Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Catholic happenings in the news

Preparing for my various ministry assignments this week I do try to keep up with Catholic news from a myriad of trusted sources. Of course you have to really discern what is news and what is rhetoric. Sad that some folks have an agenda that has little to do with the Church. But I digress...

Today it was announced from Rome that something is happening in the cause of eventual canonization of Pope John Paul II. The official word is that a life of heroic virtue has been confirmed (that must have been tough) and soon he will be declared venerable. This stage occurs before beatification and then canonization. It's hard to believe but John Paul the Great left us here on earth over 4 1/2 years ago.

Back in this country the Bishops are meeting in Baltimore discussing a variety of issues. So far they have voted to approve the sweeping changes of the literal latin translation into english which will result in dozens of changes in the way we hear and respond at Mass. It must be pointed out that these changes are indeed more accurate to the latin but after nearly 40 years it will be hard to change. Please note: this does not refer to the return to a Tridentine Mass, or Latin Mass. That is currently being celebrated as an extraordinary form of the Mass in a limited number of churches in most dioceses. The changes I'm referring to will be differences in our vernacular prayers and responses. Don't worry; we have over a year to prepare.

The Bishops also passed a new document on the Sacrament of Marriage called Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan.

And across the world of Catholicism we are preparing for the last Sunday of the church year with the celebration of the Feast of Christ the King. Two Sunday's from now will be the new church year with the 1st Sunday of Advent.

Back home in my parish we are getting ready to distribute Thanksgiving baskets to those families who need a little help this year. Fortunately, this type of effort to feed the hungry and help the poor goes on all year long both in our local church and the Church throughout the world.

As for me, I continue to marvel at God's call to serve Him as Permanent Deacon and strive to work tirelessly to that end. It is indeed my honor to be a servant; one who through ordination, allows me to bring service sacramentalized to the people of God. Whether in proclaiming the Gospel, preaching, ministering to prisoners, baptizing, working with couples or whatever called to do I do for His greater glory.

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