Don't forget, join Linda, Deacon Jim, and Kent on "Setting Things Right" on Catholic Radio of San Diego every Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on KCEO Radio, AM 1000 or listen live on: www.catholicradioofsandiego.com.

Call the show with any questions you may have: 760-931-1604.  All past shows are available in an mp3 format on the web site in the archives section.


As always, we remind current members and inform new members that past e-link bulletins and this current bulletin can be viewed at www.osmelink.org.

God Bless

Kent, Linda, Deacon Jim, and Maria




Friday, September 2, 2011, e-link Bulletin #97

Table of Contents

Remarks - Message from Deacon Jim Walsh on "Bringing the Kingdom of God
                  to a Broken World," why believing in Jesus changes everything


Key Upcoming Culture-of-Life Gatherings/Projects (please join us)

    1. Unleashed 2011, a one-day conference for those who minister to men 
          who struggle with sexual addiction and for men who struggle with
          sexual addiction, on Saturday, November 12, 2011, 8:00 a.m. to 
        4:30 p.m., at Journey Community Church, 8363 Center Drive, La Mesa, 
        CA, 91942

    2. A coalition of San Diego faith leaders will hold “Responding from the Heart”
        an Interfaith Memorial Service and Concert Program on Sunday,
        Sept. 11, 2011, to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the terrorist
        attacks on the United States. Free and open to the public

    3. A Webinar offered by the National Catholic Partnership on Disability,
        "Threats to the Lives of People with Disability, Part II: Physician-
           Assisted Suicide" will be offered at the Diocesan Pastoral Center on
         Tuesday, September 20, 2011, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.  All are
         welcome to attend  

    4. Join Catholics for the Common Good in a seminar designed to equip
        Catholics to "Rebuild a Marriage Culture" - this seminar will be held
        at John Paul the Great Catholic University on Monday,
        September 12, 2011, at 7:00 p.m.

    5. Culture of Life Family Services' "Pro-Life is Good" Fall Gala and Auction 
          to be held on Saturday, October 15, 2011 - If this Gala is anything like last
        year's Gala, you won't want to miss it!


    6. Offered by the OSM and the St. Vincent De Paul Society - A Day of
          Recollection with Fr. Greg Adolph - Saturday, October 15, 2011, at the
        Pastoral Center, starting at 8:30 a.m. with Mass and concluding at
        2:00 p.m.

    7. Join Life Perspectives at "Life Walk 2011" on Saturday, October 29,
        2011 - Saturday, October 29, 2011 - Staring at 10:30 a.m. at De Anza 
        Cove (Mission Bay Park) 300 East Mission Dr., San Diego CA, 92109


Short Reports on Office for Social Ministry Related Issues/Events

   1. Watch for a Southern Cross article on the August 13th Mother of Life
         Conference which will be reprinted in our upcoming e-link Bulletin #98
       in early October


Web and e-mail-based Resources X2

  - View the Maafa 21 Video on Eugenics on YouTube in 13 parts - You will
     not regret starting to view this incredible production.  You will not be able to
     turn it off once you've started

  - Take just a moment to sign a petition that will be submitted to Kathleen
      Sebelius, Director or Health and Human Services, asking the Agency to
     drop plans that would force every health insurance provider, including
     just about every insurance plan offered by Catholic institutions, such 
     as schools, hospitals, parishes, and charitable agencies, to offer artificial
     contraception in their coverage



Local and Regional Events/Gatherings/Projects

     1. Attend the San Diego Friends of Fair Trade monthly meeting on Wednesday, 
         September 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the Open Door Book Store in Pacific Beach

     2.  "Get Acquainted with Detention Ministry" monthly information/training
          sessions are offered by Deacon Walsh at the Pastoral Center - The next
          training will be held sometime in September - call for dates and times,
          registration is required

     3.  North County prayer witness at the Carlsbad Planned Parenthood Clinic
          scheduled for every third Monday of the month from 10:00 a.m. to
          10:30 a.m.

