Big Pulpit

MONDAY EXTRA

TV Station Off Air (Credit: Slideshare.net)

Our Obscene Age

. . .the next time we have people clutching their pearls about some crudity of the President, recall the video of congealed partisan hate, vulgarity, & obscenity. . .

by Donald R. McClarey, J.D.,

of The American Catholic

Quæritur: Am I Obliged to Receive Communion? – Fr. Z’s Blog
Have Legal Abortions Killed 50 to 60 Million Children or a Billion? – D. Byron, Cath Stnd
Wow! How Many People are Flemish Doctors Really Euthanasing? – Mic. Cook, Mrctrnt
Pope Francis in the Wilderness – Jason Horowitz, The New York Times
6 Key Parts of the Mass that Come Directly from the Bible – ChurchPop
RNS Meltdown II: New Details & Lilly Endowment Confirms $4.9M Grant – Jul. Duin, GR
Alfie Evans’ Death Illustrates the Monstrous Logic of the Welfare State – J.D. Davidson
Sex Abuse Survivors Praise Private Meetings with Pope Francis – Junno Arocho Esteves
Christian Passivity is Not an Option – Stephen Baskerville, Crisis Magazine
“Truth Cannot Contradict Truth” All about Science & the Church – Bob Kurland Ph.D.
2018 Spring Trends You Already Own (Without Even Knowing!) – Meghan Ashley
WI High Ct Hears Academic-Freedom Debate, McAdams v Marquette – P Jesserer Smith
What is Catholic Church’s Teaching on the Size of Government? – J. Carter, Acton Inst.
Restorative Justice Seen as a Critical Piece of Criminal Justice Reform – Crux
Mother Teresa and the Art of the Ask – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
Evangelicals Have Displaced Catholics as Anti-Abortion Movement’s Base – E. Kilgore
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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MONDAY LATE EDITION

Partial Book Cover of Lost Shepherd (Credit: Screenshot from NCRegister.com)

Lawler Paints Bleak Picture in ‘Lost Shepherd’

. . .Book Review of Lost Shepherd: How Pope Francis Is Misleading His Flock. . .

by Father Raymond J. de Souza,

of the National Catholic Register

German Liberalism is a Cancer in the Church – New Catholic, Rorate Cæli
The Sins of Chick-Fil-A – Charlotte Allen, First Things
The Decline of Natural Law at the Vatican – Andrea Gagliarducci, Monday Vatican
Past The Tipping Point – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
Do Catholics Have to be Democrats? – Jason Scott Jones, The Stream
Waste Land: Britain’s Culture of Death – K.V. Turley, Crisis Magazine
Experiencing The Beautiful Eritrean Catholic Church – Nicholas LaBanca, Cthlc Stand
Three Mexican Priests Murdered in Less Than Two Weeks – uCatholic
Practical Ideas for Spiritual Growth – Deacon Michael Bickerstaff, Intgrtd Cthlc Life™
FactCheck.org Is Wrong. California’s LGBT Therapy Ban Could Ban Bibles – Rb. Gagnon
Joy Reid & the Forgotten Value of Changing Your Mind – Matthew Walther, The Week
Female Ordination Advocates Ignore Theological Truth, Focus on Power – Nic. Senz
Alfie Evans Just the Latest Victim of a Deadly NHS Hospital – Dav. Catron, TASpectator
Catholicism: the Most Progressive Way of Life – Bevil Bramwell O.M.I, The Cthlc Thng
Nigeria Bishops Back Self-Defense, Call on President to Step Aside – Inés San Martín
Why are Media MIA on California’s Anti Gay-Conversion Bill? – Julia Duin, Get Religion
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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Alfie Evans Passes Away – Updated

Alfie Evans Smiling 24 April A.D. 2018 (Credit: Kate James on Facebook via Life Site)

Breaking: Alfie Evans Has Died

by Dorothy Cummings McLean & Diane Montagna

of Life Site

Alfie Evans & the Experts – Ross Douthat, The New York Times
Why Alfie Evans Didn’t Matter to So Many People – Matthew Archbold, NC Register
Celebrating Alfie Evans’ Life in Pictures – Steven Ertelt, Life News
The Alfie Evans Timeline – Edward Pentin, National Catholic Register
Pope Francis Saddened by Alfie Evans’ Death – Steven Ertelt, Life News
Tearful Supporters Release Balloons to Honor Him After His Death – Steven Ertelt, LN
White House Says Abortion is Not a Human Right – Austin Ruse, Life News
Doctor: Starving Baby “Not the Killing of a Child,” Just “Redirecting Care” – S. Ertelt
Judge: Slams Christians Helping Family as “Deluded & Fanatical” – Steven Ertelt, LN

Alfie Evans Passes Away – Updated Read More »

SATVRDAY EDITION

Beyonce (Credit: spamagic3)

The Queen of Neoliberalism

. . .Beyoncé’s performance at Coachella shows ‘liberation’ is now achieved through conformity. . .

by Matthew Schmitz,

of Catholic Herald

What If Muhammad Didn’t Write the Qur’an? – William Kilpatrick Ph.D., Crisis Magazine
Oscar Wilde’s Long Journey to Catholicism – Aaron Taylor, Catholic Herald
Still No Action Taken Against Honduran Bishop Accused of Sexual Abuse – Edw. Pentin
Who May Receive Communion? – Gerhard Ludwig Cardinal Müller, First Things
Finding Courage as a Same-Sex Attracted, Catholic Man – Karl Miller, America Magazine
A Faithful Pope of the Enlightenment – Fr. George W. Rutler S.T.D. Th.D., Crisis Mgzn
Marxism: A Primer – Bradley J. Birzer Ph.D., The Imaginative. . .
How Do You Know That You are Saved? 5th Sun. of Easter Readings Explained – TSP
Did the Incarnation Cause God to Change? – Tim Staples, Catholic Answers Magazine
Catholic Baroness Champions UK Conscience-Protection Bill – K.V. Turley, NC Register
What Makes Christian Art, Christian? – Deacon Lawrence, The Way of Beauty
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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FRIDAY AFTERNOON EDITION

Religion News Service Staff (Credit: Get Religion)

How America’s One Religion Wire Service Melted Down Over a Weekend

. . .news of the editorial bloodbath at Religion News Service . . . the bare facts: A respected editor was ousted with apparently no warning or announced cause; two more veteran staff members quit within three days, two others had recently been let go and many others are looking to leave. . .

by Julia Duin,

of Get Religion

The Soros-Funded Attacks on Orthodox Catholic Universities – Austin Ruse, Crisis Mgzn
Yes, the Pope is a Catholic, But He’s Confusing Other Catholics – Phil Lawler, Cthlc Cltr
Dems Mad at Ryan Over Ousting of House (Jesuit) Chaplain – H. Gaygle & J. Sherman
Weird Catholic Twitter Offers a Reminder of Catholic Complexity – J.L. Allen Jr., Crux
More Biblical Evidence for Mary’s Perpetual Virginity – Dave Armstrong, NC Register
Mothers Launch High Court Challenge to Ealing ‘Buffer Zone’ – Theo Howard, CH
Paul Ryan’s Plan to Alleviate Poverty: Handouts to Hand-Ups – Peter Jesserer Smith
Philippines Orders Deportation Of Australian Activist Nun – Scott Neuman, NPR
Paisley Bishop Complains to BBC Scotland On Video Mocking Communion – Th. Howard
Third Mexican Priest Killed Within a Week – Inés San Martín, Crux
Holiness Is Calling: ”Gaudete et Exsultate” – Suellen Brewster, Catholic Stand
Armenian Genocide: Erdogan Says Turkey Has to Share ‘Historical Pain’ – A. Nazarian
Satanic Temple Plans to Sue Arkansas Over 10 Commandments Monument – Y. Shimron
Vatican’s Financial Watchdog Says Progress Slow, But Steady – CNA via The CWR
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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Save Alfie Evans

Tilted Union Jack (Credit: MuralsWallPaper.co.uk)

Alfie’s Law? Charlie Gard’s Parents Announce New Campaign to Change Protocol

. . .Chris Gard & Connie Yates said that their son’s case, like that of Alfie Evans, showed the need for a law which avoids ‘unnecessary conflicts’. . .

by Dan Hitchens,

of Catholic Herald

Alfie Evans Shows Why a Strong Pro-Life Movement is So Vital – Dav. Marcus, The Fdrlst
Amazing Pictures Show Vatican Candlelight Vigil for Alfie Evans – Steven Ertelt, Lif Nws
Why Single-Payer Health Care Denies Care to Ill Children Like Alfie Evans – Wheatley
For the Love of Alfie – One Mad Mom
Alfie & the Archbishop – Fr. Dwight Longenecker
Alfie Evans Case Unmasks Anti-Catholicism in UK Press – Stephen Wynne, Chrch Militant
Alfie Evans & the American Revolutionary Spirit – Donald R. McClarey J.D., TACatholic
Catholic Assoc. Slams UK Catholic Leaders for Not Following Church Teaching – N Flory
The “New Pro-Life Movement” & Alfie Evans – Donald R. McClarey J.D., TACatholic
Top Pediatrician: Alfie Not Dying & Not Brain Dead – Steven Ertelt, Life News
UK Doctor: Alfie Evans Must Die Because His Parents Have a Bad Attitude – R Stoltzfoos
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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FRIDAY MORNING EDITION

Nuns Praying

Why Would a Modern Woman Ever become a Nun?

. . .outsiders often think religious sisters are making burdensome sacrifices, but here’s the truth. . .

by Rebecca Vitz Cherico,

of Aleteia

What Kind of Wine Can Be Used for Consecration? – Billy Ryan, uCatholic
Professor Josef Seifert Shares His Views on ‘Gaudete et Exsultate’ – Edward Pentin
Italy & Vatican Put UK to Shame Over Alfie Evans – Fr. Alexander Lucie-Smith Ph.D.
4 Powerful Prayers for the Tired & Weary Soul – Maura Roan McKeegan, Cthlc Exchange
What Does Netflix’s ‘Come Sunday’ Say about Who Goes to Heaven? – Matthew Becklo
Marco Rubio’s Second Act – Matthew Walther, The Week
Dissenters from Disenchantment – Mark Bauerlein, First Things
What Good Catholic Teens Want from the Church – Jennifer Fitz, Natl Catholic Register
How to Receive God’s Love In the Present Moment – David Torkington, Catholic Stand
Heal Our Wounds: My Time in the Church’s Field Hospitals – Patricia Snow, First Things
Why We Needed a Facebook Group for Catholic Mothers – Chiara Finaldi, Cthlc Herald
Holy Confidence in God – Brian Kranick, Catholic Exchange
2018 Spring Trends You Already Own (Without Even Knowing!) – Meghan Ashley
Mother Teresa and the Art of the Ask – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
US Commission on International Religious Freedom Releases 2018 Report – Joe Carter
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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THVRSDAY AFTERNOON EDITION

Alfie Evans (Credit: Screenshot via Catholic Herald)

The Battle for Alfie

. . .the Alfie Evans case has shaken Britain & the Church.  It raises serious questions about whether the law needs to change. . .

