Fantasy Bishball

Dubuque Fighting Saints - Week 24

2011-10-24T02:41:00.003-04:00

Bishop Nickless - 1 facebook post 17 Oct - 1 point
Bishop Bruskewitz - weekly column in diocesan newspaper, 14 Oct column that wasn't posted until week of 17 Oct, 21 Oct column - 2 points
Real Catholic TV interview - 1 point
Cardinal DiNardo - Blog post on passage of Protect Life Act - 1 point

Total points - 5

The Fierce Franciscans, Kung's Bane Week 24

2011-10-23T21:25:00.003-04:00

I wasn't going to post this week, because it seems pointless at this point, but my guy blessed the circus! Too cool to not share pictures.

O'Malley [42]

Big man on the big top

Meeting a circus performer

Comparing habits

[3 points] Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus blessing of the animals and visiting the performers.

[3 points] blessing a new emergency room at Caritas Hospital in Brockton

[3 points] Irish pastoral center fund raiser

[3 points] Jesus in the North End pizza party

[3 points] Alter server appreciation masss

[3 points] Ice Cream social at Catholic Cathedral High School

[3 points] Citizens for Life Banquet

[3 points] 175th Anniversary of St. Patrick's in Roxbury

[3 points] Mass of welcome at St. Anthony's shrine

[3 points] St. Mary's school in Lynn (Lynn, Lynn, city of sin, you never come out the way you went in)

[3 points] meeting with principals of Catholic schools in Boston

[3 points] St. Andrew's dinner at the seminary

[3 points] Renovation of urban planning charity to alleviate homelessness. Pine Street Inn, mayor Tom "Mumbles" Manino was there.

[3 points] Mass and dinner for Knights of Malta

Chaput [3]

[3 points] In a speech that heavily quotes FDR before Philadelphia City Council October 20

Olmsted [8]

[2 points] 2 episodes of The Bishop's Hour

[3 points] Dedication of a new school

[3 points] Co-Host of the Cardinal's dinner at Catholic University

Dubuque Fighting Saints - Week 23

2011-10-17T01:54:00.005-04:00

Bishop Nickless - 5 Facebook posts (3 on 10 Oct, 2 on 11 Oct) - 5 points
Article on Bishop's Dinner (public appearance) - 3 points
Celebrant at Mass for Divine Mercy conference - 3 points
Blessing new classrooms in Spencer, IA - 3 points
Salix parish building memorial wall - 1 point
Upcoming Marriage Night - 1 point

Bishop Bruskewitz - The Bishop's column for the 14th hasn't been posted yet so it will be included (hopefully next week).

Cardinal DiNardo - Statement in Diocesan Newspaper about Respect Life Month - 1 point
12 Oct Letter to Congress as chairman of the bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities on Protect Life Act - 1 point

18 points total

Kung's Bane, The Fierce Franciscans, Week 23

2011-10-15T19:44:00.000-04:00

Chaput [10]

[3 points] Hispanic Heretige Mass in Philly
[3 points] Living the Catholic Faith, a return to the basics, a new book by Archbishop Chaput
[3 points] Fighting for vouchers for schooling in Philly
[0 points] Expose article about SNAP. Strongly recommend this reading.
[1 point] audio homily from Sunday

O'Malley [20]
[5 points] Calling all troops, Catholic work to help victims of human trafficking is banned by US government. Slam to the entire government! They will fund "anybody but Catholics"
[3 points] Archdiocesan pastoral council meeting
[3 points] consecration of a new hermit
[3 points] Funeral mass for a priest in Hyde Park
[3 points] 150th anniversary of the founding of the Italian state at a North Boston parish
[3 points] meeting of all the bishops of the province

Olmsted [13]
[5 points] Attack on the church, particularly Bishop Olmsted over sex and sexuality
[3points] Arizona rosary celebration
[5 points] Allegations are credible against a priest. Olmsted accepts board's findings

Dubuque Fighting Saints - Week 22

2011-10-09T22:57:00.000-04:00

Cardinal DiNardo -article about Red Mass - 1 point
Bishop Bruskewitz - weekly column - 1 point
Upcoming pro-life conference - 1 point
Nebraska Bishops send a letter protesting HHS contraceptive mandate - 1 point
Bishop Nickless - 2 Facebook posts, 4 & 7 Oct - 2 points

6 points total

Kung's Bane, Fierce Franciscans Week 22

2011-10-08T10:36:00.000-04:00

Chaput [30]

The Archbishop and the Mayor of Philadelphia at a Bishball game!
Chaput is a great asset to Philly's team!
[3 points]http://www.facebook.com/ArchbishopChaput Phillies Game

[3 points] Respect for Life Mass and homily
[3 points] 3 Facebook posts
[3 points] 100 year celebration St. Cecilia parish
[3 points] Statements at annual Board of Governors meeting in Harrisburg, PA on Oct. 4
[5 points] "The Roman Colar is not a bullseye" Chaput defends a bishop falsely accused of sexual abuse
[5 points] At a private meeting, a priest accused of abuse received words of support from Chaput "he will not be scapegoated" and fellow priests gave a standing ovation. This has caused a curfluffle. This attack on Chaput form accountability.org
[5 points] "Hold the Applause"

O'Malley [27]
[3 points] Prison visit
[3 points] Prison mass
[3 points] Appearance at The Harvard Club in Boston
[3 points] Catholic Near East conference in NYC
[3 points] 25 year anniversary of a Poor Claire sister in Delaware
[3 points] St. Robert Bellairme parish in Andover for their 50th anniversary
[3 points] Respect for Life walk in Boston
[3 points] Poor Claires prayers on Saturday
[3 points] attend inauguration of new president of Regis College, mass was part of the event

Olmsted [5]

[5 points] Slam from the womyn priests about the blood of Christ.

The Crusading Croziers - Week 21

2011-10-03T22:55:00.003-04:00

And then there were three...

Bishop Finn [3 pts]

Appearance in front of grand jury in Kansas City [1 pt]
Transcript of talk given at a pro-life banquet [1 pt]
Clergy appointments [1 pt]

Bishop Lynch [6 pts]

Blogpost: The Foundation of (and for) Life [1 pt]
Blogpost - De Profundis Clamavi Ad Te Domine [1 pt]
Blogpost - God And Forty [1 pt]
Attended Foundations For Life Gala on Sat Oct 1 [3 pts]

Bishop Coyne [280 pts]

9/26/11 - 18 tweets [18 pts]
9/27/11 - 21 tweets [21 pts]
9/28/11 - 19 tweets [19 pts]
9/29/11 - 20 tweets [20 pts]
9/30/11 - 96 tweets [96 pts]
10/1/11 - 103 tweets [103 pts]
Blogpost - The Thoughts Of Tielhard Pt 4 [1 pt]
Attending the 4th annual Catholic National Media Conference in Kansas City [3 pts] (that's why he has so many tweets on 9/30 and 10/1).

Total for Week 21: 289 points

(I will update the conference standings later this week. I promise!)

Dubuque Fighting Saints - Week 21

2011-10-03T01:51:00.005-04:00

Bishop Nickless - Respect Life Month Statement - 1 point
Facebook post 30 Sept - 1 point
Public appearances: St. Anthony’s Nursing Home - 3 points
Gehlen Catholic School - 3 points
40 Days for Life campaign kicks off - 3 points
Diocesan Ministries Conferenece - 3 points
5 public appearances at various schools St. Catherine-St. Mary’s-Oyens center. Remsen Center, St. Mary High School in Remsen, Spalding Catholic High School in Granville & Spalding Catholic Elementary-Alton Center.
- 15 points
29 points
Cardinal DiNardo - USCCB Respect Life Month Statement - 1 point
Statement calling on Catholics in Diocese to comment HHS Mandate - 1 point
Public appearances: Farewell for CCE Director - 3 points
Keynote speaker @ Theological symposium - 3 points
Dedication of St. Martha Catholic Church, Kingwood - 3 points
11 points
Bishop Bruskewitz - article about upcoming Pro-Life conference - 1 point
Diocesan Newspapaer column - 1 point
2 points

Total points 42 points

Kung's Bane Week 21

2011-10-01T09:01:00.000-04:00

Dear Managers,

I think it's just me and someone in Dubuque posting. It's lonely playing bishball by yourself. Perhaps we should rethink the season. Might I put forward an idea? How about a 12 month season whereby the managers only post for one week during each month. How about 2-3 managers per team? That way the managers would only need to post 4-8 times per year!

It's loads of fun seeing the standings change. If you only needed to do it once per month it would be just as fun.

Let me know what ya'll think. I've got a lot of bishball fatigue. The season is just too long for me and evidently it's too long for you too. The game has brought me deeper into the faith and I certainly champion its cause.

-Suzanne

Chaput [20.5]
I was in "the Loggia" and someone "whispered" to me that Archbishop Charles has cancelled the majority of his speaking engagements and is laying very low. He is listening and getting the feel for his new territory and the problems there. He won't be making much of a fuss nor racking up loads of points for a while. Hmmmm

[1 point] Facebook post
[3 points] Sunday mass to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Sisters of Mercy in Philly
[3 ]points Rededication of a church, St. Bede
[3 points] 100th Anniversary of Holy Cross parish in Mt Airy
[3 points] Red Mass for politicians in Harrisburg
[5 points] A challenge to Chaput and all bishops to deny communion to pro-death penalty supreme court justices
[2.5 points] "In US Capuchins punch above their weight" snarky title but not too bad of a column

Olmsted [11]
[5 points] New attack about the excommunication of St. Joseph's. This article quotes the New York Times heavily.
[5 points] Priest is petitioning the Bishop regarding communion wine. Parishioners say that Christ instituted the practice and the bishop has no right to change it.
[1 point] The Bishop's hour anniversary show

O'Malley [14.5]

[3 points] Blessed John XXIII dinner.
[3 points] Dinner in honor of "communion guys"
[2.5 points] "In US Capuchins punch above their weight" snarky title but not too bad of a column
[3 points] Massachusetts Catholic Conference last Saturday
[3 points] Seminar on the new translation at the Diocese Center

Dubuque Fighting Saints - Week 20

2011-09-26T01:03:00.002-04:00

Bishop Nickless - Facebook, 2 posts, 23 & 25 Sept - 2 points
Bishop Brustkewitz - Newspaper column - 1 point
Article about new Church building for N Platte Parish - 1 point
Cardinal DiNardo - Picture w/Doris Dejoie - 1 point

5 points total

Kung's Bane, The Fierce Franciscans, Week 20

2011-09-24T13:00:00.000-04:00

Chaput [18]
[1 point] CNA page for help on the new translation, articles from Chaput et al on page too
[1 point] Encounter with religious from Denver in Philly at the installation mass. Sweet story
[3 points] Celebrates 100th Anniversary of a school. Reported on CBS affiliate
[3 points] Visit to St. Charles Seminary on Sept. 21 reported on twitter
[5 points] Michael Sean Winters in The Reporter, what would Kung's Bane be without him? Last paragraph is the meaty one.
[5 points] "Chaput's latest", Michael Sean Winters is the gift that keeps on giving!

O'Malley [37]
[5 points] (reported Sept 19) Speaking out during mass about an assisted suicide ballot initiative. Embedded audio on this link!
[5 points] (reported Sept 20 with different quotes)The cardinal speaks about "the sheer brutality" of the euthanasia law that is proposed.
[5 points] This guy thinks Cardinal Sean disobeyed VIII commandment when he released names of those not convicted

[1 point] Congrats to a new NH bishop.
[3 points] Blessing the soil of a new housing project in Hannover.
[3 points] "Red Mass" for those involved in the legal profession, the homily was where he slammed the ballot initiative that earned him the attacks listed above.
[3 points] luncheon following the Red Mass
[3 points] Fundraiser for Caritas Cubana
[3 points] Monday Sox game with sweeeeeeet seats
[3 points] Tuesday mass for Catholic Charities
[3 points] St. Agatha parish in Milton 70th anniversary

Olmsted [21]
[3 points] Gloria TV interview
[3 points] 9/11 blessing
[5 points] Withdrawing permission to receive communion under both forms! Major storm brewing in Phoenix!
[5 points] limiting reception of wine in communion is called "truthiness".
[5 points] "Take this, some of you." Another slam for Olmsted's decision. I gotta say, I'm wondering what he was thinking when he declared this one. I mean, he could make only ordained clergy ministers of the blood of Christ, but eliminating it all together is extreme.

Dubuque Fighting Saints - Week 19

2011-09-19T03:55:00.006-04:00

Bishop Nickless - Globe column, 9-15-11: Holy Eucharist: Christ’s entire body, blood, soul, divinity present - 1 point
Facebook posts - 1 on Wednesday, 1 on Thursday - 2 points
Bishop Brustkewitz - SE Register column, Catechetics - I - 1 point
Cardinal DiNardo - Statement on 9/11 (dated 9 Sept but not put up until this week. - 1 point
Upcoming Blue Mass article - 1 point
Appearance at a reception to honor retirement of Marilu Ballow, Director of the Archdiocesan Office of Special Youth Services - 3 points
Article about upcoming Shepherd's Cup - 1 point
Article about upcoming celebration of 75th Anniversary of Shrine of the True Cross church (note, the Church has a relic of the True Cross) - 1 point
Public appearance, opening Schools Mass - 3 points

Total - 14 points

The Vicious Vicars - Week 19

2011-09-18T04:14:00.000-04:00

Vicious Vicars

Thought we left? Nope.

Cardinal Burke:
Link - Special Mass & Homily in Honor of Medal of Honor Recipient Father Vincent Capodanno [3 pts]
Video Link - Pontifical High Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock (Posted 9-10, but reported 9-12) [3 pts]
Mon. Sept. 12 - Tue. Sept. 20 at 3:30 AM & 6:30 PM ET EWTN - TV Appearance [3 pts]
Link - 2 Facebook Posts [2 pts]

Archbishop Carlson:
Link - Dedication of New Classroom Bldg. and Chapel w/Mass [3 pts]
Link - Weekly Diocesan Column [1 pts]

Bishop Vasa:
Link - MSW Throws a Conniption in the NCFW Over Vasa and Bruskewitz [4 pts - Not a full PROTEST of just Vasa - but says he shouldn't be a Bishop]

TOTAL: 19 Pts

I couldnt just let this AWESOME orthodox team float off into oblivion. I knew I had 2nd place pretty secure, and it is a tough time for us right now, we never really know where we are going to be. I will try and keep myself in 2nd to get to the playoffs. It is really hard finding info on Burke because he does so much overseas, a lot of stuff is in other languages or is delayed in reporting.

Kung's Bane Week 19

2011-09-17T20:23:00.000-04:00

Chaput [18]
[5 points] Snarky post about Chaput's installation
[5 points] A list of slams against Chaput, one i had not heard, a self-defrocking priest speaking for the church and slamming Chaput. Hmmmm
[5 points] you can call it "wry" or "snarky" but it's not flattering of Chaput or the pope.

[3 points] Three facebook posts

Olmsted [9]
[2 points] Two episodes of The Bishop's Hour
[1 points] Expand definition of Holy Land to include the land of the Chaldeans
[3 points] 9/11 appearance
[3 points] Rosary Celebration

O'Malley [15]
[3 points] Ordination mass for 13 new deacons. Attended by Random O.C. Christian. September 17 at 10am.
[3 points] Attended installation of Chaput, his fellow Fierce Franciscan! Go Boom Boom !
[3 points] Visit to Rome and Basilica di San Bartolomeo all’Isola (the Basilica of St. Bartholomew on the Island)
[3 points] Meeting with the Capuccin bishops from around the world
[3 points] mass at the tomb of St. Padre Pio
[0 points] Cardinal O'malley had dinner with Crusading Crozier slugger, Bishop Coyne. Did you know that Bishop Coyne was ordained by Cardinal O'Malley? Hmmmmmmm

Dubuque Fighting Saints - Week 18

2011-09-12T01:16:00.000-04:00

Cardinal DiNardo - USCCB Statement on H.R. 1179, S. 1467. - 1 point
Meeting with Nashville Domincan administrators of new high school (Frassati Catholic High School) to open in 2013 - 1 point
Bishop Bruskewitz - Newspaper column - 1 point
Upcoming Marian Mass - 1 point
Bishop Nickless - nothing this week

4 points total

Kung's Bane, The Fierce Franciscans, Week 18

2011-09-10T20:48:00.000-04:00

Chaput: [50]

[3 points] Installation September 8 as Archbishop of Philadelphia
[3 points] Interview with Cathy Gandolfo
[3 points] National Catholic Register interview with Chaput Sept 6

[5 points] Putting sex abuse in perspective, "the church is not defined by her failures", Huffington Post
[5 points] Chaput called "smug" among other things.

