I thought I’d share another local charity in my area, in case any of your readers are from northern/central VA, and want to know about it.  Paul Stefan Foundation is a Catholic-run charity that provides housing and support to women who would otherwise abort their babies, who may have been forced out of their homes by their own families.  It was founded by a couple and a priest in my local parish.  http://www.paulstefanhome.org/

Thank you for adding Little Flower I have supported them for over 10 years now! There’s a store that sells quality cloth diapers and sewing notions that help support the babies. There’s also a fb page that sends updates and pictures of babies.

facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Flower-Projects/230680524654?fref=ts

Assunta store which supports the babies directly. I have ordered from them for over 10 years. Excellent service and products. Any new mamas need to check them out!
http://www.assuntastore.com/Diapering-c24/

I’d like to promote Gawad Kalinga, (the name means “Give Care” in Filipino) an non-government organization that was founded by Tony Meloto of the Couples for Christ in the Philippines. They work to alleviate the lives or rural and urban poor in developing countries around the world. They are a community-building organization. They provide proper homes for slum dwellers, education for children and the youth (daycare centers, tutorial centers and extracurricular activities), livelihood projects (like handicrafts, farms etc) for the parents. Many of their beneficiaries also joined Couples for Christ, Singles or Youth or Kids for Christ in their respective communities.
I joined them in college. It’s been amazing! Building concrete homes for the homeless, making friends with the children and their parents… 
http://www.gk1world.com/

Thank you for this!!! And thanks for being mindful of the whole, “accidentally funding abortion” problem. I’m terrified of that now.

Ultrasound vans!! I love that!!!!!

I did not see the Heifer Project in your list. This too is a worthwhile charity.

I didn’t include Heifer International because, while their approach is very appealing and I know that they do a lot of good, I do not trust any non-Catholic agency that offers “family planning” services.  Here is a blog post from HI which makes reference to “family planning.”  http://www.heifer.org/blog/2011/11/ugandan-family-moves-from-idp-camp-to-self-reliance.html

Obviously, a desperately poor family OUGHT to be able to plan their family prudently; but we all know that secular agencies often see nothing wrong with pressuring or coercing women into abortion or sterilization, or shaming them away from desiring lots of kids even when they can feed and clothe them..  I’m not saying that HI does this.  I’m just saying that it’s unclear.  I’d much rather give my money to agencies that I trust not to do things like that. 

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I also feel that HI gives the impression that, when you donate money, you’re buying a chicken or a cow or whatever, and some poor person will actually get that chicken or cow; when in fact your donated money is pooled, and HI uses it as it sees fit, which may include administrative costs.  They don’t lie about it, but they are a little misleading.

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I’m much more wiling to give money to an agency that DOESN’T produce slick, glossy catalogues and campaigns.  This is why I dislike Food for the Poor (I HATE getting six cents in the mail with a manipulative plea that this six cents would have fed a starving child or whatever.  Bleh); and this is why I like Save a Family Plan:  they are SO efficient and waste NO money, that I can see.

Thank you for mentioning Reece’s Rainbow! We’re adopting a little boy with Down syndrome with their help and their ministry is amazing!!

How about A Simple House?  “A Simple House believes that the best hope of every child is their parent, and there can be nothing better for a child than to have their parent transformed in Christ. This transformation may help a mother or father overcome depression, drug addiction, and self-destructive behavior. In addition, a true transformation makes someone embrace family life and their role as a parent. As an article of faith, we know that conversion is possible for every human, but unfortunately, our society has written off most inner-city adults as unreachable. The overwhelming number of families in our neighborhoods are lead by single mothers, and mothers have become the main focus of our ministry.” http://www.asimplehouse.org/work.php

I would include Doctors without Borders.  Do you agree?

Thank you for including Reece’s Rainbow!  This is an AMAZING ministry that literally saves lives. There are only two paid employees who receive meager salaries…everyone else works on a volunteer basis.

Thank you for this great list!  I also want to thank you for including Tepeyac Family Center!  I can personally attest that they are awesome!  What a fantastic charity run by great people.  My wife and I have had all our children delivered by the wonderful doctors at Tepeyac.  I personally know how caring they are, how dedicated to their patients, faithful to the Magisterium and how competent and skilled.

Very importantly, I am aware, too of the serious personal sacrifices they make.  They forgo big salaries and my sense is that they barely make ends meet.  I have seen and heard about how many women they serve for little or no money.  I would love to see them expand their services.  There are so many women and babies who need this kind of faithful care.

Can you imagine having an OB with whom you can chat about St. Faustina?  They are just awesome.  But they do need support.  My family will be forever grateful that they worked with us on payment plans during a very difficult time for us.  What a joy to pay them back!!

Last note: I explored Heifer a while back and decided against it for the reasons Simcha cited, but also one addition reason: I had read stories about the negative social dynamic in communities where poor families were given cows, or goats or whatever, and they were then shunned by their neighbors- or worse.  I’ve read of incidents of theft of the animals, etc.  I am not sure the stories are accurate, but even if not, the expensive brochure is enough to put me off a bit.

God bless your work, Simcha!  P.S. So bummed about the Voris/Fr. Z. thing.  What is Fr. Z thinking?!!!  I pray that they reschedule or cancel.  (What next - Fr. Z. driving away on a Harley?? GOD FORBID!)

This is a great list and I thank you for compiling it!!  Loved learning about Save a Family Plan and will definitely support them.  Reece’s Rainbow has been near and dear to my heart for a few years now, so I again thank you for including them!

Thank you for adding Reeces Rainbow to this list! They truely are an amazing organization!

This is a great list.  Our main charity has tended to be Catholic Relief Services, but we have also supported a child through CFCA for many years now and they seem very faithful and effective.  I don’t know about Doctors Without Borders, but we used to give regularly to Catholic Medical Mission Board, which seemed well run.  I will have to investigate more of these!

Thanks for the uplifting post!  I pray that god would remove my “heart of snark” as well, I love that phrase!

Another fun giving idea that keeps it local:  Think about all of the families you know.  Is there one that is struggling financially?  Put some cash in an envelope and do a drive-by St. Nicholas when you know they’re not around.  Label the envelope from “St. Nicholas”.

Thank you for including Reece’s Rainbow!
These are not merely adoptions. . .but life saving missions.
When I first found Reece’s Rainbow,  I had no idea how special needs children were treated internationally.  Their present situation is extremely neglectful and their future is grim at best.
I have enjoyed helping the families in my own little way . . .sharing, praying, and donating . . .and then watching their adoption journey unfold. 
Thanks again for sharing my favorite cause!

Tepeyac Family Center -they do a wonderful job. One of my daughter’s lives within driving distance of their clinic.She & her husband were just married with little income, expecting their first child & Tepeyac helped them out.

Do consider helping Compostela and Surigao that were ravaged by typhoon Bophas through Caritas Manila - http://caritasmanila.org.ph/ Thanks.

Yes please help the victims of Bopha! Around 1000 lives have already been lost! Please donate!

Simcha,
Thank you for the info about Heifer International.I didn’t know about their “family planning” connections but I’m always wary when certain charities are endorsed by Hollywood celebrities.Invariably, when you scratch the surface there’s going to be some link to abortion/contraception which is very sad.The world’s solution to poverty always seems to entail killing off the poor.

Doctors without Borders funds abortions, so they’re not a good company for Catholics to support.
I LOVE Reece’s Rainbow. I’m just counting down until the time that I qualify to adopt one of their children.

Presently, “I” am my favorite charity. Seriously, my oldest daughter is a single and unemployed mom and if we ever have a few bob to rub together we send it to her for gas, diapers, grocerys, etc. I know there are many worthy charities here and elsewhere but my wife and I actually love sneaking anonymouse gifts to folks we actually know who are struggling.
~
The only other charity we give to with any regularity is our local KoC’s “pennies for seminarians”. Twice monthly they take a collection which is used to support local young men who are in seminary.

Thank you for this list!  Here is one that I would recommend:
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NETwork Against Malaria
http://www.networkagainstmalaria.org/
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They provide mosquito nets to Ugandan children, to protect them from contracting malaria.

Sponsoring a priest to help pay his seminary expenses in a poor country is amazing.  We did this through CNEWA.  We loved getting our Indian seminarian’s heartfelt letters, and sharing in his joy at ordination.
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About a month or so ago there was a bake sale at our church for Amnesty International.  I had to inform our Director of Religious Education, that a reliable source had told me that while volunteering, she realized that the “medical equipment” she was helping pack, which was destined for a poor country was in fact a suction machine, donated by one of our local abortionists.
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Prepare yourself if you visit the Reece’s Rainbow site.  Be ready to have your heart pulverized.  I wish we could see their angel guardians. too.

What do you know of World Vision? They appear to be similar to Heifer International with the giving of specific livestock or infrastructure projects. They proclaim to be Christian.

Thank you for your mention of The Laboure Society.  I would like to clarify, their mission is specifically aimed at assisting aspirants to the priesthood and religious life with resolving their educational loans.  Recent studies are confirming what aspirants and vocation directors have known anecdotally - the national educational debt problem is also a growing hurdle to new priestly and religious vocations, causing some communities to ask aspirants to delay their applications or turn them away completely.  This affects at least 1/3 of the young men and women discerning a priestly or religious vocation. (http://nrvc.net/debt_study/?return_url=debt_study).

The aspirants with The Laboure Society must go through a rigorous application process to participate in the program; requirements include having been accepted to formation, pending resolution of educational loans, and a letter from a bishop or spiritual director.

In the interest of full disclosure, I am an aspirant with The Laboure Society.  I’ve been discerning with the Dominican cloistered nuns of Corpus Christi Monastery in Menlo Park, CA and have been accepted to enter formation, pending resolution of my educational loans.  My story (and those of my fellow aspirants) may be found at: http://labouresociety.org/current/ and more details on my vocation story may be found at my blog, Truth in Love (www.supporttarasvocation.wordpress.com).

Blessed Advent and Merry Christmas!

Please remove Aid to the Church in Need. Yes, they do good work for the most part, but they also support the Chinese Patriotic Association, the Communist-dictatorship-controlled “official Catholic Church” in China, ignoring the TRUE, FAITHFUL underground Church, which has produced so many holy martyrs and saints. NO TO AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED.

