Question about the Sister's of St. Joseph.
Hello Brother,
They have links to a lot of sites that seem to oppose orthodox Catholic teaching such as links to Human Rights Watch, as well as others. They also have a prayer posted that asks God's forgiveness for the U.S., for waging war against the Iraqi people, It was upsetting to me. I wish we weren't at war, but they prayer sounds like we're the terrorists?? You can find this prayer under the "our ministries" category. The other links I have spoken of are at the bottom of that page as well.
I understand that they run a retreat house,
http://capemay.com/capemayarchives/2000/StMarys.htm
The retreat house says it's for the sisters, lay women, catholic, and of other denominations, and for female ministers??
This doesn't sound orthodox to me. I am going to be involved with These sisters with a Youth Ministry function and would like to back out if they are not faithful to the magisterium. Could you please take a look at these sites and let me know what you think. I value your Orthodox Roman Catholic opinion.
Thank you.
QUESTION from Robin on May 5, 2004
I was wondering about the Sisters of St. Joseph of Philadelphia, PA? Their website is www.ssjphila.org.
ANSWER by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM on May 8, 2004
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Dear Robin: I took a look at the site you posted. While I do not have the time to thoroughly examine the site, my first impression is that it appears there is a thread of notions leaning toward what is called "liberation theology". Now I am not saying this group is involved in that, rather my first and quick impression of the site brought that to my mind. As for their position on the Iraqi war, it does not violate Catholic teaching as far as I can tell. Their view does appear to be rather bigoted against the United States however. Without further investigation I cannot say this group is orthodox or not. I did not find anything obvious that would indicate a heterodox position. If you are interested in discovering more about their orthodoxy I would advise contacting them and asking specific questions that would test their orthodoxy -- such as their position on women priests, liturgical law, inclusive language, etc.
God Bless, |