Daily Kos: Cardinal Dolan & K-Lo are going to have a sad: Obama slaughtering Romney among Catholics
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Archdiocese of Phila. in serious financial shape - and so are its parishes
The archdiocese, the central organizing force for 1.46 million Catholics in Southeastern Pennsylvania, depends on money from member parishes to pay for churchwide activities and to shift money to weaker parishes.
But that formula is broken: Too many parishes have seen attendance fall and offerings shrivel, rendering them unable to support themselves
"More than two-thirds of the parishes have operating deficits,"
Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/business/20120930_Archdiocese_of_Phila__in_serious_financial_shape_-_and_so_are_its_parishes.html#ixzz280rsEV8k
Watch sports videos you won't find anywhere else
Top U.S. Bishop says government needs to do more for poor, blasts rhetoric - National economic policy | Examiner.com
The top U.S. Bishop, Cardinal Dolan, issued a strong statement today condemning the political rhetoric that portrays poor people in a negative way. He said it is not enough for churches and charities to help the poor the government must play its part as well.
What is the worth of St. James’ 22 acres on Town Hall and Squaw Prairie?
See the clip (below) from this Sunday’s Register Star, Page E4. Sixty-one acres with the same general location sold for $460,000 or $7541 per acre,
Using that price—22 acres would be worth just under $166,000.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Equality Illinois rejects Cardinal George's narrow vision
Equality Illinois is saddened that Cardinal Francis George used a grand celebration on Sunday to denigrate Americans who seek marriages outside the definition he wants to impose on everyone regardless of their religious beliefs.
.The cardinal spoke out at a mass held to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversaries of 400 couples. Instead of simply honoring these families, the cardinal turned the special occasion into a political speech, saying, "There must surely be ways in our civil society, where we can honor friendships, where we can respect other people, without destroying the nature of marriage. It is very important, for your whole lives give witness to what marriage truly means. And while civil laws might change – if they do – then society will be the worse for it."
Click on the following for more details: Equality Illinois rejects Cardinal George's narrow vision
What Archbishop Martin thinks of the ACP. Association of Catholic Priests
Dr Rosemary Eileen McHugh
September 25th, 2012 at 5:48 amI have tremendous respect for the courage of the members of the Association of Catholic Priests in Ireland. At this time in the history of our church, you are fostering dialogue, which is critically needed in our church.
I do not know how the Association of Catholic Priests is doing in the States. If they are looking to you as their model, I will be hopeful that something good will come of all of this for the church.
However, if the American ACP prefers to reflect the views of the American hierarchy, who just seem to want to please the Pope at any cost, rather than face the real needs of the church, then I do not have much hope for the American ACP.
In regard to the clergy sexual abuse scandal, Archbishop Martin is doing a fine job in Dublin in making the abusers accountable. In contrast, the American hierarchy are still denying that sexual abuse by priests is happening, when they can get away with their lies. The American bishops even re-victimize the victims in court through their lawyers. The American bishops are definitely not acting as Good Shepherds, in my view, and neither is the Pope acting as a Good Shepherd.
If the priests, bishops, cardinals and the Pope would reflect on and do what they believe Jesus would do in similar circumstances, I believe that there would be more success at ending the abuse of innocent children. In my experience, as a Catholic physician, the hierarchy in the US are just looking to the Pope as their model, and not Jesus.
I believe that the Pope and Curia want to suppress all dialogue, and want us all to act as obedient children, so that they can maintain their power. Unless there is dialogue, there cannot be healthy change.
Thankyou for supplying ways of being able to dialogue about the critical issues in our church.
Sincerely, Dr Rosemary Eileen McHugh, Chicago, IL.
What Archbishop Martin thinks of the ACP. Association of Catholic Priests
Vatican opens public butler leaks trial - Yahoo! News
That said, access to Gabriele's trial is limited, in part due to space constraints: While the court is technically open to the public, those requesting access must petition the judges to be allowed in. Eight journalists will attend each session and report back to the Vatican press corps. No television, still cameras or recording devices are allowed, and the court transcripts won't be available to the public
Click on the following for more details: Vatican opens public butler leaks trial - Yahoo! News
Thursday, September 27, 2012
When will St.James Have an Education Commission?
