An Open Letter to Cardinal Timothy Dolan

Catholic Citizens ^ | September 7, 2014 | Mary Anne Hackett

[NYer]

Editor’s note: In response to the news that the St. Patrick’s Parade in New York would now accept “gay” groups in the parade and that Cardinal Timothy Dolan would serve as Grand Marshall of the parade, Catholic Citizens of Illinois has sent an open letter to Cardinal Dolan, which is published below.

 

Catholic Citizens of Illinois, 106 Calendar Court, PMB #122, La Grange, IL 60525-2325

An Open Letter to Cardinal Timothy Dolan

September 5, 2014

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York

1011 1^st Avenue, New York, NY 10022

Your Eminence,

We were dismayed and discouraged to read that the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York will now include organizations that openly oppose the Catholic teaching concerning human sexuality. After years of resisting the pressure from gays and big donors as well as the pretense of public support, the parade committee has caved in to their bullying and unreasonable demands. Additionally, we are disappointed that you have agreed to be the Grand Marshall of the parade.

We are fully aware that there are good and holy people with homosexual inclinations that are striving to live chaste lives in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church, which we are all called to do. However, no one can deceive themselves that the national and international “gay” organizations are striving for that lifestyle. One need only look at the “gay” pride parades around the world and see the public nudity and simulation of sex acts to know that they are portraying an “in your face” demand that such acts be normalized and that we approve of them.

We understand your deference to those who are on the planning committee for the parade and your efforts to not be “judgmental. “ However, we ask you to put aside those concerns, knowing that your primary duty as Cardinal is to act as a “Shepherd of the Faithful,” secondary in authority to that of the Pope.

We implore you to withdraw as Grand Marshall of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade because of the great probability of misunderstandings, confusion and scandal among the faithful. It is likely that many will believe that the Church has changed her teaching that homosexual acts are “disordered” and “can never be approved” and even worse, they may assume that you support such acts. Does the statement of Jesus about scandalizing little ones no longer apply?

We write this letter to you as faithful Catholics and we look to you to give the example of what a true Shepherd must be. We offer our prayers that the Holy Spirit will inspire you and guide you in this important decision.

 

Sincerely,

Mary Anne Hackett, President

For the Board of Directors and Members of

Catholic Citizens of Illinois

 

 

Note: Copies of this letter have been distributed to other Catholic organizations.

Contact: Info@catholiccitizens.org

[daniel1212]

This is probably a catholic thing I don’t understand, but I’ve always see the following statements on this site: “Once a catholic, always a catholic.” “A priest is always a priest.” Are you saying someone can “unbecome” catholic in other ways than being formally kicked out? Is this your opinion, or a church practice? Thanks.

It once they may disallow one from being a true RC if needed to maintain the fantasy of a unified pure church, while claiming another is still a RC in order to maintain the fantasy of the power of her sprinkling.

[Rashputin]

It all boils down to, "Be careful what you pray for". When Vatican II began, all the clergy prayed to find the right way to empower and involve the laity to a greater extent and that was what Vatican II in theory accomplished, empowerment of the laity.

Well, God answers prayer. So God will let Satan keep putting the screws to His Church until the laity do what Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen said needed to be done :

"Not our Bishops, not our priests and religious. It is up to the people. You have the minds, the eyes, the ears to save the Church".

"Your mission is to see that your priests act like priests, your bishops like bishops, and your religious act like religious."

JMHo

[Heart-Rest]

I agree with you. When a high-ranking teacher of the Church starts teaching things by his words or actions which go against the teachings of the Church, he should be removed from his office.

They've certainly done that fast for certain priests in recent years (such as Fr. Groeschel), but they seem to be very slow to do that for bishops who have "gone astray" (such as Dolan's predecessor at Milwaukee some years ago, Archbishop Rembert Weakland.)

It is not good for the Church to keep bad teachers in leadership positions of such high influence and impact as that of "bishop".

