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God in the Streets of New York

A classic: 

From the United States Catholic Conference of Bishop's Media Relations Director

Six More Things Everyone Should Know About the HHS Mandate

1. The rule that created the uproar has not changed at all, but was finalized as is. Friday evening, after a day of touting meaningful changes in the mandate, HHS issued a regulation finalizing the rule first issued in August 2011, “without change.” So religious employers dedicated to serving people of other faiths arestill not exempt as “religious employers.” Indeed, the rule describes them as “non-exempt.”

2. The rule leaves open the possibility that even exempt “religious employers” will be forced to cover sterilization. In its August 2011 comments, USCCB warned that the narrow “religious employer” exemption appeared to provideno relief from the sterilization mandate—only the contraception mandate—and specifically sought clarification. (We also noted that a sterilization mandate exists in only one state, Vermont.) HHS provided no clarification, so the risk remains under the unchanged final rule.

3. The new “accommodation” is not a current rule, but a promise that comes due beyond the point of public accountability. Also on Friday evening, HHS issued regulations describing the intention to develop more regulations that would apply the same mandate differently to “non-exempt, non-profit religious organizations”—the charities, schools, and hospitals that are still left out of the “religious employer” exemption. These policies will be developed over a one-year delay in enforcement, so if they turn out badly, their impact will not be felt until August 2013, well after the election.

4. Even if the promises of “accommodation” are fulfilled entirely, religious charities, schools, and hospitals will still be forced to violate their beliefs. If an employee of these second-class-citizen religious institutions wants coverage of contraception or sterilization, the objecting employer is still forced to pay for it as a part of the employer’s insurance plan. There can be no additional cost to that employee, and the coverage is not a separate policy. By process of elimination, the funds to pay for that coverage must come from the premiums of the employer and fellow employees, even those who object in conscience.

5. The “accommodation” does not even purport to help objecting insurers, for-profit religious employers, secular employers, or individuals. In its August 2011 comments, and many times since, USCCB identified all the stakeholders in the process whose religious freedom is threatened—all employers, insurers, and individuals, not just religious employers. Friday’s actions emphasize that all insurers, including self-insurers, must provide the coverage to any employee who wants it. In turn, all individuals who pay premiums have no escape from subsidizing that coverage. And only employers that are both non-profit and religious may qualify for the “accommodation.”

6. Beware of claims, especially by partisans, that the bishops are partisan. The bishops and their staff read regulations before evaluating them. The bishops did not pick this fight in an election year—others did. Bishops form their positions based on principles—here, religious liberty for all, and the life and dignity of every human person—not polls, personalities, or political parties. Bishops are duty bound to proclaim these principles, in and out of season.

Here are USCCB's first "six things" on the HHS mandate.

Almsgiving, Prayer, and Fasting: Three Critical Elements of Lent

A wonderful exercise I recommend for  adults and older adolescents is a reading of Romans Chapter 12 each day of Lent. It takes maybe four minutes to read. After reading, contemplate how these things can be implemented in your life. 'What spaces of my life am I withholding from God' is a good question to ask? There are some really beautiful sacredly inspired words in the Chapter. May God bless you. 

Additional Events in Catholic Diocese of Little Rock Feb. 4-5

Bishop Taylor is addressing all parishoners in our diocese this weekend. He is reflecting on: 1) opening our hearts to welcome new individuals who come to our churches, 2) opening our hearts to vocations in our diocese, 3) welcoming the new missal, and 4) opening our souls to programs of Natural Family Planning for couples in marriage preparation.

Bishop Anthony also is reminding us of the importance of maintaining an updated subscription to the Arkansas Catholic, as he publishes parish news and Diocsean finicial updates in this publication. 

Please visit www.dolr.org for more info.

Movement

Whoops, I just stepped to the right, and ah oh, I just landed in some you know what. Earlier, I reached up into the cubbard, and knocked over three or four cans of cream corn. Hmmm, well at least last Tuesday I had a good run at the gym.
     What we are here today to talk about, however, is not physical movement, although physical movement will occur when Our Lord returns in glory. Spiritual movement is the topic of this discussion, and many Christian faith traditions hold that it started with Jesus' Assension to Heaven. At that point, the First Born of the Dead (Colossians 1: 12-20), through the grace and love of The Father, moved upward to the right Hand of God, body and soul.
     Upward movement to Christ still occurs, everyday. The Good News of the Christian Gospel is that a pathway exists to lasting union with God, through the saving actions of Jesus. Peace has come to us, and  gave us His Holy Sprit to remain with humanity forever.
   
Father Almighty,
Your Children sense the
gift of  Eternal Life You
have given them through
the Life, Death, and Resurrection
of Your son, Jesus Christ.
Continue to move and gather all
souls to Your Joy and Your Peace.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord,
who lives and reigns with You and
the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever.

Events occurring in U.S. Parishes Feb. 4-5

Hi

Tomorrow, February 2, is The Feast Of the Presentation of Our Lord. Celebrations recall Joesph and Mary carrying Jesus from the outskirts of Judea to the City of Peace, Jerusalem. Here, Our Lord is presented, or offered, to the Lord, through the Temple's High Priest Simeon.
One's entire gift-of-self to God is consecration to God. The individual's only possession becomes Jesus himself.  United States Catholic bishops have transferred this celebration to Sunday, Feb. 5, in order that more people may celebrate the event in Our Lord's earthly life as well as reflect and pray for those who have chosen sole dedication to Jesus.
Below is a version of Simeon's singing response to to seeing Christ in the Temple. Traditionally, Simeon's response is part of many Christian prayers before bedtime, and brings God's brilliant peace to our souls. Also below is a prayer for those in vowed consecration to God, courtesy of the U.S. bishops. Consecration to the Christian God is not a one time thing, but a daily calling upon the Spirit of God for refreshment and renewal.

God our Father, we thank you for calling
men and women to serve in your Son’s
Kingdom as sisters, brothers, religious priests,
consecrated virgins, and hermits, as well as
members of Secular Institutes. Renew their
knowledge and love of you, and send your
Holy Spirit to help them respond generously
and courageously to your will. We ask this
through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever. Amen.