This too shall pass ...

[LilyLamb]

I pray no one hi-jacks this thread ... I have a real concern about some of the things I'm seeing and wondered how each of you are handling the current crisis in the Church?  I read in our weekend paper about a group called "Voice" that has taken an extreme view/role in reaction to the abuse scandal.  Then I watched this past Sunday evening "The Practice" and saw the frustrations, heartaches and pain that individual characters are struggling with in light of what has happend (I was disappointed that one of the main characters walked away from the Church as a way of expressing his "rage" over what is happening).

So ... how are things going in your neck of the woods?  Are you facing hard questions from coworkers, neighbors and friends about why you remain a Catholic in light of the scandal.  Are you experiencing any negative comments or reactions to this?  Has the news made it more difficult to share your faith??

I'd like this to be a "support group" type thread ... something to discuss the realities of what is happening and to encourage each other in ways that will help us respond with hope and love.  I think it would help to share some of the great things that the Church is doing to help our world ... please share as you feel led ...

 

 

[sklippstein]

Our local diocese recently had this same type of scandal. Evidentially the bishop had accusations that were found to be true. He openly admitted his guilt and stepped down. Rome accepted his decision and has since removed him. I actually haven't seen a decline in the congregation, however, am well aware of tithing dropping to an all time low.

Like any other scandal, those who are faithful with hold out....allow the Holy Spirit to work and rebuild the Church as it deems fit.

 

[HisLamb]

A friend of mine has lost faith in the Church...not in God, but she feels the Catholic Church is going to fall.  I've told her that Jesus promised that "the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail..."  I pointed out that our Church has gone through much worse in the past, and she will come through this also.  IMHO, I think the Church will be even stronger when we come through this. 

 

[dignitized]

I know of lots of people who have done as Bobby Donnel did on the practice.( a good show BTW ) We have a church there in Boston. Father Peter is on good terms with the local RC clergy. I can tell you that his congregation has swollen lately due to the influx of disenfranchised RC.

 

[LilyLamb]

At my weekly Ladies Bible Study today one of of the women commented on the scandel and asked why the priest are not prosecuted like any other sex offender would be - I didn't have an answer for her - but I did encourage them NOT to lump all the priest in together and told them that the good priest are suffering for the actions of the bad priest. I also reminded them of what Baker and others have done to the Christian church and that these attacks are all ways for Satan to weaken and hurt the "Church" body - whether it be Catholic or another Christian religion.

I agree with my Lambie friend I think the Catholic Church will come out of this stronger. I just pray that it doesn't take long for everything to be resolved and the good of the Church to shine forth again.

 

[LilyLamb]

btw - the priest at our local Catholic church is giving the Thanksgiving Eve message at our Baptist church - I'm so delighted that this is happening and that our church openly works with other churches to support a spirit of ecumenism.  Can't wait to go to this.

 

 

 

[AngelAmidala]

Originally posted by LilyLamb
btw - the priest at our local Catholic church is giving the Thanksgiving Eve message at our Baptist church - I'm so delighted that this is happening and that our church openly works with other churches to support a spirit of ecumenism.  Can't wait to go to this. 

A few years ago we had a similar Thanksgiving Eve service at my church.  All the local churches participated...Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Catholic, Baptist, and Methodist (my church).  It was really great having the opportunity to listen to all these leaders of other churches speak and participate.  Unfortunately we haven't done anything like this again, which makes me sad.  Because the experience I had with it was so wonderful!

 

[HisLamb]

Originally posted by LilyLamb
btw - the priest at our local Catholic church is giving the Thanksgiving Eve message at our Baptist church - I'm so delighted that this is happening and that our church openly works with other churches to support a spirit of ecumenism.  Can't wait to go to this. 

 

Our church joins others in a 2-town area during the Christmas season.  Episcopal, Baptist, etc.  They have a walk from church to church with singing, then have a prayer service and refreshments after at the last church on the walk.  I think this is great!

 

[Avila]

Our diocese is pretty quiet. There was a major scandal a few years ago, and the bishop put really tough "reforms" in place at the time. So, we have been fairly well insulated... OTOH, the "Voice" (if it is "The Voice of the Faithful") is trying to make its presence known in our diocese too. I really don't know if it is taking off or not. I'm sure it has found disgruntled Catholics to corrupt, but I'm not in real close touch with it...

I think it is a sad situation. I'm praying for all those affected by it - for it affects us all. I hope that all of you who are getting hard looks/questions/etc by non-Catholic friends and family find the strength and grace to hold your head up high and remain proud of your faith.

 

[dignitized]

I find it sad that other Christian denominations have taken this opportunity to condemn a complete faith based upon the actions of a segment of the church. There have been similar scandals in the Baptist, Methodist and other protestant churches. Funny how no one walks around saying all Baptist preachers are child molesters . . . .

 

[Lady Grace]

Our diocese has not had anyone thanks be to God that has caused any scandal. And if there were a priest that had, I know our Bishop would deal with it  right away and justly.

I am disappointed in the stand that has been taken, but I knew all along the the Church would protect her own, so to speak. I feel these priests should be prosecuted just like anyone else, they committed the same sin as non-priests do ,and therefore should be dealt with accordingly.

 

Our parish has done the Ecumenical Thanksgiving services for about 15 years. It is really nice and gives the Protestants a chance , when it is my parish's turn to be host, that Catholic aren't weirdos, with a horn in the middle of their head. I do think it is a nice gesture, after all we are all God's children.

 

 

 

[dignitized]

lady grace:

The local RCC bishop here was underfire a few years back for not reinstating a couple of priests who were credibly charged of sexual assault until after they were cleared. They appealed to Rome, Rome said they should be reinstated - Wuerl said no. Now, he is being praised for his actions - then he was a dirty so and so.

*shrug*

 

[LilyLamb]

I read the story about the Sister in California who fought with a Bishop over a Priest who should not have been instated ... she stated that the recent scandal was the lance in the boil that has festered for quite some time ... she sees good things coming out of all this ... I agree.