I want to start my pastor's column by saying something that I'm sure you've heard and agree that it's true. "Don't believe everything you read or hear through social media" or, sadly, these days don't believe "very much" that you read or hear in social media, especially (I say) Catholic Church information.
This is the case when it comes to what has been released by the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (Fiducia Supplicans) that was approved by Pope Francis on December 18, 2023. The subject is the pastoral meaning of blessings by ordained clergy (bishops, priests and deacons). Some of the secular media and some Catholic publications would have us believe that this is a direct "teaching" of the pope that deals only or mostly on blessings of same sex couples. A reading of this declaration of the DDS tells the reader that its scope doesn't start or end with the blessing of same sex couples. It makes it clear that Church ministers MUST avoid any rites or prayers that contradict or create confusion about what marriage is. The Church (pope and bishops) continues to affirm the Bible and the Church's Tradition that says that marriage is between a man or woman that is open to the conception and birth of human life from God. When the document discusses possible blessings for persons in irregular or invalid unions or in same-sex relationships, it allows for the spontaneous blessing of such persons.
Our bishop, Anthony Taylor, in a statement issued on December 18, says that the DDF recommends, for example, to begin with a prayer asking that the individuals (NOT THEIR UNION) have peace, health, a spirit of patience, dialogue and mutual assistance_but also God's light and strength to be able to fulfill His Will completely. Our bishop quotes the DDF that the intention of such a spontaneous blessing is NOT to legitimize anything, but to open one's life to God, to ask for help to live better, and also to invoke the Holy Spirit so that the values of the Gospel may be lived with greater faitfulness (n.40). Our Faithfulness to God's love for everyone needs to come out in blessings over individuals which rightly should include the call to conversation to be more Christ-like in all ways.
If you would like to read the whole statement of our bishop, please go to our parish website www.hsvsacredheart.com or get a copy of it in the narthex of our church.
This is the case when it comes to what has been released by the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (Fiducia Supplicans) that was approved by Pope Francis on December 18, 2023. The subject is the pastoral meaning of blessings by ordained clergy (bishops, priests and deacons). Some of the secular media and some Catholic publications would have us believe that this is a direct "teaching" of the pope that deals only or mostly on blessings of same sex couples. A reading of this declaration of the DDS tells the reader that its scope doesn't start or end with the blessing of same sex couples. It makes it clear that Church ministers MUST avoid any rites or prayers that contradict or create confusion about what marriage is. The Church (pope and bishops) continues to affirm the Bible and the Church's Tradition that says that marriage is between a man or woman that is open to the conception and birth of human life from God. When the document discusses possible blessings for persons in irregular or invalid unions or in same-sex relationships, it allows for the spontaneous blessing of such persons.
Our bishop, Anthony Taylor, in a statement issued on December 18, says that the DDF recommends, for example, to begin with a prayer asking that the individuals (NOT THEIR UNION) have peace, health, a spirit of patience, dialogue and mutual assistance_but also God's light and strength to be able to fulfill His Will completely. Our bishop quotes the DDF that the intention of such a spontaneous blessing is NOT to legitimize anything, but to open one's life to God, to ask for help to live better, and also to invoke the Holy Spirit so that the values of the Gospel may be lived with greater faitfulness (n.40). Our Faithfulness to God's love for everyone needs to come out in blessings over individuals which rightly should include the call to conversation to be more Christ-like in all ways.
If you would like to read the whole statement of our bishop, please go to our parish website www.hsvsacredheart.com or get a copy of it in the narthex of our church.