Fr. Z's Blog | Catholic commentary by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Good news?

Posted on 20 June 2011 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

I sure hope you have some good news to share!

For my part… well… I am on the right side of the grass.

WDTPRS could use some help in this award thing on the right.

Posted in SESSIUNCULA |
42 Comments

Make popcorn, then read! Ed Peter’s eviscerates Maureen Dowd.

Posted on 19 June 2011 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

The Canonical Defender, Prof. Ed Peters, has drawn the ire of the Id of the Washington Beltway, the atrabillious Maureen Dowd.

My emphases and comments:

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Oh no! Maureen Dowd doesn’t seem to like me!

America’s 43rd most influential liberal doesn’t seem to like me, and that’s a scary thought. Not.

Maureen Dowd of the New York Times is well-known for her acerbic (sometimes snide) writing style, [That’s a nice way to put it.] and for her frequent substitution of ad hominem attacks for sustained and reasonable argument. Such writing appeals, I guess, to those taxed by thinking but amused by rudeness, but beyond seeing her popularity as yet another example of De gustibus, I don’t get it. [I’m glad Prof. Peter’s is on our side!]

In any case, Dowd’s June 18 NYT column ridiculing New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan for his stand against New York’s endorsement of “gay marriage” is nothing if not vintage Dowd. She scarcely engages Dolan’s reasoning, but disses Dolan as “the Starchbishop” (real grown-up writing, that) and attacks his Church as being “a haven for gay priests” that essentially ignores “the right of a child not to be molested by the parish priest”.*

With a predictability that borders on banality, Dowd thrice-in-one-column hurls the clergy sexual abuse crisis in the face of Catholics like Dolan who dare to take a stand on issues of morality contrary to the “spirit of the times” just as, in my recent Catholic World Report essay on the Cuomo-Communion controversy, I predicted would happen for the rest of our lives.

Dowd didn’t invent this style of attack, but she employs it with an excess that should embarrass even those who otherwise like her sassy shtick. Dowd does not blush from piggy-backing her “gay marriage” agenda onto the suffering of clergy abuse victims, like some politico attaching a dubious rider to a sure-to-pass bill in Congress, hoping to short-circuit a debate on the merits of the matter. Or maybe Dowd’s frequent reuse of such tactics is what happens when, as Belinda Luscombe opined in her Time report exploring whether Dowd had committed plagiarism, Dowd “plum runs out of inspiration on any given topic and falls back on less-than-original notions”. Either way, I say, let’s stick to the topic, and the topic, per Dowd, is the legalization of “gay marriage”, not clergy sexual abuse.

Fine, you ask, what does any of this have to do with me? I might have thought, nothing, except that Dowd decided to link my recent criticisms of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s reception of Communion at a Mass celebrated by Albany Bishop Howard Hubbard (despite Cuomo’s open cohabitation with a woman not his wife), with Abp. Dolan’s criticism of efforts in the New York legislature to legalize “gay marriage”, the ‘link’ being that Cuomo is a strong proponent of “gay marriage” and would sign such a bill if it reaches his desk.

Okay, yes, I think that Cuomo’s signature on such a bill would add to his Communion-eligibility problems under Canon 915, but Abp. Dolan is not making that argument: he is arguing natural law on marriage and common sense, not sacramental discipline. (I know, I know, one would have to have read and understood Dolan’s arguments to see that point, but even if Dowd didn’t or doesn’t, some of her readers would have and do). So why does Dowd not discuss Dolan’s arguments on marriage in her article about Dolan on marriage, and later, if she wishes, tackle my arguments on holy Communion in an article about me and holy Communion (assuming I was worth her time in the first place)? Why smush these two strains together?

Because Dowd apparently thinks she has discovered some “ah-ha” contradiction in the Church’s logic. She writes:“Therein lies the casuistry. On one hand, as Peters told The Times about Cuomo and Lee, ‘men and women are not supposed to live together without benefit of matrimony.’ But then the church denies the benefit of marriage to same-sex couples living together.” [CRICKETS CHIRPING]

What?

