SS. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Mission
P. O. Box 7352
December 20, 2006
Bishop Kevin Rhoades
Diocese of Harrisburg
4800 Union Deposit Road
Box 2153
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2153
Dear Bishop Rhoades,
I am writing concerning the request of members of our Mission who want their children to receive the sacrament of Confirmation in the traditional rite. We have about twelve children who are preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation. Since you are our ordinary it is incumbent upon us to first approach you regarding this request.
I understand that, given the present state of affairs in the Church, you may find it inconvenient to administer the sacrament of Confirmation yourself according to the traditional rite but you could still either delegate a representative from your office or give your authorization for one of the priests that already assist our Mission to administer the sacrament in your name. I can say with confidence that you will find everyone adequately prepared and, if a representative from your office should come in your name, he would be treated with every respect and deference consonant with his dignity. If you find it inopportune at this time to address this question, we understand. I fully recognize the difficulty of your position and realize that the problems that ravage the Church today may take generations to resolve.
God willing, by next spring we will have our twentieth infant Baptism at the Mission and, we are currently looking at different facilities that would work as a center for our home schooling families. It has been our prayer from the beginning that if this work is not wholly pleasing to our Lord that He would bring it to a swift end. That has not been the case. His grace has supported our efforts at every turn. May God grant that the necessary vocations to repair His Church may be drawn from our growing numbers.
I would also like to thank you for taking the time to speak with members of our Mission and extend your blessing outside the Planned Parenthood abortuary in York last June 7th. The pictures of the event were recently posted on our web page but we have included a disclaimer stating that your pastoral concern does not imply any endorsement of our work.
At this coming feast of Christmas we pray that our good Lord will grant us both the grace to be more conformable to His will in this new liturgical year, and in every year to come.
Sincerely in Christ,
David Drew
Chairman
Ss. Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Mission
SaintsPeterandPaulRCM@comcast.net