The Digital Hairshirt

The joke's on You, Jesus . . .

2012-01-27T10:30:00.002-05:00

. . . I'm in that position most days as is!

I wonder where they're registered?

2012-01-27T09:11:00.000-05:00

Engaged: Barney Frank, 71, and longtime partner Jim Ready, 42, the congressman’s office confirmed for us Thursday, following a report by New England Cable News.

[Ready] lives in Ogunquit, Maine, where he has a business doing carpentry, custom awnings, painting, welding and other handyman work. They’ve been involved since the spring of 2007.

So, evidently Mr. Ready has exeprience in handling a tool.

Meanwhile, back at the NFL . . .

MADONNA is “bringing gay to the Super Bowl.” That’s what we overheard one of her dancers say at the premiere party for Her Madgesty’s “W.E.” at Top of the Standard on Monday night.

Really? Is that to hide the fact that she's not bringing any talent?

Madonna or Frank? You make the call!

A sign that the end times are near . . . Chick Beer

2012-01-26T22:57:00.000-05:00

This is . . . so wrong.

Welcome to Chick Beer, a “premium light beer” showing up in convenience stores and specialty beer shops . . . In its press materials, the company says Chick Beer is “a new beer created by a woman, exclusively for women” who are “fun loving, smart and independent.”

A "light" beer? Okay, Hefeweizen is a "light" beer, in my book.

“Why wasn’t there a beer that shouted out to me? I’m a woman who enjoys drinking beer,” Lewis said in a statement. “I’m a wife, daughter, sister and mother of five daughters. Why wasn’t there a beer that celebrates, or even acknowledges my, well, ‘chickness’?”

Because I do not want my beer - much less any food - to acknowledge my "chickness." Hell, I do not even acknowledge my "chickness." I want my beer to taste good.

Presently on tap in my home bar is Snow Day, a dark Blegium ale. Very good. So good . . . I think I'll go get some now . . .

Does anyone else find this silly?! If not patronizing.

Too Much of a Good Thing: Universal Salvation

2012-01-26T17:19:00.003-05:00

"They were loved out of the Church."

Following the Second Vatican Council, there was a renewed emphasis on the love of God for humanity and His desire that all be saved. This, of course, is true and should be a focus by the Church at all times. The problem arises when any truth is taken to an extreme that reduces or denies another truth. It became popular to preach universal salvation, a heresy that denies the existence of Hell and states that all humanity will be saved. Universal salvation states that regardless of how we’ve lived our lives and how well we followed (or how strongly we’ve avoided) the teachings of Christ, we’ll be saved.

On top of the popularity of universal salvation, there was a renewed overemphasis on the meal aspect of the Mass. To be clear the Mass has always been held as a meal: the sacrificial meal through which we participate in both the Sacrifice of Calvary and the Heavenly Banquet. The focus became more on making the Mass into an earthly meal, with symbolism more common to a picnic or potluck. This led to innovations like gathering around the altar, using a coffee table for the altar and having everyone sit on the floor (including the priest!), and an overemphasis on socialization and community involvement. The focus of the Mass was no longer the Sacrifice of Christ, but rather the community that gathers to break the bread and share the cup.

This strong focus on the community led to such ideas as having the cantor begin Mass by inviting everyone to stand and “greet their neighbor”, allowing 5 minutes of socialization before the opening hymn; the priest having those visiting introduce themselves and say where they’re visiting from (which I always found embarrassing as a visitor, by the way); and the Sign of Peace going from a ritual in which ” the faithful express to each other their ecclesial communion and mutual charity before communicating in the Sacrament” with “those who are nearest and in a sober manner” (GIRM 82) to a 15 minute (yes, I’ve seen that) time of visiting and gladhanding throughout the Church.

A very good article by Fr. Cory Sticha. Be sure to read all of it.

Let it be said, I am no radical Traditionalist. Not that there is anything wrong with it - if the Latin Mass is what makes you feel comfortable to worship God at Mass, then I heartily approve of your choice, as if you even needed my approval. On the other hand, I am comfortable with the Novus Ordo Mass in English. It can be as solemn and as reverent as a TLM Mass.

But I will say, having come from the Diocese of Orange, I was getting tired of what I considered reducing the Mass to pablum - easily digested and no one goes away uncomfortable. I am not saying that the Mass at my former parish was bad, but there were - and still are - things that I could do without. I remember priests using the Sign of Peace to do a sort of "victory lap" up the center aisle on one side and down the other, which I was told was to allow the Eucharistic Ministers to prepare the altar (and I was one; that much time was not needed). One priest, whom I loved dearly and, in fact, was my Confessor during his tenure, insisted on asking, "Do we have any visitors here? Where are you from?" at the beginning of the Mass, which I found tedious (although he usually made up for it by giving a good Homily). And the Eucharistic prayer - say it, properly chant it, but please do not sing it in a lilting sort of way, as it makes you and it sound effete.

But those are petty complaints. The real issue is that this sort of thinking can make a priest become Mr. Nice Guy, such that his people will gush and say, "Oh, Father is so nice," without really giving thought to whether he is helping his people become holy. Father never makes us feel uncomfortable. Father never challenges us. We are not really concerned with the dogma - a word that carries more of a negative feeling than actual definition for many Catholics - of the Church, well . . . because Father really isn't himself. And so we get feel good platitudes in Father's homily and did we say he just so sweet?!

Does this mean a priest should be a rip-roaring bastard? No, of course not. It does mean that Father needs to work at making sure the Truth is taught and adapting that teaching accordingly for his audience. So if Mrs. Rodriguez comes and tells Father how upset she is that her son is sleeping in on Sunday rather than coming to Mass on Sunday, and Senora has been lax herself with attendance, it is time to emphasize that she is failing in her obligation, both to attend Mass and raise her child in the faith, firmly, and then work out with her a plan of action. Maybe she wonlt like that answer - but it's the right answer and has to be taught.

We all can get to Heaven. But we not all will.

And Hell is hot.

Disclaimer: my descriptions are not based on any one priest that I have met at St. Joseph so don't anyone go running back to the Rectory to say, "Oh, Father, Stephani's saying bad things about you!" I was a parishioner there for some 15 years, so my descriptions are based on a conglomeration of experiences and stories. I love all my priests, even if I don't agree with their styles of pastoral care 100%. And really, as if any priest gives a rat's ass what I think. Though they should, mwa ha ha ha ha!

Time of Testing

2012-01-26T10:04:00.002-05:00

March 2012_25, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

This picture seems to be resonating with quite a few people as the "face of abortion."

In reading my friend, The Crescat's, blog, one of the commentators to her article on this picture noted from reading my own photo essay that this woman told us she had an abortion 26 years ago and yet could also tell us that it was terminated at "40 days gestation."

40 days? In reading the comment, that gave me a chill. The number 40 in the Bible is associated with a time of testing. It rained upon Noah and the Ark 40 days and 40 nights. The Hebrews wandered for 40 years before God brought them to the Promised Land. Jesus went into the desert for 40 days, where Satan tempted him. The season of Lent is approaching, and it is 40 days.

As I noted in my photo essay, one of the marchers gave this woman a pro-life prayer card or literature of some sort. I expected her to toss it away after she asked the other pro-choice protesters whether they wanted it and they said no. But she did not put in the trash bin. She put it n her pocket.

Is her time of testing coming to a close?

Next year will be the 40h anniversary of Roe v. Wade. And this is a campaign year where a new President may be sworn into office just days before that anniversary.

Is our time of testing coming to a close?

I am not advocating any sort of mumbo-jumbo numerology. But at the same time - be open for signs.

Congratulations to Brenda and Eddie

2012-01-25T22:55:00.000-05:00

Tonight foud me at Fairview Baptist Church for the wedding of two of my local photography friends, Brenda and Eddie. Ah, Mr. and Mrs. Foley - all the best to you two guys!

Maronite Chapel at the National Shrine

2012-01-25T22:32:00.001-05:00

Maronite Chapel at the National Shrine, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

Taken January 22, 2012.

This is the newest chapel in the crypt at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, dedicated to the Maronite Rite of the Catholic Church.

Our Lady of Lebanon, pray for us.

Admiration

2012-01-25T22:05:00.001-05:00

Admiration, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

I took this photo on Sunday night, before the March for Life, at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The place was packed - according to one security officer, the official count was 17,851 people at the Vigil Mass.

There was a multitide downstairs in the crypt as well. This young lady was earnestly speaking to a Franciscan friar about God, about what was happening. Look at her eyes - she has naught but admiration for him, someone fully committed to his vocation.

This is why I say it is important for our clergy and religious to wear their clerics, robes, cassocks, and habits - yes, it does set them apart and yes, some people may be put off by it. But it inspires VOCATIONS because the future, the youth, see them and evidently feel they might have answers.

I have heard one priest say to me that he doesn't like to wear his Roman collar on an airplane. Why?! That person who sits next to you, who knows if you are just the person they want to talk to. I never shy away from telling people I am a lawyer - so what if they ask me a legal question! I do not understand why a priest or any religious would shy away from letting people know who they are . . . unless they themselves are not secure in answering that question.

Spelling Bee

2012-01-25T16:50:00.001-05:00

Spelling Bee, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

Because sometimes the answer - or inspiration - is hovering by the ceiling.

Taken January 25, 2012 in Knoxville, Tennessee.

2012 March for Life

2012-01-25T07:57:00.007-05:00

2012 March for Life, a set on Flickr.

This is my picture essay from the 2012 March for Life. Updated: all pictures are up!
If you see a face you recognize, or see mention of a parish you know, or a school, please send them this link. Feel free to use this link fr your own pro-life activities, or for your parish. I am opening these pictures to the public domain so the truth can be seen.

My thoughts and observations are with each picture, rather than here. However, I wish to say that despite what the media reports, it is a gathering of some 500,000 people and mostly youth. This I saw with my own eyes.

And . . . joyous youth. Led by adults that included clergy and religious who were unafraid to wear their clerics, habits, and robes. This is why you see young seminarians, novices, friars - their numbers increase because events like this encourage vocations when the young remember who marched with them.

An employee of the USCCB with whom I marched joked with me, "I hope they overturn Roe v. Wade in a warmer month, so then we can continue our annual celebratory pro-life marches in comfort!" Next year is the 40th anniversary - start planning now to be there.

Warning: there are two images in the photo set that depict the remains of aborted fetuses, one in color and one in black-and-white. I do NOT advocate the use of such images when witnessing for pro-life; however, as this photo essay is for reportage as well as commentary, I am including them. For your reference, they are image March 2012_114 and March 2012_116.

March for Life 2012

2012-01-24T15:26:00.000-05:00

I am slowly but surely creating a photo essay on my Flickr account with my pictures from the 2012 March for Life that was held in Washington DC on January 23, 2012.

Unless you are in the pro-life movement, you may not have heard about it. Let me give you some statistics. At the Vigil Mass held at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the official count was 17,851 persons in attendance. Some 500,000 particpated in the rally and march, that stretched from the Mall to the Supreme Court. Pretty big f**kin' deal, to quote Mr. Biden would you not say? But it was largely ignored by the main stream media as the pro-life, anti-abortion message is anathema to them.

I am taking my time with my photo essay that will have descriptions and commentary. I will post a link here when it is complete. In the mean time, please read the first of postings from my travel companion to the March, the ever-irascible, ever-devout, relentless Crescat.

Stigmata, my eye . . .

2012-01-23T07:11:00.001-05:00

Cold and drizzly morning in Washington, DC - but The Crescat and I remain resolute . . .

