Comments on: Lent Offerings http://blog.archny.org/index.php/lent-offerings/ Sun, 19 May 2013 11:55:15 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: Benedictine Theresa http://blog.archny.org/index.php/lent-offerings/comment-page-1/#comment-60821 Benedictine Theresa Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:29:16 +0000 http://blog.archny.org/?p=2299#comment-60821 I have recently converted to the Catholic religion. I chose to become Catholic because I first studied the Catholic religious doctrine and found that the Catholic Church teaches the truth. The Catholic teaching is a solid reflection of my own personal religious beliefs. Nobody forced me to become Catholic, I educated myself about this ancient religious tradition, and then I chose it as my church. I prefer the moral guidance of a 2,000-year-old tradition over and above the fleeting political whims of whatever political party may be in power. I am concerned that the US government is infringing upon my religious faith. The Catholic Bishops speak for me when they voice their opposition to the freedom of religion/ contraception mandate. I believe that this mandate is only the first step of many more mandates to come. I cherish the Catholic Church and I want to be sure that it remains INTACT and is passed down to future generations in its ancient form. The US government has over-stepped its boundaries. All that it will take to make things right is for the US government to simply step back again, into its rightful place. Cardinal Dolan, I want to thank you for your leadership in the current religious freedom/contraception battle. I fear that the underlying intention of the government is to silence the Church from being able to speak with moral authority on the evils of abortion. If the government can force the Catholic Church to provide contraceptives in ANY way, shape or form, then pro-abortion groups will immediately shout: "Who are the Catholics to speak out against abortion? The Catholics themselves provide contraceptives to their employees!" In that way, the last strong bastion standing against abortion will be rendered null and void. These times are so ominous, but also so rich with opportunity for Catholics and Christians everywhere to awaken to a deeper understanding and commitment of the faith. It seems to me that God may be "hardening Pharaoh's heart" in regards to the President's unexplainable and unwavering position against the Catholic faith. This gives me hope that, as in Exodus, God intends to lead his people "out of Egypt," and away from the worship of false gods that is so prevalent in our society today. Thank you, Cardinal Dolan, for your brave leadership against the trials the Church is facing. I pray that you will continue to have the strength and fortitude to stand against this evil tide which is washing over the Catholic Church. May God bless you, Theresa I have recently converted to the Catholic religion. I chose to become Catholic because I first studied the Catholic religious doctrine and found that the Catholic Church teaches the truth. The Catholic teaching is a solid reflection of my own personal religious beliefs. Nobody forced me to become Catholic, I educated myself about this ancient religious tradition, and then I chose it as my church. I prefer the moral guidance of a 2,000-year-old tradition over and above the fleeting political whims of whatever political party may be in power.

I am concerned that the US government is infringing upon my religious faith. The Catholic Bishops speak for me when they voice their opposition to the freedom of religion/ contraception mandate. I believe that this mandate is only the first step of many more mandates to come. I cherish the Catholic Church and I want to be sure that it remains INTACT and is passed down to future generations in its ancient form.

The US government has over-stepped its boundaries. All that it will take to make things right is for the US government to simply step back again, into its rightful place.

Cardinal Dolan, I want to thank you for your leadership in the current religious freedom/contraception battle. I fear that the underlying intention of the government is to silence the Church from being able to speak with moral authority on the evils of abortion. If the government can force the Catholic Church to provide contraceptives in ANY way, shape or form, then pro-abortion groups will immediately shout: “Who are the Catholics to speak out against abortion? The Catholics themselves provide contraceptives to their employees!” In that way, the last strong bastion standing against abortion will be rendered null and void.

These times are so ominous, but also so rich with opportunity for Catholics and Christians everywhere to awaken to a deeper understanding and commitment of the faith. It seems to me that God may be “hardening Pharaoh’s heart” in regards to the President’s unexplainable and unwavering position against the Catholic faith. This gives me hope that, as in Exodus, God intends to lead his people “out of Egypt,” and away from the worship of false gods that is so prevalent in our society today.

Thank you, Cardinal Dolan, for your brave leadership against the trials the Church is facing. I pray that you will continue to have the strength and fortitude to stand against this evil tide which is washing over the Catholic Church.

