Tag Archives: schism

QUAERITUR: Can I be godfather to child of a former-Catholic, now Orthodox?

From a reader: A childhood friend of mine formerly a catholic “converted” to an Eastern Orthodox Church to get married. Now they are expecting their first child and have asked me to stand as sponsor for their child in their … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , , , , ,
57 Comments

QUAERITUR: Joining the Polish National Catholic Church

From a reader: Some relatives told me they were considering joining the Polish National Catholic Church. I see from what you have previously written they have valid sacraments (that’s good) but they don’t seem to be in union with our … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, Dogs and Fleas, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , , , , , ,
25 Comments

QUAERITUR: Is the SSPX in schism or not?

From a reader: Greetings! I am writing in order to ask you abou the SSPX’s canonical status. I’ve heard that they certianly are in schism, as Bishop ___ (my bishop) said, yet I’ve also heard from you that the Prefect … Read More

Posted in Pope of Christian Unity, The Drill | Tagged , ,
26 Comments

PATRISTIBLOG: Augustine’s Sermons on 1 John – PART 1

You may remember my intention to work through St. Augustine’s sermons, or tractates, on 1 John. I think it is time to get at them. I am motivated in part because in these sermons, Augustine tackles, among other things, “enemy … Read More

Posted in Our Catholic Identity, Patristiblogging, The Drill | Tagged , , , , , , ,
4 Comments

Schism in New Jersey

The Fathers of the Church had a real horror of schism.  Schismatics were dissenters who causes disunity.  Jerome wrote: Between heresy and schism there is this difference, that heresy perverts dogma, while schism, by rebellion against the bishop, separates from … Read More

Posted in Patristiblogging, The Drill | Tagged , , ,
27 Comments

QUAERITUR: Are Orthodox “Masses” valid?

From a reader: A friend of mine, who runs the R.C.I.A. program in my parish, recently told me that an Orthodox Mass is just as valid as a Catholic Mass. Is this true? (I thought that the fact that the … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged , , , ,
33 Comments

Why are groups of liberal Catholics splitting from their bishops?

Schism and disobedience, undermining one’s ecclesial identity, are hardly new in the Church. Still, I have noticed that coverage of these aberrations has increased. There is the renegade community in Brisbane, Australia.  Pretty much heretics as well. In St. Louis … Read More

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