Hey Catholics...

[CAA Flagship]

I'm with GF on this. The decision to have an abortion or not is far less frequent for Churchgoers than other events that are concerns for the Church. Outreach is a good example. On the other side of the coin, aldultery is another example.

Ah, you're looking at it like "preaching to the choir". I'm thinking of getting people involved in spreading the word. IMO we can't get enough of that.

Not really. I think I'm looking at it statistically. I am assuming that abortion decisions are far less frequent than adultery decisions.

[CAA Flagship]

You guys ever considered becoming Methodists?

Do you mean for the music?

[89Hen]

Ah, you're looking at it like "preaching to the choir". I'm thinking of getting people involved in spreading the word. IMO we can't get enough of that.

Not really. I think I'm looking at it statistically. I am assuming that abortion decisions are far less frequent than adultery decisions.

Life is more sacred than marriage. And we get adultery sermons every once in a while.

[Grizalltheway]

Not really. I think I'm looking at it statistically. I am assuming that abortion decisions are far less frequent than adultery decisions.

And we get adultery sermons every once in a while.

Must be awkward for the dudes who slip in after a night at the strip club.

[89Hen]

And we get adultery sermons every once in a while.

Must be awkward for the dudes who slip in after a night at the strip club.

Yeah, those are usually the guys who suddenly pull out the church bulletin and start reading.

[CAA Flagship]

Must be awkward for the dudes who slip in after a night at the strip club.

Yeah, those are usually the guys who suddenly pull out the church bulletin and start reading.

Hey honey, look at this. A coupon for 15% off of dry cleaning.

[Grizalltheway]

Yeah, those are usually the guys who suddenly pull out the church bulletin and start reading.

Hey honey, look at this. A coupon for 15% off of dry cleaning.

[bluehenbillk]

In terms of the wealthy or economic argument I ask any Catholic on hear to simply remember the Gospel reading from just this past Sunday. Yes, i went to Church on Sunday. Basically it said that to enter the kingdom of God a person must give their whole self to God. It is more difficult for a wealthier person to "give their whole self to God" because of the money & the possessions they have, thus it's more difficult for them to enter the kingdom of God. I won't go on pontificating at all but to answer the original question, basically yes, yes it's true.

That said, the gospel this week was the camel through the eye of the needle reading.

Huh? Pay attention to something other than soccer. Joltin Joe basically wrote it word for word for cryin out loud.

[GannonFan]

The number of times in a year where abortion is discussed from the pulpit during a homily is way overdone. For most people in that audience, there are many more things more relevant than abortion.

I disagree. First, I don't hear it that often at my church, but even if I did, I can't think of a more important issue. It's right up there with any kind of outreach.

I'd say I hear an abortion homily 5-6 times a year. It seems like every month is Respect Life month. And even if it isn't in the homily, the number of different events and initiatives tied to abortion mean that it comes up almost every Sunday, if not every other.

I agree that it is important, but in reality, until science can prove that a life can exist outside of the womb much earlier than it can now, it's an issue that isn't going to change no matter how much it's preached about. Socially speaking, it's going to continue to be acceptable in the first trimester until that scientific timeline gets pushed back closer to conception. I think someday it will, and at that point in time the debate will change significantly, but we aren't there today.

But like the other poster said, abortion isn't something that many in the Church are even ever confronted with anyway. I understand the principle of evangelization and spreading the word, but I'm not getting out of bed and giving up my Sunday mornings to have that repeatedly drummed into me when, instead, I could be gaining an understanding of how to tie that day's readings into my daily life. I think the Church gets lost in the bigger issues, and the probably just as important, every day things get lost in the shuffle. And I think that leads to a less than fulfilling time at Mass.

[CAA Flagship]

I disagree. First, I don't hear it that often at my church, but even if I did, I can't think of a more important issue. It's right up there with any kind of outreach.

I'd say I hear an abortion homily 5-6 times a year. It seems like every month is Respect Life month. And even if it isn't in the homily, the number of different events and initiatives tied to abortion mean that it comes up almost every Sunday, if not every other.

I agree that it is important, but in reality, until science can prove that a life can exist outside of the womb much earlier than it can now, it's an issue that isn't going to change no matter how much it's preached about. Socially speaking, it's going to continue to be acceptable in the first trimester until that scientific timeline gets pushed back closer to conception. I think someday it will, and at that point in time the debate will change significantly, but we aren't there today.

But like the other poster said, abortion isn't something that many in the Church are even ever confronted with anyway. I understand the principle of evangelization and spreading the word, but I'm not getting out of bed and giving up my Sunday mornings to have that repeatedly drummed into me when, instead, I could be gaining an understanding of how to tie that day's readings into my daily life. I think the Church gets lost in the bigger issues, and the probably just as important, every day things get lost in the shuffle. And I think that leads to a less than fulfilling time at Mass.

And "in life".

[89Hen]

I disagree. First, I don't hear it that often at my church, but even if I did, I can't think of a more important issue. It's right up there with any kind of outreach.

I'd say I hear an abortion homily 5-6 times a year. It seems like every month is Respect Life month. And even if it isn't in the homily, the number of different events and initiatives tied to abortion mean that it comes up almost every Sunday, if not every other.

I agree that it is important, but in reality, until science can prove that a life can exist outside of the womb much earlier than it can now, it's an issue that isn't going to change no matter how much it's preached about. Socially speaking, it's going to continue to be acceptable in the first trimester until that scientific timeline gets pushed back closer to conception. I think someday it will, and at that point in time the debate will change significantly, but we aren't there today.

But like the other poster said, abortion isn't something that many in the Church are even ever confronted with anyway. I understand the principle of evangelization and spreading the word, but I'm not getting out of bed and giving up my Sunday mornings to have that repeatedly drummed into me when, instead, I could be gaining an understanding of how to tie that day's readings into my daily life. I think the Church gets lost in the bigger issues, and the probably just as important, every day things get lost in the shuffle. And I think that leads to a less than fulfilling time at Mass.

Sounds like you just need better priests or a new church. Both my church at home and at the beach have fantastic priests who give great homilies.

[D1B]

I'd say I hear an abortion homily 5-6 times a year. It seems like every month is Respect Life month. And even if it isn't in the homily, the number of different events and initiatives tied to abortion mean that it comes up almost every Sunday, if not every other.

I agree that it is important, but in reality, until science can prove that a life can exist outside of the womb much earlier than it can now, it's an issue that isn't going to change no matter how much it's preached about. Socially speaking, it's going to continue to be acceptable in the first trimester until that scientific timeline gets pushed back closer to conception. I think someday it will, and at that point in time the debate will change significantly, but we aren't there today.

But like the other poster said, abortion isn't something that many in the Church are even ever confronted with anyway. I understand the principle of evangelization and spreading the word, but I'm not getting out of bed and giving up my Sunday mornings to have that repeatedly drummed into me when, instead, I could be gaining an understanding of how to tie that day's readings into my daily life. I think the Church gets lost in the bigger issues, and the probably just as important, every day things get lost in the shuffle. And I think that leads to a less than fulfilling time at Mass.

Sounds like you just need better priests or a new church. Both my church at home and at the beach have fantastic priests who give great homilies.

Priests

[CAA Flagship]

I'd say I hear an abortion homily 5-6 times a year. It seems like every month is Respect Life month. And even if it isn't in the homily, the number of different events and initiatives tied to abortion mean that it comes up almost every Sunday, if not every other.

I agree that it is important, but in reality, until science can prove that a life can exist outside of the womb much earlier than it can now, it's an issue that isn't going to change no matter how much it's preached about. Socially speaking, it's going to continue to be acceptable in the first trimester until that scientific timeline gets pushed back closer to conception. I think someday it will, and at that point in time the debate will change significantly, but we aren't there today.

But like the other poster said, abortion isn't something that many in the Church are even ever confronted with anyway. I understand the principle of evangelization and spreading the word, but I'm not getting out of bed and giving up my Sunday mornings to have that repeatedly drummed into me when, instead, I could be gaining an understanding of how to tie that day's readings into my daily life. I think the Church gets lost in the bigger issues, and the probably just as important, every day things get lost in the shuffle. And I think that leads to a less than fulfilling time at Mass.

Sounds like you just need better priests or a new church. Both my church at home and at the beach have fantastic priests who give great homilies.

Our Pastor is a very good speaker with a lively voice that grabs your attention. The others are meh. They all have good things to say, but the delivery can make a big difference.

[GannonFan]

I'd say I hear an abortion homily 5-6 times a year. It seems like every month is Respect Life month. And even if it isn't in the homily, the number of different events and initiatives tied to abortion mean that it comes up almost every Sunday, if not every other.

I agree that it is important, but in reality, until science can prove that a life can exist outside of the womb much earlier than it can now, it's an issue that isn't going to change no matter how much it's preached about. Socially speaking, it's going to continue to be acceptable in the first trimester until that scientific timeline gets pushed back closer to conception. I think someday it will, and at that point in time the debate will change significantly, but we aren't there today.

But like the other poster said, abortion isn't something that many in the Church are even ever confronted with anyway. I understand the principle of evangelization and spreading the word, but I'm not getting out of bed and giving up my Sunday mornings to have that repeatedly drummed into me when, instead, I could be gaining an understanding of how to tie that day's readings into my daily life. I think the Church gets lost in the bigger issues, and the probably just as important, every day things get lost in the shuffle. And I think that leads to a less than fulfilling time at Mass.

Sounds like you just need better priests or a new church. Both my church at home and at the beach have fantastic priests who give great homilies.

Oh, I agree, the homilist aren't the best. Amazingly, we purposely choose this particular church rather than the one that we would go to strictly on geographical boundaries - we really disliked the pastor at that church who did talk about abortion every week, and would often include in homilies how we shouldn't question church leaders. Of course, he was also removed from service for a good two years while they investigated child abuse charges against him (for which he was cleared), but I didn't want to spend my Sunday's listening to him.

