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Published: October 10, 2007
"Queer nuns” get Communion
Men in drag dressed as nuns receive Blessed Sacrament from the archbishop himself at San Francisco parish
 Archbishop George Niederauer gave Holy Communion to two men dressed in drag as nuns during an Oct. 7 visit to Most Holy Redeemer parish in San Francisco, witnesses who attended the Mass told California Catholic Daily.
Photos of the archbishop’s visit were taken by a member of the St. Joseph’s Men Society, and have been disseminated across the Internet. (California Catholic Daily publishes today with this story three of the photos, and hopes in the next few days to have links to video and audio tapes of the Mass.)
 The men dressed in drag as nuns were apparently members of a group that calls itself the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, who say they are “the leading-edge order of queer nuns,” and whose official slogan is “go forth and sin some more.”
Until late October 2006, the group had leased Most Holy Redeemer church’s Ellard Hall for a fundraiser for HIV/AIDS programs, but the San Francisco archdiocese abruptly cancelled the group’s lease two days before a scheduled November event.
Archbishop Niederauer also gave the homily at the Oct. 7 Mass, a homily one witness called “generic and non-descript.” Said the witness, “He could have used the occasion to preach to them, but he didn’t.”
 Most Holy Redeemer and its pastor, Father Stephen Meriwether, have long been known for their friendliness to the homosexual population of the Castro district, where the church is located. The parish, says its website, “prides itself in being an inclusive Catholic community -- embracing all people of good faith... regardless of their background, gender, race, social status or sexual orientation.”
Parish members, wearing Most Holy Redeemer T-shirts and bearing a parish sign, have over the years participated in San Francisco’s Gay Pride Parade; the parish website features pictures of the 2006 parade, one showing two men about to kiss. On the day of the archbishop’s visit, the parish had a booth at the Castro Street Fair, a major homosexual event in San Francisco.
The web site of Holy Redeemer parish published more than 140 photos of Archbishop Niederauer’s visit to the parish, but none of them shows the “queer nuns.”
“Thank you, Archbishop Niederauer, for your visit to MHR Parish! We appreciate your kind words and pastoral concern,” says the parish web site.
Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 4:02 AM By Mark
Blasphemy.
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 5:54 AM By Grandma Hat
You could say the Archbishop has a "wide stance" toward perversion-enthusiasts in trhe Church.
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 5:58 AM By Lisa T.
What I want to know is, did Bishop Niederauer ever mention that it was Right to Life Sunday? Did the bishop take this occasion to try and persuade his homosexual brothers and lesbian sisters to come back to God's fold and stop living the lie that they've been living?
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 6:15 AM By mary
Why?
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 6:15 AM By bruce
The great apostasy continues...
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 6:19 AM By Kathy
We need to do more housecleaning in the Church. It's about time we look at the Bishops and Archbishops. Sweep them up with the broom and out you go!
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 6:42 AM By mary
When I first read this all I could think was, "Why?" Now that I've gotten past being stunned by the absurdity of people using a sacrament to push a personal agenda, I am overcome by the distastefulness of it all. Of course, every Catholic parish should be able to say that it “prides itself in being an inclusive Catholic community -- embracing all people of good faith... regardless of their background, gender, race, social status or sexual orientation.” That is the nature of our Church; however, that doesn't mean there aren't rules. Following the rules defines the followers as "people of good faith." The actions and official slogan, “go forth and sin some more,” of this organization is a sad statement about the emptiness of the individuals who form this group. To have no greater purpose than to mock that which is sacred to another is to advertise a personal spiritual bankruptcy. Such emptiness, such sadness. All manifest in a most distasteful manner.
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 7:35 AM By Rev Spitz
This is totally disgusting and is blasphemous towards our Lord Jesus Christ and should not be allowed.
I Corithians 11:27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
[28] But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
[29] For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 8:25 AM By Grisha
What was our AB supposed to do? Make an on-the-spot decision to deny these people communion based entirely on the fact that they were wearing silly, outlandish costumes?
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 8:47 AM By Laurette Elsberry
I certainly hope that the other photos, and the video mentioned, will make it back to Vatican City - but NOT to Levada. He is part of the (continuing) problem. By the way, if anyone thinks that maybe Niederauer does not know what the "Sisters" are all about, don't be fooled. He knows full well.
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 9:40 AM By Mark
I think it's vile, but you know what? This site says it presents reporting and journalism. I would be very interested if someone from CCD would actually contact the Archdiocesan press office and ask for a comment, even from the Archbishop himself.
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 10:03 AM By Maria C
Rev. Spitz you are right. These people will have to answer to our Lord for having received communion in such an unworthy manner. Ulitimately they will all have to answer to our Lord. I am heart broken by this but not shocked.
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 10:07 AM By Andrew
What an abomination! It just boggles my mind and even my whole being that the Archbishop actually participates in this total desecration of the Holy Eucharist. He who should be defending the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ is a willful conduit to this abomination. It's very terrible and very sad - there's no words to describe it. All good and holy people of San Francisco and everywhere, please say a prayer of reparation and spent a holy hour with the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament today. As Fr. John Corapi have said a million times, SOMEBODY WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS IN HELL SOMEDAY!!!!!
