INSIGHTS INTO LIFE AND FAITH BY FATHER TROY DAVID POWERS

MORNING ANTIBIOTIC, MORE THERAPY, MARVELOUS VISITORS,............

2012-02-17T09:17:00.000-08:00

I received only a morning antibiotic treatment yesterday, so those treatments are done for now, which is a hopeful sign the infection is arrested and successfully at bay, please God. I continue to work on the physical and occupational therapy of transferring and extending the period of time I am sitting up in the wheelchair. Two wonderful visits yesterday came from Carl and Rose DiCapo, from Presentation Parish, and Deacon candidate Paul Friedrich, both which helped round out the day. I am pondering how soon to call together my circle of friends to organize the celebration of the Silver Jubilee as a Priest the first week of May, ten weeks from now. Contact me if you would like to assist. Stabilizing my health and progressing sufficiently so as to my priestly, parish ministry, remains Goal number One............Fr. Troy

TODAY MAY BE THE DAY THE ANTIBIOTICS ARE DONE............

2012-02-16T08:49:00.000-08:00

The Doctor was in at dinner time last night and said my current antibiotic treatments are scheduled to most likely end today. I am feeling much stronger with only minimal pain and progressing on the therapeutic front, and there is no sign of infection, thus the time should be right. My transfers from bed to wheelchair, wheelchair to bed, with the transfer board and yesterday to and from the commode, are going very well. Clint from Anchor Prosthetics also returned yesterday afternoon having padded the inside of my prostheses, so that I fit into it comfortably and can stand and walk with it - painlessly. Wednesday also included visits from another patient here presently, who is a St, Phiolmene's parishioner, along with Joe Gibson, Fr. Pius, an afternoon visit from Fr. Eduino, and an evening visit from Msgr. Kavanagh. Pushing forward............Fr. Troy

LOVE DEEPER THAN VALENTINE'S DAY............

2012-02-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

With Valentine's Day behind us for another year, hopefully the Love and affection it denotes does not fade out with the passing of the day, but was reaffirmed in yesterday's remembrances, to be lived out daily. Fed Ex reported yesterday gift deliveries for Valentine's Day were up 11% over last year. The average American Valentine's Day purchaser yesterday spent $126.00, to express their love to their personal valentine. All this is well and good for those able to afford such gifts from flowers, candies, jewelry, or romantic dinners, and is a boon to the economy; but they do not replace the authenticity of affection and boundless love rooted within the married, dating, and significant others, who celebrated yesterday and who are devoted to carrying their commitment of love forward unconditionally, all year round. So as you move forward from the fond memories of your Valentine's Day, may the spirit of Love and devotion it represents for you and your valentine illuminate everyday............Fr. Troy

3 CANOSSIANS, 1 RED CARNATION, A LAP AROUND MERCY GENERAL, ANCHOR AWAY, AND TED DAHLBERG............

2012-02-14T16:16:00.000-08:00

Canossian Sisters Jenny, Eliza, and Felicity, paid me a visit this morning, which was thoughtful and very enjoyable. Being Valentine's Day, it was interesting that the lunch tray had a red color themed paper placemat and a fresh red carnation on it. My physical therapy session was another successful set of bed to wheelchair transfers, taking the wheelchair around the Continuing Care Center and then down the hall and the elevator, through the back of the hospital, outside, and across back over into the Rehab building. Then Ted Dahlberg came by, bearing sugar free chocolate candies and a bag of pistachios, welcome snacks !!!!!! I am feeling stronger daily and excited about increasing progress in my mobility. Clint from Anchor Prostheses was here today to discuss adjusting my temporary prosthetic socket. He took it with him and will return tomorrow with it padded so I can restart using it.............Fr. Troy

PT PROGRESS............

2012-02-13T20:05:00.000-08:00

I proceeded today to use the transfer board to move from the bed to the wheelchair, and from the wheelchair to the bed. Both transfers in one, safe, secure, movements onto and across the board. The physical therapist and I then went out into the hallway and made a full lap of the floor. Eager to continue expediting my forward progress to move on productively.............Fr. Troy

WHO DO WE TREAT AS CURRENT DAY LEPERS ?............

2012-02-12T12:17:00.000-08:00

Leprosy was was one of the great maladies of disease and segregation in the Sacred Scriptures, feared by those inflicted with it as well as others who might come into contact with them. Lepers were outcast and kept isolated, out of concern they would taint other persons with the disease. Leper colonies separating them out and away from the general population was normal practice. Jesus' Healing ministry making ten lepers whole again was a concrete example of the mutual inherent dignity of lepers, like that all of all human beings. And that only one of the ten lepers, returned with gratitude for having been restored to health freed from leprosy, did not diminish all lepers human dignity and value. St. Damian of Molokai in Hawaii, is an outstanding example of Catholic-Christian belief and practice in not casting off or segregating lepers, but treating them with respect that affirms their humanity, not just isloates them as persons. Who in the world today are treated as lepers, due to disease, illness, social, economic, or spiritual, inequality ? How are we as Disciples of Jesus Christ and Believers in the Eternal God of Creation contributing to the eradication of segregation, isolation, separation, and inequality, between peoples, especially those marginalized in our so[ciety. Like St. Damian of Molokai, how are we instruments of healing on earth and building up God's Kingdom ? Take time this week to ponder and proactively decide how you can break the presence of the leprosy of sin and selfishness you encounter in the circle of life............In The Healing Grace Of Jesus The Lord, Fr. Troy

OLOL FEAST DAY, MSGR. KAVANAGH'S BIRTHDAY, MERCY GENERAL HOSPITAL's ANNIVERSARY............

2012-02-11T12:45:00.000-08:00

February 11th is the liturgical Feast Day, of Our Lady of Lourdes, commemorating the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, yo a young woman Bernadette in Lourdes, France in 1857, declaring herself to be the Immaculate Conception. Over the more than a century and half since, the site of the Blessed Mother's appearance to St. Bernadette, has become one of the most traveled to Marian shrines of pilgrimage in the world. The ill, infirm, diseased, disabled, and those beset with adverse health journey to Lourdes to bath in what they believe are healing waters. It is the Parish Feast Day in Del Paso Heights / Rio Linda / Elverta / Robla / Sacramento / and I assure the parishioners of my prayers and spiritual presence with them today as they celebrate our patronal feast. Following the 5 p.m. Mass, they will hold a Rosary Procession on the church grounds and a Potluck in the Parish Hall, to celebrate the Feast Day. Also today, Msgr. Ed Kavanagh is celebrating his 87th Birthday, doing what he has done for the past sixty four years, carrying out his priestly ministries in South Sacramento, at St. Rose's / St. Patrick's, on Franklin Boulevard. Happy Biurthday to him !!!!!!!!!!!! And as I am here today at Mercy General Hospital Rehab Continuing Care Center, today is also the Anniversary of the day Mercy General Hospital opened at 40th and J Streets in East Sacramento / Midtown, on February 11, 1925. Happy Feast Day; Happy Birthday; Happy Anniversary; to OLOL Parish - Msgr. Kavanagh - and Mercy General Hospital - for the significant responsibilities they carry out and the continuing roles they continue to play in my life and ministry, as a Priest of Jesus Christ............Fr. Troy

AN ACCOMODATION REGARDING CONTRACEPTIVE COVERAGE IN RELIGIOUS FACILITIES ANNOUNCED BY THE WHITE HOUSE............,

2012-02-10T09:40:00.000-08:00

After a two week firestorm over the Obama Administration's decision to require Catholic and other religious based hospitals and health care services, to provide and or pay for contraception under the new National Health Care coverage; much of the opposition to the proposed requirement led by the U.S. Catholic Bishops, led by Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York, citing infringement on religious liberty and violation of conscience; the White House announced an accommodation today, attempting to deflect, if not ameliorate the conflict. Church related health care facilities will not have to pay for contraceptive coverage of their employees, but coverage will still be available to all women employees, through the insurance companies. Today's decision is a compromise that will not please everyone, but does lift a mandate that would otherwise fly in the face of official Catholic Teaching. The controversy has also spread into the political arena with opposition on the part of Republican presidential candidates and congressional leaders, as well as a number of Democrats, including the Vice President. The right to religious liberty and the freedom of religion are enshrined in the the Constitution of the United States. Where governance, religion, and politics, intersect as in this situation, a balance must be achieved that allows the human conscience of Catholics and other Believers to not be violated by a mandate imposed upon them that is contrary to the moral values they profess or practice. May the outcome of this current debate increase and strengthen the acknowledgement and affirmation of religious liberty and freedom in faith, to follow our well formed conscience in fulfillment of both our citizenship as Americans, and disciples of Jesus the Christ............Fr. Troy

EDGING FORWARD ON THE THERAPY FRONT............

2012-02-09T11:32:00.000-08:00

After yesterday's new stretching exercises for my right hip, leg, and stump, I awoke this morning with some pain on both my right and left hips and legs. Tylenol was sufficient to alleviate it. The pt session today found me able to sit up at bedside with less pain in my hip or back, and with an assist from the therapist. to pivot over into a regular chair and sit comfortably for a few minutes. The stretching, rolling in, rolling out, leg exercises continue, and I am hoping to resume my transferring from bed to wheelchair in just a few days............Fr. Troy

PHYSICAL THERAPY ADDRESSING PAIN IN RIGHT HIP, LEG, STUMP............

2012-02-08T19:43:00.000-08:00

My physical therapy sessions yesterday and today, have been focused on loosening a nerve in my right hip, and leg, that has tightened and narrowed and is causing me pain in sitting up. The exercises are concentrated on tightening my right knee, elevating my leg, and rolling my knee in and out, before releasing and dropping it. I am also standing on my left leg with walker and therapist assistance to lift, but because my stump has shrunken, must await arrival of my shrinker socks from the rectory to painlessly secure my stump into the prostheses......As I was finishing my dinner, a visitor arrived from my Lambda Chi Alpha past. Brother Steve Fishman, who is one of my two little brothers, appeared and spent an enjoyable three quarters of an hour with me, in a well rounded conversation of the past, present, and future. Steve's marriage was the first wedding I officiated at as a transitional Deacon in 1986. His visit and the memories and fraternal experiences and friendships we shared, made for an enjoyable sharing and reconnection......I am continuing to lift up in prayer, Mark Peterson and his family, as his grandmother 91.5 years old, slips away. God be good to her, and strengthen her family at this time............Fr. Troy

SANTORUM SCORES A STUNNING SWEEP OF MISSOURI, MINNESOTA, AND COLORADO............

2012-02-07T22:20:00.000-08:00

Upsetting the current conventional wisdom and Republican Establishment desire that Mitt Romney is the one most likely to be the 2012 Presidential Nominee, the Missouri Primary, and the Minnesota and Colorado Caucuses tonight, he lost - in a clean sweep by Rick Santorum. Santorum vying for the past few months to be seen as the conservative alternative to Mitt Romney, and tonight can credibly claim that position. In Missouri and Minnesota, Santorum defeated Roimney in double digits; and in Colorado, he seems to have won a three or four percentage vote victory. With eight states in the nominating process completed, Santorum has won 4 - Iowa; Missouri; Minnesota; Colorado; Romney with0 3 - New Hampshire; Florida; Nevada; Gingrich having 1 - South Carolina; and Paul - 0. Saturday brings the Maine Caucuses, and in the last days of February, the Arizona Primary and the Michigan Caucuses............Fr. Troy

COURT OF APPEALS PANEL OVERTURNS CALIFORNIA SAME SEX MARRIAGE BAN............

2012-02-07T14:28:00.000-08:00

A three judge panel of the 9th District Court of Appeals in the western United States, announced their decision this morning declaring Proposition 8, passed by California, banning marriage same sex marriage, unconstitutional. That means the issue of homosexual couples legal right to marry in California, and perhaps the United States, is likely to be appealed up to the United States Supreme Court. It is unclear whether a stay will be placed on the immediate resumption of same sex marriages in California, but the battle is all but certain to continue between proponents of maintaining traditional marriage only, between one man, and one woman, as the natural order of Creation; and those advocating for the marriage equality between same sex couples, as their constitutional and civil rights............Fr. Troy

LONG REIGNING ROYAL GENES............

