The following is taken from the website of St. Thomas. No, not our St. Thomas – their St. Thomas. As in, the Episcopalians.
Service of Penitance w/Our Lady of Lourdes ParishWhen: Wed, February 17, 7:30pm ? 8:30pmWhere: St. Thomas’ Church (map)
Now, don’t get me wrong. I think we should all strive for Christian unity. However, people must realize that Catholics have already gotten to the finish line – it’s called “the Throne of St. Peter.” We are the Church – they are the scattered flock. To borrow a line from the good sister, “it is what it is.”
Having this ecumenical service raises a few questions in my mind:
- What penitential actions will take place? If there’s confession, would the Protestants go? (They’re not really supposed to, if they’re not Catholic.) If there’s no confession, isn’t it just some kind of “Jesus loves us just the way we are” kind of hug-fest?
- Why is this at night? The idea of Ash Wednesday/receiving ashes/being penitent, is to be outward signs of faith. How exactly can we do that if we’re having our service after dark? Not too much of an outward sign there.
- Why would a Catholic, in good standing with the Church, go into a Protestant church building for a service that accomplishes next to nothing, if not truly nothing? I’d much rather go to Mass at a Church not in open rebellion, get ashes, and wear them with pride all day long. Something tells me some of the folks from St. Mary’s and Spiritus Christi have a bit more pride, but I won’t go there.