SPLIT: SSPX non-Catholic?

[roadsend]

As you can see already, this can get complicated. In general the only non-Catholic communities which have valid ordinations are the Orthodox, the Polish National Catholics, and the Society of St Pius X (SSPX)…

How do you figure that the SSPX communities are non-Catholic?
Were not the bishops the only ones who were ex-communicated and were not these same bishops recently un-ex-communicated?

 

[FrDavid96]

How do you figure that the SSPX communities are non-Catholic?
Were not the bishops the only ones who were ex-communicated and were not these same bishops recently un-ex-communicated?

[edited] Suffice to say that the community as a whole is not entirely in-communion with the local bishops, nor with the universal Church, which is why I put them into the category of “non-Catholics.” That was only to answer your question, since it goes directly to the topic. [edited]

 

[Jean_Anthony]

aaa

 

[RoryMcKenzie56]

How do you figure that the SSPX communities are non-Catholic?
Were not the bishops the only ones who were ex-communicated and were not these same bishops recently un-ex-communicated?

Your observation about the lifted excommunications probably bespeaks a predisposition toward the Society. It has to be noted that the popes have also lifted the excommunications of the Orthodox. It is fair to say that the Society are in an irregular condition that to some eyes can appear to be outside the Catholic fold. I assist at a Society Mass in your state (Our Lady of Fatima in Portland). Not surprisingly, I believe we are Catholic. I believe the Church is in crisis both locally and around the world and am convinced that the code of canon law permits my assistance at a Mass not approved by Abp. Vlazny in that circumstance.

It is clearly a subjective question as to whether the Church is functioning under emergency conditions. I do not have any word against my fellow Catholics who disagree with me. It was not lightly that I arrived at the place where my conscience is clear. Even so, the local ordinary is still our bishop. We must recognize him even if he rejects us.

The Ecclesia Dei Commission and other wise observers have warned against the tendency to a schismatic mentality that could easily emerge from this current difficult situation among those affiliated with the SSPX. This seems so true to me. Those who assist at Society Masses have to vigilantly maintain the proper perspective about ecclesiastical authority and maintain a heart that yearns to be able to cling with all our strength to the robes of our local bishop and especially the Holy Father in Rome. We must remember Msgr. LeFebvre’s own persistent reverence to the Holy See, and insistence that we have faith that the Church with St. Peter’s successor shall never fail. We must pray for our current shepherds the bishops, especially good Pope Benedict, who seems so beleaguered over every slightest overture he makes in favor of traditional social morality, church law, or liturgy.

Rory

 

[roadsend]

I am not personally acquainted with any folks, who regularly attend SSPX chapels; but I can certainly understand their view that a state of emergency exists within the Church.
I applaud our Holy Father’s efforts to resolve this sad situation as well as the good faith shown by many folks on both sides of this issue.