Touching

Boy it's{?} hard to blog when you have a past story. To understand what I say you would probably have to read earlier posts. But here goes. Emilys' father took me to a doctor friend of his for an exam today. The doctor got angry at the scars. He would not let me call them whippings. He said beatings. There is a little damage but not that much, he says I need a couple of more tests just to be sure. I will be alright.
I want to say a few words about touching. They say babys like to be touched. I am no baby, but I love to be touched. Not in a romantic way, but that is ok too. But to be touched to show someone cares for you. I am going to call it the reasurance touch. When my feet were damaged in an accident, the first night a priest and Alice had to change my clothes because I was wet with swet. It was very unusual. I was not the least bit embarassed, because they did it to help me. When the priest at church puts his hand on my head and says Frank God loves you I feel care. When Alice or Jack pull my bare feet to wake me in the morning that makes me feel they care for me. Even when Emily runs her hand over my short hair I take it as a sign she cares for me. This may not seem unusual to you, but it is to me. When I was hurt Alice must have fixed my t-shirt and pajama pants 20 times. It never embarassed me. I am probably not getting this point across but touching someone is not bad. It can show you care and give you assurance. Frank

Blogmaster

My name is Frank. I am from a small town in the southwest. I was kind of a big wheel in high school but now I know that means nothing. My history is on this blog. I hope some high school studs read this, may be they can learn something. I am going to be a catholic because I think that church shows so much care for others. I really like the mass to be in English. I can understand it all and feel a real part of the service. I have had a ugly life but I think Jesus will forgive me. I know some of you do not like Jack, he is great but can have a sharp tongue. Jack and Alice take care of me like there own son and Anna gives me great advice. A lot of the religious blogs are so technical I don't see how any one understands them. Any one who has anything to say to me feel free. I know there are many like me out there. This is a terrible first post but maybe I will get better. I would like to hear from others who have had bad pasts but want to get better. May be I would not feel so bad about my past. May be I could help someone. Frank

Christmass

Probaly no one will see this but I will post it anyway, Christmass was wonderful. Little Jack was great in the kids pagant at the 4 o-clock mass. we all went. Okay laugh but I got my hand on the head blessing which means something to me. Everyone got great presents and I did to. Emilly sent me a beautiful sweater with a note "Sanday, from the first day I met you I MORE than liked you." I wish I was smart to think of that. She called and talked to all of us. Her dad got on the phone and said hi to all of us. He is bringing her back to school in a day or two. He seems so nice. He ask me if he should call me Frank or Sandy. He was very nice to me. Maybe he doesn't know about me or maybe he does and still can like me. I sure hope so. Anna if you see this could you comment on the lost sheep story. Could I be that lost sheep. Frank

Merry Christmas

We all know its Christmas time. Jimmy and Meg have a beautiful tree. And under that tree are gifts for me from Jimmy and Meg, Jack and Alice, Joe and Jack. This is great, but my greatest gifts have already come. The people who took an interest in a guy who probably didn't deserve a thing has the greatest gift. Is there anything greater than having people who care for you? So I say thanks in avance to the ones I've mentioned here. To have Jack or Alice wake me each morning by pulling my foot means alot to me. This sounds silly. But for some reason that reassures me. To have Jack and Joe run to meet me when I come from college gives me a good feeling. And Anna and Caitlin. You have never met me but I know for sure you care and prayer for me.
I know this sounds child like, and it is. I had some big times in high school. But now I want to live a new way. I want to be a kid who has friends who care for me like I was 16 again. This can't last. I have to grow up and be a man and stand alone. But for the time to be treated as someones young son, to be treated as someone who does not have to make all choices by himself but knows he has help is just great. The greatest gift I'll ever get.
In closing let me thank Jesus who brought these friends to me. There is some story in the bible about a lost sheep, it is my favorite. So thanks and merry christmas to all of you who are letting me have a second chance. A merry christmas to Jack, Alice, Jim , Meg, Anna, Caitlin. I cannot bear to lose one of you. Frank

ANNA. ARE YOU SITTING!!!!!???

Anna. This is Jack. 3 reports. I'll start. Today was tense for Alice and Me; we wanted that C on the papers so much. Frank's class was at nine and Alice and I watched out the window for Frank. I saw him running down the sidewalk with his left fist in the air like when he scored a touchdown. I felt good!! Now Frank is going to tell you what happened. I told him not to worry about exact quotes, just get the point across.

Anna this is Frank. I went to class almost sick at my stomach. I was scared. Dr. Ellison came in and said "all of you did a good job, but we had only 2 A's. The first goes to Emily, her papers were good with almost no errors on first or second draft." Emily sits next to me and calls me Sandy because she says she likes my short hircut and the color. Then Dr. Ellison said " the second A goes to Frank". I almost cried. He said "this writing hits you in the gut" For some reason the class started to clap. Maybe they had seen me cleaning tables in the student union. Maybe they knew I was kind of poor, maybe they saw how I struggled, maybe some one told then how old I was and they thought I was a Iraq war soldier. They wanted me to do good. A couple of the students yelled out let us read his papers. Dr. Ellison said "Frank paper is for mature audiences. So maybe in a couple of years. The others fake booed. Then he said "Plus Frank and I have got to discuss the book rights." When He left several of the students there are 18 stopped by and patted my head, I was still sitting down. Emily stood up and gaave me a peck on the forhead and said "good job Sandy." He also told all of us to thank our first readers. He said "I think Franks reader is trying to get my job." He thinks my reader was Jack. They met once at a party. I am so thankful to All of you, and maybe that other Person. Jack dont' sensor this. I am going to try and call Emily for a date. Her dad is a doctor in Saint Louis so maybe he has not heard bad things about me. If she goes out with me I promise I will not to anything wrong, but I cannot promise I will not have a bad thought or two. I wish this were my birthday so I could say how excited I am. Thanks Anna a 100000000 times.

this is alice. i think frank forgot some of your english lessons, but i don't think he's on earth right now. you should take great pride in what you did for him. may god bless you. keep in touch.

The Accident and the Other Person?


The year before I started to college I was in an accident. I was working in the big city to get some money to help on college. We were tearing down and old wearhouse and a wall of bricks fell down. It missed my head but landed on my feet. There was a deep gash on my right foot and my left foot was broken including the second, third, and fourth toes. They called an ambulance and took me to the hospital. I was in a lot of pain. The nurses that looked at me took off my jeans so they could see the injuries. Jack had come to the hospital and when one of the nurses said "my, your feet and legs are dirty, Jack went ballistic, he screamed "DON'T TALK TO HIM THAT WAY.Then he told the nurse to leave. But the doctor was very nice and they put me to sleep and fix both feet. When I came to the doctor was telling Jack and Alice I probably should stay in the hospital for a few days. Alice must have seen the plead in my eyes because she said "I think we can take care of him." I was afraid of the hospital. The doctor said okay but it will be a lot of trouble. Alice said "we can do it."
So I went to their house. Alice was told you check me twice a night to be sure I was alright and help me to use the bag if I needed to go to the bathroom. Jack was really sick with cancer at that time so the work fell on Alice.
About seven that evening my pain really came back. I was almost screaming with agony. The doctor had given Alice a pain pill for me but it had worn off. I think he gave me just one pill because he thought I might be a druggie. Alice was scared by my screaming and Jack tried to call the doctor to get more pain pills, but all he got was the answering machine. Alice was about to call an ambulance when there was a knock at the door. A ppriest from her church was at the door. He said"I understand you have a sick boy here." Alice said "did someone call you" and the priest did not answer. He came in my room, made a sign or my forhead and said "don't worry boy we will get you help." He left the room and made a phone call. 20 minutes later a delivery boy brought some pain pills. The priest held my head up and gave me the pill with a glass of water. The pain started to go away and I fell asleep. Later I learn the priest and stayed with
us almost all night, I had ask him to stay.
Alice was a great nurse. She put ice packs on my feet to help stop the swelling. She washed my cut foot several times a day as the doctor had told her. She helped me go to the bathroom. She had to change my clothes several times a day because the pills made me sweat a lot. But it was strange. When she changed my clothes I was not embarassed or ashamed. Even one time I wet the bed but she said " don't worry it could happen to us all." So I was not ashamed.
She took great care of me for two weeks and then I went home to my town. I later learned they paid all my doctor bill and made up the money I had lost by not working.
So I begin to realize people would help you even if they got nothing in return. I was not even a relative.
Now Jack has a little difference of opinion with Alice and I. He says this whole accident thing shows how good people can be. But Alice and I think he leaves out one Person. When I go to bed at night and try to pray I thank that Person. I hope He hears. Then I go to sleep.

