Shaking the Dust From Their Feet – ND Alums Still Fuming over Obama Visit

The Summer 2009 edition of the Notre Dame magazine includes pages of letters from alumni and former supporters still upset and disappointed over the University’s honoring of militantly pro-abortion Obama.

One alum states:

Please do not forward ND Magazine to me going forward. I am a 1990 alumnus and am viscerally disgusted by Mr. Obama’s presence at commencement today and Jenkins’ ignorance of the Catholic faith.

Very simple — you don’t honor someone with views antithetical to what should be our beliefs and disregard our bishops’ teachings. Even Arizona State University — a secular institution — understands you don’t honor someone with a degree who has not accomplished anything of merit.

Jenkins stated in his address that he hopes all the graduates will always consider ND as home. I did up until this event today. That is truly sad as I had “indoctrinated” my 13-year-old son since he was a toddler of the wonder of ND. I had hoped to do the same with my toddler daughter.

Kerry Temple’s Chicago Tribune editorial today also shows his lack of understanding of our faith.

Jenkins’ actions have one positive result: it confirms the church is comprised of sinners, which gives us all hope.

And a fan:

I am not a radical anything. I am a 67-year-old woman married to a wonderful man who was reared in South Bend, Indiana, and is a sincere and BIG Notre Dame fan. However, our consideration of Notre Dame as a beneficiary of our wills has come to a screeching halt. It is both mine and my husband’s opinion that the current president of Notre Dame should be fired for not only inviting, but endorsing Barrack Obama’s presence and speech at this year’s graduation ceremony. Obviously, the major reason for our love for and respect of Notre Dame is its Catholic heritage and beliefs which are now in question by us and I’m sure, many others. And that’s that. We wash our hands of Notre Dame and pray others will follow suit until this fine University returns to it’s roots and core beliefs

And another:

Beyond my heart’s sickness over Barack Obama’s being honored by Notre Dame and my sincere desire to see John Jenkins removed from his position and defrocked, is my deep and abiding concern for the lack of religious teaching within Notre Dame. I know this lack exists by the response of the graduating class not only to Obama’s presence but to his speech. Religion is the only hope left for America to survive, and to see an institution such as Notre Dame fall so far is beyond worrisome. Know that my prayers are for a more faith-filled future for your university

Did Benedict Give Barack Some Homework?

CNA is reporting:

Pope Benedict XVI received President Barack Obama this afternoon in his private library, and after 36 minutes of private conversation, the pair emerged without providing any details about their topics of conversation. Nevertheless, the Holy See revealed that the Pope gave Obama an “unannounced gift”–a Vatican document on bioethics and the right to life.

After the private conversation, and again in front of the cameras, President Obama gave the Pontiff a stole that was drapped upon the body of St. John Neumann from 1988 to 2007. The Pope instead presented the president with a mosaic portraying St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican Basilica, and an autographed copy of his latest social encyclical “Caritas in Veritate.”

Despite the fact that the Vatican did not release an official statement about the nature of the meeting, the “unannounced” gift to Obama of the 2008 document “Dignitas Personae” on bioethics and the right to life, could be a signal of the nature of at least part of their conversation.

You Don’t Mess Around with Barack

A theme song for Barack’s meeting with Benedict?  To the tune of Jim Croce’s “Don’t Mess Around with Jim”:

ND’s got it’s hustler
Kansas had it’s bum
Democrats in DC got the Great Kenyan Pretender
He’s one confused son of a gun
 
Yeah he talks a lot like Reagan 
But acts more like Stalin and Mao
And when Planned Parenthood folks all get together at night
You know they all call ‘Bama “boss” just because

 

And they say

 

The abortion survivors can’t live
You don’t punish our girls with a kid
You don’t pull the mask off of our messiah
And you don’t mess around with Barack

 

Well outta South Bavaria came a Godly boy
He say I’m looking for a man named B’rack
I am Mary’s boy
My name is Joseph R
But in Rome I’m called 16

 

Yeah I’m looking for the king of the abortion mill
He’s the prophet of the Culture of Death
Last month he insulted Our Lady
And it may sound crazy
But I’ve come to give her honor back

 

And they say

 

The abortion survivors can’t live
You don’t punish our girls with a kid
You don’t pull You mask off of our messiah
And you don’t mess around with Barack

 

Well a hush fell over St. Peter’s
As Evil came walking off Air Force One
And when the Spirit was done
The only part that wasn’t quaking
Was the soles of the small man’s feet
 
Yeah there are over fifty million babies
So just like on Damascus road
You’d better believe 
NPR sung a different kind of story
When Barry’s knees hit the floor

 

You don’t tug Juan Diego’s cape
You don’t change money in His home
You don’t pull a glove off of Padre Pio
And you don’t mess around with MOM!