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 10:26 AM By Grandma Hat
Grisha, the Abp could at least focus his sermon .....on proclaiming love and truth to the precious souls in front of him ......He could speak of God's heartfelt desire to have every soul in TRUE communion with Him ...........and the necessity of repentance and a conversion of life ...........as well as the catastrophic consequences of receiving the Blessed Sacrament unworthily..........while conscious of grave and unconfessed sin..........Moreover, the Abp could do what I've seen reverent, God-pleasing Orthodox priests do at their Liturgy ..........when a manifestly scandalous person of very dubious spiritual preparation comes up for Communion ......the priest puts a paternal hand this shoulder and says, quietly and confidentially...:... cannot give you Holy Communion right now, dear son......but I need to speak with you ....Go now in peace and see me after Liturgy..... And then, if the person has anything to confess, he can confess it.....and the Abp can give him communion ...after this holy Reconciliation........This would be truly a loving.........and pastoral response.........rescuing souls.....like the Good Shepherd Himself......without exposing Our Lord to sacrilege and His people to scandal.
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 11:23 AM By Lisa T.
video clip of the Mass
http://www.qdomine.com/Morality_pages/MHR.htm
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 11:26 AM By Lisa T.
video of Desparate Divas 2008 @ MHR Sept 2007
http://romancatholicblog.typepad.com/roman_catholic_blog/2007/10/video-catholic-.html
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 11:32 AM By Fr. J
I would not have given them Holy Communion. If for no other reason then their own soul's sake. Do they really think that it will do them again good? How sad.
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 11:37 AM By LCB
For the sake of his sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 11:43 AM By Papamac
Neiderauer is just the messenger for satan, no one said all of our Bishops would be men of Faith, Jesus himself sent us a clear message that there would be traitors, Judas. However we do see that our good Pope was hoodwinked, possibly by Levada, we do not know that for sure. Of course the USCCB now being run by some very questionable characters does not send out a very encouraging message with some of it's guides to the Faithful, it does not seem to mind so called Priests such as Neiderauer running around mocking the Church teachings, it does not have any problem with these nut cases in the picture being used by the homosexual community to degrade our Church. Neiderauer is just the next wave of lawsuits tool of satan waiting to happen, he and the USCCB just don't get it...PRAY FOR THEM...GOD BLESS
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 11:56 AM By Lloyd Baltazar
Oh my. THAT is hideously revolting. I will definitely write a formal letter concerning such behavior in that parish. That priest should have refused them communion. What a nerve!
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 12:00 PM By Grisha
Fr. J and Grandma Hat ansd all: On what basis, having never met them before, would you have denied them communion. The only thing the AB KNEW about them is that they were dressed like fools a month before Holloween.
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 12:23 PM By Jen
Could you St. Peter or St. Paul give communion to either of these filthy men?! NOT!!!
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 12:44 PM By Elizabeth
As a cradle Catholic and 4th generation San Franciscan, I have tears in my eyes reading this obscene and vile display and lack of reverence for our Lord.
The AB had such an opportunity!!!
I for one will email the AB and also Cardinal Levada and the Holy Father.
The email address' are as follows:
AB NIEDERHAUER :info@sfarchdiocese.org
CARDINAL LEVADA: cdf@cfaith.va
HOLY FATHER: benedictxvi@vatican.va
PLEASE TAKE A MINUTE TO EMAIL THE ABOVE....
WE MUST SPEAK UP OR THIS VILE AND BLASPHEMOUS BEHAVIOR WILL CONTINUE.
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 12:58 PM By Elizabeth
TO GRISHA...
THE ARCHBISHOP KNOWS FULL WELL WHAT THOSE POOR SOULS ARE ABOUT.....
YOU'D HAVE TO OF HAD TO BE LIVING IN A 'CAVE' FOR MANY YEARS NOT TO KNOW.
AND EVERYONE - I KNOW A PERSON WHO CAN BE TRUSTED AT THE ARCHDIOCESE AND THE AB WILL RECEIVE ANY LETTERS AND EMAILS THAT YOU SEND.......
SO, PLEASE, PLEASE SEND TO:
info@sfarchdiocese.org
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 12:59 PM By ed
Grisha:
Anyone in SF and many beyond know what the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are all about. They have a deeply anti-Catholic, anti-life agenda. Well-known for it for decades now.
They were seated prominently in the congregation. The Archbishop, seeing them before Mass, would, if he knew what he was doing or cared, would make note of these folks and might even ask them to come and speak to them. Ascertaining that they were, indeed, members of the SPI, he would charitably tell them that they would not be receiving Communion today - just as if two gentlemen dressed in KKK hoods were at Mass. He would invite them to stay, but that their association with these anti-Catholic and anti-Life group puts them out of communion with the Church. He would offer to hear their confession.
It CAN be done. But it takes guts.
