The following comes from a June 21 posting in Cardinal Sean’s (O’Malley) blog in the the Boston archdiocese paper, the Pilot.
I want to begin by letting you know that I have a friendly wager with the Archbishop of Chicago, Cardinal Francis George. If the Bruins win the Stanley Cup, they will be sending me Chicago pizza. If, by some strange chance, the Blackhawks win, I will be sending Cardinal George clam chowder.
USCCB meetings in San Diego
For much of this week I have been in San Diego, California to attend the spring assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic bishops.
Each year, the Bishops Conference gathers in a plenary session on two occasions. In November, we meet in Baltimore for what is very much a business meeting. We also gather in the spring, which sometimes involves business, but many times is more of a retreat workshop. This year, it is just such a retreat workshop with the themes of “The Bishop and preaching in a way that evangelizes,” “The new evangelization and participation in the Eucharist” and “Practical outreach to young people in the new evangelization.” The preacher for the retreat part of our meeting has been Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto.
We celebrated Mass Tuesday at the Mission Basilica of San Diego de Alcala, the first mission founded by Blessed Junipero Serra. The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Robert Brom who is the Bishop of San Diego.
The California missions are the perfect backdrop for this gathering with a focus on the new evangelization because the first evangelization in this part of the country was carried out by Blessed Junipero Serra and the Franciscan Friars, who evangelized in building up these faith communities along the length and breadth of California. Of course, this history of evangelization is still reflected in the names of many of the major cities of California, which grew from those original Franciscan missions. After celebrating the Mass at the mission, which is very near the downtown, the bishops went to various restaurants for dinner. I went to dinner with the Boston auxiliaries and we also invited Bishop Richard Lennon to join us.
Campus Ministry meeting
During the week, I “crashed” a meeting of those involved with campus ministry including the Brotherhood of Hope and FOCUS.
The community of the Brotherhood of Hope has done such extraordinary work in campus ministry at the University of Florida, Rutgers University, Northeastern University, Boston University and Suffolk University. We are so blessed to have them in the Archdiocese of Boston, where there are almost a quarter million university students. The presence of a community like theirs, which is so focused on the pastoral needs of this very important segment of our Catholic population, is a great blessing for us.
Movie screening
Wednesday night (6/5), they screened the film Messenger of the Truth for the bishops. It is a film about the life of Blessed Father Jerzy Popieluszko. It is a documentary, rather than a dramatization of his life, and so it includes many newsreels of him as well as interviews with those who knew him. I found it very inspiring story of a young priest who gave his life in the service of his people and his country. I hope you all have an opportunity to to see it.
The conference of Bishop weakens individual Bishops that might want to care for the souls in their see in a more radical manner. It does nothing to keep those Bishops that have left the faith in check. The wordy documents that hold no meaning that these conferences produce is all you need to see to know that , its a general waste of time.
“Radical manner”? I think you mean “More Accurate and Faithful manner”.
You do not think an authentic Christian life is radical in this day & age?
PAUL good to pointing that out.
NOW Perhaps when a bishop is not use to acting in a more accurate and faithful manner….to him it may be radical and to the secular it would appear as such in today’s times so perhaps the usage of that word “radical manner” might just fit well depending on the Bishop. They may need to get out of their comfort zone and actually try something that they may be considered radical in today’s modern times, but in actuality may be the real way to lead their flock. What do you think? I’m sure the “gay mafia” may consider our Lord to be radical. Radical can be good or bad. For instance the gay agenda’s are now more aggressive and radical but more accepted or imposed. But notice when good bishops or priests enforce church teachings, the secular may consider them out of touch, not in tune, not up to date to the ideals to this world, perhaps they are more so considered radical. It’s no different then when today’s ideals are this “good is bad and bad is good”. So it may take radical steps to make better changes and improvements as to what affects salvation issues.
Just another way to view it I suppose without discounting what you said because you said it well too. I just like to look a little deeper I suppose and can appreciate that term…
What we did in Coronado?…..It is what you DIDN’T do for the past 50 +years that has many within the Church and society circling the drain. We saw what you did when we heard the Supreme Court’s ruling. The are no spas or conscience massages in hell.
I’m not going to read what they wrote, without putting a clothespin on my nose, and wear glasses with smiley faces etched into the lenses.
Catherine, ‘TRIPLE AMEN’ . Maybe it’s me, but I do not see what was done during the conference. Could someone help me understand what was talked about and was was accomplished. Thank you!!
He said it was a retreat.