 

Yeah, Barry got his hat
Find out where it’s at 
And it’s not killing kids and dissin’ Our Lady 

Even if you do got a two-piece custom-made teleprompter

 

You don’t tug Juan Diego’s cape
You don’t change money in His home
You don’t pull a glove off of Padre Pio
And you don’t mess around with MOM!

It’s Here – Listen to Catholic Wifi Radio on your iPhone!

New applications now allow listening to Catholic internet radio stations on your iPhone:

Pandora Radio is your own FREE personalized radio now available to stream music on your iPhone. Just start with the name of one of your favorite artists, songs or classical composers and Pandora will create a “station” that plays their music and more music like it.

Why Am I Catholic? Catholic Church is the Foundation of Society

The latest video from CatholicComeHome.org:

Our family is made up of every race, we are young and old, rich and poor, men and women, sinners and saints. Our family has spanned the centuries, and the globe. With Gods grace, we started hospitals to care for the sick. We established orphanages and helped the poor. We are the largest charitable organization on the planet, bringing relief and comfort to those in need. We educated more children than any other scholarly or religious institution. We developed the scientific method and laws of evidence. We founded the college system. We defend the dignity of all human life and uphold marriage and family. Cities are named after our revered Saints, who navigated a sacred path before us. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we compiled the Bible. We are transformed by Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, which have consistently guided us for 2000 years.

We are the Catholic Church.

with over one billion in our family, sharing in the sacraments and fullness of the Christian faith. For centuries we have prayed for you, and our world, every hour of every day, whenever we celebrate the mass. Jesus himself laid the foundation for our faith, when he said to Peter, the first pope, you are rock, and upon this rock I will build my church. For over 2000 years, weve had an unbroken line of shepherds guiding the Catholic Church with love and truth in a confused and hurting world. And in this world filled with chaos, hardship, and pain, its comforting to know that some things remain consistent, true, and strong: our Catholic faith, and the eternal love that God has for all creation.

If you have been away from the Catholic Church, we invite you to take another look. Visit www.CatholicsComeHome.org today. Ours is one family, united in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We are Catholic. Welcome home.

“Responsible Investment” Radio Spot – Philadelphia Office of Catholic Education

Latest Radio Spot from the Office of Catholic Education in Archdiocese of Philadelphia

A Night With Steve Ray – Relevant Radio 970am Austin Texas

Video of Steve Ray’s presentation at St. Louis Catholic Church in Austin Texas June 18, 2009

Catholic Radio Comes to Utah

Immaculate Heart Radio is coming to Utah:

Immaculate Heart Radio announced earlier this month that it is purchasing 50,000-watt KCPW AM 1010 from Community Wireless of Park City Inc.

According to Radio and Records, the purchase price is $900,000.

This will be the network’s 22nd station. It will air Catholic programming, news, talk and information, 24 hours a day.

Immaculate currently has 12 radio stations in California and nine in New Mexico.

The station is licensed to Tooele, but the towers are located closer to Salt Lake City, and the signal reaches most of Utah.

Fr. Clement Machado at St. Teresa’s In Appleton July 29-30!

Rev. Father Clement J. Machado, S.O.L.T. promotes healing of the whole person; body, mind, heart and soul through intercessory prayer and ministry of Sacramentals and the Sacraments, particularly the Sacraments of the Holy Eucharist and Holy Confession where he exercises diligently the spiritual discernment of souls. He is a powerful and spiritually dynamic preacher who is well grounded and faithful to the morality, spirituality, devotions, teachings, doctrines and traditions of the Roman Catholic Church.

Catholic Radio Goes Green! Sponsor one of Radio Maria’s 100 Solar-Powered Catholic Radio Transmitters in Africa!

Radio Maria has announced a new project to install over 100 new self-contained, solar powered radio transmitters in Africa:

The World Family of Radio Maria has recently launched a new initiative to support the poorest countries of the world: “adopt” 100 transmitters over the next two years to reach villages, cities and communities in Africa.

It has to do with solar panel systems of new design realized by technicians of the World Family to bring the radio signal to the areas where it is almost impossible to arrive due to lack of electricity and logistic supports.
These 100 Watt transmitters can be placed externally, without any need to be covered or special maintenance and are totally sun-powered.
In impervious areas where priests succeed in reaching the mostdistant villages with extreme difficulty, this service of Christian testimony will become a real source of fresh water for all Christians thirsty for the Word of Salvation.

The Founding of Vatican Radio: A Rare Video of Pope Pius XI & Guglielmo Marconi

Broadcast Your Ad on Vatican Radio!

RomeReports.com is reporting:

For the first time in its history, Vatican Radio, best known as the popes radio, will broadcast advertising. The profits will help Vatican Radio ease the difficulties of the economic as well as modernize the station that delivers the popes message to the world.

Monsignor Renato Boccardo Secretary General, Governorate of Vatican City State We need money to help this radio station in its mission, because it has a very particular mission of broadcasting the popes voice to the world.

Since Guglielmo Marconi, inventor of the radio, inaugurated Vatican Radio in 1931, theyve never broadcast publicity or advertising. But come July 6, they will begin doing so.

