The Fruit of Rebellion: Catholic Institutions for Religious Women

"..This now organized effort to get us back into the older form."

I had heard about the Vatican sending officials to visit various institutes of women religious in the United States, and of course, rejoiced. Rejoiced because I know that many of these religious institutions have wandered far from their Catholic roots. Rejoiced because many of these who refuse the name "Sister," were partly responsible for my weakened spiritual formation. Rejoiced because these "progressive" orders weren't increasing in their vocations and finally, something seemed to be in motion to address it.

Am I angry? I am only angry at the devil for successfully deluding so many. The self-absorption and misguided steps of many of these "enlightened" religious communities have done more damage within the Catholic church than I'm sure they'd be willing to admit. The above quote was from a letter from Sr. Sandra M. Schneiders, a member of Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Monroe, Michigan. She is a professor of New Testament Studies and Christian Spirituality at the Jesuit School of Theology, Berkeley, California. (Yes, it did not escape my attention. Berkeley.) 

Here is part of her letter, that was reprinted recently in the National Catholic Register. My comments are in red.:

We realized, by our return to the Gospel and to our own foundations, that we were called to much more radical [meaning in-depth] renewal than surface adjustments of lifestyle. (So prior women religious orders before the 70's didn't have in-depth commitment? Not one of the centuries of these communities went beyond 'surface adjustments of lifestyle?') There is no going back. But I think we may have to claim this, calmly and firmly, in the face of this now organized effort to get us back into the older form. (In other words, you don't want to even consider anything that the Vatican may suggest.) We are as different from "apostolic Religious Congregations” [such as those represented by the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious, or CMSWR] (of whom the Vatican is much more approving) as the mendicants were from the Benedictine monks. The big difference is that they [apostolic Religious Congregations] read Perfectae Caritatis and did what it asked: deepened their spirituality (I hope), and did some updating -- shorter habits, a more flexible schedule, dropping customs that were merely weird, etc. (Would that have included praying the rosary? Studying the lives of the saints? However, I suppose it's not 'weird' to include a drumming circle.) We read Perfectae Caritatis through the lenses of Gaudium et Spes and Lumen Gentium and we were called out of the monastic/apostolic mode and into the world that Gaudium et Spes declared the Church was embracing after centuries of world rejection. (Called out? Then why take the vows? Why commit your life to one of separation? If you feel you are called into the world then perhaps you missed your vocation to begin with and should have remained within the laity.)

I could be wrong, but my understanding of women who took vows to enter into a consecrated life through a religious institution was that it meant they were separating themselves from the world - for a purpose. That purpose could be a monastic life, filled with prayer and reparation for the sins of the world; or it could be a life focused on serving the needs of others, such as assisting in the spiritual formation of children or serving the poor within their communities. I don't understand how someone could say they wanted to be a nun but then balk at the requirements. Aren't there standards?

Here is the vision of the Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary:

The IHM community envisions and is committed to bringing about the dream of God on planet Earth through respect for, nurturing of and promoting the liberation and well-being of all persons and all of nature as God's good creation.

The "dream of God?" "Well-being?" Okay. Maybe I missed it, but where is "sin" mentioned? Repentance? Forgiveness? Catholic doctrine? In fact, this bland vision statement is so lacking in vision that it renders itself almost useless. You know what it says to me? It is the product of too many hours of discussion over what is "politically correct" and what isn't. It has no backbone, no 'oomph' when it comes to reflecting the rock-solid, historical truth of the Catholic Church. In short, it is boring and lifeless.

An interesting link was in the NCR piece. It led to a the “Symposium on Apostolic Life: Religious Life Since Vatican II ... Reclaiming the Treasure” held in Boston last year in October. This is very telling. One of the keynote speakers, Sister Sarah Butler, MSBT, in addressing the current state of division within religious communities, said this:

“The reality of this polarization is more than regrettable; it is a cause of scandal. It is a counter-sign. We are called to be vivid, visible signs of the kingdom and to attract others to Christ and his Church by the joyful witness of our consecrated lives.”

This polarization continues abetted by bishops unwilling to confront progressive religious, she said.

Part of the problem was timing, she said. The 1960s and 1970s were the worst times to initiate reforms, given the turmoil and strife that marked those decades. This was especially true, considering the Second Vatican Council’s emphasis on the apostolic at the expense of the monastic, she said.

Because much of the apostolic impulse was expressed through participation in social justice crusades, after religious had finished fighting for civil rights or to end the Vietnam War, they turned the tactics and revolutionary fervor towards perceived injustices inside the Church, she said.

The other aspect of the problem was that Church leaders underestimated the strength of radical feminism in the United States, she said. This strain of feminism is no longer a part of the conversation in civil society, but it remains ascendant within religious communities, she said.

And that, my friends, is the crux of the matter. Feminism. In its most radical form, it is not only a renouncement of God's divine order of authority, but defiance. It is straight from the pit of hell if you examine it closely. Who raised his fist against God, demanding to be worshipped? Who is the father of disobedience? Who whispered in the ear of Eve and purred, "Did God really say...?" Who tempted Eve and then Adam with the proposition that they didn't need God, they could reach enlightenment on their own?

There will always, always, always be opposition from the enemy when it comes to living the Christian life. 

What is at issue, dear Sisters, is Catholic identity. I think that is what the Vatican will be evaluating.

Noteworthy Blogs: Amy Wellborn is on Beliefnet

One month ago to the day, the husband of Amy Wellborn passed away. I am beginning to know Amy through her online writing, having noticed a year ago that the people I was interested in, were interested in her. I admit I've never read any of her books.

However, there is something about her that touches me. Perhaps it is the spirit of another wanderer, a questioner, someone who tries to look at the working of God's hand from another angle and reaches for Him always - whether in confusion or partial understanding. When her husband suddenly collapsed from a heart attack, I immediately felt the shock and pain as though it happened to me. When I feel these sort of connections, I pay attention. God is usually at work.

