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 ...
One week to go...
I don’t do anything on Sundays that isn’t absolutely necessary. Even shopping. That way, I have more energy for the week ahead. Honest!
Have you got “The Yippees,” yet?
Not until afer everthing is packed, loaded on the vehicles, and we are heading out...
Yep...sounds like me! LOL!
Argh. The shoot did not go well. I got there too late to set things and try before the service. The it was difficult keeping the group together so I had to shoot quickly, and it appears some setting or another in the camera (it's VERY complex) was not right. So I just had to shoot and pray. And the pictures came out dark. We'll see if they're salvageable.
Sorry to hear that. We ended up with lousy wedding pictures. At least they’ve still got the baby :-).
But I appear to have injured a muscle in my calf yesterday. It was aching a bit earlier, then worked up to some nasty cramps a couple hours ago and still somewhat. Ouch!
Looks like the thread's gone for the night...
Definitely.
I’m here now. Am I too late for the party?
Isaiah 5-20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil. Homosexuality is out there trying to make everyone think it’s good and that they should be able to marry. Truly a sign of the times. Especially with Christian churches going along with abortion and homosexuality,divorce. Come holy spirit fill us with fear of the Lord.
If I could afford one of those beautiful head scarves I would wear one.Believe me people might think I am a little nutty or a Muslims sneaking in.LOL
I lived in Riverside for a while. My dad is still there.
No ma'am no military here.
Btw, me in 1990.
My kid sister in Saudi in 1990.
Peanutgallery in 1994.
Party....Did someone say Party????
Great pics! Good morning!
If I were you, I would hit the flea markets and secondhand stores. You can get the most fascinating stuff for dirt cheap at the Sally Ann or Goodwill. The sturdy useful clothes go fast and are priced fairly high, but they are covered up with dressy clothes (good wool suits, tuxedos, evening gowns, dress hats, etc.) that nobody wants. I bet they have a lace veil or two that nobody knows what to do with . . . .
Great piccies!
If my scanner was up and running, I’d post the boot camp photos for both my kids. He was in the army, she was in the navy! Of course, she’s a Blue Star Mother, now, so that makes me a Blue Star Gramma!!
Good morning!
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