Catholics In the Know
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Sunday, June 27, 2004
O Lord God Almighty, I beseech Thee by the Precious Body and Blood of Thy divine Son Jesus, which He Himself on the night before His Passion gave as meat and drink to His beloved Apostles and bequeathed to His Holy Church to be the perpetual Sacrifice and life-giving nourishment of His faithful people, deliver the souls in purgatory, but most of all, that soul which was most devoted to this Mystery of infinite love, in order that it may praise Thee therefor, together with Thy Divine Son and the Holy Spirit in Thy glory for ever. Amen.
A Prayer to Redeem Lost Time, by St. Teresa of Avila
O my God! Source of all mercy! I acknowledge Your sovereign power. While recalling the wasted years that are past, I believe that You, Lord, can in an instant turn this loss to gain. Miserable as I am, yet I firmly believe that You can do all things. Please restore to me the time lost, giving me Your grace, both now and in the future, that I may appear before You in "wedding garments." Amen.
5 Phases of an Adolescent's Slide Into Satanism
Bishop Anthony Pilla recently banned the organization, "Future Church" from meeting on Diocese of Cleveland property
St. Louis Archbishop Burke Speaks Out About Pro-Abortion Catholic Politicians and Communion
EVERYTHING THAT HAS BREATH...PRAISE THE LORD
POPE HIGHLIGHTS THE NEED TO REAFFIRM MARRIAGE, THE FAMILY
Gracious Father, we humbly approach your altar, with prayers and supplications. We thank you for your answers, in your time, not ours. Amen.
Taking On a Secular Society
John Paul II Urging the Faithful to Evangelize
ROME, JUNE 26, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Evangelization has always been a top priority for John Paul II and he is not letting his physical difficulties impede this effort. In recent weeks he has been increasingly outspoken on the need for a Christian presence in society.
During a meeting June 5 with Catholic youth in Bern, Switzerland, the Pope invited them not to be afraid to meet and listen to Jesus. "Do not be content with discussion; do not wait for opportunities that may never come, to do good," John Paul II urged them. "The time for action is now!"
The Pope added: "At the beginning of this third millennium, you too, young people, are called to proclaim the message of the Gospel with the testimony of your lives. The Church needs your energies, your enthusiasm, your youthful ideals to ensure that the Gospel permeates the fabric of society and inspires a civilization of authentic justice and love without discrimination."
In his homily at Mass the next day the Holy Father proclaimed: "The time has come for preparing young generations of apostles who are not afraid to proclaim the Gospel. It is essential for every baptized person to pass from a faith of habit to a mature faith that is expressed in clear, convinced and courageous personal choices."
This faith, he explained, will enable Christ's followers to build a missionary Church, "free from false fears because she is certain of the Father's love." John Paul II also reminded those present that the foundation of human dignity, and the source of "the greatness of man," comes from the image of God that "is mirrored in every human being."
Spreading the Gospel
A key theme in recent papal addresses centers on the dangers of a secular society that is increasingly hostile to Christian principles. This presents a double challenge: the need to defend the Church and the faithful against an undermining of Christianity; and the need to convince Christians to proclaim Christianity and convert society.
In his May 20 speech to participants in an assembly of Italian bishops, the Pope warned of "the penetrating influence that the media exercise today on mind-sets and behavior, personal and collective, proposing a vision of life that unfortunately often tends to corrode basic ethical values, especially those that concern the family."
At the same time he pointed out to the bishops: "The media, however, also lend themselves to being used for and with very different purposes and results, making an important contribution to the affirmation of positive models of life and also to the spread of the Gospel."
The need for the new constitution of the European Union to contain a reference to the Christian heritage of the continent has been frequently mentioned by the Pope. In a May 6 letter written on the occasion of an ecumenical meeting in Germany, John Paul II also declared: "The Christian faith, however, also represents the present and future of Europe."
"Europe needs the commitment and enthusiasm of Christians, especially the youngest, if it is to receive the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ," the Pope declared. At the beginning of this new millennium, he continued, believers must renew their efforts "to respond to the challenge of the new evangelization."
