What I Love About Catholicism: Priests Are Awesome! #Catholic

Despite all attempts from the devil to destroy Catholic priests, the fact remains that their spiritual leadership and guidance are still in high demand. Whenever someone complains about "those priests" or throws all of them together as though talking about one nameless, faceless, monster-pedophile; I have to admit that I wonder about that person's experience with authoritative figures in their life.

I am not minimizing the tragedy of those who have sinned horribly against children. But I do think that priests overall have been painted with a broad brush of guilt, the Roman collar becoming the modern day "scarlet letter." However, the point of this post is to highlight why I think priests are so awesome. The more I become re-acquainted with the faith of my youth, the more impressed and humbled I am by the priesthood.

I've likened the Catholic faith to "the grown-up's religion." It's a mature faith, tough, and holds a high standard for her followers. It is higher education, not elementary school. It is to me the Marines of all spiritual disciplines. If this is true, then my illustration would extend to the priest being an accomplished PhD (And many priests hold such a degree.) or a "special ops" in the field of faith. I have experienced a true sense of security since returning to the Catholic Church and I attribute this to the dedication and pastoring gift of my parish priest.

Protestants criticize Catholics for calling priests "Father." yet they have no problem addressing someone with a PhD as "Doctor." I've also heard many non-Catholics address their pastor as "Pastor Bob" or "Reverend Carrington." We acknowledge "fathers of the faith" such as Abraham, Moses and Elijah. Jesus wasn't referring to those titles when He said "Call no man 'father.'" He was referring to the pride that can creep in when someone is given a title and also; misplaced honor that excludes the superiority of our heavenly Father.

Fathers are important. They help guide and challenge. And whether some want to admit it or not, our society is in greater need than ever of true fathers - men who will sacrifice themselves for the betterment of others. Just take a look at gang culture. Those young boys are looking for male leadership. Sadly, they don't have it within their own homes.

Priests are not perfect, nor without their own set of faults and weaknesses. However, they have taken vows to serve the Church and shepherd their people. To set aside their own opportunities for getting married and having a family is an amazing act that cuts across cultural and the "me-focused" trends.

There is such substance in a priest. They go through years of training after discerning their vow and apply their mind, heart, and soul toward helping people grow in their faith. They often endure loneliness since they do not have a family. However, because they don't have a family, neither is their attention torn between that and the Church. I know some will disagree with me on this, but I support priest celibacy. After watching many pastors try to juggle the demands of serving a busy, thriving church with the demands of being a husband and parent - I believe celibacy wins. A single man can focus his energies upon the needs of his parish.

There are other types of priests, of course, other than the parish priest. They serve within the government of the church and throughout the institution. But within the Catholic Church, there is continuity and safeguards that strengthen the foundation of the faith. Within a non-denominational church, for instance, there is no guarantee that a senior pastor will remain with a church after a 5-7 year period. And because a non-denominational church's purpose fluctuates with a senior pastor's vision, the church is constantly re-inventing itself.

This may sound ideal but can lead to a fragmented faith. Children, for example, are taught "the basics" by their parents - saying "please," "thank you," and showing respect to parents and elders. Obedience is being instilled in small increments until the child grows into an adult, knowing how to conduct themselves with discretion. Church is the same. As a new believer, our priests are instilling in us "the basics" of our faith, over and over again. The point is to produce the Body of Christ that will work together seamlessly and represent Jesus Christ to the world. If these "basics" are not ingrained in us, we run the risk of becoming like the seeds that failed to grow deep roots. When the harsh winds of adversity come, we'll topple over.

Obedience gets a bad rap and too often, priests are accused of being "rigid" or unyielding. But who wants a wimpy faith? I don't. I know how hard the devil is working to undermine the Kingdom of God and to attack His Church. This is why we need our fathers. They help prepare us for such battles.

It took me a long time to see this. For years I was involved with what I call a "feminized faith." It was soft, nurturing, accommodating. There was much creativity within it but also, a permissive spirit that surrendered to emotionalism. When I was accepted within a ministry school, I could see that they were "tough." It's interesting to look back and realize that what I was attracted to was the clear directive of a ministry, which really is what the Catholic Church has in abundance but took me years to finally recognize it.

I remember when I arrived at the ministry school, thinking, "So far, I've been 'mothered' by the church. Now I will be 'fathered.'" A believer needs both, just as a child does. This is why it saddens me when I hear about nuns who think they should be priests. I'd like to say to them, "Don't you understand how important your role is within the church? You're the balance and right now, you're seeking to unbalance a divine pattern simply because you've been duped into thinking your role isn't enough."

