Posted on 04/06/2010 7:29:57 AM PDT by NYer
.- Despite the recent media attacks on the Church and Holy Father regarding clergy sex abuse scandals, one U.S. archdiocese set a record for confirming the most individuals in its history to the Catholic faith.
On Saturday, the Archdiocese of Baltimore confirmed a record 1,090 adults to the faith at the Easter Vigil Mass in parishes throughout the area, breaking the archdiocesan record for a second year in a row, reported the Baltimore Sun on April 4.
“We're on a roll, I guess,” said Archbishop Edwin O'Brien to the Baltimore Sun. Although the bishop said he would like to credit the archdiocesan staff for the record numbers, “the rubber hits the road in the parishes,” he explained. “It's there where we find the real life of the Church.”
Local parishioner Rich Foster, 59, told the Baltimore Sun that the recently surfaced sex abuse scandals within the Church in the U.S. and Europe and the subsequent media attack on the Holy Father did not affect his decision to become Catholic.
“It reflects the frailties of all of us humans,” Foster said on Sunday. “We all have sinned … Part of what the church teaches us is reconciliation, redemption, and forgiveness.” An attendee of New All Saints Church in Baltimore, Foster described his church as “a congregation that I see doing wonderful work in terms of giving back to the community, being open and welcoming to both church members and the outside community.”
“I think that outweighs to me any concerns that may arise in this current controversy,” he added. “I trust my church will go forward in a righteous manner, dealing with these issues directly.”
The record 1,090 individuals confirmed on Saturday surpasses the 984 confirmed in 2009. According to Sharon Bogusz, coordinator of evangelization and adult catechesis for the Baltimore Archdiocese, approximately one quarter of those confirmed were the newly baptized. Others were baptized Catholic as infants but did not receive further sacraments and the majority of those confirmed were from others Christian backgrounds whose baptisms the Church recognizes.
“It's wonderful,” Bogusz told the Baltimore Sun, “our parishes are really doing a lot of hard work and sharing news and welcome.”
From the sex abuse scandal to school closings, some say the Catholic Church is facing a crisis of confidence. Yet the Archdiocese of Baltimore claims it's a record year for new members.
Adam May reports almost one in five Marylanders call themselves Catholic, and despite a lot of negative news, it remains the largest denomination in the state.
There was barely room for another parishioner at Easter services held Sunday at the Baltimore Basilica. Church leaders say more than 1,000 new Catholics joined the church this year, which is even more than last year's record.
But an unknown number of Catholics are leaving church. Some are disenfranchised by church policy, politics and scandal.
The most recent negative issue involves allegations Pope Benedict helped cover up clergy sex abuse. That has led to some protests by upset Catholics.
"Damage has been done. We're trying to repair that damage, help those who have been hurt. But we go on. We're still a church," said Archbishop Edwin O'Brien.
Another issue facing the church is the closing of many schools, including Cardinal Gibbons. Angry parents and students did more than just rally last week. Hoping to get the Archbishop to change his mind, one local businessman -- who has been a long-time Catholic school financial supporter -- started running radio ads asking other Catholics to reduce tidings.
"I don't know if it's working at all. My information is we're the same, even a little more than last year in donations," said O'Brien.
A few days ago, students at Cardinal Gibbons had to select new schools. It's estimated at least one-fourth of them decided to leave the Catholic education system.
The Archdiocese of Baltimore has almost half a million members.
Only morons think you can destroy a religion by attacking it.
A couple of us out here are looking for the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Traditional Rite, which apparently was authorized in the Motu Proprio. In the New Rite it would seem like a mixed Catholic-Protestant thing to us.
Historically, outside attacks on the Church have only made it stronger.
the more they persecute, the bigger we get.
Truth triumphs!
Praise God for this continuing miracle despite all the attacks on it!
Our retired archbishop is very supportive of our FSSP parish (did the entire church dedication in Latin) but I don't think he's done a Confirmation over there.
I wonder how many new Catholics have recently left the Episcopalian, Lutheran, and other denominations, holding their noses in disgust?
Got four over here who left ECUSA in 2003 after the “consecration” of “bishop” Robinson, who left his wife and two daughters to live in sin with a man.
My daughter made her confirmation in one of the most progrssive dioceses in the US. The process, surprisingly, was very much the same. Since the group was smaller, her sponsor accompanied her to the bishop with his hand on her shoulder.
Just curious about what you believe the difference to be.
Hi, the closest FSSP parish — in the next state over — is where I was told to go. Have not yet contacted the parish.
Hi NYer, I haven’t attended or been included in any confirmation, new, old, or in-between, and have not researched specific differences. However, I do know that when we had our two girls (we have permanent custody) baptized, the diocese priest asked immediately before beginning: “Do you want the old or the new rite”? This although the critical words might not have changed. I myself could probably not be confirmed in good faith because I do not accept the changes incorporated in the post-conciliar church, so I will have to go without this sacrament.
Excellent news.
I'm confused. I thought you were Catholic.
I am, the way it was for 1000+ years.
There’s a Pontifical High Mass at the National Shrine in Washington later this month. Maybe you should ask if you can get confirmed by Cardinal Castrillon-Hoyos.
Sedevacantist?
I’m probably on the no-fly list by now or I would consider it LOL
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