Abbey-Roads2

It is such a long tedious story…

A lesbian and her dad wrote a book.  They were scheduled to give a talk at a dissident parish.  The Archdiocese said no - they cannot speak on Church property.  The talk was cancelled and held at another location.  A local gay activist wrote a letter of protest - about the cancellation and lack of dialogue between pro-gay Catholics and the archdiocese.  Then the Archbishop stepped up to the plate and responded to the situation.

What?

Yes, Archbishop Nienstedt actually addressed the problem head on - he wrote a response in the diocesan news paper.  The gay activist, Michael Bayly responded on his blog and on the local television news  tonight.  (It’s turning into a sort of dialogue now, right?) 

Michael Bayly said:

For both Archbishop Nienstedt and Fr. Livingston (NB: Fr. Livingston is the chaplain for Courage), it seems that the church’s only valid pastoral response to “persons with same-sex attractions” is the national apostolate Courage, which for the past ten years has had a branch in the Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis that goes by the name of Faith in Action. “Every meeting [of Faith in Action],” Fr. Livingston writes, “takes place with a priest chaplain and includes the opportunity for private confession.” - Mr. Bayly

Archbishop Nienstedt said:

• Those who actively encourage or promote homosexual acts or such activity within a homosexual lifestyle formally cooperate in a grave evil and, if they do so knowingly and willingly, are guilty of mortal sin. They have broken communion with the church and are prohibited from receiving holy Communion until they have had a conversion of heart, expressed sorrow for their action and received sacramental absolution from a priest. - Archbishop Nienstedt 

[Now remember, this whole thing started over a speaking engagement at the Church of St. Frances Cabrini in Minneapolis.]

Michael wrote:

In the November 1 issue of The Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis, editor Joe Towalski discussed what the Church “really teaches” about homosexuality. Towalski’s editorial was in response to the archdiocese’s October 22 decision to prohibit 82-year-old “cradle-Catholic” Robert Curoe and his lesbian daughter Carol from speaking at a CPCSM-sponsored event at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. (To read more about this, click here and here.)

Towalski’s editorial reiterates the official church teaching on the immorality of “homosexual activity,” and reaffirms the catechism’s call for homosexuals to be “accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity.”

The editorial also directs people to the 1997 U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishop’s statement, Always Our Children – a statement that encourages parents to “accept and love” themselves and their gay son or daughter, and to do all that they can to “urge [their] son or daughter to stayed joined to the Catholic faith community.”

As executive coordinator of the 27-year-old Catholic Pastoral Committee on Sexual Minorities (CPCSM), I wrote and submitted a “counter-point commentary” to The Catholic Spirit in response to Towalski’s November 1 editorial.

My friend Paula Ruddy submitted a letter-to-the-editor. Neither was published in subsequent issues of the newspaper. Upon inquiring why this was the case, we were informed that it was not possible for The Catholic Spirit to serve as a forum for dialogue around church teachings. - Mr. Bayly

And then the Archbishop wrote:

• At their special assembly in Denver from June 14 to 19, 2004, just before the last presidential election, the U.S. bishops issued a document (see Origins, July 1, 2004, Vol. 34, no. 7) clarifying the role of Catholic politicians with respect to their stands on moral issues within the public arena. The second to last point of that document was our collective resolve that Catholic churches, colleges and other institutions should not give “awards, honors or platforms” to persons who, whether Catholic or not, held public positions contrary to the church’s defined teaching. To do so would cause scandal, leading Catholics to be confused about what is right and wrong according to the teachings of the church, prompting them to endorse or even to commit immoral behavior.

This is why it was not appropriate for Carol Curoe and her father to speak at the Church of St. Francis Cabrini in Minneapolis. - Archbishop Nienstedt

The upshot:

So here is the deal.  The new Archbishop is obviously not going to soft pedal the teaching of the Church as regards homosexuality.  Those days are over.  As Michael Bayly correctly observed in this post on his blog:

“The Catholic Spirit’s November 1 editorial that I referred to in my previous post reflects what could be seen as the Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis long-standing pastoral approach to homosexuality – one endorsed and articulated by the past two administrations of Archbishop John Roach and Archbishop Harry Flynn. That approach has, however, been replaced by a very different one – as demonstrated by various statements made by the incoming Archbishop John Nienstedt, and by the “My Turn” column by Fr. Jim Livingston published in the November 8 Catholic Spirit.” - Mr. Bayly

 That’s pretty much it.

