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 ...
SHEEEESH!!
Wanna buy a pet rock?
Of course I do!
I know, I know...I already have Rocky [the pet rock a Canteener got me for my birthday earlier this month].
My favorite rock group is Stonehenge.
Actually, we have all kinds of shopping opportunities in the Flying Castle. Most people like the variety of restaurants.
Of course, we’re still figuring out what to use for money.
Mr. Bear-to-be becoming an expert at soothing my nerves. At least he has seen me at my worst and not yet run away screaming. :)
You mean we need “money?”
Why not just plain “credits?”
Well, I knew about the shopping opportunities in the Castle.
But what I meant was to shop ‘out’ you know....’there’.
Well, I’m glad you’re better, but I’m not happy that you have the bridal jitters...{{{{{Teddy}}}}}
Are you keeping a journal/diary? Forcing yourself to sit and concentrate for 10 minutes a day to write something positive/funny/harrowing will give you lots of memories in the future. Not to mention the fact that writing your thoughts and the events of the day is quite soothing.
You’ll be FINE!
More like beachcombing than shopping. Finder's keepers, as far as I'm concerned.
Well, we’re estimating that this rock, Plymouth, has about ten times the mass of the joined Flying Castle Habitats.
That means we could mine it for material enough to complete the circle of habitats aroud the rotational axis, making it a true toroidal space wheel like the ones Walt Disney told us we would see in orbit.
I suspect we won’t get enough oxygen from it for that though. We’ll have to send some ships out to the outer planets for atmospheric gases, or maybe hijack some from a passing comet.
Point is, with energy, both human and physical, and raw materials, we can make anything we need, including all the things you might be shopping for.
Well Bob, as the Flying Castle pilot and creator? you’re very accommodating......hehe
Not to imply that all of the things I have created aree available here.
It’s like Alice’s Restaurant. You can get anything you want ... with some exceptions.
By the way, if you want to do a little sleuthing on Habitat B for some really special items ... erm, keep in mind that our repertoire of pharmaceutical treatments is limited.
Ohhh so very cute.
LOL!
One must be circumspect in the religion forum.
Right!
Sure!
Now that you mention it.
I do try ...
... to be accommodating.
Uhhhh.......
Okay.
Uhhhh..
LOL!
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