Fr. Z's Blog | Formerly entitled: "What Does The Prayer Really Say?" – Clear, straight commentary on Catholic issues, liturgy and life by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf o{]:¬)

QUAERITUR: Traditional monasteries for silent retreats

Posted on 16 November 2011 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a reader:

Do you know of any traditional abbeys or monasteries (specifically ones that offer the Extraordinary form of the Mass) that offer silent retreats?

Can the readership help?

Bp. Finn (D. KC – StJ) to work with prosecutor on oversight agreement

Posted on 16 November 2011 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Some fact checking might be in order, given the source, but from the not-very-objective KC Star comes this:

Bishop Finn avoids indictment by entering diversion program
By GLENN E. RICE, JUDY L. THOMAS and MARK MORRIS
The Kansas City Star

Bishop Robert Finn today avoided facing a criminal misdemeanor indictment in his handling of a priest facing child pornography charges by agreeing to enter into a diversion program with the Clay County prosecutor. [NB: county, not federal.]
Authorities have pledged not to prosecute Finn, the leader of the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, if he lives up to the terms of a five-year diversion agreement. [I take it that this means Bp. Finn or the Diocese.]

Clay County Prosecutor Daniel L. White also said that a grand jury indicted the Rev. Shawn F. Ratigan on three counts of possessing child pornography. The new indictment supersedes a state criminal complaint that charged Ratigan on May 19. Ratigan, 46, also faces a 13-count federal indictment of possessing, producing and attempting to produce child pornography. He remains in federal custody.

[…]

Finn’s agreement with Clay County requires him to meet face-to-face each month with White for the next five years to discuss any allegations of child sex abuse levied against clergy or diocesan staff within the diocese’s Clay County facilities. Finn also is to describe what steps the diocese has taken to address the allegations. White would then decide whether to encourage police to investigate any allegations.Finn also agreed to visit all Clay County parishes to outline new programs the diocese is implementing to protect children. In those meetings, Finn will be accompanied by the diocesan ombudsman and its newly appointed director of child and youth protection.

“This will be a learning experience for the Bishop,” White said in a statement. [A bit condescending, but this the KC Star picking the quotes.] “The diocese and the bishop acknowledge past reporting systems have flaws.” He said having an outsider in the mix who can trigger a criminal investigation “gives parents and children in our community confidence that if anything were to happen it would promptly and effectively address.”

Finn, who was in Baltimore this morning attending the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ annual fall conference, issued a written statement saying he was “grateful for this opportunity to resolve this matter and to further strengthen our diocesan commitment to the protection of children.”

[…]Finn’s meetings with White mirror the kind of reporting requirements that are common to most diversion agreements.

Generally under diversion programs, the defendant must complete a prescribed period of service, study or treatment to avoid prosecution. If the defendant fulfills the terms of the agreement, the authorities drop the criminal charges.

Diversion agreements are not unusual. Authorities in both Clay and Jackson counties have approved more than a thousand diversion agreements for participants in drug court programs. And at times, prosecutors will approve diversion agreements with domestic violence defendants to ensure that they attend counseling programs mandated by the court.

[…]

Posted in SESSIUNCULA |
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US Anglican Ordinariate approved for 1 Jan

Posted on 15 November 2011 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

At the USCCB meeting, Card. Wuerl announced that on 1 January the Ordinariate for Anglicans will begin.

The bishops asked many questions about this Ordinariate.

One of the questions/issues raised concerned the “availability” of former Anglicans ordained as Catholic priests.

As I understand it, this is a concern for some former Anglicans. Because – at first at least – there are going to be more Anglican Ordinariate priests than places for them to serve, it seems that some Catholic bishops are – what’s the word – eager? to put them to work… as Roman Catholic priests, and not with former Anglicans.

If I understand things properly, this is a bit of a concern in England, though I am not well-informed about that.

There are going to by many points to sort out as the time draws near.

Posted in SESSIUNCULA |
47 Comments

Begin Lent (February) on a Rome Pilgrimage with Bp. Morlino (D. Madison)… and maybe also

Posted on 15 November 2011 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

I was alerted about pilgrimage being arranged by Bishop Morlino of Madison.

12-23 February. Ash Wednesday is 22 February, this year. A chance to be in Rome and maybe even catch part of the Holy Father’s walk (or glide?) from Sant’Anselmo to Santa Sabina? 22 February is also the Feast of the Chair of Peter, when the Vatican Basilica is all jazzed up. I don’t know about how that will work with Ash Wednesday. I am digging.

Trips like these are sometimes planned by dioceses to coincide with a bishop’s ad limina visit to Rome. The late scheduling of the spring ad limina visits for US dioceses resulted in a tight turnaround.

I’ve heard that the Diocese of Madison and organizers extended the sign-up period for a few days beyond their original deadline. Essentially, I think they need more people to sign up.

It seems to be a pretty good trip. They did not bite off too much to chew. They also included Orievto, which is always a treat.

You would meet the great Bp. Morlino, about whom I have written many times. Of course it is also a working trip for him, but there will certainly be occasions.

