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Published: March 24, 2008
“Antithetical to the Catholic ethos”
Special "Mass for Democrats" to be celebrated at San Jose diocesan cathedral
 When California Democrats gather this coming weekend for their state convention in San Jose, delegates will have the opportunity to attend a special Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph, the seat of the Diocese of San Jose, located just a half-mile from the convention site.
The Mass is sponsored by a group that calls itself Catholic Democrats of California, the state affiliate of a national group based in Boston known as Catholic Democrats. “We have brought together people across the country who share an aversion to the current abuses of US military power, the exploitation of social issues to advance the economic interests of a few, and the misuse of our Catholic faith for political gain,” says the group’s web site.
“Some have asked why the group is focused on Catholic issues and spirituality, as opposed to broader Christian themes,” the web site continues. “Because conservatives have increasingly used Catholic language and Catholic congregations to advance their economic agenda and political interests, we have felt a special obligation as Catholics to enunciate the reasons why we think many of the current conservatives stances are so antithetical to the Catholic ethos -- on poverty, on war, on racial strife, and perhaps especially on abortion and other social issues.”
The proposed platform of the California Democratic Party specifically mentions abortion, but under the euphemism “reproductive rights." The state party “proudly and vigorously supports a woman’s right to choose how to use her mind, her body and her time,” says a draft version of the platform.
The platform pledges to “preserve confidential, unrestricted access to affordable, quality and culturally appropriate health and reproductive services, including contraception and emergency contraception, without requiring guardian, judicial, parental or spousal consent or notification.”
In addition, the platform says California Democrats “support the LGBT community in its quest for the right to legal marriage.”
The Mass at the cathedral is scheduled for Saturday, March 29, at 7:15 a.m., and will be officiated by Fr. Jon Pedigo, pastor of St. Julie Billiart parish in San Jose. “Join us as we come together to share the social justice teachings of Catholic Democrats,” says an announcement of the Mass on the California group’s web site.
Fr. Pedigo, “a native of the Bay Area, has been active in civic affairs and social justice causes for over 25 years,” notes the parish web site. “Since his ordination to the Diocese of San José in 1991, Fr. Pedigo has been involved with several local social justice causes and inter-faith dialogues.”
The state Democratic Party Convention begins on Friday, March 28, and concludes on Sunday, March 30. On opening night, says a preliminary agenda, the “Chair's Welcome Reception” will feature “Special Guest, Speaker Nancy Pelosi.”
Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 5:42 AM By Fr. M.P.
"Catholic Democrats" is an oxymoron. We see who is 'g'od in their minds - "come together to share the social justice teachings of Catholic Democrats." What should be shared are the social justice teachings of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 6:24 AM By Anonymous
I don't contribute to the Diocese of San Jose's appeals for contributions, nor do I usually contribute to the dioceses' parishes for precisely the reason that the bishop, priests and bishops seem to me to be Catholic in name only. This report is further evidence that my suspicions have been right. My money is better put to use being contributed to authentically Catholic orginazations and institutions. St. Julie Billiart parish is a bastion of dissidence, liturgical abuse and a prime example of the distortion of Catholicism into the Democrat Party at prayer. Probably no genuine Catholics there.
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 6:52 AM By sfcatholic
Who is surprised here. Those in the Church have serious ties to the Nazi (oops I mean Demoncratic ) party. Yes, it is wrong, but we have seen little in any kind of "oversite" from Church leadership and we Catholics are "on our own". It is disgusting.
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 7:36 AM By BobM
I need to find another Church (after 68 years in this one)! From pedophilia now to advocacy of baby-killers and Marxism! What a deal! Pelosi ... perfect!!!
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 7:39 AM By Margie
Didn't one of our first parents decide how to use her mind, her body and her time? I believe her name was Eve and she formed the Democrat Pary of Ex-Garden of Edenites.
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 7:44 AM By William C. Meredith
This is a political rally in support of an agenda against the teaching of the Church and should NOT be allowed by the Bishop in the Cathedral, or any parish church.
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 7:49 AM By Sick and Tired
Great! Yet another "activist" Northern California priest. Perhaps if politics is his true passion, he should consider it as a full-time profession, rather than try to merge his burning political leanings with his committment to the church and the needs of its people. Republican, Democrat, whatever ... Keep the politics out of my faith. I promise not to go looking for spiritual counsel in Washington if the church promises not to continue to insist upon delivering political counsel. The only enthusiasm and activism I care to see in my clergy is that for the word of God.
