A Young Priest Sets the Record Straight for the Catholic Left
This past week Sulpician Fr. Phillip J. Brown, rector of the Theological College, the national diocesan seminary of the Catholic University of America, thought it a good idea to grant an interview to the dissident media outlet the National Catholic Reporter. The topic? Is there a “Francis effect” noticeable to Fr. Brown among the current crop of seminarians, and if so, what does it look like?
In the article, Fr. Brown and the NCR present the all too common false narrative of the Catholic Left: namely, that those already ordained to the priesthood in recent years are not really interested in works of mercy and pastoral care, but rather only about traditionalism, and matters such as wearing the cassock and Communion on the tongue.
The following response is courtesy of Father Kyle Doustou, a priest of the Diocese of Portland, Maine. It is presented here with his permission.
A Young Priest Sets the Record Straight for the Catholic Left
The National Catholic Reporter article, written from an interview given by the out-going Rector of my former seminary, is very hurtful. The men who were formed in and ordained from Theological College over the past 10 years are some of the best and most pastoral men and priests that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Inventing a false dichotomy between a love for the Church’s traditions and a love for the people of God is a manipulative, ideological tool used to push forth one’s personal agenda.
I have known Father Brown for many years, and have a great deal of respect and admiration for him personally, but this public interview he gave with an openly dissenting “Catholic” publication warrants an alumnus response.
As one of the many cassock-wearing, Communion-on-the-tongue-receiving, Latin-loving, Extraordinary-Form-Mass-saying young priests that have passed through the halls of Theological College, allow me to say plainly to anyone who would agree with the tone and sentiment of this article that you have deliberately and painfully pigeon-holed men who love the Church and cast us to be pompous little monsters simply because we have a different theological/liturgical outlook than you.
You condescend towards us as if we were not thinking, opining, and sincere men.
You gossip about us, ensuring that we are “put in our places” and “taught a thing or two” by your confreres.
You confuse our strong convictions with arrogance and accuse us of being staunch when we are trying more than anything else to be faithful, helpful, and loving.
But let’s be quite honest…you don’t really know us because you never took the time to get to know us. You saw us when we were in the seminary chapel or over breakfast…but that’s about it.
Have you seen us at 2:00 AM in the hospital?
Have you seen us working late into the night on a funeral homily?
Have you seen us giving up our one day off a week to visit with a lonely elderly parishioner?
Have you seen us on our knees at night before the tabernacle weeping because we just buried a child earlier that day?
Have you seen us celebrate four Masses on a weekend, hear hours of confessions, and still show up to Sunday evening Youth Ministry?
Have you seen us wear the same pair of socks two days in a row because we simply ran out of time to do laundry?
Have you seen us muster a smile even when we’re exhausted, or miss Christmas with our families because we’re assigned 300 miles away, or forget to eat dinner because there’s another meeting to go to?
The answer is no. What you see are the cassocks and birettas and fiddleback chasubles and accuse us of being “out of touch.” Well the reality is, you are guilty of the very thing you accuse us of. You ignore our humanity, our struggle, our sincerity, and you fixate on external things to make your judgments.
As difficult as it is at times, I love being a priest with my whole heart. Not because it offers me an exalted status or any privileges, but because it offers me, and the people I serve, the means by which to attain salvation. I love the people I serve to death, and I would do anything within my means to help them. If you look at my cassock and presume otherwise, I can only feel sorry for you.
Myself and the other men who were indirectly insulted in this interview are the ones on the battlefield. As parish priests, we work hard, sacrifice hard, and try daily to live solely for God in Jesus Christ. Instead of insinuating that Theological College had to somehow put up with a decade or more of rigid, overly-conservative, and ideological seminarians, why not offer us a word of encouragement and perhaps even a prayer or two?
(Photo Credit: CC Watershed)
Posted on May 14, 2016, in holiness, liturgy and tagged Fr. Kyle Doustou, Fr. Phillip Brown, National Catholic Reporter, Theological College, young priests. Bookmark the permalink. 151 Comments.