The ads will be broadcast in five languages and are expected to yield between 100,000 and 200,000 euros every year, a good amount of help for a radio station with an annual budget of 20 million euros. Vatican radio broadcasts in 47 languages in five continents around the world.

KWKY Radio in Des Moines Seeks Board Operator

KWKY Radio in Des Moines is seeking a Board Operator.

The Catholic Radio Explosion!

The latest Catholic Radio Directory from the Catholic Radio Association lists over 300 Catholic stations in US alone. Of these – 88 are listed as new or soon to be on the air!  That is a 28% increase!  I can’t think of much else these days that is growing at that rate. Back in 1997 there were only about 7 Catholic stations in the US. The CRA was instrumental in helping numerous local organization file for FCC licenses during the recent open application period.

Stream Catholic Internet Stations in you Car with new Blaupunkt-miRoamer Radio

How cool is this? miRoamer has partnered with Blaupunkt on a line of new car stereos capable of streaming thousands of (Catholic!) internet stations using a 3G network and Bluetooth enabled cell phone.

This feature video at EngineeringTV.com highlights these internet car radios.

Catholic New Media Celebration! San Antonio June 27, 2009

Make your plans now to attend this year’s Catholic New Media Celebration sponsored by Fr. Roderick and SQPN!  Speakers include: Fr. Dave Dwyer of the Busted Halo show, Danielle Bean from Faith & Family magazine , Andrew Walther of the Knights of Columbus, Bill Moyer from the National Fellowship of Catholic Men , Fred Fosnacht from MyCatholicVoice.com,  Deacon Rodgers of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, Patrick Madrid, Fr. Seraphim from Catholic Under the Hood, Maria Johnson, co-writer of That Catholic Show, Lisa Hendey of CatholicMom.com, Matthew Warner of flockNote.com, Leo Severino, producer and writer of the movie ‘Bella‘ , Joe McClane from the Catholic Hack, and a concert by Catholic artist Sarah Bauer

Featured Station – WFJS 1260 AM Trenton New Jersey!

Domestic Church Media, is now operating New Jersey’s first full-time Catholic radio station, WFJS 1260 AM in Trenton.  The station streams LIVE 24/7 and also offers local programs, “Come To Me” and “Catholic Music History” for download and podcasting. Fr. Benedict Groeshel has said:

I am completely supportive of the great movement for local Catholic radio which is sweeping the Church in the United States.

As a New Jerseyan, I am particularly interested and enthusiastic about Domestic Church Media and I give Jim and Cheryl (Manfredonia) my heartfelt support.  We need more like this and we need more of this in our metropolitan area.

I do hope and pray that people will support this effort generously.  Those who do will be in my special prayers.

Obama: The New Head of the Dissident Catholic Church in America?

He talks like Reagan – and acts like Stalin… Has he now been ordained the head of the dissident Catholic Church in America?  From a recent CNA article:

Continuing his criticism of President Barack Obama’s appearance at Notre Dame, Catholic commentator George Weigel charged that Obama has inserted himself into intra-Catholic disputes by trying to define who a “real Catholic” is. He warned the president risks assuming the headship of the dissident wing of U.S. Catholicism, pitting Catholic intellectuals and institutions against their bishops.

Weigel, writing in a Monday essay for National Review Online, said it was “surprising” and “disturbing” that President Obama decided to “insert himself” into “the ongoing Catholic debate over the boundaries of Catholic identity and the applicability of settled Catholic convention in the public square.” He said President Obama tried to settle “the decades-long intra-Catholic culture war” in favor of one faction: “the faction that had supported his candidacy and that had spent the first months of his administration defending his policies.”

In an exclusive comment to CNA, Weigel compared the effort to the historical phenomenon of “Gallicanism,” the French bishops’ past efforts to establish a church generally independent of papal authority.

“This is a very serious business, with the president of the United States putting himself in charge of the Gallican wing of the Catholic Church in the United States — the difference being that this new Gallicanism isn’t local bishops vs. Rome but intellectuals and their institutions and magazines vs. local bishops and Rome,” Weigel told CNA.

Weigel said that the “politically savvy” White House and its allies among Catholic progressive intellectuals may have intended to secure Obama’s political advantage among Catholic voters with his appearance at Notre Dame.

Download the Catholic Radio Toolbar – Stay Connected With the Counter-Cultural International World of Catholic New Media

Our latest free Catholic Radio Toolbar lets you always stay connected to the rapidly growing world of Catholic Radio and Catholic New Media!  CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD NOW! 

The Toolbar includes a radio player loaded with Catholic Radio Stations and Podcasts. 

