When a Server Crashes

While at Mass yesterday morning (my fifth Mass in less than 48 hours!), I noticed some commotion near the altar during the Our Father. When I looked up, our pastor was holding one of his flock in his arms! I learned after Mass that one of the servers fainted during the Our Father. Since I play keyboards at church, I get to quite a few Masses. I usually see a "server crash" once a year. Fortunately, in the most recent incident, the server was holding hands with the pastor and a Eucharistic minister during the Our Father. When he began to wobble, Monsignor Terry caught him. Another Eucharistic minister that is a retired physician carried the server to a chair. After a drink of water, the server was fine. There was no need to bring in the Geek Squad.

Rome Must Be South of St. Louis

Raymond Burke, the Archbishop of St. Louis, is moving to Rome to be the top Vatican canon lawyer. Burke served as the Bishop of the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin for several years prior to his tenure in St. Louis. While in La Crosse, Burke made a name for himself by threatening to withhold communion from U.S. Representative David Obey, a Catholic who heads the powerful House Appropriations Committee, due to Obey's positions that were not anti-abortion enough. People in the Diocese of La Crosse figured that Burke was making waves so that he would be noticed by senior Vatican officials. It worked. He was appointed to St. Louis where he has probably excommunicated as many people as he has ordained. Now, he is moving on to the Vatican.

The hope in some parts of Wisconsin is that a pattern will be followed. Burke moved from being a bishop in a Wisconsin diocese to St. Louis. Some have already speculated that Robert Morlino, the controversial leader of the Diocese of Madison will be considered for St. Louis - a step up from leading a diocese to leading an archdiocese.

The recent floods in the midwest have shown that Wisconsin's mess moves down the Mississippi to St. Louis. Perhaps there is an analogy in the movement of bishops between Wisconsin and Missouri.

I Smell a Rat!

Just when we thought dry weather might help alleviate some of the continued flooding in the midwest, the best efforts are thwarted by a muskrat. The poor people of Winthrop, Missouri have been busy battling floods for many days. Hundreds of people did all they could to keep the mighty Mississippi at bay. However, one little muskrat dug a hole in a levee, which allowed enough water through to bring down a flood wall. For an article from the Dallas Morning News, go to: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/nationworld/stories/062808dnnatfloods.40ddd7f.html

One of the residents commented that it seemed strange that, with all the guns around, nobody could shoot one little muskrat. (Members of the U.S. Supreme Court likely expressed similar comments during recent deliberations on the constitutionality of Washington, D.C.'s handgun ban.) Editorial comments aside, the situation in Winthrop reminds us that, in spite the high esteem in which we hold human intellect and capability, we are no match for the most simple elements of nature - water and muskrats.

Take Me Out to the Paul Game

Pope Benedict XVI will soon kick-off the Pauline Year. The year is dedicated to St. Paul, the great evangelist. This year marks another Pauline celebration. 2008 marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of The Paulist Fathers by Father Isaac Hecker.

When I was discerning a vocation to the priesthood, I was attracted to community life. Thus, I looked at life as a religious priest rather than a diocesan priest. I got a ton of information from various orders. The only two I gave strong consideration to were the Norbertines and the Paulists. I ended up entering the Norbertine novitiate. They had a definite advantage in that I was educated by Norbertines and the novitiate was close to my home community. As I have written in earlier posts, my decisions to enter and leave the novitiate were among the best decisions I have made.

Twenty years after my discernment, I remain very impressed with the Paulists. My life has been blessed directly and indirectly by members of the order. The vocation director for the Paulists at the time of my discernment is the current President of the community. We have maintained contact with each other for all of these years. A few days after my father passed away, he was remembered in a Mass in Rome - thanks to my Paulist friend. A few posts ago, I mentioned that I listen to satellite radio for several hours a day. One of my favorite programs is The Busted Halo Show hosted by Paulist Father Dave Dwyer. The show is geared to the twenty and thirty-somethings and is a perfect example of the Paulist charism. Father Dwyer does a remarkable job of sharing theological and spiritual issues in a manner that is very attractive to young adults (and people like me that pretend to be young adults). This is active evangelization in the modern world using modern means - a Paulist trademark. One of the most beautiful liturgical songs of modern times is an arrangement of Pange Lingua by Paulist Father Ricky Manalo. (Hear a sample at: http://www.ocp.org/songs/31118.) Several years ago, I was really looking forward to playing it on the organ surrounded by my parish choir on Holy Thursday. On the way to church, I was in a head-on collision. While both cars were total losses, nobody was hurt. My main concern was that I missed my chance to play Pange Lingua.

