New SOLT Statement re: Father Corapi

[Irishgal49]

Good.

St. Therese, who saw that priests were weak and fragile men on her pilgrimage to Rome, pray for Fr. Corapi, and for all priests.

I am praying his announcement will be repentance. I imagine he has the potential to be a massive influence on all of us if he returns to live in obedience. I am praying he does.

 

[surfinpure]

My homily tomorrow will be specifically about this.

Bravo! I’ve been hoping we’d hear something about it in our parish as well. It would be helpful for some very clear lines to be drawn.

 

[cecilia97]

You may try looking in your diocese. I have the uttmost respect for my parish priest. He’s pious, holy, dynamic, and truly devoted to God and the Church. I was watching him during Mass and he just exhibits a total love for God.

Sometimes we look for these “evangelist” types and we overlook the simple but totally devoted/holy parish priest who is a weath of information. He can often serve as a great example of how to live one’s life and is much more approachable and available than the “TV” priests, some of which might not even give you the time of day. And how many would say (and actually do it) “I am praying for you.”

I like some priests that are on TV but my role model is Jesus Christ. I want to be like him. So I take a good look around and ask myself, “Whose really got a walk with God I would like to have?” And my priest hits it on the mark every time. I WANT the relationship with God that HE has…so I told him that and he’s directing me through reading/prayer/meditation/study how to become a holy woman of God.

It’s so sad that the overworked/under appreciated parish priest is the last place a lot of us look when we want a role model or someone to emulate in our faith development. I pray for my parish priests EVERY DAY that they are strengthened and affirmed by God. I hope they know that they are an inspiration to my faith ESPECIALLY because they are not “famous TV priests”. Anyone can smile and do well on TV…it takes a REAL man of God to be faithful when no one’s got a camera and a big fat check to make it “worthwhile”. May God continue to empower and bless the priests of my parish and all churches. May they know that they are the true HEROES to me. May God make me more like my priest who is always pointing me to Jesus.

Lorrie

Amen, Lorrie. My parish priests may not be the most butch or “manly” according to the measuring stick of the world, but they have sacrificed their lives for God…that takes a real manly man!

 

[cecilia97]

My homily tomorrow will be specifically about this.

God bless you for that, Deacon Bill!

 

[NewEnglandPriest]

Bravo! I’ve been hoping we’d hear something about it in our parish as well. It would be helpful for some very clear lines to be drawn.

In defense of priests/deacons preaching, most people in the pews know nothing about the Fr. Corapi situation. My parish has 2500 families and I’d bet no more than 100 of them know anything about this situation. While I don’t feel we should shy away from addressing scandals head on, I don’t see the need to draw attention to this one.
If a lot of people brought it up or asked questions I’d be more inclined to preach on it but since very few seem aware of it and its still such a murky strange situation I don’t see why I’d draw attention to it.

 

[jpjd]

In defense of priests/deacons preaching, most people in the pews know nothing about the Fr. Corapi situation. My parish has 2500 families and I’d bet no more than 100 of them know anything about this situation. While I don’t feel we should shy away from addressing scandals head on, I don’t see the need to draw attention to this one.
If a lot of people brought it up or asked questions I’d be more inclined to preach on it but since very few seem aware of it and its still such a murky strange situation I don’t see why I’d draw attention to it.

I completely agree with you, Father.

 

[guanophore]

Oh, I did not realize that a trial and condemnation and sentencing had taken place.

Until then, it remains all speculation, confusion and misrepresentation.

Both of these are inaccurate. The process of Church discipline is not like a civil trial, “condemnation” and sentencing.

That does not mean that concerning and grave facts are not available. A team was assembled to look into the allegations, and so many concerning facts were uncovered that SOLT came to the conclusion that he is not fit for ministry. This finding is not a “condemnation” but an effort to protect both Corapi, and the flock of God.

The other Corapi threads have many relevant links to documents including a copy of the lawsuit he filed, which makes it clear that he was preaching the gospel for profit.

 

[DCNBILL]

In defense of priests/deacons preaching, most people in the pews know nothing about the Fr. Corapi situation. My parish has 2500 families and I’d bet no more than 100 of them know anything about this situation. While I don’t feel we should shy away from addressing scandals head on, I don’t see the need to draw attention to this one.
If a lot of people brought it up or asked questions I’d be more inclined to preach on it but since very few seem aware of it and its still such a murky strange situation I don’t see why I’d draw attention to it.

While we have a large parish as well the 6:45 am Mass that I will preach at has only 20 to 30 people attending and are all of them are aware of this situation and have been seeking guidance.

(And yes there were only 20 to 30 people attending that Mass before they asked me to start preaching)

 

[guanophore]

I give up.

What is that supposed to mean!?

 

[jpjd]

While we have a large parish as well the 6:45 am Mass that I will preach at has only 20 to 30 people attending and are all of them are aware of this situation and have been seeking guidance.

(And yes there were only 20 to 30 people attending that Mass before they asked me to start preaching)

The ones who go to daily Mass are the ones most likely to know about this.

