Pope Set to Make Mark on U.S. Church

Guardian Unlimited ^ | April 12, 2007 | ERIC GORSKI (AP Religion Writer)

[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...

[rottndog]

Top 'O The Page Too Ya!

[rottndog]

Good Morning!

Coffee’s ON!

[Darksheare]

But my emotions are separate from my actions and decisions except when augmenting my defensive responses.
I don’t understand.

[Darksheare]

Peace through superior, and overwhelming, firepower.

[Darksheare]

...Not to mention, service with a smile.

[rottndog]

My descriptor was inadequate....

My bad.

[Darksheare]

That’s okay, I forgot the friendly sales associate demeanor.

[rottndog]

Yes...Nothing like recoil fatigue and the smell of gun powder to put a smile on my face.

[Tax-chick]

I don’t understand, either. I’m not a swan.

[rottndog]

Just don’t forget the suggestive sale....

“Would you like some hollow points with that?”

[Darksheare]

The never fail hook: “50% more cordite in every canister!”*

*Only applies to artillery.

[Dead Corpse]

Your Power Bird is a Raven

You believe that most people are sheep, and you spend your time trying to keep them from burning you at the stake in their ignorance.
You see the wisdom and truth as lynch pins for a fulfilling life..
You live a solitary life - you associate most closely only with a rare few who you see as equals.
Some may mistake your self control as cold and dispassionate, but this is far from the truth.

What's Your Power Bird?

[Darksheare]

I’ve been accused of being either a crow or a raven.

[Darksheare]

Hey!
DC got the Raven!

[rottndog]

Your Power Bird is a Swan

You are a truly graceful and gorgeous creature.
You easily see beauty in yourself and others.
Intuitive and in touch, you can often guess what the future will bring.
And you're flexible enough to accept the changes that life has in store for you.

What's Your Power Bird?

??????

Whatever. (I agree with the ugly duckling part)

[Dead Corpse]

If a category doesn’t fit, modify the HTML... ;-)

[Dead Corpse]

I didn’t like the selection I kept getting. I did a “Kirk solution to the Kobayashi Maru” thing...

[Darksheare]

Works for me.

[Lady Jag]

You are an Eagle.

You knew that already?

Besides being an angel, what bird are you, Fatima?

[Lady Jag]

Morning.