Pope Francis’ ”Who am I to judge?” comment causing big problems for Seattle Archbishop

Supporters of ousted Eastside Catholic School vice principal Mark Zmuda took their case to Seattle Archbishop J. Peter Sartain on Wednesday, submitting 21,000 signatures on a petition seeking a dialogue and calling for reinstatement of “Mr. Z.”

Eastside Catholic students were in school where they presented their own petition to Principal Mary E. Tracy. Zmuda was forced out in December after the school learned that he had married his male partner last summer.

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Editor’s note: We have no way of knowing how many of the 21,000 signatures on that petition are from Catholics – but from this we might infer that the level of Catholic faith formation in the Seattle area is downright pathetic.

Pro-life leaders urge caution, while Pope, Cardinal Dolan praise controversial Nelson Mandela

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, December 6, 2013 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The death of South African former President Nelson ‘Madiba’ Rolihlahla Mandela on Thursday has led to an outpouring of glowing praise for the man most known for ending apartheid – a system of racial segregation.

However, pro-life leaders have warned that praise from Christian leaders is inappropriate given Mandela’s role in bringing abortion-on-demand and homosexual “marriage” to South Africa.

According to official statistics, nearly a million unborn children have been killed in South Africa since President Mandela signed legislation in 1996 permitting abortion on demand two years after taking office. Same-sex ‘marriage’ was legalized in 2006, with Mandela having supported it long before its passage.

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Legalizing Civil Homosexual Marriage: Institutionalizing an objectively (mortally) sinful reality.

by Doug Lawrence

Anyone living “in sin” – i.e. two unmarried persons, cohabiting and having sexual relations with each other  – whether homosexual or heterosexual – institutionalizes and makes permanent a living arrangement which is objectively, mortally sinful.

Many do not understand (or evidently, even care) that it is impossible to make a good confession while maintaining an illicit relationship of this kind, which typically means that sins – any and all of them – cannot be absolved/forgiven in the sacrament of reconciliation – unless and until something changes.

For cohabiting heterosexual couples it would require either sacramental matrimony or once again maintaining two separate domiciles.

For cohabiting homosexuals, sacramental matrimony is not now and will never be an option. Maintaining two separate domiciles is the only solution.

There is no acceptable Catholic “middle ground” – no possible compromise of the truth.

Hence, despite the appearances, homosexual “marriage” is a spiritual “dead end” – virtually guaranteed to have a  dismal future – no matter what Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, President Barack Obama, V.P. Joe Biden and others have to say about it.

Cohabiting heterosexual couples should either get married or stop living together – ASAP – for the good of their own  immortal souls.

This is not rocket science. It’s what used to be known as good old common sense!

Bishop Paprocki explains the reason for his exorcism

A Last Chance for Lost Souls

The good bishop should also be excommunicating … not merely exorcising!

Bishop Thomas John Paprocki to Offer “Prayers of Supplication and Exorcism in Reparation for the Sin of Same-sex Marriage”

SPRINGFIELD — Scheduled for approximately the same time that Gov. Pat Quinn signs into Illinois law the redefinition of civil marriage, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki will offer “Prayers of Supplication and Exorcism in Reparation for the Sin of Same-Sex Marriage” at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Sixth and Lawrence streets in Springfield, on Wednesday, Nov. 20, from 4 to 5 p.m. Clergy, religious and laity are invited to attend.

“The context for this prayer service may be understood by recalling the words of Pope Francis when he faced a similar situation as Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 2010,” Bishop Paprocki said.

Regarding the proposed redefinition of civil marriage in Argentina, then-Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio wrote on June 22, 2010: “The Argentine people must face, in the next few weeks, a situation whose result may gravely harm the family. It is the bill on matrimony of persons of the same sex. The identity of the family, and its survival, are in jeopardy here: father, mother, and children. The life of so many children who will be discriminated beforehand due to the lack of human maturity that God willed them to have with a father and a mother is in jeopardy. At stake is the total rejection of God’s law engraved in our hearts. … Let us not be naive: it is not a simple political struggle; it is an intention [which is] destructive of the plan of God. It is not a mere legislative project (this is a mere instrument), but rather a ‘move’ of the father of lies who wishes to confuse and deceive the children of God.”

