Archive for September, 2007
Entry for September 29, 2007
Saturday, September 29th, 2007
Last night I had supper with some old friends. John and Rebecca drove over from Greenville. They both attended Clemson University, so it was a kind of homecoming. It was great to see them.
John is in ecclesial service, which allowed for some encouraging “shop talk.”
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Entry for September 21, 2007
Friday, September 28th, 2007
After the priests’ retreat, I went to the Motherhouse of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia. The Congregation has recently received four daughters from South Carolina.
It was such a great joy to be there! I was able to celebrate Mass with the Community, and spend some recreation with the Sisters from the Palmetto State.
Please remember the Sisters in your prayers, especially that many more young women will be called to their Community.
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Bishop Baker’s Publications Show Pastoral Priorities
Thursday, September 27th, 2007
“The Catholic Miscellany”
By Father Jeffrey Kirby
Special to The Catholic Miscellany
Whenever a person puts a pen to paper, he begins to express himself in a unique way. The written word seems to contain something more of the person’s spirit than other means of communication.
Bishop Robert J. Baker frequently sought to express himself in the written word. Of his many accomplishments, the pastoral letter “The Redemption of Our Bodies,” as well as the books “When Did We See You, Lord?” and “The Questioner’s Prayer,” along with his novel “Cacique,” can be cited as examples. Each of these works contains a portion of his heart and demonstrates his intense desire to share the message of the Gospel with all humanity.
In these selected works of Bishop Baker, we can see the human, spiritual, and pastoral dimensions of his ministry. In “When Did We See You, Lord?” the Bishop sought to explain the life and actions of a Christian.
The book stands as a catechism on charity and a crash course on practical discipleship. Co-authored with Father Benedict Groeschel, a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal, the book is an instruction and invitation to live the Christian message without compromise.
In “The Questioner’s Prayer,” the Bishop sought to address the inquiries and struggles of life which a disciple of Christ might experience. He provided consoling and helpful counsel for difficult moments in life. The book is marked by its insightful and caring approach.
Through the novel, “Cacique,” the Bishop showed, in fictional form, the joys and sorrows, triumphs and agonies of the Christian disciple in the world. Although placed in a different time and culture, the message of the novel is clear: The Christian is called to be a light and leaven to his peers. In story form, the bishop illustrated his understanding of discipleship and zeal for evangelization.
In his first, and only, pastoral letter as bishop of Charleston, Bishop Baker addressed one of the pressing issues of our time. He affirmed and taught the theology of the body of Pope John Paul II. He encouraged this theology in the catechesis and pastoral strategies of the diocese. He sought to provide answers to the questions relating to sexuality, marriage and family.
Through his writings, Bishop Baker’s heart and ecclesiastical priorities become clear. The pastoral letter, books and novel present the man and the shepherd to the people of the Diocese of Charleston, and to the people of the Diocese of Birmingham. Through them, we see a person of prayer, a teacher of truth and a reliable guide in the ways of God.
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To Know Christ Jesus
Sunday, September 23rd, 2007
Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
(Cycle “C”)
Amos 8:4-7; Psalm 113; 1 Timothy 2:1-8
Luke 16:1-13
September 23, 2007
St. Andrew’s Catholic Church
Clemson, South Carolina
The Rev. Jeffrey Kirby
** A friend once told me he didn’t believe in “organized religion,” so I asked him if he would consider the Catholic Church.
The encounter is a familiar one: I don’t believe in organized religion. I’m spiritual but not religious, etc. We’ve had these conversations: with loved ones, neighbors, and co-workers. They raise some questions.
Perhaps it’s a good thing to return and review the basics: Who is Jesus Christ? St. Paul writes that he is the only mediator between God and man. Is that right? What did Jesus do? What is the Church? Is it the trustworthy guardian of the things of God, both great and small, as the Gospel seems to imply?
** Who is Jesus Christ? He is the eternal Son of God, the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity. He is true God, alpha and omega – beginning and end – of all things. And, yet, he became a man. He became Jesus of Nazareth, son of Mary and foster son of Joseph, the carpenter. Jesus Christ is both truly God and truly man. His two natures – human and divine – exist within his one being without tension or confusion.
His coming was expected. It was a fulfillment of prophecy. The Hebrew people waited millennia for God to fulfill his promises. The Lord came – and his coming was to seek and to save what was lost.
Everyone who is saved is saved only through him, through Jesus Christ. Consciously or not, salvation is won only through the Lord Jesus. Even the person far in the Amazon, who – through no fault of their own – has never heard the Gospel, yet follows the dictates of their conscience, we believe that even that person can be saved. But his or her salvation is only through Jesus Christ (even if they don’t know it). It had to be through Christ. The world was caught in slavery, the gates of heaven were closed. To quote St. Paul, we were all enemies of God. Heaven was open, freedom was assured, through Christ. And so, all salvation is through Christ alone, the one mediator between God and man.
** While on earth, the Gospels tell us that “crowds” followed Jesus. From these crowds, seventy-two disciples emerged. And from these seventy-two, the Lord Jesus after an intense night of prayer – chose twelve. He named them “apostles,” literally those who would be “sent.” He gave these apostles a special mission and mandate. He specifically gave St. Peter, the chief of these apostles, a specific office and task. The Lord Jesus told these apostles, those who “hear you, hear me” and those who “reject you, reject me.” He intimately connected himself with the work of these twelve apostles. He told St. Peter, you are the “rock” upon which I will build my Church. And the early Christians understood how important St. Peter was: the Acts of the Apostles tell us that they would line the streets with the hope that at least Peter’s shadow would fall upon them.
Around these twelve apostles, the Lord Jesus would found his Church, which is the fulfillment of Israel, and would be the continuer of his work of redemption, until the Lord returns in glory.
** After his Death, Resurrection, and Ascension to the Father, the Lord Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to guide and protect his Church. He sent the Holy Spirit to specifically watch over and instruct the apostle and their successors (whom we call Bishops). From the time the Lord Jesus walked the earth until now, the Bishops continue to speak in Christ’s holy Name and by his authority. Their teachings, guided by the Holy Spirit, are the teachings of Christ. And the Lord Jesus says to them, as he said to the apostles, those who “hear you, hear me” and those who “reject you, reject me.” The bishops are called and given the grace to teach, govern, and sanctify in Christ’s Name.
This is not to say that the Bishops cannot make mistakes in their prudential judgments. They can be terrible administrators. But, when the Church teaches on faith and morals, she cannot make an error. In fact, the Holy Spirit secures a special grace for the Bishop of Rome (who is the successor of St. Peter, and whom we now call “pope”) that when he teaches, he can use a distinct charism called infallibility. This means that he cannot make a mistake.
Now, does the Pope have this grace because he is a very holy person? No. In fact, in our history, we’ve had some real sinners as popes.
The papacy is given this special grace because Christ does not want his faithful to be lost or confused. To be left seeking answers without a way to them. To be left to figure things out on their own, or to cause division, or even to follow a path which will lead to eternal damnation. Christ wants his faithful to know him, to know with clarity his teachings and expectations.
** There is one mediator, one Church – led by the Bishops – who teach, sanctify, and govern until the Lord Jesus returns.
Is this a new belief? No, it is found through the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. The letters of St. Paul and St. John depend on this foundation of the apostles and their successors.
How is it, then, that this might seem so new to many of us? Well, for many decades, some well-intentioned (seriously well-intentioned) people slowly became self-hating Catholics. They began to seek and implement the lowest common denominator to our Church. They approached Catholic things and teachings of the Church with embarrassment, avoidance, and sinful neglect.
But our distinctiveness is important – it’s our Catholic identity. Our differences are important (and honest): the way we read the Scriptures, our understanding of the Incarnation, of Baptism and the Eucharist, of the priesthood, of Mary, and so many other doctrines and traditions.
These are not icing on the cake, but essential to the life of a disciple, and essential to the life of the Church. They are means of salvation and instruments of grace, so essential, that those who do not have them, we say they are lacking something in their discipleship.
We do not say this in pride, but in gratitude for what the Lord has given us, and we say it because it is the truth, and the truth will set us free.
Some might try to tell you or argue for belief: do whatever you want, follow whatever you want to believe, do what fits for you, etc. But these thoughts are contrary to the Gospel and the teachings of Christ, they are contrary to the Lord’s understanding of the Church, and to the Church as it is seen in the New Testament.
The Lord Jesus has given us the Church so that we might always have an avenue to the truth, of true knowledge of him, and of the means which truly save our souls. He promised us that he would not leave us orphaned, and that he would send an Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to teach us.
** But, how, you might wonder, does all of this apply to me? Why is this important? Is there any practical application of all this to my life?
Yes. When we see the Church in this way, in the way Christ sees her, we begin to understand our connection with Christ more intimately, and in a radically more personal and communal way. The Lord seems so close. We wonder: was it really 2,000 years ago that the Master walked the earth? Because he seems so close, his teachings so relevant, and his love so apparent. We start to see Christ speaking to us, guiding us, and teaching us in and through his Church. We begin to see Christ the Head, and the Church his Body, as one, indivisible being. Tension disappears, spiritual Marxism and supposed class struggle is deflated, and Rome is seen as our friend, as our greatest insurance policy that what he believe is true, reliable, and credible. That what we believe can truly save us.
** But I ran the risk of still remaining in the abstract. Perhaps we need some specifics. Let’s hit real life with these beliefs. Of the many areas, I’ll address only three:
** Sunday worship. Christ teaches through is Church that Sunday Mass is obligatory. As disciples of Christ, we are expected to be at the Sunday sacrifice. As people of the New Covenant, we are called to come together and offer our gratitude and praise to God. We offer him our week, its work, struggles, and joys. The Lord calls us to worship.
** Our sexual lives. Our discipleship doesn’t end at our bedroom doors. Christ teaches us through is Church that even our sexual lives must be ordered to his teachings. Christ and the Church aren’t joking when they teach about pornography, masturbation, fornication, adultery, homosexual acts, and artificial contraception. The Lord calls us to give him everything, including the intimate realms of our sexuality.
** Forgiveness. The Lord Jesus teaches through is Church that we must freely give the forgiveness that we receive. We do not have the option of withholding forgiveness from others. As disciples of Christ, we forego that option.
** But who am I? And who is the Church to tell anyone what to believe? Or how to live? Or what Jesus teaches and doesn’t teach? St. Paul answers those questions today. The Church says, with him, that she is a “preacher and apostle,” a “teacher in faith and truth.” The Church is the God-given instrument to teach and interpret, exhort and encourage the disciples of Christ. His teachings are clear. Will we accept them?
** The Lord Jesus wasn’t trying to fool us. He never lied. He told those who desired to be his disciples, “take up your Cross.” Yes, it’s a cross, not a lawn chair or a Lazy Boy. Jesus offers the Cross because it strengthens us, orders us and our lives to him, and it has the solemn promise of Resurrection.
** Give me a repentant disciple over an obstinate one any day. The repentant sinner, even if it’s the same sin, every day, is nevertheless open to God’s grace and he or she will become a saint and truly “shine like the starts in the heavens.” The obstinate sinner, who believes that he or she knows more than the Church of Christ, who chooses to rebel and follow their own path, they dam-up the grace of God, God cannot work, and they may well be on the road to perdition. To live only for oneself is a hell not only in eternity, but even now, here on this earth.
** The Lord Jesus calls us to repentance. He calls us to follow him, to hear his voice, and heed his counsel. As we assemble around God’s altar, let us pray for the faith and grace to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd, to accept it, and work to live it in our lives.
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Entry for September 16, 2007
Sunday, September 16th, 2007
Well, Parents’ Weekend has the Masses pretty full in Clemson. We had to have a second, simultaneous Mass at 10:00am. The good Dominican Sisters from Greenville visited today. It was a joy to have them at the Mass, and to give them the grand tour of the University.
Two sophomore students were the real guides. They took very good care of the Sisters (and myself). The tour was capped by eating at one of the student dining halls. The Sisters were well received by the students. I was both impressed and humbled at how many greeted them, and spoke with them. It must be that Dominican charism! 
After lunch, the afternoon was spent working in the office. Tomorrow the priests of the diocese head on retreat with Bishop Baker. I was hoping to get some things done before heading out.
I have the evening Mass at Clemson. Please remember the good Sisters, and the university students in your prayers.
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Entry for September 15, 2007
Sunday, September 16th, 2007
I spent most of the morning in the office. Among other things, I was working on a flyer about some of the possible ways that the parishioners here can observe October as Pro-Life Month.
I had brunch with a former student from Charleston, who is currently doing great things at Clemson.
The afternoon was taken up with sick calls and then Mass at our parish in Walhalla. Visiting the sick is a formative experience. It certainly calls me to prayer, and helps me to see the very real fruit of grace in people’s lives.
I spent the evening with a family from our parish in Seneca, who are related to some dear friends from Columbia. The evening was crowned by a viewing of “Casino Royale.” It was an awesome movie.
Please pray for the sick of the Church, and for all University students.
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Entry for September 14, 2007
Saturday, September 15th, 2007
Today is the feast of the Triumph of the Cross. It’s a great celebration which has both historical and spiritual significances.
I started the day by having breakfast with some great folks and friends in Charleston. There’s no better way to start a day than with good food, friends, and laughter.
After breakfast, I made the long trek back to Clemson (about four hours). I’m getting used to the drive. I’ve been listening to the Mars Hill Audio Journal. The thoughts and ideas it presents are always enlightening and helpful.
After I got back to Clemson, I went over for an appointment with Mr. Dan Weiste at the Rutland Center for Ethics at the University. It was a very good conversation. I was impressed with the work that Clemson is doing in the field of ethical formation of its students.
The campus is full of parents today. It’s Parents’ Weekend. It’s great – it brings a freshness to the environment.
After that meeting, I headed to Greenville to celebrate Mass with the Dominican Sisters and some Catholic young women who were spending the evening with the Sisters. It was a relaxing time. I continue to pray for the work of the Sisters, as well as many MORE vocations to their community.
Please pray for the students of Clemson University, and for the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia.
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Entry for Thursday, September 13, 2007
Saturday, September 15th, 2007
This evening the newly ordained priests were invited to have supper with Bishop Robert Baker, STD. It was great to have the time with him. As some of you might know, he was the Bishop who ordained me a priest (July 27), and was shortly thereafter named the new Bishop of Birmingham, Alabama. He currently serves as the administrator of the Charleston Diocese, but will be formally installed in Birmingham on October 2.
The conversation was engaging and enjoyable. The evening was an opportunity to spend time together, but also served as a personal farewell to Bishop Baker.
Please remember Bishop Baker in your prayers.
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