Volume > Issue > Note List > Silly Putty Catholicism

Silly Putty Catholicism

Kris Berggren is upset. She tells the story (National Catholic Reporter, Jul. 4) of Kathy Itzin, “a nice, lesbian middle-aged mom who works as elementary faith formation director at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Minneapolis” who “almost received an ‘Excellence in Catechesis’ award from the St. Paul-Minneapolis archdiocese until someone pointed out the nature of her family life — she lives with her partner and their four children — to Archbishop Harry Flynn, who subsequently withdrew the award.”

Ms. Berggren is upset because she thinks Ms. Itzin is an ideal “role model mom.” Ms. Itzin has adopted children, “including a hard-to-place teenager and a child with special needs.” She volunteers at a homeless shelter. And so forth.

Well, Colleen Perfect, President of Catholic Parents OnLine, is the one who notified Archbishop Flynn. Ms. Berggren says of Mrs. Perfect: “She doesn’t want to see gay or lesbian people in church, except those who choose a life of celibacy,” whereas Ms. Berggren does want to see them there.

Ms. Berggren says that Ms. Itzin “has lived a life of faithfulness to the paramount Catholic values of justice and charity.” Ms. Berggren adds: “The bottom line for Catholics, as we all may rest assured, is the primacy of human conscience.”

Enjoyed reading this?

READ MORE! REGISTER TODAY

SUBSCRIBE

You May Also Enjoy

Briefly: November 1994

Reviews of The Celestine Prophecy... The Soul of the American University... Destinations Past

A Failed Experiment

If liturgical music returns to praising and glorifying God, our focus has a better chance of returning to the Eucharist and the Word.

Whither Goeth the Reform of the Reform?

What measures should be taken to fast-forward the reform of the reform; to stop the nonsense and increase the sense of the sacred at Mass?