Cradle Catholic

2008-08-25T11:00:00.001-07:00

2008 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE COMPARISON TALKING POINTS

ISSUE

JOHN McCAIN

BARACK OBAMA

Favors new drilling offshore US

Yes

No

Will appoint judges who interpret the law not make it

Yes

No

Served in the US Armed Forces

Yes

No

Amount of time served in the US Senate

22 YEARS

173 DAYS

Will institute a socialized national health care plan

No

Yes

Supports abortion throughout the pregnancy

No

Yes

Would pull troops out of Iraq immediately

No

Yes

Supports gun ownership rights

Yes

No

Supports homosexual marriage

No

Yes

Proposed programs will mean a huge tax increase

No

Yes

Voted against making English the official language

No

Yes

Voted to give Social Security benefits to illegals

No

Yes

CAPITAL GAINS TAX

MCCAIN

0% on home sales up to $500,000 per home (couples). McCain does not propose any change in existing home sales income tax.

OBAMA

28% on profit from ALL home sales. (How does this affect you? If you sell your home and make a profit, you will pay 28% of your gain on taxes. If you are heading toward retirement and would like to down-size your home or move into a retirement community, 28% of the money you make from your home will go to taxes. This proposal will adversely affect the elderly who are counting on the income from their homes as part of their retirement income.)

DIVIDEND TAX

MCCAIN

15% (no change)

OBAMA

39.6% - (How will this affect you? If you have any money invested in stock market, IRA, mutual funds, college funds, life insurance, retirement accounts, or anything that pays or reinvests dividends, you will now be paying nearly 40% of the money earned on taxes if Obama becomes president. The experts predict that 'Higher tax rates on dividends and capital gains would crash the stock market, yet do absolutely nothing to cut the deficit.')

INCOME TAX

MCCAIN

(no changes)

Single making 30K - tax $4,500
Single making 50K - tax $12,500
Single making 75K - tax $18,750
Married making 60K- tax $9,000
Married making 75K - tax $18,750
Married making 125K - tax $31,250

OBAMA (reversion to pre-Bush tax cuts)

Single making 30K - tax $8,400
Single making 50K - tax $14,000
Single making 75K - tax $23,250
Married making 60K - tax $16,800
Married making 75K - tax $21,000
Married making 125K - tax $38,750
Under Obama, your taxes could almost double!

INHERITANCE TAX

MCCAIN

- 0% (No change, Bush repealed this tax)

OBAMA

Restore the inheritance tax

Many families have lost businesses, farms, ranches, and homes that have been in their families for generations because they could not afford the inheritance tax. Those willing their assets to loved ones will only lose them to these taxes.

NEW TAXES PROPOSED BY OBAMA

New government taxes proposed on homes that are more than 2400 square feet. New gasoline taxes (as if gas weren't high enough already) New taxes on natural resources consumption (heating gas, water, electricity) New taxes on retirement accounts, and last but not least....New taxes to pay for socialized medicine so we can receive the same level of medical care as other third-world countries!!!

You can verify the above at the following web sites:

http://money.cnn.com/news/specials/election/2008/index.html

http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/issues/issues.taxes.html

http://elections.foxnews.com/?s=proposed+taxes

http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourworld/politics/articles/mccain_obama_offer_different_visions_on_taxes.html

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/barack_obama/

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/john_mccain/

2008-06-07T18:05:00.000-07:00

I found a beautiful prayer at the Holy Savior Parish in Ocean City MD. I pray it will make a difference in the next election. Please pray it with me often:

Prayer for Our Nation

God our Father, Giver of life, we entrust the United States of America to Your loving care. You are the rock on which this nation was founded. You alone are the true source of our cherished rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Reclaim this land for Your glory and dwell among Your people.

Send Your Spirit to touch the hearts of our nation’s leaders. Open their minds to the great worth of human life and the responsibilities that accompany human freedom. Remind Your people that true happiness is rooted in seeking and doing Your will.

