD

With ACORN back in the headlines front and center, I think it is important to anticipate the upcoming USCCB Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) which usually takes place near Thanksgiving.

Please read last year's +Pondering+ on ACORN and the CCHD. Millions and millions of dollars have passed from the well-intentioned envelope of a Catholic parishioner to ACORN via the CCHD.

The CCHD lists all who received funds for the current year HERE and it is a .pdf file. Though they no longer fund ACORN, can you trust a Chicago community organizer to do what is right with your charitable contribution? Take for example, a Chicago organization called Little Village Environmental Justice Organization. I chose it randomly from the list of recipients. They were awarded a grant for $40,000 this past year. What is their mission? According to the CCHD document:

"Our mission is to work with our families, co-workers, and neighbors to improve our environment and lives in Little Village and Chicago through democracy in action. Our environment is where we live, work, study, play and pray. We believe democracy means giving time and space for every voice to be heard and counted in everyday matters, full participation in all types of decision-making that affects our lives, and determining the future of our neighborhood and city."

They may very well be an organization which helps others to improve their lives, but how do you know? We have been burnt, as a nation and Church, by so-called community organizers. When you look at what Catholic Charities has done for Americans from all corners, how can you trust handing your envelope over to a campaign which has shown poor judgment in the past? Catholic Charities came through after Hurricane Katrina while the local, state and federal governments all dropped the ball.

Prayerfully discern whether you want to hand money over to this year's campaign come November. Hat-tip to Jean who brought this article to my attention:

ACORN and the Catholic Church: A Legacy of Big Hearts and Small Brains

In part:

"Today, the CCHD continues to state that ACORN receives no money, and that better safeguards are in place. However, one must ask the following questions:

1. Why did anyone think it was a good idea to fund ACORN in the first place?
2. Did those decision makers get fired, or are they still appropriating our money?
3. Why would anyone be stupid enough to give to this collection ever again?
4. Why haven’t the bishops disbanded CCHD, or at least made the collection optional for parishes?"

The author goes on to explain what he plans to do with his contribution this year. What do you plan to do?


Jog on over to American Papist and read about a new movement pushing to disband the CCHD.
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And a reminder of a campaign promise made by then candidate Obama to ACORN leaders and other community organizers:



Skip ahead in video to 2:02 and hear the President explain how during the transition prior to his inauguration, he would have community organizers help to shape his agenda. No mighty oak is sprouting from this bunch of nuts.

Read all +Ponderings on CCHD here. There are updates included.

Obama's Health Care Speech - Fact Check

Obama's Health Care Speech

From Factcheck.org:

"The president said "no federal dollars will be used to fund abortions." But the House bill would permit a public option to cover all abortions, and would also permit federal subsidies to be used to purchase private insurance that covers all abortions, a point that raises objections from anti-abortion groups. That's true despite a technical ban on use of taxpayer dollars to pay for abortion coverage."

Abortion

The president insisted that no federal money would pay for abortions:

Obama: [U]nder our plan, no federal dollars will be used to fund abortions.

The truth of that depends on what is meant by federal dollars. Actually, as we've written before, under Democratic legislation now before Congress, the public option would cover abortions in cases of rape, incest or threat to the life of the mother and could cover all abortions if the administration chooses, and as Obama once promised. Private insurance plans purchased with the help of federal subsidies to low- and moderate-income workers also could cover all abortions, as many, if not most, private plans do today.

Under an amendment adopted by a House committee, abortions would be paid for by the "public option" only with money collected from policyholders in the form of premiums, not with money collected from taxpayers. But is money collected by the government and paid out to abortion providers by the government œfederal dollars"? The anti-abortion side says yes. And the same goes for federal subsidies given to low- and moderate-income persons to help them buy insurance. If they use those dollars to buy private policies that cover all abortions, does that mean federal dollars go to fund abortions? Again, abortion foes say yes.

The advocates of abortion rights argue otherwise. They say the House bill would be an extension of longstanding policy under the Hyde amendment, which forbids use of federal taxpayer dollars to fund Medicaid abortions except in cases of rape, incest or threat to the mother's life, but also allows states to use their own Medicaid money to fund other abortions (and 17 of them do). In any case, the matter is not so simple or clear as the president would like it to seem."

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And...

From the USCCB, press release September 10, 2009 (taking the President at his word):

WASHINGTON—Calling it an important contribution to a crucial national debate, officials speaking on behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops welcomed President Obama's September 9 address on health care reform, particularly his statements regarding abortion and the uninsured.