2012-02-06T15:46:00.000-08:00

On February 6, 1952, a twenty five year old princess, afloat on the way to Australia, stepped onto the forefront of the world stage, when her father, the King of England, succumbed to cancer in London. On that day sixty years ago, she became Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain and the realm of the British Commonwealth. Over these six decades she has reigned over the British people and now soon to be 86 years old, is closing in on being the longest enduring monarch in British history. Her great grandmother, Queen Victoria, having reigned for over sixty three years, if Elizabeth II has anywhere near the longevity of her own late mother, who lived to be 101 years old, until her death a decade ago; the current Queen may achieve an almost unassailable length of royal service. During her sixty years on the British throne to date, 10 British Prime Ministers and 12 American Presidents have served in Great Britain and the United States. Remaining true to the vow of her youth to faithfully serve, she continues to carry out her duties and in a very changed world, provides constancy and pageantry to her beloved British people............Fr. Troy

5TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME AND PRESSING THE PATIENCE OF JOB............

2012-02-05T12:31:00.000-08:00

Anyone who has suffered a serious illness, disease, limitation, or disability, is able to understand the patience and perseverance required to contend and cope with the physical, developmental, or intellectual, challenges that must be confronted, dealt with, and overcome, in addressing the ability to live a quality life, with confidence and optimism. In the Hebrew Scriptures, the central example of that necessary perseverance and patience is the infamously beset Job, from whom we hear in today's First Reading at Sunday Mass and Christian Worship. Despite a relentlessly continuous string of afflictions and setbacks thrust upon him and his people, Job withstood falling into despair. Today's passage indicates Job's humanness caused frustration to overflow as he questioned, if not argued the merits of of the maladies, a natural response of anyone so immensely tested. I am surely not alone in being able to identify with the magnitude of the challenges and frustrations Job endured and spoke to, in today's Sunday Scrptures. Even good people find themselves confronted with bad things in the world. The affects of illness, disease, suffering, pain, immobility, disability, do not need to vanquish our ability to proceed with a quality of life that is grounded in positive attitudes and productive actions. Job did not give up on himself or God, and neither should those bearing inordinately crosses. Any person, community, institution, or employer, who marginalize or deflate the spirit, or discourage the opportunity for the fullest possible inclusion and empowerment of every human person, regardless of their state in life, need to remain keenly aware at any given moment, the patience and perseverance of Job may become a part of your human experience............Fr. Troy

LAS VEGAS CAUCUS COUNTS STILL INCOMPLETE; ROMNEY WINS NEVADA CAUCUSES BY MORE THAN TWO TO ONE............

2012-02-05T07:22:00.000-08:00

With approximately 25, 000 Nevada Caucuses votes counted from Saturday's Nevada Republican Presidebtial Caucuses, and results from Clark County that includes Las Vegas, not yet finalized - 70% of the total vote; Mitt Romney is winning with 48% of the votes. Newt Gingrich is receiving 23%; Ron Paul 19%; and Rick Santorum 11%; of the votes cast at the Nevada Caucuses. Republican voter turnout in Nevada was down, just as it was in Florida lastTuesday, over what it was 2008. Evening caucus meetings in Las Vegas were scheduled during the day with the rest of the Silver State, and in the evening as well, in the gambling mecca of the United States, as Saturday Caucuses meant Orthodox Jews and Seventh Day Adventists, could only participate after the end of their Sabbath............Fr. Troy

ROMNEY ROMPS IN NEVADA CAUCUSES............

2012-02-04T16:52:00.000-08:00

Mitt Romney is leading by a more than two and a half to one margin over both Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul, with Rick Santorum running a very distant fourth in the Nevada Caucuses today. With most Caucus meetings over and vote results coming in, Romney at this point has 52%; Paul 20%; Gingrich 19%; Santorum 9%; with 3% of the votes counted. CNN is reporting Romney is winning 91% of the Mormon vote; 53% of the Catholic vote; and 42% of the Protestant vote............Fr. Troy

THIS MORNING'S PT EFFORT ANOTHER STEP FORWARD............

2012-02-04T12:08:00.000-08:00

Working with the physical therapist at standing on my left foot and leg without my prostheses this morning, I was able to do so for four times, versus the three times yesterday and Wednesday. A small step in progressing, but a move forward. The pain in my right back/hip/leg/stump, is also not causing me any problem today after pt, an improvement on yesterday. Once the prostheses arrives I should make even greater improvement getting back to standing and walking as I was, and am resolved to do............Fr. Troy

A SHOUT OUT TO SOME OF MY FEBRUARY BIRTHDAY FRIENDS...........

2012-02-04T09:02:00.000-08:00

This week has included the birthdays of five of my friends, who along with their families are a special part of my life. On Thursday February 2nd, Ted Dahlberg celebrated his birthday, along with Noe Perez, and Timmy and Danny Gau. Today, Dylan Welch, is celebrating his birthday. Ted, his wife Irene, their late son Brad, and family I have known and enjoyed friendship with since my youth at St. Rose's Church in South Sacramento. Noe Perez, I have known for five years, since my assignment to St. Philomene's Parish, in Arden Arcade. Timmy and Danny Gau, the twin sons of Terry McNamara Gau, and Dave Gau, are now college freshmen, and attending Chico State University. And today, Dylan Welch, son of my departed friend / fraternity brother, and widow,, Brian and Kim Welch, a freshman at Texas A & M University, rounds out this five-some of birthday celebrants. I wish Ted, Noe, Timmy, Danny, and Dylan, the happiest of personal solemnities as they open another year of life experiences, with gratitude that knowing them permits me to share their friendship............Fr. Troy

OT STARTS WITH GETTING UP OUT OF BED INTO A REGULAR CHAIR............

2012-02-03T15:55:00.000-08:00

I am sitting in the chair in my room as a part of the start of my occupational therapy. I pivoted with the walker using my left foot to turn myself into the chair. It required a moderate assist from the therapist......I pivoted back onto the bed after a few minutes, with the assistance of the nurse. The focus on the ot will be transfers from bed to wheelchair, and shower chair / bench............Fr. Troy

FIRST PT HERE......AS I AWAIT ARRIVAL OF MY PROSTHESES............

2012-02-03T11:53:00.000-08:00

The physical therapist arrived just after 11 a.m., foolowing a visitor by Diane Jones, from St. Philomene's and a personal guitar melody of songs by a volunteer, certified guitar therapist, who visits the patients. For pt I briefly stretched, sat up at bedside, and stood with rhe walker, three times. Fr. Pius will be bringing my prostheses, so that I can start standing more stability as I do my pt. Pain when after doing these pt efforts is present, but lessening......Fr. Troy

GREAT START TO DAY ONE BACK @ MERCY GENERAL REHAB CCC............

2012-02-03T09:32:00.000-08:00

My first evening, overnight, and morning, at Mercy General Hospital Rehab Continuing Care Center, has gone well. I had a restful, methodical, night; slept soundly, and have very little pain. The nursing staff is all being very cordially attentive, and remember me from before......It is February 3rd, St, Blaise Day, the patron saint of illnesses and diseases of the throat, and it is the day in the Catholic Tradition when many parishes conduct the Blessing of Throats............Fr. Troy

MERCY GENERAL REHAB, HERE I AM AGAIN............

2012-02-02T18:09:00.000-08:00

My transporters arrived to transfer me from Mercy San Juan, to Mercy General Rehab, at 4 p.m., and had me here at just before 5 o'clock, where the R.N., to get me situated in my room, assessed, and settled in. Not bad timing, as dinner will arrive momentarily. I look forward to organizing and starting the next phase of physical therapy I need to excelerate, in order to progress with walking with my prostheses. More Soon......In the Praise and Glory of God and Appreciation for Dedicated Healthcare Givers, Fr. Troy

A BED BECOMES AVAILABLE @MGHR AFTER PEACHES FROM THE GEACHES............

2012-02-02T13:39:00.000-08:00

The Case Manager was just in again, informing Mercy General Rehab has a bed available for me as of this afternoon. She is finalizing arrangements and the transportation to take me there at about 3:30 p.m. Hallejuah !! The news comes foolowing a visit by Roger and Karin Geach, who came to feed me interpersonally, spiritually, and physically. They brought me a burger and a chicken salad, as well as some sugar free chocolate snacks. So I am excited about being discharged and transferred, so as to build on the healing process and get my physical therapy back to full throttle. More soon from East Sacramento............Fr. Troy

T MINUS 3 MONTHS TO SILVER JUBILEE............

2012-02-02T12:14:00.000-08:00

Three months from today, my diocesan classmates and colleagues, Reverend Father Eduino Silveira, Reverend Father Paul Schloeder, will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of our Ordination, and mark the Silver Jubilee of being Priests of Jesus Christ. I look forward to commemorating this quarter of a century of priestly ministry in the Diocese of Sacramento, with the parishioners, friends, family, who are among the People of God, it has been my joy and privilege to serve and lead, these past two and a half decades. In addition to continuing my priestly, pastoral, ministry well into the future after stabilizing my health, my foremost goals at present - I also have my Silver Jubilee celebration in purview as an incentive, to be well, strong, and stabilized by May. In coming weeks, I will invite a circle of my friends to assist me in organizing a Silver Jubilee celebration in thanksgiving and gratitude to God for my vocation; and in affirmation and gratitude for the wonderful people who have been the focus of my ministry, many of whom have helped me so much to fulfill my duties and meet the health challenges the past decade has dealt me. With Hope Filled Anticipation for Progress. Productivity, and the Physicality to Meet and Mark the Coming Months with Stability and Strebgth, Fr. Troy

MAROONED FIVE............

2012-02-02T09:53:00.000-08:00

Discharge and transfer today from Mercy San Juan, to Mercy General Rehab, is still predicated on bed availability. I have seen the doctor this morning, but not the case manager, and as it moves toward
Noon, the likelihood begins to lessen, that it will be today. If it is not, then I am marooned here for five days now, with non certainty when the transfer will actually occur. On Ground Hog Day, it is like that movie of the same title, being stuck in time, day after day, repeating the same scenario, unable to break out of a frozen holding pattern. My far from perfect patience, is being stretched as no matter how responsive my condition is to getting back on track physically and therapeutically, here I lay unable to do anything about it but pray and wait, while vital time ticks away............Fr. Troy

PRESENTATION OF THE LORD : ENLIGHTENING OUR PATH TO SALVATION............

2012-02-02T07:37:00.000-08:00

Though God made Man, sharing Human Nature yet Co-Eternal God, the Presentation of the Lord Jesus in the Temple by His parents Mary and Joseph, illuminates the path of possibility to Redemption and Salvation, that can lead every believer on Earth by the Light of Christ to the Kingdom of God. It is a sign that in Christ Jesus the Lord can be discovered the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, that underscored His Divine, Messianic, mission to reconcile and reunite Humankind everlastingly with the Supreme and Immemorial God of All Creation. Catholic-Christian congregations bless church liturgical candles today used throughout the year in what is traditionally called, "Candlemas Day". The very candles used at altars and in the sacred mysteries and sacramental, prayerful, celebrations of Living Faith. As you bear Witness to your Faith in Jesus Christ as the essential, effervescent, eternal, Light of the Holy One who was Presented to God, being God; and to whom we, seeking to become more like God, have the need and opportunity to Present ourselves as enlightened Disciples............Fr. Troy

SIX HOURS LATER AND STILL WAITING FOR MY PORT / PICC PROCEDURE............

2012-02-01T14:38:00.000-08:00

A half dozen hours after being told my port removal picc line reinsertion would be done today, with a bed supposedly available for my delayed transfer to Mercy General Rehab, here I lay trying to pass the time waiting, while having to try to ignore my fierce hunger. I have had these procedures done before in both Mercy and Sutter hospitals, so I am confused as to why I could not have the port / picc issue dealt with at MGH, once at the Rehab Continuing Care Center. The nurse Renee says they are coming down to get me, so'll let's see how soon and whether it is completed in time for dunner. Having not had lunch, I wonder if they will give me a larger portion of dinner ?............Fr. Troy

FASTING FOR PORT REMOVAL............

2012-02-01T12:05:00.000-08:00

Waiting to have my right shoulder infusion port removed today, requires that i fast from all food and drink, water included until it is done. Lunch is due my appetite is raging, and here I lay having to stay hungry. The physical therapist and I worked on pivoting from the bed into an ordinary chair, which was strenuous, but successful. Especially considering it was not from bed into a wheelchair, and I am working without my temporary prostheses. The back pain resulting from today's brief session is much improved over yesterday, and I have not had to call for any pain reliever. For the second night in a row I went without any Norco, and took my last dose 22 hours ago after my pt. A friendly, fraternal phone call from Fr. Steve Avella, made my morning and broke down some of the tedium of being in what for the last several days has become a way station to arriving where I need to be at Mercy General Rehab. A fully active mind, and a inactively affected body, are far from the ideal for any person with spirit, energy, focus, and determination. I am hoping and praying extra hard, that this port removal be done without much more delay, food and drink be available, and transfer completed, in what increasing feels like a protracted, manana moment !!!!!!!!!!!!............Fr. Troy

IS TODAY THE DAY ?............

2012-02-01T09:34:00.000-08:00

My doctor was just in to say that the latest blood cultures drawn yesterday, are negative for any further sign of infection. There is no word yet, but with an expected four discharges at Mercy General Rehab today, I may well be going this afternoon. However, the doctors also are telling me my port should be removed now, and a picc line reinserted; so that may delay my transfer yet another day ! I am oh so eager to go, so I'll let you know as soon as it comes to pass. After prayers and breakfasting, blogging, and Facebook-ing, I am watching Dan Elliott and colleagues on News 10 @ 9, to take some of the edge off the boredom and tediousness of being stationary. Like it has over the past years of facing my physical health challenges, it continues limitations to give me a greater grasp of the scope of feelings the sick and the shut-in, the hospitalized and the homebound ,experience coping with limitations to mobility and opportunity to simply live their daily lives............Fr. Troy

ROMNEY WINS FLORIDA PRIMARY BY DOUBLE DIGITS............

2012-01-31T17:58:00.000-08:00

Mitt Romney reclaimed his frontrunner status as the likely Republican Presidential Nominee this Fall, winning today's Florida Primary by well over ten percentage points more than Newt Gingrich. With 42% of the ballots cast in early voting the pat month, where his campaign finances and organization, gave him an overwhelming edge, and outspending Gingrich with negative ads, in television and radio primary buys by a 5-1 margin, at this hour, Romney has made his victory speech, with heavy emphasis on his successful leadership and record, and President Obama's failure; with 75% of the Florida precincts counted Romney has 47% of the vote; Gingrich 32% of the vote; Santorum 13% of the vote; Paul 7% of the vote. Gingrich's speech with a backdrop banner on the stage, "46 States To Go", is expected to speak shortly......Within the hour, my home health nurse, Susan Boyce came to visit me with a beautiful bouquet of roses. We had a very pleasant conversation. Standing by for Dinner !!!!!!!!!!!!............Fr. Troy

A SUCCESSFUL SECOND PHYSICAL THERAPY SESSION THIS WEEK............

2012-01-31T15:41:00.000-08:00

Following on my Sunday morning pt session, in which I sat up bedside successfully, but could not stand with the walker, with therapist's assistance, but without my prostheses, I just completed another pt session and was able to do so, not once, but three times; and the third time was the best standing of the three. It caused a substantial degree of back pain, but I succeeded in doing it with my therapist's assistance and direction. Bring on, Mercy General Rehab physical therapy............Fr. Troy

NOT TODAY............

2012-01-31T12:25:00.000-08:00

My wait for the availability of a bed at Mercy General Rehab CCC, will continue into tomorrow, as none are available today. My doctorS say there will be four discharges on Wednesday, so I am really hoping that it will be tomorrow. This bed, this room, my ever present appetite for more food, and my need to resume physical therapy, have me more than eager to get to MGHRCCC, and progress productively to a any more than necessary return to OLOL. It's Noon, and lunch should be here soon with my stomach, all but roaring like a lion !......Father Oliver Maher has just called me and our phone conversation was a tonic for my frustration, energizing my spirit.............Fr. Troy

STANDING BY FOR BED AVAILABILITY............

2012-01-31T10:00:00.000-08:00

It's Tuesday morning after breakfast and morning meds and I am awaiting word from the Mercy San Juan Case Manager regarding being transferred today to Mercy General Hospital Rehab, contingent on bed availability there. The waiting game is getting old, as I am ready, eager, and able to go; so I say let me go, and get on with the physical therapy to progress forward with. I greatly miss being in the parish and want to be back there as soon as my stable health allows me to be, hopefully within weeks......On this Florida Primary day it doesn't look like there's much doubt, that Mitt Romney will win - the question is by what percentage? Newt Gingrich vows to stay in for the long haul, but with Romney's huge financial advantage campaign-wise, a substantial win in Florida, and highly favorable February caucuses, primaries, and debates schedule leaning strongly toward him, the Romney momentum as the established frontrunner and putative nominee, may start to gain concerted traction. However, Gingrich's persistence in an attack counterattack forward contesting with Romney, and his twice over ability to come back so far, may keep this nomination fight going to Super Tuesday March 6th, if not beyond into the spring and summer. The strategic number is 1,144; the 1,144 delegates it takes to win the Republican Presidential Nomination............Fr. Troy

WHILING AWAY THE DAY AND THE HOURS THE MOST PATIENT WAY I CAN............

2012-01-30T14:49:00.001-08:00

Patience with limitations or other physical obstacles to doing what needs to be done, and I want to do, in carrying out my responsibilities and covering the bases of my life, has never been my strong suit. Therefore, as I wait at least until tomorrow, to move on to Mercy General Rehab and get my physical therapy and stability resumed, I am trying to the best with my impatient self to stay occupied prayerfully, intellectually, socially, communicatively, spiritually, not to let boredom and frustration take hold. Thank goodness for phones, laptop and internet, to pass the time with. Fr, Pius came to visit me as I was finishing lunch with the Monday parish bookkeeping folder, with checks and other letters, and paperwork for my signature. Paul Friedrich called and is coming to visit this afternoon, in what I know will be an engaging and enjoyable conversation. So I proceed to work behind the scenes, as I Have For the past several weeks, constructively and proactively working in the way I presently can, and find that affirming, personally and pastorally. God's Grace, Self Confidence and Optimism, and the Support of Others, Do and Will See Me Through Tis Successfully, Fr. Troy

THE WAITING GAME............

2012-01-30T09:33:00.000-08:00

The Mercy San Juan Case Manager has been in to see me this morning and says that it doesn't look like I will be discharged today, but probably tomorrow. It will not be to Mercy McMahon, but to the Continuing Care Center at Mercy General Hospital Rehab, where I was last year. That's the unpredictable side of hospital stays, discharges, transfers. You never no, until you go, for real. My doctor was just in and said I am ready to go, but that the arrangements for Mercy General Rehab CCC have to be finalized, so as broadcaster Paul Harvey says, "stand by for news"......Fr. Troy

BLOGGING, S.A.G., DINNER, A VISIT, AND PHONE CALL IMPROVE THE AFTERNOON INTO THE EVENING............

2012-01-29T20:35:00.000-08:00

My frustration and hunger pangs were improved on as the afternoon into the evening's blogging, broadcast of the Screen Actors Guild Awards, a bigger portioned dinner, a visit from Joe Gibson, and a phone call with Curtis Richards, have increased my energy for moving beyond the hospital and addressing, and please God, resolving my current health issues. About my hunger pangs, Jon Salinger posted on my Facebook page, that perhaps a Domino Pizza guy could come for me and all the other patients ! And I responded maybe Subway Turkey sandwiches or In and Out burgers !!............Fr. Troy ...The S.A.G. Lifetime Achievement Award presentation by Dick Van Dyke to Mary Tyler Moore, was short, sweet, and nostalogically moving...

LUNCH THAT COULD HAVE BEEN MORE AND NAPPING MY HUNGER AWAY............

2012-01-29T15:56:00.000-08:00

Not being the biggest of breakfast eaters, especially in hospital, where commotion and fitzing to get the day underway are the norm, I ate as much of the small portion of scrambled egg (maybe substitute) toast, peach cup, and milk, I was very hungry by the time lunch arrived at 1q2:30 p.m. It was a delicious beef stew, wheat roll, margarine, and iced tea. But it was quite a small bowl of stew, leaving me more than half hungry after finishing. That sent into a two hour nap. Awaiting and hoping for a snack and tie myself over until dinner 6 p.m. or thereafter, my choices were limited to diet jello, or a small salad, which I've too much of presently, and would suffice little more than water. So it's water until dinner arrives. Hopefully, the dinner portion will be something appetizing, tasty, and sufficient enough to knock down my hunger. The prime alternative to CNN and FOX News on this afternoon on this limited, sub basic, cable package, is "Forest Gump". the Screen Actors Guild Awards air following, which will entertaining. So much for a slow, drawn out, day waiting on more food. It's been infused by a phone call from Fr, Steve Avella, at Marquette University, in Milwaukee, Wiscon, and a chaplain's visit before lunch from Dr, Tom Bland, who was covering the hospital today............Fr. Troy

HOW ORDINARY IS A SUNDAY WHEN IN THE HOSPITAL ?............

2012-01-29T11:30:00.000-08:00

On this 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time, being in hospital, cannot be described as ordinary by any definition. Between 5:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m., I had labs, morning assessment, breakfast, a visit from the doctor, and a physical therapy assessment. The plan is still for discharge tomorrow to Mercy McMahon. The p.t. assessment went well, and was I was able to sit up at the end of the bedside independently, without pain, or assistance; yet I cannot stand without my prostheses,with a walker and therapist assistance, although I made a good effort at it. In the past two hours morning meds, including antibioticS were given, and through all this - my primary focus has been thinking of OLOL Parish and the worshipping, ministering, praying, community of belevers coming together for Sunday Masses. How much I miss them and being there presiding, proclaiming,serving, leading, cathecizing, socializing, in the spirit and truth of priestly and pastoral ministry. I also really miss the Sunday interaction with the R.C.I.A. members. I fully acknowledge the priority of being focused on my health and well being, but I also will not abandon my ordained responsibility to God and the Church, to return to my pastoral and priestly duties at OLOL. I am resolved to do everything in my power to recuperate, rehabilitate, and return, to my priestly parish duties as soon as I am stable enough to do so. Roger Geach, as ever these past three and a half years and particularly the last decade, called to check in with me last night, and we enjoyed a wonderful conversation. The prayers, loyalty, support, and caring - of family, friends, parishioners, and colleagues, like Roger and his family, keeps me anchored and confident to move onward and push forward. I am hoping to talk to Father Oliver today after his Christmas Days off. Thanks and gratitude to all of you for hanging in with me through this cross in my life that is undetachable in some form from the lives of any true Catholic-Christian. And our mutual Faith in God and the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ is my / our whole reason for being Believers. This Too, Shall Pass In The Victory of Christ,............Fr. Troy

FEELING BETTER BY THE DAY......DOCTORS SAY DISCHARGE FROM MERCY SAN JUAN MONDAY............

2012-01-28T14:36:00.000-08:00

I continue to feel much better and seem to be responding to the medications, treatments, doctors, nurses, and hospital care. I am continuing to keep food and drink down, and my appetite is normal. Wound Care reports my back surgery incision remains fully closed and healed over. The doctors are discharging me Monday, not directly home to OLOL rectory, but to most likely Mercy McMahon, across the streets from both Mercy General Hospital and Sacred Heart Church, until stable enough to go back to the parish. I thank those of you who are responding with your prayers, care, support, encouragement, and messages. I will do my best to keep you updated and pray for you. In addition to Fr. Pius' visits, Bishop Jaime Soto, Msgr. James Murphy, Victor Herrera, and Ted Dahlberg, have come to see me. My gratitude for all of you is boundless, for your loyalty and solidarity, as well as reading my blog and Facebook page............Pushing Forward with Faith in God and Positive Thinking, Fr. Troy

ONLINE AGAIN, BUT FROM MERCY SAN JUAN AGAIN, ............