May God bless you,
Theresa

]]> By: Amy B http://blog.archny.org/index.php/lent-offerings/comment-page-1/#comment-60773 Amy B Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:24:20 +0000 http://blog.archny.org/?p=2299#comment-60773 @Chris you need to look at the data behind the statistic that 98% of Catholic women use contraception. First of all that statistic came from Planned Parenthood. Next they only considered women between the ages of 15 and 45. They also only looked at women who had sex within three months of the survey, and those whom they deem at risk of an unwanted pregnancy. I guess that means they didn't survey very many married wormen. Next they included all birth control in their study, including the pill, the codom and heres the big one NFP. They consider NFP birth control. So yes, I am sure with those criteria 98% of Catholic Women use Birth Control. Next time try reading the fine print before you spout off statistics. Didn't you know that 85% of statistics are made up on the spot, anyway. (LOL) @Chris you need to look at the data behind the statistic that 98% of Catholic women use contraception.
First of all that statistic came from Planned Parenthood. Next they only considered women between the ages of 15 and 45. They also only looked at women who had sex within three months of the survey, and those whom they deem at risk of an unwanted pregnancy. I guess that means they didn’t survey very many married wormen. Next they included all birth control in their study, including the pill, the codom and heres the big one NFP. They consider NFP birth control. So yes, I am sure with those criteria 98% of Catholic Women use Birth Control. Next time try reading the fine print before you spout off statistics. Didn’t you know that 85% of statistics are made up on the spot, anyway. (LOL)

]]> By: Heather Wilson http://blog.archny.org/index.php/lent-offerings/comment-page-1/#comment-60749 Heather Wilson Thu, 08 Mar 2012 21:03:00 +0000 http://blog.archny.org/?p=2299#comment-60749 I would say that the Cardinal here is being overly dramatic - if not inflammatory. The catholic church is not being asked to "give up" anything. Rather, it is being asked to consider and respect the religious freedom of the millions of individuals it employees, respect the fact that it operates in a pluralistic society, enjoys tax exempt status, and is required to adhere to the law of the land. It is not an attack on religious freedom or liberty or the catholic church. This inflammatory rhetoric, arrogance and misinformation contributes to the divisiveness in this country and truly can not be what Jesus would have wanted. Hang in there Chris. The voice of the laity is never heard but I respect you for continuing to try and not blindly and mindlessly following the self righteous herd. I would say that the Cardinal here is being overly dramatic – if not inflammatory. The catholic church is not being asked to “give up” anything. Rather, it is being asked to consider and respect the religious freedom of the millions of individuals it employees, respect the fact that it operates in a pluralistic society, enjoys tax exempt status, and is required to adhere to the law of the land. It is not an attack on religious freedom or liberty or the catholic church. This inflammatory rhetoric, arrogance and misinformation contributes to the divisiveness in this country and truly can not be what Jesus would have wanted. Hang in there Chris. The voice of the laity is never heard but I respect you for continuing to try and not blindly and mindlessly following the self righteous herd.

]]> By: TexasBel http://blog.archny.org/index.php/lent-offerings/comment-page-1/#comment-60718 TexasBel Wed, 07 Mar 2012 23:01:52 +0000 http://blog.archny.org/?p=2299#comment-60718 I would like to thank Cardinal Dolan for sharing this with us and continuing to guide us in our journeys of faith. Chris please don't be offended by others' responses to your post. Think of them as loving corrections made by your brothers and sisters. God Bless Everyone! I would like to thank Cardinal Dolan for sharing this with us and continuing to guide us in our journeys of faith.

Chris please don’t be offended by others’ responses to your post. Think of them as loving corrections made by your brothers and sisters.

God Bless Everyone!

]]> By: NATE http://blog.archny.org/index.php/lent-offerings/comment-page-1/#comment-60714 NATE Wed, 07 Mar 2012 22:02:39 +0000 http://blog.archny.org/?p=2299#comment-60714 If a person works for a Catholic Church, Hospital, etc., and takes birth control pills that person has acted on their own. If the Government mandates that the Church, Hospital, etc, must provide birth control, that is fully invading our Faith! What of a Catholic School? We would never provide the answers for exams! If we did we would be shutdown by the Government. BUT, if the Government gives the kids the answers THEY are at fault. IF they made us to give the students with exams what would happen? No, We must stand strong in living our Faith! If a person works for a Catholic Church, Hospital, etc., and takes birth control pills that person has acted on their own. If the Government mandates that the Church, Hospital, etc, must provide birth control, that is fully invading our Faith! What of a Catholic School? We would never provide the answers for exams! If we did we would be shutdown by the Government. BUT, if the Government gives the kids the answers THEY are at fault. IF they made us to give the students with exams what would happen? No, We must stand strong in living our Faith!

