Update: I should have known better.
Deacon Sandy has followed up again on Facebook and I have been weighing what to do.
Let me print his comment and then relay my thoughts.
Hi – Deacon Sandy here again. I wish to thank you Creative Minority for responding. I welcome the opportunity to dialogue.
I think if we continue to we will learn that we have more in common than not. I reference for reflection Mt. 18: 15-17a “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church” I wish you had come directly to me first.
It is specifically because of your feedback that our leadership team gathered yesterday and, after prayer, asking for God to guide us, we revisited our video and found several things that we admit should not have been included.
For example, we did not explain that our Assisting Priests are key in this Parish Director model. We did not say it was unleavened bread that we use. We did not give the history of the kneelers. There was also a “tone” issue that I will deal with in my next confession – it is not appropriate for me to go any farther here. There are other aspects of it that we are still praying over and reflecting on.
We continue to ask you to take down this video which we are admitting here should not have been posted. I think we both wish to be in closer relationship with God, to follow the example of Jesus Christ, and to achieve salvation for ourselves and our parishes. Pax.
As for coming to him first, I reply simply that this was no private sin to be handled privately. The video amounted to a public boast and I feel it very proper to highlight it as such.
That said, I will comply with the request to remove the video since they now admit there are things in there that are embarrassing, over emphasizing non-essentials, and the like.
Deacon Sandy has personally assured me that the “bread” contains nothing other than wheat flour and water even though it was not clear in the video and has been checked for compliance with the diocese. We are still following up with the Diocese, but I take him at his word.
As for the rest of it, I think it is indicative of a mindset that has been terribly destructive for the Church. But if they are no longer willing to stand by it as representative of their views, I am compelled in fairness to remove it.
It is my sincere hope that this week of embarrassment leads to real reconsideration of their approach rather than just leading them to be more circumspect about talking about it.
I thank everyone for their attention to this matter, I hope it made a difference. Only time will tell.
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