LEE HIGH BUS UPDATE: Announcements

This afternoon started off on a sad note. Shortly afternoon, an announcement of another student death by injuries. The fourth student to die from the accident is Crystal Renee McCrary at the age of 17.

The NTSB is still on the ground at the site, at their press conference, they listed some steps the investigation will have to take. Not really much useful information. They said they are here just to gather information and the probable cause will not be determined until the final report comes out which can take quite some time.

Although Lee High School decided to still have classes today (which I think is a good idea to give the students somewhere to go and have something else to focus on other than their drepression), they did decide to cancel tonight's Basketball game. Along with convening for classes, the school said that they would have many counselors on hand throughout the day for students.

Please continue to join with me in praying for everyone involved.

Paix du Christ!

LEE HIGH BUS UPDATE: The Mass

Mass last night was nicely done. They were able to get some one there to do music and Fr. John did well trying to fit in talking about the tragedy although he had found out about it just before Mass. Quite a few Lee High students (15-20) showed up, some were Catholic, and many were not. Many people were touched to tears, some of which new some one that was serriously hurt or killed, and others who were just touched by the tragedy. Before Mass, a newspaper team from Chattanooga were interviewing a lady who knew one of the girls that died, I believe it was Taniesha. The parish secretary and youth minister decided that we couldn't give permission to the media to take pictures or video without first consulting the pastor who was not present. So, they delegated me to tell them and the Birmingham NBC crew that showed up who were supposed to be getting shots of a service for some National coverage. Luckily, during the Liturgy of the Word, Fr. Glen, the pastor, showed up and gave them permission so the music minister took them up to the choir loft at the Alleluia and they came down during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. After Mass, they interviewed the principal of Catholic High School about his feelings as a principal in the area and then the youth minister. So, if you see something that looks like a Catholic Mass on NBC, that would be St. Mary of the Visitation.

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LEE HIGH VUS UPDATE: The Next Morning

Last night, the Police were able to talk to the driver of the small car now described as an orange Celica. Both the driver and passenger of the Celica were students and they have confirmed that both students were on route to the same destination. Neither of these students are being charged or held. Nicole's, now reported to be 19 instead of 18, family at first had said that she was pregnant, but her sister says that is not true. However, Nicole was the mother of a 4 year old. Taniesha's age has been released as 17. Both Christina and Nicole's funeral arrangements have been finalized and announed, although Taniesha's are not known at this time. I believe there is only one student in critical condition which they are worried about. They say the driver is in bad shape, and unable to talk, but we don't know much more about his condition.

This morning, the NTSB begins it's investigation into the accident. They will start on the I-565 ramp where it all started. They will also sample paint and metal off both the Celica and the bus to see if the vehicles did touch or not.

Paix du Christ!

LEE HIGH BUS UPDATE: News Stories

CNN
Bus Wreck
Monday Headlines
3 Killed

FOXNews:
3 Dead
Bus Accident Facts

WHNT (CBS):
Videos
Avoid Hospitals
Info for Parents
I-565 closed
Donate Blood
Gov. Riley speaks
Prayer Vigils
Share Your Thoughts

WAFF (NBC):
Message Board
Riley's Statement
Blood donation sites
Prayer Vigils
Memorial Fund
Police Looking for Small Car
Bus Drops Off Interstate
3rd Student Dies

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LEE HIGH BUS UPDATE: Map

I've created a map of the locations in the incident using Google Maps. Click to enlarge the map to be more visible.

On I-565, you will see a red circle indicating the site of the accident. Just to the south of that circle, you will see a green circle indicating Huntsville Hospital where about 34 students were taken. Continuing south, there is a blue circle around Crestwood Medical Center where 9 students arrived. To the west of the blue circle there is a red solid square near Brahan Spring indicating the Huntsville Center of Technology (the destination of the bus). To the north-east of the red circle there is a green sqaure denoting Lee High School (the starting point of the bus).