A News Ticker keeps you updated with the latest news from Catholic News organizations and commentators

Radio Player includes: Vatican Radio, Relevant Radio, EWTN, SQPN Daily Breakfast, SQPN Verbum Domini, SQPN Saintcast, SQPN Catholic PraiseCast, CatholicAnswers Live, Radio Santa Maria, Holy Radio South Bend, Redeemer Radio Fort Wayne, Immaculate Heart Radio CA, KBVM Portland as well as Radio Maria stations in Italy, Germany, Albania, Romania, Tanzania, Venezuela, USA-Italian, Peru, Paraguay, Panama, Nicaragua, Netherlands, Mexico, Guatamala, Bolivia, Argentina plus local Relevant Radio feeds from Chicago, Chicago West, Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee and NW Indiana.

Headlines from Catholic news sources, networks, podcasts and bloggers automatically scroll across the toolbar keeping you instantly informed! News feeds on the Catholic Radio Toolbar include: Catholic News Agency, CatholicNews.com, Catholic.com, EWTN, Relevant Radio, UCA News, Fides.org, Forum 18, First Things, Fr. Roderick, Vatican Radio, Catholic World News, Catholic Educators Resource Center, Zenit , Catholic Radio International, PewSitter.com, Steve Ray’s Catholic-Convert.com, Mary Beth Hicks, InforumBlog.com and Dr. Ray

Have a Catholic station, podcast, news site or blog you don’t see – let us know and will add it to the next update of the Toolbar!

“God isn’t dead – He’s not even tired.”

A new commercial – Imagine Spot 2 – from CatholicVote.org will begin airing tonight on the American Idol finale.  The group has secured ad space in select markets in six states, beginning tonight in Baltimore.

The ad will also be running tomorrow night during the second night of the finale in select markets in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Nevada and Florida

Video: Dr. Alan Keyes Arrested on Notre Dame Campus

Thug Catholicism at Notre Dame: Jenkins Has Elderly Priest Dragged Away in Handcuffs from ND Campus for Protesting Obama Visit

Live Video from Notre Dame Pro-Life Protest

On May 17, 2009, thousands of pro-lifers converged on South Bend, IN, to protest Notre Dame’s selection of radically pro-abortion Barack Obama as not only commencement speaker but honoree.

This video tracks the 2 mile continuous protest route from I80 to the campus’s main entrance. For more information go to www.jillstanek.com.

From CatholicFire:

Jill Stanek was at the Notre Dame Grotto this afternoon watching Fr. Frank Pavone speak to pro-life graduates who refused to attend their commencement honoring radical pro-abortion Barack Obama. She has some impressive photos of Fr. Frank Pavone, Fr. Corapi, and members of the Notre Dame graduating class you’ll want to see.

“Jane Roe” Arrested on Notre Dame Campus Protesting Obama Visit

Nearly forty people were arrested on the Notre Dame campus over the weekend protesting Obama’s visit:

 

Where Was Catholic Radio at Notre Dame Commencement Protests and Mass?

I’m wondering if any Catholic stations broadcast the protest and mass of reparation from the South Quad on the Notre Dame campus?

There are certain pivotal moments in history – The killing of Terry Schiavo was one. That event was covered live by Drew on Relevant Radio. There is a Catholic station in South Bend – as well as Catholic stations in NW Indiana, Detroit, Fort Wayne, Chicago and Indianapolis and across the nation. Did anyone broadcast live?

Relevant Radio’s website shows their “Answer the Call” Pledge Drive raised $1,024,761 of a $1,500,000 goal as of 11am Sunday 5/17. What would that total have been if they had broadcast live from the ND Protests?

Protesters Interrupt Obama at Notre Dame Commencement

Jenkins has Protesting Priest Dragged Away in Handcuffs on Notre Dame Campus

Alan Keyes and 21 others including a Catholic Priest were arrested on the Notre Dame campus as they protested Obama’s visit and honorary degree. Fr. Norman Weslin, wore a black cassock and carried a large wooden cross.

“Notre Dame is arresting a priest,” the Rev. Norman Weslin, founder of the Lambs of Christ abortion protest group, said as Notre Dame security personnel put plastic restraints on his wrists Friday. “Why are you arresting a priest for trying to stop the killing of a baby? You’ve got it all backward.”

Planned Parenthood Gives Award to Pope Benedict XVI

This is a headline you will never see…

On Fox News Bishop Samual Aquilla of Fargo discussed the University of Notre Dame’s decision to invite Obama to speak:

“It certainly is perceived by the average layperson as condoning or giving an appearance of supporting his ideas on human life and the unborn child,” Bishop Aquila said. “Certainly NARAL or Planned Parenthood would never invite Benedict XVI, much less extend an award to him.”

