Good reply...I appreciate having points that I haven't thought of brought to my attention for further thought and study.
I do have a question for you though, ignoring the SSPX issue, would you agree that allowing both ways to offer mass to meet the needs of the faithful is a good thing? I don't recall seeing a post that you've done dealing with this issue directly.
I know that the exact content of the reported papal indult is still unknown but assuming that the document simply allows priest the right to say mass either way would you oppose or support such a document?
P.S. I don't know how long you've known about FR but this is only my second day...wow...since www.seattlecatholic.com shut down I've been looking for a new site that lists church stories such as this. Do you have any advice for similar ones?
Of course, the President of the Ecclesia Dei Commission has made it clear that attendance at SSPX services does satisfy your Sunday obligation and it is not a schismatic or ex-communicable act. Rome and the SSPX are closer together than they have been since 1988 and this internal Church issue is being dealt with by the correct Church authorities. Letting angry and anonymous laity on the 'net tell you who is or is not Catholic is not the best road to truth.
Points 1 and 3 in our letter of 27 September 2002 to this correspondent are accurately reported. His first question was "Can I fulfill my Sunday obligation by attending a Pius X Mass" and our response was:Since the above, much has happened. My suggestion? Let Rome deal with the internal issues of the Church, avoid heresy and detraction and pray the Rosary."1. In the strict sense you may fulfill your Sunday obligation by attending a Mass celebrated by a priest of the Society of St. Pius X."
His second question was "Is it a sin for me to attend a Pius X Mass" and we responded stating:
"2. We have already told you that we cannot recommend your attendance at such a Mass and have explained the reason why. If your primary reason for attending were to manifest your desire to separate yourself from communion with the Roman Pontiff and those in communion with him, it would be a sin. If your intention is simply to participate in a Mass according to the 1962 Missal for the sake of devotion, this would not be a sin."
I read a lot of diff sites at diff times. But I always read this site daily.
One thing I would advise is for you to go to the Holy See's website and sing-up for the free "Vatican Information Service."
Who better to read when it comes to what Holy Mother Church desires?