Abp. Schwietz has officially MOVED the Episcopal Bishop "consecration" from OLG Catholic Church

(Since a lot of new traffic has come to read this story, I am giving a brief synopsis of the situation, as there seems to be some confusion based on emails that I have received, including who requested the move [The Archbishop or the Episcopals]).

After learning last week that Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church was slated to hold an Episcopal Bishop "consecration/ordination" on September 4th, 2010, we posed some questions on this blog regarding whether that was proper. We also were perplexed that the Archdiocese was willing to host it due to the fact that Katharine Schori would be presiding over the event. (Read Original Post here)

We then posted Vatican documents explaining our position and mentioned that we would be writing a letter stating our concerns and questions regarding the matter. (Link). Our intention was never to be right, but to get the event moved from the Catholic church. Our reasons were grounded in Catholic teaching, and concern for the Sacredness of the CONSECRATED Church, Altar, and the True Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. At this point we were unsure the person responsible for granting the OK for this event. We were especially concerned, due to the vetting policy of the Archdiocese.

We then posted a letter to the Archbishop explaining our position and asking our questions. We sought understanding and clarification, but most of all we sought a change of heart. We included with our letter, a petition for those wishing to sign on to the letter that they also include some sort of prayer, almsgiving, or fast that they would dedicate to the Archbishop, the Parish of OLG, and this matter. You can read the letter here: (Link.) 

Almost immediately, the Archbishop posted an open letter to the faithful. It explained that he was the one responsible for allowing the Episcopals access to the Church and that he did so for reasons of outreach and in the spirit of "being a good neighbor." You can read that letter here: (Link) As you can imagine we were quite saddened by this news, but were committed to getting signatures to the letter, and sending it off, with the enclosure of the spiritual bouquet. We were hoping that prayer would change hearts and minds.

Less than an hour later, the letter had been removed from the Archdiocese website. (Precisely, the link was taken down.) This confused us as to its meaning, but we waited in hope that it meant that the Archbishop had some change of heart. We had to wait until the next day, but our hopes were realized! Although we haven't received official word from the Archdiocese we learned from various sources that the event had been moved. (end synopsis).

So we checked on some of the Episcopal websites and it seems that the Archbishop has decided to move the Episcopal "consecration" that was slated to occur at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church on September 4, 2010. (Full Story)

(Source: Episcopal AK)

Our Bishop has "...not fled in fear of the wolves," and has made a very difficult, but courageous decision. He has chosen his flock over the niceties of "ecumenical outreach." He has upheld the Sacredness of the Church, the Altar, and the True Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

Alas! Our job is not done! In fact, the difficult part is just beginning. Our Archbishop is sure to face fire and attack over this decision. The wolves world is sure to criticize this decision and attack the faith and attack him personally. We must blanket him with spiritual support -

WE MUST PRAY.

This is a joyful time and we must offer prayers of joy, gladness, and thanksgiving. Yet, we must also pray for the Angels and Saints to intercede for us and for our protection. The devil does not like to lose, and he is sure to look for a way to strike back an make amends for this defeat. It is our job to battle against him and defend our faith and defend our courageous Bishop. As the lay faithful, as the Ecclesia Militans, we must take Heaven by force.

From the days of John the Baptist until now, The Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force! -Matthew 11:12

Be sure to write the Bishop and thank him for his courageousness, and tell him you will pray for him:

Email: Archbishop Roger Schwietz, OMI

Finally, please stop over and thank the following folks for their help and dedication to the faith in this matter:
The Devout Life
Gun Lovin' Alaska Catholic Club
ChesterBelloc
Acts of the Apostasy
&
Restore DC Catholicism

Archdiocese of Anchorage's Speaker Vetting Policy

The Archdiocese of Anchorage has  published their vetting criteria/process for speakers and those "serving" in the diocese. This is a very contentious policy amongst the lay and even some clergy. The reason it is contentious is because of how difficult it makes it for groups and parishes to bring speakers in. It also has some procedural flaws. On top of that, many wonder why the Archdiocese has felt the need to publish this when, the Bishop has the power to say who can and can't come to their diocese at any time. In other words, why make such a rule or process... when there was something already in place to do the same thing?