Leftist ND Board of Trustees Driving Obama visit

This article at Pewsitter reviews the makeup of the Notre Dame board of trustees and concludes they are a group unlikely to rescind the invitation to Obama.  The group includes trustees with unlikely backgrounds for a Catholic Institution. Ties include Obama fundraiser Frank Clark, Pro-abortion Court of Appeals judge Ann Claire Williams who is being considerd for Sutter’s seat on Supreme Court, Philip B. Rooney a former CEO of  Waste Management who along with Arthur Andersen and Enron were indicted by the SEC in a massive fraud case, Douglas Tong Hsu chairman of Far Eastern Group and strong supporter of “reunification” of Taiwan with PRC, Dr. Mary Anne Fox chancellor at UC San Diego who just announced the opening of a new research facility where the school will cultivate and experiment on human embryonic stem cells. Others include leaders of Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs (AIG) and Dean Witter.

In conclusion, a review of the Board of Trustees at Notre Dame does NOT reveal a particularly strong Catholic identity. There are board members whose actions and associations put them in a position directly at odds with Church teaching and in line with the Obama administration. At the Notre Dame board we see a group of well-connected well-heeled individuals from all sectors of society, and at the most prominent levels. Taking a stand against inviting the President of the United States would likely jeopardize membership in the elite club where they travel. Therefore it is highly unlikely that there will be any movement from within the board to rescind invitation to President Obama.

“Answer the Call” – Help Relevant Radio Reach Pledge Drive Goal of $1.5 Million

Relevant Radio began its fall “Answer the Call” pledge drive today. Goal for the drive is $1.5 Million. Unlike previous drives – the network has announced that the drive will only go on until the $1.5 Million goal is reached. It was announced today also that the network eliminated several staff positions last week – and implemented a 5% across the board pay cut in an effort to control costs. As of 6pm CST the drive had raised $256,812 of its goal with a total of 2068 pledges. Donate Here!

Notre Dame’s 40+ Year History of Unfaithfulness to the Church

Lifesite News outlines the progressive “self-detachment from the church over the last forty years.”

To begin with, in 1961 Notre Dame awarded its Laetare Medal, the same medal recently refused by former ambassador to the Vatican Mary Ann Glendon (http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/apr/09042702.html), to then-President John F. Kennedy

By honoring President Kennedy in this way, Notre Dame helped him set the precedent for Catholic politicians to disregard the Church’s teachings, one which we still experience today, for example in the case of Joseph Biden and Nancy Pelosi.

Definitive Break From Church With 1967 Land O’Lakes Statement

On July 23rd, 1967, however, Notre Dame made its definitive break with the Church, along with other American universities, in the Land O’Lakes statement, spearheaded by President Fr. Hesburgh, and signed by him and other Notre Dame officials.  In this infamous statement, the American universities declared their separation from the authority of the Catholic Church: “To perform its teaching and research functions effectively the Catholic university must have a true autonomy and academic freedom in the face of authority of whatever kind, lay or clerical, external to the academic community itself” (http://archives.nd.edu/episodes/visitors/lol/idea.htm).  Notre Dame has never rescinded its involvement in this statement, and, in fact, has operated based on it ever since.

Notre Dame’s public entry into abortion politics began in September 1984 with the address of Governor Mario Cuomo of New York, a Catholic following in the spirit of President Kennedy, as Fr. Raymond J. de Souza discusses in his article “Glendon, Notre Dame, and Abortion Politics” (http://www.ncregister.com/daily/glendon_declines_nd_honor/).

Fr. Corapi Speaks on the Notre Dame Scandal

Jenkins has Operation Rescue’s Randall Terry Arrested on ND Campus – Alan Keyes Call to Action

Catholic News Agency today reports that Dr. Alan Keyes announced his plans to be in South Bend, on the Notre Dame campus during commencement – and plans to be arrested in protest. Dr.Keyes indicated on Drew Mariani’s show that it was the arrest of Operation Rescue founder Randall Terry on the Notre Dame campus that moved him to action…. (Listen to Dr. Keyes on Drew’s Show here: mp3 or stream)

I will step foot on the Notre Dame campus to lift up the standard that protects the life of the innocent children of this and every generation. I will do it all day and every day from now until the Master comes if need be, though it mean I shall be housed every day in the prison house of lies and injustice that Obama, Jenkins and their minions now mean to construct for those who will never be still and silent in the face of their mockery of God and justice, their celebration of evil”He urges others to join him saying: “If this be trespass, then forgive us our trespasses and join us in trespassing until the South Bend jail is filled to overflowing with witnesses to truth.”

“I ask others who all these years have prayed and labored for the unborn to join us. I know you are there. I have broken bread with you at dinners for crisis pregnancy centers and right to life groups. I have marched with you to proclaim the sanctity of innocent life, and decry the laws that sanction its destruction. I have been uplifted by your faith, your perseverance, your love of God and His Son. The forces of evil mean to lay final claim to a place supposed to be within the precincts of our God and Lord. Come what may, we must come forth now to occupy and hold it against them,” he concludes.

To read Dr. Keyes full statement, visit: www.StopObamaNotreDame.com

There is a famous photo of former Notre Dame president Fr. Hesburgh standing arm-in-arm with Dr. Martin Luther King during the civil rights protests of the 1960’s. Could Dr. Keyes convince Fr. Ted to join him?