Wow, this couldn’t have come at a better time. Just this morning I made the resolution that from now on I am going to give 10 percent of my income to charity every time I get a paycheck, and I didn’t know where to start donating to. This list is just what I needed, both as a resource for the future and to kickstart my giving right now. Thank you!

Thank you for the infor on Heifer, and now Doctors Without Borders, I did not know either of their stances. I am happy to hear about Aid to The Church in Need and Maggie’s Place, however.
@ Kallie - DO NOT GIVE TO CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES!! They give money to other charities that promote abortion, they do not give directly to the people they say they help. 
Does anyone know about Catholic Medical Mission Board?

Thanks for the list of charities!  There are several I had not heard of. My family is planning on making a donation this holiday season so I will look through these options first.

I don’t think Fr. Z and Mr. Voris hosting a cruise is that odd.  Sure, it’s during Lent, but lots of people do non-penetential things during Lent, and there are lots of people that go on cruises regularly.  I’m not one of them, and a cruise would not be my first choice for a retreat, but they will have some components that will be helpful to making a good retreat. A) They will be isolated at sea (and I here the internet/phone costs a pretty penny, so most skip it out there), B) The retreatants won’t have any daily duties pulling at them/distracting them, C) Mass every day, and likely lots and lots of prayer and reading time, and good religious discussions.  It could be successful.

Thanks for this list of charities. I generally give to Catholic Charities.

The McGivney Center in Chicago is a house for women and their children; they receive weekly group and individual therapy, catechism classes, etc. See January’s Columbia Magazine for an in-depth article.

@Simcha, I like Food For the Poor because 96% of the money collected goes to the poor. It makes sense to me that it might take some money to get the word out and administer so much to so many. I love your Save a Family group, and we’re going to start supporting them this year (thanks to you), but they would do better if they spent something on organizing volunteers to help fundraise/awareness.

About Heifer: I called and asked, and they said they don’t get into family planning, but obviously that post contradicts that. I’ll have to ask them to take us off their list, since I do feel concerned about money being used to pressure women into abortion/sterilization/small families.

Two groups that do important political work: C-FAM, which is the only pro-life group keeping track of the UN and helping to pay to bring in the delegates from poor pro-life countries to help defeat these crazy “gender bender” “laws” they are trying to pass. Population Research Institute, run by Steve Mosher, is the group that made the world aware of the forced abortions in China—Mosher was one of the first sociologists allowed in by the Communist govt, was originally pro-abort/atheist, and after witnessing babies being “aborted” during delivery, underwent a conversion. His group now works to study “overpopulation” and its proponents, providing tools to pro-lifers to educate people on this issue, as well as helping women in China. If you go to YouTube, his group has popular, and hilarious, videos on “overpopulation”.

Also, Bishop Grassis in the Sudan helps protect and provide for the persecuted Christians there.

The sea is really a beautiful and inspirational place in and of itself - to say nothing of seaboard destinations.  90% of US population lives east of US 95 and west of US 5, and this kind of population distribution is typical all across the world.  This same demographic drove Isaiah to proclaim that “the coastlands will wait for his teaching.”

Is the reason behind thinly disguised revulsion for VZ, that Michael Voris is a thinly disguised boor, who would turn an ostensible prayer voyage into wave-skipping debauchery?  I wouldn’t know, never having witnessed his schtick.  But I can sense a hackle when it’s raised.

I believe that charity begins at home.  I give money to people I’ve mingled sweat blood and tears with.  If I can’t taste it, I’m not giving.

Really Simcha wheres the outrage at the Catholic Answers Cruise thats over $1000?  I recognize you dont enjoy Mr. Voris’ work probably cause you think him uncharitable, but really why so upset?  You have two very orthodox Catholics going on a cruise talking about our Lord and his Church, just as beneficial as the CA cruise

That is a great phrase:  “statistically improbable phrase.”  They could call it The Ashes and @sses Tour.  I have two charities that I pony up for:  both Catholic, but neither of them in your list.  I aint gonna name them and one of them I haven’t really researched.  For some reason I found the Chemo Angels charity touching in your list.

Tepeyac Family Center has delivered all six of my children.  They are a fantastic organization, and are inspired by the Virgin of Guadalupe.

My wife has had all six by c-section, when most OB’s will refuse after 3-4.  They are in absolute conformity with the Medical Directives.

I would encourage anyone interested in helping pro-life obstetrics to donate there.

Just look at their front page.  They emphasize their wish to help those who have taken RU-486.  They are truly pro-life.

Thank you for this list, Simcha—I’ve just been looking at how I can increase my charitable giving in the new year. I’m putting Save a Family Plan at the top of the list of things to add next.

Without your personal endorsement, I wouldn’t have got past the social-justice buzzword salad I encountered at first on their website…but it does appear that their Family Development Program is exactly the right thing for me to support.

Project Life, a crisis pregnancy center in the Mpls/St. Paul area, does great work.

Does anyone know of a Catholic organization that focuses on ministering to folks in nursing homes? Or do I need to start one myself? There are so many people in nursing homes who are suffering physically, emotionally, and probably spiritually, and for whom meeting their Maker is an imminent concern…

Thanks for the great list of charities. As a nonprofit fundraiser though, I would caution against evaluating a charity solely based on their administrative costs (the one I work for spends about 13%). Certainly, any agency spending more than 25% on administrative costs deserves a second look, but I would also say anyone spending less than 5% does too.

Unless they have a huge endowment, that probably means their staff barely earns a living wage and receives few benefits. An agency of any size will require human resources staff and accountants to make sure your money is being spent wisely. As well, you don’t want your Executive Director doing clerical work, when he/she should be meeting with program staff, donors and partners. Just some things to think about when you look at the numbers.

SAVE A CHILD   a non profit group in Guatamela who serves the poor youth in order to help them learn and grow to be a productive member of society.

I was really moved by the Tepeyac Center.  When we speak to our children about discerning their vocation, I’ve always thought that being a truly Catholic OB/GYN is a very high calling.  How I wish there were more Tepeyac centers! I’ll never forget the horror of sitting in the OB office where my Catholic friends had referred me, after realizing abortions were being performed there.  How can one feel safe in the hands of such people?  I used to make an approximately 800 mile round trip to have my children delivered by a Christian doctor whom I trusted with both of our lives.  He retired last year.  I don’t know what I’m going to do.

Re: work for the lonely and aged in nursing homes:

The Legion of Mary is one of the Church’s largest lay apostolates; its goal is the sanctification of members through the spiritual works of mercy. One of the main works is praying with and visiting the sick and homebound. The group in our parish visits 6 nursing homes in the poorest part of our city, and it is the most rewarding church work I have ever done! Our priest goes with us once a month to hear confessions and distribute Holy Communion and it is a privilege to accompany him. Every parish has nursing home patients assigned geographically, so if you can’t find a Legion of Mary group near you, ask your priest for a few names to visit.

@Diane - that’s a good point about administrative costs.  Many of these charities are run by volunteers, many including religious; so it’s not necessarily a bad sign if there is low overhead, either!

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@James Kohn:  The Catholic Answers cruise is being billed as a social and learning event, not as a “retreat,” and it’s in November, not during Lent.  And Catholic answers always encourages fidelity to the magisterium; whereas Michael Voris calls himself faithful, but makes up stuff when he doesn’t like what the Church teaches, and then implies that you’re gay if you disagree with him.

Kiva.Org and the Heifer Project are both indispensable at reducing poverty and getting people on their feet.

You left out the Saint Gianna Maternity Home in North Dakota where babies lves are being saved.

I’m with you, Simcha,

I am pretty sure that Canon Law prohibits cruises and tropical vacations during lent, just like it does baptisms and weddings. At least for those of us in the upper latitudes. You people below the Missouri Compromise Line (approx where the older Mason-Dixon line was) will have to ask your own bishops and canon lawyers; but beware, even if they give you a dispensation, the cruise will be vegan. AS IN NO MEAT THE WHOLE TIME. Lent is lent, after all!

Tepeyac is a truly wonderful OB/GYN practice. They delivered my daughter, and when we found out that we had lost a baby at 10 weeks gestation, we were treated with great kindness by Dr. Bruchalski, the nurses, and even the woman who scheduled the d&c. Dr. Bruchalski offered to pray for us as well; I can’t imagine that happening at other practices.

lives - sorry for the mistake.  It is a great place where moms can come and stay for as long as they need to as they sort things out. Daily Mass is offered there, and there have been miracles through intercession at the Shrine of St. Gerard Magella in the chapel for couples who were diognosed as being infertile.  Post abortive women have even come and have said that they felt the presense of their child there.

The Legion of Mary in our parish has been faithfully visiting the two nursing homes in our city for years and prays the rosary faithfully every Tuesday at one of them.  We do not have enough members to commit to going weekly to the other as we also visit new members to our faith community, visit shut-ins, visit families with children who are to be Baptized or need to attend religious education classes, etc.  The Legion of Mary does not need funding, we need more members.

Mom and Grandma ,
Is that like the corned beef & cabbage dispensation we used to get if St. Patrick’s Day fell on a Friday in Lent? Do the bishops do that up-north, too?
:)

Ok so semantics are what you are really having a problem with that anyone should refer to a cruise as being a retreat. This is not an argument call it a retreat or a social learning event, what do people do at retreats…pray, learn, seek the lord dont play semantics. I guess its asking too much to do anything like a retreat during the lentan season…come on really?

I realize that Catholic Answers and CM.tv are competitors in a sense and EWTN hosts CA on its airwaves but neither is lacking in faithfulness to the magisteriam.

Please name one thing that Voris was not in line with the magnesium of the church on.  Please it would be to my own benefit seeing as that I am apparently oblivious to it.  So it would be appreciated.
So too provide one thing he made up I would appreciate that.

And finally when have he used the term “gay” or implied it as you say? When referring to people that he disagrees with?  Please one instance. Dont slander someone because you dont like their work when others just as faithful as yourself and others on NCReg enjoy his work and have brought people back into full communion with Peter.

