SENATOR HAGEL'S CONFIRMATION HEARINGS FOR SECRETARY OF DEFENSE.............

Former two term Republican U.S. Senator Charles "Chuck" Hagel, President Obama's second term nominee as the next Secretary of Defense, has been undergoing a rigorous and contentious five hours of Confirmation Hearings before the Senate Armed Services Committee.  After formal introductions from stellar former members and Chairmen of the Armed Services Committee, former Senators Sam Nunn of Georgia; and John Warner, of Virginia; who collectively served fifty four years on the Committee; and juxtaposed initial questioning rounds by the Committee Chairman and Ranking Member, for and against his nomination - has been serverely grilled by current members of the Armed Services Committee, particularly intensely, by Senators John McCain, Lindsey Graham, and Ted Cruz,  p.m. Eas8about previous statements he has made on the Surge in Iraq; and his views on Israel and the Jewish Lobby in America.  The Confirmation Hearing is expected to continue through 8 p.m. Eastern Time tonight.  To Be Continued.............tdp

ST. PHILOMENE'S PARISH THREE DECADES OF "SHARING GOD'S BOUNTY".............

On Every Tuesday for the past thirty years without missing even once, St. Philomene's Parish, in the Arden-Arcade area of Sacramento has provided meals for the poor, hungry, and less fortunate, who have come through the Church Hall's door and fed them a cooked dinner meal, in a ministry named "Sharing God's Bounty".  This week Bounty volunteers and recipients marked the serving of the 1,000,000 !  that's right - One Million Meals served faithfully over the past 30 Years.  Kudos and Congrats to them on such a generous, selfless, and unbroken, response during the past three decades in feeding the physical hungers, and addressing the social and spiritual needs of the downtrodden in the Parish and the Arden-Arcade area.  Strikingly the dedication of Jim + Rita Mize, and their selfless co-workers in the Sharing God's Bounty Ministry, has been so completely devoted to feeding others in meed. that on the one Tuesday night they were unable to provide a meal due to the flooding of the church hall floor, they served sandwiches to hungry, standing outside the building.  This vitally pro-active outreach ministry has continued through three the time of three Pastors of St. Philomeme's Parish - Monsignor Patrick Nolan; my Pastor, Father Jerry Ryle, with whom I was assigned there five years ago on the Ministry's 25th Anniversary;  and currently, my seminary and ordination classmate, Father Eduino Silveira... Outstanding Work 'St. Philomene's' and "Bounty" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.............Fr.  Troy 

LAST NIGHT'S SACHEART R.C.I.A. SESSION ON THE THIRD AND FOURTH COMMANDMENT A SUPERB PRESENTATION............

Monsignor Robert Walton, our Pastor, and Rita Spillane Sacred Heart 's R.C.IA. and Adult Faith Formation Director led the presentation last night on the 3rd and 4th Commandments "Keep Holy The Lord's Day", and "Honor Your Father and Mother".  Msgr. Walton opened the presentation with a succinct overview of the history and meaning of the Sabbath in Jewish and Christian Life.  Then the group viewed a pertinent portion about the 3rd Commandment, from Father Robert Barron's recent video series titled, "Catholicism", an excellent compendium of the teachings of Catholic-Christianity.  Following the completion of our survey of the topic of this Commandment from the chapter about it in the United States Catholic Catechism For Adults; Rita then led the focus and summary on the 4th Commandment and the Respect for our parents, elders, families, et al we must maintain in observing the requirements and responsibilities it calls upon us to as Believers in Godto keep and carry out.  We broke into small groups and discussed one of a number of scenarios presented to us for consideration in how we will response and put into effect the precept of honoring our Mothers and Fathers and showing them due respect in all matters, including in challenging or difficult situations.  We will go forward next week with the 5th and 6th Commandments as the journey of faith and conversion by our Catechumens and Canidates for Initiation at Easter progresses.............Fr.  Troy   

PRESIDENT OBAMA LAUNCHES HIS IMMIGRATION REFORM INITIATIVE IN NEVADA.............

President Barack Obama traveled to a Las Vegas, Nevada high school and delivered a speech on Immigration Reform and his vision and initiative to address and solve the problem that includes the presence of 11 million undocumented persons in the United States and the security of our national borders remaining faulty those causing even further illegal immigration to continue taking place.  The President's spirited address spoke positively of yesterday's Group of 8 Bipoartisan Senators Immigration Reform Proposal, and pledged to support it; but promised if Congress fails to enact legislation expeditiously, he will send up his own initiative and call on them to pass it immediately.  Earlier today Florida U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, the first major Republican to announce he would be working on a Immigration Reform proposal as a top priority, and is now one of the four GOP members of the Group of 8, who made yesterday's Immigration Reform framework.  He took to the floor of the Senate hours before the President's speech, and spoke on the framework he has helped to forge, while criticizing President Obama's involvement in the process multiple times.  Rubio also appeared on radio with Rush Limbaugh today, in which he spoke of the Group of 8 proposal on Immigration Reform and seemed to somewhat netralize the rollout oppposition Liumbaugh had already announced on his program saying it was up to him and FOX News to kill this attempt at Immigration Reform.  So the renewed effort to achieve Immigration Reform goes forward, the first official salvos having been fired, and with the House Republican Leadership expected to announce a Bipartisan House of Representatives proposal to address the issue within a matter of days............Fr.  Troy 

A RENEWED BIPARTISAN PUSH FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM IN AMERICA.............

Since 1986, when President Ronald Reagan signed the Simpson-Mazzaoli Bill on Immigration Reform into law, which in attempt to safeguard our borders and more effectively regulate and control the non sanctioned of entrance of illegal immigrants into the United States, that included granting amnesty to 3 million illegal immigrants already residing  Congressional and Presidential attempts to enact a comprehensive immigration have failed in large part due to mounting concerns over border security and any the likelihood of granting amnesty to the now 11 million or more illegal immigrants now in the USA.  President Obama vowed during his re-election to advance the push for immigration reform just as he did during his first campaign for President in 2008.  He granted by Executive Order last summer a deportation waiver to millions of children and young adults known as, "Dreamers"; who were born or brought into the country illegally by their parents.  President Obama is scheduled tomorrow, to announce his proposal for addressing the start toward Comprehensive Immigration Reform, in a speech in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Today, a group of 8 U.S. Senators, 4 Democrats, 4 Republicans, this morning rolled out their own Bi-partisan, Compromise proposal to address the issue and accomplish a substantial reform of illegal Immigration and strength the legal Immigration processes by strengthening the security of our sovereign national borders and find a way to grant the path to citizenship to Dreamers, and others here illegally; without granting Amnesty to illegal immigrants in the United States and preventing the magnitude of this problem from reoccurring.  U.S. Senators Charles Schumer, of New York; John McCain,  and Jeff Flake, of Arizona, Richard Durbin of Illinois; Marco Rubio, of Florida; Robert Menedez, of New Jersey; Lindsey Graham, of South Carolina; and Michael Bennett, of Colorado; made their intended Immigration Reform package this morning.  The bipartisan group of 8 Senators proposal includes the beginning of a path to Legalization for most of the 11 million undocumented persons currently here, granted, they pay all back taxes and a fine, and a path to Citizenship, once our borders are secure, a employee verification immigration status procedure is in place and the government's ability to guarantee that Visas allowing them into the country temporarily, for specific reasons like agricultural work in the  USA, are not exceeded or stayed.  In addition to a more flexible Guest Worker policy; the proposal also special consideration will be given to Dreamers who complete degrees in particular higher sciences university degrees.  Initial response from the White House is positive to the Bipartisan Senate proposal and in alignment with the initiative President Obama intends to introduce, and has been greeted affirmatively by Speaker John Boehner, as a bipartisan group of House members also came to agreement on a Immigration Reform framework last week.  Initial opposition to today's  group of 8 Senate proposal has come from Alabama  Senator Jeff Sessions, and  Louisiana Senator David Vitter, both of whom helped to defeat the 2007 on Immigration Reform made by former President George Walker Bush.  Texas u.s. House Representative Lamar Smith, the immediate past Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, responsible for immigration oversight, issued a statement today in response to the Senators proposal, attacking it as granting amnesty that will only encourage more illegal immigration.  With  bi-partisan support continuing to emerge between both chambers of Congress, and the White House, for action this year, some media commentators are suggesting an immigration reform bill may well be passed and signed into law as soon as July 4th.............Fr.  Troy

THE 3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME AND LUKE'S GOSPEL NARRATIVE OF JESUS' EVENTS.............

