Father John Hardon Writings

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Father John Hardon Writings 1 Apostolate for Priests by Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J. Over the centuries, the Church has exhorted the faithful to do everything they can for the priests who trace their priestly ancestry to Christ’s ordination of the apostles at the Last Supper on Holy Thursday night. Catholics are to pray for priests. They are to make sacrifices for priests. They should have Masses said for priests. They should encourage priests to remain faithful to their high vocation and do everything in their power to ensure the sanctity of priests. We know that, without the priesthood, there would be no Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist, no Sacrifice of the Mass, and no Holy Communion. Without the priesthood, there would be no sacrament of Confession, and therefore, no infallibly-assured means of recovering the friendship of God after falling into mortal sin. Surprisingly, our focus in this conference will be, to say the least, unique. On the feast of the Assumption in 1997, the Holy Father ordered a several thousand-word document to be published on the collaboration of the non-ordained faithful in the sacred ministry of priests. In the time at our disposal, I will concentrate on what I consider the main issues about which the Holy See is most deeply concerned. Concerned about what? Concerned about the intrusion of the laity into the divinely reserved precincts of the sacred priesthood. There is a widespread laicization of the Catholic priesthood. It is deeper than anything in the history of the Church since the Protestant revolution in the sixteenth century. Over the years, in teaching students in Protestant divinity schools, I have told them that my favorite definition of Protestantism is “Priestless Christianity.” In one simple declarative sentence, I would say the principal responsibility of the Catholic faithful in the apostolate for priests is to put into practice their faith in the priesthood instituted by Jesus Christ. The Ministerial Priesthood and the Common Priesthood of the Faithful Jesus Christ is the Eternal High Priest, whose death on the cross merited our salvation and who continues offering Himself to His heavenly Father for our sanctification. But Jesus Christ made sure that His followers would share in His priesthood in two different ways. There is what we call the ministerial priesthood, which is rooted in the apostolic succession and consists in the power and responsibility of acting in the person of Christ, the Head and Shepherd of His flock. It is the priesthood which makes its sacred ministers servants of Christ and of the Church by means of authoritative proclamation of the Word of God, the administration of the sacraments, and the pastoral direction of the faithful. The common priesthood of the faithful is the privilege which all the baptized enjoy. They have a free will which they can surrender to the will of God and are thus able to live a life of sacrifice after the example of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself to the Father on Calvary. 2 Thus the ordained priesthood is absolutely irreplaceable. Without it, there would be no Church founded by the Son of God. No words can exaggerate the duty of fostering vocations to the priesthood. This duty falls on the whole Christian community, and they should discharge it principally by living full Christian lives. Practical Provisions Given the widespread confusion in Catholic circles, it is necessary to clear up the vocabulary. In countries like the United States, Protestantism is not only the dominant form of Christianity. It has determined our whole vocabulary. The word “minister” or “ministry” is applied to just about everyone who is engaged in some religious enterprise. As the pontifical document states, “the language becomes doubtful, confused, and hence, non-helpful for expressing the doctrine of the faith whenever the difference ‘of essence and not merely of degree’ between the baptismal priesthood and the ordained priesthood is in any way obscured.” Therefore, Catholics must beware. “It is unlawful for the non-ordained faithful to assume titles such as ‘pastor,’ ‘chaplain,’ ‘coordinator,’ ‘moderator,’ or other such similar titles which can confuse their role and that of the pastor who is always a bishop or priest.” Concretely, the exercise of the ordained ministry applies to giving homilies. Catholics are therefore being told that “the homily, during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, must be reserved to the sacred minister, priest or deacon, to the exclusion of the non-ordained faithful, even if these should have responsibilities as ‘pastoral assistants’ or catechists in whatever type of community or group. This exclusion is not based on the preaching ability of sacred ministers, nor their theological preparation, but on that function which is reserved to them in virtue of having received the