Thank God for St. Paul and The Paulist Fathers. I don't know that St. Paul had the opportunity to develop a website prior to his martydom. However, the Paulists do have a website. Go to: http://www.paulist.org/.

Endangered Species

As I was walking down the main corridor of a large state office building, something off to the side caught my eye. This is something that, in the past, one could find on nearly every block of any city and in nearly every larger building. However, in recent years, this thing has become virtually extinct. If you were to ask a young child about this thing, he or she might not know what you are talking about. At a minimum, they might think this thing is something to be found in a museum - for display and not function.

The thing that caught my eye was a pay phone. I got to thinking how easy it is to contact virtually anyone by e-mail or cell-phone or that wonderful hybrid, text messaging. While the number of contacts seem to to up, the quality seems to go down. In the days of pay phones, one had to make the effort to have somebody's telephone number. One had to make sure they had some change to pay for the call. In short, one had to have the desire and willingness to put forth some effort to call someone. Technology has eliminated the requirements of desire and effort. The results? Telemarketing and e-mail spam.

Bring back pay phones!

Catch a Wave

On a fairly regular basis, I come across news reports that include survey results related to people's television viewing patterns. I am amazed that so many people, especially children, watch so many hours of television. When I was a kid, I watched several hours of television a day. I now might average 30 minutes of television viewing on a daily basis. The majority of that consists of live sporting events.

As I have grown older (not necessarily matured), I find myself listening to radio. On an average day, I listen to at least 3 hours of radio. Usually, I listen to live talk radio. One of the greatest technological developments in recent years has been satellite radio. With cable television, there might be 2 or 3 stations that I couldn't live without. With satellite radio, I regularly listen to nearly 10 stations - primarily to hear different perspectives on world news events. Satellite radio is like public radio, only the hosts aren't pompous and they don't speak like they (and their listeners) have narcolepsy.

Even His Holiness Benedict XVI has gotten caught up in the radio wave. For a report of his presentation to Catholic radio broadcasters from Catholic News Service, go to: http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0803292.htm.

Also, consider giving satellite radio a try. You can get a free three day trial from Sirius radio (you can listen on your computer). For details, go to: http://www.sirius.com/siriusinternetradio.

Inherent Values

When I first began working as an advocate for people with developmental disabilities many years ago, I had a discussion with the medical director of a very large state-run facility where hundreds of people reside. Our discussion was pretty blunt. I mentioned that it seemed to me that far too many people lived at the facility and I argued that many of the residents could be better served in community-based facilities (and at less costs than at an insitution). To my surprise, the medical director whole-heartedly agreed. We also discussed how to best serve people with profound disabilities. We agreed that the same insitution has residents that can do little more than blink and cough. Not too long before I had this conversation with the medical director, the top administrator of the state's main social services department toured the facility at which the medical director served. That official commented to the medical that it seemed to be major waste of money to keep people that can do little more than blink and cough in a state institution.

After the medical director shared that with me, he brough me into a room where a girl with profound developmental disabilities stayed. She really could do little else than blink and cough. When we entered the room, her rate of blinking and coughing increased dramatically. I was somewhat worried. The medical director assured me that the increased blinking and coughing was her way of letting us know that she knew we were there and that she did this whenever someone entered the room when she was awake.

I was reminded of all of this when I read a Zenit artricle on the presentation that Jean Vanier, the founder of L'Arche, a community that serves the needs (especially the spiritual needs) of people with developmental disabilities, gave to the International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec. Since I cannot add anything to Vanier's comments, please go to the Zenit article at: http://www.zenit.org/article-22965?l=english.