That’s not right. That doesn’t even rise to level of being wrong. Instead, that’s what comes from someone who is not even pretending to be interested in what the other side actually holds.

* Memo to MD: You might want to temper your insinuations that “gay priests” are linked to clergy child abuse, or, as you state later in your column, that it is “absurd” to deny a link between homosexuality and sexual misconduct. Considerable effort has gone into denying any connection between homosexuality and/or the gay life style with sexual exploitation of youth, and your comments in this article undermine those efforts.

Posted in Biased Media Coverage, One Man & One Woman, The Drill, The Last Acceptable Prejudice | Tagged Ed Peters, Maureen Dowd, NYT
31 Comments

The Feeder Feed: variety edition

Posted on 19 June 2011 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

I haven’t been much inclined to post about the feeder these days, but figured it was about time to share a view or two.

You’ve seen Ray before. He sees you, too. Being so very visible he is as wary as a bird gets.

Though it is a little hard to make out, there is tremendous variety.

In this shot there is a male Cardinal, a female Rose-breasted Grosbeak, a Re-Bellied Woodpecker, 2 male American Gold Finches, and a Purple Finch.

Here is a close up of Mr. Cardinal, “Ray”, and the Grosbeak.

And some variety follows.

Remember “Moses“?

A wet, miserable Oriole.

A very young Oriole having a feather change.

Cat Bird. They actually meow.

And then I saw that they also have whiskers.

Just sitting there being colorful.

So… lots of variety.

And they are eating because you have given donations.

Thanks!

Posted in The Feeder Feed | Tagged American Goldfich, Baltimore Oriole, Cardinal, Catbird, Indigo Bunting, Purple Finch, Red-Bellied Woodpecker, Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
3 Comments

A note to readers

Posted on 19 June 2011 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

First and foremost, thanks to all of you who have sent notes of greetings for Father’s Day and also promises of prayers. I deeply appreciate that right now.

Also, I have received quite a few notes of congratulations for the anniversary of my ordination. Not sure where that is coming from,. but thanks!

However, the anniversary (20th this year) was 26 May on the calendar. That said, the liturgical anniversary would be today, because 26 May in 1991 was Trinity Sunday. So…. in a sense, Trinity Sunday is also my anniversary. So… thanks!

And, please, keep up the prayers!

Posted in SESSIUNCULA |
13 Comments

Fatherhood remains foundational

Posted on 19 June 2011 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From CNA with my emphases and comments.

Despite divorce and other threats, fatherhood remains foundational

Denver, Colo., Jun 19, 2011 / 08:42 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In an era of family breakdown and easy divorce, there is still hope for Catholic families to grow and develop under the leadership of fathers – both biological and spiritual. But men today must confront new challenges to their traditional roles.

“The greatest force pulling apart fathers and children is divorce,” said Brian Caulfied, editor of the website Fathers for Good. He told CNA that over time, children of divorce “generally have little or no contact with their biological fathers.”

“It’s tough to put a broken glass back together, and the pieces never again quite fit,” said Caulfield, the father of two children.

An analysis released in June 2011 by the Pew Research Center shows that in 1960, 11 percent of children in the U.S. did not live with their fathers. The number increased in 2010, with 27 percent living away from their paternal figure.

Father Gerald Murray, [A friend of many years and a fine priest!] a priest in the Archdiocese of New York, also pointed to divorce as “a big deal,” even if many Americans now accept it.

“The union of husband and wife, leading to children, is meant to be a stable unit to the benefit of all involved,” said Fr. Murray in a June 17 interview with CNA.

But there is good news, as well. The Pew Research Center’s recent study also found that fathers who do live with their children are spending more time with them, in interactions such as helping with school work, playing and having meals together.

In 1965, fathers who lived with their children spent about 2.6 hours per week with taking care of them – whereas, by 2000, they spent an average of 6.5 hours with them.