]]> By: Chris http://blog.archny.org/index.php/lent-offerings/comment-page-1/#comment-60713 Chris Wed, 07 Mar 2012 21:53:26 +0000 http://blog.archny.org/?p=2299#comment-60713 @Dallas Dolan I was a practicing Catholic for years, until I had my eyes opened. I no longer believe that a group of old men, insulated from the world can make the wisest of choices, nor will I surrender my free will to this group. I do have opinions, I have a mind and a voice, for to long Catholic Laity have been told to shut up, the Bishops know best. This attitude is what produced the priest sex scandels and the cover-ups. The Church is dying because its leadership is removed from its flock. Its time for the Bishops to listen. 98% of Catholic women ignore the Bishops, other Catholic organizations, such as the The Catholic Health Association of the United States and the Association Of Jesuit Colleges And Universities , support the President and reject the pure political play of the Bishops. Its beyond time for the laity to no longer be mindless sheep, but to speak up. @Dallas Dolan

I was a practicing Catholic for years, until I had my eyes opened. I no longer believe that a group of old men, insulated from the world can make the wisest of choices, nor will I surrender my free will to this group.

I do have opinions, I have a mind and a voice, for to long Catholic Laity have been told to shut up, the Bishops know best. This attitude is what produced the priest sex scandels and the cover-ups. The Church is dying because its leadership is removed from its flock. Its time for the Bishops to listen. 98% of Catholic women ignore the Bishops, other Catholic organizations, such as the The Catholic Health Association of the United States and the Association Of Jesuit Colleges And Universities , support the President and reject the pure political play of the Bishops.

Its beyond time for the laity to no longer be mindless sheep, but to speak up.

]]> By: Dallas Dolan http://blog.archny.org/index.php/lent-offerings/comment-page-1/#comment-60711 Dallas Dolan Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:54:43 +0000 http://blog.archny.org/?p=2299#comment-60711 Cardinal George wrote a column according to the teachings of the church Responding to Chris maybe you should go to church and find out what it means to be a catholic. Cardinal George wrote a column according to the teachings of the church
Responding to Chris maybe you should go to church and find out what it means to be a catholic.

]]> By: michigancatholic http://blog.archny.org/index.php/lent-offerings/comment-page-1/#comment-60710 michigancatholic Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:54:15 +0000 http://blog.archny.org/?p=2299#comment-60710 Chris, With all due respect, you are compartmentalizing your religion, so that you don't have to face the consequences of living the Gospel. You may not like what the Gospel says, but that doesn't change it. I suggest you read it, slowly and carefully. Also read the 10 Commandments, particularly where it says that murder of any human being is a sin. Chris,
With all due respect, you are compartmentalizing your religion, so that you don’t have to face the consequences of living the Gospel. You may not like what the Gospel says, but that doesn’t change it. I suggest you read it, slowly and carefully. Also read the 10 Commandments, particularly where it says that murder of any human being is a sin.

]]> By: Irwin http://blog.archny.org/index.php/lent-offerings/comment-page-1/#comment-60704 Irwin Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:55:05 +0000 http://blog.archny.org/?p=2299#comment-60704 OUTSTANDING!!!!!! Many people including Catholics think that the "FAITH" is similar to politics. It is not. Even if only the Bishops support the tenets of the Faith that is enough. Nonpracticing Catholics have thousands of options including starting their own church. I stand WITH THE BISHOPS against Obama and obamacare. OUTSTANDING!!!!!! Many people including Catholics think that the “FAITH” is similar to politics. It is not. Even if only the Bishops support the tenets of the Faith that is enough. Nonpracticing Catholics have thousands of options including starting their own church. I stand WITH THE BISHOPS against Obama and obamacare.

]]> By: Elaine Schenk, M.Id http://blog.archny.org/index.php/lent-offerings/comment-page-1/#comment-60703 Elaine Schenk, M.Id Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:51:03 +0000 http://blog.archny.org/?p=2299#comment-60703 Chris missed the point entirely. So many people miss the point entirely. I asked myself yesterday why so many people, beginning with the government, don't seem to understand what we are saying. I then had to ask myself whether I have preached the Gospel with the same passion and personal testimony that converted thousands from Pentecost onward. If my neighbor does not understand the Gospel, maybe it's because I have not yet shed my blood for the sake of Christ and His Gospel. Cardinal George, please continue to be the eloquent voice that you are, in communion with the Chair of Peter, guarantee of truth. This Lent, I pledge to be the witness that I have not yet been. Anyone who reads this, please pray for me. + Chris missed the point entirely. So many people miss the point entirely. I asked myself yesterday why so many people, beginning with the government, don’t seem to understand what we are saying. I then had to ask myself whether I have preached the Gospel with the same passion and personal testimony that converted thousands from Pentecost onward. If my neighbor does not understand the Gospel, maybe it’s because I have not yet shed my blood for the sake of Christ and His Gospel. Cardinal George, please continue to be the eloquent voice that you are, in communion with the Chair of Peter, guarantee of truth. This Lent, I pledge to be the witness that I have not yet been. Anyone who reads this, please pray for me. +

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