“FATHER GEARY IS REFORMING THE EDUCATION COMMISSION.”
-MORE INFORMATION WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON-
Click on the photocopy to enlarge:
The above is taken from the parish website at: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsaAqhotguDmmO7UZDAEzymW_hGIYq9lHsnlwTqie16SxN6YyPQ5EA4ypLpmDEByVwudCife2SYpuaEDEDbbEWUGNorRn6AF26sv6il-_JEKY0SVRZ2zKC8RnhNhyHnEX5vWNdEZULwBo/s1600-h/image%25255B4%25255D.png
Father Geary disbanded this organization, will he ever re-establish it?
I asked Father Geary if the commission was required by the diocese. He stated it was not. I ask him when the commission would be re-established he refused to give any date.
This advisory commission met monthly at the beginning of last school year. Its meetings were open to the public, I attended three of the meetings until the meetings were closed because of “negotiations regarding teachers’ salaries”. Sometime in the Spring it was apparently disbanded. In September 2011 the commission changed the day of the week which the commission met in order that Father Geary could attend the meeting. Father never attended a meeting from September 2011 through February 2012.
Bill P
Weekly Collections for weekend of September 23, 2012
Three additional pledges, $29,825 additional pledge. However, I hear that the Knights of Columbus recently increased their pledge from $50,000 to $75,000 so that may be the bulk of the increase.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Progress seen in Wis. church mediation - UPI.com
The case is the largest of Catholic diocesan bankruptcy to date in terms of the number of claimants, nearly 500, who say they were sexually abused by an individual working for the church, the newspaper said.
Click on the following for this story: Progress seen in Wis. church mediation - UPI.com
Ex-Priest Sues NY Archdiocese for Libel in Sex Abuse Allegations | NBC 10 Philadelphia
Kavanaugh was convicted at a church trial. In May, Catholic church spokesman Joseph Zwilling said in a news release that Kavanaugh deserved to be kicked out of the church because there were "multiple counts" of sexual abuse.
"That is a flat-out lie. There are not multiple counts of sexual abuse of a minor," said Kavanaugh’s sister and attorney Ann Mandt. "And that’s why we sued them. Because it is a lie."
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Quote of the day
You have succeeded in life when all you really want is only what you really need.
--Vernon Howard
above was the “Cryptoquote” from Saturday, September 22, 2012, Rockford Register Star
Friday, September 21, 2012
Schism or Bust: The Irish Catholic Church in Flux | The Platform
On the issue of sexuality, three-quarters reported that they do not view the Catholic Church’s teachings on sexuality as relevant to them or their families. Sixty per cent disagreed with the statement ‘that any sexual expression of love between gay couples is immoral’, while just nine per cent strongly agreed with the Church’s teachings on homosexuality.
The research further found that nine out of ten were in favour of allowing priests to marry. Fifty-five per cent want bishops to serve a fixed term as opposed to serving until they are 75 years of ages, as is the current practice. Up to 77 per cent of the study group also want women to be ordained.
Most interestingly, perhaps, is that a significant proportion of churchgoers and nearly one-quarter of its clergy are experiencing a shift in collective values which may very well lead to the ultimate change; a break with Rome in favour of an independent Irish Catholic Church
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
The Associated Press: 8 new civil suits allege Philadelphia priest abuse
said their clients decided to come forward when former archdiocesan official Monsignor William Lynn was found guilty of child endangerment and received a three- to six-year prison sentence.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Church removes priest for a second time
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput declared the priest, the Rev. Michael Chapman, suitable in May to return to active ministry. Chapman, 56, was preparing to resume his priestly duties when the archdiocese received a new accusation that Chapman had abused a minor approximately 30 years ago, the archdiocese announced.
Church officials immediately turned over the accusation to law enforcement and halted Chapman's return, according to Donna Farrell, a spokeswoman for the archbishop
Click on the following for more details: Church removes priest for a second time
Msgr. Lynn loses bid for bail during appeal - Philly.com
state appeals court rejected a bid Thursday from the former Archdiocese of Philadelphia official to be free on bail while he appeals his historic child-endangerment conviction.
The Superior Court did not include an opinion with its order, or even identify which judge made the ruling.
But it effectively adopted the arguments of Philadelphia prosecutors that Lynn's crime was serious and his sentence long enough to keep him behind bars.
Click on the following for more details: Msgr. Lynn loses bid for bail during appeal - Philly.com
Catholic group focuses on successor to Cardinal Francis George - WGN
Voice of the Faithful is an independent group that has no standing in the Catholic Church," said Colleen Dolan, a spokeswoman for the cardinal. "The idea of encouraging people to send thoughts and ideas to the nuncio (papal representative) is in canon law and is a very good idea. … There's no reason why it has to go through a separate group to be filtered."
Activists contend that they aren't breaking the rules by proposing such a democratic approach. They point to Canon Law 212, which states: "Christ's faithful are at liberty to make known their needs, especially their spiritual needs, and their wishes to the pastors of the Church."
The canon adds: "They have the right, indeed at times the duty, in keeping with their knowledge, competence and position, to manifest to the sacred pastors their views on matters which concern the good of the Church. They have the right also to make their views known to others of Christ's faithful."
Activists cite church historians who wrote about bishop elections in the first millennium and the church's creation of a more centralized internal process to keep emperors and other elites from hijacking the process for political gain.
Click on the following for all of the story: Catholic group focuses on successor to Cardinal Francis George – WGN
Here are the sites for your input:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/votf-bishop
To write to the Papal Nunciature:
The Most Reverend Carlo Maria Vigano
Apostolic Nunciature
3339 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008-3610
Bishop Robert Finn’s Next Problem Is Himself | Firedoglake
prosecution and defense submitted a 9 page stipulation of facts [pdf], from which each side argued their case. Finn lost, and was given a two year suspended sentence of probation with nine conditions, several of which amount to promising to follow the law in the future and telling his priests and others that they must follow the law.
Click on the following for more details: Bishop Robert Finn’s Next Problem Is Himself | Firedoglake
This article provides links to records of the trial. Below is a repeat of those references:
Stipulation of Facts: http://media.kansascity.com/smedia/2012/09/06/17/52/qEbWw.So.81.pdf
Conditions of Probation: http://media.kansas.com/smedia/2012/09/06/17/54/6F8rS.So.81.pdf
A prayer that Bishop Malloy can be these things:
For a bishop, as God’s steward, must be blameless; he must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or addicted to wine or violent or greedy for gain; but he must be hospitable, a lover of goodness, prudent, upright, devout, and self-controlled. (Titus 1:7-8)
. . . and this:
The saying is sure: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. Now a bishop must be above reproach, married only once, temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an apt teacher, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money. . . .Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil. (1 Timothy 2:1-3, 7)
Friday, September 14, 2012
St. James Financial Reports for FY 2012
Below are the most recent financials in the St/ James bulletin on September 15, 2012.
OPERATING ACTIVITY
There is a small operating loss of $36,l11 for FY 2012 compared to net income of $133,535 for FY 2011.
Operating revenue is down $80,737 (-4'.9%) despite large increases in tuition and fees which increased $75,879 (+16.4%). Every item other than tuition and fees are considerably down. Total collections down $64,792 (-7.6%); Donations down $50,952 (-56.9%) and Other Income down $40,872 (-17.8%).
Operating expenses increased $88,909 (+5.6%). General expenses experienced the largest increase up $68,070 (+34.6%). Salaries and Benefits increase $48,495 (+5.0%). Other Expenses increase $14,056 (+13.3%). Building and Grounds (B&G) had a sizeable decrease in costs, $32,329 (-18.8%); these costs may be returning to the level experiences in FY 2010 when B&G equaled $145,944, very similar to FY2012’s $139,780. There no longer is any interest payment.
NON-OPERATING ACTIVITY
Combining FY2011 and FY2012 numbers for the New Building numbers the following facts are obtained. As of June 30, 2012 a total of $1,224,363 ($633,306 plus $591,057) of pledges were collected. $528,905 ($165,737 plus 363,168) was expended for the new building. Of the remaining $695,458, $497,385 is in DIAL deposits (See Statement of Assets and Liabilities 2012) and $198,073 was expended or held elsewhere.
An Attempt to reconcile Debt Retirement, New Building Collection and Dial Building Deposits—Work in Progress
By attempting to review loan repayments during the past five years some of the $198,073 may be reconciled.
