tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256165281863652253.post5066412234760702980..comments2023-10-24T07:38:47.024-07:00Comments on A Shepherd's Voice: Play for Teens Performed at Most Holy RedeemerA Shepherd's Voicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16743324067287303823noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256165281863652253.post-9096367712858961572009-03-24T21:08:00.000-07:002009-03-24T21:08:00.000-07:00I didn't go to Sacred Heart or any Catholic high s...I didn't go to Sacred Heart or any Catholic high school, but I did graduate from USF, and I knew plenty of SH/SI grads who labored under the mistaken notion that they were Catholics. Sigh. They sound just like many on this post.<BR/><BR/>You cannot be Catholic and then posit views that are in DIRECT OPPOSITION to Catholic teaching. I'm not sure why that's so confusing. <BR/><BR/>I'm constantly befuddled by those who hold onto some crazy hope that someday the Church will sanction homosexual behavior, abortion, women priests, etc. <BR/><BR/>To them I say: MOVE ON, PEOPLE! If you can't deal with the reality, the unchanging, immutable reality of what it means to say, "I'm Catholic," then do us and yourself a favor and quit pretending. Go be a Unitarian or something. You'll have no end of people congratulating you for your 'feelings'. <BR/><BR/>To the teachers, priests, and nuns who are in this crowd: Why must you keep hammering away at an institution that will not, that cannot, change? Why are you confusing moral truth for mere desire or feeling, and in the process taking impressionable, earnest, intelligent young people and warping their sense of truth?<BR/><BR/>I'm so glad I don't live in that carnival called San Francisco anymore. You can have it. It's things like this that convinced me, long before I was a parent, that it was no place to raise children. Q.E.D.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256165281863652253.post-29085550616262164102009-03-09T15:20:00.000-07:002009-03-09T15:20:00.000-07:00Sadly, the mission of the school has been compromi...Sadly, the mission of the school has been compromised. “Our Mission is grounded in the spirituality of the Society of the Religions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Evolving Tradition of the Roman Catholic Church” We are taught to love one another and have never been taught to love what someone does that may be sinful. SHS had many choices to choose from for the loving homosexual people message and choose one that was not “Grounded in the Roman Catholic Church”. This clearly is a violation of the Schools Mission Statement. Do Roman Catholic’s love homosexuals? Absolutely!. Jesus taught us to love one another and this above all was his top commandment. He does not teach us to love the sin that we may have. Unfortunately this makes the schools decision to put on this controversial play look scandalous and reckless. Why do I want my child to attend a school that does not treat the issue of faith with great care?<BR/><BR/>When Archbishop George Niederauer forced cancellation of the play at Most Holly Redeemer Church) they (our Principal?) moved the play to another location (still put on by the SHS kids) for his parish to see? Have we now moved to a new level by acting in defiance of our own Archbishop? Does the leadership of the school have a hidden agenda? Have they asked the Archbishop for help and guidance?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256165281863652253.post-74899982377621926202009-03-08T11:24:00.000-07:002009-03-08T11:24:00.000-07:00To SHP09, What a beautiful, truly Catholic and Ch...To SHP09, What a beautiful, truly Catholic and Christian viewpoint. Thank you so very, very for your thoughtful and heartfelt comments.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256165281863652253.post-36683124886596843832009-03-08T11:08:00.000-07:002009-03-08T11:08:00.000-07:00I think everyone is missing the point...it does no...I think everyone is missing the point...it does not matter where this play is being performed...The fact is that it represents the school.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256165281863652253.post-4453505318390190772009-03-07T21:52:00.000-08:002009-03-07T21:52:00.000-08:00*First Commenter* I don't believe I have done a di...*First Commenter* I don't believe I have done a disservice to my school in voicing my opinion to you because frankly, I don't want a parent like you deciding what is right and wrong. Who are we to decide what is right and wrong? How dare you try and take away these people's rights to be equal. You speak against them as if you are so perfect and above it all but the bible says "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256165281863652253.post-9500402637101584382009-03-07T20:28:00.000-08:002009-03-07T20:28:00.000-08:00Anonymous 7:26 PM: You say "There is no doubt that...Anonymous 7:26 PM: You say "There is no doubt that the Catholic Church opposes gay marriage and same-sex relationships." <BR/><BR/>That's right, and there is also no doubt that this teaching is not accepted at Most Holy Redeemer. <BR/><BR/>At least seven persons who serve in liturgical functions at Mass at MHR are same-sex "married" right now. At least five past and present members of the pastoral council have contributed to the "No on Proposition 8" campaign. <BR/><BR/>So as I asked in the blog post: why is (now was, thank heavens) a play that challenges Church teaching on homosexuality being performed at MHR? The last thing needed there is something that challenges Church teaching. The one thing absolutely needed there is genuine and unambiguous teaching on this issue.