Paulist Fr. Paul Huesing is pastor of Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chicago. He was quoted Saturdayin a report in The New York Times on Pope Francis’ new document “Amoris Laetitia” (“The Joy of Love”). A snip:

” … For the last 35 years as a priest, he said, he has been using the approach Francis suggests in the document. He encourages people who have remarried outside the church to examine their own conscience regarding whether to take communion.

‘The notion is that there’s a prayerful, reflective process going on,’ Father Huesing said. ‘It’s not just, ‘Oh I want to go to Communion again.’ You take the teachings to heart, and evaluate your marriage in light of those teachings, and make an informed decision.’

He said that this approach was ‘very common’ among priests, but that ‘it varies widely.’

‘I think the Holy Father is affirming a very pastoral and loving attitude that every pastor should have,’ Father Huesing said.”

Read the complete article here.