See 6-30-2008 Statement of Assets and Liabilities (State A&L),total diocesan loans equaled $480,230. Per Financial Report FY 2009, $234,722 was collected and $228,680 ( Parish Center Debt) was repaid. Leaving a balance of $6,042 not specifically accounted for as separate item on State A&L.
See State A&L 6-30-2010, an account for Dial Deposits-Building appears with $10,142. Apparently this is not recorded as non=operating activity but in one of operating income accounts , see Financial Report FY 2010.
See Financial Report FY2010 $89,058 was paid in principle payment. See A&L 6-30-2010 a debt of $31,678 was incurred.
Debt Retirements Collections
Debt Paymen
Subtotals
Purple appears to be combined source
Debt Retirement Collection Total Diocesan Loans Dial Deposits— Builidng
$234,722 FY2009 $480,230
-228,680 FY2009 -228,680
6,042 $ 251,550
111,133 FY 2010 -89,058 $10,142
$117,175 $162,492
-89,058 +31,678
28, 117 194,170
36,988 -194,688 COL +633,306
-36,988 0 643,448
-157,700
0 NB -165,737
320,011
S/B 387,862
NB -363,168
COL + 591,057 615,751
615,751
Click on the photocopy to enlarge:
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Opinions - The Ram - Fordham University at Rose Hill
“Nuns on the Bus” Leader Captures True Catholic Spirit
Most Catholics, however, have probably not heard of Sister Simone Campbell, the face of the “Nuns on the Bus” tour for social justice this summer and the deliverer of a spirited speech at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, Sept. 5. While Cardinal Dolan’s benedictions certainly leave a fair amount to be discussed, it was actually Sister Campbell who delivered the more interesting speech, a great deal of which focused on Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan.
Diocese of Joliet doesn’t deny reinstated priest abused teen
Read more about this incredible story by click on the following: http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/news/15128263-418/diocese-of-joliet-doesnt-deny-reinstated-priest-abused-teen.html
Here are excerpts from that source
But Ryan is being returned to the ministry based the Vatican’s interpretation of an obscure tenet of canon law that suggests such conduct can be tolerated if the victim was at least 16.
Except the victim says he was 14 at the time.
And he’s baffled by a decision implying that his age at the time made all the difference….
But (Bishop) Conlon said it was not appropriate to discuss publicly what the church found to be the extent of Ryan’s conduct.
As to whether he had any authority to bar Ryan from active ministry despite the decision from Rome, Conlon wrote, “The Bishops are obligated to follow the directives of the Holy See.”….
Conlon heads a U.S. Bishops Committee for the Protection of Children and Young People and recently spoke out on the need to bring more credibility to the church’s handling of the clergy sex abuse scandal.
Now his own credibility is being challenged by the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, a watchdog group that regularly questions the church’s handling of sexual abuse cases.
SNAP drew attention this week to the reinstatement of Ryan
The Chicago Tribune has much to say about the handling of the case by the diocese. Click on the following: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/joliet/ct-met-joliet-priest-20120913,0,127682.story
Here is some of the Tribune article:
diocese's safe environment coordinator insisted on phone communication rather than email despite the accuser's repeated requests to have the diocese put things in writing. He said he initially didn't mind the phone communication, but later realized that many of the details she had told him over the phone were omitted from the official statement to Ryan's parishes announcing his return to ministry.
Justice Ventures Up the Church Hierarchy - NYTimes.com
In court, Bishop Finn apologized and agreed that future allegations would be forwarded to the authorities. His misbehavior, however, is a setback to the hierarchy’s efforts to repair the church’s reputation. This task was underlined in a separate forum last month by Bishop Daniel Conlon of Joliet, Ill., the chairman of the American bishops’ committee for child protection. He said that despite considerable progress with reforms, “our credibility on the subject of child abuse is shredded.” At a minimum, Catholic officials concerned about church credibility should press for the resignation of Bishop Finn for having abetted the scandal.
Click on the following for more details: Justice Ventures Up the Church Hierarchy - NYTimes.com
St. Louis Catholics React To Bishop Robert Finn's Conviction
This article supplies a good history of Bishop Finn’s actions in the Kansas CIty Diocese and the cost of his trial to the diocese.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch | By Jesse Bogan and Tim Townsend
Finn arrived in Kansas City from St. Louis in 2005. By 2008, he was already dealing with the diocese's abuse settlements, paying $10 million to settle abuse claims with 47 victims.