<BR/><BR/>Gibbons in SFAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256165281863652253.post-18255363230568139242009-03-07T19:26:00.000-08:002009-03-07T19:26:00.000-08:00As a student of SHP who has taken a mandatory clas...As a student of SHP who has taken a mandatory class on "Social Ethics," everything we learned was related to Catholic Social Teaching. We constantly used CST to justify our research on various social issues, including same sex marriage. There is no doubt that the Catholic Church opposes gay marriage and same-sex relationships. However, it does teach that homosexual persons deserve respect, justice and pastoral care. I believe this play's goal is to show that homosexuals should be treated with dignity and respect. It is not trying to impose the idea that same sex marriage should be legal. Though the Catholic Church may condemn homosexual acts, it does not condemn the individual. In that sense, I see no reason as to why this play should not be performed at a Catholic School that promotes the dignity of the human person.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256165281863652253.post-9714756250343198502009-03-07T06:31:00.000-08:002009-03-07T06:31:00.000-08:00Anonymous 1:40AM:That's actually a pretty helpful ...Anonymous 1:40AM:<BR/><BR/>That's actually a pretty helpful description. I'd point out that a couple of times (comparing the play to contemporary TV, and noting that it probably did not make the students uncomfortable) you are not setting the bar very high--particularly for a Catholic school. God bless you!<BR/><BR/>I any case, the forced cancellation of the play at MHR by our Archdiocese (God bless them!)makes quite clear its inappropraiteness for an Archdiocesan institution.<BR/><BR/>If I were a Catholic parent of a Sacred Heart student, I’d ask some questions about why a Catholic School is producing a play that the Archdiocese cancels as soon as they learn of it.<BR/><BR/>Gibbons in SFAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256165281863652253.post-73250580494708544952009-03-07T01:40:00.000-08:002009-03-07T01:40:00.000-08:00I'd just like to make it clear that watching t...I'd just like to make it clear that watching the play was by no means mandatory and that I find it really interesting that all of you strangers, who claim to have good morals, are so quick to judge students like me. <BR/>The play was great and from my perspective it really did not change anyone's beliefs on homosexuality. Basically anyone who went to see it either went in not supporting homosexuality and came out that way or went in supporting homosexuality and came out that way. Although it did not change most people's beliefs, it really did make the audience think about the issue. I found that even though some people still don't accept homosexuality, they now have more tolerance towards homosexuals, which I think was more or less the goal. <BR/>A few things I'd like to clarify:<BR/>~To the person who said that the play was inappropriate~<BR/>I will say that it was a bit odd to hear some stuff that was said in this high school play, such as pornography, because that was just weird. But honestly, if your kids watch Gossip Girl or even House, they are exposed to way more inappropriate behavior and words like pornography. Therefore, if your children watch these shows it was probably not very uncomfortable for them.<BR/>~About the kiss~<BR/>The kiss between two of the male actors in the play was very innocent. It was not dirty or erotic or anything you people are probably thinking. The kiss was merely a peck on the cheek and was barely noticeable to the audience.<BR/>~And to the people who say the parents were not aware of the play~<BR/>SHP has many ways by which they communicate with parents. The play had been announced from the beginning of the year and was on all bulletins that every parent receives by email. Also there were various posters placed on bulletin boards, fences, and doors on campus. Even if you are not an involved parent at SHP, it was pretty hard to overlook these announcements. The announcements that were sent our clearly conveyed that the freshmen were going to watch the performance as part of our regular school day.<BR/>~And to the people who say that it is unfair only freshman had to see it~<BR/>Yes, freshmen were the only class that had the play scheduled into their day, but I know that most other students went to watch it as well. I myself watched it twice. The reason why other grades did not watch it as a class was because of time. The 10, 11, &12th grade have a higher work load then freshmen, which makes it harder to shorten there classes. Also, two members of the freshmen class raised the issue of using hurtful words to describe homosexuals such as fagget. I think the school wanted to see it as a class to learn that words such as that one are very hurtful.<BR/>~To the people who keep correcting our grammar~<BR/>As you said we are students, we are still learning, therefore, it would be great if you could back off and focus on the issue. Thank you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256165281863652253.post-50567241696815259502009-03-06T19:37:00.000-08:002009-03-06T19:37:00.000-08:00We've had lots of people comment, or the same pers...We've had lots of people comment, or the same person has commented many times, to the effect that "Be Still and Know" will be performed at the (Jesuit) University of San Francisco this Sunday. Lots of comments, no evidence. I've been unable to verify this. Any actual evidence (time, venue--please don't just say USF, it is a big place--any links with information) would be appreciated.