Greetings and peace,
As pastor, I hope these pages have been of help to you in finding out more about our Catholic Christian faith and about Saint Henry parish in Bridge City, Texas.  I have set aside this page to offer some insight to important issues facing the Church and its members. What issues do I as a pastor think are important?  Well, there are several issues that I wish Catholics, especially in our country would reflect upon.  There are a number of issues that I know that you, as individual Catholics wish "me" to reflect upon.  Hopefully the issues that presented here will be food for thought for all of us!  Please remember, that as Church, we should be considered a united "Catholic (i.e., Universal)" Church.

Issue” Ecumenism: Relationship of the Catholic Church to other Christians and other Beliefs

In June of 2007, the Vatican released the document: Responses to Some Questions Regarding Certain Aspects of The Doctrine of the Church. OK, the title does not sound that exciting, but many Catholics and non-Catholics did get very excited about what they were told the document stated. Here is a link to the document that should help put aside many misconceptions that have cropped up.

RESPONSES TO SOME QUESTIONS REGARDING CERTAIN ASPECTSOF THE DOCTRINE ON THE CHURCH

After reading the document, it should be apparent that no one is questioning other's “Christianity”, but instead is restating how the Catholic Church relates to other Christian expressions, even those that have removed from their tenets of faith such important beliefs as Sacraments, Apostolic Succession, and the Communion of Saints. Clearly stated is the idea that even these communities have been used by the Holy Spirit as instruments of salvation. The Catholic Church continues to work through a variety of channels to heal the wounds that have divided Christianity.

Issue: Abuse by Clergy

Perhaps no other issue has challenged Catholics over these first years of the new millennium as abuse of children by clergy.  There is no excuse that can be offered by these men who perpetuated such horrors on the most innocent members under their care. Too many bishops, entrusted with the care of both priests and parishioners, too often made horrendous decisions and too often trusted faulty recommendations of mental health professionals and spiritual counselors. The damage done to innocents and faith will continue to be on our conscience as Church and a stain on our ministry.  Hopefully, the faithful ministry of the far greater majority of priests will be appreciated and supported as we all strive to serve in Christ's name to the people of God.   Please look at the links offered by the Bishops of the United States in their acknowledgment of past failures and their solemn pledge to stop such abuse in the future.

Restoring Trust: Response to Clergy Sexual Abuse

Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies:Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors
by Priests or Deacons

Issue: Catholics and Politics

Another issue that I wish all Catholics would prayerfully read is that most delicate of issues with so many Catholics --- Politics. How should Catholic Christians approach the governance of our nation???

Why is Politics so emotional an issue?  Politics in its original meaning basically means "concerning people". It is not a dirty word.  Please check on the link that I have for documents from our American bishops, I believe that you will their words are words of wisdom and faith.   Please check these links to find out more about how to prayerfully discern the use of our right to vote.

Faithful Citizenship: A Catholic Call to Political Responsibility (2003-2004)

                National Faithful Citizenship:  NCCB/USCC 1999 document

                                     On Political Responsibility:  NCCB/USCC 1987 document

         
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Please note that the Guest book for Prayer Requests and comments is now available.

May God continue to guide you to be a true disciple of Christ.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Jim McClintock

This guest book has been set aside for any who would like to offer comments or ask or offer prayers.  If you would like to offer a prayer request or a special intention to be remembered, you may write them in our guest book.

God bless,
Fr. Jim McClintock

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