Pentin: Response to Cardinal Cupich: Synod Fathers Rejected Communion for Remarried Divorcees

Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago fielded about half a dozen questions from reporters after Pope Francis elevated him to the College of Cardinals on Saturday.

A question I asked him was about the Dubia, the five doubts about Amoris Laetitia that four cardinals have sent to the Pope to ascertain whether some of the most controversial passages are consistent with Church teaching.

Although the Dubia questions ask for a simple “yes” or “no” answer on whether previous magisterial teachings, particularly of Pope St. John Paul II, are still valid in light of these passages, the Holy Father has decided not to respond, nor requested to meet the cardinals to specifically discuss their concerns.

+Cupich: All I know is that the doubts that are there, that are expressed, aren’t my doubts, and I think they’re not the doubts of the universal Church. .... [If ones doubts] maybe I need to change rather than saying that the Holy Father has to change, or that the Church has to change.

continue at NCRegister

Bishops of Cleveland And Chicago Place Bet On World Series – To Feed The Homeless

According to a press release from the Diocese of Cleveland, Bishop Lennon and (soon to be Cardinal) Archbishop Cupich have placed a friendly wager on the outcome of the World Series between the Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs.

The Bishop of the city that loses the World Series has vowed to provide local favorite foods, either Deep Dish Pizza and pastries from Chicago or kielbasa, pierogis and sauerkraut from Cleveland, to feed at leasy 100 persons at a Catholic Charity in the winning team’s city.

“Both cities have waited an eternity for this moment,” said Archbishop Cupich. “So while it will be a historic win for either side, we feel it’s only right to celebrate by giving back.” He added, “We are confident in our team and yet, I have to admit that I feel a bit guilty since in our tradition it is a sin to bet on a sure thing!”

continue at uCatholic

Archbishop Cupich is sending the Cubs a special blessing and Catholic chaplain for Chicago Cubs

Abp. Cupich was given a Cubs skullcap by Rabbi Lowenstein

Pull up a pew.

Cupich, who will become a cardinal next month, tells Sneed he is sending the Cubbies a blessing.

A special blessing.

“Hey, I’m storming heaven on their behalf,” Cupich tells Sneed.

“I’m probably the only cardinal who is for the Chicago Cubs,” chuckled Cupich, who heads to Rome next month for his investiture as cardinal of the nation’s third-largest archdiocese and 2.2 million Roman Catholics; the hand-picked choice of Pope Francis.

“Mike, I’ve already told the Ricketts family [the Cubs’ owners] I’m pulling for them,” said Cupich, who leads his flock with a symbolic, but peaceful bat: a crozier.

“I assured them that I’m in their corner!”

“And if the Cubs win the pennant and make it into the World Series, we’ll make a [food] bet with the bishop or cardinal of the city’s team like we did with the Blackhawks,” he said.

continue at SunTimes

Also: White Sox owner rooting for the Cubs

WGN Radio: Father Burke Masters is the Catholic Chaplain for the Chicago Cubs

Bill and Wendy are joined on the phone by Father Burke Masters. Father Burke is a former baseball player at Mississippi State University, where he played in the College World Series, Vocations Director for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet, and Catholic Chaplain for our Chicago Cubs! He joins Bill and Wendy to fill them in on what exactly he does as Chaplain for the Cubs.

continue at WGN

In “seismic shift” Pope appoints very liberal Cupich and 2 more U.S. progressives among 17 new cardinals

Yeah, I'm late to the party but here's the bad news.

In Sunday, Pope Francis announced that Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich will be appointed a cardinal on November 19. The move is alarming pro-life, pro-family, and tradition-minded Catholics because of Cupich’s record as an extremely liberal bishop.

As a cardinal, Cupich will be eligible for the papacy and able to vote in papal elections. At the end of his Angelus message Sunday, Pope Francis announced that he will hold a consistory to appoint the new cardinals.

Prominent Vatican journalist John Allen Jr. revealed the "seismic shift" nature of at least Francis' three new American cardinal picks, writing in Crux News today,

"Pope Francis on Sunday engineered what may prove to be a seismic shift in the Catholic hierarchy in the United States, elevating not one or two, but a full three new American cardinals seen as belonging to the centrist, non-cultural warrior wing of the country’s hierarchy."

continue at LifeSite

I'm not sure I believe in the "centrist" label anymore.  This whole, we-are-beyond-doctrinal-questions is pretty clearly a facade.

