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guitarnan
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We were blessed to have decent guidance on pro-life issues before the election. Not that it helped in our state - how embarrassing that Maryland went for Obama in spite of all the Catholics here.
Is there a central listing of pro-life Catholic activities around the country? Maybe we can figure out a way to have a strong 4Real presence at Marches for Life and letter-writing campaigns?
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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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LisaR
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| Posted: Nov 05 2008 at 8:41am | IP Logged
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guitarnan wrote:
| We were blessed to have decent guidance on pro-life issues before the election. |
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us too, IMHO. We witnessed people with cars that had Obama stickers in the Church parking lot show up for Mass a week later with them gone.
Priests that I did not expect speaking out during the homily about life issues.
I noticed in the different Catholic Churches around here that the prayers for the unborn seemed to be ramped up (or included where I had not heard before) during intention time as well..
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Lisa
dh Tim '92
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many little saints in heaven!
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Michaela
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guitarnan wrote:
We were blessed to have decent guidance on pro-life issues before the election. Not that it helped in our state - how embarrassing that Maryland went for Obama in spite of all the Catholics here.
Is there a central listing of pro-life Catholic activities around the country? Maybe we can figure out a way to have a strong 4Real presence at Marches for Life and letter-writing campaigns? |
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I plan to write to our pastor to THANK him for the guidance he has given our parish. That may encourage him to continue.
As for a central list, that I don't know. You could sign up for some of the events, then you'd receive notifications. Our parish (our Priest) is active in the 40 days for Life, the Assisted Suicide initiative, and the March for Life. Information is also circulated through our Catholic homeschool group.
The prolife movement could ALWAYS use more people actively involved - James 2:20.
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Michaela
Momma to Nicholas 16, Nathan 13, Olivia 13, Teresa 6, & Anthony 3
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stefoodie
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There is an anti-FOCA group that I just joined last night on Facebook -- I think Maureen Wittmann and Lisa Hendey (Catholicmom) are on it as well. I haven't had the chance to look over anything there to see if there are action items/prayers, but will share if I find out anything.
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stef
mom to five
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MarilynW
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guitarnan wrote:
| We were blessed to have decent guidance on pro-life issues before the election. |
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We were certainly not. It was only this last Sunday that one of the new priests made a statement at the end of his homily about Catholics, voting and pro-life issues.
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Marilyn
Blessed with 6 gifts from God
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Katie
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Dear Moderators,
I am sure I speak for many when I say that I find this thread so terribly hurtful. It seems that if we did not vote Republican then we are not Catholic enough?? Perhaps the header at the top of the board should indicate that this is a board for Catholic homeschooling parents faithful to the Magisterium and the Republican Party?
Please, please remember that many faithful Catholics searched their hearts and prayed mightily and educated themselves extensively, and then proceeded to vote Democrat.
Thanks, guys. Slinking off now.
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Mother of 5 in South America. No 6 due in April.
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gwendyt
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Katie, please don't be hurt, but please do be informed. As a faithful Catholic, we are obligated not to vote Republican, but certainly to vote with a morally informed conscience for a pro-life candidate (or the most pro-life candidate), which to put it directly, the Democratic nominee this time around, was not.
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Wendy
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ladybugs
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Katie wrote:
Dear Moderators,
I am sure I speak for many when I say that I find this thread so terribly hurtful. It seems that if we did not vote Republican then we are not Catholic enough?? Perhaps the header at the top of the board should indicate that this is a board for Catholic homeschooling parents faithful to the Magisterium and the Republican Party?
Please, please remember that many faithful Catholics searched their hearts and prayed mightily and educated themselves extensively, and then proceeded to vote Democrat.
Thanks, guys. Slinking off now. |
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It was pretty clear our responsibilities in voting in this election. I don't think anyone here is judging, Katie and I think it's unfair to make the comment, "Perhaps the header at the top of the board should indicate that this is a board for Catholic homeschooling parents faithful to the Magisterium and the Republican Party?"
There's a moderator on this board who had a 10000 Catholics for Obama banner on her blog, after all.
That doesn't negate the life issue and where people are feeling frustrated and concerned for our Nation. That needs to be respected.
I'm sorry you're feeling otherwise.
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Love and God Bless,
Maria P
My etsy store - all proceeds go to help my fencing daughters!
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LisaR
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Katie, I am so sorry if you were offended. As a resident of Illinois, I have seen and experienced first hand the effects of some very frightening anti-life sentiments from Mr. Obama, and I am not only speaking of the abortion issue.
My emotions may have ran away from me last night, but I still believe we need to pray for our country, and in the heat of the moment I was checking in to see if others were praying too.
