THEY SAY THAT BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO

Adieu, Adieu, parting is such sweet sorrow.

Unless it’s not.

Sometimes it is just a total pain.

Divorce today for practicing Catholics seems a lot like what pre-marital sex used to be. (Stick with me.) First, there is this vague notion that you are doing something really wrong. It is not talked about in any official manner. You get your information on the street and much of it can be completely false. After the deed is done you might feel guilty and wonder about the state of your soul which is accompanied by a certain uneasiness about approaching clergy concerning what happened for fear of what he might think or say.

At my last assignment I gave a one-night seminar on divorce, annulments, and remarriage in an effort to help people overcome the above anxieties. It was well attended although there was not one person there who needed an annulment. They all knew someone who did however. The following couple of months we were inundated with requests for decrees of nullity. In that vein, here are some basics about nullity cases to help set the record straight.

To begin, marriage by the state is largely a contractual union. That is two individuals are held together in a contract. As long as they both abide by the contract (or are willing to overlook discrepancies) the contract is valid and binding. If something goes wrong (and this is a gross oversimplification but helps with the point) then they can break the contract and, if they choose, engage in another contract with a third party.

This varies greatly from Christian marriage. Christian marriage is not contractual it is covenantal. Call to mind the Scripture passage, “. . .and the two shall become one. So they are no longer two, but one. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder” (Mark 10; 8,9). This union is “a solemn agreement . . . involving mutual commitments and guarantees” (CCC glossary,) a public vow of laying down one’s life for another. This binding is not “unless and until part of a stipulation of a contract is violated” but until “death do us part,” (or for the more squeamish, “all the days of our lives.”) And in the end, what commodity do have that is more valuable than our good word?

This unity cannot be broken by anyone, not even the Church (let no man put asunder.) The Church does not recognize the state’s right to declare two people no longer married. You can say differently all you want, but the fact will remain that they are still one. It is not in the state’s competence to decree on the status of sacraments, as it is not in the Church’s competence to decree on what day trash pick will be. The only the thing that the Church recognizes about divorce is the legal separation of property. As far as the Church is concerned, you are still married and are even eligible for participating in the sacraments so long as you do not become involved with another person outside of the marriage for which a divorce was obtained.

That being said, you are probably more than aware of practicing Catholics who have divorced and have been remarried sacramentally within the Church. These are persons who have received a decree of nullity in their vows to their former spouse. A decree of nullity is quite a bit different from a divorce. A divorce brings a contractual marriage to an end (though there may be lingering obligations extending into the future) whereas a decree of nullity states that there was something essential to the basic Christian definition of marriage that was missing in the union from its inception rendering it a non-sacramental union.

What this doesn’t mean: This does not mean that children born of the union will be considered illegitimate. Canon law stipulates that individuals are never to be labeled as such. All persons are “legitimate” by virtue of their being. It does not mean that there were not loving or happy moments between the former spouses. It does not mean that they are failures or bad Catholics just for seeking a decree of nullity.

What it does mean: There was a tragic flaw in the relationship and we are simply recognizing the fact that there was something essential to marriage that was missing. It would be like having mass, for example, and everything seemed to be right on the mark, but instead of wine, there was grape juice and Necco wafers instead of hosts. Later investigation would say though the congregants were fed by the Word, the music was great, the preaching commendable, since the Eucharistic elements were missing, there was no sacrament. In like manner, the decree of nullity is simply recognizing what is there and what was not.

Having to go through the nullity process is not a punishment. In the end, it is about not only protecting the integrity of marriage and the sacraments, but the integrity of your word, and possibly protecting people in the future, which we will see later.

To be continued . . .

ITS ALL ABOUT MEME

Tag. You’re it. Take this 2X4 meme and run with it. It is actually a good exercise. It allows you to stop and contemplate life just a little bit. Thanks Adoro for tagging me.

Name four things that are new to you in the last four years that you either learned, experienced, or explored.

1. As far as learning things, it would be a toss up between taking more seriously and studying Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and gaining new insights on hope. Perhaps learning about hope surprised me more. I never thought about it too much. How much can you say about hope? A lot as it turns out. A priest retreat with Fr. Benedict Groeschell CFR and Fr. Gene Fulton a couple of years ago focused on this theological virtue. I was not thrilled about the topic but went just the same knowing them to be great retreat masters and was glad that I did. I never realized what a rich field this area of our faith provides and it has in turn greatly benefited my ability to minister to others.
2. Last summer I went to the TX Ranch and took 500 head of cattle across the Montana/Wyoming boarder to their winter-feeding grounds. I have never worked so hard or lived so rustically in my life. It was a great learning experience. “Old West” history came alive for me that summer. I also now hate cows.
3. Perhaps taking Theology of the Body a bit more seriously I am trying to eat better and exercise better which meant finding a coach to help. I am sleeping better, I feel better, I have more energy, which in turn all benefits my ministry. Take care of yourselves! You are worth it! And it will make life so much more enjoyable both for you and those around you!
4. Blogging is a completely new concept to me. I accidentally discovered it coming across a sight that commented on an article of mine that was published. On the same sight was “Chastity Rome-Chick Blues.” That is how I met Dawn Eden and she introduced me to blogging and prompted me to start writing Adam’s Ale. The two greatest benefits of it has been finding out about so many of you out there striving to live the faith as best you can (which has in turn been an inspiration for me) and secondly – I watch even LESS T.V. now! Woohoo!

