The following text is made available to the press by Susan Norton, assistant to Mary Ann Glendon:
April 27, 2009

Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., President
University of Notre Dame
400 Main Building
Notre Dame, IN 46556
FAX 574-631-2770

Dear Father Jenkins,

When you informed me in December 2008 that I had been selected to receive Notre Dame’s Laetare Medal, I was profoundly moved. I treasure the memory of receiving an honorary degree from Notre Dame in 1996, and I have always felt honored that the commencement speech I gave that year was included in the anthology of Notre Dame’s most memorable commencement speeches. So I immediately began working on an acceptance speech that I hoped would be worthy of the occasion, of the honor of the medal, and of your students and faculty.

Last month, when you called to tell me that the commencement speech was to be given by President Obama, I mentioned to you that I would have to rewrite my speech. Over the ensuing weeks, the task that once seemed so delightful has been complicated by a number of factors.

First, as a longtime consultant to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, I could not help but be dismayed by the news that Notre Dame also planned to award the president an honorary degree. This, as you must know, was in disregard of the U.S. bishops’ express request of 2004 that Catholic institutions “should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles” and that such persons “should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions.” That request, which in no way seeks to control or interfere with an institution’s freedom to invite and engage in serious debate with whomever it wishes, seems to me so reasonable that I am at a loss to understand why a Catholic university should disrespect it.

Then I learned that “talking points” issued by Notre Dame in response to widespread criticism of its decision included two statements implying that my acceptance speech would somehow balance the event:

“President Obama won’t be doing all the talking. Mary Ann Glendon, the former U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, will be speaking as the recipient of the Laetare Medal.”

“We think having the president come to Notre Dame, see our graduates, meet our leaders, and hear a talk from Mary Ann Glendon is a good thing for the president and for the causes we care about.”

A commencement, however, is supposed to be a joyous day for the graduates and their families. It is not the right place, nor is a brief acceptance speech the right vehicle, for engagement with the very serious problems raised by Notre Dame’s decision–in disregard of the settled position of the U.S. bishops–to honor a prominent and uncompromising opponent of the Church’s position on issues involving fundamental principles of justice.

Finally, with recent news reports that other Catholic schools are similarly choosing to disregard the bishops’ guidelines, I am concerned that Notre Dame’s example could have an unfortunate ripple effect.

It is with great sadness, therefore, that I have concluded that I cannot accept the Laetare Medal or participate in the May 17 graduation ceremony.

In order to avoid the inevitable speculation about the reasons for my decision, I will release this letter to the press, but I do not plan to make any further comment on the matter at this time.

Yours very truly,

Mary Ann Glendon

Here’s some of the curriculum:

In kindergarten through third grade, students read My Two Uncles. A story about Elly, the young protagonist, who is anticipating her grandparents’ golden wedding celebration — and she is sad, because her grandfather will not invite her uncle’s partner. In the end, the grandfather softens a little. 
By the lesson’s end, students are taught to:

 ”Use appropriate vocabulary when discussing people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender.     Realize that some families include gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.”According to Christian Newswire: 

Good to see that there are some people not afraid to stand up and not back pedal even if it costs them (take notes Rick Warren and others).

*sigh* Only in the Church

Not to mention having a little fun

(Disclaimer: this is not the official video and it is not  to say that MJ is our brother in Christ, but he oughta be!)

Why online?

According to stmarksacademy.net, ”Online education is growing at a tremendous rate due to the flexibility to learn at your own pace, and to learn in the environment you feel most comfortable.  This innovative way of education also gives parents the ability to follow their student’s progress each step of the way.  At St. Mark’s, we empower our students in ways you will find nowhere else!”

Upon discovering this news, I wondered how online education from a Christian high school would really differ from traditional home schooling? Isn’t the point of a private Christian school to provide an environment and atmosphere that promotes Christian morals and values (which is not the case in public schools), if it’s online how is the environment created?

According to the website, “We at St. Mark’s Academy understand the importance of community.  Therefore, we seek to offer students the opportunity to build relationships with classmates across the country in as many ways as possible.  In addition to live online interaction with fellow students at weekly leadership seminar meetings, many courses also offer chat capabilities for students enrolled in that course.  Want to start a club?  Go for it!  Each student is assigned a mentor.  Share your idea for a new student organization with your mentor.  Also, look for face-to-face opportunities to meet fellow students and instructors throughout the school year.”

What about the usual cons to being online, like reaching your instructor? No problem.

“At St. Mark’s, we pride ourselves in offering access to highly qualified instructors 24/7.  This ability is virtually unheard of in other online schools.  You will find your “e-instructor” to be very helpful and patient as you learn and grow.  When you request instruction from an “e-instructor,” you will be connected with an individual who has mastered the subject he/she is teaching.  The “e-instructor” will stay connected with you for as long as it takes for you to grasp the material being taught.  Your instruction is one-on-one and focused on you!  Unlike more traditional school settings, there is never a need to hire costly tutors — you have them available all the time! Appointments with individual course instructors may also be made at any time.” Stmarksacademy.net

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen! Matthew 28:5,6

READ | Romans 10:8-11

Believing that the Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead is essential for Christians. Merely recognizing that He died for our sins is not enough; we must accept His resurrection in order to receive eternal life. Christ paid our debt, but His sacrifice on the cross means nothing if He possesses no power over the grave. In vanquishing evil and death, the Lord made our salvation possible.

Jesus’ resurrection proved He was able to remove sin and its penalty. Assuming Christ remained dead would mean accepting the opposite—that believers are still in sin. And the inevitable end of a sinful life is death. Consequently, a person who denies Christ’s eternal nature looks toward a void future. Bertrand Russell, a famous atheistic philosopher, offered this sad description of such hopelessness: “Brief and powerless is man’s life. On his and all his race, the slow sure doom falls, pitiless and dark.”

Instead of enjoying Christian liberty and anticipating a home in heaven, those who reject resurrection are slaves to the present, with no real hope or meaning in life. Career, family, and good works can offer brief pleasure but not the kind of joy that comes from knowing we are right with the Lord and working in His will.

Resurrection is not a denominational issue or a point for theological debate. Either we believe Christ rose from the dead and ascended to heaven or we do not. If we reject His victory over the grave, we deny ourselves a place in eternity. But if we accept the truth, Paul assures that we will be saved.

Happy Resurrection Day!!!

“I will never lose the wonder of the blood you shed for me, there could be no greater love than this for all eternity!”

I watched something this past Sunday that truly prepared me for this week and reminded me just how divine the name of Jesus really is.

Take a look (Name Above Every Name)