A reading adventure in Catholic news

BY KERNAN DAVIS

When the July 15 issue of The Evangelist arrived in our mailbox, I opened it with my usual expectation of reading a variety of interesting articles. That issue gave me plenty of things to ponder.

On the front page, I became enthusiastic over Rev. Paolo Padrini's planned use of an Apple iPad device to overcome his problems reading from physical books with yellowed pages or fine print. He has prepared an application, or "app," to provide users with daily readings and prayers, all in accordance with established traditions. Splendid idea, to make use of modern technology.

"Whoa!" The International Committee on English in the Liturgy has to consult with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops regarding the matter. Furthermore, the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments promotes the use of books and the embellishment of those books. Just because they have no explicit rules against the use of electronic devices does not mean they would allow it.

My mind whirled with thoughts about long debates and hearings and months, if not years, of deliberation on this matter. I sighed with woe.

Then, on page 8 of that issue, I read that new norms have been issued declaring that the attempted ordination of women is "delicta graviora," a serious sacramental crime against the Church. The Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith would bring excommunication down upon all those who would participate in it. This matter is not open to debate.

I grumbled. Then I decided to look into it a bit further. In an article, I read how Archbishop Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C., explained the Vatican's action. He acknowledged that women hold a variety of leadership positions, and that their insights, creative abilities, and generosity reside at the very heart of the Church - which, nevertheless, "through its long and constant teaching holds that ordination has been, from the beginning, reserved to men, a fact which cannot be changed despite changing times."

These new norms also consider the abuse of children as being "delicta graviora." While not comparable, these topics occur in this particular Vatican document simply because it deals with grave crimes against the Church.

I sighed with relief, but wonder about the status of St. Phoebe and other women of early Christianity: Were they prominent or only supplemental participants?

On page 17, I read with great delight that my friend, Rev. John Rosson, pastor of Cooperstown's wonderful St. Mary's Church, cooperates in caring for patients and their families at Bassett Medical Center, with its chaplain, Rev. Betsy Jay, an ordained Presbyterian minister.

With a troop of St. Mary's volunteers, they work with patients from various Christian denominations, as well as Jews, Muslims and Buddhists. That fosters further cooperation and understanding.

This interfaith charity toward the sick is a matter to celebrate. It is simply and certainly a case of Christian service.

My reading done, I sighed again - at last, with a broad smile.

(Mr. Davis, a retired geologist, teaches morality at Our Lady of Grace Church in Ballston Lake.)

(07/29/10)