Bishop requires lay ministers to sign affirmation of faith
This is really great! I mean really!

Bishop Robert Vasa of the Diocese of Baker in Oregon issued in April a new diocesan regulation requiring persons involved in parish ministries -- notably in catechetics and service at Mass -- to provide full assent to a list of a dozen doctrinal statements as well as to “all the teaching of the Catholic church.”

If one is unwilling or unable to assent to the “Affirmation of Personal Faith,” he or shes is asked to withdraw from ministry. Future applicants for parish ministry will be asked by their pastors to read the document and indicate total adherence to it.

The required “affirmations” include:
the teaching on homosexuality, contraception, chastity, marriage, abortion, euthanasia, the presence of Christ in the Eucharist, Mary, hell, purgatory, and the authority of the Church.

AFFIRMATION OF PERSONAL FAITH *

“I believe and profess all that the holy Catholic Church teaches, believes and proclaims to be revealed by God.” In particular:

I affirm and believe the Church’s teaching about the inviolability of human life. In accord with that teaching I affirm that human life is sacred and must be protected and respected from the moment of conception until natural death. I affirm that I reject direct, intentional abortion and I do not recognize the legitimacy of anyone’s claim to a moral right to form their own conscience in this matter. I am not pro-choice. I further attest that I am not affiliated with, nor supportive of, any organization which supports, encourages, provides or otherwise endorses abortion or euthanasia. (cf. CCC 2270-2283)

I affirm and believe the Church’s teaching about the sinfulness of contraception. I affirm, in accord with the teachings of the Church that “every action which, whether in anticipation of the conjugal act, or in its accomplishment, or in the development of its natural consequences, proposes, whether as an end or as a means, to render procreation impossible” is intrinsically evil. (CCC 2370)

I affirm and believe that every person is called to chastity in accord with their present state of life and that it is only in marriage between man and woman that the intimacy of spouses becomes a sign and pledge of spiritual communion. (CCC 2337—2365) I accept the Church’s teaching that any extra-marital sexual relationships are gravely evil and that these include pre-marital relations, masturbation, fornication, the viewing of pornography and homosexual relations.

I affirm and believe the teaching of the Church about the evil of homosexual acts. I accept the formulation in the Catechism which states: “Basing itself on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity, tradition has always declared that “homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered.” They are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved.” (CCC 2357)

I affirm and believe all that the Church teaches about the Reality and Presence of Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist. Specifically I believe that Jesus is present Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity under each of the forms of bread and wine and that receiving either one is Communion with the whole Christ. I recognize that worship and adoration are appropriate, not only during Mass but also outside of Mass and that the Most Holy Eucharist must always be handled with the utmost care and devotion. (CCC 1373-1381)

I affirm and believe the teachings of the Church regarding Mary, Mother of Christ and Mother of the Church. I accept with the Church that it is fitting and proper to honor the Blessed Virgin with special devotion. (CCC 963-975)

I affirm and believe that it is possible for a person to choose to remain separated from God for all eternity and that “This state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed is called “hell.”” (CCC 1033)

I affirm and believe that those who die in God’s grace and friendship but are still imperfectly purified undergo additional purification so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joys of heaven. I affirm that the Church’s name for this final purification is Purgatory. (CCC 1030-1032)

I affirm and believe in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and embrace the teachings about that Church as enunciated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. (cf. CCC 748-962)

I affirm and believe that the Church teaches with God-given authority and that the promise of Christ to remain with His Church always, until the end of time is a reality. I further acknowledge that those teachings pronounced in a definitive manner, even though not as an infallible definition, are binding on the consciences of the faithful and are to be adhered to with religious assent. (CCC 892)

To these and to all the teaching of the Catholic Church I give my assent. I attest that I believe these things and, while I am aware of my own sinfulness and shortcomings, I strive in my beliefs and life style to conform to this Affirmation of Personal of Faith.

* The Church requires the making of a Profession of Faith by various persons when they undertake specific duties related to Church administration and teaching. (cf. Canon 833) In the Diocese of Baker this has been expanded to include those who take on the ecclesial duties of Catechist, Liturgical Reader, Cantor, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and other Church positions which entail a presumption of orthodoxy.

The link is here to the complete Pastoral Letter for Diocesan Lay Ministers

Perhaps sending this to Archbishop Burke would be a good idea...Surely this is needed in many parts of the archdiocese.
- posted by LRS @ 8:15 PM   

 
The Coming Triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in the Modern World
Sunday, July 18, 2004 at 2:00 PM

By: TFP speaker Paul Folley

To be held at:

Maria Center
336 E. Ripa Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63125

In this talk, we will hear from Mr. Paul Folley who is coming from
Scotland on a speaking tour. Mr. Folley was born in Ireland and
worked for a long time with the American TFP before joining the TFP
office in Scotland. He will be talking about the reasons for hope in
the promise of Our Lady of Fatima when she spoke about the triumph of
her Immaculate Heart. He will analyze what is meant by this triumph
and how God has acted in the past in similar ways. Don't miss this
opportunity to meet with like-minded Catholics and Mr. Folley.

This talk is one of a series of regularly held talks sponsored by the
American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property
(TFP) and its America Needs Fatima campaign.

A question and answer period will follow the presentation. Please
join us for what promises to be a stimulating afternoon of Catholic
conviviality, enlightening conversation, and hope for the future.

(thanks, Tom for this info)

- posted by LRS @ 7:19 PM   

 
I've been outed and kicked off St Cronan's email list!
I received an email this morning from "Topica Customer Support" with the subject "Goodbye from CronanTalk". The email stated, in part:

You have been removed from the mailing list 'CronanTalk'.
Thank you for participating.

I didn't even get a kiss goodbye!

This "boot" comes a couple of weeks after the St. Cronan's Liturgy Web Page "disappeared" after a report on a couple of new and improved bread recipes was discussed here and the bread recipes were sent to the Archdiocesan Office of Worship.

So much for being an "inclusive" community where all are welcomed (except those faithful to the Holy Father?). I suppose this is a way of telling me not to join the parish? I wonder if my source at St. Cronan's has been discovered yet?


- posted by LRS @ 12:10 PM   

 
Form your conscience, vote your conscience!
By Reverend John A. Corapi, S.O.L.T., S.T.D. - www.fathercorapi.com

Every four years we enjoy a very great privilege, one that carries with it an equally great responsibility: that of voting for the officials who will govern the country and affect the lives of tens of millions of people, for better or for worse. Good government and just laws are not optional of the human family is to survive, much less prosper.

The tired argument that is so often heard these days about the separation of Church and State is a patently specious one, to say the least. The First Amendment of the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution states:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

The current erroneous interpretation of the separation of church and state is nothing less than an attack on the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America itself.

Every citizen has a right to express their views and to vote in accordance with those views. The legitimate separation of church and state concerns the constitutional prohibition of one state sponsored religion, as well is the Founding Fathers' intent to keep the government out of the affairs of the various religions.

The version of separation of church and state that is presently being foisted on an unsuspecting public is tantamount to a suppression of the fundamental constitutional rights of a class of citizens. Since when is Christian thought not permitted to influence a country that was founded on Christian principles?

We share in the good and the evil of those we place in office. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that, although "sin is a personal act, we have a responsibility for the sins committed by others when we cooperate in them" (CCC #1868). We can be accomplices in the sins of others:

-by participating directly and voluntarily in them;

-by ordering, advising, praising, or approving them;

-by not disclosing or not hindering them when we have an obligation to do so;

-by protecting evil-doers" (CCC #1868).

The Catechism is thus consistent with traditional Catholic teaching which held that there are nine ways we can be an accessory to another's sin:

1. By counsel. I.e., "I think you should have an abortion; go ahead and have the abortion. It will help preserve your lifestyle."

2. By command. I.e., Telling your child, your friend, or your co-worker, "Have an abortion, you may lose your job if you don't."

3. By consent. I.e., "If you and your partner feel it's the best thing, go ahead and have a sexual relationship, get married.even if you're both of the same sex, etc. It's nobody's business."

4. By provocation. I.e., "Have the abortion! Aren't you in charge of your own life. The Pope is old and sick and who cares what he says anyhow."

5. By praise or flattery. I.e., "Oh, Senator, you are so courageous and kind in defending a woman's 'right' to an abortion."

6. By concealment. I.e., The pastor allows the senator, judge, president, etc. who has voted for, or otherwise promoted, abortion, euthanasia, human cloning, same-sex marriage, etc. to appear to be in good standing, when, in fact, they have caused grave public scandal by their actions. When the sin is public, the redress must be public. Although, I don't disagree with the courageous bishops who would deny such persons Communion, I do believe that the "confrontation" should take place, without question, long before they arrive at the altar rail.

7. By participation. I.e., "I'll drive you to the clinic. You need that abortion to be able to continue your lifestyle."

8. By silence. I.e., You refuse to speak out against what is a clear violation of human rights, an incredible persecution and prejudice against a class of human beings (the unborn). You hide behind the Supreme Court's unjust and inherently illicit decision on abortion, saying it's the law of the land, when in fact it is the subversion and perversion of authentic law. The Nazi SS officers tried for war crimes used a similar defense, saying they were only following orders. They hung them, guilty as charged!

9. By defense of the evil. I.e., "It prevents child abuse by eliminating unwanted children; Women are more in charge of their lives, more liberated; it's so much more sophisticated and educated a thing to do., "etc. etc. This year, more than ever, Catholics, and the entire human family, face a daunting challenge. We have to elect a president and other high ranking officials, and the choice could be a matter of life or death for the nation.

For Catholics, it is a matter of a moral mandate: form your conscience so that you can vote your well-formed conscience. It is not morally permissible to merely vote for whomever you like based on superficial or even personal preferences. The candidates have to be evaluated in the sober and sure light of truth. Your conscience must be formed to the objective norm of that truth, which is Church teaching in faith and morals.

Since a physician needs to be concerned with what's sick, let's get right to the point. It is not morally possible for any Catholic to support abortion, euthanasia, fetal stem cell research, human cloning, or same-sex marriage. There are no ways around this, no justifications whatever. Why? For the simple reason that the Church holds these things to be intrinsically evil. They are evil in themselves, and no circumstances or subjective conditions can ever change that. They are not to be confused with such things as the death penalty and legitimate self-defense, which are not intrinsically evil, and which governments can, and often must, make use of. While the conditions for applying such unfortunate measures as the death penalty and waging war may be open to debate, they are not things evil in themselves, always and everywhere.

Any appeal to conscience concerning intrinsically evil matters is a specious one. Conscience is not an independent entity; it does not operate in a vacuum. Conscience must be formed to the objective norm of truth--Church teaching. Church teaching is clear on the issues mentioned (Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church #1783). The theological position to the contrary is untenable and has been frequently condemned by the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. The Second Vatican Council mentioned conscience more than seventy times, never without a modifying term: "well-formed conscience, mal-formed conscience; you must form your conscience, etc."

Conscience is not to be construed as one's mere ideas and opinions, or whatever vagrant and morally vacuous thoughts race through one's mind. "Conscience is a judgment of reason whereby the human person recognizes the moral quality of a concrete act that he is going to perform, is in the process of performing, or has already completed" (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1778). It must be grounded in truth, formed to truth. For Catholics that is Church teaching in faith and morals.

Any candidate for political office, Catholic or otherwise, who is in favor of intrinsically evil things (abortion, euthanasia, same-sex marriage, etc), votes for them, or otherwise funds or furthers their cause, cannot be supported in any way by a Catholic who wishes to remain Catholic in fact,not just in name.

Catholic office holders, whether presidents, senators, congress men or women, or judges at any level must adhere to Catholic teaching or run the risk of separating themselves from the Body of Christ. In such egregious and chronic cases of gross moral evil such as instituting and perpetuating abortion and the structures of sin that surround it, it is quite probable that such Catholic officials are excommunicated in virtue of the acts themselves. A latae sententiae (automatic) excommunication is likely triggered when they vote for laws, funding, and structures that enable and perpetuate such obvious and egregious evil (Cf. Code of Canon Law, Canons 1364,1398; Canon 1329, par. #2). They are in turn forbidden from approaching the sacraments as the result (Cf. Catechism of Catholic Church #1463).

These persons must undoubtedly think that a fetus is not a human being. If they did, would they authorize and enable the wholesale and on demand execution of tens of millions of the most innocent human beings in their mothers' wombs? If they think there is not a human being in the womb, then they do not believe what the Church believes, and that belief is not optional. Such a rejection of so fundamental a truth is tantamount to heresy (Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church #2089), the automatic penalty for which is excommunication (Cf Code of Canon Law #1364). No further act of a bishop is required either, since the act of unbelief in itself is what triggers the severing of the member from the Body. If, on the contrary, they think that indeed there is a human being in the womb, they are in a worse position, having fostered, facilitated, and perpetuated a human holocaust of unthinkable proportions.

The lame argument that they personally oppose such things as abortion, yet vote for them repeatedly, demonstrates the most virulent form of moral and political schizophrenia yet to afflict mankind. That they succeed in duping millions of otherwise intelligent people with this absurd and twisted logic does not bode well for the future of the nation that votes for them.

The further up the hierarchy of authority one goes, the more responsible and the more culpable one becomes. Hence, a supreme court justice, senator, or president who supports abortion through voting or rhetoric is significantly more culpable than a woman who effectively procures an abortion. She is responsible for one abortion; they are accomplices in millions. If she has knowledge of the seriousness of the act and the canonical penalty attached thereto, she can incur an automatic excommunication. What of those who enabled millions of such abortions? Is it to be believed that they are immune from culpability? Infinitely more deserving of the canonical penalty are those Catholic politicians who foster the laws and structures that enable such outrageous crimes against humanity.

A pastor who permits such an elected or appointed official--especially if they purport to be Catholic--to skate along relatively unscathed on such morally thin ice, is perhaps the most negligent and the most culpable of all. To fail to publicly censure such public officials is tantamount to participating in their crimes.

If there is ignorance, instruct the ignorant. If there is obstinacy, exact the canonical penalty. To fail to do so results not only in ignorance and obstinacy, but negligence and permissiveness: the fertile soil in which a degenerating culture can multiply its errors, bear evil fruit, and ie. Religious leaders are in a unique position to influence the nation and the world for the better by calling their people to high moral standards. Failure to do so ultimately results in disaster, for the moral demise of a nation always precedes the ultimate demise of a nation.

Among some Church leaders there is an understandable fear of acting decisively, now. This is, obviously, because the pain of the recent sex abuse scandals is so fresh in the mind of a rightfully indignant public. However, if the Church should fail to exercise her solemn pastoral duty at such a critical moment in history, it is likely that this further lack of decisive action will prove fatal for the last vestiges of respect remaining for the leadership of the Church. Because we at times may have failed to act appropriately and decisively in one matter shouldn't consign us to a perpetual paralysis of the will to do good in other matters. Fear of criticism, loss of a tax advantage, or political expediency should never deter us from our sacred duty.

There is no excuse whatever for a Catholic politician who supports such morally outrageous perversions of authentic justice such as abortion, partial-birth abortion, euthanasia, human cloning, and same-sex marriage. The hierarchy of the Church ultimately must severely censure them and make such censure public. The sin is egregious and public. The redress must be commensurately severe and public, precisely because of that.

The hour is late indeed. Can it be imagined that the hand of the heavenly Father "who chastises every son He loves" (Cf. Jdt 8:27, Prv 3:12, Sir 30:1) will be held back indefinitely? We are poised on the edge of a precipice; a definitive moment in history has come. If the morally toxic wasteland that used to be the greatest nation on the face of the earth isn't accorded "moral superfund" status soon, then will not the wake-up call that was 911 pale into insignificance at the moral day of reckoning that is inexorably coming? Even if one doesn't care to believe that God punishes, He surely corrects out of love, and often He uses the blunt instrument of our enemies to do so.

Every person of good will, above all Catholics in virtue of what their faith requires of them, must properly form their conscience to the objective norm of the true and the good: to that which is in accord with right reason, justice, and traditional moral values, and then vote in accordance with that well formed conscience.
God bless America!

Thanks to Catholic Citizens

- posted by LRS @ 12:05 PM   

 
The assault on Archbishop Burke is beginning...
Catholic Action Network for Social Justice (CAN), a small group of "peace" & "social justice" activists here in St. Louis, has begun a letter writing campaign to the Post-Dispatch, the St Louis Review, and to the Archbishop to register their complaint and disappointment with Archbishop Burke. Purportedly, this is about the Archbishop's recent statements regarding abortion, politicians and voters. However, I suspect there is more to it than this.

Invoking Cardinal Bernardin's "Seamless Garment" opinion, they complain implying that the Archbishop has named abortion as the only relevant issue today and that he is attempting to sway voters toward a "right wing, Republican agenda". Interestingly enough, he recently approved for use in the Archdiocese, the Catholic Answers "Voter's Guide for Serious Catholics" which lists five 'non-negotiable' items which must be considered when voting. Unfortunately, this isn't what those at CAN want to hear. It seems that to CAN, the only disqualifying issues are those "pro-life issues" such as protecting the poor, promoting global peace, and funding education, health care, and environmental initiatives. However, this applies ONLY if one happens to be fortunate enough to be alive first!

This is a group which advocates, among other things, women's ordination and which appears to deny the Church's teaching that homosexuality is objectively disordered and homosexual acts are "acts of grave depravity" (CCC 2357).

Their latest smear attempt of Archbishop Burke is in the following letters:
First the letter to Archbishop Burke:

Dear Archbishop Burke,

I am a faithful Catholic, and active member of my faith community. I am writing to express my disappointment by your statements to the St. Louis Post Dispatch and Charlie Brennan Show concerning abortion and the upcoming elections.

Archbishop, as you know, the issue of ‘pro-life’ extends beyond the single issue of abortion to include care for the poor and elderly, dignity for the dying, and basic human rights for all of God’s children. Your comments naming abortion as the single voting issue by which to judge candidates appears to contradict the ideal of the “Seamless Garment of Life” developed by Joseph Cardinal Bernadin. Furthermore, it appears a partisan attempt to sway Catholic voters towards one political party. Although an espoused pro-life president, George W. Bush has slashed program budgets that protect the environment, tend to the poor and vulnerable, and promote the rights of the worker. Surely the lives of the factory worker, the homeless woman, and the homebound senior citizen are no less valuable than those of the unborn.

I hope you will rescind your comments naming abortion as the sole voting issue for the upcoming elections, and help promote the dignity of the whole human person- unborn and born alike. I look forward to your response on this issue.

Sincerely,

Note the "I am a faithful Catholic" - much like John Kerry, I suppose. I am curious what they mean by the phrase "dignity for the dying"? It sounds like a euphemism for euthanasia.
Anyway, their letter to the Post Dispatch reads:

I am a faithful Catholic, and disappointed by the narrow agenda of Archbishop Burke in citing abortion as the single voting issue by which to judge candidates. The Archbishop’s comments seem to assert that the lives and dignity of factory workers, homeless people, and senior citizens (all attacked by the policies of our so-called ‘pro-life’ President,) are less valuable than the unborn.

The Archbishop’s comments are a partisan attempt to sway Catholic voters towards a right-wing, Republican agenda. Catholics should see through this attempt to sway their votes, and choose candidates who protect the poor, promote global peace, and fund education, health care, and environmental initiatives- true ‘pro-life’ issues.

Rather than denying Communion and excluding even more people from the Church, Archbishop Burke should rescind his comments, and promote the dignity for all people- unborn and born alike.

And last, but not least - the letter to the St. Louis Review:

I am a faithful Catholic, and disappointed by Archbishop Burke’s comments citing abortion as the single voting issue by which to judge candidates. The Archbishop’s remarks seem to assert that the lives and dignity of factory workers, homeless people, and senior citizens (all attacked by the policies of our so-called ‘pro-life’ President,) are less valuable than the unborn.

The issue of ‘pro-life’ extends beyond the single issue of abortion to include care for the poor and elderly and basic human rights for all of God’s children. Naming abortion as the only crucial voting issue contradicts the ideal of the “Seamless Garment of Life” elucidated by Joseph Cardinal Bernadin. Furthermore, it appears a partisan attempt to sway Catholic voters towards one political party. Although an espoused pro-life president, George W. Bush has slashed program budgets that protect the environment, tend to the poor and vulnerable, and defend the rights of the worker. Rather than denying Communion and excluding even more people from the Church, Burke should call on Catholics to promote the dignity of all people- unborn and born alike.

The contempt that is displayed for the Archbishop is painfully obvious - notice that he is not properly addressed in the letter. This contempt was noticeable from the very beginning when Archbishop Burke was assigned to St. Louis, primarily , it seems, because he is an upright, orthodox bishop intent on teaching and sanctifying the faithful - at least those whose humility, respect and docility are such that they might be taught. When pride and arrogance reign supreme over an individual, we witness behavior such as that expressed in these letters.

This is what happens when dissent is allowed to flourish unchecked in a diocese. When a bishop begins to explain the authentic teachings of the Church (and Cardinal Bernardin was not the Church), those whose have been educated in a contrary manner become upset...and rebellious.

I heard mentioned the other day that while there may be a shortage of men answering calls to the priesthood, there is no shortage of those who think they are being called to be pope. Here we have a perfect example of this.

For those who would like to see this for themselves, it is here.

As I said previously, Archbishop Burke needs our prayers and support now more than ever - perhaps he may even be able to convert some of these professed 'Catholics' to Catholicism some day. We can only hope and pray!

- posted by LRS @ 7:00 AM   

 
CHURCH AND STATE: Burke's law
The Post Dispatch has noticed that a polarization exists in the Church and that it becomes readily apparent when the teachings of the Church are pronounced faithfully and unabiguously:

To judge from comments on radio talk shows and the near-record amount of letters to the editor this issue has generated, the controversy has deeply divided and greatly troubled the Catholic community in St. Louis. Either that or it has illuminated a division that was already there between traditionalists and nontraditionalists.

It's rather naive to make reference to Trads and Nontrads as this is really not the division that exists. Rather, it is a division based upon one's acceptance of Church doctrine and moral truths. It is the fact that many "left" the Church years ago but have failed to honestly admit to themselves that they are "Catholic in Name Only" (CINO) - they do not give the assent of the mind and will to the doctrines of the Church. These CINOs pick and choose what to believe (if in fact, they actually believe anything that the Church professes as necessary).

As an internal church issue and a deeply personal matter of faith, Archbishop Burke's teachings are not a matter for editorial comment. As the spiritual leader of St. Louis' 555,000 Catholics, he has the right and obligation to explain and uphold his beliefs.

The writer of this article fails to grasp the fact that Archbishop Burke's 'teachings' are not his own but those of the Catholic Church. While they are also his beliefs - his beliefs are the Church's beliefs.

...he is more closely aligned with doctrinal advocates in Rome who bemoan the "moral relativism" of the American church than with many of his colleagues in the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. That group recently affirmed its opposition to abortion but left the question of sanctions up to individual bishops in their own dioceses.

In all truthfulness, he is faithfully aligned with the Church and her teachings, despite the fact that many of his 'colleagues' appear to be "moral relativists".

Thus, Archbishop Burke's stance may not cause much actual public or political disruption. What it is causing is soul-searching among individual Catholics torn between their archbishop and their consciences. Their conclusions are their own and should be honored.

It's well past time after nearly 40 years of chaos in the Church that a faithful bishop is evoking the soul-searching referred to in the article. The consciences of far too many people are malformed and, when confronted with the unamiguous teaching of the Church as presented by Archbishop Burke, these afflicted individuals tend to react negatively because truth and reason cannot coexist distortions and irrational thought.

PD article here.

- posted by LRS @ 6:20 AM   

 
Some excellent letters defending Archbishop Burke
Here is a sample of today's letters:

Sanctity of life is non-negotiable
As a Catholic, I look to my archbishop and pastor to teach and guide me in my faith. I find the "turmoil" regarding Archbishop Raymond Burke's remarks on pro-choice politicians and Holy Communion surprising.

This is nothing new. The sanctity of innocent human life has always been a non-negotiable issue of our faith. Burke is not crossing the line into politics as some have stated. He is simply doing his job as our shepherd and making us aware of what our faith teaches. I am grateful that he has the courage to lead us in these matters.

People do have a free will and can do what they want, but St. Louis Catholics cannot say that they weren't clearly told what their faith teaches.

J.M. Horn
O'Fallon, Mo.