I would appreciate a response, and thank you for your time and work at the register

If I had a thousand dollars I would give it to churchmilitanttv.com because they are the BEST lay Catholic apostolate in the United States.  Michael Voris is the personification of the word fortitude that we long to see in our priests and bishops.  Go and look at the enormous amount of catechesis this man has done on a shoe string budget.  Be careful,Simcha, about throwing stones.  How many mothers who have read a column or two of yours have wondered how does a mother of nine have this much time to dilly-dally on the computer???

@Simcha

To be sure I want you to know that I appriciate the work you do and your blogging, and think that you bring a great perspective to the Catholic Blogosphere.  So too Mr. Voris does (at least in my opinion just as fine of a job with his apostalate [sic?].
I had always been told that Mr. Voris was venomous and anti magisterial until I actually took the time to listen to his catecatical works.  The Vortex does get hot at times but it serves a great purpose in awakening fallin away Catholics like myself and others to learn and bring others to the faith.

Thanks again for your work

So happy to see Reece’s Rainbow listed!

Also our local Catholic Pro-Life doctors office and crisis pregnancy center.
COLFS - http://www.colfs.org/

“cocktails, casinos and show girls”
Ah! But think of all the opportunities which the participants have for practising self-denial.

Simcha- whenever I am tempted to be bummed that my page views are small on my blog- I read your (and Jen F’s) com box. Then, I am relieved ;)

in any case- thank you for this list…some great ideas

I also like the idea of doing a ‘drive-by St Nicholas’ for a friend in need- this has happened with mu sis in the past- someone dropped by diapers and groceries after baby #8- it was well- appreciated!

Yay for ReecesRainbow.org !  They helped us adopt Alex!

Also like:
Kiva.org
cfcausa.org
Your local Catholic Worker, which often does miracles on a shoestring.  If you don’t have one, donate to ours: www.winonacatholicworker.org (FYI its not a 501c3, so it is not tax deductible—but God smiles)

What an amazing list! I’d like to add “Heather’s House” here in Chicago: housing and parenting/job training for homeless pregnant women, where they can stay up to two years after the birth of their child. This is crucial for women whose boyfriends have kicked them out of their shared home (or threatened them with violence) for not having an abortion. (I read somewhere that murder is the leading cause of death among pregnant women.)

For more info: http://www.helpaidforwomen.org/services/heathershouse

And be sure to watch the video at http://www.helpaidforwomen.org

Thanks also for the L’Arche plug, and Maggie’s Place.  Really, a great list.

God bless ChurchMilitant.tv

@ Mom and Grandma

I was just wondering what part of canon law talks about tropical vacations during lent and for that matter cruises?

Also that no marriage during Lent even Catholic Answers specifically addresses this concern: http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=163353

And when did being in Lent mean no meat during the week outside of Friday (which is obvious).  It just seems like this was an arbitrary hit piece against Voris because some people dont like his work.  Really people just because he doesnt lolly gag around the issues and is blunt about things doesnt mean hes not charitable, nor does it mean hes wrong, and for that matter does not have anything to do with making up teachings as he goes along which I still cant find one, nor does he imply ditractors are “gay” (your words).  Hes not perfect, nor I nor you, but really now we are making up canon laws so smear someone…

Pray for me as I pray for you
-Pax

anna lisa, you’ll have educate me on this, because all I have in my mind is the popular depiction of a pregnant mom and her sweating husband racing white-knuckled to the hospital, while breaking all the traffic rules and arriving just in time for baby to be born on the hospital sidewalk by a passing fireman.

You’re saying that you drove 400 miles to have all those babies?  I’m going to speculate that you’re the exemplar of self-control.  I’m also wondering that in your great state, there’e only one conscientious physician in 502,400 square miles - and now even he’s retiring?  This seems like a potentially lucrative growth area for a really smart scion.  Encourage those kids of yours!

What absolute monsters they must be. You mean to tell me people were actually going to spend money to vacation/retreat with other Catholics and to top it all off enjoy each others company while growing in faith. Well we certainly can’t have that.

I guess these horrible people on the cruise never give to charity we couldn’t possibly lend them that benefit of the doubt because we all know you can’t go on a cruise and give to charity all at the same time.  Oh wait a person can.

@Sheryl W:  “Dilly dally on the computer”?  Oh, you mean “work.”  Like, what I do for a living, for several publications, to help support my family.  I’m glad you brought that up, because it’s a really nice example of the exact method Michael Voris uses to imply that people are doing something wrong.  He himself never comes out and says, “It’s a sin to receive communion in the hand” or “Such-and-such bishop is probably gay” or “Modern jews practice a fake religion.”  He just drops hints and makes suggestions, mixed in with a bunch of irrelevant historical factoids, which have no other purpose than to give his audience the impression that he has proven something, as long as they don’t listen too carefully—but his butt is technically covered, in case anyone calls him on it.

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I don’t have the time to hunt through his videos at the moment, but I hope to get back to you later with the links.  Look, the guy does a lot of good.  I never said he didn’t.  But he does a lot of bad, too.  Think about what just happened here:  I criticized something he does, and two people immediately jumped in and implied that I was some kind of insect for doubting his word, as if he’s some sort of anointed prophet.  Think about this for a second.  Who else do you feel this fervently about?  Who else do you defend with all your heart, all the time?  Do you really think it’s a sign of good spiritual health to be so adamant in your allegiance to someone who is just another layman?

I think it’s time you stop blogging

Huh?  Why should I stop blogging?

Maybe we could all offer up an internet fast for the rest of the day for all of the grieving parents that will never have children come home from school again.  Maybe we could all pray as hard as we ever have that extra grace will be given to next tormented soul that is contemplating doing something like this again, that they would have the grace to repent and convert.

I can’t afford to give much but what I give is mostly to World Vision, which provides farm animals to poor families in Africa, Asia, etc.  They use something like 85%+ of their donations for the purposes specified.

Thank you for this wonderful list. 

“Project Peanut Butter” has developed a product that has saved thousands and has a real chance of saving millions of malnourished children in the Third World.  The product, called “Chiponde” is distributed in many countries.  It does not spoil or need to be cooked, is energy dense and nourishes children in small quantities.  http://www.projectpeanutbutter.org/PPB/Project_Peanut_Butter.html

Incidentally, Doctors Without Borders provides abortions as part of its services.

Here’s another wonderful one:  (Matercare.org)
“MaterCare is an organization of Catholic health professionals dedicated to the care of mothers and babies, both born and unborn, through new initiatives of service, training, research and advocacy, which are designed to reduce the tragically high rates of maternal mortality, morbidity and abortion.  MCI’s mission is to carry out the work of Evangelium Vitae (the Gospel of Life) by improving the lives and health of mothers and babies both born and unborn, through new initiatives of service, training, research, and advocacy designed to reduce the tragic levels of abortion world-wide and maternal and perinatal mortality, morbidity in developing countries.”
If I have my stories straight, it’s based in Canada and the government there cut any kind of funding it may have been receiving from it because it does not provide abortions…

Forgive Sheryl it wasn’t Michael that said that, nor is it Michael who says, or even drops hints to go out and defend him, hes a big boy but those of us that enjoy his work and constantly hear that hes terrible and a cancer defend him because its more whining and not going to help anyone.  But I agree the dilly dally comment was foolish if your good at blogging have at it.
Your other points: “It’s a sin to receive communion in the hand” he never implies that it is a sin since Peter can loose and bind as necessary, and Pope Paul allowed it.  Michaels point is not about saying it’s a sin but calling into question whether the practice should continue as a matter of discipline. “Such-and-such bishop is probably gay” – please watch the vortex episodes because the only times that he links such things are when there is hard and fast evidence of such things like in Milwaukee and Miami to name a few.  “Modern jews practice a fake religion” – well considering that the temple was toppled yes the modern Jews do in fact practice a new religion since its not in keeping with the original Jewish religion.  That’s not a matter of being nice it’s a matter of it is in fact different, whether they like to hear it or not.
“as long as they don’t listen too carefully” – still waiting for those damning things that he says or implies that are in fact wrong…. Technically covered…does a boxer only take a victory in a KO, or do TKO’s count as well, being covered and providing information that is factual whether a historical oddity or not has nothing to do with the truth of a statement, it’s akin to adding an adjective to a noun for effect which you do as well in your writing very well and your readers love it also.
I didn’t jump on you for doubting his word that’s fine by me but do your homework before you take shots at them.  I can only speak for myself in that I defend not only Mr. Voris, but the clergy, especially Peter and even defend Catholic apologists whether lay or clerical.  It makes no difference to me, I don’t want to see anyones name drug through the mud without actual reasoning for such an occurrence to take place.  I would even defend your post here because promoting charities is important, but to take a swipe at Voris because he is having a lenten retreat cruise that costs over a thousand dollars (as the CA cruise does as well) is foolishness.  Any Catholic who has their name out there and is bashed for living out the faith whether someone personally likes their style of presentation is worthy of being defended, just as you are.
My allegiance is to Peter by the way and to those Bishops who stand not just visibly but in truth with him.
I hope that gives a better view of where I am coming from, I cannot speak for the others but I enjoy your blog and wish you only the best as well as to your family.  Cheers :-)

My, you are being Snarky.
Scott Hahn has held cruise ship retreats.
Would you be as snarky about Hahn, or is this really just about Voris?

I want to say thank you for including Reeces Rainbow.  We are also adopting our daughter through them.  They are an amazing organization and the Reece’s families’ community is a huge support and a blessing.  There are over 1200 of us in an online group.  We support and help each other through the ups, downs, stresses, and joys of special needs adoption. 
Have a look at the darling that we’re bringing home!  http://reecesrainbow.org/36029/sponsormatthews

Another great charity is Caritas for Children.  It is a lay Catholic apostolate dedicated to helping children.  From their website, “CARITAS’ Child Sponsorship program is a powerful and cost-effective way to change the life of a child, and to change the life of a sponsor.  For about a dollar a day CARITAS provides an impoverished child with a basic education, an enriched spirituality, better health and hope for the future.  At the same time, the sponsor gains a global perspective and a unique spiritual insight into the enriching effects of true charity.”  I highly recommend supporting Caritas for Children!  http://www.caritas.us/

Cassandra - If it were primarily about the people, Fr. Z - who is eminently sane - may have managed to cancel out Voris, making it unobjectionable (although maybe not, it’d take a lot of saneness to average Voris down to a reasonable level).
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That said, there’s nothing wrong with a little snark. If this bothers you, you should really read how G.K. Chesterton wrote about his friendly enemy George Bernard Shaw.

