Fr John Corapi has Announced in a Video Message that he is Leaving the Priesthood

[guanophore]

Whatever his accuser has done, what he has done is be disobedient to vows he took to SOLT. Whatever else he has done, he has now put himself in opposition to obedience. That alone should make Catholics’ mouths drop. What he is doing right now is not in any way priest-like, which shows that his order is correct to judge him “unfit for the priesthood.”

Yes, his current response is not that of a person in a state meekness and obedience.

However, SOLT did not judge him “unfit for the priesthood”. They could not, and would not do that. HIs ordination leaves an indelible mark that no faithful Catholic will deny. They have judged him presently “unfit for ministry”. It is possible for him to be restored, if he takes the right actions.

I also noticed that, though SOLT received his letter if resignation in June, even still in their July 5 announcement they are continuing to invite him to return to SOLT, which means they will not accept his resignation, even in the light of all that has been brought out, if he will be obedient to the promises he made to the society.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

Yes, his current response is not that of a person in a state meekness and obedience.

However, SOLT did not judge him “unfit for the priesthood”. They could not, and would not do that. HIs ordination leaves an indelible mark that no faithful Catholic will deny. They have judged him presently “unfit for ministry”. It is possible for him to be restored, if he takes the right actions.

I also noticed that, though SOLT received his letter if resignation in June, even still in their July 5 announcement they are continuing to invite him to return to SOLT, which means they will not accept his resignation, even in the light of all that has been brought out, if he will be obedient to the promises he made to the society.

Thank you for the correction, guanophore. I knew that didn’t look right when I wrote it. And that is what I am praying for, that he will take the right actions and be restored. That the rogue sheepdog will come to his senses and return the sheep to their Master instead of running them over the cliff…

 

[Robert_Bay]

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[Cinette]

*Has anyone watched the programme “The World Over” on EWTN? It must have been aired late last night in the US - saw it at 2am this morning here. Well the news regarding Fr Corapi is blistering. I am not sure he has been entirely honest with us.

Cinette*

 

[Cinette]

Amen.:byzsoc:

*That is such a splendid idea!

*

 

[fisherman_carl]

I was listening to Kresta in the afternoon talk about Fr. Corapi with Jimmy Akin after the press release by SOLT. It saddened me all this bad news about how Fr. Corapi. We need to all pray for him. Not to judge him but to pray.

I have some recordings of Fr. Corapi from EWTN. And, I thought I would listen to him preach because I still have a hard time believing all the bad news about him. I randomly picked a program and started listening to Fr. Corapi preach. And I believe what I heard him say is in a way prophetic about his current situation. Was he trying to tell us something about himself when he said this? Here is what he said.

"Moral in the priesthood is lower than it ever been in my lifetime for sure. Without any question. You have to do something about it. Now you, you’re the good guys. I know that. You’re the solid Catholics. Your the pillars of the Church. And I have the greatest respect for you. You have a job to do. You need your priests. And I tell you something, you’re priests really need you.

A lot of times, okay, it goes right over the average Catholics head. You know that, Father he seems to be with the people all the time. But you got to remember you all go home together. He goes home alone. And, if he is not very, very careful, the loneliness can get to him. When a man is ordained it doesn’t somehow change him into something other than human. He’s still human, subject to all the same sins as anybody else. So do not be shocked when priests fall, and fall hard.

Should we be held to a higher standard? Oh, yes. We should be. But, do not be surprised if we fall.

I was talking with my superior in July who celebrated his 50th anniversary of ordination, and the first priest who joined him, in the society of our Lady. They both celebrated 50 years. And, I preached at the Mass, the anniversary Mass. The bishop, a wonderful friend of ours, Bishop Rene Gracida, celebrated the Mass down in Corpus Christi, Texas. And, I preached the homily.

And, I noted how in reflecting back there were twelve priests who had helped me a great deal in my journey towards the priesthood. Only one of them is left. And, they didn’t all die. Several of them are gone because of these scandals. That article I read, 6 priests gone.

Now, listen, you know me. Most of you do. I am not soft on crimes, so to speak. Okay. I call good and evil by their proper name. I don’t call sin anything other than what it is, sin. In those cases, those priests had made a mistake 25-40 years ago. It happened once. It never happened again. And, they had 25-40 years of productive, fruitful, holy ministry. They’re gone forever. And, there is something wrong with that."

• Fr. Corapi, EWTN, Aired on Feb 26, 2011

 

[NeedImprovement]

“Rejoice if Father Corapi helped bring you closer to Jesus, and now you can return the favor. Lift him up in prayer.”

This is so beautifully put…

Social psychologists will tell you that when people get into groups, they commonly pick on one member to make themselves feel superior . Internet forums amplify these tendencies. It would be better if we could see that in ourselves without it having to be pointed out to us on the thread ; and then we were to proceed with appropriate vigilance.

*valient Lucy’s *post provides a reference to where we’ve been lacking in precision . We need to extricate two things from the jumble :

1. Fr. Corapi’s ministry as a priest - ordained to preach the Word of God.
2. His personal life.

As far as preaching what the Catholic Church proposes to be true and worthy of our belief, no one can say Fr. Corapi misled anyone . He never skimped on any of that .

Be sure to keep that separate from what seems to be happening now pertaining to allegations of conduct in his personal life; because God can still work with a broken instrument and accomplish his plan just as if the instrument hadn’t even been broken.
As far as any of what is alleged being commendable, we seem to all be in agreement … So… … What are we going to do about it ?

Bump .

The evil one will not snatch John Corapi or any of us away, as long as we keep our eyes on the Shepherd, and pray for John, and keep ourselves in a state of grace, to be the true warriors that Christ has called us to be.

This is obviously a call to action for all of us, to look into our hearts, and call out to Mother Mary to pray for us, and for Jesus to guide us through this.

Like every single one of you, I am sorely disappointed. But I am not broken. I just feel like I received marching orders. It’s time to seriously pray for this issue, as it involves our whole family.

Amen.

Earlier this year, I asked a fellow CAF member to clarify for me the difference between religious vows, and a promise . Although it has been pointed out on this thread several times already , I see posts by people who don’t seem to be fully aware of these differences commenting on these very things… Better first to learn the difference between a promise of celibacy and a vow of chastity … a promise of obedience and a vow of obedience,between a religious Order and a religious Society.

 

[NeedImprovement]

God is the Good Shepherd . If some insist on getting caught up in all these analogies of sheep and dogs, please remember that the so -called sheepdog was actually chosen from among the sheep and configured with an indelible mark - he hasn’t lost “sheep” status himself per se … still succeptible to everything the sheep are succeptible to. That being said , it would be beneficial to use a little more caution in the analogies - some of which have leaned towards discrediting God.

So if some may have a problem forgiving Fr. Corapi (who has yet to admit to anything) perhaps they could be careful not to suggest God won’t forgive him. Let’s not discredit God:

Matthew 18:13-14

And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray.

In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.

Luke 22: 31-32

Simon, Simon, behold Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat,

but I have prayed that your own faith may not fail; and once you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers."

There is nothing at all humorous or amusing about any soul being sifted by Satan.

Ezekiel 33:11

Answer them: As I live, says the Lord GOD, I swear I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, but rather in the wicked man’s conversion, that he may live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! Why should you die, O house of Israel?

Isaiah 1:18

Come now, let us set things right, says the LORD: Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow; Though they be crimson red, they may become white as wool.

I’m currently reserving my own decision of how I shall view things until more information is made available.

(Hail Mary said for Fr. Corapi and a Hail Mary said for his accuser)

 

[ETEXAS]

Whatever happens to a man… begins in the heart…I cant see his…so…whatever/issues problems private demons…I ask Christ to lift and Heal him and guide him. Seeing a man fall aint pretty…so…I ask that he finds Peace in Christ Jesus!

 

[heathernoel]

That sounded like a guilty conscience if ever I heard one.

I respectfully disagree wi th Fr. Corapi, and will pray for his return to the fold.

 

[Fink]

That sounded like a guilty conscience if ever I heard one.

All hes doing is being honest; and saying that a priest is subject to all of the temptations that plague the rest of us. Wheres the hint that he actually gave in to some of them?
Don`t read too much between the lines. Right now, our judgement may not be as balanced as it should be.

Maybe he did fall, so: …we members of the laity fall, and come back via the Confessional. Dont forget that the Confessional is there for all priests, as well: ***even the Pope!*** If some of **OUR** dirty washing were dragged out in full public view......wed squirm!
The secrecy of the Confessional holds good for everybody, including priests.

 

[Veridical16]

It’s what one would call a self-fulfilling prediction (prophesy)

All hes doing is being honest; and saying that a priest is subject to all of the temptations that plague the rest of us. Wheres the hint that he actually gave in to some of them?

This was dated in February 2011. It sounds like he is opening himself up for an excuse to fall.

