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'A Second Guilt'
Matthew Boudway May 8, 2014 - 11:26am
I hope that Jim Pauwels, Carlo Lancellotti, and others who have questions or objections after reading the short sample of our Cardinal Kasper interview below will read the whole interview here. And if they still have questions after that, they may want to look at Cardinal Kasper's speech before the consistory in February, which is now available in English translation here.
Kasper is clearly talking about cases where an annulment is either impossible or inappropriate. He is talking about people who have repented for the failure of their sacramental marriage (if they were responsible for its failure), cannot be reconciled to their spouse, and now, years later, are in a civil marriage with another partner. For them to quit this partnership could do tremendous damage—to their new partner and to their children if they have any. This is what the cardinal means when he says that a person in this situation could not walk away from this partnership without incurring new guilt. Some will say that's not a problem as long as the remarried person and his or her partner are willing to live "as brother and sister." But, as the cardinal recognizes, unless both partners are willing to do this, the decision by one of them to do so is likely to destroy the relationship. It would also require a kind of moral heroism that the church has been very hesitant to demand in most areas of life.
Imagine a woman with small children who was married in the church and has been abandoned by her husband. She did not want a divorce; she does not want an annulment. She doesn't believe that her marriage was invalid just because her husband failed to keep his vows. She spends months, maybe years waiting and praying for reconciliation with her spouse, who does not want reconciliation and has perhaps already started a new family with someone else. Finding it very difficult to support her children alone, and knowing that they would be better off with a father figure in the home, she meets a man who is decent and faithful and wants to help her raise her family. He is not a Catholic. Eventually they marry. Years later the woman starts going back to church. She attends Mass every week; she enrolls her children in CCD and makes sure they are confirmed. She participates in the life of the parish and wants to be able to receive communion again.
What can she do? Some would say that, given her circumstances, her only option requires moral heroism. She must refuse to have sex with her new partner, whatever the consequences for her him or her children. Some will say that if he really loves her, he will accept this decision and remain faithful to her and their children, even though he himself isn't Catholic and cannot fathom the burden she has been asked to take up. Some will say that if he doesn't accept this decision, then she is better off without him, whatever the practical difficulties involved, however much heartbreak, resentment, and loneliness this causes.
Others, including the cardinal, have pointed out that the ancient church had other ways of dealing with such situations and that the Eastern Orthodox still do. Those ways do not require the dissolution of the first marriage, but they do require that we let go of a kind of perfectionism that ends up alienating many people who are eager to receive the sacraments. As Kasper points out, Pope Benedict has already suggested that someone in the situation I've just described, having confessed her sins and done penance for them, can have spiritual communion with Christ. But the same sin that is considered so grave that it prevents somone from receiving communion would premumably also prevent full spiritual communion with Christ. To say otherwise is to drive a wedge between Christ and his church. The church's power to loose and to bind is a power Christ gave it, and no servant is better than its Master.
Commenting Guidelines
Geez, Rita - would suggest that you can find stories of failure on every side (not just male)???
Jim McCrea - fact; once annulled, a person can legally and officially marry in the church (because the first or second marriage never existed - talk about denial or living in some type of *thought universe*)
LIke annulments - studies indicate that fewer than 40% of all priests who left since 1965 ever approached Rome to be laicized (so, similar to the annulment pattern). That alone says something about what Franics/Kaspar are saying and starting. In both annulments and laicizations, the church has built a system of criteria or causes that usually revolve around maturity (based upon being able to understand *forever*; able to live that *forever*; various psych grounds; etc. About 20 years ago, Rome tried to get the US bishops to narrow the psych reasons and be more stringent about graning annulments (but, by then, the older, complicated system of local canon law board rules; this then has to go to the nearby archdiocesan canon lay board; and then to Rome - US petitioned to streamline this....which also says something about both this issue and the process).
The difference between laicization and annulments - priest has to have a canon lawyer to help facilitate the petition to Rome (form, etc from Rome). There is no local board involvement, etc. Annulments are local with Roman approval process.
George D - there are lots of reasons for why anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications are usually in the top five dispensed. Your broad statement is really *Fox News* like - on the surface, appears to be a fact; but underneath, it conceals and ignores actual truth, reasons why, etc. That's not to say that these medications are not over-prescribed - they are. Secondily - to casually suggest that it is today's society, cultures, etc. that cause this over-dependence - well, that is misleading at best. Would you rather live now or in Europe during the 100 years of religious wars in the 17th century?
It's easier to "get them to pay" for children in the picture if you're married b/c the divorce process will set child support payments, establish paternity, and make provisions for custody.
I'm a child of divorce. I had two step-fathers, never knew my father. It does take a toll but I'm not sure if it's more of a toll than having parents that don't love each other or parents that hate each other or parents that beat each other, etc. ... what does that teach children about what love relationships and marriage are supposed to be like?
It isn't Fox News and I am simply stating a fact concerning the existential reality of a large swath of the population. It can be due to the medicalization of human experience, or any number of reasons. But the fact remains:
1. These pharmaceuticals are prescribed in large numbers. They constitute a lucrative business for pharmaceuticals and institutional mental health.
My view is that the we are not seeing an epidemic of mental health illnesses (I am sympathetic to Szasz, Porter, Foucault, et al. in that regard). We are seeing a response to a society that is becoming corporatized, bureaucratized, and many people feel a loss of control over their community and their politics.
Just look at the sharp decline in membership in community groups, the development of big box stores, relationships drowned out by t.v. and the internet.
A multitude of factors, I agree, but to say all is fine with today's society is to not look deeply enough at the signs of the times. And divorce and unstable relationships are just part and parcel of a larger theme.
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (fact check a LOT of unhappy people)
And a stable, life giving, relationship is a balm and support and for many people that is a far away dream and that can be nothing else than a tragedy. I am not saying that I live in any Ozzie and Harriet never never land because I don't. And I certainly understand that choice of divorce but I am pretty sure that I am on solid ground saying that if there is a way for it to be avoided, we should try. I don't know one divorced person who would say otherwise.
I think to assume the choice is between a divorce and a happy marriage is misleading - it's usually a choice between divorce and a bad marriage. And bad marriages are bad not just for the people in them but for the kids too. WebMD - "Bad Marriages Take A Toll On Kids" ... http://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20090605/bad-marriages-take-a-toll-o... ...
"Our findings suggest that exposure to parental conflict in adolescence is associated with poorer academic achievement, increased substance use, and early family formation and dissolution, often in ways indistinguishable from living in a stepfather or single-mother family," says Kelly Musick, PhD, an associate professor of policy analysis and management at Cornell University.
Crystal, thank you for pointing out that it's not always the best thing for kids to live in a house with parents who hate each other - even in the absence of physical abuse. I am the youngest of five. My parents didn't divorce until I was 17, but they separated when I was 10. Life was far more pleasant for the kids once that happened. It was a huge improvement over living in a home with palpable tension and dislike between the parents. There was no physical abuse and not even much verbal abuse, at least in front of the kids but a cold, unloving atmosphere is not healthy for kids either. My dad chose to travel a lot on business and that was good for all of us. The separation was even better that the breaks we got from his business trips for those of us still at home. The oldest was in college by that time. Divorce does not mean forever dysfunction for the children. Of the five of us, only one got divorced and there were some very unusual circumstances surrounding that marriage, as my sibling has a serious disability (from birth). . After a while, the spouse wanted out. The rest of us have been married from 40+ to 54 years. One good parent is better for kids than two miserable adults living in the house.
Correction - there was no verbal abuse in front of the kids. The fighting must have taken place behind closed doors most of the time, but we sure didn't miss the emotions involved even if we were mostly spared witnessing the words.
That was my experience too. My first stepfather molested me so it was a relief to see him go. And when my second stepfather and mother divorced when I was a teen, that too was a a good thing because they argued so much. That second stepfather disappeared from our lives after the divorce, but all these years later we have reconnected and go out to lunch every now and then :) I'm divorced but my sister has been happily married for many years.
"We are seeing a response to a society that is becoming corporatized, bureaucratized, and many people feel a loss of control over their community and their politics."
George D. --
The "crunch con" movement holds that the best solution is to live a simple life in a small town. But do small towns have less divorce than large ones? And living such a life means giving up the materialism that is now the American preferred way of life. Even Rod Dreher, who invented the term "crunch con" admits that it isn't practical for many, many people. He recommends chosing to live in one place and forming your own community there. In oher words, it's commit to one place and one community. (But isn't that a similar problem to marriage -- a commitment to one person?)
Oops -- that should be "crunchy con" (meaning "crunchy conservative" -- think granola, etc.:-)
Oops -- that should be "crunchy con" (meaning "crunchy conservative" -- think granola, etc.:-)
Hey Ann
I am not familar with crunchy conservative, but am VERY familiar with granola, etc., people LOL. I guess I could be described as a fellow traveller in that movement. I would be conservative if by conservative you mean moderate, stable, no quick emotional swings, good, solid work ethic - yes i value all of those things. But almost none of the cruncy con types I know would vote conservative and few are Catholic. Mostly various forms of spirituality, yoga and so on. Health food and that kind of thing. Most Green party and/or NDP. Of course the Green party is kind of conservative I find actually. They don't link environment to economic policy so have some issue with that.
I realize this is drift but I do actually go to the Farmers Market when I can, I try to live as simply as I am able to.
I don't think it is so much moving to country and raising free range chickens and eggs, gardening, and composting as it is just living simply. Not that I am anywhere near that.
Yes, there is the issue of divorce of course and all the subsequent drama (can I still be friends with both without feeling torn loyalties and so on).
Crystal, thank you for pointing out that it's not always the best thing for kids to live in a house with parents who hate each other - even in the absence of physical abuse