Except she is now claiming that all the walking around we did last night gave her a stigmata of her pinky toe. So I told her as she was putting on Band-Aids this morning, real recipients of the stigmata do not cover it with Band-Aids. St. Padre Pio never used Band-Aids.

I'm beginning to question her orthodoxy . . .

Kat is making signs for the car . . .

2012-01-22T10:23:00.001-05:00

Honk if you're pro-life!

On the Road

2012-01-22T06:42:00.001-05:00

Driving this morning to Washington DC for Monday's March for Life.

If anyone has any good wishes, prayer intentions, or in the case of ordained men, blessings - I would be grateful.

VAMANOS!

EWTN Conference on English Catholicism

2012-01-21T20:35:00.001-05:00

I purposely came to the home of The Crescat a day earlier than expected so I could accompany her to a conference in Greenville, SC today on English Catholicism.

Notwithstanding the previous night's drinking at The Thirsty Beaver, we awoke before dawn's early light and made our way south. Arriving at Our Lady of the Rosary church, Fr. Dwight Longenecker - he of the outstanding blog, "Standing on My Head" - warmly greeted us.

The talks . . . were wonderful. I think sometimes at Catholic conferences too much emphasis may be given to the contributions of Third World cultures to our faith. As a result, I think certain groups get "left out" and that is certainly true of the British. Then again, the term "British" and "Catholic" rarely go together in many people's minds, except maybe for episodes of "Brideshead Revisited." And that whole mess with Henry VIII.

But the English have been stalwarts of the faith for a long time. Today's speakers included Fr. Dwight Longenecker, a former Anglican priest who now serves as a Catholic priest after "swimming the Tiber," Joanna Bogle, who writes for the Catholic Times in the UK, and Joseph Pearce, a writer and professor, who has written on the great English Actholic writers, especially G. K. Chesterton and J. R. Tolkein.

Highlights included Pearce's very convincing argument that, despite no explicit knowledge, Shakespeare was indeed a Catholic, and the sheer joy that exuded from him speaking of the debt he owes to Chesterton for bringing about his personal conversion. I very much enjoyed Joanna Bogle's description of the Catholic traditions in everyday life and celebrations, enough to where I bought her book at the break (snatching the last copy away from the Crescat). And Fr. Dwight's point about the lack of imagination in Liturgy was a good one to ponder - how often is it that Liturgy becomes utilitarian rather than transcendent.

Alas, pictures from the event will have to wait until Tuesday, when I return home to download them.

Tomorrow: on to Washington DC!

Holy Family is The Crescat's Co-Pilot

2012-01-21T15:42:00.002-05:00

Driving I-85 North after a great conference on English Catholicism led by Fr. Dwight Longenecker.

Yeah, that is what she keeps in her back seat . . .

Here's Your Sign

2012-01-21T07:45:00.001-05:00

As I drive to Greenville, SC with The Crescat, we are discussing what signs are appropriate to forward the pro-life message.

In particular those who insist upon using graphic images of the bodies and parts of aborted babies. To what end? To shock people? If so, then there is no difference between that person and someone with the Westboro Baptist Church waving their "God Hates Fags" signs. Whatever message you're trying to get across is lost in the sucker punch of the sign.

"But these people need to see the truth!" No, they need to KNOW the truth - and the truth really is about recognizing life than it is about killing babies.

Light Blogging Until Next Week . . .

2012-01-20T13:34:00.001-05:00

ROAD TRIP!

Me and the Carolina Cannonball, we're heading out . . .

Hide yer Swiss Guards

New York in the 80's

2012-01-20T11:33:00.002-05:00

NY in the 80s 2, originally uploaded by stevensiegel260.

My cousin, Pete, brought these to my attention: great, great photographs from NYC in the 80's. Wow, the memories they are evoking in me - and the pain of seeing the Towers again.

Go and check out the rest.

Got a special for some of that BOO-dwar photography . . .

2012-01-20T11:28:00.000-05:00

A local photo studio - a husband and wife team named Don and Leann - is having a special that arrived from Groupon this morning in my mail box. You know I had to go check out their website for "Midnight Magic Studio," which seems to only shoot boudoir photography.

I have had a conversation with a Christian photog friend here in Eastern Tennessee about the morality of boudoir photography, which, as you can tell from Midnight Magic's accompanying photo above, is dressing up all sexy and putting about a ton of mousse in your hair and slathering on the war paint. It is akin to those "glamor shots" that used to be in malls, only presuambly these images would be what one would call "NSFW" or at least something you wouldn't share with your co-workers . . . oh, ehell, yeah, you know they do.

Is it immoral to pose for such a shot? Is it immoral for someone to take such a shot? I note that on Don and Leann's website, they say this: Honestly, it is a fine line to walk to have beautiful tasteful and elegant portraits and to cross a line. We will never cross the line. I take that to mean they will only let you go so far before they say, "Okay, we are doing porn, now," and stop.

I have to admit, as a woman, I would not feel comfortable about a husband and wife team doing this. Sure, they say if you just feel comfortabe with Leann, Don won't be there . . . but he would still have access to the images.

I thinkthe outcome may be more comical than prurient. According to the deal, "During hour-long private shoots in the West Knoxville studio, subjects clad themselves in up to three outfits, choosing everything from lacy lingerie to armor-plated tank suits." That last wording brings up an image of a deep sea diver - however, having seen and known people in the BDSM lifetsyle, I think I know where they are going with that and making it "fun" may wind up being pretty damn funny.

I have thought about shooting what I would term "fetish photography." Let's say you enjoy your leather . . . or you are a plushie . . . or you are an adult baby . . . or being bound by mummy wrap is your thing - while this may be the fodder for CSI episodes, I think I could look beyond the shocking and see that (a) for people with such fetishes, it is very important, if not vital to them, and (b) their dignity as a human being is not lessened by what may be their "thing." This does not mean that I would photograph sex acts or anything porn related, such as using dildoes as props- I would not - but I would be willing to step into their mind as to how they see themselves and see if I could capture that tastefully and discreetly in my photography. No, I'm not a voyeur - I am a photographer who happens to love all of God's creation. Or, as the noted Jesuit, Gerard Manley Hopkins put it:

GLORY be to God for dappled things—
For skies of couple-colour as a brinded cow;
For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim;
Fresh-firecoal chestnut-falls; finches’ wings;
Landscape plotted and pieced—fold, fallow, and plough;
And áll trádes, their gear and tackle and trim.
All things counter, original, spare, strange;
Whatever is fickle, freckled (who knows how?)
With swift, slow; sweet, sour; adazzle, dim;
He fathers-forth whose beauty is past change:
Praise him.

The Groupon offer does have this: Once pinup pals have transformed back into their alter egos, each attendee will receive a 5"x7" print from their shoot autographed by pinup legend Betty Boop.

Uh-uh. The only Betty that was a true titillating "pinup legend" in my opinion was the late, great Betty Page.

Best. 404. Page. EVAH!

2012-01-20T09:43:00.000-05:00

Turn up the sound!

My virus software shows that it is safe.

I have asked a Russian friend to give me a translation of the song.

Cena Romana

2012-01-20T09:40:00.002-05:00

Cena_6, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

My daughter studies Latin at Knoxville Catholic High School and last night the kids got toegther in their Roman finery for a cena (/KAY-nah/) Romana (Rman dinner) at a local Italian eatery.

More pictures can be seen here.

Adorable!

"De-Baptism" on the Rise in Europe

2012-01-19T21:19:00.001-05:00

Europe seems to be going through a crisis of faith as many now seek to be "de-churched" or "de-baptized."

Many disenfranchised ex-parishioners have begun to take it a step further, seeking official, legal acknowledgement for de-baptism. For instance, 71-year-old Frenchman Rene Lebouvier recently filed a lawsuit against the church after his initial request to have his name crossed off the church's baptismal registry was denied. Last October, a lower court in Normandy ruled in his favor, making him the first man to be officially de-baptized, though a local bishop has filed an appeal.

Christian Weisner, a spokesman for the international grassroots We Are Church movement, says he blames much of the de-baptism movement on public anger about church pedophilia scandals, though acknowledges that official church doctrine has also swayed against public opinion on many political issues, such as abortion, homosexuality and married priests.

The problem in the long run is what this will mean for Europe - not the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church continues to grow in size, especially in areas such as Africa and Asia. As more and more Europeans - and, by which, I mean the members of the traditional culture of each country - become more secularized, the consequence may well be a cultural suicide.

Why? As the economic disaster in countries like Greece show, with the increase in secularism there has been seen a decline in the birthrate. This seems logical - eschewing beliefs that support marriage and family is likely to result in less married people and less childbirth. It seems, at times, that Europeans between the ages of 30 to 50 do not ant to have children, recognizing that the government benefits continue to become unsustainable and they see themselves as the generation who will enjoy the last "hurrah."

However, the population of Europe is increasing in another way. In Germany, immigrants from the following countries comprise the top tn groups receicing welfare:

1. Iraq

2. Afgahnistan

3. Pakistan

4. Ghana

5. Syria

6. Iran

7. Sri Lanka

8. Algeria

9. Morocco

10. Nigeria

What do you see in common among these countries?

The fact is, with the rejection of traditional faith in Europe, I expect that Islam will continue to grow and infiltrate the social and judicial structure. And this will include the spread of shari'a as the law of the land.

Shari'a - Islamic law. If Europeans have a problem with the Church's stance on social issues . . . they are not going to like what comes next.

Comes next? It is already happening.

An Austrian appellate court has upheld the conviction of Elisabeth Sabaditsch-Wolff, a Viennese housewife and anti-Jihad activist, for “denigrating religious beliefs” after giving a series of seminars about the dangers of radical Islam.

The judge ruled that Sabaditsch-Wolff committed a crime by stating in her seminars about Islam that the Islamic prophet Mohammed was a pedophile.

The judge rationalized that Mohammed’s sexual contact with nine-year-old Aisha could not be considered pedophilia because Mohammed continued his marriage to Aisha until his death.

For once, I have to agree with Joe Biden . . .

2012-01-19T20:37:00.000-05:00

Vice President Joe Biden had his “oops” moment Wednesday speaking in a 49er-crazed San Francisco when he told a crowd at a city political fundraiser that “the Giants are on their way to the Super Bowl.”

The comment by Biden drew immediate “good-natured” boos from the crowd, according to the report by Josh Richman of the Oakland Tribune, who was the only local print reporter allowed to cover the event.

YES, THEY ARE, MY G-MEN!

Maybe he can get together and shoot the shit with Hilary Clinton about sports, since I remember her claiming to be a New York Yankees fan from way back . . .

Koo-Koo-A-Joo, Mrs. Robinson

2012-01-19T19:44:00.000-05:00

Students in the Canyons School District named the cougar their top choice to become the mascot of the new Corner Canyon High School. The school is expected to open in 2013.

However, district officials overrode the student vote after complaints that that the word “cougar” is offensive and derogatory towards women.

Do you know why the term "cougar" is offensive and derogatory towards women? Because the women who are cougars are offensive and derogatory.

And they would be the only women to be offended.

Which doesn't say a lot for the school district's assumptions as to what kind of women are the kids' moms.

I Fear the Worst Heading North with The Crescat

2012-01-19T14:54:00.000-05:00

That git, The Crescat, thinks I cannot behave in a conference on English Catholicism. I mean, really! I have a Catholic friend whose actual surname is Moneypenny, for God's sake, that is how "connected" I am to English Catholicism. And I do a mean Tim Roth impersonation, at his obnoxious Dr. Cal Lightman finest. Cor . . .

