The following article appeared in the February 2009 issue of The Fatima Crusader: by John Vennari
Vatican Newspaper says: Pope Will no Longer Give Communion in the Hand
When speaking of the much-needed restoration of our Church out of today's post-Vatican II chaos, a wise Archbishop remarked "Our future is in our past". In other words, to reclaim our Catholic Equilibrium at a time of diabolic disorientation, the future of the Church lies in reclaiming the solid teachings and practices of the past. The doctrinal, moral, and liturgical practices of the past that had legitimately developed over the course of the centuries, suffered severe rupture due to Vatican II and the so-called reforms after Vatican II. An ecumenism always condemned by the Church became common practice; a modernist teaching that claims Christ should not reign over governments and social institutions became widely accepted; a new Protestantized liturgy was foisted upon the faithful. One of the most striking aspect of the liturgical revolution is the practice of Communion in the hand. The Family Crusader, repeatedly cried out against this sacrilege. Now, two recent news items from Rome indicate what may be a modest beginning in curbing this abuse. Early in 2008 the Vatican's Archbishop Ranjith wrote the Foreword to a book in which he calls for a reassessment of the practice of Communion in the hand and the standing for Holy Communion. Late in the Spring of 2008 the Vatican let be known that all those who receive Communion from Pope Benedict XVI at his Papal Masses will have to receive kneeling and on the tongue. Archbishop Ranjith -Around January, 2008 Libreria Editrice Vaticana (the official publisher of the Vatican) published the book Dom nus Est by Bishop Athabasius Schneider, in which the Bishop analyzes the question of Communion received kneeling and on the tongue. Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith, Secretary to the Vatican's Congregation for Divine Worship, wrote the book's forward. Archbishop Ranjith open his introduction noting that all throughout Scripture, both the in the Old Testament and the New, kneeling is the proper attitude of those in the presence of Divinity. He gives examples of Solomon, St. Peter and St. John the Evangelist in the Apocalypse. Archbishop Ranjith then makes the direct application "Even in the Church, the deep conviction that the Eucharistic species the Lord is truly and really present, along with the growing practice of preserving the Holy Sacrament in tabernacles, contributed to the practice of kneeling in the attitude of humble adoration the lord in the Eucharist." He then addresses the modern abuse of Communion in the hand, it must be recognized that the practice was improperly and quickly introduced in some quarters of the Church shortly after the Council, changing the age old practice and becoming regular practice for the whole Church. "Whatever the reasons for this practice." he says we cannot ignore what is happening worldwide where this practice has been implemented. This gesture has contributed to a gradual weakening of the attitude of reverence towards the sacred Eucharistic species whereas the previous practice had better safeguarded that sense of reverence. There instead arose alarming lack of recollection and a general spirit of carelessness. We see communicants who often return to their seats as if nothing extraordinary has happened.... In many cases, one cannot discern that sense of seriousness and inner silence that must signal the presence of God in the soul". Archbishop Ranjith commends Bishop Schneider for focusing on a historical-theological consideration "clarifying how the practice of receiving Holy Communion on the tongue and kneeling has been accepted and practiced in the Church for a long period of time.
Ranjith concludes: "Now I think it is high time to review and reevaluate such good practices and, if necessary, to abandon the current practice {of Communion in the hand) that was not called for by Sacrosanctum Concilium, nor by the Fathers [ of Vatican II ], but was only accepted after its illegitimate introduction in some countries. Now, more than ever, we must help the faithful renew a deep faith in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharistic species in order to strengthen the life of the Church and defend it in the midst of dangerous distortions of the faith that this situation continues to cause."
The Pope's Corpus Christi Mass - On May 22 during Pope Benedict's Mass outside the Basilica of St. John Lateran, two ushers placed a kneeler in front of the altar and the chosen communicants all knelt and received on the tongue from the Pop's hand. At a June Mass in the southern Italian port city of Brindisi, the Pope again only gave communion to the faithful on the tongue while they were kneeling. Then on June 26th, the L'Osservatore Romano, the Vatican's official newspaper ran an interview with Msgr. Guido Marini, the Popes new Master of Ceremonies. Msgr Marini explained that kneeling and receiving Communion on the tongue highlights "the truth of the Real Presence (of Christ) in the Eucharist, helps the devotion of the faithful and introduces the sense of mystery more easily." Pastorally speaking, he said "It is urgent to highlight and recover" these aspects of the sacredness and mystery of the Eucharist in modern times. In the L'Osservatore Roman interview, Msgr. Marini was asked if this practice was destined to become the norm in all Papal celebrations, and he replied, "I really think so". He explains the Pope's adoption of the traditional practice of distributing Communion "aims to highlight the force of the valid norm for the whole Church".
