Foursome in Training !

Hi all. So I haven't been blogging lately, but I have been busy. Raising a family that is. I just wanted to share with you the newest Foursome in Training. Can't wait till we hit the course together!!

Happy Advent Everyone!

Casualties of War

Has anyone ever been to this site at the Jerusalem Post? I was doing some reading about those who perpetrate terrorists attacks on civilians and came across this memoriam. I think it is well done. Simple and honoring of those fallen.

Desires are not Rights, well done Cardinal Sodano

Cardinal Angelo Sodano recently attended a congress on human rights in Lugano, Switzerland. I just wanted to commend the Cardinal. Most all of the so called rights that nowadays are being promoted as just are just people wanting their own desires, or those that they choose to fight for, to be accepted as perfectly reasonable by society as a whole. The use of Natural Law as a secular argument needs to be promoted, especially by Catholic institutions. Natural Law appeals to the common sense understanding that most people have about these types of ideas.

"Patriots Dream," by Hannah Dowling, 6th grade

The Patriot’s Dream

By: Hannah Dowling
6th Grade

Look at that flag, waving in the air,
Think of all the lives that helped to put it there.
Look at that flag, waving proud and strong,
Think of all the time that made that flag belong.
Look at those stars,
The red, white, and blue,
Look at that flag, and you know what they knew.
You know the patriot’s dream,
You know that dream came true,
You know that dream came true when you see
The red, white, and blue

Church of England Feeling Effects of Allowing Homosexual Priests

Now that England has passed laws to permit same sex civil unions the Church of England must deal with their decision to allow gay priests. In this Times article the Anglican church will allow their gay priests to register a civil union with the state, but they have to agree to be celibate in this relationship.

The real problem here is that the church gave in to societal pressures in the first place. I don't think it will be too long before the Church of England's stance will change to allow homosexual couples to engage in sexual activities with their partners.

This is how relativism works!

Looking Good Inside and Out

Thought I'ld post this article on an event my wife has been envolved with over the last three weeks. This took place April 16, 23 & 30 at Church of the Risen Christ in Denver.

Looking Good Inside and Out
During the month of April Denver broke ground on a fun and exciting new program for girls ages 10 to 14. “Looking Good inside & Out, Models for Life Fashion Workshop,” brought forth the teachings of John Paul II on the beauty and dignity of being created a woman to girls throughout the Archdiocese of Denver. The co-directors of the program, Sallie Hurley and Michelle Dowling, felt called to bring forth a program designed to promote modesty, chastity and purity.
“The initial idea of the program was to promote modest fashions,” stated Sallie Hurley. “But soon after God had another plan, He brought me together with Michelle Dowling who has a passion and zeal for the real truth about beauty and being created a woman.”
The program consists of a series of talks with interactive activities. Talks range in nature from understanding the female person, in pre-teen language, to basic etiquette and social manners. Girls learned how to plan a party, and be a gracious hostess at the same time. Also included in these three full Saturdays are constant reminders on ways we strengthen our wills by practicing virtue in our families, with our friends, and in our surrounding communities.
One Mother, Tessie Meyer commented, “How grateful I am to all the effort that was put into three FULL days. It was a blessing for my daughter to be surrounded by other young girls where they were given the truth about the beauty of a woman in many, many fun and interactive ways.”
Not only did the daughters receive instruction on the beauty of being a girl, but Mothers also came together to hear talks. Mothers went away with practical common sense advice on how to combat this age of immodesty, relativism, and impurity, with virtue and a true commitment to the sacraments. One primary message of the talk “Protecting the Purity of Your Children,” focused on the necessity of frequent Confession for Families. “If you want to protect the purity of your family, start by going to the Sacrament of Confession frequently. Through this we as mothers can then see through the lies that our world so frequently tells us,” said Michelle Dowling mother of eight.
The third Saturday consisted of a true spring fashion show with a high tea at noon. This year we had a special guest, Laura Tobey, Miss Colorado 2004/2005. She was the master of ceremonies for the fashion show. Over 170 attended. Lastly, Models for Life Fashion Workshop is a fun formative experience. For more information please contact Sallie Hurley at 303-741-3355.

Benedict XVI

Something about him just makes you smile. It has been such a great time to be Catholic and see the attention of the world (good & bad) focused on your faith. I am thrilled at the election of Benedict XVI or "PapaRatzi" as I've heard some Italians refer to him. We can now begin our prayer for the Pope again, and praying for the intentions of the Holy Father. I look forward to the years ahead with him as our earthly shepherd. Thank you Holy Spirit for your continued guidance.

"John Paul II...We Love You!"

Well, after writhing drafts and editing to try to pay the perfect posting to commemorate John Paul II, I find that it never makes the point I want to empress. All I can say is "John Paul II....We Love You!"
I have eight children thanks to his explanations of church teaching on Marriage and Family. I Can't be certain that I would have chosen this life without JP II, but I think it's close to certain. I have seen a similar impact these teachings have had on other families.
I know if John Paul II could answer us he would tell us, "Perhaps....I Love You More!"

Thank You!

I'm Back

Well I hope I am back for good. I have to learn to make some time for blogging. I'll be posting a letter in the next day or two thanking John Paul II for the impact he has had on my life.