Finn apologized then for the "fully unacceptable behavior" that prompted the lawsuits and assured that new measures were in place "so that we may be confident there will never, ever be a repeat of the behaviors."
But the crime that now will define his tenure in Kansas City occurred two years later….
The diocese's newspaper reported Wednesday that "costs related to grand jury investigations and criminal proceedings involving the Diocese and Bishop Finn" totaled $1.4 million.
Michael Halterman, chief executive officer of Catholic Charities in the diocese, which runs about 65 social service programs, said fundraising has taken a hit even though the nonprofit organization doesn't foot church legal bills.
Click on the following for the entire story: St. Louis Catholics React To Bishop Robert Finn's Conviction
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
It is time again for Catholic Parishes to supply parishioners with an accounting
Below are the financial reports of Sacred Heart, Marengo, Illinois. It was a supplement to last Sunday’s bulletin at Sacred Hear. It appears that each account as reported to the diocese is reproduced for parishioners.
Click on the photocopy to enlarge:
Weekly Contributions for the weekend ending September 9, 2012
No change in any item of DSP? Perhaps DSP was not updated?
September 2, 2012
Increase in DSP pledges of $7,960.
August 26, 2012
August 21, 2012
It should be interesting when the the fiscal year reporting is provided by the parish. That should occur this month and no later than October 2012, Those figures will show what portion of the Total Paid on pledges is actually in the bank.
To view last fiscal year’s numbers go to: http://boonecountycatholics.blogspot.com/2011/10/st-james-fy-2011-financial-reports.html For the fiscal year ending 6-30-2011: $633,306 of Building pledges had been collected. $165,737 was expended on the new building project. There was $387,862 in DIAL Deposits for the new church. Apparently $68,707 was paid for DIAL Loan Principle Payments
For week ending September 9 two additional families donated to the building campaign for an additional $14,410 in Total Pledges.
.
For week ending September 2, 2012 Building Campaign--No additional families however total pledges increased $6,900.
No additional families however total pledges increased $11,215.
Two additional pledges, Total pledges increase $3,872. $314,046 from the $3,000,000 requirement.* SEE FOOTNOTE
This fiscal year’s Sunday Collections
7/3/2011 $14,605 7/1/2012 $15,592
7/10/2011 $12,914 7/8/2012 $14306
7/17/2011 $11,891 7/15/2012 $12,730
7/24/2011 $11,319 7/22/2012 $13,032
7/31/2011 $15,422 7/29/2012 $12,223
8/6/2011 $12,902 8/6/2012 $14,049
8/14/2011 $14,168 8/13/2012 $12,376
8/21/2011 $11,553 8/19/201 $11,880
8/28/2011 $11,806 8-26-2012 $12,226
9-2-2012 $14,133
For more information concerning collections for the past fiscal year go to: http://boonecountycatholics.blogspot.com/2012/06/6-30-2011-financials-1.html
* The $3,000,000 requirement and all other requirements are all now subject to changed based upon the Bishop’s taking control of the project. SEE: tp://www.boonecountycatholics.blogspot.com/2012/08/st-james-will-not-be-breaking-ground.html
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Scope of renovations unclear at St. James in Belvidere - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
By Jennifer Wheeler
Church leaders said construction was delayed because of internal transition within the diocese, including Malloy’s arrival. The architect was forced to put the completion of the drawings on hold.
Geary doesn’t believe this setback will hurt the overall project. He said he will continue talking with city staff and council members about working together to complete the renovations.
“I’m thankful to the city and the bishop and to the parishioners who have been supportive and incredibly generous and patient as we try to build something beautiful for God,” he said.
Click on the following to read all of the story: Scope of renovations unclear at St. James in Belvidere - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
Dozen shots fired near Catholic school in Rockford - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
Is this not a charter school for Rockford Public Schools? St. Patrick’s closed over six years ago.
ROCKFORD — Police recovered 12 bullet casings Monday near St. Patrick Catholic School at North Day Avenue and School Street.
No injuries were reported.
