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 ...
Same to ya!
What are the plans for the Chick Coop today?
Have the swallow eggs hatched, yet?
I don't think we had much of a party...
No sign of baby swallows yet. The mother spends a lot of time on the nest, but takes off when we walk in or out.
We don’t have any plans for today. Der Prinz is heading out to run, and we may go swimming after supper; the pool is open until 8.
There used to be a Wet’n’Wild on the Strip, but they closed it to make room for another casino. It was about the only kid-friendly place in town, except for the Adventure Dome at Circus-Circus.
The municipal pools are too small to handle all the kids, and most are not in convenient areas. I don’t know where the one is for this part of town, but it would be fun to go!
The pool we’ve joined (next subdivision over) has some adults-only house. We usually go after supper, so we don’t have to worry about sunburn.
Oops, here’s a baby to tell me it’s his naptime. “Iggle bliggle diggle go bed!”
That is, “adults-only hours.”
Actually, I liked “adults-only house,” better...;o]
Howdy ma’am
Our 8 year old seems to come to attention whenever he hear the Marine Corp hymn.
I have a hard time listening to martial music, now, for some reason.
But that doesn’t mean I don’t like it. The Marine Corp Hymn is awesome!
If you want some “different” martial music, get some downloads of the Russian Army Chorus. That will make you glad you sing bass! (Or baritone!)
Hello! I’m helping my 5-year-old with his Greek.
You’re starting too late in life. LOL
I really like to stune the beebers off of ESL teachers. My first language was Japanese. I don’t have that accent however. heh heh heh
I don’t know why he wants to learn Greek, but I got him a workbook last week, and we’ll do it as long as he’s enthusiastic. He hasn’t shown any interest in learning to write English, but he wants to practice alpha and beta!
It may come in handy when he journeys to Alpha Centauri.
At least I didn't miss out on much.
Yes, May has been rather lethargic...
Are you all moved in at your new place?
I’m moved in, but I’m still figuring out how to arrange things. I have a feeling it will be a mess for a while.
Yup. Hafta start thinking about the June home.
Once I get the photos processed. Had a breakthrough this morning that should make them recoverable, but I only have the tool on 30-day demo. $150 for the software just seems a bit steep -- I never knew photographers were so wealthy.
I have to go. Later.
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