Special "Mass for Democrats" to be celebrated at San Jose diocesan cathedral

[Caveman]

From The California Catholic Daily. Here’s a bit of the article. To view it in it’s entirety, please click on the link provided. (emphasis and comments mine) –

When California Democrats gather this coming weekend for their state convention in San Jose, delegates will have the opportunity to attend a special Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph, the seat of the Diocese of San Jose, located just a half-mile from the convention site.

The Mass is sponsored by a group that calls itself Catholic Democrats of California, the state affiliate of a national group based in Boston known as Catholic Democrats. “We have brought together people across the country who share an aversion to the current abuses of US military power, the exploitation of social issues to advance the economic interests of a few, and the misuse of our Catholic faith for political gain,” says the group’s web site. (No where do they mention salvation of souls or the Kingship of Christ.)

“Some have asked why the group is focused on Catholic issues and spirituality, as opposed to broader Christian themes,” the web site continues. “Because conservatives have increasingly used Catholic language and Catholic congregations to advance their economic agenda and political interests, we have felt a special obligation as Catholics to enunciate the reasons why we think many of the current conservatives stances are so antithetical to the Catholic ethos – on poverty, on war, on racial strife, and perhaps **especially on abortion **and other social issues.”

The proposed platform of the California Democratic Party specifically mentions abortion, but under the euphemism “reproductive rights." The state party “proudly and vigorously supports a woman’s right to choose how to use her mind, her body and her time,” says a draft version of the platform. (Hypocricy, thy name is California Democrats)

The Mass at the cathedral is scheduled for Saturday, March 29, at 7:15 a.m., and will be officiated by Fr. Jon Pedigo, pastor of St. Julie Billiart parish in San Jose. “Join us as we come together to share the **social justice teachings **of Catholic Democrats,” says an announcement of the Mass on the California group’s web site.

Fr. Pedigo, “a native of the Bay Area, has been active in civic affairs and social justice causes for over 25 years,” notes the parish web site. “Since his ordination to the Diocese of San José in 1991, Fr. Pedigo has been involved with several local social justice causes and inter-faith dialogues.” (Heavy on “Social Justice”, but yet again, nary a word on the salvation of souls or the Kingship of Christ.)

 

[NewUlm1976_2000]

(Heavy on “Social Justice”, but yet again, nary a word on the salvation of souls or the Kingship of Christ.)

Why do these take precedence over helping others?

Are these in any Republican platforms?

 

[rlg94086]

the misuse of our Catholic faith for political gain,” says the group’s web site.

Well, I’m glad to see they are going to address their misuse of our Catholic Faith within the Democratic Party.

 

[mschrank]

Calling all heretics!

 

[Caveman]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Caveman
(Heavy on “Social Justice”, but yet again, nary a word on the salvation of souls or the Kingship of Christ.)

Why do these take precedence over helping others?

Are these in any Republican platforms?

New Ulm,

1. If it takes someone explaining to you that the generic “helping others” doesn’t even come close to the salvation of souls or the Kingship of Christ… then there is obviously, no use at all even trying to explain it to you.

But now that I think about it, isn’t the salvation of souls and recognizing the Kingship of Christ the highest form of “helping others”?

1. Of course the Republicans don’t have salvation of souls or Christ’s Kingship in their party platform. I wouldn’t expect the Defeatocrats to have either, as well.

But this may be presumptuous of me, but I would kinda expect something along those lines to be at least mentioned (or at least alluded to) at a Catholic Mass. But silly me. “Social Justice” is all the rage. Salvation… Jesus… all that jazz comes in a distant 2d and 3d to the the mutation of our priests and Religious becoming glorified social workers. Right?

 

[kristie_m]

I am in the diocese and I know Fr. Jon Pedigo. Before we run off half cocked, let us consider this…

The Mass is for all Catholics, saint and sinner alike. While this Mass is being “sponsored” by the Catholic Democrats, it doesn’t necessarily mean that their agenda will be addressed or encouraged in the course of the liturgy.

That being said, I have already been in contact with the Bishop’s office to find out if he’s had an opportunity to talk to Fr. Pedigo about this issue, and what action will be taken should he cross the line. I understand that the office is closed today, but am hoping for a response, and will keep you all posted.

If anyone else would like to express their concerns to the bishop, you can find the contact information at www.dsj.org

 

[Joe_Kelley]

If the bishop doesn’t respond maybe the IRS will.

 

[Caveman]

I am in the diocese and I know Fr. Jon Pedigo. Before we run off half cocked, let us consider this…

No one’s going off “half cocked”. The facts speak for themselves.

The Mass is for all Catholics, saint and sinner alike.

Every Mass is for Saint and sinner alike. You did know that, didn’t you?

While this Mass is being “sponsored” by the Catholic Democrats, it doesn’t necessarily mean that their agenda will be addressed or encouraged in the course of the liturgy.

Since when to secular organizations “sponsor” Mass? I can see the vestments now… more decals than a NASCAR race car. And in case you missed it, their aganda most certainly will be addressed and encouraged during Mass. You did read the article, didn’t you?

That being said, I have already been in contact with the Bishop’s office to find out if he’s had an opportunity to talk to Fr. Pedigo about this issue, and what action will be taken should he cross the line. I understand that the office is closed today, but am hoping for a response, and will keep you all posted.

Fr. Pedigo ALREADY crossed the line. But if you so desire to wait and see if he really does, even though it’s been made abundantly clear that he will… that’s your call.

If anyone else would like to express their concerns to the bishop, you can find the contact information at www.dsj.org

Why should any of us contact the bishop? Doesn’t he know what’s going on in his own diocese?

BTW… no comment on this “Catholic Democrats” sponsored Mass being sponsored by folks who are wholeheartedly supporting the mass slaughter of children, and are also in favor of those who propagate the Sin of Sodom?

Surely, I can’t be the only one here who seems something seriously wrong here.

Am I?

 

[NewUlm1976_2000]

But silly me. “Social Justice” is all the rage. Salvation… Jesus… all that jazz comes in a distant 2d and 3d to the the mutation of our priests and Religious becoming glorified social workers. Right?

That is what the Gospels talk about, working for the betterment of those who have less. The Church serves the people, not the people serve the Church.

Helping others helps both the helper and helpee. Lives (and hence souls) can be saved by this approach. “Saving Souls” on CAF often involves lots of fire and brimstone, fear-inducing approaches for a type of conversion.

There is no Kingdom on Earth, the Kingdom is not on this plane. Glorifing through the fallible human-made and run institutions (Vatican included) misses the point of the Kingdom. The Kingdom is serving those around us, the least among us. Fancy gold chalices and a push for perfect rubrics (two examples) takes the focus away from helping the least among us.

I receive emails from this group (full disclaimer, since the 2004 Election cycle when they were under a different name), and they are still anti-abortion, they are just coming at it from a different direction to minimize it.

 

[NewUlm1976_2000]

and are also in favor of those who propagate the Sin of Sodom?

You mean the sin of not showing hospitality towards others? (meaning of that story)

 

[Caveman]

*Quote:
Originally Posted by Caveman
and are also in favor of those who propagate the Sin of Sodom? *

You mean the sin of not showing hospitality towards others? (meaning of that story)

Unfortunantly, you’ve bought into the fairy tale that Sodomy has nothing to do with the destruction of a certain city named Sodom. I know that the pro-sodomy crowd within The Church has been poisoning young minds with the heresy that there’s nothing at all sinful about active homosexuality… and they’ve even bastardized the true meaning of exactly why Sodom was destroyed. Now it’s some revisionist drivel about “not showing hospitality”.

But the really sad thing is… many Catholics are buying into this flat-out heresy. Sad, really. We should all pray for their mis-guided souls.

 

[Caveman]

That is what the Gospels talk about, working for the betterment of those who have less. The Church serves the people, not the people serve the Church.

You’ll find many more references to the salvific power of Christ, than to social work. But in all fairness, whenever we are prompted in Sacred Scripture to help the poor, it’s in the Name of Jesus… not the Democratic Party. Get it?

Helping others helps both the helper and helpee. Lives (and hence souls) can be saved by this approach. “Saving Souls” on CAF often involves lots of fire and brimstone, fear-inducing approaches for a type of conversion.

Fire and Brimstone is a wonderful reminder to those who abandon Christ for a man-made institution… like the Democratic Party.

There is no Kingdom on Earth, the Kingdom is not on this plane. Glorifing through the fallible human-made and run institutions (Vatican included) misses the point of the Kingdom. The Kingdom is serving those around us, the least among us. Fancy gold chalices and a push for perfect rubrics (two examples) takes the focus away from helping the least among us.

“Vatican included”, 'eh? I sure hope that doesn’t include The Holy Father when he speaks ex cathedra. BTW, I happen to kind of like “fancy gold chalices and perfect rubrics”. So does The Holy Father. So does Jesus. After all… Catholicism is the Church HE founded. And you know what they say about The Gates of Hell, don’t you? Also, speaking of “fallible human-made and run institutions”, does that include “Catholic Democrats of California”?

I receive emails from this group (full disclaimer, since the 2004 Election cycle when they were under a different name), and they are still anti-abortion, they are just coming at it from a different direction to minimize it.

What organization are you talking about? “Catholic Democrats” or CUF?

PS, no condemnation for the Democratic Party advocating slaughtering millions upon millions of un-born children? So much for your much touted “working for the betterment of those who have less”. Or have your revisionist friends worked their verbal gymnasicts on you already on that particular point?

 

[MiddleBear]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Caveman
(Heavy on “Social Justice”, but yet again, nary a word on the salvation of souls or the Kingship of Christ.)

The Democratic Party is the Abortion Activist Party.

 

[kristie_m]

Surely, I can’t be the only one here who seems something seriously wrong here.

Am I?

Caveman, you seem to be under the impression that I disagree with you. Yes, I did in fact read the article, and it spoke of what this **organization **believes. It didn’t actually say that Fr. Pedigo was going to speak in favor of these issues. We can very easily get our dander up about something that may not even happen.

As far as “sponsoring the Mass” that probably means that they have requested a special service and are most likely paying a stipend to Fr. Pedigo for his time. (Much as you would offer $$ to the priest that marries you or baptises your children)

I don’t know what Fr. Pedigo is going to do…I’m rather hoping the bishop does. But I do believe that it is prudent to reserve judgement until the line is crossed. The fact that Fr. Pedigo is active in “social justice” issues, doesn’t necessarily mean that he sides with pro abortionists and gay activits. There are other social justice issues out there.

I disagree with Fr. Pedigo on a number of issues, but I would hate to see him beaten to death before he’s had a chance to actually do something wrong. Right now all the article says is that he’s going to celebrate mass for a group of sinners, just as he does every week.

Believe it or not, I’m actually quite conservative. But I do believe in offering the man a fair chance. For all we know he could say to those people, “Yes, social justice is important, but so is obedience to God. So let’s look at what God has to say about some of these issues…”

Wouldn’t that be nice?

This is exactly why I’ve left word with the Bishop. I don’t work in the chancellory…I’ve no idea what goes on there. But if Fr. Pedigo is doing this outside the knowledge and consent of the Bisop, then someone ought to let the Bishop know. And if he does have consent, well, then I guess we’ll have to wait and see what happens. But I’m not going to crucify the man for a sin he “might” commit. If that’s the standard we’re going to hold, then ALL of us are in a world of hurt.

 

[Caveman]

Caveman, you seem to be under the impression that I disagree with you. Yes, I did in fact read the article, and it spoke of what this **organization **believes. It didn’t actually say that Fr. Pedigo was going to speak in favor of these issues. We can very easily get our dander up about something that may not even happen.

“Join us as we come together to share the social justice teachings of Catholic Democrats,” says an announcement of the Mass on the California group’s web site. Yes, the political leanings of The California Democrats are specifically what they are going to “celebrate” at this Mass. Kristie… The Holy Mass is being hijacked. This is a flat-out outrage, and you know it.