The incident was called in at 3:10 p.m. Police said the shots were fired from two passing vehicles, a blue Chevy Avalanche and a tan and blue vehicle of unknown make and model.
If you have any information about the incident, call Rockford police, 815-987-5824, or Crime Stoppers, 815-963-7867.
Dozen shots fired near Catholic school in Rockford - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Daily Chronicle | St. Catherine of Genoa celebrates 100 years
By JEFF ENGELHARDT
650 families that call St. Catherine home and will celebrate its centennial this weekend. The 100-year anniversary celebration starts Friday and will include live music, children’s games, pencil portraits, bingo, ice cream socials and cake walks.
It will conclude Sunday with a special Mass at 10:30 a.m. and a lunch banquet and silent auction to follow.
The Catholic Answer to the Huffington Post » Blog Archive » Archbishop Chaput urges ‘deep changes’ in Philadelphia archdiocese
Archbishop Chaput assures his people that he and archdiocesan official can and will be able to fix the budget problems facing the archdiocese.
Immediately on becoming archbishop, he began a thorough review of Philadelphia's financial situation. New people have been brought in to deal with finances on an archdiocesan-wide level: a new Chief Financial Officer and a new Controller have both been hired.
The archdiocesan paper, The Catholic Standard and Times, has closed, and 40 positions have been eliminated.
A new school system run by an independent Catholic foundation is now responsible for the administration of 21 Catholic schools. In the same realm, 27 Catholic schools have been closed, as have 9 parishes.
Archbishop Chaput's stated goal is to balance the budget by 2014, and as a part of that effort has decided to sell his own residence to help the Church to attain a balanced budget.
Philadelphia’s archbishop also mentions his efforts to respond to the sex abuse scandal, noting that the archdiocese has “greatly strengthened” its procedures to prevent the sexual abuse of minors.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Bishop's Conviction Intensifies Calls To Step Down : NPR
Calls for Bishop Robert Finn's resignation intensified a day after he became the highest-ranking U.S. church official to be convicted of a crime related to the child sexual abuse scandal.
Soon after a Missouri judge found Finn guilty Thursday of one misdemeanor count of failing to report suspected child sexual abuse to the state, unhappy Roman Catholics began discussing ways to get the bishop out of office on a Facebook page titled "Bishop Finn Must Go."
Among the posts was one that listed contact information for the Vatican and urged parishioners to voice their displeasure with Finn at the highest levels. Pope Benedict XVI alone has authority over bishops. Through the decades-long abuse scandal, only one U.S. bishop has stepped down over his failures to stop abusive clergy: Cardinal Bernard Law, who in 2002 resigned as head of the Archdiocese of Boston.
Click on the following for more details: Bishop's Conviction Intensifies Calls To Step Down : NPR
In Pedophile Case, Church Failed to Stop Priest - NYTimes.com
Defying Canon and Civil Laws, Diocese Failed to Stop a Priest
By LAURIE GOODSTEIN
Both Bishop Finn and Monsignor Murphy, as ministers, were required by law to report suspected child abuse to the civil authorities. But they were also required to report under policies that the American bishops put in place 10 years ago at the height of the scandal — policies that now hold the force of canon law.
This is an account of how, as recently as 2011, in violation of both church and civil laws, a bishop and church officials failed to stop a priest from pursuing his obsession with taking pornographic photographs of young girls. Eventually it was Monsignor Murphy, not Bishop Finn, who turned in Father Ratigan.
2nd Philly priest-abuse trial set for Oct. 22 - SFGate
MARYCLAIRE DALE, Associated Press
case is expected to hinge on the credibility of the accuser, a troubled 24-year-old policeman's son who said the three men passed him around for sexual gratification, starting when he was 10 years old. He alleges that Engelhardt abused him first, and told Avery, who then demanded his own "sessions" with the boy in the church sacristy at St. Jerome's in northeast Philadelphia.
Click on the following for more details: 2nd Philly priest-abuse trial set for Oct. 22 - SFGate
Friday, September 7, 2012
Bishop Finn is found guilty of failing to report child abuse suspicions - KansasCity.com
By MARK MORRIS and JUDY L. THOMAS
The Kansas City Star
judge convicted the diocese’s bishop and spiritual pastor, Robert W. Finn, of failing to report child abuse suspicions, making him the highest-ranking U.S. Catholic cleric convicted in the church’s decades-long child sexual abuse scandal.