2012-01-27T21:42:00.000-08:00

I had symptons on Tuesday afternoon/evening that brought me back into the hospital,to make certain it wasn't possible kidney rejection. It isn't. Another infection occurred in my blood and right spinal surgical area, that may have been caused by colitis. Fortunately, I am feeling much better and after three days able to eat and drink again without difficulty. Having my laptop back, I will keep you informed as to my progress and location............Fr. Troy

"THE STATE OF THE UNION" ADDRESS TO BE DELIVERED TONIGHT............

2012-01-24T09:02:00.001-08:00

The Constitution of the United States requires that from tine to time the President as Chief Executive shall deliver a report on the state of our nation to the members of Congress and the American People. Until a century ago, that involved the transmittal of a written message from the President to the Congress, and through newspapers, to the citizenry of the country. Since President Woodrow Wi;son's tenure in the White House, the Chief Executive has appeared before and delivered to, a jointly convened session of the House of Representatives and United States Senate, one of the anticipated annual events in reporting on the governance and direction of the nation. Tonight President Obama will deliver his third "State of the Union" Address, from the dais of the House, in the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, at 9 p.m. Eastern, 6 p.m. Pacific Time, broadcast live on television, radio, and on the internet, cable, and satellite, by all the major media outlets. Anewly released Pew Research Institute Poll this morning relays that 86% of Americans expect the President to concentrate his speech on Strengthening the Economy; 82% Jobs; and 69% Terror and the National Deficit . Going into his re-election year it will be interesting to see and hear what he reports and proposes to address the state of our union and in taking our country forward on all fronts, vital to the well being and vitality of the one nation under God, in freedom and liberty we are............Fr. Troy

THE NBC NEWS FLORIDA REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE............

2012-01-23T23:23:00.000-08:00

As the Republican Presidential candidates go to the Sunshine State in the eight days until the Florida Primary next Tuesday January 31st, they met in another Debate tonight in Tampa, sponsored by NBC News and moderated by Brian Williams. In contrast to last week's two debates in South Carolina, tonight's performance was much more laid back on the part of Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney, although Romney challenged Gingrich over his role and revenue received from Freddie Mac, and said three times in the first seven minutes of the Debate that Gingrich had resigned from the Speakership of the House of Representatives for failed leadership. Gingrich was no where near the fiery rhetorician he has been during most of these debates, and seemed to want to stay above the fray; letting Romney play the role of attack dog tonight. Accusing Gingrich of lobbying for Freddie Mac in regards to the mortgage crisis, and influence pedaling of GOP House members over Medicare Part D, prescription drug coverage for senior citizens, Romney was clearly on the offensive, trying very hard to put and keep Gingrich on the defensive. The most lively one on one exchange between Romney and Gingrich came as they disputed each other over the roles they played and profited from in Bain Capital and Freddie Mac; and the ethics of the monies derived to each of them personally the enterprises. Rick Santorum and Ron Paul. put in solid and sound performances in answering the questions directed to them and in responding and taking their opposition to both Gingerich and Romney. Given what seems to be unfolding on the Florida campaign trail and media ads, in directly criticizing and attacking the other's records by name; what transpired in tonight's Tampa Debate co-sponsored with NBC News, by the National Journal and the Tampa Bay Times, was a civil interaction, with a strategically offensive Mitt Romney, not getting a high powered defensive Gingrich reaction, but a more frontrunner-esqe response, not attacking the media elites. Both of them along with Santorum also spent a fair portion of their responses to the questions posed zeroed in on President Obama's record and shortcomings, as they are mounting their campaigns against him now, and vow to be the most effectively able to do so in this Fall's General Election for President............Fr. Troy

ATHLETICS AND SPORTS HAVE A ROLE IN LIFE......BUT THEY ARE ONLY GAMES............

2012-01-23T13:35:00.000-08:00

The San Francisco 49-ers heartbreaker loss to the New York Giants in yesterday's National Football Conference Championship Game, is a disappointment for those of us who are their fans, but the depth of our feelings should have reasonable limits that keep the outcome and the athletic contest it was in perspective. Athletics and Sports play a prominent role in society, in the United and throughout the World. They form, shape, and develop our physical, interpersonal, abilities and our appreciation and loyalty to, and for, individuals and teams who play them exceedingly well. In some ways Sports have become a Religion for those who participate in, or follow them. That being said, civility and mutual and self respect must be maintained, no matter the outcome of an athletic contest we are fans and followers of. So it is shocking that in response to the two mistakes made by the 49-ers player Kyle Williams yesterday, that resulted in their loss to the Giants by a score of 20-17; has drawn fierce anger to the degree of hatred and evil, the response is garnering online.
The online outcry in vehement reaction to Kyle Williams foibles in Sunday's Game, are uncalled for and outlandish, especially the inhumane Tweet that says...He, his wife, and children, should die, because of his mistakes in the Championship Game. When a game, sport, or athletic competition, becomes more valuable than human life, then it is seriously time to re-evaluate our priorities and integrity. Even seasoned athletes make mistakes, yet alone a 22 year old football player at the beginning of his professional career. The fact that the San Francisco 49-ers went 14-4, in a near miraculous season of competition to get to the NFC Championship, means although they will not play in this year's Super Bowl, they possess the possibility to be in the hunt even more successfully next year............Fr. Troy

AS THE REPUBLICAN NOMINATION FIGHT MOVES TO FLORIDA THIS WEEK - ANOTHER DEBATE IN TAMPA TONIGHT............

2012-01-23T11:03:00.000-08:00

The Florida Primary is up next in the Presidential Nomination contest, and the Gingrich, Romney, and Santorum, have moved on to campaign there, in countdown to the Florida P, going intrimary next Tuesday January 31st. Ron Paul is not concentrating on Florida, but looking toward the upcoming Caucus States, such as Nevada, and Arizona. With Gingrich's twelve percent victory over Romney in South Carolina, his surging and momentum will make this week an aggressive set of exchanges between the candidates as it already becoming on the campaign trail in Florida, and is all but certain to be in tonight's NBC News Debate moderated by Brian Williams in Tampa. Today's national Gallup Daily Tracking Poll, shows Romney with 29%; Gingrich 28%; Paul 13%; Santorum 11%; in support to be the 2012 Republican nominee for President. Romney down one percent, but Gingrich up three percentage, from yesterday. The Rasmussen Poll, released today, which had Romney up by 22% over Gingrich two weeks ago, now has Gingrich leading Romney by 9%, in Florida. Whether Romney can begin to stem the surge toward Gingrich, in his debate presentation tonight and campaigning over the next eight days, in addition to releasing his tax returns for 2010 and a projection for 2011, tomorrow is one of the key questions now, in what may be shaping up as a showdown in the Republican Party, between the Establishment supporting Romney, and the Tea Party increasingly supporting Gingrich............Fr. Troy

WINTER RAIN AND SNOW ARRIVE THREE WEEKS INTO JANUARY............

2012-01-23T09:01:00.000-08:00

Surprising, the first nineteen days of this month, brought no rain and only little snowfall to Northern California, an anomaly as winter unfolds, but then since last Thursday appreciable rain has come to the greater Sacramento and San Francisco areas, and significant snow has fallen in the Sierra Nevada mountains. After two and a half weeks of no rain, the more than 2.5 inches of rain in the past five days, and several inches of snow to skiers delight in the mountains, has changed the dryness to wetness, and the rainfall doubled the total rainfall we have received since October, November, December, and the first half of January combined. Flashing flooding and storm warnings have resulted, but with the rainfall forecasted to dry up for the next week, the amount we need agriculturally is still far less than needed. Therefore, we welcome the precipitation we have gotten since January 20th, hopeful much more will come in balanced measures............Fr. Troy

BREAKING NEWS OVERNIGHT - JOE PATERNO DIES; GABRIELLE GIFFORDS RESIGNING;............

2012-01-22T16:15:00.000-08:00

Americans woke up this morning to the news that the recently fired 46 year Head Coach of Penn State Football, Joe Paterno, has died of cancer at age 85. Also that Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, recovering from being shot and seriously wounded a year ago, will be resigning from Congress this week. Joe Paterno, the iconic, longest serving College Football Coach in history, was relieved following the fallout from the assistant coach's Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse of minors scandal, for his failure to report it to law enforcement officials. But that is far from the legacy left by Joe Paterno and his 62 year career as a stellar coach, educator, mentor, a record of achievement, that cannot, and should not be denied, or destroyed, by this current scandal. May He Rest In Peace......
Gabrielle Giffords, a moderately conservative Democratic Representative from Tucson, Arizona, was seriously wounded by a gunman at an outdoor town hall meeting in her congressional district, one year ago and has been recuperating and in rehabilitation since. She is making strides, but has a long ways back, and has decided to resign from the House of Representatives to concentrate on her recovery. May She Achieve Her Goals. They are two Great Americans, whose contributions and valiance will be counted in the hallmarks of history. For Paterno's passing, and Giffords' resignation, now makes History, and ultimately God, the supreme determiner of their legacies and achievements as a Coach and a Public Servant............Fr. Troy

A PIVOTAL SUNDAY AFTERNOON IN THE 'STICK............

2012-01-22T11:40:00.000-08:00

With the National Football League NFC Championship playoff game, one game away from Super Bowl XXXXVI, on February 5th, this afternoon in Candlestick Park, between the San Francisco 49'ers and the New York Giants, their is great anticipation in what is expected to be a very good, and close, playoff game that the 49-ers may well win their way to their sixth Super Bowl in thirty years. With the great throng of San Francisco 49-ers fans, I am cheering today with millions of fans in hope and pride that they will prevail in today's game, to be real contenders in Super Bowl XXXXVI......Go Niners !!!!!!!!!!!!............Fr. Troy

THE 3RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME's ECUMENICAL SUNDAY FOCUS............

2012-01-22T09:03:00.000-08:00

On this fifth day of the Week of the 105th annual Prayer For Christian Unity, we celebrate, "Ecumenical Sunday", focusing our attention and on prayers, and activities, that undergird what we share together as Believers and Disciples of Jesus, the "One Faith, One Lord, One Baptism", in Christ that unites us. The theme of this year's Week of Prayer For Christian Unity, from 1st Corinthians 15:51-58; "All Of Us Will Be Changed By The Victory Of Our Lord Jesus Christ". This Sunday, and the eight days of Christian Unity Week we are observing, draw us back to our central core of living and practicing our Faith, in the One Church founded by Jesus, and striving to unite it wholistically by healing its divisions and building on we share in common and brings us together, not what separates and segregates us. Take the opportunity Ecumenical Sunday and Christian Unity Week provide you to truly work that changes and allows all of us who are Catholic-Christians to mutually share, sustain, and strengthen, the Values and Vision that shape our Victory in Jesus Christ the one and only, Universal Lord and Living and True God............Fr, Troy

99% OF SOUTH CAROLINA PRIMARY VOTES COUNTED GINGRICH WINNING IN DOUBLE DIGITS............

2012-01-21T19:12:00.000-08:00

Newt Gingrich has won the South Carolina Primary with 99% of the votes counted by 14 points, 41% to 27% over Mitt Romney. Santorum finishing third with 17%; and Ron Paul 13%; the Republican contest after three States, stands at 1-1-1, with Santorum, Romney, Gingrich, each winning one of the three...An agreesive week and a half campaign for the Florida Primary on January 31st, is assured between Gingrich and Romney, with Santorum and Paul remaining very much in the mix going forward...Fr. Troy

GINGRICH MAKES HIS VICTORY SPEECH............

2012-01-21T18:52:00.000-08:00

Newt Gingrich, the winner of the South Carolina Primary, is beginning to address his campaign supporters and making his victory speech. He begins with a thank you to everyone in S.C. who helped him, along with his family. He is rolling out his recollections and appreciaton of S.C. during this Primary campaign. Describing as humbling and sobering the number of people who want to get the country back on track...Jobs, Healthcare Costs, and overcoming the Washington and New York Elites...After referring to the greatness of President Ronald Reagan, he is paying tribute to Santorum, Paul, and Romney, and their backgrounds, citing the four of them as examples of success. Declaring he wants to run not a Republican campaign, but an American campaign...Moving on to Florida and beyond, and if he is the nominee he says he will challenge President obama to seven, three hour debates...Economics, Jobs, Money being key issues, but the centerpiece being American Exceptionalism versus Radical Socialism...Creating Jobs, not Food Stamps as President...Shrinking the power of Washington D.C., and back to the States...Getting back to a Balanced Budget in paying down the National Debt...An Energy Policy that is so independent, that no future President bows to a Saudi King...Attacking President Obama on the Keystone Pipeline delay, calling President obama so weak, he makes Jimmy Carter look strong...Citing the contrasts he will make between himself and the President this Fall, he appeals to supporters to help him move on to Florida and onward............Fr. Troy

AWAITING GINGRICH'S SPEECH............