Letter to a Friend.

The following is a letter written in response to a friend who answered a question I posted on the Catholic Radio Group site on Linkedin.com

Thank you for your reply. I deeply appreciate the situation in your country and have been very puzzled by the lack of outrage among your countrymen regarding their loss of freedoms. The Church has a huge job to do, but not an impossible one.

I posed the question because I have recently been asking myself what is the fruit of Catholic Radio? There is fruit, doubtless, but specifically what I’m asking for is evidence of action on the part of those effected by Catholic Radio. Where are the rosary groups? The home bible studies? The street preaching? The active part of our calling is in my opinion seriously lacking. Granted I live in the Pacific NW – Portland, OR – where things are very bad for christianity, but I’ve worked in the Midwest, California, Nevada and haven’t seen enough corresponding action among Catholic Radio listeners. My response to this is to wonder if Catholic Radio as such, is enough?

I don’t think so. Catholic Radio is a great tool, but just a tool. More is needed. Stations need to be centers of evangelization. They need to encourage evangelization, teach it, demonstrate it, and live it. I think this will require a new initiative in programming. Catechesis is good and necessary – knowing your faith is good but if all you do with that knowledge is contemplate it for your own benefit then you are a poor servant indeed. We MUST act!

For myself I have made a committment with two other friends to make a new kind of catholic radio program. One that creates and promotes a kind of campaign like what Fr. Peyton did with his radio rosary. We will broadcast a program that demistifies the process of evangelization. That interviews those who’ve “gone ahead” and ARE evangelizing and how they got started and what they’ve learned, so others can take courage from their example. Then we plan to produce films that show the fruit of this action and online video tutorials that teach the steps of evangelization. And, then we plan to raise crowds of people to hear Catholic Evangelists – stadiums of people. It is time to “put out into the deep” and to not be afraid!

As for your circumstances my friend, Hallelujah! You are in a perfect (albeit painful) place. Allow the Lord to work through your circumstances to humble you and to prepare you for the work that He is calling you to. I believe that the message of the current times is “Have Faith, God will Provide without fail!”

Christopher West’s Bedtime Prayer for Children

Chuck Neff from Relevant Radio has posted Theology of the Body Evangelist Christopher West’s bedtime prayer for children. He and his wife say this with their own children each night:

Christopher West’s Theology of the Body

Bedtime Prayers for Children

 

Thank You Jesus for making Mommy to be a woman.  Thank You for making Daddy to be a man.  Thank You for bringing Mommy and Daddy into the Sacrament of Marriage.

 

Thank You for bringing (insert name(s) of children here) into the world through Mommy and Daddy’s love.

 

Help our boys grow into strong men ready to give away their bodies in love.  Help our girls grow into strong women ready to give away their bodies in love.

 

If they are called into the Sacrament of Marriage, please prepare them for their future spouse.  If they are called to give themselves entirely to Jesus and the Church as a priest or religious, please prepare their hearts for that.  Amen +++

Be a Relevant Radio “Parish Pal!”

Relevant Radio is seeking volunteers to spread the word about Catholic Radio in their own parish.  Are you a Catholic Radio fan? Want to become a Relevant Radio Evangelist?  Relevant Radio will provide the support and marketing tools – y0u take it from there.  Learn more about becoming a Chicago Relevant Radio Parish Pal here.

Former US Ambassador to the Vatican Mary Ann Glendon Declines Notre Dame Award – Balks at ND’s “Talking Points”

Zenit reports today that former US Ambassador to the Vatican Mary Ann Glendon has declined receipt of Notre Dame’s Laetare Medal Award at this year’s ND graduation ceremony.  Full text of her letter to ND President Fr. John Jenkins is here.

She explained, “First, as a longtime consultant to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, I could not help but be dismayed by the news that Notre Dame also planned to award the president an honorary degree.

This was “in disregard of the U.S. bishops’ express request of 2004 that Catholic institutions ’should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles’ and that such persons ’should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions,’” she pointed out.

Glendon noted, “That request, which in no way seeks to control or interfere with an institution’s freedom to invite and engage in serious debate with whomever it wishes, seems to me so reasonable that I am at a loss to understand why a Catholic university should disrespect it.”

Talking points

Glendon acknowledged her discovery of “talking points” issued by Notre Dame in response to criticism over its decision.

These points, she added, imply that her “acceptance speech would somehow balance the event,” by arguing that President Obama would not be the only one talking at the commencement ceremony, and that he would benefit from hearing a talk by the former ambassador.

However, Glendon emphasized that a commencement “is not the right place, nor is a brief acceptance speech the right vehicle, for engagement with the very serious problems raised by Notre Dame’s decision — in disregard of the settled position of the U.S. bishops — to honor a prominent and uncompromising opponent of the Church’s position on issues involving fundamental principles of justice.”

