Catholic rebuttals to Abortion

Answering Pro-Abortion Politicians by Fr. Frank Pavone, Priests for Life

If you've ever written to a pro-abortion politician about the right to life, you've probably received a form letter that utilizes one of several worn-out arguments. Let's review how we answer them.


1. "I respect your views, but I have to represent all the people."

  Our response: That's what we're trying to say to you. If you neglect the unborn, you are not representing all the people. Roe vs. Wade excludes them from protection; we demand that they be included. A public servant cannot legitimately ignore an entire segment of the public that is being destroyed.


2. "I'm personally opposed to abortion, but can't impose my views on others."

Our response: This is not a matter of views, but of violence. The law is supposed to protect human life despite the views of those who would destroy it. (What if Joe Biden had inserted a similar adjective instead of "unborn" human? To highlight the hypocrisy, what if he had said I don't personally believe in aborting/killing Hungarian humans, but I can't force my views on Jews or Muslims if they choose to kill Hungarian humans.  Wrong is still wrong.) 


3. "The government should not be involved in such a personal decision as abortion."

Our response: The government got "too involved" in abortion when it claimed to have the authority to deprive some human beings of their right to life. The Declaration of Independence asserts that government exists to secure the rights already bestowed by the Creator. Moreover, when somebody's "choice" destroys somebody else's life, that choice is no longer merely a personal, private matter.


4. "Legislators should not be practicing medicine."

Our response: We're not asking you to practice medicine, but to prevent the abuse of medicine. The practice of medicine is regulated by all kinds of laws that protect the lives of patients. All we ask is that the unborn be included in that protection.


5. "Abortion is the law of the land."

Our response: The "law of the land" can be changed, just as it was changed regarding slavery and segregation. Leadership means seeing the injustices that others miss, and inspiring people to utilize the methods the law permits to make necessary changes.


6. "I support women's rights and health."

Our response: That is precisely why you should examine the evidence, which is more plentiful than ever, that abortion is destructive of women's health, and listen to the growing voices of those who have been harmed by abortion. That is also why you should examine how the abortion industry, through unregulated and dangerous clinics, continues to deceive and exploit women. (Half those that are aborted are women...unborn women in the womb, what about their rights?)


7. "Abortion is just one of many issues; I embrace a consistent ethic of life."

Our response: The foundation of a house is only one of many parts of the house, but it is essential in order to build the other parts. That is why the Catholic bishops have repeatedly asserted that among the many interrelated issues within a consistent ethic, abortion deserves "urgent attention and priority " (Pastoral Plan, 2001). (Without LIFE no other issues matter.)


8. "My office does not involve any decision-making about abortion."

Our response: Your position on abortion says a lot about your character and worldview. If you cannot stand up for the smallest of children, how will you stand up for the rest of us?


9. "Let's just agree to disagree."

Our response: We have the greatest respect for those who disagree with us. But when victims are oppressed, we don't sit back and "agree to disagree" with the oppressor. Rather, we intervene to save the victim. Abortion is not about beliefs; it's about bloodshed. Those who need protection need it despite the disagreement of others.


10. Finally, always use the best response to all the arguments: I vote! 


OTHER GREAT LINKS ON THIS TOPIC...

Our Bishops Speak on Political Responsibility, Abortion, and the Elections

A Brief Catechism for Catholic Voters

It’s a matter of honesty: to receive Communion, we need to be in communion - Archbishop Charles Chaput, OFM Cap., May 24, 2004.

Response to Arizona Republic Article: "Bishops won’t link politics, Communion" - Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted, May 21, 2004

Politicians and Communion - Bishop Thomas Wenski, May 3, 2004

How to tell a duck from a fox - Thinking with the Church as we look toward November (Archbishop Charles Chaput, April 14, 2004)

Bishop Smith blasts hypocrisy of ‘pro-choice’ Catholic politicians (March 31, 2004)

SOME OTHER POSTS ON THE TOPIC...
http://totustuusfamily.blogspot.com/2008/05/being-faithful-to-magisterium.html
http://totustuusfamily.blogspot.com/2008/11/catechism-has-failed-many-catholic.html
http://totustuusfamily.blogspot.com/2008/11/too-real-to-talk-about-on-thanksgiving.html

Simple Woman's daybook

I'm participating in A Simple Woman's Daybook carnival.

Outside my Window...mosquitos, bugs, beetles and a praying mantis I just pulled off the hydrangeas I brought in for a vase.

I am thinking of...getting ready for a trip to Virginia's Northern Neck. All our families will be meeting at an idyllic location of my brother and sister-in-law's. With spectacular views, I'll go camera crazy and get some kayaking and crabbing in too!