No, no . . . this is more likely what you will see next week in a court of law - please note this is rare footage of The Crescat pleading her defense after her arrest last year when she tried to stalk Swiss Guard abroad:

I wore the blonde wig.

In Defense of Paula Deen and Why Tony Bourdain is a Hypocrite.

2012-01-19T14:21:00.001-05:00

Paula Deen has Type II diabetes.

And now a lot of people, including celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, is calling her a "hypocrite" for promoting butter-laden recipes which they claim led her to this stage in her life and countless other gullible and ignorant souls.

I think they are simply piling on Paula. And unfairly at that.

I admit, I have not watched every single episode of any cooking show she did. But I am quite sure that she never told people, "Listen, y'all, it's okay, butter ain't gonna hurt you, even if you consume the equivalent of two sticks a day, sugar!" She told people to cook with butter - and oil, and other fats - because it makes it taste soooo good.

And ultimately, we are each responsible for our own health. If you watched Paula Deen for the purpose of advice on nutrition . . . you may just be too stupid to live. If I want nutrition advice, I would go to someone like Dr. Mehmet Oz, because there I would be getting sound medical advice and some sugar-free eye candy, if you catch my drift.

As for Anthony Bourdain . . . Tony, you are actually the hypocrite. In your 2000 book, Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly, you wrote how you - as executive chef of the New York restaurant, Brasserie Les Halles, would receive orders for "no butter" from diners . . . and proceed to use as much butter as you wanted. Remember? You were the one who told us that was what restaurant food taste good and you ignored the requests of your patrons.

Hey, Tony - glad to see you got off drugs. Now get off your high horse.

And if you are so concerned about the health of the nation, quit smoking, jackhole, on your television series.

Best. Wedding. Ever.

2012-01-19T10:24:00.003-05:00

Actually, next Wednesday I am attending the wedding of two photog friends, Brenda and Eddie.

I think theirs will be slightly more subdued than this . . .

Wait, what am I thiking? Eddie's retired NYPD, former USMC, and a Montana cowboy. From the Island, no less!

No, it won't . . .

(click on image to see the details, as the y re simply epic)

This Weekend is Shaping Up

2012-01-19T09:29:00.000-05:00

If you don't see a post from me come Tuesday morning, the likely excuse is that The Crescat and I are sitting in some jail because our designated trustee has run off with the bail money and my husband wants to "teach me a lesson."

Otherwise, between sucking up to EWTN celebrities in South Carolina on Saturday and stalking Church hierarchy on Sunday in Washington, DC, not to mention trying to refrain from arguing with counter-protesters at the March for Life on Monday, all the while staying at the alcohol-soaked Chez Copa . . . I oughta have a couple of pictures, ya know?

If you hear anything about a high-speed police chase along I-95 . . . it's just sheer coincidence.

Filling in the Gaps: the Office of the Hours

2012-01-19T09:02:00.002-05:00

Last Monday I had the time to drive out to White Pine, TN, where I met up for lunch with Dave Oatney, a veritable treasure of information regarding East Tennessee lore, religion and politics. Three hours of discussing those topics made for a great time.

But one of the topics I wanted to discuss with him was inspired by a post at his Catholic blog (Dave is presently an aspirant to the permanent diaconate for the Diocese of Knoxville), Operaria in vinus Domini, concerning the Office of the Hours.

Confession: I was once gifted a set of the Office of the Hours by my husband, but am inept at actually reading it, getting confused as to where to place the ribbons and what to read when, much less when to make the sign of the Cross. But - I like it better than prayers more traditionally said by the laity, as an example, the Rosary. Repetitive, contemplative prayer, while it work for some . . . just makes my mind wander. With the Office, it's a new outlook each day, even if some of it may be sen almost daily (good old Psalm 95, for instance).

Dave was kind enough to piint me in the direction of an invaluable website, DivineOffice.org, that does the parsing and ordering for you. It also features a podcast of the Divine Office (Office of the Hours, the two terms are synonomous) being prayed. That is helpful because as you read it - and it can be prayed alone - you do see that it really is meant to be a communal prayer, with a leader and repsonses from the group. Absent other people, at least with the podcast you can get the sense of a group prayer. Plus, as Dave pointed out to me, as with Mass, the Divine Office is being prayed somewhere at any time of the day on this Earth. If you pray it, then St. Paul's exhortation to "pray unceasingly" becomes fulfilled - and if there is a gap, you have filled it.

One thing I did not know was that priests, at their ordination, take a vow to pray it five times each day - the Office of Readings (Matins - I like the old Latin terms), Morning Prayer (Lauds), Daytime Prayer (Sext), Evening Prayer (Vespers - see, didn't you always wonder what that meant?), and Night Prayer (Compline). Deacons also have a requirement to pray three (Office of Readings, Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer). The laity of the Catholic Church is not requireed to read it but are encouraged to do so.

I have begun trying to hit the three required of deacons in the Church because I am afraid not all priests are hitting their five. Yes, I know they are supposed to, but I also know that priests of today are often placed into situations for which they pretty much have to rely on "on the job" training, such as the administrative duties of running a parish. I suspect that with a day full of meetings, appointments, and Mass, Father may fall into a pattern of thinking, I'll just skip it this once . . ., which may well become the norm rather than the exception. Yes, I know I cannot pray it for them, but I have to think my praying even a part of it for the intention (among many) that they stick to the schedule can help.

A suggestion: Father, find out which of your parishioners pray the Office of the Hours. You might find that if you said, "Hey, if y'all want, be at the Church at 7:00 pm and we will do Vespers together," even if that was done once a month or once a week, people would show up. Lent is coming, hint, hint, and that would be a great thing to offer. If you are doing a noon Mass, invite those who can stay an extra 15 minutes to do the Daytime Prayer with you. Who knows, this may help you, Father, keep on track yourself.

When I was still living in Southern California, I had a very close relationship with my pastor. I wish now I had said to him, "Hey, let's do one of the Offices together now and then," to broaden, if not formalize, my prayer ritual. Missed opportunity - but I will plan to bring it up with my new pastor.

Now if you will excuse me, I've got some Matins to do . . .

Rock City Barn

2012-01-18T20:18:00.001-05:00

Rock City Barn, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

Taken January 16, 2012 along US11E in Eastern Tennessee.

Tritone with additional processing.

I was in a non-color mood that day.

I Hear Ya

2012-01-18T19:58:00.001-05:00

I Hear Ya, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

Taken January 16, 2012 at Hanna's Cafe in White Pine, Tennessee.

Convrersation, Coke, and cancer - the pause that refeshes.

I [Heart] Missy, the Photography Rock Star!

2012-01-18T19:47:00.000-05:00

I have found a channel on YouTube that is - oh my gosh - just the best!

Missy, who has the channel MWAC Attack, shows us how just gosh-darned easy it is to be a professional photographer! I mean, for years, I always thought, "Wow, I really need to know how to work my camera, but it's so complicated, I don't know what I'm doing!"

Well, guess what? I don't have to! These new DLSR cameras, like my Canon, they - are you ready for this? - figure it all out for me! And Missy is the Rock ar who finally revealed how all these so-called "professional" photographers? You know them? They are just wasting time with things like exposure, or stop-f's (I'm not sure I have that right, I think Missy mentioned them someone) or balancing white things, like snow, when all I have to do is let the camera do it!

So if you think you could be a professional photographer . . . you can be! Just watch Missy's videos (here, I put my favorite on how to shoot adorable senior portraits that are real) and start your career NOW!

Knuckles across the 'Net to you, Missy!

When shit likes this starts flying, consider the source of it . . . an asshole: the attack on Santorum has begun by targeting his wife . . .

2012-01-18T17:41:00.001-05:00

Nancy Hass working on her column

This really pisses me off, so please excuse any ensuing profanities.

Karen Santorum, the ultra-pro-life wife and mother of seven home-schooled children, has been the perfect complement to her husband, Rick, as he chases the Republican presidential nomination. On the campaign trail, the candidate often refers to her book, Letters to Gabriel, the story of the devoutly Catholic couple’s traumatic late-term 1997 miscarriage (the 20-week-old fetus lived two hours outside the womb). The couple opposes birth control as well as abortion, even in cases of rape.

But Mrs. Santorum, 51, apparently wasn’t always committed to the cause . . .

The article goes on to report that prior to meeting Rck Santorum, in the 1980'S, while she was in her twenties . . . Karen Santorum, nee Garver, lived with an abortionist who actually delivered her as a baby, being some 40 years older than she was.

“Karen was a lovely girl, very intelligent and sweet,” says Allen, who at 92 uses a walker but retains a sly smile. A wine aficionado who frequented the Pittsburgh Symphony and was active in the local chapter of the ACLU, he lives with his wife of 16 years, Judi—they started dating in 1989, soon after he and Garver split—in the same large detached row house where he lived with the woman who would become Santorum’s wife.

Wow, how could she give up a fucking bon vivant like that?!

What I see here is the story of conversion, how a woman came to realize that her lifestyle was not healthy, it was not good, and changed. Brava to Karen Santorum! I once had a lifestyle of which I am not proud - and unlike Mrs. Santorum I had an abortion which I regret to this day - and changed.

But Nancy Hass evidently has issues with non-issues, and writes this smear piece for what end? In California, Evidence Code section 352 prohibits the admission of evidence that is more prejudicial than probative, most times because it is old and stale - much like this information here. Ms. Hass, I suppose, would hide behind the coward's cry of "But it's topical!" or "It's human interest and relevant now because she is a candidate's wife!" No, it isn't - it is the fodder of cheap tabloids and Ms. Hass, you are naught but their whore. The only purpose of a piece like this, depsite some liberal commentators to it that it "exposes hypocrisy" (really, a woman has to have the same ideology in her 50's that she had in her 20's?!), is muckracking and slander.

Wikipedia is dark today . . .

2012-01-18T17:09:00.002-05:00

You know the LAST time the government tried to censor the internet resulted in a little thing called the War of 1812, when the Challenger blew up over the Alamo. Without Wikipedia, how will kids learn things like this?

"Those who fail to learn history are doomed to repeat it" ~ Apollo Creed, Third President of the United States'

Peaceful and Safe

2012-01-18T17:05:00.001-05:00

Peaceful and Safe, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

Taken January 16, 2012 in White Plne, Tennessee.

Sheila runs this motel. She is very spiritual and likes to spend time talking to God, she related to me. She also enjoys going down to Knoxville and walking around, because someone told her she should get out and see more.

She purposely put "peaceful and safe" on her sign so people know it's more than just a bed for the night.

PRIESTS HAVING SEX!!!!

2012-01-17T20:40:00.001-05:00

Theirs was the love that actually DID speak its name,

but probably kept quiet fearing some stupid New York Times reporter would so a hack job on their story

Well . . . the married ones are. At least, I assume they are.

Because it's all about the sex, right?

I saw this article in the New York Times that I found pretty damn funny. Why? Well, here we have Sara Ritchey, an assistant professor of medieval European history - you know, Black Death and catapults and shit - giving advice to the wives of priests. Catholic priests.

WHAT will life be like for the wives of Roman Catholic priests?

On Sunday, the Vatican announced the creation of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter, a special division of the Roman Catholic Church that former Episcopal congregations and priests — including, notably, married priests — can enter together en masse.

My dear Ms. Ritchey, while the creation of the Ordinariate is something new, former Epicopal or Anglican priests and their wives converting to Roman Cathlicism and joining the Church to act as clergy is nothing new. Been going on for some time now. Of course, even a cursory attempt at research will have told her this. In fact, if you would like to read the blog of such a priest, may I direct you to Fr. Dwight?

The Vatican has stressed that the allowance for married priests is merely an exception (like similar dispensations made in the past by the Vatican) and by no means a permanent condition of the priesthood.

Yeah, so, so . . . don't get any thoughts about this sort of thing spreading.

Unless, of course, you are talking about the Eastern rites of the Catholic Church. Who are they? They are autonomous churches in full communion with Rome - yep, they accept His Holiness as the leader of Christ's Church on Earth and are truly Catholic, while retaining their tradition of Liturgy. Indeed, my own Bishop, Richard Stika, has faculties in the Maronite rite (meaning he can say Mass using their form of Liturgy). And some of these Eastern rites have allowed married priests for centuries. Making them . . . married Catholic priests.

The priests in the Latin Rite, the largest and most often associated in the minds of people generally, do take a vow of celibacy, and thus cannot marry. Mind you, that does not mean every priest is a virgin at his ordination; as an example, my uncle-in-law, Fr. Paul Gresgraber of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, was once married to actress Barbara Werle. Okay, I am assuming they had sex during their marriage. But his marriage did not last and was later annulled, allowing him to enter the seminary and become a priest in his 50's. The happy ending is that their friendship lasted and she sang beautifully at the party for his ordination. Shocking!

But in the midst of these debates, we should pause to ponder the environment that the priests’ wives might expect to encounter. After all, the status of the priest’s wife is perhaps even more strange and unsettling than that of her ordained Catholic husband.

Hmmm . . . I wonder if all those other priests' wives ever talked to this chick? In what century is she living?

While the early Christian church praised priestly chastity, it did not promulgate decisive legislation mandating priestly celibacy until the reform movement of the 11th century. At that point, the foremost purpose of priestly celibacy was to clearly distinguish and separate the priests from the laity, to elevate the status of the clergy. In this scheme, the mere presence of the priest’s wife confounded that goal, and thus she incurred the suspicion, and quite often the loathing, of parishioners and church reformers. You can’t help wondering what feelings she will inspire today.

Oh . . . the 11th century. Right . . . You know, if Ms. Ritchey talked to any actual priests in dioceses, they would likely explain to her that we pretty much have a clear separation now between the priests and the laity, you know, here in the 21st century they do stuff like serve on juries together, have a drink in a bar together, and, you know, normal stuff like that. Last time I checked, the social structure of the Middle Ages has pretty much, well, died out.

By the time of the First Lateran Council, the priest’s wife had become a symbol of wantonness and defilement. The reason was that during this period the nature of the host consecrated at Mass received greater theological scrutiny. Medieval theologians were in the process of determining that bread and wine, at the moment of consecration in the hands of an ordained priest at the altar, truly became the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The priest who handled the body and blood of Christ should therefore be uncontaminated lest he defile the sacred corpus.

Um . . . has Ms. Ritchey been to a Catholic Mass lately? Where she could have seen laity acting as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and handling the Hosts . . . by placing them often in the hands of the congregants coming forward to receive Communion? That notion went the way of allowing blacksmiths to do bloodletting for the release of demons in an upset stomach.

The priest’s nuclear family was also seen as a risk to the stability of the church. His children represented a threat to laypersons, who feared that their endowments might be absorbed into the hands of the priest’s offspring to create a rival clerical dynasty. A celibate priest would thus ensure donations from the neighboring landed aristocracy. Furthermore, the priest’s wife was often accused, along with her children, of draining the church’s resources with her extravagance and frivolity.

I think Ms. Ritchey watches just a little too much Masterpiece Theatre. As for draining the church's resources, may I tell her the story of Fr. MacAuliffe? We've come a long way, baby . . . and given the salary of priests, I just don;t see Mrs. Priest living the high life.

Given this history, I caution the clerical wife to be on guard as she enters her role as a sacerdotal attaché. Her position is an anomalous one and, as the Vatican has repeatedly insisted, one that will not receive permanent welcome in the church. That said, for the time being, it will be prudent for the Vatican to honor the dignity of the wives and children of its freshly ordained married priests. And here, I suggest, a real conversation about the continuation of priestly celibacy might begin.

Until then, priests’ wives should beware a religious tradition that views them, in the words of Damian, as “the clerics’ charmers, devil’s choice tidbits, expellers from paradise, virus of minds, sword of soul, wolfbane to drinkers, poison to companions, material of sinning, occasion of death ... the female chambers of the ancient enemy, of hoopoes, of screech owls, of night owls, of she-wolves, of blood suckers.”

I wonder if Ms. Ritchey has ever visited a rectory or diocesan offices. Do you know what you see there? Women working. At Mass, girls now play a role as altar servers. Women act as Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers. No, we cannot be priests but women have long played a vital role in the life of the Church.

It will be "prudent" for the Church to honor the dignity of the priests' wives and children? That is showing either an incredible bias or ignorance, tke your pick. The Church works for the dignity of every person; exceptions are notmade, not even for dumbasses like Ritchey.

And there has been a HUGE change in Church teachings since the time of the 11th-century monk Peter Damian, whom she quotes.

But . . . maybe she is still stuck in the past. Because I know where the head of the NYT editor who greenlit this juvenile and patronizing piece is stuck - and firmly so.

Self Portrait: Closed for Repairs

2012-01-17T19:37:00.003-05:00

Self Portrait: Closed for Repairs, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

When I open my mouth, people seem to get unhappy. So today I closed for repairs.

BTW, I shot and processed this on my iPhone. Never underestimate the camera on your smartphone.

Maybe tomorrow I can say things that will make people unafraid of me. Because I am not a bad person.

My Little Droney

2012-01-17T19:16:00.001-05:00

For the American government, the crash of the RQ-170 drone in Iran was an embarrassment. For the Iranian government, it was a propaganda victory.

And for at least one company, according to state radio, it could be a windfall.

An Iranian firm, seeking to capitalize on the frenzy that followed the crash of the drone — and American calls to have it returned — is now producing miniaturized toy versions of the craft. Most of the toys, which come in several colors and are made of Iranian plastic, have already been snapped up by Iranian government organizations, according to the group that manufactures them.

At least one model — a pink one — has been reserved for President Obama.

How . . . special.

Drag

2012-01-17T18:37:00.001-05:00

Drag, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

Taken January 16, 2012 at Hannah's Cafe in White Pine, Tennessee.

Tennessee law prohibits smoking in restaurants, unless it is an establishment where only people 21 years of age or older can enter. This cafe, Hannah's, despite the sale of no alcohol on its premises, changed to a "21 or older" establishment rather than succumb to state law. So there is a place in Jefferson county, where an old man can still sit a dream over a piece of pie, a cup of coffee, and a cigarette to make it all mellow . . .

Scenes from my marriage . . . .

2012-01-17T16:51:00.002-05:00

They Invented Swag

2012-01-17T16:47:00.001-05:00

Want to blow the mind of a teen with all that dubstep drop shit and shufflin' going on? Show them this vintage clip and let them know, what is old is new again. Aw, yeah . . .

FYI: the music is Around the World by Daft Punk. So gonna buy it . . .

Maybe this type of attitude isn't that bad . . .

2012-01-17T10:39:00.002-05:00

Don't Fear the Reaper (You Might Actually Get Some Quiet)

2012-01-16T21:58:00.001-05:00

Don't Fear the Reaper (You Might Actually Get Some Quiet), originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

Edwards Chapel United Methodist Church in White Pine, TN.

My Boyfriend

2012-01-15T20:18:00.000-05:00

Shut up, it only lasts the season . . . then a short respite before I throw myself at Derek Jeter . . .

Mow-and-Blow, and Let the Government Grow . . .

2012-01-15T08:52:00.000-05:00

Zombie offers an insightful analysis of the Leaf Blower Paradox:

Twice a week, my relative hired a “gardener” to clean up the front yard. I put “gardener” in quotes because this young hardworking immigrant didn’t actually know anything about plants or gardens; basically his only task was to get rid of the leaves that fell from the trees in front of the house. He achieved this very quickly and efficiently by using a gas-powered leaf-blower. Perhaps when he was first hired his technique was to blow all the leaves into a big pile which he would then load into his truck for removal. A few may have gone into the neighbors’ yards, but hey, they were out of my relative’s yard, so problem solved. I imagine that over time, as he got hired by more and more people in the tract due to his low rates, he worked quicker and quicker and sloppier and sloppier, until the day I observed him, when he no longer even made a pretense of gathering the leaves into a pile; instead, he just blew them all into the neighbors’ yards, and then hopped into his truck and drove off to his next client. At three or four yards per hour, he was (metaphorically at least) raking it in.

But here’s where the paradox begins. The neighbors would come back from their jobs at the end of the day, and see all the leaves on their lawns, and they’d call up their own gardeners who would proceed to do the exact same thing in reverse — blow all the same leaves back into my relative’s and adjacent neighbors’ yards. This cycle would go on across the entire tract, because the same leaf-shedding trees had been planted along every street: everyone would hire gardeners to blow the leaves back and forth from yard to yard. At the end of each week, exactly nothing had been achieved: all the leaves were back where they started. And then the cycle would begin again.

Go and read.

I am reminded of Bradbury's great book, "Farenheit 451" in which firemen are emloyed by the State to start fires with the goal of destroying books, which the State fears may cause people to think. So, too, now do we see Obama creating jobs that destroy enterprise and achievement in the market place, as they would diminish the people's reliance on the State.

Appointment Fail in Diocese of Salt Lake City

2012-01-15T08:37:00.004-05:00

My dear friend, Orthometer, sent this link to me:

A Democratic political candidate who once argued for “accurate” contraceptive sex education, and against traditional marriage and an abortion ban, has been tasked with explaining Catholic moral priorities in the voting booth for the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City.

“Despite what political pundits might say, Catholics cannot be lumped into the broad categories of liberal or conservative, nor should we be led astray by interest groups who demand that Catholics vote a particular way,” wrote Hill.

". . . nor should we be led astray by interest groups who demand that Catholics vote a particular way." I wonder if Ms. Hill considers the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, the teaching authority, to be naught but a "special interest" when it holds that abortion is intrinsically evil and a grave mortal sin? Yes, I am being facetious since her "100%" approval rating from Planned Parenthood and his past argumements against any ban of abortion answer that question.

But I have to ask - does she really consider issues like "affordable housing" and "abortion" to be on equal level? Or are some issues "more equal than others" and so a topic for which she has advocated before, e.g., gay marriage in the Church, actually merits more attention than abortion?

When asked about the apparent conflict last year, a spokesperson for the Diocese of Salt Lake City said they do not discuss “personnel issues,” but said that “Jean Hill is a practicing Catholic who is totally committed to the mission of the Church.”

So stop asking questions already!

Que Fait?

2012-01-15T08:16:00.003-05:00

. . . French feminists who have persuaded a town to drop the honorific "mademoiselle" on official forms.

From now on, the women of Cesson-Sevigne, population 16,000, will be addressed as "madame" regardless of age or marital status.

Exactly when a woman reaches the age when she becomes a "madame," married or otherwise, is not only a matter of debate but a social minefield; women of a certain age will often ask themselves whether the waiter who calls them "mademoiselle" is being gallant or sarcastic.

From this I glean that French women in Cesson-Sevigne are slow on the uptake and the feminists cannot trust them to inform the other speaker as to by which form of address they would prefer to be called. Because, comme tu sais, you could just leave it up to the woman-addressee. S'il vous plait, appellez-moi "madame."

