Framing the Dialogue

Posts Tagged ‘catholic’

News Briefs – Volume XXXI – Very UnCONSTITUTIONAL

News briefs are a collection of interesting news stories. This edition is all about how Obama’s unconstitutional actions WILL affect your life

Brief 1:  One option that a president has to get some of his controversial nominees appointed is to wait for Congress to recess and then is able to appoint them to a limited term.  I remember celebrating W’s recess appointment of John Bolton as U.N. ambassador.  Obama stired controversy on recent recess appointments because Congress was not actually in recess.  The Supreme Court and settled law had determined that if Congress was not in session for three or more days then they were in recess.  Obama, with the backing of his Justice Department waited ONE DAY to claim a recess and appoint his henchmen.  Fortunately we have a strong Congress who cares about maintain the delicate balance of the three branches of government and will soon fix/find a way to reverse the appointments – - Oh wait we don’t have enough Congressmen with the guts to take on Obama.

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News Briefs – Volume XXX Separation or Suppression

News briefs are a collection of interesting news stories. This edition is all about how the progressive, secular left is waging war on religion allegedly in the name of tolerance.  The false claim of a constitutional provision requiring a “separation of church and state” has been liberally interpreted to attempt to remove any hint of religion from public places while the constitution actually states;

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

You decide whether the following briefs demonstrate a attempt to limit the free exercise of religion:

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End of the World Commencement

We recently had the good fortune of attending the graduation ceremony for our oldest as he moves from university life to working life. This is even more gratifying for him as he has secured gainful employment in a field that he loves. Congratulations Kevin!

The ceremony was full of pomp and circumstance befitting the achievements of the now former students. Professors in robes, loud trumpets blared, and around 250 graduated in their blue cap and gowns. Speeches were made and diplomas (really just place holders until the real ones are mailed this week) were handed out. The university is a Catholic school and I would say fairly conservative for a college these days and this was the graduation from only the business school which, in general, is even a little more conservative.

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Raised Catholic

If you are like me and you shop the bargain bins at book stores, flea markets, and book trains you sometimes come across an older book that catches your eye.  Raised Catholic was such a book for me.  I have read a few of these “catholic” books over the years and have found them to be funny, but felt that they dwelt too long some of the corporal issues relating to how discipline was handled in our schools.  I expected pretty much the same from author Ed Stivender, pictured here on the book cover with a yard stick, a popular “tool” used to deliver the aforementioned punishment.

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Travel Treasure – Byzantine Seminary Press

I travel a little and often come across unique places.  Many are duds, some are interesting, but some are stunning and cool.  This series is about the stunners. 

I didn’t have to travel very far for this one.  I first discovered it after my Father passed away in 2004.  I was looking for some mementos for my children to remember him by and to commemorate his life.  He was always proud of his Byzantine heritage (yes we are Catholics too) and I wanted to get each of them a cross to be blessed by his priest during the memorial services.  Our Byzantine cross is different from the one used in the Roman Catholic church in that it includes the place where Jesus’ feet were and the sign that was hung mocking him (see photo – the Byzantine cross is on left).  Most religious stores do not sell these crosses. 

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Growing Up Catholic

Growing Up CatholicDid you know that there are around 900 million Catholics in the world and that the population of the United States is 22.7% Catholic?  That could help explain the fact that most of my friends growing up were Catholic or it could have been the fact that my family is Catholic, I went to a Catholic school, and went to CCD each Sunday.  If you grew up Catholic in the 1960 or before, Growing Up Catholic will be a nice trip down memory lane.  If you have Catholic friends or are married to one and want to understand them better, this may help.

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A Funny Thing Happened…

I have had a very weird experience recently that has turned out to be one of the coolest things.  It all started months ago during a “tea and cookie” reception after my youngest daughter’s confirmation.  Some lady found my daughter and told her that she knew me from a long time ago.   She came over to where we were standing and introduced herself. 

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True American Hero – Bishop John M. D’Arcy

“The ultimate determinant in the struggle now going on for the world will not be bombs and rockets but a test of wills and ideas-a trial of spiritual resolve: the values we hold, the beliefs we cherish and the ideals to which we are dedicated.”

                                                                         Ronald Reagan

Growing up Catholic nearly 50 years ago did not entail a great deal of “gray” areas when it came to right vs wrong debates.  The Ten Commandments are pretty clear and Sister Mary Margaret let us know when we strayed.  Punishment was swift and we survived and were better for it.  As a parent, I especially like number Four (Honor your Father and your Mother), I am not sure my children get the whole “honor” thing (that should trigger a comment if they read my posts).

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