Dear James Kohn,

I said nothing about Michael Voris, nothing about gays or being gay, and ALL of what I said was tongue in cheek, which means, just in case you are not familiar with the term, IT IS ALL IN JEST!

Lighten up. If as Christians and Catholics we cannot laugh at ourselves, we are sorry lot. If we do not exude joy to those around us, we will be very ineffective evangelizers.

Canon law does say a word about cruises or the Tropics. But if you did not know this, then I suggest you study both the Catechism (I just finished a 2 year long course on the Catechism) and read up on canon law, too.

Marriages and baptisms are not forbidden during lent but “given that Lent is traditionally orientated toward the preparation for baptism, many parishes and even a few dioceses have policies that discourage it.”(Canon 867,1-9)

Also, the comment about no meat being served on the whole cruise was also a joke (I’ve never taken a cruise and it’s unlikely I will ever be able to afford one so what do I know about cruise menus).

...and I really do appreciate your prayers.

Oops…that should read “Canon law does NOT say a word about cruises…”

http://prenatalpartnersforlife.org/
Support information & encouragement for carrying to term with an adverse prenatal diagnosis and support for raising your child with special needs after birth

Your list is interesting.  I am especially interested in the comments regarding CRS I’ve always been a little hesitant to send them money wondering how it get used.  I didn’t see Mary’s Meals on your list so I’ll add them.  93% of it’s money goes to the people.  They are presently feeding just over 700,000 children a meal in their place of education.  They work in 16 different countries.  The cost per meal is just over .07 cents or for about 17.00 U.S. they can feed a kid for a meal every day for a year.  To learn more go to MarysMealsUSA.org.
Again thanks for these comments I intend to re-read them all.
Deacon Bill

Go Life Mobile Medical is similar to Save the Storks.  they have renovated an RV to provide free ultrasounds to women in crisis pregnancies.  I know the people who are running it and they are devout Catholics who have years of prolife work experience.  Please consider donating to them at www.golifemobilemedical.com/ or they are on FB.  Thanks!

“Posted by Kate on Friday, Dec 14, 2012 6:58 PM (EDT):
I think it’s time you stop blogging”

Wow, I couldn’t disagree more.  I just started visiting this site a short while ago, and have found that the posts are excellent, and the discussion nothing short of scintillating.

I really hope you do continue, Simcha; and that this comment was just some kind of coded language for you to take a (very) temporary rest.

God bless you for your faithful and constant witness.

My baby was also delivered by Tepeyac! I chose them because they also help women without insurance and, of course, are completely pro-life and abide by Church teaching. They don’t serve just Catholics, either, I’ve seen a number of Muslim women who are also attracted to this sort of ob-gyn clinic.

Thank you, Simcha, for posting this list and doing some homework on them.  I have been toying with the idea of doing some kind of 40-days, 40-charities thing for Lent (hopefully I won’t be too reasonable and talk myself out of it).
Michelle, for those who can I think that is a *wonderful* idea.  At the very least I won’t spend all day being thoroughly disgusted with humanity including the people I call friends.
Speaking of the internet, though, if you don’t have money but you do a moderate to heavy amount of web searching you might like Goodsearch.  You get to nominate a local, national, or international charity to receive a penny or so for every web search you run.  I was quite surprised to find Courage Apostolate on there, so obviously they’re not as discriminatory as some companies.

All of these beautiful charities could have, and should have, been mentioned without a single negative public word against fellow Catholics.

On behalf of the Maggie’s Place community, thanks for the shout-out!  We are grateful for the opportunity to do this beautiful and messy work of supporting pregnant women! 

As has been mentioned in other comments, there are many, MANY (over 300 across the country) great organizations doing the work of providing housing for pregnant women…the one nearest each of you could probably use volunteers and support!

Yeah Simcha I agree with your assessment of Voris. The fact that he isn’t married, he isn’t a Priest- just a self-appointed “preacher” who gets a kick from being angry at what’s wrong with the Church and his fellow man is bordering on self-righteous and self-fulfilling. I don’t see how his methods reflect the peace of Christ. You cant use anger and negativity to inspire true Christian conversion. You only hype them up for the 30minutes of your angry monologue.

And besides, I get suspicious of people with self-appointed “ministries”, that lack a vocation (being a single man with credentials in journalism and television production isn’t a “vocation”, it’s a career). Big “red-light” for me.

As far as Charities, I’ve been sponsoring a Child through World Vision for nearly 10years. Also, I try and help in non-monetary ways, by doing Pregnancy Counseling every fortnight for a Pro-life counselling service called Pregnancy Counseling Australia (PCA). You can really affect change in people’s lives when it is one-on-one. I highly recommend it.

And Simcha….keep blogging!

Prenatal Partners for life promotes life. They provide support, inform & encourage couples who have received an adverse prenatal diagnosis. They encourage couples to carry the baby to term and provide mentors with children of the same diagnosis. They also provide support for raising your child with special needs after birth. http://www.prenatalpartnersforlife.org/. Thanks for this opportunity to tell you all about this great charity started in the Twin Cities by my friend Mary Kellet.

Food for the Poor: foodforthepoor.org

Your list is terrific idea and helpful bit of research. Thank-you.      Your introduction by way of criticizing Michael V.  Is thinly disguised hypocrisy.  Kind if like “You’re enlightened if you agree with me and opinionated if you don’t.”

I like the idea behind your article, and would not disagree with the opening premise. However, shouldn’t you also include Catholic Answers and other Catholic ministries who do the same with the luxury voyages? (At the same time I strongly support Catholic Answers).

This com box reminds me of my family.
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I had to look up Voris on Wikipedia to figure out what was really going on here.  From what little I’ve seen, I have a hunch that he is kind of a Rush Limbaugh of Catholicism???—So in exposing some evil, he incites holy ire, and my Dad’s blood pressure? (I think my Dad secretly enjoys getting hot and bothered because it makes him feel more alive) If these types try to get me to focus on *other* peoples’ sins, I give them wide berth.  There’s plenty of work to be done in home camp already.  They can stand at the gate of hell with their clickers all they want, while parents of families and busy priests or laypeople are busy slogging through the trenches trying to perform corporal works of mercy in real time.
—Yes, I feel mildly guilty about receiving in the hand—Let’s face it, we post Vatican 2, offspring don’t remember when everything was perfect. If all we can sing is “On Eagle’s Wings” and “Kumbaya”, we’re trying to make the best of it, and aren’t necessarily bringing the faith down either. All I know is that I’m so bad at receiving on the tongue, that if I try to, I inevitably lick the priest’s finger, feel guilty if I have a cold, and then wonder how many others have also licked his finger…It’s kind of like the pants thing, Jesus should be on my mind, not my tongue, germs, or hind end. 
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@Matt B, I’m trying.  One of my kids was on the Dr. track, but fell off. I’ll keep trying with the others.  And yeah, when you feel like you’re dying, it’s amazingly comforting when your OB prays, out loud!—And then praises Jesus when the baby is safe and sound.  Gotta love those earnest Evangelicals.  I used to accidentally call him “Fr.”, instead of “Dr.”.  No, I didn’t hold the baby in for 400 miles.  I camped out at my parents’ house for a few weeks, where I would lay on my side, my Mom would cook and order take out, and buy glazed lemon cake faster than I could eat it.

Perhaps Mr. Voris & Dr. Z got great rates for their cruise since all the faithful Catholics were not buying tickets during Lent.

Or maybe not…

    Simcha, I love your list of charities. I also would not spend money on a cruise (10 kids have dibs on our income) but I feel strongly that you are VERY wrong to publicly ridicule two fellow Catholics. If you want to make fun of them for having a Lenten retreat on a cruise, then you must condemn all cruises. Is it a sin to take a cruise?  Is it a sin to take a vacation?  What is the acceptable price to spend on a vacation that also includes religion?

    Last month, Scott & Kimberly Hahn, Steve Ray, and Mike Acquilina led a Mediterranean Cruise and pilgrimage to the “BIble Lands”. Starting price was $3,500 up to $5,700 depending on accommodations, i.e., inside cabin, ocean view, etc..  So are the people that spend over $2,000 to have nicer room fair game for ridicule? After all, that upgrade is double what the entire Lenten cruise you condemned costs. According to your values, these people should also be chastised.  And is it okay to spend a pile of money on luxury if at the end you find inspiration on Bible Land soil as oppose to just soaking it in on a ship and islands named after saints? 

You and I don’t spend money like that. I would feel guilty doing so and so would you. I’m guessing neither of us has it to spend anyways. But, it is wrong to publicly condemn people if the activity they are promoting is not evil.  Some people go on cruises. Is it okay to go on a cruise for vacation but NOT okay to go on a cruise with retreat speakers giving presentations? I think you should have written an article making a general statement about excessive and self-indulgent spending instead of giving to the poor. I also think you owe Michael Voris and “the mostly reliable Fr. Z” a big apology. Would you like someone to find some aspect of your life to hold up for public scrutiny?

Do you see that you got people gossiping and insulting a fellow Catholic in the comment section? There are a lot of people I don’t care for their style but I’m guessing you know nothing about Michael Voris’s personal or spiritual life.

You are a talented and witty writer, but as a Catholic, it’s important to be humble and apologize when you used bad judgement. I sincerely hope you do in this case.

    Simcha, I love your list of charities. I also would not spend money on a cruise (10 kids have dibs on our income) but I feel strongly that you are VERY wrong to publicly ridicule two fellow Catholics. If you want to make fun of them for having a Lenten retreat on a cruise, then you must condemn all cruises. Is it a sin to take a cruise?  Is it a sin to take a vacation?  What is the acceptable price to spend on a vacation that also includes religion?