Chicago Trib: Chicago Archbishop Cupich to be elevated to rank of cardinal

FatherZ:

The last thing that libs want in the public square is a strong Catholic identity that understands and enunciates clearly the primacy of the right to be born and the sanctity of matrimony between one man and one woman. catholics don’t like or want cultural warriors. They want culture appeasers.

Rocco:

Suffice it to say, it's become Pope Francis' unique habit that, in announcing new cardinals, no one is told in advance – above all the designates... let alone anyone else.

Rorate:

Of the 13 future Cardinal electors, three have either attended or presided at at least one liturgical ceremony celebrated according to the Traditional Latin Rite in the post-Summorum era. These are Bp. Farrell, who blessed the Mater Dei (Irving, TX) parish church of the FSSP in 2010; Abp. Tobin, who celebrated Confirmation (followed by Benediction) according to the Traditional form in Holy Rosary Church in Indianapolis in 2013, and again earlier this year; and Bp. Maurice Piat (75), who attended a Traditional Latin Mass in choro last month.

A special mention goes to Cardinal-elect Ernest Simoni (88), who was imprisoned by the Albanian communists for 27 years (1963 - 1990). He continued to celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass from memory and to give communion in secret during his long incarceration.

Cupich is literally going to be tasked with closing down perhaps 1/3 of his parishes. Meanwhile LA is busting at the seams. Pointed gesture

— Michael B Dougherty🍃 (@michaelbd) October 9, 2016

Among Pope Francis' 17 new cardinals, 11 come from places never before represented in College of Cardinals. https://t.co/OmTxZuy51a

— Joshua McElwee (@joshjmac) October 9, 2016

I'm curious what the litmus test is in this process...   a while back it was considered very anti-Catholic for people in the pews to question the popes judgment.  Now, everyone is desperate for him to do or say something they can get behind.

Considering the political unrest in the US with the Democratic Party making a major shift against religious liberty, overtly and openly now, the Church is set for mass defections, even before this announcement.  Sure that defection has been sort of under the surface for years, but when the political situation becomes volatile it looks like that really could lead to a rupture in the Church in the US.  If "culture warriorism" is the worst sin a Church leader can commit, what does the alternative look like?  It is certain we will now see.  In this seismically shifted Church, we know All Are Welcome but few are chosen.

Before the internet, peasants had little knowledge of the makeup of the college of cardinals.  Work on the interior life.  Become a saint.  Don't make rash decisions about leaving the Church in some manner.  Wander where you must to find peace.

Abp Cupich interview with ABC Chicago; political climate, Chicago violence, red hat possibility, gay parish leaders

Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich sat down with Eyewitness News anchor Alan Krashesky for a wide ranging, one-on-one interview.

The topics ranged from the current political climate, Chicago violence and his feelings about possibly becoming a cardinal. And he addresses the question of whether someone in a gay relationship should be able to have a leadership position within a parish in the Chicago archdiocese.

continue at ABC7

Pope taps Cupich for key bishops-making panel - Wuerl & Cupich now American kingmakers

By naming Archbishop Blase Cupich of Chicago to the Vatican's all-important Congregation for Bishops, Pope Francis effectively has positioned him, in tandem with Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C., to be the American "kingmakers" on this pope's watch.

Pope Francis on Thursday named Archbishop Blase Cupich of Chicago to the Vatican’s all-important Congregation for Bishops, in effect positioning the Chicago prelate to help shape the next generation of bishops in the United States and around the world.

The Congregation for Bishops is composed of roughly 30 senior prelates from around the world, and is the body that submits recommendations for new bishops’ appointments to the pope. Although the final decision is always up to the pontiff, with relatively few exceptions, popes generally accept the panel’s recommendations.

As a result, the Congregation for Bishops is widely considered among the two or three most influential departments in the Vatican, and generally appointing someone as a member is a sign that they have the favor of the present pope.

continue at Crux

Despite Cardinal Wuerl's call to move beyond those Boring Old Doctrinal Battles That Moderates Are Like So Totally Above The Fray into the Stuff That Really Matters, he becomes the same ideologue he so happily condemned.

