The Cathedral Club: The Tammany Hall of Bay Ridge? – An Introduction
This past October, I discussed how The Bay Ridge Cabal of the Brooklyn GOP was directing all party events to its local domain. In fact, it has been common knowledge for some time that the Brooklyn GOP is synonymous with Bay Ridge.
But we’ve come to realize here at Atlas Shrugs in Brooklyn that the network of Bay Ridge mavens is even more extensive than the party leadership itself. All of the major players in this network have one glaring connection, one link that stands out above all else.
They are all members of the Bay Ridge society known as The Cathedral Club. And as we’ve come to learn through our research, their tentacles likely run as far north as Bruce Ratner’s Atlantic Yards and Borough Hall, forming a multi-million dollar indirect consortium that connects charities with politicians.
The connections are so great and so extensive; I believe they must be introduced part-by-part so that you don’t lose sight of all the different factors and individuals involved. As such, I will only be providing you with a mere introduction today to this even more extensive Cathedral Club Cabal. Over the next few weeks, I will try to connect the dots among the orgy of evidence drawing our attention to this little known society outside of Bay Ridge.
***
Let’s start with the history of their club.
This is what’s posted on their website about the history of the Cathedral Club:
The Cathedral Club of Brooklyn is a Catholic lay organization founded in the Diocese of Brooklyn, on March 1, 1900. The original Spiritual Director and guiding light at that time was Father George Mundelein, who was later to become George Cardinal Mundelein of the Diocese of Chicago. Since that time it has been customary for the Bishop of Brooklyn to serve as the Spiritual Director of the club.
In 1907 the club took possession of its last permanent clubhouse at Sixth and Flatbush Avenues, where it remained until 1974.
At that time the membership decided that the Club should not maintain a permanent clubhouse; instead, it should utilize existing facilities within the Borough of Brooklyn for meetings and other functions.
As stated in its original certificate of incorporation, the object of the founders was to make the Club the principle Catholic Club in the Diocese of Brooklyn &,to advance Catholic interests, to promote the moral improvement of its members, to foster among them a true Catholic spirit, and by frequent social intercourse to unite them more closely in the pursuance of these ends. Over the years the Club developed an extensive series of events and activities to fulfill this objective.
Among these events, the Club sponsors a forum each spring on a public issue of interest to the community of Brooklyn. In the fall it holds its Annual Memorial Mass in honor of deceased members, which is celebrated by the Bishop of Brooklyn.
The Club established a scholarship program for worthy high school students in the Diocese. The scholarships are awarded on the basis of need and scholastic ability.
The Club’s Annual Dinner is the highlight of its social calendar and from the proceeds a donation is made to the Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, for his favorite charity. Other events include a golf outing, roast of its past president, and various other social and fundraising events.
Now entering its second century, the Club looks forward to its future, keeping in mind the original intent and objectives of its founders.
Seems innocent enough, right?
Here are the Officers of the Cathedral Club:
James B. McHugh, President
Robert W. Johnson, Vice President
John Heyer, Treasurer
Martin J. Cottingham, Financial Secretary
Michael E. Glynn, Recording Secretary
Now, look at who’s on the Board of Governors of the Cathedral Club:
George R. Prezioso, Ex-Officio
Craig A. Eaton
Martin J. Golden
Robert Charles Golden
Joseph B. Guarinello
William R. Guarinello
Vincent Iannelli
Frank Keating
Maureen McHugh
Michael R. Long
Richard E. Re
Recognize anyone we know?
The most obvious name is State Senator Martin Golden (aka “The Golden Prince”), who is all but assuredly the ringleader of the Brooklyn GOP leadership. Next to that is his irrelevant Brooklyn GOP Chairman ________ “The Duke of Bay Ridge” _________. You also have Robert Charles Golden, whom we believe is related to the Senator, but we do not have confirmation of that just yet.
Next, we have Conservative Party Chairman Michael Long–a big name–involved in the club. The Conservative Party and the Brooklyn GOP are very connected, as you all know. You might recall Brooklyn Conservative Party Chairman Jerry Kassar is a minion and vassal of The Golden Prince; he is an employee of the Senator. There is and always has been a very close relationship between Catholics in New York State and the Conservative Party, which is frequently the source of blog news.
But it gets even more interesting than that.
At least eight of the members of their Board of Governors are “friends” of or directly connected to HeartShare Human Services, a charity which will be examined extensively in relation to the Cathedral Club in this series. In fact, William Guarinello, one of the members of the Board of Governors is the President and CEO of HeartShare.
These links between the Bay Ridge Cabal and various charities will not be so surprising to those of you following the connections between Marty Golden and his Duke of Bay Ridge.
Hank Rearden informed you of this in mid-October:
In the period between 2008 and 2009, The Golden Prince coughed up an astounding amount of money to his handpicked receivers. All in all, he gave $2,878,000 in pork, from churches to charities…
Included in these millions of pork was $5000 to Chairman Craig “The Duke” Eaton’s charity, the MHE Research Foundation. While no one questions donations to good causes (which MHE certainly is, by my assessment), conflict of interest questions arise, given that The Duke has already given $18,000 to The Golden Prince over the past nine years. In fact, one comment posted by an Atlas reader notified us that The Golden Prince and Mayor Bloomberg were both in attendance at a recent MHE Research Foundation event, during which Sen. Golden was honored. It seems somewhat troubling that two men that Eaton received favors from and has personally favored are always nearby. One with sizable donations and the other with a 50k-100k Wilson Pakula vote.
The Brooklyn GOP itself sent over a cozy $2000 to HeartShare recently, as well.
Furthermore, there are connections between Cathedral Club members and the controversial Atlantic Yards Project, including some associations that have raised eyebrows among many Republicans and Democrats.
Not the least of these associations is between ACORN’s Bertha Lewis and Marty Golden, who both appeared at a pro-Atlantic Yards pow wow. Here’s the evidence of that unholy alliance:
I thought Republicans had a hardline stance against corrupt organizations like ACORN?
Well, I guess when you detente with Democrats, you’re willing to do anything.
Less noticed at this pow-wow was John Heyer, Treasurer of The Cathedral Club, in the background and newly minted Queens Republican City Councilman Eric Ulrich.
Also of great note, the Cathedral Club membership might have some serious connections with the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office. Just ask Bob Capano, former candidate for city council, who used to work there. He would be merely one beneficiary of this vast Bay Ridge network.
***
So as you can see, the relationships of The Cathedral Club are worth exploring. They remind us at Atlas of another social/political club that had much greater influence in this city for decades but operated in the same suspicious way: Tammany Hall.
While the goals and stated missions of many of these connected organizations might seem benevolent, the members within the organization might be using the club for less than beneficial means.
While I cannot always promise outright proof (how often do you ever find that?), I will promise that that the connections that exist between this organization, the Brooklyn GOP and Conservative Party, numerous charities, and many other important Brooklyn political groups will demonstrate that the people within this organization need to be monitored and these dealings need to be professionally investigated.
Taxpayer money, party money and personal wealth are flowing back and forth between the individuals in the Cathedral Club, their satellite organizations and various politicians.
Something is afoot in Brooklyn, and we hope you’ll join us in figuring it all out.
Trackbacks
- Careless Conservative Chieftain Kassar Attacks Atlas (Sort Of…) in Brooklyn Spectator–Thanks! « Atlas Shrugs in Brooklyn
- Winter Does Nothing To Slow Pace of Atlas Readers, As Thousands Come This Week « Atlas Shrugs in Brooklyn
- As Queens GOP Endorses Lazio, Brooklyn GOP’s Lazio/Collins Meeting Falls Flat–Unfortunately For Brooklyn « Atlas Shrugs in Brooklyn
- Thanks Fellow Atlas Readers! – Preview of What’s Coming Up Next « Atlas Shrugs in Brooklyn
- Developing Story: Irrelevant Eaton “Hungry For Glory” As Democrat Kruger “Resolved” To Praise Him « Atlas Shrugs in Brooklyn
- BREAKING NEWS: Vito Lopez Associate Robert Carroll Seen with Conservative Party Cheiftain Kassar at Poll Site in 44th District « Atlas Shrugs in Brooklyn
- Chairman Craig “The Duke of Bay Ridge” Eaton AWOL as “Revolution” Breaks Out « Atlas Shrugs in Brooklyn
- Golden Challenger DiSanto: “I won’t be bought, sold or borrowed” « Atlas Shrugs in Brooklyn
- As The “Golden” Era Seems To Come To An End, Brooklyn Republicans Should Feel Relieved « Atlas Shrugs in Brooklyn
- Lopez’s “Non-Profit” Kingdom of Fraud Highlights Other Politically Connected Charities and Scandals « Atlas Shrugs in Brooklyn
- Introducing Democratic State Senator Marty Golden? « Atlas Shrugs in Brooklyn
- The Best of Atlas: Our Favorite Posts of 2010 – Hank Rearden « Atlas Shrugs in Brooklyn
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Atlas Shrugs in Brooklyn 
Were you a writer for the X-files?
