Among Women ReadHER 7.7.12

Among Women ReadHER 7.7.12

Roberts' Rules
By Kathryn Jean Lopez at National Review Online
In the aftermath of the Supreme Court decision upholding "Obamacare", some commentary on the Chief Justice's reasoning.

A Soldier's Wife
By Calah Alexander at Barefoot and Pregnant
Maybe you've come across this "cause" (Battling Bare) on Facebook... military wives writing their spousal messages of love on their bodies in an attempt to shock and raise awareness that not all military husbands' get the help they need for post-traumatic stress disorder. It's powerful, novel, but is it too edgy in terms of propriety? It's a tough call for me. BUT, in my mind, vets not getting the help they need after they serve their country remains a greater sin.


The Dilemma of Worthiness
By Sarah Vabulas at Integrated Catholic Life
You've heard the phrase "YOLO" -- you only live once? More on that.


Optimistic Antidotes for Mom
By Patti Armstrong at CatholicMom.com
I always love Patti's in-the-trenches honesty -- one part giggle and one part common sense that I need! Hear more from her on AW 117 and a ways back on AW 39. 

Group Challenges Downs Syndrome Testing
Posted at Downs Syndrome Daily
H/T goes to my pal, blogger/author and pro-life activist Leticia Velasquez, who is an expert in the family, social, and political aspects of Down Syndrome... Here about her new book on the subject, on AW 121, and her conversion story and pro-life mission on AW 30.

Things You Should Know About Pinterest
By Fr Roderick VonHogen at his blog
Fr. Roderick, the CEO of SQPN, has been blogging more of late at this site, with tips concerning new media and evangelization. This post talks about Pinterest, which is very popular with so many women I know online. I'm on Pinterest... but not everyday. Would love your thoughts about it. In a related note, come see Fr Roderick speak, plus a great line-up at the Catholic New Media Conference this August... or get a virtual ticket if you can't come!


The Pill and Female Sex Drive
Posted at 1Flesh.org
Here's a group of young adults with a new website using blogging and video testimonies to bring about awareness and are launching a rebellion, in their own words, "that sex should be awesome and saved until marriage, that pregnancy can be justly avoided without harmful chemicals, and that love is worth fighting for." See what you think. 

The Saint and the Scapular: St. Simon Stock and Our Lady of Mount Carmel
By Kathy Schiffer at Seasons of Grace
Kathy recalls her journey through France and recalls this Marian title and saint held dear by Carmelites the world over. The Feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel comes up on July 16th.  For more on Carmelite spirituality, you may enjoy AW 109 with Erin Miller who talks about her faith journey and entry as a Third Order Carmelite. And if you want a podcast about my recent trip to France and pilgrimage to Lourdes, you can find the podcast here, and a photo-journal blog post here. 

Have you checked out the new Among Women website... now the entire podcast archives are fully downloadable, and you can listen on your smart phone!  (coming soon to iPad and other tablet formats.)

Among Women ReadHER 6.9.12 On forgiveness, helping hands, and making lunch...

The Church Pushes Back
By Mark Rienzi at National Review Online
An essay by a constitutional lawyer speaking in clear language what is going on with the upcoming courts cases regarding the HHS mandate. Very compelling read, and worth sharing with others.


Our Feather-Strewn Sins Can Teach Us Mercy
By Elizabeth Scalia at Our Sunday Visitor
Must-reading for your week. Wisdom from lived experience, the sacrament of reconciliation and a dear saint.


Wife Confidential: Why I make His Lunch
By Theresa Thomas at The Integrated Life
Hey! I love "love in a lunchbag" from home. Read Theresa's motives for making her hubby's lunch each morning. And if you'd like to hear Theresa, she guested on AW last fall on episode 117.


When Your Heart Hangs By A Thread
By Timothy Dalrymple at Philosophical Fragments
The beauty of life in full view in the pediatric ward.