Priests impart the fathering that we as the Body of Christ so desperately need. They watch out for us and tell us when we're messing up. They put their arms around our shoulders and console us at times, but exhort us to aim higher. They love but can give us the tough love we need because it's a hard world and soft won't cut it. There is an inherent protection within the guidance of a priest, an understanding that our faith will be tested but if we get the basics right, we'll not only survive but overcome. A priest's calling is to make sure we receive that understanding.

Although I spent many years within non-denominational churches, the one advantage it did give me was a new appreciation for our Catholic priests. As part of these churches' leadership teams, I had a unique vantage point to observe the constant pressure a pastor faces. Without a governing body, it is much harder than most people can imagine. A pastor of a church without a hierarchy is always questioning himself, asking God to reassure him that he's going in the right direction. He has to depend upon networking to find other leaders for support. And if there are any misunderstandings within his church, he has no one to turn to for mediation.

We have an awesome Church, founded by Jesus Christ, continued by His apostles and the priesthood. In this "Year of the Priest," I give thanks more than ever.

Not Everything Is Art: The Blurring of the Priesthood

When I led an artists group years ago, I remember having lively discussions with a few of the members about the definition of art. Some said that anything could be seen as art. My reply was, and still is, that there is good art and bad art, but the moment one tries to call "everything" art is the moment true art loses its identity.

We live in extraordinary times. More than ever, the world does not like clarity. Being "flexible" or fluid in one's views and choices has dominated both culture and public policy. Religion continues to be a thorn in the side of leftist politics precisely because it presents qualifications, standards, definition, and clear consequences. Such concepts do not square well with a world that rejects absolute truth. In the mind of the sinner, there is no such thing as truth, for with truth comes judgment. Either something is right or it is wrong. The idea that there is a "black or white" is highly repugnant to those who want to blur the lines in order to continue to live as they please. They want nothing to do with an accountability to a God they cannot see and worse - expects a sacrificial pursuit of selfish desires.

It is no surprise that some within the Catholic Church would like to "remove" a barrier within the church, which is between the ordained and non-ordained. From a recent article published by California Catholic Daily:

“’The way the Church is now is not the way it was meant to be,’ says John Hushon, a VOTF board member who serves as council’s co-chair. ‘The Gospels make it abundantly clear that Jesus envisioned a community that welcomes and encourages the gifts of all. The two-tiered clerical system that separates the ordained from the non-ordained was never meant to be, and it has caused enormous harm. Vatican II attempted to recapture the universal call to ministry, but this promise has not been fulfilled.’”

Read entire article: A New Church

I almost don't know where to start. "The two-tiered clerical system... was never meant to be?" Has this man read Scripture? Studied history? Or even studied corporate business structures? I'm no Ph.D., but his ignorance is breathtaking. Every structure - from football teams, to study groups, to large corporations, to church entities - all have distinct levels of leadership. Not everyone is the captain of the ship and hierarchies - whether Mr. Hushon likes it or not, exist for a reason. Put simply, leadership helps the group reach its goals.

I've been a member of churches where this distinction between the ordained and laity has been blurred. All the church was "the priesthood" and the pastor just happened to be chosen as the guy who stood up in front of the congregation each week. But he wasn't special. In fact, many times other staff members would give the Sunday teaching. Some called it the "leadership team" or "senior staff" - but the meaning was essentially the same. The people in those positions were there because they either fit the management profile or somehow caught the attention of other leaders. And, those faces changed on a regular basis. Some were "sent" to plant a church, some left on bad terms, some were pushed out when it was evident they weren't supporting the party line any longer.

Only within mainline denominations were the leaders carefully groomed for their positions. It isn't unusual for a non-denominational church to place immature people into positions of leadership. It also isn't unusual for this to occur with the "leader" having either little or no formal Biblical training.

I believe in distinctions. In fact, I believe they are necessary in order to avoid diluting the purpose of that which is defined. The priesthood is a prime example of this. Not everyone is called to the priesthood. Just St. Paul said in his letter to the Corinthians, If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? (1 Cor. 12:17 RSV) Even our own bodies testify to the truth that each part has a specific purpose, and within the Body of Christ; there can only be one head. Not many. One. We know this is Jesus Christ. But the head has one mouth and that mouth, in my estimation, is the priesthood.

