I just found this on the site of the USCCB:
I won’t explain it because I want to manipulate you into going there to see what it is.
o{];¬)
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The more vigorously the primacy was displayed, the more the question came up about the extent and and limits of [papal] authority, which of course, as such, had never been considered. After the Second Vatican Council, the impression arose that the pope really could do anything in liturgical matters, especially if he were acting on the mandate of an ecumenical council. Eventually, the idea of the givenness of the liturgy, the fact that one cannot do with it what one will, faded from the public consciousness of the West. In fact, the First Vatican Council had in no way defined the pope as an absolute monarch. On the contrary, it presented him as the guarantor of obedience to the revealed Word. The pope's authority is bound to the Tradition of faith. … The authority of the pope is not unlimited; it is at the service of Sacred Tradition.
Joseph Ratzinger
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the link didn’t work, but I went there on my own…my most favorite item was on the “Music Suggestions” list: “Free at Last”! I will happily take to the streets (with tambourine even!) & belt that one out if the Orange Juice Can wins!! :oD
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/liturgy-and-prayer-suggestions.cfm
Well, it’s not a Novena of Tridentine Masses said from every Bascilica and Shrine throughout the United States, but I guess its a start. I also wonder if some readers won’t wonder if they are not being encouraged to become their own liturgists in an effort to become faithful citizens?
Upon further investigation, I did find a novena prayer, under the ‘All Catholics’ section:
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/novena-for-faithful-citizenship.cfm
The General Intercessions and music suggestions are just plain awful. It’s the same old social justice hooey that we’ve had for years coupled with the same old awful music. I will happily bash a tambourine over Marty Haugen’s head. It’s really time to end this democratic approach to the liturgy.
I could manage until I got to the music section. Maybe listening to those could be considered a penance. No way would I be singing that stuff.
Very disappointing.
I notice “Adoremus” hymnal by Ignatius Press wasn’t suggested. And one of my all time favorites was missing, “On Eagle’s Wings” – NOT!
What is the purpose of a bishops’ conference anyway??????
I believe Fr. Z was directing us to this link on voting:
http://usccbmedia.blogspot.com/2012/04/catholics-care-catholic-vote-series.html
Tom has the right link…nothing new, been around a while. Why do we have to use so many words to say what every Catholic knows – vote your conscience! If you are a faithful practicing catholic , it should not be a problem.
friends don’t let friends vote for any party that does not have a pro life plank
I have a suggestion for the USCCB voting guide website… replace all the existing words with a great big banner that says “IT IS A MORTAL SIN TO VOTE FOR A PRO-ABORTION CANDIDATE”, with a link to explanatory material on what a Mortal Sin is and what the consequences are of committing one, and maybe another link to Obama’s pro-abortion record.
Unfortunately, this is more of the same bland social justice approach to voting that has confused the laity for years and given cover to catholics who want to vote “pro-choice.” There is no clear distinction between those matters which are absolutes, and matters of prudential judgement. The scriptural references focus primarily on caring for the poor, the orphan, and the immigrant, whom, of course, we should care for. However, I note that none of scriptural references mention the taking of innocent blood or unnatural acts . So the conclusion of this USCCB piece is, if I, or those I vote for, take care of the poor, the orphan, and the immigrant, I have fulfilled the requirements of Catholic Social Justice. The fact that those I vote for support abortion, gay marriage, embryonic stem cell research, and all the rest of the culture of death doesn’t count as long as they are caring for the poor, the orphan, and the immigrant. Now, I know it doesn’t say that, but….
@MarkJ – agreed!
@Patrick Augustine – you hit the nail on the head.
http://usccbmedia.blogspot.com/2012/05/catholics-care-catholics-vote_17.html
This is the USCCB blog series Fr Z was trying to link to, I thought it was very good. It points out “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship” is not a voting guide but is meant to encourage Catholics to participate in the political process. It speaks rightly about how to prioritize the issues, and that candidates that support certain things that are always gravely wrong, should not receive our support. It speaks about a whole range of issues, but takes care to make it clear they are not all equally morally weighty. I have already referred someone to this series who seemed to need these kinds of clarifications.
“friends don’t let friends vote for any party that does not have a pro life plank”
*thumbs way, way up*
With ambiguity comes confusion….