Respect Life

This weekend is the only time of the year that as a Church we look to our preborn brothers and sisters that are being aborted at unprecedented rates in the name of “Choice”.  We at the Reporter always want to be fair to Bishop Ed and when we checked on the diocesan website yesterday for this weekend’s events, we noticed that 40 Days for Life was prominently featured.  This is good and right.  For this we applaud Bishop Ed.

The Reporter does have questions though regarding the commitment of the Diocese on pro-life issues.  Where is the support of the pro-life movement, in the last meeting that the Diocese had on pro-life matters (nearly two years ago), pro-life coordinators were told that the budget was infinitesimal for the Respect Life Office?  Why????

Don’t get us wrong, +Ed is better than his predecessor on the issue (not hard) but there is never any tangible support.  Where are the pro-life bulletin inserts, where is the pro-life literature from the Diocese, where’s the coordination with the pro-life movement???  Staff at the Diocese will tell you they don’t have the money for these types of projects but again, where are the priorities of Bishop Scharfenberger.  There always seems to be money for the liberal causes  (see Autumn Gathering) of the progressives at 40 N. Main but the pro-lifers and orthodox Catholics always get the short shift.

Everything is done by the pro-life community.  The Rosary Walk for Life is a lay initiative, 40 Days for Life is a lay initiative, and the PP demonstrations are done by the lay faithful.  See a pattern here.  When is the last time we saw full cooperation from the Pastoral Center on anything to do with pro-life issues?

The pro-life movement in the Capital Region thrived for many years despite the open hostility of Hubbard.  Again, we are glad that Bishop Ed has made some symbolic gestures to the pro-life movement but it is time to take the next step and fully embrace this community and take it out of the shadows that his diocesan staff has relegated it to.

If I may be so bold Bishop Ed, I would convoke a diocesan wide dialogue on pro-life issues and ask Priests for Life to come and share with our wonderful pro-life community and your staff successful strategies on defending life.  Bet you more people would come to this sort of meeting than say your autumn gathering.  – Martin Malachi

 

 

“My intent is not to close churches”

“My intent is not to close churches, but to encourage people to collaborate, to work together, so we can sometimes get things done better by working together.”

http://www.troyrecord.com/social-affairs/20140212/bishop-elect-scharfenberger-im-here-to-be-a-shepherd-to-the-people-who-are-herex2026

These were words that Bishop Scharfenberger used at his first press conference when he was introduced as Bishop of Albany.  The Albany Catholic Reporter recently was made aware of a situation in which St. Patrick’s in Catskill is being shuttered.  The Reporter will examine these issues more at a later point but from press accounts from the local paper it seems that the people at this parish have issues with the manner in which they were notified about the closing.

A parishioner, Anthony Petrianni of St. Patrick’s stated in the Daily Mail of Catskill that “There’s a lot of things he [Scharfenberger] did wrong in doing all of this, and we’re going to keep fighting.”

http://www.thedailymail.net/news/article_c2dae484-851d-11e6-9e11-63cd476e1c7c.html

There is a pattern emerging with Bishop Ed that he always sides with the bureaucracy and won’t take the time to meet with his sheep to address concerns that they have with the Church.  This runs counter to what his boss, Pope Francis wants in his Bishops.  Pope Francis recently said to a group of Bishops in Rome referring to their responsibility to the People of God, “I urge you be among them with discernment and understanding”.

Can we say that Bishop Ed is among us, listening to our concerns?  This past May, when Troy Catholic School parents had legitimate questions about their children’s schooling, +Ed through his press spokesperson called their concerns “offensive”.   These are the People of God that Our Lord Jesus entrusted to him that he is talking about!  How can this be?

http://www.troyrecord.com/government-and-politics/20160608/bishop-says-no-to-meeting-with-troy-catholic-school-parents

As we quoted above, Bishop Ed said that he wanted to “collaborate” with us in Albany.  Has he???  Will he?? His continuance of going along to get along with the progressive bureaucracy here in Albany is hindering his ability to be with his sheep.

Has +Ed changed Albany or has Albany changed +Ed? – Martin Malachi

Paul Likoudis, Well Done Good and Faithful Servant

A true hero in the annals of the Albany Diocese died this week, Paul Likoudis long time editor of the Wanderer.  Paul famously chronicled the sad story of the Diocese of Albany under Howard Hubbard.  Paul worked with courageous whistle blowers in Albany to expose the corruption and lies in the Diocese.

Unfortunately, we still live under the reign of Hubbard; Bishop Ed has done nothing to reform Albany and still employs all of Hubbard’s progressive “future churchers”.  We would suggest that Bishop Ed read Agony in Albany that chronicled some, not all of what was done here that so disseminated our Faith.

Please join us in prayer for the repose of Paul’s soul and for his family.

Rest in Peace, Paul.  Well done good and faithful servant.

Eternal Rest Grant unto to him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him and may the souls of the faithful departed through the Mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

Fr. John Minkler, pray for us.

Paul Likoudis (RIP)

 

Inside Baseball at 40 N. Main

The Reporter has received many tips and nuggets from readers since our launch.  One recurrent theme that has surfaced is a recent personnel move that had clergy and lay folks shaking their heads.  It is Beth Simcoe becoming the parish administrator at St. Vincent’s DePaul and still retaining her title as Chancellor at the Diocese.  We have learned from multiple sources that the move includes Ms. Simcoe vacating her role as head of Prayer and Worship in October.

It is fair to say that Ms. Simcoe is a Hubbardite through and through so if she is getting a new post, why not let her devote her full energies to St. Vincent DePaul instead of having her also retain her position as Chancellor???  As one astute observer said “she is still acting as de facto Auxiliary Bishop to +Ed while also getting a power base at St. Vincent’s.”  The Reporter respectfully asks why not make a break with the past and let others, maybe a clergy member be the Chancellor??

It has been a pattern of Bishop Ed’s while here that he has done things in half measures.  For example, he sorta, kinda got rid of Common Core.

http://www.dailygazette.com/news/2015/oct/02/catholic-schools-albany-step-back-common-core/?dgzrg

The Diocese of Albany is in steep decline,  and in fairness to Bishop Ed started before his arrival but there is no time for half way approaches.  We have no personal beef against Ms. Simcoe and wish her well but we have tried it her way and it has not worked.

 http://cities.barna.org/the-most-post-christian-cities-in-america/

It will be interesting to see who Bishop Ed hires to replace Ms. Simcoe at Prayer and Worship.  Will it be a more progressive type like the last 40 years plus or someone who will proclaim Christ and His Gospel boldly???  Ball’s in your court Bishop Ed. – Martin Malachi

Bishop Ed on Bus with Nuns?????

We at the Reporter want to thank all our supporters that have reached out and encouraged us.  It is interesting that national figures like Deal Hudson are starting to take notice of Bishop Ed’s lack of reform here in Albany.

http://www.thechristianreview.com/another-bishop-addresses-the-election-and-sows-confusion/

Along these lines, the staff at the Reporter was shocked and dismayed at the Bishop’s recent column that put on par migration rights, climate change and abortion.  What???!!!  This is very disturbing to say the least.  To be honest (and we’re always honest here) it was something his predecessor would have written.  Bishop Emeritus Hubbard’s lack of commitment to the pro-life cause was legendary.  He encouraged priests not to talk about the issue and stopped Catholic pro-life organizations like Priests for Life from being a presence in our beloved Diocese.

One thing that caught our attention from Bishop Ed and his chancery is that in the July 21st issue of the Evangelist the notorious Nuns on the Bus was prominently featured in the newspaper.  We are saddened because this group is horrible on the abortion issue.  In fact, the leader of the group, Sister Simone Campbell stated that Ilyse Houge’s President of NARAL Pro-Choice America speech at this summer’s Democratic National Convention was “compelling” and “touching”.   Huh???!!

http://www.democracynow.org/2016/7/29/nuns_on_the_bus_at_the

In this same article, Sister Simone elaborates that “From my perspective, I don’t think it’s a good policy to outlaw abortion.”  This is contrary to our faith and a dissident group like this should not be promoted in the Evangelist.

