Blog-Block
2009 November 12
Blog-block must be the same as Log-Jam, I guess! I need some lumberjacks to get the jam cleared. I’m sure some of you must fancy yourselves as lumberjacks, so help me by suggesting topics or subjects for me to blog about. If you look at my tags, that may inspire you more than it inspires me – today at least. Maybe dinner tonight with good friends will get the blog rolling again.
Father, I’d love to know your opinion and see comments from some of your readers about Pope Benedict XVI’s wider permission for use of the Traditional Latin Mass. Oh, I’d fully expect any Friend of St Clement’s to be for it, but i, for one, am disappointed that it hasn’t resulted in many more Tridentine Masses. For instance, I live in the Diocese of Camden. It encompasses the six southern-most counties of New Jersey. Prior to the Motu Proprio, we had one (approved) regularly scheduled Tridentine Mass in the diocese. Today, we have two on a weekly basis, and two more on a monthly basis. I’m sure much Glory goes to Almighty God each time these Sacred rites are offered, but in a six county area with a population of some 400,000 Catholics I was naively hoping for more by this point in time!. I’d love to know your opinion, Father
I would be interested to learn more about what your understanding of Anglo-Catholicism, in particular: The question of Anglican Orders, the development of doctrine, understanding of moral issues, where you see the Anglican Communion “moving” in the coming decades, etc.
Father, may I use this site to encourage Stephen (above).
STEPHEN, only a little over two years have passed since SP went into effect. Even the bishops have, for the most part, never celebrated the EF in their lives. The generation of priests and bishops who were ordained or in seminary when the reforms came in are largely committed to them. Many younger priests only saw the EF as small children, if then. They may be more interested in the EF than the generation before them but they face a real learning curve not to mention a lack of opportunity since they are normally required to celebrate one, sometimes more, OF Masses in their parishes everyday.
In short, Stephen, give it time. It is fascinating to see the number of Pontifical Masses being celebrated. Before SP there were none. As Father Z always says on his blog (WDTPRS), brick by brick.
I have two suggestions: firstly, commentary on the state of Episcopal religious orders in this country and Anglican religious orders in England, and, secondly, on the pervasiveness of homosexuality in the Anglo-Catholic Movement in both countries and their respective religious orders. Thank you.
I’ll bet you get asked some really dumb questions. I’ll also bet you you display your customary charm, restraint and patience when answering such questions. So what are some of the stupidest (or most surprising) questions you’ve been asked? And what are the niftiest (or most evasive) answers you have given? And has there ever been a question so “off the wall” that you were left absolutely speechless?
In response to Stephen (and David O’Rourke) I wonder if frankly the percentage of people and parishes that really want the Extraordinary Form mass isn’t rather smaller than might be hoped for. Take the venerable St Clement’s as an example – how many such parishes exist in all of TEC?
What I hope does happen, however, is that a pervasive reverence might once again apply to Catholic liturgies – inspired in part by the Motu Proprio.
I echo Russell Furhman’s query about religious communities through the Anglican Communion and thank you for your always insightful blogging.
Father, I hope your diner with your friends helped the block. In the meantime, as a possible topic, may we know how your search for your new Curate is progressing and how Father Wall likes his new parish in State College?