Ginny Pippin
RL 480
July 8, 2004

A Woman Homilist

KEY FACTS

OTHER FACTS TO KNOW

PASTORAL ISSUES

CANONS

exceptions

LITERARY, RHETORIC, HISTORIC

Constitutive Canon(s) raised the lay homilist dilemma. Second Vatican Council changed the past by setting forth that, “All participate in the ministry of proclaiming God’s holy word.” “In other words, the one absolutely compelling mandate is that the word of God be proclaimed. Who does it and how they carry it out are secondary considerations.  All are responsible to see that it is done.” (Code of Canon Law, Title I, p.920)  Some of the canons tried to restrict participation by using terms like, lay can be called upon to cooperate and by being very specific by setting clear distinguishing between presbyters, bishops, and lay.  Other canons were less concerned with the “who” of the Church and dealt with the importance of the divine word by stressing how it should be proclaimed.  Words like, zealously, proclaim, embracing. The canons above were seemed accepting of the lay role but under very specific circumstances and restrictions.

MY POSITION – Cardinal

RESOLUTION

I would call the bishop into my office to find out if Father Goodhart had shown any other reason for concern.  If there were no incidences of misconduct, inappropriate teachings, disregard for his duties as pastor, or canonical reasons for his suspension, I would have to:

GROUNDS FOR DECISION

The direction Vatican II has taken the church is that the divine word belongs to all people, is to be embraced by all, and proclaimed by all.  The laity is obligated to learn about their faith to the extent of their abilities and share their knowledge with others.  The grounds for this decision are strongly represented in Canon 228, Dr. Grace was suitably trained, educated and qualified for ecclesiastic office.  Preaching is not exclusive to priests (Canon 767), and lay people are permitted to preach if it would be advantageous in a particular case (Canon 766).  Dr. Grace’s extensive knowledge in John’s gospel and her Doctorate in Sacred Scripture certainly presented an advantage to the parishioners to hear such a well-versed speaker.  In addition, the content of her preaching was in accordance with the Church’s beliefs (Canon 768).  Although homilies are normally given by priests, exceptions are made (Canon 767).   And, in this case, adapting the message to the hearers (Canon 769) was best done by a lay person who specialized in John’s gospel rather than by a priest who was less versed and would have more difficulty making it relevant.  Father was not wrong in asking Sophia to give the homily.  More importantly for him and the parish, he did nothing deserving suspension.  (Canons1370, 1378, 1383, 1390, 1394)

ETHICAL, PASTORAL, THEOLOGICAL

A terrible disservice was done to Dr. Grace.  Her abilities and talents were devalued, and she was treated as less than a baptized Christian.  My actions would give her an authorized forum to deliver a homily and reinforce her value to the Church.  My actions are not against any dogma or theology of the church.  In fact, historically and traditionally, there are mentions in the early Church of women as deacons and ministers.  Pastorally, I have arranged for the gospel to be proclaimed to laity in a way that will be most meaningful to them.  Further, by the end of this case and adding my solution, each party suffered in some way.  The Bishop and Chancellor were reprimanded, the priest was suspended, the homilist was demeaned, and I, the Cardinal, lost way too much time resolving a difficult issue that was petty and unnecessary.  It would be my hope, through my decision and attention to each person, to nurture each back to wholeness and active, faithful, participation in the Church.