Bob Baker spent three decades in the defense industry (both as a civilian and in the military). Bob wrote a weekly opinion column for a local newspaper, has authored articles on many different subjects, and is currently a Catholic school teacher.
There was once a saying, “Don't give scandal.” One doesn't hear it very often anymore. Apparently, we Catholics have become just as jaded by the events that surround our everyday living that we aren't terribly surprised by how priests, bishops and Cardinals act and what they say anymore.
Disappointed but not surprised.
Once upon a time, not too long ago, we took pride in our clergy and we looked to them for comfort, leadership and guidance. But there has been a change, albeit a gradual one, that has seemingly changed the way we view them. Perhaps the reason lies in how they perceive themselves and their very own functions in the conduct of their priestly office.
A bishop was once the sole authority of a diocese (the “buck” stopped there). This has now given way to collegiality – e.g., Priest Councils and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops – that has weakened a bishop's power. These have served to spread responsibility and obfuscate fault or blame, as well, through the use of “policies” inhibiting direct and rapid action. Too, the legal system is also used by and against dioceses, as recent events prove. The maxim, “Let Right be done” has given way to legalities and technicalities that also act to shroud responsibilities to be forthright and do the honest (Christian) thing.
Hopefully, when you need a priest you can find one. They might be on a cruise, on a drive in a new car, on one of their “days off” or checking out their retirement condo – many priests do not take a vow of poverty. Perhaps you can call for an appointment and not have to wait too long.
Many functions once done by priests have been given to the laity. This is partially because of a shortage of priests but, more importantly, there is a dedicated laity that is committed to the Church and they are prepared to pick up the slack of the “new” priesthood. Parish rounds and taking communion to those in the hospital or homebound are just a few examples of the laity in action.
Heaven help you if you complain about a priest (about a matter different than the current sex abuse cover-ups). Nothing will be done and you'll be told or it will be inferred that you were obviously wrong – despite many other like-voices echoing the same complaint.
Not too long ago, Catholic education was virtually available to all who desired it. Times have changed and the price is paid by those who can afford it or scrape enough together and do without other things. This isn't even enough, however, to offset what teachers are underpaid (usually around 70% of their public school counterparts). Catholic teachers cannot organize, though popes in the modern era have repeatedly stated that it is the right of workers to do so – ironic, isn't it?
The changes that Vatican II ushered in are now being keenly felt by a laity ashamed and/or embarrassed by priests and bishops more concerned about protecting their “kinsmen” than their flocks.
Much of our Church's heritage has been thrown out of the window, as well. Ecumenicalism has also made the Church much more “Protestant” – increasingly absent are the distinctions between other Christian churches and Catholic.
Holy Days falling on a weekday are redirected to Sundays, other observances have fallen by the wayside in many churches (e.g., First Fridays, 40 Hours, Vespers, Catholic school confessions, etc) are becoming things of the past. Some of these are belittled as “nostalgia” in part, it seems, because of a clergy that finds it inconvenient or are unaware (as incredible as it seems) of many Church traditions.
Many of the changes wrought by Vatican II were arguably not the intention of
the bishops of the time. In the rush to change 2000 years of tradition, it
also spawned a different type of clergy in the United States (and elsewhere) that changed the perception and manner in which they act today. It has become an almost American Catholic vs. a Roman Catholic Church. Money, power and privilege are corporate traits that are also to be found in any given diocese (in fact, they are corporate entities, too). Though it is “our” Church, our impact is generally limited by the closed nature in which decisions are made, again by the ordained.
One wonders how many of our clergy know the Cardinal Sins, if they have heard of “giving scandal” and if they remember what the “sins that cry to
heaven for vengeance” are.
