At the "third informational meeting" held before she was officially acting as the administrator, she made 2 statements, in front of a good size representation of the congregation, when asked if some of the previous traditional liturgical practices would remain the same at Saint Anne's. She replied, "I AM what I AM and it IS what it IS".
When asked about wanting to become a priest, she announced quite boldly, "It is no secret that since 1975, I have wanted to become a priest." When asked by a parishoner if she understood that this was against the acceptance of the Catholic Church, she told the parishoner that he was "out of line". This was very confusing to many of us, as we still cannot figure out exactly what or who, it IS she THINKS she IS.
...
Read the whole thing.
Update. Uber-blogger Fr. Z links to the post.
Posts
19 comments:
Sister Joan and Fr. Gary are the 2008 version of Mary Rammerman and (Fr.) Jim Callan, only they get to play it out at two churches
She replied, "I AM what I AM and it IS what it IS".
.
.
.
This was very confusing to many of us, as we still cannot figure out exactly what or who, it IS she THINKS she IS.
Isn't is obvious?
She's Popeye.
What is happening in the Diocese of Rochester?
This so-called nun, Sister Joan Sobala would like to "act like a man" and become a priest.
The bishop and a few of his priests (Fr. Marcoux) want to act like women and push the homosexual movement.
It is time to clean house and put this trash to the curb.
The good news is that this shows the bishop acting to clean up a trouble spot.
The bad news is that the bishop obviously regards his good parishes as trouble spots.
What was that line....
"...scattering the flock..."
Applicable to the assignment of a rebel to a traditional parish, I think.
Your post was referenced at: http://romancatholicblog.typepad.com/roman_catholic_blog/
with some pictures noting the desecration at Sacred Heart Cathedral.
How can she tell a Catholic man he is out of line for reminding her of Catholic doctrine? The outrageousness of this gets to me every time I come here and re-read this post. Did everyone just shut up after that?
It makes my blood boil from a distance. I hope the parishioners will keep resisting, and document everything.
Susan Peterson
Far be it for me, a layman, to remind our shepherds of their duty and obligation before Almighty God to guard and guide the souls of their spiritual sons and daughters. However... . Why, O why would a bishop appoint a notorious dissenter to a position of authority? I could speculate: A) perhaps the tradition minded parish experience might rub off on her and she might come to her senses; Or, B) perhaps this is a way of "updating" the parishioners. Let's hope and pray for scenario A. Sister Sobala might not be ready for the Ol' Gals (no disrespect intended) of Saint Anne's Parish. In my experience, the ladies of any parish can be most persuasive.
Just like the PLC at St. Stephens in Monterey Park in the Archdiocese of LA...habitless nun running the parish
I suggest a full court press. Disrupt every attempt at her doing her job. Picket every mass. Keep asking the hard questions.
DON'T ROLL OVER AND TAKE IT!
WWJD
Let Sister Joan and Bishop Clark know that they are in our prayers. Genuflect, kneel for communion and take the Host on our tongue. We are who we are,Christ like.And He is who He is.
The poor people of St. Anne's are in for a long reign of terror under "Pope Joan" Sobala. In her last assignment, St. Francis in Phelps and St. Felix in Clifton Springs, she acted as a kind of "co-hostess" and "preached" at Mass. Then she began vandalizing the churches. At St. Francis in Phelps, she removed all but one of the crucifixes in the Church and ripped out the altar rail, despite the fact that it was personally paid for by the founding pastor and that it in no way was a liturgical impediment. She then used the pieces to make a new "altar." At St. Felix, she got rid of the two side altars and tried to get rid of some of the statues despite the fact that, again, they were not in the way of anything. When a priest who is a native of the parish came home to for the funeral of a relative, she tried to preempt his giving the homily until the family intervened. My prayers are with the Catholics of St. Anne's. She was obviously sent there by their liberal bishop to destroy the remants of Roman Catholicism at that parish.