Caulfield believes many dads are reacting against four decades of family breakdown. “We are all tired and disillusioned with our divorce culture,” he said.

Reaching one’s full potential as a father, he said, requires a personal relationship with God the Father.

“You can’t do it on your own, and that’s where faith comes in,” he observed. “Without my Catholic faith, I don’t know how I could live through the many trials of fatherhood with a sense of hope.”

Priests, who take their traditional title from the notion of spiritual fatherhood, have an even higher calling in this regard. Fr. Curtiss Dwyer, director of pastoral formation at Denver’s St. John Vianney Seminary, said that the priesthood is also all about being a “provider, protector and guide to people.”

“To be able to stand in a position to help protect God’s children is a very fulfilling aspect of priesthood,” Fr. Dwyer said. “Celebrating Mass, you are providing and giving nourishment to God’s family.”

Another gratifying aspect of being a spiritual father, Fr. Murray observed, is being able to see children grow in their faith.

“You realize that, through God’s providence, you were the instrument for the beginning of their Christian life,” by baptizing them.

All three men agree that fathers have to be an example of serious faith for their children. They have to “pray, go to Confession, and go to Mass,” Fr. Murray said. [Do I hear an “Amen!”?]

Caulfield says this good example, or lack thereof, can make or break a child’s faith. “Unless dad is seen to be involved in the faith and showing his kids that it’s important, the children will tend to fall away.”

The examples of both biological and spiritual fathers set the foundation for children to grow and develop – on earth, and hopefully, in heaven.

“Your child is really God’s child,” Caulfield said.

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, One Man & One Woman, Our Catholic Identity, The future and our choices | Tagged divorce, fatherhood, priesthood
6 Comments

A prayer by St. “Padre” Pio

Posted on 19 June 2011 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

A prayer by St. “Padre” Pio

Stay with me, Lord, for it is necessary to have You present so that I do not forget You. You know how easily I abandon You.

Stay with me, Lord, because I am weak and I need Your strength, that I may not fall so often.

Stay with me, Lord, for You are my life, and without You, I am without fervor.

Stay with me, Lord, for You are my light, and without You, I am in darkness.

Stay with me, Lord, to show me Your will.

Stay with me, Lord, so that I hear Your voice and follow You.

Stay with me, Lord, for I desire to love You very much, and always be in Your company.

Stay with me, Lord, if You wish me to be faithful to You.

Stay with me, Lord, for as poor as my soul is, I wish it to be a place of consolation for You, a nest of Love.

Stay with me, Jesus, for it is getting late and the day is coming to a close, and life passes, death, judgement, eternity approaches. It is necessary to renew my strength, so that I will not stop along the way and for that, I need You. It is getting late and death approaches. I fear the darkness, the temptations, the dryness, the cross, the sorrows. O how I need You, my Jesus, in this night of exile!

Stay with me tonight, Jesus, in life with all its dangers, I need You.

Let me recognize You as Your disciples did at the breaking of bread, so that the Eucharistic Communion be the light which disperses the darkness, the force which sustains me, the unique joy of my heart.

Stay with me, Lord, because at the hour of my death, I want to remain united to You, if not by Communion, at least by grace and love.

Stay with me, Jesus, I do not ask for divine consolation, because I do not merit it, but, the gift of Your Presence, oh yes, I ask this of You!

Stay with me, Lord, for it is You alone I look for. Your Love, Your Grace, Your Will, Your Heart, Your Spirit, because I love You and ask no other reward but to love You more and more.

With a firm love, I will love You with all my heart while on earth and continue to love You perfectly during all eternity.

Amen

Posted in Pray For A Miracle | Tagged Padre Pio, prayer, St. Pio, Stay With Me
18 Comments

PRAYERCAzT/PODCAzT: Trinity Sunday: singing the whole nine yards

Posted on 18 June 2011 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

I again inflict my singing on you for most of this project.

