Archbishop Burke to defrock schismatic priest

St. Louis Globe Dispatch ^ | 1-15-08 | Ravens70

[Ravens70]

ST. LOUIS — Archbishop Raymond Burke has begun the process of defrocking the pastor at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church. Rev. Marek Bozek, 32 and a native of Poland, said Monday that he received a letter from Burke last week, informing him that he should present himself before the archbishop for "canonical admonition." In the letter, Burke said he's begun the process of laicization, or being "dismissed from the clerical state," for Bozek. The letter cited Bozek's participation in schism at the church that has been locked in a battle with the archdiocese over control of its assets and his public support for, and participation in, an ordination ceremony of two Catholic women last year.

[Ravens70]

Continuing saga of Fr. Mark's defiance to Archbishop Burke. More at http://slatts.blogspot.com/2008/01/archbishop-burke-begins-process-to.html

[golfisnr1]

Ever since this church has refused to bend to Burke it has increased its attendance 250%. Follow the money. The church has mucho bucks.

[Bishop_Malachi]

I’m confused. Are you saying that it has increased its attendance 250% to the extent that it has defied church teaching and the authority of the archbishop?

[vladimir998]

You wrote:

“Ever since this church has refused to bend to Burke it has increased its attendance 250%.”

All the fools have gathered in one spot.

[VidMihi]

It is somewhat sad that rather than being concerned about the pastoral needs of these people, the bishop is more interested in control - especially in this case as the parish has financial resources that do not belong to the Archdiocese.

[ArrogantBustard]

his public support for, and participation in, an ordination ceremony of two Catholic women last year.

Something to think about.

[vladimir998]

You have no idea of what you’re talking about. Archbishop Burke IS CONCERNED about the pastoral needs of the people of St. Stan’s. That’s exactly why he wants this dissenting priest gone. There is NO pastoral need that can be separated from good, sound doctrine and proper ecclesiastical discipline. Can you think of even one?

[A.A. Cunningham]

The correct term is dismissal. Defrock is a secular term not found in Canon Law.

[informavoracious]

Burke is one of the good guys. At least he is taking some action against dissension. If Catholics want to be Protestants, fine, just don’t call yourself Catholic.

[Ravens70]

Two issues:
1. St. Stan’s continuing defiance. A synopsis from a previous
posting http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1357858/posts
Even the Vatican ruled in favor of the Diocese. The issue of the financial resources is the straw man in the story.

2. Fr. Mark’s poking a stick in the eye of the Archbishop (ie, participation in the “ordination” of the two gals in St. Louis) and then whining to the news that he is the victim when the Bishop responds to scandal.

[Cheverus]

I believe this group has already allied themselves with the “Old Catholic” movement. If I recall correctly they had an Old Catholic Bishop confirm folks last Easter Vigil and given that they are going to confirm folks again this year, they must be finding a “Bishop” somewhere.

[vladimir998]

Bozek said: “But his definition is that I move four steps and he stands immovable like a rock.”

Yeah, a rock - the Rock of St. Peter perhaps?

[Bishop_Malachi]

I agree with you. Vidmihi seems to believe that enforcing church doctrine and rules are a hindrance to meeting pastoral needs. But what if the pertinent pastoral needs are to actually hear and heed the church’s teachings on morality, theology, ecclesiology? You’re right. They cannot be seperated.