Bishop Paprocki noted, “The pope’s reference to the ‘father of lies’ comes from the Gospel of John (8:44), where Jesus refers to the devil as ‘a liar and the father of lies.’ So Pope Francis is saying that same-sex ‘marriage’ comes from the devil and should be condemned as such.”

The prayers for “Supplication and Exorcism Which May Be Used in Particular Circumstances of the Church” are taken from the Appendices to the 2004 Latin edition of the Rite of Exorcism, the introduction to which explains, “The presence of the Devil and other demons appears and exists not only in the tempting or tormenting of persons, but also in the penetration of things and places in a certain manner by their activity, and in various forms of opposition to and persecution of the church. If the diocesan bishop, in particular situations, judges it appropriate to announce gatherings of the faithful for prayer, under the leadership and direction of a priest, elements for arranging a rite of supplication may be taken from [the texts provided in these appendices].”

Bishop Paprocki said that since same-sex marriage is contrary to the plan of God (see Genesis 1:27 and 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6 and Mark 10:6-9), those who contract civil same-sex marriage are culpable of serious sin. He also noted that politicians who enacted civil same-sex marriage legislation are “morally complicit as co-operators in facilitating this grave sin.”

“It is scandalous that so many Catholic politicians are responsible for enabling the passage of this legislation and even twisting the words of the pope to rationalize their actions despite the clear teaching of the church,” he said. “All politicians now have the moral obligation to work for the repeal of this sinful and objectionable legislation. We must pray for deliverance from this evil which has penetrated our state and our church.”

Bishop Paprocki concluded, “Pope Francis has also urged us to be mindful of God’s mercy, so it is good to recall the profound expression of divine mercy uttered by Jesus as he was dying on the cross to save us from our sins, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do’ (Luke 23:34).”

The Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois is 130 parishes in 28 counties in central Illinois.

Seen on the web re: Illinois politicians using the Pope’s comments for cover on their vote to legalize homosexual marriage

Janet Baker

November 6, 2013 at 11:30 pm · Reply

I just don’t see it that he has been misrepresented. He said what he said. He had the chance to deny that he said we were not ‘to judge.’ But in fact that is Vatican II’s legacy, when it made the Church subsist along with all others in a greater ‘church’ where salvation may be found for all, without Christ, without the sacraments, without baptism. It is a doctrinal problem and Pope Francis’ words accurately reflect the doctrine of that cursed council. Perhaps God is letting us have enough rope to hang ourselves. It was easier to believe Benedict’s more elevated modernism, to hope it meant that everything was okay, would turn out okay, without the painful process that rooting out that council and that rotten doctrine. Maybe now the middle-of-the-roaders, who forget yesterday’s lesson as soon as they awaken each morning, will finally get it. What that awakening means for us, I do not know. It is the duty of the Cardinals to declare a manifest heretic. They can do that. If he allows a woman ‘cardinal,’ will they? By the way, this is not the first time the flaw has influenced our politics: democratic politicians, including Nancy Pelosi and Biden, cite the Council as the source of their votes on abortion.

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Scandal of the Week: “Catholic” Speaker of Illinois House cites Pope Francis when voting to OK homosexual marriage.

The speaker quoted Pope Francis
in explaining his decision
to vote for the bill:

“If someone is gay, he searches for the lord and has good will, who am I to judge?”

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Editor’s note: To put it correctly: “Those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience — those too may achieve eternal salvation …” (Lumen Gentium)

Scandal of the week: Retired Catholic priest officiates at two New Jersey homosexual “weddings”

According to USA Today, gay marriage (in New Jersey) officially became legal at midnight and several couples made sure that they were among the first to get married.

Councilwoman Amy Quinn and partner Heather Jensen were married in Asbury Park with another couple, Steven Brunner and Daniel Baum, in a joint ceremony. “I think it’s wonderful,” the Rev. Thomas Pivinski, who officiated the two weddings, said. “I am just very grateful that the state has recognized the equality of all people.”