As posted by DJ Fiorito on another blog, previously:
Trouble at St. Anne, Part II
By David Fiorito
"That Freak with the Cassock"
That simple phrase sums up quite adroitly the looks I received from new administration when I donned the dreaded “mark of orthodoxy.” After only two days of wearing it, I was confronted by the two nuns who run my parish who had open resentment towards the whole idea. However, long before this, I had decided to leave my parish, St. Anne Church in Rochester, NY. My reasons were simple; a parish ought to have leaders who follow Rome and who respect the liturgy. I summarized many of the abuses in a previous article, “The Eucharist, Source of Vocations,” but there are more which I would like to disclose. Primarily, our pastoral administrator wears an alb for Mass, and sits only four feet away from the “sacramental minister.” You see, in my diocese, that term means “priest.” She also stands during the consecration, and doesn’t even reverence the altar or the Blessed Sacrament thereupon. She processes in and out next to the priest, and feels the need to interject her personal ideas and views into every possible point – introduction, prayers of the faithful, announcements, and homilies. Yes, she even preaches with frequency.
This is why I left, but we must return to the title to get the full dose of what is going on here. When I first wore my cassock on Tuesday the 22nd, I did so to the unanimous feelings of the parishioners. However, when our pastoral associate saw, she said that it was “not her favorite thing” and that it was “not in the tradition of the parish.” In her defense, we have not worn any cassock at the Church for nearly 15 years, however, a large number of people remember them fondly. She then disappeared for Mass. Today, the 23rd, our pastoral administer (her boss) showed up too. Before I get into this in any more detail, I had decided that today’s Mass would be my last one at the parish, for I had borne enough condescension and anger previously. I don’t take fondly to liturgical abuses, particularly when the abusee is “in cahoots” with the bishop.
Anyways, I served my final Mass nearly in tears the whole time. The presider completely understood why I was so distraught, and he gave the entire Mass a theme of humble service in the face of “infertile soil and adversity.” Both nuns were present for this, and, I imagine, found the entirety of the Mass to be most disturbingly loyal to Rome. After Mass was finished, they confronted me in the sacristy, after I had told them of my leaving the parish. Sr. Joan Sobala, the administrator, asked to speak to me privately. She is well known for her willingness to be ordained a priest and for her dislike for the pope. I removed my cassock and surplice, placed my various belongings (relics, incense, etc.) in a box, and went to her. We walked a short ways to a private room where the following conversation was held:
“D.J. [my nickname], I was saddened to hear of your leaving.”
“Yes, sister. It saddens me too.”
“Well, where will you go? You said you feel unwelcome here.”
“I’ll be going downtown to OLO Victory, to the Carmelite Monastery, and some other places where I have been invited.”
“Okay.”
“Okay.”
[More small-talk and nicey-nice verbiage . . .]
“So . . . I have heard that you wore, um . . . that. Yesterday and today.”
“Yes, sister, I did. The parishioners really think that it elevates the Mass.”
“Just out of curiosity, who gave you permission to wear it?”
“I didn’t think that I needed permission to wear an approved garment.”
“I’m in charge. You do.”
“Well, I spoke with the parishioners and . . . "
“You didn’t speak with me, D.J., and that’s what matters.”
“Okay.”
“I bet you haven’t spoken with the others who will be serving over you about it.”
“Actually, I have. Every last one of them approves enthusiastically.”
“Well, here’s my problem. When you wear one of . . . those . . . you look like a seminarian.”
“Okay.”
“And you’re not one.”
“Yes, sister, I know.”
“The people might think that you are a priest, standing there near the altar in the vestments you chose. I don’t like that kind of confusion.”
“You mean the confusion that you are a priest? Because that type of confusion happens every time you step into the sanctuary with your alb.”
“Well, um, yes. But, but, I explained in my homily.”
“Perhaps you could afford me the same luxury?” [sarcastically, of course]
“Well, I don’t want you to wear it again.”
“Perfect, because I am not here anymore.”
“Good.”
[Conversation ends.]
So, yes, I was rejected because I wore a cassock. I did so, not to make me look good, but rather, to make the Mass look good, for her abuses had overshadowed the presence of Christ which is made manifest in each and every celebration of the Eucharist. Her arrogant self-promotion makes the parishioner feel an abandonment of sorts. It is no longer your parish, it is her parish. This is not the way a “good shepherd” is supposed to act. Rather, it is the complete opposite.
