For everyone who is cheering the closing of USAID. Read this entire article and then tell me that it is a good idea. Don’t scan it, read it!
Musk Says No One Has DIed Since USAID Closed, That is a Lie

Then, explain why two billionaires killing G.W. Bush’s PEPFAR program that has saved 26 million lives makes sense. Expound on why providing a 12 cent a day medicine that keeps people alive isn’t good idea to them. Elaborate on why letting China and Russia try to step into the vacuum we are leaving to converts hearts and minds helps the U.S.

But don’t tell me you are pro-life. You aren’t. That would be a lie.

If you are looking for a way to provide direct support to the people of Turkey and Syria who have been affected by the February 6, 2023 earthquake, I recommend Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to you. Catholic Relief Services will support emergency relief efforts led by local partners in both Syria and Turkey with Caritas Turkey, Caritas Syria in Aleppo and Lattakia—where extensive damage has been reported—and other local partners. Already in Turkey, Caritas Anatolia, in coordination with authorities, is bringing displaced people to safe, open spaces and distributing hot meals and clothing.

Please consider giving to help and provide relief to the people whose lives have been devastated by this natural disaster. You can make a donation here: CRS Earthquake Relief.

I hope you all have the wonderful blessings of this Christmas season and have a bountiful, joyous, safe, and healthy 2023! We were fortunate to have my daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren come for Christmas this year. Charcuterie was the lunch of the day for my grandson’s birthday on Christmas Eve. May God bless you each and every day!

The first five presentations for my class on The Second Vatican Ecumenical Council have been posted on the Adult Faith Formation Page. Let me know if you have any questions. Happy New to you all!

I have uploaded the talk that I gave at the Eucharistic Congress. It is available to be viewed at Deacon Steve’s Homilies and Talks.

After a long time away from Oregon and Washington States, we went back for a Snake and Columbia River Cruise. It is hard to explain the natural beauty of that part of the world. We had a magnificent trip highlighted by that natural beauty. Words cannot convey how wonderful it is. It makes you feel that all the craziness of the world really doesn’t matter all that much!