Issue No:  VM 240 (2004-22) May 28, 2004

Site of the week:   http://expage.com/vmlighterside   Beware pop-ups will happen

TUNE-IN ... SUNDAY MAY 30 on TSN to see our own Grace Mellor.   She has added to her Special Olympics medal collection for rhythmic gymnastics in the regionals last month, by winning a gold in “rope” and another in “ribbon”.  She also won three silvers for “ball”,  “hoop” and “overall”

From: Fr. John Vandenakker

Subject: Fr. Dennis & Halifax Photos

Hi!

If you wish to view some recent photos of Fr. Dennis Hayes after his heart surgery (recuperating in the rectory of St. Maurice parish), and also some photos taken at St. Thomas the Aquinas parish in Halifax where Fr. Scott was visiting our CC household as they celebrated our Foundation Day earlier this month (Thanks Richard Rout for sending these in!), then visit our PictureTrail online photo album entitled "Fr. Dennis & Halifax Photos" by clicking here: http://www.PictureTrail.com/gid4347718.

God Bless - Fr. John V.

From: Mark REES ... Read on and tap into your faith......Mark   

Theresa's Prayer
REMEMBER to say a prayer before you read the poem. That's all you have to do.  There is nothing attached.  This is a powerful novena.   Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of reward.  (Did you say a prayer?)  Do it now!  

May today there be peace within.
May you trust your highest power that you are exactly where you are meant to be....
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you....
May you be content knowing you are a child of God....
Let this presence settle into our bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.  It is there for each and every one of you....

From: Harvey and Gloria Winn

Subject: 48 Congressmen "Warn" US Bishops that a Strong Stand May "Re-ignite Anti-Catholic Sentiment"

The most astounding thing about the letter below, written by U.S. Catholic Congressmen, is that the "defense of Catholic doctrine will damage the Church's position." Duh! No kidding! It ain't a popularity poll - it's salvation we're talking about here! God help us, please!

48 Congressmen "Warn" US Bishops that a Strong Stand May "Re-ignite Anti-Catholic Sentiment"

WASHINGTON, May 20, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The fight over the reception of communion for pro-abortion Catholic politicians is continuing with 48 Catholic Congressmen sending an open letter "warning" bishops to back away from their stand and claiming that their defense of Catholic doctrine will damage the Church's position. The letter warns the US bishops that their decision to consider barring pro-abortion politicians from communion could re-ignite anti-Catholic sentiment in the US.

"For many years Catholics were denied public office by voters who feared that they would take direction from the Pope," the Congressmen wrote. " . . . While that type of paranoid anti-Catholicism seems to be a thing of the past, attempts by Church leaders today to influence votes by the threat of withholding a sacrament will revive latent anti-Catholic prejudice, which so many of us have worked so hard to overcome."

Remarkably, the letter was addressed directly to Theodore Cardinal McCarrick who has recently angered pro-life activists by refusing to refuse communion to pro-abortion politicians. McCarrick is the head of a task force that is considering the bishops' response to Catholic politicians who support abortion 'rights.' The Cardinal's office had no comment but the response has been strong from at least one source. A large number of Catholic political and social analysts self-publish their conclusions on a series of interconnected weblogs.

Mark Shea's spot, "Catholic and Enjoying It", one of the more traveled websites in cyberspace, responded with typical wit, comparing the Congressmen's letter to the thinly veiled threats of mafia extortionists. Shea pointed out that the Congressmen, all Democrats, can't have it both ways, "Is abortion a religious issue that shouldn't be dragged into politics or is it a political issue that religious figures have no right to speak about?" Many of Shea's commentators pointed out the hypocrisy of objecting to episcopal involvement in abortion politics. Said one, "None of these folk likely lost any sleep over segregationist politicians being excommunicated by their bishops in the 1960's. They just don't see abortion as a non-negotiable moral issue. But most likely have no objection to church sanctions per se - just over the issue in question."

At the Catholic World News blog, "Diogenes" poured scorn on the Congressmen's decision to attack McCarrick. He writes, "writing to McCarrick to be openhanded with communion is like pleading with Barbara Streisand not to succumb to the blandishments of the Christian Right. Clearly the manifesto serves no purpose in convincing the already convinced, but it has great 'leakability' in the Washington area..."

"Catholic and Enjoying It" Mark Shea's witty and often devastating critique of political shenanigans:

http://markshea.blogspot.com/

Diogenes' commentary at Catholic World News.com

http://www.cwnews.com/offtherecord/offtherecord.cfm?task=singledisplay&recnum=1893

For a full list of Congressional letter-signers see Fr. Brice Sibley's 'blog,

http://britius.stblogs.org/archives/015378.html

From: Mike Staples

Subject: City Wide Worship & Prayer Saturday May 29

Hi All:

Just an email to let you know that I'll be plugging in on electric guitar for the City Wide Worship & Prayer gathering this Saturday May 29. Come on out if you can!

Details:

Saturday May 29

Location: Bethel Pentecostal Church

500 Viewmount Drive, Ottawa

Time: 6:30 pm - Prayer meeting for the region and local churches

7:30 pm - Worship music begins

Event Website: http://www.worshipandprayer.ca

location map: http://www.worshipandprayer.ca/?pages=worship

Pax, Mike

From: Val Marie & Michel Legault        also sent this past week by: Madeleine Thomson

Subject: Repeal Bill C250 {my question to you - have you gone yet?}

Dear Friends

I have come across a great way to let my voice be heard and listened to by our politicians. In just a few minutes a month I can send personalized letters to politicians and local newspapers regarding issues that are critically important to the future of our great country.

I think you should give it a try. Visit www.1millioncanadians.com and see for yourself.

No commitments, no cost, no hassle - just a great little service for people like you and me.

Val Marie Legault

If you would like to try out the 1-Click Lobbyist please visit

http://www.1clicklobbyist.ca/index.php?affid=2549

Hey kids - what are we going to do about the gas prices?  We have all received 100’s of emails - over the years about plans.  Boycotting all gas stations, on a certain day, or NOT buying from the largest one. Do we want to actually try to promote any anti-GAS price increase movement?  Send me your comments:   JimBacks@virtualministry.ca

HOORAY!!!!  We saw the happy trio at church last Sunday.

From: Lynn du Quesnay  

Subject: New Baby Girl!

Hi Everyone!

Lynn and I had a beautiful little baby girl on May 20th, at 4:05 am!  She weighed in at

6 lbs and 4 oz.  Her name is Elizabeth Clara du Quesnay!  Mommy and baby are both doing very well.  And papa too for that matter.  We are thankful to God for this wonderful little life.

 I put some pictures of Elizabeth and her family and friends on a website.  It's not very

organized yet, but it will give you the basic idea. :)  Please check out:

http://www3.sympatico.ca/lynnduquesnay

God bless, Chris.

From: Linda Ganly  

Subject: In the news

to read about TEENS AND SECRET ABORTIONS - click here

From: Graham Cuthbert [gcuth@hotmail.com]
Subject: family news (May 26 update)

This is to give you an update on the condition of my father (Robert).  My father has been in the intensive care unit since having heart by-pass surgery on May 10.  His recovery process has been significantly delayed because of damage caused by a heart attack he suffered several hours before the surgery. 

Since May 23 he has been connected to a dialysis machine because his kidneys were not functioning normally because of low blood pressure.    In addition, the problem of fluid in his lungs has persisted.   Consequently, my father continues to have a ventilator tube in his mouth, which prevents him from speaking or drinking.  He has been able to write some brief notes to us.   In recent days he has expressed concern about the length and uncertainty of the recovery process.   My family has been visiting him regularly to try to help his morale and a several close friends have also visited him.

A doctor at the hospital has told us that there remains hope for recovery but the process will be slow.  However the doctor cautioned that my father is still vulnerable and is not out of danger. 

My family appreciates the prayers and thoughts being offered for my father.

Graham

From: Cindy Walker  

Subject: Young couple in need

Good morning Jim;

I am asking anyone out there if they have any baby clothes  (girl size 12-18 months) they can part with?  This young couple is in real need.  They are also in need of a booster seat for the car.  Please email me at CindyWalker@virtualministry.ca 

Thank you, God bless

Cindy Walker

From: john pacheco 

Subject: CBC Interview

Greetings everyone,

I was just interviewed by CBC's Danny Globerman in defense of traditional marriage.  I mentioned our National Post Card campaign www.countthecost.ca

The interview went extremely well and he showed Lara, me and the kids playing on our swing set in the back yard.  The actual interview went well too.  The interview is to air next Tuesday on CBC Ottawa (Cable channel 8) between 6:30-7:00pm (or is it between 6:00-6:30pm, not sure there - check the TV guide).  Other CBC stations across the country might pick it up as well.

He is also going to be interviewing Chuck and Steve, who are newlyweds :)

He said that the contrast in pictures (me, Lara and the kids playing together) is going to be in stark contrast to Chuck and Steve looking at their wedding album. :)

Pass the word around. Regards, John Pacheco

On that closing note from John, let me tell you that Joan and I are pleased that we will NOT be refusing our ballot, during this Federal Election. Yes it is true - the new Conservative candidate for Barrhaven, Pierre Poilievre, is a practising Catholic that believes in the true definition of marriage, and is against abortion.  He is also in favour of a tax break - for stay at home Moms... Alleluia Lord! ... Now can someone remind me how to vote!

JAMES 1:17