This fellow has been doing the "Father Bill's Parish" thing for years and years. He was warned by the then-bishop of Belleville, Wilton Gregory, who is now the Archbishop of Atlanta. Abp. Gregory came to Atlanta in 2005, so this priest has been doing his own thing for at least 6 or 7 years. And the archbishop, by the way, is a very meek man who goes way out of his way to be non-controversial and not make waves. So if he felt like he had to reprimand Father Bill, you know the guy was doing a lot more than just changing a couple of words.
It's not just changing the words -- it's running a parish as his private fiefdom, giving the razzberry to his bishop and his vow of obedience, making it up as he goes along, and encouraging his parishioners in pastor-worship.
That is a strictly protestant way of doing business, and is antithetical to being Catholic. He needs to start his own church, and do it on his own dime, instead of taking the Church's money to do his own thing.
Unfortunately there are a lot more like him in that diocese, which is pretty renowned as a hotbed of dissenting "catholics". The usual "Spirit of Vatican II" crowd have been angry at Bishop Braxton ever since he was appointed, and have been doing everything in their power to undermine and attack him.
You might spare a prayer for the bishop. He has got an Augean Stables to cleanse in SW Illinois.
Isn’t Bishop Wilton Gregory black?? I think that’s why he’s so meek and doesn’t want to make waves.<P.Father Bill is sending off my either GAYDAR or LIBDAR....either one is NOT Kosher Catholic!! GOOD RIDDANCE!!
Our Bishop moves pastors and priests around on a regular basis - kind of like an Episcopal version of "term limits". One thing it does is stave off this kind of thing.
**That is a strictly protestant way of doing business, and is antithetical to being Catholic. He needs to start his own church, and do it on his own dime, instead of taking the Church’s money to do his own thing.**
Even Jesus had one apostle who wouldn’t obey.
I guess we now know that he never intended to keep his vow of “obedience.”
A good Father will adlib in the Homily.
Ours uses that to teach and explain, and it is something I always respect, enjoy and listen to closely. He runs after Mass sessions too to discuss things and only one person leaves their seat for that (local pub landlord and he has to get back and open the pub).
Yes, this piece is clearly in favor of the priest. I witnessed an interesting event last fall when I was at a local church that I occasionally attend. The priest spent the homily explaining each change in the new translation. After he explained each change, he expounded upon why he thought that particular change was silly or unnecessary!