By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
The faithful are being invited to participate in the preparation of a massive spiritual bouquet to be presented this fall to U.S. priests.
Monthly Archives: June 2009
Parents Urged to Support Constitutional Amendment Protecting Parental Rights
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
In response to new and serious threats parental rights being posed by a U.N. treaty that President Barack Obama intends to sign, two pro-family legislators have introduced a Parental Rights Amendment (PRA) that will raise the rights of parents to a Constitutional level.
Group Launches Campaign to Convert Wayward Catholic Politicians
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
A new prayer campaign has been launched by a Catholic organization to enable the faithful to spiritually “adopt” a Catholic politician who supports abortion to pray for their conversion.
Study Says YouTube Gives Kids Easy Access to Porn
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
Even though the popular video site, YouTube, says it wants to become more family friendly, a new report says the site remains full of soft-core pornography, obscenity and links to outside porn sites that a child could easily access while surfing the site.
Blessings in the Check-Out Line
Dateline June 18, 2009
Tonight I met Denny — and I was smitten. No matter that he is (dare I say it?) forty years my junior, from the moment he flashed that toothy grin and asked, “How are you tonight, young lady?” my heart was captured.
It was clear that Denny both enjoyed his job and the people he met while doing it. He bagged my groceries with the precision of an engineer and the banter of a 1940’s leading man.
But what made Denny truly special was his innocence and his guileless demeanor. He was sincere — even in calling a 58 year old woman “young lady.”
Some would say that Denny is challenged. I would say that Denny is challenging.
He challenged me to see the good in everyone. He challenged me to find pleasure in the mundane. He challenged me to embrace a smile and give one back. He challenged me to smile first. He challenged me to find joy in the most unlikely places.
He challenged me to remember that holiness is always in the uncomplicated and unprofane. He challenged me to strive for authenticity and generosity of spirit. He challenged me to purity of heart. He challenged me to remember that every human person is a child of God imprinted with His image and likeness. And finally, Denny challenged me to be kind, courteous, sincere, and unassuming.
As he handed me my bags, and instructed me to drive carefully and have a good night, I heard Denny greet the next customer in line, “And how are you this evening? Hope it’s being good to you!” With a smile and a tear I walked to my car enriched and blessed.
Perhaps all we need in the world are more Dennys. People who remind us that we are called to be the very presence of God in the midst of our everyday circumstances and situatuions. In the midst of our jobs and our families. In the midst of the grocery store and the check-out line. In the midst of traffic, recreation, and quiet moments. In the midst of everything that colors our lives. The witness we give can yield abundant returns.
I’m willing to try to be a “Denny.” Are you? Let’s see what we can do together. Read the rest…
Pope Takes Tough Stand Against Dissension with Austrian Bishops
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
Pope Benedict XVI is said to have severely criticized the Austrian Bishops who were summoned to Rome last week for a private meeting with him, accusing them of timidity and inaction in the face of widespread dissension in their dioceses.
Vatican to Investigate Kansas Miracle
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
A Vatican investigator is expected to arrive in Colwyn, Kansas this Friday to investigate the miraculous recovery of a 20 year-old man who suffered catastrophic head injuries during a pole-vault accident in October. The family prayed to a fellow Kansan, Rev. Emil Kapaun, a U.S. Army chaplain from Pilsen, Kansas, who died in a Korean prison camp and whose cause for sainthood is currently under investigation.
Pope Entrusts Year of Priests to Our Lady and St. Pio
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
During a pastoral visit yesterday to the sanctuary of Our Lady of Grace in San Giovanni Rotondo in Pietrelcina, Italy, Pope Benedict XVI entrusted the Year of Priests to Our Lady and St. Pio.
Women Scars Daughter for Life in Bizarre Voodoo Ritual
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
A 29 year old Haitian immigrant has been charged with setting her six year-old daughter on fire while performing a bizarre voodoo ritual meant to drive out evil spirits.
Women of Grace Retreat — A Personal Invitation
I am so pleased to personally invite you to attend our 4th Women of Grace Retreat to be held at Malvern Retreat Center, Malvern PA the weekend of July 31st. A flyer is available via download on our website under “Conferences.” Not only will this weekend be inspiring, butI know it will also be a time to be blessed. Read the rest…
