The August 2019 issue of the e-newsletter of Salesian College Preparatory High School in Richmond, CA, under the heading “Welcome to the Family” included the following: “KJ Dahlaw. KJ joins us from ODC, East Bay Center for the Performing Arts, and the Berkeley YMCA to teach Dance I and Dance II.”
From “their” bio page on the ARC (Arts/Religion/Culture) website: “KJ Dahlaw is a queer and non-binary identified dance artist. They are interested in the body; the ‘other’ body, the corporeal body, the bio-regional body, the transgressive body, the queer body. The body pulses with the stories of our ancestors, the imprinting of culture, the instincts of our creaturely ways. KJ researches both the white, Christian hegemony that lives in their own body and practices of counter hegemony in the body. KJ graduated with their MFA in dance from Saint Mary’s College of CA in the summer of 2018 and has been busy starting a dance company, Unruly Body Tanztheater, raising two children, tending to the fires of queer love and teaching dance.”
The mission statement of ‘their’ dance company, Unruly Body Tanztheater, says, in part: “Unruly Body Tanztheater is a project of Artistic Director KJ Dahlaw, designed to disrupt the logic of hegemony in the Body, oriented towards a queer futurity. UBT is an inter-disciplinary, eco-somatic dance theater project of embodiment.” The photos at ‘their’ website are more informative than the text.
Pope Francis has been absolutely consistent on this issue:
– Meeting with young people, Naples, 2015: “There are also ideological colonializations of the family, different paths and proposals in Europe and also coming from overseas. Then, there is the mistake of the human mind — gender theory — creating so much confusion.”
– Meeting with Families, Manila, 2015: “Let us be on guard against colonization by new ideologies. There are forms of ideological colonization which are out to destroy the family. They are not born of dreams, of prayers, of closeness to God or the mission which God gave us; they come from without, and for that reason I am saying that they are forms of colonization.”
– World Youth Day, Poland, 2016: “In Europe, America, Latin America, Africa, and in some countries of Asia, there are genuine forms of ideological colonization taking place. And one of these – I will call it clearly by its name – is [the ideology of] ‘gender’. Today children – children! – are taught in school that everyone can choose his or her sex. …In a conversation with Pope Benedict, who is in good health and very perceptive, he said to me: ‘Holiness, this is the age of sin against God the Creator’. He is very perceptive. God created man and woman; God created the world in a certain way… and we are doing the exact opposite.”
To make your concerns known:
Kathleen Radecke, Superintendent of Schools
Diocese of Oakland, 510-628-2154, sdept@csdo.org
Most Reverend Michael Barber
Bishop of the Dioceses of Oakland, 510-893-4711, bishop@oakdiocese.org
California Catholic Daily exclusive.
Whoop-tee-do! Vatican II! 16 documents– and no more Church discipline! “Freedom for all to do as they please!” No more teaching of the Catechism, no more sin nor virtue– no more God, and no more Christ!
What a DISGRACE!! I talked to the Bishop’s secretary– of course, I was told that this situation was the decision of the Salesian Fathers. So I said– “Well, I think this is terribly wrong!” Next, I talked to the school principal– and suggested that the Salesians remove the name “Catholic” from their school. Of course– they won’t! That’s the way it always goes– in Vatican II!!. I had erroneously thought that Bishop Barber wanted all of his employees to sign their names to a contract, upon employment– attesting that they would live by and uphold the Catholic Faith! Guess I was sadly mistaken!
Anon, Have you read the actual documents of Vatican II? I have. Your “‘Freedom for all to do as they please!’ No more teaching of the Catechism, no more sin nor virtue– no more God, and no more Christ!” is simply not in the Council documents. If it is, please let me know which documents and which sections. And, there are many fine things in the documents (which, I could cite, but, better yet, you could read). Admittedly, tragically, much has gone wrong since the Council, but, is there any current problem in the Church for which you don’t blame the Second Vatican Council? Let’s pray that the bishop does prohibit them from identifying as Catholic or, better yet, that they repent and return to being a Catholic school.
couple questions– no, this “freedom” which I described, was never in the documents! Instead, it was a decision of the clerics and Pope, to abandon the strong Church discipline of the pre-Conciliar era. Pope St. Jphn Paul II made formal apologies regarding this, saying that it hurt many Catholics! And he always told his clerics, to make sure the focus was on humanism! Pope Francis says he hated the pre-Conciliar Church discipline! As a Jesuit– he got a strong dose of it!
I understand your point. But, you didn’t answer my question, is there any current problem in the Church for which you don’t blame the Second Vatican Council?
And, your response raised another question, do you really think Pope Saint John Paul “always told his clerics to make sure the focus was on humanism?” I’ve read many of his documents, most of which were addressed, among others, to clergy.
couple questions–Where have you been?? No one in their right mind, blames all the problems of the Catholic Church on Vatican II! Remember the strict pre-Conciliar days– did any mean nun or priest, ever scare you and others, about going to Hell?? Not a good way to teach anyone the Catholic Faith! I recall our Pastor, and assistant priests of our parish– so delighted after the Council, telling everyone, that now, Catholics no longer must consult them, on anything! Instead, they are to “make their own decisions,” and “follow their own consciences!” They thought that was so exciting! But I didn’t think so! Human nature can be very weak! Not everyone is capable of that kind of responsibility! However– too-strict discipline, like the military– isn’t good, either! The Catholic Church has always had problems, historically! Yes– humanism was the main focus of Pope St. John Paul II’s petrine ministry!!
Anon, you asked where I’ve been. I’ll answer that: In the Catholic Church since my baptism 60 years ago. I recommend reading the writings of Saint John Paul (most of which are addressed to all, including clergy) and you’ll find that your remark “And he always told his clerics, to make sure the focus was on humanism!” is simply not true. I hope you would find that a pleasant surprise, even if it does not fit your preconceived idea of the man, who happened to be a Pope and is a Saint.
couple questions– you can read all about Pope St. John Paul II’s “radical humanism” in George Weigel’s books. If you are short on time– try Googling the subject– see what you find!
Anon, LOL You’ve worn me out by not answering my sincere questions. I give up. Nothing against Mr. Weigel or “Google” (except, on second thought, maybe against Google), but, I recommend reading Saint John Paul himself. You’ll clearly see that your remark, “And he always told his clerics, to make sure the focus was on humanism!,” simply is not true. And, who knows, you might even learn something in the process. It’s always better to first read the original authors, then what others have to comment about them (or at least read the original authors after). Your opinion of JPII seems to be not open to change, even if presented with what he actually wrote.
This Pope cried out for the intrinsic worth and dignity of the human being, after living through the horrendous nightmares of Hitler and Stalin, and beyond, in Communist Poland! He later coined the term, “Culture of Death,” as Pope. Humanism was a central theme of his entire ministry!
Of course, CHRISTIAN humanism was a central theme of his papacy! That’s as it should have been. It’s not what he “always” told the Church’s clergy, as you stated.
couple questions– no need to be combative! I think we are both saying the same thing! If you read through the letters and documents of Pope St. John Paul II to his bishops– you will see, he always emphasized humanism in the Church — the inherent dignity and value of all human beings!
anon. first I want to commend you for taking your concern to the Bishop and to the school. You did the right thing. The best way to do this is to have a short statement that stays on topic (no Vatican II, no other distractions.) “I am very surprised that you would have this person teach at your school considering the warnings that the Popes have given concerning the dangers of gender ideologies that differ from the Catholic understanding.” If the answer is they are only teaching dance, you should respond “No, they are teaching students.”
st john bosco would be horrified
Anonymous– No, wrong approach! Silly! I told them, about worried Catholic parents’ concerns for their kids!
My reply was to Anonymous’ post at 4:46pm. YES— to the second post of Anonymous– St. John Bosco would be HORRIFIED!!
“They”….Why does that remind me of “My name is Legion”?
It does sound as if they are legion. As the Lord Jesus Christ said, “Some will only come out by prayer and fasting.” Most of us who come on here are not exorcists, so we cannot perform an exorcism, but we can pray and fast for this situation. Today is Friday, so we can give up something for the Lord and something for help for all the children and others affected by this.
Can someone translate “their’s” bio page for me??