I have often thought about Amy and her family. I know how the sudden loss of someone very important to you can turn your world inside-out. We are defined, to some extent, by our relationships. We don't understand the underpinnings of these complex connections until that connection disappears. Suddenly, you feel a bit lost. Not sure how to act or where to turn. Sometimes you feel silly, knowing you live in a world that doesn't know how to handle grief. And then thinking about grief, not sure if it's something to be handled or simply endured; like a raging tsunami, threatening to crush you with the weight of sorrow.

I truly don't know how anyone lives through grief without the grace of God. Who else could know the deep pain but God, who sacrificed His only Son so that we could live? It is a mystery, enormous and bottomless, even on the surface.

Amy is now writing for Beliefnet.com. Her blog there is called Via Media. She desires solid, mature commenting and I don't blame her. On a website that is filled with everything from New Agers to atheists, I can only imagine the type of trolls it attracts. Still, I plan on following her there and commenting when I'm able.

Please continue to keep Amy and her family in prayer.

An Excellent Article by Fr. John Neuhaus

I stumbled upon this article this morning, written by the late Fr. John Neuhaus for the First Things website. As I mentioned after his passing, it was with great regret that I had not known about Fr. Neuhaus until he was gone. I have the greatest admiration for thinkers in society; those who will challenge the status quo and demand more. I especially have great respect for Catholics who refuse to allow a Catholic organization's social agenda to be the only public face the world sees when it considers Rome.

In his long article, Lives Lived Greatly, Fr. Neuhaus has this to say about the Internet:

One gets the impression that those who spend many hours on the Internet are different. They want to know the latest thing, who is saying what about what and whom. I don’t say this censoriously. Avoid the flood of pornography and YouTube narcissism and surfing the Web can be a relatively innocent activity. But it does seem there are so much better things to do with one’s time, as, for instance, in reading good books and serious magazines.

I believe that if I had ever been privileged enough to have met Fr. Neuhaus, I would have found common ground. Catholicism, to me, is as G.K. Chesterton described it - like "a thick steak, a glass of red wine, and a good cigar." In other words, it is something to be digested slowly and with great relish, sipped slowly and enjoyed. It is the deepest set of thoughts and beliefs that man could ever face. You don't rush over such thinking. You savor it.

The Internet is a medium not usually savored but gobbled quickly without barely a chew. The article on First Things is very long but I bookmarked it purposely here so I can savor it later. Maybe we can discuss it in greater detail after allowing it to "digest."

Poll Results and My Thoughts on "Holy Families Just Don't Happen"

The poll I had set up for the audio sermon "Holy Families Just Don't Happen" is now closed. I wanted to thank everyone for participating in my most successful poll, yet. I've not posted too many, but polls come in handy to act as a springboard for further discussion on a topic. 

At the heart of this sermon was raising children to live chaste and celibate lives until determining their vocation - whether that would be for Holy Orders, marriage, or remaining single. It is a very challenging message, posing a monumental challenge to guard oneself emotionally, physically, and spiritually in a lust-filled world. Here is the original post, including the audio link.

I originally listened to this sermon on my way to Cincinnati. Then I was interested to hear what my father had to say about it. So, we listened to it together.

Immediately, he thought the priest was expecting too much from the average teenager. I disagreed and said it was exactly what teenagers needed to hear. So, we had a spirited discussion about realistic expectations and whether the priest's message was too strict. So, I proposed having a poll on my blog to see what others thought. He was concerned that the poll would go in my favor because my readers would know my opinion. I reminded him that I would not share my opinion and it was never a good idea to assume anything; although some of you may have suspected which way I leaned since I launched the "Castitas" videos on chastity months ago. 

The one thing we wished we realized was to track the votes of men and women. We did wonder if more women would be pro-message and more men would say it was too demanding. So, we don't have anything to tell us that. However, 75% of those participating said they agreed the teaching on the whole was realistic. 25% thought it was unrealistic.

The one point I stressed with my father was this: why not err on the side of high expectations? Why not encourage young people to reach for what will ultimately bless them? 

Some may say that such strict perimeters in courtship would cause one to run into the other direction of loose morals. I don't agree. I think a good case of the "guilts" can go a long way toward causing a teenager to think twice before engaging in behavior that will harm them either physically, emotionally, or both. Sexuality is a gift from God. A baby is a gift from God. But living according to God's blueprint for marriage and family is best.

So, if you have any other thoughts, feel free to comment some more. My father now owes me a lunch but he pretty much always treats me! I'm going to get him a "consolation" prize!

Oh, and if you think you've got your Christian family doctor watching your back when you take your 12-year old daughter in for her check-up, you've got another thing coming. Read this entry on Patrick Madrid's blog and be prepared.

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Thanks to Peggy at The Simple Woman for starting the daybook. For more entries, or to join, go here.


For Today: Monday, March 2, 2009

Outside My Window... Still dark. I've been noticing the sun is rising a little earlier. Next week is Daylight Savings Time. Spring forward!

I am thinking... about my new software programs. I bought Serif's PagePlus X3 this weekend (upgraded) and just am amazed by it's sophistication.

I am thankful for... the fact my tire hasn't blown out. Today I'm getting a new tire since I can finally see my one "old" tire somehow got worn in a lopsided way. I was ordered by hubby to get the new tire today pronto, before heading to work. Definitely!

From the kitchen... Coffee, a bowl of cereal and yogurt. Tonight we'll have the leftover baked ziti I made last night, salad with tomatoes, and garlic bread. Even though I bought "sauce in a jar," I "doctored" it up with onions, ground beef and ground Italian sausage, plus more Italian seasoning, basil, and a few shakes of red pepper flakes! I did it right because Mickey didn't say, "This sauce is spicy! What did you do to it?!!" Ha!

I am wearing... The usual. Nightgown and robe. :-)

I am creating... Ah, this is where I'm excited because I am FINALLY getting back in the saddle with my digital scrapbooking pages! It has been so long. I'm learning more about Digital Scrapbooking Artist and really enjoying the program. I'll be eventually posting some pages on my blog. Also upgraded to the newest version of Serif's PagePlus X3, a professional desktop publishing program. Another fine program!

I am going... to get my tire replaced this morning and then go in to work. It's snowing outside, which I didn't think would happen. I know New York is going to get slammed with a big snow storm today.

I am reading... Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyers. Quite frankly, I am disappointed by the series. I know so many love it but I feel she is exasperating me needlessly as a reader. Why did she wait until the fourth book to allow us a glimpse into the mind of Jacob Black? And the storytelling voice is now interrupted, at least for me. Before it was an intimate sharing of a young girl's secrets. Then, when she is at her greatest crisis, boom - the story shifts from first-person heroine to first-person secondary character. Arrgh! I'm not a novel writer but have read countless novels. It just felt disjointed to me. I also started the new book I "won" on Twitter by Peter Marx, (owner of Antique Mall Books), The Historian. Elizabeth Kostova, the author, has a good strong voice. I can tell already that I'll enjoy it.

I am hoping... to keep my promise to not criticize President Obama nor liberals during Lent. I have already been tested and my gosh, it is hard! But I'm trying to pray, instead, which is what I know I should have been doing all along.

I am hearing... silence. My husband just called me from work to let me know it is snowing outside and to be extra careful when I drive to the tire place, which is just a mile away. Very close but it was still good to hear his voice and know he cares. He's such a sweetheart.

Around the house... My jeans and sweater that were "air-dried," The popcorn bowl that needs to be washed, "Bangkok Dangerous" movie that needs to be returned to the video store.

One of my favorite things... Snuggling with hubby while watching a movie. We watched "Bangkok Dangerous" on Saturday night. We both preferred the alternate ending on the disc. We talked about how the younger generation is more fatalistic than we were at that age and it's sad.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: I may have a business networking event to attend but it looks like a low-key week. I plan on using my evenings to play with my digital scrapbooking stuff and getting started on my autobiographical book. Yes. I am going to eventually have my "True Confessions" in book form! :-)

Here is picture thought I am sharing. . This is Old St. Mary's in Cincinnati, Ohio. It's a historic landmark. My parents were married in this church and I just love it. It is the most gorgeous church I've ever been in. I have such fond memories of it. Growing up, our family would always go to my grandmother's home (my mom's mom) on Christmas Eve. The small row house would be packed full of kids and adults, laughing and eating. The older uncles would sit around the table after dinner, cracking roasted walnuts and filberts with nutcrackers while discussing everything under the sun. After dinner and after opening up our Christmas gifts, we would then attend midnight Mass, which was just a block or so away. I can't imagine what it would have been like to have been able to walk to church everyday, but there you have it. That was the life of many of our family members in the 1940's and 50's. Sometimes I wish we could have that again.

Eucharistic Adoration Reflections

Yesterday morning, I awoke to hear the distinctive sound of pouring rain. Mickey was already up and I began my usual morning ritual of coffee and checking email, remembering that I was going to try to attend Eucharistic Adoration before my workday.

I got ready for my day a little earlier and headed out the door at 5:45 AM. It was still raining as I made my way onto the highway, praying that everyone drove carefully. I arrived at the church at 6:00 AM. The door was locked and I knocked loudly (according to the sign) so someone could hear me. Sure enough, a man was about ready to get out from the elevator when he heard the knock and came back down to let me in.

I entered into the dimly lit sanctuary, immediately looking toward the altar where the Eucharist was located within a golden monstrance. I knelt completely and bowed before entering the pew, and then knelt down again on the kneeler to pray.

I have heard of this devotion as "spending time with Jesus." But what was interesting was my reaction. Almost immediately, tears came to my eyes as I thought of all the people in the world who go about their daily lives and give very little thought to God, let alone adoring His Son - who deserves such adoration that we would never be able to repay Him enough in worship, even if we had a hundred lifetimes. (Perhaps this is why we need all of eternity to worship God...)

I grieved as I thought about the lost and those who did not appreciate what God had done for us. What was very interesting to me is that I didn't realize at that moment that this is part of the adoration process. I hadn't read anything about Eucharistic Adoration. The sorrow in my heart, the regret, the feeling of grief came naturally. To me, this was a beautiful sign from God that this devotion is not just some type of Catholic superstition; but has true meaning.

When I was involved in non-denominational churches, one of the ministries I was heavily involved with was intercession. I have been a part of all-night prayer vigils and many, many prayer meetings, in addition to my own private prayer time. I have experienced many times when God has touched my heart and by His Spirit, has allowed me to feel a little bit of His own heart toward a situation or people. I am always humbled and simply in awe that our Heavenly Father feels such a depth of longing for His creation to be reconciled with Him, but yet is rejected time and time, again. I cannot even begin to comprehend His response, which is to keep on loving the world and calling for them to come home.

It would be interesting to find out how many Catholics, who practice Eucharistic Adoration, go on to be interested or involved in some way with missions. I would think the two go hand in hand.

I focused on Jesus Christ and thanked Him for all He had done for us. I prayed that our eyes, ears, and heart would be open to Him. And I just tried to be still and in the moment. I was only able to stay 45 minutes since I needed to get to work. Next time I'll arrive 15 minutes earlier. I was still happy to have been able to go and even happier that there was a parish that still did this. Sadly, not every Catholic parish offers this devotion. The one nearest to me only does it once a month.

So, all in all, it was a beautiful time and I look forward to doing this special devotion during Lent. (and maybe beyond!) Thanks to those who have been sharing with me their thoughts and resources for this devotion.

More Lenten Reflections

This past week, I spoke with my brother on the phone and I asked, with genuine curiosity, if his church did anything special for Lent. He currently attends a Church of Christ and very quickly snapped, "Lent?! That's a Catholic thing! We don't celebrate Lent."