Celestial Magazine
A new magazine for Catholic Women looking for Subscribers


The Gift
From DivorcedCatholic.org's newsletter of encouragement, this post (very short) is worth the read. If you or someone you know is facing divorce, you may wish to listen to Lisa Duffy, co-founder of DivorcedCatholic.org talk about divorce and hope on Among Women 97.


My Dream for My Daughter
By Denise Hunnell, MD at Human Life International
A good piece that upholds the value of womanhood and a reminder that fertility is not a disease to be treated... we can hope to have our daughters grow up without thinking their dreams rely on their fertility being suppressed or obliterated.


ProtectOurGirls.com
Are you opposed to sex-selection abortions? They are happening in the USA and only a few states have bans. Information at this website operated by LiveAction, complete with a video that reveals what's is being said on the inside.


Africa E-Book Project
Catholic author Brandon Vogt and others have a great project here. Consider giving your support to support seminarians in Cameroon.


Inspiration sportsmanship by a woman at a Track Meet in Ohio. State Champ helps a competitor after a fall. Two thumb up!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Among Women ReadHER 5.26.12 Pentecost check in, Catholic lawsuits, Sibs, Silent no more...

Among Women ReadHER

5.25.12

Why We are Fighting (and Filing): Setting the Record Straight
By Emily Stimpson at CatholicVote.org
Reminders about the HHS Mandate fight and the Catholic institutions that are taking up the charge in court.


Cardinal Dolan of NY, Cardinal Wuerl of DC, and 40 Other Catholic Institutions Sue Obama Administration 
Posted at CNSnew.com
This is almost old news, but read it in case you've been out of touch this week.


Surprise! MSM Ignoring Catholic Lawsuits Against the Government
By Elizabeth Scalia, The Anchoress
A more recent take on the subject above.


15 Years and Silent No More
By Kat Fernandez at The Crescat
Powerful, poignant, memoir of another woman who regrets abortion.


The Norm of Co-Habitation
By Bernard Toutounji at Mercator.net
A look at this phenomenon and how not to co-habitate strengthens a relationship prior to marriage.


Sibling Revelry
By Rachel Balducci at Faith and Family
A great perspective on the gift of siblings through the years.


Simcha Fisher this week with a two-part knock-out punch (um, in a good way.)
Over at her blog at National Catholic Register...
Part 1: Is This What Abstinence-Only Education Looks Like?
Part 2: What SHOULD We Tell Our Kids about Sex

Career vs Baby Making
Posted by Julie Robison at A Corner with a View
An 8-min. video on the "window" of having one's own children... The video is not by Julie herself, but another woman. However, if you'd like to hear Julie, check her out on AW 132 and 133 with "The Bright Maidens."

The Great Pentecost Mass Check-In
By Lisa Hendey at Catholic Mom. com
A fun and easy way to talk up Sunday's Mass for Pentecost. And while you're at Catholic Mom, admire the new website upgrade.

Among Women ReadHER 4.21.12... love, brides, nfp, facebook, blogs & more

Among Women ReadHER 4.21.12

Love Desires to Know the Beloved
By Randall Smith at The Catholic Thing
This is brilliant. We cannot love what we do not know. A "must read" for anyone who is trying to not just think about faith, or "be spiritual", but actually go deeper and live the faith. 


America's Crisis of Character
By Peggy Noonan in the Wall Street Journal
Read it. Decide in advance not to panic, but to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. (See Micah 6:8.)

The Resurrection of Our Bodies
By Christopher West at Theology of the Body Institute
Short, but power-packed catechesis here. (FWIW, in a similar vein, here is my article on the same theme from last week at Amazing Catechists.)


Here Comes the Catholic Bride
By Lori Hadesek Chaplin at National Catholic Register
Shopping for a bridal gown? Some options and opinions here worth a look.


The Bride Who Was Groomed for a Career
By Lea Singh at Mercator
This packs a punch, that is worth deep consideration by women of all ages. Nothing speaks more loudly to us than the voice of experience. This will dare you to scrutinize your own life in terms of the way you've spent it. Your feminine genius may call out to you in this, so be forewarned, your mileage may vary. 