sacrament of Holy Orders. For the same reason, the diocesan bishop cannot validly dispense from the canonical norm, since it is not merely a discipline or a law, but one which touches upon the closely related functions of teaching and sanctifying.” The Vatican document then goes on, “For the same reason, the practice, on some occasions, of entrusting the preaching of the homily to seminarians or theology students who are not clerics is not permitted. Indeed, the homily should not be regarded as a training for some future ministry.” To close the issue once and for all, the document concludes, “All previous norms which may have admitted the non-ordained faithful to preaching the homily during the Holy Eucharist are to be considered abrogated.” Is it any wonder that, within a week of the publication of these directives from the Holy See, there was a loud outcry verbally and in print throughout the United States. The new liturgists protested that their years of effort to clericalize the laity were being nullified. However, it was not only the new liturgists who protested. It was also members of the hierarchy. One bishop told his fellow-prelates at their national assembly that this Vatican document “eliminates everything we have been doing” for thirty years. Another bishop suggested that the document applies only to countries like the Netherlands, where people have “gotten used to worshipping without a priest.” [1] He feared that the Vatican declaration may be interpreted as “a great criticism of lay ministry in the Church.” [2] The most unhappy bishops were the heads of large dioceses where for years they have been planning for priestless parishes and developing a Church run by the laity. The most critical prelates were those who had been promoting women preachers, allowing women to read the Gospel at Mass, and supporting theologians 3 who have built their careers on the assumption that there is no fundamental difference between ordained priests and the so-called priesthood of the laity. I will never forget the prime-time lecture of Father Richard McBrien to an ecumenical audience of Catholic and Protestant theologians. For one hour, in the plainest language, he told us that Jesus Christ did not institute the sacrament of the priesthood. The priesthood, he claimed, was a second- and third-century invention of the Church. Out of a hundred theologians at the lecture, I was the only one who openly challenged the speaker, telling the audience that every sentence of McBrien was heresy. Despite the papal condemnation to the contrary, in one parish after another, and not only in the United States, lay people are becoming involved in running the Church’s organization. Hence, the following prohibition of the Holy See. “Deacons, non-ordained members of the faithful, even if collaborators with the sacred ministers, and those priests who have lost the clerical state or who have abandoned the sacred ministry do not have either an active or a passive voice in the council of priests.” Nor is that all. Throughout the western Church there are pastoral councils and parochial finance councils. As anyone familiar with the situation in our country knows, the laity are deeply involved in these organizations. Now comes a blockbuster. The Bishop of Rome, through his representatives at the Vatican, declares that these councils, “of which non-ordained faithful are members, enjoy a consultative vote only and cannot in any way become deliberative structures. Only those faithful who possess the qualities prescribed by the canonical norms may be elected to such responsibilities,” but they have no right to make decisions. This is reserved for those in sacred orders. More still, in parishes and dioceses, there are what are called deans or assistant vicars. Says the Roman document, such persons “must always be priests. The non-ordained faithful cannot be validly appointed to these offices.” We have so far covered about one half of what I am sure will become a historic document. As everyone knows, there are widespread abuses in liturgical celebrations, where the distinction between priests and the laity is being erased. In the words of our Roman legislation, these perversions “are to be eradicated.” To exemplify: • In Eucharistic celebrations, deacons and non-ordained members of the faithful may not pronounce prayers, especially the Eucharistic prayer, with its concluding doxology — or any other part of the liturgy reserved to the celebrant priest. • Neither may deacons or non-ordained members of the faithful use gestures or actions which are proper to the same priest celebrant. It is a great abuse for any member of the non-ordained faithful to “quasi preside” at the Mass, while leaving only that minimal participation to the priest which is necessary to secure validity. • In the same way, it is absolutely unlawful for unordained members of the faithful to use sacred vestments, which are reserved to priests or deacons, for example, stoles or chasubles, at liturgical ceremonies.
