Joseph Stoutzenberger reflects on the division within Catholicism since Vatican Council II, highlighting contrasting views on change and tradition among clergy and congregants. Pope Francis seeks to bridge these divides by promoting both rootedness in faith and responsiveness to contemporary issues. The ongoing tension over moral teachings remains unresolved, challenging unity.
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Seeing the Bigger Picture
The author reflects on two distinct funerals attended recently, one traditional Catholic and the other held at a country club. Both services honored the deceased’s impact on the community but varied in spiritual connection. The Catholic liturgy provided a profound sense of belonging to a universal story, emphasizing gratitude and ongoing presence beyond death.
What Peaches and What Penumbras!
by Joseph Stoutzenberger Many years ago, I sat in on a class on sacraments at LaSalle College, now a university. During a lunch break, I sat at a table next to an old professor. I’m not sure what his subject area was, but he asked me what I was studying. I told him I wasContinue reading “What Peaches and What Penumbras!”
Review of Mystery & Tradition: Thank You!
Does Being Catholic Make a Difference?
by Joseph Stoutzenberger I grew up in a small town where Catholics were scarce. One day, another Catholic boy and I were with some other boys. During the chatter among us, my Catholic friend began to curse and use foul language when describing someone he didn’t like. One of the non-Catholic boys said, “What aContinue reading “Does Being Catholic Make a Difference?”
Compassion vs. Dispassion
I saw a value to general principles providing guidance for moral decision making, but I also feared that this top-down approach could miss the rich variety that exists among individual persons and the complexity of situations in which they find themselves.
Joseph Stoutzenberger 