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 8:30 AM By Laurette Elsberry
A special Mass for the Party of Death! Given the far left social agenda of the "peace and justice" faction of Catholic clergy, this is not surprising. Also considering that no Democrat can be elected to a legislative position UNLESS he or she espouses abortion, a Mass for pro-abort politicians in a Cathedral is not unusual. It happens in Sacramento quite often.
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 8:56 AM By Grace
This just makes my blood boil. We have had to fight tooth and nail in an attempt to get the bishops support in "allowing" pastors to have lay people to uphold the teachings of the Catholic Church (ie stop secret abortions in minor girls and uphold natural marriage between one man and one woman). Several memos went out strictly forbidding any activities from taking place in churches or during the Mass, yet this group is having a sacrafice of the Holy Mass at the seat of the San Jose diocese to flagrantly oppose the teachings of the Catholic faith!!!! I DON'T GET IT!?!?
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 10:50 AM By DarkKnight
Well, it appears not many Hosts will be needed for the Mass.
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 10:53 AM By John F. Maguire
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the very same sacrifice as offered by Christ on the cross, now however offered
unbloodily. As between the Democratic Party nominee and the Republican Party nominee, Catholics will vote according to their formed conscience. By the same token, all cognizant Catholics, I would add, will not overlook the fact that it is contrary to the ethos of Catholicity itself to treat the Mass as a partisan event. Catholics bear the obligation to curb the partisanship of both major parties when this partisanshp militates against the common good of persons and institutions. As might be expected under present conditions, false partisanship of this sort exists in both parties.
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 11:26 AM By nick
This "priest" has been a problem for a very long time. St. Julie ought to honestly withdraw from the Catholic Church. He is too precious.
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 12:08 PM By Ronnie
Instead of complaining about this, do something! Start oraganizing and have people e-mail the Bishop, the Pastor and the Pope about this. Flood their systems with compaints and that this is a scandal because of the Democrat's anti-life, pro-gay, anti-Catholic platform. If enough people complain, courteously I might add, they might cancel it. Also have protestors outside the night of this Mass if all else fails.....
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 12:09 PM By Vincent DiCarlo
For telephone numbers to call to alert the bishop and respectfully ask for his intervention, see the diocesan website at http://www.dsj.org/dsj/officedetail.asp?id=BISHOP
The office is closed today, but the recording says they will be open again tomorrow and, when I called, the answering maching was still taking messages.
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 12:15 PM By tom amadeo
Not much has changed in nearly 2000 years.When Our Lord was being crucified,where were the Apostles? Well,except for St.John,and St.Peter who was at the house of Caiphas,they all had run away. Now,the bishops who claim to be the successors to the Apostles run away while those under their control abuse the Mystical Body of Christ as represented by young people,and witness the abuse of church doctrine by clergy and /or laity within the Cathedrals. The episcopate,the overseers are grossly negligent in the discharge of their sworn-to responsibilities. We ,the laity,have every right to DEMAND that they use their powers to defend the Faith. This planned abomination should be stopped--if need be,by the Pope,the chief of apostolic successors.
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 1:37 PM By Carlos M
They ought to call themselves the Demon-crats! They are certainly following satan's way!
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 1:40 PM By Grisha
Oh calm down everyone! I'm sure when the CA Republicans have thier convention on Sept. 26-28 in Anaheim, there will be a nice mass for them too. No doubt with pickets and leaflets pointing out the divergence between McCain's Iraq policy and the Just War Doctrine of the Church
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 1:45 PM By Nick
Be there! Protest by all means! Be savvy, however. You know, lots of families with cute kids, no harsh words and bad behaviors. Just lots and lots of good Catholic folks standing up and praying for what is right. Oh, and a forest of signs and placards pointing out that one cannot be pro-choice and receive the Sacraments at the same time. Shame on the bishops for allowing this.
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 3:22 PM By Elizabeth
These people are not 'REAL CATHOLICS'.
I don't mean to be unacharitable.......
But, if I were the Holy Father they would be EX-COMMUNICATED in a NEW YORK MINUTE!!!!!
End of STORY.............
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 3:31 PM By Art of Redding
Bishop McGrath's phone # is 408-983-0195. The web site is http://www.dsj.org/dsj/officedetail.asp. Go to "contact us" and you can send an email message to the bishop. A fax number is also available. I just called and left a message and followed up with an email to protest this outrageous so called "catholic democrat mass". Get Holy or Die Trying.
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 4:17 PM By Dan
"Oh calm down everyone! I'm sure when the CA Republicans have their convention on Sept. 26-28 in Anaheim, there will be a nice Mass for them too." It will be interesting to see if you are right. Even then, pro-choice/pro-democrat Catholics would have every right to protest outside. That's what's so great about America. But I would never want people to be calm about sin and evil. And the last time I checked, abortion is sinful and evil. If the priests/bishops can't or won't fight for the faith, it's up to the laity.
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 5:23 PM By nick
My dean Dan, there is no such thing as a "pro-choice Catholic!" For my part, I'm neither a Republican nor a Democrat -- but I am a Roman Catholic and 100% pro-life and I vote accordingly.
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 7:01 PM By simone_dubois
As Fr. Groeschel says to new converts... "come on in, its just awful". BobM, the problem is there is no other church. Holy Mother Church has always been under attack, quietly and sometimes not so quietly. Thats one sign it is the Church. Stay and offer your sufferings for the conversion of poor sinners. Come on, stay, it's just awful.
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 7:35 PM By Miguel
What a crock! The Dems are so shameless they will use the illusion of their christianity to get elected to continue the murderess attack on children in the womb! They hide their real agenda and the press never calls them out. It has to be satan's grand design. There is no other logical explanation.
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 7:35 PM By Dan
"My dean Dan, there is no such thing as a "pro-choice Catholic!" For my part, I'm neither a Republican nor a Democrat -- but I am a Roman Catholic and 100% pro-life and I vote accordingly." Nick--It's hard on a forum to express irony or tongue-in cheek. That was on my mind in my answer to Grisha, who would counter and say most Catholics are in fact pro-choice, if voting patterns in heavily CAtholic states like Massachusetts are any example. Like you I think we should never "calm down" in the face of evil. Grisha chose some very poor words, IMO, and I hope he regrets them. He is wrong because to reject the democrat's pro-abortion position does not automatically make one a republican. It's a false contrast. One should reject evil in whatever form it takes, and from whomever it comes.
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 7:46 PM By gravey
Grisha, You're equivocating. This is Liturgical abuse and all Catholics should all be appalled.
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 8:36 PM By Ann cinquina
If one would just listen to the Democrats position on every issue they would realize that it is impossible to be a practicing Catholic and vote for a Democrat.
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 9:00 PM By cjo
Are there any dioceses in California TRULY in union with the Pope ???
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 9:49 PM By Don Miller SFO
What is this Bishop thinking about? Who is in charge of the Catholic Church in the San Jose Diocese? Our Church is being destroyed from within! The old bad guy has a lot of good followers in in our church these days.GOD SAVE OUR CHURCH.
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 10:14 PM By John L. Sillasen
" ... according to their formed conscience ... ": That's a good one.
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Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 10:16 PM By San Jose Catholic
I remember when the state GOP had a convention in the early part of the decade in San Jose-- there was no "Republican Mass" at the cathedral then. Interesting that the Dems had to bring in an outside priest for the Mass-- maybe the cathedral priests refused to offer the Holy Sacrifice for the convention??
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Posted Tuesday, March 25, 2008 4:34 AM By Tom
God help us. Please interceed for us this day - Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Please say a Rosary and the Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help today, Wednesday, Thursday and most of all Friday Night. Ask for Our Lord to intervene on behave of these "catholic Democrates." For "they no not what they are doing."
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Posted Tuesday, March 25, 2008 6:54 AM By Nick
My dea(r) Dan, now I get it!
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Posted Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:50 AM By catholic
I just got finished reding the new decision by the ccc that parishes are NOT to participate in signature gathering anymore. It comes at a very unopportune time as signatures are badly needed for the "sarah's iniative" Pray!
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Posted Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:01 AM By George Rodrigues
I emailed the offending diocese from their contact page. URL below, then scroll to the bottom of the page.
http://www.dsj.org/dsj/contact.asp
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Posted Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:31 AM By George Kadlec
Can somebody explain what the difference is between having a Catholic Mass for democrats and having a Catholic Mass for nazis? I don't see much of a difference.
