Replies

The laity is in no mood to be pushed around by bishops. I hope the bishops everywhere are watching--because the days of powerlessness and deference on the part of lay people are over. There is nothing in the Catholic faith that dictates bishops must control everything, even the worldly goods of a parish. It is time to REALLY enfranchise Catholic lay persons and get rid of a Medieval model.

"They [the laity] are, by [reason of] knowledge, competence or outstanding ability which they may enjoy, permitted and sometimes even obliged to express their opinion on those things which concern the good of the Church." (Vatican II, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, n. 37)

"While preserving intact the necessary link with ecclesiastical authority, the laity have the right to establish and direct [apostolic] associations, and to join existing ones …. [B]y their expert assistance they increase the efficacy of the care of souls as well as of the administration of the goods of the Church." (Vatican II, Decree on the Apostolate of Lay People, n. 19, 10)

It is the noble duty of pastors to recognize the services and charismatic gifts of the laity. Pastors were not meant by Christ to shoulder alone the entire saving mission of the Church toward the world. ("Lumen Gentium" #30)

Ah-haaa, you've been reading your Vatican II documents again haven't you? Yes sir! Well done. We'll have you at the Novus Ordo soon enough.

Just a word of caution, though. Be careful. I detect a certain radical "power to the people-overthrow the bishops" line of thought in your post. Similar to "Voice of the Faithful" and "Pax Christi". It would be a shame to see you move too far to the left.

Freepmail me if the SSPX bishops read this and excommunicate you.

I know of a nice guitar Mass where you'll fit in just great.

This has always been Church teaching, though not very well practiced. Vatican II only underscored these relations. But notice how it's been interpreted--along liberal lines, putting the laity in the sanctuary, for the most part, and blurring the liturgical line between priests and laity. Meanwhile the bishops kept charge of the money. Clericalism is rife and worse than ever.

Many of the SSPX chapels and facilities, I understand, are owned and run by the laity. Maybe that's why its priests are able to stay focused on the Gospel. They have heavy workloads and live and breathe poverty. They will drive across states hundreds of miles in bad weather to administer Extreme Unction or to say a Mass. SSPX bishops confide in the people and show respect for them.

I have never objected to changes in the Church which have nothing to do with doctrine or liturgy and which make good sense. My objection to the Novus Ordo is principled. I oppose it because it is deceptive by nature and was designed to protestantize Catholics. It is therefore very dangerous to the Catholic faith.