Don't just wring your hands, fold them in prayer.  Do what good you can with the time you have been given.

Cough:

Glad to recommend @KardinalWien on the magisterial document ‘Amoris Laetitia’ https://t.co/SIcsVYb1gm #AmorisLaetitia

— Archbishop Cupich (@ArchbishopBlase) July 7, 2016

Chicago Archdiocesan staff will now receive 12 weeks of paid time off after the birth or adoption of a child

The Archdiocese of Chicago will begin offering 12 weeks of paid parental leave to its staff beginning July 1.

The new policy is open to fathers and mothers who just had children or adopted children. Staff who are benefits-eligible (those who work at least 26 hours a week) and who have worked at the archdiocese at least one month qualify for parental leave. Archdiocesan employees who have worked less than one year will receive one week paid parental leave for every month they worked.

Under the previous policy, female staff who gave birth or adopted used sick time and vacation time for pay during their parental leave. Employees who worked for at least three years usually had accumulated enough sick time to cover about six weeks of leave.

“We’ve had a policy that met the needs of most people,” said Betsy Bohlen, chief operating officer for the Archdiocese of Chicago. “For most people it worked, because they accrued sick time and used it. In other organizations they would have lost it. Here they keep it.”

There were some instances when it didn’t work for everyone, such as in the case of newer employees, she said, or someone who had to use their sick time for other health reasons.

When Archbishop Cupich came on board he wanted to ensure that the personnel policies were in line with church teaching.

“Obviously we do want to be a voice for pro-life, family friendly kinds of policies,” Bohlen said. “The idea was to make sure that we have something that can work for all staff.”

continue at CNW

The running joke is that the only employment one cannot support a large Catholic family is working for a Catholic non-profit.  Bravo to the Archdiocese and Archbishop Cupich!

Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich Receives Honorary Degree From St. Thomas University

The Most Rev. Blase Cupich, archbishop of Chicago and a 1971 St. Thomas alumnus, has received an honorary degree from the university.

St. Thomas conferred a Doctor of Laws degree on Cupich during a May 11 ceremony in the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas. A reception for the 200 guests followed in Woulfe Alumni Hall.

Cupich, an Omaha native, enrolled at St. Thomas and St. John Vianney Seminary for his junior and senior years. He was ordained to the priesthood after four years of study at the North American College and Gregorian University in Rome, and returned to Omaha to serve as a pastor and teach at a Catholic high school at Creighton University.

continue at St. Thomas U

Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich on Challenges Facing the Church

The Archdiocese of Chicago is taking the temperature of parishioners – and facing a future with fewer churches.

As part of a program called Renew My Church, parishioners were recently asked to fill out a wide-ranging survey on their spiritual life.

Amid major ongoing financial pressures, the Archdiocese is looking at how it can restructure and revitalize the Catholic Church in Chicago. Leading that charge is Archbishop Blase Cupich. He joined host Phil Ponce to discuss the Chicago Catholic Church's money woes, as well as Pope Francis and social issues in the church.

After a large coalition of social service agencies filed a lawsuit against Gov. Bruce Rauner and state agencies on Wednesday seeking funding, Cupich told host Phil Ponce that Catholic Charities isn’t on that list yet because it sees a lawsuit as a last resort.

“We’re going to continue to advocate on their behalf and work with the elected officials,” Cupich said.

The state currently owes Catholic Charities over $30 million, he said.

continue at WTTW

I listened, 30,000 people participated in the survey.  Would be interesting to see what the results are.

I thought he was a good interviewee.

Archbishop Cupich blesses Cardinal George's grave stone at Des Plaines cemetery

The final resting place for most of Chicago's Catholic archbishops is at the Bishops' Mausoleum at Mount Carmel Cemetery in West suburban Hillside.

But Cardinal Francis George, the only native Chicagoan to serve as the city's archbishop, is buried alongside family members at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines.

It's where George came as a boy to pray at his grandmother's gravesite. Now, he rests beside her and his parents.