The statistics dont show that to be the case. While you may feel that way about your individual situation you 1) dont know how the outcome might be different if they had stayed together so 2) you cant say your actual situation was better. Regardless, in the absence of physical violence, the statistics show children raised by their natural married parents do better than those whose parents are divorced or never married.
It seems to me that perhaps rather than focusing on the 6-12 months of marriage prep, or how to handle those post divorce, we should be focusing on providing help and support during the (hoped for many) years of marriage.
He recommends choosing to live in one place and forming your own community there. In oher words, it's commit to one place and one community. (But isn't that a similar problem to marriage -- a commitment to one person?)
The trend is in the opposite direction. Change jobs, be flexible. Comparies will send you wherever your work is needed at the time, and that can change every year. In the US people are advised to be always on the go, ready to change jobs as soon as an opportunity arises, so as to have a variety of experiences. Occupations evolve rapidly and you have to constantly adjust to the progress of technology or the changing needs. In Europe now students are asked to embrace internationalism, they do many internships abroad and do not spend much time in the same place. The story, on the faculty side, is that we must always pressure them to fight their tendency to narrow-minded attachment to a single place, and put in various rules to force them to travel a lot and discover many different places. Sometimes it seems that stability is equalled to provincialism, and there is an effort to promote an organization of the studies that develops instability.
George D. --
Yep, you're a crunchy con. Try Dreher's blog. Nice guy. A character. Has pet chickens, but very bright and concerned abou being a good parent and a good citizen. He also makes me wonder about the current definitions of "liberal" and "conservative". I think the definitions need to be shuffled somewhat (e.g., "anti-corporation" no longer seems a characteristic of liberals only, and "pro-green" is no longer exclusively liberal -- both libs and cons go to Whole Food these days). Maybe we need three new basic classifications -- far right, far left and in-the-middle. But we digress.
"It seems to me that perhaps rather than focusing on the 6-12 months of marriage prep, or how to handle those post divorce, we should be focusing on providing help and support during the (hoped for many) years of marriage."
Bruce --
Indeed. But it seems to me that the help kids need most is what they get during the many years of parenting the get prior to their even thinking of getting married. Yes, the example parents give is terribly important, but I was astonished today by a Pew report that says that the average American mother spends only 1.4 MINUTES per day speaking to and listening to her children, and the average father speaks only .4 minutes per day. How in the world can kids learn to articulate their values with such little discussion as that?? But these days Americans are money rich and time poor, especially mothers. Parents don't have enough time to do what they need and want to do. What the solution is, I have no idea.
Claire --
I fear you're right. Really scary. And is such an economic system actually very "practical" in the long run? Can people live like that and not be turned off eventually against such a system?
But, yes, such a system does offer the new as always the best value. Hmph. (Yes, I'm turning conservative in my very old age.) And this affirming of the new does tend to favor dumping unsatisfactory spouses in favor of untried ones.
I think we keep coming back to the question: how does a young person tell the difference between momentary attraction and long-term love? IS there such a test?
The trend is in the opposite direction.
Yes. Gobalization, corporatization, "free" trade. Adapt to the new reality. Don't question, don't change. Any politician who dares to question the orthodoxy of the new order is marginalized, made irrelevant, and rolled over.
I have seen the impact in how changes in local economy impact family. Some communities where the mill was the major employer are shut down. Families had very nice home, lovely cottages on beautiful lakes, nice quality of life. Partners now have to relocate and work far away sending cheques back to partners at home. Not unlike long deployments in the military. And if you have studied at all the impact of lengthy deployments on the families of service men and women, you can see what all of this is doing.
Pope Francis and church officials have inspiring speeches about this. Even UN officials speak similarly? The need for the economy to serve the person and family. Is anyone really listenting?
So when we are talking about marriage and divorce, the reality is that there are many factors. And if we want to support the family, there are economic and social policy implications.
George D - don't want to sidetrack the discussion (altho, what can one say when Dreher is recommended?)
Work for the largest behavioral health company in the world - we have more MHSA data that even the federal government. Some items you are leaving out:
- mental health and substance abuse are medical conditions 90% of the time
- we need to continue to de-stigmatize treatment of mental health and substance abuse
- to this point, lots of the increase in those medications has to do with de-stigmatization; the realization by PCPs that these are medical conditions; etc.
- the medical community has year in and year out continued to increase their ability to identify and treat conditions such as cardiac attacks (60% of heart attack victims will become depressed - if you don't treat the depression, the risk of more attacks elevates); diabetes (40% of all diabetics become depressed - same phenomenon - oh, and diabetes is increasing by 100s of percentage points in the US alone).
- could go on and on with actual facts and data
Your points might be a conclusion but, in fact, believe that they only lead to continued stigmatization and some type of belief that they have no connection to medical conditions.
Yes, data indicates that 20% of the time these medications are not prescribed appropriately nor are they used in conjunction with other therapies that would allow for better outcomes. BTW - more than 50% of all depressives are in this state for genetic or family history reasons - they will have repeated depressive episodes which means that for most of these folks, evidence suggests that they will have to remain on a low dose of anti-depressants for years.
i have worked in mental health for over 20 years and so hardly want to support stigmatization. I am not anti-med but framing mental health as a medical condition treatable with medication is troubling. There are array of psychological and even psychospiritual method that are as effective, if not more, than medication. Just look at the research around mindfulness and improved mental health status of people who meditate regularly.
And there are many people who are prescribed anti-depressants and anti-anxieties without meeting the clinical criteria for these disorders under the DSM. It is symptom managment and I am just suggesting that there are far better and more cost effective alternatives.
As for medical conditions, obesity is now considered a disease by the AMA notwithstanding concerns over defining it in that fashion. So much for rigour around classification and definition of disease!
Current levels of spending on health care are not sustainable. I support a publicly funded, accessible system but we should aim at prevention and promotion as most medical conditions including mental health are preventable through lifestyle and diet changes.
Sorry for drift....last word yours.
Agree with you - guess we just each fall on a different focus on the same continuum and we both understand and value the context, treatment, etc.
BTW - I spend most of my time supporting EAP and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to support any type of medication - we try to enforce a two pronged approach (not medication only). But, this can be an uphill climb with PCPs.
Next month we begin a new enhancement - we will start to use computerized cognitive behavioral therapy via EAP access; PCPs; or triggered by prescriptions. It is our hope that this will improve outcomes and decrease over-reliance on medication only.
We are exactly on the same page....appreciate both your comments and your 20 years of ministry in this field (whether it is work or not; it is a ministry).
Bruce, the statistics show many things - among them that in some cases, children fare poorly after divorce. But there are nuances to those findings, many related to demographic characteristics.
So there are also cases where the children do better in a home without significant tension. I know that in my family, we younger kids were way better off once our father was no longer around very much. We did not have "poor"outcomes. All of us were top-notch students and winners of academic scholarships who went on to earn graduate and professional degrees. The boys were also top athletes. These "successes" were the result of the discipline, sense of responsibility etc instilled in us by our mother. If there is one "good" parent, children are better off than in homes where there are two "weak" parents or where the parents are so consumed in their own anger and misery that there is little positive energy left for the kids. All in my family have had successful marriages (except the one with unusual circumstances) and all have achieved worldly "success" also in our chosen professions. The destructiveness of our father's general coldness and rejection of his children would have been worse had he been around more. Please let generalities be generalities and let the couples involved try to make the best choices for themselves AND for their children. Sometimes that means ending the marriage. If done in a responsible way, it can be the least harmful course for all. I don't think that outsiders can make the decision for those who are living in the particular marriage and family.
There is no possible way to fully prepare couples for the challenges that they will meet in marriage.. What can be done is to encourage young adults to complete their educations and defer marriage until they are a bit older, and have developed at least a bit of mature self-knowledge and self-understanding. Studies (for Bruce and others) show a strong correlation between education level and age at marriage and divorce. I have lived my entire adult life in what are essentially self-selected micro-communites where almost everyone I know well had at least a college education, had waited at least until after college to marry (usually several years after college), and, as a result of their educations, achieved a reasonable level of financial security. In these somewhat self-selected communities, including neighborhood, profession, church community (usually a function of neighborhood), and family, I have personally known well only a tiny handful of people who divorced. Two friends married young (right out of college) and divorced before there were any children. Both second marriages have lasted 35+ years now. One friend dropped out of college and married and later divorced. She had two children and never remarried. In my neighborhood and community (where christians are the minority) only one neighbor in 40 years got divorced. Another neighbor was divorced before marrying the man we knew (they moved in next door the year they married). She and her second husband had a beautiful marriage until he died a couple of years ago. She had married at 19 the first time and divorced a couple of years later. There were no children from the first marriage. Divorce is obviously easier when there are no children. Studies (there they are again) also show that the divorce rate is higher in second marriages which try to "blend" families than in first marriages and is higher than for second where there are no children from earlier marriages. Step-parent issues can be significant and perhaps some should defer entering another marriage until children are out of high school. Those who divorce with children face some hard choices when it comes to deciding whether or not to remarry. The common denominators in all of these very long marriages of my family, neighbors, work colleagues and general community are not religion, but age at marriage, educational background, and employment that provided enough financial security that money problems are not an enormous stress. Divorce rates are highest in the "bible" belt states and lowest in the northeast. These figures do not correlate with religious participation but with age at marriage and education. And, probably, also with median income and unemployment rates. I'm sure there are studies on the relationship of those factors with divorce rates also.