As we pray and worship on this Third Sunday in Ordinary provides in the Sacred Scriptures the beginning of Luke the Evangelist's narrative on the Life and Ministry of Jesus in today's Gospel Proclamation from Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21.  Luke provides insight and understanding of the public ministry undertook for the redemption of the World, as he refers in the first part of this Gospel passage to his student Theophilous, (a name which translates "lover of God / God lover) of, "the certainty of the teachings you have received.  In part two of this Gospel passage Kuke describes how Jesus carried out his ministry as a reader of the scroll of Scripture in the synagogue.  Proclaiming from the Prophet Isaiah in the Old Testament, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me", prophetically indicating in advance of His Paschal Mystery, his own fulfillment of Isaiah's words.  As God's People here and now, we too are baptized into the power of prophetically proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ, as we seek our own fulfillment as His Disciples building God's Kingdom on Earth, so as to be joined in the future and infinite glory and joy of God's Kingdom of Heaven.  Decide today how you will be a prophetic witnessing voice and presence for Jesus and the Kingdom of God this week.  God is Calling  you to be the true you the Lord wants you to be as you bear witness to Faith in Christ this week.............Fr.  Troy

A JOINT STEVE CROFT INTERVIEW WITH PRESIDENT OBAMA AND SECRETARY OF STATE CLINTON ON 60 MINUTES.............

CBS News "60 Minutes" co-anchor Steve Kroft, has conducted an interview with President Obama joined by  Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, to be broadcast tomorrow night on the network's and television's flagship 45 year newsmagazine.  The joint appearance of an American President and his Secretary of State in a shared news broadcast interview, is an unprecedented occurrence.  President Obama states that he asked Secretary Clinton to join him for this "60 Minutes" interview, in order to publicly acknowledge and express his appreciation for the work Hillary Clinton has done during the past four years, which included visiting 100 countries and logging 1 million miles of travel.  Speculation has surfaced that this may be a way the re-elected President is able to go to the water's edge in being seen to all but tap her as his Democratic successor.  Why he would do that nearly four years in advance of the 2016 Election,  in which she has yet expressed her desire to run in, and with his hanpicked Vice President a distinct possibility for 2016, it remains unclear to me.  Other analysts are presupposing it is one of the ways President Obama is repaying her husband, former President Bill Clinton, for his speech at the Democratic National Convention and his support during the General Election campaign.  An accurate assessment ? or a bit of 24 / 7 cable news punditry ?  >>> Speaking of political commentators and pundits, it was announced today that former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin,  Senator John McCain's 2008 vice presidential running mate will end her job on Fox News, for undisclosed other opportrunities.  Her internal dust-up with FOX News founder and President Roger Ailes, that resulted in him pulling her from General Election night coverage participation signalled the likelihood this parting of the ways would take place.  It raises the question as to her future viability as a Republican Presidential Candidate.  By passing on running last year did she / has she passed her sell by date, as a possibility for President, especially considering 2016 is shaping up as possibly a quest for the White House, with seven or more potential Republican runners for the GOP nomination, waiting in the wings.............Fr.  Troy

ECUMENICAL CHRISTIAN UNITY WEEK AND THE FEAST OF THE CONVERSION OF ST. PAUL.............

On this eighth and last day of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2013, as we do annually we commemorate the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, Apostle.  Catholic-Christian Tradition dates the conversion and powerful change of heart towards Christians by Saul of Tarsus back to occurring between 33-36 A.D.  It denotes the former persecutor of Christians transformational experience on the Road to Damascus in which God called and chose him to be an Apostle of Christ and a Missionary to the Gentile World.  Paul stands in Christian History as one of the great evangelizers in the New Testament with his  4 Missionary Journeys, and his 13 Epistles, to the communities he visited.  Since 1908, when the Octave of Prayer now known as the Week of Prayer For Christian Unity began, it has been celebrated during this January 18-25th, which has today's liturgical feast and Paul's outstanding example as it's bookend on the eighth and last day of mutual, interdemoninational, interfaith, Prayer.  As we conclude our observance of this year's Octave please God, as a result of our mutual Prayer may we have a deeper discernment and resolve to address and answer the qurstion that is this year's theme, "What Does God Require of Us ?".  Me, You, and all Christians of open minds anf sincere hearts.............Fr.  Troy

SENATOR JOHN KERRY'S CONFIRMATION HEARING FOR SOS WITH THE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE.............

John Kerry, President Barack Obama's second term choice to serve as U.S. Secretary of State, and for the past twenty eight years U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, and the 2004 Democratic Presidential Nominee, appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee this morning for his Confirmation Hearing.  In a vigorous three hours and fifty minutes hearing, Kerry who has served on the Foreign Relations Committee his entire tenure in the U.S. Senate, the past four years as Chairman; responded to his fellow Senators questioning, with depth of knowledge and hands on experience of Foreign Relations and International Affairs, not only from his tenure in the Senate and membership on the pertinent Committee, but from his childhood, being the son of a U.S. Foreign Service officer, the late Richard Kerry.  During today's hearing in response to a question from Senator John McCain, Kerry assured him and the Committee members, that the twenty o two month long Syrian government crackdown crises in which 60,000 Syrians and hundreds of  thousands more have fled in search of refuge and are tent vound in a great number of cases, on the borders of their country - will be one of his priorities as Secretary of State.  Kerry's confirmation is expected to come quickly.  Confirmation in the Senate requires a two thirds majority, thus 67 votes or more.  A vote to confirm his nomination by the Foreign Relations Committee next week and then be voted on by the full Senate, along with other Cabinet nominations.  Thus sometime in the next few weeks.............Fr.  Troy   

SECRETARY OF STATE CLINTON TESTIFIES BEFORE CONGRESS ON THE BENGHAZI ATTACK.............

Hilary Clinton completed her four year term as U.S. Secretary of State today by making two appearances before Congressional oversight committees investigating the American Mission in Benghazi, Libya on September 11, 2012; that resulted in explosions and fires and the deaths of four American diplomats, including Ambassador Christopher Stevens.  Her testimony delayed by two months, as a result of her illness, followed by a concussion and a blood clot, became the pinnacle occasion of her tenure heading up the State Department, during the first term of President Obama's Administration.  She appeared for two hours before the Senate Committee this morning and then sat with the House Committee for three hours just ending.  Secretary Clinton arrived well prepared to testify, standing her ground on all the questions she was asked, and at times showing reare public emotion about the Benghazi tragedy.  She reiterated taking responsibility for the incident and was harshly chided by Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, who told her had he been President he would have dismissed her from her position.  She and Senator Ronald Johnson of Wisconsin had the most vociferous exchange, in which she gave back as stringently as she got, and had a more tactful back and forth with Senator John McCain, who told her he was not satisfied with her the answers she was giving.  Her afternoon with the House Committee members was even more rancorous with one Representative telling her she let the Benghazi Mission, become a, "deathtrap".  Opinions and responses differed depending on the political lenses of the Congressional members.  In addition to be thanked for her service and criticized for her inaction until after the investigatory report of Admiral Mullin and Ambassador Pickering by Republican members of the two committees, she was also was also praised for her twenty years of public service as First Lady, U.S. Senator, and Secretary of State, by Democratic members of the two committees; who asserted she will return to national public service in the future, with some referring specifically to 2016, the year of the next presidential election.  An NBC News-Wall Street Journal Poll released Tuesday night, shows Hilary Clinton retires as Secretary of State, with an approval rating of 67% support of the American People.  Today's hearings were Secretary Clinton's penultimate appearance before the U.S. Senate as she leaves the Department of State, as she will be present again this morning to introduce the outgoing Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, U.S. Senator John Kerry, as President Obama's nominee as the next American Secretary of State.............Fr.  Troy

PRESIDENT OBAMA's SECOND INAUGURAL ADDRESS : 'RESOLVE' AND "HOPE FOR AMERICA's FUTURE".............