“But as the Times’s Danny Hakim reported in 2007, the group has also benefited from its close ties to Golden. HeartShare executive director William Guarinello, whose salary is $464,000 a year, is married to Golden’s former longtime community liaison, Donna Guarinello, who worked for Golden in both his City Council and Senate offices.”
http://www.villagevoice.com/2009-03-04/news/bloomberg-s-golden-republican/2
AND…
Liam McCabe:
“…lay off Eric [Ulrich] until after the election or Liam McCabe will personally have a problem with anyone that works against this talented YR.
“That is a promise…
“Liam McCabe
“Conservative Party
http://urbanelephants.com/index.php/component/content/article/64/1418-let-the-election-begin-the-haggertys-lose-again.html
A member of the Conservative Party is the first to comment…must have hit a vein with this one…
Also, he wrote this:
The Happy Warrior: An Open Letter to Marty Golden in Two Parts
http://www.brooklyneagle.com/categories/category.php?category_id=10&id=26062
Just telling people who you are, since most won’t know who you are. Just pointing out you have connections to Ulrich and Golden.
I reiterate: A member of the Conservative Party is the first to comment…must have hit a vein with this one.
What do the inside of Marty and Eric’s asses look like Liam? Bet you can’t hear them scream.
Liam,
I don’t think they’ve written for the X-Files, no… that would require a certain level of intelligence and, more importantly, creativity.
Now, if they accuse Fr. Gelfant of being an alien, and Marty Golden of being a liason to that extraterrestrial race, and me of being Fr.’s super-engineered robot bodyguard and propogandist, then they’d be doing a little better…
PS – Sorry you had to take such insults from the people on this blog. The garbage they’re spewing out is uncalled for… Thanks for standing up and being the first to comment, too.
PPS – To MM Boarder Watcher, the X-Files comment was humorous. The stupidity of ‘fraggelfant’ and whatever else was said doesn’t pass as funny… in the least… and it’s not even offensive… just really, really lame.
The Jig Is Up Atlas and brooklynpolitico, are the hate blogs of Craig Eaton, an underboss of the subsidiary franchise of Capo Marty Golden’s Bay Ridge Tammany operation, the so-called The Kings County Republican Party. Those Golden-Eaton supported hate blogs have been open and notorious in their libels and slanders. The sick material peddled on those internet sites have included job and business references to certain individuals and have also mentioned the names of parents, spouses, children and other associations of many of those blogs’ targets. These hate blogs were hardly a part of things when Bay Ridge Tammany discussion started; we now know a lot more about this corrupt network.
There are some questionable activities by various family members, and business, social and religious associates of the Bay Ridge Tammany operation that have not yet been fully developed here and in other media, though there may have been some passing mention of them on various threads in Atlas Shrugs in Brooklyn.
In light of the unjustified attacks on so many of those related to some of people mentioned as supporters, spokespersons and leaders of the Brooklyn GOP Revolution, there must be a strong consideration of a broader and more in-depth investigation of all the corruption that makes the Bay Ridge Tammany operation work. Since such consideration is in order, there also must be a reconsideration of any earlier notions of civility and moderation that might interfere with what some might consider real in-depth reporting of all the facts.
Maybe something about Bay Ridge Liam McCabe, recently known in Queens, but planning a return to Bay Ridge some time soon, maybe after a party switch, maybe as one of the Golden-Eaton-Kassar class of 2013 for City Counsel. Let’s see what the lines look like, maybe 2012.
ACORN’s Bertha Lewis and Marty Golden–what a stupid, stupid move…
Jackpot! You know, I had heard about Heartshare. I had read your pieces on the charities before. I have to say, it now all has definition and shape.
This all comes as no surprise. New York City politics has a history of stunning webs of corruption and money laundering. It could be that this little social group is one such organization.
The connections all around are disturbing.
Showing this week at The Cathedral Club:
LOL
“Over $1400.00 was donated to a Catholic organization known as the Cathedral Club, of which the Chairman and many other members of the KCRP are members. Please view http://www.thetablet.org. It is also very coincidental that this money was donated around the time of this organization’s annual dinner.”
you missed one Lucky:
http://www.brooklyneagle.com/categories/category.php?category_id=10&id=26370
…Although this one may not fit so well with your conspiracy theories.
BTW, I invite all people to look up my articles (The Happy Warrior) at the Brooklyn Eagle. Lucky, I want to thank you for posting my cell number from the campaign. Unfortunatly that number has changed. My new # is 718-825-6731. That is my personal cell phone number and anyone can call me anytime they want to talk about who I support and why. Or you can reach me at my personal e-mail: will_mccabe@hotmail.com. Lucky, I appreciate that you re-posted my comments for me. I will always stand up for the things and people I believe in, even though we may disagree from time to time. And I do it without a cyber mask…
Liam (Will) Ambrose McCabe
Hi Liam, I spoke today in Bellerose. Eric Ulrich and Peter Koo was there.
That’s great Joseph! Nice to read how our welfare dollars are promoting your joke of a campaign!
Get a job yet? Of course not!
YOU ARE A LEECH!!
Bruno is the reason why Republicans are not getting elected in NY. The government is of the people, by the people, and for the people. According to Bruno, the government should exclude, discriminate and hate college students.
Do you do it with a rubber mask?
Russell Gallo and Kraus must have a thing for Judge. They draw pictures of him in their spare time. They obsess over his every word. My god! What losers.
They worked very hard on their little drawing. The Merlin has taught them well and will post this picture on his fridge. Always refreshing to see children at play. Maybe their next project could be drawing Golden’s head on a picture of a jackass. Poor jackass.
This connection is just the tip of the iceberg. The Bay Ridge Cabal is the epitome of the White Star Line. This company is at the helm of the sinking ship of Brooklyn Republican politics, otherwise more famously known as the Titanic.
The Prince, the Duke, and the infamous crew they employ are headed for cold murky depths of the ocean.Keep rearranging those deck chairs!
God himself could not sink this ship…oh no…LOL
No only”The Cathedral Club: The Tammany Hall of Bay Ridge? – An Introduction” by Francisco D’Anconia, in addition to his excellent article, it should be known that Eaton and Torrenzano LLP has a plethora of commercial and quasi-residential real estate developers and builings contractors on their client list. This situation could be a conflict of interest and ethically problematic while the Kings County Republican HQ’s is located within the same entity as the Eaton law practice.
Eaton and Torrenzao LLP are not only “specialists” in peronal injury law and related cases. Their tentacles rae long and vast!
Brooklyn Republicans are being “Tweeded” by the Eaton Bay Ridge Cabal!
The political-prosecutorial-Catholic Church interface in Brooklyn —
What is the history of priestly pedophilia prosecutions in Brooklyn?
The problem must not exist [have existed] here—really?
I hear a rumor that Jonathan Judge is running for the 44th City Council District. Wish you the best, Mr. Judge.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8th, 2010
Brooklyn N.Y.
At a recent special Leadership meeting of the Fiorello LaGuardia Republican Organization, Jonathan J. Judge, President of the Brooklyn Young Republican Club announced his candidacy for City Council in the 44th Councilmanic District in the upcoming Special Election.
“My neighbors and I have been deeply concerned about the direction
in which our city and community is heading. Too many of our
representatives in City Hall have stopped listening to the people on
many key issues. These tough times require constant vigilance and
someone who knows how city government works to keep our district
running at its best for everyone. It is time for a true public servant
to step up for the people of our district. My experience working in
government and with our diverse community over the better part of the
last decade would be a tremendous asset to our community as our City
Council Member. Therefore, after much consideration and many kind
phone calls and emails, I have decided to seek election to the New
York City Council in the 44th District. ”
The announcement was favorably received by those attending the meeting. In addition to Brooklyn Young Republican President, Jonathan J Judge has been very active in political and community activities, such as the Bay Ridge Community Council, the New York State Young Republican and other civic groups.