<BR/><BR/>Gibbons in SFAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256165281863652253.post-31107729531381639242009-03-06T18:09:00.000-08:002009-03-06T18:09:00.000-08:00In response to whether or not the play was mandato...In response to whether or not the play was mandatory: I asked a freshman at my school (Sacred Heart) and she told me that it was initially mandatory, but after seeing the backlash from all the parents the school made it optional.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256165281863652253.post-12314151914702052832009-03-06T15:40:00.000-08:002009-03-06T15:40:00.000-08:00My daughter attends SHP, and we have have found it...My daughter attends SHP, and we have have found it to be an incredible school with so much to offer. But after watching the play, we didn't understand why the Freshmen class was required to see it but not the other classes. We felt 14 year olds were not ready for this subject matter in the way it was presented. There were extremely inappropriate dialoges between characters encouraging the use of pornography which made them feel very uncomfortable. In a Catholic school where spirituality is important, this doesn't fit in to the criteria of the school in any way. We have stressed the importance of tolerance to gays and had many discussions with our daughter so that she is aware of these issues. Shouldn't all children's views even if they don't believe the same way be voiced and teachers be sensitive to opposite view points . without consequence? Most kids that saw the play that felt it was in appropriate, were too afraid to say so because they would be labeled Homophobic.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256165281863652253.post-43732444343485805202009-03-06T10:27:00.000-08:002009-03-06T10:27:00.000-08:00Anonymous 9:52 AM:Can you give us any evidence for...Anonymous 9:52 AM:<BR/><BR/>Can you give us any evidence for this?<BR/><BR/>Gibbons in SFAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256165281863652253.post-63384622709936180562009-03-06T09:52:00.000-08:002009-03-06T09:52:00.000-08:00the play has not been cancelled. only the locatio...the play has not been cancelled. only the location, to a catholic universityAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256165281863652253.post-81488106574960560132009-03-06T09:23:00.000-08:002009-03-06T09:23:00.000-08:00Most Freshman parents were not aware that their ch...Most Freshman parents were not aware that their children were going to see the play since no notice was sent home and most high school students do not tell you the daily happenings at school. Even afterward, few parents were made aware of the content other than that it was about tolerance. But the message goes far beyond tolerance and itself has no tolerance for the Christians portrayed in the play! The school has gotten so liberal that conservative students often have to bite their tongue so that they are not ridiculed:over 90% of the teachers voted for Obama in the school's mock election and the freshman class had the lowerst Obama vote at about 65% and that percentage goes up with each higher grade, which says something about what they are learning. Another irony is that the principal is the head of the Young Republican club. Everyone knows he is not a true conservative so few students are comfortable joining what should be a safe haven to voice minority views.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256165281863652253.post-24248330510797962722009-03-06T09:13:00.000-08:002009-03-06T09:13:00.000-08:00Concerned Sacred Heart Student 11:29,You asked, "O...Concerned Sacred Heart Student 11:29,<BR/><BR/>You asked, "One thing I honestly don't understand about many comments posted is when you say that you don't hate gays, and you love all people, how can you deny someone the right to marry?"<BR/><BR/>The answer is simple: marriage, by definition, is a union between a man and a woman. Unions of the same sex don't meet the definition. People can call gay unions "marriage", but that would be as foolish as calling a circle a square. A circle and a square are two different kinds of things, and they should have two different names.<BR/><BR/>Opposite sex unions and gay unions are two different kinds of things, and they should therefore not be given the same names; they should have different names.<BR/><BR/>There are obvious biological differences between opposite sex unions and gay unions, the most important being that opposite sex unions are capable of true, reproductive bodily union whereas gay unions do not follow nature's biological design. Gay unions are like trying to get electricity by putting two electrical plugs together or two sockets together; it will never work. But you can get electricity by putting a plug in a socket. If you follow the design, you end up right; if you don't follow the design, things go all wrong.<BR/><BR/>Equal rights applies to individuals. Gay individuals do have full equal rights to marry in this country and state: all people have the right to marry. But since marriage is by definition only a union between a man and a woman, gay people and straight people alike must marry someone of the opposite sex. The fact that gay people might not want to marry someone of the opposite sex isn't the fault of the law nor is it a denial of their rights. Gay people can get married right now in California.