2012-01-21T18:24:00.000-08:00

Having heard from the other three Republican candidates, Newt Gingrich is expected to make his victory speech soon, as the winner of the South Carolina Presidential Primary...At this point Gingrich is winning with 41% of the votes; Romney 26% of the votes; Santorum 18% of the votes; and Paul 13% of the votes; and Gingrich the sole winner as of yet of S.C. Delegates with 17; to zero for the others...CNN like CBS News, reporting that Gingrich won 50-51% of the S.C. Primary voters whose Top Prority is the ability ton Defeat President Obama...With 82% of the precincts counted, Gingrich has 41% ofthe votes; Romney 27% of the votes; Santorum 18%; Paul 13%...Gingeich won 44% of the Evangelical votes; and 45% of the Tea Party voters......

SANTORUM SPEAKS NEXT ............

2012-01-21T17:52:00.000-08:00

ABC, CBS, NBC, News have all projected a Gingrich victory in S.C., and Rick Santorum has taken the stage before his supporters in S.C., thanking his family, acknowledging Gingrich's win tonight, and describing his family made decision for him to seek the Presidency, repeating his grandfather's experience of freedom and opportunity in Pennsylvania, mirroring his Caucuses night speech in Iowa, January 3rd, that area of Penn. that holds on tightly to their guns and their Bibles...Stating they want someone who believes in them, not a government that wants to care for them...And he announces he's going on to Florida and other states with his campaign. A message of a Republican Party and a Conservative Movement, where every American will have the opportunity to rise in society again...With values of work and opportunity, to compete, and ton even run for President of the United States...Standing up for the Values, of Faith, Family, and Freedom...For the Truth of Marriage, Parenthood, Family, Children, the beating pulse of the Healthy Family...Describing himself as the Candidate who is the Good Stark Contrast, and that this is a, Wide Open Race............

RON PAUL'S SPEECH............

2012-01-21T17:32:00.000-08:00

Ron Paul citing just 37 delegates to the Republican Nomination have been chosen, states this will continue to be a long, tough, slog...He vows to stay in to promote the cause of Liberty...Citing how the cause has grown over the past 20-30 years, including an outcome in his vote in S.C., being 4-5 times more than it was in 2008...To get back to reasonable budgets, he repeats his call for $1 trillion in cuts in one year...Restoring the Constitution and Liberty are what he proposes, returning money from being spent overseas, to here at home...The Values that have made America Great, control of our freedom and opportunity, and control of our money...A return to the founders vision of a foreign policy of self interest and national security...A restoration of a free and prosperous society, that is focused on caring for ourselves, not entitlements...Abolishing the Patriotic Act and the taking away of our liberties...Decreasing, not increasing our National Debt ceiling...Reversing the decline and debt of recent years and a return to investment in this country............

ROMNEY IS SPEAKING FIRST............

2012-01-21T17:10:00.000-08:00

Mitt Romney is speaking to his supporters, congratulating Newt Gingrich, calling it three contests into a long fight, because there's so much worth fighting for. Saying tomorrow he goes on to Florida tomorrow, he is proceeding to take his speech to President Obama, thus a General Election style speech, as he did in New Hampshire, in a sense of inevitability, that he will be the Republican nominee. He says the stark focus of the GOP choice in recent weeks is that the race cannot be won by some who has not run a Business or a State. Calling his opponents attacks in recent weeks,, a frontal assault on freedom. He is sounding confident he can defeat President Obama and chides his fellow GOP contenders for making Obama like criticisms of his candidacy. Prosperity, Success, Opportunity, Freedom, are his clarion calls for why Americans should support his candidacy......With 18% of the precincts counted the re4sults show Gingrich with 41%; Romney with 27%; Santorum 17%; Paul 13%; ............

FIRST SIGNIFICANT VOTING RESULTS IN S.C. ............

2012-01-21T16:58:00.000-08:00

With 7% of the votes counted in S.C., Gingrich has 38%; to Romney with 34%;.....CNN has now projected Gingrich the winner of the South Carolina Primary, based on exit polls and the incoming raw vote count......

AS THE PRIMARY VOTES ARE COUNTED IN SOUTH CAROLINA............

2012-01-21T16:22:00.000-08:00

With the likelihood Newt Gingrich has become the Conservative Alternative to Mitt Romney, as the Republican Presidential Nominee, with the first few hundreds of votes counted, Gingrich has 36% of the vote; Romney 35%; Santorum 13%; and Paul 10%; with Gingrich winning handily in areas he needs to carry, and running even with Romney in his strongest areas of the State......

UPDATE ELECTION 2012 - SOUTH CAROLINA PRIMARY VOTING............

2012-01-21T16:13:00.000-08:00

Newt Gingrich is winning among key voting groups in South Carolina with 43% Tea Party support to Romney's 27%; 42% Evangelical support to Romney's 22%; and 48% support from those who say their Cadidate is best able to defeat President Obama, as compared to 39% for Romney......Thus the Gingrich surge over the past 3-5 days has taken hold today, if indeed the exit polls are an accurate assessment. No real votes are yet in, so we stand by............

RESULTS FROM TODAY'S SOUTH CAROLINA REPUBLICAN PRIMARY............

2012-01-21T16:04:00.000-08:00

With the voting precincts in South Carolina on this Saturday January 21st, closing in just a few minutes, the outcome is about to unfold. CNN and MSNBC are saying they wil be able to characterize what voters decided today, given their exit polling. CNN says they cannot yet project a winner, but MSNBC and FOX News are both projecting Newt Gingrich the winner of the South Carolina Primary......CNN's exit polls show Gingrich ahead with 38%; Romney with 29%; Santorum 17%; and Paul 15%............Fr. Troy

DESPITE RAIN IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA THE ANNUAL SAN FRANCISCO "MARCH FOR LIFE" TAKES PLACE TODAY............

2012-01-21T09:39:00.000-08:00

On this day before the 39th Anniversary of the Roe versus Wade United States Supreme Court Decision, January 22, 1973; declaring Abortion constitutional and legal throughout the country, thousands of protesters will be gathering in San Francisco today; as they have for several years to witness to the Pro-Life position against Abortion. Throngs of people by the busloads descended upon San Francisco on the Saturday nearest January to witness to their personal, religious, and spiritual, belief in the sanctity of Human Life, from the moment of conception, advocating and defending the right to life of unborn children in the womb of their mothers, in an organized march in the City by the Bay. As has happenned for many years now, a busload of OLOL parishioners departed just after 8 a.m. this morning to attend the March For Life, after celebrating Mass in the church. Our Catholic Faith teaching in Respect and Reverence for Life, "From the moment of Conception, to Natural Death", is consistently and steadfastly exemplified by the Faithful Witness of Catholic-Christian Believers, all who pray, act, advocate, and pro-actively, peacefully, unconditionally, maintain the practice of preserving the Sanctity of Human Life. May our observance of this Roe versus Wade weekend, bear such light and fidelity............Fr. Troy

GINGRICH, SANTORUM, COME ON STRONG; ROMNEY FUMBLES AGAIN; PAUL ALL BUT AN AFTERTHOUGHT; IN LAST NIGHT'S SOUTH CAROLINA DEBATE............

2012-01-20T10:30:00.000-08:00

With the South Carolina Republican Presidential Primary tomorrow, the remaining four GOP contenders met in a CNN sponsored Debate last night, in what began as a fiery two hour interaction. CNN moderator John King opened the questioning by asking Newt Gingrich about the ABC News interview with his former, second wife Marianne, alledging while having an affair with his current wife during his marriage to her, he asked her for an open marriage. Gingrich responded ballistically to the question and excorciated John King, CNN, ABC News, and the elite media, for raising this calling it dispicable, and an intentional on Republican candidates, in President Obama's favor. The audience gave Gingrich a rousing standing ovation, and it occurred to me as I watched it, that Gingrich likely won the Debate in those first five minutes of the event. Gingrich, as he has repeatedly during the debates put in a strong performance throughout the entirety. Rick Santorum, exuding confidence, poise, and focused energy, after officially being certifiedv as the first place finisher in the Iowa Caucuses, also came prepared to mix it up with his opponents, and stayed on message strongly throughout the debate, effectively questioning the viability of the others, to be the best standardbearer to face President Obama inthe Fall. Santorum particularly raised concern about Gingrich's grandiosity and the unpredictability and fallout from what he might say on the General Election campaign trail. Mitt Romney struggled for the second time this week in a Debate, to clearly articulate whether and when he will release his tax returns. His fumbling fuels Gingrich's growing momentum in South Carolina in recent days, putting him within striking distance to possibly defeat Romney tomorrow and fuel a protracted battle going into the Florida Primary on January 31st. Ron Paul put in another highly respectable debate, but was allotted the least questions and seemed to have to wade into the exchange, when he could, while the other three fired foremost on each other. Overnight polling shows Gingrich has closed the gap with Ronmey by as much as 4% in one day; Romney stalled with 34% support; Gingrich surging upward with 28% support. With what will surely be a vigorous day of campaigning today and balloting tomorrow, come Saturday night / Sunday morning, what was thought to be a week ago, 3-0 wins by Romney; may actually be a 1-1-1 tie between Santorum, Romney, and Gingrich, that will leave the state of the Republican nomination race wide open for the time being............Fr. Troy

GOVERNOR BROWN DELIVERS CALIFORNIA'S 2012 'STATE OF THE STATE' ADDRESS............

2012-01-19T14:04:00.000-08:00

Proceeding in the second year of his third term as Governor of California, almost three decades after his first two terms, California delivered the annual 'State of the State' Address, Wednesday morning before the State Legislature, Constitutional Officers, State Supreme Court members, and other dignitaries, at 10 a.m. in the State Capitol, renewing his plan to address the economic, social, educational, transportation, and water, needs continuing to confront the State of California, at this critical time. Stating his intention to proceed in painful budget cuts and a tax initiative to arrest California's structural deficit, which stands at $9.2 billion, down from $19.9 billion a year ago; and still a daunting threat. Refusing to concede to a defeatest, declinist, outlook, having failed to convince four or more Republican legislators last year to support placing a temporary taxes increase on the ballot for the vote of California citizens; he announced he will mount a petition signing effort to place such an initiative on the ballot. Arguing for vital support for Education, the start of the high speed Bullet Train, and a State Water Plan. Tough times, tough choices, but a proactive approach trying to balance tax increases with budget cuts, with optimism for the continued growth and development. His proposals are not an ideal prototype, but is a well rounded plan to put California back on track and restore, renew, and revitalize the Goden State's Can Do, Nation Leading, Spirit. Republican and Democratic Legislators must construct and pass a fair and balance plan, for Governor Brown's signature, or leave it to him and California voters to determine later this year...........Fr. Troy

UPDATING THE TOPSY TURVY REPUBLICAN RACE FOR PRESIDENT............

2012-01-19T09:47:00.000-08:00

The political stakes in this year's 2012 Presidential Nomination contest for President, continues to shift with the last debate before the South Carolina Primary, tonight; with the Primary on Saturday. Changes continue to unfold this week right up to this morning. First frontrunner Mitt Romney is dropping in the South Carolina and Newt Gingrich is gaining support on catching and possibly overtaking him, due in large measure to Romney's campaign gaffes and Gingrich's strong performance in Tuesday night's FOX News Debate. Also this morning Iowa State Election officials have certified the results of the January 3rd Caucuses, which Romney supposedly won by 8 votes over Rick Santorum, on Caucus night, today's official result, showing Santorum with 34 more votes than Romney, and eight precincts missing and unaccounted for, but likely to substiante a Santorum victory. Also within the past ninety minutes or so, Rick Perry has withdrawn from the nomination race, and endorsed Gingrich, which along with Sarah Palin's expressed preference for Gingrich this week, may give him an edge in beating Romney in South Carolina on Saturday. A Gingrich win, following today's result for Santorum in Iowa, and Romney's win in New Hampshire, may well leave the race for the nomination wide open going into the Florida Primary on January 31st, with Ron Paul very much in the running...........Fr. Troy

ECUMENISM AND THE WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2012............