Obama to Be Crowned “Messiah”

Worldnet Daily is reporting that Artist Michael D’Antuono’s painting “The Truth” – featuring Obama with his arms outstretched and wearing a crown of thorns upon his head – will be unveiled on April 29 at New York City’s Union Square.  

“More than a presidential portrait,” writes D’Antuono on a website touting the painting, “‘The Truth’ is a politically, religiously and socially-charged statement on our nation’s current political climate and deep partisan divide that is sure to create a dialogue.”

Shame, Shame on You Notre Dame – From RealCatholicTV.com

ALL Report: Notre Dame Turns in their Catholic Card

Latest Youtube video from American Life League calls on Catholics to contact Bishop D’Arcy of the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese and ask him to remove ND from the Official Catholic Directory. 

Abortion-promoting President Barack Obama is giving the commencement speech to graduating students at the University of Notre Dame. Hundreds of thousands of Catholics and at least 24 bishops are outraged. They’re calling on Notre Dame to make a choice: Our Lady or Barack Obama.

American Life League went on location to get the scoop on students’ reactions.

Contact Most Rev. John D’Arcy, the local bishop, and ask him to remove Notre Dame from the Official Catholic Directory: 260-422-4611

Director of New Media wanted for American Life League

The AmericanLife League is seeking a New Media Director!

American Life League is looking for a social media specialist passionate about fighting for the personhood of all human beings from their biological beginning using new and traditional media outlets.

Where were you April 19, 2005?

RadioVaticana.org video on-demand let’s you re-live the election of Pope Benedict XVI!

Chatting Latin Nonsense – on Vatican Radio?

A new podcast at RadioVaticana.org features chatting of Latin nonsense with Vatican Radio’s popular “Latin Lover”, Carmelite Father Reginald Foster!  Listen in RealAudio or MP3

Connect with Catholic Radio on Twitter – EWTN, Relevant Radio and Fr. Roderick!

Guess who is on Twitter?  EWTN, Relevant Radio and SQPN“s Fr. Roderick!  You can also connect with other Catholic “Tweeters” at TweetCatholic.com.

Twitter is a is a free service that lets you keep in touch with people through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing? Join Twittet today to start receiving EWTN, Relevant Radio and Fr. Roderick’s updates

Obama Nixes “Jesus” at Georgetown – Covers Up “IHS”

Catholic Exchange is reporting this about former Catholic University – Georgetown:

When President Barack Obama spoke at Georgetown University on April 14, the White House requested that all religious symbols and signage that might appear as a backdrop to where the president was to speak be covered up. Georgetown acceded to the request and made sure that the symbol “IHS,” a monogram of the name Jesus Christ, was not in sight.

Help Establish A Catholic Radio Station in Washington D.C.

Holy Family Communications currently broadcasts on the internet and is working to “Spread the Faith of the Apostles to the Nation’s Capital.”

Washington DC Catholic Radio Plans:
o We have pending applications with the FCC for permits to build FM stations in Winchester and Orange, Virginia.
o We continue to search for a reasonably priced station in the DC-metro area.
o We continue to refine our business plan to establish and operate our future stations.

Listen to our Internet Broadcast: Tune into our streaming audio broadcast 24 hours a day! These are some of the shows you will be able to hear on your radio once we establish our Catholic Radio station.
Click here to tune in Washington Catholic Radio now!
Click here to see Washington Catholic Radio Internet program schedule

Programs run sequentially and are looped all day long.

Radio Station Manager Wanted – Archangel Radio – Alabama Gulf Coast

Archangel Radio is seeking a general manager for a new Catholic radio station in Fairhope Alabama – position open soon. Radio experience and current knowledge of FCC regulations a must. Send resume to office@archangelradio.com or fax to (251)928-2660.

Notre Dame President Refuses to Rule Out Fetal Stem Cell Research at ND – NDResponse.com

The head of NDreponse.com – a coalition of Notre Dame student organizations representing hundreds of students – indicated on Drew Mariani’s show on Relevant Radio today that they had been in discussions with ND President Jenkins for a meeting.  NDResponse indicated that Fr. Jenkins wanted a meeting with only a few dozen students, no press and no recording.  The student organization requested that Fr. Jenkins – as a gesture of good faith – publicly state that there would be no fetal stem cell research performed at ND – and that a Pro-Life Ombudsman positon be created to be a watchdog for prolife activities.  The group indicated that Fr. Jenkins refused to make these statements.

