Michael Dubruiel

Friday, May 12, 2006

Catholic School Cancel Ne-Yo Concert

Administrators of a suburban Detroit Catholic girls school canceled a free concert by R&B star Ne-Yo because of his sexually explicit lyrics.

The students at Mercy High School in Farmington Hills, Mich., had won a contest sponsored by a radio station and a nearby maker of seatbelts, by signing petitions that pledged always to buckle up, the Detroit Free Press reported

Thursday, May 11, 2006

Jag's Wide Receiver Jimmy Smith Retiring

From USA Today:

Jimmy Smith, one of the most prolific receivers in NFL history, has decided to retire.

Smith, a five-time Pro Bowl selection who overcame several health problems and a drug addiction during his 12 seasons, scheduled a news conference at 1 p.m. ET Thursday with the Jacksonville Jaguars to announce the decision.

The 37-year-old receiver led the Jags with 70 catches for 1,023 yards and six touchdowns last season. He ranks seventh in NFL history with 862 receptions and 11th in receiving yards. He has more receptions than every receiver in the Hall of Fame, and only Marvin Harrison has more catches and yards receiving than Smith since 1996.

Toledo Priest Found Guilty of Murder

From the Toledo Blade:

Catholic priest Gerald Robinson was found guilty today of the murder 26 years ago of Sister Margaret Ann Pahl.

The jury deliberated for six hours and 25 minutes yesterday and this morning before delivering its verdict.

Robinson appeared to have no reaction after the verdict was reached. He was immediately sentenced to 15 years to life in prison by Lucas County Common Pleas Court Judge Thomas Osowik. Robinson has 30 days to appeal.

Fired for not Practicing What You Teach

Diocese of Green Bay, in Appleton, WI. My guess is that there is more to this story, something akin to a very public dissent from Church teaching that isn't being told in the stories below:

From ABC's Good Morning America:

After five years trying to conceive, Kelly and Eric Romenesko decided to try in vitro fertilization.

Their twins, Alexandria and Allison, were born last year. It was a joyous event in the couple's life.

"They're miracles. They're precious," Kelly Romenesko said.

The couple were not prepared for what came next. When Kelly, a teacher at two Catholic schools in Wisconsin, told her bosses she had gotten pregnant through in vitro, they handed her a pink slip.

From the Local Press:

Kelly Romenesko wanted to get her story before the public, but appearing live on network TV was a little more exposure than she had anticipated.

A camera crew from ABC's "Good Morning America" was setting up at the Romenesko's house Wednesday night for a live broadcast this morning.

Oh, and Geraldo called. So did CNN.

Romenesko lost her teaching job with ACES/Xavier, the system that runs Appleton's seven Catholic schools, in 2004 for having in-vitro fertilization. The procedure violated her contract with the district, which requires teachers to act and teach in accordance with church doctrine. Unbeknownst to Romenesko, the Roman Catholic Church opposes in-vitro fertilization.

Evangelicals Using DaVinci Code as an Opportunity

To evangelize...even offering free i-pods?

From the LA Times:

Evangelical churches across the nation are launching an aggressive effort to save souls by talking about a fictional murder mystery that many regard as blasphemous.

Pastors are setting out doughnuts and sandwiches and inviting non-Christians to come discuss "The Da Vinci Code" bestseller. They're creating hip marketing campaigns to draw nonbelievers to sermons about the thriller. They're even giving away free iPods loaded with their commentary on the novel.