I don’t write this to condemn anyone. I don’t write it to vent or to make myself look good. I write it because I am a Catholic who is shunned for loving the Tradition of the Church and for serving the parishioners as they see fit. Vatican II said that the parish belongs to the people, and its leaders are merely servants. This administration shows a complete disrespect for this, from its open schismatic nature to simply the feeling one gets upon entering, and seeing her chair directly next to the priest while the concelebrants sit in a corner about 20 feet away.
Below is the letter I handed Sr. Roberta Rodenhouse, our pastoral associate, regarding my departure:
Sr. Roberta,
It has become clear to me that my services are no longer needed or desired. Therefore, I feel that I must tell you of my departure from St. Anne Church. For two months I have borne injury, pain and dishonor for the sake of Christian charity. I leave now, for the charity I showed was not returned in any degree or vestige. “Dialogue” turned into chastisement and people who felt a loyalty to Rome were made to feel inferior. I thought that our administrators were supposed to gather the flock, and yet the flock of St. Anne is scattered more so than ever. It became evident that this was the time to leave when I felt unwelcome in my own parish, a parish where I became a Catholic and embraced a vocation of service.
I would ask that you find appropriate replacements for me, that is, if you want or need them. I pray that you need not feel the pain and sorrow I feel at present.
If people want to see the proof of such abuses and the effects of the same, simply look at what is happening in the diocese as a whole. Schools are closing, parishes are closing, priests are dying and being replaced with liberal nuns whose agendas are no secret. The faithful are being gathered into one or two parishes that have the audacity to have chant and incense. The liturgy elsewhere is being used as a medium for a political statement. There is schism and heresy, anger and grief. For the first time in nearly seven years, I sobbed as I have never sobbed before. The pain I felt at being forced to leave was as if someone had kicked me in the chest and tied my bronchial tubes into a knot. I needed to look behind me as I walked down the sidewalk to ensure that I wasn’t leaving bleeding entrails in my wake. I sincerely hope that any who read this need not feel the pain and anguish which I have endured. It is fortuitous that my school’s motto is “For the greater glory of God,” for it is this phrase which allows me to focus on God, as I ought, and not on my personal grief.
Rochester needs your prayers. Rochester needs, at least, people who aren’t showing open contempt for Rome and those who choose to serve it. Most of all, it needs more “freaks with their cassocks.”
MY ANSWER TO THIS POST:
I AM crying.
This wonderful adolescent has proven that all teenagers are NOT bad, or filled with viscious thoughts of promiscuity, literacy problems, or respect of what is good and right.
DJ failed to mention that he was a top student at Seton Elementary School, as well as a student at McQuaid High School presently, and how he was honed into reverence by his outstanding Catholic education; an education he greatly values, by the way.
His aspirations about attending the seminary and serving the Lord as a priest, are being tested now, not by outlying forces around him such as other adolescents who are questioning his choices, or his family, or anyone who knows enough about DJ and doesn't know that being a priest is embedded in his soul. His vocation is being adulterated by a woman who is invading a place where she doesn't belong. This woman has no right to abuse any human being in the way that she has abused DJ. Physical abuse is bad, but emotional abuse is worse. The hurt takes a lot longer to identify and even longer to go away. The most terrible thing is that DJ did nothing to deserve this, except possessing the want to serve the Lord in his own special way. Everyone at St. Anne's would have made no mistake about DJ. Anyone who is a daily communicant knows him, anyone who is a regular attendee of Sunday masses knows him, and anyone who doesn't know him, could immediately marvel at his reverence and obvious love for the church's teachings and rituals. His presence on the altar was always evident and commendable. His knowledge of the liturgical practices is vast and well-studied. He is charitable, respectful, and reverent. There will never be anyone in this same age category, that will ever be comparable to David J. Fiorito.
Another thing he has failed to mention is that "the other sister in charge" at St. Anne's, thought that DJ was just wonderful until her mind was poisoned (and just maybe her position was threatened, as well) by Joan Sobala.
The fact of the matter is, Joan Sobala thinks she is a chief puppeteer and the stage in which she chooses to put on her show, is the altar at St. Anne's. I am so relieved that DJ cut own his marionette strings before she got the chance to control him, as well. It is so sad to see those who once had skepticism about the inception of this despot, now dancing to the beat of her defective drum.