Not all marriages can or even should be saved. But I agree with whomever above said that there needs to be something more than pre-Cana to support marriages. I've made this point many times, but perhaps it bears repeating for parishes to see how they might better support Retrouvaille. These sessions are not offered very frequently in some areas (once or twice a year in my diocese), and they require a considerable time commitment on the part of troubled couples. They are supposed to be low-cost, but $50 can be difficult for strapped couples to cough up.
Parishes can help out not only with costs, but by urging the diocese to offer more frequent sessions, and can help couples by offering to help with child care.
It would also be good for parishes who have marriage support staff (usually deacons) to advertise its availability in the church bulletin.
Finally, the parish might want to think generally about what it does to help couples with the stresses that wear on marriages. Money, substance abuse, stress caused by "baby blues"--all these are big factors in split-ups that parishes might try to help address creatively.
I also think there's a perception that single parents are not welcome in Catholic churches, and strengthening single-parent families might be another effort to look at.
Finally, divorce is on the rise among middle-aged couples (mid 50s to mid 60s). Studies about why are thin on the ground, but this can be an incredibly stressful time of life, sandwiched between the kids going off to college and needing help getting started in life and elderly sick parents. Respite programs can help here.
If your faith really supports marriage, it seems to me that doing one or two things on this list would be a step in the right direction.
I've read that young people don't date anymore. That's a pity -- it's a way to get to know not only a variety of people of the opposite sex, but yourself as well. Maybe the lack of dating is also a factor in the divorce rate.
Ann, I guess it depends on how you define dating. I see young people now going out in mixed groups a lot. Also they are more likely to have platonic relationships with the opposite sex than previous generations. My mom used to say there was no such thing as a purely platonic relationship; I still haven't figured out if she was right or not. When I was young the priests and sisters used to tell us that "going steady" was an occasion of sin (it didn't keep us from doing it, though.) Maybe what has declined is formal courtship. There is a mentality that a girl "owes" a guy sex for dinner and a movie. Which seems a really good argument for Dutch treat.
Katherine --
What I meant by "dating" was going out with one fellow or girl at a time in order to get to know each other better. It usually meant at least a movie, maybe dinner and maybe dancing at a night club, or going to a ball game or the museum, whatever. It was non-exclusive -- if you went out with a guy one evening, then the next evening you might go out with a different. I knew an extremely popular young woman who regularly had dates Saturday afternoons and evenings and Sunday afternoons and evenings. She really had her pick :-) Exclusive company keeping was "going steady" or being engaged. So there were steps and stages before marriage with a good bit of looking around for the right one. Where I come from going steady was not discouraged.
These days there's a lot of group get togethers (complete with hooking up in some circles). But while I think it's good to meet a lot of people in groups, you really don't get to know people that well at a party with all the distractions there. At least that was how it was when I was young, a very long time ago.
It was non-exclusive -- if you went out with a guy one evening, then the next evening you might go out with a different.
Currently referred to as "hooking up". Dinner, movie, dancing....but usually centred on sex.
Hi, folks, I've been away for a few days, so sorry if this comment is somewhat late. I see that several commenters have noted that, whereas marriage is permanent in the eyes of the church, a priest can be laicized, and this seems unfair and maybe even hypocritical. I want to suggest that the two cases are not as parallel as they seem at first sight.
Let me preface these comments by noting that I'm not an expert in sacramental theology. What follows is my understanding, but I'd welcome correction if anything I say here is not right.
In the eyes of a church, when a man is ordained into holy orders, the 'character' that is conferred upon him - whatever it is that changes by the conferral of the sacrament - is permanent. "You are a priest forever". Thus, even when a priest leaves active ministry, is laicized and marries, he still remains, in a very real sense, a priest. If I'm not mistaken, canon law provides that he can exercise some presbyteral ministry in extreme/emergency situations.
Now, a lot of what comes to mind when we picture a parish priest actually is non-essential / disciplinary: he works for the church, he lives on the parish grounds, he lives a celibate life, the diocese pays him his salary and benefits and is responsible for supporting him in his retirement, and so on. All of those things are subject to change. And those disciplinary practices are the things from which a priest is dispensed when he is laicizied.
But here's the thing: in an important sense, if a laicization is an apple, a decree of nullity is an orange. A decree of nullity doesn't pertain to discipline - it pertains to the validity of the marriage itself. A decree of nullity states that there was something defective at the time of the couple's consent that makes the validity of the marriage itself defective. The parallel for priestly ordination would be if the church were to investigate a priest's ordination and decree that there was something defective at the time of the ordination. (Perhaps this has happened, although I've never heard of it. Maybe the church would even issue a "decree of nullity" for an ordination. That wouldn't be same as a laicization, though.)
The church doesn't have the authority to just dispense of any marriage it feels like. The church is the steward of our spiritual patrimony, but it is not the Master. Still, the church does what it is able. And what it is able to do is identify that subset of marriages in which there was an issue *at the time of consent*. We might think of this as the church mercifully doing what is possible, while also recognizing that there are limits to mercy in this instance, because there are limitations on what the church is able to do.
Bottom line, divorce is more common today because how people view both marriage and women has changed. To paraphrase Christ, was marriage made for man and woman, or were they made for marriage? Today, people say marriage needs to serve the good of the couple, or forget it...unless there are children involved, then some arbitration may be required. Jesus, of, course, said marriage was meant to be a lifelong bond, and that a man getting a divorce certificate to get rid of a wife and another man colluding with the situation to acquire the woman he'd divorced -- the very situation the Herods had been involved in that earned the wrath of John the Baptist -- amounted to nothing more than adultery itself, a sin righteous Jews feared. But of course, he said the same of merely looking at a woman with lust.
From this teaching, the Western church has come through a couple millenia of theologizing to believe a Christian couple create a marriage bond or sacrament that amounts to an invisible bond, separate from the actual relationship, that cannot be broken or set aside by anyone, including the church. While the Eastern church believes such marriages are sacraments, they don't see the bond as separate from the relationship itself, which clearly can be broken, even though to do so is a serious sin. There's a big difference there, and it explains why the West has a lot bigger problem on the pastoral level than the East.
Try as churchmen will in the West to deal with this, I don't see how any satisfactory pastoral solution can be found until the theology is addressed...and reformed.
Matthew, I realize that we all expect the Church to operate at glacial speed, but the situation you describe is pretty close to what I saw happening aroundme when I was a teenager, 40 years ago. A family of 7 kids moved into my neighborhood, range of ages between 6 months and 14, their mother working a part time job and their father having left. Just left. No note, no nothing -- waited for mom and kids to visit her family for a few days and when they came back he and all of his stuff were gone. He would call every year or so from undiscslosed locations, and eventually, they figured out that he had remarried without getting divorced (which would have led to proceedings and discovery of his whereabouts and support orders). So he was a bigamist. He was also an alcoholic. I was struck, and even the most Catholic of my neighbors were struck, by how Mrs. M refused to take any steps to get divorced even though being married made it harder for the "system" to impose and carry out support orders, authorize benefits, and so on. I am convinced now that she just never wanted to confront the issue of remarriage. Her kids were scarred in numerous ways, from having an alcoholic father, some, and no father within living memory, others, and being raised in serious hardship and continuing conflict (three oldest girls, in particular). I can't say whether they were better off with or without their biological father, but the notion that she had made her bed and had to lie in it forever however discouraging or unhappy the consequences is not something I accepted even then, and now that most of the culture has moved on, eventually, if not already, not many people really care what the Catholic Church thinks about marriage and divorce anymore.
To understand what Jesus was talking about regarding divorce requires understanding marriage laws, women's place and the meaning of adultery in first-century Israel. For one thing, men could not commit adultery unless it was with another man's wife. Adultery was considered a form of injustice like stealing (literally his greatest possession, his wife) against another man. Betrayal of the wife didn't have anything to do with it.
We assume Jesus was most concerned about the impact on women, and that may be. But he spoke within the ,Jewish context, and seemed to be pointing out hypocrisy, as was so often the case, saying acting on the desire for a new wife -- the only purpose of divorce in that culture -- was adultery, plain and simple. The formality of first obtaining a "git" or divorce didn't change that. To interpret this as meaning the marriages of his followers (and them primarily) constituted an invisible bond that could never be broken seems a stretch...and one that took centuries and some heavy doses of Greek philosophy mulled over to create.
I wonder how people come to be so confident about marriage practices in the first quarter of the first century of the Common Era in Palestine.
I'm struck by how dissonant my comments seem from the de facto hard cases being discussed at the moment. But in many ways that's the point -- what Jesus taught seems woefully out of whack with where the Church went with it over time.
How do people get to know about first-century Judaism? Study the sources. Or do you think everybody just makes these things up?
In Matthew's gospel, Jesus says, "I want mercy, not sacrifice." In other gospel passages, Jesus tells his followers to forgive without limit. In Luke 15, it is God in the persons of the shepherd, the woman, and the father who initiate pursuing the "lost" to find and bring them back to where they belong. Jesus elsewhere tells his disciples not to hinder the children wanting to approach him. Jesus identifies himself as a physician for sinners. Jesus approaches those who are not considered by "righteous" folk to be worthy of being approached. All of us are children of God. All of us are sinners. We cannot heal ourselves. When we repent, we are expressing God's prior healing. If a divorced and remarried Catholic sees no reason to say "I'm sorry," perhaps it's because the person's otherwise responsible lifestyle in a second marriage has been all along a sign of God's healing. The exchanges between Mr. Lancellotti, on the one hand, and fellow bloggers, on the other hand, exemplify for me the Church of Law vs. the Church of Love. I think the Orthodox have it right with their concern for oeconomia.
How do people get to know about first-century Judaism? Study the sources. Or do you think everybody just makes these things up?
These sources are? (And I mean the ones that let us know about early 1st century marriage practices.)
I bring this up because there is a tendency in scholarship (or perhaps the popular reiteration of scholarship) to promote the apparent progressive nature of Jesus' teachings vis-a-vis a less-enlightened contemporaneous Judaism, e.g., Jesus does right by women where Judaism had previously wronged them. Now, I am not proposing that Jewish marriage practices were especially fair with respect to women, but I am suggesting a) that we should be more cautious than people here are being when it comes to making claims about what those practices actually were, and b) that there is nothing in the NT source material that actually suggests that Jesus is arguing on behalf of women's needs.
Beverly, thank you for your comments.
Jim Pauwels, the distinction you make between releasing priests from the vows of celibacy and releasing married couples from vows of staying married "till death" seems to be a way of trying to make it OK for priests to break their lifelong vows (because celibacy is only a "discipline") while insisting that there was a "defect" in a couple's marriage that meant there never was a marriage in the first place. Most divorced people disagree. There was a valid marriage, but the bond is broken.
Some go through the annullment process and all the hoops the church imposes because they are caught in a bind. They do not actually believe their marriage was not valid or was defective on their wedding day, but if they wish to remarry and stay in the church they are essentially forced to go along with what many believe (rightly) is a procedure based on a lie. Some simply refuse because they see it as a lie and do not wish to be hypocrites.
I doubt that anybody in a long-lived marriage could not find something that the church could somehow call a "defect" on their wedding day which meant there was never a "real" marriage. Nobody who gets married truly understands what they are promising for a lifetime. That fact that so many marriages do last almost seems like a miracle, but as pointed out earlier, success seems largely correlated with age at marriage and on education. So, immaturity at marriage may be a "defect" and unrealistic expectations may be a "defect" (probably present to some degree when every couple makes vows). How often do people truly reveal themselves before they have lived together for a fairly long time? How well do most people even know themselves in their youth and young adult years? How long are the masks of the "good" self that attracted a spouse kept in place before they start to slip? How does one know how resilient they and their spouses are before they've hit the rough patches, faced the tragedies and challenges that enter all marriages? Some would say that men who make a lifelong vow of celibacy long before they've actually been tested, had a "defect" present at the time of their vows also.
Splitting canonical hairs or even theological hairs does not help. The church does not treat priests who wish to become laicized with kid gloves, but from what little I know, they are not forced into the humiliating process that too many annullments become, from what I have been told. And once they are laicized, they are free to violate the "lifelong" vow they took while remaining permanently "marked" as a priest. Why does the church make it so much harder for the divorced? It says a priest is permanently marked and any "defects" present at ordination don't change that. But it has to humiliate married couples involved in divorce by insisting that the marriage was never valid in the first place due to "defects". These distinctions seem like semantic theological/canonical games and simply another example of clericalism at work in the eyes of many.
That tendency among scholars to elevate the teaching of Jesus especially with regard to women while denigrating the Judaism of his time was indeed unfortunate, but more widespread in the past than today. Jewish and biblical historians have gone a ways to set the record straight. I'm thinking of folks like Raymond Collins, Paula Fredriksen, William Loader, Amy-Jill Levine, not to mention Geza Vermes, Jacob Neusner, David Stern, etc., etc. I never meant to imply Jesus was completely out of line with other first-century Jewish teachers, although all Christians clearly consider him special.
Barbara's story of the bigamist and his family points out what's wrong with church communities generally. Why didn't someone in the parish try to help make this woman's life more bearable instead of, apparently, commenting on what she ought or ought not to have done?
"In the eyes of a church, when a man is ordained into holy orders, the 'character' that is conferred upon him - whatever it is that changes by the conferral of the sacrament - is permanent. "You are a priest forever". Thus, even when a priest leaves active ministry, is laicized and marries, he still remains, in a very real sense, a priest. If I'm not mistaken, canon law provides that he can exercise some presbyteral ministry in extreme/emergency situations."
Jim P, With all due respect you presume that they are apples and oranges. only to write some serious nonsense. What people are saying here if he is still a priest then he should still be bound by whatever a priest is bound to. As a married person, according to Canon Law is still bound to whatever a married person is bound.
To say your reasoning is feeble would be a compliment since there is zero reason in your comparison. Spare us.
Beverley --
Although the official Church might not make things up, it does conveniently forget the very sort of facts you're remembering for us. This dis-remembering is embedded in Vaticanese == using the old sounds and marks (e.g., "adultery" and "marriage"), but assigning somewhat different meanings or even radically changing the meanings over time.
In a way this is understandable because it's also true, I think, that many people find it impossible to consider new ideas/definitions to meet new circumstances, while many others will leap to change the meaning of a word in order to justify their own inclinations. And then there are the people who say that all lanaguage is arbitrary and all rules are arbitrary, so anything goes. It seems we're all susceptible to fooling ourselves. Sigh.
if a laicization is an apple, a decree of nullity is an orange.
Ok. Then what's the apple for marriage? Or, if there is no apple for marriage, why not?
Jean, at that time, there was a Catholic support group for divorced and separated spouses. She actually went out with a few men, but she was adamant about no divorce, and the men moved on. Our neighborhood was very tight, and there were acts of kindness and mercy shown to this family, by Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Everything from including one or more of the kids (i.e., friends of their own children) in trips to get ice cream or going to the zoo, getting them to little league games, and in one case, making sure that the younger ones had bicycles. My mother drove them around to activities a lot.
My point, I guess, is that there should be some kind of "no fault" divorce/annulment that doesn't require a lot of special pleading. She should not have needed to feel like her life was over, at least until her husband died (which he eventually did, after kids were all grown, and she did remarry). Father abandoned his wife and 7 kids and they didn't even know where he was and she's the one who needs to beg for mercy? Who cares whether the marriage was originally valid?
If anyone is interested, Cyrus Adler's book, Jewish Marriage Traditions, is helpful re the Hebrew point of view.
Ok. Then what's the apple for marriage?
Claire - I suppose it would be a mutually-agreed-upon separation. I.e. still married but no longer observing the "disciplines" of marriage. If that doesn't seem like a perfect parallel to laicization, it's because the original comparison, of an annulment to a laicization, isn't apt, for the reasons I attempted to spell out.
The bottom line in all this is that there is no "Catholic divorce". My view, and my prediction, is that this upcoming synod won't invent it.
Sheesh, Bill M, if that's the most due respect you can show, I'd hate to see what you'd say to someone from whom you're withholding it. At least show me the respect of showing me where I'm wrong.
If the synod remains pastoral with no call for re-evaluating Catholic assumptions about the sacramental bond, I'd guess the only hope for mercy would be in how the annulment process proceeds. It could hypothetically be left up to the couple, or at least the faithful Catholic involved to make the ultimate call on whether or not the first marriage was valid. That would likely result in more widespread abuse -- and scandal-- and yet bring justice to many who cannot find it today. Which would Jesus hate the most, the potential for abuse or injustice? I think the gospels made that fairly clear.
From Matthew's original post:
Kasper is clearly talking about cases where an annulment is either impossible or inappropriate. He is talking about people who have repented for the failure of their sacramental marriage (if they were responsible for its failure), cannot be reconciled to their spouse, and now, years later, are in a civil marriage with another partner. For them to quit this partnership could do tremendous damage—to their new partner and to their children if they have any.
It's not clear to me why an annulment would be either inappropriate or impossible in the scenario being described. Certainly it wouldn't be impossible. An annulment proceeding can be opened after the person has remarried.
I do understand that it could be awkward, from a family/social point of view, because the person already is remarried, is settled in a new family who may not be aware of the prior "irrugularities", and so why rock the boat? Well, one reason is that sin is real, it matters, the implications could be dreadful - much worse than a difficult conversation with one's current spouse and children - and so it might be worth taking action to solve the problem.
Just trying to look at it objectively, the person already has remarried, so in a sense, the problem already exists. Pursuing an annulment isn't going to make the problem any worse than it already is, and conceivably it could actually solve the problem. The worst that can happen is that the petition is denied - but then she is right back where she is already. If she is trying to do things right by the church, she should be living as brother and sister with her new spouse already, whether or not she pursues an annulment of the previous marriage. So why not try for the annulment and live like a married person again? To me, it seems like all upside and very little downside to going after the annulment. Nothing ventured, etc.
Jim McCrea - fact; once annulled, a person can legally and officially marry in the church (because the first or second marriage never existed - talk about denial or living in some type of *thought universe*)
Bill deH: as I understand it, getting an annullment requires also having obtained a civil divorce ... is that true? So one has to commit a sin in order to have a non-marriage declared non existent.
Yes, that "thought universe" is wierder each time I think about it.
This just proves to me why most gays and lesbians are not remotely interested in church marriages. Too wierd all the way around. Besides, what fun is a church marriage if one of the partners can't pretend to be eligible to wear virginal white? And who would place the bridal bouquet at the statue of the BVM?
Could someone explain why those whose marriage failed are automatically been judged as having commited a sin?
Basic personality incompatibility discovered too late in the relationship (after the marriage) is not a sin. Certainly some marriages fail because of sins - those who are unfaithful while married, or who lie to their spouses in other ways, etc, but not all marriages fail because of the "sins" of the partners. That's one reason the civil authorities had the wisdom to pass no-fault divorce laws.
Jim P, purely anecdotal, but I have read and heard that there are sometimes serious obstacles to people who seek an annulment. Some are financial, some are due to an uncooperative ex-spouse, and some are strictly personal because washing one's dirty laundry and having to speak of incredibly intimate aspects of a failed marriage in front of a group of (usually) celibate strangers whose main concern is canon law and finding a "defect" that renders the marriage 'invalid" is an exercise in humiliation that many don't wish to undergo. The requirement for witnesses can be another obstacle and also humiliating. Many also feel it's hypocritical to participate in a process that declares a marriage that was once a very valid marriage, invalid throughout. It seems dishonest.
About the Author
Matthew Boudway is an associate editor of Commonweal.


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Before you guys ask any questions I need you to read this website.
Slagcoin is a one stop shop for knowledge regarding your joystick, joystick parts, cases and case building. Who knows, maybe your question is already answered here. At the very least you can ask your question in a legible manner and use the proper terminology when it comes to your parts.
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edit: thread renamed to include modification
Edited by mr.mortified, 17 March 2011 - 12:20 AM.

subset: commoncrawl


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Apartment 46 for the home
Apartment 46 was inspired by two things: the magical things one sees when traveling, and a love of interesting objects. Whether Melisa Bleasdale is creating curiosity-shoppe environments for clients, or restyling well-loved furnishings, she's getting to do what she loves most—bringing the oft-overlooked and interesting to the world. Her shop is known for one-of-a-kind finds and beautiful vignettes.


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Tuesday, March 26, 2013
The March of Dimes Signature Chef's Auction, presented by Legacy Wealth Management, highlights Charleston's finest chefs and features live and silent auctions. It is scheduled for Sept. 5 at the Marriott on Lockwood Boulevard. This is the 75th anniversary of the March of Dimes. There is a lot to celebrate, but still a lot of work to do, especially here in South Carolina where the state ranks 48th in terms of preterm births. Ninety three cents of every dollar raised locally stays right here in South Carolina.
The March of Dimes held a kick-off party at Peggy and Billy Swails's house to preview the event and enlist sponsors and volunteers. There were more than 60 people in attendance. The local chapter is looking for great sponsors and volunteers. For more information, please contact email@example.com.
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N.C. Attorney General Roy Cooper called for safer generic drugs in a letter to the Food and Drug Administration.
In cooperation with 47 other attorney generals across the country, Cooper is calling on FDA officials to make the generic equivalents to drugs like OxyContin harder to abuse or tamper with.
Cooper wrote the FDA Monday to encourage combat of the rise in prescription drug abuse. The FDA was asked to place restrictions on the way generic pain pills are made in order to prevent their being crushed to allow injection or snorting. Name-brand versions such as OxyCotin have already implemented these improved designs. Cooper said he is worried that as the patent expires later in 2013 off-brand versions of the drug and other equally dangerous prescription pain killers will flood the market with cheaper, more easily crushed versions.
Cooper and Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange led the effort to urge other state attorney generals to write in.
"In our states, non-medical users are shifting away from the new tamper-resistant formulations to non-tamper-resistant formulations of other opioids as well as to illegal drugs. There is great concern in our law enforcement community that many non-tamper-resistant products are available for abuse when only a few products have been formulated with tamper-resistant features," Cooper and the other attorneys general wrote.
According to a press release from Cooper's office, there were approximately 1,000 deaths from prescription drug overdoses in North Carolina for 2012. According to the Centers for Disease Control fatal drug overdoses are now the leading cause of death due to unintentional injury in the U.S., higher than motor vehicle deaths. Cooper said that law enforcement is concerned that overdose deaths could rise higher if generic drug companies do not adapt.


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Donnie Joe Talley was born on April 11, 1989 in Antlers to Don and Barbara (Watts) Talley. He passed from this life on May 8, 2011 in Perry at the age of 22. He graduated in 2007 from Perry High School and was attending Spartan College in Tulsa. Donnie was a ranch hand. He enjoyed horseback riding, rodeos, hunting and fishing. Donnie was preceded in death by his grandfather Hack Watts and friend Cole Buchanan. He is survived by his parents Don F.
Jessy Lee Eugene Ervin was born February 26, 1928 in McAlester to James Lee Roy and Sarah Ellen (Branch) Ervin. He passed from this life May 6, 2011 in Calera at the age of 83. Eugene served his country in the United States Army during World War II. He married Ruby Christine Burnett December 24, 1948 in Yuba and together they raised four children. They moved back to this area in 1963 from west Texas. Eugene loved fishing and spending time with his family and friends.
At the end of what seemed like a never ending battle to see who was going to be named to the Rattan School Board, Candidate Loyd Deaton once again took the majority of votes in the Tuesday, May 10, 2011 Re-Election. The final, but unofficial, vote totals were Loyd Deaton - 463 to Valerie Clay Merida - 433, a possible win of 30 votes. Totals will become official if nothing filed by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 13, 2011.
On Friday night, May 6, 2011 residents of Pushmataha County gathered together at the 2011 American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Pushmataha County at the Antlers Bearcats Football Stadium. This years Relay held a much different ambiance as it felt much less chaotic than the previous years and it returned once again to the great outdoors where it belongs.
On Friday, May 6, 2011 the new acting Mayor of Antlers, Mike Burrage, did his first official task in this position. Mayor Burrage declared the week of May 9th to May 15th to be Hospital Week in Antlers, to correlate with National Hospital Week that runs during the same week.
The Rattan Rams also headed to the State Tournament for Class A Baseball in Oklahoma City on Thursday, May 5, 2011. Previous to State they had won their Regional Tournament on their home field by beating out three other teams.
On Tuesday, May 3, 2011 the Rattan High School Lady Rams Softball Team headed for the Class 3A State Tournament in Oklahoma City.
Not only did they win the Regional Tournament the week before but there were recognized not only for their athletic abilities but also for their academic success as well. At the State Tournament they were presented the Academic Achievement Award for having the highest GPA (grade point average) in Class 3A play. The team had an overall GPA of 3.888 for the year.