A Shepherd Gone Awry?

In my blog, I try not to reveal too much information that would provide some clues about my background - where I live, where I work, etc. My hope is that the millions of people that read this blog do not read a post and try to figure out who writes it - some readers know my identity. Who I am or what I do doesn't matter. What I write in this blog matters. My hope as that some of my musings will serve as seeds for ongoing thoughts for readers. A current situation demands my thoughts. Sharing those thoughts will provide some idea of where I live.

I live in the Diocese of Madison, WI. For several years, I have been frustrated by the lack of commitment of diocesan leadership to the development of permanent deacons to serve in the diocese. After reading a regional newspaper this morning, I am now disgusted with the leadership of the Diocese of Madison.

Here is the situation in a nutshell. A couple of years ago, St. Raphael Cathedral, the seat of the Diocese of Madison, burned down due to arson. Bishop Robert Morlino began to develop plans related to building a new cathedral. The Diocese of Madison signed a contract with a fund raising firm to assist in the development of a capital campaign for a new cathedral. The diocese and the firm announced that they would be conducting interviews with thousands of parishioners and numerous priests in the diocese to guage their thoughts and potential to support a new cathedral. It was assured that the responses would be confidential. The firm conducted the interviews and developed a summary that was presented to Bishop Morlino during a meeting. At that meeting, Bishop Morlino demanded that the firm provide him with the names of interview participants that expressed something negative about him. To the firm's credit, they refused to release the confidential information to Bishop Morlino. Bishop Morlino was visibly agitated and refused to pay the firm. The firm had no choice but to file a lawsuit. Some details of the lawsuit are now being made public - including the details about the bishop's demand for the confidential information. To see a related article from the Wisconsin State Journal, go to: http://www.madison.com/wsj/topstories/292448.

In response to growing concerns about Bishop Morlino's leadership style, a significant number of priests in the Diocese of Madison have formed a priest's coalition that is independent of diocesan administration. Who can blame them? If the details of the lawsuit are accurate, it is difficult for anyone in the diocese, especially priests, to have confidence in Bishop Morlino. He is now a huge target. People will now be looking for missteps in his leadership. It may be unfair to put him under the microscope. However, perception is "9/10ths of the law". Bishop Morlino has created the environment for such perceptions to develop. It will become increasingly difficult for him to effectively lead the diocese.

In spite of my frustration and disgust, I wish Bishop Morlino well. It is incredibly difficult to serve as a bishop. However, I wish him well somewhere else.

Waterlogged

For the first time in two weeks, I ventured more than 50 miles from where I live. Although the local area in which I live was not too badly damaged by the recent floods, there are many areas within 50 miles in all directions that have been severely damaged.

I had to travel to see a person with developmental disabilities for whom I serve as guardian. I was heading in the vicinity of an area where a river level is 33 feet higher than usual (and rising). I took several county roads to the meeting. There was only one spot that I thought might be impassible. It is a bridge over one of the rivers that has been rising steadily - even after the rains have stopped. The bridge was fine. However, water was up to the second story on several of the homes and businesses near the bridge.

The person for whom I serve as guardian was not impacted by the floods. Their home and workplace had no flooding. They are the lucky ones.

Keep in mind that the areas that I saw today are the ones that have minimal levels of damage compared to some other areas within 50 miles of where I live. Many people have lost their homes and their jobs. A resort town nearby had a man-made lake which completely drained when water breached a portion of land between that lake and a natural river. That man-made lake is famous for hosting a well-known waterski show. With no water, there is no show. That show employed many people and brought tourists to the area that supported many other businesses. It will take years for the area to recover.

Fortunately, there have been very few deaths and casualties related to the recent floods. However, keep the many people struggling to deal with floods in your prayers. And pray that no additional rains hit these areas.

Rhodes to Nowhere

Every day, I listen to the news highlights on German radio. Deutsche Welle has a special broadcast where the reports are read slowly.