The second term Inaugural Address President Barack Obama delivered yesterday was unlike most second Inauguration speeches, in that it was a bold and resolute embrace of the philosophy and vision for inclusiveness of all, in the American democracy.   It was essentially a reclaiming of the liberal-progressive tradition of Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman, as he delivered it from the Inaugural Stand on which sat among the 1,600 guests and dignitaries, were his two immediate Democratic Party predecessors, former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, who put a slightly different spin on that legacy during there own Administrations.  Having focused on bipartisanship and working in tandem with Republicans and Democrats alike, only to be rebuffed and all but dismissed by Congressional Republicans from day one, four years ago, in his first Inaugural Address; his 2013 Address saw him resolved to lay out a message that is steeped in his belief that have been validated by winning re-election having campaigned on the themes and issues he seeks as President to further, challenging Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, to join him in achieving - but willing to fight for his principles and positions, if they do not.  Many commentators and presidential historians compare this second Inaugural to Franklin Roosevelt's second Inaugural Address in 1937, and Ronald Reagan's first one in 1981.  Whether there is political will to enact and further the principle of inclusion as represented by, "Seneca, Selma, and Stonewall", as Barack Obama stated it in the extension and realization of the fullness of civil rights and social justice for Women, Blacks / Latinos, and Gays, as well as Caucasians, Asians, and all American citizens, among "a shrinking few and the growing many", in the President's Inaugural words, will play forward during the next two to four years as Obama's organizing for action takes on and contests with the status quo power brokers who put politics before governing for the equality and common good of all Americans, the President refers to as, "We The People".............Fr.  Troy     

UPDATE INAUGURATION 2013 : THE 57TH INAUGURAL CEREMONY BEGINS.............

Myrlie EversWilliams, the widow of Civil Rights activist Medger Evers, and past President of the NAACP, gives the Invocation Prayer, following Senator Schumer's Introductory Remarks, and she commits the first verbal flub of the day in referring to the POTUS as being the Inauguration of the 45th, instead of the correct 44th President.  In what is otherwise a well written and assertively delivered three minute oration of prayer for the President and the Nation.  The award winning Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir sings, "The Battle Hymn Of The Republic".  A soaring, majestic rendition of this Civil War era song.  JCCIC Co-Chairman U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander is the next speaker.  HE introduces Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Sonia Sotomayor.  She administers the Oath of Office to Vice President Joseph R. Biden.  The renowned musical artist James Taylor follows singing, "America The Beautiful".  The Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts administers the Oath as President to the 44th President of the United States Barack Obama.............tdp

THE PRESIDENT'S ARRIVAL AT THE U.S. CAPITOL ON THIS INAUGURATION DAY 2013.............

The Presidential limousine has just arrived at the U.S. Capitol, as President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and Senator Chuck Schumer, who rode together step out of the car.  First sighting in the Capitol of former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalyn. The nine Justices of the Supreme Court have been introduced, Dr. Jill Biden, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, are all making their way through the Capitol.  President Obama has just entered the Capitol Building with Senator Schumer.  Now former President Bill Clinton, and his wife Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, have now also entered the Capitol.The 39th  President and Mrs. Carter are introduced as descend the steps to the Inaugural Stand. The 42nd President and Secretary of State Clinton are introduced and are greeting others on the Inaugural Stand.  Presidents Carter and Clinton are present today, although neither of the Presidents Bush are attending today's Inauguration.  The Biden sons and daughters are making their way through the Capitol on their way to taking their places.  Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden is carrying the Biden Family Bible, with a Celtic Cross on its front cover.  The First Daughters and their Grandmother, prepare to step out onto the platform.  Next will come Dr. Jill Biden to be introduced and seated.  Now the First Lady Michelle Obama proceeds to the Inaugural Stand.  She is accompanied by Mrs. Schumer, Mrs. Reid, and Mr. Pelosi.  The Vice President of the United States Joe Biden will mount the Inauguration platform just moments from now.  Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi are escorting the VPOTUS.  With all the other principals in place,  President Barack Obama, with a large delegation of escorts, chief among them Senator Schumer, the Inaugural Master of Ceremonies is with him , along with Senators Alexander, and Reid, and Representatives Boehner, Cantor, and Pelosi.  All is in place so momentarily the ceremony of Inauguration gets underwat.............tdp

CBS NEWS BREAKING NEWS : REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS HAVING INAUGURAL COFFEE WITH THE OBAMAS AT THE WHITE HOUSE.............

The First Family having returned to the White House for Coffee with invited guests on this Inauguration Day 2013. after the Morning Church Service across the street; has just been reported by Chief Washington Correspondent for CBS News, as including the Republican Congressional Leadership, Minority Leader Senator Mitch McConnell and House Speaker John Boehner and Majority Leader Representative Eric Cantor.  A first sign other than the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, that an air of bipartisanship is evident on this secong term ceremonial Inauguration Day of the Obama Administration.............tdp 

UPDATE INAUGURATION 2013 : MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE AN INAUGURAL CUSTOM SINCE 1933.............

In the next ten minutes President Obama and the First Lady accompanied by their daughters, have arrived at St. John's Church across from the White House in Lafayette Park, and will be attending a Morning Worship Service at 8:45 a.m. Eastern Time, as they begin the Ceremonial Inaugural Day on the second day of the second term of the Obama-Biden Administration.  President George Wahington attended a Prayer Service at St. Paul's Chapel in New York City on April 30, 1789; the day he was first man inaugurated President of the United States.  But it was not until March 4, 1933; that President-elect Franklin Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor, attended a Morning Worship Service at the historical Church of the Presidents, St. John's that the custom of starting the Inauguration with a Service of public Prayer by Presidential families began.  The Ecumenical Prayer Service on this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, on this Monday of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, will be led by St. John's which is an Episcopal Church Pastor, Reverend Luis Leon.  Rev. Leon will also be delivering the Benediction Prayer concluding the Inaugural ceremony.............tdp 

UPDATE INAUGURATION 2013 DAY 2 - THE PUBLIC CELEBRATION OF OBAMA-BIDEN INAUGURAL CEREMONIES TERM 2.............

The extended media coverage of this second day of the 2013 American Presidential Inauguration on this Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday, has begun at this hour on all the major media outlets and I am up at 4 a.m. Pacific Time viewing and monitoring the early coverage on MSNBC's "Morning Joe", CNN's "Early Start", and C-SPAN's comprehensive coverage.  A national day of affirming our freely and democratically elected Chief Executive and the hopes and aspirations for the Administration in the case of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, they will continue to lead for the next four years.  Today's day and night of ceremonies and celebrations include an  Inaugural Prayer Service to be attended by the First Family in St. John's Church, located in Lafayette Square across the street from the White House, known as the Church of the Presidents, at 8:45 a.m., and then the drive to the U.S. Capitol shortly after 11 o'clock this morning, for the Inauguration ceremony of the swearing in and Inaugural Address, followed by an Inauguration Luncheon hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.  In midafternoon the President, Vice Presidents, and their wives the First and Second Ladies, will return to the White House and take their places in the specially constructed Reviewing Stand for the Inaugural 2013 Parade.  Tonight the President and Michelle Obama will be attending the two officially sanctioned Inaugural Balls.  I will blog throughout the day and into the night in reporting and commenting on the activities and festivities of Updating Inauguration 2013 and the start of the second term of the Obama-Biden Administration.............Fr.  Troy 

SAN FRANCISCO 49-ERS NFC CHAMPIONS HEADING TO SUPER BOWL 47 FEBRUARY 3RD.............

