Me:
I am seeking clarification on "Rev. Jessica Short from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will reflect on the Sunday scriptures at the 4 p.m. Mass at the Church of the Gesu on Sunday, Jan. 23."Marquette(my emphasis):
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal in article 66 states:
The Homily should ordinarily be given by the priest celebrant himself. He may entrust it to a concelebrating priest or occasionally, according to circumstances, to the deacon, but never to a lay person. In particular cases and for a just cause, the homily may even be given by a Bishop or a priest who is present at the celebration but cannot concelebrate.
Is Rev Short speaking after Mass perhaps? The news article seems to indicate she is speaking during the Roman ritual itself at the time of the homily.
Please find below a more detailed description concerning the pulpit exchange than what appeared in Thursday's News Brief.
Pulpit exchanges are a longstanding tradition within the Archdiocese of Milwaukee during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and are done with permission by Archbishop Listecki.
As part of this year’s celebration, Campus Ministry will host a pulpit exchange on Sunday, January 23rd. Rev. Fred Zagone, SJ, will preside and give the homily at the 4 p.m. mass at the Church of the Gesu. During the 4 p.m. mass, Rev. Jessica Short from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Lutheran Campus Pastor will reflect on the Sunday scriptures. Rev. Frank Majka, SJ, will offer a reflection during the Lutheran Campus Ministry Sunday Worship Service at 6 p.m. in the Chapel of the Holy Family.
This pulpit exchange highlights Christianity’s emphasis on the importance of the Lord’s Day and being guided by the Word of God.
9 comments:
I know that it not only looks bad, but is undesirable. However, you have to remember that Archbishop Listecki, and bishops and pastors all over the country inherited these "pulpit-exchanges". It's difficult to quash them outright without looking like you're against ecumenical progress. I still have not entirely settled in my own mind how I'd handle this if I was assigned to a parish in which this was a well entrenched tradition. Rather than judge, it would be best to pray for those involved. If you are a member of a parish where this is going on YOUR protest would be most appreciated - as always, with humble charity. I would also recommend not attending where this occurs. Nothing kills an initiative like poor attendance coupled with an expression of disapproval.
I agree Father that it's not necessarily his explicit approval. I'm not sure if I'm "judging" this situation other than saying that GIRM 66 pretty clearly prohibits this practice. I pray for Abp Listecki every day and I will continue to do so.
Oh, Matt, I wasn't implying that YOU were being judgemental. I just know that, on the one hand, lot's of folks find it easy to judge, and on the other hand, it's tough figuring out how to extricate ourselves from these very popular, yet inappropriate, situations that we inherit from others.
No prob Father, I know what you mean though. Ringing our hands over it isn't as effective as folding them. I'm glad you think it is worth at least noting here on the blog though. :)
Sorry... but this is not a "difficult" problem for the bishop to solve, Fr. Michael. The only things required are faith, a spine and a large dose of charity. Difficult is being subjected to this charade.
Bishop Listecki has an obligation, not to the reckless liturgical shenanigans that he inherited, but to the people he serves as Shepherd.
Will he come under some fire from the Left? Of course. Will some local "ministers" get their feelings hurt? Maybe, but please... the man is a successor of the Apostles. If he doesn't expect to suffer for the faith then he's in the wrong place.
Besides, more than just a time to govern, this is also a great teaching moment, and arguably by ridding the liturgy of nonsense, an opportunity to contribute to the sanctification of his flock. The bishop, in other words, is staring squarely in the face of an excellent opportunity to carry out the three-fold episcopal office that is rightly his in one fell swoop.
Yes... we must pray for him, that he may overcome whatever petty fears are holding him back from upholding his obligation. (Unless of course he is ignorant of this venerable "pulpit swap" tradition, which I tend to doubt.)
Matt - Have you made your concerns known to the bishop directly? If not, why not?
Anon, I am not a member of the Archdiocese and I do not the archbishop personally. I think Father has a point that a Marquette alumnus would be more appropriate(and effective) than me; ie. some punk kid telling everybody what to do. I know I do have some readers in the Milwaukee area though that perhaps could bring this to his attention...
Does anybody think Cardinal Burke would have allowed this?
I think it is fair to ask, where is the ELCA's commitment to unity? Is there unity between ELCA teachings and Catholic teachings on the right to life, the sacraments, the papacy etc? Indeed the ELCA seems to be moving away from Catholic possitions as rapidly as possible.
If we want to do something for Christian unity we ought to invite ELCA clerics to pray alongside Catholics in front of an abortion clinic.
BTW several people at MU, students and alums, raised similar questions to the Campus Ministry and got the same response as you did.
I was not at the event this year. I know the Trib article on last years event claimed that the guest-preacher wore "robes" and actually "celebrated" the Mass.
Funniest comment I got via email(I had to share):
"MU has had non-Catholics preaching for a long, long time.
Many of them are Jesuits."
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