Note. Dr. Ellison this title is not completely mine. I am not that sharp. The husband of the family I am living with used it when he first heard I might go from baptist to catholic. If you have to take off points I will understand.


From Nashville to Rome

I was brought up a baptist. I went to church almost every sunday. When I was nine I was saved. I was not sure what that meant, I thought it meant I would not go to hell. To be a christian was not to smoke, not to dance, not to cuss, not to do bad things to yourself like self abuse. A lot of times I felt like the preacher was looking straight at me, because I had done all of these things by fifteen.

As I got older I begin to not go church if I could think of an excuse. I would say I was sick, or I hurtt my arm in the friday night football game. Then my older brother got in trouble, they call it joy riding, taking another persons car. I felt bad. Maybe he was in trouble because I was not good. So I tried to be better and better but I only got worse and worse as I wrote before.

My friend Glenn had a great uncle in the nearby big city and I visited Jack and his wife Alice many times. Alice was catholic and Jack was epispocalian. Jack did not go to church much but Alice went every week. She never ask us to go with her to church but we decided one weekend to go with her. We had heard catholics spoke in a foreing speech, that they wore long robes, used insense, and thought Mary was God. We were really surprised. We understood every word, they spoke in English and I can not remember them saying Mary was God. We went back to that church many times with Alice. At the end of the service the people would line up to take communion. Everybody lined up. A man they said was the richest man in the city and some poor mexicans. They seemed to be all the same. We ask Alice if we could get in the line. She said you cannot take communion but you can go up and the priest will bless you. We did and for some reason when the minister put his hand on my head and said "God bless you" that made me feel good. So we decided we wanted to be catholics. We especially liked the sermons. They were about helping others and not just about clean living.
When I told Jack what I was thinking he said "so you want to go from Nashville to Rome." I did not understand but he explained that the baptist headquarters was in Nashville and the catholic headquarters was in Rome. I wanted to make the trip.
I like the baptist. They have some great songs. "Blessed assurance Jesus is mine, o what a fortaste of glory devine" and my favorite" Just as I am without one plead, but that they blood was shed for me." I think the plead meant excuse.
Another thing happened which I will tell later. But I joined what they call a rcia class. I am still in the class, but one thing scared me. About a month ago a priest I did not know called me out of class and said"are you sure you want to be catholic or are you just being nice to Alice?" I did not know if he was telling me not to come back. My famly was going to Texas for thanksgiving so I did not know whether to go with them or stay for class. I wrote a guy on the internet and he said stay and go to class. On thansgiving morning a priest who had helped me once, I will tell later how he helped me, called and ask Jack if he could come by for just a couple of minutes. I knew he was going to tell me not to come back. He came by and said he was looking forward to me at the class, then he gave me a little prayer book, put his hand on my head and said "Frank, God lives you." Before he had always said God bless you. Jack and Alice and I all noticed the difference.
So I guess I am on the road to Rome. I really want to get there. I think I will be better and happy. Frank

Hit by Reality

I had a good senior year. I was named best football player at my school. I was all-conference and made third team all state. I thought I was on top of the world.

The prom was coming up in the spring and I wanted to get a good date. The head cheer-leader and me were kind of friends. Her dad was the Methodist minister in town. I ask her in early March if she would go to the prom with me, she said yes but the next day she called and told me her parents would not let her go with me.

Then the football thing. 3 small schools in our state said they would give me a football scholarship. Not Noter Dame, Oklahoma, Texas but little not important schools. They said will give you a scholarship we just need to check your overall character record and let you know. None of them ever contacted me again. I was bad, but not that bad, I thought. I was never in a fight, the teachers seem to like me, I never took hard drugs, I had never had any runin with the police.

I wanted to go to college and there was a community college in the nearby big city. But there was also a big time school that was very expensive. Jack said why don't you try the big time schhool. Jack went to work. He had spoken at the important school many times over the years and never charge them a fee. And he went to a big wheel at the school and said he wanted a favor. Let me go there on a tral basis. The school said alright but I would have to live with Jack and Alice and be a good citizen. It was really expensive so they got me a parttime job in the student union cafeteria busing tables. I was really thrilled that this school would let me try.

I guess I need to say who Jack and Alice are. Jack is the great uncle of my good friend Glenn. Alice is his wife. She is much younger than Jack and has some different ideas. She thinks boys and men are under a lot of presure. People expect them to always be able to handle things and never to bee too emotional. She thinks boys and men need help to.

Jack helped me with my assignments, Alice taught me how to hold by fork amd how to dress. They gave me the biggest bed room in their house with a TV and a pretty old desk. The kids at school were nice. They came from every state and had never heard of my little town. But they were still nice. I got by the first semester, but just barely. I did a little better the second semester. But in the early summer when they send you your grades I was afraid they would say you cannot come back. I waited everyday for the mail. One day a letter came from the school. I hate to admit it but my hands shook a little. The letter started out "Welcome back". I ran into the house and hugged Jack and Alice as hard as I could. I think I cried a little.

I had been hit hard many times in football. But being hit by reality was so much harder. I did not want to be a hero from nowhere. Now I thought with evey body helped me I might be just something. That night when I went to bed I tried to thank Jesus for what he had send me.

the Scarlett Scar

The scarlett Scar.

Some of the men in my little town took pride in how they pun,ish their boys. The standard practice was a whipping with a belt, and my father was in that group. From about age 6 he would whip me with his belt when I was bad, and I guess this was quite a bit.

The one I remember best was when I was 17 in the 11th grade. He caught me doing something that boys sometimes do but don't tell there folks. He made me lay on the bed, take off my shirt and then whipped me 20 times with his belt. His belt had little medal pieces on it and they could make you bleed a little.After he did this he sat on the side on the bed and cried, I don't know why. Maybe he thought I was going to be just like my older brother who got in trouble, maybe he was sorry. I don't know.

After he left the room my mother came in and put some stuff on the places that were bleeding. It kind of embarassed me to say she took off my shoes and sox but that made me feel a little better. I know this is silly but it kind of reminded me of when I was little. She said "Frank I am proud of you and I will always love you."

Well the scars are still there. Jack and Alice took me to a plastic surgon to see if he could fix them. He said he could but it would be very expensive. Jack and Alice are so kind to me but they did not have the money for the skin crafts.