“I have a friendly wager “: How would this amount, whatever paltry sum it might be, compare to the financial arrangement with the federal government?
“The new evangelization and participation in the Eucharist” –
1) Publically and very actively asking literate persons to read the “Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition” ? ? ?
2) Enforcing Canon 915, and 1399 ? ? ? – to stop Sacrilege, Scandal, Heresy, Schism and relativism ?
IF the Bishops learned these two things the retreat would be a success.
( “In this Year of Faith let us ask ourselves if we have actually taken a few steps to get to know Christ and the truths of faith more, by reading and meditating on the Scriptures, studying the Catechism, steadily approaching the Sacraments.” – Pope Francis, May 15, 2013. )
The CCC is a quick read compared to Scriptures.
Yes the CCC can get us the info quickly. plus nothing in parables.
Clear, concise and to the point.
The CCC footnotes point us directly to Holy Scripture (and other Official Church Documents) for related reading.
I love both Holy Scripture and the CCC as teaching Documents.
No Catholic home should be without a Catholic Bible and the CCC. (And hopefully they will NOT just collect dust on a bookshelf.)
MAC, I did not say the CCC could get us the info. I said it is a quick read, meaning as in a fast shuffle. If you actually read some of the material in the CCC, you might find it to be inconclusive or ignoring some critical elements. It is a legal document in its essense, written by pharisees, sadducees and scribes. I’ll take the Scriptures written by holy men … much better, takes a lifetime at least to read them … no matter how many times you read the actual text. But go ahead and pump up the CCC, but remember what Jesus says in the Bible about how the Scribes, pharisees and sadducees multiplied the Law of God by a factor of many times until it became an anchor chained to the legs of His people, dragging them into the abyss.
Skai brings up valid concerns but let us not forget Skai that to someone who is growing, it still can be an excellent tool to help them start somewhere to learning the faith. Skai to a child of 17 that does not have the same knowledge and wisdom as some of the elders here, and if they are still in their innocence and preserved, they may enjoy this tool and may encourage them to explore more the bible and other historical lessons from the saints. I enjoyed especially the Baltimore Catechism when my kids were younger…it was at their level.. a good start.
Let us not forget that the Scriptures were written by holy men as skai stated but the most important point to that is that it was inspired by the Holy Ghost! Therefore Skai the church teaches that we can not have one without the other….we can’t neglect holy scriptures and just the CCC nor visa versa. We need the church with the Holy word of God. Together.
I recall some homosexuals and even their activists who help them carry out their agenda’s ,they often neglect holy scriptures but use one passage from the CCC to desensitize homosexual sin. For example they always use the part that states that homosexuals need to be treated with respect etc…..they run with that and magnify it with ignoring what the CCC really teaches about those sins when acted and they truly neglect the teachings on sodomy from the scriptures.
They have toyed with that portion of the CCC and played with the minds of many Catholics who have false compassion for them. But of course they toy with the scriptures as well but often they found a more direct attack and that is one section in the CCC about respecting homosexuals…they add more confusion and they twist the real intentions of the church.
That is why it is dangerous to neglect one for the other…we need both…what the church says and scriptures…..for those that don’t understand the Holy Scriptures we look to the teachings of the church (saints etc etc) to have a better understanding. It is not Sola Scriptura nor is it solo CCC either.
Skai so back to the 17 year old….in their young state, immature, the CCC is a good tool to open the door….it is a tool that helps those searching to what the church teaches…we have to accept that fact but we need to encourage the reader to look deeper but it is a good start….first the Bible…then to avoid any misinterpretations the CCC, saints and more….
Skai you are a schismatic. Do not go to Holy Communion until you stop lying about the CCC and stop demeaning our Popes.
You just called Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis – Pharisees and sadducees.
The CCC is from the Magisterium. Pope Benedict (Cardinal Ratzinger) is one of the authors.
“ The Catechism of the Catholic Church, which I approved … and the publication of which I today order by virtue of my Apostolic Authority, is a statement of the Church’s faith and of catholic doctrine, attested to or illumined by Sacred Scripture, the Apostolic Tradition and the Church’s Magisterium. I declare it to be a sure norm for teaching the faith and thus a valid and legitimate instrument for ecclesial communion. “ – Pope John Paul II. (CCC pg 5)
and
“In this Year of Faith let us ask ourselves if we have actually taken a few steps to get to know Christ and the truths of faith more, by reading and meditating on the Scriptures, studying the Catechism, steadily approaching the Sacraments.” – Pope Francis, May 15, 2013.
