Per Christum Catholic Blog

I would like to wish all 8 of my faithful readers a very blessed Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord.

Yes, I know, in most dioceses in the United States, the feast has been moved to Sunday; ostensibly because fewer people would actually come to Mass on a Thursday (same story with the Feast of the Epiphany) but I don’t buy it!

Frankly, friends, with regard to Mass attendance, the Catholic Church does not demand a whole lot. Sundays, and a small handful of Holy Days of Obligation. Heck, if we were Baptists, it would be Sunday morning AND Sunday evening AND Wednesday evening! (And a much higher percentage of our income would be expected!)

I’d love to see the Feast observed on its correct day, and to hear sung those glorious Ascension Day hymns that so few people know anymore. Five years ago, prior to my conversion, I was doing some research in Oxford (yes, poor me! And the library was literally steps away from the Eagle and Child! But I digress). I was staying at St. Stephan’s House, Oxford — a rather “high church” Anglican seminary. On Ascension Day, I was invited by some of the students to accompany them up to the roof of the chapel (via a typical medieval castle-style winding staircase) where we gathered and sang an Ascension Day hymn. I believe it was “See the Conqueror Mount In Triumph” or “Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise”. It was wonderful!

Besides the two hymns listed above, my other favorite Ascension Day hymn is “Hail Thee Festival Day”.

Anyone else have a favorite?

. . . thanks, but no thanks!

“First Things” and “American Papist” are announcing that Ambassador Mary Ann Glendon has decided to refuse Notre Dame University’s “Laetare Medal”.

http://www.americanpapist.com/labels/notre%20dame%20scandal.html

God bless her!

Why should the school’s policy come as a shock?

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/03/05/catholic_college_bars_students_free_condoms/

Seems to me that a student who attends a Catholic college should be able to “get” this concept!

Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan has officially been appointed as the next Archbishop of New York. As a Catholic in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, I can tell you that the good Archbishop will be greatly missed. Our loss is certainly New York’s gain. My fervent prayers and best wishes go to Archbishop Dolan as he undertakes his new responsibilities.

One of the neat things about a blog, is that the blogger can write pretty much what he wishes, on pretty much whatever topic he wishes!

Well, right now, I’m going to brag on my eldest son!

David, Jr. is 18 and is in his senior year at St. Lawrence Seminary High School.

2009 has certainly been good to him!

A few weeks ago, we learned that the Archdiocese of Milwaukee has accepted him as a college seminarian. He will be attending St. Joseph College Seminary, which is located on the campus of Loyola University in Chicago.

Yesterday, we learned that he has been chosen for induction into the National Honor Society at St. Lawrence.

Our family could not possibly be more pleased and proud!

God is good, and He has a very nice Mother!

Papa Z

I just received word that my first cousin and her family lost their home and all their material possessions last night in a house fire. I can’t even begin to imagine what they are going through right now. Praise God everyone is safe. Thank God for His promises of Divine Mercy.

Please remember this family in your prayers.

Blessings,

Papa Z

It is with great sadness that I announce to my (six) readers the death this morning of Avery, Cardinal Dulles, SJ. He was 90 years old.

Cardinal Dulles was arguably the most significant American theologian of the century, and possibly the foremost ecclesiologist in the world. Indeed, we even used his “Models of the Church” at Oral Roberts University!

I had the great privilege of meeting Cardinal (then Father) Dulles while I was a student at Nashotah House. We had a academic convocation each November, and Fr. Dulles was one of the featured speakers. We had just suffered through an interminable (and awful) address by some retired Episcopal bishop. Fr. Dulles was next. Very diplomatically, very kindly — and VERY thoroughly, Fr. Dulles absolutely demolished the previous speaker. So thoroughly, in fact, that our Systematic Theology/Liturgy professor at the seminary (who was more sympathetic, I’m afraid, to the heretical bishop than to Fr. Dulles) visibly extremely uncomfortable! It was a joy to behold.

Following the convocation, I had the honor to ride back to the airport with Fr. Dulles. I am most privileged to have in my personal collection several of his books, which he graciously signed for me.

