Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver Colorado recently addressed a group gathered in a in Sydney, Australia. The topic was, “Mission Possible: This Double Life Will Self-Destruct.” In a chillingly honest fashion, Archbishop Chaput shares his thoughts on our lives today, as Catholics, and how we ought to realize our need to live wholly and completely for Christ.

We can't live a half-way Christianity. The organizers of tonight's event were right [those who named it ‘Mission Possible: This Double Life Will Self-Destruct’]. Every double life will inevitably self-destruct. The question then becomes: How are we going to live in this world? How can we lead a Christian life in a secular age? We can't really answer that question until we get some things straight about what it means to be a Christian. And that means first getting some things straight about Jesus Christ.

This is another one of the by-products of our secular age: we don't really quite know what to think about Jesus anymore. A few years before he became Pope Benedict XVI, then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger wrote something that is unfortunately very true. He wrote: "Today in broad circles, even among believers, an image has prevailed of a Jesus who demands nothing, never scolds, who accepts everyone and everything, who no longer does anything but affirm us. . . . The figure is transformed from the 'Lord' (a word that is avoided) into a man who is nothing more than the advocate of all men." 

We all know people -- friends or family members or both -- who think about Jesus in these terms. It's hard to avoid. Our culture has given Jesus a make-over. We've remade him in the image and likeness of secular compassion. Today He's not the Lord, the Son of God, but more like an enlightened humanist nice guy.

This is, very much, the message in Catholic radio host, author, and speaker Teresa Tomeo’s new book, “Newsflash! My Surprising Journey from Secular Anchor to Media Evangelist.” Teresa did her best to live a half-way Christianity and found the great many ways in which such a life will self-destruct.

Michigan, USA – “The man is an inspiration to the whole world.  The Pope climbed down the stage to kiss him,” says Gabby Kajy.  “I didn’t know much about him until I saw him at the ECRC festival at St. Thomas.  I bought all his CD’s which he signed with his feet.  He was incredible and I have been a fan ever since.” 

Kajy is talking about the famous Tony Melendez.  It was on September 15, 1987, he played his guitar for Pope John Paul II in Los Angeles. Born without arms, he performed a touching song entitled Never Be The Same. When the Pope approached him from the stage to kiss him in appreciation, it seemed to reflect the sentiments of the entire country.

Never Be the Same was an appropriate song Melendez sang for the Holy Father, for those few moments changed Tony Melendez' life and brought his unrestrained abilities as a guitarist into national attention. It seems to be a fitting place for a man who has spent his life putting personal confidence above his handicap.   The international marvel has been featured on Life On A Rock, The 700 Club, Good Morning America, The Today Show, CBS This Morning, NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, Home Life Television, and Entertainment Tonight to name just a few of his countless television appearances. 

Melendez is being called back to an encore presentation for the ECRC festival to be held at St. Joseph Chaldean Church campus in Troy this Friday, September 26.   The concert is open to the public and tickets are being subsidized to the bargain of only $10 for a two-day concert pass. 

Michigan, USA – January of 2009 begins the battles as returning basketball champions prepare to defend their titles.  The Chaldean Church Sports League (CCSL) has shocked the Chaldean community by bringing together the community’s best and most talented basketball athletes together under one roof.   

Defending champions Mar Addai Healers of Oak Park in the boys middle school division, St. Thomas Twin Tigers of West Bloomfield in the girls high school division, and Mother of God Guardian Angels in the high school boys division claim they will once again repeat their championship win.  

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Michigan, USA – “The Chaldean Backgammon Open brings out the best players in Michigan,” says Joe Yasso.  “If anyone thinks they are good in backgammon they can prove it once and for all.” 

The Chaldean Church Sports League announces their 2008 Fall Game seasons with a rematch of the community’s best players in three Chaldean dominant games.  Chaldeans will compete for both individual and team points in table tennis, chess, and backgammon.   

To learn more about the competition and how to register click the READ MORE button below.

Michigan, USA - Chaldean Church Sports League concludes the summer soccer season with Mar Addai Healers facing St. Joseph Protectors.  The two teams have faced one another in the regular season with intense competition.  On Saturday, August 23, 2008 the two teams prepared for soccer battle at the Southfield Michigan Municipal Sports Complex. 

CCSL sports commentators were refusing to share with fans which team was the clear favorite.  Although Mar Addai showed a slight edge as a favorite, commentators were concerned over their lack of discipline.   “The team is intense.  They take soccer very seriously.  However, their passion spillith over and gets them into trouble,” says CCSL fan Jason Gabara.  “If they can keep their play under control they would be picked as the clear favorite.”

On the other side of the field, wearing blood red, St. Joseph Protectors have sports fans concerned as well.  Gabara says, “St. Joseph has a handful of incredible players.  The leagues best, however, they can not carry the team alone.  The team is a bit unbalanced, but if the younger players step-up, St. Joseph is unstoppable.” 

Michgan, USA – Top Chaldean church teams from Michigan compete for the 2008 championship trophy.   Chaldean Church Sports League hosts the 2008 Chaldean Volleyball Playoffs & Championships on Saturday, September 6th, 2008 at the Southfield Civic Center Sports Complex beginning at 10 am.  Admission is free and open to the public.  

Michigan, USA - On July 27, 2008 over 1200 Yaldo guests attended the 1st Annual Yaldo Family Reunion. The Yaldo family gathered at the Saint George Chaldean Camp in Brighton, Michigan. The heart and soul of the 1st annual Yaldo reunion began with the hard work invested by the dedicated volunteers, which was headed by Father Basil Yaldo.

The Yaldo family originated from Telkaif, Mosul, Iraq. A great number of the Yaldo family migrated throughout the cities in Iraq. As the years progressed the Yaldo family began to settle in the United States. In fact, an ever-increasing number call areas of Metropolitan Detroit home today. The new generation has been successful in reaching high educational attainment. They carry many successful positions such as doctors, lawyers, business entrepreneurs, accountants, engineers and so forth.

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Chaldean Youth Day (CYD-2008) is Sunday, August 17!  Hundreds of Chaldean young adults will converge on Camp Chaldean for a day of fun, food, and festivities.  Hang-out. Chill. Picnic. Play. This event is free for those 35 and under.  Anyone over 35 the cost is $45,000 per person. 

This is a non-alcoholic camp.  Bring your own lawn chairs.  Bring food coolers if you like.  Food and beverages will be available. Games. Competitions. Prizes. Boat Races.  Water-balloon wars.  Tug-A-war.  Sports.  Bring your own BALLS.  Best of all bring some biceps, brains, and bounce. 

The event is sponsored by the St. George Chaldean Camp Council in partnership with Chaldean youth groups, which include but are not limited to, the Chaldean Church Sports League, Chaldean Teens Coming Together, Chaldean Youth Bible Study, Chaldean Loving Christ, Jesus Christ University, Chaldean American Professionals, Chaldean Football League, Chaldean Basketball League, Chaldean Hockey League, Chaldean American Student Association, and Chaldean Church Youth Choirs. 

You have been told!  Someone post this on MySpace, Facebook, and whatever other social network you freaks got going! 

Michigan, USA – Over 300 Chaldean athletes head to the grassy fields and sandy pits as the Chaldean Church Sports League of Michigan Tri-Sport season gets underway.  In the high school flag football division returning champs St. Thomas Twin Tigers hope to repeat.  However, St. Joseph Protectors new all-star draft picks round out their passing and defensive game which may pose a challenge for the Twin Tigers.

In the ladies high school volleyball, defending champions Mother of God Guardian Angels look to take on St. Thomas once more in the championship finals.  Both teams had such a large turn-out that they fielded two teams for competition.

In high school soccer, Mar Addai Healers remain undefeated.  Hoping to best Mar Addai’s powerful team, St. George and St. Joseph combined their teams as did Mother of God and St. Thomas.  Nonetheless, Mar Addai remains undefeated and is considered the early favorite to take the high school soccer championship finals.   

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Michigan, USA - No one would dare refute that Chaldeans often come from large families.  The Chaldean culture values the importance of family virtues and cooperation.   Chaldeans often hold large family gatherings, dinners, and celebrations.  

One family is taking the family gathering up a few notches.  The Yaldo(o|u) family is hosting their 2008 family reunion at Camp Chaldean in Michigan beginning at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 27.  Nearly a thousand family members are expected to attend the family gathering. 

Saher Yaldo, a leading community entrepreneur and committed volunteer for the Chaldean Voice radio station has been instrumental in the reunion.  “We invite everyone with Yaldo(o|u) blood pulsing through their veins.  This includes all children and grandchildren whose mother or father are Yaldo(o|u), says Saher.

“Guests are also welcome to invite close friends and relatives as well. We will be holding a special Mass for all our guests led by Fr. Basel Yaldo of St. George Church at 4 p.m. and we have games, gifts, and more as well.”