The End of Women
By Carolyn Moynihan
If that last article got your attention, you probably should read this one. These are exactly the themes that a new feminism proposed by the Church needs to address.

Young Catholic Women Try to Modernize The Message of Birth Control

By Michelle Boorstein at Washington Post

This headline is slightly misleading, but lots of content on the subject of Natural Family Planning and its attraction or rejection by women (especially Catholic or Christian women) who might use it or reject it.

Is Facebook Making Us Lonely?
By Stephen Marche in The Atlantic
Loneliness, narcissism, isolation, connections... lots of food for thought here. Loved this line: "...we are left thinking about who we are all the time, without ever really thinking about who we are." Important words for a Christian to consider.


Divine Mercy
By Amy Welborn at Charlotte Was Both
A beautiful memoir of saying goodbye to your parents' house and the memories there. 


A Beautiful Love Story
By Jill Joiner at Echoes of the Cross at Patheos
Another more brief slice-of-life post that reflects the power of real love. A piece from last month that I must have missed, but worth the read.


The Mystery of Motherhood
By Sherry Boas at Catholic Mom
This one needed a "love" button for facebook.


Life After Lesbianism
By Dawn Wilde at LifeSite News
A very brave post, and one we need more of, frankly. 
(This is an issue I'd like to address on Among Women, but as yet, have not found a guest willing to talk about the subject. If any of you have any insight or resources on this subject, send me a private email at pat.gohn@comcast.net.)  


Dateline Series Proves What We Don't Know About Kids
By Mary Beth Hicks at a Family Events
Some very good help for parents here.


A Prayer Campaign for the Protection of Religious Freedoms
Posted at the USCCB
The US Bishops are calling us to pray for the protection of religious liberty in the US, and offer prayer card for our use. You'll also find bulletin announcements and other resources on this page.

Watch a 4 minute video featuring Bishop William Lori describing forming consciences on faithful citizenship. From the USCCB.

Test of Fire: Election 2012
Posted by Bishop Christopher Coyne (of Indianapolis) at Thoughts of a Catholic Bishop
Recommended by Bishop Coyne, it describes our duty to know the issues and to vote in the Nov. election.

Mother, May We Fight for Freedom?
Posted by Kathryn Lopez at K-Lo at Large
K-Lo posts the entire text of Mother Agnes Mary Donovan from Sisters for Life, and her stirring speech/reflection at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast this week.

Among Women ReadHER 3.24.12... tap dancing, baptisms, serious stuff...

Among Women ReadHER

3.24.23

Stay informed on the HHS story...  

The War on Men
By Kathryn Jean Lopez at National Review Online
Always on point.


Women and Religious Liberty
Kathryn Lopez interviewing Jeanne Monahan from Family Research Council on NRO
Ok, yes, giving you a double-header from Kathryn Lopez. So be it. It's worth it.


Religious Liberty, Blood Transfusions, Cigarettes, and Contraception 
By Janet Smith, PhD at National Catholic Register
Alway appreciate Dr. Smith's balanced and rational discussions of complicated subjects. Worth your time. 


Catholic Medical Association Doctors (who are women) Respond to Women Senators' Column
Posted at the Catholic Medical Association website
More worthy reading.

+++

The Pope's Apostolic Journey to Mexico and Cuba
From the Vatican website
The list of the Pope's itinerary... coming up this week!

Suitable for Sex but Not to Marry
By Meg Meeker, MD, from her blog
Dr Meeker's commentary on a recent stats about single mothers.


Can "Good Faith" Still Be Assumed?
By Elizabeth Scalia from her column at First Things
The climate for polite discourse among people who disagree is increasingly a mine field to walk through. It takes very strong people, who value the human person who is both their opponent and a child of God, to find ways to engage in debate and dialogue.  


Not Alone
By Ginny Kubitz Moyer at Random Acts of Momness
Why we cry at baptisms. Love it.


Religious Easter Ideas for Kids
By Lacy Rabideau at Catholic Icing
Ok, she had me at 'resurrection rolls'...


