IN relation to Fr David Pascoe’s answer in Question Box (CL 25/5/03), I wish to ask him the following question.
In such matters as the ordination of women, married clergy and the Third Rite of Reconciliation, it is my understanding that a very clear direction has been made, backed by the Magisterium of the Catholic Church and the infallibility of the Pope.
Many of the faithful are in favour of the ordination of women, married clergy and the use of the Third Rite of Reconciliation and many of the parish priests are of like mind.
I fail to see why the bishops do not give directions to the parish priests in the diocese to make sure the congregations are aware of these directions from Rome and make sure they are obeyed, especially by the priests themselves. After all, that is the part of ministry of the priests and the bishops.
I fail to see any need to communicate any of these matters to the authorities in Rome. They are already well aware of them. If people do feel pain and hardship in obeying the instructions from Rome, they should turn to prayer for help and should also receive spiritual help from their pastor. After all he is their spiritual father. No matter how controversial the matters may be, or how painful, the Church must be obeyed in order to achieve life everlasting, ie the members of the Church.
Only 2 per cent of school leavers from Catholic schools accept the teaching of the Church relating to contraception. Divorce, married priests and priestesses are clamoured for by large numbers of Catholics that they be recognised by the Church.
I don’t think it matters how controversial the teaching of the Catholic Church, we have to stand up and be counted and loudly proclaim our beliefs. After all Jesus was never afraid of controversy and did say that his Holy Name would create violent divisions in the world. How right he was.
My thought is that the bishops and priests of the Catholic Church have an awesome responsibility guiding the faithful in the right direction towards life everlasting. If they get it wrong they may be consigning the faithful to eternal damnation.
My question is why is the synod not going to address these matters? The pathetic excuse that pain might be caused to some of the faithful does not stand up.
It is a great work of the Church in caring for the needy and planning to look after our youth of today. However, if the young people do not practise their faith there will not be many available for this important work.
After all only 15 per cent of school leavers today do practise their faith. If they are not instructed in the faith, what can you expect.
ROBERT UNDERHILL
Camp Hill, Qld