The leadership of the Fiorello LaGuardia Republican Organization is confident that Mr. Judge’s previous involvement and dedication will remain true to the principles and philosophy of the Republican Party.
Photo left to right:
Samuel Rivera, Vice President Brooklyn Young Republican Club; Lucretia Regina-Potter, Republican District Leader 49th AD; Jonathan J. Judge, President Young Republican Club/44th Council District Candidate; Arnaldo A. Ferraro, Founder/Chairman Fiorello LaGuardia Republican Organization
“After a certain period of time, I received a call from the Kings County Republican Party chairman threatening me that he would “bury me politically if I ran.” He agreed to meet with myself and my friend who were both seeking to participate in the Brooklyn GOP. We discussed several things and all turned out to be a silly misunderstanding. I was placed in a neighboring district, happy to participate. However, they misspelled my friends name when getting petition signatures for him, securing his political inactivity.
“In our conversations, the rift between the Party Chairman and members of the Brooklyn Young Republicans became evident. I did not wish to engage in any political nonsense. I just stated that I wanted to participate and I was ready to seek and venue that would help me do that, but that I did not want to be forced to support candidates I did not agree with.”
http://www.fabiangambino.com– A very powerful and enlightening piece.
Nativist anti-Catholicism amongst the ranks of the Brooklyn Young Republicans?
What a shame.
Anti-Catholicism? I’m a Catholic and I never heard everything anti-Catholic ever at the YR’s. You are seriously misinformed.
The real shame is how Nativist anti-BYR the Bay Ridge GOP is!
A question (not proof): Is space in underutilized parish schools in Bay Ridge and southwest Brooklyn being leased to HeartShare?
What an excellent little web you’ve connected, D’Anconia.
To Ed,
Our Lady of Angels School, State Senator Golden’s grammar school, certainly does lease-out space to Heartshare.
HeartShare is a vast organization here in Brooklyn. The particulars regarding this organization have not yet fully come to light.
Thanks, Wag the Dog. So HeartShare leases space at Holy Angels (which remains open) and at St. Finbar, Bath Avenue, a large parish school that closed. I wonder whether there are others.
MM Boarder Watcher permalink
HAITI FLYER UPDATE
Republicans, WAKE UP.
Cathedral Club Craig Eaton has served up another unforced error.
Borrowing one from his partner’s and at least one KCRP Boardmember’s hero, Barack Hussein Obama’s playbook, “Never let a catastrophe go to waste,” Eaton has again used KCRP money for one of his personally selected charities, “MAYOR’S FUND…..” c/o “Republican Headquarters.”
With 24/7 TV, print dailies and on-line coverage [ GIVING CONTINUOUS INSTRUCTIONS HOW TO MAKE DONATIONS] what legitimate motivation could your party chairman have to do this with Republican Party funds; he didn’t even set up an independent KCRP fund to collect and account for the money?
Regardless of all that, Catherdral Club Craig’s flyer got the KCRP a black eye in his own home parish, Saint Anselms RC Church, in Bay Ridge. From the altar, one of the Parochial Vicars, Rev. Father Michael Louis Gelfant specifically told the congregation that the Eaton flyers were in the church without the pastor’s permission and solicitations were not associated with the relief efforts of the Diocese of Brooklyn. I have to assume that similar annoncements were made at other masses thoughout Brooklyn where the Eaton flyers were distributed. Not good for a Repulican Chairman. Not good for a president emeritis of the Cathedral Club.
“The question begs” [sic] Is Cathedral Club Craig Eaton “in-step” or “out-of-step” with the Brooklyn Diocese?
Does he support the Brooklyn Diocese’ position on humane immigration reform? Does he support his partner’s and at least one member of the KCRP Executive Board’s hero, Barack Hussein Obama’s, virtual amnesty for illegal Haitian immigrants because of the earthquake? Just how much does Cathedral Club Craig Eaton join in Barack Hussein Obama’s tactic to “Never let a catastrophe go to waste” ?
Hi Jim, hope you are well tonight. At least we know who you are.
Church Goer:
You should have “got down on your knees and began to pray…
[you’ll]be safe and warm if you [lived] in LA…”
I’m not JIM (note caps)either. However, JIM M (note caps)is a friend and authorized me to say what comes next….
He was my source, and he gave me a copy of the “HAITI” flyer that he picked up at St Anselms at the 12 Noon mass on January 17th and he gave me a copy of the parish bulletin (nice ads [2] for Eaton & Torrenzano)so I could get the reverend’s name and title right….
Jim said for me to tell you for him, “Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man…That he didn’t, didn’t already have…So please believe in me.” [Respectfully borrowed by Jim and MM from Dewey Bunnell & America]
This is from both Jim and me, “Come on show us what you got!”
Maybe if you’re smart, “[you’ll]be safe and warm if you [run to] LA…”
Indeed this is Father Gelfant. I am very disturbed at what I am reading on these pages. I am not sure if “Jim M” is “James McCall” as suggested, but if this person is a parishioner of St. Anselm’s and after listening to a 20 minute homily on suffering and outreach efforts in Haiti and how these images truly show us that we are members of the body of Christ united in our charity…then it is a sad day. It begs me to ask the question, why would one come to Mass only to leave ready to attack another person via blogs? I would like the person who gave you our parish bulletin and was at my Mass to call me or e-mail me, let me know why he thought this was an appropriate thing to do. There are no boxing gloves on these hands…
-Fr. Gelfant
Politics should be left to the politicians and Catholicism should be left to the clergy.
Boxing gloves are laced tight in the politcal arena where “attacks” are prevalent and politcal bloodshed is expected. No one ever called the game of politics “Christian”, except perhaps the Holy Roman Emporer himself. In the 21st century the masses have learned to differentiate between Church and State. Please keep that in mind.
Keep in mind that the separation of Church and State was created to PROTECT THE CHURCH, not the state. It is your style of politics that many Americans are tired of, including myself. Catholicism should be left to the Catholic people. It is the duty of the priest to remind people of their humanity and all of our responsibility to treat one another with such respect in the context of ethics and morals and dare I say inclusive of faith. Would you disagree with me that politicians should enter into debates on political issues while maintained civility and respect for one another? Of do you solely advocate a style of politics in which people spend more time “attacking” and “shedding blood?” And finally, everyone in Bay Ridge knows who this Catholic Priest is, how come in all of these blog entries, the authors hide behind pithy nicknames? I still haven’t figured that out.
It’s been over a week and still no satisfactory explanation of the KCRP and Craig Eaton’s Haiti flyer fiasco at Saint Anselms—no denials or rebuttals, either.
Mr. Eaton, we’re waiting for your answer. What did you think you were doing? Were you thinking, at all?
Church Goer, not a peep since January 18th?
Something from the other blog TJIUA, posted 1/29/10:
“Father Gelfant said…
Dear Sirs:
The announcement regarding The Haiti Relief flyers at St. Anselm’s as posted on this blog are inaccurate. If you were at the Mass in which you mention, you recall that I spoke about the great work that Catholic Relief Service is doing in Haiti and how it was my desire that parishioners donate to Catholic Relief Service instead of the American Red Cross. The Flyers were advertising donation to the American Red Cross via the Mayor’s Fund, etc. 15,000 flyers were given throughout Brooklyn. It is the policy of St. Anselm’s that NO flyers be placed in our church without approval, that is true for political, community and even other Church functions and St. Anselm organizations. This policy is to help keep the church clean and orderly. Mr. Eaton has served this parish well and has volunteered countless hours to helping families in our sports program and school. Your blog entry mis-leads readers. This is a un-Christian attack against a person for political humor. Fr. Michael Gelfant”
I will respond appropriately after I very my source(s)
Errata: [last line my last(kinda poetic)] “verify” not “very”
BTW, has everybody noticed that when you as Craig Eaton a tough question, somebody-else usually answers? What’s that all about?
errata 2: “ask” not “as”
ASIB should provide editorial assistance, or at least proof-reading, for those of us who blog wearing boxing-gloves.
It is ideologies that keep faith alive, whether it be religion or politics. It is greatly appreciated to see that some members of the clergy truly do take their calling to heart, but it is disappointing to see other members of the clergy openly supporting immoral politicians, especially those that arrogantly disrespect the Church.