Way to respond in love and charity! Fr. Doustou, you are a shining example of orthodoxy and a true champion of the church.
Thank you for your daily sacrifice.
God bless you and keep you.
Roman Catholics, i.e., every and all who are under the umbrella of “Catholic,” have no need to launch out into religious superstition. People and cultures develop superstitions; Dogma (Articles of Faith), the “truth to be believed” can seem insufficient to some folks. Clinging to Jesus, God Almighty, loving Him, as the motivating force of our lives, seems not enough, so folks create fields of interest other than Jesus, God Almighty. Ask any seminarian what has motivated him to join up. If he says “Because I love Jesus” and really means it, well his priorities are on the right track. All the other reasons must flow from this fundamental love for Jesus. And although the Name of Jesus is hardly used in the Roman Catholic Church-other than in the ritual-they have to overcome a shyness in expressing their love for Him as their first priority. If I hear a bishop/priest proclaim that the Church is “All about Jesus,” he’s got my attention. If Jesus is not the first “run to” for our problems, we surely have a problem.
I’m assuming you’re not a practicing Catholic. Thanks for your thoughts, but rest assured, any serious Catholic knows a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation and bedrock of our life in the Church. Talk to a few of us if you doubt me. God Bless!
My son is also a Priest. Individuals have no idea of the time spent counseling people at 12:20 am b/c they are suicidal, or mssing out on family events b/c of Priestly duties. This was a great article and God Bless Father for taking the time to respond. Ann Francis
7% of a priest’s time-usually-is spent in dispensing the Sacraments. With 93% of the rest of his time, I expect a priest to be up at all hours, ministering to the needy. It goes with the turf. If an ordained guy complains about anything in the Priestly vocation-like he’s being put upon outside his pay grade-he should move on to other things. Time to man up.
Regarding this specific blog post and priest, there wasn’t any complaining going on; simply fraternal correction of his former seminary rector. Also, regarding the 93:7 ratio…I would prefer to see that a bit more balanced. As ONLY our priests can offer the Holy Sacrifice and hear Confessions, there is just as much need (if not more) for that in today’s world. We need that supernatural duty fulfilled, that grace that only comes from the sacraments.
“7% dispensing the Sacraments” i.e, The Holy Sacrifice, Confessions, Anointing, (Baptism and Marriage can be covered by a Deacon. There are six deacons in our parish). Usually comes to about 12 hours a week, in a 168 hour week. Maybe a little longer, but usually not much more. As I mentioned, all the other “difficulties” go with the turf.
Many priests spend much more time than 7% with sacraments. And who are you , Mr Uroda, to say what you expect when the average priest has been doing just that for centuries? Priests today know what goes with the turf and do not need sarcastic reminders such as yours. Many many of them are not feeling put upon…and it is time YOU man up and show compassion to the priests who give up hours of needed rest to be available to their people all throughout the day. What proof do you have that everywhere across the country and around the world that most priests are not fulfilling their duty?
Wow…I suggest you go to Confession if your priest offers it. Insulting men of God is totally uncatholic. Shame is a lost condition…you should rediscover it. Humility too.
wow, you seem really out of touch with catholicism. the catholic church is always mentioning jesus with the highest of praise.
The Roman Catholic Church was founded by Jesus, God Almighty. He, unlike other founders of organizations, is alive and present in every aspect of our world. I’ve noticed that in official Church documents, e.g., The Apostolic Letter “Laetamur Magnopere” of Pope John Paul, Jesus’ Vicar at the time, makes no mention of Jesus’ Name. This document is the intro to the “Catechism of the Catholic Church,” a supremely important book. In the Apostolic Constitution-“Fidei Depositum”- the Pope breaks down and mentions the Holy Name twice. His Name does occur, sparsely, in the 904 pages of the CCC. Pope Francis frequently mentions the Name of Jesus. Look at your Sunday bulletin. When I look at my bulletin, there is no mention of Jesus’ Name. The vast majority of hymns at The Holy Sacrifice never mention His Name. This absences of Jesus’ Name is not just a Catholic thing. Going into a Baptist bookstore in my area, the Name of Jesus is conspicuous by its absence. My wife was enthusiastic over a Catholic book “Rediscover Catholicism” by Matthew Kelly. Mr. Kelly’s name is overwhelmingly in plain sight, on every page. The Name of Jesus is cursorily mentioned throughout the book. The overwhelming number of parishes bear the name of someone else, other than Jesus, in their titles. Who, and what is a parish about? These are just a few examples. Of course, everyone pays lip service, and acknowledges the tremendous statement in Acts 4,12. But, IMO, little else. Jesus is our Best Friend Who loves us like no other; He’s with us 24/7. Surely the literary devices of writing can creatively be used to inject the Name of our Beloved Friend, Jesus, God Almighty in word documents and other literary works. When St. Paul was grovelling in his conversion experience, He asked “Who are you, Sir?” The reply was “I am Jesus…”
Mr. Uroda, the infrequency with which Christ’s name is used in Catholic documents is simply explained by the high degree of respect accorded to “the name that is above every other name” (Phil. 2:9). Pope John Paul II once said that he usually preferred to say Christ because of the very respect which his family and culture taught him to have for the name of Jesus.
In terms of private devotion, Christ’s name is used much more frequently. The Jesus Prayer has gained popularity in Catholic circles and the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: “The name of Jesus is at the heart of Christian prayer” (CCC 435).
God help the Church if this the dress wearing, fancy hat loving cassock and bieretta know it all crowd should ever gain ascendancy in the Church and hierarchy again. Latin is an extinct language and has been for centuries. Perhaps it’s time for all this ritualistic dress up and nonesense that goes with the pining for the Latin Mass to pass away just as the language has. I am sure Jesus can understand the vernacular of His peopletoday just as well as He can understand Latin. Nor do I believe that He gets upset if the all the ritual formulas, bowing, genuflecting, et. al. aren’t precisely followed. And I think that perhaps sticking your tongue out at Him just as He is about to present Himself to you at communion is extremely disrespectful. The reverence is in our hearts….. Latin or The Latin Mass doesn’t manufacture it, anymore more than English or the English Mass diminishes it. Enough of the nonesense. Let these young priests get wet behind the ears and learn a little about life, especially the life as lived by their married parishioners and what goes into a parish before trying to undo Vatican II and drag the Church back to the Middle Ages.
Jay, you are a one note wonder. Here’s how it works…I post something here at the blog, and then you come in as the “progressive” stereotype (think Nat’l Catholic Reporter com box type), reciting the Spirit of VII party line, but never saying anything new or ever (apparently) taking anything to heart…or to prayer…that I’ve posted. Seriously, EVERY pat objection and NCR talking point you laundry listed has been refuted either by my posts or by some of the exceptional commenters of this blog.
I’ve noticed your comments have many “I”s and little else. You might want to take into consideration the views and arguments presented here week after week and see how you might cultivate a better understanding of true worship, Catholic tradition, and the rituals and organic development of the Roman Rite. I mean that sincerely.
LG, as a matter of fact the NCR article that the young priest found so objectionable was read in its entirety. There appeared to be very little basis for his crying and whineing. Perhaps he is a lad very disappointed with his life choices. Please excuse my use of the first person “I” in previous posts, however it usually is a helpful term when referring to personal experiences of faith, belief and understanding of truth, even though they may lead to a point of view substantially different than yours If one hasn’t been there one may talk of what others know or have heard, or been told, but as one grows more in one’s faith, how else does one speak of the revelations a faith filled life brings to each individual. Should one use the a papal collective “We” instead? As to the objection of yourself or other exceptional commentators to ideas expressed by others not in agreement with your premisses, please be advised that objections do not make refutations, no matter how hard you may wish that they do.