Once again, we as Catholics are deeply blessed by Church Tradition. I'm still learning about the historical teachings of Lent, but already touched by the devotion toward this very special time as we remember the sufferings of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Yesterday, as I sat in Mass, I thought of how much we need Lent. I was grateful for the time to meditate and "rend my heart" as we received the ashes. The responses were all focused on how we separated ourselves from God by sinning, and need to heed the call to for reconciliation. I spent the day partially fasting, according to our obligation. I felt a genuine sorrow and sobriety as I thought deeply about what Jesus went through - all so that I could be joined with Him for eternity. It was very humbling.

As I enter into Lent, I feel as though those who look at this as "just a Catholic thing," are really shortchanging themselves. It is so easy to get caught up with our busy, daily lives - barely giving any thought to this time of the year until it's Easter weekend. How awesome it is to have rituals and traditions that help ground us in our Christian faith, reminding us every year that Jesus Christ came to set the captive free but in order to do that, He had to take up His cross, suffer, and give up everything He had; including His fellowship with His heavenly Father. All for me. All for you.

I pray that this Lent will bring us closer to God and strengthen our resolve to not grieve His Spirit with sin.

Holy Cannoli! "Don't Believe in Sin?"!!!!!

From Fr. Z's blog:

We thought you’d like to know how progressives view penance. Here is what Roger Ray had to say about the issue in today’s edition of the News-Leader, a Springfield, Missouri newspaper:

"As a member of a progressive Christian church, I am more likely than most to encounter folks who angrily reject all penitence and prayers of confession as being associated with the neurotic guilt and neo-puritanical judgment of their past church experiences. One friend recently told me, ‘I just don’t believe in sin.’"

Thanks, Roger, for providing this insight. It explains a lot.

Remember My Recent Post on Eucharistic Adoration...

... and the connection between the parishes who practice it and a thriving Catholic community?

Check this out: Resistance to Devout and Adoration By Modernists At Heart of Parish Problems

"At one seminary on the East Coast, students had to secretly meet in the basement to say the Rosary. Meanwhile, and most disturbing, local pastors are often the greatest obstacle in establishing Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament -- which sanctifies a parish (and often leads to vocations; in one such St. Louis church, four new seminarians in just a few years, we are recently informed; there are plenty of other examples)."

Wow. I mean, WOW. Please remember Pope Benedict XVI in your prayers and devotions. He is truly turning the Ship to head in the right direction.

40 Ways to Get the Most Out of Lent

I came across this on the net and thought you may enjoy it, too. There are some great suggestions on how to take this time during Lent and grow closer to the Lord. There are several things on this list that I had already planned on doing, so that made me feel as though I was on the right track. Here you go:

40 Ways to Get the Most Out of Lent

Eucharistic Adoration: Thoughts?

I am going to be engaging in Eucharistic Adoration during Lent. It's an area that some have encouraged me to try and I admit I've been hesitant. But during the retreat this past weekend, we had an opportunity to do this and I found it surprisingly peaceful.

I know not every church practices this devotion. Some only do it once a month, some do it several times a week and some do not do it at all. It would seem that there is a connection in the parish from how they view the Eucharist to whether they engage in Eucharistic Adoration or not.

What are some of your thoughts on this devotion? What are some of the insights you've gleaned from your involvement with it?

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Thanks to Peggy at The Simple Woman for starting the daybook. For more entries, or to join, go here.


For Today: Monday, February 23, 2009

Outside My Window... Dark and cold. I can't wait until Daylight Savings Time and the upcoming Spring birds chirping their tunes!

I am thinking... about the retreat I just was on. Fr. Tuscan, our retreat master, was awesome. The theme was "Faith, Hope, and Charity." Lots to think about how to incorporate these into my life, especially during Lent.

I am thankful for... my warm bed! The bedrooms in the retreat center were really cold, but I survived. I am also thankful for those who worked hard to make our retreat a success.

From the kitchen... Coffee with Italian Sweet Cream, toast. Later tonight, Maple Apple Chicken with Roasted Ranch-Bacon Red Potatoes.

I am wearing... my pink flowered cotton nightshirt and emerald green velour night robe, plus slippers. Still feeling a little sleepy as I sip my coffee. :-)

I am creating... Nothing, yet, but hope to start this week on a digital page. I joined Serif's Forum so I could comment on the Digital Scrapbook Artist message board. I do think that DSA is a great program and look forward to testing it out even more.

I am going... to be studying about the 30-Day Consecration to Mary according to St. Louis de Montfort. This is new ground for me. I'm still learning about Mary and her place in my life. I do believe she is to be honored and reverenced, but ultimately - it is her Son who is our Lord. I am touched by all the Catholics who do reverence her but always magnify Jesus Christ as a result. She does point the way to Him, always. "Do whatever He tells you to do."

I am reading... Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyers. I also have a brand new book I "won" on Twitter by Peter Marx, "The Book Guy" and owner of Antique Mall Books. The book is called The Historian and it seems to have a Bram Stoker 'Dracula-ish' tone! Mysterious, Gothic, and creepy!

I am hoping... to walk in deeper fellowship with my Lord, Jesus Christ, after this retreat. I learned much!

I am hearing... the heat through the vent. Other than that, silence. And I'm laughing a little because it is more silence than I heard on our "silent" retreat - given that we have some really yappy people in our group!

Around the house... boxes from the ukueles still laying around. Shirts hanging to dry. Valentine's day left-over snacks.

One of my favorite things... Being on a retreat and sharing spiritual insights with other retreat members. On our ride home, my car companions and I discussed such things as witnessing to our neighbors and how to handle atheism. Great conversations!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: I think I'm going to visit the Catholic book store today to get tabs for my Catholic Bible. I'm also going to see if they have some devotions to Mary and take a look at them.

Here is picture thought I am sharing. St. Peter and Paul Retreat and Conference Center in Newark, Ohio. I did grab this one from their site. The weekend was much too gray and cold to take any good photos, but you can see how lovely it looks in warmer weather. I like this statue of Jesus. It's all about Him, and not me.

Retreat Reflections

Have you ever been of one mind one day and then the next, something happened that totally changed your outlook?

