By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued a statement that strongly opposes the recommendation of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate coverage of surgical sterilization and all FDA-approved birth control in private health insurance plans nationwide.
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By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
The FBI is assisting in the investigation nearly three dozen cases of vandalism involving statues at Roman Catholic churches in New Jersey that local police are calling hate crimes.
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Commentary by Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
A lesbian couple is suing the Catholic owners of a Vermont inn for refusing to host their fall wedding reception, a suit that could establish a dangerous precedent that will allow Christian business-owners to be forced to participate in events that are opposed to their religious beliefs.
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"The state of marriage is one that requires more virtue and constancy than any other. It is a perpetual exercise in mortification."
St. Francis de Sales
For Reflection:
To what extent have I discovered this for myself? How can the virtue of patience help me?
(See tomorrow's Grace Line for some saintly advice about these moments.)
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PJ writes: "
Can you comment on Sally Fallon and The Weston Price Foundation and her book 'Nourishing Traditions?' I know many Catholic families embracing her philosophies for healthy eating, however some of it goes against current accepted nutritional advice."
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By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is expected to rule within weeks on a recommendation by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) that all insurance companies be forced to provide free coverage for contraceptives, a mandate that will come with no conscience protections for health care providers in insurance plan networks who do not wish to cover these drugs.
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By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
While the country reels under a massive burden of debt, a new undercover video by filmmaker James O'Keefe shows government waste in action as federal employees coach two men who describe themselves as Russian drug smugglers on how to qualify for Medicaid.
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By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalisat
President Barack Obama has thrown his support behind the Respect for Marriage Act, being introduced in Congress today, which willrepeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and allow same-sex couples the same rights and legal protections as heterosexual couples.
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"O religious soul, dove beloved of Christ, behold those little pieces of straw which the world tramples under its feet. They are the virtues practiced by the Saviour and thy Spouse, for which He Himself has set thee an example: humility, meekness, poverty, penance, patience, and mortification."
St. Anthony of Padua
For Reflection:
Think of three examples of Jesus' patience as presented to us in Sacred Scripture. Think of three examples of Our Lady. How do the instances of these examples parallel situations I have experienced? Did I exercise patience in these times? I will pray for the grace to do so in the future.
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By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
Pope Benedict XVI's appointment of Denver Archbishop Charles J. Chaput to head the embattled Archdiocese of Philadelphia is being seen as a clear sign of what kind of prelates the Pope trusts to lead the Church in America.
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