I am thankful for...My homeschool group that met, once again, to clean our Church on Saturday morning. It's one of the occasions that the Dads come along and we have fun while cleaning God's house for our generous pastor. I am also so thankful that a friend who has been wanting to come to our Latin Mass was able to today.

From the kitchen...the sound of the dishwasher at night. I've always really liked that sound. Somehow it's comforting....

I am creating...packing lists, clean laundry and vases of hydrangea.

I am going... update some pictures in frames around the house and start thinking about July.

I am wearing....a gauzy black skirt with white vines in a climbing pattern. It has some tie strings with silver bell-type grommets on it that my daughter loves to fiddle with. My white, scoop neck top has managed to stay pretty clean today. I'm out of my papagallos and into my comfy bierkenstock crocs.

I am reading... not enough, there a huge pile waiting for me! Although I did read a nice article by Dr. Alice von Hildebrand in Latin Mass magazine thanking Pope Benedict for Summorum Pontificum and her observations on Vatican II.

I am hoping....that the weather is cooler for our time in Virginia and that my husband comes home soon from his Sunday night ice hockey game. I like knowing he is safe and sound.

I am hearing...just the air conditioning. I've put the children to bed and I'm enjoying my silent time. I am a night owl for moments like these.

Around the house....are some new furnishings for the schoolroom. Teacher's chair has been upgraded. There's a new bookshelf and sideboard cabinet all of which dear hubby put together this weekend.

A Favorite thing...A clean van! Oldest son is strong and hardworking. He took the seats out, vacuumed, polished, got the little ones Febreezing and made the hosing part fun for all. Love that guy!

Plans for the coming week... make it memorable!

A Picture to share... Before and After shot

Yes...let's "GO GREEN"

C O N V E R S I O N ...it's for you....it's for me!

The G R E E N Scapular

Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul (Paulists)A.D. 1840

In 1840, Mary appeared to Sister Justine Bisqueyburu (a Seminary Sister of the Daughters of Charity) in Paris, France and commended the Green Scapular to her. It's known as "the Scapular of Conversion," and its promises are the strengthening of faith, protection against Satan, a happy death for Catholics, and, most of all, for conversion for those outside the Church.

It's to be worn or carried by the faithful, or given to an unbeliever for their conversion. The following prayer is to be said daily by the wearer:

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death

Latin version:Cor immaculatum Mariae, ora pro nobis nunc et in hora mortis nostrae

If the scapular is given to an unbeliever for their conversion, the person giving the scapular prays the prayer for them if the unbeliever does not want to pray the prayer himself. If the unbeliever does not want the scapular, it may be hidden in their vicinity and the prayers said for him. Enrollment in a Confraternity is not necessary for this scapular, but the scapular should be blessed by a priest before use.

IT'S TIME TO GO GREEN!
After all, Our Blessed Mother did say, that the Rosary & SCAPULAR would SAVE THE WORLD!

Keep your eyes on the Cross

The woods are lovely, dark and deep...

....with reminders of Christ's promises to keep....

H/T to Robert Frost

Leading by example....

....this is how the Pope wants it done. Good enough for me.

POPE-COMMUNION Jun-26-2008
Vatican: Receiving Eucharist kneeling will be norm at papal liturgies.

notes from IHM conference - Fr. Paul Scalia on Passions

Gut Check: The Place of Passions in Education was the talk topic of Father Scalia at the recent IHM Catholic Homeschool Conference in Virginia.

This was my 2nd time hearing Father. Last year I thought he was one of the best and again this year he really captivated. I'll make it a point never to miss him and I'll probably frequently google him to "get a fix." :)

Perhaps I am not alone in this high praise? Right before he spoke an escort brought to the front row of chairs a tiny woman, but a giant among thinkers, the beautiful mind of Dr. Alice von Hildebrand! This icon wanted to hear Father Scalia. I don't recall her at other talks. Of course, she had her own talk. Like last year, Dr. Hildenbrand's talk was electric! In the presence of greatness, I was unable to take notes. I was too riveted to the privilege of being in her presence and hanging on her every eloquent word to put pen to paper. Get any CD you can on her!

Excuse me, back to Father Scalia. :) Father walked in to applause and went directly to Dr. Hildenbrand, grasped both her hands and smiling with his enormous dimples whispered to her with genuine affection, "hello dear." I was sitting right behind her and was melted by that sweet moment.

Father is a cerebral speaker and I won't do his talk justice, get the CD. I can provide a few quotes I noted and my remembrances and list them for you to ponder. Please don't take my disjointed relay of quips as any mirror to what was a logically progressing argument.