This is a great letter - succinct and to the point! Clearly understandable - except for those blinded by their own pride.

Moral teaching

As someone who has fought Archbishop Burke over the status of St. Stanislaus Parish, I am, nevertheless, deeply troubled by the irrational response of what I can only call "cafeteria" Catholics who believe they can support pro-choice, pro-abortion, pro-murder candidates. They try to equate self-inflicted genocide to social welfare issues.

The murder of more than 40 million babies cannot be compared rationally to feeding the poor, which is a good and commendable act. Pro-abortion candidates and those who support them are in the same boat. They defy not just church law but natural law as well. Saying that the candidates have other good qualities is like saying Jeffrey Dahmer loved his mother.

If you cannot accept the moral teachings of the Catholic church, then find another religion that is an easier fit for you, but don't try to denigrate the Catholic religion or the person who carries its message.

Roger C. Krasnicki
Sappington

Another good letter - and notice that the moral truths of the faith unites even where disagreement exists in other matters.

But, of course, to be perceived as "fair and balanced", there is the 'really, really, confused Catholic' who needs to be heard:

Poisoned climate

Archbishop Burke has created a real dilemma for thinking Catholics. Those who accept church leaders' opinions as the true word of God will have no problem with his recent statements. But for those who believe that God gave them a brain and wants them to use it, there is a serious problem.

For one who was educated for 20 years in Catholic schools, taught for 35 years in a Catholic school, educated his kids in Catholic schools, contributed time, treasure and talent to the church, there is little recourse to Burke's demands. I can write letters, cut off my contributions to my church and archdiocese, stop participating in the organizations I have worked for, even question whether my grandchildren should be educated in church schools. But I cannot change his mind or undo the damage he has done.

He has poisoned my feelings toward my church. His God is not my God. Hopefully, his church will remain my church.

Bob Hoffmann
Oakville

Of course God gave us intellect, but he also gave us a will - and only when our minds are enlightened will we conform our wills to God's will. An education in Catholic schools, as unfortunate as it is say this, does not indicate that one "learned" the teachings of the Church. Archbishop Burke is not making "demands" as Bob states - he is echoing the constant teaching of the Christ and His Church. I suspect Bob's feelings were already poisoned and damaged by the faulty education he received. A professed Catholic does not presume to make judgements on the teaching of the Church but assents to the Church's doctrines even when they are difficult to understand or hard to accept. I believe that Bob's God is not the Archbishop's God. Bob's God appears to be his prideful ego.

Letters Link.



- posted by LRS @ 6:14 AM   

 
Cardinal Dulles on Communion and Pro-Abortion Politicians

Cardinal Avery Dulles is encouraging U.S. bishops to dialogue with dissenting Catholic politicians about their moral responsibilities before advising them to not receive Communion.

Cardinal Dulles, the Laurence J. McGinley Professor of Religion and Society at Fordham University, shared with ZENIT what important steps need to be taken to defend human life, protect the sacraments, uphold the teachings of the Church and respond to pro-abortion politicians.

Full Zenit article.
- posted by LRS @ 11:56 PM   

 
July: Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus
I received this email the other day and thought I should share it.

I just wanted to let you know that the month of July is now available in the Liturgical Year section of CatholicCulture.org.

You can access the overview at:

http://www.catholicculture.org/lit/overviews/months/07.cfm
July is the month dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus and also contains memorials to several great saints, including Mary Magdalene, Joachim and Anne, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Maria Goretti, and Ignatius of Loyola.

I invite you to view the wealth of material that we have for every day of this month, including biographies, prayers, activities and recipes. As always, the overview provides a two-page method of easily navigating the highlights of the month.

Trinity staffers spent over 415 hours working to maintain and improve this site in the month of May alone. I thank those of you who have donated to support this site. If you have registered but not donated, please prayerfully consider a donation today. There is a prominently located link on the navigation bar of the site for your convenience.

In Christ,

Peter Mirus
Vice President
Trinity Communications

Catholic Culture (formerly PetersNet) - you can't go wrong here...Check out their Web Site surveys/analyses to determine how "Catholic" a Catholic website really is. Sometimes, you might really be surprised!
- posted by LRS @ 8:28 PM   

 
Archbishop Burke will deliver a Pastoral Letter
I heard on WRYT Catholic Radio this evening about 6:00 or so that Archbishop Raymond Burke will issue a pastoral letter covering the teaching of the Church and the issues raised in his recent radio interview about political candidates who support abortion and professed Catholics who vote for such people. Archbishop Burke stated that such people who knowingly vote for pro-abortion candidates commit a mortal sin.

This position should have been well known for years, but because of various reasons (weakness, complicity, lack of belief) many priests have failed to properly catechize the faithful - in fact, many times, the teaching of the Church has been obfuscated or diminished - and, at times, even rejected.

Fr. Matthew Habiger, previously president of Human Life International, wrote an excellent article in 1999 entitled, "SIN TO VOTE FOR PRO-ABORTION POLITICIANS?" Here are some pertinent parts:

Can a Catholic in good conscience vote for a politician who has a clear record of supporting abortion? Or is it a sin to vote for a politician who regularly uses his public office to fund or otherwise encourage the killing of unborn children?
I take the position that it is clearly a sin to vote for such a politician. Let us examine the issue. I shall appeal to arguments based on authority and to arguments based upon the consequences of such a vote.

Every Catholic should know that abortion is a gravely serious evil, and as such is never to be supported. In the Vatican's "Declaration on Procured Abortion" (Cardinal Seper, Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, 1974) there is a discussion of "Morality and Law" (#19-23). "Man may never obey a law which is in itself, immoral and such is the case of a law which would admit in principle, the liceity of abortion. Nor can he take part in a propaganda campaign in favor of such a law or vote for it. Moreover, he may not collaborate in its application. It is, for instance, inadmissible that doctors or nurses should find themselves obligated to cooperate closely in abortions and have to choose between the law of God and their professional situation." (22)

Pope John Paul II in "Evangelium Vitae" states "I declare that direct abortion, that is, abortion willed as an end or as a means, always constitutes a grave moral disorder, since it is the deliberate killing of an innocent human being. ... No circumstance, no purpose, no law whatsoever can ever make licit an act which is intrinsically illicit, since it is contrary to the law of God which is written in every human heart, knowable by reason itself and proclaimed by the Church" (EV 62C).

"The 1917 Code of Canon Law punished abortion with excommunication. The revised canonical legislation continues this tradition when it decrees that a person who actually procures an abortion incurs automatic (Latae sententiae) excommunication" (Canon 1398) " The excommunication affects all those who commit this crime with knowledge of the penalty attached and thus includes those accomplices without whose help the crime would not have been committed" (Canon 1329).

"By this sanction the Church makes clear that abortion is a most serious and dangerous crime, thereby encouraging those who commit it to seek without delay the path of conversion. In the Church the purpose of the penalty of excommunication is to make an individual fully aware of the gravity of a certain sin and then to foster genuine conversion and repentance"(EV 62B).

The argument can be made that voting is a very remote form of cooperation in abortion. But is it all that remote? The legislator who votes for abortion is clearly a formal accomplice, giving formal cooperation with abortion. S/he shares both in the intention of the act, and in supplying material support for the act. If I vote for such a candidate, knowing full well that he will help make available public monies for abortion, or continue it decriminalization, then I am aiding him/her.
...
Is this too stringent a way of thinking? Is it not nuanced enough, or does it do injustice to the complexities of a pluralistic society? Consider this question in light of another issue. Would voters be understanding and nuanced in their toleration of a known racist? Or would that be sufficient reason for everyone to consider him/her unfit for public office? Why should we understand intolerance in the case of racism, but not in the case of murdering unborn babies? Abortion is not just another "issue" - it is a matter of life and death, the great civil rights issue of our time.

Full article at EWTN here.

I am confident that what Archbishop Burke will say in his pastoral letter will be solid Catholic teaching - fundamental for understanding what our obligations are with respect to voting and pro-life issues. I look forward to it! I'm sure there are many who do not. But then, being Catholic requires that we assent to the teachings of the Church.
- posted by LRS @ 7:58 PM   

 
And for some GOOD News!
Today, on the Feast Day of Sts. Peter and Paul, forty-four metropolitan Archbishops are receiving the pallium, a symbol of unity with and loyalty to St. Peter, the Holy Father, and the Church.
(See the Motu Propro on the Conferring of the Sacred Pallium by Pope Paul VI)

The US metropolitans include - Justin Cardinal Rigali from Philadelphia, Archbishop Raymond Burke from St. Louis, Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley from Boston, and Archbishop Henry J. Mansell from Hartford.

EWTN will be re-airing the Solemn Mass and Imposition of the Palliums by the Holy Father tonight at 10:00 CDT.




- posted by LRS @ 12:05 PM   

 
Lost Priests in Cincinnati

Expressing their concern with keeping the Eucharist the central focus of Catholic life as the church faces a future with fewer priests, a group of area priests sent a letter last month to Bishop Wilton Gregory, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The letter goes on to state that, "we understand the church does not consider herself able to ask the question, ‘How shall we celebrate the Eucharist in the absence of a priest?’ because we cannot go where the question might lead: the ordination of married men."

Church leaders need to openly address this subject, as well as the issues of optional celibacy and the ordination of women, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Father Meyer said, while at the same time, keeping the Eucharist central.

110 priests are refusing to listen to the Church. Optional celibacy is not going to be discussed at the present time AND the subject of women's ordination is CLOSED. There will NEVER be women priestesses in the Catholic Church! To continue to call for 'dialogue' on this subject demonstrates just how "out of touch" with reality these priests are with the Church. It is an undeniable manifestation of disobedience to the magisterium. The teaching of the male only ministerial priesthood is irreversible and has been declared as such.

What sort of formation did these 110 priests receive regarding the basics of the faith? And what is the Archbishop doing to ensure that these men understand and assent to the teaching of the Church? Are these priests indoctrinating the faithful with their heterdox opinions?

I cannot understand why heterdoxy and heresy is allowed to continue and fester. How about a little medicine, as in excommunication?

Article here.

- posted by LRS @ 7:30 AM   

 
Body of Bishops Declines to Follow Task Force Recommendation
The Bishops' "task force" was going to recommend that Bishops refrain from denying Communion to Pro-abortion policticians at the recent Bishops' meeting in Colorado. Apparently, that didn't sit very well with some.

The task force was, basically, recommending a refusal to abide by Canon 915.

Cardinal McCarrick said the Task Force "does not advocate the denial of Communion" for pro-abortion Catholic politicians. While acknowledging that circumstances exist in which Communion could be denied, Cardinal McCarrick said doing so would not be "pastorally wise and prudent," and could "turn the Eucharist into a perceived source of political combat."

One wonders just how few of our Bishops even have any faith whatsoever? How many truly believe in the "Real Presence" of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in the Blessed Sacrament? Who of them is ready to give his life to protect Jesus, really, truly, and substantially present under the appearances of bread and wine?

Culture of Life Foundation article here.


- posted by LRS @ 7:00 AM   

 
Gary Wills - Professed Catholic, Theological Expert, Life Scientist, Expert Philosopher & Biblical Scholar
Gary Wills has determined that the Church and the Bishops are wrong when it comes to abortion. His Op-Ed in the New York Times would be laughable if it were not so serious. The sad fact is that many professed Catholics are as 'enlightened' as Gary Wills is.

Some of his statements are:

Abortion is not a church issue...

Modern "right to life" issues — abortion and contraception — are nowhere mentioned in either Jewish or Christian Scripture.

[N]o scholar of Scripture accepts that reading of Genesis 38:9 [regarding Onan] anymore...

My hair and fingernails, while growing, are alive with my own human life.

When does the fetus become a person?

When is the fetus "viable," and viable as what?

Aborted fetuses, if they are persons, should be baptized, just as infants are, and buried in consecrated ground.

All I am saying is that the bishops have no special mandate from their office to supplant the individual conscience with some divine imperative.

For them to say that this is a matter of theology is, simply, bad theological reasoning.

What a classic example of mental and spritual impoverishment.

Link here.

- posted by LRS @ 6:31 AM   

 
The whining continues....
In the Post Dispatch "Letters to the Editor" section we have statements such as:

As practicing Catholics, we were disappointed to find out we can no longer vote Democrat without being condemned by the church.
...
Surely, Burke realizes that the question of abortion is only one of the issues composing the platforms of presidential candidates. What about conserving resources and protecting our environment? Historically, Democrats have a much better record on these issues.
...
His (Abp Burke's) comments about Catholics committing a serious sin by voting for candidates who support a party's pro-choice position fall far short of the wise and prudent guidance we came to expect from our cardinals and archbishops.
...
Why would Archbishop Burke single out John Kerry by name for his stance on abortion when Kerry always has fought for and legislated for issues concerning human suffering and the poor, thereby carrying a torch for issues the Catholic Church has championed for years?
...
Perhaps if Burke chooses to be so outgoing with his remarks, we should classify his archdiocese correctly into what it is becoming: a political action committee.
...
Archbishop Burke doesn't get it. Voting for pro-life candidates is very important, but one can't decide how to vote on the basis of one narrow question or answer.
...
Archbishop Burke is just simplistic and divisive.
...

Some letters
- posted by LRS @ 6:15 AM   

 
Five Phases of an Adolescent's Slide Into Satanism

What do certain rock music and Internet groups, adolescent curiosity, and moral relativism have in common?

They are all doors of access to Satanism for young people, warns Italian journalist and writer Carlo Climati.

Italy is still shaken by the discovery, in early June, of the bodies of Chiara Marino, 16, and Fabio Tollis, 19, in the woods northwest of Milan. They were last seen in January 1998 with other members of their rock band, the Beasts of Satan. Investigators say they were victims of "ritual" killings.

In this interview with ZENIT, Climati describes how adolescents get involved in Satanism and proposes ways to detect and prevent it.

Zenit article here.

- posted by LRS @ 6:15 AM   

 
From the mouth of Teresa Heinz Kerry

Teresa Heinz Kerry sidestepped the question of whether Burke's comments might hurt her husband's chances among fellow Catholics, and noted instead that Catholics don't always agree with the church's views. As an example, she cited the church's opposition to birth control. "I don't think it reflects the sentiment of most of the Catholics I know," she said.

We don't agree with church views - It doesn't reflect our "sentiments" - These poor confused souls!

Kerry said she reluctantly supported abortion rights because "in my compendium of values, a woman facing abortion must be up the creek" and feel there is no other option. Society and government offer little help, she added, because they tend to ignore the problems - such as a child sexually assaulted by a parent - that need to be addressed.

"In her compendium of values", she offers up the problem of predatory priests.

However, she emphasized that there's a difference between church teachings and government mandates on such issues. "You cannot legislate morality, you can't mandate it," she said.

That statement reflects one's pure stupidity and ignorance. Teresa Heinz Kerry, a professed Catholic, was in town to stump for her hubby, the presumed presidential candidate, John F Kerry. Lucky Johnny!

PD Article
- posted by LRS @ 6:02 AM   

 
New Zealand Cardinal Says 'Moral Wasteland' Resulting From Liberal Policies

Cardinal Tom Williams' stinging attack came shortly after lawmakers in Wellington passed the first reading of a bill seeking to recognize "civil unions" for same-sex and heterosexual couples.

"The perennial work of the barbarian is to tear down existing standards, and to debase ideals that have come to characterize a society built on sound moral principle," he said.

"Traditional beliefs and values have been systematically subverted by the derision and outright hostility to the whole Judeo-Christian ethic upon which civilization has been based for the past two millenniums."

Prime Minister Helen Clark told a commercial radio station she found it "sad" that Williams had used "that sort of language."

Homosexuality was not a modern invention, but something that "has always been with us," she argued.

And murder has been with us from the beginning, as well. Does it follow, therefore, that murder be approved? The inability for some to think rationally is epidemic - they are unable to use their minds to reason rightly.

The "moral wasteland' exists, not only in New Zealand, but globally. We must offer our prayers, sacrifices, and mortifications daily begging our Lord to have mercy on us and to enlightened those who wish to destroy civilized society.

Article here.


- posted by LRS @ 6:52 AM   

 
"There's Not a Bishop on Earth Who'd Deny me Communion, Not Even the Pope."

Rev. Raymond Gravel deserves church censure, says Campagne Québec-Vie (Campaign Life Coalition Quebec) after the Quebec Catholic priest appeared on radio program saying, "I am pro-choice and there is not a bishop on earth that will prevent me from receiving Communion, not even the Pope."

The U.S. is not the only country infected by a type of terminal spiritual AIDS.

The confrontational nature of this priest is revealing - openly defiant and proud - evidently under the influence of Satan himnself.

Link here.



- posted by LRS @ 6:39 AM   

 
Alan Keyes warns: 'Republic is dying'
This is much the same admonition of which Fr. John Hardon spoke many times - that is, unless this country abandons its immorality, its preoccupation with sin and licentiousness, and wanton murder of the unborn, this country will collapse from the weight of its own iniquity.

Alan Keyes pinpoints what needs to be done. He says:

"Our republic is dying before our eyes in this generation," Keyes told a South Dakota audience of 1,200 this week, according to the Rapid City Journal. "It's no doubt we could be living in the last days of the American republic."

As far as recourse, Keyes said the public can remove judges through impeachment for the high crime of "stealing your right to include God. Our founders didn't provide for judicial supremacy. That's not what they had in mind."

Except for the prospect of impeachment, Keyes offered little hope for the "sorry state of things" caused by a "wicked spirit loose in our world and in America."

Link here.



- posted by LRS @ 6:23 AM   

 
Our only faithful priest is being transferred.
We received a call over the weekend from our associate pastor, Fr. Greg Klump, that he is being transferred to another parish. This was a bittersweet revelation for us who know and respect him. He is the only priest (of the three assigned to our parish) who celebrates Holy Mass absent liturgical abuses and who also delivers a decent and meaningful homily.

I was somewhat surprised as I have been reading the announced transfers in the St. Louis Review and did not see our priest listed among those being moved. He told me it would be listed next week. The parish of St. Francis Borgia will be getting a good priest. I ask your prayers for him and both parishes. He will be missed very much. I hope his replacement is as faithful to the Church as Fr. Klump is.



- posted by LRS @ 6:15 AM   

 
Bishop Terry Steib confuses the faithful
Bishop Steib seemes to place capital punishment, the rights of the poor, euthanasia, the morality of war and abortion, all on an equivalent level.

He further obfuscates the necessity that one must have a properly formed conscience. He says:

In the letter to the Romans, St. Paul tells us that the law of God is written in our hearts (Romans 2:15). He also reminds us in the first letter to the Corinthians that conscience can be weak. It can even be wrong. But obeying such a conscience will still lead to salvation (1 Corinthians 8:10-12). (emphasis mine)

How is it possible that following a malformed and defective conscience leads one to heaven?

But that's not all. He further confuses the issue of conscience by not listing the Church as the primary source of determination of the morality of an issue...Who does he list first?

When individuals try to make up their mind about a moral dilemma, they consult their own inner being, their families, their colleagues. If they are Christians, they will wisely look to see what theologians have said about the issue.

That's right, let me see what my 'inner being' tells me, then if I am still unsure, I will consult with 'theologians'...And if I am Catholic, I will see what the Church has to say...

Unlike the clarity of Bishop Sheridan concerning appeals to conscience, Bishop Steib states:

Then, it is decision time. The person chooses what is true to him or her self. And we are judged by God according to what is in our hearts. We must follow our consciences.

What !!?? The person chooses what is true???? What corrupted logic could lead one to this conclusion...

The faithful of Memphis are in need of prayers because they have a shepherd who confuses and bewilders them. Please pray for this man.

A link to Bishop Steib's muddled and erroneous philosophy.
- posted by LRS @ 6:12 AM   

 
Archbishop Burke: Voting for abortion rights candidate is a sin
Area Democratic office holders who CLAIM to be Catholic are upset. My guess is that they are upset because they have been exposed as frauds and hypocrites.

Archbishop Raymond L. Burke said Friday that Catholics in St. Louis who vote for political candidates supportive of abortion rights have committed a grave sin in the eyes of the church, and should confess and do penance before receiving Communion.

But as some top area Democrats see it, Burke is saying that it will be a grave sin for area Catholics to vote for the likely Democratic nominee for president, Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., or for either of the major Democrats vying for Missouri governor: incumbent Bob Holden or state Auditor Claire McCaskill. All three support abortion rights; McCaskill and Kerry also are Catholic.

"He has crossed the line, and he is now delving into politics," said U.S. Rep. William Lacy Clay Jr., D-St. Louis, who supports abortion rights. "That's unfortunate for him, as well as for the Church."

Clay said he has been invited to meet with the archbishop soon, and added that he plans to bring up the matter of how Burke is dealing with Catholic politicians who support abortion rights.

"I have not been denied Communion, and if I am denied Communion, I will find another Catholic church in St. Louis where I can receive it," Clay said. "He has gone over the top."

Is this another threat from the US Rep, one of the 48 who signed a letter to Card. McCarrick looking for a free Holy Communion pass?

And if he is denied Holy Communion under Canon 915, where is this "Catholic" Church of which he speaks? And who might be the disobedient priest to aid him in his sin?

These people are not Catholic - they have outwardly rejected the faith - they actively embrace heresy or apostasy. They are lost and are in need of many prayers, and hopefully, with God's grace, their minds might be enlightened and perhaps they will receive the grace necessary to form their wills to God's will and by doing this, they might be better prepared to remake this country into that which was foreseen by the founding fathers - a country where life is valued - first and foremost.

Post Dispatch Link here.
- posted by LRS @ 9:32 PM   

 
Recent Statements by Archbishop Burke

Following are some recent statements by St. Louis Archbishop Raymond L. Burke on politics and the Catholic sacrament of Communion:

"If someone knowingly and intentionally commits a grave sin, which it certainly would be if someone were to support a pro-abortion candidate, then that person would need to confess that sin."
— The Post-Dispatch, June 13, 2004

"It's objectively wrong to vote for a pro-choice politician, once (Catholic voters) understand that — if they know this and willingly do it — they need to confess that before they receive holy Communion."
— "The Charlie Brennan Show," KMOX radio, Thursday, June 24, 2004

"If the constituents of a legislator insist that they believe differently about the beginning of human life and therefore don't accept his position then I guess it's a question of they won't elect him," he said. "But if you know that human life begins at the moment of conception, of fertilization, then you can't vote for abortion because it's killing."
— In an interview with the Post-Dispatch in his archdiocesan office on Thursday. The topic was Catholic politicians who represent non-Catholics and Catholics alike.

"It doesn't make a lot of difference" whether a Catholic votes for a politician who supports abortion rights because of that politician's stance on abortion, or for other reasons. "If the voter is aware of that politician's pro-abortion position, they would still be supporting someone who is cooperating in the promotion of abortion."
— In an interview with the Post-Dispatch from Lambert Field on route to the Vatican on Friday

Link here.
- posted by LRS @ 9:25 PM   

 
Archbishop Burke clarifies stance, causes more turmoil

If you are a Catholic and you have voted for a politician who supports abortion rights, the St. Louis archbishop says you have committed a grave sin in the eyes of your church. You are no longer in a state of grace, and you may not accept Communion before confessing your sinful vote.

In a radio interview with Charlie Brennan on KMOX Thursday, Burke clarified his position that Roman Catholics in his archdiocese who vote for candidates supportive of abortion rights should confess their sin in order to receive Communion.

Once again, Abp. Burke makes it perfectly clear that supporting pro-aborts is a grave sin requiring the Sacrament of Penance BEFORE one may receive Holy Communion. Had bishops been speaking out on this issue for the past 30 years, there would not be these comments from people who are in such a pitiable state of confusion about right and wrong. Here is a sampling of the quotes from confused 'Catholics':

"Wow, that's a hard one, that's touchy," said Adriana Mendoza, a 24-year-old graduate student who was visiting St. Louis from Austin, Texas. "I couldn't vote for someone who was just pro-life if I didn't agree with them on other issues.

Kevin Walker, 34, of South County, was more direct. "That issue is a sore spot with me and the archbishop," he said. "It's a great imposition for the church to tell me that how I vote could be a sin. I just don't agree with his stance on this."

"Burke is pushing so far right that he is driving any moderate or left-of-center Catholics to the Episcopal church," said Dr. Ronald Modras, professor of theological studies at St. Louis University. "What he's saying is that anyone who votes for a Democrat is committing a mortal sin."

