[johnb2004]

So it was a relief to hear Cardinal Theodore McCarrick of Washington respond with a pastoral voice on the Kerry issue. McCarrick is heading a U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops task force on how to handle Catholic politicians who support abortion rights. In an empty meeting room at St. Matthew’s in downtown D.C., where the cardinal led a prayer service last Wednesday, he pulled a couple of dusty folding chairs down from a stack so we’d have someplace to sit while we talked. When I asked about Kerry’s standing, he seemed pained by the idea of turning him, or anyone else, away. “I would find it hard to use the Eucharist as a sanction,” he said gently. “You don’t know what’s in anyone’s heart when they come before you. It’s important that everyone know what our principles are, but you’d have to be very sure someone had a malicious intent [before denying him communion.]” McCarrick is surprisingly humble, and a reluctant judge. “It’s between the person and God,’’ he said. Should Kerry or someone in his campaign seek counsel on Catholic protocol? “What they do,’’ he demurred, “is really their business and not mine.’’

[madprof98]

. . . a nun in my parish in Northern California . . .

Sigh!

[Bohemund]

Where's the Barf Alert?

[OpusatFR]

"At a less orthodox time in my own Catholic life, a nun in my parish in Northern California improved my understanding and appreciation of the sacraments through the underused—and doubtless desperate—strategy of working with me instead of turning me away."

One has to be open to changing the hardness of heart that denies eternal realities.

I don't know what is in the man's heart. That definitely is between God and the person.

But, is advocating the wholesale slaughter of innocents, gay marriage (pardon, "civil union"), fetal cell research, and other things that have been condemned by JPII a sign of a converted heart?

[NYer]

At a less orthodox time in my own Catholic life, a nun in my parish in Northern California improved my understanding and appreciation of the sacraments through the underused—and doubtless desperate—strategy of working with me instead of turning me away. I had agreed to teach a parish

Great! Lesson learned! Now it is time for your as Cardinal to impart that wisdom to your listeners, especially a 'presidential candidate' named Kerry. Otherwise, no lesson was learned.

[polemikos]

"Even if Catholics faithful to Tradition are reduced to a handful, they are the ones who are the True Church of Jesus Christ."
- St. Athanasius

[Aquinasfan]

What an insipid article.

Last week, Kerry brought fresh misery on himself when he fought back by citing a non-existent pope, "Pius XXIII" as a source of his mistaken belief that Vatican II essentially tells Catholics: Whatever.

How did I miss this? Is this true?

[man of Yosemite]

President Bush declared that he is pro-life, and he has been elected to our highest office. For Kerry to say that he separates his personal view from his political one is a cop-out. The man is voting with those who are pro-choice, shaking their hands much more firmly than he would shake yours. His vote is aligned with those who would oppose God, supporting those who have disdain for the Word of God. A person who follows the Faith does so all day long, not just when he appears at church.

[TradicalRC]

When I asked about Kerry’s standing, he seemed pained by the idea of turning him, or anyone else, away. “I would find it hard to use the Eucharist as a sanction,” he said gently. “You don’t know what’s in anyone’s heart when they come before you. It’s important that everyone know what our principles are, but you’d have to be very sure someone had a malicious intent [before denying him communion.]”

Seeing as he has taken a public stand on the issue, the bishop knows full well what's in the senator's heart. His is a misguided sense of compassion that confuses non-judgmentalism with Christianity. Bishops seem to prefer worldly power and will show more "compassion" for a politico than they will for the slaughtered innocents.

[Barnacle]

Last week, Kerry brought fresh misery on himself when he fought back by citing a non-existent pope, "Pius XXIII" as a source of his mistaken belief that Vatican II essentially tells Catholics:

Unbelievable. Next he'll be citing quotes from that great American, President Jack Andrews.

[TOUGH STOUGH]

"Like her, McCarrick seems to feel that we only get better if we stick around and practice."

For Kerry the above has nothing to do with it. He is making his PUBLIC attendance in Catholic Church to garnish the Catholic vote. This sho0uld NOT be allowed.

[Jaded]

Cardinal McCarrick prefers Catholic-Sorta-Lite. The touchy-feely-kiss-and-hold-hands flavor. You can be anything you want and Jesus will follow you in your lifestyle and be your friend. Anything to reinforce your positive self-image. Blech.

Does no one take a stand?

[thegreatbeast]

“I would find it hard to use the Eucharist as a sanction,” he said gently. “You don’t know what’s in anyone’s heart when they come before you. It’s important that everyone know what our principles are, but you’d have to be very sure someone had a malicious intent [before denying him communion.]” McCarrick is surprisingly humble, and a reluctant judge. “It’s between the person and God,’’ he said. Should Kerry or someone in his campaign seek counsel on Catholic protocol? “What they do,’’ he demurred, “is really their business and not mine.’’....." “You have conversations that are compassionate but clear. You’re not doing anyone a favor if you’re not clear.’’

Stuff & nonsense! What kind of shephard would leave his flock to wander where they may and then attribute their devourng by wolves an Act of God?...Where is the clarity in allowing some follow the Luciferian Commandment: Do What Thou Wilt?

[Dajjal]

Bumpus ad summum