Posted on 06/07/2012 11:31:41 AM PDT by iowamark
While the nation discusses and debates the attacks on religious freedom, a high school junior in Florida has put her academic reputation on the line to stand up for her faith. Margeaux Graham was selected this year to participate in The American Legion Auxiliary's prestigious 9-day leadership event, the "Girls State" program. When Margeaux learned she would not be allowed to attend Sunday mass during the event, she decided to decline the honor...
Margeaux Graham was selected this year to participate in a prestigious 9-day leadership event in her state's capital. The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) of Florida has an annual "Girls State" program whereby the participants "learn how to participate in the functioning of their state's government in preparation for their future roles as responsible adult citizens." It is a "nonpartisan program that teaches young women responsible citizenship and love for God and Country. They are awarded 3 college credits and rare notoriety in the college application process.
Margeaux is a faithful Catholic. That is, she takes her obligation to attend Mass as just that - her obligation. When she inquired about nearby Catholic churches to plan where she would attend, she was told by the staff that the only opportunity any of the girls would have to participate in a Sunday service is to attend the "non-offensive", non-denominational service offered for all at the conference. The event takes place at Florida State University and the cathedral is nearby the campus. [see update] A member of the national American Legion even contacted the Auxiliary to arrange for a priest to celebrate Mass on campus, and this accommodation was denied.
(Excerpt) Read more at catholic.org ...
Earlier article:
American Legion Auxiliary: Girls State participants not allowed to attend Sunday Mass
""“We are a non-denominational program and intentionally keep religion out of our program out of respect for the 300 girls that come from many different faiths," said Briere. "We set aside time on Sunday morning, from our very busy schedule, to allow each girl to honor her faith silently and the girls collectively put a program together to honor all faiths.""
The all out attack on religion in the USA continues under the direction of the Community Organizer in Chief. He is only following Marx’s and Stalin’s directions.
Ping
That is why this year’s election is so very importatnt.
Way to go, Margeaux. May God reward your faithfulness and devotion.
“non-offensive”, non-denominational service offered for all at the conference”
So they are basically saying to this girl that the Catholic Masses that she attends are offensive! It pretty much sounds like they are grouping just about any other faith in with that statement as well. These people are “offensive” if anything. They disgust me.
This saddens me. I attended Girl’s State in Alabama in the 60’s and as a counselor later. We always had religious services, but back then, there weren’t really many Catholics in the area and this situation never came up. However, knowing the women who ran it in Alabama, I feel they would have made some type of effort to accommodate the young lady. I hate she is missing such a great opportunity because it is an experience I wouldn’t take anything for.
FYI
Sounds like the state does not want anybody else interfering with their brainwashing sessions.
The first indication that you are involved in a cult is that they want you to cut off all contact with family, friends and other religious organizations.
“One of life’s lessons is she can’t go through life blaming others for the decisions she makes.”
Yes, and that is exactly what Margeaux will be able to tell God, and that she made the correct choice.
What will YOU tell God, Ms. administrator?
The organizers of this event clearly have a different idea of what "love of God" means than the average practicing Christian. I hope they are shamed into changing their Sunday schedule.
I’ll bet you anything that if Margeaux were muslim, they would bend over backwards to accommodate her. Are they changing their name to the Communist Legion anytime soon?
“...if you know anyone at a Catholic university who could possibly arrange to grant Margeaux the three credits she ought to have received,...”
Ave Maria is right there in Florida, or, I would recommened Fanciscan University, in Steubinville, OH.
I was a Boys State rep for my high school in 1987. I’m sure it was one of the credentials that helped me earn a 4-year Army ROTC scholarship. This girl is foolish not to go. Are you saying god would we be upset she missed one Mass for this honor? Doesn’t he have bigger concerns running the universe? She can go to confession an extra time if she feels guilty. Self-inflicted trauma.
But won't allow her to practice her faith.
Hypocrites.
I would not let my kids participate in that farce. What exactly are they doing that they are totally isolating these girls during that conference?
This is going totally over your head.
You don’t know the one true faith.
What?
Margeaux Graham did not COMPLY?
She did not COOPERATE with the flow?
Margeaux had a CHOICE, and made it?
She wasn’t a sheep?
She had an out and took it?
She STOOD up for her PRINCIPLES?
Margeaux was ONE among hundreds, and STOOD anyway.
There are higher principles than FEAR, handwringing and duress?
Who would have thunk such a thing?
Keep faith in God out of our state governments! We need faith in only one god - ourselves.
I think she’s going to hear someday....
“Welcome, good and faithful servant!”
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