Skai, you told us you come from a Protestant background.
Faithful members of the Catholic Faith do not contradict our Popes in matters of Faith and Morals.
The CCC contains the DOCTRINE of our FAITH.
Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict in his Motu Proprio “Year of Faith”, and Pope Francis have all told us to read the “Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Editon” to know our Faith better.
Priests can not (and do not) cover everything about our Faith in just a few minute homily each Sunday. We have to obey our Popes and read the CCC.
Abecca, when you read the CCC, check out page 11.
QUOTE: “ This catechism is conceived as an organic presentation of the Catholic faith in its entirety. It should be seen therefore as a unified whole. ” UNQUOTE (CCC pg 11)
People can not pick out only the things they might like – since that is potentially being schismatic.
Skai purposely ignores that – Everyone on this site who has ever promoted the reading of the CCC (in obedience to all 3 of our latest Popes),
has always supported reading the Bible in some of their posts as well.
Skai must be corrected of his errors and his encouraging disobedience to our Popes and the Magisterium.
He truly believes that he knows more about our Faith than they do.
We have all seen the following posted many times:
All Catholics should read:
1) A Catholic Bible;
2) “Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition”;
3) Code of Canon Law;
4) General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) for the Ordinary Form of the Mass.
These have all been promulgated by our Popes.
Why did Pope Francis appoint Cdl O’Malley as one of his personal advisors?
I know many Militant Catholics in Mass. are asking this question as well!
Will somebody please answer this question!
God bless, yours in Their Hearts,
Kenneth M. Fisher
I don’t know Mr. Fisher, I don’t understand all those church politics I suppose….maybe someone with more know how will enlighten us on this question you ask. It’s good to want answers especially since we love mother church.
Don’t know Mr. Fisher. You raise an interesting question.
But what (not retired) US Cardinal would you choose, if you had to choose one?
(Don’t choose Cardinal Burke since he is a member of the Curia.)
No one can really know why the Cardinal was chosen, except the Pope himself. If I were to guess, however, I could think of a couple of things: 1) his long tenure of time and work with the poor on the streets of DC 2) his reputation as a go-to guy for a diocese in trouble, such as his reputation for cleaning up a diocese in the Carribian, then Palm Spring and Fall River, and then to Boston to clean up after the mess made by Cardinal Law. He has a good grasp of church law, finances, working with advisory groups and specialist. He is inclusive in his dealings with the people in the pew. He also exudes a certain amount of humility, prefering to wear his Franciscan robes over the red outfit of Cardinals. I’m sure there were other things that brought him to the attention of the Pope, but that is a start. I can’t think of another American, Mexican or Canadian Cardinal who could represent North America better.
Would it not be more fitting, if the bishops conference wants their vocation to be more of an evangelical tool, to act more like defenders of the faith ? The first thing of Archbishop Cordileone’s agenda should be a warning to Nancy Pelosi that she is bringing scandal to his archdiocese with her views on the sanctity of life, and their deleterious impact on the faithful. He could then give her a time period, say a month to repent or be publicly excommunicated as she really deserves. When “the rubber hits the road,” it’s what the bishops do, the example they give, that will evangelize and not mere words formed into more hollow platitudes. Just a thought……
The bishops have been meeting and dithering for decades, emperors fiddling, meanwhile the country has been overrun by sodomites and abortionists. It’s too late.
juergensen,
With God and His Mother, it is never too late@
God bless, yours in Their Hearts,
Kenneth M. Fisher
it was too late during Noah’s time, it was too late during the Sodom and Gomorrah etc so as we persevere we need to be patient and see what our Lord says…..He is in charge and HE decides when it is really too late.
My bet is that the main topics of this meeting were immigration and finances. Anyone have a better guess?
Yes, the practice of smiley face in the midst of opulance.
Visiting historic missions, eating out at restaurants, reading, watching movies — all while staying at a swank resort in Coronado. Sounds more like a vacation than a “plenary session” of the country’s Catholic bishops.
They’re practicing holiness. After all, anyone can be holy in times of persecuation; what really is the challenge is to be holy in the midst of corruption and opulance, while pretending to be corrupt and opulant … after all, can’t look humble or honest, nope, that violates the code of the smiley face.
What are you trying to say? Wm. Hamilton’s comment was right on the money.
John, what does it seem to you that I’m saying in my post? What was your first reflex to it?
