Getting parishioners involved in the HHS fight

rightofcenter77 · #1 Mar 11, '12, 5:51 pm

I was trying to decide what section is appropriate for this, so please feel free to move it where it belongs.

My parish has a pro-life committee, but it is very dormant and only took up the task of circulating letters about the HHS mandate when I pressed the issue. The past two weekends, we set up tables at the back of church and asked people to sign letters pre-addressed and pre-written to our represenative, senator, and to Sec. Sebelius.

Here is my dilemma: the church pastor is reluctant to speak out too strongly about the mandate. Yesterday, one of the supporting parishioners was strongly and enthusiastically encouraging parishioners to sign the letters as they left. Our Pastor stopped him and told me, very kindly, that we can't be too pushy (or something to that extent). What's funny is that in the homily, our priest was talking about how, when the issue was important enough, even Jesus showed forcefulness (turning over tables in the temple).

Today, I approached the priest (associate pastor) and asked him to PLEASE announce before the dismissal what we are doing and encourage people to sign. He was reluctant, although he told me he supported the case. He said "you are being too pushy and we have to deal with the ramifications" or something very close to that. I really don't feel in the least that, other than what my co-parishioner did yesterday (arguably), that we've been pushy at all. In fact, the feedback I got from parishioners was VERY positive, and many were thrilled to sign (we got around 150 letters signed for each of the three letters).

I certainly want to respect my place in the parish, and I am not the boss. What the pastor says, goes. That said, I feel that they are very scared to anything that comes close to controversy. The parish is run by Fransiscans who are mostly older and probably would rather avoid any and all fights (whether they are worth it or not).

I'd appreciate comments and tons of prayers on this issue.

Sean

**the phoenix** · #2 Mar 11, '12, 7:00 pm

This thread will likely be either closed or moved since it needs a link to a news article to be allowed in the Catholic News forum. I would suggest you reposting this thread in the Social Justice section of the forum ... and hope you will because I'd like to participate in the discussion.

In any case, you have my prayers.

JReducation · #3 Mar 11, '12, 7:08 pm

I'm Franciscan and I can tell you that without the permission of the superior, no friar will ever take a stand on any issue. Even then, it is an 800 year old tradition that Franciscans avoid confrontations and arguments. The rule of St. Francis does not allow the friars to engage in arguments.

When a friar tells you that you're being pushy, you may want to ask him for suggestions on how you should go about it. Don't challenge the friar or you will make it worse. The friar will be very uncomfortable, because he wants to support mission, but he is not allowed to engage in conflict. If you challenge him, that's another conflict for the poor guy.

If you ask him for help, he may have some good ideas or he may see that there is no other way but what you're doing.

It's like the prayer vigils at the abortuaries. We go to them. People shout in our faces or try to engage us in a debate about choice. We answer their questions. If they just want to rant, we politely invite them to visit us. Sometimes they accept and sometimes they just get angry and go away.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

**buffalo** · #4 Mar 11, '12, 7:14 pm

Here is what a few courageous priests and parishes are doing:

Take A Stand for Religious Freedom

On Friday, 2/24 @ 10:30AM Rep. Kathy Hochul (NY-26) was surprised at her Town Hall Meeting in Lancaster, NY when well over 100 Catholics confronted her about the violation of religious freedom inherent in the HHS Mandate, and the inadequacy of President Obama's so-called "compromise".

Raw Footage:

Congresswoman Gets Booed

Dismisses Constitution and Gets Stumped by Simple Question

Local News Coverage:

Fr. Leon Biernat Began Leading the Charge Weeks Ago During Mass

Catholics are Passionate and Mobilizing

Local Report - WGRZ Buffalo

Fr. Leon Biernat Interviewed on Local News Radio - Part 1

Fr. Leon Biernat Interviewed on Local News Radio - Part 2

Fr. Leon Biernat Interviewed on Local News Radio - Part 3

EWTN Coverage

Fr. Leon Biernat, Pastor of Our Lady of Pompeii, Interview with Teresa Tomeo on EWTN

Upcoming Rally

Join us for the Stand Up For Religious Freedom Rally in Buffalo as we participate with over 50 other cities nationally to oppose the recent HHS Mandate. This HHS mandate, including President Obama's so-called "compromise," violates our first amendment right to free exercise of religion. Let’s tell our federal representatives that we want our religious freedom protected and the HHS mandate stopped!

Rally Date: Friday, March 23rd 2012

Time: 12 Noon

Location: Federal Building (Sen. Schumer’s Office)

130 South Elmwood Ave. Buffalo, NY 14202

*For more information email: Buffalo@StandUpForReligiousFreedom.com

Sign the National Petition

Cardinal Dolan Update (3/1/12)

Learn More About the Issue

Register to Vote

If you would like a speaker to come address your parish or group, please contact us: jimhavens@wlof.net

mh2007 · #5 Mar 11, '12, 7:36 pm

Our deacon gave a nice sermon today, although our Pastor celebrated this particular Mass. The deacon unequivocally characterized the HHS issue as a direct assault on our 1st amendment rights, noting recent comments by Bishop Lori and Mother Mary Assumpta. Under no uncertain terms, he indicated all religions in the U.S. have a stake in the outcome of the HHS fight.

He also made references to the possibility of the Church closing schools, hospitals, and other affected ministries. He said it may come down to that - or defying the federal government's mandate. There was no softness on this topic. He even mentioned the potential excommunication of Catholic congressmen and senators acting contrary to Church doctrine. However, the tone was not holier than thou, or combative in any way. It was a kind, Christian talk about the current state of play.