"We agree that 'no one should go broke because they get sick,'" said Kathy Saile, Director of Domestic Social Development at the USCCB. "That's why the U.S. Bishops have worked for decades for decent health care for all. The Catholic Church provides health care for millions, purchases health care, picks up the pieces of a failing health system, and has a long tradition of teaching on ethics in health care. Health care reform that respects the life and dignity of all is a moral imperative and urgent national priority. We welcome the President's speech as an important contribution to this essential national debate and task."

"We especially welcome the President's commitment to exclude federal funding of abortion, and to maintain existing federal laws protecting conscience rights in health care," said Richard Doerflinger, Associate Director of Pro-Life Activities at the USCCB. "We believe that incorporating essential and longstanding federal laws on these issues into any new proposal will strengthen support for health care reform. We will work with Congress and the Administration to ensure that these protections are clearly reflected in new legislation, so no one is required to pay for or take part in abortion as a result of health care reform."

"We agree with the President that there are details that need to be ironed out," said Saile. "And with his address last night, we see the opportunity to work towards a truly universal health policy with respect for human life and dignity, access for all with a special concern for the poor, and inclusion of legal immigrants. We also see the possibility of meeting the bishops' goal to pursue the common good and preserve pluralism, including freedom of conscience and a variety of options, and restraining costs and applying them equitably across the spectrum of payers."

US Catechism for Adults, Second Printing

The United States Catechism for Adults is about to go into its second printing. Scheduled to change is a portion which addresses the covenant with Jews. The USCCB has just received recognitio from the Vatican and in recent statement released by the USCCB, they state the following:

The change clarifies Catholic teaching on God’s covenant with the Jews. The first version, in explaining relations with the Jews, stated, “Thus the covenant that God made with the Jewish people through Moses remains eternally valid for them.” The revised text states, “To the Jewish people, whom God first chose to hear his Word, ‘belong the sonship, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and of their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ.’ (Romans 9: 4-5; cf. CCC, no 839)

The change was approved by the U.S. bishops following the bishops’ 2008 June meeting in Orlando, Florida.

The clarification is not a change in the Church’s teaching.

The clarification reflects the teaching of the Church that all previous covenants that God made with the Jewish people are fulfilled in Jesus Christ through the new covenant established through his sacrificial death on the cross. Catholics believe that the Jewish people continue to live within the truth of the covenant God made with Abraham, and that God continues to be faithful to them. As the Second Vatican Council taught and the Adult Catechism affirms, the Jewish people “remain most dear to God, for God does not repent of the gifts he makes nor of the calls he issues.” (Lumen Gentium, no.16).

If you have not yet read the United States Catechism for Adults, the first official catechism from the US Bishops since the Baltimore Catechism, I suggest you take a look at it. It is indispensable in the parish setting as well as the domestic church for ongoing adult catechesis. In our home, it served as bedtime reading with the family before prayer time.

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To purchase a copy, please visit your local Catholic bookstore or order from a Catholic source online such as The Catholic Company.

View sample of Chapter 7 of the US Catechism for Adults HERE in .pdf

For more information and suggestions on how to use the catechism in your catechetical program, click HERE.

USCCB Offers New Web Page on Roman Missal Update

From the new web page at USSCB:

New Words: A Deeper Meaning, but the Same Mass

The Missale Romanum (the Roman Missal), the ritual text for the celebration of the Mass, was first promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1970 as the definitive text of the reformed liturgy of the Second Vatican Council. A second edition followed in 1975.

Pope John Paul II issued a revised version of the Missale Romanum during the Jubilee Year 2000. The English translation of the revised Roman Missal is nearing completion, and the Bishops of the United States will vote on the final sections of the text this November. Among other things, the revised edition of the Missale Romanum contains prayers for the observances of recently canonized saints, additional prefaces for the Eucharistic Prayers, additional Votive Masses and Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Intentions, and some updated and revised rubrics (instructions) for the celebration of the Mass. The English translation of the Roman Missal will also include updated translations of existing prayers, including some of the well–known responses and acclamations of the people.

This website has been prepared to help you prepare for the transition. As this site continues to be expanded, you will find helpful resources for the faithful, for the clergy, and for parish and diocesan leaders.

May this process of the implementation of the revised Roman Missal be a time of deepening, nurturing, and celebrating our faith through our worship and the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy.

"Liturgical language should border on the poetic. Prose bumps along the ground. Poetry soars to the heavens. And our liturgy is already a sharing of the liturgy in heaven." --Bishop Serratelli

Wanted: Men to Answer the Call and Families to Support Them

USCCB Vocations and Priestly Formation

If there was ever a time for a Hail Mary, this is it!

Something is brewing in the U.S. Catholic Church this week and your prayers are requested. Every now and then, events converge which can shape Church history. Through the pilfering of Catholic Education, millions of Catholics have been left without direction in their faith and were filled full of secularist lies in the name of 'academic freedom'. Efforts are currently underway to right the wrongs beginning with Notre Dame University.