Paix du Christ!

LEE HIGH BUS UPDATE: Press Conference

I'm able to give everyone a little better information after the preliminary breifing in a press conference that started about 1:20 CST.

The bus was traveling from Lee High School to the Huntsville Center for Technology (a vocational school). The Bus accident occured approximately 10:15am CST. There were 44 people on the school bus. No one was brought in by medflight, Ambulances and city buses carried students to the Hospitals. 9 students in non-serious conditions were taken to Crestwood Medical Center (in South Huntsville). 2 of these students were treated and released, 2 refused treatment and the remaining 5 have minor cuts, lacerations, and bruises. The remaining 34 were taken to Huntsville Hospital (downtown, only minutes from the scene). 2 were confirmed dead at the scene, none of the students admitted to the hospital have died. 2 of these students are in the ER Operating Room and 2 others are listed in critical condition. 2 students have yet to be identified (they are alive, they just weren't carrying IDs, had to be intebated, and can't further tell who they are), they are 90% sure about the boy, but haven't had someone confirm, and they don't have leads about the un-identified girl. The 2 students that have died are 18 yr. old Christina Collier and 17 yr. old Nicole Ford. Nicole had previously survived a shooting where she had been shot in the face. A drill on bus accidents had been performed in the last couple of weeks by the school system and emerency personal. Some students have reported that a car swerved in front of the bus and others reported that a car hit the bus. There is a small red car that smashed nosed-first into the side concrete barrier of the Highway in the vicenity, but it is unknown if this is the car in question or another vehicle swerving to avoid the incident as well. There are counselors available at some schools. There are also counselors setup for the first responders that had to deal with the initial scene and victims.

By the time I arrived back at work after the press conference, supposedly a 3rd student has died and supposedly 3 students were released from Huntsville Hospital. The 3rd name released dead was Taneisha Hill

There will be a Mass said at St. Mary of the Visitation Church (downtown and only 1-2 blocks from the crash) for Lee High School students. The Mass will commence at the regular 7:30pm CST time and following the Mass, there will be Youth Ministers and church people on hand to talk with any students that may need some one to talk with. If you can stop by adoration, Mass, a church, get a prayer in the intentions, say a rosary, or take some time when ever you can through out the day and the rest of the week for those involved, please do so.

Paix du Christ!

Tragedy strikes in the heart of Huntsville

There was a very tragic accident that happened to a bus of about 35 high school students this morning, A bus was transporting the students from a vo-tec school back to the high school when the bus ran off an Interstate overpass, the bus fell 30+ feet (like driving off a 3 story building and nose-dived onto a downtown street below. So far there have been 4 confirmed deaths and most of the other approx. 20 students taken to the hospitals are in critical condition. This is very sad especially considering that it is only 2 days away from the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Please, please pray for everyone involved in this incident including: the person/people in the "red car" that might never surface that they may find solace with God to not condemn themselves with guilt of the loss of lives; for the kids who died or will die at such a young age that God may be merciful when they go to their judgment; for the parents and family who will experience such heartache around the dinner table that they may find comfort and forgiveness in frequent prayer and intercession to God; and the students at Lee High School since it will affect them so closely that God will grant them the grace to carry on with their lives through this school year as well as the rest of their lives.

The local news channels websites are bogged down and many have crashed through the day as people at work across the area are trying to get constant information, so most have gone to a text format for most of the day. However, you can find this story through national carriers of the associated press such as CNN and FoxNews. I'll do my best keep up with the information on this tragedy here as I find out about it.

Here is a report from the local ABC affiliate in town (WAAY):

Huntsville city bus accident involving 30+ people. The bus fell 30+ feet. Lee High School Students involved. 23 were transported by HEMSI, 11 other by city bus to hospitals. All students have been transported to Huntsville Hospital main, and the Women and Children's center and Crestwood Medical. If you are a parent DO NOT GO TO THE ER. Go to the Main Cafeteria of the Huntsville Hospital or Crestwood Pavilion Center for information. The accident happened at Church Street and I565. Please stay away from that area. Two student fatalities. Eyewitness saw bus driver swerve to avoid a red car.

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BAN HOMOSEXUALS!!!!!!!!!

Well, tell me why, not? Elton John wants to cry out to ban all religions. Why can't I say ban homosexuals? Why would I get a visit from the ACLU if I was serious about that statement, but Elton John doesn't? I doubt that it has to do with the difference in our income levels or public stature.

I used to like Elton John and his songs, no matter how off the wall he's been, until he decides to go and make such a dumb statement as "ban all religion." Let me tell ya, that right there is being a bleeding heart and sensitive that liberals claim to be.

Sir Elton claims that "I think religion has always tried to turn hatred towards gay people. Religion promotes the hatred and spite against gays." Just because you hate the Church, doesn't mean the Church hates you. Your statement is so wrong. Sure you have sinned, I have sinned, we all have sinned, but the Church doesn't teach to hate homosexual people, and the Church doesn't teach to hate me for my sins. What does the Church teach? Well, let's take a look (CCC 2357-2359):

Homosexuality refers to relations between men or between women who experience an exclusive or predominant sexual attraction toward persons of the same sex. It has taken a great variety of forms through the centuries and in different cultures. Its psychological genesis remains largely unexplained. Basing itself on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity, tradition has always declared that "homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered." They are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved.

The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition.

Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection.

The first paragraph defines homosexuality and speaks on homosexual acts. It states that homosexual acts are "intrinsically disordered," not intrinsically evil, not banned, or anything else you've been told. It goes on to describe what that statement means, "They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity." The last line ("Under no circumstances can they be approved.") might sound harsh, but we have to take it in context. Remember, the "they" is refering to homosexual acts (read sex), NOT homosexuALS themselves.

The second paragraph deals with homosexual people. What does it say about homosexual people? "They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided." The Church said it right here, homosexuals are people and they deserve respect, compassion, and sensitivity just like everyone else. What does it say about unjust discrimination and hatred towards homosexuals? That's right [it] should be avoided. And that paragraph just keeps getting better and better for homosexuals. WOW! That's supposed to promote hatred. Unless I'm off my rocker it says that hatred and unjust discrimination are sins.

The final paragraph tells us that homosexual persons are called to chastity. And pretty much describes the exact same call for single people, married people, priests, and religious.

Mr. John, I think you need to check your sources next time. Just because church-going people seem to spew hatred, does not mean that is what the Church teaches. By your statment and by your philosophy, I should then resolve that all homosexuals hate me (a church-going person) and therefore call out that homosexuals should be banned now doesn't it?

Paix du Christ!

Let's put the Christmas back in Christmas this year

Sunday night I went to Wally World to buy some groceries, would you believe Christmas music was playing over head? Now I can understand selling decorations and what-nots before Christmas, when they start selling them at All Saints Eve time that's a little much, but when Christmas music starts playing after All Saints Eve - that is riddiculous!

Had to get that rant out of the way since it just happened this week. But, for better news on Christmas, I heard on the morning news yesterday that retailers will actually allow people to say "Merry Christmas" again.

Remember last year, Wal-Mart decided to ban the word Christmas in its stores by not letting its associates say "Merry Christmas" (whatever happened to freedom of speech?), Creating a "Holiday" aisle for Christmas trees, and Christmas tree ornaments, and Christmas cards, etc. Which never made since to me, put Christmas on the aisles for Christmas stuff, Hanukkah on those aisle and so forth.

After seeing the errors of their ways, Wal-Mart (along with other retailers) decided to lift the ban on Christmas this year. After all, 'tis the reason for the holiday season and the only reason people spend big bucks that time of year. The emphasis is small on the holiday traditions during the same time of the year from other religions.

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The sadness abounds

It looks like California will again, sell it's young girls to sexual predators by Prop. 85 failing. Missouri will sell medical advances for a science that does not yield results with the passing of Ammendment 2. And South Dakota sells its soul by not banning abortion and standing up against Evil.

It appears that America has no respect for human beings when it can no longer protect the most defenseless and weakest. America ensures us many freedoms in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, but how can we have these freedoms without the "inalienable rights of LIFE, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?" It is no coincidence that those rights are listed in that order, they are listed in order of importance.

Paix du Christ!

Mass Scandalization

Argh! I've been scandalized!!!!

I made my decision to go to All Saints Mass from one of the 3 local parishes mostly based on the fact that I sing in the choir and last I heard when a Holy Day falls on Wed. that's the choir that usually sings and practice is afterwards. I was a little surprised that the Mass has being held in the parish center (i.e. gym) instead of the sanctuary, since it is an old and pretty church. I show up just as the opening song is being sung and am a little shocked at the projection screen behind the "altar" with an animated image on it. I went ahead and stuck around because, I can handle that if it is done well and in a prayerful manner. Much to my dismay, it, of course, was not. I realize that it was the end of a parish mission, and it was the priest that was in for the mission, but that does not give anyone an excuse to mutalate the Mass.

Most of you can already see the Mass going bad, but, for the next 2 1/2 HOURS, it just gets worse. Before each reading there was some introductory dramatized story mostly from the Bible (but not readings and not straight from the Bible) between a sister and the priest(including the psalm and gospel). And the actual readings were done in parts (again including the psalm and gospel). You know, the sister reads cetain parts, one side of the room reads another, the other side reads another, and the priest reads a part. Needless to say, I had a real hard time concentrating on the readings, I finally was able to find a way to close my eyes to beter concentrate by the gospel and heard that is was the beatitudes.

The holmily was VERY long, and not about the readings or even the particular Holy Day, but about the Bible stories they picked out to read before each of the readings. Let see, one was about Moses and taking off the sandals on holy ground, the next was the pentecost story, and before the gospel was something really hard to follow about the founders of the Salvatorian order (whom I'm sure are not too happy up in heaven). Also, at the end he had everyone write down different lists of gifts they have or don't have and then break into groups of about 5 people to discuss them. I didn't participate, instead, I went outside to pray since I hadn't been able to the whole time. Also, it helped me to cool down some since it was cold and raining. I don't remember a presentation of the gifts, so apparently this discussion about personal gifts was sufficient.

Oh, did I mention that he had just been wearing his black clerics the whole time? Why yes he had, but fortunately, the priest finally decided to don an alb and chasuble (although when I spotted his garb hanging previously, I didn't see a stole) for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Of course, since it was in a gym, everyone stood for the whole thing sans moi. I decided to deny myself communion that day as I didn't feel prayerful enough to accept Jesus body, blood, soul, and divinity. Oh, also, he sung the whole eucharistic prayer, but whoever created the arrangment, I wasn't sure if it was a priest praying to Jesus, or a Phantom singing to Christine. Now, I LOVE music from musicals, and I LOVE Mass, but never the 2 should meet like that.

Okay, so communion is over, and then everyone must write down one gift, file back up, and burn it. All while the priest karaokes the song "On Holy Ground." Then, everyone again has to file back up and get a candle so everyone can go forth and "Be Fire," which is the whole "theme" of the Mass. And don't forget, there are CD's of Fr. Joe singing in the back of the same room, the whole time so you can buy them either before or afterwards. I think there was a Bible story about Jesus getting pissed about something similar to that?

The whole thing was absolutely ridiculous! There were 2 things of which I was glad. First and foremost, that the beautiful sanctuary of the Church wasn't defiled by this train wreck. And second, that the priest actually had sense to tell the people to bow when he did since they were standing during the Eucharistic Prayer. So, my reivew is: I went to a Catholic Church to have a Catholic Mass, if I wanted that type of setting, I would have gone to the Rock.

Paix du Christ!