Is it okay to tune out a homily?

[anp1215]

Thanks. Overlapping some of the time he’s been chaplain here, Fr. had been director of media relations for the Diocese of Orange, but I THINK that during Mass we mention Bishop Jose, so I’m going to guess Los Angeles.

EDITED: oh wow my looking this up has turned up some strange stuff. It seems that my particular area and the priests that serve it are quite… controversial…

Hmm…I’ve heard some…less than positive things about both Dioceses…but I won’t repeat any of them here. BUT I have heard that both Bishops are great.

 

[waanju]

For the most part, I attend the EF Mass. In that Form, when the priest removes his Maniple, that indicates that what follows (the Homily) is outside of the Mass. After the Homily, the priest replaces the Maniple, indicating the re-entrance of the Mass. (probably used a poor choice of words here).

I hope you get the picture of what I’m trying to say.

So the Homily is sort of outside the Mass. Makes sense, since the homily is optional. Would this mean that it’s a sort of “free-for-all” and that the priest can do whatever he thinks best during this time? That seems like an awfully big loophole, but if that’s the case, I will not contest these homilies.

 

[waanju]

Hmm…I’ve heard some…less than positive things about both Dioceses…but I won’t repeat any of them here. BUT I have heard that both Bishops are great.

I haven’t heard much about the new Bishop of Orange, but let me tell you, people in LA are SO GRATEFUL for Bishop Jose. Really great changes these past couple years. Like going from this :juggle: to this at the diocese’s Youth Day Mass in the course of a year :extrahappy: This is by no means meant to be disrespectful to Cardinal Mahoney, who had a very difficult job in such a huge Diocese and who tried very hard to increase the faith in the people entrusted to him… it’s just praise for Bishop Jose!

Anyways, yes… less than positive things, which I’m afraid this particular priest was wrapped up in because he was the Diocese’s official media spokesman. While I don’t agree with his homilies, I feel more sympathy now that I see how he was described in quite* unflattering* terms by both secular and Catholic media. I’m starting to think that, as there are only about 15-20 souls under his care, and then for only part of the year, it might be okay to just let these strange homilies go?

 

[anp1215]

So the Homily is sort of outside the Mass. Makes sense, since the homily is optional. Would this mean that it’s a sort of “free-for-all” and that the priest can do whatever he thinks best during this time? That seems like an awfully big loophole, but if that’s the case, I will not contest these homilies.

The Homily is part of the Mass and is not optional on Sundays or solemnities (I can’t remember if it’s all solemnities or just those that are holy days of obligation).

Having the congregation talk and discuss stuff during the homily is NOT permitted.

 

[anp1215]

I haven’t heard much about the new Bishop of Orange, but let me tell you, people in LA are SO GRATEFUL for Bishop Jose. Really great changes these past couple years. Like going from this :juggle: to this at the diocese’s Youth Day Mass in the course of a year :extrahappy: This is by no means meant to be disrespectful to Cardinal Mahoney, who had a very difficult job in such a huge Diocese and who tried very hard to increase the faith in the people entrusted to him… it’s just praise for Bishop Jose!

That’s good to hear.

Anyways, yes… less than positive things, which I’m afraid this particular priest was wrapped up in because he was the Diocese’s official media spokesman. While I don’t agree with his homilies, I feel more sympathy now that I see how he was described in quite* unflattering* terms by both secular and Catholic media. I’m starting to think that, as there are only about 15-20 souls under his care, and then for only part of the year, it might be okay to just let these strange homilies go?

It is your decision to make. I’m not sure what I would do. I think I would send a friendly email to one of the priests asking about this and pointing out Canon Law which says that the homily is reserved to the priest or deacon. I would also tell him that I think some sort of a discussion group or forum would be a great place to talk about these things, and would yield fruitful discussion, especially since Catholics may hold a great variety of viewpoints on the topic of gun control. But that this sort of discussion amongst the congregation isn’t appropriate during the homily. If he seems hostile or not receptive to changing this, then I would send a letter to the Bishop.

But it’s your decision.

 

[waanju]

The Homily is part of the Mass and is not optional on Sundays or solemnities (I can’t remember if it’s all solemnities or just those that are holy days of obligation).

Having the congregation talk and discuss stuff during the homily is NOT permitted.

OH!
(I guess I DIDN’T understand your post, Corsair)
Okay, so now we’re back where we started. I think I’ll compose a letter and send it to the Bishop (as soon as I fully determine which one). Hmmm, now, what to say?

 

[1_with_God]

Okay by me, I have to do it most Sundays. I watch Mass on EWTN so I’ll get a good homily. The priest we have now in our Parish is just not very spiritual outwardly, not judging him, just can’t listen to him talk about himself week after week. He’d make a good business motivational speaker. He was a CEO for a big oil company for years.

Want to be fair: Today at Mass, same priest, wonderful homily. Had no desire to tune him out.

 

[R_C]

OH!
(I guess I DIDN’T understand your post, Corsair)
Okay, so now we’re back where we started. I think I’ll compose a letter and send it to the Bishop (as soon as I fully determine which one). Hmmm, now, what to say?

Be patient. The Lord is well aware of what’s going on.