At the end, he implored everyone to write their congressman. And he closed with the following comment - "When election day comes, by all means go out and vote. That line was delivered passionately. Everyone knew precisely what he was eluding to, without mentioning the incumbent's name.

After Mass, I heard many passing comments from parishoners in strong support of the sermon. All I can say is this - If Church members at all levels don't step up, we are going to experience our federal government curtailing religious freedom on many fronts. And in particular, freedom of speech, and the right to peaceful assembly. In fact, I can forsee the day when the Church will need to go underground, meeting privately to celebrate Mass - as happens from time to time when governments overstep their bounds. Don't think that is plausible? Just look at world history. The erosion in this country started decades ago.

I hope and pray this issue will bring more folks into the fray. As the deacon said, there are more innocent unborn exterminated now than the Nazi holocaust. Six million innocent Jews died in the Nazi Holocaust, but more than 40 million babies have died in The Great American slaughter of the innocents. One day, we will be like China. Only boy babies will be permitted.

JReducation · #6 Mar 11, '12, 7:47 pm

I agree with your deacon. But I also understand the friar's conflict. The best way to go about this is to ask him for a suggestion. If he has a better idea, great! If he thinks about it and realizes that your's is the best idea, he'll probably tell you to go with it or give you some tips on how to go with it, without coming across as pushy. What you want is to get people involved and the friars do too.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

**edwest2** · #7 Mar 12, '12, 12:55 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by rightofcenter77

I was trying to decide what section is appropriate for this, so please feel free to move it where it belongs.

My parish has a pro-life committee, but it is very dormant and only took up the task of circulating letters about the HHS mandate when I pressed the issue. The past two weekends, we set up tables at the back of church and asked people to sign letters pre-addressed and pre-written to our represenative, senator, and to Sec. Sebelius.

Here is my dilemma: the church pastor is reluctant to speak out too strongly about the mandate. Yesterday, one of the supporting parishioners was strongly and enthusiastically encouraging parishioners to sign the letters as they left. Our Pastor stopped him and told me, very kindly, that we can't be too pushy (or something to that extent). What's funny is that in the homily, our priest was talking about how, when the issue was important enough, even Jesus showed forcefulness (turning over tables in the temple).

Today, I approached the priest (associate pastor) and asked him to PLEASE announce before the dismissal what we are doing and encourage people to sign. He was reluctant, although he told me he supported the case. He said "you are being too pushy and we have to deal with the ramifications" or something very close to that. I really don't feel in the least that, other than what my co-parishioner did yesterday (arguably), that we've been pushy at all. In fact, the feedback I got from parishioners was VERY positive, and many were thrilled to sign (we got around 150 letters signed for each of the three letters).

I certainly want to respect my place in the parish, and I am not the boss. What the pastor says, goes. That said, I feel that they are very scared to anything that comes close to controversy. The parish is run by Fransiscans who are mostly older and probably would rather avoid any and all fights (whether they are worth it or not).

I'd appreciate comments and tons of prayers on this issue.

Sean

I'd politely tell the priest you spoke with that you did not fully understand what he meant. For example, what was it that he found "pushy," and what "ramifications" was he thinking of? If he seems confused that you don't get his position, perhaps you should ask how this important issue should be dealt with at your church. Your church is a family of believers, and yes, what the pastor says goes, but as in any family, there may be misunderstandings, and this appears to be a case where a little clarification will help.

God bless,
Ed

JReducation · #8 Mar 12, '12, 1:09 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by edwest2

I'd politely tell the priest you spoke with that you did not fully understand what he meant. For example, what was it that he found "pushy," and what "ramifications" was he thinking of? If he seems confused that you don't get his position, perhaps you should ask how this important issue should be dealt with at your church. Your church is a family of believers, and yes, what the pastor says goes, but as in any family, there may be misunderstandings, and this appears to be a case where a little clarification will help.

God bless,
Ed

Ed's advice is very good. I would just like to remind the readers that in dealing with mendicants religious who run parishes, one must always remember that everything in the parish revolves around the rule of the community and the superior. A man may be a pastor, but may not be the superior and even if he is the superior, he is not the founder.

When bishops hand parishes over to mendicants and Jesuits, it is with the clear understanding that these are exempt religious. The bishop promises the superiors that the parishioners will adapt to the way of doing things of the particular religious community.

In this case, Ed's advice is very good. Let the friar guide you.

This is a very different relationship between pastor and laity than you would find in a parish run by diocesan priests. Diocesan priests do not answer to a rule of life, to a superior, nor do they go home to a community of brothers that's going to blast them for making a false move in the parish and on top of that, worry about the bishop complaining to his superior. The diocesan pastor runs his parish with the laity.

In a parish run by mendicants and Jesuits, there are more people involved along with the pastor and the laity. As Ed says, ask him to explain to make sure that you understand what he wants and understand his concerns.

Don't be surprised if he does not tell you everything. If there is a concern at the friary, he may not want to share that to avoid creating a problem. Sometimes a community may tell a pastor, "You have to be careful here, because . . . "

I lived in a community where the laity and the friars wanted to stage a protest against a hospital that was doing euthanasia. The friars agreed that it was a good cause, but they also felt that it was better if the laity went alone. We served the chronically and terminally ill at that hospital. If the administration became angry at us, they could deny us access to these patients, by denying us permission to minister in its hospital. The lay people with whom we had planned the event were disappointed that there would be no brother there.

Things happen at other layers.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF