Posted on 04/13/2007 6:54:57 AM PDT by Frank Sheed
Two years into his reign, Pope Benedict XVI is finally poised to make a major mark on American Catholicism with a string of key bishop appointments and important decisions about the future of U.S. seminaries and bishops' involvement in politics.
Benedict's election on April 19, 2005, shook liberals and comforted conservatives who expected a doctrinal hard-liner. So far, they have found an easier hand - and someone who has not made the United States much of a priority.
When Benedict has gained attention, it has mostly been on the world stage, focusing on the re-Christianization of Europe, Islam and mending relations with Orthodox Christians. He also has stressed universal themes of faith and reason.
``The last two years have been much quieter years as far as the papacy is concerned because you have a very different personality'' than John Paul II, said Monsignor Robert Wister, chairman of the church history department at Seton Hall University's School of Theology.
``Many Americans were surprised - some happily, some disappointed - that he did not turn into the pit bull of dogma. He is taking a very pastoral approach, and I think people resonate very positively with that.''
Yet America's turn may be coming. At the top of the list is a looming generational shift among the nation's bishops, whose decisions at the local level greatly affect Catholics in the pews and can carry national weight. For instance, church leaders recently closed parishes in Boston and New York, while the St. Louis archbishop has clashed with a heavily Polish parish over control of its assets.
Key appointments are expected in New York, Baltimore and Detroit, where cardinals have reached retirement age - 75. And retirements or appointments are likely in at least seven other archdioceses...
(Excerpt) Read more at guardian.co.uk ...
Okay. But if there’s a “Run, Hillary, Run” bumpersticker on the front bumper, I suggest you let go of the car...
I’m here for a little bit, so I thought I’d send a drive by hi!
Hi, Tulip!
Since you will soon have some bigger digs, would you like to adopt one of the baby plesiosaurs?
They make wonderful pets, and they’re very clean.
Sure. I think I’ll have to build a moat first, though. :-)
Hiya tulip!
Saves brake pads too!
Saves brake pads too!
Hi stephen! How are things around the castle?
I have to go. See you later!
Hmm. Maybe one of the reasons we have not been contacted by other intelligences, is that God set up some kind of barrier to prevent it.
Do you think there might have been a moat in God's eye?
Quite possibly. I must ask Him in 30 years : )
Just fine, Tulip. Sorry I missed you.(Had to wash dishes)
Thursday, May 10, 2007
The pontiff's comments put five of seven Catholic candidates at odds with their church.
Pete's "awake" time in the evening allows me an hour or two to play with him a bit. Not much you can do with a one week old, but we are working on it...
Still spending plenty of time playing with Ana as well. I think she's having another growth spurt. She was starting to look like she was putting on weight, then a week later she started looking thinner... but with an extra inch or two of leg... Just amazing...
How are things on your end?
Still not sure what it means though. The closest our decoding software could come to an English translation was "Eat at Joe's. Chi Draconis C".
Note how many have planets that we can see from here. Note how many of these primaries are just like our own Sol. There is a lot of "there" out there. Just waiting for us...
Good morning! Glad to hear the new mom and baby are doing well.
The first baby is always the hardest because no one knows what to do or what to expect. I’m glad Zon is getting more rest with Pete. :o]
The “fun” things about newborns is just looking at the amazing miracle you helped to create. Knowing they have all the same working parts that you do is pretty awesome! It won’t be long before he is walking and big enough to go to the range with you. *snort*
Ana sounds as if she is going to be a big help for her brother. And it’a amazing how they seem to grow almost overnight. How is she with Pete? I bet she’s a real sweetheart of a big sister! (I’m dying for piccies of everyone!)
*HUGS* to all!
Ever since I learned that the stars were really suns, I’ve thought Man was pretty arrogant to believe we’re the only planet with life.
Speculating provides us with lots of science fiction, but no real idea of “Who’s There?”
I hope all our stuff fits... That is my number 1 worry. My #2 worry is getting our House sold...
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