First Causes of a Catholic/Orthodox Crisis

Today, over at LifesiteNews, I read a very very good post by a priest who sadly had to close their elementary school. It is an excellent article about how most parishes have contracepted themselves nearly out of existence and then people object to schools and parishes closing. This good man has written an article for discussion that is worthy of discussion. Here is a bit from the article: In my January 2010 letter to my bishop asking his permission to close our school, I wrote: Bishop, it is with a heavy heart that I request this of you. As you … Continue reading

Restoring the Ancient Order of the Sacraments of Initiation

Bishop Aquila of Fargo wants to see the Sacraments of Initiation restored to their historic order.  I am very excited by this move because the main thing that has bothered me about the modern separation and re-ordering of the Sacraments of Initiation is that the historical reason for permitting the change no longer exists. Originally the Pope permitted Eucharist to be received even if Confirmation had not been because Confirmation required the presence of the Bishop and due to problems traveling some parishes might not see the Bishop except once in a decade or longer.  Rather than force people to … Continue reading

Issues of Faith: Sacraments

Catholics believe in seven sacraments, some of which cannot be undone once they are done: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Marriage, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick.  Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage and Holy Orders are one time and permanent. Once Baptized, a person is permanently marked by God and will never lose that mark, even if they repudiate everything Christian and live a debauched life, never repent and end up in Hell by their own choice–the mark will remain.  The same is true of Confirmation, Marriage and Holy Orders. Marriage and Holy Orders are entries into a state of life.  This … Continue reading