Posted on 04/13/2007 6:54:57 AM PDT by Frank Sheed
Two years into his reign, Pope Benedict XVI is finally poised to make a major mark on American Catholicism with a string of key bishop appointments and important decisions about the future of U.S. seminaries and bishops' involvement in politics.
Benedict's election on April 19, 2005, shook liberals and comforted conservatives who expected a doctrinal hard-liner. So far, they have found an easier hand - and someone who has not made the United States much of a priority.
When Benedict has gained attention, it has mostly been on the world stage, focusing on the re-Christianization of Europe, Islam and mending relations with Orthodox Christians. He also has stressed universal themes of faith and reason.
``The last two years have been much quieter years as far as the papacy is concerned because you have a very different personality'' than John Paul II, said Monsignor Robert Wister, chairman of the church history department at Seton Hall University's School of Theology.
``Many Americans were surprised - some happily, some disappointed - that he did not turn into the pit bull of dogma. He is taking a very pastoral approach, and I think people resonate very positively with that.''
Yet America's turn may be coming. At the top of the list is a looming generational shift among the nation's bishops, whose decisions at the local level greatly affect Catholics in the pews and can carry national weight. For instance, church leaders recently closed parishes in Boston and New York, while the St. Louis archbishop has clashed with a heavily Polish parish over control of its assets.
Key appointments are expected in New York, Baltimore and Detroit, where cardinals have reached retirement age - 75. And retirements or appointments are likely in at least seven other archdioceses...
(Excerpt) Read more at guardian.co.uk ...
Golly. You make it sound like being away from the UT is a good thing...:o|
Sounds good Bob... At least you aren’t trying to parallel park this thing... ;-)
Hello? Friggin' 160 IQ here. Not exactly the kind of person whose opinions you shouldn't take seriously...
The next few months are going to be hell... I can just feel it like a sense of impending doom...
You mean we aren’t there, yet?
Yah. I get that. I’m about 8 points behind you, and I have a lot of trouble with know-it-alls.
So when are you leaving?
I’m excited for you, and I really do think things will go in your favor. {{{{{DC}}}}}
Being away -- not. What's taking me away -- yes.
You may recall that I've been making a bid for a new position in the corporation. Some things are happening that just might make it go.
Me? I’m rolling out on the morning of the 5th. This means I’m offline for a bit starting on the night of the 2nd. Should be back on a week or so afterwards.
*Whines* "But I wanted a Stuckey's Pecan Log Roll!"
Thanks! It’s in the category of “hopeful signs” — I’m getting some assignments of the type I could expect in the new position. Perhaps this is a test.
Yes, I recall, but I’ve been trying to be patient and wait for you to come in doing the Happy Dance...
Well, I’ll try to wait calmly for when you get back online with all the news...;o]
And how are YOU? Are you all over your Strep, now? And are you also....MRS?
I’m having a bit of a conundrum right now. Should I hit the liquor store on the way home? Or wait until Friday...
Golly...if it were me doing the driving, I’d have to make a detour to the liquor locker. And then plan on ordering pizza when I got home. ;o]
Ouch!
Pebble storm nine o’clock low.
I've also got a months worth of work to do, two weeks to do it, and a workout I missed this AM to do tomorrow AM.
LOL!
Nothing like having a full plate! Still...”the longest journey...” and all that!
Yep. I’ve even got my next few steps planned out. It’s like unraveling a ball of threads. Sometimes it is less important which thread you start with, as it is to just get started.
I live by that because some days, even that first step is overwhelming...
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