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Editor’s note: Retired or not, somebody (the local bishop) needs to have a serious talk with Rev. Pivinski. Anyone want to bet whether or not the pope calls him?

Proclaiming God’s truth when nobody cares to hear (or heed) it

Honolulu’s Catholic Bishop Larry Silva has issued an “urgent” appeal against gay marriage in Hawaii, arguing bluntly that some forms of discrimination are acceptable — including discrimination against same-sex couples.

The prelate’s appeal came as Gov. Neil Abercrombie is being urged to call a special session of the Hawaii Legislature to legalize marriage equality.  Six states including Washington have legalized same-sex marriage in the past year, and a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling has brought marriage equality back to California.

“The language of the proponents is meant to convince us that this is a civil rights issue and that anyone who does not agree is bigoted,” Silva wrote.  “Do not be led astray with such language, and do not allow yourself to be bullied by it.”

The Honolulu bishop is — literally — urging his flock to hit the beads.  Silva told Catholics they should pray the rosary daily against same-sex marriage, and “if possible” recite their prayers around the State Capitol block in Honolulu.

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Editor’s note: Ever since the homosexual community managed to dodge the primary responsibility for the spread of the HIV virus – and induce the government to pay the tab for both the care and the restorative therapies – it was apparent (to me) that some type of malevolent, even demonic force was at work in the body politic.

The demeanor of many homosexuals and homosexualist groups – including the Democratic Party – seems to confirm this, so Bishop Silva’s approach is absolute correct and eminently practical.

We should all join in his Rosary campaign.

Illinois is the first state to stop the gay marriage momentum since North Carolina in 2012.

“Today a broad grassroots coalition of Illinois families of Faith of all creeds and colors took on all the Illinois political bosses from Washington to the Governor’s Mansion to Chicago’s City Hall who tried to pay back the homosexual community for their political support,” said Paul Caprio, Spokesman for the Coalition to Protect Children & Marriage.

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Bishop Tobin’s letter to Catholics on the Approval of “Same-Sex Marriage” in Rhode Island

My dear Brothers and Sisters,

Since the legislative approval of “same-sex marriage” in Rhode Island, a number of people have requested that I offer some guidance on this development. It is for that purpose that I write at this time. In particular I wish to invite members of the Catholic Church in Rhode Island to a moment of prayer and reflection as we respond to this new challenge of the post-Christian era into which, clearly, we have now entered.

First, like many others, I am profoundly disappointed that Rhode Island has approved legislation that seeks to legitimize “same-sex marriage.” The Catholic Church has fought very hard to oppose this immoral and unnecessary proposition, and we are most grateful to all those who have courageously joined us in this effort. When all is said and done, however, we know that God will be the final judge of our actions.

As I have emphasized consistently in the past, the Catholic Church has respect, love and pastoral concern for our brothers and sisters who have same-sex attraction. I sincerely pray for God’s blessings upon them, that they will enjoy much health, happiness and peace. We also offer our prayerful support to families, especially parents, who often struggle with this issue when it occurs in their own homes.

Our respect and pastoral care, however, does not mean that we are free to endorse or ignore immoral or destructive behavior, whenever or however it occurs. Indeed, as St. Paul urges us, we are required to “speak the truth in love.” (Eph 4:15)

At this moment of cultural change, it is important to affirm the teaching of the Church, based on God’s word, that “homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered,” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2357) and always sinful. And because “same-sex marriages” are clearly contrary to God’s plan for the human family, and therefore objectively sinful, Catholics should examine their consciences very carefully before deciding whether or not to endorse same-sex relationships or attend same-sex ceremonies, realizing that to do so might harm their relationship with God and cause significant scandal to others.

Despite this serious regression in the public morality of our state we need to recognize that there are other major issues that demand our attention. We must continue to engage our culture, remembering that Jesus called us to be “the salt of the earth and the light of the world.” (Mt 5:13-14) Be assured, therefore, that the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Providence will continue its mission of preaching the Gospel, advocating for what is right and just, and serving the needs of our community to the very best of our ability.