What this does is create "conspiracy" theories and makes people start to worry what the "real" reason behind the policy is. Personally, I have been told that there have been some problems in the past, where some questionable folks have been brought into speak. Because there are a lot of "lay lead" parishes in the Archdiocese, I am sure the Bishop just wants to let people know that when it comes to the moral and theological teaching of the "flock" he intends to closely guard their souls. This is a good thing... hopefully this policy will be a force to safeguard that, and not a procedural mechanism to forward an agenda or prevent a certain type of speaker to come to the Archdiocese.
One final note: I think that the policy on its face is good. But in the larger context it is worrisome. There have been a lot of problems in the diocese in the past regarding the restrictions on lay apostolates. Myself and others have talked about this policy in the past, and we have all wondered if this will end up pushing apostolates from the parishes and forcing them to become "independent." I know that this type of speculation seems very anti-institutional from the outside, but as I come to learn more about how things operate, especially in the realm of apostolates and local parishes, I worry that this policy will be more of hindrance to the faith, than a protection. I know firsthand how at my parish, the "Theology and Brew" apostolate essentially had to fold, because of this policy and the way in which it was "used." Hopefully, there will be clarity in regards to this issue in the future.

The article from the Archdiocesan paper is below with my emphasis and comments.

Vetting policy established for speakers in Anchorage Archdiocese
By PATRICIA COLL FREEMAN
Catholicanchor.org

Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz has established a policy to vet outside clergy and lay persons before they are invited to speak or serve in the Archdiocese of Anchorage. [Not sure what they mean by serve, a tad ambiguous.]

The policy, which took effect earlier this year, requires the archdiocese’s parishes, organizations, schools, ministries and agencies to obtain clearance from the archbishop’s office before any person not affiliated with the Anchorage Archdiocese may “speak or serve in any capacity” within the archdiocese. [Again, ambiguous. I think if there wasn't the problematic track record in the past with speakers and persons involved in the AOA, this wouldn't be as concerning.]

The policy applies to speakers who would address “any aspect of the Sacred Sciences, church teaching or the life of the church.”


In addition, it applies to speakers sponsored by private groups using or renting church property. [This is a good thing! This is part of the policy that makes me quite happy.]

“As archbishop, I take my role as chief teacher and shepherd very seriously,” Archbishop Schwietz commented in a note on the new policy. [Good!]

The vetting policy, he explained, “assures the people of our archdiocese that those who speak or serve publicly teach in a manner consistent with the church.” [This statement will either be a blessing or a curse, let us hope that it is the former!]

A memo on the new policy was sent to the archdiocese’s pastors and priests, deacons, school principals and directors of ministries and agencies, including Catholic Social Services. According to the memo, the goals of the vetting process are to “ensure fidelity to church teaching and to obtain the required background reviews done on all those engaged in ministry.”


According to the policy, a sponsoring organization must submit a “ministry clearance request” and receive written permission from the archbishop’s office before a speaker or “ministry assistant” is invited into any of the archdiocese’s venues.


In a confidential process, the sponsoring group must provide detailed information about the prospective speaker or ministry provider, such as the topic of the presentation or purpose of the proposed event.


In the clearance form for laity, one question asks, “How will this person promote communion with the Universal Church and vision of the Archbishop?”


The policy includes a strong warning that if a person is invited before the letter of permission is received, the request for clearance will not be considered.


Completing a clearance process is expected to take at least eight weeks. [This seems to be a LONG process, I have also been told that even INQUIRY, not just invitation is a reason for denial of a speaker. This will make things more difficult to bring in "big names" but it safeguards, then good.... right?]

For more information, contact Father Steven Moore at stbenpastor@gmail.com or 297-7722.

In the end I am sure that this policy will be used to keep the rif-raff out, and bring the good folks in. As I said, I have no issue with a Bishop guarding his flock, in fact I applaud it. Unfortunately though, I have already seen this policy used in a way which prevented a good group of faithful Catholics from running their apostolate. Let us pray that this will be an instrument of unity and good.

Tridentine Mass in Anchorage - WEEKLY! - Gloria In Excelsis Deo

I received an email yesterday regarding the Tridentine Rite Mass (also known as the Extraordinary Form) which will be held on a regular basis in Anchorage. For the EF mass to be held regularly or even weekly is HUGE NEWS! It means that the "reform of the reform" is actually taking place. Here is the email:

So it's official! Beginning Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 7:30PM at Holy Family Cathedral, we will have the routine "Sunday" celebration of the Extraordinary Form. Thank you Archbishop Roger L. Schwietz, Fr. Tom Brundage and Dominicans Fr. Francis Le and Fr. Vincent Kelber.

Spread the word, and see you at Mass!

P.S. We have some servers but we could use more. Please contact Fr. Kelber at Holy Family Cathedral.

I really wish I lived closer to Anchorage and I wish I could learn to serve the EF Mass so that I could be of some assistance. If anyone would like to gift me the Altar Service Resources on SanctaMissa.org I would be more than happy to learn!