That is how I feel today. Last night, I began a retreat with our Una Voce chapter, which is the first Catholic retreat that I've attended in over 25 years. I decided to write and share with you some of my reflections because writing is how I keep things straight in my mind.

Catholics are known for their retreats. This one is supposed to be silent. I say "supposed" because when can you remember women being around each other and not saying anything? However, I have kept silent as much as possible and been polite if someone has asked me a question. Later today, I may take a walk outside since our retreat center has a hiking trail with the Stations of the Cross on it.

Yesterday, I was full of righteous indignation over some Catholics criticizing or persecuting others for wanting to celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass. Today I feel a little more softened, a little more convicted that this is not the way I should be responding. Yes, there will always be those who disagree (and often disagree vehemently) that the Traditional Latin Mass is too antiquated, too rigid, or too pious for a "keepin' it real" society. But would my feistiness accomplish anything? Does it bring anything of value to the conversation? Does high dudgeon cause the other person to want to investigate the TLM or throw their hands up in the air and say, "She's just like the rest of them. Rigid. Uncompromising. A hardliner, for sure."

No, I do not want that. I am not entirely clear on my mission yet but I think it's safe to say that taking a strong stand for the TLM isn't part of it. I believe in the TLM for what it brings to the church, how it connects us to a sense of the holy and divine. But I am beginning to see a larger picture of what Pope Benedict XVI is doing with his Moto Proprio and insistence that he give the Eucharist only to those who are kneeling.

He is bringing Catholicism back to its roots.

The roots of the Church is in the Eucharist. As our retreat facilitator said, in one of Pope Benedict's writings, he said it could be distilled into this: God Become Food. The Church is nourished by Him in all ways, in all things. Through the sacraments, we are nourished. Through the liturgy, we are nourished. Through our community, we are nourished. And why the nourishment? To make us strong. Strong enough to stand firm in a world full of sin and darkness. Strong enough to resist the temptations of the devil so that we can be His Light to the world, extending His forgiveness to the lost.

So, in examining this further and my deep love for the TLM, I know that my response has to change toward those who either mock it or persecute it. Forgiveness. There is simply no other way.

And then, if the Lord allows - education, instruction, and encouragement. But I need to first focus on my own nourishment and then find those who are seeking Him, so I can help them find their way home.

In Defense of the Traditional Latin Mass

I am elated to be able to attend a special retreat this weekend, sponsored by our local Una Voce chapter. Una Voce, for those unfamiliar with them, is a Catholic organization devoted to promoting the Traditional Latin Mass. I am blessed to have a parish in town that offers not only a weekly Sunday Solemn High Mass, but several Low Masses throughout the week.

As I have mentioned before in "My Long Story," I am a very surprised devotee of the Traditional Latin Mass. I did not intend for this to happen. I was simply encouraged by the only Catholic I knew in town to at least visit because she believed everyone needed to experience the TLM at least once in their lives. I went out of curiosity more than anything else.

I was stunned to find that I fell in love with this beautiful Mass immediately. The silence, the Gregorian chants, the priest facing liturgical East and the solemnity - all spoke deeply to my heart. I knew then that I would not be able to attend regular Mass at a much closer parish because my spirit had found its place of nourishment. This is not a statement to mean that I think I'm a better Catholic for attending the TLM nor anyone who doesn't understand the TLM is spiritual dunce. I simply prefer the TLM because for me, it touches me.

A recent article in a U.K. Catholic newspaper called "The Tablet," recently printed an article against a very fine priest, Fr. Tim Finigan. Now I don't know Fr. Finigan personally, and unless God arranges it, I don't imagine I'll ever meet him. However, Fr. Finigan is one of the few British priests who offer the TLM and for that, he has been branded. It does not seem to matter to the writer of this article that the Blackfen parish has three (count 'em, THREE) "regular" Masses. (I deliberately placed the word 'regular' in quotes since she did the same in her article with "tradition." It also seems that the regular Mass is assumed to be the "normal" Mass while the TLM, which has stood solid for centuries, is viewed as "irregular" or "abnormal." Go figure.)

I have finally reached my tipping point on this issue. I am fed up with seeing those who enjoy the TLM either brow-beaten into apology or ridiculed for finding that the TLM connects with their desire to worship, best. Enough. Below is an open letter to Ms. Curti, the writer of the article. I will be emailing her the link as well as Fr. Finigan. Fr. Zuhlsdorf and Fr. Finigan both engaged in what they called "transatlantic fisking" as they addressed the article paragraph by paragraph. Fr. Z's response is here. Fr. Finigan's response is here.

And now, my response:

Dear Ms. Curti,

I am not unfamiliar with your articles since I have often seen them on the Internet. However, as someone who has written a few newspaper articles herself, I must say that your journalistic endeavors leave much to be desired, especially when you tackle the topic of the Traditional Latin Mass.

Next month will be my one-year anniversary of returning to the Catholic church after 25 years. During those years, I was a member of mostly non-denominational churches. Whatever infractions are perceived by Catholics with the liturgy, it is multiplied ten-fold within non-denominational churches. Non-denominational churches don't have a liturgy. The church service is pretty much is up for grabs, depending upon the senior pastor. Perhaps it is from years of observing the excesses of extreme emotionalism and self-centered church celebrations that created a fertile ground for my appreciation for the TLM. Or it could have been the egos of church leadership that often seeped into a Sunday morning's service. However, whatever propelled me toward the Catholic church, the bottom line is that I am back and the TLM helped me connect once again with my Catholicism.

What exactly is your beef? I mean, honestly - why spend so much energy on a Mass that is at best 10% of a Diocese's Mass offerings? (If even that. From what I hear, the TLM is almost extinct in the U.K.) What truly stunned me was how the article seemed to slam Fr. Finigan for even daring to offer this option to his parishioners while still offering three other "regular" Masses. So in essence, your article is complaining that 25% of what this parish offers is still too much. It sounds like you think the TLM shouldn't be offered at all. Is that correct? If so, I don't understand the logic of this position since the Pope himself made it clear that parishes and priests could offer the TLM if there was interest by even a few people. And isn't it ultimately the decision of the priest to decide whether he wants to offer it or not?