31 Bishops have publicly opposed the University of Notre Dame’s invitation of Obama

The NDResponse.com site lists thirty one Catholic Bishops who have publicly expressed opposition to the University’s choice of commencement speakers and the decision to give him an honorary degree

Bishops who have Publicly Opposed the University’s Invitation

1. The Most Reverend John M. D’Arcy, Bishop of Fort Wayne – South Bend (Indiana)
   • Interview with Bishop D’Arcy
2. His Eminence Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Cardinal Archbishop of Chicago (lllinois) and USCCB President
   • Video of comments
3. His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Cardinal Archbishop of Galveston – Houston (Texas)
4. The Most Reverend Timothy Dolan – outgoing Archbishop of Milwaukee (Wisconsin), and newly appointed Archbishop of New York (New York) 
   • Video of comments
5. The Most Reverend John Nienstedt, Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis(Minnesota)
6. The Most Reverend Eusebius Beltran, Archbishop of Oklahoma City (Oklahoma)
7. The Most Reverend John Myers – Archbishop of Newark (New Jersey)
8. The Most Reverend Thomas Olmsted – Bishop of Phoenix (Arizona) (PDF)
9. The Most Reverend Gregory Aymond – Bishop of Austin (Texas)
10. The Most Reverend Robert Lynch – Bishop of St. Petersburg (Florida)
11. The Most Reverend Edward Slattery – Bishop of Tulsa (Oklahoma)
12. The Most Reverend R. Walker Nickless – Bishop of Sioux City (Iowa)
13. Paul CB Schenck, MA (Theol.), LHD on behalf of The Most Reverend Kevin Rhoades, Bishop of Harrisburg (Pennsylvania)
14. The Most Reverend Thomas G. Doran, D.D., J.C.D., Bishop of Rockford (Illinois)
15. The Most Reverend Robert C. Morlino, Bishop of Madison (Wisconsin)
    • News report of comments
16. The Most Reverend Alfred C. Hughes, Archbishop of New Orleans (Louisiana) (PDF)
17. The Most Reverend Joseph F. Martino, Bishop of Scranton (Pennsylvania)
18. The Most Reverend John M. Dougherty, Auxiliary Bishop of Scranton (Pennsylvania)
19. The Most Reverend William Lori, Bishop of Bridgeport (Connecticut) (PDF, see page 10)
20. The Most Reverend George V. Murry, S.J., Bishop of Youngstown (Ohio)
21. The Most Reverend William Higi, Bishop of Lafayette (Indiana)
22. The Most Reverend José Gomez, Archbishop of San Antonio (Texas) (PDF)
23. The Most Reverend Oscar Cantú, Auxiliary Bishop of San Antonio (Texas) (PDF)
24. The Most Reverend Anthony Taylor, Bishop of Little Rock (Arkansas)
    • Text of Note
    • News report of comments
25. The Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki, Bishop of La Crosse (Wisconsin) (PDF)
26. The Most Reverend Alexander Sample, Bishop of Marquette (Michigan)
27. The Most Reverend Samuel Aquila, Bishop of Fargo (North Dakota) (PDF)
28. The Most Reverend Edwin F. O’Brien, Archbishop of Baltimore (Maryland)
    • News report of comments
29. The Most Reverend Daniel Buechlein, Archbishop of Indianapolis (Indiana)
30. The Most Reverend Rober Baker, Bishop of Birmingham (Alabama)
31. The Most Reverend Fabian W. Bruskewitz, Bishop of Lincoln (Nebraska)

Prof. Rice calls for “No Confrontation” at ND during commencement – rather a Rosary Army

Prof. Charles Rice, professor emeritus of ND law school in an article in the ND/SMC Observer newspaper has called for a peaceful response to the President’s visit to campus during commencement:

Apart from the “life” issues, our leaders were reckless to commit Notre Dame to Obama in the face of mounting and well-grounded opposition to other Obama policies, including his fiscal deficits and such a stunning expansion of executive power and of federal control over private entities and states that it amounts to a constitutional coup. Unmentioned in the background are the pending lawsuits – not yet decided on the merits by the Supreme Court – that raise serious questions as to Obama’s eligibility for the office.

Our leaders act in what they think is the best interest of Notre Dame. But that is no excuse. The invitation should be withdrawn. It implies no personal animosity to suggest that Fr. Jenkins and the other Fellows and Trustees responsible for this fiasco should resign or be removed.

What would be a proper response? On-site demonstrations would be counterproductive. You can petition or write to our leaders. But the appeal should be made instead to a higher authority. An alumnus has suggested that students, faculty, staff and friends of Notre Dame ought to – and we will – pray a continuous Rosary of reparation at the Grotto during the time of Commencement, from two to four on Sunday, May 17th. This would not interfere with Commencement which is on the other side of campus. It would not be a demonstration or protest. No signs, marches, or disruption. Just peaceful prayer, in silence or aloud, by individuals and families. If you can’t make it to the Grotto, pray the Rosary during that time wherever you are. Incidentally, Professor Mary Ann Glendon, the Laetare Medal recipient, would make a better use of her time at the Grotto than as a warm-up or wind-up act at Commencement.

Parking is limited, but you can park off campus and walk to the Grotto. There should be no objection by Notre Dame officials to students, faculty, staff and friends of Notre Dame peacefully going to the Grotto to pray. It makes no difference how many show up. The objective is simply a union of prayer to make reparation and to petition Notre Dame, Our Lady, for Notre Dame, our University.