Bishop Doran's Aug. 11 column "Reaping the whirlwind of abortion" (8/24/2006)
Calendar of Events
Family Media Guide
Bishop Doran's Column
(4/26/2007)
'Love" is Not a Catholic Group
There have been several inquiries at the Chancery concerning a group which calls itself Love Holy Trinity Blessed Mission. Several priests have been asked if this group is a Catholic group. Church law (Statute 88 §2) states: "An association or society may not legitimately call itself Catholic or achieve an official status in the Diocese of Rockford without the previous approval of the Holy See or the Diocesan Bishop."
No organization may call itself Catholic which has not been given this right either by the Roman Pontiff or by the bishop of some Catholic diocese. On July 13, 2004 the pastors of this diocese were informed that Love Holy Trinity Blessed Mission does not have the approval of the Holy See, that is, of the Pope, or of the Bishop of Rockford. On September 15, 2005 The Most Reverend Jerome Hanus, OSB, Archbishop of Dubuque, informed the clergy, religious and laity of the Archdiocese of Dubuque that Love Holy Trinity Blessed Mission is not approved as a Catholic organization and that Archbishop Hanus did not consider it "qualified to offer acceptable Catholic programs or activities in the Archdiocese of Dubuque."
Over and over again, Love Holy Trinity Blessed Mission makes the same error: claiming to be "Catholic" without getting the approval of the proper Church authority, namely, the Holy Father or the diocesan bishop.
Inquiry has been made at the Vatican and nothing was found there to indicate that Love Holy Trinity Blessed Mission has applied to Rome for formal approval. No formal approval from the Vatican has ever been given. Neither the Diocese of Rockford nor the diocesan bishop of this diocese nor any pastor in the diocese intends to become involved in the strictly legal elements of what this group is seeking. These words are written so that all of good will may know that Love Holy Trinity Blessed Mission is not a Catholic group and that the Diocese of Rockford, its bishop, its priests or parishes are not affiliated in any way with this group.
Pastors and others in positions of Church leadership are not to give permission to Love Holy Trinity Blessed Mission under that title or any other name and purpose to meet in parish or other Church facilities. This applies to all institutions which come under the general oversight of the Bishop of Rockford.
Periodicals and other materials produced by Love Holy Trinity Blessed Mission are not to be distributed on parish grounds or in other Catholic Church institutions. All Catholic faithful are cautioned against participation in and association with this group. Clergy and others in Church leadership are not to support or endorse Love Holy Trinity Blessed Mission.
It is the law of the Catholic Church that whenever any organization claiming to be Catholic receives the approval of the Holy Father, or of any diocesan bishop, that this approval should be given to them in writing and that such document should be available for inspection by anyone who legitimately asks to see such proof. Such documents then, of course, can be examined for their authenticity.
I realize that the above words are extremely clear and repetitious but in these days when so many mistake authentic religion for spurious forms, it is important that the Catholic faithful have clear direction from the Church leadership as to the course the Church asks to be followed. If there are any questions about what I have written above, please contact the diocesan offices at 815-399-4300. The Catholic faithful of the Diocese of Rockford are requested and encouraged to make this information known to all who inquire.
Meet Bishop Doran |
back to top
Family Media
Guide
The Observer Home | Rockford Diocese Home
![[ The Observer e-dition ]](images/observerhead.gif)
