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:

Dear Blog Visitors: I look forward to my new membership at Spiritus Christi Church. I have known Rev. Jim Callan, Rev. Mary Ramerman and Rev. Denise Donato for many years. In fact, Denise and I were classmates at St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry and Jim Ramerman (Mary’s husband) was my instructor in a course entitled ‘Parish Administration.’ In addition, I have come to know many members of the Spiritus Christi staff and community and will meet more persons as I become familiarized with the weekend liturgies and parish-based activities. A question has been posed to me: "Now that you are a member of Spiritus Christi, will you be giving up your reform activities on behalf of the Roman Catholic Church?" A straight answer to this question is NO. In brief, I love the church, despite its lack of the type of inclusivity I have been working toward. I love many of the traditions of the church and I am enriched by its sacramental system. However, there is no question...

Dear Blog Visitors: After several years of discernment, I officially joined Spiritus Christi Church in Rochester today. As you know, Spiritus Christi is independent of Vatican rule, which suits me perfectly at this point in my life. I truly value all the friendships I have experienced in the Diocese of Rochester, and I anticipate that many of these friendships will continue. However, I will now have the freedom to engage in my ministries without the Vatican and ultra-conservative Catholic groups worrying about every move I make that is geared toward church-reform. I will continue to work toward a church that values the gifts/ministries of all its members. I truly appreciate the friendship and leadership of Bishop Matthew Clark, for he has done as best he could to bring women and married men into diocesan leadership positions, although the powers-that-be would not allow him to ordain these gifted people to the priesthood. As he nears retirement, perhaps conservatives are right in th...

Dear Blog Visitors: I want to take this opportunity to congratulate two Roman Catholic women who were ordained in Philadelphia on April 26. I also want to thank Rabbi Linda Holtzman for allowing the ordination to take place at her synagogue. Mary Schoettly was ordained a priest and Chava Redonnet was ordained a deacon. Chava is from Rochester, so I am especially pleased that she joins the ranks of the ordained, and I know she will do a spectacular job in our community. (She is pictured above.) What follows is a brief article from Philadelphia. Peace to all, Ray Posted on Mon, Apr. 27, 2009 Catholic women ordained in Phila. despite censure Two Roman Catholic woman were ordained yesterday, one as a deacon, the other as a priest, in the sanctuary of Congregation Mishkan Shalom, a Reconstructionist Jewish synagogue in Roxborough, Senior Rabbi Linda Holtzman said. The ceremony was the first ordination of women in Philadelphia. On Friday, it elicited a one-page denunciation from Cardinal J...

Dear Blog Visitors: A number of you have inquired as to the current status of Officer Anthony Diponzio's recovery process. I am happy to report that he is coming along much better than anyone initially expected. You may recall that Officer DiPonzio was shot in the back of the head during a routine investigation several months ago. While the prognosis was initially grim, a combination of swift action by police officers and surgeons, and prayerful support from all of you, has resulted in a miraculous recovery process. To be sure, Officer DiPonzio has a long road ahead of him, but I am encouraged by what I have seen thus far. For those of you wishing to contribute toward Officer DiPonzio's health-care expenses, contributions may be made at the following address: ANTHONY DIPONZIO FUND ROCHESTER POLICE LOCUST CLUB 1425 LEXINGTON AVENUE ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14606 Here is a video I made in which I highlight the recovery process:

Dear Blog Visitors: I am very pleased to share with you a press release I distributed on behalf of CORPUS, which is in reference to the ordination of four women-bishops that took place in Santa Barabara on April 19. Those who support church-reform, such as yours truly, are truly excited about this latest development. The women ordained are highly qualified for the episcopate and they will greatly advance the cause for more inclusivity in the Roman Catholic clergy. PRESS RELEASE April 20, 2009 CORPUS SUPPORTS AND CONGRATULATES FOUR NEWLY-ORDAINED CATHOLIC WOMEN-BISHOPS CORPUS (www.corpus.org), the national association for an inclusive priesthood, is deeply proud to articulate its support of four ordinations that took place on April 19 in the state of California. It is with great joy that we congratulate the following four Catholic bishops: Joan Mary Clark Houk, Andrea Michele Johnson, Bridget Mary Meehan and Maria Regina Nicolosi. Bishops Houk, Johnson, Meehan and Nicolosi join th...

Dear Blog Visitors: Anytime I think I have heard and seen everything possible from the Vatican, there continues to be an opportunity for shock and dismay. In the latest fiasco, the Vatican newspaper, Osservatore Romano, declared that as International Women's Day is celebrated, women should give thanks for the washing machine. To quote: "This humble appliance has done more for the women's liberation movement than the contraceptive pill or working outside the home...." When will the Vatican learn that women are now running corporations and governments around the world? In addition, we currently have a wonderful Secretary of State - namely, Hillary Clinton. Additionally, women have proven time and time again that they are fully capable of running parishes and have every right to expect Vatican approval for their ordination to the priesthood, if they are so called. What follows is a video I made that criticizes the ridiculous 'washing machine' comment from the...

Dear Blog Visitors: I am obviously delighted that during the course of a radio interview in Albany, Cardinal Edward M. Egan stated that an open discussion on the priestly celibacy issue would be a good idea. I wholeheartedly agree. I am, however, a little frustrated that Cardinal Egan did not make this announcement sooner. It is indeed a shame that some members of the Roman Catholic hierarchy wait until their final days in office to state changes in policy that need to be considered. This is because they are afraid of being disciplined by the Vatican for having a difference of opinion from the pontiff. Once they near retirement, however, not much can happen to them of a disciplinary nature. Cardinal Egan has been criticized in the past for not speaking out more forcefully on the sexual abuse crisis. He has also been criticized by many New York priests for not being accessible to them. However, I want to take this opportunity to at least thank him for being candid on the celibacy ...

Dear Blog Visitors: I want to take this opportunity to thank Aisha Taylor, executive director of the Women's Ordination Conference, for her many months of dedicated leadership and hard work. I have long supported the ordination of women to the Roman Catholic priesthood, and Aisha has pushed this cause toward widespread support. Aisha has recently announced that she will be stepping down as executive director of the WOC to pursue doctoral studies. As much as I will miss her presence in the forefront of the struggle for more inclusivity in the Roman Catholic Church, I also want to wish her well with her educational pursuits. The Women's Ordination Conference has a full range of activities lined up, so I hope you will visit their website from time-to-time to stay udpated. Their web address is www.womensordination.org. I will be continuing my role as national media liaison for CORPUS (www.corpus.org). I am very pleased that CORPUS will continue to send representatives to ordina...

Dear Blog Visitors: I want to take this opportunity to welcome Archbishop Timothy Dolan to the New York Archdiocese as retiring Cardinal Egan’s replacement. In light of this appointment, it is reasonable to assume that Archbishop Dolan will be elevated to the position of cardinal very soon. When Archbishop Dolan replaced Archbishop Rembert Weakland several years ago as leader of the Milwaukee Archdiocese, I recall there was a lot of nervous apprehension, because Dolan had a reputation for strict adherence to orthodoxy. I, for one, was sorry to see Weakland leave, despite the controversy that consumed him (involved in a relationship). In brief, Weakland was one of the few members of the Roman Catholic hierarchy I was able to communicate openly with, and he and I exchanged a few e-mails on the issue of priestly celibacy and what it would take for the pontiff to change this outdated policy. In addition, Weakland and I shared a love of classical music, and I often praised his abilities...

Dear Blog Visitors: I am delighted that local filmmaker, Liz Lehmann, has found success with her latest movie, 'Fury.' Liz is an extremely talented person who has worked hard over many years to bring her gifts to the public via the large screen. I first met Liz Lehmann around 17 years ago, whereby we embarked upon two projects together. In the first collaboration, she coached me on the intricacies involved with making a documentary on the single life in Rochester. Shortly thereafter, Liz asked me to be an actor in a film she was both writing and directing - namely, 'The Apple Orchard.' (I played a traveling preacher in the movie, which was perhaps an inkling toward my later real-life role as a married priest.) This was a great experience for me and it gave me greater insights into this talented woman. I look forward to being in attendance at the local screening of 'Fury' at the Little Theater on February 19. Let us hope Hollywood is paying serious attention...

Dear Blog Visitors: Today's post is somewhat of a departure from my usual commentaries dealing with reform in the Roman Catholic Church. For a change of pace, I thought you might like to hear a few segments from my days on the radio. In brief, I was known as 'The Wizard of Pun' on Rochester radio station WAXC. In this role, I was part of the daily morning show hosted by Ferdinand Jay Smith. (I served as 'The Wizard of Pun' from 1975-1978.) What follows is the web address that will take you to page that contains a 15-minute compilation of tapes that I have referred to as 'The Best of the Wizard of Pun.' When you get to the web page, simply choose the 'streaming' option from the list of formats. http://www.archive.org/details/TheBestOfTheWizardOfPunWaxcRochester

Dear Blog Visitors: Considering the Vatican's ridiculous treatment of married priests, I couldn't resist putting a video together in which I am being interrogated by three inquisitors. The purpose of doing this video is to simply highlight that in many respects, Benedict XVI has shoved the church back into the medieval period. While he and I share a love of classical music, we certaintly disagree on solutions to the priesthood shortage. While I see an advantage to bringing married priests and women priests into the mix, Benedict prefers the status quo of mandatory celibacy. For your viewing pleasure, here is my spoof on Vatican interrogations: