From the other side of the Pacific Ocean, I rejoice at this decision. 
Does the church have a website?
A textbook case of how to make a change in your parish.
'[The tabernacle] is to be located in a place that is distinguished, conspicuous, beautifully decorated and suitable for prayer.'
In many Church buildings I have seen the tabernacle located in a side chapel that meets the criteria of "distinguished ... beautifully decorated and suitable for prayer" -- yet it is not conspicuous. How vital is the latter criterion if the other criteria are met? Or perhaps the more pertinent question is: How do we define "conspicuous"?
First:
Sursum Corda!
Next:
As to how prominent, if you feel like St. Mary Magdalene -- you don't know where they have taken your Lord, it's probably not prominent enough.
A few years ago our new pastor moved our Tabernacle back to the center of the sanctuary. It had been off to the side, and even more, it was at best a dull, uninteresting cabinet. Plus, it had been vandalised so many times over the years by people attempting to desecrate the Blessed Sacrament that the lock and hinges were in a sorry state of repair. So, in moving the Tabernacle back to its proper place, our parish acquired a stunningingly beautiful, shining gold one. We also did some renovations to the sanctuary, adding a three-level marble dais and a smaller marble altar on which the Tabernacle now rests. The Tabernacle is now flanked by two large classical-style angels, one of which holds the perpetual lamp required by church law.
Our church was built in 1969, so, as you might expect, it's rather a plain and undecorated building on the inside and on the outside, with sixties-style ugly, untalented, unartistic stained glass. But the sanctuary renovations were a major improvement, and the center of the life of our parish, which is the center of the life of the church building, is now a thing of real beauty. Much more can be, and God willing will be, done to beautify our plain, boring church building, but it's a start.
Speaking of restorations, has anyone else heard the news reports that yesterday the American bishops approved the new translation of Mass?
Given how much Bishop Trautman was gushing about it, am I right to be concerned?
I don't know all the details, but I think the U.S. bishops may have approved a few of Bishop Trautman's vandalising amendments/graffiti. Whether or not Rome will grant indults for those amendments remains to be seen. If Rome is really concerned that the English translation of the Missal be as universal as possible, it would hardly do for the U.S. Church to be given permission to pray things that no other English-speaker prays.
Actually, the centralized Tabernacle is one of the chief ways in which the Vatican plans to carry out its program of persecuting homosexuals.
Spritz Jr.
Spritz (Roister) knock it off.
Or is this Kathy playing the clown? Homophobia is showing.
Yup, Spritz = Kathy; apologies Roister.
Let's have a clear definition of homophobia, shall we?
Here it seems to mean: "Annoyed by the constant efforts of Fr. O'Leary to turn Blosser's blog into his personal forum for his own personal concern."
I've always thought the word homophobia was employed too widely, but this takes the cake.
Kathy, this is what you posted, on a thread that has nothing to do with the topic:
Actually, the centralized Tabernacle is one of the chief ways in which the Vatican plans to carry out its program of persecuting homosexuals.
Spritz Jr.
Spritz #2 | Homepage | 06.19.06 - 2:00 pm | #
The homophobia shows in the tones of contempt and scorn with which you speak here (and in a hundred other postings) of those you call "homosexuals". You will notice that Spirit of Vatican II never refers to gays as "homosexuals", though he uses "homosexual" (adj.)and "homosexuality" sometimes in a non-pejorative way.
Oh please. I had no idea that term was considered pejorative. Hardly "homophobia."
Take care, Spirit.
How was the mention of the Pastor being "an African" important to what happend??? Did the Pastor's birthright affect the outcome???
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