"Over the course of time bishops are told lots of things about pastors by many people. Some of these concerns can be dealt with on an individual basis. Some are simply differences in style or opinion. Many lack any basis in fact. However there are occasions when enough concern is expressed on a wide basis that a systematic review is in order so that a proper and informed response might be made." [Emphasis mine]As an outsider, I may have no business even commenting on this situation. My only role, if it should even be that, might be restricted to purely objective posting of the information that I receive regarding this issue. Yet, as I have spoken to folks from Anchorage on "both sides" of this issue and been asked my "opinion of things," I realize that an outside perspective in some regards may actually be helpful. That is, in regards to putting forth some clarity on issues that have become nuanced and seen with "tunnel vision." That being said, my offering comes with quite a few qualifications and caveats.
First and foremost, we must pray. We must pray, fast, and do penance. We are not worthy to receive Him, but He only says the Word and we are healed. Personally, I am placing this issue up high on my intentions list for Holy Hour tonight. I suggest that you do something similar. Whether it be a day fast, a Holy Hour, or a Daily Mass offering... we must center ourselves on God. Only through him are things possible... without Him the pursuit is pointless.
Next, this process, the visitation, is not intended to be nor is it canonically a "democratic process." As the Archbishop states,
"The current situation involves the staff of the parish and the visitation will be primarily with them. It is not intended as a process that will involve the whole parish."Although the catalyst for this situation is more than likely a group of faithful that presented petitions [eg complaints?] to the Archbishop, he is doing the right thing and not making this a "popularity contest." The Church is hierarchical, and it must be run according to Canon Law.
Thirdly, Alaska is very much set apart from the rest of the country. What I mean when I say that is, that although there is a continuity of the Bishops, clergy, and hierarchy here as it is anywhere, there is still a Catholic-Cultural element to the parish life of the Alaskan Catholic Church that is unique and distinct. As is true with other Alaskan things, there is a sense of self-reliance and particular ideas that attach themselves to the hearts and minds of the parishioners of Alaskan Catholics. That is, people come to Alaska or are here for a reason and the mindset of the people is particular to this area and permeates to all facets of life. It is correct and honest to say, that parishes in the Archdiocese of Anchorage as very unlike those in the lower 48. As someone that grew up in the dioceses of the lower 48, I bring to my statements a different perspective than many Alaskans; this is contextual statement and not one establishing authority or expertise. Finally, the Dominicans are a religious order. They have been entrusted to run not only an diocesan parish, but the Cathedral parish, that is a the Metropolitan seat at that. This is a big task, and one that is unique, and in the very least uncommon. Religious orders bring to the table their own unique charisms and hierarchy. This is not to say they aren't "made" for diocesan life. In fact, many parishes that are ORDER run, are in fact the most vibrant in a diocese. Yet, it does add a unique flavor to this situation, that must be considered when evaluating the overall situation.
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Having listed my caveats and qualifications to the opinion I am about to write, I wish to proceed carefully and with a specific purpose in mind. That purpose is one of explanation and observation. Because I am not a parishioner, I am not privy to the inner workings and daily life at HFC. So the best I can do, is explain how I see the parish, from my perspective as a Catholic, in the same Archdiocese, but in a region that is very, very different from that of Anchorage.
As an outsider, HFC Parish appears to be an "ideal" parish. Multiple Masses in multiple Rites [Forms]. A Pastor, associate priests, and various religious. There are a ton of ministries, apostolates, and groups that "feed" the faithful in a multitude of ways. The prayer and spiritual life of the parish seem to be on fire and full of opportunity. All ages are ministered to, and there seems to be a healthy collection of both "traditional" Catholics and more "modern" Catholics. There is a new parish "Center" and bookstore, a world class Music Director, and an outstanding school,
Now, it is very possible that the complaints that have required the Archbishop to institute the visitation are well founded and are true regardless of the "state of the parish." That being said, HFC seems like a parish most of the rest of us in the Archdiocese would love to have. Sure there are problems in every parish. If you look around the Archdiocese there are lots of parishes that have deficiencies. There are parishes millions of dollars in debt, churches that are lacking in material needs, parishes without priests, parishes that are lead by lay persons, and parishes that have little or no substantial ministries or apostolates.
As I said earlier, I want to proceed here carefully, so I want to reiterate that I am not casting judgment on the situation through my comments; more plainly, I am not inferring that I think that the Dominicans are "innocent" or "guilty." I am only making statements to the state of the parish from an outsiders point of view. As someone that goes to a parish without a canonical pastor, I would welcome a religious order coming in and establishing a more rigid and orthodox parish life. I would also welcome the ministry and apostolates that often are part of Order lead parishes. It is difficult for someone like myself, that longs for a vibrant parish life to see a place that seems so full of life, promise, and spiritual vitality to be calling into question the means that are providing those things. Yet, it is unclear what the underlying issues are, and the genesis of this situation.
In the meantime, Holy Family Cathedral needs to unite around Christ and not divide over this issue. Hearts and emotions will be bared in all of this, and the faithful need to be mindful that we must try and get one another to become Saints, and not do so for ourselves, at the expense of our neighbor. That being said, this situation can blossom many fruits, if the parishioners choose to unite over the issue, as opposed to draw lines in the sand, and pick sides. This doesn't mean conceding Catholic Dogma, for personal preference, but it means a thorough examination of ones heart and actions to ensure that they are in line with the Will and Commands of God.
Hopefully, at the end of this process, which from the Archbishop's letter appears to be sometime near the end of August, we will have clarity on the issues at Holy Family Cathedral. It would be a shame to see them "go" because of all the wonderful fruits that they have brought to their parish and the diocese as a whole. It is very unclear what plan of action is slated to occur if hard decisions are required, but if they need an area to place the Dominicans, the Peninsula can always use more priests. That being said, I want to go back to what I said early on in all of this. I am not trying to pass judgment - for or against them. I think the the Archbishop is taking appropriate steps, basing this statement on the information I have seen, and pray that he and the others involved in the visitation will prayerfully come to the best decision for the Bride of Christ, His Church at Holy Family Cathedral.
In closing, remember that our jobs in all of this is to be good members of the Church Militant. That means we should adhere to the 3 Eminent Good Works of PRAYER, FASTING and ALMSGIVING. Do not give way to rumor mongering, hearsay, or "stories." There will be much that is said in the following days about this, and the best we can do, is all that we can... and that is to live our lives as good Catholics, with all that it entails.
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