When there are too many voices, there is confusion. Again, I experienced it and sadly, the consequences. I don't claim to have all the answers when it comes to exercising our spiritual gifts within the Body of Christ, but I am rather sure that all gifts are to fall under the headship of Christ and His chosen representatives. Of course we have spiritual gifts - but those gifts are to be used within the Body of Christ and within the world for His purposes; not our own. Too often, Christians have used their spiritual gifts as a way to empower themselves and gain influence over others. This runs completely counter to what the gifts are meant to bring to the church and society.

The priesthood helps guide and strengthen the church. There needs to be agreement within an authoritative structure in order to help the church reach its goals - which is why the Magisterium is so important. Healthy debate is expected and part of the process, but sooner or later, agreement needs to occur in order to proceed. Territorial skirmishes, grievances, and unforgiveness are just a few issues that arise when churches fail to clarify leadership's role.

Within the Catholic Church, we also have the Sacraments to consider, which can only be administered by the priest. Thoughts about what would happen if everyone could administer the Sacraments could perhaps be another blog entry. I suspect though, that if "everyone" could do it, it would cause a number of problems.

During this "Year For Priests," I think Pope Benedict XVI wanted us to realize that there is a distinction between the priesthood and the laity. And perhaps encourage us all to not only examine what it takes to be a priest, but what it takes to be the laity.

When Was the Last Time You Had a Long Line for Confession?

And missed being able to receive the Eucharist as a result?

That's what happened to me yesterday. I knew on Saturday that I needed to go to Confession but missed a nearby parish opportunity at 4:00 PM. As I drove to church yesterday morning, I thought I would be arriving early enough to go to Confession before Mass. Confession starts at 8:30 AM and continues until 8:55 AM.

When I walked in at 8:40 AM, I saw ten people standing in line for one priest. Egads. I realized I probably wouldn't make it. I spent the rest of the time in prayer and repentance. However, on the other hand, I thought, "What a fantastic 'problem' to have at a parish! Too many people in a confession line!"

I think the Sacrament of Reconciliation is going to experience an increase of participation. I believe the Holy Spirit is going to pour onto us conviction in great measure, so much that we will truly feel sorrow in our hearts for our sins. Repentance is such a gift. Only those with hardened hearts fail to recognize sin in their own lives. Only by the grace of God are we given eyes to see how far we have fallen from God's desires for our lives. Without this grace, we continue along our merry way, thinking our sin is "no big deal."

What will we, as a church, look like when we start taking this Sacrament seriously? I think of how going to confession transforms us, absolves us, and how we agree to keep from sinning again. As we are transformed, so then we transform those around us. Jesus Christ affected everyone around Him. Whether they fell at His feet in adoration or hurled insults and crucified Him - people were affected. When we pursue God more deeply, we become increasingly aware of our sin and how this affects our relationship with Him. And so, going to confession on a regular basis is not only desirable but absolutely necessary in order to retain a healthy, maturing spiritual life with our Heavenly Father.

Saying, "I'm sorry, I messed up." is never easy for any of us. I can speak for myself by saying I can turn and twist anything into justifying my sinful actions. This is why I need confession. It keeps me honest and on the right path.

Pope Benedict XVI opened the "Year for Priests" in this way:

In opening the Year for Priests that he personally conceived and orchestrated, Benedict XVI has said that his aim is that of demonstrating "how important the holiness of priests is for the life and mission of the Church." And as a model of this sanctity, he offered the Curé of Ars and Padre Pio.

...Prayer, the Eucharist, the sacrament of penance: these were the three shining lights of their sanctity. The third of these is especially striking, in an age like the present when the sacrament of penance is hardly received at all, having fallen into neglect partly through the carelessness of many priests.Benedict XVI has particularly insisted on the necessity of revitalizing this sacrament, in opening the Year for Priests.

Reviving Confession: Curé of Ars and Padre Pio

It's a good article and I hope you read it. Where are those priests who challenge us to lead a holier life? And where are the people who will respond? Let us together answer that call.

Priests, Spiritual Authority, and Culture

When I was a younger girl, my father would often critique television shows, complaining about their subtle (and not so subtle) attacks on authority figures. At first I thought he was exaggerating. Now I know he wasn't. He was right. During the 60's and 70's, Hollywood jumped on the bandwagon of the "Woodstock Generation" to mock or belittle authoritative figures. Police officers, priests, and even the role of a husband were often castigated as being too domineering or totalitarian. If the young people were rebelling against any type of authority, why not bring the whole country along with them?

Feminism played no small part. As children, I remember watching cartoon Wilma constantly berate Fred for being stupid on "The Flintstones." Darin, the hapless husband was a dope on "Bewitched." Ralph was going to send Alice "to the moon" in "The Honeymooners." The television sitcoms were slowing showing women who were smarter and stronger than men. It was a relentless erosion of the roles of men and women in our society until today, where we often have female heroines kicking a bad guy's rear end from here to eternity, and saving the clueless man.

