Having a cup of tea with Mrs Longenecker, I was discussing an email from an Anglo-Catholic who asked if they may attend Mass at St Mary’s and receive Holy Communion. “Yes and No” was the reply. I said to Mrs. L with some exasperation, “The dear old Anglo Catholics think they’re so close to us. They see the gap and think it is so narrow, but in fact it’s not narrow. It’s wide.” “Not wide. Deep. Very Deep” says Mrs.... Read more

A reader has asked me to elaborate further on the problems with the Protestant doctrine of Sola Scriptura: 1. Protestants like to blame Catholics for promoting non-Biblical, human created, late invented doctrines, but sola Scriptura–on which the entire edifice of Protestantism is based–is a doctrine unheard of until the sixteenth century. It is a doctrine invented by the Reformers and it is a doctrine with no Biblical basis. Ask a Protestant to defend sola Scriptura from Scripture and he can’t.... Read more

That we take the Scriptures from the Church, and that her authority is the sole warrant of their inspiration. “I would not have believed the Gospel if I had not been moved thereto by the authority of the Catholic Church.”               St Augustine of Hippo, Contra. Epist. Fundamenti. Read more

We were discussing the financial crisis the other day when I was reminded of a very sweet comment by someone on this blog. He said that when he began his career as an investment banker his supervisor would gather all the team together every day and start the day with prayer. The problem with out nation and our economy is not a question of this economic policy or that. It is not a question of communism or capitalism or any... Read more

That the Scriptures were never intended to teach complete Christian doctrine: “Hence it is plain that the Apostles did not deliver to us everything by their epistles, but many things without writing. These are equally to be believed. Wherefore let us believe the tradition of the Church. It is tradition. Seek no further.” St John Chrysostom, (commenting on 2 Thess. 2:14)  Hom. iv.in 2 Thess. Read more

A friend had a German exchange student living with them. He was a nice kid. Middle class and smart, but when they took him to Mass he said, “I don’t know why people need God. I don’t need God.” My friend said, “Believing in God gives me peace of mind.” “But I already have peace of mind” said the German kid. Of course. He felt okay because he doesn’t need God. He has a secure life. He enjoys health, good... Read more

That the Church is, by its origin, independent of, and previous to the New Testament: Supposing that the Apostles had left us nothing in writing, should we not still follow the rule of doctrine which they delivered to those to whom they entrusted the churches? This rule many barbarous nations follow, who, being without ink or parchment, have the word of salvation written by the Spirit in their hearts, and guard diligently the tradition which has been delivered.”  –St Irenaeus,... Read more

…in Northwest England Celebrate Holy Eucharist on the First Sunday in Lent. More pictures here. Read more

Fr. Z has a nice post here about standing still.  Read more

Sister Schneiders says the trendy sisters have “given birth to a new form of religious life.” Read it here. At least they now admit it. The trendy sisters in mini-habits are doing something which isn’t really Catholic anymore. Sister says she’s not really very concerned about the new investigation into women’s religious orders that is going on. To tell the truth, I’m not real concerned about the trendy sisters. They think they’re modern, but they’re really ancient. I mean they’re... Read more