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Posted Tuesday, March 25, 2008 9:08 AM By Daniel
To hide the horror and immorality of abortion does not mollify its opprobrious existence. The California Democratic Party has abortion as a prominent standard in its agenda and therefore cannot be coddled by a church that is God’s representative through His Apostles …Jesus’ bride… and which has God with it at all times. Through this one untruth the demagogue, which is the Democratic Party, has grievously tainted its entire existence. It cannot be embraced and pandered to by any bishop, priest or lay member of the Catholic Church. The acceptance of any level of abortion or the debauchery that is promoted by the homosexual entities cannot be accepted or ignored by the Catholic Church.
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Posted Tuesday, March 25, 2008 10:50 AM By Buckeye pastor
I will condone this Mass if I get to preach at it. Please outfit the pews with seat belts first, because Pelosi et al will be in for a bumpy ride! Of course, then I shall have to travel to Anaheim with a different homily to pin the Republicans' ears back.
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Posted Tuesday, March 25, 2008 12:06 PM By Jack Clough
Fr. Jon Pedigo, Pastor of St. Julie Billiart, list on the parish's web site (www.stjulies.org) links to "Catholics for a "Free Choice" as well as "Dignity USA". I'm calling for Pedigo to step down as Pastor. The diocese has not yet returned my calls. www.jackclough.com
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Posted Tuesday, March 25, 2008 12:49 PM By Grisha
Dan ~ I believe that catholic teachings find parts of the platforms of both major parties unacceptable. That was my only point. I don't know which party most American Catholics are registered in, you could probably look it up easily. Does anyone know how the numbers of deaths in Iraq as a result of our invasion five years ago compares with the number of abortions in the U.S. during the same time period? Let me add one thing that will stir the pot a bit. I don't believe that the abortion rate in the US will be significantly affected by who is elected president or which party controls Congress. How soon, and at what cost, we extract ourselves from Iraq will.
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Posted Tuesday, March 25, 2008 12:54 PM By The original Frank
For Lent, I gave up chocolate, meat and reading CCD comments. Sunday I really enjoyed my first taste of chocolate, and was amazed at the complexity of its flavor. I found out that Life is just fine without meat and I don't miss it all that much. Reading these CCD comments, however, brings none of the pleasure. ----- Grisha is right: these comments expose how many Catholics have really lost their grip on Christ's message (i.e: reality). The insults hurled at Fr Jon are appalling. "Not a real priest"? "A problem"? A "Nazi"? Support for legalized abortion at the party platform level doesn't make all Democrats or their pastors "baby killers" any more than McCain's support for the Iraq war makes all Republicans murdering war mongers. ---- Please, folks, show some charity and some grown-up perspective. It will help The Cause much more! The Lord's Prayer can be very helpful preparation for posting if we really mean it: "...as we forgive those who trespass against us. We can oppose abortion without degenerating to vituperation.
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Posted Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:07 PM By San Jose Catholic
Grisha:
The 4,000 American deaths in Iraq is one day's work in the American abortion mills.
Even the most extreme estimates of Iraqi deaths (600,000) does not equal one year's worth of abortions in this country.
I checked out the parish website for St. Julie parish. It is as Jack Clough said: Catholics for a Free Choice (condemned by the US bishops several years ago as a non-Catholic group) and Dignity, which was banned from San Jose parishes by our previous bishop and not welcomed back by the current bishop. Interesting that they are on a San Jose parish's website.
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Posted Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:43 PM By Dan
"Dan ~ I believe that catholic teachings find parts of the platforms of both major parties unacceptable. That was my only point. ... I don't believe that the abortion rate in the US will be significantly affected by who is elected president or which party controls Congress. How soon, and at what cost, we extract ourselves from Iraq will. "
Grisha, I agree with you on point #1-- neither party is representing the Kingdom of Heaven. I fear you are also correct on #2 in that neither McCain or Clinton/Obama will appoint justices who will either overturn or at least whittle away at Roe V . Wade. Maybe McCain would surprise us. I also would like to see us out of Iraq as quickly as possible, as I think most of us want to see happen. McCain makes me nervous with some of his comments. But the president is a moral leader, not only by appointing Supreme Court Justices, but also by his/her moral stances, and ought to have some impact on the moral landscape of the country. There are innumerable evils needing to be fought, abortion being a very important but by no means not the only one, and I guess we are in agreement about that. Which person is most up to this task? I don't know, and I find the question depressing me.
