“Finding Langston”
by Lesa Cline-Ransome.
Holiday House, New York, 2018, 106 pages, Grades 4-6.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
“So I ask you: Are you looking for empty thrills in life, or do you want to feel a power that can give you a lasting sense of life and fulfillment? Empty thrills or the power of grace? To find fulfillment, to gain new strength, there is a way. It is not a thing or an object, but a person, and he is alive. His name is Jesus Christ.”
-Pope Francis, World Youth Day, 2016
By Bob Sullivan
Since I write this column, you know that I am an apologist and a bit of an evangelist, however, some of you also know that I am an attorney.
As an attorney, I get calls from people with all sorts of legal needs. Sometimes legal needs overlap with other sorts of needs as well, including spiritual needs. While this is common in matters of religious freedom and constitutional law, for some, it is also a large part of estate planning.
By Tom Venzor
Before I jump into this week’s topic, I want to announce that Catholics at the Capitol will be virtual this year. Rather than a one-day, in-person event, we will do three events over a three-week period to provide more opportunity for a variety of attendees.
The events will take place March 9 (12-1:30 p.m.), March 16 (7:30-9 p.m.), and March 23 (12-1:30 p.m.). The events will feature, among others, Archbishop Lucas, Bishop Conley, Speaker Mike Hilgers, Lt. Gov. Mike Foley, Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, Sen. Mike McDonnell, and Nikki Shasserre. We will cover topics like what it means to be a faithful citizen, legislative process and advocacy, and major legislative priority bills. Visit www.necatholic.org to register for these virtual events.
The State Legislature has been in all-day committee hearings for a month now, quickly moving through the 700-plus legislative bills and constitutional amendment resolutions introduced during the first 10 days of the session.
“Boxes for Katje”
by Candace Fleming. Illustrated by Stacey Dressen-McQueen.
Melanie Kroupa Books, New York, 2003, 40 pages, GradesK-3.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
“And lead us not into temptation.....”
by Marion Miner,
Associate Director of Pro-Life & Family Policy, Nebraska Catholic Conference
For the past few years, the Nebraska Catholic Conference has been blessed to work with state senators to enact several laws protecting life and affirming the dignity of the human person.
Pro-life laws newly on the books include LB814 (2020), sponsored by Sen. Suzanne Geist of Lincoln, which bans dismemberment abortion in Nebraska; LB209 (2019), sponsored by Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston, which requires that a mother seeking chemical abortion be given information about where to turn for help if she changes her mind after taking the abortion pill; and a reform of Title X (2018), which stopped the flow of $300,000 per year in taxpayer dollars to the abortion industry.
What readers of the Southern Nebraska Register may not be aware of is the barrage of bad legislation—attacks on life, family, and the dignity of the human person—that we have so far successfully defended against at the same time. Those attacks have not slowed down in 2021, as the following bills reveal.
“Show Way” by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Hudson Talbott.
G.P Putnam’s Sons, New York, 2005, 48 pages, Grades K-4.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
Back in the day at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, I lived in a fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega. I enjoyed my time there. When Dad passed away last September, more than 70 of my old ATO brothers contacted our family offering their prayers for Dad and all of us.
It was truly touching to think that after we had not seen each other in nearly 20 years, we were still connected in a special way. The friendships we made at ATO truly are life-long. Our shared experience helped bond us in eternal and immutable ways.
By Tom Venzor
Given all the snow we’ve received, it seems timely to talk about the ‘flurry’ of legislative activity the Nebraska Catholic Conference experienced last week.
Because of COVID-19, the Unicameral has amended its legislative session processes. In opening months of session, Senators typically have half-day floor debate, and afternoon committee hearings. However, Senators currently have all-day committee hearings. The idea is to limit exposure between Senators for the time being.
This safety precaution has produced long days of committee hearings. Introduced legislation are receiving committee hearings in less than half the time it takes to complete the hearing process. Like Senators, the general public, and lobbyists, the Nebraska Catholic Conference is managing numerous bills every day.
“The Children’s Book of Virtues”
By William Bennett illustrated by Michael Hague.
