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This is really great to hear. I am so embarrased by my fellow Catholics (esp. those in my parish) who have Kerry bumper stickers on. You can debate about what is the best method to help the poor or how to provide health care for those who do not have it but you can't debate the sanctity of life.

Sounds like my diocese ... ultra liberal bishop. You can make a difference. Begin by sharing this informatin with the other parishioners.

Faith in Jesus Christ, who is «the way, the truth, and the life»(Jn 14:6), calls Christians to exert a greater effort in building a culture which, inspired by the Gospel, will reclaim the values and contents of the Catholic Tradition.
The Participation of Catholics in Political Life

In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue; participation in the political process is a moral obligation.

Though not related, you may want to familiarize yourself with information at this link. Bruce Sabalaskey has compiled one of the most authoritative resources on what constitutes a valid mass.
Is Your Mass Valid?
Two years ago, I used that information to stop liturgical abuse in my parish ... and won.

However, like Screaming Eagle Red Leg, that was only the tip of the iceberg. It was time to leave. After attending mass at other RC churches, I found myself in an Eastern Catholic Church one day, was totally captivated by the reverence and returned the following Sunday. Once again, I left the church in a state of peace. That Maronite Catholic Church is now my parish. No communion in the hand, no Eucharistic ministers, and the consecration is said in Aramaic, using the words and language of our Lord at the Last Supper.

"The Eastern Churches are the Treasures of the Catholic Church" -- Pope John XXIII

CATHOLIC RITES AND CHURCHES

And I'll bet you thought the Catholic Church was just the the Latin Rite.

“The road to hell is paved with the skulls of bishops.” Saint John Eudes and St. John Chrysostom

I have also found the Eastern Rite to be quite beautiful. Although I have not made the switch, I enjoy attending their Mass. Very spiritual. And at the particular Eastern Rite Parish I sometimes attend they have a huge photo of JP II prominently displayed in their lobby, a rarity in my archdiocese.

Oh..no...I know about the Eastern Rites who are in communion with Rome. I have never attended their Masses but have been interested. Yes, the brouchure you have is very good. Also, there have been a number of articles in COLUMBIA (K of C monthly) talking about the role of religion and faith in politics. I think that they are starting to realize the importance of this election.

I think that some of our bishops are willing to take a stand (and it is about time) as well as some of our Catholic organizations. However, there are too many bishops who are cowards. If they are not willing to stand up, then how can they expect the faithful to do so? How can we expect politicians to respect us or listen to us?

Two years ago, I used that information to stop liturgical abuse in my parish ... and won.

I went through a similar experience at my old parish, but I didn’t prevail. Liturgical abuse was rampant and I sat down and wrote my priest an 8-page letter, outlining the abuses and providing Church authority for the correct way to celebrate Mass. The priest and I met and talked about it and he agreed that I was right in all aspects, but that he wasn’t going to change anything.

He agreed that we should kneel during the consecration, but that the kneelers made too much noise going up and down. He agreed that only a person with Holy Orders could give the homily, but he needed a break every now and then. Etc., etc., etc.

I also got sick and tired of extraordinary ministers in jeans, T-shirts, and tennis shoes.

It was not easy to leave a parish where I had spent several years making friends, but when I finally did it, it was quite liberating.