Posted on 08/03/2004 9:43:49 AM PDT by Phx_RC
We have yet another disturbing story about an apparent crackdown by some Catholic bishops on lay Catholic activities.
. . . [snip]
Does this mean I am unworthy to continue my lay ministry as a lector?
. . . [snip]
What does our new bishop think about Bishop Vasa's ultimatum?
Thanks Dennis! For your invitation to Bishop Olmsted and to bishops everywhere to present a "teaching moment".
Truly this article, despite its attitude, is useful in that it is expected that Catholics and others in Phoenix will soon have an opportunity to learn some more about the Catholic Faith.
Call-To-Action member[?], politician, and lector Kavanaugh is referring to documents found here.
Kavanaugh ought to download, print, and take with him a copy of "Giving Testimony to the Truth" to study and reflect upon in the Presence of Our Lord in the tabernacle or Perpetual Adoration chapel at a nearby parish.
Bishop Vasa has taken great care to present what the Church teaches about these issues and why it is important for all Catholics to accept. The content is presented so well that after reading and reflection, it seems reasonable to expect that the love a faithful Catholic has for the Church and such a good bishop can only be further enhanced and deepened.
Ping.
I expect there will be quite a few that feel like Mr. Kavanaugh.
Memo to Mr. Kavanaugh: If I was expected while in RCIA not to take Communion, if I was expected to give assent without reservation to all the Church's teachings before I was receieved, and so on, then why does Mr. Kavanaugh have heartburn when his bishop makes clear what's what (rhetorical question). People in leadership positions in the Church, laity or otherwise, should be able to give assent without reservation to the whole counsel of the Church. If not, then the honorable thing to do is resign until they can. Why be a stumbling block and scandal to others (another rhetorical question). I guess the cafeteria and lite types (less filling and does not taste great) aren't happy that the bishop is now expecting them to be Catholics. Well, Mr. K, if the Church expected me to abide by certain things when I was a non-Catholic Christian during the process of my instruction, then it is only fair that your bishop expects you to be Catholic and not cafeteria-lite (less filling and does not taste great). Oh, and Mr. K, one more thing. Just to make sure you and your kind understand, I did not cross the Tiber because of the witness of you and your kind. No sir, Mr. K., I crossed rather in spite of you and your kind.
Signed - A Virginian newly Catholic despite people like you, Mr. Kavanaugh.
Well said, Convert.
May God bless the Church with a multitude of true believers who are happily willing to embrace all that the Church holds up to be True - as you clearly are.
Well said.
I second that. Now if I could only get my formerly Catholic now ECUSA sister to see the light!
Bishop Robert Vasa of the Diocese of Baker, headquartered in Bend, Oregon recently issued an ultimatum for lay ministers and cantors that if they want to keep their volunteer jobs, they must completely accept all of the church's teachings opposing abortion, contraception, gay relationships and other issues. Will we be next?
Um, isn't this what Catholics are supposed to do? One wouldn't join a shooting club because you were opposed to guns?? For example, one typically joins a club or group because one shares and acknowledges and believes in their values and teachings, not because they don't!!! Of course, partly rhetorical, because so many people seem bent on changing the Church to suit them and forcing others to accept their changes!
I have served as a lector at my parish for nine years. I have questions and doubts about a number of church teachings, as do many Catholic lay people, particularly in America.
This is really part of the problem, all summed up neatly for us. I wonder how many 'Catholics' are shaking their heads in agreement with him? I personally know several, educators, and EEM's and lectors who openly disagree on church teaching and oppose any directives our pastor attempts to give them.
wonderful, thank you!
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I suggest that Mr. Kavanaugh attend either a RCIA class or a Welcome Home, Catholics class and find out some of the answers to his questions.
Obviously the Jesuits didn't do a thorough job while he was in college!
"Oregon recently issued an ultimatum for lay ministers and cantors that if they want to keep their volunteer jobs, they must completely accept all of the church's teachings opposing abortion, contraception, gay relationships and other issues."Peeling away the verbal ornamentation, we are left with a puzzling accusation. The diocese is seemingly requiring Catholics to accept the Church's teachings. That's no different than requiring Buddhists to believe in Buddha, Muslims to believe in the Koran, or Elvis impersonators to believe in rhinestone studded jumpsuits. A rather low bar of admission. The only problem these modern Catholics are having with it is that in certain areas they don't accept the Church's teachings, haven't for a long time, and in the free-for-all era of the past 30 years, no one thought to mention that it is indeed possible for beliefs to carry one outside the Church.
And there is also this enlightening comment:
I studied theology as part of my courses at St. Louis University. The Jesuits there taught me to have an inquiring mind on religious issues. I have my own thoughts and opinions. Does this mean I am unworthy to continue my lay ministry as a lector?Can't tell if he's being intentionally duplicitous, or if he's really that clueless.
The Church has always allowed questioning of its teachings. The problem comes when, on the basis of one's questions, one refuses to submit to the Church's authority on matters of Faith. Like the issues of "abortion, contraception, gay relationships" which so concern Mr. Kavanaugh, the question of whether or not one accepts the authority of the Magesterium is a basic teaching of the faith. Reject it, and you are not a Catholic, no matter how many other parts of Catholicism you accept.
You would if you wanted to spread your poison form within...
Please keep the Bishop and all of our good orthodox priests in your prayers right now. I get dribs and drabs of information and the "usual suspects" are hard at work. Thanks for the article phx_RC. I'll try to get back later today.
Mr. Kavanaugh, ther bishop is trying to protect you!
Exactly, and they are proud of this 'infiltration' and their imagined cleverness, said while sadly shaking head...
If he were attending a Jeb college anytime AFTER 1960, he deserves a refund for the Theo/Phil courses he took.
And most likely for the Masses he attended, as well.
THAT would be fun to watch.
Serious gun-people are a lot more rock-ribbed in their beliefs than most Catholic priests and Bishops, not to mention laity.
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