It's been a while since I last posted an installment in this series (See Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3). To be honest, everything with the presidential election had gotten so desperate and anxiety-provoking, that I needed to just take a break from it. I debated whether or not I should even continue this. After all, by now everyone has voted. Their moral actions have been committed. Their decisions have been ratified. Aren't the words of Fr. Altman somewhat beside the point now? I'm not so sure that they are. For one, he's already recycled his message in the form of other videos that are also gai ..read more

With this post I am continuing to respond to the critics who left comments on Part 1, where I made my initial analysis of Fr. Altman's video "You Cannot Be Catholic and a Democrat". Also see Part 4. If I had Discqus for my comments section, then this would be a lot easier. I could just respond to people there, and the reader would know who I was responding to. But I don't, and I think if I implement it now then I'll lose all the comments I've received since I started this blog back in 2006 (!!), and I don't want that. So, I'm stuck with doing it this way. I hope you'll bear with me. [UPDATE ..read more

In Part 1, I responded to Fr. Altman's video, "You Cannot Be Catholic and a Democrat." I received a good number of comments objecting to my analysis, so in this post I will be responding to those objections. I'm going to respond to the first few here, and then the rest in future posts. The comments I'm responding to will be indented and italicized. Also see Part 3 and Part 4. "The truth" said: Fr. Altman is on fire with God's love and word. Those that find his words harsh may find it easier to examine and criticize his speech than to examine their own conscience. Why is it that everyone that ..read more

Above is a video from Fr. James Altman from the Diocese of La Crosse, WI on Catholics being Democrats and/or voting for Democrats. It's starting to gain traction on YouTube and Facebook, and more than one person has brought it to my attention. Usually I just scroll on past this stuff, but this one was so unsettling to me that I felt I had to respond. Before I begin, I should clarify some things: I’m not a Democrat. I’m not a Republican. I don't feel beholden to any party. I didn’t vote for Obama or Hillary, and I won’t be voting for Biden. I’m a Catholic and, as such, I’m concerned with Cat ..read more

Here are 46 common Catholic prayers, which should be enough for you to pray a different prayer every day of the Season of Lent. This practice is a great way to introduce yourself to the Church's rich prayer tradition. Print this list and put a check mark by the ones you enjoy. Then you could add those to your regular prayer routine. Or, use this exercise to start a prayer routine, if you haven't already. Whatever you do, keep praying! And have a blessed Lent! Our Father Hail Mary Glory Be Angel of God Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel Act of Contrition Act of Fait ..read more