Letters instead of sermons

[Polak]

Does this happen often? It’s rare in our Archdiocese.

More often than I would expect, yes. On average I would say once every couple of months. I wouldn’t mind it so much if it was once or twice per year, but it does seem a little too frequent for my liking.

Again not a major issue, just a personal preference for me.

 

[Ann_Stanton]

At the end of Mass many people have already departed to the parking lot. They would never hear the letter.

 

[HolySpirit]

Alas, Sad but true.

 

[MountCarmel]

YourNameHere - In my own case the letters are from our local diocese/bishop. I am quite OK with them providing they don’t occur as an alternative to the apres Gospel homily too often.

 

[Casilda]

This is no longer true. Last year President Trump signed an executive order allowing for greater religious freedoms including speech.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presiden...rder-promoting-free-speech-religious-liberty/

 

[poche]

If this is a letter from the bishop then I would have to go along with it. The bishop is in charge of his diocese and what he as to say should be listened to with attention and respect. Shortly before World War II, Pope Pius XI wrote an encyclical to Germany condemning the Nazis for their errors and abuses. I have no doubt that the priest in question could probably give a better homily,but sometimes there may be something else more important that we need to pay attention to.

 

[YourNameHere]

At my parish, the letters read usually are done prior to the Homily or after. They are not read in place of a Homily. Now sometimes the priest or deacons Homily refers to the letter read.