Without a doubt this is a time of challenge, even disappointment for many of us, but it is also an opportunity to be steadfast and courageous, and to renew our commitment to Christ and His Church. As our Lord Jesus Christ told us, “In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” (Jn 16:33)

Dear brothers and sisters, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother, the Virgin Mary, may God be with you as you continue your journey of faith, and may He bless you and your families with His finest gifts, now and always.

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Let’s see how the Vatican handles this one.

“Vice President Biden and Nancy Pelosi should certainly not receive Communion, either at the papal installation or anywhere else. Communion means ‘union,’ and they are not in union with the Church on the most fundamental moral issue of the right to life,” said the Rev. Frank Pavone, founder of Priests for Life, a U.S.-based Catholic anti-abortion organization. “Should they receive at this ceremony, there will be a public uproar, and rightly so.”

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The woman who said the Our Lady of Guadalupe image was “a nice picture” and then asked, “Who painted it?” comes out for homosexual marriage.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Monday publicly endorsed gay marriage in a new video released by the gay rights advocacy group the Human Rights Campaign.

Clinton, who resigned Feb. 1 after four years of service, says in the video that she was eager to share her views on gay rights and gay marriage after the end of her time in public office.

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Editor’s note: It’s the same old story. Saint Paul accurately describes the situation here.

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made. His eternal power also and divinity: so that they are inexcusable. Because that, when they knew God, they have not glorified him as God or given thanks: but became vain in their thoughts. And their foolish heart was darkened.

For, professing themselves to be wise, they became fools. And they changed the glory of the incorruptible God into the likeness of the image of a corruptible man and of birds, and of fourfooted beasts and of creeping things. Wherefore, God gave them up to the desires of their heart, unto uncleanness: to dishonor their own bodies among themselves.

Who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause, God delivered them up to shameful affections. For their women have changed the natural use into that use which is against nature. And, in like manner, the men also, leaving the natural use of the women, have burned in their lusts, one towards another: men with men, working that which is filthy and receiving in themselves the recompense which was due to their error.

And as they liked not to have God in their knowledge, God delivered them up to a reprobate sense, to do those things which are not convenient. Being filled with all iniquity, malice, fornication, avarice, wickedness: full of envy, murder, contention, deceit, malignity: whisperers, Detractors, hateful to God, contumelious, proud, haughty, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Foolish, dissolute: without affection, without fidelity, without mercy. Who, having known the justice of God, did not understand that they who do such things, are worthy of death: and not only they that do them, but they also that consent to them that do them.  (Romans 1:20-32)

Families Respond To Pro-Homosexual Marriage Illinois Senate and Governor With An Inspiring Lobby Day.

Yesterday in Springfield—in 19° weather—hope animated the men, women, and children as they arrived, busload by busload, car by car, from every corner of the state to express their opposition to the removal of sexual complementarity from the legal definition of marriage.

Despite the indoctrination that pervades academia, the bias that dominates the mainstream media, the flood of Hollywood images that glamorize homosexuality, and the increasing vilification of those who dare to dissent from “progressivism,” scores of Illinoisans remain resolute in their defense of marriage.

All those unable to be in Springfield but who recognize that children have a right to a mother and a father, who treasure religious liberty, who understand that the government does not construct marriage, and who rightfully fear the consequences of the government’s refusal to recognize what marriage is owe a debt of gratitude to the thousands who stood for truth in the public square today.

Photos and text

Education scandal: Man who attended Catholic grade school, high school, three Catholic universities and was employed at two Catholic high schools gets things totally wrong. Loses job.

“I believe in Catholicism,” says Moroski. “But my conscience will not permit me to recant my statement. I put it up there because I really truly honestly believe it. I’m absolutely willing to lose my job over this. The only difficult thing for me now is the students.”

On January 27, Moroski published on his personal blog a post titled “Choose your battles”:

“I unabashedly believe that gay people should be allowed to marry. Ethically, morally and legally I believe this…

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Editor’s note: Even a fool, if he will hold his peace, shall be counted wise: and if he close his lips, a man of understanding.  (Proverbs 17:28)

Illinois scandal of the week: 260 clergy — many from Chicago — back gay-marriage legislation.

