Can one morally enter into a state of "irregular standing"

[KingAlfred]

SSPX’s always insist that they are not in schism, but rather in an “irregular standing” with Rome. If their position is accurate, can one morally enter into such a state without sin?

I think it’s somewhat sinful to resist the authority of the modern Church, based on one’s longing for a return to past practices. Fanatical trads are essentially doing the same thing radical liberals – rejecting much of the Church’s authority to suit their own preferences. It’s the same thing, although trads feel ‘righteous’ in as much as they’re anchored in the Church’s past. Defiance is defiance, whether forward- or backward-looking. No offense to anyone.

 

[jmcrae]

I think it’s somewhat sinful to resist the authority of the modern Church, based on one’s longing for a return to past practices. Fanatical trads are essentially doing the same thing radical liberals – rejecting much of the Church’s authority to suit their own preferences. It’s the same thing, although trads feel ‘righteous’ in as much as they’re anchored in the Church’s past. Defiance is defiance, whether forward- or backward-looking. No offense to anyone.

This is exactly right. As I said above, just because there is a ditch on this side of the road does not give us the right to fall into the ditch on the other side of the road. This applies to both sides - radical liberals and radical traditionalists.

The Catholic faith calls all of us to obedience - not just “those other guys.”

 

[maurin]

Actually, I wasn’t citing any specific document. Just gleaning info from this forum and The Catholic Community Forum.

However, would you please provide me with a source and link to a document from Rome which forbids me from fulfilling my Sunday obligation at the SSPX Chapel? Which calls my so assisting a schismatic act? Which says I am not in Communion with Her for assisting there?

The following is from an interview with the Cardinal in Le Osservatore Romano in March of this year

Interviewer
**How is return to “full communion” possible for people who are excommunicated?

Cardinal Hoyos
The excommunication regarded only the four bishops, because they were ordained without the mandate of the Pope and against his will, while the priests are only suspended. **The Mass they celebrate is without question valid, but not licit and, therefore, participation is not recommended, at least when on Sunday there are other possibilities. ****Certainly neither the priests nor the faithful are excommunicated. I would like to underscore the importance of a clear understanding of these things to be able to judge them correctly.

So as I see it you can go but they really don’t want you to but do not in any way forbid it… Neither the The Priests nor the congregations have been excommunicated, the Priests are validly ordained, their faculties are suspended but the sacraments are valid . Only the four Bishops were ever excommunicated.

It seems pretty cut and dry to me.

This is exactly right. As I said above, just because there is a ditch on this side of the road does not give us the right to fall into the ditch on the other side of the road. This applies to both sides - radical liberals and radical traditionalists.

The Catholic faith calls all of us to obedience - not just “those other guys.”

quite honestly, jmcrae, you still have yet to show that we who assist at SSPX Masses have fallen into a ditch at all–especially those of us who assist there because of a lack of any reverent alternative in our area.

You are using language that the Church Herself does not use in describing the SSPX… so why speak like one of “those other guys?”

 

[jmcrae]

quite honestly, jmcrae, you still have yet to show that we who assist at SSPX Masses have fallen into a ditch at all–especially those of us who assist there because of a lack of any reverent alternative in our area.

You are using language that the Church Herself does not use in describing the SSPX… so why speak like one of “those other guys?”

As I see it, the SSPX and the liberal Catholics are both in the same boat. Their Masses are not considered licit, (for differing reasons) but their Masses are in fact valid, and if one is forced into a situation where it is impossible not to attend, then one may attend with a good conscience; however, if a Mass that is both licit and valid is available, then one attends that one instead.

In neither case are the congregants considered to be excommunicated. So, I think it’s a fair comparison.

 

[maurin]

As I see it, the SSPX and the liberal Catholics are both in the same boat. Their Masses are not considered licit, (for differing reasons) but their Masses are in fact valid, and if one is forced into a situation where it is impossible not to attend, then one may attend with a good conscience; however, if a Mass that is both licit and valid is available, then one attends that one instead.

In neither case are the congregants considered to be excommunicated. So, I think it’s a fair comparison.

except for your first sentence, this seems to be a pretty fair and reasonable statement, based on validity and licitness alone.

I do believe, jmcrae, that if there were a valid and licit alternative in my area, I would not have thought to assist at the SSPX Chapel in the first place. But I must admit that it has been one of the best experiences I have ever had.

I pray regularly for regularization of the Society’s status. I hope you can join your prayers with mine.