My World of Religion, Politics, Entertainment and Social Issues

Dear Blog Visitors: I spent part of Memorial Day visiting the graves of Civil War, World I and World War II veterans at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Rochester. I also took some time to visit the graves of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass - two champions of human rights. I made two high definition videos at Mt. Hope Cemetery. The first is a tribute to Susan B. Anthony and the second one is a tribute to Frederick Douglass:

Dear Blog Visitors: I thought I would share a video with you, which is one of my first experiments with high definition technology (clear detail and wider picture). In the video, you will notice that I looked off to the side on two occasions. This is because I had two unexpected visitors - namely, two deer. (They actually stood quietly, almost within arm's reach, while I was doing the video, as if they were interested in my remarks.) I was afraid that if I moved the camera, in order to get them in the picture, I would have scared them off. In this video, I explain the closeness I feel to God whenever I am in the midst of a nature setting. My primary topic is vocations, in which I highlight the fact that the Rochester Diocese is ordaining only one priest this year. (The next priestly ordination in Rochester won't occur until 2013.) Naturally, I used this occasion to criticize the policy of mandatory celibacy in the Roman Catholic Church, and I advocate for the ordination o...

Dear Blog Visitors: I want to take this opportunity to extend a 175th birthday greeting to the St. Mary's Church community in Rochester, New York. The older photo above was taken in 1896, when St. Mary's was only 62 years-old. At that time, the church was adjacent to a convent and school. The convent and school have since fallen victim to the wrecking ball. (Students from St. Mary's began attending Blessed Sacrament School in the 1950s.) The color photo was taken in recent years. When St. Mary's was in its infancy (built by Irish immigrants), it was one of the centerpieces of downtown Rochester, and was surrounded by thriving households. Except for its steeple, St. Mary's can barely be seen from a distance today, due to the fact that corporate office buildings now dwarf the church. St. Mary's was a huge part of my life, for I received the sacraments of initiation there. Sadly, some of the friends I had at the parish have since died. However, I have wonder...

Dear Blog Visitors: It should be no surprise that controversy surrounds Notre Dame’s invitation to President Barack Obama to be its keynote speaker at this year’s graduation ceremony. I applaud Notre Dame for not caving into unfair criticism. In recent political races, conservative Catholics have come across as a one-issue group. This is not meant to criticize those who work on behalf of the sanctity of human life. However, I would urge Catholics to look at the wide spectrum of issues that are pivotal to their faith, including the rich legacy of social-justice documents that have been passed down since the 19th century. When I worked as an issues writer on John Kerry’s campaign, he was unfairly targeted by conservative Catholics as being ‘pro-abortion.’ I defended him against these attacks, because he stated over and over again that he was opposed to abortion, but at the same time, he defended the rights of women to make informed choices. My position is exactly the same. During th...

Dear Blog Visitors: Today’s blog post will focus on two distinct topics: 1.) A CLARIFICATION OF MY MEMBERSHIP IN SPIRITUS CHRISTI CHURCH 2.) REFLECTION ON THE SPIRITUALITY OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH A CLARIFICATION OF MY MEMBERSHIP IN SPIRITUS CHRISTI CHURCH As expected, there has been some criticism on a few blogs authored by conservative Catholics, concerning my recent announcement that I was joining Rochester’s Spiritus Christi Church, which is independent of Vatican oversight. One enterprising blogger suggested that by moving to Spiritus Christi, I would be placing children in danger with my radical theology, and he inserted my face in a demonic figure. Another person suggested I should appear before an Inquisition. Thus, the picture I included at the top of this blog post. In the first place, I am not moving to Spiritus Christi as a staff member or catechist. Perhaps in time, there will be a ministry I will become part of within the community. However, at present, I will be simpl...

Dear Blog Visitors: A friend posed an interesting question to me today: "What would the Pope say if he saw your blog and videos on YouTube?" This is certainly an interesting question, considering that I have been urging church reform for close to twenty years. It is not likely that Benedict XVI has time to look at blogs or videos, although it is interesting to note that the Vatican has its own YouTube site. While most of my blog posts and YouTube videos have been serious in scope, I have occasionally used humor in an attempt to get my message across, such as my video in which I pretend to be having a telephone conversation with the Pope on the issue of priestly celibacy. While I like to think Benedict would be somewhat amused, my guess is that his reaction would be such as pictured above this blog post. For those of you who haven't seen it, here is the 'telephone' video: Peace to all, Ray

Dear Blog Visitors: I am encouraged by the fact that the Women's Ordination Conference has been very successful in its efforts to recruit young women to carry the message of reform into the next generation and beyond. It is my hope that the effort to support the cause for married priests will be similarly aided by succeeding generations. As I thought about the future of both the Roman Catholic Church, and the corresponding future of the priesthood in general, I was inspired to make a video in which I urge succeeding generations to keep up the fight for more inclusivity. Some friends have voiced concern that I may have given up the fight for church reform, due to the fact that I announced my membership in Spiritus Christi Church. Admittedly, I have come to realize that most persons in the reform movement, especially those who work tirelessly on behalf of married priests, are now in their sixties, seventies and eighties. I will be turning 60 in July, so the reality is that I may n...

Dear Blog Visitors: When I was ordained to the priesthood in 2006, there was significant media coveraqe, both locally and nationally. At the time, a local television station incorrectly reported that I was affiliated with Spiritus Christi Church. However, three years later, I have indeed joined Spiritus Christi. Therefore, I have decided to post the local TV segment. In addition to footage from my ordination, you will notice there is also footage of Mary Ramerman's ordination, which took place a little over ten years ago in the Eastman Theater in Rochester. (My ordination took place in West New York, New Jersey on December 10, 2006.) Here is the video: