Thank you! I, too, love the Jesuit Retreat Center. Although not a Catholic, I found my Protestantism totally acceptable there. I was even welcomed to partake in Holy Communion. I also fell in love with Thomas Merton, whose works I sampled in that cozy library.
I think this pope has these qualities and I pray he is a force for good in this sad world.
Regina, yours is a hopeful message but I'm afraid a bit naive. The next Pope is going to be an older guy who has been indoctrinated into the "male-only" Catholic club that still sees women as servants, sisters, sluts or saints. We're too "stupid" to understand the "deep" philosophical meanings of Christ & Catechism. Right. As for the Catholic Church paying sexual abuse victims, something, "anything because "average" people are not trying hard "enough' to have normal lives. As for donating the Church's money? Ha ha ha
Maybe I just try to be realistic. The Church won't change in our lifetime, I'm afraid. I volunteered with Sr. Chris Schenk's 'FutureChurch' years ago & a few years ago, I actually had a PASTOR of a huge, well-funded church i belonged to, tell me, in all seriousness, that: There were NO women Apostles & encouraged me Not to partake in activities at the nun-directed 'Centering Space (or Place)', in Lakewood, because "they" don't practice within the "Church's" teaching - says this 50-yr. old, ex-attorney, now-priest.
I'm sick of being told by these priests (& the church) that Women aren't capable of receiving God's word & preaching it, when 90% of any parish are run by women volunteers! It makes me so angry, that it's not really healthy for me to engage in a conversation with any priest, especially these new ones they're cranking out, who, it's obvious, are being fed a much more conservative theology than older priests! When I attend mass, like I said, I take what I need & leave the rest.
I walked away from my childhood faith (Catholicism), such that it was, many years ago. There were various reasons, but I can say that I never felt LOVE from the Catholic church. Judgement and condemnation are two words that do come to mind. I now consider myself to be a born-again Christian. I came to this after a terrible tragedy in my life. I found myself thinking more and more about issues of faith, in particular heaven. I wanted to find a church, and I certainly did not feel inclined toward a Catholic church. I began to attend Protestant churches, and I followed some Pastors online, my favorite being Charles Stanly. (Baptist.) I have learned much in the last twenty years, and honestly I love reading your perspective on the Catholic church. In some ways it truly validates my decision. My mother is a devout Catholic, and I no longer even try to share the Good News with her. She rejects anything that I say. Sometimes the Catholic church and it's followers gives me a cultish vibe. In particular the older generation seem to blindly cling to their faith. I do hope that the Catholic church will assign the correct person to the role of Pope. I do realize the impact the Pope can have. We have seen, and continue to see so much evil in the world. We really do need a Pope of light and love.
And the last one cuts deep into our hearts. We hear a lot about the priest shortage and yet the church resists love as the answer. Some may be called to a celibate lifestyle but others, if they are called to love and marriage, are discarded even after years of faithful service. So many choose to remain in ministry within the church but are not allowed to stay even though they are blessed with seven sacraments and a deep desire to serve and many never are ordained for the same reason. The harvest is plenty and so are those who hear the Lord's call. May this new pope allow the Lord to choose. "In the end, God will ask only one thing. Just one. Did you love?" Amen.
Thank you! I, too, love the Jesuit Retreat Center. Although not a Catholic, I found my Protestantism totally acceptable there. I was even welcomed to partake in Holy Communion. I also fell in love with Thomas Merton, whose works I sampled in that cozy library.
I think this pope has these qualities and I pray he is a force for good in this sad world.
So glad you found it. I, too, love Merton. Thanks for sharing a bit of your faith journey.
How we need hope in these days! Thank you for this beautiful post. Thank you for sharing all this love of Jesus. 🙏
Thanks for reading and commenting!
Regina, yours is a hopeful message but I'm afraid a bit naive. The next Pope is going to be an older guy who has been indoctrinated into the "male-only" Catholic club that still sees women as servants, sisters, sluts or saints. We're too "stupid" to understand the "deep" philosophical meanings of Christ & Catechism. Right. As for the Catholic Church paying sexual abuse victims, something, "anything because "average" people are not trying hard "enough' to have normal lives. As for donating the Church's money? Ha ha ha
I don't see it as naive. I see it as hopeful. As Nick Cave wrote, Hope is optimism with a broke heart.
Maybe I just try to be realistic. The Church won't change in our lifetime, I'm afraid. I volunteered with Sr. Chris Schenk's 'FutureChurch' years ago & a few years ago, I actually had a PASTOR of a huge, well-funded church i belonged to, tell me, in all seriousness, that: There were NO women Apostles & encouraged me Not to partake in activities at the nun-directed 'Centering Space (or Place)', in Lakewood, because "they" don't practice within the "Church's" teaching - says this 50-yr. old, ex-attorney, now-priest.
Hope isn’t always realistic, but I’ll keep my heart open and see what happens. Thanks for sharing.
I'm sick of being told by these priests (& the church) that Women aren't capable of receiving God's word & preaching it, when 90% of any parish are run by women volunteers! It makes me so angry, that it's not really healthy for me to engage in a conversation with any priest, especially these new ones they're cranking out, who, it's obvious, are being fed a much more conservative theology than older priests! When I attend mass, like I said, I take what I need & leave the rest.
I agree with you on all of it! And I loved your use of the beauty of my church!!
Your pictures always enhance your wondrous words. Thank you!!❤️
Thanks. What a stunning church!
I walked away from my childhood faith (Catholicism), such that it was, many years ago. There were various reasons, but I can say that I never felt LOVE from the Catholic church. Judgement and condemnation are two words that do come to mind. I now consider myself to be a born-again Christian. I came to this after a terrible tragedy in my life. I found myself thinking more and more about issues of faith, in particular heaven. I wanted to find a church, and I certainly did not feel inclined toward a Catholic church. I began to attend Protestant churches, and I followed some Pastors online, my favorite being Charles Stanly. (Baptist.) I have learned much in the last twenty years, and honestly I love reading your perspective on the Catholic church. In some ways it truly validates my decision. My mother is a devout Catholic, and I no longer even try to share the Good News with her. She rejects anything that I say. Sometimes the Catholic church and it's followers gives me a cultish vibe. In particular the older generation seem to blindly cling to their faith. I do hope that the Catholic church will assign the correct person to the role of Pope. I do realize the impact the Pope can have. We have seen, and continue to see so much evil in the world. We really do need a Pope of light and love.
I'm glad you found a faith that fills your soul. Thanks for sharing!
And the last one cuts deep into our hearts. We hear a lot about the priest shortage and yet the church resists love as the answer. Some may be called to a celibate lifestyle but others, if they are called to love and marriage, are discarded even after years of faithful service. So many choose to remain in ministry within the church but are not allowed to stay even though they are blessed with seven sacraments and a deep desire to serve and many never are ordained for the same reason. The harvest is plenty and so are those who hear the Lord's call. May this new pope allow the Lord to choose. "In the end, God will ask only one thing. Just one. Did you love?" Amen.
Good insights about ordination. Thanks for sharing them.
There is always hope.
Always.
With the existing cardinals in the non-fiction conclave I'm afraid we'll get none of the above.
You're probably right, but I'm going to keep hope alive.