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 ...
You’ll have to ask NnBob what he did to the van. Yes, it really moves out!
Ah...I knew leaving you two alone with the Guinness was a bad idea...
LOL!
;o])
Yep. Well, work calls and I must answer. (Sigh.)
I wish I could say that...:o|
Later.
That’s very nice of you. We have several tiny caps saved from when the babies were born, provided by various church and senior citizens’ groups. Tom was the first baby born on Halloween in Norman in 1996, so he got a black and orange hat!
I’ve been using scraps, but I think, now that I read about Tom’s hat, that I’ll buy “holiday” yarn! Thanks for the idea, TC!
*hug*
You’re welcome! (Hug back!)
The 4th of July is coming up; you could do some in red, white, and blue.
Yes! I can! I’ll get some sock/baby yarn in red white and blue on Thursday! What a deal! WOO-HOO!
I wish I could knit! Maybe I’ll try to learn again this summer. Maybe I could learn to knit and run at the same time :-).
So was I, but they're banning just for sport on that thread. We would have been in jeopardy for spoiling their party. :-)
I can hang with the Pope for a month. Maybe that will ward off evil spirits.
I have to get some double-pointed needles, as I don’t like seams in hats for little heads. But I’m looking forward to being in Michael’s.... (Be still, my heart!)
Hi, Sandy!
I’ll watch for yarn bargains next time I’m at the craft store!
The Wal-Mart here has a bunch of expensive yarns that it hasn’t been able to sell. Really soft stuff, and I’m thinking it will be almost affordable by the time I get there Thursday morning. It’s been sitting out for two months, now, so hopefully, the third month is the charm!
I hope Michael’s has some on sale, as well, so I can buy an armload!
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