[5 points] SNAP protest outside of Chaput's installation
[5 points] Catholic School teachers protest outside of installation

[3 points] 9/11 Commemoration scheduled for Saturday in Philadelphia
[3 points] WHYY Public radio interview
[3 points} Local CBS affiliate interview on radio and podcast with Marc Abrams.

[5 points] Tracy Davidson interview for NBC local affiliate. Lots of direct response to sex abuse questions. Go Boom Boom!
[5 point] Facebook posts
[2 points] THE POPE TWEETED ABOUT HIM, TWICE!!

O'Malley teared up as he spoke about the abuse and
the meeting he brokered. Houston Chronicle picture

O'Malley [23]

[5 points] Editorial slam in Boston Globe
[5 points] Houston Chronicle article about how O'malley brokered a meeting between abuse victims and Pope Benedict. YOU'VE GOTTA READ THIS!

[1 point] blog post remembering his time in NYC on 9/11
[3 points] Mass at Blessed John XXIII National Seminary
[3 points] Lunch at the seminary
[3 points] Labor Day cookout at St. Brigid's parish
[3 points] Celebrate 50th anniversary of episcopate ordination of a colleague

Olmsted [ 5]
5 points: Slam of misinformation,

Can it be that Bishop Olmstedbelieves that this deceased baby is locked out of heaven? Does he really believe that God's heart is narrowed by the Church's theological imaginings?

Crusading Croziers - Week 17

2011-09-06T19:59:00.002-04:00

The Labor Day weekend threw me off. So I get an extra day (it's good to be commissioner!)

Bishop Finn [0 pts]

Nuttin' [0 pts]

Bishop Lynch [1 pt]

Blogpost - Back To The Future [1pt]

Bishop Coyne [113 pts]

Aug 29 - 25 tweets [25 pts]
Aug 30 - 16 tweets [16 pts]
Aug 31 - 24 tweets [24 pts]
Sep 1 - 20 tweets [20 pts]
Sep 2 - 5 tweets [5 pts]
Sep 3 - 12 tweets [12 pts]
Sep 4 - 10 tweets [10 pts]
Podcast - Thoughts Of Teilhard, Pt 1 [1 pt]

Total for Week 17: 114 pts

Dubuque Fighting Saints - Week 17

2011-09-05T02:40:00.000-04:00

Bishop Nickless - Celebrant @ Mass & carried Monstrance for Hispanic community Eucharistic procession, public appearance - 3 points
Have to share from the article: The bishop carried the monstrance that held the Blessed Sacrament and led the procession through the city. . . . Along the way, they made three stops. . . .“At Planned Parenthood we asked our Eucharistic Lord to remove from our families and relationships the scourge of contraception and abortion,” Father Wind noted.
Column for Globe - 1 point
Reception of Candidate for Deaconate (public appearance) - 3 points
Upcoming Divine Mercy Conference - 1 point
Article about DAA - 1 point
Facebook post about the death of his father - 1 point
Bishop Brustkewitz - column for diocesan newspaper - 1 point
Cardinal DiNardo - nothing this week

Total points - 11

Kung's Bane week 17

2011-09-04T07:42:00.001-04:00

Chaput [24 points]

Via Con Dios!

[3 points] Farewell mass in the Cathedral. Television story.
On the local NBC affiliate.
On the local CBS affiliate.
The Denver Post
[3 points] The receiving line after his final mass. Not a dry eye in the house!
[3 points] Interview with Pat Ciarrocchi on Philly's CBS affiliate.
[1 point] Article in Diocesan newspaper

[5 points] Philebrity upset with Boom sBoom's views on marriage
[5 points] Friday article in the Philadelphia Gay News.

[4 points] Facebook posts

Olmsted [11]
[5 points] SNAP said Olmsted lacked clarity with reference to a suspended or resigned priest. 8/29
[5 points] NCReporter (among others) reports Olmsted pleased at new abortion restrictions and several clinics choosing to not perform abortions, at least for the time being. Olmsted is gettin' it done!

[1 point] New episode of The Bishop's Hour, "Alter boys, Padre Kino, and Keeping the faith"

O'Malley [36]

[5 points] Boston Globe didn't think O'Malley went far enought with release of names.
[5 points] Atty: Mitchel Garabedian not pleased with the omission of 91 names from the list of O'malley

[5 points] Cardinal O'Malley lumps innocent men with pedophiles
[3 points] Wedding on Saturday.
[3 points] Farewell mass for Father Rich
[3 points] Farewell reception for Father Rich
[3 points] Mass to welcome a new Monseigneur to the Archdiocese.
[3 points] Reception for a new Monseigneur.
[3 points] Opening mass for the beginning of the Seminary school year on Wednesday.
[3 points] Meeting of the Archdiocesan Pasotral council Wednesday

Crusading Croziers - Week 16

2011-08-29T21:02:00.003-04:00

Bishop Finn [6 pts]

Letter To The Editor that supports Bishop Finn, but it generated plent of awful comments [5 pts]

Column in the Catholic Key [1 pt]

Bishop Lynch [2 pts]

Blogpost - Omniscient I Am Not And Have Never Been [1 pt]

Blogpost - Share-a-thon [1 pt]

Bishop Coyne [115 pts]

Aug 22 - 20 tweets [20 pts]
Aug 23 - 19 tweets [19 pts]
Aug 24 - 14 tweets [14 pts]
Aug 25 - 20 tweets [20 pts]
Aug 26 - 18 tweets [18 pts]
Aug 27 - 12 pts [12 pts]
Aug 28 - 10 pts [10 pts]
Blogpost - Good Advice To Bloggers [1 pt]
Podcast - Multicultural Parish, part 3 [1 pt]

Total for Crusading Croziers in Week 16: 123 points

Dubuque Fighting Saints - Week 16

2011-08-29T01:22:00.002-04:00

Bishop Nickless - Facebook- 24 Aug 2 posts - 2 points
Bishop Brustkewitz - Newspaper column (note column is dated 19 August but it wasn't put up until this week - 1 point
Cardinal DiNardo - Main celebrant & homilist, Mass @ KC Convention - 3 points
News article about upcoming Blue Mass at which he will be main celebrant - 1 point

7 points total

Kung's Bane Week 16

2011-08-27T20:09:00.001-04:00

Many smackdowns this week with the Bishops coming out swinging. Sex abuse house cleaning before the start of the school year. World youth Day news from last week that just hit the papers. Lots of juicy stuff. I know the Crusading Croziers wanted to be on our heels, but it looks like they will have to keep their new canary tweeting away to try to catch up. Good luck to them!

Chaput [29 ]
[1 point] article in diocesan site
[3 points] Blessing a new community center in Denver.
[3 points] One of his final masses at The National Western Complex Friday night. Posted August 26 by local Fox station.
[3 points] Part 2 of an interview with Thomas Peters

[5 points] "I love Fox News", Lots of swears and foul language. Look out!
[5 points] Washington post editorial.

[5 points] "Chaput-in-mouth disease" explained.
[4 points] 4 Facebook posts

Olmsted [17]
[5 points] The Women Priests made a several-pointed argument against the policy against female alter servers in Phoenix' Cathedral. Point #5 mentions "The Bishop of Phoenix" and bashes his "dying" form of "rigid" Catholicism.
[5 points] the NC Reporter agrees with the women priests on this. Check out the last paragraph!

[5 points] New statement by diocese released on new allegations of sexual abuse.

[1 point] The Bishop's Hour episode, "Why the New Roman Missal, a new program, encourages chastity, and future saint Dorothy Day.
[1 points] 6 quotes of Bishop Olmsted on immigration and Mary in newsletter.

O'Malley [60 ]
[3 points] Making financially sound decisions for priest funds.
[1point] blog post
[3 points] Special Mass in Toledo, Spain for WYD
[3 points] Talk with young people about the Catholic history of Toledo and of Catholic Spain.

[9 points] Three talks for WYD catachesis, two on Wednesday and one on Thursday

[3 points] Mass Thursday after his catachesis
[3 points] Stations of the cross Friday night at Plaza del Cibeles
[3 points] Mass in Madrid at San Francisco
[3 points] Mass with Benedict XVI at the airbase
[3 points] To Santo Tomas in Toledo to see an El Greco painting.
[3 points] Closing mass on Sunday
[3 points] Good bye dinner Sunday evening

[5 points] Boston Catholic Insider slams O'Malley who is less than responsive to questions about pensions and nepotism.
[5 points] Open letter to victims of sexual abuse.

[5 points] New site database of clergy accused of abuse of minors. NCRegister reported this as well.
[5 points] Martha Coakley, Attorney General for Massachusetts faulted O'Malley for not listing priests accused in other diocese or those who left the priesthood before charges were leveled. A slam albeit misinformed.

106

Kung's Bane week 15

2011-08-22T21:48:00.000-04:00

Chaput [26]
[3 points] Philly Inquirer story with quotes about "The order that shaped Philadelphia's next archbishop"
[2 points ] Facebook posts
[5 points] Chaput is not being hard enough on politicians in Colorado. August 18.

[3 points] Article 8/16by Chaput for Whitherspoon Institute, "Nation of Faith, Nation of Immigrants"
[5 points] Rant against Chaput and sex abuse legislation in Colorado.
[3 points] WYD speech, "Intimacy with Christ" as part of the Night of Joy.

[5 points] Archbishop Chaput: NY Times, Newsweek, CNN, MSNBC Not ‘Trustworthy’ on Religion. Full text is here.

O'Malley [47]
[5 points] put a priest on administrative leave in Roslindale. Reported August 14.
[5 points] Even though O'Malley suspended a priest in Roslindale, SNAP is unsatisfied with how he's handled that situation.

[3 points] Induction of Nun into Catholic Hall of fame, reported August 15.
[18 points] Deconsecrated 6 churches. This required his presence, a prayer, and yes, it was public!

[5 points] Even though O'Malley suspended a priest in Roslindale, SNAP is unsatisfied with how he's handled that situation.
[5 points] Posting of Cardinal Sean's ordinaiton, slamming the crazies for believing in "the rapture". Stand up routine at the beginning of the homily!

[3 points] special mass for the Assumption of Mary.
[3 points] "Established in Christ" WYD catachesis.

Next week's post will deal more with WYD appearances.

Olmsted [10]
[1 point] New episode of The Bishop's Hour radio show.
[3 points] Latino Leaders' Summit with lots of quotes from his talk, 8/15/11
[1 point] Death Penalty article in diocesan newspaper.
[5 points] Olmsted should overturn the "no girls" rule for alter servers in Phoenix Cathedral, but does not.

Crusading Croziers - Week 15

2011-08-22T15:00:00.001-04:00

*Note* - On Substitution Day, the Crusading Croziers released Bp Tobin and replaced him with Bp Coyne, Auxiliary Bishop of Indianapolis. He's expected to provide much-needed offense as the Croziers push towards taking control of the Eastern Conference.

Bishop Finn [0 pts]

Bishop Lynch [2 pts]

Blogpost - My Uncle, The Prisoner Of The State [1 pt]

Blogpost - Death Comes To The Somalis [1 pt]

Bishop Coyne [111 pts]

Podcast - One Pastor, Multicultural Parishes Pt 2 [1 pt]

Twitter Aug 15 [14 pts]
Twitter Aug 16 [19 pts]
Twitter Aug 17 [13 pts]
Twitter Aug 18 [13 pts]
Twitter Aug 19 [15 pts]
Twitter Aug 20 [19 pts]
Twitter Aug 21 [17 pts]

Totals for Week 15: 113 points

Standings - Week Fourteen

2011-08-22T12:27:00.002-04:00

Sorry for the delay in updating the standings! I completely missed the Week Thirteen scores - but they've been included in the new standings. Mea culpa! Mea maxima culpa!

Well - Substitution Day has come and gone, with only two teams - Kung's Bane and Crusading Croziers - participating. KB picked up Cardinal O'Malley of Boston (releasing Bishop McManus), while the Croziers snatched Bishop Coyne of Indianapolis to replace Bishop Tobin. Both players have already made strong contributions to each team, and the dynamic of the Eastern Conference may be forever changed.

Kung's Bane continues to reap the benefits of Archbishop Chaput's move from Denver to Philadelphia, and the continued press coverage helped propel them past the Boys of Sunday into first place (along with O'Malley's double-digit first week debut)! But...don't count BoS out just yet. Nor the Crusading Croziers, as they racked up an impressive triple digit point total, led by newcomer Coyne's 93 point performance. Interestingly, the Boys of Summer failed to post a point total in week 14...have they thrown in the towel with half the season remaining??

The Western Conference leaderboard has remained steady the past 3 weeks, as The Pertinacious Papists, the Vicious Vicars and the Mighty Mitres held onto their positions, and the point spread among them is widening.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1. Kung's Bane [441]
2. Boys of Sunday [393]
3. Crusading Croziers [262]
4. Dubuque Fighting Saints [116]
5. Zealous Zucchettos [64]

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. Pertinacious Papists [224]
2. Vicious Vicars [144]
3. Mighty Mitres [108]
4. Heresy Hunters* [97]
5. Purple Padres* [20]

[#] = total points

* - suspended for 2011 season

It's becoming apparent that interest is waning among several teams, with two already undergoing voluntary suspension. The League Office, in the spirit of maintaining interest among all the managers, has declared that any team that was unable to participate in the Substitution Day proceedings is still eligible to do so, if the managers state their intention in the combox before the end of this week. So - if you want to replace one of your players, you are free to do so. And remember - players from the suspended teams (The Heresy Hunters and The Purple Padres) are eligible.

Dubuque Fighting Saints - Week 15

2011-08-22T06:34:00.001-04:00

Bishop Nickless - Presided @ Opening Mass for Heelan Catholic School System (public appearance) - 3 points
Globe column on opening of new school year - 1 point
Facebook posts - 15 Aug, 1 post - 1 point
Bishop Brustkewitz -
Cardinal DiNardo - Vatican radio interview - 3 points

8 points

Mighty Mitres Week 14

2011-08-16T01:20:00.000-04:00

Many thanks and felicitous salutations to the kind Larry for allowing me a bit of extra time with my post. We have been slammed around our house what with moving furniture, sanding and sealing the floor, working on my Etsy sale items, finishing up our pond (it has water now and I get to start the landscaping), having two weekend daylily sales, and the usual everyday stuff that continues no matter what else you have to do. When do I get to retire??

Bishop Etienne:

Two blog posts

Bishop Cordileone:

MIA

Bishop Conley...

is in Madrid for World Youth Day which should qualify him for at least a gazillion points. I've taken bus loads of kids to ICYC (Idaho Catholic Youth Conference) and allow me to say it is beyond hard work. I can't imagine taking a huge group to Madrid.

Live from Madrid, Spain. Special Edition of ‘Life on the Rock’, talk show where hosts Fr. Mark Mary and Doug Barry will give viewers some insights into the upcoming World Youth Day. Broadcasting from the Palacio de Deportes de la Comunidad de Madrid. Scheduled guests include Bishop James Conley, the Auxiliary Bishop of Denver

The Camino de Santiago is an ancient pilgrimage route across northern Spain, ending in Compostela, the site of St. James the Greater’s relics (bones). St James was buddies with Jesus, he even was published in the Bible, he’s kind of a big deal. Because he is a big deal, millions of pilgrims have traversed the globe to walk the Camino de Santiago, ending at the tomb of St. James. The traditional route begins in France and is around 500 miles of grueling mountain passes and wide open plains. However, as our fearless leader, the one and only Jason Wunsch once said, “The beginning of the Camino is from your front door.” Our group, led by Bishop James Conley of Denver, will traverse the last 100 miles of the Camino in 5 days.

Best I could do in my state of utter exhaustion is 4 points.

Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!!!!!!!!! I need to get more organized!

