Questions for Dialogue

Bumping these questions back to the top again!

Tabernacle Questions


1. What is the proper role and placement of the Tabernacle in the Sanctuary?

2. How do you address the perception that one of the reasons for the removal of the Tabernacle from the Sanctuary is to stop private devotions? Or to rephrase the question, could communal prayers supplant private prayers?

3. A perception exists that the physical layout of the sanctuary space is sometimes manipulated, to make the placement of the Tabernacle difficult, and also to discourage private prayers and kneeling. How would you address this concern?

4. Will the diocese of Richmond ever promote tabernacle tolerance throughout the diocese to change the present situation of tabernacle intolerance?

5. Do diocesan officials realize some of the faithful feel as if they are being segregated if they wish to pray in the presence of the Real Presence in the Tabernacle before Sunday Mass?



Questions About Christian Education


1. Catechises in our Diocese, for the most part, uses products of two publishing corporations: RCL Benziger and William H. Sadlier, Inc. In the past, the Baltimore Catechism was used throughout the U.S. to teach the Faith to the Catholic youth.

However, even a cursory review of the currently used catechetical products shows that they differ markedly in emphasis, style, and even in content, from the Baltimore Catechism.

Why was the use of the Baltimore Catechism discontinued in our Diocese, and replaced by a relationship with these two companies?

2. In addition to attending Pathways, what other means does the diocese use to confirm that the volunteer-catechists are well-informed Catholics?

3. Is there any kind of assessment they take to make sure they have a solid foundation of knowledge on the teachings of the Church?

4. How does the diocese decide on which items of Church Teachings to place emphasis? For example, how are the Teachings on Purgatory, Indulgences, Morality (i.e. artificial contraception) and other problematic Teachings addressed?

5. Are the Church's Teachings addressed consistently across the diocese from parish to parish? Or does the culture of the parish dictate which Teachings will be emphasized or taught?



Questions About the Liturgy


1. What is the Church teaching on the proper attitude (how to conduct oneself) while in the sanctuary before Mass?

2. What is the status of the motu proprio "Summorum Pontificum" in our Diocese?

3. How would you like to see the Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest (SCAP) implemented in our Diocese?

4. Why does our Office of Worship not follow the universal GIRM and its US adaptation which specify that the deacon should kneel for the consecration of the Host and Chalice whenever deacons assist at Mass?

5. Why does the Office of Worship discourage the option (given by the US Bishops to pastors) of using a crucifix during the Good Friday adoration of the cross ?

6. Is Communion in the hand the universal norm or are first communicants instructed that they are still allowed to receive on the tongue?

7. There were numerous and complicated questions about kneeling and genuflections and the absence of kneelers in the church; and whether students can be forbidden to genuflect. Please check the comments here.



General Questions about the Diocese


1. What do you think are the main strengths and challenges of this Diocese?

2. What do you think are possible solutions to the worsening priest shortage in our Diocese?



~ I don't think it wise to add any more questions for the time being; but you can continue to post them as comments in the previous article and I will save them. I hope I was able to cover most of the questions you wanted to ask. s.m. ~