Jesus and Me: It's Personal
By Katie DiFato at Faith and Family
Yup!


Tap Dancing Seminarian leaves Broadway for a Ministry life...

Among Women ReadHER 3.17.12... St Pat's edition & more

Among Women ReadHER 3.17.12


Happy St. Patrick's Day!

St Patrick is my patron saint, and yes, I am of Irish descent, among other nationalities. I wrote about my favorite prayer from Patrick at my column at Patheos. You can read about Patrick's life here. (If you dig that icon of St Patrick, above, you can order one here.) (If you are in/near Boston today, here's what's doing.)

The Strange Happenings at the Unreal Hotel
By Anthony Esolen at Crisis Magazine's website
I dare say, this might be the strongest piece I have read thus far in 2012. Don't miss it. Then share it. (H/T to The Anchoress.)

Free Webinar/Support for Infertility
By Lisa Hendey at Faith and Family
This is March 29th. Check it out.

The Great Coffee Fast

By Lori Miller at CatholicMom.com

I admit that I have never fasted from coffee. I was decaffeinated for almost ten years, and then I went back to college in my 40s for a Masters, and, the rest is history. 


One More Way the Culture Undermines our Nation's Girls
By Mary Beth Hicks at Family Events
A must read for parents of girls.


Whose Children are These?
By Rachel Balducci at Testosterhome
Funny, poignant.


Pain Avoidance and the Acceptable Time
By Betty Duffy at Patheos
I dare anyone not to relate to this on some level.


The Power of Introverts
By Susan Cain at TED talks
A 9 minute video that is very worthwhile whether you are introverted or extroverted. Very good to pay attention to in terms of our children and "activities" are concerned, too.


Here are some more articles on the HHS mandate and the fight for our religious freedom... most are quite short.

Imaginary Compromise

By Kathryn Jean Lopez at National Review Online

Always on target. Keep reading and staying informed on this issue.

Demeaning Women

By Rebecca Teti at Faith and Family

If you view the video of Gloria Purvis on this post, you may recognize her from one of the women's forums that I posted back here on this HHS post from March 3.

Evidence on Winning the Mandate Fight

By Thomas Peters at Catholic Vote

Read it. Share it. Be involved.


The Bishops Latest Statement and Some Next Steps
By Pia Di  Solenni
A short report, check it out.

Dear Readers: I am on retreat today. Please pray for me, thank you.

image credit

Among Women ReadHER 3.10.12 ... Anniversary of Japan Earthquake/Tsunami, bible, charity, children & more

Among Women ReadHER 

3.10.12

Okay, here's the best video I've found this week illuminating the HHS Mandate struggle:


I hope you had a chance to read and listen to some of the women who speaking out on this subject... there are some good women's forums to watch/listen to here on my blog.

+++

Why Am I Still Catholic? Wrong Question Huffington Post
By Emily Stimpson at CatholicVote.org
Everything I've every tried to relate about the dignity of women on multiple episodes of Among Women, succinctly summarized by Emily's thoughtful rebuttal.


Love is the Thing, Even If I Want to Judge
By Lisa Mladinich at her column at Patheos
Please read this and share it. Lisa is very dear; we were first friends online and became friends IRL because of the kind of work we do. It is a blessed thing to have a friend who wishes to be a saint. 


Tackle the Stress of Being a Mom: A good video clip featuring advice from Dr. Kevin Lehman.



The Sacrifice of Isaac
By Marcellino D'Ambrosio PhD at Catholic Lane
I found this after the fact, but it is a great treatment of last Sunday's First Reading. There is still profit from reading it, as it points to the sacrifice of Lent and more.


The New Scar on my Soul
By Anonymous at American Thinker
Speaking of child sacrifice...the decision of selective reduction during an IVF pregnancy, and its effect on the father who describes it.


It's a Girl
Trailer posted by Shadowline Films
The sacrifice of our children is not just a respect life issue in the United States, it is a literal "gender-cide" problem on a global scale. This documentary will help tell the story... Viewer warning: this is not for the eyes and ears of little children. 


Planned Parenthood and the Video Every Parent Must See

By Gerard Nadal, PhD at Coming Home

Warning: a graphic video that should not be viewed with children within earshot range. I'm just providing a link, you view it when your kids are not nearby, and when you think you can stomach exposure that will incite you to help close down funding to PP.

Ok, that was yucky, but needed. Here's a palate cleanser...
Video with thanks from Japanese Earthquake victims...

Among Women Podcast #128 talks about the Liturgy of the Hours -- in less than an hour!

Among Women 128 features an conversation with writer-blogger Daria Sockey who is devoted to the Liturgy of the Hours and posts regularly about it on her blog Coffee and Canticles. Joins for a discussion on how you -- yes, you! -- can get started using this universal prayer of the Church this Lent.

This podcast also features a look at Blessed Jacoba's life and friendship with St. Francis of Assisi, plus an encouragement to stay informed about the fight for religious liberty over the HHS Mandate.

Listen today!

Don't be afraid or discouraged by the HHS mandate. Listen and learn from these women speaking out against religious liberty.

"Christian, recognize your dignity and, now that you share in God's own nature, do not return to your former base condition by sinning. Remember who is your head and of whose body you are a member. Never forget that you have been rescued from the power of darkness and brought into the light of the Kingdom of God." 

--Pope St. Leo the Great, as cited in the CATECHISM, par. 1691.

Ok, so I thought it was best to start out with the hope we have.

I'll admit that, earlier this week, I was a discouraged by the way the Senate voted on the Blunt amendment with regard to the current assault on the Catholic Church, and others, regarding the HHS Mandate. I think Kathryn Lopez said it rather succinctly: "The majority of the Senate did not want to protect the First Amendement. Thanks, guys." She reminds: "Elections matter."

I'm not a political pundit, and I may not have all the compelling political arguments about this down pat. But I'm someone who takes our moral obligations as Christians seriously.

I know one thing. Silence is great virtue when it comes to prayer. But not so much when it comes to issues of justice. Better stated, perhaps, we must draw strength from the silence of our prayer and move out from there into the world.

We must meet God in the sanctuary of our conscience, and then live in such a way so as to protect the rights of conscience in the individual, and in our country at large, in terms of our First Amendment right to religious liberty in the Constitution. 

The dignity of the human person demands that we protest this affront to conscience and religious freedom. The law of love demands that we act based on our care for our neighbor.

The world needs your credible witness and mine. Sure, it's scary. But it is necessary. 

This is Lent. We've got the spiritual tools to combat sin and injustice.

• Fasting.
• Prayer.
• Alms.

We've got the social and political tools to defeat this mandate and to be a force for good in our world.

• Speaking up and protesting.
• Signing petitions.
• Voting.

The most important tool is our own voice in our spheres of influence.

You may have heard claims that this is a contraception issue and a women's issue. But it is first and foremost an issue of conscience and religious liberty, an issue dear to women and men of many religious traditions. 

Let's not have people wonder, where are the women who care about this?

Let's make sure we can say: Here. We. Are.

While there are many people across the country speaking out about this. We need the passionate voices of women to be seen and heard, and not just Catholic women.

So I'd like to offer the rest of this post as a roundup of women speaking out on this subject.

As reported on NRO, Helen Alvare and Kim Daniels sent this reply to the Obama administration. And they have a petition going that I encourage women to sign over at WomenSpeakforThemselves.com

Here's the Heritage Foundation's Women Speak Out: Obamacare Tramples Religious Liberty panel:



Here's another good panel -- listen to the audio from the Catholic Information Center's event, partnered with AltCatholicah, Women Challenging the HHS Mandate, with a lively panel of very qualified women from the legal and medical professions discussing this subject matter.


I'm adding my voice here...

You may have already heard this, but Kathryn Lopez and Elizabeth Scalia reviewed the basics of this debate a few weeks back on Among Women. 

I love the hope in that opening video that we have as Catholic Christians. I have always loved that quote from Pope St. Leo. Let me encourage you to strongly consider your role in this struggle.

