Association of Catholics in Ireland (ACI) Open Information Event, Belfast, Saturday 6th December 2014
Theme:
“Helping the Church to become self-critical:
Why the laity are best equipped for this role”
Year: 2014
Fact or Fiction : Real or Imaginary.
Seamus Ahearne wonders if he serves a “fictional parish or is this how it now is? I must say I enjoy it how it is. New Missals and such language is totally irrelevant. A new language is absolutely essential. Liturgy (if it is real) connects with the experiences of the local community. It is their pictures that matter with the God of surprises.”
Srs. Marie Duddy and Frances Forde; a reflection
Brian McKee, Director, Seedlings, offers this reflection on the impact of the lives and work of Sr Frances Forde and Sr. Marie Duddy who sadly died in a road traffic accident.
A married man, Brian works with the Passionists as Director of Tobar Mhuire Retreat Centre, near Belfast, and in the parish of Holy Cross, Ardoyne in the work of peace and reconciliation. www.seedlingsireland.com
The recent Synod; the penny drops!
‘Synods of bishops for decades have been highly embarrassing gatherings.’
Brendan Hoban in his Western People column takes a look at the recent Synod of bishops.
‘Representatives of bishops from around the world usually gathered in Rome, dressed immaculately for the occasion and delivered set speeches – all in the knowledge that the final statement was already drafted before they had left home!’
This time it was different;
‘At the opening Francis spelled it out in no uncertain terms for delegates: debate, say what you think; don’t be afraid to speak your mind.’
The Cry of the Earth 2
Sean McDonagh continues to explore part two of The Cry of the Earth by the Irish Bishops and elaborates on our responsibility as Christians to care for creation.
Presider’s Page for Dedication of Lateran (9 November)
Every year on 9 November, we celebrate the dedication of the pope’s cathedral in Rome, the Lateran Basilica. Because that church is dedicated to our Most Holy Saviour, the celebration of this feast takes the place of the regular Sunday readings and prayers. And we praise our loving God who provides a home for us on earth as in heaven.
Pope Francis confirms norms concerning bishops’ retirement
Andrea Tornielli writes in http://vaticaninsider.lastampa.it about the regulations concerning the retirement of bishops.
Of note is the statement that “Worthy of the church’s appreciation is the gesture of one who, motivated by love and the desire for a better service to the community, believes it is necessary because of ill health or other serious reason to renounce his office as pastor before reaching the age of 75.”
Is this something priests should consider as a realistic alternative to taking on more and more duties as they grow older and colleagues die. Might it be the only way to force everyone to realistically confront the issue of the ever reducing number of priests?
Priesthood has to continue evolving and developing
What is it that makes changes to church life and practice so difficult and why does change happen so slowly? Life though is not static, life is dynamic and this implies evolution, growth and maturity.
Brian Eyre continues to reflect on priesthood in the light of his own experiences in Brazil.
Final Report of Synod – English translation
For your information we carry the English translation of the final document of the Synod.
Threatened with excommunication, Tony Flannery holds firm to his beliefs
Tony Flannery continues his speaking tour in the U.S.A.
Margery Eagan, spirituality columnist with www.cruxnow.com, reports on the tour. Margery is a long-time writer and commentator on current affairs, politics, women’s issues, and Catholicism. She co-hosts “Boston Public Radio” with Jim Braude on 89.7 WGBH in Boston.
Presider’s Page for 26 October (Ordinary Time 30)
There’s a reminder of the two great commandments in today’s celebration: we are called to love God and our neighbour: friend, visitor and stranger alike.
The Cry of the Earth
On October 1st 2014, The Irish Catholic Bishops Conference launched The Cry of the Earth: A Pastoral Reflection on Climate Change. It was meant to be a call to action, but In truth there has not been much discussion of the document. Sean McDonagh stresses that we need to be more urgent in our response to Climate Change.
Vatican micro-managers of the Mass need to be shown the door.
“the Congregation for Divine Worship try to micro-manage the Church around the world and often fail to understand or misinterpret local custom and tradition.”
Brendan Hoban in the Western People continues to wonder how curial officals fail to see it is their own institutions that are in need of reform instead of tinkering with what is actually still working in the church.
Stones still Standing
Chris McDonnell reflects on the recent synod.
“What’s changed?
We don’t deny the faith of earlier generations by asking that question”.
Chris is a retired head teacher having taught in London, Leeds and on Merseyside. Married with three children and eight grandchildren. He is a regular contributor to discussion in the catholic press, journals and blogs.
In tribute to Fr Anthony J Butler RIP
Fr Anthony J Butler SMA died on 16 October 2014 and was buried in Wilton, Cork on 20 October. Tony was a loyal ACP member and a frequent contributor to this site. In tribute to his passing, we re-publish his contribution of 1 August 2011 – “Looking Back and Forward”
Presider’s Page for 19 October (Ordinary Time 29)
Mission Sunday is celebrated today. Its theme is “That we may have life…” We come to the source of life and pray that the life of Christ might be in us and in all of humankind.
Provisional translation of Pope Francis’ address at the closing of the Synod:
Address of Pope Francis at end of Synod.
“… a temptation to hostile inflexibility of the so-called ‘traditionalists’ and also of the intellectuals… the temptation of the ‘do-gooders,’… of the so-called ‘progressives and liberals…’
How hungry are the Sheep?
Redemptorist Stan Mellett, who ministers in Ballyfermot, reflects on his ministry and questions if we need to refocus our efforts so the gathering will truly be the ‘people of God’ celebrating the gift of God in Jesus at the Eucharistic table.
Reconciliation: Penance: Confession: A disappearing Sacrament?
Brendan Hoban revisits the topic of confession and ponders how it can be saved.
Catholic Tipping Point: U.S. Speaking Tour
Information on Tony Flannery’s speaking tour of the United States
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