Name four things that you would like to do in the next four years.

1. I want to travel overseas again. Hopefully next year will find me in Australia for World Youth Day (*ahem* Habemus Papem).
2. I will be moving on from Saint Clare (if things go according to plan) in about two years, most probably (but not definitely) to be a pastor. It will be interesting to see if I will be a good father to a parish in fact as in theory.
3. I want to canoe the Colorado.

4. There are several projects resting on the back burners of my mind and I would like to complete at least one of them over the next four years.

TUESDAY QUOTE OF THE WEEK - XVII

FINDING TRUTH WHEREVER IT MAY BE FOUND: "The only place outside of Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers and perturbances of love is hell." - C. S. Lewis

QUOTE II - "Love never denies the faults of others, but it does refuse to reduce people to or equate them with their failings." - Vincent J. Genovesi

IN OTHER NEWS:

The National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC), established in 1972, conducts research, consultation, publishing and education to promote human dignity in health care and the life sciences, and derives its message directly from the teachings of the Catholic Church. The results of this research are available though this website.

When the barn burned down and a new one built, the Mail Pouch sign was greatly missed. Here is a picture in which we are in the middle of repainting it. Thought it might brighten you day.

BUT IS IT THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH, AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH?

Georgia Tann single handedly began adoption in our country. As a social worker in Memphis she began her work helping parents who desperately wanted a family to adopt children. To give you an idea of how unpopular a thing adoption was at the time, that same year the great city of Boston registered only 5 adoptions. She helped ease fears of eugenics and encouraged adoptive parents toward providing children with safe, loving, stimulating environments in which any person could grow up to be healthy and productive adults. She in essence “invented” adoption as we now know it.

At the other extreme, Dr. Joseph-Ignance Guillotin is often credited with designing the instrument of death that bares his name; the guillotine. It is a machine used in both historical and horror movies. There is the assembled crowd, the blade falls and a head drops into a bucket. The bloody blade rises again waiting for its next victim. From 1792 till the advent of Napoleon in 1779 as many as 15,000 people may have lost their heads over Dr. Guillotin’s invention.

Clearly Georgia Tann brought so much good and life into the world while Dr. Guillotin brought nothing but death and destruction. Ah! But history is a funny creature and things are not always as they appear.

Even given nothing but facts we can be easily misled about historical events. The fact is that Georgia Tann stole babies, sold them for outrageous amounts of money by which she grew rich. She falsified birth records, and set some policies that still effect the adoption process today that are not necessarily all that beneficial. Children were abused under her care. In fact, in one three month period 30 to 40 children died due to neglect in her orphanage. (As reported on NPR.)

It is also often dangerous to apply modern ideals to past actions especially when progress has been made. In Dr. Guillotin’s time execution by the state was a fact of life. But there was a great inequality in the manner by which people were put to death. The rich could afford able executioners who would end their lives swiftly by sword or ax. The poor were most likely hung, a process that was both painful and could be comparatively lengthy. Even those poor who were put to death by sword might need repeated blows either due to incompetence of the executioner or by the dullness of the blade. Families might pay the executioner an extra sum to make sure that his blade was sharp.

Dr. Guillotin was part of a committee that searched for a way to make execution both more humane and egalitarian. His point was that this punishment was to be about death, not torture or pain and if there was going to be a death penalty, it needed to be done as humanely as possible.

Full disclosure and context are vital in understanding history; a game not played fairly by modern attackers of the Church. All stripes of people have committed horrendous actions within and in the name of the Church (mostly when stepping outside of that which we are actually called to by the Church) and there is no need to distort history to come up with more.

So when confronted with the “facts of history” by a person, movie, or book trying to make an attack against the Church (or any person or organization for that matter), take it a step further. Research it. Place history within its proper context; what was considered the best moral then, not by 21st century standards? Is there a point using 20/20 hindsight instead of understanding the uncertainty and best judgment of the moment? What might more facts concerning the situation be? Is what is being quoted to you faulty “common knowledge” or based on scholarly research? And most importantly (and perhaps most strangely) does what is being brought up have anything to do with the topic at hand, or is it merely clouding the issue?

It is sad how many passive Catholic Christians there are out there ready to absorb what ever is placed before them on screen, in book, or even by ill-informed or ill-intentioned friends, preachers, and evangelizers. Knowledge, wisdom, and understanding are gifts that do not develop on their own; they must be exercised like muscles to grow strong. That is why we are called to meditate, contemplate, to THINK, to be aware, awake, and involved. These are not just nice thoughts, but our calling.

SUNDAY VIDEO ON TAP - XVII

It occured to me lately that this clip has never appeared as a Sunday Video On Tap though it really had a role in starting Adam's Ale so here is "Chastity Rome-Chick Blues!"

IN OTHER NEWS:

The Diocese of Cleveland E-Newsletter reminds travelers that they can check THIS SITE for mass times as they travel this summer!

I've been introduced to Catholic Carnival and it seems a pretty neat ministry. Here is where the last one was held if I've figured it out correctly.

Here is an interesting little test discovered over at Loved Sinner. I must say that I am not terribly surprised that I was ranked at 100% Roman Catholic, but moderately bemused that I should be 79% Evangelical or 32% modern liberal. I wonder if my seminary professors would agree?

You scored as Roman Catholic, You are Roman Catholic. Church tradition and ecclesial authority are hugely important, and the most important part of worship for you is mass. As the Mother of God, Mary is important in your theology, and as the communion of saints includes the living and the dead, you can also ask the saints to intercede for you. Roman Catholic 100% Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan 79% Neo orthodox 79% Emergent/Postmodern 46% Modern Liberal 32% Charismatic/Pentecostal 29% Classical Liberal 21% Reformed Evangelical 14% Fundamentalist 14% What's your theological worldview? created with QuizFarm.com

SYMBOL SATURDAY - SHAPES

Ready to get in shape for the summer? Continuing the posts on symbolism here is a wrap up on the general discussion about shapes though at different times shapes will reappear in discussions about other topics.

The dome and square architecture, as was mentioned last time, played an important symbolic role in many but not all early church buildings. Whether it incorporated a dome theme or not, you will notice a good many churches (usually built before Vatican II) were constructed like a long hall or nave with a cross aisle or transept. This creates the shape of a cross. Saint Peter’s in Rome, which does use the square and circle (dome) combination, is in the shape of a Greek cross. The outline of a cross is clearly noticeable in the roof line of this church building.

The triangle is going to be fairly obvious to you. Because it is a single figure created by connecting three equal lines it is the ready symbol for the Trinity, one God in the Three Persons.

Building on this theme we can use three circles (from last Saturday’s post) and intertwine them so that not only is there the idea of the Trinity, but now we’ve incorporated into it all that the circle symbolizes: God, eternity, otherworldliness. Variations on this theme would be using just the outline of the figure or even just the inner section. For similar effect a single triangle and circle can be intertwined. (Picture provided by this site.)

The triangle may also be used as a halo, but only for depictions of the Blessed Trinity. The triangular nimbus usually sports three rays of light emanating from it. A triangle with an eye at the center is used by the Church to represent our omnipresent God who looks over us at every step on life’s journey.

The pentagram, a five pointed figure created from five straight lines was a symbol of the five wounds of Christ and commonly used as protection against the power of witches and demons. In the Middle Ages it became more readily associated with Satanism because of its use among magicians and subsequently fell out of use in much of Christian symbolism. The inverted star was seen as a goat’s head, (snout pointing down, the other four points representing the ears and the horns) a symbol of the damned (Matthew 25:31-46.)

The star shape itself however still figures heavily in our symbolic alphabet. A star is a symbol of divine guidance or favor. The most obvious star that comes to mind is the star of Bethlehem. Mary is often referred to as the Stella Maris or Star of the Sea. Mary is frequently seen as having a crown of 12 stars which represent her twelve fold office of queen as proclaimed the litany prayed in her honor.

Queen of angles
Queen of patriarchs
Queen of prophets
Queen of apostles
Queen of martyrs
Queen of confessors
Queen of virgins
Queen of all saints
Queen conceived without original sin
Queen assumed into Heaven
Queen of the most holy Rosary
Queen of peace

A different kind of star, the Star of David represents creation. Most commonly associated with Judaism it occasionally makes its way into Christian symbolism. Both the numbers 6 and 7 are associated with creation. The six points of this star (or its six points plus the its center point) call to this to mind.

Next week: Numbers.

THE SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS

Perhaps ten years ago or more the Atlantic Quarterly ran an article predicting the end of Catholic grade school education. They surmised that the cost of educating our young would become so great that a good Catholic education would only be available to the elite. I was appalled at the suggestion. Affordable, quality, Catholic education has been a trademark of the Church in the United States benefiting both the Church and state in innumerable ways.

In the Diocese of Cleveland it was not uncommon when a parish was founded to build the school first followed later by the church building. To this day some parishes still have mass in what was originally intended to be a school gym, but when “Black Sunday” hit and many people abandoned neighborhoods, the parishes lost their base and were not able to build the hoped for church building and so remain much as they were at the beginning of their mission.

Today at least part of the prophecy of the Atlantic Quarterly is coming true. The expense of running a Catholic school is becoming such a burden that it is difficult to keep them open. The school where I am is healthy and growing. But there is not a school in the diocese that does not need to take its future into serious consideration. We no longer have nuns willing to work for room and board and a few dollars a week. Technology is a constant drain on finances. State mandates continue to grow but state funding for them continues to dry up. Of course most of our buildings are now about half a century old and they are expensive to maintain. But the single largest factor raising the cost of education through the roof is benefits.

