Sacred Heart Catholic Church

STATEMENT OF CLARIFICATION REGARDING POPE FRANCIS’ REMARKS ON CIVIL UNIONS       
     Diocese of Corpus Christi 3 November 2020 The Diocese of Corpus Christi is grateful for the clarification issued by the Secretariat of State of the Holy See at the direction of Pope Francis in which it clarifies certain remarks attributed to the Holy Father in the recent documentary “Francesco.”
These remarks have caused various reactions, interpretations, and confusion.

     The Holy See clarifies that Pope Francis’ remarks in the documentary were edited and put together from two different interview questions without the necessary context, which resulted in confusion.
    
     The Holy See further explains that Pope Francis was speaking first and foremost pastorally addressing situations when a family member experiences same-sex attraction, and that every person is always to be treated with dignity and respect, receiving the assistance needed to understand and fully carry out God’s will in their lives.

     Concerning the question of civil unions of same-sex persons, the Holy See clarifies that in context, Pope Francis was speaking only about a specific local law in Argentina from ten years ago. Then-Archbishop Jorge Bergoglio strongly opposed the Argentinian same-sex “marriage” law as “incongruent” with the Church’s long-standing teachings on marriage. As an alternative, he acknowledged his personal opinion of the possibility of civil union laws. The Holy See emphasized that in a 2014 interview, Pope Francis reiterated that “marriage is between a man and a woman.” Regarding civil unions, he stated that “different situations must be examined and evaluated according to their circumstances.”

     The Holy See clearly explains that in those alternative situations, Pope Francis was certainly not referring to the doctrine of the Church, which has been clearly taught on numerous occasions over the years. Such official teachings can be found, for example, in the 2003 document issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith under the direction of Pope St. John Paul II entitled “Considerations Regarding Proposals to Give Legal Recognition to Unions Between Homosexual Persons.”

     Therefore, in no way should the heavily edited and out-of-context interview comments of Pope Francis be misunderstood to be a call for a change in the teachings or policies of the Catholic Church concerning same-sex “marriage” or civil unions.

During Vocation Awarness Week, please pray that young peple in today's society will hear and respond to God's  call.

Do your part to encourage them to consider the Priesthood and Religious Life.


                

Monday, November 2, we remember all our departed brothers and sisters as we begin our
              All Souls Novena.  Nine Masses will be celebrated for them.


                                  

Bishop Mulvey has given the OK to increase attendance to 75%..

We strongly encourage wearing masks, especially if you are visiting from cities highly affected by the Corona Virus. Please be considerate of our Congregation and stay home if you are sick or have symptoms of illness and especially if you have even a slight fever. 

• There will only be one Entrance used through the Narthex.
• You are strongly encouraged to bring a mask and hand sanitizer.
• If you are 65 years or older with a health risk please, stay home.
• If you are sick or have any symptoms of any illness, stay home
• You are asked to follow safe distancing practices while in the church, entering and exiting.
• Every other pew will be used.
• Communion will be given in the hand only. There will be no distribution of the Precious Blood.
• No holding of hands during the Our Father. The Sign of Peace to each other will also be suspended.

                                                   

O Mary, you always brighten our path as a sign of salvation and of hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who, at the Cross, took part in Jesus’ pain while remaining steadfast in faith. O loving Mother, you know what we need, and we are confident you will provide for us as at Cana in Galilee. Intercede for us with your Son Jesus, the Divine Physician, for those who have fallen ill, for those who are vulnerable, and for those who have died. Intercede also for those charged with protecting the health and safety of others and for those who are tending to the sick and seeking a cure. Help us, O Mother of Divine Love, to conform to the will of the Father and to do as we are told by Jesus, who took upon himself our sufferings and carried our sorrows, so as to lead us, through the Cross, to the glory of the Resurrection. Amen.

Under thy protection we seek refuge, O Holy Mother of God. In our needs, despise not our petitions, but deliver us always from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen.
                                                                                                                    Adapted from the prayer of Pope Francis   

Let us continue to pray for all families around the world.


                                   A Prayer for the World Meeting of Families

Philadelphia 2015

God and Father of us all, in Jesus, your Son and our Savior,
you have made us your sons and daughters in the family of the Church.

May your grace and love help our families in every part of the world
be united to one another in fidelity to the Gospel.

May the example of the Holy Family, with the aid of your Holy Spirit
guide all families, especially those most troubled,
to be homes of communion and prayer
and to always seek your truth and live in your love.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, 
Pray for us!