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 1:27 PM By Grandma Hat
Grisha, forgive me, but you seem to be somewhat unaware of the background here........ so let me try to explain..... Ther are someforms of dress and deportment.... .which have very clear significance ..... A Ku Klux Klan hooded robe means something indisputable........ So does a police officer's uniform ..... or a priest's chasuble...... or a bishop's mitre.... And in San Francisco...... the flamboyant promotion of perversion by these "queer nuns" is absolutely explicit...... You might want to look up "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence" in Wikipedia .... A person who presented himself for Holy Communion weaing Klan regalia... would clearly be making a pro-racism political statement ..... just as these "sisters" are wearing a uniform and a regalia.... which signifies a pro-sodomy and sacrilegious statement ....... This is something the Abp knew .... and on the strong probability that this was deliberate mockery of the Sacrament ....a mockery for which this group is famous .... .... he should at least have taken them aside and asked them quite sincerely about their beliefs and intentions....... If he had any love in his heart for them..... If he had any care for their souls..... If he knew what his crozier signifies.....
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 2:16 PM By Marcum
"What was our AB supposed to do? Make an on-the-spot decision to deny these people communion based entirely on the fact that they were wearing silly, outlandish costumes? "
Yes! What would Burke or Bruskie do?
AB Neiderour knows well who these hooligans are. Sorry folks I ain't buying it. Just like he said he didn't know if Nancy P. was pro-abort because he hadn't personally asked her. BUZZER! No deal. The trusting dove has flown with that.
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 2:42 PM By Eric
Because they are gay and raise thousands of a dollars a year for charity they are vile and anti-Catholic?
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 2:48 PM By rcfam
Grisha,
You ask on what basis would any bishop or priest deny these men Communion. Was not their “foolish attire” obvious and blatant sin against Jesus Christ, Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, present in the Holy Eucharist enough? Since when is proper attire for Mass Halloween costumes? These "costumes" are not even legitimate and proper Halloween attire, they are blatantly anti-Catholic and show hostility toward the holy vocation of religious sisterhood, and mockery of the brides of Christ. Halloween attire belongs at Halloween festivities, not at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, at the foot of the Cross, or in the reception line at Communion. Hearts and minds of others should be turned toward and focused on Jesus, Whom communicants are about to receive. Have you forgotten where we are at Mass? Approaching to receive Jesus Christ, God Incarnate, in Holy Communion in any way that does not show a humble and reverent outward sign of the proper disposition of the inner soul of the one approaching to receive Communion is a VERY CLEAR and OBVIOUS sign that something is amiss. Do you remember Jesus’ parable about the invited wedding guest who was not wearing the proper attire for the wedding feast (alluding to Holy Communion and Heaven)? He was thrown out (having scandalized others). Priests and especially bishops, who are striving for holiness themselves, are given grace by God to discern whether or not to give the likes of these two men in drag Holy Communion during Mass. Remember, the priest or bishop, act in the person of Christ at Mass. Christ Himself allowed Judas to receive His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity in the First Holy Communion, but Judas' sin was hidden from all others (at this non-public Last Supper and lest all be scandalized). Jesus warned Judas, after the Last Supper was completed, what Judas was about to do, and Judas chose to sin against Jesus. He chose this because he had committed sacrilege in receiving communion. If his soul had been pure in receiving communion Judas might have cooperated with grace and not betrayed Jesus. But Judas heart and soul was not in the right disposition to receive Jesus, and he further hardened his own heart
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 2:55 PM By ELIZABETH
I WOULD LOVE TO SEE AB BURKE COME AND CLEAN HOUSE IN SAN FRANCISCO!!!!!!!!!!
AS A FOURTH GENERATION SAN FRANCISCAN THIS BROUGHT TEARS TO MY EYES.
SUCH BLASPHEMY!!!!!!!!!!!! SUCH EVIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AND I WILL 'BET MY BOTTOM DOLLAR" THAT THE ARCHBISHOP KNEW PERFECTLY WELL WHO THESE POOR SOURS WERE AND THEIR AGENDA.
THEY HAVE BEEN VERY VOCAL AND IN THE PUBLIC EYE PRANCING AROUND FOR A LONG TIME.
AND LET'S BRING IN FATHER CORAPI TO MINISTER TO THE PARISH, OH YEAH!!!!!
I AGAIN URGE EVERYONE TO EMAIL THE AB, CARDINAL LEVADA AND OUR HOLY FATHER.
I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT THE AB DOES RECEIVE THE EMAILS THAT ARE SENT!
HOLY FATHER: benedictxvi@vatican.va
CARDINAL LEVADA: cdf@cfaith.va
AB NIEDERHAUER: info@sfarchdiocese.org
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 4:13 PM By Janice Brown
As I've said before, copy and send to the Pope with your
comment. He cannot stand silent and let this pass.
God bless the loyal Catholics.
