The Modern Schism...

I have been talking with friends about this for a while. The next great schism in the Catholic Church. We talk about these things occaisionally – schisms, persecution, and cataclysmic events, but they are usually background talk and "conspiracy."

Yet, at this point there seem to be some signs, and maybe I am mistaken, but I think we could be headed towards a schism if the two sides in this possible split don't start seeing eye-to-eye. I am not the only one either, folks in the Blogosphere are starting to talk as well. (Link: The Catholic Knight).

Now where will this schism come from? Well with the reform-of-the-reform coming Advent 2011 in the form of the revision of the Roman Missal in English, we will see all sorts of parishes and even whole dioceses through their Bishops opposing the direction from Rome. Now don't misinterpret what I am saying. I am not one that thinks the Pope is the CEO of the Catholic Co. who is supposed to "hire and fire" Bishops. I understand the role of the Pope and the Bishops and that is exactly why I think the way I do about the future of the Church.

In June, in Detroit much to the lament of my heart for my hometown, and against the words of the Archbishop there, the American Catholic Council (a schismatic group in their heart) will hold their annual conference of disobedience and dissidence. Here is what the Archbishop of Detroit has said about the conference and the ACC:

"...in fact, the goals proposed are largely in opposition to the teachings of the Second Vatican Council and the Holy Spirit, which inspired the Council.

The archdiocese wishes to commend and embrace all true efforts at Church renewal - the American Church Council's agenda is not such an effort. Some of the advertised speakers and groups organizing the effort espouse positions which are clearly contrary to Catholic faith, leading to alienation and estrangement from the Church. The Archdiocese of Detroit cautions any Catholic against participating in the American Catholic Council local listening sessions and national gathering in June 2011. Catholic parishes, schools, and institutions are not to host any meetings, gatherings, or "listening sessions" associated with the planning of the June 2011 American Catholic Council. Priests, deacons, and ecclesial lay ministers will want to avoid lending support to such a misguided effort. On behalf of the archdiocese, Archbishop Vigneron has asked the organizers to cancel their plans for this national gathering that distorts the true Spirit of Vatican II. He asks us all to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit so that we may embrace authentic development of faith and morals, and shun efforts which threaten unity.

Pope Benedict XVI Coat of Arms

So you see, there are movements afoot that are clearly against the Church. But the question is how will this schism occur and what will it look like? Well all you have to do is look inside your local parishes.

The schism is here... and it is silent. It is like an odorless gas that creeps in while sleep and suffocates its victims. The schism exists in the hearts and minds of all those that oppose Rome, the Pope, and the laws and teachings of the Church. It creeps in in small ways, here and there; a small concession here and a compromise there. Slowly the faith is eroded to the point of destruction.

We must continue to pray and fight the schism. We must pledge fidelity and love to the Vatican, the Pope, and Holy Mother Church.

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