Pope Set to Make Mark on U.S. Church

Guardian Unlimited ^ | April 12, 2007 | ERIC GORSKI (AP Religion Writer)

[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...

[rottndog]

Hello!

[Monkey Face]

Hi, sion! I thought of you and LOM all weekend, so I’m hoping things were OK for all of you. It must have been stressful.

[Monkey Face]

Backatcha!

[sionnsar]

Thank! Things were fine; it was good to see (her) family and friends again. They put on a nice Seattle reception; 46F and rain.

It was only a bit rough for the return trip; not comfortable and too long.

[sionnsar]

Where’d everyone go?

[sionnsar]

Last Post?

[sionnsar]

Did anyone see what happened on post 1927?

Lost Post?

[sionnsar]

Good night.

[NicknamedBob]

"They’d be out of business with the hours you keep!"

The Hours I Keep

My life is filled with treasures,
Rainbows, sunsets, lovely flowers,
Each I see as one more gift,
To set among my trove of hours.

Minutes stolen here and there,
Pondering the ways,
Glimpses of a bright tomorrow,
Mounting up to days.

Times I’ve taken stock of things,
Reckon I’ve done well.
Interest paid on gathered scents,
A fortune when I sell.

There will be an accounting,
Before my final sleep,
In minutes I’ve recorded for,
The hours that I keep.

NicknamedBob . . . . . May 21, 2007

[rottndog]

Bravo!

[NicknamedBob]

Thanks, RD!

As you can see, it doesn’t take much to set me off.

[rottndog]

We shall call you the Hair-Trigger Poet!

[NicknamedBob]

"We shall call you the Hair-Trigger Poet!"

Edgy

Kinda nervous, you can tell,
Some things just don’t set too well.
Strident voices, cursing tones,
Slamming doors and ringing phones,

I’m edgy.

People spook me, much too often,
I have tried my edge to soften.
Pills there are but what are they?
Chemical ties to a rocking chair.

I’m edgy.

Newspapers can set me off,
“Truth be told!”, they make me scoff.
I hear voices in my car,
It can drive me much too far.

I’m edgy.

I sit down and slow my pace,
Pit stop in the human race.
Take a look, and smile at me,
It helps with my humanity.

I’m edgy.

NicknamedBob . . . May 21, 2007

[rottndog]

You’re on a roll....

[NicknamedBob]

Soon to be on a pillow and a mattress.

Good Night!

[rottndog]

Soon to be following (to a different pillow and mattress)...

[rottndog]

Good Night!

[Tax-chick]

Good morning, Bob. Another night with the rottweilers, but I refuse to close up the house until it’s too hot to stand it in here.

[BnBlFlag]

The Queers are at it again.

[NicknamedBob]

Good Morning, T-C.

I sympathize about the noise, but at least it isn’t a cal to prayer. Or maybe it is.

— Later.