Simon and Schuster, New York, 1995, 111 pages, K-4.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
Well everyone Lent is upon us. Yes. Good ole’ Lent. I love the Collect (or in other terms the “Opening Prayer”) of the Mass for Ash Wednesday. It gives us our proper compass and tenor in which to approach our Lenten journey with our Lord Jesus:
By Fr. Justin Fulton
This weekend, many a diet and New Year’s Resolution will come tumbling down... due to the Super Bowl. Yes, after a month of frustration and fatigue, triumph and some jubilation, that pesky bag of Cheetos, some pizza rolls, a crock-pot of cheese dip, and a colossal concoction of caloric and coronary delight on a table will knock out many days of self-control. It is like clockwork. Soon after the groundhog comes out in early February and before there is another onslaught of chocolates and cake on Valentine’s Day, the good ole’ Super Bowl locks the world down with commercials, festivities, football, entertainment, and... lots of food.
“All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team”
by Christina Soontornvat.
Candlewick Press, Somerville, Massachusetts, 2020, 280 pages, Grades 7-10.
“The Cat Man of Aleppo”
by Irene Latham and Karim Shamsi-Bash. Illustrated by Yuko Shimizu.
G.P Putnam’s Sons, New York, 2020, 32 pages, K-3.
By Tom Venzor
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed a basic injustice with Nebraska’s unemployment insurance benefits program. Currently, certain immigrants who have legally obtained “employment authorization” from the federal government cannot receive the state unemployment insurance benefits they have earned.
These immigrants work side-by-side with countless of their fellow Nebraskans. Yet, when the unfortunate happens and they lose employment, their co-workers are eligible for unemployment insurance benefits while these immigrants are left without their earned benefits.
So, how did we get into this situation? And how can we get out of it?
By Fr. Justin Fulton
I’m a pretty big fan of George Strait. I know what you are thinking... how many half-Asian, quarter-Irish, born-and-raised-in-the-United-States American priests are there in this beautiful world who listen to George Strait?
I don’t claim to be the only one but I do know this—I’m the only one I have ever met.
“1919: The Year That Changed America” by Martin W. Sandler.
Bloomsbury Children’s Books, New York, 2019, 192 pages, Grades 7-9.
By Bob Sullivan
Several years ago, I was shocked to read a social media post by a non-Catholic Christian in which the man stated that he would have followed the laws imposed on the German people if he were a German citizen under the Nazi regime. He reasoned that Scripture requires us to be obedient to governing authorities, so he would have been obedient to the laws of the Nazis.
While this is obviously a horrible misunderstanding of Scripture, one has to wonder if there are more than a few Christians among us today who have the same reasoning.
How could someone come up with such a mistaken understanding of Scripture?
By Fr. Justin Fulton
A few questions for you: answer from your mind quickly. No looking up answers!
Who won the 1991 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament? Who won the Women’s Tournament?...
Who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002?...
Who was the 16th Vice-President of the United States?...
Who won the Heisman Trophy in 2005?...
Now... Who was your favorite teacher?
“The Paper Kingdom”
By Helena Ku Rhee, Illustrated by Pascal Campion
Random House Children’s Books, New York, 2020, 32 pages, K-3.
By Tom Venzor
The 107th Nebraska Legislature, First Session, is off and running. The first four days of legislative session have been packed. Only 86 left to go.
On day one, the Legislature elected key leadership positions, like the Speaker of the Legislature and the various committee chairpersons.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
As we continue on in the new year of 2021 permit me to share some words of wisdom from Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen:
By Bob Sullivan
Catholics have a lot of things in common with non-Catholic Christians, but the crucifix is not one of them. While there are some non-Catholic Christians who appreciate and employ the crucifix in their faith, most do not. In fact, when you see a crucifix, you can be pretty sure that you are in a Catholic church, building, or home.
While non-Catholic Christians are perfectly comfortable with crosses, some find crucifixes downright disturbing. Such Christians usually voice their disdain, and wonder why a cross is not sufficient, or they ask why we need the corpse of Christ on the cross. As Catholics, we are frequently reminded that there is nothing truly comfortable about the Christian faith. Satisfaction, pleasure, and joy are parts of the faith, but when we grow comfortable with some part of our faith, it is usually a sign of spiritual stagnation or regression.
By Tom Venzor
The Nebraska Catholic Conference recently adopted a three-year strategic plan to advance our public policy and pro-life efforts. The plan builds on the solid foundations and immense work of the NCC over the last 50 years and it looks ahead to the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.
During our strategic planning process, one of the early questions out of the gate was: what is the vision for the Nebraska Catholic Conference?
“The Electoral College: U.S. Presidential Elections, How They Work”
by Phil Corso.
