CatholicScout Answers: Frequently Asked Questions 2

An important note about CatholicScout Answers: CatholicScout is not the Pope. Therefore, I can and frequently am, be totally erroneous regarding Faith and Morals. In addition I can and frequently am, totally erroneous regarding everything else too. I will try my best to answer questions, but I always encourage answer-seekers to go to source documents, and proper authorities.

So, disclaimer out of the way, on to Question 3.

Question 3: “Explain concelebration”

Answer: From SanctaMissa

In the Traditional Latin Mass con-celebration only occurs at the Mass of the Ordination of a Priest and at the Mass of the Ordination of a Bishop. In the Ordination of a Priest according to the 1962 Missal the rubrics establish that the concelebrating priests be only those who are ordained at that Mass. Thus the priests attending the Ordination Mass of Priests do not concelebrate but only the Ordinandi.

The manner of con-celebration at the Mass of the Ordination of a Priest is not identical to the manner of con-celebration in the Ordinary Form. Rather in the Extraordinary Form the concelebrating priest, at his Mass of Ordination, kneels at some distance from the altar. While the Canon of the Mass is normally read in “vox secreta,” at an Ordination Mass the Canon Missae is said out loud by the Bishop. While the Ordaining Bishop reads the Canon of the Mass out loud the newly ordained priest(s) simultaneously recite(s) the Canon of the Mass in “vox secreta”. Furthermore the newly ordained receive only the Sacred Host. The Ordinandi receive the Sacred Host on the tongue from the Ordaining Bishop while kneeling at the altar. Afterwards the Ordinandi receive a chalice of unconsecrated wine at the credence table as an ablution. The Ordinandi do not receive the Precious Blood.

Answer 2: There is no precedent other than this for con-celebration in the Novus Ordo.

Explanations: Formerly (prior to 1963), every Priest, while not obliged, was expected to offer Mass every day of their lives. One Priest = One Mass. Two Priests = Two Masses etc. So, according to the Church Statistics published by the Latin Mass Society, in 1961 there were 7550 Priests in England and Wales. That’s approximately 7550 Masses a day… Then comes along the Second Vatican Council which conceded that Priests may concelebrate, so now you have things like this:

Here’s 500 Priests saying One Mass. No longer do you have 500 Priests offering 500 Masses. So, who looses out? You, me, the Souls in purgatory, the Church, the world.

To the question, “but one Mass is of infinite value, so one Mass is enough” I answer: It is correct Mathematics to say 1 multiplied by infinity = infinity, 2 multiplied by infinity = infinity etc. But Grace is not Mathematics.

Question 4 – from SpookChristian: “Does the Catholic Church practice Idolatory, Mariolatry, and believe demonic dogmas such as Transubstantiation and Purgatory, isn’t the Catholic Church just the work of the devil?”

Answer: No.

Important note: Here we have a problem, for Lutheranism “is a rejection of Catholic first principles … When confronted with Lutheranism, Catholic apologetic finds itself in the position neatly outlined by St. Thomas; it can solve the opponent’s objections, but not to the opponent’s satisfaction, since he rejects the principle on which the argument refuting him is based. For Luther was not merely rejecting this or that article within the body of Catholic doctrine, (though of course he did do that as well) but rather rejecting the principle underlying them all, which is the divine authority of the Church. Bible and tradition are only authorities for the believer because the Church possesses them; and possesses them not simply materially or philologically, but possesses the meaning of them, which she historically unveils little by little.” Iota Unum – Romano Amerio Chapter 17

Explanation 1: Regarding Idolatory.

The First Commandment
175. What is the first Commandment?
The first Commandment is, ‘I am The LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no gods except me. You shall not make yourself a carved image or any likeness of anything in heaven, or on the earth beneath or in the waters under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them’.

176. What are we commanded to do by the first Commandment?
By the first Commandment we are commanded to worship the one, true, and living God, by Faith, Hope, Charity, and Religion.

177. What are the sins against Faith?
The sins mainst Faith are all false religions, wilful doubt, disbelief, or denial of any article of Faith, and also culpable ignorance of the doctrines of the Church.

178. How do we expose ourselves to the danger of losing our Faith?
We expose ourselves to the danger of losing our Faith by neglecting our spiritual duties, reading bad books, going to non-Catholic schools.

179. What are the sins against Hope?
The sins against Hope are despair and presumption.

180. What are the chief sins against Religion?
The chief sins against Religion are the worship of false gods or idols, and the giving to any creature whatsoever the honour which belongs to God alone.

181. Does the first Commandment forbid the making of images?
The first Commandment does not forbid the making of images, but the making of idols; that is, it forbids us to make images to be adored and honoured as gods.

182. Does the first Commandment forbid dealing with the devil and superstitious practices?
The first Commandment forbids all dealing with the devil and superstitious practices, such as consulting spiritualists and fortune-tellers, and trusting to charms, omens, dreams, and such-like fooleries.

183. Are all sins of sacrilege and simony also forbidden by the first Commandment?
All sins of sacrilege and simony are also forbidden by the first Commandment.

184. Is it forbidden to give divine honour or worship to the Angels and Saints?
It is forbidden to give divine honour or worship to the Angels and Saints, for this belongs to God alone.

185. What kind of honour or worship should we pay to the Angels and Saints?
We should pay to the Angels and Saints an inferior honour or worship, for this is due to them as the servants and special friends of God.

