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...

[sionnsar]

Good nioht, all!

[Soaring Feather]

LOL, yup I would say so.

[Lady Jag]

Doesn’t rain like 364 days a year there?

[Not A Snowbird]

Hi, ‘Face!

(A bit late... just got on line.)

[Tax-chick]

Good morning!

[NicknamedBob]

Good Morning, T-C!

See ya later; I’m oftwerk.

[Tax-chick]

“Oftwerk” makes me think of a poem.

[Monkey Face]

I lived in Texas for three years. Which is why I’m now in Vegas Valley!

[Monkey Face]

Morning, Sandy!

Sorry I missed you!

[Monkey Face]

Hi, TC!

[Tax-chick]

Hi, Face! Very loud here today. How are you?

[Monkey Face]

Very quiet here today...except for the wind. That’s going to get worse as the day goes on.

And cooler! It’s only supposed to be about 80 degrees!

[Tax-chick]

My forecast says 90. I may have to turn the AC on, if the house gets hot enough.

I need to go do some crowd control before someone gets hurt! Hope to see you later.

[Monkey Face]

LOL!

Good luck!

[sionnsar]

Doesn’t rain like 364 days a year there?

Not really. We get at least two weeks of summer. (In '93, that's all we got.)

[sionnsar]

(A bit late... just got on line.)

Difficulties with yesterday's march?

[Dead Corpse]

Todays the day kiddos. 7PM tonight, they're gonna induce Zon. Only real debate now is if he'll be born before midnight or not.

I'm so amped up I can hardly think straight. I imagine this is exactly how I'd feel if I KNEW I was going to win the Lottery...

[Monkey Face]

I dunno...when we lived there, we had a lot of sunshine. We just couldn’t see it for the clouds and rain, is all...;o]

[Monkey Face]

OhMAN? I’ll be asleep when you ping us. *sheesh*

Well, it will just make tomorrow much better!

*HUGS*

[Peanut Gallery]

You Are 92% Texas

Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit. This ain't your first rodeo!

How Texas Are You?