Short notice, but if enough of WDTPRS readers sign-up, I will probably go too.

Call Toll Free: 1-800 515-2632

It costs nothing to call and to ask some questions!

Posted in Just Too Cool, The Campus Telephone Pole | Tagged Bp. Morlino, D. Madison, pilgrimage
4 Comments

CNS: Saint Bonaventure University invited “medium” to contact the dead for students, administrator

Posted on 15 November 2011 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

?!?

I received this from the Cardinal Newman Society:

Catholic College Hosts Medium to Contact the Dead

A medium who claims contact with the dead told the Cardinal Newman Society she was invited to Saint Bonaventure University recently where she said she contacted the dead for over two dozen students. [Either really did, which is evil, or really didn’t, which is evil.]

A concerned alumnus of Saint Bonaventure forwarded this ad that appeared on St. Bonaventure University’s web bulletin:

“PSYCHIC READINGS THIS FRIDAY Have any questions about your love life, career, or future? Ever wanted to reconnect with a loved one who has passed? Maybe a spirit is trying to get through to you! Have these questions and more answered by registered medium, Peggy Rogers. Join us on Friday, Oct. 28, when Peggy Rogers, a registered medium from Lilydale, will be in hosted in Café La Verna from 6-10 p.m. to offer personalized one-on-one student readings. Individuals readings will be about 10 minutes each during which questions will be answered. A canned good or two will be the spiritual reading cost. Peggy will be doing sessions for four hours, so sign-ups are on a first-come-first- served basis because slots are limited.”

After reading this, CNS contacted the university but didn’t hear back from them. But CNS did speak with the alleged medium herself recently who corroborated the ad and spoke extensively about her experience at Saint Bonaventure University.

Peggy Rogers, who calls herself a “spiritual guide” said over 25 students and one administrator asked her to contact the dead for them. She said she “brought in spirits that they recognized and gave them good information.” She said the students could identify the dead because she relayed quirks about their personality or by identifying what ailed them in life.

[…]

?!?

This is called “necromancy”. It is a grave sin.

Necromancy is one of the reasons why Saul lost God’s favor and lost his throne.

UPDATE:

Prof. Peters, the Canonical Defender, has jumped in.

UPDATE 15 Nov 1823 GMT:

The University has given an explanation. I take it from the CNS website.

Update: Saint Bonaventure University released this statemnt concerning this incident:

While some university staff were aware of the students’ plans to host this event, there was a lack of awareness by these staff and students of the conflict of this activity with our mission. We therefore took the opportunity to educate our students and involved staff about the conflict with mission. Our students were earlier that same week involved with events associated with the Franciscan World Day of Prayer for Peace, and others dedicated their midterm break to volunteering at the St. Francis Inn Soup Kitchen in Philadelphia. Given these and countless other frequent activities that represent our mission, it would be irresponsible for anyone to characterize this isolated event as reflective of the University’s or our students’ Catholic-Franciscan character or identity.

Posted in Dogs and Fleas | Tagged medium, necromancy, spiritism, St. Bonaventure University
60 Comments

QUAERITUR: Extraordinary Communion Minister at a TLM if the priest is infirm?

Posted on 15 November 2011 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a reader:

May a duly commissioned Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion distribute the host at Mass in the Extraordinary Form when the celebrating priest is physically impeded from doing so?

It would seem that paragraph 28 of Universae Ecclesiae precludes the innovation of Extraordinary Ministers:

28 – Praeterea, cum sane de lege speciali agitur, quoad materiam propriam, Litterae Apostolicae Summorum Pontificum derogant omnibus legibus liturgicis, sacrorum rituum propriis, exinde ab anno 1962 promulgatis, et cum rubricis librorum liturgicorum anni 1962 non congruentibus.

This paragraph is commonly understood to exclude female altar servers and communion in the hand. Yet what of Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion when a genuine pastoral situation seems to necessitate these?

I double-checked with a canonist on this. It is a good question. Let’s find some solutions.

Universae Ecclesiae does seem to preclude the use of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion at Mass in the Extraordinary Form.

So, what should be done when the priest is infirm and there is no other priest or deacon or even instituted acolyte around?

The first possibility is simply to announce that Holy Communion will not be distributed at that Mass. The faithful are not obliged to receive Communion, even on a day of precept. Attendance, not Communion, fulfills the precept. If the priest is physically impeded from doing so, he is not obliged to distribute Communion. He is not bound to do something that is not possible. People can make a spiritual communion in such a case. No doubt they will want to pray for vocations.

There would be a possibility of an duly commissioned Extraordinary Minister distributing Communion before or after Mass with the proper prayers, etc.

The exclusion of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion at Mass in the Extraordinary Form is disciplinary law, not constitutive law. Therefore, in accord with canon 87, the diocesan bishop could grant a dispensation from this provision. I don’t especially like that solution, but it is a possibility.

If this is going to be happening often, in a regular way, it would be a good idea to seek the dispensation from the Pontifical Commission “Ecclesia Dei“. A dispensation would probably be more readily given were an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion were he an instituted Acolyte stably part of that group. Also, the group could petition the local bishop for a deacon (permanent or transitional) to help with Holy Communion at those Masses if a priest would not be available.

