The Church teaches that it is a grave evil to take one's own life. To claim that suicide is morally good (or neutral) would be to contradict orthodox Church teaching (heresy) 1/4 There was a time when someone who died by suicide would not have a Catholic funeral. The Church came to realize the likelihood that those who choose to die by suicide are not making a choice that is fully free because of mental illness or extreme circumstances 2/4

In reflecting on Pope Francis' penitential visit to Canada I am challenged and disturbed by the degree to which those in the Church (and government) were blinded by the ignorance and prejudices of the time. Despite the presence of saints, the majority seemed unable to overcome their biases to see the truth of what they were actually doing: arrogantly and self-righteously condemning and attempting to, in some of the cruelest possible ways, eradicate a people's culture.

"Because I can read & have access to the internet, I am able to determine for myself what the Church's authoritative magisterium is. I will make a judgment on whether this (or any pope) is a heretic, withholding obedience and a submission of will and intellect as I see fit..." "...I will search the internet to find the opinions of active or retired cardinals or bishops (or auxiliary bishops) who say and do what I think they should say and do; and I will align with them while ignoring or attacking any bishop (including my own) with whom I disagree..."

In 25 yrs as a priest I have never presided at a Mass that was done according to my personal preferences (music, vessels, vestments, art, architecture, ritual elements, liturgical ministries...), primarily bc my preferences were not those of the parish community I was serving Instead, I always attempted to preside at a prayerful, valid, licit Mass that helped facilitate a prayerful encounter with our Lord for those attending. I've presided at Masses in Spanish, English, and Swahili. For music, I've had mariachi, rock combos, traditional organ...

I find it annoying when "boomer" Catholics who have come to Mass their whole lives, who volunteer whenever there is a need & feed the hungry on Friday nights are sneered at by "millennials" who have been "active" Catholics for abt 10 years and are obnoxiously self-righteous I'll give a little context: One popular online Catholic apologist once told me he couldn't wait until all the "boomer" priests were dead (I'm actually Gen X). The most saintly people I know are "boomer" parishioners who are generous, kind, loving, faithful.

I very intentionally try not to apply labels to my Catholic brothers & sisters, although I do understand that these "labels" can sometimes help identify clusters of issues or a style of Catholicism when space is limited and nuance isn't needed 1/14 But the labels can represent caricatures that r easily mocked & dismissed. We r reluctant to think that those w a diff perspective can b sincere, thoughtful or - God forbid - even holy. Our "labels" become insults. We dismiss anyone so labeled w/o addressing their arguments 2/14

I think "slogans" like "cancel culture" or "virtue signalling" or "[whomever] derangement syndrome" make it easy to avoid addressing real issues. Seems to me they represent superficial strategies to create a "strawman" category that can b dismissed w/o addressing the issue 1/8 Specifically concerning "cancel culture" I believe all ppl can grow, repent, learn from past sins & mistakes. No one shld b reduced in their humanity & b defined by the worst thing they have ever done (Sr. Helen Prejean). *However*... 2/8

22. The Catholic equivalent for the disparaging use of "Karen" is "Bernadette"
e.g. "Sorry I stepped on your rosary. Relax, Bernadette!" 23. You shouldn't tweet when you're angry, which means if you're part of Catholic twitter you probably shouldn't be tweeting

I see parallels in our policing & the scandal of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. The problem is not just a few "bad apples" The overwhelming majority of priests r not abusers & the overwhelming majority of police r not racist oppressors 1/6 However, there r very important issues related to screening & training. Police depts have to do a better job of identifying "red flags" - eliminating ppl w/o the temperament or maturity for policing. No bullies! 2/6

Helpful hints for those new to #Catholic Twitter:

1. If someone calls a priest (or bishop or cardinal) "good and holy" it means the priest says what the person wants them to say. 2. Probably the majority of #Catholics on Twitter are really really really really ANGRY!!! About what? You won't have to ask they'll tell you.