How to Keep your Faith by Carl DiLorenzo
All his life Carl DiLorenzo was haunted by the memory of his father. Who was he? What was the source of his great faith? Why did he have to die so young?
Carl did not want his own children to be asking such questions about him some day. In 2000 he sat down to write the story of his life and his growth in the Roman Catholic Church. What emerged is more than a family keepsake. How to Keep Your Faith is a powerful statement of faith and hope for all Catholics, indeed, for all Christians. But it is more than a testimonial. This is the story of a young Italian American boy, growing up in New York City in the 1940s and 1950s, in the bosom of an extended Italian family who loved food, make their own wine in their Brooklyn tenement, danced and sang on Catholic feast days as they passed their faith from generation to generation. This is the story of a young man coming of age, learning awkwardly and hilariously about sex and love, work and faith, and the pain of losing loved ones before their time.
How to Keep Your Faith is the story of a man growing in faith, even as he questions his church's hierarchy and its decisions. And ultimately it is proof that a man of faith can also be a man of reflection and curiosity.
Visit the Italian American Press at http://www.italianamericanpress.com/IA%20Sites/IASP%20Writers.html for reviews of other fine books
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Contradictions in the Catholic Church
We live in a society that loves to label people. Based on one or more of a person’s characteristics we are quick to call them a genius, a geek, a romantic, a jock, or a whole host of other names that describe their persona in one or two words. The current Pope and the more righteous members of the Catholic Faith have bestowed a label upon me. I am referred to as a Cafeteria Catholic. The label is used to denote one who is not in total agreement with all the teachings of the Catholic Church. If that be the case then yes, I am a Cafeteria Catholic. Those who claim to follow every teaching of the Church say that my position is due to a lack of understanding and knowledge of my Catholic Faith. They tell me that if I was better informed I would see the light. Well, I’m rapidly approaching my 70th birthday and I have studied Catholicism since the first day I entered All Saints Catholic grammar school many years ago. Instead of being enlightened by all that knowledge I found that it just raised more questions and more uncertainty. Following are some of the questions I still wrestle with. Maybe I am ignorant. You be the judge. These questions are what I call – “Contradictions in the Catholic Church.”
How can the Church make women Saints but not make them priests?
If the Blessed Mother wanted to be a priest today would the Church allow it?
Why are there seven Sacraments for men and only six for women?
If Jesus found it in His Heart to give Judas His Body and Blood at the Last Supper, knowing that he was going to betray Him, how can the Church deny Holy Communion to anyone?
If all Catholics are expected to obey the Pope why did Pope Benedict reinstate four Bishops excommunicated by Pope John Paul II?
If homosexuality is genetic and we are all made in the image and likeness of God why does the Church treat homosexuals like God’s junk?
If priests are not supposed to engage in sex why does the Church exclude homosexual priests from its ranks?
Is the rule of celibacy based on financial concerns?
How can committing adultery and using birth control during sex with your wife carry the same Mortal Sin stigma?
Why should a newborn infant be denied Baptism in the Catholic Church because of what the Church considers the “sins of the parents?”
In a court of law lying under oath is called perjury and will get you thrown in jail. If you lie while taking your vows during matrimony you will not only invalidate your vows but you will eligible for an annulment and be free to lie and remarry again. Isn’t there something wrong with this picture?
Why do we need to shop around for priests who are willing to interpret the rules with love and compassion?
Why doesn’t the Church embrace all its members? Why does it appear that it goes out of its way to alienate the young, the divorced, women and homosexuals?
Why did the Church give sanctuary to Cardinal Law in the Vatican after all the pain and suffering he inflicted on young men by his irresponsible actions?
How can the Church come up with millions of dollars to settle pedophile lawsuits but not come up with money to build new churches or keep the current ones open?
As Catholics we are taught to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit. Why then are we not allowed to use His guidance when it conflicts with the teachings of the Church? Does the Holy Spirit only speak to the Church’s hierarchy?
Does the Church really care about its declining numbers in the United States?
Why do so many “good Catholics” and those in the hierarchy want to revert back to the Church before Vatican II? Doesn’t this make Pope John XXIII look like a fool?
Why can’t we receive the Sacrament of Matrimony outdoors surrounded by God’s work? Why must we be forced to marry in a building surrounded by man’s work? Would it be a financial loss to the Church if it allowed weddings outside a Church building?
These are just a few questions I have. Please feel free to post your comments to this blog. Carl DiLorenzo
How can the Church make women Saints but not make them priests?
If the Blessed Mother wanted to be a priest today would the Church allow it?
Why are there seven Sacraments for men and only six for women?
If Jesus found it in His Heart to give Judas His Body and Blood at the Last Supper, knowing that he was going to betray Him, how can the Church deny Holy Communion to anyone?
If all Catholics are expected to obey the Pope why did Pope Benedict reinstate four Bishops excommunicated by Pope John Paul II?
If homosexuality is genetic and we are all made in the image and likeness of God why does the Church treat homosexuals like God’s junk?
If priests are not supposed to engage in sex why does the Church exclude homosexual priests from its ranks?
Is the rule of celibacy based on financial concerns?
How can committing adultery and using birth control during sex with your wife carry the same Mortal Sin stigma?
Why should a newborn infant be denied Baptism in the Catholic Church because of what the Church considers the “sins of the parents?”
In a court of law lying under oath is called perjury and will get you thrown in jail. If you lie while taking your vows during matrimony you will not only invalidate your vows but you will eligible for an annulment and be free to lie and remarry again. Isn’t there something wrong with this picture?
Why do we need to shop around for priests who are willing to interpret the rules with love and compassion?
Why doesn’t the Church embrace all its members? Why does it appear that it goes out of its way to alienate the young, the divorced, women and homosexuals?
Why did the Church give sanctuary to Cardinal Law in the Vatican after all the pain and suffering he inflicted on young men by his irresponsible actions?
How can the Church come up with millions of dollars to settle pedophile lawsuits but not come up with money to build new churches or keep the current ones open?
As Catholics we are taught to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit. Why then are we not allowed to use His guidance when it conflicts with the teachings of the Church? Does the Holy Spirit only speak to the Church’s hierarchy?
Does the Church really care about its declining numbers in the United States?
Why do so many “good Catholics” and those in the hierarchy want to revert back to the Church before Vatican II? Doesn’t this make Pope John XXIII look like a fool?
Why can’t we receive the Sacrament of Matrimony outdoors surrounded by God’s work? Why must we be forced to marry in a building surrounded by man’s work? Would it be a financial loss to the Church if it allowed weddings outside a Church building?
These are just a few questions I have. Please feel free to post your comments to this blog. Carl DiLorenzo
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