Fr. Finigan is meeting the needs of some Catholics for this Mass. Your article accuses Fr. Finigan of not thinking of what people want but yet you have a Cardinal who thought so little of the Latin Mass Society that he overrode (or steamrolled) the choice of the LMS to invite Archbishop Raymond Burke to preside over the TLM in the Westminster Cathedral and dis-invited him, invoking Canon Law of all things. So when you speak of "not thinking of what people want," I'd say turnabout is fair play. However, I see no fairness when it comes to giving those who love the TLM an even break.

I think what is really at issue is the surprise (and perhaps, dread?) of the TLM becoming popular, as it already has. Many who criticize it would like to relegate it to few elderly people who have "refused to move on" after Vatican II. But guess what? I was born during the year Vatican II was put into play. I'm not old (at least, compared to a 80 year-old.). I'm not inflexible. In fact, I'm not any of the stereotypes often assigned to those who attend the TLM. And interestingly enough, there is a good amount of "twentysomethings" and "thirtysomethings" who attend our weekly Sunday TLM. Hardly the crotchety, stubborn old people usually associated with this service.

I have my suspicions as to why the TLM, and the priests who support it, are persecuted. Because it is proof that some Catholics are tired of seeing their liturgy twisted into a cultural experimentation of self-centeredness. The Mass is not about me, nor you, nor anyone. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is a reminder of who God is, who His Son is, and what Jesus Christ did for us over 2,000 years ago on a barren mount, surrounded by people who hated Him. It is a reminder of the fact we are sinners in need of saving. It is a reminder that God is God and we are not.

It is unfortunate that from reading Fr. Finigan's response, you did not seem to have your facts straight. It was rather presumptuous to insinuate that his clerical garb was obtained by any other measure than saving for it or working within the budget to purchase used vestments. Smaller errors such as not correctly reporting that people do have the ability to "mingle" outside of the church was also regrettable.

It is my hope and prayer, Ms. Curti, that you will use your talents for building up the Church, not tearing it down. Controversial articles such as this may bring more attention to you and your publication but does little for encouraging the Body of Christ. I hope to read something more positive from you someday.

In His Grace,

Mary Rose Maguire

Any Faithful Catholics in the Minneapolis, St. Paul-Minnesota Area?

I just discovered the story behind St. Stephen's Parish in Minneapolis, one of the countless number of Catholic parishes in needy neighborhoods across our country. I keep thinking of the movie "Finding Forrester" and Sean Connery's irascible character, William Forrester, growling to a young teen's question of why he lived in run-down neighborhood: "I've always lived here. The neighborhood changed."

I think it has been like this for many Catholic parishes. At one time, city neighborhoods were filled with immigrants from all over the world, devout Catholics who were supported in their dreams for a new land by the rhythms of the church. But soon, their children grew up and moved away, often taking their aging parents with them. And urban blight descended upon those formerly tough-American neighborhoods, leaving broken homes and broken lives in its wake.

Catholics have often been the champions of the weak and exploited. It is a good thing. Jesus said we would always have the poor with us, but yet He never wavered from His message - that man was a sinner in need of saving. That was the need He addressed first and foremost. Not whether someone was being treated fairly by the Romans.

I have noticed some Catholic parishes becoming caught up with "social justice." However, it seems convoluted, this relentless push for "equality" and "justice." Is that what we are called to be in the world? A group of activists? Or are we to be the Body of Christ, bringing His Good News to a hurt and dying world? I'm not sure if it's the motivation for "social justice" or the abandonment of Catholic identity that bothers me. Most likely a combination of both. At any rate, I am extremely grateful I returned to the Catholic church at this time. If I had returned, say, ten or fifteen years ago, when liberal, out-of-control parishes ran un-checked, I probably would have headed toward Regnum Christi, eventually finding myself in a completely different type of mess.

St. Stephen's in Minneapolis was a church fueled by the Sixties revolution. From what I read, they took the whole "peace, love, and rock-n-roll" idea to the hilt. You can read about what the church looked like for years in this article. A tidbit:

You know the kind of service: with guitars, lay people giving homilies, dancing in the aisles with people who have mental and physical disabilities, gay couples openly participating in worship, along with ex-priests, ex-nuns and sundry other spiritual wanderers.

It's all so 1960s.

Well, the new Archbishop of Minneapolis was cleaning house and St. Stephen's was on the list. Archbishop Nienstedt had dispatched a spokesman to let the parish know it was time to shape up. As expected, the "free love" bunch didn't take the news so well. In fact, they left the church. I have no idea if where they are now is considered a Catholic parish, but a full-time priest was brought in to St. Stephen's to firmly guide it back to Catholic tradition.

Now this young priest is left with a withering congregation.

Father Joseph Williams came "from the farm to the hood" less than a year ago, to a congregation in a spiritual crisis and a neighborhood riddled with poverty and crime. He is only 34, but as he sits in a low-ceilinged office in the basement of St. Stephen's Catholic Church, it seems like the weight of the 110-year-old structure, and the centuries-old institution itself, sit squarely on his shoulders.

Williams -- smart, witty and likable -- talks about providence, his faith that God is directing this drama. But when asked if the congregation could continue if it did not grow, he frowns.

"No," he said. "We're taking on water."

I'm sure some of those who left have a smug "told you so" face over this, but I'm hoping St. Stephen's hangs on. That's why I'm posting this. If you are a Catholic who is faithful to the Magisterium, perhaps you may consider attending church there, or donating. At least keep them in your prayers. Darkness never welcomes the light.

What I Love About Catholicism: Defender Against Relativism

Recently, I heard a wonderful teaching through my local Catholic radio station while driving home from a dinner for my father-in-law's birthday. The teaching was so good that I regretted not hearing more of it. However, I heard enough to inspire me in my own path toward holiness. The next day I called the radio station to find out the program, "Foundations in the Faith," was a series of reflections by a local priest, Monsignor Frank Lane, pastor of St. Margaret of Cortona.