Rosary for Life

2012-01-14T14:09:00.001-05:00

It is just chance that the US Supreme Court, who usually issue decisions on cases towards the end of their term in the May/June timeframe, decided Roe v. Wade - the seminal case on abortion - in the cold of the winter? For those in lesser temperate climes, it certainly poses a challenge.

But what is another layer of clothing to wear, to stand outside an abortion clinic and pray that which most displeases Satan, the Rosary? Here are pictures from today's Rosary for Life, held in Tyson Park in Knoxville, Tennessee. We were to be led by our bishop, Bishop Richard Stika; as he was called away to a funeral, instead his mentor, Justin Cardinal Rigali, came to lead us in prayer.

There were the "usual suspects" - women, men, families, children, students, religious . . . all that come together to illustrate the word catholic.

More pictures can be seen here.

Snake Eyes for Vegas Priest.

2012-01-14T11:57:00.000-05:00

McAuliffe offered a remorseful apology, saying he felt “guilt, shame and self-loathing,” and noting that he had “rightly” lost his positions of authority in the church. He asked the judge for leniency so he could make restitution, help others with gambling addictions “and atone for what I have done.”

Defense attorney Margaret Stanish asked the judge for probation so McAuliffe could continue getting counseling for his gambling addiction, keep practicing as a priest and pay restitution to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Summerlin. He won’t get treatment in federal prison, Stanish said.

Except the judge didn't buy it, and I have trouble, too, trying to see that if he needs to "continue getting counseling for his gambling addiction," how will he be able in the immediate future to "help other with gambling addiction." Priest, heal thyself, first.

I do not think he will not get help with his gambling addiction in prison because, well, he won't be able to hit the slots while in jail, and second, the Diocese, whould it so choose, can offer to send in a counselor. Besides, it seems the "help" he was getting was really geared more to his egal defense than his addiction.

But I do note that for 8 years, this addiction was ignored - because he was getting away with it - and of particular importance to me is the fact that Father seemingly mae sure his savings were safe while stealing from his parish. To date, as I understand it, he has repayed some $16,000.

When I first heard this story, I was on the fence as to whether he should get jail time. I do not think he warrants it for being a priest, just as his ordination should not exempt him from such. But given the magnitude - over half a million dollars - and his position of trust, I think the setnence is appropriate. Please, I daresay he will find himself in a minimum security federal prison, which is not the of the "Scared Straight" variety - Father ain't gonna find himself someone's bitch and be negotating for favors in cigarettes.

Do your time, Father. Perhaps a bit of a hermetic life where you will have time fo prayer and reflection will strengthen your vocation as a priest.

Owl be damned . . .

2012-01-14T11:37:00.002-05:00

Weird Sisters

2012-01-14T08:01:00.000-05:00

To summons the spirits, the witches planned to chant, “Tom Brady will see what he needs to see, be where he needs to be and will take the Patriots to another victory.”

Witches casting a "spell" for Tom Brady . . .

I am confused. A good number of people have come out to say Jesus is NOT responsible for Tebow's wins, so he should stop thanking Him for such. Will these same people come out and call this stuff and nonsense, too?

Of course, they said that they don’t plan to hex Tebow, as they’re “good witches.”

Cur

2012-01-13T16:10:00.000-05:00

"Church can have a tendency to feel rigid and frigid to people," he says. That dissolves when he walks into Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission, Texas, with his mutt pack trailing behind his robes. The dogs sometimes veer off from the processional to prowl the pews, greeting favorite people, but during Mass they generally lie quietly at the altar (though one has taken to curling up in the celebrant's chair, so Sikes has to perch on its edge).

He's so convinced of the power of the animals that when a newcomer complains (rarely), he says gently, "If you want to look for a church that doesn't have dogs, I'm sure you'll find one." He reminds them Jesus was born surrounded by animals. "In this dehumanized era, I believe dogs are the angels that will keep us human."

So, Fr. Snipes likes to dress up his dogs in vestments - I can only presume he has them in the proper liturgical color - and have them present in the Sanctuary during Mass?

Okay. Say, Father, when you receive a summons for jury duty, do you show up at the courthouse with your dogs in Roman collars? Because surely celebrating Holy Eucharist is more important than appearing before a coirt of law, isn't it?

My friend, the ever-snarky Crescat, noted that although Jesus was born in a stable surrounded by animals, He chose to celebrate the Last Supper in a proper environment.

But to turn away people from his church for the sake of his dogs? I guess if you have an allergy, or a fear of dogs, you're not welcome. Fr. Snipes' "children" come first.

I hope Bishop Flores of the Diocese of Brownsville doesn't expect reverence from his people when they come to Mass. Because evidently he doesn't for his priests to allow this to continue.

There is a time and place for everything. I have advised my clients to come dressed to court showing respect and deference to the bench - this priest, in my opinion, fails to show even that to his Lord.

Rage Face drinking game

2012-01-13T14:12:00.001-05:00

I have an Internet savvy teenager, which means I have to keep up on various Internet memes.

Not that I mind doing so. I get a real laugh out of many . . . haters gonna hate . . . Good Guy Greg . . . oooh, looks like we got us a bad ass here . . . Socially Awkward Penguin . . .

I saw this and yes, I am going to print this out and post in my home bar.

Me gusta!

I'm not a big fan of rodents . . .

2012-01-13T13:47:00.000-05:00

I admit to having a sick sense of humor.

(Shut up, I wouldn't really do it)

This is the sort of thing that inspires prayer . . .

2012-01-13T09:06:00.002-05:00

Because it hurts.

Prayer for the baby's soul, prayer for the mother's soul (God knows who she is), and prayer for our own because seeing things like this can allow a crack and despair to seep in.

At the end of this month, I will be going to the annual March for Life in Washington DC. I recently spoke of people who criticize Tim Tebow for his public acknowledgment of his Christianity, saying that they should look at what he believes lest their mockery be without foundation. Sadly, my support of the pro-life movement has such a foundation, as I once had an abortion. I have received, through the Church, absolution from the sin but I feel my on-going act of penance - which I accept gladly - is to fight for the dignity of the unborn. So, for those who might say, "You don't know what it's like . . ." - yes, I do.

Look at the emptiness of the baby clothes.

Marvin v. St. Augustine

2012-01-13T08:41:00.002-05:00

You can find religion in the comics section.

POL - Praying Out Loud

2012-01-12T16:47:00.002-05:00

A friend of mine directed my attention to a person on Facebook, an avowed atheist, who posted the following picture:

Expect to see this around the Internet by Tebow's detractors and snarky atheists. The Biblical passage referenced goes as follows:

When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. ⁶ But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

See? Ha ha, that Tebow - by his own religion he's a fraud, ha ha . . .

I never understood why atheists - not all, but the more but the vocal ones, it seems - call the Bible nonsense and then like to quote it to support their arguments. Nonetheless, let me say this about using this passage and Tim Tebow's public acknowledgment of his Christian faith (and this, by the way, is what I posted as acomment on Facebook to the original post).

If one gave Matthew 6 a cursory reading, one might conclude that Jesus wants us only to pray, locked way in our rooms. That would, seemingly, contradict Matthew 18:20, where he says, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” In order to come “together in [his] name,” there must be some acknowledgement among the group that they are his followers, i.e., prayer.

But note that Jesus does not say, “do not pray in public, else you will be a hypocrite.” There is a difference between that and “Do not pray as the hypocrites do.” He is admonishing the prayer of hypocrites that is not sincere, and a demonstration of that is that they “love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. “That they may be seen of men” – there is the qualifier in this passage. There may well be someone standing next to them engaged in public prayer who is praying with sincerity of heart – that they are in public, or “where two or three come together in my name,” does not make their prayer vainglorious.

So here we see a young man seemingly bent in silent prayer. Is his prayer sincere? I don’t know and neither do you or anyone else (in my world of courtrooms, to say otherwise would raise the evidentiary objection of speculation).Thus it cannot be concluded that his prayer is sincere nor done with a hypocrite’s heart – but to make a conclusion of a latter maligns Tim Tebow’s character without foundation and demonstrates possible malice, a trait unbecoming to atheist and believer alike.

Selah!

I ain't right . . .

2012-01-12T11:22:00.003-05:00

Shut yo' mouf!

March for Life, Baby!

2012-01-11T19:40:00.001-05:00

Okay, it is settled - The Digital Hairshirt and The Crescat are heading north together to fight for thr unborn at the annual March for Life in Washington, DC.

No, this will NOT be a repeat of when we crashed Occupy Charlotte and wound up feeling just friggin' GREAT at The Thirsty Beaver.

WE ARE ON A MISSION FROM GOD!

Facebook now blocking political commentary

2012-01-11T09:38:00.000-05:00

I read this morning's Hope and Change cartoon, as I think Stilton Jarlsberg is simply hysterical and right on point with his criticism of Obama and liberals. Let me share it with you:

It can only be appreciated with the accompanying commentary, to wit:

After 3 years of everything conceivable getting worse for Americans, even Barack Obama's supporters are starting to ask him what the "Hope" and "Change" he promised was supposed to be. Pressed for a definition of these vague terms, Obama has now clarified "Osama bin Laden will never again walk the face of this Earth. That’s what change is!"

OHhhhhh! Somehow when he was describing "Change" during the campaign, we assumed it would involve less brain matter spattering across walls at high velocity.

Of course, he also promised "Change" in the tone of rhetoric in Washington - and he's certainly delivered on that score, too - by making it exponentially worse. In the same speech in which he was licking Osama's blood off his alleged trigger finger, the president said that evil Republicans are putting "the very core of what this nation stands for on the line. The notion that we're all in this together, that we look out for each other."

Frankly, it strikes us as odd that the president claims "we're all in this together," while trying to incite half of the country to take up arms against the other half. Maybe we don't quite understand his definition of "looking out for each other."

And what are we to make of Obama's accusation that Republicans are against people succeeding "no matter what you look like?" Seriously, if he was any faster at whipping out the race card, he'd be dealing Blackjack in Vegas.

But at least we don't actually have anything to fear from Barack Obama's violent new definition of "Change" as killing your political enemies - right?

Maybe yes, maybe no. Because Homeland Security has now been tasked with collecting personal information and keeping data banks on anyone in the country who uses "traditional and/or social media in real time to keep their audience situationally aware and informed."

Which means there's a pretty good likelihood that they're keeping an eye on Hope n' Change Cartoons.

I just hope that there won't be an ugly midnight visit from Seal Team Six when they find out that my real name is Bill Maher.
-

But you know, the libs, they're all about the 1st Amendment and rights and shit . . . until they don't like what they hear. I do not post the Hope and Change cartoons with every new one on Facebook - but when I went to do so today, I was blocked by Facebook as the URL to Jarlsberg's blog was reported as "spammy or unsafe." Evidently, either it takes very little to silence someone there - because reporting a link is enough and Facebook doesn't check the veracity of a report - or Facebook does check and is run by a bunch of pro-Obama book burners.

I wonder which?

Down the drain . . .

2012-01-10T11:57:00.003-05:00

“I hate other priests who tell me I’m on a slippery slope for not saying the Liturgy of the Hours” — That’s a direct quote from a priest who just told that to me out of the blue about what another priest told him, making him flabergasted with moments of spittleflected livid anger.

That same priest, some months later — after he had been caught out doing something terribly, terribly wrong — told me, “I don’t know why I did that.” He was just as flabergasted, but instead of anger, was shaking with fear, his voice quivering. A bit of a fright, really.