Why does Bishop Ed continue to allow these types of transgressions???  Why would the Diocesean newspaper promote such a group???   It is our opinion here at the Reporter that Bishop Ed is not in control of his own Diocese and will not call on the carpet those who promote an agenda that is not Catholic.  Very sad.  Prayers are needed for him to take head on those who want to confuse the teaching of Our Church.  We think a call or email to Bishop Ed would be appropriate.  – Martin Malachi

What He said!!!

Another Bishop Addresses the Election and Sows Confusion

Diocesan Official Defends Pro-Abort Pol

Who is Walt Ayers and why should you care??  Walt Ayers is a Deacon in the Albany Diocese and Director of the Albany Diocese Commission on Peace and Justice.  He also is the author of a blog (we like bloggers) called Faith in the Public Square in the Times Useless (Union).  He recently penned a blog post called “Sara the Quaker Patriot.” Sounds innocent, right?

http://blog.timesunion.com/faithinthepublicsquare/sara-the-quaker-patriot/645/

Sara the Quaker is actually Sara Niccoli, who is running for the State Senate.  In Ayers’ post, he explains that in her current role as Supervisor of the Town of Palatine, she does not say the Pledge of Allegiance during board meetings because of her Quaker faith.  Maybe she’s better suited to quarterback for the 49ers (we see you, Colin Kaepernick) instead! He voices his support of her decision based on religious liberty.  OK, that’s fine,  however let it be noted that we stand for the pledge and at the end of the it, we add the phrase with liberty and justice for all, born and unborn!

The problem with Ayers’ full-throated defense of Niccoli is that she is pro-abortion.  Yep, she even takes money from the abortion industry’s political action committee, Emily’s List.

http://www.nystateofpolitics.com/2016/09/niccoli-small-endorsed-by-emilys-list/

In accepting their endorsement, Niccoli stated, “My opponent’s staunch opposition to a woman’s right to choose with no exceptions threatens to set us back an entire generation.”

Should Deacon Ayers be “getting the back” of a candidate that contradicts his faith regarding abortion?  Should Bishop Ed tolerate this from an employee?  We politely suggest that Bishop Ed talk to Walt and ask him to stay out of politics, especially when he is helping out a pro-abortion public official.  You know Deacon Ayers, the unborn could use some peace and justice.  – Martin Malachi

Cancellation

Here at the Albany Catholic Reporter we want to give Bishop Ed credit where credit is due.  We read in the Evangelist that the televised Mass, “Table of the Lord” will be discontinued.  This cancellation has been long overdue with Daily Mass available on EWTN for years to fill the void.  In fact, this recommendation was made to Bishop Ed over a year and half ago in an audit that was performed on operations of the Diocesan Pastoral Center.

http://www.evangelist.org/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=28&ArticleID=25216

Why so long???  Multiple sources inform us that there was a struggle between Chancellor Beth Simcoe  and Scharfenberger.  Simcoe wanted it to stay because she started her career as a professional Catholic as a musician on the Table of the Lord (oh, how the staff at the Reporter miss the guitar and felt banner Masses of yesteryear).

As usual, Bishop Ed did not act decisively when given the recommendation and hence the long wait.  40 North Main was probably against it in large part because most if not all of the bureaucracy hates EWTN and they had to cede some control.

So kudos to Bishop Ed, see we at the Reporter are not all “Authoritarian”, “Pharisaical”, “Pelagians”, wait we are!!!  Also, on a high note Mary Deturris Poust will get a bigger allocation of money so that she can retweet  Orthodox Catholics like Fathers Martin and Roscia 😉 out.  Posted by Martin Malachi

Money for Nothing

An interesting article came across our radar regarding the Bishops of the United States silence on abortion and the massive amounts of grant monies pouring into the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

http://remnantnewspaper.com/web/index.php/articles/item/2746-the-money-trail-why-catholic-bishops-are-silent-on-hillary

This article is truly shocking when you think about the lack of clarity from our Bishops on the most fundamental issue that is facing our country, the right to life.  Many of us thought that the timidity on the part of the Bishops was that they feared they would be “too controversial” and be denied a place of privilege in the public square.  This illuminating article by Elizabeth Yore blows the lid off the whole deal.

In the article, she talks about the amount of grant money that flows to the Bishops to aid Syrian refugees and other pet projects of the federal government.  It is our editorial policy that we welcome the stranger but at what cost, silencing the Bishops on life issues because they get grant money.  We also believe it is not “un-Catholic” to argue for rational immigration enforcement and adherence to the rule of law.

St. John Paul stated at World Peace Day in 2001 that “At the same time, States have the right to regulate migration flows and to defend their own frontiers, always guaranteeing the respect due to the dignity of each and every human person. Immigrants, moreover, have the duty to integrate into the host Country, respecting its laws and its national identity. “The challenge is to combine the welcome due to every human being, especially when in need, with a reckoning of what is necessary for both the local inhabitants and the new arrivals to live a dignified and peaceful life”  World Day of Peace 2001.

The Reporter was shocked when Bishop Scharfenberger took a not so veiled shot at folks that disagree with him on immigration.  He called them “xenophobic” and took the time to send out a release on this issue.  In our opinion, this strikes of demagoguery on his part.

http://www.rcda.org/Press%20Releases/2015_November_20.html

If he has time to speak on this issue maybe he could speak for the unborn who have no lobbyist or lack the millions of dollars to funnel towards the Diocese like the federal government.

So let’s call Bishop Ed or email and ask him to speak not only for the refugees but the poorest among us, the unborn.  Remember to pray for him.

Bishop Ed’s Tim Kaine Problem

Our colleague Deal Hudson has been railing against the silence of the Bishops in the United States regarding Tim Kaine professing to be a “Catholic” while supporting abortion on demand.

https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/have-our-shepherds-been-blown-to-the-ground

Of course, Mr. Kaine is one half of arguably the most pro-abortion presidential ticket to ever run for the highest offices in the land.  As we all know, Mrs. Clinton takes huge amounts of money and endorsements from Planned Parenthood and praises eugenicists like Margaret Sanger.   Mr. Kaine, does the old I’m opposed but blah blah blah.  Bottom line, Kaine supports a radical abortion regime and still professes to be Catholic.  All the Bishops except, Bishop Tobin (btw- a classmate of Bishop Ed’s) have gone silent including Bishop Ed.

http://www.lifenews.com/2016/07/25/catholic-bishop-to-tim-kaine-you-cant-be-catholic-and-pro-abortion/

New York is the abortion Capitol of the country and Bishop Ed, in his position as head of the Albany Diocese, oversees the legislative committee for the New York State Catholic Conference. Question, have we heard Bishop Ed say one word about New York Catholic public officials who support abortion not living up to their Catholic duty to protect the unborn???  That would be a resounding no!!!  Once, again Bishop Ed has taken the path of least resistance and said nothing so he is accepted in the rarified air of the Albany elite.  He has been co-opted by the liberals in the Legislature and the liberals in his Chancery.

Too often, Bishops don’t speak the truth because of the government monies they receive; Catholic theologian Peter Kreeft once famously said that “Judas was the first Bishop to receive a grant.”

In fact, he has been seen playing nice and yuking it up for the camera with “Catholic” politicians who support abortion.  Why Bishop Ed???  Mercy also involves admonishing the sinner.  So lets call or e-mail Bishop Ed and ask him to stop cozying up to pro-abort pols and let’s pray for him that he gets some much needed courage.

Bishop Ed with “pro-choice” Catholic governor.

Bishop Ed with “pro-choice” Catholic Assemblyman Santabarbara.

Bishop Ed with “pro-choice” Catholic Paul Tonko.