Fred Wessels, D-13th Ward, voiced concerns about single-issue voting. "I have a problem with the archbishop on this," he said. "I think people should look at a broad range of issues when they vote. Frankly, I don't think they have to go to confession over who they vote for."

"The church has been insensitive and its leadership has been insensitive. The church needs to change with the times," said William Lacy Clay, Jr, U.S. Rep.D-St. Louis.

These people are all saying, in effect, "Not God's will, but my own will be done." They are either so confused that they can not recognize evil, or they are so defiant to the point of rejecting Christ.

Please pray for Archbishop Burke and all of our good bishops who preach the truth even in the midst of rebellion.

Post Dispatch Article.


- posted by LRS @ 9:06 PM   

 
Youth will embrace religious life with right role models, say Cdl. Arinze

"If you have a bishop who is no-nonsense ... a bishop who is transparently joyful in the priesthood, there will be seminarians," Cardinal Francis Arinze said to applause from 625 members of Serra International, a lay group that promotes vocations to the priesthood and religious communities.

"Young women do not want to join a group of old women who seem to be confused [about their mission]. Young men do not want to join a diocese where the priests seem to be angry."

He compared nuns who did not want to wear religious garb to a flight attendant for Alitalia who wanted to wear the uniform of American Airlines. "What do you think Alitalia is going to say? Let's dialogue?" he asked, to laughter from his audience.

Many religious orders are "confused" about their missions...embracing a secular agenda instead of the Gospel - and those orders are (and have been) dying. God's wonderful and mysterious providence can be seen in this by witnessing the fact that those orders who are faithful to Christ and His Church are still attracting young men and women to dedicate themselves to Christ. All this while those who felt empowered to reject the cross fade into oblivion.

Article here.


- posted by LRS @ 8:00 AM   

 
Wrong reasons fuel embryonic stem cell research
An editorial from the St. Louis Review exposes why embryonic stem cell research is still being pushed despite the advances of using adult stem cells.

All the research indicates that despite what promoters of ESCs promise, adult stem cells do better and have a proven and successful clinical history.

So why is this story so difficult to get out? Money. Hundreds of frozen embryos whose permission is not needed to harvest their cells are regarded by some researchers and drug companies as a "natural" resource waiting to be exploited.

Science already tells us that there is no reasonable justification for preferring fetal stem cells to adult stem cells. An enormous monetary investment has been made in the untested idea of fetal stem cells as miracle cures, and those behind the campaign of misinformation are seeking to protect their investment.

Article.
- posted by LRS @ 7:51 AM   

 
Canadian archbishop says abortion remains Catholic litmus test

If political leaders claim any right to call themselves Catholic, they must "unequivocally and publicly state their opposition to abortion," said Archbishop Anthony Meagher of Kingston, Ontario.

"It is never appropriate for Catholic leaders to claim that acceptance of such denial of human dignity -- for example, abortion on demand -- is a sign of Canada's tolerance and goodness. It is not; it is simply cowardice," he said.

CNS Article.
- posted by LRS @ 12:15 PM   

 
"Independent" Investigator clears Bishop Hubbard
This is old news, or more appropriately no news, as the investigator was not really "independent". And the diocese was to pay over $700 per hour for the investigation services, perhaps totalling as much as $1,000,000.

And everyone is still in the dark as to the reason for Fr. John Minkler's death.

Troy Record article here.




- posted by LRS @ 12:10 PM   

 
Michael Reagan Sets the Record Straight on Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Michael Reagan, the son of the late former U.S. president, has come out criticizing the media for portraying the Reagan “family” as supportive of embryonic stem cell research, “when the truth is that two members of the family have been long time foes of this process of manufacturing human beings – my dad, Ronald Reagan during his lifetime, and me.” The criticism came in a syndicated column titled I’m With My Dad on Stem Cell Research.

Michael Reagan discredits scientists who make exaggerated claims for embryonic stem cell treatments: “Listen to what Ronald D.G. McKay, a stem cell researcher at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke told the Washington Post: ‘People need a fairy tale,’ he said, explaining why scientists have allowed society to believe wrongly that [embryonic] stem cells are likely to effectively treat Alzheimer's disease. He added ‘Maybe that's unfair, but they need a story line that's relatively simple to understand.’”

Lifesite Article.
- posted by LRS @ 6:50 AM   

 
Mississippi soldier answers call to be a priest

At age 38, O'Connor certainly is familiar with secular life. He was born at Keesler Air Force Base when his father, the late Maj. Edwin O'Connor, was stationed in Biloxi, but the family (including mother Marian, three boys and two girls) moved away briefly, then back to Ocean Springs.

Michael Paul O'Connor is typical of those who grow up in South Mississippi, loving Saints football, fishing for speckled trout, boating. Graduation from Ocean Springs High led to a 1987 psychology degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, followed by a commissioning in the Air Force. Later he joined full-time the 255th Air Control Squadron of the Mississippi Air National Guard, and eventually got a private pilot's license.

For 15 years in the military O'Connor traveled to the jungles of Colombia, saw much of Europe, South America, even Korea. He witnessed the drug war and in 1999 spent six months in Kuwait. He dated and attended church on Sundays, as he'd done all of his life, though he had no particular involvement with the Catholic church other than attending Mass.

O'Connor's studies in New Orleans, parish work and personal insights are profound:

"I have changed. The time in seminary has been a time of prayer, a time of learning to appreciate silence and taking a step back from the hustle and bustle of the world. I think I've grown in virtue, and that indicates how much growing I had to do.

"I am truly looking forward to being a priest. Life is a gift, our redemption by Christ is a gift and the priesthood of Jesus Christ is a gift."

Article here.


- posted by LRS @ 6:45 AM   

 
EWTN will air the Holy Mass and Imposition of the Palliums...
Join EWTN as forty-four metropolitan archbishops will receive the pallium from the hands of Pope John Paul II on the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles, in St. Peter's Square.

The US metropolitans include - Justin Cardinal Rigali from Philadelphia, Archbishop Raymond Burke from St. Louis, Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley from Boston, and Archbishop Henry J. Mansell from Hartford.

Tuesday June 29, 2004 12:00 PM LIVE
Tuesday June 29, 2004 11:00 PM ENCORE
Wednesday June 30, 2004 4:00 PM ENCORE

See EWTN Schedule here.


- posted by LRS @ 6:35 AM   

 
June 28 - Senator Sam Brownback: What it means to be Catholic
I apologize for the short notice of this event. I just received it minutes ago.

From the Catholic Team Leader:

Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS)
For the Republican National Committee Catholic Outreach events

Sanctity of Marriage. Respect for Life. Traditional Values.

Sen. Brownback will address what it means to be Catholic and Republican. He is discussing why he, as a Catholic, is supporting President's Bush's positive agenda for America.

Monday, June 28

with Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Martin Duggan

7:00pm - 8:30pm
The Columns Banquest Center
711 Veterans Memorial Pkwy
St Charles, MO

Complimentary Dinner will be served.

For more information:
Martin Gillespie
866-743-3428
- posted by LRS @ 6:30 AM   

 
Another article on Lexington Bishop Ronald Gainer
It's no wonder that there is such an appalling and disgusting reaction to Bishop Gainer's statements on politicians who support abortion rights to voluntarily refrain from taking Communion in his diocese. The previous bishop is largely responsible for the dissenting attitudes that exist in that diocese.

"A professing Catholic who has taken public stands against what the church teaches should disqualify himself or herself from receiving the Eucharist because they cannot receive in good faith," [spokeman Tom] Shaughnessy told the Lexington Herald-Leader, quoting the bishop.

"Were there to be such a person under his pastoral care, (Gainer) would ask to meet them privately as a pastor and attempt to challenge them to change their public position before he would take any public action."

Bishop Gainer has his work cut out for him. He and all other bishops taking a firm stance on life issues and public scandal need our prayers and support. The others who are too weak to uphold the teachings and disciplines of the Church also need are prayers so that, with God's grace, they may be strengthened in their resolve to do what is right and just.

Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 6:12 AM   

 
Bishops in Political Crossfire Over Issue of Communion

In a public debate in Washington yesterday, papal biographer George Weigel said the bishops had "moved the ball forward a little bit" with the declaration that politicians such as Kerry are cooperating in evil. But the Rev. Thomas J. Reese, editor of the Jesuit journal America, said that if the church insists that only people who are in full agreement with all of its teachings on abortion, contraception and other "life issues" are worthy of the Eucharist, "I'm afraid we're going to have nobody taking Communion."

"When we start barring people from Communion, we get on a slippery slope and we become a church of 'saints,' when we've never been that. We've always been a church of sinners," he said.

The eminent Fr. Reese apparently does not understand what it means to be "in communion" - that to deny any of the doctrinal tenets of the faith is heresy, and any rational person would understand that a heretic is NOT in communion with the Church and thereby excluded from receiving Holy Communion. The Holy See has reiterated who may and may not receive Holy Communion numerous times.

Reese is engaging in the same intellectual dishonesty as every other dissident professing to be a Catholic.

Washington Post Story

- posted by LRS @ 6:06 AM   

 
Outing the Bible: the New Queer Theolgians Don’t Need Your Approval

"One thing is clear: 2003 was without a doubt the Year of the Queer…. The year’s crowning moment came on November 2, when the Episcopal Church ordained Gene Robinson as its first openly gay bishop…

‘What’s the difference between a Jesuit rec room and a gay bar?’ asked former Jesuit Robert Goss, who said his sexual experiences at bathhouses mirrored his early days at Harvard Divinity School. ‘Only the location.’

New Oxford Review/CruxNews Article.
- posted by LRS @ 12:35 PM   

 
Bishop Gregory Cites ‘Grave Moral Responsibilities’ Of United States In Iraq
I think the use of the term "Grave Moral Responsibilities" is rather ironic.
USCCB Link.
- posted by LRS @ 12:30 PM   

 
Wishy-Washy Statements by Catholic Bishops on Abortion and Voting Leading to Scandal

Over the past few months at least several individual US and Canadian Catholic Bishops have given clear, strong direction on the primary importance of life and family issues when making voting decisions. However, statements by US and Canadian Bishops Conferences have left many Catholics in the dark as to the pre-eminent importance of the direct life issues such as abortion and euthanasia.

The result has often been scandalous to many Catholics. A Catholic candidate for a pro-abortion party, who is a chair of a Catholic school council, has written LifeSiteNews.com to explain her position is in favour of 'choice' on abortion. In her email she says: "I am devoting my life to helping the less fortunate by building a Canada that looks after the poor, elderly and sick. In fact the Canadian Council (sic) of Bishops gave out a letter at mass on sunday (sic) saying that Anti abortion and Gay Marriage should have equal weight with preserving public medicare and helping the world's poor."

Lifesite Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 6:48 AM   

 
Archbishop of Canterbury backs updated Bible

Dr Rowan Williams says it is a book of "extraordinary power".

But the Church of England leader admitted many readers would be startled by its content.

The One organization that produced the new Bible translation is dedicated to "establish[ing] peace, justice, dignity and rights for all." It is also focused on "sustainable use of the earth's resources," challenging "oppression, injustice, exclusion and discrimination" as well as accepting "one another, valuing their diversity and experience."

The translation is pioneering in its accessibility, and changes the original Greek and Hebrew nomenclature into modern nicknames. St. Peter becomes "Rocky," Mary Magdalene becomes "Maggie," Aaron becomes "Ron," Andronicus becomes "Andy" and Barabbas becomes "Barry." In keeping with the times, translator Henson deftly translates "demon possession" as "mental illness" and "Son of Man," the expression Jesus frequently used to describe himself, as "the Complete Person." In addition, parables are rendered as "riddles," baptize is to "dip" in water, salvation becomes "healing" or "completeness" and Heaven becomes "the world beyond time and space."

This is just too much. Try these, for instance:

Here, according to the London Times, are a few sample passages:

Mark 1:4
Authorized version: "John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins."

New: "John, nicknamed 'The Dipper,' was 'The Voice.' He was in the desert, inviting people to be dipped, to show they were determined to change their ways and wanted to be forgiven."

Mark 1:10-11
Authorized version: "And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him. And there came a voice from the heaven saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

New: "As he was climbing up the bank again, the sun shone through a gap in the clouds. At the same time a pigeon flew down and perched on him. Jesus took this as a sign that God's spirit was with him. A voice from overhead was heard saying, 'That's my boy! You're doing fine!'"

Matthew 23:25
Authorized version: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!"

New version: "Take a running jump, Holy Joes, humbugs!"

Matthew 26:69-70

Authorized version: "Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, 'Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.' But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest."

New: "Meanwhile Rocky was still sitting in the courtyard. A woman came up to him and said: 'Haven't I seen you with Jesus, the hero from Galilee?" Rocky shook his head and said: 'I don't know what the hell you're talking about!'"

1 Corinthians 7:1-2
KJV: "Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: [It is] good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, [to avoid] fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband."

New: "Some of you think the best way to cope with sex is for men and women to keep right away from each other. That is more likely to lead to sexual offences. My advice is for everyone to have a regular partner."

1 Corinthians 7:8-7
KJV: "I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn."

New: "If you know you have strong needs, get yourself a partner. Better than being frustrated."

Excerpts from articles here and here.


- posted by LRS @ 6:42 AM   

 
Catholic Lawmaker Debate Ensnares Colleges

An election-year dispute over Roman Catholic politicians and their obedience to church teaching has extended to Catholic colleges, as U.S. bishops collectively warn schools against honoring dissenting lawmakers.

The admonition, in the bishops' statement last week on the duties of Catholics in public life, puts new pressure on Catholic colleges and universities as they decide which speakers to invite to campus. Conservative Catholic watchdog groups like the Cardinal Newman Society say the prelates' statement is their strongest yet on the topic.

``Never has it in any formal way been addressed by the bishops as a whole,'' said Patrick Reilly, the society's president.

We can rest assured, however, that this will be followed as faithfully as "Ex Corde Ecclesiae" has been.

Link here.
- posted by LRS @ 6:20 AM   

 
Interim Reflections of Cdl. McCarrick & the "Task Force"
For those who like keeping up on these things, the USCCB website has some 'interim reflections':

The following reports were presented to the bishops of the United States at their meeting in Englewood, Colorado, on June 15, 2004. They are the Interim Reflections of the Task Force on Catholic Bishops and Catholic Politicians. They represent the work, the observations, and the interim guidance of the task force only. They were requested by the bishops and helped to inform the bishops’ statement on Catholics in Political Life, issued on June 18, 2004. We hope they will be useful in the months ahead.

This is not a final report. The task force will continue to consult with the Holy See, other episcopal conferences, the bishops of the United States, and others as it develops its final report.

I'll need to spend a little more time re-reading these "reports", but, after a first glance, I'm not impressed. It would be ideal to see Archbishop Burke or Bishop Bruskewitz lead this task force, or at least, be a member of it.

USCCB Link.

- posted by LRS @ 6:15 AM   

 
How can they claim to be Catholic?

Lexington Bishop Ronald Gainer doesn't want pro-choice Catholic politicians to take Communion in his diocese. But Lexington Mayor Teresa Isaac and state Sen. Ernesto Scorsone -- both Catholics and abortion-rights advocates -- said they plan to continue receiving the wine and wafer.

"I plan to continue taking Communion and would love to receive it from a woman priest some day soon," she said in a brief written statement.

Scorsone, D-Lexington -- the state's only openly gay legislator, who has also opposed the church's opposition to gay marriage -- said anti-abortion advocates don't have a monopoly on the faith.

"I certainly believe there are a lot of good American Catholics who believe in choice," he said. "I certainly believe in a woman's right to choose."

But state Rep. Mary Lou Marzian, a Catholic and pro-choice Louisville Democrat, wonders why politicians are being singled out.

"I guess my question to the bishops is: 'Are the pedophile priests who are in prison receiving Communion?' I'd like to know," she said.

Marzian said it's "dangerous" for religious leaders to tell politicians how to vote, and it's wrong for them to withhold the sacraments to punish people. "I go to Communion when I want to go, and no bishop, no pope, they're not going to keep me from my religion," she added.

Nobody's gonna tell me what to do! What a display of utter stupidity and ignorance.

Link.

- posted by LRS @ 6:05 AM   

 
The Holy Father address Bishops of the Northwest

It is of utmost importance, therefore, that the Church’s institutions be genuinely Catholic: Catholic in their self understanding and Catholic in their identity.

While catechetical programs for children and young people, especially in relation to sacramental preparation, remain essential, increasing attention must be paid to the particular needs of older adolescents and adults.

Established policies in complete conformity with the Church’s moral teaching need to be firmly in place in Catholic health care facilities...

Vatican Link.
- posted by LRS @ 6:02 AM   

 
Samoa moves to deport fugitive priest
The Dallas Morning News series on fugitive clergy hiding in or being reassigned to foreign countries is having some effect, it seems.

The Samoan government, prompted by a Dallas Morning News investigation, is moving to deport a fugitive Catholic priest because he failed to disclose his conviction in a previous child molestation case when entering the country.

The priest’s superiors in the Salesians of Don Bosco religious order also face an immigration inquiry because they, too, failed to make the same disclosures, said Auseuga Poloma Komiti, the senior adviser to Samoa’s prime minister and cabinet.

Samoan authorities will serve the Rev. Frank Klep a deportation order Wednesday afternoon Dallas time that gives him three days to leave voluntarily or seek an appeal, said Mr. Komiti.

DMN article.

- posted by LRS @ 12:45 PM   

 
Why (most) women will never be happy again

Mother Nature intended that mothers be mothers. What could be more self-evident than that? It’s really dumb to mess around with Mother Nature. And doesn’t the Good Book say that the love of money is the root of all evil? But then who pays heed to the Good Book anymore?

As long as feminism and global capitalism hold sway — and we see no end in sight — most women will be perpetually unhappy and guilt-ridden. And the fat cats and shrinks will be laughing all the way to the bank.

From New Oxford Review/Cruxnews
- posted by LRS @ 6:25 AM   

 
San Diego Bishop Robert Brom ignores Canon 915

In the ongoing debate over Holy Communion and politics, San Diego Roman Catholic Bishop Robert Brom said in a statement released yesterday that Catholic politicians who support abortion should not be banned from receiving the sacrament.

"In my judgment at this time, it is not prudent to deny Holy Communion to Catholics in political life because of their public support for abortion on demand," Brom said in the statement, which also went to priests in the diocese.

Instead, he said, any Catholic who is not following church teaching should on their own refrain from celebrating the sacrament.

Article here.

- posted by LRS @ 6:20 AM   

 
Archbishop Burke's Column in America Magazine
Having read the article by Archbishop Burke, titled "Catholic politicians and bishops", I can only say that this article is so completely understandable and logically flawless that if, it seems, anyone disagrees with the arguments and reasoning used, that person must be incapable of rational thought.

Archbishop Burke has demonstrated a consistency in all of his writings and appearances from his Notification and Pastoral Letter issued in La Crosse, to his interviews on EWTN and elsewhere, to this latest article in America. He reaffirms the teaching of the Church and, in doing so, leaves no doubt about the seriousness and the gravity of the Church's teaching and discipline and the pastoral care required of bishops.

This column should be required reading for all (including those bishops who have embraced a deficient understanding of what "pastoral care" truly means.

...it seems to me that there has been a general failure in the church to teach effectively the truth about the holy Eucharist and what is required to approach the sacrament worthily. I have frequently had the impression that some Catholics today believe that mere presence at Mass means that one may receive Communion. Reception of Communion can become a kind of social action of those present at Mass. In such a climate, to state that anyone is excluded from Communion is seen as the imposition of a harsh sanction, when, in fact, it is merely the recognition that one is involved in objectively grave sin.

...Supporting legislation that provides for procured abortion is participation in a gravely sinful act, what the church’s moral teaching calls formal cooperation. The natural and divinely revealed moral law forbids this cooperation in the taking of an innocent life (Evangelium Vitae, No. 73b). Therefore a Catholic politician who supports or votes for laws that are unjust, because they permit procured abortion, persists in a gravely sinful act.

Having considered the matter carefully, I respond that the division is already present, both in the conscience of Catholics who dissent from a most fundamental church teaching and in the “intolerant secularism” prevalent in our nation, which would exclude Catholics from political life unless they be willing to violate their conscience. In our habit of “political correctness,” we do not like to acknowledge these divisions, but they must be recognized for the sake of our consciences and for the good of the nation.

For a bishop or any pastor to exclude someone from Communion is always a source of great sorrow. The sorrow is caused by the care that a pastor naturally has for a soul who rejects the teaching of Christ and his church. What would be profoundly more sorrowful would be the failure of a bishop to call a soul to conversion, the failure to protect the flock from scandal and the failure to safeguard the worthy reception of Communion.

America article is here.
- posted by LRS @ 6:16 AM   

 
Federal Court in New York Has Strong Evidence to Uphold Ban on Partial-Birth Abortion

Closing arguments heard today in a federal district court trial in New York City on the issue of partial-birth abortion clearly show that the government has presented a "strong and compelling" case that should prove that the national ban on partial-birth abortion is constitutional, says the American Center for Law and Justice, which specializes in constitutional law.

Lifesite Article.
- posted by LRS @ 6:15 AM   

 
Vatican Aware of Abuse for Centuries, Study Says
Authors use church's own documents to make their case. Critics say money is the motive.

LA Times Article.
- posted by LRS @ 6:04 AM   

 
Four East St. Louis parishes will merge

Four venerable East St. Louis churches will merge next year, leaving one Catholic parish in the city, according to officials in the Belleville diocese.

Members of St. Joseph, which opened its doors in 1902, St. Patrick (1862), St. Philip (1841) and St. John Francis Regis (1901) will recommend to Bishop Wilton D. Gregory their suggestions for the future of their parish, including which church they will use and who their pastor will be.

According to the diocese, East St. Louis has 869 Catholics, 599 of whom are classified as "practicing." But only about 300 combined attend Sunday Mass regularly at all four parishes. "The membership at the new parish won't be over 300," said [Rev. James A.] Voelker.

The article includes a paragraph regarding the St. Louis Archdiocese and its consolidation of South St. Louis and North St. Louis County parishes.

Beginning next month, a diocesan task force and outside consultant will visit the areas to make recommendations for restructuring with parishioners. The goal is for the recommendations to be presented to Archbishop Raymond Burke by Dec. 1, according to archdiocese spokesman Jim Orso. No mergers will "occur until 2005 and 2006," said Orso. "But the task force has been upfront enough to say that at the end of this, there will be some mergers."

Post Dispatch article here.

- posted by LRS @ 10:59 PM   

 
Judge blocks enforcement of 24-hour abortion law

U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright imposed a preliminary injunction, at Planned Parenthood's request, while allowing time for the organization to proceed with a separate state lawsuit seeking to clarify parts of the new law.

"Plaintiffs are being forced to choose between performing abortions without any certainty that they are in compliance with the Act, thereby risking imprisonment, fines, and professional censure, or ceasing the performance of abortions," Wright said in his ruling. "Both of these options constitute irreparable harm to plaintiffs, their staff, and their patients."

To say nothing of the irreparable harm done to the unborn children!

Post Dispatch article here.
- posted by LRS @ 10:49 PM   

 
Kerry's Religion Outreach Director Silenced...
This may be old news for some. I'm still trying to catch up from being out of touch, computerwise, for almost three days.

In an article in today’s Washington Times, reporter Julia Duin says that Mara Vanderslice, the Kerry campaign’s director of religious outreach, is no longer permitted to talk to the press. Vanderslice was exposed on June 14 in a Catholic League news release as being a far left-wing activist who has spoken at rallies held by the notoriously anti-Catholic group, ACT UP. The Kerry campaign is now reportedly in a “panic mode” over this revelation.

Catholic League Link here.
- posted by LRS @ 10:00 PM   

 
Former Lutheran Pastor Defends All-Male Priesthood (Part 2)
This certainly won't go over well with the Women's Ordination Conference, CTA, VOTF, or other similarly confused groups.

Women can find innumerable opportunities for service in the Church if only they embrace their proper role, says a former Lutheran minister who now extols the all-male Catholic priesthood.

Jennifer Ferrara, who became Catholic in 1998, recently told her conversion story in "The Catholic Mystique: Fourteen Women Find Fulfillment in the Catholic Church" (Our Sunday Visitor). She co-edited it with Patricia Sodano Ireland, another former Lutheran pastor.

