Do you see the problem? Don't feel bad; I missed it too! Fortunately a friend pointed it out to me via email. Look at the top picture. That is not just a stage presentation. A closer examination will reveal clergy, vested for Mass, seated behind the dancers. What we are seeing here is the liturgical abuse known as "liturgical dance". In Churches in the West, liturgical dance is forbidden. Period. The fact that this picture of liturgical dissidence is featured in an archdiocesan publication - and located on the front top section, no less - is an indication of the abysmal ignorance (or possibly cavalier disregard) for the rubrics of the liturgy on the part of highly-placed archdiocesan officials. I hope the seminarians are availing themselves of real information regarding the proper celebration of the Sacraments.
At any rate, this flyer that the Archdiocese seems to think will drum up dollars is indicative of why they may not be the best stewards of your contributions. Now we are commanded by the Precepts of the Church to "support the Church's work". The promotion of "liturgical dance" (and some of the other archdiocesan escapades exposed on this and other blogs) is NOT the work of the Church! There are plenty of other worthy recipients of your donation dollars. The much-beleaguered Little Sisters of the Poor and/or the Missionaries of Charity comes to mind, as well as pro-life pregnancy centers and others.
Amen! Will keep you in our prayers. This is so upsetting.
ReplyDeleteNot to mention the "rainbow" colors....coincidental, I am sure.
ReplyDeleteWhat I hate is the subtle blackmail. "Make your quota or you lose your priest."
ReplyDeleteCardinal's Appeal, I would presume is the same thing as 'The Annual Catholic Appeal'? Truthfully, since the CCHD scandal, I am hesitant to give anything to any of these USCCB fundraisers. We had our 'little video' displayed this morning DURING MASS (Archbishop Cupich of course giving us his little speal) which I think is yet another abuse. Are we really supposed to be drumming up money for fundraisers via videos during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass? I read this year the 'Appeal' would be donating part of that money to 'immigration reform'. (sigh) I think I'd rather give to the local right to life center and the food kitchen.
ReplyDeleteWe had that at Mass too, with Cardinal Wuerl doing the dishonors. I don't give to these "umbrella" things anymore (haven't done so in decades) because we know it will go towards immigration, gun control. You're right to give only to proven organizations.
Delete"if the flyer is any indication" - Oh PLEASE. What a complaint. PUUUULEASE join the advertising firm that presented the Archdiocese with happy photographs of people rejoicing. Like this is a valid excuse to not give to the Cardinal's Appeal. As an economist and business person, the Church is one of the most efficient charities that exist. If you are at all charitable, this is a worthy cause even if you don't like the brochure.
ReplyDeleteWhat I commented on is abuse of Holy Mass; it is irrelevant that superficial smiles appear on their faces. Heck, if the appearances of "people rejoicing" is supposed to indicate that an event is all sweetness and light, what are we to make of this obviously exuberant boy? See http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/isis-films-reactions-of-cheering-crowds-watching-jordanian-pilot-burned-alive-on-screens-in-raqqa-10023968.html. Your criteria for evaluating the morality and propriety of given actions are superficial at best. The approval of liturgical aberration is NOT the "work of the Church". If there are any brains within the Archdiocese of Washington offices (somewhat doubtful), they'll fire that advertising firm for this brochure is an embarrassment to them.
DeleteMy blogging colleague, An Archdiocese of Washington Catholic (see right side bar), rightly points out that a portion of donations will be used to subvert the nation's immigration policies. That is NOT a worthy cause by any stretch of the imagination. I urge all to take their donation dollars and give them to organizations that are proven to follow Catholic teaching to the letter.