 [Thanks to Ray of Stella Borealis  for the tip.]
 

Jeffrey Smith of Roving Medievalist  is putting on a great show as usual on his blog.  Today he posted a painting (shown above) from the Church of St. Patrick  in Toledo, Ohio.  It depicts our own Bishop John Ireland of St. Paul officiating at the dedication of the same church in 1901.  (I write from Minneapolis/St. Paul - hence the significance.) 

Changes at the St. Paul parish. 

I was actually in St. Paul this morning for the first time in several months, and I went to St. Agnes for Mass at 6:30am.  I knew I had missed Mass there, but I hadn’t realized how much.  The Mass is always ad orientem, with servers in cassock and surplis and a fully vested priest.  The readings are well read and the homilies are excellent.  We kneel for Communion and at the 6:30am, Mass is quiet - that is, there is no singing.  It is the Novus Ordo and in English, but it is always reverent.

Fr. Ubel wrote in the bulletin  about the requests he has received for the Extraordinary Roman rite to be celebrated at St. Agnes.  (Fr. Ubel is one of the priests who used to celebrate the Tridentine Mass at our local indult church.  Because of the Summorum Pontificum the legal term indult no longer applies.)  Fr. Ubel takes the requests for the Extraordinary rite very seriously, and has determined to do a study on the issue.

In his “Pastor’s Page” segment of the Sunday bulletin, he noted that St. Agnes has always celebrated the Novus Ordo Mass reverently, which is true.  He writes:

“I think the situation here at St. Agnes is unique, precisely because we have maintained a highly reverent Latin Mass since the reforms of the Second Vatican Council.  My experience has been that in general people are very comfortable with how Mass is celebrated at this parish.”

I agree.  Along with many others, I am very happy with the way the Mass has been celebrated at St. Agnes.  Although it seems to me St. Agnes would be a wonderful place for the Extraordinary rite to be celebrated as well.  However, I rather like the Novus Ordo, when it is celebrated well that is.  As Fr. Ubel pointed out, St. Agnes does that.

Please, just don’t take the Sunday 6:30am Mass away.  I noticed they have already done away with the 6am weekday Mass.  (It is really just Fr. Ubel at St. Agnes now, with two wonderful priests helping out: Fr. Beaudet as the weekend assistant, Fr. McConville as the weekday assistant.  All 3 priests are excellent confessors BTW.)  The church has 5 Sunday Masses scheduled as it is, which is about two more than the average parish.  

A “no-obligation to do anything”  holiday. 

Now this is a public holiday which is essentially all about taking a day off from work and having a good time.  That’s pretty much it.  The origins of the holiday go back to the late 1880’s, and the sole purpose was to honor the working man, and to give he and his family a holiday in which to rest and recreate.  Other countries celebrate May 1st, but that was much too Socialist for the U.S., so the 1st Monday in September was maintained.  Only later did it become politicised with the politicians and Union leaders butting in, making speeches at various rallys after the parades.  It has never been a Church thing either, or a Liturgical observance.

Local parish closed for the holiday.

Labor Day is a national, secular holiday, so my local parish is closed today, the Church locked up tight.  Monday’s are the pastor’s day off, so it would have been Liturgy of the Word today anyway.  Since parish churches have become such ‘mega-employers’ and the staff must have similar benefits to secular institutions and businesses, it is to be expected they get their paid holidays as the rest of us.  But there are other businesses open today, and many people are working today and will either be compensated for it with holiday pay or another comp-day off.

Entitlements and leisure.

The priest of my parish has been gone a lot this summer.  Vacations, days off, other assignments in the archdiocese, 2 retreats - one with the Archbishop and priests of the archdiocese. and last week he was gone again to finish his vacation time.  While he was gone, at least the Church was open, and Communion Services were made available.

Elsewhere, some parishes will have one mid-morning Mass today, with patriotic music and the proper Mass for the Blessing of Human Labor.  Even though this is not a liturgical feast for labor, “God Bless America” will most likely be sung.  At least these churches are having Mass, even though all parish offices will be closed.  If the parish happens to have an adoration chapel, that will most likely be open of course.  But in parishes like mine, Jesus must be on holiday too - I guess he went to the lake or something,  he maybe had to get away too.

I’m just wondering.

Is the Church too secularized?  Is the priesthood just like any other job?  Are parishes a business?  Is it a good thing that pastors commute to their ‘jobs’ rather than live on the parish campus?  Maybe Sunday Catholics really only need a Sunday pastor?  I’m not bitching about this, I’m just wondering out loud.

When I first entered the monastery, I asked if we got to sleep in on Sundays (we rose at 3AM for vigils), the Father Master looked at me curiously and said, “This is a monastery, not a country club.”    

Of Motu Poo-poo-ers and non-Catholics.

Ray of Stella Borealis sent me a link to Fr. Debruycker’s 2 Cents column from the St. Joan of Arc bulletin.  I liked it.  I thought it contained a certain wisdom, and was rather restrained, even sage-like.  Father’s column really deals with the Vatican clarification of the Catholic Church as the true Church, rather than the recent Motu Proprio on the TLM.  (I just wanted to use my term, Motu Poo-poo!) 

So a priest and a rabbi…

“I have been discussing the Pope’s statement about the primacy of the Roman Catholic faith with a variety of different friends. I asked my old friend Rabbi Oelnik his thoughts about the subject. Now some people think Rabbi Oelnik is my invisible friend, but I can tell you Dumbledore and Gandalf would disagree.

“So rabbi what do you think?”

“I’ll tell you. I am not a Rabbi because I think I am wrong. I am a very nice fellow but I believe what the scriptures say: that the people of Israel are a people chosen. I believe there are laws set in the scriptures by which I must live my life - ways to pray, ways to dress, ways to eat, ways to act. When I disagree with these teachings - and there are exceptions in emergencies - I must be able to tell myself and my people with good reason why.”

“So, your Pope believes he is not wrong either; it’s nice to know he believes in what he stands for. He must want you to clarify your exceptions and tell him why you are still Catholic. There is nothing more dishonest than to pretend you agree when you don’t. How can you ever make true progress?” “ - Fr. DeBruycker (Read the whole article.) 

The great divide.

I think the rabbi presents a valid point of view.  However, the arguing and protests he recommends seem to me to be rather pointless.  One can’t expect to change the perennial teaching of the Catholic Church.  The discussion simply reinforces my view that the current Pope’s affirmation of Church teaching is a defining moment in Church history.  Some may see it as divisive, but Christ came for division (Luke 12: 51), and those dividing lines seem to be in the process of being delineated by those opposed to Benedict XVI.  (Although, let me be quick to say, I don’t believe Fr. DeBruycker is opposed to B16.  He is a good priest.)

It seems to me the Holy Father is simply putting on the brakes, with regard to liberal interpretations of Vatican II and Church discipline, and some heads (ideas) may just go through the windshield.

By their fruits you shall know them.

Ever since I wrote a sarcastic letter to Archbishop Flynn, now quite a few years ago, about a subject that needs no reprise, wherein he sent me a scathing response on sarcasm and rash judgement - (how true the psalm is, “If a good man reproves me, it is kindness”) -  I have since understood the man in a completely different light.  Quite a bit differently from those who feel he is a liberal or passively tolerant Archbishop.  (Yes - it took some thought and repentance on my part.)  I long suspected that there was something going on in his approach to things that none of us were able to see, much less be aware of.

A pastoral Archbishop - without doubt - he is.  But many impatient zealots wanted him to be like a Samson, pulling down the supports of all the dissident parishes, schools, and institutions present in this vast Archdiocese.  So many of us failed to notice that his appointments, and fostering of vocations, has been part of his long range view, need I say plan, for the local Church.  His kind diplomacy in dealing with erring parishes, even priests and religious - seems to me to have emanated from his concern for souls.  So many of us often desire a Christ cleansing the temple with whips, forgetting there are souls involved, sheep who have lost their way, or may be confused.  As I said once before, time will demonstrate the good Archbishop Flynn brought to this Archdiocese.  At present, we may only have glimpses of it.

The infamous St. Joan of Arc, Minneapolis.

Ray of Stella Borealis, the esteemed website of Archdiocesean news and views, sent me a piece on the infamous Catholic Community of St. Joan of Arc, written by their pastor, Fr. Jim.  Within the content of his letter, Fr. Jim mentions his meetings with the Archbishop, which is what triggered this post.  Our Archbishop is, and has been - all along -concerned about his priests, as well as his flock.  It just doesn’t make the news.

We have to understand, especially within the structure of the Catholic Church, a great deal goes on behind the scenes that never reaches the light of day.  Sometimes - oftentimes - just as in international diplomacy and negotiations, the behind-the-scenes work takes place without notice.  I honestly believe Fr. Jim’s “2 cents” column in his parish bulletin provides a glimpse into the “secret agenda” or more specifically, the pastoral care of Harry Flynn.  Read on:

Pastor’s 2 Cents: From Fr. Jim DeBruycker, Pastor of St Joan of Arc, Minneapolis:

I got an e-mail last week from an irate customer. Nothing too unusual about this but the topic is one that interests me on a number of levels. The email to paraphrase said,” What happened to the quality speakers St. Joan’s used to get. Now days they are so boring they don’t rattle anyone’s cage and are not cutting edge and then the priest gives a 3 minute standup routine and sits down, I’m going to start going some place else.” Actually, Fr Kerogi is doing a nice job at Christ the King, 51st and Zenith Avenue South and they are getting air conditioning.

I have often questioned staff about why we have speakers almost every Sunday; sometimes they are informative and inspiring, sometimes not. I have never thought the speakers were intended to cause dissension for the sake of dissension, for titillation, or that they were to speak from one side of an issue so that we exclusively support them against another. Our speakers are people who are trying to find peaceful and just solutions to conflicts, many times at risk to themselves.

For example, a representative of the Jewish Community Relations Council is always calling me, asking if we have stepped over the line of advocating for peace or siding with the Palestinians and I have to have Julie convince me we haven’t.

Archbishop Flynn, in our last meeting with him and his staff, asked the question and set the criteria for the speakers, “Are the speakers breaking open the Gospel or breaking it?” I believe so far it is the former.

St. Joan’s gives outside speakers a chance to present their justice mission to the congregation. They are not put to a question and answer session which means our supporting them is an endorsement. To have the speaker in conjunction with the Eucharist is in the eyes of the greater Church an even greater endorsement of their words and why the Archbishop is so concerned with content. We will try our best to have quality speakers who challenge us to work for peace and justice. - Joan of Arc Sunday Bulletin 

In my opinion, DeBruycker is a pretty good pastor too.

Coming late - leaving early. 

Locally, as in most metropolitan areas (not talking here about small towns), there are a few Catholic Churches that are bastions of orthodoxy and good liturgy.  Generally speaking, in some of the suburbs and in Minneapolis especially, it seems most of the Churches are typically middle of the road to “liberal” - what would we ever do without labels?

Anyway, today at Mass, I noticed that maybe 1/3 of the casually clad congregants left Mass after Communion. (Which is none of my business of course.)  I also noted that when the cantor was doing her warm up before Mass, about 3-5 minutes before the processional, the Church started to fill up - which suggests to me, most people show up just about the time Mass is to begin.  (Maybe to avoid the pre-show at the piano bar, I’m not sure.  I often think of Mel Brookes’ scene in the piano bar from “High Anxiety” during these warm ups.)

TLM

On my way home I mused over the impact of the Motu Proprio thing.  Like it’s really going to even have much of an impact on these people and local parishes?  It’s fairly obvious, that if a good proportion of the people show up to Mass minutes before it begins, and more than a few leave right after Communion, the traditional Latin Mass is so far off their radar screen, it is not funny.  I’m fairly certain, the average person in the pew just doesn’t care.  (And I’m not getting all Trautman on you here either.)

The Church doesn’t think, “short term” however, everything about this permission is focused on the long term.  So it is going to be a long while before mainstream parishes are willing and able to sit through a traditional Latin High Mass.  Most priests do not even know the rubrics or the Latin.

The olden days.

When I was little, it seemed a lot of people would go to the low Mass - which was much shorter than a High Mass.  Some priests had the reputation of “shot-gun” priests because they could zip through the Mass in no time, and had very short homilies. 

It was generally conceded that one could come into Mass any time before the Gospel and it would still count as fullfiling one’s Sunday obligation.  (I think that understanding is still present.)  It is true however, a few people would leave at Communion, despite the priest’s warnings about Judas doing the same thing at the Last Supper; although the other impatient ones normally waited until the priest disappeared into the sacristy.  I should mention however, an amazing number stayed behind to make a prolonged thanksgiving after Communion, light candles, etc..  (Many churches don’t have vigil lights any longer.)