True worship is what is practiced every day by millions of Catholics throughout the world happily attending Mass and receiving the sacraments in their own tongue. True prayer is locking yourself in a closet away from the world and praying as Jesus admonishes. True love is charity for our brothers and sisters in Christ, regardless of their denomination, having all been baptized into the Body of Christ. Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, sent Pope Francis to lead us through these troubling times, to open the Doors of Mercy, so that as many as can be saved will be saved. We as Catholics should all be praying for his success and not trying to tear him down at every turn. Yes, beware of wolves in sheeps clothing, but here’s a clue, the wolf ain’t Pope Francis
AMDG
Thanks Jay. You actually sound quite ignorant of true worship. I don’t mean that disrespectfully, just an assessment of the continual Catholic self-loathing comments you leave. True worship is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. There are many beautiful and true ways to pray, but the worship of the Church (the liturgy…public ritual/worship) is the Holy Mass. I don’t know your age, but you sound to be of the generation who has spent the post-conciliar years destroying the sacred, beautiful, and good that was entrusted to you.
You do use quite a few “I”s because you choose your opinion (repeatedly) over the tradition and wisdom of Holy Mother Church. Of course, when it comes to opinions, every one has one. But they are just that. I choose to rely on the teachings, quotes, and wisdom of those within the Church who know a great deal more than you and I, both experientially and historically.
I appreciate that you read the blog and take the time to comment. I honestly do. I just would like you to see if the very purpose of my blog…the recovery of the sacred through that which is true, beautiful, and good in the Catholic Mass…might be taken to heart and to prayer more before commenting. Something to ponder hopefully.
Yeah, I resent that Latin-the language of the Roman oppressors who tortured and killed Jesus-should become THE Church language over Greek or Hebrew, but that’s what got the Church for hooking up with Constantine. And all the outward royal symbols of power and elitism as well. Hey, the Church is still young and we’ll get through the culture struggles. Many priests realize that they are, by their love for Jesus and the laying on of hands, servants of His people with a capital “S” and play down the poetry of “Priest, Prophet and King” in the ordination ritual. Guys like Frs. Bob Thames from the Diocese of Ft. Worth, or Tim Gollob in Dallas, Texas. Both are long in the tooth, but are still humble, productive servants. I pray that all priests have the juice that has kept these men walking the lonely valley/King’s highway.
Wait…what are you talking about Frank? Do you take issue with Divine Providence and our Catholic history? We should thank God that Constantine won at the Milvan Bridge. We should thank God that he was responsible for the Edict of Milan and the Council of Nicea. We should thank God that the Roman empire provided the roads, travel, trade, infrastructure, and authority to help the Church spread throughout the empire. I’ve never heard any past pope or Council apologize for the language of the Latin Rite. Why do you? Finally, the very point of this original blog post by Father Kyle was to say that these young priests understand their role to serve…and that it is in no way contradicted by the beautiful and sacred manner in which they offer the sacraments, or their devotion to the Traditional liturgy.
To say that Divine Providence is to blame for the Church’s history and its secular grandiosity is a bit of a stretch. The Holy Fathers probably were content with their position in the Holy Roman Empire and just took Latin for granted and were happy they weren’t food for whatever shape the lions took in their day.
Wonderful conjecture based on what exactly?
To be clear, the Mass you probably attend – the ordinary form of the Roman Rite – is a Latin Mass, regardless of the language predominantly employed in the saying of it. The ordinary form of the Roman Rite is the most common manner of celebrating Mass in the Latin Church – the Church to which you probably belong, unless you are a member of one of the Eastern Churches in communion with the Holy See. There are actually a variety of traditions in the Latin Church according to which Mass may be celebrated. In addition to the Roman Rite are the Dominican Rite, Carthusian Rite, Ambrosian Rite, and others. There is also an “Anglican use” of the Roman Rite. I think when one gets educated on the wonderful multiplicity of historically rooted liturgical traditions, one has an easier time overcoming any natural fear that may arise whenever Latin is spoken at Mass.