2012-01-18T09:29:00.000-08:00

For the 105th year since 1908, when a Episcopal priest and members of his congregation in New York State, committed themselves to keeping an octave of prayer devoted to reuniting Christians of Protestant and Catholic denominations, which led to the founding of the Graymoor Ecumenical Institute, we today begin the annual Week Of Prayer For Christian Unity. Conscientiously committed Catholic-Christians of all persuasions keep this week each year as an active sign of awareness and promotion of the ties that bind us together as followers of Jesus, "One Faith, One Lord, One Baptism". The theme and focus for our 2012 Christian Unity Week from Sacred Scriptural comes from Paul's 1st Letter to the Corinthians, in Chapter 15, and is found in the context of Verses 51-58; "All Of Us Will Be Changed By The Victory Of Our Lord Jesus Christ". For it is the Sacrifice and Triumph of Jesus The Christ over Sin and Death, and our Faith in His Lordship over Eternal Life, that is the cause of Discipleship and the purpose for our Unity. From 1908 forward Ecumenism, the work of reuniting the one Church founded by Christ, has manifested itself in the efforts of the World Council of Churches, the Second Vatican Council, and the ministry of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It continues through the mutual committment of Christian communities throughout the world, who gather together not only during this annual week of prayer and worship for Unity, but all year long, congregations of multiple denominations joined in building bridges of reconciliation and reunification. During the quarter century of my priestly, pastoral, ministry I have come to deeply appreciate the need for interaction between all Christian demoninations and have had extensive experiences of Ecumenical activities in each of the parishes in which I have served. I encourage and recommend that others do the same. This week of January 18th - 25th, provides all of us with the opportunity to pray, worship, and minister, together - as God intends us to, and to contribute to the ecumenical movement for the Unity of All the World's Christians............Fr. Troy

THE MOST CONTENTIOUS REPUBLICAN DEBATE YET............

2012-01-17T13:40:00.000-08:00

With five candidates remaining in the Republican field for the 2012 Presidential Nomination, going into the South Carolina Primary this Saturday, last night's FOX News Debate had the most contentiousness to date, as Mitt Romney was fired on constantly by Gingrich, Santorum, Paul, and Perry, - especially Santorum and Gingrich. Romney with his back to back wins in Iowa and New Hampshire, and leading in South Carolina, may be unstoppable with a win there, so that his other opponents are doing what they can to challenge and confront him, as occurred last night. Romney was pressed on everything from his own taxes and tax reform, to foreign policy and his anything but conservative record as Massachusetts Governor. Yesterday's CNN / ORC Poll in South Carolinashow Romney ahead, but with the lead tightening. Romney has 29% support; Gingrich 25% support;, which means last night's debate along with CNN's Thursday night debate, may sway voter preference in the socially conservative, evangelically leaning, Palmetto State. Gingrich is urging Santorum and Perry to drop out, which neither is likely to do until after Saturday. Rick Santorum having received the endorsement of Christian Conservative Leaders last weekend, is going forth believing he can break through with evangelical voters, as the best alternative choice to Romney. The next four days are likely to be even more confrontational as the direction of this highly contested nomination bid, comes to a crossroads of reality in South Carolina............Fr. Troy

AMERICA'S GOLDEN GIRL @ 90......HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETTY WHITE............

2012-01-17T09:12:00.000-08:00

After 63 years in television as one of the most beloved of comedy stars, in roles from, "Life With Elizabeth", in 1949, to "Hot In Cleveland", today, Emmy Award winning actress, Betty White, is 90 years old today, and going strong, working more than many actresses ten to twenty years less her age. A regular on television game shows for five decades, her favorite being, "Password", on which she met the love of her life, original host Allen Ludden, in the early 1960's, she has also been a leading advocate and caregiver for pets, for the past forty years, and is an ambassador to the Los Angeles Zoo. In the 1970's she joined the Mary Tyler Moore Show, as character "Sue Ann Nivens", the 'Happy Homemaker', and then in from the mid 1980's - to early 1990's, became one of the four, "Golden Girls", along with Beatrice Arthur, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty; in which she played, "Rose Nylund". In 2010, at age 88, she premiered alongside, Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves, and Wendie Maleck, in TV-Land's and cable television's most popular original comedy series, "Hot In Cleveland", for which she won another in her string of Emmy Awards. At 90, she remains one of the favorite comediennes of all time, in the league of Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, and Mary Tyler Moore. May the entertainment enjoyment she has and continues to provide tv viewers, brighten our screens for decades to come............Happy 90th Birthday Betty White !!!!!!!!!!!! Fr. Troy

JON HUNTSMAN - FORMER UTAH GOVERNOR DROPS OUT OF THE 2012 GOP PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN............

2012-01-16T13:22:00.000-08:00

Having staked the viability of his campaign for the 2012 Republican Presidential Nomination to face President Obama for re-election in November, on his winning the New Hampshire Primary last Tuesday, finished in third place with 17% of the vote, behind Mitt Romney and Ron Paul; and running last in the polls concerning this Saturday's South Carolina Primary, former two term Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, pulled out of the race this morning and endorsed Romney for the nomination. Huntsman, a highly successful Governor, who won re-election in Utah with 79% of the vote; and who served twice as an Ambassador overseas, including as President Obama's first Ambassador to China for two years, found it unable to establish a solid base of support for the nomination, despite his finely tuned conservative political and governing credentials, in large measure due to his role in the Obama Administration as Ambassador to China, until resigning last year to enter the Republican nomination contest to oppose Barrack Obama. I feel Huntsman was the most well rounded of the GOP candidates in this year's field, given his record of experience, yet his moderate conservatism which would serve him very well in the General Election, made it difficult for him to garner support to win the nomination. His withdrawal from the race and supporters likely going largely for Romney, gives Romney a further edge in being the likely Republican standardbearer. That is, unless one of the remaining four bonafided conservatives, Gingrich, Santorum, Perry, or Paul, who is a conservative/libertarian, catches fire in South Carolina on Saturday, to go forward in a one on one shot at vying with Romney, and denying him victory at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida this summer............Fr. Troy

MLK JR. DAY 2012............

2012-01-16T09:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday being the 83rd Birthday anniversary of Reverend Doctor Martin Lither King Jr., the Southern Baptist preacher, who became the iconic leader of the American Civil Rights Movement in the 1950's and 1960's, today we observe the annual Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. A federal commemoration of the living legacy of his life and labors on behalf on ending inequality, discrimination, segregation, injustice, in the promotion of Unity and Peace. Dr. King's vision of bringing about equal opportunity for Negroes / Blacks / Afro-Americans / and all races and ethnicities as a result of the hard fought, but non violent, efforts brought about change in our nation concretized in two landmark laws, the Civil Rights Act of 1964; and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It also set in motion a greater awareness and sensitivity between the races, in the promotion of harmony, integretion, and togetherness, that has developed and succeeded in this country and other nations, over the past half century plus. As the observance of MLK Jr. Day has unfolded the past twenty six years, it has become a day of marches, parades, memorials, and Service, as citizens come together in localities throughout the USA, to carry out some form of public service for the common good of their communities, inspired and energized by Dr. King's memory and sacrifice. From the Birmingham, Alabama Bus Boycott in 1955, to the Memphis, Tennessee Garbageman's Strike in 1968, Martin Luther King's committment to non-violent progress for equality and racial unity was unwavering. More than a dozen years into his courageous and steadfast leadership and witness, he was assassinated at age 39, on April 4, 1968. But despite his death at that pivotal, transitional, time in the Civil Rights / Social Justice effort, the Reverend Dr. King's contributions to the cause have continued to live on in the betterment of our society and the globe, to which he dedicated the lion's share of his ordained ministry as a preacher and pastor; advocating and organizing, for the acceptance and inclusion of all peoples. May this Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2012, renew in you, all Americans, and citizens of the World, the spirit and truth of being unified and unbiased peoples of every race, ethnicity, culture, and creed............Fr. Troy

THE TELEVISED AWARDS SEASON OPENS FOR THIS YEAR............

2012-01-15T14:17:00.000-08:00

The Peoples Choice, the Golden Globes, the Grammys, and the Oscars, between last Wednesday night, and six weeks from tonight, are the opening salvos in what is another year of Award Shows on broadcast and cable television. The glitz and glamour of celebrities, fashion, talent, and acknowledgement of accomplishment, in film, music, television, stage, among other accolades, are the cause for celebration several times each year, in the affirmation of entertainment and the multi-media arts. Tonight's Golden Globe Awards on NBC-Television, which comprise recognize of the best of performances in motion pictures and television; is thought to be an accurate predictor of what will be hot at the Academy Awards Oscars telecast February 26, on ABC Television. And the Grammy Awards the music industry's oldest order of achievement, voted by their peers, led to Dick Clark's creation of the American Music Awards in 1974; the recipients of whom are voted by the general populace. The Tony Awards in June, will recognize the best in Broadway theatre performances during the past year, and among other cultural achievement award shows during the year, are the NAACP Image Awards. The recognition these and all award presentations provide, are hopefully a plus in affirming the accomplishments and contributions to the arts and entertainment that are ours to enjoy and be personally and culturally enriched by............Fr. Troy

2ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME AND THE CREATIVITY OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT............

2012-01-15T08:43:00.000-08:00

As creatures of the the Living and True God, the Supreme Being of the Universe, and as Citizens in the World in which we experience our being as interactive members of Humankind; we are formed and empowered, to be productive contributors to the society in which we live and move, in developing, maintaining, and strengthening, our existence. Being Catholic-Christian Disciples, we do so, in season and out of season, during Ordinary Time, as well as in Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. Just as the liturgical high seasons denote the primacy and significance of our Faith and Fidelity to the Gospel Values of Jesus Christ; during the two thirds of the year that is designated as Ordinary Time, we devote our efforts and energies, to productively laboring with a spirit of creativity, that serves our mutual good. The work we do as creative and productive members of society, teamed with the grace of God, make us interpersonally, socially, and spiritually, able to live wholistic lives in fulfillment of our calling. Our inclusion of ministry, prayer, and worship, in Ordinary Time remains an essential component of who we are as productive citizens, and dedicated disciples. Therefore, Sunday Eucharist dwells at the core of our week, as the engine and the fuel of meaningfulness of all that we do. As we celebrate this 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time and keep this Lord's Day, may it replenish in each one of us, the creativity of spirit, that will permeate our week...........In Jesus The Lord Of All Humankind, Fr. Troy

49-ERS VERSUS SAINTS IN TODAY'S NFC PLAY-OFF GAME...........

2012-01-14T14:18:00.000-08:00

Cheers and hopeful expectation for a victory by the San Francisco 49-ers, as they face the New Orleans Saints in today's National Football Conference Playoff Game. Under first year Head Coach and Quarterback Alex Smith, the San Francisco 49-ers have a season record of 13-3; as do the New Orleans Saints. Thus QB Smith is equal to task of meeting and leading his team into this playoff game against Drew Brees and the Saints. The 49-ers are leading 14-0, in the first quarter, with three turnovers by the Saints, a nice start to what has been expected to be a close game. GO NINERS !!!!!!!!!!!!............Fr. Troy

THE NBC NEWS "TODAY" SHOW'S 60TH ANNIVERSARY............