Janice
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 4:15 PM By Grandma Hat
Eric, I will address your question......No one called anyone vile and anti-Catholic for being "gay"..... if by "gay" you mean those who experience sexual desire for a person of the same sex...... Any blessed saint in Heaven could be gay.........IF you're using the word to mean simply having a "homosexual orientation"........ Likewise, nobody called anyone vile and anti-Catholic for raising money for charity, as you say .......However, these are distractions........... because the SPI's make no secret of their detestation of the moral law taught by the Catholic Church ..... their rejection of chastity ....... and their aim to dishonor and defile the things held most holy by all Christian people......They desire to shock, wound and offend the innocent, the modest, the devoted..... and they succeed..... Or haven't you been paying attention?
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 4:22 PM By Jon J
Unfortunately, apostolic succession assures us worthy successors of Judas.
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 4:32 PM By J
These unfortunate and confused creatures have come to this bizarre state of existence because the leaders of the Church have relinquished their responsibility of teaching and proclaiming the truth. I blame the spineless Archbishop every bit as much as I do these gender-deprived deviates. This is the rotten fruit of the dictatorship of relativity. If God doesn't strike this wretchedness soon, He will owe Sodom and Gommorah an apology. May God have mercy.
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 4:39 PM By jim in sf
Speaking of hardened hearts! Worry about the beam in your own eye before fretting about the splinter in another's. Judge not that ye not be judged. Love thy neighbor. Does any of this sound even a little familiar to those of you who are legendary Catholics in your own minds? How on earth can anyone of you know whether the "sisters" who received Communion were worthy or not? Only the individual and Jesus Himself can know the state of one's soul. How can you so confuse the external appearance with the inner self? There are a lot of ridiculously attired people who receive Holy Communion. Should priests refuse particiaption in the Eucharist because he doesn't like one's external appearance? It's not the pedophile priests and "womenpriests" and homosexuals and libertaion theologians and Matthew Fox-types that are the cause for the diminution in the ranks of Roman Catholics. It is the hate-filled, self-righteous, "Catholics" who wouldn't recognize a beatitude if Jesus Himself put in in front of you. It is not the disenfranchised, the poor, the morally bankrupt, the prostitutes and sinners that will burn in hell, it is the Pharisees and hypocrites who will.
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 5:49 PM By Kathy
Since you don't get it, Jim, among other things, we Catholics take offense at mocking our religious brothers and sisters. The archbishop, by his action, participated in this mocking, sending the message that he condones perverted portrayals of our religious sisters as sex -crazed drag queens. For shame!
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 6:06 PM By J
Jim in SF, you poor soul. Obviously, you are one of the casualties of the dictatorship of moral relativity. If you're a member of a club, then follow the rules. If you don't like the rules of the club, then don't join or leave and form your own club or church, but don't sully the Church Christ founded. Why do you call "hate-filled" those who insist on playing by the rules? Sadly, it's your post that is filled with hate.
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 6:15 PM By L.W. in Bakersfield
Why the big shock? This is only another in a long list of blasphemies perpetrated by this heretic in an archbishop's miter. (If your stomach can stand it and you want to see more perversions of the Holy Mass committed by this guy, check out these photos of him at http://www.traditioninaction.org/RevolutionPhotos/A145rcNiederauerDancingGirls.htm). The only real questions are why Pope Benedict placed Niederauer in charge of S.F. in the first place, and how long will the Holy Father allow him (and his cohort to the south Mahony) continue their perversions of the Faith? I forget… why was Archbishop Lefevre declared excommunicated again?
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 6:20 PM By WB
Apparently, you're condemening all of the "pharisees" who are outraged by the ridicule of women's religious orders, the promotion of sexual "indulgence", frivolity about sexual sins, and the politicizing of Our Lord's sacred body and blood, jim in sf. Perhaps one day we can become as holy and righteous as you are. Of course your words of condemnation and blame, putting the burden for the entire cause of the diminution of the ranks of Catholics on "us pharisees" are certainly meant only in pure love and not in "hatred" as in the way we say things. Why? Well, you're a loving person and we're filled with hatred. It's just that simple! Actually, it's quite obvious that you're just ranting about things that you don't know much about. Accordingly, you'd blame Pope Benedict and Pope John Paul II for the diminution in the Church since they condemn womenpriests, homosexual behavior and secular-liberation theologians. I guess Fr. Kung, Fr. McBrien, Fr. Curran and Fr. Matthew Fox have legions of young men wanting to be priests and theologians just like them -- that is, they're doing that in your imaginary world, which may be a pleasant place for you to dwell, but it simply doesn't reflect reality. Pope Benedict was elected. Not a liberal. God has spoken, at least for now, and the Holy Father continues to rebuild the Church after a time of crisis and tragedy. I just hope and pray you will join us in this holy effort!!
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 6:22 PM By garvan
When you write to the Vatican (copy to Niederauer) about him giving Communion to these two brazen sodomites, be sure to mention that until the Pope cleans out Niederauer and his cesspool of a chancery, you will put NO MORE MONEY into his collection baskets, nor will you give to Peter's Pence. (Send your donations instead to, say, EWTN.)
BTW, trying to give Niederauer the benefit of the doubt, I emailed everyone on the SF archdiocese list, asking whether the bishop and/or the sodomites had been Photoshopped into the picture. I've received no reply.
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 6:51 PM By WB
The Archbishop offered this response: ""At Most Holy Redeemer Church Oct. 7, I noticed no protest, no demonstration, no disruption of the Sunday Eucharist," said Archbishop Nierderauer. "The congregation was devout and the liturgy was celebrated with reverence. Toward the end of the Communion line two strangely dressed persons came to receive Communion. I did not see any mock religious garb. As I recall, one of them wore a large flowered hat or garland." He claims that there was nobody dressed in mock religious garb. He's living in pre-internet, pre-digital camera era when simple lies could carry someone along for years. Disgusting scenes like this one would be hidden from view -- showing up only in obscure articles in the Wanderer and getting zero credibility. Welcome to the internet, Archbishop -- you've been busted!!! Now we can only hope this news gets to the right people at the Holy See. Sadly, Archbishop Niederauer is not the right man for this difficult job (we all knew that from day one). He's not able to stop the scandals and abuse of the sacraments. This is a frightening and horrible situation and there's a lot to pay for the mistreatment of the Blessed Eucharist -- as St. Paul certainly warns. The Archbishop needs prayers, that he will be able to face himself and face God in humility and honesty of heart. More news on this item is here: http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2007/oct/07101004.html
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 7:00 PM By J
Jim in SF, you poor soul. Obviously, you are one of the casualties of the dictatorship of moral relativity. If you're a member of a club, then follow the rules. If you don't like the rules of the club, then don't join or leave and form your own club or church, but don't sully the Church Christ founded. Why do you call "hate-filled" those who insist on playing by the rules? Sadly, it's your post that is filled with hate.
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 7:11 PM By Lisa T.
Here's a link to the bishop's homily. I didn't see any reference to Right to Life Sunday or did I miss it?
http://www.mhr.org/AbNiederauer_MHR_Homily2007.htm
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 7:53 PM By dj
Jim from SF:
The issue is about how the Catholic gay community chooses to present itself to the larger Catholic Church which by now millions have watched online about Holy Redemer Church.
Mainstream Catholics are not comfortable with having men dressed as nuns receiving communion or watching men or women kiss their pastor on the lips, at least not when they are standing in front of the bishop. The "Sisters of PI" well publicized Bay area activties demonstrate their very vial contempt for the Catholic Church. By their fruits you shall know them, and St. Paul does not have kind words for their types of behavior either, but I would imagine that you won't be reading that part of the Bible since the progressive only read the scriptures selectively.
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 8:03 PM By Daniel
With all the straight people that have left the
" So called Church " the Bishops have to somehow make up the difference in the collection plate by bringing in the grave sinners and lawbreaking illegal aliens....Who's next when the Devil already occupies the pews ???
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 8:09 PM By Theresa
Jim, if you think it will be faithful Catholics who try to keep the Commandments and the Church's teachings who will go to hell, while unrepentant sinners who practice abominations go to heaven, you had better read the book of Jude in the New Testament. Wow! are you wrong according to St. Jude. Remember that Our Lord said to the woman caught in adultery, "Go and sin no more, lest somethings worse befall you." In other words, he was telling her that he might not be there to "bail her out" the next time if she did not improve.
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 8:37 PM By John L. Sillasen
jim in sf: Have you ever tried to imagine what it would be like to live a chaste life?
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 9:03 PM By EF
What will be next? They will be Eucharistic Ministers? Where do we call a halt to such exhibitions in poor taste? Poor Jesus!
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 9:09 PM By Robert
Luke 17:1
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 9:20 PM By celta
Niederaurer and Meriwether will have a whole lot of 'splaining to do when they pass on. They disgust me. I cannot wait for this generation of pervert priests to die.They have mocked the Church they are supposed to uphold. This whole thing also is insulting to good God-fearing gays who are certainly embarrassed by these amoral gays. Jim in SF, you should be ashamed of yourself lumping these evil gays in with poor and disenfranchised people. Their behavior is the equivalent of the finger and you know it.
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 9:27 PM By The other Mike
Can a Catholic priest change bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ under these circumstances? If a Priest aids and abets sinful actions, and gladly gives Holy Communion to people who openly mock the Church and all it stands for, can the host really be the body and blood of Christ?
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Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2007 10:46 PM By Cuthalion
I would urge everyone who is upset about this to write respectfully to the proper authorities. The best way to do it is to write first to the Archbishop and then to the Nuncio to the United States, finally to the CDF. Your concerns will be more likely to be seen if you go through the right procedures. Lifesite News also took up this story and posted the contact information for the Nuncio and the CDF:
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2007/oct/07101004.html
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Posted Thursday, October 11, 2007 7:49 AM By Allyson Smith
Let's not forget who Niederaurer's predecessor was: William Levada, now prefect for the Congregation of the Faith in Rome, appointed to his post by Pope Benedict. Levada was archbishop of San Francisco for many years -- long enough to know what went on in that city, long enough to have heard the complaints about Most Holy Redeemer, and long enough to know who the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are.
Did Levada not fill in Niederaurer as to what he would encounter once he took over the See of San Francisco? It seems to me that, strictly as a "professional courtesy," Levada would have given fellow bishop Niederaurer the "scoop" on the City of St. Francis.
But wait, it gets even better: Niederaurer and Levada own a condo together in Long Beach. (See http://closedcafeteria.blogspot.com/2006/05/abp-niederauer-cardinal-levada.html.) So the pair are more than just confreres; they're close enough friends to buy real estate together!
So it strains Archbishop Niederaurer's credibility to tell us he didn't know who he was giving Holy Communion to. He most certainly is aware of the problems at Most Holy Redeemer and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Nor can his condo-mate, former San Francisco archbishop William Levada, claim ignorance. The problems have been going on for years, first under Levada and now continuing under Niederaurer.
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Posted Thursday, October 11, 2007 8:22 AM By jim in sf
So many assumptions on so little evidence. I remember my grade-school pastor teaching us about the word "assume"... it makes an a** of you and me. John S., I don't have to imagine a chaste life, I have lived a chaste and celibate one for many years.. and you? Are you without sin? The glorious message of our Savior is that even if we do fall (which we all do) He will forgive us our trespasses, if we repent, and welcome us to the wedding banquet that the Father has prepared for us in heaven. My original post was not about condoning what the SPI's do or stand for. It was about people judging and condemning other people. On a personal level, as a gay man - in full communion with the Church - I find their "mission" abhorent, blasphemous, insulting, embarassing, and misguided. As an organization they should be vilified and banned from archdiocesan properties and events, which they have been (and I do not wish them well). But to extrapolate this general condemnation to the individuals approaching the Eucharist is beyond mortal means. That was the point of my previous post. Can an ordinary minister of the Eucharist (Canon def.), i.e., the Archbishop, deny a recipient the sacrament based on his/her appearnce? What about the guy with a swastika tatooed on his forehead? What about the guy wearing a yamacha or or Muslim skullcap? What about the San Quentin inmate with blasphemous tatooes on his body? What about the homeless man with filthy, dirt-crusted hands who smells like crack and booze? They can all receive the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ without question. These are the post-modern disenfranchised that Jesus reaches out to and commands us to reach out to. Not with hate and disgust, but with love and caritas. Bottom line is that the "sisters" who approached and received the Eucharist at MHR are people who, individually, may be in full communion. WHO ARE WE TO JUDGE? Remove the beam from your own eye...
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Posted Thursday, October 11, 2007 9:18 AM By Lisa T.
Allyson,
I was shocked when Levada was promoted to the CDF and after that shock I wasn't surprised at all that his buddy Niederauer landed the SF post. I've heard that Mahony and Levada pulled strings to get Niederauer out here. " Niederauer's San Francisco appointment highlighted Levada's influence in Rome, one longtime church observer said. The Rev. Thomas Reese, who has written books about U.S. bishops, noted that Levada is also a member of the Congregation of Bishops, which recommends candidates for bishop to the pope. Levada and Niederauer are longtime friends and classmates, Reese said." http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002686644_bishop16.html
Niederaurer does seem to be too gay friendly http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0406054.htm.
and let us not forget that homosexual activists cheered his appointment to SF http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/dec/05122203.html
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Posted Thursday, October 11, 2007 10:35 AM By Grisha
I've been a Catholic for 60 years. I've never sen the Eucharist denied to anyone presenting themselves. These have include a young woman in the standard hookers uniform (Heavy make up, tight,cropped pink tube top, red micro-mini skirt and 5" heels) as well as member of the parish whom we a were all aware had been disbarred for having his fingers in the client's till. If we get into the practice of Ministers of the Eucharist, even Bishops, making communion-line judgements about worthiness based solely on outward appearances, we've stepped onto a very steep, slippery slope.
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Posted Thursday, October 11, 2007 10:53 AM By nick
Father Eugene Heidt R.I.P. was a priest of the Portland Archdiocese who Leveda exiled because he would not raise money for United Way and Leveda's Capital Campaign. Father was suspended and later reinstated by Bishop Steiner shortly before his death. No apology from Leveda for his personal vendetta against Father Heidt for being Catholic and saying the Latin Mass. Father was a great man of faith who was trained by the Benedictines at Mt. Angel. Once I told Father that I believed Leveda to be a modernist. Father did not believe that Leveda was even Catholic at all.
Leveda, Mahoney and "brokeback" Liederhosen were all very ambitious. They did not get where they are today because of their love of God.
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Posted Thursday, October 11, 2007 11:16 AM By Mattheus
Nothing shocks anymore, does it? Should we hold our breath in bated anticipation to see what the Vatican will do? I don't see the need to...it will be business as usual. The new church in Rome is no longer any different than the Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Methodist, who see no problem with homosexuality.
