In my humble opinion, an opinion which, I am certain, most of you share, the perpetrators of this crime against St. Thomas the Apostle are simply acting like cowards. I say this with utmost charity, for we all know that many who are labeled “cowardly” have earned places in our hearts, i.e. “The Cowardly Lion” from the Wizard of Oz, and “Henry Fleming” of Red Badge of Courage fame.
However, what does it take, dear friends, to propose an action which is unwise (blatantly so), and causes so much resentment for a people already hurt by a forced clustering? It takes the mind of a traitor and a coward. I am not putting this against any person in particular – rather, I direct it more towards the pervasive attitude of “fear of Tradition” which can be seen in the members of the administration, the IPPG, the diocese, etc . . . We love the sinner, but we must cut out the sin, with any instruments necessary.
“Brave men do not gather by thousands to torture and murder a single individual, so gagged and bound he cannot make even feeble resistance or defense.” Ida B. Wells made this comment, and it has never rung so true as it does for the situation at St. Thomas the Apostle. The parish and her parishioners are beset by the wolves of Progressivism, and yet most people stand by with their hands in their pockets saying “if only, if only.” Take action or stop complaining.
Fortunately, the people of St. Thomas are taking action, beating off the wolves which encompass them. I have received a flurry of emails from different groups at St. Thomas, each offering their particular insights into the matter, supplying me with various items to share with you. Please, continue sending me things which you want to communicate to the wider population of the Diocese of Rochester. Trust me, your words here do not go unnoticed by those in charge.
This being said, I would like to direct your attention to the image below. Please send this to whomever may be able to help.
I can confidently tell you the following regarding what actions will be taken:
- There will be a new, separate blog for all things St. Thomas.
- Information, as seen in the photo, will be sent to heads of religious orders nationwide. Feel free to help this effort.
- Newsletters will be sent to those in the thick of the fight.
- Appeals will be made to anyone who will hear them.
- There will be a greater push towards Eucharistic Adoration at the St. Thomas chapel.
The people of Irondequoit are beset by the woes of a failing part of the body, Church universal. Just as a limb withers and decays when its circulation is cut off, so too do those dioceses who turn their back on Tradition and the Truths contained therein. It does not matter whether or not the people outwardly want it. Most don’t. However, they inwardly need it. Just because something’s not fun and hands-on doesn’t mean it’s un-Godly. Indeed, those things which are sacred are not common. They should not be tossed around, physically or metaphorically, for the amusement of the populace.
The people at St. Thomas know and appreciate this. They treat the Mass with all due reverence, and do not turn it into some kind of freak show, openly profaning all things sacred. The communion rail itself testifies to this reality. It is the delineation between sacred and profane, between the Holy of Holies and the throng of adoring faithful. God commanded Moses to remove his sandals, for he was on holy ground. The ground was holy because God Himself was there. If we believe God Himself us truly present in the Blessed Sacrament, does it not make sense to point to this realization by using the communion rail?
Tags: Church Closings, IPPG, News and Media, Orthodoxy at Work
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Thank you. We need to get the word out about the proposed fate of St. Thomas the Apostle.
No, not a schismatic order, but a Catholic order. Yes, the bishop would need to approve. Wouldn't it be more appropriate to sell the church to Catholics than to Moslems?
Any Parish threatened with closing due to a "lack of priests" should be given the opportunity to transform to a "Praise & Worship" site. That is with daily offerings of liturgical celebrations, Rosaries or other prayer groups, and Bible study along with Music ministry. Bring in retired and guest priests for the Mass as well as spiritual Guest speakers. Also programs filled with Retreats and R & R. A program like this could rejuvenate lapsed Catholics who left to get praise & worship & biblical teaching elsewhere. This could hold off closing until a parish priest can be found.