As far as “sponsoring the Mass” that probably means that they have requested a special service and are most likely paying a stipend to Fr. Pedigo for his time. (Much as you would offer $$ to the priest that marries you or baptises your children)

Kristie, marraige and baptism are Sacraments. Infusing the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass with the far-left, pro-abortion Democrat party isn’t. Whoring out of The Mass should disgust us all… not send us scrambling for various word games to defend these wretches.

I don’t know what Fr. Pedigo is going to do…I’m rather hoping the bishop does. But I do believe that it is prudent to reserve judgement until the line is crossed.

Fr Pedigo & Friends have made it exceedingly clear what’s to be discussed. If you saw a toddler walking towards the deep end of the pool, would you wait “until the line was crossed” before you did anything? Let’s hope not.

The fact that Fr. Pedigo is active in “social justice” issues, doesn’t necessarily mean that he sides with pro abortionists and gay activits. There are other social justice issues out there.

Gee, then why are The California Democrats "sponsoring this Mass? In your heart of hearts, do you honestly expect them to refute their own Party’s political platform? Do you really expect any of us (to include yourself) to honestly believe that they will renouce the following;

1. The state party “proudly and vigorously supports a woman’s right to choose how to use her mind, her body and her time.
2. “preserve confidential, unrestricted access to affordable, quality and culturally appropriate health and reproductive services, including contraception and emergency contraception, without requiring guardian, judicial, parental or spousal consent or notification.”
3. “support the LGBT community in its quest for the right to legal marriage.”

Time for an integrity check, Kristie. Do you REALLY think they’ll renouce any of that garbage, and actually adhere to Catholic Teaching? Of course they won’t.

I disagree with Fr. Pedigo on a number of issues, but I would hate to see him beaten to death before he’s had a chance to actually do something wrong. Right now all the article says is that he’s going to celebrate mass for a group of sinners, just as he does every week.

Here’s the fatal flaw in your argument, Kristie… sinners can only be forgiven if they renounce the sin. Fr. Pedigo is celebrating their sin. I can’t force you to recognize the obvious. Like the old saying goes; you can’t be Catholic, and pro-abortion.

Believe it or not, I’m actually quite conservative. But I do believe in offering the man a fair chance. For all we know he could say to those people, “Yes, social justice is important, but so is obedience to God. So let’s look at what God has to say about some of these issues…” Wouldn’t that be nice?

And we can do that without saddling up with baby-killers. Wouldn’t you agree?

This is exactly why I’ve left word with the Bishop. I don’t work in the chancellory…I’ve no idea what goes on there. But if Fr. Pedigo is doing this outside the knowledge and consent of the Bisop, then someone ought to let the Bishop know. And if he does have consent, well, then I guess we’ll have to wait and see what happens. But I’m not going to crucify the man for a sin he “might” commit. If that’s the standard we’re going to hold, then ALL of us are in a world of hurt.

No one’s calling for any crucifixions. With that said, the Diocese of San Jose is known for it’s political and theological liberalism . What Fr. Pedigo’s doing isn’t the exception… it’s the norm.

Here’s the bottom line – I’ve been on this earth for 48 years. I was raised the proverbial “Child of Vatican II”. But even as a teen-ager, I realized that the worship of God Almighty was slipping away and being replaced with a worship of man in the guise of Social Justice.

I for one, am fed-up with seeing Holy Mother The Church raped on a daily basis.

I want you to stop and think about this, Kristie… and you let is seep into your brain real good — those that advocate killing babies are being celebrated in a Catholic cathedral.

Are you angry yet? If not, I suggest you re-evaluate your committment to The Holy Catholic Church and everything she stands for.

 

[kristie_m]

“Join us as we come together to share the social justice teachings of Catholic Democrats,” says an announcement of the Mass on the California group’s web site. Yes, the political leanings of The California Democrats are specifically what they are going to “celebrate” at this Mass. Kristie… The Holy Mass is being hijacked. This is a flat-out outrage, and you know it.

I’m not defending the idea of hijacking the Mass. That insinuation is absurd. I’m simply saying that perhaps it is not going to be as extreme as the article would lead us to believe. I cannot believe that any priest (and I know Fr. Pedigo is out there!) is going to stand up and tell the congregation that abortion is really okay in some cases.