OK, John, since my little Fatima Statue is giving me the “look”, then I’ll be good and tell you. I’m using satire to emphasize what Wm Hamilton posted. In other words, I agree with him completely and am using literary theatrics to highlight his post. His is the lyrics; mine is the big brass cymbals. I write in three styles: formal argument, theatrics, and neighborly chatter. Whereas, many bloggers state positions, I put forth arguments. Everything I put forth is an argument, in that I advance an hypothesis. I learned this from St Thomas Aquinas. It is what he does. Most folks are not aware of this form of conversation. I think the elementary lesson goes like this: If a equals b, and b equals c, then a equals c. Notice the critical and key concept in this formula, namely the word “if”? “If” initiates a proposition. To challenge an argument, you either attack the “if”, or the logic that follows from it. Most people ignore both and jump into minutia, for the reason that it’s the only thing they know. They read stuff as if reality is a hodge podge of almanac “facts”. They interpret everything by how they feel, ie their emotions, mostly how they were brought up. But Catholicism brings forth something new to the world, which is faith and reason. You can jump into St Thomas or you can prep yourself by starting at the beginning of rational thought. I’d put the Book of Job first, then Plato, then Aristotle, and then St Thomas. The next big lollapalooza would be Descartes, who developed the shotgun approach to philosophy and theology, where you ignore the whole and focus on the minutia (this works great for modern science, but not for Catholicism). I would also recommend you begin not with help books but with the original writings … then you can go through the help books and begin noticing their successes and their failures. When you master that, then you can beat people over the head and get away with it.
Uh, she just gave me another look, John … and is signaling for me to add that it is also possible and recommended for people to be kind … which for me is a serious challenge. There, now she’s happy, I think.
Just in – – I think you all may want to watch on net:
“BREAKING NEWS : Rome’s Gay Clergy 06-27 ” by ChurchMilitantTV.
This kind of blackmail may be bigger than we could imagine, and why some Bishops refuse to ask Catholics to read Holy Scripture and the CCC;
and refuse to enforce Canon 915 and 1399 – – – hmmmmmm.
What do you think?
Do you think Bishops discussed ‘Lack of Knowledge’ and ‘Disobedience’?
It seems there are some posters who understand better what needs to be done in the USA than some Bishops.
____________________________
Our Dear Pope Benedict XVI told us what to expect. He did not mince words –
QUOTE: “ The church will become small and will have to start afresh more or less from the beginning.
She will no longer be able to inhabit many of the edifices she built in prosperity. As the number of her adherents diminishes . . . she will lose many of her social privileges. . . As a small society, [the Church] will make much bigger demands on the initiative of her individual members….
It will be hard-going for the Church, for the process of crystallization and clarification will cost her much valuable energy. It will make her poor and cause her to become the Church of the meek . . . The process will be long and wearisome as was the road from the false progressivism on the eve of the French Revolution — when a bishop might be thought smart if he made fun of dogmas and even insinuated that the existence of God was by no means certain . . . But when the trial of this sifting is past, a great power will flow from a more spiritualized and simplified Church.
Men in a totally planned world will find themselves unspeakably lonely. If they have completely lost sight of God, they will feel the whole horror of their poverty. Then they will discover the little flock of believers as something wholly new. They will discover it as a hope that is meant for them, an answer for which they have always been searching in secret.
And so it seems certain to me that the Church is facing very hard times. The real crisis has scarcely begun. We will have to count on terrific upheavals. But I am equally certain about what will remain at the end: not the Church of the political cult, which is dead already, but the Church of faith.
She may well no longer be the dominant social power to the extent that she was until recently; but she will enjoy a fresh blossoming and be seen as man’s home, where he will find life and hope beyond death. ” UNQUOTE
(From his book “Faith and the Future”.)
It will be a very good thing when the Church gets out of big business, and gets back to being the Church of Christ.
Do not despair.
Do not trust those who teach error, Jesus warned us about this.
“In this Year of Faith let us ask ourselves if we have actually taken a few steps to get to know Christ and the truths of faith more, by reading and meditating on the Scriptures, studying the Catechism, steadily approaching the Sacraments.” – Pope Francis, May 15, 2013.
Yep, for those readers who can’t read my posts with clear minds, I agree with Pope Francis and have been doing exactly what he recommends … even though he is not speaking ex cathedra.
Yep, the Pope has called bishops to become cheerful and positive, as Matthew would have it. Forget being holy … the name of the game is smiley faces and powerman posturing.
Jesus, I Trust In You!
