I have noticed this practice occurring at a couple of churches. I think what really bugged me the most, as I watched this practice, was the fact that Ministers of Holy Communion were doing it and that I know was a no-no.
When the pastor decided to put a end to it at my parish, there was a great uproar. I think that part of it was due to the fact that he did not explain the reason behind it. At least that is my guess, since parishioners who were upset could not give me the reason why other than: Fr. XYZ said we could not do it.
Fr. Z has a simple explanation of why this practice should be stopped and a huge number of people asking questions and posing comments.
As always, kudos to Fr. Z.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
Womenpriests and Archbishop Wuerl
Whenever I do not have access to the 'net, something like this happens.
It seems that one of the so called "womenpriest's/wymynpriest's" will hold a "Mass" at the Dorothy Day Center in Washington DC. Here is a description by Fr. Joe:
(September 5, 2008) at 7:30 PM. The so-called Roman Catholic (married) “Womanpriest” Janice Sevre-Duszynska, who recently attempted ordination, will offer her first invalid and illicit Mass at the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker House in Northwest Washington, DC. This dissenting priestess belongs to something called the Central Kentucky Council of Peace and Justice. The local Catholic Worker Blog states: “A former prisoner of conscience for the School of the Americas Watch, Janice’s homily will reflect on the connections between sexism and violence, and explore ‘waiting on the Spirit’ in civil and ecclesial resistance.”
(Fr. Joe also has some good commentary and comments on the issue.)
Fr. Z has posted a letter by Msgr. Barry Knestout has issued a letter to all priests regarding the request by the Archdiocese that this not take place. However, the Dorothy Day Center will go ahead with it.
Now, there are a couple of things which come to mind:
1. Don't you just love the "prisoner of conscience" phrase? Solzhenitsyn was a prisoner of conscience. Aung San Suu Kyi is a prisoner of conscience. Janice was most likely held in the tank for a couple of hours, and told to come back for a hearing/sentencing in a couple of weeks for trespassing. The worse that probably happened to her was a fine.
2. In her bio, she is listed as the co-chair of the Ministry of Irritation of the Women's Ordination Conference. Sounds a lot like something you would find in Monty Python.
3. Note the term "ecclesiastical resistance." It the whole radical leftist movement, where there is always some sort of resistance to something.
4. This should have been issued in the Archbishop's name, not Msgr. Barry Knestout. This is serious enough that a note should have come from the Archbishop. (BTW, this is not a criticism of Msgr. Barry Knestout. According to a number of parishioners from his past assignment, he is a good and holy priest, who really cares about about the faithful.)
5. This type of scandalous situation comes up over and over again (Sen. Pelosi at Trinity College, former Lt. Gov. Townsend speaking at Stone Ridge). Each time, there is this "We don't want you to do this" request but the offenders do it anyway. Why? Because they know that their is no penalty.
The real question is once they do it, will they really revoke their status as a recognized Catholic organization in the Archdiocese? Will they also refuse to provide grants to them? Or is this just part of the "dance."
Let's wait and see.
It seems that one of the so called "womenpriest's/wymynpriest's" will hold a "Mass" at the Dorothy Day Center in Washington DC. Here is a description by Fr. Joe:
(September 5, 2008) at 7:30 PM. The so-called Roman Catholic (married) “Womanpriest” Janice Sevre-Duszynska, who recently attempted ordination, will offer her first invalid and illicit Mass at the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker House in Northwest Washington, DC. This dissenting priestess belongs to something called the Central Kentucky Council of Peace and Justice. The local Catholic Worker Blog states: “A former prisoner of conscience for the School of the Americas Watch, Janice’s homily will reflect on the connections between sexism and violence, and explore ‘waiting on the Spirit’ in civil and ecclesial resistance.”
(Fr. Joe also has some good commentary and comments on the issue.)
Fr. Z has posted a letter by Msgr. Barry Knestout has issued a letter to all priests regarding the request by the Archdiocese that this not take place. However, the Dorothy Day Center will go ahead with it.