In the past 90 days, there may have been 5 broadcasts that did not mention something about Zimbabwe. I fear for what is happening to the people of Zimbabwe and that their situation is likely to become far worse. Robert Mugabe is an old thug. I don't know what would be worse - life with him as your leader or life with one of his thugs running the country. Given that Mugabe is in his 80s, we me soon find out about the latter. Yes, Zimbabwe is on the other side of the planet. But the people of Zimbabwe are still our brothers and sisters. Let's hope that a peaceful miracle occurs - but we had better not hold our breath.

Add Africa to the list of regions that could become destabilized in the next few years. For a recent Christian Science Monitor report on the situation in Zimbabwe, go to: http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0616/p01s01-woaf.html.

A Drop in the Bucket

Lat year, our neighborhood suffered pretty significant property damage after a week of fairly steady rain. The storm drains and the sewer system were unable to handle the volume of water and "material". The neighborhood got together and raised a ruckus with city officials. To their credit, the officials decided to spend millions to research the problems and implement improvements.

During the past week, we have had record-setting rainfalls. Amazingly, there has been very minimal damage to our neighborhood.

However, I live not to far from areas that have been devastated by flooding. In fact, my in-laws live about 78 miles away from us. They just returned there after a long winter in Florida. My wife and I are unable to visit them. Due to flooding issues, there is no safe way to reach them - other than a very circuitous route (perhaps 200 miles one way). This is a minor convenience when compared to the situations of people that have lost their homes and/or livelihoods.

We oftern overlook the incredible power of water. When we are thirsty, a few ounces of water really helps. When we burn our finger taking something out of the oven, a little bit of water is sure soothing. The same water also crushed homes and ruined farm crops as we watched and could do nothing about it.

The situation reminds us that, as human beings, we are never in control. We can spend millions on pills and therapists to help us deal with this reality, or we can embrace our (and each other's) vulnerability and lead fairly stress-free lives.

Love Thy Enemy

I remember when Pope John Paul II first met with Mehmet Ali Agca in 1983. Ali Agca tried to kill the Pope two years earlier. My impression from media reports was that this meeting was a major reconciliation with Ali Agca apologizing for his actions and asking for forgiveness. The Pope publicly forgave him.

I just finished reading A Life with Karol, a book in which Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwicz recounts his forty years of serving as Pope John Paul II's personal secretary. Cardinal Dziwicz gives a different impression of the Pope's meeting with Ali Agca in 1983. The only question Ali Agca had for the Pope was, "So, why aren't you dead?" Ali Agca could not believe that the Pope was still alive after he got two good shots at him from close range. When the Pope told him that the Virgin Mary saved him (the Pope), Ali Agca became very agitated and fearful that the Virgin Mary would seek revenge against him. The Pope was bothered for many years because Ali Agca never asked for forgiveness for his actions, even thought the Pope offered forgiveness.

"Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us".

Being Really Pregnant

I don't know how I missed this one. Back in April, there was a "dust up" about a Yale student that repeatedly impregnated herself and then would take abortifacent drugs to induce miscarriages. Videos of those miscarriages and portions of blood from each of the miscarriages were to be part of her art exhibit. Lest you think I am making this up, go to the Yale Daily News website at: http://www.yaledailynews.com/articles/view/24528.

Of course, Yale is stating that all involved in the art exhibit is fiction. However, the Yale student claims that her story, including the artificial inseminations, taking the abortifacents and collecting videos and blood from the resulting miscarriages really happened.

If what she says is true, this is incredibly sickening. I have heard rumors of women that have wanted to become pregnant for the sole purpose of having an abortion to prove a point. However, I have never come across any documentation of such instances....until now.

Of Mice and Men

Late last fall, we dealt with mice in our attic. It started with hearing some scratching noises right above our bed (the attic is directly over our bedroom). Those of you that have experienced "varmints" in the attic know that ist is difficult to determine what type of animal is building a home based on the sounds heard. We thought we might have had anything ranging from a chipmunks to a possum in the attic. When I went up to investigate, I found no signs of any animals. However, I purchased a fairly large live trap and set it up with several carrots serving as bait. When I checked on the trap the next morning, the trap was there and the bait was gone. So, I knew we had a smaller than expected house guest. I bought a much smaller live trap. On the first night I set it up, two cute little field mice were trapped. The next night, another was trapped. Since the traps are made of stainless steel, the mice make a ton of noise when caught in the trap. It sounds like pots and pans banging. Of course, they always get caught in the trap between midnight and 2:00 am. They have to be dealt with or my wife and I cannot sleep. So, I go out to the garage, move one of the cars, set up a ladder, climb up to move the door to the attic, climb back down, extend the ladder through the open doorway, climb up with a flashlight and a box, scurry around the attic to the trap, place the trap in a box, climb back down, pull the ladder down a bit, climb back up to close the door, get in the car, drive a couple miles away, release the mouse into a field, drive back and try to get some sleep.

During the winter, I forgot about this process. However, in early December, I placed some bait in a trap. We heard nothing until last night, when we heard the clunking that we hadn't heard for six months.

So, what entities really run things? Mice or men?

A Wink and a Nod

I watch many movies. I subscribe to Blockbuster's mail service. I pay about $10 per month. Blockbuster sends me movies that I request in the mail. There is no due date. When I finish a movie, I bring it to my local Blockbuster store. They then give me a free movie rental. In addition, Blockbuster then sends me the next movie on my request list in the mail. I watch about 2-3 movies per week.

Most of the movies I watch are OK. Some are bad. Very few are outstanding. I just finished watching an outstanding movied called The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. The movie tells the story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, the editor of Elle, the French fashion magazine. At 42 years old, he suffered a stroke and was paralyzed. The only part of his body that he could move was his left eyelid. Given his stature, he received excellent care. However, the care he received from a young speech therapist was amazing. She developed a system of communicating with Bauby. She would list all of the letters of the alphabet in the order of how often the letters are used in general speech. When she would hit the letter Bauby had in mind, he would blink his eyelid. Imagine the patience and dedication both Bauby and the therapist had to make this system work.

Once they got use to the system, Bauby told the therapist that, prior to the stroke, he signed a contract with a publisher to write a book. He told the therapist that, with her help, he planned to honor that contract. When the publisher was contacted, they could not believe Bauby could write a book. Each day for several months, he would wake up early and memorize what he wanted to share. Then he would spend several hours with the therapist who would put Bauby's words on paper.

Bauby completed the book - a philosophical autobiography. The book became a bestseller. Bauby didn't have the opportunity to bask in the accolades. He died 10 days after the book was published.

For a review of the book from The New York Times, go to: http://www.nytimes.com/books/97/06/15/reviews/970615.mallon.html

Shooting Par Consistently

Yesterday, I heard someone on Catholic radio discussing the "seamless garment" theory. This was an idea given prominence by the late Cardinal Joseph Bernadin of Chicago. Simply put, the idea is to respect live at all times. As a result, one should oppose abortion, capital punishement, terrorism, war, etc. Some religious neocons are saying that even Cardinal Bernadin recognized that there were problems, namely lack of moral clarity, involving some life issues. I buy that case when it comes to the issue of war. When is war an agressive attack and when is it an honest defense? The neocons state that abortion is the only issue which all Catholics must oppose. I disagree with that. I feel there are actually two "non-negotiables". One is abortion and the other is capital punishment. In both cases, a person dies of unnatural causes. In both cases, there is no reason for the person to die of unnatural causes. There are many people longing for children that cannot have children of there own. There are many people willing to assist and support pregnent women that, for whatever reasons, do not want to keep a child after he or she is born. There is no reason for the death penalty. Some argue that it is a deterrent and is necessary to keep society safe from violent criminals. Studies continue to show that the death penalty is not a deterrent. Life in prison without any chance of parole will keep society safe. While the Magisterium states that it is not a sin to support capital punishment, the Magisterium states that the death penalty is unnecessary. So, if it is unnecessary, why support it?