By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
Charges of hypocrisy are flying in the wake of a decision by a University of Tennessee bookstore to stop selling breath mints mocking Obama after a Democratic lawmaker complained.
Yearly Archives: 2011
Outrage Grows over Magazine’s Exploitation of 10 Year-Old Girl
Commentary by Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
Only days after the U.S. Department of Justice busted a huge international pedophile ring, French Vogue is once again tempting potential molesters by featuring minor girls in provocative poses in their magazine – this time using a heavily made-up 10 year-old in stiletto heels and a bodice cut to the waist.
Novel New Confessionals Erected for World Youth Day
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
Young people who want to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation at World Youth Day will be able to do so in ultra-modern portable confessionals that resemble a sailing ship and will sport the pope’s logo.
Humility
“True humility does not make a show of herself or use many humble words; for she desires not only to conceal all other virtues, but most of all to conceal herself.”
St. Francis de Sales
For Reflection:
How does the Blessed Virgin Mary exemplify these words?
Facilitator Spotlight: Barbara Mancuso
My name is Barbara Mancuso, a parishioner at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Clermont, Florida.
Being a convert to the faith approximately 20 years ago, my journey continues. In my desire to learn the Catholic faith and my purpose as a Cathloic woman, I participated in the Women Of Grace Study program 4 years ago. It was a profound turning point in deepening my faith not only as a Catholic, but as a woman in the eyes of my Heavenly Father. I was hearing many theological truths about why God created woman and truly seeking my role in that plan. This to me was not just “another bible study”. So many answers to questions I didn’t know how to ask! Read the rest…
Boy Cured by Possible Miracle Says He Saw God During His Ordeal
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
Eleven year-old Jake Finkbonner, who nearly died five years ago from a flesh-eating infection, says he went to heaven during his ordeal and talked to God.
Ireland Trip — Dublin
Arrived in Dublin on June 16. Beautiful day! Sunny, warm. Met Therese McCrystal. Like the day: sunny, warm, and charming. Immediate connection. Off to a drive around Dublin.
Julia sang Molly Malone at Molly Malone bronze statue in city. So cute! But Molly needs a cover-up! 
Stopped at Carmelite church. Lovely. Relics of St. Valentine and St. Pius X. Got there in time for Mass. Praise God! Loved the depiction of the Rood — a very meaningful image to me.
Holy Rood
Would like to go back to Dublin to explore to city more fully. Next time, God willing.
Blowback for Gay Activists in Florida
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
The typical bullying tactics of homosexual activists appears to be backfiring in the state of Florida where even a secular newspaper is decrying the way activists bullied a business association into disinviting a Congressional speaker simply because he supported traditional marriage.
The Changing Face of US Parishes
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
A new study of Catholic parish life has found that even though the number of Catholic parishes in the U.S. has decreased, the number of Catholics has grown, making existing parishes larger and more complex.
Feds Charge 72 People in Massive Child Porn Ring
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
The largest-ever investigation of international child porn networks resulted in charging 72 people with the crime of disseminating graphic images and videos of child sexual abuse.
