We all noticed a couple of weeks ago that Baker, Oregon, Bishop Robert Vasa was ordering all catechists and others who engage in lay ministry to sign a statement of affirmation of faith to ensure that they would be role models for passing on the faith in their roles. It looks like the secular media is picking up the story, by highlighting those who object to the policy, of course.
The article starts by mentioning a cantor who said she doesn’t accept the Church’s teachings on sexuality and so she stepped down. Good for her. At least she isn’t a phony who pretended to agree in order to keep her position. But I have to wonder whether the pastor of her parish gave her permission to announce at Masses last month that she was leaving and why.
Hens couldn’t agree, so she quit—publicly. She stood at a microphone at St. Francis of Assisi Church last month and told the congregation she was stepping down because she could not accept the bishop’s requirement.
Actually, it’s not really the “bishop’s requirement.” It’s the Church’s. The bishop just amplified it, and is enforcing it.
My main problem here is with the pastor of Saint Francis of Assisi parish. Who gave her the mike? I realize she’s a cantor but can’t imagine she made her announcement during the Responsorial Psalm or perhaps just before the Alleluia verse?
When she started her exposition, somebody shoulda pulled the plug on her.
That was my reaction too, Kelly. Did she slip this in during the Prayers of the Faithful?
And where was the pastor? OK, maybe she blindsided him and he didn17;s usually no one at the switch (it’s in a room in the back of the church, which is kept closed during Mass), there’s nothing one can do except have someone escort them out, and by then, the damage is done. So our priest usually just grits his teeth.
we could call this the “legion of decency” pledge….
Mary Pat, really? I can’t imagine—what, maybe an upcoming concert or CD promotion?
I can understand why the priest can’t do much except grit his teeth at the time, but I sorta favor GOR’s notion of responding in some way…you know, pointing out that the cantor’s remarks were singularly inappropriate.