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Individual Chapters of PSA were organized under the Society's Bylaws in 1955. Each Chapter has a PSA charter and can be thought of as a local "branch" of the Society. Since Chapters are a part of the Society, they report to PSA through the Chapters, Clubs, and Councils Vice President. Each Chapter operates in an authorized geographic area within the United States of America (USA). There are no Chapters outside the USA because of the legalities of establishing branches of PSA outside of the USA. Select the Overview of Chapters (from the left pane on this page) for more information on Chapters.
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Since I have had 2 surgeries on my knee, running or jogging is out of the question. I'd like to do something 3-5 times per week, and for 30 minutes each time.
What do you think is the best machine out of the following to achieve this?
stationary bike (Aerodyne)
recumbent bike
rowing machine
elliptical machine (NordicTrack)
Since I have had 2 surgeries on my knee, running or jogging is out of the question. I'd like to do something 3-5 times per week, and for 30 minutes each time.
What do you think is the best machine out of the following to achieve this?
I don't know how bad your knee is, but I also have some knee issues (1 surgery on each), and I get my cardio in on an elliptical. It's a lot easier on my knees than a treadmill or running outdoors. I still get sore if I go more than 40 minutes on it, but 20-30 don't bother me at all.
Hope this helps.
"He is strong who conquers others, he who conquers himself is mighty" -Lao Tzu
My knee problems are not serious just an uncommon knee disease but a recumbent bike I picked up at Walmart of all places does the trick. Ran me only $107 and I can ride it for 30-40 while watching tv.
Being able to multitask makes exercising so much easier.
Run baby, run...
I'm never do cardio though. I don't enjoy it and it's not neccesary for weight loss. An hour of weights is good for me, and it burns more fat than cardio.
Weight loss, in the context of medicine, health or physical fitness, is a reduction of the total body mass, due to a mean loss of fluid, body fat or adipose tissue and/or lean mass, namely bone mineral deposits, muscle, tendon and other connective tissue. It can occur unintentionally due to an underlying disease or can arise from a conscious effort to improve an overweight or obese state.
I used to weigh 220 about a year ago. My only cardio involved a heavy bag and a stationary bike. I used to somewhat have knee pain but I think that was due to stress on my knee from being overweight. I currently weigh 160-165. The lowest I've been was 142 in January. I lifted weights but I'm not so sure if it'll help with your weight loss. I'm not sure if you want to lose weight, or just fat. There's a big misconception when people say that want to lose weight. But lifting weight can help you lose fat.
Doing a whole body work out lifting weights should do the trick, but with your knee, avoid the leg lifts that bend the knee like leg press and squats.......
Hey guys Im new to the forum so can't start a new post yet. Anyway Im 25 soon to be 26 next month and trying to get ina good shape to start training in mma in january. I'm 5'8 and 184 lbs. Im looking ot get down to baout 170-175. Im doing pretty good with pretty much doing the elliptical machine everyday, heavy bag, sit ups and push ups.I live in a a decent size apartment but not big enough and Im limited to about2 hours a day so Im wondering if anyone has a good routine they wouldnt mind sharing?
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Yea, I always keep my Super Smash Bros. Melee disc in. But even so, some games don't work, like Double Dash and Kirby's Air Ride.
I know that both of these games work without discs from the compatibility list, so do you think removing the disc or changing the sic settings to "no" will fix it?


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JOHNSONBURG – The Kane Lady Wolves improved to 9-7 on the season with a 3-0 (25-11, 25-22, 25-23) win Tuesday night over Johnsonburg.
"I was really pleased with how we played," said Kane head coach Judy Kessler. "I knew Johnsonburg wasn't going to roll over and just lay down, there was no way they were going to do that.
This past Saturday, the Kane High School Marching Band traveled to Indiana University of Pennsylvania to compete in the Tournament of Bands Chapter 11 Championship Competition.
The 15th annual Steve Jerman Memorial 5K Run & 2 Mile Walk was held on Saturday, Oct. 19, in Kane.
A total of 127 participants registered for the event, including 68 runners and 59 walkers. Temperatures in the mid 50s produced excellent running conditions.
Kane football entered Friday's game undefeated and left the same way.
The Wolves also left with the AML South Division crown.
Kane clinched a spot in the AML championship game with a 27-18 win over Ridgway Friday night at Paul R. Miller Stadium to move to 8-0 on the season.
The Kane Wolves are now 7-0 on the season but still need a win over Ridgway this evening to clinch the AML South Title. The Wolves will be celebrating Senior Recognition prior to the game, so look for Kane coach Todd Silfies' squad to be ready to play tonight.
The Kane Wolves won the first two sets of Thursday night's match with Ridgway rather easily, then had to struggle to finish out the match in the third set in the Wolves' Den. The Lady Wolves avenged their four-set loss to the Lady Elkers on their home court earlier in the season with a three-game sweep with scores of 25-16, 25-15 and 28-26.
The Kane boys' soccer team lost their final game of the season by a 7-2 score at home on Thursday. The Raiders jumped out to a 5-0 lead with four minutes left in the first half but Kane coach Ernie Chamberlain's Wolves never gave up.
The Kane girls' soccer team lost their final game of the season on Wednesday to a deep Brookville team in the Lady Wolves' Senior Recognition game.
In the final regular season contest of the year, the middle school boys lost 21-38 to the visiting St. Mary's Flying Dutch while the boys varsity cruised to an 18-36 victory, capping a 10-1 campaign.
The Kane boys' soccer team lost to the Curwensville Golden Tide by a 5-1 score on Tuesday in Kane. The Wolves honored four seniors, Riley Austin, Kaleb Pierotti, Tyler West and Yerken Kashkov at halftime.


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Thu., Feb. 14
at Milwaukee Admirals (26-22-2-2)
Bradley Center
7:00 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 16
at Rockford IceHogs (30-15-4-5)
Rockford MetroCentre
7:00 p.m.
To watch or listen to the action live online, click here
The Wolves posted two shutout victories in three games last weekend, which includes one from netminder Ondrej Pavelec in Iowa on Friday and one from goaltender Robert Gherson on home ice on Sunday; Chicago has held opponents off the scoreboard three times this season and 72 times in franchise history.
--- Jason Krog: Collected two goals and four points in three games last week to push his point streak to seven contests (4G, 8A) ... Leads the AHL with 48 assists and 72 points and shares fourth with 24 goals in 49 matchups ... Tallied at least one point in 40 of his 49 outings this season ... Ranks ninth in franchise history with 102 assists and 11th with 152 points in 93 games as a member of the Wolves
--- Ondrej Pavelec: Recorded the first shutout of his professional career on Friday ... Registered 76 saves on 79 shots over his last three outings, which includes holding opponents scoreless for a span of 147:52 from Feb. 2 until Saturday's third period ... Paces AHL rookies with 709 saves and shares the lead among first-year pros and fifth overall with 18 wins in just 26 appearances this season (18-8-0)
--- Alexandre Giroux: Registered a season-high three points (G, 2A) on Saturday and has racked up nine goals and 14 points in his last 11 matchups ... Ranks third on the Wolves with 17 goals and fifth with 37 points despite skating in just 38 of the squad's 49 tilts this season due to the veteran rule
--- Darren Haydar: Accrued six points (PPG, 5A) in his last six matchups, which includes posting his 100th career assist in a Wolves uniform on Saturday ... Netted 27 points (8G, 19A) in 22 games with Chicago this season ... Ranks 11th in team history with 100 helpers and 12th with 149 points in 95 career outings
--- Bryan Little: Tallied four points (2G, 2A) in his last five games which includes Sunday's game-winning goal ... Bagged 10 assists and 17 points in 24 games with the Wolves this season, which includes six helpers and 10 points over his last 11 outings ... Notched three goals, six assists and 16 penalty minutes in 29 games with the Atlanta Thrashers earlier this season during his NHL debut
--- Robert Gherson: Notched his team-leading second shutout of the season in just his 12th appearance with the squad - and first since Jan. 19 - on Saturday ... Posted a 5-4-0 record with a 2.21 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage this season
For complete team statistics, click here
--- The Wolves have recorded four straight wins to pull into sole possession of first place in the West Division; Chicago's .724 winning percentage and 71 points hold the edge over the Rockford IceHogs (.639/69 points), who have played five more games.
--- Chicago's 35 victories and 71 points are the most in franchise history through 49 games; the Wolves' 35 wins trail only the Providence Bruins (37) for the most in the AHL.
--- Sunday's win marked Chicago's 19th in 25 games on home ice this season (19-6-0-0), already matching last season's total (19-17-1-0); the squad's 19 wins at the Allstate Arena share the AHL lead.
--- Sunday marked the fifth time this season Chicago posted a win despite being held to two goals (4-7-1-0); the Wolves lead the AHL with an average of 3.84 goals per game, which includes potting at least three in 36 of their 49 matchups.
--- Joel Kwiatkowski's 12 power-play goals have already established a franchise record by a de fenseman and share third in the AHL; KWIATKOWSKI's 15 markers this year lead AHL blueliners and are two away from tying a club record for rearguard.
Wolves rookie defenseman Grant Lewis will visit the Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail in Lake Zurich, on Tuesday, as part of the team's Read to Succeed program, sponsored by Borders. LEWIS and members of the team will make more than 30 library visits throughout the Chicago area this season. For more information, log on to chicagowolves.com or
call 1-800-THE-WOLVES.
Sun., Feb. 10
(at) Chicago 2, Manitoba 0
--- Netminder Robert Gherson recorded 21 saves on 21 shots to lift the Wolves to a 2-0 victory over the Manitoba Moose at the Allstate Arena
--- Center Bryan Little posted a goal in the first period while center Jason Krog sealed the victory with a short-handed, empty-netter with 1:24 remaining in the contest
Sat., Feb. 9
(at) Chicago 3, Milwaukee 1
--- Chicago opened up a 2-0 second period lead on the way to earning a 3-1 victory over the Milwaukee Admirals at the Allstate Arena
--- Forwards Jason Krog and Alexandre Giroux each tallied a goal and two assists
--- Netminder Ondrej Pavelec notched 20 saves on 21 shots
Fri., Feb. 8
Chicago 3, (at) Iowa 0
--- Goaltender Ondrej Pavelec stopped all 31 shots he faced and the Wolves used two power-play goals to earn a 3-0 win over the Iowa Stars at Wells Fargo Arena
--- Forwards Alexandre Giroux and Steve Martins and blueliner Joel Kwiatkowski all scored for Chicago


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What makes for a unique diaper bag?
Before Petunia Pickle Bottom first arrived on scene, diaper bags were tailored to tiny tots everywhere. As soon as the wildly successful Boxy Backpack was invented, women began making a swift shift from the current diaper bag on their arm to the more unique diaper bag option that Petunia Pickle Bottom offered. Our bags are designed with the modern mom in mind. Each one is smartly suited to their every whim. No matter the need, our diaper bags are practical and come in dozens of delightful designs.
The Boxy Backpack is just one of our unique diaper bag silhouettes. Another cherished choice among moms is the Abundance Boxy Backpack! This unique diaper bag is sure to make any mom feel perfectly prepared with plenty of pockets, secure snaps, and a magnetic closure. Another popular pick is the Cross Town Clutch. It offers the convenience of Petunia Pickle Bottom's other diaper bags, but is a more compact silhouette that is superb for trips across town and back!
All of our unique diaper bags come with a changing pad and a monogrammed plastic wipes case!
Shop our entire collection of sleek, chic, and unique diaper bags and find the perfect bag today!


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Find hotels in Saint Robert using the list and search tools below. Search for cheap and discounted hotel and motel rates in or near Saint Robert, MO for your business or personal leisure travel. Discover the most popular Saint Robert Missouri hotel rooms. Review the Saint Robert hotel list below to find the perfect lodging. We also have a map of the Saint Robert hotels. Booking 5+ Rooms? Find Saint Robert Group Hotel RatesThe Saint Robert center is approximately 5 miles from Waynesville Regional Airport At Forney Field and 21 miles from Phelps County Regional Medical.
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Below are reviews of the city of Saint Robert, MO from an actual visitor's perspective.
|Todd E., from
|Date of Review:
|Score of City:
4.0 / 5
"Bring an Appetite "
There are a number of places to dine at all close by.
|Christopher U., from
|Date of Review:
|Score of City:
5.0 / 5
"Activities lacking for families."
Very limited on things to do with family, except go out to eat.


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User Tip: If you're unsure of your vehicle type, you may skip the machine type selection box.
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"Customer service is priority #1 at Rocky Mountain ATV/MC. We value our customers and strive to be the best shopping experience- when you buy from us, you are buying lifetime service."
-Dan Thomas, CEO and Founder
We take pride in offering no hassle returns. In the event of a return, please call, email or chat with us to receive a solution to the problem. For apparel that doesn't fit quite right, Click here to see our Fit Guaranteed Program.
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Comments On Jul 29, 2015:These wheels look great and the price was right
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Comments On Feb 24, 2015:Love the look, the fitment was perfect and I love the warranty deeds come with
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Comments On Feb 24, 2015:These look great on my ranger and are very strong. I busted a couple on a cedar stump (I hate Cedars!) and ITP replaced them.
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Comments On Jan 19, 2015:havent really put any miles on them but looks awesome nice fit
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Comments On Dec 09, 2014:fits great looks awesome
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Comments On Jun 05, 2014:Love the way these wheels look on my UTV.
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Comments On May 05, 2014:I purchased these rims with ITP Mud Lite tires. I wanted to upgrade to a larger size tire on my machine. So I ordered them in a 14" with 27" tires. They came quick and of course were easy to install since I purchased them as a package and were all ready to be mounted. As with the tires I get lots of compliments on these rims. I have had no problems with these rims and tires unlike when I had the stock set.
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Comments On Apr 14, 2014:awesome set of rims for us .......... with Rocky Mountain ATV FAsttttttt shipping
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Comments On Oct 14, 2013:These wheels look great and hold up well 5 stars. A must have to give that great custom look to any ATV.
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Your Library Account
Your Login is the beginning of your NWACC email address (everything that comes before @nwacc.edu). Your Password is your NWACC ID Number.
Your Library Card
Your NWACC photo ID card acts as your Library card. IDs are made in the in the Student Information Center in the Student Center lobby.
For assistance, please see a librarian or Ask Us!


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Origin: Blended
Leaf Type: Black Tea
Taste: Rousing and Rich
Drink: With or Without Milk
Brew: 3-5 minutes according to taste with water off the boil
When to drink: Throughout the day
When Kenya tea first came to the auctions, Mr. Whittard blended it with the classic tastes of Assam and Ceylon. This rousing rich blend has been among our customers' favourites ever since. The well-rounded Kenya tea is still grown by smallholders and gives this blend a truly authentic flavour.
Whittard Original Teabags
Item Code: 271213 / Net weight: 125g / 4.41oz
Free delivery over £40
In stock
Origin: Blended
100% Black Tea.
Brew a Perfect Cup
Ideally warm the pot first with a splash of hot water. Use one teabag per cup and always use freshly drawn and boiled water. Allow to brew for 3-5 minutes according to taste. Can be drunk with or without milk.
The best quality tea blend that I have found; not sure I am bothered to look further! Really good tea shopping experience under pinned by a fast and reliable delivery service.
Best fresh tea I tested so far blended with my favourite Whittard Original Tea Bags, and my native country Kenya, Marilyn Kenya loose Tea excellent, and posted within two days.Best cup of tea so far. Thank you
In February I bought Whittard Original Teabags by online. My first impression in straight was simple, strong, and a little bitter. But when I tried it with milk, it has changed to special taste! The flavour has been better influenced each other. Whenever eating bread, I drink this tea with milk absolutely!
I usually drink Twinning\'s English Breakfast tea. But I was given this (and some other teas) last Christmas as a gift - and loved it! Without a doubt, Whittard Original is one of the best (or perhaps the best) tea I\'ve ever had (and I\'ve had a lot!).
My favorite tea any time of the day. First had it on a trip to the UK and have been having it shipped to the US ever since.
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Country musician Toby Keith will headline this year's Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Organizers say tickets go on sale Saturday for the events, which take place between February 25th and March 17th. Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney and Blake Shelton are also scheduled to perform at the rodeo.
For a look at the complete lineup and to purchase tickets, click on the attached link.
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Vt. US Rep. proposes to reform ethanol lawMay 11,2013COLCHESTER Vermonts lone member of the U.S. House of Representatives is going to be working with a bipartisan group of his colleagues to reform a federal law that requires corn-based ethanol in motor vehicle fuels.
U.S. Rep. Peter Welch, a Democrat, argues the requirement that ethanol, which is made from corn, drove up the price of corn and increased the costs for Vermont dairy farmers.
And he argues ethanol can harm some small engines.
He said the mandate was well intentioned, but it had unintended consequences that hurts dairy farmers and the motors used on boats, chain saws and snowmobiles across Vermont.
Welchs proposal would repeal the mandate on corn ethanol production. It would also prevent the federal government from increasing the requirement on the amount of ethanol blended into gasoline.MORE IN This Just InBy Kathleen Phalen Tomaselli Full StoryBennington College and Middlebury College both top a list for most entrepreneurial colleges in... Full StoryWas the response to an alleged assault at College of St. Full Story
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- RICHARD'S POOR ALMANACK: On this day 1739, 'Richard Palmer' identified in prison at York Castle as the notorious outlaw DICK TURPIN; IN 1836, Battle of the Alamo begins near San Antonio de Bexar, Texas; 1896, the Tootsie Roll invented by LEO HIRSCHFELD.
- RICHARD'S POOR ALMANACK: On this day in 1472, Orkney, Shetland islands put up as collateral by Norway to Scotland in lieu of dowry for MARGARET OF DENMARK on her marriage with JAMES III, king of Scotland; 1962, JOHN GLENN first American to orbit Earth.
- TOMORROW'S HEADLINES TODAY: City mayoral candidates debate campaign issues; Hartford, Conn., woman still missing; Neal Goswami reports attempts to legislate suicide; local woman loses 100 pounds through TOPS program.
- RICHARD'S POOR ALMANACK: On this day in 1878, JOHN TUNSTALL murdered near Lincoln, New Mexico, by the outlaw JESSE EVANS; in 1930, ELM FARM OLLIE first cow to fly in aircraft, first to be milked airborne; 1955, nuke test WASP; '79, snow in Sahara.
- TOMORROW'S HEADLINES TODAY: Rutland Herald News Editor Alan J. Keays and staff writer Gordon Dritschilo discuss stories planned for the February 18, 2015, edition of the newspaper: Winter budgets maxed, legal marijuana, Springfield bank job, USPS slowdown
- RICHARD'S POOR ALMANACK: On this day in 1249 AD, ANDRE of LONGJUMEAU is dispatched by LOUIS IX of France to meet the KHAGAN, ruler of the Mongol Empire; in 1804, during 1st Barbary War, STEPHEN DECATUR scuttles the pirate-held USS Philadelphia in Tripoli.


