It is hard being a Christian in the world today. Our families, friends, and we ourselves are being bombarded with advertisements, temptations, and challenges that are directly contradictory to our faith and what we believe. We are viewed as being “out of touch” or “not with the times.” Prominent individuals in the business world, such as Ted Turner, have even called us, “Jesus Freaks” after witnesses many of his own employees bearing the ashen crosses on their foreheads after an Ash Wednesday Celebration. Many Catholics are very private and personal in regards to their faith, so it makes it even harder to respond when criticized. In the end, just as Jesus did many times in his own ministry, we just turn and walk away.
As I write this Pastoral Letter, I myself have become aware of a few things that I feel the need to pass on to you. These are items of grave importance within our Christian Community and have recently taken center stage in the State of Massachusetts and Nationwide. The first has to do with the Knights of Columbus. The Knights of Columbus, as many of you know, is a Fraternal Catholic Organization of Men with over 1.5 million members world-wide. It has a strong allegiance to the Pope and has recognition from the Vatican. All members espouse the virtues of Charity, Fraternity, Unity, and Patriotism. In the past, the Knights have donated millions of dollars to the Vatican, the Archdiocese of Boston, and many other diocese and organizations within the Church. It has been quoted as being “The Steel Spine of the Church.”
Recently, it has been announced that the Knights of Columbus has begun another initiative that will encompass the entire country. Each council will be asked to donate $3.00 per member which will then be matched by the Supreme Council. All monies collected will be put into a Defense Fund for Marriage and Pro-Life Issues. This totals over 9 MILLION DOLLARS. The states of Massachusetts and California have been targeted almost exclusively for issues dealing with the Defense of Marriage. The Knights of Columbus will distribute these funds to various legal causes favoring the Catholic Church’s views and theology. The Knights of Columbus will also distribute these funds to groups and organizations with a Pro-Life Stance and Pro-Life Initiatives.
In a world where some people are unable or unwilling to put into action what they believe, the Knights of Columbus have stepped forward in the name of God and of the Church. They have added their voice and have united behind the Holy See once again in defense of Christ and of the Church.
The second issue deals with Senator Joe Biden, the Democratic Vice-Presidential Candidate. Because of his recent public views regarding abortion, his unwillingness to institute any sort of policy that is congruent with his Catholic Faith, and because of his misstatement of The Catholic Church’s Theology in regards to the Sanctity of Life and when human life begins, Senator Biden’s bishop, Archbishop Chaput said Biden should follow the teachings of the Church by opposing abortion or voluntarily refrain from receiving communion. He is planning on meeting with Senator Biden privately in the coming weeks.
These two examples represent that our voices are being heard; there are those who are defending the Faith and are fighting for our beliefs and the Christian Message. Pray for them in community and when you are alone. Prayer does work and gives you an opportunity to add your own voice to the causes that deeply affect our lives as Christians.
Beyond that, if you want to help, call be and let's share a cup of coffee sometime.
Your Deacon,
Tom Anthony
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