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...

[Lady Jag]

You can use mine.

[Silly]

When is he going to visit my university?

[sionnsar]

I guess the gravity-adjuster-thingie didn’t quite work out.
Too bad ... I was hoping to use it at Weight Watchers!

Somewhere (I don't know if it's still in my collection) there is an amusing 60's-era SF story on the confusion between "weight" and "mass".

[tuliptree76]

Hi everyone!

I thought I’d be around until the end of the week, but it looks like my limited internet time will begin tomorrow. I’ll check email, etc. when I can in the library or at friends’ or relatives’ houses. I’m not sure when I’ll be back - hopefully sometime next week.

[rottndog]

Hey Tulip!

[stephenjohnbanker]

“I’m not sure when I’ll be back - hopefully sometime next week.”

Well, see that you DO!!!!

[stephenjohnbanker]

: )

[rottndog]

Sunday night sign-off.....

Good Night!

[Tax-chick]

Perfect!

[Tax-chick]

Pat: “I’m making a chainsaw bug, Mama.”
Me: “Sure, Pat, whatever.”
Pat: “I’m going to cut James’s foot off.”
Me: “Really? That sounds like fun.”
Pat: “You will not be able to see me.”

[Dead Corpse]

[Tax-chick]

Awwww.

[Dead Corpse]

Thought this one was pretty good too...

[Monkey Face]

I see you hit the ground running this morning! LOL!

How are things in the Corpse household this morning?

[Dead Corpse]

Settling into a rhythm. Everyone seems to be adjusting fine.

Gotta run. Got two meetings today. Later....

[Monkey Face]

LOL!

Thanks! Later, you!

[Tax-chick]

LOL!

[Dead Corpse]

ROTFLMAO even...

[Dead Corpse]

I hate meetings. Got my next one in 36 minutes. At least this one I can bring my laptop to...

[Dead Corpse]

1000! Oh ta n0es!