"It is...Our will that Catholics should abstain from certain appellations which have recently been brought into use to distinguish one group of Catholics from another. They are to be avoided not only as 'profane novelties of words,' out of harmony with both truth and justice, but also because they give rise to great trouble and confusion among Catholics. Such is the nature of Catholicism that it does not admit of more or less, but must be held as a whole or as a whole rejected: 'This is the Catholic faith, which unless a man believe faithfully and firmly; he cannot be saved' (Athanasian Creed). There is no need of adding any qualifying terms to the profession of Catholicism: it is quite enough for each one to proclaim 'Christian is my name and Catholic my surname,' only let him endeavour to be in reality what he calls himself." -- Pope Benedict XV, Ad Beatissimi Apostolorum 24 (1914)

Monday, January 16, 2012

Priests told not to voice dissent

In Minnesota, Archbishop Nienstedt has been forced to formally warn dissenting priests that opposition to Church teachings on the sanctity of marriage may result in dismissal.  It's a sad state when priests need this type of correction.  Has the schism already begun? 

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/137358543.html?page=all&prepage=1&c=y#continue

Here's a snapshot of the dissenting priest mentioned in the article.  His parish features a labyrinth, 
liturgical dance, but no advertised time for the Sacrament of Confession on the parish website.  That's really all you need to know.


Mike Tegeder
Pastor



Chris Kosowski
Liturgist

In their own words: 

As Mass begins you will notice immediately the inclusive feel of the liturgy.  Led by volunteer musicians, the congregation participates fully in the music.  Members adorn the sanctuary with fresh flowers and volunteers assure that the environment reflects the liturgical season. Parishioners share their petitions and their reflections on the readings of the day.  

Dance: Processions, gestures very familiar to us, spontaneous circle dances…there are times we all dance! And there are times a small group leads the community, or enhances our worship with dance. Children and adults, men and women, people of various abilities are all most welcome.

Drama: Different eyes, ears, minds, and hearts find different treasures buried deep in the Word of God. Story and drama are ways of inviting our imaginations to be engaged, of bringing to light a perspective we might otherwise miss. On occasion, small groups gather to create or adapt drama and mime – for the experience itself, or to offer in our liturgies.
Word Team: This group of parish members meets weekly to discuss the Sunday Scripture Readings and their implications in our lives. The Word Team evaluates the preaching that takes place in our community, and team members as well as others are invited to share, on a regular basis, in the reflections at our parish liturgies.


About Justice and Peace at Cabrini
PURPOSE
The Justice and Peace Coalition commits itself to follow Jesus’ message of unconditional love by promoting the dignity of all human persons. Our mission is to educate Cabrini members about human rights and justice issues, and to invite them to take action in addressing such issues.




Mike has a history of dissent:

Catholic Priest Debates Church Rule

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (WCCO) — Rev. Mike Tegeder of St. Edward Catholic Church in Bloomington disagrees with a 2004 church rule that bars lay preaching. It’s a rule that recently got him in hot water.
“I’m just trying to use the gifts of my staff and give people a break from listening to me,” said Tegeder.
Lay preaching is when a non-clergy member delivers a sermon or homily to the congregation. On Jan. 23, he let Heidi Busse take the pulpit and deliver the homily.
“She’s extremely qualified, she does a great job, people love her,” said Tegeder.

[...]
Soon after the sermon, Tegeder received a phone call from Minneapolis-St. Paul Archbishop John Nienstedt, reminding him of the policy established in 2004 by the Roman Catholic Church.
“I know one parishioner wrote to the Archbishop, and he’s written about other things too, which I appreciate. I need critique and feedback. I wish he would have come to me first,” said Tegeder.
[...]

“The funny thing is they make these rules over in Rome,” said Tegeder. “You go to Rome and go to a church, you can shoot a canon through it and you’re not going to hit anyone. Nobody goes to church over there. And yet they tell us what to do when we’re fairly successful. I have a fairly strong congregation. I think they should come over here and learn a few things.”
He added that in the United States everything is black and white.
“If you have a rule it’s either can you do it, or can’t you do it. Over in Rome, well, we have this rule but you’re the pastor, you know the flock. You have to apply it. They have all these rules but they have all these exceptions. If you talk to an Italian cardinal, I don’t think he’d make a big deal about it,” said Tegeder.
Tegeder plans to continue using Busse to perform other services outside of mass. He also believes Nienstedt should focus on more pressing issues happening in the clergy.

The moral of the story: if/when your pastor breaks the rules in such measure, write a letter.  One person, one letter can defend the faith.

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