2012-01-13T06:45:00.000-08:00

The "Today" Show, the first early morning news / information / entertainment / program on American television when created by NBC-TV programmer Pat Weaver, in January 1952, with original host Dave Garroway, celebrates its 60th Anniversary on the air this morning, with a two hour Family Reunion broadcast at 7 a.m. Current Today Show hosts, Matt Lauer, Ann Curry, weatherman Al Roker, newsreader Natalie Gonzales, will be joined by former hosts and on-air personalities, from Hugh Downs, Barbara Walters, John Hartz, Tom Brokaw, Jane Pauley, Bryant Gumbel, Katie Couric, Deborah Norville, Meredith Vierra, to Willard Scott, Florence Henderson, Lee Meriwhether, and Estelle Parsons, in a two hour sharing looking back on the Today Show experience, over the past six decades. At its inception Today was trailblazing and groundbreaking television programming, as only test paqtterns were broadcast in the morning hours. Sixty years later all news oriented broadcast and cable networks have a similar morning program, nationally and internationally. Just this week CBS Television unveiled the newwest in a long string of morning shows since the mid 1950's to compete with NBC's Today Show. As the first and still number one rated program by which Americans begin their day. with news, information, and entertainment, at the top of the morning, a very Happy 60th Anniversary to the program famous for the words, " But first, This is Today on NBC"............Fr. Troy

AMERICAN DECEMBER SALES AND RETAIL TOTALS FOR 2011 IN AN UPSURGE............

2012-01-12T18:28:00.000-08:00

As the American Economy shows slow signs of improvement, December retail sales figures were well up in December, $400.6 billion; and for 2011, a record high $4.7 trillion in retail sales in the United States. These figures indicate an increase in consumer confidence, as the national and worldwide economies continue to struggle in the fifth year of the greatest international economic depression comparable to the Great Depression of the 1930's. With the American UnEmployment Rate dropping last month to 8.5%, and Foreclosures in December at 1.9%; a slow but sure Economic Recovery seems to be taking hold. How this will proceed in coming months and the affect it will have on both an improved and strengthened American Economy and the 2012 Elections are as yet unknown, as the months between now and then show how deep and widespread the seemingly sprouting recovery is making............Fr. Troy

THE MORNING AFTER THE NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARY ......CAN ROMNEY BE STOPPED ?............

2012-01-11T10:36:00.000-08:00

The final results of the New Hampshire Republican Primary giving Mitt Romney, a victory with 39% of the vote, with Ron Paul second with 23%; Jon Huntsman 17%; in third; Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum, tied with 9% each; and Rick Perry, 1%; the nomination campaign moves on to the South Carolina Primary, ten days from now. With the other five candidates remaining in the field going into South Carolina, gives Romney a real frontrunning edge in thev much more conservative state it is, as the more moderate Romney is likely to prevail, if the conservative vote is effectively divided among the others. A Romney win in South Carolina, which has been a bellweather determiner in the past three decades as to who becomes the GOP Presidential Nominee, means a Romney win there, going into Florida would make him the inevitable nominee. Romney also made history in New Hampshire yesterday, byb becoming the first non incumbent President, to win both the Iowa Caucuses and the New Hampshire Primary. The negative campaigning that has and will occur in the Republican Primary, may have a wider affect on Romney beyond the nominating process. Concerted attacks on Romney by his Republican opponents, may well weaken him against President Obama in the General Election. An MSNBC exit poll in New Hampshire yesterday found 55% of Republicans said they will be Dissatisfied if Romney is their Nominee; and 42% stating they will be Satisfied............Fr. Troy

GINGRICH SPEAKS LAST TONIGHT......

2012-01-10T19:14:00.000-08:00

Thanking his supporters just moments after Santorum, Newt Gingrich is saying tonight is step two of a long process. Unifying the country around a message of Jobs and Economic Growth, that puts Paychecks over Foodstamps. Gingrich is up front about going on to South Carolina, believing a Republican Congress and a Gingrich Presidency will accomplish much for the American People. He is advocating innovation and new approaches, energies, and opportunities. A bold Reagan approach of lower taxes and less regulation to put America back on the right track............

SANTORUM'S ON THE DAIS......

2012-01-10T19:03:00.000-08:00

Rick Santorum is speaking to his New Hampshire supporters, calling his campaign believing in Americans, workm faith, and family, building a NH campaign in a short period of time not only for NH, but for America. A message to defeat President Obama. He is again as he did last week speaking of his granfather, choosing to come to America for the freedom of his children and grandchildren. Santorum vows he is going on to South Carolina, that this race is not over after just two states. Santorum is saying he has the opportunity to be the True Conservative in this presidential race. With a message of Faith Family, and an Opportunity Society, to rally the country in taking on the challenges before us. With that, On to South Carolina !............

56% OF THE VOTE............

2012-01-10T18:49:00.000-08:00

With more than half of New Hampshire Primary votes counted Romney has 38%; Paul 24%; Huntsman 17%; Santorum and Gingrich 10% each; Perry 1%. Gingrich is expected to speak to his supporters next............

HUNTSMAN'S SPOKEN RESPONSE TONIGHT............

2012-01-10T18:44:00.000-08:00

Jon Huntsman is speaking of his third place finish in the New Hampsire Primary, as a ticket to ride and being in the hunt. Of putting Country First, and how the American people are tired of being divided and brought together to resolve our problems. The $15 trillion debt, Afghanistan, Iraq, Economics, and Education, getting our act together at home, so as not to see the American Century end. He is also speaking of the Trust Deficit in our Government, Ternm Limits for Congress, and Lobbyist Reform. He also applies this to bringing our troops home from Afghanistan............

IN SECOND PLACE RON PAUL MAKES HIS SPEECH............

2012-01-10T18:08:00.000-08:00

Ron Paul in second place behind Mitt Romney in New Hampshire Primary vote count, is making his speech tonight, declaring a victory for Liberty, while stating his campaqign is nipping at Romney's heels, and expressing appreciation the Manchester Union Leader newspaper did not endorse him. He alsospoke of the danger his candidacy is to the Frderal Reserve System. He is addressing his focus on monetary policy, and the sending of American youth around the world to be the policemen of the world, urging they be brought home, and cutting overseas spending............

CBS NEWS ALSO PROJECTS ROMNEY THE WINNER............

2012-01-10T17:52:00.000-08:00

With 28% of the vote in, Romney 36; Paul 25%; Huntsman 17;.....CBS News projects Romney the winner. Gingrich and Santorum are battling for fourth place with 10% of the vote each - and Perry has 1%............

ROMNEY PROJECTED THE WINNER IN NEW HAMPSHIRE............

2012-01-10T17:42:00.000-08:00

Just after 8 p.m. Eastern Time Mitt Romney was projected the winner of the New Hampshire Republican Primary tonight, by CNN, MSNBC, and FOX. With 13% of the vote counted Romney has 36%; to 24%; for Ron Paul, and Jon Huntsman at 17%. CNN has also projected Paul and Huntsman will finish in second and third places. Romney has made his victory speech in the last few minutes, and took his mewssage directly to an attack on President Obama's record............

10% HAS IT COUNTED......

2012-01-10T17:01:00.000-08:00

With 10% of New Hampshire's Primary votes counted it stands

Romney 36%; Paul 25%; Huntsman 16%; Gingrich 11%; Santorum !0%; Perry 1%;.

UPDATE ELECTION 2012 FIRST RESULTS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARY............

2012-01-10T16:38:00.000-08:00

WITH 3% of the votes counted in today's New Hampshire Primary, Romney has 37%; Ron Paul has 24%; Jon Huntsman has 15%; Newt Gingrixch has 11%; Rick Santorum has 11%; Rick Perry 1%; of the votes, according to CNN............

THE GRANITE STATE GOES TO THE POLLS TODAY FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2012............

2012-01-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

From Dixville Notch, a small community of voters which since 1960, have cast their Primary ballots for President, just after Midnight, the voting has begun this morning throughout the State of New Hampshire. As I did last week in regards to the Iowa Caucuses, as results roll in tonight, I will blog Update Election 2012 columns reporting and analyzing how the vote tally is shaping up. What affect the outcome poses for the direction and duration of the Republican Presidential Nomination race and whether it is a gamechanger, or a concretizing result will be determined, coming out of today's vote. I look forward to sharing insights into the New Hampshire Primary with you later............Fr. Troy

HOW MUCH OF A MARGIN WILL WILLIARD WIN BY ?............

2012-01-09T19:19:00.001-08:00

On this eve of the 2012 New Hampshire "First in the Nation", Presidential Primary since 1916, the year the Republicans nominated New York Governor Charles Evans Hughes, to oppose the re-election of Democratic President Woodrow Wilson, who was thought to be very vulnerable; tomorrow's voting and outcome do not seem uncertain, but the margin of victory and the finishing places of the competing candidates, is in doubt. Former Massachusetts Governor Williard Mitt Romney, is still atop the polls, but declining in support during the past week, tonight showing 33% in the latest poll out tonight, to 20% for Ron Paul; 13% for Jon Huntsman; 11% for Newt Gingrich; 10% fir Rick Santorum; 1% for Rick Perry; with 12% undecided. As many as a third or more of New Hampshire Primary vo0ters tomorrow are also stating they may still change thyeir minds about who to vote for. Also nationally tonight, the cbs News Poll nationally shows Romney with 19% support for the nomination compared to 15% for Gingrich. Political analysts and pundits are projecting given his frontrunning, nextdoor state, former governor, status that a Romney of less than 35% may show him vulnerable yet more to a further serious challenge in South Carolina, and or Florida, the next two major Republican primaries this month. The historical volatility of the ninety six year old New Hampshire, and the lack of widespread Republican support unreluctantly, will make tomorrow's outcome and its fallout, all the more telling, as to the forward direction of Updating Election 2012 and the Road to the White House............Fr. Troy

THE PREMIERE SHOW OF "NEWS 10 @ 9"............

2012-01-09T08:56:00.000-08:00

In 1973, KXTV Channel 10, in Sacramento / Stockton, in Northern California premiered a daily public affairs program titled, "At 9 on 10", hosted by their Public Service Director, Jean LaMotte. Over the following seventeen years the show continued in different time slots and manifestations, with LaMotte as moderator, and as a college student and young adult I appeared with her on the program seventeen times, including as a final show audience guest in 1990. Today, Channel 10 is premiering a new locally produced program in time slot following "Good Morning America", named "News 10 @ 9", which is being moderated by anchors Dan Elliott and Keeva Arnold. It is a live, unscripted, discussion of the day's news using ipads, and social networking, following trending news on Facebook and Twitter. I am feeling a sense of deja vu, not only for the similarity in show titles, "At 9 on 10"; "News 10 @ 9"; and with the hosts, Jean LaMotte, then - who became a close friend of mine, and Dan Elliott, now - who I have come to know as a good friend, as well as watch as an avid viewer. I wish Dan and his colleagues the best in their new endeavor, as news, insught, and public affairs are essential programming to the betterment of the lives of our community............Fr. Troy

SUNDAY MORNING'S GOP DEBATE BEFORE NEW HAMPSHIRE MORE POINTED THAN LAST NIGHT'S............

2012-01-08T12:12:00.000-08:00

This morning's second debate within twelve hours between the six candidates for the 2012 Republican Presidential Nomination, was a much livier exchange of views, with fire focused on frontrunner Mitt Romney. Newt Gingrich seemed to find it hard at the start to directly confront Romney very agressively in his opening answer to David Gregory's first question if Romney is the strongest candidate to face President Obama in the fall. But Rick Santorum took his response directly to Romney's unsuitability. Jon Huntsman also came out punching away at Romney, and then less directly, Ron Paul, and Rick Perry. Although, they put Romney much more on the defensive, it is unclear whether they diminished him sufficiently for it to make a substantial difference in the commanding lead Mitt Romney holds in the polls; but then that's what primaries and caucuses are meant to determine. Tuesday night in New Hampshire will give us a more prescient view of whether or not this will be a short or long nominating season on the way to the Republican National Convention, in Tampa, Florida in September............Fr. Troy

THE SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY - CHRISTMAS AT THE CRESCENDO OF SALVATION............

