Bp. Morlino warns against "aggressive" reporter George Neumayr

Beware of Mr. George Neumayr, he is aggressive and puts words in your mouth. During our recent conversation, I repeated at least three times "do not put words in my mouth." I will have no further comment about him.

— Bp. Robert Morlino (@BishopMorlino) October 2, 2018

George Neumayr has been investigating the DC coverup and was I think admittedly stalking Cardinal Wuerl prior to the PA Grand Jury Report(and interrogating the housecleaning lady when McCarrick was in hiding).  I've heard many on the orthodox side also describe him as "aggressive."

Neumayr posted in reply:

I just had an extremely disappointing experience with Bishop Morlino outside of the Mayflower hotel in Washington, DC. He is there for Napa Institute meetings.

I walked up to him, shook his hand, introduced myself, and was on the verge of saying something nice to him when he said through a grimace that he didn't like my journalism, didn't like Church Militant, didn't care to "see photos" of apartments and condos where priests are misbehaving, and that he is not the "investigator" of Monsignor Walter Rossi and therefore didn't care if my reports are true. I told him my journalism was motivated by a love for the Church, to which he responded meanly, "If you love the Church, you will get away from me."

There is a major frustration especially amongst conservatives Catholics right now.   It is obvious Pope Francis is not interested in the reforms necessary to fix the abuse cover up in the Church.   There is also well founded paranoia that he has continued to push the Hermunetics of Rupture (which he dubbed the "the hermeneutic of conspiracy") through his leading bureaucrats.  Where JPII worked to make peace between orthodox and progressive elements in the Church, the Francis bureaucracy makes war.  Here we are at another Synod of Wokeness, in which the Francis bureaucracy can embarrass itself.  But the point is that this isn't just about the abuse coverups, but that is the driving force.  However, the Progressives rightly ask where was this demand for justice when JPII was covering for his abuser buddies.  The solution must be one that can separate Church politics with a clear view of punishing criminals and giving victims their due. 

And now we are seeing things like this:

.@cwwhite212 reports on a new Catholic watchdog group that plans to spend over one million dollars to investigate every member of the College of Cardinals. https://t.co/3a9XRMzRSr pic.twitter.com/AHlzV1vVTs

— Crux (@Crux) October 2, 2018

How it all ends, I don't know. But now that it became clear that the Dallas Charter was a failure, and that Pope Francis promoted Cardinal McCarrick knowing he had been privately sanctioned, because he needed a political ally in the US.  And since mainstream Catholic news services on both sides failed to report on abuse allegations(which have now been found to be true), hyper-journalism now is now on a major upswing. 

Top Ten Wine Saints

Advent is upon us and so Christmas and the new year will soon be here. In the spirit of the seasons, or spirits of the season, here's Rupert Millar at The Drinks Business.

AOTM Smoker: Is Catholic Education Catholic Anymore?

See you there!  Any locals looking to carpool let me know.

Details and Purchase Tickets Online

Martin Sheen "speaking" at Ecumenical Climate Change event at Superior Diocese parishes March 5-7

I say "speaking" because from the literature sent to me it says there's a pre-recorded message from Martin Sheen which will be played at the event, not that he was attending the events personally.

Tuesday, March 7, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Solon Springs Community Center, 11523 South US Hwy 53, Save the Earth, Save the Poor, an interfaith series of presentations featuring Catholic social justice advocate Martin Sheen, Catholic Charities and other regional faith based social service providers. Breakfast and lunch included.
...
The symposium is being sponsored by the Peace of Mind Project and Martin Sheen, principle spokesperson for the project.

The Peace of Mind Project was founded by Fr. James Kinney, pastor of the cluster, in 1999, and is dedicated to raising awareness for those with mental illness.

details at SupCathHerald

docs I have say this:

8:00-9:00 Check in with Continental Breakfast
9:00-9:10 Interfaith prayer- church pastors
9:10-9:25 Martin Sheen, video keynote presentation, pre-recorded
9:25-10:15 The Social Ministry of Catholic Charities- Catholic Charities Bureau of The Superior Diocese
10:15-10:35 CCB Q & A
10:35-10:50 Coffee Break
10:50-11:40 Lutheran Social Ministry- Lutheran Social Services
11:40-12:00 LSS Q & A
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-1:15 Caring for Creation- Dr. Kent Shifferd
1:15-2:45 Healing of Indigenous People and the Environment- All Nations Indigenous Center
2:45-3:30 Q and A with Dr. Shifferd and the All Nations presenters on the environment and Native American justice initiatives

Quote from Saint Oprah

Aren't you inspired? Catholic parish in milwaukee. pic.twitter.com/XkqaLazuKH

— Cream City Catholic (@CCityCatholic) February 21, 2017

Cocktail Theology

One of the selected free articles in the December 2016 issue of First Things is this by William Dailey, C.S.C.