A year after the cardinal's death, a new memorial ledger stone marking his grave was dedicated and blessed Thursday by his successor, Archbishop Blase Cupich, during a small ceremony attended by family, friends and the public.

"He is a Chicagoan, and was very proud of that, but I also think it sends a message that his vocation sprung up in that family," Cupich said.

continue at DailyHerald

What a beautiful man.

Fr. Pfleger Gets Strong Show Of Support From Archbishop Cupich

Archbishop Blase Cupich made his first visit to St. Sabina Church to celebrate Mass on Sunday.

Father Michael Pfleger’s outspoken social activism has sometimes led to friction with church leaders, including the late Cardinal George, but Archbishop Cupich pronounced his support and encouragement for St. Sabina’s community service and its fight against gun violence.

CBS 2’s Derrick Blakley reports at St. Sabina, it was a virtual lovefest between a controversial pastor and the leader of the archdiocese.

First praise for the archbishop from Pastor Michael Pfleger.

“Your challenge for us is not only to hear the Gospel, but to live the Gospel,” Pfleger said.

In his homily, Blase Cupich praised St. Sabina as a healing force in a hurting community.

“You provide that robe around those who need it, to let them know that a supportive environment is so very important, no matter what their struggles or failures have been in the past,” Cupich said. “I’m here today to give you a word of encouragement but also to let you know how much I admire you, I depend on you.”

The archbishop’s message was warmly welcomed by the largest black Catholic parish in Chicago. Cupich even called St. Sabina something of a model as the archdiocese ponders its future.

“Just look at the spirit we have here,” Cupich said. “Every parish should have the vibrancy of this parish.”

Quite a change for St. Sabina’s leader, who was once suspended by Cardinal George.

The archbishop was asked about Pfleger’s 35-year tenure as St. Sabina’s pastor, which far exceeds archdiocese guidelines.

Cupich said the rules are important but exceptions are made in extraordinary circumstances. Translation: Pfleger needn’t worry about going anywhere. He faces mandatory retirement in four years.

CBS Chicago

What a Blessing to have Archbishop Cupich with us this morning for Service....he not only was excited about our... https://t.co/eoOO9ZXE0v

— Fr. Michael Pfleger (@MichaelPfleger) March 6, 2016

Gov. Chris Christie ENDORSES Donald Trump???????Are you kidding me??? What did you get Chris????? The Power of... https://t.co/UZnNHWba3j

— Fr. Michael Pfleger (@MichaelPfleger) February 26, 2016

I can't tell you how much I love this Pope....He has a heart for the Poor, has taken on the Gun Industry and now... https://t.co/YPJP5uEQhZ

— Fr. Michael Pfleger (@MichaelPfleger) February 19, 2016

Yeah, uhh Pfledger is not exactly (saint) Fr. Tolton.  He supports women's ordination amongst other things.  I think Pfledger's core issue though, it that he thinks that liberal policies that have utterly destroyed black communities in Chicago should not only continue be supported but increased.  It seems certain that he believes to some extent in liberation theology as he seeks to use the Church as a political tool to promote Marxist styled law.

5,000+ brave frigid temps at March for Life Chicago

Both from a nice photo set from Chicago Tribune

Chicago Sun Times: Pastor asks anti-abortion activists to take fight to black community

Yahoo News: Thousands brave cold to attend Chicago anti-abortion march

LifeSite: March for Life Chicago 2016: Thousands converge this Sunday to proclaim sanctity of human life

We march together today for life. We can’t stand still. Happy to be with you again this year! @March4LifeChi #MercyinChicago

— Archbishop Cupich (@ArchbishopBlase) January 17, 2016

"This isn't cold, this is Chicago!" @ArchbishopBlase tells #March4LifeChi (Note: It is frigidly cold.) pic.twitter.com/BlkCodzQI3

— Michael O'Loughlin (@MikeOLoughlin) January 17, 2016

And the award for the best sign:

Look what we found! Ain't that the truth! #ProLife #March4LifeChi pic.twitter.com/vIRXvUUKRY

— March4LifeChi (@March4LifeChi) January 18, 2016

Abp. Cupich blasts Planned Parenthood in op-ed in Chicago Tribune, calls for "solid action," unfortunately invokes Seamless Garment

The release of videos of Planned Parenthood physicians discussing the market for tissue harvested in abortions has produced varied and strong reactions, and has, ironically, given us a reason for hope and an opportunity as a nation.