Her words are applicable to all of us, especially those which are in bold type below:

For the first time, I am trying to listen to what the Church has to say about who I am rather than expecting the Church to conform to what I think she should be.

In general, modern people chafe against revealed authority because they expect the outer life of institutions to be rendered serviceable to the psychological inner life of individuals. Therefore, if women want to be priests and claim to feel pain because they are not priests, it automatically follows that they should be priests.

Yet women who insist they have a call to the priesthood and use their pain as evidence of an authentic interior call from God are, in fact, using the protean politics of pain and not Catholic theology to explain their experiences.

If they truly wish to empty themselves and renounce their own will for the sake of God and Church, they will find innumerable opportunities for service.

Zenit Link here.
- posted by LRS @ 9:30 PM   

 
SNAP's Director on TV again...and again
David Clohessy was on the local news again last night complaining that no bishop or diocese is taking responsibility for the actions of Kenneth Roberts, the priest-author of "From Playboy to Priest."

The Diocese of Belleville, the Diocese of Dallas and the St. Louis Archdiocese are all named in a suit alleging that Fr. Roberts sexually abused 'John Doe' at St. Mary's Catholic School in Belleville, Illinois (across the river from St. Louis, Missouri) in 1984.

For its part, the Belleville Diocese denies that it was responsible for supervising Roberts. He spent a week at St. Mary's in 1984.

In a statement Monday, the Belleville Diocese maintained that Roberts was a priest of the Dallas Diocese, where he was ordained in 1966.

Member of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests sent a letter Monday to all three religious entities urging them to stop their "legal maneuvering."

"Here you have three bishops saying, 'not our problem, not our problem, not our problem,'" David Clohessy, SNAP's director, said at a news conference on Monday.

Would Clohessy be satisfied if Archbishop Burke announced that it was his problem and that he would assume full responsibility for Fr. Roberts? I doubt it!

Fr. Roberts is the one responsible for his actions, as well as anyone who helped him in his alleged crimes - it certainly is not Abp. Burke's responsibility - the suit was filed in the St. Clair County Court of Illinois. If 'John Doe' is suing Fr. Roberts and others, I suppose it gives Clohessy an opportunity for more free air time to babble on and on. Those truly responsible for acts of perversion should be brought to justice - and certainly, SNAP could be helpful in doing this. However, considering the legal manuvering of 'John Doe' and his attorney, it appears that all parties are now obligated to certain procedural legal rules - and this is in addition to the known facts of the case.

From what has been stated, the archdiocese (of St Louis) revoked Fr. Roberts' faculties to work as a priest in 1994, following two complaints of sexual misconduct alleged to have occurred 15 years prior. It is unclear if he was ever incardinated anywhere other than in Dallas

Post Dispatch article here.

- posted by LRS @ 7:30 AM   

 
Thousands Gather For 2004 Eucharistic Congress in Atlanta
I saw Archbishop Donoghue on EWTN a couple of weeks or so ago discussing this Euchartistic Congress and how it has grown and blossomed over the years.

Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 7:01 AM   

 
Text of letter from Bishop Kicanas to diocese regarding bankruptcy
From the ARIZONA DAILY STAR

The following is a letter from Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas to members of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson.

- posted by LRS @ 6:15 AM   

 
Dallas Morning News chronicles "Runaway Priests, Hiding in Plain Sight"
The Dallas Morning News has found that some priests accused of perversion appear to be hiding abroad in other countries with the approval of their superiors.

Link Here.

The first article included information about a Salesian priest convicted of child molestation. The Salesians "Say Press Reports Are Off the Mark".

There is, it seems, sufficient evidence to conclude that there is something evil and sinister within the Church. Homosexuals and perverts appear to be everywhere - and many appear to be aided and abetted by their superiors. Why? Blackmail? Fear?


- posted by LRS @ 6:10 AM   

 
Former Lutheran Pastor Debunks Women's Ordination (Part 1)

When she was younger, Jennifer Ferrara never would have foreseen the day when she became a sort of apologist for the all-male Catholic priesthood.

But that's what the former Lutheran minister who converted to Catholicism has become.

Ferrara, who became Catholic in 1998, recently told her conversion story in "The Catholic Mystique: Fourteen Women Find Fulfillment in the Catholic Church" (Our Sunday Visitor), which she co-edited with Patricia Sodano Ireland, another former Lutheran pastor.

Ferrara shared with ZENIT how her search for theological justification of women's ordination in Lutheran seminary eventually changed her mind about the priesthood and opened her heart to the Catholic Church.

Part 2 of this interview will appear Tuesday.

A good interview with one who has "been there, done that"...

Zenit article.
- posted by LRS @ 6:07 AM   

 
Rep. Henry J. Hyde: Bishops' failures, a major disappointment

CHICAGO-Recognized by many as probably the most influential U. S. House member after the Speaker, Rep. Henry J. Hyde (R-Il), reflecting for The Wanderer readers on his 30-year congressional career, cited as a major disappointment the failure of most Catholic bishops to enforce sanctions on pro-abortion Catholic lawmakers. His stinging indictment of them is likely to jolt a hierarchy that is frightened of making waves, seeks to pacify liberals, is tremulous at making enemies and eagerly wants to court political dissidents.

“I am greatly disappointed with the failure of much of the Church hierarchy to take an unequivocal stand on abortion.”

A watered-down stand on pro-abort pols receiving the Eucharist coupled with “the treatment given prominent political figures who try to manipulate themselves between two stools-that of Catholicism and pro-abortion-is inexplicable, he said.

“The other day Cardinal [Theodore] McCarrick indicated, when asked if he would refuse Communion to pro-abortion officials, that he did not want a confrontation at the altar. Where better to have a confrontation?” asked the 15-term Congressman. “If the Church doesn’t come out strong and condemn those who want to receive Holy Communion while not in the state of sanctifying grace, then the Church has lost its moral authority and that is tragic.”

Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 7:32 AM   

 
Abp. Burke Says U.S. Conference Can't Force Him to Back Down from Refusing Communion to Abortion Supporters

ST. LOUIS, June 18, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Archbishop Raymond Burke of St. Louis Missouri, who last November announced to priests that pro-abortion Catholic politicians should be refused Communion, has said that the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) could not force him to back down from his stand. "I have to do what I know to be right" he said.
...
Unfortunately, most North American bishops have given over much of their authority to the conferences and to bureaucrats in their dioceses for the past four decades. This has in turn resulted in very poor leadership by many bishops in their dioceses. Ideal opportunities resulted for dissidents and their widely used books, abusive priests, New Age nuns and much more and liturgical abuses flourished in all the dioceses where the bishops in effect abdicated part or most of their religious duties and authority to those around them.

Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 7:31 AM   

 
Dr. Edward Peters weighs in on Fr. Beal's Article in America

The noted canonist, Fr. John Beal has weighed in with a canonical study of the conditions under which bishops can direct the withholding of the Eucharist from pro-abortion Catholic politicians. Read his article from America magazine here.

For my critique of Fr. Beal’s position, check out my latest canon law blog.

- posted by LRS @ 7:30 AM   

 
Insurance Company Sues St Louis Archdiocese

The Evanston Insurance Co. has filed a suit alleging that the archdiocese failed to inform it of the sexual abuse in a timely manner, and so the insurer should not be forced to pay about a $1.5 million share of the settlement.

The company said its policy protected the archdiocese from claims over any "wrongful act," which the policy defined to include "any act of unlawful sexual intimacy, sexual molestation or sexual assault."

St. Louis Post Dispatch Article.
- posted by LRS @ 6:46 AM   

 
Enthronement of the Sacred Heart
Archbishop Burke provides more reflections on the history and writings on devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

In a few weeks, the archdiocese will publish the guide to the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Consecration for the home. As soon as it is ready, I will be writing about it. In the meantime, I hope that my reflections of the past weeks will help you to prepare your heart and home for the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. May the Immaculate Heart of Mary intercede for us, that many hearts and homes will be consecrated, with her Heart, to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

As we await the new guide from the archdiocese, let us thank Archbishop Burke for his wonderful insights. Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 6:31 AM   

 
U.S. Bishops Warns Catholics of "Cooperating in Evil"
Zenit article.
- posted by LRS @ 6:26 AM   

 
USCCB: Catholics in Political Life

The Catholic community and Catholic institutions should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles. They should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions.

But the reception of Holy Communion by an outwardly manifest promoter of abortion is to left each individual bishop, the Code of Canon Law being irrelevant.

The statement of the US Bishops is here.
- posted by LRS @ 6:10 AM   

 
This is too good to pass up...From Diogenes...
"Because you are not lukewarm, I spit you out..."

(Inspired by the latest courageous stand taken by the US bishops)

A reading from the epistle of Paul Americanus to the Galatians:

O interesting Galatians! I am not entirely comfortable with some of things you may or may not be doing. I am forming a committee to draw up some guidelines that will help you grow as human persons. The committee's decisions will be published shortly after the Day of Judgment. Meanwhile, if any one is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, stamp your little feet. And please send me some more information about this former brother of ours, John Fisher, who has been causing disturbances among you. May God judge him accordingly. See with what a large computer I write. --Paulus Americanus

Read the entire entry here. Well worth the time.

- posted by LRS @ 6:00 AM   

 
Back from Steubenville
I have been gone for a few days on a trip to Steubenville to take one of my sons there for an orientation of sorts for college this fall.

Seeing some of the news of late it seems not much was accomplished in Colorado.
- posted by LRS @ 7:38 AM   

 
Rigali is asked to testify before grand jury

CARDINAL JUSTIN Rigali, eight months on the job, has been contacted by a Philadelphia grand jury probing Catholic priests' sexual abuse of minors, the Daily News has learned.

The nature of Rigali's appearance, and whether it has occurred, could not be determined.

Legal experts say it makes sense to call the cardinal - in effect the new chief executive of an organization under investigation - without any suggestion of liability on his part.

The cardinal's testimony would follow repeated appearances by retired Cardinal Anthony J. Bevilacqua, Rigali's predecessor. It comes amid indications the archdiocese is wrestling with a prosecution offer to plead guilty to coverup-related charges.

Any plea is expected to include the archdiocese's accepting responsibility for alleged improper conduct by pleading guilty, probably as a misdemeanor.

Sources said the D.A.'s request suggested strongly there would be no prosecution of Bevilacqua or other priest-administrators in exchange for a plea that would wrap up the investigation.

But influential figures on the archdiocese's side are opposing any deal that would acknowledge guilt. They liken the grand jury to a witch-hunt that's far out of proportion with the church's response to long-ago crimes and that ignores recent reform efforts.

Article here.

- posted by LRS @ 7:15 AM   

 
Diocese of Tucson weighs bankruptcy

Lawyers for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson say Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas is making plans to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

If the diocese follows through on what its attorneys say is "the only viable" way to financially resolve pending lawsuits alleging sexual abuse by clergy, it will be the first U.S. Catholic diocese to file for bankruptcy. Under bankruptcy protection, local Catholic parishioners would be in the unprecedented position of being part of a church whose purse strings are monitored by the courts.

Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 7:00 AM   

 
US Bishops, Abortion question draws protesters

ENGLEWOOD - Judie Brown said she believes Catholic bishops have a moral obligation to warn abortion rights politicians - including presidential hopeful John Kerry - that they risk an eternity in hell if they continue to take Communion while in a state of grave sin.

Lena Woltering said she thinks that when people like Brown say that, the Eucharist is being used as a political weapon in an election year.

Brown, founder and president of the American Life League, said the abortion issue trumps all others when it comes to bishops speaking out on matters facing congregations. To allow Catholic politicians to take the Eucharist while supporting abortion rights is akin to "desecrating Christ," Brown said.

Woltering, who sits on the board of Call To Action - a national organization seeking Catholic Church reforms - said there is much inconsistency with a hardline stance that denies Communion to abortion-rights politicians.

Apparently, Woltering has not read the Holy Father's Encyclical or any of the other documents relating to this issue.

Article here.

- posted by LRS @ 6:40 AM   

 
No news yet on Communion Issue

The bishops also spent the afternoon discussing whether Catholic lawmakers who defy church teaching on abortion should be denied Communion, several church officials who spoke on condition of anonymity said. In a sign of how delicate the issue is for the church, the Vatican office responsible for doctrinal issues sent the bishops' meeting a letter of guidance on how to approach the Communion controversy, the church officials said.

Story.
- posted by LRS @ 6:35 AM   

 
Catholic bishops authorize abuse audit
McChesney and crowd still have jobs, it seems.

America's Roman Catholic bishops voted overwhelmingly to authorize more evaluations of sex abuse prevention plans in all U.S. dioceses, despite earlier attempts by some church leaders to delay further audits.

Link here.

This could have been resolved when Bishop Bruskewitz made an appeal at the Dallas Bishops' meeting for a special commission to study the relation of homosexual clergy and theological dissent to the sex abuse scandals. Of course, his intervention was voted down. Many of the bishops refuse to deal with rampant homosexuality just as they refuse to deal with dissent. For those who wish to revisit some of the details, see this Wanderer article. It may help some in reconnecting the dots again.


- posted by LRS @ 6:15 AM   

 
A Great Moral Battle Brews in America...

A great moral battle is brewing and what is needed is decisive action, ardent prayers and steadfast hearts. This calls for a true spiritual crusade.

Using the same-sex “marriage” issue as a catalyst, Americans must work untiringly to create the moral climate where homosexuality is rejected. They must pressure their leaders to act urgently and decisively.

Ballot initiatives are already underway in many states that would add constitutional protection for marriage on a state level. Many organizations are rallying throughout the country to show politicians just how strong traditional marriage support is.

Above all, Catholics need to get involved now. Catholics are the largest bloc of the American population with a consistent body of doctrine on this issue that, even if only a minority is mobilized, have the best possibility to resist same-sex “marriage.”

Those who uphold traditional marriage must not be intimidated! Pro-family Americans must voice their rejection loudly and firmly, legally and peacefully, in defense of Christian morals.

Above all, they must take the Fatima Message to heart. Decisive action, together with prayer, penance and amendment of life, make up the formula for the triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Full Article here.

- posted by LRS @ 6:00 AM   

 
Parish Mission Update and More....
Moved...
- posted by LRS @ 6:30 PM   

 
Q&A: Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput
The Denver Post has a Q&A segment with Archbishop Chaput on the eve of the Bishops' Meeting.

Q: Some Catholics are worried that if the church's leaders focus on certain issues over others, they appear partisan. Do you share that concern?

A: No. That's almost always code language for telling the Church to be quiet about abortion. There are many, many people of both major parties, Republicans and Democrats, who work for the Church in Colorado. The Church is never partisan. Here in Denver, both of my senior legislative advisers are active Democrats. More than 80 percent of our state lobbying efforts and the vast majority of our Church's financial and personnel resources go to social issues that have nothing to do with abortion. But that doesn't change the fact that abortion is the central social issue of this moment in our national history - not the only issue, but the foundational issue; the pivotal issue. For Catholics to ignore it or downplay it or "contextualize" it would be an act of cowardice.

Link.
- posted by LRS @ 6:02 AM   

 
Activists tout their causes
or so says the Denver Post...

Here is a list of the groups listed in the article:
Women's Ordination Conference
Randall Terry and group Operation Rescue
Colorado Concerned Catholics
Call to Action
FutureChurch
SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests)

Link here.

- posted by LRS @ 6:00 AM   

 
Holy See Readies Guidelines on "New Age"

The Holy See is studying the answers given by local Churches in regard to New Age and is preparing a document of guidelines for bishops on the subject.

Zenit Article.

- posted by LRS @ 5:52 AM   

 
Catholic bishops meet amid demonstrations
Another Post Dispatch article. There are even three womyn representing the Women's Ordination Conference there.
Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 5:31 AM   

 
Bishops may wrestle with fellows' statements on politics
These are Sunday's St. Louis Post Dispatch words. The story comments on Bishop Sheridan's pastoral letter (on politics?) and on Archbishop Burke's previous notification. It even quotes Fr. Richard McBrien and others in an anticipation of a rebuke of some sort of Abp. Burke, Bishop Sheridan, and others who have taken the position of safeguarding the Holy Eucharist.

Link here.
- posted by LRS @ 5:12 AM   

 
Bishop Doran Reflects on the Ad Limina Visit
Article here or here.
- posted by LRS @ 6:21 AM   

 
U.S. bishops strangled by their own bureaucracy

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a "good ol'boys club," says John Blewett, a group choked with bureacrats who have pre-empted the authority of the bishops and use the organization to further their own agenda.
...
In our country today, it is becoming more and more obvious that our bishops, with few exceptions, suffer from two great handicaps. First, they have an "identity crisis" and have forgotten or never did understand correctly their individual roles as the apostles’ successors; for if they did understand correctly, they would not be involved in the careerism, political ambition, and status seeking that consume so many of them, and they would see the wisdom in giving up their palaces and their perks for a simpler, holier life.

The second big handicap affecting most bishops today is that they suffer from a "communications gap" which they have created themselves, perhaps unwittingly. They have lost touch with the needs of the faithful, and, most tragically, with the faithful themselves. The grass roots Catholic, the Catholic in the pew, cannot penetrate the bureaucracy surrounding his bishop, nor is it easy for the bishop to break through this same stifling bureaucracy so that he can know the true mind and needs of his flock. The bishops have sold their birthright for this bureaucracy and they lack the courage to deal with the militant feminists, homosexuals and others with dissenting agendae who dominate it.

Cruxnews Article.

- posted by LRS @ 6:20 AM   

 
Some Law Professors Foresee Challenges to City Names
This appeared on CWNews this morning...

No L.A.? It's no joke.

A strong legal argument can be made that the name of the city of Los Angeles -- even worse its formal name, "The Town of Our Lady the Queen of Angels of the Little Portion" -- violates the constitutional requirement for separation of church and state.
...
Jay Seculow, a radio host and chief counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice, a Virginia-based public interest law firm founded by religious broadcaster Pat Robertson -- which had offered to defend the Los Angeles County seal in court -- said the fight over the seal is part of a trend.

"(The goal is to) purge all religious observances and references from American public life. Will (opponents) try to get the name of Los Angeles changed? Sure. Why not, if they can get the cross removed from the seal?"

L.A. Daily News Article.

- posted by LRS @ 6:15 AM   

 
Communion flap reaches N.D.

Catholics who may be personally opposed to abortion, but whose public words and actions demonstrate otherwise, should refrain from receiving Holy Communion, said Bishop Samuel Aquila of the Catholic Diocese of Fargo.

Catholics who separate their faith lives from their professional and social activities jeopardize the salvation of their souls, he said during a recent homily.

Article.
- posted by LRS @ 6:05 AM   

 
Bishops Meet in Colorado

Internal rifts over the politics of Holy Communion and the handling of the clergy sex abuse crisis have become uncomfortably public for the Roman Catholic church.

In a private retreat set to begin Monday, U.S. Roman Catholic bishops will discuss those and other issues the church now faces.

Link...

- posted by LRS @ 6:00 AM   

 
Bush Asked for Vatican's Help

On his recent trip to Rome, President Bush asked a top Vatican official to push American bishops to speak out more about political issues, including same-sex marriage, according to a report in the National Catholic Reporter, an independent newspaper.

Article.
- posted by LRS @ 5:30 AM   

 
Pope Explains Why He Convoked "Year of the Eucharist"

John Paul II said he convoked the "Year of the Eucharist" because the program he presented to the Church at the start of the millennium is based on "starting afresh from Christ."

Zenit article.

- posted by LRS @ 5:08 AM   

 
Eucharist Is "Center of the Life of the Church"

VATICAN CITY, JUNE 13, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Here is the address John Paul II delivered today before praying the midday Angelus at St. Peter's Square.

Zenit Link.

- posted by LRS @ 5:05 AM   

 
June 26 - St. Josemaria Escriva Feast Day
The annual Mass to mark the feast day of St. Josemaria Escriva, founder of Opus Dei, will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 26, at St. Clement of Rome Church, 1510 Bopp Road, Des Peres.

Father Timothy Elliott, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Josephville, will be principal celebrant. Confession will be available before Mass, and a reception will follow. Call (314) 821-1608 for more information.

- posted by LRS @ 12:30 PM   

 
Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus: Sacred Scripture
This is the third article on the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I had posted the entire previous two articles because I did not see where his columns were archived. However, Archbishop Burke's columns for the St. Louis Review are archived on the right hand side of the page...(I must be blind)...Anyway, Archbishop Burke clearly articulates for the faithful the teaching of the Church and the biblical basis for the Church's teaching. This is another excellent article on the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The Link is here.
- posted by LRS @ 12:20 PM   

 
The Archdiocese Declines to Recognize ACEE

The Archdiocese of St. Louis will continue to recognize only the Parish Teacher Compensation Committee as the negotiating organization for teachers in its parish elementary schools, Archbishop Raymond Burke said June 8.

An alternate group, the Association of Catholic Elementary Educators ACEE, has long sought to represent the teachers at Catholic elementary schools. ACEE Local 1312 is a union affiliated with the Carpenters District Council of Greater St. Louis and Vicinity. The archdiocese has declined to recognize ACEE as a bargaining agent for teachers in its elementary schools.

This, no doubt, is a dissappointment for Catholic Action Network since ACEE is a group supported by them. What is CAN? Their website states:

An independent, authentic, and inclusive organization working for social justice within the Catholic Church, and in our world. Comprised of both lay and religious, the members of CAN seek to provide an active vehicle to put faith into action.

CAN is unique in St. Louis, filling a void as the only organization working on the following justice issues from a Catholic perspective:

• Justice for Women in the Catholic Church (JWCC): This committee advocates for full participation of women in all Catholic Church ministries, including the priesthood, while working with a guiding statement of being prayerful, respectful, and bold.

• CAN’s Labor and Religion committee is supporting the Association of Catholic Elementary Educators (ACEE) in their struggle to gain union recognition from the St. Louis Archdiocese.

The Review article continues:

On June 8 Archbishop Burke said, "What I will tell the pastors and principals (at the June 9 meetings) is that neither the archdiocese nor any parish of the archdiocese will recognize any organization other than the PTCC for the work of recommending teachers’ salaries" and other related issues.

"At the same time," Archbishop Burke said, "I will affirm the right of teachers to belong to any organization they want. They are free to belong to any organization, as long as it is not something contrary to the Catholic faith."

But the archdiocese and parishes will not recognize ACEE as the teachers’ negotiating body for salaries and benefits, the Archbishop stressed.

The entire St. Louis Review article is here.

- posted by LRS @ 7:48 AM   

 
Catholic Answers Voter Guide Approved By Archbishop Burke
This is great, great news!

Some time back, the "Voter's Guide for Serious Catholics" by Catholic Answers was posted here with a recommendation to distribute it to as many people as possible. Early this week, I received a copy of a letter from the Archdiocesan Pro-Life Committee dated June 3 which stated that Abp. Burke had approved the guide and the letter had an order form to purchase additional copies for only 17 cents each - inexpensive enough for a parish to buy one for each family!

This Voter's Guide is an EXCELLENT resource! Thank you, Archbishop Burke!

The St. Louis Review has an article, "Pro-life voter's guide sent to local parishes", in today's edition.

If you are interested in some of the feedback Catholic Answers has received about the guide, see this.

- posted by LRS @ 7:45 AM   

 
Another Bishop Advocates Sacrilegious Communion
If it makes no difference whether manifest grave public sinners may receive the Holy Eucharist, why not let everyone receive? Believers and unbelievers both! Why limit it to humans?

Bishop Skylstad says, in part:

The Eucharist really is the source and the summit of our life as Church. Eucharist defines us. Eucharist is what we do best – or try to do best. Christ’s people, gathering in his name, just as he asked us to do. Christ present with us, among us, just as he promised he would be.

I fear that we are...taking God’s great gift to our Church and using it as a weapon of divisiveness and destruction.

Some bishops have stated that they will deny Eucharist to Catholic politicians who have supported abortion legislation. Eucharist is God’s gift to us, God’s presence among us. It is a most precious part of our Catholic heritage. I strongly oppose using Eucharist as a weapon.

As a bishop, I believe we are called to persuade, not to bludgeon.

All emphasis above is mine. I am appalled by the apparently intentional elimination of the definite article "the" which is too often missing such as in, "...they will deny Eucharist to Catholic politicians."