by Dan Hitchens,

of Catholic Herald

Archbishop of Liverpool Backs Alder Hey Hospital in Alfie Evans Case – Catholic Herald
Darkness Visible In Alder Hey – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
American Children & the Culture of Disrespect – Annie Holmquist, The Imaginative. . .
Cooperation with Sins Against Prudence (& Chastity) – Edward Feser Ph.D.
The Great Power of Prayer – Fr. Lawrence G. Lovasik, Catholic Exchange
Pelosi: No to Pro-Abortion Litmus Test for Democratic Candidates – Lauretta Brown, LN
Venezuela’s Ignored Implosion – Matthew Hanley, The Catholic Thing
Take This Free Online Course from Yale on World’s Great Cathedrals – Zelda Caldwell
The Five Circles of Evangelization – Eric Sammons, Catholic Answers Magazine
Alfie Evans & the Ultimate Authority Over Life & Death – Matthew Walther, The Week
Pierantoni: Gaudete et Exsultate Appears to Support Error of Situational Ethics – Reg
Alfie is a Victim of Secularism, There Will be Many More If We Don’t Fight – S. Herreid
Syrian Christian Leader: We Have the Formula for Peace – John Zmirak Ph.D., The Strm
Nuns Lead Fight on Human Trafficking – John L. Allen Jr., Crux
Mother Teresa and the Art of the Ask – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
Discovering Mercy – Betty Parquette, Catholic Stand
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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THVRSDAY MORNING EDITION

(Lisa F. Young/Shutterstock.com via CNA)

The Priestly Story Dioceses Tell: Reasons for Optimism in the US

. . .despite drops in seminary enrollment . . . there is reason for optimism. According to the annual survey by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University. . .

by Anne Hendershott & Makenzie White,

of the National Catholic Register

Pope’s Personal Theologian Expected to Lead Major Archdiocese – Alejandro Bermudez
Court Stops Wife from Starving Disabled Husband to Death – Alex Schadenberg, Lf Nws
Alfie Evans & Our Moral Crossroads – Charles C. Camosy, First Things
The Last Man Who Knew Everything – Matthew Walther, The Week
A Paralytic Church? – Fr. John R.P. Russell, Catholic Exchange
The 8th Century Benedictine Monk Who Accidentally Invented Do-Re-Mi – ChurchPop
Christian, Read This Bill: Religious Freedom at Stake – Alan Shlemon, The Stream
2018 Spring Trends You Already Own (Without Even Knowing!) – Meghan Ashley
Nihilism, Bodies, & Personhood in Black Mirror – Patrick Malone, Catholic Stand
Etiquette & the Common Good – Randall B. Smith Ph.D., The Catholic Thing
How Proofs for God Lead to Divine Simplicity – Dennis Bonnette Ph.D., Strange Notions
The 1st Amendment Didn’t Separate Church & State, Christianity Did – Paul R. DeHart
Bishops Warn Venezuela Headed for Humanitarian Catastrophe – Inés San Martín, Crux
Oscar Romero, Martyr & Saint –  Gerhard Ludwig Cardinal Müller, First Things
Asking by the Rules: Canon 1262 & You – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
Council of Cardinals Prep New Constitution for Roman Curia – CNA via The CWR
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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VVEDNESDAY EXTRA

Ominous Clouds Over England (Credit: Flickr)

British Police Will Monitor & Prosecute “Malicious Communications” Supporting Alfie Evans

. . .Liverpool police are warning that social media posts about “Alder Hey Hospital & the ongoing situation involving Alfie Evans” are “being monitored” & what they deem as “malicious communications” will be investigated. . .

by Donald R. McClarey, J.D.,

of The American Catholic

Court of Appeal rejects bid to fly Alfie Evans to Rome – Catholic Herald
Hospital Lies: Said Alfie Evans Would Die Soon; in February: Die “in Minutes” – LN
Cory Booker, Mike Pompeo Can Love SSA’s without Affirming their Orientation – Fdrlst
Why GQ is Wrong, The Bible is a Must-Read – Sean McDowell, The Stream
Royal Baby Mania Isn’t About Politics, It’s About Celebrity – Robert Tracinski, The Fdrlst
Why Catholics Should Beware as High-Tech ‘Deepfake’ Videos Emerge – CNA via CWR
Bavaria to Display Crosses in All Government Buildings – Theo Howard, Cthlc Herald
Two Priests Among 15 Killed in Attack on Catholic Mass in Nigeria – Crux
Backlash Planned Against Pro-SSA ‘Day of Silence’ – Alexander Slavsky, Church Mltnt
Hero Nun Of WWII, the Angel of Dieppe, Dies At 103 – Matthew Archbold, NC Register
Layman Launching “Serious Online Attacks” on Brazilian Bishops – F. Domingues, Crux
The Devil Is in the Details: Pope Francis, the Devil, & Hell – Mat. E. Bunson, NCRegister
New Cardinal Newman Guide Helps Families Navigate College Search – CNA via CWR
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

VVEDNESDAY EXTRA Read More »

VVEDNESDAY AFTERNOON EDITION

Sean Cardinal O’Malley Ordaining New Priests (Credit: Screengrab from CNA via NCRegister.com)

New Priests: Orthodoxy Among Key Factors in Ordination Numbers

. . .what makes a diocese fertile ground for encouraging men to follow a path to the Catholic priesthood? . . .

by Sabrina Ferrisi,

of the National Register

Theresa May to Alfie Evans Parents: We Own You People – Don. R. McClarey J.D., TACth
Jaron Lanier: We Blew It – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
Alfie Evans Judge: He’s Not a Human Being, There’s No Brain Left – Steven Ertelt, LN
From Bob Jones University to the Catholic Church – Fr. Dwight Longenecker
Alfie Evans Must Die So the Nanny State May Live – John Zmirak Ph.D., The Stream
A Way to Undo the Knot of Pope Francis’ Words about “Truth Idols”? – Fr. Z’s Blog
Judge Sentencing Alfie Evans to Death Member of SSA UK Lawyers Grp – Ch. Niles J.D.
Pope’s Kitchen Cabinet Right Now is a Distracted Bunch – John L. Allen Jr., Crux
This is What Exorcisms are Really Like – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Chile Abuse Crisis: Who Led Pp. Francis to Make ‘Serious Errors’? – I. San Martín, Crux
Text of 7 German Bishops’ Intercommunion for Protestant Spouses Letter – E. Pentin
If Calif.’s LGBT Therapy Ban Been Law 30 Yrs Ago, I May Have Killed Myself – W. Heyer
Baseball & Synod 2018 – George Weigel, The Dispatch via The Catholic World Report
How Well Do You Know St. Mark? – Laura DeMaria, Catholic Stand
The New App Offers a Social Network for Prayer – Catholic News Serv. via Cthlc Herald
Chilean Sex Abuse Victim Urges Pope Francis to Fire ‘Toxic’ Bishops – Philip Pullela
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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VVEDNESDAY MORNING EDITION

Why is the World Celebrating the Royal Baby, but Watching Alfie Evans Die?

. . .the government has determined that he shouldn’t receive further treatment. . .

by Sarah Coffey,

of Ignitum Today

Fr. James Martin Isn’t Interested in Building a Bridge to People Like Me – Hud. Byblow
I Was the Butler of 3 Popes; Let Me Tell You about Wojtyla’s Miracle – Andrea Tornielli
UK Doctors Grp. Horrified Over Alfie Evans’ Medical Tyranny, Demand Release – LN
Religion News Service Tumult: Firings, & Resignations – Terry Mattingly, Get Religion
6 Spiritual Effects of Confession Everyone Should Know, In One Infographic – ChrchPop
Judge Rejects Plea to Allow Alfie Evans to Seek Treatment in Italy – N. Flory, The Strm
A Catholic Chaplain Becomes a Hero – Daniel Demers, Catholic Stand
“Dear First Communicant” – Michele Chronister, Catholic Exchange
Is Jesus the Only Savior? – Marcellino D’Ambrosio Ph.D., Integrated Catholic Life™
Fresh Takes on Liturgical Theology – Christopher Carstens, Adoremus Bulletin
How to Pick a Name to Honor the Blessed Virgin Mary – Theresa Williams, epicPew
Paul Ryan’s Exit Interv.: Rethinking How a Great Soc. Helps People – Pt. Jesserer Smith
Dating App Bumble Donates to Planned Parenthood Abortion Biz – Micaiah Bilger, LN
An Examination of Closet – Meghan Ashley Sabo, Meghan Ashley
Asking by the Rules: Canon 1262 & You – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
Prayer & the Word of God: Defenses Against the Evil One – Fr. Paolo Carlin, Cthlc Exch
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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