Vatican II at 50 - Coming Home

Sede vacante is the Latin term for “the seat being vacant.”  It refers to the cathedra or diocesan seat belonging to an Anglican or Catholic bishop.   It is also used whenever a pope dies or resigns, as in our current case.  Now, the diocese of Rome and the Holy See is sede vacante.

The new pontiff will face many challenges, namely, how to stop the Church’s pews from being sede vacante.    A study conducted last year by the Center for the Applied Research in the Apostolate reported that only 24% of Catholics in the United States attend Mass every week.    The numbers worldwide are even bleaker.   It has long been established that the second largest denomination in the United States is lapsed Catholics.   Many of those persons are lured by other denominations, while others simply disassociate themselves from any organized religion calling themselves spiritual but not religious, believers but not belongers

This “Year of Faith” established by Pope Emeritus Benedict is aimed at reaching out to fallen away Catholics.   The Second Vatican Council empowered the laity to do that and more by encouraging us to live our faith not only internally but externally by works of charity.  That means it will likely not be the new Pope who will be bringing lapsed Catholics back to the Church.  It will be you!  Lent is traditionally a time when those who have been away from the church come home.    Lent, then, might be a good time to extend an invitation or two.  It’s also a good time to reflect on why we remain.  Amen.