I think sin is a lot like putting on weight you don't need. You don'tt go from 0 to 60 in 3 seconds like a Mrecedes-Benz. It's gradual. You take a little shortcut here, and then another one there, and the next thing you know . . . you have fucked up.

This blog post points this out nicely for priests but the lesson is there for everyone. But I would like to add, just as I didn't gain 30 extra pounds overnight, it will not be lost overnight as well. This morning I had the opportunity to talk to my priest. He likened working on reconciliation like climbing Mt. Laconte, here locally in the Great Smoky Mountains - the road rises, and then the road dips, and sometimes it is easy flat hiking, and then rocks get in the way . . . but eventually, you reach the top. So too with making changes in your life for the better. Sometimes it is time to get back to the basics . . . such as remembering your childhood and ending each day with a simple "God bless Mommy, God bless Daddy, God bless my dog, God bless my bestest friend . . ."

Your guess is as good as mine . . .

2012-01-10T11:46:00.002-05:00

I could only mediate this couple's divorce if English subtitles magically appear each time one opens his or her mouth.

Bishop and Child

2012-01-08T21:23:00.001-05:00

Bishop and Child, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

Taken January 7, 2012 in Knoxville, Tennessee.

This is Bishop Richard Stika who heads the Diocese of Knoxville. The diocese was sponsoring a Mass to honor married couples and His Grace graciously posed for photographs with the couples, which I took for the diocese. One couple had this adorable little girl who seemed to take a liking to the bishop, so he said, "C'mon, let's get a shot with just her!" Wht I admire is this is the Bishop at the END of the day - still happy, still smiling, and evidently a man who loves his vocation!

What They Didn't Tell You About Corgi . . .

2012-01-07T19:01:00.001-05:00

A dog that was feared dead after he was swept away in a weekend avalanche that killed his owner, Greenwich native David Lee Gaillard, showed up four days later at the Montana motel where his owners had stayed the night before going backcountry skiing.

Search and rescue team member Bill Whittle said he was "positive" that the Welsh corgi -- named Ole -- had been buried in Saturday's avalanche.

I own a Corgi. I know Corgis. And let me tell you, the story doesn't tell you what really happened.

After the avalanche, Corgi likely ate his owner's face to survive. No problem, Corgis believe Man exists only to serve them. After making his way back to the lodge, with a full stomach, Ole ordered room service. Later he was heard to say, "Dumb shit nearly got me fuckin' killed . . ."

I love my Josie. But if she and I were trapped on a deserted island, I would not turn my back on the bitch.

Today's Shot

2012-01-07T17:03:00.001-05:00

January 7, 2012, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

I started a 365 project for 2012, where one takes a picture each day. I set some rules for myself: (1) don;t beat myself up if I cannot get a shot that day, and (2) use my iPhone whenever possible, to include processing the picture on my iPhone using various apps.

Today I was taking pictures for the diocese at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Knoxville, where our bishop, Bp. Richard Stika, was presiding over a Mass to honor couples joined in the Sacrament of Matrimony. Lovely, really - and for anyone who knows him, I am sure you will join me in saying that Bishop Stika is an absolute gem.

One tidbit: he and I were talking about the purchase of the Crystal Cathedral in Orange. He made a good point - all those modern churches, like Our Lady Queen of Angels in Los Angeles, lack because their architecture dates them. "Here," he said with a grin, "We're building them in a traditional style - so people know they're a Catholic church!"

Wise Guys

2012-01-06T08:41:00.000-05:00

Happy Feast of the Magi, when the three Wise Guys made it to Bethlehem to worship the newborn Savior!

Wait, what? Oh . . . Wise Men.

My bad.

(And by the way, today is the 12th day of Christmas as per the song . . . so Merry Christmas!

I have found my WalMart o' Spirituality

2012-01-05T21:26:00.000-05:00

I have been thinking, why did I call my blog The Digital Hairshirt. Maybe because I am an irritant. Maybe because I make people uncomfortable.

Becuase that is what hairshirts are made to do. Actually, it is discomfort for the sake of mortification, that is, allowing one to resist the temptations of the flesh. The word cilice originally referred to a hairshirt, coming from the Latin word for "goat hair." Now it includes lashes, inctures, and other means of carnal mortification.

Mind you, I suspect that if you are into masochism . . . this isn't going to work. If your motto is "Screw the roses, send me the thorns!" you might want to consider something else.

Anyway, I have found a shop in the UK from which such means of discipline can be purchased!

Seriously, a waist cilice might be just the trick for a success diet!

DinoFail

2012-01-05T20:24:00.001-05:00

The DigiMovie Guide: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

2012-01-05T10:01:00.001-05:00

Saw the movie last night. Unless you live under a rock, everyone has heard of either this movie or the book by the late Stieg Larssen. It is a crime thriller set in Sweden (yah!) and stars Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, and Christopher Plummer. There is also a major character played by Stellan Skarsgård, who I swore, while watching the movie, was the same guy who played the butler in Trading Places. Don't ask me how to pronounce his last name.

What I learned from the film:

I can never listen to Enya the same again.
Swedes smoke and drink both coffee and alcohol pretty much every waking minute of the day.
Evidently, laws are so lax you can get away with rape and justice is only served by your victim.
Speaking of which, she does so quite violently. However, I would advise you not to watch this if you were a rape victim, especially if it was incestuous. I am not and I was uncomfortable watching these scenes.
When it's winter in Sweden, it's fucking bleak.
And finally . . . no one's computer is 100% secure.

Do I recommend it? Yes, if you liked the book and crime thrillers in general. But I have my reservations. No, I would NOT take a teen to see this and you will have to have a strong stmach. There is a LOT of nudity - in fact, more than was needed, IMHO - and sex scenes, both heterosexual and lesbian. In fact, far less gore than one would expect and more sex, sex, and more sex. That has to be my one biggest complaint - the script is good, the acting is good, but really, how many times do we have to see Mara's tiny tits?

Will say this - the rapist looks like every American literature/acting/sociology professor I've run across in universities.

Please stop me . . .

2012-01-05T09:48:00.000-05:00

I have problems and am easily amused by bad puns. Really bad puns.

Wait, didn't Kennedy have this same "problem"?

2012-01-05T09:15:00.003-05:00

Although I was naught but a gleam in my Daddy's eye, as the saying goes, during the 1960 election, I have read how Kennedy faced a problem regarding his religion - that he would "take orders" from the Pope (after all, His Holiness called me just this morning and said, "Shteph, I vant you should essen less carbs . . .") and be guilty of LWC. Legislating While Catholic.

The Democratic party pooh-poohed such an idea. "Why, he's an American!" they proclaimed. "Rome will not govern the United States!"

Rick Santorum - if not a traditionalist Catholic then seemingly one more devout than the late JFK (and the rest of his clan) - does not get such a pass.

Liberal journalists want you to be scared of Rick Santorum, but at times that involves misinterpreting his arguments and ignoring his written statements.

“Rick Santorum is coming for your birth control,” proclaims the headline by liberal writer Irin Carmon. She warns darkly of a “contraception ban.” Libertarian lawyer Dan Mataconis makes this claim, too in a blog post titled “Rick Santorum Favors Making Birth Control Illegal.”

Of course! Because he's Catholic and they don't believe in using birth control!

And yet . . . George W. Bush did not believe abortion was legal and even after eight years, babies are being murdered daily.

Religion-as-an-issue seems to be reserved for the GOP candidates, that somehow if they become President, the rule of law and legislation simply flies out the window and they are free to impose their personal beliefs upon the conduct of millions of Americans. Which is laughable unless you consider Obama circumventing procedure and law to appoint directors of government boards without congressional scrutiny . . . and no one calls bullshit on him.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to run over to the rectory of my parish. It's my turn to feed and water the murderous albino Opus Dei monk we have living in the cellar . . .

My Hero . . . and I would do the same

2012-01-04T16:32:00.003-05:00

I love her comment: "There's nothing more dangerous than a mother with her child."

You can help!

A fund has been set up in Sarah McKinley’s name. If you’re from the area, donations will be accepted by the Chickasha Bank and Trust at 1525 N. Council Road. If you’re not local but still want to help donations can also be mailed to P.O. Box 548, Blanchard, Oklahoma 73010.

BTW, if you read the news story - Sarah was on the phone with the dispatcher for twenty-one minutes before the intruder finally broke through. Stop and think about that for a minute - TWENTY-ONE MINUTES and NO POLICE CRUISER had arrived by then. I URGE responsible people to train yourself in the use of firearms and be ready to defend you and your family. With budget cuts and a weakened economy, you CANNOT rely upon the police to arrive in time to save you.

Father Bishop

2012-01-04T14:19:00.001-05:00

A Los Angeles bishop stepped down from his duties with the Catholic church on Wednesday after acknowledging he fathered two children.

Auxiliary Bishop Gabino Zavala, 60, told the archdiocese in December that he was the father of two teenagers who live out of the state with their mother, the Associated Press reported.

Zavala submitted his resignation with the Vatican shortly thereafter. Under Catholic doctrine, priests must take a vow of celibacy.

Zavala filed his resignation under the code of canon law that allows bishops to apply for retirement before the age of 75 for medical purposes or for reasons making them unsuitable for their jobs, according to the AP.

Well, at least he resigned. If a priest cannot keep to his vows - and stop calling the vow of celibacy "unrealistic", because it is voluntary and if your spouse was unable to engage in sexual relations, would you dump them? - then maybe he ought to consider laicization, just as I have suggested to pople who cannot keep their marriage vows, to divorce and end the farce. Because if all that - marriage, the Church, commitment, your integrity, your honor - means less than getting laid, you are in one sorry state. Mind you, I would only suggest this as a last resort, because sin is a continual thing and there is a hope for redemption if confession and atonement are also continual. If suicide is marked by despair, don't commit spiritual suicide.

So I am assuming that this is not a case of any medical condition, but that either (a) the guilt got too much for him, or (b) circumstances were such that he would be found out, and came clean. If the latter, that is sad - this "confession" only came when a light was going to shine upon the lie. So that's hardly "coming clean."

And . . . the article also says it is offering financial support to his children for college costs. Nice gesture, but is that what my tithing is going to? Hasn't this guy have any money of his own to contribute towards his children?

Stories like this can discourage my faith because it makes you think it must all be a lie if people cannot abide by certain rules, like the vow of celibacy, and no one is to be trusted, especially if they wear a Roman collar. That is one of the reasons why I am glad to have moved to Eastern Tennessee - a number of the Catholics I have met are converts and as former Baptists, Methodists, or Pentecostals, they bring a strong moral fiber to the Church - coupled with their enthusiasm as converts to Catholicism, they help to dispel the discouragement.

Your Tax Dollars at Work

2012-01-04T09:43:00.008-05:00

According to its latest annual report, the Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) received $487.4 million in tax dollars over a twelve-month period and performed 329,455 abortions.

In addition, the number of adoption referrals made by the organization continued to decline.

Why is anyone surprised by that last statement? I mean, you're not going to turn away business, are you?

BTW, for those African-Americans or Hispanic-Americans decrying institutions like their local law enforcement and saying it's the White Man keeping them down . . . ask yourselves what percentage of these abortions were your children?

The article has a link to the report, which covers 2009 - 2010. According to their own statistics, services such as cancer screening nd contraception were down. Abortion and detection of HIV and STDs were up.

Look, if you support Planned Parenthood, at least be honest and drop the rhetoric about "protecting women's rights." You're supporting a business . . . no, actually, you are supporting an industry.