We've been spoiled - when my wife lived in the city she joined a Jesuit parish (not technically run by the archdiocese) and the level of homilies were much better. They slanted a little heavy on the academic side, but that church was far more welcoming and open minded (actually had several openly gay men and women at the church as the Jesuits were more open in that regard). We then went to church at a parish just across the border in Delaware and the two priests there were fantastic - one was very charasmatic and engaging and the other was amazingly succint - he would never go past 5 minutes but they were never a wasted 5 minutes.

Nowadays at my parish we get a lot of Oblates from nearby DeSales University (used to be Allentown) and they're fine, but a bit stale. I miss the Jesuit church downtown, but for now it's just the local parish church.

[89Hen]

Our Pastor is a very good speaker with a lively voice that grabs your attention. The others are meh. They all have good things to say, but the delivery can make a big difference.

We just got a new pastor this summer. Our previous one was there since well before we joined in 2003. New one is MUCH better with homilies. We had a series of military chaplains come through (our pastor was a both military and a prision chaplain) and they were all fantastic. I think their experience being a spiritual leader for people of different faiths must have helped them.

[89Hen]

We then went to church at a parish just across the border in Delaware and the two priests there were fantastic - one was very charasmatic and engaging and the other was amazingly succint - he would never go past 5 minutes but they were never a wasted 5 minutes.

Which parish?

[CAA Flagship]

Over the last two years, the priests are encouraging the congregation to remain until the end. They do it at the beginning of Mass and just before Communion. I have to admit, I blow out after Communion. I stand in the back of the church and say a prayer and then I'm out. I never return to the pew. This is a big church and only 1 entrance with one lane going in and one going out.

[bluehenbillk]

Over the last two years, the priests are encouraging the congregation to remain until the end. They do it at the beginning of Mass and just before Communion. I have to admit, I blow out after Communion. I stand in the back of the church and say a prayer and then I'm out. I never return to the pew. This is a big church and only 1 entrance with one lane going in and one going out.

We stay to the end only when my kid has Sunday school immediately after 9:00am mass. If not we do the same thing.

[GannonFan]

We then went to church at a parish just across the border in Delaware and the two priests there were fantastic - one was very charasmatic and engaging and the other was amazingly succint - he would never go past 5 minutes but they were never a wasted 5 minutes.

Which parish?

Church of the Holy Child on Naamans Rd. We were living in Boothywn just across the border in PA for about 5 years before we moved to where we are now. Again another good example of the benefits of parish selecting - I couldn't stand the one in PA we were geographically slated to attend. It's good to shop around and find the right one.

[CAA Flagship]

Over the last two years, the priests are encouraging the congregation to remain until the end. They do it at the beginning of Mass and just before Communion. I have to admit, I blow out after Communion. I stand in the back of the church and say a prayer and then I'm out. I never return to the pew. This is a big church and only 1 entrance with one lane going in and one going out.

We stay to the end only when my kid has Sunday school immediately after 9:00am mass. If not we do the same thing.

Because of the screwed up entrance and parking situation, we have to get there early as it is, and are usually seated 15-20 minutes before Mass. I try to take care of the important stuff then in anticipation of the dine and dash.

[GannonFan]

Over the last two years, the priests are encouraging the congregation to remain until the end. They do it at the beginning of Mass and just before Communion. I have to admit, I blow out after Communion. I stand in the back of the church and say a prayer and then I'm out. I never return to the pew. This is a big church and only 1 entrance with one lane going in and one going out.

We stay to the end only when my kid has Sunday school immediately after 9:00am mass. If not we do the same thing.

Eh, I stay for the whole thing. I like the singing actually, although I must say it's annoying that often we only end up doing the first verse of the recessional hymn and then they stop. Another reason why I liked the church in the city - they had a legit musical director and we sang all the verses.

[Wedgebuster]

You guys ever considered becoming Methodists?

I was thinking "Mormons."

[bluehenbillk]

We stay to the end only when my kid has Sunday school immediately after 9:00am mass. If not we do the same thing.

Eh, I stay for the whole thing. I like the singing actually, although I must say it's annoying that often we only end up doing the first verse of the recessional hymn and then they stop. Another reason why I liked the church in the city - they had a legit musical director and we sang all the verses.

They also hit you up frequently for that miscellaneous second collection after communion....

[GannonFan]

Eh, I stay for the whole thing. I like the singing actually, although I must say it's annoying that often we only end up doing the first verse of the recessional hymn and then they stop. Another reason why I liked the church in the city - they had a legit musical director and we sang all the verses.

They also hit you up frequently for that miscellaneous second collection after communion....

Sure, they try, but I normally have the kids put all the envelopes in the first collection even if they're not supposed to be in that one. And I believe if they come up with a second collection they didn't pre-advertise for then I'm in no way obligated to contribute. I've easily mastered the look of disinterest when they put the basket in front of me.

[D1B]

They also hit you up frequently for that miscellaneous second collection after communion....

Sure, they try, but I normally have the kids put all the envelopes in the first collection even if they're not supposed to be in that one. And I believe if they come up with a second collection they didn't pre-advertise for then I'm in no way obligated to contribute. I've easily mastered the look of disinterest when they put the basket in front of me.

How are they gonna pay all the lawyer bills and settlements from all kids your priests fucked and beat up?


Please give more you idiots!