An open invitation to a panel discussion on religious liberty - 19 April

As a Catholic institution and as an Archdiocesan school, John Paul II has a unique role to educate and evangelize on matters of deep importance. At times, circumstances and events cause the school to see that our duty to share information and truth extends beyond our school family into the broader community. Sadly, this role of education and evangelization is needed today in discussing and understanding religious liberty and the ways in which this basic freedom are under attack through decisions and mandates from the federal government.

The recent Health and Human Services mandate that all religious institutions, through their health plans, cover abortifacient drugs, sterilization and contraceptives, is only one of many recent instances where the Federal government is seeking to limit or eliminate religious liberty. The HHS mandate should be deeply concerning to all Americans who treasure their rights guaranteed to them by the Constitution.

The HHS mandate represents an unprecedented move by an agency of the Federal Government to impose a definition of what any organized religion should be regarding both belief and practice. If allowed to stand, the HHS mandate essentially makes the state the arbiter of what a religion should believe and do and creates penalties should a religion not comply. The mandate also represents an incursion by the Federal Government into matters of conscience, which has profound implications for not only the right of religious liberty, but also the civil rights of all American citizens.

Responding to the Archbishop's request to act and educate, John Paul II Catholic High School is proud to host a panel discussion on Thursday, 19 April 2012 at 7 p.m. in the school cafeteria. All in the general community are welcome. The panel will consider and discuss a wide range of religious liberty questions from a Catholic perspective and, at the close, consider audience questions. We will have materials available, both from the Archdiocese of San Antonio and the US Bishops.

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Panel Discussion on Religious Liberty

Thursday, 19 April 2012 - 7 p.m. - JPII Cafeteria
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The panel discussion is presented in conjunction with the St. Joseph Foundation, a lay apostolate in San Antonio dedicated to canon law. The featured panel member is Michael Dunnigan, JD, JCL the General Counsel for St. Joseph Foundation. Mr. Dunnigan is an attorney practicing in two distinct legal systems, the American system of common law and the Catholic Church’s legal system of canon law. He holds graduate degrees in law, canon law, and theology, and he is admitted to practice law in Texas & Arizona. Mr. Dunnigan teaches locally at Oblate, MACC, and other seminaries and is a frequent guest on nationally syndicated radio programs. Joining him on the panel are Deacon Dr. Robert Gorman and Dr. Paul Foster, both members of the JPII faculty. Deacon Gorman is a long-time member of the Southwest Texas State University faculty, now Texas State, in political science and teaches theology at JPII. Dr. Foster holds a Ph.D. in political theory from Catholic University of America. Dr. Foster teaches Government and History at JPII.

The panel will begin with prayer and a general overview statement. There will be refreshments served.

For more on these issues:
Read the letter from Archbishop Gustavo about this attack on religious liberty and the rights of conscience

A link to the US Bishop's site -- a very comprehensive gathering of information through USCCB.

STOP HHS, a national petition drive: link to their site for resources and action.

A link to an article about an upcoming interview with Cardinal Burke about liberty, conscience, and culpability.

A link to a YouTube video of one of our parents, Dr. Bill Mueller, and his speech at the Stand Up for Religious Freedom Rally at San Fernando Cathedral Plaza in downtown San Antonio on 23 March 2012.

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THE INSET PHOTOS COME FROM THE STAND UP FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM RALLY ON 23 MARCH 2012 (at the New Braunfels Main Plaza). The school sent over forty students to the rally along with five faculty members.

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St. Joseph Foundation's primary purpose is to assist Catholics in using canon law to obtain remedies for violations of their rights within the Church, including matters connected with liturgy, Catholic doctrine, preservation of historic churches, penal law, access to sacraments, rights of priests, and establishment of lay associations. Both the secular media and Catholic media frequently seek comment from the Foundation on matters that concern the good of the Church.

Christifidelis is the publication of the St. Joseph Foundation, published between four and six times each year. It is the only canonical publication in English that is addressed, not primarily to specialists in canon law, but rather to all educated and concerned Catholics. For a sample issue, call 210.697.0717.