The San Francisco 49-ers won the National Football Conference Championship this afternoon, defeating the Atlanta Falcons 28-24, in an impressive come from behind and hold victory, to gain a place in Super Bowl 47, in New Orleans, on Sunday February 3rd.  They will face either the New England Patriots or the Baltimore Ravens, who are playing as I blog, with the lead between them going back and forth.  The 49-ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick frenzy this season has brought is sure to crescendo over the next 2 weeks, deservedly so.  At age 25, prospects for a bright professional career seems to loom as he takes San Francisco to the Super Bowl since 1994, when they won their fifth and last Super Bowl to date.  Go Kaepernick !!!.............Go 49-ers !!!  On to New Orleans and Super Bowl 47 !!!!!!!!!!!!!.............tdp

UPDATE INAUGURATION 2013 : A CANDLELIGHT RECEPTION AT THE NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM THE NEXT EVENT.............

Having been officially and constitutionally sworn into their second term as President and Vice President at the White House and the Naval Observatory earlier today and having laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns together at Arlington National Cemetery this morning; President Obama and Vice President Biden are scheduled within the next hour to attend a Candlelight Reception at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., the site of the 2009 Commander in Chief Inaugural Ball.  It will conclude the official activities of this Sunday January 20th Inaugural Day, a relatively low key day, only the seventh time in the 224 year history of the Presidency, the full Inauguration ceremonies were postponed by a day due to the fact that the mandated oath of office taking day - March 4th, from 1793-1933; and January 20th, from 1937-2013; has fallen on Sunday.  The Inaugural Ceremonies tomorrow begin for the First Family with attendance at a Religious Service in St. John's Episcopal Church, across the street from the White House, traditionally known as the Church of the Presidents.............tdp 

THE OFFICIAL SWEARING OF THE 44TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES BARACK OBAMA FOR A 2ND TERM.............

8:50 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, Washington, D.C....In approximately five minutes from now, to constitutionally and legally meet the requirements of that the Oath of Office be administered to the President of the United States before 12 noon on January 20th, the 44th President Barack Obama will officially begin his second term...8:56 a.m. - Precisely one minute ago, at the scheduled time five minutes before 12 Noon, joined by only his wife, First Lady Michelle Obama, and his daughters Malia and Sasha; President Barack Hussein Obama, took the official Oath of Office from Chief Justice John Roberts, in a simple, smooth, recitation of the constitutionally mandated words.  After thanking Chief Justice Roberts and exchanging kisses with his family, all five persons in the Inaugural party exited the Blue Room.  The Blue Room in the White House is one that is oval shaped, used primarily for receptions, and was the room in which the only wedding of a President, that of the 23rd and 25th POTUS, Grover Cleveland took place to the youngest First Lady ever -   21 year old, Frances Folsom, on June 2, 1886.............Fr.  Troy 

UPDATE 2013 : JANUARY 20TH : THE OFFICIAL SECOND INAUGURATION DAY OF PRESIDENT OBAMA AND VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN.............

The official swearing in for the second term of President Barack Obama of Illinois; and Vice President Joe Biden of Delaware; will take place in two parts over less than four hours today, Sunday January 20, 2013.  Five minutes from now, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.,  will have the Oath of Office as the 47th Vice President administered to him today, by United States Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonya Sotomayor , The Obama Administration first appointment to the Supreme Court in 2009.  She will administer the oath to the Vice President in the Naval Observatory, the official residence of the VPOTUS.  A small gathering of family, friends, government officials, and political associates numbering about 120 persons are present for the official swearing in of Mr. Biden to a second term.  Then, at 11:55 a.m. Eastern Time, President Barack Obama the 44th POTUS, will take the Oath of Office in the Blue Room of the White House from Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Roberts.  Between today's two swearing ins, the President and Vice President will join together to lay a wreath of remembrance at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.  More throughout the day as the official rituals of this Update Inauguration Day 2013.............Fr.  Troy 

A LOOK BACK AT INAUGURATION 2009 ON C-SPAN TONIGHT.............

Having presented archival footage of previous Presidential Inaugurals last night, on this Saturday night of Inauguration 2013, C-SPAN is presenting full retrospective coverage of the 2009 Inaugural.  Featured are the Inauguration swearing in ceremonies and Inaugural Address of the 44th President of the United States; from the Obamas and Bidens rides to the White House for Coffee with President G.W. Bush, First Lady Laura Bush and Vice President and Mrs. Cheney; to the Inauguration Ceremonies;  the Farewell Departure Ceremony from the U.S. Capitol and Wahington D.C. of his predecessor President George W. and Mrs. Laura Bush; the Inaugural Parade moments when President and Mrs. Obama stepped out of the limousine and walked the Parade route; and the appearance of President and First Lady Obama at the Commander in Chief Inaugural Ball.  A look back on the eve of tomorrow's official second term Inauguration, at the contemporary Presidential Inaugural history of these United States of America.............tdp    

POTUS / VPOTUS NATIONAL SERVICE DAY PROJECT LOCATIONS.............

The Washington, D.C. community projects the President and Vice President and their families took part in earlier today were at an primary school and the local armory.  President and Mrs. Obama spent a good part of their late morning and early afternoon at the Burrville Elementary School, assisting with a spruce up of the buildings project and shared in helping paint; while Vice President and Dr. Jill Biden were at the District of Columbia Armory, where they and their children and their spouses and grandkids, took part in assembling care kits of personal items assorted toiletries and the like, for military members, veterans, and first responders.  The concert the Bidens were earlier reported to be participating in, is actually a Children's Inaugural Concert, about to start; which the First and Second Ladies coordinated as a part of their Military Families Outreach Effort, on which they have worked during the past four years. Presidential Daughters, Malia and Sasha Obama; and the 5 Biden grandchildren will be attending along with five thousand children from military families and their parents and guardians.............tdp

THE PRESIDENT, FIRST LADY, AND SECOND COUPLE OPEN INAUGURATION 2013 WEEKEND WITH NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE.............

Over the more than quarter of a century the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday in the USA, it has become a National Day of Service for citizens throughout the country.  Given this year the MLK Holiday on Monday is doubling as the Ceremonial Inauguration 2013 Day for President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden; the official kickoff to the National Day of Service is today, Saturday January 19th.  Within this hour President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama will attend and take part in a National Day of Service project in Washington, D.C.  Vice President Joe and Dr. Jill Biden are scheduled to participate in today's event, by hosting a concert in observance of the day.  Former First Daughter Chelsea Clinton is the Honorary Chairwoman of the 2013 National Day of Service and will lead a Rally on the National Mall just before Noon Eastern Time.  Her father, President Bill Clinton signed the bill into law designating MLK Day, a National Day of Service.  Chelsea Clinton will introduce Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden, son of the Vice President to address the Rally.............Fr.  Troy   

C-SPAN'S PRE INAUGURATION 2013 COVERAGE INCLUDES FORMER INAUGURAL ADDRESSES OF POTUS' PAST.............

 The Cable Satellite Public Affairs Network, C-SPAN is devoting much coverage tonight on this Friday before Inauguration to footage from previous Presidential Inaugurals.  As I blog, I am watching President Truman's 1949 Inaugural Address and highlights of the Parade that followed.  The next look is at President Nicon's 1969 first Inauguration.  A superb historical presentation of American Presidential Inaugural ceremonies this archival film and videotape is, and kudos to C-SPAN for sharing it, as they do every four years.............tdp

REPRESENTATIVE PAUL RYAN ADVISES HIS GOP COLLEAGUES A DEBT CEILING DEAL WILL BE NECESSARY.............

On Thursday, Representative Paul Ryan, Budget Committee Chairman of the House of Representatives, and last year's Republican Vice Presidential Nominee; advised his fellow GOP House members at their Retreat in Virginia, that they will need to reach a Debt Ceiling deal with President Obama and Congressional Democrats, in a positive sign he is willing to work bipartisanly in what is perhaps his personal political recognition that re-branding the Republican label is vital, if they are to re-gain credibility with American voters and their chance of re-taking the White House in 2016. and hold on to a House majority in the 2014 midterm election.  This afternoon,  House Majority Leader Eric Cantor announced on behalf of the Republicans in the Congress, "Next week we will authorize a temporary three month extension in the Debt Ceiling limit".  Perhaps after pondering the advice and counsel of their Budget Committee Chairman colleague and President Obama's refusal to negotiate the new Debt Ceiling, the 113th Congress and second term inaugurated Obama-Biden Administration can start off on a better and more bipartisan manner in addressing and resolving our nation's problems.............tdp

UPDATE INAUGURATION 2013 : TWO OF THE FOUR FORMER PRESIDENTS AND NO OPPPOSITION NOMINEE ATTENDING

CBS News is reporting that only two of the four living former Presidents of the United States will be attending the second term Inauguration of President Barack Obama on Monday.  Former President Jimmy Carter, and former President Bill Clinton, will be present; Former President George H.W. Bush, and former President George W. Bush, will not be in attendance.  The senior President Bush, 88; was released just this week from being hospitalized in Houston, Texas; since November 23, 2012.  No reason is being given for why the junior President Bush will not be present for the Inaugural. The 2012 Republican Presidential Nominee, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, who lost the General Election to President Obama, will also not be attending.  It will be the first time since 1993, that the presidential candidate defeated in the General Election will not be present at the Inauguration of the victor. The three Republican and two Democratic nominees not being inaugurated President between 1993-2009, were President, Vice President, and Senators, at the time of their losses.  Mitt Romney like his Democratic predecessor Michael Dukakis in 1989, were Governors, State not Federal officeholders.............tdp

LANCE ARMSTRONG'S OVERDUE UNDERWHELMING CONFESSION.............

The first of a two night interview presentation aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) last night with Lance Armstrong, the seven time Tour de France Champion cyclist, who for the very first time admitted to using banned, performance enhancing drugs during the competitions.  Armstong, a testicular cancer survivor and founder of the Live Strong Foundation to combat cancer, who sold tens of millions of colored rubber wristbands for the benefit of his charity, worn by Americans and peoples in many other countries around the World, was stripped of his 7 Tour de France medals and will having his Olympic medal taken from him, and is banned from professional competition for the rest of his life.  His admission to doping coming now is thought to be his attempt to be allowed to return to professional competitions anew.  But by making a public confession he also opens himself up to multiple lawsuits for victory monies received, or suit settlements he received, or the bullying of others, he now admits he did.  His net worth is presently thought to be in the range of $100 million, but potential lawsuits, his endorsement contracts having been cancelled, and the likely he will get any new endorsement or business offers soon, if at all; leave him in a precarious position.  The major question I have about Lance Armstrong's doping and that of a number of other members of Team Armstrong or other competitors, is why could it persist for 7 years in a top shelf  athletic competition such as the Tour de France ?  Were the anti-doping officials monitoring the use of banned substances highly incompetent at carrying out their responsibilities ?  Or perhaps, did they intentionally overlook the now seemingly obvious violations being committed, so as to gin up interest, fan support, ratings, and monetary gain for the world class international competition, the Tour de France is, and their share in benefiting from it ?.............Fr.  Troy

UPDATE INAUGURATION 2013 : FROM MY BREAKAWAY CENTRAL.............

Greetings from Suite 100 of 'Update Inauguration 2013' extended weekend and subsequent days of the first week of the Administration of POTUS 44; from "Insights Into Life And Faith By Father Troy David Powers", away from my involuntary exile at MMT.  For the next week and a half I will be blogging from this location with multiple blog columns daily, by following the events of Martin Luther King Day, and the second Inauguration of President Barack Obama and Vice President Biden.  I look forward to chronicling the Inaugural '13, just as I did the Primaries, Caucuses, the two National Conventions, four Debates, and the General Election, of Update Election 2012.  And I welcome your comments and feedback along the way of these next ten days.............tdp

DURING THIS NATIONAL WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHURCH VOCATIONS.............

This 1st week of Ordinary Time in the United States of America, has an additional prayerful, liturgical, and sacramental, theme for us Catholic-Christians, as it is designated as, "National Vocations Awareness Week".  During the seven days that began on Sunday with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we are especially praying this week for the fostering of Church Vocations to the ordained Priesthood of Jesus and profession to the Religious and Consecrated Life.  The need we have for a continuing number of Faithful to hear, discern, and respond, to God's Call to step forward and explore and accept a Church Vocation as Priests and Religious is great.  That is especially true of American Catholics in the cultivating, encouraging, and nurturing, and developing, of native born, local grown, priestly and religious Church Vocations from within our families, schools, parishes, workplaces, and communities.  For most of our nation's and diocese's history we have been highly dependent on missionary religious and priests from other countries, to offset in many places throughout our country, the lack of a sufficient number of American Catholics who are willing to answer the call or choose an ordained or consecrated life.  In my own Diocese of Sacramento, California; I was only the 40th native born, local grown priestly vocation when ordained in the Centennial Year of the Sacramento Diocese, twenty six years ago.  Prayer for an increase in Church Vocations continues now more than a quarter of a century later, to be even more imperative, and those Prayers must begin in our homes and parishes; with parents, pastors, family members, and parishioners, honestly and cohesively praying  for and encouraging your children and parishioners, to seriously consider and contemplate the possibility that they have a Vocation to serve the Catholic Church, especially as Priests, Sisters, and Brothers, - or as Permanent Deacons and Dedicated Lay Ministers.  The primary provider of these Vocations, particularly the first three are cradled and incubated in the seeds of personal family homes and in our local community of believers.  Beginning now, and through the remainder of this week and onward, choose to include Prayer for Church Vocations in your own homes, congregations, and ministries, that the Call of the Lord of the Harvest, Jesus the Christ and His Church may receive an increasingly abundant Affirmative response from many more American Catholics, who choose to embrace the need we have for more Priests and Religious.  Who in your Family or Parish Community is God Calling for you to Encourage with Your Prayers ???.............Fr.  Troy    

PRESIDENT OBAMA'S PROPOSALS IN RESPONDING TO MASS SHOOTINGS GUN VIOLENCE.............

Just nineteen hours after New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, signed into law a new bill increasing regulation over guns and banning empire assault weapons, within an hour of it's passage by the Empire State's State Assembly by a bipartisan vote of 104-43; after having won a 43-18; vote in the State Senate, one week after it's proposal in the Cuomo's 'State of the State' Address last week, and on the second day of the 2013 State Legislature session last night;  President Barack Obama in the White House this afternoon unveiled his Administration's Federal Initiative for curbing gun violence in multifaceted proposals taken from the work of the Task Force he commissioned Vice President Joe Biden to head up last month, in the aftermath of the Newtown, Connecticut Mass Shooting.  The President's Proposals include twelve recommendations for legislative action by the United States Congress, and twenty three executive orders signed and issued by the President himself.  They range from Requiring Criminal Background checks for all Gun Sales, including those  that are presently exempt by Private Sellers;  Reinstating and Strengthening the Assault Weapons Ban, previously in place between 1994 - 2004;  Limiting Ammunition Magazines to 10 rounds each; as well as, a Presidential Memorandum Requiring Federal Agencies to provide Relevant Data to the Federal Background Check System;  Improving Incentives for State Governments to share Pertinent Information with the Federal Background Check system;  Directing the Attorney General of the United States to Review the Catergories of Persons who are Prohibited from possessing Guns, to Assure Dangerous Individuals are going undetected; and furthering the funding and development of Mental Health Assessments of gun buyers; are among the key proposals and actions President Obama took today, that are among the comprehensive package he issued.  The White House roll-out announcement came in the presence of family members of Newtown, Connecticut mass shooting victims on December 14th, and a group of children among those who young people who have written to President Obama about the tragedy in the past month.  Although the most recent polling released in recent days indicates increasing public support for new measures to regulate and respond to Gun Violence and greater Gun Safety; in the Washington Post - ABC News Poll this week, by margins of between 58%-88% approval of some of these particular measures, the White House has an uphill fight before it in getting the one dozen legislative proposals passed by the Congress, in the face of widespread Republican and conservative Democratic opposition and / or ambivalence; and the vehement opposition of the National Rifle Association, among other special interest groups.  I will continue following and blogging on these matters as developments take place.............Fr.  Troy

A BON LAIR LUNCH WITH NOE PEREZ.............