Vicious Vicars - Week Fourteen

2011-08-15T18:09:00.000-04:00

The Vicious Vicars

Update: Summer is hard to combine with blogging. I need a new routine. I need to find a new way to find articles. EVERY WEEK I find tons of points I missed from the previous week. I dont know how to best find the stuff while it can still count for me :(

Cardinal Burke
Link - Article in NCRegister on the Future of Courage [3pts]

Archbishop Carlson
Link - Weekly Column: St. Louis Review [1 pt]
Link - Article: Eucharist as Center of Parish Life [1 pt]
Link - Invitation of St. Louis Catholics to 2012 Intl Eucharistic Conference [1 pt]

Bishop Vasa
Link- Special Mass for St. Bernard turns 125 [3 pts]

TOTAL: 9 Pts

Crusading Croziers - Week 14

2011-08-15T15:00:00.009-04:00

Bishop Finn [6 pts]

Op-ed in NY Times stoking the fires against Bishop Finn [5 pts]

Column in Catholic Key [1 pt]

Bishop Lynch [2 pts]

Blogpost - "New Madrid Fault" [1 pt]
Blogpost - "Hope For The Future" [1 pt]

Bishop Coyne [93 pts]

Blogpost - "Addenda" [1 pt]
Blogpost - "Prayer in Time of Economic Trouble" [1 pt]
Podcast "One Pastor - Multicultural parishes Part I" [1 pt]
Aug 8 - 17 tweets [17 pts]
Aug 9 - 13 tweets [13 pts]
Aug 10 - 16 tweets [16 pts]
Aug 11 - 5 tweets [5 pts]
Aug 12 - 13 tweets [13 pts]
Aug 13 - 13 tweets [13 pts]
Aug 14 - 13 tweets [13 pts]

Total for week 14: 101 points

Kung's Bane Week 14, The Fierce Franciscans!

2011-08-15T09:10:00.001-04:00

Cardinal O'Malley and his bishball bat

Kung's Bane is pleased to welcome Cardinal Sean O'Malley to its roster. Cardinal O'Malley is a great slugger and an excellent compliment to his fellow Franciscan, Charles "Boom Boom" Chaput. We look forward to a fantastic rest of the season. The Sox have pulled ahead of the Yankees in baseball and Kung's Bane may just follow their lead by passing The Boys of Sunday in the Eastern Conference!

Chaput [57]
[5 points] Sex Abuse attack, lots of misinformation, Philly Inquirer August 7
[5 points] Loads of swears in this gossip column about gay parents of child in Catholic school.

[5 points] Article in The State, South Carolina's Home Page. Attacking Boom Boom for sex abuse legislation he helped to kill. Lots of good detail, but low on the facts Chaput was dealing with.
[5 points] Chaput and the church's evangelical "coming out" party by Jamie Manson, August 8 in the Reporter

[3 points] Zappolo's People interview on Denver's Fox affiliate. Aired August 8. HE WILL GET SLAMMED FOR THIS. He said "homosexuality is a disability." Get ready for the onslaught.
[3 points] August 9 Special mass for Deacon Day @ St. Joan of Arc parish
[3 points] 2 Catholic Foundation meetings @ JP II center August 11
[1 points] Article in Diocese newspaper

[3 points] Catholic Association of Latino Leaders Conference August 11-14
[2 points] Two Facebook posts
[5 points] His words last week are making lots of waves. Reported only as a public appearance, but he slammed religiosity and sinful clerics. Setting the stage for being a slugger in Philly.

[5 points] “Destructive, irresponsible and un-Christ like” for California catholic Daily. August 9
[[5 points] Same Sex Marriage issue, against because it's so visible, i.e. he's hypocrite.

[5 points] Posted August 13 news report of installation local Philly channel 6. Another bash by another SNAP person. Joanna something or other.
[2 points] 2 tweets via BishopFeed
[0 points] A really good article about Chaput for an Alaska paper.

O'Malley [31]
[3 points] Flying with a bunch of teens to World Youth Day on Friday
[1 point] Posted homily at deaconate ordination
[3 points] Priest's appreciation dinner video posted to diocese news. Appearance last week.
[5 points] Accused of secrecy in Sex Abuse crisis, August 8.

[5 points] Priest writes about soft bishops and mentions O'Malley and the late Ted Kennedy.
[5 points] Wants to include gay couples in Catholic schools because he can't fight public opinion.

[1 point] Diocesan newspaper post
[3 points] In Denver for a send-off mass for pilgrims for World Youth Day. Aug. 10 article
[1 point] Mass on Monday honoring woman who worked at parish 45 years.
[3 points] Lunch and reception Monday.
[1 point] Blog post. The Cardinal had lots of private dinners and priestly cookouts this week.
[1 point] Prayer by O'Malley published August 13.

Olmsted [3 points] Bishop's Hour promo video

Dubuque Fighting Saints - Week 14

2011-08-15T02:16:00.003-04:00

Bishop Nickless - Facebook posts - 1 on 10 Aug, 1 on 11 Aug - 2 points
Appearance at sendoff for those who went to World Youth Day - 3 points
Cardinal DiNardo - Blog post 9 Aug - 1 point
Appearance at Archdiocesan Youth Conference - 3 points
Bishop Brustkewitz - nothing
Total 8 points

Pertinacious Papists - Week 13

2011-08-10T08:33:00.002-04:00

Late again...and I missed substitution day, so I'm stuck with my two-bishop team for the rest of the season :-/. Banner week all around.

George - 23 points

Made an appearance at the 80th anniversary celebration of the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women - 3 points

Made an appearance at the wrap-up event for the archdiocese's Theology on Tap program - 3 points

Celebrated a special Mass for the 100th anniversary of a local parish - 3 points

Gave the keynote address for the Collegeville National Symposium on Lay Ecclesial Ministry (ugh) - 3 points

Bashed by a commentator in America magazine - 5 points

Blog-ish post on the archdiocese's website - 1 point

Five Facebook posts - 5 points

Vigneron - 4 points

Published an op-ed in a Detroit newspaper - 1 point

Issued a statement remembering the life of a local champion of peace - 1 point

Issued a letter about the sale of the JPII Cultural Center - 1 point

Signed on to a statement by the Michigan Catholic Conference regarding immigration - 1 point

Total - 27 points

The Vicious Vicars - Week 13

2011-08-08T20:53:00.000-04:00

Ok as usual it was a crazy weekend in Alaska, so I am just getting to this. Being without my laptop since Saturday night hasnt helped either. (Sometimes we stay at friends: "in town.")

Cardinal Burke:
Conference Keynote - Knights of Columbus "States Dinner"[3 pts]
Conference Keynote & Mass - Queen of Americas Guild [3pts + 1 pts] NB: Burke did a lot here, but I only want to give him 1 extra point, it isn't fair to rack up a bunch of points based on this or that.
Quoted - Cdl. Burke told Judie Brown to be "persistent" in effort to get Canon 915 enforced [1 pts]

Archbishop Carlson:
Cathedral Restoration - St. Joseph's in Sioux Falls - former diocese [1 pts]
Column - St. Louis Review - Spiritual Works of Mercy[1 pts]
Facebook - Collection Request [1 pts]

Bishop Vasa:
Interview - Al Kresta on Being a Bishop [1 pts]

Total: 12pts

I know there are more points out there, just don't have time to do it cuz of my post about the Catholic Hospital here, and trying to keep up with my 18mos old. UGH! Life gets so in the way of BISHBALL! :) Plus missing last week... I could be running this ~~town~~ Fantasy ~~Sports~~ Clergy League!

Crusading Croziers - Week 13

2011-08-08T20:01:00.002-04:00

Bishop Finn

Article highlighting criticism of Bishop Finn and the work he's done in the diocese. [5 pts]

Bishop Tobin

Opinion in the Rhode Island Catholic [1 pt]

Two Facebook posts [2 pts]

Bishop Lynch

Blogpost: Didn't Catch Much, Except A Good Rest [1 pt]

Totals for Week 13: 9 points

Mighty Mitres Week 13

2011-08-08T17:04:00.000-04:00

I hope I'm not late. I had to perform a major clean-up of my computer. Running better now.

Bishop Cordileone:

American Red Cross, LDS and Catholic churches unite in Bay Area blood drive

"I felt strongly that we should do something to highlight blood as the gift of life," Cordileone said. "Christ gave his blood for us – his life, his very self – and he calls us to do likewise for others."

Bishop Conley:

Aug. 2: Opening Mass, Knights of Columbus Supreme Convention, Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel (9:30 a.m.); Supreme Convention States Dinner (7:30 p.m.)

Bishop Etienne:

2 Blog posts

That comes to 4. Wow! I'm really burning up the interwebs with all these points.

Help?

Someone emailed me last week and it was accidentally deleted before I could respond. They kindly offered help for my poor team. If it was you (and you know who are) please email me again with some helpful tips. Around the house I'm called the "search queen", but I seem to be having some real issues when it comes to tracking my bishops. Thanks...

adrienne at icehouse dot net

Kung's Bane, lucky 13!

2011-08-08T11:36:00.020-04:00

Chaput [47]

[5 points] The Moderate Voice posted about the Catholic church's ongoing sex abuse scandals. Chaput is mentioned among the "guilty".
[5 points] A Regali in Chaput's Clothing, post slamming both men.

[3 points] Actions news 6 report about Chaput, posted to internet August 2. Better late than never!
[3 points] Mass and homily Sunday to welcome bishops for Knights of Columbus convention in Denver.
[3 points] Mass Tuesday to open convention of Knights. Here's a cool video
[1 point] One facebook post.

[ 5 points] The Church Doesn't Get It, Why Chaput is the Wrong Answer. by Robert Huber. I got so pissed at this I left a comment!
[5 points] Bad Faith: The Catholic Church's Pointless Campaign Against LGBT Rights by Casey and Mary Ellen Lopata. Published in RD Magazine online August 3.

[5 points] Women and the Papacy by Christopher Brauchli
[0 points] The band of Potawatomi recognized their own Bishop Chaput in a lovely article.
[3 points] Luncheon for Knights Convention where the film Christiada was introduced. Looks to be a good flick!
[3 points] August 1 news conference announcing Knights initiative for Haitian relief.
[3 points] Busted Halo did a radio interview with Chaput on August 4.
[3 points] Interview with Catholic TV

Olmsted [3 ]
[1 points] The Bishop's Hour, weekly radio show. This week, August 1 about Haiti and the making of a saint.
[2 points] Two videos in defense of marriage (English and Spanish) posted on Prop 102 site August 1.

McManus [1]

[1 point] Catholic TV televised July ordinations to the deaconate by Bishop McM

Dubuque Fighting Saints - Week 13

2011-08-08T03:58:00.005-04:00

Cardinal DiNardo - USCCB Statement on Obama administration requiring insurance to pay for contraceptives - 1 point

Bishop Bruskewitz - Bishops & Priests - X column - 1 point

Public appearance: News story about presentation @at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln by Dr. Gianna Emanuela Molla, daughter of Saint Gianna Beretta Molla. Bishop Bruskewitz gave some welcoming remarks @ the event (Diocese Welcomes Saint’s Daughter) - 3 points

Bishop Nickless - 2 Facebook page entries 1 August, 1 entry 4 August - 3 points

8 points

The Boys of Sunday - Week 13

2011-08-08T01:00:00.000-04:00

Archbishop Timothy Dolan [23 pts]
Link 1 - [1 pt] Blog post
Link 2 - [1 pt] Blog post
Link 3 - [1 pt] Blog post
Link 4 - [1 pt] Weekly radio show
Link 5 - [3 pts] Interview with EWTN's Raymond Arroyo
Link 6 - [5 pts] Religion Dispatches criticizes Dolan's remarks on the threat of homosexual marriage.
Link 7 - [5 pts] Suspends a priest accused of touching a teenage girl
Link 8 - [1 pt] Dolan, as USCCB head, comments on dissenting theologian (page 3 of article)
Link 9 - [5 pts] Dolan attacked by SNAP for alleged sexual abuse mishandling. They also claim mishandling in another instance.

Bishop Robert Morlino [13 pts]
Link 1 - [1 pt] Facebook post (8/4)
Link 2 - [3 pts] Attended Priestly Fellowship Day
Link 3 - [3 pts] Attended Zucchetto Club Gathering
Link 4 - [3 pts] Attended Lumen Christi Society Gathering
Link 5 - [3 pts] Preside and Preach at Mass for 150th Anniversary, Holy Redeemer, Perry

Archbishop Jose Gomez [19 pts]
Link 1 - [2 pts] Facebook posts (8/7, 8/1)
Link 2 - [1 pt] Video of a homily
Link 3 - [3 pts] Blessed World Youth Day participants before heading off to the conference
Link 4 - [1 pt] Penned article on immigration for the National Catholic Register
Link 5 - [3 pts] Keynote speaker at conference of African American Catholics
Link 6 - [5 pts] Religion Dispatches attacks Gomez on homosexuality.
Link 7 - [1 pt] Twittered (8/8)
Link 8 - [3 pt] Delivered speech at 129th KofC convention

My unofficial tally: 55 pts

2011 Fantasy Bishball Substitution Day Event

2011-08-07T22:45:00.002-04:00

2011 Fantasy Bishball Substitution Day

Standings - Week Twelve

2011-08-05T08:50:00.003-04:00

Below are the standings after Week Twelve:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1. Boys of Sunday [338]
2. Kung's Bane [303]
3. Crusading Croziers [152]
4. Dubuque Fighting Saints [100]
5. Zealous Zucchettos [64]

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. Pertinacious Papists [197]
2. Vicious Vicars [123]
3. Mighty Mitres [98]
4. Heresy Hunters* [97]
5. Purple Padres* [20]

[#] = total points

* - indefinite hiatus

It appears that the Heresy Hunters and Purple Padres will be disbanded for the remainder of the season (provided no one volunteers before Sunday 8/7 11:00 PM EST to manage them). Thus, their players will be available for Substitution Day, along with all currently unselected bishops. Those players are:

Cardinal Wuerl
Bishop Paprocki
Archbishop Sheehan
Bishop Aquila
Bishop Gracida
Bishop Slattery

Any player selected from the above list has to be surrendered to the original team at the close of the 2011 Bishball Season.

Is anyone else considering participating Sunday? So far, The Crusading Croziers, Kung's Bane and The Zealous Zucchettos are committed. Show up on Sunday if you want to participate (or just sit in on the proceedings).

Pertinacious Papists - Week 12

2011-08-03T11:15:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the tardiness this week. Here we go:

George - 10 points

Celebrated a special sending-off Mass for World Youth Day participants - 3 points

Celebrated the 50th anniversary mass for a local Hispanic mission - 3 points

Published a column in the archdiocesan newspaper - 1 point

Three Facebook posts - 3 points

Vigneron - 8 points

Appeared on Al Kresta's show talking about the feast of St. Anne, patroness of Detroit - 3 points

Celebrated a special Mass for the feast of St. Anne at the cathedral - 3 points

Quoted in an article about the pending sale of the JPII Cultural Center in D.C. - 1 point

Quoted in an article about the state of the archdiocese's finances - 1 point

DiNoia - nothing

Total - 18

Mighty Mitres Week 12

2011-08-01T15:01:00.000-04:00

Bishop Cordileone:

Statement on St. Joseph the Worker parish in The Catholic Voice. It's dated Aug. 8th but was published a few days ago. Beacon of social justice will continue its work . Personally I would consider this a smack down of the parishioners who are complaining about just about everything. It is gentle (in the Italian way) of saying, "I heard what all of you said and I really don't give a cr*p." Read it and draw your own conclusions.

And the revised diocesan statement (pdf) concerning SJW parish:

On July 31, Sunday (8AM) Bishop C. celebrated a Pontifical Mass in the Extraordinary Form

Bishop Conley

Article about his conversion story: Conversion stories are as varied as the individual convert

July 27-28: Pastoral visit to Abbey of St. Walburga, Virginia Dale

Bishop Etienne:

I guess someone bought him a laptop 'cause he managed 3 blog posts while traveling. May I also say his photos are topnotch and worth a peek. His blog

I'll count this week at 7 (I'm not counting the diocesan statement)

Dubuque Fighting Saints - Week 12

2011-08-01T02:27:00.010-04:00

Cardinal DiNardo - Blog post on death of Archbishop Sambi, 28 July - 1 point
Blog post on respect for conscience rights, 25 July - 1 point

Bishop Nickless - Facebook page entries, 2 on 25 July, 2 on 26 July, 2 on 27 July - 6 points
Total 8 Points

Kung's Bane Week 12

2011-08-01T01:52:00.004-04:00

Archbishop Charles "Boom boom" Chaput [61 ]

For those of you who have become discouraged by Kung's Bane's rise in power, fear not. Now is the time to slam Chaput. His enemies have got to do it before they can get to know him. Before he works his Christlike ways on the citizens of Philadelphia and makes them all fall in love with him, they need to attack. I don't blame them and I welcome the points. After September 8th, it should die down pretty quickly.