The tapes have generated a visceral reaction independent of how they were made or whether Planned Parenthood was making a profit. Rather, the widespread revulsion over the tapes arose because they unmasked the fact that, in our public conversation about abortion, we have so muted the humanity of the unborn child that some consider it quite acceptable to speak freely of crushing a child's skull to preserve valuable body parts and to have that discussion over lunch.

Yet, the outrage expressed by many at the physicians' callous and flippant attitude toward trafficking in human body parts is evidence that American hearts have not been irreparably hardened by the steady devaluing of human dignity in our society.

continue at Chicago Tribune

Bravo and thank you Abp. Cupich!

Image

Update: You may want to just stop reading after this lead section.  He invokes the Dogma of the Seamless Garment:

While commerce in the remains of defenseless children is particularly repulsive, we should be no less appalled by the indifference toward the thousands of people who die daily for lack of decent medical care; who are denied rights by a broken immigration system and by racism; who suffer in hunger, joblessness and want; who pay the price of violence in gun-saturated neighborhoods; or who are executed by the state in the name of justice.

Read that?  We should be no less appalled.  What an absolutely brutal statement, like comparing the atrocities in German in concentration camps, to the "rights denied immigrants."  Last time I checked, immigrants were not being dismembered and sold for their body parts.  

.@ArchbishopBlase "Not all moral issues have the same moral weight as abortion and euthanasia." - Benedict XVI

— Ignazio (@IgnazioChicago) August 3, 2015

Cupich says Chicago archdiocese will act on climate change

CHICAGO — Chicago’s Catholic archdiocese is the nation’s first to monitor its buildings’ power and water usage and greenhouse gas emissions.

Archbishop Blase Cupich joined US Environmental Protection Agency officials Friday to mark the Church’s stewardship initiative, an answer to Pope Francis’ entreaty to preserve the earth.

...
In 2014, the archdiocese’s energy costs were nearly $30 million. That included $13.5 million for electricity and $16 million for gas. The benchmarking process doesn’t save any money.

continue at Crux

It seems that most parishes do something similar, primarily for financial considerations.

Abp. Cupich story on genuflecting

Hopefully he's grown out of the authoritarian style.  This was some time ago, at least 20 years.

In a discussion about Cupich a few months ago, someone wrote,

In his first Mass as our new Pastor in Omaha, Father Cupich publicly chastised our teenage daughter for genuflecting, as was her practice, along with many others in our parish, before receiving the Blessed Sacrament. He said loudly so that all in the communion line could hear: “don’t do that in my church again”.

Mahound's Paradise

HT Jeff

Abp Cupich of Chicago receives pallium, refuses to condemn SCOTUS ruling on marriage; "calls us to mature and serene reflections"

WGN: Archbishop Cupich celebrates mass with Pope Francis, receives pallium

Statement of Archbishop Cupich on Supreme Court rulings

This week the Supreme Court of the United States issued two rulings with particular meaning for the Catholic Church.

In the first, the Court preserved subsidies for the 6.4 million low-income Americans who depend on them to purchase health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. We have issues with provisions of that legislation and will continue to advocate to preserve our religious freedom. However, we understand that for millions of individuals and families, most of them the working poor, this decision preserves access to health care and the promise it offers of a healthier, longer life.

In the second decision, the United States Supreme Court has ruled that two persons of the same sex have a constitutional right to marry each other. In doing so, the Court has re-defined civil marriage. The proposed reason for the ruling is the protection of equal rights for all citizens, including those who identify themselves as gay. The rapid social changes signaled by the Court ruling call us to mature and serene reflections as we move forward together. In that process, the Catholic Church will stand ready to offer a wisdom rooted in faith and a wide range of human experience.

It is important to note that the Catholic Church has an abiding concern for the dignity of gay persons. In fact, the Catechism of the Catholic Church says: “They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided.” (n. 2358). This respect must be real, not rhetorical, and ever reflective of the Church’s commitment to accompanying all people. For this reason, the Church must extend support to all families, no matter their circumstances, recognizing that we are all relatives, journeying through life under the careful watch of a loving God.

It is also important to stress that the Supreme Court’s redefinition of civil marriage has no bearing on the Catholic Sacrament of Matrimony, in which the marriage of man and woman is a sign of the union of Christ and the Church. In upholding our traditional concept of marriage, we are called to support those who have entered into this sacred and loving bond with God and each other.

This will be especially important for the members of our own Church as we walk together, respectful not only of the political demands of equality, but above all else, guided by the higher claims of divine revelation. Our aim in all of this will be to hold fast to an authentic understanding of marriage which has been written in the human heart, consolidated in history, and confirmed by the Word of God.

...  It's as if he's commenting on legislation, not court rulings.   The archbishop appears to want to distance himself from brother bishops and the USCCB president whom called the ruling “A Tragic Error.”  For those Catholics who thought Cardinal George was part of the problem were gravely mistaken.  The archbishop seemed to find a need to reprimand Catholic "discrimination" in the wake of the ruling despite the fact the opposite seems to be occurring.  The way this is worded, it certainly sounds like Chicago would welcome, say the archdiocesan schools from "accepting" gay couples and promoting acceptance in curriculum.  Obviously we are all waiting to see what the federal government gets to shut down because of "discrimination," and of course many more SCOTUS rulings on the matter.... but I guess if I were a Chicago resident, it would be great to hear my archbishop offer a few words of support other than "it's time to roll over and die."

I'll try to get a roundup post in the next day or two. 

Abp. Cupich at March for Life Chicago: "We can't sit still. We have to march."

Speakers included Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich, U.S. Reps. Peter Roskam and Dan Lipinski, Bears co-owner Pat McCaskey, and Mary-Louise Kurey, 1999 Miss Wisconsin.

Cupich lauded the committee that prayed for good weather, drawing cheers from the crowd. The day brought warmer temperatures and clear skies.

"It's important for all of us to remember why we are here," Cupich said. "We need to bring to attention that there are those literally struggling to come into the world. We can't sit still. We have to march."

article at Chicago Tribune

Wow, this is encouraging!  Thank you Archbishop Cupich!

Well, perhaps "rallies" are okay but "picketing" is not?  Here are the details of the brush up from 2011.

Weingarten, also a member of the diocesan respect life committee, told LifeSiteNews.com that Cupich said he did not support 40 Days for Life during a committee meeting in late July, noting his disapproval of “picketing” outside abortion facilities. Although members of the committee responded that 40 Days for Life was peaceful and non-demonstrative, according to Weingarten, Cupich “was not moved.”

HT Father Rocky 

Thousands gather for midnight Mass with Cupich at Des Plaines Our Lady of Guadalupe shrine

The newly installed leader of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago celebrated Mass on the campus of Des Plaines' Maryville Academy early Friday morning with the thousands gathered to celebrate the annual feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Archbishop Blase J. Cupich delivered a sermon in Spanish to a predominantly Hispanic crowd of all ages bundled in blankets, winter coats and hats.

In a press conference before the Mass, Cupich, speaking in both English and Spanish, expressed his admiration and respect for all those that had made the journey to the outdoor shrine.

The event was "a reminder to all of us that together we are on a pilgrimage," he said.

continue at Chicago Tribune 

Some photos of the installation of Archbishop Cupich as Primate of Chicago

PHOTOS: Cupich installed as Archbishop of Chicago http://t.co/SO73ogZ5dM pic.twitter.com/0KK7mxyEuD
— Chicago Sun-Times (@Suntimes) November 18, 2014

@secret123ind #chicago Archbishop #cupich pic.twitter.com/ss5KiBC1Ba
— Tina (@secret123ind) November 18, 2014

Archbishop Blase Cupich accepted the call to serve #ChicagoArchbishop http://t.co/x9mz0rwVvb pic.twitter.com/GDrfBUSaca
— Crux (@Crux) November 18, 2014

Welcome, Archbishop Cupich! We look forward to working together for a Culture of Life in #Chicago. pic.twitter.com/mZVW213YMo
— Pro-LifeActionLeague (@ProLifeAction) November 18, 2014