Recommended publications
  • Angels Bible
    ANGELS All About the Angels by Fr. Paul O’Sullivan, O.P. (E.D.M.) Angels and Devils by Joan Carroll Cruz Beyond Space, A Book About the Angels by Fr. Pascal P. Parente Opus Sanctorum Angelorum by Fr. Robert J. Fox St. Michael and the Angels by TAN books The Angels translated by Rev. Bede Dahmus What You Should Know About Angels by Charlene Altemose, MSC BIBLE A Catholic Guide to the Bible by Fr. Oscar Lukefahr A Catechism for Adults by William J. Cogan A Treasury of Bible Pictures edited by Masom & Alexander A New Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture edited by Fuller, Johnston & Kearns American Catholic Biblical Scholarship by Gerald P. Fogorty, S.J. Background to the Bible by Richard T.A. Murphy Bible Dictionary by James P. Boyd Christ in the Psalms by Patrick Henry Reardon Collegeville Bible Commentary Exodus by John F. Craghan Leviticus by Wayne A. Turner Numbers by Helen Kenik Mainelli Deuteronomy by Leslie J. Hoppe, OFM Joshua, Judges by John A. Grindel, CM First Samuel, Second Samuel by Paula T. Bowes First Kings, Second Kings by Alice L. Laffey, RSM First Chronicles, Second Chronicles by Alice L. Laffey, RSM Ezra, Nehemiah by Rita J. Burns First Maccabees, Second Maccabees by Alphonsel P. Spilley, CPPS Holy Bible, St. Joseph Textbook Edition Isaiah by John J. Collins Introduction to Wisdom, Literature, Proverbs by Laurance E. Bradle Job by Michael D. Guinan, OFM Psalms 1-72 by Richard J. Clifford, SJ Psalms 73-150 by Richard J. Clifford, SJ Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther by James A.
    [Show full text]
  • Big Book - Volume 12
    Credible Catholic CREDIBLE CATHOLIC Big Book - Volume 12 THE CHURCH AND SPIRITUAL CONVERSION Content by: Fr. Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D. CCBB - Volume 12 - The Church and Spiritual Conversion Credible Catholic Big Book Volume Twelve The Church and Spiritual Conversion Fr. Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D. As dictated to Joan Jacoby Edits and formatting by Joey Santoro © Magis Center 2017 1 CCBB - Volume 12 - The Church and Spiritual Conversion This Volume supports The Catechism of the Catholic Church, Part Two – The Celebration of the Christian Mystery NOTE: All teachings in the Credible Catholic materials conform to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) and help to explain the information found therein. Father Spitzer has also included materials intended to counter the viral secular myths that are leading religious people of all faiths, especially millennials, to infer that God is no longer a credible belief. You will find credible documented evidence for God, our soul, the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and the Catholic Church, as well as spiritual and moral conversion. Part One from the CCC is titled, THE PROFESSION OF FAITH. The first 5 Volumes in the Credible Catholic Big Book and Credible Catholic Little Book fall into Part One. Part Two of the CCC is titled, THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY. This is covered in Volumes 6 through 12. Part Three of the CCC is LIFE IN CHRIST and information related to this topic will be found in Volumes 13 through 17. Credible Catholic Big and Little Book Volumes 18 through 20 will cover Part Four of the CCC, Christian Prayer.
