Papal Advisor Sees Female Cardinals a Possibility

The Wanderer ^ | 8/9/16 | Maike Hickson

[Mrs. Don-o]

"Why are lay people still distributing Communion when we have “permanent deacons”?"

I'm with you on that one. I really disapprove of the clericalization of the laity, as well as the laicization of the clergy. Let the priests wear their cassocks and birettas all the time, and devote themselves to the Sacraments, the Liturgy, and the transmission (not ad-lib modification) of Doctrine which has been handed on to us from the Apostles. Let the deacons (who are also clergy, not laity) attend to every liturgical role assisting the priest.

Let the laity participate in a modest and restrained way, keep out of the Sanctuary, and keep their un-consecrated hands off of the sacred vessels.

[kearnyirish2]

I guess where we differ is that I see the “permanent deaconate” after Vatican II as “clericalization of the laiety”...

[Mrs. Don-o]

Deacons are, and have throuh the centuries always been, ordained clergy; they receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

"Deaconesses" were never ordained clergy; they never received Holy Orders. The are more on the pattern of consecrared virgins or matrons (widows), like today's sisters/nuns, who are laity.

[kearnyirish2]

Until Vatican II, deacons were a step towards the priesthood. Attempts to re-create a permanent deaconate from the first century are simply “clericalization of the laiety” in my humble uninformed opinion.

[Mrs. Don-o]

I am no expert (not even “self-taught”) in the history of the Liturgy and the Sacraments, and esp. theology of Holy Orders. I may look for some of pre-papal Ratzinger’s writings. Scholarly, and with a beautiful clarity.

[ebb tide]

"There are, of course, various roles that women can perform in the liturgical assembly: these include reading the Word of God and proclaiming the intentions of the Prayer of the Faithful. Women are not, however, permitted to act as altar servers". Inestimable Donum, Pope John Paul II, April 17, 1980