More Inane Letters from the Post

This is a real winner:

Insist on stewardship

The Roman Catholic bishops again prove they don't get it. While the changes in language in the Mass may be justified, the bishops ironically state this may bring people back to Mass. Aren't these men the protégés of the bishops who said Latin kept people away?

What will bring people back is when they see their bishops acting responsibly in matters such as the abuse scandal and the management of diocesan funds. These fat cats live lives of luxury beyond those of their flock: trips to Rome, Europe, the Holy Land -- all at the flock's expense; yet they deny they have any accountability to the people.

Wake all ye bishops! The people are the church, and you owe them good stewardship, morally and financially.

Roger C. Krasnicki
St. Louis

St Stanislaus Church spokesman and lawyer seems to know about what he speaks. Yet, he and the Post Dispatch (by printing his letter) demonstrate a defective understanding of what happens at most diocesan offices. Is it luxurious to go through airports and checkpoints to go to Rome to work on ecclesial matters? Most would say "no".

I would suspect most bishops and priests would voice some objection to Mr. Krasnicki's statements - statements for which he offers no support other than his personal opinion - an opinion formed by a mindset which has produced other "opinions" and advice. Were these "opinions" which resulted in the excommunication of the St Stanislaus board members? That's the kind of representation or advice a rational person would rather do without.

While there are rare occasions when a bishop may take a vacation, he does not do so at the expense of the faithful as suggested by Krasnicki. Perhaps he would like to share his evidence that they do this "at the flock's expense"? Certainly he can support his accusations, can't he?

Also missing from the letter are examples of this stated "luxury" in which the bishops are living...While there may well be some who are less than prudent about expenditures, many make tremendous personal sacrifices.

With regard to the translation changes, of course, many of the bishops do "get it", despite Krasnicki's assertion to the contrary. These changes are not being made to "bring people back to Mass" as Krasnicki suggests but to conform to the requirements set by the Holy See - requirements which will effect a beauty and fidelity in the words and prayers used at Holy Mass. One would hope that an implementation of authentic liturgical translations would, as a consequence, lead to a better understanding of the Faith and an increase in Mass attendance.

Krasnicki's jab at moral and financial stewardship is ironic - especially considering the situation at St Stanislaus - a situation in which an authentic and thorough third party audit has yet to be conducted and a situation in which many are deprived of valid and/or licit sacraments due to the hiring of an excommunicated priest without faculties. This says nothing of the fact that the parish is no longer Catholic, having been suppressed for refusal to obey lawful directives of the legitimate bishop appointed by the Holy Father.

It's always interesting to read or listen to those who have been afflicted by the sin of pride and arrogance. In accordance with the expressed wishes of Archbishop Burke, the faithful should pray for those at St Stanislaus.