Priest says no to U.S. bishops’ postcard FOCA fight
Most of us have spiritual hot buttons. One of mine is guarding against usurping pastoral authority. I’ve been through a couple of church splits in my life and am critical of bad apples complaining publicly about pastors/leaders and stirring ill will.
For that reason alone, never mind thwarting a pro-life endeavor, I just can’t fathom the following letter-to-the-editor published in the Star Tribune today by Fr. Michael Tegeder, pastor of St. Edwards Parish in Bloomington, MN.
(A google search of Tegeder shows he’s no stranger to controversy. He’s been called “insubordinate” and “challenges… authority” previously. Not surprised. Read the 4th paragraph of this May 13, 2007, Pastor’s Page by a Fr. George Welzbacher about Tegeder, who apparently bad-mouthed his new bishop. Tegeder is also big on buildlng GLBT relations, which is fine, admirable, if one doesn’t condone the behavior, which it appears Tegeder does. Seems to me he’s a Fr. Pfleger of the north.)
I’ve bolded the most instructive lines of Tegeder’s letter on page 2….
[HT: reader Susie A.]
When I signed up 35 years ago to be a priest, little did I realize that postcards would be an essential tool of ministry in the Catholic Church. It began a few years ago, when the Catholic bishops of MN, led by then-Bishop John Nienstedt, pushed a postcard campaign in all MN Catholic parishes that promoted a constitutional amendment to limit marriage to one man and one woman. Preprinted postcards were to be signed and sent to legislators.
We never got a report from the bishops on what was accomplished. To someone who did not see this as necessary, it seemed a waste of time and money. It also generated some unnecessary ill will.
Now the bishops of the United States are conducting a national postcard campaign to oppose the Freedom of Choice Act. This is to take place in all Catholic parishes the weekend of Jan. 24-25, which happens to be during the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and just a few days after the historic inauguration of the first African-American president, Barack Obama. This should indeed be a time to focus on what unites us.
Our nation and new president will be challenged by ongoing wars, an economy in severe recession, ballooning deficits, high unemployment and an environment and health care system in crisis. Yet at this very moment the Catholic bishops have declared that they have this more pressing need.
A national postcard campaign against FOCA is a huge undertaking. In the letter from our archdiocese to me as pastor, I was told, “Our Archdiocese is responsible for securing a point person in each parish who will be responsible for the January 2009 massive postcard campaign materials in your parish.” Actually, they intend for the pastors to do this. Postcards are to be sent to our representatives in Congress.
Obviously church leaders have every right to promote their concerns in the public arena. But FOCA is a phantom threat. It is meant to limit legislation by Congress on abortion. It will not be passed. Why would Congress pass a law to limit its own power? One well-placed Catholic commentator stated, “FOCA has as much chance of passage as the [now 0-15] Detroit Lions have of winning the next Super Bowl.”
A Catholic journalist, David Gibson, has a good perspective for Catholics concerned about abortion: “The problem of course is that these straw men and red herrings divert us all from the hard work to be done on this issue both within the church and in the public square. Opposition to FOCA should be part of that, to keep pressure on and pols honest. But using a phantom FOCA as a single-issue means of demonizing one’s political opponents does no good to one’s cause, or the wider society.”
We can do many positive things. Indeed, Obama has stated that he wants to reduce the number of abortions. We should work with him on doing this.
In the Christmas spirit, may I offer this suggestion to my fellow Catholics: With your Christmas offering, include a note saying that we do not need to send FOCA postcards. During this season of goodwill, let us offer our new president some and hold back on the confrontation. And to the bishops: Your Graces, remember grace.
In other words, in your offering celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, take time to protest a pro-life protest.
Jill Stanek is a nurse turned speaker, columnist and blogger, a national figure in the effort to protect both preborn and postborn innocent human life.
‘But FOCA is a phantom threat. It is meant to limit legislation by Congress on abortion.’
——————————————————
So the Catholic hierarchy is organizing a nationwide protest against a ‘phantom’ threat.
The impression I have of every Catholic priest I have met or heard speak is that they are intelligent, well educated, articulate men.
Judging from Fr. Michael Tegeder’s comments it would seem that he is the exception or he is dishonest.
FOCA does not limit Congress from passing laws that strenghthen or reinforce the entitlement to a dead baby. It limits actions, not only by Congress, but by any government entity or individual that are deemed contrary to an entitlement to a dead baby subsidized by the American taxpayer.
yor bro ken
He’s obviously not been paying much attention, or he would know Obama promised PP that the “first thing he would do” is pass FOCA.
Not only that, but rabid pro aborts like Hillary Clinton, Patty Murray, and Barbara Boxer are behind it. And he thinks there is zero chance of it being passed? He needs a reality check.
In regards to his opinion that the economy, war, etc it more important than the abortion issue, I definitely have to disagree.