And are we to believe that "Christ’s people, gathering in his name...is Eucharist"? The Eucharist is what we do best??? What does this mean? The Holy Eucharist is the Real, True, and Substantial Presence of Jesus Christ - the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord - ...Are we to hand Him over to those who persecute and deny Him and His Truth?

Also, how does one persuade those who have so obstinately and defiantly rejected the teachings of the Church? By acting as if their actions are not wrong? By promoting the continuation of scandal?

The Holy Father says in Ecclesia de Eucharistia:

The celebration of the Eucharist, however, cannot be the starting-point for communion; it presupposes that communion already exists, a communion which it seeks to consolidate and bring to perfection. The sacrament is an expression of this bond of communion both in its invisible dimension, which, in Christ and through the working of the Holy Spirit, unites us to the Father and among ourselves, and in its visible dimension, which entails communion in the teaching of the Apostles, in the sacraments and in the Church's hierarchical order. The profound relationship between the invisible and the visible elements of ecclesial communion is constitutive of the Church as the sacrament of salvation. Only in this context can there be a legitimate celebration of the Eucharist and true participation in it. Consequently it is an intrinsic requirement of the Eucharist that it should be celebrated in communion, and specifically maintaining the various bonds of that communion intact.

Keeping these invisible bonds intact is a specific moral duty incumbent upon Christians who wish to participate fully in the Eucharist by receiving the body and blood of Christ.

However, in cases of outward conduct which is seriously, clearly and steadfastly contrary to the moral norm, the Church, in her pastoral concern for the good order of the community and out of respect for the sacrament, cannot fail to feel directly involved. The Code of Canon Law refers to this situation of a manifest lack of proper moral disposition when it states that those who “obstinately persist in manifest grave sin” are not to be admitted to Eucharistic communion.

Again, all emphasis is mine. One would certainly hope that all bishops and priests have read the Holy Father's encyclical. However, it appears that many have not - for Pope John Paul II could not be clearer in his directives regarding those who “obstinately persist in manifest grave sin” -they are NOT to be admitted to Holy Communion.

Even before this Encyclical, there was an interpretation of Canon 915 by the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts which stated, in part:

The phrase "and others who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin" is clear and must be understood in a manner that does not distort its sense so as to render the norm inapplicable.
The three required conditions are:
a) grave sin, understood objectively...
b) obstinate persistence, which means the existence of an objective situation of sin that endures in time and which the will of the individual member of the faithful does not bring to an end, no other requirements (attitude of defiance, prior warning, etc.) being necessary to establish the fundamental gravity of the situation in the Church
c) the manifest character of the situation of grave habitual sin.

In effect, the reception of the Body of Christ when one is publicly unworthy constitutes an objective harm to the ecclesial communion: it is a behavior that affects the rights of the Church and of all the faithful to live in accord with the exigencies of that communion...That scandal exists even if such behavior, unfortunately, no longer arouses surprise: in fact it is precisely with respect to the deformation of the conscience that it becomes more necessary for Pastors to act, with as much patience as firmness, as a protection to the sanctity of the Sacraments and a defense of Christian morality, and for the correct formation of the faithful.

The discernment of cases in which the faithful who find themselves in the described condition are to be excluded from Eucharistic Communion is the responsibility of the Priest who is responsible for the community. They are to give precise instructions to the deacon or to any extraordinary minister regarding the mode of acting in concrete situations.

4. Bearing in mind the nature of the above-cited norm (cfr. n. 1), no ecclesiastical authority may dispense the minister of Holy Communion from this obligation in any case, nor may he emanate directives that contradict it.

Articles like Bishop Skylstad's might be seen as an additional source of scandal for the faithful in that they conflict with the Holy Father's explicit directives and the Code of Canon Law as interpreted by the Pontifical Council. What a disgraceful example that this article demonstrates for already confused Catholics and others who are looking for courageous leadership from the shepherds of the Church.

Bishop Skylstad's article, "Engaging the culture", is here.
- posted by LRS @ 7:23 AM   

 
Bishops will face a host of controversial issues
From the Rock Mountain News:

When the nation's Catholic bishops initially agreed to meet here next week for a "spiritual retreat," they didn't plan on long working hours or unexpected guests like Pat Colfer.

Colfer will be hovering around the bishops when their retreat begins Monday at the Inverness Hotel.

She won't be alone.

Several hundred Catholics representing various causes are planning activities before and during the bishops' meeting - a reflection of the church's own embrace of activism and the fallout from lingering and newly stirred controversies.

"Vatican II has called us to be the church, and being the church is speaking out," said Colfer, a former nun and now a member of Call to Action, founded in 1976. That national activist group favors women priests and optional celibacy.

Hovering around like vultures, no doubt...There should be a national policy, following the lead of Bishop Bruskewitz, of excommunicating all those involved in Call to Action and other similar dissident groups. These heterodox and heretical groups are a cancer in the Church and must be excised before more harm is inflicted on the faithful.

All faithful Catholics should devote more time for prayer and sacrifice for the bishops. May God grant them an abundance of grace during their meetings so that they stand firmly for Christ and His Church and make the necessary courageous decisions that are needed in our day .

Link here.



- posted by LRS @ 6:23 AM   

 
Cardinal George: Lay Ministers Should Be "in Sync" With Church Teaching

Catholic lay ministers who disagree with the Church's teachings should not be allowed to assist in distributing Communion, according to a letter reportedly sent by Cardinal Francis George to pastors in his archdiocese.

"If a minister should manifest his/her disagreement with Church teaching, he/she should not continue in active ministry until such time that the minister is reconciled to the Church's teaching," wrote Cardinal George, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

This should be a universal policy of the Church. There are far too many in diverse 'ministries' who deny various teachings of the Church. Perhaps, the Oath of Fidelity should be restored.

Zenit article.
- posted by LRS @ 6:10 AM   

 
Cardinal Dulles: Bishops' abuse discipline policy `extreme'

An influential U.S. Roman Catholic theologian says the discipline policy American bishops adopted in response to the clergy sex abuse crisis ignores priests' due-process rights and should be changed.

In an article in the June 21st edition of the Jesuit magazine America, Cardinal Avery Dulles said the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People violated Catholic belief in redemption.

"In their effort to protect children, to restore public confidence in the church as an institution and to protect the church from liability suits, the bishops opted for an extreme response," Dulles wrote.

Full story.


- posted by LRS @ 6:09 AM   

 
"Eucharist is not a place to deform the meaning of our beliefs."

As Cardinal George took increasing public criticism for his directive to deny the Eucharist to protesters wearing rainbow sashes on Pentecost Sunday, he—as well as gay activists—pointed out that the problem wasn’t that the protesters were identifying themselves as homosexual, it was that they were using the Eucharist for a political statement.

Catholic New World article.

- posted by LRS @ 5:28 AM   

 
The Holy Father Declares "Year of the Eucharist"

Vatican, Jun. 10 (CWNews.com) - Pope John Paul on Thursday announced that October 2004 to October 2005 would be a special Year of the Eucharist. The announcement came as he presided over the Mass of Corpus Christi in the square of the Basilica of St. John Lateran before leading the Eucharistic procession toward the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

"I am happy to announce a special year of the Eucharist," the Pope told the congregation during his homily, which he read himself in its entirety. "It will begin with the World Eucharist Congress, from October 10 to 17, 2004, in Guadalajara, Mexico, and will end with the next ordinary assembly of the Synod of Bishops, from October 2 to 29, 2005, at the Vatican." The synod will have as it is subject, "The Eucharist: source and summit of the life and mission of the Church."

Article courtesy of CWNews.com.

This is so encouraging having had the recent encyclical Ecclesia de Eucharistia and hearing Archbishop Burke's talk on the Holy Father's encyclical just over two months ago. This upcoming event is further prepared by the latest Instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum as well as the recently discussed Lineamenta on the Holy Eucharist. All of this, despite the rampant unbelief in and disregard for the Holy Eucharist, should give us hope for better days to come as the continued effort is made to catechize the faithful on the importance and necessity of the Blessed Sacrament.

- posted by LRS @ 12:29 PM   

 
I'm more inclined to believe Archbishop Chaput on this...
I had reservations about an earlier story from CNS about Holy Communion, 'pro-death' politicians, Bishop Pelotte, and Cardinal Ratzinger, especially when contrasted with Archbishop Chaput's statements. Lifesite noticed it also and with the help of Archbishop Chaput, we are perhaps getting a little closer to the truth.

Link.
- posted by LRS @ 7:15 AM   

 
Is this article clear to the "average" Catholic?
Yesterday I read this Catholic News Service article on Abortion and Capital Punishment and was somewhat dismayed by it. As I have stated before, everthing I read from CNS, I read with a skeptical view.

My reading of the article did not leave me with a clear distinction that Capital Punishment could be morally justifiable and that the prudential decision for its applicability resides with the State, not the Church. While the statements regarding abortion were quite clear, I was left with a "confusion" of sorts regarding the ACTUAL teaching about captial punishment.

That being said, I tried, as best I could, to read this from the perspective of a Catholic who would not be well versed in the Catechism or the Church's perennial teaching on the subject, nor from a view of basic moral theology.

Perhaps others see it differently.

Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 6:46 AM   

 
Stem Cell Issue Must Not Be Compromised...

The day before former President Ronald Reagan died, 58 senators sent a letter to President George W. Bush urging him to permit embryonic stem cell research. The senators are now insisting that with the death of President Reagan, the issue has taken on greater urgency. They cite the support that Nancy Reagan has shown for this type of research.

We must ALWAYS remember that we may NEVER do evil in order to bring about some good. The flawed logic of these 58 senators must be addressed in the clearest of terms. William Donohue of the Catholic League issued a press release on this topic.
- posted by LRS @ 6:30 AM   

 
Bishop Olmsted Cautions Politicians

Catholic politicians who unambiguously support a woman's right to choose should not receive communion, Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted said Wednesday. But he declined to say he would deny communion to politicians who do not follow church teaching on abortion.

He said the same restrictions on communion would apply to others, including people who have divorced and remarried. "Anyone who says they are a Catholic but is living contrary to that should not receive communion."

"We need to be in conversation for as long as possible to help people see the contradiction in their lives, that (support for abortion) is bad for them and a scandal for others. There could be a stage where we go farther, but we haven't reached that stage."

He may be laying the groundwork by doing what Archbishop Burke did, that is privately trying to teach those having false or distorted opinions on what the Church teaches and requires. People, particularly those in public life, should be advised individually regarding Catholic teaching so that they have an opportunity, at the behest of the bishop, to receive and accept the Church's teaching fully, before any interdict is imposed.

Practically speaking, a bishop is then in a better position to invoke the provisions of Canon 915, as Archbishop Burke has done. Bishop Olmsted and indeed, all of the bishops, need our continued prayers in this age of moral bankruptcy and muddled thinking.

Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 6:25 AM   

 
Some thoughts on the Tridentine Mass in Chicago
And this related article by By Fr. Burns K. Seeley, S.S.J.C., gives a great perspective on how the approval of the Tridentine Mass in the Archdiocese of Chicago was received and of the many benefits and fruits which have been realized.

For one thing, about two hundred former families of the Society of St. Pius X and other independent chapels were brought into the parish and into full communnion with the Catholic Church.

For another, many young families, including home-schooled families, come to the Tridentine Mass from all over the Chicagoland area, including parts of Indiana.

But it should be noted that the Tridentine Mass has not decimated the attendance at the Novus Ordo Masses. In fact, the Mass on Sundays having the greatest attendance is the 11 a.m. Novus Ordo Mass said in Latin.

Article here.

- posted by LRS @ 6:16 AM   

 
After 14-years... Cardinal Maida OK's Tridentine Mass for Detroit
I apologize for failing to post this last week when I read it. I must have been sidetracked again, which seems to happen more and more these days. Considering some of the things going on, we should wait and see what comes about in the archdiocese.

For at least the last 15 years there have been hundreds, if not thousands of requests to Maida to grant permission for the Tridentine Mass. A group of Catholics in the early 1990s filed a canonical lawsuit in the Signatura, the Vatican Court, to force Cardinal Maida to abide by Eccleiasia Dei, in which Pope John Paul II pleaded with the world’s bishops to allow a "generous application" of the indult for the Tridentine Mass. The St. Joseph Foundation assisted in that effort.

Maida opposed the lawsuit vigorously, and the legal effort ended when the Vatican ruled that with the death in 1994 of Thomas Marshall, the main signer of the complaint, the rest of signers of the petition to Rome had no standing to pursue the case.

It is noteworthy that the primary opponent of the Tridentine Mass at that time was Fr. Gerald Shirilla, professor at Sacred Heart Major Seminary and director of the Worship Department. Fr.Shirilla told a reporter for the Michigan Catholic that, regarding those who want the Tridentine Mass, "We have to fight them tooth and nail."

Fr. Shirilla was relieved of his post in 1993 when he was identified as a serial child molester, who favored young altar boys, going back more than 20 years. He never quite lost favor with Cardinal Maida, however, and was secretly re-assigned seven years later as pastor of a parish in the Diocese of Gaylord, Michigan.

Meanwhile, as the cardinal and his priests argue about the merits of the Tridentine Mass, the Detroit chapter of gay organization Dignity continues to hold its weekly Masses at Marygrove College every Sunday, and openly advertises that priests of the archdiocese celebrate its Masses. Priests of the archdiocese have never been forbidden to celebrate those gay Masses.

Full article, Cruxnews.com.

- posted by LRS @ 6:15 AM   

 
Papal Telegram to Nancy Reagan

To Mrs. Nancy Reagan

Having learned with sadness of the death of President Reagan I offer to you and your family my heartfelt condolences and the assurance of my prayers for his eternal rest. I recall with deep gratitude the late president's unwavering commitment to the service of the nation and to the cause of freedom as well as his abiding faith in the human and spiritual values which ensure a future of solidarity, justice and peace in our world. Together with your family and the American people I commend his noble soul to the merciful love of God our heavenly Father and cordially invoke upon all who mourn his passing the divine blessings of consolation, strength and peace.

Ioannes Paulus PP. II

Zenit.
- posted by LRS @ 6:07 AM   

 
Vatican to release study on Inquisition

Vatican, Jun. 09 (CWNews.com) - The Vatican will soon publish a study on the Inquisition, containing the proceedings of an international conference held in Rome in 1998.

The Vatican has scheduled a press conference for June 15, at which three cardinals will speak about the new study. Cardinal Roger Etchegary was involved because the original conference on the Inquisition, held in October 1998, was organized by the committee to prepare for the Jubilee Year 2000, which he chaired. Cardinal Georges Cottier, the theological of the pontifical household, presided over the conference. And Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, the Vatican archivist, has custody over the records that remain from the work of the Inquisition.

The October 1998 conference brought together 30 scholars, who met behind closed doors to discuss the actions of the Inquisition, putting that work in the proper historical context. The research submitted to that committee was partially responsible for the decision by Pope John Paul II (bio - news) to issue an apology for the episodes of intolerance that have marked the history of the church; he included the use of coercive methods by the Inquisition.

Cardinal Cottier had been asked by the Jubilee preparatory committee to preside over a theological commission that would assess the excesses and errors committed by Catholics in the name of the Church. Prior to the conference on the Inquisition, he had also chaired a previous meeting, in October 1997, on the roots of anti-Jewish bias within Christianity.

As he opened the conference on the Inquisition, Cardinal Cottier stressed that the aim of the committee's work was to establish the real facts about the Inquisition, eliminating popular misconceptions and allowing a fair and balanced view of the historic phenomena. He pointed out at the time that the Inquisition was set up to address a very real problem, "the heresy that threatened the people's faith and destroyed the unity of the Church." Citing the oft-repeated desires of Pope John Paul, he said that the Church should undertake a "purification of memory" in preparation for the Jubilee celebration.

Cardinal Cottier said that the conference should focus on the Inquisition as a single phenomenon, rather than on "inquisitions," because "the different tribunals constitute a single reality." He encouraged scholars to avoid confusion between the acts of a government (Spain) and the acts of ecclesiastical bodies.

The historical research on the Inquisition was made possible by the opening of Vatican archives from the Holy Office-- the body originally known as the Inquisition, and now as the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The records date back to the 12th and 13th centuries, when the first Church tribunals were set up to combat the Catharist heresy. After a long and turbulent history, the Inquisition finally ended in Spain in 1834.

© All material copyright 2004 Domus Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.

Link.

- posted by LRS @ 9:00 AM   

 
East Valley Arizona Clergy Re-enact Luther's Revolt
This is just too much to pass up...Bishop Olmsted is criticized for upholding the teaching of the Church regarding homosexuality. It's almost as if one's mere wish or desire could make an unnatural sexual act, natural...Brilliant!

At a Tuesday news conference, members of No Longer Silent: Clergy for Justice said they wanted to reach leaders of all denominations but particularly Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted, head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, who in the past month has challenged the group and the priests who signed a pro-gay document, the Phoenix Declaration, in 2003.

The group, responding to Olmsted's actions, capped off Tuesday's conference by nailing the Phoenix Declaration to a door, as Martin Luther did with his 95 Theses in 1517 to kick off the Protestant Reformation.

And who do you suppose joined in this symbolic re-enactment? Surely not the suspended Fr. Andre Boulanger?

Eight of nine Catholic priests who signed the declaration removed their names after Olmsted urged them to do so. One priest refused. Last week, the bishop suspended the Rev. Andre Boulanger from all ministerial duties. Boulanger, who has argued that Catholic theology should evolve with up-to-date thinking about homosexuality, attended Tuesday's conference in religious garb and took part in the symbolic nailing. A priest who removed his name, the Rev. Vernon Meyers, also attended.

Link here.






- posted by LRS @ 7:30 AM   

 
St Louis Area Corpus Christi Processions...

The feast of Corpus Christi will be celebrated on Sunday, June 13, at several parishes in the archdiocese as well as at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. Archbishop Raymond Burke will be the principal celebrant and homilist of a Mass at 7:30 p.m. at the cathedral basilica, Lindell Boulevard and Newstead Avenue, and will lead a procession around the block following Mass. The eucharistic procession will be done by candlelight and conclude with Benediction on the grounds of the cathedral basilica. The procession will begin on the front plaza of the cathedral basilica, move west along Lindell Boulevard, north on Taylor Avenue, east on Maryland Avenue and south on Newstead Avenue before returning to the cathedral basilica.

The St. Charles Deanery will join in the Corpus Christi celebration with a procession at 6 p.m. June 13 at three sites in St. Charles. In past years, the event included about 1,000 participants. The first Benediction will take place at St. Peter Church, 324 S. Third St. The second will follow at the Shrine of St. Philippine Duchesne at the Academy of the Sacred Heart, 619 N. Second St. The third will be held at Charles Borromeo Parish, 601 N. Fourth St. Refreshments will be served afterward at St. Charles Borromeo Parish Center.

Four parishes near Tower Grove Park in South St. Louis will celebrate the feast with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Burke in the park at the bandstand next to the Palm House at 10 a.m. June 13. In case of rain the Mass will be celebrated at St. Pius V Church, 3310 S. Grand Blvd. At the end of Mass the congregation will process with the Blessed Sacrament back to their home churches: St. Pius, St. Margaret of Scotland, Holy Family and Holy Innocents parishes.

For more information and other area churches, see the latest St. Louis Review here.


- posted by LRS @ 5:45 AM   

 
Karl Keating's Latest E-Letter...

June 8, 2004

TOPICS:

A T-SHIRT NO-NO
CHURCH-GOERS' VOTING HABITS
A CARDINAL ERROR
TRUTH IN ADVERTISING, BUT NOT THIS ELECTION
TRUTH ONLINE: AT THE CATHOLIC ANSWERS FORUMS

Dear Friend of Catholic Answers:

A quick reminder that our third annual apologetics cruise will take us around the Canadian maritime provinces. We depart Montreal on October 2 and arrive in Boston on October 9.

Joining me as speakers will be Jimmy Akin, Rosalind Moss, Tim Staples, Thomas Howard, and Bishop Colin Campbell of Antigonish, Nova Scotia. This year we will have, aside from the plenary talks, lots of small-group sessions with the speakers. There will be even more "face time" than before.

This will be a wonderful cruise, and I hope you will be able to join us. Bookings are running ahead of last year, so we're anticipating a fine turnout. For more information please go to http://catholicanswerscruise.com

SUSPENDED

Tyler Chase Harper, 16, was suspended from Poway (California) High School for wearing a T-shirt during the annual Day of Silence, an event held on high school and college campuses throughout the country "to recognize and protest discrimination and harassment against gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender students," according to a report in the "San Diego Union/Tribune."

The problem wasn't that Harper's T-shirt endorsed the Day of Silence but that it opposed homosexuality. On the front the T-shirt read "I Will Not Accept What God Has Condemned," and on the back it read "Homosexuality is Shameful, Romans 1:27."

The administrators said Harper's T-shirt violated the school dress code, which provides that it is unacceptable to wear clothing that promotes "violence or hate behavior including derogatory connotations directed toward sexual identity." Harper was told his T-shirt would have to go; the assistant principal even told him to "leave your faith in the car." When he refused to remove the T-shirt, Harper was suspended.

A double standard is at play. Free speech is permitted to students whose T-shirts endorse the ideology behind the Day of Silence but not to those who oppose it. This meant Harper was out of luck--and out of school. Now he is suing the Poway Unified School District. (One of his attorneys is Charles LiMandri, a friend of Catholic Answers.)

Like Harper, I attended a public high school. Things were different back then. I had some instructors who were so good I was surprised they were teaching at a high school instead of at a prestigious college. We received a good education, and I was unaware of moral, ethical, or social problems at the school (not counting the "toughs" who, after school, used to gather across the street and smoke cigarettes).

That was then, and this is now. The public school system has declined nearly everywhere--and not just declined but plummeted. Poway is a well-off suburb of San Diego. Its public schools are well regarded, but that is only to say that they may be less badly off than schools elsewhere. Few parents, and apparently even fewer employees, have any sense how degraded public education now is--degraded intellectually and morally.

It seems to be an almost universal phenomenon: Ideology has gripped high schools (and even lower schools) the way it gripped colleges some years earlier. Ideology always is accompanied by a dilution of true education. Just as bad money drives out good, so slogans drive out true learning.

This explains, in part, why I always vote against school bonds. I think public schools are a lost cause and that they are so deeply corrupted that it no longer is possible to bring them back to health. Let me point to two indicators.

In the mid-nineteenth century the most popular school books were the "McGuffey's Readers," which are still available in facsimile editions. The reader used for sixth-grade students included selections from Shakespeare and Milton. Mind you, this is what twelve-year-olds were expected to know.

Nowadays, most public high school students have read neither Shakespeare nor Milton, and even many college students manage to reach their commencement ceremonies without having read a single play or poem from these masters. This is not what I would call intellectual advancement. Even in my high school days the intellectual fare was rich compared to what is offered in today's schools.

Back then, we kept our books and personal effects in hallway lockers. This was convenient, even though it meant crowded hallways and clanging locker doors between classes. Some years ago--I don't know just when--lockers seem to have disappeared almost everywhere.

Perhaps it was due to lobbying efforts by manufacturers of day packs, who must have realized a fortune when tens of millions of students stopped using lockers and started toting everything on their backs. More likely the change was a response to rampant crime in the schools plus judicially-imposed restrictions on administrators' access to lockers. The junking of the lockers was a sign of failure--a failure of the schools to inculcate even basic morality.

UNSURPRISED

"USA Today" last week ran a cover story titled "Churchgoing Closely Tied to Voting Patterns." A chart showed that, in the 2000 election, people who attended church once a week favored George Bush over Al Gore by 58% to 42%, while those who seldom attended church favored Gore over Bush 61% to 39%. No surprise, really.

Referring to this year's presidential campaign, the newspaper said that "Bush, a Methodist, has the support of most Catholics who attend Mass every week. [John] Kerry is ahead among those who don't." Bush is even more strongly backed by Evangelicals.

His campaign sent out an e-mail to supporters in Pennsylvania, asking them to "identify 1,600 'friendly congregations' where voters friendly to President Bush might gather on a regular basis." Fair enough, I suppose, since for years Democratic candidates have been speaking and gathering at churches friendly to them.

But Barry Lynn, president of Americans United for Separation of Church and State (I mentioned him in last week's E-Letter), cried foul. He called the e-mail "a breathtakingly bad merger of religion and politics." I don't remember him using such language when Jesse Jackson and other Democrats spoke and raised funds at churches, but maybe Lynn has tightened his standards since the 2000 campaign.

