My World of Religion, Politics, Entertainment and Social Issues

Dear Blog Visitors: What follows is a press release from five bishops who have made a collective decision to disassociate themselves from Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo for philosophical and theological reasons. I respect the decision of the five bishops and look forward to my new relationship with 'Married Priests USA.' If you are familiar with the Roman Catholic ordination rite, a priest's primary allegiance is to the bishop he pledges obedience to. Although I was ordained by Archbishop Milingo, when it came time during the rite for my allegiance pledge, I knelt before Archbishop Peter Paul Brennan, with the understanding he would be my primary bishop, since he resides in New York. I am pleased that my relationship with Archbishop Brennan will continue via 'Married Priests USA.' Pictured above are my ordination certificate, signed by Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo and Archbishop Peter Brennan, in addition to an Apostolic Blessing issued by Pope Benedict XVI on the oc...

Dear Blog Visitors: Ever since I was ordained a married priest in 2006, I have received numerous inquiries as to whether or not I would be interested in pastoring a small, independent Catholic community. The short answer is that if an opportunity knocks, I will discern my response carefully. I live in the town of Henrietta, New York, which is one of Rochester’s suburbs. Concerning diocesan parishes in my general neighborhood, there are three – all led by lay pastoral administrators: Good Shepherd, St. Joseph and Guardian Angels (Guardian Angels borders the towns of Brighton and Henrietta). I often hear from what has come to be known as ‘Catholics in the diaspora.’ In brief, from a biblical perspective, the ‘diaspora’ has come to symbolize a place of displacement. Indeed, more Catholics would define themselves as not belonging to a parish than those who have an affiliation. If I were to lead a small, independent community, I would hope to attract Catholics who have a love for the s...

Dear Blog Visitors: I want to take this opportunity to wish Rev. Denise Donato well with her new venture in Fairport, New York. Denise and I were classmates at St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry and I predicted back then that she would prove to be an outstanding leader in the Catholic community. Several years ago, I was proud to participate in Denise's ordination to the priesthood at Spiritus Christi Church, where she served with distinction. Denise's latest venture will give another community an opportunity to be beneficiaries of her ministerial skills. I hope residents of Fairport, New York and beyond will visit the newly-created Mary Magdalene Church, which is utilizing worship space at the Mountain Rise UCC Church. The website for the new community is as follows: www.marymagdalenechurch.org. Here is the on-line advertisement for Mary Magdalene Church: An Inclusive Church in the Catholic Tradition Reverend Denise Donato Welcomes You! Join us for...

Dear Blog Visitors: I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Bishop Matthew Clark for his extraordinary 30 years as shepherd of the Diocese of Rochester, New York. The first photo above was taken of Bishop Clark and yours truly at a 1990 gathering of older men considering the diocesan priesthood. (As you know, I chose marriage, as opposed to mandatory celibacy, but was ordained outside the institutional church by Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo in 2006.) Although Bishop Clark would have preferred that I had not pursued an alternate path to ordination, I am nevertheless appreciative of the fact that he appeared in two recent television interviews, during which he articulated his openness to the inclusion of married priests. In the process of my church-reform activities, I have occasionally criticized hard-line bishops. On the other hand, I have consistently praised Bishop Clark for his pastoral leadership. We need more people like him in the Roman Catholic hierarchy, and I will be...