Father mentioned these as must-read books. Abolition of Man by C. S. Lewis and Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton.

Some Fr. Scalia quotes on disordered passions....

" ...the knowing we should love certain parts of the faith but not feeling, showing, surrrendering to that love."

" Without training our emotions, we cripple the intellect."

"We are peaceful and serene when we are ordered."

For those away from the Church, he said it is not always from intellectual hinderences but also sentimental error. If they spent any time truly in an intellectual pursuit of what the Church teaches and believes, intellectually they would come to agree and convert as intellectual giants from all times have....no, what really prevents that eventuality is something sentimental, like a negative erroneous thought they brought from youth against the church or more likely, sexuality. Most times the lack of discipline to *change* prevents conversion. They desire what they should not and the Church stands in their way. Unruly passions cloud thinking. What a history we have of men who were brilliant but their passions were disordered, he related.

What must we do to make ordered passions understood by our children? Father Scalia says we must train our own emotions!

Specific recommended reading... the chapter on Wonder, Ethics in Elfland, by Chesterton.

Father Scalia felt there was a strong need for education in the fine arts, classic literature, great paintings, classical music, poetry and sculpture. "We can not remain unmoved by Shakespeare and the forementioned," he said. We must keep our children from bad music because music is an expression of the soul.

"The Handels, Bachs and Mozarts are not found in the Muslim culture," he said with the connection that Christianity has produced beauty that has elevated the world. "We should be repulsed by lowliness. Our Lord leads us to himself with cords of compassion, bands of love."

Truth is beauty and Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. I loved the challenge to train my emotions and re-envigoration to teach Christ in the beautiful. Our God is a God of order.

Thank you Father Scalia for your illumination and dear reader, for your patience. I hope you find nuggets here.

Notes from IHM conference - Laura Berquist, MODG

The IHM Catholic homeschooling conference in Virgina was wonderful again this year! What an effort they put into this finely tuned machine! I was happy to "retreat" there for the entire conference and hope to share notes from many of the speakers. I will first start with Laura Berquist, author of Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum and Mother of Divine Grace Curriculum.

I came in a little late to Laura Berquist's talk but it was similar to the one she gave the year before and connected much to her writings in Teaching Tips & Techniques . (This is a great resources.) Unfortunately, it appears that I did not take many notes for her talk. (I did order all the conference talks on CDs - my husband LOVES them!) However, I did write this quote, "Self-control rewards the one who has it." Berquist was speaking about reading certain classics at times when their message and values are needed by our children. For instance, there is a time and age and personality when SENSE & SENSIBILITY needs to be read.

What also sticks with me was what WAS different in this talk and that was her endorsement of the book, HAYSTACK FULL OF NEEDLES by Alice Gunther , the exceptional blogger of Cottage Blessings.

Mrs. Berquist pined that there wasn't much she'd change about all of her years of homeschooling EXCEPT wishing she had read this book back then. She said it centered around socialization but not in the usual ways, it discussed new ideas and offered much reflection. She spoke about this book not just off-handedly but for awhile, really recommending it.

She was her kind, adorable self, trying (but not succeeding) to end her talk without choking back tears, working her table at Emmanuel Books and talking to people. She went to hear Father Fessio of Ignatius Press speak on the Latin Mass and Our Pope's writings to encourage it, the Moto Proprio and Spirit of The Liturgy from when he was Cardinal Ratzinger. She remained afterwards in a line to speak to him personally. I understand her alma mater and the college her husband is affiliated with, Thomas Aquinas College in California (TAC) now offers a DAILY Tridentine Mass! Smartly, no classes are scheduled during Mass times to encourage the students to a Sacramental life, I'm impressed.

She is a fine advertisment for her curriculum. She remarks that her children are all successful and happy and she speaks credibly and intelligently. It is always nice to see her, even if much of the talk is familiar.

Stayed tuned for more notes from Fr. Scalia's talk, Fr. Euteneuer's talks, Fr. Fessio's talks and Dr. Reyes' talk. They were my favorites, if the depth of my excited note-taking is any measure! :)

Future TOP CHEF?

Recipe by guest blogger, eldest son...

Krimpilicious!


First, take 2 Krimpets and lather them with Hot Fudge!


Then, squirt generously with whipped cream.


Finally, add strawberries and decorate the plate with Hershey's syrup.

(Variations include maraschino cherries and sprinkles - you need not use your mom's wedding china for fancy presentation!)

The Simple Woman's Daybook

I'm participating in A Simple Woman's Daybook carnival.

Outside my Window...A new umbrella over a lounge chair for shady observing of backyard shennanigans. It beckons...

Also, there are sunflowers growing under the birdfeeders!

I am thinking of...How quickly summer will pass and how I really must finish my assigned homeschool yearbook pages!

I am thankful for...My Latin Mass community, so many fun families and other friends of all ages. It's a given we'll all be crowded on the outside steps chatting it up after church, so sweet.

From the kitchen...a fresh swept floor, a necessity after snackin' on oreos.

I am creating...To-Do lists and yearbook pages, no more procrastinating, it's on my list to do today!

I am going... to "slow down on the spending". The school books and school room furniture additions are completed. Really hunny....

I am wearing....my long, denim, black skirt and a pretty bright linen tunic with sandals....maybe even some lipstick left over from Church.

I am reading... 8th grade MODG curriculum books (Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis) and other school idea books for next year.

I am hoping....that the weather stays below 90. I really dislike heat and humidity...it keeps me indoors.

I am hearing...my daughter's imaginative play conversations and want to tape it, so cute! I caught this picture of her reading.

Around the house....the lillies by the mailbox are outrageous! I seem to be the only one who likes it that way. The hydrangeas are blooming...wish they were blue. Golf is very literally being played around-the-house as the kids imagine a "course", identifying holes. Bright sunshine is streaming in the windows.

A Favorite thing...seeing things get organized, a fresh start! I did some reorganizing of the schoolroom bookshelves. I think I will have easier access to items once the rest of the books & furniture arrive. I will be set for school and won't have to think about it until September. The school book reading is another story....

Plans for the coming week... I'd like to plan a visit with my Nana and Uncle and with homeschooling friends the kids miss. The laundry room and my hubby's study are scheduled for a streamlining day. On Thursday, the charity truck comes and thankfully the excess goes out!

A Picture to share... well two, of the school room. (click on photo to enlarge)

Summer Golf

What we have lost.....

OK, it's a little harsh....and I do believe the gates of hell will not prevail against our Church and Pope.

But, many of the points made in this video will haunt you with their veracity. There is a sad truth in What We Have Lost and the Road to Restoration.

A 5 part YouTube on the different Catholic Church of today.

Toward the last of the 5 videos, the Sacraments are discussed. As my eldest approaches the Sacrament of Confirmation I am especially touched by the way those powerful, convicting words of Confirmation have changed.

Fathers, Flowers & Fun

The Pipes are A'blowin'

My blogger friends, Christine and Jamie have been taking trips in their minds. It's not as crazy as that sounds.....

I told them I would be "taking them" to Scotland. I love the Scottish accent and the scenery. My grandmother and I went there together about 20 years ago.

Munch on some Scottish shortbread as you visit my daydream home.

The heathered highlands bekon....

It's a rugged terrain....

Where rugged men wear kilts...

Here's my house....

Where the hikes are so scenic.

Here's my view.....

Here's what we do....

We kayak the loch....

....and play with a special friend!

Can you just hear the bagpipes lads and lassies?

Let us know where your daydreams take you....

Summer boredom busters

Posted for all to see on the pantry....


(Click on the image to see it larger.)


There's no reason to hear the dreaded , "Mom....I'm bored." And eventhough I know that I could have listed MORE ideas on a 2nd poster board, I bet I will still hear those words at some point this summer. ;)


Any ideas to share? Would love to see others post their board/bored o'ideas!

School's out for Summer

Our second year of homeschooling concludes.... another great year. (If God brings you to it, He'll bring you thru it!)


Our Lady of Victory, you have answered our prayers. Dearest Mother, next year we invoke your intercession under the title Mother of Divine Grace.


And now, it's time for some fun....

17 years ago...

The Dress

The Flowers

The Church The GroomThe RoomThe CakeThe Dance
The Romance...still continues....

Thank you, my darling, for wedded bliss!

Got Promises?

This is a photo of a very large rosary, a wall rosary. It belonged to my husband's grandmother and now is a part of our home.

Recently, the Pope was quoted about the Rosary, calling it The School of Mary.

The rosary is a part of First Saturday Devotions. There was a very dear Priest who was devoted to the Moms of my area. He was very Marian and always held a First Saturday Devotion. After he died a few of us Moms had the idea to honor him, remember him and invoke his intercession at our own First Saturday devotion. To this day, many of us ( and many Moms who never even knew him) meet every First Saturday. We have an early Mass and then afterwards have breakfast at a diner that sometimes goes till lunch time! The conversation is always on spiritual topics and very spirited!

A Mom's morning out is a blessing but the reparation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Our Blessed Mother is more meaningful and a much needed devotion of the Catholic faith!

GOT PROMISES? (Research the devotions of our faith -The Holy Rosary-First Fridays-First Saturdays and many more for the promises they offer...and we need!)