Or to paraphrase a line from the movie, Inglorious Basterds: "You probably heard we ain't in the ~~prisoner-takin'~~ women-savin' business; we in the killin' ~~Nazi~~ baby business. And cousin, business is a-boomin'."
.

Brothers

2012-01-03T20:05:00.003-05:00

Brothers, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

Call me the crazy Dog Lady, on January 1st we added another member to the pack. We have been so impressed by the quality of Sam, our 6-month-old blue Weimraner, that we got Mac, the two-month-old on the right. They are, to each other, the "brother of another mother," sharing a common sire, Drake.

I sent this photo to the breeder, Lori, of WNC Weimaraners. She was astounded - "Sam is THAT BIG ALREADY?! He's going to be bigger than Drake!" Drake, by the way, is one hundred pounds.

Look at that picture - just four months divide them.

That's some nice papist bling ya got going there, Kemosabi . . .

2012-01-03T19:23:00.000-05:00

I could use some good news regarding the state of the Catholic Church, and I was amused to learn that Chief Sitting Bull - he of the Little Big Horn fame ("nice shooting, Chief") - in his later years . . . converted to Catholicism.

Okay, that's pretty damn cool.

As his this picture. Sure, you've seen it a thousand times before, but this time, take a look at what's around his neck.

And I don't care if he converted because it was politically conveninent. The Sacrament still took. Please, as if our Catholic family didn't already has some highly dysfunctional members . . .

Then I saw His face / now I'm a believer . . .

2012-01-03T13:33:00.000-05:00

I am trying to be a good Catholic. Without being that much of an asswipe. If I don't succeed, please let me know.

Otherwise, I will relish doing this.

Oh, Canada . . . no place for babies

2012-01-03T11:37:00.005-05:00

Katrina Effert, 19, secretly gave birth in the basement of her parents' home to a boy, born alive. Some time later, she strangled the infant and threw him over the back fence.

And she won't spend a minute in jail.

On Friday, Effert got a three-year suspended sentence from Justice Joanne Veit of the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench. As a result, she was able to walk out of court, though she will have to abide by certain conditions.

According to Justice Veit, Canada’s lack of an abortion law indicates that “while many Canadians undoubtedly view abortion as a less than ideal solution to unprotected sex and unwanted pregnancy, they generally understand, accept and sympathize with the onerous demands pregnancy and childbirth exact from mothers, especially mothers without support.”

Under Canada’s Criminal Code, a woman who has not “fully recovered” from the effects of birth can be found guilty of the lesser charge of infanticide. To bring forward the infanticide defense, which carries a maximum sentence of five years, there must be evidence that the woman’s mind was disturbed.

So, the fact that Canada even has a lesser charge of infanticide - in lieu of a law against homicide that carries with it all the affirmative defenses, to include state of mind - means that a "lesser" status of personhood is granted to a newborn infant legally. They are not, I guess, "full" persons deserving protection of the Crown. This leads to a question - when are they? When they are a month old?

This is the Canadian law:

A female person commits infanticide when by a wilful act or omission she causes the death of her newly-born child, if at the time of the act or omission she is not fully recovered from the effects of giving birth to the child and by reason thereof or of the effect of lactation consequent on the birth of the child her mind is then disturbed.

That doesn't answer the question and the "effects of lactation" can be lasting - maybe when Junior develops teeth before his first year and bites down on the nipple, causing Mother to fling him across the room and shatter his head can the charge of infanticide still apply.

Also note: sorry, Dad, infanticide is only open to the ladies due to their plumbing. You better have a better defense if you kill the newborn. What if both Mom and Dad conspire to kill Junior upon his birth? She has a better chance of defense even if both are equally culpable.

Because eventually, everyone will come to face the Truth . . .

2012-01-03T10:06:00.000-05:00

Although this is directed at girls, it applies to everyone: we are here on this Earth to help each other towards holiness. And if you do not like what your friend is saying, you can write them off, but if they are trying to help you see the Truth - or acknowledge it, because you know what it is - eventually, you will not be able to ignore that message any longer.

Now, my advice, when you are willing to face the Truth? Contact that friend and have the guts to say, "You were right. Forgive me . . ."

Betcha they do.

Just another morning in Paradise . . .

2012-01-02T17:29:00.002-05:00

Upload_4, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

. . . in Cade's Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, at sunrise.

When my friend Eddie said, "Brenda and I are heading to the Cove at sunrise to shoot - who's in?", I said, "I am!" So I got some thermal underwear and heavy socks, and set my alarm clock for 5:00 am.

Yeah, it was cold - but you have to be ready to endure some hardship to get what you want. No, I didn't get the drop-dead-gorgeous shot of a 10-point buck, but I got to witness the majesty of the park before the tourists came in and spend time with some great people.

And as I see it, I'm just another day closer to bagging that buck with my Canon . . .

See more pictures here.

Just a story I heard

2012-01-02T17:22:00.000-05:00

An individual I know shared with me a story today.

His father died. Shortly thereafter the company for whom he worked went under. His wife was cheating on him and left him, taking their children. And his emotionally abusive mother started playing those mind games again.

So he drove out to an isolated area with a handgun. He jammed it down as far as he could into his throat. And pulled the trigger.

And it didn't go off.

His comment after relating this story: "No matter how joyous or not so joyous life may be--God loves us."

So, knowing that - are you ready to make changes? Or will you literally or metaphorically take the easy way out?

Just a story I heard today . . .

Last day of 2011 . . . photoshooting in Asheville

2012-01-02T17:06:00.002-05:00

Upload_59, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

Three of my Knoxville friends - Ann, Deb, and Sharon - and I took off on the last day of 2011 for Asheville, NC. Nothing special - we are all photographers and just wanted to stroll about the city and see what could be captured. The weather was bright and sunny, and the hippies and hipsters were out in dorves.

But look at that little boy above! He reminds me of the spirit of Puck, from Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Or maybe he's Peter Pan . . .

Two of our group did not know much about Catholicism and so I explained why St. Lawrence sitting atop his basilica was holding a grate. He thereafter was referred to as Larry the Grill Guy.

See more pictures here.

Repentance

2012-01-01T22:00:00.005-05:00

Child St. John the Baptist, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

The day before Christmas Eve, I was looking forward to the holiday, but I was also troubled by something that had happened over the week previously, involving an exchange between me and a friend. What she told me about herself left me with a disturbing feeling that she was not being completly honest, both with me and themselves. What troubled me brought to question whether there was mortal sin at work.

I had decided to spend some time by myself, looking in antique shops for - of all things! - a bar sign for my home bar. As I meandered, it allowed me time to think about what should I do, that is, whether to pretend everyhting is hunky-dory or ask for clarification on my doubts. Of course, I asked God for guidance and then - something I am getting good at - I shut up and waited for some sort of signal from God. You have to be quiet and wait. He answers - but in His own time.

I was in one shop when I found myself face-to-face with the print above - which scared the dickens out of me. No, really, And I will explain in a minute. I bought the print. The artist was C. Bosseron Chambers, a well-known religious painter. I tried in vain to find out where the original of this hung, but through St. Ignatius Church in Chicago, where there are some original Chamers works, I learned the following story regarding the boy who modeled for this:

The original of the little "Saint John," he of the valiant heart and the vision of the future in his eyes, is in heaven with the real John of the Wilderness, and the beloved disciple. This little fellow, the son of an old pupil, died shortly after the picture was finished.

It saddened me to learn that the model had died as a child, but the description stuck with me - "he of the valiant heart and the vision of the future in his eyes." I had not thought of John the Baptist as such as child - we know him leaping for joy in utero, and then the narrative fast-forwards to the adult man, clothed in his camel skin and chowing down on locust and wild honey. But look at this boy, looking ahead to his martyrdom. Is he scared? Is he resolute? I think he is a little of both, that even sanctified in the womb as he was, he sees the job he has ahead, to lead sinners to repentance, and the price it will cost him. And so he cluthches his cross, the symbol of his destiny, to his heart for courage. I think he is so beautiful.

So why did this scare me? Because he reminds me of a child I knew from a story, who suffered abuse that cost her a measure of her innocence, but who ultimately forgave her tormentor. I can picture this little John as that child. I can imagine that child praying for a valiant heart. Did I say God works in His own time? But still, it came . . . when the child was a woman and could forgive.

And so I have begun praying to St. John the Baptist and have asked him to be my patron saint for 2012. Already, I have received requests from several people to pray for conversions, for repentance and for turning from sin, for the sake of others. I have my own intention, to pray that my friend mentioned at the beginning of this post be saved from sin, now and always.

Now, mind you, I have asked God, why me? I am NOT a particularly holy person so I do not understand why God wants me to pray that the souls of others be saved from sin when I need such prayers myself. But I feel He is telling me to trust him, and that through my partnership with St. John the Baptist this year, I will benefit from helping bring others away from sin.

And so I'll wait, and reflect upon my little John above, and talk to him, asking this little boy to inertcede for me and others. His gaze reminds me, look forward, move forward, keep your eye on the prize. Because when there is sin, it is easy to succumb to spiritual inertia, rather than undertake the process - often uncomfortable and sometimes painful - to move away from the behavior and circumstances that lead us to sin. Which is why I pray to "he of the valiant heart" . . . for courage.

Little St. John the Baptist, give me the trust of a child in God's mercy, and the courage to face the Truth without fear and secure it will bring me to God and make me holy. You lived and you died to bring sinners to repent; help me to see the way that I might do the same for others and myself.

I ask this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen. (+)

By the way, if anyone knows where the original painting of this work by Chambers can be found, I would appreciate the heads up.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T08:47:00.000-05:00

My Dad, partying like it's 1966!

There's your choice . . .

2011-12-30T18:11:00.000-05:00

Police say they began their investigation in August 2010 after a botched procedure at Brigham's Elkton clinic. Authorities say an 18-year-old woman who was 21 weeks pregnant had her uterus ruptured and her bowel injured, and rather than call 911, Brigham and his colleague Dr. Nicola Riley drove the woman to a nearby hospital, where both were uncooperative and Brigham refused to give his name.

A search of the Elkton clinic after the botched abortion revealed a freezer with 35 late-term fetuses inside, including one believed to have been aborted at 36 weeks.

Because it was all about the money.

They did not even have the decency to give a proper burial to viable children.

Bastards.

I am so easily amused . . .

2011-12-30T11:38:00.000-05:00

I Am a Selfish Catholic

2011-12-30T10:57:00.000-05:00

Because I love my faith and hold it to the The One True Faith.

But I will be lazy this morning and point y'all in the direction of my friend, The Crescat, and her far-better-written-post-than-anything-I-can write-unless-of-course-she-and-I-were-drinking-at-The-Thirsty-Beaver:

To my dear friend religion is just another personal choice, like who to date or whether to have coffee or tea for breakfast. It doesn’t matter what religion you choose to follow if it works for you. But that is not what Catholicism is. It is not just another choice on the buffet of beliefs. He thinks my stubborn persistence that Catholicism is the True Faith founded by Christ to be nothing more than a desire to be right.

However, it is Catholicism that is right, not I. You can not apply the same rightness to all religions if you truly believe and acknowledge the rightness of Catholicism. Does that make any sense? How could I possibly grant equal legitimacy to other religions under the guise of personal choice without making my own faith appear less legitimate? By suggesting religion is nothing more than a lifestyle choice reduces Catholicism to just one of the many spiritual options.

To quote the late Ken Kesey (yeah, I know his past, shut up): You're either on the bus or off the bus.