Msr. Lane is wonderfully deep and his teachings are substantial. Throwing references toward Origen and St. Benedict, among others, it is evident he has studied church teachings and philosophy extensively; much to my great delight. This, my friends, is a good part of why I returned to the Catholic church. Teaching that is meat - and not milk, is what Catholicism does best. And it does it so well because of it's unwavering commitment toward creating saints out of sinners.

Msr. Lane spoke about the "tyranny of relativism." In essence, he was confronting the dangerous ground of New Age thought that claims salvation is by whatever channel you desire. As Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness to test God's love for Him, so we are tempted to take God's goodness for granted, His extension of grace and forgiveness that is always available to His children.

The danger of taking God for granted is falling into what Msr. Lane calls "the sin of presumption" and that by doing so, we become careless about how we live our lives. "Universal Salvation" is a dangerous belief because it means "we need not take seriously the Word of God." We need not strive toward holiness because gosh - "I'm okay, and your okay" just as we are. There is a presumption that as long as people are "trying," (and by that Msr. Lane pointed out the whole "This is my truth" statement commonly claimed by someone who considers themselves 'spiritual') then God, who is a God of love, will redeem them.

What this does is separate a person from the understanding that there is such a thing as Hell, there are consequences to sin. There is such sin in this presumption that "it doesn't matter how I live my life, God will take care of me, anyway." (per Msr. Lane)

This teaching brought up clearly why I often felt uncomfortable in those non-denominational churches. So often, the preaching was about feeling good, about "reaching higher" for spiritual knowledge - but yet the very knowledge that I needed to never forget was that I am a sinner. I am a sinner in need of saving, not just once, but on a daily (hourly) basis. Who else reminds us of such precious and Biblical knowledge but Catholicism? And who provides the remedy like Catholicism?

I have heard the "hellfire and brimstone" sermons but I admit, not as often as we need to hear them. Centuries ago, Jonathan Edwards preached what became a landmark sermon, "Sinners In the Hands of an Angry God." The teaching went on to become a legend within Baptist churches. During that sermon, men and women in the congregation were hanging onto the pews for dear life, terrified that the earth would open up and swallow them into Hell. There was great repentance that day and gave a name to the "hellfire and brimstone" types of sermons that eventually were rejected by those who wanted to focus primarily on God's love.

How often do we need to be reminded that we are in a fallen state of grace? I would say very, very often. St. Paul, to his letter to the Romans warned:

"Or do you presume upon the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you not know that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But by your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed. For he will render to every man according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are factious and do not obey the truth, but obey wickedness, there will be wrath and fury." (Rom. 2:4-8, RSV)

The Catholic church defends against relativism by emphasizing that God's love and mercy is not to be taken for granted. We can't just "slide" into Heaven, with a sloppy soul that cares little for effort and accountability. This is serious stuff. The most serious stuff that a man or woman will ever contemplate. The eternal state of our soul is at stake. As tempting as it is to fall into the "feel good" movements, it is dangerous to our soul. It lulls us into thinking that God will always accept our half-attempts toward doing the right thing while assuming that just because He loves us, He'll overlook our selfish stupidity.

There is a difference between true repentance and the manipulative half-hearted attempts to apologize; often seen in a teenager. I even engaged in those attempts myself when I was younger. Knowing my parents would forgive me, I would put on the show of being sorry but yet inside I was impatient to move on to what I really wanted to do, whatever it was. I often didn't give thought to my sin, and in doing so, I robbed myself of the gift of repentance.

There is more about this topic that I would like to explore but at the moment, it's time for me to start my day. During this season of Lent, it would be an excellent time for me to really consider all the ways I presume upon God's mercy. Praise be to Him that He allows us this consideration and hopefully, the conviction we need to bring us back to Him, availing us of His intent to transform us all into the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ.

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Better late than never! Today was busy, so I wasn't able to post my daybook until now. Thanks to Peggy at The Simple Woman for starting the daybook. For more entries, or to join, go here.


For Today: Monday, February 16, 2009

Outside My Window... The sun is still shining, bare trees are backlit with late afternoon light. The sky is layered with dark, gray clouds, which usually would have me thinking rain but maybe not.

I am thinking... about an upcoming retreat. I am getting excited about going on an authentic Catholic retreat. I haven't been on one in years but I always loved them.

I am thankful for... my husband, who still has been able to help me with my computer issues. I am also deeply, deeply grateful to him for accepting my desire to go on a retreat and being so easy-going about everything.

From the kitchen... I was intending on creating a homemade Teriyaki marinade but didn't have the cooking sherry on hand. So, that's for tomorrow night. Tonight might be simple spaghetti and meatballs. I wanted to make Spaghetti Carbonara but I'm pretty tired at the moment from a busy day at work.

I am wearing... dark blue jeans, a pink thermal shirt, a black cardigan with an empire waist, and white sneakers.

I am creating... a digital scrapbook page. Yes, playing with a new program and just love it! I think the program, Serif's "Digital Scrapbook Artist" will finally get me out from my creative funk!

I am going... to take a deep breath and focus on one thing at a time. I'm going to buy the application "Things" from the iTunes store for my iPhone. I have it at work and it has really helped my productivity! I love the simplicity of the program. It's kept me on track, pumping out the many projects my boss has assigned to me.

I am reading... Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyers. I have to admit I've become a little disappointed by some of the plotline. She created a very unlikeable character who seems to not think much of chastity and a noble vampire who wants to wait until their married before becoming intimate. Go figure.

I am hoping... I am able to accomplish everything I need to do at work this week.

I am hearing... the heat through the vent. The distant sounds of children playing outside. You can tell that kids have cabin fever when they'll ride their bikes outside when it's around 40 degrees!

Around the house... Valentine's Day goodies (candy, nuts), laundry, and butter that is softened and needs to be used in a recipe. (I often leave butter out so it softens and then I forget!)