Quite a while back I started a PRAYERCAzT series, wherein I read and/or sang the prayers and readings for upcoming Sundays and Feasts for the Extraordinary Form. I meant to be helpful to men who were faced with singing the texts and who were, perhaps, not so familiar with what to do. It was also meant to help people in the pews get the sounds of the Latin into their ears so that their participation at Mass would be more comfortable and fruitful.

Not long ago I received a very useful new book which published by the Canons regular at St. John Cantius in Chicago. The book is called Canticum Clericorum Romanum, and it is the first volume.

In the celebration of the older, traditional form of Holy Mass in the Roman Rite, the Extraordinary Form, when Mass is celebrated with greater solemnity, the texts are sung. The prayers or orations, the readings, the preface, every thing is sung. This volume has all the texts for all the Sundays of the year and most major feasts in Gregorian musical notation. Not only that, since there are different tones or melodies we can use to sing texts, the book has the alternative tones as well.

Some time ago I started an audio project, especially intended for priests, who might have to sing the texts during the Extraordinary Form but who may not be very familiar with these old Roman ways.

Priests, deacons (actual deacons and priests who serve as deacons), laymen who serve as “straw subdeacons”… must sing texts, which for some men is nerve wracking enough. You wind up looking at examples of paradigmatic texts in, say, the Liber Usualis, and then you look at the Missale, perhaps making a photocopy, perhaps penciling in lines under the vowel where you are supposed to go up….

This new book from the canons in Chicago book has it all laid out.

What I do in this audio project is sing through all the texts of the Mass, in the different alternatives, for Trinity Sunday. For the collect there will be a festive tone and a solemn tone. The first reading has its own tone. There are three possibilities for the Gospel, the tonus evangelii, tonus antiquior, tonus ad libitum. There is no tone, of course, for the Secret because it is silent. And then the two tones we had for the Collect also used for the Post Communion.

Listen & subscribe: Apple Podcasts Overcast Pocket Casts RSS feed

This book does not have prefaces, which are in the Missale Romanum. But there are three tones for the Preface of the Trinity, the most usual of which for Trinity Sunday is the solemn tone. There is, however a more solemn tone, or tonus solemnior. There is a ferial tone, which you would not use on Trinity Sunday. It would more likely be sung for a votive Mass of the Trinity.

First I’ll sing through the prayers and texts using the new book from the canons. Then I will switch books and sing all three versions of the Preface of the Trinity. You will notice the different introductory dialogues. I suggest before singing the tonus solemnior that perhaps you could start with the tone for the tonus solemnis, which people are more likely to know, and then switch seamlessly into the tonus solemnior. That way, you don’t have chaos at the beginning.

I am doing this so that people can hear the different tones, with the same texts, and, if some priest or deacon out there finds them useful as he looks at the texts and wonders how to sing them, well… this is a public service as it were.

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, PODCAzT, PRAYERCAzT: What Does The (Latin) Prayer Really Sound L | Tagged ad libitum, Canticum Clericorum Romanum, festive tone, orations, prayers, prefaces, solemn tone, Trinity Sunday
3 Comments

About Fr. John Corapi with observations about our times

Posted on 18 June 2011 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

I haven’t written much about Fr. John Corapi, because I honestly don’t know much about what is going on. I don’t know the details. But I am sad to read that he is leaving active ministry. I am profoundly sad.

Fr. Corapi and I were ordained together, by John Paul II, in 1991. I didn’t know him at that time. After ordination I think I only ran into him twice, at conferences where we were both speakers. So, I don’t know him. I don’t know what is up with his life or situation and I won’t speculate. Nevertheless, by that tendril connection of our ordination, I have imagined a kind of bond with him and all the other men scattered across the world, even though I didn’t know most of them personally.

So, I don’t have much to say about Fr. Corapi.

I do have a few things to say about the circumstances surrounding this sad announcement.

From the email I am receiving and a few blogs I have read reacting to Fr. Corapi’s video message, it strikes me that a lot of people are doing neither themselves nor Fr. Corapi any good. Charity requires us to consider the good of others. I can’t see how the way some people are talking about Fr. Corapi does anyone any good.

We are in difficult times right now concerning ecclesiastical relationships. The Church has sustained horrible wounds because of her own churchmen and, during this time of healing, there are bound to be painful moments. When you receive a blow upon a bruise, the pain can be great. I suggest that we avoid poking the bruises as much as we can.

Given what I have been seeing and experiencing, I believe the verse many priests pray every night during Compline in the older form of the Office (Tuesday in the Liturgy of the Hours) is being realized in a particularly intense way right now:

“Be sober and vigilant: because your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is roaming around seeking whom he might devour. Strong in faith, resist him knowing that the same affliction befalls your brethren who are in the world. ” 1 Peter 5:8-9.

This is certainly the case in my life right now and I think it is also going on in the life of many priests and bishops who are on the more conservative side of things. The attack is on.

This is one reason why I have been earnestly asking the support of your prayers.

The enemy hates priests and bishops. Let me say that again. The enemy hates priests and bishops. When priests and bishops start making inroads, they will be attacked with intensity.

But priests and bishops remain men and remain sinners. We need the support of prayers especially regarding the primary goal of saving our souls. We must, for the love of God, help each other.

I will keep Fr. Corapi on my prayer list, and will remember him in a special way, hoping that through the help of the Holy Spirit, who bends the rigid and heals the broken and consoles those who are in pain, he will have some peace whether he is able to return to active ministry or not, whether he wants to or not. He is a priest forever and he is my brother in that indelible mark received from Christ the High Priest. And because he is a priest forever, the devil will not relent in attacking him until he dies. Nor will the devil relent in attacking anyone who has authority over him.

It is what we signed up for, but sometimes it can be very hard.

Please remember, please, that all priests are human beings and subject to the afflictions of the world, the flesh and the devil. If you look at them in some other way, you do them and yourselves a disservice.

In these difficult times, when we are seeing the lion and hearing the lion roaring around even more, I ask for your prayers for myself and for all the priests you know, whether they are in active ministry or they are for whatever reason not active, whether they have been exemplary according to how you think they ought to be, or whether they have made mistakes and are suffering the consequences.

They have immortal souls and they, like you dear lay people, are working out their eternal salvation with fear and trembling with the additional burden of knowing that they will be priests forever, in heaven or in hell. Ask St. John Vianney for help. And, since St. “Padre” Pio has been on my mind with increasing frequency lately, perhaps ask him as well.

Please don’t write to me anymore about Fr. Corapi. Please. Even though I didn’t know him, right now for me this is like a blow upon a bruise.

Please find it in your hearts to pray, daily and often, for priests.

Posted in Wherein Fr. Z Rants | Tagged Fr. Corapi, priesthood, Priests
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QUAERITUR: Who is bishop of the Moon?

Posted on 18 June 2011 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Under the recent entry about titular sees, the question arose about which bishop would have jurisdiction over the Moon.

I think there are conflicting claims. I heard once that Rome itself had jurisdiction.

However, there is another claim.

Sometimes it is said that the Diocese of Orlando, Florida, has jurisdiction over the Moon.

“But Father! But Father!”, some of you are saying now. “Orlando? Why? Because of Disneyworld? More proof that YOU HATE VATICAN II! Have you finally lost your mind? ”

Not quite completely.

The idea is that, back in 1969 when Apollo 11 landed on the Moon, the Diocese of Orlando included Cape Canaveral. Because the journey began from the Diocese of Orlando, Orlando had jurisdiction.

There is an anecdote about this. The late Archbishop Borders, who eventually was in Baltimore, had been once the Bishop of Orlando. During an ad limina visit he actually told Paul VI that he was the bishop of the Moon.

I would love to have been standing there with a camera to capture Pope Paul VI’s expression as he considered this statement.