Year(s) in Review - a Reminder of What Is At Stake in the 2012 Elections

2011-12-30T10:19:00.000-05:00

The brilliant Stilton Jarlsberg suggested we wish each other a Happy No Year . . . for 2012 will be the year to say NO to another four years of the Obama administration.

Lost In My Mind

2011-12-29T21:56:00.000-05:00

This song is beautiful.

DING!

2011-12-29T13:40:00.000-05:00

It's my new way of cheering myself up and an inside joke with my kids . . .

DING!

The Resolution of Innocence

2011-12-29T11:01:00.002-05:00

“We shouldn't be surprised that innocence frightens us. We fear innocence because we fear being humble instruments of God. So we will not serve. Why? Because we fear the loss of our freedom. But didn't the God-man tell us, "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free"? Yet we fear the truth because we don't want to give up our slavery to sin.”

Yesterday was the Feast of the Holy Innocents, those children killed by the order of King Herod, to whom it was foretold that a child - the Christ - would become King of the Jews. To eliminate what he saw as his rival for the throne, Herod ordered that all Jewish boys of a tender age would be slain. Joseph was warned of this and fled into Egypt, thereby saving the Christ Child's life.

I spent yesterday with children - mine and two other friends, at Dollywood. To them, it was a fun vacation day. To me, it was something more. I was spending the day watching my children, silently giving thanks to the Lord for their presence. At one point in my life, such a gift would not – was not – within my comprehension.

I have been thinking about the Incarnation – really, Christmas is not the celebration of His Birth as we know birth to be in human terms, but a continuation of the mystery of the Incarnation, begun when the Virgin Mary conceived of the Holy Spirit. That Christ was present even then cannot be disputed – at Mary’s visit to her kin, Elizabeth, the child John the Baptist leapt in Elizabeth’s womb for joy at the presence of his Savior. And indeed, Jesus cannot be “born” as He always was and will always be – instead, fully divine, He takes on flesh and becomes fully human, and Christmas is the culmination of that process. Our God so loves us that He assumes our lowly forms and walks among us.

My reading led me to the quoted passage above. Taken from a Christmas homily in 2009, it speaks to the loss of innocence, an innocence of absolute trust in God and the ability to face His truth without fear, and how Christ came – in His Incarnation – to restore us to that innocence.

If I am one thing, I can be overly cynical at times. All too often, I can dismiss someone as being “naïve” or “simple”. They just don’t understand “the rules”; they don’t see the world as I do, self-assured and “tougher” than they are. At such times, I must remember to stop and ask myself, am I playing Herod? Am I “killing” innocence rather than check my cynicism and my pride and simply trust in the Truth that is Christ?

I recently wrote a letter to a friend, telling them of my fears at what may be conduct on their part leading to mortal sin. I do not think I was being judgmental, but what I did do was describe to them conduct that would lead me to withhold my gift of friendship and amity – no, I would not stop loving them but while love is unconditional, that is not the same as being without consequences.

Sometimes, in my practice of law, a client might ask, “When should I not allow [the other parent] to take the child for a visit?” when there is a fear of harm. I would ask them, “Well, would you let the child go if the other parent arrived at your doorstep falling down drunk?” “Of course not!” they would exclaim. Then I would “lessen” the egregious nature of the other parent’s behavior so that they could see there is a time when consequences to someone’s behavior are not appropriate . . . and a point where they become so, and so action such as not allowing visitation may be in order.

So too is it for us in our relationships with others. “Turning the other cheek” does not mean becoming a punching bag. Surely, I would not expect any Christian to disparage a woman – especially one with minor children – for leaving a husband who is an abusive alcoholic. She may still love him; even in her anger, perhaps subconsciously, she may still retain a love for the fact that they conceived children together. But that does not mean her love must be sacrificed to his decision to act in a certain way. And so certain physical manifestations of her love – the conjugal act, maintaining a household together – are foregone to ensure her and her children’s safety – or, if you will, their innocence.

“After the fall, Adam and Eve lost their innocence. So they were ashamed of themselves and fearful of God. They were alienated from each other and alienated from God Himself. They blamed each other and insisted that the ‘devil made them do it’. They were not to blame; they were not accountable; they would not accept responsibility for their disobedience. And so they and all of us after them unleashed a maelstrom of evil that continues and intensifies. Nations suffered and continue to suffer; nations bled and continue to bleed; nations died and continue to die in their sins.”

“But God refuses to abandon us. He renewed His covenant with His people again and again. The covenant with Noah, with Abraham and Moses would be renewed in different ways. But the covenant would be the same: an agreement, plain and simple. With God as one of the parties, the covenant became an unbreakable agreement between God and man. It reads simply, "Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people..." (Jer. 7:23). Innocence is restored through obedience: Worship the one God; keep holy the Sabbath; do not kill or commit adultery or steal; do not lie. Reasonable enough terms. But terms so easily ignored.”

“So in the fullness of time, God sent His only begotten Son into the world. Jesus Christ came into the world to restore man to innocence, and to restore the divine intimacy lost by sin. And He tells us throughout the Gospel to ‘be not afraid.’"

“The truth is, the child Jesus, in His person, is the perfect covenant between God and man and He shows us the way. And so the ‘Word was made flesh and dwelt among us’. Man has received a transfusion of innocence.”

As we approach the New Year, we should remember that we are still in the Christmas season and, to use the metaphor above, are still receiving that transfusion of innocence. This is why the New Year is a time of making resolutions – hopefully, we do a self-examination to determine where our innocence has been lost or may be threatened, by ourselves or by others. It is easy to say God comes first; it is hard to place Him there, especially if it means having to face someone we love and modify our manifestation of that love, perhaps from being in an on-going relationship with them to simply praying for their soul. But we cannot abandon God to human sentimentality because in doing so, we corrupt our innocence with God.

At one time my innocence was lost. I spent my life in a dissolute manner and God was more than pushed into second place, He was abandoned by me. But He never abandoned me. In time, through His grace, my innocence was restored . . . and, with time, led me to a chilly day in the Smokey mountains, enjoying the winter sun with children borne of a loving marriage. My daughter conquered her fears of riding any roller coaster that went upside down yesterday, while I affirmed by conquest over a fear of setting aside cynicism and embracing the innocence of trust in Christ Jesus.

In my letter to my friend, I set out a detailed history of a time in my life when I lived without that innocence, in hopes of explaining to them why my fears for them were such as they are and begging my friend’s forgiveness if I mistakenly maligned their character by letting them know of my concern. In doing so, I considered the possibility that they may tell me to go screw myself in their indignation at what they could perceive as a lack of trust in them – or, really, a lack of “unconditional” love. So be it. My love – philos, agape, and eros – for any person is precious if grounded in the innocence of Christ. It must be protected and I am failing to do so if I provide someone with the benefits they enjoy or expect from it if their behavior mocks that innocence.

Christ was incarnated, Christ suffered, Christ died, and Christ rose again all to reconcile sinners to God. I cannot sacrifice that gift to someone’s feeling, self-esteem, or weakness. This is not to say I expect perfection from a person, but I expect them to “walk the walk” and seek my assistance, if needed . . . and help me to do so as well should my innocence become corrupted.

King Herod is dead. Long live the King of Kings!

Why my New Year Eves are spent at home or at the home of friends . . .

2011-12-29T08:42:00.000-05:00

Well, there is a possibility that The Crescat might come for the holiday. Maybe we'll find that snake-handling church having a midnight service . . .

Wouldn't some Britney Spears have worked better . . .?

2011-12-28T08:22:00.002-05:00

Luann is one of the comics I read online, and I guess the cartoonist is running "retro" strips from years past to allow for a vacation.

Nine Inch Nails?! Really? Either the cartoonist has a hidden dark side or just hard the lyric "You bring me closer to God" and thought the rest of the song was wholesome for a family strip.

Yeah, turn off that hearing aid, Gramps - NSFW ahead . . .

Update!

Over on Facebook, I snidely remakred that fif the long-running and venerated comic strip Mary Worth could work in a goatse joke, my year would be complete. Then I saw today's strip . . .

HOLY SHIT, LOOK AT THEIR HANDS IN THE LAST PANEL!!!!

Liturgy Ain't Performance Art

2011-12-27T17:37:00.000-05:00

One thing that drives me crazy is when liturgies just have too much. I have often said, at my funeral, if the presiding priest sings the Eucharistic prayers, I am coming out of my box.

Case in point: the English choir at my old church. Of the four times a parishioner can sing - processional, collection, Communion, recessional - the choir mistress would only have parishioners do so during the processional and recessional, most of the time. The other two times was for her to put on a show. And they did - for awhile, I heard so many "spirituals" that I remarked to my husband one Sunday, "Oh, look - we're getting 'Song of the South' again!" The Sunday she brought in drums, both the sacristan and I looked at each other with raised eyebrows.

And when the choir finished its performance, the congregation usually applauded . . . all except me, my husband, and the sacristan. Sorry, I was raised differently as to how to behave at Mass.

Neat Story from a Friend

2011-12-27T09:16:00.000-05:00

As some may know, I am a friend to Miss Norma, the woman who is in the history books as "Roe" in the seminal US Supreme Court case, Roe v. Wade. Praise God, she is now a leading voice in the pro-life movement!

I wanted to share with you something she told me today, about her late father and his loving and generous nature.

When Norma became pregnant with the child that caused her to be chosen as the plainitff in that case (and no, the child was never aborted, but given up for adoption and reunited with her mother in later years), her father told her not to worry and said, "Honey, we have another cup of water and bone for the soup . . ." if she were to keep the baby.

What a great saying! And what a great father! Today, I am praying for the soul of Norma McCorvey's father.

Hoc Est Corpus Meum

2011-12-26T18:52:00.001-05:00

Hoc Est Corpus Meum, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

Fr. Chris Michelson, pastor of St. Albert the Great Catholic Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, at the celebration of Christmas Eve Mass.

Pity their firefighting helmets hide their haloes . . .

2011-12-24T15:12:00.000-05:00

From YouTube:

Kyle is an 11 yr old honorary member of the Barnegat Fire Company, he is losing his battle with cancer and was sent home to be with his family and friends until the Lord calls him home. As one of his last wishes for Ocean Of Love he wanted to see a parade of Fire Trucks pass by his house. So Ocean of Love and The Barnegat Fire Company and MANY other companies banded together to make that happen. We had an overwhelming response when we called for assist. We ended up having over 35 companies and nearly 100 trucks. For so many people to take time out of their busy lives this time a year really shows what the meaning of Christmas is all about. It was a surprise for Kyle and to get to be apart of something so amazing really touched my heart. Please keep Kyle and his family in your prayers! God Bless Kyle!! Courage for Kyle!

The Shadows . . . Can Still Be Dispelled . . .

2011-12-24T14:48:00.000-05:00

GREATEST scene of any Christmas movie. Dare you to watch this and not laugh in joy!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T12:47:00.001-05:00

Christmas 1960 with me, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

I just want to take this time to wish all readers of this blog a very Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.

Christmas is about rejoicing in the greatest gift of all, the Incarnaton. As I was wrapping presents for my children this morning, it occurred to me that after thanking God for His Son, I should also be thankful that I find myself in a comfortable home wrapping gifts for children that I bore with a good husband. Really, after that, what need to I have for anything else?

The picture above is Christmas 1960. I am there, albeit in utero. Mom would have been about five months along. I wonder if she was having similar thoughts that Christmas, with one child toddling about and another on the way.

So Merry Christmas to all!