Like Pope John Paul II, she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, but…

She passed away on May 12, 2008 at the age of 98.

As a nurse and social worker in Poland, Irena Sendler save 2,500 Jewish children from certain death at the hands of the Nazi military police. She smuggled the children to Polish families and convents. At one point she was caught and brutally tortured. She was a living saint, a true woman of faith!

Some people are sick of religion, others are sick without religion, and many never give real faith a chance. For me, the Catholic faith and Christianity best answers the ultimate questions… about meaning and purpose and the question of pain. True searchers engage both the mind and the heart. Others fall away into despair or superstition or anger. Those who watch too much TV might worship the false idol of cartoons, that which cannot save us, the Simpsonian Spider Pig!

Should ministers even make endorsements? If a priest took sides the authorities might threaten his tax-exemption. Politics is so devisive, such things can tear congregations apart. In any case, given the quality of endorsements, this election year has great entertainment value even if one is left somewhat troubled about the future of our nation. Is this the best we could do?

Anti-Catholic Minister for McCain?

Anti-Muslim Minister for McCain?

Anti-??? minister for Obama?

????-??? minister for Clinton?

Lately I have been surfing the websites of various young people I know and have found to my dismay an enormous amount of shocking vulgarity. Frequent reference is made to sexual congress and condoms. Four letter words and gestures are liberally sprinkled by both the owners of the sites and by their friends. I am surprised that young people would allow their parents and a clergyman free access to such sites. I am moved by such trust, but not to make some comment is neither in my nature nor befitting my vocation.

Do they see no contradiction between gutter language and semi-pornographic images with their Christianity? Maybe I am old fashioned, if one who grew up in the 1960’s and 70’s could be considered such, but we always clearly saw the pejorative meaning of such things— even when we misbehaved ourselves or sought to shock others. Today there seems to be a pervasive moral blindness where even the vilest words are given peculiar neutrality or at least acceptance. It makes me cringe to see “nice boys and girls” casually accept the “f” word or give the finger or call girls (even themselves) by the “b” word.

Words are evocative and have meaning that matters. The “b” designation, while appropriate for a four-legged dog, is highly inappropriate for a daughter of Eve. A woman, young or old, should always be regarded with a deep-seated respect. While her body is an expression of her whole identity, she cannot be utterly defined by her bosom or genitalia. Lust masquerades as love and reduces the person to meat that one might devour as a disposable commodity. True love regards “the other” as sacred and as one with “incommensurate” value. Bodies might be wrongly regarded as interchangeable. Persons are unique and possess what might be termed as mystery or soul. The marital act has nothing in common with the (f) word other than some vague similarity in corporeal mechanics. Sexual love is a mutual self-giving and, for married Christians, a sign and seal of the covenant between Christ and his Church. Sexuality and the potency toward parenthood is not a trivial matter for purposes of recreation. It represents a profound ontological openness to God as Creator and to his divine providence. We were not made for ourselves, but for a higher purpose. How will our young people ever perceive such meanings when they have bought into a corrupted language which expresses a distorted meaning about themselves and sexuality?

What does all this mean, you might ask? I am sorely disappointed.

The same mouth that says “Amen” to our Lord’s body and blood should not be poisoned with words that mock God’s creation and his goodness. The hands that cradle the Lord of life should not type or gesture things that would please the demonic. Bodies which are expressions of their most intimate identities, should be treated with modesty and real respect. (Certain photos conflict with this truth.)

Do our young people not worry about their reputations? Are they comfortable with scandal? This saddens me more than I can say.

The wives of Knights often ask me, “Father, what really happens at these Knights of Columbus functions?” Well, I can assure our ladies that the men are hard at work. Here is a video of a typical meeting:

Oops, wrong video! Head for the hills, guys!

http://fatherkidd.wordpress.com/

Instituted this past February 2008, the Michael C. Kidd Council is parish based here at Holy Family Church. The K of C is a fraternal organization of Catholic men that stresses responsibility and service in several areas: Church, Community, Council, Family and Youth. Their charitable work for the needy and the oppressed is well known. Our community is made all the richer because of their strong moral presence and social responsibility. They will host a multitude of activities throughout the year. Membership is open to any practicing Catholic man, 18 years of age or older, in good standing with the Church. The K of C is hoping to establish an auxiliary group in the near future.

I know he is a good man, but this parody was too much to pass off. Where do people get such wild imaginations? Crazy but creative!

Well, if you have not yet seen IRON MAN, I suppose this is the best you can do. Hahaha! Talk about fiction!

I am not taking sides! I am not taking sides! I am not taking sides! But this tube video, like the race for the Presidential nominee for the Democrat party is VERY AMUSING!

Here is a good picture of the altar and setup for the Papal Mass.

The Mass was a great success!