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, SUMMORUM PONTIFICUM, Universae Ecclesiae | Tagged can. 87, EMHC, UE 28, Universae Ecclesiae
22 Comments

Will Justice Kagan recuse herself about Obamacare after “smoking gun” email?

Posted on 15 November 2011 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From Catholic Vote comes this shocker… yes.. I’m shocked! shocked! to find duplicity in this party!

Efforts by the watchdog group Judicial Watch to demand that Justice Elena Kagan recuse herself when Obamacare is brought before the Supreme Court later this year resulted in the release of emails between Kagan (back when she was Solicitor General) and a top Department of Justice official which, unsurprisingly, confirm what pro-lifers have been saying all along about the phony agreement.

Namely, that the executive order signed by President Obama to give cover to Bart Stupak and his “pro-life” Democrats for them to support Obamacare was a joke: [And let us never… never forget the cover given to catholic Dems by the catholic Health Association and the Magisterium of Nuns. It’s all about the cover]

Kagan, while serving as President Obama’s Solicitor General, exchanged emails with her then-colleagues in the Justice Department indicating her support for the Obamacare legislation when it was under consideration in Congress.

“I hear they have the votes, Larry!! Simply amazing,” Kagan wrote, in an email obtained by Judicial Watch, on the day Obamacare passed through Congress. Larry Tribe, a Harvard Law professor and Supreme Court attorney who served as “senior counselor for access to justice” in the Department of Justice (DOJ), replied to Kagan that the bill’s passage was “remarkable.”

“And with the Stupak group accepting the magic of what amounts to a signing statement on steroids!” Tribe added in delight, and in derision for the pro-life Democrats.

Here’s what Tribe means by a “signing statement on steroids” — he means the executive order was little more than a photo-op. Why? Because the president doesn’t write the law – Congress does.

In other words, Obama got Stupak and the last Democrat hold-outs to accept the “magic” (fake political theater) of voting for a bill while claiming they didn’t vote for it because the executive order changed it. But the executive order did no such thing, because Obamacare is the law now, not any executive order.

[…]

Posted in Dogs and Fleas, Emanations from Penumbras | Tagged Catholic Health Association, CHA, Elena Kagan, magisterium of nuns, Rep. Bart Stupak
13 Comments

QUAERITUR: Advent wreaths, lumps of coal, and you

Posted on 15 November 2011 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a reader:

Do you have any suggestions for where I can buy a good Advent wreath online?

Why, yes! I do! Since the Mystic Monks don’t have Advent Wreathes, I suggest that you use my links to Amazon. They have some nice wreathes, as it turns out.

Consider also this: In a time when we should all be concerned about helping fallen away Catholics come back to their faith, perhaps giving an Advent Wreath to someone as a gift at the beginning of Advent, with a good explanation, could help them reconnect a bit. A small gesture, but perhaps effective. And don’t forget to introduce at some point the aspect of returning to confession before Christmas.

First, it can be tough sometimes to find candles. I don’t like the scented candles. Here is a pack of four (three purple and one rose). Click HERE.

Since I usually make my own, something like this might be useful for others who want to shape their own. Click the images.

Something ready to go. There is a base with candles included HERE.

Something with pine cones. I am not sure, but I think some people understand pine cones to be obligatory.

Here is a “celtic” lookin’ base. Perhaps you could make the Church in the poor Ireland the object of your prayer during Advent.

This one has glass things for the candles. in case you are worried about setting the cat on fire. I never worry about setting cats on fire, but some people find that disconcerting… indoors, at least.

There are a zillion more. In any event, once you click one of those links and start exploring, I believe WDTPRS will get a small percentage of the sale. Therefore, I hope that about 5000 of you will buy Advent Wreathes today after using one of my links.

Think of the fun you can have drinking Mystic Monk Coffee or Tea, even the flavored stuff, from a WDTPRS mug, while assembling and talking about your Advent Wreath with your kids!

And don’t forget that this Sunday is Stir-Up Sunday!

There are wonderful customs for Advent and we should plan for them. Do you have a good supply of coal and twigs for St. Nicholas Day? Amazon also has – I am not making this up – lumps of coal.

If you don’t have stockings – guess where you can get some – you can get your lumps of coal in a – I am not making this up – gift bag.

You’ve got to love the entrepreneurial spirit.

Here is a 10-pack (!) of anthracite coal lumps. Snark and economy at the same time!

For twigs you are on your own, though I am sure Amazon could help with that too.

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Brick by Brick, New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity, The future and our choices | Tagged ADVENT, Advent wreath, Stir Up Sunday
32 Comments

Watching USCCB meeting (even on your iPhone!) – general discussion

Posted on 15 November 2011 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

I have been watching the USCCB meeting on my desktop via the USCCB site. USCCB didn’t provide a stream for iPhone. But EWTN does! Here. (There are other options there as well.)

It is nice to see that the bishops meeting is back on EWTN.