Cardinal Cupich launches Amoris Laetitia seminars for US bishops

[deacon3b]

My formation was 2 years plus a year of discernment then 5 years of theology which included completion of Graduate Studies in Theology. The national directory for the diaconate now requires dioceses to have similar programs. Additionally, there is not a significant priest shortage in my area which seems to be a common thread among dioceses that are known for their orthodoxy. BTW comparing permanent deacons with priests is an apples and oranges situation. Two different vocations. Additionally what puts you in a position at your parish to do “damage control” for comments made by deacons? Do you work for the parish or diocese? If not by what authority do you make damage control your job? Are you qualified or commissioned by the bishop to do so? I question this because in an earlier post you demonstrated that you didn’t know that the Eucharist was a sacrament of initiation. This basic Eucharistic understanding causes me to wonder if you have firm enough of an understanding of the Catholic Faith to do “damage control” on behalf of men who were chosen with confidence by your ordinary to serve as deacons.

 

[Luke6_37]

Too often deacons forget that it’s not about THEM.

My formation was 2 years plus a year of discernment then 5 years of theology which included completion of Graduate Studies in Theology. The national directory for the diaconate now requires dioceses to have similar programs. Additionally, there is not a significant priest shortage in my area which seems to be a common thread among dioceses that are known for their orthodoxy. BTW comparing permanent deacons with priests is an apples and oranges situation. Two different vocations. Additionally what puts you in a position at your parish to do “damage control” for comments made by deacons? Do you work for the parish or diocese? If not by what authority do you make damage control your job? Are you qualified or commissioned by the bishop to do so? I question this because in an earlier post you demonstrated that you didn’t know that the Eucharist was a sacrament of initiation. This basic Eucharistic understanding causes me to wonder if you have firm enough of an understanding of the Catholic Faith to do “damage control” on behalf of men who were chosen with confidence by your ordinary to serve as deacons.

All I can say is…

On several occasions I have had to say to the deacons at my parish that it not about YOU. It’s about the people you serve. You have to meet them where they’re at and love them for who they are - not who you think they should be. Remember, the Gospel is like fine chocolate. Nearly everybody loves it, but nobody wants it shoved down their throat.

Yes, damage control. You don’t think people ever get hurt or offended when overzealous clergy make insensitive or judgemental comments? The Church is made up of all sorts of people, including the immature, the wounded, the loney and the insecure. It also can’t operate without the service of the many dedicated lay people who could be making a lot more money if they were using their talents in the business world, but feel called by God to use them to further his mission instead.

 

[Annie]

You bring up an excellent point. I have been in the Church for over w20 years now, and have yet to find a priest who has time to spiritually accompany people. They are all much too busy.

 

[Luke6_37]

deacon3b:

Additionally, there is not a significant priest shortage in my area which seems to be a common thread among dioceses that are known for their orthodoxy

Kind of makes you wonder what kind of priests were going to be getting for the next generation.

Kind of makes me wonder how small the congregation is in that diocese.

 

[Luke6_37]

It’s unfortunate that you are offended, but my expressing a desire for better formation for deacons is hardly a sin. I was speaking out of personal experience, not making a general statement. Unfortunately, my exchange with you has done nothing to reassure me that my personal experience is just an unfortunate aberration and not typical of deacons in general.

Rather personally attacking me and trying to undermine my experience and credibility, what you could have said is something like; 1) Sometimes a deacon just isn’t a good fit for a parish. When that happens, it can create problems, which is unfortunate, but rare. 2) There are lots of ministries in parishes that are run by dedicated lay people and 3) when a zealous new deacon upsets the boat, it is good to have someone to help get the parishioners back on board. 4) Just keep praying for the Holy Spirit to work with the deacons you have and to inspire the ones you need.

Something like that would have accomplished the goals of 1) reaffirming my faith in deacons, 2) acknowledging that different types of religious people exist who sometimes don’t always get along, and 3) expressing appreciation for my service to the Church, 4) directing me to the one person who can really help.

Usually the best defense is to simply diffuse the conflict.

 

[JimG]

Kind of makes you wonder what kind of priests were going to be getting for the next generation.

I can say that we’re getting some great new priests in my diocese, along with a large number of excellent seminarians.

 

[Luke6_37]

jagged:

Kind of makes you wonder what kind of priests were going to be getting for the next generation.

I can say that we’re getting some great new priests in my diocese, along with a large number of excellent seminarians.

Our problem isn’t quality, it’s quantity. We have a lot more priests retiring in our diocese than are being ordained.

 

[pnewton]

Then I hope the next step will be to address the shortage of priests, because the current workload is already too much.

In such cases where a priest, or a deacon that is good enough for you, is unavailable, then the rule of canon law says such a one is not to receive the Eucharist while living in an irregular situation. That part is non-controversial.

 

[Luke6_37]

Luke6_37:

Then I hope the next step will be to address the shortage of priests, because the current workload is already too much.

In such cases where a priest, or a deacon that is good enough for you, is unavailable, then the rule of canon law says such a one is not to receive the Eucharist while living in an irregular situation. That part is non-controversial.

I’ve never had anything but favorable encounters with priests!

Anyway, I wonder how many 20-30 year old Catholics even know Canon law exists? My guess would be less than half.

Among those who do, I wonder how many realize that living with their girlfriend or boyfriend disqualifies them from receiving communion?

Makes me wonder if the safest thing for their souls is to keep them ignorant. I always say to my kids, knowledge of good & evil can be dangerous.

 

[pnewton]

Makes me wonder if the safest thing for their souls is to keep them ignorant. I always say to my kids, knowledge of good & evil can be dangerous.

The situation you describe though is knowledge of evil without the knowledge of good. Slaves who never knew of freedom may be more satisfied than on who was enslaved, but remains a slave. Slavery to sexual sin can be a bondage like that. Until the Son of God sets one free, they do not realize they are living in slavery. Only then can the true joy of freedom be known. This is the Gospel.