A witness to the truth
John Paul II explained in more detail what this new evangelization means, during his May 28 address to a group of U.S. bishops, present in Rome for their five-yearly visit.
Every Christian, he said, has a "responsibility for the truth" which has been handed down in the Tradition of the Church, and which in turn must be handed on faithfully. Proclaiming the message of the Gospel in contemporary society is not easy, noted the Pope, and requires a direct confrontation with "the widespread spirit of agnosticism and relativism which has cast doubt on reason's ability to know the truth which alone satisfies the human heart's restless quest for meaning."
The Pope also called for "a profound renewal of the missionary and prophetic sense of the whole People of God, and the conscious mobilization of the Church's resources in the work of an evangelization."
In part, noted John Paul II, this evangelization must be carried out through the network of educational and charitable institutions developed by the Church in the United States. But he also emphasized the role of the laity. "Now is above all the hour of the lay faithful, who, by their specific vocation to shape the secular world in accordance with the Gospel, are called to carry forward the Church's prophetic mission by evangelizing the various spheres of family, social, professional and cultural life."
Echoing his apostolic exhortation "Christifideles Laici," the Pope explained to the bishops that the Gospel's message is "the only fully valid response to the problems and hopes that life poses to every person and society."
Encounter with Jesus
In a June 4 speech to another group of U.S. bishops, the Pope explained in more detail what it means to proclaim the Gospel today. The underlying dynamic of Church's prophetic mission is to enable people "to be transformed by the power of the Gospel which permeates their way of thinking, standards of judgment, and norms of behavior."
To achieve this transformation the Pope urged the bishops that the center of their preaching of the Gospel be based on an encounter with Christ. "In fact, it is only by knowing, loving and imitating Christ that, with him, we can transform history by bringing Gospel values to bear in society and culture."
In a speech Thursday, to yet another group of visiting U.S. bishops, the Pope dealt with another aspect of evangelization. "Today creativity is especially needed in better shaping ecclesial institutions to fulfill their prophetic mission," he said.
He asked that they "embody a clear corporate testimony" to the saving truth of the Gospel. This means that they must be, "constantly re-examining their priorities in the light of their mission and offering a convincing witness, within a pluralistic society, to the Church's teaching."
The third millennium
The need for evangelization was a key theme in the Pope's apostolic letter "Novo Millennio Ineunte," issued in early 2001 at the close of the Jubilee year. John Paul II explained that from the celebration of the Jubilee "we must gain new impetus in Christian living, making it the force which inspires our journey of faith." In this journey we do not have to invent a new program. "The program already exists: it is the plan found in the Gospel and in the living Tradition, it is the same as ever" (No. 29).
He called upon the local churches to formulate pastoral plans that "will enable the proclamation of Christ to reach people, mold communities, and have a deep and incisive influence in bringing Gospel values to bear in society and culture."
In his conclusion the Pope exclaimed: "Let us go forward in hope! A new millennium is opening before the Church like a vast ocean upon which we shall venture, relying on the help of Christ." This task, he is insisting, is an urgent responsibility for all members of the Church.
ZE04062601
John Paul II Urging the Faithful to Evangelize
ROME, JUNE 26, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Evangelization has always been a top priority for John Paul II and he is not letting his physical difficulties impede this effort. In recent weeks he has been increasingly outspoken on the need for a Christian presence in society.
During a meeting June 5 with Catholic youth in Bern, Switzerland, the Pope invited them not to be afraid to meet and listen to Jesus. "Do not be content with discussion; do not wait for opportunities that may never come, to do good," John Paul II urged them. "The time for action is now!"
The Pope added: "At the beginning of this third millennium, you too, young people, are called to proclaim the message of the Gospel with the testimony of your lives. The Church needs your energies, your enthusiasm, your youthful ideals to ensure that the Gospel permeates the fabric of society and inspires a civilization of authentic justice and love without discrimination."
In his homily at Mass the next day the Holy Father proclaimed: "The time has come for preparing young generations of apostles who are not afraid to proclaim the Gospel. It is essential for every baptized person to pass from a faith of habit to a mature faith that is expressed in clear, convinced and courageous personal choices."
