Rather than work down 260 posts I would rather say this on a new one. This group has been arguing quite heavily for some time now.

I believe it is that we are of different faiths. All believe that they are Catholic, and that is good..

Problem these days is what is catholic? We are to different degrees old church or newchurch. I don’t know how else to make the distinction. Even what I just said will arouse tempers. I don’t mean it to be contentious.

How about praying the rosary. Ask Our Lady to lead us to what her Son wants. Not what Eugene thinks that it is, or what I think that it is, but what God wants it to be.

We quite likely are not going to change our ideas because we believe that they are the correct ones.

Sure,let’s discuss,, but give niceness a try. Although Michael is funny.

-- Pete (Chas@Charles.com), February 21, 2005

Answers

Actually it is the artificial distinction between "old church" and "new church" that is the root of the problem. There is but one Church. The Catholic Church. Those who are members of it accept and submit to the God-given authority of the Pope and the Magisterium. This includes both the majority of faithful Catholics who love and prefer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in the vernacular, and a minority of equally faithful Catholics who love and prefer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in Latin. So far, no problem. Unfortunately there are others who reject the authority of the Church over them, and regardless of what they call themselves it is difficult to see any significant difference between these folks and Luther or any other historical figure who has rejected that same authority or placed themselves above it.

-- Paul M. (PaulCyp@cox.net), February 21, 2005.

Thank you for your answer Paul. I knew that I would sound insulting. I did not mean it that way. I just don't know how to express this. It is sad tha we have to have these distinctions before the word Catholic. We all have to go with our conscience and I hope that God will give us some slack on it.

-- Pete (Chas@charles.com), February 21, 2005.

Paul

you forgot to mention St Athanasius.

-- Ian (ib@vertifgo.com), February 21, 2005.

It wasn't my intention to mention each and every faithful Catholic by name. But yes, St. Athanasius was indeed a faithful member of the Holy Catholic Church, who accepted and submitted to the God-given authority of the Pope and the Magisterium.

-- Paul M. (PaulCyp@cox.net), February 21, 2005.

"St. Athanasius was indeed a faithful member of the Holy Catholic Church, who accepted and submitted to the God-given authority of the Pope and the Magisterium. "

really?

which "magisterium" are you talking about?

-- Ian (ib@vertifgo.com), February 21, 2005.