[NYer]

It is so bad in this one. I have to sometimes not go, for fear that I will breathe FIRE (Holy Prophetic Fire) on the teacher/ group.

Lol .... just do it! Nail them to the wall! Scare the beejeebees out of them. They deserve nothing less. Here in the Albany Diocese, the liberal machine has been churning away for 27 years (I've only been here 11 years). Last year, my 11th grade, 16 year old daughter, entered the final phase of preparation for Confirmation (thank you, Lord!) The pastor asked if I could help out by teaching one of the Confirmation groups.

Flashback: I made my Confirmation back in 1960 at the ripe age of 11, and under the old Latin Rite. Back then, the 'confirmandi' were called to the Church Militant and referred to as 'Soldiers of Christ'. Like many kids that age, we shuffled our feet into the church, sat through the droning Latin mass and waved programs to cool ourselves down under the white and red robes that we wore into the church that night. The bishop stood up and began his homily. Blah ... blah ... blah ... 'soldiers of Christ' ... blah .... blah! My head jerked to attention! What was it he called us? Soldiers? of Christ? My attention was now riveted upon each and every one of his words as he 'commissioned' us. That night stands out today as though it had happened yesterday. Truly!

So, when the pastor asked me to help out, as a 'soldier of Christ', I answered the call and volunteered. Was I in for a surprise! Prior to the beginning of classes, the instructors met with the DRE. She handed us the Catechists's Guide - all 400 pages of it! She then handed us the Student's handbook - all 50 pages of it!

I take these assignments seriously and spent hours pouring over the Catechist's guide, preparing materials for my first class. The 'handbook' is broken down into 4 parts - Period of Invitation, Period of Formation, Period of Reflection and Period of Mission. Excitedly, I flipped the pages to Chapter 1 of the Period of Invitation. Here are the 'Materials Needed' for the first class. (this is no joke!)

1. one or more dice, depending on size of group
2. newsprint and markers or a chalkboard and chalk.
3. stones of similar size and texture, one for each candidate
4. 3 narrow strips of dense fabric to serve as blindfolds
5. candidates' handbooks, one for each participant
6. pens, one for each candidate 7. a large rock to serve as a symbol of Jesus
8. 2 pillar candles and matches.
9. a Bible (finally!)
10. a tape player or CD player and songs on the themes of loneliness and friendship.

At that point, I tossed the book into the cabinet, printed off copies of the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel, packed up my Bible and Catechism of the Catholic Church and drove over to the church.

On the 3rd week of classes, the DRE threw open the door to my classroom, boombox in hand, and asked for volunteers to perform a liturgical dance. My jaw dropped! I made excuses for her, thinking that she must not know that liturgical dance was banned in the US by the USCCB and the Vatican.

Long story short, she didn't. She took the materials I gave her to the pastor, he told her to disregard them, I then spoke with the pastor; he tried to rephrase it as a 'processional'; I wrote to the diocese; they supported the pastor; I wrote back and quoted from Inaestimable Donum - "all catholics have a right to a valid liturgy'; the diocese wrote back and conceded the issue.

Pont of this post ... KNOW YOUR RIGHTS, as a catholic and be prepared to fight for them.

Is Your Mass Valid? Liturgical Abuse

I have now left that parish and roam the Albany Diocese in search of a new one. Thanks to another catholic freeper, tomorrow, I will attend mass at St. Ann's Maronite Church in Troy NY. The Consecration is in Aramaic, the language of Jesus.

There are 21 Rites that make up the Catholic Church. to learn more about these, click the following link.

Catholic Rites and Churches

[GirlShortstop]

I wrote back and quoted from Inaestimable Donum - "all catholics have a right to a valid liturgy'; the diocese wrote back and conceded the issue.

You are proof that not everything that comes out of Albany is bad.   Soldier of Christ!   Pax et bonum.

[Siobhan]

sandyeggo attends the Maronite Church from time to time. And as many know on FR The Maronite reite parishes have long been our sanctuary in America. I speak Arabic, and when I hear the parts of the Mass in Aramaic I am transported in time. Most Maronite parishes have Mass in English and Aramaic now, and the English is so very beautiful.

To me, the Maronites are the only ones in the Catholic Church who understand the theology of the Exchange of the Peace of the Lord as well as how it should be done.

NYer, my prayers that it may be a haven of rest and blessing for you.

[kstewskis]

I made excuses for her, thinking that she must not know that liturgical dance was banned in the US by the USCCB and the Vatican

Good grief! Someone needs to tell our parish priest! (as if he'll listen...) I can't bear to see these "liturgical dancers again whom our priest calls 'a form of prayer' during the Triduuum.

[bboop]

Thanks for the encouragement. I was greatly heartened this morning to find Our Lady's Warriors (.com) a great orthodox site. And Soldiers of Christ, it is too true. I am reminded of Joshua's Few But Fierce Warriors -- who watched for danger even when drinking water. Probably the Lord has me in that class for a reason -- hold on to your hats. Have fun with the confirmation class!!! Good for you.

[johnb2004]

The priest in question was invited to speak and say mass at one of the local parishes here about 2 years ago. I went. This parish is a hotbed of left wing dissent. Lay homilists, rainbow sash folks receiving communion and applause. The Pope and Vatican called sexist, homophobic and should get a clue. In short, 100% no good.

The homily from this priest, as I remember, was typical left with a patina of truth. That is how the smarter ones operate. They give 70% truth and 30% error. That way they sound Catholic all the while promoting sin and error. He is a dissenter.