Once free to any parishioner, yearly tuition is now in the thousands. That amount rarely covers the actual cost of teaching a child. Because of the cost, far less families take advantage of a parish school yet they still pay for other’s education through their donations to the parish that must subsidize the school to keep it afloat. There is some relief in Cleveland through the voucher system, but it is not enough.

Tuition rises and so less families take advantage of the school. With every empty desk the cost of teaching a child rises. Often the only alternative is raising tuition which in turn means less families taking advantage of the school, which in turn means it cost more to teach each child . . .

Phillip Morris, a non-Catholic columnist for the Plain Dealer talks about some of our schools in older neighborhoods this past Thursday. He notes that many can be largely non-Catholic now a days. Concerning sending his daughter to a closing Catholic school he writes, “. . . her mother and I have relied heavily on the diocese to provide our daughter with a quality and affordable education. Not once have we thought of converting. . . . Are we part of the problem or part of the solution? . . .Many non-Catholics have long viewed the church (sic) as a way to get a quality education on the cheap and have reaped the benefits without making a commitment. But the reality is the Catholic Church is not a coffee house. As painful as it seems to the affected, closings were inevitable. Now it falls to me to explain that to an 8-year-old, who often wonders why she is not Catholic.”

There are not any answers here. The unfortunate thing is that it comes down not desire and belief in the mission, but cost. Only so many cookies can be sold. Only so much can be gambled on through parish carnivals and Bingo. Tuition can only be raised so high before Catholic education becomes only for the elite.

Has the time for Catholic grade school education come and gone? Are we willing to let Catholic grade school education be only for the wealthy? Do we have a choice?

MAYBE AFTER I HAVE MY COFFEE

“Will you rejoice with me this day?”

This line was quoted from Fr. Paul Clines whose funeral mass was held yesterday morning. The homilist said, “If Father Clines were able to speak to us today from the pulpit I am sure he would say, ‘Will you rejoice with me this day?’” I believe it. Far from a tragedy he would see his going forth from us an absolute blessing. That is not to say that the trip might have been one fraught with tense and scary moments, but through it all there was an underlying joy.

Some people are like that. They have a reserve of joy that shines through even during terribly trying moments. They always have hope amid tears, joy amid sadness, and a concern for others even as their own world seems to be collapsing.

Other people seem to be happiest being miserable. If it’s winter they curse the cold. If its summer, they curse the heat. When they are short on cash life is too hard, when they are flush, the cares that money thrusts upon them make the burden of having it too much. They cling to victimhood and wail most loudly at every incident of discomfort or slight, which they diligently seek out at every moment.

Christians have a certain obligation to be joyful. Not happy, but even when in tears there must be that underlying hope, that understanding that God can use anything for His glory and our benefit even if at the moment we do not understand it or see it. That is what the gifts of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge that you received at your confirmation are all about.

Have your cultivated these gifts given to you? Do you have that underlying sense of joy, hope, and trust in God? Here is a little test. It is not scientific but might at least make give you pause to contemplate and explore your spirituality a bit better.

You are in a restaurant where you are to meet a person. It is twenty minutes past the time he is supposed to be there. What runs through your mind?

a) I hope he is Okay.
b) I am so embarrassed sitting here alone. I wish he would hurry up and get here.
c) What a jerk! I can’t believe he is so inconsiderate as to leave me here by myself and be late like this!

Someone might argue that they would pick b or c if there was baggage with the person being either chronically late or having control issues. But even then, that fact that the person is like that is known and you should expect nothing else from them. Being upset is exactly what gives them power and dampens your spirit. Only (a) permits you to find any possible joy in the moment.

The world is full of wonder and most of it is missed because when things are not going exactly as a person wishes them, they ignore the opportunities the situation provides for all of their efforts are in trying to reorganize the world back to the course they wish it to be. Fr. Clines said, “Even the snow is full of wonder.” The billions of flakes that we have crushed unthinking under our feet have all been masterpieces of art, no two of which are alike. If only we would take time to appreciate what is before us.

We win nobody to Christ when they see the same worldly weariness in us as they do everyone else, when they see the same pessimism. If your faith is making you sour, there is something wrong and it isn’t with Christ or His Church.

That is not to say that we won’t be sad, that we won’t be down, that we won’t have low periods in our lives that there are not times when it becomes necessary to change situations. But even from the bottom of the pit we look up at the light and know that even if we must wait until death, there is still hope and love and light.

Much of joy is choosing joy. Happiness is rarely within our power but joy is. It takes a certain amount of discipline. It can be excruciatingly hard for some, natural for others, possible for all. But for it to be real, it must be in Him. And to be in Christ means to share in His joy.

Will you rejoice with me this day?

I SPLEEN YOU

Millennia ago some ancients thought that the source of great emotion including love was the spleen. Thank God we have come to think otherwise. Can you imagine the bumper sticker, “I spleen N.Y.” St. Valentine’s Day cards would look significantly different. And in June we would sing about the “Sacred Spleen of Jesus.” Artistic representations of the Sacred Heart might look like the Chicago bean reported here Monday. Fortunately we have come to think otherwise.

Over the centuries we have come to venerate symbols of Christ’s body. His whole body is represented in our churches on crucifixes and in the Stations of the Cross. There have been artist depictions of His hands, His feet, His head, and His wounds. His heart has been a matter of particular devotion however because it so well symbolizes His great love for us both human and divine. As the source of all love He gave of everything He had to save us, even His body, which we see particularly in both His crucifixion and in the Eucharist in which He continues to give us His body.

A couple of days ago I was speaking with Dawn Eden (whom I spleen) and she suggested a post about devotion to the Sacred Heart for those who might not be quite familiar with it. Here is a quick rundown.

In the final blow to His body, the sword piercing Jesus’ side as He hung upon the cross is said to have entered the chambers of His heart and from there came the flow of water and blood, releasing to the world His pure and superabundant love. The water is the water of baptism which unites us to Himself as true brothers and sisters, allowing us to share not only in His death but also to be resurrected as new creatures in Christ, sons and daughters of the Father. In His blood we receive Christ Himself in the Eucharist, not a distant God to be imagined or seen from afar, but a God that so thoroughly gives Himself to us that He made it possible to hold Him and even take His body, blood, soul and divinity within us, transforming us into His likeness. This is how completely He has given Himself over to us.

Is it even possible to comprehend how much Jesus loves you? How much He was and is willing to sacrifice for love of you? It is a deep mystery worth contemplating. That is what devotion to the Sacred Heart is, it is trying to comprehend that great depth of love that God has for us fragile, wayward, difficult creatures that He created and redeemed.

Though devotion to the Sacred Heart dates back to around the year 1000, it was from St. Margaret Mary (1673-75 dates of apparitions) that the devotion really took off. There is now a universal feast in June which in turn is a month dedicated to the Sacred Heart. During this month in particular we remember His love and make reparations for the outrages committed against divine love especially in the Blessed Sacrament.

For those who are devoted to the Sacred Heart (which means devotion to His great love and attempting to make some return) or who make frequent communions in a spirit of reparation especially on the First Fridays of the month, who make holy hours or take on other devotions including the enthronement of the Sacred Heart in their homes, we were given these promises according to the apparitions of St. Margaret Mary. (Click HERE for more information on these devotions and their further requirments.)

1. To receive graces necessary to our state in life.
2. To have peace in our home.
3. Comfort in our affliction.
4. Strength especially when facing death.
5. A blessing upon our undertakings.
6. Pardon for sinners.
7. A strengthening for those weak of faith.
8. A strengthening for those more advanced in faith.
9. A blessing for places where a depiction of His Sacred Heart is honored.
10.Priests will be able to touch hardened hearts.
11.Those who promote this devotion will be written in the Heart of Jesus.
12.“I promise you in the excessive mercy of My Heart that My all-powerful love will grant to all those who communicate on the First Friday in nine consecutive months the grace of final penitence; they shall not die in My disgrace nor without receiving their Sacraments; My Divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in the last moment.”

These promises were implicitly approved by the Church upon the occasion of Saint Margaret Mary’s canonization in 1920. All apparitions are of a personal nature and bear no binding force of belief by the faithful. But it seems that the great fervor with which this devotion is carried out by the sensus fidelium seems to indicate a supernatural benefit gained by adhering to the plea of the visions of this saint.

Of course, it also calls one to a way of living. One would fall into superstition to perform the requisite nine First Fridays and then live a life of debauchery thinking that you were in like Flin. Devotion to the Sacred Heart means that one tries to be like Him, which means loving as He did. No easy feat. But our perfection on earth is not in the accomplishment, but in the unyeilding trying.

"O Heart of love, I put all my trust in Thee; for I fear all things from my own weakness, but I hope all things from Thy goodness." Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque

TUESDAY QUOTE OF THE WEEK XVI

FINDING TRUTH WHEREVER IT MAY BE FOUND - "The self esteem movement promotes feeling good about yourself even when it is not justified. I don't think people can feel good about themselves without some suffering in their background . . . Do we really want 290 million self-absorbed people preoccupied with personal happiness?" Gregg Krech

QUOTE II - "If you ever reach total enlightenment while drinking beer, I bet it makes beer come out your nose." Unknown.

IN OTHER NEWS:


Here is a site that provides access to all kinds of Catholic links.

Here are some more pictures of the Chicago "Bean" that appeared here on Saturday. (Yes, my bald pate was in the picture Adoro.) This might give you a better idea of what it is.

A SHOWER OF BLESSINGS

DANGER: I am in an outrageously good mood today.

Did you take a shower this morning? I did. Remember, no matter how badly today is going, you took a shower this morning.

