1. Mahers, Fri. June 12 THEN Rochons, Fri July 17

Wasn't it great seeing the Kray's house without three feet of snow burying it? I'm happy to announce, also, that our team won the soccer game!

For next month, there's no Areopagus, but Mr. Maher invited everyone to his house on Friday, June 12, for a "sports day at the Mahers." I encourage everyone to attend. Then we're back to our philosophical and theological discussions in July, on the third Friday as usual (the 17th). Then we'll meet at the Rochons. If ever you came down Gratiot and saw the cow on the roof, they live right around there. The Kots are in August (Just after our Trailblazers pilgrimage), and then we'll start a new year.

The questions at the Krays were:

1. I read that it is Church law to deny Christian burial to those who knowingly and deliberately commit suicide. At what point do priests discern that state of mind?

2. Can you talk about the Head of Homeland Security’s recent comments that retired war veterans, pro-life advocates, etc. must be considered possible terrorist threats?

3. I heard the Vatican was discussing the topic of multiple universes. Do you know anything about that?

4. What is freedom?

5. Are there different or new Holy Days of Obligation the Tridentine rite of the Mass?
What is the best way to explain what a scapular and its purpose is?

May 15 at the Krays

We'll meet at the Krays on May 15. Weather permitting, we'll have a soccer game starting at 5pm.

A cordial "Thank You!" to the Simpsons for our April Areopagus. We have one more left of this school year, and we'll meet at the Krays. I have never seen their home, unless it was under three feet or so of snow! In June, we won't meet, but some families have been talking of a meeting anyway. In July, the Rochons will host us for an outdoor event, and the Kot family has offered another outdoor Areopagus in August.

April's questions were:
1. What do you do with scapulars and rosaries that are broken or worn out? I know that we can't throw them out; should we burn them?
2. What are your thoughts on Little Persons in the circus? (Intelligence sources identify Henry behind this question... a question, may I add, right up there with "Why does Hilary love turtles?")
3. Can you have more graces by having a Tridentine Wedding?
4. If a girl sees a guy touching some of her girl friends in a way that isn't particularly impure, but is unecessary and shouldn't be done, what should she do? Tell him to stop? Pull his hands away? Tell the girls parents? Do nothing because the friend should handle it on her own, even if she doesn't know what she should do?
5. What are the conditions for breaking your Lenten promises? Can you say a rosary to make up for it?
6. What do you think the world would be like if Jesus did not die for us? Would we be able to practice our Faith as freely?
7. If all venial sins are forgiven at communion, why do people go to confession after receiving communion at Mass? (assuming no sacrilege was committed)
8. Is it wrong to lie to someone if you are saving their feelings from being hurt?
9. My mom said that taking too much time dwelling on our appearances is vanity which is sin. For instance: taking too much time fixing our hair, painting fingernails, being concerned about our clothing not being an "in" brand or designer... Is she right? Would people who don't wear makeup, or aren't concerned about appearances be maybe holier? I don't remember anything about saints taking time for such things, what is your opinion?

These were great questions, and many more await us on May 15. We're planning a soccer game at 5pm, to wind us up for the discussion session.

So, on May 15th, the Krays' house: (810) 796-4049; Their address is: 4572 Merrick Dr., Dryden, MI, 48428. (Click here for a Google Map)