Posted on 10/17/2005 11:29:47 AM PDT by NYer
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Renewed efforts for increasing priestly vocations and a better distribution of the world's priests were the leading suggestions for how the church should respond to priestless parishes in the first drafts of propositions presented by the Synod of Bishops Oct.14.
While the idea of ordaining "viri probati" or men -- including married men -- of "proven virtue" had been suggested by some at the synod, it failed to reach majority approval in order to be included in the first round of reports coming out of the synod's 12 working groups.
Most reports, which were read in the presence of Pope Benedict XVI, reaffirmed the value of priestly celibacy. One French-language working group report said its members were "unanimous in stating the priceless value of priestly celibacy for the Latin Church."
The French report said "vocational pastoral care" should be "more energetic, positive and open to the gifts of God" and noted that better training for priests to help in the missions for a fixed period would "help to gradually overcome this shortage."
One of the three English-language working groups said mandatory celibacy was "not the principal and certainly not the sole reason" for the shortage of priests. Today's culture shows "a lack of lifelong commitment" to most things, even marriage, it said.
The working group also said "local churches should be open to sharing priests" and that the permanent diaconate could free the priests from "many administrative, educational and service ministries."
Another English-language working group said in its report that "the value of (the) Liturgy of the Word" could serve "as sustenance for those who are deprived of access to the Eucharist."
The reports, summaries of which were released by the Vatican Oct. 15, represent summaries of priorities and suggestions that came out of each working group's discussions. They will serve as a starting point for a final list of propositions the synod fathers will deliver to the pope.
Most of the language group reports expressed concern for divorced and civilly remarried Catholics and the need to find ways to make them feel welcome in the church even though they cannot receive Communion.
One Italian group talked about "conditions of admission to the Eucharist in the case of remarried divorcees." Another Italian-language group said the church needed to work more to educate couples preparing for marriage.
A Spanish-language group said the church should also offer divorced or civilly remarried couples "guidance and support to permit them to clarify their situation with a suitable canonical process."
No written report mentioned subjects that received some attention during the synod's general discussions such as whether the faithful should receive a consecrated host on the tongue rather than in the hand and whether politicians whose policies went against church teaching should be denied Communion. Even the subject of eucharistic sharing with non-Catholics got very little mention in the written reports.
The working group reports showed a general concern for promoting a "dignified celebration" of Mass and included the suggestion that the sign of peace be moved to the beginning of the offertory from its current position just before the distribution of Communion.
All the reports underlined the need for Catholics to better live out their faith in their daily lives, including showing greater commitment to social issues.
Mass should inspire Catholics to "share and to imitate the same merciful love of God" to others, said one Spanish-language group, which stressed that when people partake in the Eucharist they "necessarily grow also in social commitment to defend human life, family values, justice, solidarity and peace."
One French-language group said the Catholic commitment to justice "verifies the depth of true eucharistic spirituality."
That's the way its done in the Mozarabic Rite in Toledo, Spain, isn't it? I think I've heard my mother talk about that. Prayers of the Faithful and the Peace, then the Offertory.... Or was that Sarum... Well, in any case it would fix the worst moment in the Novus Ordo for me personally as it is commonly executed in many places.
That's the way its done in the Mozarabic Rite in Toledo, Spain, isn't it?
Not sure about the Mozarabic Rite. But, in the Maronite Rite, the Sign of Peace is before the Consecration, which signifies that we are making peace with each other before Jesus s physically present with us in the Eucharist. The Sign of Peace flows from the altar through the priest who encloses the hands of the servers with his hands and the servers bring that Sign to the ushers and in turn to the congregation. The Intercessions follow the Consecration, so that we can speak directly to Jesus who is now physically present in the Eucharist.
In the Maronite Rite, the Peace is most beautifully exchanged, solemnly. I wish Roman Catholics would learn how to do that. The Maronite way is a visible sharing of the Peace of Christ - not saying 'How ya doin'" to someone around you.
Here in Los Angeles, we were recently subjected to a "Synod". There was very little about the need for vocations to the priesthood. In fact, the outcome of this synod has been the establishing of "parish life directors" who will be running many of the parishes in the absence of a pastor. The vast majority of these parish directors will probably be women. The priest will be kept around for the sacraments and little else.
There has been a steady series of articles in the archdiocesan paper to prepare the people for this "new vision of church". The cardinal considers this a great development, not a temporary response to an emergency. He has even called the shortage of priests a wonderful sign of God's love for the Church.
Rome and Los Angeles seem to be talking about two entirely opposite things.
Whatever is happening at that Synod is completely irrelevant to the people in charge here in L.A. They continue full speed ahead in the pursuit of their alternative "vision of church". They will continue on their merry way until stopped by a superior authority.
Hang in there, friend. Mahony has borrowed the lesson plan from two bishops in NY - Albany Bishop Howard Hubbard and Rochester Bishop Matthew Clark.
I posted a comment on this yesterday and if I can find it again, I'll bump you to it.
For many years, I strugled with the methodology implemented by my bishop, Hubbard. Clearly, his agenda was contrary to all that I had been taught as a catholic. I was bitter and angry ... until .... I read the following article and understood that he was not to blame. Hubbard, Clark, Mahony and several others were intentionally chosen by Archbishop Jadot for these postions ... because they shared the same goals for the church's future. Jadot selected young men for these important positions, anticipating that some day they would be elevated to Cardinal and, hence, play a part in a future conclave to select a pope who would convene Vatican Council III. With these men in voting position, the aspiration was that they would move the church into modern times by approving the ordination of women, active homosexual men and other ultra liberal agenda items. Jadot neglected to factor in the Holy Spirit who watches over the Catholic Church.
As painful as it is to watch good priest become demoralized as their parishes are turned over to 'parish directors', I now pray for the conversion of these bishops. You can learn more about this at:
Bishops meet at Vatican for synod; Communion to Catholic politicians on agenda
Papal Homily at Opening of Synod - "Lord: Help Us to Be Converted!"
Briefing on Synod of Bishops (to the media)
A primer on the October Synod of Bishops in Rome
Top Cardinal Plays Down Priest Shortage (Divorcees to receive communion?)
The First Synod after the Conclave Gets Underway. The Pope Is Being Tested
Ordination of married men is raised at Vatican synod
Bishop Urges Talk of Polticians at Vatican
Abandon Eucharistic doctrine, dissidents urge Synod
Vatican clamps down on information at synod
Bishops Discussing Communion in the Hand - Also Concerned About How the Mass Is Celebrated
Synod Reflects on a Key Ecumenical Question
SYNODUS EPISCOPORUM BULLETIN (Summary of Synod Working Groups - First Session - Oct.5
Archbishop Jan Lenga of Kazakhstan: Restore Tabernacle, Stop Communion in the Hand
"No to General Absolution," Except Rarely, Says Cardinal Re
SYNOD - Report #5: Environment, social justice emerge as eucharistic themes
No ban on gays expected in Vatican document; will advise 'prudential judgement'
Communion in hand versus on tongue gets attention at synod (strange commentary from bishops)
Synod - 07Oct - Married vs Celibate Priests
Synod - 06Oct - The Trinitarian, Marian, and Ecclesiological dimension of the Eucharist
Pope Addresses Synod Unexpectedly
Some bishops say church must reconsider role for married priests
Deja vu: First week of (Vatican) synod follows patterns from past
7 Key Topics Discussed So Far at (Vatican) Synod - Spokesman Assesses 1st Week of Assembly
Eucharistic adoration is key, but also has drawbacks, bishops say
SYNOD OF BISHOPS - 10OCT05 - Intercommunion (with Orthodox Church among topics)
SYNOD OF BISHOPS - 10OCT05 - Participation of the Laity (with music)
Unfit for Priestly Service
Vatican Synod of Bishops - 11OCT05 - Presentations by Anglican and Lutheran Representatives
Vatican Synod of Bishops - 11OCT05 - Presentations by Orthodox Representatives
Bishops to deal with liturgy, lay ministry, death penalty in November
Cardinal Pell: Ending Celibacy Rule Would Be a Blunder
Tridentine Mass "Not a Priority," Says Cardinal Arinze (Vatican Synod)
Synod Fathers Have a Day of Reflection and Adoration
Synod working groups draft suggestions to help priestless parishes
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