One would not disagree with the thought that politicians should enter into debates on political issues while maintaining civility and respect for one another. Many politicians, especially in the “Holy Land called Bay Ridge” lack decency, consideration and suffer from hubris. It is their offensive display of superiority and self-importance combined with overbearing pride that is uncivil and disrespectful!
The priest of this Bay Ridge parish certainly has his work cut out for him.
Hmmm…Very Marxist of you. Of course most people would know that “Ideologies” is used for politics. To see that it is being used to define religion too underscores a disconnect in a persons personal faith experience and relationship with God. With that…I must be more concerned with your spiritual life because ultimately it is your spiritual life that will have the greatest bearing on your life now and for all eternity, not politics. Also it seems that you are angry. Stay tuned, I think I have just been given the blessing of writing an article on this whole fiasco. Of course if the “Enlightened Parishioner” ever wants to become the “Inspired Parishioner” I invite you to engage me in private face-to-face. It would be my honor to carry-on this discussion with you. GOD BLESS YOU! I will pray for you too.
Perhaps someday you may get your wish. I too will pray for you. It is apparent that these mighty
people of your parish need your prayers as well. Do not forget the Crusades, where many batttles were fought and much blood was shed all in the name of our Lord. The Lord also guides me on my quest and Is my inspiration.
GOD BLESS YOU TOO!
There are some very suspicious church-priest-politician webs in and around Brooklyn, and frankly, it’s disgusting. I for one prefer to commune with the Lord and not with the wicked, unless I’m being called in to perform an exorcism. And frankly, government needs to be exorcised.
And why have I heard rumors of priests praising and awarding politicians who have thrown money their way (or their parish’s way)? Isn’t that just as bad as any old corrupt politician funneling money to some chump political ally?
Marty Golden. Craig Eaton. Two men whose names come to mind.
Shouldn’t we have a problem with this unbridled intimacy between church men and state men? Isn’t it unctuous business when a politician and a priest become bedfellows?
Sounds like Extreme Unction to me.
Father Facetious
ff@church.state.gov
You are a very disrespectful person and your allegations are comical. If you honestly need me to explain the relationship between these parishioners and their parish priest, then something is gravely wrong with your cynical mind. But the question remains…why are the people typing on these pages remaining anonymous like yourself? Why? Why? Why?
It’s simple. The thugs in the Republican Party would love nothing less than to cut down those that speak against them. It’s much like what the Chinese government has done to the Catholic Church. Whenever free-thinking individuals or people of faith are dogged by cruel and domineering tactics, their organizations must go underground in order to protect themselves.
Now, the party is furious because the people they’ve alienated and ignored are using guerrilla tactics to fight back against the oppressive regime they’ve taken pleasure in engineering.
That’s why I don’t use my real name.
Father Facetious
ff@church.state.gov
“Once again, it saddens me to see that a person attended Mass and the only thing they took away from a 20 minute homily was a spin on my remarks to attack another person. Let’s just say, I think I have some good material for this Sunday’s homily.”
May I say: Church. Politics. Ugh. Not a good combo.
Forgive me if I’ve sinned, Father Eaton and Monsignor Golden. LOL
The dearth of leadership in the county party, starting with its illustrious Chairman Craig Eaton—The Duke of Bay Ridge, Formerly of the Democratic Party (or so rumor has it)—is evident to all who take less than a minute to consider the “successes” of the Kings County Republican Party during the tenure of its present host of troglodytes.
The illustrious Chairman—Primate of the Church of Political Failure—and his minions—the sad, lowly serfs of his empty promise agenda—have engaged in a systematic policy of intimidation and political thuggery that has alienated current Republicans and prospective Republicans even more. As a result, we are facing one of the worst periods our local party has ever faced.
http://www.atlasshrugsinbrooklyn.wordpress.com/2009/08/10/opening-remarks-from-francisco-danconia/
Love this.
Forgive me if I’ve sinned, Father Eaton and Monsignor Golden. LOL
Oh wait…don’t forget to include Councilman Vincent Gentile and Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny, Congressman Michael McMahon…we have excellent relationships with these people too. It’s called constituents. In the Bay Ridge community, there is one thing you cannot escape and that is the strong presence of the Catholic Church and all the work we have done and continue to do in Bay Ridge.
The conversation has been eye-opening to me. I am now signing-off. As God knows me best, I have no patience for people who mock the Catholic Church or accuse her with such disdain.
Oh yes, what a cabal of abortionists and liberals (leftist opportunists even–McMahon) you have going for you. Really doing God’s work by promoting their interests on the blogs…
What unbridled arrogance you have demonstrated.
The conversation has been eye-opening to me to me as well. Your self-righteous manner and dismissive tone do nothing to distract from the fact that people are becoming aware of the uncomfortably symbiotic relationship between church men and state men in your neck of the woods.
The fact that merely questioning the church is offensive to you shows how deeply out of touch you are with reality. Churches aren’t above the law or public scrutiny merely because they proclaim to be keepers of the faith.
Sometimes the selfish shepherd is just as harmful to the herd as the wolf.
It’s unsurprising that this upsets you. And I hope the unflattering truth about what’s going on in Brooklyn comes out so that the parishioners and constituents of the borough are aware of it.
With knowledge comes power.
Father Facetious
ff@church.state.gov
I love this debate between priests. I can imagine telling some good jokes about it at the next Republican cocktail party lol
…”frgelfant”…. just how do you pronounce that? Is that fraggalfant, friggalfant…wait a minute, from the look of your last posting it should be ” fragilefant” or just “phfffft”?
I’ve checked my sources and my principal source says he stands 100% by my posting of his observations of the fliyers and his remarks concerning the Father Gelfant “homily” at the 12 noon mass at St Anselms on January 17th.
My review of my earlier blog and a comparison with the Gelfant quote in TJIUA which I reposted here (btw did Father Gelfant ever post his original remarks about the matter on ASIB?) shows that the padre confirmed my posting almost completely.
His use of the word “inaccurate” was both conclusory and not backed by the rest his statement that followed. Fr Gelfant’s quote clearly states that leaving flyers like the ones Eaton left in Saint Anselms Church violated a church rule. What Father Gelfant’s quote leaves out is that in his “homily” he specifically pointed out that the flyers in the church were put there without permission ( now with the Gelfant quote, we now know that putting them there violated a rule of universal application). Fr. Gelfant’s use of the words “political humor” leaves us completely baffled, so we can’t respond to his reference to an “un-Christian attack”. The “attack” was completely justified and appropriate for the circumstances.
More important, who was the first recipient of the Fr Gelfant quote? Was it Craig Eaton? How did Fr. Gelfant know that 15,000 of the offending flyers had been printed and distributed (that’s a lot of flyers)? Did Craig Eaton tell him that? Were these flyers put in other Catolic Churches throughout Brooklyn without permission and in violation of their rules? Does Father Gelfant now endorse Craig Eaton’s ill-conceived publicity stunt, in essence, flogging the Haitian corpses to make the Brooklyn Republican Party look like it really cared about the Haitian people?
I’m tired of talking about what appears to be a mere “meddlesome priest,” but JimM wanted me to add that Fr. Gelfant will be cc’d on his letter to the Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, Msgr. Harrington and the pastor of Saint Anselm’s since, Fr. Gelfant thinks he had some kind of permission to use JimM’s name in his postings.
Once again, Craig Eaton has seen fit to bring in a “champion” to rescue him…
just like he needed Marty Golden to save him at the 2009 KCRP County Convention. Who next, his mommy? ….the wife and kids? ….Rudy Giuliani?
Leadership we can be proud of?
Re: 15,000 flyers….Source: Home Reporter, Week of Jan 18, 2010.
Re: Jim M…not introduced by yours truly but by other parties. Such a person is not even a parishioner of my parish and of no concern to me.
Re: Your letters to the Bishop, Msgr. Harrington (Not sure why he is in your loop?), Msgr. Mahoney, new pastor of St. Anselm…I look forward to reading them, just be sure to state the facts of this discussion and not your analysis.
Why have you not even introduced yourself. P.S. I would have never entered into this conversation if you did not post my name on your blog, in which I have a right to defend my words. Can I join Jim M and write a letter to your bishop for mentioning my name? Anyway…I think I know who your source is…he was sitting on the 82nd Street Side of the Church. His facial expressions during my homily were obvious. Maybe we can all talk one day about our neighborhood and how we can make a positive difference, instead of the nasty comments. Peace!
Pride cometh before the fall, Father.
Looks like this is another priest that can’t take the heat.
