Posted on 04/06/2010 7:29:57 AM PDT by NYer
From the sex abuse scandal to school closings, some say the Catholic Church is facing a crisis of confidence. Yet the Archdiocese of Baltimore claims it's a record year for new members.
Adam May reports almost one in five Marylanders call themselves Catholic, and despite a lot of negative news, it remains the largest denomination in the state.
There was barely room for another parishioner at Easter services held Sunday at the Baltimore Basilica. Church leaders say more than 1,000 new Catholics joined the church this year, which is even more than last year's record.
But an unknown number of Catholics are leaving church. Some are disenfranchised by church policy, politics and scandal.
The most recent negative issue involves allegations Pope Benedict helped cover up clergy sex abuse. That has led to some protests by upset Catholics.
"Damage has been done. We're trying to repair that damage, help those who have been hurt. But we go on. We're still a church," said Archbishop Edwin O'Brien.
Another issue facing the church is the closing of many schools, including Cardinal Gibbons. Angry parents and students did more than just rally last week. Hoping to get the Archbishop to change his mind, one local businessman -- who has been a long-time Catholic school financial supporter -- started running radio ads asking other Catholics to reduce tidings.
"I don't know if it's working at all. My information is we're the same, even a little more than last year in donations," said O'Brien.
A few days ago, students at Cardinal Gibbons had to select new schools. It's estimated at least one-fourth of them decided to leave the Catholic education system.
The Archdiocese of Baltimore has almost half a million members.
Only morons think you can destroy a religion by attacking it.
A couple of us out here are looking for the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Traditional Rite, which apparently was authorized in the Motu Proprio. In the New Rite it would seem like a mixed Catholic-Protestant thing to us.
Historically, outside attacks on the Church have only made it stronger.
the more they persecute, the bigger we get.
Truth triumphs!
Praise God for this continuing miracle despite all the attacks on it!
Our retired archbishop is very supportive of our FSSP parish (did the entire church dedication in Latin) but I don't think he's done a Confirmation over there.
I wonder how many new Catholics have recently left the Episcopalian, Lutheran, and other denominations, holding their noses in disgust?
Got four over here who left ECUSA in 2003 after the “consecration” of “bishop” Robinson, who left his wife and two daughters to live in sin with a man.
My daughter made her confirmation in one of the most progrssive dioceses in the US. The process, surprisingly, was very much the same. Since the group was smaller, her sponsor accompanied her to the bishop with his hand on her shoulder.
Just curious about what you believe the difference to be.
Hi, the closest FSSP parish — in the next state over — is where I was told to go. Have not yet contacted the parish.
Hi NYer, I haven’t attended or been included in any confirmation, new, old, or in-between, and have not researched specific differences. However, I do know that when we had our two girls (we have permanent custody) baptized, the diocese priest asked immediately before beginning: “Do you want the old or the new rite”? This although the critical words might not have changed. I myself could probably not be confirmed in good faith because I do not accept the changes incorporated in the post-conciliar church, so I will have to go without this sacrament.
Excellent news.
I'm confused. I thought you were Catholic.
I am, the way it was for 1000+ years.
There’s a Pontifical High Mass at the National Shrine in Washington later this month. Maybe you should ask if you can get confirmed by Cardinal Castrillon-Hoyos.
Sedevacantist?
I’m probably on the no-fly list by now or I would consider it LOL
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