     4. Prayerful witness for life at two locations in San Diego County - every
         Saturday and Wednesday at 7340 Miramar Road, just east of the Pyramid
         Building, adjacent to Carroll Road, and the second Saturday of every
         month at 15546 Pomerado Road in Poway

     5. St. Dismas Guild sponsors two weekly hours of prayer for the unborn
         in front of the North County Women's Medical Clinic on Craven Way

     6. St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Carlsbad also supports the St. Dismas
         Guild prayer ministry in front of the North County Women's Medical
         Clinic on Craven Way

     7. St. John the Evangelist Parish in Encinitas Pro-Life Mass and Rosary held
         on the first Monday of each month

     8. Prayer Vigil at Planned Parenthood - First and Grape Street, San Diego –
         Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

     9. Most Precious Blood Parish in Chula Vista Rosary Prayer Vigils held every
         Wednesday at 8:45 a.m.

    10. Prayer partners are needed at 1079 Third Ave., suite 3, in Chula
         Vista - abortions are performed at this facility - Meet each Wednesday
         from 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

    11. Join neighbors and friends to pray in front of the new Planned
            Parenthood facility in El Cajon on Fridays and Saturdays

    12. The Goretti Group is offering a chastity prayer gathering and a speaker
            training monthly along with a Mass to celebrate chastity



Article/Statement for September 2, 2011

   - Archbishop Timothy Dolan reflects on the the State of
       New York's decision to legalize "same-sex marriage"

 
 

"Bringing the Kingdom of God to a Broken World"



“They” say… that the Son of Man
is a reincarnation of a prophet. 
But Simon Peter gets it!  He really gets it! 
He answers the question correctly. 
Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?”
And Simon Peter answers
“You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”

This is not a question from
“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 
It’s not the Daily Double answer on “Jeopardy”.
There is no audience going bananas,
no wild stage lighting going crazy, no theme music blaring,
no balloons falling from the ceiling.

But, the fallout from Jesus’ question
and Simon Peter’s answer is HUGE!

This question had never, ever
been asked before.  But why is it relevant to us?

The question and the answer are most critical for us. 
What Simon Peter answers and what Jesus does
as a result of Simon Peter’s answer
is super critical for us as Christians. 

Simon Peter’s answer,
“You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God”
did not come from any discernment
or pondering on Simon Peter’s part.
He didn’t piece it together from clues,
or from studying or memorizing.

Jesus points out that His Father, God the Father,
the first Person of the Holy Trinity
revealed it to Peter!

Peter is probably saying, “Did I just say that?”
“Where’d that come from?”

Have you ever had a moment like that?
You say something important
that you didn’t know you knew,
and then say to yourself,
“Wow, did I just say that?”

Peter just answered the multi-zillion dollar question,
and his answer helps trillions of people achieve salvation.
Is this relevant?  I think so.

Jesus immediately awards Peter the grand prize.
He declares that Peter has now just become very special. 
Jesus even changes his name from Simon Peter to Peter,
which means “rock.”
Jesus says He’s building His church on rock, not sand,
and the church will prevail against all evil.

Jesus makes Peter the head of the Church,
He gives him powers to make the Church last twenty-plus centuries, through Peter’s successors, the popes.

Oh but wait, have all the popes been perfect? 
Uhhhh, no.
Was Peter perfect?  Uhhhhh, no.
Peter denied Christ during his trial.
Peter disappeared at Jesus’s crucifixion.
Peter tried to give Jesus bad advice
(as we’ll hear in next week’s gospel!)

But Jesus said the gates of the netherworld (evil)
will not prevail against the Church.

He didn’t say that evil wouldn’t try to prevail.
But He said the Church wins in the end.

He didn’t say that some theologians
wouldn’t issue some false teachings.

He didn’t say that some priests, or ministers, or parents,
or teachers wouldn’t abuse some children.

He didn’t say that some godless totalitarian regimes like today’s Communist government of China wouldn’t ordain its own bishops,
to try to control its leadership and its people’s beliefs,
and try to shove the Vatican’s influence out of the country.

He didn’t say that godlessness, self-centeredness, self-righteousness, moral relativism, hedonism, or secular humanism wouldn’t bring down empire after empire.
But He said the Church would prevail.

The second person of the Holy Trinity, the God-Man,
Jesus the Christ, born of the virgin Mary,
grew up in Nazareth,
and then appointed a human being – Peter – to build His church.

Jesus went on to teach that the Church was really HIM!
Jesus Christ!  His Body! 
And that even though members of that body
(like you and me and Peter)
fail, fall, flounder, sink, deny, sin…

that through the successors of Peter,
acting in the Person of Christ,
God grants His mercy to each and every one of us,
time and time again.

He says, if, like Peter, you get it,
if you believe that Jesus Christ
is truly the Son of the Living God
and you act on what you believe…

you will have eternal life. 
Even if we mess up.
Even if we deliberately deny Him!  (Like Peter.)
And that’s happening in many places all over the world,
especially in our country,
and not just in governments, but in people’s hearts.