I’ve gone through all the stages of Roman Catholic Ritual: Tridentine version of the Holy Sacrifice (best for meditative souls, esp. “Low Mass”); Gregorian Chant-I understand Latin. The various Gregorian modes, THX to Solesmes, bring out the Scriptural texts so powerfully. Love it. Why others, who don’t understand Latin, like the Chant, is beyond me. The Holy Sacrifice, in the vernacular just before Vat II, and since, has the character of linking up the members. Love it. Some of the musical compositions are memorable and moving, and the vernacular is comprehensible. The pre-Vatican priestly ritual haberdashery is about the same; some priests don’t wear a maniple or a biretta (hat, not a gun). The ever-present books are still around. I’ve always thought that after reciting the routine prayers (Introductory and Canon) a hundred times, the celebrant should have the script down cold. Being a speech teacher, I’ve a critical ear as I listen to a well-planned and delivered short homily (Yea), and for the rambling, off-Scripture-topics of the day’s readings (boo). However, with the eyes of faith, I see a sea of human beings in love with Jesus, God Almighty as He offers Himself to His Father, and to us, His brothers and sisters. This is a great comfort to me.
I think you’d really like Our Lady Queen of Heaven in Lake Charles, Louisiana. I know I do. But I also like the cathedral in Lake Charles, which was constructed and outfitted in an earlier era. It is lovely in its ornateness. There was a commenter on here – whether he had any formal theological or liturgical formation I don’t know – but anyway, he made a comment which, for all its simplicity, resonates with me. He more or less said that grocers offer both creamy and crunchy peanut butter….why make someone drive hours for one or the other? For me, so long as the peanuts are of good quality and lovingly processed, I’m happy with both kinds of peanut butter. I might gravitate toward crunchy but I prefer organic, small batch creamy peanut butter over mass produced crunchy peanut butter. If that makes sense…..
Wow..you epitomize a Vatican II fruit…bitter sour and with no brain cells to speak of…you ever wonder why the church is collapsing…a lack of wisdom, charity, humility, and a whole host of other virtues….it is full up on vices though.
C’mon, ease up a little. In the Symphony of Life, there is great diversity. In Grand Opera, it takes all kinds of performers: Tenors, Baritones and bassos, Sopranos of several varieties, and choruses making all sorts of beautiful interstitial harmonies. And then there are those who perform in the more recent “Musicals.” Same skills and voices, but in another venue. Then there are the skillful performers in Ballets, where there’s music, but the main feature is the poetry of motion. And a whole army behind the scenes, making it all possible. “That’s Entertainment.” In the Church, all of the artful creativity is called “Liturgy.” Some would venture “Sacred Liturgy,” others would say “Novus Ordo.”
Except that the form and rituals of reverence truly assist with internal disposition. Many younger Catholics and converts are actively promoting the beautiful traditions of art and liturgy within the church that have been thrown out with the bathwater in the last 50 years. It stems not from arrogance or a fetish for the things of yore as I have heard it crudely described, but from an understanding that these are treasures of the church, and truly beautiful in their reverence. What it boils down to is, when we have the choice of more beautiful and reverent, why choose less?
To those that live today…you claim Latin is a dead language in a very negative manner. Well, Latin is actually a blessing in that it does not change and is not subject to the modernistic value of interpretation. I for one find Latin beautiful in that it is how the prayers were said by our ancestors. You can keep your guitars ang drums, I will take chant. The sense of beauty in the modern day is lost….just look at the Art and church construction. Those that criticize the traditional sacred art and sacred tradition are the same ones who think this generation is superior to all others. Pride and ego run the show but fortunately not for all. This young priest is just one example. I will pray for him and others like him….not belittle him like these modern day hypocrites.
For those who complain about the traditions of the church, the beautiful Latin Mass, the vestments, when to stand or kneel during the Mass, it is obvious you operate from an intrinsic mode the way Judas did, and the Pharisees. You simply are blocking the Holy Spirit from working within you. If you do not like what happens, no one is forcing you to stay Catholic, if that is what you think you are. Many many people are devoted to the Latin Mass and follow traditions such as kneeling at the communion rail and taking the Host on the tongue, going to Confession often, and attending a Mass where the priest faces away from the people. There are many Masses where the new rite is followed so no one is forcing you to attend the they Mass offered the way you do not like it…. Christ promised the Holy Spirit would guide His church so if the former traditions are increasing, it could very well be that this is the Spirit of God working through the Church.
And we are right , I think you’ll say, to argue in this kind of way; and I am right, and you are right,and all is right-too-looral-lay.
This is a great article
Bravo Father and thank you and all priests for your commitment, humility and sacrifice. Priests and Religious turning on one another is just what the Devil delights in.
Amen you good and faithful servants! God Bless you always. Amen
God bless our new young priests who are traditional. Jesus wants His Mass said with reverence and love and that is the Trinitine Latin Mass. Offer up the negativity to One who lived His human life the same way. God bless all young traditional priests.
I am amazed at how much animosity is floating around here in these comments!! None of these profess the true love of our beautiful Lord and Savior Jesus!! Using His magnificent and glorious name to prove that one is more “right” or better versed than another shows nothing of humility. Love Him by living one another. Serve him by serving one another. Let Jesus work out the rest…no matter how frustrated someone else’s views or opinions make you, none of it truly matters if everything you do is for and because of Jesus! I don’t usually respond to this kind of stuff, but I think the real point of view that everbody here shares is that Jesus is all important, all loving, and entirely encompassing…what else do we need, and why should His name be tossed back and forth in such a negative manner? God bless you all for loving Jesus so much, but put your arguments away…and simply love Him (and love Him simply).💗
Indeed, especially since 75% of the arguing has nothing to do with what the Priest was saying in the article. Just another excuse for people on both sides to be uncharitable and “extort” what the priest was trying to say for their own further agenda.
And we are right , I think you’ll say, to argue in this kind of way; and I am right, and you are right,and all is right-too-looral-lay.
Sorry…you’re right. I should be kinder
I don’t have a particular affinity for “cassock-wearing, Communion-on-the-tongue-receiving, Latin-loving, Extraordinary-Form-Mass-saying young priests” (or any, for that matter) but I also lack the same affection for the corps of what I call “MBA” priests who often seem to lack the same enthusiasm for being pastoral. The examples cited by the author of the many things these young priests devote themselves to doing are commendable. Maybe the MBA priests need to get more serious about being pastoral and the “cassock-wearing, Communion-on-the-tongue-receiving, Latin-loving, Extraordinary-Form-Mass-saying young priests” could lighten up a little. As commendable as their work and enthusiasm is there is no honor in having a headache (or being one) because their halos are on too tightly. And those priests who lack the same work ethic should examine perhaps why they sought ordination in the first place.
I remember going to Confession and discovering, half-way through, the priest had gone to sleep — it transpired he had been up all night ministering to a dying parishioner.
Another elderly priest was extra late for Mass [he was usually late slow of body sharp of mind] it was thought he may have taken ill – he too had been up all night, ministering, on the phone, to someone in his previous parish which he had left all of fifteen years earlier.
There are saints still among us
I will add you to the list of priests in my prayers, Fr.! Thank you for being faithful, available and loving God until it hurts. There are many out here who love you for it!
I wish I had a reply worthy enough. I have a seminarian friend that will someday make a great priest. I will not mention his name. This article I just read gave me a lot more insight in his life and dedication to his life and vocation.
My brother is a seminarian, and God willing, will be a priest in a couple of years. Priests are probably one of the hardest working group of men, I have ever seen. Thank God for you and all the holy priests He sends us!
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