Pray. Hope. Act.

------
Other women speaking out in related articles:

• Professor Janet Smith, also hear her conversation with Drew Mariano on radio.
• Theologian Pia Di Solenni
• Sr. Mary Ann Walsh
• Marybeth Hicks
• Peggy Noonan
• Elizabeth Scalia
• Emily Stimpson
• Hillary Senour
• Alveda King
• Cathy Ruse
• Kat Fernandez
• Carrie Severino

Earlier posts on this blog about with links to this subject:

• 3.3.12
• 2.11.12
• 2.4.12
• 1.28.12
• 11.6.09

The AW podcast on this subject.

Among Women ReadHER 2.18.12 Hugs, Lent, Love, oh yeah and the HHS Mandate.

Among Women ReadHER 

2.18.12

Every Single Bishop has Condemned Obama's HHS Mandate
By Thomas Peters at CatholicVote.org
Stay informed.

Contraception and Understanding: Rebuilding the Foundation
By Elizabeth Duffy at her column at Patheos
Absolutely required reading if you have pre-teens and teens.

Statistics, Obamas, and Internet Memes
By Michael Flynn at his blog TOF
If you've been wondering about the figure being tossed around in the media about "98% of Catholic women using contraception"...it's bogus. You'll want to read this. It's a bit long, but really gets good about midway through it.

Lent is Next Week!
By Marika Donders, campus minister at the KSC blog
Marika gives some great suggestions... the best one: Keep it simple!


Lent and the Corporal Works of What, Now?
By Maria Morera Johnson, subbing in for "yours truly" at my column at Patheos
Maria Johnson challenges us to blast out of our comfort zones.


Lenten Link Up!
By Lacy Rabideau at Catholic Icing
Go imbibe!


Archbishop Dolan Makes Big Push for Twitter, Social Media in Rome
By Joanne Molloy at The New York Daily News
Rock on, Your Excellency!

Just Give Me a Hug!
By Anthony Buono at Catholic Lane
Just go on, you know you wanna...

The Witness of Beauty
By Emily Stimpson at CatholicVote blog
No matter what your politics, this is interesting reading. The fight for true beauty and the preciousness of femininity -- a combination of fashion modesty and creativity -- is something we Catholic Christian must lead the way on. I'm no fashionista by any stretch, but this piece strikes a cord. 

"Coffee Break" with Kathryn Lopez and Elizabeth Scalia -- on a Special Edition of Among Women

Find the blog post for this episode.

Listen online. (You must have Quicktime.)

Or find it on iTunes- look for episode 124.

Among Women Podcast #124 features Elizabeth Scalia and Kathryn Lopez discussing Catholic opposition to the US HHS Mandate

Among Women 124 is a Special Edition that looks at objection of US Catholic Bishops, and multitudes of Catholics and others who view the federal mandate from the Health and Human Services Department as a violation of religious liberty. This Special Edition unpacks this issue with references to press releases from the USCCB, and commentary from Catholic opinion journalist, Kathryn Lopez, editor of National Review Online, and Catholic blogger and pundit, Elizabeth Scalia, managing editor of the Catholic portal at Patheos. 

Please listen to this podcast, read the links, and share with others.

Among Women ReadHER 2.4.12 Catholics against HHS Mandate... saints, sex, the examen & more

Among Women ReadHER 

2.4.12

Note: Earlier this week you may have read my post containing a variety of links regarding the Catholic concerns over recent decisions within the US department of Health and Human Services rejecting conscience clauses within "Obamacare". 


Here it is: Helpful articles, video & action tips re Obamacare's affront to religious freedom and conscience


Take time this week to pray and evaluate your role in fighting initiatives that demean the dignity of the human person and promote a culture of death. As I've said in the past, this is not a political commentary blog... and yet... we've had many discussions on Among Women regarding the moral issues surrounding certain health care issues, respect life issues, and our role in the public square. This intersection cannot be ignored, so check out that earlier post for links on that subject.


