Though the media once again has misinterpreted, distorted an/or confused people (especially Catholics) when "reporting" on the latest Declaration from the Vatican, Fiducia Supplicans (On The Pastoral Meaning of Blessings), we in the Catholic Church should always get the most accurate information and interpretation of Church documents and declarations from the Vatican AND from our bishops who are each charged to pastorally implement what is promulgated in their respective dioceses.
Some of the bishops of Africa, where homosexuality is a crime, have put out pastoral statements such as the one from Cameroon which reiterates their disapproval of homosexual unions and go on to say "Consequently, we formally forbid all blessings of homosexual couples in the Church of Cameroon".
On December 27, the Cardinal (Victor Manuel Fernandez) who is the prefect of the Discastery for the Doctrine of the Faith says it is up to each local bishop through discernment to implement this Declaration in their diocese when it come to the propriety or impropriety of giving blessings to individuals who are living in irregular unions. Bishop Taylor, in his statement issued on December 19, reminded us in Arkansas of the differing pastoral concerns and approaches throughout the worldwide Church.
One thing that should be clear TO all bishops, priests and laypeople and FROM our bishops to the lairy is that "Fiducia Supplicans" reaffirms the Traditional teaching of the Church that marriage is to be defined and ritualized ONLY between a man and woman.
I hope that Bishop Taylor will continue to instruct our clergy as to the proper setting and language that couples and individuals who ask for a blessing, and the proper discernment that should take place before blessings are given. I will always ask people what they are asking a blessing for, before I pray for them. When necessary, I make it clear what is being blessed and/or what is not being blessed so as to avoid any confusion before the prayer is prayed. I can only hope that my brotheeer priests and deacons will do something similar as we must one day stand before the judgement seat of God as to waht we have done with the faculties and privileges we have been blessed with through our ordination.
Some of the bishops of Africa, where homosexuality is a crime, have put out pastoral statements such as the one from Cameroon which reiterates their disapproval of homosexual unions and go on to say "Consequently, we formally forbid all blessings of homosexual couples in the Church of Cameroon".
On December 27, the Cardinal (Victor Manuel Fernandez) who is the prefect of the Discastery for the Doctrine of the Faith says it is up to each local bishop through discernment to implement this Declaration in their diocese when it come to the propriety or impropriety of giving blessings to individuals who are living in irregular unions. Bishop Taylor, in his statement issued on December 19, reminded us in Arkansas of the differing pastoral concerns and approaches throughout the worldwide Church.
One thing that should be clear TO all bishops, priests and laypeople and FROM our bishops to the lairy is that "Fiducia Supplicans" reaffirms the Traditional teaching of the Church that marriage is to be defined and ritualized ONLY between a man and woman.
I hope that Bishop Taylor will continue to instruct our clergy as to the proper setting and language that couples and individuals who ask for a blessing, and the proper discernment that should take place before blessings are given. I will always ask people what they are asking a blessing for, before I pray for them. When necessary, I make it clear what is being blessed and/or what is not being blessed so as to avoid any confusion before the prayer is prayed. I can only hope that my brotheeer priests and deacons will do something similar as we must one day stand before the judgement seat of God as to waht we have done with the faculties and privileges we have been blessed with through our ordination.
It is a new year and new opportunities to do things we have done before (but maybe not for a while) and try new things that can bless our lives beyond what we can imagine. Since we are in the second year of the Eucharistic Revival in our country, I have two possibilities for all of us to consider.
Firstly, the book we gave out as a Christmas present, "Beautiful Eucharist", (thanks to Becky Jordan in memory of her dear husband, Mickey) is a "must read" for all of us as it contains short stories and reflections of people who have grown in their love and appreciation for the miraculous gift of Jesus, body and blood, soul and divinity in the Eucharist we consume and adore. I would encourage all of our Eucharistic Adorers to use part or all of your hour in the coming weeks reading and reflecting on a story or two in the booklet, then look at the Lord (hopefully for an extended time) and thank Him for being so present to us in the Eucharist. Of course, it would be good to find a quiet place at home or in nature to read a chapter or two and reflect and pray about it. As we get renewed in our Eucharistic faith, hopefully we will be willling to share this book with someone who is no longer practicing their Catholic Faith or has grown lukewarm in their appreciation of the Eucharist. Hopefully, they will be drawn back to Jesus in the Eucharist and benefit from any reflections and insights we have had after reading this book that we share with them.
Secondly, we will be blessed to offer and join in with Catholics throughout the Unitted States in a sturdy and refelction on the Eucharist that is video-based and allows time for small group sharing. This will take place just before and during the Lenten Season, at a time when we are challenged to "put more on our plate" (not food) for our growth in the Lord in preparation for Easter and the Easter Season! Please be ready to sign up over the next two weekends on the day and time that works for you (on Mondays or Wednesdays for seven total sessions). Right now we are planning food and fellowship during those gatherings. I hope and pray this will be a "family affair" in those families who have more than one person in their household! I truly believe that those who participate in the ways I've described above in the first few months of the calendar year, will be blessed and will be a blessing for others for the rest of 2024 (and beyond)! One of my hopes is that it will lead to more participants in weekday Masses, more Eucharistic Adorers, and even more participation in the life and mnistries that we have here at Sacred Heart Parish.
Firstly, the book we gave out as a Christmas present, "Beautiful Eucharist", (thanks to Becky Jordan in memory of her dear husband, Mickey) is a "must read" for all of us as it contains short stories and reflections of people who have grown in their love and appreciation for the miraculous gift of Jesus, body and blood, soul and divinity in the Eucharist we consume and adore. I would encourage all of our Eucharistic Adorers to use part or all of your hour in the coming weeks reading and reflecting on a story or two in the booklet, then look at the Lord (hopefully for an extended time) and thank Him for being so present to us in the Eucharist. Of course, it would be good to find a quiet place at home or in nature to read a chapter or two and reflect and pray about it. As we get renewed in our Eucharistic faith, hopefully we will be willling to share this book with someone who is no longer practicing their Catholic Faith or has grown lukewarm in their appreciation of the Eucharist. Hopefully, they will be drawn back to Jesus in the Eucharist and benefit from any reflections and insights we have had after reading this book that we share with them.
Secondly, we will be blessed to offer and join in with Catholics throughout the Unitted States in a sturdy and refelction on the Eucharist that is video-based and allows time for small group sharing. This will take place just before and during the Lenten Season, at a time when we are challenged to "put more on our plate" (not food) for our growth in the Lord in preparation for Easter and the Easter Season! Please be ready to sign up over the next two weekends on the day and time that works for you (on Mondays or Wednesdays for seven total sessions). Right now we are planning food and fellowship during those gatherings. I hope and pray this will be a "family affair" in those families who have more than one person in their household! I truly believe that those who participate in the ways I've described above in the first few months of the calendar year, will be blessed and will be a blessing for others for the rest of 2024 (and beyond)! One of my hopes is that it will lead to more participants in weekday Masses, more Eucharistic Adorers, and even more participation in the life and mnistries that we have here at Sacred Heart Parish.
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.