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AMERICA Magazine
A balanced Catholic weekly magazine published by the jesuits of the United States for an intelligent Catholic readership. Go online to subscribe.

Liturgy
This link will keep 'parishioners-at-large' in touch with current creative liturgy sources and resources that respect a variety of 'traditions' within the Church.

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A 'movement' of lay Catholics 'inspired' by the abuse scandal calling for greater accountability of bishops to 'Catholics in the Pew.'

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A National Network of self-help support groups for people abused by clergy or religious.

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Vital information about the disclosure of sexual abuse and related issues affecting Catholics in the pew and the manner in which Bishops continue to exempt themselves from accountability

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A national Catholic lay newspaper covering events not usually covered or presented with a clerical bias in the local diocesan press or but of concern and interest to Catholics.

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Daily Scripture

+ Ascension Thursday

There is no proof; there are only witnesses.

Readings: Acts 1:1-11 Ephesians 1:14-23 Luke 24:46-53

You are witnesses of all these things. And now I am sending down to you what the Father has promised. Stay in the city then, until you are clothed with the power from on high. [Luke 24:50-51]

In an age of technology and scientific progress, we have an explanation for everything or at least the promise of the same. Yet, there are still truly human experiences – both positive and negative—that defy human explanation. Death is one such experience. Doctors know the medical reasons for death but an autopsy doesn’t tell the whole story. Conversely, who can explain the field of energy that binds lovers for life?

During his life on earth Jesus created a field of energy that changed the course of history and it did not cease at his death or even at his resurrection. It continues to this day – locally and globally. Or else how explain the heroism of the saints of yesterday and the saints of today? Women and men, energetic witnesses who have said ‘yes’ to unconditional love under any and all circumstances continue to change the course of history in the face of those who attempt to chain the Word of God. No, most of them are not formal preachers or even religious teachers per se, but people who live the message of the Gospel of Jesus day in and day out.

The gospel today is typical of the departure of a hero. We might even consider it the conclusion of a hero story. Jesus assures his disciples that he is not abandoning them. Not only that but he will send an advocate who will empower them to continue his mission. “You will be clothed with power from on high.” They will be clothed with the mantle of Christ just as the ancient Elijah was clothed in the mantle of Elias before Elias departed in his chariot to the heavens. It’s metaphor and allegory, of course but the underlying truth of Jesus mission will continue to be proclaimed as Good News for all.

But hang in there until Pentecost when the gifts of the Spirit will be renewed and we will be empowered once more to preach the Good News—using words only when necessary.

The Violence Continues

Thursday March 20, 2008

The violence in Darfur is getting worse. More than 80,000 Darfurians have been displaced in recent months and increased fighting has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians.

Right now, China should be focused on getting peacekeepers on the ground in Darfur. Instead they appear to be monitoring our computer systems.

We cannot let China turn away from the genocide in Darfur. China must use its influence to pressure the Sudanese government to stop the violence.

Click here Help Darfur to tell Liu Guijin, China’s “special representative to the Darfur issue,” to use his power to help deploy UNAMID peacekeepers and end the genocide before more lives are lost.

As a member of the UN Security Council, China has enormous leverage over the peacekeeping mission. However, instead of using its leverage to advance peace, China continues to defend Sudan’s interests, expand trade, and bolster the Sudanese government’s military capacity.

We can’t be fooled by the aggressive propaganda campaign launched by China in advance of the 2008 Olympics. While China has made a few modest steps forward, these efforts have not improved conditions in Darfur.

China’s “special representative on the Darfur issue,” Liu Guijin, must do everything in his power to push the Sudanese government to allow the swift, full and effective deployment of the UNAMID peacekeeping force. Click here to send a message to Liu Guijin today.

Thank you for your continued work on behalf of the people of Darfur.

Best regards,

Colleen Connors
Save Darfur Coalition

P.S. Will you help us reach our goal of raising $400,000 by Monday, March 24? Click here now to make a secure, tax-deductible gift to help put a stop to the genocide in Darfur before more lives are lost.

Visit the web address below to tell your friends about this.

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If you received this message from a friend, you can sign up for Save Darfur Coalition. Save Darfur