Get out of the political kitchen father and go back to the pulpit where you belong.
Well said! A priest’s time is best spent in the church with the congregation.
Pray for the Brooklyn GOP that men and women of quality and substance take up leadership positions and that the wicked are dispelled from the fold. Your time is better spent doing that.
This is one of the most useless threads I have ever read. I would suggest that both sides give up and deal with real issues within their own professional area. Those in the church have the responsibility to speak out on political issues when politicians over reach into areas where God made the rules, i.e. abortion, gay marriage. Other then that, those serving God lower themselves when they enter the mud pit of politics.
Those in politics should worship their God and seek guidance from their faith. They should not try to impose their politics on their church or their God. Political money should stay in politics, as those that gave the money, be they Christian, Jew, Muslim, or Agnostic, should expect it to. Money raised in the church should stay out of politics, as it should be used for higher purposes.
There are important things that need to be done here in Brooklyn, in politics and the church. This thread is only an unfortunate distraction to both. Let’s grow up! Think how poorly this thread reflects on all sides and end it now!
Excellent point fly!
This thread is an obvious Eaton distraction to create vilification of this blog and its bloggers. Craig should be ashamed and embarrassed hiding behind men of the cloth, but then again he must donate generously, especially from KCRP funds.
A job well done and dearly paid for.
Well said, Carl! The Eatonites are desperate and want to distract whichever way they can. They’ve summoned their faux shamans to do their “best.” Shameful.
Eaton is the Primate of the Church of Political Failure. His resignation is demanded and his continued retention of the chairmanship is dishonoring the GOP brand in Brooklyn, in my opinion.
Chairman Eaton, when will you stop hurting our party and just leave?
Doesn’t it sound like to this observer that on this blog the posts on this blog are the ones sounding awfully hateful.
After all talking down to a Priest must be a new low for Jonathan and Co.
Shouldn’t you be ashamed of your comments?
I thought Priests were allowed to speak their opinion?
I think Jonathan should be embarrassed on how he and his people are now attacking a Priest.
Father you are a true gentleman, and thanks for the many good works your church does.
I will say a Prayer for you guys.
I am not part of “Jonathan and Co,” and I resent the notion that anyone that complains about corruption is some kind of rogue in this party. I think it’s people like you who are the true villains.
And as for “attacking a Priest,” I’ll engage with the Angel Gabriel himself if I believed he was conspiring with wickedness.
Craig Eaton should be ashamed for bringing the clergy into his street fight.
We all, not just priests, have the right speak our opinions. Many great men have died to give us and help us keep that right. Therefore when we use that right it should honor those who fought for that right. This thread honors no one, least of all many of those posting.
I take issue with the comment that this thread is “useless.” The ignorance to what’s really going on here is offensive.
There are perverse relationships between some clergymen and politicians, and it’s not just affecting issues like gay marriage and abortion (which too many Democratic-supporting clergymen tolerate by endearing themselves to Democrats like Vincent Gentile). Many of these priests fancy themselves as “dons” to be courted and “appreciated,” and openly applaud those politicians that have tried to curry favor with them. The whole thing is repulsive.
And the comments made by Father Gelfant above actually are, in my opinion, very self-righteous and come off as arrogant, yes. He has every right to defend himself to his detractors, but he has not served his own cause by deflecting from what IS an issue in our borough. To say that the Catholic church does not have priests and other leaders that are unusually “close” to prominent politicians is to tell a fairy tale. Those relationships are, in my opinion, inappropriate and threaten the roles of faith-bringers that these “holy men” claim for themselves.
I agree that we need to combat the abortionists and gay marriage, but exalting priests or allowing them to escape scrutiny while we chastise other political hacks for doing the same is immoral and wrong.
Last fall when campaign season was under way I received a great shock as to the perceptions of the Church and it teachings from some of my fellow parishioners. As we were exiting the Church from Mass as a large crowd one of the local politicians who was running for reelection was handing out his flyers and doing the meet and greet. Some refused to take his papers because of his political affiliation and his stand on the teachings of our Church but many of our group took his papers and continued to travel to their respective destinations.
I refused to take this man’s papers because I knew that he was a pro-choice advocate. One of the group commented that it was rude of me to refuse. I asked her if she took the papers to be nice or if she took the papers because she like this man. She stated that it was OK TO BE PRO-CHOICE AND STILL BE A GOOD CATHOLIC and that this politician’s stand on this issue should not have any effect on my vote. I stopped walking because I was shocked. What was even more shocking was that many others of our group agreed with her and this was right after many of us received Communion. One man in our group felt that since our local parish priest always gave this man a warm reception and had announced his presence during Mass on several previous occasions that he was accepted by the Church and it was fine to vote for him. The parish priests by their ACTIONS influence how people think about politicians and whether or not to vote for them. It has become a simple case of do what I say but not what I do scenario for the Catholic clergy and it must stop. Any politician that does not respect the Church nor follows the teachings of the Church should NOT BE REVERED BY THE CHURCH no matter how much money they give to the Church because of their political power and influence. This is hypocritical and sinful and these practices by the Catholic clergy must come to an end. It is no wonder that many Catholics have become so disenchanted by the Church when such deceptions are taking place through its direct representatives.
Amen to that!
Concern parishioner: I AGREE WITH YOU. That is what I like about my parish priest Fr. Gelfant. He always chased these guys to the corners and away from the Church. I remember when I was bringing my mother to the Young At Heart meeting during election time, I was stunned and later appreciated hearing Gelfant at the podium asking Gentile and McMhaon to leave church property and not to campaign to the seniors. Never heard a priest do that before. Also in my parish out of 4 priests, Gelfant is the only one who preached against abortion and gay marriage, the other won’t go near the topic. So yes, some of our priests have true convictions and are not afraid, others are intimidated. Ultinitaley Gelfant is a good guy. Very opinionated but would probably back most of the views of people here. Let’s hope our County GOP can get their act together to focus on those views.
God Bless Father Gelfant for doing what is right and just.
Here’s another God Bless for Father… and a very firm “keep going”… from a St. Anselm’s attendee… he knows who this is, I’m sure.
Oh, and a bit of logic for all you who lack a basic understanding of religion… or government… or basic reasoning…
The same people whom Father caters to as part of his flock are also, in case you haven’t noticed, a large percentage of the politicians’ constituents.
If the priests, who are their spiritual guidance counselors so to speak, have similar views to the politicians whom they elect, and work together on resolving those issues, is that a surprise? Since when is inaction on the part of either Church or state a good thing?
Oh, and it’s “Freedom of religion” not “Freedom from religion”. Fr. Gelfant’s taking attacks from people for going after government policies on a moral/religious basis. In other words, for fulfilling his duty. The only REAL attack on freedom of religion here is coming from the people who think he should be silenced and shunned from the public eye.
I am also acquainted w/ Senator Golden, Mr. Kassar, Mr. Eaton and Mr. Long, all of whom have been unjustly slandered in this article, and I’d like to note that comparing them to Boss Tweed of Tammany Hall (may I add history to the list of issues of which people on this blog are ignorant?), a man who was involved in explicitly illegal and immoral swindling, bribery, and fraud – and, chances are, many more serious crimes which he sanctioned – is beyond ridiculous.
Now, I’m not going to stay up tonight and battle over these trivialities – I actually have things to do with my life, and therefore can’t afford to waste away my hours blogging – but seeing as so many affronts were leveled I felt it necessary to say my piece.
Now, good night and God bless to all.
This controversy has taken on a life of its own. Remember, it all started over a discussion of Craig Eaton’s and some other key Republican nabobs’ membership in the Cathedral Club. It shifted to questions about HeartShare and certain parishes, and wound up with
Craig Eaton’s unforced error in his own parish church.
We will continue to pull on this thread until Cathedral Club Craig Eaton has completely unravelled or until the thread reaches its natural end, or until our host ASIB cuts it off. To those who don’t like the direction and tenor of this dialogue, please, log out. This is an old “thread” on ASIB; anybody who has visited and posted here has done so voluntarily.
As far as we are concerned, we have not treated the padre, Fr Gelfant, with any disrespect; with the possible exception of the following:
‘…”frgelfant”…. just how do you pronounce that? Is that fraggalfant, friggalfant…wait a minute, from the look of your last posting it should be ” fragilefant” or just “phfffft”?’
That was just our attempt at a whimsical jibe. If the good padre or any other person took any offense at that, we apologize for our lack of sensitivity and our failure to maintain the appropriate gravitas.
