Dear Parishioners and Friends,
As most of you know, on December, 18, 2023, the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) issued a declaration entitled Fiducia Supplicans, which was signed by the Pope. While firmly safeguarding Catholic teaching concerning the sacrament of Marriage, this same declaration also grants, under strictly limited circumstances, permission for priests to bless couples in irregular unions, including same-sex couples. As a result of this declaration, a turbulent storm of confusion and division has engulfed the Catholic Church.
On December 21, 2023, Archbishop Cordileone sent a statement to the priests of the Arch- diocese of San Francisco which included beautiful and inspiring insights into the nature of authentic (as distinct from false) development of doctrine within the Church. He also provided five instructions for the implementation of Fiducia Supplicans.
My own message to parishioners is brief and clear: neither I nor Fr. Geronimo will be imparting blessings to couples in irregular unions, including same-sex couples.
My own message to parishioners is brief and clear: neither I nor Fr. Geronimo will be imparting blessings to couples in irregular unions, including same-sex couples. This decision is based first and foremost upon a fundamental matter of conscience, which is sacred and inviolable (Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 1776-1782). It is also based upon careful discernment and pastoral judgement regarding the danger of scandal as specified in the Archbishop’s instructions (nos. 4 & 5).
Needless to say, any individual is more than welcome at any time to receive a priestly blessing. This has always been the practice of the Church.
Here, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Fr. Geronimo and I work closely and happily as a pastoral team. We were ordained to the priesthood to serve the mission of the Church, which is the salvation of souls. We have been appointed by the Archbishop to faithfully proclaim the Gospel in its fullness, to celebrate the Eucharist with reverence and beauty, to administer the sacraments, and to ensure a warm welcome for those who come to this sacred space to develop and deepen their journey to God.
Finally, we are both fully committed to providing pastoral care for the increasing number of individuals who, in the sacrament of Penance, receive counsel, blessings, encouragement, pardon and remission of their sins and, as a result, peace of soul.
In Christ,
Very Reverend Kevin Kennedy
Pastor & Rector
Reverend Jerald Geronimo
Parochial Vicar
“I condemn no one else’s conscience: their conscience may save them, and mine must save me.”
(St. John Fisher)
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