We can only hope the reports from Rome indicate true first steps being taken to curb - and eventually abolish - the practices of standing for Communion and Communion in the hand.
Ct. Immaculate Conception No 2120, Ajo
Regent Yolanda Walls, and the members of her court have busy. They celebrated CDA Day with Mass, participating as lectors, they also held a Memorial Mass for their deceased members, which was followed by a potluck at the Parish hall. They participated in White Ribbon Sunday and Make a Difference Day. On Thanksgiving Day they gave food baskets to two needy families. The Court also had a Soup and Salad Fundraiser. On the feast Day of the Immaculate Conception, they had a Rosary Procession around the church, attended Mass and then had a potluck reception for All church parishioners. Members celebrated their annual Court Christmas Party. During Christmas the court helped with the CCD youth Classes, by furnishing entertainment and assisted Santa and his helpers pass out Christmas candy. Court members provided a cake for the party. The court had a Red Chile Dinner Sale which was very successful. In January the Court donated $100.00 to the Parish for Altar Servers cassocks, in addition they had a Continental Breakfast for Parishioners celebrating birthdays. The court has 2 new members and they will be having a reception for them in the next few weeks. On a sad note, Court Charter Member Sara Monreal, who for years was the glue which held the court together, passed away after an extended period of ill health. Please Pray for the Repose of her soul. May she rest in Peace. Funeral Services were attended by their District Deputy, Delicia Reynolds, and State Regent Delma Araiza. (Ed. Note: It was great to see Past Regent, Bertha Castro, and Current Financial Secretary, Belia Espinosa who are recovering from chemotherapy treatments. Please keep them in your prayers.)
Ct. St. Cecilia No. 1473, Phoenix
Regent Peggy Boelke, and the members of her court had a very successful Yard Sale in February. Thanks to Connie Fenwick wh transported donated items to the Yard sale. The Court has a new Seminarian. His Name is Dan Yanyo who is studying at St. John Vianny Seminary in Denver, Colorado. Plans are being formulated to have a membership Drive. Court Mary Ann Pinski is collecting "Box Tops for Education" coupons for St. Thomas School. Mary Ann welcomes any coupon donation. Do you have some you want to donate? Please send them to Mary Ann. Prayers are asked for Sr. Kathleen Jacobson and Mary Ellen O'Brien
.
Ct. St. Augustine No 1227, Tucson
Alice Cavaletto, Ct. Regent and the ladies of her court are preparing for the State Convention, by preparing items for the goodie bags to be given out at the Convention. At the regularly scheduled in January, Court Regent Alice Cavaletto, presented State Regent, Delma Araiza and State Treasurer, Maureen O'Reilly/O'Shea, a check for $10,000 for our State Habitat for Humanity Fund. State and National will team with Arizona, to build a house in Marana. Currently plans are being formulated as to when the "Build" will take place. Present at the meeting also, was Past National Director Betty Grogan, who proposed the Habitat Project during her terms as State Regent. During the month of February, the Annual Family Bingo was held and was a success. Thanks to Nellie Castro, our New Financial Secretary, who was in charge of the Bingo. Delicious Reyes Nachos, Hot Dogs and Soft drinks were sold during the bingo. Annually Family and friends attend this affair and they look forward to very nice prizes awarded and to the special Door Prizes. Ct. St. Augustine thanks our sister courts for their support, but especially they thank the members of our court who worked the kitchen and the floor during the bingo. We closed out the month of March on a very sad note, our beloved CDA sister Margaret Nichols passed away. Please pray for the repose of her soul. May she rest in Peace. Please pray for our Court Regent, Alice Cavaletto, she took a tumble at home and injured her back, and is experiencing much pain. We pray for her quick Recovery. We also ask you to pray for Francis Horkey, husband of Vice Regent Angela Horkey, Elena Quiroga, Marvin & Delicia Reynolds, Socorro Delgado, Andrea and Joe Gastelum, Trudi Sofias, Anita Mendoza, Mary Trujillo, Lillie Araiza, Peggy &Joe Agredano, Monique Hernandez and Trini Quiroz.
Court Padre Kino No. 1932, Tempe
Regent Elisabeth Wilcox, reports that she and court members participated in Bishop Olmsted's Pro-Life Mass, and it was wonderful to have so many attend the Mass. Many comments were made regarding how nice the ladies looked in their whites. On February 4th their Court celebrated their 44th Anniversary at their regularly scheduled meeting. Marie McBroom's home will be the site of the courts yard sale. Susie Medley is chairing the yard sale. Elisabeth says, that their trip to the Casino was a success, as they had 49 people attending. Plans are being made for future casino trips. Thanks to Lori Levario for organizing the trip. Court members are filling Friendship Bags for distribution. Easter Baskets are being filled for the Mental Health Hospital. Plans are being made to have a Priest Appreciation Dinner on June 10th. It is with great sadness, that the court mourns the passing of a dear CDA Sister, Carol Salz. Please pray for the repose of her soul. May she Rest in Peace. Prayers are requested for the following members: Ann Lorentz, Marilyn Grimaldi, Rose Marie Flaherty, Mary Evens, Mary Robison, Fr. John Rose, and JoAnne Kersbergen.
Ct. Queen of Peace No. 2359, Green Valley
Regent Audrey Miller, and the members of her court are keeping very busy. The courts annual Fashion Show held on February 11th was a complete success, and was well attended by sister Courts. Regent Mercy Rivera and members from St. Rose of Lima from Safford traveled to attend the Fashion Show. Also in attendance were members from Ct. St. Augustine from Tucson, and Ct. Santa Cruz from Nogales. Local court members served as models, and they looked just great in their outfits. Audrey is commended for for setting up just a super retreat at Picture Rocks Retreat Center on February 26th. Fr. Thomas Santa, Director of the Retreat Center was the retreat facilitator. Fr. Santa's presentation was so informative and interesting. Attendees included court members and guests, who were provided Morning Coffee and sweet rolls, and a great lunch. Audry and her ladies, are continuing their special project of selling See's candy after Parish Masses. Prayers are requested for Past National Director Betty Grogan and her husband Tom.
Regent Janice Swiebocki, and her court continue to have meetings at different churches in the valley. After their meetings they pray a specified number of decades of the Rosary and then travel to another Church. Their February Mass and meeting was held at St. Pauls in their chapel, where 2 decades of the Rosary were recited. From St. Pauls they ventured to St. James Chapel where 2 decades of the Rosary were recited. From St. James, they traveled to Our Lady of Czestochowa. There they prayed the final decade of the Rosary and recited the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Regent Swiebocki, was able to engage in small talk with parishioners speaking Polish. Can you guess, Janice is of Polish extraction.
Plans are being made by the Court to attend the 25th Anniversary of Radio Family Rosary Dinner on March 14. Court Chaplain Fr. Eric will join the court at the Anniversary Dinner. Court member Margaret Burnes celebrated her 87th birthday receiving cards and gifts from members which she proudly displayed. Volunteers are needed to pray the Rosary with inmates in the Federal Prison System. Won't YOU volunteer? Funds for rosary-making materials are needed for this ministry, as is crochet yarn. Call Charlotte at 602-264-0399 if you want volunteer or want to donate supplies.
Ct. St. Mark No. 312, Winslow
Pat Bailon, Court Regent, reports that their Family Bingo held in February was a complete success. Plans are to continue having the Family Bingo's. In March the Parish priest asked that the Court have an Enchilada Dinner sale. Over $500.00 was raised at the dinner. Plans are being formulated to have a Father's Day Picnic. Recently the Court provided a $500 School Scholarship to a Catholic student from the Parish. Please pray for Regent Bailon, as she is recovering from hip surgery.
Ct. Our Lady Of Lourdes No. 2278, Sun City West
Regent Joan Cosson, and her ladies recently paid tribute to the Charter members of their court. 24 years ago, Rosemary Ballard, Kathryn Golab, Irene Isban, Margaret Kaszalaba, Virginia Kelso, Marie Manning, Cecilia Mazzoni, Maryan Metzger, Jean Piotrowski and Peg Van de Voorde helped establish Ct. 2278. They were part of 67 Charter members. These dedicated sisters are still members of the court. These Sisters in Christ are still members of their court, and are saluted for their dedication, who worked tirelessly on many projects including fundraising for the New Parish in Sun City West. Maryan Metzger, recalls, "That all members didn't always agree, but were never disagreeable". Kudos to Marie Manning, who as membership chair, brought in over 80 members into the Court. On January 11th members attended the Pro-Life Sunday Massheld Prince of Peace. It was a prayer-filled occasion, and wearing their "Whites" made a positive Statement for Catholic Daughters. It is times like this that have inspired others to join the Court. On February 8th the courts Rummage sale was held. Welcome to our New members, Helen Dostall, Rosemary Dougherty, Barbara Pigott, Peggy Sears and Clara Sicher. Sadly we report that Past Regent Ann Valencia has passed away, after a long struggle with cancer. Please Pray for the repose of her soul, May she Rest in Peace. Her services are set for April 13th at 10: AM at Prince of Peace Church in Sun City West. You are asked to meet in Prince of Peace Hall at 9:45 to prepare for Honor Guard. Wear your "Whites" ladies.