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Posted Tuesday, March 25, 2008 3:12 PM By Jack Clough
Follow up: This afternoon, I spoke with Patricia Allen, assistant to Bishop McGrath, and Melissa Tamayo, assistant to Ms. Allen. I expressed my thoughts regarding this coming Saturday’s morning Mass for the Catholic Democrats (Fr. Jon Pedigo, celebrant), as well as the “Catholics for a Free Choice” and “Dignity USA” links on Fr. Pedigo’s parish web site (www.stjulies.org). I urged the ladies to inform Bishop McGrath my concerns with the hope he would forbid the Mass from taking place and see to the removal of the offensive links. Certainly, no bishop can allow a Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in honor of a group who represent, as well as promote, the murder of innocent babies -- regardless of what these democrats call themselves. Finally, St. Julie Billiart cannot have it both ways. “Dignity USA” and “Catholics for a Free Choice” do not fall within the Church’s teachings. As I see it, Fr. Pedigo must either renounce these organizations and remove their links, or step down. www.jackclough.com
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Posted Tuesday, March 25, 2008 5:31 PM By MN Mary
Sounds like California! Where is Titus when we need him?
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Posted Tuesday, March 25, 2008 6:07 PM By John L. Sillasen
I would not expect Fr. Pedigo to step down. Being that far off Catholic doctrine, he would see no reason to step down, and would wonder why people would be upset with him.
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Posted Wednesday, March 26, 2008 8:00 AM By mary
Ahhh, if I could only be at the pearly gates when st. Peter asks THESE so-called Catholics where the "social Justice"was for the slaughtered onborn. Pelosi along with most of these democrats all believe in ABORTION/MURDER of the innocent unborn humans. Sad. Pelosi, your family ought to be ashamed - what a bad role model you are...
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Posted Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:26 AM By Nathaniel
By their own mouths they will condemn themselves. Just keep praying because God is in total control and always will be in total control. Although he is a God of Love, he is also a God of fierce countenance who will not allow himself to be mocked and scourned forever. All the rest will pass from dust to dust when all is said and done in this world that is only a passing phase that will be but a tiny speck in the vastness of an eternity with a God of all eternity who's kingdom has no end.
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Posted Wednesday, March 26, 2008 4:09 PM By John L. Sillasen
God controls free will?
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Posted Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:42 PM By Nathaniel
I have made no mention of free will. My first sentence clearly states by their own mouths they will condemn themselves. In other words they choose to condemn themselves by the choices and actions they make as a result of, yes the free will that God gives each of us while in this earthly existence that will pass away at the day and hour that only the Father knows. God is in total Control.
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Posted Thursday, March 27, 2008 12:46 AM By Jack Clough
UPDATE -- The Diocese of San Jose has removed the "Catholics for a Free Choice" link from the St. Julie Billiart parish web site, (www.stjulies.org). Moreover, the diocese has replaced the "Dignity" links with links to “The National Association of Catholic Diocesan Lesbian and Gay Ministries (NACDLGM).”
Thank you Bishop McGrath! -- www.jackclough.com
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Posted Thursday, March 27, 2008 12:17 PM By John L. Sillasen
Nathaniel, now it makes sense.
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Posted Thursday, March 27, 2008 2:15 PM By Tom
Don't thank the Bishop just yet, Jack. If you go to St. Julie's web page the link "Global Issues" and click "Gays, Lesbians and the Church" it takes you to a page that prominently features the group Dignity. Not surprisingly it makes no mention of the group Courage.
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Posted Thursday, March 27, 2008 2:23 PM By Tom
Don't thank the Bishop just yet, Jack. If you go to St. Julie's web page the link "Global Issues" and click "Gays, Lesbians and the Church" it takes you to a page that prominently features the group Dignity. Not surprisingly it makes no mention of the group Courage.
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Posted Thursday, March 27, 2008 4:50 PM By Jack Clough
Tom: Thanks for pointing this out. When I logged on their site last night, I saw that they had removed the “Catholics for a Free Choice” and “Dignity” links. I only saw where they were promoting NACDLGM, but like you, could find no mention of “Courage” - which I thought odd. I tried calling the diocese numerous times this morning but to no avail. I could only leave messages which went unanswered. Now it makes sense. Anyway, this is just more evidence that some of our bishops/priests continue to promote the gay lifestyle. I wonder if the link to “Catholics for a Free Choice” will return? Shame on McGrath and Pedigo! -- www.jackclough.com
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Posted Thursday, March 27, 2008 7:22 PM By gravey
The parish website and most certainly the good padre's personal blog clearly demonstrate this man is steeped in radical leftist politics, promotion of the gay agenda and liberation theology.