[BlatherNaut]

Are you saying someone can “unbecome” catholic in other ways than being formally kicked out? Is this your opinion, or a church practice?

apostate: a person who renounces a religious or political belief or principle.

synonyms: dissenter, defector, deserter, traitor, backslider, turncoat

[aMorePerfectUnion]

“apostate: a person who renounces a religious or political belief or principle. “

But right here on FR, catholics tell people that once a catholic, always a catholic. This, even when they are apostate.

[BlatherNaut]

But right here on FR, catholics tell people that once a catholic, always a catholic. This, even when they are apostate.

Reception of the Sacraments of Baptism and of Holy Orders result in an ontological change, an indelible mark upon the soul.

If an apostate who abandoned the Church were to return to the practice of the Catholic Faith, he wouldn't need to be re-baptized.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

“Reception of the Sacraments of Baptism and of Holy Orders result in an ontological change, an indelible mark upon the soul.”

So, does that “mark” mean the person continues to be a catholic, as is often said here on FR?

If the “mark” remains, does it have value beyond being a get out of rebaptism card, if the person never returns?

Is the “mark” doctrine found anywhere in Holy Scripture, of simply a teaching of tradition found outside inspired scripture?

The poster of this thread claimed the Cardinal was no longer catholic. Is he?

[NKP_Vet]

He knows exactly what he’s doing. That’s the scandal. He doesn’t care. Backslapping and giving communion to rabid pro-abortion politicians is a disgrace. He’s not a good representative for the Catholic Church. He needs to be called on the carpet by Rome and told to straighten out or he’ll be replaced. And if Cardinal Raymond Burke was the pope that’s exactly what would happen.

[BlatherNaut]

So, does that “mark” mean the person continues to be a catholic, as is often said here on FR?

From Catechism of the Catholic Church:

An indelible spiritual mark . . .

1272 Incorporated into Christ by Baptism, the person baptized is configured to Christ. Baptism seals the Christian with the indelible spiritual mark (character) of his belonging to Christ. No sin can erase this mark, even if sin prevents Baptism from bearing the fruits of salvation.83 Given once for all, Baptism cannot be repeated.

1274 The Holy Spirit has marked us with the seal of the Lord ("Dominicus character") "for the day of redemption."86 "Baptism indeed is the seal of eternal life."87 The faithful Christian who has "kept the seal" until the end, remaining faithful to the demands of his Baptism, will be able to depart this life "marked with the sign of faith,"88 with his baptismal faith, in expectation of the blessed vision of God - the consummation of faith - and in the hope of resurrection.

From Catechism of St. Pius X:

18 Q: To what is the person baptized bound?

A: The person baptized is bound to always profess the faith and observe the Law of Jesus Christ and of His Church.

19 Q: In receiving holy Baptism what do we renounce?

A: In receiving holy Baptism we renounce, for ever, the devil, his works and pomps.

20 Q: What is meant by the works and pomps of the devil?

A: By the works and pomps of the devil we mean sin and the maxims of the world that are contrary to the maxims of the Gospel.

If the “mark” remains, does it have value beyond being a get out of rebaptism card, if the person never returns?

"Baptism seals the Christian with the indelible spiritual mark (character) of his belonging to Christ."

Is the “mark” doctrine found anywhere in Holy Scripture, of simply a teaching of tradition found outside inspired scripture?

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." - Mark 16:15-16

"For the gifts and the calling of God are without repentance." Romans 11:29

The poster of this thread claimed the Cardinal was no longer catholic. Is he?

In essence, yes. In practice, questionable.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

Thanks for your patience in answering my questions about catholic teachings.

[NoKoolAidforMe]

And Dolan has not said a word in support of the gubernatorial candidate, Rob Astorino, even though they are friends. Dolan has proven to be a coward and will not stand up to evil.

Cardinal O’Connor he is not.

I know of a few priests in the diocese who should be made pastors, and the bureaucracy of the archdiocese will not do it. These priests are staunch defenders of the faith.

[BlatherNaut]

:)

[Fithal the Wise]

Cardinal O’Connor’s message in the New York Post, January 11, 1993

http://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2014/09/cardinal-oconnor-pharisee.html?m=1

[NYer]

God, how I miss him!! That link deserves its own thread. Up to posting it?

[Arthur McGowan]

...even though they are friends.

Hard to know what the word means in the case of a glad-handing manipulator like Dolan.

[Arthur McGowan]

This is probably a catholic thing I don’t understand, but I’ve always see the following statements on this site:

“Once a catholic, always a catholic.” “A priest is always a priest.”

Are you saying someone can “unbecome” catholic in other ways than being formally kicked out? Is this your opinion, or a church practice?

It all depends on what the meaning of "is" is.

Anyone who was baptized in the Catholic Church is a Catholic forever, juridically, unless he leaves the Church by a formal act. The Sacrament of Baptism is permanent. A person may formally leave the Catholic Church, or leave Christianity entirely, or become an atheist, but he can never become an unbaptized person.

A priest is always a priest, because the Sacrament of Orders is permanent. But a priest can cease to be a cleric. Again, this is a juridical state, not sacramental. A priest may have been suspended, or he may be have been laicized, but he is still a priest. He is forbidden to celebrate any sacrament, with the exception of the Sacrament of Penance. If he comes upon a car accident, he has the same obligation as any priest to stop and hear the confession of any Catholic who may be in danger of death. Or, a person in danger of death has the option of sending the Pope out of the room, and making his confession to a laicized priest.

When people say that Dolan is "no longer a Catholic," they are not speaking juridically. They are saying that Dolan is not a believer. He has demonstrated too often that the content of the Catholic Faith is something he is interested in far less than popularity with the cool kids. The rich, the powerful, and the trendy. Obama, the New York Times, hot gay dudes. When people say Dolan is "not a Catholic" they are simply saying, as with the Kennedys, Biden, Pelosi, the Cuomos, or Cardinals Wuerl and O'Malley, that their claimed adherence to Catholic belief is an obscene mockery.

[Arthur McGowan]

Is the “mark” doctrine found anywhere in Holy Scripture, of simply a teaching of tradition found outside inspired scripture?

Is the doctrine that all doctrine must be found stated explicitly in Scripture found anywhere in Scripture?

[aMorePerfectUnion]

“Is the doctrine that all doctrine must be found stated explicitly in Scripture found anywhere in Scripture?”

First, that is a silly fallacy.

Scripture says of itself alone that it is God-breathed and inspired. Of itself alone it proclaims it is able to lead one to salvation. It alone is the source of faith, as it claims. It is perfectly adequate and complete to lead believers to maturity, to keep us from sin.

What lesser, uninspired source would you choose? Why would you choose a lower source as the ultimate measure of truth??

Choosing another source is what every pagan does as they spurn truth.

Christians who have read God’s Words and treasured them In their hearts would never accept less than what Be proclaims.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

 

Psalm 119

א Aleph

¹ Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,
    who walk according to the law of the Lord.
² Blessed are those who keep his statutes
    and seek him with all their heart—
³ they do no wrong
    but follow his ways.
⁴ You have laid down precepts
    that are to be fully obeyed.
⁵ Oh, that my ways were steadfast
    in obeying your decrees!
⁶ Then I would not be put to shame
    when I consider all your commands.
⁷ I will praise you with an upright heart
    as I learn your righteous laws.
⁸ I will obey your decrees;
    do not utterly forsake me.

ב Beth

⁹ How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
    By living according to your word.
¹⁰ I seek you with all my heart;
    do not let me stray from your commands.
¹¹ I have hidden your word in my heart
    that I might not sin against you.
¹² Praise be to you, Lord;
    teach me your decrees.
¹³ With my lips I recount
    all the laws that come from your mouth.
¹⁴ I rejoice in following your statutes
    as one rejoices in great riches.
¹⁵ I meditate on your precepts
    and consider your ways.
¹⁶ I delight in your decrees;
    I will not neglect your word.

ג Gimel

¹⁷ Be good to your servant while I live,
    that I may obey your word.
¹⁸ Open my eyes that I may see
    wonderful things in your law.
¹⁹ I am a stranger on earth;
    do not hide your commands from me.
²⁰ My soul is consumed with longing
    for your laws at all times.
²¹ You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed,
    those who stray from your commands.
²² Remove from me their scorn and contempt,
    for I keep your statutes.
²³ Though rulers sit together and slander me,
    your servant will meditate on your decrees.
²⁴ Your statutes are my delight;
    they are my counselors.

ד Daleth

²⁵ I am laid low in the dust;
    preserve my life according to your word.
²⁶ I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;
    teach me your decrees.
²⁷ Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
    that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
²⁸ My soul is weary with sorrow;
    strengthen me according to your word.
²⁹ Keep me from deceitful ways;
    be gracious to me and teach me your law.
³⁰ I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
    I have set my heart on your laws.
³¹ I hold fast to your statutes, Lord;
    do not let me be put to shame.
³² I run in the path of your commands,
    for you have broadened my understanding.

ה He

³³ Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees,
    that I may follow it to the end.^[b]
34 Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law
    and obey it with all my heart.
³⁵ Direct me in the path of your commands,
    for there I find delight.
³⁶ Turn my heart toward your statutes
    and not toward selfish gain.
³⁷ Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
    preserve my life according to your word.
³⁸ Fulfill your promise to your servant,
    so that you may be feared.
³⁹ Take away the disgrace I dread,
    for your laws are good.
⁴⁰ How I long for your precepts!
    In your righteousness preserve my life.

ו Waw

⁴¹ May your unfailing love come to me, Lord,
    your salvation, according to your promise;
⁴² then I can answer anyone who taunts me,
    for I trust in your word.
⁴³ Never take your word of truth from my mouth,
    for I have put my hope in your laws.
⁴⁴ I will always obey your law,
    for ever and ever.
⁴⁵ I will walk about in freedom,
    for I have sought out your precepts.
⁴⁶ I will speak of your statutes before kings
    and will not be put to shame,
⁴⁷ for I delight in your commands
    because I love them.
⁴⁸ I reach out for your commands, which I love,
    that I may meditate on your decrees.

ז Zayin

⁴⁹ Remember your word to your servant,
    for you have given me hope.
⁵⁰ My comfort in my suffering is this:
    Your promise preserves my life.
⁵¹ The arrogant mock me unmercifully,
    but I do not turn from your law.
⁵² I remember, Lord, your ancient laws,
    and I find comfort in them.
⁵³ Indignation grips me because of the wicked,
    who have forsaken your law.
⁵⁴ Your decrees are the theme of my song
    wherever I lodge.
⁵⁵ In the night, Lord, I remember your name,
    that I may keep your law.
⁵⁶ This has been my practice:
    I obey your precepts.

ח Heth

⁵⁷ You are my portion, Lord;
    I have promised to obey your words.
⁵⁸ I have sought your face with all my heart;
    be gracious to me according to your promise.
⁵⁹ I have considered my ways
    and have turned my steps to your statutes.
⁶⁰ I will hasten and not delay
    to obey your commands.
⁶¹ Though the wicked bind me with ropes,
    I will not forget your law.
⁶² At midnight I rise to give you thanks
    for your righteous laws.
⁶³ I am a friend to all who fear you,
    to all who follow your precepts.
⁶⁴ The earth is filled with your love, Lord;
    teach me your decrees.

ט Teth

⁶⁵ Do good to your servant
    according to your word, Lord.
⁶⁶ Teach me knowledge and good judgment,
    for I trust your commands.
⁶⁷ Before I was afflicted I went astray,
    but now I obey your word.
⁶⁸ You are good, and what you do is good;
    teach me your decrees.
⁶⁹ Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,
    I keep your precepts with all my heart.
⁷⁰ Their hearts are callous and unfeeling,
    but I delight in your law.
⁷¹ It was good for me to be afflicted
    so that I might learn your decrees.
⁷² The law from your mouth is more precious to me
    than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

י Yodh

⁷³ Your hands made me and formed me;
    give me understanding to learn your commands.
⁷⁴ May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,
    for I have put my hope in your word.
⁷⁵ I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous,
    and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
⁷⁶ May your unfailing love be my comfort,
    according to your promise to your servant.
⁷⁷ Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
    for your law is my delight.
⁷⁸ May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause;
    but I will meditate on your precepts.
⁷⁹ May those who fear you turn to me,
    those who understand your statutes.
⁸⁰ May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees,
    that I may not be put to shame.

