Summary of this Issue

May, the Month of Mary is almost over, and June dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is about to start. We thus propose a beautiful article by Fr. Richard Neilson dealing with this topic for reflection.

This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost – when we feast the gifts and charisms of the Holy Spirit (or at least we’re supposed to) Bearing Much Fruit – see commentary on this Sunday’s readings.

This year’s National March for Life saw a record 12,000 participants. Links to articles and videos are provided. Regrettably Mainstream Media coverage was almost absent.

Major events associated with this March for Life will be presented on Salt + Life TV this Saturday (May 30^th).

On May 17^th Barack Obama was awarded an honorary doctorate of laws at the University of Notre Dame. This created quite a stir and the fallout may be long lasting. Links to several articles and reflections are provided.

Some of the richest men and women in the world met secretly recently in New York to conspire on using their vast wealth to bring the world's population growth under control… as if this is a problem.

Opinion Polls conducted recently provide some surprising and encouraging news regarding the Pope as well as the Pro-life cause.

New articles in the Pro-Life Corner deal mainly with euthanasia.

Great Youtube videos are available for your enjoyment.

New articles were added to our collection on Stem-Cell Research.

Latest News on the D & P scandal

Vacation Bible School will be held July 20^th – 24th at Annunciation of the Lord Parish. This is great opportunity for grade-school kids to develop an interest and understanding not only in the bible, but also in the Rosary as well as Eucharistic Adoration. Register your children/ grand-children.

On Thursday, June 11^th, Archbishop Prendergast will dedicate Cor Jesu Chapel at St. Margaret Mary Church, Cumberland to prayer for vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

Dr Tim Lau is giving Friday evening lectures on The God Delusion at St. Patrick’s Basilica. Links to voice files and slides of his presentations are provided.

Upcoming Events of Note:

·         June 3rd Institute of Marriage and Family Canada discusses latest report

·          June 6^th Men’s Breakfast at Annunciation of the Lord Parish

·         On June 7^th , Trinity Sunday, Archbishop Prendergast will visit Our Lady of Divine Love Parish, Pendleton

·         June 11^th: dedication of Perpetual Adoration Cors Jesu Chapel in Cumberland to prayer for religious vocations.

·         June 13th: Next Men’s Breakfast at St. Augustine Parish

·         June 20^th : An Ignatius Night at the Movies: “CLARE and FRANCIS” at Divine Infant Parish.

·         November 27-28^th, Fr. Benedict Groeschl from EWTN comes to St. Pat’s Basilica

June is the Month of the Sacred Heart

May is the month of Mary, our Blessed Mother, and June is the month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. As May leads to and introduces June, so Mary brings us to the love of her Son, the love symbolized by His Sacred Heart. To read more, visit: http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/printarticle.html?id=6026

Pentecost Feast-The Gifts and Charisms of The Holy Spirit

Commentary on this week’s Gospel readings

This Sunday marks the birthday party of the billion people who today make up the Catholic Church.  On that first Pentecost, the party was smaller, only 120, but the attendees themselves became the birthday candles when the Spirit crowned each of them with fiery tongues:

http://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/pics/gifts_and_Charisms_of_the_Holy_Spirit.pdf

12, 000 take part in the National March for Life 2009

…Smashing Previous Attendance Records

Theme Song: “EXODUS” by David MacDonald. Click HERE for lyrics

(For David’s other Pro-life songs, visit:
http://www.davidmacd.com/catholic/pro_life_songs.htm )

Articles (click on):

· 12,000: Canadian 2009 March for Life Smashes Previous Attendance Records

·   Over 12,000 join National March for Life

· Parliamentary Pro-Life Caucus: Pro-Life Free Speech Suppressed in Canada

· From the Archbishop’s Blog

Videos: March for Life 2009 Videos

Mainstream Media (MSM) ignores this strongest ever Pro-Life rally in Canada:

·         MSM Missing in Action at the March for Life

·         March for Life coverage conspicuously absent

·         CBC "Engaged in Blatant Media Censorship" Says CLC about Lack of National Coverage for March for Life

·         Largest Canadian Paper: No Coverage of March for Life but Detailed Reports on Jailed US Abortionist Shooter

2^nd Annual March for Life in Victoria, British Columbia was also a success. Visit:

http://www.ncregister.com//daily/print/18290/

Salt + Light TV will be presenting a one hour program on the 2009 March for Life that was held in Ottawa on May 14, 2009.  The program will be shown Saturday, May 30 at 2:00 pm. (all times Eastern).

The Notre Dame Scandal

On May 17^th Barack Obama was awarded an honorary doctorate of laws at the University of Notre Dame, America’s most famous Catholic university. 

Given President Obama's radical pro-abortion agenda, the decision by Notre Dame to honour him has provoked an unprecedented level of criticism. Below are some pertinent links

FATHER RAYMOND J. DE SOUZA: Notre Dame chose « Prestige over Truth « : http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/printarticle.html?id=6011

Bishop Robert Finn of Kansas City made some admirable comments and hits each and every nail precisely on its proverbial head: Bishop Finn Interviewed on Notre Dame Commencement.

 Ralph McInerny, long-time Notre Dame Philosophy professor, had some incisive comments as to why the Notre-Dame Scandal came about. Click on A House Divided.

EWTN's Raymond Arroyo Argues against Obama Award on CNN during Notre Dame Speech: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/may/09052008.html

Bishops Chaput, Finn Slam Fr. Jenkins Speech at ND Commencement: "Intellectual Vanity": http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/may/09051905.html

 Here is a survey of reactions to the President's appearance some admirable courtesy of Catholic Culture.org: Roundup: Reactions to Obama at Notre Dame.

Now that the dust has settled, here is a sobering view from a Pro-life Notre Dame student: It’s still my university: http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/its_still_my_university/

Humanitarians: please spare us humans

Click on Secret billionaire club seeks population control

What will emerge from a secret meeting of American billionaires about reducing population in the Third World? Click HERE.

Encouraging Polls

With all the bad news and wake up call regarding the Notre Dame and our own D & P Scandals, we have at the same time some surprising good news in the form of recent opinion polls.

Poll on Approval of Pope Benedict: click on Marist Poll results

For comments, see: National Catholic Register and CNA 

=====================

Pro-life vs Pro-choice. click on:  Gallup on Pro-life/ Pro-choice

Comments: CUF comments

Visit also the following site:

http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/pro_life_nation/

Perhaps things aren’t as bleak as they appear. Let's keep praying.

Pro-life Corner

Naomi Lakritz compares abortion and euthanasia / another pro-life letter re: March for Life. Visit Erring on the Side of Life: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Erring+side+life/1626872/story.html

Choosing Life in spite of severe disability, article by Leonard Stern…Click HERE. Comment by Dr. Rene Leiva, click on We Must Support Those Who Choose Life.

Legalized euthanasia leads to no choice, ever, from Calgary Herald: http://www.calgaryherald.com/Health/Legalized+euthanasia+leads+choice+ever/1602500/story.html

Margaret Somerville: Approval for euthanasia muffles our proper emotional response to a person's passing. Visit: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/role+death/1593952/story.html

———————–

√ Best PRO-LIFE news Website to stay up to date with latest developments:

· http://www.lifesitenews.com/

√ Best PRO-LIFE Reference Material:

· http://www.ewtn.com/prolife/

· http://www.priestsforlifecanada.com/English/Resources/

√ Best Blog Sites:

· http://www.prowomanprolife.org/

· http://www.4mycanada.ca/

· http://www.socon.ca/or_bust/

· http://bluewavecanada.blogspot.com/

Videos of the Week

Sarah Brightman sings Pie Jesu … click HERE

Orthodox Easter Service sung in English: http://www.warriorcoachinginternational.com/OC/

Imagine the Potential (Pro-life message). Click HERE

Rock on with the Rosary this May! Click HERE

Papal Concert in Israel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ut7euIUUAtk

Stem Cell Research

New articles:

Looks like they just won't give up on embyronic stem cell research.  Even though it appears that adult stem cells have been used to help patients with more than 100 diseases or medical conditions according to this article. http://www.lifenews.com/bio2845.html

Also, the possibility of growing your own organs in animals using your own adult stem cells.  Should make PETA quiver.  Sacrifice an animal to save a person.  How can they see anything wrong with this.  We are already sacrificing people to save people! http://www.lifenews.com/bio2842.html

To learn the truth about Stem Cell Research, click on the following link: http://www.stagustinemp3.org/files/Stem_Cell_ResearchB.pdf

John Pacheco

Development and Peace Scandal

Leaked Development & Peace Memo: Social Justice Group Still Denies Wrongdoing with Deceptive Tactics: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/printerfriendly.html?articleid=09052213

D&P Sent Canadian Young Adults to Work with Condom-Pushing, NGO in Nigeria: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/printerfriendly.html?articleid=09052106

Follow ongoing all of the stories on the D&P scandal, visit: http://www.socon.ca/or_bust/?p=1567

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (VBS) at Annunciation of the Lord Church 

The upcoming vacation bible camp which will be held at Annunciation parish the last two weeks of July is highly recommended. If you have children or grandchildren from the ages of Junior Kindergarten to grade 6, or if you know of children of those ages please encourage them to attend. We need to know our numbers fairly soon, so please do not delay in getting in touch with our Vacation Bible camp coordinator, Jane Prini - 613-741-3828 or email - janeprini@rogers.com .

To make it easier click HERE to download an enrolment form which can be mailed back to Jane Prini at 35 Appleford St Ottawa On, K1J 6T7.  

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (VBS) at Annunciation of the Lord Church

Where: 2414 Ogilvie Road, Gloucester Ontario
When: July 20-24, 2009 or July 27-31, 2009
What:  A weeklong day camp

During Discovery Canyon; Explore the Wonders of the Word VBS, children will explore God’s Word, make bible connections, and learn about critter friends---each carefully linked to the daily Bible story and Bible memory verse through amazing activities, lasting friendships and Bible adventures. There are a limited number of spaces for each week.

Who Can Attend: Children in kindergarten to grade six
Costs: $80.00 per child or $200.00 per family of three or more children.
Time: 9:30AM – 3:30PM  - Before and After-Care will be available if numbers warrant

Contact Jane Prini 613-741-3828 for more information

DEDICATION OF PERPETUAL ADORATION CHAPEL TO PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS:

Archbishop Prendergast will dedicate Cor Jesu Chapel at St. Margaret Mary Church, Cumberland to prayer for vocations to the priesthood and religious life.  Thursday, June 11, preceded by Mass at 7:30 p.m.  All welcome.  Info: Fr. Kennedy (613-833-3264).

Location of St. Margaret Mary Church:

2565, Highway 174
P.O. Box 99
Cumberland, ON K4C 1E5

For directions, cick on MAP

Modern Atheism

A. N. Wilson, a noted British Atheist recants: click on An Atheist Recants

Dr. Christopher Kaczor wrote an excellent article on Richard Dawkins in a recent issue of This Rock magazine. Click on Who's Deluded? An Atheist Just Doesn't Get Aquinas.

ADULT FAITH EDUCATION SERIES: THE GOD DELUSION and other errors in logic.

By Dr. Tim Lau

These ADULT FAITH EDUCATION lectures were given at St. Augustine Parish on Thursday February 5th, 12th & 19th: The series investigates the following questions: Is the belief in God a delusion?  Is religion the reason we go to war or the root of all evil? Does evolution exclude God?  Is God a ‘blind’ watchmaker?  Are we nothing more than cells in the service of some ’selfish’ genes? What does it mean to be human?

View slides and listen to voice file of all three sessions by visiting:

http://www.stagustinemp3.org/Tim_Lau_Talk2.html

UPCOMING EVENTS

On Wednesday, June 3, the Institute of Marriage and Family Canada will release a report entitled "Private choices, public costs: How failing families cost us all." This report quantifies the cost of family breakdown to the public purse in Canada, and emphasizes marriage as a public good and protector against poverty. Time: 12:00-1:30
Place: Room 214, Wellington Building, 180 Wellington St., (corner of Wellington and Bank)

This briefing is open to the public and free of charge, however, registration is required for parliamentary security. Lunch will be served.

If you find yourself in Ottawa, please feel free to join for a lunchtime briefing discussing the findings. More information is available at the link below.

http://www.imfcanada.org/default.aspx?go=article&aid=1277&tid=8

E-mail: rebeccameuse@rogers.com

Saturday June 6^th, 8:30 to 10:30 am: Next Men’s Breakfast at Annunciation of the Lord Parish. The Speaker will be Jim Hughes, CCO National Director of, and his talk will be on Insights into the Canadian Pro-life Movement. For details, click on: http://www.stagustinemp3.org/files/Jim_Hughes.pdf

On June 7, Trinity Sunday, Archbishop Prendergast will visit Our Lady of Divine Love Parish, Pendleton, when mass will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. rather than the usual time.  June 7 is also a Friendship Sunday, when those attending are invited to remain for a pot-luck lunch.  For this occasion, a special brunch is being organized.  All are welcome ... bring your favourite brunch dish to share with your friends.

Our Lady of Divine Love Church is located at 2084 Concession 10 Rd, Pendleton, just East of the corner with County Rd 19.

For info contact: Don de Cuypère 613 487-9749

Thursday, June 11: Archbishop Prendergast will dedicate Cor Jesu Chapel at St. Margaret Mary Church, Cumberland to prayer for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The service will be preceded by Mass at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 20^th, 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM:  An Ignatius Night at the Movies: “CLARE and FRANCIS” at Divine Infant Parish, 6658 Bilberry Drive, Orleans, we will be showing the movie, CLARE and FRANCIS, an exceptional portrayal of the lives of two of the most beloved saints in the Catholic Church. This epic film tells the remarkable and moving story of St. Clare and St.Francis of Assisi. Clare, the daughter of a patrician family, and Francis, the son of a rich merchant, leave all to follow Christ. Both founded major religious orders and the stories of their lives continue to inspire today. Don’t miss this opportunity to gather for fellowship, entertainment, refreshments, and to be moved by the amazing stories of St. Clare and St. Francis! Ignatius books and DVDs will be available for purchase and proceeds will benefit Challenge and Conquest Catholic summer camps for girls and boys. Admission is $5.00 or $15.00 for a family. Please note, the movie is recommended for ages 10 and over. For more information contact: Cynthia Connolly 613- 590-2290 (Divine Infant Parish) Donna Dunham 613-834-9566 (Good Shepherd Parish)  The evening is sponsored by Regnum Christi. Love Christ, Serve People, Build the Church.

Saturday June 13^th , next Men’s Breakfast at St. Augustine Parish. The speaker will be Matt Farnand a full time Missionary with Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO). Details to follow.

Coming to Saint Patrick’s Basilica
November 27-28, 2009

Father Benedict Groeschel CFR

Author, EWTN host, and founder of the Franciscans Friars of the Renewal

Talk times and subjects to be determined
Mark your calendar!

 Biography:
http://www.goodcounselhomes.org/about/groeschel.php

 His Order:
http://www.franciscanfriars.com/

Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olY9UyRP850

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olY9UyRP850&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcMKXlSv5gk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heMMr5qMMQM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URGvnDunXaw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27-JP7mkGcw&feature=related