I was embarassed to take off my shirt when we played side yard football. But Jack told me about a book called "The Scarlett Letter" about a women who had to were A scarlett letter on her dress because she had committed a sin. Jack, who is always upbeat with me said tell anyone who ask that the marks were your scarlett scars and forget about it. Then he said something I did notunderstand at first. "You cary the scarlet scars but you kept others from having to cary them." When I went to bed that night I tried to figure what he meant. I think best just before I go to sleep. It came to me. I had the scars but when I married and had kids they would never have scarlett scars. I don't know how to pray but I thanked Jesus for letting me see what Jack meant. I promise. Noone I take care of will ever have to wear a scarlet scar. Frank

THE HERO FROM NOWHERE

I was born some 23 years ago in a little town of about 5,000. My little town is 25 miles from a pretty big city. When I was in grade school the teachers thought I would be a good athlete. I was big and tall for my age.

When I got to junior high in the ninth grade I was good anough in Foorball to play for the high school team. In fact I was the only 9th grader to start. By the 10th grade I was over six feet tall and about 170 pounds. I was one of our best players. My dad got lots of attention at the cafe, and the barber shop, and other places. His friends told him how good I was. He liked it because my older brother had got in trouble and dad was ashamed of him.

After the games the older players ask me to go with them. Some one would get a beer and we would go to a small lake near the town. There were girls there and the older boys we tease me to become a man. I did not know what to do but they told me how and pushed me to be a man. It was very awkward but I finally did what they said. I was fifteen and could have said no but wanted there approval. This happened several times.

It was fun being a big wheel at the school and in our little town and my dad was really pleased. I don't mean to blame others but the attention I got was hard for me to deal with so I just went along.

In the tenth grade we played an epispocal school from the big city. We won and I scored two touchdowns. There had been a little story in the big city paper about me and after the game one of there coaches came over to me and said "so you are the hero from nowhere. I still don't know if he meant mean or was just joking. I did not think much of it until I went to bed that night. May be I was a important person but was I from nowhere. Were the older boys laughing at my awkard attempts at being a man. Were the girls who really seem to like me talking about me having a bad reputattion. Was I really just a little guy from nowhere even if I was a foorball star was I what the coach said. A hero from nowhere. Then I went to sleep.

Anna you have been nice to me, I wonder if you could do me a favor. In my English II class at college the teacher wants us to write short compositions about ourselves and have someone else read them. The other person who reads them just needs to say 1. they can understand what you are saying which Dr. Ellison thinks is the point of writing. Then he will check for gramar and spelling, punctuation and other things. Dr. Ellison also wants the first reader to say if they think the title is right for what I wrote. Of course you do not have to do this but Jack thought you would be a good person to look.
My temporary topics are: The hero from nowhere. The scarlett Scar, Hit by Reality, From Nashville to Rome, The Accident. Would you do this? I would appreciate it. Frank

RCA is back

This is RCA. Do you remember?

I really out of the loop here. I'm back in town because I bought Jack and Alice's house and they have built a very fine 'condo' type addition on Meg and Jimmy's house. I'm a detail man so I've been here several weeks, and will probably stay till early December fixing up details.

I don't want to get into fights, but as you might recall I responded to M...'s ugly email to Jack. Jack and I love to debate, and, as you know, I'm a bit anti-catholic. The little scanning of the blogs leaves me with 3 conclusions. I find your position hard to follow as you would expect but I see no hint of the hypocrite in what I have read from you. Jack is basically very nice and what he has done for others over the years is amazing; but to those who don't know him he clearly gives the impression of intemperance. As for M..., I find his effort to deflect responsibility for the child abuse scandal revolting. I see exactly what Jack says about his method, and to be frank it stirs up my anti-catholicism. But let's end on a happy note. Great to see your thoughts. O. by the way Jack is letting Frank do the posting the rest of this week as a class project at his college. RCA

Changed strategy

Ah, apparently I've been banned for heresy. I do want to add to my previous post that Vatican2 encouragement of the laity has made the church much safer. That council led to some ugly exposures but has led to public consciousness which had led, in my opinion, to fewer incidents of abuse.

The effort of some to reverse the responsibility is "back to the old tricks" posturing. This new strategy to cover the guilty by blaming societal changes will be bought by many. I notice our dioscesan paper has started, emphasizing that a former bishop found 3 married clergy in the diocese!!! And, of course Vatican2 played its part. I guess I should be happy to know that priests are no more likely to abuse the young than traveling salesmen. I have always thought that clergy were no more likely to abuse others than other occupational groups. I just thought we could expect higher standards from priests. Jack

Excuses, excuses.

Of course, power is the key. Frankly, like Hitchock, I'm afraid ot the police. They carry firepower om their belts that could blow me from here to eternity. Would they punished. Probably not, because the policeman would claim I reached in my pocket, which was a threatening move. The policemen know that they have the sympathy from the public. I thought of this as I read a comment on another blog throwing out excuses for clerical sexual abuse. It was from my favorite "catholic" apologist, who pretends thoughtful neutrality but always comes down to defend any catholic abuse, one of the true old time bigots.

I notice in my diocesan paper a slap at Vatican 2 hinting that pedophiles were spawned by that Council. What rot!!! I lived as an adult throught the fifties and sixties (and since) and the church had its wierdos then as it has today. The only thing today that is different is that some persons are willing to speak up.

Please, make no mistake. The ultra-conservative wing of today's church is fighting for many things. And one and a prominent one is the right of a cleric to do what he wants and NOT BE HELD ACCOUBTABILITY, as their special relationship to God entitles them. This of course will not be read by may favorite bigot. If by chance it should be he'll toss you a German word, pretend to be objective, and come out with his backup excuse. Jack

the fool

this is alice. i haven't posted for a long time. gets too rough for me. but i do want to comment on frank's treatment. jack and frank are good christians. i'm not that good; i can't forgive his father. his father was disappointed with frank's older brother, so he thought he could beat frank into goodness. but it doesn't work that way. i've seen the belt his father used on him, with its metal brads every quarter of an inch. i've seen frank's back. and the scars. when we took care of him and we had to change his clothes, i saw the scars on his legs; yes, and even on his backside. o yes there were more than a few whippings--i call them beatings. so frank when you read this i say your father scared your fine god-given body. but that belt could not reach your heart. maybe in a couple of years you will find the "right" girl. and your kids will have a fine, fine father. maybe i can learn to forgive. alice.."A fool made wise by pity."

Thanks from Frank

I'have never done a post. Jack Alice and everyine is gone and Jack set this up to allow me to make a post.

I want to thank Jack who has helped me so much in bad health.
I want to thank Alice who always helps stray animals and who thinks stray boys need help to.
I want to thank Anna for staying with Jack and I think she cares for me
I want to thank Liam for litening and helping I wish I had been his friend years ago.
I want to thank the catholic church for carry for me evem thou I can never meet their standard
I want to thank my parents, my dad was hard on me but he thought he was doing right
I want to thank my mother especially the time she let me be a little boy after my whipping
I want to thank Father (blank) who got me the medicine and still cares for me
I want to thank Jesus for still loving me despite what I have done.

I could go on there are others but thanks to all. Frank

The s-x contract

As opposed to catholic tradition, which one of my critics seems to imply that as a 2 week catholic I can not speak to catholic issues, I intend to expound on the church and s-x in a few posts.