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Seattle Archbishop Sartain: Catholic Churches may not recognize same-sex ‘marriage’ in any way.

“Since marriage is regulated by both civil and canon law,” he wrote, “clerics must always keep in mind the demands of both law systems.  Now that any two persons regardless of gender are permitted to enter marriage as defined in the state of Washington, the law of the Catholic Church diverges from civil law.”

“This change in civil law is not in the best interest of children or society,” he wrote.

– No priest or deacon or lay minister may officiate at a same-sex “marriage.”
– No church facility or school facility may be offered for such an event, even if it is to be witnessed by a non-Catholic minister or civil official.
– No church facility or school facility may be used for a reception after such an event.
– No church ministers, ordained or lay, may offer “wedding preparation” for such couples.

The refresher also addressed the civil aspects of the law.

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Editor’s note: Also worth considering – those who choose to live in an objective state of mortal sin are typically unable to receive absolution (for ANY sins) in the sacrament of reconciliation – unless/until their living arrangement changes – for the better.

At least … this time … it wasn’t Pat Robertson

Gov. Cuomo blasted an upstate rabbi’s claims that Hurricane Sandy was “divine” payback for the state passing  a gay marriage law “as offensive as they are ignorant.”

Cuomo was responding to comments made last week–and detailed in my “Albany Insider” column today–by Rabbi Noson Leiter, who made them as he supported Conservative state Senate candidate Neil DiCarlo.

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Editor’s note: The rabbi’s heart may or may not be in the right place, but it’s pretty obvious that it’s Governor Cuomo who is God’s chosen instrument of chastisement, for New Yorkers.

5 Vital Questions Every Catholic Must Answer This Election

Portions of An Open Letter from Father John P. Hedges:

Anyone who promotes legislation legalizing the murder of unborn children shares in the guilt of murdering these children. Any political candidate who promotes the heinous crime of abortion shares in the guilt of murder. Such a candidate is unworthy of public office.

Anyone who votes into public office a candidate who promotes abortion, shares in the guilt of murdering innocent human life. For Catholics, this is inexcusable in the light of the Church’s constant teaching and the law of God. It is inexcusable for any human being endowed with reason and will.

With regards to same-sex “marriage,” the teaching of Jesus Christ and His Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church is crystal clear. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2357-2359) can be summarized in three basic points:

 1. Homosexual acts are acts of grave depravity; they are mortal sins which cry to heaven for vengeance.     Under no circumstances can they be approved.

2. Homosexuality is an objective disorder.

3. Homosexual persons are to be treated with respect, compassion, and sensitivity.

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Op-ed: We are Catholics and we oppose Referendum 74 to legalize same-sex marriage

The state of Washington already provides all of the same legal benefits to same-sex couples that are provided to married couples. The only matter in question with Referendum 74 is whether the word “marriage” also applies to couples that are composed of two members of the same sex, rather than only one woman and one man.

At the same time, it should be noted that there are currently 9,863 domestic partnerships in Washington, representing only 0.0029 percent of the entire state population.

Not only would Referendum 74 allow the state legislation changing the legal definition of marriage to go into effect, but it could directly affect the First Amendment rights of the U.S. Constitution: the freedoms of religion, conscience and free speech for those who, like us, have different values. We would be forced to accept a legal definition of marriage that signifies a genderless institution.

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How will gay ‘marriage’ hurt us? Here’s how.

June 28, 2012 (Breakpoint.org) – Christians are often asked by gay activists why they oppose same-sex “marriage.” “How does our marriage hurt you?” they ask.

Well, I can think of one significant way it will hurt us: It will destroy religious freedom and free speech rights.

The handwriting is on the wall in Canada, which legalized same-sex “marriage” in 2005, in effect completely changing its true meaning. Since then, as Michael Coren notes in National Review Online, “there have been between 200 and 300 proceedings … against critics and opponents of same-sex marriage.” Of course he means legal proceedings.

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