This wacky pop-psychology soup has brought about two interesting things: 1) The traditional role of men as having any authority was attacked and crushed wherever and whenever possible and 2) Authority was seized by feminism.

So it seemed that if authority was bad or misused, then it was to be rejected. But this didn't happen. Authority, once wrested from the stereotypes, was then claimed by those who supposedly "didn't believe in authority." In other words, the godless declared themselves God. (This kind of behavior has always baffled me. We see it in the militant atheists of today. If a person 'hates' or rejects a certain belief system or trait - then why pursue it? If one doesn't believe in God, why attack those who do? If one rejects the Bible and the institution of the church, why is it so important to be recognized by it? Strange.)

All of the cultural upheavals of the 60's and 70's have left their mark upon the Catholic Church. We've already witnessed the damages done in the name of Vatican II. But what has been truly regrettable has been the minimization of a priest's spiritual authority. The philosophy of egalitarianism has infiltrated the church, where proponents of it want "everyone on a level playing field," asserting that in the church, "we are all priests."

This is totally un-Biblical. There was a pattern of authority in the Old Testament which was continued in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, there was the Levitical priesthood, which was the bridge between God and man. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is our High Priest, going before His Father and offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, to atone for the sin of Adam. The priesthood was continued in the New Testament and clear definitions for who could be a priest and who couldn't followed.

Today we see a lack of distinction and respect for the spiritual authority of a Catholic priest. The lackadaisical, laid-back attitude of the 60's and 70's now permeates our churches, both Catholic and Protestant. High standards have been replaced by "feel good" theology. The understanding of suffering and sacrifice has been replaced by a focus on "saving" others from suffering; instead of encouraging them to view their situation as an opportunity for God's purification to complete its purpose.

An ongoing process has been taking place over these past 40 years to recreate a priest into a therapist instead of acknowledging his role for what it truly is, in persona Christi: Acting in place of Christ to distribute the Sacraments, and to guide and challenge us to become saints.

The sexual abuse, women ordained as priests, acceptance and celebration of homosexuality, an elevation of laity over the priesthood - all have been attacks of the enemy to destroy the Church of Jesus Christ. If you can weaken the understanding of authority within a structure, then half the battle is won.

I am greatly encouraged, though, by some of our younger people. They have been raised in the squishy 'feel good' era and know that something greater exists. They are now exploring orthodoxy and finding it surprisingly satisfying. They understand that in order to reach the level of spiritual excellence God asks of all of His children, they need a strong teacher. A liberal priest isn't going to cut it. Many of us already know the enemy plays for keeps and is intent upon eradicating Christianity any way he can. This is no time for unnecessary coddling. We need to be 'toughened up.'

Babies love to be held close and nuzzled by their mothers. But they also seem to enjoy being thrown into the air by their fathers. I've likened this to the church. We need our "spiritual mothers" to nurture us, but we also need our "spiritual fathers," priests - to help us embrace uncertainty and risk. A healthy child needs the love and guidance of both parents. Emphasis on one or the other can result in a child that ends up being spoiled by an indulgent mother or a child who becomes harsh by a demanding father.

One of the things that surprised me when I returned to the Catholic Church was a feeling of balance. For years, I had been a member of a non-denominational church that was extremely nurturing. Then I transferred to a more demanding non-denominational church that I called more "fatherly." But when I returned to Catholicism, I realized it had the best of both: nurturing and discipline.

I am hoping that this "Year for Priests" will remind us to honor and respect our priests for who God called them to be. I anticipate the enemy's attacks and unfortunately, they will come from within the Catholic Church from our more "progressive" brothers and sisters. I pray the Holy Spirit will guide them, as well as I, into truth.

My New Ning Site: The Catholic Priest Appreciation Network

Well, today is the kick-off for "The Year for Priests" as ordained by our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. How exciting!

I've had many thoughts about what I'd like to do for this upcoming year to honor priests. I decided to do something rather unplanned, and I'm releasing it pronto. It will be a community devoted to celebrating this very special year. I would like to build a community of Catholics who are faithful to the Magisterium and interested in encouraging priests around the world.

Last Sunday, a Vietnamese priest spoke about missions. This young Vietnamese priest had gone through much suffering and sacrifice in his country, but still, managed to hear the call of God upon his life. He spoke broken English, but yet was so filled with awe that God was using him to complete His purposes on earth. It was simply wonderful and humbling to witness.

I'd like for people to share stories about how priests affected their life in a positive way. I am hoping these stories will encourage priests that yes, they are making a difference. And in the midst of criticism, mockery, ingratiation, attempts to blur the line between the laity and the priesthood - may God give strength and comfort to our priests, for we do indeed need them. The life of a priest is very demanding and he has sacrificed much in order to serve God. This is my very small way of thanking them.

If you want to be a member of this community, you must send me an email address so I can invite you. It is a private community because I have no intention of seeing "trolls" come in and badmouth our priests. I'll moderate slightly, but will be looking for others to eventually do so. I'm hoping all can be respectful and that we will all rejoice in finding like-minded and "like-hearted" Catholics who love their priests.

My email is on the side. Sorry for not having a direct link but I'm trying to avoid getting nailed by the spam-bots. Thanks!

The Year of The Priest: Persecution, Piety, and St. Jean-Marie Vianney

Before the Vatican II years, the priestly vocation was always presented as sacrificial, which brought deep and satisfying rewards. "Vocations appeals," wrote Church historian James Hitchcock, "always emphasized the spirit of self-denial expected of the priest, and many communities, such as those of cloistered monks and foreign missionaries, attracted vocations by offering almost nothing but a life of self-sacrifice." - Goodbye Good Men: How Liberals Brought Corruption into the Catholic Church, Michael Rose, p 230

My husband has a friend who is vehemently anti-Catholic. We've not spoken much about my return to the Catholic Church, but I know enough about him to know that he thinks Protestants are the only ones who go through "real" persecution. When I was a younger girl, attending Catholic schools, I would look at the priests almost as a nameless, faceless organization, all marching in agreement with whatever the Pope said. All serving their churches with the same amount of love and devotion. How wrong I was.

It hasn't been until recently that I've realized not all priests are on board with the Pope. And not all share the same devotion to serving their parishes as is required by their vocation. It is appalling that someone like Fr. Alberto Cutié isn't immediately removed from the priesthood. Fr. Cutié not only has confessed to having an inappropriate relationship with a woman for 10 years, he is completely unrepentant over being discovered frolicking with her on a beach. In his words, "I will never ask forgiveness for loving a woman.'' Absolutely breathtaking.

In light of Pope Benedict XVI's proclamation of The Year of the Priest, which will run from June 19, 2009 to June 10, 2010; I have perhaps been divinely led to focus on priests. Before I heard about the Pope's intent for this upcoming year, I had heard about Michael Rose's book and planned to read it. In fact, years ago, while still involved with non-denominational churches, I had heard about the 'Lavender Mafia,' the name given to active homosexuals in seminaries who had risen to positions of leadership and systematically blocked good, orthodox men from becoming priests.

For those who know me, I can be a fireball of passion. During my years away from the Catholic Church, I was heavily involved in the ministry. One of the ministries I was involved with was prayer and specifically, I felt called to pray for pastors, their wives, and families. No matter which church I was affiliated with, I always seemed to find myself being held in the confidence of the pastor or his wife and would dedicate many of my prayers toward their protection and spiritual health. Leaders are spiritually attacked on levels that few experience, and it's no surprise. The devil hates the church and her leaders are especially hated. The enemy's strategy is, "strike the shepherd, and the sheep will scatter." (Matt. 26:31)

In Rose's book, I have been introduced to the patron saint of priests, St. Jean-Marie Vianney. This humble priest was an amazing man. His piety was reviled by not only sinners, but those within the church. Interesting, isn't it - that oftentimes those who lead pious lives receive persecution not just from the world, but from those who call themselves believers in Christ. But Fr. Vianney would not be dissuaded. Arriving at the small village of Ars, he prayed and said, "I will show you the way to Heaven."

Fr. Vianney had a difficult time during his seminary days, for he wasn't seen as particularly bright. But his humble and contrite heart could have taught his teachers several important lessons if they had been paying attention. Instead, young Fr. Vianney was ridiculed for not throwing his lot in with Jansenism, which many of his teachers promoted. There were many mortifications Fr. Vianney endured, some self-inflicted, others inflicted by others; but they only purified his soul, preparing him for a beautiful lifetime of ministry with one goal: to see his village converted.

I'll be writing more about St. Jean-Marie Vianney as I discover more about his life. But for now, lift up the priest of your parish in prayer and ask God to bless him and keep him safe. There is a fierce spiritual battle being waged against them and I suspect having a year dedicated to them by the Pope will only bring more. Still, God's grace is sufficient and His Church will prevail!