Well, it looks like no one in Hyattsville thinks that allowing dissenters to meet at a Catholic Church matters. Why should they, they have more important things to do, such as arrange for planes and tours in recognition of a red hat ceremony. In this week's St. Rose of Lima bulletin, Msgr. Paul Dudziak couches the words in describing the VOTF meeting. In the last bulletin, he stated that this meeting would send recommendations up to the American Catholic Council. This week, he just says that it is a group who is meeting to discuss the future of the Church. He also makes certain to put it in his weekly column, right up front. (If this is not an affront to the Archbishop of Detroit and all faithful Catholics, I don't know what is.)Here are just a couple of quotes from the statement from the Archbishop of Detroit, to remind Msgr. Dudziak and Cardinal elect Wuerl:- The American Catholic Council movement and its national gathering are not conducted under the auspices of the Detroit archdiocese, the universal Roman Catholic Church, or any entity or organization affiliated with the archdiocese or the universal Roman Catholic Church.
- The archdiocese wishes to commend and embrace all true efforts at Church renewal - the American Church Council's agenda is not such an effort. Some of the advertised speakers and groups organizing the effort espouse positions which are clearly contrary to Catholic faith, leading to alienation and estrangement from the Church.
- The Archdiocese of Detroit cautions any Catholic against participating in the American Catholic Council local listening sessions and national gathering in June 2011. Catholic parishes, schools, and institutions are not to host any meetings, gatherings, or "listening sessions" associated with the planning of the June 2011 American Catholic Council. Priests, deacons, and ecclesial lay ministers will want to avoid lending support to such a misguided effort.
I think placing it the front of the parish bulletin is his way of not only sticking it to me and others, but he is also trying to hide the true intent of this meeting. For shame Msgr. Dudziak, for shame.
Although it may seem very innocent, once again St. Rose of Lima is sponsoring a meeting of the dissenting group: Voice of The Faithful. (How many times must this continue to take place? Does no one in Hyattsville have the fortitude to stop this?)Now, this is not simply a regular meeting in which they encourage women priests, married priests, etc. but this one is a a meeting to make suggestions which will then be put forward to the American Catholic Council meeting in 2011.The problem is that the American Catholic Council, like VOTF stands in opposition to the Catholic Church. It allies itself with groups such as Call to Action and CORPUS. (I have written about these before.)The Archbishop of Detroit has issued a strong statement regarding this meeting in 2011: The Archdiocese of Detroit has been contacted by concerned members of the faithful about a movement called the American Catholic Council. Self-described as "bringing together a network of individuals, organizations, and communities to consider the state and future of our Church," they have planned a national gathering in Detroit for the weekend of Pentecost 2011. The American Catholic Council movement and its national gathering are not conducted under the auspices of the Detroit archdiocese, the universal Roman Catholic Church, or any entity or organization affiliated with the archdiocese or the universal Roman Catholic Church.
Although their stated purpose is to "respond to the Spirit of Vatican II by summoning the Baptized together to demonstrate our re-commitment and the documents issued by the American Catholic Council offer some valid aspirations for the Church, in fact, the goals proposed are largely in opposition to the teachings of the Second Vatican Council and the Holy Spirit, which inspired the Council. The archdiocese wishes to commend and embrace all true efforts at Church renewal - the American Church Council's agenda is not such an effort. Some of the advertised speakers and groups organizing the effort espouse positions which are clearly contrary to Catholic faith, leading to alienation and estrangement from the Church. The Archdiocese of Detroit cautions any Catholic against participating in the American Catholic Council local listening sessions and national gathering in June 2011. Catholic parishes, schools, and institutions are not to host any meetings, gatherings, or "listening sessions" associated with the planning of the June 2011 American Catholic Council. Priests, deacons, and ecclesial lay ministers will want to avoid lending support to such a misguided effort. On behalf of the archdiocese, Archbishop Vigneron has asked the organizers to cancel their plans for this national gathering that distorts the true Spirit of Vatican II. He asks us all to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit so that we may embrace authentic development of faith and morals, and shun efforts which threaten unity.Archbishop Wuerl...you must support your brother bishop here! Hyattsville, wake up! Your inaction only helps to subvert the Faith. If they wish to meet, let them do so at the local library or American Legion Post. Don't let them meet at a Roman Catholic Parish.