Well, well — so far everyone has been about as cheerful and positive about this meeting of Bishops as a barrel of Rottweilers.
So edifying.
Matthew, you are right precisely on target. The entire Gospel message, the essense of it, the most important thing found in the Gospels, that which Jesus died for … you got it dude: so we could be “cheerful and positive”.
Matthew, be sure to put on your happy face each morning and skip down the street singing a fun tune.
Matthew,
Putting our heads in the sand won’t accomplish anything good!
Have you ever attended any of these meetings? Well I have, and your description above seems somewhat appropo!
When they last met in Sad Diego, the porno bills for the rooms went way up. That came from a Catholic who worked there and was very upset by it. It was reported in S.D. News Notes, L.A. Mission, etc. et.
God bless, yours in Their Hearts,
Kenneth M. Fisher
Yes, Matthew, it would have been edifying if indeed a pack of rottweilers ran through that episcopal play pen and let them know a few things.
In another post I stated my belief that priests should be permitted to be married. I was rebuked and shown the CCC, however, no one mentioned that the Bible states a Bishop can be married only once and his children should be well behaved. After reading this article and your posts… show me a Holy Bishop. Show me a Holy priest who is actively engaged in propagating the faith and growing and leading his flock? Perhaps there are some, but not in my sight. Female priests are not scriptural, but what is scriptural is Godly women who have strengthened, encouraged, and brought a holy perspective in times of strife.
Currently our priests are recruited by and have only the corrupt, socialist Bishops, and the internal homosexual lobby to guide them. But heck, they get to go to a lot of fun retreats and hang out with the boys! I am sick to death of the lack of appropriate pastoral leadership in our church today.
The progressivism that is ruining our country today is a direct result of the lack of faith of, and Godly leadership from, our Priests, Bishops, and even our Popes. Let’s go ask Nancy Pelosi about what it takes to be a Catholic in good standing with the Pope, her Bishop, and her Priests. Our children are watching……………
scubby, do you not believe that married people can commit sexual sins as well ? -adultery, contraception, pornography, voluntary sterilization, etc, etc, etc.
Marriage is not meant to stop sin.
Marriage is meant for the procreation of the human race. And it takes much time and energy to raise children properly, and much care, time and effort to insure a marriage does not end in divorce.
CCC: ” 915 Christ proposes the evangelical counsels, in their great variety, to every disciple. The perfection of charity, to which all the faithful are called, entails for those who freely follow the call to consecrated life the obligation of practicing chastity in celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom, poverty and obedience.
It is the profession of these counsels, within a permanent state of life recognized by the Church, that characterizes the life consecrated to God. ”
See: Mt 19:10-12; and Mt 16:18-19.
Dear Peter,
Absolutely, married people can commit sexual sin. And your point is? Marriages can also be annulled for those who entered into the union under false pretenses, or are unable to maintain fidelity. As such, a valid marriage never occurred. Why not similar provisions for priests? We need to be able to divorce (nullify) priests who entered into the priesthood for reasons other than being ‘called’. How do we know that they weren’t ‘called’? – By there behavior. The Church apparently permits priests to engage in any type of deviant behavior. The only behavior not condoned is behaviors of ‘normalcy’ – to fall in love and get married. How delightful it would be to talk to a priest who is living with normal joys and problems of married life than a priest who is living with his ‘partner’. It would be one thing if THE CHURCH followed the CCC, but they don’t require celibacy, poverty, or obedience of their consecrated persons. Marriage is an institution consecrated by God. An unmarried, celibate priesthood, is not. The church ‘changed’ to require celibacy and the church and rescind that requirement. Certainly, those who are truly drawn to a celibate life totally dedicated to God are welcomed. However, the only priest I’ve seen who presented and related to ‘us’ as “normal” – a wonderful priest who, by his teaching and ‘integration’ into our community increased our churches membership to the breaking point… left the priesthood because he fell in love and wanted to marry and have children (God’s kids). He was vastly more qualified to ‘reach’ ‘us’ as a married priest, than all previous and subsequent ‘abnormal’ priests who are unable to relate to ‘normalcy’. Matt 19:12 says “Whoever can accept this ought to accept it.” Nice, but our priests are not accepting it. They are molesting our children, while ‘the church’ is condoning such behavior and covering it up – victimizing and then vilifying those they are supposedly vowed to Shepard and protect. Matt 16:18-19… cool – yes, Peter was married. I am sick and tire of a church that does not practice it’s faith. I’m watching what the church does… it doesn’t match the CCC. I’m sick of being told I much follow the dictates of socialistic, homosexual priests and bishops. So, marriage and divorce is not condoned in Mat 19:10. However, I don’t see in the text where sex outside of marriage with multiple partners, having children outside of marriage, engaging in homosexual sex, and having sex with children, is noted as being acceptable.
scubby, VALID marriages CAN NOT be annulled.