Finn, 59, was acquitted of one other misdemeanor count of failing to report. And with Finn’s conviction, Jackson County prosecutors dismissed two similar counts that had been pending against the diocese.
The verdicts came after a short nonjury trial in Jackson County Circuit Court. Judge John Torrence immediately sentenced Finn to two years’ of probation, then suspended the imposition of the sentence. That means that if Finn finishes the probation without incident and completes nine steps as part of his sentence, the bishop’s criminal record will be expunged.
Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/09/06/3800269/bishop-finn-verdict-guilty.html#storylink=cpy
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Mo. bishop, KC diocese face bench trial in case tied to priest abuse; ruling expected Thursday - The Washington Post
Their trial was scheduled to start Sept. 24 in a case that carries a maximum penalty of a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Instead, a set of stipulated facts negotiated by both sides will be presented Thursday afternoon to Judge John M. Torrence
Click on the following for more details: Mo. bishop, KC diocese face bench trial in case tied to priest abuse; ruling expected Thursday - The Washington Post
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Catholic nun brings her star power to DNC – CNN Belief Blog - CNN.com Blogs
One of the “nuns on the bus” to appear at Democratic National Convention
By asking her to speak at their convention, the Democrats appear keen to capitalize on Campbell’s budding celebrity at a moment when the official Roman Catholic Church has been critical of the Obama administration, claiming that it is infringing on religious liberty.
And at a convention that is revolving largely around an alleged GOP-led “war on women,” Campbell is a poignant feminist symbol. She has stood up to the Vatican’s criticisms of American nuns for what the church says is their fixation on progressive advocacy at the expense of promoting socially conservative positions.
Desserts for a cause are always a crowd pleaser | Belvidere Daily Republican
Written by Natalie Conover
BELVIDERE – St. James Church in Belvidere held their second annual Ice Cream Social to benefit the Pro-Life Committee Saturday.
Committee member Kathy Dobson spoke about the fundraiser and its importance. “Our whole point in doing this is to bring the awareness that people have a value. Regardless of mental or physical disorders…regardless of whether or not they have anything wrong with them, they need to be respected.”
Cardinal Dolan’s Paul Ryan Problem | The New Republic
That admiring relationship must make it awkward for the Cardinal when Ryan does things like misrepresent Catholic social teaching or insist that health care is not a right but a privilege or refer to social programs that the bishops conference itself helps run as a “safety hammock.” After all, when a Catholic Democrat publicly dissents from church teaching or misrepresents it to a large audience, church leaders are quick to call out him or her for the transgression….
In his convention speech, Ryan introduced a new topic of disagreement—the question of whether health care is a right or a privilege. Referring to the Obama health care plan as “an entitlement we didn’t even ask for,” Ryan firmly placed himself in the “privilege” camp. The Catholic church, however, has long considered guaranteed health care a universal right. As recently as 2010, Pope Benedict XVI wrote that it was one of the “inalienable rights” of man.
Click on the following for more details: Cardinal Dolan’s Paul Ryan Problem | The New Republic
PhillyDeals: How Wilmington Diocese paid for the abuse claims - Philly.com
Diocese of Wilmington to file for bankruptcy in 2009.
After hard-hitting court decisions forced church records open, the church was found responsible for priests sexually abusing children, and brought on settlement talks. "The pot ended up at $110 million," to pay "154 survivors," the claimants' lead lawyer, Thomas Neuberger, told me.
The diocese paid $77 million of that. Orders of teaching priests and brothers (such as the Oblates who taught Neuberger at Salesianum School in Delaware) paid the rest. Neuberger and other lawyers kept one-third, he said.
Where did the church get the money?
About $54 million came from the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Wilmington, a charity started by the late John J. Raskob, financial brain of the DuPont Co. and General Motors.
The rest was paid from diocese assets, such as cash reserves, money held for parishes, and the church retirees' underfunded, uninsured pensions.
PhillyDeals: How Wilmington Diocese paid for the abuse claims - Philly.com
Milwaukee archdiocese plans to close more than 100 parishes : News Headlines - Catholic Culture
Archdiocese of Milwaukee has announced plans to close 103 parishes--more than half the parishes in the archdioceses--by 2020.
Archdiocesan officials said that the reconfiguration is required because of a predicted 40% decline in the number of active priests in future years, as few young men preparing for ordination cannot replace the large cohort of priests nearing retirement. Also, parish costs are rising, officials said. "The mission of the church can be carried out more effectively by combining efforts and sharing resources," the archdiocese concluded.
Click on the following for more information: Milwaukee archdiocese plans to close more than 100 parishes : News Headlines - Catholic Culture
Weekly Contributions for the weekend ending September 2, 2012
No change in DSP Pledged
Increase in DSP pledges of $7,960.
August 26, 2012
August 21, 2012
It should be interesting when the the fiscal year reporting is provided by the parish. That should occur this month and no later than October 2012, Those figures will show what portion of the Total Paid on pledges is actually in the bank.
To view last fiscal year’s numbers go to: http://boonecountycatholics.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-10-07T11:28:00-05:00&max-results=7&start=7&by-date=false For the fiscal year ending 6-30-2011: $633,306 of Building pledges had been collected. $165,737 was expended on the new building project. There was $387,862 in DIAL Deposits for the new church. Apparently $68,707 was paid for DIAL Loan Principle Payments.
For week ending September 2, 2012 Building Campaign--No additional families however total pledges increased $6,900.
No additional families however total pledges increased $11,215.
Two additional pledges, Total pledges increase $3,872. $314,046 from the $3,000,000 requirement.* SEE FOOTNOTE
. Total pledged increased by $41,522.. $317,919 from the $3,000,000 requirement * Appears that totals below are for August 14.
One additional family pledged. $62,145.10 additional pledged. $359,400 from the $3,000,000 requirement.
This fiscal year’s Sunday Collections
7/3/2011 $14,605 7/1/2012 $15,592
7/10/2011 $12,914 7/8/2012 $14306
7/17/2011 $11,891 7/15/2012 $12,730
7/24/2011 $11,319 7/22/2012 $13,032
7/31/2011 $15,422 7/29/2012 $12,223
8/6/2011 $12,902 8/6/2012 $14,049
8/14/2011 $14,168 8/13/2012 $12,376
8/21/2011 $11,553 8/19/201 $11,880
8/28/2011 $11,806 8-26-2012 $12,226
For more information concerning collections for the past fiscal year go to: http://boonecountycatholics.blogspot.com/2012/06/6-30-2011-financials-1.html
* The $3,000,000 requirement and all other requirements are all now subject to changed based upon the Bishop’s taking control of the project. SEE: tp://www.boonecountycatholics.blogspot.com/2012/08/st-james-will-not-be-breaking-ground.html
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Dolan, Campbell at GOP/Dem conventions = bad idea | USCatholic.org
By Bryan Cones
It would be far better to for figures such as Dolan and Campbell to stay outside these gatherings, literally on the margins, to best represent the failures of both parties: a health care law that completely excludes immigrants without U.S. documentation; a continuing campaign of drone warfare that inevitably kills the innocent with the guilty; a proposed budget that would cut $810 billion from Medicaid over 10 years.
The Catholic community is already divided along party lines; now our two parties--neither of which embodies Catholic teaching in any meaningful way--have found a marvelous way to exploit that division. We should not fall into their self-serving trap.
As John Carr, Catholic policy adviser, retires, Catholics worry who will replace him - The Washington Post
Catholics are becoming more divided over whether they focus on church teachings against war and poverty or the ones against abortion and gay marriage. Catholic progressives are particularly worried about Carr leaving as Church officialdom in recent years has put greater and greater emphasis on defending the unborn.
Cardinal says Catholic Church '200 years out of date' - Yahoo! News
"Our culture has aged, our churches are big and empty and the church bureaucracy rises up, our rituals and our cassocks are pompous," Martini said in the interview published in Italian daily Corriere della Sera.
"The Church must admit its mistakes and begin a radical change, starting from the pope and the bishops. The paedophilia scandals oblige us to take a journey of transformation," he said in the intervie
Cl.ick on the following form more details:Cardinal says Catholic Church '200 years out of date' - Yahoo! News
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