Cardinal Dulles’s death will leave an incredible void in theological circles — and, no doubt, among his Jesuit brothers. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

This morning, I learned of the death of Fr. James LeBar. Fr. LeBar was a close friend and mentor to my own dear friend Fr. Ken Yossa. He was, for many years, the chief exorcist for the Archdiocese of New York, and was one of the most prominent figures in this very specialized ministry in the entire world.

My friend Fr. Yossa is a Byzantine Catholic priest (Romanian Rite) who is godfather to my son Philip and who was present at my own reception into the Church. He forwarded to me this prayer which seems most appropriate for the occasion. It is taken from the Byzantine Funeral Office for a Priest:

O Lord, our God, we see your departed priestly servant James and all the works performed by him in your Church. Now that he has departed by your will, we beseech you O solicitous Master, in your loving kindness, forgive him all his transgressions—committed deliberately or through human frailty—and that you admit him to the region of the living, to the place of light where all the saints repose. For you are the resurrection, the life and the repose of your priestly servant James, O Christ our God, and we glorify you, together with your eternal Father and your all holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen.

This is a very different — and difficult — post for me.

Today, I would like to recognize the life of Ken Jablonski. Ken died 15 years ago, sometime between the hours of 4 and 8 AM on February 22nd, 1993. He was 34 years old. He had suffered from severe kidney disease, leading to total kidney failure (and two failed transplants). He had survived more than 20 years of kidney dialysis. He was also, for the many years that I knew him, totally blind. Early in the morning of February 22nd, 1993, while waiting for the taxi to take him to his thrice-weekly dialysis treatment, he suffered what appeared to be a fatal heart attack. When the taxi company called the authorities to report his non-appearance that fatal morning, the police found his body on the living room floor, reaching for the phone.

At the request of his family, I was in charge of his funeral arrangements, and the disposition of most of his material goods.

Ken was a unique man. In spite of his physical disabilities — and his blindness — he was a musician of extraordinary skill — on the piano, the guitar, and the electric guitar — as well as being a gifted composer. He had one of the most profound — and funny — senses of humor that I have ever encountered in my life. Reading from a Braille manuscript, he proclaimed the Old Testament Lesson at my wedding, and remained very interested in my family life until his untimely death. (He died when my oldest son was 2 1/2 years old, and one month before my oldest daughter was born.)

Ken was an honest man; a generous man; a giving man; and a godly man. To the very end of his life, he was concerned about the needs and hurts of others. Upon his death, one of the tasks which fell to me was to “clean out” his computer — and I found many more examples of his kindness and decency about which I had no knowledge — even as his closest friend.

One final example: about four months prior to his death, Ken had the opportunity to meet the severely retarded and disabled daughter of my wife’s best friends. She was only a small child at the time. After my wife’s friends had returned home, Ken penned a letter to this little girl: a letter gripped with love and emotion. Some years after Ken’s death, this little girl died as well — and at the visitation for family and friends, Ken’s letter was posted prominently by the casket. I don’t believe I’ve ever met a more compassionate person in my entire life.

Ken, while a devout Christian, often joked about giving up “religious ritual” for Lent! And, true to form, he died just two days before Ash Wednesday! Tomorrow, while a day of abstinence, a part of me will be strongly tempted to give up — in Ken’s honor — my Lenten disciplines — just for a day.

Kenneth P. Jablonski — may you rest in peace! May your friends be as lucky as you, to remember you so faithfully! And if, perchance, I should (in your honor) stray on Friday, please intercede to the Almighty on my behalf!

Greetings, all,

I have recently received a very kind message from Bp. Fred Fick, sometime CEC bishop of the Great Lakes.

Bp. Fick informs me that while he participated in some of the preliminary discussions which led to the formation of the Communion of Christ the Redeemer; after much prayer and discernment, he has declined to participate in that endeavor. Instead, he is seeking the fellowship of conservative Anglicans within the Continuing Movement.

I pray that Bp. Fick and his family and friends find the Will of God for their unique situation, as I am sure that they continue to pray for us.

God bless you, Bp. Fick.

SUBJECT: RELIGION!!!

Apparently, the leadership of the CEC has not learned much from the events of the past 12-18 months. I just received — unsolicited — an e-mail from a long-time CEC priest in the Southeast who yesterday announced that he and his congregation were moving from the CEC to the newly formed Communion of Christ the Redeemer (CCR).

Within hours — literally within hours — the CEC leader in his state demanded the return of his ordination certificates, denounced him as a vow-breaker, and has already begun efforts to seize his church’s property. And this against a man who has served as a priest for more than a decade.

For crying out loud, people, WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED???

WHEN WILL THIS NONSENSE STOP???

What is to be gained by this continued persecution?

When will the current leadership in the CEC realize that they bear enormous responsibility for the events of the last 18 months?

You know, I’ve heard a lot of talk about “healing” and “moving forward” and even admission of “communication breakdowns”, etc. But I don’t see the actions suiting the words.

Thanks to David B. for his previous kind remarks. I thought that under the circumstances, I ought to “cross-post”. Blessings!

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted on this blog. Much of my time has been spent moderating several sections of the Ancient-Future Catholic forum, owned by fellow blogger David Bennett. Some months ago, we decided mutually that the time had come to shut down discussions of the CEC on that forum, and overall, I believe that this has been a wise move. Some CEC discussion has continued on the On Our Way Home forum, but at a much slower, and less frenetic pace than before.

Now that the dust has cleared somewhat, we can perhaps have a better picture as to what has actually happened, and what is still going on.

Total Episcopal Departures from the CEC since May 2006:

Bishop Philip Zampino, formerly Bishop of the Mid-Atlantic Diocese and Abbot General; now Prelate of the Communion of Corpus Christi.

Bishop Fred Fick, formerly Bishop of the Great Lakes Diocese; now a bishop in the Communion of Christ the Redeemer.

Bishop Don Miles, formerly assistant Bishop of the Great Lakes Diocese; now a bishop in the Communion of Christ the Redeemer.

Bishop Rich Lipka, formerly Bishop of Delmarva Diocese; now the President of the Communion of Christ the Redeemer.

Bishop Phil Weeks, formerly Missionary Bishop for the CEC; now a bishop in the Communion of Christ the Redeemer.

Bishop Ken Myers, formerly Bishop of the South-Central Diocese; now Vice-President of the Communion of Christ the Redeemer.

Bishop Rick Painter, formerly Bishop in Arizona; now the Secretary-Treasurer of the Communion of Christ the Redeemer.

Archbishop Randy Sly, formerly Archbishop of the Eastern Province; now a layman in the Roman Catholic Church.

In addition, there have been dozens, if not hundreds of priests and deacons who have left for other bodies, dozens of churches who have left for other bodies, and thousands of laity which have left for other bodies.

The “Exodus” continues, but has been slowed to a trickle. I do expect more losses, but not nearly at the rate we’ve seen over the last 9 months or so.

Is, then, my earlier post on the demise of the CEC incorrect? To paraphrase Mark Twain: “Are the rumors of the death of the CEC greatly exaggerated?”

No, I don’t think so. It may still be possible for the CEC to survive as a meaningful entity — but I would not bet the rent on it.

What has happened positively:

There have been some positives.

1) The CEC is finally being honest about its own numbers here in the United States. For many years, those in the CEC (including those in ministry) were treated to enormous exaggerations as to churches and parishoners. In the United States, the CEC is now admitting to about 4,000 souls.

2) The CEC is finally taking a stand on doctrinal issues (like the Canon of Scripture). Lack of clarity on fundamental points of doctrine has always been a shortcoming of the denomination. It appears that this is beginning to change.

3) The CEC is finally taking a stand on a unified liturgy. This has also been a shortcoming, as not only styles of worship would vary around the country, but so also would fundamental and theological aspects of the liturgy. It is difficult to have a unified doctrine if there is no uniform liturgical worship. The CEC is finally coming to grips with this.

4) The CEC seems to be making at least a minimal attempt to regularize its reporting, both with regard to parish records and with regard to financial accountability. This may be “too little, too late” — but, nevertheless a start is being made.

HOWEVER — the NEGATIVES certainly outweigh the positives:

1) Honesty about numbers is a good thing. The numbers themselves look very bad — and when analyzed, look much worse. 4,000 persons — 90 churches. That adds up to about 45 persons per church. Not very viable. But there’s more. 6 of those congregations are cathedral parishes, which tend to be much larger than the typical CEC congregation. If we assume an average membership of 150 for those six congregations (which is conservative indeed) we’re left with about 3,100 persons in 84 parishes/missions. That adds up to about to about 37 members per congregation. But it gets worse than that. Among those 4,000 people, are between 400 and 450 clergy! For 90 churches! Most members of the CEC clergy have families, and many of those families are quite large. Just assuming an average of 4.5 members per clergy family (which again is conservative indeed) and we see between 1,800 and 2,000 members of CEC churches who are either clergy, or families of clergy. That number approaches 50%. This is not viable denominational growth!

2) Taking a stand on doctrine and on liturgy is also a good thing. However, in the case of the CEC, the stand taken is essentially “We have decided that we are a Protestant denomination”. If that is truly what they want to be, that’s fine and dandy. But that is not the song which was being sung EVEN ONE YEAR AGO, much less from the beginning of the denomination. Yet the current leadership is pretending that this is not the case. One immediately thinks of the “doublespeak” talked about in 1984. Those of us who remember how it was at the beginning cannot be fooled.

3) The beginnings of accountability are not enough. The current leadership of the CEC has still not “come clean” about the events of the past year (and honestly, much further back than that!) Clergy and laity who still ask questions are being insulted by bishops. The cries of the literally thousands who have asked for information, and yes, for justice, have been mocked and ridiculed. Attacks have been made against forums and blogs (including this one) yet certain leaders have no hesitancy in printing their own views and opinions. Lies have been told, and continue to be told. Reputations have been tarnished, and continue to be tarnished. Relationships have been broken, and continue to be broken.

In other words, in spite of the loss of 8 bishops, dozens to hundreds of clergy, and (depending on which set of figures you read) up to 75% percent of the laity in the United States, a certain cadre within the remaining leadership is still continuing “business as usual”.

I pray for those left in the CEC. I pray for healing and for reconciliation. But I also pray that “the truth will out”.

The Finger of God

I’m sure that virtually all readers are still reeling at the horrific events which took place yesterday at Virginia Tech. Such mindless evil is dreadfully hard to contemplate. There are no easy answers to difficult questions.

And yet . . .

And yet . . .

Like we have seen so often before, during times of immense tragedy; amid all the suffering and pain; amid all the questions and the anger — there are also miracles. There are those who “were supposed to be somewhere, but weren’t” — and later realize that they have been spared. There are those who, in moments of unspeakable horror, act with incredible courage. There are those who “rise to the occasion”, when the need is greatest.

We see the Finger of God.

I see the Finger of God in the heroic sacrifice of a professor, who literally blockaded a classroom door with his body — so that his students could escape. Greater love hath no man.

I see the Finger of God in the presence of an Eagle Scout in one classroom, who was able to render emergency first-aid to those around him — and was never touched by a bullet.

I see the Finger of God on the life of a young man who decided to have a quick coffee with his girlfriend, rather than rush off. They are both alive today.

I see the Finger of God on the life of a young woman who, although always early, was, for some reason running late.

I see the Finger of God in the very fact that these tragedies are so rare; that this sort of wanton evil remains, for the most part, checked.

It was St. Thomas Aquinas who pointed out that if God wanted to destroy the Universe — He would not have to do anything — He would have to STOP doing something. It is His Finger on the pulse of the Universe which keeps everything going.

I grieve with all those who have lost friends and loved ones. I grieve for the loss of life — and for the loss of innocence. And I am filled with wonder and great gratitude at the little miracles — those actions by the Finger of God — which kept this terrible, terrible tragedy from being infinitely worse.

May the souls of the victims — and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace.