You know The Church is in trouble when...

Catholic Women Unofficially Ordained As Priests

UPDATED: 6:28 am EDT July 26, 2005

TORONTO -- Nine Catholic women have been unofficially ordained as priests and deacons in a ceremony aboard a tour boat near Ottawa, Canada.

How about unlawfully or immorally instead of "unofficially"? (Watch their words, kiddies.)

The nine include seven Americans. Two unofficial bishops -- women from Austria and Germany -- performed the ordinations.

And exactly where do unofficial bishops come from? Look, Ma! I made myself a bishop!

The ordinations are considered symbolic, because they are not valid within the Catholic Church.

They are considered mortal sins .

Seven women who tried it in 2002 were excommunicated by the Vatican. A statement from then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger -- now Pope Benedict XVI -- said the ordinations were "a grave offense to the divine constitution of the Church" and an "affront to the dignity of women."
(Thanks to AP)

May God have mercy on those foolish women.

It is reassuring, however, to know The Church is being led by Pope Benedict XVI.