Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Cohabitation: Why the church says it’s still wrong
This was the cover article by Cheri Mantz in "our" Milwaukee Catholic Herald's new "My Faith" section that came with the January 17, 2007 issue. The previous week's print edition had a "letter from the editor" by Brian T. Olszewski explaining that My Faith is "intended for Catholics 17- to 27- years-old." [hyphens his] To be published in May and September as well, it will also be distributed directly to students in Catholic high schools and through Catholic college campus ministries and public college Newman centers.
The article drew a comment at Dad29.
The article drew a comment at Dad29.
This is pretty consistent with what passes for reporting in the Catholic press right here in Milwaukee. For example, there's a recent article in which the Archbishop gives advice to engaged couples advising them not to live together before marriage, and if they are currently living together, to separate until the wedding. It then goes on to say that Fr. Yockey at St. Jerome counsels engaged couples and makes it clear he will not marry them if they live together. As a result, they have only 10 marriages per year. On the other hand, Fr. Eichenberger of Cedarburg, says "It is my practice to never scold couples who are living together, after all, this is a sin that ends the moment they are married. I am much more concerned about whether they attend Mass." He continues, "No reasons for living together are morally permissible, but they are certainly understandable. So I practice compassion and Divine Mercy."¶ 1/23/2008 01:55:00 PM
So there, subtly (or perhaps not so), we continue down the road of ambiguity. The right is held up for our edification, and then, just as quickly, qualified as being impractical. Is it any wonder so many are so confused?
Imagine if we used that last line as excuse for morally improper behavior in our households. Every rule we have could be excused. What a mess we'd be in in our homes. What a mess we are in in our Church because of it. ...
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Fr. Eichenberger says,
"I'm much more concerned about whether they attend Mass."
Is he also concerned about whether they're receiving communion? Or does that fall under the "compassion and Divine Mercy" clause as well?
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"I'm much more concerned about whether they attend Mass."
Is he also concerned about whether they're receiving communion? Or does that fall under the "compassion and Divine Mercy" clause as well?
# posted by 
: 6:28 PM
: 6:28 PM<< Home