כ Kaph

⁸¹ My soul faints with longing for your salvation,
    but I have put my hope in your word.
⁸² My eyes fail, looking for your promise;
    I say, “When will you comfort me?”
⁸³ Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,
    I do not forget your decrees.
⁸⁴ How long must your servant wait?
    When will you punish my persecutors?
⁸⁵ The arrogant dig pits to trap me,
    contrary to your law.
⁸⁶ All your commands are trustworthy;
    help me, for I am being persecuted without cause.
⁸⁷ They almost wiped me from the earth,
    but I have not forsaken your precepts.
⁸⁸ In your unfailing love preserve my life,
    that I may obey the statutes of your mouth.

ל Lamedh

⁸⁹ Your word, Lord, is eternal;
    it stands firm in the heavens.
⁹⁰ Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
    you established the earth, and it endures.
⁹¹ Your laws endure to this day,
    for all things serve you.
⁹² If your law had not been my delight,
    I would have perished in my affliction.
⁹³ I will never forget your precepts,
    for by them you have preserved my life.
⁹⁴ Save me, for I am yours;
    I have sought out your precepts.
⁹⁵ The wicked are waiting to destroy me,
    but I will ponder your statutes.
⁹⁶ To all perfection I see a limit,
    but your commands are boundless.

מ Mem

⁹⁷ Oh, how I love your law!
    I meditate on it all day long.
⁹⁸ Your commands are always with me
    and make me wiser than my enemies.
⁹⁹ I have more insight than all my teachers,
    for I meditate on your statutes.
¹⁰⁰ I have more understanding than the elders,
    for I obey your precepts.
¹⁰¹ I have kept my feet from every evil path
    so that I might obey your word.
¹⁰² I have not departed from your laws,
    for you yourself have taught me.
¹⁰³ How sweet are your words to my taste,
    sweeter than honey to my mouth!
¹⁰⁴ I gain understanding from your precepts;
    therefore I hate every wrong path.

נ Nun

¹⁰⁵ Your word is a lamp for my feet,
    a light on my path.
¹⁰⁶ I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
    that I will follow your righteous laws.
¹⁰⁷ I have suffered much;
    preserve my life, Lord, according to your word.
¹⁰⁸ Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth,
    and teach me your laws.
¹⁰⁹ Though I constantly take my life in my hands,
    I will not forget your law.
¹¹⁰ The wicked have set a snare for me,
    but I have not strayed from your precepts.
¹¹¹ Your statutes are my heritage forever;
    they are the joy of my heart.
¹¹² My heart is set on keeping your decrees
    to the very end.^[d]

ס Samekh

¹¹³ I hate double-minded people,
    but I love your law.
¹¹⁴ You are my refuge and my shield;
    I have put my hope in your word.
¹¹⁵ Away from me, you evildoers,
    that I may keep the commands of my God!
¹¹⁶ Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live;
    do not let my hopes be dashed.
¹¹⁷ Uphold me, and I will be delivered;
    I will always have regard for your decrees.
¹¹⁸ You reject all who stray from your decrees,
    for their delusions come to nothing.
¹¹⁹ All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross;
    therefore I love your statutes.
¹²⁰ My flesh trembles in fear of you;
    I stand in awe of your laws.

ע Ayin

¹²¹ I have done what is righteous and just;
    do not leave me to my oppressors.
¹²² Ensure your servant’s well-being;
    do not let the arrogant oppress me.
¹²³ My eyes fail, looking for your salvation,
    looking for your righteous promise.
¹²⁴ Deal with your servant according to your love
    and teach me your decrees.
¹²⁵ I am your servant; give me discernment
    that I may understand your statutes.
¹²⁶ It is time for you to act, Lord;
    your law is being broken.
¹²⁷ Because I love your commands
    more than gold, more than pure gold,
¹²⁸ and because I consider all your precepts right,
    I hate every wrong path.