He may destroy our empires, but His Church will prevail.
And when He’s ready, as in the first reading today,
God will remove the master of the palace, 
and replace him with his loyal servant.

St. Paul said in the second reading,
“Who knows the mind of the Lord?”

There’s still time, there’s still hope
for our ways of life not to be destroyed.

If we would only repent, turn over, submit
our selfish, secular, culturally suicidal, sinful, divisive ways,
and profess that Jesus Christ
is the way - the ONLY way,
the truth – not the relative truth, but the absolute TRUTH,
and the life - the ONLY life.

And it starts like Peter, when we get it,
and confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

Who do you say that Jesus is? 
Will you confess what Peter confessed? 

“Jesus is the Christ,
the Son of the Living God.
From Him,
and through Him,
and for Him are all things!
To Him be glory forever and ever.  Amen.”

Do you get it?  Yes?  Then let’s go live it!
And bring the Kingdom to others, and save our world.

Key Upcoming Culture-of-Life Gatherings/Projects

 Number 1:

Unleashed 2011, The Room of Grace, Calling Imperfect Men into the Light of Sexual Integrity - a one-day conference for those who minister to men who struggle with sexual addiction and for men who struggle with sexual addiction, on Saturday, November 12, 2011, 8:00 a.m. to  4:30 p.m., at Journey Community Church, 8363 Center Drive, La Mesa, CA, 91942
 
(Please share this information with those you know who struggle with compulsive sexual behaviors.)

As you probably know, the use of internet porn and other sexual acting out have crippled the body of Christ and kept Christian men from experiencing the fullness of life in Christ.  Presented by Unleashed San Diego, LifeSpring Counseling Center, and area churches, Unleashed V is a conference bringing God's victory to men battling for sexual integrity.

Conference and workshop speakers include counseling team Aaron J. Reinicke, MFC, and Melinda Reinicke, Ph.D., Andrew Last, IMFT, Tony and Rosa Martinez, Cory Anderson, IMFT, Scott Rosenberger, plus special speaker, John Lynch, Author and Pastor.

The conference costs $49 at the door, $39 with early registration, $30 for early registration with a group of 10 or more men. 

Teen boys with a registered paid father are $15.

The Unleashed Warriors' new web site with registration capabilities will go live next week, September 7 or 8, so plan to register online after September 8th. 

http://www.unleashedwarriors.com

Most men caught in sexual struggles have proven over and over that they are powerless to break its bonds.  They have turned and sworn to never return, but do.  Is freedom possible?  Attend Unleashed V for an answer to this question and more!

Want to learn more about sexual addiction?  Listen to the August 24th "Setting Things Right" archived show from Catholic Radio of San Diego, where Aaron and Melinda Reinicke, Tony and Rosa Martinez, and hosts, Kent Peters, Linda Arreola, and Deacon Jim Walsh cover the issue in detail.

http://www.kceoradio.com/marketwrap/CRSD/STR-Wensday/STR%20082411.mp3

 

Number 2:

A coalition of San Diego faith leaders will hold “Responding from the Heart” – an interfaith memorial service and concert program at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011 to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States. This event is free and open to the public 
 




San Diego Interfaith
9/11 Memorial & Concert

San Diego County’s interfaith organizations are coming together for this united 10th Anniversary 9/11 program filled with prayer and spiritual music from different religious traditions from around the world.

The ceremony will feature choirs from a variety of faith traditions performing sacred music.  Children representing different congregations will recite short prayers and reflections.

“Responding from the Heart”
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Balboa Park
Spreckels Organ Pavilion
4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Free admission & parking

For more information contact the Interfaith Shelter Network of San Diego Executive Director Rosemary Johnston, 619 384-6852, rjohnston@interfaithshelter.org.


To download an 8.5 by 11 version of the small sample flyer below for distribution at your parish, go to:

http://www.osmelink.org/911flyer.pdf




























Number 3:   

The Office for Social Ministry will sponsor a National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD) webinar "Threats to the Lives of People with Disability, Part II:  Physician Assisted Suicide" at the Diocesan Pastoral Center on Tuesday, September 20, 2011, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. - light refreshments will be provided
 


This NCPD webinar provides tools for ministry in parishes and dioceses on physician assisted suicide. It provides a legislative update, a theological perspective and personal experience.