<BR/><BR/>It would not be justice to change the definition of marriage to include gay unions because then you would be treating unequal things equally. Justice treats equal things equally and unequal things unequally. Gay unions are biologically unequal (actually they are inferior) to marriage between a man and a woman, therefore it would be unjust to treat the two different kinds of unions equally under the law by giving them both the same name.<BR/><BR/>You are confusing individual rights, which everyone already has equally (whether gay or straight) with associative rights. You want to argue that couples of the same sex should be viewed the same under the law as couples of opposite sex. I have already explained why that would be unjust: they are not biologically equal types of relationships.<BR/><BR/>Notice that this is not a matter of hatred, as the supporters of gay marriage so desperately want to apply to their opposition. There is no hatred in recognizing that gay unions are biologically inferior to straight unions. It's just a matter of objective biology and logical conclusion based on scientific facts. Applying the label "hater" to the opposition is a tactic to try and win the debate, not on the facts, but on emotional appeals. Gay marriage cannot win on the facts because, as I have explained, the facts do not support gay unions being equal to straight unions.<BR/><BR/>Furthermore, would you extend the right to marry to people who wanted to form unions of three, or four or five people? If not, how would you deny them their right to form a marriage of three or four or five? Shouldn't all people have equal rights to marry whomever and however many people they want to? After all, doesn't love make a marriage?<BR/><BR/>No, love alone does not make a marriage. Because you have to have one man and one woman to make a marriage.<BR/><BR/>Those who make emotional appeals to love as the basis for marriage are ignoring the biological design of sexual differentiation that obviously gives a natural superiority to the union between a man and a woman. Biology 101 should be all that is necessary to realize that gay marriage is wrong.<BR/><BR/>You are on the wrong side of the argument. Generations from now will look back at this blip in our society and wonder what went wrong in America and her schools that so many people believed in something so utterly absurd as gay marriage.<BR/><BR/>Are your religion classes teaching you this? Are they discussing Catholic doctrine about marriage?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256165281863652253.post-80645449165743067992009-03-06T08:21:00.000-08:002009-03-06T08:21:00.000-08:00No one was forced to see the play. Concerned pare...No one was forced to see the play. Concerned parents should have contacted the principal at SHP. He is a reasonable man and would never force any one to see the play. He respects others opinions even if he does not agree with them...I was personally impressed with how he handled this matter and he eased the concern I had regarding the play. So parents who state that their children were forced to see the play never contacted the principal at SHP.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256165281863652253.post-71059120446843255952009-03-06T04:49:00.000-08:002009-03-06T04:49:00.000-08:00To the first commenter-SHP kids have never been "n...To the first commenter-<BR/><BR/>SHP kids have never been "nasty" or "unschooled". I think you, the first commenter, would just be the dramatic parent that likes to cause trouble. You cannot harp on high school kids for having arguments not as polished as your own. But when comparing the two, it can be said that the IQ of the Sacred Heart children will far surpass your own by the time they're your age, we can all see that. This whole blog fiasco has become sort of "the" topic among the students, and there is a fierce loyalty for their alma mater. So you have to anticipate that such a blatant attack by Gibbons Cooney on our teachers and drama department would be met with some fiery, hormonal, yet extremely well worded, student responses.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256165281863652253.post-1652668394883917062009-03-06T04:40:00.000-08:002009-03-06T04:40:00.000-08:00I'm friends with the two guys who kissed. And they...I'm friends with the two guys who kissed. And they are very much straight, no worries for you there. It can't be as bad as what your kid probably sees on MTV.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256165281863652253.post-37672095621294306582009-03-06T04:38:00.000-08:002009-03-06T04:38:00.000-08:00yeah well when 14 year olds are exchanging words l...yeah well when 14 year olds are exchanging words like "faggot" with each other in a harmful way, you bet your sweet rosary that those kids need to see the real meaning of that word, and the derogatory context it is used in, as the play shows.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256165281863652253.post-85336390710630152982009-03-06T00:33:00.000-08:002009-03-06T00:33:00.000-08:00The sad thing here is that this is NOT the school ...The sad thing here is that this is NOT the school that the sisters of the Sacred Heart sacrificed to build and maintain for so many years. No Religious or Priests teach here. Yes, there are many, many great teachers at SHP but as is the case at all schools, most teachers are extremely liberal. That is not a surprise however what so many are missing here is that this is a Catholic School and this play does NOT follow Catholic/Christian teachings. Devout Catholic and other Christian families are the minority and will continue to be fewer as we search out schools that will adhere to our beloved faith. And for the record, ALL Freshman were REQUIRED to attend the play and no REAL balance of views has ever been discussed. There is most certainly an agenda here and the students who have posted here in favor of the play are proof that they have succeeded!