I disagree with his words and his recurrent attitude. And I’m not coming from a place of judgment , because I’ve been guilty of having the wrong attitude he has displayed at times, in regard to himself. That’s not an example one should heed. While I obviously we can’t dwell too much as he and God can work this out. (This stuff will pass with time, I’m believing. Corapi hopefully will behave and come home in some capacity. ) The statements above reflect a pattern. It was discussed on here with Guan,
this is the third excuse I’ve seen where he’s setting himself up , or setting the bar low with himself in cooperation with God’s grace.
The first one is how he said, he’s not good at apologetics, or other duties as a Catholic, I’m just here to preach, so don’t bother asking. The second one I’m not a parish priest, that gave him an excuse to not be so friendly or be a bit inattentive to people who would meet him. One of my high school teachers gave us advice on, you have talents, and those are given, but its good to work on your weaknesses and improve areas where you’re not so proficient…so in light of that sage instruction, to me it seemed convenient for him to insist that his strength is only preaching. If he wants to show grace in all areas surely he’d be more gentle or at least make an effort in some weak areas in his priestly duties. Obviously feeling that his only specialty as a priest was to give big talks and sell tickets, that gave him more recreational time, too much freedom.

The second example is when he would preach, I noticed he’d boast how he’s only a preacher. what Corapi insisted on in his talks/speeches, almost was like pigeonholing himself. "Oh God meant me to be a preacher. I’m here to preach. " And now that insistence has come full circle.

Especially when AGAIN he sets up an excuse to run away from the Eucharist.

A priest is ordained primarily to confect the Eucharist. A validly ordained priest can do this in the normal setting of a parish or community celebration of the holy Eucharist, or in private, as I have done for twenty years. . . .Please don’t misunderstand me and think I believe anything less than that. Each of us is called to a unique way of serving God and society. Certainly I was called to be a priest, but not as a parish priest, and that is not out of character with the history and tradition of the Church. St. Paul was a mission preacher basically. He traveled widely and preached. He did not function like a parish priest, at one time almost boasting that he thanked God that he hadn’t baptized many of them as he didn’t want to share in their sins. He was not demeaning the sacrament, just thankful he wouldn’t have to answer to God for having some share in profaning such a holy state of life.

Which does not ring true especially when he mentions Saint Paul’s regard to baptism. Paul certainly wasn’t used to just to be a public evangelist, he administered the sacraments and was celibate to devote his whole self to his duties. Again the double speak like when he says “Don’t go after the Bishops” He sets up a truth, only to have his intentions run counter to it. The priest is meant to confer the Eucharist, yet he is reluctant to sacrifice public ministry as if that is above his duties to administer the sacrament?? Certainly many have noticed he didn’t confer the mass much during his public ministry.

And this violation, has been overlooked from the SOLT statements amidst the blogosphere and boards.

adult women, abuse of alcohol and drugs, improper sacramental practices, violation of his promise of poverty, and other wrongdoing.

What does this exactly mean?? What did he do to the sacraments privately??

 

[Veridical16]

That sounded like a guilty conscience if ever I heard one.

I respectfully disagree wi th Fr. Corapi, and will pray for his return to the fold.

You’re right. And you should reject his words outside of the fact that he says priests can sin. We know that. Really Corapi’s words read like a lot of confusion. Non-committal. It’s hard to see any inspiring advice there. Even instruction. Seems more like a muted remorse…

Anyway, Heather and others, here is a proper instruction that counters Corapi’s words & attitude above which he’ll hopefully change in the future.
It’s from a homily, from a priest who expands on Theresa of Avila’ on Mortal Sin. I won’t go into too many details, because it might be hard to hear for some younger in their faith, though it also provides much hope and inspiration too.

I will say one more thing that is somewhat wrong and misleading from Corapi…

When a man is ordained it doesn’t somehow change him into something other than human. He’s still human, subject to all the same sins as anybody else. So do not be shocked when priests fall, and fall hard.

Rather, You don’t have to be even a priest to be transformed or cooperate with God’s grace to make you holy and saintly. God’s redemptive power from the cross truly can transform us as this relates to redeeming us from our original sin, through the sacraments & especially the eucharist.
Corapi’s words almost reflect despair, or weak trust…

Here is what the Franciscan priest says with a more truthful attitude, and setting our aim the way God asks us to shoot for. He wants us to shoot for heaven, not purgatory by lamenting our fallen nature, but looking to Christ, to make it possible to overcome such nature.

The priest says, (excerpted & paraphrased) "so often we hear, we are all sinners that is true. But we’re to understand that we’re all sinners that commit venial sins, have imperfections and defects and we should continue to strive to overcome them. But that doesn’t mean that we are to be MORTAL sinners. By the grace of God, we can and it **IS possible for each and everyone of us to live a life free of Mortal sin. **
He says “Mortal SIN is NOT the norm”

– The norm should be living in a habitual state of grace. Not falling into mortal sin, and then regaining God’s grace. Then falling again, that’s not the norm he states.

He also says there’s a complacency and non-chalant attitude towards mortal sin…

He also expands and refers to St. Theresa.

When I heard this homily it was news to me, I’ve always heard a low bar set , from my parishes, my Catholic High school, and even some in the Catholic media. When I heard this I was like “wow” inspired me to realize and understand why Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa went to confession weekly. To strive to be holy!

Surely this reflects Jesus ’ confidence when he said to imitate him , as well as St. Paul’s trust in God’s grace when he said “imitate me as I imitate Christ”,

Be perfect like him – sure we’ll fall short, we are mere creatures, but at least attempting to, and falling short to follow Jesus perfectly places us on a good track!

 

[Sirach2]

Fisherman Carl:

Father he seems to be with the people all the time. But you got to remember you all go home together. He goes home alone. And, if he is not very, very careful, the loneliness can get to him.

Cop-out! If loneliness is such a huge occasion of sin, then all of the widows and widowers I know should be contacting “escort services.” I have been alone since 1988 and never felt that I should invite a partner to my home to dispel loneliness. One learns to adjust and live with it.

And the single vocation is no different. Loneliness is a simply a battlefield of the mind - not the norm for those called to live a single life, but a temptation that “some” singles occasionally face. These folks are called to conquer and overcome it by God’s grace.

 

[Fink]

Well, folks, it`s great to see that the rest of you lead such good lives and, apparently, commit only venial sins. It makes me feel like just giving up!

With all of the self-righteous preaching thats been going on here over the past couple of weeks, im sure therell be quite a few CAF members who could take Fr. Corapis place.

 

[ETEXAS]

Well, folks, it`s great to see that the rest of you lead such good lives and, apparently, commit only venial sins. It makes me feel like just giving up!

With all of the self-righteous preaching thats been going on here over the past couple of weeks, im sure therell be quite a few CAF members who could take Fr. Corapis place.

Amen Fink. I need new “Mercy Every Morning” like the old Hymn goes! I struggle as a man thought word deed…I would hope I would get Prayer, not kicks while down, like I said in my earlier post…Scriptures say all issues good and ill begin in the Heart…only the LORD sees that! We know the accusations…we know his words…but we do NOT know his Personal Demons! It is sad to see any Christian fall on the face esp. Clergy…hence…my continued Prayers.:twocents::twocents::twocents:

 

[Fink]

Amen Fink. I need new “Mercy Every Morning” like the old Hymn goes! …

…hence…my continued Prayers.:twocents::twocents::twocents:

Glad theres someone else who feels that way! i wouldnt have the hide to pass judgement, either.

Even if he HAS fallen (as we all do), i dont think any of us would appreciate how much stress hes been under over the years: from outside the Church, as well as within.

Dont kick a man when hes down…help him get back on his feet. That`s true charity.
It might also pay us to remember to see the Face of Christ in EVERYONE, including our fallen comrades, and not abandon them! Fr. Corapi would see it that way: “We find ourselves at war … I will NEVER desert a fallen comrade …” (from his series: “Surrender Is NOT An Option!”)

 

[valient_Lucy]

Glad theres someone else who feels that way! i wouldnt have the hide to pass judgement.

Even if he HAS fallen (as we all do), i dont think any of us would appreciate how much stress hes been under over the years: from outside the Church, as well as within.

Dont kick a man when hes down…help him get back on his feet. That`s true charity.
It might also pay us to remember to see the Face of Christ in EVERYONE, including our fallen comrades, and not abandon them! Fr. Corapi would see it that way: “We find ourselves at war … I will NEVER desert a fallen comrade …” (from his series: “Surrender Is NOT An Option!”)

What if your comrade doesn’t believe he’s doing anything wrong? Do you allow him to continue in the illusion that he’s doing the right thing?

 

[Fink]

What if your comrade doesn’t believe he’s doing anything wrong? Do you allow him to continue in the illusion that he’s doing the right thing?

As i said earlier (or on a similar thread: forget which): lets wait for the dust to settle! :( Apart from that, though, didnt you notice my reference to a FALLEN comrade?

i`m disgusted by the scent of blood, wolfpack mentality here!

 

[dgeier0725]

Well the future will tell what happends.