Say WHAT ???
“Jesus said to him (Judas), ‘What thou dost, do quickly.'” (John 13:27)
Roberta T Genini: I think you hit the
nail on the head. “They’s” affiliation
is most probably NOT with the American Legion.
Any real Catholic’s that are from that area or have a child in that school should protest immediately! If they do nothing about it pull your child out of that school. Honestly, why pay for a Catholic school if it obviously isn’t Catholic! What a complete disgrace!
This has nothing to do with Vatican II. As Pope Francis has rightly pointed out, this is culture colonization of a disturbed kind. Yes… Humans have freedom and can choose…however, this is not true freedom but a burden brought about by confusion.
Rollie, you may not be aware of this– but before the Vatican II Council, Church discipline was mandatory, and very strict, worldwide! You had to ask permission, for everything! No such thing, as “personal freedom!” At the Council, the clerics wanted to do away with mandatory discipline, favoring “freedom of religion” for everyone– clerics, nuns, and laymen! Very destructive idea! But the Vatican just loves it!
Pope Francis has also stated publicly, that he hated the strict discipline of the pre-Conciliar Church! I know the Jesuits also used to be very strict– and he is a Jesuit! Some of the discipline in the pre-Conciliar Church was, in fact– too cruel! However– you can’t just turn a church into a “zoo”of wild animals, with crazy “freedoms” to “run amok” and do as they please! We need some good, common sense, in our Church!
Anon: I am very familiar with the pre Vatican II church as I served as an altar boy in the late 50’s and early 60’s. With regards to the discipline in the Church at that time, my recollection is that it was situational. For example, my brother and I were both sexually abused by a priest in our parish and he certainly was not disciplined even though our parents told the pastor. So much for the good old days and strict discipline.
Rollie– sorry to hear about your clergy sex abuse case! I hope the CRIMINAL in the clergy got sent to prison for many years! I explained what I meant concerning pre- Conciliar Church discipline– now abandoned– in my post to “couple questions.”
Obviously this institution doesn’t hold the values of the Catholic Faith! That bio is disgusting. My children would be pulled out of that school. It’s better to homeschool your children then have them being taught by such an institution.
Honestly I will pray for those parents and children. If things don’t change I pray that they leave that school. We Catholic’s can’t be afraid to stand up for what’s right. If they don’t change I pray that school closes. Not to wish bad for them yet because I care about those children. We need great saints to champion the Faith! Pray the Holy Rosary! It has the power to overcome any heresy! Google Fr. Donald Calloway! He is on fire with Mary and the Holy Rosary! Remember she will crush the head of the serpent that has infiltrated Christ’s church!
Anonymous— human beings are already prone to mistakes and sins, when totally “free to” to “make their own decisions!” What we need– is MANDATORY Church discipline, toworldwide, like we used to have! To follow Christ’s religion, is a very serious life-long commitment! Especially for clergy and nuns!! The Salesian Fathers have become unfaithful to Christ!
“They” is raising two children ???
anybody at Salesian admonish They
that it’s very difficult to dance with a
millstone around your neck ??
Luke 17:2
They homosexuals are just another avenue for Cultural Marxism’s march through our institutions. Below is the link to a very important monograph.
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/with-the-pope-against-homoheresy.
Archbishop Viganò was correct in his testimony.
1 John 4:7-8: “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”
I don’t understand people who call themselves Christians yet have such hate and bigotry for others.
Anon.– there is no “hate” nor “bigotry” here! It is a big responsibility, to hire only Catholic teachers, who love and uphold the Catholic Faith, to teach our Catholic children, in Catholic schools. Good Catholic parents pay a lot, to send their kids to Catholic school! Kids also must always be kept safe, from all immorality and sexual perversion– a big responsibility!
Until the Catholic Church allows people to be who God made them to be and stops preaching intolerance for those who are different, we will continue to see this ignorant response by the church to someone that is just trying to live their life. They have done nothing to deserve anyone’s hatred. I pray for an end to ignorance.
Anonymous– Catholics have the responsibility to abide by Christ’s teachings. Some people reject Christ! That is ignorant! It is in Christ that we find our true identity!