The pastoral associate, Sr. Roberta Rodenhouse, actually threatened early retirement when she first heard of Joan Sobala's coming. Then, all of a sudden, without warning, she began coaching all of us to "give it a chance", to be CHRISTIAN, and it was so obvious that someone had "gotten" to her, too.
It makes me nauseous to think that DJ will no longer be lighting the candles, being the thurfer during the liturgy, making sure that everything before the mass was in its place, and taking so much pride in what he did.
Awhile ago, at Saint Anne's there was a recital featuring the talented children of the parish. There were singers, dancers and musicians. DJ was a featured soloist on the piano. His performance was impeccable. His heart was in each and every note; the same as it is for his future priesthood. How could a woman such as Joan Sobala take all of the spiritual gusto from such a young and innocent acolyte, and expect people to understand her rationale?
But the one who has to be ultimately questioned, is the Bishop. Does Joan Sobala have such a hold on him that he is afraid to tell her that what she is doing is involving innocent parishioners in spiritual warfare?
They say that prayer works. I KNOW it does.
I certainly hope it doesn't take too long.
31 July, 2008 19:50
What it comes down to us this: Joan Sobala is an angry, bitter person. She resents men, she resents priests, and ultimately, she resents the God who, in His wisdom made the human race male and female. Her zeal blinds her to the reality that God made men and women equal in dignity before Him but with different roles.
We can only pray that she won't drag others down with her. I don't understand it... I just don't understand how she can destroy things that are so beautiful and sacred and good and beloved by so many. I'm seriously contemplating going to a Mass at St. Anne's, standing up during "her homily" and confronting her then and there.
Maybe the parishoners should stage a mass walk out during her homily and make it known that they will go to another church. Because it seems to me that when the liturgy becomes so distorted as it sounds like it has been, then it is no longer a fitting celebration of the Eucharist and begs the question whether we think God would be please with us remaining there.
Allegiance forever to Christ the King and to Holy Mother Church!
8/17/08
One can only imagine that this "rot" extends all over the Vatican too. If the actions of this and other bishops are presented to"the authorities" in Rome, and nothing happens, then we have to asume the authorities are also in on the fix. So perhaps, the Pope never hears about the real problem.
One can only think that the process of appointing bishops in America is corrupted. Can one explain why Archbishop Werhl, an author of the notorious document "Always our Children" gets appointed to lead the important diocese of Washington,DC? He refuses to deny The Eucharist to Nancy Pelosi and other pro-choice Catholic politicians. And don't forget the bishop of San Francisco whose sentiments toward homosexuals are similar to Bishop Clark.
Christ will triumph in the end but one can only wonder what will be left after all the mayhem subsides.
I have one more thought.
This whole unfortunate incident was orchestrated by Bishop Matthew Clark. It was an extremely clever and diabolical decision. In one swift move, he has eliminated one of the only orthodox priests left in his diocese, a thorn to him and his mission. For years, father has been a living statement of the true nature of the priesthood and of Christ. And he did nothing but silently reflect Our Lord in his dress, action and mannerisms. He suffered in silence. He never was to become a pastor for that role was reserved to those priests who would only reflect Bishop Clark's adgenda. So for years, Father's reverence was a thorn in the side of the bishop.
Now, how can he get rid of such a "nusience". Have the individual get rid of himself. Place someone in the parish who confronts father, and places him in a no win position. Rather than compromise his principles, father resigns, and disappears from the diocese. He is now marginated. And Bishop Clark's hands are "clean". He "did nothing" Silently, he can congradulate himself for removing one of the last vestiges of orthodoxy in the diocese.
And he can no longer fear the "terrible" influence father might have in his diocese. He no longer has to fear anyone upsetting his adgenda.
In the short term, he has won. In the long term, pray for his soul
In the previous post, there is reference to someone who is simply called "father". Where did this priest come from, or better yet, WHO is he? I feel as if I have missed something. Can you enlighten me?
The saddest part of the Rochester business is that, while His Holiness is well aware of the abuses because he was for years monitoring Bishop Clark and his ilk, Rome does nothing. Doesn't the peril to souls mean anything to the Roman authorities? If Rome does nothing, then who can?
Post a Comment