George Weigel’s recent column mentions “Denver is arguably the most vibrant local Church in the country today” – an assessment that seems pretty valid from here. That being said, we aren’t without a large share of problems. Some are like those described in the latest post at the always insightful Mommentary, but some are worse yet.

This week, as is our custom when it’s really hot, we didn’t go to our usual parish, where air conditioning won’t be in until October. Instead we went to a large parish nearer the house – actually the parish for our geographic location. There are two priests there, but the associate is an immigrant with such a thick accent that we have a hard time understanding him, so we try to go when the pastor himself is celebrating Mass.

This time I was surprised to hear, right after the trope Kyrie, what sounded to me like a general absolution. The words used were: “May almighty God bless us and grant us all pardon and absolution of all our sins.”

So am I all wet? Was that a reasonable closing to the Kyrie or was it skirting impropriety (or worse)? Thanks!