Think about it. You stepped into a shower most likely in the place where you live, maybe even in a place you own. You walked in on your own. That means you are pretty healthy, at least for the most part. First thing you did when you went in was switch on the light. Isn’t that amazing? If you were to touch electricity, it would kill you. But we mastered it, harnessed it, and every day almost without fail you touch a little switch and this energy, this incredible force produced further away from your home than you will probably travel today shoots through wires strung up along miles of road, comes into your building and lights a lamp so that you can see in your bathroom. All that you had to do was lift a finger.

The percentage is in the single digits of the number of people in the world who had water collected, purified, (probably had fluoride added) pumped underground with sufficient power to reach your home where it is heated to your exact specifications and then shot out of your showerhead.

How many soaps do you have in your shower? Bar soap, shampoo? Conditioner? I have only one: a great big giant bottle of vanilla smelling goodness. You lose interest in the other things when you lose your hair.

When you stepped out you had a towel. Most likely it was clean. And if it wasn’t it was only because you hadn’t gotten around to it yet. Then there were are all kinds of toiletries to use from deodorant to aftershave. And when you were all done, all the wastewater was magically whisked away along with all of the filth, taken miles away again quietly and efficiently where it will be cleaned and returned to nature.

The biggest risk faced during the whole process was probably slipping. There were no threats of air raids or genocide. In fact, nothing much went wrong for these precious few moments. As a matter of fact, chances are that if you took stock of most of the events that happened thus far today, the number of things that went right will out number that which went poorly probably in the millions to one.

Things did, or will go wrong today. Something maybe even serious. It will need your attention and may even make you feel legitimately blue. But remember to be thankful for everything that went well too. Remember that you had a shower this morning. You cannot be sad and thankful at the same time. And when something does go wrong, you will be able to handle it a little better knowing that mostly things go right and this too shall pass.
And still, even if they don’t, God loves you. And with that, even if they chop your head off, all will be well.

SUNDAY VIDEO ON TAP XVI

A. T. pointed out this little ditty that I missed over at WDTPRS. This is almost exactly like what I experienced in Chicago (reported earlier) sans the beautiful high altar. At least now I know where they got the idea. I hope you get as good a chuckle out of it as I did.

Mary Tyler Moore may have missed her calling.

IN OTHER NEWS:

I wonder if this mass would have been welcomed over at Spirit of Vatican 2 Catholic Faith Community? It seems I might not cut it as a good parochial vicar at the parish due to my rating (I am honored that Adam's Ale has been thusly recognized since China is taking their good old time banning me) but I prefer to think that it is because I am too cutting edge for them.

A. T. also sent this interesting and odd little link. Who would have connected Elvis and the rosary? Wonder what was going on in his spritual life?

The Diocese of Cleveland E-Newsletter sent out this link for MyCatholic.com, the first Catholic web portal that allows users to pick out their own content, layout, and preferences.

Finally, here is just an interesting picture from my short visit in Chicago to visit family. I thought it was pretty cool.

SYMBOLICALLY SPEAKING, YOU'RE RATHER SQAURE

It seems that there is a positive response each time there is post about symbols so on Saturdays for a spell there will be a new series on symbolism. We use symbols for three basic reasons. 1) To recognize each other. In the ancient Church it may have been through tracing the figure of a fish in the dirt to both identify yourself as a Christian and signify that it is safe to speak. We do much the same today. Our buildings have crosses on them. You might wear a crucifix on a chain around your neck or wear a T-shirt with a monstrance on it. All of these signify something about who you are and that others might engage you about such topics.

2) Symbols help us to express difficult concepts. For example, how do you explain eternity? You could use a lot of verbiage or you could draw a circle, a figure without a beginning or an end, which is all present at every moment.

3) We also use symbols to teach. Windows and paintings tell stories from the Bible. Statues remind us of important people in the pilgrimage of faith. They help make the invisible visible. They themselves are not the thing or person we wish to recall, but they point beyond themselves to a reality that does exist. As we are sensory beings they aid us greatly in understanding the things of God.

The symbols that will be expressed in these posts will focus on how they are used by the Church and will largely come from the Renaissance period. The use of the symbols is not limited to what will be described here. This will be a primer of sorts for beginning to interpret or use symbols as they are and have been traditionally used in the Catholic Church.

BASIC SHAPES:

THE CIRCLE. It represents wholeness or completeness. It is a symbol of perfection and eternity. Because of this it is used to call to mind the spiritual or things of God’s realm or God Himself.

THE SQAURE. This shape is not found in nature. It is a constructed shape and therefore calls to mind things that are manmade or things of the natural world.

You might recall Leonardo da Vinci’s famous drawing of a man within both a circle and a square either of which he seems to fit in well. Within man is the meeting of the spiritual (soul) and earthly (body).

But even more interestingly is the way these two shapes have played a role architecturally. Quite often these shapes have interplayed to give us an understanding of what is going on at the mass. Traditionally the square shape is surmounted by a circle (dome) or has a circle attached to it (such as in an apse) and in the area where these two shapes come together is where the altar would be located.