Pray a full 20 decade rosary each day this week, and if possible, before the Eucharist. Pray that Archbishop Raymond Burke and Pope Benedict XVI will be able to restore order to the Church and protect our Universities from further pilfering.


UPDATE: Read HERE for another take on the story.

ReplaceJenkins.com

Hot off the 'press', the newest attempt to correct the path of Notre Dame University.

ReplaceJenkins.com

ReplaceJenkins.com is a national effort consisting of Notre Dame graduates and financial supporters. We feel strongly that the University should not honor President Barack Obama given his well known commitment to abortion in the broadest possible context. Father Jenkins’ decision to honor President Obama directly violates the 2004 US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ directive on Catholics in Political Life and is offensive to all Catholics. That decision, together with other poor decisions over the years, calls into question Father Jenkins’ judgment and leadership. Although we love Notre Dame, our conscience requires that we withhold all financial support from our University until such time as Father Jenkins is replaced as Notre Dame’s President with someone who will be more loyal to the teaching of the Catholic Church.

ReplaceJenkins.com fully supports academic freedom at the University of Notre Dame, but we believe that the truths revealed by Christ through His Church must be taught and defended by a faithful Catholic University.

ReplaceJenkins.com is a non-partisan group which is not opposed to President Obama or Father Jenkins based upon political motivation or party affiliation, but is opposed to their actions and pronouncements which run contrary to the fundamental moral principles of our Catholic faith. No part of our effort is intended to be an attack on President Obama or Father Jenkins personally; rather, our concern relates solely to the actions of both men and is intended to serve as a strong condemnation of Father Jenkins’ moral leadership and President Obama’s unequivocal support of abortion.

U.S. Bishops Line Up to Denounce Fr. Jenkins' Decision

Lifesitenews.com has compiled a list of the U.S. Bishops who have shown disapproval of Mr. Obama's invitation to be principal commencement speaker and honorary law degree recipient at Notre Dame University:

1. Bishop John D'Arcy - Fort Wayne-South Bend, IN
2. Bishop Samuel Aquila - Fargo, ND
3. Bishop Gregory Aymond - Austin, TX
4. Bishop Gerald Barbarito - Palm Beach, FL
5. Bishop Leonard Blair - Toledo, OH
6. Archbishop Daniel Buechlein - Indianapolis, IN
7. Bishop Robert Baker - Birmingham, AL
8. Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz - Lincoln, NE
9. Archbishop Eusebius Beltran - Oklahoma City, OK
10. Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Cantú - San Antonio, TX
11. Bishop Paul Coakley - Salina, KS
12. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo - Houston, TX
13. Archbishop Timothy Dolan - New York, NY
14. Bishop Thomas Doran - Rockford, IL
15. Auxiliary Bishop John Dougherty - Scranton, PA
16. Bishop Robert Finn - Kansas City-St. Joseph, MO
17. Bishop Victor Galeone - St. Augustine, FL
18. Cardinal Francis George - Chicago, IL; President, USCCB
19. Bishop Gerald Gettelfinger - Evansville, IN
20. Archbishop José Gomez - San Antonio, TX
21. Bishop William Higi - Lafayette, IN
22. Archbishop Alfred Hughs - New Orleans, LA
23. Bishop Joseph Latino - Jackson, MS
24. Bishop Jerome Listecki - La Crosse, WI
25. Bishop William E. Lori - Bridgeport, CT
26. Bishop Paul Loverde - Arlington, VA
27. Bishop George Lucas - Springfield, IL
28. Bishop Robert Lynch - St. Petersburg, FL
29. Bishop Joseph Martino - Scranton, PA
30. Bishop Charles Morlino - Madison, WI
31. Bishop George Murry - Youngstown, OH
32. Archbishop John J. Myers - Newark, NJ
33. Bishop R. Walker Nickless - Sioux City, IA
34. Archbishop John C. Nienstedt - St. Paul-Minneapolis, MN
35. Archbishop Edwin O'Brien - Baltimore, MD
36. Bishop Thomas Olmsted - Phoenix, AZ
37. Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk - Cincinnati, OH
38. Bishop Kevin Rhoades - Harrisburg, PA
39. Bishop Alexander Sample - Marquette, MI
40. Bishop Edward J. Slattery - Tulsa, OK
41. Bishop Richard Stika - Knoxville, TN
42. Bishop Anthony Taylor - Little Rock, AR
43. Bishop Robert Vasa - Baker, OR
44. Bishop Thomas Wenski - Orlando, FL
45. Bishop David Zubick - Pittsburgh, PA

*List updated 4/23
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Click HERE to see all +Ponderings+ entries on the Notre Dame scandal