"Derek Brown, one of the forces behind the recent craft cocktail revival, wanted to complete his confirmation while I was a priest at his parish. As I instructed him in the Catholic faith, he initiated me into the mysteries of craft cocktails."

Conservative news site Breitbart News attacked Paul Ryan for sending his children to Catholic school

Ugh, hold on for a second. I need a glass of water—or maybe something stiffer…

continue at BREAKING: Breitbart Reveals Catholic Sends Son to Catholic School

Crazy. Hack. Job.  Cheers!

HT CatholicVote

Frank Kaminsky, Naismith Award winner and ... Catholic Liturgist

Catholic Church hymns were the turn up back in the day. All my Catholics know what I'm talking about #AndHeWillRaiseYouUpOnEaglesWings

— Frank Kaminsky III (@FSKPart3) March 27, 2016

It's not quite Polka Mass fail, but a fail nonetheless.

In honor of probably our favorite Badger of all time, here is the ultimate #CatholicTurnUp:


HT Michael Golden

St Joseph, German gay guy, and Good Friday fasting for Sweet Sixteen

Month of Saint Joseph, powerful protector of the Church. Pray for us, holy guardian of our souls. pic.twitter.com/24hdQIqFHE

— Florian Kolfhaus (@FlorianKolfhaus) March 3, 2016

I forgot to post this.  I like a punchy looking St. Joseph. He's all terror-or-demons-ing up in he'a.

Speaking of St Joseph, I got hit on by a gay guy at a German bar on the big feast day this year.  Oh those crazy Germans!  I was of course flattered.

Speaking of Germans, I am still under an imposing workload.  But as most give up the taint of the blogosphere for Lent, perhaps it is quite all right that posts have been slimmer than a Capuchin's belt during Holy Week.

Speaking of the Badgers, this video a million times over:

KOENIG SENDS WISCONSIN TO THE #SWEET16!!!! https://t.co/6MnfXu2T0D

— NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) March 21, 2016

Brian Anderson has a great call.  Bronson is Catholic, BTW(well I think still, he is going to school in Madison).  And so is Kobe King, another Badgers recruit from La Crosse.

The Badgers play Notre Dame on Good Friday....  Shall we see if any players are weakened by their mandatory fasting, ala one of my all time favorites Hakeem Olajuwon.  I mean, the game is in the evening, I would think if a player were to actually observe the Catholic fast that it would indeed weaken them to some extent.  Maybe if bishops are big basketball fans, they make it rain dispensations.  Olajuwon actually could have been dispensed from the fast but chose not to take it.

...and He careth not that it is Saint Hubert's vision on the Jagermeister bottle.

"Enough is enough." – The Lord Our God, Creator of Heaven and Earth https://t.co/e5rcOCBJ2C pic.twitter.com/ckH1rtqtSS

— The Onion (@TheOnion) January 7, 2016

Abp Cupich of Chicago receives pallium, refuses to condemn SCOTUS ruling on marriage; "calls us to mature and serene reflections"

WGN: Archbishop Cupich celebrates mass with Pope Francis, receives pallium

Statement of Archbishop Cupich on Supreme Court rulings

This week the Supreme Court of the United States issued two rulings with particular meaning for the Catholic Church.

In the first, the Court preserved subsidies for the 6.4 million low-income Americans who depend on them to purchase health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. We have issues with provisions of that legislation and will continue to advocate to preserve our religious freedom. However, we understand that for millions of individuals and families, most of them the working poor, this decision preserves access to health care and the promise it offers of a healthier, longer life.

In the second decision, the United States Supreme Court has ruled that two persons of the same sex have a constitutional right to marry each other. In doing so, the Court has re-defined civil marriage. The proposed reason for the ruling is the protection of equal rights for all citizens, including those who identify themselves as gay. The rapid social changes signaled by the Court ruling call us to mature and serene reflections as we move forward together. In that process, the Catholic Church will stand ready to offer a wisdom rooted in faith and a wide range of human experience.