Here, where the very source and summit of our faith takes place, our architecture shows the worldly and the otherworldly coming together. We come together to worship God. On our altar the physical bread and wine cease to be except in their accidents and have become the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ who Himself is perfectly man and perfectly God.

A halo or a nimbus is a circle of light that emanates from a holy personage. Everybody is familiar with the circle of light that surrounds the head of a saint in paintings and holy cards. But what if you wanted to depict a living person and make it known that you think them holy? Artists have used a nimbus in the shape of a square sometimes turned so that it looks like a diamond to show that the person is still living and not dead or canonized yet but still very well and able to make a sizable donation for the restoration of the church.

NEXT TIME – Finishing up shapes!

PISTOL PACKING PASTORS PUSH PARISHIONERS TO POINT OF PASSIONATE PLEADING

Can you imagine being Bishop Lennon right now? I trust he is doing what he believes in his heart what is best for the Diocese and for the faith. But having good intentions does not mean that everyone will cut you slack. There is a storm a brewin’ in some circles and there is no doubt that they intend to pour burning hot coals on our shepherd’s head.

It would be nice to have Jesus Christ Himself come and be our bishop for a little spell. He could sit and listen patiently to each and every person, not take attacks personally, not let the strain wear him down, and always have the right thing to say. But we have a man named Lennon. A good man, but a man none-the-less and as such he will have imperfections not the least of which is, even after in depth consultation with all kinds of experts and people across the diocese, he cannot be certain beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is doing the exact right thing. Jesus had that assurance, but Bishop Lennon can only do what he thinks is best and having everyone who is interested in talking to him second guessing him must be a terrible strain. H/t to Carol for, in her way, pointing this out yesterday.

Bearing this in mind, Gypsy and Winnipeg Catholic broached the subject of how to go about speaking to a priest about something that he is doing that may not be right. With some priests this is easy. For some men, there will never be a right time. They will take offense no matter how delicately you couch the subject. Either way, you have both a right and sometimes an obligation to make your concerns known. Knowing that there are no guarantees, here are some suggestions that I recommend for engaging a priest in such a case.

Know the importance of your concern. Is your concern something along the lines of a matter of validity of the sacraments or more having to do with personal tastes? For (a silly) example, is the priest using beer instead of wine at the mass? That is a hill worth dying on. If he wearing green clericals instead of black and you make a huge brouhaha of it you will find little meaningful support and your future real concerns, as legitimate as they may be, will have lost their impact.

Make sure that your concern is true for where you are. For example, kneeling after the Agnus Dei in the United States is up to the discretion of the local bishop. The former bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland has mandated that we stand and many a good priest were viciously attacked for being obedient servants to the bishop by well meaning persons who not only did not know of the ruling, but refused to believe it when they were informed. I was once grilled horribly for having a communal penance service. The person who accosted and threatened me thought we were having general absolution, a practice forbidden in the diocese. No explanation was satisfactory. I finally gave him the number of the bishop and told him to tell on me.

Everybody wants their priest to act as a good spiritual father of the parish family. That desire cuts both ways. A good friend of mine stopped in to talk about his kids whom he dearly loves. “But Father, all they are doing now is yelling and fighting, and getting sick. They are driving me crazy!” Is the first time your pastor really hears from you going to be when you have a complaint? As a member of the parish family has he heard from you about what you are willing to do in the parish? “Father, do you need help?” This is welcome news especially for things outside of mass. Bringing communion to the sick, teaching CCD, offering to head up something are ways not only to be involved in your parish but a way to build up trust between you and your pastor and allow the free flow of ideas both ways.

Be careful not to ambush. I’ve seen it all too often. Just stepping off of the altar is a bad time to do anything but shake hands and offer pleasantries. There may be a couple of hundred other people to greet or the next sacrament to get ready for. Also, if you have something meaningful and difficult to talk about it is not a good idea to “catch” your priest as he is out on a friendly errand, sitting at the table in a restaurant, or “not doing anything” when he is in church praying. If you don't have the kind of relationship in which you spend time together and can just talk, make an appointment.

The past liturgist for this diocese was fond of reminding us, “Nobody wakes up in the morning planning to destroy the Roman Rite.” Chances are, even if something is clearly against liturgical law or what have you, the priest (hopefully) has what he believes to be the good of the parish in mind. He may use inclusive language because he feels he can reach more people and bring them closer to Christ by doing so. He may use some aspects of an older rite for funerals because he feels that is what his people know, expect, and are comfortable with. This is not to excuse such actions, but to point out that they are not being done in a nefarious manner. This should be kept in mind when approaching a pastor.

Be sincere in your desire to understand why it is he chooses do something that you find objectionable. You would wish to be heard and understood in a disagreement even if you don’t prevail. At least then you feel respected. Priests are no different.

Understand that there are some things that take place that he also may be uncomfortable with and does not wish to do. Parochial vicars may be under orders to do something at mass. As a good churchman he might keep his mouth shut and do it knowing some day he too will be a pastor and then can do things the (hopefully) right way. He may not be at liberty to make his grievances know to you.

