At first it starts out in a relatively conciliatory tone, but it isn't long before we get to the real heart of the matter. Notice how he says that those harmed by the Cardinal might be "filled with rage" and "seek revenge". That's rather pejorative language, don't you think? That's a thinly-veiled attempt to cajole good people who've been hurt into not seeking redress for the harm done for them.
Regrettably, the only way we can do that is to withhold money. Otherwise, the bishops will continue to brush off our concerns. Cardinal Wuerl demonstrated that quite amply with his dismissive attitudes towards the laity, suggesting that:
- bishops investigate themselves and each other and
- that we are not in a "massive, massive crisis"
Why does Father Foley not recall that? Does he too think the laity are naive little bumpkins? Moreover, if he's concerned about limiting "what the parish does to serve you", why doesn't he simply divulge to the congregation the donations that aren't assessed by the Archdiocese? After all, he does opine that the withholding "will not in any significant way affect the Archdiocese", so what harm would assessment-free support do? Yoo-hoo! Are you listening, Father Foley??
I already laid out a strategy to starve the chancery beasts while supporting decent parishes. One question that each Catholic will have to answer for themselves is whether or not their individual parish warrants support. There is a matter of justice if you're attending Mass there, sitting in their pews, using their bathrooms, etc, that might require some minimum, even if the parish is lackluster. By the way - Blessed Sacrament has been known to host pro-aborts, celebrate dissidents, etc. In all fairness to Father Foley, these insults to the Faith occurred prior to his arrival there.
I haven't done too extensive a search, but I haven't seen any such dribble in any other parish bulletins. Has anyone else?
.jpg)
If it won't "affect the Archdiocese in any significant way", why mention it?
ReplyDeleteThe From the Pastor's Desk for Mother Seton in Germantown in tomorrow's bulletin says similar things. I imagine they all got their talking points from higher up and the message is being carefully controlled. It was my final straw. My wife and I have decided to withhold all funds to the Archdiocese or Diocesan parishes and only attend TLM, Eastern Rite, or Ordinariate Masses. Will support those parishes and increase support to traditional orders to make up the difference. BTW I can't help but think of Exodus 14:4 ( I will so harden Pharaoh’s heart that he will pursue them. Thus I will receive glory through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD), when I see the crazy stubbornness, that defies all logic, on the part of the hierarchy.
ReplyDelete