Now, there are a couple of things which come to mind:
1. Don't you just love the "prisoner of conscience" phrase? Solzhenitsyn was a prisoner of conscience. Aung San Suu Kyi is a prisoner of conscience. Janice was most likely held in the tank for a couple of hours, and told to come back for a hearing/sentencing in a couple of weeks for trespassing. The worse that probably happened to her was a fine.
2. In her bio, she is listed as the co-chair of the Ministry of Irritation of the Women's Ordination Conference. Sounds a lot like something you would find in Monty Python.
3. Note the term "ecclesiastical resistance." It the whole radical leftist movement, where there is always some sort of resistance to something.
4. This should have been issued in the Archbishop's name, not Msgr. Barry Knestout. This is serious enough that a note should have come from the Archbishop. (BTW, this is not a criticism of Msgr. Barry Knestout. According to a number of parishioners from his past assignment, he is a good and holy priest, who really cares about about the faithful.)
5. This type of scandalous situation comes up over and over again (Sen. Pelosi at Trinity College, former Lt. Gov. Townsend speaking at Stone Ridge). Each time, there is this "We don't want you to do this" request but the offenders do it anyway. Why? Because they know that their is no penalty.
The real question is once they do it, will they really revoke their status as a recognized Catholic organization in the Archdiocese? Will they also refuse to provide grants to them? Or is this just part of the "dance."
Let's wait and see.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Is the MCC supporting abortion, gay marriage and the ordination of women?
Is the Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC):
- Indirectly supporting abortion?
- Promoting the homosexual lifestyle, including legalization of homosexual marriage?
- Working against vouchers and tax credits for Catholic schools?
- Indirectly supporting the ordination of women?
The folks over at Restore DC Catholicism have posted some information (see National News) on their website about an organization called FAITH IN PUBLIC LIFE, which the Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC) is a member.
I came across the website a few months ago, but did not blog on it, since there were more pressing issues. However, having taken a look at the website, I believe that the MCC has gotten in bed with some of the more radical Christian groups, as well as, allying itself with the Democratic Party.
Look at who is on the board of this organization:
- Sr. Catherine Pinkerton, the same sister (sorry, can’t call her a “nun”) who gave a benediction at the Democratic Convention last week. (Note that she was invited but not the bishop!) There have been a number of very critical blogs about her, esp. her role in the ordination of women and her affiliation with NETWORK.
- Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, former Lt. Gov. of Maryland, and pro-abortion, pro-homosexual supporter.
- Alexia Kelley, founder of Catholics for the Alliance of the Common Good.
However, this is just a natural outcome of their movement to the left, which started with Richard Dowling and Julie Varner. (I have written about this before.)
I am calling upon the MCC to disassociate themselves from this group. Contact them and let them know that you want them to de-link themselves from this group.
I am also calling upon Archbishop Wuerl to do what should have been done a long time ago: FIRE Julie Varner and all of those who are involved in linking the MCC with this group.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
What do you expect from a "Catholic" University?
During the family crisis over the weekend, I inadvertently left my paper copy of the Catholic Standard at an undisclosed location. (No, I know exactly where I left it.) However, I did have a chance to look through it before returning to my domicile.
If I remember correctly there was an article regarding the fact that US News and World Report came out with their college rankings. (Although I have always been very dubious of the rankings, nonetheless, many colleges love them.) The article focused on the fact that there were a couple of "Catholic" colleges on the list, Georgetown being one of them.
However, I came across a very interesting Commentary by Diogenes over on the Catholic Culture website. According to Diogenes:
A recent issue of the Georgetown Magazine contains an article titled "Out on the Hilltop," which treats of gay students at Georgetown over the years, and advances the University's efforts to make its connection to Catholic teaching totally opaque. We're given a number of brief profiles of gay students and alumni and their triumphs over homophobia and internalized shame. The Catechism's instruction concerning homosexual acts is stated correctly in the article, and thereupon the administration's response is given in the wooly prose that conveys the fact that the administration does not wish to communicate its mind on the matter.
If you've been paying attention to the way these battles are waged among Catholics, you won't be surprised that the issues are not subjected to a moral or theological assessment, but instead contradictory positions are elicited from a diversity of "Catholic voices," with the implication that no stance is more Catholic than another, but personal and arbitrary inclinations will steer different Catholics to different conclusions.
In the original article, two priests both graduates of Georgetown are interviewed. Once who upholds the Catholic faith and the other who believes that being gay and Catholic is a "matter of ongoing negotiations."
Personally, I have a real problem with a "Catholic" university (and a Catholic priest) basically supporting an immoral lifestyle. However, this is not just an issue for the university but even one for the USCCB.
How so?
When the Pope came to visit the USCCB created a Papal Blog. One of the postings discussed the number of Catholic universities and colleges. I posted the following, which was removed in a short time:
How many of those who are listed as Catholic colleges and universities are really Catholic? Georgetown and Trinity in the Washington DC area both have homosexual organizations and regularly go against Catholic teaching, such as Trinity's invitation to Nancy Pelosi.
And, let us not forget that Archbishop Wuerl has himself washed his hands of such matters.
So, what do you expect when the USCCB and the Archbishop refuse to take a stand. You get a Georgetown and a Trinity. Both Catholic in name only.
If I remember correctly there was an article regarding the fact that US News and World Report came out with their college rankings. (Although I have always been very dubious of the rankings, nonetheless, many colleges love them.) The article focused on the fact that there were a couple of "Catholic" colleges on the list, Georgetown being one of them.
However, I came across a very interesting Commentary by Diogenes over on the Catholic Culture website. According to Diogenes:
A recent issue of the Georgetown Magazine contains an article titled "Out on the Hilltop," which treats of gay students at Georgetown over the years, and advances the University's efforts to make its connection to Catholic teaching totally opaque. We're given a number of brief profiles of gay students and alumni and their triumphs over homophobia and internalized shame. The Catechism's instruction concerning homosexual acts is stated correctly in the article, and thereupon the administration's response is given in the wooly prose that conveys the fact that the administration does not wish to communicate its mind on the matter.
If you've been paying attention to the way these battles are waged among Catholics, you won't be surprised that the issues are not subjected to a moral or theological assessment, but instead contradictory positions are elicited from a diversity of "Catholic voices," with the implication that no stance is more Catholic than another, but personal and arbitrary inclinations will steer different Catholics to different conclusions.
In the original article, two priests both graduates of Georgetown are interviewed. Once who upholds the Catholic faith and the other who believes that being gay and Catholic is a "matter of ongoing negotiations."
Personally, I have a real problem with a "Catholic" university (and a Catholic priest) basically supporting an immoral lifestyle. However, this is not just an issue for the university but even one for the USCCB.
How so?
When the Pope came to visit the USCCB created a Papal Blog. One of the postings discussed the number of Catholic universities and colleges. I posted the following, which was removed in a short time:
How many of those who are listed as Catholic colleges and universities are really Catholic? Georgetown and Trinity in the Washington DC area both have homosexual organizations and regularly go against Catholic teaching, such as Trinity's invitation to Nancy Pelosi.
And, let us not forget that Archbishop Wuerl has himself washed his hands of such matters.
So, what do you expect when the USCCB and the Archbishop refuse to take a stand. You get a Georgetown and a Trinity. Both Catholic in name only.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Two New Sites Added
Periodically, I like to add links to my site which I believe are good.
Today, I would like to highlight two.
The first is What Does The Prayer Really Say by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf (aka Fr. Z). Having read thru his blog for the last few months, I am amazed at the information and analysis posted. Wow!
The second is a link that someone just sent to me. Archbishop Wuerl asked all priests to discuss the Catholic Church's belief on abortion at Sunday Mass. I asked if anyone had heard their priest discussing this and if it was good or bad. Someone sent me a link to the sermon given by Fr. Greg Shaffer, Parochial Vicar of St. Andrew the Apostle in Silver Spring, MD. His blog contains his sermons, as well as, answers to questions posed by Catholics and non-Catholics alike. It is not only a very easy read (this is a positive, not negative) but also very informative.
++++
Help defeat Montgomery County's Gender Identity Bill 23-07 this November. Go to http://notmyshower.net/.
Today, I would like to highlight two.
The first is What Does The Prayer Really Say by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf (aka Fr. Z). Having read thru his blog for the last few months, I am amazed at the information and analysis posted. Wow!
The second is a link that someone just sent to me. Archbishop Wuerl asked all priests to discuss the Catholic Church's belief on abortion at Sunday Mass. I asked if anyone had heard their priest discussing this and if it was good or bad. Someone sent me a link to the sermon given by Fr. Greg Shaffer, Parochial Vicar of St. Andrew the Apostle in Silver Spring, MD. His blog contains his sermons, as well as, answers to questions posed by Catholics and non-Catholics alike. It is not only a very easy read (this is a positive, not negative) but also very informative.
++++
Help defeat Montgomery County's Gender Identity Bill 23-07 this November. Go to http://notmyshower.net/.
Monday, September 1, 2008
The Last Few Days...and Archbishop Wuerl and the Sanctity of Life
Nope, this is not a blog posting about the end of the world.
However, I have had to be out of town for a few days dealing with a family crisis (one that I have never dealt with before) which has not allowed me to post like I normally do. More about the family crisis later (like in a couple of months, maybe.)
In trying to follow-up with some of the stories, I came across this one at Fr. Z's blog on the Archbishop Wuerl's letter to all priests in the Archdiocese of Washington DC. It asks them to use the Sunday homily (Aug. 31st to be exact) to:
consider using this Sunday’s liturgy as an opportune time to present to the Catholic faithful of this archdiocese a number of elements of our Catholic faith.
This is an opportune time simply to reaffirm with all of our Catholic faithful and others who may be interested in what the Church has to say that abortion is and has always been considered a serious evil, that the destruction of innocent human life at any stage is wrong and that it is the task entrusted to the bishops of the Church to proclaim and when necessary clarify this constant teaching.
As you know, this is in direct response to Sen. Nancy "I Am Infallable" Pelosi and Sen. Joe "I will shove my Rosary down your throat" Biden's beliefs.
I got to give the Archbishop credit where it is due on pushing this issue, although not as forceful as I would like.
(However, I was reading that Sen. Biden's parish priest, in the Diocese of Wilmington, continues to offer the Holy Eucharist to Sen. Biden. Will there be no end to this sort of moral scandal?)
Since I was out of town, I missed the opportunity to hear my parish priest discuss this. If you heard your priest preach this message (or even read the letter), let me know what you thought. If you did not hear your priest talk about this, I would love to hear it to.
Hat tip to Fr. Z (again)!
However, I have had to be out of town for a few days dealing with a family crisis (one that I have never dealt with before) which has not allowed me to post like I normally do. More about the family crisis later (like in a couple of months, maybe.)
In trying to follow-up with some of the stories, I came across this one at Fr. Z's blog on the Archbishop Wuerl's letter to all priests in the Archdiocese of Washington DC. It asks them to use the Sunday homily (Aug. 31st to be exact) to:
consider using this Sunday’s liturgy as an opportune time to present to the Catholic faithful of this archdiocese a number of elements of our Catholic faith.
This is an opportune time simply to reaffirm with all of our Catholic faithful and others who may be interested in what the Church has to say that abortion is and has always been considered a serious evil, that the destruction of innocent human life at any stage is wrong and that it is the task entrusted to the bishops of the Church to proclaim and when necessary clarify this constant teaching.
As you know, this is in direct response to Sen. Nancy "I Am Infallable" Pelosi and Sen. Joe "I will shove my Rosary down your throat" Biden's beliefs.
I got to give the Archbishop credit where it is due on pushing this issue, although not as forceful as I would like.
(However, I was reading that Sen. Biden's parish priest, in the Diocese of Wilmington, continues to offer the Holy Eucharist to Sen. Biden. Will there be no end to this sort of moral scandal?)
Since I was out of town, I missed the opportunity to hear my parish priest discuss this. If you heard your priest preach this message (or even read the letter), let me know what you thought. If you did not hear your priest talk about this, I would love to hear it to.
Hat tip to Fr. Z (again)!
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