It is important to note that the Catholic Church has an abiding concern for the dignity of gay persons. In fact, the Catechism of the Catholic Church says: “They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided.” (n. 2358). This respect must be real, not rhetorical, and ever reflective of the Church’s commitment to accompanying all people. For this reason, the Church must extend support to all families, no matter their circumstances, recognizing that we are all relatives, journeying through life under the careful watch of a loving God.

It is also important to stress that the Supreme Court’s redefinition of civil marriage has no bearing on the Catholic Sacrament of Matrimony, in which the marriage of man and woman is a sign of the union of Christ and the Church. In upholding our traditional concept of marriage, we are called to support those who have entered into this sacred and loving bond with God and each other.

This will be especially important for the members of our own Church as we walk together, respectful not only of the political demands of equality, but above all else, guided by the higher claims of divine revelation. Our aim in all of this will be to hold fast to an authentic understanding of marriage which has been written in the human heart, consolidated in history, and confirmed by the Word of God.

...  It's as if he's commenting on legislation, not court rulings.   The archbishop appears to want to distance himself from brother bishops and the USCCB president whom called the ruling “A Tragic Error.”  For those Catholics who thought Cardinal George was part of the problem were gravely mistaken.  The archbishop seemed to find a need to reprimand Catholic "discrimination" in the wake of the ruling despite the fact the opposite seems to be occurring.  The way this is worded, it certainly sounds like Chicago would welcome, say the archdiocesan schools from "accepting" gay couples and promoting acceptance in curriculum.  Obviously we are all waiting to see what the federal government gets to shut down because of "discrimination," and of course many more SCOTUS rulings on the matter.... but I guess if I were a Chicago resident, it would be great to hear my archbishop offer a few words of support other than "it's time to roll over and die."

I'll try to get a roundup post in the next day or two. 

Illinois HS maliciously defaces crucifix at rival Catholic HS(after beating them), takes fun picture. Don't worry, it's just "girl power"

An Illinois-based high school's girls' basketball team has come under fire after a photo of players pointing at a Barbie doll stuck to a cross inside their Catholic hosts' school gym appeared online.

In the image, members of Woodstock High School team are pictured beaming and pointing at the doll - their symbol for 'girl power' - after attaching it to the cross at Marian Central Catholic High School.

The teenagers, dressed in white kits, were in good spirits having just trumped their rivals, Woodstock North, 57-48 inside the Landers Pavilion at Marian Central, which is the Class 3A regionals host.

However, within minutes of their photo appearing on social media on Thursday, it had sparked a backlash against them, with many deeming the image 'offensive' to their hosts' religious beliefs.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2965688/Girl-s-high-school-basketball-team-fire-posting-photo-players-pointing-Barbie-doll-cross-rival-Catholic-school.html#ixzz3SxSqP5AL
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

Go read the ridiculous response from the school.  Okay things have gotten bad, but not to the point where these people can claim ignorance to this crime.

I believe this is the Diocese of Rockford.

That reminds me of stories from this area, I think La Crosse maybe, where public school kids would throw fish on the floor during basketball games against Catholic schools.  Yes, I think my uncle told me that 40-50 years ago, that would happen when Aquinas played the other public high schools in the city.

John McAdams(Marquette Warrior) SUSPENDED by Marquette University while under "Investigation"

Hmmmm

It created more controversy than any blog other post we have done: an account of a Philosophy instructor at Marquette who told a student that gay marriage could not be discussed in her class since any opposition would be “homophobic” and would “offend” any gay students in the class. Not only did the story echo among Catholic outlets and sites dedicated to free speech on campus, but it created considerable blow back among leftist academics, who pretty much demanded our head on a pike.

Today we got an e-mail from Dean Richard Holz:

Dear John:

The university is continuing to review your conduct and during this period--and until further notice--you are relieved of all teaching duties and all other faculty activities, [!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!] including, but not limited to, advising, committee work, faculty meetings and any activity that would involve your interaction with Marquette students, faculty and staff. 

continue at Marquette Warrior

I encourage you to send Dr. McAdams your support for his thankless effort to at least make Marquette University open to discuss the possibility that Catholic teaching may in fact be true.

Should we assume the graduate student who was teaching a credited Philosophy course at Marquette University and contradicting basic tenants of natural law, teaching embraced by many faith traditions, is also under investigation?  After all, the foundation of natural law certainly falls under the realm of philosophy.