Presenters will cover:

- Legislative and medical issues

- Making an impact on living each day with dignity

- A Statement on Physician-Assisted Suicide

- Church teaching and Scripture

- Personal perspectives

- Live Q & A and Real-time captioning
 
 
Presenters:
 
Richard Doerflinger, Associate Director, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities

Fr. Dan Mindling, OFM Cap, Theologian, Academic Dean, Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary

Sr. Janice McGrane, S.S.J., author, national presenter, disability self-advocate and leader

Moderator:
 
Jerry Freewalt, Program Director, Office of Social Concerns, Diocese of Columbus

(NCPD) Webinar
"Threats to the Lives of People with Disability,  Physician Assisted Suicide"
Tuesday, September 20, 2011 - 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m
Diocesan Pastoral Center
3888 Paducah Drive (Near I-5 and Balboa Ave.)
San Diego, CA, 92117
Refreshments Provided







Number 4:   

Join Catholics for the Common Good in a seminar designed to equip Catholics to rebuild a marriage culture - this seminar will be held at JP the Great Catholic University on Monday, September 12, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. 









Catholics for the Common Good Institute Presents:

With this Ring -Walk the Talk and Talk the Walk

Married, or Unmarried, You can Help Rebuild a Marriage Culture -

Special Invitation to Teens and Young Adults

Are you wondering:

• “How do I begin the conversation – engage friends, family members, and co-workers in fruitful discussion about the reality of marriage and family?”

• “How do I use Fortitude, gift of the Holy Spirit, to overcome my fear of speaking the truth about marriage?”

Step one - “walk the walk:” During this two hour seminar, you will experience first hand how personal conversion and formation are essential first steps on the path toward initiating the conversation with courage and confidence. We will lead you through a mini-version of our new Faith and Action Circle program, set to roll out Diocese-wide this fall. It will shape and strengthen your beliefs about marriage
and the human person.

Step two - “talk the talk:” Brand new to our San Diego CCGI Seminars are The Reality Dialogues, starring CCG members and students from JPCatholic University. While you listen to and watch The Reality Dialogues you will relate to common situations such as “Thanksgiving at the Family Dinner Table”, and “Break time in the Employee Lunch Room.” You will learn what to say and how to say it with love and conviction.

“Walk the talk, and talk the walk” - weave formation and action together - evangelize the culture to restore the natural beauty of marriage.

Monday, September 12, 7:00 p.m.
John Paul the Great Catholic University
10174 Old Grove Rd. San Diego, 92131 (Scripps Ranch)

Admission is free.

Email sd.leader@ccgaction.org or call 858 437-4001 to reserve your spot, or for more information.

CCG website: http://www.ccgaction.org/



 

Number 5:   

Join us at Culture of Life Family Services' "Pro-Life is Good" Fall Gala and Auction on Saturday, October 15, 2011 - If this Gala is anything like last year's Gala, you won't want to miss it!
 



Pro-Life is Good 
2011 Fall Gala and Auction

Honorary Chairpersons:

Terrence and Barbara Caster




At the Hilton San Diego Resort and Spa
1775 East Mission Bay Drive San Diego, CA 92109

5:30 PM : Check-In
6:00 PM : Cocktail and Social Hour
7:00 PM : Dinner and Program (Speakers/Live Auction)

All proceeds benefit the life saving mission of
Culture of Life Family Services

This Year's Speakers include:









Terrence Kennedy
















Dr. Anthony Levatino














Senator Joel Anderson







 

COLFS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, committed to providing quality, Christ-centered medical care with special dedication to women and families in crisis pregnancies.
George Delgado, M.D., F.A.A.F.P., Medical Director

Tickets: $100 each Table For 10: $1000

Menu Selections:
Prime Rib of Beef
California Chicken Saltimbocca
Filet of Salmon with Champagne sauce
Vegetarian upon request

RSVP by Oct. 3, 2011: Culture of Life Family Services, 550 Washington St. Suite 801, San Diego, CA 92103

Mail Payments to COLFS with Guest Name(s) and dinner choice(s).

Or register online at www.colfs.org

For further information contact Scott Maxwell, Executive Director at smaxwell@colfs.org

Number 6:   

Offered by the OSM and the St. Vincent De Paul Society - A Day of Recollection with Fr. Greg Adolph - Saturday, October 15, 2011, at the Pastoral Center, starting at 8:30 a.m. with Mass and concluding at 2:00 p.m. 


How are you being called to serve the poor?  The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is parish-based lay Catholic organization with 3 primary goals: spirituality; friendship; and service.  Learn more about the Society that you can take back to your parish! 

We will begin with Mass at 8:30 a.m.; enjoy a continental breakfast; hear inspirational talks to help us grow closer to our Lord; and take ample time for a light lunch.  Please join us!

Saturday, October 15, 2011
8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Diocesan Pastoral Center, 3888 Paducah Drive, San Diego

Fr. Greg Adolf is the pastor of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Sierra Vista, Arizona, and a priest of the Diocese of Tucson.  Fr. Greg is the Spiritual Advisor for the Cochise County Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, as well as the Spiritual Director for his own Parish SVdP Conference.

His commitment to, and knowledge of, the Society have won him invitations to give Spiritual/Inspirational presentations at Regional and National Meetings of the Society, as well as Days of Recollection for Vincentians in several Dioceses and parishes.  

He is, in his own words, "absolutely committed to the evangelization of the poor, as well as those who serve them, according to the model of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and its holy Founders, Blessed Frederic Ozanam and Blessed Rosalie Rendu, D.C.!"

RSVP to Maria at the OSM by October 12 - 858-490-8323

Offered by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the Office for Social Ministry


 

Number 7:   

There is still time to register for "Life Walk 2011"  -  Join hundreds of fellow parishioners at a day of celebration for LIFE - Support the great work of a powerful life-giving educational organization - Life Perspectives  

Life Walk 2011

http://www.lifeperspectives.com/

When:
Saturday, October 29, 2011 - Staring at 10:30 a.m.
 
Location:
De Anza Cove (Mission Bay Park)
300 East Mission Dr., San Diego CA, 92109




EMBRACE the dignity of every human being

ENABLE a safe place for healing

EMPOWER the next generation to live out a Culture of Life
 


Life Walk is a fundraiser to support Life Perspectives' educational outreach.
Over the years Life Perspectives has developed interactive programs and curriculum that give youth and adults the opportunity to embrace the value of their life and the lives of others.




Life Walk 2011 directly funds LP's Outreach & Educational Resources...

AbortionChangesYou.com
An online community for men and women touched by abortion and for people who want to be a safe place for them

Whole Life Curriculum
Helping students cultivate a worldview embracing Purity, Social Justice and the Dignity
 
For Questions on Life Walk 2011, Please Contact Sara Velarde
Office: 619.698.5433 
Email: sara@lifeperspectives.com

In Case of Rain:
The Life Walk will continue, rain or shine!
Just bring an umbrella and your pledge form to the event, or mail your pledge form and walk on your own.

Corporate Sponsors:
A-1 Self Storage
Chick-Fil-A at Sports Arena
Fieldstone Foundation
Issa Family Foundation
Sunrise Bobcat & Hauling Services

Community Partners:
El Camino Christian Fellowship
Journey Community Church
Mission San Diego De Alcala
Church of the Nativity
Oceanview Church
San Rafael Catholic Church
St. Brigid Knights of Columbus #3487
St. Gregory the Great Knights of Columbus
St. Mark Knights of Columbus
St. Timothy Knights of Columbus


 

Short Reports on OSM-Related Issues/Events

Watch for an article in the Southern Cross Catholic Newspaper on the August 13th Mother of Life Conference which will be reprinted in our upcoming e-link Bulletin #98 in early October.

Web and e-mail-based Resources

There are "Must Reads."  Maafa 21 is a "Must View!"

View the Maafa 21 Video on Eugenics on YouTube in 13 parts - You will not regret starting to view this incredible production.  You will not be able to turn it off once you've started.  Find it at:

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











 

Sign the Petition to the Health and Human Services Agency - Tell Kathleen Sebelius, "No Way!"






St. Gianna Physician’s Guild today launched an online petition,

www.StopTheBirthControlMandate.com,

requesting the Obama Administration and Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, to immediately withdraw all references to contraception and contraception counseling from the “Guidelines for Women’s Preventive Services” under The Affordable Care Act, and to provide a conscience clause to protect the religious freedom and beliefs of Catholics.

On August 1, 2011 the Department of Health and Human Services directed by Kathleen Sebelius, a Catholic, adopted new guidelines for women’s health that stipulates mandatory coverage be provided for surgical sterilization, all prescription contraceptives approved by the FDA -- including drugs like Ella that can cause abortions in the early weeks of pregnancy – as well as counseling to promote them.
“We are going to send a message to the Obama Administration that this contraception mandate is wrong, discriminatory and violates the religious rights of Catholics all across America,” stated the Guild’s president, Thomas McKenna.

