Archive for September, 2008
« Previous EntriesObedience to Change
Friday, September 26th, 2008Leon Suprenant forwarded an article by Bishop Robert Vasa (Baker, OR), who asks the faithful of his diocese to examine their response to change.
”Overcoming Self-will is Critical to Understanding Obedience”
“When, however, the proposed change stimulates an emotional reaction, as proposed changes to ecclesial practices have a propensity to do, I have found that no level […]
Did You Scold Her, Archbishop?
Monday, September 22nd, 2008This morning, I ran across the first part of an online interview with Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Denver, Colorado.
Peter Robinson of the Hoover Institute talks to Chaput about “Politics & Catholics.” It sounds like they’ll eventually be discussing Chaput’s new bestselling book, Render unto Caesar.
The same day of the interview, though, The New […]
NOT “Catholics United”
Friday, September 19th, 2008We have received numerous questions lately as to Catholics United for the Faith’s affiliation with a group bearing a similar name. Given the confusion that has arisen, we would like to issue a clarification.
Catholics United for the Faith (CUF) is not affiliated in any way with the group “Catholics United.” Further, CUF does not endorse […]
Wearing the veil during Mass
Friday, September 19th, 2008A CUF member asks…
I have recently been drawn to wearing a veil to Mass. Having not grown up with such a devotion I am not sure how to articulate why to wear a veil or even why I am wearing a veil. I have a vague idea about humility, modesty and a tradition that all […]
Are angels “saints”?
Wednesday, September 17th, 2008A CUF member asks…
Isn’t sainthood for human beings that led extraordinary lives of faith? Then why do we call Michael the Archangel St. Michael the Archangel? He is an angel, a strictly spiritual being.
The word “saint” derives from the Latin “sancta,” which means “holy” one. Thus, by definition all of God’s holy angels are saints. […]
Naming names in hell
Monday, September 15th, 2008A CUF member asks…
I understand the Catholic Church has never stated that a particular person has been condemned to hell. I think I understand the reason for this but what exactly would be the reason?
We haven’t been given an explicit reason. It might be said that the Church has not been led by the Holy […]
Faithful Catholics and Loyal Americans
Friday, September 12th, 2008Today Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas and Bishop Robert Finn of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Missouri issued a joint pastoral letter entitled “Our Moral Responsibility as Catholic Citizens.”
After carefully explaining the priority of rejecting intrinsic evil when it comes to exercising the right to vote, the bishops quoted a 2004 memo from then-Cardinal Joseph […]
Where do aborted babies go?
Friday, September 12th, 2008A CUF member asks…
What happens to aborted babies at death? Are they considered martyrs? Are they admitted directly into heaven?
We don’t know what happens to aborted babies. In hope we commend them to God’s infinite Love and Mercy.
Theologians are working on the answer. Recently, the International Theological Commission came out with a document, The Hope […]
Dissent
Friday, September 12th, 2008A CUF member asks…
Is there anywhere a list of the definitive moral teachings of the Church? Would it be correct to call anyone a dissenter who dissents from a teaching in the Catechism even if it not on a list of definitive teachings?
Leon Suprenant answers:
Probably the closest thing comprehensive list of definitive moral teachings, in […]
Holy Terror?
Monday, September 8th, 2008A student in one of my School of Faith courses asked me to explain how terrorism could possibly be justified as doing “God’s will.” I think that’s an important issue for us to explore if we want to address the problem at its root.
Obviously this issue arises in the context of Islam, since at least some […]