I actually am a convert to the Catholic faith, entering RCIA as a young woman after experiencing solidarity with the poor living in Mexico's garbage dumps, and desiring their true unwavering and unchanging faith.
If you spoke with me in person, you would find that I often sound more "democrat" than Republican, and I also credit my growing up in Portland, OR for that! 
Peace of Christ,
__________________
Lisa
dh Tim '92
Joseph 17
Paul 14
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Dominic 8
Maria Gianna 5
Isaac Vincent 9/21/10! and...
many little saints in heaven!
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guitarnan
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I apologize if I hurt your feelings, Katie, or anyone else's. Like many Catholics, I check in as an economic liberal and a social conservative. I can't pretend I think any party has all the answers - they don't.
I believe many Americans of all political parties are unaware of the importance of issues related to preserving, protecting and celebrating life. If anything, we've seen this election bring this fact front and center.
It is also impossible to fight for pro-life issues without involving the political process. (That doesn't mean we need to discuss the details here.) In either this thread or another similar one started about the election, I asked people to PM me with info in order to keep it off the boards.
That request stands.
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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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folklaur
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gwendyt wrote:
| but certainly to vote with a morally informed conscience for a pro-life candidate (or the most pro-life candidate) |
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Agreed. However, many feel that McCain's stance on ESCR should knock him out too, and so only 3rd party was a viable option. Still others feel the Republican Party as a whole only pays lip service to the Pro-life cause but doesn't really plan on making a real change at all, because legal abortion ensures the Pro-Life vote for the Republican Party, and so they have no intention of giving up those voters who vote by that issue.
There are lots of opinions.
I hate seeing anyone get their feelings hurt.
My poor daughter is a Catholic College, where threats are being made against black students by "good white Catholics" because people are sure they voted Democrat simply because they are black. Fact is, someone's vote is a personal, private thing, and no one should feel like they need to defend themselves. But then, that is just my opinion, and as I said, there are many....
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lapazfarm
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Katie, speaking for myself here, and not as a moderator, I have to say I feel your pain.
I am a pro-life democrat and I voted proudly for Barack Obama.
It is HARD for me sometimes to see the things that are said here, because I know in my heart that my convictions are true, that my heart is pure, and my conscience is clear.
I know that I will never be able to adequately express my reasons for voting for Obama, and why I know it was the absolute right thing for me to do. I know I will never convince anyone here that I am not completely 100% wrong.
But all that said, I also have to be thankful for all of the views expressed here. Reading the opposing views of others has forced me time and time again to confront my own thoughts and feelings on matters of great import. I read these views and then I examine my own conscience. I pray.
I may be initially hurt, but I find myself strengthened in the long run.
It is good to be consistently reminded that I could very well be wrong-headed. That I need to constantly re-assess my thoughts, my views, and opinions and not become mentally lazy. That my ideas need to be backed up by sound data, a fully-formed conscience, and a strong moral compass.
And in the end, that I must be true to my own convictions.
On a good day that's how I feel, Katie.
On a bad day I just don't read it because I know I am not up for the fight.It hurts too much.
Now, speaking as a moderator who has been in the thick of many a hard decision on this board, I can also say that it is exactly this kind of hurt that we have been trying so hard to avoid by developing and sticking to our stated policy on political postings. We have been unfairly criticized for "suppressing discussion," but see what happens when we allow a little wiggle room? People, real people, get hurt.
It is a fine line we moderators walk in trying to keep this place safe and welcoming for all.
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Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
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Angie Mc
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Katie wrote:
Dear Moderators,
I am sure I speak for many when I say that I find this thread so terribly hurtful. It seems that if we did not vote Republican then we are not Catholic enough?? Perhaps the header at the top of the board should indicate that this is a board for Catholic homeschooling parents faithful to the Magisterium and the Republican Party?
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Katie, many members are suffering on this board right now in connection to the outcome of this election. I want them to be able to receive consolation and prayer, just as we pray for all of our sufferings. To deny this suffering is impossible. Members are being very honest in their disappointment, which should be allowed and openly discussed as long as no mud slinging begins. Those who are not disappointed do not have to read or participate in these threads. For the purposes of this forum, WPTTL, we will stick with the original question, "Are you praying?" and perhaps add "How are you praying?" Here's a link to another thread at Life in the Domestic Church that asks a related question,Election Prayers, What Happened? I also imagine that there will be a renewed desire to discuss options at 4Real for how we will participate in our desires to become more active in pro-life issues. There are several blogs that opened space to discuss partisan issues which will help also.
In the mean time, let's all be patient as members and moderators alike sort through this matter. Our prayers, thoughts, and questions aren't sorted out neatly just yet, but I think it is worth the effort to keep trying.
Love,
__________________
Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
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Lisbet
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Thank you Angie, for not shutting this down. You responded to this beautifully.
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Lisa, wife to Tony,
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Katie
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Friends,
I know the original question was "Are you Praying?" and Angie, you have a knack for smoothing things over - thanks!
Having said that, I stand by my original post, albeit perhaps with a little less sarcasm (sorry about that!). The fact is, most of the posters made it abundantly clear that a) Catholics should have voted for McCain and to do otherwise means they are ill-informed or just plain WRONG; and b) that priests and bishops should be doing MORE to shout this from the pulpit. While it is true that the political arena is a very important one in which to fight the fight against abortion and anti-life policies, I'm afraid I would be tempted to join those who walked out if a priest attempted to tell me which way to vote.
Basically, this post sums up the problem I have. In summary, I can vote anyway I like, as long as it's Republican. Oh yea!! Oops, the sarcasm again. Sorry.
gwendyt wrote:
| Katie, please don't be hurt, but please do be informed. As a faithful Catholic, we are obligated not to vote Republican, but certainly to vote with a morally informed conscience for a pro-life candidate (or the most pro-life candidate), which to put it directly, the Democratic nominee this time around, was not. |
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I think I am trying to say that this board is used and loved and enjoyed by many, some of whom may not all lean the same way politically, and to remember that when posting. I know I would appreciate feeling less like an outcast.
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Mother of 5 in South America. No 6 due in April.
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LisaR
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Angie Mc wrote:
| Katie, many members are suffering on this board right now in connection to the outcome of this election. I want them to be able to receive consolation and prayer, just as we pray for all of our sufferings. To deny this suffering is impossible. , |
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Angie thank you so much for this. I think those of us who voted for McCain and who live in Obama's state are feeling pretty pained in a more personal way right now, and are fearing quite a few changes that are "promised" to come to our fair state.
It was comforting to be united in prayer last night, and I am continuing to pray.
I want to clarify that I have most especially appreciated the inclusion (more recently) of the unborn in our general intentions at Mass in many local parishes, and the mention/referral that many of our Priests had made to the Catholic voting guide.
The homily's purpose is to illuminate the gospel, and to tell someone how to vote would be an abuse.
I am sorry that I started a can of worms. There is a comfort being united in prayer during difficult times.
Peace of Christ,
__________________
Lisa
dh Tim '92
Joseph 17
Paul 14
Thomas 11
Dominic 8
Maria Gianna 5
Isaac Vincent 9/21/10! and...
many little saints in heaven!
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guitarnan
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I don't remember hearing from our pastor or reading in the USCCB's "Faithful Citizenship" anything about which party to vote for, or how to vote. Nor have I read any pastoral letters from bishops that mentioned any parties or candidates by name. Bishops have a responsibility to teach our faith, not to tell anyone how to exercise their civic duties. My own bishop stated in writing that he wants to teach the truths of the faith without causing division based on political ties or on actions/statements made by politicians at any level.
I would never, ever presume to tell anyone how to vote. My intent in posting here was to find out how to oppose the FOCA, which could result in Catholic hospitals having to shut down. Right now we need more access to health care, not less. I'm sure that people who have information about this will either post it on blogs and provide links thereto or PM interested people. I am glad to have a place to say, "I'm disappointed and sad."
With that statement, I'll bow out of this thread.
PS - Thanks, dear moderators, for keeping this discussion on track - as always, you do wonderful work. We are blessed to have you.
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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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Michaela
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cactus mouse wrote:
My poor daughter is a Catholic College, where threats are being made against black students by "good white Catholics" because people are sure they voted Democrat simply because they are black. |
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This is absolutely something I will add to my prayers.
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Michaela
Momma to Nicholas 16, Nathan 13, Olivia 13, Teresa 6, & Anthony 3
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Mary G
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Since the title of this post is "Election -- are you praying" why don't we turn it to pray that all goes smoothly over the next weeks of transition ... that Mr. Obama and Mr. Biden are able to field a good team of workers that will support agenda that safeguards "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" for ALL Americans and that the divisiveness of this election moves back to the shadows while we all move forward?
Whether we're black or white or asian or hispanic ... whether we're Dems or Reps ... whether we're conservative or liberals ... we're all Americans (except for our international members of course  ) ...
Now let's move on ... please?
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MaryG
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Mary G
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Following on my own post .... has anyone gotten a good prayer (I know Kacky posted about a rosary commitment) that we can add to our evening prayers (we did the Priests for Life novena every night with grace -- which was great when we had dinner guests!) ... anyone?
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MaryG
3 boys (22, 12, 8)2 girls (20, 11)
my website that combines my schooling, hand-knits work, writing and everything else in one spot!
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4Real Forums : We Pray to the Lord
Topic: Election- are you praying??