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Posted Thursday, October 11, 2007 11:59 AM By Fr. J
Jim, if a man walked into my parish wearing a Klan outfit I would deny him communion. You probably would have no problem with that. This group has engaged in anti-Catholic behavior. They mock our sacraments. They used this as an opportunity to blaspheme. The Archbishop should and could have denied them communion to avoid public scandal. Btw, you are being a bit judgmental aren't you? So I guess we all have to make judgments at times don't we? How about we stop misconstruing those particular verses eh?
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Posted Thursday, October 11, 2007 12:00 PM By Debbie
We need only to look to our Mother Church, the Catholic Church, for guidance regarding this grave scandal. Jesus gave His authority to the Church, and from its Catechism, we see that we have a MORAL OBLIGATION regarding the sins of spiritual brothers and sisters. We are not "Pharisees" or "judging," as heretics and schismatics would suggest, when we stand up and have the moral courage to call attention to a grave injustice -- we have a moral obligation to do so! From Paragraphs 1868 and 1869 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
1868: Sin is a personal act. Moreover, we have a responsibility for the sins committed by others when we cooperate in them:
--by participating directly or voluntarily with them;
--by ordering, advising, praising or approving them;
--by not disclosing or not hindering them when we have an obligation to do so;
--by protecting evil-doers.
1869: Thus, sin makes men accomplices of one another and causes concupiscence, violence and injustice to reign among them. Sins give rise to social situations and institutions that are contrary to divine goodness. "Structures of sin" are the expression and effect of personal sins. They lead their victims to do evil in their turn. In an analogous sense, they constitute a "social sin."
I can only suggest that true and faithful Catholics who attend MHR or other parishes which undermine the Church's authority regarding the practice of homosexuality find another parish where a holy, faithful and wise priest presides and let God's Justice take care of the heretics and schismatics of the rest.
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Posted Thursday, October 11, 2007 12:11 PM By Mattheus
Nothing shocks anymore, does it? Should we hold our breath in bated anticipation to see what the Vatican will do? I don't see the need to...it will be business as usual. The new church in Rome is no longer any different than the Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Methodist, who see no problem with homosexuality.
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Posted Thursday, October 11, 2007 12:11 PM By Grandma Hat
The Bishop could have asked these men about their faith, ......for the good of their souls. .........Is that "hate"? ............ Is that "judging"?..........
I would want the same thing done if it involved me. ......... Isn't that the criterion?
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Posted Thursday, October 11, 2007 9:31 PM By Joe
The Bishop has to maintain the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar from desecration. Things like these help promote my vocation to help correct the problems in the US.
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Posted Thursday, October 11, 2007 11:53 PM By Marcy Playgroud
Hey if it's really that bad all they have to do is buy a coin or two from the church and they will be forgiven. Whatever, the Sisters, as I have said, do A hell of a lot of good work for the community. If the church did half as much work then the community wouldn't need them. There would be no drug dealer on the street corner. and All the homeless would have a place to stay. The city and the world are a better place because of them.
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Posted Friday, October 12, 2007 7:33 AM By Debbie
It's wonderful to think people are being helped, Marcy, but done at the expense of Jesus? I don't think so. If the SPIs are that above it all, why can't they be helpful AND holy? Seems to me they are working their own agenda, thinking they are the best and brightest and can decide for themselves, without Jesus, what is right. How perplexing they attempt to take Holy Communion in a place they have no belief in whatsoever and in fact go to pains to mock. Every one of them needs to be excommunicated.
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Posted Friday, October 12, 2007 9:24 AM By fred
can't wait for the halloween mass...
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Posted Saturday, October 13, 2007 10:32 AM By Maria C
Father J,
I agree with what you are saying. God bless you for being such a holy Priest. I appreciate you for truly caring for our souls and making sure our Lord is respected and loved.
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Posted Saturday, October 13, 2007 12:57 PM By John L. Sillasen
jim in san francisco: It is great news to hear that you're chaste ... but how, then, can you be gay at the same time? Also, the Lord has already judged obstinate sinners ... the Church merely passes on the news to them. You have to try to understand what the word "judgment" means, as often it is misconstrued. If I tell you that you are doomed to hell, this would not be a judgment, but if I actually became instrumental in putting you in hell, then that would be an act of judgment. The Abp, by not correcting the two mockers of the Holy Eucharist, is actually aiding and abetting their journey to hell ... it would be a passive judgment ... unless, he knew that the Lord had already judged them, and was only adding coals to the fire. But this second possibility would not quite hold up, since the scandal of the Abp giving them Communion may further some other souls towards hell, possibly even tipping the scales against their deliverance from the Judgment.