 

[valient_Lucy]

Both of these are inaccurate. The process of Church discipline is not like a civil trial, “condemnation” and sentencing.

That does not mean that concerning and grave facts are not available. A team was assembled to look into the allegations, and so many concerning facts were uncovered that SOLT came to the conclusion that he is not fit for ministry. This finding is not a “condemnation” but an effort to protect both Corapi, and the flock of God.

The other Corapi threads have many relevant links to documents including a copy of the lawsuit he filed, which makes it clear that he was preaching the gospel for profit.

Frankly, I don’t understand why people are enamored with the idea of a trial.

What if a trial found against Fr. Corapi, would they accept it?

 

[surfinpure]

In defense of priests/deacons preaching, most people in the pews know nothing about the Fr. Corapi situation. My parish has 2500 families and I’d bet no more than 100 of them know anything about this situation. While I don’t feel we should shy away from addressing scandals head on, I don’t see the need to draw attention to this one.
If a lot of people brought it up or asked questions I’d be more inclined to preach on it but since very few seem aware of it and its still such a murky strange situation I don’t see why I’d draw attention to it.

I do understand, and I agree that where the faithful have not been exposed it’s best to leave them that way. Our parish is a mix, with many being devoted EWTN followers who have likely already heard the distressing news. Still, for the benefit of the rest, I could see our priest perhaps speaking more in generalities about the importance of submission to Church authority and not being led astray by schism. He’s been known to address well-publicized subjects head-on, in a straightforward but very tactful manner. (Not unlike the early Fr. Corapi himself, ironically.)

 

[surfinpure]

Frankly, I don’t understand why people are enamored with the idea of a trial.

What if a trial found against Fr. Corapi, would they accept it?

No, it would then be deemed a “kangaroo court.” No doubt bribery would have been involved, the episcopacy compromised by the Freemasons, and Father Corapi the sacrificial lamb… er, dog. uch:

 

[jwinch2]

(And yes there were only 20 to 30 people attending that Mass before they asked me to start preaching)

Funny! I actually love it when our Deacons give the homily. It is a nice change of pace and they almost always do a bang up job of it.

 

[valient_Lucy]

No, it would then be deemed a “kangaroo court.” No doubt bribery would have been involved, the episcopacy compromised by the Freemasons, and Father Corapi the sacrificial lamb… er, dog. uch:

Exactly! And considering that OJ Simpson was found not guilty, I don’t think that a courtroom trial carries the same weight as a scientific experiement or a mathematical proof.

 

[guanophore]

This is a very sincere question on my part…why would they line up the sins publicly? Is it because Fr John went public himself? I do not understand…but will continue to pray…

It is their duty to the flock. they have been flooded with accusations that they have been acting wrongly in the case, primarily because Corapi apparently misrepresented their position in his statement that they suspended him “against their will and better judgement” on the orders of the bishop. They have now made it clear that this is not the case, and that they do not consider him fit for ministry, and stated clearly why they think this.

It was necessary to publish these details because Corapi has been publicly denying them and disparaging the accuser. Too many of the flock were being misled with inaccurate information.

In spite of what has happened, they are still calling him not to resign, but to come home and live, heal, recover, and mend the wrongs that have been done. This is charity. It is not charity to withhold the Truth.

 

[vz71]

Frankly, I don’t understand why people are enamored with the idea of a trial.

What if a trial found against Fr. Corapi, would they accept it?

Some will, I believe most will latch onto a conspiracy theory of one type or another.

The trial is just an impossible thing they can latch their doubt upon.
If this thing becomes possible, they will find another impossible thing.

 

[jwinch2]

It is not charity to withhold the Truth.

Bingo. I think too often “charity” is taken to mean that no one hurts anyone’s feelings or says anything that makes others uncomfortable. Telling the truth, even when that truth is difficult for some to hear, is absolutely charitable. Our Blessed Lord did not sugar coat the truth even though it was often difficult and on occasion, that same truth drove people away from Him.

 

[valient_Lucy]

It is their duty to the flock. they have been flooded with accusations that they have been acting wrongly in the case, primarily because Corapi apparently misrepresented their position in his statement that they suspended him “against their will and better judgement” on the orders of the bishop. They have now made it clear that this is not the case, and that they do not consider him fit for ministry, and stated clearly why they think this.

It was necessary to publish these details because Corapi has been publicly denying them and disparaging the accuser. Too many of the flock were being misled with inaccurate information.

In spite of what has happened, they are still calling him not to resign, but to come home and live, heal, recover, and mend the wrongs that have been done. This is charity. It is not charity to withhold the Truth.

Amen.

 

[valient_Lucy]

Bingo. I think too often “charity” is taken to mean that no one hurts anyone’s feelings or says anything that makes others uncomfortable. Telling the truth, even when that truth is difficult for some to hear, is absolutely charitable. Our Blessed Lord did not sugar coat the truth even though it was often difficult and on occasion, that same truth drove people away from Him.

Thank you. When Edward Peters said that it was wrong for Andrew Cuomo (NY’s governor) to live with his girlfriend, was he being uncharitable?