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Posted Thursday, March 27, 2008 9:00 PM By John L. Sillasen
Reminds me of some three decades ago almost, when I listened regularly to the student radio station of Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. The station ran an ad for an abortion referral organization. I called and the ad was yanked. But it reappeared. I think I repeated this and witnessed the same thing again. So, I heated up the next call and was referred to the director of the org sponsoring the ad. This guy tried every which way to convince me that the abortion referral part was only a small aspect of the org, which mainly helped women in various types of trouble ... abused women was the up and coming social awareness problem of that day. He had no remorse at all, and no problem with abortion ... but I let him know I had no sympathy for his position, and in that my second or third year of Catholicism got a taste of the evil that is rollicking in the name of the Church. I suspect that University allows such stuff because of the funding that pours in for such areas of study as its law school. The process reminds me of what is termed "temple prostitution" in Scripture, selling sex in the name of God.
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Posted Friday, March 28, 2008 11:23 AM By Jim Brady
James 11:12: 11Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?
It is most disheartening to read the comments of otherwise good, faithful Catholics here sitting in judgment of their fellow men and women of faith. There are many of us Catholics who are Democrats. We as individuals may or may not agree with the Church's stand on abortion, just as we may or may not agree with the stance of the Democratic Party on the same topic. However the social justice teachings of Jesus Christ provide a great field of fertile ground where our beliefs as Democrats and our beliefs as Catholics coincide. That is where our work in the Catholic Democrats organization is focused. These are the very foundations on which this country was built - freedom, equality, justice. There is still much work to be done in America on these topics.
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Posted Friday, March 28, 2008 1:21 PM By Julie
Hey, Jim, I hope that also includes freedom, equality, and justice for the most helpless among us: the pre-born child.
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Posted Friday, March 28, 2008 3:14 PM By John L. Sillasen
Jim Brady, if you were to die tonight, do you know where you would spend eternity?
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Posted Friday, March 28, 2008 3:52 PM By San Jose Catholic
Apparently there will be protesters in front of the cathedral tomorrow morning.
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Posted Friday, March 28, 2008 4:01 PM By San Jose Catholic
Looks like they are running scared: the California Democrats site has an apologia for their depraved abortion position, complete with a slam of the Vatican.
Looks like they don't like the language of Vatican II calling abortion an "abomination," although I don't think the author (maybe that site is a one-man shop?) knows enough about Catholicism to realize the origin of that word's association with abortion.
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Posted Friday, March 28, 2008 8:15 PM By Jim Brady
John: I have a pretty good idea, but God will be the judge of that, and I'm proud to stand before him.
San Jose Catholic: perhaps you'd share the address of the site you claim to be the "California Democrats site" - I checked the party website and found no slam of the Vatican or anything like what you state. I even checked CaliforniaDemocrat.com, which doesn't have a thing to do with the Party.
I have also heard there will be protesters, and that some of those protesters intend on disrupting the mass. It astounds me that otherwise good and faithful people would disrupt a mass this way. I pray the protesters who do show up have more respect for the House of the Lord and more dignity than that.
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Posted Friday, March 28, 2008 10:18 PM By John L. Sillasen
Jim, the protesters see it as you who are disrupting the Mass. Evidently you believe that you're closer to God than they are, and maybe it's so for all I know. Maybe you can put in a good word for those standing up against abortion.
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Posted Saturday, March 29, 2008 4:13 AM By Fr. M.P.
Jim Brady, you say "We as individuals may or may not agree with the Church's stand on abortion." If you don't agree with the Church, then you don't agree with God, and neither are you Catholic. Cafeteria Catholics is a modern phrase for heretic. You also say "freedom, equality, justice. There is still much work to be done in America on these topics." Where is the freedom for those unborn who are murdered in the womb? They are not allowed to live their life. Where is equality for those same murdered children? The unjust civil law says that any woman can choose inequality for the unborn child - she lives and they die. Notice even the law would call murder the killing of a child after birth. Age discrimination? Where is the equality in that? Where is the justice where one other human beings can decide if another human being shall live a life or not? Where is the justice in having a tube stuck in the back of your head and getting your brains sucked out? How would you like this decided for you? What's that about judging - you who claim you can judge whether another human lives or dies? Please do explain yourself.
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Posted Saturday, March 29, 2008 7:24 AM By RR
Jim Brady: There is no such thing as a Catholic Democrat. So, which are you? A Catholic or a Democrat? You are either for God or against God. You can't be both. You may or may not as individuals agree on the Church's stand on abortion???? If you don't agree with the Church teaching on abortion, then you are not Catholic. The Church is not a cafeteria.
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Posted Saturday, March 29, 2008 10:17 AM By Clare
Yes Jim, the foundations of our country are freedom, equality, and justice. Many people believe topic #1 should be applying these to pre-born american citizens.
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Posted Saturday, March 29, 2008 11:44 AM By San Jose Catholic
Mr. Brady:
The home page of the Catholic Democrats of California, they who are sponsoring the Mass:
http://www.catholicdemocrats.org/CA/
The site's apparent proprietor wrote an essay finding the "abomination" language unhelpful at http://www.catholicdemocrats.org/news/2008/03/old_abortion_language_doesnt_w.php
That same essay has his swipe at the Vatican as well: he seems upset that the Holy See corrected the false statements of a progressive cardinal.
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Posted Saturday, March 29, 2008 1:18 PM By Grisha
RR:So your position is GOD = GOP?
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Posted Saturday, March 29, 2008 5:27 PM By BJ
RR: There is no such thing as a Catholic Repubican. So, which are you? A Catholic or a Republican? You are either for God or against God. You can't be both. You may or may not as individuals agree on the Church's stand on the war in Iraq???? If you don't agree with the Church teaching on the war in Iraq, then you are not Catholic. The Church is not a political party.
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Posted Saturday, March 29, 2008 7:34 PM By Julie
BJ: I wasn't aware that the Vatican has made an official statement that the Iraq War was unjust. The Church has, though, made it quite clear that the Right to Life is not in the same category as the war issue or the Social Justice Issues. The Right to Life is the first issue to be considered in voting for candidates. While we have lost 4,000 troops in the Iraq war, which is an unbelieveable tragedy and many innocent lives have been lost as well, this number still is not nearly close to the 4,000 babies killed EVERY DAY by abortion. Some have told me that this is not their fault as a woman has the right to "choose" (i.e. choose life or death for the baby) so abortion is less important than the war. But, consider this fact: 60% of abortions are not a choice at all. These poor women are forced into it by their boyfriends, husbands, or parents. Check out www.priestsforlife.org
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Posted Saturday, March 29, 2008 7:37 PM By gravey
Grisha, Again, you are equivocating. The story is about the Democrats and, given abortion is an actual plank in the party platform, RR has a point.
BJ, Nice try. The Catholic Church has not deemed the Iraq War an unjust war.
Both of you need to check your political ideology at the door.
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Posted Saturday, March 29, 2008 8:54 PM By John L. Sillasen
BJ and Grisha, there is no Catholic Magisterial level pronouncement on the current Iraq war. But there is indeed Magisterial condemnation of abortion which extends to anyone who aids or abets it. The democratic wing of the govt party pushes abortion; thus, a Catholic, including cardinals and bishops (can this be correct?) who votes democrat excommunicates him or herself latae sententiae. The same does not hold for those who vote for the republican wing of the govt political party. This is because some republicans actually vote against abortion. Even though prezbush signed a law furthering abortion, he also has signed some that serve to restrict it a bit. But in time, the gop will be like the dem wing ... so I'm starting early by referring to it as the dem/gop govt party.
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Posted Sunday, March 30, 2008 7:50 AM By Edith Black
Democrats for Life, of which I am a member, handed out
leaflets to the mass participants on the sidewalk outside the
cathedral. We attended the mass and did not disrupt it. I
was happy to hear Father
Pedigo include a statement about the protection of human
life from conception until natural death in his homily. Our
interactions with him and members of Catholic Democrats
were friendly. So, hopefully, there will be further chances
of discussion about abortion and the other life issues. We
find this the best way to proceed.
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Posted Sunday, March 30, 2008 12:22 PM By BJ
Girsha and John: Our late Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, of happy memory was unequivocal in his condemnation of the war in Iraq. Pope Benedict XVI has also been clear about his opposition of the war in Iraq. As good, conservative Catholics I am surprised that you are not fully informed of these popes positions on this horrible war.
With respect to the abortion issue, many republican legislators over the past 30 years have voted in favor of abortion rights. Finally, Catholics are encouraged to not be single issue voters. By the way, I am opposed to abortion and support pro-life groups with my prayers, financial support and volunteer hours.