It’s been about two weeks and still no satisfactory explanation of the KCRP and Craig Eaton’s Haiti flyer fiasco at Saint Anselms. No denials No rebuttals, either. In fact, Fr Gelfant has substantially confirmed almost everything we’ve said about your inappropriately putting the KCRP Haiti flyers into St. Anselm’s Chuch two weeks ago.
Mr. Eaton, we’re STILL waiting for YOUR answers. What did YOU think YOU were doing using the KCRP logo and KCRP money to publicize existing charitable funds that were already well publicized by the saturation coverage of the Haiti earthquake?
“The question begs” (we still love that syntax and use of the language)WERE YOU THINKING AT ALL???? (Note use of our CAPS LOCK)
CHURCH GOER, still not a peep since January 18th?
FR GELFANT we await with keen anticipation for any article or homily concerning these matters that you deem to be something “about our neighborhood and how we can make a positive difference, instead of [] nasty comments.” Cetainly, we hope that it will be helpful to us all and, of course, be a demonstration of your ultimate expressed hope, “Peace!”
Let’s all stop into a church we might pass along the way, get down on our knees and begin to pray. We’d all be safe and warm if we were in LA; but we also can be safe and warm in almost any church in Brooklyn on such a winter’s day. (I know it doesn’t scan, but it’s late.)
It is safe to assume that Father Gelfant will have quite a crowd Sunday at his mass(es). There are those who will visit out of curiosity, those who will visit for the Word, and those who will visit to take notes on their detractors. It is with great hope that the esteemed Father will take the time out to present the good, the bad,and the ugly and not just defend those that support his church with the Almighty Dollar.
The good Father has to realize that the reaction to these horrific politicians starts at the beginning, like Genesis, and those that choose to voluntarily comment on this blog are doing so because it is their last line of defense against the complete corruption and fraud that has been allowed by the leaders in power of the Brooklyn Republican Party.
Father, pray for these evil men who have sold their souls, commonly commit Mortal sins and are the epitome of vile.
Father, pray for the man who is bitter at Our Father for the sufferings of the Son.
Father, pray for the man who drinks from the Cup and only tastes the wine.
Father, pray for the man who speaks but does not hear any Word but his own.
Father, pray for the man who has Conviction but is subservient to the wrong master.
Finally Father pray for those whose blood has been shed for no other reason than upholding their morals, values and conviction to the Cause.
Those that have been victimized at the hands of these leading politicians may have forgiven, but will
NEVER FORGET.
How much impact do you think you have? We’re not addressing your concerns because you’re turning people over to your side in the masses – it’s fairly clear that the only supporters you have are far left of normality. Our attention is warranted by the mere ridiculousness of your assertions (and a faint, albeit present hope that some of your brainwashed, anti-Church, anti-Capitalist followers will be turned to our side).
Now, no one as far as I can tell has seen fit to address my argument based on the grounds of logic – my apologies if such topics weren’t covered in your respectable eighth grade educations (you can’t have gotten much further – I’m a junior in high school myself).
So, you consistently argue that politicians are helping the people who support them to a greater extent than those who don’t (correct me if I’m wrong, but that’s a core of your argument). That’s modern politics. Everywhere. Started, actually, with Andrew Jackson, of your party (although I doubt such knowledge was ever bestowed upon you). You see it in every administration, every political power group that has ever existed (although your black-and-white view of the world may show us, and only us, as the only practitioners of such tactics).
You also argue that politicians and priests are working together. Well, yes. Again, logic: if the politicians’ constituents are the same people who are being guided spiritually by the priests in many cases, then I would see no reason for the two groups’ goals to overlap in many cases, especially when it comes to the betterment of the community. Explain to me what’s corrupt, licentious or immoral about any of this?
Ah, you say, this is it: that’s a breach of the separation of Church and state!
Oh, wait, your little knowledge of history, religion or government again causes you to appear – no, be – the fool. The separation of Church and state precedent was started by Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island (the colony, that is), to protect the CHURCH (yes, that’s right, just as Fr. Gelfant – who has also had an education lasting longer than ten years – noted previously). The original purpose was to ensure that the Church was not corrupted by the machinations of the state – exempli gratia being the English king’s ability to appoint bishops at certain times throughout history who had no value as paragons of faith and morality.
Unless the Cathedral Club is appointing the priests, then we need not worry about a breach in the primary sense.
However, as time went on, the idea expanded to all thirteen colonies. This was not, as many believe, so that those who do not wish to have religion in their lives can go on without being pressed to become a part of it by society; it was to ensure that no singular religion dominated the others by becoming the state religion (again, this was based on bad experiences with England and Anglicanism) and persecuting its rivals. It had nothing to do with denying influence to religions in which they have strong outpourings of members of their faith, such as Bay Ridge. And if religion is influencing these politicians, is that a bad thing, I ask once more?
Therefore, no breach of Church and State is taking place.
And for those of you who claim the Church is watering down its beliefs for political purposes, its stances are getting stronger on the issues, actually – probably why so many of you leftists are up-in-arms. Fr. Gelfant is the LAST person who would waver on something he felt strongly about – in fact, the thought of him not speaking his mind for the sake of gaining a reward from politicians who would be offended at his comments makes me laugh. If you think he’s compromising anything for some kind of benefit, you’re more mistaken than you could imagine.
PS – ‘…”frgelfant”…. just how do you pronounce that? Is that fraggalfant, friggalfant…wait a minute, from the look of your last posting it should be ” fragilefant” or just “phfffft”?’
Say what?
I’m a teenager and I don’t find it funny, or as you would like to put it so pretentiously, “Whimsical.”
That’s pretty bad.
Correction:
“…Again, logic: if the politicians’ constituents are the same people who are being guided spiritually by the priests in many cases, then I would see no reason for the two groups’ goals to overlap in many cases, especially when it comes to the betterment of the community…”
…then I would see no reason for the two groups’ goals not to overlap in many cases…
Oh, and don’t just sit around waiting for Mr. Eaton to respond to you. I’m bored and annoyed, and so I’m answering for others, and I’m sure Fr. Gelfant’s reasons for doing so were similar. But Mr. Eaton most likely has better things to do. Sorry, you’re just too marginal of a group, with too few followers and too little evidence of, well, anything (hate to break it to ya) for him to be concerned with.
Actually, I correct myself: forget having too little evidence… you don’t even have an argument…
Mr. Eaton has better things to do? Like what? I mean he’s already fractured the party beyond repair, led us into the worst election year for the Republicans in decades, and raised absolutely no money but what Bloomberg gave him.
How busy is he?
You seem to think this is a marginal group, yet I’ve seen you’ve commented quite a few times. I take it that the Eaton Cabal is more nervous that you care to realize.
And you can say what you like about the bloggers here, but they’ve had traction, revealed stuff about the establishment that has demonstrated just how incompetent and hurtful they’ve been to our party, and have looked out for us readers more than Eaton and his thugs ever have.
They cut down anyone that gets in their way. It’s embarrassing how desperate they are.
So let me break it down for you: nobody cares! LOL
I find it interesting that you address the one argument I made – namely, the one about your legitimacy – which is the most trivial.
For one, if you’re going to put your opinion out there on real political arguments, be prepared to have to utilize knowledge and reasoning, not just simple conspiracy theorism. Who have we cut down, Mr. Gerry? Where are the gulags and gas chambers reserved for opponents of the Brooklyn Conservative Party?
Oh, that’s right, there are none. No one’s getting cut down.
So please, engage this debate on at least a pseudo-intellectual, attemptedly courteous level, and so shall I.
If you do not wish to, however, then go back to claiming the pyramids were built by aliens and George W. Bush caused 9/11.
PS – If nobody cares then why is anyone commenting? Bravo again on the logic. At least try to think. Or maybe you are making such an attempt… an even more regrettable state of affairs… but I digress.
Are you clueless or just green? Check out the pieces on this blog about the tactics of these losers in Eaton and Co.
And when I said “nobody cares,” I meant about what you’re saying. LOL
And I am insulted that you would think I believe “the pyramids were built by aliens.” I’m offended! Of course, they were built by Atlantians. LOL!!!!!
I think you’re the one who’s clueless. Here’s the proof for 9/11 being a conspiracy:
http://911proof.com/7.html
http://911proof.com/6.html
http://georgewashington.blogspot.com/2006/07/prominent-christians-endorse-911-truth.html
http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/october2005/191005McGovern.htm
http://www.911proof.com/
Guess what?
All these wackjob articles, which do a good job of APPEARING legitimate, come off the same blog… *gasp* as do all of your articles!
Actually, yours don’t even link to other websites…
Turn up some proof that isn’t from Atlas or some other marginal group and then we can talk about the evidence.
Oh, and dismissing opposing arguments is a good way to win people over… for me. Keep going. Really. I want you to.
Now, do me a favor and answer what I’ve been saying all along.
PS – even in those articles, I see nothing of people being “cut down”… please elaborate what you meant by that?
You idiot! LOL
I was joking around! OMG what do you eat your M&M’s with a knife and fork?
You’re so uptight, you don’t even deserve a retort.
The Jiggles Crew is now grumpy that all of these comments have been made on Atlas and not on their pathetic site LOL.
They always confuse the commentators with the actual WRITERS of this blog, which just goes to show you how stupid they are. And again, as someone said above, no one can be critical of either Craig Eaton OR Catholic priests who associate themselves with abortionists and left-wingers.
I wasn’t born yesterday. Please.
These people are the most simple-minded, block-headed fools I’ve ever seen.
And all they do is continue their boy crush on Jonathan Judge, this sick obsession with a young man who has done nothing but, from what I can see, step up and run a good campaign.
They also have their hate blades out for Jim McCall, who appears to have done nothing but speak the truth of his experiences and have dared to question the establishment.
Russell Gallo and Jeffrey Kraus are such sad little people.
Maybe all they need is a…
Kiss kiss…
Was Father Gelfant using a church computer to blog about politics? That seems like a big “no no” to me.
Let’s hope not…
Churchgoer…are you uneducated or misinformed?
First of all, priests are Amercian Citizens and have the right to freedom of speech like you and everyone else on this blog. OR you can try to hinder their rights and they can slap you with a civil rights lawsuit. The fact is, many people in their own ignorance attack Catholic priests and look the other way when Baptist, Evangelical Churches host politicans in their pulpits. Most of us with an education would know that the seperation of Church and State was institued to protect the Church not the state. Or, you wackos on this blog who will never be qualified for mainstream politics, can continue to re-interpret laws and history based on your own warped understanding of politics. NOTHING WILL CHANGE, your efforts are futile because you are filled with hatred. I once subscribed to your views, but when MM Watcher attacked a priest and made fun of him, you guys lost me. Even though I am a St. Patrick parishioner, I have heard about Fr. Gelfant and all the good he has done for Bay Ridge, your remarks are unfounded and wrong.
Life Long Catholic, I am neither misinformed nor uneducated. The fact is a church is a tax-exempt institution. It should not be getting knee-deep in the dirt of politics. I think my implications were clear. You obviously mistook freedom of speech with something you think is free speech. You see, Father Gelfant could go to his local internet cafe and engage in a political discussion. That’s fine. But if the Father is using his church account to respond to a political discussion and if that discussion is tied to church business and the product of church business, then they are not entitled to the status they have gained as a product of their decision NOT to engage in the political discussion. And, by the way, that’s EXACTLY how it should be.
http://www.churchsolutionsmag.com/articles/861legal.html
Correct me if I’m wrong but Priest do earn a salary. He probably owns a computer.
To: Mike (the teenager?),
Sorry, that you didn’t find our bit of whimsey about Fr Gelfant all that funny, but we’ve already apologized about it. If your complaint is just about a failed joke, well, neither of us is a Fred Allen, or a Gracy Allen, or a Steve Allen, or even a Mel Allen (who once did a bit of on-air whimsey about “balls and strikes” that had him out from behind a mike for a few games. “HOW about that!!!”).
Now, I don’t go to church, but my main source on that—ykw—tells me that the 12 noon mass at St Anselms was kinda sparse. Nonetheless, ykw was there along with Fr G, and ykw thinks that Fr Gelfant did a pretty good homily on Saint Paul’s Epistle “All naught without Love.” Of course, a detailed discussion by Fr Gelfant of the other readings, Jeremiah, 1:4-19 [abbreviated] or Luke, 4:21-30, might have led to an inapt comparison to ykw’s recent jeremiad against CATHEDRAL CLUB CRAIG EATON and ykw’s possible ejection from his “own land” parish for inconveniently working signs and wonders, including even paraphrasing the aforementioned padre, against the heretofore much beloved and respected Eaton.
Miketheteenager’s remarks above notwithstanding, Craig, are you ever going to speak up in your own defense about any of this?
You mistake my intention – I’m not angry about the joke in the least. I know it was completely innocent – it simply wasn’t funny, whereas the X-Files remark was.
Nonetheless, I would like a rebuttal on logical grounds regarding my points on politics, government, religion, history and morality as a whole – not because I seek conflict, but because I seek legitimate discourse.
After all, why should Mr. Eaton bother to ever reply if the members of this forum can’t take on a sixteen-year-old on basic philosophical grounds?
PS – Please don’t try to dismiss me from this argument on grounds of age by continually adding the epithet “theteenager.” I would think by this point I’ve proven myself to be far more mature than many members of this forum.
PPS – I’m still waiting for someone to accuse me of not actually being a teenager, but instead a conservative plant from the “Eaton Cabal” as you call it, dispatched to do verbal battle with you indirectly. It wouldn’t be a surprise.
PPPS – Or I might even be a robot. You never know.
Churchgoer…WRONG WRONG WRONG. You would know because you are highly educated, and of course get all of your information off of websites that Catholic Priests in New York State are considered individually employeed and that each parish is a seperate corporation due to New York State Law. Therefore, you would also know that an individual priest does not represent the Corporation. Therefore their personal comments CANNOT endager the Church as you suggest. Now if the Bishop iof the diocese made those comments, we have a different ballgame. BUT…how exactly did Father Gelfant enter into a political discussion? I re-read these posts and don’t see how he endorsed a political party or candidate or politician. I hope Fr. Gelfant answers some of these posts but you people have failed to acknowledge that Gelfant has been one of the most psoitive influences on Bay Ridge youth and has helped more seniors then our own revered State Senator.
Wow, so I guess I just got taken to school by someone who works at St. Anselms. I’m glad you all know the rules so well…and the loopholes… I won’t pretend to be an expert such as you are. But if church money is going toward politicians or political ends, that would be problematic. And if you use your resources for such an end, that would be inappropriate.
Incidentally, I don’t know if the congregation would take too kindly to priests engaging in political discussions rather than helping the poor!
I don’t know. Maybe that’s just me.
Uhh, wasn’t it mentioned that Life Long Catholic attends St. Patrick’s?
Where is the logic???
Uh, who else would bother commenting… This is all about Gelfant and his church… I love how you’re accepting Life Long Catholic’s word as Gospel Truth. Isn’t that a little too trusting?
I suspect that only someone from Anselm’s would bother.
Oh, you have a point.
Don’t accept my word as gospel truth either, then.
In fact, trust no one!
Maybe I don’t exist… maybe a panel of conservative cronies are dreaming up my responses to fit the perfect image of the young conservative out to make fools of all of you!
Maybe none of this exists, and the whole thing was a social experiment directed at testing your reaction, which you were carefully led to!
Give me a break – the paranoia on here is reaching a fever pitch.
Churchgoer. you really are something. I don’t work for St. Anselm’s I am a Lawyer in New York State. Common knowledge for local law. Maybe you should hire Craig Eaton for his law advise instead of bashing him. Church money for politics, oh yeah that makes sense because churches are rolling in monet these days. Stupid comment again.
I must say, I do believe that Mike is a teenager and is a smart one at that.
Hi Father Gelfant!!!!! (Just guessing)
Shhh…don’t tell my wife and kids. I wonder if they will be upset that Lucy just made me a priest. HAHAHA.
So you’re denying you’re Father Gelfant??? So how did you hear about this blog? I guess lots of people have been reading this blog then. I guess the word about Gelfant is getting out?
Or are you Craig Eaton? Hmm….
Lucy,
You be surprised who knows about this blog. Word is out, but not about the priest, word is out about the people behind the blog and their attacks. You would be surprised how much support Father has in Bay Ridge. Bay Ridge Catholics still are the majority voting block in these districts. The priest could probably run for political office and beat most of the wannabe politicians in these neck of the woods. Heck, I could run for political office and beat you guys…Mike the teenager would probably beat them too. This has set-up a great platform for upcoming campaigns. Anti-Catholic politicans could not possibly win in Bay Ridge. Oh and those who are Jewish too! Gelfant is half Jewish (as he said in one of his homiles I caught), has a lot of friends on that end too. Anyway…have a good night. This has been fun, but it is starting to get a little tiring probably for most of us.
