Monthly Archives: March 2014

History v Theology?

Posted on 28 March 2014 by catholicsensibility

I’m not sure what Fr John Shea expects to accomplish here. I think I perceive his hope. It’s an unrealistic hope at this juncture. There will be no theological discussion. The people responsible, with the probable exception of the Bishop of … Continue reading →

Posted in bishops, Church News, Politics | Tagged , | 6 Comments

Dies Domini 6: A Recovery of Doctrine

Posted on 28 March 2014 by catholicsensibility

Pope John Paul II brings the spirit of an artist to many of his documents, but here we’re talking about doctrine underlying Sunday. He wasn’t wrong about Church doctrine dealing with Sunday. My question is how effective the doctrinal approach … Continue reading →

Posted in Dies Domini, post-conciliar liturgy documents | 1 Comment

EG 125: Piety Facilitates Love

Posted on 28 March 2014 by catholicsensibility

Pope Francis explains it a bit more in #125: that faith is more than mere assent to God’s teachings. One author I encountered recently said there’s a difference between faith  in God and agreeing with God. Agreement with moral teachings … Continue reading →

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Premier League A Plus

Posted on 28 March 2014 by catholicsensibility

News piece on the success of the American presentation of the English Premier League. It’s been fun to watch live on Saturday mornings–I don’t get to the Sunday matches until the wrap-up programs in the evening. Program host Rebecca Lowe: … Continue reading →

Posted in Sports | Tagged | 4 Comments

Dies Domini 5: Sunday Mass or Not

Posted on 27 March 2014 by catholicsensibility

Sunday isn’t only about Mass attendance, but John Paul II has his focus there. It hasn’t always been true that Catholics have had access to the Eucharist on Sundays, but even those who have not have indeed had a devotion … Continue reading →

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EG 124: On Pilgrimage

Posted on 27 March 2014 by catholicsensibility

Pope Francis’ experience with popular piety in Latin America has clearly influenced his ministry as Bishop of Rome. Evangelii Gaudium references that landmark document from the Aparecida Conference of 2007. Let’s read and sum it up. 124. The Aparecida Document describes … Continue reading →

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Dies Domini 4: Looking for Celebration

Posted on 26 March 2014 by catholicsensibility

Sunday used to get a lot of reinforcement from secular society. Did the wider culture end up propping up the church practice? 4. Until quite recently, it was easier in traditionally Christian countries to keep Sunday holy because it was … Continue reading →

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Double Red

Posted on 26 March 2014 by catholicsensibility

I had never heard of this. So they took extra red cells today at the blood drive. I looked over at the tubes and the little centrifuge machine next to my arm. Probably not the best idea, as light-headedness ensued.

Posted in Miscellaneous | Tagged , | 1 Comment

A Precedent?

Posted on 26 March 2014 by catholicsensibility

Do we pity Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst? Forever he will be known not as a disciple of Jesus Christ, nor even merely as a prince of the church–but as the “bishop of bling.” Now we find that five months after the … Continue reading →

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EG 123: Piety Embodies Faith in a Culture

Posted on 26 March 2014 by catholicsensibility

In section 123, Pope Francis makes the case that popular piety is an important derivation and expression of received faith. He cites two recent popes: 123. Popular piety enables us to see how the faith, once received, becomes embodied in … Continue reading →

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Dies Domini 3: Fundamentally Important

Posted on 25 March 2014 by catholicsensibility

Observing Sunday is as ancient as anything Christian. Vatican II emphasized it: 3. The fundamental importance of Sunday has been recognized through two thousand years of history and was emphatically restated by the Second Vatican Council: “Every seven days, the … Continue reading →

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Annunciation

Posted on 25 March 2014 by catholicsensibility

Today is the second white feast of Lent. Christmas minus nine months. When the parishioner who oversees vestment dry cleaning came in for the “spring cleaning” Sunday, I remembered to have her save a white chasuble. Aside from white, the … Continue reading →

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Astronomy Conference

Posted on 25 March 2014 by catholicsensibility

This looks interesting. The Vatican Observatory Foundation is offering a five-day conference in Tucson next January: What can modern astronomy tell us about creation – and its Creator? Guy Consolmagno, SJ, on it: Our hope is that this can become … Continue reading →

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EG 122: Popular Piety

Posted on 25 March 2014 by catholicsensibility

Pope Francis explores “The evangelizing power of popular piety” in Evangelii Gaudium. Let’s read the follow-up to the premise that all the baptized are called to be missionary disciples. How does “popular piety” help that, influence it, and make it … Continue reading →

Posted in Evangelii Gaudium, evangelization | Tagged | 1 Comment

Dies Domini 2: Resurrection

Posted on 24 March 2014 by catholicsensibility

Why Sunday? It’s obvious: the Resurrection. The only event that might be more astonishing is that God chose to come in human form, and walk among us, as one of us. But no doubt, the Resurrection has eternal implications for … Continue reading →

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