Only marriages that are not valid to begin with can be annulled.
Please choose your vocabulary carefully.
If you do not have a good Bishop or good Priest, follow the words of our last 3 Popes.
” “In this Year of Faith let us ask ourselves if we have actually taken a few steps to get to know Christ and the truths of faith more, by reading and meditating on the Scriptures, studying the Catechism, steadily approaching the Sacraments.” – Pope Francis, May 15, 2013.
Do not despair, and do not let the sins of others including Clergy, send you to Hell.
(Cardinal Raymond Burke is a well known, good example of what a Bishop should be.)
Dear Many…
Precisely. Valid marriages cannot be annulled, but “Invalid” marriages certainly can. The point is that Invalid Ordinations should also be annulled. Ordinations are “NOT Valid” when the one being ordained enters into it with the intention of NOT keeping his vows.
Sacramental marriage is meant for something greater than the procreation of humans, peter. Natural marriage is even greater than procreation. Read Song of Solomon and then read Jesus Gospel teaching on the Bride of Christ, then reflect on the Holy Trinity. If you can’t do this without the help of a book, then by all means use a book or several books or many books, or you can even write a book reflecting on marriage. You might even reflect on marriage by becoming sacramentally or even naturally married.
We’re trying to see this in the present state of the Church, scubby. Even the Pope says that it is lacking dearly in the Church, namely and specifically in the Vatican bureaucracy including no doubt the curia.
Weighing in here: The Orthodox Churches may be in schism, yet their Sacraments are real. It is not the popes who unite us with God through Jesus Christ, but the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist; so, there is something amiss with the idea bantered about that schism between the east and the west is so horrible. Where does Jesus teach that those who follow Him are required to kneel to St Peter? The popes have to feed His sheep regardless of which field they might be running around in. He does this by means of the Holy Eucharist and His true teaching: The schismatic Orthodox have these things. The point is that what Jesus commanded is being done. The problem is not schismatic Churches but heretical fools who claim to be faithful Catholics. Heresy blocks a soul from Heaven but schism does not.
Mt: 16:18-19.
SKAI, you are an admitted schismatic, based upon your own post of July 2, 2013 at 10:02 pm. (Just like Luther and Calvin, etc.)
What Faith are you, since you are NOT Catholic ?
Admit the truth.
Matthew, perhaps you have not seen any of the postings asking people to read the “Code of Canon Law”
promulgated by Pope John Paul II in the Apostolic Constitution SACRAE DISCIPLINAE LEGES, which states: ” Finally, the canonical laws by their very nature must be observed. ”
QUOTE: ” OBLIGATIONS AND RIGHTS OF ALL THE CHRISTIAN FAITHFUL –
212 §3. According to the knowledge, competence, and prestige which they possess, they have the right and even at times the DUTY to manifest to the sacred pastors their opinion on matters which pertain to the good of the Church
and to make their opinion known to the rest of the Christian faithful,
without prejudice to the integrity of faith and morals,
with reverence toward their pastors, and attentive to common advantage and the dignity of persons. ‘ UNQUOTE.
Many on this site reccomend book for every Catholic to read and obey. I, too, think that it would be a good idea for each family to have a copy of the Catechism in their home. It is a good reference book. More importantly, I think that there should be Catechisms appropriate for various age groups. There are many varieties available. When I was in (let’s guess) third grade upward, we had the Baltimore Cathecism. But, in first grade it was a different version. Every home should have a well used Bible. The Catechism is based largely on the writings in the Bible. The notion, however that every home should have a GRIM is pushing the limits. Perhaps our first aim would be to have a copy in each parish library. This is not a book for general reading. It is a reference book and teaching book for the use of the ordained ministers, not the laity. The notion of having a gook of canon law sitting around every home borders on crazy, unless you have a degree in canon law, which requires years of study. That would be like saying that every home should have a copy of the country’s code of law. (Been to a lawyer’s office lately?). Let’s get real on some of this stuff. People have lives to live.
Bob One, Catholics do not “obey” books, rather we obey God. God is not a book. Check it out in the CCC, and you’ll see.
Skai, Catholics do not “know” their Faith or Jesus without books provided by our Faith – the Bible and CCC, so stop playing games.
How do you KNOW about Jesus? About His Sacraments?
Through osmosis?
Based upon your writings we all know you hate the CCC.
“In this Year of Faith let us ask ourselves if we have actually taken a few steps to get to know Christ and the truths of faith more, by reading and meditating on the Scriptures, studying the Catechism, steadily approaching the Sacraments.” – Pope Francis, May 15, 2013.
SKAI, Catholics are required to adhere to the teachings of God and His Church that are contained in the BIBLE and the “CATECHISM of the CATHOLIC CHURCH, Second Editon”.
By reading these, you will know the TRUTH, not human error.
“ The Catechism of the Catholic Church, which I approved … and the publication of which I today order by virtue of my Apostolic Authority, is a statement of the Church’s faith and of catholic doctrine,
attested to or illumined by Sacred Scripture, the Apostolic Tradition and the Church’s Magisterium.
I declare it to be a sure norm for teaching the faith and thus a valid and legitimate instrument for ecclesial communion. “ – Pope John Paul II. (CCC page 5)
Today there are some things left out of some catechisms, and there are even errors in some.
The “CATECHISM of the CATHOLIC CHURCH, Second Edition” is accurate and complete.
The “COMPENDIUM of the Catechism of the Catholic Church” is accurate and in an abbreviated form.
YOUCAT (Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church) is accurate for grades 7 through 11.
These are all approved by the Catholic Church.
The Baltimore Catechism is still available for younger children.
Do you know what the Code of Canon Law says regarding –
” THE OBLIGATIONS AND RIGHTS OF ALL THE CHRISTIAN FAITHFUL (Cann. 208 – 223)”
or
” THE OBLIGATIONS AND RIGHTS OF THE LAY CHRISTIAN FAITHFUL (Cann. 224 – 231)”
or
” PUBLIC ASSOCIATIONS OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITHFUL”
or
” PRIVATE ASSOCIATIONS OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITHFUL”
or
“SPECIAL NORMS FOR ASSOCIATIONS OF THE LAITY ”
or
” CATHOLIC UNIVERSITIES AND OTHER INSTITUTES OF HIGHER STUDIES” and SCHOOLS, and requirements for MARRIAGE ANNULMENTS, – – – etc., etc., etc.. etc, etc, etc,
Do you know your obligations and rights regarding excommunication ? ? ?
These all affect our lives as Catholics. Not reading the CODE of CANON LAW and being able to ‘use it as a reference’ is like not knowing the “Constitution of the United States” or laws of your State. (You should have studied the Constitution in High school, you even need to know enough laws to pass a test to drive a car. This all required reading.)
When you do not know your rights, and the rules you can NOT demand that they be upheld which leads to chaos.
The Code of Canon Law can be found on the VATICAN web site.
Sorry Bob One, I accidentally put your name in the heading rather the body of my post.
I take full responsibility for my post about the importance of reading the CODE of CANON LAW, as posted on the Vatican web site.
Bob One, GENERAL INSTRUCTION of the ROMAN MISSAL (GIRM) which can be found on the Vatican and USCCB web sites is for everyone.
It even gives some instruction on how the Laity must behave at Mass.
Most of the complaints we read about the Ordinary Form of the Mass are directly related to ABUSES of the Mass which could easily be corrected if people read GIRM.
A Mass that encourages holiness adheres to the requirements of the Church -GIRM.
If you (or anyone else) has time to watch TV, spend time at home on the computer, go to sports games, etc. then you can substitute the time you spend on these to know your Faith.
Reading the Bible, CCC, Code of Canon Law, and GIRM are part of being a good Catholic who wishes to adhere to Church teachings/requirements.
Mt: 16:18-19
I finally understand why SKAI does not believe in obedience to our Popes in matters of Faith and Morals (in which the last 3 Popes tell us to study/read the CCC).
SKAI has told us that he is from a Protestant background. Protestants only believe in the Bible. They do not believe in Apostolic Tradition and the Church’s Magisterium – which includes their AUTHORITY.
He denies the CCC, and Code of Canon Law as promulgated by our Popes.
Ultimately all Protestants deny – Mt 16:18-19; and Mt 18:18.
SKAI (and others like him) on the net go to: “What Catholics REALLY Believe SOURCE”.
This site has quotes from our last three Popes about the CCC including Pope Francis.
It documents its sources, and has links directly to the Vatican web site.
Hope you find this post helpful – for a better understanding of the Catholic Faith.
If you really want to know what Catholics believe, listen/participate in the Nicene Creed that is repeated each time a Mass is said. That is what we believe. Everything else is an explanation of that.
Wrong again, Bob One. It is the Creed that is an explanation of the reality of Christ. He is not an explanation of the Creed. You could have given up worshiping in your church of bureaucracy, Bob One, a church which revels in confusion and confiscation of money, but you didn’t; you will be paying for your foolishness and sly mockery and sacrilege.
Mt 16:18-19.
And JESUS said:
“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it.
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. “
The issue, Dottie, is the mindset of some people who call themselves Catholics and then worship books instead of Jesus. That is what Bob One does; he bases his religion on what he reads instead of on God. These people such as Bob One never blog about being focused on God; no, they blog about one or another book. It is striking that so many people cannot comprehend the problem with this.
Bob One the Methodist also say the Nicene Creed and some other protestant sects do too.
You still fail to understand the text I post, OSCAR; so why should anyone credit you with the ability to understand what popes write? Of course the CCC is good for instruction, and so is the newspaper. But neither one is a magisterial document. Neither one is authoritative … The CCC has instructional material, but is not the voice of God. What is it that you can’t grasp about that, OSCAR? No pope has ever said that the voice of Church authority is vested in any book or document. Maybe if you Bold Face and Underline your name as well as put it in all caps you will gain more authority to rule the minds of men. Think what a help that would be to the Pope, since it would relieve him of that task.
Skai, you are off the wall with your rantings. Oscar is correct based upon many of your own postings.
The CCC contains the Doctrine of the Faith. It is not like a newspaper.
You SKAI are the only one who thinks anyone worships any books. Everyone else encourages people to read them – to accurately know the Catholic Faith.
AGAIN, and AGAIN, and AGAIN –
QUOTE – – – ” The Catechism of the Catholic Church, which I approved … and the publication of which I today order by virtue of my Apostolic Authority,
is a statement of the Church’s faith and of catholic doctrine,
attested to or illumined by Sacred Scripture, the Apostolic Tradition and the Church’s Magisterium.
I declare it to be a sure norm for teaching the faith and thus a valid and legitimate instrument for ecclesial communion. “ – – – UNQUOTE
Pope John Paul II. (CCC pg 5)
SKAI –
The “Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition” is a MAGISTERIAL Document.
People have told you this over and over. Some have told you where you can find the info, yet you refuse to check it out.
You call people liars because they want others to read the CCC to accurately know their Faith, yet you lie about them stating they worship books (the Bible and CCC). You are the ONLY one who has been this absurd.
The CCC was written to guard the “Deposit of the Faith” as you can see in the Apostolic Constitution Fidei Depositum on the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church written by Pope John Paul II.
In the front of the CCC you will find: ” Apostolic Letter Laetamur Magnopere” in which the edition is promulgated;
and the “APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTION FIDEI DEPOSITUM on the PUBLICATION of the CATECHISM of the CATHOLIC CHURCH”.
It does not get more OFFICIAL than this.
OSCAR can’t have his way, so like a six year old he lies: “I finally understand why SKAI does not believe in obedience to our Popes in matters of Faith and Morals”. This post by OSCAR is absolutely a flat out lie. It completely bears false witness against me. OSCAR, you’re an idiot to think you can get away with such childish behavior.
More lies, OSCAR. Everything you post about me is false. Your arrogance to insinuate that Christ cannot and does not convert souls is about as blasphemous as it gets. When is the last time you went to a black mass, OSCAR?
Skai, you are lying again. Oscar never stated that Christ can not convert Souls. You can not find this in any of his posts.
Other than your own posts, no one at all has ever stated that anyone worships books – the Bible and/or the CCC. You are the only one who has this in his head.
“I finally understand why SKAI does not believe in obedience to our Popes in matters of Faith and Morals”. – This quote is true, Skai since you always have been ENCOURAGING DISOBEDIENCE to Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and now Pope Francis – who have all urged us to read the CCC to know our Faith better.
(The CCC contains the Doctrine of the Faith – regarding Faith and Morals.)
The CCC is a Magisterial Document.
I love the title of this article. However, with all the destruction that is going on in the Church today, what comes to mind is that instead of a picture of Cardinal O’Malley with the caption: “What we did in Coronado,” it should be a picture of Emperor Nero with the caption: “What we did while Rome was burning.”