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256165281863652253.post-20324022711308450682009-03-05T23:29:00.000-08:002009-03-05T23:29:00.000-08:00To the first commenter,As a part of the student bo...To the first commenter,<BR/><BR/>As a part of the student body, we are commenting to defend our school, and it seems that all who argue against the school or the play either don't understand what a Sacred Heart education means. As a student in my second year, Sacred Heart has completely changed me to who I am today. Sacred Heart has provided me with a Catholic education as well as 5 goals that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. To the Sacred Heart Alumni who said that "Sacred Heart Isn't what it used to be", you are correct. Sacred Heart is much better than it used to be. Sacred Heart is an understanding and accepting community that I am honored to be a part of. I am also honored to actually got to see the play. I went on my own accord, and I absolutely loved it. The play was amazingly well done, and it provides "both sides of the argument" that some people have been discussing before. I believe that some comments on this blog have proposed both sides of the argument and I am completely flabbergasted that a civil rights issue like gay marriage even needs another side of the argument. Would Jesus deny gays the right to marry? Or would he love them unconditionally? So I believe that writing here is not a disservice to my school. Anyone who believes that writing here is a disservice either doesn't know the school, or doesn't understand both the Catholic education, as well as the wonderful education we receive. Lastly, for the freshmen, a letter was sent home to the parents asking them permission to see the play. It the parents said yes, it was mandatory for that freshman to see it. So yes, parents and their child did have a choice to not see the play. <BR/><BR/> One thing I honestly don't understand about many comments posted is when you say that you don't hate gays, and you love all people, how can you deny someone the right to marry? Its in the Declaration of Independence that "all men are created equal" and the ninth amendment of the constitution defends all rights, then HOW could this country and anyone have the power to deny gays this right. So if this is the reason you decide that your child is not going to Sacred Heart, that is a shame. You child is missing out on one of the best educations and opportunities that they could ever have.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256165281863652253.post-89857722229136290402009-03-05T20:51:00.000-08:002009-03-05T20:51:00.000-08:00I am the first commenter - and having read all of ...I am the first commenter - and having read all of these comments... I know my son will not go here. If these comments were indeed written by SHP students.. you have done a disservice to your school because I have learned from these comments how unschooled you are in your faith and quite nasty too. That is really sad as the name Sacred Heart invokes someting very religious and very profound, a school that should be dedicated to promoting the truth of what the Catholic Church teaches. <BR/><BR/>I do not have hatred of homosexuals. I love all people. That does not mean that I fully embrace the moral teachings of the Catholic Church which you are mixing up with feelings of emotion. I do not called people names and I have taught my children to not do this either. Some of you said the play was not mandatory, then someone else said it was... so I have to wonder how truthful you are. I know the woman who called in on Catholic radio was upset that her daughter was made to watch the play without her permission. She said there were two males kissing on the stage. This is absolutely preposterous in a Catholic School and I would be complaining also like this woman did. And would I be told also, "You are being closed minded?".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256165281863652253.post-50688419814591200232009-03-05T20:28:00.000-08:002009-03-05T20:28:00.000-08:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256165281863652253.post-36994414905197863972009-03-05T20:05:00.000-08:002009-03-05T20:05:00.000-08:00As a current freshman of SHP, I was told it was ma...As a current freshman of SHP, I was told it was mandatory to attend this play. There was the common complaining that would be expected of any high-schooler, but if I was given a choice, I would see it again a million times. This play opened my eyes to the NEW civil rights movement. And now, I am aware of the prejudice and pure hatred these people are up against. You cringe at the thought of attending a pro-homosexuality school (commenter 1), what if your son is gay? Would you cast him out of your house, would you talk to him again? It sounds like a lot of you aren't ready to face the future. You call yourselves Christians, but how do you think Jesus is looking upon you for HATING another group just for being different.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com