Today's topic is on the s-x contract which I believe is a more adequate name for the marriage contract. This s-x contract as celebrated in most churches is the permission of the church celebrating the ceremony for two poeple to engage in s-x acts or indeed to allow s-x thoughts. Strike s-x thoughts or actions and substitute "unitive" acts or "possibly procreative acts." 5 young men sit at a wedding and, with various degress of envy, realize their best friend is now free, within limits, of course, to engage in acts and thoughts that they are forbidden to do and have. Their married friend has joy. The others have only cold showers to look forward to.

For example, and as a catholic I would advise thusly: should they see a commercial movie at their girl friends that shows a little 'love making' they should say,"Pardon me dear, I need to take a cold shower." As they leave that evening they should tape their months shut in case a 'good night' kiss trigger lust.

For married couples I suggest the following changes in vocabulary. Substitute "Let's have a little unity tonight" rather than crude alternatives. All good christians should carry a "cold shower bag" around their waists should they see an attractive member of the opposite sex on the street, such bag to be activated by a small battery carried in the armpit.

The words "s-exual organs" should be banned and be replaced with "unity organs" or "possibly procreative organs." Possibly "reproductive organs" could still be allowed if
the person can submit an affadavit that he gets no pleasure, only unity feelings, from s-x.

All catholic elementary kids should be taught never, and I mean NEVER, to touch their unity organs even in bathing in the remote chance it might spark a thought which would bar them from ever being elected pope. Possibly an exception for girls for obvious reasons.

One final suggestion at this time. Disconnect your hot water heater so only cold showers are possible. A bit extreme, but we can never be too careful. Jack

A learning experience--

I'm in the doghouse with what I liked to call "friends"---I'm quite sure they do not think of me as a friemd or even an aquaintance. I must say that I don't even recognize myself in some of the negative responses I have gotten. Mis-using anon. Gee I thought of myself as one of the few commenters who gave their name. Ad hominen attacks, non sequiturs on and on. That sure doesn't sound like me, but that's what some say. So I will try to stay off blogs I like, but I will make some comments on my blogging experience. And some of the things I've leared.

My first blogging experience was with Joe Cecil. Looking back I see he allowed all points of view to be expressed. My recent experiences have not been that salutary. Most, but not all, bloggers I have found recently will allow a certain amount of disagreement, but become quite unsettled if they are disagreed with, especially if the commenter is not totally immersed in catholic culture. They then label, if not immersed in that tradition, the commenter as engaging in personal attacks. It really is a small catholic world they're interested in. These bloggers know all the saints, all the holy days, and quaint stories about monks in Ireland(?) and jazz musicians. Some of these bloggers call themselves liberal or moderate catholics but 'arch' up like a cat cornered by a Rotweiler if you really question any basic catholic teaching.. Each blogger has his own club, divided between realatively perceptive commenters and sycophants---"Oh, Bob what you said was just so "zowie."

And listen, they are Catholic to the core. They were either brought un Catholic or recent converts, considering C S Lewis and G K Chesterton the sine qua non of philosophy. Forget Plato, Spinoza, Kant, after all they were not catholic enough.

On a lighter side, one of my critics chides me for not revealing everything to my wife, apparently including all sexual thought and actions over 75 years. I pray he follows his own advice and his wife writes them down. Everything from age 8 to 50(?). Every 'naughty' thought, every secret fantasy, every titilation,( if he has experienced any of the three)--smile. what a contributions to science. The first complete history of every sexual thought experienced by one man. Lecture tours, maybe even a movie--certainly a Burns documentary!!!! Maybe even a Larry King experience.

Oh, I know these catholic liberals and moderates. A fine wine, a slightly off-color joke about B16 (tee hee) and a new set of rosay beads.

Before I wrote any of this , my wife, who has no, I repeat NO non=catholic ancestors and not even knowing I was going to write this told me last night as we returned from a really posh--and man I mean a REALLY posh liberal catholic party "Aren't catholics an interesting group. They know every saint, every holy day---they were brought up that way and can't help it."

So back to the start. If any one reads this remember I am on the forbidden blogger list. Don't read this. Go back to thinking about the old monk and the jazz musician.
See you tomorrow. Got to go tell my wife I had a S-- thought. Jack

Name calling

For any of you who might be interested, my last comment, censored by Jeff on his blog was "I invite any reasonable person to decide if I fit"touchy old bastard" better than he fits "arrogant little twerp. No syncophants, please"

More on this in the days ahead.

Anna. Almost finished moving. My non-RCIA reception was excellent. Priest even payed for the good work of my previous church (anglican) in nurturing me in the Christian faith. My crusade took almost three years but with the help of you and others, I maintained my integrity. It was worth it, as several catholics told me in the last few days. Much more later. Thanks, thanks again. Jack

Anna, Liam, Jeff-----My thanks

By this time next week I will be RC. I am glad, of course. You bloggers out there have been very helpful. Dear Anna, who is always there; Liam , who has helped three boys who need help; Jeff who knows me better maybe than I know myself. And there are others who have shown an interest in me , my family, and Frank especially. But I would not be true to myself if I did not say my one regret on blogdom is "sick mike." I think he comments on Jeff's blog where we had a little dispute and Mike sent me a...well...sick email. My counsin RCA who is back in town this week, and who is not very sympathetic to catholicism, is most distressed that I would belong to anything associated with "sick mike." Jeff does not want me on his blog, but continuues, it seems to me, to pander to "sick mike."But the comments above give me something for my first "reconciliation." Thanks. Jack

Attention Jeff. Sick Mike is on your web.

I wonder if Jeff is aware that Mike who is a frequent commenter on his blog sent me an annonymous, insulting e-mail. The Jeff I know is great and has helped me a great deal. On the rare chance that Jeff should ever see this, I would like him to know what Mike is a vicious little liar. He poses as the 'voice of moderation' but in reality is a sick bigot.

End justifies means.

I notice most of the Republican presidential candidates are taking the position that the end justifies the means. So my example. Assume we capture an Iraqui and his three year old daughter. We know and the Iraqui knows a nuclear device will be set off, causing a minimum 50,000 American deaths. But we do not know where. Would we be justified in torturing the 3 year old if it would make the father give us the location of the device, saving 50,000 lives? Romney and the others (McCain excepted, but not on moral grounds) say yes. Same situation with torturing father. Now what does Catholic theology say about this; how does this fit into 'double effect' doctrine?


WC you are welcome to post here anytime, regardless of what the original post is about. We need your 'voice.'

blog open sex and the church

I am a first cousin of Jack Haynes who has this blog. His wife has given me permission to write out Mr. Haynes' thoughts on sex and the church. Some of you may know Jack was contemplating joining the catholic church, but was troubled by two issues. I am from San Jose, Cal. and will try to record his thoughts as he has written them before and as he has expressed them to me. Never having blogged before I notice that the person usually identifies themselves by initials or some clever name. My initials are RCA. If you have any doubt as to my permission to write this please ask his wife Alice who also uses this site. The other issue besides sex and the church is infallibility. I claim no expertise on these issues, not being catholic, but I think I know the general area enough to express with reasonable accuracy Jack's feelings. I have looked up the comments he has made as an aid in defining his stance.

