tvc . dsj . org | November 8 , 2016 in the diocese 3 California Bishops Urge Respect and Calm During Election Season
|
Bishop Jaime Soto , President of the California Catholic Conference , issued the following statement on behalf of his fellow Bishops in California :
Animosity and hyperbole have characterized the current election season . This should give all people pause . The natural and healthy exchange of ideas , critical to our democratic system has devolved into anger , intolerance and increasing alienation .
This current polarization hampers the advancement of the common good , which is one of the ultimate goals of all prudent governance . The common good – “ the sum total of social conditions which allow people , either as groups or as individuals , to reach their fulfilment more fully and more easily ”
|
( Gaudium et Spes , 26 .) – requires cooperation and mutual respect . It requires that all be given the opportunity to participate in civic activities and partake in the benefits of our society .
Just a little more than one year ago , in his historic address to the U . S . Congress , Pope Francis reminded us that the Golden Rule applies in political discourse , as well as in our daily life :
“ This Rule points us in a clear direction . Let us treat others with the same passion and compassion with which we want to be treated . Let us seek for others the same possibilities which we seek for ourselves . Let us help others to grow , as we would like to be helped ourselves . In a word , if we want security , let us give security ; if we want
|
|
|
life , let us give life ; if we want opportunities , let us provide opportunities . The yardstick we use for others will be the yardstick which time will use for us . The Golden Rule also reminds us of our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development .”
As we approach the 240 th anniversary of our Republic , we remain a resilient people , with a robust system of law and deeply-held religious convictions . As the Bishops of California who are pastors of our respective local Churches , we believe in the strength of our democracy , the ultimate decency of our people , and the persuasive power of the Christian faith . Pope Francis reminded us in his address , “ the challenges
|
facing us today call for a renewal of that spirit of cooperation , which has accomplished so much good throughout the history of the United States .” The contentious campaigns have wearied and worried us . The more urgent civic endeavor of forging a stronger union , ensuring domestic as well as global tranquility , and establishing justice for all is still before us . This is the common cause and our sacred duty and mission as the disciples of Jesus .
We invite all people to conscientiously participate with dignity , civility and respect for others . This may indeed be the “ narrow gate ” of the Gospel of October 20 , but let us do so with constant prayer , and to place our faith in Him who is our hope and our salvation .
|
Diocese of San Jose Clarifies Practical Application of Vatican Document on Cremation
The Holy See recently issued an instruction , Ad resurgendum cum Christo ( To Rise with Christ ) that covers many issues related to cremation and the Catholic Church .
Since 1963 , cremation has been allowed for Catholics . It is understood that burial of the body remains the first and best choice for caring for a deceased love one . At the same time , the document recognizes that Catholics , like many others , are choosing cremation for economic , environmental and other reasons .
In the United States , cremated remains have been allowed to be present at a Funeral Mass since 1997 . In 2012 , the Committee on Divine Worship of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued the following instruction :
“ The cremated remains of a body should be treated with the same respect given to the human body from which they come . This includes the use of a worthy vessel to contain the ashes , the manner in which they are carried , and the care and attention to appropriate placement and transport , and the final disposition . The cremated remains should be buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium . The practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea , from the air , or on the ground , or keeping cremated remains in the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent disposition that the Church requires .”
The recently released document , while treating the subject of cremation at greater length , does not change this teaching , as can be found in Section 5 :
“ When , for legitimate motives , cremation of the body has been chosen , the ashes of the faithful must be laid to rest in a sacred place , that is , in a cemetery or , in certain cases , in a church or an area , which has been set aside for this purpose , and so dedicated by the competent ecclesial authority .
“ From the earliest times , Christians have desired that the faithful departed become the objects of the Christian community ’ s prayers and remembrance . Their tombs have become places of prayer , remembrance and reflection . The faithful departed remain part of the Church who believes ‘ in the communion of all the faithful of Christ , those who are pilgrims on earth , the dead who are being purified , and the blessed in heaven , all together forming one Church .’
“ The reservation of the ashes of the departed in a sacred place ensures that they are not excluded from the prayers and remembrance of their family or the Christian community . It prevents the faithful departed from being forgotten , or their remains from being shown a lack of respect , which eventually is possible , most especially once the immediately subsequent generation has too passed away . Also it prevents any unfitting or superstitious practices .”
For these reasons , the Church does not approve of keeping the ashes of loved ones at home , dividing them among family members , placing them in jewelry or scattering them on land or at sea , noting that these practices are contrary to Christian tradition over many centuries . We ask you to keep these considerations in mind when making arrangements for oneself or for family members .
Presents the Fall Speaker Series with Father Dave Mercer , Pastor
Remaining Catholic when what we read about the Church seems only to be negative November 15 , 2016
Saint Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Church 1522 McCoy Ave , San Jose , CA 95130
Monthly talks September-December | 3 rd Tuesdays | 7 p . m . - 8:30 p . m . For more information please visit : stcsj . org .