My former St. Philomene's parishioner Noe Perez, now a first year law student at McGeorge Law School, visited me today and we went down J Street to the Bon Lair Pub for some of their delectable Fish n Chips, as we had a well rounded conversation.  It was a wonderful opportunity for a multifaceted discussion and exchange of ideas on matters both spiritual, social, and personal; and a great breakaway from the same 'ol same 'ol mundane days of most of the past ten months.  It makes for a double enjoyment today, as it's Tuesday and the night of the week I get to spend a couple of productive, priestly ministry hours assisting with the R.C.I.A. at Sacred Heart Church.............tdp

LIFE IN CHRIST PART 2 AND PRINCIPLES OF A MORAL LIFE TONIGHT @ SACHEART R.C.I.A. .............

Having led the Breaking Open The Word session on Sunday morning with the R.C.I.A. Catechumens and Candidates, tonight I will follow up on Rita Spillane's presentation on Life In Christ and the Principles of a Catholic-Christian Moral Life, last Tuesday night, as I conduct part two of on this pivotal topic of Living Faith as Disciples of Jesus Christ.  The primary focus of tonight's session will be on the, 'Respect for the Dignity of the Human Person'.  Rita will also lead us in continuing a discussion on the role of the Prophets, which began on Sunday morning in the Breaking of the Word gathering.  I am very confident we will have an interesting evening of informative, insightful, and formational interaction, which for the past forty years has been a large part of the reason the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, R.C.I.A. - has been an effective and authentic process of the Journey of Faith in the cultivation of Discipleship for those persons seeking to join the Catholic Church as Followers of Jesus The Christ.............Fr.  Troy

SACRAMENTO CHURCH - MAN; SACRAMENTO HARDWARE - MAN; ANNIVERSARIES OCCUR TODAY ON THIS 1ST DAY OF ORDINARY TIME 2013.............

On the first day of Ordinary Time in Liturgical Year 2013 A.D.; which will last for just 30 days until the Season of Lent begins; in Sacramento I am marking two anniversaries of significance in my life and in the lives of hundreds of thousands of Sacramentans and Catholic-Christians in the Diocese of Sacramento.  Since the erection of the Sacramento Diocese on May 28, 1886; the longest serving Ordinary (diocesan bishop) of the 9 Bishops who have ministered as our Chief Shepherds; was the Most Reverend Bishop Robert J. Armstrong.  His prolific and productive pastoral tenure as the 5th Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento encompassed more than a quarter of a century from January 4, 1929; - to fifty six years ago today, January 14, 1957.  That is a span of time inclusive of the Great Depression, World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and the Administrations of 2 Popes, 4 American Presidents; and lasted from the time my mother Josephine was 6.5 years old until the day I was 2 months and 10 days old.  So +Robert J. Armstrong as Bishop of Sacramento for 28 years and 10 days is the longest to date in this Vineyard of the Lord.  Also on this date in 1930, Sacramento native, the late Archie Bugatto, was born.  From the ages of 13-68, Archie worked in Hardware, (1943 -1998).  A fine man of family, church, business, and community, he passed on to Eternal Life just eleven days shy of his 70th Birthday, in 2000.  Archie as I knew him, was an outstanding person of honesty, integrity, devotion to his family, and dedication to neighbors, customers, fellow parishioners, friends, and others, in the Sacramento community.  He is missed - and on this his 83rd Birthday anniversary is surely feasting with Bishop Armstrong, in the presence of our Heavenly Father, the Lord Jesus, and their Holy Spirit, and all the Angels and Saints, in the Kingdom of God.  May the lives, ministry, and work, of these two exemplary Catholic Christian disciples inspire you to live in that generous spirit and truth also.  Onward Ordinary Time !.............Fr.  Troy 

LITURGICALLY FEASTING ON THIS BAPTISM OF THE LORD / LAST DAY OF CHRISTMAS.............

For the last time in Liturgical Year 2013, I bid you greetings of a Happy, Blessed, Holy, and Glorious, Christmas.  Catholic-Christianity's Feast of the Baptism of the Lord closes the 20 Days of Christmas we are completing the celebration of since Evening Prayer I and the Vigil Mass of Christmas on December 24, 2012; until Evening Prayer I, after the Christmas Season concludes tonight, January 13, 2013.  The Christmas carol / song I choose as my recommended favorite today is a contemporary hymn denoting and fitting not only the Christmas Season we are finishing today, but the Public Ministry and Servanthood of Jesus, "The Summons".  May the Spirit of Christmas continue to bless and illuminate you and others, as we enter the initial period of Ordinary Time tomorrow.............Fr.  Troy   

TEN MONTHS TO DATE AND AS OF YET - INDEFINITELY INVOLUNTARILY EXILED.............

Relegated as of today for the past ten months to involuntary exile from parish priestly life and ministry by the powers that be, because my right foot below the knee amputation has me in a wheelchair - which they choose to view as a, "problem", instead of an, "empowerment"; while my doctors, personal friends, and former parishioners, know and attest to my current capability to carry out priestly parish ministry my current twilight zone of life continues. I am abundantly grateful for the latter group of persons just referred to, for their affirmation and support, and in particular appreciative to Monsignor Robert P. Walton, Pastor;  R.C.I.A. / Adult Faith Formation Director Rita Spillane, and the Sacred Heart Church parishioners, here in East Sacramento, for providing me with opportunities to do some part time priestly ministry. Otherwise I  am sitting on the sielines being warehoused in this retirement community / assisted care facility, neither which define me presently at 56 years old.  I am neither ready to retire, leave the active ministry of the Catholic priesthood, or find another secular job, as some have suggested to me.   But I am also resolved to move forward in the months ahead and resume full time parish ministry, residing outside Mercy McMahon Terrace or any other facility, and will explore and exercise, all viable opportunities to do so.  In the meantime, I will pour myself into the opportunity  of ministering part time at SacHeart, and in other parishes and places in the greater Sacramento area, as invited and needed to do so.............Fr.  Troy

THE BLOG COLUMNS FOR THE 11TH TO 20TH DAYS OF CHRISTMAS WILL BE PUBLISHED BY THIS SUNDAY NIGHT.............

Due to unexpected technical and maintenance issues with my computer's powers source, the blog columns for January 4th - 13th,the second half of the Christmas Season 2012-2013; will be published in full by sometime this Sunday night, as I proceed with,"Insights Into Life And Faith", after being offline the past week.  I apologize for the delay in posting them and thank you for your patience and understanding.  I also thank Ted Dahlberg for offering to help me in getting the problem resolved this morning and for your continued visiting of the Advent and Christmas columns I blogged through Thursday January 3, 2013.............Peace + Prayers In The Birth And Redemption Our Messiah Jesus The Christ Brings,   Fr.  Troy David Powers

A DAY OF 3 VISITORS...........ILLUMINATING A RATHER HAZY, WHAT TO DO NOW ? DAY..............

An other unspectacular 17th Day of the Christmas Season for me here at MMT, will be brightened up by 3 visitors, in two separate visitations.  First Joe Gibson and Ruth Rosenberg have invited me to join them down the street at Peet's before dinner, and Paul Friedrich will be coming by to visit with me after dinner.  A wonderful recipe for illumining today interpersonally for me and for them.............Fr.  Troy

THE CENTENNIAL BIRTHDATE OF THE 37TH POTUS - RICHARD MILHOUS NIXON... PART 1..........

One hundred years ago today - January 9, 1913; in Yorba Linda, California; a baby was born, who although subjected and raised amidst the struggles and vulnerabilities of growing up economically impoverished and surrounded by the plight of enveloping disease that consumed two of his brothers; would apply himself rigorously educationally and followed the conservative traditional religious tenets of his mother's original and father's converted faith in Quakerism faithfully as a youth, determined to make his way in the world beyond his boyhood home city the family moved to after failure of their citrus ranch of Whittier, in Orange County Southern California; to become a leading Republican Party political and governmental mover and shaker for some three decades, and the 37th President of the United States of America - Richard Milhous Nixon.  After graduating from Whittier College in California in 1934; he attended Duke University Law School on a scholarship matriculating from that respected North Carolina campus in 1937, returning and becoming an attorney at law back in Whittier, until serving as a Lieutenant in the U.S Navy during World War Two.   In 1946, he was recruited to run against and then defeated a five term Democratic New Deal Congressman Jerry Voorhies, serving two terms in the House of Representatives, before winning a Senate seat from California in 1950 at age 37; his opponent being Democratic Congresswoman and Hollywood actress Helen Gahagan Douglas.  Just a year and a half after becoming a Senator, he was picked by General Dwight David Eisenhower as his 1952 Republican Vice Presidential running mate, and served as the 36th Vice President of the Unied States from 1953-1961.   And that's only the first half of his 28 years in elective politics.  I will blog about the second part later in the week, as we remember the life and times of the famous / infamous man who was the 7th Republican American President in the 20th Century and for five and a half years, the 37th POTUS.............Fr.  Troy  

R.C.I.A. RESUMES @ SACRED HEART TONIGHT.............

After being off for Christmas and New Year's Day, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, (R.C.I.A.) resumes tonight in the Sacred Heart Parish Hall, across the street here at 39th & J Streets, in East Sacramento.  Our SacHeart R.C.I.A. Director Rita Spillane, will lead the session which is on the Moral Life - Life In Christ Part One.  I eagerly look forward to being back with her and the R.C.I.A. Group, as my weekly plug into active ministry, while residing at Mercy McMahon Terrace.............Fr.  Troy

PRESIDENT OBAMA TODAY TO NOMINATE FORMER REPUBLICAN SENATOR HAGEL AS THE NEXT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE.............

The American news media is reporting this morning that President Barack Obama will nominate former Nebraska two term U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel to be the Secretary of Defense in his second term in the White House.  Senator Hagel has come under appreciable criticism in recent weeks for views and statements he has made in the past about Israel and Iran, including by several of his former GOP Senate colleagues as well as other Republicans and some Congressional Democrats.  President Obama is said to ready for any fight to block or defeat Chuck Hagel's nomination as the next Defense Secretary.  Hagel is a decorated Vietnam War veteran, and would be the first enlisted man to be nominated, confirmed, or serve as American Secretary of Defense.  Also today, it is expected the President will announce he is nominating his National Security Adviser John Brennan, as the new Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, as the successor to C.I.A. Director retired General William Petraeus, who resigned the post in November.............Fr.  Troy

THE EPIPHANY OF THE MESSIAH BORN AT CHRISTMAS.............

On this second Sunday of the Christmas Season, we celebrate our belief as Catholic-Christians in the Birth of the Messiah, as God's True and ever Radiant Light in the manifestation and showing forth of His only Begotten Son, Born as God Made Man, Jesus The Christ - in the Solemnity of the Epiphany.  Just as the 3 Wise Men followed the eastern Star in the sky that directed them to Discover the infant Christ child and acknowledge His kingly, priestly, and prophetically, instituted supremacy in the Salvation of  all Humankind; let us follow the Magi's inspired example and let the Christmas Star of Faith, Fidelity, Family, and Fellowship, bring us ever closer to the Light of Christ whose Incarnation illuminates our lives and transforms the World.............Fr.  Troy

CHRISTMAS JOY AND MUTUAL PEACE ARE THE FOCUS OF TODAY'S CAROL / SONG.............

Despite the travails that exist in the face of fallen human nature, in this imperfect world plagued by selfishness and sin; the intention and desire of the Divine Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier of Creation, is for relationship, reconciliation, and renewal, with us as human beings in peace and joy. Thus beyond the undeniable reality of tragedies such as mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut; and the raving storm and aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, as Believers and Followers of the Living and True God of the Universe, we are not persons captivated by sadness, but People of God, liberated to experience and bring joy to one another.  The Christmas carol / song favorite I choose to underscore the hope and promise the Incarnation of Jesus The Christ, as Messiah and Savior of God's People today is, "Joy To The World".  May our continuing commemoration of this Christmas Season be graced by remembering and bringing ourselves and others to realize the lasting Truth of this fine song of Christmas Faith.............Fr.  Troy

ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON, WIFE, MOTHER, WIDOW, RELIGIOUS FOUNDER, ECUMENIST............

As I have mentioned a number of times during the past ten days, the liturgical calendar this year includes a Christmas Season of 20 Days, December 25-January 13.  Therefore, today - January 4, 2013; the fourth day of the New Year, is the start of the second part of the Christmas Season 2012-2013.  It is the feast day of Mother Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton, 1774-1821; who became the very first native born citizen of the United States of America, to be canonized a Saint of the Catholic-Christian Church.  Born in Maryland into the high society of that day, young Elizabeth developed a much more humble and spiritual outlook on life rather than being concentrated on affluent frivolity although she married her true love William Seton, a prominent young member of the elite class.  To them fell grew responsibility for the raising and guardianship of his large family of brothers and sisters, after his father's death; while he and wife Elizabeth also brought forth a family of their own children.  The challenges they endured and the dreaded disease Tuberculosis, took the life of the 36 year old successful import-export businessman, just short of ten years of their marriage, leaving 29 year old Elizabeth Ann widowed with their five children to raise.  That she did with motherly dedication while continuing to grow in spirituality.  It led her to ecumenically reach beyond her lifelong Anglican/Episcopalian Faith tradition to become Catholic.  She and a groupo of women she organized founded schools for the education of girls and young women, that become the nucleus of what is the Religious Order of the Siusters of Charity, based on the Rule of St. Vincent DePaul.  Mother Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton's life and work were grounded in her avid readership and particularly her devotion to reading the Bible.  From acceptance of the invitation of the Sulpician Fathers to establish a school in 1809, in Emmitsburg, Maryland; until her death in 1821, Mother Seton dedicated the remainder of her life to the ministry of children and the poor in overseeing and developing the first American religious order of women, and establishing the very first American free school.  Her greatest strength as girl, woman, wife, mother, foundress, and ecumenical Christian, was found in her personal commitment to God in Prayer and to the Sacred Scripture, the Eucharist, and to the Mother Of God.  Beatified in 1959;  Elizabeth Ann Seton was canonized as the first American born Saint on September 14, 1975; by Pope Paul VI.  Her feast day observed today January 4th, is the anniversary date of her passing on to Eternal Life, on January 4, 1821.  Considered a patroness of Catholic-Christian Schools, and venerated by Catholics and Anglican/Episcopalians alike; may Mother Seton's exemplary ministry be for all of us an illuminating example of what our commitment to being Disciples of Living Faith in Jesus The Messiah of God's People can empower and enable us to be in serving the common good.  Continuing to celebrate our lives in the Spirit of Christmas will help us do it.............Fr.  Troy

POPE BENEDICT ADMONISHES CAPITALISM IN WORLD DAY OF PEACE NEW YEAR's DAY HOMILY.............

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI presiding at a New Year's Day Mass in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, preached a homily taken from his message for the 46th annual World Day of Prayer For Peace, in which as the spiritual and pastoral leader of  1.2 billion Catholics, expressed serious concern about, "the hotbeds of tension and conflict caused by growing instances of inequality between the rich and poor".  The Holy Father went on to decry, "the prevalence of a selfish and individualistic mindset that finds expression in an unregulated capitalism, various forms of terrorism, and criminality".  Pope Benedict stayed that he is convinced of , "humanity's innate vocation to peace", declaring the, "darkness and anguish", which can at times describe human existence, will be overcome by a personal relationship with God, proclaiming, "This is the inner peace we want in the midst of events in history that are sometimes tumultuous and confised, events that sometimes leave us shaken".  In the Pope's written message for World Day Of Prayer For Peace 2013, he advocates for the creation of, "a new economic model and ethical regulations for markets", citing the worldwide global economic financial crisis, as proof that capitalism does not protect the weakest members of society.  Food insecurity in several parts of the World was also declared by Benedict XVI, to be a, "threat to peace".............tdp  

HERE COMES THE 113TH CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES.............

The 113th Congress of the United States convened in the Noon hour Eastern Time in Washington, D,C. today with the Election of the Speaker of the House, and the swearing in of House of Representatives and U.S. Senate members.  Incumbent House Speaker John Boehner, Republican of Ohio, was re-elected over House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Democrat of California, by a vote of 220 - 192.  Twelve Republican Representatives cast votes for others; while nine  Democratic Representatives abstained or did not vote for Speaker.  Two seats in the 113th Congress are currently vacant.  In the U.S. Senate, Vice President Joe Biden, who is the President of the Senate, swore in newly elected and re-elected Senators to their new terms.  Today is a mainly ceremonial day, with the work of the 113th Congress getting unerway tomorrow.............Fr.  Troy  

EVEN IN THE NEW YEAR WE CONTINUE TO CELEBRATE 'THIS CHRISTMAS'.............

As we experience life and relationships on this 2nd day of 2013, and the 9th Day of the Christmas, the favorite Christmas carol / song I choose today is, one I have listened to, and enjoyed for the past several years especially; and refocuses us that the Christmas Season continues even as the workaday world returns to normal activities in 2013 is, "This Christmas".  From the original recording by co-composer Donny Hathaway in 1970, to versions by Diana Ross, the Whispers, and John Legend, it is a worthy song with which to proceed through this second week of our commemoration of the 20 Days of Christmas this year. Whispers,............tdp

112th CONGRESS ABOUT TO END WITHOUT PASSING HURRICANE SANDY RELIEF............

The House of Representatives in the 112th Congress is preparing to go into concluding adjournment, without passage of any disaster relief to address Hurricane Sandy.  The decision of the House Leadership not to schedule a vote on the relief bill aid package for the citizens of the Eastern seaboard of the United States, especially New Jersey and New York, a bill that passed the United States Senate last week with the bipartisan support of 62 Senators.  The House's failure to act, 66 days after the onslaught of Hurricane Sandy is being widely condemned across the political spectrum, and is being forcefully addressed at this hour by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who is bluntly blaming and excoriating Speaker of the House "John Boehner and the Republican Majority in the House", for not taking responsibility and is roundly chiding Speaker Boehner for pulling authorization for a vote on the aid package and lauding House Majority Leader Eric Canto for trying to get a vote taken on this disaster relief.  Governor Christie has just said that actions like this are the reason, "People Hate Congress", as he asserts he and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, and the two States Senators and House members are working together in a  bipartisan manner, to get the aid for New York and New Jersey.   A high charged, tenacious, Governor Christie sounds very ready to fight for House passage of this $60 billion Hurricane Sandy relief bill until the House of Representatives responds affirmatively, in what Christie has described this morning as a betrayal.............tdp

REPUBLICAN HOUSE LEADERSHIP MEMBERS SPLIT EVENLY IN THEIR VOTES ON FISCAL CLIFF BILL.............

The House of Representatives vote late last night on the Senate passed Fiscal Cliff compromise bill the outcome being its passage by 257-167; included an even split in the votes cast by the key Republican Leadership in the House, Speaker John Boehner, Majority Leader Eric Cantor, Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, and Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan.  Speaker Boehner and Chairman Ryan voted in favor of the Fiscal Cliff compromise bill, while Majority Leader Cantor and Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy voted against the bill.  The split decision by these four GOP Congressmen has MSNBC's 'Morning Joe' host Joe Scarborough criticizing John Boehner and Paul Ryan for voting to expand the federal debt by $4 trillion by voting yes, and particularly zeroing in on Paul Ryan as not being a fiscal hawk, but what he is the $11 trillion man for having voted for both the Fiscal Cliff compromise bill and the President George W. Bush's $7 trillion Prescription Drugs Plan for Seniors.  Explaining his viewpoint, Scarborough is saying the House Republicans had more leverage with the Obama Administration to shape and tailor the bill that was passed last night with the support of 85 Republican House members joining with 172 Democratic members of the House.............Fr.  Troy 

NEW YEAR'S DAY 2013 : MARY DID YOU KNOW YOUR SON WAS THE PRINCE OF PEACE ?,,,,,,,,,,,,,

A Happy and Blessed New Year of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Two Thousand and Thirteen, to one and all, this January 1st, the 8th Day of Christmas and Solemnity of Mary Mother of God and World Day of Prayer For Peace.  The Christmas carol favorite I ask you to join me in singing and praying today, is the contemporary popular Christmas song, "Mary Did You Know ?".  May Jesus Our Messiah, Who is the true Prince of Peace bring the light of God's Love into the lives of Humankind today and everyday if 2013.............tdp

THE CONTINUING FISCAL CLIFF-HANGER IN THE HOUSE.............

The 2 a.m. Eastern Time vote overnight in the United States Senate with overwhelmingly bipartisan support for the Fiscal Cliff compromise bill negotiated by the two Senate Leaders and the Vice President, by a better than eleven to one margin, in a vote of 89 - 8; faces a renewed obstacle in the House of Representatives.  Speaker of the House John Boehner's statement twelve days ago when he pulled his own Plan B bill proposal from being voted upon, that he would let the Senate leadership pass a Fiscal Cliff bill first and when they did, take it up in the House and give it an up or down vote, has been pulled back, with House Majority Leader Eric Cantor coming out against the bill passed by the Senate last night siding with arch conservative Tea Party opposition to the legislation, without more and steeper spending cuts.  With the 112th Congress history and the new 113th Congress convening in just under forty four hours from now, unless a reachable acceptance of the bill with amendments to placate Republican Tea Party opponents to achieve a winning vote on the bill in the House, both chambers will have to start all over again as of 12 Noon Eastern Time  Thursday, and the passage of overnight's Senate Fiscal Cliff bill will be voided.  Having gone over the Cliff, the Senate having acted and the House putting the necessary legislation in a cliffhanger predicament, New Year's Day 2013 is underscoring that in the governmental American House of the People, is being held hostage to self interest Politics, instead of the what is in the best interest of our citizens.  Because Representative Eric Cantor and the Tea Party Republicans hold the votes to retain or remove Speaker John Boehner, the decent and honorable man he is, is being left twisting and turning, with his Speakership, and the Financial Stability and Economy of the USA, irresponsibly clinging to a precipice due to their political manipulations.............Fr.  Troy

A BLESSED, HEALTHY, AND PEACE FILLED, YEAR OF OUR LORD 2013 !!!!!!!!!!!!!.............

As the ball drops and bells throng ringing in the New Year 2013 A.D., I wish you who follow, read, and surf the blogsphere, and come to, "Insights Into Life And Faith By Father Troy David Powers", a very Blessed, Healthy, and Peace Filled, New Year, Everyone of the 365 Days directly ahead of us.  God Bless You and your Families, Friends, Fellow Believers, and all the World in this Year of the Lord more than two Millennium and thirteen years into the 21st Century of Catholic-Christianity and our Discipleship in Jesus The Messiah of God's Creation............Reverend Father Troy David Powers,  East Sacramento California USA