Jack believes the catholic church is obsessed with sex. And in a negative sense. From sexual thoughts, to masturbation, to contraceptives, to sexual intercourse, to permissable "techniques" in sex Jack believes the church clearly says anathema to all. This of course is best shown in that all clergy, male and female,in the church have as their goal total chastity. Should this goal be achieved by all clergy both before their ordination, which it seems clear the church prefers, all church offices would be held by, pardon my bluntness, by men who have never had a sexual thought, have never masturbated, have never used contraceptives, have never had an orgasm, or indeed an erection. Of course, this would seem impossible, but is clearly a goal of the church.

Now to add to Jack's problem (and mine ,RCA) this group of men, ideally absent any sexual thought, desire, or experience are empowered to tell the one billion, (I believe) catholics how to conduct their sex lives. This idea must surely boggle the mind, but Jack thinks this is clearly the church's position,as I believe the church desires(RCA).

Abortion, that is the prohibition of such, is clearly the sine qua non of today's church at least in America. Jack thinks this attitude is clearly sex driven. In all the "elevated" catholic stance on this is the clear saying "Sex has consequences." Or another way;"Sex is only for procreation." But staying away from the right or wrong of the practice the philosophy is sex has a price. I notice in reviewing these sites something called the "unitive" principle is always invoked. This, of course, is a concession to reality, and is obviously based on the principle of teleology, that is definition by outcome. A child defines a brick, for example, as something you build a building with. This type of thinking is outdated by hundreds of years. A brick is not define by what it is used as but by its material elements. But to the catholic, sex is defined primarily as something that produces children, which is of course pitiful logic. So catholics must to nothing to twarth that possibility. Why? Because sex is defined by the producing of offspring. Again teleology of the ancient philosophers. I have noticed on a couple of blogs that NFP, I believe it is called, that the bloggers have clearly shown their is no basic difference between NFP and physical contraception; they are both efforts to destroy the "purpose" of sex. As RCA I should add how is a totally celibate clergy to understand the "unitive" principle in sexual relations?

Again let me say, Jack is not arguing the morality of abortion here; only that it is driven by a demeaning of sex.

Now, I am sure, if this is read that catholic scholars will resurrect the dry bones of "natural law" in defense of the church, defining wheat as something to be eaten.

In the two days I have been here it has been my good fortune to reruse Jack's considerable library. He has a large book entitled "Catholicism" by a teacher or former teacher at Notre Dame. Glancing through it I notice he was careful not to discuss any teaching clearly defined by the church. The other bood(s) was a three volume history of philosophy by the Jesuit Frederick Copleston of course with an imprimatur meaning, I assume, nothing can be suggested that is contrary to catholic doctrine. Jack likes the philosophy books so this last sentence was RCA. If Jack had stayed around we could have had some great discussions. Good Luck to any who might read this. If I get time I'll try to give Jack's problems with infallibility. RCA

blog closed

this blog is closed. "owner" cannot blog nor respond. alice says she can't believe arrogance, and cruelty of some bloggers.

Maybe will meet again

I said a few weeks ago that I would no longer post. I have posted a couple of times since then. However this will be my last and the blog will be eliminated.

I believe I have conducted myself in a gentlemanly manner. Today, however, I was subjected to the most scurilous attack I have experience in47 years of debate both verbal and written. It was on a blog I had conficence in to the extent that I had revealed some of the most intimate details of my life. The blog "owner'" said the insulting comments were not intended for me. Should I suppose they were directed to Harry Truman.

Most of you have been most courteous, but alas, if the subject of abortion is even mentioned I must say a catholic looses all reason, respect, and any desire to engage coherently. I'm sorry, but am not willing to let my wife and daughter die{as in both cases could have happened} to saisfy the twisted logic of a church, twisted by being run by celibate men and with a long history of regarding sex as necessary, but a bit inferior to abstinence. {See JP2 obvious preference for nuns over married women].

My wife came home from mass today bringing her church bulletin announcing a workshop for those women to help eliminate their "shame" of abortion. And who created much of that shame?. Ah, what Christianity!!!

I must also refer you to the catholic clerics rather humourous comment that 'the church that claims to be the only church finds itself in the position of having to pay billions of dollars for child molestation' Andrew Greeley, I believe.

So my friends, goodbye. I am consistent. Have cancelled my reception into the RC church set for three weeks from this week. The Southern Baptist lost my respect by becoming merely an arm of the Republican party. RC has lost my respect as it becomes the one issue church. It's all summed up in the cartoon which shows Bush and a Soldier watching a casket of a soldeier being brought home and the soldier saying,"Don't worry , Mr. President, it's not a fetus."

Incidentally, no one in my family that I know has had an abortion, in case Karl Rove or your bishop told you to try that one. Jack Haynes

an open letter to liam

I hope you're not the Liam who gave me hell on Joe's blog. Jeff says your not, so here goes. For three years I have been trying to become a RC but with no luck. I could give you reasons but this is not the place. I have never had a "god" experience but I think RC might be the path. I'm going to be corny, but when the new RCIA statutes camed out and I became aware of them 3 years ago I actually believed that in a way they were meant for me. I have read and reread them and each time I hear someone speaking[ just a metaphor]. these statutes are saying "Jack, we want you. You can come to us with dignity."

Then I go to a blog or a church and they either laugh or give me a good bawling out. The Church put these statues out for me and other like me, but the blogs and churches just laugh."Yeah" , they all say" we're vaguely aware of these rules, but we don't pay any attention to them Too complicated; we do it another way and we ain't gonna change. So take that." So I[ the crawling protestant] says "Thank you Church < I accept your invitation on YOUR terms" But then every else says "Jack, just joking..To hell with Vatican2!! You'll do it the way we want here at St. Golliver's and stop citing Church pronouncements. After all you're the only idiot that look up statutes; no one else knows and we sure ain't gonna tell 'em."

The point is NOT should the statues read that way, but why does the big CHURCH {pope and all] say do this and no one pays any attention.

What difference does it make. Okay Liam, let me find a charismatic protestant church[ snakes or not, your preference] and just for fun you march down the aisle, fall on the floor, shake, cry, speak in a strange tongue and get your goiter healed; then look me in the eye and say that 's not demeaning. Of course, Catholics are in better taste. So they make me leave the church like an errant third grader, undergo scrunities intended for 'pagans', sign books , say I can only become a catholic on one day of the year, attend endless classes to be told some important points,yes, and then tell us the nativity story. BUT Church that's not what you said when you invited me in.

Of course, I'm out of control in a way[ but just in a way]. In the last year no one has meant more to me than Jeff[my confessor], b, Anna, Joe, and now you. I'm older now, but if you look at my picture on my blog, I once was young and now I'm not. But I think I still recogmize fairness. I don't like changing the rules in the middle of the game. Why do I side with the Church and catholics line up against the church and they're in and I'm locked out unless I do what the Church says not to do.

Liam, I said a few days ago this will soon all be over. Can you see anyway out. The issue: The Church asks. I accept. Then they say:Just joking!! Thank you. Jack

Walk, Not Crawl.

I believe it was several weeks ago that I indicated I would not post again. I felt the things I had asked about had been at least partially answered. I met several friends who were helpful in my effort to at least start on the road to Rome. But now I see that all was in vain. So let me state my position as clearly as possible; of course not responding to every nuance unless you ask .

As a non-Catholic I recognized that Vatican2 had established [or re-established] a process know today as RCIA. Many Catholics will be familiar with this 'program'. But it is obvious that three positions have been taken toward this Rite.

One, the Council of Bishops see this rite as a reaching out to non-christians and "christians" alike, but making a distinction between the two groups in the spirit of ecumenism. The Bishops made it quite clear that differences must be recognized between baptized "Christians" and those who have not been baptized. This would seem to be the official position of the church. And a very logical position.

Two, a second group almost, if not completely, rejects the distinction between candidates--baptized "Christians" and cathechumen--non baptized persons and do not believe the guidelines have any signicance.

Three, the third group agrees mainly with what the bishops say but argue that while a distinction might be made on paper it is a minor difference and treating the two group--baptized "Christians" and non- christians is not really significant on the grounds that RCIA is an introduction to catholicism and should be taken by all, or that placing the two groups together is a small price for the baptize "christian" to pay for admission the the Church. {Incidentally I put quotes around "christian" so a person such as Ray Ryland, so typical of the zeaoltry associated with "converts" can continue to uphold "triumphalism" or his rather oblique admiration for that position}

I think these distinctions between between the baptized and the unbaptized are important. The church is careful not be rebaptize, showing clearly a distinction. The RCIA program is clearly designed mainly for the unbaptized and to prepare the candidates as if they were to be rebaptized-- as practiced many places --- casts serious aspersions on those baptized persons desiring to unite with the Roman Catholic Church. And, of course, the scrutinies, the dismissal, etc it seems to most scholars and the Bishops to be designed for the catechumen.

Let me speak briefly to the third group--the oh, what difference does it make group. While the whole intent of RCIA is to be helpful and no one questions the RCIA leaders are gracious--to some, and I am one, the clear message to the candidates it "You have lived in greivous error for years as has probably your family, but now we are going to wipe that out. Despite the fact that you belonged to some other group calling itself "christian" we will start at the very beginning and give you a second chance." Much to the delight of Rev. Ryland. And possibly some other zealots.

It is clear to many that this attack on RCIA AS IT WAS INTENDED is closely tied with those who totally reject the spirit of Vatican2 and desire a return to pure, undisguised triumphalism

I desire to be a Catholic. But as I posted before I desire to 'walk' into the church , not "crawl"

I have tried to be as clear as possible but some recent circumstances have lessened by usual happy attitude a bit. If I have offended, with possibly one exception--the dear Reverend--then let me extend my apologies.

New Picture

Since i have mentioned my family a lot, here are some pictures which you probably find boring, but because i think of you as friends and jack wanted me to post them.

my wife alice

here is alice at joe's 4th birthday party. This is great for 65.

Son-in-law and kids

I can't stop showing off my family. Jack is so proud of his family. This is his son-in-law.

this is my older grandson, Jack. I am so proud of them. They make life worth living. alice

The Grandsons

this first picture is my youngest grandchild Joe.

picture

I am trying to see if I can get a picture in here. alice

B, you indicated you would not mind another Horror Story, So here goes. When my son was in 5th grade he was having a hard time, Not with his studies, but with a couple of bullies. I could give background but it had to do with kids realizing ethnic differences. He was knocked down twice and we decided the situation was getting serious.

Our daughter was five. And I was little help. I was gone five days a week going around the state on a political matter, sometimes giving speeches three times a day. I could see Alice was getting in a pressure cooker. Finally she decided John had to change schools; but the public schools had some tight restrictions. There was a catholic school 6 blocks from our house. Alice had taught sunday school there 3 years and our daughter was baptized there.

We went to the school on a Friday and the two nuns who met us were most gracious. They said they would be delighted to have John there. I, Alice, and John were more than thrilled!! We raced around town to get his uniform{not an easy task}. Alice and John were completely different people. I was very happy.

Sunday afternoon the phone rang and the nuns said they needed to talk to us. When we got there they told us, almost crying, that the priest had said we hadn't contributed enougn money so John could not go to the school.

Alice went crazy [and so did John}. She got in one of our cars and drove away screaming. I spent two hours trying to find her. Finally she drove in the driveway and almost drove through the front of the house. She have never done this!!! I was almost lost at what to do. In desparation I called the Assit. Supt. of School, who had no reaon to like me because we had been on the opposite sides of so many issues!.He was a Baptist!!!!!! but said in a calm voice: John tell Alice not to worry, give me three hours. How he did it I don't know but within TWO hours he called back with the perfect solution.

I should mention, and this makes me look bad three of my coach friends came by. They were so angry they wanted to get the priest and beat the hell out of him. Of course they did not go but did call him and curse him out in the vilest terms.

The priest was so filled with_____I don't think he knew what was going on.

I quit my political workings and Alice out or sheer hate did not go to mass for 18 months. BTW John was an honor student got a masters degree and then, as I have told you , died a cruel death at 36.

O yes we still see the priest at functions. Most people politely appauld when he is introduced. But two of us don't!!

We all know Matthew, Chapter 25. Assuming for a moment this was the story of the two men's life, who would beon the right and who on the left. The Baptist Supt., living in a jungle of heresy, completely devoid of the warm arms of Rome; or the priest--his conceptions immaculate, and embraced in the arms of mother church. I guess the Supt. on the right and the priest on the left. Of course I don't know for sure and no one does, but honor me with a guess?

losing my cool

I think some of you think I'm anti-catholic. Well I'm not. Alice has gotten in that position so I have to defend church. She thinks I been treated crappy, and she' a loving wife.3 year of hints, overtures, formal requests, generous with what money we have, rather expensive medals for scores of kids, attending catholic study groups etc. Well my friends I'm beginning to get a little peeved. Well I know what you're saying out there: just do what church says and they may let you in. Yes, this RCIA thing is big to me AND to the bishops. They agree with me but some partially educated priest just won't hear of it!!Talk about audacity!!

Listen I've endured 60 years of insults and acted like they wern't from devout catholics and pompous priests. So tomorrow I'm goin to talk about a few. If you're fair you'll agree I been most patient these 60 years. They've hurt me; my kids, my wife and I'm still to swammi to them!!Listen, no way! I'm reasonable; they're not.

Exceptions: B, Anna, Joe, Jeff, Caitilin {not a catholic} and probably left out a few. You are great; but you're not the church I know.

Some friends say tell them you're ill, they'll let you get by. I don't play that game. Still have my fire. BTW just writing this has got the adrenalin flowing so probably good for me. Seriously. Jack

Here we go. I'm not going to fancy up my questions--just hope you understand

One, do local dioceses feel any obligation to follow Bishop's Council on RCIA or , in my experience, to they just ignore the Bishops?

Two, who determines your period of 'probation'? What do you have to do to get off probation and become church member?

Three, since your probation runs from 1 year to infinity who makes this determination?

Four are individual priest and RCIA directors given the power to determine your "holiness" and whether you are worthy of being a catholic?

Five, are priest and RCIA directors expected to know anything about theology, or is that a sign of impudence on student should they ask 'problem' question leading to another ???years of probation

Six, Is not the way this program can be run a little similar to pledging Sigma Nu? Partial joke.

Seven, could a reasonable person regard this process as "crawling" to the church not walking?

Eight, with the apparently total power given to RCIA director to open or close the gates of heaven, is there any appeal from this authority.


I could go on. I really like our RCIA director { a Dominican nun} but I'm not sure I want to enter theoretical serfdom to join a church I thought was open to all.

Friends, I think you see what I'm saying. AAH the sin of pride. But something about casting first stone. Hi to all.

I realize these things i mention probably want wont happen, but the idea>>>>Jack





















e

The End of the Affair

My apolgies guys. Let's forget RCIA. If able I'll still post on occassion. It's really been fun, but we're apparently at a deadend. Thanks to each. Jack

B,Anna, Joe, Jeff, Caitlin anyone with any opinion.

Sometimes little things mean a lot. The friends I have in blogdom are,well,--the greatest. So I want you to forgive what you may think is petty and give the old man some advice.

One of the main reason I desire to be a RC is my family. As I have said they are all Catholic. Okay, you say, just become one. Not so fast my friends, as the TV football analyist says.

In the spirit of Vatican2 the RCIA process was established, to revive a very old tradition. I used to be able to find a good discussion of this on the internet, but now it's gone. Uhmmm. The gist of the article was that there should be a clear distinction between the un=baptised who had had no official church affiliation and those from other christian faiths. The article went on to say that an un do burden should not be placed on the latter.

Getting my nerve up, I sent a letter and a copy of an essay of mine that raised some religious issues as well as some questions about RCIA. I never got an answer but the nun who directs the RCIA program handed the material back to my wife with the comment:"This is too deep for me" I told this story on Joe's blog and got a reply: You can't expect a parish priest or RCIA director to answer this. Not Joe, but one of his commentators.

To continue with my boring story, I called the Bishop's office. The nice lady said go to a parish priest. I suggested the diocese might have a kind of in resident theologian who might handle my questions. She gave me a name. I called 4 times, he was never in and did not return my calls. I then called our local university that has a chair in catholic studies. I thought I'd be a bit more specific. So I said I wanted to discuss Fatima. The secretary said "There's nothing to discuss; it's been proven" Phoned bang down!!!

Next, ya, boring I know, I drove 25 miles to near town to talk to priest who I was assured was really 'with it'. He gave me 45 minutes[luncheon engagement]. Result
: Ten minutes on religion and 35 minutes on baseball. Still a lot of fun.

Last try. Three ladies who knew the situation said we know priests who will know how to handle this situation. But, of course that would put pressure on family at home church and school.

Just a final thought. Te RCIA director as the power to "fail" you in her course. Apparently she has a new set to the keys of the kingdom. And then the possible 3 years probation---I assume followed by Vatican CIA to see if your not 'naughty'.

Okay, what I'm saying is just too much. Even Alice is outraged!!

Possible solutions: 1. Go to 22 weeks of RCIA and keep my mouth shut. 2.Go to Rcia and ask questions like:How do I know the pope loves me?[joke}3.Go to other priests and insult families' priests.4. Forget it all.

I could go on, but maybe i've gotten the point over. BTW still get invitations to Rectory for dinners, which are great. Maybe I'm asking too much.

B, Joe,B, Joe, Anna Jeff--any friends left

I've read Newman on infallibility and read carefully the comments of blogs. Have not reallychanged my mind totally, but can go along. Newman: Certainly if I am obliged to bring religion into after dinner toasts, I shall drink to the pope if you please--still to conscience first and to the pope afterwards.

Thinking of Newman, I am not surprised, I guess, that his path toward sainhood will probably never reach a goal, while two portuguese young boys of very dubious credentials were 'given' sainthood by JP2. I think Fatima is a clear case of childhood fantasy if not outright deception. Best thing I've read in years was Ratzinger's analysis of the
fatima "miracle". I find these 'apparitions' and the alleged "miracles" very weak evidence. Certainly the 'evidence' is subject to empirical analysis and , I hope, is not part of the of some 'lower' decree of the magisterium.

I know the private revelation scheme, but what if I say JP2 was badly off base.

Could a person agree with what I say and still not be a heretic? May be LOL to you, but rather important practical question.

Responses please. Jack

i am certainly no philosopher or theologian. but i am troubled by the lack of precision when people talk of religion. what we like we take literally; we dont like we take as metaphor. for examples. catholics take the petrine commission literally, but most take the six day creation as metaphor. when we talk of baptism, baptists say only immersion since most scholars say that is how john baptized; but many other religions take this as open to different forms, i could go on but i think the point is clear. oh, be sure and add revelation!!

we say god the father. but certainly father does not mean a man physically. we say mary is the mother of god. ask a priest what that means and you will get pure analogy. we say jesus ascended to heaven, but is heaven a physical location. ask your pastor. we say the trinity is three person in one. how do we interpret person? and on and on.

i say these things as a commited catholic, but i think they are important. lanquage takes many forms and we should be alert to them.

now is the bible so clear that it has no interpretation. if so, thousands of scholars have wasted their lives.

and can we start with a definition and follow its exact consequences? if so calvin was right. if god is all knowing, not limited by time,and all power then predestination MUST follow. the arrogamce of pure reason!!!

now if the bible is subject to interpretation are not statements of the church the same? the statements of paul, mark, matthew, even jesus may be interpreted in different ways, but not council and papal decrees?. let me emphasize, biblical and church statements are most important, but are they so obvious they need no analysis, too me this stageres the mind!

most scholars today, catholic and otherwise, put great empahsis on the context, historical and otherwise, of biblical passages. does not the same apply to church doctrine?

is it allowed or worthwhile to look at infallible statements in their context. the two infallible decrees since 1870 are the immaculate assumption and the bodily assencion of mary. i believe they are "true" but not necessarily factual. both show, and rightly so i believe, the increasing understanding of the role of mary in our faith these dogmas are a way to affirm this. many protestants are coming to recognize the unique position of mary. After all we can speak mainly in analogy when we deal with spiritual truths, but analogy can be most useful.

finally i need to say that i do not accept the argument that church doctrines of an infallible nature are independent of of the reasoning laid out in the decree, and that only the conclusion is infallible. this would be very strange as it violates all human logic and reason and would devastate human communication.

i believe god has spoken to us through jesus. but with all human language it must be understood properly by the hearer. yes the bible is important, tradition is most important, church doctrines are important, but this does not mean that they bypass our need to think, to reason. i don't think that is god' plan. alice

to me, despite all the philosophical theological arguments there are really two great 'parties' in our church[RC] and i think history will show this. Group one: the church is not a democracy, but more a monarchy. Yes lay persons have their place but it is clearly secondary to to those who have special callings[the clergy]. What the clergy say is substantially of greater weight than the laity. Group two: Yes their are different 'offices' in the church, but the laity opinion is just as weighty as clerical pronouncements. in other words all members of the church stand on their behavior as christians, and no office elevates one to greater status than another.

now don't misunderstand me. take the pope for example. he is 'elected'[ a bit democratic i might say, shouldn't a finger come down from heaven and point out the best candidate?] i hope on the basis of his holiness, his learning, his kindness etc, therefore his views are most important, but because of these good traits his bad behavior drives him either further from god.

I really don't have much sympathy with protestants on theorogy, but i do on their actions. doesn't the old protestant sibolith of the priesthood of all believers have merit? we all stand equal before god---the pope and the guy 'under the bridge". oh, i know we catholics say we believe this, but do we practice it.

just an example, and i know anectotes are not evidence. During the height of the priest abuse scandal our church held a forum on the issue. the DA was there and others including our social justice director. when the latter made the point that abusers should be reported to the DA, the chancellor rose and propunded "you can't do this--remember these are priests!! by the way the social justice director was fired by the bishop and the priest was reprimanded!

i really haven't worded this well, but i tried . my moto: the church is not democracy, not a monarchy, but a meritocracy. alice.

let me also say, i am catholic and will never leave MY church.

RCIA

this is alice. just a brief personal note. those who see our comments on joe, b, mimi blogs don't know jack personally. let me say one of his best traits is his humour, no matter what he faces. he is one of the most popular persons at my church, although as you know he is not catholic. he's discused rcia with Joe and others and with people in our parish including the rcia director. several parishoners are quite upset that he must undergo extensive instruction and a probation period when they all know he is very familiar with catholicism. they have contacted other priest in our city who say they will wave the 'total package' as the u s bishops suggest. but jack does not want to upset our priests who, and i must say this, are afraid of jack. he contributes thousands of dollars every year to my parish, and we are certainly not rich. he went with me to a social justice meeting a month or two ago and , made only one comment about how he admired this work of the church, but was totally ignored and treated poorly by the priest. several members of the committee called to express their concern. i will not serve on any committee at my church, but will continue
to support it with attendance and money.

this is a partial transcript of a short talk he gave at a church dinner, the people loved it, including the rcia director. i have transcribed it as best i can, and hope it does not offend. it is to be taken as parody. Alice

OPENING REMARKS TO RCIA CLASS IN PETTYVILLE ALABAMA>

Good evening folks. My name is Glamorene Stubbs your RCIA teacher. Some of you know me as Mrs. Wallow, Mrs. Potts as well as Mrs. Stubbs for the time being. I have 3 kids. One by each husband, you might think. But I have only been married once. The Church in its wisdom has told me that my first two marriages were not real, just play like marriages. Where that leaves my kids, I'm not sure, but whatever.

But let's get started.You have been divided into three groups. Now let me say I'm not going to use fancy Eastern terms. Too confusing. I want you to understand so where i feel I should I'll use common folk language. Now the three groups. To my left the heretics--see every day words-- Methodist, Lutherans, Baptists who are right, say, 5 per cent of the time, max. On my right the pagans. They are never right, and should consider themselves lucky I'm going to save them from hell. The third group: Father Quiverful and me. Obviously we are almost always right, and---listen to this--- when I sit in this chair I am ALWAYS right!! I' m not completely sure why, but it has something to do with ex catheder. Something about a church leader can never make a mistake when he sits in a chair. Well something like that!

We will meet about 30 times. At the end I will give you a grade. A pass-fail system. IfI say you pass, and you serve a year of probation, you are on your way to heaven. BUT, if you fail, you will be tied up, put in Homer's pick-up, and droped on the lawn of the local Assembly of God church. Ha, Ha, just a joke.

I will do most of the teaching, but we will have 2 or 3 guest speakers, For example, on chastity as a great virtue, Sister Virginius will speak on that kind of naughty subject, As some of you know, she is 85 years old and has never had a DATE. So she knows what she's talking about!

Our rhythm speaker---the Eastern elite, ha, ha, call it NFP---I don't know what that stands for--something like no fun petting, will be Mr. and Mrs.Tired, and as a special treat this year they will bring their 16 children. This couple works six jobs between them, and we are really lucky they can get off the late shift at the pancake house to be with us. Another interesting point; there oldest son was --hold on--was Gay , a fancy Eastern term---Hilary Clinton uses it. But we're just real folks so feel free to call Eusebius, a reformed Queer. He went to some group called Courage or carnage, whatever, and was cured. We were all thrilled when he came back and sexually assaulted the cheerleader next door. PRAISE THE LORD!!! Incidentally before he was 'changed' he planned to be a priest.

And probably our BEST guest of the year. You all saw the coronation of our new Pope{ By the way, wern't those costumes simply OUT OF THIS WORLD--makes protestant preachers look downright shabby} Well you heard the TV people talking about the excersizer of Rome. You know the one that makes you throw up evil spirits and causes you to float in the air. Okay, if you don't believe me just watch the movie!!. Well father and I think we can get one to come here!! When not exercising--I think that's the word--he's been working as a greeter down at Wal-Mart. Where your old clothes that night a case you get thrown up on by the worst person here, and when they float to the ceiling don't stare. You may enjoy it but the floatee certainly won't!!

Okay, let's assume you pass. Final test will be the merits of obedience--you know, poverty, chastity, obedience. Hilary Clinton is supposed to pass through here.
We will protest, of course. You will be ask to carry a sign saying "Hilary Clinton kills Babies" or, if you don't like name calling,"All Democrats Kill Babies" or for you timid ones "Fry All Baby Killers".

The grauation ceremony will be held at the bishop's palace. Yow, I know he prefers house instead of palace, but it sure beats the Methodist parsonage. You can give him a small gift and, if you desire, kiss his ring. Don't worry about germs. Two deacons will be there to wipe his ring with clorox after each kiss. Then he will present you with a small gift in recognition of your not being sent to hell. Last year his gift was a coupon worth 15 per cent off on his summer tour:The Holy Places of Las Vegas.

One last thing. You are free, of course, to talk to Father Quiverful. Just one word of caution. Don't call or visit him on Tuesday or Thursday--those are his golf days. And no calls to the rectory after 7 p.m. Father is a greatLaw and Order fan. Any Questions? Oh, when you leave, heretics by the side door, and pagans through the kitchen door.






my catholic friends enjoyed jack' little routine and our rcia director wants a copy. i didn't get it all transcribed[the recording was fuzzy] but still working on it. and you think catholics can't laugh!!! Alice

Amglicans out there

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I guess people get tired of discussions on abortion. Both sides, pro life and pro-choice, have made their points and apparently nothing will change them. I am disturbed that the prolife people refuse to answer specific questions--they simply repeat the mantra "human life begins at conception." They refuse to admit any nuances. Any discussion about what this means brings only a repeat of the chant "Human life begins at conception" I have ask on several blogs for the prolife response to several questions, but never get a response to the questions but just a repeat chant of "human.................conception." On my previous post I proposed three questions, variations of which I have posted on other blogs. But, of course, no response. I'll probably never get one!!

Having watched the Republican presidential debate, it is clear to me, at least, that Guiliani, ambitious as he is, is far above the "know nothings" of the field. Of course abortion is the sine qua non of Republicanism. Other than Guiliani, the rest postulate to a foolish extremity this argument: human life begins at conception; therefore all abortions are murder. No nuance. No analysis. No exeptions.

But all reasonable people accept at least some exceptions. The knownothings allow for the life of the mother. Okay take them at their word. Who is to decide if the mothers life is at risk? A doctor or a government official? This is the crux of the issue.

Persomally to me we must protect human persons, not just human "life", whatever that means. The life begins at the moment of conception argument offends all common sense. Many examples could be given: are miscarriages counted as deaths in government statistics? is excessive exercise leading to a miscarriage tantamount to manslaughter?if a women has 5 viable fetus' and 10 miscarriages do we say she has 15 children? It's just so insane!!!

So the life begins at conception, without any nuances, is simply a mindless matra of the ignorant and political gullible!

of course, i was being a bit facetious. so you think i should direct this to joe? brownback is 100 per cent pure on this issue. as a catholic it is an important question for the church. i wonder what they say, officiously. i will vote for obama. jack for hilary or edwards.

political question. don't want to go to hell!!!!

hi b or anyone out there. my question is this. what does catholic voter{me} do in 2008? since all democratic candidates favor killing babies, i can't vote democrat. ask your bishop. am i not right. please don't give proportionate argument as nothing tops killing the innocent. half way joking, but half way serious.am i left with romney and mccain. of course they believe in killing foreigners and american criminals but not the unborn. help save my soul!! jack is safe he is invincibly ignorant--is that the current phrase for non-catholics. alice