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Posted Saturday, October 13, 2007 1:07 PM By John L. Sillasen
Mattheus: No, the Church of Rome is not like the protestant ones. It is more than the men who run it; its head is Christ, and there are many souls who are its members, even if those individuals in charge are members in name only. The Church is an institution founded and headed by Jesus Christ. It's resources do not depend upon the individuals running it. Just like in football, if someone is in the way of your salvation, then you can make an end run ... ie, the resources available to you are more than you would be able to deal with. Seek and you shall find. Hey, Marcy Playgroud, the devil tempted Jesus by quoting Him partial truths ... doing good works but reviling God amounts to the same thing, which is leading poor people to hell, by saying that the devil is the one to be thanked. Those sodomites are only purposed to fool people into taking the wrong eternal path ... and thus there is nothing good about them, nothing at all; they are evil, wicked, sinister, vile, artists of deception, whose father is the father of liars and murderers.
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Posted Saturday, October 13, 2007 2:42 PM By Annika
Here's a thought.
When does mocking, physically confronting, and intentionally abusing in public a religious group or individual become a hate crime in California? Did the SIP cross this line? Or were they using the communion rite as a set up for alleging their canonical rights? If refused communion,could the SIP allege a hate act by the ABp?.
By allowing the SIP ready access to MHR parish, one can only guess where this is headed legally.
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Posted Saturday, October 13, 2007 3:57 PM By John L. Sillasen
Christ and his followers have a long tradition of dealing with judicial systems. At some point the Church will make Her stand. Periodically She is pruned and the pagans routed. Might be educational to watch or even be a part of such history. Probably won't be a lot of comfort to it for those directly involved, but, hey, Jesus gave us the Comforter.
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Posted Monday, October 15, 2007 9:25 AM By GT
Complete and total blasphemy. It is one thing to be homosexual and know that you are and then accept communion anyway. Perhaps those can make peace with Christ in some other medium but for a bishop of the Church to openly and publicly give communion to people who are making a mockery of the Church (and therefore of Christ himself) is nothing short of an ecclesiastical crime. The bishop should be excommunicated until he admits his guilt of giving the Body of Christ unworthily.
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Posted Monday, October 15, 2007 11:18 AM By GT
Complete and total blasphemy. It is one thing to be homosexual and know that you are and then accept communion anyway. Perhaps those can make peace with Christ in some other medium but for a bishop of the Church to openly and publicly give communion to people who are making a mockery of the Church (and therefore of Christ himself) is nothing short of an ecclesiastical crime. The bishop should be excommunicated until he admits his guilt of giving the Body of Christ unworthily.
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Posted Monday, October 15, 2007 7:14 PM By Teresa
BISHOPS -
OUR LADY OF AMERICA (AN APPROVED UNITED STATE' S APPARITION) IS WAITING FOR YOU TO CONSECRATE THIS COUNTRY AND IT'S YOUTH TO PURITY.
SHE ASKED THIS YEARS AGO AND YOU HAVE IGNORED THE APPEARANCE AND URGING OF THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD IN THIS COUNTRY.
I'M GUESSING THAT UNTIL YOU DO WHAT YOU WERE TOLD THE ROAD WILL CONTINUE TO BE A ROUGH ONE....
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Posted Tuesday, October 16, 2007 10:20 AM By steve
while i dont want to judge the archbishop for judging the queer nuns, i certainly feel as if this would have been an excellent time to witness to the gays and give them some insight into the meaning of sin and the fact that "the wages of sin are death"
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Posted Thursday, October 18, 2007 6:35 PM By Heather
First of all they are NOT sisters. This is a total display of blasphemy, and will not go without consequences. If the vatican does what it needs to do, then this bishop will be excommunicated, which one really does to them self anyways, and this poor excuse for a "catholic" church will be shut down.
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Posted Friday, October 19, 2007 6:21 PM By Greg
Go Sisters! Fire and brimstone needs some light hearted ness.
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Posted Monday, October 22, 2007 2:51 PM By Peter
l guess this is all part of the New Springtime.
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Posted Friday, October 26, 2007 1:13 PM By G
The Church hasn't delivered 'fire and brimstone' in decades. This mockery isn't in response to any false allegations against an overtly 'pessimistic' and intolerant Church. The Church has tolerated too much for too long and is STILL being accused of intolerance. Liberals will not stop pushing until the Catholic Church is a heap of smoldering ruins and no Faith exists in any corner of the world. This is their true agenda - not mere 'social acceptance'.
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Posted Thursday, February 21, 2008 3:04 PM By Dominic
Where are the Knights of Columbus during this outrage?
They are supposed to protect the Eucharist from harm and desecration,and yet I saw not a one of them attempt to shield the Body of Christ from this infamy.
Could it be that they had been ordered to stay out of it?
I however could not and would not have merely stood by and allowed this Sacrilege;I would have thrown these animals out of the Sanctuary by their perverted beards!
I have had it!
The next time an offense like this rears it's head in my area,Texas,I am calling for the removal of the prelate or primate who has allowed it ,and will not cease their public denunciation until the situation is dealt with to the satisfaction of FAITHFUL Catholics that have been scandalized by this filth.
I will become a thorn in their collective sides.
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Posted Thursday, October 23, 2008 8:50 AM By JohnD
Can. 915 Those who have been excommunicated or interdicted after the imposition or declaration of the penalty and others obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to holy communion.
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