This faith, he explained, will enable Christ's followers to build a missionary Church, "free from false fears because she is certain of the Father's love." John Paul II also reminded those present that the foundation of human dignity, and the source of "the greatness of man," comes from the image of God that "is mirrored in every human being."
Spreading the Gospel
A key theme in recent papal addresses centers on the dangers of a secular society that is increasingly hostile to Christian principles. This presents a double challenge: the need to defend the Church and the faithful against an undermining of Christianity; and the need to convince Christians to proclaim Christianity and convert society.
In his May 20 speech to participants in an assembly of Italian bishops, the Pope warned of "the penetrating influence that the media exercise today on mind-sets and behavior, personal and collective, proposing a vision of life that unfortunately often tends to corrode basic ethical values, especially those that concern the family."
At the same time he pointed out to the bishops: "The media, however, also lend themselves to being used for and with very different purposes and results, making an important contribution to the affirmation of positive models of life and also to the spread of the Gospel."
The need for the new constitution of the European Union to contain a reference to the Christian heritage of the continent has been frequently mentioned by the Pope. In a May 6 letter written on the occasion of an ecumenical meeting in Germany, John Paul II also declared: "The Christian faith, however, also represents the present and future of Europe."
"Europe needs the commitment and enthusiasm of Christians, especially the youngest, if it is to receive the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ," the Pope declared. At the beginning of this new millennium, he continued, believers must renew their efforts "to respond to the challenge of the new evangelization."
A witness to the truth
John Paul II explained in more detail what this new evangelization means, during his May 28 address to a group of U.S. bishops, present in Rome for their five-yearly visit.
Every Christian, he said, has a "responsibility for the truth" which has been handed down in the Tradition of the Church, and which in turn must be handed on faithfully. Proclaiming the message of the Gospel in contemporary society is not easy, noted the Pope, and requires a direct confrontation with "the widespread spirit of agnosticism and relativism which has cast doubt on reason's ability to know the truth which alone satisfies the human heart's restless quest for meaning."
The Pope also called for "a profound renewal of the missionary and prophetic sense of the whole People of God, and the conscious mobilization of the Church's resources in the work of an evangelization."
In part, noted John Paul II, this evangelization must be carried out through the network of educational and charitable institutions developed by the Church in the United States. But he also emphasized the role of the laity. "Now is above all the hour of the lay faithful, who, by their specific vocation to shape the secular world in accordance with the Gospel, are called to carry forward the Church's prophetic mission by evangelizing the various spheres of family, social, professional and cultural life."
Echoing his apostolic exhortation "Christifideles Laici," the Pope explained to the bishops that the Gospel's message is "the only fully valid response to the problems and hopes that life poses to every person and society."
Encounter with Jesus
In a June 4 speech to another group of U.S. bishops, the Pope explained in more detail what it means to proclaim the Gospel today. The underlying dynamic of Church's prophetic mission is to enable people "to be transformed by the power of the Gospel which permeates their way of thinking, standards of judgment, and norms of behavior."
To achieve this transformation the Pope urged the bishops that the center of their preaching of the Gospel be based on an encounter with Christ. "In fact, it is only by knowing, loving and imitating Christ that, with him, we can transform history by bringing Gospel values to bear in society and culture."
In a speech Thursday, to yet another group of visiting U.S. bishops, the Pope dealt with another aspect of evangelization. "Today creativity is especially needed in better shaping ecclesial institutions to fulfill their prophetic mission," he said.
He asked that they "embody a clear corporate testimony" to the saving truth of the Gospel. This means that they must be, "constantly re-examining their priorities in the light of their mission and offering a convincing witness, within a pluralistic society, to the Church's teaching."
The third millennium
The need for evangelization was a key theme in the Pope's apostolic letter "Novo Millennio Ineunte," issued in early 2001 at the close of the Jubilee year. John Paul II explained that from the celebration of the Jubilee "we must gain new impetus in Christian living, making it the force which inspires our journey of faith." In this journey we do not have to invent a new program. "The program already exists: it is the plan found in the Gospel and in the living Tradition, it is the same as ever" (No. 29).