Kristie, marraige and baptism are Sacraments. Infusing the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass with the far-left, pro-abortion Democrat party isn’t. Whoring out of The Mass should disgust us all… not send us scrambling for various word games to defend these wretches.

So we should stop inviting sinners into our church? How do you plan to reach them?

Fr Pedigo & Friends have made it exceedingly clear what’s to be discussed.

Fr. Pedigo was never quoted in the article…how do you know what he’s making clear?
If you saw a toddler walking towards the deep end of the pool, would you wait “until the line was crossed” before you did anything? Let’s hope not.

This would be why I’ve already been in contact with the chancellory…What do you expect me to do? Kidnap Fr. Pedigo so he can’t celebrate Mass?
Gee, then why are The California Democrats "sponsoring this Mass? In your heart of hearts, do you honestly expect them to refute their own Party’s political platform? Do you really expect any of us (to include yourself) to honestly believe that they will renouce the following;

1. The state party “proudly and vigorously supports a woman’s right to choose how to use her mind, her body and her time.
2. “preserve confidential, unrestricted access to affordable, quality and culturally appropriate health and reproductive services, including contraception and emergency contraception, without requiring guardian, judicial, parental or spousal consent or notification.”
3. “support the LGBT community in its quest for the right to legal marriage.”

Time for an integrity check, Kristie. Do you REALLY think they’ll renouce any of that garbage, and actually adhere to Catholic Teaching? Of course they won’t.

No, you’re right, they won’t. But who says that Fr. Pedigo is going to address those issues at all? Don’t you think it’s even remotely possible that God can take something horrible and turn it for good? (READ>>>>>MESSAGE OF EASTER!!!)

If this does turn into a celebration of moral decline then I have to trust that it also spawns a movement to a much more conservative church. Still, I hope for everyone’s sake that you’re wrong.

Here’s the fatal flaw in your argument, Kristie… sinners can only be forgiven if they renounce the sin. Fr. Pedigo is celebrating their sin. I can’t force you to recognize the obvious. Like the old saying goes; you can’t be Catholic, and pro-abortion.

And we can do that without saddling up with baby-killers. Wouldn’t you agree?

No one’s calling for any crucifixions. With that said, the Diocese of San Jose is known for it’s political and theological liberalism . What Fr. Pedigo’s doing isn’t the exception… it’s the norm.

My only point is you’ve already found him guilty. And now you seem to have lumped the rest of us in that same category. And that’s just not right.
Here’s the bottom line – I’ve been on this earth for 48 years. I was raised the proverbial “Child of Vatican II”. But even as a teen-ager, I realized that the worship of God Almighty was slipping away and being replaced with a worship of man in the guise of Social Justice.

I for one, am fed-up with seeing Holy Mother The Church raped on a daily basis.

I want you to stop and think about this, Kristie… and you let is seep into your brain real good — those that advocate killing babies are being celebrated in a Catholic cathedral.

I’d appreciate a more civil tone. I’m not a child.

Are you angry yet? If not, I suggest you re-evaluate your committment to The Holy Catholic Church and everything she stands for.

Now I’m angry…but not because of what we’re discussing. I’m angry because of your insinuation that I am not dedicated to the Catholic Church. This has been my home my entire life and I resent the implication that I am sitting idly by, watching it’s destruction. I am not a fanatic. I have no intention of picketing outside the Cathedral or disrupting the Mass. But I HAVE gone through the proper channels, and will proceed as high as I need to to make sure that only Catholic teaching is being allowed at the pulpit.

I have worked with many priests in the diocese, and have encountered many more as I searched for a home parish. Some are better than others. And while the liturgy at various parishes may not be completely by the book, I have yet to see a single priest teach something from the pulpit that was in direct contrast to Catholic teaching.

You make some interesting and valid points. However, attacking me isn’t necessarily the best way to get them across. I’m sorry if my post makes you angry. I do not agree with the beliefs of the Catholic Democrats. And it grieves me to think that this Mass will undoubtedly be used for political gain. But the fact remains, despite your assumptions, we DO NOT KNOW what Fr. Pedigo intends to say and until we do, we cannot rightly pass judgement.

