St. Athanasius Catholic Church

[dumbdog64]

Is this church SSPX?

[Oblationem]

No they are not SSPX, but they are SSPX friendly. They are good Independent Catholics simply passing on what they have received living a good Catholic life.

[GBVrallyCI]

I'm glad to now call this place my parish!

[LiturgicalChants]

St Athanasius was the first latin traditionalist parish I ever visited it was a positive experience. I drove by it and wondered if it might be orthodox with this sort of saint name. My understanding is that Fr Ronald Ringrose is accepted with diffidence as being part of the diocese of Arlington, VA by the bishop. but they have a sort of "hands off" policy where they dont say much to him and he says nothing to them. Apparently this is what independent tends to mean. Traditional but neutral.

[Oblationem]

Being traditional is being Catholic, not neutral.

[LiturgicalChants]

Thats what I think as well. However my experience with most "modern pseudo" Catholics has been that if I say I only accept the tridentine and earlier liturgies as legitimate that I am a heretic. I am gradually becoming more..honest and fearless in my beliefs and openly accepting that I am semi-schismatic or at least they are...(one of us is)

[GBVrallyCI]

do they have weekday masses?

[GBVrallyCI]

does St. Athanasius have a wesbsite? I stopped by there yesterday evening but no one was there.

[Aeternumvale22]

No they don't as far as I know. during the week they have early masses at 7. saturdays at 8. sundays at 7,9,11. Usually nobody is around once it nears 1pm.

[cunaboy213]

One Question: Are they in union with Rome? This church in the vid. Are they schismatic?

[Oblationem]

I can't speak for the Church in the video, except to tell you that their priests are valid priests, and the sacraments are valid.

They like all other Traditional Catholics fight to maintain the Traditional Catholic Faith, Mass and Sacraments. Priests and Sacraments that are valid is what are important, as that is what puts 'grace' into the world. Being in union with Rome is good, but doesn't mean too much if the priests and sacraments are not valid...

[AnHonestChristian]

With all due respect, I thought that the Roman Catholic Church, which you claim to be the only true church, must be in allegiance with the Roman pontiff. Aren't we both equally heretical?

[Oblationem]

The SSPX is still within the Church, never having left. Schism is an exactly defined crime, and it is constituted of two distinct offenses. First, to be schismatic one must deny the authority of the Pope. Second, one must assume authority to oneself that can only come from the Pope. The SSPX has done neither, and has paid careful attention over the years to not even allow the 'appearance' of either offense. (RLM)

[Oblationem]

The SSPX has never denied the Papacy or the individual Pope(s). The SSPX has never assumed to itself ANY authority. Its jurisdiction comes strictly from its Orders (Priests can say Mass and offer the sacraments, bishops can confirm and ordain). It is worth pointing out that when the Pope says "No women priests!" the SSPX (and, apparently almost alone) says "Yes, Holy Father." And when the Pope says "No birth control!" the SSPX (and, apparently almost alone) says "Yes, Holy Father!" (RLM)

[Oblationem]

And when the Pope says "No married priesthood!" the SSPX (and, apparently almost alone) says "Yes, Holy Father!" However, when the Pope says "Protestants can get to heaven by being good protestants!" the SSPX (and, apparently almost alone) says "You are wrong! That is false, Holy Father!" (RLM)

[AnHonestChristian]

Well, I can at least agree with him on that. :)

[GBVrallyCI]

ah ok, yea I'm a traditional Catholic (TLM every week, no novus ordo) but I stick with churches in union. I do have sympahties with sspx tho.

Thanks for the info

[Oblationem]

Speaking for myself, I also would like to be in union with Rome. Not a perfect Rome, just a Rome that has a zeal for being Catholic. This present Vatican just wants to keep the title "Catholic" but wants nothing to do with its Dogma, history and tradition. The very Mass that you enjoy, you enjoy because of the SSPX and other Traditionalists. The battle continues...

[GBVrallyCI]

just out of curiosity why are you not in union with Rome?

[sistermarycara]

hey i go to that church lol. Fr. Ringrose is amazing.

[ExecuteRobot]

Oh, wow! That's the exact church I go to! It's amazing there's a video! O_O