One of my favorite things... waking up on Saturday mornings and talking with my husband about all sorts of topics without feeling like we both need to rush into our work routine.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Okay, I still haven't rejoined the swim club. Need to do that! I also would like to spend more time learning about the new digital scrapbooking program, Digital Scrapbook Artist. I created a review about it here.

Here is picture thought I am sharing. My church, Holy Family. I think it is gorgeous. I just found out that the Traditional Latin Mass on Sundays is the largest attendance out of the four services offered on the weekends. Wow!

What I Love About Catholicism: Sainthood

Last night, as I listened to a recent podcast by Fr. Roderick, I was struck by a prayer he shared with his audience. He was at home, saying a private Mass. During the Mass, he asked God this: "Please God, don't let me die before I've become a saint."

Fr. Roderick explained that if he was in a state of sin, separated from God in any way, he didn't want to die like that. He wanted to be in a complete state of grace, ready to meet his Heavenly Father with no barriers. If there were any, he wanted to know about them before facing Him.

Wow. That just rocked me back on my heels and then some. If a priest is saying such things, I think it would be a good idea for me to examine what being a saint means and put forth every effort possible to become one. It also struck me that this area is yet another one where non-denominational churches fall short although the perspective is needed even more than ever in this darkened world.

Here's how it works in the non-denominational church (and many Protestant churches) - come "as you are," and be forgiven. Attend church weekly. Join a small group and grow. Everything will be alright. The word "saints" is not one typically used. In fact, I can't remember that word being used much at all during my years of attending non-denominational churches. Of course the church encouraged me to be Christ-like, but what about dying to self? That particular part of our salvation didn't seem to make it into too many sermons.

I love praying the Luminous Mystery rosary on Thursdays. One mystery that always stands out to me is the Fourth Mystery: Jesus being transformed on the mount before Peter, James and John. I pray the rosary along with a recording of Mother Angelica and her nuns at Our Lady of the Monastery. The narrator prays, "Let us be transformed, Oh Lord, into Your likeness." That prayer always touches me because it reminds me why we are here on earth.

With Catholicism, this reminder is a daily one. There is always a saint to honor, to reverence, to emulate in their devotion to Christ. Even St. Paul said in his first letter to the Corinthians, "Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?" (1 Cor. 1:13 RSV) In other words, St. Paul was saying follow Jesus Christ, not him; for St. Paul was only following Christ and preaching the message of Christ crucified.

This is the message all of the saints have continued to preach. They have counted the cost and embraced their sufferings. They have not sought their own pleasures, but only Christ. This is why remembering the saints is so important. It shows us the ultimate goal of our lives - to be transformed into the likeness of Christ. We look upon the saints and are in awe, knowing that each one was a frail human being until they opened themselves fully to be used as an instrument of God's grace. And God's grace, through the power of the Holy Spirit, sanctified them and made them holy.

This "saint-making" doesn't happen overnight. But it is especially difficult to happen at all in a self-serving culture, where even some churches have become centers of "I'm Okay, You're Okay. Now Let's Sing Kumbaya Together." Instead of training believers to understand that suffering and sacrifice are a part of a saint's life, many pastors choose to "tickle their ears" by bringing pop psychology into the mix, focusing on keeping their congregation in a nice, warm cocoon of denial.

Except this isn't the denial of the flesh, which we are called to embrace, but a denial that sacrifice and suffering is indeed, a part of the saint's life.

I used to think Catholics focused too much on suffering and sacrifice. Inwardly, I'd think, lighten up! Jesus Christ came to set the captive free! However, from my in-depth studies of Scripture, even I had to admit that Catholics were onto something. Throughout the years of my involvement with non-denominational churches, I would often feel that the church leadership was not preparing their flocks for any kind of hardship.

Catholics are not unprepared for what I believe will be a fresh persecution of the Church. (A caveat: Catholics who understand their faith are prepared. Others who are in parishes where "social justice" is preached above Christ crucified may have some difficulty, most likely vulnerable to total capitulation to an anti-Christian controlling institution.) Catholics, with their "silly superstitious" bond with the saints of old, have had years and years of very important, and very strategic training.

Their minds have been shaped, and yes, transformed, by the knowledge that to live for Christ is to die to self. This process is called sanctification. Together with keeping the Sacraments, following the Word of God and the traditions of the Church, a believer is beautifully kept within the safe protection of our Heavenly Father. We have been given the blueprint and the Catholic church has it. The Catholic church has preserved the truths of the Gospel faithfully, since Christ created His Church, His Body - to continue to give life to the world.

So now, I, too am echoing Fr. Roderick's words - Please Lord, do not let me die before I've become a saint. And I shall put every effort, every intention, to meet that goal, and only by the grace of God will I achieve it.

Castitas Podcast 2 - Marriage and "He's Just Not That Into You"

I didn't see the movie, so there is no in-depth critique of it, here. However, I was aware of the book and the origin of this phrase, which actually has some useful meaning for single women. In this podcast, I talk about marriage, St. Paul's words regarding it (from 1 Cor. 7), and thoughts on how to avoid men who won't commit.

Hope you enjoy it. Please feel free to share it with a young, unmarried woman. Some single men may get a little something out of it, too.

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Anyone Else a Fan of Fr. Roderick's "Daily Breakfast?"

Well, as most of you know, I recently bought an iPhone and have been power-using the heck out of it. I downloaded hundreds of podcasts, mostly Fr. Roderick's "Daily Breakfast" podcast and also the archive of Audio Sancto.

I don't want to be disrespectful toward the priesthood, but... Fr. Roderick is just as cute as a button! His energy is contagious, his joy, abundant, and his passion for his vocation - undeniable. I can't not smile every time I hear his voice!

So, if you have an iPod, MP3 player, or iPhone, I'd highly recommend his series, "The Daily Breakfast." The production is excellent. Just listen to it for the witty sound bites, alone. (I love hearing Marge Simpson murmur, "Those Catholics, are a peculiar people!")

Share with me some of your favorite Catholic podcasts. I'm now listening to them during my drive-time, and when I'm doing mundane tasks. Very fun!