The Obama administration is taking heat from many Catholic leaders including the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities, said: “Those who sponsor, purchase and issue health plans should not be forced to violate their deeply held moral and religious convictions in order to take part in the health care system or provide for the needs of their families or their employees.” “To force such an unacceptable choice would be as much a threat to universal access to health care as it is to freedom of conscience.”

St Gianna Physician’s Guild (www.StGiannaPhysicians.org) was founded to unite and encourage Catholic physicians, as well as others in the health care profession, to promote and defend Catholic principles in a public way and to inspire sanctification in their lives.

The petition can be signed at:  www.StopTheBirthControlMandate.org
 

New Local/Regional Events and Gatherings

If you are planning an event that falls within the mission of social ministry, send the particulars four to five weeks in advance to the Office for Social Ministry via e-mail, osmelink@diocese-sdiego.org. The OSM reserves the right to publish or not to publish any proposed event information. We hope this will assist your local efforts to rebuild a culture of life.

 

1. Attend the San Diego "Friends of Fair Trade" monthly meeting

San Diego Friends of Fair Trade is a coalition of non-profit organizations and congregations attempting to advance the cause of fair trade.  They work to insure that all individuals who toil, both at home and around the world, to provide consumers with commodities are paid a living wage, one that can sustain a life with dignity. 

The next SD Friends of Fair Trade meeting will be on Wednesday, September 14, 2011, at 6:30 p.m. at the Open Door Book Store on 4761 Cass St., Pacific Beach (No chapter meeting in July) - For more information, please contact Carolyn Lief at fairtradesandiego@gmail.com.  To sign up for the Fair Trade San Diego newsletter, send a request to fairtradesandiego@gmail.com 

2. Get Acquainted with Detention Ministry in the Diocese of San Diego

Join Deacon Jim Walsh each month for an Information and Training Seminar on detention ministry and restorative justice at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 3888 Paducah Drive, San Diego, 92117

Visit the OSM Restorative Justice Web site for the September dates and times:

Sorry, no walk-ins.  Contact Deacon Jim Walsh for reservations or questions: 858-490-8375 or e-mail Deacon Jim at jwalsh@diocese-sdiego.org


3. North-County prayer witness at the Carlsbad Planned Parenthood Clinic

North County parishioners meet the third Monday of every month from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. to peacefully pray the rosary in front of the Carlsbad Planned Parenthood Clinic.  The clinic is located at 1820 Marron Rd. (in the shopping center just west of Plaza Camino Real Mall).  For more information, contact Jahna White of St. Margaret Parish at 760-586-6356.
 

4. Prayerful witness for life at two locations (7340 Miramar Road in San Diego and 15546 Pomerado Road in Poway) in San Diego County

Helpers of God’s Precious Infants weekly rosary prayer vigil from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. every Saturday and Wednesday at 7340 Miramar Road, directly above Metro Flooring in the complex with the Pyramid Building, adjacent to Carroll Road.  Prayer warriors also needed as early as 7:30 a.m.

Call Roger Lopez at 619-276-7525 for more information.
 
Second Saturday of the month:  20 decades of the Rosary are prayed in procession past 4 clinics following the 7:30 a.m. Mass, 15546 Pomerado Road, Poway.  For more information, call 858-748-2109. 

5. St. Dismas Guild sponsors two weekly hours of prayer for the unborn in North County

Join members of St. Dismas Guild for a rosary picket at North County Women's Medical Clinic, 120 S. Craven Way, San Marcos, (across from Cal State San Marcos), Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

The Guild also sponsors prayer (the rosary) in front of PayLess at Mission Avenue and Escondido Blvd., 347 W. Mission, on Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  For information on these prayer vigils, call 760-751-8541.

6. St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Carlsbad has a tri-weekly prayer ministry in front of the North County Women's Medical Clinic on Craven Way - San Marcos on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays

Please join the St. Elizabeth Seton "Life Matters" Culture of Life prayer vigils at 10:00 a.m. to Noon every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday morning at "North County Women's Medical Clinic": 120 Craven Road, San Marcos -

Those interested can carpool from St. Elizabeth Seton's upper parking lot at 9:30 a.m.  Those who do not want to carpool, please feel free to meet us at the Abortion Center at 10:00 a.m. or at any time between 10:00 a.m. and Noon.  These vigils are not confrontational.  We give witness by being present in prayer and entrust our message to the Blessed Mother.  Contact Gene: ejzoval@yahoo.com or 760-804-9656 for more information.

