@Cecile Richards, Planned Parenthood Prez: we have a say, too.

"You'd better knock us out now. You and the President better knock us out right now because Cecile, I can promise you: Here comes the Catholic Church…you've awakened a sleeping giant."

Father John Hollowell

Response to "The Mystery of Faith"

In the old days—okay, it was maybe a couple months ago—we prayed as if "the Mystery of Faith" was something to be proclaimed. 'Course that's probably because we were asked to "proclaim the Mystery Faith."

But never mind...things progress and straighten themselves out.

"The Mystery of Faith," which the priest proclaims after the Consecration, is the wonderful, unimaginable, yet so very true fact: that what was once only bread and wine is now the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ Himself. Right here with us! That's the Mystery of Faith!

What the lay people do is joyously respond to this statement of glorious. And it's a privilege to do so!

Let's learn how to do this properly. The best way, of course, is through chant. Learn this and enhance your elation at proclaiming our awe and wonder and gratitude to Jesus, for what He did for us.

Memorial Acclamation • 12 of 22 from Church Music Association of Amer on Vimeo.

Ash Wednesday: why not welcome them?

It's a well-worn Catholic phrase: "they only come to get something."

You know what I mean. Folks who storm the churches on Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday. A priest I know said it himself while trying to get folks to seat themselves in what might have been unfamiliar surroundings:

"It's our most crowded day...more even than Easter and Christmas."

I understand that. And I understand, in a way, the grumblings of the "regulars": where ARE they on Sundays?

But here's the thing: this is our big chance!

Yes, on Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday, folks we've never seen in church are piling in in droves.

But is that such a bad thing?

A thought? Let's pray for those who creep into churches in order to "get something." 'Course, what they'll be getting—or so they think—something visible. Ashes, palms, what have you. Something, I think, that might just remind them—even if they don't really know it—what they've been missing.

So here's what I suggest:

This Lent? Why not pray for just one person who came into a church in order to leave it with that little smudge on her or his face? Why not "adopt a fallen Catholic?"

This is an easy one, actually. Because if somebody is urged (and may I suggest it might be our Invisible Friend, the Holy Spirit? Just askin') to creep into a church on Ash Wednesday, in order to receive that mark which marks him or her as a Christian? Wouldn't it be marvelous if that same person decides to come back again...and again...and again?

Let's not resent those who are on the (I believe) the verge of coming back. Yes, indeed, I know that ashes on a forehead aren't exactly the mark of salvation.

But maybe, in Her Wisdom, Holy Mother Church, lead by Our Savior, is giving a gentle invitation: "Come back!"

May God continue to bless you.

Anti-life's lamest excuse: "there's no help for women in crisis pregnancies!"

Satan's greatest achievement is the lie. The clever lie, which, if charged with enough emotion and silliness, makes others his believers. One of the most effective:

"These so-called `pro-lifers' would sing a different tune if they were asked to actually help a woman in a crisis pregnancy!"

(Often, there's a "hah!" delivered after these and similar statements, evidently calculated to ultimately vindicate the claimant.)

To which I say: HAH!

All one needs to do is google "alternatives to abortion." The results flow in. There are literally thousands of resources, most of the free of charge, for women and men in unwanted pregnancies who do not want to go the abortion route.

One "catch" if you will...the pregnancy must NOT be "terminated."

To put it more simply, the baby MUST live.

So. If carrying an unwanted child to term is not an option, then, yes, you're right...I can't help you. But if it is, then there are plenty of people willing to help you and your baby. And I'm grateful to say that I'm one of them.

Can we stop kidding ourselves?

Can we please, please, stop with the lie that folks aren't willing to step up to the plate and help stop unwanted abortions? Because we all know that's a lie.

If an abortion is wanted, so be it. (God help us, but that's the reality.)

If it isn't, there's plenty of help to stop it and to save a child. (Thank God, that is the reality.)

May God continue to bless you.

"Physician-Assisted Suicide": just another way to get rid of the unwanted

Sorry, "Hemlock Society" but your name change may fool some folks, but it isn't fooling, for example, the Massachusetts Medical Society:

The Massachusetts Medical Society, the statewide association of physicians with more than 23,000 members, today voted to reaffirm its opposition to physician-assisted suicide, with its House of Delegates voting by a wide margin to maintain a policy the Society has had in effect since 1996.

Opposition to physician-assisted suicide was part of a larger policy statement that includes recognition of patient dignity at the end of life and the physician’s role in caring for terminally-ill patients. The policy was approved by more than 75 percent of the Society’s delegates.

Lynda Young, M.D., president of the Society, said that “Physicians of our Society have clearly declared that physician-assisted suicide is inconsistent with the physician’s role as healer and health care provider. At the same time we recognize the importance of patient dignity and the critical role that physicians have in end-of-life care.”

The proposed ballot question slated for November is horrendous at best, murderous as its kindest adjective.

Here's a scenario of a typical case:

John Q. is ailing. Maybe cancer, maybe a mental illness, maybe incapacitated by an accident. John Q. is, understandably, upset. Perhaps he's upset because he feels he's a burden on his relatives, or, because he's in pain, or both. Or a combination of other factors. At some point, John Q. wonders if life is really worth living.

Enter the "heroes": the Hemlock Society (nope, I'm not giving the link to the new, "more humane-sounding" name)

"John Q," they tell him—or, more than likely, his relatives who are, again, understandably, weary of John Q's pain—"tell ya what you outta do. Just ask your doc to prescribe some nice, soothing pills that'll take ya away from all this misery—and, by the way, the misery you're causing your loved ones, poor things, and hey, presto, everybody's problems are solved. You're gone, off no doubt to the [insert religion of your choice]'s promise of your reward and is everybody happy? Yes!"

So, the hapless physician—who probably doesn't want any part of this but is required by law to acquiesce to his patient's request—is forced to prescribe a deadly mixture which will put and end—with "dignity," mind you—to poor John Q who will feel obliged to take the stuff (even though at this point he may have changed his mind, but gee, wasn't he the one who brought this all on?) and, ignominiously, die.

Although the fiends who really brought this all on will deny the ignominious part…they'll say he "died with dignity."

And who's to deny the fiends their claim?

Nobody. Why? Because poor John Q's death certificate won't say "he committed suicide." No indeed! The document will claim—shamelessly—that John Q. died of cancer, or a mental illness, or maybe an incapacitating accident.

That's the picture that Massachusetts voters will be asked to condone come November.

Let's not do this. It'd be laughable...except that it's a real bill.

For more info on this egregious proposal, please visit Suicide is Always a Tragedy. Thank you, and may God continue to bless you.

Requiescat in pace, Whitney Houston

Dear U.S. Catholic Bishops:

My Excellent and Eminent Fathers,

It is, I understand, not up to the sheep to lead the shepherds. That said, it seems my good angel is niggling me to offer, most humbly, a few words of caution...or, requests.

First, please stay completely out of what you deem to be "politics." You're not good at it, and the Good Lord was wise in keeping this so-called "talent" away from you. What you must do, instead, is to stay with politicians who are in your flock. You're job is not to "negotiate" with Catholics who, for perhaps worldly "political" reasons or perhaps because they have been misled into wrong thinking. You're job is simple—not easy, maybe, but simple—bring them back into the Catholic Church. You may consider starting with Nancy Pelosi.

Second, please, please, abolish the "National Conference of Catholic Bishops." The organization is futile in that it has its roots in this temporal world and not in the Heavenly Kingdom.

Third, and finally: do be prepared to die, and to encourage your flock to die, rather than "compromise." Again, this is very simple, albeit not easy.

Fourth: For Christ's sake, BE CATHOLIC!

In Our Risen Lord,

Kelly

Do you understand?

Celebrating 50 million dead babies. Celebrating???

Jill Stanek and many pro-life bloggers are driving NARAL and other pro-abortion people crazy by asking them a simple question: "What do you mean by `choice'?" The action was prompted last year as NARAL instituted its "Blog for Choice" campaign last year on the anniversary of the tragedy known as Roe vs. Wade.

The thing is, NARAL—the "National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League" (I think I've got the words to the acronym right, but I really don't care...they never use them) has answered the question.