So what does this mean?  I’m thinking it means that it is going to take a heck of a lot more than the Latin Mass to make fervent worshippers out of the average Catholic.  But the return to liturgical solemnity and devotion, as typified in the TLM is a great start, to be sure.  And those who come late, leave early?  They will always be around.

Cardinal Sean on the TLM:  “In my comments at the meeting I told my brother bishops that in the United States the number of people who participate in the Latin Mass even with permission is very low. Additionally, according to the research that I did, there are only 18 priories of the Society of St. Pius X in the entire country. Therefore this document will not result in a great deal of change for the Catholics in the U.S. Indeed, interest in the Latin Mass is particularly low here in
New England.” - Cardinal Sean O’Malley

Peter.

It was just announced a friend of mine was appointed  Bishop.  I am not at all surprised.  I’ve known him since his first assignment after ordination, and he soon became my regular confessor, and a friendship developed from there.

When he was appointed to the minor seminary as rector, we lost touch, except for a few meetings regarding our art, both of us are painters.  When he was appointed pastor at the Church of the Nativity of Our Lord in St. Paul, we resumed our friendship for a short time, until other pursuits caused us to lose touch again.  He is a very hard worker, devoting all of his energies to the task at hand.  A good administrator, terrific manager, and caring pastor.

Beckett 

He is a good man.  I chose the image of Thomas Becket since he reminds me somewhat of the saint in his early days in many ways.  He is a highly cultured man, fond of good food and fine wines, albeit the model of temperance.  His sense of art and design is nearly impeccable.  He is very sensitive to liturgical design and music as well.

He loves to travel, and is something of a sailing enthusiast, so his appointment to the Superior diocese is an excellent choice.  He loves gardening, yet landscape is perhaps a keener instinct - complimenting his design skills.  He understands architecture and design.

A good choice.

A commenter on another weblog carrying the announcement of his appointment asked, “Is this a good thing?”  Of course it is.  The appointment of a Bishop should always be received with joy and optimism.  Father’s vocation and experience has prepared him very well for this appointment.  The appointment of Bishops has often been regarded as somewhat political, in so far  as the principals must recommend the right man for the position.

A local ordinary, Bishop Bullock was very influential in the vocation of Father.  Throughout his ministry, Father has been in the sightline of many influencial people.  Being an outgoing, social man, he naturally attracted people from all walks of life to himself.  Without any self-promotion, because he really is a humble man, his friendship and advice was frequently sought out.

A spiritual man.

Father is neither a liberal or a conservative, while I expect he hates those terms, he is decidedly a moderate.  Though some may describe him as approaching worldly - this is a misunderstanding.  Despite his being rather sophisticated to the ways of the world, the focus of his life is indeed the Church and serving the faithful is his greatest devotion.

In my opinion, his spirituality may best be described as liturgical.  While he has a fine sense of justice and equity, directing souls along the paths of their personal piety.  He is a man always available to each and everyone who seeks his help.  He just recently dropped everything to visit a man dying of cancer at the man’s home.  The man had left the Church years ago, angry at a priest; Father went to his side immediately - to reconcile the Church with the man, and then, the man with the Church.

I can’t say enough good about him, and I am so proud to know him.  Like Thomas Beckett, I’m convinced the grace of his vocation will flower and come to fruition in this new appointment.  He will grow even more in holiness and faith, and will surely discharge his duties with extraordinary skill, growing in wisdom and grace.

God bless Bishop-elect Peter F. Christensen.  Congratulations, prayers and warmest best wishes!

And congratulations to the people of the diocese of Superior, Wisconsin - you have been gifted with a very good Bishop-elect, you will not be disappointed.  Praise God!

The official notice:

VATICAN CITY, JUN 28, 2007 (VIS) – The Holy Father:

 - Appointed Fr. Peter F. Christensen of the clergy of the archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, U.S.A., pastor of the parish of the Nativity of Our Lord, as bishop of Superior (area 40,701, population 443,209, Catholics 81,885, priests 71, permanent deacons 57, religious 104), U.S.A. The bishop-elect was born in Pasadena, U.S.A., in 1952 and ordained a priest in 1985. He succeeds Bishop Raphael Michael Fliss, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese, the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.

Art:  St. Thomas Becket