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.
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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.
Mr. Kavanaugh, ther bishop is trying to protect you!
" they must completely accept all of the church's teachings opposing abortion, contraception, gay relationships and other issues.""
And your problem with this is?.....
"Last presidental candidate voted for: Gore"
So he votes Pro-Death.
"Person most admire: Jimmy Carter..."
Oh well...
"What people don't know about me: I am a rabid ASU sports fan, having season tickets in football, basketball and baseball."
If only he were a "rabid" Catholic. [Meaning zealous.]
Hey, all we ask is that someone in the public eye who publicly claims to be Catholic merely accept the teachings of the Catholic Church.
He should have Faith seeking understanding.
And he should seek his understanding from sources who love the Church and accept without dissent what it teaches.
Having gone to a Jesuit institution myself I know exactly what that means, a mind so open your brains fall out!