7. St. John the Evangelist Parish in Encinitas Pro-Life Mass and Rosary held on the first Monday of each month

The first Monday of every month is designated Pro-Life Monday at St. John the Evangelist Church, 1001 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas.  The 8:00 a.m. Mass will be followed by a Rosary for Life.

8. Prayer Vigil at Planned Parenthood - First and Grape Street, San Diego – Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Prayer vigil contacts: Luis Mendoza 619-259-3906 or Roger Lopez 619-276-7525.   Rosary processions the first Saturday of every month from Our Lady of the Rosary, Date & State St., after the 7:30 a.m. Mass.             

9. Most Precious Blood Parish Rosary Prayer Vigils held on Wednesdays each week

The Pro-Life Prayer Group from Most Precious Blood sponsors a Rosary Prayer Vigil in front of "A Woman's Choice" Clinic abortion facility at 1550 Broadway, Chula Vista, every Wednesday at 8:45 a.m.  For more information, please call Shirley Henry at 619-420-7096 or Luis Mendoza at 619-259-3906.
 

10. Prayer partners are needed at the office of Feliciano Rios M.D., 1079 Third Ave., suite 3, in Chula Vista - Dr. Rios performs abortions at his medical facility - Meet each Wednesday from 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Please contact Luis Mendoza, a Missionary of The Gospel of Life Lay Associate, at 619-259-3906, with questions or to share interest in this prayer ministry.

11. Pray in front of the Planned Parenthood facility located at 1685 East Main, just off the Greenfield Drive exit in El Cajon - join friends and neighbors

According to the PP website, chemical (RU-486) abortions only are done at this location - not surgical abortions.  They do refer women for abortions to their surgical center on First Ave.  Join the group each Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Contact: hansenpat@msn.com


12.   The Goretti Group offers chastity prayer and speaker training monthly

Every First Friday of the month, the Goretti Group will celebrate a St. Maria Goretti Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary, 1654 State Street, at 6:15 p.m.

Every Second Monday of the month: ChasteMasters Meeting at Our Lady of the Rosary, Giovanni Room, 7:00 p.m.  Please join us in prayer, a roundtable discussion, and providing feedback as chastity speakers refine their talks.

For more info please visit: www.thegorettigroup.org or call David at: 619-733-8439

Watch for OSM e-link bulletin #98 around Friday, October 2, 2011 

Article/Statement for September 2, 2011

Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York






Some Afterthoughts on New York's Re-definition of Marriage

Almost two weeks ago — hauntingly, on the Feast of the Birth of John the Baptist, whom King Herod would behead because the saint dared to defend the God-given truth about marriage — our state sadly attempted a re-definition of marriage.  Is there anything left to say?

Yes.

For one, thanks to those courageous millions who valiantly fought this unfortunate project of social engineering.  You can hold your heads high.  Sanely, civilly, thoughtfully, vigorously . . . you did not cave-in.  The forces on the other side were a Goliath indeed — with tons of money, “glitterati” from entertainment circles, political powerbrokers, and the media — but you proved a worthy David.

You will understand my special word of gratitude to people of faith — evangelicals, Mennonites, Jews, Moslem, Catholics, Amish, and so many more, led often by African-American and Latino believers — who simply believe that marriage is a given, at the very foundation of civilization, which the state has the duty to defend and protect, not to mutate.

My brother bishops of New York were particularly prophetic.  When I arrived here a little over two-years ago, they told me realistically that we faced a looming battle over the defense of marriage.  They advised me that the odds were not in our favor, and that some experts were even suggesting that we give-in and not put up a fight.

But they were also resolute in their conviction that such would have been a dereliction of duty.  As Blessed John Paul II often commented, the Church is “counter-cultural,” like Jesus, often at odds with what passes as chic, enlightened, and progressive.  In their writings, sermons, personal lobbying, interviews, and our common statements — backed up by indefatigable efforts by our New York State Catholic Conference, bolstered by ecumenical and inter-religious cooperation, and, especially, supported by countless thousands of our faithful Catholic people (one legislator told me he received 47,000 e-mails against the measure from the Catholic Advocacy Network) — the bishops were on the frontiers.  We have been bloodied, and bruised, and, yes, for the moment, we have been defeated.  But, we’re used to that.  So was the Founder of our Church.

Two, the Church neither has nor wants political “clout.”   As Cardinal John O’Connor commented, “The only ‘clout’ the Church really has is God’s Truth, the assurance of His grace, and the simple yet sincere conviction of our people.”  Blessed John Paul II again reminds us that “The Church never imposes, she only proposes.”  And as our current Holy Father has often observed, all the Church wants is its freedom to serve humanity by bringing the light of the gospel to the world.

But, three, we do worry indeed about this freedom of religion.  Editorials already call for the removal of guarantees of religious liberty, with crusaders calling for people of faith to be coerced to acceptance of this redefinition.  If the experience of those few other states and countries where this is already law is any indication, the churches, and believers, will soon be harassed, threatened, and hauled into court for their conviction that marriage is between one man, one woman, forever, bringing children into the world.

Four, the real forces of “intolerance” were unmasked here.  The caricature, of course, is that those defending traditional marriage were the right-wing bigots and bullies.  However, as one out-of-state journalist, who was following the debate closely, commented to me, “From my read of the columns, blogs, and rhetoric, it’s not your side that’s lobbing the grenades.”  A Catholic who wrote to criticize me for my defense of marriage still conceded, “But I must confess that I am sickened by the amount of anti-Catholic venom that has surfaced in this debate.”  As one respected columnist has observed, the problem is not homophobia but theophobia — a hatred by some of God, faith, religion, and the Church.

Five, though, if we did hurt anybody in our defense of marriage, I apologize. We tried our best to insist from the start that our goal was pro-marriage, never anti-gay.  But, I’m afraid some within the gay community were offended. As I replied recently to a reporter who asked if I had any message to the gay community, “Yes:  I love you.  Each morning I pray with and for you and your true happiness and well-being.  I am honored that so many of you are at home within our Catholic family, where, like the rest of us, we try, with the help of God’s grace and mercy, to conform our lives to Jesus and His message.  If I have offended any of you in my strenuous defense of marriage, I apologize, and assure you it was unintentional.

Point six, the Church has always stood-up for marriage — one man and one woman, united in lifelong and faithful love, leading to new life in children – whenever and wherever it was in danger.  Veterans my age and over can remember sixty years ago when we fought widespread, no-fault divorce, convinced it would lead to a cheapening of the marriage bond and harm our kids (as, of course, scholarly studies now report has, indeed, happened).  Recall how the Church resisted the “contraceptive mentality,” fearing it would rupture the sacred bond between love and the procreation of children.  Then, remember how the Church sounded the alarm over rising rates of promiscuity, adultery, pre-marital sex, and cohabitation prior to or instead of marriage.  And now we ring the steeple bell again at this latest dilution of the authentic understanding of marriage, worried that the next step will be another redefinition to justify multiple partners and infidelity.  If you think I’m exaggerating, within days of the passage of this bill, one major newspaper ran a flattering profile of a proponent of what was called “Nonmonogamy.” Apparently, “Nonmonogamy” is the idea that society is unrealistic to think that one man and one woman should remain faithful in marriage, and that openness to some infidelity should be the norm!

Let me say it again. None of this is anti-anybody, but simply pro marriage.

(By the way, as Professor Robert George at Princeton University eloquently points out, in warning about promiscuity, divorce, cohabitation instead of marriage, adultery, and “same-sex marriage,” the Church is hardly some shrill, bitter, reactionary, naysaying prude, but actually prophetically right-on-target.  Recent studies by people such as Myron Magnet and Kay Hymowitz show that the weakening of stable marriage and families is the cause of most social and cultural woes, especially burdensome on poor women and children.)

Finally, last point, for us in the Church, not much changes.  We continue to hold fast to the God-given definition of marriage, and acknowledge that no unfortunate legislative attempt can alter reality and morality.  Yes, we have a big catechetical challenge, in that we have to admit that quite a few people no longer hold to this timeless moral truth.  (Although I still believe most people do; thus the fear of a referendum on the issue by those who still claim this is a “grassroots movement” sweeping the nation.)  Yes, we do have our work cut out for us, as even some Catholics, and, scandalously, even political leaders who claim to be Catholic, tell us the Church is “out of it,” and has no claim on truth.

So, we try our best to witness to the truth, encouraging our married couples and their kids to be loving, radiant, “lights to the world.”  We acknowledge that, as St. Augustine taught, if something is wrong, even if everybody else is doing it, it’s still wrong; and, if something is right, even if nobody else is doing it anymore, it’s still right.  Like St. Thomas More, we’re willing to take the heat and even lose our head from following a conscience properly formed by God’s revelation and the teaching of His Church, even if it is politically incorrect, and clashes with the King’s demands to re-define marriage.