From the pews...

Early today I published a post about the Archdiocese of Detroit. A few people have contacted me, and made various comments. In particular one person wondered where I "got off" telling the Archbishop of Detroit what to do. Let me assure you, I was not attempting to do anything of the sort. If you read my original post, I was writing from the perspective of a blogger, and as an "audience member" of those that the AOD was trying to reach. On top of that, I think this situation is much more about the people around the Archbishop, than he himself.

I was also made aware of a second post by Dr. Peters. [Link] Some seem to think he was addressing me in his post, partially. I can assure you Dr. Peters has much better things to do than read my silly little blog. To that, I admire him so much that if he told me to take this blog down, I probably would. I do take what he says to heart, and think it best that I refrain from dealing with this issue much beyond this post. (Hopefully).

I wondered how to address the concerns I have in this situation, without continually writing analytical posts about it. So I decided to write a "letter" to all involved. It will be my last statement for quite a while on this subject:

To:
The Most Reverend Allen Vigneron, Archbishop of Detroit,
The Archdiocese of Detroit Communications Staff,
Michael Voris,
Real Catholic TV;

As a Catholic, I sit back watching all of you quarrel about something and wonder what 'it' really is. Some say it is about the 'true meaning of the word Catholic' while others say it is about principle. Regardless of what 'it' is, we are left to wonder what to "do" in situations such as these. It is very reminiscent of two loved ones, maybe parents, arguing.

When one sees two people they admire in a quarrel, they stop worrying who is right or wrong, and wonder what could be the source of an argument that would take two entities, who should be friends, and make them foes. Especially in a battle such as ours, the one of good against evil.

So while some must explain that this is about laws and Canonical interpretation, which we know that it is, know that fact doesn't really matter to us, and isn't what we get from all of this. Instead, what we get is that both sides in this battle are missing the fact that they are turning many of those they wish to protect, 'off.' The ones they wish to save are the ones that are getting the most hurt. In the end... the collateral damage occurs closest to home.

Meanwhile, there are politicians who claim to be Catholic that are living, voting, legislating, and proclaiming things so contrary to the faith that it makes a Catholic wonder how rigid Canon Law really is. There are groups that are so heretical they make Wiccans seem Catholic which are given time and treasure to perpetuates their deceit. Worst yet though, straight from the Sanctuary we hear those entrusted with the faith say things, and do things, that are contrary to what we are taught to be true.

So what is a Catholic to do in these situations? I guess we just wait. We wait for those smarter than us to tell us what to think. We wait for more people we admire to pick a side and then tell us we should do the same. I guess we just wait and see if this quarrel is really worth all the time and effort you both make it out to be.

I know this isn't some silly little tiff, I know it has very important implications. But while you argue over whether RCTV deserves its C, know that there are many that aren't getting their C. There are parishes on the verge of closing because of money. There are Catholics who are not getting a licit Mass because of pride. There are Catholics turning off their computers because of angst. There are Catholic houses that sit silent because of contraception. There are Catholic schools that produce scores of protestants and agnostics because they worry more about grades and sports. There are Catholics that think that what is important is what someone says about God, and not what God says about them.

There are people that want to become Catholic, but when they go to a Catholic Church they find...something else 'inside'. There are people that 'once were Catholic'... but are pretty sure the Church left them, and wonder if it will ever come back. There are young people that are reading blogs learning that RCTV doesn't get its 'C' because...but their local Pro-Abort, Pro-ObamaCare elected official gets to list "Catholic" on their website because... and they fill in the blanks on both of those with their own best guesses. 

These aren't easy notions to face, but they are all real and all very true.

So let me say this in parting. As my children grow they will ask me what it means to be Catholic. Since I am not as smart as any of you, I will stumble and fumble, but hopefully give them enough of an idea that they can make something out of it. I wish I could turn to you all for help... but it looks like you are busy arguing over that same question yourself.

Please let us know if you ever figure it out, and what we should make of all those other people running around with C's as well.

Sincerely,

A Catholic

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