Unless someone has been living in a cave the last 2 or three weeks, what would one say about our weather? Snow in Las Vegas, crippling blizzards and wind chill factors of -40….. sure one could say these things happen…. but with such intensity and winter officially only started two days ago. Who knows what lies ahead in Jan, Feb and March? My point is…. who controls the weather? Not people….. only God. Is he trying to tell us something?
As a Christian I believe these pro death policies must stop, otherwise we may face serious consequences. I am totally against assisted suicide and euthenasia as well, but abortion is particularly heinous. There is no more innocent life than an unborn or newborn baby.
So I think if we expect the economy to improve, the first thing we need to do is respect life.
Maybe we could get this priest to do Barack Obama’s inauguration instead of Rick Warren.
By the way, anyone else have any thoughts on Warren doing the inauguration?
So what else is new? A renegade priest goes against the bishops, and lo and behold, the MSM is johnny on the spot to cover the story.
Wouldn’t it be remarkable if the MSM were to report on the tens of thousands of priests and religious who sacrifice their lives in faithful service to the teachings of Christ.
Anonymous
That wouldn’t be any fun for the MSM, would it?
For the past few years, my Bishop, Fabian Bruskewitz, has refused to do the audit for the sex scandal because the diocese has a policy in place that seems to be working fine. And there’s a so called “catholic” group that keeps demanding he take part. When the article about his refusal appears in the local paper, there are vicious comments from “former catholics” and those who think the Bishop is hiding something. The comments are bitter and angry in general and the local paper still allows them.
I also love my Bishop because he doesn’t permit Altar GIRLS.
This priest doesn’t care about protecting unborn babies. He radical liberal in a black suit.
The bishops need to start kicking these bums out of the church, now. Or send Father Corapi to his parish to straighten him out.
Liz,
Good for Bishop Bruskewitz!
Taken as a whole, his letter makes plenty of sense. We have multiple wars and a recession that affect all Americans. Throw in the fact we need to unite around these pressing problems, trying to throw a wedge between Americans in the middle of a uniting process will do nothing but hurt the American people and make those on each side of the abortion issue more steadfast in their views. Yes, they should fight FOCA should it ever come to play, but quite simply it wont. Between the blue dog Democrats and the Right, it isn’t going to have enough support to pass, period.
Let’s hope that you’re right, Dan. If not… !!!
Let’s not put our hope in any person.
Jesus Christ is the Light of the World.
Happy Birthday my Lord.
The thought of meeting you face to face someday is my hope.
Merry Christmas all!!!!
Telling your bishop to eff-off metaphorically does not make someone a bad catholic. Bishops need to hear it from time to time. It’s even better if it is a priest doing it. I should know. the church where I was raised and my parents currently go is full of priests who are disgusted with the bishop, and have said so during their sermons. I remember giving what for to a priest during a particularly far-right sermon and then leaving before flipping him the bird. Perhaps I should have gone to the cathedral instead and told the bishop what I thought, but I didn’t think he was worth the bus faire Just as with bratty little kids, sometimes ya gotta take ’em down a notch to make them better people.
YLT.
Yeah all of those things you said sound like a healthy organization. Im sure that behavior would be tolerated and constructive in your workplace.
–“I also love my Bishop because he doesn’t permit Altar GIRLS.”–
How sad Liz, as that was a great part of my childhood, and one of the few fond memories I have of attending mass every weekend. I don’t see any reason why girls are not as fully capable as boys to serve at mass, in fact many girls are better at it!
Posted by: Oliver at December 24, 2008 1:06 AM
I didn’t do that yesterday…Gosh, I haven’t been to a Catholic church in 20 years. What I did took place when i was 12.
–“I also love my Bishop because he doesn’t permit Altar GIRLS.”–
How sad Liz, as that was a great part of my childhood, and one of the few fond memories I have of attending mass every weekend. I don’t see any reason why girls are not as fully capable as boys to serve at mass, in fact many girls are better at it!
Posted by: Stef at December 24, 2008 2:52 AM
It is not that girls are less capable – it is that this goes against the tradition of the Catholic Church and it is having the effect, as was predicted of displacing boys from the altar. Christ did not choose any women as his disciples. He chose a different service for women as seen by Mary and the other women who prepared the Passover dinner for Christ. They also housed and fed Christ and his disciples. Their service was of a different but equally important kind.
Jesus Christ went against many of the traditions and norms of his culture and time so he could have chosen women, but he chose men to be priests. And service as an altar boy has generally been seen to be a pool of potential vocations.
I am hopeful that the permission for altar girls will one day be withdrawn.
well,in my sister’s diocese where they allow girls, the altar servers barely participate during Mass. Other than helping during the Communion preparations after Offertory, and holding the book for the opening prayer, they don’t participate during Holy Communion holding a patent OR ring a bell during the Consecretion.
The seminary in my diocese is full, we don’t have a huge shortage of priests like they do in other US Dioceses. Two young men from my parish are preparing to become priests.
On the other hand, when necessary, I have no problems with a woman reading at Mass (for the 1st or 2nd reading).
Looks like it’s time for a little holiday house cleaning.
When we say abortion is just a wedge issue and we need to think about the war on two fronts (it is one war not two being waged in two countries) and the economy instead of abortion, it shows just how immoral and debased we have become. Just imagine lining up two year olds on Main Street and someone coming down with a machete and killing them. Would we call that a wedge issue and we should concentrate on the economy… there is a difference you say? Let’s see what the difference is. The two year old is helpless and innocent…yes. The difference is the killing is being done in public and abortion is done is secret. The two year old is larger, in a different location (public location) more developed and less dependent but still unable to protect himself/herself or get away from the abortionist…so in that way they are vulnerable.
Someone asked how many times should we preach on abortion in our church and I heard that answer. How many times would you preach against it if they were killing toddlers on Main Street everyday.
Makes you think.
“What I did took place when i was 12.”
So little 12 year old YLT sat through a “far-right sermon”, and then, with boogers on the sleeve of his Che Guevara T-Shirt, went up to the priest and told him that he was a Christo-fascist dictator. And then he became a caricature of himself.
I bet the priest had the audacity to say something like “abortion kills children”, or maybe something even so evil as “unrepentant sinners go to Hell”. You know, anything which has been Catholic teaching forever but is considered “far-right radicalism” by psychotic people.
So, Dan, I guess when Obama said that the FIRST THING he’s going to do as president is sign the FOCA, he was lying? I’m glad to see that you an this apostate of a priest can agree – Obama is nothing but a filthy liar.
Feliz Navidad, Lewandowski.
Liz: there are altar girls in my parish but they mostly sit in the pews behind the sanctuary. They help out if there is a shortage of servers and carry the cross up in the procession. Generally though our priest has a boy beside him during Mass. We have two vocations to the priest hood from our parish in the past two years and a vocation to the consecrated life- she’s in Michigan as there are few orders in Canada. Our parish prays after Mass for vocations.
John, you never disappoint. Have a great holiday.
FOCA all the pro-aborts and their killing.
Happy Festivus, Hal.
Congrats, TS, on the best post of the day! Hahaha!
You know, anything which has been Catholic teaching forever but is considered “far-right radicalism” by psychotic people.
No, just the preachers that make excuses for Franco, who commit financial malfeasance so bold that it is obvious to a 12 year old; priests who have the audacity to demand Cadillacs. I just don’t have a tolerance for bullshit from people who claim to be a servant from God. It’s not about anger. It’s about honesty. Sometimes you’ve got to throw water on a whore\priest to get him out of heat.
John-
He may be willing to sign it, but getting it to his desk is a whole other matter. It is unlikely to make it through Congress. Pro-Life Democrats and Republicans won’t let it get through, whether by voting it down or having a filibuster. Throw in that there are Democrats leaving the party because they don’t feel welcome do to being pro-life and you’ve got enough controversy to stop the bill in its tracks.
“do to being pro-life and you’ve got enough controversy to stop the bill in its tracks.”
do should read “due”
Curse exhaustion and homonyms.
This is ridiculous…
The more I hear about this, the more I think… “What The FOCA?!”
http://whatthefoca.com
As a Catholic and all the more as a Catholic priest, who, maybe too many years have passed from his seminary days, Father Michael should know that human life is sacred fom its very conception and that one of his God given tasks is to open the eyes to as many as he can as to the selfish intsincts that are blinding todays society. Wars are a huge problem that takes time to come to a solution and that greed and search of financial power feed constantly. Who sells the weapons? Finacial crisis are another huge problem that needs a long term solution and that certainly cannot and should not be vainlessly trying to solve via the butchering of human lives. Potentialo for creation too sacred, also humanly so, to be played with. A human death the price of some minutes of physical pleasure? Here in Italy an ad shows people preparing posh garages for a new won posh car: and we are too poor to welcome a new baby in a second hand cot?
so much for his vows obedience to his bishop and his bishops predecessors that he made upon ordination. you may not like something, but because he is your bishop, you follow him unless it is something that will lead you to sin or it’s immoral. end of story.
FOCA is no phantom threat. It’s real and America better wake up. Obama wants to reduce abortions? That’s a laugh. Why is he signing an executive order then on the Mexico City Policy? That will bring about more abortions and our taxpayer money is funding it!! With the crisis he claims is so important in our country, why are we supporting abortions in other countries? I want America to be a culture of life, not death. These are scary times. People NEED to speak up.
What disturbs me is that we, as a Catholic parish, were neither catechized about FOCA nor offered any opportunities to support the Bishops…Personally, I have been following the situation quite closely, have spoken out on our local talk radio show about Obama’s support of Anything Planned Parenthood or pro-“choice”, and am in the process of writing every elected official who claims me as a constituent to decry Pelosi’s explanation of the 100’s of millions of dollars that the Economic Stimulus Plan has allotted for “family planning services.” We need to make ourselves heard on this issue NOW. Has someone offered Father What’s His Name some stewed Crow relevant to this “phantom threat”?