Photo

Update: JS: Marquette's John McAdams suspended after criticizing TA on gay marriage discussion
Update2: Marquette’s Suspension of Marquette Warrior Violated Marquette’s Own Rules

NCReg: Marquette University: Opposition to Same-Sex ‘Marriage’ a Form of Harassment

MILWAUKEE — An anti-harassment training presentation at a Catholic college encourages employees to report critics of same-sex “marriage” and could reflect recent federal decisions that the belief in marriage as a union of a man and a woman is discriminatory.

Part of the employee anti-harassment training at Marquette University includes a presentation with a comic strip-style story about a fictional employee named “Harassed Hans,” a man in a wheelchair. The training encourages Hans to report to the university human resources department his co-workers Becky and Maria, who “have been talking about their opposition to same-sex marriage” all week.

“Their co-worker Hans is offended, but he struggles with whether to report the situation,” the comic says.

“Hans is right to report Maria and Becky’s conversation,” the presentation later adds.

The presentation shares the federal government’s new understanding that beliefs about marriage as a union only of one man and one woman can be a source of discrimination and illegal harassment.

continue at NC Register

also CNA: Catholic profs told to report opposition to 'gay marriage' as harassment

Of course, just complying with the law.  Can't take a stand on the issue.  Nothing more to see here, move along.

There is an essential difference between "harassment" and "opposition to same-sex marriage."  For those with short term memory, President Obama opposed same-sex marriage until 2012!  And even then said that it should be handled on the local level.  Are we supposed to take seriously the charge that President Obama had participated in harassment?

This is sort of like those phantom IRS threats against "political speech" in churches.  Regardless of standing policy, they cannot withstand the scrutiny of law.

See also: G. K. Chesterton: It’s Not Gay, and It’s Not Marriage

Cdl. Burke confirms publicly to BuzzFeed News(of all outlets) he has been ousted

In the interview with BuzzFeed News, Burke confirmed publicly for the first time the rumors that he had been told Francis intended to demote him from the church’s chief guardian of canon law to a minor post as patron to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.

“I very much have enjoyed and have been happy to give this service, so it is a disappointment to leave it,” Burke said, explaining that he hadn’t yet received a formal notice of transfer. “On the other hand, in the church as priests, we always have to be ready to accept whatever assignment we’re given. And so I trust by accepting this assignment I trust that God will bless me, and that’s what’s in the end most important.”

When the Pope first took office, his pivot away from an emphasis on questions of sexuality were more a matter of personal tone rather than changes in church policy or personnel. There were rumors that he was trying to oust the man chosen by Pope Benedict to head the church’s office responsible for doctrine, Gerhard Müller, but last winter he instead elevated him from archbishop to cardinal. When word that Burke was on his way out began circulating last month, it signaled that Francis would take major steps to reshape the church. It coincided with the selection of a new archbishop of Chicago, Blase Cupich, who Catholic progressives celebrated for positions like breaking with the American church hierarchy when it withheld its support for President Obama’s health reform law over questions of abortion and contraception.

But, Burke said, the Church must always call a “person who’s involved in sinful acts […] to conversion in a loving way, but obviously, like a father or mother in a family, in a firm way for the person’s own good.” There cannot be “a difference between doctrine and practice” on questions like homosexuality or anything else, Burke said. [Essentially it is this attitude which, well, we must say that Pope Francis deems harmful, perhaps +O'Malley and +Wuerl more so as his American consultants.]

“The church doesn’t exclude anyone who’s of goodwill even if the person is suffering from same-sex attraction or even acting on that attraction,” said Burke. “If people don’t accept the church’s teaching on these matters than they’re not thinking with the church and they need to examine themselves on that and correct their thinking or leave the church if they absolutely can’t accept. They’re certainly not free to change the teaching of the church to suit their own ideas.”

full article at BuzzFeed

As commentators have stated, it's one of the most severe political retributions in recent Vatican history.  My earlier thoughts here and here.

Photo

HT Fr. Erik

[* Update (11:50 PM GMT): "At the request of several readers, BuzzFeed News has printed a transcript of the section of the interview wherein Cardinal Burke talks about leaving the Signatura."]

via Rorate - details there

JS: Gay marriages to resume in Wisconsin as Supreme Court rejects appeals

Without explanation, the Supreme Court on Monday rejected appeals from Wisconsin and four other states seeking to preserve their gay marriage bans, setting up an immediate and historic return of same-sex unions here but leaving the broader question of same-sex marriage unanswered at the national level.

In their order, the nine justices provided no reason for rejecting the appeals from Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen and officials in the states of Indiana, Oklahoma, Utah, and Virginia.

The court's order soon will bring back gay marriage in these states, though it was unclear if the return would be immediate. Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell, a Democrat and strong supporter of same sex unions, initially had no comment Monday morning on when he might begin issuing licenses, saying he needed a little time to work out the implications of the order.

But just minutes later, McDonell said he was ready.

"We're a go here," he said. "If someone walked in here right now, I'd issue one."

continue at JS

Perhaps Elagabalus will run for president next.

This I guess strengthens the case for electing Republicans just to put decent judges on the bench .... I'm curious if the conspirators knew the SCOTUS would take no action beforehand.  Pundits have been warning for a while that the goal of the Homosexualists was to Roe v Wade marriage since they knew they still couldn't get it through most any legislature.

The point of this is not to live side by side Christians in peace.  The goal is to force Christians to affirm and praise this very old religion of unnaturalism.  Next will come lawsuits against Christian agencies and businesses in the state.  Lawyer up!  Hopefully there is a plan in place for all our Catholic charities in the state.  If there are any conferences or resources available, especially to small agencies without the financial backing of the Gay Mafia, email me and I'll do a post.

Fanatic Friday: Synod on the Family Theme Song edition

FatherZ: The “Novus Ordo” bottle of wine from Chicago

From a reader:

When I was in Chicago, I picked up a bottle of wine called “Novus Ordo.”  When I brought it back home for a priest friend he insisted that we create an appropriate wine stopper capturing the “spirit” of Vatican II.

Of course we had to honor Bugnini and even Rembert Weakland who where responsible for creating such a magical liturgy.  And to mark their lasting success we crowned them with a rainbow and fluffy unicorn!

… All sitting on an orb of shinny glitter and rainbows.

continue at Father Z

LOL!

Cardinal Burke out at Congregation for Bishops, +Wuerl in, oh boy....

Source

.... I think we all knew this was a real possibility, even probability after this election.

Well no doubt now, +Wuerl is the new "kingmaker."  

Be grateful if you got a "Burke bishop" because they won't be going anywhere anytime soon.  I feel sorry for Chicago.  When +George is gone, there's absolutely no way it will be Bishop Perry. 

Possibly if +Burke did receive conclave votes, there would be a major concern over his influence, and God forbid election, in future conclaves as well.

via Deacons Bench

Quoting David Gibson

After last month’s annual meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, I wrote a story handicapping the four American churchman who enjoyed growing influence in the new(ish) pontificate of Pope Francis.
They were Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston, who is one of the eight members of Francis “kitchen cabinet” of advisors on reforming the Roman Curia; Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, who was elected vice-president of the USCCB and is the likely incoming president in three years; Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington, whose advice the Vatican has tapped and who was rumored for an important curial post; and Cardinal Raymond Burke, head the Vatican’s canonical court system and more importantly a member of the Congregation for Bishops. That latter role gave Burke a decisive voice in pushing through a number of key stateside appointments, sometimes against the wishes of U.S.-based bishops.
Burke was something of an outlier on that list — a very conservative holdover from the Benedict XVI era and a fan of the kind of high liturgical finery that Pope Francis does not take to, at all.
Today the calculus of the “Top Four” list changed, perhaps decisively, as Francis dropped Burke from the Congregation for Bishops and added Wuerl. The two cardinals are not known to be allies, to say the least. It’s even less likely now that they’ll be exchanging Christmas cards this year.
Wuerl will remain as Archbishop of Washington but the new appointment means he will make regular trips to the Vatican to vet candidates for bishop in the U.S. and around the world — perhaps the most important way that Francis can secure his legacy.

This is terrible news for the US Catholic Church

Will +Burke be ousted as the Apostolic Signatura?  In my opinion, yes. The now will be the opportune time with the reforms going on. 

If we are to believe reports, +Wuerl .... um, does not like ....  +Burke.  Rocco reposted his old article on the topic.   Also Francis' Flush – At Bishops' Table, Pope Runs the Wuerlpool   Note, Palmo doesn't like Cdl. Burke either. 

Rorate reporting:

You can read the official announcement from VIS here that, while it shows Wuerl being added, does not mention Burke rolling off.  

I'm sure Adfero knows better than I, but the list appears to be a list of appointments assuming that the congregation started with zero appointees.

Update:
Thomas Peters: Reality check: Burke’s star will shine on

There is absolutely no sign the Congregation for Bishops is about to reverse the 70 or 80 streak of conservative Episcopal appointments to U.S. dioceses we witnessed under the reign of Pope Benedict. This massive swell of young conservative bishops is already having a huge impact on the Catholic Church in America.

It was these bishops who upset precedent and elected Cardinal Dolan over Bishop Kicanas for USCCB President, and just elected Archbishop Kurtz.

If we want to see anything significant in today’s news, it should be that Pope Francis confirmed Cardinal Marc Oullet as the Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops! A more conservative Cardinal you couldn’t ask for.

If liberal Vatican-watchers want to read tea leaves, they should wake up and smell what’s brewing!

And as for this false meme that Pope Francis doesn’t like conservatives, well, the pope’s interview with La Stampa just poured more cold water on that than I could ever hope to.

So let nothing you dismay. Cardinal Burke’s star will shine on in the Eternal City for another 10 years at least. American liberal Catholics should go take a cold bath. Orthodoxy is here to stay.

I think a bit too optimistic.  This is the most influential congregation for shaping the future of the Church.  This move limits +Burke's influence in the the Church in the United States - and was a consequence of his appointments which ruffled many prelates feathers stateside.  It also shows how much influence +Wuerl really has, something that surprised me.  I don't think there's any reason to spin this, or to Read Francis Though Benedict.  The message is pretty clear, and tradition minded Catholic need not sugar coat it.

Update2: This isn't just about +Burke

Francis also dropped from the Congregation two other cardinals, both Italians, considered allies of Benedict XVI — Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, 69, described by one Vatican-watcher as “one of the former pope’s most conservative appointments in the Roman Curia,” and Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, 70.

Update3: Remember this??

Italy's media dub Wuerl 'pope-maker' of conclave

La Repubblica, Italy's largest-circulation daily newspaper, reported on Friday that Wuerl led a coalition of American cardinals and those from other countries in supporting the candidacy of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 76, of Argentina.

Bergoglio was elected the 266th pope of the worldwide church on Wednesday and took the name of Francis.

The center-left newspaper and two Italian websites said American cardinals, “under the leadership” of Wuerl, considered Bergoglio “the right man to ‘purify and reform' the church and the Roman Curia.”

Update4: Heterodox Michael Sean Winters on the move

Those of us who were disappointed by the appointments in San Francisco and Portland, Oregon, and Denver and, most recently, Hartford, could discern the influence of Cardinal Burke – and behind him Cardinals Harvey and Law – in those appointments.   

Update5:  From last week: Preliminary Result of Papal Reconstruction of the Curia -- Nine Members of the Congregation for Education Dismissed

Campaign against Cardinal Burke: "Too Conservative and Traditionalist"

The Congregation for Education after Pope Francis is therefore less Italian (minus three) and less European (minus four), but more Latin (Plus two) and Asian (plus three).

How it proceeds to the other Departments, is likely to show in the coming months. Meanwhile, the progressive National Catholic Reporter has launched a campaign with the Pope Francis, for the dismissal of the American Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke as Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, the reason being because he is "too conservative and traditionalist".  So far, Pope Francis has proved very resistant to campaigns. The final decision on the confirmation or removal from office of the Bishop of Limburg Tebartz van Elst will give a final answer.

Milwaukee Archdiocese adopting Common Core

Catholic schools in the Milwaukee Archdiocese will continue to focus on, and even strengthen, the infusion of Catholic teachings in all courses despite signing on to a controversial set of national learning standards some fear could spell the demise of Catholic education.

Common Core, a state-led initiative being promoted by the Obama administration through federal grants to states, is a nationwide set of student learning expectations aimed at developing creative and analytical approaches to problem solving and education.

“What Common Core involves is developing thinking skills in students. There is no dictation at all of content or curriculum. Common Core is a set of benchmarks or goals we would want any student who graduates from our schools to develop,” Cepelka said.

Some parents question program

But some parents in the archdiocese question the wisdom or need to open what they consider an exemplary Catholic education system to government or private control under Common Core.

“Our priority is that our children receive a Catholic education and practice their faith in their daily school lives. Common Core was not designed as a means to help enrich our children’s faith,” said Abby Figi of Franklin, who has three children enrolled at St. Alphonsus School in Greendale.

continue at ArchMil

Mistake.

Recommended:  Catholic scholars blast Common Core in letter to U.S. bishops

Image