So, There's this Parish in Dallas...

Diocese Report ^ | July 10, 2003 | Fr. Joseph F. Wilson

[B Knotts]

Every once in a while, I find myself engaged in one of those intriguing conversations where someone just back from a trip will come up to me and, rather breathless with surprise and excitement, say, "While we were away, we found the most wonderful parish, Father?" Often, these are interesting conversations. Sometimes it's just a matter of a family struck by the loveliness of a particular church building, situated in a charming spot.

But sometimes they return with interesting descriptions of what they have seen, of parishes with wonderful music programs, full devotional schedules, a chapel for the perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. I recall, years ago, a professor from our congregation beaming as he described to me the wondrous experience of attending Mass in the parish I'd suggested he visit while he was in Minnesota - the incomparable Msgr Schuler's incomparable parish, St Agnes, with its unusually excellent liturgy. I've so often heard the phrase, 'Mass factory,' used of their parishes by people who sadly describe a large place where endless Masses are perfunctorily celebrated, devotions nonexistent, the Forty Hours a dim memory. It's uplifting to hear people describing those parishes where the love of God is expressed clearly and joyfully, and has left an impression on a devout heart.

[B Knotts]

Could you also explain the difference between interdict and excommunication?

Here's a lengthy discussion of it:

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08073a.htm

[B Knotts]

Fr. Paul wouldn't have to "harbor" them. He likely never inquires about legal status.

*scratches head*

Isn't that what I just said? :-)

[fatima]

Thanks for the ping NYer.

[St.Chuck]

I read this story in The Wanderer and had planned to post it after typing it up.

This was the story I had in mind when I wrote how edifying I think the Wanderer is. I'm heartened to know that there are priests like this and parishes like this. Slowly, slowly, slowly, the faith will be rejuvenated.

[Hermann the Cherusker]

An excommunication removes you from the community of the faithful. An interdict suspends your ability to receive the sacraments.

[al_c]

Father Weinberger, having been advised that he is "not part of the future" of Blessed Sacrament, has been told to expect that in January 2004 he will begin a sabbatical (as he had requested should it be the case that he would be transferred), following which he will return to Dallas and be reassigned. It is quite clear that the Bishop has future plans for the parish, plans which will be markedly different from its present life; the 'tremendously bright candle' will be extinguished.

Another reason to side with the anti Bishop Grahman crowd. I'm beginning to understand their angst. Why on earth would you uproot a priest that is doing so much good for the church?

[al_c]

I just wish he would take a hint and quit.

Dream on, sink. He's made it perfectly clear that he's staying. Since he seems to take pleasure in doing exactly the opposite of what is requested, perhaps if everyone started begging him to stay forever that would change his mind and make him leave. ;o)

[TradicalRC]

I would not condemn him, but there is an interesting philosophical point here: illegal immigration is a crime; is he not supposed to uphold the laws of this country? Or does he get to pick and choose which laws are "just"?

[sinkspur]

I would not condemn him, but there is an interesting philosophical point here: illegal immigration is a crime; is he not supposed to uphold the laws of this country? Or does he get to pick and choose which laws are "just"?

It's not the priest's job to enforce immigration laws.

Should a priest refuse communion to someone he saw go through a red light in an intersection ten minutes before Mass?

Priests are not government enforcers. If they become such, they'll lose every bit of credibility they have.

[Maximilian]

This was the story I had in mind when I wrote how edifying I think the Wanderer is. I'm heartened to know that there are priests like this and parishes like this. Slowly, slowly, slowly, the faith will be rejuvenated.

This is a fine story. But it's not spiritually enlightening. It's church politics. From the point of view of church politics, it's a lot better than reading the National Catholic Reporter. But even articles like this one are not going to help you become a saint.

[TradicalRC]

I said uphold, not enforce.

Why do you always answer a legitimate question by changing it to something obviously illegitimate and then answering that?

[a history buff]

And a man's enemies shall be those of his own house.