 

[Caveman]

Now I’m angry…but not because of what we’re discussing. I’m angry because of your insinuation that I am not dedicated to the Catholic Church. This has been my home my entire life and I resent the implication that I am sitting idly by, watching it’s destruction. I am not a fanatic. I have no intention of picketing outside the Cathedral or disrupting the Mass. But I HAVE gone through the proper channels, and will proceed as high as I need to to make sure that only Catholic teaching is being allowed at the pulpit.

I have worked with many priests in the diocese, and have encountered many more as I searched for a home parish. Some are better than others. And while the liturgy at various parishes may not be completely by the book, I have yet to see a single priest teach something from the pulpit that was in direct contrast to Catholic teaching.

You make some interesting and valid points. However, attacking me isn’t necessarily the best way to get them across. I’m sorry if my post makes you angry. I do not agree with the beliefs of the Catholic Democrats. And it grieves me to think that this Mass will undoubtedly be used for political gain. But the fact remains, despite your assumptions, we DO NOT KNOW what Fr. Pedigo intends to say and until we do, we cannot rightly pass judgement.

Well I certainly hope you ARE angry. Specifically, what The Holy Bible calls “righteous anger”. Unfortunantly, you’re angry at the messenger, and not those who have hijacked the Mass for political reasons. And not just political reasons… politics that are the complete antithesis of Catholicism.

I find it odd that you spend so much time and energy defending those who have already made it abundantly clear what there agenda is… yet you want to shoot the messenger. Have you ever considered re-directing some of your anger at those who have made no bones about their baby killer-friendly agenda? Have you ever considered that? No… I didn’t think so.

This cowardly “let’s sit on our hands and see if they really want to denigrate Catholicism overall… then we’ll take a stand” mentality is exactly why The Church is in the state it’s in now.

Sigh You’ve played right into their hands.

Christ didn’t “sit and wait”. He went after sin as soon as it reared it’s ugly head. You know… isn’t that what WE are suppose to do? Or has that been officially declared politically incorrect?

But just to let you know, I don’t consider you a child. But I do consider your defense of the indefensable to be childlike in it’s simplicity.

 

[kristie_m]

I find it odd that you spend so much time and energy defending those who have already made it abundantly clear what there agenda is… yet you want to shoot the messenger. Have you ever considered re-directing some of your anger at those who have made no bones about their baby killer-friendly agenda? Have you ever considered that? No… I didn’t think so.

This cowardly “let’s sit on our hands and see if they really want to denigrate Catholicism overall… then we’ll take a stand” mentality is exactly why The Church is in the state it’s in now.

Sigh You’ve played right into their hands.

Christ didn’t “sit and wait”. He went after sin as soon as it reared it’s ugly head. You know… isn’t that what WE are suppose to do? Or has that been officially declared politically incorrect?

But just to let you know, I don’t consider you a child. But I do consider your defense of the indefensable to be childlike in it’s simplicity.

not defending, caveman, simply reserving judgement. If that makes me cowardly in your eyes, so be it. You’ve passed judgement on me just as quickly as you did Fr. Pedigo.

As far as shooting the messenger? No, I only ask that we keep the discussion civil.

I do not think this Mass is a good idea. Even if Fr. Pedigo were to speak vehemently against what the Catholic Democrats support, anyone who does not attend this Mass will already have the wrong impression. I’ve done what I can to express my concerns to the Bishop. I consider that taking a stand. I now have to trust him to follow up. But I cannot, and will not fault a man for a sin he has yet to commit.

 

[pnewton]

I think the idea of the Mass would be a great idea, if the priest givinf the homily used it as an opportunity to teach on the only legitimate Catholic position on life begining at conception.

 

[kristie_m]

I think the idea of the Mass would be a great idea, if the priest givinf the homily used it as an opportunity to teach on the only legitimate Catholic position on life begining at conception.

I just sent him an email requesting that very thing!!