He called upon the local churches to formulate pastoral plans that "will enable the proclamation of Christ to reach people, mold communities, and have a deep and incisive influence in bringing Gospel values to bear in society and culture."
In his conclusion the Pope exclaimed: "Let us go forward in hope! A new millennium is opening before the Church like a vast ocean upon which we shall venture, relying on the help of Christ." This task, he is insisting, is an urgent responsibility for all members of the Church.
ZE04062601
Thursday, June 24, 2004
When the Education System Puts Christians on the Spot
Kenneth Whitehead Assess Conflicts, Suggests Alternatives
WASHINGTON, D.C., JUNE 24, 2004 (Zenit.org).- It may be time for committed Christians to think more seriously about establishing their own schools or joining the growing home-schooling movement.
So says Kenneth Whitehead, a former U.S. assistant secretary of education and author of "One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic" (Ignatius).
He shared with ZENIT why it may be necessary for Catholics to look for educational alternatives in the face of the increasing conflicts among the courts, Christians and federally funded schools, and the growing moral corruption of our times.
Q: In an Orange County school district recently, three Christian school trustees voted not to revise the district's anti-discrimination policy to adhere to a California law that requires all public school districts to protect certain groups from discrimination, including transsexuals and others who do not embrace traditional gender roles. Eventually, the policy was revised so that it was satisfactory to the state and the dissenting board members. In this instance, do Christians have a primary duty to act according to their faith rather than according to secular law?
Whitehead: In matters of conscience Christians do have a primary duty to act according to their faith rather than according to secular law. Acts 5:29 states: "We must obey God rather than men."
In the case described here, it would seem that being required to recognize that a disordered condition such as the condition that "transsexuals" have chosen for themselves belongs in a distinct category entitled to the special protection of anti-discrimination laws. Such a requirement could well violate a well-formed Christian conscience, and hence a vote against it would be correct and proper.
In the present case, it is good that the Christian trustees were able to reach an agreement with the school district. But if they had been strictly required by law to uphold the California anti-discrimination statute, and if they had failed to do so on the basis of their consciences, they would have to be prepared to suffer whatever penalty exists under the law for their failure to fulfill their legal obligations, just as protesters against unjust racial discrimination had to be prepared to pay the existing legal penalties for civil disobedience as long as these remained in force.
Christians are not entitled to break or contravene laws just because those laws are immoral or unjust. They are only able and obliged -- in a democracy -- to work to try to change such laws.
In the case described, if these trustees were indeed legally required to recognize transsexuals as belonging to a special, protected legal category, I believe it might be time for them to consider resigning as public school trustees. They owe nothing to a school system that requires the violation of their consciences.
People today often talk as if the public schools were part of the nature of things, and that they simply have to be supported, whatever the problems or costs. But this is not true.
In the 19th century, when Catholics realized that the public schools then in the process of being established were, in reality, not religiously neutral, but were thinly disguised "Protestant" schools, Catholics abandoned these schools and established their own school system.
In view of the growing moral corruption and decadence in so many sectors of society, including now in the public schools, it may be time for committed Christians to think more seriously either about establishing their own schools or joining the growing home-schooling movement.
Q: A Christian Canadian medical student lost three successive appeals on a failing grade for his refusal to perform or refer for any abortion procedure. Recently, he was reinstated in good standing shortly before his graduation. How does a school's action such as this endanger Christians' rights to religious expression, practice and belief?
Whitehead: This case illustrates, precisely, how moral corruption has more and more entered into the institutions of our society.
In the United States, school policies that would penalize a medical student for conscientious objection to abortion would, on their face, seem to contradict the First Amendment to the Constitution, which is supposed to guarantee the free exercise of religion, including decisions concerning questions of moral conscience.
However, successive court decisions, especially those extending anti-discrimination measures to wider categories of people -- including some living in openly immoral lifestyles -- have progressively weakened the force of the First Amendment to the point that, today, it no longer effectively protects the consciences of Christians.
Increasingly, Christians are threatened with actual coercion if they are unable to go along with today's bold rejection of the traditional moral law.