Ct. St. Santa Cruz 1341, Nogales
Court Regent, Mari Parra and the members of her court closed 2008 with a highly successful Christmas Musical Concert performed by the Choir from St. Simon and Jude from Phoenix. In addition, their Christmas Cookie sale was exceptional, and an overwhelming success. The courts Annual St. Patricks Day Card Party, held on the 11th of February. Card playing fee included a delicious meal. The Court is having a monthly Take out Dinner Sale, which has included Mexican, Pasta and Chicken Dinners. Treasurer Bea Gordon continues to provide excellent Books for sale in the Courts Book Store. Members of the Court have been busily corresponding with the Arizona Congressional Delegation regarding FOCA (Freedom of Choice Act), stating their complete opposition of the Act. Hundreds of post cards were sent by members and local residents opposed to the proposed Act. Kudos to the members of Ct. Santa Cruz for their vocal opposition to the Act and for including the community in the opposition efforts.
Ct. St. Rose of Lima No. 2398, Safford
Regent Mercy Rivera, and the members of her court received a suprise, after having sent a Greeting Card to the husband of young lady who is serving in the U S Air Force in Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgystan. Ironically Master Sargent Herbert Romero is the Father of Daniel, who was a receipient of a school Scholarship presented by Court 2398. Addressing Regent Rivera, and the Catholic Daughters of St. Rose of Lima. Master Sargent Romero said, " Thank you for the card you sent. I shared it with the rest of the guys on our team. There is a special feeling when people you don't expect to hear from send a "little piece of home". I would especially like to thank you for the support that you have given to my family to incude the financial support that you awarded Daniel. I feel very honored that I am able to represent my family and community in our Countries efforts. Please accept and display this flag proudly, your support is truly appreciated by all our Troops over here
."
Accompanying the Flag was a "Certificate of Authenticity" which reads: This American Flag is presented to Catholic Daughters of St. Rose of Lima. At the request of MSgt. Herbert Romero, this flag was flown in your honor on 13 December during a combat air refuling mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom over Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. This flag represents our Dedication and steadfast devotion to duty in the fight against Global Terrorism. The men and wome
of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing, Thank you for your support as we fight for our way of life, and the vindication of the thousands of innocent people that parished during the World Trade Center and Pentagon terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The Certificate of Authenticity was signed by Commanders of the Squadron. The Certificate will be proudly displayed in the Parish Hall.
Let us all Support our Troops who are in harms way.
Amazing what a card of appreciation can do for our Troops. Why can't all of our Courts send a card of appreciation to a Family member, Friend and parishioners serving our Country who are fighting for our Freedom!
State Conveition Tid-Bits Attire
WHAT TO WEAR, WHAT TO WEAR!
Convention Business Sessions attire will be business casual.
Friday Night - will be Southwestern Night - Wear your Favorite Western Outfit along with your Western Hat, boots, bolo ties. bandannas ...etc....
Attire for Memorial Mass on Saturday - State and Local Court Officers Must Robe. Members will dress in their Whites, including White Shoes.
Saturday Night Banquet - Attire will be Semi Formal
Sunday Installation Mass - Newly Elected Officers will Robe
National Director, Current State Regent, Past State Regent's (Escorts) wear your "Whites".
Sunday Awards Luncheon - Business Casual Attire
Credentials
Don't forget to bring your Convention Credential Cards with you. Delegate cards are Yellow and must be signed by your Court Regent and your Court Financial Secretary. Alternate Cards are Blue, and they too also have to be signed by your Court Regent and Financial Secretary. Credentials are a two part card. The bottom portion of your Credential Card, must or should have been mailed to State Secretary Marilyn Witte.
Raffle
Please remit your monies for raffle tickets to Delicia Reynolds as soon as possible. Raffle Tickets will be sold during the convention. The Court with the greatest number of ticket sales will Receive a $50.00 monetary Prize. If you need additional Tickets, please call or email Marler1@cox.net.
Convention Booklet Ads
You are urged to get your Photo Ready Ads to Gloria Ancona, 3816 E. Gleneagle Pl. Chandler, AZ 85249-9199 as soon as possible and not later than April 15. Has your Court purchased an ad? Have your Court members purchased a Patron Ad? Have you purchased an ad in Memory of deceased members? If not You are urged to do so as soon as possible.