Of course, politeness, courtesy, and friendliness go a long way. Many a position has been held just as a grudge against an angry accusation. Is this right? No. That is why we all need Jesus to save us from our sins.

Lastly, know there are guys just barely holding it together. There are men in charge of parishes much larger than they are qualified for, but there is no one to take their place. Sometimes guys in small parishes are there because they need a more limited ministry in order to function well and being snarky may be their way of coping with life. The snarkier usually mean the more fragile.

Pray for priests. They need it. They need you as you need them. Know that it can take as long for them to come around and warm up to a new idea or a new way of doing things as it can be for the average parishioner. We are a family. A darn big one. And large families are difficult to manage and take great care and sacrifice on everybody’s part.

DOING THE HARD THING

It is in the news already. Pastors throughout the Diocese of Cleveland have received a letter today (Wednesday) from the bishop concerning what needs to be done through the Vibrant Parish Life initiative to keep the diocese running smoothly and make the sacraments available to the Catholics of the eight county region. Rumors are already flying. Who or what will close? What will any particular parish have to do? Who will have less and who will have more priests? Will we be affected at all? On the short term, not everyone will be happy. People may not like what is asked of them to do. Pastors will not like having to face his people and say, “Here is what we need to do.” I’m sure the bishop, though a strong man, will have to bear the brunt of many complaints and it will not be pleasant for him. Probably the least effected will be parochial vicars as we are only assigned to a particular parish for four years and then we move on. We will not have to deal with the long-term anguish.

It would be surprising if you could find a pastor in the diocese who does not know that drastic steps need to be taken. Northeast Ohio has lost many residents. Included in that drop of persons is the Catholic community. We are roughly 100,000 persons smaller than we were at our peak yet we run the diocese with parishes and services as if we were still considerably larger than we are and we are straining. It is also known that the Catholics who remain do not live where they used to. Not immune to suburban sprawl they headed out to what was a couple of decades (or months) ago farmland now overlaid with cement streets, tiny trees, matching mailboxes, and houses that have fancy facades and three sides wrapped in aluminum siding.

Another approaching tragedy will be the closing of the Ford plants in the area. Charities and arts will become more cut throat as the well of funds continues to dry up. It will undoubtedly mean the out migration of more people from the Cleveland area, which means less people in the pew and certainly less money in the collection basket for all religious organizations.

Of course then there is the priest shortage. And in theory we can sit around and say, “Yes! Something needs to be done. Let’s do it!” But deep down we mean, “But we are fine. Leave us alone. Fix them”

Intellectually we are all great churchmen, but when floodwaters of change hit our doorsteps, we can lose courage. We all know the teaching that Church doesn't mean a building, but people. The faith is not contained in bricks and mortar; it is housed in flesh and blood. But for good or evil, our buildings have become powerful symbols. Anyone who has tried to move a statue or change the configuration of the sanctuary furniture knows that the very wrath of God can be visited upon your head. We become very attached. I know.

My home parish was suppressed along with another ethnic parish and a new community arose. A loyal churchman I took it in stride. Then Saturday I happened across some pictures on the Internet of the old building now a “Salt and Light” ministry. It took my breath away. All kinds of emotions and memories came rushing back. There is the choir loft in which I spent most of my time as a youngster as almost everyone I was related too sang in the choir. I would lean over the wooden railing and watch the people below.

When I wasn’t looking out from the loft I sat on the end of the organ bench next to Mrs. Bailey. Mom and Dad were married here. I made my First Holy Communion and had just started serving before we moved to the new modern building down the road. I still dream at night about that old church rather regularly.

My sister and I went for a walk on Memorial Day that took us around the old church. It still pulls at my heartstrings. I think of all the people, all the things we did there, the traditions, the music, the sacraments, the awesome respect in which we held the building that housed the Blessed Sacrament, how it was kept immaculately clean by volunteers at the parish. The stories that were handed on about past generations largely lost now because we are no longer in the places that happen to remind us, “Hey, do remember when . . .”

Now, nobody is going to wake tomorrow with news that they need to start looking for a new parish (at least think,) but things are going to start happening. There will be closings. Perhpas as many as 23. Some people will be offering thanksgiving and others will start mourning. And we are all in this boat together from the babe in arms to the bishop himself. I assure you he would much rather keep every parish open, subsidize them, and give them more priest and nuns to staff the place than they need. But he can’t. This is a solution. At some point we have to stop debating and do something. Our bishop is calling us to this.

Everyone knows that it is going to hard for some. Our symbols are both mightily powerful and important. Any reader of this blog knows they would be preaching to the choir here about the beauty of symbols and the influence that they have to us tactile beings. But in the end, they are just symbols. Not so the Blessed Sacrament, not so our faith, not so even the Church. It is a heart-wrenching lesson. But we must keep our hearts and minds on truth, what is real, what is of most supreme value. Keep your eyes fixed on that, nothing else, even if you are one of those chosen to mourn.