    [Show full text]
  • Link to Liturgy [4] the Catholic Catechism Pg
    Confronting Sin linktoliturgy.com “The End” Notes [1] Abbot Gueranger, O.S.B.; The Liturgical Year, Vol. 5, pg.273-74 [2] Catechism of the Catholic Church - CCC 893 [3] Fr. John Hardon S.J., Modern Catholic Dictionary Link to Liturgy [4] The Catholic Catechism pg. 223 [5] The Catholic Catechism pg. 223 [6] Ibid., III, 22 [7] CCC 894 [8] Modern Catholic Dictionary pg. 135 [9] CCC 884 [10] LG 22 [11] Modern Catholic Dictionary pgs. 178-179 [12] St. Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to the Philadelphians, A.D. 110, [3,2] [13] St. Irenaeus, Against Heresies, A.D. 180, [4,26,2] [14] CCC 2205 [15] In Conversation with God 4, 91.1 [16] John Paul II, Apostolic Exhortation, Familiaris Consortio, 22 November 1981, 59 [17] John Pul II, Address to families, 24 March 1984 [18] Conversations with Monsignor Escriva, 103 [19] CCC 2685 [20] In Conversation with God 4, 91.2 [21] John Paul II, Address to families, 24 March 1984 [22] John Paul II, Angelus in Otranto, 5 October 1980 [23] John Paul II, Homily, 12 October 1980 [24] John XXIII, Address, 29 September 1961 [25] In Conversation with God 4, 91.1 [26] CCC 2689 [27] Jerome Biblical Commentary Matthew 43:128 [28] CCC 1849 [29] Abbot Gueranger, O.S.B.; The Liturgical Year, Vol. 5, pg.274-75 [30] Jerome Biblical Commentary Matthew 43:128 [31] CCC1869 [32] CCC 1849 [33] CCC 1868 [34] Roman Catholic Daily Missal [1962] page 27 [35] Jerome Biblical Commentary Matthew 43:128 Confronting Sin [36] St. Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to the Magnesians, A.D.110, [13,1] [37] Saint Philip Neri; Paul Thigpen; A Dictionary of Quotes from the Saints 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time [38] The Order of the Mass; The Communion Rite [39] Antonio Spadaro, S.J.; A Big Heart Open to God [40] Rev.
    [Show full text]
  • The Monthly Prayer Request for Priests
    ARCHDIOCESE OF SAINT PAUL AND MINNEAPOLIS THE MONTHLY PRAYER REQUEST FOR PRIESTS ~ AUGUST 2021 ~ Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 REV. 4 MOST REV. 5 REV. 6 REV. POPE YOUR DONALD LEE KENNETH ROBERT FRANCIS PASTOR JOHN A JEROME HERBERT PICHE’ PICHE’ PIERRE PISH ORD 1977 ORD 1984 ORF 1963 ORD 2005 7 REV. 8 REV. 9 REV. 10 REV. 11 REV. 12 REV. 13 REV. EUGENE FRANCIS MICHAEL JOHN TROY JIMMY MATTHEW ANTHONY ANTHONY DAVID MICHAEL DAVID MATHEW DONALD POULIAT POULIOT POWELL OMI POWERS PRZYBILLA PUTTANANICKAL CFIC QUAIL ORD 1970 ORD 1958 ORD 2002 ORD 2015 ORD 2005 ORD 2007 ORD 2017 14 REV. 15 VERY REV. 16 REV. 17 REV. 18 REV. 19 VERY REV. 20 REV. JAMES PHILIP TERRENCE THOMAS MICHAEL JAMES PETER MORRIS JOHN JAMES (TERRY) ALLEN EDWARD MICHAEL RADDLE SJ RASK RASSMUSSEN RAYAR REDING REIDY RICHARDS ORD 1972 ORD 1972 ORD 1979 ORD 1993 ORD 1997 ORD 1956 ORD 1998 21 REV. 22 MSGR. 23 REV. 24 REV. 25 REV. 26 REV. 27 REV. CORY STEVEN PIETRO MICHAEL TIMOTHY JAMES PATRICK JOSEPH P LEE CURTIS ERICH (ERICH) JAMES ROHLFING ROHLFS PA ROSSITTI FSCB RUDOLPH RUDOLPHI RUTTEN RYAN OD 2001 ORD 1976 ORD 2009 ORD 2005 ORD 1989 ORD 2005 ORD 1958 28 REV. 29 REV. 30 REV. 31 MOST REV. ABP. JOHN KENNETH YONJ TIMOTHY BERNARD ANTHONY (CASSIAN MARY) DAVID HEBDA ORD 1989 SAJDAK SM SAMA OP SANDQUIST MOST REV. BP. ORD 1971 ORD 2011 ORD 2017 ANDREW COZZENS ORD 1997 WOULD YOU PRAY FOR A PRIEST EACH DAY? PRAYER SUGGESTIONS Lord Jesus Christ, You ordained the apostles priests at the Last Supper to continue the mission of mercy to the end time.
