I caught the last half of the papal installation Mass today, but missed the Holy Father's homily. Here is the text if you missed it, too. It is truly magnificent and transcendent.
In particular, I am interested to know what non-Catholics think of Benedict's words. Anyone care to comment?
As a non-Catholic, I was so pleased to see your link to the Holy Father's homily. I found it to be profoundly moving and completely inclusive for all Christians. How blessed your church is to have such leadership twice in a row.
May I point something out that I feel has been overlooked? For all of the media talk about how unhappy Catholics in the U.S. are, and how many will be leaving, there is an unknown quantity. I am an Episcopalian who is deeply dis-enchanted with the lack of stand my leadership has taken on moral issues. I plan to convert to Catholicism (as soon as I can figure out how to do it!), and I cannot believe I am an isolated case.
I think a renewal of the U.S. church is very possible.
As a former Protestant myself, Marcia, let me say "welcome home." If you're comfortable mentioning here where you live, I'd bet one of our readers could tell you about a good, solid Catholic parish near you. If not, then just e-mail one of us privately, and we'll find one somehow.
The class you take prior to entering the Church is called the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), and since you're Episcopalian, you would be confirmed but not baptized (Protestant baptisms are valid in almost all circumstances).
If you have any questions about the Faith, feel free to ask any of us on the blog, and we'll either give you an answer or direct you to a good resource. Be assured you're not alone: every year, something like 200,000 adult Americans convert to Catholicism. During the pontificate of John Paul II, the Church grew by something like 150 million souls. Numbers never tell the whole story, but they do say something.
Thanks for the welcome home, Eric, and I have a email coming your way.
For anyone who has any info, I live in Richmond, Virginia. I would welcome any advice or comments.
Marcia
Look for the idea of "friendship with God" or with Christ to be a theme of Pope Benedict. This homily mentions the words "friend" and "friendship" eleven times.
He speaks of the Saints as the "friends" of Pope John Paul ready to welcome him, and also as the "friends of God". He addresses the congregation: as "you, dear friends," who have invoked the Saints to aid the new Pope; who have extended their prayers, indulgence, and love.
He says that pastors must lead people out of the desert, out of the wilderness, to friendship with Christ: "there is nothing more beautiful than to know Him and to speak to others of our friendship with Him.... Only in this friendship are the doors of life opened wide."
The word "friend", of course means: one who loves, and it expresses love in a gentle way, a way that corresponds to the gentle personality of the Holy Father, but also echoes the teaching of St. Thomas for whom _caritas_ is friendship with God.
I was very impressed by his entire sermon, and also by his mention of the Jewish people and the common heritage of Jews and Christians, as well as "God's irrevocable promises" to the Jewish people. It means a lot.
BTW, my daughter read in the Israeli newspaper Maariv that the state of Israel will be issuing a stamp in honor of John Paul II. His visit here made a very positive impression, and his efforts at improving understanding between Catholics and Jews were much appreciated.
welcome home marcia!
I "reverted" about 4 years ago.
Great on-line stuff can be found at www.catholic.com - it's the catholic answers website. Check out the library, read past issues of This Rock magazine and listen to their show.
Also - a good daily scan is www.catholicexchange.com
Amy Welborn and Mark Shea are featured there at times. Good daily reflections, saint of the day and links to the daily mass readings.