The Rites of the Catholic Church [Catholic Caucus]
One and Many Churches (origins of the Church)
THE RITES OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH -- There are many!
(Cardinal) Newman on Rites and Ceremonies
I was speaking generally, I know that there are many “rites” and some of them not so far away from the absolute “roots” of what all Christians MUST believe in order to be saved. Some of them are very evangelical in their out reach and mission and less into the “statue and Mary” stuff. Even the priests may differ in their approach from one another. If he had given a southern baptist style altar call, the man would had some new parishioners that very day!
One of the best sermons I ever heard was from a Catholic priest in NY city on Easter in 1987...It was a church on Park Ave...I think. Not a bit about Mary...just straight from the word, stressing the relationship between man and Christ. Powerful spiritual presence when that man spoke. If he had given a southern baptist style altar call, the priest would have had some new parishioners that very day!
That’s why I’m cautious when I look at a whole group of Catholics and I don’t paint with a broad brush. And I try to keep history in perspective!