URGENT: Say YES to Catholic lay preaching in Rochester NOW!

According to Sr. Christine Schenk (http://ncronline.org/blogs/simply-spirit/why-are-we-silencing-women-and-lay-preachers), “Bishop Salvatore Matano, the new bishop of Rochester, N.Y., is in the process of ending a 40-year custom of permitting lay ministers to preach at Mass. Most are women commissioned to preach by the former bishop, Matthew Clark. All have advanced degrees in theology and all have served for many years in various diocesan leadership positions.”

So many people have found strength and inspiration from lay people who reflect on the Scriptures at Mass in words that speak to our hearts.  It has given us a Word of hope to get us through the week. 

OUR PETITION:

Dear Bishop Matano,

     Out of respect for the 1983 Code of Canon Law, for you, our Pastor, and for ourselves as “Christ’s faithful,” we accept our responsibilities as noted in the Law.  “Christ’s faithful have the right, indeed at times the duty, in keeping with their knowledge, competence and position, to manifest to the sacred Pastors their views on matters which concern the good of the Church.”  (Canon 212.3)  Furthermore, “Christ’s faithful have the right to be assisted by their Pastors from the spiritual riches of the Church, especially by the word of God and the sacraments.”  (Canon 213)

      Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge you to restore the custom on lay preaching during the Eucharist.  We do this for the following reasons:

• Lay preaching has been a 40-year custom in our Diocese of Rochester, New York, going back to the time of Bishop Joseph Hogan in the 1970’s…
• Lay preaching has been well received by the vast majority of people, who have found sustenance in the breaking open of God’s Word by gifted and well-formed laity…
• The liturgy is the work of the people; Christ is present in the Word, the priest presider, the assembly, and the Eucharist.