Q: Considering recent prohibition of government scholarships for theology majors, the government seems to be pulling back from subsidizing religious-oriented education. How do you see these funding cuts?
Whitehead: Denial to theology students alone of government scholarships otherwise available across the board to everyone else is, from one point of view, an obvious injustice, and represents yet another government encroachment on the freedom of religion.
From a Christian point of view, however, there is no compelling reason why the government should be expected to subsidize religion at all, including through scholarships to study theology. Nor do I believe that we should even want the government to be involved in deciding what is, and what is not, a "valid" religious question.
Q: Where do you think religious education is heading? Will it be more balkanized? More isolated from the mainstream of America?
Whitehead: As implied in the answer to the previous question, religious education should not be a matter falling within the purview of the government at all.
Religious people should be allowed to believe and act according to their convictions and consciences without interference from the government or the courts. That is what religious freedom means.
This is certainly the teaching of the Second Vatican Council in its declaration on religious liberty, "Dignitatis Humanae." The dignity of the human person requires that he be free from coercion in matters of religious belief and moral conscience.
Originally this was assumed to be the case in the U.S. Constitution and legal system as well. But it is being steadily undermined today because of some of the moral directions in which our society is headed.
Increasingly, government and court actions require special recognition of, and giving special protection to, individuals and groups that espouse and practice what in Christian teaching is considered immoral.
These initiatives need to be resisted using every avenue available in our (still) democratic system. If and when the day arrives that such resistance is no longer possible, democracy, too, will be at its end.
ZE04062422
Kenneth Whitehead Assess Conflicts, Suggests Alternatives
WASHINGTON, D.C., JUNE 24, 2004 (Zenit.org).- It may be time for committed Christians to think more seriously about establishing their own schools or joining the growing home-schooling movement.
So says Kenneth Whitehead, a former U.S. assistant secretary of education and author of "One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic" (Ignatius).
He shared with ZENIT why it may be necessary for Catholics to look for educational alternatives in the face of the increasing conflicts among the courts, Christians and federally funded schools, and the growing moral corruption of our times.
Q: In an Orange County school district recently, three Christian school trustees voted not to revise the district's anti-discrimination policy to adhere to a California law that requires all public school districts to protect certain groups from discrimination, including transsexuals and others who do not embrace traditional gender roles. Eventually, the policy was revised so that it was satisfactory to the state and the dissenting board members. In this instance, do Christians have a primary duty to act according to their faith rather than according to secular law?
Whitehead: In matters of conscience Christians do have a primary duty to act according to their faith rather than according to secular law. Acts 5:29 states: "We must obey God rather than men."
In the case described here, it would seem that being required to recognize that a disordered condition such as the condition that "transsexuals" have chosen for themselves belongs in a distinct category entitled to the special protection of anti-discrimination laws. Such a requirement could well violate a well-formed Christian conscience, and hence a vote against it would be correct and proper.
In the present case, it is good that the Christian trustees were able to reach an agreement with the school district. But if they had been strictly required by law to uphold the California anti-discrimination statute, and if they had failed to do so on the basis of their consciences, they would have to be prepared to suffer whatever penalty exists under the law for their failure to fulfill their legal obligations, just as protesters against unjust racial discrimination had to be prepared to pay the existing legal penalties for civil disobedience as long as these remained in force.
Christians are not entitled to break or contravene laws just because those laws are immoral or unjust. They are only able and obliged -- in a democracy -- to work to try to change such laws.
In the case described, if these trustees were indeed legally required to recognize transsexuals as belonging to a special, protected legal category, I believe it might be time for them to consider resigning as public school trustees. They owe nothing to a school system that requires the violation of their consciences.
People today often talk as if the public schools were part of the nature of things, and that they simply have to be supported, whatever the problems or costs. But this is not true.
In the 19th century, when Catholics realized that the public schools then in the process of being established were, in reality, not religiously neutral, but were thinly disguised "Protestant" schools, Catholics abandoned these schools and established their own school system.
In view of the growing moral corruption and decadence in so many sectors of society, including now in the public schools, it may be time for committed Christians to think more seriously either about establishing their own schools or joining the growing home-schooling movement.
Q: A Christian Canadian medical student lost three successive appeals on a failing grade for his refusal to perform or refer for any abortion procedure. Recently, he was reinstated in good standing shortly before his graduation. How does a school's action such as this endanger Christians' rights to religious expression, practice and belief?
Whitehead: This case illustrates, precisely, how moral corruption has more and more entered into the institutions of our society.
In the United States, school policies that would penalize a medical student for conscientious objection to abortion would, on their face, seem to contradict the First Amendment to the Constitution, which is supposed to guarantee the free exercise of religion, including decisions concerning questions of moral conscience.
However, successive court decisions, especially those extending anti-discrimination measures to wider categories of people -- including some living in openly immoral lifestyles -- have progressively weakened the force of the First Amendment to the point that, today, it no longer effectively protects the consciences of Christians.
Increasingly, Christians are threatened with actual coercion if they are unable to go along with today's bold rejection of the traditional moral law.
Q: Considering recent prohibition of government scholarships for theology majors, the government seems to be pulling back from subsidizing religious-oriented education. How do you see these funding cuts?
Whitehead: Denial to theology students alone of government scholarships otherwise available across the board to everyone else is, from one point of view, an obvious injustice, and represents yet another government encroachment on the freedom of religion.
From a Christian point of view, however, there is no compelling reason why the government should be expected to subsidize religion at all, including through scholarships to study theology. Nor do I believe that we should even want the government to be involved in deciding what is, and what is not, a "valid" religious question.
Q: Where do you think religious education is heading? Will it be more balkanized? More isolated from the mainstream of America?
Whitehead: As implied in the answer to the previous question, religious education should not be a matter falling within the purview of the government at all.
Religious people should be allowed to believe and act according to their convictions and consciences without interference from the government or the courts. That is what religious freedom means.
This is certainly the teaching of the Second Vatican Council in its declaration on religious liberty, "Dignitatis Humanae." The dignity of the human person requires that he be free from coercion in matters of religious belief and moral conscience.
Originally this was assumed to be the case in the U.S. Constitution and legal system as well. But it is being steadily undermined today because of some of the moral directions in which our society is headed.
Increasingly, government and court actions require special recognition of, and giving special protection to, individuals and groups that espouse and practice what in Christian teaching is considered immoral.
These initiatives need to be resisted using every avenue available in our (still) democratic system. If and when the day arrives that such resistance is no longer possible, democracy, too, will be at its end.
ZE04062422
Monday, June 21, 2004
Pro-Abortion Politicians Can Be Denied Communion, Says Episcopate
U.S. Bishops Warns Catholics of "Cooperating in Evil"
WASHINGTON, D.C., JUNE 20, 2004 (Zenit.org).- The U.S. bishops'conference issued a rebuke to Catholic politicians who support abortion, and said that the decision to deny them Communion is up to individual bishops.
Saying that "those who formulate law" are obliged in conscience "to work toward correcting morally defective laws," the bishops called on Catholics in public life to protect the unborn and oppose legal abortion "lest they be guilty of cooperating in evil and in sinning against the common good."
The bishops also pledged to counsel Catholic public officials who act "consistently to support abortion on demand" that this support "risks making them cooperators in evil in a public manner."
The statement, "Catholics in Political Life," was adopted by a vote of 183-6. It came after the Task Force on Catholic Bishops and Catholic Politicians made an extensive interim report at the episcopate's special assembly, held in Colorado last week.
In the statement, the bishops highlight the need "to continue to teach clearly" and help other Catholic leaders to do so about their "unequivocal commitment to the legal protection of human life from the moment of conception until natural death." The statement notes that Catholic "teaching on human life and dignity should be reflected" in all parishes and all "educational, health care and human service ministries."
The prelates see a need to do more "to persuade all people that human life is precious and human dignity must be defended." The bishops welcome "conversation initiated by political leaders themselves."
They also see the need for Catholics "to act in support of these principles and policies in public life."
The statement insists that "the Catholic community and Catholic institutions" should not honor those "who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles" with awards, honors or "platforms which would suggest support for their actions."
It further says the bishops are committed to maintaining communication with public officials "who make decisions every day that touch issues of human life and dignity."
The bishops stated that "all must examine their consciences" about their worthiness to receive Communion, including with regard to "fidelity to the moral teaching of the Church in personal and public life."
The statement notes that "the question has been raised" whether it is necessary to deny holy Communion to Catholics in public life who support abortion on demand.
"Given the wide range of circumstances involved in arriving at a prudential judgment" in this serious matter, the bishops state that they "recognize that such decisions rest with the individual bishop in accord with established canonical and pastoral principles."
Noting that "bishops can legitimately make different judgments on the most prudent course of pastoral action," they express their shared "unequivocal commitment to protect human life and dignity."
The bishops conclude their statement by saying that respect for the Eucharist "demands that it be received worthily and that it be seen as the source for our common mission in the world."
Cardinal Theodore McCarrick of Washington, D.C., chairman of the task force, said, on the release of the statement, that "it reflects the bishop's role as teacher, pastor and center of unity. We address the moral issues that our society faces without endorsing parties or candidates."
U.S. Bishops Warns Catholics of "Cooperating in Evil"
WASHINGTON, D.C., JUNE 20, 2004 (Zenit.org).- The U.S. bishops'conference issued a rebuke to Catholic politicians who support abortion, and said that the decision to deny them Communion is up to individual bishops.
Saying that "those who formulate law" are obliged in conscience "to work toward correcting morally defective laws," the bishops called on Catholics in public life to protect the unborn and oppose legal abortion "lest they be guilty of cooperating in evil and in sinning against the common good."
The bishops also pledged to counsel Catholic public officials who act "consistently to support abortion on demand" that this support "risks making them cooperators in evil in a public manner."
The statement, "Catholics in Political Life," was adopted by a vote of 183-6. It came after the Task Force on Catholic Bishops and Catholic Politicians made an extensive interim report at the episcopate's special assembly, held in Colorado last week.
In the statement, the bishops highlight the need "to continue to teach clearly" and help other Catholic leaders to do so about their "unequivocal commitment to the legal protection of human life from the moment of conception until natural death." The statement notes that Catholic "teaching on human life and dignity should be reflected" in all parishes and all "educational, health care and human service ministries."
The prelates see a need to do more "to persuade all people that human life is precious and human dignity must be defended." The bishops welcome "conversation initiated by political leaders themselves."
They also see the need for Catholics "to act in support of these principles and policies in public life."
The statement insists that "the Catholic community and Catholic institutions" should not honor those "who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles" with awards, honors or "platforms which would suggest support for their actions."
It further says the bishops are committed to maintaining communication with public officials "who make decisions every day that touch issues of human life and dignity."
The bishops stated that "all must examine their consciences" about their worthiness to receive Communion, including with regard to "fidelity to the moral teaching of the Church in personal and public life."
The statement notes that "the question has been raised" whether it is necessary to deny holy Communion to Catholics in public life who support abortion on demand.
"Given the wide range of circumstances involved in arriving at a prudential judgment" in this serious matter, the bishops state that they "recognize that such decisions rest with the individual bishop in accord with established canonical and pastoral principles."
Noting that "bishops can legitimately make different judgments on the most prudent course of pastoral action," they express their shared "unequivocal commitment to protect human life and dignity."
The bishops conclude their statement by saying that respect for the Eucharist "demands that it be received worthily and that it be seen as the source for our common mission in the world."
Cardinal Theodore McCarrick of Washington, D.C., chairman of the task force, said, on the release of the statement, that "it reflects the bishop's role as teacher, pastor and center of unity. We address the moral issues that our society faces without endorsing parties or candidates."