[3 points] Visit to shrine of Saint Katherine Drexel.
[3 points] Centennial mass for St. Louis parish Sunday, July 24 at 10am.
[3 points] Interview after the Centennial mass with CBS story here
[1 point] Bishop's mass that "mysteriously" packed the cathedral and was reported on diocesan news

[5 points] Editorial that contains a slam toward the bottom. Praise for Chaput in first 3/4 of article then the zinger.
[5 points] In both a blog and the Philly Daily Times, Chaput said to be against victims etc.

[5 points] July 26, Rainbow Sash Movement video. Gay rights, sex abuse, gay clergy, etc. [5 points] Chaput is puppet of Rome, authoritarian, etc. by David O'Brien, oped in Philly Inquirer, also quoted on University of Dayton website. July 27
[5 points] "Chaput Brings Culture Wars to Philadelphia" I learned of this slam of Chaput by reading a post which opposed it by William Saunders. "uses Eucarist as a weapon" Reprint in CathNews July 27.

[5 points] America Magazine's Raymond Schroth summarizes two interviews of Chaput and adds his two cents. "Misogynist with compassion and sensitivity" was my favorite line. There is so much more!
[5 points] Very Chilly Pundit Philly, a recap of all the smack-downs aimed at "Archbishop Rush Limbaugh"

[3 points] 3 Facebook posts

[1 points] Posting regular homily of Sunday mass on Archdiocese website and as a podcast on itunes and RSS
[3 points] July 27 posted, Steubenville of the Rockies, blessed those teens considering religious life.
[3 points] Episcopal ordination in South Dakota. July 27

[0 points] Zenit says Chaput invited to be one of 8 prelates to teach at World Youth Day.
[0 points] Gay Catholic columnist for Philly Inquirer, Kevin Riordan is inspired by Chaput. Is hell freezing over?
[0 points] Excellent opinion piece in LA Times.

[5 points] Our good friend Michael Winters called Chaput "nasty" in comarison to the late Archbishop Sambi.
[5 points] Suburban Philly paper sides with SNAP on Chaput. To bad they don't listen to what he says.

[1 point] Tweet July 26

20:30 Archbishop Chaput explains HOW TO PRONOUNCE HIS NAME!

Bishop Olmsted [12]
[1 point] Thank you message for CDA donations.
[ 1point] The Bishop's Hour 7/25 broadcast, Prison Ministry, Hollywood, etc.
[0 Points] Catholic Underground podcast supposes that Bishop Olmsted may replace Chaput in Denver.
[0 points] Defense of Olmsted's 2009 decision. "Flower on the door" is a really thought provoking article.
[5 points] Smack down about his excommunication of St. Joseph's hospital. Blog by webojen.com
[5 points] Another bash about the excommunication of St. Joseph's in an opinion piece for Kentucky.com

McManus [9]
[3 points] Interview for Worcester community paper. "Bishop McManus looks to the future."
[3 points] Interview on marriage annulments on Catholic TV on July 25.
[3 points] Concelebration funeral mass for a Monseigneur (Lou Piermarini), evidence posted July 25

The Boys of Sunday - week 12

2011-07-31T23:30:00.001-04:00

Archbishop Timothy Dolan [18 pts]
Link 1 - [1 pt] Blog post
Link 2 - [1 pt] Blog post
Link 3 - [1 pt] Blog post
Link 3 - [3 pts] Hosted Haitian youths affected by the disaster down there. Event at Cathedral.
Link 4 - [1 pt] Weekly radio show
Link 5 - [1 pt] Column in diocesan paper
Link 6 - [3 pts] Penned an afterword that appears in a new book entitled The Church and New Media
Link 7- [1 pt] Released statement on death of +Sambi as head of USCCB.
Link 8 - [5 pts] The NY Capitol critical of Dolan for being on vacation when gay fake marriages began in NYS
Link 9 - [1 pt] Dolan makes statement on Norway killings

Bishop Robert Morlino [18 pts]
Link 1 - [2 pts] Facebook post (7/28, 7/26)
Link 2 - [3 pts] Offered Mass for +Sambi (in comment to 7/28 post)
Link 3 - [3 pts] Attended meeting of "Love Begins Here" organization
Link 4 - [1 pt] Morlino posts comment @ Love Begins Here facebook page (7/29)
Link 5 - [1 pt] Column in diocesan paper
Link 6 - [1 pt] Bishop issues new pastoral appointments
Link 7 - [3 pts] Presided and preached at first Mass of the new St. Clare of Assisi parish
Link 8 - [3 pts] Attending a gathering of the diocesan seminarians
Link 9 - [1 pt] Comments from Bp. Morlino on quality of life

Archbishop Jose Gomez [6 pts]
Link 1 - [1 pt] Issued statement on death of +Sambi
Link 2 - [1 pt] Facebook post (7/25)
Link 4 - [3 pts] Spoke at conference
Link 5 - [1 pts] Appoints new leader to Damien High School

My unofficial tally: 42 pts

Crusading Croziers - Week 12

2011-07-31T23:00:00.002-04:00

Bishop Finn

Co-celebrated closing Mass at a Catholic conference with Cardinal Burke. - [3 pts]

Bishop Tobin

Public event - Blessing of the Fleet in Galilee, RI - [3 pts]

Bishop Lynch

Blogpost - Farewell Good Friend Of The Church In The United States - [1 pt]

Total for Week 12: 7 points.

Standings - Week Eleven

2011-07-29T09:40:00.001-04:00

Faster than you can say "Anathema sit!", Kung's Bane - led by Archbishop Chaput's appointment to lead the Archdiocese of Philadelphia - is within striking distance of the Boys Of Sunday.

In what has become the single highest point total this season, Kung's Bane racked up an astonishing 101 points, 88 of which were supplied by Archbishop Charles "Boom-Boom" Chaput, to come within 72 points of the front-running Boys Of Sunday, who tallied 17 points for the week. The Crusading Croziers, who had held second place in the Eastern Conference for the entire season up until this week, got pushed down to third after posting 16 points. Trailing in fourth are the Dubuque Fighting Saints, with an 8 point week, and behind them lurk the Zealous Zucchettos.

Over in the Western Conference, another team has submitted their Letter of Forfeiture to league management - the Heresy Hunters - citing "personal reasons" to suspend play for the remainder of this season, but vowing to return in 2012. Thus, the league is now down to three teams: The Pertinacious Papists, in first with 179 points; the Vicious Vicars with 123 points, and the Mighty Mitres with 86.

The Heresy Hunters are officially on hiatus until Substitution Day - anyone interested in managing them on an interim basis until the end of the season, please contact the League Office (same goes for the Purple Padres).

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1. Boys of Sunday [296]
2. Kung's Bane [224]
3. Crusading Croziers [145]
4. Dubuque Fighting Saints [92]
5. Zealous Zucchettos [64]

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. Pertinacious Papists [179]
2. Vicious Vicars [123]
3. Heresy Hunters* [97]
4. Mighty Mitres [86]
5. Purple Padres* [20]

[#] = total points

* - indefinite hiatus

With the BOS' comfortable lead dwindling, and Kung's Bane surging, the second half of the season will prove to be interesting, to say the least. Plus, with Substitution Day less than two weeks away - and several teams have indicated they will be participating - no team's lead may be secure. This has the makings of a down-to-the-wire finish that will come to define the term "exciting".

NB: Suspended teams' rosters are available for selection on Substitution Day - keep that in mind as you make your decision to participate or not.

Crusading Croziers - Week 11

2011-07-25T22:37:00.004-04:00

Bishop Finn (11 pts)

Article in the Catholic Key: "Will China Buy Our Silence About Persecution Of Catholics? (1 pt)

Editorial in Kansas City Star regarding the placement of a statue (at right), with one of the suggestions/poll choices being Bishop Finn's office, because of the way he's handled the sex-abuse crisis. (5 pts)

News report where SNAP wants to have a police officer investigated in the child pornography case against a Catholic priest; SNAP is suspicious that Bishop Finn called the officer, who sits on a diocesan advisory board, for his advice as to whether or not photos found the priest's computer constituted pornography. (5 pts)

Bishop Tobin (2 pts)

Op-ed in Rhode Island Catholic - "Golfing With My Dad" (1 pt)

Article that talks about a prison garden that was blessed by Bishop Tobin (1 pt)

Bishop Lynch (2 pts)

Blogpost: More About Seminarians (1 pt)

Blogpost: Happy Anniversary (1 pt)

Total for week 11: 15 points

Pertinacious Papists - Week 11

2011-07-25T20:43:00.002-04:00

Cardinal George - 15 points

Spoke at a local parish about his new book - 3 points

Celebrated the opening Mass for a gathering of religious sisters - 3 points

Celebrated a Mass for the Catholic Extension Young Parish Leaders' gathering - 3 points

Had the second part of an interview published - 3 points

Had a Q&A video released - 3 points

Archbishop Vigneron - 1 point

Published a statement on the archdiocese's loan deposit program - 1 point

Total - 16 points

The Vicious Vicars - Week 11

2011-07-25T15:32:00.000-04:00

The Vicious Vicars

Cardinal Burke
Vatican Insider - Burke influence as "Puppetteer" growing in Vatican [1 pt]
Conference Speech - Cdl. Burke spoke at the conference on: Being Faithful, Even Unto Death: Catholic Wisdom on the Treatment of the Disabled and Dying - Keynote Speaker. [3 pts]

Archbishop Carlson
St. Louis Review - Weekly Column [1 pt]
Facebook Posts x 4 [4 pts]
Vocations Fair - Archbishop Carlson in his role with the USCCB is heading up an effort to hold a Vocations Fair at WYD. [3 pts]

Bishop Vasa
Hall of Honor - Bishop Vasa inducted into "Hall of Honor" over stripping hospital of "Catholic" title. [1 pt]

TOTAL POINTS: 13 pts

Dubuque Fighting Saints - Week 11

2011-07-25T04:47:00.007-04:00

Cardinal DiNardo - Issues statement on 19 July 2011 as USCCB Pro-Life Chair opposing "Recommended Mandate for Birth Control, Sterilization in Private Health Plans" - 1 point
Blog post 19 July 2011 - 1 point

Cardinal DiNardo to host Shepherd's Cup Golf Classic to be held on 26 September - 1 point

Bishop Nickless - Globe article about Bishop promulgating guidelines for distribution & reception of Communion, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion w/comments by Bishop - 3 points

Letter to diocese on appointment of Archbishop Chaput as Bishop of Philadelphia - 1 point

Bishop Bruskewitz - Blog post - 1 point

8 points total

Week 11 - Mighty Mitres

2011-07-25T00:20:00.001-04:00

I must apologize to all the other worthy and hard-working managers for not posting last week. I spent about 4 days completely exhausted from a silent migraine attack. This one thankfully only entailed horrible visual thingys and skipped the pain. It did, however, leave me exhausted.

I ask for no sympathy. At my age a few visual disturbances proves I still have eyesight and a bit of tiredness proves I'm still alive. All of which is very good news, indeed.

Moving on to a not so exciting week for the Mighty Mitres.

Bishop Etienne only managed one blog post and all next week he'll be on the road in Wyoming so has already predicted light posting. Arrrrgh! Since when is traveling around an excuse? Someone buy that man a laptop posthaste!

Bishop Conley was quiet as well with Archbishop Chaput stealing all the thunder. There's a very good chance Conley could be the next bishop of Denver which would definitely improve the Mighty Mitre team.

The last time anyone saw Bishop Salvatore Cordileone, he was eating capicola and dipping Italian bread in EVOO (extra virgin olive oil.) That's what happens when you make an Italian a bishop. Do I get points for capicola and EVOO? Actually, I could use some capicola right now. Wonder if he'll share...

Using my advanced math skills sharpened over the years by added up 2 + 2 and coming up with 4 (whoooooeeee!), I've skipped using the electric calculator in favor of paper and pencil. After much calculation causing blood, sweat, and many tears, my teams total for this week is - wait for it...

ONE

The crowds go wild as the manager of the Mighty Mitres enters the stadium

The Boys of Sunday - Week 11

2011-07-25T00:17:00.000-04:00

We surrender.

Archbishop Timothy Dolan [5 pts]
Link 1 - [1 pt] Blog post on adoration
Link 2 - [1 pt] Weekly radio show
Link 3 - [3 pts] Dolan keynote speaker at rally for true marriage

Bishop Robert Morlino [8 pts]
Link 1 - [3 pts] Presided over funeral Mass for Fr. Philip Grasso
Link 2 - [3 pts] Concelebrated episcopal ordination Mass of Fr. Donald J. Hying
Link 3 - [1 pt] Facebook post (7/20)
Link 4 - [1 pt] Statement on appointment of Chaput

Archbishop Jose Gomez [4 pts]
Link 1 - [1 pt] Diocesan paper column
Link 2 - [1 pt] Video of homily
Link 3 - [2 pts] Facebook posts (7/19, 7/23)

My unofficial tally: 17 pts

Standings - Week Ten

2011-07-24T19:27:00.003-04:00

Wow! Super late with the standings. Here they are, sans commentary.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1. Boys of Sunday [279]
2. Crusading Croziers [130]
3. Küng's Bane [123]
4. Dubuque Fighting Saints [84]
5. Zealous Zucchettos [64]

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. Pertinacious Papists [163]
2. Vicious Vicars [110]
3. Heresy Hunters [97]
4. Mighty Mitres [85]
5. Purple Padres* [20]

[#] = total points

* - indefinite hiatus

Note: The following teams - Heresy Hunters, Mighty Mitres and Zealous Zucchettos - didn't publish a points post for Week Ten. Please notify the league office via e-mail if this was due to pressing commitments (i.e., real life stuff), or if you're losing interest/running out of steam/etc.

Substitution Day Is Two Weeks Away!

2011-07-24T12:00:00.001-04:00

An important notice from the FBL Department Of Player Development And Management!

Sunday August 7, 2011 is Substitution Day, when managers have the option of replacing one (and only one) of their players with another eligible bishop. Below is the Substitution Day Rules And Guidelines:

1. Managers who wish to participate must file an "Intent To Participate" form with the FBL Department Of Player Development And Management no later than Saturday August 6. The "Intent To Participate" form is simply responding "Yes" in the combox to the following question:

"Do you intend to participate in Substitution Day?"

2. Managers who are participating will be invited to a "CoverItLive" event, scheduled for 11:00 PM EST, Sunday August 7, 2011.

3. At 11:00 PM, all participating managers must announce which player they are going to substitute, placing them on "Active Waiver". Bishops placed on "Active Waiver" are eligible to be picked up by any other participating manager.

4. Beginning with the participating team with the lowest point total, and proceeding in order to the team with the highest point total, managers will announce their replacement bishop, until all teams have made their selections.

5. Beginning on Monday August 8, 2011, participating teams are no longer permitted to cite their waived bishop, and must start citing their replacement bishop.

If you have any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries, please forward them to the Director of the Department Of Player Development And Management. Thank you!

Kung's Bane Week 11

2011-07-23T12:57:00.002-04:00

Chaput [90]

Rejoice!
Habemus Pastor!

[3 points] Special mass that was streamed live via Channel 9 (NBC Denver).

[3 points]Archbishop Chaput held a news conference at 10 EDT Tuesday and the Rigali celebrated mass with Chaput afterward. These are two separate public appearances, one as the new shepherd and one as a con-celebrant with his predecessor.

[3 points] I had an interview with Gorsky, the AP guy in Denver this morning (Wednesday)

[5 points] SNAP leader, Barbara Blaine slammed Chaput and is not looking forward to his new appointment. In an article July 19 on Denver's NBC station we hear.

But Barbara Blaine, president of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, called Chaput’s appointment “disappointing.”“What Philadelphia needs would be a new leader who would come in and support the recommendations of the grand jury and I doth think Chaput will do that,” Blaine said.

Blaine called the apology issued by Chaput to Denver abuse victims “lofty words” that didn’t jibe with his opposition to a 2005 proposal to extend the statute of limitations for sex offenders.

Chaput pushed sex abuse victims to settle their claims, ensuring little information was released about what church officials new about the allegations.

“His track record on dealing with abuse is deplorable,” Blaine said

[5 points]NCRegister interview with John Allen dated July 19, there were some smack-downs in there, I counted at least 3. These smack-downs were of Chaput of American culture.
[5 points] National Catholic Reporter did an article about Chaput that smacked HIM down. Gosh, this guy's angry! Congratulations Crusading Croziers, your Bishop Tobin was also smacked down with this article.

[1point] Mass Sunday, July 17 in the Cathedral

[3points] FOCUS Board of trustees meeting 8am Monday, July 18

[3 points] Tekewitha Conference for three days, one can imagine several addresses, homilies, etc.

[1 point] Story about Chaput and the Archdiocese with sound bites and interview bits and a nice picture on NPR's All Things Considered, July 19, listen at the link.
[0-5 point] WHYY in Philadelphia's show Radio Times dedicated a full hour to Archbishop Chaput on Tuesday. Guests included Michael Sean Winters of NCR, Matthew Schmaltz of College of the Holy Cross and Barbara Blaine of SNAP. The discussion ran concurrent with the Chaput press conference. It's up to you if the interview really had smack downs. It's NPR, they are dainty about smack downs. Didn't let Blaine talk.
[1 point] Video interview with Thomas Peters reprinted in the Deborah Gyapong religion blog. July 19
[3 points] Denver press conference at 3pm Mountain time July 20.
[3 points] Interview with Sandro Magister of "Chiesa" on July 19.
[3 points] Interview with Roxanne King of the Denver Catholic Register.
[0 Points] Acts of the Apostacy cartoon about Chaput's appointment, a brilliant mixture of Catholic blogging and Monty Python.
[3 points] Immaculate Heart Radio's "Caplis and Silverman Show" the Archbishop did an interview on July 20. This was also streamed live on the net.

[0 point] A well-crafted article (more like an editorial) for The National Review, Michael Poterma writes that Chaput and the new Archbishop of Milan are possibly being groomed by The Holy Father to be the next pope!
[5 points] My Fox Philly did a feature news story about the new Archbishop and what he'll bring to Philadelphia. Smack down is in the video if you watch it.
ZEALOUS ZUCCHETTOS, YOUR RIGALI WAS SMACKED DOWN IN THIS CLIP!
[5 points] Queerty's article "Hate Gays, Get Promotion" on Archbishop Chaput dated July 19.
[3 points] EWTN television interview on July 21 with Raymond Arroyo at 6pm Mountain time.
[3 points] Interview with The Catholic News Agency's Katherine Veik.
[5 points] Phawker, an alternative local news network online and on the radio published "An Open Letter to Archbishop Chaput" that is not complementary of Chaput, Catholicism, or the English language. Curses abound!
[5 points] National Catholic Reporter dated July 21, lambastes Archbishop Chaput's communication style. This paper is fast becoming Kung's Bane's best friend for point awarding!

[5 points] Philly Magazine's section, The Philly Post, article "New Archbishop Chaput's Tactics" paints Chaput as shifty, devious, and sinister.

[5 points] 17 facebook posts but only 5 that weren't announcing media events. Dozens of pictures were posted.
[1 point] The New York Times, an article in their religion section dated July 20 is almost a smackdown of Chaput, Laurie Goldstein
[3 points] Interview with The Catholic Standard Times, the Catholic paper of Philadelphia. Interviewer Matthew Gambino published on July 22.
[5 points] July 22 article by Will Bunch, "Chaput won't lead the Philadelphia Archdiocese quietly" for The Philadelphia Daily News

[0 point] July 21 article in Ethics and Public Policy Center's publications by George Weigel is wonderful. A very entertaining and informative read. The piece is titled, "The Rise of Evangelical Catholic Bishops" and it's all about Chaput.

[0 point] Washington Post article by David Gibson about Chaput. He's evidently outspoken but not a "blunderbust." Great vocab word!

[0 point] Christine Flowers of The Philadelphia Inquirer in her opinion piece, "Charles in Charge," slams the opposition and wholeheartedly supports the new Archbishop. You've gotta read this. It's mint!

[0-1 points] Not sure if this counts, but the article is so well done that I have to pass it on. Mollie posted to getreligion.org an article comparing and contrasting the myriad of articles written about Archbishop Chaput and the lenses mainstream media use to see him. Fascinating.

[0 points] Colorado Catholic Conference bids farewell in official statements. Other bishops and the Colorado Speaker of the House also made official statements. All in all there are [6] official statements. You could give all 6 points for that or one for them all, it's up to you, I'm cleaning up this week! LOOK OUT, BOYS OF SUNDAY!!!

Totals
12x3 point events = 36
9 smackdowns = 45
9 x 1 point events = 9

Olmsted [10]

Father Francis

Jackie Wright

[3 points] Father Francis Peacock's funeral was celebrated by Bishop Olmsted this Tuesday. Father Francis is a look-alike for Jackie Wright, a great character actor famous for his part in The Benny Hill Show. Can you tell the difference?
[1 point] Announced in The Catholic Sun on July 20, Bishop Olmsted announced new priest assignments this week.
[1 point] Article written by the bishop for diocesan newspaper.
[2 points] The Bishop's Hour, two new episodes, one on assisted suicide, July 18 and the other on protecting our children and the women of Phoenix on July 11. Both programs were released on itunes and onto the web July 21.
[3 points] Dedication mass at a church in Mesa, AZ as announced on one of the Bishop's Hour programs above (July 11).
McManus [3]
[3 points] Funeral mass on Thursday for Deacon William Lucier.

103

Papal Mention and Major News Events

2011-07-19T09:06:00.000-04:00

Elevation of Archbishop Dolan

For me, Bishball began as a fun past time. It has grown into a tool that has taught me about Western Catholicism (I'm an Easterner) and the role of bishops as living icons of Christ. In that light, I'd like to respectfully ask that we ad a new scoring category, the Papal address. A few weeks ago, Bishop Gomez became an Archbishop, I'm sure that Archbishop Dolan will soon be elevated to Cardinal, as will my own Archbishop Chaput, Chaput is also moving to Philadelphia by papal appointment, a major change for him. I think that these stories should be given a blanket 20 points.

Archbishop Gomez

The men who are elevated to become the face and voice of Catholicism to the world are being recognized by the pope because of who they are, human beings living out their call from Christ. This is so much more than what they do, it is their very essence. Also, the news stories, blog post explosions, and general hoopla around them mean that it's a major news event, a positive news event. Living a Christian life and having that make news is what we should all strive for. What do you say?

I can get dozens of news stories with sound bites and independently written stories with quotes, or you could just give me the 20. Either way, I'm just tickled that Archbishop Chaput is moving to the most (or close) corrupt city in the United States. They desperately need him. I'm sad that he will be far away from his friend, Bishop Isaiah (Orthodox), but hope someday that he will be pope and help our churches become reunited.

I must admit that if Kung's Bane were my own, I would not have put such effort into it. The team is Scott's and I'm really pulling out all the stops because it's for him. He can't do it so I have to do my best so as not to let him down.

Pope Benedict XVI and Archbishop Chaput

While getting to know the 6 bishops (Mighty Miters and Kung's Bane,) I have learned about the role of bishops and seen how they take blows from the world, just as Jesus took blows. These men really have put on Christ. No bishop is universally loved or accepted. They may be supported on abortion but rejected on birth control and immigration, etc. While I wish to dethrone The Boys of Sunday, I don't begrudge them Dolan, a pastor who is in an Archdiocese that has an abortion rate over 50%. I also don't begrudge Los Angeles their Gomez who oversees an enormous gang problem among his own flock. These towns need the heavy hitters. May God bless them richly.

Pertinacious Papists - Week 10

2011-07-18T20:06:00.002-04:00

Cardinal George - 17 points

Attended and concelebrated the ordination Mass for the new bishop of Joliet - 3 points
Celebrated a special Mass for the 100th anniversary of a local oratory - 3 points
Celebrated a special Mass at the local shrine to Our Lady of Mount Carmel on the feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and gave a special blessing to a chapel there - 3 points
Q&A for the archdiocesan Youtube channel - 3 points
Four Facebook posts - 4 points
Column for the archdiocesan newspaper - 1 point

Archbishop Vigneron - nothing

Archbishop DiNoia - nothing

Total - 17 points

The Vicious Vicars - Week 10

2011-07-18T16:51:00.000-04:00

Cardinal Burke
Appearance - Appearance at Cork City Mayor's Office - Signed a Guest Book [1 pt] I am giving myself one point for this, because it really doesn't deserve more. A little off-beat, but fun?
Gloria TV Mass - A Mass for the Fota IV Conference [1 pts] - Didn't want to double on points
Mass Concelebration - [1 pt]
Conference Attendance/Talks - FOTA Liturgical Conference [1 pt]
FOTA High Mass/Vespers - Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations [6 Pts]
FOTA Videos - Just for reference [0 pts] A lot of this is doubled up, I tried to be fair about the points so I gave myself a total of 8 for the conference. 1 for the TV spot above, 1 for him being there, and 3 each for Vespers and a Mass. I know there was more I could get, but honestly Burke could get 23423424 pts at a thing like this.

Archbishop Carlson
Column - Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy - [1 pt]
Facebook Posts (3) - on Various things in the ArchD - [3 pts total]

Bishop Vasa
Quote in "Faithful Citizenship 2012" - Normally I wouldn't award for something like this, but Vasa's comment about "Pro-Abortion" candidates has launched a campaign regarding the "Faithful Citizenship 2012" Guide and what type of language should be included for the USCCB Voter's Guide. This is worthy of a point, and maybe more depending on how this all fleshes out. Although the quote happened a while ago, the point is deserved I think because it shows how when a strong bishop speaks, those words have a tendency of lasting beyond their echo. Maybe I am stretching here, but yeah. [1 pt]

Total Points: 15

Crusading Croziers - Week 10

2011-07-18T10:00:00.000-04:00

Bishop Finn- [0 pts]

Bishop Tobin - [3 pts]

Video of Priestly Ordination (uploaded 7/13/11) [3 pts]

Bishop Lynch - [2 pts]

Blogpost - In Whom Do We Place Our Trust? [1 pt]

Blogpost - Weekend Update [1 pt]

Total for week 10: 5 pts

Bishball Scoring - Reprise 2 (Updated)

2011-07-18T08:00:00.002-04:00

We're nearly halfway through the season - I thought it would be beneficial to reprint the Scoring Rules, originally printed here. Modifications/clarifications are in yellow.

Bishball Scoring - Reprise

During the Bishball Draft afterglow, the conversation turned to scoring. I originally posted about that here, but a review of the points system bears repeating for everybody's benefit.

There are three scoring levels - 1 point, 3 points and 5 points. I don't know why - I just chose those values.

1 POINT

*Blogpost (by the bishop)
*Printed (or audio) homily
*Article or op-ed piece - either in secular press or diocesan paper [written by the bishop himself, not merely written ABOUT the bishop]
*Twitter
*Facebook entry
*USCCB joint statement
*Radio program
*Podcasts

3 POINTS

*Television appearance/interview
*Print interview
*Radio interview (not the same as hosting their own program)
*Public appearance (conference; pro-life rally or prayer vigil; special Mass [not a regular Sunday Mass]; etc)
*Publishes a book

5 POINTS

*Ex-communication of somebody
*Defrocking a priest
*Public condemnation (such as refusing communion to pro-abort politician)
*Being protested against by any liberal Catholyc/progressive group

In order to get point credit, you have to link to the original source whenever possible.

Reader comments in response to a bishop's article/actions are NOT eligible for points.

Articles that merely mention in passing something a bishop said or did, or provide a single quotation, aren't eligible. The idea is to cite material that comes directly from the bishop, or reactions to specific things the bishop has said. Citing a reference to the bishop doesn't count for any points.

You can't claim credit for multiple citations. For instance - and I'll repeat this example - if Cardinal Burke is speaking at a conference, and you link to a Youtube video of it, you get 3 points. If 25 other blogs link to that video, or talk about the cardinal's speech, you don't get an additional 25 points. You also can't get points for a transcript of his talk - you can only claim one instance (and if you're smart - and you are, because you're playing Fantasy Bishball - you'd take the higher point value anyway).

Same thing goes for if a bishop publishes a homily in his diocesan paper, and also links to it at his Facebook page and his blog. That's still only 1 point.

Now - let's say Bishop Cordileone publishes a book. Adrienne would get 3 points for that. If EWTN interviews him about his book, she gets an additional 3 points. However, she would get -0- points for an NC Register book review, because it wouldn't be written by Cordileone (most likely). However, if some pro-gay advocacy group organized a protest at Barnes & Noble because of his book, that would be 5 points. So, it is possible to get multiple points on one occasion depending on the context.

Or - let's say a bishop announces that he is removing a priest from his ministerial functions, and there are newspaper stories five days in a row in which the bishop is quoted. If they're all original articles, with original quotes, and not merely reprints of the same one, then that's 3 points per article, along with the 5 points for the priest's removal. Again, though, other people's blog posts or analyses of those articles are exempt.

You can't write blogposts about your own bishops expecting to get points - in fact, managers' blogs are exempt from any point opportunity. In other words, no sandbagging. Getting an email from a bishop doesn't count either - it has to be a public thing. However, if you have pull in the Catholic blogosphere, and you can convince another blogger to interview a bishop on your team, then you get a 50 point deduction. Just kidding! If you have strings, go ahead and pull 'em.

Basically - just use common sense. This is meant to be fun, and I don't want to bog the game down with finely detailed rules and conditions. As long as everyone has fun, and I end up winning, then it will be all good.

At the end of the day, with all the links that managers will provide, we get access to stuff that other bishops do and say, things we might not ordinarily be aware of. We get the opportunity to learn from the successors of the Apostles, and I think that's a really cool thing. We get a deeper appreciation of our faith, and maybe grow in holiness.

Managers are free to charitably challenge other managers if they want - I imagine most of that will just be friendly smack talk - but I highly doubt that will happen all that much. Except with Joe - he's going to challenge every point, cos that's how he rolls. So watch out for him.

Beyond that, I can't think of any other rules. Let's just have fun - it is, after all, just a game. Right, Joe?

Dubuque Fighting Saints - Week 10

2011-07-18T03:01:00.005-04:00

Cardinal DiNardo - Speaking at Cafe Cathlica on 12 July 2011 - 3 points
Appearance at Archdiocesan Prayer Breakfast - 3 points

Bishop Nickless - Globe article interviewing him on his using technology - 3 points

Bishop Brustkewitz - Bishops & Priests - VIII, column - 1 point

Total 10 points

Kung's Bane Week 10

2011-07-18T00:50:00.006-04:00

41 Points for us all!

Chaput [22]
(3 points) Mass on Sunday in the Cathedral. Here is the homily.

(3 points) Committee of Vicars and Directors meeting at the John Paul II Center at 9:30 am.

(1 point) Facebook post on July 12

(1 point) Prolifeblogs.com used The Archbishop's words as their thought of the day. Here it is.
"Pick up your cross and follow me."

"The world urgently needs a re-awakening of the Church in our actions and in our public and private witness...We need really to believe what we say we believe. Then we need to prove it by the witness of our lives.

(3 points) In an article for The National Catholic Register, Archbishop Chaput sets forth Muslim education and their use of the Koran to teach reading and their culture's educational habit of discussing the Koran at length every day as an example for Christians. Indeed, the Archbishop says that the Muslims got that idea from us!

Muslims didn’t develop their admirable piety in a vacuum. They borrowed their reverence from Jews and early Christians, who had a profound love for the written Word of God in the Old and New Testaments. The lesson for us today is simple. American Catholics have the one true Word of God in the Bible. If we took just one hour of the time we waste on television every day and used it to study and pray over the Gospels, we’d be fundamentally different people, and our country and our world would be transformed.

(1 point) Blog on the LG Magazine site has a post about Archbishop Chaput, "Our Choices Shape Our Eternity."

(1 point) Mentioned as one of four archbishops who might take Regali's place in Philadelphia in an article published July 14 by The National Catholic Register.

(3 points) Posted July 15, this is a video of Archbishop Chaput tending to his Hispanic, charismatic flock. He discusses the Holy Spirit.

(1 point) A Deacon's Wife muses how wasting time has eternal consequences. She quotes the good Archbishop.

Future Cardinal of Chicago or Philly?

Cardinal Rigali of Philadelphia

(1 point, because they mentioned him)
(3 points, because it's a big paper)
(5 points, because there is urgent talk for him to be Cardinal, reverse Smack-down, a lifting up!)
Pick one of the above, not sure how it figures.
Dated July 15 in The Vatican Insider newspaper, journalist Marco Tosatti writes,

Archbishop of Denver, Charles Chaput, a man of Indian origin, is the next likely choice for succession. His name also came up for the Archdiocese of Chicago, whose head, George, is facing health problems and could ask the Pope for a substitution. But the current uncertainty regarding Chicago could push the Vatican to resolve the Philadelphia crisis first

(1 point) Dated July 17, blogger OneCatholicNews quoted a Zenit interview of Catholic visionary, Timothy Busch.

ZENIT: The tagline for the Napa Institute is “Equipping Catholics in the Next America.” What is meant by the “Next America?”

Busch: The “Next America” is a concept developed by Archbishop Charles Chaput, who has advised throughout the development of the Napa Institute. In a wonderful essay that he published on the First Things Web site, Archbishop Chaput describes a “next America” in which American religious loyalties are “steadily softening” and “Catholics will likely find it harder, not easier, to influence the course of American culture, or even to live their faith authentically.” Why? Because the culture is becoming increasingly secularized and skeptical of orthodox religious observance.

I made the quote above the color of wine because Busch is a man after my own heart. This is how the article begins,

NAPA, California, JULY 15, 2011 (Zenit.org).- The Napa Valley, known for its high-quality wine industry and for being a top destination for wine lovers, will be the gathering spot this July for committed Catholics interested in discussing the future role of faith in the United States.

The Napa Institute, founded by Timothy Busch, will launch its first annual conference July 28-41 at the Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa. The institute seeks to promote and defend Catholic thought and beliefs in an increasingly secular society, which the institute refers to as “the next America.”

Only Catholics would think to make sure they can get a good glass of wine in a perfect climate as they discuss the religious future of the church. I love this!

Busch is a man after my heart. He's having a conference in Napa Valley at the end of the month.

(1 point) Whispers in the Loggia's post compares the censure of the Bishop in Cleveland with that of the Bishop in Queensland last year. Archbishop Chaput was dispached by the Vatican to handle that Australian issue.

MONDAY, JULY 11, 2011

Cleveland Rocked: Vatican Probes Bishop, Church Closings

(1 point) A short July 16 post on the Always Jason blog musing that Archbishop Chaput is long overdue to become a Cardinal.

Olmsted [11]

(3 points) In an interview posted July 13, The Spitzer Center's site features a video and article from Bishop Olmsted.

(3 points) The Bishop's Hour radio show. A production of the Diocese of Phoenix, Bishop Olmsted speaks to his flock every Monday at 10am on Immaculate Heart Radio. This episode was made available this week online.

(~~1 point,~~ 5 points) Bishop Olmsted was mentioned in an AZ Central article about the very low rates of contributions to the Catholic Church.

Giving to a major Catholic fundraising effort has declined to its lowest level in 12 years, the fourth consecutive year that donations have dropped. Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2011/07/15/20110715catholic-fundraising-falls-short.html#ixzz1SJjAxpk6

The article then speculates that the reasons for the decline could include Bishop Olmsted's excommunication of a hospital, his opposition to gay marriage, etc. The smack-down is in the comments!

ReggieVV
Jul-16 @ 9:31 AM
Report abuse
6
10

The real reasons are three fold. 1. The economy. 2. This bishop and his arch conservative minions are obsessed with two subjects, abortion and homosexuality, thus they lack spirituality, but somehow they find money to inject themselves into governmental policy matters. 3. The hierarchy is also obsessed with rules, regulations and the "proper" procedures on all matters of dogma, which removes the spirirtual and humanity from the Church. Thus it is clear many people are voting with their feet and wallets.
Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2011/07/15/20110715catholic-fundraising-falls-short.html#ixzz1SJjcZiNg

McManus [7]

(3 points) Public appearance with other bishops from Massachusetts at a conference that explores morality and cutting edge scientific practice. This was reported in a blog on July 12.

signatories include Bishop George Coleman of the Diocese of Fall River, Bishop Timothy McDonnell of the Diocese of Springfield and Bishop Robert McManus of the Diocese of Worcester.

(3 points) Interview about the future of Catholic education on CatholicTV.

(1 point) Message board post about McManus on Catholic Forum Fisheaters. It's through the Diocese of Boston.

Diocese of Worcester is my old home....Bishop McManus has taken some good public stands, but the diocese overall is just a big happy-clappy NO mess.

I would never have found this without Google. This message board is for the hardcore Latin crowd.

The Boys of Sunday - Week 10

2011-07-18T00:00:00.001-04:00

Archbishop Timothy Dolan [3 pts]
Link 1 - [1 pt] Blog post
Link 2 - [1 pt] Column in diocesan paper
Link 3 - [1 pt] Weekly radio show

Bishop Robert Morlino [7 pts]
Link 1 - [1 pts] Presided over Finance Council meeting (facebook 7/14)
Link 2 - [3 pts] Attended a cookout with the diocesan deacons
Link 3 - [3 pts] Presided at 175th anniversary Mass at St. Thomas parish

Archbishop Jose Gomez [15 pts]
Link 1 - [1 pt] Homily
Link 2 - [3 pts] Presided at diaconate ordination
Link 3 - [1 pt] Column in diocesan paper
Link 4 - [2 pts] Facebook posts (two on 7/12)
Link 5 - [3 pts] Attended ecumenical event to support the poor and hungry
Link 6 - [5 pts] Queerty criticizes Gomez for opposing California legislation that would require homosexual history to be taught in schools

My unofficial tally: 25 pts

Standings - Week Nine

2011-07-13T07:27:00.002-04:00

Here are the FBL standings after Week Nine. Don't look now, but Kung's Bane is now in third place in the Eastern Conference. Chaput and Company are making a run!

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1. Boys of Sunday [254]
2. Crusading Croziers [125]
3. Küng's Bane [99]
4. Dubuque Fighting Saints [74]
5. Zealous Zucchettos [64]

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. Pertinacious Papists [146]
2. Heresy Hunters [97]
3. Vicious Vicars [95]
4. Mighty Mitres [85]
5. Purple Padres* [20]

[#] = total points

* - indefinite hiatus

Pertinacious Papists - Week 9

2011-07-11T20:39:00.002-04:00

Sorry for my tardiness again this week -- everything is back to normal after this weekend. Yet another slow week for my boys.

George - 5 points

Had a lovely NCR columnist critique his view of marriage that he presented in a recent column in the archdiocesan newspaper - 5 points

Vigneron - 1 point

Had a quote published in a Detroit newspaper about what freedom means - 1 point (I don't think this is enough to qualify as an interview)

DiNoia - nothing

6 points! Yippee!

Crusading Croziers - Week 9

2011-07-11T20:00:00.001-04:00

Bishop Finn (2 pts)

Column in Catholic Key diocesan paper (1 pt)

Clergy announcements listed in Catholic Key paper (1 pt)

Bishop Tobin (5 pts)

Article in National Catholic Reporter criticizing Bishop Tobin for his stance against civil unions for gays in Rhode Island (5 pts)

Bishop Lynch (0 pts)

Nuttin'. On vacation for the entire month. I expect -0- points for July.

Total for the Crusading Croziers for Week 9: 7 points

The Vicious Vicars - Week 9

2011-07-11T15:37:00.000-04:00

Cardinal Burke
Link - Papal Speculation [1 pt]

Archbishop Carlson
Link - St. Louis Can Lead in Catholic Ed [1 pt]
Link - Speaker at Young Adult Group [1 pt]

Bishop Vasa
Lots of commentary about him becoming Bishop - which I got points for last week.

Total: 3 Points

Mighty Mitres Week 9

2011-07-11T15:13:00.001-04:00

Bishop Etienne:

Sunday, he celebrated the annual outdoor Mass commemorating the First Mass in the Rockies by Jesuit Fr. DeSmett.

Here he is looking all bishopy at his outdoor Mass

One blog post - but he did go horseback riding wearing very Western looking garb. Does that count as an extra point? heh

Here he is looking all cowboyish in the great outdoors

Link

Bishop Conley:

Two special Masses - one for a youth event and one for the blessing of a chapel.

July 9: Mass, Steubenville of the Rockies, Colorado Convention Center, Wells Fargo Theater (9:30 a.m.)
July 7: Mass and blessing of chapel, Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) headquarters, Golden

Article in First Things: America’s Atheocracy

Unfortunately, in our day, those “decrying the Christian religion” have seized the captain’s seat in America—in the academy, the media, the government and courts. The result is a kind of publicly enforced religious indifferentism, or what recent Popes have called “practical atheism.” The Constitution insists that no religious test shall ever be required for public office. But our society, in effect, now imposes an “irreligious test.” To take part in civic life, Americans must first agree to think and act as if they have no religious convictions or motivations.

America today is becoming what I call an atheocracy—a society that is actively hostile to religious faith and religious believers.

He goes on to smack down abortion and homosexual "marriage."

Bishop Cordileone:

Was obviously so tired from his smack down of last week he had to take this week off.

Soooooo - I'm only coming up with four points, once again NOT scoring Conley's article. I'll leave that up to Larry.

Kung's Bane Week 9

2011-07-11T14:15:00.004-04:00

34 Points for Kung's Bane!

Archbishop Chaput [21]

(3 points) An article in the Colorado Indpendent about Archbishop Chaput's comments on the Supreme Court's restrictions on video game violence shows that he tends to stir up the pot quite a bit whenever he speaks. That's why he's our MVP. Here, author John Tomasic brings several political and religious writers' work to bear on the Archbishop's stance.

Legal writer Emily Bazelon posted a constitutional view of the video game case as it approached the court last year. Bazelon is no “First Amendment absolutist,” as she put it, but she’s not sure the government would be properly fulfilling its role in U.S. life by helping parents choose what games are appropriate for their children to play.
To justify a limit on speech…. courts have to find that the state has a compelling interest and has used the least restrictive means to achieve it. Let’s stipulate for a second that the research on the link between playing games and acting more aggressive is good enough, despite the reasons for skepticism. What about the least restrictive means part? Does it really make sense to bar older teenagers from buying violent games? By 15 or 16, do they really need the state acting as their protector?

(5 points) In the online paper "Escapist",that claims to be "the voice of the gaming generation," Archbishop Chaput was lambasted for standing up for Christ. In a puerile rant that ended the article, Escapist writer, Mike Thompson said...

However, this piece isn't all that surprising to read, since Chaput has been an opponent of violent videogames since the 1999 Columbine shootings. He claims the massacre was "indirect but brutally real proof" of the effect games have on kids. On top of this, back when he addressed a special session of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation two weeks after the shootings took place, Chaput claimed that violence in games had a "direct impact on youth and is among the roots of real-life violence."
Seeing as how Chaput was a pretty adamant foe of games back then, it's not surprising that he still hates them. That said, I'm willing to bet that Catholic priests have done more harm to the youth of the world than videogames have, though this wasn't something that the Archbishop addressed in his article.

The Archbishop took the hit from the short-sighted youth block and stood up for what is right. Bravo!

(3 points, but I think it should be 5) Pope Chaput? That's what Catholicvote.org writer, Thomas Peters said this week. Quoting the Vatican's Dr. Robert Moynihan, Archbishop Chaput is the most likely candidate to be the first American pope. AND HE'S ON MY TEAM. Boooyaaah!

“Europe is in crisis, demographically and morally,” he said to me. “For this and other reasons, it may be time, in the not-too-distant future, for an American Pope. A possible candidate will have to have had a strong formation, perhaps in one of the traditional religious orders. . . .”

Then he looked at me intently. “It may be time,” he said, “for a cappucino.”

What Potemra misses is that this could be a veiled reference to one of the most influential religious-order Archbishops in the United States: Abp. Charles Chaput of Denver (who is a Capuchin franciscan).

(1 point) An article dated July 7, published by The Brown Pelican Society, and titled, "Bishop Chaput and the Politics of The Devil" explores the Archbishop's words in an address he gave in the spring and compares it to other political thinkers and philosophers, among them; Francis Fukuyama, John Courtney Murray, and Leon Kass.

The irony is this: the search for human perfection implied in modern science—or at least, the kind of science accountable to no moral authority outside of itself—leads all too easily to a hatred of imperfection in the real human persons who embody it with their disabilities. The simplest way to deal with imperfections is to eliminate the imperfect. In our daily lives, Kass warns, “the eugenic mentality is taking root, and we are subtly learning with the help of science to believe that there really are certain lives unworthy of being born. . . .

(1 point) Facebook post on Wednesday.

(3 points) Mass at Steubenville of the Rockies, July 10 at 11:10

(3 points) Mass at the Cathedral Sunday night at 6:30pm.

(1 point) Blog post quoting this week's sermon by Archbishop Chaput

(1 point) Quote of Chaput on Daily Catholic Blurb

‎"I expect to die in bed. I expect my successor to die in jail. I expect his successor to die a martyr." - Archbishop Charles Chaput

Bishop Olmsted [9]

(3 points) As reported July 5 in The Catholic Sun, Bishop Olmsted said mass for a Knights of Columbus event. Here is a quote.

June 25, celebrate by Most Rev. Thomas J. Olmsted, bishop of Phoenix. During his sermon, Bishop Olmsted praised the Knights for their works of charity and unflinching support of

the sanctity of life and the sacrament of marriage.

(3 points) Posted July 3, 2011 Bishop Olmstead expresses his gratitude for Goretti Group speakers presenting about chastity and the Theology of the Body at the 1st BiNational Hispanic Congress for Respect Life and Evangelization -

<iframe width="853" height="510" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Y2pchYWfM78" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
(3 points) Lifeteen article from July 5, reporting that Bishop Olmsted celebrated mass Tuesday with the youth.

Each one of the Masses throughout the week was beautiful and moving in its own unique way, each refocusing us all on the Source and Summit of our faith, the Eucharist. We were even privileged enough to celebrate the Eucharistic Liturgy on Tuesday with our own Bishop of Phoenix, the Reverend Thomas J. Olmsted

Bishop McManus [4]

(1 point) In an update to St. Catherine's School website, Bishop McManus was praised for dedicating the refurbished church. This addition was published July 5.

Air conditioning was installed in the church in 1972 Our beautiful church was refurbished and re-dedicated on May 3, 1974 by Bishop William McManus.

Hey, I know it's weak, but they've got Dolan! I'm combing the web to bring Kung's Bane back! Work with me here.!

(1 point) As more and more parishes in Worcester are being consolidated, Bishop McManus is making statements about the consolidations. I like the "profane but not sordid" quote from this local Catholic article.

Noting the new parish starts with a debt of about $2.5 million, McManus observed, "To increase this indebtedness will only serve to place an extreme and unwarranted financial burden on this parish." In a separate decree specific to Sacred Heart, he added it "is to be closed and may be relegated to profane but not sordid use."

(1 point) This fresh-faced lad is a new priest just ordained by the good Bishop. He's just put up his bio on his new parish website. Congrats, Father Nick!

He was ordained a priest last year on Saturday, June 26th at St. Paul's Cathedral in Worcester by Most Rev. Robert J. McManus Bishop of Worcester. In June of 2011 he received a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Gregorian University in Rome.

(1 point) In the blog, "Traditional Catholic Looking for a Wife," blogger Chris Whittle takes a local parish to task for inviting the late Senator Edward Kennedy's wife to speak. He urges people to write to their good shepherd, Bishop McManus.

Chris Whittle, traditional Catholic
(Latin Lover)
looking for a wife

With that said, she should not be allowed to speak since it is against the Catholic teaching to support abortion of any kind. Nothing against her and her late husband personally, it is just not the Catholic teaching to have this. So as the whole entire project, for which they want to raise $875,000 to renovate the building. In order to end his heretical project, I am asking all Massachusetts residents, especially those living in the Diocese of Worcester, Catholic or not, to write a letter to His Excellency, Bishop McManus, to stop this project. His chancery address is as follows:

Dubuque Fighting Saints - Week 9

2011-07-11T04:21:00.007-04:00

It seems like things are fairly quiet. But part of that is the fact that the diocesan newspapers for Sioux City & Lincoln don't publish every week in the Summer, so when they do, several weeks of news are acovered at once.

Cardinal DiNardo - Article about upcoming vocation discernment weekend that he will say Mass at - 1 point

Article about Catholic Schools w/ photo - 1 point

2 points for the week.

The Boys of Sunday - Week 9

2011-07-11T01:00:00.000-04:00

Quiet week.

