February 26, 2006
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February 26th, 2006 at 10:52 am
Questions from a non-Catholic.
I was struck that the parents are both former priests and nuns. What sort of vows are taken to reach those positions? Are they the sort that marriage used to be, life long bonds?
February 26th, 2006 at 11:30 am
For nuns, it depends. They usually begin with temporary vows, and eventually profess perpetual (life-long) vows. This gives them a chance to make sure the religious life is truly their calling.
For priests, it’s a little different. They have all of seminary to decide whether or not to stick with it. Once a priest is ordained, however, he is “a priest forever”, in the words of the ordination rite. Catholics believe that ordination to the priesthood leaves a permanent, irrevocable mark on the soul of the priest. What that means is that even though he may later abandon his role, or be “laicized” — meaning he is not allowed lawfully administer sacraments or work as a priest — he may still validly adminster them. For example, this priest could validly consecrate the Eucharist, but would be acting disobediently if he did.
Priests in this case are permitted to adminster Confession or the Last Rites in emergency situations where death is imminent.
It is assumed to be a life-long commitment at the time one is ordained. Whatever his views on morality may be, I don’t get why this guy thinks it is so noble to abandon a consecrated life.
February 26th, 2006 at 11:36 am
Yes, but can be (I forget the verb — basically absolved) by the pope if one no longer believes they can no longer fulfill their vows in good faith and applies to be *absolved*. Id imagine that is what happened if both remained practicing Catholics.
February 26th, 2006 at 12:51 pm
Since when did mass become a political convention? I find both the priest-distributed postcards and the rainbow-sash wearing parents to be incredibly grating.
February 26th, 2006 at 4:20 pm
I attended mass last night at St. Paul’s and didn’t see anything of the sort, they must be Sunday morning people. I didn’t see the postcards either, but now I’m almost guaranteed to be distracted next time I make it over to the other twin city.
February 26th, 2006 at 8:22 pm
Why is it people want to change everything about Catholicism and still be called Catholic?
February 27th, 2006 at 6:42 am
In this instance, I believe that Luke 12:51-53 is applicable:
51 Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.
52 From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three;
53 a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”
February 27th, 2006 at 7:08 am
On the topic of dissenters and since this is called Southern Appeal, did you see the piece in the Faith and Values section of the Atlanta Journal and Constitution this past weekend. Apparently Archbishop Gregory has allowed Voice of the Faithful to meet on church property. He deftly punts to the pastors saying he is sure they will keep an eye on them. He also wrote a lame piece in the Georgia Bulletin, the diocesan paper. Apparently many people have voiced concern over people’s attire at Mass. The bishop’s response was basically “I have never noticed and have not been scandalized”. “No problem here move on”. I guess he wouldn’t notice since he is not in the pews with some young cutie in front of him showing her butt cleavage to him when she kneels and sits. I’m beginning to wonder what our future here in Atlanta holds. Is there anyone out there with any idea as to what we should expect with Archbishop Gregory?
February 27th, 2006 at 12:52 pm
This is more “love is a force of nature” nonsense.
February 27th, 2006 at 12:53 pm
Tim,
I’m still trying to feel out the Archbishop, as well. I like some things that I’ve seen from him, but he comes across as a little squishy and noncommital at times.
For instance, I had hoped that he’d strongly and immediately express his support for his predeccesor’s document “Worthy to Receive the Lamb”, which forbids pro-choice politicians from receiving Holy Communion within the Archdiocese of Atlanta. To my knowledge he has not publicly taken a position with respect to the issue. Perhaps he will later, but I’m disappointed that he hasn’t so far.
February 27th, 2006 at 3:50 pm
Tim,
Are politicians who support the death penalty also in danger of losing their right to communion?
February 27th, 2006 at 3:53 pm
Actually that should be “privlage” since it’s not like a political right or anything.
February 27th, 2006 at 5:51 pm
Rick-
Catholics can support the DP consistent with Church teaching.
DP is not the same as abortion (although I do oppose both).
February 28th, 2006 at 7:22 am
Rick,
Why are you asking me? I didn’t bring up the death penalty. I think Archbishop Gregory will probably not support Archbishop Donaghue’s ban on pro-choice politicians recieving communion. He has already reversed the policies on feet washing on Holy Thursday and the ban against VOTF. It looks like the media love him which gives me concern.
February 28th, 2006 at 7:26 am
Another note. I just finished Raymond Arroyo’s book on Mother Angelica. The only mention of Archbishop Gregory was in the context of his promoting “inclusive language” in the liturgy sometime in the 90’s I think.