I’m sorry, I didn’t see you denying you’re Father Gelfant.
As for priests running, I’m sure there are many great priests doing the Lord’s work and not getting involved in political blogs. God Bless Them!
As for whose behind this blog, I’d like to know. Who IS behind this blog? Because as far as I know, no one knows. All I know is the political establishment is reeling because all their dirty tactics and their unchristian behavior is being exposed to the light of day.
Also, I wouldn’t take commentators’ writings too personally on this blog. Many people just sit back and watch commentators talk back and forth. Most of the people who comment are either really defensive and protective of Eaton & Golden (that includes Eaton himself and his lackeys) or extremely displeased with Craig Eaton and Co. At least, that’s what I’ve seen.
But to judge an entire blog by a speckling of comments seems premature and foolish.
P.S. – Craig Eaton has nothing to do with the Cathedral Club, he is just on the board. Why haven’t you asked for James McHugh to say anything? He is the president. Did you see the Home Reporter this week?
Sorry, not all of us live in Bay Ridge.
Everybody should get a look at the other blog TJIUA’s “A Time for Choosing” posted 1-31-10 by the always literate and temperate “Judas Judge.” It seems to relate to these matters.
I like this… it is obvious that the priest has reached into his connections in Bay Ridge and has taken over this blog’s topic on the Cathedral Club. Very smart.
Uh, I’m sure those of us commenting have not forgotten the Cathedral Club and the ties to Eaton, Golden, etc.
St. Patrick’s Parishioner here too! I too support Fr. Gelfant for his bold courage! Speak the truth, Live the Gospel. To bad you all did not attend Mass at St. Patrick’s Bayridge 5pm tonight. Awesome Mass, awesome Homily! We need to hear the truth and LIVE the Gospel. We need the be counselled and corrected! Hope the church is packed at Reconilation time and everyone receives Jesus’ santifying GRACE via the minister of the church.. His Priests.
Peace and May God bless you all !!
To: Cathedral Club Craig Eaton, heretofore the much beloved and respected Craig Eaton:
It’s been over two (2)weeks and still no satisfactory explanation of the KCRP and Craig Eaton’s Haiti flyer fiasco at Saint Anselms Roman Catholic Church— still no denials or rebuttals, either— only Fr. Gelfant’s confirmation of the key facts.
Mr. Eaton, we’re all still waiting for your answer. What did you think you were doing? Were you thinking, at all?
Why was printing 15,000 flyers a proper use of the KCRP logo and other assets? Where is the accountability for the funds generated by this flyer?
Church Goer, still not a peep since January 18th? [It’s not likely that the more recent “Churchgoer” is the earlier “Church Goer”, but who knows, maybe I’m wrong.]
Wag the Dog – From what I can see, you have no clue. There was no “fiasco”. Someone put flyers in the Church asking for donations – I think that is a good thing. Fr Gelfand stated in his homily that the Parish wished donations to be sent to Catholic Charities instead. No fiasco at all – just a clarification.
But you seem to want to make a big deal out of this? What could be the reason? Just trying to bash people on a Blog.
Anybody who did or does anything to help raise funds for the Haiti effort should be applauded for their efforts. If the Kings GOP printed an distributed 15000 flyers, they should be thanks and congratulated, not abused and defamed, especialy by someone like you who indicated that you go to church. You must be a pathetic old man with nothing else to do but sit on a Blog and complain.
Get a life, or better yet, volunteer to help Haiti victims.
Either way, direct your anger somewhere where it belongs.
This blog is going off in way too many directions. The whole discussion is pointless because nothing is going to change. The only thing this blog will accomplish is creating enemies. The only reason I write is to defend Fr.Gelfant because regardless of what people think he did it was wrong to use his name and them ridicule him for defending himself.
Fr. Gelfant is a grown man and can defend himself if need be. He doesn’t need anyone doing it for him.
After all, he took a vow as Guardian of the Faith.
Go in Peace.
To: “St Anselms Parishioner” and “Observer”:
We’ll assume that your postings were legitimate and heartfelt individual expressions from real people.
First, it’s a fiasco when the KCRP chairman, Craig Eaton, who is supposed to be one of the bedrock parishers of St Anselms parish, puts out flyers competing with that parish’s own collection in support of a diocesan effort to support the announced Haiti relief effort of all the bishops in the United States.
Eaton’s distribution of rogue material into St Anselms Church was significant enough for Father Gelfant to mention it from the pulpit (even if he now may wish that he didn’t)and Fr. Gelfant had every right to do so.
The KCRP chairman should have known the rules; and if he did know the rules, he knowingly violated them. Minimally, Craig Eaton showed no respect to the clergy at St Anselms because he it seems that he didn’t even give them a heads up.
What else is Eaton freelancing-on in his other positions of trust on behalf of the Catholic Church and its charities? Doesn’t he sit on at least a couple of Diocesan boards involving Bishop DiMarzio’s charities or related foundations?
As to Fr Gelfant’s participation on this and other blogs, to tell his side of things, or spin the facts to cover for Craig Eaton (Eaton only broke a neatness rule), or to engage in some pastoral or missionary activity is fine by us; and he had every right to do so. We have not criticized Fr. Gelfant (we only made a small joke about how his tag looked). Nonetheless, when Fr. Gelfant mentions “permission”, one has to wonder what “higher ups” are involved does it go all the way down to Windsor Terrace near the side gate to Greenwood Cemetary. That’s why a letter to various people up the Church’s chain of command is necessary. On this Second day of February, feasts of presentation, purification, enlightenment and ground hogs, we pray that Fr. Gelfant steps into the real world and sees the light of truth in all of this.
Since we have criticized Craig Eaton for flogging Haitian corpses, this will be our last posting on Craig Eaton’s January 17th FIASCO at St Anselms, because demanding any substantive response from Eaton is just beating a dead horse.
“Flogging haitan corpses” – you are truly a dispicable human being. This was a tragedy and should not be used as a punchline. You and Jim M should get a life. Now that Jim M has come out of the closet, he should use his own name and stop hiding behind his “wag the dog” logo.
Jim, be a man – not a coward that you are.
You are a disgrace and everyone at St Anselms knows who you are – and more will every day.
Nota Bene regarding Fr. Gelfant… I believe the only permission he needs from anyone would be that of the pastor and/or bishop.
PS – To Wag the Dog, should you read this, I enjoyed the later Spartacus reference (especially taking time aside to remind everyone that the Coliseum did not yet exist, a common misnomer).
We have left Cathedral Club Craig Eaton’s flogging of Haitian corpses behind us on this blog. I suggest that you do the same for your own good [and the good of “Cathedral Club Craig Eaton, heretofore the much beloved and respected Craig Eaton” of St. Anselm’s Parish, Cahirman of the Kings County Republican Party and Member of the Board and/or officer of various charities, including some affiliated with the Diocese of Brooklyn (more details on those at some time in the future)].
One last time— Jim McCall might have told somebody like Russell Gallo that he was Wag-the-Dog, sometimes, you know…. well…(maybe Jim McCall had too much to drink; you do know that he is half Irish).
I must repeat “I’m not Jim McCall” or even the eponymous JimM— I’M SPARTACUS!!!! (I just turned up Chopin’s ‘Military Polonaise’ playing on WQXR— I’m imagining the crowd up going wild as I raise my sword toward the plebs, but not toward the representatives of the dying pre-imperial Roman Republic. In my mind this all is taking place in some nameless amphitheater [the Coliseum still almost four centuries into the future]— “Hail Spartacus” shouts the crowd.)
Erata: I did not wish to suggest that Craig Eaton was from Cahir in Ireland. WTG has been to Cahir, stayed four days and nights in the old town gaol. Cahir contains a beautiful intact fortress-castle, which was one of the few places in Ireland that fell to Lord Essex’ invaders.
What I meant was “chairman,” as follows: “‘Cathedral Club Craig Eaton, heretofore the much beloved and respected Craig Eaton’ of St. Anselm’s Parish, CHAIRMAN of the Kings County Republican Party and Member of the Board and/or officer of various charities, including some affiliated with the Diocese of Brooklyn.” — these darn boxing gloves.
Now airing at the Cathedral Club: