Re: Canadian Non-Catholic PM Says he Did Consume Communion after Offered, Will Meet Pope Saturday
This controversy would not have occured had the Archbishop of Moncton followed Church norms as he is supposed to. The Vatican issued an instruction (Redemptionis Sacramentum) in 2004 in an attempt to correct various liturgical abuses, including the giving of communion to non-Catholics.
Paragraph 84 states: “when Holy Mass is celebrated for a large crowd, […] care should be taken lest out of ignorance non-Catholics or even non-Christians come forward for Holy Communion, without taking into account the Church’s Magisterium in matters pertaining to doctrine and discipline. It is the DUTY OF PASTORS at an opportune moment to inform those present of the authenticity and the discipline that are strictly to be observed.
As for Fr. Bourgeois' comment that communion may be given to non-Catholics at major occasions, he is utterly wrong: canon 844 §4 states that other Christians may receive Communion “only if the danger of death is present or some other grave necessity urges it, provided that these people manifest Catholic faith in respect to the Eucharist”, in other words, that they recognize it as the body, soul and divinity of our Lord, Jesus-Christ.
The lay association, Catholics United to Peter, Moncton Chapter, has urged the archbishop in the past to ensure that this and other Church norms be followed by diocesan clergy, all to no avail. Communion continues to be given indiscriminately to whoever comes forward: non-Catholics, remarried divorcees, active homosexuals, those who long ago abandoned the faith, politicians openly in favour of abortion, etc. “The Lord [may] provide” claims Fr. Bourgeois, but He is certainly not amused for the embarassment caused to his Church.
If there ever was a scandal, it is Catholic clergy choosing not to follow Church norms. Not Mr. Harper who received the host directly from the hands of Mgr. Richard who “didn't see anything wrong with it because he was busy doing something else (?).
James Ouellet, Chair
Catholics United to Peter, Moncton Chapter
Grande-Digue, NB
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Re: Development and Peace
Dear Editor: A recent letter from a Canadian bishop claims that “D&P never supports groups or organizations but projects and certainly not abortion” and the first question they ask when working with an organization is not “what is your stand on abortion?” At least we now know what the policy of D&P actually is.
It is my intention to share with all the Canadian bishops the compelling words of the Holy Father’s encyclical that was released on July 6th, in the hope that they will acknowledge and follow the priorities of our Catholic social teaching. I also urge others to do likewise. Perhaps if enough of us write letters we can not only begin to move forward on this issue but also anticipate a future when laity and hierarchy alike, are of one accord.
Thank you for strong defence of life despite the opposition or indifference from our shepherds.
Suzanne Formanek
British Columbia, Canada
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Thank you for uncovering the truth about Development and Peace, and thank you for persevering in spite of retaliation. Without lifesitenews, I would never have known that they were funding anti-life organizations. Myself, my husband, our family and friends, are writing to the bishops to implore them to reexamine the evidence which is so easily obtained online by any layman or woman. Our money is being directed to religious orders who actually labour with the poor, and to pro-life causes such as your own.
Mary Pemberton
Ontario, Canada
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Re: Higher Fertility Needed in Canada Says Think Tank
Dear Lifesite,
In the fall of 1969 we were expecting our third child. A few nasty remarks were made – with reference to this news. My husband and I had a long talk. I can still remember his words ” If Canadian families don' t have more children we will not be able to sustain the economy in 30 to 40 years”. We were not having children to sustain the economy but because we wanted children. Now his words have come true. I still wonder what all these people were thinking and what took them so long to wake up.
Thank you Lifesite for all the good work and God Bless
Diane Paquette
Brampton, Ontario, Canada
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Re: Homosexual Adult Altar-Server Files Human Rights Complaint against Bishop for Dismissal
Dear Editor:
There are two very important points I would like to make regarding Mr. Corcoran being dismissed as an Altar Server, as his claim to being a 'homosexual' living with another who claims to be 'homosexual' would have continued to be a cause for public scandal.
First and most importantly, what actions or words in this particular case are a cause for 'public' scandal? Public scandal, generally means to openly defy a moral teaching of the Church, one which may cause the faithful to doubt or assume acceptance of sinful behaviour.
Mr. Corcoran, if it is true, professes to be a 'homosexual' living with another 'homosexual' man. I challenge this misnomer and it is a known fact, all who identifies themselves as being their desires or behaviour have this additional struggle to overcome in order to remain chaste. Anyone, and I know a few men, who choose not to act on these desires, will attest they needed to first disidentify themselves as being a 'homosexual'. In fact, most of these individuals say it was the most important action that led to their being freed from these desires, and some, including a man in my parish, eventually find themselves attracted to members of the opposite sex and get married.
Secondly, they needed to remove themselves from the occasion of sin. Lead us not into temptation means to remove oneself from a compromising situation. As a recovering alcoholic of 28 years, I would question my resolve if I was hanging out in a bar nightly. In other words, Mr. Corcoran contradicts himself when he says he is a 'homosexual', then chooses to live with another man who professes to 'be' a homosexual.
These contradictions likely caused many of the parishioners to be concerned about Mr. Corcoran serving at the altar in a state of moral compromise. I use the term moral compromise to mean that his behaviour, 'claiming to be a homosexual and remaining in a living situation with another who professes the same', causes serious doubt to his claim. Yet, what brings the most doubt to Mr. Corcoran's claim is his current response to the bishop removing him from the altar.
All faithful Catholics should challenge the contradiction caused by Mr. Corcoran's current choice of action, which brings further doubt to his claims he was following church teachings. The choice to bring a Human Rights complaint against the parishioners and the bishop show he is still professing his commitment to the homosexual lifestyle rather than to Catholic Church teaching.
If Mr. Corcoran were truly resolved to follow church teachings and the commandments by leading a chaste life; he would have recognized the contradiction in his actions and words and consequently chosen to adhere to the bishop's request willingly.
Instead, Mr. Corcoran's previous and current behaviour only indicate a just cause for his being removed from the Altar over the concern for public scandal. The bishop correctly responded to the complaints of those who were scandalized and removed him as an Altar Server.
Finally, from a legal perspective, Mr. Corcoran choosing to initiate a Human Rights complaint is the best defence that in fact the Bishop acted prudently by removing him as an Altar Server.
A good case for the Canadian Catholic Civil Rights League.
Leeda Crawford
Toronto, Ontario
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Re: Canadian Conservative MP: Party Funding of Gay Pride Parade Came as a Shock to Most of Caucus
I'm so glad to find a wonderful site dedicated to providing bigots and homophobes a haven on the internet!
I especially love the labelling of “Anti-Life” for those who promote freedoms for women over their own bodies!
Kudos! And keep up the great work!
Oh, and as just a quick heads-up. Stats Can has indicated overwhelmingly that those who might enjoy this kind of website are aged 45 and up, and overwhelmingly that those under 45, well, they really don't agree with you. So I'd advise that you make as much cash on this venture now as you can, 'cause I'm not sure that this venture is going to work out in the not so distant future.
Cheers! And may whatever twisted deity you worship bless you! ('Cause it sure ain't the God found in the Bible!)
Nick Sutherby