The Great Boat Lift of 9/11 - FEAST OF SAINT ROSE OF VITERBO
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
September 10, 2012, Volume VI, Number 37
FEAST OF SAINT ROSE OF VITERBO
Most Holy Name of Mary – September 12, 2012
Saint John Chrysostom – September 13, 2012
Exaltation of the Holy Cross – September 14, 2012
Our Lady of Sorrows – September 15, 2012
The Great Boat Lift of 9/11
"A hero is a man who does what he can." -- Romain Rolland. This
documentary tells the inspiring story of the impromptu rescue of nearly
half-a-million people from lower Manhattan after the World Trade Center
buildings fell - by boat. Scores of commercial and private boat captains
answered the call of duty that day, notwithstanding the unknown risks and
tremendous effort required. Said one rescuer, "Average people, they stepped-up when they
needed to." This is a 12 minute video in memory of 9/11 and in honor of those who were
rescuers (http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=2684).
CCUSA Hurricane Isaac Disaster Relief Fund
Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), a Catholic Coalition on Climate
Change member, has created a special Hurricane Isaac Fund to
help meet the immediate and long-term needs of those suffering
from the aftermath of Isaac.
While the storm continues to deliver its blow today, we know
already from our communications and interaction with our
Catholic Charities agencies and from media reports that there will be tremendous need—
particularly over the long-term--to put people’s lives and homes back together, said Rev. Larry
Snyder, President of CCUSA. Our experience with Katrina puts us in a strong position to know
what needs to be done and to deliver our disaster case management services over an extended
period of time. Once again, our work will require substantial resources and the good hearts and
generous support of our donors.
CCUSA is receiving regular reports and updates from its agencies in Florida, Alabama,
Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas—all of whom have been prepared for Isaac and stand ready in
partnership with other responding agencies and local authorities to provide immediate relief and
shelter to all impacted individuals and families.
Coalition supporters are encouraged to be generous and support disaster victims. Please visit the
Catholic Charities USA disaster donation webpage
Question of the Week
For the Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 16, 2012
“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” What
is the difference between being denied something and choosing to deny yourself? What have
you denied yourself because you chose to follow Jesus? What is the cross you carry? Is there a
moment when you chose to “take up this cross” rather than avoid it? How has denial and taking
up your cross helped you to follow Jesus more nearly?
NCCL News
The theme for 2012 Catechetical Sunday is "Catechists and Teachers as Agents of the New
Evangelization." The Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis has prepared a variety of
materials to assist catechists and Catholic school teachers to better understand and embrace Pope
Benedict XVI's invitation to be evangelists. The resources will assist parishes in celebrating
Catechetical Sunday, not only in September, but also throughout the 2012-2013 year. These
materials are provided free of charge in both English and Spanish. These resources can be
found at Catechetical Sunday 2012 Resources (http://tiny.cc/m10nfw). There is less than
one week until Catechetical Sunday.
Spanish Translations NOW Available
We are featuring Jesuit Fr. Allan Figueroa Deck, PhD, STD Associate
Professor of Catholic and Latino Studies, Casassa Chair of Catholic
Social Values Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles on the
catechist in-service Building Cultural Competencies and the Call for a
New Evangelization. You can download the PDF at http://tiny.cc/6tp8jw
or by simply clicking on the title above. If neither works, please copy and
paste this URL in your web browser http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-
teachings/how-we-teach/catechesis/catechetical-sunday/new-
evangelization/upload/Building-Cultural-Competencies.pdf .
NCCL has a limited number of posters, and certificates in English and Spanish.
Check the NCCL website www.NCCL.org for more information on ordering
your Catechetical Sunday materials. This year’s reflection journal was written
by Michele Harris and is entitled Open the Door of Faith. Sample pages are
available on the NCCL Homepage (www.NCCL.org). The 2012 NCCL pin addresses the
Trinitarian nature of our faith in its triangular design along with the pages of the Word of God
open to the world where the cross of the Word made flesh rises from the Living
Word. The Spirit of God in each of us is the agent of the new evangelization and
is ready to go forth as catechist and teacher. Set on an ivory background (not the
light blue pictured in the image), the gold cross and white enameled Scripture
pages and dove are striking. Help your organization and order your reflection
journals and pins from NCCL. There is ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT to order.
In the meantime, check out the Catechetical Sunday 2012 FREE Resources in English and
Spanish (http://tiny.cc/m10nfw) which include
• Theological Reflection
• Catechist-in-service
• Teaching Aids
• Parish Resources (excellent parish bulletin inserts)
If neither works, please copy and paste this URL in your web browser
http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/catechetical-ministry/catechetical-
sunday/new-evangelization/index.cfm. This week we would also like to highlight three (3)
additional resources.
1. Bulletin Inserts:
We are featuring John and Therese Boucher. John is Associate Director for
Evangelization, Ministry of Catechesis and Evangelization, Diocese of Trenton. Therese
is an author, adult faith formation speaker, and catechist trainer. Their topic is entitled
Keys for Welcoming Catholics Back to the Lord's Table. You can download the PDF at
http://tiny.cc/k5p8jw or by simply clicking on the title above. If neither works, please
copy and paste this URL in your web browser http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-
teachings/how-we-teach/catechesis/catechetical-sunday/new-evangelization/upload/keys-
for-welcoming-boucher.pdf
2. Faith in Action:
These are articles by young adults engaged in the Church’s work of evangelization. This
week we feature Bart Hisgen, a Comboni Lay Missionary, in a first person piece entitled
Serving the Evangelizing Mission of the Church. You can download the PDF at
http://tiny.cc/wcq8jw or by simply clicking on the title above. If neither works, please
copy and paste this URL in your web browser http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-
teachings/how-we-teach/catechesis/catechetical-sunday/new-
evangelization/upload/Serving-the-Evangelizing-Mission-of-the-Church.pdf
3. Leadership Institute website:
Track III - New Evangelization features ten webinars. You can check out all of them at
http://tiny.cc/aaiigw or by clicking on Track III above. If neither works, please copy and
paste this URL in your web browser http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-
we-teach/catechesis/leadership-institute/programs-track-3.cfm. This week we are
featuring a webinar entitled Overview of the Theological Foundations of the New
Evangelization by Very Reverend James A. Wehner, S.T.D, currently rector/president,
Pontifical College Josephinum. You can listen to this webinar at http://tiny.cc/3mq8jw.
If neither works, please copy and paste this URL in your web browser
https://usccb.adobeconnect.com/_a833422997/p36vu7wje6d/?launcher=false&fcsContent
=true&pbMode=normal.
Overview of the Theological Foundations of the New Evangelization
The concept "evangelization" is as ancient as the Church herself. However
it is a concept not familiar to many Catholics, or it is associated with
Protestant denominations. Considering the pluralistic challenges to
theology and the syncretistic attitude that may be present even among those
involved in ministry, evangelization is often reduced to a social call to
action or a weakened pastoral activity seen as one among many. Father
Wehner's presentation will identify the theological foundations of
evangelization that provide the basis for Pope John Paul II's and Pope
Benedict XVI's apostolic mandate -- the Church is called to embrace the
"new evangelization" as the mission of the Church.
Leadership Institute-2012 September Q&A Live – TOMORROW-TUESDAY
The first 2012 Leadership Institute Live Question & Answer Session is scheduled for:
September 11, 2012 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. [EDT]
Please click on the link to register:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Sept11_LI_QandA
Featured panelists and webinars:
Very Rev. James A. Wehner, STD "Overview of the Theological
Foundations of the New Evangelization"
Rev. Matthew Williams, M.Div. & Stephen Colella "Go and Make Disciples: The Next
Steps"
Dr. Susan Timoney, STD "An Evangelizing Laity"
Rev.Eduardo C. Fernández, SJ, STL, STD "Humbly Walking With God’s People"
Facilitator: Michael E. Steier, DMin (USCCB Secretariat of Evangelization and
Catechesis)
All the webinars can be found at the USCCB website under the Leadership Institute – Track
III: The New Evangelization
QUESTIONS: Contact Michael Steier via email at: leadershipinstitute@usccb.org
The Leadership Institute is jointly sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic
Bishops, the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership, and the National Catholic
Educational Association.
Sister Marilyn Ellert is Born to Eternal Life
At the 2011 Franciscan Federation Conference Banquet, Sister Marilyn
Ellert was celebrated because of her exemplification throughout her
religious life of “Becoming a Sacred Flame.” All the things mentioned
were things I personally witnessed in her life. May her soul and the souls
of all the faithful departed, rest in peace. Amen
Sister Marilyn was recommended by the Sisters because of her:
• enthusiasm for our Franciscan way of life and our community
and her deep love of God
• openness to the needs around her and unfailing willingness to go
where needed
• living out of our charism as a sister “joyous and poor doing the works of neighborly love"
• passion and commitment to ministry
◦ as a teacher she was a “light” for children and adults
◦ in her vocation ministry she companioned many in finding how best to serve God
◦ as pastoral associate she is available and responsive to all
• acceptance of her illness which empowers and inspires others to become more
• trust in Divine Providence
• positive, never-give-up attitude and joy which are an inspiration to many
Sr. Marilyn Ellert, OSF went peacefully into God’s arms on Aug 31, 2012. Condolences can be
conveyed to the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart, 9201 West St. Francis Road, Frankfort,
IL 60423-8330. The funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, September 4, 2012.
Year of Faith postings on the NCCL Website – Check it out!
It’s up on the NCCL website and there are NEW postings every week. You can find it
under Resources on the Home page or you can simply click YEAR of FAITH Resources.
NCCL will be posting Year of Faith plans from parishes and
dioceses on the NCCL website. If your committee or Forum
has discussed the Year of Faith from an NCCL perspective, or
if someone on your committee has plans for the Year of Faith,
please email the information to NCCL Board member Joanie
McKeown at jmckNCCL@email.com. We'll post links to
websites, outlines of plans, introductory articles, worksheets,
etc., along with a byline crediting you (or your parish, diocese,
committee, etc.) for the materials you are sharing. By allowing
others to see your plans you'll be helping other parish and
diocesan catechetical leaders as they develop their local plans
so that across the country, in parishes large and small, we'll
have vibrant celebrations of the Year of Faith.
The Family's Mission in the Year of Faith
ZENIT asked a journalist from a Polish Catholic Weekly to offer some
reflections on What role can the family play in the context of the New
Evangelization and the Year of Faith? Here are some of the questions asked by
ZENIT and answered by Jowita Kostrzewska, correspondent at the Polish
Catholic weekly “Niedziela.”
ZENIT: There is talk of a crisis in the family in the contemporary world. At
the same time, some believe that the family is important in terms of giving witness during
the Year of Faith, which will begin in October. What is your point of view in this regard?
Kostrzewska: Yes, it’s true. Today it’s easy to see the growing crisis of the family.
Serious problems arise in many families, such as the lack of work or difficulty in earning
what is necessary for a decent life. And when there is no help from outside, loneliness
ensues, a lack of hope, and tragedies and dramas arise. Moreover, with the tempo of
modern life, persons and family members are so pressured at work that they often don’t
have time for their homes and children. Utilitarianism, increasingly obsessive
dependency on extreme rhythms of work, the reduction of time dedicated to affective life,
leads to the disintegration of the family.
The problem is especially true for persons who live marriage superficially. A growing
number of divorces occur when persons don’t struggle for unity and reinforcement of the
sacred dimension of their families. Such situations often take place when God and faith
don’t have their rightful place. I think that the Year of Faith will be a good occasion and
an extraordinary event to reinforce families.
ZENIT: What fruits can we expect from the Year of Faith?
Kostrzewska: In the first place, I expect that the Year of Faith will
bring more families closer to the Gospel of Christ. The innumerable
crises in families happen not only when security is lacking in
relations between parents and children, but especially when
evangelical values are lacking, such as love, hope, faith, trust,
fidelity and truth. When the Gospel of Christ is lacking in families, young people often
take refuge in places where disorder and relativism reign, thus they become victims of
excesses, among which are drugs and alcohol. Moreover, they give a bad example. Thus
persons who do not have an appropriate family model in the future will have difficulty in
creating a real and solid relationship in their own families. This is a
reason why it is so important to build family relations based on true
values, in particular those indicated by the Gospel. The Year of Faith
is an ideal time to pause and think what will be and what should be
the role of families in today’s world.
ZENIT: Secularization has influenced many families. The
transmission of the faith, from parents to children, is no longer a solid
practice. Some believing parents are even convinced that it’s not
necessary to transmit the faith to their children. Some think that the children on their
own, in complete liberty, should decide which religion to follow. What do you think?
Kostrzewska: I think the Year of Faith will be very important to rediscover and deepen
the quality and quantity of relations in the family. There will be many occasions to reflect
on what the faith really is and how it can be transmitted.
I think, practically, that during the Year of Faith the family must
find the time to be together to read the Bible and to pray, but also to
talk, to laugh, to share joys and sorrows, that is, to reinforce the
bonds of affection among all the members of the family. If our faith
is strong, it will enable us to overcome even the greatest
difficulties. For the family of believers the Year of Faith is the occasion to evangelize and
to help families hit by the crisis, those who are in greatest need of our help. It is necessary
to give families spiritual and material support. In this way, we will discover many
spiritual treasures.
In conclusion, I intend to make reference to the documents of Vatican Council II, and to
the thought of Blessed John Paul II; both stress that “the family is sacred.”
An extraordinary man dies in Ordinary Time
There are those who complain about people attending the same Mass every Sunday and sitting
in the same place, week after week. I have never felt that way because I came to see these people
as part of the 8:30 Mass community. If they were missing, we wondered about them, sometimes
even calling to see if they were okay. We might even have had coffee together after Mass but we
never took the step of getting together in each other’s homes. Nevertheless, many of these people
were an inspiration to me. They were part of my spiritual family who came together every week
to admit our sins, to be inspired by the message and person of Jesus and to “Go in peace,
glorifying the Lord by your life.”
In this article, Eugene Kennedy writes about Aurelio Pangilinan whom
they “only knew from sitting near him, his wife and his children over the
generation in which his two daughters and a son grew up and into lives
of their own.” And it was their former pastor, Msgr. Eugene Sears, who
told Kennedy that Aurelio "‘was the kind of parishioner you wish you
had more of,’ as he recalled his many good works, from the just and
thoughtful ways he distributed parish tithes to those in real need in bad
times to his making the annual parish picnic a treat for everyone in good
times.” If you wish to read his thoughts on this extraordinary man who
“died unexpectedly, fittingly enough on his way to a family reunion, a few weeks ago,” go to
http://ncronline.org/blogs/bulletins-human-side/extraordinary-man-dies-ordinary-time.
FREE Resources in Support of Father Robert Barron’s Catholicism Project
The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois announces the Catholicism Project. It is free support
material to use with the Father Robert Barron Catholicism book and DVD series developed by
members of the diocesan staff. This Catholicism Project is suitable for any small to large group
seeking to enrich understanding and grow in faith. The BASIC RESOURCES includes:
• Journal Book (24 pages) of questions for group discussion, links, glossary, suggestions,
and prayer;
• Prayer Book (20 pages) of a song, reading, and prayer for each episode; and
• Additional Resources (60 pages) of more questions, links, etc. for delving further.
For more information, please visit www.dio.org/catholicismproject.
Cardinal Dolan's Prayer at the Democratic National Convention
With a “firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence,”
let us close this convention by praying for this land that we so
cherish and love:
Let us Pray.
Almighty God, father of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, revealed to us so powerfully in your Son,
Jesus Christ, we thank you for showering your blessings upon this our beloved nation. Bless all
here present, and all across this great land, who work hard for the day when a greater portion of
your justice, and a more ample measure of your care for the poor and suffering, may prevail in
these United States. Help us to see that a society’s greatness is found above all in the respect it
shows for the weakest and neediest among us.
We beseech you, almighty God to shed your grace on this noble experiment in ordered liberty,
which began with the confident assertion of inalienable rights bestowed upon us by you: life,
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Thus do we praise you for the gift of life. Grant us the courage to defend it, life, without which no other rights are secure. We ask your benediction on those waiting to be born, that they may be welcomed and protected. Strengthen our sick and our elders waiting to see your holy face at life’s end, that they may be accompanied by true compassion and cherished with the dignity due those who are infirm and fragile. We praise and thank you for the gift of liberty. May this land of the free never lack those brave enough to defend our basic freedoms. Renew in all our people a profound respect for religious liberty: the first, most cherished freedom bequeathed upon us at our Founding. May our liberty be in harmony with truth; freedom ordered in goodness and justice. Help us live our freedom in faith, hope, and love. Make us ever-grateful for those who, for over two centuries, have given their lives in freedom’s defense; we commend their noble souls to your eternal care, as even now we beg the protection of your mighty arm upon our men and women in uniform. We praise and thank you for granting us the life and the liberty by which we can pursue happiness. Show us anew that happiness is found only in respecting the laws of nature and of nature’s God. Empower us with your grace so that we might resist the temptation to replace the moral law with idols of our own making, or to remake those institutions you have given us for the nurturing of life and community. May we welcome those who yearn to breathe free and to pursue happiness in this land of freedom, adding their gifts to those whose families have lived here for centuries. We praise and thank you for the American genius of government of the people, by the people and for the people. Oh God of wisdom, justice, and might, we ask your guidance for those who govern us: President Barack Obama, Vice President Joseph Biden, Congress, the Supreme Court, and all those, including Governor Mitt Romney and Congressman Paul Ryan, who seek to serve the common good by seeking public office. Make them all worthy to serve you by serving our country. Help them remember that the only just government is the government that serves its citizens rather than itself. With your grace, may all Americans choose wisely as we consider the future course of public policy. And finally Lord, we beseech your benediction on all of us who depart from here this evening, and on all those, in every land, who yearn to conduct their lives in freedom and justice. We beg you to remember, as we pledge to remember, those who are not free; those who suffer for freedom’s cause; those who are poor, out of work, needy, sick, or alone; those who are persecuted for their religious convictions, those still ravaged by war. And most of all, God Almighty, we thank you for the great gift of our beloved country. For we are indeed “one nation under God,” and “in God we trust.” So dear God, bless America. You who live and reign forever and ever. Amen!
Vatican to Participate in TED Initiative in 2013
This is awesome news! The Vatican has decided to utilize the
technology and popularity of TED (Technology, Entertainment
and Design). The Vatican will organize TEDx Via della
Conciliazione, an event that will be promoted in collaboration with
the Courtyard of the Gentiles, a space where believers and non
believers can share ideas.
Just 18 minutes to give a hopefully brilliant presentation of ideas that are worth sharing…that’s a
TED. Participants know that their speech is being video recorded and will be available to view
on line by a global community of people who take part in events like this across the world.
Apparently the Vatican has now also decided to take on the challenge by organising TEDx Via
della Conciliazione, an event that will be promoted in collaboration with the Courtyard of the
Gentiles, a space where believers and non believers can share ideas. TEDx Via della
Conciliazione was proposed by the Pope and established by the Pontifical Council for Culture
led by Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi.
The event has already been published on www.ted.com: TEDx Via della Conciliazione will be
held in Rome on 19 April 2013 on the theme “Religious freedom today”. In the typical spirit of
this initiative, there will be a big mix of characters on stage: religious figures and showbiz stars,
academics and sports champions.
Everyone will express their thoughts on religious freedom, human rights and the development of
people. The woman responsible for proposing and leading the organisation of the initiative is
Giovanna Abbiati, an expert in new media at the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum.
Among the speakers who have confirmed their attendance at the event are Cardinal Gianfranco
Ravasi, Cuban-born American singer Gloria Estefan, Egyptian human rights activist Lamia Aly
Mekhemar and footballer (soccer player) Didier Drogba.
NCCL Membership Drive: THANKS and Keep It Up
Give yourselves a hand. Out trial memberships have grown to 72
and the newest eight (8) help to bring our diocesan representation
to thirty-two (32) different dioceses. Keep up the great work and
encourage a colleague to take advantage of this free offer. We
need 28 new trial members to reach 100! We can do it by
September 30.
Thank you for responding so quickly and sharing the message with other catechetical leaders.
Let’s not stop now. Keep inviting. We want a new trial member in every diocese. In case you
need the links, here they are:
Membership Flyer 2012 color(Word) Membership Flyer 2012 color (PDF)
Membership Flyer 2012 color- Spanish translation (Word)
Membership Flyer 2012 color- Spanish translation (PDF)
FREE Trial Membership application form (Word)
FREE Trial Membership Application Form (PDF)
Pope Benedict XVI Calls on African Catholics to Be 'Ambassadors of Christ'
In a statement sent to the Pan African Congress for Catholic Laity, Pope
Benedict XVI called on the lay faithful of Africa to be witnesses to the
gospel. The Holy Father stressed that although at first glance the
problems in the continent seem too great to solve, the people of Africa
have consistently shown strength through their faith. "If, however, with a
more profound look we see the heart of African peoples, we discover a
great wealth of spiritual resources, precious for our time," he said.
"The love of life and of the family, the sense of joy and of sharing, the
enthusiasm of living the faith in the Lord, which I was able to observe in
my African trips, are still imprinted in my heart. Never let the dismal
relativist and nihilist mentality, which strikes various parts of our world,
open a breach in your reality! Receive and spread with renewed force the message of joy and
hope that Christ brings a message able to purify and reinforce the great values of your cultures."
As an example, Pope Benedict XVI presented Saint Josephine Bakhita as
model of how "the encounter with the God of Jesus Christ is able to
transform profoundly every human being, even in the poorest conditions."
The Sudanese born saint was a former slave who later converted and
joined the Canossian Sisters in Italy. She was canonized in October 2000
by Pope John Paul II. "The encounter with Christ gives the impetus to
overcome even the difficulties that seem to be most insurmountable. It
was the experience of Saint Bakhita, but it is also the experience of so
many young Africans – thank God, the great majority of the population –
who are called to live today in the faithful following of the Lord. To
render Africa the “Continent of Hope” is a commitment that must guide
the mission of the African lay faithful today, as also the Congress itself
that you are holding," the pope said.
The pope concluded his statement, calling on the lay faithful of Africa to be ambassadors of
Christ. The Holy Father reiterated that the people of Africa, both young and old are awaiting to
hear the Good News from the laity, particularly from the new communities and ecclesial
movements within the Catholic Church. The full text of his letter can be read at
http://www.zenit.org/article-35469?l=english.World Prepares for Upcoming Youth Day in Rio
A 12-foot replica of the Cristo Redentor statue of Brazil has been
touring Europe as preparations for next year’s World Youth Day
(WYD) in Rio de Janeiro are under way. The replica was
presented Friday at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris as part
of the “Cristo Redentor For All” exhibition. The event, which
celebrates 80 years since the statue was erected, presents
exhibitions on the history of the monument from its inception till
the present.
The statue received a blessing from the auxiliary bishop of Paris in
a Mass attended by several religious authorities from both France
and Brazil. The replica has toured Madrid and the Vatican and is
scheduled to make stops in Portugal, Canada, Japan and
Mozambique. Each city will also receive a replica, which is meant
as a symbol of peace and as a reminder of the upcoming World
Youth Day. Father Omar Raposo, rector of the Shrine of Christ
the Redeemer and the director of logistics of the Rio 2013 Local
Organizing Committee (LOC), has accompanied the replica during
its European tour. In an interview with the Web site “Jovenes
Conectados,” Fr. Raposo commented on the significance of the
Cristo Redentor statue. "Christ is not only a receiver of all tourists
and pilgrims, but with open arms goes to meet other cultures and
countries, showing that Rio is open and welcoming," he said.
The tour of the statue comes as registration for WYD in Rio de Janeiro
was officially opened in Brazil last Tuesday. Over 4,000 youth
confirmed their participation in the first 24 hours of the registration’s
opening. "To our delight, we are enrolling young people from the five
continents," said Sister Shaiane Machado, director of enrollment for WYD 2013. The first
participants are young people from 28 countries divided into 220 groups of which 112 are
Brazilian. The very first to be registered, however, on the morning of Aug. 28 was Benedict
XVI.
International Day of Peace – September 21, 2012
The International Day of Peace, a.k.a. "Peace Day" provides an
opportunity for individuals, organizations and nations to create practical
acts of peace on a shared date. It was established by a United Nations
resolution in 1981 to coincide with the opening of the General
Assembly. The first Peace Day was celebrated in September 1982. In
2002 the General Assembly officially declared September 21 as the
permanent date for the International Day of Peace.By creating the International Day of Peace, the UN devoted itself to worldwide peace and
encouraged all of mankind to work in cooperation for this goal. During the discussion of the
U.N. Resolution that established the International Day of Peace, it was suggested that:
Peace Day should be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace
both within and among all nations and peoples…This day will serve as a reminder to all
peoples that our organization, with all its limitations, is a living instrument in the service
of peace and should serve all of us here within the organization as a constantly pealing
bell reminding us that our permanent commitment, above all interests or differences of
any kind, is to peace (http://www.un.org/en/events/peaceday/).
Anyone, anywhere, can celebrate Peace Day. It can be as simple as lighting a candle at noon, or
just sitting in silent meditation. View International Day of Peace videos at
http://www.internationaldayofpeace.org/.
Playing politics with the global war on Christians
Every time I read an article like John Allen’s current piece, I am
reminded that martyrdom is alive. I must admit that I am taken aback by
the violence against Christians and Catholics in particular. Here are a
few excerpts from his article. If you care to read the entire piece, please
go to http://ncronline.org/blogs/all-things-catholic/playing-politics-
global-war-christians.
Most people, most of the time, are fundamentally decent. Hence if
they knew that there's a minority facing an epidemic of persecution -- a staggering total
of 150,000 martyrs every year, meaning 17 deaths every hour -- there would almost
certainly be a groundswell of moral and political outrage. There is such a minority in the
world today, and it's Christianity. The fact that there isn't yet a broad-based movement to
fight anti-Christian persecution suggests something is missing in public understanding.
…On Tuesday, the doors of a Trappist monastery in Latrun, near Jerusalem, were set
ablaze, with provocative phrases in Hebrew spray-painted on the exteriors walls, such as
"Jesus is a monkey." The assault was attributed to extremist Jews unhappy with the
recent dismantling of two settlements on nearby Palestinian land. Founded in 1890 by
French Trappists, the Latrun monastery is famed for its strict religious observance.
Israelis call it minzar ha'shatkanim, meaning "the monastery of those who don't speak."
Ironically, it's known for fostering dialogue with Judaism, and welcomes hundreds of
Jewish visitors every week.Tuesday's attack was not an isolated incident. In 2009, a Franciscan church near the
Cenacle on Mount Zion, regarded by tradition as the site of Christ's Last Supper, was
defaced with a spray-painted Star of David and slogans such as "Christians Out!" and
"We Killed Jesus!" According to reports, the vandals also urinated on the door and left a
trail of urine leading to the church. Last February, the Franciscan Custodian of the Holy
Land wrote to Israeli authorities to appeal for better protection after another wave of
vandalism struck a Baptist church, a Christian cemetery and a Greek Orthodox
monastery. That time, slogans included "Death to Christianity," "We will crucify you!"
and "Mary is a whore."
At the time, the custodian, Franciscan Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, complained that no
arrests had been made in any of these cases. Israeli observers say these assaults are part
of what's called the "price tag" campaign, meaning the vow by extremists that a price
will be paid every time a settlement is dismantled -- not just by those actually
responsible for the demolition, but also by groups in Israeli society, such as the Christian
minority, perceived to support the Palestinians and the ending of settlements. Frequent
targets also include mosques, places of gathering for Arabs, and Israeli pacifists.
The assaults on Christian holy sites also reflect a nasty, if little-discussed, streak of
broader anti-Christian animus in some Israeli circles. Local priests have reported that
sometimes Yeshiva students chant insulting slogans at them, or even throw stones and
spit in their direction. The Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land released a
statement in reaction to the latest attack. "What is happening in Israeli society to the
point that Christians are the sacrificial lambs of such violence?" they asked. "Those who
left their hate-filled graffiti expressed outrage at the eviction of illegal Jewish
settlements in the West Bank. But why are they taking it out on Christians and their
places of worship?"
"What kind of 'teaching of contempt' for Christians is being communicated in their
schools and in their homes?" the bishops asked. "And why are the culprits not found and
brought to justice? ... It is time for the authorities to put an end to this senseless violence
and ensure a teaching of respect in schools for all those who call this land home."
A More Religious World
David Ignatius in a Washington Post article wrote that “the real news is that
God is having a strong millennium, according to some fascinating poll results
from the Pew Research Center. The data show that even as the developing
world is getting more modern, it is also getting more religious, with
especially sharp gains for both Christians and Muslims in sub-Saharan
Africa.” Here are several paragraphs from his column. If you care to read the complete article,
please go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/david-ignatius-a-more-religious-
world/2012/09/07/72d33d9c-f881-11e1-8b93-
c4f4ab1c8d13_story.html?wpisrc=nl_headlines_nonlocal .The Pew studies are reassuring in that they indicate that the rise in Muslim and Christian
belief in Africa is accompanied by a surprising degree of tolerance for others and support
for democracy. They also show a deep fundamentalism, with Christian support for
biblical law about equal to Muslim support for sharia.
… “Europe no longer dominates global Christianity the way it did 100 years ago,” Pew
noted. The Americas now have the largest number and highest proportion of Christians.
But it’s in sub-Saharan Africa where the Christian awakening has been most dramatic,
with the Christian population growing from 9 percent in 1910 to 63 percent in 2010.
… Sub-Saharan Africa is seeing one of the great religious booms in history, according to
data in an April 2010 Pew study that drew on more than 25,000 interviews in 19
countries. The study found that, since 1900, the Muslim population has increased 20-fold,
to 234 million. The growth of Christianity there has been even more spectacular, growing
70-fold to 470 million. People are passionate about their religion, either way, with nine in
10 saying it is very important in their lives.
… And what about religion in America? Various Pew studies have generated reams of
interesting data, but here’s my favorite item, from a September 2010 nationwide survey:
It found that, when asked 32 questions testing religious knowledge, those who had the
highest percentage of correct answers described themselves as “atheist” or “agnostic.”
Business Lessons from A Quiet Gardener
William Rosenzweig is a strong voice in the field of ethical
business. Much of his inspiration in the corporate world comes
from a seemingly unlikely place -- the garden. Here are a few
excerpts from the acceptance speech of this "quiet gardener" for
the Oslo Business for Peace Award this April. I think it is
interesting that God was a gardener in the Garden of Paradise. We,
like him, cultivate our souls an the souls of many.
The people who know me best know that at heart I am just a quiet gardener. My garden
has probably taught me the most about how things grow - and thrive in a vibrant and
sustainable manner. These lessons have shaped my approach to encouraging responsible
growth in business and to the ways I apply my intention, attention and energy.
A gardener sees the world as a system of interdependent
parts - where healthy, sustaining relationships are essential
to the vitality of the whole. "A real gardener is not a person
who cultivates flowers, but a person who cultivates the soil."
In business this has translated for me into the importance of
developing agreements and partnerships where vision and
values, purpose and intent are explicitly articulated, considered and aligned among allstakeholders of an enterprise - customers, employees, suppliers, shareholders, and the
broader community and natural environment.
The garden has taught me about patience and persistence and the ethical principles of
generosity and reciprocity. It has illuminated the importance of appreciating the cycles of
life and decay. For the gardener, composting is a transformative act - whereby last
season's clippings (or failures) can become next year's source of vigor.
Gardeners, like entrepreneurs, are obsessed with latent potential - and can be known to be
pathologically optimistic. We can vividly imagine the bloom and the scent of the rose
even in deepest of winter. As the American naturalist Henry David Thoreau once wrote:
"I have great faith in a seed. Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared
to expect wonders."
In essence, the gardener's work is a life of care. We cultivate abundance from scarce
resources. We nurture, encourage, fertilize - and prune when necessary - while being
respectful of the true and wild nature of all things. We know that creating enduring value
requires vision, passion, hard work and the spirit of others.
You can read more of William Rosenzweig in his Acceptance Speech (http://tiny.cc/8zo9jw) for
the "Oslo Business for Peace Award."
Ten rules by Don Paolo Padrini for correct use of virtual technology
The Web is the new agora, that’s a fact. Even in the virtual
marketplace, it is necessary however to according to an
"etiquette" that disciplines conduct and avoids blunders. These
needs are met by the Internet handbook by Don Paolo Padrini, 38
year old pastor of Stazzano, in the province of Alessandria, a
technological priest who invented an application for smartphones
and tablets called "iBreviary".
"Facebook is not God, nor the only means of communication".
"Don’t ask your own children for their friendship on social networks". "Do not diminish the
importance of Facebook in a child’s life". In the Internet age, it could also be useful to establish
Ten digital Commandments that can help parents and educators who are close to these young
people on a daily basis. Fr. Paolo Padrini's CV includes a thesis entitled "Chat: a time and place
for meeting and communication". And in his parish of Stazzano, has furnished a computer to all
parishioners unable to attend Mass in the church , so that they can follow the services by
virtually participating in their community.
Convinced that "there is no place where the Holy Spirit is not present" and therefore "even the
Internet is, or can become, a place of encounter with the sacred". The priest 2.0 is committed "to
bring people closer to God through the We". Don Padrini aims particularly at young people, the
technological generation par excellence, as well as the furthest from traditional contexts oflanguage and communication. Since 2009 - appointed by the Pontifical Council for Social
Communications – he coordinates the Vatican project Pope2You.net, the portal by which the
Pope approached young people, through a direct connection to Facebook, iPhone and YouTube.
The priest has written a true guide for parents and educators who deal with children and youth
who are often Facebook dependent or who live most of their social life on the network and on
social networks. The volume, easy to read (under 100 pages) also has several practical tips. For
example, Fr. Paolo explains to adults how to manage children's profiles on Facebook, pictures
and "tag", chat and video chat, Twitter and Instagram, also telling of some educational
experiences. In the handbook Don Padrini also raises some questions: to be or not to be friends
with your own children on Facebook? Speaking with them on the network and how? To which
he responds with a set of guidelines, such as "Ask children for passwords, but do not spy on
them on the network: Facebook too can be a place of trust", "Facebook is not a place to escape or
a secret", "Do not share anything with everyone”.
SEPTEMBER BOOK INVENTORY REDUCTION SALE
For the five weeks of September we are going to decrease our inventory before we move to our
new location in 2013. We will feature one book per week at reduced costs. These will be
available as long as we have stock on hand. We will no longer be stocking this item in 2013.
Here is our second offer for only $1.00 a piece plus S&H. Order form, featuring the book of the
week and previous offers, is on the website www.NCCL.org Homepage.
An Apprenticeship in Christian Life: Exploring the Baptismal Catechumenate as
Inspiration for all Catechists (2005).
This publication helps groups and individuals explore how key principles and
insights of the baptismal catechumenate can infuse new vision and energy into
the catechetical life of parishes.
By Marie Kordes and Loyes Spayd, Retail Price: $9.95
Echo the Promise Campaign – Phase II – ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT
In May of this year, at the 76th annual NCCL Conference and
Exposition in San Diego, Phase I of the Echo the Promise
campaign raised $3350. Now it is your turn. From now until
Catechetical Sunday, September 16, you have the opportunity to match their donation. This is the
second half of our campaign. Let’s hope we can at least match their contribution of $3350 and
double the number of donors from 49 to 98. Please consider investing in your future growth and
development. All contributions are tax deductible. A $26.00 donation is only $0.50 a week. At
$5.00 a month, your contribution would be $60.00 and if you can spare a quarter a day, you can
make a gift of $91.00. No amount is too small. Every donor counts.We only add one name to this week’s Echo the Promise Honor List. That brings our
total donors for Phase II to eighteen (18) with donations totaling $1400.
* * * * Catherine Snyder * * * *
You can donate online by going to the NCCL website (www.NCCL.org) and click on Echo the
Promise or you can download and send in this Echo the Promise Donation Form 2012 - Phase II
(http://www.nccl.org/Resources/Documents/Donations/Echo%20the%20Promise%202012%20Res
ponse%20Form%20-%20Phase%20II.pdf) with your check. We have ONLY ONE WEEK left to
raise $1950 and secure 70 donors to reach our goal.
Now it is your turn. From now until Catechetical Sunday, September 16, you have the
opportunity to match their donation. This is the second half of our campaign. Let’s hope we can
at least match their contribution of $3350 and double the number of donors from 49 to 98. Please
consider investing in your future growth and development. All contributions are tax deductible.
A $26.00 donation is only $0.50 a week. At $5.00 a month, your contribution would be $60.00
and if you can spare a quarter a day, you can make a gift of $91.00. No amount is too small.
Every donor counts.
Westminster Archbishop Calls on Guilds to Be 'Confidently Catholic'
As the start of the Year of Faith approaches, the archbishop of Westminster called on the
congregation at the Preston Guild Mass last Saturday “to be more confidently Catholic in all we
do." "Being confidently Catholic means having confidence in the truth of faith, a truth which is
held before us as a great gift from God," Archbishop Vicent Nichols said. "This truth of faith is
truth about ourselves, about our human condition, fallen and redeemed. It means the truth about
God who, in infinite love and compassion, comes to us in the Incarnate Word so that we may
never again be overwhelmed by the loneliness of thinking that all depends on us and therefore
destined for oblivion."
Held since 1179, the Preston Guild is a 10-day festival that celebrates
the renewal of merchants' rights to trade. The event is held once every
20 years. During his homily at St. Walburge’s Church in Preston,
Archbishop Nichols dwelt on the 2012 Preston Guild theme of
"Looking back to look forward," saying that it is vital that "we deepen
the roots of our faith so that we may be the bearers of its fruit." In
doing so, he reflected on his own personal Lancashire Catholic heritage
and how the lessons of the past can provide us with wisdom for the
future.
Archbishop Nichols pointed out that faith too is for the common good,
the benefit of all. Referring to the Pope’s letter on the Year of Faith,
Porta Fidei, he said we may "never think of belief as a private act" for
"faith is choosing to stand with the Lord" so as to live with him and be
"confidently Catholic in all we do." "To live with the Lord, is to share truth at the heart of faith,in all we do and with all whom we encounter. This means having a strong sense of the truth of
God. This is the joy and freedom which comes in relationship in faith with the Lord," he said.
The Right Way to Respond to Failure
This is an excellent article because it reminds us of what we know is right but often forget in our
attempt to be helpful. You can read the full article at http://blogs.hbr.org/bregman/2011/03/the-
right-way-to-respond-to-fa.html. Here are a few excerpts, minus the story that kicked off the
reflection.
We tried to make her feel better by helping her see the advantage of failure, putting the
defeat in context, teaching her to draw a lesson from it, and motivating her to work harder
and get better so it doesn't happen again.
But she didn't need any of that. She already knew it. And if she didn't, she'd figure it out
on her own. The thing she needed, the thing she couldn't give herself, the thing that Mimi
reached out and gave her?
Empathy.
She needed to feel that she wasn't alone, that we all loved her and her failure didn't change
that, She needed to know we understood how she was feeling and we had confidence that
she would figure it out.
I wanted every leader, manager, and team member to see that, because the empathetic
response to failure is not only the most compassionate, it's also the most productive.
Empathy communicates trust. And people perform best when they feel trusted.
Compassion is to share the pain without sharing the suffering. - Shinzen Young
Catholic Writer Ron Hansen
My first encounter with Ron Hansen was his book Atticus. It is probably
one of the best contemporary versions of The Prodigal Son I have ever
read and I have shared it with many people. Since then I have read many
of his books. This week Religion & Ethics Newsweekly conducts an
eight (8) minute interview with this Catholic deacon and professor of
English and creative writing. It begins with his recognition that his
writing is kind of a sacrament. Bob Faw concludes the interview by
stating “Reflections of a Catholic deacon who entertains as he
evangelizes, uniting the worlds of fiction and faith.” You can watch/read
the interview athttp://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/september-7-2012/catholic-writer-ron-
hansen/12897/.
WIELICZKA SALT MINE POLAND
The Wieliczka Salt Mine, located in the town of Wieliczka in southern
Poland, lies within the Kraków metropolitan area. The mine continuously
produced table salt from the 13th century until 2007 as one of the world's
oldest operating salt mines. The mine's attractions for tourists include
dozens of statues and an entire chapel that have been carved out of the rock
salt by the miners. Watch a seven (7) minute video of these treasures at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnhjKD4pezw
Security Cameras Catch Some Good Happening
Security Video Surveillance is always looking for wrongdoers. Rarely do we
see clips highlighting the actions of good Samaritans or friends. This is a
great example of people doing good things when no one is looking. (The
song, "Give a Little Bit", was recorded decades ago by Supertramp.)
WATCH the heartwarming 1 ½ minute video created by Coca-Cola at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vub6GchbEYo and in Spanish
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WF6fbrABb8&feature=related.
Witnesses: People to Remember
This is a book specifically designed for middle schoolers. People to Remember
is a collection of thirty stories and activities about great Christian women and
men. Among them are saints, poets, missionaries, authors and people who
shared their faith in his or her own unique way. What they all have in common
is that their lives put Christ’s message of love into action. Each of the chapters
has a story about a person you will want to remember, an activity, a prayer and
questions to ponder. You can order this book from http://www.vdpublishing.net.
Fearing the Stigmata
I did not have Matt Weber’s experience of the stigmata but I was told
about saints who had their finger nails pulled off and I just knew I could
never been a saint…after all, at that time in my life I was chewing themoff. I found this book refreshingly delightful. Here is what one reviewer wrote and I agree whole
heartedly. “…this book can be read in a similar manner as one could enjoy a bag of Hershey
kisses or a box of cookies, or a barrel of cheese puffs. You could eat them carefully maybe
enjoying one or two a night over a month or so. Or you can be a gluttonous reader such as myself
and devour the entire bag box or barrel in one sitting. There are 50 or so 3 page chapters. Each
one is a memory, recollection, or observance in which an incredibly insightful young catholic
man takes a look at a particularly funny, sad, mundane, or unique experience in his life and
reviews in light of his faith. You will laugh out loud, you will say ‘Oh my god that has happened
to me, or I did that’ and you will perhaps cry, I certainly did.”
Why not enjoy Fearing the Stigmata: Humorously Holy Stories of a Young Catholic's Search
for a Culturally Relevant Faith by ordering it.
Images of God for Young Children
The Bible describes God in many different ways: God is light; God is
joy; God is wisdom. God is the beauty that fills the earth and the rock we
stand on, the promises we live by and the fire that purifies us. This
volume offers a collection of these images, presented in simple language
that young readers can easily understand. This book's bright artwork and
lyrical text, written by the bestselling author of Psalms for Young
Children, explores how, even though we cannot see or touch God, we
can still discover him in our world. You can order Images of God for
Young Children.
Knowing Jesus and His Message – Conociendo a Jesus y su Mensaje
This is an excellent resource. Immediately
following the Learning Session on this
resource at the NCCL Conference and
Exposition in San Diego, the NCCL
Bookstore sold over twenty (20) copies of
the book in English and Spanish.
Based on the protocol used to evaluate
elementary religion series, the book used
fifteen standards for Pre-K and K through
Grades 7 & 8. Included with the binder is
a CD with all the materials available for duplication. This is an ideal help for any elementary
catechist regardless of the series you might be using. Check out the following and use the Order
Form.• PREFACE - Knowing Jesus and His Message (http://tiny.cc/nysql) • EXPLANATION - Knowing Jesus and His Message (http://tiny.cc/xuvw8) • Standards - Explained (http://tiny.cc/65wmc) • Normas y Fundamentos (http://tiny.cc/zfrg2) • ORDER FORM - Knowing Jesus and His Message (http://tiny.cc/9j0mb) Looking For A Good Book? Stop by the NCCL Bookstore. Purchasing books, CDs, DVDs, and other products on Amazon through the NCCL Bookstore (http://astore.amazon.com/natioconfefor-20) helps support this valuable online ministry. If you are an on-line shopper and you frequent Amazon.com, please enter through the NCCL Amazon Bookstore as the organization benefits from every purchase you make. It’s an ideal way to support our ministry. Just go to our Home page (www.NCCL.org) and click on the Store tab or click on http://astore.amazon.com/natioconfefor-20 and it will take you directly to our bookstore. It doesn’t matter what you buy, as long as you enter through the NCCL Amazon Bookstore, we get a percentage of your purchases. We are just building our bookstore and adding titles every day, so if you have any suggestions for books you believe should be available through our bookstore, please drop NCCL a note. All books mentioned in CL Weekly are available at the NCCL Bookstore. Feedback/Comments should be addressed to: lnagel@nccl.org
You can also read