Whatever you think of the candidates for president, you have to admit that religion is taking a role it hasn't taken at least since 1960 (when John F. Kennedy ran) and probably since 1928 (when Al Smith ran).

(No matter who wins in November, some wag will note that the streak continues: 1928, 1960, and 2004 show that a solid Catholic can't be elected president.)

CLARIFIED

Roger Cardinal Mahony of Los Angeles has said that a bishop or priest cannot deny Holy Communion to a pro-abortion politician who has not yet been excommunicated, placed under interdict, or put under a formal sanction.

Not so, says canon lawyer Edward N. Peters (who formerly worked for the Diocese of San Diego). He notes that canon 915 says that those who "obstinately persist in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to Holy Communion." That canon does not say that the person must be under a formal sanction, and it certainly is the case that "chronically supporting abortion is a grave sin."

Cardinal Mahony has said that, when someone presents himself for Communion, one is to presume that he is in the state of grace. Peters replies that that is only partly true because "the presumption of one's eligibility to receive the Eucharist" can be countered by contrary evidence.

Peters discusses the issue at http://mywebpages.comcast.net/enpeters/blog.htm

PREDICTED

Syndicated columnist Robert D. Novak, a convert to the Catholic faith, wrote that the indecisive actions of certain prelates, such as Theodore Cardinal McCarrick of Washington, D.C., has given the first-round victory to "pro-choice" politicians.

"But one priest familiar with how the Church operates told me that more and more American bishops, influenced by Pope John Paul II, will deny Communions and 'finally "out" liberal Catholics for what they are at heart, Protestants.' This priest sees the day when 'pro-abortion politicians will stop calling themselves Catholics or repent of their sins.' That surely will not happen before the 2004 election."

Agreed. It's not going to happen this year, and it may not happen in the next election cycle either. It won't happen so long as only five or ten bishops take a hardline stance, but it will happen if a hundred bishops do.

Finally, let me make a small adjustment to the unnamed priest's comment: I would put "liberal" or "mainline" before "Protestants," because the religion espoused by pro-abortion Catholic politicians is quite different from the Protestantism held by Evangelicals.

ZOOMING

Although they went live barely three weeks ago, the Catholic Answers discussion forums already are a big success. As of this afternoon 4,300 people are registered, and our forums are now the most popular places for Catholics to gather on the Internet.

What traffic we have! Yesterday 1,492 new messages were added to the forums. Now there are 23,000 covering 1,700 different topics: doctrines, morals, liturgy, history, family life, politics, and so much more.

Who's doing all this? Folks like you. Many of our members are first-time forums users, while others have been on forums for years. They pose questions and comments, reply to one another, even give great counsel. Of course, Catholic Answers' staff apologists are there too, fielding hundreds of queries each week.

If you haven't yet visited our forums, I invite you to do so today. Just go to http://www.catholic.com and click the big button in the upper right-hand corner of the main page.

Until next time,
Karl
********************

The content of this E-Letter is copyright 2004 by Karl Keating.

- posted by LRS @ 5:30 AM   

 
More on Bishop Sheridan's Pastoral Letter
Despite the "nuancing" and "criticisms" taking place regarding Bishop Sheridan's Pastoral Letter, we must understand that it cannot be morally justifiable to vote for or support a pro-abortion candidate (or any anti-life candidate*), because, first and foremost, it is against the natural law. Murder, the intentional killing of an innocent person, can never be morally justifiable.

Since a directly procured abortion brutally violates the natural law, it is rightly, the responsibility of the Church to make this known by appropriate catechesis. In no way can this effort at education be rationally viewed as an interference by the Church.

Abortion is intrinsically evil, and any Catholic, knowing of this, who votes for a pro-abortion candidate becomes complicit in this evil and cuts himself off from communion with the Church.

(* Anti-Life: Abortion, Euthanasia, fetal stem cell research, human cloning, homosexual "unions")

Having reiterated what many others have already stated, here is Bishop Sheridan's Follow-up letter addressing the reactions to his pastoral letter.
- posted by LRS @ 7:45 AM   

 
The Holy Father, Holy Communion, and Manifest Grave Sin...
There is some "discussion" on another Catholic blog denigrating Bishop Sheridan's recent pastoral letter about Holy Communion and the grave responsibility the faithful have with regard to the life issues of abortion, stem cell research, same sex unions, etc. Unfortunately, various perjorative 'terms' are being cast about regarding those who happen to agree with Bishop Sheridan.

Some conclude that his pastoral letter unjustly singles out Catholics voters and that his letter could not be properly understood by the faithful. It would seem that many have misunderstood what Bishop Sheridan has said and what the Church teaches.

As the Holy Father states in Ecclesia de Eucharistia:

Along these same lines, the Catechism of the Catholic Church rightly stipulates that “anyone conscious of a grave sin must receive the sacrament of Reconciliation before coming to communion”. I therefore desire to reaffirm that in the Church there remains in force, now and in the future, the rule by which the Council of Trent (*) gave concrete expression to the Apostle Paul's stern warning when it affirmed that, in order to receive the Eucharist in a worthy manner, “one must first confess one's sins, when one is aware of mortal sin”.

The judgment of one's state of grace obviously belongs only to the person involved, since it is a question of examining one's conscience. However, in cases of outward conduct which is seriously, clearly and steadfastly contrary to the moral norm, the Church, in her pastoral concern for the good order of the community and out of respect for the sacrament, cannot fail to feel directly involved. The Code of Canon Law refers to this situation of a manifest lack of proper moral disposition when it states that those who “obstinately persist in manifest grave sin” are not to be admitted to Eucharistic communion.

(*)Council of Trent, Session XIII, Canon 11. If anyone says that faith alone is a sufficient preparation for receiving the sacrament of the most Holy Eucharist, let him be anathema. And lest so great a sacrament be received unworthily and hence unto death and condemnation, this holy council ordains and declares that sacramental confession, when a confessor can be had, must necessarily be made beforehand by those whose conscience is burdened with mortal sin, however contrite they may consider themselves. Moreover, if anyone shall presume to teach, preach or obstinately assert, or in public disputation defend the contrary, he shall be excommunicated.

*** See also:

PARTICIPATION OF CATHOLICS IN POLITICAL LIFE (From the SCDF)
John Paul II, continuing the constant teaching of the Church, has reiterated many times that those who are directly involved in lawmaking bodies have a "grave and clear obligation to oppose" any law that attacks human life. For them, as for every Catholic, it is impossible to promote such laws or to vote for them.[19] As John Paul II has taught in his Encyclical Letter Evangelium vitae regarding the situation in which it is not possible to overturn or completely repeal a law allowing abortion which is already in force or coming up for a vote, "an elected official, whose absolute personal opposition to procured abortion was well known, could licitly support proposals aimed at limiting the harm done by such a law and at lessening its negative consequences at the level of general opinion and public morality".[20]

One may also wish to review Catholics and Political Responsibility or Fr. Stphen Torraco's Moral Duties concerning Voting or Catholic Answer's Voter's Guide for Serious Catholics.



- posted by LRS @ 7:17 AM   

 
Two New Auxiliary Bishops Named
VATICAN CITY, JUN 8, 2004 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed:

- Msgr. Joseph Robert Cistone, vicar of the diocese of Philadelphia, U.S.A., as auxiliary bishop of same diocese (area 5,652, population 3,861,648, Catholics 1,494,883, priests 1,083, permanent deacons 212, religious 569), U.S.A. The bishop-elect was born in 1949 in Philadelphia and was ordained a priest in 1975.

- Msgr. Joseph Patrick McFadden, pastor of St. Joseph in Downingtown, U.S.A., as auxiliary bishop of Philadelphia, U.S.A. The bishop-elect was born in 1947 in Philadelphia, U.S.A. and was ordained a priest in 1981.

Link.
- posted by LRS @ 6:45 AM   

 
An Open Letter to American Bishops
This letter from Russell Shaw is in the current edition of Crisis magazine.

From June 14 to June 20 the U.S. bishops will gather in Denver behind closed doors for a meeting of extraordinary importance. The “special assembly” of the hierarchy will weigh alternative approaches to the crisis now gripping American Catholicism—a crisis which, though greatly intensified by the sex-abuse scandal, involves many problems and issues besides the sexual delinquency of some priests. The bishops face three options—along with the virtually unthinkable option of doing nothing. These are a plenary council for the Church in the United States, a regional synod, and unspecified new initiatives by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The debate in Denver will set the stage for a decisive vote at the USCCB meeting in November in Washington. In anticipation of these crucial deliberations, Crisis is publishing an open letter to the bishops by Russell Shaw, a writer who has observed Church affairs at close hand for many years.

Letter here.


- posted by LRS @ 5:30 AM   

 
And Rainbow Sash wants an Apology from Cardinal George
This is just too much.

In the interests of reconciliation I believe Cardinal Francis George should issue an apology to Cardinal Roger Mahony of LA, Archbishop Harry Flynn of Minneapolis/St. Paul, and Bishop Mathew Clark of Rochester, NY. These Bishops gave Rainbow Sash Members Communion. Also, I believe an apology is due Cardinal George's priests in the Archdiocese of Chicago, for putting them in such a difficult and awkward position. Finally, I prayerfully hope the Cardinal will apologize to the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender community of Chicago for the harm he has caused our community; especially those that were denied Communion on Pentecost Sunday.

RSM Statement.

- posted by LRS @ 6:10 AM   

 
Cardinal McCarrick to host a "listening session" with Rainbow Sash Movement"

A Listening Session is an ancient practice of the Catholic Church. The
goal is to listen to the faithful, thereby trying to determine the parishioners' pastoral needs. In Catholic Teaching this is referred to as a "Sense of the Faithful." One of the roles of a Bishop is to listen to the "Sense of the Faithful", and to respond accordingly. Murray (Joe Murray, spokesperson for the Rainbow Sash Movement) further stated, "From my vantage point, we do a lot better to prefer persuasion over mandate; dialogue over dictate."

Article.
- posted by LRS @ 6:05 AM   

 
Rights Seen as "Self-Centered Demands," Laments Pope
The Holy Father give a frank assessment of the distortion of 'human rights' in America.

As an example, the Pontiff mentioned "the growth of prostitution and pornography in the name of adult choice, the acceptance of abortion in the name of women's rights, the approval of same sex unions in the name of homosexual rights."

"False secularistic forms of humanism, which exalt the individual in such a manner that they become a veritable idolatry, can be countered only by the rediscovery of the genuine inviolable dignity of every person," he said.

Zenit Article.
- posted by LRS @ 6:02 AM   

 
Enthronement of Sacred Heart
A continuation of Archbishop Burke's column on the Sacred Heart:

Introduction

Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a most effective means of living always in the company of our Lord Jesus whom we receive in Holy Communion. In other words, our devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is an extended act of love for Him who shows us the greatest possible love by offering His Body and Blood for us in the Eucharistic Sacrifice. In His fourth apparition to St. Margaret Mary, our Lord revealed His Sacred Heart, declaring:

"Behold this Heart which has so loved men that It spared nothing, even going so far as to exhaust and consume Itself, to prove to them Its love. And in return I receive from the greater part of men nothing but ingratitude, by the contempt, irreverence, sacrileges and coldness with which they treat Me in this Sacrament of Love. But what is still more painful to Me is that even souls consecrated to Me are acting in this way" (Louis Verheylezoon, SJ, Devotion to the Sacred Heart, Westminster, Maryland: The Newman Press, 1955, pp. xxvii).

When the devotional life is neglected, then there is a loss of gratitude and reverence, and a coldness before our Lord in the Eucharist. Our Lord asks St. Margaret Mary to make known His desire for a renewed devotion to His Sacred Heart, so that He might give His love ever more abundantly and we might respond with gratitude and return love for His divine love.

The center of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is the Enthronement of the image of the Sacred Heart in the home. By the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart, we link the tabernacle of our parish church to our home, inviting our Lord to be our constant and most intimate companion. The Enthronement is a way of life. It means that Christ is King of our hearts, and we desire Him to be present with us always.

In other words, by the Enthronement we signify our desire to make our hearts and our homes holy, to sanctify our lives in every aspect. Father Mateo Crawley-Boevey, SSCC (1875-1961), great apostle of the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, insisted on Its official and social characteristics. The Enthronement is the outward expression of an interior commitment to submit one’s whole life in obedience to Christ. It is social because it involves every member of the household in which we live and all our relationships with others, in and outside the home. Those who carry out the Enthronement always comment on the difference it makes in the relationships of family members with each other, and in work, business, recreation and other relationships.

Here it should be noted that the Enthronement can be made in every home. Often, in speaking of the Enthronement, I refer to the family, but it is understood that the home may be of a single person. The person living alone, no less than a family household, rightly desires that Christ be his or her constant companion. Also, there is always a relationship with others, with family and friends, which is expressed in the Enthronement, even by the person who lives alone.

Enthronement and Consecration

The Enthronement includes with It the Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Enthronement without the Consecration would simply amount to the placing of a sacred image in a prominent place in the home. It would be a good and pious practice, but it would not transform lives in the way that the Enthronement does. The Act of Consecration gives expression to the profound meaning of enthroning the image of the Sacred Heart in our home.

By the words of the Consecration, we articulate the meaning of the Enthronement. We place our hearts totally into the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and we beg Him to be the source of our healing and strength, the medicine and nourishment by which our poor and wounded hearts are made strong and whole. The enthroned image of the Sacred Heart gives us the occasion to renew frequently, throughout the day, our act of consecration.

The words of the Act of Consecration of the Family proclaim the reign of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the heart of each member of the household and in the home itself. They express the commitment of the family members to return love to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in response to the constant and immeasurable love which He shows to us in the Church. In short, the Act of Consecration is a full response to the promises made by our Lord to St. Margaret Mary. It pledges frequent reception of Holy Communion, penance for sins committed and acceptance of the divine will at death.

The form of consecration calls upon the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ and our mother, and St. Joseph, our protector, to intercede on our behalf. In truth, it asks our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph to present our Act of Consecration to Christ, in order that it may be as fitting and worthy as possible.

The Act of Consecration takes place after the image of the Sacred Heart has been enthroned. It expresses in words what the Act of Enthronement expresses in action. Enthronement and Consecration go together inseparably.

Necessity of Preparation

When we are about to undertake any important action, we always give ourselves ample time to prepare. Certainly, when we desire to consecrate ourselves and our home to Christ, we want to prepare well. It would be a mockery of the worst sort to enthrone the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus thoughtlessly, without regard for the profound meaning of our action. It would be a demonstration of the lack of reverence and of the coldness toward our Lord, to which He referred in His fourth apparition to St. Margaret Mary.

Since the Enthronement is a way of life for us, demanding our daily conversion of heart, we do not undertake it without considering carefully what it means for us. Our preparation should deepen in us our understanding and desire of the Enthronement and Consecration.

The preparation has three principal parts: study, prayer and practical arrangements. Each part is important to the proper disposition of the family members and the home itself. The goal of the preparation is hearts aflame with love of Christ. Only a careful preparation and thoughtful Act of Enthronement and Consecration will dispose minds and hearts to follow Christ the King, to trust in His never-failing love and to place our hearts in His.

Preparing by Study and Prayer

An important means of preparation is study which deepens our knowledge of the Enthronement and its meaning for our daily living. Father Mateo Crawley-Boevey has provided a complete presentation on the Enthronement and Consecration in his book, Jesus King of Love. Father Francis Larkin, of the same religious community as Father Crawley-Boevey, has also written an excellent book on the various aspects of the Enthronement. It is titled Enthronement of the Sacred Heart. As I noted in my last column, the Archdiocese of St. Louis will be publishing a small guide to the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the home in the coming weeks. It will be available to all families who request it and will contain all of the prayers for the preparation of the Enthronement and the Rite of Enthronement.

The second means of preparation is prayer. Father Crawley-Boevey has suggested special prayers in the home on the three days which immediately precede the day of the Enthronement. The prayer directs the attention of the whole family to our Lord and His desire to dwell with us always. The prayer begins each day with a decade of the rosary: on the first day, the Third Joyful Mystery; on the second day, the Fifth Joyful Mystery; and, on the third day, the Fifth Glorious Mystery. After announcing the mystery, one of the family members reads a passage from the Gospels, which refers to the mystery. The reading from the Gospels is followed by the praying of the decade of the rosary, which is followed by the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and a prayer expressing the desire for the Enthronement and calling upon the help of our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph. The prayer each day concludes with an indulgenced prayer to the Divine Heart of Jesus; the invocation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Joseph, St. Michael the Archangel and the Holy Guardian Angels; and a hymn to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The Third Joyful Mystery, the Birth of our Lord, is chosen for the first day to underline the truth of the Incarnation and our response of worship before our Lord who is indeed God made man. In the adoration of the Infant Jesus by His Mother Mary, His guardian Joseph, the shepherds and the three kings, we find the inspiration for our desire to enthrone the image of the Incarnate Redeemer in our home to inspire constant adoration of Him.

The Fifth Joyful Mystery is chosen for the second day to inspire us to model the life of our home upon the pattern of life of the Holy Family at Nazareth. The care of Mary and Joseph for Jesus and His obedience to them are models for our relationships within the family and in other social settings.

The First Glorious Mystery leads us to reflect upon Jesus’ Rising from the Dead, Ascension and Sending of the Holy Spirit. Our meditation on the three great moments of the mystery of the Redemptive Incarnation helps us to recognize the living presence of our Lord with us in the Church. Reflection upon the encounters of our Risen Lord with the Apostles and disciples increases in us the desire to be with the Lord always.

It would be good that the whole family or, at least, one member of the family participate in Holy Mass and receive Holy Communion during the triduum of preparation for the Enthronement. It would be especially fitting that the whole family participate in Mass and receive Holy Communion on the day of the Enthronement.

Preparing the Throne

The place of the Enthronement in the home must be fitting. In other words, it should be a central place, a place in which family members spend time each day. The living room is usually the best place for the Enthronement. The image may be enthroned on a small table upon which flowers, candles, a Bible, pictures of absent family members or of family members and friends in need of prayers, and prayer intentions can be placed. If the image is hung on the wall, a small shelf should be placed under it for the placement of the same objects. In any case, the place of the Enthronement should reflect the great reverence and love which we have for our Lord. It should be the most dignified and beautiful place in the room.

Regarding the image of the Sacred Heart, there are different possibilities. It can be a statue or a print of a painting or icon. A print of a beautiful icon of the Sacred Heart will be available through the Office of Sacred Worship. It is the same print which was given to each of the Catholic schools during the Mass at the Cathedral Basilica on the Solemnity of the Annunciation. In choosing an image, care should be taken that it reflect the great mystery of the Redemptive Incarnation and inspire prayer.

For the day of the Enthronement, a separate table for the image and Holy Water should be set in a different part of the room. The image will be carried from this table to its place of permanent Enthronement.

Inviting Family and Friends

Because of the official and social nature of the Enthronement, it is most appropriate to invite family and friends to join in the Rite of Enthronement. The invitation gives a strong witness to the Catholic faith and its practice, and has the potential of inspiring others to learn about the Enthronement and enthrone the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in their homes. Copies of the Rite of Enthronement should be available for all who are invited, so that they may participate as fully as possible.

A certificate of the Enthronement will be available through the Office of Sacred Worship. It should be signed at the conclusion of the Rite of Enthronement and placed in a frame near the enthroned image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Also, it would be good to have some social time with refreshments after the Enthronement, so that all present can continue to express their joy at the special grace of the Enthronement and Consecration. The social time gives an excellent opportunity for family members to explain to others all that the Enthronement means for them. It is a most natural time to give witness to love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The Enthronement

The Enthronement is fittingly led by a priest, if possible, but also can be led by the head of the household. It begins at the table on which the image and holy water have been placed. If a priest is leading the Enthronement, he begins by blessing the image. If a priest is unable to be present, the family should have a priest bless the image beforehand.

The head of the household, accompanied by all the members of the household, then carries the image to the place of the Enthronement and enthrones the image. All pray together the Apostles’ Creed as an act of faith and reparation. A passage from the Gospel, for example, the account of the Annunciation (Luke 1:26-33) or the account of our Lord’s meeting Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10) or the account of our Lord’s visit to the home of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-41) is then proclaimed, after which the priest or head of the household offers a reflection on the meaning of the Rite of Enthronement. After the reflection, all kneel and make together the Act of Consecration.

The rite concludes with prayers for absent members of the family, living and deceased; with general intercessions; a prayer of thanksgiving, and the praying of the Hail Holy Queen in honor of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. If a priest is present, he concludes the Rite of Enthronement with a blessing. Otherwise, it is concluded by all making the Sign of the Cross.

Conclusion

Next week, I will reflect upon certain texts from the Sacred Scriptures, which inspire devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Also, I will provide a summary of the private revelation of the Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary and its relationship to the Sacred Scriptures and the teaching of the Church. Finally, I will reflect further upon the Enthronement as a way of life or, as Father Crawley-Boevey put it, keeping the Enthronement alive.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary, have mercy on us.

St Louis Review article.
- posted by LRS @ 6:00 AM   

 
Abortion and Communion
Here is a link to a great homily delivered by Father James Poumade, May 30, 2004 at Saint Mary Catholic Church, Alexandria, Virginia.

It has sufficient clarity of thought so as to understood by all. He says, in part:

I will not make recourse to the opinions of individuals, even among the US bishops, but only the express and uncontestable teaching of the Church.

Although some may be impatient about this, I ask only for your mature and courteous tolerance in the interest of greater understanding.

The first question that has to be addressed is: how do we balance faith with political obligations when the two clash?

There are two valid approaches. St Thomas More, royal chancellor of England and patron of our diocese, chose his faith over his political office when faced with a decision regarding the recognition of unlawful marriage, declaring that he was the king’s good servant – but God’s first. Pontius Pilate was personally opposed to executing Jesus, and may even have come to believe in Him, but didn’t wish to impose his belief on the crowd. He also, however, didn’t ask to go to Mass. He knew what his decision meant.

Those are two consistent courses of action. In each of them, the officeholder made a decision, and accepted its consequences. It is inconsistent to claim that one can reject the faith publicly and still be Catholic. Those who try to do so are the only ones truly guilty of mixing politics and religion. Being a practicing Catholic means following the will of God as revealed to us through Scripture and Tradition and the teaching authority of the Church.

He continues by explaining and teaching what the Church teaches. (All emphasis mine)
Link here.
- posted by LRS @ 7:40 AM   

 
"Inside the Vatican" magazine encourages Tridentine Mass

But I am persuaded that the restoration of the old Mass, with its simple solemnity and rich symbolism, would not offend non-Catholics, as is feared, but attract them and attract them profoundly.

And I am persuaded that the restoration of the old Mass would not "confuse" the faithful, but would "galvanize' them, deepening their Christian faith, confirming them in the love of God and their neighbor. And this, in fact, is what the bishops at Vatican II most deeply desired.

I am convinced that the restoration of the old liturgy would be a consolation to many, who have attended the new Mass, not to "participate more fully" in the new liturgy, but, out of obedience to a Pope and hierarchy which has asked them to "give up" the Mass they love.

I am persuaded that the restoration of the old Mass would be a "festival day," a day of universal celebration and, as such, would mark the beginning of a great renewal in Church life."

So let us read the sign of the times and restore the liturgy of the ages, the liturgy of Gregory the Great and St. Augustine of England, of Boniface and Bernard, of Francis and Clare, of Aquinas and Bonaventure, of Ignatius and Bellarmine, of Newman and Chesterton, and our own parents and grandparents.

Let us preserve from oblivion the beautiful and holy liturgy which we inherited from our forefathers, that our posterity may thank us for having the courage to do what is fitting and just in an age of iron and lead.

Robert Moynihan

CCI Article here.

- posted by LRS @ 7:28 AM   

 
Month of the Sacred Heart Has a Special Day of Prayer
In this month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Pope has designated June 18 a Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests.

And don't forget, you can celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus here.
- posted by LRS @ 7:18 AM   

 
Abortion Monsters, Inc.

During a recent interview, I mentioned that I believe one of Planned Parenthood’s objectives is for girls and women to engage in illicit sex as often as possible, so as to increase the odds they’ll get pregnant and have to abort.

The show host was flabbergasted. I was flabbergasted that he was flabbergasted. I reminded him that Planned Parenthood makes the bulk of its deadlihood - hundreds of millions of dollars every year - from abortion.