Through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, Patroness of our land, grant us the courage to reject the “culture of death”. Lead us into a new millennium of life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen!

2008-05-06T06:51:00.000-07:00

We live in awesome times!

From Supreme Knight Carl Anderson “This morning, Pope Benedict reminded America’s clergy that the ‘secret of the impressive growth of the Church in the United States was a ‘unity of vision and purpose – rooted in faith and a spirit of constant conversion and self-sacrifice,’ and held up as a prime example our founder, Father Michael J. McGivney. “

At 1.7 million strong and growing, we are the world’s largest Catholic family service fraternal organization and prayer is our sword against the foes of church and state. By joining the Knights, you increase our power in numbers – the power of prayer and strength in purpose on our mission of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism.

There are 6 reasons to become a Knight stated on the back of every form 100. Do you know them? These speak for themselves. We should know these by heart and offer them up freely.

1) 1.7 million brothers in 12,000 local councils covering US, Canada, Mexico, Philippines, Central America, Carribean (and now Iraq). We are the largest Catholic family services fraternal organization.

2) Opportunities in charity and fraternity for service to the Church, communities and less fortunate.

3) Your active participation serves as a school of leadership to enable you to develop qualities that enhance your strengths and abilities

4) Sense of belonging in an organization that shares your religious beliefs, brings together like-minded men joined in a common cause and develops life-long friendships.

5) Excellent insurance

6) KofC are first in support of Our Holy Father, bishops and priests to preserve traditional values in the face of attacks against family, the aged, and the unborn.

When you meet the next Catholic gentlemen who is “knightly-challenged”, invite them to join us in our supreme mission of family service.

Remind them it is more than just a council or an assembly; membership in the Knights of Columbus truly is the experience of a lifetime.

Vivat Jesus!

Jeff

2008-02-01T14:51:00.000-08:00

The Gift

From thefreedictionary.com, gift is defined as

Something that is bestowed voluntarily and without compensation.
The act, right, or power of giving.
A talent, endowment, aptitude, or inclination.

And from the wikipedia – One of the most famous essays on this subject (Mauss) “focuses on the way that the exchange of objects between groups builds relationships between them. He argued that giving an object creates an inherent obligation on the receiver to reciprocate the gift. The resulting series of exchanges between groups thus provided one of the earliest forms of social solidarity used by humans.”

From this we see an inherent obligation on the receiver – but by definition – no expectations at all on the part of the giver.

What if there is an expectation of reciprocity on the part of the giver – is it still considered a gift? No – technically that is a “barter” or a deal.

I heard a story earlier this week about a remarkable billionaire – John Huntsman. “After seeing a very wealthy colleague who didn't donate much money die, Huntsman had another thought occur to him: There wasn't a dollar in the casket this guy could take with him. From that moment on, he has vowed to die broke and give away every penny of his fortune before he passes on.

John Huntsman started the Huntsman Cancer Institute after going through cancer treatment himself and thinking 'I can do this better'. The result of his vision was a truly out of the ordinary place for those suffering with cancer.” I encourage you to read more of his story here.

With Christmas bills due, and birthdays quickly approaching, I’ve been thinking about my giving lately. Is it really giving if I get my wife a new dishwasher for Christmas and expect to use it or get clean dishes from it? Is it really giving if we have a taco dinner night and expect some form 100s signed? Is it really giving if I give my all for an event and expect even a single “Thank You”?

As we consider our Lenten sacrifice, maybe it is a good time to step back and reflect – “Why am I doing this?”

As Christians we are called to be His apostles and spread a message of selfless love. Our creator endowed us with gifts and does have just one expectation – that we follow his example and give these gifts freely. In the Bible we hear over and over the promise to those who give freely, and the warnings to those who can’t give.

So the next time you look at our Savior hanging on that cross, consider the love, example and perfection of His selfless gift.

And consider your inherent obligation as receiver.

Vivat Jesus!

