I haven't been in here for a while...
Posted on 04/13/2007 6:54:57 AM PDT by Frank Sheed
Two years into his reign, Pope Benedict XVI is finally poised to make a major mark on American Catholicism with a string of key bishop appointments and important decisions about the future of U.S. seminaries and bishops' involvement in politics.
Benedict's election on April 19, 2005, shook liberals and comforted conservatives who expected a doctrinal hard-liner. So far, they have found an easier hand - and someone who has not made the United States much of a priority.
When Benedict has gained attention, it has mostly been on the world stage, focusing on the re-Christianization of Europe, Islam and mending relations with Orthodox Christians. He also has stressed universal themes of faith and reason.
``The last two years have been much quieter years as far as the papacy is concerned because you have a very different personality'' than John Paul II, said Monsignor Robert Wister, chairman of the church history department at Seton Hall University's School of Theology.
``Many Americans were surprised - some happily, some disappointed - that he did not turn into the pit bull of dogma. He is taking a very pastoral approach, and I think people resonate very positively with that.''
Yet America's turn may be coming. At the top of the list is a looming generational shift among the nation's bishops, whose decisions at the local level greatly affect Catholics in the pews and can carry national weight. For instance, church leaders recently closed parishes in Boston and New York, while the St. Louis archbishop has clashed with a heavily Polish parish over control of its assets.
Key appointments are expected in New York, Baltimore and Detroit, where cardinals have reached retirement age - 75. And retirements or appointments are likely in at least seven other archdioceses...
(Excerpt) Read more at guardian.co.uk ...
I haven't been in here for a while...
‘Tis like a bicycle. Once you’ve done it, you never lose the knack.
But now it's time for me to say "good night, y'all".
So... Oichdhe mhath, leibh.
| What Dead Corpse Means |
| D is for Distinguished E is for Exquisite A is for Active D is for Dignified C is for Confused O is for Outgoing R is for Radiant P is for Proud S is for Sweet E is for Enjoyable |
The dish to which you refer is called “bulgogi.” It is indeed delicious.
Koreans love sushi. My comrade from work told me his greatest delicacy was “puffer fish” (loaded with some kind of neurotoxin; the chef has to be licensed or he’ll kill his customers!). Anyway, this guy loved his puffer fish sushi...(said he was weak for 2 days!). Something about walking on the wild side, I guess.
Oh, and Koreans love eel...it’s “good for the man.”
A nice pun, if intended.
Raw salmon is excellent and I love real, homemade butter. Saltier the better.
I was raised on the stuff. Real Finn food. :)
| What Soaring Feather Means |
| S is for Sensational O is for Openhearted A is for Adventurous R is for Rich I is for Impassioned N is for Neglected G is for Glorious F is for Flavorful E is for Easy A is for Active T is for Temperamental H is for Heavenly E is for Earnest R is for Radiant |
| Your Five Factor Personality Profile |
 You have high extroversion. You are outgoing and engaging, with both strangers and friends. You truly enjoy being with people and bring energy into any situation. Enthusiastic and fun, you're the first to say "let's go!" Conscientiousness: You have high conscientiousness. Intelligent and reliable, you tend to succeed in life. Most things in your life are organized and planned well. But you borderline on being a total perfectionist. Agreeableness: You have high agreeableness. You are easy to get along with, and you value harmony highly. Helpful and generous, you are willing to compromise with almost anyone. You give people the benefit of the doubt and don't mind giving someone a second chance. Neuroticism: You have low neuroticism. You are very emotionally stable and mentally together. Only the greatest setbacks upset you, and you bounce back quickly. Overall, you are typically calm and relaxed - making others feel secure. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is high. In life, you tend to be an early adopter of all new things and ideas. You'll try almost anything interesting, and you're constantly pushing your own limits. A great connoisseir of art and beauty, you can find the positive side of almost anything. |
I had access to a large amount of semi-random numbers, and to an interesting report generator.
It allowed me to replace any particular number in a string with a word or phrase.
I set it up to replace the random numbers with words that would seem appropriate in a tabloid headline.
.
The entertainments that Al Gore, Elvis, and Bigfoot managed to discover in a cave were hilarious.
If they really cared about their parishes, they would have stayed in their own neighborhoods.
Let the dead bury the dead. Its as true about parishes as it is about people.
| What Rottndog Means |
| R is for Revolutionary O is for Outgoing T is for Trendy T is for Thoughtful N is for Nutty D is for Devious O is for Outgoing G is for Glorious |
Anoreth and I will be teaching first grade Sunday School next year. We plan that she’ll play the guitar, and I’ll make them memorize the Baltimore Catechism.
“Now class, Pat’s going to levitate you up to the ceiling, and you can come down when you can repeat the answer to ‘Why did God make you?’, in unison and with correct emphasis.”
Point of advise: Don’t let the cat in on that levitation procedure.
Congratulations to you and Anoreth!
Wednesday has not been observed humming and gesturing.
I need to get out and run before it gets too hot. We’re supposed to have 90’s today!
| Your Five Factor Personality Profile |
|
You have medium extroversion. You're not the life of the party, but you do show up for the party. Sometimes you are full of energy and open to new social experiences. But you also need to hibernate and enjoy your "down time." Conscientiousness: You have high conscientiousness. Intelligent and reliable, you tend to succeed in life. Most things in your life are organized and planned well. But you borderline on being a total perfectionist. Agreeableness: You have low agreeableness. Your self interest comes first, and others come later, if at all. In general, you feel that people are not to be trusted. And you're skeptical that anyone else really feels differently. Neuroticism: You have low neuroticism. You are very emotionally stable and mentally together. Only the greatest setbacks upset you, and you bounce back quickly. Overall, you are typically calm and relaxed - making others feel secure. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is high. In life, you tend to be an early adopter of all new things and ideas. You'll try almost anything interesting, and you're constantly pushing your own limits. A great connoisseir of art and beauty, you can find the positive side of almost anything. |
I think I may have hit an equilibrium point. I've refined myself to a level that I am happy with and appears to be sustainable.
I'm good with that... ;-)
Rottie!
How was your trip to Laughlin? Was it HOT ENOUGH for ya? *snort*
:looks around:
Hmmmm...the penguins are here, the pope is here, Dr. Ms. Tulip has brought all her worldly goods in the Big Paper Truck, Dead Corpse has brought the limo....looks like a good place to park.
:opens strange door, checks inside:
Yah...I like what you’ve done with the place!
High their, Kiddys!
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