Sunday, June 20, 2004
O Holy Lord, Father Almighty, everlasting God, for Your sake and that of Your Son Who suffered and died for me; through the merits of the Virgin Mary and all the saints, grant that I may love You above all else, acknowledging my unworthiness and complaining of nothing but my faults." -Saint Bonaventure
Now for the world:
Scholars rethink image of biblical figure
Pope John Paul II hinted at misgivings over the policies of a new Spanish government
Report: Molesters were moved from country to country
Now for the world:
Scholars rethink image of biblical figure
Pope John Paul II hinted at misgivings over the policies of a new Spanish government
Report: Molesters were moved from country to country
Saturday, June 19, 2004
Bishops draw a line on censuring politicians
Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus
Pray for our Bishops that they have the strength and conviction to do what is correct, regarding the obstinate, catholic politicians. Many try to call up the separation of church and state, and the way they call it up is in error. America was once a Godly nation, but when you look around now, one begins to wonder.
It appears that, for the most part, it is up to us, those who call ourselves obedient, orthodox Latin RIte Catholics to do what is correct when we cast our votes.
PARTICIPATION OF CATHOLICS IN POLITICAL LIFE
U.S. Bishops Address Catholic Politicians and Voters
Catholic Answers Voting Guide
I would like to quote Judie Brown from the EWTN Q&A Forum in her reply,
This is so true, it is up to the voters to make the choice.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus
Pray for our Bishops that they have the strength and conviction to do what is correct, regarding the obstinate, catholic politicians. Many try to call up the separation of church and state, and the way they call it up is in error. America was once a Godly nation, but when you look around now, one begins to wonder.
It appears that, for the most part, it is up to us, those who call ourselves obedient, orthodox Latin RIte Catholics to do what is correct when we cast our votes.
PARTICIPATION OF CATHOLICS IN POLITICAL LIFE
U.S. Bishops Address Catholic Politicians and Voters
Catholic Answers Voting Guide
I would like to quote Judie Brown from the EWTN Q&A Forum in her reply,
"The Church does not advise us regarding comparison of candidates, or shades of gray, or how to select the least offensive to God candidate. These are all dilemmas that we as human beings have to face, deal with, and then do what we believe is in keeping with our faith in God and His laws."
This is so true, it is up to the voters to make the choice.
Wednesday, June 09, 2004
Former President Ronald Reagan was brought to the Capitol Rotunda to lay in state so Americans can pay respects.
President Reagan was loved and hated for many reasons. The placing of Pershing Missles in Germany in 1984 brought fears from the left that Nuclear War could result. Conservatives considered the Reagan Revolution to be have saved the Country.
There is little doubt that President Reagan lifted the overall spirits of America after two decades of despair. The former President, and not to forget the Pope, was influential in bringing down the Berlin Wall and the breakup of the Soviet Union. These are major legacies.
For whatever anyone thought of President Reagan, history will likely grant him the title of a "great" President, a man of humor and of determination, who loved his country and served his country all his life.
The state funeral will be on Friday at the National Cathedral in Washington. He will be laid to rest at his Presidential Library in California in a private ceremony later in the day.
Farewell Mr. President.
President Reagan was loved and hated for many reasons. The placing of Pershing Missles in Germany in 1984 brought fears from the left that Nuclear War could result. Conservatives considered the Reagan Revolution to be have saved the Country.
There is little doubt that President Reagan lifted the overall spirits of America after two decades of despair. The former President, and not to forget the Pope, was influential in bringing down the Berlin Wall and the breakup of the Soviet Union. These are major legacies.
For whatever anyone thought of President Reagan, history will likely grant him the title of a "great" President, a man of humor and of determination, who loved his country and served his country all his life.
The state funeral will be on Friday at the National Cathedral in Washington. He will be laid to rest at his Presidential Library in California in a private ceremony later in the day.
Farewell Mr. President.
Sunday, June 06, 2004
There are many things that we must think about in out every day life.
Judas receiving the Eucharist
Pakistani Christian Dies After Jailhouse Beating
Split Between The Gospel And Culture
Holy Father's Address To Pres. Bush
Is Marriage Just Discrimination?
President Reagan
Judas receiving the Eucharist
Pakistani Christian Dies After Jailhouse Beating
Split Between The Gospel And Culture
Holy Father's Address To Pres. Bush
Is Marriage Just Discrimination?
President Reagan
