worth noting . . .

WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO AUTHORITY? . . . Have you noticed how many Catholic theologians and intellectuals no longer accept or submit to authoritative decisions of the Magisterium of the Church? For many it seems to be merely a springboard for more "dialogue." In this issue Mr. K. D. Whitehead, a well-known Catholic writer, analyzes this situation in reference to the widespread "non-acceptance" of the papal document, Ordinatio Sacerdotalis. He zeroes in on a serious problem that affects the unity of the Church (p. 6).

FATHERLESS PARISHES . . . Most of us are now familiar with the expression "priestless parishes." This refers to parishes without a resident priest. In this issue Fr. Brian Mullady, O.P., writes about the personal and spiritual absence of some priests from their parishes. Many men in our culture do not know how to be a father-and this is now being transferred to priests who, though ordained, do not know how to be a "Father" to their people. The author offers a few suggestions on how to counter this trend (p. 20).

POSTMODERNISM AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH . . . Basically postmodernism means the bankruptcy of the assumptions of the Enlightenment of the 18th and 19th centuries, namely, that man can solve all his problems by reason alone; God and revelation are not necessary; constant progress in all areas of human existence is inevitable. Now even atheists and agnostics are proclaiming that ideology to be false. In this issue Fr. Albert DiIanni, S.M., a philosopher of note, argues that postmodernism opens up new possibilities for Catholicism and for the perennial philosophy (p. 24).

SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK . . . Normally the last sacrament one receives in this vale of tears is the final anointing (cf. James 5:14-16). There is some confusion today about the purpose and effects of the sacrament. This month Fr. David Delich, O.P., who spent ten years as a hospital chaplain, explains the main effects: healing, removal of sin or its effects, strengthening of spirit, and a willing acceptance of a redemptive share in the sufferings of Christ. Given much contemporary practice, you may be surprised by some of his suggestions (p. 31).

PILGRIMAGE TO GUADALUPE . . . I have agreed to be spiritual director for a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico. The date is December 9-16, 1996 so we will be there for the big feast on