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Tim Means Knocks Himself Out; Marcus LeVesseur Steps In to Face Abel Trujillo at UFC on Fox 5 | MMAWeekly.com
The injury plague of 2012 certainly has not slowed down and now it's claimed a fighter by way of self-inflicted knockout.
Tim Means was cutting weight to prepare for his Saturday night showdown against Abel Trujillo by burning off the final few pounds in the sauna. In the midst of his weight cutting, Means slipped and knocked himself out and is now out of the fight at UFC on Fox 5.
UFC president Dana White announced the change via Twitter.
"The UFC curse strikes again. Tim Means slips in sauna and KO's himself so now Marcus LeVesseur vs Abel Trujillo," wrote White.
In his place, Marcus LeVesseur will step in and face Trujillo on Saturday night's card.
LeVesseur was originally scheduled for the UFC on Fox 5 fight card against Ultimate Fighter winner Michael Chiesa, who was forced out of the fight due to illness.
So now LeVesseur faces Trujillo with the final card numbering 11 fights… if no one trips and falls down some steps or something.File this under WEIRD. If there's a prop bet for total TKOs on the UFC on Fox 5 card, does this one count?
Wow!?!?!...RT @danawhite: The UFC curse strikes again. Tim Means slips in sauna and KO's himself so now Marcus LeVesseur vs Abel Trujillo— Benson Henderson (@BensonHenderson) December 7, 2012
@bensonhenderson glad it wasn't u!!!— Dana White (@danawhite) December 7, 2012
Im gonna be careful in that sauna now, hahaha...feel bad for Tim but happy for Marcus...RT @danawhite: @bensonhenderson glad it wasn't u!!!— Benson Henderson (@BensonHenderson) December 7, 2012


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Master of Public Administration
Walter Iwanenko, Ph. D.
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree is designed to develop and promote leadership potential. The world of nonprofit, governmental, healthcare, and law-enforcement related agencies require individuals with sharp analytic skills, budgetary acumen and excellent human relations ability.
Within this program, students develop a research level necessary to set the foundation for clear data driven decision making. The program balances research with an additional focus on the need for values and ethics in public policy. As a result, Hilbert's program is consistent with its mission. It is expected that Hilbert graduates will go on to lead with a level of competency and integrity second to none.
Unique to Hilbert, the MPA curriculum includes an integrated research project threaded thoughout the program. Unlike most graduate programs that ask for a final semester thesis, the Hilbert program allows for a more thorough application of theory and research since the project starts early in the program. Challenged by the various coursework along the way, the research acts as a foundation upon which to ground and challenge theory to a practical application, culminating in a final capstone major project. The accelerated cohort model is designed for individuals who are employed full time.
Students take one course at a time and move with a cohort of students, developing colleagues and friends. Cohorts remain together throughout the eighteen month program, changing a course of study every 5 weeks to complete twelve sessions.
Classes meet on Wednesday 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Hilbert College is now accepting applications for the February and August 2015 cohort.
ATTENTION APPLICANTS: If you have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater and complete the application process BEFORE July 1, 2015 you will receive a 20% tuition discount off your entire graduate program.
|MPA Curriculum
|Graduate Cost & Student Aid
|Graduate 2014- 2016 Calendar
Upcoming Events
- First Year Student Orientation
- Aug 14, 2015
- Summer Session A2 Ends
- Aug 21, 2015
- First Year Student Orientation
- Aug 28, 2015


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This extra hold hair gel provides resistance to humidity all day long—and continuously holds your style strong.
TRES Extra-Firm Control Gel
- Ready your hair with TRESemmé Naturals Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner
- Dispense a quarter sized drop of this hair style product into your hands and use fingers to evenly coat towel-dried hair. Create your style and add more gel as needed.
- You can blow-dry or air-dry since our hair gel won't get crunchy.
- For extra volume, apply gel onto your roots around the crown and blow-dry with a round brush. Finish off with TRESemmé Smooth & Silky No Frizz Shine Spray for added shine.


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KPMG's Living Green program is a major pillar of our corporate responsibility platform, and represents our commitment to affecting change in our business operations to minimize the firm's environmental profile, educating our people on sustainable behaviors, and continuing our focus on environmental stewardship in the communities in which we do business.
The outstanding results we have achieved through Living Green exemplify high performance and environmental stewardship as we strive to build a sustainable future for our business, our people, and the communities in which we live and work.
KPMG is committed to improving the environmental performance of its business which requires coordinated actions to minimize our carbon footprint, our consumption of natural resources and our generation of waste.
To deliver environmental improvements we will:
• Identify and measure key ways in which our business practices affect the environment
• Adjust our training, procurement programs, incentive programs and work practices to better support our environmental goals and reduce our overall environmental impact
• Engrain our environmental improvement programs into our business processes
• Track and measure our progress
We will promote broader environmental awareness among our people, our suppliers and our clients by:
• Making information on environmental performance improvement options readily available
• Soliciting feedback and suggestions for performance improvement
• Supporting environmental improvement at KPMG and in our communities
• Communicating our challenges and progress in an annual environmental report
To achieve this we will be environmentally responsible, focusing on continuous improvement in our business processes and practices. The Living Green Leadership Team will regularly review the status of implementation of this environmental commitment.
For more information on our targets and programs, please contact us at
Using 21 key performance indicators to provide a clear and accurate picture of results achieved and areas where we need to focus our attention in the future, we are able to track and measure our progress. An environmental scorecard and carbon profile report are created at the national level and individually for each U.S. office, and provide the tools needed to manage performance and assist in creating action plans. In addition, KPMG voluntarily reports its environmental impact through the Carbon Disclosure Project, and our progress through the United Nationals Global Compact.
2012 Program Highlights
• A 500 kWh solar array was installed on our Montvale, NJ campus. Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) generated by solar electricity have been sold to a third party and not retained.
• Our Living Green team and Climate Change and Sustainability Advisory practice developed a tool to estimate carbon emissions for professional services delivered to clients.
• KPMG has developed a green power procurement policy, formalizing our commitment to evaluate the purchase of RECs as part of LEED office construction and renovation projects.
• KPMG actively supports a wide variety of environmental projects at the local, national, and global level. One of many local projects involved Minneapolis' Living Green team working with the City of St. Paul to plant 2,000 tree saplings along the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
• KPMG is a proud sponsor of Enactus. Enactus is an international non-profit organization that works with leaders in business and higher education to mobilize university students to make a difference in their communities while developing the skills to become socially responsible business leaders.
Our ability to educate and engage our people in our sustainability efforts is also important to our success. Since 2008, KPMG has sponsored Living Green Week, which coincides with Earth Day, to celebrate and raise awareness of the firm's program, and the ways our people can help us affect change.
We have also taken Living Green to college campuses across the country through our sponsorship of the Living Green case study competition. Student teams were challenged to submit ideas and recommend improvements to address issues raised on their school's environmental report card. The submissions were judged and awards given based upon predetermined criteria that included identifying a realistic and unique solution to a valid issue, feasibility of implementing the program, and measurability and degree of environmental impact the solution would realize.
A focus on environmental sustainability is perhaps one of the simplest ways an organization can demonstrate its commitment to shared value. Not only do KPMG's Climate Change & Sustainability Services practice professionals assist us with our own sustainability efforts; the practice also helps businesses around the world better understand the complex, evolving business and regulatory risks related to climate change and sustainability, and capitalize on the commercial opportunities those risks present.
Learn more about KPMG's Climate Change and Sustainability Services .
KPMG has made a commitment that 100 percent of major office renovation and relocation projects will be LEED certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). In addition, energy and water efficiency, along with innovative office design and space utilization for existing offices will be pursued to reduce our footprint. We have also set an aggressive five-year goal through 2015 to reduce KPMG's overall carbon footprint by 10 percent per Full-Time Employee (FTE), building upon the reductions we have achieved to date.
KPMG is proud to have been recognized by several organizations for our environmental sustainability efforts including Sustainable Firm of the Year by International Accounting Bulletin, and was awarded IMEX's Green Meeting Award for efforts to minimize the environmental impact of the Climate Change and Sustainability Summit held in New York in February 2012. In addition, KPMG was ranked second by Computerworld Magazine in their annual Top Green IT Organizations' competition, received the 2012 Denver Certifiably Green Award, the 2011 St. Louis Green Business Challenge Award, 2011 Net Impact's Force for Change Award, 2011 Technology Use in Sustainability Award, and the 2011 EPA's ENERGY STAR Combined Heat and Power Award.
© 2015
KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative ("KPMG International"), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.
KPMG International Cooperative ("KPMG International") is a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated with KPMG International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm.