BEND — It is not possible this week to write about things related to the Catholic Church without making special note of the comments of a high-ranking U.S. official regarding abortion. This official, drawing from the rich tradition of the teachings of Saint Augustine, implied that he would have permitted abortion up to three months after conception.

BEND — Summer is slowly creeping to its inevitable end, and while the beginning of September does not necessarily mark the beginning of winter, there is already talk of snow at elevations above 6,000 feet. Imagine, snow in August. The snow, or any moisture for that matter, would be most welcome in helping to allay the progress of the various fires sparked by late August thunderstorms.

BEND — The Conference which I attended in Chicago this week dealt with the spiritual activity in the Church known as deliverance ministry and exorcism. I wrote about this last year after I had listened to a series of tapes from a conference on the same topic which was held in 2007.

BEND — I wrote last week that Catechists and Youth Ministers, if they are to be truly effective in handing on the word of God, must themselves be evangelized and sanctified. This week I want to continue this same theme and consider the value of retreats for catechists and youth ministers as well as for those who exercise liturgical functions in the Church.

BEND — Since returning from Australia I have continued to reflect upon the wonderful experience of World Youth Day and have realized anew how much work we must do for the sake of the faith of the youth of our Diocese. There is a great need for stronger catechetical content in all of our programs and there is need for more and better Catechist support.

BEND — The most frequently asked question of the past week has been, “How was World Youth Day?” How was it?

BEND — While you are reading this, I hope to back in the United States. I hope to have returned safely from Australia and I hope to have had a very positive and uplifting experience with the Holy Father in Sydney. I hope all of these things because, as of the time of this writing, I have not yet boarded the plane for the southern hemisphere.

BEND — While you are reading this I hope to be in Australia. Sydney to be more precise. World Youth Day to be exact. The Diocese of Baker is being represented by more than forty individuals who have made the commitment to make this pilgrimage to be with the Holy Father on the occasion of this worldwide youth event.

BEND — I would rather be out enjoying the various displays of Fourth of July fireworks but duty constrains me to complete a weekly task before engaging in those recreational pursuits. In truth, I have grown a bit more sedate in regard to Fourth of July celebrations and they certainly do not hold for me the same level of excitement which they held for me as a child.

BEND — It was another weekend without significant travel but that does not mean that I had a quiet weekend at home. I did have a weekend at home but I would not describe it as silent. It was more like a home invasion.