In my life the K of C and the Lodge peacefully coexisted until last month.
I have never kept either of my memberships secret and I was very proud of them equally, although I was more involved in the lodge.
Last month, I was contacted by the Grand Knight of the local council and he informed me that some members were randomly googling names and my name came up in association with the Freemasons. Must have been some REALLY bored members.
This conversation led to the parish priest contacting me and informing me that I was NOT a good Catholic and that he recommended that I go "inactive" in order to enhance my image in his eyes.
Fast forward to the end of the conversation when I asked him:
Am I excommunicated? ....No
Am I barred from receiving the sacraments?....No
Are my wife and daughter still welcome in the parish school?....Yes
Will my weekly donations be returned?....No
I guess we are at a stalemate. I specifically requested a meeting between me, the priest, and the KofC leadership in a public place so I can face my accusers and see their faces. I was told he would get back with me with a time and place.
I took the time and effort to type him a very nice invitation to the lodge November meal and a chance to meet Masons in the community. I included a petition so he can see the questions we asked of a candidate. I also included the MSANA Focus paper on Freemasonry and Religion. That was last week and I received no reply and he did not show up at the meal.
I have heard nothing from the KofC, the priest, or anyone else.
I am not ashamed nor do I hide any of my fraternal affiliations whether that be the lodge, the Scottish Rite, the Shrine, the National Sojourners, the American Legion, or the VFW.
I am at peace with my God and the Church.
The ten commandments say nothing about Freemasonry.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church merely forbids membership in any organization that conspires against the Catholic Church and we know that Freemasonry doesnt do that. I acknowledge that there are tenets of the canon law that speak against Freemasonry but having read them and searched my soul, I find no conflict.