186. What honour should we give to relies, crucifixes, and holy pictures?
We should give relics, crucifixes, and holy pictures a relative honour, as they relate to Christ and his Saints, and are memorials of them.

187. Do we pray to relics or images?
We do not pray to relics or images, for they can neither see, nor hear, nor help us.

All straight from the Penny Catechism – which is what the Catholic Church believes and teaches.

Explaination 2: “Mariolatry” – I suppose this neologism is supposed to be idolatry towards Our Blessed Lady. It should have been answered above, but just in case…

158. Should we ask the Angels and Saints to pray for us?
We should ask the Angels and Saints to pray for us, because they are our friends and brethren, and because their prayers have great power with God.

159. How can we show that the Angels and Saints know what passes on earth?
We can show that the Angels and Saints know what passes on earth from the words of Christ: ‘There shall be joy before the Angels of God upon one sinner doing penance’. (Luke 15:10)

160. What is the chief prayer to the Blessed Virgin which the Church uses?
The chief prayer to the Blessed Virgin which the Church uses is the Hail Mary.

161. Say the Hail Mary.
Hail Mary, full of grace: the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.

162. Who made the first part of the Hail Mary?
The Angel Gabriel and St Elizabeth, inspired by the Holy Spirit, made the first part of the Hail Mary.

163. Who made the second part of the Hall Mary?
The Church of God, guided by the Holy Spirit, made the second part of the Hail Mary.

164. Why should we frequently say the Hail Mary?
We should frequently say the Hail Mary to put us in mind of the Incarnation of the Son of God: and to honour our Blessed Lady, the Mother of God.

165. Have we another reason for often saying the Hail Mary?
We have another reason for often saying the Hail Mary – to ask our Blessed Lady to pray for us sinners at all times, but especially at the hour of our death.

166. Why does the Catholic Church show great devotion to the Blessed Virgin?
The Catholic Church shows great devotion to the Blessed Virgin because she is the Immaculate Mother of God.

167. How is the Blessed Virgin Mother of God?
The Blessed Virgin is Mother of God because Jesus Christ, her son, who was born of her as man, is not only man, but is also truly God.

168. Is the Blessed Virgin our Mother also?
The Blessed Virgin is our Mother also because, being the brethren of Jesus, we are the children of Mary.

168a. What do we mean by the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin?
By the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin we mean that by the power of God, Mary, at the completion of her life, was taken body and soul into everlasting glory to reign as Queen of heaven and earth.

168b. Is the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin an article of Faith?
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is an article of Faith because it has been solemnly defined by the infallible authority of the Church.

Again all from the Penny Catechism, or the Catechism of Christian Doctrine.

The Blessed Virgin Mary is not God, rather she is the Mother of God, Jesus Christ. In this way she merits a special veneration.

If one does not think that the Mother of God should have special attention, appreciation, veneration (but never Adoration), then one (X) should consider whether one (X) likes people saying nasty things of one’s (X’s) mother, or whether one (X) would prefer people to laud, praise, and thank, one’s (X’s) mother? Well Our Blessed Lord loves His Blessed mum, so it is important to think about what one is saying.

Explaination 3: The Catholic Faith does not any believe “demonic dogmas” for the Church is the mystical body of Christ, with Christ as it’s head, no spot or stain is possible in the mystical body of Christ (incidentally, that doesn’t mean that there can’t be defect in the persons that make up the Church Militant which is on earth and is the smaller part of the Church – the larger parts being the Church Suffering and the Church Triumphant). Hence the Catholic Church alone preaches the fullness of Truth.

Because Christ has set the Church up, and has given it a visible Authority on earth, whose successor is Pope Francis and resides in Rome (hence the name Roman Catholic Church), the Dogmas it professes are Divine, and come from That Authority whose Name is Our Blessed Lord, Jesus Christ.

Transubstantiation, is a Divine Dogma, because the Church says so and Scripture attributes to it.

Purgatory, is a Divine Dogma, because the Church says so and so does the unwritten and constant Tradition.

To say that something Divine (and therefore Holy), comes from someone that is not Divine (and therefore not Holy), is to blaspheme.

Explaination 4: The Catholic Church is not the work of the devil. It’s the work of God, promised never to be prevailed over by the gates of hell, in which is found absolute Authority in the person of Peter and his successors. If one sees defects, sins, apostasy, error, etc. in the people who make up the visible Church, it is because the Church here on earth is not a perfect society, which is impossible.

The truth is rather that the Church has always been a mixed multitude, a field of wheat and tares, a mixture of good men and bad.

The Catholic Church rejects completely the errors of Lutheranism, Calvinism and the rest.
Private judgement is condemned by the bull Esurge Domini 1520
Fead more about the Great Heresies here.

Just in case that wasn’t enough to convince anyone, here’s some more…

83. What is the ninth article of the Creed?
The ninth article of the Creed is, ‘the Holy Catholic Church; the Communion of Saints’.

84. What is the Catholic Church?
The Catholic Church is the union of all the faithful under one Head.

85. Who is Head of the Catholic Church?
The Head of the Catholic Church is Jesus Christ our Lord.

86. Has the Church a visible Head on earth?
The Church has a visible Head on earth – the Bishop of Rome, who is the Vicar of Christ.

87. Why is the Bishop of Rome the Head of the Church?
The Bishop of Rome is the Head of the Church because he is the successor of St Peter, whom Christ appointed to be the Head of the Church.

88. How do you know that Christ appointed St Peter to be the Head of the Church?
I know that Christ appointed St Peter to be the Head of the Church because Christ said to him: ‘You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church. And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven’. (Matt. 16:18.19)

89. What is the Bishop of Rome called?
The Bishop of Rome is called the Pope, which signifies Father.

90. Is the Pope the Spiritual Father of all Christians?
The Pope is the Spiritual Father of all Christians.

91. Is the Pope the Shepherd and Teacher of all Christians?
The Pope is the Shepherd and Teacher of all Christians, because Christ made St Peter the Shepherd of the whole flock when he said: ‘Feed my lambs, feed my sheep’. He also prayed that his ‘faith’ might never fail, and commanded him to ‘strengthen’ his brothers. (John 21:15-17, Luke 22:32)

92. Is the Pope infallible?
The Pope is infallible.

93. What do you mean when you say that the Pope is infallible?
When I say that the Pope is infallible, I mean that the Pope cannot err when, as Shepherd and Teacher of all Christians, he defines a doctrine concerning faith or morals, to be held by the whole Church.

94. Has the Church of Christ any marks by which we may know her?
The Church of Christ has four marks by which we may know her: she is One – she is Holy – she is Catholic – she is Apostolic.

95. How is the Church One?
The Church is One because all her members agree in one Faith, have all the same Sacrifice and Sacraments, and are all united under one Head.

96. How is the Church Holy?
The Church is Holy because she teaches a holy doctrine, offers to all the means of holiness and is distinguished by the eminent holiness of so many thousands of her children.

97. What does the word Catholic mean?
The word Catholic means universal.

98. How is the Church Catholic or universal?
The Church is Catholic or universal because she subsists in all ages, teaches all nations, and is the one Ark of Salvation for all.

99. How is the Church Apostolic?
The Church is Apostolic because she holds the doctrines and traditions of the Apostles, and because, through the unbroken succession of her Pastors, she derives her Orders and her Mission from them.

100. Can the Church err in what she teaches?
The Church cannot err in what she teaches as to faith or morals, for she is our infallible guide in both.

101. How do you know that the Church cannot err in what she teaches?
I know that the Church cannot err in what she teaches because Christ promised that the gates of hell should never prevail against his Church; that the Holy Spirit should teach her all things; and that he himself would be with her always, even to the end of time. (Matt. 16:18. .lohn 14:16-26. Matt. 28:20)

Again Penny Catechism. Which incidentally was specifically written to refute the principle errors of Protestantism.

If you have any Catholic or scouting questions please write in the comments box below.

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CatholicScout Answers: Frequently Asked Questions
CatholicScout Clarifies: Traditional Baptism side-by-side with Novus Ordo Baptism

CatholicScout Answers: Frequently Asked Questions

For some reason, God knows, people like to ask me questions about the Catholic Faith, and in particular about the Tradition of the Church. I would like to start a series of FAQ’s and please if anyone would like to ask any questions, please use the comments box.

An important note about CatholicScout Answers: CatholicScout is not the Pope. Therefore, I can and frequently am, be totally erroneous regarding Faith and Morals. In addition I can and frequently am, totally erroneous regarding everything else too. I will try my best to answer questions, but I always encourage answer-seekers to go to source documents, and proper authorities.

So, disclaimer out of the way, on to Question 1.

Question 1: “I’m a new Catholic, what should I read?”

Answer: I recommend We Believe by Monsignor Gilbey, The Latin Mass Explained by Monsignor Moorman and two works by St Louis de Montfort; The Secret of the Rosary and The Secret of Mary.

Explanations: Monsignor Gilbey was one of the greatest Priests of the 20th Century and passed on to his eternal reward in 1998. He served 33 years as Chaplain to Cambridge university, and his book We Believe is a transcription of private instruction classes that he gave to a gentleman interested in the Catholic Faith (it convinced him). I am yet to find a book as accessible and informative for the newcomer, than that of Monsignor Gilbey.

The Latin Mass Explained, to some may think as a blatant attempt to steer newcomers towards the “Trad Mass”, to them I would respond, read the book. I am yet to find a book that so clearly outlines exactly what the Catholic Church teaches and believes about the Mass. The book guides the reader through the Mass, explaining where things came from, why things are said or done. Vital for the newcomer.

Having read those two books the newcomer is ready for two books placed in deliberate order. Firstly, the Secret of the Rosary, then the Secret of Mary. Our Blessed Lady is a big hurdle for a lot of people, and St Louis de Montfort, better than any other writer, writes beautifully, succinctly and devoutly on the subject. The Secret of the Rosary, guides the newcomer through this exterior devotion, explaining what it is, why it is said, and indeed how to say it properly.

Naturally the Secret of the Rosary leads on to the Secret of Mary, which talks more profoundly about devotion to Our Blessed Lady, and speaks of the beauties and riches thereof. It is an incredible boost for someone who is on their way in to the Church.

Question 2: “I want to become a Catholic, what should I do?”

Answer: Don’t go to RCIA. Look for a Roman Catholic Priest who wears a Cassock most, if not all the time, and tell him “I want to become a Catholic, please may I have private instruction”. Ask for “Baptism in the Extraordinary Form” and don’t be swayed – for more information please read my article on The Traditional Rite of Baptism side by side with the Novus Ordo.

Explanations: RCIA – the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (or Rite of Catholic Inoculation for Adults) – RCIA was the fruit of the 1977 synod of Bishops which discussed the new catechetics. By this time the errors of modernism, anthropocentrism and liberation theology had heavily infected all of the members of that synod. Catechism was redefined, no longer being “doctrine”, but is “unleashed by the existential experience of believers”. This fundamental concept became the basis of RCIA, which denies the fact that Catechisis is doctrine to be taught, not discussed. This of course is false, because Catechesis has a supernatural content that the experience of a new convert (or anyone else for that matter) does not encompass. Catechesis comes down from divine teaching and is not produced by religious experience. RCIA is the other way around, and therefore leaves people fundamentally undernourished.

Roman Catholic Priests who wear cassocks will generally have a better understanding of what a Priest is and his teaching authority, than those that do not. I.e. They wear the Cassock for a reason.

Private instruction is one-to-one private tuition which all education experts agree has the best results for educating. Don’t settle for second-rate.

If you have any Catholic or scouting questions please write in the comments box below.

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CatholicScout Clarifies: Traditional Baptism side-by-side with Novus Ordo Baptism

CatholicScout Clarifies: Traditional Baptism side-by-side with Novus Ordo Baptism

So to my knowledge, no one has yet put the two rites of Baptism side-by-side. So below (after my preliminary notes) is the Old Rite side by side with the New Rite. This is a reference free for all.

Preliminary notes

The Novus Ordo Rite of Baptism is almost impossible to place side-by-side in equivalent parts, as vast sections have simply been removed, and wholly new ones put in.

As you read through it, you will see there are areas which have been moved across to the Novus Ordo (with changes), but are usually transposed to a different part of the Rite.

Areas that have been wholly removed from the Novus Ordo:

• Exsufflation outside of the Church
• Imposition of hands
• Imposition of salt
• First exorcism before admission into the Church building
• Second imposition of the Sign of the Cross
• Second imposition of hands
• Formal admission into the Church building
• Recital of the Creed
• Second (and Solemn) Exorcism
• First anointing prior to the Profession of Faith and Baptism

In addition the Ephphetha in the Novus Ordo is optional.

Things added to the Novus Ordo Rite, which are absent in the Traditional:

• Scriptural Readings and Homily
• Intercessions (including Litany of Saints – partial or full)
• Blessing and Invocation of God over Baptismal Water
• Blessing to the people at the conclusion of the Rite

As you will see the Rites are almost completely different to one another. One is anthropocentric (human-centred) in it’s perspective (Novus), the other Theocentric (God-centred) – (Usus Antiquor). Please note that I am a little confused as to why in the Novus Ordo they have the “Blessing and Invocation of God over Baptismal Water” at every Baptism, since a blessed object receives nothing extra from being blessed again. I don’t think that this part of the Rite is obligatory, but I’m not sure.

Lastly, the Novus Ordo Rite of Baptism given below is as per the 1965 Roman Missal (updated), I have only taken options A, and that I think very few people would experience Baptism strictly according to the words and rubrics here presented, innovation is king. I have kept the rites in order as they appear, and attempted (where possible) to match them if they exist in both rites.

Usus Antiquor	Novus Ordo
The Rite of Baptism Part I – Outside the Church	The Rite of Baptism [Options A] – Entrance to the Church
The priest (wearing a violet stole), sponsors, and the catechumen stand in the narthex of the church, symbolizing that at this point, the candidate is not a member of the Church. The Questioning.	The celebrant greets all present, and especially the parents and godparents, reminding them briefly of the joy with which the parents welcomed this child as a gift from God, the source of life, who now wishes to bestow his own life on this little one. First the celebrant questions the parents:
Priest: N., what do you ask of the Church of God?	Celebrant: What name do you give your child? (or: have you given?)
Sponsor/Catechumen: Faith.	Parents: N.
Priest: What does Faith offer you?	Celebrant: What do you ask of God’s Church for N.?
Sponsor/Catechumen: Life everlasting.	Parents: Baptism. In the second response the parents may use other words, such as, “faith,” “the grace of Christ,” “entrance into the Church,” “eternal life.”
Priest: If then you desire to enter into life, keep the commandments. ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart and with thy whole soul and with thy whole mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.’	Celebrant speaks to the parents in these or similar words: You have asked to have your child baptized. In doing so you are accepting the responsibility of training him (her) in the practice of the faith. It will be your duty to bring him (her) up to keep God’s commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbor. Do you clearly understand what you are undertaking?
	Parents: We do.
	Celebrant turns to the godparents and addresses them in these or similar words: Are you ready to help the parents of this child in their duty as Christian parents?
	Godparents: We do.
	Celebrant: N., the Christian community welcomes you with great joy. in its name I claim you for Christ our Savior by the sign of his cross. I now trace the cross on your forehead, and invite your parents (and godparents) to do the same.
The Exsufflation The priest then breathes 3 times on the candidate in the form of a Cross, recalling the Spirit (breath, wind, “ruach”) of God.
Priest: Go forth from him (her), unclean spirit, and give place to the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.
The priest now makes the Sign of the Cross with his thumb on the candidate’s forehead and breast.	He signs the child on the forehead, in silence. Then he invites the parents and (if it seems appropriate) the godparents to do the same. The celebrant invites the parents, godparents, and the others to take part in the liturgy of the word. If circumstances permit, there is a procession to the place where this will be celebrated, during which a song is sung e.g., Psalm 84: 7, 8, 9ab.
Priest: Receive the Sign of the Cross both upon your forehead + and also upon your heart +; take to you the faith of the heavenly precepts; and so order your life as to be, from henceforth, the temple of God.
Priest: Let us pray: Mercifully hear our prayers, we beseech Thee, O Lord; and by Thy perpetual assistance keep this Thine elect, N, signed with the sign of the Lord’s cross, so that, preserving this first experience of the greatness of Thy glory, he (she) may deserve, by keeping Thy commandments, to attain to the glory of regeneration. Through Christ our Lord.
Sponsor/Catechumen: Amen.
The Imposition of Hands The priest places his hands on the candidate’s head.
Priest: Let us pray: Almighty, everlasting God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, look graciously down upon this Thy servant, N., whom Thou hast graciously called unto the beginnings of the faith; drive out from him (her) all blindness of heart; break all the toils of Satan wherewith he (she) was held: open unto him (her), O Lord, the gate of Thy loving kindness, that, being impressed with the sign of Thy wisdom, he (she) may be free from the foulness of all wicked desires, and in the sweet odor of Thy precepts may joyfully serve Thee in Thy Church, and grow in grace from day to day. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sponsor/Catechumen: Amen
The Imposition of Salt Now the priest puts a little blessed salt in the candidate’s mouth. Salt is the symbol of that wisdom which gives a relish for the sweetness of divine nourishment; preserves, by the teaching of the Gospel, from the corruption of sin, and prevents evil passions from growing in men’s souls. Adult catechumens might be signed on the brow, ears, eyes, nostrils, mouth, breast, and between the shoulders before the imposition of salt. If this procedure is followed, afterwards the candidate will kneel, recite the Our Father several times, and a Cross is made on his forehead, first by the sponsor and then by the priest.
Priest: N., Receive the salt of wisdom; let it be to thee a token of mercy unto everlasting life. May it make your way easy to eternal life.
Sponsor/Catechumen: Amen.
Priest: Peace be with you.
Sponsor/Catechumen: And with your spirit.
Priest: Let us pray: O God of our fathers, O God the Author of all truth, vouchsafe, we humbly beseech Thee, to look graciously down upon this Thy servant, N., and as he (she) tastes this first nutriment of salt, suffer him (her) no longer to hunger for want of heavenly food, to the end that he (she) may be always fervent in spirit, rejoicing in hope, always serving Thy name. Lead him (her), O Lord, we beseech Thee, to the laver of the new regeneration, that, together with Thy faithful, he may deserve to attain the everlasting rewards of Thy promises. Through Christ our Lord.
Priest: Through the same Christ our Lord.
Sponsor/Catechumen: Amen
PART II: ADMISSION INTO THE CHURCH BUILDING
The Exorcism The priest makes the Sign of the Cross over the candidate three times and says:
Priest: I exorcise thee, unclean spirit, in the name of the Father + and of the Son, + and of the Holy + Spirit, that thou goest out and depart from this servant of God, N. For He commands Thee, accursed one, Who walked upon the sea, and stretched out His right hand to Peter about to sink. Therefore, accursed devil, acknowledge thy sentence, and give honor to the living and true God: give honor to Jesus Christ His Son, and to the Holy Spirit; and depart from this servant of God, N. because God and our Lord Jesus Christ hath vouchsafed to call him (her) to His holy grace and benediction and to the font of Baptism.
The priest again makes the Sign of the Cross on the candidate’s forehead
Priest: And this sign of the holy Cross, which we make upon his (her) forehead, do thou, accursed devil, never dare to violate.
Priest: Through the same Christ our Lord.
Sponsor/Catechumen: Amen
The Imposition of Hands For the final time, the priest lays his hand on the candidate’s head
Priest: Let us pray: O Holy Lord, Father Almighty, Eternal God, Author of light and truth, I implore Thine everlasting and most just goodness upon this Thy servant N., that Thou wouldst vouchsafe to enlighten him (her) with the light of Thy wisdom: cleanse him (her) and sanctify him (her), give unto him (her) true knowledge; that, being made worthy of the grace of Thy Baptism, he (she) may hold firm hope, right counsel and holy doctrine.
Priest:Through Christ our Lord.
Sponsor/Catechumen: Amen.
Admission into the Church Building The priest lays the end of his stole on the candidate as a symbol of his priestly authority, and admits him into the church building, which is the symbol of the Church of Christ. If the catechumen is an adult and was annointed in Part I above, he may be asked to lie prostrate before the Altar in adoration of Christ before this next step.
Priest: N., enter thou into the temple of God, that thou mayest have part with Christ unto life everlasting.
Sponsor/Catechumen: Amen.
The Credo and Pater
Sponsor/Catechumen: I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into Hell. On the third day, He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence shall He come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy Catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
Sponsor/Catechumen: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation: but deliver us from evil. Amen.
PART III – IN THE NAVE OF THE CHURCH	CELEBRATION OF GOD’S WORD
	Scriptural Readings and HomilyOne or even two of the following gospel passages are read, during which all may sit if convenient.John 3: 1-6: The meeting with Nicodemus.Matthew 28: 18-20: The apostles are sent to preach the gospel and to baptize.Mark 1: 9-11: The baptism of Jesus.Mark 10: 13-16: Let the little children come to me.After the reading, the celebrant gives a short homily, explaining to those present the significance of what has been read. His purpose will be to lead them to a deeper understanding of the mystery of baptism and to encourage the parents and godparents to ready acceptance of the responsibilities which arise from the sacrament.After the homily, or in the course of or after the litany, it is desirable to have a period of silence while all pray at the invitation of the celebrant. If convenient, a suitable song follows, such as one chosen from nos. 225-245.
	Intercessions Celebrant: My dear brothers and sisters, let us ask our Lord Jesus Christ to look lovingly on this child who is to be baptized, on his (her) parents and godparents, and on all the baptized. Leader: By the mystery of your death and resurrection, bathe this child in light, give him (her) the new life of baptism and welcome him (her) into your holy Church. All: Lord, hear our prayer. Leader: Through baptism and confirmation, make him (her) your faithful follower and a witness to your gospel. All: Lord, hear our prayer. Leader: Lead him (her) by a holy life to the joys of God’s kingdom. All: Lord, hear our prayer. Leader: Make the lives of his (her) parents and godparents examples of faith to inspire this child. All: Lord, hear our prayer. Leader: Keep his (her) family always in your love. All: Lord, hear our prayer. Leader: Renew the grace of our baptism in each one of us. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
	The celebrant next invites all present to invoke the saints: Holy Mary, Mother of God.  All: Pray for us. Saint John the Baptist.  All: Pray for us. Saint Joseph.  All: Pray for us. Saint Peter and Saint Paul.  All: Pray for us. The names of other saints may be added, especially the patrons of the child to be baptized, and of the church or locality. The litany concludes: All holy men and women.  All: Pray for us.
The Solemn Exorcism	Prayer of Exorcism and Anointing Before Baptism
Priest: I exorcise thee, every unclean spirit, in the name of God the Father + Almighty, in the name of Jesus + Christ, His Son, our Lord and Judge, and in the power of the Holy + Spirit, that thou be depart from this creature of God N, which our Lord hath deigned to call unto His holy temple, that it may be made the temple of the living God, and that the Holy Spirit may dwell therein. Through the same Christ our Lord, who shall come to judge the living and the dead, and the world by fire	Celebrant: Almighty and ever-living God, you sent your only Son into the world to cast out the power of Satan, spirit of evil, to rescue man from the kingdom of darkness, and bring him into the splendor of your kingdom of light. We pray for this child: set him (her) free from original sin, make him (her) a temple of your glory, and send your Holy Spirit to dwell with him (her). We ask this through Christ our Lord.
	All: Amen.
The Ephpheta The priest takes a little spittle and touches the ears and nostrils of the candidate with it. For health reasons, the use of spittle may be omitted. This rite comes from Mark 7:33-35, when Jesus healed the deaf-mute: “And taking him from the multitude apart, he put his fingers into his ears: and spitting, he touched his tongue. And looking up to heaven, he groaned and said to him: Ephpheta, which is, Be thou opened. And immediately his ears were opened and the string of his tongue was loosed and he spoke right.”.	[[Authors Note: The rite of Ephphetha in the Novus Ordo is an optional permitted practice at the discretion of the conference of bishops, it occurs after Baptism]]
Priest: Ephpheta, that is to say, Be opened, for an odour of sweetness. Be thou, devil, begone; for the judgement of God shall draw near.
[[Authors Note: The Anointing in the Usus Antiquor occurs after the Renunciation of Satan (see below)]]	The Anointing
	Celebrant: We anoint you with the oil of salvation in the name of Christ our Savior; may he strengthen you with his power, who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
	All: Amen.
	He anoints the child on the breast with the oil of catechumens. Then they go to the baptistry, or to the sanctuary when baptism is celebrated there on occasion.
	CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENT
	Celebrant: My dear brothers and sisters, we now ask God to give this child new life in abundance through water and the Holy Spirit.
	Blessing and Invocation of God over Baptismal Water Then, turning to the font, he says the following blessing (outside the Easter season).
	Celebrant: Father, you give us grace through sacramental signs, which tell us of the wonders of your unseen power. In baptism we use your gift of water, which you have made a rich symbol of the grace you give us in this sacrament. At the very dawn of creation your Spirit breathed on the waters, making them the wellspring of all holiness. The waters of the great flood you made a sign of the waters of baptism, that make an end of sin and a new beginning of goodness. Through the waters of the Red Sea you led ?Israel out of slavery, to be an image of God’s holy people, set free from sin by baptism. In the waters of the Jordan your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Spirit. Your Son willed that water and blood should flow from his side as he hung upon the cross. After his resurrection he told his disciples: “Go out and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Father, look now with love upon your Church, and unseal for her the fountain of baptism. By the power of the Spirit give to the water of this font the grace of your Son. You created man in your own likeness: cleanse him from sin in a new birth to innocence by water and the Spirit.
	The celebrant touches the water with his right hand and continues: We ask you, Father, with your Son to send the Holy Spirit upon the water of this font. May all who are buried with Christ in the death of baptism rise also with him to newness of life. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
	All: Amen.
The Renunciation of Satan	Renunciation of Sin and Profession of Faith
	Celebrant speaks to the parents and godparents in these words: Dear parents and godparents: You have come here to present this child for baptism. By water and the Holy Spirit he (she) is to receive the gift of new life from God, who is love.  On your part, you must make it your constant care to bring him (her) up in the practice of the faith. See that the divine life which God gives him (her) is kept safe from the poison of sin, to grow always stronger in his (her) heart.  If your faith makes you ready to accept this responsibility, renew now the vows of your own baptism. Reject sin; profess your faith in Christ Jesus. This is the faith of the Church. This is the faith in which this child is about to be baptized.
Priest: N., do you renounce Satan?	Celebrant: Do you reject Satan?
Sponsor/Catechumen: I do renounce him.	Parents and Godparents: I do.
Priest: And all of his works?	Celebrant: And all his works?
Sponsor/Catechumen: I do renounce him.	Parents and Godparents: I do.
Priest: And all his pomps?
Sponsor/Catechumen: I do renounce him.
The Anointing The priest anoints the candidate with the oil of catechumens on the heart and between the shoulders in the form of a Cross, saying:
Priest: I annoint you + with the oil of salvation in Christ Jesus our Lord, that you may have everlasting life.
Sponsor/Catechumen: Amen.
PART IV – AT THE FONT
The Profession of Faith The priest removes his violet stole and puts on a white one.
Priest: N., do you believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth?	Celebrant: Do you believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth?
Sponsor/Catechumen: I do believe.	Parents and Godparents: I do.
Priest: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son our Lord, Who was born and Who suffered?	Celebrant: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?
Sponsor/Catechumen: I do believe.	Parents and Godparents: I do.
Priest: Do you believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting?	Celebrant: Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?
Sponsor/Catechumen: I do believe.	Parents and Godparents: I do.
	The celebrant and the congregation give their assent to this profession of faith:
	Celebrant: This is our faith. This is the faith of the Church. We are proud to profess it, in Christ Jesus our Lord.
	All: Amen.
Baptism (Matter and Form of the Sacrament) If the one to be baptized is a baby, the godparents take him to the font (the godmother holds him in her arms, the godfather touches the baby’s shoulder with his right hand); if he is an adult, the sponsor puts his right hand on the shoulder of the one to be baptized.	Baptism
Priest: N., will you be baptized?	Celebrant: Is it your will that N. should be baptized in the faith of the Church, which we have all professed with you?
Sponsor/Catechumen: I will.	Parents and Godparents: It is.
The priest pours water over the head of the candidate three times, once after each mention of the Divine Persons. The water he uses will have been consecrated during the Easter Vigil or on the Eve of the Pentecost. As he pours the water, the priest says these words (or the words of a conditional Baptism):Priest: I baptize you in the name of the Father + and of the Son + and of the Holy + Spirit.	He baptizes the child, saying: N., I baptize you in the name of the Father, He immerses the child or pours water upon it. and of the Son, He immerses the child or pours water upon it a second time. and of the Holy Spirit. He immerses the child or pours water upon it a third time. After the child is baptized, it is appropriate for the people to sing a short acclamation.
The Anointing with Chrism	Anointing with Chrism
Priest: May the Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who hath regenerated thee by water and the Holy Spirit, and who hath given thee the remission of all thy sins, may He Himself + anoint thee with the Chrism of Salvation, in the same Christ Jesus our Lord, unto life eternal.	Celebrant: God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has freed you from sin, given you a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and welcomed you into his holy people. He now anoints you with the chrism of salvation. As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so may you live always as a member of his body, sharing everlasting life.
Sponsor/Catechumen: Amen.	All: Amen.
	Then the celebrant anoints the child on the crown of the head with the sacred chrism, in silence.
Priest: Peace be with you.
Sponsor/Catechumen: And with your spirit.
The White Linen Cloth This priest takes a white linen cloth — symbolizing the purity of a soul cleansed from all sin, and a relic of the days when the newly baptised wore white albs for 8 days — and places it on the head of the candidate.	Clothing with the White Garment
Priest: Receive this white garment, which mayest thou carry without stain before the judgment seat of our Lord Jesus Christ, that thou mayest have life everlasting.	Celebrant: N., you have become a new creation, and have clothed yourself in Christ. See in this white garment the outward sign of your Christian dignity. With your family and friends to help you by word and example, bring that dignity unstained into the everlasting life of heaven.
	All: Amen.
	The white garment is put on the child. A different color is not permitted unless demanded by local custom. It is desirable that the family provide the garment.
The Lighted Candle	Lighted Candle
	Celebrant takes the Easter candle and says: Receive the light of Christ.
The priest gives the candidate or the sponsor a lighted candle.	Someone from the family (such as the father or godfather) lights the child’s candle from the Easter candle.
Priest: Receive this burning light, and keep thy Baptism so as to be without blame: keep the commandments of God, that when the Lord shall come to the nuptials, thou mayest meet Him together with all the Saints in the heavenly court, and mayest have eternal life and live for ever and ever.	Celebrant then says: Parents and godparents, this light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. This child of yours has been enlightened by Christ. He (she) is to walk always as a child of the light. May he (she) keep the flame of faith alive in his (her) heart. When the Lord comes, may he (she) go out to meet him with all the saints in the heavenly kingdom.
	Ephphetha or Prayer over Ears and Mouth If the conference of bishops decides to preserve the practice, the rite of Ephphetha follows. [in the United States it may be performed at the discretion of the minister.] The celebrant touches the ears and mouth of the child with his thumb, saying:
	The Lord Jesus made the deaf hear and the dumb speak. May he soon touch your ears to receive his word, and your mouth to proclaim his faith, to the praise and glory of God the Father.
	All: Amen.
Last Words of Good Will	CONCLUSION OF THE RITE
	Next there is a procession to the altar, unless the baptism was performed in the sanctuary. The lighted candle is carried for the child. A baptismal song is appropriate at this time, e.g.: You have put on Christ, in him you have been baptised. Alleluia, alleluia.
	Lord’s Prayer The celebrant stands in front of the altar and addresses the parents, godparents, and the whole assembly in these or similar words:
	Dearly beloved, this child has been reborn in baptism. He (she) is now called the child of God, for so indeed he (she) is. In confirmation he (she) will receive the fullness of God’s Spirit. In holy communion he (she) will share the banquet of Christ’s sacrifice, calling God his (her) Father in the midst of the Church. In the name of this child, in the Spirit of our common sonship, let us pray together in the words our Lord has given us:
	All present join the celebrant in singing or saying:
	Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
	Blessing
	The celebrant first blesses the mother, who holds the child in her arms, then the father, and lastly the entire assembly:
Priest: N., go in peace and the Lord be with you. Amen.	Celebrant: God the Father, through his Son, the Virgin Mary’s child, has brought joy to all Christian mothers, as they see the hope of eternal life shine on their children. May he bless the mother of this child. She now thanks God for the gift of her child. May she be one with him (her) in thanking him for ever in heaven, in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Sponsor/Catechumen: Amen.	All: Amen.
	Celebrant: God is the giver of all life, human and divine. May he bless the father of this child. He and his wife will be the first teachers of their child in the ways of faith. May they be also the best of teachers, bearing witness to the faith by what they say and do, in Christ Jesus our Lord.
	All: Amen.
	Celebrant: By God’s gift, through water and the Holy Spirit, we are reborn to everlasting life. In his goodness, may he continue to pour out his blessings upon these sons and daughters of his. May he make them always, wherever they may be, faithful members of his holy people. May he send his peace upon all who are gathered here, in Christ Jesus our Lord.
	All: Amen.
	Celebrant: May almighty God, the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit, bless you.
	All: Amen.
	After the blessing, all may sing a hymn which suitably expresses thanksgiving and Easter joy, or they may sing the song of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Magnificat. Where there is the practice of bringing the baptised child to the altar of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this custom is observed if appropriate.

Tragic really. Well, what do you think. Leave a comment

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CatholicScout Comments: Divide and Conquer

RORATE CÆLI: A call for unity

A Call for Unity

Ecce quam bonum et quam iucundum…

The division of the Traditional Catholic world was a master stroke by the enemies of the 1962 Missal and of the Roman Catechism. They have managed to sow discord between friends and to establish fratricidal hatred among priests who used to march together hand in hand. The first group began to treat their brothers as radicals, the second called the others sellouts. The former were convinced that those who remained under Abp. Lefebvre would soon fall in total schism, and the latter thought with certitude that their former brothers would abandon both Mass and Catechism.

What can we say more than a quarter-century later? That, on both sides, these judgments were, in great measure, overreactions.

On its own side, for all its known problems, the Society of Saint Pius X did not become schismatic or a parallel \”church\”. It has always kept contacts with Rome and has made what it considered necessary in order to regularize its situation with the successive popes, even if, for reasons that its superiors considers prudential (and with which we ourselves may prudentially disagree), regularization has not been achieved for the moment. On the other side, the Ecclesia Dei communities never abandoned the Traditional Mass, nor traditional Catechesis.

It must be said in all honesty: on the side of the SSPX, recognition of the Pope remains, and the desire for its work to be recognized is still sought, according to different measures that vary from person to person. On the side of the Ecclesia Dei communities, there remains a disapproval of the new Mass (regardless of the fact that it is considered both valid and legitimate) and of the alteration of traditional doctrine, both of which are also expressed differently from person to person. The exceptions within these groups confirm the rule in both communities.

A problem has been that, throughout the years, some religious authorities, while the situation remained by itself already quite confusing, proclaimed fatwas, dogmatizing attitudes that would require a certain pliancy and lots of understanding. We heard, for instance: \”Visiting the SSPXers? Don\’t even think about it, or you\’ll be excommunicated!\” Or still: \”Go to a Mass with those sellouts? You\’ll lose your faith there!\”

In the documentary on the life of Abp. Lefebvre which was recently released in America, a famous professor and journalist, Jean Madiran, who had distanced himself from the SSPX in 1988, made nonetheless this brave declaration regarding the Lefebvre consecrations: \”It is hard for me to say today that he was mistaken.\” Since he passed away in 2013, it is, at least in a small way, his testament. That the most famous French layman of the Traditionalist struggle is willing to affirm this soon before dying should make us ponder. Many faithful in the young generation refuse this mutual demonization whose only motivation seems to be the fear of having some sheep escape to the neighboring pasture.

Now, is this text an appeal to mix everything up? Absolutely not. May each one continue to advance in one\’s own post. The scenario that has come up in the past few decades, even more so after the motu proprio Summorum Pontificum of Benedict XVI, is the worst thing that the Progressives could have imagined considering the very dire circumstances of the 1969-1988 period: a Society of Saint Pius X that remains somewhat strong, and that keeps presenting to Rome its doctrinal misgivings; and Ecclesia Dei communities that spreaded out throughout the world, slowly but surely, and with great determination, making clear to the bishops every single day what the Church has always willed and stood for, especially in liturgical matters. Are not both in a way the heirs of Marcel Lefebvre, who unfailingly asked for the \”experience of Tradition\” to be allowed?

Now then, what is to be done in the future? The forceful proclamation of the faith! And to work cum et sub Petro without complaining! May the fans of the Ecclesia Dei and Summorum Pontificum communities not be afraid of the first response. And may those of the Society of Saint Pius X not shy away from the second. In times of troubled waters and unknown obstacles, the unity of all likeminded traditional Catholics is essential, with mutual tolerance and acceptance.

[Posting time: Jan.20, 2014, 0000 GMT]

via RORATE CÆLI.