Jeff

2007-12-28T20:32:00.000-08:00

Plan your vote!

Election year has arrived! I remind you of your responsibility to understand the issues, understand the Catholic response, and to know which candidates best emulate that Catholic response - then educate your friends and family – then Vote!

Speaking of elections – April is nominations month. Have you thought about how the Lord is calling you to lead? This is an exciting time in our council’s history with the enormous growth of young Catholic families, resurgence in faith-filled traditions, and a strong and vital parish infrastructure. Very fertile ground to hone your leadership skills and answer the call. Remember that the best officer position in the Knights of Columbus is said to be “Past Grand Knight”! Like the 2^nd and 3^rd Degrees, an officer position in your council should not be considered optional.

We can honestly say our lives have been blessed by you all and all the Knights we have met. Setting the pace and agenda for like-minded, values oriented, self-directed gentlemen is invigorating and energizing. An officer’s position is an easy way to satisfy our duty as Catholics to constantly evangelize.

Positions opening this year are: GK, DGK, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Advocate, Recorder, Chancellor, Warden, Inside Guards 1&2, Lecturer. Detailed descriptions of these positions are available on request, and our Lecturer will be providing brief summaries of these positions at the next several meetings.

The first principal of our order is Charity. Being charitable with your gifts of time and talent is the selfless example we Knights are expected to be. What’s your position?

Please pray for our next leaders!

Vivat Jesus,

Jeff

2007-11-30T21:01:00.000-08:00

The Gift of You
Jeff Maschler

I can honestly say that our family has been blessed by your families this year. Your selfless dedication to the mission of the Knights of Columbus evangelizes our environment - nurturing spirituality while making Black Forest Colorado a better place to live.

A quick review of the examples you have set might go like this.

Support for the Right to Life – Life chain participation, Rosary of Life support, Bella support, generous financial support for carenet and the Snow Ball, access to candidate calculator and other RTL research.
Support for the parish – reconfigured Annex facilities to provide more classrooms and a smarter closet without windows, removed pews and facilitated auction, managed an awesome Pig Roast, supported the Parish Picnic, promoted Project Moses, promoted fellowship at 9 pancake breakfasts and taco dinners, conducted two fish frys, purchased more chairs.
Support for the youth – Funded missions to Mexico and Avondale, donated technology for learning challenged in local public schools, managed a book drive to stock the library at the ARC and purchased, cooked, and shared a meal with them, held the poster and free-throw contests, cooked for several youth events at OLP and St Benedicts.
Support for the council – stood guard at several memorials for fallen brothers, including our own Fr Gerry, hosted free pizza nite, included cursillo in a leadership program, insured Fr. Mike.
Support for the community – 3 BF road pickups, donations sent to victims of the apartment fire, vets day parade participation, participated in the coat drive and missions to Avondale.

Thanks for the gift of you!

And from our family to yours – Have a very Merry and Blessed Christmas!

Vivat Jesus!

Jeff Maschler

2007-10-17T08:26:00.001-07:00

Shelly and I were blessed to attend the pre-screening of this movie in early October. Thank You Bishop Sheridan!

We were very impressed. Bella goes beyond romance in this love story to deliver a real winner of a movie and a very timely and moving message.

We also had the privilege of meeting the film's director - Alejandro - and learned of some truly inspiring behind the scenes stories. For example:

The lead actress blew her first audition! Only after a follow up meeting did she convince the director that the part was written for her. It definitely would appear that way in the finished product!
The lead Actor, a cradle-Catholic, is the Brad Pitt of Mexico - only smarter! After reading the script, he recognized his wayward, self-centered ways, and committed himself to spreading a positive Christ-centered message of life.
The use of the universal symbol of fertility was supposed to be a giraffe. But the "magician" didn't know how to make an origami giraffe. So this symbolism was purely accidental!
Same with the last scene. The kite was not requested or even in the script. I think it was just God's way of saying "Job well done!"

Finally, don't expect to see alot of publicity on this movie. They skipped the $25M publicity package in lieu of word of mouth publicity. Call your local theatre and ask them when they will show the movie 'Bella'.

I promise you - you will love this movie. Don't miss it!

VJ!
Jeff

2007-09-14T09:48:00.001-07:00

The primarys are just a few months away. Time to start researching. Here are some resources i am starting with.

http://votesmart.org/issue_rating_detail.php?sig_id=003163M
http://www.priestsforlife.org/vote/votingwithclearconscience.htm
http://www.lifesite.net/election_97/how_why.htm
http://monoblogue.us/

Candidate Calculator:
http://www.vajoe.com/candidate_calculator.html

from http://www.newsmax.com/insidecover/hillary_snooping/2007/10/16/41399.html?s=al&promo_code=3B84-1 :

"Hillary Clinton�s campaign hypocrisy continues to know no bounds. It is rather unbelievable that Clinton would listen in to conversations being conducted by political opponents, but refuse to allow our intelligence agencies to listen in to conversations being conducted by terrorists as they plot and plan to kill us."

2007-08-13T07:50:00.000-07:00

The following was read from the pulpit at our last Corporate Communion at Our Lady of the Pines.

This past week, the Knights of Columbus completed their annual Supreme Council convention for their 125^thyear, and I would like to point out some of the highlights of that meeting which affect each of us.

For the first time ever, these proceedings were televised live on EWTN and the Canadian Salt and Light network, and carried online at EWTN.com. I think this is a sign you can expect a more vocal, public, and active Knights of Columbus both worldwide and locally.

Early in the meeting, our Supreme Knight, Carl Anderson proclaimed “What kind of Catholics do they think we are? Do they not know by now – that the Knights of Columbus will never cease to persevere against the evil of abortion?!” To this end, the Knights have helped write pro-life legislation ending partial-birth abortion, are working hard to overturn the legal basis of Roe v Wade, and have announced a world day of prayer against abortion next year.

Did you know Camp Victory in Baghdad Iraq has a Knights of Columbus round table sponsored by St Paul’s Parish here in Colorado Springs? This roundtable started with 2 Knights and has grown to over 30 – from italy, poland, canada, and the US – and are working to support St Basil Catholic Church and School located in downtown Baghdad. This is just another example of the order’s ability to evangelize across the globe. Our continued support for our men in uniform here and abroad, military and civil is truly remarkable and a great source of pride and motivation for our Order.

Last year, through fundraisers and dues, our organization – at 1.7 million members worldwide - surpassed our old record of charity by $4M – contributing nearly $144M and over 68 Million Man hours worldwide. Colorado Knights in particular recorded contributions amounting to 40 hrs each and $100 for every Knight. That may not seem like a big number – but Colorado boasts membership of 14,000 Catholic men.

In 125 years, our record of charity is second to none, and our commitment to the Catholic faith and support of Catholic families and clergy is exemplary. Our founder, Michael J McGivney, who is now being seriously considered for beatification – the first American Priest with this honor – had the forsight, wisdom, and inspiration to build an organization which is now the largest growing fraternal service organization in the world.

For the 15^th consecutive year, KofC insurance has earned the highest rating from S&P, and the highest rating for the 32^nd consecutive year from the AM Best Company. What does this mean to us? In a letter to our Supreme Knight, Beverly Buchanan – the wife of a recent fallen Knight writes – “I think that in this world where everyone is focused on the bottom line, I saw what the Knights are truly about. They were there for me when I needed them the most.” She is talking about our insurance program!

Closer to home, Our Lady of the Pines council supports special olympics, parish youth, missions to Avondale, vocations in priesthood and leadership, pro-life charities, parish needs, disadvantaged youth at the Arc, memorial for our deceased priests, care for the elderly and incarcerated. And all that was just in the last two months!

We also have an active and charitable ladies auxiliary who are also commited to Catholic family values, take pro-life seriously, and teach us how to cook and clean. J

Practical Catholic men of our parish – what are you waiting for? Consider yourself invited! Follow the example of great men - Fr Michael McGivney, Sam Alito, Jeb Bush, John F Kennedy, Babe Ruth, Vince Lombardi, and our own Bishop Sheridan and Fr Mike Butler - and join our team.

2007-07-29T20:17:00.000-07:00

Cradle Catholic
Introducing my Knights Blog. Information tailored to the Knights of Columbus in Black Forest Colorado. Our website is at http://kofc-11730.org/

The Good News:
Knights of Columbus Sets New Records for Charitable Giving, Volunteer Service
6/12/2007 - 11:51 PST
From: http://www.catholic.org/prwire/headline.php?ID=3670

NEW HAVEN, CT, JUNE 12, 2007 - The Knights of Columbus announced today that it set new records for charitable giving and volunteer service hours in 2006.
The results of the Order’s Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity for the year ending December 31, 2006 show that total contributions to charity at all levels reached $143,816,004 – exceeding the previous year’s total by more than $4 million. The figure includes $35,133,393 donated by the Supreme Council, and $108,682,611 in charitable donations from state and local councils, Fourth Degree assemblies, and squire circles.
The survey also shows that the reported number of volunteer hours by Knights for charitable causes grew to 68,270,432 hours, up more than 4 million hours from 2005. There were 393,807 Knights of Columbus blood donors during the year, and Knights made more than 6 million visits to the sick and bereaved.
The volunteer efforts were spearheaded by the Knights continued commitment to the Gulf States region affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. Shortly after hurricanes, the Knights donated more than $10 million to relief efforts and donations of money and time continued throughout 2006.
Cumulative figures show that during the past decade, the Knights of Columbus has donated nearly $1.25 billion to charity, and provided in excess of 593 million hours of volunteer service in support of charitable causes.

The Bad News:
Knights of Columbus Calls Pro-Gay "Marriage" Knights "Embarrassing"
From: http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2007/jul/07070605.html
By Peter J. SmithNEW HAVEN, Connecticut, July 5, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) - As advocates of traditional marriage continue to reel from the marriage amendment's narrow defeat in Massachusetts in June, the Knights of Columbus has learned that 16 of its own members cast decisive votes against the measure."It is certainly embarrassing to the order and to every Knight out there who is firm in his support of traditional marriage and the right to life to have men take a position like this in such a public and consequential way," Pat Korten, Vice President for Communications for the Knights of Columbus told LifeSiteNews.com "It's embarrassing."
On June 14, the Massachusetts Legislature convened in a joint Constitutional Convention to decide the fate of gay "marriage" in Massachusetts and garnered only 45 votes, just 5 votes shy of the 50 required to put the initiative on the ballot in 2008. Among these were 16 Knights of Columbus, who broke with fidelity to Catholic teaching as well as the Knights principle of "unity." Among these were Speaker of the House Sal Dimasi, and House Majority Leader John Rogers. State representatives Garrett Bradley, Bob Deleo, Stephen Di Natale, Chris Donelan, Christopher Fallon, Kevin Honan, Charles Murphy, Angelo Puppolo, Bob Spellane, Bob Nyman, and Paul McMurtry voted against the initiative, along with State Senators Tom McGee, Michael Knapik, and Michael Morrissey.Among these, seven of the Knights are rated "pro-choice" by Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts' Advocacy Fund and a number openly publish their affiliation with the Knights: Speaker Dimasi, http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2007/jul/%3ca%20href=http:/www.mass.gov/legis/member/sfd1.htm%3ehttp:/www.mass.gov/legis/member/sfd1.htm%3c/a%3e Reps. Bradley, Donelan, http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2007/jul/%3ca%20href=http:/www.mass.gov/legis/member/cjd1.htm%3ehttp:/www.mass.gov/legis/member/cjd1.htm%3c/a%3e, Honan, Murphy, Spellane, http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2007/jul/%3ca%20href=http:/www.mass.gov/legis/member/rps1.htm%3ehttp:/www.mass.gov/legis/member/rps1.htm%3c/a%3e and Sen. McGee, http://www.mass.gov/legis/member/tmm0.htmThe revelation has hit the Knights hard, since the Order - known for its pro-life stance and fidelity to the Church as its "strong right arm" - had led the drive to collect the 170,000 petitions to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman. "That was a Knights of Columbus effort from top to bottom," said Korten, who added that 500 KofC delegates at the state convention had unanimously approved a resolution demanding that the Legislature allow the people to finally decide the fate of same-sex "marriage."

More Bad News:
Knight of Columbus Calls Latest Survey of Catholics "Embarrassing"
From: http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdate&BarnaUpdateID=274.%20Here/oblocked::http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdate&BarnaUpdateID=274.Here

This report is based upon nationwide telephone surveys conducted by The Barna Group with a random sample of adults, age 18 and older, conducted between August 2006 and January 2007. In total, 4014 adults were interviewed, allowing for a maximum margin of sampling error of ±1.7 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. Within that aggregate, 876 self-identified Catholics were interviewed, providing data for that group with a maximum margin of sampling error of ±3.4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.
· Catholics were only half as likely as others to mention their faith as their highest priority in life.
· The typical Catholic person:
o donated about 17% less money to churches;
o was 38% less likely than the average American to read the Bible;
o 67% less likely to attend a Sunday school class;
o 20% less likely to share their faith in Christ with someone who had different beliefs;
o 24% less likely to say their religious faith has greatly transformed their life.
· Catholics were more likely than the norm:
o to say that Satan is not real;
o to believe that eternal salvation is earned; and
o to contend that Jesus Christ sinned while on earth.
· Catholics were twice as likely to view pornographic content on the Internet and were more likely to use profanity, to gamble, and to buy lottery tickets.
· Among the moral behaviors in which Catholics were indistinguishable from other Americans were illegally downloading copyrighted music from the Internet, stealing, engaging in physical abuse, getting drunk, using illegal, non-prescription drugs, lying, committing adultery, and seeking revenge.
· A series of 11 questions about the existence and extent of poverty in the U.S., and people’s personal responses to poverty, showed no distinctions between Catholics and other adults.
· The survey data portray Catholics as people whose lifestyles and thought patterns are more influenced by the social mainstream than by the core principles of the Christian faith.
· The survey showed that American Catholics are more similar to non-Christians living in the U.S. than they are to the nation's Protestant adults.
· George Barna [who directed the study] commented:
o "... Catholics have largely lost touch with much of their substantive spiritual heritage. They ... have much less of a commitment to knowing and practicing the commands of Christ. For instance, the data show that some of their long-held distinctives, such as being champions of social justice, are no longer a defining facet of their community."
o "The faith of tens of millions of Catholics is affected by the prevailing culture more than by the central principles and teachings of the Bible. Spiritual leaders who are passionate about remaining true to the scriptures and to Catholicism’s historic commitment to Jesus Christ and the Word of God must address this spiritual drift within the body. If they fail to do so, in the next quarter century American Catholicism could well lose its ability to shape people’s minds and hearts in ways that conform to the historic teachings and purposes of Christianity."

In defense of the faith
ARCHIVES
01/01/2004 - 02/01/2004 /

2004-01-12T10:51:00.000-08:00

Questions from a Protestant to a Catholic: "

-----Original Message-----
From: Maschler, Jeff
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2004 8:30 AM
To: 'The Lungs'
Subject: RE: Questions

As I see it, that answer is contained in Matthew 22:
36'Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?' 37Jesus replied: ' 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'[2] 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[3] 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.'

LaGB
Jeff

-----Original Message-----
From: The Lungs
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2004 11:53 AM
To: Maschler, Jeff
Subject: Re: Questions
Importance: High

'With our definition, he has failed in his imitation of Christ � regardless of the reason.'

So.... what must man do to be saved?"