Our not-so-wonderful old priest gave a disturbing homily about these nuns yesterday, and said how it was wrong to criticize them over "unimportant" issues when they were doing such good work for the poor. This is the church we only occasoinally attend, as selling free-trade coffee after Mass is clearly a bigger priority for them over the unborn. The prayer list always includes the homeless, but never the unborn--and so on. But it wasn't until yesterday that I realized that this priest is a full-blown unapologetic Leftist, unafraid to publicly oppose the Vatican. I wrote to the Deacon's wife today who I know personally to try to get a feel for the reaction to this atrocious homily.
Good morning all and thank you, AB, for the heads up to the ongoing discussion. Elvina, you note that you are not a member of this parish yet attend mass here on a regular basis. Without membership in the parish, you have no voice with the bishop other than that of an observer. As an outsider, you have the flexibility of attending mass at a different parish.
The purpose of a parish is to form a community. As with any family (i.e. community), there will always be differences of opinion. For example, I happen to reside in a RC diocese run by one of the most progressive bishops in the US. He was appointed by the pope, at the recommendation of the now deceased uber liberal Archbishop Jean Jadot, Pope Paul VI's apostolic delegate to the United States from 1973-1980. He was also one of the youngest bishops appointed - translation - he has been serving in this capacity for 30+ years. During that time, he has dismantled the diocese, closing churches and schools. The remaining churches are run by 'like minded' priests. With few vocations over these decades, some remote parishes are now priestless and managed by lay people appointed by the bishop. The bishop wanted to be a street priest. This is a classical example of someone whose excellent work among the poor drew positive attention and resulted in being promoted to incompetency.
I cite the above to demonstrate how, even at the higher level of a diocese, catholics are subjected to homilies and liturgical novelties, approved by a more progressive or conservative bishop or priest. Meanwhile, those who do not share these views, have formed an underground movement where information on more devout liturgies, is exchanged.
As freeper AB noted, I have experience with successfully combatting liturgical abuse. I was able to do so, though, as a member of a parish community. There are procedures to be followed in this regard but opinions expressed by a priest in his homily, unless they are heretical, do not qualify as abuse. You can learn more about it at this link.
Let me assure you up front, that it takes tremendous strength to go through the proper procedures as you address it to increasingly higher levels of the hierarchy. Bishops are quite powerful. Specific facts, supported by documentation, not opinions, are necessary.
As an aside, I notice that you reside in Michigan. There are several Eastern Catholic Churches in that state. You may want to consider exploring this alternative. Though raised Roman Catholic, I am now a parishioner at a Maronite Catholic Church. The liturgy is reverent and beautiful, the priest is young (only 33), the homilies are based on that Sunday's gospel; no personal opinions are expressed. Eastern Catholic communities tend to be smaller and more personal. Everyone pulls together, working with the pastor, to ensure the continued viability of the parish. As our young pastor always points out, he is there to serve us. The bishop, in this regard, moves priests every 8 years. This also ensures that priests do not become attached to a particular community.
Apologies for the lengthy response. Just wanted to provide the big picture.
I’m so sorry! Our new priest replaced one like yours. Every homily was social justice. We left the parish(within walking distance!) and started driving half an hour into downtown to Mass every Sunday where there is an amazing holy community made up mostly of homeschoolers from all over the KC Metro area. However, now that Fr. B has taken over we are dividing our Sundays in order to support him. I hope your priest retires soon and you get a replacement like we did. Every homily makes me want to stand up and cheer! I don’t but in my head I do! :o)