----


St Philomena Encourages Youth to be Pure
By Eddie O'Neill at National Catholic Register
Another send up to this great saint. Hear about St. Philomena on the Among Women Podcast episode 103.


Sex and the Eternal City
By Kathryn Lopez at National Review Online
An interview with Christopher West about his new book on the subject of Theology of the Body and the new evangelization. A good read.


The Eternal Child
By Heather King at Shirt of Flame
Beautiful. Haunting. Real. Healing. (You can hear Heather King speak of her latest book about the life of St. Therese of Lisieux on AW 108.)

Why You Should Wear the Miraculous Medal
By Taylor Marshall at Canterbury Tales
An info-packed teaching on this great sacramental.


The Conscience and the Examen
By Marcia Morrissey from her column at Patheos
Here's a healthy spiritual practice. 

Pretty Happy Funny Real
By Margaret Bern at Minnesota Mom
Delightful pictures and commentary about her daughter's first confession.


Inside the Mom (of a toddler) Brain
By Lauren Warner at Sipping Lemonade
A picture is worthy of a 1000's words...  you will smile.


Happy Birthday Coffee & Canticles - Giveaway week!
By Daria Sockey at Coffee & Canticles
Divine Office enthusiast gives real life advice for praying with the Liturgy of the Hours. She's also giving away some nice books.


Say No to Competition (among women, friends, etc.)
By Meg Meeker, MD at her website
Great advice from Dr. Meeker!


Why Catholic Women Don't Make Good Mommy Bloggers
By Betty Duffy, guest posting over at The Anchoress.
Oh, this is rich. Like the way dark chocolate makes so much more sense to me than white chocolate.


And finally, this ode to the tech "symphony" (?) around many of us... H/T to Deacon Greg at The Deacon's Bench

Digitals from Chris Crutchfield
on Vimeo.

Helpful articles, video & action tips for Catholics re Obamacare's affront to religious freedom & conscience clauses

Note: This is not a political commentary blog. Yet, we've had many discussions on Among Women regarding the moral issues surrounding certain health care issues, respect life issues, and our role in the public square. Recent decisions within the US department of Health and Human Services rejecting conscience clauses within "Obamacare" touch us all. Take time this week to pray and evaluate your role in fighting initiatives that demean the dignity of the human person and promote a culture of death.

HHS Contraception Mandate is "un-American"

By Archbishop (and Cardinal-designate) Timothy Dolan of New York in USA Today

It's a brief article. Read it. Then watch a short video of +Dolan's criticism of the mandate. Are we peeved enough to act yet? Take action here via the US Bishops website.

The Jesus Mandate vs The Obama Mandate

By Bishop William Lori of the Diocese of Bridgeport

Read on! Get educated and understand the source of this righteous indignation.

Obamacare's Great Gift: Clarification

By Elizabeth Scalia at First Things

Elizabeth writes: "Now is the time for all good Catholics to come to the aid of providers-- the schools, hospitals, charities, and soup kitchens who serve communities in need without asking affiliations." 

A Petition for All Freedom-loving Americans to Sign

By Frank Weathers at Catholic Lane

A comprehensive look at why we must fight this mandate. The reason to petition the White House at their site: "Why should I bother to help?” Simple. How many bishops are there in the United States? 145. How many votes do they command? 145. If only the bishops speak, and there is no other tangible sign of support from the rest of us, you know, backing them up, they will just be perceived as barking in thin air. 145 + 25,000, on the other hand, might just get a little more notice."

The HHS Mandate: Now it Personal

By Julie Davis at Happy Catholic

Even small business owners like Julie and husband will be affected, forcing them to bring up religion in the workplace and why they may have to drop health coverages. This article also links to the petition in Frank Weathers' article, above.


Current List of Bishops who Speak Out against Obama/HHS Mandate (115 153 at this posting)
By Thomas Peters at Catholic Vote.org
I'm sure this list will grow. Thomas also writes about other notable updates on this topic including a legislative move by Senator Marco Rubio to rescind the mandate.