This week I bring to your attention two noteworthy statements of church leaders. The first deals with the Apostolic Constitution Anglicanorum Coetibus. This document of Benedict XVI has caused quite a stir. In fact, I restrained myself from commenting on it until I was able to read the document itself. Press reports, unfortunately, at times sensationalize events and when dealing with theological circumstances state their misinterpretations as facts. As a result of inquiries the Church has introduced a canonical structure by which groups of Anglican clergy and faithful in different parts of the world might be allowed to enter full communion with the Catholic Church while “preserving elements of the distinctive Anglican spiritual and liturgical patrimony.” With an acknowledgement of the scandal of division and the Lord’s desire for unity of His people the Pope called for the establishment of “personal ordinariates for Anglicans” Erected within a national conference of bishops it would be “composed of lay faithful, clerics and members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, originally belonging to the Anglican Communion and now in full communion with the Catholic Church, or those who receive the Sacraments of Initiation within the jurisdiction of the Ordinariate”. The Holy Father stated to all: “The Catechism of the Catholic Church is the authoritative expression of the Catholic faith professed by members of the Ordinariate.” Each Ordinariate could celebrate the Eucharistic in the Roman Rite or if it chose in accordance with Anglican liturgical books approved by the Holy See. Appointed by the Pope, the Ordinary exercises authority over the members of the ordinariate in conjunction with the local bishop. Both will cooperate in the establishment of parishes. It must be added that while the presbyters are incardinated into the presbyterate of the Ordinariate the church desires that bonds of unity be established with the presbyterate of the Diocese. The acceptance of married priests into the church should not be taken as a sign of a change in the celibate tradition of the Roman Communion. The complementary Norms published at the same time specifies that the Ordinary may be a bishop or a priest. Ministers who seek to serve in the Ordinariate must be approved for ordination. It must be remembered that Anglican Orders have not been deemed as valid. Anglican bishops are not to be automatically accepted in that role. The effectiveness of the application of the principles that the Holy Father has set out will depend upon the Holy Spirit and the prayers of all.
In a recent issue our Archbishop, Timothy Michael Dolan, has published a very useful and inspirational letter concerning the death of a Catholic and the practices of the Church which strengthens and comforts us. (As an aside, I can tell you that the members of the Presbyteral Council as well as others knew of our Ordinary’s intention to write this column. Elements of it were discussed at our last meeting. Our shepherd embodies an open consultative style of leadership.) Though along similar lines the thoughts expressed here are ones for which I take responsibility.
Even before that final moment is reached we should be concerned for our loved one’s spiritual life. It is disheartening to hear when there is a passing that the deceased had lived in our community for years. They had no access to the Eucharist and had not received the Anointing of the sick. As we care for the material needs of our relatives so we should be responsive to their need for a faith relationship. Please permit your priests, deacon, and eucharistic ministers the honor of assisting those experiencing the tribulations of age and/or infirmity.
When a dear one dies the funeral director is frequently the first one called. Our Dutchess County community is well served by men and women of great dedication and ability. They, in turn, contact the parish. As the Archbishop stated, many of us pastors are concerned about the growing number of requests for a service in the funeral home rather than coming to church for the Mass of Christian Burial. Every Catholic deserves to have a Mass offered for their soul. I am sure that my brother priests agree that if there is a financial concern they can be reduced or totally forgotten in terms of the offering or music ministry fees. (It should be remembered that a Mass can be celebrated for a non-Catholic who might have been a part of a Catholic family.) We encourage family members to select hymns, readings, and participate in the liturgy itself. Because the focus of the Eucharist on the salvation afforded the deceased and the reality of divine mercy, eulogies are discouraged. They are more appropriate for when family and friends gather at the Wake, Cemetery, or Luncheon which follows internment.
More and more people are asking for cremation. Church laws concerning the same have changed gradually over the years. Presently, the requirements are: there must be no denial of the doctrine of the resurrection of the body. The ashes must be treated reverently burying them in a cemetery or placing them in a niche in a columbarium. They cannot be kept in a home or spread over ground or water. Cremation can take place at any time. Sometimes people prefer ashes to be at the Mass as opposed to cremating after the liturgy. We are always prepared to have a service at the cemetery when the ashes are returned to the family.
It is to be encouraged when paying tribute to a departed person that contributions are made to their favorite charity, especially in this economy. Some families purchase vestments and chalices. I would not suggest this. It would be better to speak to one of the priests to establish what needs might be present. Of course, the greatest gift to a family is the Mass itself. Announced or unannounced it aids a soul in purgatory and if in heaven already, another can benefit from its graces.
Throughout November we remember all our deceased. May God be merciful to them and in our time, us.
Vivat Jesus,
Fr. Brian