    [Show full text]
  • 20200913.Pdf
    HOLY CROSS CHURCH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH, 2020 MENDOTA, ILLINOIS Sunday, September 13th Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00 a.m. +Dorothy Hochstatter by Joe & Alicia Hochstatter 12:00 p.m. For the People/Para la gente Monday, September 14th 8:00 a.m. +Edward Farley by Bob & Rose Ann Saylor Tuesday, September 15th 7:00 a.m. +Linda Lauer Wednesday, September 16th 8:00 a.m. +Kirk Schwingle by Cathy Schwingle Thursday, September 17th 7:00 a.m. +Ben Bokus by Jan & Mandy Thompson Friday, September 18th 8:00 a.m. +Jay Heitmann by Tom & Mary Heitmann Saturday, September 19th 4:00 p.m. +Captain Thomas J. Heitmann by Tom & Mary Heitmann Sunday, September 20th 9:00 a.m. +<Place Holder> The Mass will continue to be livestreamed via the <Place Holder> Zoom connection we have been using. The Sunday 12:00 p.m. +<Place Holder> Masses, including the Saturday Vigil Mass will contin- <Place Holder> ue to be broadcast to the parking lot via the loud- speaker system. It may be best to leave the sound off, Lector’s Schedule but if you would like to watch, this option may make your Mass experience a better one. Saturday, September 19 Clare Fischer Sunday, September 20 Gwen Krenz Here is the link for the Zoom site: Saturday, September 26 Nancy Goble https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9138050856? Sunday, September 27 Brian Corrigan pwd=RzZtRi8xNjJtNHg4dnhNb2MzNzBEUT09 Saturday, October 3 Clare Fischer Meeting ID: 913 805 0856 Sunday, October 4 Rudy Arteaga Password: 811195 Saturday, October 10 Gwen Krenz Please help spread the word so all of our parishioners Sunday, October 11 Nancy Goble are aware of this new development.
    [Show full text]
  • MEETINGS and EVENTS for the WEEK of 08/05/2018 a Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving Will Be Celebrated on the Feast of the Transfiguration On
    MEETINGS AND EVENTS FOR THE WEEK OF 08/05/2018 A Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on the Feast of the Transfiguration on Monday, August 6, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. by the newly ordained Reverend Canon Matthew Weaver The Society of St. Stephen will meet on Monday, August 6 in the Club Room at 7 p.m. Every Day: Say one prayer in thanksgiving, one prayer for someone other than yourself, and one prayer for the Church. PR0-LIFE CORNER: HEARING THE KNOCK TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION In his June 2009 encyclical Caritas in Veritate, Pope In 1794, a young Irishwoman befriended two Benedict XVI reminds the world that poverty will not be widows aboard ship while emigrating to America. They eradicated unless we rediscover and protect the sanctity of bought a house in Philadelphia and began to live a life at every level. Dismissing the unborn as less than community life under the direction of a priest. Soon they human and allowing abortion impedes the work of social relocated to Washington. There, the “pious ladies,” as the neighbors called them, were asked by their priest friend, by justice. He points out with urgency, “While the poor of the then the president of Georgetown University, to begin a world continue knocking on the doors of the rich, the religious community. In 1799 they established a branch of world of affluence runs the risk of no longer hearing those the Visitation Order founded by Saint Jane de Chantal and knocks, on account of a conscience that can no longer Saint Francis de Sales in the 1620s.
    [Show full text]
  • Climbing the Mountain- Discovering Your Path to Holiness Facilitator Study Guide
    FFaacciilliittaattoorr SSttuuddyy GGuuiiddee Climbing the Mountain- Discovering Your Path to Holiness Facilitator Study Guide ISBN: 978-1-933684-90-1 Library of Congress Number: applied for © Copyright 2008 Direction for Our Times All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission in writing of the Publisher. Publisher: Direction for Our Times 9000 West 81st Street Justice, Illinois 60458 708-496-9300 www.directionforourtimes.org Direction for Our Times is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Manufactured in the United States of America Table of Contents: Introduction 6 - 8 How it All Began and How to Use this Study Guide Part I: THE MISSION 9 – 20 Week 2: Mission, Mystical Phenomena, Long Journey of the Volumes, Anne‘s Background, Secular Orders, St. Francis of Assisi, Distraction, St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross 21 – 38 Week 3: Vocations and Obedience, St. Padre Pio, Darkness and Comfort, Grace, Joy of Saying Yes, Why Now?, St. Faustina, Pope John Paul II and the Mission, St. Genevieve Torres Morales 40 – 58 Week 4: Eucharistic Adoration, Intercessory Prayer, Growing in Holiness, ―I Want You Back!‖, St. Monica, The Rescue Mission, St. Maximilian Kolbe PART II: Heaven 59 – 75 Week 5: Courage, Introduction to Heaven, St. Clare of Assisi, Contemplation, Family, Suffering, Venerable Cornelia Connelly 76– 91 Week 6: Valley of Solitude, Wisdom, Saints and Today‘s World, St. Teresa of Avila, Our Blessed Mother, St. Anne, Hope and Home 92 – 106 Week 7 Work and Learning, Mary‘s Intercession, Holy Trinity, Passion and Resurrection, Understanding, St.
    [Show full text]
  • Themes from the Early Church Fathers the Liturgy and the Eucharist In
    Association of Hebrew Catholics Lecture Series The Mystery of Israel and the Church Fall 2009 – Series 5 Themes from the Early Church Fathers Talk #10 The Liturgy and the Eucharist in the Early Church © Dr. Lawrence Feingold STD Associate Professor of Theology and Philosophy Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, Archdiocese of St. Louis, Missouri Note: This document contains the unedited text of Dr. Feingold’s talk. It will eventually undergo final editing for inclusion in the series of books being published by The Miriam Press under the series title: “The Mystery of Israel and the Church”. If you find errors of any type, please send your observations [email protected] This document may be copied and given to others. It may not be modified, sold, or placed on any web site. The actual recording of this talk, as well as the talks from all series, may be found on the AHC website at: http://www.hebrewcatholic.net/studies/mystery-of-israel-church/ Association of Hebrew Catholics • 4120 W Pine Blvd • Saint Louis MO 63108 www.hebrewcatholic.net • [email protected] The Liturgy and the Eucharist in the Early Church What Christian wouldn’t wonder what the liturgy of the commemorate the great event of the Resurrection of Christ Church was like in the early centuries of Christianity, and from the dead, by which death was defeated and the pledge what were the views of the early Fathers on the Eucharist of our heavenly inheritance given. in particular, which is the source and summit of the life The Acts of the Apostles already give witness to the of the Church.
    [Show full text]
  • I Am the Vine, You Are the Branches. Whoever Remains in Me and I in Him Will Bear Much Fruit, Because Without Me You Can Do Nothing.” ~John 15:5
    nb 8/9ju Fr. Mark P. Ledoux Pastor Carencro Catholic School May 2, 2021 “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in Me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without Me you can do nothing.” ~John 15:5 P.O. Box 40/102 N. Church Street, Carencro, Louisiana, 70520 . Phone: 337-896-9408 . Fax: 337-896-9414 . Email:[email protected] . www.sprcc.org St. Peter Roman Catholic Church Mission Statement . o` e Our mission is to proclaim the Kingdom of God by living the Gospel PARISH of Jesus Christ through Word, Sacrament, and Service as taught by the Roman Catholic Church. St. Peter Parish is a community of SACRAMENTS dedicated Catholics centered on the Eucharist, which is the source and the summit of all that we do and hope to become. Approved August 19, 2014 SACRAMENT OF THE MOST HOLY EUCHARIST As a parish, the Holy Sacrifice of the OFFICE HOURS: The Parish Office is closed until further notice. All parish business is being conducted via phone or email only. Mass is central to who we are and what we do. Regular Mass Times are listed on the front of the bulletin. Please contact the office for special Mass Parish Secretary, Bulletin Editor & Safe Environment Coordinator times during Lent and Holy Days of Obligation. To Patricia Blumrich . .. .. .. 896-9408 receive formation for First Holy Communion, Coordinator of Religious Education & Youth Assistant contact the Parish Office, 896-9408. Nicole Ducharme . 896-9408 Cemetery Manager SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION Cindy Courville. 896-9408 Essential to the Christian Life, the Sacrament of Confession is where we come into Parish Bookkeeper contact with Christ who wishes to heal and bless us.
    [Show full text]
  • Quick Connect
    Prayer: Dependence or Despair linktoliturgy.com 1. Read (Seek) — Read the verses slowly and prayerfully several times. Write down any words or phrases that seem to stand out: Quick Connect What is the Gospel saying? Luke 18:9-14 — Pg. 1 What is the Church saying Past and Present? Pages 1-3 What is God saying to you through this passage? Page 4 2. Meditate (Find) — Now begin to reflect on the verses and ask God Gospel Reading – Luke 18:9-14 – Daily Roman Missal what it means and how he wants to speak to you through the passage. Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own God what are you saying to me through this? righteousness and despised everyone else. “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collec- tor. The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity – greedy, dishonest, adulterous – or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’ But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for whoever exalts him- self will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” 3. Pray (Ask) — Respond from your heart to what God has been saying to you.
    [Show full text]
  • Dear-Sisters.Pdf
    Dearly Beloved Brothers and Sisters, We are so glad you asked this question. We are happy to share with you our reasoning. Our community exists to satiate Jesus’ thirst to be loved in the Most Blessed Sacrament, with our own love for Him and by spreading love for Him. We Sisters give our lives for this purpose. We love Jesus Eucharistic! To show our love for Him, we want to always do what the Church recommends as being the most reverent. Is it wrong to receive Jesus in Holy Communion in the hand? The Church allows it in some countries, but: “The Church’s preference for Communion on the tongue is nearly always justified by notions of reverence, devotion, humility, respect, adoration, and decorum.” (Pope Saint John Paul II) We know that some people receive Our Lord in the hand reverently. This is not about judging and criticizing people who do so. It is our hope and prayer that after reading this, it will be understood that it is all about protecting Our Eucharistic Lord, the Almighty God Who makes Himself vulnerable under the appearance of bread. He longs for our love, and counts on His faithful ones to protect Him, and to manifest in our actions that when we receive Holy Communion we receive God! You see, the universal law of the Church is to receive Communion on the tongue. But in 1979 the bishops in America petitioned the Holy Father to grant America an indult—permission not to follow the law of the Church to receive Holy Communion on the tongue, but rather, to allow the faithful to receive in the hand.
    [Show full text]
  • 13890032.Pdf
    Open Research Online The Open University’s repository of research publications and other research outputs A study of the direct ramifications of Vatican Council II on catechetics, including the impact of conciliar and post-conciliar catechetical Documents on the content and method of catechesis Thesis How to cite: Paruch, Mary Johanna (2008). A study of the direct ramifications of Vatican Council II on catechetics, including the impact of conciliar and post-conciliar catechetical Documents on the content and method of catechesis. PhD thesis The Open University. For guidance on citations see FAQs. c 2007 Mary Johanna Paruch https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Version: Version of Record Link(s) to article on publisher’s website: http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.21954/ou.ro.0000fd75 Copyright and Moral Rights for the articles on this site are retained by the individual authors and/or other copyright owners. For more information on Open Research Online’s data policy on reuse of materials please consult the policies page. oro.open.ac.uk A Study of the Direct Ramifications of Vatican Council II on Catechetics, Including the Impact of Conciliar and Post-Conciliar Catechetical Documents On the Content and Method of Catechesis Sr. M. Johanna Paruch, FSGM B.A. Education, B.A. Theology M.A. Religious Education A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the Open University for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy: Ph:D., Religious Studies and Theology 2008 Maryvale Institute 2V 72S o f /<£ CfuLy '2jOQ 7 ProQuest Number: 13890032 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted.
    [Show full text]