God is not a democrat.....or a republican for that matter!
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Posted Sunday, March 30, 2008 3:23 PM By RR
Grisha & BJ: I am a Catholic and I am neither Republican nor Democrat. I do not vote for any evil. Therefore, I will not vote in the Presidential election. I believe both parties have evil in them. I will vote for God and let God's will be done and in HIS TIME. Remember, God is in control, not us.
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Posted Sunday, March 30, 2008 3:35 PM By Jack Clough
Edith Black: Sounds like you are on the right track! Thank you for your work. I'm glad you relayed Fr. Pedigo's comment "... protection of human life from conception until natural death." I think the best thing about the Democrats is Democrats for Life! -- www.jackclough.com
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Posted Sunday, March 30, 2008 9:49 PM By John L. Sillasen
BJ, yes, these popes have said the Iraq war is a bad deal, but they have not defined it as such on a Magisterial level. Their statements remain as opinions which do not bind anyone.
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Posted Monday, March 31, 2008 10:10 PM By BJ
Mr. Sillasen: Ok....I will remember to dismiss a "pope's opinion" the next time he lines up with one of your favorite republican values or politicians.
RR: You are naive...this is same kind of thinking and inaction that allows dictators to take power
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Posted Tuesday, April 01, 2008 4:59 AM By BJ
BJ: God can bring down a dictator in the blink of an eye. Obviously, in your opinion, dictators are more powerful than God. I think you are the one who is naive about the power of God.
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Posted Tuesday, April 01, 2008 10:12 AM By RR
In the above post, RR should have been the poster; not BJ. I meant for the post to be directed towards BJ. Sorry BJ!
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Posted Tuesday, April 01, 2008 8:03 PM By BJ
RR: I don't disagree with you; however, consider how many lives were required during WWII to bring down Hitler and Mussolini.
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Posted Monday, April 14, 2008 4:07 PM By JOHN O'GORMAN
THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, 49 MILLION
ABORTIONS SINCE ROE V WADE, GAY MARRIAGE:
2 MORE CHURCH SCANDALS!
The Massachusetts Legislature, in joint Constitutional Convention on 14/Jun/07, defeated the efforts of 170,000 signatories to put traditional marriage on the ballot in 2008. At least 16 Knights of Columbus caused the defeat: Speaker Sal DiMasi, House Maj. Leader John Rogers, Reps Garret Bradley, Bob DeLeo (who voted $500K for public school homosexual programs) Stephen DiNatale, Chris Donelan, Chris Fallon (a Mason), Kevin Honan, Paul McMurtry, Charles Murphy, Bob Nyman, Angelo Puppolo, Bob Spellane; Senators Michael Knapik, Tom McGee and Michael Morrissey (Mass.gov). 7 K of C: DiMasi, Bradley, Donelan, Honan, Murphy, Spellane and McGee have Planned Parenthood's top ratings (PPLMvotes.org), the USA’s biggest abortionists at 264K/yr!
K of C State Deputy Dick Guerriero failed to suspend K of C Pro-Abortion politicians I exposed, but he signed an open letter endorsing Mitt Romney, who introduced gay marriage and flip-flopped on abortion! Ray Flynn, K of C, former Vatican Ambassador, voted for Pro-Abortion Hillary Clinton (Boston Herald 6/Feb/2008). In Dec 2005, Cardinal Sean O’Malley, K of C, allowed Catholic Charities to give an award to Boston Mayor Tom Menino, a Pro-Abortion, Pro-Homosexual Catholic. City Council Pres. Michael Flaherty and Cllr. John Tobin, 2 K of C, were in the Gay Pride Parade. Fr. Walter Cuenin is a K of C homosexual advocate. Result: “Our membership has continued to spiral downward… ”, wrote SD Vincent Rumasuglia in Baystate Knightline, Summer 2007.
Pat Korten, VP for Communications, said that Pro-Abortion K of C members are “irrelevant” (Boston Herald 11/Aug/2007). In Aug 2005, Past Supreme Knight Virgil Dechant told Ken Fisher, President of CRCOA, that Pro-Abortion politicians will never be expelled. Joe Mauro, Exec. VP Agencies and Marketing ($386,321/yr, retired 2001), said on tape c. 1991: These Pro-Lifers are “real fanatics” and “radicals”…the “House Rule” is “anybody who writes you, or talks to you about it (abortion), I, I’d prefer you kept silent on the issue”.
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