By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
Protests and a hostile media have been unable to push Pope Benedict XVI off his stride as he courageously reminds his countrymen that clear moral principles are the basis of a truly free society.
Yearly Archives: 2011
Lesbian Mayor to Speak at Girl Scouts Annual Convention
Commentary by Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
At a time when Girl Scouts USA is under fire for its association with Planned Parenthood, the New Age, and its choice of controversial role models for girls, the organization appears to be tossing more wood on the flames by choosing to mark its 100th anniversary this year by inviting a prominent lesbian mayor to speak at their annual convention.
Chastity
“It is necessary that temptations should happen; for who shall be crowned but he that shall lawfully have fought, and how shall a man fight if there be none to attack him?”
St. Bernard
For Reflection:
How does this help me to fight more strongly against the temptations that assail me including those against the virtue of chastity?
Is Your OnStar Spying on You?
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
Anyone who owns a fairly new General Motors product may want to take a closer look at the most recent OnStar terms and conditions – which the company altered to allow them to legally collect GPS data on your vehicle, and possibly sell it to third parties, even after you unsubscribe.
Outrage Grows over DOJ’s $16 Muffins
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
Lawmakers are calling for “heads to roll” at the Department of Justice (DOJ) following revelations of extravagant spending on conferences that included $16 muffins, $5 meatballs and $32 a-head snack breaks.
US Bishops Call for Urgent Action on Threats to Conscience Protection
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has launched a national program aimed at encouraging the faithful to take a stand against a recent decision by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to require all private health plans to include coverage for contraception, sterilization, and related “patient education and counseling” services for women.
Chastity
“As a tower defends a camp, so does humility of heart guard the chastity of the body.”
St. Anthony of Padua
For Reflection:
St. Anthony of Padua lived in the 13th century. How did a tower defend a camp in that time? What image does this conjure in my imagination regarding humility and chastity? How am I working to cultivate the virtue of humility?
Pope’s Visit to Germany Expected to be “Difficult”
Commentary by Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
When Pope Benedict XVI steps off a plane in his native Germany tomorrow morning, he will be embarking on what many say will be a difficult four-day visit to a land where Catholic teaching is mostly opposed or at least ignored and militant groups are planning large boycotts and protests.
Court Orders University to Fund Catholic Group
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
The U.S. Supreme Court handed a major victory to a Catholic group at the University of Wisconsin when it determined that funding such groups does not violate the separation of church and state.
California Couple Fined for Hosting Bible Study in Home
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
In a country that values religious freedom as much as the right to vote and bear arms, national outrage is growing over a California couple who was fined by the city of San Juan Capistrano for holding Bible studies and religious gatherings in their home.