    Last month, Scott & Kimberly Hahn, Steve Ray, and Mike Acquilina led a Mediterranean Cruise and pilgrimage to the “BIble Lands”. Starting price was $3,500 up to $5,700 depending on accommodations, i.e., inside cabin, ocean view, etc..  So are the people that spend over $2,000 to have nicer room fair game for ridicule? After all, that upgrade is double what the entire Lenten cruise you condemned costs. According to your values, these people should also be chastised.  And is it okay to spend a pile of money on luxury if at the end you find inspiration on Bible Land soil as oppose to just soaking it in on a ship and islands named after saints? 

You and I don’t spend money like that. I would feel guilty doing so and so would you. I’m guessing neither of us has it to spend anyways. But, it is wrong to publicly condemn people if the activity they are promoting is not evil.  Some people go on cruises. Is it okay to go on a cruise for vacation but NOT okay to go on a cruise with retreat speakers giving presentations? I think you should have written an article making a general statement about excessive and self-indulgent spending instead of giving to the poor. I also think you owe Michael Voris and “the mostly reliable Fr. Z” a big apology. Would you like someone to find some aspect of your life to hold up for public scrutiny?

Do you see that you got people gossiping and insulting a fellow Catholic in the comment section? There are a lot of people I don’t care for their style but I’m guessing you know nothing about Michael Voris’s personal or spiritual life.

You are a talented and witty writer, but as a Catholic, it’s important to be humble and apologize when you used bad judgement. I sincerely hope you do in this case.

As a longtime supporter of Aid to the Church in Need, I feel that Linda Ill’s criticism is unduly harsh and it would be a great pity if it deterred people from donating to this wonderful organisation which has done so much over the years to help suffering Catholics under Communist and other totalitarian regimes and now, particularly in the Middle East. Last year Pope Benedict XVl paid ACN the significant compliment of raising it to the status of a Pontifical Foundation. The situation for the Church in China is extremely complex and the attitude of the Vatican towards the Patriotic Church members - if not its controlling body - recognises this. Witness the recent case of the Auxiliary Bishop of Shanghai, Thaddeus Ma, who rose through the ranks of the Patriotic Church and was ordained with the approval of the Pope. He courageously announced his break from the Patriotic Church at his ordination ceremony and is now reportedly under house arrest.  There are many devout Chinese Catholics worshipping in the Patriotic Church because they have no other choice.

A wonderful Charity is Mary’s Meals. http://www.marysmealsusa.org/  They have a very simple concept - Feed Children in their place of Education.  The Charity has found that wherever they provide school meals the number of girls who take up education increases - since in many parts of the world unfortunately if a poor family has to choose which child to provide with an education they will generally prefer boys.  Mary’s meals ensures that the children will get food that they are not guaranteed to get at home and so parents will more gladly send their children there.  The Charity feed about 700,000 children in some of the poorest countries of the world.

...Giv to anyone who asks of you…hmmm,where have I heard that before?

Thanks for this great list!  We sponsor a CFCA child right now and have supported Aid to the Church in Need, but we thank you for more opportunities to give in other ways that have been on our heart to do something about.  God bless you all!

The Charis Project too!  Saving children from being potentially used as sex slaves due to poverty in Thailand.  The project not only takes care of and feeds these vulnerable kids, but it makes each orphanage the center of a community enterprise- farming, or crafting,  something that will generate income, and reinvests it for local public projects, making it easier for families to stay together and not create more orphans.  The orphans learn the skills that go with the enterprise too, so they can help run it, or start new ones in the future, and further help their communities.

Im helping charities, schools and other non-profits raise funds through PPC and PPI-supporters use the internet while non-profits receive the income. Let me know if you are attached to worthy causes that would like to make use of this fantastic resource.gsharp88@gmail.com

Mater Ecclesiae Fund for Vocations is another excellent charity that helps those called to be able to respond to the call by paying down their student loans. Their method is to pay monthly, as long as the student is in formation, rather than lump sum. And they only support those studying in the truly faithful orders. Please check them out: http://fundforvocations.org/

I have worked and lived at Maggie’s Place as a staff member in the past and it is so great to see that you count them among worthy charities.  The moms, babies, and staff will be so thankful for any and all good things that come from this article.

Why hasn’t anyone proposed Priests for Life?  This organization headed by Fr. Frank Pavone has been a leader for 15 plus years in defending the unborn.  See their website.  P F L is struggling to continue its ministry because of a tragic and still unexplained accusation. 
      I highly recommend charitable donations to Mark Crutcher at Life Dynamics in Texas - http://www.prolifeamerica.com/  Mr. Crutcher and his staff stood by Fr. Pavone through the character deformation.  Fr. Pavone is now a full time staff member at Life Dynamics.

haha. The Michael Voris followers are having conniption fits over all the mean, terrible things you said about him. You called him a cancer! Just go read your article! Oh wait, you didn’t say anything about him in the article, just the bizarre cruise thing he’s doing.

Hilarious.

Oh and everyone saying “BUT EVERYONE DOES CRUISES WHY DON’T YOU HATE THEM?”, those cruises aren’t during Lent.

Do NOT support Doctors without Borders.  They are your typical MDs, abortion pushing and performing, if not that, then they definitely feel every poor woman needs her birth control/sterilization.  They just don’t know any better.

Simcha, just curious if you would also discourage Catholics from attending the Ave Maria Singles cruises put together by Anthony Buono, who has done amazing work bringing single, orthodox Catholics together in Christian marriage, as well as leading them closer to Christ.

I don’t think she is against cruises per say… but cruises during Lent. The fact that it happens during the penitential season of Lent is what makes it questionable.

I submit ACORN.  The U S bishops give generous donations to ACORN - Association of Community Organizations for Reform which is the largest radical group in America.  Bishops consider A C O R N worthy of the People of God’s money.
Read more about ACORN:
http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/224610/inside-obamas-acorn/stanley-kurtz#

Simcha, I love your list of charities. I also would not spend money on a cruise (10 kids have dibs on our income) but I feel strongly that you are VERY wrong to publicly ridicule two fellow Catholics. If you want to make fun of them for having a Lenten retreat on a cruise, then you must condemn all cruises. Is it a sin to take a cruise?  Is it a sin to take a vacation?  What is the acceptable price to spend on a vacation that also includes religion?

    Last month, Scott & Kimberly Hahn, Steve Ray, and Mike Acquilina led a Mediterranean Cruise and pilgrimage to the “BIble Lands”. Starting price was $3,500 up to $5,700 depending on accommodations, i.e., inside cabin, ocean view, etc..  So are the people that spend over $2,000 to have nicer room fair game for ridicule? After all, that upgrade is double what the entire Lenten cruise you condemned costs. According to your values, these people should also be chastised.  And is it okay to spend a pile of money on luxury if at the end you find inspiration on Bible Land soil as oppose to just soaking it in on a ship and islands named after saints? 

You and I don’t spend money like that. I would feel guilty doing so and so would you. I’m guessing neither of us has it to spend anyways. But, it is wrong to publicly condemn people if the activity they are promoting is not evil.  Some people go on cruises. Is it okay to go on a cruise for vacation but NOT okay to go on a cruise with retreat speakers giving presentations? I think you should have written an article making a general statement about excessive and self-indulgent spending instead of giving to the poor. I also think you owe Michael Voris and “the mostly reliable Fr. Z” a big apology. Would you like someone to find some aspect of your life to hold up for public scrutiny?

Do you see that you got people gossiping and insulting a fellow Catholic in the comment section? There are a lot of people I don’t care for their style but I’m guessing you know nothing about Michael Voris’s personal or spiritual life.

You are a talented and witty writer, but as a Catholic, it’s important to be humble and apologize when you used bad judgement. I sincerely hope you do in this case.

Thanks for this list!

Sisters of Life! They literally save lives everyday and I’m sure their order always needs more financial help (in addition to baby clothes, toiletries, cribs, strollers, etc.).

Patti Armstrong - If you are so adamant that Simcha apologize for her evaluation of Michael Voris, why aren’t you demanding an explanation for the (not so) shocking news that the USCCB has been financially supporting anti-Catholic, pro-abortion, pro-contraceptive,  pro-homosexual, groups such as ACORN ... with YOUR donations! 
    No bishop has to date been excommunicated.  No apologies have been made for their assistance in getting Obama elected and re-elected (with dinner invitations also) all with the People of God money! 
       
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeaGgcMhAm8
      After you’ve viewed the above, consider the charges of mishandling of money made by a bishop against Priest for Life and demanding all other bishops stop their financial support for P F L.  Was the USCCB in desperate need of more money for ACORN? 
Did the USCCB need more money for ACORN?

What is the bottom line about how Christians should respond to each others’ behavior?  We know Jesus wasn’t the God of “nice”.  Peter and Paul had it out.  The church father and great bible translator St. Jerome was as irascible as they come, and has an “St.” in front of his name. I never stop laughing that St. Paul said “I hope the knife slips” about circumcision-happy Jews. St. Nick punched Arius in the face when he denied the divinity of Christ.  (Not the best approach eh?) My gut tells me that if anyone is going to evangelize with boxing gloves on, he shouldn’t expect everyone to react like pansies.  He’s going to get a couple of shots back his way.  My husband used to change the channel immediately when a certain priest, who has since fallen from grace used to get on his soap box on EWTN, and start haranguing the audience.  “I don’t care if his message is correct” my husband would complain, I just think his attitude stinks.”
One thing I do know about the caustic approach, from observing my own family (there’s a huge, feisty, bunch of us)is that even if what we are crusading against is a true evil, a scourge upon the land!... A grave injustice—we have to be careful to temper the message with the three biggie virtues, so that our children don’t end up resorting to hate and derision.  Most adult Christians have figured out how to cloak hate and derision with pious words, but kids pick up on the energy that is behind the facade.  This is why Fox news, Rachel Maddow (and legion), Limbaugh, and yes, even the Wanderer are not welcome in our household.
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What is more odious than the anger-fest, soapbox evangelists that bellyache ad nauseaum about their favorite obsessions concerning *other people* incessantly. A little humility, and personally lived, practical advice, goes a long way in cancelling out the soapbox effect.

Hey Simcha,

Again thank you for the post on worthy donation places.  I wanted to let you know that Im sorry if I came off as a Voris only follower, thats completly my fault, I guess I just get frustrated when we as Catholics bash each other (to which I am equally at fault).  I can see your point about the cruise having the poor description of a retreat, upon further thinking I can agree that the name is important and should not be used in the future, although that is just and opinion.  Thanks again for your witeness and blog posts.

sincerely,

James Kohn

@ Justamom. I think you said it magnificently. You are so right about anger disguised as pious words. And so true, it’s like osmosis- children pick up the attitudes, behaviors and approaches of the adults around them. Children are the smartest most observant creatures around. More so than adults. They pick up what you say without you even saying it. If you have a judgmental approach to your faith, they too judge others. If you lack humility, so do they. If you use humor, they use humor too.
Anger can be good, when used and directed properly, but “The soapbox anger-fest evangelists” are on shaky ground if they think their anger will carry their faith and the faithful. If it is not done how God intended it, then it eventually implodes on itself.

I will be happy to give some of these a try—if they spam me, either via postal service or email, I write to them and ask to be left alone to send donations as I can. If they don’t respect that, I demand to be removed from their mailing list. I cannot abide being harassed to send money I don’t have; additionally, it makes me angry that the money I sent, which is generally a small amount due to our family finances, has effectively paid to send a massive outpouring of fundraising campaigns my way. If anyone has specific experience with these charities, and can weigh in on how harassing they are, please do share.

Maggie’s Place is a community that provides houses of hospitality for expectant women who are alone or on the streets and wish to achieve their goals in a dignified atmosphere. Currently, Maggie’s Place operates four homes: three in the greater Phoenix area and one in Cleveland, Ohio.

http://www.maggiesplace.org/

@ADTWF - excellent points! I asked Priests For Life to take me off their list for that reason: too many mailings. If I wanted to support the Post Office, I could just send my check to them directly!
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Plus, I started getting mailings from other charities - all Catholic - that I’d never heard of, so it’s clear that somebody is selling their list of donors. Very sad! I won’t ever give any money to someone who solicits me directly like that. Wish I knew who’d sold their list, because I’d stop supporting them, too.

A personal favorite pro-life charity of mine is the Women’s Choice Center of the Quad Cities (Bettendorf, Iowa). Don’t let the name scare you, they are 100% pro-life; the name was obviously chosen as a marketing tactic of sorts so that abortion-minded women would contact them.

It was organized about 15 years ago when Planned Parenthood announced plans to erect an abortion center in Bettendorf. The local pro-life community responded by obtaining land across the street from the PP clinic and building a one-stop shop pro-life center that offered pre-natal care, referrals for other services related to parenting or adoption, as well as Christian-oriented chastity education. I have always admired their pluck in taking on PP like that. Find out more at http://womenschoicecenter.org/

The apostolate of the Hawthorne Dominicans (www.hawthorne-dominicans.org) is to care for incurable cancer patients who can’t afford care. As true mendicants, the Sisters depend entirely upon donations—though they don’t go out of their way to advertise the fact. You just mail a check to one of their three homes.

(The anti-robot code for this comment: “care93”)

Even though Priests For Life has and does a majorly good work for the unborn and for families, in good conscience I will not support them or any organization that is controlled by the U S bishops who can character assassinate so easily as they did to Fr. Pavone.  These men in black have proven they have the audacity to mishandle other peoples’ hard earned money, i.e. millions to ACORN (and just as the U S government mishandles our tax dollars), they give to those who oppose all Catholic doctrine. No, there is not a post conciliar organization that is safe from their power.

How about the International Kolping Society? They work in many countries around the world with grass-roots efforts in parishes. kolping.net
Also, Catholic Charities?

Thank you for this list :)

How about Gonzaga Jesuit University in liberal Washington State who is going to provide birth controlling coverage in their health insurance plan.  BTW, do you know birth control pills often acts as an abortifacient, that is it does not always prevent conception of a baby.  In 1921 Archbishop Hayes stated the practice of birth controlling is “satanic”.  What will it take to embarrass the U S bishops who rail against Catholicism?

Your charity could have started with the way you began this blog entry and it would have been a better expression of it than any amount of money you have to give.

A great list! Tepeyac Family Center also helps couples who are struggling with infertility (I know because my husband and I are going there for that reason) and they do so completely in line with Catholic teaching, which is so wonderful.

Friends Helping Friends, International
1245 Fourth Avenue
Chula Vista, CA 91911-3012

This supports a medical clinic for those living in shacks and hovels in the Mexican border town of Tijuana, a school for children with Down’s syndrome, autism, etc., as well as many other needs.  They don’t even have money to build (finish) their web site.  Very low administrative costs - run by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.

Yay for Tepayac in here.  Also, I really like L’Arche - what a wonderful organization.  Their homes are simply beautiful.  Another great charity is Good Counsel Homes.  Chris Bell has done tremendous work in providing shelters and care for unwed mothers.

Friends Helping Friends International:

http://omilamorita.org/friends-helping-friends-international/

Who are you to make a judgement on Voris and Fr. Z?  Do you think you are some prophetic voice because you somehow get published on NCR?  Just asking.

Since a lot of Canadians will probably read your post, I’d like to suggest Canadian Food for Children, run by Dr. Andrew Simone and his wife Joan. This doctor and his wife, parents of 10 children, gave up an affluent lifestyle to devote themselves to the poor and work directly with them, shipping tons of food and supplies to South and Central America every year. Also, Madonna House in Combermere, Ontario, and check to see if there is a Carmelite convent near you. The nuns pray for us day in and day out and offer their lives to do this. I personally support the Carmel of St. Joseph in St. Agatha, Ontario.

Simcha, your hatred for these men just because they believe the Catholic faith is more than social justice issues is one of the reasons not many people go to Mass or believe what the Church teaches anymore.

The Catholic faith is more than just giving a few dollars to the poor so we can pat ourselves on the back and talk about how wonderful we are.

I would say “dopey retreat” is quite snarky!  Michael Voris has a great ministry, but obviously you do not think so.  I would like to here why you don’t think much of Michael Voris or MilitanTV or maybe you can undermine his ministry by some more snarky and thinly veiled articles.

Clearly someone here hasn’t been to sea.

Nice list. 

Would be much nicer without the first paragraph which doesn’t add any value to your overall goal.

I get nervous about any charity when they have to be promoted by attacking faithful Catholics like Michael Voris and Fr. Z.

If these charities are against Catholics like Voris and Z i want nothing to do with them.

Why the vitriol against Mike & Father Z?  They’re both very faithful guys doing their part to defend and spread the faith.  Where does the beef come in?  The way your article is written, it almost implies that Mike & Father Z are somehow taking away from these charities, or any others for that matters, by having people on the retreat.  The Lord removed your “heart of snark.” - really?  Why not just post up about the charities for their own sake if that was the case?  I wish the folks that disagree with people like Mike & Father Z would just state their case instead of running hit pieces like this.  I don’t expect New York Times style Op-Ed hits from the Register.  Mike & Father Z don’t couch their criticism in pieces like this.

What a cheap way to attack Michael Voris and Fr. Z.  I for one will not be supporting these charities if they support this attack on these good men.

This article should be in the National Catholic Reporter not the National Catholic Register.  Sadly they are more alike every day.

I think this blog posting more than a little cynical.
I’m not aware of any mandate in the Church’s teaching that insists that a retreat of any kind MUST involve taking oneself to a monastary somewhere and cutting oneself off from any and all modern convenience.
I understand a retreat to be thus: An intentional act of moving oneself away from the routine conduct of one’s life with the intent of focusing on God for a few days.

I don’t think I’m likely to pick a cruise with anyone anytime soon, but if I could afford one, I would be AS LIKELY to pick one with Michael Voris OR Fr Z as anyone. Having the two together? WOW!

I only WISH I could go!

After reading through all these comments, I have an honest question.  Is it just me or does anyone else see any similarities in the reactions to both the subject of Medjugorje and RealCatholic/ChurchMilitant TV?  I find interesting the divisiveness both topics create and it’s root cause.

How many of these organizations has Mrs. Simcha Fisher donated too herself. I like to follow by example, (it what Jesus taught us how to learn) and if the example is fake or deceitful, then you should abandon the poor example. But what is Mrs. Fisher’s prime example -  I say it would be “Do unto others what I have done to Fr. Z and Michael Voris.” Or by diminishing others, I can increase in my popularity. Is that what Christ said to the two apostles who wanted to be first. 

I believe Jesus said ” The first will become last, and the last we be first. In other words Mrs. Fisher, maybe you should take the seat that is most appropriate when you sit at the table of Catholic discussions. The one in the back row. If your so committed to showing others good examples, maybe you should try to become a good example yourself.

Dismas,
You’ll need to clarify what you mean about a root cause, allegedly in common, that you find between Medjugorje and ChurchMilitiant.TV. I don’t see any connection myself. I understand Medjugorje to be a location with a series of phenomena that’re alleged to be miraculous, but for which the Church has noticed..difficulties..in documenting the testimony. I understand there are some particular concerns regarding the credibility of some of the witness accounts. ChurchMilitant.TV, on the other hand, has been offering a traditionally minded view of Catholic goings-on for a few years based exclusively on the internet.

While I guess you might make a connection between the two on grounds that many seem to dislike Voris’ style and approach—thereby theoretically undermining his credibility as a witness to Truth—I might point out that many others understand very well what he’s saying and have been quite relieved to hear it.

It’s been a thrill to know that I’m not the only one in the world who understands Catholic faith as more than merely a cute thing we can do now and then.

Thanks John, but my question is specifically addressed to those who, like myself, have no particular attachment to either Medjugorje or RealCatholic/ChurchMilitant TV, may also see similarities in reactions from those that do and their insights as to what might be the root cause.