Power Kids Press, 2019, 32 pages, Grades 3-5.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
Back when I was an undergraduate student at UNL, I learned the greatest asset we have as humans is time. Not money. Not land. Not cars. But time. If we think about it, time is the one asset we are always losing and at the exact same moment we need more of. Time is our greatest asset.
The passing of time was just demarcated by yet another year. Here we are in 2021. How will we use our time to become closer to Jesus? Where is He calling us with the time He has blessed us with?
By Bob Sullivan
In my last article, Part 1, I tried to explain in layman’s terms that anyone who finds salvation does so through Christ and his Church and that this is true even for those who, through no fault of their own, have not arrived at an explicit knowledge of God or the Gospel.
“Over in a Stable”
by Suzanne Nelson. Illustrated by Alexander Zolotic.
Zonderkidz Press, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2020, 32 pages, K-2.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
Peace to you.
On behalf of the employees, staff, volunteers, benefactors and Board of Directors of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, I want to wish each and every one of you a blessed, safe, and Merry Christmas!
“A Single Shard” by Linda Sue Park.
Clarion Books, New York, 2001, 180 pages, Grades 5-7.
By Tom Venzor
In less than a month, the 107th Nebraska Legislature will fulfill its constitutional obligation to convene on the first Wednesday after the first Monday in January. For those doing the math at home, that’s January 6, 2021.
On Day 1 of the 90-day First Session of the 107th Nebraska Legislature, newly elected and re-elected senators will be sworn into office, promising to uphold the Nebraska and United States Constitutions. Those legislators—along with their already sworn-in colleagues—will go on to elect critical leadership positions, such as the Speaker of the Legislature.
These opening and solemn moments will set the tone for the next two years of legislative activity.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
Where would we be without women and motherhood? Where would we be?
I don’t know about you, but around this time of year I sure could take a nap. Especially during this year of pandemic. This time of year is filled with stress. Bills. Planning. Online shopping. Due dates. Finals. Tests. We are stressed. We are stretched. We are tired. Many feel like crying. We could all use a nap.
By Bob Sullivan
For centuries, the Church has taught that there is no salvation outside the Church. To non-Catholic Christians, this is a tough teaching to hear and many lash out at the Church because of it. To such a Christian, they find it hard to believe that they could end up in Hell, because they know that they love Jesus Christ and try to follow Christ’s teachings to the best of their ability.
By Tom Venzor
Unlike Captain Renault in “Casablanca,” this column’s readers are not shocked by the following statement: Nebraska is one of but three states in the nation with no school choice for our families and children. This comes as no shock because it’s not news to us, even if it remains a tragedy.
“Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story”
By Kevin Noble Maillard, Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
Roaring Brook Press, New York, 2019, 48 pages, K-3.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
It seems like after every Sunday Mass growing up, Mom always wanted to take a family picture. I fondly remember the vitriol spewed by the Fulton kids and Dad when we would get back home after a Sunday Mass at St. Joseph’s and a trip to the local Hinky Dinky for a rotisserie chicken Sunday dinner.
By Tom Venzor
Election results in Nebraska have been certified, and other states across the country are doing likewise. And, now, we have just finished up Thanksgiving and move ahead full sail into the Advent season. Then, of course, the celebrations of the Christmas season and the New Year’s (the end of 2020 can’t come soon enough, amirite?). With all these activities, many things can easily be lost in the shuffle. Among those things is the beginning of the United States Supreme Court’s term.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
Here is a picture of my niece Cecilia with my baby niece Juliana. It warms my heart. I pray it warms yours, too.
I love how you can see the pride and responsibility in Cecilia’s eyes. She’s a big sister now. She knows it is her role to be a mentor for her little sister. She knows it is her responsibility to care for and protect her little sister. Cecilia is up to the challenge and Juliana is prepared to receive the love and care Cecilia will give her.
By Bob Sullivan
In my last column, I provided some perspective to the Catholic teaching on baptism, compared to the non-Catholic belief that baptism is nothing more than an empty ritual or a public declaration that a person has been “saved.”
Another common misunderstanding between non-Catholic Christians and Catholics is the effect that works have on our salvation. In other words, we are saved by our baptism, but do we earn eternal salvation, or do we “keep” our salvation by performing good works throughout our life? This is what many non-Catholics think the Catholic Church teaches. They therefore sometimes claim that Catholicism is a works-based faith.
“Thanksgiving: The True Story” by Penny Colman.
Christy Ottaviano Books, New York, 2008, 149 pages, Grades 5-8.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
Peace be with you.
On behalf of the employees, staff, volunteers, benefactors and Board of Directors of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, I want to wish each and every one of you a blessed, safe, and happy Thanksgiving!
“Jungle of Bones” by Ben Mikaelsen.
Scholastic Press, New York, 2014, 211 pages, Grades 6-8.
By Tom Venzor
‘Vocation’ is a household term for just about every Catholic. In those early years of our life, we regularly hear the refrain to “pray for our vocation” and to listen to God’s call for our life. We are invited to consider a vocation to the priesthood, religious life, or marriage.
We are also regularly admonished to “pray for vocations” and lift up in prayer those undertaking the effort to follow God’s call in their life.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
In God’s Infinite wisdom, He did not will that I would get married or have children or grandchildren. I’ll admit sometimes that stings. Perhaps it is a desire to be proud that you are married to a beloved, loving spouse. Perhaps it is a desire to be proud of your son when you see him rip a double just inside the first-base line on a summer afternoon. Perhaps it is a desire to be proud of your daughter as you walk her down the aisle on her day of Holy Matrimony. Whatever it is He did not allow me those senses of pride.
That is okay.
By Bob Sullivan
There are a lot of different beliefs out there regarding baptism, especially the baptism of infants. Numerous non-Catholic faiths teach that baptism is merely a symbol or a ceremony. Some believe that no infant should be baptized under any circumstances and others are okay with baptism, as long as everyone agrees that it is simply received as a sign that a person has been saved and is entering into the congregation as a “believer.”
The Catholic teaching on baptism has not changed for 20 centuries. We baptize our infants, we also baptize adults who enter the Church, as long as they have not already received a valid baptism in another Christian faith beforehand. We believe that baptism is necessary for salvation because, among other things, it places an indelible mark on our soul as a member of God’s family, it cleanses us from original sin and actual sin, it confers sanctifying grace (which is a share of God’s own life), it confers actual grace (which is God’s way of helping us overcome temptation to sin), it makes us a temple of the Holy Spirit, it bestows virtue in us, and it makes us eligible to enter Heaven (CCC 1213-1284).
“The Unwanted: Stories of Syrian Refugees,” by Don Brown
Houghton Mifflin, New York, 2018, 112 pages, grades 7 and higher.
By Tom Venzor
It would seem attractive about now to find some random topic to talk about: maybe the weather, perhaps this year’s harvest, how about Husker football, possibly the Dow Jones, or, even better... let’s chat about whether my wife was justified in listening to Christmas music and watching Hallmark Christmas movies before our children even had the chance to say “Trick or Treat.”
But to talk about these topics would be to skirt around the place where we find ourselves. If I learned anything from my former spiritual director, Father Will Prospero (may he rest in eternal peace), it is to stick to the facts of your life.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
The Nebraska vs. Wisconsin football came was cancelled last week. Much to the consternation of Husker Nation, another Saturday in Nebraska passed without the Big Red dominating the state’s soul and landscape.
“Field Trip to the Moon,”
by John Hare.
Holiday House, New York, 2019, 40 pages, K-2.
By Tom Venzor
As I’ve previously mentioned on several occasions, I sometimes have to write my column before a major event that I would like to write about, but have no ability to predict. This week I am writing just prior to Election Day. While it’d be nice to have the power of flawless prediction, I’m going to stick to something I am much more familiar with
By Fr. Justin Fulton
Our sisters at St. Gianna Women’s Homes are remarkable. I share with you a letter written from Sisters Karen, Bernadette, and Carol to the women of St. Gianna’s:
Part VI (the finale) of my discussion of Catholic participation in public life, with Deacon Omar Gutiérrez.
“Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm,”
by Kate Douglas Wiggin.
Houghton Mifflin, Boston, 182 pages, 1903, Grades 5-7.
By Tom Venzor
The United States will experience political history on Tuesday, a culminating point for countless political campaigns across the country. The moment will be another mark on the American soul, a test of our republic and its fundamental direction toward—or perhaps away from—the common good that God desires for each and every society.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
Politics is downstream from the culture.
By Bob Sullivan
Part V of my discussion with Deacon Omar F. A. Gutiérrez, in which we continue speaking about Catholic participation in public life.
“I Survived The California Wildfires, 2018”
by Lauren Tarshis
Scholastic Press, New York, 2020, 139 pages, Grades 4-5.
By Tom Venzor
In a matter of days, the United States of America will experience history. Our nation’s presidency will again be determined for four years. Seats in the Senate and House of Representatives will be set. And state and local governments across our great nation will be filled with office holders, old and new. Whether we are prepared for this moment, whether we desire it, whether we’ve participated in its activities, it is upon us. Though many have already participated in early voting and mail-in voting, there are a few things to say to those who are yet to vote or who are still considering whether to vote.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
I’ve been to Pittsburgh, Parkersburg,
Gravelbourg, Colorado
Ellensburg, Rexburg,
Vicksburg, El Dorado
Larimore, Admore,
Haverstraw, Chatanika
Chaska, Nebraska, Alaska, Opelaka
Baraboo, Waterloo,
Kalamazoo, Kansas City
Sioux City, Cedar City,
Dodge City, what a pity
I’ve been everywhere, man
I’ve been everywhere, man
Crossed the desert’s bare, man
I’ve breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel I’ve a’had my share, man
I’ve been everywhere
-From “I’ve Been Everywhere”
Lyrics by Geoff Mack; as performed by Hank Snow, Johnny Cash, and many others
By Bob Sullivan
Part III of my discussion with Deacon Omar F. A. Gutiérrez, in which we continue speaking about Catholic participation in public life:
Editor's note: See part one here; part two here; part three here.
In Layman’s Terms: Let’s say a Catholic politician with average intelligence is provided with sound Catholic theology, reliable scientific evidence, and sound reason, yet he or she continues to promote something like abortion. This hypothetical Catholic promotes abortion as a good, supports taxpayer funding for abortion, and works to increase access to abortion, while claiming to be a faithful Catholic. Would it be fair to say that this Catholic politician is acting with intentional contradiction to Church teaching, therefore demonstrating a rejection of the faith?
“When My Brother Gets Home”
By Tom Lichtenheld
Houghton Mifflin, Boston, 2020, 40 pages, K-2.
“Titanicat” by Marty Crisp, illustrated by Robert Papp.
Sleeping Bear Press, Chelsea, Michigan, 2008, 40 pages, Grades 1-3.
By Tom Venzor
During election cycles, voters are regularly confronted by ballot initiative questions which raise serious moral questions. Sometimes the issues are cut and dry as with intrinsic evils like abortion, redefining marriage, racism, and treating the poor with neglect and abandon. Other times the issues are not so clear cut and require us to more thoroughly engage our intellect and analyze the morality and social costs/benefits of particular ballot initiative.
This election cycle, Catholics are facing the latter situation with three upcoming ballot items (Initiatives 429, 430, and 431) which would allow unlimited expanded gambling at any currently or future operated licensed racetrack in Nebraska. The purpose of this column is to analyze these initiatives based on Catholic social teaching.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
As I type in my office it is currently 7:23 a.m. on a Monday morning. Billy Idol’s version of “Mony Mony” is playing on the computer radio. Hundreds of cars go eastbound and westbound on O Street in Lincoln, heading to a workday or getting off a night shift. Hot black coffee perfumes my office. It is quiet. The prayers have been said for our employees, volunteers, benefactors, and clients. The day seems like an ordinary Monday. The routine and ritual of a Monday morning is regular.
By Bob Sullivan
Part III of my discussion with Deacon Omar F. A. Gutiérrez, in which we continue speaking about Catholic participation in public life:
By Tom Venzor
Before you know it, Nov. 3 will come and be gone. But as we are yet to approach the date, many of us are sitting, contemplating: How should I vote in this particular race or in that particular race? Another question many of us are also asking: What should I do about the ballot initiatives?
By Fr. Justin Fulton
“Soon, if you look at the leaves they will teach us how beautiful it can be to let go and allow yourself to change.”
By Bob Sullivan
Part II of my discussion with Deacon Omar F. A. Gutiérrez:
Editor's note: See part one here.
In Layman’s Terms: Now that we have addressed that, what does the Church teach about our responsibility to participate in and have an impact on society as a whole?
“The U.S. Supreme Court,” by Dan Elish.
Children’s Press, New York, 2007, 48 pages, Grades 3-5.
By Tom Venzor
As the country inches nearer to Election Day (Nov. 3), the country’s eyes are now affixed—at least for the moment—on the United States Supreme Court.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
About five hours ago, my Dad passed away having an egg sandwich (which he made us so many times while growing up) and watching the Andy Griffith Show—which he taught us to love so much as well.
He was there with Mom in their living room. He was wearing a St. Robert Bellarmine medal and Our Lady’s Scapular. And he passed on the feast of St. Padre Pio who said to “Pray. Hope. And don’t worry.”
By Bob Sullivan
I decided to reach out to Deacon Omar Gutiérrez (bio below) for a series on Catholic participation in public life because of his knowledge of Catholic social doctrine, and because I have found his insight very helpful in understanding the Catholic approach to various aspects of living in the post-Christian American society.
Until recently, people always read paper books in homes, offices, parks and libraries. Children grew up holding onto their favorite books and developed a love for reading through the text and tactile feel of paper books. Many of our fondest memories come from these moments.
But life is a continuum and the world of reading and books is changing. In the last 15 years, the e-book publishing explosion has begun. E-books are simply traditional paper books published in an electronic form. Unlike paper books, e-books require an electronic device to read them.
By Tom Venzor
As we near Election Day (Nov. 3), “conscience” will become a more prevalent theme and it will be absolutely critical that we understand what it means to “follow our conscience.”
By Fr. Justin Fulton
Every once in a while I meet up with a mentor and good friend of mine Dr. Kathy Farrell, dean of the University of Nebraska’s College of Business. Dr. Farrell was my last professor during my undergrad years.
I remember giving her my last final in December of 2003. I turned in my test for Finance 461, smiled, shook her hand and said, “Well, Dr. Farrell. That is it for me and college learning.”
She responded something to the effect of “Well, Justin, we will see about that....” Dr. Farrell was right. Somehow after getting that UNL degree I went on and got a few more and out of all of that I became a priest... proof that God exists, I reckon.
By Tom Venzor
The sprint to Election Day is upon us.
In less than seven weeks, Election Day (Nov. 3) will, once again, determine the political fates of numerous candidates and issues, at least until the next election.
Since 1789, the United States has held 58 presidential elections. Each and every one of these elections has been important and critical in its own right. Our nation has constantly faced existential questions and threats that have been the focus of candidates seeking to fill the Oval Office: who will we be, as a nation, and how will we survive? One only need to think of civil war, world wars, economic depressions and recessions, to grasp the gravity of these existential questions and threats.
Today, our country faces a pandemic that seems endless, civil unrest, attacks on human life especially those of the preborn, assaults on religious liberty, a broken immigration system, threats to the environment, injustices in our criminal justice system, and so on and so forth.
“Island: A Story of the Galapagos,” by Jason Chin.
Roaring Brook Press, New York, 2012, 40 pages, Grades 3-4.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
This picture of Sister Karen at the St. Gianna Women’s Home tells it all about the Catholic life... live with contagious joy, the joy of knowing Jesus and His love for all of us!
“For Freedom: The Story of a French Spy” by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Delacorte Press, New York, 2003, 181 pages, Grades 6-8.
By Tom Venzor
Help Wanted. Before I tackle this week’s column, I want to remind everybody that the Nebraska Catholic Conference is taking applications for our new Statewide Pro-Life Activities Coordinator. This position will oversee public education, prayer and worship, and pastoral care efforts across the state of Nebraska. This position will also supplement the great work already being done by Marion Miner on pro-life and family public policy efforts. This addition to our NCC team is a major step forward for the pro-life movement, as it will give us more human resources to ensure that a variety of pro-life efforts are getting attention throughout the year.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
It’s been 19 years since September 11, 2001. Some of you reading this may not have been born. For those of you who were old enough to remember the events of that horrific day, you know exactly what you were doing.
“Battle Bunny: It’s Doomsday,” by Jon Scieszka and Mac Barnett, illustrated by Matthew Myers.
Simon & Shuster Books for Young Readers, New York, 2013, 32 pages, Grades 3-4.
By Tom Venzor
It was 30 years ago this coming December that the Nebraska Catholic Conference hired the likes of an energetic, intelligent, and handsome young man to run the Bishops’ Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities. Without saying much more, most of my readers can already guess who I’m talking about.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
I remember a summer day in June 2016. I had just completed my first year of priesthood, being stationed at Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln and teaching juniors at Lincoln Pius X. After a long year of teaching while still being an assistant priest at a large parish I enjoyed having a little bit of down time. I decided one day to take a walk around the church block on Sheridan Boulevard and I decided to walk through Cathedral Elementary School.
Editor’s Note: Bishop Emeritus Fabian Bruskewitz wrote a series of columns on the history of anarchy in 2004. The final piece, “The Black Flag – III” was published Oct. 22, 2004.
Virulent
The ideology of anarchism, of course, is erroneous, mainly because of its atheism along with its denial of original sin and of that sin’s lasting effects in all human beings, but also because of its illogical view that all laws and institutions which serve the common good are obstacles rather than necessary conditions for the full development of human liberty and the realization of social justice.
“Bink & Gollie” by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee, illustrated by Tony Fucile.
Candlewick Press, Somerville, Mass., 2010, 81 pages, Grades 2-4.
By Tom Venzor
On the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Aug. 15), and surrounded by hundreds of pro-life friends and advocates, Governor Pete Ricketts enthusiastically signed into law LB814 which outlaws the dismemberment abortion procedure. This moment marked another major victory for the pro-life movement in Nebraska. Nebraskans have furthered a deeper understanding in our laws and throughout the culture more broadly that both the life of the unborn child and their mother are to be protected and cherished. As the pro-life adage goes: “Love them both.”
While the legislation is now sealed into law, the path to victory was always anything but certain. From the outset, we had an uphill climb to reach the 33 votes needed to overcome a filibuster led by pro-choice zealots whose opposition was sinister.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
It is amazing how Christ puts people in our lives when we most need it.
Editor’s Note: Bishop Emeritus Fabian Bruskewitz wrote a series of columns on the history of anarchy in 2004. This is “The Black Flag – II” which was published Oct. 8, 2004.
Historic Anarchism
The ideology of anarchism, which often rests dormant and latent for periods of time here and there in some intellectual circles, but then emerges violent and perplexing, has a long history. In the Middle Ages, for instance, there arose a group of anarchists who called themselves “Brothers and Sisters of the Free Spirit.” They claimed to be following various selected biblical texts as they rejected all human authority in every sphere of life. They also advocated and practiced what they called “communal ownership of all goods, including women.” During the Hussite time in Czech history, an anarchical activist named Petr Chelcicky taught that all laws of Church and state originate from Lucifer in hell, and therefore laws must be disobeyed, and the state and all class distinctions must be destroyed since they are totally evil.
In the 16th century, in the midst of the great disorder in Europe caused by the Protestant revolt, some Protestants who called themselves “Anabaptists” (“Rebaptizers”) moved into the practice, for the most part, of civil and ecclesiastical anarchy, stimulated by the antinomian writings and speeches of Martin Luther, based on his misunderstanding of and misinterpreting parts of the Bible, particularly the Epistles to the Romans and Galatians. The Anabaptists gathered adherents especially from the ignorant peasantry in Holland and Germany. The most infamous leaders of the sect were Thomas Munzer and John of Leiden, who set up what they called “kingdoms of God,” which involved communal ownership of all property and the polygamous sharing of all wives. The Anabaptists, in some ways the doctrinal forerunners of today’s Protestant Baptists, also believed in slaughtering the “Canaanites” when they had the chance, meaning any people under their control who did not adhere to their doctrines. They claimed to be free from any obligation to obey any laws because they were “Protestant men of the Gospel who were saved by grace apart from the law and were following their consciences.”
Enlightenment
Ideas which circulated in 16th and 17th century Europe, especially in France, laid some of the groundwork for a later systematic and atheistic treatment of anarchism and for its development. The French writer Rabelais, for example, proposed many anarchist concepts in his works. The primary mover toward making anarchism a respectable intellectual position, however, was Jean Jacques Rousseau. Directly and indirectly, consciously and unconsciously, American public education and popular culture even today are heavily influenced by his philosophy. It has been pointed out also that he was a major influence on the romantic movement, on the French Revolution, on the philosophy of Kant and Schopenhauer, on the plays of Schiller, and on the poetry of Goethe, Wordsworth, Byron, and Shelly, as well as on the thoughts of Marx and Tolstoi.
Rosseau popularized the exaltation of feeling and imagination over thought, along with a strong dislike for all laws, customs, manners, and conventions, as well as with a deep distrust of reason. From him have come the modern romantic and utopian views about the alleged genius and perfection of the “noble savage” and the “common man,” both of whom, according to his opinion, never show any symptoms of original sin, but only display signs of corruption from human social structures, such as religion, governments and families. Current extreme environmentalists, who regard the human species as no better than proliferating rodents and polluting vermin, also draw inspiration from him. Rousseau taught that even knowledge and art usually were instruments of corruption for men, and that civilization itself is a serious disease. His anarchic outlook was expressed in his first writing, his prize- winning essay at the Dijon Academy, and proceeded from there: “Men are born free, but are everywhere in chains.” Initially the anti-Christian “philosophes” of the Enlightenment, such as Voltaire and Diderot, welcomed him into their circle, but eventually his anarchism became too much for their taste.
Thinkers
Anarchism, following the work of Rousseau, began to be systemized in the 19th century, by such philosophers as Ludwig Feuerbach, William Goodwin, and Max Stimer, who taught that the state, property, religion, and abstract thought are all detriments to human beings and to human development. Using the slogan “property is theft,” Pierre Joseph Proudhon maintained that all private property is obtained only by stealing and monopoly and therefore should be completely eliminated along with all governments and states. However, he suggested to his disciples that they go about doing this incrementally and slowly. His views still have many adherents in the world today. It was Proudhon who first coined the word “anarchism” as an accepted philosophical term.
Count Leo Tolstoi, the Russian writer, although professing anarchism, was something of an anomaly in that he did not totally reject religion. He denied the divinity of Jesus Christ and the immortality of the human soul, but he tried to use the Christian Gospels as teaching tools for human betterment, which always is impeded, so he claimed, by every political structure and by all authority. His fellow 19th century Russian anarchist, Mikail Bakunin, had a different perspective. He held that the sciences, such as anthropology and sociology, have proved that humans are social beings by nature. But, he maintained that religion, political authority, and private property belong to the lower levels of human social evolution. Now in modern times, he said, these must be replaced by voluntary communes and associations as a higher stage of human evolution. His slogan was the oxymoron “anarchists unite!” To bring this about he recommended violence and terror, especially the assassination of prominent personages. He was strongly associated with the nihilistic thought found in Russia in that era, pushed by his pupil, Sergei Netschayev.
Murder
Following these anarchist doctrines, an Italian anarchist in 1898 stabbed to death the Austrian Empress Elizabeth as she was boarding an excursion steamer in Switzerland, and Leon Czolgosz, a Polish emigrant who at first flirted with Marx but later converted to anarchism, shot to death our American President William McKinley in 1901, in Buffalo. Political bombings and killings by ardent anarchists became widespread. The Russian Prince Petr Kropotkin tried to wed anarchism to some of the concepts of Marx. Because of this he too advocated “the eloquence of the deed,” that is, terroristic acts to galvanize fellow anarchists and to capture the imagination of the unthinking and politically inert masses of people.
By Bob Sullivan
Most Catholics would agree that being pro-life means to protect life from womb to tomb. But due to Roe v. Wade and the enormous loss of life due to the culture of death since then, there has been a significant focus on abortion, while many other life issues have received a lower priority.
By Tom Venzor
I have noted on several occasions that I sometimes write my column just prior to a major legislative debate or vote. This makes it difficult to write on some topics, lest my column become old news before it’s even published!
“Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team,”
by Steve Sheinkin.
Roaring Brook Press, New York, 2017, 280 pages, Grades 7-11.
Jim Thorpe was voted the greatest athlete of the first half of the 20th century by American sportswriters. His exploits on the football and track fields may never be surpassed. All-American football player, gold medal track and field star and hero to thousands of Americans and American Indians, Jim Thorpe towers above his contemporaries.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
Golf is a game that has a lot of parallels in the spiritual life. One of the things I love about golf is that we can have a round full of bad shots. And then all of the sudden we have one good shot and we are hooked for another round or two.
We only need a little bit of success to keep us going in golf. And in our walk with Christ we mess up all the time, yet we simply need to allow Him to pick us up and carry us on His way. Golf and the spiritual life are humbling and as we know from the Cross, humility opens up the gates of Heaven.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
Remember Lincoln Logs? I loved playing with those when I was a kid. I distinctly remember the smell and feel of them. I remember designing and constructing my “dream home” out of them, and including barnyard animals in the pen and the dreamscape acreage I would someday own.
Editor’s Note: Bishop Emeritus Fabian Bruskewitz wrote a series of columns on the history of anarchy in 2004. This is “The Black Flag – I” which was published Oct. 1, 2004.
“The Magic School Bus in the Time of the Dinosaurs”
by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen
Scholastic Inc., New York, 1994, 43 pages, Grades 3-5.
This week, children’s literature lost one of its most delightful writers. Joanna Cole, the author of The Magic School Bus series passed away.
“Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave,” by Laban Carrick Hill, illustrated by Bryan Collier.
Little, Brown and Company, New York, 2010, 40 pages, Grades 2-4.
By Fr. Justin Fulton
Remember the olden days of summer when you would lose your routine and kind of have your own little world that you attempted to run?