The "choice" is abortion. Period.

On their website, under the heading "What is Choice?" there are four "answers." Topping the list is, of course, Abortion. In fourth place—obviously in the cellar as far as NARAL is concerned—is "Healthy" Pregnancies.

You don't need to be a rocket science to see where this group's priorities are.

Even "pregnancy" isn't really a choice unless it's a "healthy" one. Read: if you're not a perfect baby, kid, adios and see ya in the dumpster.

I couldn't think of anything uglier than facilitating the gruesome death of a baby until I came across something that makes me shiver even as I write this:

Partying down on millions of dead babies' bodies.

There's a group called the "D.C. Abortion Fund" and the headline on its site says it all:

ROE-D TO PERDITION

Nope. I'm not making this up. Evidently the group doesn't understand the meaning of the word "perdition" or maybe, what the hell (pun intended) they do and they embrace it. In any case, the text goes on to breathlessly outline the parties, celebrations, and other festivities planned for the anniversary.

Get ready to boogie down with DCAF this month! We have emerged mostly unscathed from our loving families and are ready to Roe-ll! The 39th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision is January 22, and we are so grateful for the dedicated activists, legislators, and donors who continue to make abortion rights a reality here and around the world...Here is your pro-choice social calendar for this week and next

Following this giddy introduction is a list of happy hours, rallies, dinners, more happy hours, parties, still more happy hours...all conveniently listing times, ticket information, and locations. Most of them are in bars. At least one is in an elegant restaurant. Topping the host list are NARAL and NOW.

My question isn't "what do you mean by `choice'" because I already know what they mean by "choice."

My question is simple: what sort of mind-set deems it necessary—no, desirable—to celebrate death?

Obama accelerates war on humanity

However, he's given us all a year before forcing us (or trying to force us) into sin.

Ron Wine, father of Colleen Hammond, R.I.P.

Please pray for the happy repose of the soul of Mr. Ron Wine, who died on January 17, and for the comfort of his family. Among Mr. Wine's many accomplishments are his four children, including the wonderful Colleen Hammond.

Thank you.

January 23: A Day of Prayer and Penance for Life

No need to wait, though...let's start praying and doing penance now!

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 penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion, and of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life. The Mass "For Peace and Justice" (no. 22 of the "Masses for Various Needs") should be celebrated with violet vestments as an appropriate liturgical observance for this day.

(General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 373)

"Ten Years Later?" Uh...I don't think so

True, ten years ago, The Boston Globe broke a story covering years of child sexual abuse by Catholic priests and employees of the Archdiocese of Boston.

However, this "ten years" thing is, while not, I'm sure, deliberate? It's still a ruse. Male adolescents, and children, were sexually abused by male priests and other diocese employees for decades.

So can we dispense with the "10 Year" crap, unless we want to congratulate Michael Paulson and his Globe team for breaking the story? (Which I do, by the way.)

Thank you. Sheesh. It's headlines like this that make me want to warm up to groups I normally look askance at...like SNAP and -- what was their name? Oh yes, "Voice of the People."

Face it folks. "Ten Years Later," the Catholic Church's perverts—may God have mercy on them—got caught. As did their enablers. Say it to yourselves. I promise you, you'll feel better. Or, maybe not better, but you can at least congratulate yourselves on being honest.

But what really happened "Ten Years" ago? 

Well, for one thing, the idiots who let this perversity go on without even considering the ramifications walked right into the devil's snare...giving the aforementioned groups like "Voice of the Faithful" and other, even more perverse groups like "Dignity" the opportunity they'd been salivating for: "changing" the Church.

[insert harp-like memorable music here]

I can still hear it now:

"Oh, gosh, if only priests were allowed to marry." (Not, of course, even giving a nod to the fact that the VAST majority of abusers were men attracted to young boys.)

"My dear, if only women were allowed to become priests!" (Without, of course, even doffing their hats to the Church's dictum that such a thing was impossible.)

"I'm leaving the Church, dammit!" (This, of course, from—not all, but very, very many—folks who hadn't darkened a Catholic church door in years.)

And even today:

"Hey, let the lay folks run the Mass!"

"Hey, it's Gay Pride Week—let's have a Mass to celebrate!"

"Hey, I know...let's invite dissident priest Father Gumdrop to give us a good pep talk!"

"Hey, didja hear? Sister Maggie Sugarplum was just ordained!!!"

The list goes on, but you get my point. Or if you don't, think about it.

And then there were the "cures" [gag]

Foremost among them? Why "Talking About Touching" of course! An abominable "program" started around 2004 or so, that exposed little kids—I'm talking about six-year-olds here—to "preventative" lessons which pretty much taught little kids to beware of their own family members. Google it.

Let's face it, folks. "Ten Years Later" is a stupid phrase to acknowledge the fact that Church leadership—the Church founded by my Best Friend Jesus Christ—let jerks come in and try to destroy Her.

The Good News? They didn't.

The bad news? They're still trying.


And they've been given carte blanche, practically because for years—not a decade, but years—the folks in charge let things slide.

Cardinal O'Malley's letter to the Archdiocese of Boston made it very clear that, despite the millions of dollars given over to sexual abuse victims, to new "programs," etc., etc., the letter was not a congratulatory pose.

Good. Because we don't need a pulled-out shoulder caused from patting ourselves on the back to hurt us even further.

May God continue to bless you.

Free Epiphany Card!

Didn't get those Christmas Cards out this year? Want to still give a greeting that celebrates the birth of our Savior? Email me -- use the "email Kelly" link -- and get a PDF file of a card celebrating the Epiphany of Our Lord. Print it off, fold it twice, stick it in an invitation envelope if you'd like, and you're good to go! The inside of the card contains the antiphon of the Magnificat for the Feast of the Epiphany.

For those of you who already got it last year (or the years before) nothing's changed...although you might've accidentally deleted it. :-)

God bless,

Kelly <------no Wise Men were destroyed in the making o' this card..

Thank you Dr. Horatio Robinson Storer

Although largely forgotten today, Dr. Horatio Robinson Storer (1830-1922) was one of the most influential figures of the 19th century. He made large contributions to gynecology and abdominal surgery and substantial contributions to natural history, sanitation, and numismatics. However, the accomplishments of Dr. Storer that are remembered today, and the ones for which he most wished to be remembered, were related to the suppression of unnecessary intentional abortion.

Read the amazing article by Frederick N. Dyer, Ph.D., here.

Just in case you forgot? :-) My parish is on the ball!

Merry, Merry Christmas!

God is with us!

Me? A Christmas Gift? Okay, I'll tell you what I'd like...

I live in an African American neighborhood. For Christmas, I'd like to see an end to the "N" word. I don't care if you're black. You're not entitled to us it and I hope you stop. Do you realize how many people have been hurt by that very, very, ugly word? No? Well, learn about it and shut the bleep up before using it.

I often walk through "gay" neighborhoods. (Boston, in fact, is a very small town.) For Christmas, I'd like to see an end to the "Q" word. I don't care if you're attracted to the same gender as yourself. You're not entitled to use it and I hope you stop. Do you realize how many people have been hurt by that very, very, ugly word? No? Well, learn about it and shut the bleep up before using it.

Italian neighborhoods are great. But for Christmas, I'd like to see the end of the "D" word. I don't care if you're Italian. You're not entitled to use it and I hope you stop. Do you realize how many people have been hurt by that very, very, ugly word? No? Well, learn about it and shut the bleep up before using it.

I'm a heterosexual, and as such, I would greatly appreciate NOT being called—even in jest—a "breeder" by friends, acquaintances, and even strangers. I don't care if you think it's funny. You're not entitled to use it and I hope you stop. Do you realize how many people have tried to have babies and could not, and have therefore been very, very hurt by that word? No? Well, think about it and shut the bleep up before using it.

I'm a Catholic. And while I would rather you didn't trash my religion? I can take it. In fact, my religion helps me forgive all of the above.

Merry Christmas!

We make great websites!

At the risk o' sounding crassly commercial, especially during this holy season, here's a crassly commercial post.

Check out Alden's latest website created for Marina Martin, accountant, here:

And just to assure you that I'm not totally crass, it might be a good time for you, um, well endowed folks to consider consulting an accounting firm before the year closes...you know, like, yeah, like charitable donations and such...yeah, that's right! :-)

Bring a Catholic back: a hopeful help to the Archdiocese of Boston's "streamlining" plans

Today our Cardinal Archbishop presumably outlined a way for Boston parishes to "streamline"...to become, evidently, more efficient by sharing resources.

This is a good thing, don't get me wrong. To anyone who's been at Mass on Sundays during the last few years, there's an earthly problem, and it's called Not Enough Money, Not Enough Priests.

Or, as I like to call it, the NEM-NEP Syndrome.

Now, NEM-NEP is real. Parishes are already sharing priests. In the past, parishes have simply closed down. Everybody's exhausted, it's a real problem, etc., etc., etc.

But wait! Uh...something in the mix is missing here and it's pretty much the elephant in your living room and my parlor, and that is:

MOST CATHOLICS DON'T GO TO CHURCH!

Sorry for the yelling, but I did feel the need to wake some folks up. Now I'm talking about the Archdiocese of Boston here, yet I've a feeling this is true throughout the Roman Catholic Church. Again:

MOST CATHOLICS DON'T GO TO CHURCH!

Yes, indeed, they're baptized in Catholic churches, married in Catholic churches, and, may they rest in peace, buried out of Catholic churches.

But most Catholics don't participate—not one iota—in the Sunday celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

(Which—pssst—is a deadly, read "mortal" sin. Got that? Sure? Then say it with me: "deliberately eschewing Mass on Sundays and Holy Days is a mortal sin." Now then, what happens when one dies with the stain of mortal sin on his or her soul? You already know what happens.)

What has this do with the NEM-NEP syndrome?

Well, pretty much everything, or nearly so. If there's only a few folks in the pews, there's only a few bucks in the collection plate. That's the earthly reality. I mean, you don't expect folks who think nothing of dissing their Sunday and Holy Day obligations to—what?—send their contributions via Western Union or PayPal, do you?

And if there's a shortage of priests, then what are you expecting? Father Whosis to come to your bedside when you're sick and anoint you? Or to your deathbed to hear your confession?

Those days are gone, my friend. 'Course, most priests will drive themselves ragged to do just that…but the word "most" means "many" and there aren't many priests. It's that simple. Why is that, do you suppose? My guess?

MOST CATHOLICS DON'T GO TO CHURCH!

Which means their children don't either, more than likely. And how does one expect a child to discern a possible vocation when he's deprived of the glorious experience of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass?

Anyway, screw the NEM-NEP syndrome for a moment and reflect on this horrible situation—far more horrible than a lack of finances or manpower:

MOST CATHOLICS DON'T GO TO CHURCH…and, ergo, most Catholics are endangering their souls.

Here's my point:

("Thank goodness, Kelly, it took you long enough!")

My weakness, and I apologize. And I also beg you, while the powers that be at the Archdiocese of Boston and their counterparts throughout the world struggle to manage the earthly affairs of their parishes:


Pray a Catholic back to the Church.

Adopt one, spiritually. At random, or a particular one you've got in mind. Devote your morning and evening prayers to the reconciliation of a fallen Catholic—yep, that's a phrase you can still use—and, even  better, include this reconciliation in your Mass intentions.

And spread the word!

Ask your friends and family members to "adopt-a-fallen-Catholic" via prayer. Sheesh, I get at least six or seven email notes a day asking me to forward some wacky joke. Surely, it's within the realm of possibility to personally ask your spouse, your best friend, your sibling, your parish priest, your favorite nun (nuns are a really good bet, trust me) or anyone in your circle to participate in this project. God, I assure you, listens to prayers far more than He listens to the minutes of a Committee Meeting. (Meaning no disrespect to those who Sit On Committees or Those Who Submit Minutes of same.)

So c'mon! While the folks running the earthly Church do whatever it is they're doing to combat the NEM-NEP syndrome, let's do ours.

Pray a fallen Catholic back to the Church!

May God continue to bless you.