Want to be a really big spender?  Protesting” at an abortion clinic could cost you $25,000:
http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/obama-admin-takes-catholic-pro-life-sidewalk-counselor-to-court/

It could also get you jailed:
http://prolifeaction.org/hotline/2012/arrest-2/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbvmmobGA-E

Passing out prolife literature on a sidewalk could cost you $5,000.
http://www.lifenews.com/2012/12/10/pro-life-advocates-fined-5000-for-trespassing-on-sidewalk/

3,500 babies are murdered in the U.S. every day right out in the open at these abortion clinics while so-called Catholics like you, backed to the hilt by the USCCB, say and do nothing but put down people who do.  There’s no excuse for your ignorance or your complacency; nor is there any excuse for the 56 million deaths over the past 40 years w/60 million “Catholics” in this country.  If we all protested, abortion would be illegal. 

I love Fr. Z and I love ChurchMilitant.TV and I love Simcha’s blog. I’m also a fan of a number of other outspoken Catholics. I see no reason to pit them against each other. I don’t believe for one second that any of them are trying to squelch the other(s) for competitive reasons. Some of the recent comments are unhelpful in their negativity - accusations with no real evidence.
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I am well aware that none of them is perfect. But they are out there, every day, giving it their all, because of their love for Christ and His Church. God bless them!
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As to the “heart of snark”: though I love Michael Voris and Fr. Z and would seriously consider going on a retreat with the two of them, my initial reaction was, like Simcha’s, not positive.
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But only because it is a cruise DURING LENT.
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Of course, I understand that there are those who have a problem with one or both of these guys 367 days a year. So, rather than writing about great charities as Simcha asked us to do, you’ve taken this as an opportunity to vent against men who are doing the best they can - the best they know how to do - to strengthen the Church. They have many loyal fans, because they are good at what they do, and they are meeting the needs of their fans. Ask yourself: Can you do better??
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If so, then get started! The Church needs you!
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But if venting in a combox is the extent of your contribution to building up the Church, maybe you need a little retreat with a couple of strong, orthodox Catholics. If they happen to drive you nuts, think of it extra penance. But please don’t slam them, just because they aren’t perfect or because their style doesn’t appeal to you.
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Thank you, Simcha, for this list of great charities. I’ve learned a lot about these organizations and it is helping me with my year-end giving. Perfect timing!

Oh, spare me.  You all are the same crowd who were rending your garments over Cardinal Dolan enjoying a nice lunch—but when Michael Voris, blessed be he, has a “retreat” on a luxury cruise ship during Lent, then he’s just serving God and saving babies.  Okey doke.

.

It wasn’t a “hit piece.”  I don’t have “hatred” for Michael Voris.  It was just a stupid throwaway line in a blog post, and the hysteria that crops up when anyone says boo to your boy makes me a little bit ill.  He’s a man, isn’t he? Not a three-year-old girl, or a granny with a weak heart? If he’s really as holy and courageous as you all claim, I’m pretty sure it won’t matter to him that some obscure lady blogger said his idea was “dopey.”  Sheesh.

“what might be the root cause”

Dismas, in this case, we have a blog entry written by someone who seems to have a comparative dislike for ChurchMilitant.TV and/or Fr Z. We also have a group of people who’ve commented—including myself—wanting to know..what the problem might be. ..Or why anyone thinks there’s a problem at all.

So.. I ask: The root cause..of WHAT??

@Dismas: I know someone who had an instant, negative reaction to the sight of Gerge W. Bush on TV, and would look away or change the channel, with heated words. I suppose there are those who dislike Michael Voris’ style, and have a similar reaction.
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There are people who see good fruit from Medjugorje and feel they must defend it, because it is constantly being criticized by those who fear that it might lead people away from the Church.
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I wouldn’t have connected these two groups. But, now that you have done so… Well, people aren’t always 100% logical. Some are more clear-thinking, other are far more emotional.
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But maybe the commonality is this: once a person has vested something of himself into a particular cause, it is awfully difficult to let go of it. When it comes under attack, they defend - sometimes beyond reason. We overlook the faults when we believe strongly in the cause.
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I guess it takes humility to see that something/someone you once associated yourself with might not be worthy of your allegiance.
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A lot of people stuck with Fr. Corapi, even after he left the pristhood…

REALLY!!
Ms. Fisher, you really wish for me to take this as serious journalism? First you howl that Voris and Fr Z dare do something you don’t like, then you lambast us for raising a critical eye about the Cardinal’s actions. THEN, you whine that you haven’t done anything to raise hackles?

If Voris doesn’t care about the rant of some obscure lady blogger..then why respond again at all?
You’ve already made your point.

John, how dare you imply Simcha is a journalist!

@The Jerk:
Hey! Let’s keep this at least vaguely civil.
It’s a journalistic publication, she’s writing in it. Ergo, she’s a journalist to some degree.

I don’t have any feelings for or against Michael Voris because I don’t really know much about him, but I thought I could speak up as someone who has been on a Caribbean cruise, and during Lent!  As far as I know, there’s nothing wrong with going on a vacation during Lent (I’m sure someone will point me to canon law or whatever if I am wrong).  I continued my Lenten penances and my friend and I went to mass in port.  I went on the Carnival line, which is one of the more inexpensive lines.  There’s a lot of “entertainment” but it’s basically for old farts (we were 28).  I went to one while I was there: medium level tap dancers (college students) recreating musicals.  Nothing remotely like a “show girl”.  Definitely very family friendly, lots of kids around, although a lot of people booze it up big time, all day long.  70% of the people on it were 50+.  They assigned us seating at a table of lesbian couples who were the only people our age in the dining room.  Some of the karaoke was astoundingly good—we’re talking people who were backup vocals in Motown bands back in the day.  We tried to go salsa dancing once but the boat was so choppy people were tripping over the floor (which became its own entertainment).  Skipped 90% of the cheesy entertainment and just enjoyed the ports.

It’s silly to call anything on a Caribbean cruise a retreat though, when you’re going somewhere with beautiful beaches, bathing suits etc.  Next talk at the Barbadian rum distillery?  ;)

MaryS - thanks for your insights, I find them balanced, sound and reasonable.  I also wonder if willful idolatry isn’t often involved?

I never heard of this blogger until I clicked a link on Pewsitter and arrived here.

Simcha, this is indeed a “hit piece.”  You effort is to demean or diminish the character and reputation of Fr. Z and Voris. Otherwise, you would have called or written to Fr. Z and Mike Voris to learn why they chose the timing of the event.

Simcha, if this was the National Catholic Reporter I could see how your attack on Michael Voris and Father Z could be posted but an actual Catholic publication like the Register is surprising.  You lost any credibility.

Still waiting on the links to show the many “sins” of Mr. Voris….not too much to ask from a “journalist,” is it? (this is snarky done well….)

Simcha, I read your blog occasionally.  I love your wit and your insight.  Our family doesn’t support charitable organizations primarily because we just don’t know if its safe or not.  So thanks for this list.  Usually, though, we try to keep our personal sacrifices and charity local.  We know a few families and some elderly who are always in need of something.  The children (we have 7) are learning that charity doesn’t always come out of one’s pocket book.  As to Mr. Voris and Father Z…well done.  The idea is pretty lame, considering most Catholics I know will be fasting and offering acts of penance.  But who knew?

Thank you for the list so much…I shared it will all my friends and family who need to be aware of such awesome charities.

However, it is the biggest turn off, wrongful comparison or area and pretty much bad taste to make reference to Michael Voris’s cruise ship prior to the list.  I have been on cruise ships, and of course there is the element there of casinos and all that gaming stuff, but if you are on an apologetics cruise, it is absolutely not the same. 

Voris’s work is what the church needs right now.  Yes,it is Christmas time, and a time for “giving” and doing the works of corporal mercy but it also means and ought remind us of the seriousness of the spiritual works of mercy.

If we choose to bring such things up prior to such a beautiful list of awesome charities we should all totally read, please don’t distastefully/ignorantly throw that there at beginning about Voris’s plan to do a cruise ship apologetics as sea event because it definitely sends an improper contradiction. 

Perhaps a piece/discussion on apologetics style cruise ships better belongs in its own piece, not under one that includes a beautiful list of Charities.

While I applaud the list of laudable charities, I wish you could have done it without bring Michael or Father Z into the picture. You apparently assume that a cruise ship can’t be the venue for a Lenten retreat because their are luxuries aboard. And you seem to do this without ascertaining any further information about the retreat. I believe that you have made a rash judgement. CCC 2477-78.

Are people who are surrounded by creature comforts and activities incapable of discipline? It might even be a much greater Lenten sacrifice to be surrounded by luxury and stick to your Lenten fast while supporting two Catholic Apostolates.

Sincerely,
Doug

Dear Simcha, I suppose some of these remarks is what can be expected when you take a page from RealCatholic/ChurchMilitant TV and mirror the use of demeaning snark to deliver a message?  Perhaps including a direct link in your article to the Lenten retreat Carribean cruise wasn’t enough and all this could have been avoided if only you had including an image of a spinning pencil?  Irony is fun!

Good grief:  The lovely (inside and out) Simcha posts a personal opinion and everyone jumps on her.  Do you expect every blogger to toe a line that you determine?  Does an opinion, nicely expressed, no longer count whenever you disagree?  Maybe Simcha should have just stuck with the list of charities, but the idea of a Lenten cruise is really kind of a whacko one when one considers, as she does, what all is available on a cruise ship, and the temptations that go along with it.  Yes, a cruise where no one gives into any of the temptations might be beneficial, but if that’s the intention, to put those temptations right in front of people, borders on being cruel.  Leave Simcha alone, she’s a credit to New Advent and the Catholic world.

Simcha, is a person who promotes hate.  She thinks she need to encourage people to hate Fr. Z and Michael Voris to contribute to her charities.

I love the part where she makes sure we all know how wonderful she is by telling us “First, my family’s favorite charity:”

implying she is so much better than Fr. Z and Michale Voris because she gives to charity.

What a sad excuse for self promotion.

Thanks Simcha for showing us anything to do with serious Catholics is a fraud and we need to join Obama in ONLY doing social justice.  A few more writers like you and we can get everone to laugh at the Mass and spiritual retreats.

Good Morning.
Rev Neale, if you consider this “nice”, I dread seeing your version of “naughty”. Yes, Simcha offered a personal opinion, one which happened to obliquely assault the character of two Catholic apostolates, but which offers little rationale for her view.

I would’ve thought a good journalistic piece would’ve been capable of noticing the current season of Advent and listed a few charities on those grounds; the idea of giving money to charity for a good reason. Or, perhaps she could’ve offered some criticism of the trip based on personal experience of cruise ship attractions and how such endeavors don’t really mesh well with the notion of Lent. OR, maybe she could’ve offered alternate ideas to Mr. Voris and/or Fr Z regarding a more suitable location for a Lenten retreat. ..Of course, for all I know, she might’ve done so in the previously mentioned article, I don’t know.

I DO know that in this case, Ms. Fisher seems to be more concerned with an obliquely political view that declares that one can’t possibly have a Lenten retreat on a cruise ship. Never mind that this’ll be one occasion when retreat attendees will have a chance to hear from both Mr. Voris AND Fr Z, as well as attending traditional Mass several times and possibly even going to confession.

If we’re going to consider THIS a credit to the New Advent and the Catholic world, we have no need to continue asking why many people turn away. This article seems to lack much interest in highlighting all the facts, but focusing exclusively on a cruise ship, which does not strike me as being entirely relevant.

Thank you for the charity suggestions, Simcha!

I am certain - as in, 127% certain - that if Fr. Jim Martin or Richard Rohr or some other liberal/progressive Catholic figure were leading a Lenten “retreat” on a cruise ship,(or, with Rohr, more likely some resort in Sedona)  the Voris/FrZ LentCruiseDefenders would be ALL over them.  You could probably even write the script - it would have many, many references to the saints, asceticism, and “What Would Catherine of Siena Say?”  It would be held up as a sign for these figures’ obvious lack of spiritual seriousness.

Don’t deny it.  You *know* it’s true.

What’s most telling to me is that Fr. Z, who never fails to invite us to be with him and/or help him out, has not mentioned this cruise on his blog.  It is not advertised.  That’s very odd (for him) and hints (to me)  that he himself just might be mildly embarrassed by it and unsure of what his own commentors would have to say.

http://wdtprs.com/blog/?s=cruise

Hi Simca,  smearing good Catholics (or anyone) is not the Catholic thing to do.

I jast saw a wesit call Fr. Z a fraud based on your article. You accomplished your goal.

“I am certain - as in, 127% certain -...  ...it would be held up as a sign for these figures’ obvious lack of spiritual seriousness.”
“Don’t deny it.  You *know* it’s true.”

Oh brother! Of course, the message offered could never be the problem.
I’ve been reading Fr Z’s page and watching Vortex episodes—and other materials on ChurchMilitant.TV—for a few years now. I do so because they each present a MUCH more credible message than do the various..progressive..factions about the Church.

How sad that people can’t look beyond a cruise ship and see a retreat held exclusively for them.
I begin to wonder if you’d be happier if they’d arrange for a retreat somewhere in Central America. ..Much better environment for a retreat amongst the peasants….

Back on topic, with apologies if it’s been mentioned already: Matercare International.

@John - would Simcha’s message have been more credible and provided you more cheer if she had been spinning a pencil, just askin’?  Why does Simcha deserve this kind of vitriolic treatment but RealCatholic/ChurchMilitant TV get a free pass?  I’d truly like to understand.

Using hate to promote charity!  Is this the new NCR approach?

By the way, we are all so glad to read Simca that you are such a great person and Fr Z and M. Voris are so bad.  looks like you get to sit yourself right down at the head of the table….......

I just heard someone named a teddy bear Michael!

This insult to the Prophet Voris (pbuh) must be avenged forthwith!

I recommend passive-aggressive admonitions, badly-reasoned sneers and lots and lots of emoting commentary be deployed against the faggy modernist!

Personally, I think Mercy Corps and the Catholic Near East Welfare Association are excellent charities doing difficult work in difficult parts of the world.

@Simcha - If I had $1000 to spend - I would be on that cruise. If I couldn’t make it - I would donate it to churchmilitant.tv. Fr. Z is amazing. Michael Voris is a hero of mine & directly responsible for my re-conversion to our faith. I had the pleasure of meeting him this last Saturday in Houston. He is one of the most charitable, REAL Catholic men I’ve ever met. I pray for him & churchmilitant.tv daily. The work they do is nothing short of a miracle. But just as our Blessed Lord said, “They (the world) will hate you because they hated me,” here you are trying to tear him down. If I hadn’t starting watching realcatholic.tv I would probably still be living a life of sin & wouldn’t even know it. What are you doing for the salvation of souls? Try using your gifts to do something worthy of our Blessed Lord instead of attacking those that do. I’ll be praying for you. Have a Merry Christmas & may God Bless you & churchmilitant.tv!

Love your stuff Simcha - not sure of the venom for Voris, though. He uses a heavy hammer (too often), but he actually does speak the truth when far too many are unwilling. Just not understanding your reaction/detraction….

I certainly dislike comments that teardown Simcha. I love her work. urgh…its hard when you have such value for a man like Voris though, and his awesome work-and honestly again, the list of charities and the mere topic of “true” charity organizations is THE awesome subject right now in my eyes. bravo to this topic, and of course bravo to Michael Voris on his awesome work and apologetics cruise plan. I hope they can value the beauty of God’s creation as they sail through the incredible Caribbean seas…..very magnificent and incredible to see God’s creation from sunset to sun dawn.

I disagree with calling Father Z “mostly reliable.”  He is a priest who ardently seeks the salvation of souls.  He has the Register’s respect. We often refer to him in our daily post on the Best of Catholic Blogging by Tito Edwards and we hope that Father Z’s ministry continues to be successful in winning souls to Jesus Christ.

Simcha’s blog criticizes the idea of holding a Lenten retreat on a cruise ship. The reasons of the criticism relate to the irony of having a retreat during the season of almsgiving, fasting and prayer on a luxury cruise ship and all that such an environment typically entails.

While the criticism could have been delivered in a more charitable way, there is no hate on the Register’s part for Father Z or Michael Voris—May their ministries draw souls to God.  Please pray for all who are seeking to communicate the truth of Christ in love.

Jeanette De Melo, Register’s editor in chief

Dismas,
As mentioned before, Ms. Fisher, could’ve highlighted the season of Advent we’re in, AND the giving aspect of this time of year, then given a listing of various worthy charities. She did not. She chose instead to direct angst against two other apostolates, apparently primarily because she struggles with the notion of a Lenten retreat on a cruise ship.
When you begin your view with vitriolic intentions, you can’t be outraged and shocked when others call you on the act.

Granted, I’m not entirely convinced that I like the idea of a retreat on a cruise ship myself, Lent or no Lent, but I notice that it IS an opportunity that people might use to meet each other and there’s no real reason why it can’t happen.
For that matter, I can’t think of a better opportunity to offer great witness to hope and faith than..on a cruise ship. We can certainly hope that most of the attendees will behave themselves properly; seems to me quite plausible that Catholics might give someone cause to think a little if they can conduct themselves with dignity on a cruise, especially in spite of such..questionable..surroundings.

When you have Mass, Confession, and spiritual talks aboard, seems to me a good thing for other passengers or the employees of the cruise line to be associated with.

Certainly seems to me as good an act of public witness as anything else.
..And it doesn’t involve giving even a vague endorsement to the ideas of a VERY prominent political candidate.
Sounds like a good move to me.

Jeanette,  your words ring false while you still have this vicious personal attack against these two men posted.

If this is they way the NRC treats good Catholics i want nothing more to do with your publication.

Umm, John, Maggie and Debbie- Its not very healthy to lock yourself in a darkened window-less room and watch endless Michael Voris Tv. Look at what it turns you into-  Voris zombies, with sharp claws and poisonous fangs who pounce on anyone who criticizes your leader! You are probably right- go have that cruise, relax, wind down, smell the salty sea air and wind blowing in your face- and try and hit the Roulette tables after lunch. Just make sure you don’t eat meat on Friday, oh yeah, and try and fast ill midday- that is if it doesn’t make you light-headed and snappy.

“...Voris zombies, with sharp claws and poisonous fangs who pounce on anyone who criticizes your leader! ...”

*shakes head* Ez, that’s not precisely the sort of comment that’s likely to change my mind.

Ha Ha….I love it. The author makes a gratuitous attack and accusations she can’t substantiate, gets called on it but somehow everyone else is the bad guy. OK NCR, rally ‘round your attention deprived cry-baby…

OK NCR, rally ‘round your attention deprived cry-baby…

Aaaaaannnnd…the Irony Meter detonates.

Ha Ha…..I love it.

Jeanette,  If you believe what is in the article is not right it should be taken down.  As far as I know Fr. Z or Michael Voris have never said anything negative about the NCR. 

Why would you attack them?  They are good men and do not deserve this mockery.  If we have to promote charity by attacking good people I want none of it.

Hey Dale,
  When you’re done putting your “Irony Meter” (so clever!) back together, may be you can help Simcha find all the links she promised to back up her claims…facts don’t seem to be her thing.

“great article simcha” - me, fr. nice, & satan

Well, everybody, I guess it’s time to wrap this up.  One of the nice things about working for the Register is that my editors allow me a great amount of freedom to express my opinions—and most readers understand that they are MY opinions, not the Register’s. 

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Do you want to know the truth?  I regret adding the Michael Voris line to this post—not because of anything I said about the Lenten retreat cruise, but because I should have known what would happen in the combox.  So I’m going to close comments now, because they are getting silly, and I am tired.  I have responded as best I can.

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Anyone who is genuinely in doubt about Michael Voris’ objectionable opinions is welcome to email me directly, and when/if I have time to spare, I will put together collection of his videos.  I was not motivated to spend time on it earlier, because I know that a Voris supporter is a Voris supporter is a Voris supporter, and you can’t change a mind that doesn’t want to be changed. 

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And now I have to feed nine children and get them ready to perform in a Christmas concert.  Anyone who wants to spend further time reminding me about my obvious allegiance with Satan is welcome to do so via email.  I’m still gonna have a glass of wine and sleep fine tonight, and I wish the same for all of you.  Byeee!