2012-01-08T08:51:00.000-08:00

Two weeks into our Christmas celebration, with one day remaining in this Redemptive Season, of the Holy Birth of Christ Our Savior, we commemorate the Solemnity of the Epiphany, the traditional twelvth day of Christmas. Epiphany, a word from the Greek, means manifestation, or showing. It celebrates that on the Epiphany Day of the first Christmas, Three Kings, Wise Men, also known as Magi, came from the East and the Gentile world, following the brightness of the light of One, Radiant, Shining, Star, to find and pay homage to the Christ Child in the manager. These three Wisemen came bearing opulent gifts, but gifts that also ratified the priestly, prophetic, and kingly, life the Christ Child ultimately lived: Gold, His Divine Kingship over All Creation; Frankenincense, His Sacrificial Priesthood for the reconciliation of Humankind; Myrrh, His Prophetic Death and Burial, which He would overcome in Glorious Resurrection. The Epiphany causes us to realize the universality of the Savior born at Christmas, more than 2,000 years ago - as the Light of the Nations, Who is now and forever the Light of the World Without End, Alleluia !!! Amen !!!............Fr. Troy

FIRST OF TWO WEEKEND REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL PRE NEW HAMPSHIRE DEBATES NOT QUITE MILQUE-TOAST...........

2012-01-07T20:32:00.000-08:00

The six remaining Republican Presidential nomination candidates, Romney, Santorum, Paul, Gingrich, Perry, Huntsman, met in the first of two broadcast debates this weekend, on ABC News / Yahoo, tonight in primetime; and they will meet again tomorrow morning on NBC News 'Meet The Press' / Facebook. The expectation going into tonight's face-off in New Hampshire, was that it would be a fierce affair, with the other five candidates really going after frontrunner Romney. But it was instead, a mild exchange of ideas and policy positions, pollite rather than verbal fisticuffs. It had its moments, but none of the other five really took their strongest challenges to the former Massachusetts Governor, who is presently leading by substantial margins in Tuesday's New Hampshire Primary, and the South Carolina Primary two weeks from today. Time is short, if any of the contenders will be effectively lay a glove on him as the obvious true conservative alternative. Perhaps Santorum, Gingrich, Paul, Perry, and are holding their pre New Hampshire Primary most effective fire for tomorrow morning's 'Meet the Press' Debate. After all, Saturday night has the smallest weekly viewing audience, and 'Meet the Press', is the number one rated Sunday morning news show, providing big headline news coverage on Monday. Tomorrow we will see, and in three nights we will know the outcome of this week's political presidential nomination campaign infighting, if it can be called that............Fr. Troy

POPE BENEDICT XV1 CREATES 22 NEW CARDINALS......18 OF THEN UNDER THE PIVOTAL AGE OF 80............

2012-01-06T21:47:00.000-08:00

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, celebrated the Christmas Epiphany Solemnity today by by announcing the the elevation of 22 members of the Church Hierarchy, to the College of Cardinals. Cardinals are the chief advisors to the Pope from around the World. Their key responsibility is to Elect a New Pope. Eighteen of the twenty two newly named so called, "Princes of the Church", are under the age 80, which allows them to cast votes in the next Papal Conclave. Two Americans, New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan, and former Baltimore Archbishop Edwin O'Brien, currently Grand Master of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, in Rome, are included on the list of the 22 new Red Hats, Cardinals are given upon their elevation at the Consistory; which was announced for February 8th, in Rome. Sixteen Europeans, including seven Italians are also among those chosen. The fourth Consistory of new Cardinals, since +Benedict XV1, became Pope in 2005, the current Holy Father has named almost half of the electors of his eventual successor. Today's announcement brings to twelve the number of American Cardinals. As with Archbishop Dolan, at the first Consistory after his Installation in New York, today's list did not include the new first year Archbishop of Los Angeles. In both instances their predecessors were under 80. thus retaining an elector in the next Conclave, as does Cardinal Emeritus Roger Mahony, of Los Angeles............Fr. Troy

ADDRESSING PARISH PLUMBING PROBLEMS AND GEARING UP FOR THE ANNUAL DIOCESAN APPEAL............

2012-01-06T15:34:00.000-08:00

Plumbing problems in the parish hall, with clogged drains and grease pits requiredcalling in a plumber today, which was well overseen by parishioner Rich Kocher, who is the Chairman of the Parish Maintenance Committee. Rich, who also serves as a member of the Parish Finance Council, is our Parish Advocate for the 2012 Diocesan Annual Appeal, and attended last night's first meeting as our parish representative. So my visit with him today was two-fold, addressing and resolving the plumning problem for now, and discussing how best to gear up for OLOL's preparatory and commitment Sundays in the ADA in the coming months............Pastoring and Administering the Daily Duties of Parish Life, Fr. Troy

RECESS APPOINTMENTS ARE A LONGSTANDING PRESIDENTIAL PRACTICE............

2012-01-05T16:57:00.000-08:00

American Presidents throughout our history have made apointments to positions of persons they have nominated, and are having difficulty getting confirmed. They are allowed to make recess appointments bY Article 2, Section2, of the Constitution. During recent decades Presidents, Democrats and Republicans alike, have made dozens upon dozens of Recess Appointments annually President Obama has made fewer than most recent Presidents; so it is seems suspiciously apparent, the outcry of Congressional Republicans to President Obama's recess appointment of Richard Cordray, as Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Agency, is far more political, than principled. The protest swirls around the Congress not being in recess, according to GOP members. Bit Congress is not in session. The majority of members are back in their home states, not in Washington; and yet those opposing Cordray's recess appointment, are claiming Congress is in, "Pro Forma Session"`, whereby every few days a single member stands in the dias of each chamber and Calls the Congress to Order, for a few moments - and then recesses again; a manuever to protect the members perks and privileges, such as per-diem allowances, while out of session. Meanwhile the newly appointed Director Cordray set to work doing the job of consumer financial protection. Politically, President Obama has called, if not trumped the R epublicans bluff, and the presidential and congressiobnal politics of 2012, are, Game on. But to all of them I proclaim this reminder of responsibility : Do Your Jobs On Behalf Of the American People You Represent and Serve. Let the Politics of this Election Year be secondary motivations, and be Decided in proper order, in the Campaigns as they play out between now and November. This is Governance, not Gotcha Time, so just Get to doing the Righteous and Reasonable Work you were Hired By Our Citizens To Carry Out............Fr. Troy

CALENDARS, CALENDARS, WHERE ARE THE 2012 CALENDARS ????????????............

2012-01-05T12:05:00.000-08:00

Five days into the New Year, and OLOL is trying to get ton the bottom of a snafu that has left the parish without Catholic calendars for 2012. With ongoing changes at Catholic Cemeteries in the Sacramento Diocese, it seems we got lost in the shuffle. My apologies to our parishioners for this glitch and my assurance we are working on getting them backordered and delivered as soon as possible............Fr. Troy

ROMNEY, SANTORUM, PAUL, GINGRICH, HUNTSMAN, ONWARD TO THE NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARY WEEK............

2012-01-04T14:16:00.000-08:00

Following Mitt Romney's 8 vote cliffhanger win over Rick Santorum in the Iowa Caucuses last night, Michelle Bachman's suspension of her campaign this morning, and Rick Perry's Tweeting himself back onto the trail in South Carolina, passing over New Hampshire, the five other remaining Republican aspirants have moved on to the intense, fast and furious, six day Primary campaign in New Hampshire. There Romney is heavily favored to win, but will face intensely fierce competition from not only Santorum and Paul, Iowa's second and third place place votegetters; but that of an angry Newt Gingrich, and an all's in determined, Jon Huntsman. Gingrich's full page New Hampshire newspaper ad, and 2008 Republican nominee John McCain's strident, all out, endorsement of Mitt Romney today, are just the blast-off to the knock down, virtually no holes barred, non-stop, several days underway. And it will include two more Candidate debates, on ABC News this Saturday night and on NBC News 'Meet The Press'. on Sunday. Fasten your seatbelts for a uproarious and upending, way forward to New Hampshire, South Carolina, Florida, and beyond............Fr. Troy

CATHOLIC EDUCATION IN AMERICA GREATLY BENEFITTED BY MOTHER ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON............

2012-01-04T08:08:00.000-08:00

Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton, an Episcopalian woman, wife of a doctor, and mother of their five children, in 19th century, became one of the first canonized American Saintss in the Catholic-Christian Faith, in 1975. After bein widowed and raising her children, Mother Seton, converted to Catholicism, and founded a Religious Order of Nuns, the Sisters of Charity, whose apostolate is the education of Christian girls and young women. An outstanding educator and exemplary Catholic-Christian role model, her Discipleship and contribution to Catholic-Christianity, makes her a most fitting believer in Jesus the Lord and Savior, to be canonized first along with St. John Neumann, Bishop; as Saints of the Unied States of America. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious - liturgical feast day is commemorated today; and St. John Neumann, Bishop - has his liturgical feast day commemorated tomorrow; the crescendo of the Christmas Season, at in the starting week of the New Year. Prayers and Blessings to the Catholic Education faith community of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School, in the Elk Grove parishes of Good Shepherd and St. Joseph, in the Sacramento Diocese............With Joy And Peace In The Redeemer's Light, Fr. Troy

ALL 100% OF REPUBLICAN IOWA CAUCUSES VOTES COUNTED THE VICTOR IS A WINNER OF JUST 8 VOTES............

2012-01-03T23:32:00.000-08:00

After a protracted delay for the vote count from one precinct left in the Iowa Caucuses, and a razor thin, 4 vote lead for Rick Santorum over Mitt Romney, the announcement of the final, complete, Vote, with all precincts in all counties counted, after a seemingly incomplete missing precinct vote count was clarified, including on air reporting by CNN, that the Romney campaign has been informed he has won by 14 votes; the outcome tonight is : 1st Place Finisher - Mitt Romney; with Rick Santorum, just 8 votes in total, behind him. The total Republican Iowa Caucuses Vote Count tonight being 122, 255 votes; which CNN analyst David Gergen calls, "a moral victory for Santorum". Miit Romney with 25% = 30,015 votes; Rick Santorum with 25% = 30,007 votes............That's Update Election 2012 For This First Official Republican Presidential Nomination Vote - Next Stop New Hampshire Primary, Next Tuesday, Fr. Troy

99% OF IOWA CAUCUSES IN AND STILL NECK AND NECK............

2012-01-03T21:48:00.000-08:00

99% of the votes counted, and it not yet clear whether Romney or Santorum will finish first; as Santoirum is eaking out a five vote lead, 29,662 to 29,657; Mitt Romney is speaking of both Santorum and himself, as victors tonight. He has also called Ron Paul's showing tonight - 'great'. Romney is on the attack against President Obama and his record, in the general election style speech he is making. The Iowa Caucuses outcome tonight defines the term, "political nailbiter"............

RICK SANTORUM STEPS OUT TO MAKE HIS SPEECH OF THANKS............

2012-01-03T21:34:00.000-08:00

With less than three percent of the Iowa Caucuses votes yet to be counted - former Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Rick Santorum is speaking with profound and profuse thankfulness; and the values of his life and presidential campaign, family, faith, and facing the economic challenges. CNN has shared a flash poll in New Hampshire of Primary voters one week from today, and their candidate support based on tonight's Caucuses versus their late December Poll. Mitt Romney has 47% tonight vs. 47% last month; Ron Paul has 17% their tonight vs. 17% in Dec,; Jon Huntsman 13% now and then; RickSantorum 10% tonight vs. 5% last month; and Newt Gingrich 9% now vs. 12% in Dec. ......And the Iowa outcome tonight will surely shift the New Hamphire percentages of support over the next 7 days............

97% COUNTED AND SANTORUM AHEAD VERY NARROWLY............

2012-01-03T21:06:00.000-08:00

Rick Santorum holds a 37 vote edge, over Mitt Romney, with the counties and areas still out, places where Romney is leading. Each of them with 25% of the total votes in tonight's Iowa Caucuses............

CRUNCH TIME IN IOWA CAUCUSES V............

2012-01-03T21:02:00.000-08:00

Rick Perry is making his post vote count, fifth place finish, tonight speech; after Bachman, Gingrich, and Paul, as the first / second places outcome continues to be waited upon. Perry is emotionally reading a letter from a 24 year old Texan man, attesting to Perry's 'greatness'. Perry is announcing given tonight's Iowa outcome, that he is returning home to Texas, "to reassess his campaign's path forward". CNN'S Wolf Blitzer calls Perry's message, a Dramatic announcement............

96% OF THE VOTES IN............

2012-01-03T20:47:00.000-08:00

Santorum clings to a 113 vote lead over Romney, in what NBC News Political Director and Chief White House Correspondent is calling, "a HUGE night for Rick Santorum", with 96% of the total votes counted............