Archbishop Timothy Dolan [6 pt]
Link 1 - [1 pt] Blog post.
Link 2 - [5 pts] The New Civil Rights Movement criticizes Dolan.

Bishop Robert Morlino [5 pts]
Link 1 - [3 pt] Guest speaker at Bioethics conference.
Link 2 - [1 pt] Facebook post (7/7).
Link 3 - [1 pt] Column in diocesan paper.

Archbishop Jose Gomez [5 pt]
Link 1 - [1 pt] Video of homily.
Link 2 - [1 pt] Facebook post (7/9).
Link 3 - [1 pt] Column in diocesan paper.
Link 4 - [1 pt] Writes about "YouCat".
Link 5 - [1 pt] Spoke on behalf of USCCB subcommittee on the Church in Latin America.

My unofficial point tally: 16 pts

Standings - Week Eight (Updated)

2011-07-06T23:19:00.004-04:00

The season is now approximately one-third over as Week Eight has come to a close. From all appearances, it seems that two teams have all but locked up first place in their respective conferences. The Boys of Sunday continue to rack up points and put more distance between themselves and their competitors, while the Pertinacious Papists enjoy a comfortable lead over their closest challenger, despite not publishing a points post for the week. [ed note: the P-squared's did publish late, due to (ahem) "technical difficulties" (translated: "My calendar broke" - read his points post), and I'm allowing his 7-point performance after all. I know - I'm a softie!]

But...

...if one-third of the season is played, that means two-thirds still remain. A lot can happen - for instance, Substitution Day is one month away (Aug 7), where managers have the option of placing one of their players on waivers, and call up a different bishop to take their spot for the remainder of the season. Could such a change alter the landscape and affect the final standings? Time will tell.

In the meantime, the Boys of Sunday posted a whopping 46 point week, riding on the strength of Archbishop Gomez's 22-point contribution and Archbishop Dolan's 19-point showing, allowing them to be the first team to crack the 200-point barrier. The Crusading Croziers came in with 12 points to maintain their second place position. The Dubuque Fighting Saints eked out a four point performance, which was just enough to hold onto third, ahead of the charging Küng's Bane, who wrested fourth from the hands of the Zealous Zucchettos by posting 15 points. The team's interim manager, Random O.C. Christian, has proved to be formidable as she's intent on catching the Boys of Sunday.

The Western Conference tightened up a bit, as the Pertinacious Papists ~~didn't post for Week 8~~only managed a 7-point week, allowing the other teams to close the gap. The Vicious Vicars came in with a 10-point performance, but it wasn't enough to hold onto second place, as the Heresy Hunters squeezed by with 18 points, led by the blogging Emeritus Bishop Gracida's 13-point effort. The Mighty Mitres came in with 16 points for the week, closing the gap ever so slightly between them and the now-third place Vicars.

So here are the standings after week 8:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1. Boys of Sunday [238]
2. Crusading Croziers [118]
3. Dubuque Fighting Saints [72]
4. Küng's Bane [69]
5. Zealous Zucchettos [64]

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. Pertinacious Papists [140]
2. Heresy Hunters [97]
3. Vicious Vicars [90]
4. Mighty Mitres [74]
5. Purple Padres* [20]

[#] = total points

* - Indefinite Hiatus

On a sad note - the manager of the Purple Padres, Denita, has formally submitted her resignation to the FBL Management Office, and her team is currently placed on Indefinite Hiatus. As with the Küng's Bane situation earlier in the season, if there is anyone interested in becoming interim manager for the remainder of the season, please contact the League President. It's possible that the FBL Department of Team Development may assume management of the Purple Padres, but not all that likely. However, in the event that no interested person (or persons) comes forward to manage the team, all three players - Cardinal Wuerl, Bishop Sheehan and Bishop Paprocki - become available for pick-up on Substitution Day.

We will miss you Denita - you had the best logo of any team! - and we wish you all the best. Thanks for participating and giving the Official Fantasy Bishball League a go!

Zealous Zucchettos - Week 8

2011-07-05T15:44:00.002-04:00

Cardinal Rigali
Surprisingly quiet...except this article in Philadelphia magazine (another liberal publication) bashing him...

Nothing from Listecki or Callahan this week either...just 5 points now...

(is thinking about hanging it up and pressing "Reset" for next season)

Dubuque Fighting Saints - week 8

2011-07-04T23:50:00.002-04:00

Cardinal DiNardo - Attended Pallium Mass in Rome - 1 point

Bishop Nickless - Letter from Priests for Life (postmarked 27 June 2011) announcing Bishop Nickless is a new member of their Advisory Board of Bishops - 1 point

2 points for the week

Crusading Croziers - Week 8

2011-07-04T21:00:00.002-04:00

Bishop Finn (7 pts)

Presided Corpus Christi Mass and led Eucharistic Procession - reported on Monday 6/27 (3 pts)

Hosted and attended an appearance of the Vatican Nuncio who gave a speech on nuclear arms - in light of a new nuclear component manufacturing plant being built in Kansas City (3 pts)

Official announcement of Ombudsman being appointed for Kansas City Diocese (1 pt)

Bishop Tobin (1 pt)

Statement on the recent approval of same-sex civil unions in Rhode Island. (1 pt)

Bishop Lynch (4 pts)

Gone Fishin'! - blogpost (1 pt)

Homily for Fr Rozycki - blogpost (1 pt)

Farewell Good Father - blogpost (1 pt)

It's Midnight - Do You Know Where Your Seminarians Are? - blogpost (1 pt)

12 points for week 8. And Bishop Lynch is taking the whole month of July off, which is not good news for the Crusading Croziers. Looks like I might be making a replacement come Substitution Day in August...

Standings - Week Seven

2011-07-04T17:41:00.003-04:00

The standings have been updated to reflect results after Week 7. I apologize for the delay in the update. There really isn't any excuse - except for the fact the FBL Scoring Committee frequently gets into arguments among themselves, which invariably leads to such delays.

Which is rather ironic, given that the FBL Scoring Committee is comprised of only 1 member.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1. Boys of Sunday [192]
2. Crusading Croziers [106]
3. Dubuque Fighting Saints [68]
4. Zealous Zucchettos [59]
5. Küng's Bane [54]

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. Pertinacious Papists [133]
2. Vicious Vicars [80]
3. Heresy Hunters [79]
4. Mighty Mitres [58]
5. Purple Padres [20]

[#] = total points

The Vicious Vicars - Week 8

2011-07-04T16:42:00.001-04:00

The Vicious Vicars

Cardinal Burke
Cardinal Burkes Birthday He turned 63. [1 pt]
Cardinal Burke thought adding Altar Rails to OL Guadalupe was a good idea [1 pt]

Archbishop Carlson
"Put Out Your Nets in Deep Water" - Weekly Column in ArchD paper [1 pt]
Appointed a new Vicar General - [1 pt]

Bishop Vasa
Bishop Vasa assumes Diocese of Santa Rosa, He actually is now Bishop, God save the... Diocese? [5 pts]
There were a ton of articles on this... I dont know how scoring works with something like this, so I am just using the one article and calling it good.
Opponent's Bishball Bishop Congratulates Bishop Vasa - This should be like 55 points, seriously. FTW [1 pt]

Total Points: 10

Mighty Mitres - Week 8

2011-07-04T15:27:00.000-04:00

Bishop Cordileone:

Oakland bishop, speaking for USCCB, says New York legislature ignored ‘common good’ by approving same-sex marriage

In response to last Friday’s enactment of a law redefining marriage in the State of New York, Bishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, expressed “grave disappointment with the legislature’s abandonment of the common good.”

[...]"Also, as demonstrated in other states where marriage redefinition has occurred, officials there will be in a position to retaliate against those who continue to uphold these basic truths. This is a mark of a profoundly unjust law." source

Homily: Podcast 6th Sunday of Easter. There is something to look forward to: The Spirit of Truth, The Vision of Hope, and Christian Service to the World.

Celebrant, Solemn Pontifical Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite at the Napa Institute Conference July 28 - 31.

Bishop Conley:

Attends Archbishop José Gomez’s Pallium Celebration, Rome, Italy June 29 -July 3:

I missed his concelebrating the Mass of installation of 8 deacons which happened on the 25th. The first report I saw was published on the 26th. I was too dumb to check his schedule. Duh!!

Bishop Etienne:

Posted 3 great discourses on his blog. One on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, One of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and one on Humility.

He also posted on his attendance of the Diamond Jubilee of the Benedictine Sister's of Our Lady of Grace Monaster where his aunt and sister serve.

I come up with 6 NOT counting the Latin Mass and the statement on same-sex marriage (a smack down??). Not sure how to count those. I'll leave it up to our fearless, handsome, and brilliant leader.

The Boys of Sunday - Week 8

2011-07-04T11:50:00.000-04:00

Archbishop Timothy Dolan [19 pts]
Link 1 - [3 pts] Homily from Corpus Christi Sunday @ St. Patrick's
Link 2 - [1 pt] Blog post on marriage
Link 3 - [1 pt] Quick blog post on the new Vatican site
Link 4 - [3 pts] Facebook posts (6/27, 6/30, 7/1)
Link 5 - [1 pt] Article on Catholic schools
Link 6 - [5 pts] Rainbow Sash Movement attacks Dolan in podcast and celebrates a perceived victory over him. For those unfamiliar, the RSM is a group of dissidents homosexual "rights" proponents who wear rainbow sashes in Catholic churches and make public protests during Mass.
Link 7 - [5 pts] Huffington Post blogger critical of Dolan, says he has a "holier than thou" attitude.

Bishop Robert Morlino [7 pts]
Link 1 - [3 pts] Presided and preached at Mass for Madison Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Convention.
Link 2 - [1 pt] Facebook post (6/28)
Link 3 - [3 pts] Celebrates funeral Mass for Fr. Finnane

Archbishop Jose Gomez [22 pts]
Link 1 - [3 pts] Receives pallium from the Holy Father in Rome
Link 2 - [8 pts] Several Facebook posts (6/27, five on 6/29, 6/30, 7/1)
Link 3 - [3 pts] Offered Mass @ the altar of Chair of St. Peter. (Facebook post, 6/28)
Link 4 - [3 pts] Homily on Corpus Christi Sunday
Link 5 - [3 pts] Interview with Vatican Radio
Link 6 - [1 pt] Article in diocesan newspaper
Link 7 - [1 pt] Column in diocesan paper

My unofficial tally: 48 pts

Heresy Hunters Week 8

2011-07-03T23:40:00.001-04:00

Bishop Gracida- (16 points)
Of Sheep and Sheep Dogs
The Purpose of Marriage
The Sky Is Falling
On Bishops and Canon Law
Gay Marriage in New York
Canon Law
The Mess in Boston
More on Boston
Euthanasia Warning
Congrats to Bishop Vasa
Still More about Boston
Okay...So I think He's Not Too Happy With Boston
Amen to Fr Z

Bp Gracida got quoted by the National Catholic Register. (3 points)

Bishop Slattery - (2 points) He was just back from Rome

Remember tomorrow is Corpus Christi and we will have our annual Mass and procession at the Cathedral at 5:00. Any pregnant moms and any chronically infirm members of the Diocese are more than willing to come and receive the blessing with the Eucharist. Questions? Info at divine.worship@dioceseoftulsa.org.25 June at 14:13

I am on my last part of the journey - a part which I did not expect to have to take. We left from Rome too late to make the connection from Chicago to Tulsa, so I had to stay the night in Chicago. Am heading now to the airport for what I hope will be a quiet, simple flight, but today, one never knows what a flight may bring. I look forward to seeing you at Mass at 5:00 for Corpus Christi.26 June at 10:20

Bishop Aquila- (3 points)
Ordained 2 to the priesthood

I think that makes a total of 21.

Pertinacious Papists - Week 8

2011-07-03T20:44:00.003-04:00

(I know this is really late, but I hope no one will object to me claiming a measly seven points for last week. I've had this saved as a draft since the weekend, but the holiday threw me off.)

George - 1 point (who told him he could go on vacation?)

Wrote a column in the archdiocesan newspaper - 1 point

Vigneron - 6 points

The subtle protests against +Vigneron continue in the National catholyc Reporter, where they published a reader-submitted cartoon about the good archbishop's warnings to Detroit priests before the American Catholic Council meeting three weeks ago - 5 points
Published a statement on the archdiocesan website regarding the archdiocese's financial position - 1 point

DiNoia - nothing

Total - 7 points

Kung's Bane Week 8, We're after The Boys of Sunday! Grrrrr

2011-07-03T19:56:00.012-04:00

Our MVP is abroad so only 20 points this week.

Archbishop Chaput
( 1 points ) 1 Facebook post

(3 points) Celebration of Mass of Corpus Christi and homily. Audio link here.

Then Bishop Gomez and Archbishop Chaput at a reception
a few years ago.

The Archbishop is in Rome this week for the celebration of Archbishop Gomez' pallium. Congrats, Archbishop Gomez. The Boys of Sunday are blessed to have you.

Pat Buchanan, not to be confused with
Pat Robertson (an idiot)

(3 points) Pundit Pat Buchanan wrote an article titled, "The Death of Moral Community" for The American Conservative, an online and print publication whose site can be found here.

“The opponents (of same-sex marriage) have no case other than ignorance and misconception and prejudice.”

So writes Richard Cohen in his celebratory column about Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s role in legalizing gay marriage in New York state.

Now, given that no nation in 20 centuries of Christendom legalized homosexual marriage, and, in this century, majorities in all 31 states where it has been on the ballot have rejected it, Cohen is pretty much saying that, since the time of Christ, Western history has been an endless Dark Age dominated by moral ignoramuses and bigots...

“A new kind of America is emerging in the early 21st century,” said Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver last week, “and it’s likely to be much less friendly to religious faith than anything in the nation’s past.”
He added, pointedly, “If Catholic social services should be forced to alter their Catholic beliefs on marriage, the family, social justice, sexuality (and) abortion,” they should terminate those services.
Prediction: We are entering an era where communities will secede from one another and civil disobedience on moral grounds will become as common as it was in the days of segregation.
Patrick Buchanan is the author, most recently, of Churchill, Hitler, and ‘The Unnecessary War,’ now available in paperback. Copyright 2010 Creators.com.

(3 points) Public appearance in Rome and a speech covered by The Catholic News Agency in this article.

Satan as depicted in the cartoon,
South Park

Rome, Italy, Jan 28, 2010 / 04:28 am (CNA).- Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Denver followed his keynote address to the Emmanuel Community of Rome's conference on "Priests and Laity in the Mission" with a short reflection on the "disappointing times" he is experiencing. He also elaborated on a major theme of his talk—the reality of Satan and the importance of "spiritual combat."

(3 points) In a column dated July 1 for the magazine, First Things, Archbishop Chaput takes the US Supreme Court to task for condoning violent video games for children as part of the children's free speech.

violence in, violence out

Twelve years have passed, but very few Coloradans have forgotten the name of Columbine High School. I spent the days after the April 20, 1999, Columbine school massacre with my brother priests, burying the dead, visiting the families of victims and trying to make sense of the violence to the wider community. On May 4 that year I spoke to a special session of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. The Committee’s focus was “marketing violence to children.” ... Scalia is a skilled, persuasive thinker. Given the country’s bizarre political climate wherein certain kinds of religious teaching are now attacked as hate speech, Catholics might be grateful to the Court for reaffirming limits on what lawmakers can and cannot ban. But Justice Scalia dismisses the differing views on the Court too quickly. Those views have weight. They deserve attention.

The whole article is really good, read it here.

Bishop Olmsted

Contact reporter Mike Sakal:
msakal@evtrib.com or (480) 898-6533

(3 points) Posted June 30: The bishop's actions protecting children from possibly preditory priests was written about in a column of a local paper. The article is not about the bishop but mentions him as the head of the diocese. The article is about The Catholic church as a whole. Indeed the bishops represent the whole. Well written article.

Whether or not the Rev. Jack Spaulding, the former priest at St. Timothy's Catholic Community in Mesa, is found guilty of sexual conduct with a minor, a tragedy has occurred.
Either an innocent child was sexually abused, or, a man whose life and calling have been built on trust and faith has been wrongfully accused - a blemish that can be very hard to erase, even if it turns out to be false.

(3 points) Posted June 30, Bishop Olmsted has appointed a replacement priest for the one who stands accused of sexual misconduct. The story is here. I'm giving this 3 points because the paper is secular.