My theory was obviously over the top in this guy’s opinion. The interview ended abruptly.

Good article by Jill Stanek.

- posted by LRS @ 7:02 AM   

 
Full Text of the Holy Father's Address to President Bush
This is available at Vatican here.
- posted by LRS @ 6:45 AM   

 
Which Senator is most Catholic?
As reported recently, the articles of the Catholicity "scorecard" presented by Dick Durbin pointed out that it was none other than John Kerry, with Ted Kennedy close behind...Here is what Deal Hudson has to say in yesterday's E-Newsletter (below).

The Most Catholic Senator?
CRISIS Magazine - e-Letter
June 3, 2004
**********************************************
Dear Friend,

We knew it was coming.

Yesterday afternoon, I received a call from a friend in Congress who told me that Illinois Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) had just announced that Senator John Kerry was the "most Catholic" member of the Senate.

Stop laughing.

Senator Durbin released an analysis of the voting record of the 24 Catholic senators -- scoring them by their adherence to the political agenda of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). As I mentioned, John Kerry is ranked first, followed by Dick Durbin himself (way to go!).

Durbin is followed by Ted Kennedy. Yes, according to Dick Durbin's office, Ted Kennedy is the third most Catholic-voting member of the Senate.
Pat Leahy (D-VT) and Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) round out the top 5.

(To give you some helpful perspective, the ardently Catholic Senator Rick Santorum is 20th... just four from the bottom.)

So, what do the top five best Catholics in the Senate have in common? Well, they're five of the most radically liberal, pro-abortion members of congress. In fact, with the exception of Leahy, all voted to OPPOSE the Partial-Birth Abortion ban. Not only that, but all five voted AGAINST the Brownback Human Cloning
Prohibition Act.

But if that's all true, how on earth can anyone claim these five are among the best Catholics on the Hill?

It was easy, actually. All Senator Durbin had to do was completely ignore the immense difference between votes on doctrinal issues and votes on prudential matters.

Let me explain...

In assembling his scorecard, Durbin looked at 24 issues (with a total of 48 votes) on which the USCCB took a position. If the given senator voted in agreement with the USCCB, he was given a point. In the end, the points were added up, and the senators ranked.

In other words, in Senator Durbin's moral universe everything is flat. His moral calculus becomes, well, elementary arithmetic really: Just take all the policy recommendations of the Bishop's Conference -- no matter how prudential or non-binding in nature -- look at the voting record of every senator on those recommendations, and Presto! you have your mathematical ranking.

This methodology becomes particularly outrageous when you notice that it makes a vote for the Collins Mercury Reduction Act (which limits the use of mercury fever thermometers) equal in weight and importance to a vote for the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban!

Likewise, a vote for the Dorgan Joint Resolution (which rejects "the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission with respect to broadcast media ownership") is equal to a vote to ban human cloning.

As a result, a senator who votes AGAINST the Partial-Birth Abortion ban but for the restriction on mercury thermometers will be given the same "Catholic" rank as the senator who votes to ban partial-birth abortion, but against the restriction on the thermometers.

And so, Senator John Kerry -- who voted against the Partial Birth Abortion Ban, against the Born-Alive Infant Protection Act, against the Unborn Victims of Violence Act -- is now crowned the most Catholic member of the Senate!

Of course, as any sensible Catholic knows, these things are not remotely equal. Pro-life legislation touches on a doctrine of the Church, and all faithful Catholics are bound to adhere to it. The restriction on thermometers, on the other hand, is a mere prudential judgment of the USCCB; they believe it to be a matter of public health, but faithful Catholics are free to disagree.

By confounding prudential and doctrinal matters, Senator Durbin has made a desperate attempt to provide cover for all the pro-abortion "Catholics" in the Senate (both Democrats and Republicans).

The question now is whether or not the Bishops Conference will allow this mockery of Catholic social teaching to pass through the media without comment or clarification. Will it be up to individual bishops, once again, to deal with the propaganda of the pro-abortion "Catholic" crowd in Congress?

The USCCB actually has a unique opportunity to take a stand here...

Very soon, the conference will be issuing its questionnaire to the presidential candidates. You may recall that in the 2000 election, there was a dustup when the Catholic News Service allowed Al Gore to describe himself as "pro-life" without any editorial comment or correction. This year, the content of the Conference questionnaire will be vital in determining what the Conference considers important
to learn from the presidential candidates.

Will the questionnaire follow the Durbin model of a flat moral universe where issues like the level of the minimum wage count the same as a vote on the protection of innocent life? Or will the questionnaire be weighted to reveal the candidates' views on matters that actually bind the Catholic's conscience?

As soon as it's made public, I'll let you know.

Talk to you soon,
Deal

All emphasis is mine.
- posted by LRS @ 6:00 AM   

 
The Holy Father meets with Bishops of Region XIII
These are the Bishops from Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and western Texas.

The rise of the prophetic mission of the laity is one of the great treasures unfolding in the Church of the third millennium.

Detached from this vision of the fundamental unity and purpose of the whole human family, rights are at times reduced to self-centred demands: the growth of prostitution and pornography in the name of adult choice, the acceptance of abortion in the name of women’s rights, the approval of same sex unions in the name of homosexual rights.

In the face of such erroneous yet pervasive thinking you must do everything possible to encourage the laity in their "special responsibility" for "evangelizing culture ... and promoting Christian values in society and public life" (Pastores Gregis, 51). False secularistic forms of "humanism" which exalt the individual in such a manner that they become a veritable idolatry (cf. Christifideles Laici, 5) can be countered only by the rediscovery of the genuine inviolable dignity of every person.

So, again I say to the people of the United Sates, it is the Paschal Mystery of Christ that is the only sure point of reference for all of humanity on its pilgrimage in search of authentic unity and true peace! (cf. Ecclesia in America, 70).

Address here.


- posted by LRS @ 5:30 AM   

 
UNFPA Report Says Catholic Dissidents Help Advance 'Reproductive Rights"
A report issued on May 18 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) provides a strategy for undermining Catholic Church teaching on sexual morality and family life. The plan involves partnering with Catholic clergy and lay organizations that may secretly dissent from Church teaching. By choosing to work with such groups, UNFPA can appear to be in accord with the Church, even as it promotes such things as the legalization of abortion and the provision of contraceptives to adolescents.

The report, entitled "Working from Within: Culturally Sensitive Approaches in UNFPA Programming," is a 32-page examination of UNFPA's efforts in nine countries to change laws and establish what it calls reproductive rights and health - an ambiguous phrase that is used throughout the report and is never defined but in UN parlance includes abortion. In its section on Brazil readers are told that one lesson to emerge from UNFPA's work in the country was that the Catholic Church was not a monolith and that essential to fighting Church teaching was identifying dissenting Catholics. "Within the Catholic Church, certain progressive branches exist, including the Communidades Eclesiais de Base, whose Catholic clergy understand the harsh realities of the country's poor and are ardent advocates on their behalf."

In the report, UNFPA touts a collaboration it began in the early 1990s with Pastoral da Crianca, a Catholic nongovernmental organization that promotes maternal and infant health through a network of 150,000 volunteers. Both groups sought to promote the spacing of pregnancies, though Pastoral did so by teaching Church approved natural family planning, while UNFPA promoted contraception. The report calls the strategy "selective collaboration" with the Catholic Church, which it defines as "identifying and working together in those areas where objectives coincide, while respecting the boundaries inherent in each partner's mandate."

But it becomes clear that in reality UNFPA does not respect such boundaries. The case study reveals that UNFPA, with UNICEF, funded a radio program sponsored by Pastoral as well as other "materials dealing with various aspects of family planning." The report brags that "although the emphasis was on birth spacing through natural methods, modern methods of contraception were also introduced. Pastoral da Crianca provided all of this information to their volunteers, who, in turn, conveyed it to their clients during home visits."

Besides using Pastoral's vast volunteer network to help spread its message, UNFPA benefited from the relationship in another significant way: It gave them credibility. "For UNFPA, working with Pastoral lent a certain legitimacy to its efforts and facilitated its involvement with grass-roots communities." Following the visit of Pope John Paul II to Brazil during the Jubilee Year of 2000, Pastoral terminated its relationship with UNFPA.

Copyright - C-FAM (Catholic Family & Human Rights Institute). Permission
granted for unlimited use. Credit required.

Catholic Family & Human Rights Institute
866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 427
New York, New York 10017
Phone: (212) 754-5948 Fax: (212) 754-9291
E-mail: c-fam@c-fam.org Website: www.c-fam.org

- posted by LRS @ 6:00 PM   

 
YES, he's a US citizen...NO, it's not human...Confused?

Myrna Dick, 29, of the Kansas City suburb of Raymore, is five months pregnant and married to a U.S. citizen. Senior U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright ruled Thursday that the couple's unborn child was also a U.S. citizen and thereby entitled to legal protection.

Yet some judges would allow here to have her baby butchered, as in the recently overturned Partial Birth Abortion Ban...

If the unborn baby is a US citizen, then those who are murdered have been denied due process...

STL Post Dispatch Article...
- posted by LRS @ 12:46 PM   

 
No surprises here...
This comes from a News Story at CNS...

New score card rates Catholic senators' votes on various issues

Kerry, a Massachusetts Democrat who is the likely Democratic nominee for president, received the highest score of all 24 Catholic senators in the analysis. Durbin was second and Santorum was 20th.

Msgr. Francis Maniscalco, secretary of communications for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, had no immediate comment on the score card.

Santorum said he hoped the score card would prompt comment from the USCCB and individual bishops.

Durbin's score card gave an average score of 34 percent to the 10 Republican Catholic senators on those domestic issues, while the 14 Catholic Democrats received an average score of 79 percent.

I guess this is all we need to know...the article appears to advocate the scorecard but then, I have become unduly suspicious of CNS reporting.

Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 12:42 PM   

 
What will this be like?
Debate between German cardinal, Father Kung to highlight assembly

COLOGNE, Germany (CNS) -- A scheduled debate between German Cardinal Karl Lehmann of Mainz and dissident Swiss theologian Father Hans Kung will be among the highlights of a five-day Catholic assembly scheduled for June. Cardinal Lehmann, chairman of the German bishops' conference, and Father Kung, who was stripped of his teaching rights at Catholic universities by the Vatican in 1979, were to debate the Second Vatican Council document "Lumen Gentium," with which they were both closely involved. Some 15,000 mainly Catholic participants are expected to gather in Ulm for the June 16-20 Katholikentag, or Catholic Church assembly. Its theme is "Living From the Power of God." Theodor Bolzenius, spokesman for the assembly, said the event will send the message that society must do all it can to preserve life, from conception to death.

CNS
- posted by LRS @ 12:40 PM   

 
Vatican wants to meet with U.S. task force on Catholic politicians

The Vatican's doctrinal congregation wants to meet soon with a U.S. bishops' task force to help clarify controversial questions over church teachings and Catholic politicians, sources in Rome said.

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, suggested the encounter after speaking at length with a group of U.S. bishops at the Vatican June 2, said Bishop Donald E. Pelotte of Gallup, N.M.

During their meeting, Cardinal Ratzinger said church leaders should be cautious about refusing Communion to Catholic politicians who oppose church teachings on abortion and other pro-life issues, Bishop Pelotte told Catholic News Service.

A Vatican source confirmed that Cardinal Ratzinger had emphasized caution when discussing the possibility of denying Communion.

CNS article here.

- posted by LRS @ 12:20 PM   

 
Post Dispatch Editorial: Archdiocese should take heed of trends

Last year, the St. Louis Archdiocese conducted a study of the Northeast Deanery, an area that stretches from Hazelwood to Jennings, to determine how to reconfigure the district. The archdiocese, acting upon declining Catholic population trends in the deanery, wants to make sure the parishes remain viable in the coming years.

It is certain some schools and churches will close. Until a first draft of the plan recommendations is released in August, no one knows for sure which ones.

It would be easy for archdiocesan officials to simply consider numbers on paper when deciding which schools and churches to close. North County may also be hampered by the fact that Archbishop Raymond Burke is new to St. Louis and may be unfamiliar with the dynamics of the area.

That's why the archdiocese needs to look beyond the study before making its final decision.

Many have left or are leaving the area and moving west or south...What are these 'dynamics'?

Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 7:30 AM   

 
Durbin: Survey shows senators vote Vatican
This is article from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Sen. Dick Durbin released a survey Wednesday that he says shows most Catholic Democratic senators like himself vote in line with church positions - except when it comes to abortion.

"To suggest . . . that the issue of taking innocent human life is on par and has the moral equivalency of how many television stations somebody owns in Erie, Pennsylvania, is a deliberate attempt to confuse and obfuscate what is the true teaching of the church," said Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa. "They are not morally equivalent issues."

During the news conference, Durbin said the priest's statements were "a very painful experience for someone who has been a practicing Catholic for 59 years plus."

I wonder if he would like cheese with that whine?

In addition, we must be told what Catholics for a Free Choice (to murder) has to say. This is standard policy, it seems.

Last month, Catholics for a Free Choice, an abortion-rights group, surveyed most of the nation's 195 dioceses and found that four bishops have indicated they would deny Communion to Catholic politicians whose legislation is counter to Catholic teaching on some issues.

Archbishop Burke, one of the four noted above, says this:

The question really is about the first life issue, meaning the right to life of the innocent, defenseless unborn," Burke said in an interview with the Post-Dispatch on Wednesday. ". . . That issue has to be treated separately. . . . When you mix them all together and place the same importance on each, Catholic politicians who agree (with the Church) on many issues may feel they have fulfilled their moral duty."

Sen. Rick Santorum sees this as an opportune teaching moment for the bishops:

Santorum said he hopes the conference will respond to the survey: "It's an opportunity for the conference of bishops to set the record straight."

Full article here.
- posted by LRS @ 7:14 AM   

 
What the bishops are really saying
This is an editorial from the St. Louis Review (posted in its entirety) reflecting on the letter of the forty some representatives of the US House.

The 40-plus Catholic Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives petitioning Cardinal Theodore McCarrick to call off the bishops who’ve reminded them of their pro-life responsibilities aren’t the victims they pretend to be.

The federal lawmakers’ letter makes it sound as if they are unfairly being singled out by some American prelates who’ve said they shouldn’t receive Communion if they support abortion.

More likely the bishops who’ve sounded the warning have struck a nerve among the Catholic political leaders who continue to support abortion.

The bishops who have sounded off recently on this matter of receiving Communion have been consistent in their message: If you call yourself a Catholic, live as a faithful Catholic should. They clearly have put the responsibility on the politicians to make that choice and have reminded them that they can’t have it both ways.

The bishops issuing these stern reminders have rarely singled out individuals and never political parties. There have been no threats of excommunication and the "threat" to withhold the Eucharist always follows the reasoning that those in public office who choose not to obey Church teaching commit grave sin. None of the letter-signers to Cardinal McCarrick, one of whom is Rep. William Lacy Clay of St. Louis, has been named publicly by his or her bishop. The only reason many people now know that those dissidents are Catholic is because they’ve decided to label themselves as such. It’s true that these Democrats, like the Democratic Party in general over the decades, have supported issues to improve the lives of the people in accordance with Gospel teachings. If so, then, why can’t they understand that protecting the lives of the unborn is no less important?

The most curious line in their letter is the one that reads: " ... we live in a nation of laws, and the Supreme Court has declared that our Constitution provides women with a right to an abortion." Following that reasoning, no one should have amended the U.S. Constitution to end slavery or allow women to vote or worked to reverse the 1890s Supreme Court ruling that allowed racial segregation to continue to the middle of the past century.

Let’s also remember what St. Louis Archbishop Raymond Burke really has said about all this. While still in La Crosse, Wis., he issued a pastoral message telling pro-abortion political leaders calling themselves Catholic (no individual names or party affiliations mentioned) that they shouldn’t receive Communion. He added that they shouldn’t "be admitted" to Communion until they’ve embraced a pro-life outlook.

In his first week in St. Louis, he was asked on a television news program covering a myriad of subjects whether he would give Communion to Presidential wannabe John Kerry, who supports abortion and continues to receive Communion when he attends Sunday Mass. The Archbishop answered that he would probably give Kerry a blessing but certainly not the consecrated Host.

We know of no Catholic politician who has been denied Communion. One, New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey, has voluntarily decided not to receive Communion because of his support for issues that conflict with Church teaching.

We need to remember that while Our Lord offers us His Body and Blood in the Eucharist, that offer comes with an expectation: that we be in a state of grace. We’re not in that state of grace if we defy the teachings of the Church.

This issue that recently has so engrossed Catholic politicians is not a battle for conscience. It’s a war for souls. The bishops are merely firing the spiritual volleys that need to be heeded.

Emphasis mine.
- posted by LRS @ 7:10 AM   

 
Archbishop Burke discusses Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Posted in its entirety since I cannot find archived columns at the St. Louis Review.

Devotional life: Enthronement of the Sacred Heart
by Archbishop Raymond L. Burke

Introduction

One of the important duties of the bishop is to foster the devotional life of the faithful entrusted to his pastoral care. In his post-synodal apostolic exhortation "On the Bishop, Servant of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the Hope of the World," Pastores Gregis (Oct. 16, 2003), Pope John Paul II reminded all bishops:

"The Synod Fathers reaffirmed the importance of popular piety in the handing on and the growth of faith. As my predecessor of venerable memory Pope Paul VI once said, popular piety is rich in values both in reference to God and to our brothers and sisters, and thus constitutes an authentic treasury of spirituality in the life of the Christian community" (n. 40a).

The bishop’s concern for the devotional life of his people is an integral part of his care for their prayer life and their participation in the worship of the Church. Most of all, it is a part of his care that the faithful participate fully in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, for the devotional life is the way in which we extend our communion with Christ in the Holy Eucharist to every aspect of our lives. At the same time, our devotional life stirs up in us the desire for participation in the Holy Eucharist and prepares us to take part in the Eucharistic Sacrifice.

It is important to recall that true devotional life also leads to a desire both to know the faith more fully and to communicate the faith to others, according to our call to be missionary and to be promoters of Christian unity and interfaith understanding and cooperation. The devotional life very much inspires and sustains the witness of justice and charity in our lives. Our Holy Father has given an excellent summary of the richness of meaning of devotions in the Christian life: "The faithful, through popular piety, should be led to a personal encounter with Christ and to fellowship with the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints, especially through hearing the word of God, recourse to prayer, participation in the Church’s sacramental life, and the witness of charity and the works of mercy" (Pastores Gregis, n. 40d).

Popular piety gives concrete expression to our communion with all the saints, the communion which has its source in Christ’s love for us and our love for Christ.

Second Vatican Ecumenical Council

In teaching about devotions, the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council reminded us, in the words of St. Paul, that we are to pray without ceasing, so that we may live always in the company of Christ and bring Christ to others at all times and in all places. We pray at Mass that Christ, Who gives Himself totally to us in the Holy Eucharist, may make of us a total gift of love to God and our neighbor. Our devotional life helps us to be reminded throughout the day and in the various places of our daily activity that we are called to offer our lives, with Christ, to God and one another (cf. Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium [Dec. 4, 1963], nn. 12-13).

It is important that the bishop give direction to the devotional life, so that popular piety attain its noble purpose, namely a fuller participation in the Holy Mass and other sacraments and, thereby, a fuller life in Christ. The Church carefully guides our life of prayer and worship, lest it any way fail to draw us to a greater love of Christ and His Church. The care of the devotional life belongs in a special way to the bishop. Referring to documents of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Pope John Paul II recalls "that all manifestations of popular piety fall under the responsibility of the bishop in his diocese" (Pastores Gregis, n. 40e). Regarding devotions, he states clearly:

"It is the bishop’s duty to regulate them, to encourage them as an aid to the faithful for Christian living, to purify them where necessary and to evangelize them" (Pastores Gregis, n. 40e).

Down the Christian centuries, false devotions have been introduced, which have led the faithful away from Christ. The Church studies the various popular devotions which arise, in order to be sure that they are fully coherent with the doctrine of the faith and her discipline. At the same time, the Church commends certain devotions to us. The Second Vatican Ecumenical Council tells us: "Popular devotions of the Christian people, provided they conform to the laws and norms of the Church, are to be highly recommended, especially where they are ordered by the Apostolic See" (Sacrosanctum Concilium, n. 13a).

The more closely we grow in the likeness of Christ, we desire to be in His company throughout the day, especially through prayer and devotions. One thinks, for instance, of morning prayer and evening prayer, prayers before and after meals, the Angelus, visits to the Blessed Sacrament and making the Sign of the Cross when passing before a church, the rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, the Stations of the Cross, prayers said when hearing a siren or seeing an ambulance, lighting a blessed candle during a storm, and a host of other devotional practices which help us to keep company with Christ.

Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

In the homily at the Mass during which I was installed as Archbishop of St. Louis, on this past Jan. 26, I recalled the homily which Pope John Paul II gave at the Solemn Pontifical Mass on the second day of his historic pastoral visit to our archdiocese in 1999. In particular, I recalled how our Holy Father drew us, through his homily, to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, "the door through which the eternal love of the Father is poured out on the world" (Pope John Paul II, Homily, Solemn Eucharistic Celebration, America’s Center, St. Louis, Jan. 27, 1999, n. 1c). Our Holy Father reminded us that our fullest union with the Heart of Jesus in this life is through the Holy Eucharist, participation in Holy Mass and Eucharistic devotion. Truly, Christ seated at the right hand of the Father never ceases to pour out, from His glorious Heart, the riches of God’s grace upon the Church and us, her members, especially through the celebration of the Holy Mass.

Having called to mind the Holy Father’s words about the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I urged the practice of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as an expression of Christ’s Kingship in our hearts and in our world. I urged the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart in homes and other institutions of which we are a part: "Placing our hearts within the Sacred Heart of Jesus through participation in the Holy Eucharist and Eucharistic devotion, let us enthrone the image of His Sacred Heart in our homes and places of work and recreation, consecrating ourselves and all that we do to His service. The Sacred Heart devotion is a most fitting and efficacious way of extending Eucharistic worship and devotion into every moment of our lives and every aspect of our lives" (n. IVb).

The Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a true way of living always in the company of Christ Who gives us His Body and Blood in Holy Communion. The image of the Sacred Heart reminds us that Christ is alive for us always in the Church. We need only to approach Him Whose glorious Heart never ceases to beat with deepest love of us.

Since the time of my installation, a number of families have enthroned the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. On this past March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of our Lord, representatives of all of our Catholic schools came to the Cathedral Basilica for a Solemn Pontifical Mass, during which I blessed the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus for each school. The students took the icon to their schools for the Enthronement. When I am visiting the schools, I am pleased to see the image of the Sacred Heart enthroned in a prominent place for the devotion of the students, faculty and others who visit the Catholic school.

It is my hope that every home in the archdiocese will enthrone the Sacred Heart of Jesus, if it has not already done so. To that end, I write about the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Enthronement. The reflection is particularly timely as we celebrate Christ’s Ascension to the right hand of the Father and prepare to celebrate, on Pentecost, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and, through the Apostles, on all of the disciples. Following Pentecost Sunday, we celebrate a number of solemnities which express the richness of Christ’s living presence with us in the Church: the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, and the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is my hope that the reflection which I offer on the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus will help us in celebrating these important solemnities and in living faithfully in the company of our Risen Lord in our homes.

What is the Enthronement?

Our Lord Himself has provided us with a most wonderful way to welcome Him into our homes. From 1673 to 1675, He appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a nun of the Visitation Convent at Paray-le-Monial in France. He revealed to St. Margaret Mary the great mystery of His infinite love for us, represented by His Sacred Heart. He asked that homes be consecrated to His Sacred Heart as a sign of His living presence with us in the Church, especially through the Holy Eucharist.

The practice of the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the home was begun by Father Mateo Crawley-Boevey of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. His work was first confirmed and blessed by Pope St. Pius X and then by every Pope since. When Pope St. Pius X heard of the Enthronement, he told Father Crawley-Boevey directly: "To save the family is to save society. The work you are undertaking is a work of social salvation. Consecrate your life to it." Father Crawley-Boevey could not mistake the importance which the Holy Father gave to his apostolate of the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. What the saintly Roman Pontiff declared to Father Crawley-Boevey in 1907 remains true in our time. If the company of Christ is cultivated in our homes, His company will be cultivated in every sector of life for the transformation of our society and of our world into a civilization of love.

The Enthronement is bound essentially to the Holy Eucharist, for it aims to bring Christ, truly present on the altar of sacrifice and in the tabernacles of our parish churches, into our homes. It aims to unite the altar and tabernacle of the parish church with the altar and tabernacle of devotion in our hearts and in our homes.

The whole meaning of the devotion is to extend the grace of the Eucharist into the Christian home and from the Christian home to the whole world.

The image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus expresses the true Kingship of Christ who rules over us by giving up His life for us. It daily reminds each member of the family to follow in Christ’s royal way by making reparation for sins committed and by striving to serve God and neighbor more lovingly. Father Crawley-Boevey spoke of the Enthronement as the "official and social recognition of the rule of Jesus over the Christian family" (Mateo Crawley-Boevey, SS.CC., Jesus King of Love, Fairhaven, MA: National Enthronement Center, 1997, p. 125). Once the Enthronement has taken place in the home, each family member has the occasion daily and, perhaps, many times daily to gaze upon the Face of Christ and to have Christ gaze upon his or her face. Looking into the Face of Christ, all of the various moments of daily living are seen in their lasting importance, are seen in the perspective of the eternal life which is to be ours.

Living the Enthronement

The Enthronement is not merely the placing of a sacred object in the home. It is not only an act of veneration of the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Enthronement is a way of life, the acceptance of Christ as King of my heart, as my constant Companion, as my Friend, helping me and guiding me in the small and big matters of daily life. As Bishop of La Crosse, I urged very much the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, especially on the occasion of the celebration of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000. As families began to enthrone the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the first time or to renew the Enthronement which had taken place years ago in the home, I received reports, both directly and by letter, recounting special graces received by the family members. The reports testified to the grace which comes to a home which makes the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus a way of life for every member of the family. I offer two examples.

One man whom I will call Joseph told me personally about the situation of his neighbor, a devout Catholic who was dying of a painful form of cancer. The neighbor was suffering physically and was also psychologically very agitated. His wife was most concerned, especially as he was nearing death.

Joseph suggested to the man and his wife the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the bedroom in which the man was undergoing his agony. After some days of preparation, the Enthronement took place. After the Enthronement, the neighbor suffering from the cancer received a wonderful grace of peace, which he enjoyed until his death some days later.

A father and mother wrote to me after the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart in the home. They had two teenage children, a young man and a young woman, who were often disagreeable with each other and with their parents. The family prepared for the Enthronement which they carried out on Good Friday. The parents wrote to tell about the new attitude of respect for each other and for the parents, which the teenage children were manifesting after the Enthronement. Surely, the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart had helped the young people to draw upon the grace of the Holy Eucharist to live more fully in the company of Christ.

Conclusion

Next week, I will continue to reflect upon the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the home, also giving the practical details about how to prepare for the Enthronement and how to celebrate properly the Rite of the Enthronement. The Office of Sacred Worship of the Archdiocese is helping me to prepare a booklet for families to use in preparing for and carrying out the Enthronement. It will be available in the coming weeks.

Let us pray for an ever more perfect union of our hearts with the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Let us with Mary, place our hearts, with all of their joys and burdens, in the Heart of Jesus, the only source of our healing and peace.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mother, have mercy on us.

- posted by LRS @ 7:02 AM   

 
Fatima Statue's visit inspires area Catholics

[Anne] Zivnuska and her husband, Fred, felt so connected to Fatima that when they found out in March that the International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima - a traveling version of a statue in Fatima - would be available for three weeks, they jumped at the chance to bring it to St. Louis. The statue had been scheduled to travel to Peru, but a last-minute change meant a cancellation of that trip and an opening for St. Louis.

After receiving permission from Archbishop Raymond Burke to bring the statue to the archdiocese, [Fred and Anne] Zivnuska began setting up appointments for the tour. The statue's tour of the city began Tuesday at Our Lady of Fatima in Florissant and will visit about 20 sites before ending June 21.

Calendar and locations here.
- posted by LRS @ 6:42 AM   

 
Fr Joseph Wilson's observation on Cardinal George's comments

Rarely have I seen a set of comments which so missed the heart of the matter. Are these the concerns which the Cardinal thinks are our most serious considerations? Over the last thirty years of what we have fondly thought to be an age of Renewal, we have seen a sixty percent decline in Mass attendance -- eighteen percent of Catholics assist at Mass on a given Sunday in my Diocese of Brooklyn, nineteen percent in New York, sixteen in Chicago, by pre-Scandal figures.

Religious Orders are collapsing before our eyes; Catholic colleges and universities are secularized, Catholic health care has been secularized to the point where a woman who has given birth in a Catholic hospital often finds herself offered a sterilization procedure.

Two-thirds of Mass-going Catholics cannot distinguish the Catholic doctrine on the Eucharist -- the very heart of our Faith -- from Protestant heresies. Forty years ago, we junked an effective, consistent method of passing on Catholic doctrine for coloring books, free-thinking, free-wheeling and finger-painting. We have raised two generations of religiously illiterate Catholics, and we're starting on the third. The Archbishop of New Orleans points out that virtually ALL of our high school Religion texts are junk and should be trashed, and people sit up and say, "Wow! Didja hear that?" But the Bishops knew that thirty years ago, gang. Thirty years ago. And they marginalized in their "kooks" file parents who complained about their children's textbooks. And Cardinal O'Connor pointed out the defective nature of Religion texts to the whole NCCB eight years ago, and someone else will a decade from now. None of these problems were caused by the courts, the legislature, or the monstrously evil Boston Globe.
...
As I have said elsewhere, I find myself increasingly perplexed. Why is it that, after these confusing forty years of bogus "Renewal," with decaying Religious Orders and empty seminaries and religious illiteracy throughout our land -- problems that weren't caused by the media, or the courts, or the legislature -- we are still waiting for a Bishop to stand up, sound the alarm, and say, "We are in a CRISIS. We have been for forty years. Let us ask the help of God, and of our blessed Lady the Mother of the Church, to address it, and bring about a renewal"?

A well written post about the nature of the REAL problems of the Church. CWNews Off the Record.

- posted by LRS @ 6:35 AM   

 
Cardinals George And Mahony...
...Differ On Communion For Rainbow Sashers

Wanderer Article.
- posted by LRS @ 6:20 AM   

 
Events Forcing Abortion Issue on Kerry

Sen. John F. Kerry is getting pulled, sometimes reluctantly, into the national debate over abortion as result of recent court action, church politics and some pressure from Democrats outside of his campaign.

The Massachusetts Democrat, who throughout his 30-plus years in public life has tried to balance his personal opposition to abortion with public support for a woman's right to have one, rarely talks about the issue on the campaign trail -- unless he is forced to. Kerry's reluctance to discuss abortion is as much personal as political, reflecting the Democratic presidential candidate's uneasiness in talking about religious views and divisive church issues, aides say.

But recent events, including Tuesday's court ruling that the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act is unconstitutional, are forcing Kerry to deal with an issue that some Democrats fear could complicate his efforts to win over independents and disgruntled Republicans and could detract attention from his focus on economic and national security issues.

Washington Post Article.
- posted by LRS @ 6:15 AM   

 
SNAP supporters forced to leave San DIego Ordination Mass

Sheriff's deputies were summoned after four black-robed protesters refused church orders to leave the property. The protesters were there on behalf of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), and they wanted to go to the service.

Deputies arrived about the time the service was starting, and they stood outside with the demonstrators, explaining to them that if they didn't leave, they would be arrested. After talking for several minutes, the foursome agreed to move.

Article here.

- posted by LRS @ 6:10 AM   

 
Professed 'Catholic' Senators issue analysis of 'Scorecard'

Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and other Catholic senators today released an analysis of votes and actions of Catholic Senators based on the official positions taken on legislation by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

The report analyzes votes and legislative cosponsorships for the 24 Catholic U.S. Senators regarding issues for which the USCCB has taken an official position. The issues are broadly divided into three areas: Domestic Issues; International Issues; and Pro-Life Issues. The scorecard includes a total of 48 votes or actions Senators have taken regarding these 24 issues, 47 of which took place during the 108th Congress (2003-2004), plus the Iraqi War Resolution, which the Senate passed on October 11, 2002.

Article here.

- posted by LRS @ 6:05 AM   

 
Lineamenta Questions
The faithful can review these questions present their answers through their local bishops.

The Questions

1. The Eucharist in the Life of the Church: What importance does the celebration of the Eucharist have in the life of your community and that of the individual believer? What is the frequency of participation at Mass on Sundays? On weekdays? On the major feast days of the liturgical year? Could you supply statistics–even approximate–in this regard?

2. Eucharistic Doctrine and Formation: What attempts are being made to transmit the teaching on the Eucharist, whole and entire, to your community and the individual believer? Specifically, how are The Catechism of the Catholic Church, nn. 1322-1419, and the Encyclical Letter Ecclesia De Eucharistia being utilized by priests, deacons, consecrated persons and the laity involved in pastoral work? In what way is the formation of faith in the Eucharist being ensured in initial catechesis? In homilies? In the programs of ongoing formation for priests, permanent deacons, and seminarians? Of consecrated persons? Of the laity?

3. The Understanding of the Eucharistic Mystery: What is the prevailing idea on the Eucharist among priests and the faithful of your community: sacrifice?, memorial of the Paschal Mystery?, the precept of Sunday Mass?, fraternal meal?, act of adoration? Other....? Practically speaking, is any one of these ideas prevalent? If so, what is the reason.

4. The Shadows in the Celebration of the Eucharist: In the Encyclical Letter Ecclesia De Eucharistia (n. 10) the Holy Father mentions “shadows” in the celebration of the Eucharist. What are the negative aspects (abuses, misunderstandings) existing in Eucharistic worship? What elements or actions done in practice can obscure the profound sense of the Eucharistic mystery? What is the cause of such a disorienting situation for the faithful?

5. The Eucharistic Celebration and Liturgical Norms: In an attempt to be personal and avant-garde, do priests manifest any attitudes in their celebration of Mass which are explicitly or implicitly contrary to the liturgical norms established by the Catholic Church (cf. The General Instruction on the Roman Missal, Chapter IV; Instruction for Applying the Liturgical Prescriptions of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches)? In your estimation, what are the underlying reasons for such behaviour? What elements or actions during the celebration of Holy Mass, and also in Eucharistic worship outside of Mass, according to their respective norms and dispositions, should receive attention so as to highlight the profound sense of this great Mystery of the faith hidden in the gift of the Eucharist?

6. The Sacrament of the Eucharist and The Sacrament of Penance: Conversion is necessary to participate fully in partaking of the Eucharist. What is the faithful’s understanding of the relationship between the Sacrament of Penance and the Sacrament of the Eucharist? Holy Mass is also the celebration of salvation from sin and death. For the return of sinners, above all on Sundays, what is provided so that the faithful can celebrate the Sacrament of Penance in time to participate in the Eucharist? Do Christian communities often display a casual approach to receiving Holy Communion or do they unjustifiably refrain from receiving it? What is being done to assist the faithful to discern if they have the proper dispositions to approach this great Sacrament?

7. The Sacred Character of the Eucharist: The Eucharist is the mystery of the Real Presence of God-among-us; at the same time, it is an unfathomable mystery. How should its sacred character be acknowledged? How do priests and the faithful manifest this sacred character in their celebration of Holy Mass on Sundays, weekdays, and major feast days and at other liturgical times during the year? What cultural attitudes and practices obscure this sacred character?

8. Holy Mass and the Celebration of the Word: In parishes awaiting a priest, how widespread is the practice of celebrating the Liturgy of the Word with the distribution of the Eucharist, over which a lay person or Eucharistic minister often presides? What specific formation do those responsible receive? Are the faithful able to understand the difference between such celebrations and Holy Mass? Do they have an adequate knowledge of the distinction between an ordained and non-ordained minister?

9. The Eucharist and the Other Sacraments: To what measure and with what criteria are the other sacraments celebrated during Holy Mass? When the sacraments and sacramentals are celebrated during Holy Mass (Matrimony, Funerals, Baptisms, etc.) with non-practising Catholics, non-Catholics and unbelievers present, what steps are taken to avoid a casual attitude or even carelessness towards the Eucharist?

10.The Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist: Have the faithful in your parishes preserved faith in the Lord’s Real Presence in the Sacrament of the Eucharist? Do they have a clear understanding of the gift of the Lord’s Real Presence? Do situations exist in Eucharistic Liturgies or the Worship of the Eucharist which might lead to a diminished regard for the Real Presence. If so, what might be the reasons?

11.Eucharistic Devotion: Does the Worship of the Most Blessed Sacrament have a due place in parish life and communities? What importance do pastors give to adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament? To Perpetual Adoration? To Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament? To personal prayer before the tabernacle? To processions on the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ? To Eucharistic devotion in parish missions?

12.Holy Mass and the Liturgical-Devotional Life: Do the faithful understand the difference between Holy Mass and other devotional practices like the Liturgy of the Hours, the celebration of the sacraments and sacramentals outside of Mass, the Liturgy of the Word, processions, etc.? How is the substantial difference shown between Eucharistic celebration and other liturgical and para-liturgical celebrations?

13.Dignity at Eucharistic Celebrations: Is attention given in your Churches to the liturgical environment for Eucharistic celebrations? What is the artistic-architectural setting in which the Eucharistic liturgy is celebrated both on solemn occasions and on weekdays? Do the surroundings give a clear indication that the Eucharistic banquet is truly a “sacred” banquet (Ecclesia De Eucharistia, 48)? How frequently and for what pastoral reasons is Mass celebrated outside of this place of worship?

14.The Eucharist and Inculturation: To what measure must attention be given to inculturation in the celebration of the Sacrament of the Eucharist so as to avoid a misunderstood creativity which leads to peculiar and strange practices. What criteria are followed in inculturation? In the Latin Church, are the norms proposed in the Instruction De Liturgia Romana et Inculturazione given adequate consideration? What is the experience of the Eastern Churches in the inculturation of the Eucharist?

15.The Eschatological Aspect of the Eucharist: Is the eschatological aspect of the Eucharist given sufficient emphasis in catechesis, in ongoing formation, in homiletics and in liturgical celebration? In what way is the eschatological tension flowing from the Eucharist present in pastoral life? How does the celebration of Mass manifest “the Communion of Saints,” a foretaste of the eschatological reality?

16.The Eucharist, Ecumenism, Interreligious Dialogue and the Sects: Considering the ideas on the Eucharist held by our separated brothers and sisters in the West and the challenges of other religions and the sects, how is the mystery of the Most Blessed Sacrament preserved and presented in its entirety, so as not to cause confusion or misunderstanding among the faithful, particularly at ecumenical and interreligious meetings?

17.The Eucharist and Ecclesial “Intercommunion”: “The celebration of the Eucharist cannot be the starting-point for communion” (Ecclesia De Eucharistia, 35). How are the norms of intercommunion applied (cf. The Code of Canon Law, canon 844)? Are the faithful aware of the norm that a Catholic cannot receive the Eucharist in communities which do not have the Sacrament of Orders (cf. Ecclesia De Eucharistia, 46)?

18.The Eucharist and the Moral Life: The Eucharist provides growth in the moral life of the Christian. What do the faithful believe about the necessity of sacramental grace for living according to the Spirit and becoming saints? What do the faithful think about the relation between the reception of the Sacrament of the Eucharist and other aspects of the Christian life: personal sanctification, moral obligations, fraternal charity, the construction of an earthly society, etc.?

19.The Eucharist and Mission: The Eucharist is also a gift for mission. Are the faithful aware that the Sacrament of the Eucharist leads to the mission they have to fulfill in the world, according to their state in life?

20.More on the Eucharist: What other aspects of the Sacrament of the Eucharist, not contained in the preceding questions, should be considered in preparing the Instrumentum laboris which will be discussed during the synodal assembly?

I intend to review ansd answer as many of these as possible and submit my observations to Archbishop Burke and the Office of Worship. I read the document last night and will need to read it again. Cardinal Schotte, who I believe heads up the Synod of Bishops, is quite devoted to the Holy Eucharist. He was here a few years back for our last Eucharistic Congress and gave a wonderful keynote address which may still be available from St. Joseph Communications.

- posted by LRS @ 6:55 AM   

 
Bishop says denying Eucharist not part of church's pastoral tradition

While one has a "clear and grave obligation" to vote against legislation that bolsters abortion, the view of refusing Communion to politicians who support keeping abortion legal is not part of the pastoral tradition of the church, Pittsburgh Bishop Donald W. Wuerl said in a May 25 address.

"In fact, there seems to be a practice both in Rome and throughout the diocesan churches in Europe of refraining from disciplinary actions in such circumstances," he said.

Lack of discipline when it is required is a failure to teach. One does not confirm one's child when that child is engaged in disrupting or disobedient acts. The same is true for adults. Are not superiors obligated to discipline wayward subordinates when they are doing things contrary to legitimate demands of the superior? We are reaping the fruits of disciplinary failures and may do so for quite some time.

CNS article here.

- posted by LRS @ 6:38 AM   

 
Denial of Eucharist a 'slippery slope,' cardinal tells journalists

Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick of Washington, addressing a crowd at a Theology on Tap session held in conjunction with the Catholic Press Association convention in Washington, said denying Communion to politicians is a "slippery slope."

Not surprising...Article here.
- posted by LRS @ 6:19 AM   

 
Church's Freedom in U.S. Threatened, Says Cardinal George
These are sobering comments from Cardinal George to the Holy Father.

Chicago's archbishop warned that the freedom of the Church in the United States "is now threatened by movements within" and "by government and groups outside."

"Matters that should fall outside the purview of law in a constitutional democracy with a limited government -- the nature of life, of marriage, even of faith itself -- are now determined by courts designed only to protect individual rights."

"The public conversation in the United States is often an exercise in manipulation...It fundamentally distorts Catholicism...Our freedom to preach the Gospel is diminished."

"[Internally] On the left," he said, "the Church's teachings on sexual morality and the nature of ordained priesthood and of the Church herself are publicly opposed, as are the bishops who preach and defend these teachings. On the right, the Church's teachings might be accepted, but bishops who do not govern exactly and to the last detail in the way expected are publicly opposed."

Full Zenit article here.
- posted by LRS @ 9:46 PM   

 
The Lineamenta and Questions on the Holy Eucharist

A questionnaire sent out by the Holy See to prepare for next year's Synod of Bishops will serve to evaluate how the baptized celebrate and live the Blessed Sacrament.

The text constitutes the last chapter of the "lineamenta," or outline, whose answers will be used by the secretariat of the Synod of Bishops to write the working document that will provide the basis for the debates of the synodal assembly.

The laity can present their answers through their local bishops.

The 20 questions can be found at Zenit here.

The complete text of the "lineamenta" can be found at the Vatican here.
- posted by LRS @ 9:37 PM   

 
Judge: Bush Abortion Ban Unconstitutional

SAN FRANCISCO - A federal judge Tuesday declared the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act unconstitutional, saying the measure infringes on a woman's right to choose.

The "right to choose" to murder an innocent human being...The evil continues...however, this is the 9th Circus, the most overturned circuit court in history.

Article here.

- posted by LRS @ 12:30 PM   

 
Letter Writing Campaign in Support of Archbishop Burke
Back on March 3rd, there was a post about a VOTF letter writing campaign and a recommendation to have our campaign in support of Archbishop Burke prior to his receiving the pallium at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican on June 29. Part of the recommendation I received follows:

I think we should have our own letter-writing campaign. Let's tell the Apostolic Nuncio Bishop Gabriel Montalvo and Archbishop Burke that he has our 'trust and backing' by virtue of his track-record in the Cold North, and that VOTF St. Louis is the tiny voice of a self-described faithful which doesn't speak for us. We should mention the VOTF letter-writing campaign so everyone knows what we're responding to.

Let's get the campaign underway. There's the Credo Newsletter, the TFP America Needs Fatima group, the Latin Liturgy Association, and Women for Faith and Family. I bet we could publicize it on WRYT if we tried. We can encourage all these to get the campaign underway to coincide with Archbishop Burke's investure with the Pallium on June 29th. Everyone should compose a letter and have it ready to mail on June 1st. Can we get 500 letters mailed to Bishop Montalvo and the chancery?

t

----------------------------------------------
Below is a sample letter...
Remember, these letters should be mailed on or about June 1, for the best effect and impression AND we need to have HUNDREDS of people involved.

Most Rev. Bishop Gabriel Montalvo
Apostolic Nuncio
3339 Massachusetts Ave. N.W.
Washington, DC 20008-7121

Your Excellency,

I am aware of a letter writing campaign undertaken by the self-described "Voice of the Faithful" in St. Louis expressing concern about not being consulted about Justin Cardinal Rigali's departure, and most especially about Archbishop Raymond Burke's appointment. I would like to tell you about other voices.

Many here in St. Louis are proud to have seen our former Archbishop honored by the Church, and wish him continued success in his new posting. We understand that Roman Catholics go when they are sent. We are reminded of this tradition at the close of every Mass with the clever play on words: "ite, Missa est".

Many, including myself, are grateful to the Holy Father for the appointment of Archbishop Raymond Burke, an heroic defender of the Faith, to the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Even without our involvement in the selection process, Archbishop Burke can be confident that he has the trust and support of many in the Archdiocese by virtue of his courageous actions in LaCrosse and here in St. Louis since his arrival.

Thank you for your work as the ambassador of Pope John Paul II to the Church in the United States, and please do not be swayed by dissidents identifying new "faith traditions". I am sure they are moved by a Spirit, but the question remains, "Is it Holy?".

Sincerely yours in Christ,

The fax number for the Apostolic Nuncio is (202)337-4036.

The address for the chancery in St Louis is:
Chancery of the Archdiocese of St. Louis
4445 Lindell Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63108

Fax: (314)633-2333

- posted by LRS @ 7:30 AM   

 
Fr. Thomas Euteneuer's Letter to Nancy Pelosi
Fr. Euteneuer is President of Human Life International. His "no holds barred" letter is frank in its honesty and clarity.

Thank you for clarifying for all U.S. Catholics the meaning of the word "apostasy." Your May 10 letter to Cardinal McCarrick qualifies for what the Catechism of the Catholic Church defines as the "total repudiation of the Christian faith" (§2089).

You have lost your faith. Just admit it. One either accepts the hierarchy of truths and the hierarchy of authority, or she doesn't. You obviously don't. In such case by continuing to call yourself Catholic you are gambling with the most precious of all birthrights, your own soul; and it's yours to lose.

All those who dare call themselves Catholic while shamelessly advocating the death of Christ's "least brethren" will not have the Supreme Court to appeal to on the Day of Judgment. There is a Supreme Judge that you should be more concerned about.

Great letter...Here.



- posted by LRS @ 7:29 AM   

 
Parishioner upset over Fr. McCumber's Vocation Appeal

“Encourage the young people in your parish to consider religious vocations, especially to the priesthood.” Thus ended Father McCumber’s short appeal as he began his homily. I looked at my daughters, aged 14 and 20 and wondered if he meant that I should encourage them to consider the priesthood, or if he meant that they weren’t people.

This begins a article from the Spring 2004 newsletter from Catholic Action Network - a group which advocates "women priests".

So how does a priest encourage young men to enter the priesthood without putting down young women? There certainly is a need for priests, no one can deny that. Had Fr. McCumber said “encourage the young men” he probably would have heard from me that women have many talents to offer the church.

I think everyone realizes the talents women offer to the Church. However, those talents do not include a calling to the ministerial priesthood.

Father McCumber is director of the Office of Worship for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. I wonder if he was sent a copy of the newsletter?

CAN Newsletter here.



- posted by LRS @ 6:45 AM   

 
Rainbow Sash Movement Praises Cardinal Mahony and others

Pentecost is a time to celebrate the Universality of the Church, and it's Gospel Message of inclusiveness. I was very saddened by the response of Cardinal Francis George in Chicago. He used the Eucharist as a tool of discipline. He chose not to welcome us into his Cathedral, and went as far as to deny us the Holy Eucharist.

[O]thers like Cardinal Roger Mahony of Los Angeles, Bishop Hart of Rochester, NY, and Archbishop Harry Flynn welcomed those who wore the Rainbow Sash to their Cathedral. We thank these bishops for supporting the Teaching of Church in a pastorial manner.

The Teaching of the Church??? That those responsible for grave public scandal are encouraged! What a disconnect!

RSM Letter here.

- posted by LRS @ 6:33 AM