פ Pe

¹²⁹ Your statutes are wonderful;
    therefore I obey them.
¹³⁰ The unfolding of your words gives light;
    it gives understanding to the simple.
¹³¹ I open my mouth and pant,
    longing for your commands.
¹³² Turn to me and have mercy on me,
    as you always do to those who love your name.
¹³³ Direct my footsteps according to your word;
    let no sin rule over me.
¹³⁴ Redeem me from human oppression,
    that I may obey your precepts.
¹³⁵ Make your face shine on your servant
    and teach me your decrees.
¹³⁶ Streams of tears flow from my eyes,
    for your law is not obeyed.

צ Tsadhe

¹³⁷ You are righteous, Lord,
    and your laws are right.
¹³⁸ The statutes you have laid down are righteous;
    they are fully trustworthy.
¹³⁹ My zeal wears me out,
    for my enemies ignore your words.
¹⁴⁰ Your promises have been thoroughly tested,
    and your servant loves them.
¹⁴¹ Though I am lowly and despised,
    I do not forget your precepts.
¹⁴² Your righteousness is everlasting
    and your law is true.
¹⁴³ Trouble and distress have come upon me,
    but your commands give me delight.
¹⁴⁴ Your statutes are always righteous;
    give me understanding that I may live.

ק Qoph

¹⁴⁵ I call with all my heart; answer me, Lord,
    and I will obey your decrees.
¹⁴⁶ I call out to you; save me
    and I will keep your statutes.
¹⁴⁷ I rise before dawn and cry for help;
    I have put my hope in your word.
¹⁴⁸ My eyes stay open through the watches of the night,
    that I may meditate on your promises.
¹⁴⁹ Hear my voice in accordance with your love;
    preserve my life, Lord, according to your laws.
¹⁵⁰ Those who devise wicked schemes are near,
    but they are far from your law.
¹⁵¹ Yet you are near, Lord,
    and all your commands are true.
¹⁵² Long ago I learned from your statutes
    that you established them to last forever.

ר Resh

¹⁵³ Look on my suffering and deliver me,
    for I have not forgotten your law.
¹⁵⁴ Defend my cause and redeem me;
    preserve my life according to your promise.
¹⁵⁵ Salvation is far from the wicked,
    for they do not seek out your decrees.
¹⁵⁶ Your compassion, Lord, is great;
    preserve my life according to your laws.
¹⁵⁷ Many are the foes who persecute me,
    but I have not turned from your statutes.
¹⁵⁸ I look on the faithless with loathing,
    for they do not obey your word.
¹⁵⁹ See how I love your precepts;
    preserve my life, Lord, in accordance with your love.
¹⁶⁰ All your words are true;
    all your righteous laws are eternal.

ש Sin and Shin

¹⁶¹ Rulers persecute me without cause,
    but my heart trembles at your word.
¹⁶² I rejoice in your promise
    like one who finds great spoil.
¹⁶³ I hate and detest falsehood
    but I love your law.
¹⁶⁴ Seven times a day I praise you
    for your righteous laws.
¹⁶⁵ Great peace have those who love your law,
    and nothing can make them stumble.
¹⁶⁶ I wait for your salvation, Lord,
    and I follow your commands.
¹⁶⁷ I obey your statutes,
    for I love them greatly.
¹⁶⁸ I obey your precepts and your statutes,
    for all my ways are known to you.

ת Taw

¹⁶⁹ May my cry come before you, Lord;
    give me understanding according to your word.
¹⁷⁰ May my supplication come before you;
    deliver me according to your promise.
¹⁷¹ May my lips overflow with praise,
    for you teach me your decrees.
¹⁷² May my tongue sing of your word,
    for all your commands are righteous.
¹⁷³ May your hand be ready to help me,
    for I have chosen your precepts.
¹⁷⁴ I long for your salvation, Lord,
    and your law gives me delight.
¹⁷⁵ Let me live that I may praise you,
    and may your laws sustain me.
¹⁷⁶ I have strayed like a lost sheep.
    Seek your servant,
    for I have not forgotten your commands.

.

 

[Arthur McGowan]

You never answered my question.