This is old and doesn't count for Bishball, but it's so awesome, I needed to put it in the blog here.
<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OsOgpgQXcgQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Bishop McManus

(1 points) Posted June 30, The Catholic Free Press in an article about the increased appointments of Hispanics to clerical and other leadership positions within the church spoke about Bishop McManus.

Msgr. Scollen said Bishop McManus and the personnel board try to do what’s best for the common good.
“I look at this as the glass is half full,” he said. “The Church is going forward; we have to go with the Church.”

The Feast of Ss Peter & Paul - LarryD Style

2011-06-29T18:34:00.003-04:00

PS: Like Peter I prefer Almond Joy. (Larry you can read into that whatever you want!!!!)

Source: LarryD (Solemnity Of SS. Peter & Paul)

Zealous Zucchettos - Week 7

2011-06-27T15:17:00.002-04:00

Cardinal Rigali
Celebrated First Communion Mass on Corpus Christi at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in New Britain Township.
Facebook post inviting the faithful to Eucharistic Adoration on June 29 (60th anniversary of Pope Benedict's ordination to the priesthood...also Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul!)
And the National Catholic Distorter keeps the hate going...

All together, good for 9 points!

Nothing for Archbishop Listecki or Bishop Callahan this week...next season I'll have to be a better draftsman...

Dubuque Fighting Saints - Week 7

2011-06-27T14:36:00.001-04:00

Bishop Brustkewitz - Ordination of 2 priests for the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (snail mail newsletter) - 3 points

Diocesan Newspaper column for 24 June - 1 point

Bishop Nickless - 23 June Globe article about his attending USCCB Assembly - 1 point

23 June Globe Interview about events at USCCB Assembly - 3 points

23 June Globe Article about diocesan appeal with short interview of Bishop Nickless - 3 points
23 June Globe Article about Bishop Nickless celebrating 125th Anniversary of St. Joseph Parish in Granville - 3 points

23 June Globe Article about Bishop announcing the speaker for the upcoming 15th Annual Bishop’s Dinner for Catholic Schools, Dick Vitale - 1 point

Cardinal DiNardo - Blog post about Suicide statement voted on at USCCB Assembly - 1 point

21 June Article about Dedication of Our Lady of Walsingham shrine for The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston’s only Anglican Use parish by Cardinal DiNardo - 3 points
21 June Article about ordinations with parts of homily by Cardinal DiNardo - 3 points

22 points for the week

The Boys of Sunday - Week 7

2011-06-27T13:00:00.001-04:00

Bp. Morlino was in Rome for much of the week, and Abp. Gomez has now headed to Rome in order to receive his pallium. Thankfully, for the Boys of Sunday, there are many out there who continue to attack Archbishop Dolan!

Archbishop Timothy Dolan [25 pts]
Link 1 - [1 pt] Facebook post (6/20)
Link 2 - [3 pts] Audio of homily
Link 3 - [1 pt] Blog post on Corpus Christi
Link 4 - [1 pts] Dolan signer of NYS bishops response opposing the passage of gay marriage
Link 5 - [3 pts] NY Times Interview with reporters re: gay marriage passage
Link 6 - [5 pts] First Dolan was called the "d-bag of the day,"now he's called the "weirdo cross-dressing elf."
Link 7 - [5 pts] Washintgon Post blogger critical of Dolan in particular and Catholicism in general
Link 8 - [5 pts] A sports writer (yes, sports writer) for the NY Daily News claims that Dolan is only fighting gay marriage in order to become a Cardinal, and asserts that his comments are "laced with ignorance and intolerance."
Link 9 - [1 pt] Weekly radio talk show

Bishop Robert Morlino [3 pts]
Link 1 - [3 pts] Presided and preached at stational Mass @ St. Patrick church. Participated in Corpus Christi procession.

Archbishop Jose Gomez [9 pts]
Link 1 - [2 pts] Facebook posts (6/24, 6/26)
Link 2 - [1 pt] Diocesan paper coulmn
Link 3 - [3 pts] Celebrated Corpus Christi Mass @ St. Ignatius Loyola in Rome
Link 4 - [3 pts] Interview with NBC affiliate in LA

My unofficial tally: 37 pts

Mighty Mitres - Week 7

2011-06-27T10:39:00.000-04:00

My bishops were MIA (again!) this week. It's like they've crawled into some deep dark "bishops hole" and will emerge after I've been humiliated and beaten to a pulp. Could it be a conspiracy?

Bishop Conley surfaced to perform a few bishopy duties. I will mention that Bishop Cordelione is busy fending off attacks from St. Joseph the Worker parish who hate their new pastor (which I reported on last week - so no points.) It appears I missed the part when the police were called after some parishioners entered the church to speak with him following Mass. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...

Bishop Conley:

June 20: Mass and blessing of new chapel, Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) headquarters, Golden (3:15 p.m.)

June 25: Permanent diaconate ordination, Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (10 a.m.); Mass, Mother of God Parish (4 p.m.)

June 23: ~~“Celebrating Marriage—A Reason for Hope”~~ ~~benefit dinner for The Alexander House, The Wildlife Experience, Lone Tree (6 p.m.)~~ Well scratch this one. He's didn't even speak. Does showing up and looking all bishopy and eating rubber chicken count for anything? Perhaps he proclaimed the blessing over the food. That should be at least 1/2 point, doncha think?

source

Crusading Croziers - Week 7

2011-06-27T08:00:00.001-04:00

Bishop Finn

Article - Bishop Finn appoints new Vicar for Priests in Kansas City diocese (1 pt)

Article - appointments and assignments of clergy in the Diocese of Kansas City. (1 pt)

Bishop Tobin

Presided at the annual Religious Jubilee Celebration (3 pts)

Column in Rhode Island Catholic (1 pt)

Mass of Ordination for Diocese of Providence (3 pts)

Celebrated a memorial Mass on the 125th anniversary of the death of the Dicocese of Providence's first bishop, Bishop Thomas Hendrickson (3 pts)

Bishop Lynch

Woo Woo blogpost (1 pt)

Total for Week 7: a mere 13 points

Standings - Week Six

2011-06-27T07:13:00.003-04:00

The Week Six standings and points are (finally!) updated. Sorry for the delay. There were no changes to the standings, and the Boys of Sunday racked up like another million points and are basically in a League Of Their Own.

Oh - and Kung's Bane is back!

The Vicious Vicars - Week 7

2011-06-27T06:41:00.001-04:00

The Vicious Vicars

Cardinal Burke:

(CNA) Cardinal Burke Pays Tribute to St. Thomas More - [1 pt] Cdl. Burke explains the importance of St. Thomas More (LINK)
(St. Louis Rev) Cdl. Burke Celebrates Mass (w/ Homily) at Eucharistic Congress - [3 pts] - (Link)
(Badger Catholic) EWTN Program discussing new Cdl. Burke Book - [3 pts] (Link)
(Marian Catechsit) New Cdl. Burke Books - [5 pts] (Link)
(Blog) Cdl. Burke Celebrates Mass with 1st Communicants [3 pts] - (Link)

Archbishop Carlson:

(Various Blogs) Abp. Carlson Calls for Worldwide Adoration - [1 pt] As chairman of the US bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations has called for worldwide Adoration on June 29th as “an exceptional opportunity to give thanks for our Holy Father, to pray for all of our priests, and to ask the Lord for more vocations to the priesthood.” (LINK)
(ArchD Paper) Abp. Carlson - Weekly Column - [1 pt] Explains that we should preach the Gospel always through our actions as Catholics (LINK)
(St. Louis Rev.) Abp. Carlson Celebrates Outdoor Mass at Eucharistic Congress [3 pts] - (Link)
(St. Louis Rev) Abp. Carlson Celebrates Closing Mass & Eucharistic Procession at Eucharistic Congress [3 pts] - (Link)
(Facebook) - Abp. Carlson posted a quote regarding the Eucharist [1 pt] - (Link)

Bishop Vasa:
(LIFESITENEWS) Bishop Vasa explains how 'gay marriage' supporters misunderstand sex and human nature - [1 pt] (LINK)

Total proposed Points: 25

*NB: So much was going on with the Eucharistic Congress, which was in Abp. Carlson's ArchD and Cdl. Burke's former ArchD that it was hard weeding through stuff. Hopefully I didn't miss too much in an attempt not to double up.

Kung's Bane Week 7, 42 points

2011-06-27T01:50:00.067-04:00

Kung's Bane logo. Can't figure out how to add a caption.
My dream player, Cardinal O'Malley is at the left, I'm
hoping to draft him in August. What do you think?
Do you love how McManus' face goes so well on Charlie
Sheen's body?

Chaput
(1 point) Local Catholic paper editorial regarding a misunderstanding of something Chaput had said. There is much hot-under-the-collar stuff such as...

Newton does not actually believe that Archbishop Chaput (whom he refuses to call by name) advocates that priests break the seal of the confessional.

To even suggest that is irresponsible to the faithful and insulting to the archbishop’s intelligence, dedication to the faith, and pastoral sense. It also shows Father Newton’s ignorance of or disregard for the specifics of Canon Law.

(5 points, graceful handling of sex abuse issue)

In an article in The National Catholic Register, Archbishop Chaput defends the church's actions and commitment to justice.

Priests aren’t being “thrown under the bus,” if the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” is followed correctly, Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver affirmed.

Archbishop Chaput has confronted the problem of clergy sexual abuse in his diocese. He also addressed the broader impact of clergy misconduct on a global religious order as the Vatican’s U.S. apostolic investigator of the Legion of Christ. He has emerged as one of the Vatican’s “go-to” episcopal investigators.

Archbishop Chaput
(Sha-poo, emphasis on second syllable)

Last year, when allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors were leveled against two Denver priests, Archbishop Chaput immediately placed each priest on administrative leave. He publicly noted their record of service and stressed the assumption of innocence for the accused. But he also defended his prompt action, describing it as “a necessary course to protect people’s trust in their parish and in the archdiocese. In this case, and in any other such case that may occur in the future, we follow diocesan and national policies that exist to serve the safety of our people and to respect the suffering and dignity of victims. These priorities are vitally important, and they will not change.”

(1 point) June 22, Catholic News Agency story "Archbishop Chaput warns about Catholic institutions losing religious identity"

“The more that Catholic universities or hospitals mute their religious identity; the more that Catholic social ministries weaken their religious character ... the less useful to the Gospel they become,” he said.

Meet Archbishop Chaput, Our MVP!

I crave your indulgence, just one more video. You've got to get to know this guy. He's AMAZING! I'm so sorry that Scott, the manager of Kung's Bane is not able to manage right now, but, what a blessing to get to know these amazing bishops!

(3 points, article with quotes of the Archbishop) America becoming "much less friendly to religious fredom: Archbishop issued stark warning

In this article, dated June 22, Archbishop Chaput says...

"As Catholic social agencies and hospitals in America face growing persecution from secularist, anti-life forces, they must embrace a radical faithfulness and a vigorous Catholic identity if they are to survive", said Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Denver this week.

“The more that Catholic universities or hospitals mute their religious identity, the more that Catholic social ministries weaken their religious character ... the less useful to the Gospel they become,”

(1 point) General blog post praising The Archbishop. One of the commenters said this well, "The archbishop wanted to warn against simply wanting to appear charitable and not actually being charitable."

(1 point) The Archbishop is quoted in an article about a schismatic group in Trenton, New Jersey. The piece was published June 24 in The Atlantic Highlands Herald, an online paper.

"Christianity is both a comfort and challenge. When we accept what is comforting without accepting what challenges us, we stop striving for holiness. When we dispute what we do not understand, instead of prayerfully and earnestly seeking truth, we stop seeking Christ. "

(3 points) Ordination of 3 Deacons to the Archdiocese of Denver at 10am, Saturday, June 25. Click for the archived video and story.

(3 points) Trinity homily posted audio feed during the week following Trinity Sunday. He combines this with a Father's Day message Here is the feed, a nice homily.

(1 point) His address on June 21 for Catholic Social Workers National Association is titled "Renewing the Mission of Catholic Charities. This address was written about above and already earned 3 points. The Archdiocese published the address online in the middle of the week.

Bishop McManus
(1 point) blog post about his appointment of financial officers for the diocese.

“I am pleased to announce at this time that I have appointed Jerry Jussaume and Carol Adams as co-directors of the diocesan Office of Fiscal Affairs,” the bishop said. “They will succeed Msgr. Thomas Sullivan who has served as the director of the office for the past several years but who has now been appointed as a pastor.”
Bishop McManus has appointed Jerome D. Jussaume and Carol A. Adams co-directors of the diocesan Office of Fiscal Affairs, effective July 1.

(1 point) Bishop McManus donated his easement to the City of Milford for their town improvements. He was one of several land and business owners to do so. This published online and in Milford's town newspaper June 22.

(1 point) On the blog, The Anglo-Catholic, Bishop McManus is part of a list of Catholic Bishops who are to implement the new Anglo-Catholic rite in the United States. The author quoted Chesterton liberally. Very nice!

(3 points) In the secular, Worcester Telegram and Gazette, Bishop McManus is reported to be moving new priests into several churches because they were just ordained and other priests are set to retire.

(3 points) Bishop McManus dedicated a new, merged church after Blessed Pope John Paul II. The article posted in print and online June 25, 2011.

“The changes in the social fabric of our communities demand changes in our parishes to meet new needs, new challenges, and, most especially, new opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus Christ,” said Bishop McManuswhen the merger was announced.

Bishop Olmsted

(3 points) This very cool article has the option of audio with actual clips of the people quoted, including Bishop Olmsted. The article discusses the high abortion rates for Hispanic women in the Southeastern US.

(3 points) The good Bishop presided over the mass for women. Many lovely and faithful women were honored after the mass. I don't know if you'll knock this down to 1 point because I don't have a direct quote from the Bishop and it was reported on a diocesan blog.

(3 points) Interview for Faith and Life TV, posted June 23.

(5 points) Bishop Olmsted suspended two priests under credible accusations of sexual misconduct with a minor.

The sexual misconduct claim involved actions that allegedly occurred over 25 years ago when Fr. Spaulding was the pastor of St. Maria Goretti parish in Scottsdale.

Bishop Olmsted accepted the Review Board’s determination, and the case will be referred to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome for further proceedings.

Pertinacious Papists - Week 7

2011-06-26T20:52:00.005-04:00

George - 13 points*

Made a special appearance at the archdiocesan Catechetical Ministries Graduation held at a local parish - 3 points

Celebrated a special Mass for the 120th anniversary of the National Catholic Society of Foresters - 3 points

Celebrated a special Mass for the 100th anniversary of a local parish - 3 points

Three Facebook posts - 3 points total

Quoted in an article in the Catholic San Francisco about means of addressing the sexual abuse crisis -1 point

*The Archdiocese of Chicago's website is down and has been since at least yesterday evening -- I reserve the right to add things I find there if it doesn't come back up until after the deadline today.

Vigneron - 5 points

More protests in the National catholyc Reporter against +Vigneron - 5 points (unless someone thinks that each of these is worth its own 5 points)

DiNoia - nothing

Total - 18 points

Heresy Hunters Week 6

2011-06-20T23:43:00.000-04:00

Bishop Gracida - (7 points)
Euthanasia
How hard is your mind? How soft is your heart?
Jurisprudence
Priestly Suicide
Problems in Boston
Priest Dies of Broken Heart
Brave New World

Bishop Slattery - (14 points)

I will be spending the greater part of today preparing for the ordinations and Corpus Christi celebrations later this month and next. But I also have to prepare for my annual retreat which will begin Monday in Rome. Can I count on your prayers that I make a good, solid, prayerful, silent retreat? Thank you in advanceSaturday at 10:46

Remember everyone, CORPUS CHRISTI is in two Sundays. We will have Mass at 5:00 at the Cathedral, followed by the outdoor procession, Blessings of the pregnant moms and the infirm, then benediction. I hope you can join me.Friday at 19:41

There in both English and Spanish! I hope you get the chance to read this article and share with me your comments and ideas.Friday at 16:21

I have just published my article on celibacy as a 'note' for anyone who wants to read about the spiritual power of celibacy. Now I will get the Spanish translation ready to go.Friday at 16:19

Recently I wrote an article on celibacy for our Diocesan magazine. We have had it translated into Spanish too, and would like to share this article with as many Catholics as would be interested in learning something about celibacy, something about its spiritual power. Let me know if you would like a copy (be sure to tell me if you would like a copy in English or in Spanish)15 June at 19:36